AUGUST 2015 AV / ELUL 5775

CONTENTS RABBI’S MESSAGE Selichot at Beth Am: RABBI’S Race and Responsibility MESSAGE 1 in Baltimore City CANTOR’S Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg CORNER 3

PRESIDENT’S In a free society, some are guilty, but all are responsible.” PERSPECTIVE 4 “ ~Abraham Joshua Heschel This year, for the first time in a long time, we will observe CONGREGATION Selichot at Beth Am. We do so as we conclude a year in Baltimore LEARNING 5 that has been filled with heartache, sadness and loss. The death of UPCOMING Freddie Gray and the upcoming trial of those in whose custody EVENTS 7* he lost his life has forced our community, indeed our country, to grapple with the consequences of structural racism. CONTINUING Selichot is a time for introspection, but it cannot be a solitary EDUCATION 8 affair; each of us must also confront our place in the broader society. To this end, Beth Am is partnering with Jews United HIGH HOLYDAYS 10 for Justice for prayer, study and discussion about race and CALENDARS 12 responsibility. Selichot is observed this year on Saturday night, September 5. We’ll begin with Havdalah at 9 pm. Please come GRADUATIONS 16 with open minds and willing hearts.

COMMUNITY NEWS 18 SELICHOT AT BETH AM: CONTRIBUTIONS 20 RACE AND RESPONSIBILITY IN BALTIMORE CITY (In partnership with Jews United for Justice) FUND Saturday, September 5 at 9 pm DESIGNATION 23 Selichot, prayers seeking forgiveness, are traditionally said *throughout bulletin a Saturday night before Rosh Hashanah (This year, Selichot is observed September 5). It will be a particularly poignant moment for us to come together here in Baltimore. We’ll pose and respond to questions like: • What is structural racism? US • What is our role in responding to structural racism? ON • Do we play a role in the perpetuation of the oppression of Black members of our communities? facebook.com/ Join us as we learn, examine our history and our hearts, pray, BethAmBaltimore and make plans for the year to come. Light refreshments available. BETH AM BOARD OF TRUSTEES Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg Standing Committees Continuing Ed Chair Roberta Greenstein Officers Continuing Ed Co-Chair Rachel Rosenheck President Julie Gottlieb Finance Chair Alan Kopolow 1st Vice President Lisa Akchin Finance Co-Chair Joe Wolfson 2nd Vice President Lynn Sassin House Chair Sam Polakoff Treasurer Alan Kopolow Kiddush Chair Meg Hyman Secretary David Lunken Membership Chair Patricia Fradkin-Berman Membership Co-Chair Robin Katcoff Trustees through 2016 Religious Services Chair Joe Wolfson Neil Kahn Social Action Chair Arthur Shulman Cindy Paradies Social Action Co-Chair Jackie Donowitz Desiree Robinson Youth Education Chair Dina Billian Jim Schwartz Ad Hoc Committees Trustees through 2017 Annual Fund Honorary Chair Gil Sandler David Demsky Annual Fund Chair Ricky Fine Risa Jampel Annual Fund Vice Chair Jim Jacobs Ashley Pressman Balt. Jewish Council Rep. Ben Rosenberg Naomi Rosner Beth Am Connection Joanne Katz Risa Jampel Trustees through 2018 BAYITT Chair Sarah Goodman Debbie Agus Congregant to Congregant Joyce Keating Dina Billian Development Chair Lainy LeBow-Sachs Carol Berkower Development Co-Chair Cy Smith Matt Herman In, For and Of, Inc. Don Akchin Marketing Chair Ellen Spokes Past Presidents and Life Members Operations Co-Chair Ashley Pressman Past President Scott Zeger Operations Co-Chair David Demsky Past President Cy Smith Res. Hill Improvement Council Carol Shulman Honorary Life Member Lainy LeBow-Sachs Honorary Life Member Efrem Potts

Office Hours Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg Tuesday-Thursday: 9:00-4:00 443.202.0912 (cell) (emergencies only, please) Friday: 9:00-3:00 [email protected] Cantor Ira Greenstein Office Contact Extentions: 443.759.7807 (home) Tel: 410.523.2446 / Fax: 410.523.1729 [email protected] Extensions: Rabbi Daniel Burg - 14 Rabbi Gludt - 15 Rabbi Kelley Gludt, Henry Feller, Exec. Dir. - 20 Director of Congregational Learning Linda Small, Senior Staff Coordinator - 12 520.248.9541 (cell) Gabby Pasternak, Development Officer - 21 [email protected] Ralph Shaver, Finance Manager -18 Henry Feller, Executive Director Norm Weinstein, Bookkeeper - 17 [email protected] Nakia Davis, Front Office Coordinator and 443.742.9654 (cell) (emergencies only, please) Assistant to the Rabbi - 11 Valerie Tracy, Marketing Coordinator- 10 Julie Gottlieb, Board President Sandy Winters, Ritual Coordinator: [email protected] 410-598-6397 410-294-7418

In case of an emergency, please contact: Office E-mail: Henry Feller, Executive Director Email: [email protected] 443.742.9654 (cell) Web site: www.bethambaltimore.org

2 3 CANTOR’S CORNER The Separation or Reconciliation of Religion and Science Cantor Ira Greenstein

