TEMPLE BETH EL OF BOCA RATON JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 TEVET/SHEVET/ADAR 5781
The Joy of Connection YOUTH GROUP BETH EL CIRCLES CHAVUROT SISTERHOOD BROTHERHOOD PARENTHOOD (561) 717-2874 WWW.KRONISHFUNERAL.COM
PERSONALIZED FUNERAL SERVICES FROM PEOPLE YOU TRUST
SCHEDULE YOUR FREE ZOOM CONSULTATION TODAY!
Mark Sunshine | Nina Finkel | Keith Kronish | Mitch Kronish
TEMPLE BETH EL PRESIDENT, MARK SUNSHINE, IS A PRINCIPAL OF KRONISH FUNERAL SERVICES. FROM TIME-TO-TIME, BETH EL MAUSOLEUM REFERS PEOPLE TO MULTIPLE FUNERAL HOMES, INCLUDING KRONISH FUNERAL SERVICES, BUT DOES NOT ENDORSE ONE OVER THE OTHER.
*WITH PURCHASE OF PRENEED AGREEMENT Communal Energy BY RABBI DAN LEVIN [email protected]
Part of what I love about living in South Florida is how often new people move into our community. Because Boca Raton is a relatively young city, the vast majority of people in our community used to live somewhere else. And because Temple Beth El is constantly welcoming new people to our congregation, I frequently get to play my favorite game: Jewish Geography. “Oh — you’re from Washington, DC? Me too! Where did you live? Really? I have good friends who live there. Do you know So-and-So?” Soon, the web of intersecting connections is revealed and yet again we realize the truth that we Jews often are separated by no more than two or three degrees. The universe was born with a burst of cosmic for essential occasions — births of children, bar/ energy. And some of that energy pulled matter bat mitzvah, graduation, weddings, illnesses and together and formed our world. And so everything deaths. We miss the joy of “bumping into people”, spending time with grandchildren or grandparents, simply gathering with friends for a party or a meal We miss the joy of “bumping into people”, spending — a simple handshake or embrace. And as good time with grandchildren or grandparents, simply as technology is in trying to bridge the chasms gathering with friends for a party or a meal. between us, it cannot fully replace the energy our relationships naturally inspire. Temple Beth El has always been a spiritual in our world radiates some of that energy. generator for our community. Our mission has From the moment of our beginnings, that energy always been to bring people together to congregate is passed into us. It is the spark that brings life into in holiness — to celebrate holy days and life cycle being. It is the catalyst that triggers us to grow, not events, to learn and to serve, to support and to simply in body, but in mind and in spirit. comfort. Judaism is a system that teaches us to harness that And now, Temple Beth El will create new energy, to channel it into holiness and goodness. generators of communal energy in the form of our Like a magnet, we are drawn to connect to others. Beth El Circles. These initiatives will bring members We draw our vigor and our vitality from the bonds of our congregation together to form intimate of relationship we form through love. circles of community around shared interests, The human soul is a powerful transmitter. When hobbies, and passions. Whether your passion be we open our spirits up to one another in love, for art, cooking, film, or community service, Beth we transmit that vital and dynamic energy that El Circles will bring you together in small groups to animates life. The connections we nurture with share your interests, your passion, and your energy. family, friends, and loved ones create currents of Got an idea for a Circle? Let us know — new Circles power that light up the essence of our very being. will be forming all the time. See pages 4-7 for more Jewish law and tradition guide us to foster as much information. loving energy as we can generate, and to eradicate In the core of our being is implanted a kernel the forces that interrupt the flow. of God’s holy energy. Judaism teaches that God’s The disruption the pandemic has caused to the presence is revealed when we share that energy in flow of communal energy has taken its toll on community. We truly find God when we truly find all of us. Many of us have missed being together each other.
ON THE COVER: Kiki (Keaton) Ullman happily splashing around with friends at Youth Group. January/February 2021 | THE CHRONICLE 3 Feeling disconnected from your Temple family during the global pandemic? Or just want to make friends in the Beth El community? Join a Beth El Circle or Chavurah!
CIRCLES
TOP Liliana Abramson RIGHT Marci Kessler BOTTOM Mike Singer OPPOSITE Small Group Engagement Leadership Team (left to right) Gina Shugar, VP Membership and Engagement Julie Guzy, Engagement and Programming Coordinator Elinor Josephson, Director of Engagement and Programming Rachael Rand, Engagement and Programming Senior Associate
4 THE CHRONICLE | tbeboca.org INTERSECTIONS Where people and interests intersect
We took a moment to speak with Elinor Josephson, Director of Engagement and Programming, and Gina Shugar, Vice President of Membership and Engagement on the Temple’s Board of Trustees, to learn about Beth El Circles and the Chavurah program - two major initiatives to build connections and lasting friendships among members of the Temple Beth El community.
Q: During the pandemic, the Temple’s A: Join a Beth El Circle. A Beth month and they have already taken off. online programming has been El Circle is a group of members who Active Circles that you can join at this wonderful, but many of us are still connect by doing an activity that they moment include Circle of Life, Art & feeling alone and out of touch with enjoy together. The activity can be Artisans, Movie Time, Trivia Games, our Temple community. We’d like to anything — from paddle boarding to Tech Grandparents, Kachol Lavan meet people with similar interests cooking to listening to the Grateful (This circle connects temple members or hobbies, even if it means getting Dead. The sky is the limit. We just who are from Israel. The name of the together on Zoom. What can we do? launched Circles within the last circle is translated literally as blue and white to symbolize the colors of the Israeli flag.), Canyon Connection, DIY Decorating, Photography, Cooks’ Corner, Runners and Cycling. Nothing look good? Don’t worry you can start your own Circle! Temple Beth El is serious about helping you connect, so we have a dedicated staff member waiting to help you get involved in a Circle. You will have help every step of the way. To sign up call Julie Guzy at 561-314-2918 or email her at [email protected]. continued on page 7
January/February 2021 | THE CHRONICLE 5 BETH EL CIRCLE LEADERS Art & Artisans Judith Beiner Richard Bluestein Canyon Connection TRIVIA Jessica Benedetto Michelle Bonder-Trembley NIGHT Circle of Life Linda Holtz and Chuck Distler’s son Gabe is Liliana Abramson living and working in Boston, and they are all Marci Kessler feeling the isolation from the pandemic. When Mike Singer Gabe told his parents that he and his friends play Cooks’ Corner Trivia on Zoom, Linda and Chuck brought the idea to Sonny Thal the temple. The timing was perfect to create a Trivia Circle! Cycling Michael Simon
DIY Decorating Barry Friedman
Kachol Lavan* Kira Melamed-Vainberg
LGBTQ+ Laura Geisenheimer Steven Lazarus
Planning the Trivia Games Circle Movie Time with Julie Guzy Nancy Sinrod
Photography Richard Bluestein Naomi Gersh
Runners Mark Platt Federico Rochwerger
Tech Grandparents Sonny Thal
Trivia Games Chuck Distler Linda Holtz Gary Shiff
Walking Barbara Margolin
*This circle connects temple members who are from Israel. The name of the circle is translated literally as blue and white Some of our Shalom Chavurah families lighting Chanukah candles together to symbolize the colors of the Israeli flag.
6 THE CHRONICLE | tbeboca.org TOP ROW LEFT TO RIGHT Richard Bluestein, Kira Melamed-Vainberg, Mark Platt
BOTTOM ROW LEFT TO RIGHT Naomi Gersh, Federico Rochwerger, Sonny Thal
continued from page 5 Q: What if I want to connect just with Zoom or by doing outdoor activities can always try another group — or people who are my age of life stage? at the members’ discretion. Temple even start one — to get your perfect A: Join a Chavurah. A Chavurah has a dedicated staff person to help fit! Temple Beth El is committed (Hebrew word for group of friends) with Chavurot: Rachael Rand can to helping members connect — it is a group of members who gather help you find your perfect fit. Call her furthers our mission of enhancing regularly to hang out and socialize. at 561-391-8900 ext. 3178 or email members’ life, learning, community It can be formed with families, her at [email protected] right now and spiritual growth through couples or individuals. We offer New to put your name in for a Chavurah! Judaism. Member Chavurot (the plural of chavurah in Hebrew), where Temple Q: Wow - sounds like a big Q: Can I join more than one? staff place people into groups based commitment? What if I don’t like it? A: Absolutely! You can join as many on age and stage. Or, any member Do I have to attend every meeting as time permits. You may want to join can start their own Chavurah and or promise to stay in a group for a Trivia Games and the Cooks Corner invite acquaintances to join. Our certain amount of time? Circle. Or a DIY Decorating Circle Temple Beth El community currently A: No pressure, just try it! Join a and a Chavurah. Just let us know and has 17 active Chavurot with over 300 group of your choice and see how we will help make it happen. members. Chavurot meet now by it goes! No pressure to stay — you
January/February 2021 | THE CHRONICLE 7 New and Returning Members as of Dec. 9, 2020
For help getting involved, please contact Elinor Josephson, Director of Engagement and Programming, at [email protected] or 561-314-2833.
