THE BETH TFILOH EXPERIENCE
Programs for Adults, Families & Children of All Ages 2014-2015 • 5775
Welcome
AS A CONGREGATION AND SCHOOL dedicated to serving the most diverse and vibrant Jewish community on the national scene, Beth Tfiloh offers an extensive calendar of services, programs and events that is truly unparalleled. There is something for everyone at BT — for adults, families, and children from toddlers to teens — to enrich Jewish learning and to foster a sense of community through our “BT CARES!” social action program. From Shabbat services and Yom Tov celebrations to weekly adult classes for the novice and advanced learner alike, to a vast offering of youth and family programs, Beth Tfiloh is committed to embracing your family’s desire to further explore their love of Judaism “from generation to generation.” We look forward to being part of your extended family again this year. Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg Mrs. Zipora Schorr Director of Education Sandy Vogel MERCAZ Dahan Center for Jewish Life & Learning Cherie Brownstein Beth Tfiloh Youth Center
Special thanks to artist, Angela Munitz, for the cover design and all original artwork. Angela is a member of Beth Tfiloh, an artist, and an art historian. Graphic design and layout by Lori Bernstein. 2
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Shabbat at Beth Tfiloh
eth Tfiloh’s weekly Shabbat line-up provides a choice of services with a number of “user friendly” enhancements. A full complement of children’s services, babysitting and the beautiful glass-enclosed Rynd Family Room adjacent to the Dahan Sanctuary, make the Modern Orthodox service especially attractive to families with young children. The addition of a halachically-approved Tzomet sound system, a mechitza, and increased participation by women, are innovations which aim to expand the appeal of this unique house of worship. The BT Minyan service on Shabbat morning and all Yomim Tovim provides a participatory service in a more intimate setting to enable Beth Tfiloh to serve the broadest cross section of Modern Orthodoxy. Inspiring “talk of the town” sermons by Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg, Rabbi Chai Posner, Rabbi Jonathan Gross, and the melodic baritone of Cantor Avi Albrecht, make Beth Tfiloh’s service truly unique on the American Jewish scene. Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg
Rabbi Chai Posner
Rabbi Jonathan Gross
Rabbi Chaim Wecker
Cantor Avi Albrecht
For Adults SHABBAT SERVICES take place weekly
at 8:45 am in the Dahan Sanctuary and 9:30 am at the BT Minyan in the Epstein Chapel.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE
Usher in Shabbat with a lively Carlebach-style Kabbalat Shabbat service topped off with a “spirited” Kiddush reception. Times vary.
SHABBAT MORNING CLASSES Start Shabbat morning off with two in-depth classes on Jewish texts led by Rabbi Wecker at 8:10 am, and led by Rabbi Posner and Rabbi Gross at 9 am.
SHABBAT COFFEE CLUB Begin your Shabbat morning with a cup of Starbucks coffee, a delicious nosh and schmoozing before joining in one of our spiritual services together. Coffee Club meets every Shabbat morning in the Spector Board Room from 10-10:30 am.
SHABBAT AFTERNOON CLASS Every Shabbat afternoon our rabbis lead a stimulating session of Torah study 50 minutes before Mincha in the Epstein Chapel. Topics range from Jewish thought to the weekly Parsha to Jewish law. The classes are always interactive, lively, and accessible. Texts are available in English, making this class perfect for everyone: young and old, men and woman, experts and beginners. Mincha and Seudah Shlishit (the third Shabbat meal) follow immediately after the class.
ALLIYOT & HONORS To request an alliyah or other honor on Shabbat, holidays or during weekday services, please contact Rabbi Chaim Wecker, Ritual Director, at cwecker@btfiloh.org or 410-413-2218.
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Children, Teens & Families
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eth Tfiloh is blessed with a most dynamic and charismatic team of service leaders for children’s Shabbat & Yom Tov services. At our weekly services, children and teens are engaged at their own level. Our leaders are professionals who love working with your children and sharing their enthusiasm for Shabbat. Come often and make each Shabbat your special family time!
PRESCHOOL COOKIE MINYAN
BAR/BAT MITZVAH PROGRAM
Our PreSchool Service, “Cookie Minyan,” is designed to meet the needs of tots and parents alike. Under the dynamic leadership of BT PreSchool teacher Marci Globerman, weekly services begin at 10:45 am for Shabbat and holidays in the Weiner Board Room. These services are designed to make Shabbat special for PreSchoolers and their parents through song, prayer, stories, and activities. Babysitting is available beginning at 10:00 am.
The Beth Tfiloh B’nei Mitzvah Program has been developed to prepare B’nei Mitzvah students for the responsibilities of Jewish adulthood, and provide them and their families with a meaningful and memorable Jewish life-cycle experience. Beth Tfiloh’s B’nei Mitzvah and their parents’ class meet with the rabbis regularly on Shabbat to enrich the experience of the year leading up to their Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Additional elements of the program include monthly sessions with Rabbi Wohlberg, family education regarding synagogue rituals and Jewish life-cycle events, Jewish parent-teen issues, group and individual mitzvah projects, and individualized study of Torah and/or Haftorah portions with a Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutor. Students also participate in a series of hands-on projects that prepare them to take on adult mitzvot.
LOWER SCHOOL KID CONG Kid Cong (Junior Congregation) is a highly participatory service for children in grades K-4 and Hebrew School classes Mechina-Daled, that is led by the effervescent Brian Singer. His creativity keeps kids engaged and active. Services take place weekly and on holidays from 10:00-11:45 am in the Tuvin Library. Our themed Kid Cong will be even more special with these wild and crazy ways to connect to the parsha and holidays. Children’s services are also available on all holidays.
MIDDLE SCHOOL MINYAN Students in Grades 5-8 and Hebrew School classes Hay and Vav spend Shabbat morning at our weekly Middle School Minyan, led by BT alum Adam Hariri in Room 264. This Minyan gives students the opportunity to spend Shabbat and holidays with friends, reinforce their Hebrew reading and davening skills, and to partake in the special weekly Teen Kiddush and an occasional “Ask the Rabbi” session. Grade level Shabbatonim will be held throughout the year through our School.
MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS SERVICE Middle School girls are invited to join Mrs. Miriam Gross each Shabbat at 10:30 am in Room 265 for a new approach to prayer, schmoozing about “girl stuff,” and more, topped off with a delicious kiddush.
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Bar and Bat Mitzvah dates are assigned to children of Beth Tfiloh members two years in advance of the calendar year of their 13th birthday. Dates for 2017 will be assigned in January 2015. For more information on getting an assigned date, please contact Eve Steinberg at 410-413-2251 or Cherie Brownstein at 410-413-2220.
TEEN MINYAN Teen Minyan is a student-led service held in the High School Beit Midrash that allows both young men and women to take part in the Shabbat experience. Services are conducted on a weekly basis and on holidays. A special kiddush, prepared especially for this devoted group of youngsters who will no doubt become our future Minyonaires, follows each service. Assisting with this service is the dedicated Stan Lustman and a rotation of young adults who provide excellent role models for our students.
FAMILY SHABBAT: REBOOT BT’s Family Shabbat: REBOOT is all about answering those questions every parent needs to answer to raise Jewish kids in today’s hectic, multi-media world. We welcome our Day School and Hebrew school families to a morning program of fun, age-appropriate kids’ services, and an interactive workshop for the adults on a current topic Jewish parents are facing. Enjoy listening to one of our rabbi’s sermons and having a delicious Shabbat lunch with other school families. September 6, December 20, February 21 and May 16
SPIRIT OF SHABBAT
RYND FAMILY ROOM
Enjoy a delicious Shabbat lunch or dinner (specific to the date) with families of school-aged children after services. Inspiring learning will take place after the meal by our esteemed rabbis, while young children are occupied in gym activities and older children have the opportunity to study Jewish topics and texts with a knowledgeable leader. October 11, January 10, January 30, April 25, and May 25.