Much attention has been paid to the the scientific and mathematical realms. separation of church and state in politics, It took me until age 16 to disentangle and the slippery slope one steps onto when religion and science, discussing my confusion mingling the two. But an equally slippery with the head of Camp Ramah one summer, slope has been religion and science. Ignoring and when I have engaged in this topic with the perversions that come when politics our B’nai Mitzvah students, I have found mingles the two, is complete separation that our own kids today are also puzzled required? Can these two be reconciled? In by the seeming conflicts. They wonder how what scientific context can we see religion, we can reconcile praying to God with the and in what religious context can we see natural forces governing the universe. What science? exactly are we hoping to achieve by prayer, I was reminded of this, and further or to receive from a magnanimous Deity? It enlightened myself, when reading The is a very big question…but for the majority Island of Knowledge by Marcelo Gleiser, an of non-Orthodox Jews, I think it may be astrophysicist at Dartmouth. Gleiser has an focused in the wrong direction. Instead of interesting way of tracing the history of that looking at a prayer book, perhaps we adults relationship through the centuries, in the should be looking in a mirror. We adults may words and thoughts of the mathematicians be deficient at explaining things to the next and scientists themselves, whose incremental generations, maybe because we have not theories brought both clarity to science and really given it enough thought ourselves. expansiveness to the natural world. For whom is the Mi Shebeirach (prayers for Blaise Pascal, in appreciating the healing, favorable outcomes, etc.) recited? immenseness of the Universe when he lived Some of us have expectations of God, others in the early 1600s, felt sincere awe: “When need comfort or simply to fulfill a desire to I consider the short duration of my life, have SOME degree of participation in a swallowed up in the eternity before and process we know we don’t control…which the little space that I fill…I am frightened, is why religion came about in the first place. and am astonished at being here rather than I am not making value judgments, but if we there, why now rather than then. Who has don’t have some understanding ourselves, put me here?” Sir Isaac Newton (also in the we will be challenged to explain this to our 1600s) believed that God and the Universe own kids, and perhaps we are ourselves were the same: “God endures always and is impeded in achieving some purpose (other present everywhere, and by existing always than social) in our own prayers. and everywhere He constitutes duration and Sometimes I think we are so into the space.” In the ensuing centuries, that awe details and ritual, and with bringing a and appreciation continues among many in Continued on page 6 3 PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE Julie Gottlieb

It is with some trepidation that I put Kahal Shalom Synagogue on the island of (metaphorical) pen to paper for my first Rhodes, whose Jewish community swelled President’s Perspective. It’s a great privilege after the Inquisition and was virtually to be entrusted with this role and to work wiped out by the Holocaust. Attached closely with our extremely talented clergy, to the synagogue is a small museum that dedicated staff, members of the Executive recounts in detail the history of Rhodian Committee and Board of Trustees, and Jews and the stories of individual families. other volunteers. Over the next two years, We learned that the Jewish secondary school we face important decisions about how to was the best on the island, so Gentiles sent deploy our human and financial resources their children there. We also learned that to “reinvigorate urban Jewish life in the community’s ancient Torah survived Baltimore” and “transform ourselves and World War II because leaders of the Rhodes our community” while remaining “rooted Muslim community hid it in their mosque. in tradition; a spiritual home for learning, In the early 20th century and in the prayer and advancing social justice.” I am run-up to World War II, many members excited about our journey together. In the of the community left for the Congo and meantime, let me share some reflections on Zimbabwe, ultimately arriving in South the season. Africa. One of the museum volunteers told Summer is a time for change from the us he was born in Rhodes and now lives routine. Many of us use the warm months to in Cape Town. He spends half of each catch up on pleasure reading, both to learn year working at the South African Jewish and for the pure joy of immersing ourselves Museum teaching local school children in the stories of other people, whether about Jews, Judaism, and religious tolerance fictional or historical. Summer travel also and the other six months in Rhodes, keeping yields stories from family, friends, and those alive the histories of members of the we encounter in new places. Rhodes Jewish community. His example and Stories are at the core of who we are as the accounts of other families reminded us Jews. Each week, we chant a Parasha which, of the richness and fragility of Jewish life as often as not, is a story of our people. throughout the millennia. For thousands of years, Jews have studied, The other story that enriched my analyzed, and debated these stories and summer was our own Betty Seidel’s talk modeled behavior on them. They play an at the People’s Talmud in June. In nearly immensely powerful role in our culture. 90 minutes, Betty shared with dozens of Two sets of stories struck a chord with Beth Am’ers vignettes of growing up on me this summer. Steve and I were fortunate Eutaw Place, the close-knit community in to spend a couple of weeks in Greece with which she was reared, and her involvement our four children last month. We visited the in numerous Jewish and educational Continued on page 6 4 5 CONGREGATIONAL LEARNING Rabbi Kelley Gludt

The Shabbat is the most precious featuring Passover songs and traditions, present mankind has received from the followed by Israeli dancing to celebrate “treasure house of God.” Yom HaAtzmaut. Shabbat morning services ~Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel will incorporate celebrating Shavuot and receiving the Torah while afternoon classes How often do we get to truly experience will include new ways to approach the High the gift of a fully immersive Shabbat? Holydays. We will shake our lulavim and Imagine for a moment the rare celebrate Sukkot, beat drums for Shmini opportunity to spend time away from cares Atzeret and party on Simchat Torah. Watch and worries, demands and difficulties, the out as the Macabees take on the Greeks as chance to turn everything off and clearly we re-create Hanukkah, get in touch with focus on family, friends, community, and nature for Tu B’Shvat, and dress up for our God. Think about it: how could 48-hours of Purim masquerade. Along with the fun and meeting new people and learning new things celebrating, we will take an intellectual look positively impact your life? at each holiday, exploring nuances, texts and The Beth Am Shabbaton offers traditions. unparalleled social, spiritual, intellectual and The Shabbaton is appropriate for emotional engagement with your friends, everyone in our congregation, those new family, community and clergy. Shabbaton to Beth Am and those who helped found is full of fun, excitement and food, all in and form it. We love newlyweds, soon to be a beautiful setting. It provides the chance weds and old married couples. Beth Am’s to strengthen connections and form new strength lies in a membership comprised of ones, while festively celebrating the sacred a multitude of ages, and Shabbaton reflects occasion of Shabbat. Come be a part of it! this. Bring the little ones and the teens, come This year’s Shabbaton, held at Capital as a single or a couple sans kids, come as Camps and Retreat Center in Waynesboro, a member of the newish-Jewish crew or as Pennsylvania will be Friday, November someone on the path. Just come! 13 to Sunday, November 15. Along with innovative Shabbat services, scrumptious Enrollment for Shabbat meals, and ruach-filled sing-alongs, JEWISH DISCOVERY the Shabbaton offers engaging learning, The Jewish Discovery LAB Lab 5776/2015-2016 camp-style recreational activities, and the is now open for opportunity to relax and enjoy. kindergarten through tenth grade. The theme for the 5776 Shabbaton focuses on the Jewish holidays, and we’ve Go to managed to fill two days with the best of the www.bethambaltimore.org year. Imagine in November, a Shabbat dinner to enroll online!