Dr. George & Mrs. Grether Ackerman, and Mr. Steven & Mrs. Andee Holzman, and Mr. Evan & Mrs. Hallie Rosenblatt, and their children, Brooke, Joshua & Eli their children, Ellis & Hayes their children, Eric & Zack Mr. Maxwell and Mrs. Brooke Adelstein, Mr. Joshua & Mrs. Sara Hyman, and Mr. Ira & Ms. Diane Rubtchinsky and their child, Emma their children, Skylar & Aubrey Mr. David Sacco & Dr. Tina Fabiano, Dr. Justin & Mrs. Stephanie Barack, and Mr. Neal Isanuk & Mrs. Allison Todres-Isanuk and their child, Emerson their children, Colton & Gianna Ms. Sharry Jacobson Mr. Joshua & Mrs. Samantha Saltz, Dr. Saul Jay & Mrs. Jann Berman Dr. Emery Jaffe, and their child, Rachael and their child, Haeley Mr. Melvin & Mrs. Ellen Birnbaum Ms. Lynne Josephson Mr. Gerald & Mrs. Linda Salzman Mr. Stephen & Mrs. Suzanne Block Mr. David Kaplan & Mrs. Melanie Freedman, Mr. Brian & Mrs. Danielle Schachter Mr. Michael & Mrs. Morgan Bove, and their children, Seth & Benjamin Ms. Natalie Semenovski and their child, Kyle Mr. Troy & Mrs. Dana Kaplan, and Mr. Brett Sheldon & Ms. Chelsea Schwartz Mr. Andrew & Mrs. Jennifer Brown, and their child, Zachary Mr. Rod & Mrs. Wendy Sheldon, their children, Steven & Jacob Mr. Ross & Mrs. Liza Kirsh, and their child, Max and their child, Bryan Mr. Brandon Bunker & Mrs. Lara Collazo, Mr. Ian & Mrs. Camy Klein, and their Dr. Roger & Mrs. Jaimie Shelling and their children, Adrian & Nicolas children, Madison & Asher Mr. Adam & Mrs. Joanna Siegel, Mr. Scott & Mrs. Brittney Burdt, Dr. Martin & Mrs. Joyce Kobak and their child, Harrison and their child, Logan Mr. Adam Kotkin & Mr. Stephane Mazade Mr. Andrew & Mrs. Nancy Siegel Mrs. Sandra Busel Mr. Gerald & Mrs. Susan Kotkin Mr. Brandon & Mrs. Jennifer Silver, and Ms. Nancy Chanin Ms. Ara Kourgiantakis their children, Emma & Dylan Mrs. Shirley Chassen Mr. Mark & Mrs. Irene Kra Mr. Chad Silverman & Ms. Jaderlene Oliveira, Mr. David & Mrs. Rebecca Cohen, and Mr. Jerome & Mrs. Sondra Kransdorf and their children, Sean & Israel their children, Ezra & Noah Mr. Alex Kudeviz & Mrs. Brittany Sheldon-Kudeviz Mr. Jay & Mrs. Heather Simon, and their child, Danielle Mr. William & Mrs. Lindsay Cole, Mr. Hugo & Mrs. Elaine Kuntz and their child, Harper Mr. James & Mrs. Amy Kuntz, and Mr. Ross Simon & Ms. Marissa Wollstein Ms. Terri Sloane Mr. Michael & Mrs. Jaclyn Corbiciero, their child, Alexandra and their child, Olivia Mr Sheldon & Mrs. Rita Kwiat Mr. Daniel & Mrs. Danielle Soffer, and their children, Skylar & Sammy Mr. Jim & Mrs. Diane Duberstein Ms. Brooke Berlin & Mr. Jerry Laurino, Mr. James & Mrs. Stephanie Sokolove Drs. Mitchell & Gail Eisenberg and their child, Franki Mr. Michael Solomon & Ms. Mona Joffe Mr. Scott & Mrs. Holli Feller, and their Ms. Audra Lazarus, and her children, Dr. Robert & Mrs. Mimi Spitz children, Sawyer & Sutton Bianca & Grayson Ms. Joan Leshnick Mr. Adam & Mrs. Dara Squires, and Mr. Daniel & Mrs. Jordana Fileni, their children, Blake & Parker and their child, Isabella Mr. Joe & Mrs. Jeanine Levy Mr. Norman & Mrs. Hilarie Stein Mr. Jeff & Mrs. Brooke Fina, and their Mrs. Robin & Mr. Louis Litvin, and their children, Caleb & Halsey Ms. Andrea Stein children, Brandon & Jordana Mr. Jonathan & Mrs. Alexis Lopez, and Mr. Jayson & Mrs. Julie Stern, and their child, Ella Mrs. Eve Finley their children, Caleb & Halsey Mr. Neil & Mrs. Jackie Sutton, and their Mr. Ed & Mrs. Abby Francolin, and Mr. Edward Lussi & Mrs. Lisa Cohen- children, Leigha & Logan their children, Jules & Luke Lussi, and their child, Logan Mr. Alan & Mrs. Jill Swimmer, and their child, Noah Mr. Jeff & Mrs. Traci Garfinkel, Mr. Adam Lusthaus & Mrs. Amy Lundy, and Mr. Armin & Mrs. Stefanie Taplinger and their child, Bryson their children, Daryn, Alexandra & Jude Mr. Richard & Mrs. Diane Templer Mr. Eric & Mrs. Stefanie Ginnis, and their Dr. Moshe Machlev Mr. Antonino & Mrs. Diana Vento, and children, Olivia, Jordyn & Brayden Ms. Beth Marks their children, Giulios & Romeo Mr. Carl & Mrs. Lynn Gold Mr. Shai & Mrs. Ane Mashiach, and their child, Dax Mr. Corey & Mrs. Shelley Warshaw Mr. Joshua & Mrs. Paola Gold, and their child, Ari Ms. Taryn Matloff, and their child, Eli Mr. Monty & Mrs. Linda Warshaw Mr. Jason & Mrs. Amandah Goldsmith, Mr. Dan & Mrs. Maxine Mendelson Ms. Sheila Weinstein and their child, Sean Dr. Seth Minsky & Mrs. Pamela Altman- Dr. Richard & Mrs. Cheryl Weinstock, Mr. Robert & Mrs. Bernice Gordon Minsky, and their child, Jordan and their child, Allison Mr. Frank & Mrs. Allison Gozukizil, and Mr. Ryan & Mrs. Jennifer Oistacher, and Mr. Jordan & Mrs. Vanessa Weiss, and their children, Zoey & Luke their children, Jonah & Eliana their children, Konrad & Grayson Mr. Dustin & Mrs. Carrie Greenberg, Mr. Robert & Mrs. Marlene Peiper, and Dr. Elizabeth White and their children, Leo & Jaxon their children, Kaitlyn & Julia Mr. Scott & Mrs. Ryan Yaccarino, Mr. Oren & Mrs. Alicia Gross, and their child, Jonah Mrs. Carolyn Pomeranz and their child, Kai Dr. Andrew & Dr. Heather Gupta, Ms. Gail & Ms. Ronni Rattner Mr. Joseph & Ms. Ileene Yashpeh and their child, Avi Mr. George & Mrs. Marilyn Rattner Mr. Robert & Mrs. Ellen Yerman Mr. Martin Gutter & Mrs. Joan Baras Mr. Philip Revien & Ms. Samantha Klaus, and Mr. Mark & Mrs. Lisa Youngelson, and Mrs. Marzena Hamby, and their child, Jared their children, Everett, Hunter & Lily their children, Ryan & Alexa Mr. Lee & Mrs. Alexandra Hasson, and Mr. Dennis & Mrs. Jane Rich Mr. Michael Yushuva & Mrs. Elina their children, Remy & Sadie Dr. Lawrence & Mrs. Marlene Rocks Kaziyeva, and their child, Elijah Mr. Corey Henig & Mrs. Maren Mr. Chris Rogers & Dr. Klarina Portnoy, Mr. Reid & Mrs. Camy Zachofsky, and Epstein, and their child, Ava and their child, Jacob their children, River & Zoe Mr. Charles & Mrs. Marla Hermanowski, Mr. Gary & Mrs. Erica Romer, and their Ms. Marlene Zinn and their children, Chaz & Cassidy children, Brody & Lennox Mrs. Reni-zoe Zivin
8 THE CHRONICLE | tbeboca.org New and Returning Members
New members stopped by to pick up their welcome gifts at our drive-through welcome event.
IT’S 5 O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE AND THAT New members are invited to join together virtually for cocktails and a “get to know you” SOMEWHERE IS happy hour with clergy, staff and lay leaders! Before the event,pick up a “goody bag” at TEMPLE BETH EL! the Schaefer Family Campus* on Monday, January 25 between 11am – 1pm, complete with New Member an adult beverage you can enjoy during our virtual meet and greet. Virtual Happy Hour This event is a true reflection of our richly diverse and welcoming Beth El community, Saturday, January 30, 5:00pm open to all new and newly returned members. RSVP by January 19 at OR tbeboca.org/virtual or contact Elinor Josephson, Director of Engagement & Sunday, January 31, 5:00pm Programming at [email protected] or 561-314-2833. This wonderful experience Register at is hosted by our Membership & Engagement Committee and generously underwritten by tbeboca.org/virtual Sisterhood and Brotherhood. * 333 SW Fourth Avenue
January/February 2021 | THE CHRONICLE 9 A MESSAGE FROM THE TEMPLE PRESIDENT Lonely or Hungry — It Feels the Same
Did you know that loneliness and hunger Beth El is doing its part to bring happiness share the same part of the brain? to our congregants through the introduction It’s true. of Beth El Circles – circles of friends who According to Medical News Today, MIT simply connect because of common interests. researchers have learned that the same part By participating in Beth El Circles, you of the brain lights up when you are lonely will have fun, make meaningful and lasting or hungry. The emotional pain felt from friendships, and connect with others with loneliness is the same as that felt by adults similar hobbies. who suffer from chronic starvation. Some of the Circles will be strictly social, BY MARK SUNSHINE Since the beginning of the pandemic, many sports-related, or consist of people who just TEMPLE BETH EL in our community have been living on a like each other. There is no purpose to Beth PRESIDENT starvation diet of human interaction. El Circles other than for the participants to msunshine@masunshine. com The pain is real, and the need for find and strengthen relationships through relationships and connections is authentic. participation. What each of us does with this I meet lonely and vulnerable adults every opportunity is up to us individually. day because of my work. We already have several “Circles” that are It tears my heart out when I see people who active. We have wine clubs, poker groups, are physically alive but not really living life. and book clubs. Beth El’s social action groups I believe that loneliness is a terminal illness make the world around us a little more just. We have groups of runners, walkers, and even crawlers (babies and parents who socialize Beth El is doing its part to bring together). happiness to our congregants through Most of what we are doing now is virtual. However, once COVID-19 isolation ends, I the introduction of Beth El Circles – am confident Beth El Circles will convert circles of friends who simply connect to live and in person events and become because of common interests. a centerpiece in our congregation’s social life – that is, for everyone who decides to participate. that kills us a little bit every day. Fortunately, Over the next few months you will receive this is a reversible disease; it is never too late additional information about Beth El Circles. to cure your own loneliness or that of another. You can join more than one Circle, or form a The good news is when you help someone Circle yourself. else, you help yourself as well. Everyone can So, if you just want to have some fun, drink make a telephone call to someone who is by wine, play sports, compete at card games, or themselves, get together in a park or other kibbitz with others, Beth El Circles is for you. outdoor setting, or invite a friend to a Beth El virtual event.
Temple members delivering food to fellow congregants in need during the pandemic.
10 THE CHRONICLE | tbeboca.org FINANCIAL REPORT CARD 2019-2020 Lonely or Hungry — It Feels the Same
FINANCIAL REPORT CARD 2019-2020
This Financial Report Card is intended to provide a brief overview of the Temple’s financial results for the 2019-2020 fiscal year which ended on June 30, 2020. Financial transparency is very important to us. You are not only a member of Temple Beth El, you are an owner. As such, you deserve to know how your money is being spent. We hope this Report Card will give you the information you need to feel comfortable that your Temple is being managed prudently and remains on solid financial ground.
