Bulletin
Celebrating the Joy of Judaism, Embracing all Jews. SHAVUOT 5780/2020
ARE YOU SLEEPING THROUGH HISTORY?
Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg There is a tradition for Jews to stay awake all night on the eve of Shavuot, awaiting that moment in time when we received the tablets of the law on Mt. Sinai. Why do we stay awake? Thirty-three hundred years ago, on the sixth day of Sivan, after the Jews had prepared for three days to receive the Torah, we are told that there was “thunder and lightning and the strong sound of the shofar.” Why all the noise? Explain our sages: because the Jews overslept! The Jews needed an alarm clock to wake them for that great moment in time. It has been pointed out that what happened to the Jews at Sinai is very much an aspect of human nature. Great events may be taking place around us, and we react with a yawn. History is being made and we take a nap! For many, that is the reaction to the coronavirus that has
Every year, our BT community comes together for our SPOTLIGHT scholarship event. That is where we raise the funds to provide financial assistance for more than 50% of our student population. THIS YEAR, SPOTLIGHT IS GOING TO BE A LITTLE DIFFERENT...
As more families find themselves facing financial struggles due to the COVID-19 crisis, the demand for financial aid is growing. That is why we established the Beth Tfiloh Scholarship Relief Fund. This year, more than ever, we ask you to be there for our BT community, like BT has always been there for you. Join us online on June 4th at 8 pm for Spotlight at Home!
enveloped planet Earth. We are living through a truly historic moment in time, but are we really paying attention and learning from it? People write and talk about how they go shopping, what they are watching on television, how can you get Zoom to work, etc. etc. We look forward to the virus coming to an end … and that’s it! We would be wise at this time to hear the sound of the shofar, to listen to the alarm clock that is awakening us to issues that we have slept through before the virus. God and nature are urging us to ask ourselves in light of the virus: Have we learned to differentiate between luxuries and necessities? Has the effect of the virus strengthened our faith, or weakened it? Has it turned us into globalists or nationalists? Do we better appreciate teachers, nurses, etc. and will it be reflected in their future salaries? Has all that has unfolded taught us to “save for a rainy day”… or to “eat, drink and be merry … for tomorrow we die”? We are in the midst of receiving a once-in-a-lifetime wake up call. Make sure you are not sleeping through it!
Be Our Guest! June 4th, 8 pm Join us for Spotlight at Home, a free online event celebrating our community’s strength, resilience, and generous support of the Beth Tfiloh Scholarship Relief Fund. Together, we will enjoy an evening of inspiration and world-class entertainment, including: n
Words of gratitude from Dr. Schorr and Rabbi Wohlberg
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The annual Spotlight school video premiere
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A surprise student musical performance
FEATURED ENTERTAINER: Comedian Howie Mandel, star of NBC’s America’s Got Talent and Deal or No Deal, back for his third Spotlight performance! RSVP for Spotlight and donate to the Beth Tfiloh Scholarship Relief Fund at
BETHTFILOH.COM/SPOTLIGHT
LEADERSHIP SPONSORS
In honor of BT’s Amazing Teachers And In honor of the BT Class of 2020
Dr. Adrian Dobs and Dr. Martin Auster
The Messing Family Foundation
Frona A. Brown, Ed.D. and Family
Irene and Robert Russel and Family
Penn Carliner Family
Silverstein Family
The Haron Dahan Foundation
Roz and Marvin H. Weiner Family Foundation
The David and Barbara B. Hirschhorn Foundation
Jerome G. and Annette S. Zimmerman Foundation
SHAVUOT 5780/2020
BETH TFILOH BULLETIN
BT COMMUNITY RECONNECTS THROUGH QUARANTINE CALLS Rabbi Dr. Eli Yoggev A wise person once said, “True stars break out during hard times; while the others hide in fear.” Beth Tfiloh’s star is definitely shining bright during these dark times of COVID-19. A recent initiative, spearheaded by BT Director of Synagogue Life Holly Venick, mobilized 72 volunteers to reach out to more than 500 BT member households with members over the age of 70. To date, those volunteers have placed well over 2,000 calls to our members…and they are still going. According to Holly, “The goal was to check in on our members’ well-being, to make them aware of virtual services and programs run by our shul, to let them know about services available in the community, and to create or rekindle relationships through Jewish geography.” All this has happened — and more. At times, the calls were simple check-ins; other times, volunteers helped the people they called navigate Zoom call-in and video features. Many of the conversations involved chatting about daily affairs, as Liba Benus notes: “We talked about how we were managing our groceries, our Passovers, and staying connected to our loved ones.” Those on the receiving end greatly appreciated the genuine concern and hearing a friendly voice on the other side of the line.
This is what Judaism is all about. The Torah opens up stating, “It is not good for people to be alone,” (Bereishit 2:18). We are physically separate nowadays, but we are always united as a community. This effort showcased this core value in the best of ways. This unity is especially needed when it comes to our members over 70 years of age. Many have no contact or limited contact with people throughout their day. The calls helped fill some of the social void brought upon us all by COVID-19. But what was even more special was how good it made everyone feel, including those who placed the calls. Fran Pruce shared, “I loved hearing about people’s families, their home circumstances, and their Baltimore history. I was happy to know they were okay. Making these calls was one of the most gratifying things ever.” Liba echoed this sentiment: “I hope that the calls were helpful for them but actually these calls brightened my days!” They were also beneficial for us clergy as they enabled us to find out which members were in hospitals or rehabilitation facilities, in turn allowing us to check in on those members. This is BT at its finest: lovingly reaching out to others and proving that “one mitzvah begets another mitzvah,” (Chapters of the Fathers 4:2).
