May-June 2016 l Volume 60, Issue 5 l Nisan-Iyyar-Sivan l 5776
Congregation Beth Or publishes the Beth Or Spotlight through an endowment from the Florence and Rhoda Kramer Memorial Fund
Dara N. King Photography
Mazel Tov
to our Confirmands!
Friday, May 6
Shabbat Aharei Mot
5:45 pm – Munchkin Minyan
6 pm – Kabbalat Shabbat Worship in the
Gitlin Sanctuary
7 pm – Yom HaShoah Commemoration
with the Keystone State Boy Choir
Saturday, May 7
9 am – Shabbat Worship with Bar Mitzvah
of Kevin Allen, son of Ken and Beth
Allen
11 am – Shabbat Worship with B’nai
Mitzvah of Rachel King, daughter of
Garret King and Dara Nappen King
and Jacob Goldberg, son of Bob and
Sara Goldberg
Friday, May 13
Shabbat Kedoshim
7 pm – Celebrations Shabbat Worship
8 pm – Shabbat Worship with Adult B’nai
Mitzvah: Judy Beck, Eddi Gorman,
Mark Markoff, Sabrina Maurer, Robyn
Randa and Randall Royfe
Saturday, May 14
9 am – Shabbat Worship with Bat Mitzvah
of Michelle Gladstone, daughter of
Adam and Marne Gladstone
11am – Shabbat Worship with Bat
Mitzvah of Emma Solnick, daughter of
Jay Solnick and Mindy Levin Solnick
Friday, May 20
Shabbat Emor
8 pm – Shabbat Worship with Adult
Confirmation: April Brasher, Lynn
Edelman, Dawn Hogan, Willie Lorber,
Chris and Jenny Platt, Julie Spahn,
Robin Staats, Connie Welsh, Howard
and Jill Zipin
Saturday, May 21
11 am – Shabbat Worship with Bat
Mitzvah of Brooke Ashdale, daughter
of John and Tracy Ashdale
Friday, May 27
Shabbat Behar
8 pm – Shabbat Worship
Saturday, May 28
9 am – Shabbat Worship with Bat Mitzvah
of Jordyn Alt, daughter of Jonathan Alt
and Deborah Marshall
11am – Shabbat Worship with B’nai
Mitzvah of Madeline Hoffman,
daughter of Mark and Lisa Hoffman
and Spencer Beidner, son of Brad and
Michelle Beidner
May Worship Schedule
Friday, June 3
Shabbat Behukotai
6 pm – Kabbalat Shabbat Worship
7 pm – Family Shabbat Worship
Saturday, June 4
9 am – Shabbat Worship with Bat Mitzvah
of Elle Clibanoff, daughter of James
Clibanoff and Felice Tucker Clibanoff
11 am – Shabbat Worship with B’nai
Mitzvah of Noah Fechter, son of Gary
and Debbie Fechter and Sara Shorr,
daughter of Scott and Jennifer Shorr
Friday, June 10
Shabbat B’Midbar
8 pm – Shabbat Worship with Installation
of Officers and Board of Trustees
Saturday, June 11
9 am – Shabbat Worship with B’nai
Mitzvah of Seth and Ben Lerner, sons
of Jason and Lauren Lerner
11 am – Shabbat Worship with Bar
Mitzvah of Sammy Caplan, son of
Jimmy and Alyson Caplan
June 12 – Shavuot
11 am – Shavuot Worship, Confirmation
and Yizkor Service
Friday, June 17 – Shabbat Naso
8 pm – Shabbat Worship
Saturday, June 18
9 am – Shabbat Worship with Bar Mitzvah
of Ari Lasdon, son of Alan and
Cari Lasdon
11 am – Shabbat Worship with B’nai
Mitzvah of Alexa Cutler, daughter of
Evan Cutler and Helene Warren-Cutler
and Jack Liss, son of Derek and
Samantha Liss
Friday, June 24
Shabbat Beha’alotecha
8 pm – Shabbat Worship
Saturday, June 25
9 am – Shabbat Worship with Bat Mitzvah
of Kira Wiener, daughter of Stewart
Wiener and Kathy Kersul-Wiener
11 am – Shabbat Worship with B’nai
Mitzvah of Mark Kesack, son of Craig
and Andrea Kesack and Benjamin
Lotman, son of Keith and Amy Lotman
in the Gitlin Sanctuary
11 am – Shabbat Worship with Bar
Mitzvah of Devon Hirsch, son of
Charles and Tonya Hirsch in the Haines
Memorial Chapel
June Worship Schedule
Table of Contents
From the Rabbi’s Desk
Rabbi Gregory S. Marx ................ 1
President’s Corner ......................... 2
From the Rabbi’s Desk
Rabbi David Gerber ...................... 3
Religious School News ............... 4
Social Action ..................................... 6-7
Brotherhood ..................................... 8
Sisterhood .......................................... 9
B’nai Mitzvah .................................... 10-11
Youth/Junior Choir ....................... 12-13
Events.................................................... 14-15
Chai-Lights ......................................... 16
Oneg and Flower
Donations ........................................... 16
Memorials and
Contributions ................................... 17-19
May/June
Candle Lighting
Times
Friday, May 6 • 7:42 pm
Friday, May 13 • 7:48 pm
Friday, May 20 • 7:55 pm
Friday, May 27 • 8:01 pm
Friday, June 3 • 8:06 pm
Friday, June 10 • 8:10 pm
Friday, June 17 • 8:13 pm
Friday, June 24 • 8:15 pm
Visiting Those Who Are Ill in Our Community
Rabbi Gregory S. Marx, Senior Rabbi
It is so difficult to be ill and alone. Just today, I visited with a member of Beth Or,
who was so pleased that I stopped by to talk. When you see a doctor, if you are
lucky, they offer a way out of illness. When you see your rabbi during a time of
illness, we bring not healing, but emotional and spiritual support. In Hebrew,
the mitzvah of visiting the sick, is called Bikkur Cholim. This mitzvah begins with
Genesis, chapter 18. While the Torah doesn’t specifically mention this mitzvah by
name, it does teach us this lesson by example. The opening words are “Vayerah
Adonai elav — And the Lord appeared to Abraham.” Elsewhere in the Torah, God
speaks to Abraham, he calls on him, but He never “appears” to him. The reason is
clear. You see in the previous chapter, Abraham circumcised himself as a sign of
entering into a covenant. So in Genesis 18, God pays a visit and offers comfort to
a recuperating man.
It is noticed by the sages, that God only pays a visit to Abraham. He
does not cure him or relieve his pain. So what’s the point of God’s
house call, if not to heal? Jewish tradition teaches us that the purpose
of Bikkur Cholim is to provide the patient with the strength to precede
the cure. Nature will follow its own course.
Today, medicine and therapy can help. We must allow doctors and nurses to
do their job. But visitors bring something equally important to the infirm. We
can bring the healing power of love and the knowledge that we are not alone
in our suffering. A Jew performing the mitzvah of Bikkur Cholim has the ability
to bring caring and empathy into the sick room. Like God, we can remind the
patient that he is created in the image of God. We can affirm the humanity of
the patient at a time when they may feel more like a statistic or a diagnosis than
a human being.
God didn’t appear to Abraham as a doctor or even as God. The Torah says, “God
appeared to him...and behold there were three men...” God came as a friend.
Sometimes that’s the most important thing one can offer another person. In
discussing the power of visiting the sick, the Talmud tells us that one who visits
the infirm, takes away one sixtieth of his/her illness. In truth, that’s not a lot. But
it’s something. A visit won’t cure a person. But we can bring comfort and relief.
Apparently the Rabbis were pragmatists. They saw the power of being a caring
visitor but they also knew its limitations.
My reason for telling you this is because Rabbi Gerber, Cantor Green and I want
to visit with you and perform this mitzvah when and if you are in need. If you or
a loved one is ill, please let us know and we will be honored to visit. Please know
that we are happy to visit your parents or grandparents as well. They do not
have to be a member of Beth Or, for us to reach out. Recently, I had the privilege
of visiting a member of Beth Or’s grandmother who was in hospice. I would like
to believe that my visit brought the family some comfort.
The Talmud wisely points out that, “The prisoner cannot free himself from jail.”
No matter how capable a person may be, there are certain things a person
cannot accomplish on his own. We need one another. We cannot heal ourselves.
We need the love that only another person can offer.
Jewish tradition teaches
us that the purpose of
Bikkur Cholim is to
provide the patient
with the strength to
precede the cure.
Rabbi Gregory S. Marx
From the Rabbi’s Desk
MAYJUNE 2016 • 1
2 • BETH OR SPOTLIGHT
The Bright Future of Beth Or
Ira Secouler, Beth Or President
In 2015, the leadership of the congregation recognized that to ensure the future of
Beth Or a strong financial footing was required. As with most non-profit organizations,
the growth of our endowment funds would be necessary to provide a strong base that
would allow us to function and survive long term. It is about long term sustainability.
The Ner Tamid Endowment Campaign was established to define Beth Or’s future as a
financially well-positioned strong congregation.
Throughout 2015 and 2016, the campaign volunteers made telephone calls, individual
visits to congregants, wrote letters, held parlor meetings, and discussed with many of
you the goals and desires of the campaign. More importantly, we reached out to our
congregants to find out what was important to them, what meaning Beth Or had in their
lives, and what dreams did they see in the congregation’s future. Many
of you responded with stories of how Beth Or had impacted your life
and your desire to see that we remain a strong, vibrant, and caring
community. Many of you responded by making a current pledge to
the campaign or a future bequest to the congregation.
We thank all of you who responded to our community’s need. We are proud and delighted to announce that we
have reached a milestone mark of nearly five million dollars. This is an overwhelming number that shows the
commitment and desire of our congregants to ensure the future of Beth Or. We thank you for your pledge, we thank you
for your commitment, we thank you for your dedication, and we thank you for engaging us.
We can continue our policy of allowing all families to join the Beth Or community regardless of their financial situation.
We can create more meaningful and diverse opportunities for our congregants to connect with Jewish wisdom and
practice. We can better manage the cost of membership for families and students in our schools. We can improve
programming, including connection to Israel, cultural programs, music programs, and educational programs. Most of all,
we can strengthen the connections our congregants have with each other.
