BETH TFILOH
MILESTONES
BAR/BAT MITZVAHS
Synagogue Office 410-486-1900
Information Hotline 410-413-2345
mail@btfiloh.org • www.BethTfiloh.com
BETH TFILOH CONGREGATION CLERGY
Rabbi Chai Posner
Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg, Rabbi-in-Residence
Rabbi Dr. Eiyahu Yoggev
Rabbi Jason Goldstein
Rabbi Chaim Wecker, Ritual Director
Chazzan Yoni Rose ’04
STAFF & LEADERSHIP
Dan Silien, Executive Director
Talia Jordan, Director of Programming & Engagement
Chana Slavaticki, Director of Adult Education
Sheri Knauth, Program Coordinator
Philippa Lichterman, Special Projects Coordinator
Benny Sobol, President
Michael Bresler, Board Chair
BETH TFILOH DAHAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Switchboard: 410-486-1905
Dr. Zipora Schorr, Director of Education
Laurie Kott, Director of Admissions
Allison Magat, Chief Administrative Officer
Joan Feldman, Director of Strategic Initiatives
Dodi Samuel ’98, President, Board of Trustees
CONGREGATION AND SCHOOL
Mandi Miller, Director of Institutional Advancement
Larry Brenner, Director of Finance
Mark Kaiser, Director of Campus Operations
BULLETIN
Paul Miller, Art Director
Michon Zysman, Senior Writer/Social Media Manager
Astrid Stein
Daughter of Dana and Michael Stein
April 7, 2024
Astrid is an 8th grader at the Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School. She is the daughter of Dana and Michael Stein, sister of Samson Stein ’27, the granddaughter of Melinda and Steve Stein, and Paulayne and Arthur Epstein (z”l). Her hobbies are reading, crafting, baking, gaming, hanging out with friends, and playing with her cats.
Noah Kepner
Son of Renata and David Kepner
May 11, 2024
Noah is an 8th grader at the Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School. He is the brother of Hannah ’31, the grandson of Milana and Michael Isaacson (z”l), Anne Kepner, and Maggie Larsen and James Kepner. His hobbies are playing soccer, basketball and baseball and cheering on the Orioles at Camden Yards. As part of his Bar Mitzvah program at Beth Tfiloh, Noah packed lunches with Weekend Backpacks to make sure students are nourished and ready to learn.
Amy Pearl Levinoff
Daughter of Heather and Aaron Levinoff
June 1, 2024
Amy is an 8th grader at the Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School. She is the sister of David ’28, Emily ’34 and Rebecca ’36, the granddaughter of Howard and the late Elaine Levinoff (z”l) and Mervyn and the late Mindy Schwedt (z”l). Amy’s hobbies are playing basketball, sewing, attending shabbat services at Beth Tfiloh and reading. Amy enjoys helping others and is an active participant in Yachad and C-Teen.
Caleb Ponczak
Son of Shoshi and Brian Ponczak
July 13, 2024
Caleb is an 8th grader at the Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School. His siblings are Sarina ’27, Anna ’33, and Molly ’35. Caleb’s grandparents are Ed and Faith Wolf, and Sam and Frieda Ponczak (z”l). Caleb’s hobbies include playing piano, baseball, theater, and running. For his mitzvah project Caleb enjoyed volunteering with Yachad and has participated in the Baltimore Chesed League.
Maytal Weiss
Daughter of Nina and Darren Weiss
July 20, 2024
Maytal is a 7th grader at Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School. She is the big sister of Elli ’34, Nava ’36, and Lev ’38 Weiss, and granddaughter of Rhona Etkin, Andrew Shapiro, and Jan and Barry Weiss. Maytal loves dance, music, and spending time with family and friends. For her chesed project, she will be fundraising for families in Israel who have been impacted by the ongoing war.
Jordana Liv Silverman עפש
Daughter of Jamie Silverman and Adam Silverman
August 24, 2024
Jordana Liv Silverman is an 8th grader at Krieger Schechter Day School. She is Drew’s twin sister and a younger sister to Samara ’26 and Leah ’27. Jordana is the granddaughter of David and Marcie Zisow and Ron and Sara Silverman. Jordana’s hobbies are playing soccer and basketball and spending time with family and friends.
Drew Ryan Silverman
ןתמ יח
Son of Jamie Silverman and Adam Silverman
August 24, 2024
Drew Ryan Silverman is an 8th grader at Krieger Schechter Day School. He is Jordana’s twin brother and a younger brother to Samara ’26 and Leah ’27. Drew is the grandson of David and Marcie Zisow and Ron and Sara Silverman. Drew’s hobbies are playing baseball, going to Orioles games, and spending time with family and friends.
Jesse Simcha Sagel
יולה החמש ישי
Son of Sharon and Jeffrey Sagel
September 14, 2024
Jesse a is a 7th grader at the Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School. He is the brother of Rachel, Rebecca, Noah ’25, Shayna, Daniel, Nisa, Joshua, and Daphna. He is the grandson of Lois and Leonard Gerstein, Kathy Sagel, Ron Seidlich, Stefani Seidlich (z”l), and Gerald Sagel (z”l) In his spare time, he enjoys playing games and hanging out with his friends.
Gabby Wolff
המענ הילג Daughter of Julie and Jordan Wolff
September 28, 2024
Gabrielle (“Gabby”) attends 8th grade at Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School. She is the sister of Dorie, ’27, Emilia ’31, Oliver ’37, and Vivian ’37, and the granddaughter of Dr. Michael and Susan Altman, Cheryl Wolff, and Roger and Darlene Wolff. Her hobbies include creative writing, theater costume design, painting, and many other creative arts. Gabby is an avid reader and loves spending time with her family and friends. For her mitzvah project, she assembled kits for Baltimore’s Weekend Backpack program, packed lunches for JVC’s Bunches of Lunches program, and made casseroles for those experiencing homelessness and poverty.
Upcoming 2024 Bar and Bat Mitzvahs:
Elan Leybengrub - November 2, 2024
Judah Messing - November 9, 2024
Jesse Diamond - November 23, 2024
Jacob Levin - December 14, 2024
Joshua Wolf - December 21, 2024
BIRTHS
Mazal Tov to Ken and Larraine Hornstein on the birth of a grandson, Idan Yair, and to parents Jonathan ’08 and Erika ’09 Hornstein.
To Esther and Shlomo Leibtag on the birth of a baby boy and to big sister Florence.
To Nikki and Benjamin Elgamil on the birth of a baby boy, and to siblings Melody ’36 and Noah ’38.
To Elaine and Marc Lowen on the birth of a great grandson, and to parents Marty ’15 and Dena Perlmutter, and grandparents Donna and Dov Perlmutter.
To Ahuva and Chazzan Albrecht on the birth of a grandson, and to parents Tzipora and Daniel Goetz.
To Helene and Robert Riederman on the birth of a grandson, and to parents Joshua ’09 and Erica Riederman.
To Susan and Paul Harans on the birth of a grandson, and to parents Melissa ’10 and Logan Levenson.
To Melissa and Peter Kleinberg on the birth of a baby girl, Ella Isabel and to sibling Olivia ’39 and to grandparents Dr. Michael & Alison Kleinberg and Ruth Jacobs.
To Liora and Ed Schlessinger on the birth of a granddaughter, and to parents Danielle and Jonathan Nachman.
To Allison and Adam Steinmetz on the birth of a baby girl, Chaya (Mikayla Annie), and to siblings Judah ’30, Evan ’32 and Joey ’35, and to grandparents Sherry and Alan Steinmetz, and Patty and Charles Leve, and great grandparents Lonnie Shaivitz and Sheldon Steinmetz.
To Henry Sheller ’06 and Ruthanne Sheller on the birth of a baby girl, Lana Lewes Sheller (Emunah Lilah), and to grandparents Tina and Lee Sheller and Elaine and Marshall Salsbury.
To Katie and Jonathan Tutnauer on the birth of a baby boy, and to sibling Scarle.
CONDOLENCES
To Aaron (Heather) Levinoff on the loss of his mother, Elaine Levinoff; grandmother of David, Amy, Emily and Rebecca Levinoff.
To Michael (Leia) Zeitlin on the loss of his father, Ilya Zeitlin.
To Beverly Rashbaum (nee Smulson) on the loss of her son, Dr. Bruce Rashbaum.
To Janis Kramer on the loss of her mother Vivian Leventon (nee Schiff).
To Melinda Lewis and Debbie and Alan Summerfield on the loss of their mother, Rona Lewis (nee Epstein).
To Gilda Donner, Lee (Amy) Donner and Doriellen Donner on the loss of their husband and father, Lawrence “Larry” Donner.
To Tsipi (Michael) Renbaum on the loss of her brother, David Elkayam.
To Michael (Beth) Sellman on the loss of his mother, Rosalie Sellman; grandmother of Emily & Jennifer Sellman.
To Joan (Larry) Feldman and Debi (Mark) Holzman on the loss of their father, Irvin L. Fishbein; grandfather of Sarah (David) Horowitz, Nancy (Daniel) Roffman, Rebecca (Justin) Rubin; Lisa (Jared) Levitt, Benjamin (Janna) Feldman, and Jennifer Holzman (Greg Mack): great-grandfather of Maya, Zachary, Aden and Lily Horowitz, Ira ’32, Joshua ’32, and Emily ’34 Roffman, Layla ’30, Dafna ’33, Orly ’33 and Ellie ’39 Rubin, Ian ’36, and Ryleigh ’37 Levitt.
To Betty L. Sellman (nee Johnson) on the loss of her husband, Alvin Sellman.
To Fran Kroll (nee Pearlman), and Sam Kroll (Melissa Zimmerman) on the loss of their husband and father, Geoffrey David Kroll.
To Lauren Lyon-Collis on the loss of her mother, Susan Gray Lyon; grandmother of Leora Collis, Eli Collis, and Amira Collis.
To Michael (Michelle) Adelstein on the loss of his father, Dr. Robert Simon Adelstein; grandfather of Jacob, Josh and Anna Adelstein.
To Linda Feiges (nee Arzt) on the loss of her husband, Marvin Feiges.
To Irina (Fred) Schenerman on the loss of her father, Seymon (Sam) Trosman.
To Rachel Bob and Yonah Jeremy (Channa) Bob on the loss of their father, Dr. Harold Benton Bob; grandfather of Natan, Shahar, Ayala, and Jaron Bob.
To Stacy (Louis) Schwartz on the loss of her sister, Jill Paula Selati.
To Sam (Anita) Rozenel on the loss of his brother, Waldo Harry Rozenel.
To Malcolm Renbaum on the loss of his sister, Dr. Marcia Lee Skopp.
To Dr. Ian (Rosemary) Weiner on the loss of his father, Dr. Phillip Paul Weiner; grandfather of Jared Max Weiner, Matthew Jordan Weiner, Trevor Jack Weiner.
To the Yerman family on the loss of our member Michael H. Yerman.
To the Lanzkron family on the loss of our member Virginia Lanzkron.
To Mandi (Brett) Miller on the loss of her mother, Gilda Greenberg (nee Roman); grandmother of Spencer Miller ’26 and Emma Miller ’32.
To Sheri (Edward) Whelpley, Shawn Sefret (Abby Weinstock) and Jerome (Janet) Sefret on the loss of their father and brother, Nathan Sefret; grandfather of Jackie Whelpley, Matthew Whelpley, Shayna Sefret ’24, Aliza Sefret, and Hannah Sefret.
To Frances R. Kessler on the loss of her husband, Jack Finkelstein.