The connections that were forged will last for years to come. “I’ve enjoyed calling members of our shul community and connecting with members I know and even those I’ve never met,” shared Lynn Davidov. “I even have plans to meet up with a couple of women once we are able to be back in shul together to put names to faces.” Stacy Schwartz shared her experience of forming new connections: “I discovered someone who knew my mother from childhood where they attended the old Beth Tfiloh location with Rabbi Rosenblatt. I talked to someone whose granddaughter went to BT with our son.” These times can be scary and lonely for many. As a community, we can hold our heads high knowing that we did not, and will not, hide. Instead, we shine bright, spreading love and light to those who need it, showing that “a little bit of light can dispel a lot of darkness,” (Duties of the Heart 5:5). If you are interested in calling members through this difficult crisis, please contact Holly Venick at hvenick@btfiloh.org for more details.
VOLUNTEERING DURING QUARANTINE Let’s join together to make a big difference and show how much BT Cares! Here are some ways you can make a difference during COVID-19 quarantine:
VOLUNTEER FROM HOME
VOLUNTEER SAFELY OUT THE HOUSE
end WELL WISHES to essential Lifebridge Health S employees and hospital patients in your neighborhood. n Send thank you cards OR letters to deployed troops, first responders, and emergency personnel on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. n Create cheery signs for or make friendly phone calls to area nursing home and senior living facility residents or Kosher Meals on Wheels clients to help to reduce loneliness. n Make thank you cards for essential employees at your local grocery store, restaurant, retail store, post office, etc. Drop them off the next time you go shopping or give them to a friend to drop off!
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rop off fruit and other kosher snacks at the Pikesville D Volunteer Fire Department. n Drop off non-perishable food to benefit children receiving assistance through the Baltimore Child Abuse Center. n Donate blood to help with the severe blood shortage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Find details about these important volunteer opportunities at bethtfiloh.com/btcares, or email Lindsay Gaister, Director of Social Action, at lgaister@btfiloh.org.
SHAVUOT 5780/2020
BETH TFILOH BULLETIN
SHAVUOT AND TORAH AT HOME SHAVUOT 2020/5780 Rabbi Chai Posner Which of these things does not belong? Pesach, Omer, Shavuot, laws of gathering from the field, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot. If you guessed the laws of gathering, you are correct! In Vayikra, chapter 23, the Torah runs through the holidays of the year. Right after mentioning Shavuot it reminds us about the laws of leaving certain parts of the field for the poor when we gather in the harvest. Why are these laws inserted right in the middle of the discussion of the holidays? The classical commentaries give a number of different possible answers. The Ibn Ezra, for example, explains that since Shavuot is the time of the year when the wheat harvest begins, the Torah felt it appropriate to remind us about relevant laws of gathering the harvest. The Ramban takes a different approach; he suggests that one may have thought that since the gatherings of the Omer are already a mitzvah, one need not leave any over for the poor. The Torah teaches us that this is not the case — one must still keep the mitzvah of leaving portions over for the poor. Rashi cites a Midrashic answer to this question, one which I find particularly relevant for Shavuot this year:
R. Abdimi the son of R. Joseph said: What reason had Scripture to place it (the law concerning the gatherings of the field) amidst those regarding the festival-sacrifices — those of Passover and Shavuot on this side of it, and those of the New Year, Day of Atonement and Sukkot following on that side of it? To teach you that one who leaves the gleanings, the forgotten sheaf and the corner of the field to the poor as it ought to be, is regarded as though he had built the Temple and offered his sacrifices therein. The Midrash understands that as a Jew living after the destruction of the Temple, when one reads about all of the korbanot (sacrifices) that are supposed to be brought during these holidays, it could be deflating. We cannot celebrate these holidays as they should be celebrated, as we are instructed in the Torah. To address this the Torah reminds us that we have plenty of mitzvot that we can do. And in fact, if we do our best with those mitzvot, for example if we treat the poor and vulnerable in a kind way, in the way instructed by the Torah, God considers it as if we offered those korbanot. We find ourselves this Shavuot celebrating another holiday outside of shul; this time the holiday that celebrates
receiving the Torah, which we cannot read together this year. We could feel deflated. We could feel that we aren’t celebrating Shavuot as it is meant to be celebrated. But we can also take comfort in knowing that there are plenty of mitzvot that we can do. And perhaps it is no coincidence that the specific laws mentioned here, the laws of gathering, relate to chesed, acts of kindness. After all, it is on Shavuot that we read Megillat Ruth, a megillah that our sages tell us was written in order to show the great reward of those who carry out acts of chesed. One reason we read this megillah on Shavuot is because the very essence of the Torah is chesed. The Torah was given in the desert to remind us that it is relevant at all times and in all places. There is so much good that we can do even from our homes. There is so much of Shavuot that we can celebrate even as we stay inside. And to paraphrase the Midrash, God willing, if we keep the Torah in our homes this Shavuot, may God regard it as if we came to shul and celebrated there. And may we all return to shul and to Jerusalem speedily in our days! Chag Sameach.