The leadership of the congregation extends a grateful thank you to our core of volunteers under the direction of the
outstanding endowment co-chairs Bryna Berman and Jill Zipin. We thank our development chair, and Past President,
Jennie Nerenberg, for her dedication, hard work, leadership, and support. The entire team worked tirelessly to achieve
a meaningful result for our community. In addition, we thank Rabbi Marx, Amy Abrams, and Ellen Wichterman, for their
professionalism, dedication, and guidance throughout the campaign. They made the work of our volunteers efficient
and effective.
The leadership of the congregation will continue to manage, budget, and evaluate our finances. I can assure you that
financial matters at our congregation are taken with utmost seriousness and diligence. We are and will continue to be
good stewards of your generosity.
Although we have reached a lofty goal, we ask that you continue to think about creating a legacy with Beth Or. The
campaign is coming to a close at the end of this June, but we will continue to accept endowment contributions and ask
that you consider bequests to the congregation. With your support the light that is Beth Or will continue to shine into
the future, brightly and with purpose.
Ira Secouler
President’s Corner
2 • BETH OR SPOTLIGHT
With this endowment,
we can build upon our legacy and plan for the future.
Tradition and Change
Rabbi David Gerber, Associate Rabbi
A fiddler on the roof. Sounds crazy, no? But in our little village of Anatevka, you might
say every one of us is a fiddler on the roof, trying to scratch out a pleasant, simple
tune without breaking his neck. It isn’t easy. You may ask, why do we stay here if it’s
so dangerous? We stay because Anatevka is our home. And how do we keep our
balance? That I can tell you in a word — tradition!
As Tevye so eloquently stated in Fiddler on the Roof, the one thing that has
kept the Jewish religion alive and intact is our strict adherence to our traditions.
Throughout the ages, we have maintained our identity in the face of oppression
and assimilation by keeping a firm grip on our traditions.
Long before Tevye, our rabbis spoke of the balance between that which is
universal, and that which is cultural. For example, all Jews must recite
the Shema. But the prayer can be sung or chanted in a variety of
melodies. The words of the prayer keep us connected with our
tradition, but by adding our own melody, we keep our tradition relevant.
We are challenged, as a Jewish community, to make sure that we not only keep
our traditions, but we keep our traditions relevant. It is with this spirit that we are
excited to announce that we have adopted a new prayer book (machzor) for the
High Holidays. After a thorough examination by our Rituals and Practices
committee, our board, and our clergy, we will be using Mishkan HaNefesh this fall.
Those of us who grew up with the red Gates of Repentance machzor may have
noticed subtle changes throughout the years. We have been introducing more
inclusive language (no more referring to God as “He” or “King”). We have also
added the matriarchs (Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah) to or Avot prayer.
These changes are examples of how our community’s culture is reflected in our
worship. The Reform movement has introduced Mishkan HaNefesh as a response
to our changing attitude towards how our tradition is expressed. Mishkan
HaNefesh thoroughly addresses our evolving community while adhering to the
traditions that unite us.
Perhaps the most important thing to know about this new machzor is that we
believe it perfectly maintains the balance that tradition requires. Avinu Malkeinu
is still Avinu Malkeinu. Shema Koleinu is still Shema Koleinu. In Mishkan HaNefesh,
however, we will find transliteration to help with the Hebrew. We will find that
the translations are more true to the text and the English readings may seem
more relevant to our generation.
With Mishkan HaNefesh, we will be able to experience the High Holidays in a
manner that is consistent with what we are used to while allowing us the
opportunity to be more inclusive and grow together as a community. Mishkan
HaNefesh comes with the enthusiastic support of Rabbi Marx, myself, Cantor Green,
the board of trustees, the ritual committee and following a town hall meeting.
As we take our seats this Fall and find a new machzor, it is our hope that we will
enjoy this new expression of our sacred tradition. We hope that it brings us
closer to our faith and deepens our understanding of the Days of Awe. We hope
that this progression gives our fiddler the balance needed to play his pleasant,
simple tune for generations to come.
We are challenged, as a
Jewish community,
to make sure that
we not only keep our
traditions, but we keep
our traditions relevant.
Rabbi David Gerber
From the Rabbi’s Desk
MAYJUNE 2016 • 3
Religious School
NEWS
Aaron Nielsenshultz, Director of Religious School
I can’t believe that my first year with the
Leonard and Madlyn Abramson Education
Center is already over! Our last days of school
are May 22 for Sunday School and Sunday
Academy, May 23 for Monday Hebrew and
Academy, and May 24 for Tuesday Hebrew. We
will mark the end of our year with a Siyyum
Hashanah, a celebration of the year, on the
last day of Sunday School beginning at 9 am.
We will gather as a community to honor and
thank all of our Religious School teachers and
to share in the achievements of our students.
During this Siyyum, we will celebrate what has
been a great year, and we’ll recognize our yearly
Awards for Excellence winners in the following categories:
Deborah Gene Eisman Award • 1st-3rd Grades
This award, in memory of Deborah Gene Eisman, is given to one student each
from 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades who exhibits exemplary behavior, completes
outstanding work throughout the school year, and displays excellent
attendance.
Derech Eretz Award • 3rd-7th Grades
Derech Eretz is often interpreted as good manners, but also involves sensitivity
to the feelings of others. If Torah means acting with concern for others, then
good manners and sensitivity to others’ needs must always go hand in hand.
The Derech Eretz award will be given to students who show respect and
kindness toward themselves and others, who are polite and helpful and who
take their Judaism seriously, excelling in their Jewish studies and having
excellent attendance.
Excellence in Attendance • K-10th Grade
To be eligible for this award, students must have no more than one absence for
the year.
Excellence in Attendance at Shabbat Services • Grades K-6th Grade
To be eligible for this award, K-6 students must attend TWELVE Shabbat services
during the course of the year. In order to be given credit for the service, parents
must submit in writing to the Religious School office the dates on which the
child attended.
Excellence in Hebrew and Prayer • 4th and 5th Grades
This award recognizes students who show consistent mastery in Hebrew,
excelling at their literacy and prayer knowledge.
The community is welcome to join us for what ought to be a fun and energetic
morning. I hope to see you there!
Important School Dates
Sunday, May 1:
6th Grade Family Education:
10 Things I Love About Judaism
Sunday, May 8:
No Sunday School, Sunday
Academy, or Confirmation Class:
Mother’s Day
Sunday, May 15:
4th Grade Naming Ceremony
Monday, May 16:
BOFTY pizza dinner, 6-7 pm
Sunday, May 22 :
Last Day of Sunday School/
Sunday Academy:
9-10:30 am Siyyum Hashanah
Monday, May 23:
Last Day of Monday Hebrew and
Monday Academy
Tuesday, May 24:
Last Day of Tuesday Hebrew
Aaron Nielsenshultz
4 • BETH OR SPOTLIGHT
Have a
great
summer!
MAYJUNE 2016 • 5
Conrmation Class
June 12, 2016
6 Sivan 5776
Raechel E. Arnold
Robin P. Arnold
Michael Asch
Jeff and Susan Asch
Sydni Delner
Greg and Marna Delfiner
Hannah Joy Diamond
Mitch and
Suzanne Diamond
Remi Paige Fine
Stephen and Wendy Fine
Taylor Paige Fried
Randy and Julie Fried
Blake Geisler
Drew and Tracy Geisler
Yoni Gilad
Oren and Debbi Gilad
Lindsay Gilbert
Martin Gilbert and
Lisa Cooper
Brett Jacobson
Marty and
Dawn Jacobson
Jacob Harrison Kaey
David and Kim Kaffey
Noah Kilshaw
Graham and
Becky Kilshaw
Zachary Klevit
Shari Klevit and
Nathan Klevit
Izak Angelo Kron
Edward and Garland Kron
Jake Miller
Mike and Cori Miller
Blake Ellen Nutis
David and Sheryl Nutis
Jacob Holden Parlow
Michael and
Angela Parlow
Rayza Laya Parlow
Michael and
Angela Parlow
Julia Pollock
Nicki Pollock
Justin Lee Rabinowitz and
Seth Andrew Rabinowitz
Mark and Sue Rabinowitz
Zachary Reiner
Keith and Lori Reiner
Addy Robbins
Holly Wright and
Seth Robbins
Allie Michelle Samson
Mark and Lynn Samson
Jason Ian Smith
Adam and Lori Ann Smith
Evan Trump
Jonathan and
Marcie Trump
Kimberly Wang
Peter and Robyn Wang
Adult Conrmation
May 20, 2016
12 Iyar 5776
April Brasher
Lynn Edelman
Dawn Hogan
Wilma Lorber
Christopher Platt
Jenny Platt
Julie Spahn
Howard Zipin
Jill Zipin
Adult B’nai Mitzvah
May 13, 2016
6 Iyar 5776
Judy Beck
Eddi Gorman
Mark Marko
Sabrina Maurer
Robyn Randa
Randall Royfe
We congratulate our congregants on their achievement in reaching their spiritual goal and recognize their passion
and dedication to living a vibrant and committed Jewish Life.
Dara N. King Photography
to help ensure their long-term success. Services
include case management, life skills training, and
food supplies through the food cupboard. Beth Or
sponsors one of these apartments. Volunteers from
the congregation assist with painting and cleaning
the apartment every time a family moves out and
steps up when special needs arise. Also, every year
on Mitzvah Day, Deb Schwartz organizes an outing
with the families to ensure a day of fun, for instance,
a bowling party or a visit to Freddy Hill Farms.
FEBRUARY 2016
This past February, more than 100 Beth Or
congregants logged in nearly 1,000 volunteer hours
in hosting three families. We saw the challenges
that parents face dealing with the stresses of caring
for children coupled with late night employment,
all the while dependent on many people who they
were meeting for the first time, for food,
transportation and a temporary roof over their
heads. It took a lot of patience and flexibility with
the frequent schedule changes affecting meals,
rides and overnight chaperoning.
Frequently, we wonder if we make a difference in
the lives of the families who we host since we do
not hear from them after they leave the program.
