File - Congregation Beth El

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The Monthly Publication of Congregation Beth El of Bucks County
March 2015
Adar/Nisan 5775
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
Morning Minyan
Sunday ......................................... 8:00am
Monday - Friday .......................... 7:00am
Evening Minyan
Monday - Thursday.................... 7:30pm
Shabbat Services
Friday ........................................... 6:00pm
Saturday .................................... 9:30am
SYNAGOGUE OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Thursday..... 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday .......................... 8:30am - 2:00pm
Office is closed from 12:00pm-1:00pm
Monday through Thursday
HEIDI MITTLEMAN MEMORIAL
LIBRARY HOURS
Tuesday ...................... 1:30pm—3:30pm
Shabbat ............................. After Services
Sunday ............................. 9:00am—Noon
Or by appointment by contacting
Renee Flager at (215) 949-0525
BUBBES’ JUDAICA SHOP
Sundays .......................... 9:00 am - noon
Wednesdays .................10:00 am - noon
Fridays ...........................10:00 am - noon
All are welcome!
For Dinner Reservations please visit our website:
www.BethElYardley.org
or contact Karen Lewin, 215-493-1707 x3 by March 2nd!
To schedule an appointment, please
contact Michelle Flash at
[email protected]
Check out Our Event Calendar
http://www.bethelyardley.org/
info/calendar.html
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FROM THE RABBI’S DESK
IN EVERY GENERATION…..
Wait a second, Passover is not for another month, why on earth would I be titling this bulletin article with a
phrase from the Passover Seder. On the holiday of Purim we have a similar task that is associated with the
biggest and most consistent villain our people have known: the tribe of Amalek. In fact, we read about this
villain on the last Shabbat of February.
We are introduced to this tribe of villains who constantly attack our people in the worst ways in the Torah.
“Amalek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim.” (Exodus 17:8) In a more detailed account of this battle later in the Torah we see
that the Israelites were tired and weak after escaping Egypt when Amalek attacked, and that they attacked the Israelites from behind
so as to first fight the elderly, the children, and the women. On the Shabbat prior to the holiday of Purim we read a specia l section
from the book of Deuteronomy which gives us a dual command regarding this villainous tribe. “You shall blot out the memory o f
Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget! (Deuteronomy 25:19) On the one hand we are told to erase their memory, while at the
same time being told to remember them or to never forget them.
The duality of this command speaks to the ongoing danger that this tribe has posed for the Jewish people throughout our history.
Haman, the dastardly villain of the Purim story was himself a descendant of this tribe and fulfilled his tribal tradition by seeking to
destroy the Jews. We actually see manifestations of this command in daily Jewish life. Soferim, (Jewish scribes) when they begin
writing on a given day will often write out the name of Amalek and then cross it out as a way of testing their quills to make certain that
they are ready to begin serious writing. On Purim we drown out the name of Haman every time we hear it during the Megillah reading,
yet we only really begin to make noise after we hear the name because we are required to hear every word of the Scroll of Esther. The
duality of the biblical command also speaks to the unique responsibility that we have as Jews to combat the Amalek every generation.
We believe as Jews that every generation has its own proverbial Amalek which seeks to destroy the Jews. In some generations the
Amalek is easy to identify. In others, there is no clear cut Amalek, and that in many ways makes fighting him that much more difficult.
For the Jews of Shushan long ago, identifying and fighting Amalek was at least on the surface somewhat easy. Their villain was an
actual descendant of the tribe, and he was clear about his mission to destroy all of the Jews of his town. The Jews themselves were
ready as not one but two heroes stood ready to lead the Jewish people against their generational enemy. (I must put a disclaimer here
that some modern biblical scholars would suggest that the Scroll of Esther is the compilation of two separate stories. Eithe r way for
the purposes of this article thematically the message remains the same.) The heroes prevailed and the Jewish community was saved.
However, there are many generations in which identifying an Amalek is more difficult. Who or what is the Amalek of our generation? Is
there one clear enemy for the modern Jew that we all can unite against in a collective strengthening of our people? Unfortunately, I
fear that the answer is no. Why is this unfortunate you might ask? Because, for the Jews of Shushan and the desert they had an
entirely evil enemy that they could see and fight against, making their battle that much easier. Uniting the community is fa r easier
when there is common tangible goal or enemy that everyone can see and rally around. In modern times, we are often left to wo nder
what the greatest threat or foe to the Jewish community might be, and often times we have found ourselves fighting about what that
threat is and not against it.
To me, there are three great threats which we face in the modern world as Jews trying to build and strengthen our communities. The
first is the ever growing threat of Islamic fundamentalism and terrorism around the world. In many ways as Jews we are always targets
of this senseless violence that impedes peace and makes Jews wary everywhere. Every day new generations of these people are being
created and the threat to world Jewry is enormous. The second threat is the rise of anti-Semitism outside the fundamentalist world. In
Europe and the United States anti-Semitism is on the rise and not just amongst radicals. Rather there is an increased level of hatred
for Jews among the younger generations and among the more intellectual world as seen by increased cultural and intellectual boycotts
of Israel. Finally, we are threatened as Jews now more than ever by our own inability to unite as a community. In Israel and around the
world the schism that exists between different denominations of Jews is larger than ever before. Our Jewish press outlets are
constantly filled with people in positions of leadership within their own movements speaking out negatively about other Jews. When
will we finally learn that if we cannot unite as a Jewish community and count on one another, that we are only hastening and aiding the
work of those who seek to destroy us?