SPECIAL SECTION 11 FINANCIAL REPORT CARD 2019-2020
A WORD ABOUT THE PANDEMIC As stated above, this Report Card only covers the prior fiscal year • We increased liquidity to ensure we have enough cash on which concluded on June 30, 2020. The Temple shut its doors hand to withstand a prolonged downturn. to in-person programs, worship and education on March 13, • We refinanced our construction loan to take advantage of 2020. By that point in the fiscal year the majority of our reve- the historically low interest rate environment. nues had already been earned, with the only significant exception • We made investments in technology to improve our online being Early Learning Center (“ELC”) tuition. Consequently, the production quality. full impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Temple’s financial • We reassigned certain staff members to new jobs that did not health was not reflected in last fiscal year’s final results. exist before, but are now necessary to provide online experi- The Temple did experience material revenue reductions in the ences for learning, worship and life-cycle events. final quarter of the fiscal year (April, May and June). But we also • We made investments in commercial grade sanitization drastically cut spending in the same period so we finished the equipment and supplies to keep staff members, students and fiscal year in good shape. visitors as safe as reasonably possible. The current fiscal year (2020-2021) is far more challenging • Perhaps most important of all, we are doing everything we because of Covid-19. But that is a topic for next year’s Financial possibly can to continue to provide access to the Temple Report Card, not this one. through our Virtual Beth El platform via Livestream, Face- In the meantime, you should take comfort in knowing that the book Live, Zoom and YouTube so our members can retain Temple is taking all of the steps a well-run organization would their connection to Beth El, even if they cannot be physically take in uncertain times like these. Some examples of how we have present in the building. responded to the current environment include: • We cut operating costs dramatically. As a result of these measures and the generosity of our bene- • We decreased our staff headcount. factors and supporters, the Temple is absolutely going to survive • We implemented across-the-board salary cuts for all staff at this ordeal. every level.
A BALANCED BUDGET We finished the 2019-2020 fiscal year with a balanced budget transferred to an operating reserve which we anticipate needing for the eighth year in a row. Revenues from operations actual- to spend in the current fiscal year to help fill a material budget ly exceeded operating expenses slightly which has been the case deficit this year caused by the fallout of the pandemic. for the past several years. The excess funds from last year will be
2019-20 REVENUE AND EXPENSES
REVENUE EXPENSES
Membership Commitments 2,855,087 28% Religious Activities 2,926,605 28%
Religious School Fees 598,853 6% Education 3,787,916 37%
Early Learning Center 3,267,620 32% Mausoleum 626,869 6%
Fundraising 1,210,036 12% Administration and General 2,008,499 20%
Facilities Rentals 489,702 5% Fundraising and Project Expenses 376,692 4%
Program Fees & Other Income 591,994 6% Transfers to Other Funds 558,088 5%
Mausoleum Sales 1,068,603 10% Total Income 10,284,669 100%
Transfers from Other Funds 202,774 1% Total Income 10,284,669 100%
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12 TEMPLE BETH EL OF BOCA RATON FINANCIAL REPORT CARD 2019-2020
REVENUE EXPENSES
1% 28% Transfers from Membership Other Funds 5% Commitments Transfers to 28% 4% Other Funds Religious 10% Activities Mausoleum 6% Fundraising Sales Religious and Project School Fees Expenses 6% Program Fees and Other 20% Income Administration and General 37% 5% Education Facilities Rentals 12% Fundraising 32% 6% Early Learning Center Mausoleum
REVENUES One area where Temple Beth El is different, in a good way, than Another unique source of revenue for the Temple is the Beth other large Reform congregations is the percentage of overall op- El Mausoleum. The only mausoleum in the United States built erating revenues that come from Congregational Commitment on temple grounds, the Beth El Mausoleum provides roughly (formerly known as “Membership Dues”). Our Congregational 10% of our total operating revenue. The Mausoleum has proven Commitment revenues make up 28% of total revenues, which itself to be not only an incredibly important part of our identity is roughly half of the national average. In times like these when spiritually, but also an important source of financial stability that membership participation drops due to events beyond our con- is more recession resistant than the voluntary contributions that trol (like a severe economic recession or a global pandemic) it’s most religious institutions rely on. good to have diversified streams of revenue. It is also worth mentioning here that fundraising donations As you can see here, our largest source of revenue is actually the are also a huge factor in our financial stability. We are blessed to Early Learning Center. Last year (before we were forced to close have so many extraordinarily generous donors who answer the in March because of Covid-19) we were able to continue to grow call when we need them most. We would certainly not be in the our ELC enrollment thanks to the six additional classrooms we solid position we are without their support. added during the recent expansion of the Beck Family Campus.
EXPENSES As a service organization, our largest expense is our people. Be- In April 2020 the Temple applied for, and was awarded, a ginning in the month of April 2020, across the board salary cuts $992,000 Paycheck Protection Program Loan (“PPP Loan”) were put in place and they remain in place today. However, once through the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”). These we closed the books on the 2019-2020 fiscal year in October SBA PPP Loans were part of the multi-trillion dollar Covid-19 and it became clear that we did not finish last year as bad as we relief package Congress passed in the Spring of 2020. This loan had initially predicted, the decision was made to make employ- provided the Temple with sufficient cash on hand to sustain us ees whole for that three-month period. As a result, in December during these uncertain times. We used all of the loan proceeds 2020 all of the staff who still work at the Temple who were with for salaries, which is consistent with the intent of the loan pro- us in April, May and June 2020 received a one-time payment to gram. We recently applied to the SBA for loan forgiveness and are restore their pay to 100% up through June 30, 2020. awaiting a determination on our application.
SPECIAL SECTION 13 FINANCIAL REPORT CARD 2019-2020
MEMBERSHIP The Temple’s overall membership in terms of number of house- TOTAL MEMBER HOUSEHOLDS AS OF JUNE 30 1560 holds, has remained relatively flat for the past four years. We fin- 1540 1,528 1,519 1,504 ished the fiscal year on June 30, 2020 with 1,519 member house- 15601520 1,502 15401500 1,528 1,519 holds, compared to 1,502 in 2019 and 1504 in 2018. 152014801560 1,504 1,502 150014601540 1,528 1,519 148014401520 1,504 1,502 146014201500 144014001480 14201460 2017 2018 2019 2020 14001440 1420 2017 2018 2019 2020 1400 2017 2018 2019 2020 RELIGIOUS SCHOOL ENROLLMENT 560 540 RELIGIOUS521 SCHOOL ENROLLMENT AS OF JUNE 30 Religious School enrollment at the conclusion of the 2019-2020 520 560 493 492 academic year stood at 467 students. For the past decade we have 540500 521 520480560 467 seen a consistent decline in year-over-year total student enroll- 493 492 500460540 521 ment, most notably in the post bar/bat mitzvah age groups. Tem- 480440 467 520 493 ple Beth El is working to reenvision Jewish education for our 460420500 492 440400480 467 teenage students, to create a program that is relevant, challenging, 420460 2017 2018 2019 2020 and compelling. 400440 420 2017 2018 2019 2020 400 2017 2018 2019 2020
260 255 250 244 EARLY LEARNING CENTER ENROLLMENT 260 255 240 EARLY LEARNING CENTER ENROLLMENT AS OF JUNE 30 Early Learning Center (“ELC”) enrollment at the conclusion of 250 244 260230 255 the 2019-2020 academic year was 255 students, compared to 240 219 222 250220 244 244 students at the same time in the prior year, representing a 230 240210 219 222 4.5% increase year-over-year. The Beth El ELC has been growing 220 230200 210 2017219 2018222 2019 2020 steadily and consistently since it opened in 2009. 220 200 In March the ELC was closed due to Covid-19 and it remained 210 2017 2018 2019 2020 closed throughout the summer. We were therefore unable to run 200 our summer camp program this year. We did reopen the ELC 2017 2018 2019 2020 in September 2020 but enrollment is down materially as many young families are choosing to keep their babies and toddlers at home this school year.
14 TEMPLE BETH EL OF BOCA RATON FINANCIAL REPORT CARD 2019-2020
BETH EL MAUSOLEUM The Beth El Mausoleum creates an eternal connection to the and locations. Most Mausoleum clients prefer a crypt that can ac- Temple for many of our members and for unaffiliated Jews in commodate two caskets (typically for a married couple) and they the broader local community. Gross sales revenue for the 2019- want to be able to touch the crypt front. If the crypt is too high 2020 fiscal year was $1,074,777, compared to $977,982 the year up on the wall, it is beyond physical reach. We are nearly sold out before. This represents a 10% increase year-over-year. We believe of crypts that meet these two conditions. this increase was primarily due to the fact that the prior year’s Consequently, we have begun investigating the possibility of number was lower than the prior three years before it. In other expanding the Beth El Mausoleum by building a new phase. words, the 2019-2020 results were more in line with what we Three phases have been built so far. This would be the fourth. would expect based on recent history whereas as the 2018-2019 It will take approximately one year to finalize the design and ar- results were lower than we would expect. chitectural plans for this new building, one year to obtain the The good news is that the Beth El Mausoleum continues to permits and approvals from the City necessary to begin construc- perform well, even during a pandemic and an economic reces- tion, and another year to actually construct the building. We are sion. The bad news is that it is doing so well that we are running therefore at least three years away from completing this project. out of inventory – especially inventory in desirable configurations
FUNDRAISING AND CONSTRUCTION In March of 2020 we completed construction activities at the rate of 3.75%, that means we are paying $386,000 this year in Schaefer Family Campus. This marked the end of a multi-year interest alone. Think about what we could do with $386,000 this project that included expansions and renovations at both cam- year if we were not spending it on loan interest. As soon as we get puses. Total project costs, not including financing costs, totaled to the other side of this pandemic, we must remain focused on approximately $22 million. Because many of the large gifts we paying down this debt as quickly as possible. received for this campaign are paid out over an extended period Although we have funds and future commitments to pay for of time, the Temple has a $10.3 million loan in place with Wells the two projects that we recently completed, there still remains Fargo Bank. about $3.7 million of outstanding debt from the original con- In the summer of 2020 we refinanced our loan with Wells Fargo struction of the Beck Family Campus in 2009. This figure is in- with two main goals in mind: (a) take advantage of lower interest cluded in the $10.3 million outstanding loan balance. We pres- rates, and (b) lower our monthly payments to get us through the ently do not have the funds or future commitments to retire that worst of the pandemic. We accomplished these goals. The loan inter- portion of the debt. est rate was reduced to 3.75%, the maturity date was extended three As a result, we will continue the Fulfilling The Promise (FTP) additional years, and the first 12 months is now interest only, which campaign with a goal of raising approximately $3.7 million of helps reduce the monthly burden in the near term. additional funds between now and the loan maturity date of Au- While we are pleased that we were able to restructure our debt gust 2030. If we can do that, we will be completely debt free, to make it more manageable in the short term, the fact remains including the original debt from the construction of the Beck that we have $10.3 million outstanding. Given the fixed interest Campus in 2009.
SPECIAL SECTION 15 FINANCIAL REPORT CARD 2019-2020
FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY We hope you find this financial report card informative. This is of Trustees. Undergoing a full third-party audit every year is both not intended to be a detailed financial statement, but rather a time consuming and costly. But we feel it is time and money well high level summary of our financial results from the 2019-2020 spent. We always want our members to feel comfortable that we fiscal year. are operating at the highest levels of financial integrity. Should Financial transparency is very important to us. The Temple any of our members want more information about the Temple’s hires independent auditors from an outside accounting firm every financial data, they are welcome to contact Cindy Chieffo (Chief year to audit our books and our financial controls. The results of Financial Officer) or Steve Kaufman (Executive Director) and we the audit are presented to the Finance Committee and the Board would be happy to answer your questions.