Recently, we had the opportunity to talk to the
mother of one of the families we served last
year. She said that we were her family’s favorite
congregation. Her family is doing great; they have a
stable apartment and the children are thriving. She
also shared that another family that was at Beth
Or lives very close to her, and they are doing well
too. Both were very appreciative of the kindness and
generosity that Beth Or volunteers showed them.
We do make a difference. Please think about the
success of these families, especially when next
February rolls around. This program succeeds
because of you who make Beth Or a Kehillah
Kedoshah, a caring community.
Thank you!
Susy Krimker and Marv Schwartz, Co-Chairs
SOCIAL
Beth Or Congregants Make
a Difference at the Interfaith
Hospitality Network
The Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) provides
emergency shelter and is one of the programs of the
Interfaith Housing Alliance. IHN provides Montgomery
County families experiencing homelessness with a
safe place to stay for up to 90 days. The program is
non-denominational and provides support services to
assist families through this difficult time. This process
gives them the opportunity to improve life skills and
decision-making abilities and develop resources
necessary to become self-sufficient. The model can
accommodate families of various compositions.
However most served are a single parent,
female-headed household with young children.
In our area, 19 faith communities are involved in this
unique shelter delivery model. Each congregation
serves families for one month each year, providing
them with a room to sleep, and their congregants
prepare and share meals, stay overnight, and help
with transportation needs. Congregation Beth Or
hosts families who are participating in the IHN, for the
entire month of February.
HISTORY
Lei Barry founded IHN in 1982 after she and her two
children became homeless and struggled for years
before being able to access the resources needed
to improve their lives. Lei and other members of the
community initially launched a 24-hour emergency
hotline to connect homeless families with community
resources. Based on the successful IHN model, Lei
mobilized a coalition of faith-based organizations in
Montgomery County, and the program evolved to
provide emergency shelter, food, and other crucial
services.It was the first IHN Pennsylvania affiliate and
the third in the nation.
In 1995, Hope Gardens was established as the
Interfaith Housing Alliance’s transitional housing
program for low-income families with children. It
provides a secure home for families for up to two
years while they gain the tools they need to become
financially stable and self-sufficient. Hope Gardens
is an eight-unit building with one, two, three, and
four-bedroom apartments. Families living at Hope
Gardens receive comprehensive support services
6 • BETH OR SPOTLIGHT
Beth Or’s Shark Tank Connection
by Steve Stone
Congregants who attend Friday night services religiously or who
otherwise are engaged in Shabbat activities may not be familiar
with the popular TV show “Shark Tank.” Those who know how to
record and time shift, or watch programming on demand, may know
that the show features a panel of potential investors, called “Sharks,”
who consider offers from aspiring entrepreneurs seeking investments
for their business or product. The Sharks invest their own money in
deals they find appealing. The entrepreneur can make a deal for an
investment right on the show if a panel member is interested. If all of
the panel members decline, the entrepreneur leaves empty-handed.
Beth Or now has a connection with that show. Here is the story!
Around the world, Jews have established organizations known as
“free loan societies” — Jewish organizations that lend money
without interest for a broad array of personal and household needs. Free loan societies arose in the United States to
help Jews bring their families from Europe, and to help those immigrants get a start in America.
The Hebrew Free Loan Society (HFLS) of Greater Philadelphia was formed to fulfill the mitzvah of help with dignity.
Traditionally, it granted loans for many reasons, like the one for an immigrant from the former Soviet Union who
supported herself through her cleaning business, but needed a reliable car to ensure she could meet her work
obligations. Borrowers include students who seek loans to cover what financial aid packages don’t, such as the costs of
books. Interest free loans are available for medical bills, home repairs, apartment rental deposits, utility bills, adoptions,
Jewish camps, even for synagogue dues.
In 2012, the Hebrew Free Loan Society of Greater Philadelphia expanded its permissible purposes to include business
loans. In that year, Jordan Berman established the “R & B Business Loan Fund at Congregation Beth Or” in memory
of his son Richard. Richard Berman was a long time congregant who sadly died in the prime of life from leukemia.
Richard was a successful entrepreneur who had a good heart and a burning desire to help others. Jordan thought it a
fitting tribute to his son to establish this fund to help entrepreneurs start a new business, or expand, relocate or
reposition an existing business. In an agreement among Jordan, Beth Or and the HFLS, the Society administers the
fund, and Beth Or appoints 2 members to the HFLS Board of Directors. I am honored to serve as one of the appointees,
together with congregant Doug Leavitt.
As our Board members volunteer their time, and because overhead and delinquency are miniscule, we are able to
recycle loan funds over and over. In the short time since the R & B Business Loan fund has been in existence, we have
processed almost 30 loans to restaurants, bakeries, beauty salons, a used car dealer and a wholesale specialty yarn
distributor. Each loan application is reviewed and processed by two members of the Business Loan Committee.
So, back to the “Shark Tank” connection. Last spring, I was happy to be paired with Richard Berman’s son Matt to review
the application of Jess Edelstein and Sarah Ribner, two energetic, enthusiastic, dynamic, talented Jewish young ladies
in their mid-20s, best friends since elementary school when they ran a lemonade stand together. They developed a
propriety formula for an all-natural underarm deodorant. Their dream was to build a business making and marketing
this product. They came to us with a business plan to support their dream. After reviewing their application and
supporting materials, and meeting with them right here at Beth Or, Matt and I recommended and the HFLS approved
a loan to get them off the ground. Fast forward seven months: our young entrepreneurs were invited to appear on
Shark Tank to make a pitch for an equity investment in their company. Two of the “Sharks” actually competed to
become investors in the company. A deal was reached, the HFLS loan was repaid, and our young entrepreneurs are off
to the races! Before their appearance on “Shark Tank,” their company, PiperWai, had $110,000 in sales in 1½ years. In the
4 weeks after their appearance on the show in December 2015, sales have exceeded $1.3 million!
While perhaps not as dramatic as the PiperWai success story, the businesses funded by the R & B Fund have shown
remarkable success, a fitting tribute to Richard Berman and to Jordan’s vision.
More information about the Hebrew Free Loan Society of Greater Philadelphia is available from brochures in the
literature rack in the Spain Lobby, from our clergy and Executive Director, from Doug Leavitt and me, and
from the Society’s website: http://www.hebrewfreeloanphila.org/
MAYJUNE 2016 • 7
BROTHERHOOD
Beth Or
While I have been President for less than a year and probably have more than a year to
go in my tenure as Beth Or Brotherhood President, I keep projects filed in my head that I
would like to see accomplished before I pass the reins of leadership to other “bros”. Here
are some of those items:
Last year, I happened to spot Reverend Charles Quann of Bethlehem Baptist Church
enjoying a meal at Pumpernicks Deli and thought, “Wouldn’t it be great for some of
our Brotherhood members to break bread with some of the men of Bethlehem Baptist
Church?” I have a couple of capable “bros” involved in this project. My idea is morphing
into something that would go beyond Pumpernicks as the meeting place (maybe a BBQ
on the porch instead). This could grow into joint service projects and enjoying a Phillies
trip together. For me, I would be delighted to begin with my original concept, a shared
meal at Pumpernicks with a small group.
At a Brotherhood monthly meeting last year, while
reviewing the budget, the subject of Men of Reform
Judaism (MRJ) dues came up. Payment of MRJ dues is
voluntary and the question was asked “What do we get for our dues?” I agreed to check
out what MRJ had to offer and get back with the research. Last night, I attended a small
meeting of local brotherhood/men’s club presidents for both conservative and reform
congregations at the home of Tom Wiener, MRJ President. Members of the (Conservative)
Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs joined us. What this first meeting could evolve into
might fill another Spotlight column. I see this meeting as one of the most promising
developments to occur on my watch.
One of features of congregational life that has always troubled me is that men drop off their sons and daughters and go
off somewhere until it is time to bring them home. I also would like to see more (men) parents involved in Brotherhood.
I’m still puzzling over how to best get parents to linger on Sundays, but suspect that Aaron Nielsenshultz and Rabbi Gerber
might have part of the answer.
Last, a major part of the reason why I became “Bro Prez” was because I looked around and did not see anyone else salivating
for the opportunity, along with the sense that a vital Brotherhood was important to the health of our congregation. Every
so often, I see someone at Beth Or who could be a future Brotherhood officer and I try to steer them along that path. I
haven’t had much success yet, but as an optimist, I will keep pitching and nudging.
So, if you are one of the men of Beth Or who would like to work with us on completing one of these unfinished projects or
would care to suggest another, I look forward to hearing from you. I am delighted to share the credit, fun, and some “tech
tips” with men who are interested.
Michael Davis
Unfinished Business
Michael Davis, Brotherhood President
8 • BETH OR SPOTLIGHT
Connect with us!
Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/#!/CongBethOr
Sign up for our weekly e-mail blasts through the Beth Or website — www.bethor.org
Please Support the
Tashis So
Discounts available for Sisterhood Members and Beth Or Sta l Great Monthly Sales and New Arrivals
Proceeds Benet Beth Or Sisterhood Programs
Sisterhood offers numerous types of activities and opportunities to feel connected
with our Jewish community locally and internationally. There are many ways to
become involved and they don’t even require you to attend meetings!
Do you sew? Our co-president, Ellen Mirbach does! She was a Family and Consumer
Sciences teacher for 35 years. It is a passion of hers to provide those she loves with
pieces of fabric that become cherished treasures. Because sewing is a passion of hers
and others, Beth Or Sisterhood has made a commitment to help support KindQuilts, an
organization that creates and distributes sewing
kits for volunteers to sew into quilts. KindQuilts then
delivers them to seriously ill children and adults around the world. If you have a
sewing machine and basic sewing skills, this is the perfect project for you! No quilting
experience is necessary. All you have to supply, other than a little time, is batting. The
kit contains everything else you need to sew a beautiful quilt that will become
cherished treasures to those who need one.
We are currently looking for as many volunteers as we can, because this summer, the
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Renaissance Young Leadership Israel 360
group will be delivering KindQuilts to disadvantaged children during their trip to
Israel. It would be fantastic if Beth Or Sisterhood is able to supply many of these quilts, as many of our congregants are
members of the Renaissance Group. We would like to take a moment to give a big thank you to our sisterhood members
who are already busy sewing for this trip! With even more help, we can assist KindQuilts to spread love, joy, and hope to
those in need.
