october 2013 cheshvan / kislev 5774 - beth am · in creating a meaningful davening experience. this...

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During our Beth Am Israel trip this past June, we ate at a restaurant called Blackout which, as the name indicates, features a sumptuous meal eaten entirely in the dark. After pre-ordering food and drinks, patrons are led in a human chain to their tables. The experience was “enlightening” in many ways, including the opportunity (devoid of visual distractions) to have meaningful conversations with one another and to focus intently on other senses like taste and sound. Each of the servers at Blackout is blind or visually impaired so listening became critical as they guided us with their hands and voices: “Your glass is at your right hand, above your plate.” “Your fork is here, at your left hand.” “Hold still as I clear your plate.”

Our synagogue (and sanctuary in particular) is a visually stunning space, drawing the eye upward to the heavens, but sight is just one important sense and sound is of great help in creating a meaningful davening experience. This year, Beth Am will celebrate a Year of Music focusing on sound and melody as we engage our liturgy, one another and God. Make sure you mark your calendars and sign up for our Shabbaton and Musician-in-Residence Weekend, both happening in November. This month of October features two musical events:

• Eutaw Place kicked off its second full season October 5, with the very talented Aoife O’Donovan (joined by The Sweater Set).

RABBI’S MESSAGE:We’re Puttin’ the Band Back Together (And, yes, we’re on a mission from God) Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg

OCTOBER 2013CHESHVAN / KISLEV 5774

CONTENTS

RABBI’S MESSAGE

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

CONGREGATIONAL LEARNING

CANTOR’S CORNER

UPCOMING EVENTS

CALENDARS

CONTRIBUTIONS

COMMUNITY NEWS

FUND DESIGNATION

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Visit us on line at:bethambaltimore.org

and now you can:

facebook.com/ BethAmBaltimore

US ON

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Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg

OfficersPresident Scott Zeger1st Vice President Julie Gottlieb2nd Vice President Alyson BonavogliaTreasurer Alan KopolowSecretary Elaine Weiss

Trustees through 2014Betty ChemersJerry DoctrowEmily DemskyAshley Pressman

Trustees through 2015Eliza FellerCheri LevinDavid LunkenLynn Sassin

Trustees through 2016Neil KahnCindy ParadiesDesiree RobinsonJim Schwartz

Standing CommitteesAdult Ed Chair Elaine WeissAdult Ed Co-Chair Carla RosenthalFinance Chair Alan KopolowFinance Co-Chair Joe WolfsonHouse Chair Sam PolakoffKiddush Chair Meg HymanMembership Chair Sharon NathansonMembership Co-Chair Robin KatcoffReligious Services Chair Joe WolfsonSocial Action Chair Arthur ShulmanSocial Action Co-Chair Jackie DonowitzYouth Education Chair David Lunken

Ad Hoc CommitteesAnnual Fund Honorary Chair Gil SandlerAnnual Fund Chair Eliza FellerAnnual Fund Co-Chair Jim JacobsBaltimore Jewish Council Ben RosenbergBeth Am Connection Joanne Katz Risa JampelBAYITT Co-Chair Jeff WachterBAYITT Co-Chair Erica AllenCongregant to Congregant Joyce KeatingEutaw Place Ellen Kahan Zager Jack ZagerIn, For and Of Lisa Akchin Maggi GainesMarketing Chair Ellen SpokesOperations Co-Chair Ashley PressmanOperations Co-Chair David DemskyPast President Cy SmithPast President Jack LapidesHonorary Life Member Lainy LeBow-SachsHonorary Life Member Efrem Potts

Office HoursTuesday-Thursday: 9:00-4:00Friday: 9:00-3:00

Phone:Tel: 410.523.2446Fax: 410.523.1729 Extentions:Rabbi Burg - 14Rabbi Gludt - 15Henry Feller, Exec. Dir. - 20Linda Small, Coordinator - 12Norm Weinstein, Bookkeeper - 17Marsha Blank, Educator - Gail Wohlmuth, Admin. Spec. - 21Nakia Davis, Admin. Assist. - 11 Valerie Tracy, Marketing - 10

E-mail:Email: [email protected] site: www.bethambaltimore.org

After hours office phone numbers:Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg443.202.0912 (cell) (emergencies only, please) or [email protected]

Cantor Ira Greenstein443.759.7807 (home)[email protected]

Rabbi Kelley Gludt, Director of Congregational Learning520.248.9541 (cell)[email protected]

Scott L. Zeger, Board [email protected]

In case of an emergency, please contact:Henry Feller [email protected] Director 410.602.2124 (home)

BETH AM BOARD

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PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE Scott Zeger

With the High Holydays and 5773 behind us, the Beth Am Board has a short list of priorities on which to focus its energy in 5774 to build an even stronger spiritual home for learning, prayer and advancing social justice so that we can reinvigorate urban Jewish life in Baltimore, starting in our own Reservoir Hill (http://bethambaltimore.org/whoweare/vision):

• strengthening Beth Am learning programs

• improving Beth Am’s operations • advancing the Campaign for Beth

Am.

