back to bt the beth tfiloh alumni newsletter Volume V | Issue 6 | September 2016 | Elul 5776 page 3
Fashion Forward
yitzi teichman ’16
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Introducing our Dorot Chairs ’00 & ’94
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page 6
alex rabin ’16
rabbi benjamin shefter ’07
Reflections from Balancing Needs a ’16 Graduate with Responsibility
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We hope to see you for the High Holy Days
Any new or current BT Synagogue members, age 35 and under, are eligible for complimentary 2016 high holiday seats! For more discounts and competitive pricing, call (410) 413-2244.
A Message from our Chair high holy day services
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t the beginning of Beth Tfiloh’s new school year, I walked my two current BT students to their classrooms. Along the way, I heard the shouts of greeting and the peals of laughter from old friends reuniting after a summer break and I saw the shyness of new students clinging to their parents. A new year had started—a new year of hopes and dreams, of goals and accomplishments. I remembered all the wonderful feelings of all of my first days as a BT student and how many of those friends I still text, call and email; and I reflected on how Beth Tfiloh is a huge part of my past, present and future. A new year also offers the potential for growth. As we approach the High Holy Days, Ponczak Family we look back on the year that has passed and look towards the New Year with positivity, as an unchartered territory full of potential. During this time of introspection and reflection, it is important to measure how we as individuals, and as an organization, are performing. The Beth Tfiloh Alumni Association has had a tremendous year: we had the most successful Annual Campaign ever; we have a record number of alumni connected with Beth Tfiloh—including 106 second-generation children enrolled in the School (Dorot Families); and for the first time an alumni couple chaired spotlight. These are all wonderful accomplishments, but we as an association are growing at a fast rate and have to keep the momentum going. My pledge to you is that I will work hard to ensure that we grow within the Beth Tfiloh community and that we contribute meaningfully. What I ask of each of you is that you consider what Beth Tfiloh means to you and what role you see yourself playing within our Alumni Association. There are many opportunities for alumni to give back to Beth Tfiloh. Let’s work together to make this the best year possible for our Alumni Association. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the past chair of the Alumni council, Lisa (Miliman) Diamond ‘00, who expanded the Alumni Association to what is it today. As always, please do not hesitate to get in touch! Shana Tova and G’mar Chatimah Tovah to each and every one. Shoshi (Wolf) Ponczak ’03 Alumni Council Chair
Come Back to BT for Alumni Weekend 2016! Wednesday, November 23 11:15am Brunch with faculty and seniors, Crane Auditorium 8:00pm Class of ’11 5-Year Reunion, Mount Washington Tavern Chairs: Tara Daniels, Dulaney Hassan & Andrew Hurwitz Friday Night, November 25 4:30pm Mincha, Epstein Chapel 4:45pm Kabbalat Shabbat, Epstein Chapel Saturday, November 26 8:45am Shabbat Services at Beth Tfiloh Congregation 6:30pm Girls Alumni Basketball Game, Hurwitz Gym 1
7:30pm Boys Alumni Basketball Game, Hurwitz Gym 8:15pm Hall of Fame Induction: 2001 “C” Conference Girl Varsity Basketball Champions, Hurwitz Gym 8:00pm Class of ’01 15-Year Reunion, Fazzini’s Taverna (reservations required) Chairs: Casey Spigel & Alyssa Friedman 8:00pm Class of ’06 10-Year Reunion, El Buffalo in Canton, Baltimore Chairs: Alex Simone, Pammy Franklin, David Goldstein, Aaron Schmerling, Oshrat Ohana More plans to follow! For more information, contact Michelle Cherry ’02, Director of Alumni Relations, at 410-413-2336 or mcherry@btfiloh.org.
Fashion Forward Y by michelle cherry ’02
itzi Teichman ’16 is taking the fashion world by storm with Weskose, a new apparel brand he launched with business partner and NFL Super Bowl Champion Steve Smith. The Weskose motto, “Unity, Solidarity, and Community,” are values that Yitzi has lived by throughout his years at Beth Tfiloh and now in his professional life. Yitzi attends Towson University while also working to expand his business venture. Introducing….Weskose! Tell us about Weskose, and how did you get involved? YT: Weskose is a Los Angeles-based startup clothing, jewelry and accessory brand, inspired by former New York Giants Super Bowl Champion Steve Smith, who wanted give consumers a little taste of the relaxed west coast vibe. Steve says, “Weskose to me means a lifestyle. I live Weskose, I’m by the water enjoying and wearing fresh gear from Weskose.” With the help of designer Trammel Collins, who created Weskose’s brand identity, Steve was able to successfully launch Weskose.