Located adjacent to the Dahan Sanctuary, the Rynd Family Room provides a child-friendly environment for parents and their infants or toddlers, complete with a viewing window and sound system enabling parents to feel part of the Sanctuary service.
BABYSITTING
Beth Tfiloh sponsors a monthly Minyan Meyuchad service for special needs adults, led by Mrs. Susan Coleman. Participants include teens through adults participating in an adapted meaningful Shabbat service, followed by Shabbat lunch.
Babysitting for children (infant-age 4) is available weekly from 10:00 am until the end of services and during every Yom Tov as well.
MINYAN MEYUCHAD
BT Cares! The Beth Tfiloh Social Action Committee
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ince its formation, the BT Cares Social Action Committee has been making a difference in the lives of so many. Hundreds of BT members and school families have served as volunteers for many worthwhile causes under the direction of Lindsay Gaister ‘02. For the upcoming year, BT Cares will focus most of its efforts on the fight against homelessness. Projects will include donating H.E.L.P. lunches to the Hannah More Women and Children’s Shelter, collecting socks during the Governor’s Days to Serve, collecting winter gloves for those in need as part of Community Mitzvah Day, and a variety of hands-on projects at different facilities including Helping Up Mission, Moveable Feast, and Baltimore Station. BT Cares will sponsor an ongoing art project to decorate the stairwells at Healthcare for the Homeless with beautiful quilts, and will support the 2015 Empty Bowls Program, a Baltimore signature event to raise funds for the hungry and homeless in our community. H.E.L.P. LUNCHES: By bringing in bagged lunches or sending an extra lunch with your child/grandchild two Fridays per month, the Homeless Extra Lunch Program will help support needy families in our area. September 5, 19, October 24, November 7, 21, December 12, 19, January 16, 30, February 6, 20, March 6, 20, April 17, 24, May 8, 22. BT Cares and the Beth Tfiloh Sisterhood will host a one-day CLOTHING DRIVE on December 7 to benefit Hannah More Women’s and Children’s Shelter, Paul’s Place, and Beans & Bread. Professional women’s
clothing and casual men’s clothing will be collected. The Beth Tfiloh Brotherhood will visit different men’s shelters including Baltimore Station and Helping Up Mission to serve meals and connect with residents. The Mercaz Dahan Center is teaming up with BT Cares Social Action this year to join in the fight against homelessness. As part of our efforts, Mercaz will host two COOKING SESSIONS at Beth Tfiloh where casseroles will be prepared under the leadership of Shelley Kaye and Anne Pfeffer. Casseroles will then be delivered to the Hannah More Women’s and Children’s Shelter, an emergency shelter where more than 85 women and children reside while receiving case management, life skills training, and help transitioning towards new employment and housing opportunities. Casserole Preparation Dates Monday evenings, October 6 and January 12, Mercaz will also participate in two home-cooking sessions where members can cook at home and drop off their delicious treats to Beth Tfiloh in the morning! MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10 - Drop off your homeprepared kugels to Beth Tfiloh in the morning and BT will deliver them to the Hannah More Women’s and Children’s Shelter. MONDAY, MARCH 9 - Drop off your home-baked cookies to Beth Tfiloh in the morning and BT will deliver them to Paul’s Place for their children who stay after school. More specific information will be available closer to the dates. For more information, contact Lindsay Gaister at lgaister@btfiloh.org.
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MERCAZ Dahan Center for Jewish Life & Learning WEEKLY AND MONTHLY ADULT CLASSES Davening and Dunkin’ RABBI CHAI POSNER Spend Sunday mornings at BT with your family and ours. Davening begins at 8:30 am, followed by coffee and donuts at 9:15 am and a family-style Torah class led by our rabbis from 9:40-10:15 am. Bring your children, parents, grandparents or friends. No fee. Meets weekly on Sundays from October-May except for Jewish and legal holidays.
Living Room Learning RABBI JONATHAN GROSS This study group meets monthly on Sundays at 7:30 pm at the homes of group members with lively discussion. The theme for this year is “Meet the Knesset.” Each session will feature a different member of the Israeli Knesset including profile, ideology, and writings. Learn about Israeli politics from a personal perspective. No fee. October 5, November 16, December 14, No January, February 15, March 15, April 19, May 31, June 28.
Mercaz Book Clubs MRS. HALAINE STEINBERG, FACILITATOR We are pleased to feature an impressive selection of books of Jewish interest. We will read and discuss the season’s best, most thought-provoking books. This year’s Book Club is being offered on Mondays at 12:15 pm or Wednesdays at 10:30 am and our selections are: n The Little Failure by Gary Shteyngart and A Replacement Life by Boris Fishman (we will compare & contrast the two books) n The Jerusalem Maiden by Talia Carner n Love & Treasure by Ayelet Waldman n Tomorrow There Will Be Apricots by Jessica Soffer n The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult n The Forgetting River by Doreen Carvajal n An Officer & a Spy by Robert Harris n The Paris Architect by Charles Belfore Mondays at 12:15 pm: October 27, November 24, December 15, January 26, February 23, March 23, April 20, May 11 Wednesdays at 10:30 am: October 29, November 19, December 17, January 28, February 25, March 25, April 22, May 13
Advanced Talmud MR. RON MITNICK This class will be studying Tractate Yoma, exploring the origins of our present day Yom Kippur practices and delving into the meaning of the Kohen Gadol’s elaborate Avodah Temple service on Yom Kippur. New participants 6
are welcome. Artscroll Gemara is suggested. Previous experience learning Talmud is helpful but not required. Meets weekly on Mondays at 7:30 pm, September 8 through June 8 except for Jewish and legal holidays
Hebrew Reading Crash Course MRS. ELANA VOGEL This class is designed for all those who say, “This year I am finally going to learn to read Hebrew.” After this course, you will be able to read Hebrew, begin to participate in prayer services, and feel comfortable at religious ceremonies and events. This course is offered in conjunction with the National Jewish Outreach Program. No fee. Meets weekly on Tuesdays: October 28, November 4, 11, 18, 25, 7:00 pm
The Lunch Bunch A monthly program providing lunch, entertainment, music and speakers in the company of new and not-so-new friends. Meets monthly at 12 :00 pm on Wednesdays: October 22, November 19, December 17, No January, February 18, March 18, April 15, May 20 and June 17. Fee. Advance reservations required.
Thursday Beit Midrash RABBI JONATHAN GROSS The famous Rabbi Yochanan Ben Berokah once said, “There cannot be a Beit Midrash without original thought.” This class will do indepth studies of biblical and Talmudic sources and, as a group, will try to solve some historically unanswered questions. Sources will be translated into English. This class is for people with insatiable intellectual curiosity and sharp analytical thinking skills. No fee. Meets weekly on Thursday at 7:30 pm, December 4 through March 6 except for Jewish and legal holidays.
MERCAZ LENDING LIBRARY: BOOKS AND VIDEOS Books: MERCAZ is committed to promoting the reading of books that reflect the richness of Jewish thought and variety of Jewish experience. Thanks to the generosity of Dr. and Mrs. Frank Silverman (z”l), MERCAZ is able to provide a lending library. Located in the Tuvin Library next to the MERCAZ office, a wonderful array of books are available – fiction, memoirs, biographies, Jewish history, current affairs, self help, cooking and baking – all written by Jewish authors! Films: Through the generosity of Dr and Mrs. Frank Silverman (z”l) MERCAZ provides a lending library of films of Jewish content. The library offers Jewish films that present a dramatic and engaging picture of today’s multi-faceted Jewish experience here in the United States, Israel and around the world. MERCAZ Library Hours: Monday – Thursday: 10 am – 3 pm; Friday: 9 – 11 am. Closed holidays and weekends.
MERCAZ Dahan Center for Jewish Life & Learning ADVANCED JEWISH LEARNING Our popular Advanced Jewish Learning classes provide opportunities for ongoing learning from the outstanding rabbis and faculty of Beth Tfiloh, as well as noted outside speakers. Enroll in any of the programs listed below and receive special discounts to many other Mercaz programs and free participation in the Fall Semester classes and Monthly Book Club.