To Rosanne Ehrlich on the loss of her husband, Keith Stephen Ehrlich.
To the family of Michael Bressler.
To Susan Rotner and Laurie (Michael) Albo on the loss of their husband and father, Richard Rotner; grandfather of Allie and Benji Albo.
To Alvin (Marcia) Sachs on the loss of his brother, Bernard Sachs.
To Cheri (David) Hurwitz on the loss of her mother, Shirley Brown Rekoon; grandmother of Lindsay Hurwitz ’13, Hallie Hurwitz ’16, and Jared Hurwitz ’18.
To Sandy and Sheldon Dobres and Leslie (David) Goldstein on the loss of their daughter and sister, Shari Hamburg.
To Alan Gersh on the loss of his wife, Beverly L. Gersh.
To Melvin Rosenzweig and Barbara (Jerry) Ginsberg on the loss of their wife and mother, Elaine Rosenzweig.
To the Yerman family on the loss of our member Michael H. Yerman.
To Richard Kierson on the loss of his brother, Miles L. Kierson.
To Leslie Goldberg on the loss of her mother, Reta Davis.
MAZAL TOV
To Marcie Lehnhoff and Mikhail Aaron Chavis on their marriage, and to parents Sarah Guerassio and David Lehnhoff (z”l) and Shelley Komasar and David Chavis, and to aunt and uncle Sharon Benus and Jacob Benus (z”l).
To Lyn and Freddie Traub on the marriage of Dana Goldenberg ’15 to Mitchell Traub ’14, and to parents Drs. Renee and David Goldenberg, and grandparents Sarah Goldenberg, Gertrude Flax, Herbert Goldenberg, and the late Joyce and Gerald Traub (z”l) and Ann and Donald Sheehan (z”l).
To Wendy Miller on receiving the 2024 Golda Meir Award from Israel Bonds Maryland Women’s Division.
To Searle Mitnick on winning the Carole Sibel Outstanding Fundraising Award by The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore.
To Mark Smolarz for being awarded the Daniel Thursz Distinguished Jewish Communal Service Award by The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore.
To Marcia Leavey and Stephanie Kronthal on their “Woman Who Builds Bridges for a Better Community” honor at the Federation of Jewish Women’s Organizations of Maryland 108th Annual Convention.
To Dena and Gary Leibowitz on the marriage of their daughter Alexis ’21 to Binyamin Berkowitz, and to parents Usher Berkowitz and Sara Federman, and grandparents Ellen & Allan Federman, Gitty Berkowitz and Sara Rubenstein.
To Cheri Milrad and the late Richard Milrad (z”l) on the wedding of their daughter Sara to Benjamin Zweifach, and to parents Jackie and Gerson Zweifach.
To Linda and Steven Hurwitz on the baby naming of their granddaughter, Talia Aviva, and to great-grandparent Faye Adler, parents Jordana and Andrew Hurwitz, sibling Maya, and grandparents Miriam and Joel Suldan.
To Tina and Lee Sheller on their 50th wedding anniversary.
To Andy Neumann ’15 on his engagement to Julia Greitzer, and to parents Robin and Mark Neumann, and grandparents Samuel Blitzstein and Morton Libov.
To Zachary Kalb ’13 on his engagement to Rachel Shvalb, and to parents Cheryl Kalb & Albert Aboulafia, Ilya & Lyuda Shvalb and grandparents Irving & Roselyn Kalb, Emma Shvalb and Yefim Ladyzhenskiy.
To Roselyn and Irving Kalb on their 59th anniversary.
To Marcia Leavey on her 75th birthday.
To Dr. Jay and Natalie Chason on the aufruf and upcoming wedding of their son Max Chason ’12 to Carly Mauss, and to parents Lee and Barry Mauss, and grandparents Eleanor Chason and Carol Greenberg.
To Dr. Jay and Natalie Chason on the baby naming of their granddaughter, Sophia Leah, and to parents Nicole and Eric ’10 Chason, and grandparents Xiomara and Al Bruner, and great-grandparents Eleanor Chason, Linda Mizrachi, and Miriam Cardenas.
To Adiva Berkowitz ’12 and Jake Shapiro on their aufruf and wedding, and to parents Drs. Diane & Dan Berkowitz and Jennifer and Keith Shapiro.
NEW MEMBERS
*As of 8/1/2024
We warmly welcome the following new members to our Beth Tfiloh family. Thank you to our families who volunteered to be featured.
Judy & Judah Minkove
Judy is a retired Johns Hopkins Medicine senior writer/copy editor and memoirist, and Judah is a retired internist. Judy and Judah enjoy spending time sharing meals and celebrations with friends and family, walking, and exercising. Their children attended BT and their grandchildren are currently enrolled at BT.
Elana and Alex ’07 Marder
Elana and Alex have two children, Jack and Allie. Elana is a Registered Dietitian at Sinai Hospital and Alex is a computer science professor at Johns Hopkins University. The Marders love exploring nature, all things trains, and searching for wildlife.
Alexis Cohen
Alexis is an AI data analyst subcontractor who specializes in language models. She has 2 daughters; Gabrielle is 7 and Eden is 2. As a family, they take frequent day trips, spend time at the beach, go to museums, enjoy the pool, and visit their cousins.
Atara Bernstein and Benny Herskovitz
Atara Bernstein and her husband, Benny Herskovitz, have a 1.5-year-old son, Tal.
Atara is a creative marketer in the food industry, and Benny is an attorney at the VA. When they’re not chasing Tal around, you’ll likely find them biking or hiking, perusing the farmer’s market, cooking, reading, or listening to music.
Susan Feher and Gary Smith
Susan is an interior designer specializing in window treatments with international and local clients. Gary is an Emmy nominated film editor. They have a daughter and 2 grandchildren.
Jodi & Michael Stahl
Jodi and Michael recently moved to Baltimore from Pennsylvania. Jodi works in People Operations and Michael is in sales. Their children attend BT. Alyssa is in 8th grade, Liam in 7th grade, and Harper in kindergarten.
Amee & Kevin Cookler
Amee is the Outreach Associate at BT and Kevin is an attorney. They have 3 children, Ryan, Gabriella, and Brianna who attend BT. The Cooklers love family time and planning exciting “mystery trips,” pool days, movie nights, shopping trips, beach adventures, and other fun activities.
Dorina Zilbermint and Oleksandr Vainer
Dorina and Alex moved to Baltimore in 2015. Alex was born in Ukraine and lived in Moldova for 7 years. Dorina was born in Moldova and lived in Israel for 7 years. They moved to Ukraine in 2007 after their marriage. They have three children: Mikhael, Hanna, and Tamar.
Alex and Dorina are entrepreneurs and own several local and overseas companies in construction development, agriculture, food, trading, and logistics.
Additional New Members
Zachariah Balsam ’24
Raya Anna Deych ’24
Beth & Benjamin Goldstein
Jared Hurwitz ‘18
Adina Shira Katz
Daniel Melamed ’24
Nicole & Sam Minkove ’04
Aviva Rubin ’24
Ryan Silien ’24
Justin Tepper ’19
Scott Tepper ’18
Hunter Venick ’24
Elan Vogelstein ’24
Skylar Beth Wood ’24
Ten Steps on the Road to Becoming a SUPER JEW
By: Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg
The Hamas attack on October 7 had a profound affect on most all of us. Perhaps the most meaningful one was that by Israeli singer Dani Niv, known by his trade name Mooki, who revealed that from October 8 he has been placing tefillin every morning and going to shul every Shabbat. “Every morning when I open my eyes I say Modeh Ani,” he declares. “You want to kill me because I’m a Jew? I’ll be SUPER Jewish… where there is truth, that’s where I want to be.”
Do you want to be a Super Jew? Here are ten steps to get you on the road to being one:
1. If your children know the words to any of Taylor Swift’s songs, isn’t it time you learned the words to the Hatikvah? Remember, for 2000 years there was no Hatikvah.
2. The first sentence we say in the morning of the Modeh Ani has six words. The first sentence of the Shema Israel we say before going to sleep has six words. Twelve words … is that asking too much?
3. Buy an Israel Bond. Give it as gifts to your children and grandchildren. You know what they say: “Put your money where your mouth is.” They will hear you loud and clear.
4. Yizkor and Kaddish … in previous generations Jews flocked to the synagogue to recite these prayers In Memory of their parents. What happened? Don’t you think your parents still want you to do it?
5. Candles and wine at a meal. Doesn’t it sound romantic? It’s also very Jewish when you do it on Friday night to usher in Shabbos.
6. We all text. But have your children ever seen you study a Jewish text? No excuses … they have all been translated into English!
7. When people ask, “How are you?” respond by saying: “Boruch Hashem.” Tell the truth: doesn’t that sound better than, “Hanging in!”
8. Go to Israel! Tourism is crucial to Israel’s economy. Christian Evangelicals keep coming to Israel no matter what is going on. I’ve been there 50 times. There is always something “going on” but you don’t feel it when you’re there. Instead, you feel that you are home.
9. Place a charity box in a prominent place in your home. Its presence itself makes a statement. Don’t forget to fill it!
10. REPENT! We all sin. Pick one of yours and make a commitment not to do it again in the coming year.
Do all this and more – God and your family are watching. They, and the Jewish people, will consider you SUPER!
THE OPERATIVE WORD
We Are Family
By Rabbi Dr. Eliyahu Yoggev
What is Judaism? Is it a race, religion, ethnicity, or nationality? For Rabbi Jack Abramowitz, Torah Content Editor at the Orthodox Union and an important figure for more than three decades in Jewish outreach and education, the answer is “none of the above.” Judaism cannot be exclusively narrowed down to any of these options. (see Ask Rabbi Jack, p. 23)
Many times, discussions pertaining to race go back to shared biological distinctionsto similar DNA. If that is the case, defining Judaism based on race is problematic. Jews from Ethiopia and Jews from Algeria may look different and have different DNA, but does that make them any less Jewish? And non-Jews who convert to Judaism are bonafide Jews, even though their DNA may greatly vary from those in the community they have joined.
So perhaps we can go with religion as the defining marker? That is difficult as well, points out Rabbi Jack. He mentions Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, and Cardinal Jean-Marie Lustiger, Archbishop of Paris, as examples. Both were born Jewish. Jewish law will therefore always define them as Jewish, no matter how far they have strayed from Judaism - and in their cases, they clearly strayed quite far. A
by Dan Silien, Executive Director
secular Jew remains a Jew as well. For these reasons, Judaism can’t be defined solely as a religion.
So, what about ethnicity? Ethnicity refers to shared cultural aspects, and Judaism is a huge blend of cultures. Ashkenazi Jews’ menus include herring, lox, and matzo balls, while Yemenite Jews’ menus include kubaneh, malawach, and jachnun. Do these ethnic choices make one group more Jewish than the other? What about different clothing, language, and songs? All these ethnic markers vary from one group to another. They cannot be what defines Judaism.
Rabbi Jack also dismisses nationality as an indicator of who is Jewish. True, the Torah defines us as a nation (see Shemot 19:6; Esther 3:8). However, since the 19th century, nations have commonly been defined based on land and government. For instance, France and America are nations. But can we say the same for the Jews? True, we have our own land, but does that mean Jews in the diaspora are less Jewish? What about when we did not live in our homeland, during our two-thousand-year exile? Based on today’s definitions, the reality of Jews across the globe makes it
difficult to define Judaism as a nation.
