2024 Spring Bulletin

STRONGER TOGETHER

Beth Tfiloh’s Solidarity Mission to Israel

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. Eli Yoggev

Rabbi Jason Goldstein

Rabbi Chaim Wecker, Ritual Director

Yoni Rose ’04, Interim Chazzan

STAFF & LEADERSHIP

Dan Silien, Executive Director

Talia Jordan, Director of Programming & Engagement

Chana Slavaticki, Director of Adult Education

Emily Levin, Interim Camp Director

Sheri Knauth, Program Coordinator

Philippa Lichterman, Special Projects Coordinator

Shani & Matan Shefler, Shlichim

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 Admission

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

Erin Smith, Marketing Manager

Michon Zysman, Social Media, Content Manager

MILESTONES

BAR/BAT MITZVAHS:

Bryce Bolotin /הדוהי ףסוי

Son of Rachael ’94 & Marc Bolotin

January 13, 2024

Bryce attends 7th grade at St. Paul’s School. He is the brother of Sean ’26 and the grandson of Marty and Sharon Bolotin, Roz Weiner, and the late Marvin Weiner. His hobbies are snowboarding, basketball, football, soccer and getting together with friends.

Caleb Burstein / בלכ השמ Son of Adena & Avi Burstein

January 27, 2024

Caleb Burstein attends 7th grade at the Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School. He is the brother of Annabella & Madeline Burstein, and the grandson of Eileen & Stanley Goldschmidt, and Goldie & Mutty Burstein. His hobbies include playing basketball & tennis, swimming, running cross country, playing bass guitar, watching Formula 1, and playing with his golden retrievers.

Heidi Schneyer / הלייב Daughter of Maytal & Mark Schneyer

March 30, 2024

Heidi attends 6th grade at Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School. She is the sister of Alex ’28 and Ella ’33, and the granddaughter of Evie Duncan, Linda Reines, Michael & Rita Schneyer (the late George Mittelman, Roy Duncan, and Herb Reines.) Her hobbies include playing piano, reading, writing, hanging out with friends, basketball (especially with her brother), and listening to music.

UPCOMING BAR AND BAT MITZVAHS:

Astrid Stein ’29, April 7, 2024

Noah Kepner ’29, May 11, 2024

Amy Levinoff ’29, June 1, 2024

BIRTHS:

To Lowell & Midge Herman on the birth of a grandson and to parents, Cara Herman ’08 & Ryan White.

CONDOLENCES:

To the Schaftel family on the loss of Myra Schaftel.

To Jan (Barry) Weiss on the loss of her mother, Eleanor Lilienfield; grandmother of Melinda Levin, Darren (Nina) Weiss, greatgrandmother of Eli and Sophie Levin, Maytal, Elli, Nava and Lev Weiss.

To Debbie and Kenny Vogelstein, Aviva Vogelstein Ghitman (Daniel Ghitman), Arielle Vogelstein Bauman (Adam Bauman), Atara Vogelstein, Tali Vogelstein Miller (Eric Miller), Teva Vogelstein, Acey Vogelstein, Elan Vogelstein on the loss of their son and brother, Tobias Vogelstein.

To Ronnie (Negin) Hariri, Javid (Markie) Hariri and Hamid (Manijeh) Hariri on the loss of their mother, Malekeh Hariri; grandmother of Oren Hariri, Adam Hariri, Eitan Hariri, Jasmine Hariri, Eden Hariri, Alexis Hariri, Negar Hariri and Navid Hariri.

To Brenda Nudelman (nee Silbert) and June Karlin on the loss of their husband and brother, Dr. Irwin Nudelman.

To Joel Cohn (Jill Spector) on the loss of his father, Howard Lee Cohn; grandfather of Alex Spector Cohn and Hannah Spector Cohn.

To the family of Barron “Bunny” Coleman Bank.

To Myra Zerwitz (nee Schwartz) on the loss of her husband Warren Zerwitz.

To Elliot (Alisa) Cohen on the loss of his father, Ian David Cohen; grandfather of Jacob, Joshua, Jared and Jonah.

To Abby (Shawn) Sefret on the loss of her father, Dr. Murray Weinstock; grandfather of Shayna Sefret, Aliza Sefret, and Hannah Sefret.

To Jack (Marilyn) Kinstlinger on the loss of his brother Dr. Robert Kinstlinger.

To E. Susie (Larry) Levin on the loss of her mother Amalia “Lica” Elle Rosenzweig.

To Raymond Carson, Sr. and Joashua Carson on the loss of their wife and mother, Barbara Woolf Carson.

To the Family of Edith Yankelov.

To the Family of Martin Kanner.

To Jamie (Steven) Sherman on the loss of her father, Louis S. Erkes; grandfather of Wyatt, Dex and Scarlett Sherman.

To David (Stephanie) Baron on the loss of his father, Avi Baron; grandfather of Tali Baron, Adina Baron, Aviva Baron.

To Roz Mazer (David Holzworth) on the loss of her sister, Susan Short.

MAZAL TOV:

To Dr. Eric Eidelman ’11 on his engagement to Sarah Kazzaz and to parents Gary and Jill Eidelman.

NEW MEMBERS

We warmly welcome the following new members to our Beth Tfiloh family. Thank you to our families who volunteered to be featured.

Jackie & Irwin Cohen

Jackie is a retired teacher and Hebrew school teacher, and Irwin is a retired attorney. They decided to join BT again after their son and his family joined so they could enjoy all of the offered activities with them.

Michal Balass & Rob Stevens

Michal and Rob have a son, David ’34 who attends school at BT. Michal is a social scientist for the Federal Government, and Rob is a computer scientist programmer.

Michelle & Aaron ’06 Schmerling

Michelle & Aaron have two children, Jesse & Blake. Michelle is a recruiting manager at a staffing agency, and Aaron ’06 is a financial planner.

Jeffrey Greenberg & Jeff Chang

Jeffrey recently joined BT and is the CFO at Jewish Community Services. His partner Jeff is a civil engineer doing project controls. They have a baby son and enjoy traveling and exploring new places.

New Members list:

Jasmine Spivack ’23

Isaac & Talia Hametz

Kevin & Amee Cookler

Jerome Sefret

Alex Vainer & Dorina Zilbermint

as of February 15, 2024

DAILY MINYAN

Rabbi Chaim Wecker

Where can one go to sit back and relax in comfortable chairs and get swept away by the entertainment taking place, all while sipping a beer and sitting next to friends? Although I was referring to a Ravens game, the same could be said of attending daily minyan (except we don’t serve beer, but we do control the temperature and everyone leaves a winner. If you do want to bring your own beer, I won’t say anything, especially if you share some with me.)

Every morning at 7:20am (9am on Sundays) and every evening (time varies), we gather together to pray. Why do we do so?

Rabbi Yisroel Meir Kagan (1838-1933), popularly knows as the Chofetz Chaim, offers 12 reasons in his book: we get rewarded just for coming to shul, we often learn Torah while in shul, we can inspire others to daven better, we ensure that our prayers are more powerful since they’re joining with others’ prayers, it’ll lead to long life (says the Talmud), it’s an auspicious time to daven when others are also davening, we can respond to Kaddish and kedusha where we sanctify G-d’s name, we can hear Torah reading (which I hear isn’t half bad), and finally, we show future generations how to serve G-d.

Other reasons he doesn’t list include: you enable others to recite Kaddish which is an amazing act of chesed, you avoid helping your kids with homework or washing the dinner dishes, you’ll save me from having to call you to help make a minyan, and lastly, every morning breakfast is on us! During breakfast, Rabbi Goldstein leads a Torah class, and he’ll discuss any topic you want (I’ll have to check with him first to make sure that is true).