For more information and inspiration check out their website, http://kindquilts.org. If you have any questions or would like a
kit, contact Ellen Mirbach at [email protected]om.
If you don’t sew, but you knit or crochet your talent is also needed to create blankets that are given to various hospitals and
nursing homes. Even if you don’t knit or crochet but would like to learn, there is a gathering each month where you can
learn and/or socialize while creating. Materials are provided if needed. Please contact Faye Benshetler at Febx@comcast.net.
And just to publicize one other opportunity we offer that falls into Ellen’s wheelhouse of Family and Consumer Sciences,
cooking is a major part of two activities that you might enjoy participating in. Meals that Matter meets once a month at
Beth Or to prepare meals to be distributed by the Jewish Federation. If you are interested, contact Caren Gutman at
car[email protected]om. If you aren’t able to be present at the times they cook, you can prepare food on your own time
for our own Beth Or families in need. The Caring Congregants will then deliver to those families during times of need. If you
are interested, please contact Ellen Werther at [email protected].
If you have a passion or interest and would like Beth Or Sisterhood’s support, we are here to get involved. Sisterhood is
about supporting one another and engaging in our community together. Please contact any sisterhood member.
SISTERHOOD
Beth Or
Get Involved And Feel Connected
Marilyn Ackerman and Ellen Mirbach, Sisterhood Co-Presidents
Marilyn Ackerman and Ellen Mirbach
MAYJUNE 2016 • 9
Meet Our B’nai Mitzvah Students
Mattie Headley
April 16
Mattie is working for WAGS Rescue for
his mitzvah project. He helped at their
adoption event by walking the dogs and
plans to hold a fundraising drive to donate
to the organization and collect items for
them. He will be holding these collection
drives at Sandy Run Middle School (and
hopefully Beth Or!) for any dog related
items (food, toys, pee pads...etc...) that will
go to help those who foster their pets.
Kevin Allen
May 7
Kevin Allen wanted to do a mitzvah project
to help a dog. Ironically, a family friend’s
pet was recently diagnosed with mega-
esophagus, a digestive disorder. The 14
year old terrier named Patches needed a
special high-chair that lets him eat sitting
up to aide digestion and prevent
malnutrition. These chairs can cost $500+
and the family couldn’t afford to buy one, so
Patches was eating in a tall trash can. Kevin and his mom
built a “Bailey” Chair for Patches. Kevin’s mom helped plan
the chair and cut materials while Kevin painted, stapled,
glued and screwed the parts together. Since delivering the
chair, Patches has gained back weight and had fewer
choking episodes. At his Bar Mitzvah luncheon, Kevin will
collect dog supplies for a local shelter to help pay it forward.
Rachel King
May 7
Rachel King has been participating in
Project ShEMA:(Sharing and Enriching
through MultigenerationalActivities)
which involves volunteering with seniors.
Rachel has been spending time each
week with a resident. While working on a
craft project every week, they learn about
each other. The ShEMA program brings
together people of all ages for meaningful and mutually
rewarding activities such as Shabbat and holiday
celebrations, concerts, arts and crafts, gardening, pet
therapy, special mitzvah projects, or just friendly visits
and warm conversation. To participate in any of these
volunteering opportunities with the elderly, call
215-371-1816 or e-mail info@abramsoncenter.org.
Cobi Goldberg
May 7
For my Bar Mitzvah project, I
volunteered at the Jewish Relief
Agency for several months. The JRA
is an organization that provides food
to individuals and families living in the
Philadelphia area who need it. Hundreds
of volunteers come to the JRA
warehouse to work as a team, build up boxes, prepare
pallets, fill boxes, and then deliver them. I volunteered to
prepare a pallet and distributed the food into the packing
boxes as others walked the line. My family, friends, and
I then delivered lots of full boxes to people after the
packing process. It was so amazing to see everyone in my
community working toward the same mitzvah.
Jordyn Alt
May 28
My Bat Mitzvah project is for the Kitty
Adoption Team, a non-profit, all-volunteer
rescue organization dedicated to providing
loving care to every foster kitten or cat in
the KAT network. All donated funds are
used for shelter, food and veterinary care
of the foster animals. There are several
ways you can help donate to this worthy
cause. First, there is a donation bin set up in the preschool
lobby for donations of Nutro complete care dry or canned
kitten food, hanging cat toys, or cat litter. Second, you can
make a financial donation to the Kitty Adoption Team, Inc.
Third, you can volunteer to be a foster family to take care
of the kittens until forever homes can be found. You can
also visit Pet Valu in Blue Bell to see the KAT display cages
with kittens available for adoption. If you have additional
questions you can email DianeatKA[email protected].
Madeline Hoffman
May 28
When I was ten-years old, I founded
Buddee Bags, a charity that provides
hand-sewn wheelchair and walker bags
to those in need. To date, Buddee Bags
has provided more than 200 of these high-
quality bags to children and adults. For my
Bat Mitzvah project, I have been focusing
Buddee Bags for a new service project! I
have been working with many volunteers to hand-sew
new drawstring bags. Other volunteers have helped by
donating toiletries and goodies to fill each bag. To date,
through this Bat Mitzvah project, my volunteers and I have
made more than 100 of these bags to donate to those in
need in Bucks and Montgomery counties. To learn more
about Buddee Bags, please visit: www.buddeebags.org.
Spencer Beidner
May 28
Spencer participated in a few of Team
Tzedek’s charitable programs this year
including Jewish Federation’s Super
Sunday, where he called many past
donors and asked for their continued
support of the Federation. Spencer
is also participating in the program
“Stack the Caps” where he is collecting
new baseball caps to be provided to kids with cancer. His
summer camp, Camp Starlight, has collected about 450 feet
of caps to date and he’d like to add at least 6 feet to the total.
10 • BETH OR SPOTLIGHT
Noah Fechter
June 4
My Bar Mitzvah project is to raise funds
for an organization called ELIYA. Created
in 1982, ELIYA offers unique programming
for blind and visually impaired children
and their families in Israel. The goal is to
prepare these children for integration into
the mainstream education system and
community. Raising money and awareness
for ELIYA is important to me because I have worn glasses
since the 1st grade and, more recently, I went through a year
of specific eye therapy to help improve my eye function and
vision. To raise money for ELIYA, I am having several bake sales
and hope to also raise awareness among Beth Or’s members
for this amazing organization. To learn more or to make a
donation go to www.ELIYA.org.il.
Sammy Caplan
June 11
Sammy, co-captain for the Relay for Life
team — Team Berman — will be raising
money for the team and organization by
holding fundraisers at his school including
a bracelet sale, a pretzel sale, and organizing
a bike-a-thon. On Friday, May 13-Saturday,
May 14, Sammy and his teammates will
walk for 24 hours to raise awareness and
funds for cancer research. Contact Sammy and his
family to find out how to make a donation to this cause.
Ari Lasdon
June 18
For my Bar Mitzvah project, I am
volunteering for Manna on Main Street’s
Healthy Snack Project. Each month
Manna distributes 2,000 snack bags for the
after-school homework club held at the
Indian Valley Boys and Girls Club. The
program supports young people in the
community, providing snacks that offer
the energy and nutrition necessary to power through
their homework and succeed in school. My friends and I
got together at my house and prepared snack bags that
contained a healthy trail mix. We then delivered the bags to
Manna on Main. This is a great project for kids that are too
young to volunteer at Manna’s soup kitchen or food pantry.
Alexa Cutler
June 18
For my Bat Mitzvah project, I decided to do
“Cookfor a Friend” which partners with
KleinLife Home Delivered Meals
Program. Cook for a Friend serves seniors
who are unable to shop or prepare their
own meals, so no senior goes hungry.
Volunteers support the program by
helping to cook meals, package the meals
for delivery and finally, making a friendly visit. I raised
donations and my family and friends helped me reach my
goal, which was to raise enough to help me buy all the
supplies for making over 500 meals! With the help of some
of my friends, my Bubbie and my Mom, we cooked and
packaged the meals at Beth Or, then sent them on to
KleinLife to be delivered over the Holidays for lunch and
dinner. If you are interesting in making a donation or
donating your time, please visit their website Kleinlife.org.
Jack Liss
June 18
Jack’s Bar Mitzvah project is to participate
in Muckfest MS to raise funds for the fight
against Multiple Sclerosis on June 4.
Muckfest MS is a fun mud and obstacle 5K.
He is joining the team, Sandy’s Striders.
Sandy is the sister of one of Jack’s closest
family friends. The “MS” part of MuckFest
MS stands for multiple sclerosis, a chronic
and often disabling disease that attacks
the central nervous system. Jack will be raising funds
through an online fund raiser as well as holding a sports
(either basketball or lacrosse) play day with his friends to
raise funds to support his Muckfest MS run. To support Jack
in his race to fight against MS, please go to the following
web page: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/JackLiss.
Kira Wiener
June 25
Special Equestrians is a nonprofit
organization dedicated to giving kids
with disabilities the opportunity to ride
and interact with horses, improving their
physical abilities and their self-esteem.
No one is ever turned away because
they lack the ability to pay. I chose this
as my mitzvah project because I love to
ride horses and I want others to have that opportunity,
too. I made visual aids for the tack room to help everyone,
including those who can’t read, find the equipment that
they need. I also hosted a bake sale to raise money for the
stables, because it costs a lot to take care of the horses and
keep them healthy. You can find more information, including
how to donate, at http://www.specialequestrians.org/.
Benjamin Lotman
June 25
For my Bar Mitzvah project, I volunteered
at Manna on Main Street which is
committed to ending hunger in the
North Penn region by providing food,
fulfilling social services and education
needs and conducting community
outreach. Manna is hoping to make a
difference through a food pantry and
soup kitchen, emergency financial aid, counseling and
referral services and educational opportunities. I prepared
healthy snack bags for the after-school homework clubs
held at the North Penn and Indian Valley Boys and Girls
Clubs. The program supports young people in the
community by providing snacks that offer energy and
nutrition. If you are interested in donating a food item or
your time to Manna on Main Street, please visit
http://www.mannaonmain.org.