5 Cantor cont’d President cont’d positive joyful experience to our offspring, organizations. There were hilarious stories that we neglect the fundamental questions of being a Jewish teenager and young staring us in the face. True, we want to imbue woman in 1930s and 40s Baltimore, and our Jewish experiences with joy (which I she only had time for the first third or so wholeheartedly endorse), but how many of of her tales! While I’m likely to forget many us have serious religious discussions over of the details, I will always remember and Friday evening dinner, in a quiet moment appreciate Betty’s determination, joie de vivre, before going to synagogue, or some other zany humor and love of Beth Am. point where we have time and demeanor to In addition to the People’s Talmud, think about this and explore it together with many Beth Am’ers connect by sharing others, and with our own kids? their personal stories at Kesher services, As we take vacations or come to shul or Shabbat lunches, and in each other’s homes. go on a hike or have a quiet moment over Yet we seek to nurture greater connections Friday dinner or when we tuck our kids among more of our congregants. Beth Am into bed, can we do a better job exploring is initiating a new way to share our stories our kids’ views on religion and purpose and get to know each other better. In June, with them? Do we have our own respective you received an email from Rabbi Burg, thoughts together? In a fundamental sense, Scott Zeger and me about the Engagement have we ourselves reconciled religion and Partnership’s Listening Campaign. A science, or nature? dedicated group of volunteers is reaching That relationship has puzzled out to congregants for one-on-one humankind for a long time and (again, conversations designed to hear about your from a non-Orthodox view) there is no right relationship with Beth Am and learn about or wrong answer. But we should consider your interests. This is an opportunity to knit whether there is AN answer that works for closer ties among our members through us, that we can use to challenge our friends telling and listening to one another’s stories and children at some appropriate point. of our Jewish journeys. I encourage you to Perhaps then we can reconcile religion and participate, as story tellers and perhaps as science, at least for ourselves, at least for the listeners, too. time being, until our views evolve further. Enjoy the rest of the summer!

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL BOOK GIVEAWAY AT JOHN EAGER HOWARED ELEMENTARY SCHOOL! Thanks to all who helped each of our Reservoir Hill kids at JEHES choose two books for summer reading. BIG SMILES in all classes! Special thanks to Barbara and Barry Blumberg, Jo-Ann Orlinsky, Mimi Davidoff, Elaine Freeman, Joyce Keating, and Barbara Rosenberger. AND thanks to our great Beth Am staff: Warren, Nakia and Valerie. Really, without all of you, this could not have happened. Todah Rabah!!! Jackie Donowitz

6 7 Join Cantor Ira & Roberta Greenstein to experience the Sephardic sounds & sites of SPAIN Featuring concerts and special events created by the Cantors Assembly of the Conservative Movement July 3 - 14, 2016

On our adventure together we will... • Enjoy a visit to the lovely medieval towns of Banyoles & Besalu • Tour the world famous Prado Museum & stroll through beautiful Retiro Park in Madrid • Visit the Grand Toledo Cathedral & the Transito Synagogue in the Imperial City of Toledo La Sagrada Familia • Enjoy a special Ladino program at Casa De Sefarad in Cordoba • Visit the Moorish Alcazar Palace &the Old Jewish Quarter in Seville • Tour the Alhambra Palace, where the expulsion decree was signed in 1492 in Granada • Discover the works of Gaudi, including the massive Sagrada Familia & Guell Park • Walk in the steps of the ancient synagogue in Barcelona • Visit the former Jewish center of Gerona • Celebrate Sephardic culture and song, with special CA concerts and events throughout

Learn more and register online at: www.ayelet.com/CASpain2016.aspx

7 Continuing Adult Education Roberta Greenstein and Rachel Rosenheck

The Continuing Education committee has planned a year of learning, culture, history and travel. Mark your calendars now for the following programs. • October 2: Share Shabbat Sukkot Elements; Jews and Money. dinner in a Sukkah - Have a Sukkah? • Fri - Sun, November 13 - 15: Beth Please let us know, we are looking Am Shabbaton - Theme: Tapestry for hosts. of the Jewish Year; Around the • Oct. 25: Day trip to Philadelphia Year in 80 Hours to visit the National Museum of • Nov. 22: The December Dilemma American Jewish History. (see details How intermarried families can on page 14) navigate the December holidays • Nov. 7, Mar. 26, Apr. 16: Chevruta with love and respect. Study Sessions - We’ll form into • January 9: Cantor Robyn Helzner, partners and study both con- Kreplach and Dim Sum: Jewish Life temporary and traditional texts, in China, program and song. Jewish and non-Jewish, topics may • May 1: Israel Program include, Understanding the Sh’ma; • May 6-7: Beth Am Scholar in Time, the Fourth Dimension; the Residence Jewish Perspective on the Four

SHABBAT MORNING THURSDAY AUGUST 6 TEFILAH 6 PM CONVERSATION AT BETH AM As Cantor Greenstein and Rabbi Daniel Burg plan for the coming year 5776, they would like to hear your thoughts about our current Kesher (formerly Chapel) Shabbat services. To this end, Cantor Ira, Joe Wolfson (our Religious Services Committee chair) and Rabbi Burg would like to invite you to the upcoming “parlor” conversation about Shabbat morning tefilah. The goal of the meetings is to identify areas of strength and potential growth for our services. All are welcome! Light meal provided. Please RSVP to [email protected] or 410.523.2446

8 9 Services in the Park

Join Beth Am Synagogue’s Rabbi Daniel Burg and Cantor Ira Greenstein for Services in the Park, a Musical Kabbalat Shabbat.