WELCOME ABOARD TO OUR NEW SHUL LEADERSHIP Beth Tfiloh Congregation is fortunate to have devoted lay leadership that provides extraordinary vision, expertise, and commitment to our shul. We thank our Congregation Officers for their continued service, and welcome our newly elected Board of Directors officers and board members: Officers of the Congregation (term ends 2021): Dr. Ron Davis, President • Dr. Louis Baer, Honorary President • Gary Eidelman, 1st Vice President • Benny Sobol, 2nd Vice President • Dr. Peter Jay, Secretary Officers of Board of Directors (term ends 2021): Louis Schwartz, Board Chair • Neil Sweren, Executive Vice Chair • Dr. Craig Friedman, Vice Chair, Camp • Sherry Mauer, Vice Chair, Development • Melissa Eisner, Vice Chair, Finance • Avi Benus, Asst. Vice Chair, Finance • Michael Bresler, Vice Chair, Governance • Colin Fleisher, Vice Chair, Properties and Facilities • Bess Gilden, Vice Chair, Synagogue Life • Shelley Kaye, Secretary Board Members (term ends 2023): Ivy Ammann • Stephanie Baron • Lauren Hurwitz Braunstein •Melissa Eisner • Colin Fleisher • Dr. Craig Friedman • Melinda Levin • Sherry Mauer • Judah Rosenblatt
Join us online for pre-Shavuot learning and inspiration! Visit bethtfiloh.com/virtualBT for a complete schedule.
Meet our leadership! Read their biographies at bethtfiloh.com/shulleadership 3
SHAVUOT 5780/2020
BETH TFILOH BULLETIN
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AT SHAVUOT HOME Rabbi Dr. Eli Yoggev In general, Shavuot is light on customs. The three that stand out are all-night Torah learning, decorating the shul with greenery, and eating milk products. These three customs point to three areas where we can find meaning during this Shavuot as we uniquely celebrate it outside of shul.
ALL-NIGHT TORAH LEARNING On this holiday, we commemorate the receiving of the Torah. How lovely it would be to reenact our own personal reception of the Torah through Shavuot learning. But let’s be honest — it is difficult to stay up learning on a regular Shavuot. This year, outside of shul, it will be even more difficult. What is important to remember is that it is not an all-or-nothing game. Here is my suggestion: learn for at least a half-hour after dinner on Shavuot evening; if you can add on more time, great. Plan beforehand what you will learn — make sure it is something you enjoy reading — and place it on your table to ensure it will happen. As for the rest of the holiday: print out something from the internet to read over the holidays. Do a web search and find an article that you want to read and set it aside for your holiday enjoyment. It is these small touches that can transform and elevate our holiday experience.
NATURAL SHUL DECORATIONS One reason we do this is to bring to mind the agricultural element of the day. On this day a double bread offering was brought in the Temple and the first fruits were celebrated. We can extend this nature theme to our lives outside of shul by going outside or opening a window and observing nature. Breathe in the fresh air, feel the sun, take in the calm of nature. Go into your backyard and sit for a bit, alone. We have time to do so this year while we are not attending shul. Take advantage of this opportunity. MILK PRODUCTS One explanation for this custom is that milk symbolizes life. Just like the cow sustains her calf with milk, we are sustained by the Torah and celebrate it through milk products on Shavuot. We can continue this theme of life beyond our tables by doing things that bring us and our family life. It is an even bigger mitzvah this year to be happy on Yom Tov while far away from our shul family. What are a few things that enliven you and your family? A favorite board game, a creative group activity? Plan ahead to engage in at least one of these activities over the holiday and enjoy life!
Here are a few more practical tips for a successful at home Shavuot: n
Dress up in Yom Tov clothing for Yom Tov meals and for davening. Trust me, it really does make a difference, if only for your own sanity and attitude toward the day.
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Sing Hallel out loud at your home. This may drive your neighbors crazy, but Hashem will love it! You will also come out uplifted if this resonates with you.
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Set aside a bit of time for reflection. Reflect on what has transpired over the past two months. How have you grown? How can the Torah help in improving your life going forward? What are your plans for after COVID-19? Maximize the extra time out of shul for growth and introspection.
These are only a few ideas. What is most important is to make your holiday count this year, even if we are counting this 50th day on our own, in our homes. May this be a meaningful and enjoyable holiday for all of us!!
TIME TO DAVEN! Throughout quarantine, Beth Tfiloh is offering a variety of online classes and programs, as well as virtual Mincha and Maariv services. Below is a list of times for virtual services, as well as Shabbat candle lighting, Shabbat end times, and virtual Havdallah services with Hazzan Albrecht. Of course, we encourage our community to daven at home for all services not offered virtually. View our complete schedule of online classes, events and services at bethtfiloh.com/virtualBT.
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Mincha/Maariv
Candle lighting
Shabbat ends
Havdallah with Hazzan
May 31-June 6
6:45
8:12
9:14
9:34
June 7-13
6:45
8:16
9:17
9:37
June 14-20
6:50
8:18
9:20
9:40
June 21-27
6:50
8:19
9:20
9:40
June 28-30
6:50
SHAVUOT 5780/2020
BETH TFILOH BULLETIN
A GUIDE FOR DAVENING AT HOME – SHAVUOT 2020 Rabbi Chaim Wecker It appears that unfortunately, we will not be in shul for Shavuot this year. The good news is that most of davening can be recited individually. The major exceptions are Torah reading, Kaddish, Barchu, and the repetition of the Amida, including Kedusha. However, Yizkor may be said on Shabbat, May 30, the second day of Shavuot, even without a minyan. Below is a guide to davening at home. Please refer any davening related questions to cwecker@btfiloh.org. All references below are first to the Koren Sacks Siddur and second to the Artscoll Siddur, both used in shul.
