1. religion and spirituality
2. judaism

FEBRUARY 2015 Shevat/Adar, 5775
Shir Ami is a Reform Congregation, proudly affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism
From Our Rabbi’s Study
Rabbi Howard Kosovske
“AHA! HERE’S WHY WE’RE UNIQUE”
I had a great aha(!) at a Philadelphia Orchestra concert recently. I will
tell you about it, but first the background.
When I was child growing up in Chicago, beyond doing school homework
I spent my after- school hours doing the things every other child in the
neighborhood did. This was the annual drill: touch football in the fall,
backyard snowball fights in the winter, softball in spring, and day-camp
and, later on, overnight camp in the summer.
But that wasn’t all of it. There were two other activities, and they set me
apart from everyone else. First, from age five and running through the
years until I finished high school, I took violin lessons. As a consequence,
as a child I was big-time into classical music. Second, from age nine and
continuing until I finished high school. I studied Hebrew. What made me
really weird was that I loved it!
From the music, unlike the other kids I went to performances in my
childhood, either at Chicago’s Orchestra Hall where the Chicago
Symphony Orchestra played, or at some other venue where I would
catch concerts or recitals with my father. And from the Hebrew, I spent
a lot of time in synagogues, either in my family’s or in one of the other
neighborhood synagogues that were everywhere around. That meant I
participated in yet another plethora of activities, this time ranging from
Shabbat services to youth group gatherings to even scout meetings in
one of the local shul-sponsored boy scout troops.
It was both of my childhood passions, the musical and the synagogue,
that brought me to my great recent aha(!). How so? For that we jump
to the present.
From the musical side, when I am home in Boston now, I attend, among
other musical events, a lot of BSO concerts (BSO is what Bostonians
fondly call the Boston Symphony Orchestra). Then, from the Jewish side,
across my career, I have, as you probably already know, served as a
rabbi in a large number of different synagogues.
Both the BSO and the Philadelphia
Orchestra are, in every sense of the
word, great orchestras. However,
they are totally different in that each of
them has a totally distinct sound from
the other. It isn’t just the acoustics
of Boston’s Symphony Hall or the acoustics of Philadelphia’s Verizon Hall
in Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts that makes this happen either.
Rather, the two are different orchestras entirely. Each has a uniqueness
that, no matter where they play, makes one say something different from
the other, no matter what the music they are playing. Most important, to
go one step further, even if they play the same piece of music, each will
play it totally differently from the other. The strange thing is that when that
happens, the performance of each is still invariably totally musically “right.”
Now let’s talk about the synagogue part.
Not surprisingly, every synagogue I have ever served has felt totally
different from all the others. Each one said something the others didn’t.
First, each was in a different location from the others. Then, each had a
different set of constituencies manifesting a different set of needs from the
(continued on page 4)
DON’T
MISS
CONGREGATIONAL
Purim Carnival
March 1
Feb 17, 7:00PM
Megillah Reading
March 4
MEETING
Be part of the formal vote on
Shir Ami’s next senior rabbi.
Come meet Rabbi Joel Simon
and his wife Jacent!
Let’s talk the musical side first.
Main: 215.968.3400 Religious School: 215.968.3254 E.L.C.: 215.968.6255
101 Richboro Road • Newtown, PA 18940 • www.shiraminow.org
Adult Purimspiel
March 7
Support our Advertisers
2
CALENDAR: Upcoming Services & Events
FEBRUARY
For a full calendar listing of all Shir Ami events,
www.shiraminow.org
SERVICE / EVENT
DATE TIME / PLACE
Shabbat Worship - Slomovitz Scholar-in-ResidenceFriday, February 6
Chevrat Torah - Slomovitz Scholar-in-Residence
Saturday, February 7
7:30 pm in the Abraham-Swerdlow Sanctuary
10:15 am in Shalom Hall
Thank you to the Slomovitz Family for sponsoring the Scholar-in-Residence Program - guest Rabbi Baruch HaLevi.
Discussion continues through lunch. Please RSVP to office.