So, what are we then? To be sure, we have aspects of each of the factors above. However, is there a central way to define Jewishness? Rabbi Jack answers in the affirmative. We are Bnei Yisrael. This means we are all children of the same father, Yisrael (another name for Ya’akov, our forefather). Or, put more simply, we are family.
Defining Judaism as a family, Rabbi Jack points out, solves the DNA issue raised above. Families can adopt others with different genetic material and still all be family. And we can have different customs and live in different locations and remain one unit. Similarly, it does not matter if your sister or brother is religious - they will always be related.
What this means for us is that no matter how different we are, no matter how diverse our communities become, we are all Jews. We are all one big family. You may not always mesh perfectly with everyone in your family, but family is family. So, let’s all treat each other with kindness and respect. Let’s stick together, spreading love as much as we can. It’s not only the right thing to do, it’s what families do for one another!
BT Sisterhood Gift Shop
Open Mondays 12-2, Thursday 11-1 or by appointment 410-413-2277, giftshop@btfiloh.org
Selling beautiful Judaica Made in Israel and from Jewish artists around the world. Great ideas to enhance your Fall Holiday tables or shopping for hostess gifts.
Year-round gift ideas, bar/bat mitzvah, Shabbat, weddings and birthdays. Large selection of mezuzot and parchments. Stop in to take a look.
A BIG TENT
By Rabbi Chai Posner
It’s hard to think of a time in our lives when Israel was more on our minds than it has been over the past year. And so, it was particularly special to be blessed to spend three weeks in Israel, together with my family, this past summer. No matter how many times you go, those initial moments of being in Israel are magical. The bump as the plane touches down, the familiar Hebrew signs in the airport, the fresh air when you first step outside… all contribute to the feeling that you have come home.
But there is a moment even before getting to Israel that I also love. Inevitably, while waiting to board the plane, a group of people gather to daven. It’s usually mostly men but there’s often a woman or two who joins the group. With no hesitation, right there in the middle of the airport, the group proudly answers kaddish and kedusha out loud together. For me, this moment is a moment of transition. We may physically still be in America, but we have begun travelling towards Israel.
This minyan is made up of all kinds of Jews. There are men in black hats and men in baseball hats. Men wearing t-shirts and men wearing long coats. Men with beards and men with earrings. A young woman wearing pants saying Kaddish for a loved one, stands next to an older woman in a sheitel using a well-worn siddur. Chassidic and Modern, Sephardic and Ashkenazi, young and old, and everything in between.
This is a group of people who would not find themselves davening together in most any other circumstance, but gathered in the airport about to leave for Israel, they form what I believe must be one of God’s favorite minyans. I love davening in this group, but I am also left with a sense of disappointment. That’s because I know that when that plane lands in Israel everyone will go their separate ways to their separate shuls. They won’t daven together again. Their gathering was an accident of travel, not a choice of conviction.
The verse states, “
… How beautiful are the tents of Jacob, the dwellings of Israel.” Rabbi Yochanan explains in the Talmud that when traveling in the desert, Bnei Yisrael set up their tents with the entrances facing away from each other. This verse is usually understood to be praising the modesty that the people exhibited, maximizing privacy through this housing structure. It occurred to me when thinking about the verse recently, that perhaps another way of understanding this setup is not through the lens of privacy, but rather through a lens of inclusion. Each family set up their home without concern for anyone looking over their shoulder or casting judgement on their way of life. Everyone was accepted and had a place within the community. This truly is a beautiful way to live… “How beautiful are the tents.”
I was pleased to find out that this, in fact, is the way that Rabbi Soloveitchik read this verse. Baruch Shekivanti! Rabbi Kenneth Brander writes:
“The only time that Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik visited Israel was in 1935, on a trip to seek out the position of Tel Aviv’s Chief Rabbi. His candidacy was ultimately unsuccessful, and he returned to the United States and went on to lead the growth and development of Modern Orthodoxy.
When, as a curious student at Yeshiva University in the 1980s, I asked the Rav why he thought he lost that election all those years ago, he told me it was because of a drasha (sermon) he gave during his visit to Israel. Speaking on Shabbat in one of the preeminent synagogues in Tel Aviv, Rabbi Soloveitchik discussed how the Biblical verse “How beautiful are the tents of Jacob, the dwellings of Israel” (Numbers 24:5) could be understood as an aspiration for Ashkenazim and Sephardim, religious and secular, to live together in the growing Jewish communities of the modern Land of Israel, soon to become a state.
‘They didn’t like my vision of inclusion,’ the Rav told me.”
It is this vision of inclusion that we are so very much in need of today. When terrorists breached Israel’s walls on October 7, they did not stop to check if the people they were slaughtering and taking hostage were religious or secular. It didn’t make a difference if they were in favor of, or opposed to, the judicial reform. It didn’t matter whether their victims had voted for Yesh Atid or for Shas. A Jew is a Jew to our enemies. Perhaps it is no coincidence then, that it was the gentile prophet, Bilaam, who uttered the verse, “How beautiful are the tents of Jacob, the dwellings of Israel.” Our enemies can see in us, that which we cannot see in ourselves. Those who hate us have always seen us as one. It’s time we see ourselves as one as well. A Jew ought to be a Jew to us, too.
At Beth Tfiloh, we strive to build a community that is modeled on this vision of inclusion. Indeed, what makes our tent so beautiful is that it is a “BT” - a Big Tent. It is a tent that is open to everyone. When we gather with others who may be different from us, it is not an accident - it is an intentional decision to be a part of a community that values diversity. We don’t come together despite our differences, we are strong together because of them. We understand that unity is more important than anything. We believe that we truly are one nation with one heart.
SCHOOL PHOTO GALLERY
Our fourth graders shined at this year’s Tehillim program, thanks to the generosity of The Kresin Steinberg Family Tehillim Program Endowment.
Mr. Brian Singer delights our Challah Tots participants at our Friday morning program, created for infants, toddlers and their caregivers to help welcome in Shabbat.
PreSchoolers were treated to a foam party to help celebrate the last week of school.
Mazel Tov to our Class of 2024! Our recent graduates will be attending a wide range of colleges and universities, gap year programs, and military service.
PreSchool students and families enjoyed our annual Vehicle Day, a celebration of all modes of transportation that have wheels.
Yom HaAtzma’ut was a joyous day at BT, when we celebrate Israel’s Day of Independence
After 6 months of planning, rehearsal and direction, this year’s Lower School Production featured 184 students, who unveiled “BT Goes to Israel” to a packed Mintzes Theatre.
Without a doubt, our Kindergarten Mother’s Day Tea, dedicated in memory of Kathy Samuel (z”l) and Sandy Vogel (z”l), is a highlight for students and mothers alike.
Ruth Silber led an exciting craft with her PreSchool Twos class. Hands-on activities help students connect concepts and classroom learning with real-world situations.
Our annual Cultural Arts Night is an evening of poetry, dance, music, individual and group performances, and funny banter. This year’s event also featured several collaborations between staff and students in various grades, showcasing the special bond that our teachers and students forge over the years.
Morah
In honor of Shavuot, Rabbi Dr. Eliyahu Yoggev spoke with our enthusiastic and delighted PreSchoolers about Beth Tfiloh’s Torahs scrolls.
Middle School’s 6th, 7th and 8th grade production of “Finding Nemo, Jr.” was a massive success.
ivdu PROGRAM CENTER
MERCAZ ADULT EDUCATION
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
BT in the AM
Join us on Monday mornings to jumpstart your week with an infusion of Torah learning, meaningful discussions and camaraderie. You can join for any trimester or the entire year.
Trimester 1: November 11, 18, 25 and December 2, 9, 16
Class 1: The Life and Legacy of King David, 9:30-10:20am
Chana Slavaticki
King David, famously known as a gentle shepherd, fearless warrior, soulful musician, humble leader, and loyal servant of Hashem, lived a life that was captivating and complicated. In this text-based course, we will explore key episodes in the book of Samuel which focus on King David’s relationships with Goliath, Saul, Jonathan, his wives, and Hashem. We will also look at the Psalms that express his anguish and elation through the ups and downs of his experiences and discover how his life story can uplift and inspire us.
Class 2: Answering Israel’s Toughest Questions, 10:30-11:30am
Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg
In Pirkei Avot we are taught: “Know what to answer.” Since October 7, we as Jews have been confronted with burning questions many of us have never faced before: Hamas or hostage deal, two states or one, genocide or self-defense, Netanyahu or elections, Haredim or IDF, etc. These questions are immensely complex. Immerse yourself in Israel’s biggest dilemmas as we find connections in the Torah portion of the week and a range of Jewish texts to help us shed light on their answers.
Trimester 2: January-March
Class 1: Judaism’s Most Transformational Ideas, Talia Jordan
Class 2: Heart and Soul, Dr. Zipora Schorr
Trimester 3: March-May
Class 1: Purpose and Passion: Insights from Chasidic Teachings, Rabbi Benyamin Moss
Class 2: A Taste of Talmud, Rabbi Chai Posner
ivdu, Beth Tfiloh’s program center, is your source for authentic, inspiring, and relevant Jewish learning, engagement and connection.
family.
NEW! Preparing for the Chagim –BT in the AM Mini-Series
September 9, 16, 23
Enjoy this free series to get a taste of BT in the AM!
Class 1: 9:30-10:25am
Jonah – A Whale of a Tale
Chana Slavaticki
The story of Jonah, which is traditionally read on Yom Kippur, has fascinated young and old alike for generations. When reading its four short chapters, we struggle to understand the prophet’s motives and how he thought he could escape his mission. Through a blend of classical commentary, Talmudic and Midrashic analysis and contemporary insight into the human psyche, we will gain a rich appreciation of the deeper messages this intriguing tale holds for us at the cusp of a new year.
Class 2: 10:30-11:30
Meaning in the Machzor
Rabbi Chai Posner
Do you feel lost in the High Holiday services that seem to go on forever? Are you looking to have a more authentic prayer experience? In this course, we will take a close look at the Machzor and uncover its richness, wisdom, and meaning so that you can experience the splendor of the prayers of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. Your high holiday experience will be transformed through understanding the structure, significance, and personal relevance in these ancient words.
Class 3: 11:30-11:45am
Holy Energy for the Body and Soul
Estelle Posner
Are you looking to enter the new year with less anxiousness and worry and more joy? Discover gentle, simple techniques that you can use to feel better emotionally and physically. In this 15-minute class series, you will learn practical tools that can be integrated into your life immediately to help you feel more grounded and at peace.
ivdu was generously made possible by Irene and Robert Russel and
DAILY & WEEKLY CLASSES
Daf Yomi
Rabbi Yosef Furman
Daily
Kickstart your morning with our Daf Yomi Gemarah study.
Hilchot Tefillah
Rabbi Jason Goldstein and Rabbi Chaim Wecker
Monday-Friday
Dive into the laws and customs of davening in this class following Shacharit.
The Philosophy and Development of Halachah
Rabbi Jason Goldstein Tuesdays, 7pm
Starting October 29 through June 10. Through a methodical examination of the second chapter of Masechet Bava Metzia, we will pay special attention to understanding the logic of the Gemara. This class will explore some of the classic
medieval commentaries, discuss the mitzvah of returning lost objects, study the halachic definition of despair, and examine the social responsibilities that Jews have for one another.