I wish I had an answer to these enormous problems that face the Jewish people. Yet perhaps a hint at an answer lies within the story
of the ancient Jews from Shushan. They defeated their aggressors because people within the community accepted positions of
leadership and the community then rallied behind them in a unified voice. They did not defeat Haman because of divine intervention
or superior military strength, but rather because of the power of their collective voice and strength led by Esther and Mordechai. Could
it be that the best possible that the way the modern Jewish community could fight its own Amalek is as simple as being unified and
having a collective voice? Maybe. What I am certain of is that if we did at least have a slightly more unified voice, if we were better
able to get along with one another, then our problems would be easier to face.
Chag Purim Sameach! Happy Purim
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B’nai Mitzvah at Beth El
We are halfway to our goal!! The
u n p reced en t ed d ed icat ion an d
commitment of our generous donors
and our hard-working campaign
leadership and committee have enabled
us to come closer and closer to assuring
the financial stability of our Kehillah and
enhancing the beauty of our building.
Even though we have been able to
achieve this milestone, our success in
raising the $2 million that we require
will depend upon the participation and
generosity of all members of our
community. The campaign committee
will continue to reach out to our
members to discuss how they can
provide meaningful support to this
effort. Phil Freidenreich, co-chair of this campaign, and a longtime leader of our community, enthusiastically commented,
“One million down and one million to go – we’ll get it done!!”
Dora Kirsh, daughter of Stacy and Lee
Kirsh, will be called to the Torah as
Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, March 28,
2015. For her mitzvah project, Dora is
assisting Beth El’s Men’s Club in their
Yom HaShoah Yellow Candle Project.
Dora will be packaging and delivering candles as
well as soliciting donors for this amazing project,
which raises money for Holocaust education. Mazal
Tov!
Beth El Mitzvah Corner
Ezra Greenberg, son of Linda and Ken Greenberg,
decided to do something different for his birthday
this year. Ezra had won an ice cream party at
McCaffrey's Supermarket in a raffle. He wanted to
do something special to give back to the community
for his birthday.
SHARE PESACH
If you want to enjoy one of this year’s Seders with fellow
congregants, or if you have extra seats at your Seder table,
please let us know! We are matching our members so that
everyone can have a fulfilling holiday experience. Please visit
surveymonkey.com/s/TM72P36 to fill out a questionnaire that
will help us. There are questionnaires for both hosts and
prospective guests.
In order to be prepared for the holiday, we need to have your
questionnaire responses no later than March 13.
Please don’t be shy—not everyone has a large family with whom
to celebrate! Call with questions or to RSVP if you don’t have
computer access.
Beth Godett 215-860-5850 or Amy Kaissar 267-392-5458
Upon Ezra’s request, each of his guests brought hot
cereal packets and carnation breakfast packets as
their "gift" to him. As a team, the group of boys
packed 120 bags to go to the Klein JCC's senior
food pantry through the Breakfast Club for Seniors.
On reflection of the day, Linda, Ezra’s mom
commented, “We were so proud of his putting into
practice the values that he has learned from his
Judaism of repairing the world and his scout training
of doing good. It was really a good afternoon with
Ezra and his friends.”
If you are interested in organizing a mitzvah project
for a birthday, a celebration, or any other occasion,
consider a breakfast bags packing party! For more
i n f o rm at i on ,
email
R ach ael
O rin g,
[email protected]
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Get to Know Our Beth El Community
Michael Weinberger, RAC Chairperson
My name is Michael Weinberger (at Beth El, it is important
to note the "er" at the end if you want to keep your roster
straight).
I am the chair of the Religious Activities
Committee and sit on the Board of Directors. Meredith,
Natan, Eli and I have been members at Beth El since 1997
when we moved to Yardley from Wynnewood. For Shabbatmorning goers: far right, second row. And for Thursday night
minyan folks, well, you know who I am.
I've had the opportunity to experience Judaism in diverse ways. I was born in
Bloomington, Indiana but I grew up in Chicago and then in southwestern
Pennsylvania. I lived in a small, rural college and coal-mining town in Greene
County, PA. I and my siblings were the only Jewish kids in town. Nothing makes
you feel more Jewish than being the only Jews around. We belonged to
Conservative synagogues, first in Morgantown, WV and then in Washington, PA,
where I had my bar mitzvah. As I reached high school age, my parents upped
their Jewish ante. We moved to Pittsburgh's Jewish neighborhood and I enrolled
in an Orthodox day school. As you would expect, this changed the trajectory of
my Jewish experience. I gained a deep appreciation for Judaism not just as a
heritage, or a religion, but as a lifestyle, a legal system and, in fact, a civilization.
Our family belonged to two synagogues, one Orthodox and one “Conservadox.”