THURSDAY EVENING, MAY 28 Candle lighting is at 8:07 pm. We daven Mincha at 8:10 pm and Maariv at 8:25 pm. If you prefer to usher Shavuot in earlier, please don’t light candles or daven Maariv before 6:54 pm. Maariv begins as it does on a regular Friday night (p. 335/330), but we recite a verse, Vayedaber Moshe (p. 345/336), right before the Amida. We recite the special Amida for the holiday of Shavuot (p. 771/660) and conclude with Aleinu (p. 365/350).
FRIDAY, MAY 29, FIRST DAY OF SHAVUOT For those who stayed up all night learning Torah, please note that sunrise is at 5:43 am, which is the same time that one would try to begin the Shacharit Amidah. Davening begins as it does on Shabbat, except we recite Hameir La’aretz for the weekday holidays in the Brachot before Shema (p. 457/408). We recite the special Amida for the holiday of Shavuot (p. 771/660), followed by Hallel (p. 733/632). Sadly, Akdamut Millin will not be recited this year. It is meritorious to read the two Torah readings (pp. 1146/966 and 1149/968) as well as the Haftorah (p. 1149/968) to oneself. We then recite Ashrei (p. 529/456) followed by the special Musaf Amida for Shavuot (p. 807/674). Birkat Kohanim is skipped. We conclude with Ein Kelokaynu (p. 557/476), Aleinu (p. 563/480), and the psalm for the day for Friday (p. 191/168). If we were in shul, we would daven Mincha at 6:40 pm and Maariv at 6:55 pm, which is the earliest time to light Shabbat candles and daven Maariv. The latest time to light candles is at 8:08 pm. Please remember that we only light these candles from a preexisting flame; we do not strike a match on a holiday. We begin Mincha with Ashrei (p. 595/502) and continue with the special Amida for the holiday of Shavuot (p. 771/660) followed by Aleinu (p. 625/526). We then daven an abridged Kabbalat Shabbat, reciting only the two paragraphs we usually say after Lecha Dodi (p. 325/320 only). Maariv: Same as last night (p. 335/330) with both Vishamru and Vayidber Moshe (p. 345/336) and the special Amida for Shavuot (p. 771/660), but remember to include the insertions for Shabbat. We conclude with just the paragraph of Vayichulu (p. 359/346) and Aleinu (p. 365/350).
SHABBAT, MAY 30, SECOND DAY OF SHAVUOT Same Shacharit as a normal Shabbat until the Amida. We recite the special Amida for the holiday of Shavuot (p. 771/660) with insertions for Shabbat, followed by Hallel (p. 733/632). It is meritorious to read Megillat Rut followed by the two Torah readings (pp. 1143/964 and 1149/968) as well as the Haftorah (p. 1151/969) to oneself. There are different customs whether to recite the first paragraph of Yekum Purkan (p. 517/448) when davening alone. We then recite Yizkor (p. 797) followed by Ashrei (p. 529/456) and the special Musaf Amida for Shavuot (p. 807/674) with insertions for Shabbat. Birkat Kohanim is skipped. We conclude with Ein Kelokaynu (p. 557/476), Aleinu (p. 563/480), and psalm for the day for Shabbat (p. 567/488). If we were in shul, we would daven Mincha at 7:45 pm. This would normally give us enough time to eat Seudah Shileesheet. If you wish to daven Mincha later, please make sure that you are finished by 8:27 pm. We begin Mincha with Ashrei (p. 595/502) and the 1 ½ lines of Va’ani Tefillati (p. 601/506) and continue with the special Amida for the holiday of Shavuot (p. 771/660), including the insertions for Shabbat, followed by Aleinu (p. 625/350). We daven Maariv at 9:05 pm, which is when Shabbat and Shavuot end. Maariv is the same as the regular Saturday night Maariv (p. 243/256) including the Veatah Chonantanu paragraph that we usually recite at the conclusion of Shabbat/ Yom Tov (p. 261/268). After the Amida, we recite the usual Vihi Noam (p. 695/594) and VeYitein Lecha (p. 703/600) followed by Aleinu (p. 711/608) and Kiddush Levanah (p.715/612) if there is a visible moon. Again, please don’t hesitate to contact the clergy if you have any questions about anything. Many have the custom to stay up all night or part of the first night of Shavuot studying Torah. Others decorate their home with beautiful flowers. If you want to engage in either custom, that’s wonderful! If you think you’ll have a question in the middle of your Torah study at 3 am, I’ll be happy to provide Rabbi Posner’s or Rabbi Yoggev’s home addresses. Wishing everyone a very healthy and a very happy Shavuot!
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BETH TFILOH BULLETIN MAY 2020 A IYAR-SIVAN WE GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE THE FOLLOWING CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR CONGREGATION & SCHOOL5780 The following are donations made through March 15th. View all contribution acknowledgments through May 8 at bethtfiloh.com/bulletin.