Where did the idea for a clothing line come from? YT: My very close friend, David Stock, had previously worked with Steve. David introduced me to Steve, one thing led to the next, and Steve, David and I joined forces to take the Weskose brand to the next level.
He is a pro athlete, he understands the importance of teamwork, communication and working hard. Since getting involved in Weskose, I have learned so much from Steve about the business world and what it takes to be successful. What has been the most meaningful or exciting experience thus far? YT: The most meaningful and exciting experience for me so far has been watching Steve and his brother, Malcolm, the Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl XLVIII MVP, run the Smith Bros P.L.A.Y. Foundation. The foundation is focused on giving back and offering mentorship in education, health and athletics. How has Beth Tfiloh impacted your professional growth as a young adult? YT: I was a kid who never liked school—that changed as soon as I transferred to Beth Tfiloh half-way through tenth grade. Beth Tfiloh taught me so much about what it means to really work until you reach your goal. Other than the fantastic academics that BT offers, BT also gave me the skills to go into the real world and begin making business connections that will last a lifetime.
What will you be davening for this Rosh Hashanah? YT: This Rosh Hashanah I will be praying for one thing and one thing only: health. I have learned What’s it like working with a professional athlete? that if you don't have health you have nothing in this world. YT: There is a stereotype that professional athletes are egotistical and stuck up; although some of them Check out Weskose at www.weskose.com. n are, Steve is the exact opposite of that—working with Steve has been nothing but a pleasure! Have you joined the Beth Tfiloh Professional Network yet?
above: David, Steve, and Yitzi below: Raiders Offensive Lineman Malcolm Smith rocking Weskose hat at training camp
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introducing: Abigail ’02 & Adam Aghion Leah ’04 & Yehuda ’04 Bennett Liba ’94 & Avi ’94 Benus Lily ’97 & Eric Black Rachael ’94 & Marc Bolotin Lauren ’03 & David Braunstein Rivka ’98 & Michael Bresler Dori ’02 & Yehuda Brody Alicia ’90 & Jason Broth Angelica ’07 & Joseph ’05 Carliner Michelle ’02 & Scott Cherry Nina ’00 & Yitzi Cusner Tatiana ’95 & Michael Davidson Irina & Michael ’92 Diamond Lisa ’00 & Andrew Diamond Jeremy Diamond ’93 Galya & Avron ’92 Elbaum Erin ’02 & Tzuriel Fenigstein Rebecca ’02 & Daniel Freedman Stacy ’02 & Judah Fuld Teri ’92 & David Gitlitz Jessica ’03 & Shaya Goldberg Rina & Steven ’91 Goloskov Lauren ’97 & Julian Hammond Alison ’02 & Steven Kaplan Rachel ’96 & Slava Katz Jennifer ’02 & Chris Kelbaugh Renata ’00 & David Kepner Marina & Adam ’94 Klaff Natalie Kuznetsova-Shoshan ’96 Shauna & Michael ’94 Leavey Joanna ’01 & Ryan Millman Alexandra Shapiro ’96 & Bruce Misheyev Rachel ’98 & Daniel Plotkin Shoshi ’03 & Brian ’98 Ponczak Jane & Igor ’96 Radov Nancy ’02 & Daniel Roffman Rebecca ’03 & Justin Rubin Dodi ’98 & Joseph ’98 Samuel Yelena ’96 & Gary Sapoznick Sheri Seaman ’90 Elinaz’l’92 Vladimir Segel Hannah ’02 & Guy Shem Tov Yelena ’96 & Michael Shirkin Tanya Bunich ’90 Katie Cohen ’96 Vered ’95 & Marty ’94 Taylor Rachel Steinberg Warschawski ’96 & David Warschawski Hudi Schorr ’01 Elana & Chanan ’01 Weissman Melissa & Jonathan ’91 Wohlberg Anna ’96 & Aleksandr Zemelshtern
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dorot
a message from our chairs
dorot (generations): We celebrate our High School graduates who have chosen to send their children to Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School.