The Seymour Yaffe Scholars Program for Advanced Jewish Learning Seymour “Siggy” Yaffe, past President of Beth Tfiloh Congregation, was a most beloved and respected member of Beth Tfiloh. To help perpetuate all that Siggy stood for, his family has endowed The Seymour Yaffe Scholars Program for Advanced Jewish Learning. The theme for this year’s Seymour Yaffe program is “Responsa that Changed the World.” Schedule: Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm for dinner, followed by the Shiur at 7:00 pm. Schedule: Wednesdays, October 29, November 5, 12, 19, December 3, 10, 17, January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20. Special fees apply.
BT in the AM: The Adult Beit Midrash The BT in the AM seminars for women and men will inspire participants’ own thinking and creativity through courses that are rich with ideas and text study. Participants will gain access to provocative conversations on a wide range of topics touching on every aspect of modern Jewish life. Enrollment is open to Jews of all ages from all backgrounds and learning levels. Schedule: Monday mornings: October 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17, 24, December 1, 8, 15 22, January 26, February 2, 9, 23, March 2, 9, 23, April 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18. Special fees apply.
BT in the AM for Women - Join us as BT in the AM for
Women begins its 13th year. This premier Jewish learning program consists of three outstanding classes:
9:00 am - The Torah is Not in Heaven PRESENTED BY MRS. CHANA SLAVATICKI Bring the Torah to life! Wrestle with the weekly Torah portion, explore commentaries and view the Torah with new ‘eyes’ while your questions are addressed.
10:10 am - Jewish Tradition Confronts Contemporary Issues PRESENTED BY RABBI MITCHELL WOHLBERG & MRS. ZIPORA SCHORR “What would Moses do?” He and the Torah have a lot to say about the issues we face in contemporary society. The Torah is meant to be a “tree of life.” It may be an ancient document, but it has important contemporary relevance. We will study texts that provide a Jewish perspective on such topics as other religions, the Agunah problem, privacy, homosexuality, child abuse, and tattoos.
11:10 am - Beyond Latkes and Hamentaschen: Encounter Judaism Through the Study of Our Holidays PRESENTED BY RABBI CHAI POSNER We all know that the Jewish calendar ebbs and flows with the rhythm of the holidays. The smells and tastes of the holidays, as well as their popular rituals and customs, leave an indelible mark on our minds. This class will explore the practices, laws and meaning behind the holidays, and in the process show just how relevant they are to our lives as 21st century American Jews.
BT in the AM for Men - Join us as we begin our 3rd year of BT in the AM for Men. This year the program will focus on Jewish current events, Jewish holidays and the Vilna Gaon. 9:00 am - Israel’s Place on the International Stage PRESENTED BY MR. JOSH GUREWITSCH This weekly round table will include current events discussions about Israeli domestic policy and international events affecting Israel, and the historical context behind these events.
10:10 am - Beyond Latkes and Hamentaschen: Encounter Judaism Through the Study of Our Holidays PRESENTED BY RABBI CHAI POSNER We all know that the Jewish calendar ebbs and flows with the rhythm of the holidays. The smells and tastes of the holidays, as well as their popular rituals and customs, leave an indelible mark on our minds. This class will explore the practices, laws and meaning behind the holidays, and in the process show just how relevant they are to our lives as 21st century American Jews.
11:10 am - Going Going Gaon: Unlocking the Secret Commentaries of the Vilna Gaon PRESENTED BY RABBI JONATHAN GROSS No writer in Jewish history was more prolific in more areas of study than Rabbi Elijah of Vilna — the Vilna Gaon. The Gaon’s brilliant comments can be found from Tanach to Talmud, Halacha to Aggadah and even mysticism. His style was succinct to the point of being almost cryptic. Many of the deeper meanings contained in his comments remained hidden for over 200 years — until now. This class will delve into the commentaries of the Vilna Gaon with the aid of modern works written by scholars seeking to unearth buried treasures hidden by the greatest Torah genius of the last millennium.
For the latest details, visit bethtfiloh.com/mercaz 7
MERCAZ Fall Semester A REMARKABLE FALL SEMESTER
FOUR WEDNESDAY EVENINGS - OCTOBER 29, NOVEMBER 5, 12, 19
Session 1, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Intermediate Hebrew Reading
Guide to the 21st Century Perplexed: Things You Should Know About Judaism–Past, Present and Future
Enhance your Hebrew reading skills using the Koren Siddur so that you can more fully understand and participate in Shabbat Services.
MRS. ELANA VOGEL
RABBI MITCHELL WOHLBERG PAST: Was there a Garden of Eden and did the flood really happen? Do we believe in evolution and the world being 5775 years old? Does God know everything? Is the Torah the word of God? PRESENT: What does prayer accomplish? Are the rabbis always right? What is Jewish law regarding Christians and Muslims? What is the real story on converts in Judaism? FUTURE: Do we believe in an “afterlife?” When are you dead? Can you donate your organs? Is the “Messiah” really going to come?
Session 2, 8:00 – 9:00 pm Choose one exciting elective course From Molly Goldberg to Jon Stewart: American Jewish Entertainers from 1950 to Today
People of the Book, Bat & Basket MR. HILLEL KUTTLER
In this course, we will take a whirlwind tour of Jews in American popular culture in the last 60 years, stopping along the way to visit some of our most well-known stars. Beyond those in the course title, we’ll discuss Lenny Bruce, Mel Brooks, Woody Allen, Joan Rivers, Jerry Seinfeld and Sarah Silverman. Whether you grew up saying “Yoo-Hoo Mrs. Goldberg,” “Can we talk?,” or “Yada yada yada,” this course will investigate what these stars tell us about Jews and Jewish identity in 20th century America and today.
Jews continue to profoundly shape American sports — baseball, basketball, football, boxing, etc. — as players, coaches, owners, general managers, commissioners and commentators. Join Hillel Kuttler, a journalist (and BT parent) who writes about sports for the New York Times and JTA, for this series on American Jews’ impact on the U.S. athletic scene. You’ll be entertained and gain unique perspectives, including input from several professional athletes and coaches like Phil Wood, an authority on baseball history and a regular panelist on the daily pre-grame show that is broadcast on MASN (the Orioles’ national television network). Attendees will enjoy sports, and the Jewish role in sports, in a whole new way!
Israel’s Place on the International Stage
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Planning For Parents
MR. JOSH GUREWITSCH
n A Guide to the Big Day: You and Your Child on the Day of the Bar/ Bat Mitzvah, Rabbi Chai Posner
DR. VALERIE THALER
Participate in discussions of current events about Israeli domestic policy and international events affecting Israel and analyze the historical context behind these events.