CONCLUSION Thanks to the ongoing support of our members, the generosi- ber. We also dramatically lowered the cost of Religious School ty of our benefactors, and the hard work of our incredible staff, participation to only $180, a fraction of what we would normally Temple Beth El remains on solid financial footing despite the charge. At the Early Learning Center, we created an enrollment current challenges we are facing as a congregation and as a na- deferment option to allow returning families to have flexibility in tion. We have pivoted to become a primarily virtual synagogue deciding when they felt comfortable re-enrolling their children which has been a remarkable transition to witness. Most of the in our program at various points during the year. We have also new technologies and platforms we are now using we were likely maintained our long standing policy of never turning away an to have adopted in the coming years anyway. But the Covid-19 individual or family who want to be a part of our community but pandemic drastically accelerated their adoption out of necessity cannot afford to pay the full Congregational Commitment rates. which is not always a bad thing. We are actually seeing greater All of these steps have been implemented with the overarching participation now in some of our programs and services then we goal of keeping as many members as possible connected in a year did pre-pandemic because people are able to participate without where we need everyone’s support more than ever. leaving the comfort of their homes. It is likely that in the future Sadly there will probably be some synagogues that will not when we can reopen our doors, many of our events will be offered make it through to the other side of this pandemic. Temple both in person and online so that people can choose which way Beth El will not be one of those organizations. While these are they prefer to engage with the Temple. hard times for everyone to be sure, we will be okay. We are not We have also tried our best to be sensitive to the economic going anywhere. And we cannot wait for the day when we can impact Covid-19 has had on our members’ personal finances. For open the doors to our Welcome Center and wish everyone a example, in the current fiscal year (2020-2021) we did not raise Shabbat Shalom. our membership rates for the first time that anyone can remem-
If you have any questions regarding the 2019-2020 Annual Report, please contact Executive Director Steve Kaufman at [email protected] or Temple Beth El President Mark Sunshine at [email protected] Steve Kaufman Mark Sunshine
16 TEMPLE BETH EL OF BOCA RATON SOCIAL ACTION
INTRODUCING RACIAL EQUITY WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2021 • 7:30pm – 9:00pm WORK tbeboca.org/virtual
Our nation’s ongoing struggle for racial equity reached a of the Thrive Collective to Temple Beth El. Thrive, based fever pitch in 2020, and many members of our community in Delray Beach, is a racial justice organization whose have been spurred into action. We walked in the Boca mission is to support marginalized communities and Raton Peace Walk with our neighboring communities communities of color in building wealth and power. This of color, have engaged in study in our Social Justice Book spring we will be partnering with them for educational Discussions, and have welcomed Black leaders to our and community building opportunities, to equip us to congregation to hear their stories. It’s time for us to take better understand the racial issues we face and how we it to the next level. can be partners in positive change, and this event is the To help Temple Beth El and its members better kickoff of that partnership. understand our nation’s history of racial inequities, their You can learn more about Thrive at impact on our community, and how we can learn to thrivecollective.com. RSVP at tbeboca.org/virtual, confront them in solidarity with communities of color, or for more information contact Rabbi Greg Weisman we are pleased to welcome Kristyn Cox and Sara Selznick at [email protected]
Gleaning is helping to collect unharvested crops to be donated to help Gleaning our community’s hungry and poor. Join the Temple Beth El Social Action committee for this hands-on opportunity to support Sunday, February 21, 2021 8:30am – 11:30am those in need. We are going to be out in the fields bending and lifting, Delray Beach, Florida so those who want to participate need to be able to do so comfortably, Socially Distant! lifting as much as 30 pounds. Children ages 5 and up can participate Outdoors! In Person! in this mitzvah with their parents! There are new, special protocols out in the field to maintain RSVP at tbeboca.org/events social distancing. or to Rabbi Greg Weisman More information about the exact location will be shared with at 561-391-8900. those who register.
January/February 2021 | THE CHRONICLE 17 INTERFAITH WEEKEND 2021 – JANUARY 22-24, 2021
Is The Grass Greener on the
Other Side of the Street? Via Livestream
What Jews and Catholics Can Learn from One Another Youtube or Join Temple Beth El and St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church Facebook for our first virtual Scholar-In-Residence RABBI DR. JOSHUA GARROWAY Professor of Early Christianity and Second Commonwealth Judaism Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles Famed Swedish theologian Krister Stendahl coined the term another on more generous terms. Looking at our shared roots “holy envy” to describe the admiration of another religion that and interwoven histories, we will explore what inspiration Jews often arises in interfaith dialogue. Despite a checkered past, might find in Catholic tradition, and what inspiration Catholics Jews and Christians are now beginning to encounter one can take from Judaism.
“All Israel Will Be Saved” What Can Jews Learn from Saint Paul and the Destiny of the Jewish People Catholicism? Thursday, January 21, 2021 - 7:30pm Friday, January 22, 2021 • 7:30pm For centuries, the Catholic church tapped the teachings of Saint Paul when during Shabbat services and depicting Jews as a people rejected by God. As the church changed course tbeboca.org/live YouTube.com/c/tbeboca and Facebook.com/TempleBethElBocaRaton in the 20th century, proclaiming at the Second Vatican Council that Jews “should not be presented as rejected or accursed,” again Saint Paul was invoked. Looking closely at the biblical books of Genesis and Romans, we What can Catholics learn from will consider what Paul really said about the history and destiny of the Jewish Judaism? people, and what it might mean for Jews and Catholics today. Sunday Mass, January 24, 2021 • 12:15pm tbeboca.org/live and YouTube.com/c/tbeboca and Facebook.com/SaintJoanOfArcCatholicChurch Facebook.com/TempleBethElBocaRaton
About our speaker: Yale University in 2008. While his books and scholarly articles Rabbi Joshua Garroway, Ph.D., serves as the Sol and Arlene focus on the emergence of Christianity against the backdrop of Bronstein Professor of Judaeo-Christian Studies and Professor Second Temple and Rabbinic Judaism, he has lectured widely on of Early Christianity and Second Commonwealth Judaism broader themes in Jewish history. Rabbi Garroway is a native of at the Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in Rochester, New York, and currently lives in Pasadena with his Los Angeles. Rabbi Garroway was ordained at the Cincinnati wife, Professor Kristine Garroway, and their three school-aged campus of HUC-JIR in 2003 and earned his doctorate from boys.
18 THE CHRONICLE | tbeboca.org Adult B’nai Mitzvah Lunch If Not Now, When? Whether or not you became b’nai mitzvah before, this year of study and learning can be a powerful moment in your Jewish life &Learn Over our year of study, we will examine our Jewish history, prayers, holidays and traditions. Simultaneous with our studies, we will teach Hebrew in order to JANUARY 2021 prepare you to read from the Torah and lead our class-led Adult B’nai Mitzvah Creation, Revelation, and service in the spring of 2022. Redemption: Understanding the Hebrew prep will be offered before the class begins, and we will continue Message of the Worship Service Hebrew review throughout the year of study. with Rabbi Greg Weisman Cost is $375 Tuesday January 12, 19, 26 If interested, contact Rabbi Jessica Spitalnic Mates at [email protected] (no class Jan 5) or 561-414-1005. 12:00 – 1:00pm – Zoom, Livestream, YouTube Each day, we are reminded of the story of our ancestors- the Creation of the universe, the Redemption from slavery in Egypt, and the Revelation of Torah at Mount Sinai. These reminders make up the core of our Tu B’Shvat worship service, the prayers that we say before and after the Shema. Join Rabbi Shabbat Walk Greg Weisman for this exploration of those Saturday, January 30, 2021 themes and how they continue to resonate staggered start times at today. 9:30am, 9:45am and 10:00am Spanish River Library FEBRUARY 2021 1501 NW Spanish River Blvd. Inside Israel RSVP required at with Israeli Minds tbeboca.org/virtual Space is Limited Tuesdays February 2, 9, 16, 23 Must reserve spot 12:00 – 1:00pm – Zoom, Livestream, YouTube • Feb. 2 Professor Eilat Shinar of Don your mask and Magen David Adom social distance with • Feb. 9 Avner Avraham, former Mossad Agent and founder of Temple Beth El spylegends.com as we spend • Feb. 16 Gadi Ben-Dov, torah guide time outdoors on graffiti in Israel reflecting upon • Feb. 23 Professor Steven Fassberg the Jewish New What can Catholics learn from of the Hebrew Language Academy Year of Trees. Judaism? We will speak with Israeli experts on a We will take you on a guided walk Sunday Mass, January 24, 2021 • 12:15pm range of subjects from espionage that reflects the earth- Facebook.com/SaintJoanOfArcCatholicChurch to graffiti to loving nature of the holiday. language to RSVP at tbeboca.org/virtual medicine. We Group sizes are limited and there will be staggered starts. will learn about Proper mask and footwear is necessary to participate. their work, and Bring your own water please. Please bring a working phone the impact Covid and headphones as we will be using them during the walk. has had on Israeli society and
January/February 2021 | THE CHRONICLE 19 Celebrate Shabbat Join us for Shabbat Evening Services every Friday at 7:30pm, and Torah Study on Saturdays at 9:30am. Visit tbeboca.org/virtual for details, and links to view on Livestream, Facebook or YouTube.
JANUARY 1 • 7:30PM FEBRUARY 12 • 7:30PM Shabbat Evening Service: Sisterhood Shabbat New Year’s Resolutions Rosh Chodesh Resolution, Re-solution: As we move from As we celebrate Rosh Chodesh, the new Jewish month of Adar, Genesis to Exodus we reflect on making we look to the dark sky and know that soon the light of the moon meaningful transitions in a time of uncertainty. will reveal itself and brightness will come again. Temple Beth El Sisterhood will lead us in worship, and reflect on finding joy and JANUARY 8 • 7:30PM meaning in this Shabbat that coincides with the new moon. Shabbat Evening Service: Shemot The Book of Exodus begins by invoking the FEBRUARY 19 • 7:30PM House of Jacob and the Children of Israel. Shabbat Zachor – Why do we need to They represent the two sides of our spiritual remember the dark times? selves we need in our own life’s journey. On this Shabbat before Purim, tradition teaches us to remember Amalek and those who rose to destroy the Jewish people in JANUARY 15 • 7:30PM history. At the same time, the Torah tells us to blot out Amalek’s MLK Shabbat memory from our consciousness. When is it important to As we celebrate the legacy of Dr. King we will remember our traumas, and when is it better simply to forget? hear reflections and see images from our Temple family who went on our civil rights journey. FEBRUARY 26 • 7:30PM Shabbat Service: JANUARY 22 • 7:30PM Jewish Disability Month Interfaith Shabbat February is Jewish Disability Month. On this Shabbat when we Our annual Interfaith Weekend with St. Joan of Arc celebrate our differences, we welcome Director of JARC (Jewish Catholic Church features scholar in residence Rabbi Dr. Association for Residential Care), Jeff Zirulnik to speak about what Josh Garroway, who studies the intersections of early makes JARC such a vital resource for extraordinary people living Christianity and Rabbinic Judaism. See page 18 for details. ordinary lives. We also welcome the residents of JARC to usher in Shabbat with the lighting of the Shabbat candles in our service.