GERALD W. AND ELAYNE J. BERG TEACHERS’ FUND In Memory of: Ira Himmel, by Elayne Berg BETH JACOB CONGREGATION SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory of: Ronald Meier, by Zelda Okun BETH TFILOH DAHAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL In Honor of: Irina and Michael Diamond, on Sammi becoming a Bat Mitzvah, by Rena and Elliot Rank Linda and Steve Hurwitz, on AJ and Jordana’s marriage, by Reta Davis In Memory of: Sol Gerstman, by Janet Feinberg Harold Rose, by Morah Levinson’s preschool class Myer Summerfield, by Ethel and Isaac Gheiler and family. BETH TFILOH DAHAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Honor of: Liba and Avi Benus, on their daughter. Devora, becoming a Bat Mizvah, by Ellen and Joseph Miller, Rena and Elliot Rank Marty Grand, on his special birthday, by Rachel and Alfred Meisels, Ellen and Jay Feinglass, and Marilyn and Rick Waranch Linda and Steve Hurwitz, on Andrew and Jordana’s marriage, by Laurie and Mike Kott, Ellen and Joseph Miller Alfred Meisels, on his special 90th birthday, by Sandy and Howard Rosenblatt Zipora Schorr, in gratitude for all she does for them and the BT family, by Stacy and Louis Schwartz and family In Memory of: Sylvia Abbott, by Rabbi Yehuda Oratz Janean Adelstein, by the BT High School History Department, Rabbi Yehuda Oratz Henry Hans Culman, by Debra and Mark Rapaport Linda Fruman, by Rabbi Yehuda Oratz Sara Gaister, by Rabbi Yehuda Oratz Lillian Garonzik, by Rabbi Yehuda Oratz Margaret Gitlitz, by Rabbi Yehuda Oratz Saul Goldberg, by Rabbi Yehuda Oratz Steven Glubo, by Mira and Nissim Dahan, the Hosid Family, Debra and Mark Rapaport Ira Himmel, by Cheri and David Hurwitz and family, the Lunenfeld Family Frank Hohman, by Wilma and Paul Alpert
PNC Mortgage Harvey Grutman Great Rates!!! 410-415-6000 Harvey.Grutman@pncmortgage.com NMLS 587326
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Jerome Jay, by Rabbi Yehuda Oratz Ronald King, by Rabbi Yehuda Oratz To commemorate the yahrzeit of Leonard Kohlenstein, by Sharon and Harvey Grutman Robert Kussner, by Jill and Gary Eidelman and family Allen Meren, by Rabbi Yehuda Oratz Vulf Miropolskiy, by Rabbi Yehuda Oratz Harold Rose, by the Rapaport Family Mark Rottenberg, by Elaine and Stan Weintraub Ezra Seegull, by Debbie Allen, Alison Arkin, Sherry and Barry Ascher, Laurie Austen, Linda Barron, Howard Baumwell, Leah and Yehuda Bennett, Donna Bernstein and Aaron Ness, BT High School History Department, Susan and Paul Brenner, Devora and Bob Brooks, Frona Brown and Beryl Rosenstein, Ruthie and David Carliner, Laila and Steve Chamuel, Natalie and Jay Chason and family, Jacob and Odette Cohen, Jennifer and Ben Cohen, The College of Liberal Arts Administrative Assistants, Towson University, Melissa Cordish, Rachel Cunningham, Mira and Nissim Dahan, Mindy and Marc Dickler, Sandy and Sheldon Dobres, the Eidelman family, Melissa and Adam Eisner, Saralyn and Jeff Elkin, Donny English, Naomi Feldman and David Gorelick, Benjamin Fisher, Joanne and Robert Fishman, Jamie, Josh, Alyssa, and Ryann Forman, Suzy and Bobby Freier, the Gaister Montague family, Beth Gansky and family, the Garten family, the Gartenhaus Family, Kyle Geiger, the Goetz Family, Mitch Gold, Jane and Mark Goldstein, Melissa and David Gottlieb, Enid and Neil Gurney, Richard Hafets, Chelsea Hartnett, Betsy and Mike Hatcher, Andrea and Bill Heyman, the Hiseys, Jared Isaacson, Ilene, Pete, Mitchell, and Margot Jay, Sara and Tal Lesser, Francine and Harvey Levin, Hillary and Jonny Lewis, Jackson Lewis Foundation, Jackson Lewis P.C., Mindy and Jud Lipowitz, the Locke family, the Lunenfeld family, Mimi and Jeff Magaziner, Allison and Aaron Magat, Evan Malinow, Manganaro Midatlantic, Lori and Bob Marcantonio, Ellen and James Marmer, Vered and Dror Mei-Tal, Esther and Abe Messafi, Ellen and Joseph Miller, Robin, Mark, Paul, Andy, and Chloe Neumann, Larry Plant and Olivia Plant, Andrea, Brian, Daniel, Evan and David Polsky, Rena and Sheldon Polun, Rena and Elliot Rank, Susan and Barry Reis, Carole and Alvin Rock, Dina and David Rock, Marilyn and Josef Rosenblatt, the Rosenfeld family, Susan and Steve Rubin, Irene and Robert Russel, Wendy and David Russel, Marcia and Alvin Sachs, Charlene Schimberg, Kyla and Mitchell Schneider, Linda and Sidney Schnyder, Erica and Lew Schon, Stacy and Louis Schwartz and family, Beth and Michael Sellman, Tina and Lee Sheller, Ellen and Andrew Shevrin and family, Richard Siegel, Cheryl and Gene Spektor, Elaine and Gary Susel, the Troy Family – Steven, Jody, Joseph, Jacob, and Isaac, Ellen Kagen Waghelstein, the Weiner Family – Rosie, Ian, Jared, Matthew, and Trevor, Dorothy Yankellow, Susan Yurow, Paula Zyne BROTHERHOOD S. HAROLD COHEN SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory of: Jerome Jay, by Michelle and Ken Tepper and family PAUL BURMAN HOSPITALITY FUND: Speedy Recovery to: Rubin Schechman, by Morris Schechman CHARLES CRANE AND HOWARD S. BROWN EDUCATION FUND We appreciate the anonymous donation made to this fund.