n Bar and Bat Mitzvah: For the Parents or for the Child?, Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg n The Making of a Mentsch: Dress and Decorum, Mrs. Zipora Schorr
The MERCAZ Fall Semester will kick off with the Stanley Z. Penn Lecture on October 22, featuring an evening with Dr. Jack Wertheimer, an expert on contemporary Jewish life. (see page 14) 8
MERCAZ Registration Form 2014 FALL SEMESTER AND ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES
FEE: $35 for Beth Tfiloh Members and Beth Tfiloh School Parents / $50 for the general public For one low fee, choose as many classes as fit your schedule! ENROLL ONLINE AT WWW.BETHTFILOH.COM/REGISTER OR MAIL REGISTRATION FORM AND YOUR CHECK TO: MERCAZ/Beth Tfiloh Congregation, 3300 Old Court Road, Baltimore, MD 21208 NAME______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ STREET_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY_______________________________________________________ STATE ____________ ZIP CODE ___________________________ HOME PHONE _______________________________________ WORK PHONE_________________________________________________ EMAIL ADDRESS____________________________________________________________________________________________________
q Beth Tfiloh Member q Beth Tfiloh School Parent q Beth Tfiloh Brotherhood/Sisterhood Member q Non-Member
WEDNESDAY EVENING FALL SEMESTER CLASSES: OCTOBER 29-NOVEMBER 19 q Guide to the 21st Century Perplexed: Things You Should Know About Judaism–Past, Present and Future Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg, 7:00 pm CHOOSE ONE ELECTIVE COURSE AT 8:00 pm q From Molly Goldberg to Jon Stewart: American Jewish Entertainers from 1950 to Today: Dr. Valerie Thaler q Israel’s Place on the International Stage: Mr. Josh Gurewitsch q Intermediate Hebrew Reading: Mrs. Elana Vogel q People of the Book, Bat & Basket: Mr. Hillel Kuttler q Bar/Bat Mitzvah Planning for Parents: Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg, Mrs. Zipora Schorr, Rabbi Chai Posner, NO FEE
OTHER WEEKLY AND MONTHLY CLASSES - START DATES VARY SUNDAYS q Living Room Learning, meets monthly at 7:30 pm, Rabbi Jonathan Gross, NO FEE MONDAYS q MERCAZ Book Club, meets monthly at 12:15 pm, Mrs. Halaine Steinberg q Advanced Talmud, meets weekly at 7:30 pm, Mr. Ron Mitnick TUESDAYS q Beginner’s Hebrew Reading, five consecutive weeks beginning October 28 at 7:00 pm, Mrs. Elana Vogel, NO FEE WEDNESDAYS q MERCAZ Book Club, monthly, 10:30 am, Mrs. Halaine Steinberg THURSDAYS q Thursday Beit Midrash, meets weekly at 7:30 pm, Rabbi Jonathan Gross, weekly, beginning December 4, NO FEE For Advanced Learning classes (BT in the AM and Yaffe Scholars) enroll online at www. bethtfiloh.com/register or call 410-413-2321 9
Help Us To Serve You!
O Beth Tfiloh Professional Network All Beth Tfiloh members, School parents, alumni and faculty members are invited to connect with the many outstanding professionals in the Beth Tfiloh community, both online through our LinkedIn group, and at periodic networking meetings. This dynamic, growing group provides a forum for networking, professional resources, and sharing of connections. To join our online group, go to www.linkedin.com, search for “Beth Tfiloh Professional Network” and click “Join.” Look for news of upcoming meetings this fall. For details, contact the Mercaz Office at 410-413-2306 or mercaz@btfiloh.org.
ur tradition teaches that it is customary for us to honor meaningful occasions in our lives, be they joyous or difficult times, by giving tzedakah (charity). Giving tzedakah is a tangible way to show gratitude for the blessings that we all have in our lives. In Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers 3:7) it states, “Rabbi Elazar of Bartosa would say: Give Him what is His, for you, and whatever is yours, are His.” I encourage you to consider honoring your smachot and yahrzeits by making a gift to Beth Tfiloh in one of the following ways. -Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg
SHABBAT SPONSORSHIP OPTIONS: Full Kiddush: Beginning at $1,500 Wine only: $500 Flowers: $300 Seudah Shlishit: $300 Simcha plaque: $360
Beth Tfiloh Website
OTHER OPTIONS:
Visit the Beth Tfiloh website for the most upto-date schedule of services, calendar of events and programs, with the convenience of online registration plus sermons, online donations, news, photos, videos and more!
Gifts of $18 and above to these funds will be acknowledged in the Bulletin:
BT on Facebook and Twitter Follow Beth Tfiloh on Facebook and on Twitter — with the very latest updates including school news, photos and videos, posts and sermons by Rabbi Wohlberg, timely articles, and upcoming events. Visit our social media sites below and be sure to “like” us on Facebook and “follow” us on Twitter. • facebook.com/BethTfiloh • facebook.com/BethTfilohCongregation • facebook.com/BethTfilohAlumni • facebook.com/MitchellWohlberg • twitter.com/RabbiWohlberg
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Brotherhood brick: $90
Dues Assistance Fund Youth Services Fund
Please contact Eve Kresin Steinberg, Executive Director, at 410-413-2251 or esteinberg@btfiloh.org for more information.
NEW - Mercaz classroom conversations will continue online on our newly updated BT website. MERCAZ Committee Shelley Kaye and Anne Pfeffer, Co-Chairs Sandy Vogel, Director Debbie Leibowitz, Administrative Assistant Louis Baer Devorah Brooks Robert Brooks Amy Caplan Jack Dembowitz Sandy Dobres Steven Feldman Teri Gitlitz Cass Gottlieb Stanley Haas Anita Knisbacher
Norman La Cholter Marcia Leavey Loryn Lesser Sonia Maltinsky Sheila Mentz Ellen Miller Searle Mitnick Sheldon Polun Fran Pruce Steven Pruce Rena Rank Betty Reichenberg Josef Rosenblatt Calla Samuels Robin Smolarz Eve Kresin Steinberg
HOLIDAYS @ A GLANCE Thursday, September 25 – Friday, September 26 Rosh Hashanah
Wednesday, December 17 – Wednesday, December 24 Chanukah
Sunday, September 28 Fast of Gedaliah
Thursday, January 1 Fast of Tevet
Saturday, October 4 Yom Kippur
Wednesday, February 4 Tu B’Shevat
Thursday, October 9 – Wednesday, October 15 Sukkot
Wednesday, March 4 Fast of Esther
Wednesday, October 15 Hoshanah Rabbah
Thursday, March 5 Purim
Thursday, October 16 Shemini Atzeret
Saturday, April 4 – Saturday, April 11 Pesach
Friday, October 17 Simchat Torah
Thursday, April 16 Yom HaShoah
Wednesday, April 22 Yom HaZikaron Thursday, April 23 Yom HaAtzmaut Thursday, May 7 Lag B’Omer Sunday, May 17 Yom Yerushalayim Sunday, May 24 – Monday, May 25 Shavuot Sunday, July 5 Fast of Tammuz 17 Sunday, July 26 Tisha B’Av Holidays begin on the prior evening at sundown. 11
SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER | NOVEMBER | DECEMBER | JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL | MAY | JUNE | SUMMER
A Year @ Beth Tfiloh
September
SHABBAT AND HOLIDAYS
Sunday, September 14
n 2015 B’nei Mitzvah Program
BLOCK PARTY
Saturday, September 6 n Family Shabbat: REBOOT (Back to BT)
Saturday, September 13 n PreSchool Cookie Minyan Special Guest: Morah Alicia Broth
Tuesday, September 16 n Beth Tfiloh Live!: A High Holy Day Program with guest host Richard Sherr & our BT clergy
Saturday, September 20 n Selichot: Welcome to Rabbi and Mrs. Jonathan Gross & Kumsitz Sing-a-long
Thursday, September 25 This Blockbuster celebration features a catered all-you-can-eat barbeque, plus games, rides and activities for all ages, a Craft Show & Silent Auction, School supply drive, electronics/metal recycling & paper shredding and MORE!