After moving to Philadelphia in 1991, we belonged to Orthodox synagogues on
the Main Line. Then, upon moving to Bucks County we joined Beth El. We have
been a part of the Conservative movement for close to twenty years now. My
children were PJDS (Schechter) pioneers at the Bucks County branch and then
continued on in Melrose Park through middle school. My sister is married to
Rabbi Jonathan Infeld, a classmate of Rabbi Gruenberg. I and my extended
family have been all-in with Conservative Judaism for a long time.
I'll close by sharing my view on denominational lines as I suppose it underlies my
role as your RAC chair and it might surprise some of you. I really don't consider
Conservative Judaism to be much different from modern Orthodox
Judaism.
Outside of mixed seating, triennial readings and egalitarian
participation, which I fully embrace, the practical differences between the
movements come down to variations in the technical application of Halacha,
Jewish law, for our times. Which is to say, on paper and with regard to the ideals
of practice, we're rather alike. Instead our differences, real and perceived, are
around the cultures of our denominational communities and academic debates
around the origins of our peoplehood and sacred texts. Now those are important
topics as well, but they don't by necessity substantially impact how we live Jewish
ritual from day to day.
Or at least they haven't for me.
Macher Profile, Sid Moszer
Have you walked into the chapel
and seen the current Yahrzeit
plaques neatly mounted in the
center panel, month after month,
and wondered how they got there?
Well, the “macher” is Sid Moszer, a
long-time member. He and his
wife, Eva, have been members
since the 1960’s, and live in Levittown.
Sid was born in Germany in 1925. He went to
school and experienced the Nazi legislations and
persecutions. On November 9-10, 1938,
Kristallnacht, he saw his synagogue burning. In
December Sid and his family migrated in small
groups, with help from relatives already living
there, to England. In the fall of 1940 his family’s
quota number came up and they immigrated to
the United States.
After graduating from High School in Philadelphia,
Sid was drafted into the American Army in 1944
and became a naturalized citizen. He served in
Europe during World War II with the 71st Infantry
Division as well as an interpreter for the Counter
Intelligence Corps and with the Military
Government.
Sid married Eva, a Kindertransport survivor, in
1954. They now have 3 children, 4 grandchildren,
and 5 great-grandchildren. Sid is a retired
engineer.
Over the years, Sid has been involved in School
Board, taught the Confirmation class, served as
High Holiday head usher, on the Board of
Directors, and more recently as a tutor for many
of our B’nai Mitzvah students.
After a little “coercion” by past president Seymour
Kaplan (z”l), he took over the management of our
Yahrzeit Board, which requires dedication, detail
and patience. It takes a few hours every month to
keep things in order – a silent contribution.
Harriet Freidenreich, The Gabbai
I have been “the gabbai” at Beth El for the past twelve years since Fred Schwarz stepped down after many years of
service. There are always two gabbaim present whenever the Torah is read. The gabbai rishon (otherwise known as
“the” gabbai) is the person who hands out honors and calls people up for their aliyot. The second gabbai (or gabbai
sheni) keeps track of where the Torah reader starts and stops and helps make sure the Torah service runs smoothly.
In addition, both gabbaim correct the Torah reader when mistakes are made because Torah reading is expected to be
accurate. Normally the gabbai should be relatively invisible, but this does not seem to happen when she is female!
The only qualifications for serving as “the gabbai” are coming to services to assign individuals to lead various services,
to hand out aliyot appropriately, and the ability to read Hebrew well. It is also necessary to remember people’s names (at least in
English) and be able to identify the Kohanim and the Levi’im in the congregation. Another role of the gabbai is to welcome guests by
offering them honors and to learn who they are, if possible. If you would like to volunteer for this job, you are welcome to do so!
In addition, I teach adult education on Jewish history, Jewish women and comparative religion on Wednesday mornings and have led a
women’s study group and a book group for Beth El members. Since retiring from the History Department at Temple University several
years ago, I have been a docent at the National Museum of American Jewish History and teach at the Osher Life-Long Learning
Institute. Phil and I have been members of Beth El for thirty-seven years and raised our two sons, David and Aron, in the congregation.
We enjoy ballroom dancing, cultural events, world travel, and spending time with our grandchildren, and are looking forward to
continuing with these activities now that the both of us will have retired.
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Education & Youth News
February was a busy month for the Fierverker Jewish
Learning Community! In honor of TuB’Shevat we focused
on the value of Shomrei Adamah, protecting the natural
earth. FJLC participants and parents came together for a
TuB’Shevat Celebration. Each
FJ LC group p resent ed
something to the community
about trees or the environment.
Our LeV group (4th-7th graders)
educated us about the origins of
TuB’Shevat in a funny skit; the Gan group (Kindergarten)
sang This Land Is Your Land
in both American and Israeli
versions; our Alef group (1st
grade) sang a fun song
about trees; the Bet group
(2nd grade) created and
shared tree poetry, and
finally the Gimmel group
(3rd grade) sang a great song by Debbie Friedman, a
famous Jewish performer, about TuB’Shevat. We then
had the opportunity as a community to eat and enjoy
various fruits and vegetables together! Additionally, our
Alef, Bet and Gimmel groups planted an indoor herb
garden for us. We’re hoping something will grow soon!
All FJLC participants had
the opportunity to meet
with an educator from
the Bucks County
Conservation District,
who showed them an
enviroscape, which is an
interactive model that dramatically demonstrates water
pollution. The children enjoyed this interactive
presentation which allowed them to visually understand
how each of us contributes to the water quality problems
in the world and how we might be a part of the solution.