Ethics of the Soul: Contemporary Discussions on Pirkei Avot
with Rabbi Dr. Eliyahu Yoggev Wednesdays, 7pm
Starting September 11 through June 11
Join us for inspiring and meaningful conversations on Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers). The course will use Rabbi Dr. Yoggev’s book on Pirkei Avot; Ethics of the Soul: Uplifting and Relevant Commentary on Ethics of the Fathers, as a springboard for lively discussions.
Rabbi Wohlberg’s Round Table (on ZOOM)
Thursdays, 10:30am
1/2, 2/6, 3/6, 4/3 and 5/1 (The first Thursday of each month)
What’s on Rabbi Wohlberg’s mind… and yours? Join Rabbi Wohlberg on zoom for a candid conversation about Jewish current events, Israel, politics & more! News articles will be distributed the week before for discussion.
Lilmod Ul’elamed: An Evening of Learning in Memory of Sandy Vogel (z”l)
Tuesday, 12/10
7:30pm
Join us as we honor the legacy of Torah study in the merit of Sandy Vogel (z”l) with an evening of lively Beit midrash-style learning with Rabbi David Wolkenfeld, Senior Rabbi at Ohev Shalom Congregation in Washington, D.C.
Rabbi Wolkenfeld is a Wexner Graduate Fellow and completed a term as a member of the Executive Committee of the Rabbinical Council of America. He served for several years as a vice-president of the International Rabbinic Fellowship and currently chairs its Membership Committee. His writing has been published in Tradition, The Lehrhaus, Milin Havivin, and the Huffington Post.
Yaffe Author Series: Good For A Single Journey
Helen Joyce
Wednesday, 9/18, 7pm
Kickoff our new Yaffe series with Joyce’s multi-generational account based on her Jewish family’s journey. The story spans fifty years from 1914, as they were scattered across Europe and the Middle East, and is deeply interwoven with history of the Holocaust and pre-State Israel. (in person)
The Helene and Stanley Z. Penn Lecture
The Inspiring Story of David Rubenstein, CEO of the Baltimore Orioles.
Monday, 11/4, 7:30pm
Meet David Rubenstein, Co-Founder & Co-Chairman of The Carlyle Group and Chairman & CEO of Major League Baseball’s Baltimore Orioles. Mr. Rubenstein will share his incredible journey, from modest beginnings as a Jewish Baltimore native, to entrepreneur and business leader, major philanthropist, and MLB team owner.
Additionally, Mr. Rubenstein is Chairman of many educational and nonprofit boards including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Council on Foreign Relations, the National Gallery of Art, the Economic Club of Washington, the University of Chicago, among others.
He is a leader in the area of Patriotic Philanthropy, having made transformative gifts for the restoration or repair of many American monuments, memorials, and museums. Mr. Rubenstein is an original signer of The Giving Pledge, the host of The David Rubenstein Show, Bloomberg Wealth with David Rubenstein, and Iconic America: Our Symbols and Stories with David Rubenstein. Mr. Rubenstein is a 1970 graduate of Duke University, and a 1973 graduate of the University of Chicago Law School.
The annual Helene and Stanley Z. Penn Lecture was established by Helene to commemorate the life of her beloved husband, Stanley Z. Penn. Stanley was an active Beth Tfiloh member, a successful businessman, attorney and a respected community leader.
SHABBAT
Shabbat is the highlight of the BT shul experience, where community members of all ages engage in exciting and meaningful opportunities that fulfill their spiritual and social needs. Visit bethtfiloh.com/Shabbat for a complete overview of our Shabbat morning services, children’s groups and classes.
Back to School Shabbat Lunch
Saturday, 9/7, following services
We invite our families with school-aged children to celebrate the beginning of the school year as we launch our PreSchool, Lower School & Middle School children’s Shabbat groups with special activities and a Shabbat lunch for the entire family. BT school families are welcome to join us for this special Shabbat! Sponsored by Ruthie and David Carliner in honor of their grandchildren and the start of a new school year.
Women’s Mincha
Saturday, 9/28, 5pm and Saturday, 12/14, 12:30pm **note varied start times
Experience the power of an intergenerational women’s prayer service in this unique ritual opportunity. To volunteer for Torah reading or davening roles, please contact Rachel Berman (rachel. liane.berman@gmail.com).
Alumni Shabbat: Thanksgiving Weekend
Saturday, 11/30, 9:15am
Join us for our annual Alumni Weekend celebration as we welcome our past alumni, enjoy a special Kiddush, reconnect with old friends, immerse in our incredible BT community, and glean inspiration from one of our talented alums who will share insights and perspectives during Shabbat services!
Women’s Parshah Class
Shabbat mornings, 9:20am, Spector Board Room
Weekly class both lay and teacher led to discuss women’s roles and perspectives on the daily parshah.
Dahan Sanctuary Service 9am
All are welcome to this traditional Shabbat morning service, led by Chazzan Yoni Rose. Our clergy offer thought-provoking insights into our weekly parshah (Torah portion) that you can carry into the new week.
Young Family Minyan
9:45-11:30am, Epstein Chapel
Join our young family community for inspirational davening in a welcoming and family-friendly minyan! Enjoy special activities like trivia, as well as social time after davening with young family kiddushes.
Children’s Shabbat Groups
10-11am, Tuvin Hall/Library
Separate Shabbat groups for PreSchool 2s-Kindergarten and grades 1-4. The PreSchool group will include singing, edible crafts, snack time & supervised free play. Lower school group will incorporate davening, interactive parshah activities, stories & more!
Middle School Minyan
10-11:15am, Spector Board Room
“Emtza 567”: New on Shabbat & Yom Tov mornings for 5th –7th grades. Enjoy unique topics which make you go “hmmm”, uncommon games (like “minute to win it”) and abbreviated davening. Starting promptly at 10am and ending at 11 am when participants will join the Teen Minyan until services end.
Teen Minyan
9:47am, Middle School Beit Midrash
Teen Minyan is a student-led minyan for Bar and Bat Mitzvah-age through high school. Teens come together to daven and enjoy games, discussions, divrei Torah, prizes, snacks, kiddush, and more.
HOLIDAYS
Schwartz Scholar-in-Residence
Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Brody
Friday & Saturday, 11/15-16
Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Brody is the executive editor of Ematai, an organization dedicated to help Jews navigate dilemmas relating to aging, end-of-life care, and organ donation. He is also the author of the recent book, Ethics of Our Fighters: A Jewish View on War & Morality and the award-winning A Guide to the Complex: Contemporary Halakhic Debates. Rabbi Brody will be speaking about the ethics of war over Shabbat.
Sponsored by Nathan and Louise Schwartz (z”l) of Wilmington, NC.
Welcome in the New Year with your family and friends at Beth Tfiloh! Join us for holidays full of joyful and meaningful services and programs.
See High Holidays Service Schedule on page 31
Rosh Hashanah Apple Picking
Sunday, 9/22, 10am
PreSchool and Lower School families are invited to join us at Baugher’s Orchard for a morning of apple picking, crafts and songs to prepare for Rosh Hashanah!
Co-sponsored by the BT Parent Association and BT PreSchool.
Leil Selichot: Music for the Soul
Saturday, 9/28, 10pm
Rouse your soul with a moving Selichot service featuring words of inspiration from Rabbi Posner, followed by a musical service led by Chazzan Yoni Rose. Light refreshments will be served.
Rosh Hashanah Chesed Day at North Oaks
Sunday, 9/29, 2pm
Join us for an afternoon of crafts and card-making with the lovely residents of the North Oaks Assisted Living Facility. This program is intended for PreSchool and Lower School-aged children.
Rosh Hashanah Alumni Social
Thursday, 10/3, 12:15pm
Reconnect on Rosh Hashanah with fellow BT alumni, staff, and clergy. Enjoy wine and light fare with friends.
HOLIDAYS
SUKKOT
Grandparent & Me: Sukkot Decoration Making
Sunday, 10/13, 10am
Grandparents and grandchildren are invited to spend quality time together making Sukkah decorations which they can take home at the end of the event. Snacks will be provided! This program was created for PreSchool and Lower School-aged children and their accompanying grandparents.
Co-sponsored by BT’s Grandparent Ambassador Group
Beth Tfiloh Retired People (BTRP) & Empty Nester’s Sukkot Luncheon
Saturday, 10/19, 11:30am
Enjoy a delicious lunch with friends while hearing from congregant and speaker, Aliza Scharf Bendov - LCSW/ LCSW-C, who will share strategies to celebrate the Jewish holidays while overcoming negative connections.
Clergy Sukkah Hops
Saturday, 10/19, 4pm
Celebrate Sukkot with an Open House Sukkah Hop on Rabbi Row (AKA Old Forest Road)! From 4-5:30 pm, hop through the clergy’s sukkot while enjoying delicious treats, activities for children, and more! This event is open to the entire congregation.
Musical Hallel & Bagel Breakfast
Wednesday, 10/23, 7:40am
Celebrate Hoshanah Rabah with a special musical Hallel, followed by a bagel breakfast. Shacharit begins at 7:20am, with Hallel at 7:40am.
SIMCHAT TORAH
Leil Simchat Torah
Thursday evening, 10/24
Be a part of the joy of Simchat Torah at BT! Celebrate with dancing, singing, cocktails and hors d’oeurves for adults, as well as candy bags and giveaways for children.
Simchat Torah: Women’s Leining and Aliyot
Friday morning, 10/25
We invite Beth Tfiloh women and girls (of all ages!) to come together for a meaningful Simchat Torah experience. Women will read Torah and receive aliyot. Interested in leining? Please contact Sheri Knauth (sknauth@btfiloh.org).
Courtyard
Simchat Torah Celebration and BBQ
Friday, 10/25 following Services
The joy of Simchat Torah continues with dancing and singing the Hakafot, kids’ activites and special entertainment, followed by a delicious BBQ lunch for the entire congregation.
Hurwitz Hall
CHANUKAH
Pre-Chanukah BINGO
Wednesday, 12/18, 5pm
Get into the Chanukah spirit with this favorite BT tradition! PreSchool and Lower School families are invited for latkes, donuts, bingo, crafts, and prizes to celebrate the festival of lights.
CONNECT WITH COMMUNITY
EMPTY NESTERS/GRANDPARENTS
BTRP Nosh & Schmooze (Beth Tfiloh Retired People)
Wednesdays, 10am
Dates: 9/11, 10/19, 11/13, 12/11, 1/8, 2/12, 3/5, 4/9, 5/7, 6/11
Fill your morning with friends, enriching presentations, and a light brunch! Come nosh, socialize, and enjoy a series of unique presenters planned just for you. This program is designed for men and women.
Sponsored by the BT Sisterhood.
Sisterhood Game Day
Thursdays, 9/12 and 1/23, 12-4pm
Enjoy an afternoon of fun and games such as Mah Jongg, Bridge, Canasta and more. Lunch is included. To register or learn more, please contact Ellen Karp (443-660-7690).
Empty Nester’s Chavurah
Sundays, 9/22, 10/27, 11/10, 12/15, 7:30pm
The Empty Nester Chavurah meets monthly for lively discussions, socialization, and enjoyable activities. Contact Roberta Katz for information (rkatz@btfiloh.org).
WOMEN'S PROGRAMMING
Women and Wisdom: Refining our Relationships
Tuesdays, 7:30pm
Dates: 9/10, 11/18, 1/7
For mothers of teens and young adults. How can we strengthen the different relationships we have without losing ourselves in the process? Through rich textual analysis and dynamic discussion, we will highlight the relationships in our lives: with ourselves, Hashem, our spouse, parents/in-laws, children, friends, and community. Exploring the significance of each relationship, and appreciating how each one influences the others, will offer clarity and perspective on how to show up fully for yourself and for those closest to you.