Tuesday, September 16
BETH TFILOH LIVE:
A HIGH HOLIDAY PROGRAM
n Rosh Hashanah - 1st Day n PreSchool Family Service n Family Shofar Blowing n Young Adult “Meetup” n Tashlich at the Wohlberg home
Friday, September 26 n Rosh Hashanah - 2nd Day n Family Shofar Blowing n PreSchool Family Service
Saturday, September 27 n Shabbat Shuvah Drasha: Who Shall Live and Who Shall Die: Triage, Collateral Damage, and End of Life Issues
JUST FOR ADULTS Monday, September 8, 15, 22, 29 n Advanced Talmud Tuesday, September 9 n Intermediate Hebrew Reading Class Television personality Richard Sher will be our guest host for this entertaining and informative program to prepare for the High Holy Days, featuring our Beth Tfiloh rabbis, and hazzan. Learn about the customs and traditions associated with the Days of Awe and how to make the holidays most meaningful for you and your family. 12
Thursday, September 11 n Intermediate Hebrew Reading Class n Sisterhood Opening Meeting with Judy Meltzer Sunday, September 14 n Cemetery Memorial Services
Wednesday, September 3
SEPTEMBER
SCHOOL AND YOUTH
Saturday, September 20
SELICHOT
n New Parent Dinner n Back to School Spirit and Soccer Game
Sundays, September 7, 14, 21 & 28 n Sunday Soccer
Tuesday, September 9 n 2s Pizza Picnic
Monday, September 15 n Lower School BT Plus Fall Semester BEGINS
Sunday, September 21 n 9th Grade Student Social
Tuesday, September 23 n High School Back to School Rollerskating n 3s Pizza Picnic
Tuesday, September 30 n 4s and Gan Aleph Pizza Picnic
BT CARES! Sock Collection for Healthcare for the Homeless
Fridays, September 5, 19 n H.E.L.P. Lunches Bring an extra bagged lunch for needy families, sponsored by the PS Tikun Olam Committee, and LS, MS & HS Student Governments
Wednesday, September 10 n 2015 B'nei Mitzvah: Weinberg Park for Bingo
Sunday, September 14 n School Supply Donation Collection at BT Block Party
Sunday, September 21 n Brotherhood trip to Baltimore Station
Set the tone for the New Year as we welcome Rabbi Jonathan and Miriam Gross, followed by a Kumsitz sing-a-long, and an upbeat and uplifting Selichot service featuring Hazzan Avi Albrecht, the talented Kol Fusion a capella group, plus Avraham Rosenblum on guitar, and Tzachi Posner, on percussion.
Thursday-Friday, September 25-26
ROSH HASHANAH Shabbat & Yom Tov Home Hospitality
Hachnasat Orchim (welcoming guests) is one of the first mitzvot mentioned in the Torah, based on the wonderful model of hospitality by Abraham and Sarah, who warmly welcomed unexpected guests to their tent, and generously provided them with a meal. During the holidays and throughout the year, we encourage members of the Beth Tfiloh family to follow their beautiful example, and help provide a Shabbat or Yom Tov meal to those members of the BT family in need of hospitality. If you would like to host guests, or if you would like to share a Shabbat or Yom Tov meal with a BT host family, please contact Holly Venick at hvenick@btfiloh.org or 410-413-2244.
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October
SHABBAT AND HOLIDAYS
Friday/Saturday, October 3/4
Monday/Tuesday, October 6/7
KOL NIDRE/YOM KIPPUR Thursday-Friday, October 9-17
SUKKOT-SIMCHAT TORAH
Friday/Saturday, October 3/4 n Kol Nidre/Yom Kippur - Youth Services n Pick up S’chach
Thursday, October 9 n Lower School Sukkah Hop n Sukkot: Petting Zoo
Every day of Sukkot is full of surprises and celebrations for all ages. From Sukkah Hopping, to a Petting Zoo, from a Magic Show to a variety of Sukkah meals, don’t miss the joy and beauty of this wonderful holiday. The festivities will culminate with Simchat Torah celebrations, including Hakafot and dinner on Thursday, October 16 and Hakafot and a BBQ Kiddush on Friday, October 17.
Friday, October 10
Wednesday, October 22
n Shemini Atzeret (Yizkor)/Simchat Torah
n Sukkot: Frisbee Exhibition
Saturday, October, 11 n Spirit of Shabbat Lunch: Sukkot Edition n PreSchool Cookie Minyan Special Guest: Morah Emily Levin n PreSchool Mini Sukkah Hop
Sunday, October 12 n B’nei Mitzvah 2016 Sukkot Dinner
Monday, October 13 n PreSchool Sushi and a Slice in the Sukkah
Tuesday, October 14 n High School Sukkot Night Program
Thursday, October 16
STANLEY Z. PENN MEMORIAL LECTURE
n Magic Show
Dr. Jack Wertheimer: “The Condition of American Judaism” Dr. Wertheimer is the Joseph and Martha Mendelson Professor of American Jewish History at The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS). He is the author or editor of more than a dozen books, and won the national Jewish Book Award for the “Best Study on Contemporary Jewish Life.” From 1997-2007 Dr. Wertheimer served as provost, the chief academic officer of JTS. Free and open to the public.
Friday, October 24
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Friday, October 17 n Simchat Torah & BBQ Kiddush n PreSchool Shabbat Dinner with Rak Shalom n High School ShabbatFest with Rak Shalom
Saturday, October 25 n Noach Shabbat / Meet the Animals from the Ark
Friday, October 31 n Shabbat Dinner Celebrating Rabbi Wohlberg’s 70th Birthday
Sunday, October 5 n Living Room Learning
Monday, October 6, 13, 20, 27 n Advanced Talmud
Sunday, October 19 n Sisterhood Trip to 9/11 Memorial Museum, NYC
Mondays, October 20, 27
Tuesday, October 28
BEGINNERS’ HEBREW READING CRASH COURSE Beth Tfiloh will be one of 1,000 Jewish institutions across the continent to host READ HEBREW AMERICA/CANADA. Led by Elana Vogel, this fiveweek Hebrew Reading Crash Course will focus on teaching the Hebrew alphabet and basic reading skills to adults with little or no background in Hebrew.
n BT in the AM Program
Tuesday, October 21 n Boscov’s Shopping Day benefitting Sisterhood
Wednesday, October 22 n Lunch Bunch n Dr. Jack Wertheimer, Stanley Z. Penn Lecture
Monday, October 27 n Mercaz Book Club: The Little Failure / A Replacement Life (compare & contrast)
Tuesday, October 28 n Sisterhood General Meeting (Dr. Susan Isaacs) n Beginners’ Hebrew Reading Crash Course
Wednesday, October 29 n Mercaz Fall Semester / Yaffe Scholars n Mercaz Book Club: The Little Failure / A Replacement Life (compare & contrast)
SCHOOL AND YOUTH Sundays, October 5, 12, 19, 26
Wednesday, October 29
MERCAZ FALL SEMESTER Become an active Jewish learner for four weeks this Fall. Investigate the current state of Jewish self-identity, analyze the Jewish concept of prayer, debate Israeli domestic policy, enhance your Hebrew reading skills and hear from guest speakers about the Jewish role in sports.
BT CARES! Monday, October 6
n Sunday Soccer
n Make Casseroles for Hannah More Shelter
Sundays, October 19, 26
Sunday, October 19
n Davening & Dunkin’
Wednesday, October 29 n 9th Grade Parent Networking Meetings
n 2015 B’nei Mitzvah: Helping Up Mission B’nei Mitzvah students and parents will learn about Helping Up Mission, take a tour of the facility, and serve lunch to the residents
Friday, October 24 n H.E.L.P. Lunches Bring an extra bagged lunch for needy families, sponsored by the PS Tikun Olam Committee, and LS, MS & HS Student Governments 15
OCTOBER
JUST FOR ADULTS
November
SHABBAT AND HOLIDAYS
November 2-13
Saturday, November 8
ISRAEL VOLUNTEER MISSION BT will lead a group to volunteer on an IDF base, dedicated to the memory of Dr. Steven Steinberg.
Sunday, November 2
BETH TFILOH BLOOD DRIVE
Saturday, November 1 n 2016 B’nei Mitzvah Program n 2015 B’nei Mitzvah Program & Lunch
Friday, November 14-15 n 9th Grade Shabbaton at Capital Camps
Saturday, November 15 n Family Shabbaton n PreSchool Cookie Minyan Special Guest: Morah Stephanie Ziman
JUST FOR ADULTS Sundays, November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 n Davening & Dunkin’ Mondays, November 3, 10, 17, 24 n BT in the AM Program n Advanced Talmud Tuesdays, November 4, 11, 18, 25
Save a life. Protect your family by becoming a blood donor or volunteering. Co-sponsored by the Brotherhood, Youth Center and BT Cares!
n Beginners’ Hebrew Reading Crash Course Wednesdays, November 5, 12, 19 n Fall Semester / Yaffe Scholars
Monday, November 17
Sunday, November 16
This year’s honoree will be Charlene Schimberg.