Services will be held in the serene, natural setting of the Maryland Zoo’s Waterfowl Pavilion.

Friday, August 7 - Featuring an ice cream treat! 6:00 pm - BYO fish or dairy dinner 7:00 pm - Shabbat Services

Open to the Community! RSVP [email protected] 410.523.2446 Rain or shine; Bring lawn chair; No pets please.

SHABBATON 5776 SAVE THE THIS YEAR’S THEME: DATE Tapestry of the Jewish Year: NOVEMBER Around the Year in 80 Hours ALL INCLUSIVE! 13-15 Designed for all ages and all CAPITAL CAMPS AND members of the congregation, RETREAT CENTER with programming for families, WAYNESBORO, PA singles, emptynesters, B’nai Mitzvah families and more!

For more information contact Rabbi Kelley Gludt: [email protected]

9 HIGH HOLYDAYS SCHEDULE OF SERVICES HIGH HOLYDAY CLEAN UP 5776 | 2015 Sunday, August 30 10 am - 12:30 pm ROSH HASHANAH Please pitch in to help make Beth Am Sunday, September 13 SHINE for the holydays! We have indoor Erev Rosh Hashanah and outdoor assignments for volunteers Evening Services - 6:00 pm of all physical abilities. Refreshments will Monday and Tuesday be provided. RSVP to September 14 - 15 [email protected] or call 410.523.2446 Shaharit - 9:00 am Shofar - 10:30 am

TASHLICH Sunday, September 20 Off Premises - 10:00 am TALLITOT CLEANING If you generously YOM KIPPUR volunteered to take a bag of Tuesday, September 22 Tallitot from the front lobby Kol Nidre and to be washed and returned Evening Services - 6:30 pm clean, Thank You! Wednesday, September 23 Please return them at your Shaharit - 9:00 am earliest convenience. Yizkor - 11:00 am Martyrology - 2:00 pm Open Forum (follows Martyrology) Break Minchah - 5:15 pm MARTYROLOGY K/USY Open Teen Forum - 6 pm Wednesday, September 23 Ne’ilah - 6:30 pm Havdalah/Final Shofar - 7:43 pm For the past twenty-nine years, Beth Am’s Martyrology Service, led by Rheda Becker, has become a special part of Yom Kippur Reserve your High Holyday seats day for our congregation. During this service, online: www.tinyurl.com/oxsb3hb we have heard about and remembered mar- Members (only) can reserve their tyrs of different periods in Jewish history. High Holyday seats online. The Martyrology Service will begin at 2 pm You can also download and print the and will be immediately followed by the form to fill out manually here: Open Forum with Rabbi Daniel Burg. www.tinyurl.com/nrmnx9m 10 11 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

BIMAH FLOWERS If you would like to cosponsor the High Holyday Bimah flowers in memory of a loved one, please contact Gabby at 410.523.2446 or [email protected] USHERS NEEDED Do a mitzvah for the Holydays and donate some time to be an usher. Volunteers are especially needed for the first shift beginning at 8:45am. Contact David Drager-Davidoff with your availability: [email protected] SHAKE, SHAKE, SHAKE SHAKE THAT LULAV… DOCTORS AND NURSES NEEDED We are designating seats in the Order a Lulav & Etrog of Your Very Own! Sanctuary for nurses, doctors, and Adult Set $40.00 other health professionals who Child Set $28.00 are willing to be available in one- hour time slots to help in health Please place your order emergencies that may occur during no later than August 26, 2015 the High Holydays. For short blocks of time they will sit in the designated Name______emergency seats so that ushers can find them quickly. Space is allotted for Phone______family members as well. Adult Set: Qty. ____@ $40 ea.=______If you can participate, please call Bill Ravich at 410-323-2341 or Child Set: Qty. ____@ $28 ea.=______Henry Feller at 410-523-2446. TOTAL =______

HOSTS NEEDED Fill out form and mail Beth Am is looking for volunteers with your check to: to host out-of-town guests for the Beth Am Synagogue High Holydays. If you can host or 2501 Eutaw Place you need to be hosted, please Baltimore, MD 21217 contact Nakia with your availability: [email protected] or Or call Nakia at the Beth Am Office at 410.523.2446 410-523-2446 for assistance.

11 5775

AV ELUL If you would like to find out about out find to like would you If

The Beth Am Bookworms program is in its sixth year at John Eager Howard Howard Eager John at year sixth is in its program Bookworms Am Beth The the to their commitment for Frazier, Cathy Center, Judy of the and Director Lawrence Grace kindergarten teacher, to also thanks Many proudly are The students of the year. last session at our this articlethat accompanies and students taken was volunteers of the The picture

Thirteen excited and curious Our devoted teacher. Their dedicated and creative kindergarteners. Wonderful and enthusiastic Am volunteers. Beth children’s literature chosen the volunteers. by to Bookworms! Welcome and Elementarycommitted our Hill. Special thanks to School in Reservoir Joyce Freedman, Arak Fine, Gladys Sandy Angell, Bailey volunteers: enthusiastic Rosenthal, Carla Polan, Rae Levin, Ed Levin, Cheri Krumholz, Francine Keating, and Gail Wohlmuth. Norm Wigitow, Ann Saunders, Linda Weisfeldt, Program. Bookworms Committee. Social Action Am’s Beth from with a grant purchased were The books them. to gave we that books reading summer the displaying card. thank-you a hand-made volunteer each gave and performedstudents the session last the a play At at [email protected]. Program, please contact in the Bookworms Cheri Levin volunteering

BOOKWORMS AUGUST 12 2015

AV AUGUST ELUL

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 8:45 am - DIY Torah Study 9:30 am - Sanctuary Services with Gerson And Sasha Kroiz B’nai Mitzvah