Our LeV participants were challenged this month to think
about new and different ways to protect the environment.
They analyzed how environmentally friendly our
synagogue community is by completing an environmental
audit. Using our custodians, office employees and staff as
resources, our participants found out how Beth El deals
with issues like recycling, waste, and purchasing
equipment and supplies as they relate to the
environment.
On Sunday, February 22nd, LeV
participants had the opportunity to meet
and speak with our new Community
Supported Agriculture (CSA farmers from
Blooming Glen Farms in Perkasie. The
farmers explained the difference between
organic farming and conventional farming
and how organic farming is ultimately
healthier for the environment. One of the
biggest differences that is seen time and time again
across all research between the two farming practices is
the effect on the land. Organic farming works to increase
sustainability, biodiversity, and to encourage good soil and
air quality. This is maintained by the use of natural
growing practices, the avoidance of harmful chemicals,
and the continued practice of crop rotation and other
natural farming methods.
LeV began a new initiative in
February, which we call
mentsch medals. One of the
ultimate goals and hopes of
our FJLC program is to inspire
and encourage participants to
take the Jewish values they
learn about and put them into action! To that end,
beginning this month, every LeV participant was given a
Shomrei Adamah (protecting the earth) challenge to work
on at home and in their every day lives. When a
participant completes the challenge, they receive a
mentsch medal, in this case an environmental charm! I’m
proud to say that so far six children have completed the
Shomrei Adamah challenge. Congratulations to Jared
Freed, Dari Goldstein, Evie Goldstein, Karen Leifer, Aaron
Schachter and Mollie Weinstein.
Lastly, a special
shout out to our LeV
families for doing an
awesome mitzvah
this month. Jonathan
Kemp had double hip
surgery and I reached
out to the LeV
community to request
dinners to be brought
to his home to make it easier for the family during his
recovery. I am proud to say we were able to provide the
Kemps with 2 weeks worth of dinners plus the LeV
community bought and signed a special Minion (pictured
above) to cheer Jonathan up! Jonathan is recovering
nicely and we look forward to seeing him soon!
Looking forward to celebrating Purim with you!
Karen Lewin
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Youth & Education
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Min Ha’Aretz CSA
Min Ha’Aretz (from the land) Hazon CSA at Beth El is
so excited to report that we have established a new
farm partnership with Tom Murtha and Tricia
Borneman, farmers who own and work Blooming Glen
Farm, right here in, Perkasie Bucks County.
Community Supported
Agriculture, known by
the name CSA, is a way
to purchase a share in
an organic farm and get
the benefits of the
freshest, organic local
food money can buy.
You pay one price at the
time of purchase and
then you have your boxed share delivered to the
synagogue every Wednesday during the summer and
fall months. At the same time as your CSA share is
improving your own health, you are supporting a local
Bucks County farm family, (by providing them with
financial capital to purchase seeds and equipment
needed to successfully keep their farm running) and
you are also helping to keep Bucks County land from
being over developed, by contributing to an economic
model that keeps farmland open for the benefit of our
entire community.
In addition, our CSA, through food donations by CSA
members and through the CSA share directly
purchased by our synagogue, provides much needed
FRESH FOOD for the Loaves and Fishes food pantry in
Fairless Hills, PA.
As a Yelper wrote “Blooming Glen strives to maintain
and expand the rich agricultural history of Bucks
County. The ideals are noble, but the proof of success
comes at the dinner table -- the rainbow chard, firmfleshed potatoes and delicate garlic purchased from
these folks transform ordinary meals into special
occasions.”
The MInHa'Artez Hazon CSA share at Beth El Yardley
offers a Large farm share is priced at $676.00.
(approx. 10-12 items per week for 22 weeks). We will
also be offering a Medium share ( approx. 6-7 items bigger than a half share for 22 weeks) for $445.00.
PLEASE GO TO OUR WEBSITE — yardleycsa.org —
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND SIGN UP
INSTRUCTIONS
If you have any QUESTIONS, please do not hesitate to
contact me, Joy Finkel, CSA Coordinator at
[email protected] or by cell phone 215-341-1292.
Share Shabbat Dinner
The next Share Shabbat Dinner will be on
Friday, March 20 at 6:45 p.m.
Share Shabbat is an opportunity for
members of our Beth El family to
come together to share a Shabbat
dinner. It's also a great way to get to know
your Beth El community. With many host
families opening up their homes, we have
numerous dinners occurring
simultaneously. The host family
supplies the vegetarian main course while
the guest brings another food item to
enhance the Shabbat dinner.
In order for this program to continue on its
path of success, we need volunteer
host families; please let us know if you are
able to host. Share Shabbat has been
a wonderful experience in the past and we
hope you will join us on March 20th.
Please RSVP by March 8th to
[email protected]
or call Susan Strouse at 215-355-8999
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Sisterhood
Bubbes’ Judaica Shop
The "Biggest, Bestest Tallitot Sale” continues for
the month of March. Why not purchase a new
Tallit just in time for Pesach?
We still have some great Pesach wines. Come into
the shop & receive 50% off the original price.