MAYJUNE 2016 • 11
This past November, I was fortunate to attend the Union for Reform Judaism’s
Camp is almost here! June 27 begins our 2016 Camp Chaverim season. The smell
of sunscreen will fill our building and sounds of fun will burst throughout the halls.
Splashing in the pool, kicking balls in sports class and tending to the garden will be
just a few highlights of the fun to come this summer.
This past March, I was lucky enough to attend the ACA Tri State Camp Convention in
Atlantic City. This is a conference for camp directors, group leaders, counselors and
vendors from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. While there, I got to see many
familiar faces from local camps, my alma mater — Sesame/Rockwood Day Camps, and even Camp Harlam and
Harlam Day Camp staff. There were a variety of wonderful sessions for camp leaders to choose from. They ranged
from staff management sessions to CIT leadership training, to team building games all the way to craft sessions like
“Totally Tubular: Toilet Paper Roll Crafts.” Needless to say, it was full of many take-aways that I am excited to
implement for the summer to come.
The ACA Camp Conferences mainly focus on residential and day camps for kids ages 5 and up. More and more folks
in the camping industry are interested in learning opportunities for their youngest campers- ages 4 and under. They
are either starting their programs younger, or their camps, like ours, are only for younger children. Due
to this increase in interest, I was asked to facilitate two sessions. (Side note: so exciting!) One was called
“Process vs. Product: Making Crafts Developmentally Appropriate for Preschool Aged Campers.” (Yes,
they still call it preschool — we know it’s Early Childhood Education!) . We discussed the importance
of the process for young children, rather than the product they are sent home with. I am proud to
say, here at Camp Chaverim and the center we already implement these skills. Our counselors and
teachers are trained to let the children explore art, nature, music, movement and other
skills through play. The second session I facilitated was called: “Sharing is Caring: Strategies
to transform your non- camp space into a young camper’s dream.” I think I learned just as much
from my colleagues about space-sharing, pool alternatives and creative ideas for programming as
they may have learned from me. We even made “water parks” in the convention center!
I left this conference feeling proud of the work we do at Camp Chaverim! Our specialty classes are
developmentally appropriate for all of our campers. Our special events are top notch. We have
a flourishing garden that our campers plant (with help) and then eat the fruits of their labor for
healthy snacks over the summer. Our afternoon extracurricular activities are creative and competitive. Shabbat is
warm (sometimes literally — it’s outside!) and filled with joy. We offer Mommy and Me classes. We are a community
of camp families- we come together for Camp Munchkin Minyan. We have an incredibly dedicated staff. All of these
reasons and more make me proud to be the director at Camp Chaverim.
Since I am a firm believer that camp isn’t just for the young, I would like to extend an
invitation. Visit us this summer! Schedule a time to join us at Shabbat, or during a specialty
program. Get wet in our sprinklers or join in on Zumba class! Let us know if you know
someone looking for camps or our Mommy and Me Summer program. I look forward to
you sharing in our fun at #CampChaverim2016!
L’Shalom
Jillian Glick
12 • BETH OR SPOTLIGHT
YOUTH
Best. Summer. Ever.
Camp Chaverim 2016
Jillian Glick, Director of Youth and Camp Engagement
An Awesome Year for the Junior Choir!
Our Junior Choir has had a very
busy and joyful past few months. On
March 4, we led the Family and 6th
Grade Shabbat Service and followed
it up with an awesome sleepover at
Beth Or. (Not sure how much
sleeping actually occurred, but fun
was had by all!)
During the rest of March, the Junior
Choir spent their Sunday afternoons
rehearsing for an amazing interactive
Purim Shpiel. It was challenging and
creative and everyone involved had a
blast! We performed the Purim Shpiel
just after the service on Wed., March
23, and many Jr. Choir members had
the opportunity to showcase their
incredible voices and acting abilities!
On April Fool’s Day, the Jr. Choir led
the Family and 3rd Grade Shabbat
Service and spent their Sundays in
April rehearsing music to sing with
the amazing a capella group Six13
at their concert on Sunday evening
April 17. It was so cool to meet the
members of Six13 and to sing with
them in concert!!!
Junior Choir families celebrated the
end of Passover at Beth Or with our
congregation at the End of Passover
Pizza Fest and Shabbat Service. It was
so great just to be together to end
the holiday!!!
As Junior Choir winds down for
the year, we will have our annual
banquet on Friday, May 6 at 5 pm.
Every Junior Choir member will be
honored for their commitment to
Beth Or and to our choir. The new Jr.
Staffers will be inducted that evening
and our graduating seniors will be
celebrated! Following the banquet,
the Junior Choir will participate in
Yom HaShoah Services that evening.
Junior Choir will have one last Family
Shabbat Service on June 3 and then
we will all depart for our summer
activities.
Thank you so so much to Barbara
Murtha, Nancy Portney, Kevan
Portney, Helene Cutler, and to all
of our volunteers who make the
Junior Choir run so smoothly and
efficiently! Thank you to this year’s
Lead and Scheduling Jr. Staffers-Scott
Schwartz, Yoni Gilad, Jason Smith,
Becca Porter, and Lily Ashery; to our
Service Leaders Jenna Heisman and
Hannah Cutler and to our Jr. Staffer
Programming Team, Josh Portney
and Alena Schwartz.
And last, but definitely not least, a
huge thank you to my student
teachers, Hannah Cutler and Ryan
and Kyle Voron, who showed up
every week to help with the music
classes, even when they weren’t
scheduled. You are a true blessing.
Thank you to all of my Jr. Staffers for
volunteering their time on Sundays
to help out!
It was such a pleasure singing with
the Junior Choir this year! We made
many wonderful memories that I
hope they will all cherish. I know
I will!
Thank you Junior Choir members
and families for your commitment
to Beth Or, to me, and for helping
to create another fabulous year for
everyone.
Junior Choir
May/June Calendar
Friday, May 6 at 5 pm
Jr. Choir Banquet and Awards
Dinner and Service
Friday, June 3, at 7 pm
Family Shabbat Service
Please note that the rehearsal time for
the May and June services is 6:30 pm.
MAYJUNE 2016 • 13
EVENTS
Beth Or
Art Gallery
Joel Sloane
Opening Night – Friday, May 20
The Olitsky Gallery is pleased to present an exhibit featuring
the work of Joel Sloane, from May 13 through June 8. Please
join us at the reception to meet the artist on Friday, May 20,
immediately following Shabbat services.
Joel’s artwork is inspired by spiritual symbols and ideas found
in Judaism and other world traditions. His work is a blending
of universal paths, drawing on archetypal and natural forms.
Joel recently completed a master’s degree program in
Creativity at Pacifica Graduate Institute, in Santa Barbara,
California. His work has been exhibited in many local venues,
and has won numerous awards.
Oreland Art Center Artists
Opening Night – Friday, June 10
The Olitsky Gallery at Beth Or is pleased to welcome the
artists of Oreland Art Center to exhibit their work from
June 10 through September 7. Please join us at the opening
reception to meet the artists.
Located in Ambler, Oreland Art Center has been serving
this area for 60 years, offering classes, demonstrations and
workshops to artists of all levels. Participating artists include
Sherrie Longello, Vickie Buccini, Marita McVeigh, Pauline
Braun, Kay Collins, and others.
Shabbat and Holiday Programs
Yom Hashoah Service and Program
Friday, May 6 at 6 pm
Join us for a Kabbalat Shabbat Service in the Gitlin Sanctuary.
Stay to hear the untold story of the Holocaust from a child
of survivors, Beth OR member Walter Kirszbraun. There will
be musical performances by the Beth Or Junior Choir and
Keystone State BoyChoir.
Volunteer Appreciation Dinner and
Shabbat Service
Friday, June 10
Dinner at 6 pm. Shabbat Service at 8 pm.
If you have served on a committee this year or volunteered
your time and talents to make Beth Or a better place, please
join us for a Shabbat dinner in your honor. Dinner is free but
you must RSVP to info@bethor.org by June 1.
Shabbat in Our Park
Friday, July 15 at 5 pm
Come out for our annual Shabbat
in Our Park service. Bring your
lawn chairs and picnic blankets
and sit outside on our grounds
with your family and
friends. Please bring
a side dish that goes
with a meat meal.
No pork, dairy or
shellfish please.
RSVP to
jglick@bethor.org
by July 11.
14 • BETH OR SPOTLIGHT
Special Events
Join Beth Or’s Walk Against Hate Team Today!
Sunday, May 15 at 8:30 am at the
Philadelphia Navy Yard
The 6th Annual Walk Against Hate is
sponsored by the Anti-Defamation
League (ADL). The funds raised are used
to support its programming intended to
stop defamation of the Jewish people
and secure justice and fair treatment for
all people.
For more information about this event,
contact Austin Faberman at
Austin.faberman@gmail.com. You can
register for the event on-line at
www.walkagainsthate.org . When you
register, look for the Beth Or team and join us!
11th Annual Oy Vey 5K/10K and 1 Mile Walk
Sunday, June 5 at 8:30 am
Our incredibly popular 5K/10K race is back again at Beth Or!
This year, we are raising money for Beth Or and STARS After
School Program.
Registration will soon be available on www.runtheday.com
and the Beth Or website. The 5K and 10K races are both
chip-timed on a certified course. There are water stops
along the way and t-shirts for everyone who registers by
May 16. Limited t-shirts will be available on race day. Medals
will be given to the top 3 winners of 10 year age brackets
in both races. Finishing awards will be given to everyone!
There will also be great food and family activities for all
participants and spectators.
Register for the race on-line at http://bit.ly/oyvey5k10k2016.
MAYJUNE 2016 • 15
Congregational Notice
Notice of the Annual Meeting
of the Congregation
In accordance with Article II, Section 6 (a) of the
Constitution and By-laws of Congregation Beth Or,
notice of the Annual Meeting of the Congregation
is being provided to all members of the Congregation.
The Board of Trustees has set the date of June 8, 2016,
7 pm as the date and time of the Annual Meeting.
All Congregants are invited to attend this meeting
and hear reports from the Officers, presentation of the
Annual Budget and for the filling of elected Officer
and Trustee positions. We hope to see you at the
Annual Meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Bob Cohen, Parliamentarian
Beth Or Travel
Mission Trip to Mexico
November 13-20, 2016
Join Rabbi Gerber and
members of the Social Action
committee on a mission trip
to Xiloxochico, Mexico and
work alongside the Nahua
families on life-changing, hands on projects. This trip is
perfect for individuals, couples and families who want to
give back and experience life in another culture. For more
information, contact Susy at [email protected]om.