Nina, Yitzi, Naomi, Lucy, Julie, Nava & Kira Cusner
nina (auster) cusner ’00
shul with my three youngest and as I looked around the room the vast majority of the families there were BT alums and their own children. I was sitting there in a room filled with grandparents and parents (my fellow alums), while we all participated in the education of our (grand) children. I thought to myself—how beautiful it is to be part of an institution where you can literally see Judaism being passed on throughout the generations. Dorot means generations in Hebrew, and together we are helping to build the next generation of students at BT. I look forward to being a part of the Dorot society, and having the opportunity to come together to support our children so that they will have the wonderful Jewish education that we received.
Hi everyone, my name is Nina Cusner ’00 and I’m co-chairing Dorot with fellow alum, Rachael Weiner Bolotin ’94. rachael (weiner) bolotin ’94 As a quick introduction, I grew up in Baltimore Hi! My name is Rachael and went to BT my entire life. My family lived and (Weiner) Bolotin and I’m breathed BT school and shul. After college, my a proud graduate of BT’s husband, Yitzi, and I lived in Sharon, MA for ten class of '94. When I first years and had five daughters. When discussing our children’s Jewish education, it was clear that moving walked into BT’s halls back in 1979, I never back to Baltimore and sending our kids at BT was imagined that 37 years the right choice for our family. We are now going later I would be back in into our second year back at BT and are thrilled to the place that have all of our daughters (3’s, 4’s, 1st and 3rd) in I called “home” for so school. The best part is that I get to see them every many years. A lot has day as I teach Judaic Studies in the Lower and changed in those 37 years, Middle School. but one thing remains the When I think back to my BT experiences, I have same....it still feels like nothing but the fondest and happiest memories. I went to BT my entire life and I simply loved it. There “home” and it continues to feel as though you are part Rachael, Marc, Sean & was always a sense of belonging and of family that Bryce Bolotin I felt in the BT hallways. I built lifelong relationships of a family. To have some of my former classmates present with me and with classmates, teachers, coaches, and rabbis that having our kids play and learn together feels like a stayed with me into adulthood. BT is where dream. BT did so much to shape who I am today that, I developed my strong Jewish Identity, it’s where I when it came to deciding where my children would learned to love being Jewish. When I think about my children and their Jewish go, I never gave it a second guess. My husband and I have two fabulous boys Sean education, I pray that they, too, grow up in a warm (3rd grade) and Bryce (Kindergarten), both of and loving environment where they will learn to love G-d and to love their Judaism. I know that I am whom started BT at the mere age of 2. They have loved it since day one and continue to as they grow the Jew I am today because of BT and for that I’m and mature. so grateful. I am fortunate to have been asked with co-chair I am so excited to be participating in Dorot and the Dorot committee, with Nina (Auster) Cusner ’00, to help strengthen the relationship between alums, and I look forward to working with my fellow alumni their families and BT. I want to share a quick story to keep BT’s traditions alive for past, present and with you: the other Shabbat I was sitting in Cookie Minyan (a prayer service for toddler age children) at future generations. n
Reflections
from a ’16 graduate
alex rabin ’16—recipient of the dahan award The Beth Tfiloh Dahan Award, established in 1998—and named for the benefactor of the Beth Tfiloh Schools—is the final student award given at Graduation. It recognizes that student who, in the judgment of the faculty, has made the greatest overall contributions to Beth Tfiloh, its programs, and the entire community. One of this year’s recipients is a young man who Mrs. Zipora Schorr describes as “an outstanding leader, exemplary citizen, and one who represents ongoing support of our School Mission.” Alex Rabin ’16 is also described by his teachers as “intellectually gifted, possessing strong moral character, sincere, honest, respectful, and actively engaged in applying his efforts and talents in serving his school community and beyond.” After receiving the Dahan Award, Alex wrote a letter to Mrs. Schorr, Rabbi Wohlberg and the Dahan family. His message is not only beautiful, and sincere, but it is also a true testament as to how Beth Tfiloh is, and always will be, prominent in our lives. n