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 pm - Tefilah 6 pm - Services in 8:45 am - DIY Torah Study Conversation the Park 9:30 am - Kesher Service

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 BAYITT Second 8:45 am - DIY Torah Study Fridays 9:30 am - Kesher Service

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 8:45 am - DIY Torah Study 9:30 am - Kesher Service

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 8:45 am - DIY Torah Study 9:30 am - Kesher Service

30 31 10 am - High Holyday Clean Up 5 pm - Heal Baltimore discussion 5:30 pm - L’eilah u’L’eilah Family Potluck 14

“TELL ME AND I FORGET. TEACH ME AND I REMEMBER. INVOLVE ME AND I LEARN.” SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25 – Benjamin Franklin (Don’t worry! There’s NO RAVENS GAME!) Come let us learn together. 8:30 am – 5:30 pm Beth Am is organizing a bus trip to Philadelphia’s NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY

• Round trip in a luxury coach bus • Private docent tour starts our experience • In Philadelphia’s historic district • The diverse backgrounds, expectations and experiences of Jews who made their homes in the United States • The choices they faced, challenges they confronted and the ways in which they were shaped by their American home • The stories of famous Jewish Americans in their Only in America gallery

FEE: $40 pp includes bus transportation, museum tickets, tour and snack on the bus. Lunch is not included. RSVP to [email protected] or 410.523.2446 by August 31. Learn more at: www.bethambaltimore.org/whatsnew/events

ELUL

2015 5776 SEPTEMBER TISHRI 5775

ELUL SEPTEMBER TISHRI

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5 8:45 am - DIY Torah Study 9:30 am - Kesher Service 9 pm - Selichot: Race and Responsibility

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 USY Camping USY Camping 7:30 pm - Social Ac- BAYITT Second 8:45 am - DIY Torah Study tion Meeting Fridays 9:30 am - Kesher Service 10:45 - Shabbat Yachad

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Erev Rosh Hashanah Rosh Hashanah Rosh Hashanah 8:45 am - DIY Torah Study 6 pm - Evening Services 9 am - Shaharit 9 am - Shaharit 9:30 am - Kesher Service 10:30 am - Shofar 10:30 am - Shofar 10:45 - Shabbat Yachad Beth Am office Beth Am office closed closed

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 10 am - Tashlich (off premises) 6:30 pm - Kol Nidre Yom Kippur 8:45 am - DIY Torah Study and Evening Services 9 am - Shaharit 9:30 am - Kesher Service - 11 am - Yizkor Poetry Shabbat 2 pm - Martyrology 10:45 - Shabbat Yachad Open Forum Break 5:15 pm - Minchah 6 pm - K/USY Open Teen Forum 6:30 pm - Ne’ilah 7:43 pm - Havdalah / Final Shofar 27 28 29 30 9:30 am - Lab 4:15 pm - Lab 10 am - Build Sukkah 6:15 pm - Lab Suk- kot Dinner MAZEL TOV GRADUATES! • Rachel Adams graduated from Syracuse University with a BA in Psychology and BS in Forensic Science. Parents are Cynthia Wolberger & Jeffrey Adams. • Dena Rebecca Appleby graduated from Pikesville High School. Parents are Mira & Dan Appleby. • Samuel Davidoff-Gore graduated from Brown University with a BA in International Relations with honors. Parents are Amy Davidoff & Steve Gore • Joseph Harris Fink graduated from Goucher College with a BA, magna cum laude, in Economics with honors. Stepmother and father are Judy Rousuck & Alan J. Fink. • Andie Himmelrich graduated from the University of Michigan. Parents are Eileen Fader & Steve Himmelrich. Grandparent is Linda Himmelrich • Josh Kolodner graduated from the University of Richmond with a BS in Business Administration, concentration in Finance. Parents are Betsy Ringel & Kirk Kolodner. • Adam Kopolow graduated from University of Maryland, College Park with a BA in History. Parents are Lois & Alan Kopolow. Grandparent is Muriel Friedman. • Chloe Virginia Shiras graduated from Trinity College with a BA, summa cum laude, in Urban Studies with honors. Parents are Diana Morris & Peter Shiras. • Colby Vergalito, graduated from Carroll Community College with an AA in Psychology with honors. Great grandparents are Elaine & Norm Weinstein. • Ilona Wittenberg, graduated from Towson High School. Parents are Alyson Bonavoglia & George Wittenberg. • Natalie Wolfson graduated from Beth Tfiloh High School. Parents are Joe Wolfson and Mary Wolfson. • Max Zeger graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a BA in Economics and Hispanic Studies. Parents are Joanne Katz & Scott Zeger • David Zeger graduated high school from Friends School of Baltimore. Parents are Joanne Katz & Scott Zeger.

BETH AM CONNECTION We invite college and young adult children (in transition from school to work or vice versa) to remain connected to Beth Am through the Beth Am Connection. Just let us know your child’s address and email contact information no later than SEPTEMBER 4 and we’ll send holiday care packages and birthday emails. Please send questions, comments or contact information to either of us at the emails below. Risa Jampel - [email protected] Joanne Katz - [email protected] MAZEL TOV GRADUATES! GRADUATES! MAZEL TOV

16 17 SOCIAL ACTION Committee Meeting Wednesday, September 9 7:30 pm - Jackie Donowitz home

ALL ARE WELCOME! BRING YOUR ENERGY, YOUR PASSION AND YOUR THOUGHTS! We address issues relating to poverty, homelessness, domestic violence, environmental sustainability, literacy and more in the Reservoir Hill community and beyond at the home of Jackie Donowitz, [email protected]. Contact Arthur Shulman if you need a ride to the meeting at [email protected].

L’EILAH U’L’EILAH We are gearing up for a fabulous year filled with Jewish learning and social events in preparation for our 2018 Israel trip.