Moms & Midrash: Meaning in Mitzvot
Tuesdays, 8:00 PM
Classes: 9/24, 11/11, 1/14
For PreSchool and Lower School moms.
In the wake of October 7, more Jews are taking on new Mitzvah observances to live as proud and committed Jews. Throughout Israel, and the world at large, we’ve seen people share the transformative power of Mitzvot. Join a group of growth-minded
Grandparent & Me: Sukkot Decoration Making Sunday, 10/13, 10am - see page 16
BTRP & Empty Nester’s Sukkot Luncheon Saturday, 10/19, 11:30am - see page 16
women as this course explores the meaning behind various mitzvot, and their relevance and practical applications, with a focus on how to make mitzvot come alive for our families. Some of the mitzvot we will cover will include Shabbat, prayer, chesed, hafrashat challah, and brachot.
Women’s Mincha
Saturday, 9/28/24, and Saturday, 12/14 - see page 16
CONNECT WITH COMMUNITY
BT Stories: A Century of Memories
Tuesday, 9/24, 10:30am
After 100 years as a synagogue and center of Jewish life, BT holds a special place in many of our congregants’ memories. We invite you to join us as these long-standing members share impactful stories about Beth Tfiloh from its many eras. To participate or share a story, please reach out to Joan Feldman (jfeldman@btfiloh.org).
YOUNG FAMILIES & CHILDREN
Rosh Hashanah Apple Picking
Sunday, 9/22, 10am, Baugher’s Orchard – see pg. 15 for details
Rosh Hashanah Chesed Day at North Oaks
Sunday, 9/29, 2pm – see pg. 15 for details
Clergy Sukkah Hops
Saturday, 10/19, 4pm – see pg. 16 for details
Parent & Child Learning with Chazzan Yoni Rose
Saturdays, 6:25pm
Dates: 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 12/14, 1/4, 1/11, 1/25, 2/1, 2/22 and 3/1
Set aside time each motzei Shabbat for you and your child (ages K-5th grade) to enjoy pizza, raffles, and meaningful postShabbat learning.
Parshat Noach Petting Zoo and Chesed Day
Sunday, 11/3, 10-11:30am
It’s Parshat Noach at BT, so hop on the ark and join us for a petting zoo, rainbow ices, crafts and chesed activities!
Co-sponsored by the BT Preschool and Lower School.
Young Family Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, 1/10, 5pm
Come sing Kabbalat Shabbat songs and enjoy a kid-friendly reception.
The Sisterhood Shop ‘Til You Drop Gift Boutique Sunday, 12/8, 10-5pm
Check off all your holiday needs with great gift ideas for all ages from a variety of quality vendors, including toys, clothing, art, Judaica, & more! Hosted by the BT Sisterhood.
MEN'S PROGRAMMING
Men’s Learning and L’Chaims
Thursdays, 8pm,
Enjoy a monthly laid-back night of men’s learning with our BT clergy. There will be delicious food and plenty of l’chaims! If you’d like to host or sponsor an evening of men’s learning, please reach out to Talia Jordan (Tjordan@Btfiloh.org).
September Session: Rabbi Posner Growth Prevention: Obstacles to Teshuvah in Today’s World Thursday, 9/26, 8pm
November Session: Rabbi Yoggev Gun Control in Halachah and Jewish Thought Thursday, 11/14, 8pm
January Session: Rabbi Goldstein Ethics of Social Media Thursday, 1/23, 8pm
*save the date for future sessions on 3/27 and 5/15
BT Brotherhood’s 2nd Annual Sukkah Crawl
Thursday, 10/17, 8:30pm
This year’s programming begins with a bang! Come along on our Annual Sukkah Crawl, but with a whisky and cigar twist. We will visit multiple members’ Sukkot and sample different whiskys in each Sukkah. Get involved with BT Brotherhood! Reach out to President Sam Friedman with your ideas (BTmenpresident@gmail.com).
Recently, Rabbi Wohlberg was a special guest on “Call Your Bubby,” a podcast created by BT alums Chandler Pierce ’13, Ari Ness ’13, and Yossi Kuttler ’13 featuring conversations with local bubbies and zadies.
This spring, Chazzan Yoni Rose collaborated with Eliram P. ’29 in a beautiful rendition of Vehi She’amda, a song from the Pesach Seder which has been particularly popular since October 7.
This year’s JCC Block Party brought together representatives from BT Camps, Beth Tfiloh School, and Beth Tfiloh Congregation, to meet with attendees and share information about our community. Even Governor Hogan paid us a visit!
Our Women’s Pre-Pesach Evening of Inspiration was a breathtaking evening, featuring “Meaningful Messages in Maggid,” an elegant dinner, soulful and uplifting music and singing, and powerful presentations.
Rabbi Chai Posner led a captivating discussion with renowned author and thinker Yossi Klein Halevi at our annual Dahan Lecture. This memorable evening was sponsored by the Haron Dahan Foundation.
Our Yom HaAtzma’ut celebration was a shul-wide celebration of Israel’s 76th Independence Day. The evening began with a wonderful turnout for our service in the Epstein Chapel, followed by singing, a festive meal, a fun Israeli Carnival, and even an Israeli shuk.
Recently, our father and son duo of Dr. David Gitlitz and Caleb Gitlitz ’21, performed Hagbah and Gelilah during a morning minyan.
WITH a S NG in HIS HEART
Interview with Chazzan Yoni Rose ’04
As a graduate of BT, Class of 2004, what has it been like to return as an adult and to become the chazzan of BT? What are you most excited about?
Simply put, this is the honor of a lifetime. Having attended BT, and having been a part of the BT family for so long, there are so many people here who I have admired and looked to as mentors. Working with them as a colleague is at times surreal, and at others exhilarating.
Becoming a leader and succeeding in a place where people have known you for a long time can be uniquely challenging. But my colleagues have been incredibly supportive in assisting me since I arrived. As I look to the future, I am most excited to have the opportunity to continue to work with such amazing colleagues and achieve something great together.
You chose to come back to Baltimore from Germany before taking the position as Chazzan. Why did you make that choice?
My wife, Miriam, and I have had many discussions about the types of people we would like our children to be. Choosing the proper school environment was critical for us. We want our children to go
to a school where they will learn proper character traits, where they will learn to love all types of people, and where they can be exposed to a variety of ideas all within the Torah-observant framework, and understanding of their place within the Jewish People. The only choice for us was Beth Tfiloh, and this is what drew us back to Baltimore.
What motivated you to become a chazzan?
I have always used music as a way to express emotions that I lack the words to describe. As I thought more and more about my relationship with Hashem, I realized that music could be my conduit to explore that spiritual connection. As a chazzan, my musical choices and technique aim to better strengthen that connection. In short, being a chazzan grants me the freedom to use music for a higher spiritual purpose.
Being a chazzan is also about much more than music. As a musician, my connection with an audience began and ended as I entered and exited the stage. As a chazzan, I get the opportunity to foster truly meaningful connection with an incredibly diverse group of people. Clergy members attend some of the most meaningful moments in peoples’ lives. Whether joyous or sad, being a part of congregants’ personal milestones is a privilege that I cherish.
What is the most important role you see for a chazzan at Beth Tfiloh?
Prayer, and the music that accompanies it, has the potential to unify an otherwise diverse congregation. As a chazzan at a congregation as diverse as Beth Tfiloh, it is essential that the chazzan does his utmost to allow a Congregation to coalesce around prayer. While musical choices and style are of obvious importance, they are not the only tools at a chazzan’s disposal. By fostering positive and meaningful relationships with congregants of all stripes and types, the chazzan can create an atmosphere that encourages shared worship, and ultimately closer spiritual connection with Hashem.
Aside from davening, what types of music do you enjoy listening to and singing?
Having trained as an opera singer, I enjoy singing operatic arias and other excerpts, but I also love rock music - Queen is my favorite. A nice long playlist of Shlock Rock tunes will put me in a happy place.
What inspires you in prayer?
Recently, I heard a lecture about the miracle of time. Time continues inexorably forward. As the world and life continue around it, each unit of time remains constant, and no moment in time is materially the same as the one before. The same holds true for the minute, hour, day, etc. Similarly, no moment in the future will be identical to any that preceeded it. The beauty of the miracle
is that something so repetitive remains individually unique.
The Jewish concept of prayer, and indeed Jewish ritual practice in general, mirrors this idea. We say the same words daily, weekly, and annually. The moment in which I say a prayer is unique to all that came before it and different from any that will be. Sometimes, my inspiration comes from a strong emotion or experience, perceived natural or manmade beauty, or
a specific word or phrase in the prayers. But more often the inspiration comes from the simple repetition of the formula compiled by our rabbis and prophets, and the comfort of that repetition serves as a touchstone for my spiritual connection to Hashem. I find deep inspiration in the knowledge that oft repeated phrases will have their own momentary individuality, and this is my main source of spiritual inspiration.
WHICH DO YOU PREFER?
Winter/spring/summer/fall
The one where I sweat the least
Beard/no beard
Beardy McBeardface
Suit/jeans
Shorts and a t-shirt
Manischewitz / Heineken
IPA
Sushi/pizza
Both at the same time! Café 921 - we miss you!
Podcasts/books
Podcasts during the week, books on Shabbos
Guitar /piano
Guitar
Schnitzel/schwarma
Beef schwarma in a lafa, with hummus, Israeli salad, onions, and fried eggplant
Simchat Torah /Octoberfest
Simchat Torah!!!!!!!!
You have heard from others in this bulletin about One Nation, One Heart. I would like to add something to that –One Nation, One Heart, One BT!
As a relative newcomer to BT (this is my 3-year anniversary!), I still am awed by the sense of community, togetherness, and spirit our members have despite (or perhaps because of) our differences. We should never take for granted our ability to celebrate our differences while still being “One BT”. One BT means different things to different people. To me, it is about coming together as a community when it matters, while respecting each other’s viewpoints and beliefs. This year has demonstrated once again that One BT is “the real deal,” allowing all of us to move from strength to strength.
Echoing a theme you read from Rabbi Posner, One Nation, One Heart, One BT was clearly on display in our collective response to the events of October 7 and all that has happened since then. We came together in our support for the nation, the people, and the idea of Israel and all it represents, and we have been unwavering in that support since then. From sermons, to mission trips, to charitable efforts, and BT’s hosting of the Community Gathering in Solidarity with Israel (among many more programs and activities), we have acted as One BT.
More significantly, we demonstrate this idea of One BT when, as a diverse community, we come together in common experiences and bonds – sharing joys and sorrows with each other, and being there for each other when it matters most. We see this in holiday worship and celebrations, and attendance at our incredibly diverse programming where members come together. We see this in times of a simcha – weddings, births, bar and bat mitzvahs, and more. We also see this in times of sorrow and need – supporting a member in a time of loss and grief.
by Dan Silien, Executive Director
In addition to being there physically and spiritually with each other, One Nation, One Heart, One BT also means being there financially for each other through your generosity to Beth Tfiloh. We need your help so that we can continue to offer financial assistance to members who may need a little help paying their dues or obtaining their High Holiday seats. Your support of the Congregation General Fund helps to make dues and seats more affordable for those facing financial challenges. If you
are interested in establishing a fund to support members’ dues please contact the Development Office. In addition, consider supporting a meal train for a fellow congregant family in need, or providing emotional and community support by making a donation throughout the year in honor of or in memory of someone (or for a special occasion). Donations can be made online at www.bethtfiloh.com/tribute or by contacting the Development office at (410) 413-2210.