Alex Rabin receiving his award at graduation
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Balancing Individual Needs with Communal Responsibility
by rabbi benjamin shefter ’07
A reflection on the story of Yonah, as it pertains to the New Year
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above: Rabbi Ben Shefter below: Ben, Laura & Isaac Shefter
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n Yom Kippur we read the story of Yonah, the prophet commanded by God to tell the people of Nineveh to repent lest they be destroyed and was famously swallowed by a fish when trying to flee God’s command. When people think about Yonah, they often focus on either the power of prayer that saved him in the belly of the fish or how Nineveh was spared by doing teshuva. These two themes are very appropriate for the High Holy Days filled with many hours of prayer, and the ten days of Teshuva (repentance) between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Although these may be true, there are far more than two lessons within Yonah. At a time when there is so much conflict in the world between groups— whether religious, ethnic, or denominational—we can learn an important message from the moment right before Yonah is thrown into the sea. In chapter one verses four and five, God unleashes a storm against Yonah’s ship. While all the sailors are crying to their gods, Yonah goes below deck to go to sleep, in essence separating himself from the community around him. After drawing lots to determine the reason for the storm, the sailors turn to Yonah and ask him: “Why has this calamity come upon us? What work do you do? Where are you from? What is your country? Which is your people?” In the midst of a storm threatening their lives, it seems bizarre that the sailors care so much about his background. Rashi comments that they wanted to understand what sin Yonah, or his people, had committed that caused this storm. However, the Ibn Ezra argues that the idea that the sailors were being punished because of something Yonah did is flawed. He asks: if one person or nation is to be punished by God, why should other people surrounding them be punished as well? Lumping people together runs counter to
another fundamental Jewish teaching, to judge each person favorably, dan l’kaf zechut, and to not make gross generalizations. In modern times this begs the question: how do I distinguish an individual’s actions from the group of which they are a part? Even though he leaves this question unanswered, the Ibn Ezra hints at how an individual is influenced by their community, by “traveling to places where good people are.” Yet people need to be responsible for their unique identities. They need to be ableto answer: “Where are you from? What is your country? Which is your people?” as the sailors questioned Yonah. This encounter at the beginning of Yonah is a theme that runs throughout the High Holy Days, the balance between universalism and particularism. In the silent Amidah, we begin the Kedushat Hayom, sanctity of the day, section with, “And so place the fear of You, Lord our God, over all that You have made.” Each individual is testifying that God is the God over everyone and everything, meaning that we are all in this together. We affirm that we are responsible as Jews to the whole world and that the whole world is held accountable by God. Beth Tfiloh exemplified this when my siblings were in school through programs like BLEWS (The Black/Jewish Forum of Baltimore), St. Paul’s pen pals, and by being a pluralistic day school. From the beginning, we were taught how all people have to work together and not be sheltered by our Jewish or denominational bubbles. After we understand our universal responsibilities, the Amidah turns to our particularist identity “And so place honor, Lord, upon your people, praise on those who fear You and hope into those who seek You.” This portion reminds us of our unique role within the larger community, implying that so do the other nations of