We are excited to announce that we have received an additional $5000 JEEP grant for this year’s programming. Yasher Koach Miriam Burg! We are thrilled to be planning this trip and the pre-activities. Because this is a family learning trip and experience, we want to make sure every family has a hand in the planning. If you would like to send an e-mail to ask questions, express your interest and your availability for the these events and/or help with activity planning, please contact Robin Katcoff ([email protected]) or Rabbi Kelley (rabbikelley@ bethambaltimore.org). Families will be asked to lead various learning sessions for the group throughout the next 3 years. Please save these dates for upcoming family events this coming year:

• Sunday, August 30 - Family Potluck dinner @ 5:30 pm • Friday, October 2 - Sukkot dinner • November 13-15 - Beth Am Shabbaton @ Capital Camps • Saturday, December 5 - Shabbat lunch • Sunday, January 24 OR 31 - Tu B’shvat program • Saturday, February 27 - Third meal/Havdalah and program • Sunday, May 15 - Program TBD

If you are planning to be a part of this exciting initiative, your participation in these events and activities is very important.

17 PRAYERS FOR HEALING Lucy Demsky, daughter of Emily & Dave Demsky Allen Friedman (Faith) Erin Levitas, friend of Susan Schwartz Jay Goldenberg, friend of Al Honick Howard Miller, brother of Betty Chemers and friend of Debra & Maurice Furchgott Lynea Oakley, friend of Jamie & Mike Catelinet Blaine Hall, friend of Jamie & Mike Catelinet Matthew Freedman (Gladys) Ned Pollard, friend of the Spokes Family Judy Miller Marna Edenson, friend of Rachel and Burt Rosenheck Marty Davis, husband of Terri Davis AJ Montgomery, friend of Debra Furchgott Charlie Blair, family friend of Jason Katcoff (Robin) Ron Silberberg, friend of Robin & Jason Katcoff Scott Silverstine, cousin of Gail Wohlmuth (Lou) Mike Hess, cousin of Lou Wohlmuth (Gail) Eliana Joy Matz, granddaughter of Judy Richter Burton Gold, father of Joanne Gold (Andrew Stern) Elizabeth Stern, mother of Andrew Stern (Joanne Gold) Alexa Moinkoff, granddaughter of Sharon Zamkoff Merle Sachs (Murray) Lottie Greene, mother of Meg Hyman Lenore Berman, mother of Janis Silverman (Jay) Harry Adler, friend of Roberta and Cantor Ira Greenstein Ofra Shipman, cousin of Roberta Greenstein (Cantor Ira Greenstein) Donald Allen, father of Lisa Minick (Chris) Norma Gaines, grandmother of Emily Gaines Demsky (David) Steven Kraft, brother of Jim Kraft (Kristi Aho) Jerald Lipsch, brother of Harriet Goldman (Herb) Cyndi Lee Haaz, mother of Stephany Moonaz (Robert) Robin Leidner & Sue Martin, friends of Amy Davidoff & Steve Gore Hilda Coyne Vickie Dorf Fran Kanterman

ARE YOU READY TO HEAL BALTIMORE? LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO START? HEALING STARTS AT HOME. Join Rabbi Burg and leaders of Beth Am's Social Action and In For and Of, Inc. groups to learn about tikkun olam (repairing the world) and community partnership opportunities in Beth Am's Reservoir Hill neighborhood. Sunday, August 30 5 - 6:30 pm Beth Am Social Hall COMMUNITY NEWS

18 19 70+ BIRTHDAYS 50+ ANNIVERSARIES Lucy Demsky, daughter of Emily & Dave Demsky Tony Perlman 1-Aug Ed and Ida Gulin 11-Aug Allen Friedman (Faith) Jane Reifler 1-Aug Alan and Helene Goldberg 14-Aug Erin Levitas, friend of Susan Schwartz Peter Semel 1-Aug Stuart and Martha Burman 17-Aug Jay Goldenberg, friend of Al Honick Barry Blumberg 2-Aug Stuart and Ellie Fine 17-Aug Howard Miller, brother of Betty Chemers and friend of Billy Kahn 2-Aug Joe and Gloria Askin 18-Aug Debra & Maurice Furchgott Allen Coven 3-Aug Harvey and Debbie Singer 22-Aug Lynea Oakley, friend of Jamie & Mike Catelinet Joe Katz 4-Aug George and Betsy Hess 31-Aug Blaine Hall, friend of Jamie & Mike Catelinet Richard Rosenthal 4-Aug Matthew Freedman (Gladys) Marcia Kargon 5-Aug Ned Pollard, friend of the Spokes Family Charles Neustadt 5-Aug Judy Miller Bob Rombro 5-Aug Marna Edenson, friend of Rachel and Burt Rosenheck Susie Coven 7-Aug MAZEL TOV Marty Davis, husband of Terri Davis Barbara Shapiro 8-Aug • Ellen Kotzen Spokes on her article, AJ Montgomery, friend of Debra Furchgott Linda Gross 11-Aug Baltimore Funding Dilemma: The Jewish Charlie Blair, family friend of Jason Katcoff (Robin) Joan Raskin 11-Aug Women’s Giving Foundation of Baltimore, Ron Silberberg, friend of Robin & Jason Katcoff Barry Glass 13-Aug in the eJewish Philanthropy. Scott Silverstine, cousin of Gail Wohlmuth (Lou) Ivan Stern 13-Aug • Robin Weiss on her The New York Mike Hess, cousin of Lou Wohlmuth (Gail) Times, Couch Series articles including, Eliana Joy Matz, granddaughter of Judy Richter Joe Nathanson 15-Aug The Rules of Psychotherapy and most Burton Gold, father of Joanne Gold (Andrew Stern) Gigi McKendric 17-Aug Elizabeth Stern, mother of Andrew Stern (Joanne Gold) Joyce Leviton 18-Aug recently, How Therapists Mourn. Alexa Moinkoff, granddaughter of Sharon Zamkoff Allen Schwait 18-Aug • Barbara & Michael Noonberg on the birth Merle Sachs (Murray) Richard Swerling 22-Aug of their granddaughter, Willow Isabel Lottie Greene, mother of Meg Hyman Winnie Borden 23-Aug Noonberg. Parents are Yascha & Ali Lenore Berman, mother of Janis Silverman (Jay) Gala Stern 23-Aug Noonberg. Harry Adler, friend of Roberta and Cantor Ira Greenstein Bob Liss 24-Aug • Bonnie Meinke & Steve Segal on the Ofra Shipman, cousin of Roberta Greenstein (Cantor Ira Greenstein) Dan Chemers 26-Aug birth and naming of their son, Joseph Donald Allen, father of Lisa Minick (Chris) Richard Rubin 26-Aug Matthew Meinke-Segal. Norma Gaines, grandmother of Emily Gaines Demsky (David) Joanne Wallach 26-Aug • IFO, Inc for securing a grant from The Steven Kraft, brother of Jim Kraft (Kristi Aho) Rene Rosenthal 27-Aug Gendler Grapevine Project, to support Jerald Lipsch, brother of Harriet Goldman (Herb) Gail Liss 31-Aug Beth Am’s Coming-of-Age Education Cyndi Lee Haaz, mother of Stephany Moonaz (Robert) Initiative, which will link children, parents, Robin Leidner & Sue Martin, friends of Amy Davidoff & Steve Gore and educators from Beth Am and Hilda Coyne Reservoir Hill. Vickie Dorf • Lois Blum Feinblatt on being inducted Fran Kanterman into the Jewish Community Center’s, A SPECIAL THANK YOU Jewish Hall of Fame. to Sarajane Greenfeld and • Mina Cheon on her new book highlighting Betty Seidel for their support the collection of her artwork, “DPRK proofreading for Beth Am! POLIPOP : SWEET ♥ REVOLUTION”