JANUARY 29 • 7:30PM Shabbat Shira Honoring the Legacy of the great Jewish folk composereR Debbie Friedman z”l (of blessed memory) on her 10th Yahrzeit Join us for a musical celebration of Shabbat honoring the life and spirit of Debbie Friedman z’”l. On Shabbat Shira we will chant the Song of the Sea – the story of our journey from slavery to freedom.
FEBRUARY 5 • 7:30PM Shabbat Service: Commandments or Suggestions: Mitzvot in our Modern Times Jews are bound by a covenant that commands the performance of ritual life, ethical practice and moral living. On this Shabbat as we read the Ten Commandments, we ask: in what ways do we feel bound by those commandments or is Jewish life simply a list of meaningful suggestions.
20 THE CHRONICLE | tbeboca.org THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25 7:30 PM The internet may be weak but the connection to Purim is strong! Join us for a reimagined Purim celebration, “Zoom in the Time of Esther”. Journey with us as we uncover the hidden meaning of Esther: is it just that her camera was off, or is there a deeper meaning? Find out the answers to this ZOOMPurim IN THE TIME OF and so much more as we spotlight the Megillah and mute that Zoom-bomber Haman! Esther
January/February 2021 | THE CHRONICLE 21 EARLY LEARNING CENTER It’s More Than A School
A frequent question I am asked by prospective work to support our school in any way they parents is, “There are so many great Jewish can, and also to forge connections. Through preschools in Boca. What makes yours our room parent program, classroom families different?” My answer is always the same, are able to communicate with each other both “In addition to our phenomenal teachers, inside and outside of school. Parenthood has gorgeous facility, and cutting edge philosophy a very active social component that plans a of early childhood education, it is our incredible variety of events for our parents providing community.” Our commitment to building community with our families is part of our very BY RONNI GRAF mission. When parents join our school, we want When parents join our school, we want them BETH EL EARLY LEARNING CENTER them to know that this is not only a place where to know that this is not only a place where DIRECTOR they will drop off their children, but a place that they will drop off their children, but a place [email protected] they can make their home. that they can make their home. There are several ways that we strive to make these connections. Perhaps, most obvious is the inclusion of synagogue membership in Early them numerous opportunities to meet in Learning Center tuition. This means that all of casual settings. So often, the friends we make our families are members of the congregation through our children, especially when they are and are encouraged to be active participants in young, are the ones we will have for a lifetime. The children grow up together and so do their parents. By providing these social opportunities for parents to connect with each other under the auspices of Temple Beth El, families make these connections to each other and to the community at large. Even now, in these very challenging times, our Parenthood Committee is more active than ever, planning unique ways to bring parents together. Already this school year they have put on very successful programs including Parents Night In, Moms Night In, and Dads Night In. They are continuing to use their creativity to plan other opportunities to bring parents and families together in these times when we must remain physically apart. We are so blessed to have our incredible Parenthood volunteers. They transform our Early Learning Center from a school into a the community at large. Our educational staff community. are also gifted Temple Mom’s Night Out, Beth El membership Dad’s Night Out OPPOSITE as a benefit to connect Parenthood on Zoom parents and teachers on another level. I believe that the most successful way the Early Learning Center is able to build community is through the work of our incredible auxiliary, Parenthood. Parenthood is group of dedicated parent leaders who
22 THE CHRONICLE | tbeboca.org Tot Shabbat Friday, February 5 PARENTHOOD PRESENTS Pajama Tot Shabbat – 6:30pm important dates Friday, January 1 New Year’s Day – No School SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2021 Monday, January 4 DRIVE-THRU CARNIVAL School Resumes Wednesday, January 13 9 AM - 1 PM Wear Your Pajamas to School Day Friday, January 15 Virtual Grandparents Shabbat for our 2 and 4 year old classes Join us for a Drive Through Carnival with games, entertainment, food and more that can all be enjoyed from the comfort of your car. Monday, January 18 9:00am-11:00am – Currently Enrolled Families Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – No School 11:00am-1:00pm – Currently enrolled and New Families Saturday, January 23 RSVP is required. Please sign up for your desired time slot. Family Fun Day
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Friday, January 29 Information and registration is available at tbeboca.org/virtual Grandparents Shabbat for our 3 year old classes Wednesday, February 10 Steve Brown z”l* Commemorative Bike Day Friday, February 12 Staff Development Day – No School Monday, February 15 Presidents’ Day – No School Wednesday, February 17 PreK Graduation Portraits Friday, February 26 Purim Celebration and Costume Parade parenthood dates Wednesday, January 13 Parenthood Meeting via Zoom – 7:30pm Wednesday, February 17 Parenthood Meeting via Zoom – 7:30pm Saturday, February 20 Parents Night Out
*z”l of blessed memory
January/February 2021 | THE CHRONICLE 23 RELIGIOUS SCHOOL Among Us. Minecraft. Roblox. Fortnite. Draw My Life.
We have learned so much from our students this year! Always striving to create various points of entry and connections between our students, we have expanded what our traditional youth group gatherings have looked and felt like. However, as unrecognizable as they may seem, the outcomes remain the same, to foster meaningful relationships between HEATHER EREZ our Temple Beth El youth. DIRECTOR OF YOUTH EDUCATION AND Our BOFTY leaders have reinvented ENGAGEMENT the way they reach out to members and [email protected] provide programming. They kicked off the start of the year by safely delivering goodie bags to all members and have followed up with virtual social gatherings, meditation experiences, creative Shabbat events and playing. Sometimes we need to utilize online options and are participating in baking classes and games. However, as unrecognizable as they may Regardless of the form our engagement seem, the outcomes remain the same, to programming takes, the creativity, flexibility foster meaningful relationships between our and positivity are limitless. We are so proud of Temple Beth El youth. our leaders and students for continuing to reach out to each other, keeping the connections strong between our youth. informative programs including a Veteran’s Day interview with one of our congregants. They continue to expand their offerings to better suit our youth as they overcome obstacles in a meaningful way. Tribal Gatherings have also been a lot of fun so far. When we could, we were on campus in socially distanced programs such as backyard water fun, cake decorating, tie dye and game
Kids connecting in person and virtually during Youth Group events
24 THE CHRONICLE | tbeboca.org Kids connecting in person and virtually during Youth Group events
B’nai Mitzvah
Molly Bergner Daughter of Michael and Annie Bergner January 2, 2021 @ 11:30 AM
Jolie Bershad Daughter of Adam and Jill Berhsad January 30, 2021 @ 11:30 AM
Sean Goldsmith Son of Jason and Amandah Goldsmith Molly Bergner Jolie Bershad Sean Goldsmith February 6, 2021 @ 11:30 AM
Zachary Andrews Son of Karl and Jennifer Andrews February 13, 2021 @ 11:30 AM
Jakob Lusskin Son of Ben and Lisa Lusskin February 20, 2021 @ 11:30 AM
Aerin Ellsweig Daughter of Erick and Kim Ellsweig Zachary Andrews Jakob Lusskin Aerin Ellsweig February 27, 2021 @ 5:00 PM
January/February 2021 | THE CHRONICLE 25 SISTERHOOD
BY KAREN SCHLOSS AND LISA FRANKLIN SISTERHOOD CO-PRESIDENTS [email protected]
BROTHERHOOD
We made it to 2021! There is so many good things to look forward to after an exhausting 2020. upcoming Pandemics and elections be damned! As we enter this new year, we want to re-engage with our virtual events community. There were so many events that had to Brotherhood/Sisterhood: Jukebox be rescheduled, re-planned, and done via zoom the Bingo via Zoom past 12 months. Getting together in person is going Tuesday, January 19 to be something we all have to look forward to as we head into the back half of 2021. In the meantime, Brotherhood Board Meeting via please reach out to us and get involved with the Zoom (First Thursday of every Brotherhood. We have been supporting families in BY CARLOS ROMERO month)* BROTHERHOOD need within our community, as well as supporting PRESIDENT Thursday, February 4 [email protected] the institutions in our Boca Raton community that serve people in need. We feel so fortunate to be able Brotherhood Speaker: to give back at a time like this. Former NY Met Art Shamsky We have some fun events lined up for January and February. We have a scheduled date with our friends Thursday, February 11, 7:30pm at the Sisterhood for Jukebox Bingo on January 19th *Join in on Brotherhood Board and another special evening with Jewish Baseball Meetings, (the first Thursday of every legend, Art Shamsky on February 11th. Art was on month at 7pm - via Zoom). Meet the the 1969 Miracle Mets that won the World Series as board members, learn how you can get more involved, or just listen in as heavy underdogs! we discuss upcoming events. Check Be well, stay healthy and let’s all look forward to the Brotherhood email every Sunday getting together in 2021! morning for registration and details.
26 THE CHRONICLE | tbeboca.org Dedications October 1 –November 30, 2020 Thank you to all those who donate to the synagogue in honor or memory of a loved one or on a special occasion. We are grateful for your ongoing support.