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION DISCRETIONARY FUND In Memory of: Ezra Seegull, by Leslie and Stephen Pomerantz SAMUEL AND SIDNEY EPSTEIN CHAPEL FUND In Honor of: Rabbi Chai Posner for his kindness, caring and thoughtfulness, by Larry Aiken, Stuart and Marlene Aiken JEROME AND RHEDA FADER CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory of: Janean Adelstein, by Laurence Block GARFINKEL FAMILY LEARNING ASSISTANCE FUND In Memory of: Ezra Seegull, by Marlene and Carl Menache GENERAL FUND In Honor of: Janet and Jerome Sefret with congratulations on their 62nd wedding anniversary, by Lillian Fribush, Lois Spitulnik In Memory of: Gerald “Jerry” Gordon, by Marc Hurwitz, Susan and Michael Sless Jerome Jay, by Dawn LaPorte SONIA AND STANLEY GOLDBERG ADOPT-A-CHILD FUND In Honor of: Linda and Steve Hurwitz, on AJ and Jordana’s marriage, by Leslie and Ron Goldberg Cindy and Jerry Stern, on the birth of their grandson, Charlie James, by Leslie and Ron Goldberg Speedy Recovery to: Max Rozga, by Leslie and Ron Goldberg In Memory of: Ira Himmel, by Stanley Goldberg Melvin Kabik, by Leslie Goldberg, Reta Davis, and Cathy Greene Alan Katz, by Dawn and Glenn Goldberg Gloria Perlman, by Dawn and Glenn Goldberg Myer Summerfield, by The Goldberg Family – Stanley Goldberg, Dawn and Glenn Goldberg, Jessica and Jared Goldberg, Leslie and Ron Goldberg HURWITZ PRESCHOOL EDUCATION FUND In Memory of: Ezra Seegull, by Cheri and David Hurwitz and family DAVID & JUDY JACOBSON HOLIDAY PROGRAMMING FUND: In Honor of: Harriet Silverstein in celebration on her special 85th birthday, by Sonia Obstler In Memory of: Gerald Gordon, by Barbara and Bruce Lewbart, Brian Lewbart and Betsy Bender, Randi and Eric Kraus Jerome Jay, by Jill and Barry Waldman
SHAVUOT 5780/2020
BETH TFILOH BULLETIN ALAN J. KARLIN CHATAN TORAH HONOR FUND In Memory of: Melvin Kabik, by Jacob Miliman Ezra Seegull, by Chloe Faegenburg LAWRENCE M. KATZ ISRAEL TRIP FUND In Memory of: Ezra Seegull, by Amy, Rick, and Matthew Barron MAX AND ESTHER KAYE ISRAEL SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Honor of: Frances Kessler, on her birthday, by Lani, Molly, and Michael Kessler MINYONAIRES FUND: In Honor of: The Daily Minyan, by Judy Floam In Memory of: Marcia Abrams, by Nate Sefret THE NATANZON & TAYLOR FAMILY ISRAEL/ POLAND TRIP FUND In Honor of: Fran and Steve Pruce, on their 40th wedding anniversary, by Susan and Michael Sless STANLEY Z. PENN MEMORIAL LECTURE FUND: In Honor of: Joan and Larry Feldman on the birth of their granddaughter Noa Feldman, by Ruthie and David Carliner Adele Sidle in celebration on her special 85th birthday, by Ruthie and David Carliner In Memory of: Joyce Hankin, by Helene Penn PRAYER BOOK FUND In Honor of: Edith and Lou Bluefeld in honor of their 79th wedding anniversary, by Trudy and Jock Freedman RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND In Honor of: His 85th birthday and Aliyah, by Leonard Gerstein Caleb Gitlitz on leading a wonderful service, by Phil and Ilene Spector In Memory of: Scott Parks, by Elaine, Bill and Nancy Fine
Ezra Seegull, by Melissa, Joe, Alana, and Emily Gordon, Giselle and Natalio Pincever and family, Jen Postal, the Rubin Family, Monica, Abraham, Sarah, and Jonah Schneider, Dorothy and Bart Sidle
MAZEL TOV We extend a Mazel Tov to the following members: To Joel Davis on his special birthday and the 80th anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah To Linda and Steve Hurwitz on the marriage of their son, Andrew Hurwitz to Jordana Suldan, daughter of Miriam and Joel Suldan; and to the grandparents, Faye and Abe Adler, and Shirley and Don Feldstein To Paula and Michael Pearl on the birth of a granddaughter, Ayla Pearl Silverman, daughter of Jennifer and David Silverman
CONDOLENCES We extend our heartfelt condolences to the following members: To Sheldon Dobres on the loss of his brother, Howard Dobres To Arlene Fleischmann on the loss of her husband, and our member, Rudy Fleischmann To Carol Glusman on the loss of her brother, Steven Bernstein To Beth Kaplan on the loss of her mother, Marilyn Kaplan To Keith Kanter on the loss of his mother, Sara Lee Kanter To Roderick King on the loss of his father, Ronald King To Stacey Levinson on the loss of her father, Harold Rose To Elie Messafi on the loss of hie father, Abe Messafi To the Miller family on the loss of our member, Helene Miller To Phipps Cohe Moran, on the loss of her father, Saul Cohe