At Beth Am, learning occurs in classrooms and through our actions. The first goal is well underway, superbly led by Rabbi Kelley Gludt. Since arriving just 18 months ago, she has worked closely with the Youth Education committee, chaired by David Lunken, to design and implement the Jewish Discovery Lab, a transformed Beth Am school for Jewish and Hebrew education. This year, she is turning to the more complex task of understanding and addressing the congregation’s diverse aspirations for adult learning. The Board will work closely with Kelly and the Chairs of Adult Education, Social Action, and with the multiple learning-focused task forces to serve you better. The unifying theme for 5774 is Music. A future President’s Perspective (PP) will address learning in more detail.

I have already written about the third priority - Campaign for Beth Am. With Lainy LeBow-Sachs as Chair and Cy Smith as Co-Chair, the Campaign has now set the stage for major achievements in 5774. Stay tuned.

The second goal is to further professionalize Beth Am’s operations. Beth Am now has an annual budget of about $1.2 million. Through the Campaign for Beth Am, you are entrusting the Board with pledges that now exceed $6 million and that will grow substantially in the next year. To be responsible with your investments, our administration from top to bottom must be first-rate. One key measure of process quality is that Beth Am remains intimate, eclectic, welcoming...that it feels like home.

To advance the professionalism goal, the Board has created the Beth Am Operations Committee affectionately called “Ops Com”, chaired by Ashley Pressman and David Demsky, with members Lynn Sassin, Ellen Spokes, Sharon Nathanson, Betty Chemers, and Henry Feller. Ops Com will guide process improvement at all levels. The members have started by making a list of low-hanging fruit including using names on staff emails (say goodbye to “office123”), implementing an on-line payment system, succession planning for committee chairs, and training for lay leadership. Special thanks to Henry Feller

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CONGREGATIONAL LEARNING Rabbi Kelley Gludt

I have been asked by many people, friends and family, neighbors and strangers, why I picked up and moved my family all the way across the country to come to Baltimore and to Beth Am. They want a quick answer when the truth is long and detailed. I have no short, satisfying answer to pull out of my pocket. But what I do have, and offer up, is a true story that exemplifies why I am here.

Rabbi Burg was out of town and had asked if I would do the D’var Torah on a Shabbat morning this past summer. I willingly agreed, happy to stretch some latent rabbi muscles. That same day was our end of the year Shabbat Yachad service, and unfortunately our lay leader was called out of town. I figured, with a bit of help, I could swing both, so I asked a competent teenager in our community if she would cover the service for our little ones when I had to step out and then she promptly got sick.

I showed up at Shabbat services with a sermon in hand and two places to be. I looked around, found Ashley Pressman and Jason Katcoff, and explained to them the situation in which I found myself. I was flustered and stressed and probably not all that coherent when Jason looked me in the eye and in a reassuring voice said, “We’re Beth Am. We’ve got this.”

And they did. I walked into services and was able to participate in prayer, to deliver a sermon and lead a discussion, all knowing that this is Beth Am and that our members would step up and take care of it. Yachad went swimmingly that morning.

In the past few months, Claire Stolze mended and repaired the children’s Torah scrolls. Erica Bloom organized a cadre of volunteers to prepare and serve lunch to the children on Yom Kippur. Beth Winters organized a myriad of parent volunteers to supervise in the social hall on all three days of the High Holydays. Sarah Pardue, Rebecca Pardue and Tobiah Robinson led Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services for our families. Various teens and tweens collected pledge cards for Israel bonds on Yom Kippur in the balcony while Leah Smith, Anna Levin, Julia Gross, Bennett Demsky, Hannah Berman, Tobiah Robinson, Isaac Spokes and Kiri Maza all read parts of Jonah at afternoon services on Yom Kippur. Kristi Aho employed her considerable expertise in setting up our online teacher training program. And the list goes on.

Beth Am is an amazing place, with active participation, committed leaders, and talented lay people. We are a community which steps up, helps out, pitches in, and really cares. We’re Beth Am and we’ve got this.

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October / November Shabbat YachadSaturday, October 12Saturday, October 19Saturday, October 26Saturday, November 9Saturday, November 16Saturday, November 23Saturday, November 30

Shabbat Lab has resumed on the first Saturday of each month.October 6November 2

• October 18 is the first of six 5774 dates for Klei Kodesh, Beth Am’s instrumental and joyous Friday night services and dinner.

Music has always been a huge part of what we do at Beth Am, from Cantors Weisgal, London, Weiner and Sachs to our own Ira Greenstein. This year, our hope is to connect existing musical offerings with new ones, providing a framework for a deeper and more frequent exploration of music.

The first century Jewish philosopher, Philo, suggests the heavens are always making music, in perfect harmony and in “accordance with the celestial motions.” When Moshe ascended Mount Sinai, “strains of this heavenly music reached his ears, along with the words of the Torah as God recited them. It is said that for the rest of his life Moshe heard this unearthly music, just as the light that shone from his face after Sinai always remained with him.”