Bruce Kreiger by Rosalind Kreiger Ruth Berg by Susan & Barry Podolsky, Annual Giving 2020-2021 Carol Benach by Laurie & Haynes Stevens Brian, Gail, Kim and Riley In appreciation of: Cesar Fernandez by Andrea & Mark Platt Ruth Berg by Rosalie Ratner Aileen Spilka by Sondra Brucks Daniel Spitalnic by Lawrence Hotz Ruth Berg by Susan & Andy Stallone Cantor Lori & Kira's Hebrew class by Diana Cohen by Lori Cohen-Vogel Ruth Berg by Janet & Allan Sussberg Irene & Merrill Epstein Donald Golden by Robert Goldenberg Ruth Helen Bowes by Andrea & Mark Platt High Holy Day services by Raymond Frances & Harvey Glen by Marsha & Eugene Sanders Ruthie Berg by Herb & Bonnie Hirsch & Patricia Hersh Frederick Rosenthal by Danielle Marcus Sharon Wishner by Ricki & Milton Barbarosh High Holy Day services by Anonymous Gertrude Finger by Sue & Scott Krieger Sharon Wishner by Gail & Irwin Cohen High Holy Day services by Maxine & Bob Lowy Golda Miller by Sophia & Bodhi Stone Sharon Wishner by Helene & Jay Eichler High Holy Day services by Bernard Herb Hutt by Jan & Allen Lev Sharon Wishner by Robin Eisenberg and Nettie Medvedev Herbert Hutt by Mary D Young & Andrea Broido High Holy Day services by Scott Scheinhaus Howard Leshman by Jan & Allen Lev Sharon Wishner by Barbara & R Gerald Lewin High Holy Day services by Judy Blitzer Jay Kanter by Fern Kanter Sharon Wishner by Robert Merson Yom Kippur services by Lee & Vic Blumenthal Jeff Langley by Judith Gushner Sharon Wishner by Andrea & Mark Platt Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur services Jeff Langley by Karen Kleiman & Michael Melinek Sharon Wishner by Dale & David Pratt by Barbara Felder Jeff Langley by Janyce Dean Speier Sharon Wishner by Ellie Rassler High Holy Day services by Eleanor Rose Jeff Langley by Jeff Weiss Sharon Wishner by Martha Roth In support of: Jeff Langley by Meryl & Ron Gallatin Sharon Wishner by Sue & Jim Schiller Well wishes for Eileen Eisenberg by Fran Jeff Langley by Ronald Korn Sharon Wishner by Marcia Beckerman, Karp-Eisenberg & Michael Eisenberg Jeffrey Langley by Holly Alton & Steven Greenwald Robin Bresky, Karen Dern, Lisa Franklin, On the occasion of: Jeffrey Langley by Ellen & Ronald Hoffner Donna Goldberg, Emily Grabelsky, Nathan's Bar Mitzvah by Elinor & Jay Josephson Jeffrey Langley by Larry & Shelley Rutherford Shari Hier, Debbie Rosenblum, Karen Blake Slintak's Bar Mitzvah by Jo-Ann Schwartz Jeffrey Langley by Doris Alderfer Schloss, Shari Schwamm, Debbie Silver, Asher and Noah’s B’nai Mitzvah by Jan & Allen Lev Jerry Podolsky by Myra & Barry Cohen Alicia Spero, Jill Weiner, Lisa Zwick Jerry Podolsky by Andrea & Mark Platt Shelley Halperin by Michael & Lauren Halperin To thank: Jerry Podolsky by Dale & David Pratt Stan Gray by Jan & Allen Lev Temple Beth El for the continuous welcome and Julie Gleeman by Lee Gleeman Stewart Hershey by Jan & Allen Lev to support by Merrill & Laurence Kotok Manfred Pepper by Martha Pepper Susan Pall by Barbara & Harvey Morris In honor of: Marvin Wallach by Arlene Oppenheim Toni Berliner by Amy Doran Cantor Lori Brock, the clergy, administration and Marvin Wallach by Mollie Oppenheim Toni Berliner by Judy Kuritz entire staff of Temple Beth El by Lynn Barr Marvin Wallach by Jill Oppenheim Toni Berliner by Lottie & Erik Nilsen Cantor Lori's Hebrew lessons by Marvin Wallach by Dan & Natalia Wallach Toni Berliner by Brett & Lauren Orvieto Rosalyn & Frederic Belkin Marvin Wallach by Jennifer & David Oppenheim Toni Berliner by Jennifer Cohen Gabrielle Giancaspro by Brenda & Myra Bello Mom, Dad, Sister by Nancy Blacker and Harold Uncle Victor by Esther Schrieder The Boys Produce for all they do for the Norman Levine by Lisa & Gary Hindin William Feinberg by Sheilah Harrow community by Jaime & Eric Bricker Norman Levine by Eddie Elman the Amazing Staff of Temple Beth Norman Levine by Rebecca Elman, El by Sybil Firestone Andrew, Sydney, and Nate Levy Dedication Bricks 2020-2021 High Holy Day services by Loui Marver Norman Simon by Amy Simon In memory of: Leslie & Rick Steinberg by Susan Nayowith Norman Simon by Amy Simon Barry Krin by the Shining Stars Class of 2020-2021 Sonny Thal's graciousness and kindness Richard Bogdanoff by Debra & Joshua Marcus by Nechama Glasrot Richard Goodkin by Aline Fisher TBE Clergy and Staff by Rasheena & David Taub Richard Goodkin, our beloved brother Disaster Relief - Covid-19 Derek Hurwitch by Lisa Rivero by Martha & David Goodkin Fund - 2020-2021 Rozzie Fischman by Aline Fisher In memory of: In memory of: Ruth Berg by Cara & Joshua Gottlieb Ruth Berg by Doris Armstrong Gloria Appel by Amy & Eliot Appel Ruth Berg by Taryn Hoffman Ruth Berg by Liliana Abramson All my loved ones by Estelle Kominsky Ruth Berg by Taryn Hoffman Ruth Berg by Maxine Arno Allison Feidelman by Carol & Lawrence Feidelman Ruth Berg by Elinor & Jay Josephson Ruth Berg by Robin Eisenberg & Andrea Broido Arlene Dworkin by Dean Dworkin Ruth Berg by Suzanne & Jeffrey Katz Ruth Berg by Aline Fisher Arline Schuster by Barbara & Terry Bachow Ruth Berg by Suzanne & Jeffrey Katz Ruth Berg by Marie & Melvin Schwartz Arline Schuster by Beth Tranese Ruth Berg by Marcelle & Sam Kaufman Ruth Berg by Susan & David Schwartzfarb Arline Schuster by June & Jeffrey Wynn Ruth Berg by Michelle & Tracey Labgold Ruth Berg by Roberta & Lorrie Shafer Arline Schuster by June & Jeffrey Wynn Ruth Berg by Jan & Allen Lev Florence Goldbrum by Aline Fisher Barry Krin by Cindy, Ethel, Helen and Karen Ruth Berg by Karen & Michael Marshall Marvin Klein by Aline Fisher Beverly Warheit by Sandra & Herbert Khaner Ruth Berg by Barbara & Jose Delacruz Sandra Blackman by Aline Fisher Beverly Warheit by Jeff & Gwenn Grossman Ruth Berg by Elliott Merrill Stanley Gray by Aline Fisher Beverly Warheit by Randi Rosen Ruth Berg by Andrea & Mark Platt Bob Newman by Cheryl Newman
*Due to our transition to a new database, we have tried our best to make the above informa- tion as accurate as possible. We sincerely apologize for any omissions or errors. January/February 2021 | THE CHRONICLE 27 Dedications October 1 –November 30, 2020
In memory of: Jerry Podolsky by Edwin Levy Early Childhood Scholarship Stan Gordon's brother by Maddi & Wes Finch Jerry Podolsky by Carol, Mark, Emily & Hannah Fund 2019-20 Beverly Warheit by Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Falvey Jerry Podolsky by Wendy & Ben Roth In memory of: Beverly Warheit by Annemarie & Joseph Cardamone Jerry Podolsky by Ellie Rassler, Toni Berliner by Gail & Irwin Cohen Ruth Berg By Leslie & Rick Steinberg Karen and Scott Rassler
Education & Youth Endowment Fund Israel Youth Travel Fund 2020-21 Rabbi's Discretionary In appreciation of: In honor of: Fund - 2020-2021 High Holy Day services by Robert Zaret Merle and Myra Singer and our long term In appreciation of: friendship by Harriett & Jeffrey Schilit The music during High Holidays by Judith Chinn Rabbi Jessica Mates by Marlene Faust In memory of: Education & Youth Endowment Fund Temple Clergy by June Gelb In memory of: Dr. Alexander Sand Fisher and Betty Rabbi Dan by Danielle & Lenny Greenblatt Albert Miller by Aviva & Arnold Miller Unger Fisher by Aline Fisher Temple Beth El services by Sandra Hendrick Barry Krin by Jessica & Paul Benedetto Lena Fisher by Aline Fisher Inspiring High Holy Day services by Barry Krin by Robin Eisenberg & Andrea Broido Dr. Donald Kanter by Aline Fisher Hanita & Mordecai Schreiber Gertrude Finger by Judith Kornitsky Toni Berliner by Aline Fisher Martin Kahn by Carol & Halbert Finkelstein In celebration of: Toni Berliner by Eileen & Steven Berliner Noah & Asher Grossman's B'nai Mitzvah Toni Berliner by Gail Cohen Linda Snyder Kindergarten by Maddi & Wes Finch Toni Berliner by Heather & Elliot Edelman & Nursery School Fund Julie Bouden's Birthday by Diane More Toni Berliner by Cara & Joshua Gottlieb In memory of: To thank: Toni Berliner by Nancy Hoffman Susan by Meryl Cohen Rabbi Greg by Alice & Ron Cohen Toni Berliner by Avna Laraia Toni Berliner by Meryl Cohen Rabbi Dan by Alice & Ron Cohen Toni Berliner by Geri & Mort Schulman Toni Berliner by Ferne & William Berger Rabbi Dan by Ronald Greenblatt Toni Berliner by Jill & Jeff Yesner Toni Berliner by Barbara & Robert Eisenberg Toni Berliner by Laurie & Jeffrey Rubnitz Toni Berliner by Nancy Jo & Alan Feinberg In honor of: Toni Berliner by Avna, Bo & Michelle Laraia Toni Berliner by Gerald Labourene Harrison's Bar Mitzvah by Marla & Jonathan Swartz Toni Berliner by Sheryl & Dave Saper Toni Berliner by Charles Moldow Helayne Rosenblum With heartfelt gratitude and Nancy & Barry Sulkin Toni Berliner by Russ Rosenzweig by Ellen & J Edward Pollock Toni Berliner by Deborah Pivnick Toni Berliner by Hilary & Howard Pasekoff Our wonderful Temple Beth El Clergy Toni Berliner by Nancy & Sheldon Walsh Toni Berliner by Fran Roth and Staff by Joy & Roy Cohen Toni Berliner by Jessica Mularczyk Toni Berliner by Susan & David Schwartzfarb Rabbi Dan & Aimee Levin by Brenda Wishner Ruth Berg by Hynda Schuman Rabbi Dan and Aimee Levin and High Holy Day Services by Wendy & Wayne Legum Early Learning Center Rabbi Dan and High Holy Day Services Contributions/Grants Music & Arts Circle - 2020-2021 by Sue & Jim Schiller In memory of: In celebration of: Rabbi Greg Weisman and High Holy Day Barry Krin by Robin Eisenberg & Andrea Broido The birth of my Great-Great Services by Sue & Jim Schiller Toni S. Berliner by Ina & George Hankin Granddaughter, Maggie Vegh Rabbi Jessica Mates and High Holy Day Services by Sue & Jim Schiller The Brit Milah of Theodore Rocky Gelfand/Arpe Young Childrens Music Fund 2020-2021 Silverstein by Andrew Krinsky Innovative Education Fund In appreciation of: William Parady by Michael Gelfand High Holy Day Services by David Reiss In memory of: Mary Louise Repak by Michael Gelfand Myra R. Schwartz Cantorial Music Fund Arline Schuster by Dr. Tony Riso, Nurses & Staff Jerry Podolsky by Michael Gelfand Arline Schuster by Abbe Becker In honor of: Arline Schuster by Kerri & Stuart Benson Cantor Lori Brock & Sheryl Martin by Lynn Barr Charles Rassler and H. Stanley Rassler by Cantor Lori Brock by Sue & Jim Schiller General Fund 2020-2021 Rachel Matz Hunter & Robert Hunter In honor of: In memory of: Daniel Spitalnic by Alyssa & Jeffrey Lerner Matthew Glachman and Janine Stanislaw's Myra Schwartz by Lynn Barr Dave's Brother by Judith Chason wedding ceremony performed by Cantor Ed and in honor of my 89th birthday! Lori Brock by Jamie & Neil Glachman by Marianne Bobick Susan and Barry Podolsky Eileen Cohen by Alice & Ron Cohen In memory of: Special Needs Fund Enid Fleisher by Staci & Kurt Aron Arlene Schuster by Laurie Hersh In honor of: Gloria Aizer by Stephanie & Richard Chestnov Barry Podolsky's 70th Birthday by Taryn Hoffman Helene Stern by Juana Raijer Barry Podolsky's 70th Birthday by The Giving Tree 2020-2021 Herbert Hutt by Helene & Jay Eichler Betty & Jon Kimmel Irving Lantz by Lori Bogdanoff In honor of: Irving Pearlman by Erica & Gary Romer In memory of: My giving tree girls I love! by Evelyn Jeff Langley by Paul & Pamela Fishman Ruth Berg - A life well spent by Robert Geller Boccanfuso-Swid Jeff Langley by Martin Greenberg Molly & Samuel Goldsmith by Karen Klebenoff Rabbi Greg by Risa & Joseph Sontz Jeff Langley by David Hanowitz & Eric Gottlieb Jerry Podolsky - A life well spent by Robert Geller Jeff Langley by Susan & Alan Jacobs