the world since we do not expect everyone to be a Jew. Not all people need or want the same things- it is the particular nation, religion, or individual that dictates their own needs and values. For example, a Jew living in Baltimore has a different set of needs than their African American neighbor. The second paragraph of the Amidah just like the sailors’ questions reminds us of our unique connection to God and what we are charged to do, just like Yonah. When Yonah went to sleep, he forgot his universalistic responsibilities by distancing himself from the others on the ship. But through the questioning of the sailors he begins to understand how his mission in life as a prophet for the nations Continued on Page 7
mazal tov to
Joanna (Friner) Millman ’01 and her husband, Ryan, on the birth of their son, Jake. Rachel (Dahan) Katz ’96 and her husband, Slava, on the birth of their son, Romeo. Scott Blumberg ’03 and his wife, Victoria, on the birth of their son, Aaron. Marni (Zuckerman) Yoffe ’04 and her husband, Jon, on the birth of their son, Adam. Michael Goldgeier ’99 and his wife, Melissa Brachfeld, on the birth of their daughter, Emily. Hannah (Fries) Shem-Tov ’02 and her husband, Guy, on the birth of their son. Chanan Weissman ’02 on being named as the new Liaison to the Jewish Community by the Obama administration. Yoni Rosenblatt ’00 and his wife, Rachel, on the birth of their daughter, Noa. Ben Friedman ’04 on his marriage to Tamara Steinman. Ron Friedman ’08 on graduating from G.W. Law School. Joel Fink ’01 and his wife, Chantelle, on the birth of their daughter, Aubrielle, as well as for winning the Julius Rosenberg Award at the associated. Dodi (Vogel) Samuel ’98 and Joey Samuel ’98 on the birth of their daughter, Yona. Shoshana (Dickler) Lissek ’03 and her husband, Adam, on the birth of their son. Bobby Rubin ’05 on his engagement to Margo Roth. Sara Eidelman ’08 on receiving her Masters in fundraising management from Columbia University. Ben Shefter ’07 on his Ordination from Yeshivat Chovevei Torah. Dena Cohen ’07 on her marriage to Ryan Blaustein. Alison (Kowitz) Kaplan ’02 and her husband, Steven, on the birth of their son, Ian Lev. Bettie Kruger ’08 on receiving her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of New England. Aaron Edelman ’10 on his engagement to Rachel Fabian. Rebecca Gillette ’06 on her marriage to Max Brondfield. Kelley Spigel ’04 on her engagement to Rich Goldberg. David Platt ’04 on his marriage to Ariel Greenberg. Aaron Hollander ’00 on his engagement to Shira Epstein. Dina (Moss) Brookmyer ’05 and her husband, Jordan, on the birth of their daughter, Daniella Temima. Lisa Holzman ’04 on her marriage to Jared Levitt. Josh Miller ’06 and Abby Levitsky ’06 on their marriage. Leah Aronhime ’04 on her marriage to Jonathan Wilner. Mickey Rubin ’05 on his marriage to Rona Kassem. Ari Jacobson ’06 on his engagement to Sara Hermann. David Kurland ’04 on his engagement to Nicole Curtis. Tani Weissman ’11 on his engagement to Jordanna Norry. Rachel Denrich ’02 on her marriage to David Lang. Stephen Kitt ’06 on his marriage to Elyse Carmen. Becky (Auster) Freedman ’02 and her husband, Daniel, on the birth of their daughter, Vivien. Elana (Brownstein) Siegel ’03 and her husband, Simmy, on the birth of their son, Micah Dov. Josh Disney ’12 on his engagement to Lauren Hein. Ben Shefter ’07 and his wife, Laura, on the birth of their son, Isaac. Samantha Balakirsky ’08 on her graduation from the physician assistant program at Weill Cornell Medicine. Tal Lesser ’09 and Sara Hervitz ’09 on their marriage. (19th BT Married Couple!) Get updates as they happen on our BT Alumni Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ bethtfilohalumni
Elon Walter ’02, and his wife, Heather, on the birth of their son, Ethan. Samantha Richmond ’07 on her marriage to Alex Bouganim. Rabbi Eyal Bendicoff ’99, and his wife, Ayda, on the birth of their son. William Sless ’06, on his engagement to Caitlin Greenberg. Henry Sheller ’06 on his marriage to Ruthanne Salsbury. Tali Muroff-Seligsohn ’08, and her husband Jon, on the birth of their son. Jonathan Foreman ’03, on his marriage to Danielle Jacobs. Whitney (Fishman) Zember ’02, and her husband, Ron, on the birth of their son, Max Saul. Andrew Schuster ’05, on his marriage to Julia David. Chelsea Levine ’07 on her engagement to Matt Kelson.