Monday, November 17
SISTERHOOD DONOR DINNER
n Living Room Learning n Sisterhood Donor Wednesday, November 19 n Mercaz Book Club: The Jerusalem Maiden n Lunch Bunch Saturday, November 22 n Sisterhood/Brotherhood Bingo Monday, November 24 n Mercaz Book Club: The Jerusalem Maiden
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SCHOOL AND YOUTH
SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES
Tuesday & Thursday, November 11 & 13 n High School Fall Comedy: A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody
Sundays, November 16, 23 n Sunday Basketball NOVEMBER
Sunday-Thursday, November 16-20 n AIPAC High School Summit
Thursday, November 20 n P.A. Taste of Shabbat
Wednesday, November 26 n Mystery Movie Trip
BT CARES! Sunday, November 2 n Blood Drive
Tuesday, November 11
n Lower School Open House, 8:45 am
Wednesday, November 19
n Middle School Open House, 7 pm
Sunday, November 23
n High School Open House, 10 am
Fridays, November 7, 21 n H.E.L.P. Lunches Bring an extra bagged lunch for needy families, sponsored by the PS Tikun Olam Committee, and LS, MS & HS Student Governments
Monday, November 10 n Kugel Making for Hannah More Shelter
Sunday, November 16
n Clothing Drive for Wolfe Street Academy
Monday, November 17 n Glove Collection for Community Mitzvah Day
Sunday, November 23 n 2015 B’nei Mitzvah: Baltimore Station
Wednesday-Saturday, November 26-29
ALUMNI WEEKEND Wednesday, November 26: Alumni Brunch Late Alumni Meet-Up
Saturday, November 29 Alumni Shabbat Lunch Alumni Games and Hall of Fame Induction Class of 2004, 10 Year Reunion Class of 2009, 5 Year Reunion Parents of Alumni Reunion, Class of 2009
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December
SHABBAT AND HOLIDAYS
Monday-Monday, December 1-8
Saturday, December 13
KOSHER COOKING IN TUSCANY
Saturday, December 6 n 2016 B’nei Mitzvah Program n PreSchool Cookie Minyan Special Guest: Morah Cindy Stein
Tuesday, December 16 n Chanukah: First Night Guiness Records
Saturday, December 20 n Family Shabbat: REBOOT (Chanukah)
JUST FOR ADULTS Mondays, December 1, 8, 15, 22 n BT in the AM Program
Travel to Florence, Italy for kosher cooking classes taught by the owners of the prestigious Scuola di Arte Culinaria ‘Cordon Bleu’ cooking school. Touring and cultural events in Florence included.
Tuesday, December 16
CHANUKAH FIRST NIGHT
Mondays, December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 n Advanced Talmud
Monday - Monday, December 1 - 8 n “Kosher Cooking in Tuscany” Trip
Wednesdays, December 3, 10, 17 n Yaffe Scholars Program
Sundays, December 7, 14, 21 n Davening & Dunkin’
Tuesday, December 9 n Men’s Night
Sunday, December 14 n Living Room Learning
Monday, December 15 Help us set the Guiness Book record . . . 1,000 people lighting the first candle at the same time. Music, food, and a lot of people lighting up the night! Free and open to the public. Bring a menorah and your winning Macabee spirit. Chanukah Bingo will follow for those who are pre-registered.
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n Mercaz Book Club: Love & Treasure
Wednesday, December 17 n Mercaz Book Club: Love & Treasure n Lunch Bunch
SCHOOL AND YOUTH Thursday-Sunday, December 4-7 n Weiner Basketball Tournament
Sunday-Tuesday, December 7-9
Thursday-Sunday, December 4-7
WEINER BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
n Dreidel Shop
Sunday, December 7 n PreSchool Menorah Making
Sunday, December 14 n Sunday Basketball n Movie Night & Chinese Food
BT CARES! Monday-Friday, December 1-12 n BT Puppeteers perform Chanukah Puppet Shows at nursing homes
Sunday, December 7 n Sisterhood Clothing Drive for Hannah More, Paul’s Place, and Beans & Bread
Fridays, December 12, 29 n H.E.L.P. Lunches Bring an extra bagged lunch for needy families, sponsored by the PS Tikun Olam Committee, and LS, MS & HS Student Governments
Sunday, December 14 n 2016 B’nei Mitzvah: Helping Up Mission
Monday, December 15 n End of Glove Collection for Community Mitzvah Day
Wednesday, December 24 n Children’s DVD Collection
Thursday, December 25 n Community Mitzvah Day n Mitzvah Room Partner at Community Mitzvah Day
Beth Tfiloh hosts the premier basketball tournament for Jewish high school teams throughout the country. Now in its 28th year, students from across the U.S. and Canada will come to BT to play competitive ball, develop friendships, and share Shabbat traditions with our special community. Join us at the games, and watch our terrific BT teens play and host other Jewish teen athletes.
Saturday, December 20
FAMILY SHABBAT REBOOT Enjoy coffee and a discussion about those questions every parent needs to answer to raise Jewish kids in today’s hectic, multimedia world. Drop off children at their age-appropriate services, then parents meet for coffee and conversation, followed by the Rabbi’s sermon, and topped off with a kid-friendly Shabbat lunch.
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DECEMBER
Wednesday, December 24
January Saturdays, January 24 & 31
WINTER FILM FESTIVAL
SHABBAT AND HOLIDAYS Saturday, January 10 n PreSchool Cookie Minyan Special Guest: Morah Lyn Traub
n Spirit of Shabbat Lunch n PJ Havdalah n 2016 B’nei Mitzvah Program Friday, January 30 n Spirit of Shabbat Dinner with Lenny Solomon n Pearlstone Shabbaton Saturday, January 31 n Beatles Shabbat with Lenny Solomon
Join us in the Beth Tfiloh Rosen Arts Center / Mintzes Theatre for two acclaimed films of Jewish interest. Films will be announced in the fall.
JUST FOR ADULTS Sundays, January 4, 11, 18, 25 n Davening & Dunkin’ Mondays, January 5, 12, 19, 26
Saturday, January 31
BEATLES SHABBAT
n Advanced Talmud Wednesdays, January 14, 21, 28 n Yaffe Scholars Program Saturdays, January 24 & 31 n Film Festival Monday, January 26 n BT in the AM Program n Mercaz Book Club: Tomorrow There will be Apricots
Wednesday, January 28 n Mercaz Book Club: Tomorrow There will be Apricots
Lenny Solomon, of Shlock Rock fame, will lead Shabbat Mussaf services to the tune of favorite Beatles melodies. 20
SCHOOL AND YOUTH Saturday, January 10 n Spirit of Shabbat Lunch Sundays, January 11, 18, 25
Sunday, January 11
ALUMNI NETWORKING EVENT
n Sunday Basketball Monday, January 19 n Red Cross Babysitting Course (School Closed) Friday, January 30 n Spirit of Shabbat Dinner
BT CARES! Monday, January 12 n Casserole Cooking for Hannah More Shelter Wednesday, January 14 n 2016 B’nei Mitzvah: Weinberg Park for Bingo Fridays, January 16, 30 n H.E.L.P. Lunches Bring an extra bagged lunch for needy families, sponsored by the PS Tikun Olam Committee, and LS, MS & HS Student Governments
BETH TFILOH CAMPS
Learn about our outstanding BT Camps, with programs for children ages 2 through 14. Visit btcamps.org or call 410-517-3451.
Our accomplished BT alumni are making names for themselves in a wide variety of professions and ventures. They will have an opportunity to hear inspiring success stories from fellow alumni, and network with one another.