Bubbes' has a great selection for all your Passover
needs. Let us help you present a beautiful Seder.
In the spring of 1959, The Diary of Anne Frank has just come to the
silver screen to great acclaim, and a young woman named Margie
Franklin is working in Philadelphia as a secretary at a Jewish law firm.
On the surface she lives a quiet life, but Margie has a secret: a life she
once lived, a past and a religion she has denied, and a family and a
country she left behind. Margie Franklin is really Margot Frank, older
sister of Anne, who did not die in Bergen-Belsen as reported, but who
instead escaped the Nazis for America. But now, as her sister
becomes a global icon, Margie’s carefully constructed American life
begins to fall apart. A new relationship threatens to overtake the young
love that sustained her during the war, and her past and present begin
to collide. Margie is forced to come to terms with Margot, with the
people she loved, and with a life swept up into the course of history.
Come & enjoy! Bring a Friend!
Come enjoy a cooking demonstration with
Elissa
Gruenberg & share your favorite food memories,
cooking tips, and of course, recipes!
Bring your favorite Passover recipe so we can
exchange recipes! Please RSVP to:
[email protected] by March 15
Shop hours:
Wednesdays 10:00am-12:00pm
Fridays 10:00am-12:00pm
Sundays 9:00am 12:00pm
Private appointments are available upon request.
Please contact Michelle at [email protected]
or (215) 284-5624
CHEER & SORROW CARDS
Send a beautiful commemorative card for
a mazel tov, get well or memorial.
Cost is only $3.
To order, contact:
(A-K) Sylvia Goldberg at (215) 493-0788
(L-Z) Trudie Solarz at (215) 949-1548
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Men’s Club
Men’s Club is kicking off the annual Passover Pickle Run. There are
only three styles of pickles available at Passover. ¼ sour, also
known as “new pickles” (these are the ones closest to a cucumber),
½ sour, and ¾ sour. This time of year there are no full sour pickles
since there just isn’t adequate time to prepare them to soak in the
brine long enough. Both red and white horseradish are also available
to order. The horseradish is ground on location and is pretty hot.
Each jar of pickles or horseradish is being sold for $13. The profits
benefit the Men’s Club which in turn helps Congregation Beth El.
Paid orders are due at the Synagogue by Monday March 23rd, 2015
(No Exceptions Please). Make checks payable to Beth El Men’s Club.
Pickup for orders is on Sunday March 29th between 11 and 12
noon. The order form will be available shortly on the Beth El Website
and in the Synagogue lobby.
Men’s Club will be packaging the candles for the Yom HaShoah
Yellow Candle Project on Sunday March 15, 2015. This year the
candles will be hand delivered to defray the postage costs. More of
your donations will be available for the education programs
supported by the Men’s Club each year. We are in need of people to
help with delivery.
In addition to our March 29th event with Steve Santarisero, Men’s
Club is planning to honor all of their members with the annual Paid
Up Membership Breakfast. Stay tuned for more details coming
shortly.
Men’s Club is also asking everyone for their ideas for future
programs and volunteers to help put the plans in motion. Some of
the successful past events are due for another round soon. You may
contact us on the synagogue website or via the synagogue office.
Michael P. Weinberg,
Men’s Club President
Page 10
We are looking for a
few good Minyaneers!
Congregation Beth El
holds both morning and evening minyan
services open to our members and friends
in the community. We invite you to join us
and become a regular volunteer.
It’s a mitzvah! It’s good for you!
It’s good for our community.
Morning services:
Monday to Friday at 7 AM
Evening Services:
Monday to Thursday at 7:30 PM
Please contact Brian Levey,
our Minyan committee leader, to sign up and answer
any questions you may have
at 267-250-7526
or Email:
[email protected]
COOK FOR A FRIEND
Join Cook for a Friend on Tuesday, March 24th at 6pm and help us
prepare 100-140 meat meals to be donated to the Klein JCC in
Northeast Philadelphia for distribution.
Don’t have time to come and cook?
Consider making a donation to the Beth El Cook for a Friend fund. Our
main source of revenue is from donations. You can send a check to Beth
El with “Cook for a Friend” on the memo line.
For more information, contact Beth Sadoff, [email protected]
Page 11
Join Us for A Great Weekend of Music & Song
A Great Opportunity for Young Jewish Adults
Page 12
JOIN US FOR
MARVIN HAMLISCH:
WHAT HE DID FOR LOVE
March 4, 2015 ~ 11:30am
March 14, 2015 ~ 8:00pm
March 17, 2015
From humble beginnings as a Manhattan boy and son of
Viennese Jews, Hamlisch was a child piano prodigy
destined for greatness, having been accepted into the
Juilliard School as a six-year-old. He quickly achieved
unprecedented success as a composer of such pop hits
as The Way We Were, scores for Hollywood films The
Sting and Sophie’s Choice, as well as the Broadway
juggernaut A Chorus Line. By the age of 31, he had won
every major award: a staggering four Grammys, an Emmy,
three Oscars, a Tony and a Pulitzer Prize. Interviews with
Hamlisch, and a constellation of his collaborators – from
Barbra Streisand and Carly Simon to Woody Allen and Lucie
Arnaz – trace the creative and personal highs and lows of
this consummate artist.