To Yael Moses on the loss of her husband, and our member, David Moses To Janet Platt and Marvin Platt on the loss of their husband and brother, and our member, Edward Platt To Fran Pruce on the loss of her brother, Gabriel Pruce To Walter Samet on the loss of his brother, Dr. Elliott Samet To Steve Samuelson, Ron Samuelson, and Barry Friner on the loss of their wife, mother, and sister, and our member, Barbara Samuelson To Diane and Larry Seegull on the loss of their son, Ezra Seegull To Alan Summerfield on the loss of his father, Myer Summerfield To Sherri Sweren on the loss of her mother, Marlene “Cookie” Parish To the Velder family on the loss of our member, Eli Velder To Warren Zerwitz on the loss of his brother, Bernard Zerwitz
YAHRZEIT CONTRIBUTIONS Hinda Alliker, by Dr. Saul Roskes Anne Alpert, by Paul Alpert Simon Alpert, by Paul Alpert Sylvia Ash, by Barry Ash Louis Ashinsky, by Rochelle Lewis Joseph Attman, by Ely Attman, Lillian Fribush Judah Auster, by Marvin Gamerman Arnold Barr, by Shelley Gitomer Beverly Barr, by Shelley Gitomer Ruth Bass, by Ferne Anshen Lillian Becker, by Lois Hirt Pearl Berg, by Howard Berg Samuel Berg, by Elayne Berg Samuel David Bernstein, by Howard Bernstein Betty Blickman, by Bonnie Carol Greenwald Paula Bondy, by Phyllis Langwith Gilbert Burgan, by Jean Burgan Bessie Cabnet, by Michele Elover Bertha Caplan, by Hinda Caplan Nathan Cohen, by Norman DuBois Bernard Creeger, by Gertrude Schunick Samuel M. Creeger, by Gertrude Schunick Philip Cushner, by Susan Frank Harry Dackman, by Elliot Dackman Ileen Dickman, by Elinda Hendin
Continued on back page
MILTON AND RAE SAMUELSON MEMORIAL FUND In Honor of: Barbara and Steve Samuelson, on their granddaughter’s engagement, by Marcia and Alvin Sachs In Memory of: Ezra Seegull, by Laura, Ron, and Ethan Seegull SISTERHOOD GIFT FUND In Memory of: Jerry Gordon, by Joanne and Herb Belgrad YAD B’YAD FUND In Memory of: Steven Glubo, by Emily, Scott, Ryan and Shayna Levin Jerome Jay, by Emily, Scott, Ryan, and Shayna Levin
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BETH TFILOH BULLETIN
BETH TFILOH CONGREGATION
Roz & Marvin H. Weiner Family Campus 3300 Old Court Road / Baltimore, MD 21208
Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1262 Baltimore, MD
SHAVUOT 5780/2020
BETH TFILOH Synagogue Office 410-486-1900 Fax 410-653-0603 Schedule of Services Dial 6, 2 Information Hotline 410-413-2345 mail@btfiloh.org • www.BethTfiloh.com
BETH TFILOH CONGREGATION Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg, 410-413-2215 Hazzan Avraham Albrecht, 410-413-2212 Rabbi Chai Posner, 410-413-2219 Rabbi Dr. Eli Yoggev, 410-413-2316 Rabbi Chaim Wecker, Ritual Director, 410-413-2218 Dr. Ron Davis, President Louis Schwartz, Board Chair Don Weinapple, VP, Finance, 410-413-2291 Eve Kresin Steinberg, Executive Director, 410-413-2251
Celebrating the Joy of Judaism Embracing all Jews
BETH TFILOH DAHAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL Switchboard: 410-486-1905
Dr. Zipora Schorr, Director of Education, 410-413-2305 Larry Seegull, President, Board of Trustees Melissa Lebowitz, PreSchool Director, 410-413-2303 Dr. Susan Holzman, LS Principal, 410-413-2508 Rabbi Yehuda Oratz, MS Principal, 410-413-2407 Dr. Renee Koplon, HS Principal, 410-413-2235 Brian Singer, Hebrew School Coordinator, 410-413-2523 Laurie Kott, Director of Admission, 410-413-2308 Allison Magat, Director of Tuition & Financial Aid, 410-413-2310 Joan Feldman, Director of Strategic Initiatives, 410-413-2312 Mandi Miller, Dir. of Institutional Advancement, 410-413-2399
BETH TFILOH YOUTH CENTER
Cherie Brownstein, Synagogue Program Director 410-413-2220 Marlene Hollander, Asst. Youth Director 410-413-2451
MERCAZ DAHAN CENTER
FOR JEWISH LIFE AND LEARNING
Chana Slavaticki, Director, 410-413-2441 Shelley Kaye and Anne Pfeffer, Co-Chairs
BETH TFILOH CAMPS