As always, thank you for your support of each other and of Beth Tfiloh! I am excited to see how we will come together as One BT during 5785!
PHILANTHROPY & GIVING
Donor Spotlight:
Allow us to introduce cAptAin Joseph And Josie schwArtzstein. Joe moved to BAltimore 14 yeArs Ago for work, And Josie followed three yeArs lAter. Joe And Josie, Along with their rising kindergArtner, vidA, Are one of our most inspiring And involved philAnthropic fAmilies we recently sAt down with the couple to leArn more ABout why they Are so pAssionAte ABout Beth tfiloh, JudAism, And philAnthropy.
How long have you called Baltimore your home?
We have been Beth Tfiloh congregants and school parents since 2021, when we enrolled Vida in BT’s “Little Me” program This experience gave us a genuine feel for the school and its teachers, solidifying our choice that BT was the right place for our family.
Tell us a bit about your professional and volunteer positions.
Joe: As a Maryland Pilot, my job is to safely navigate, dock, and undock commercial and military ships through the waters of the Chesapeake Bay from various ports. Prior to that, I sailed for ten years in the Merchant Marines, was on active duty as a U.S. Army officer, and I am also a commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. My time with the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy has motivated
me to be philanthropic. My volunteerism with the Academy alumni foundation is one way I give back, ensuring that Jewish midshipmen have the necessary resources to explore their Jewish identity, and nonJewish midshipmen have the resources needed to explore their educational opportunities.
Josie: I balance my part-time position as a caregiver for an Alzheimer’s client, alongside my volunteer commitments to Beth Tfiloh and to Meals on Wheels. For BT, you can find me in the high school every week. I also volunteer at Paul’s Place through BT congregation’s chesed committee. I’m Treasurer of the BT Parents Association board, and I dedicate time to development-focused committees (I was a past-class parent and served on the Spotlight committee for the past two years).
What inspires you to give?
We share a deep commitment to the growth of BT and believe that supporting Beth Tfiloh’s institutional arms help provide our daughter and others with a solid foundation in both education and values, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Additionally, we want to give back to ensure that these resources continue to thrive for Vida, and for other families.
We are also inspired by the tenets of Judaism - through the Torah, the practice of mitzvot, the Talmud, and Mussar - and believe we are morally obligated to make the world better than when we found it. We are fortunate and thankful to have the resources to give back to fulfill this obligation.
What inspires or motivates you to have a philanthropic mindset?
We are so thankful for the love and support that Beth Tfiloh showed to our family during Joe’s work-related accident and injury, which inspired us to give back. We wanted to make sure that others in the community could experience the same level of resources and support that our family received.
What is your favorite Jewish holiday or lifecycle event?
Josie: Shabbat gives me a respite and allows me to recharge my battery. It’s like starting anew each week!
Joe: I love Passover. It is a time when family and community come together to celebrate what it means to be Jewish, and I’ve always loved my grandmother’s chopped liver!
What do you feel is the most important reason to support our school and synagogue?
We believe that the most important reason to support our school and synagogue is to invest in the future of our Jewish community. BT provides essential education, spiritual guidance, and a sense of belonging that helps shape well-rounded, responsible individuals. As supporters, we ensure that Beth Tfiloh can continue to offer valuable resources and opportunities for growth, fostering a strong, vibrant community for generations to come.
What do you love most about Beth Tfiloh?
Beth Tfiloh is a family, and we love that the most!
BT moments
We gratefully acknowledge the following contributions to our Congregation & School
FEBRUARY 2. 2024 THRU JULY 23. 2024 TRIBUTE GIFTS $36.00 AND UP
BETH TFILOH CONGREGATION GENERAL FUND
In Honor of: Esther and Shlomo Leibtag on the birth of their son, by Marina and Gregory Shmunis • Yael Sage Sheller, by Shannon Camara & Jesse Salsbury • Beth Tfiloh, by David Berman • Joelle and Elijah Kanter, by Nelson and Michele Kanter • Seymour Newman on his 90th birthday, by Beverly and Daniel Wolf • Audra Stern on her birthday, by Carla and Michael Steinberg Speedy Recovery to: Joseph Kowitz, by Alan and Sylvia Sandler
In Memory of: Martin Z. Kanner, by Dmitry Tuder • Lawrence Donner, by The Arnold Family, Mara Glazer, Josh and Mary Buettner Glazer, Karen and Bill Glazer, Mr and Mrs. Jack Spiegelman, Betty and Ed Leikin • Elaine Levinoff, by Neil and Margie Schechter • David Elkayam, by Harriet and Jay Kramer • Richard Rotner, by Brian Newman, Jeri (Schreiber) and Michael Smith, Sandy and Tobey Schreiber, Michael Albo – MFI Management, Barbara Bezpa and John Roblin, Beverly Hicks, Douglas and Cheryl Hicks, George and Gwen Collins, Annette and Joe Cooper , Larry, Rochelle, Elisa, Jeff and the Ochfeld Family, Priscilla Dy Laurel, RS&F, Robyn and Chuck Siegel, Lynn Abeshouse and Irv Tark, Karen and Howard Fireman, Leslie and Ira Hantman, Larry and Patsy Taubman, Tom Brown, Carol and John Hess, Gail and Maurice Gaspar, Jay and Lisa Donegan, Jamie and Dan Altchek, Melissa and Adam Eisner, Shelley Romano, Ryan Wilner, Robert Altshuler, Emily and Charles Billig, Roberta and Larry Herbst, Marcy Shapiro, Neuberger, Quinn, Gielen, Rubin & Gibber, P.A., Sarah and David Hirshfeld, Herb, Maury, Ilene, Leete, Jon Moss, Alan Garten – Fedder and Garten, Shelley Goldseker, Benjy Green; B. Green & Co., Inc. • Jack Finkelstein, by Michael Kessler, Annette and Joe Cooper , Jeri and Michael Smith, Sherry and C.J. O’Neill • Shirley Brown Rekoon, by Sherri and Gary Kassimir and Family, Jamie and Kenny Bernstein • Keith Ehrlich, by Bill and Maxine Durbrow, Reed and Brenda Parker, The Pratt-Miranda Family • Irvin Fishbein, by Phillip Snyder, Joyce and Richard Franklin, Irene and Robert Russel, Debi and Mark Holzman, Shira Sandler and Sara Lesser, Bonnie Epstein, Michelle Holzman Leader, Elaine and Steve Hercenberg, Barry and Sarah Josephs, Marcie Greenberg Lowe and Richard Lowe, Sheila and Joe Holzman • Janean Adelstein, by Jason Rubenstein • Shari Dobres Hamburg, by Lisa and Marc Asher, Henry M. Rosenbaum, Judy and Michael Baylin, ,Sandi Moffet, Michael and Israela Meyerstein, Beth and Michael Sellman, Lucia and Boris Kerzner,
Michael and Israela Meyerstein, David and Betsy Katz, Wendy and Perry Gould, Abby Coplan and Jodi Rogozinski, The Aronberg Family, Jill and Gary Eidelman, Maureen and David and Jason and Jamie Davidov, The Blecher Family • Jill Birnbaum Selati, by David and Debra Balenson • Nathan Sefret, by Matt and Lori Rosenstock, Barbara Bernstein and Toba Thaman, Jim Wolf, Friends at DMS Development & JMD, Judith Weinstock and Craig Bitman, Thea Foglietta Silverstein, Larraine Bernstein and Ken Hornstein, Bonnie Berman • Harold Bob, by Jodi Frey • Gilda Greenberg, by The Kades Family, Susan Moray, Dr. Shawn and Mrs. Diane Rieder • Dr. Phillip Weiner, by Amy and David Stampfer • Elaine Rosenzweig, by Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Rothenberg, Barbara and Harvey Steinman, Marianne and Terry Levenson • Esta Lesser, by Rebecca Luwisher • Reta Davis, by Elayne Berg
In Observance of the yahrzeit of: Arlene Epstein, by Ken and Wendy Epstein • Morris Supnick, by Louise and Daniel Supnick • Harold Morganstern, Norma Schindler, Leon and Rose Stein, by Michael and Betty Wolf
AKIVA PROGRAM FUND
In Memory of: Gilda Greenberg, by Susan and Scott Yurow
ROSALIE AND RICHARD ALTER
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In Memory of: Susan Lyon, by Rebecca Jarosh
PHYLLIS AND LEONARD ATTMAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In Memory of: Irvin Fishbein, by Karen and Steve Brown • Gilda Greenberg, by Debbie and Kenny Vogelstein and Family
RAY NACHLAS BECKER SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In Honor of: Marcia Leavey, by Rita and Marshall Plaut
BETH TFILOH ALUMNI FUND
In Memory of: Shari Dobres Hamburg by, Ellen and Joel Goldwasser
BETH TFILOH DAHAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL
In Honor of: Michael Renbaum on his special birthday, by Toby and Randy Goodman • The Segals, by The Greenbergs • Myrna and Ben Cardin, by Lauren and Carl Klein • Stephanie Baron, by Amy Kowitz • Caleb Ponczak on his Bar Mitzvah, by Laurie Wasserman, Martha K. White
In Memory of: Jack Finkelstein, by Susan DeYoung and Larry Sanderson, Bert and Diane Lundstedt • Irv Fishbein, by Larry and Marianne Hornstein,
Marsha Danick, Rena and Sheldon Polun, Eva and Jack Himmelstein, Barbara and Ted Levin • Elaine Levinoff, by Laurie and Mike Kott • Lawrence Donner, by Chris, Ivy, Chloe & Jordyn Ammann • Richard Rotner, by The Danick and Cherry Families, Max and Mary Beth Thanhouser • Rosalie Sellman, by Allison and Aaron Magat • Shari Dobres Hamburg, by Beth and Michael Sellman • Shirley Brown Rekoon, by Jan and Andy Cardin • Gilda Greenberg, by Avi and Liba Benus, Steve and Michelle Wions, Barbara and Michael Noonberg, Laurie and Andy Wasserman, Peter, Ilene, Mitchell, and Margot Jay, Heather and Howard Cohen, Joe and Angelica Carliner, Sharon Benus, Larraine Bernstein and Ken Hornstein, Jill and Gary Eidelman and Family, Alyson Sprafkin, Melissa and Jordy Levine, Heather and Aaron Levinoff
BETH TFILOH DAHAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In Honor of: Myrna and Ben Cardin, by Linda Proper • Eve Kresin Steinberg on her special birthday, by Deborah and Searle Mitnick, Sharon Benus • Shirley Prostic on her 90th birthday, by Marilyn and Harvey Holzman • Michael Renbaum on his 80th birthday, by Shelley Goldseker • Malcolm Renbaum on his special birthday, by Dana and Herman Brecher • Joyce and Martin Grand on the graduation of their grandson Ethan, by Susan and Scott Yurow • Joyce and Martin Grand on the Bat Mitzvah of their granddaughter, Emma, by Susan and Scott Yurow • Dena and Gary Leibowitz on the marriage of their daughter, Alexis, by Al Polovoy
In Memory of: Myra Schaftel, by Barbara Packer • Dr. Saul and Edith Moses, by Nancy and Harold Tepper • Avi Baron, by The Kott Family • Dr. Murray Weinstock, by Melanie and Ray Haroun • Shari Dobres Hamburg, by Sherri and Gary Kassimir and Family, Myrna and Ben Cardin, Judy Woolfson, Annette and Bruce Ingerman, Lorraine Schapiro, Nadine Turner, Joyce and Marshall Bedine, Susan and Stanley Goldberg, Ilene Schwartz, Irene and Robert Russel, Harriet and Sol Robbins • Frank Bressler, by Marianne and Larry Hornstein • Bruce and Jerry Rashbaum, by Rikki Solomon, Barbara and Stanley Davis, Elayne Berg • Irvin Fishbein, by Frank and Estelle Holzman, Susan Yurow • Dr. Lawrence Donner, by The Geller and Campf Family, Marcia and Alvin Sachs • Dr. Marcia Lee Skoptt, by Ellen and Dennis Uhlfelder, Lois Wolf and Marty Taubenfeld, Nadine Turner • Bernard Sachs, by Marty Taubenfeld and Lois Wolf • Jack Finkelstein, by Ken Hornstein and Larraine Bernstein • Gilda Greenberg, by Laurie and Mike Kott, Mira and Nissim Dahan, Amy Caplan and Robert Abbott • Steve Rauseo, by Laurie and Mike Kott, Larraine Bernstein and Ken Hornstein • Barry Howard Friedman, by Julie and Josh Schenker • David Seff, by Harriet and Sol Robbins • Michael Yerman, by Jill and Gary Eidelman and Family
CHARLES CRANE AND HOWARD S. BROWN EDUCATION FUND
We appreciate the anonymous donation made to this fund.