JANUARY
residents
Friday, January 30
SPIRIT OF SHABBAT DINNER
Following our spirited Friday night service led by Lenny Solomon of Shlock Rock fame, enjoy a delicious Shabbat dinner with the BT family, and experience the beauty of a festive Shabbat. 21
February
SHABBAT AND HOLIDAYS
Saturday, February 7
Saturday, February 7
ALL STAR SHABBAT
Wednesday, February 4 n Tu B’Shevat n All Star Shabbat n 2016 B’nei Mitzvah Program n PreSchool Cookie Minyan Special Guest: Morah Terry Alpert
Saturday, February 21 n Family Shabbat: REBOOT
Friday, February 27 n 2014 B’nei Mitzvah Reunion Shabbat Dinner
JUST FOR ADULTS Enjoy true BT “nachat” (joy) as 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 our High School is having on the future of Jewish leadership.
Tuesday, February 24
HIGH SCHOOL CULTURAL ARTS NIGHT BT High School students share their many talents at a lively self-directed variety show including vocalists, instrumental groups, comedy, dance, visual arts, and more.
Sundays, February 1, 8, 15, 22 n Davening & Dunkin’
Mondays, February 2, 9, 23 n BT in the AM Program n Advanced Talmud
Wednesday, February 4, 11, 18, 25 n Yaffe Scholars Program
Sunday, February 15 n Living Room Learning
Wednesday, February 18 n Lunch Bunch
Monday, February 23 n Mercaz Book Club: The Storyteller
Wednesday, February 25 n Mercaz Book Club: The Storyteller
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SCHOOL AND YOUTH Sundays, February 1, 8
February 10, 12 & 15
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL
n Sunday Basketball
Tues., Thurs., & Sun., February 10, 12 & 15 n HS Musical: Les Miserables
Sunday, February 22 n College Park Alumni Reunion
Tuesday, February 24 n High School Cultural Arts Night
Thursday, February 26 n New York Alumni Reunion
BT CARES!
Our talented High School students will return to the stage to perform Les Miserables, directed and producted by the award-winning Beth Tfiloh Creative Arts Department.
Fridays, February 6, 20
Wednesday, February 11 n 2016 B’nei Mitzvah: Empty Bowls at Hot Pots
February 22 & 26
COLLEGE PARK & NEW YORK ALUMNI REUNIONS
FEBRUARY
n H.E.L.P. Lunches Bring an extra bagged lunch for needy families, sponsored by the PS Tikun Olam Committee, and LS, MS & HS Student Governments
Sunday, February 22 n 2015 B’nei Mitzvah Mishloach Manot making
BIRTHDAY PARTIES AT BT
We Do it All!
Hold your birthday party at Beth Tfiloh and leave the planning to us! We provide the space, the food, the cake, and several party packages to choose from including sports, arts and crafts, and cooking. You may also bring your own entertainment if you choose. For more information, please contact Jen
We look forward to reconnecting with our BT alumni at dinner receptions in College Park and New York.
Postal at 410-413-2224.
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March Wednesday-Thursday, March 4-5
PURIM @ BT
SHABBAT AND HOLIDAYS Wednesday, March 4 n Fast of Esther/Purim Megillah Reading & Shushan Street Carnival
Thursday, March 5 n Purim Seudah with Howl at the Moon
Saturday, March 7 n 2016 B’nei Mitzvah Program
Saturday, March 14 n PreSchool Cookie Minyan Special Guest: Morah Ingrid Strand
Saturday, March 28 n 2016 B’nei Mitzvah Program n Shabbat HaGadol Drasha
SCHOOL AND YOUTH Monday-Friday, March 2-6 n Senior Spirit Week
Wednesday, March 4
Thursday, March 5
n Fast of Esther
n Mishloach Manot packing day
n Purim Megillah Readings
Saturday, March 7
n Shushan Street Carnival
Thursday, March 5 n Purim Megillah Readings n Purim Seudah with Howl at the Moon
n Student-Faculty Basketball Game
Sundays, March 22, 29 n Sunday Lacrosse & T-Ball begin
Monday, March 23 n 9th to 10th Grade Transition Meeting for Parents
OUR DAILY MINYAN
Join the BT family for a fun-filled Purim, with a complete schedule of services and festivities for young and old alike. 24
The daily minyan, led by our dedicated Minyannaires, has daily morning, afternoon and evening services with a rabbi’s class between Mincha and Maariv. For further information about weekday or Shabbat services, contact Rabbi Chaim Wecker, our Ritual Director. A schedule of services is available at www.bethtfiloh.com/services.
JUST FOR ADULTS March 1-3
March 8-11
BETH TFILOH BOOK FAIR
n AIPAC Conference
Sundays, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 n Davening & Dunkin’
Mondays, March 2, 9, 23 n BT in the AM Program
Mondays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 n Advanced Talmud
Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25 n Yaffe Scholars Program
Sunday, March 15 n Living Room Learning
Wednesday, March 18 n Lunch Bunch
Monday, March 23 n Women’s Seder co-sponsored by BT Sisterhood, Parents’ Association and Mercaz Dahan Center n Mercaz Book Club: The Forgetting River
Wednesday, March 25 n Mercaz Book Club: The Forgetting River
Sunday-Tuesday, March 1-3
AIPAC CONFERENCE We take great pride in the leadership role that both our students and synagogue members take in AIPAC, and look forward to their attendance again this year at the national policy conference in Washington, D.C.
MARCH
BT CARES! Fridays, March 6, 20 n H.E.L.P. Lunches Bring an extra bagged lunch for needy families, sponsored by the PS Tikun Olam Committee, and LS, MS & HS Student Governments
Monday, March 9 n Cookie Drop-Off
Sunday, March 15 n Brotherhood to Helping Up Mission for Good Deeds Day
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April
SHABBAT AND HOLIDAYS
Friday-Saturday, April 3-11
n Siyum for the First Born
PESACH
Make this year’s Pesach the most meaningful ever, as we celebrate the festival of freedom. Look for the newest edition of Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg’s inspiring “10 Questions for the Pesach Seder” as well as updates to his “UnHaggadah” at bethtfiloh.com/Pesach.