Please be a part of our minyan. If not daily, then once in a while, and if not in person, then on Zoom, and if you can’t make it, send your spouse, friend, descendant, or even a pet, and if you do, you’ll never have to read one of my boring articles anymore.

See you there! Chaim

A recent Moms & Midrash gathering discussed the power of storytelling in nurturing resilience and self esteem in our children’s lives.

At Learning and L’Chaims Rabbi Posner taught about industrial kashrut and the fascinating story of how Coca Cola became kosher.

Families gathered after Shabbat to color cards for the mitzvah of Bikkur Cholim – visiting the sick – which the BT Clergy team will give out during their weekly visits.

Rabbi Posner and Rabbi Goldstein were recently in Washington, D.C., lobbying to petition members of Congress to continue to support Israel, to advocate for the importance of the US-Israel relationship, and to express concern over the rising tide of antisemitism in our country.

Our Shul community made a siyum of all Mishnah learned in memory of our brothers and sisters who were lost on October 7, sponsored by the Weiser family, and by the Brown & Mittleman families.

Our B’nei Mitzvah group volunteered at Weekend Backpacks Baltimore. Together, the children and their parents packed 600 food packages that will be distributed to various schools.

Amy, Richard and Elayne Berg hosted a beautiful lunch in their home in Florida with close to 40 BT members. Rabbi Posner, Rabbi Wohlberg, and Dr. Schorr reminisced with the group and shared their vision for Beth Tfiloh’s bright future.

SPECIAL SCHEDULES

PESACH

Sunday, April 21

Bedikat Chametz: 8:33pm

Monday, April 22-Erev Pesach

Siyum Bechorot: Shacharit 7:20am followed by siyum at 8am (approx.)

Biur Chametz: 8:30-10:30am

Pikesville Fire Department

40 E. Sudbrook Lane

Latest time to eat chametz: 10:26am

Latest time to burn chametz: 11:45am

Yom Tov Candlelighting: 6:28-7:34pm

Mincha/Maariv: 7:35/7:50pm

Tuesday, April 23-Yom Tov

Shacharit: 9am

Mincha/Maariv: 7:35/7:50pm

Candlelighting: After 8:36pm

Wednesday, April 24-Yom Tov

Shacharit: 9am

Mincha/Maariv: 7:35/8:20pm

Yom Tov ends: 8:37pm

Thursday, April 25-Chol Hamoed

Shacharit: 7:20am

Mincha/Maariv: 6:15/6:30pm

Friday, April 26-Chol Hamoed

Shacharit: 7:20am

Mincha/Maariv: 6:45/7pm

Candlelighting: 6:31-7:38pm

Shabbat, April 27-Chol Hamoed

Shacharit: 9am

Sunday, April 28-Chol Hamoed

Shacharit: 9am

Mincha/Maariv: 7:40/8pm

Candlelighting: 6:32-7:40pm

Monday, April 29-Yom Tov

Shacharit: 9am

Mincha/Maariv: 7:40/8pm

Candlelighting: After 8:41pm

Tuesday, April 30-Yom Tov

Shacharit: 9am

Yizkor: 10:15am

Mincha/Maariv: 7:40/8:30pm

Yom Tov ends: 8:42pm

Memorial Day

Monday, May 27

Shacharit: 9am

Mincha/Maariv: 7:35/8:25pm

Shabbat ends: 8:39pm

SHAVUOT

Tuesday, June 11-Erev Shavuot

Candlelighting: 7:01-8:16pm

Mincha/Maariv: 8:20pm

Wednesday, June 12-Yom Tov

Shacharit: 9am

Candlelighting: After 9:17pm

Mincha/Maariv: 8:20/8:35pm

Thursday, June 13-Yom Tov

Shacharit: 9am

Yizkor: 10:15am

Mincha/Maariv: 8:20/9:10pm

Yom Tov ends: 9:17pm

The death of a loved one is a difficult and emotional time. By purchasing your family’s cemetery plots during your lifetime, you can provide peace of mind to your family members by relieving them of this burial decision and the related financial investment. You can purchase a plot at one of the following cemeteries: Beth Tfiloh Cemetery 5800 Windsor Mill Road Woodlawn, MD 21207 Beth Jacob Cemetery

Please note that the cost for purchasing a Beth Tfiloh cemetery plot will increase as of May 1, 2024, so we encourage you to consider a purchase before then to take advantage of our current rates. Member prices will increase from $1000 to $1250 (non-member pricing is available as well), and payment plans are an option. Please note that prices include perpetual care.

Contact Becky Lavon at blavon@btfiloh.org or 410-413-2206 to secure today’s prices.

WE ARE STRONGER

When people ask me why I joined Beth Tfiloh’s solidarity mission to Israel, I answer that I simply wanted to be there with my people, to experience what they are going through during these times. I compare it to a family member who is suffering on the other side of the country. I may not be able to fix their situation, but if they are dear to me, I will make every effort to be there by their side— even if it is only for a few days. And this is exactly what our Beth Tfiloh group did this February, through volunteering and providing emotional support to our brothers and sisters.

One of our main goals was to be involved in active volunteering—as much as we could over our four days in Israel. In these tough times every bit matters, and, perhaps more importantly, just being there makes a difference. As our group member Randy Getz put it, “One of the things that most impressed me was the

sincere appreciation Israeli people express when they hear we are here visiting in support of them. It means the world to them to know that Jews on the other side of the ocean, on the other side of the world, care about them and are thinking of them.”

Our volunteer efforts included tying tzitzit for soldiers with the Eretz Hemdah community, preparing and packing sandwiches for families through Chabad of Katamon, preparing care packages through Eran’s Angels, sponsoring a night of entertainment for young couples in

Givat Harel, and together with Leket Israel picking one ton of kohlrabi for families in need. We also handed out presents to young families, accompanied by touching cards from our very own Beth Tfiloh students. At the conclusion of our trip we helped sponsor, set up, and serve a barbeque for soldiers actively serving in Gaza.

These complex times required us to offer emotional presence and support each step of the way. Visiting with wounded soldiers in Sheba Tel-HaShomer Medical Centre was extremely moving as we witnessed first-hand the war’s effects on our soldiers and their families. One evening we visited with evacuees from the north. It was heart wrenching hearing

TOGETHER

As is only to be expected with a country in mourning and at war, these uplifting moments were matched with their share of difficult moments. It’s not a simple time in Israel, as Peggy Garfunkel shares: “It’s the complexity of this country. People who are mourning children who have died. People who are helping, donating, and contributing. People who want their kids back with people who want to save the country or save us. And there are no simple answers.”

we joined Beth Tfiloh alumni in Israel for dinner and words of inspiration shared by alumni Arky Staiman ’09 and Ephraim Shapiro ’08.

Beyond our community, we witnessed Jews from all parts of the country pouring into Hostages Square in Tel Aviv to mourn, pray, and protest on behalf of the hostages. We joined together with Jews of varied religious backgrounds in honoring those murdered in Re’im, at the site of the Supernova festival. We saw Jews at every stop doing all they could to offer their time, money, and energy to others in need.

To be sure, Israel is in pain. Israel is at war. However, Israel is also more united and stronger than I have ever seen. Our inner unity and love have risen to the surface,

by Rabbi Dr. Eli Yoggev

them share about their over four monthlong displacement due to the war, in a hotel room without a kitchen, a backyard, or even the faintest clue of what the future holds for their families and their livelihoods. On our visit to Givat Harel, we cried along with Maj. (res.) Moshe Yedidyah Leiter’s mother as she read a eulogy from her son’s funeral. And being there to comfort lone soldier Staff Sgt. Simon Shlomov’s family during shiva felt extremely impactful as well.