condolences to
Sara (Madoff) Shapiro ’06 and her husband, Max, on the loss of their son, Edan. Avery Samet ’96, Jonathan Samet ’99, Lily (Samet) Sayagh ’02, Emily Gorbaty ’05, and Benjamin Gorbaty ’07, on the loss of their grandfather, Leon Gutman. Cynthia Grosberg ’07 and Marcelo Grosberg ’14 on the loss of their grandmother, Sheila Grosberg. Jonathan Foreman ’03 on the loss of his grandmother, Olga Foreman. Solomon Eichner ’06 and his wife, Rebecca, on the loss of his grandfather, Mark Fleishmann. Jill Goldstein ’12 on the loss of her grandfather, Sylvan Friedman. Jared Weiner ’13 on the loss of his grandmother, Betty Kay Razzano. Elizabeth Hoffman ’07 and Jonathan Hoffman ’09 on the loss of their grandfather, Melvin Kitt. Shawn Rosofsky ’13 and Kevin Rosofsky ’14 on the loss of their grandfather, Harold Klapper. Baruch Lazarus ’92 on the loss of his grandmother, Beatrice Lazarus. Jeremy Friedman ’16 on the loss of his grandfather, Arnold Prigal. Michal Denburg ’12 on the loss of her grandmother, Syd Kodner. Corey Gold ’14 on the loss of his aunt, Stacy Lynn Gold. Ben Coleman ’04, Micah Coleman ’97, and David Coleman ’99 on the loss of their grandmother, Freda Grollman Coleman. Melissa Harans ’10 and Julie Harans ’13 on the loss of their grandfather, David Don Greenfeld. Ryan Baumohl ’10 on the loss of his grandmother, Beverly Baumohl. Andy Plimack ’93 on the loss of his father, Allan Plimack. Ariel Hirsh ’09 and Samuel Hirsh ’12 on the loss of their mother, Janet Day Hirsh. Benjamin Holback ’10 on the loss of his grandmother, Dorris T. Beckler.
Harley Feldman ’16 on the loss of her grandfather, Dr, Allan Lassen Rowan Sher ’99, Daniella Smolarski ’02, Amanda Gelman ’05, and Micaela Gelman ’13 on the loss of their grandfather, Myer Rubinowitz. Jonathan Falk ’06 on the loss of his grandmother, Jeanette Falk. 6
balancing needs with communal responsibilities
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is linked to the particular Year is that we are able to reflect on the commuand the universal. In nities that we are addition, we learn that surrounded by—namely life is not just about ourselves but about who we are and who we those that we encounter affect—and strive to find both in proximity and ways to support nationality. My blessing strengthen them. for all of us this New
Roz & Marvin H. Weiner Family Campus 3300 Old Court Road • Baltimore, md 21208
save the date Rosh Hashanah Meetup with Rabbi Wohlberg Monday, October 3 at 12 pm Stop in to the Spector Board Room, on the first day of Rosh Hashanah for an alumni get-together! Food and wine will be served. This event is for alums ages 21-30.
Alumni Weekend 2016! Wednesday, November 23– Sunday, November 27 Join your fellow BT alums back at BT for a weekend full of milestone reunions, The Athletic Hall of Fame inductions, and Alumni Basketball Games! Mitzvah Miles Sunday, April 2, 2017 Mitzvah Miles is a family event that includes a 5K Race, 1-Mile Family Fun Walk, and PreSchool Mini-Miles. PreSchool Mini-Miles features games and activities led The post-race party includes a moon bounce, breakfast and activities for kids of all ages. All proceeds benefit Yad B’Yad, Beth Tfiloh’s support system that provides services and grants to families, teachers, and staff struggling with unforeseen challenges.
(410) 413-2336 • alumni@btfiloh.org www.facebook.com/bethtfilohalumni www.youtube.com/bethtfilohalums twitter: @bethtfilohalums www.BethTfiloh.com/alumni Michelle Cherry ’02 Director of Alumni Relations (410)413-2336 • mcherry@btfiloh.org Shoshi (Wolf) Ponczak ’03 Chair, Beth Tfiloh Alumni Council janaponczak@gmail.com Alex Simone ’06 Alumni Council Vice-Chair asimone88@gmail.com
Jackie (Fuchs) Yahr ’00 Development Chair jacqueline.fuchs@gmail.com Lizzy Solovey ’09 Campaign Chair lsolovey@btfiloh.org Welcome new Alumni Council Members! Alyssa Friedman ’01 Allison (Sellman) Raphael ’05 Ariela Rodban ’10 Milena Rodban ’04 Casey Spigel ’01
Please consider making a gift to the 2017 alumni campaign. Visit www.bethtfiloh.com/alumnigiving to make an even bigger impact today!
design by tracie lissauer
BT Professional Networking Event Tuesday, November 8 at 7:45 am Tuvin Library Join the Beth Tfiloh Professional Networking Group and speaker Barry Garber, a financial advisor employed by Deutsche Securities.
Check out BT’s Alumni Site.