We may not merit, as Moshe did, to ascend Mt. Sinai, but we too, can attune our spiritual selves to heavenly music and it, too, can stay with us as we walk through the world. We often speak about “Jewish Music” which I am not convinced is an actual category, being so diverse and diffuse as to signify little. But “Musical Judaism” is something to which we can aspire. Jewish lives infused with notes and melodies are richer lives. Congregations seeking unearthly music are platforms to reach heavenward.

Rabbi from page 1

YOUTH SERVICES

JEWISH DISCOVERY LABOctoberSun., Oct. 13 - Lab, B’nai Mitzvah Family ClassWed., Oct. 16 - LabSun., Oct. 20 - Lab, Stay and PlayWed., Oct. 23 - LabSun., Oct. 27 - Lab, B’nai Mitzvah ClassWed., Oct. 30 Lab

NovemberSun., Nov. 3 - B’nai Mitzvah ClassWed., Nov. 6 - LabSun., Nov. 10 - Lab, KadimaWed., Nov. 13 - LabFri., Nov. 15-17 - Shul ShabbatonWed., Nov. 20 - LabSun., Nov. 24 - LabWed., Nov. 27 - NO LAB (Thanksgiving)

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CANTOR’S CORNER:Role Playing Our Way through B’reishitCantor Ira Greenstein

The holiday of Simchat Torah is just concluded and we are now reading the first book in the Torah, B’reishit (Genesis). It starts with the Creation story, which sets the stage for the adventures of humankind starting with Noah this month. The idea of Creation is to get us into the ostensible historical narrative that follows, and it is difficult to think of ourselves in the role of Adam or Eve in Eden, or in the role of Cain or Abel or even the residents of Babel. They are characters with which it’s hard to personally identify … if the Torah ever even intended that objective. But Noah initiates a different kind of narrative, one where we in contemporary times can perhaps see ourselves confronted by the dilemmas experienced by the Torah personalities.

Noah hears God tell him to construct a boat to carry the animal world, including humankind, past the sins of the community and start anew. Clearly, from a theological perspective, we can envision the evils of those in the community around us and quietly go about the activities that will rescue animals from the flood. That is, we can put ourselves into the minds of the players in this saga, identifying with the problem and with what the solution means to us. For example, let’s pretend to be Noah. I am living among people for many decades before I am asked to build the ark, then realizing that these neighbors are going to be drowned. I see these people walking by all the time, perhaps even stopping to hold a conversation or barter some of my

cattle for some crops. What do I tell these people, when they see me building this “thing” in some dry-dock, perhaps even in the middle of a land-locked area? Is not the lesson of Cain and Abel that we are responsible, one for the other? Should I become somewhat of a prophet, telling people to clean up their acts before they get wiped out? If I do that, what will they think of me? What will GOD think of me? Can I feel that accountable, or alternatively that independent and disconnected?

What do I tell my own family? What does my wife think of what I am doing, and how does she assess my personal sanity since SHE did not hear “the voice?” How about the kids … are they not the least bit curious about their old man? The text gives us scant clues, which can be more puzzling than silence. Noah is described as “a righteous person in his generation.” Does role-play allow us to speculate about the translation, creating maybe our own midrash to help explain the text and its meaning, filling in some of the blanks with invented detail?

Moving ahead to Abraham, our sages did much to fill in the blanks in the Torah text … to the point that we confuse what is invented and what is actually in the source text. The text begins to fill in some of its own lines here, giving a description of how Abraham feels (or does NOT feel) when

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ordered about. Two examples: we learn that Abraham listens unquestioning to God when told to sacrifice Isaac, but argues when told that Sodom and Gomorrah will be destroyed. Abraham also frets when asked by Sarah to toss out Hagar and Ishmael. There is a lot to role-play here, putting ourselves into the roles of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Isaac, or Ishmael … and a lot to appreciate in the process. In the past, I have found that our kids respond well to such questioning, and I might suggest trying some of this role-play at the Friday dinner table each week.

The entire first book of the Torah is replete with creative opportunities as we hear the text chanted and read the translation. I encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities. By role-playing the personalities in B’reishit we can gain a better understanding of how the Biblical personalities might feel. Walk a mile in their shoes. Imagining the story between the text’s lines has been a pastime of our scholars, and we, too, can participate in the game in order to better explore our own values and feelings in Torah-created but identifiable situations.

Cantor from page 6

and his staff, and to all of the committee and task force chairs for welcoming (or at least tolerating) this initiative that, by its nature, is disruptive and requires extra work for a brief period, in order to achieve higher proficiency in the longer term.

Led by First Vice President Julie Gottlieb, the Board held a one-day retreat on October 6, at the Pearlstone Center. Each committee and task force presented its mission and goals for the year, to see

President from page 3

where we can better begin to coordinate and prioritize our activities. Thanks to Rabbi Burg, Bob Leventhal from United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) was the retreat moderator. Julie will document for you what we learned in a major rewrite of our strategic plan, in order to incorporate the changing landscape and multiple planning efforts that have been conducted in recent years.