But for all the difficulty we experienced we also witnessed overwhelming unity, poise, and love. In Sarah Rubin’s words, “It’s been very difficult to see Israel not in its normal healthy state. It’s different, it’s heavy. But it’s also been amazing to see everyone coming together and taking care of each other.” The morale and togetherness were extremely high among the soldiers we met, and as a Beth Tfiloh community we also came together as

and it’s a beautiful site to see. So why did I join and lead our Israel mission? Because this is what Jews do. We pick each other up when we are down, and we are there for each other no matter what. It is this strength and togetherness that has pushed us through the toughest of times in our history, and it is this resilience that will help us rise above this tragedy and emerge even stronger and more unified than before.

Beth Tfiloh: A CHESED COMMUNITY

Rabbi Chai Posner

The midrash (Avot D’Rabbi Natan:4 ) recounts a story of Rabbi Yehoshua and Rabbi Yochanan B. Zakai walking in Jerusalem when they saw the location of the destroyed Temple. Rabbi Yehoshua cried out “Oy… woe to us that our Temple has been destroyed, the place where Israel could go to receive atonement.”

Rabbi Yochanan b. Zakai responded to Rabbi Yehoshua, “My son, do not worry, we have another form of atonement that is just as effective. What is it? Gemilut Chasadim… acts of Chesed/kindness.”

This story is cited as proof of the teaching in Pirkei Avot, Ethics of our Fathers:

וֹתּהַ לעַ ,דמֵוֹעַ םלוֹעַהַ םירִבְָד הַשָׁלְשָׁ לעַ ־ םידסֲָחֲ תוּלימְֵגְּ ל עְַוְ הַדוֹבָעַהַ לעְַוְ הַרִ

The world stands upon three things: the Torah, the Temple service, and of acts of kindness.

While it would seem that Torah and Temple service are in the realm of God, and acts of Chesed are between people, the Talmud tells us that Chesed is a Godly act. According to the Talmud (Sota 14a) one walks in God’s ways by emulating God’s acts of Chesed. We know that God clothes the naked (Adam and Chava), visits the sick (Avraham), comforts the mourner (Yitzchak), and buries the dead (Moshe). When we perform these acts of

Chesed, we walk in God’s ways. In fact, as a nation, before we became a Torah community, or a Temple community, we became a Chesed community. This is how Rabbi Soloveitchik z”l, understood the very first shared religious experience that we had as a nation, the first seder. He writes (Chumash Masores HaRav: Shemot, p.86-87):

The birth of the Chesed community – of a nation within which people unite, care for each other, share what they possess—is symbolized by the korban Pesach, the paschal sacrifice. God did not need the korban Pesach; He had no interest in the sacrifice. He simply wanted the people—slaves who had just come out of the house of bondage—to emerge from their

isolation into the Chesed community, where the little that man has is too much for himself, where whatever he possesses transcends his ability to enjoy. At the original korban Pesach in Egypt, God commanded that each household take a lamb for its korban, but if there was too much for the household to eat, they were to invite their neighbor to share with them (Shemot 12: 3-4).

A new fellowship was formed around the korban Pesach; a new community sprang into existence. Being together, living with each other, sharing something many possess in common was made possible by the ceremony of the korban Pesach. The slave suddenly realized that the little

he has saved up for himself, a single lamb, is too much for him. The slave spontaneously does something which he would never have believed that he was capable of doing — he knocks on the door of his neighbor whom he had never noticed, inviting him to share the lamb with him and to eat together. The Chesed community is born.

It is this very type of Chesed community that we strive to be at Beth Tfiloh, and I must say, we are doing a pretty good job! One of my favorite moments as the rabbi of this special community actually occurs quite often, when I have the honor of bringing a guest around Beth Tfiloh. Whether we are walking through the halls of our school, or sitting in the sanctuary of the shul, guests remark repeatedly what a kind and caring community we have. I’m proud to say that guests often comment how kind and friendly our rabbis are. A recent scholar in residence told our audience that Beth Tfiloh’s rabbis are mentches first, and rabbis second. We couldn’t ask for a better compliment. Sometimes I think we take our Chesed community for granted. We are so used to the warmth and kindness of our community that we forget how truly special it is. It’s simply second nature to our community to smile, say hello, give a warm handshake and help make others feel good. It is in our DNA.

A quick anecdote: One Shabbat when my in-laws were visiting, my father-in-law said to me, “you have good kids here!” I thanked him and asked what precipitated that remark. He told me that when he was walking home after shul on Shabbat he stopped at a bench to rest. A young girl walked by and asked him if he was ok, and if there was anything she could do to help him! (You know who you are!)

I hope that we all realize that this is not the norm in all places, and we should be very proud! But we can always do even better. Sometimes the type of Chesed needed is not convenient or obvious.

Sometimes it requires us to step out of our comfort zone. Sometimes we must anticipate what types of needs may emerge or find a way to help others who may not even realize they need the help. Sometimes Chesed work feels good, and sometimes it doesn’t. That may in fact be when it is most important. In this Bulletin you will read about numerous ways that we can push ourselves to be an even better Chesed community. It’s one of the most important tenants of our tradition, and one of the pillars of the Beth Tfiloh community.

BT volunteers writing letters to our brothers and sisters in Israel. Our Chesed committee, along with some friends, packed lunches for Paul’s Place Inc., which serves more than 300 Baltimore residents experiencing poverty and homelessness.

BTRP members paint bowls for a charity program.

Questions for the Pesach Seder 10

Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg | Beth Tfiloh Congregation | Pesach 5783/2023

The number 10 is a most significant one in Jewish tradition. We have the 10 Commandments, and the 10 Plagues. Add to that my 10 Questions for the Pesach Seder, and the triumvirate is complete! Wishing you a zissen Pesach – a sweet and joyous Passover holiday.

– Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg

1 “Why is this night different from all other nights?” Because we are all together! It is told in the Torah that Moshe saw God “face to face.” Can you go through the Seder without looking at your cell phone? How about hiding it, like the Afikomen, at dinner? Isn’t “face to face” better than Facebook?

2

3

The name of Moshe is kept out of the Haggadah so that we can focus on the story, not the person. This year shouldn’t we keep out names like Donald and Taylor from the Seder, so that we can focus on the story and not the person?

A Kabbalistic interpretation of the word “Pesach” views it as a combination of two words: “mouth” and “sach” – conversation. Freedom means to be able to say what you want. Are we being forced to be too politically “correct” when it comes to freedom of speech? In a “cancel culture” are there not some things that should be “canceled?”

4 The sages in the Talmud disagreed on whether the matzah and maror had to be eaten together or separately. We do both. Either because we don’t know who is right, or both may be right. This is called the act of “compromise.” Wouldn’t it be nice if that is the way politics were conducted in the U.S Congress?

5

The Torah says of the Jews in Egypt: “The land was filled with them.” The Jews were very much a part of Egyptian society and then one day it all changed. Is that happening in Europe? In America? How do you explain the rise of anti-Semitism? Are you scared?

6

As the Jews passed through the Red Sea, the Torah tells us that the water was a “wall” [chomah] on the right, and on the left. Our sages read the word not as chomah – wall – but rather as cheimah, meaning “hatred.” After Charlottesville, Pittsburgh, Poway, etc. we were aware of the threat from the Right. After their reaction to Oct. 7th, we are now aware of the threat from the Left. Do the Jewish people today face a greater threat from the Right or from the Left? Does it make a difference?