WELCOME GABBY! Beth Am has hired a full-time Development Officer, Gabby Pasternak. Gabby comes to us from New York with experience in not-for-profit fund raising in the arts and Jewish Life. She will be overseeing the management of The Campaign for Beth Am and the Annual Fund and she’s certainly excited to get to know each of you.

19 Thank you! MAY / JUNE CONTRIBUTIONS Accessibility Fund General Fund • Deb & Ed Strauss and family - in honor of • Jamie Harris & Mike Siegel - in memory of Stuart Stainman, on his 70th birthday her father, Bob Harris, on his yahrzeit • Bonnie Meinke & Steve Segal - in honor Building Preservation & Ritual of the birth of their son, Joseph Meinke- Enhancement Fund Segal • Ellen & Mordecai Blaustein - in memory of her father, Arthur Baron, on his yahrzeit Kiddush Fund • Eleanor & David Goldstein - in memory of • Cathy Deitch - in honor of Becky Eisen & his cousin, Jerome Saltz, on his yahrzeit Adam Kutcher, on their daughter’s baby • Marine Halpern & Charles Ippolito - in naming honor of David Scher & Judith Schagrin • Karen, Melanie & Noah Egorin and their on the birth of their granddaughter, Muna families - in memory of her late husband Scher and their father, Merrill Egorin • Roz & Nelson Hyman - in honor of Sharon • Sarajane Greenfeld - in memory of her & Joe Nathanson, on the birth of their father, Norman Gold, on his yahrzeit grandson, Max Ershler; • Dovey Kahn - in honor of Harriet Miller in hopes of a speedy recovery for Alan • Sheila & Steve LeMel - in honor of Lois Kopolow & Alan Kopolow, on the birth of their • Judy Miller - in hopes of a speedy recovery grandson Mason Jenkinson for Barbara Cohen • Cheri & Ed Levin - in honor of Julie • Ann Sarrin - in memory of her sister, Gottlieb, becoming President of the Board Bessie Auslander, on her yahrzeit of Trustees • Genoveva & Mark Yoffee - in memory of • Abby & Charles Rammelkamp - in his father, Lewis Yoffee, on his yahrzeit appreciation of Scott Zeger, for his dedicated leadership Cantor’s Discretionary Fund • Elaine & Norm Weinstein - in memory of • Mira & Daniel Appleby - in honor of their his father, Julius Weinstein, on his yahrzeit daughter Dena Appleby, on her graduation • Elaine Weiss & Julian Krolik - in from high school appreciation • Judy Miller - in appreciation Prayer Book Fund Educator’s Discretionary Fund • Ellen Kahan Zager & Jack Zager - in • Sarajane Greenfeld - in appreciation of appreciation of Scott Zeger, for his Lunch and Learn dedicated leadership Etta & Louis L. Kaplan • Robin, Jeff & Lia Rutberg - in honor of Stuart Stainman, on his 70th birthday Education Fund • Marnie Halpern & Charles Ippolito - in Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund honor of their daughter, Daphne Ippolito, • Ellen & Mordecai Blaustein - in memory graduating with a BS from University of of his mother, Gertrude Blaustein, on her Toronto yahrzeit Floral Fund • Lee & Mark Borris - in memory of his mother, Ruth Borris, on her yahrzeit • Ann Starer & Ken Gross - in memory of her • Shirley Braverman - in memory of her mother, Harriet Starer, on her yahrzeit daughter, Renee Crocker, on her yahrzeit