Third, Beth Am has accepted an invitation from The Associated to be one of four local organizations to constitute a pilot version of the Engagement Partnership, a customized process for Jewish organizations to develop strategies to better engage their members by balancing people’s needs and interests with organizational needs. Second Vice President Alyson Bonavoglia has generously agreed to lead this initiative, working closely with the Membership Committee led by Sharon Nathanson, with Ops Com and with Henry Feller and his staff. Beth Am will be eligible for small Associated grants to implement improved processes arrived at through the Engagement Partnership.

In summary, Beth Am’s professional and lay leadership is using 5774 to become best-in-class at serving its vision and each of you. We want to enhance your Beth Am experience and ensure our collective future.

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BAYITTUPCOMING EVENTS:Second Fridays Return!Friday, October 11 at 6:30 pmServices and Free DinnerFeaturing Dr. Steven David, professor of political science at Johns Hopkins University, leading a discussion about Syria.

BAYITT Hang Out in Druid Hill ParkSaturday, October 19th, following services (around 1 pm)Meet by the statue of William Wallace. Bring your Frisbee/ball/picnic blanket/etc! (If it rains we’ll meet at Beth Am and walk/drive to the Allen house)

Halloween HavdalahSaturday, October 26, 6:45 pmFollowed by drinks - Location TBD

For more information about BAYITT events please visit our website, bayitt.org, or contact us at [email protected].

Beth Am Young Adult Initiative for Twenties and Thirties

Beth Am Chix - Post-Sukkot Sangria and Woot Sunday, October 13, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Beth Am Chix, a dynamic group of women in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, is gathering for Post-Sukkot Sangria and Woot. Since the holidays fell so early this year, the Beth Am Chix got off to a late start. But we didn’t want to miss an opportunity to gather and enjoy a glass of Sangria together! And one of our own, Gail Fishman, is launching a new culinary endeavor -- WOOT!, homemade granola -- so we thought we would combine the two into one really fun event!

Please come for a glass and a nibble and feel free to bring a friend!RSVP by Oct. 11 to Ellen Spokes: [email protected] Brought to you by:Alyson Bonavoglia, Emily Demsky, Melissa Cordish, Jessica Lunken and Ellen Spokes

SANGRIA & WOOT!

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tix

& in

fo EUTAWPLACE.ORG 410-484-9110

{at beth am}

PLACEEUTAWMUSIC

dec. 14: liz longley w/bob sima ; jan. 11: chris ayer w/ellen cherry feb. 1: guy davis* ; mar. 1: ernie halter w/victoria vox ; apr. 5: 2nd anniversary concert: TBA may 3: peter bradley adams w/ruut

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nov 2 /8 pm: singer/songwriter toby lightman w/doug wamble beer. wine. coffee. tea. homemade cookies.

toby lightman’s first album little things was released in 2004 on lava/atlantic, featuring the hit single devils and angels, which enjoyed considerable airplay in the summer of 2004. during her career, she has toured and performed with bands such as oar, rob thomas, jewel, gavin degraw, train and prince. since becoming an independent artist, her music has been featured on national tv and she has appeared on letterman, conan, gma, and the cbs morning show. she’s released 4 albums. her new ep, holding a heart, has just been released. a native of memphis, doug wamble lives in new york where he has performed and recorded with artists such as wynton marsalis, cassandra wilson, norah jones, natalie merchant, branford marsalis, bill frisell and charlie hunter and epic recording artist morgan james. he has composed and performed original works for the lincoln center jazz orchestra, chamber music america, and film soundtracks for acclaimed documentarian ken burns including the tenth inning, prohibition and the central park five. his first independent release, fast as years, slow as days” came out in 2013.

Lost ChildhoodSaturday, November 9, 2013, 8 pmMusic by Janice Hamer Libretto by Mary Azrael (a Beth Am member)with the National Philharmonic Piotr Gajewski, conductorThe Music Center at StrathmoreNorth Bethesda, Maryland

The opera Lost Childhood is based on child Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist Yehuda Nir’s memoir, The Lost Childhood, and his friendship with Gottfried Wagner.

A free pre-concert lecture will be offered in the Concert Hall at 6:45 pm.

Ticket Office Phone: (301) [email protected] | www.strathmore.org

CONCERT OPERA PERFORMANCE

After a summer hiatus, Sunday Minyanim return to Beth Am, with bonus monthly Learning Minyan:

SUNDAY MORNING MINYANIM

Location: Beth Am ChapelMinyan followed by breakfast and great conversation - every Sunday - 9:30 am

Minyan followed by breakfast and Learning Minyan - the first Sundays of each month - 9:30 am

Your Mitzvah Minyan - To help make a quorum each week, we are asking each Beth Am member to attend minyan at least once a year – the week of your birthday. See you in shul!

RSVP the dates you expect to attend to [email protected] or 410.523.2446

2013

5774HESHVANOCT.

KLEI KODESHMusical Kabbalat Shabbat

Friday, October 18 and Friday, December 6 - 6 pmMUSIC

EVENT

BETH AMYEAR OF

Please join Rabbi Daniel Burg, Cantor Ira Greenstein and guest musicians for a Musical Kabbalat Shabbat. Open to the community!