7 In the Torah we are told: “Moses was 80 years old and Aaron was 83 when they made their demand on Pharaoh.” I guess God didn’t consider them too old to lead. Donald Trump will soon be 78 and Joe Biden is 81. Are they too old to lead our country?

8 The Haggadah tells us, “In every generation they will rise up to destroy us.” We see it once again in our generation. Why? Why do they always hate us in every generation?

9

The same verse concludes by telling us that, come what may, “the Holy One, praised by He, saves us from their hands.” Do you believe that? Do you believe in God? What does that mean to you?

10 We speak of the “four children” at the Seder. But now it is said there is a “fifth” one: the one who does not come to a Seder! A recent survey revealed that nearly 40% of American Jews do not attend a Pesach Seder. How is this possible? Will your grandchildren have a Seder? Are you sure? What can you do to make sure?

EXTRA CREDIT: Really, why IS this night different from all other nights of the year? Wouldn’t it be nice if we got together more often … as family? As Jews?

THE OPERATIVE WORD

by Dan Silien, Executive Director

Time to Kvell – Bar and Bat Mitzvahs at BT

There’s something very special about a Shabbat celebrating a Bar or Bat Mitzvah at BT (and I don’t just mean a good kiddush!). Many of us look forward to that special atmosphere when a young man or woman becomes a Bar or Bat Mitzvah in front of the Congregation. But for those of you who don’t have someone going through the process now (or in the recent past), you may be wondering what BT’s program looks like...

Believe it or not, it starts 2 – 3 years before you ever see them on the bimah. That’s when we work with families to assign dates. There are many factors that go into the scheduling process, but boys need to have reached their 13th birthday on the Hebrew calendar and girls can either be 12 or 13 (depending upon the preference of the family). Barring exceptional circumstances, all B’nei Mitzvah will participate during our Shabbat service in the main sanctuary.

For boys, the Bar Mitzvahs are fairly standard, with an opportunity to read from the Torah, the Haftorah and present a speech to the congregation. For girls, we are proud to say that Beth Tfiloh

Congregation has been a leader in the field of Bat Mitzvah ever since Rabbi Rosenblatt instituted the first Orthodox Bat Mitzvah ceremony in America. As a Modern Orthodox synagogue, we work hard to maximize girls’ participation in a Halachically appropriate way. Families can choose to have their daughter read the parsha from the chumash and give a D’var Torah in front of the Congregation. In addition, for girls who want the experience of actually reading from the Torah, we offer the option to schedule a women’s service later that day. This has the benefit of being able to both participate in the main service as well as have a service that highlights female participation which can be meaningful for many of our families. This past year, we added a third option, when Shira W ’30, daughter of Risa and Josh Wolf, chose to read the entire Torah portion Shabbat morning as part of a special women’s service, and then came back to the main sanctuary to deliver her Bat Mitzvah speech.

For those with special needs, we customize the expectations and, at times, the arrangements. The overarching goal is not to achieve a “magic” amount of participation or reading, but to create a meaningful experience that meets each young adult at their own level while helping them and their family celebrate this simcha

Once the date is assigned and, for girls, a decision about the format of the Bat

Mitzvah is made, tutors are assigned to each student about a year prior to their Bar or Bat Mitzvah. These tutors work one-to-one with the students to help them learn to leyn. Similarly, one of our clergy will work with each child on their d’var Torah (and thank you’s!) as they get closer to the assigned date. Speaking of our clergy, they are available to answer questions from families as they move through this journey, and help with arrangements for the actual day of the service such as assigning honors and aliyot.

The Bar and Bat Mitzvah students also have an opportunity to connect with other Bnei Mitzvah as part of our family classes. These classes include a cohort of students becoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah around the same time (often in a 6-12 month cluster depending on numbers) as well as their families. These family classes are facilitated by our shlichim and our clergy and are designed to help create meaningful connections to their special day while also bonding with their cohort. Recent sessions have discussed Jewish values, traditions, community, tikkum olam, and more!

The next time you join our community in watching someone become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, keep in mind all of the work that went into it long before that Shabbat, and above all, kvell with the family!

Sisterhood Gift Shop

This month’s featured artist is Dorit Judaica “As a religiously observant woman, the world of Jewish art has always been near and dear to my heart. Faith is the wellspring of art – my religious life is the world from which I collect and harvest texts and verses, prayers and blessings, which I interweave within my creations and adapt them to various events in the life of the Jewish community and family.”

Come by the gift shop to see her beautiful work.

Open Monday 12-2pm and Thursday 11am-1pm, or reach out to make an appointment (410-413-2277or giftshop@btfiloh.org).

Have a birthday, anniversary or simcha coming up and want to celebrate with the community? Or someone you’d like to honor in a meaningful way? Mark a special occasion with your BT family by sponsoring a kiddush, Torah class, or program and support the congregation at the same time.

Contact Philippa Lichterman to explore a range of sponsorship opportunities: plichterman@btfiloh.org or 410-413-2291.

DVAR TORAH

By Rabbi Goldstein

Have you ever asked yourself what is the most important verse in the Torah? It’s not a simple question. On the one hand every verse has profound meaning. Indeed, Rabbi Akiva taught that there is great consequence inherent in every word of the Torah. On the other hand, there is no denying that some verses are more inspiring than others.

The sixteenth century scholar Rabbi Yaakov ibn Chabib presents this previously unknown midrash in his work Ein Yaakov, a compilation of the Talmud’s homiletic material:

“Ben Zoma says we find the most fundamental verse, ’Hear O Israel Hashem is our God Hashem is one’ (Devarim 6:4).

Ben Nanna says it is “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Vayikra 19:18).

Shimon ben Pazi says the most fundamental verse is, “You shall offer the one lamb in the morning, and you shall offer the other lamb at twilight”  (Shemot 29:39).”

The midrash concludes that the halachah follows the opinion of Shimon ben Pazi.

At the first glance, the midrash’s insistence that Shimon ben Pazi’s verse is the most fundamental, to the exclusion of the other two, is quite perplexing. Ben Zoma presents the first verse of the Shema, which represents the Jewish people’s relationship with God and heralds that He is the Creator and Sovereign of the universe. We can certainly understand why this is a candidate for the most important verse. Ben Nanna’s suggestion is also persuasive. Treating others with respect and emphasizing the inherent dignity of every individual is a hallmark of Jewish religious life. What, however, is Shimon ben Pazi’s grounds for putting forth a seemingly dull verse about the daily sacrifice?

The Ein Yaakov explains that this verse encompasses elements of the other two verses. The Shema’s focus is on faith, and the injunction to “love your neighbor as yourself” is actualized through proper behavior. The performance of the daily sacrifice combines both elements, faith in God and concrete actions. Additionally, the daily sacrifice was brought on behalf of the entire community and was paid for by the universal yearly half shekel tax. Every Jew had a stake, both spiritual and financial, in this sacrifice. The verse suggests the interconnectivity of the Jewish people, as well as our obligation to support and honor one another. This one verse stresses that both faith in God and goodwill to others are the essence of the Torah.

The Maharal notes an additional characteristic of Shimon ben Pazi’s verse. The daily sacrifice was brought at regular intervals, twice a day, every day. No matter what else was going on, the daily sacrifice was a consistent form of divine service. This teaches us that consistency is imperative to spiritual growth. As Rabbi Jonathan Sacks writes, “all the high ideals in the world…belief in God’s unity, and the love of neighbor, count for little until they are turned into habits of action that become habits of the heart.” We must ensure that we connect to God every day through prayer and Torah study, and honor others through daily acts of chesed. Every day we must consistently devote time and energy to these two most essential Jewish values.