SAMUEL AND SIDNEY EPSTEIN CHAPEL FUND
In Memory of: Rona Lewis, by Toby and Randy Goodman, Lawrence Aiken, Lindley and Len Weinberg, Rosellen and Norman Bloomberg, Ellen, Francie and Samantha Koitz, Remler Family, Janice Nelson, Nina Weiss & Family, Patti and Ira Friedman, Sherri Davis, Lynne, Marc and Jeff Komins, Jewish Community Services, Susan and Scott Yurow, Renee Garfinkel, Marc Summerfield and Guill Photo, Sue and Bob Klein, Debbie and Alan Summerfield, Howard and Emily Orel, Janet and Howard Blum • Lilian Yurow, by Judy and Gary Siegel, Marc, Sindi, Jordan, Sara, Rita, Ali and Kyle and Winnie • Nathan Sefret, by Larry Aiken
RHEDA & JERRY FADER CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In Honor of: Frances Kessler on her special birthday, by Michael, Lani and Molly
In Memory of: Richard Rotner, by Max and Mary Beth Thanhouser
SALLY AND HAROLD GOLDBERG MUSIC FUND
In Memory of: Dr. Harold Benton Bob, by John Wynn
DAVID AND JUDY JACOBSON HOLIDAY PROGRAMMING FUND
In Honor of: Yoni Rose being named Cantor of BT, by Lawrence Aiken • Dr. Zipora Schorr and the entire BT Clergy, by The Bob Family • Rosalie Sellman’s love of BT, by Barbara Fasteau
In Memory of: Rona Lewis, by Annette and Joe Cooper • Bruce Rashbaum, by Annette and Joe Cooper • Harry Davidson, by Frank Grosbayne • Irv Fishbein, by Blades & Rosenfeld, P.A., • Elaine Levinoff, by Shawn Sefret • Keith Ehrlich, by Susan and Mark Goldhaber
DR. ISADORE AND HILDA KAPLAN MERIT FUND
In Honor of: Emma Grand on her Bat Mitzvah, by Ellen and Jay Feinglass
ALAN J. KARLIN CHATAN TORAH HONOR FUND
In Memory of: Shari Dobres Hamburg, by Roz Weiner
ESTHER AND MAX KAYE ISRAEL TRIP FUND
In Memory of: Irvin Fishbein, by Shelley and Bobby Kaye • Richard Rotner, by The Baron Family
WILLIE AND SOPHIE MAZER FUND
In Honor of: David Holzworth and Roslyn Mazer on their wedding anniversary, by Ellie and Andy Glass
MERCAZ FUND
In Honor of: Chana Slavaticki, by Barbara and Ronnie Kleinfeldt
NATANZON TAYLOR FAMILY ISRAEL/ POLAND TRIP SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In Honor of: Tina and Lee Sheller on their 50th wedding anniversary, by Susan and Michael Sless
In Memory of: Bernard Sachs, by Rozzie and Harold Taylor • Gilda Greenberg, by Rozzie and Harold Taylor
NELSON NEUMAN FAMILY KIDDUSH FUND
In Memory of: Elaine Rosenzweig, by Ricka Neuman
STANLEY Z. PENN MEMORIAL LECTURE FUND
In Honor of: Midge and Lowell Herman becoming grandparents, by Ruthie and David Carliner • Adrian and Marty Auster on the birth of their grandson, Micah Shai, by Helene Penn • Max and Carly Chason on their marriage, and the naming of Sophia Leah, by Ruthie and David Carliner
In Memory of: Bruce Rashbaum, by Helene Penn • Jill Selati Schwartz, by Ruthie and David Carliner • Gilda Greenberg, by Ruthie and David Carliner, Helene Penn • Shari Dobres Hamburg, by Helene Penn, Ruthie and David Carliner
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RABBI POSNER DISCRETIONARY FUND
In Honor of: Rabbi Posner, by Lawrence Aiken, Sharon Benus, Marcia and Marc Leavey • Myra Strassler on her special birthday, by Winnie and Phil Levinson • The Rabbis of Beth Tfiloh, by Carmi and Megan Gold
In Memory of: Irvin Fishbein, by The 2023-2024 Beth Tfiloh Parent Association Board, Henry M. Rosenbaum, Stephen and Elaine Lebau and Family, Alicia and Jason Broth • Dr. Murray Weinstock, by Audra and Ari Stern
PRAYER BOOK FUND
In Honor of: Boris Fooksman, by Bella Fooksman • Myrna and Ben Cardin, by Barbara and Perry London
In Memory of: Amalia “Lica” Ella Rosenweig, by Janet Rauer and Friends • Richard Rotner, by Steven Manela • Nathan Sefret, by Michele Pro
IAN LUBIN PRUCE PRESCHOOL FUND
In Memory of: Helen Silber, by Ruthie and Harry Silber • Herta Baitch, by Ruthie and Harry Silber • Suzanne Brafman, by Ruthie and Harry Silber • Avi Baron, by Cheryl Pruce • Ian Lubin Pruce, by
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Nancy and Larry Rosenberg, Susan and Michael Sless, Ruthie and Harry Silber • Shirley Brown Rekoon, by Dr. and Mrs. Harry Silber
DR. SANDRA ROSENBLATT SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In Memory of: Rona Lewis, by Howard Rosenblatt • Rosalie Sellman, by Howard Rosenblatt • Irvin Fishbein, by Howard Rosenblatt • Shari Dobres Hamburg, by Kim Kushel and Family
In Observance of the yahrzeit of: Sandra Rosenblatt, by Rachel Rosenblatt
ADELA RUSSEL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In Memory of: Gilda Greenberg, by Irene and Robert Russel
SAMUEL FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In Memory of: Elaine Levinoff, by Dodi and Joey Samuel and Family • Amalia “Lica” Ella Rosenzweig, by The Bar Family
EZRA SEEGULL LEADERSHIP AND ADVOCACY FUND
In Memory of: Ezra Seegull, by Theresa and Frank Connolly • Judy Herman, by Layne and Sherri Herman and Children • Jack Finkelstein, by Roz Goldberg • Shari Dobres Hamburg, by Roz Goldberg, Karen and P.J. Pearlstone, Sherri and Layne Herman and Family • Gilda Greenberg, by Diane and Larry Seegull
In Observance of the yahrzeit of: Rolf Lanzkron, by Sophie and Daniel Salzberg
THE COREY SEIDEL ADDICTION AWARENESS AND EDUCATION FUND
In Memory of: Corey Seidel, by Ted Oshrine
THE RACHELLE SILVERSTEIN SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In Honor of: Ronnie Silverstein, by Reut Friedman
In Memory of: Judy Rach, by Ronnie Silverstein • Cathy Watkins, by Ronnie Silverstein • Shari Hamburg Dobres, by Ronnie Silverstein • Reta Davis, by Ronnie Silverstein
RABBI MITCHELL WOHLBERG DISCRETIONARY FUND
In Honor of: Rabbi Wohlberg, by Stanley Brown
In Memory of: Robert Kinstilinger MD, by Jack Kinstlinger • Richard Rotner, by Marcie & David Zisow and Jamie Silverman, Ronnie and Stanley Amernick, Stephan Levine • Frank and Irene Bressler, by William and Elaine Fine • Dorye Brown, by Rhoda, Stanley, Jill, Todd, and Kelly Brown
In Observance of the yahrzeit of: Harold Morganstern, Norma Schindler, Leon and Rose Stein, by Michael and Betty Wolf
WOLF FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In Honor of: Caleb Ponczak on his Bar Mitzvah, by The Kott Family, • Jake and Adiva Shapiro on their marriage, by Shoshi and Brian Poczak
YAD B’YAD FUND
In Honor of: Yad B’Yad, by The Rapaport Family In Memory of: Elaine Levinoff, by Whitney, Todd, Dorie and Ariyel Ehrlich • Irvin Fishbein, by Susan Horowitz • Jill Paula Selati, by Diane and Larry Seegull, Faith and Adam Harrison • Gilda Greenberg, by Whitney, Todd, Dorie and Ariyel Ehrlich • Virginia Lanzkron, by Eric and Elizabeth Brown • Steve Rauseo, by Whitney, Todd, Dorie and Ariyel Ehrlich • Gerald Hess Edelman, by Whitney Ehrlich • Elaine Rosenzweig, by Marc and Margie Goldberg-Okun
JULIUS ZERWITZ MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT FUND
In Observance of the yahrzeit of: Lothar Haas, by Maureen Davidov • Elsie Zerwitz Davidov, by Howard Davidov
YAHRZEITS
Leonard Aiken, by Larry Aiken • Anne Alpert, by Paul Alpert • Simon Alpert, by Paul Alpert • Hilda Arnoff, by Marsha Caplan • Nathan Arnoff, by Marsha Caplan • Mildred K. Aronoff, by Judy Basak • Miriam Ashinsky, by Rochelle Ann Lewis • Frances L. Baer, by Louis Baer • Dorothy Berman, by Bonnie Berman • Elaine Bormel, by Gloria Segall • Sera “Sally” Bormel, by Gloria Segall • Adele Brem, by Henry Brem • David Caplan, by Ellis Caplan • Freda Caplan, by Ellis Caplan • Michael Cardin, by Robert Rombro • Gussie Cheren, by Marsha Caplan Joseph Chikvashvili, by David Chikvashvili • Frieda Cohen Ohm, by Sheila Jay • Frieda Cohen, by Sheila Jay • Harry Cohen, by Robert Rombro • Sarah Cohen, by Herbert Gendason • Helen Diamond, by Chaya Diamond • Harry Dickman, by Elinda Hendin • Sadye Eberlin, by Cheryl Rosenfeld • Pearl Edelman, by Bonnie Epstein • Ruth Eisenberg, by Gwenn Eisenberg • Daniel H. Eisman, by Joan Isack • Gilbert Feinberg, by Gail Coppel • Janet Feinberg, by Gail