Travel to Italy and Israel
December 18, 2016 – January 1, 2017
Join Rabbi Marx for an unforgettable trip to Rome, Italy and
Israel. In Rome, you will visit the Spanish Steps and Plaza
Venecia as well as the Jewish Ghetto, the Coliseum, Vatican
City and Sistine Chapel. In Israel, you will see the sights in
Jerusalem and Tel Aviv as well as Eilat. A $500 deposit is
required immediately as space is limited. Make checks
payable to Journeys Unlimited. For further information,
contact Rabbi Marx at [email protected]g.
New Members
Aaron Gottlieb & Stephanie Tedesco
Chris, Sara, Sophia & Olivia Collins
Jason, Rachel & Logan Goldsmith
Joseph Waslow & Sonya Civello
Jolene Defusco
William & Ellen Nathan
Joshua, Shannon, David & Ethan Funt
Howard & Sandie Salasin
May Their Memory Be a Blessing
Steven Louis Anthony, brother of
Vanessa Klein
Corinne Cowan, cousin of Helene Simoni
Louis Savadove, father of Leah Marks
Stanford “Pat” Hunn, uncle of Carol Packer
Eleanor Davis, grandmother of
Stephanie Winegrad
Toby Ravitch, mother of Nina Sternberg
Millicent Moed, mother of Howard Moed
Dianne Naplan, sister of Marlene Robinson
Nina Goldfarb, aunt of Ron Lincow
Louis Biundo, father of Lisa Herman
Estelle Cohen, mother of Norman Cohen
Ann “Bidi” Finkelstein, mother of
Gary Finkelstein, grandmother of
Joanne Schell & Lauren Hellman
Martin Weiss, husband of Nancy Weiss &
Father of Max Weiss
Lillian Kaufman, aunt of Harvey Gitlin &
great aunt of Michelle Goldstein &
Amy Gitlin
Lillian Becker, grandmother of Jaime Hersh
Gloria Biundo, mother of Lisa Herman
Leonard Jackowski, husband of
Ida Jackowski
Mazel Tov
Birth of Jack Richard Goodman, grandson
of Phil and Pennye Goodman and
great grandson of Sanford and
Ina Goodman
Engagement of Arielle Schaeffer,
daughter of Rodger and Virpi Schaefer,
to Andrew Weiss
Birth of Ilana Fay Gershenson,
granddaughter of Stephen Gershenson
& the late Shona Gershenson
Baby Naming of Samantha Blake
Bromberg, daughter of Alan and
Carly Bromberg
Birth of Josephine Krol Kirker,
granddaughter of Alice Milrod and the
late Anthony Krol
Bar Mitzvah of Kevin Allen
Bat Mitzvah of Rachel King
Bar Mitzvah of Jacob Goldberg
Bat Mitzvah of Michelle Gladstone
Bat Mitzvah of Emma Solnick
Bat Mitzvah of Brooke Ashdale
Bat Mitzvah of Jordyn Alt
Bat Mitzvah of Madeline Hoffman
Bar Mitzvah of Spencer Beidner
Bat Mitzvah of Elle Clibanoff
Bar Mitzvah of Noah Fechter
Bat Mitzvah of Sara Shorr
B’nai Mitzvah of Benjamin and Seth Lerner
Bar Mitzvah of Sammy Caplan
Bar Mitzvah of Ari Lasdon
Bat Mitzvah of Alexa Cutler
Bar Mitzvah of Jack Liss
Bat Mitzvah of Kira Wiener
Bar Mitzvah of Mark Kesack
Bar Mitzvah of Devon Hirsch
Bar Mitzvah of Benjamin Lotman
Chai-Lights — MAY-JUNE 2016
Oneg and Flower Donations
Additional January Donations
January 29 • Dana & Jonathan Grosser in honor of Gabrielle Grosser’s Bat Mitzvah
Barry & Vicki Oppenheim & Rita Roy in memory of Charles Roy & Mary Axler
Additional February Donations
Oneg:
February 5 • Brian & Hope Heck in honor of Benjamin Paul Heck’s Bar Mitzvah
February 19 • Barry & Jennifer Toren in honor of Griffin Toren’s Bar Mitzvah
February 26 • Jennifer & Lee Marcus in honor of Zachary Marcus’ Bar Mitzvah
Flowers:
February 26 • Jennifer & Lee Marcus in honor of Zachary Marcus’ Bar Mitzvah
March Donations
Oneg:
March 4 • Joel & Nancy Rosen in honor of Rachel Rosen’s Bat Mitzvah
March 25 • Jack & Staci Rosenbloom in honor of Jacob Rosenbloom’s Bar Mitzvah
Leah & Jonathan Marks in honor of Jamie Lynn Mark’s Bat Mitzvah
Alice Milrod in honor of the Baby Naming of her granddaughter, Josephine Kirker Krol
Flowers:
March 4 • Linda & Jim Kollmar in honor of Benjamin Kollmar’s Bar Mitzvah
Joel & Nancy Rosen in honor of Rachel Rosen’s Bat Mitzvah
March 25 • Jack & Staci Rosenbloom in honor of Jacob Rosenbloom’s Bar Mitzvah
Leah & Jonathan Marks in honor of Jamie Lynn Marks Bat Mitzvah
April Donations
Oneg:
April 1 • Michelle & Mark Sirota in honor of Ben Sirota’s Bar Mitzvah
April 8 • Eric and Kim Ratner in honor of Justin Ratner’s Bar Mitzvah
April 15 • Tammy and Dino Ciliberti in honor of Joshua Ciliberti’s Bar Mitzvah
Flowers:
April 15 • Tammy and Dino Cilberti in honor of Joshua Ciliberti’s Bar Mitzvah
May Donation
Oneg:
May 20 • The Adult Confirmation Class: April Brasher, Lynn Edelman, Dawn Hogan,
Willie Lorber, Chris & Jennie Platt, July Spahn, Robin Staats, Connie Welsh,
Howard & Jill Zipin
16
• BETH OR SPOTLIGHT
MAYJUNE 2016 • 17
Rabbi Marx’s Discretionary
Fund
Donation by
CHARLES & DANNITA BROOKER
SUSAN HYATT
In Memory of
JAY APPEL
Audrey Appel
STEVEN LOUIS ANTHONY
Bruce & Linda Baron
HERBERT J. GREENBLATT
Bryna Berman
UNCLE PAT HUNN
Carol Packer, Mike Snyder,
Andie & Adam
SONNY PORTMAN
David & Carol Udis
CHARLES F. BECK
Don & Kathie Sachs
ESTELLE COHEN
Doreen Berest
DOROTHY VOGEL
JAY APPEL
Eric & Mindi Vogel
ANN “BIDI” FINKELSTEIN
Gary & Phyllis Finkelstein
Larry & Sheila Schwartz
Ronald & Barbara Rosenthal
IDA & JOSEPH SCHULTZ
Harry & Lila Schultz
GILBERT & CLARICE STRAUSS
Jacqueline Zelle
DAVID FELDMAN
Josh & Marcie Gottlieb
BERT FIELD
LOUIS FIELD
GOLDIE L. GIBBS
Larry & Sandy Frankel
ZIPPORAH ABRAMSON
Leonard & Madlyn Abramson
RUTH BERTIN
Linda Baron
LOUIS HERSHMAN
Lowell & Madeline Lander
SADIE SLIMER
Marc Meketon &
Naomi Sussman
MARTIN WEISS
Nancy Weiss
JILLIAN SIEGEL
Philip & Nancy Siegel
STANFORD “PAT” HUNN
Robert, Shari and Noah Hunn
FLORENCE RESNICK
Steven Resnick
In Appreciation of
RABBI MARX
Carole Chasen
Howard & Vanessa Klein
Ilene Schneller & Dana Marion
Congratulations to
PHIL & PENNYE GOODMAN
Stephen Gershenson
Speedy Recovery to
CANTOR GREEN
Joan Garde
Rabbi Gerber’s Discretionary
Fund
In Memory of
ELYSE GREENSTEIN
Carol Packer & Michael Snyder
FRANCES CHASEN
Carole Chasen
Memorials and Contributions
LOUIS SAVADOVE
Nancy Savadove
STEVEN J. GALLANT
Scott & Amy Gallant
In Honor of
RABBI GERBER & LAUREN
GERBER’S new baby, TESSA
Bernie & Beth Johl
Birth of TESSA ROSE GERBER
Carol Packer & Michael Snyder
Doreen Berest
Elaine Slott
Ellen Werther
Jack & Rosie Elias
In Appreciation of
Baby naming of
ADELYN & ZOE LEAVESLEY
Carl & Lauren Leavesley
RABBI GERBER
Carol Packer & Michael Snyder
& their extended family
Mark Sirota
Michael & Rebecca Silverman
The Selsley Family
The togetherness of Jewish families has always been a part of our heritage. This
same heritage extends all through life and includes providing for a final resting
place for our loved ones in advance of need.
Congregation Beth Or, is a sacred community where we care for one another and we
share our lifecycle events — both joys and sorrows.
Many congregations own cemeteries as a way to support their congregations’ needs and to provide a source of
revenue to the congregation itself. This is no longer financially prudent for congregations to do, but the need to
make such arrangements has not changed.
As an additional benefit of congregation membership, we have obtained special pricing from Roosevelt Memorial
Park for our members to purchase family burial plots. Furthermore, each purchase by a congregant will be
recognized by Roosevelt Memorial Park through a donation to Beth Or, in the family’s honor.
If you have not already planned for this family need, please contact Doreen Berest, a family service consultant and
pre-arrangement specialist at Roosevelt Memorial Park and a member of our congregation. Those who have already
worked with Doreen find her to be compassionate, caring and an expert in her field.
Doreen is available to answer your questions and address your concerns. She can be reached at 215-219-9293 or
via email at [email protected]om.