DOING CHESED AT BT

by Talia Jordan, Director of Programming and Engagement

In Rabbi Posner’s article (see p. 8), you will find one of my favorite pieces of Talmud: R’ Hama asks: what does it mean to walk in God’s footsteps? Is such a thing possible? His answer is simple, yet profound. This is how we can be like God: Just as God clothes the naked, so should we. Just as God visits the sick, so should we. And just as God comforts the mourners, so should we (Sotah 14a). Each of us has the potential to walk in God’s ways through these basic, yet enormously powerful acts of kindness. In our daily life, this can also mean doing things like running an errand for an elderly neighbor, making a phone call to somebody who is lonely, or cooking a meal for a new parent who is struggling. As Rabbi Posner writes, “chesed is an integral part of Jewish communal life, inviting us to care deeply about each other and to support others in their time of need.”

Beth Tfiloh has a long history of valuing chesed, and it was our privilege this year to launch the Chesed Committee, a group of congregants, staff, and lay-leaders who

work together to promote acts of kindness in our community. One of the first projects the committee undertook was creating a congregation-wide survey to help us assess the most pressing needs of our community and identify how we can help. Our new Chesed webpage is a testament to the work our committee is doing in response to these needs. You will find opportunities to contribute to congregant meal trains, to volunteer to visit homebound members and residents at assisted living facilities, as well as partnership programs with local organizations like Paul’s Place, Weekend Backpacks, ShareBaby and more. The Chesed committee works with members and groups of all ages at BT – from coloring cards for the sick with young families, to making care packages with our B’nei Mitzvah students, to baking and donating special treats with our Mercaz friends.

Yet, even with all these wonderful partnerships, we know there is still much chesed work to be done for our community and beyond. We are eager to grow our Chesed Committee, offer more program opportunities, and expand our volunteer base at BT. Chesed requires no fancy rituals and no special holidays, and

thus it sometimes slips to the periphery of our Jewish life. We need your help to make it a priority at BT. This spring, we urge you to get involved, volunteer, step up and contribute in whatever way you can. Pirkei Avot famously teaches that the world is dependent on Torah, service, and acts of chesed. As a congregation, we are similarly dependent on you, our members, to create a community where kindness thrives.

For more information about Chesed at BT please see: Bethtfiloh.com/Chesed or contact Talia Jordan ( Tjordan@btfiloh.org )

We are tremendously proud of the work our chesed committee has done this year. Yasher Koach!

Co-chairs, Rachel Berman and Brenda Schuman. Committee Members: Alicia Broth, Joan Feldman, Barbara Gerber, Megan Gold, Sheila Goldscheider, Ari Mittleman, Marcia Leavey, Rabbi Eli Yoggev

We also want to share a special thank you to SLC members Paula Pearl and Margie Herman, who do the chesed of assembling and delivering new member welcome packages throughout the year.

ivdu PROGRAM CENTER

MERCAZ ADULT EDUCATION

Rabbi Wohlberg’s Roundtable Zoom

First Thursday of the month, 10:30am, April 4, May 2

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.

Yaffe Scholars Zoom Series: Tools for Transformation

Explore some of the most fundamental and timely Jewish values with the goal of transforming these oft quoted mitzvot into major sources of inspiration.

Tuesday, April 2, 7:30pm: Telling Our Story: Exodus, Attachment Theory & Freedom with Aliza Scharf-Bendov

We are commanded to tell the story of Exodus as though we experienced it ourselves, but how do we do that in 2024? Join us for this interactive lecture where we will explore the journey of the Jewish people through a reflective lens. We will investigate how we can integrate what we learned from our own parents and how to pass-over the story to our children with impact. Modern attachment theory, excerpts from Torah, as well as reflections on our modern day plight as a people will be explored.

Tuesday, May 21, 7:30pm: Paths of the Righteous with Olga Meshoe Washington

The Torah says “Righteousness, righteousness, you shall pursue!” (Deut. 16:20) but how do we find the courage to take a stand? Join us for a conversation with Olga Washington, a South African advocate for Israel and for Black and Jewish solidarity, who was featured in congregant Ari Mittleman’s book Paths of the Righteous: Stories of Heroism, Humanity and Hope.

BT in the AM

Trimester 3: February 26-May 20

Class 1: 9:30-10:20am - Practical Judaism with Rabbi Chaim Wecker

Do you find halacha (Jewish law) to be dry and technical? Experience a paradigm shift in this course where you will enrich your understanding and appreciation of halachot (Jewish law) such as Shabbat, prayer, Torah reading, tzedaka, honoring one’s parents and kashrut. As we study these in depth, Rabbi Wecker will regale you with hilarious stories, fun facts and intriguing case studies you would never imagine!

Class 2: 10:30-11:30am – Reflections on Ruth with Rabbi Chai Posner

The Book of Ruth is one of the shortest books of the Tanach. Its story is deceptively simple and yet touches on some of the most important questions in our lives. How do we balance personal autonomy with responsibility towards others? How do we find the inner strength to go on in the face of adversity and pain? How much of ourselves are we required to sacrifice for others? When is chessed not enough and when is it too much? We will grapple with these questions during our textual study in this course leading up to the holiday of Shavuot, when we read Megillat Ruth.

Purim Yom Iyun (BT in the AM)

Monday, March 18 9:30am, Ivdu Program Center

Join us for a special morning of experiential learning around Purim, including classes, music, hands-on projects & more! This program is open to the entire community.

A Taste of Talmud Rabbi Jason Goldstein Tuesdays, 7pm

Explore learning through a methodical examination of the second chapter of Masechet Bava Metzia. We will pay special attention to understanding the logic of the Gemara, while exploring some of the classic medieval commentaries. We will discuss the mitzvah of returning lost objects, the halachic definition of despair, and the social responsibilities that Jews have for one another.

Stories, Spirituality, and Modern Ethics with Rabbi Yoggev Wednesdays, 7pm

Trimester 3 (Feb. 28-May15) - Jewish Ethics for the 21st Century. We will discuss medical ethics, reproductive ethics, and end of life ethics. Topics will include principles of Jewish ethics, in-vitro fertilization, surrogacy, abortion, brain death, organ donation, and more.

CONNECT WITH COMMUNITY

EMPTY NESTER/RETIREES/GRANDPARENTS

BTRP- Nosh & Schmooze (Beth Tfiloh Retired People)

Wednesdays, 10am, April 10, May 15

Come nosh, socialize, and enjoy a series of unique activities planned just for you at BT. Activities will include speakers, entertainers, and hands-on projects of Jewish interest. This program is sponsored by the BT Sisterhood. Empty Nester’s Chavurah

Sundays 7:30pm, April 14, May 19, June 23

The Empty Nester Chavurah meets monthly for lively discussions, socialization, and enjoyable activities at local congregant homes. Contact Roberta Katz for information, rkatz@btfiloh.org

Sisterhood Game Day

Thursday, May 23, 12-4pm

Enjoy an afternoon of fun and games with Mah Jongg, Bridge, Canasta and more, as well as a delicious lunch. To register or learn more, please contact Ellen Karp at 443-660-7690

CONNECT WITH COMMUNITY

Café Ivrit (Hebrew Café)

Wednesdays, May 15-June 5, 11:45am-12:45pm

There is no better time to practice your Hebrew! Come pick up beginner phrases or sharpen your conversational skills with our wonderful shlichim, Matan and Shani Shefler. Coffee & treats will be served.