7 pm dinner to follow services with Israeli / Mediterranean FareAdults - $16 | Children 6-12 yrs. - $10 Household maximum - $56Children 6 and under are free!RSVP by October 15 - 410.523.2446 or [email protected]

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday1 2

4:15 pm - Jewish Discovery Lab

3 46:26 pm Candle lighting

58:45 am - Torah Study 9:30 am - Sanctuary Ser-vice with Kiri Maza’s Bat Mitzvah 10:30 am - Shabbat Lab8 pm - Eutaw Place

69:30 am - Minyan followed by Learning Minyan4 pm - Dr. Louis L. Kaplan tribute7 pm - Cyber-parenting

7 812 pm - Lunch & Learn


10 116:15 pm Candle lighting6:30 pm - BAYITT FREE Services and Dinner

128:45 am - Torah Study 9:30 am - Kesher Service 10:30 - Shabbat Yachad

139:30 am - Minyan 9:30 am - Jewish Dis-covery Lab3:30 pm - Sangria and Woot!

14 15 164:15 pm - Jewish Discovery Lab

179 am - Our Daily Bread

186 pm - Klei Kodesh6:05 pm Candle lighting

198:45 am - Torah Study 9:30 am - Sanctuary Ser-vice with Gabe Samuels’ Bar Mitzvah 10:30 - Shabbat Yachad1 pm - BAYITT Hang Out in Druid Hill Park

209 am - Our Daily Bread9:30 am - Minyan9:30 am - Jewish Dis-covery Lab




268:45 am - Torah Study 9:30 am - Sanctuary Ser-vice with Rose Bridger’s Bat Mitzvah10:30 - Shabbat Yachad6:45 pm - BAYITT Hallow-een Havdalah

279 am - Our Daily Bread9:30 am - Minyan9:30 am - Jewish Dis-covery Lab



HESHVANOCT.

2013

5774

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LEA

RNRichard Rosenthal’s Office - On-street parking is very limited. Garage parking available for a fee.Tydings & Rosenberg, LLP 100 E Pratt, 26th floor Baltimore, MD 21202November 12 RDBDecember 10 RKG

Karin Batterton’s Office Coldwell Banker Res. BrokerageVillage of Cross Keys38 Village SquareBaltimore, MD 21210October 22 RKGNovembe r 26 RDBDecember 17 RKG

LUNCH & LEARN 2013 Schedule Noon - 1 pm

All are welcome, please bring a fish/dairy lunch.Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg will lead during the months of Nov, Jan, Mar, and May.Rabbi Kelley Gludt will lead during the months of Oct, Dec, Feb, and April.

KISLEVNOV.

&Beth Am Synagogue celebrates

its “Year of Music” with a Weekend of Song with

Joey Weisenberg

MUSICIAN IN RESIDENCE

MUSIC EVENT

BETH AMYEAR OF

Joey Weisenberg, mandolinist, guitarist, singer and percussionist will visit Beth Am Synagogue as a musician-in-residence to teach his popular ‘Spontaneous Jewish Choir’ workshop.

Friday, November 16 pm Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service7 pm Congregational Dinner8 pm Post-dinner song session

Saturday, November 2Participating during shabbat services and after the Kiddush luncheonMore details to follow…

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday15:47 pm Candle lighting 6 pm - Musician in Residence - Joey Weisenberg

29:30 am - Sanctuary Services w/ Musician in Residence - Joey Weisen-berg10:30 am - Shabbat Lab8 pm - Eutaw Place

39:30 am - Minyan followed by Learning MinyanNO Lab

4 56 pm - RHIC’s Annual Meeting



99:30 am - Sanctuary Services10:30 am - Shabbat Yachad

109:30 am - Minyan9:30 am - Jewish Dis-covery Lab



14 15Shul Shabbaton4:34 pm Candle lighting

16Shul Shabbaton9:30 am - Kesher Services10:30 am - Shabbat Yachad

17Shul Shabbaton9 am - Our Daily Bread9:30 am - Minyan



224:30 pm Candle lighting 6 pm - Services followed by dinner followed by Scholar Program with Prof. Edward Greenstein

239:30 am - Sanctuary Services with Prof. Edward Greenstein10:30 am - Shabbat Yachad6:30 pm - Whitelock Farm Fundraiser

249 am - Our Daily Bread 9:30 am - Minyan9:30 am - Jewish Dis-covery Lab


27Chanukah (1)NO Jewish Discovery Lab

28Chanukah (2) Thanksgiving

29Chanukah (3)4:27 pm Candle lighting

30Chanukah (4) 9:30 am - Kesher Services10:30 am - Shabbat Yachad

KISLEVNOV.