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January/February 2021 | THE CHRONICLE 29 Dedications October 1 –November 30, 2020
Jeff Langley by Jeffrey & Cara Kronengold Ruth Berg by Leslie Schwam Jeff Langley by Lori Margolis Sisterhood Contribution Ruth Berg by Francine & Art Siegel In appreciation of: Lynn Metzger by Norman Metzger Ruth Tauber by Judy Gordon the Sisterhood Lilith Salon virtual Scott Reit by Lorraine Reit Jeff Langley by Marjorie & Maurice Plough event by Barbara Robin Jeff Langley by Robert & Mindy Rovinsky Scott Reit by Ann Marie Reit Jeff Langley by Jamie & Bonnie Schaefer Seymour Neuman by Linda & Robert Schmier Jeff Langley by Kimberley Siciliano, Tree of Life 2020-2021 Sidney Manoff by Robin Hirsch Stanley Gray by Vivianne Pommier Sharpe Project Developments In honor of: Stephen Beiner by Judith Beiner Jeffrey Langley by Morton Finkelstein Our loving wife, mom, and "great" grandma Jeffrey Langley by David Hanowitz & Eric Gottlieb Mimi by Sonny, Sue, Scott, Cindy, Sylvia Grossman by Karyn & Stuart Grossman Jeffrey Langley by Danielle Hartman Matt, Hannah, Josh, Terry Sarah Teresa Paroulek by Alexandra Paroulek- & Thomas Forlenza The happiest of birthdays to Barry Podolsky Bergbauer & Michael Bergbauer Jeffrey Langley by Rhona & Marvin Kirsner by Ilyne Mendelson & Steven Terk Terry M. Colker by Elaine Colker Jeffrey Langley by April & Roger Leavy Theresa Nayman by Carmel & Louis Nayman Jeffrey Langley by Wendy & Wayne E Legum Tilla Sherman by Laurie Silvers & Jeffrey Langley by Barbara & R Gerald Lewin Yahrzeit Fund 2020-2021 Mitchell Rubenstein Jeffrey Langley by Lynn & Joseph Ouslander In memory of: Toni Berliner by Hillary Brody Jeffrey Langley by Jody & Ed Rice Bernard Aronson by Marian Aronson Vida Wallach by Jennifer & David Oppenheim Jeffrey Langley by Marla Schaefer & Steven Weishoff Alan Pollak by Sarah Pollak William Schnur by Judith Linskey Jeffrey Langley by Stephanie & Steven Schuster Ari Melzer by Marnie & Brian Melzer Zina Simon by Lauren Simon Jeffrey Langley by Wendy & Steven Walin Arnold Robbins by Robbins Property Associates Jeffrey Langley by Debbie & Rick Weiss Bessie Schuster by M Rita & Tully Schuster Jeffrey Langley by Etta & Raymond Zimmerman Bettye Lerner by Sherry & Kenneth Lerner Facebook Fundraiser Miriam Gitlin by Jon & Rachel Polansky Carol Brown by Murray Brown Thanks to Ivel Paroulek for her Facebook Rabbi Jessica's brother by Dori Barenholtz Daniel Spitalnic by Leslie Schwam Birthday Fundraiser raising $200 Rabbi Jessica's brother by Phyllis Deborah Silver by Nancy Wolf & Howard Cordover Debra Pfeiffer by Lisa & Ben Lusskin Our sincerest apologies as the following gifts were Robert Gesoff by Susan Gesoff Sperber Dorothy & Jerome Haber by Sara & Harold Halman inadvertently omitted from our last Chronicle: Roslyn and Louis Kirsch by Libby Kirsch Eleanor Rothstein by Elaine Colker In memory of: Ruth Berg by Wendy & Steven Walin Elliot Tucker by Deborah & Herbert Jackman Arlene Schuster by Simone & Sam Spiegel Ruth Berg by Betsy & David Blechman Eva Slupow by Stephanie & Steven Schuster Nathanial Keusch by Simone & Sam Spiegel Ruth Berg by Denise Calderon Fannie Rosengarden by Ardath Rosengarden Jerry Podolsky by Freyda & Ed Burns Ruth Berg by Judy Gordon Ferdinand Paroulek by Alexandra Paroulek- Ruth Berg by Marjorie & Maurice Plough, Jr. Bergbauer & Michael Bergbauer Ruth Berg by Ronna & Marc Taub Francine Gornitzky by Lee Gleeman Ruth Berg by Judith & Michael Blackman Gerald Rosenwater by Meryl & Bruce Rosenwater Sisterhood Ruth Berg, and thanking the amazing Gertrude Feil by Marilyn & Stanley Barry TBE clergy by Gary Berg Gladys Morris by Barbara & Harvey Morris Contributions Sharon Wishner by Judy Gordon Gloria Smith by Bonnie & Bradley Kirsch Sistehood has new Tribute cards to reflect the Sharon Wishner by Rachel Matz Harold Dolby by Leslie Schwam tapestries that are hanging in our entrance hall . Hunter & Robert Hunter Harriet Cherry by Linda Cherry These cards are available for purchase for $18.00 Sharon Wishner by Robin Siegal Harvey Erenstein by Elaine & Morton Erenstein per card or 10 for $180.00 This is a great way Stan Gray by Nancy Jo & Alan Feinberg Herman Hess by Shirley & Warren Deutsch to honor a loved one. The money will be used Stanley Gray by Sarah & Daniel Carroll Hyman Taub by Ronna & Marc Taub to support various projects in our Temple. For Stanley Gray by Denise Calderon Jeffery Lough by Marilyn & Jay Weinberg further information and to purchase a card, email Laura Peck by Peni & Ronald Lewis Glenda Gordon at [email protected] Religious School Fund 2020-2021 Leon Fine by Sondra Homer-Warner or phone Glenda at 561-302-3507. These cards In memory of: Leslie Rosengarden by Barbara & Isaias Kaplun are also available for purchase on the Temple Toni Berliner by Arlene & Steve Diamond Leslie Schmier by Linda & Robert Schmier website and the Sisterhood weekly email. Toni Berliner by Cindy & Paul Homer Lester Mintz & Sally Mackler by Debra Toni Berliner by Diane Rosenthal Mackler & Howard Mintz Toni Berliner by Harriett & Jeffrey Schilit Libby Neuren by Arline Neuren SISTERHOOD FUND: Toni Berliner by Jonathan Westin Lois S. Lee by Ellen & J Edward Pollock In memory of: Toni Berliner by Jerry & Helen Wexler Lucy Levy by Edwin Levy Stephen Gordon, brother of Lenny Schloss by: Lynne Jackman by Deborah & Herbert Jackman Jan and Allen Lev Robert P. Halio Endowment Fund Maureen Seiden by Rachel & Joshua Baron Susan Goldstein and Family In memory of: Miriam Kaplan by Elissa Tobin The Sisterhood Board Robert Halio by Anne & Lane Schwartz Norman Worth by Charlotte Leigh Shari and Craig Schwamm and Family Oscar Maier by Judith & Michael Blackman Sharon Wishner, mother of Aimee Levin by: Robert Gleeman by Lee Gleeman Marlene and Richard Bluestein Samuel & Mollie Luks Endowment Rose Aronson by Marian Aronson Karen Feller for Special Needs Fund Rose Kippel Agruso by Betty Ginsburg Robin Hirsch In memory of: Rose Bobroff by Linda & Robert Schmier Judith Kornitsky Samuel Luks by Frances Weinberg Ruth Berg by Barbara Harper Margie and Maurice Plough
30 THE CHRONICLE | tbeboca.org To Mary McGrath and Family in memory of The Sisterhood Board wonderful Uncle Bud by the Kornitsky Family The Bar Mitzvah of Jacob Sosin, grandson of Susan VOLUNTEER FUND: Richard Goodkin by Judy Kornitsky and Mark Sosin, by Judy Kornitsky and family In memory of: To Lauren Kornitsky and Family in memory of The birth of Alexander Adam, grandson of Barbara Stephen Gordon by Irene and Dr. Merrill Epstein her mother, Sylvia, by Judy Kornitsky and Marvin Leventhal, by Jan and Allen Lev Richard Goodkin, brother of David and Martha Janet L Barmak Snyder, mother of Carol Niren by: The birth of Emma Jordyn Adelstein, granddaughter Goodkin, by Irene and Dr. Merrill Epstein The Sisterhood Board of Marcy and Barry Schultz, by Shari Janet L Barmak Snyder by Irene and Debi Jackman and Craig Schwamm and family Dr. Merrill Epstein Jan and Allen Lev In great appreciation of Aunt Marcia Zerivitz for In honor of: Lisa and Dr. Andrew Zwick her wonderful presentation on the history of The Bar Mitzvah of Joshua Lerner, son In honor of: the Jews in Florida by the Sisterhood board of Kenneth and Sherry Lerner, by The birth of Cameron James Juster, The 85th birthday of Rabbi Robert Irene and Dr. Merrill Epstein grandson of Susan Goldstein by: Reiner by Ellie M Roth Ivel and Frank Paroulek
Annual Giving Chai-Line to Healing 2020-2021October 1 –November 30, 2020 Liliana Abramson Ferne & William Berger Jaime & Eric Bricker Kathryn Adams Barbara Bernheim Sondra Brucks Julie Adelman Carol & Jack Bernstein Avis Burnwasser Doris Alderfer Elsie & Jack Blanco Philip Capell Geffen & Michael Altschuler Betsy & David Blechman Annemarie & Joseph Cardamone Stanton Bass Judy Blitzer Nancy & David Carver Louis Beck Michelle & Marvin Blum Linda Cherry Patty Beck Lee & Vic Blumenthal Stephanie & Richard Chestnov Abbe & Steven Becker Miriam & Jack Boshes Myra & Barry Cohen Rosalyn & Frederic Belkin Lorraine Bragin Patricia & Dan Cohen Brenda Bello Maurice Bredow Alice & Ron Cohen
PLANNING in advance is the GREATEST GIFT you can give your loved ones. If you, a friend or family member have been considering making plans for the future, WE ARE HERE FOR YOU. We are available to meet with you in whatever way is most comfortable for you: • In-person meetings and tours. • Zoom meetings and virtual tours from the comfort of your own home. Contact our Mausoleum Director, Mike Sirowitz at 561-314-2841 or [email protected] to set up an appointment.