Moms & Midrash: Parenting with Soul

For PreSchool and Lower School Moms

May 20, 8pm: Igniting the Spark: The Why and How of Motivation

Join a group of growth-minded women on a journey as they explore the dynamics of Jewish parenting. Learn and discuss Torah texts, practical tools, and modern psychology on topics such as fostering respect, independence, self-esteem, resilience, and celebrating each child’s unique strengths. Engage in a process towards becoming a more present and inspired parent. This course will be led by Chana Slavaticki and guest presenters.

Men’s Learning and L’Chaims

Thursday evenings, 8pm, April 11, May 23

Enjoy a monthly laid-back night of men’s learning with our BT Clergy. There will be delicious food and plenty of l’chaims! Cosponsored by BT Men.

If you’d like to host or sponsor an evening of men’s learning, please reach out to Rabbi Goldstein ( Jgoldstein@btfiloh.org )

Thursday, April 11: “The Significance of Dreams” with Rabbi Jason Goldstein

Thursday, May 23: “Is the State of Israel the First Flowering of Redemption?” A Panel Conversation with Rabbi Chai Posner, Rabbi Dr. Eli Yoggev, and Rabbi Jason Goldstein

CHESED AT BT

Paul’s Place Visits

First Tuesday of the month, 10am-1pm, April 2, May 7, June 4

Take a lunch shift at Paul’s Place, a non-profit that serves up to 300 people per day who are experiencing poverty in Southwest Baltimore. Join us as we help serve hot lunch, wash dishes, sort clothing donations, and assist guests.

Our Chesed Committee is looking for volunteers to help us create a kind and caring community. For more information contact Talia Jordan Tjordan@btfiloh.org. Stay tuned for more Chesed opportunities!

Scholar in Residence – Jeremy Bob ’96

Saturday, May 4

Yonah Jeremy Bob is the senior military and intelligence analyst as well as the book review editor for The Jerusalem Post. He covers the Israeli military, the Mossad, the Shin Bet, defense technologies, Iran’s weapons of mass destruction, cyberwarfare, and war crimes allegations. His most recent book, Target Tehran, is about the Mossad’s secret war against Iran’s nuclear program and its role in the Abraham Accords. On Shabbat he will discuss the Iranian threat to Israel.

Scholar in Residence –

Rabbi Mark Trencher

Saturday, June 8

Rabbi Mark Trencher is the founder of Nishma Research. He created Nishma Research as a resource to study the American Jewish community, with much of the focus being on issues that had not previously been examined. On Shabbat, Rabbi Trencher will discuss reports from the frontier of Orthodox Jewish community research.

All-Star Shabbat

Saturday, April 13

On this special shabbat, an All-Star team of Beth Tfiloh high school teens will lead the Shabbat Service in the Dahan Sanctuary. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the impact that Beth Tfiloh is having on the future of Jewish leadership, as students lead the davening, participate in the Torah service, deliver the sermon, and make us all proud!

Senior Shabbat

Saturday, June 8

On this shabbat, we will celebrate our graduating BT seniors and wish them hatzlacha on their continuing journeys in Israel and beyond.

SHABBAT TABLE TALK FOR PARENTS OF TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS (see page 17)

PESACH

Women’s Pre-Pesach Night Out

Monday, April 8, 8pm

Enjoy a night of inspiration and celebration for women of all ages that will equip you with food for thought to inspire yourself and your families.

Program sponsored in loving memory of Irene Sherman, by her husband Dr Michael Sherman, and her children—Randi and Larry Abramson, Steven and Jamie Sherman, Dr. Julie and Jason Whitney and her grandchildren Zachary, Carly, Wyatt, Dex, Scarlett, Justin, Samantha and Tyler.

Haggadah Workshop with Rabbi Jason Goldstein

Tuesday, April 19, 7pm

Learn about the structure and laws of Haggadah, along with inspiring insights to share at your seder table. This will be an inperson & Zoom hybrid class.

DAHAN LECTURE

Israel at a Crossroads: An Evening with Yossi Klein Halevi

May 7th, 7:30pm

At this time of uncertainty, join us for a conversation with Yossi Klein Halevi, one of the most sought-after voices of clarity on Israel, the US-Israel relationship and the Jewish future. Rabbi Posner and Yossi will discuss the political and religious divisions in Israel, American support for Israel, and how we can bring people together at this divisive time.

Yossi Klein Halevi is a senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem. His 2013 book, Like Dreamers, won the Jewish Book Council’s Everett Book of the Year Award. His latest book, Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor, is a New York Times bestseller. He writes for leading op-ed pages in the US, including the Times and the Wall Street Journal, and is a former contributing editor to the New Republic.

Sponsored by the Beth Tfiloh family and the Haron Dahan Foundation.

YOM HAATZMA’UT CELEBRATION

Monday, May 13, 6pm

Our hearts have been with Israel and now it’s time to celebrate the country we love – as we honor Israel’s 76th Independence Day at BT. Participate in a meaningful Yom Hazikaron ceremony and musical outdoor davening, followed by delicious food, music, crafts and activities for all ages! This event is free for our entire community.

SHAVUOT

Evening of Learning & Holiday Dinner

Tuesday, June 11, 7pm

Young Family Ice Cream Social

Wednesday, June 12, 4pm

SHABBAT TABLE TALK FOR PARENTS OF TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS

A three-part series for parents of teens and young adults. Explore the Jewish Social, Emotional and Spiritual Learning (SESL) skills needed to raise resilient, patient, kind, responsible and empathetic Jewish teens. Join expert speakers in this series of Shabbat afternoon talks to learn how to model, build, and practice SESL skills that will deeply enrich and inspire your Jewish parenting.

Nurturing Mental Health – Rabbi Benyamin Moss, LCSW

Saturday, May 18, following kiddush

Today’s teens are facing very real mental health challenges. How can Jewish sources help us navigate the current mental health crises and seek opportunities to thrive? Learn how we can leverage our unique role as parents to help guide our children through the difficult and confusing journey of teen-hood.

SUMMER PROGRAMS –SNEAK PEEK

Series: Walk N’ Talk - Returning to Nature with Dr. Rabbi Yoggev

Series: Lunch & Learn at Croustille Bakery - Explore the Mitzvah of Happiness with BT Clergy

Shabbat Nachamu Challah Bake

Join our Young Family Welcome Committee to help make new BT families feel at home! If you are interested in the committee or if you are a new family looking for more connection, email Talia Jordan ( Tjordan@btfiloh.org).

Hosts needed this summer for two male Shlichim (emissaries from Israel), Ori and Ohad who will be working at BT Camps. We are seeking hosts for 2 weeks or more for each of them. Hosting is a wonderful way to bring Israel into your home.

For more information please contact Emily Levin at emily@btcamps.org

Our third graders received their very own copy of Pirkei Avot (Ethics of Our Fathers) at their Middot program. Our special program was made possible by the generosity of the Sandy & Sheldon Dobres Middot Program Endowment.

Our High School musical production, “Freaky Friday,” featured a talented cast and wonderful sets.

Mazel Tov to our boys JV basketball team for an undefeated season and winning the Championship for the second year in a row! Our Boys Varsity basketball team ended a fantastic season with a tough loss in the MIAA C-Conference Championships against Saints Peter & Paul.

Students read and created in after-school BT Plus class, Book Buddies.

Yachad is an international program dedicated to enriching the lives of Jewish individuals (and their families) with disabilities.

The least ferocious version of the world’s most ferocious predator visited the PreSchool 4’s classes!