Matinees: $5/person
Family Rate: $18
April 14 & May 19
Evenings: $9/person
ALL are welcome!
March 14
March 21
April 18
May 16
June 20
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Get Ready for
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Page 15
CONGREGATION BETH EL GIFT OPPORTUNITIES
Tree of Life Honor a birthday, anniversary, wedding, Bar/Bat Mitzvah or any other happy occasion with an
engraved leaf on our tree of life for $180 or a boulder for $750.
Donation Cards Our donation cards are a wonderful way to recognize important life-cycle events , extend
wishes for speedy recovery or show your appreciation for someone’s kindness and helps fulfill the
mitzvah of tzedakah. There are two different cards to choose from - a beautiful Menorah card ($7) and a
colorful picture of three of our Torot ($18). Your gift can also be designated to one of the following funds:
Building Fund
Fierverker Education Fund
Hesed Fund
Rabbi Gruenberg's Discretionary Fund
Rhoda & Morris Volk Memorial Fund
Eric J. Marinoff College Outreach Fund
Heidi Mittleman Memorial Library Fund
Perez Youth Scholarship Fund
Religious Books & Articles Fund
Cook for a Friend Project
Book Dedications There are also opportunities to have a bookplate placed on the back of the front cover
of a Siddur (Prayer Book), Chumash (Bible), Mahzor (High Holiday Prayer Book) - any time someone
opens the book, they will learn of your donation:
Mahzor $54
Yahrzeit Plaques Among the customs to help us with loss and bereavement is the commemoration of a
loved one on a Yahrzeit plaque. These plaques, which are affixed to a special memorial board in our
Chapel, are an expression of love and devotion. The plaque will be mounted on our Yahrzeit board in
perpetuity. Each year you will receive a notice of the date of the yahrzeit, it will be announced during
Shabbat services, and the plaque will be lit in memory of your loved one for a full month. The cost is
$750 for members and $900 for non-members.
Cemetery Plots - Congregation Beth El owns cemetery plots at King David Memorial Park in Bensalem
which can be purchased for $1,500 each.
CONGREGATION BETH EL DONATION FORM
Enclosed is my gift of $_____________________ (Menorah card $7-$17, Torot card $18+)
□ Building Fund
□ Eric J. Marinoff College Outreach Fund
□ Fierverker Education Fund
□ Heidi Mittleman Memorial Library Fund
□ Hesed Fund
□ Perez Youth Scholarship Fund
□ Rabbi Gruenberg's Discretionary Fund □ Religious Books & Articles Fund
□ Rhoda & Morris Volk Memorial Fund
□ Cook For A Friend Project
□ Mahzor ($54) {$100 for large print}
Recipient _________________________ Occasion ____________________________________
Recipient Address _______________________________________________________________
Donor Name ____________________________________________________________________
Donor Address __________________________________________________________________
I would like more information on:
□ Tree of Life
□ Yahrzeit Plaques
□ Cemetery Plots
□ Other Ways I Can Give
Page 16
Thank You For These Generous Donations
ERIC J. MARINOFF MEMORAL COLLEGE OUTREACH FUND
BUILDING FUND
In Memory Of
Lee Horowitz,
husband of Irma Horowitz
Gloria Feldman
Estelle & Bill Blaustein
Charlotte & Harold Denenberg
Maggie & Andy Myers & Leatrice Weiss-Miller
Rita Pruzan
Vivian Berman
Attleboro Village Association
Gail & Leonard Pogach
Gloria Rosenberg & Irvin Rosenberg
Phyllis & Larry Schachter
Sid Shubin,
father of Barbara Saltzmann
Charlotte & Harold Denenberg
Phyllis & Shelley Forman
Barbara & Mark Melmed
Evelyn Goldberg
Rita Pruzan
Randy Flager
May & Art Berger
Carol & Gary Rosenthal
Joe, Geni and Alex Grossman
Mildred & Ray Herot
Amy & Erniest Algazi
Rose Marie Ernst,
mother of Rose Koretsky
Lois & Brian Levey and Family
Barbara & Mark Melmed
Phyllis,, Larry, Sam & Jeremy Schachter
Paul Kurland
husband of Carol Kurland Gloria Rosenberg & Irvin Rosenberg
Ralph Heller
Husband of Denah Heller, father of Susan Knopfmacher
Robin & Jordan Lieberman
In Honor Of
Renee & Andy Flager’s 60th Anniversary
Sherry & Bernie Brooks
Marsha Wishnov
The engagement of Rose & Michael Koretsky’s daughter
Jamie to Adam Levy:
Phyllis, Larry, Sam & Jeremy Schachter
Lois & Brian Levey
Harriet & Phil Friedenreich
The engagement of Cindy & Jerry Green’s daughter
Lauren to John Sacks
Phyllis & Larry Schachter
In Appreciation Of
Karen & Marc Shoemaker arranging minyan
at Galilee Pavilion for Zoltan Roberts
Janet & Norman Marinoff
In Honor Of
Our 60th wedding anniversary
Sylvia & Sid Goldberg
Renee & Andy Flager's 65th anniversary