Amy Abrams
Give Your Family Peace of Mind
Amy Abrams, Executive Director
From the Executive Director
Congratulations to
RABBI GERBER
Allen & Diane Shapiro
Birth of TESSA ROSE
Michael & Michelle Boas
Cantor Green’s Discretionary
Fund
In Memory of
RAY S. BERRY
Don & Amanda Berry
BURTON WEINBERG
Eli & Jean Aghen
JULIAN LOEWENSTERN
Gary & Cindy Loewenstern
TOBY RAVITCH
Michael & Beth Berkowitz
IRVIN BERLIN
SYLVIA BERLIN
Norm, Betsy, Dan & Mike
Berlin
SONNY BENJAMIN
Philip & Hope Bernstein
FRANK LEAVITT
EDGAR SILVERMAN
Robert Silverman &
Randi Leavitt
DORA SMILOVITZ
Sylvia Chachkin
SEYMOUR KURTZ
Zane & Jane Kurtz
In Honor of
CANTOR GREEN’S
20th Anniversary
Bernie & Beth Johl
In Appreciation of
CANTOR GREEN
Adult Confirmation Class
CANTOR GREEN
The Dayno Family
Speedy Recovery to
CANTOR GREEN
Allen & Diane Shapiro
Bob & Faye Miller
David & Carol Udis
Doreen Berest
Edward & Michelle Ruby
Fred & Gail Karafin
Jess & Lori Amchin
Michael & Michelle Boas
Robert & Nina Sternberg
Scott & Andi Barsky
Zane & Jane Kurtz
Andrew Jarrett Fund
for Religious School
In Memory of
HARVEY CHACHKIN
Sylvia Chachkin
Annual Appeal 2015-16
In Memory of
STANFORD PAT HUNN
Ira & Robin Secouler
In Honor of
JACK RICHARD GOODMAN
Ira & Robin Secouler
RABBI MARX & LAURIE SINGER
MARX receiving the Israel 68
Award a national award for
continued service on behalf of
Israel bonds
Ira & Robin Secouler
In Appreciation of
RABBI MARX
The Gibbs Family
Arnold Berkowitz Memorial
Fund for Veteran’s Shabbat
In Memory of
MILTON ISRAEL
Joseph & Lenore Fels
In Honor of
Birth of TESSA ROSE GERBER
Elsa-Lu Berkowitz
Barbara Goldberg Nursery
School Fund
In Memory of
FAYE MARGOLIES
Hal & Pearl Tragash
BART, father of STEVE KROUNGOLD
& NANCY SHURE
Lee & Laurie Rubin
In Honor of
The Birth of TESSA ROSE GERBER
Engagement of JESSIE SCUDDER
to MICHAEL CLAUDIUS
Bob & Faye Miller
Birth of granddaughter, OLIVIA to
MR. & MRS. LEE RUBIN
Faye Miller
OWL CLASS & A.J. SMITH’S
SHABBAT
Larry & Nancy Levin
MICHAEL & REBECCA LAING’S
B’nai Mitzvah
Nancy & Jessica Scudder
Speedy Recovery to
ESTER BERGMAN
Bobbie Green
Barbara & Marvin Goldberg
Conrmation Israel Trip
Endowment
In Memory of
Beloved mother & grandmother,
LOIS PACKER
Bob & Faye Miller
Capital Fund
In Memory of
CHARLES A. ADAMS, SR.
Carol Packer, Michael Snyder,
Andie & Adam
ANNE ROBBINS
Marcy, Bill, Sam, Abby &
Robby Kaiser
Caring Congregants Funds
In Memory of
NORMAN WERTHER
Michael & Michelle Boas
In Honor of
Birth of JOSEPHINE
Ellen Werther
In Appreciation of
CARING CONGREGANTS
Carol Packer & Michael Snyder
& their extended family
Speedy Recovery to
BETH APTER
Ellen Werther
Emily Cara Garbose Resource
Fund
In Memory of
ESTELLE COHEN
Dave & Neen Davis
General Fund
In Memory of
TOBY RAVITCH
Alan & Heather Bassman
Beth Stein
Keith Ehling
Troy & Kristen Ruth
STANFORD “PAT” HUNN
Bob & Jan Zauzmer
Thomas & Elizabeth Pileggi
MICHAEL FROST
Cindi & Vincent Pasceri &
Family
TODD ERIC BLUMENFELD
Doreen Berest
MARTY WEISS
Edward & Karen Greenberg
ESTELLE COHEN
Joseph & Libby Schwartz
Mark & Sally Hurwitz
STEVEN LOUIS ANTHONY
Marc Meketon &
Naomi Sussman
MILLICENT MOED
Murray & Leslie Rifkin
ELLICE LANSMAN
Roger & Virpi Schaeffer
ANN FINKELSTEIN
The Goldoor Family
In Honor of
Birth of JACK RICHARD to
PHIL & PENNYE GOODMAN
Mark & Sally Hurwitz
Speedy Recovery to
DEBBIE SCHWARTZ
Fred & Gail Karafin
CANTOR GREEN
Mark & Sally Hurwitz
Hannah Miller Youth Library
Fund
In Memory of
GERALDINE LEVIN
Ellen & Barry Sussmann & family
Congratulations to
RABBI & MRS. GERBER
Howard & Andrea Goldstein
Israel Emergency Fund
In Memory of
STEVEN ANTHONY
HILDA MINKOFF
MIRIAM PRINCE
Lance & Liz Rultenberg
HARVEY CHACHKIN
Margie Chachkin
MORRIS SMILOVITZ
Sylvia Chachkin
Speedy Recovery to
DEBBIE SCHWARTZ
Chachkin Family
Karl & Mally Herzfeld Library
Fund
In Memory of
PAULINE ROSENBLOOM KENDALL
LOUIS KENDALL
SARAH K. DEIN
Joan & Stanley Rosenblatt &
family
LEOPOLD REINER
MERV TUCKMAN
Mort & Joann Simon
Speedy Recovery to
DON SACHS
Ellen Werther
LEN KARABEL
Mort & Joann Simon
Kate Svitek Memorial Garden
Fund
In Memory of
HARRY K. CLAIR
HERBERT O. CLAIR
IRVING S. CLAIR
SAYDE K. CLAIR
HOPE CLAIR
SARAH BRECHER
ISADORE BRECHER
KATE SVITEK
18 • BETH OR SPOTLIGHT
Memorials and Contributions — Continued
FRANCES MEIMAN
JOSEPH MEIMAN
Bob Clair
Linda Gerson Memorial Fund
for Grounds’ Beautication
In Memory of
LEAH K. APOTHAKER
Ed & Lynne Berkowitz
ANNE WISE
Phil Gerson
CAROLE COHN
Philip Gerson & Family
Meals That Matter Fund
Donation by
GLENN & NANCY HYATT
OZZIE & GAIL GOREN
In Memory of
TOBY RAVITCH
Barbara Spilove
STEVEN ANTHONY
Harvey & Joan Azarva
DEBORAH NEIBURG
Rich & Danette Laver
CARL & ANNETTE LUDWIG
The Ludwig Family
In Honor of
NANCY HYATT’S special birthday
David & Caren Gutman
Music Fund
In Memory of
HERB SCHWARTZ
Elizabeth Selsley
FRANCINE BANDELL
Ellen Werther
Joel & Riss Bencan
WILLIAM, the cat
Margie Chachkin
RALPH ROSENBERG
SANDRA GOLD
RANDY KIRK
Neil & Cheryl Schlackman
In Honor of
Bat Mitzvah of ALIZA KLIGERMAN
Neil & Cheryl Schlackman
Speedy Recovery to
CANTOR GREEN
Armand & Nora Saragovi
Ellen Werther
Ner Tamid Endowment
Campaign
In Appreciation of
CANTOR GREEN
The Adult Confirmation Class
MAYJUNE 2016 • 19
Reuben R. Wolfert Memorial
Fund for Scholastic Excellence
In Memory of
REUBEN WOLFERT
Irwin Wolfert
Marian Wolfert
ROSE WOLFERT
Marian Wolfert
Sisterhood Mitzvah Fund
In Memory of
ALVIN S. ACKERMAN
Todd Solodar &
Marilyn Ackerman
Speedy Recovery to
DEBBIE SCHWARTZ
Samuel & Edythe Newman &
family
Yahrzeit Fund
In Memory of
ADELE MERMELSTEIN
Alan & Bonnie Baseman
DAN ALLANOFF
Albie Brandow &
Sheila Heller Brandow
IRVING POSNER
Allan & Andrea Posner
HELEN MALE
Allen & Bette Male
POLY SARAGOVI
Armand Saragovi
CHARLES FREEDMAN
Arnie & Linda Freedman
FRANCES BROWN
Barbara Goodrich
EDSEL F. PACKER
Carol Packer & Michael Snyder
& their extended family
THE GINSBERG FAMILY
Cindi & Vincent Pasceri & Family
AGNES LEBOW
David Haines
FANNIE ZAVODNICK
SANDY SAITZ GREISIGER
Davy & Marilyn Cohn
DORA MEYERS
Dawn Hogan
LAURA LINNETT
Dr. & Mrs. Charles J. Wilson
MARY ZIPIN
SARA BLUME
Earl & Toby Zipin
WILLIAM NEWMAN, SENIOR
Edie & Sam Newman & family
JACK PRICE
Edna Price
DORA GELFOND
EMMA SHAPIRO
Edythe & Samuel Newman &
family
FREDA COHEN
Evelyn Wolf
SYLVIA KLEINBERG
HARRY KLEINBERG
Fred & Gail Karafin
BERTHA GIRER KANES
Gene & Gay Salin
LEONARD HOFFMAN
George & Carol Biron
NATHAN BARONSTEIN
Harvey & Rosalie Goldberg
DAVID WEISER
Herb & Renee Cohen
BEATRICE KLEIN
Howard & Vanessa Klein
MARLENE LEVIN
Howard Drossner &
Pamela Lehrer
SARAH GRUBER
EMMANUEL SCHNELLER
Ilene Schneller, Dana Marion
& Carly Marion
HERB BILOFSKY
Ira & Carolyn Bilofsky
SHERRI DAVANTI
Ira & Robin Secouler
LEONARD HOFFMAN
Irv & Susan Lipoff
SIMON LIFSHATZ
Isa, Mitch, Jared &
Korey Welsch
Beloved mother, LILLIAN COHN
Jacqueline Matlow
SYLVIA M. ROSENFELD
Janice & Jerry Dunn
MERLE BERGMAN
Jason & Jaime Hersh
GERTRUDE SILBERMAN
Jerry & Harriet Silberman
M. MICHAEL GARBER
Joan & Jay Beste
ROSE APFELBAUM HEYNE SMITH
JAY BURTON HEYNE
Joan Nerenberg
ETHEL LIEBERMAN
Josef & Dolly Friedman
ALICE BERSTEIN
Joseph & Marcia Berstein
VICTOR JACKOWSKI
Leonard & Ida Jackowski
YETTA STERNTHAL
Lewis & Betsy Sternthal
IRENE JONAS WINDHEIM
Lila Windheim
EVELYN LIPSCHUTZ
Louis B. Lipschutz &
Claudia Leslie
ROSE LASSIN
Lynne Garbose
ADELLE RUBIN
Marc & Elyse Satalof
Mark & Bernice Glaser
GEORGE GLASER
Mark & Bernice Glaser
ARTHUR BERNSTEIN
Mark & Sandra Bernstein
ISADORE DEIN
Marshall & Ruth Abramson
MOE TARABAR
Marty & Jill Tarabar
DORIS LANDMAN
NELVIN LANDMAN
Michael & Karen Silverberg
ARTHUR LEAVITT
RUTH LEAVITT LITWIN
Michael & Robin Rosen
MARVIN WELSCH
Mitch & Isa Welsch
EDWARD ISADOR MYERS
Mort & Joann Simon
BERNARD BORINE
Myrle Borine
CLAIRE BEZAHLER
Peter & Ellen Harper
HAROLD LEVINE
Rachel Steinberg
MATILDA KOHN
ANNA SCHLESINGER
Ralph & Felice Kahn
AL MACKLER
DAN WINDHEIM
Randi & Bob Windheim
MARCIA LOIS WEISMAN
Robert & Jill Seskin
SAM WERNIKOVE
Robin Levenberg
SAMUEL SPITZ
Ron & Gloria Wiesel
MORRIS SELZER
Samuel & Cereda Selzer
JACK MARGOLIS
PHILIP GOODMAN
Sanford & Ina Goodman
MIRIAM “MIMI” GOLDSTEIN
Scott & Sandy Silverman
HOWARD BARON
MURRAY HALBERT
Stan & Carol Halbert
HELEN SARSHIK
Stuart Sarshik
LEONARD HANDLER
Susanna Silverman
BEATRICE DRUCKER
Tod & Andi Drucker
RUBY S. HORN
William Horn
20 • BETH OR SPOTLIGHT
Planning a celebration?