Mazel Tov to the Model UN Team for coming in 2nd Place out of 40 schools/ delegations in North America!

ON PHILANTHROPY - Member Subsidy Fund

Philanthropy from our members truly makes a meaningful difference in keeping our Shul strong. Beth Tfiloh is most fortunate to have a robust membership subsidy fund that helps make membership affordable to many families. Our Shul has always prided itself on being a warm and welcoming community, and one of the most important ways that we demonstrate that value is by accommodating members who are unable to afford membership. We are only able to do so through the philanthropic generosity of our members.

There are many opportunities to support the shul. However, for many, nothing is more important than making sure Beth Tfiloh continues to be a broad and welcoming community for all. The membership subsidy fund is an endowment fund that was established as a part of Beth Tfiloh’s Centennial Campaign. Several donors are making impactful gifts to support this fund including Debbi and Louis Baer and Ronnie Silverstein.

“We set up this fund to make sure dues and other membership costs do not stop people interested in joining Beth Tfiloh from becoming members. We want the congregation to continue to grow and consider this a good way to help.”

-Debbi and Louis Baer

“I am fortunate to be in a position to help support other families who value Beth Tfiloh Congregation as much as I do. I believe that all families should have the opportunity to be a part of our community.”

-Ronnie Silverstein

Many member families have been supported through the membership subsidy fund and have expressed gratitude in a multitude of ways. One example is this letter:

“We are so grateful that Beth Tfiloh helped make it possible for our family to continue as members of the Congregation. Our history with Beth Tfiloh goes back many generations and we have always felt at home here. My children love coming to shul and we especially love the family programming.

Recently our finances have changed, we were concerned that we were going to have to leave the Shul. Thankfully, Beth Tfiloh responded graciously to our situation and worked with us to allow us to retain our membership. We are very grateful.”

- Letter from a grateful family

Every dollar contributed to this fund is significant to our community. To learn more about how you can support the membership subsidy fund or make an impact of your own with your philanthropy at Beth Tfiloh please contact Mandi Miller, Director of Institutional Advancement at (410) 413-2399 or mmiller@btfiloh.org.

Ronnie Silverstein with Rabbi Posner

Debbi and Louis Baer

2024

Wednesday, May 29 • 7:30 pm

We Are the Future

Honoring Myrna and Senator Ben Cardin

Spotlight is our major annual fundraising event for scholarship for Beth Tfiloh students. Your support of Spotlight will help to provide tuition assistance to more than 50 percent of our students, ensuring that our school is accessible to as many Jewish families as possible.

Total financial aid awarded for 2024: $3.2 million BETH TFILOH FINANCIAL AID BY THE NUMBERS

Percentage of BT students receiving financial aid: 50%+

Average financial aid award: 30%

To buy tickets, or for more information and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.BTSpotlight.com

We gratefully acknowledge the following contributions to our Congregation & School

NOVEMBER 17, 2023 THRU FEBRUARY 1, 2024

TRIBUTE GIFTS $36.00 AND UP

BETH TFILOH CONGREGATION GENERAL FUND

In Honor of: Dr. Malcolm Renbaum on his 90th birthday, by Vivian and Jerry Portnoy, Marty Taubenfeld and Lois Wolf • Ben Cardin on his special birthday, by Gail and Bob Liss • Rabbi Yoggev, by Janet and Michael Kaplan • Maya Wasserman on her Bat Mitzvah, by Cindy Rosenstein • Eve Kresin Steinberg on her special birthday, by Paulayne Epstein

In Memory of: Eleanor Lilienfield, by Naydine Rock, Dana S. Simpler, MD, Robin and Jeffrey Jacobson • Tobias Vogelstein, by Jonathan and Deborah Hamburger • Howard Cohn, by Karen and Jim Greene, Fred Hopkins and Chris McSherry, Diane and Jim Vogel, Michelle and Rich Fein • Samuel and Sarah Lazinsky, by Mindie Flamholz • Lois Hunn, by Laurie and Andy Wasserman • Warren Zerwitz, by Yoel Tobin & Stacy Weiner • Malekeh Hariri, by Elaine Katzen • Sylvia Davis, by Julie and David August

ROSALIE AND RICHARD ALTER SCHOLARSHIP FUND

In Memory of: Tobias Vogelstein, by Rosalie and Richard Alter • Carol Glusman, by Rosalie and Richard Alter • Diane Schweber, by Rosalie and Richard Alter • Alma Becker, by Rosalie and Richard Alter • Gerald Rashbaum, by Rosalie and Richard Alter

RAY NACHLAS BECKER SCHOLARSHIP FUND

In observance of the yahrzeit of: Walter Becker, by Jacqueline Becker

BETH TFILOH ALUMNI FUND

In Memory of: Howard Cohn, by Catherine and Jeff Brown

In observance of the yahrzeit of: Samuel Ponczak, by Ariel and Andrea Wolf

BETH TFILOH DAHAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

In Honor of: Luna and Scarlett Rosenberg by Evan M. Rosenberg • Nina Cusner, by Elisheva Margulies • Adam Yoffe on receiving his Chumash, by Ilene Harris

• Dr. Zipora Schorr, by Avi Meyerstein & Dana Lande • Susan and Scott Yurow on their special anniversary, by Barbara and Benjy Green • Ruthie Carliner, by Beth Tfiloh High School and STEM Committee

• Beth Tfiloh for the safe transport of our students to the March for Israel, by Paulayne Epstein

In Memory of: Howard Cohn, by Ethel, Joel, and Susan Cohn and Families, Hillary and Jonny Lewis, Leonard Monfred, Larry and Dana Cate, Ilene and Peter Jay, Stacy and Judah Fuld, Arthur and Rachel Adler, Edye and Steven Abrams, Frona Brown and Beryl Rosenstein • Myra Schaftel, by Raellen and John Polan, Judi and Steve Fader, Siegel Family

BETH TFILOH DAHAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

In Honor of Dr. Malcolm Renbaum on his 90th birthday, by Suzanne and Hank Horowitz, Dana and Herman Brecher • Dr. Jay Chason on his retirement, by Stacy and Louis Schwartz • Debbi Baer on her special birthday, by Jill and Ira Gansler • Dorie Ehrlich on her Bat Mitzvah, by Linda Singer • Eitan Samuel on his Bar Mitzvah, by Adynna and Michael Swarz • Ella Bar on her Bat Mitzvah, by Adynna and Michael Swarz

Speedy Recovery to: Debbie Bernfeld, by Linda Barron

In Memory of: Alexander Sidelnilov, by Laurie, Mike, Seth, and Naomi Kott, Beverly Anker • Myra Schaftel, by Laurie Okin, Allison and Aaron Magat, Barbara and Benjy Green, Doug Rubenstein, Cary and Ellen Reines, Ilene Harris and Michael Stein, Jody and David Berg • Arthur David Postal by, Sara and Brett Levinson, Marc and Robin Klein, Michael Schwartz • Eleanor Lilienfield, by Ettie Ward and family, Jan and Barry Weiss • Tobias Vogelstein, by Eva and David Engels

PAUL BURMAN HOSPITALITY FUND

In Memory of: Katie Green, by Ellis and Marsha Caplan

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: Myra Schaftel, by Rona Lewis and Family

SALLY AND HAROLD GOLDBERG MUSIC FUND

In Memory of: Harold Goldberg, by Sally Goldberg

SONIA AND STANLEY GOLDBERG ADOPT-A-CHILD FUND

In Memory of: Myra Schaftel, by Leslie and Ron Goldberg

DAVID AND JUDY JACOBSON HOLIDAY PROGRAMMING FUND

In honor of: Gladys and Richard Kremen on their 50th wedding anniversary, by Ruth and David Naftaly • Marie Kaplan on her special birthday, by Judi and Martin Berman