Margie & Jack Wellerstein
Judy & Steve Minsky
The engagement of Rose & Michael Koretsky’s
daughter Jamie to Adam Levy
Tina, Michael, Mara & Max Rettig
Gloria & Ed Mittleman
Sara Pollock
Janet & Norman Marinoff
The engagement of Cindy & Jerry Green’s
daughter Lauren to John Sacks
Tina, Michael, Mara & Max Rettig
Eleanor Liss’s 95th birthday
Eleanor Liss
Janet & Norman Marinoff
Jessica Marinoff & Jim Charatan
Charlotte & Harold Denenberg
Janet Marinoff’s birthday
Speedy Recovery To
Grace Jacob
In Memory of
Freda Weiss
Lee Horowitz
husband of Irma Horowitz
Rose Marie Ernst,
mother of Rose Koretsky
Sid Shubin,
father of Barbara Saltzmann
Eleanor Liss
Jessica Marinoff & Jim Charatan
Janet & Norman Marinoff
Janet & Norman Marinoff
Dan, Debbie,
Jacob, Anna & Ben Wachspress
Tina, Michael, Mara & Max Rettig
Judy & Steve Minsky
Cara & Leon Weissman
Debbie & Steve Lubin & Family
Sylvia & Sid Goldberg
Tina, Michael, Mara & Max Rettig
Cara & Leon Weissman
Sylvia & Sid Goldberg
Sara Pollock
Janet & Norman Marinoff
Sylvia & Sid Goldberg
Congregation Beth El’s Heidi Mittleman Memorial Library
has a great selection of books and resources for children, teens and adults. Located on the
2nd floor of the building, the library is open 3 times each week to serve our community:
Tuesdays: 1:30pm-3:30pm
Saturdays: after services with a Shabbat observant lending system
Sundays: 9:00am-12:00pm
Page 17
Thank You For These Generous Donations
ERIC J. MARINOFF MEMORAL COLLEGE OUTREACH FUND
In Memory of
Ralph Heller,
Husband of Denah, father of Susan Knopfmacher
Tina, Michael , Mara & Max Rettig
Rose & Michael Koretsky
Debbie & Dan Wachspress & family
Hazak of Beth El
Sara Pollock
Sylvia & Sid Goldberg
Randy Flager
Janet & Norman Marnioff
Barbara Fineman
Sue & Elliot Weinstein & Family
Phyllis, Larry, Sam & Jeremy Schachter
Anna KItces & Seth Fishman
Susan Kitces
Lois & Brian Levey
Sue & Elliot Weinstein & Family
In Commemoration of
The yahrzeit of Eric J. Marinoff
Janet & Norman Marinoff
Joni & Michael Charatan
Eleanor Liss
Jessica Marnioff & Jim Charatan
The yahrzeit of Jacob Marinoff
Janet & Norman Marinoff
FIERVIERKER EDUCATION FUND
In Honor of
Renee & Andy Flager’s 65th Anniversary
Roz Kleiman
Sylvia & Sid Goldberg’s 60th Anniversary
Faye Laveson
In Memory of
Lee Horowitz
husband of Irma Horowitz
Anita & Mark Nagurka
Carol & Mark Shucker & Family
Karen, Marc & Matt Shoemaker
Esther Shoemaker
Cindy Berman
Michelle, Michael & Jeanette Weinberg
Renee & Andy Flager
Carol Benderson-Lighter & Stuart Lighter
Ralph Heller,
Husband of Denah & father of Susan Knopfmacher
Karen & Marc Shoemaker
Liz, Auren, Sara & Benjamin Weinberg
Michelle, Michael,& Jeanette Weinberg
HIGH HOLIDAY MAHZOR
In Honor Of
Michelle Flash's "Special" Birthday
Bonnie Abrams
HEIDI MITTLEMAN LIBRARY MEMORIAL FUND
In Memory Of
Rose Marie Ernst,
mother of Rose Koretsky
Cindy Berman
PEREZ YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In Appreciation Of
Rabbi Gruenberg
Wendy & Marc Winokur
In Honor Of
The marriage of Mickey & Marv Dickler's granddaughter
Shoshanna's to Adam
Bonnie, Jason & Ariel Abrams
In Memory of
Lee Horowitz
husband of Irma Horowitz
Bonnie, Jason & Ariel Abrams
Joan & Barry Kritz
Eva & Harvey Samachson
Ralph Heller
Husband of Denah and father of Susan Knopfmacher
Faye Laveson
Charlotte & Harold Denenberg
HESED FUND
In Appreciation Of
Barbara Fineman
Cindy Berman
In Honor Of
The marriage of Susan & Harve Strouse’s
daughter Alissa's to Peter Zuk
Cara & Leon Weissman
Sylvia & Sid Goldberg’s 60th Wedding Anniversary
Juliet & Ron Harvey
Karen & Marc Shoemaker
Carol Benderson-Lighter & Stuart Lighter
In Memory Of
Jordan Albuck,
father of Rick Albuck
In Memory of
Sid Shubin,
father of Barbara Saltzmann
The engagement of Rose & Michael Koretsky’s
daughter Jamie to Adam Levy
Bonnie, Jason & Ariel Abrams
Rose Marie Ernst,
mother of Rose Koretsky
Ralph Dolgoff
HESED FUND
Cara & Leon Weissman
Rose Marie Ernst,
mother of Rose Koretsky
Sid Shubin,
father of Barbara Saltzmann
Speedy Recovery of
Marsha Flager
Bonnie, Jason & Ariel Abrams
Joan & Barry Kritz
Margi & Jason Gold
Bonnie, Jason & Ariel Abrams
Bonnie, Jason & Ariel Abrams
Page 18
Thank You For These Generous Donations
RELIGIOUS BOOKS & ARTICLES FUND
In Honor Of
Renee & Andy Flager’s 65th Wedding Anniversary
In Memory Of
Lee Horowitz
husband of Irma Horowitz
Eva & Sid Moszer
Ruth & Jack Laks
Caren & Nat Bosk
RHODA & MORRIS VOLK MEMORIAL FUND
In Memory Of
Lee Horowitz
husband of Irma Horowitz
Eva & Sid Moszer
Caren & Nat Bosk
RABBI GRUENBERG'S DISCRETIONARY FUND