Let us host your next simcha and help you
make memories that will last a lifetime.
Would you like to learn more about our banquet facilities?
Please call us at 215-646-5806 or e-mail Genevieve Yanity at gyanity@bethor.org
www.bethor.org
MAYJUNE 2016 • 21
May/June Candle Lighting
Friday, May 6 • 7:42 pm
Friday, May 13 • 7:48 pm
Friday, May 20 • 7:55 pm
Friday, May 27 • 8:01 pm
Friday, June 3 • 8:06 pm
Friday, June 10 • 8:10 pm
Friday, June 17 • 8:13 pm
Friday, June 24 • 8:15 pm
22 • BETH OR SPOTLIGHT
MAYJUNE 2016 • 23
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Located in Green Lane, PA
Experts in creating memories and friendships that last a lifetime — since 1926.
Exciting special events and out-of-camp trips!
Become a part of our Camp Green Lane family!
(215) 234-9211
info@greenlane.com • www.greenlane.com
Melissa and Jay Freedman and Rene and Adam Weiner
Owners/Directors
24 • BETH OR SPOTLIGHT
Karen Schecter Dayno, LL.M., Esquire
Fort Washington, PA
Wills Trusts Estates Guardianships
215-646-6000
Serving the legal needs [email protected]
of the Community since 1921 www.timoneyknox.com
Experience Leads
To Great Results
Providing state-of-the-art dental procedures
to adults and children including:
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Convenient new location • Most dental plans accepted.
2032 North Broad Street, Suite 1, Lansdale
215-368-6636
[email protected]
www.leadingdentalsolutions.com
Beth Or member
Visit our website for details at www.burnbraedaycamp.com.
1405 Twining Road • Dresher, PA 19025 • 215-657-3388
• Boys and Girls Ages 3-15 • Air Conditioned Buildings
• Professional Teaching Sta • Door to Door Transportation
• Extended Hours Available • Great Camper/Sta Ratio
Activities include: Music, Rock Band, Theater, Art, Sports,
Legos, Robotics, Dance, Voice, Photography, Computer Animation,
Film Making, Pastry Arts, Science, and more!
Open Houses:
Saturday, May 7, 10 am to 2 pm • Sunday, May 15, 1 to 4 pm
Saturday, May 21, 10 am to 2 pm • Sunday, May 22, 1 to 4 pm
Celebrating 35 years!
MAYJUNE 2016 • 25
26 • BETH OR SPOTLIGHT
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reat smiles
begin with…
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Specialist in Orthodontics
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MAYJUNE 2016 • 27
In Home Vet, LLC
April L. Brasher, DVM
Concierge Mobile Veterinary Medicine
Your Home Is o ur ClI n IC
267-644-8441 • [email protected]
Dr. Brasher brings experienced, high-level medicine into your home
to care for your dogs and cats in a low-stress environment. Services
include well-visits, geriatric care, dermatology, internal medicine, second
opinions, behavior, palliative, end-of-life care and more.
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n Teen Travel Program: 1 to 7 Week
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Diverse Programming & Outstanding Facilities.
Howard & Dale Baerman,
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28 • BETH OR SPOTLIGHT
Roosevelt Memorial Park
From Generation to Generation
Beth Or Member
Doreen.Ber[email protected]
Beth Or Members save 10%
on all pre-need cemetery
arrangements.
Call Doreen Berest at 215-673-7500.
SEASONALLY CHANGING,
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(267) 460-8986 // HARVESTSEASONALGRILL.COM
perfect for pre-shabbat
bar/bat mitzvah dinners!
Gary E. Risler
Sales Manager
NMLS #490654
Waterstone Mortgage Corporation
1145 Forrest St., Suite 100
Conshohocken, PA 19428
215.669.0944 mobile • GaryRisler.com
Waterstone Mortgage Company
is a wholly owned subsidiary of Waterstone Bank SSB
(NASDAQ: WSBF)
GAIL GOLDMAN
Vacation Sales Consultant
Beth Or member for over 30 years
4275 County Line Road, Chalfont, PA
Offi ce: 215-997-1400
•
Home: 215-646-8169
E-mail: [email protected]
Pumpernick’s catering department guarantees to
impress your guests. Smoked Fish, Deli, Sandwich,Wrap
Trays and more. Bar/Bat Mitzvah’s graduations, Birth-
days, Sporting Events, Shiva Dinners and more.
215-393-5800 • pumpernicksdeli.com
Would you like to advertise your
business to over 1,000 Beth Or families?
ADVERTISING SPACE IS AVAILABLE!
Contact Elisa Heisman
Director of Programs and Communications
215-646-5806 x207 • eheisman@bethor.org
MAYJUNE 2016 • 29
*Sleeping facilities available only during Shabbat and holidays.
100 East Lancaster Avenue
Wynnewood, PA 19096
THE
SHABBAT SUITE
AT LANKENAU MEDICAL CENTER
PROVIDING COMFORT
To learn more about Shabbat services or to visit the Shabbat Suite at Lankenau Medical
Center, call 484.476.2020 or visit mainlinehealth.org/shabbat.
We look forward to helping ensure a comfortable Shabbat environment.
At Lankenau, providing compassionate care has been
a tradition for more than 150 years.
When you or a loved one needs the care
or services of a hospital, it’s comforting to
know that a premier medical center in your
region offers a peaceful space for families
to observe Shabbat and holidays.
At Lankenau Medical Center, our specialized
medical and surgical teams are skilled
in providing advanced care. We also
understand the importance of helping
patients and families through their physical,
emotional, and spiritual journey.
Our comfortable and convenient Shabbat
Suite features:
• Two private bedrooms, each with
two beds and a private bathroom
with shower*
• 24/7 private kitchen and stocked pantry
• Spacious lounge and private space
for minyan
March-April 2016 l Volume 60, Issue 3 l Nisan-Iyyar-Sivan l 5776
239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen, PA 19002
Phone: 215-646-5806 l Fax: 215-646-0173 l Website: www.bethor.org
Non-Prot
Organization
US Postage
PAID
Fort Washington, PA
Permit No. 61
ADDRESS SERVICES REQUESTED
Congregation Beth Or publishes the Beth Or Spotlight through an endowment from the Florence and Rhoda Kramer Memorial Fund.
This newsletter is published every other month. Congregation Beth Or is a Reform congregation and a member of the Union for Reform Judaism.
Senior Rabbi ................................................................... Gregory S. Marx
Associate Rabbi ............................................................David Gerber
Cantor .................................................................................David Green
Executive Director ...................................................... Amy S. Abrams
Director of Religious School................................Aaron Nielsenshultz
Early Childhood Director .......................................Dale Laing
Assistant Early Childhood Director ................Suzanne Diamond
Director of Programs & Communications. .....Elisa Heisman
Director of Youth & Camp Engagement ....... Jillian Glick
Executive Director Emerita ..................................Elizabeth L. Hirsch, F.T.A.
President .................................................. Ira Secouler
Vice President ........................................ David Simon
Vice President ........................................ Josh Gottlieb
Vice President ........................................ Gwen Silverstein
Treasurer ...................................................Keith Reiner
Assistant Treasurer .............................Jon Schwartz
Parliamentarian .................................... Bob Cohen
Secretary ................................................... Leslie Weiss
Brotherhood President ................... Michael Davis
Sisterhood Co-Presidents .............Marilyn Ackerman & Ellen Mirbach
BOFTY President .................................. Ben Kron
Beth Or Spotlight Editor.................Ellen Werther
Saturday, April 30, 2016
12pm to 4pm
FREE
Family Fun!