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AUGUST 2013CONTRIBUTIONS

Building Preservation and Ritual Enhancement Fund

Cantor’s Discretionary Fund

Etta & Louis L. Kaplan Education Fund

Kiddush Fund

Adult Education Fund• Vickie Dorf - In memory of Lillian Dorf, her

mother, on her yahrzeit• Marcia & Robert Kargon - In memory of

Samuel Meyer Rose and Ira Kargon, their fathers, on their yahrzeits

• Rebecca & Perry Bridger - In memory of Myrna Lapides, sister of Jack Lapides

• Bette Cohen - In memory of David Traub, husband of Carol Traub; In honor of Tony Perlman on his birthday and Patsy & Tony Perlman on their anniversary

• Emily & David Demsky - In memory of Sylvia Levitov, mother and grandmother of Lainy LeBow-Sachs and Carrie LeBow; In memory of Lynn Kotzen, mother of Ellen Spokes

• Herbert Garten - In memory of Sylvia Levitov, mother of Lainy LeBow-Sachs

• Barry Glass - In memory of Morris Glass, his father, on his yahrzeit

• Chickie Grayson - In memory of Sylvia Levitov, mother of Lainy LeBow-Sachs

• Shelly & Jeff Hettleman - In memory of Lynn Kotzen, mother of Ellen Spokes; In memory of Sylvia Levitov, mother of Lainy LeBow-Sachs

• Roz & Nelson Hyman - In memory of Myrna Lapides, sister of Jack Lapides; In memory of Debby Freeman, wife of Harold Freeman

• Sheila & Steve LeMel - In memory of Max Grossfeld and Irvin LeMel, their fathers, on their yahrzeits

• Pamela & Eric Loeb - In memory of Sylvia Levitov, mother of Lainy LeBow-Sachs In memory of Lynn Kotzen, mother of Ellen Spokes

• The Harvey M. Meyerhoff Fund, Inc. - In memory of Sylvia Levitov, mother of Lainy LeBow-Sachs

• Ellen and Susan Patz - In memory of Lester S. Levy, their father and grandfather, on his yahrzeit

• Paula Singer & Michael Pearlman - In memory of Lynn Kotzen, mother of Ellen Spokes

• Diane & Howard Berg - In memory of Ruth Asnis, her mother, on her yahrzeit

• Judy & David Drager-Davidoff - In honor of Abigail Drager-Davidoff on her Bat Mitzvah

• Sheila & Steve LeMel - In memory of Sylvia Levitov, mother of Lainy LeBow-Sachs

• Ann & Duke Frazier - In honor of Sam Frazier, on his marriage to Brooke

• Nancy & Harris Goldberg - In appreciation of Beth Am Synagogue

• Skylar Hogan & David Boonie - In appreciation of Nancy Shuger

• Andrea Krupp and Tom Hooper - In memory of Sylvia Levitov, mother of Lainy LeBow-Sachs

• Pamela & Eric Loeb - In memory of Bessie Bondy and Elisa Litchgarn, his grandparents, on their yahrzeits

Garden Fund

• Judy Miller - In memory of Myrna Lapides, sister of Jack Lapides

• Sarajane Greenfeld -In memory of Sylvia Levitov, mother of Lainy LeBow-Sachs; In memory of Doris Gold and Martin B. Greenfeld, her mother & husband, on their yahrzeits

• Harriet Miller - In memory of Myrna Lapides, sister of Jack Lapides

I. William Schimmel Student Scholarship Fund

General Fund

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Prayer Book Fund

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund

Social Action Fund

• Barbara Udell - In appreciation of Harriet Miller

• Gail & Lou Wohlmuth - In memory of Debby Freeman, wife of Harold Freeman

• Mayer & Evelyn Posner - In memory of Myrna Lapides, sister of Jack Lapides

• Judy Miller, Arna Desser & Mara Baraban- (Chumash) In memory of Debby Freeman, wife of Harold Freeman

• Paula Singer & Michael Pearlman - (Mahzor) In memory of Harold Martin Singer, her father, on his yahrzeit

• Rheda Becker - In memory of Sylvia Levitov, mother of Lainy LeBow-Sachs

• Patricia Fradkin-Berman & Michael Berman In appreciation

• Shirley Braverman - In memory of Jerry Goldman, her brother, on his yahrzeit

• Judy & David Drager-Davidoff - In honor of Abigail Drager-Davidoff on her Bat Mitzvah

• Karen Egorin & Martin Yaker - In appreciation

• Rikki Fleisher Family - In appreciation • Roz & Nelson Hyman - In memory of David

Honick, brother of Al Honick• Mary Jacobs - In memory of Herman

Wortsman, her father, on his yahrzeit• Mimi & Richard Joseph - In memory of

Lillian Silbert, her mother, on her yahrzeit• Lainy LeBow-Sachs & Leonard Sachs - In

memory of Myrna Lapides, sister of Jack Lapides; In memory of Debby Freeman, wife of Harold Freeman

• Nadja & Albert Pats - In memory of Leah Leavey, his sister, on her yahrzeit

• Doreen & Richard Rosenthal - In memory of Sylvia Levitov, mother of Lainy LeBow-Sachs

• Elaine & Sol Snyder - In memory of Sylvia Levitov, mother of Lainy LeBow-Sachs; In memory of Ruth Singer, wife of John Singer; In memory of Myrna Lapides, sister of Jack Lapides