Yahrzeit Contributions continued Dr. Herman J. Dorf, by Helene Penn Dorf Reuben David Eberlin, by Cheryl Rosenfeld Dora Gail Eisen, by Phyllis Eisen Ruth Eisenberg, by Gwenn Eisenberg, Ronald Eisenberg Philip Elover, by Michele Elover Frieda Epstein, by Beverly Gersh Samuel Feit, by Barry Friner Ellis S. Fine, by William Fine Chana Finkelstein, by Sherry Blum Ellis Finkelstein, by Jack Finkelstein Sara Finkelstein, by Roy Finkelstein Eleanore Fischbach, by Marion Newman Ernest Fox, by Jeanie Lazerov Martin Fox, by Harold Fox Yevgenya Friedman, by Diana Lubman Lorraine Friner, by Barry Friner Harry Gendason, by Herbert Gendason Albert Geshetker, by Dr. Charles Geshekter, Ruth Geshekter Millward David Fishel Gheiler, by Isaac Gheiler Gertrude Gandel, by Dr. Larry Gandel Jacob Gitomer, by James Gitomer Lillian Gold, by Shari Miller Dimitri Goldman, by Jane Feldman Louis Goodwich, by Dr. Kenneth Goodwich Samuel Gorman, by Luda Gorman Gertrude Greenberg, by Janice Salzman Herman Greenberg, by Rosalie Rapoport Anna Greenblatt, by Marcia Leavey Elmer Greenwald, by Gary Greenwald Rose Greenwald, by Gary Greenwald Boruh ben Calic Grinman, by Flora Elbert Sonia C. Grossman, by Nina S. Grossman Hinda Hendin, by Barbara Rosenthal Samuel Hendin, by Barbara Rosenthal Sidney Hirsch, by Francine Levin Esther Hornstein, by Larry Hornstein Eli Jaschik, by Marcia Leavey Moshe Kalichman, by Anne Pfeffer
Solomon Karen, by Deena Dermer Bertram Louis Karpel, by Susan Karpel Esther Petock Kaye, by Robert Kaye Caroline McGrath Kebrich, by Sheri Kebrich Marvin Keyser, by Betty Jacobs Keyser Alan Kirson, by Nancy Kirson Iris Kotz, by Jeffrey Kotz Ben Kowitz, by Ervin Kowitz Sylvia Kramer, by Janis Kramer Philip Kravetsky, by Sonia Maltinsky Julius Kushner, by Dr. Melvin Kushner Ruth Lamb, by Dr. Richard Lamb Ruth M. Lazarus, by Lois Glassman Minnie Lerner, by Marcia Leavey Anna Levin, by Michele Elover Brian Alan Levin, by Carol Feikin Louna Lichaa, by Diane Seegull E. Reuben Lipman, by Michael Yerman Yuliy Lubman, by Arthur Lubman Mildred Marine, by Phyllis Langwith Sara Mez, by Jack Finkelstein Shirley Miller, by Phyllis Brash Sandy Moffet, by Jerry Moffet Betty Mofsovitz, by Jerry Moffet Shirley Nachman, by David Nachman Daniel Needle, by Roslynn Goldberg Bernard Newman, by Seymour Newman Ella Newman, by Wilma Alpert Marvin Abraham Newman, by Seymour Newman Joseph Nieman, by Marlene Amdur Ferguson Morris Pats, by Dr. Marc Leavey Aaron Prager, by Lutz Alexander Prager Mikhael Rakhunov, by Dr. Anna Zemelshtern Samuel Rashbaum, by Gerald Rashbaum Bernard H. Reichlyn, by Leslie Walters Saul Robbins, by Dr. Solomon Robbins Samuel Roskes, by Dr. Saul Roskes Samuel Rotner, by Richard Rotner Bertha Sachs, by Alvin Sachs
Minnie Sanborn, by Sheila Fox Reba Sapperstein, by Linda Shafer Joseph Scheinin, by Sheila Mentz Sophie Scheinin, by Sheila Mentz Harry Schenker, by Wendy Schenker Israel Schreibman, Dr. Julian Schreibman Elmer Robert Setlen, by Julie Wasserman Blanche Shaivitz, by Dr. Edward Shaivitz Edward Shavitz, by Dr. Malcolm Renbaum Eva Shemer, by Brian Shaffer Herman Sidle, by Adele Sidle Harry Silbert, by Suzanne Fox, Brenda Nudelman Barnett Silver, by Dr. Charles Geshekter, Ruth Geshekter Millward Miriam Silverman, by Lawrence Silverman David Smith, by Edward Platt, Dr. Marvin Platt Dora Stark, by Larry Hornstein Harry Stark, by Larry Hornstein Leah Stoler, by Charlene Schimberg Louis Sulsky, by Rikki Solomon William Samuel Tannenbaum, by Dr. Debra Birenbaum Jacob Temkin, by Lynne Haas Moishe Leib Tepper, by Dr. Marcos Tepper Bronya Tonkaya, by Ludmila Oborin Morris Tucker, by Dr. Harold Tucker Theresa Uman, by Irvin Uman Jacob Voloshen, by Marlene Eichner Manuel Weinstein, by Dr. Jerome Weinstein Martha Weissman, by Sheila Jay Harry Zablonsky, by Anna Lee Adler Sarah Zalesch, by Sharon Rosenthal Oscar Zenitz, by Carolyn Rockoff Raymond D. Zimmerman, by Susan Zimmerman Erna Zinreich, by Dr. Simion James Zinreich
410-517-3451
Sam Bloom, Director Craig Friedman, Chair
SYNAGOGUE LIFE COMMITTEE Holly Venick, Director of Synagogue Life, 410-413-2244 Bess Gilden, Chair
BETH TFILOH CEMETERY Morris Segall, Chair
PARENT ASSOCIATION
410-413-2314
Randi Abramson, President
BT MEN
410-413-2238
Larry Abramson, President
SISTERHOOD
410-413-2239
Rena Polun, President Sonia Maltinsky, Gift Shop
BT CARES SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE 410-413-2224
Lindsay Gaister, Director
BULLETIN Rina Goloskov, Dir. of Marketing/Communications, 410-413-2369 Erin Smith, Communications Coordinator, 410-413-2322 Paul Miller, Graphic Designer, 410-413-2216 Charlene Schimberg, Communications Assoc., 410-413-2217