Coppel • Fannie Finkelstein, by Jack Finkelstein • Joseph Finkelstein, by Jack Finkelstein • Phyllis H. Finkelstein, by Jack Finkelstein • Edwin Fox, by Harold Fox • Jerry Franklin, by Layne & Sherri Herman & children • Annette Gendason, by Herbert Gendason • Tillie Gendason, by Herbert Gendason • Isadore Glazer, by Sheila Jay • Minnie Glazer, by Sheila Jay • Samuel Glazer, by Sheila Jay • Theodore Gleiman, by Stanley Gleiman • Sylvia Green, by Sheldon Green • David Greenberg, by Rosalie Rapoport • Herman Greenberg, by Rosalie Rapoport • Khaya bat Nachman Grinman, by Flora Elbert • Marvin I. Haar, by Audrey Haar • Janette Hack, by Florence Brill • Willard Hackerman, by Gwenn Eisenberg • Minnie B. Hyatt, by Phyllis Langwith • Edward J. Isack, by Steven Isack • Renee Isack, by Steven Isack • Morris “Marc” L. Jacobs, by Betty Jacobs Keyser • Harry Kessler, by Sheila Kessler • Aaron Landau, by Roseanne Ehrlich • Judah Landau, by Roseanne Ehrlich • Sarah Landau, by Roseanne Ehrlich • Patricia “Poppy” Lark, by Lutz Alexander Prager • Lottie Lattin, by Larry and Marianne Hornstein • Hattie Lott, by Edward Lott • Sandy Moffet, by Jerry Moffet • Betty Mofsovitz, by Jerry Moffet • Milton Mofsovitz, by Jerry Moffet • Monroe Nash, by Laura Nash • Edward Newman, by Paul Alpert • Ella Newman, by Paul Alpert • Leonid Raikhels, by Ineza Chikvashvili • Aaron Rapoport, by Morton Rapoport • Ida Reisman, by Reta Freeman • Gertrude B. Robinson, by Joan R. Friedel, Marlyn R. Seidman • Harry L. Robinson, by Marlyn Seidman • Geraldeen P. Rombro, by Robert Rombro • Jaclyn Rosenblatt, by Marilyn Rosenblatt • Minnie Sanborn, by Harold Fox • Maurice Schoenfeld, by Marilyn Rosenblatt • Selina Schoenfeld, by Marilyn Rosenblatt • Abraham Schunick, by Gertrude Schunick • Alvan Schunick, by Gertrude Schunick • Katie Morstein Schwartzman, by Iris Silverman • Barbara Schwartz, by Louis Schwartz • Joseph Max Schwartz, by Louis Schwartz • Louise Schwartz, by Louis Schwartz • Milton Schwartz, by Jerry Moffet
• Rose Schwartz, by Jerry Moffet • Rose Sefret, by Nathan Sefret • Lawrence R. Seidman, by Marilyn & Herb Seidman, Carol Tendler • Leon Shapiro, by Jerome Sefret • Susan Short, by Roslyn A. Mazer • Gerald Silverman, by Iris Silverman • Samuel Spivak, by Marsha Caplan • Harry Stark, by Larry Hornstein • Florence Sternberg, by Rhoda Brown • Harold Sternberg, by Rhoda Brown • Mary Sussman, by Florence Brill • Jesse S. Taylor, by Harold Taylor • Martin Woolfson, by Judy Woolfson • Sophia Yerman, by Debra Yerman Oppenheim • Julius Yudin, by Henne Rapkin & family
MEMORIAL PLAQUES
Harry Ralph Davidson by Steve Davidson • Diane Lafferman Schweber, by Myra Fox • Sylvia Davis, by Ron Davis • Ellen M. Falk, by Stewart Falk • Mary Mae Katzoff, by Margie Goldberg Okun • William Goldberg, by Margie Goldberg Okun • Esther Greenfield Switzenbaum, by Margie Goldberg Okun • Samuel Abraham Morton Switzenbaum, by Margie Goldberg Okun • Dr. Irwin J. Nudelman, by Harry Nudelman • Dr. Martin Z. Kanner, by Steve Berlin, Paul Walsky, Howard Weiss, Ken Zonies
• Irwin Richman, by William Richman • Sheldon Goldseker, by Shelley Goldseker • Sandra Epstein, by Melinda Lewis • Rona Epstein Lewis, by Melinda Lewis • Mildred Nochumowitz, by Diane Torn • Philip Nochumowitz, by Diane Torn • Irvin Louis Fishbein, by Joan Feldman, Debi Holzman, Ruth Levenson, Ellen Fishbein • Elaine Chaid Rosenzweig, by Barbara Ginsberg • Sam “Semyon” Trosman, by Irina Schenerman • Richard Rotner, by Susan Rotner
• Bernice Sigman, by Lois Sigman
SIMCHA PLAQUE
Marcia Leavey, by Marc Leavey
HOLIDAY SCHEDULES
SELICHOT SCHEDULE:
Leil Selichot, Saturday, Sept. 28: 10pm
Date Selichot/Shacharit
9/30-10/1
7/7:20am
10/2 7/7:30am
10/6
10/7-10/10
10/11
8:40/9am
7/7:20am
7:10/7:20am
SUKKOT/SHEMINI ATZERET/SIMCHAT TORAH:
Erev Sukkot, October 16 7:20am 6:10/6:25pm 6:07pm
Sukkot Day 1, October 17 9am 6:10/6:25pm After 7:07pm
Sukkot Day 2, Oct. 18 9am 6:10/6:25pm 6:04 pm
Shabbat/Chol Hamoed Sukkot, Oct. 19 9am 6/6:50pm Shabbat ends 7:04pm
Chol Hamoed Sukkot, Oct. 20 9am 6/6:15pm
Chol Hamoed Sukkot, Oct.2122 7:20am 6/6:15pm
Hoshanah Rabbah/ Erev Shemini Atzeret, Oct. 23 7:20am 6/6:15pm 5:57pm
Shemini Atzeret, Oct. 24 9am 6/6:15pm After 6:57pm Simchat Torah, Oct. 25 9am 6/6:15pm 5:55pm
Fast of Gedaliah, October 6:
Fast begins: 5:56 am
Selichot/Shacharit: 8:40/9 am
Mincha/Maariv: 6:10/6:40 pm Fast ends: 7:23 pm
Thanksgiving, Nov. 28: Shacharit: 9 am
December 25 & January 1: Shacharit: 9 am
Fast of Asarah B’Tevet, Friday, January 10: Fast begins: 6:14 am Shacharit: 7:20 am
Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat: 4:30/5 pm Fast Ends: 5:45 pm
*Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot: See High Holidays schedule on page 31
HIGH HOLIDAYS
SCHEDULE OF ROSH HASHANAH AND YOM KIPPUR SERVICES*
Rosh Hashanah
Erev Rosh Hashanah, Wednesday, October 2
6:28pm Candlelighting
6:30pm Mincha/Maariv Hurwitz Hall
Thursday and Friday, October 3-4
Dahan Sanctuary Service
Shacharit:
8:30am: Shacharit
9:45am: Torah reading and Haftarah
10:15am: Shofar Blowing
Mussaf:
10:25am: Hineni and Silent Amidah
10:30am: Sermon (Day 1: Rabbi Posner, Day 2: Rabbi Wohlberg)
11:00am: Repetition of Amidah
Service concludes 1:00pm
Hurwitz Hall Service
Shacharit:
8:30am: Shacharit
9:45am: Torah reading and Haftarah
10:15am: Sermon (Day 1: Rabbi Yoggev, Day 2: Rabbi Posner)
10:45am: Shofar blowing
Mussaf:
11:00am: Hineni and Amidah
11:05am: Repetition of Amidah
Service concludes 1:00pm
5:00pm Tashlich at Rabbi Wohlberg’s home (Oct. 3)
6:30pm Mincha/Maariv Hurwitz Hall (Oct. 3), Epstein Chapel (Oct. 4)
7:28pm Candlelighting (Oct. 3)
6:25pm Yom Tov ends (Oct. 4)
Yom Kippur
Erev Yom Kippur, Friday, October 11
1:30pm Mincha (Epstein Chapel)
6:00pm Kol Nidrei (Dahan Sanctuary and Hurwitz Hall)
Followed by sermons: Dahan Sanctuary: Rabbi Posner
Hurwitz Hall: Rabbi Yoggev
6:14pm Candlelighting
Yom Kippur, Saturday, October 12
Dahan Sanctuary Service
Shacharit
8:30am: Peseukei D’zimra
9:00am: HaMelech
10:00am: Torah reading and Haftarah
10:30am: Rabbi Wohlberg’s sermon and Yizkor
Mussaf: 11:30am
Hurwitz Hall Service
Shacharit
8:30am: Peseukei D’zimra
9:00am: HaMelech
10:15am: Torah reading and Haftarah
10:45am: Rabbi Posner’s sermon and Yizkor
Mussaf: 11:30am
4:45pm: Mincha (Combined service in the Dahan Sanctuary)
5:45pm: Neilah (Combined service in the Dahan Sanctuary)
7:14pm: Maariv / Fast Ends *All
Roz & Marvin H. Weiner
Davening & Shabbat Times
Shacharit – Sunday, 9am | Monday-Friday, 7:20 am | Shabbat, 9am
Dates S-Th: Mincha/Maariv Candle lighting Shabbat Shabbat Ends Parshah Fri.: Mincha/ Mincha/Maariv Kabbalat Shabbat
Sept. 22-28 5:30/5:45 pm 5:41-6:36 pm 6:30/7:20 pm 7:36 pm Nitzavim-Vayeilech 6:45/7:00 pm
Sept. 29-Oct. 5 6:30/6:45 pm 5:32-6:25 pm 6:20/7:10 pm 7:25 pm Haazinu
See special schedule Shabbat Shuva
Oct. 6-12 6:20/6:35 pm 6:14 pm See special schedule 7:14 pm Yom Kippur
See special schedule Oct. 13-19 6:10/6:25 pm 6:04 pm See special schedule 7:04 pm Sukkot
See special schedule
Oct. 20-26 6:00/6:15 pm 5:55 pm 5:50/6:40 pm 6:55 pm Breisheet
See special schedule Shabbat Mevarchim-Cheshvan
Oct. 27-Nov. 2 5:50/6:05 pm 5:46 pm 5:40/6:30 pm 6:46 pm Noach
Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan
Nov. 3-9 4:45/5:00 pm 4:39 pm 4:35/5:25 pm 5:39 pm Lech Lecha
Nov. 10-16 4:35/4:50 pm 4:33 pm 4:30/5:20 pm 5:33 pm Vayeira
Nov. 17-23 4:30/4:45 pm 4:29 pm 4:25/5:15 pm 5:29 pm Chayei Sarah
Nov. 24-30 4:30/4:45 pm 4:26 pm 4:20/5:10 pm 5:26 pm Toldot
Shabbat Mevarchim-Kislev
Dec. 1-6 4:30/4:45 pm 4:25 pm 4:20/5:10 pm 5:26 pm Vayeitzei
Dec. 7-14 4:30/4:45 pm 4:25 pm 4:20/5:10 pm 5:27 pm Vayishlach
Dec. 15-21 4:30/4:45 pm 4:28 pm 4:25/5:15 pm 5:29 pm Vayeishev
Dec. 22-28 4:30/4:45 pm 4:32 pm 4:30/5:20 pm 5:34 pm Mikeitz/Chanukah
Shabbat Mevarchim-Tevet
Dec. 29-Jan. 4 4:35/4:50 pm 4:38 pm 4:35/5:25 pm 5:40 pm Vayigash
See special Holiday schedules on pages 30 and 31