• Ellen & Jeff Spokes - In memory of Marvin Kotzen, her father, on his yahrzeit

• Leslie Sporn-Symonds & Phillip Symonds - In memory of Sylvia Levitov, mother of Lainy LeBow-Sachs

• Carol Traub - In appreciation • Gail & Lou Wohlmuth - In memory of Alan

Yoffee, her brother, on his yahrzeit

• Kim Andrews & Andy Hartwig - In appreciation of Beth Am Synagogue

• Lisa & Don Akchin - In memory of Gerald Weinstein, late husband of Irma Weinstein

• Mimi Davidoff - In memory of Shirley Davidoff, her sister-in-law, on her yahrzeit

• Mimi Davidoff, Amy Davidoff & Judy Drager-Davidoff - In memory of Florence Mirantz, their mother and grandmother, on her yahrzeit

• Cheri & Ed Levin - In memory of Lynn Kotzen, mother of Ellen Spokes; In memory of Sylvia Levitov, mother of Lainy LeBow-Sachs; In memory of David Traub, husband of Carol Traub

• Jo-Ann Orlinsky - In memory of Sylvia Levitov, mother of Lainy LeBow-Sachs; In memory of Myrna Lapides, sister of Jack Lapides

• Georgia Parker - In memory of Myrna Lapides, sister of Jack Lapides

• Leslie Sporn-Symonds & Phillip Symonds - In memory of Lynn Kotzen, mother of Ellen Spokes

• Alyson Bonavoglia & George Wittenberg - In memory of Lynn Kotzen, mother of Ellen Spokes; In memory of Sylvia Levitov, mother of Lainy LeBow-Sachs

Youth & Teen Education Support Fund

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PRAYERS FOR HEALING

• Cy Smith for being recognized in the 2014 edition of Best Lawyers in America.

• Eutaw Place for your feature on Toby Lightman in the Jewish Times.

• Connie Baker for being honored by HopeWell Cancer Support, Oct. 17, for her 14 years of Board service.

• Jackie Donowitz, Dan Richman and Joe Nathanson on your feature in the Baltimore Community Foundation Annual Report

• Ana Pavich & Adam Geroff on the birth and naming of their daughter, Hedy Lucia.

• Ronald Shapiro and Rabbi Jacob Agus, z”l (father of Deborah Agus) for being inducted into the Baltimore Jewish Hall of Fame

• Laura Fine Liebman on being named assistant coach of the Israel national lacrosse team. Parents are Bailey & Stanley Fine

• Josh Bender on being hired as the new head of the lower school at Krieger Schechter Day School.

• Ann & Duke Fraizer on their son, Sam Fraizer’s marriage to Brooke Fraizer.

MAZEL TOV

COM

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EWS Harry Adler, friend of Roberta and Cantor Ira Greenstein

Burt D’Lugoff Judy Smith, associate of Roberta Greenstein (Cantor Ira Greenstein)Ken Salzman, brother-in-law of Gail & Lou WohlmuthOfra Shipman, cousin of Roberta Greenstein (Cantor Ira Greenstein)Michael Weise Joel Young, friend of Roberta and Cantor Ira Greenstein Rachel PinesLeroy Hoffberger, friend of Debra FurchgottHarry RossenDonald Allen, father of Lisa Minick (Chris)Ann Neuman Libov, friend of Debra FurchgottNorma Gaines, grandmother of Emily Gaines Demsky (David)Steven Kraft, brother of Jim Kraft (Kristi Aho)Judah Salzberg, grandson of Alan & Francine KrumholzJerald Lipsch, brother of Harriet Goldman (Herb)Barry GlassCyndi Lee Haaz, mother of Stephany Moonaz (Robert) Robin Leidner & Sue Martin, friends of Amy Davidoff & Steve GoreAlan GrossRobert Katz, father of Joanne Katz (Scott Zeger)Hilda CoyneVickie DorfRenee C. Riley, friend of Beth AmFran Kanterman Steven Eisenberg, friend of Les Stellman

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Thank you Sarajane Greenfeld and Betty Seidel for your continued support

proofreading for Beth Am!

KIDDUSH LUNCHEON AND BIMAH FLOWERS

70+ BIRTHDAYSSally Neustadt 2-OctJoan Sills 2-OctDebra Furchgott 3-OctJudy Miller 6-OctEd Wallach 8-OctEfrem Potts 11-OctHarriet Goldman 13-OctSidney Levin 16-OctBetsy Hess 18-OctRobert Kargon 18-OctRena Konheim 23-OctPaul Hollinger 27-OctJoyce Keating 28-OctShirley Leaderman 30-Oct

50+ ANNIVERSARIESMonica & Arnold Sagner 22-Oct

Raymond Zager, father of Jack Zager (Ellen Kahan Zager)

RECENT DEATHS

Sponsorships and Donations:• Aug 17 - A special donation was

made to the Kiddush Fund by the Schimmel and Desser families in memory of Blanche Schimmel

• Sept. 7 - The Kiddush luncheon was lovingly sponsored by Judy Miller’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in honor of her special birthday.