In Appreciation Of
Rabbi Gruenberg's being there to support us
Renee Wagner,
through the most difficult time of our lives Angela & Nick Ensig
& Shari Wagner
Phil Freidenreich’s help with the Torah/Haftarah reading
Ian Senior
In Honor Of
The engagement of Rose & Michael Koretsky’s daughter
Jamie to Adam Levy
Gail & Howard Lander
The engagement of Yetta & Marty Koretsky’s
granddaughter Jamie to Adam Levy
Gail & Howard Lander
In Memory Of
Lee Horowitz
husband of Irma Horowitz
Grace Jacob
Janet & Bill First
Mindy & Marc Dickler
Ruth Londoner
Gail & Howard Lander
Sid Shubin,
father of Barbara Saltzmann
Heather & Adam Scott
Alan & Janice Shubin
Marlene & Gary Dukart
Gloria & Robert Bernstein
Rose Marie Ernst,
mother of Rose Koretsky
Gail & Howard Lander
Marvin Rosenberg
brother of Yetta Koretsky
Gail & Howard Lander
A Huge Todah Rabbah,
THANK YOU to
Amy Kaissar
for all her hard work and
great efforts in creating a
more friendly engaging
Beth El website!
Page 19
Ralph Heller,
Beloved husband of Denah Heller
Beloved father of Susan & Lewis Knopfmacher
Beloved Grandfather of Dan & Ben Knopfmacher
Steve Saltzmann
Jonathan Kemp
Grace Jacobs
Al Lutzker
Shelly Forman
Keep In Touch!
We welcome your ideas and submissions to The Shofar.
Email feedback, articles and pictures to:
[email protected]
by March 20th for inclusion in the April issue.
We make every effort to ensure our information is
accurate and up-to-date. If you find that we have made
an error or if you have any new contact information,
please contact the synagogue office, 215-493-1707 x4
or email [email protected]
If you would like to receive a hard copy of The Shofar via
regular U.S. mail, do not hesitate to request a monthly
issue to be delivered to your door. Simply call the
synagogue office, 215-493-1707 x4 or email
[email protected]
Sa
Rick and Mindy Albuck and family in honor of their
son Aaron Albuck being named the co-chair of
United Synagogue Youth’s International Convention
in December 2015
Rose & Michael Koretsky in honor of their daughter
Jamie’s engagement to Adam Levy
Yetta & Marty Koretsky in honor of their
granddaughter Jamie’s engagement to Adam Levy
Thank you to all of our dear
friends and fellow congregants who sent condolence
cards and shared with us
their heartfelt memories of
Lee. We have been honored
by those who were so generous and made donations in his memory. The expressions of
love and warmth that you have extended to us have been
both overwhelming and greatly appreciated. You have our
family’s deepest gratitude.
Warmly,
Irma Horowitz and Family
Go to:
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/
23-1538398
——————————————————————————————————————
There are simply no words to express my heartfelt thanks for
the sympathy you have extended toward our family during this
time of loss. We are deeply grateful to you. Thank You for
your generous donations to Chandler Hall and Congregation
Beth El.
With our love,
Rose Koretsky & Family
Page 20
Congregation Beth El
375 Stony Hill Road
Yardley, PA 19067
Shofar Editorial Committee
Charlotte Denenberg ......... [email protected]
Barbara Fineman................ [email protected]
Sara Pollock ....................... [email protected]
Main Office ............................................ 215-493-1707
Fax .......................................................... 215-493-7717
E-mail ................................... [email protected]
FJLC ............................................................................... x2
Gift Shop ....................................................................... x6
Congregation Beth El Officers
Mark Fried ........................................................ President
Leon Weissman ............................. First Vice President
Larry Schachter ........................Second Vice President
Rob Lightman................................ Third Vice President
Sheri Goldstein .............. Co-Education Vice President
Barbara Spivack ............. Co-Education Vice President
Steven Young .................................................. Secretary
Lee Hessberger .............................................. Treasurer
Professional Staff
Joshua Z. Gruenberg, Rabbi....................................... x5
Karen Lewin, Education & Youth Director................ x3
Marian Berger, Bookkeeper ....................................... x4
Michelle Flash ................................ .Sisterhood Liaison
Michael Weinberg ..................... Men’s Club President
Barbara Fineman ................................ Hazak President