20 21 Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Cont’d • Harriet & Herb Goldman - in honor of Lois Feinblatt, on her election to the Jewish Hall • Eleanor & David Goldstein - in memory of of Fame her father, Morris Shenker, on his yahrzeit • Jo-Ann Orlinsky - in honor of Jackie & • Sarajane Greenfeld - in appreciation of Mark Donowitz, on the birth of their Lunch and Learn granddaughter Frances Donowitz; • Mary Jacobs - in memory of her husband, in hopes of a speedy recovery for Judy Miller Robert Jacobs, on his yahrzeit • Ellen & Jeff Spokes - in memory of her • Miriam & Richard Joseph - in memory of grandparents, Katherine and Joseph her father, Coleman Silbert, on his yahrzeit Andrews, on their yahrzeits • Francine & Allan Krumholz - in memory of her parents Florence & Arnold Herzog Tiny Tots Shabbat Fund • Barbara Kolodkin - in honor of Talia Kolodkin on her Bat Mitzvah • Dovey & Billy Kahn - in honor of Sharon • Judy Miller - in memory of her cousin, & Joe Nathanson, on the birth of their Rikki Fleisher, on her yahrzeit; grandson, Max Ershler in appreciation • Liz Moser - in memory of her sister, Eleanor Kohn, on her yahrzeit KIDDUSH LUNCHEON • Nadja & Albert Pats - in memory of AND BIMAH FLOWERS his sister, Bessie Schendlinger, on her yahrzeit; Sponsorships and Donations in memory of her mother, Sadie Barron; July 11 - A special donation was made to the in memory of his mother, Anna Pats, on Kiddush Fund by Hillary & Jim Jacobs in honor her yahrzeit of Jim reading the Haftarah. • Jill & David Paulson - in honor of Henry June 27 - The Kiddush luncheon was Jampel sponsored by Lindsay Feldman and Jeff • Marion Pines - in memory of her husband, Holloway in honor of their aufruf; and by Sam Pines, on his yahrzeit Becky Eisen & Adam Kutcher in honor of their • Abby & Charles Rammelkamp - in daughter’s babynaming. appreciation June 20 - The Kiddush luncheon was • Anna and Francisco Rammelkamp - in sponsored by Bonnie & Stuart Stainman in appreciation honor of Stuart’s special birthday. • Beverly & Jerry Segal - in honor of Bonnie June 13 - The Kiddush luncheon was Meinke & Steve Segal, on the brit of their sponsored by Elaine & Sol Snyder in memory son Joseph Meinke-Segal of Sol’s sister, Elaine Hodges, on her yahrzeit. • Carol & David Shear - in appreciation May 30 - The Kiddush luncheon was • Stacy & Gary Suskauer - in memory of his sponsored by Alice & Michael Gosse in honor mother, Ellen Silliman & his grandmother, of Meghan becoming a Bat Mitzvah and in Mina Mandelbaum, on their yahrzeits memory of Meghan’s grandfather, Harris S. • Sara Sussan - in appreciation Kassel. • Joanne & Ed Wallach in memory of his The bimah flowers were sponsored by Alice father, David Wallach, on his yahrzeit & Michael Gosse in memory of Meghan’s • Susan Weingast & Tom Brown - in memory grandfather, Harris S. Kassel. of her father, Ed Weingast, on his yahrzeit May 24 - The Kiddush luncheon was • Gail & Lou Wohlmuth - in memory of her sponsored by Daniel and Ellen Wruble Hakim father, Milton Yoffee, on his yahrzeit in honor of Makenna Hakim’s Bat Mitzvah. Social Action Fund The bimah flowers were sponsored by Daniel • Ricky & Eric Fine - in memory of her and Ellen Wruble Hakim in memory of mother, Harriet Scherl, on her yahrzeit Makenna’s grandmother, Anne Gail Wruble. • Amber Massey - in appreciation of Beth Am May 23 - The Bridger family made a very • Lisa & Don Akchin - in honor of Stuart generous donation to the Kiddush Fund in Stainman, on his 70th birthday honor of Becky Bridger’s 50th birthday.

21 When John and I contemplated ‘estate While there are many ways “planning,’ of course we to give to Beth Am, we hope wanted to provide for our you will consider supporting children and grandchildren. the Synagogue’s missions by But Beth Am also was like making a bequest to Beth Am in family, and a legacy gift your will or living trust. was a painless way to Making a bequest allows you to provide for it as well. All combine your financial planning we had to do was designate with philanthropy to make a lasting the portion of our estate investment in the future of our to go to Beth Am when we congregation. die. We won’t be around to miss the money, and future Contact Gabby Pasternak at generations can benefit.” [email protected], and your attorney, to learn how you - Elaine Freeman can make a bequest to Beth Am.

 .  .     .      .  .  

From every person whose heart is willing take my offering...and make me a holy space that I may dwell among them. - Exodus 25

A heartfelt thank you to our Beth Am family for our most successful Annual Fund Campaign, with a historic $391,912 in gifts for the 2014 - 2015 / 5775 year.

22 23 FUND DESIGNATION Accessibility Fund - Used to make the facility Garden Fund - Beautifies grounds accessible to those with impaired physical General Fund - Applied to the abilities operating budget of the congregation Adult Education Fund - Supports I. William Schimmel Student Scholarship educational programs for all adults Fund - Assists students in their educational BAYITT Fund - Beth Am’s Young Adult pursuits Initiative for 20’s and 30’s Kiddush Fund - Used for luncheons Building Preservation and Ritual following Sabbath and holiday services Enhancement Fund - Supports the Prayer Book Fund - Supports the preservation and renovation of the building purchase of prayer books and chumashim and the ritual items Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund - Allows the Cantor’s Discretionary Fund - Allows the Rabbi to support special programs and Cantor to support special programs and individuals in need individuals in need Social Action Fund - Supports social action Educator’s Discretionary Fund - activities in the Reservoir Hill area and the Allows the Educator to support special general community programs and individuals in need Tiny Tots Shabbat Fund - Supports Shabbat Etta & Louis L. Kaplan Education Fund programs for our preschoolers Supports the purchase of furniture, equipment and capital improvements for the Jewish Youth & Teen Education Support Fund - Discovery Lab Supports educational programs for all of Beth Am’s youth Floral Fund - Beautifies the Bimah

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. Online donations available at our website bethambaltimore.org/donate/

First & Last Name(s): ______

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Telephone: (______) ______- ______

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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:

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City/State/Zip: ______23 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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