Sunday, April 26
MITZVAH MILES
Friday, April 3 n Chametz Burning n Erev Pesach - 1st Seder
Saturday, April 4 n 1st Day of Pesach n Family Service n 2nd Seder
Friday, April 10 n 7th Day of Pesach
Saturday, April 11 n 8th Day of Pesach / Yizkor
Saturday, April 18 n Yom Hashoah Commemoration Honoring Survivors n PreSchool Cookie Minyan Special Guest: Morah Jamie Forman
Wednesday, April 22 n Yom HaZikaron
Thursday, April 23 n Yom Ha’Atzmaut
Saturday, April 25 n Blue and White Shabbat n Spirit of Shabbat Lunch
SCHOOL AND YOUTH Thursday, April 2 This 5K race and 1 mile walk raises funds for Yad b’Yad, the Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School fund that provides critical support for school families dealing with unforeseen challenges. 26
n Pre-Pesach Pizza Party
Sundays, April 19, 26 n Sunday Lacrosse & T-Ball
Saturday, April 25 n Spirit of Shabbat Lunch
Thursday, April 30 n PreSchool Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Day
Sundays, April 12, 19, 26 n Davening & Dunkin’
Mondays, April 13, 20, 27 n BT in the AM Program n Advanced Talmud
Wednesday, April 15, 22, 29 n Yaffe Scholars Program
Wednesday, April 15 n Lunch Bunch
Thursday, April 16 n Annual Meeting of Beth Tfiloh Congregation
Sunday, April 19 n Living Room Learning
Monday, April 20 n Sisterhood Spring General Meeting n Mercaz Book Club: An Officer & a Spy
Wednesday, April 22 n Mercaz Book Club: An Officer & a Spy
Saturday, April 25 n Spirit of Shabbat Lunch
Sunday, April 26 n Annual Dahan Memorial Lecture with Professor Alan Dershowitz
BT CARES! Fridays, April 17, 24 n H.E.L.P. Lunches Bring an extra bagged lunch for needy families, sponsored by the PS Tikun Olam Committee, and LS, MS & HS Student Governments
Sunday, April 26
SECOND ANNUAL DAHAN MEMORIAL LECTURE Alan Dershowitz: The Future of Israel and Jewish Communities Around the World
Professor Alan M. Dershowitz is America’s “most distinguished defender of individual rights,” “the bestknown criminal lawyer in the world” and “Israel’s single most visible defender.” He also has published more than 1,000 articles and authored 30 fiction and non-fiction works. More than a million of his books – translated into many languages – have been sold worldwide. He recently retired from Harvard Law School after fifty years of teaching. No one has been more passionate about securing the continuity of Jewish education to both The Beth Tfiloh family and children and adults the Haron Dahan Foundation cordially invite you to than Beth Tfiloh’s most the Inaugural Dahan Lecture featuring generous benefactor, Haran Dahan, of Charles Krauthammer blessed memory, and american pulitzer prize-winning syndicated columnist, his beloved Rachel, of political commentator and physician blessed memory. To help International Affairs: An Overview perpetuate all that the Sunday, May 4, 2014 7:30pm Dahans have stood for, an Annual Dahan Memorial Sanctuary Lecture takes place every Spring. BethDahan Tfiloh Congregation
APRIL
JUST FOR ADULTS
3300 Old Court Road Baltimore, Maryland 21208 Special presentation to commemorate Yom HaZikaron, Israel Remembrance Day
Sunday, April 26 n 2016 B’nei Mitzvah: Moveable Feast
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May GRANDPARENTS’ & SPECIAL FRIENDS’ DAY
SHABBAT AND HOLIDAYS Saturday, May 2 n 2016 B’nei Mitzvah Program Thursday, May 7 n Lag B’Omer Friday, May 8 n PreSchool BBQ Shabbat Dinner Saturday, May 9 n PreSchool Cookie Minyan Special Guest: Morah TBA
Saturday, May 16 n Family Shabbat: REBOOT n Yerushalayim Shabbat Saturday, May 23 n Tikun Leil Shavuot Monday, May 25 n Spirit of Shavuot Lunch / Yizkor Thursday, April 30 n PreSchool Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Day
Friday, May 29 n Young Alumni Shabbat Lunch
Friday, May 1 n Lower School Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Day
TRIBUTE GIFTS Beth Tfiloh offers a variety of Tribute Gifts to honor of memorialize a friend of family member. Gifts may be acknowledged by a letter to the recipient, and gifts of $18 or more are listed in the monthly Beth Tfiloh Bulletin. A variety of congregational and school funds are available for Tribute Gifts. Gifts may be made online at bethtfiloh.com/donate or by calling 410-486-1900.
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SCHOOL AND YOUTH Friday, May 1 n Lower School Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Day
Sunday, May 3 n Alumni Networking Event Sundays, May 3, 10 n Sunday Lacrosse & T-Ball
JUST FOR ADULTS
SHAVUOT
Sundays, May 3, 10, 17 n Davening & Dunkin’ Mondays, May 4, 11, 18 n BT in the AM Program n Advanced Talmud Wednesdays, May 6, 13, 20 n Yaffe Scholars Program Monday, May 11 n Mercaz Book Club: The Paris Architecht Wednesday, May 13 n Mercaz Book Club: The Paris Architecht Wednesday, May 20
Saturday, May 23
n Lunch Bunch
n Tikun Leil Shavuot
Saturday, May 23
Sunday, May 24
n Tikun Leil Shavuot
n 1st Day of Shavuot / Installation of Officers /
Monday, May 25 n Spirit of Shabbat: Shavuot Edition n Yizkor
Kiddush
Monday, May 25 n 2nd Day of Shavuot / Spirit of Shavuot Lunch & Learn / Yizkor
Wednesday, May 27 n Sisterhood Educational Program Sunday, May 31 n Living Room Learning
Sunday & Tuesday, May 17 & 19
LOWER SCHOOL PRODUCTION
BT CARES! Fridays, May 8, 22
MAY
n H.E.L.P. Lunches Bring an extra bagged lunch for needy families, sponsored by the PS Tikun Olam Committee, and LS, MS & HS Student Governments
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June Date to be announced
SPOTLIGHT 2015
SHABBAT AND HOLIDAYS Saturday, June 6 n PreSchool Cookie Minyan Special Guest: Morah n B’nei Mitzvah 2016 Program n Seniors Shabbat
JUST FOR ADULTS Mondays, June 1, 8 n Advanced Talmud
Tuesday, June 16 n Sisterhood Closing Meeting
Wednesday, June 17 n Lunch Bunch
Sunday, June 14
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
Sunday, June 28 n Living Room Learning
SCHOOL AND YOUTH Monday, June 8 n High School Spring Formal
Friday, June 12 n Last Day of School
Sunday, June 14 n Graduation
Monday, June 22 n BT Camp begins
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Summer
SHABBAT AND HOLIDAYS
Monday, June 22
n Family Shabbat Afternoon Play Dates
FIRST DAY OF BT CAMPS
TBA n Family Shabbat Picnic Lunch
Sunday, July 5 n Fast of the Seventeenth of Tammuz
Saturday Night-Sunday, July 25-26 n Tisha B’Av
JUST FOR ADULTS TBA n Brotherhood Orioles Big Screen BBQ
SCHOOL AND YOUTH Saturday night-Sunday, July 25-26
TISHA B’AV
TBA n Alumni Barbecue
Date to be announced
We will mark this day of mourning beginning Saturday night, July 25 with the recitation of Eicha (Book of Lamentations) and a film related to the theme of the day. Our Tisha B’Av program continues on Sunday, July 26 with explanatory Kinot (elegies), special classes, and concludes with Maariv and a break fast.
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JUNE/SUMMER
ALUMNI BARBECUE
Beth Tfiloh Congregation and Schools
BETH TFILOH CONGREGATION Roz & Marvin H. Weiner Family Campus 3300 Old Court Road / Baltimore, MD 21208
Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1262 Baltimore, MD
switchboard: 410-486-1900 fax: 410-653-0603 Schedule of Services: Dial 6, 2 Information Hotline: 410-413-2345 mail@btfiloh.org www.BethTfiloh.com
beth tfiloh congregation Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg Ext. 215 Hazzan Avraham Albrecht Ext. 212 Rabbi Chai Posner Ext. 219 Rabbi Jonathan Gross Ext. 213 Rabbi Chaim Wecker Ritual Director, Ext. 218 Eve Kresin Steinberg Executive Director, Ext. 251 Patti Chandler Chief Financial Officer, Ext. 210 Holly Venick Membership Coordinator, Ext. 244 Wendy Farley Cemetery Coordinator, Ext. 241 Michael Friedman, President Mark Smolarz, Board Chairman Richard Goldsmith Brotherhood President, Ext. 238 Consortium of Past Presidents Sisterhood, Ext. 239 Evelyn Gross & Shirley Miller Sisterhood Gift Shop, Ext. 227
beth tfiloh dahan community school switchboard: 410-486-1905 Zipora Schorr Director of Education, Ext. 305 Deborah Rapoport High School Interim Principal, Ext. 235 Rabbi Yehuda Oratz Middle School Principal, Ext. 407 Nina Wand Lower School Principal, Ext. 508 Melissa Lebowitz PreSchool Director, Ext. 303 Brian Singer Hebrew School Coordinator, Ext. 523 Laurie Kott Director of Admission, Ext. 308 Harriet Rosen School Administrator, Ext. 310 Joan Feldman Director of Communications, Ext. 312 Mandi Miller Development Director, Ext. 399 Allison Magat President, Board of Trustees Vered Taylor Parent Association President, Ext. 314
beth tfiloh youth center Cherie Brownstein Director Ext. 220
mercaz dahan center for jewish life and learning Sandy Vogel Director, Ext. 306
beth tfiloh camps 410-517-3451 David Schimmel Director
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bt cares!
Lindsay Gaister Chair, Ext. 224