January/February 2021 | THE CHRONICLE 31 Annual Giving October 1 –November 30, 2020
Carla Cohn Martha & David Goodkin Renee Kay Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, Quebec Nancy Blacker & Harold Goodman Amy & Andy Kent Alene & Richard Court Cara & Joshua Gottlieb Sandra & Herbert Khaner Morton Davidson Gladys & Arnold Granet Karen Klebenoff Karen & Daniel Davis Jordan Gray Karen Kleiman Barbara & Jose Delacruz Frances Greenbaum Estelle Kominsky Lori & Jayson Dubin Marjorie & Stanley Greenbaum Ronald Korn Elise & Gary Ecoff Hollis Alton & Steven Greenwald Sue & Scott Krieger Helene & Jay Eichler Jeff & Gwenn Grossman Michelle & Tracey Labgold Frances Karp-Eisenberg & Michael Eisenberg Howard Guggenheim Marcia Langley Robin Eisenberg & Andrea Broido Judith Gushner Charna Larkin Tara & Jacques Elmaleh Beverly Hacker Faye & Henry Leshman Irene & Merill Epstein Silvana & Barry Halperin Jan & Allen Lev Nancy Jo & Alan Feinberg Sheilah Harrow Aimee & Rabbi Daniel Levin Barbara Felder Elissa Hecht Edwin Levy Jenna & David Feldman Marla & Charles Hermanowski Sarina & Jerry Lind Jan Fine Patricia & Raymond Hersh Beverly Dashevsky & Debra Lobel Hinda & Marvin Finston Herb & Bonnie Hirsch Danielle Marcus Sybil Firestone Joanna & Sebastien Hoffmann Karen & Michael Marshall Aline Fisher Ellen & Ronald Hoffner Rabbi Jessica Spitalnic Mates & Mitch Mates Nadia & David Fogel Cindy-Jo & Paul Homer Bernard & Nettie Medvedev Hannah Fried Rochelle & Barry Hymowitz Elliott Merrill Meryl Gallatin Dana Brown & Paul Jacobs Michelle Merson Louise & David Galpern Elinor & Jay Josephson Joancarol & Martin Meyers Janice Levites & Alan Glazer Carol Kalish Annette & Kenneth Mogell Katie & Mitchell Goldberg Kathie & Donald Kaplan Jennifer & David Morse Daniel Goldburg Deanna Katz Cindy Katz & Duncan Morton Joan Goldburg Suzanne & Jeffrey Katz Cheryl Newman Stefanie Goldberg & George Gonzalez, Jr. Celia Kaufman Dolores & Samuel Newman
32 THE CHRONICLE | tbeboca.org Ronald Newmark Sheila & Philip Rubin Rona & Sanford Steinberg Perry Nix Diane & Ira Rubtchinsky Janet & Allan Sussberg Arlene Oppenheim Shelley & Larry Rutherford Susan & Mark Tabor Jennifer & David Oppenheim Sondra & Daniel Saiewitz Arlene & Jeffrey Tannenbaum Jill Oppenheim Scott Scheinhaus Rasheena & David Taub Mollie Oppenheim Linda & Robert Schmier Beth Tavlin Ivel & Frank Paroulek Brett Schneider Bernice Teltser Kelly & Michael Passeroff Hanita & Mordecai Schreiber Judith Bodner & Melvin Turetzky Martha Pepper Marcy & Barry Schultz Lorraine & Dennis Udwin Nancy Peterson Roberta & Lorrie Shafer Sarah & Evan Waldman Susan & Gerald Pinsky Diane & Lawrence Sharnak Dan & Natalia Wallach Andrea & Mark Platt Jill & Douglas Sherman Jill & Paul Weiner Susan & Barry Podolsky Judy & Mark Shernicoff Gail Weisbaum Ellen & Edward Pollock Robin Siegal Tami & Rabbi Greg Weisman Myrna Pressman Sydney & Craig Siegel Jeff Weiss Amy & Howard Puro Marisa & Scott Silver Bernice Weiss Rachael & Robert Rand Arnold Silverman Donna Weiss Lisa Rivero Jane Skelton Serena & Richard Werber Carole Lerner & Jonathan Rocker Phyllis & Irving Smith Luisa & Mark Werner Eleanor Rose Sabrina & Jonathan Smith Suellen & Mark Winer Jess Rosenstock Lois & Geoffrey Solomon Mary D. Young Randi Rosen Susan & Mark Sosin Stuart Zeuner Laura Winter & Ron Rosen Janyce Dean Speier Reni-zoe Zivin Dina & Aaron Rosenblatt Marisa & Brian Spiro Lisa & Andrew Zwick Martha Roth Susan & Andy Stallone Marcia Rothstein Carol Stein Our Congregation Mazel Tov To Cindy and Ira Goldberg on the birth of their grandson Mourns Theodore Rocky Silverstein Susan and Richard Goldstein on the birth of their Jerry Afromsky, stepfather of Suzanne and Brian Broad, grandson Cameron James Juster step grandfather of Helen and Isaac Broad Paul Jacobs on the birth of his granddaughter Scarlett Grant Kaplan Jetta Gudema DeLove, great aunt of Debra and Joe Gudema Lauren and Brenden Morris on the birth of their son Zachary Gabriel Morris Harvey Erenstein, brother of Morton Weinstein Lauren and Hunter Outcalt on the birth of their son Samuel Gitlin, father of Sue and Scott Krieger Everett Outcalt, big sister Sloane Allison-Jo Golden, mother of Andra and Scott Glick, Jackie and Louis Robinson on the birth of their granddaughter Pearl Robinson grandmother of Ethan and Gabrielle Glick Marcy and Barry Schultz on the birth of their Richard Goodkin, brother of David and Martha Goodkin granddaughter Emma Jordyn Adelstein Stephen Gordon, brother of Lenny and Karen Schloss, Barbara and Leonard Tamchin on the birth of their uncle of Michael and Carly Schloss granddaughter Olivia Rachel Tamchin Stewart Hershey, brother of Mitch and Michelle Hershey Danielle and Hayden Trepeck on the birth of their son Levi Asher Trepeck Herbert Hutt, beloved member Robin and Gary Warren on the engagement of their Martin Kahn*, husband of Carly Kahn son Greg Warren to Roxana Quintana Howard Leshman, uncle of Andrea and Mark Platt Pui Leung, mother of Angel Leung and Michael Sabin, grandmother of Emily Sabin Lynn Metzger*, wife of Norman Metzger Angelo Ramos, father of Joseph and Brittany Ramos, grandfather of Rachel and Ethan Ramos Annette Simner, grandmother of Danielle and Hayden Trepeck Janet L Barmak Snyder, mother of Carol and Neil Niren, grandmother of Leslie Niren and Lisa Niren Bradley Stone, nephew of Lauren Salzman Marvin Wallach, father of Jennifer and David Oppenheim, grandfather of Mollie and Jill Oppenheim Beverly Warheit*, mother of Peter and Randy Warheit Lucille Werner, grandmother of Mark and Luisa Werner, great-grandmother of Amy and Penelope Werner *Laid to rest in the Beth El Mausoleum
January/February 2021 | THE CHRONICLE 33 TEMPLE OFFICERS Mark Sunshine President Wendy Walin Executive VP Barry Podolsky Immediate Past President Bruce Moldow VP of Finance Jeff Katz VP of Leadership Development & Governance Aline Fisher VP of Religious Activities Michael Frost VP of Development Gina Shugar VP of Membership & Engagement Barbara Leventhal VP of Education Lottie Nilsen VP of Social Action Brett Schneider Secretary Debra Gudema VP of Early Learning Center Ilyne Mendelson VP of Mausoleum Patty Beck VP of Facilities and Technology
TRUSTEES Marla Schaefer Lisa Glass Peter Wohlgemuth Joshua Marcus
LEADERSHIP COUNCIL Reese Aron Barbara Jay Morris Robinson Marc Applebaum* Steve Kaufman Carlos Romero Debbie Averbook Larry Kreger Debbi Rosenblum Patty Beck* Steven Lazarus Karen Schloss Jessica Benedetto Allen Lev Shari Schwamm Brad Berkowitz Rabbi Dan Levin Susie Siegel Michael Blackman Rick Levitt Rabbi Merle Singer Robin Eisenberg Brooke Perez Michael Singer Lisa Franklin Mark Platt* Mark Sunshine Herbert Gimelstob* Margie Plough Wendy Walin Lauren Gross Maurice Plough, Jr. Tom Weidenfeld Karyn Hoffman Barry Podolsky* Leslie Winograd Stanley Gray z”l Lisa Zwick
TEMPLE LEADERS OF BLESSED MEMORY James B. Baer* Ida Herst* Stanley Rose Donald Berger Joseph Q. Kline Albert Schiff* Frances Cohen LTC Ben Lake Bernard H. Shulman* Stanford Hermann Cis Rader Alan H. Weiner* MISSION Irving Rifkin The mission of Temple Beth El is to inspire a passionate commitment SENIOR STAFF to Jewish life, learning, community and spiritual growth. Rabbi Daniel Levin Rabbi Jessica Spitalnic Mates Rabbi Greg Weisman Cantor Lori Brock VISION Michelle Auslander Cohen, CANTORIAL SOLOIST Temple Beth El of Boca Raton seeks to be a deeply Rabbi Merle Singer, D.P.S., D.H.L., D.D., RABBI EMERITUS compelling center of Reform Judaism, integrating Steve Kaufman, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR the wisdom of Torah and tradition with the modern Cindy Chieffo,CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER world in which we live. Our congregation will: Mark Erickson, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE Susan Stallone, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Welcome, involve and inspire all Jason Reasor, DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES who enter, embracing the unique Elinor Josephson, DIRECTOR OF ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING contributions of every individual. Mike Sirowitz, MAUSOLEUM DIRECTOR Derek Hurwitch, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Reach out to the larger community to Rita Diamond, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS encourage participation in synagogue life. MAIMONIDES INSTITUTE FOR JEWISH LEARNING Celebrate, grieve, heal and grow together Heather Erez, DIRECTOR OF YOUTH EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT through all seasons of life. Ronni Graf, DIRECTOR OF EARLY LEARNING CENTER Strive to be a learned community that Robin Eisenberg, RJE, DIRECTOR OF JEWISH LEARNING AND LIVING EMERITA questions, studies, and honors the gift of Torah and the covenant with God. *Past President Engage in inspiring worship and transformative z”l — of blessed memory experiences of Jewish spirituality.
Share a love and responsibility for each Schaefer Family Campus 333 Sw 4th Avenue | Boca Raton, Fl 33432 | 561 391 8900 other, our community and country, for Israel, and for the future of the Jewish people. Beck Family Campus 9800 Yamato Road | Boca Raton, Fl 33434 | 561 391 9091 tbeboca.org
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January/February 2021 | THE CHRONICLE 35 Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID 333 Sw 4th Avenue | Boca Raton, Fl 33432 Boca Raton, FL Permit No. 37 CURRENT RESIDENT OR
DATED MATERIAL | PLEASE RUSH A Reform congregation affiliated with The Union for Reform Judaism
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