"כי ביתי בית תפלה יקרא לכל העמים ז:" נו.ישעיהו “For My House shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” Isaiah 56:7
BETH TFILOH A Legacy of Connection and Commitment
Several Beth Tfiloh Congregation members recently reflected on their Beth Tfiloh connections in a centennial year questionnaire. Community, inclusivity, diversity, warmth, acceptance, friendliness, camaraderie – these were all common refrains, an experience shared by Jews who differ in their observance, but are united by their connection to Beth Tfiloh. BT is truly a house of prayer for all people. “I feel like it’s home... it’s lovely to go ‘where everybody knows your name’,” said June Karlin, a long-time Beth Tfiloh Congregation member, day school and camp mother in her response to a questionnaire about her family’s connection to Beth Tfiloh. That’s BT – much like the long-running sitcom Cheers, the Beth Tfiloh cast of characters spans diverse backgrounds and offers a warm welcome for all who enter. “We have families that have been part of BT since its founding, and families that have joined us over the past decade or so,” noted Rabbi Chai Posner. “They all share a desire to be part of our special BT community. We have a rich history of deep connections and commitment to present and future.”
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BETH TFILOH BULLETIN
Senator Ben Cardin and his wife Myrna enjoy a sneak preview of the Centennial Timeline.
The Cardin Family Senator Ben Cardin reflected on his family’s deep BT roots to all those present before the Neilah service on Yom Kippur. “Thanks to our family elders (our grandparents and parents), our values are deeply rooted in our Jewish heritage nurtured here at Beth Tfiloh,” he shared. “My family have been members of BT for about 80 years. Certainly, each generation has different memories. I remember going to socials and playing sports in the shul gym. I also remember the principal Eric Levy. Even though my father was a ‘macher,’ I got no relief from his wrath. I’m sure I deserved it!”
Senator Cardin reminisced about family milestones – engagements, weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs — and Israel trips all shared with their BT family. He shared that his great niece and great nephews graduated from BT, and looked forward to his granddaughter Julia’s graduation this coming June. “One hundred years…. and as we celebrate and transition to the leadership of Rabbi Posner we know we are in good hands. We can all be proud of the great foundation we have built at BT during the past 100 years and know that future generations at BT will create their own special memories in the years to come.”
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021 A KISLEV-TEVET 5782