• Sept. 28 - The flowers on the Bimah were in memory of Aaron Priel, Yoav Paz-Priel’s grandfather; Kiddush luncheon was sponsored by the Paz-Priel family in honor of Yoav Paz-Priel’s Bar Mitzvah.

• Oct. 5 - The flowers on the Bimah were in memory of Michael Maza, Kiri Maza’s uncle, and Frank Maza, Kiri’s grandfather; Kiddush luncheon, sponsored by Dianne Schwartz and Jim Maza in honor of Kiri Maza’s Bat Mitzvah.

Honor a family member or friend by sponsoring Shabbat bimah flowers or a Kiddush luncheon.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Beth Am welcomes our newest members!August - September 2013Linda & Howard BergIlene & Neri CohenDavid DavisHillary Ross& Jonathan EpsteinElissa Golin & Simeon GoldblumMelinda Goodman & Matthew AdlerLena & Josh HershkovitzStephanie HershkovitzLori Jenner & Ira GottliebSarah & Ben KelleyAbby KrolikLaura & Jim LarsonJeremy LautmanMarsha & Dick ManekinBecky Pearlman & Peter EvansRachel Webb & Ben Slivnick

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Attention Busy Beth Am-ers!This probably describes many of us. We are totally overcommitted with family and work responsibilities, but we would like to make a meaningful contribution to the Reservoir Hill community. So, here are two ways in which you could make a meaningful, sustained contribution in a targeted, specific way:

• John Eager Howard Elementary School has started a Wellness Committee. Jon Kaplan (B'more Fit) is partnering with the school to introduce a healthier way of living. Parents and staff have already volunteered to be on this committee. Community members are welcome and needed.

• The School and Rec. Leadership Team (under the umbrella of Reservoir Hill Improvement Council) is looking to broaden its scope this year to increase recreational options for all who live in the Reservoir Hill community.

Your expertise, your energy, your grant writing experience, and, yes, possibly your contacts in the city could make a tremendous difference with one of these worthy initiatives.

If interested in joining either of these committees, please call Jackie Donowitz at 410-235-5761.

Support John Eager Howard Students and Staff!!!When you check out at your local Giant, use the John Eager Howard #01429. Giant Foods will then direct a portion of their profit from your purchase to the school. Nothing big; but it all adds up! Funds could be used for additional purchasing additional playground equipment, stocking the school store, sponsoring a drama/music/dance group performance... there are so many possibilities!

#01429

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

OctoberSundays - Oct. 20 and 27Thursdays - Oct 17 and 31

NovemberSundays - Nov. 17 and 24Thursdays - Nov. 21

Volunteer at Our Daily Bread 9 am - 1 pm

If you want to volunteer, contact Victoria Dorf by noon the Friday before. Must be 14 or older and accompanied by an adult. [email protected] or daytime: 410.965.9245evenings and weekends: 443.310.5310

OUR DAILY BREAD

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FUND DESIGNATIONAccessibility Fund - Used to make the facility accessible to those with impaired physical abilitiesAdult Education Fund - Supports educational programs for all adultsBAYITT Fund - Beth Am’s Young Adult Initiative for 20’s and 30’sBuilding Preservation and Ritual Enhancement Fund - Supports the preservation and renovation of the building and the ritual itemsCantor’s Discretionary Fund - Allows the Cantor to support special programs and individuals in needEtta & Louis L. Kaplan Education Fund Supports the purchase of furniture, equipment and capital improvements for the Jewish Discovery LabFloral Fund - Beautifies the BimahGarden Fund - Beautifies grounds

General Fund - Applied to the operating budget of the congregationI. William Schimmel Student Scholar-ship Fund - Assists students in their educational pursuitsKiddush Fund - Used for luncheons following Sabbath and holiday services Prayer Book Fund - Supports the purchase of prayer books and ChumashimRabbi’s Discretionary Fund - Allows the Rabbi to support special programs and individuals in needSocial Action Fund - Supports social action activities in the Reservoir Hill area and the general communityTiny Tots Shabbat Fund - Supports Shabbat programs for our preschoolersYouth & Teen Education Support Fund Supports educational programs for all of Beth Am’s youth

ACKNOWLEDGE THE OCCASION THROUGH BETH AMWe encourage all congregants to send their contribution requests directly to Nakia Davis, [email protected] so they can be processed in a timely manner.

First & Last Name(s): _______________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________If your contribution is from a couple or family, please list all names (use additional paper if necessary)

Telephone: (________) __________ - ___________________

Address: _________________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip: ____________________________________________________________________

Date: _______________________ Amount of Donation: __________________________($10 minimum requested; please make checks payable to Beth Am)

Fund Designation__________________________________________________________________

In honor/memory/appreciation of ___________________________________________________Send Acknowledgement Card To:

Name: ___________________________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip: ___________________________________________________________________

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october 2013 cheshvan / kislev 5774 - beth am · in creating a meaningful davening experience. this...

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