In Memory of: David L. Jacobson, by Judy Jacobson • Jeffrey Kaplan, by Judi and Martin Berman

ALAN J. KARLIN CHATAN TORAH HONOR FUND

In Memory of: Dr. Irwin Nudelman, by Michelle and Rich Fein, Carole and Ron Fradkin, Carol Matz, Rena and Sheldon Polun

NATANZON TAYLOR FAMILY ISRAEL/ POLAND TRIP SCHOLARSHIP FUND

In observance of the yahrzeit of: Harry Hochman, by Rozzie and Harold Taylor

NELSON NEUMAN FAMILY KIDDUSH FUND

In Honor of: Malcolm Renbaum on his 90th birthday, by Ina Legum

Speedy Recovery to: Deborah Bernfeld, by Herbert Gendason

STANLEY Z. PENN MEMORIAL LECTURE FUND

In Honor of: Myrna Cardin on her special birthday, by Helene Penn

In Memory of: Howard Cohn, by Ruthie and David Carliner

ELLYN AND STEPHEN POLAKOFF SENIOR TRIP SCHOLARSHIP FUND

In Honor of: Ellyn Polakoff on her special birthday, by Anne King

RABBI POSNER DISCRETIONARY FUND

In Honor of: Rabbi Posner, by Sara and Jeff Ostrow • Eliram Posner on his Bar Mitzvah, by Brenda Schuman, Melanie and Sanford Block, Ellis and Marsha Caplan, Lawrence Aiken • Rabbi Posner, the Sweren Family and the Rosenblatt Family, by Judah Dardik • Lily Ostrow on her Bat Mitzvah, by Carol and Allan Pristoop

Speedy Recovery to: Deborah Bernfeld, by Carol and David Buchoff

In Memory of: Dr. Murray Weinstock, by Ari and Audra Stern • Sheldon Glusman, by Carol and Allan Pristoop

PRAYER BOOK FUND

In Memory of: Selma Deitch, by Leslie Beck

IAN LUBIN PRUCE PRESCHOOL FUND

In Memory of: Ian Lubin Pruce, by Marissa and Jesse Jachman, Amy, Jon, Violet and Mikayla Kardon, Ruth and Harry Silber

SAMUEL FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP FUND

In Memory of: Eleanor Lilienfield, by Dodi and Joey Samuel • Tobias Vogelstein, by Dodi and Joey Samuel • Myra Schaftel, by Maytal Weiss and family • Amalia “Lica” Ella Rosenzweig, by Bar Family

EZRA SEEGULL LEADERSHIP AND ADVOCACY FUND

In Memory of: Howard Lee Cohn, by Diane and Larry Seegull

TEEN MINYAN KIDDUSH FUND

In honor of: Stan Lustman and Tobias Vogelstein’s’ beautiful friendship, by The Samuel Family

In Memory of: Tobias Vogelstein, by Ruthie and David Carliner, Eli Goldstein and Family, Liz Zepp, Michael and Beth Sellman, The Samuel Family, Edith Scherr, Jill Spector and Joel Cohn, Helene Penn, Mildred Shapiro, Gina and Dan Hirschhorn, Marsha Danick and The Cherry Family

WOLF FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP FUND

In Honor of: Rabbi Posner, by Faith and Ed Wolf

In Memory of: Howard Cohn, by Brian and Shoshi Ponczak

In observance of the yahrzeit of: Sam Ponczak, by Joanna and Jonathan Rogers

YAD B’YAD FUND

In Honor of: Rabbi Yoggev, by Stephen and Jessica Fink

In Memory of: Tobias Vogelstein, by Lucia Kerzner • Myra Schaftel, by The Ostrow Family

LINDA AND SEYMOUR YAFFE SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT FUND

In Memory of: Irvin Nudelman, by Joyce and Marshall Bedine

JULIUS ZERWITZ MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT FUND

In observance of the yahrzeit of: Saul Zerwitz, by Howard Davidov

SPRING BULLETIN YAHRZEIT DONATIONS

Hillard Gamerman, by Emily Lipsitz ∙ Anne

Gitomer, by James Gitomer ∙ Channa Glater, by Luda Gorman ∙ Samuel Gorman, by Luda Gorman ∙ Bessie Greenberg, by Rosalie

Rapoport ∙ Herman Greenberg, by Rosalie

Rapoport ∙ Dr. Mildred Greenberg Eidelman, by Gary Eidelman ∙ Bernard Greenberg, by Rosalie Rapoport ∙ Sonia C. Grossman, by Nina Grossman ∙ Esther Hornstein, by Larry

Hornstein ∙ Florence Jacoby, by Laura Nash

∙ Esther Katsenberg, by Ineza Chikvashvili ∙

Benjamin Josepy ben Mayer Ladislas Krausz, by Rosemark Gluck ∙ Joseph Abraham Lipsitz, by Emily Lipsitz ∙ Renata Marini, by Marie

Schwartz ∙ Benjamin Mazur, by Roslyn Mazur ∙ Mel Meister, by Adam Meister ∙ Lillian J.

Sarah Aiken, by Larry Aiken ∙ Stanley Aronoff, by Judy Basak ∙ Louis Ashinsky, by Rochelle Lewis ∙ Arnold Barr, by Shelley Gitomer ∙ Beverly Barr, by Shelley Gitomer ∙ Albert Bormel, by Gloria Segall ∙ Adele Brem, by Henry Brem ∙ Jacob Brem, by Henry Brem ∙ Sadie Wilf Cohen, by Arnold Cohen ∙ Sara Cooper, by Roy & Beenie Finkelstein ∙ Julius Cooper, by Roy & Beenie Finkelstein ∙ Bernard Creeger, by Gertrude Schunick ∙ Solomon, Desser, by Dorothy Roth ∙ Ileen Dickman, by Elinda Hendin ∙ Annie Dinkin, by Larry Aiken ∙ Morris Dinkin, by Larry Aiken ∙ David Falck, by Matilda Falck ∙ Arnold Finkelstein, by Roy & Beenie Finkelstein ∙ Ellis Finkelstein, by Jack Finkelstein ∙ Ellis Finkelstein, by Roy & Beenie Finkelstein ∙ Fannie Finkelstein, by Roy & Beenie Finkelstein ∙ June H. Finkelstein, by Roy & Beenie Finkelstein ∙

Newman, by Roslyn Mazur ∙ Oscar Polinger, by Joel Boches ∙ Aaron Prager, by Lutz Alexander

Prager ∙ Lee Prager, by Lutz Alexander Prager ∙ Helman Riederman, by Robert Riederman ∙ Rabbi Samuel Rosnblatt, by Marilyn Rosenblatt ∙ Sylvia Sandler, by Alan Sandler ∙ Phyllis

Scharf, by Steve Scharf ∙ Samuel Silber, by Roy & Beenie Finkelstein ∙ Dora Stark, by Larry Hornstein ∙ Etta Suchman, by Arlene Fleischmann ∙ Martin Szmidt, by Natalie Chason ∙ Tipi Tihanyi, by Eva Zinreich ∙ Sofia

Lazar Tonkaya, by Alla Resman ∙ Morris Tucker, by Harold Tucker ∙ Erna Zinreich, by Eva Zinreich

SPRING BULLETIN PLAQUES

Judith Esterson Chernak (purchased by Jon Chernak)

May

May

Davening & Shabbat Times

See special Holiday schedules on p. 5