Shabbat Worship Friday, February 13
6:30 pm in the Elliot Strom Chapel
Community Shabbat Dinner
Friday, February 13
7:30 pm in Shalom Hall
Join us for a trio of homemade soups and a variety of salads, $10 per person. BYOB. RSVP with payment to the Office by February 9
Chevrat Torah Saturday, February 14
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Tuesday, February 17
7:00pm - Come vote and meet Rabbi Simon
Chaverim Shabbat - School Age Children
Friday, February 20
5:30 pm in the Chodorow Family Life Center
Cuddle-up Shabbat - Preschool Age Children
Friday, February 20
5:30 pm in the Elliot Strom Chapel
10:15 am in the Chodorow Family Life Center
The above services are followed by dinner in the auditorium at 6 pm
Shabbat Worship - SHIR KLEZ! Friday, February 20
and February Birthday & Anniversary Blessings
7:30 pm in the Abraham-Swerdlow Sanctuary
Chevrat Torah Saturday, February 21
10:15 am in the Chodorow Family Life Center
Shabbat Worship - Choir Sings
Friday, February 27
7:30 pm in the Abraham-Swerdlow Sanctuary
Shabbat Worship - Fleming B’nai Mitzvah
Saturday, February 28
10:15 am in the Abraham-Swerdlow Sanctuary
Chevrat Torah Saturday, February 28
10:15 am in the Chodorow Family Life Center
PLEASE JOIN YOUR SHIR AMI COMMUNITY FOR SERVICES and EVENTS
SAVE THE DATE
Meet Rabbi Joel
& Jacent Simon
Shir Ami’s
Second Seder is
Saturday, April 4
We will be formally voting on our new
Rabbi at the congregational meeting on
February 17th at 7:00pm. Don’t miss
your opportunity to say hello to
Rabbi Simon and his wife Jacent!
3
Congregational News and Ritual Life
If you would like to share an achievement, milestone or simcha in the Shiron, please call the office: 215-968-3400.
Refuah Shleimah
Norton Borochaner
Rochelle Einheber
Robin Firestone
Donna Goodman
Linda Kasman
Rosa Novick
Gary Prell
Eddy Shapiro
Andrea Tankin
Condolences
Mildred Binik
Mother of Susan Morris
Dorothy Rose Nord
Mother of Andrea Tankin
Marilyn Phyllis Rubin
Mother of Paul Rubin
Celia “Cyd” Siegel
Mother of Steve Siegel
Lois Schwartz
mother of Hope Ettinger
Welcome New
Members
Adam, Solina, Madison
and Charlotte Cabot
Nicole and Chris Muc
Dena, Jeremy, Jonah
and Ellie Sloane
Richard and Sandy
Ludwig
(COVER STORY - continued)
Mazel Tov
Mazal tov to our own Rabbi
Kosovske who was elected to a
three-year term on the board of
directors to NAORRR - National
Association of Retired Reform
Rabbis (no, our rabbi is not retired!)
- at the recent organizational
convention in Phoenix.
Carol and Eric Cherson on the
engagement of Mollie Cherson to
Ben Recenes
Todah Rabbah
Thank you to Rabbi Eric Goldberg and
Youth Director Ferne Levy for leading
such a great trip this past December to
Israel. 8th and 9th graders particpating
in this trip were:
Stuart Berman
Noah Gordon
Corey Klevan
Max Levine
Noah Mandel
Aaron Masters
Madison McDonnell
Matthew Prell
Daniel Rosenthal
Chelsey Seigal
Lindsey Sklar
Elizabeth Wolf
Leslie Leibowitz for coordinating
our Day of Gemilut Chasadim and to
everyone who performed mitzvot
To Rebecca Bowers for helping in our
office every week!
To Mindy Chesner and Melody Hassid
for our spectacular and successful
Casino night - “A Shir Bet”
February B’nai Mitzvah
Jared Fleming
Benjamin Fleming
son of Wendy and
David Fleming
son of Wendy and
David Fleming
February 28, 2015
9 Adar 5775
Parshat Titzaveh
February 28, 2015
9 Adar 5775
Parshat Titzaveh
others. Finally, no matter what the Judaism any of them was about
– and they ran the gamut! – the fact is that the Judaism of each of
them too was totally Jewishly “right.”
From both the musical side and the synagogue part – and it
happened at that concert – came my great aha(!). The reason it
happened at Verizon Hall, though, is because unlike at Boston’s
Symphony Hall where I typically sit up in the 2nd balcony where,
far away from the stage I sense the entire orchestra, here I sat in the
eleventh row center. There, instead of feeling the entire orchestra,
I sensed individual instruments and instrumental sections. Now I
heard not an orchestra but, instead, single sections of the orchestra
all saying different things. But then I allowed it all to come together,
and I suddenly realized something I had never noticed before:
totalities in orchestras are made up of individual parts.
The great aha(!): this wasn’t just about an orchestra. It was about
Shir Ami. In my aha(!), I grasped the fact that in the synagogue
world, it’s not the totality that counts. It’s the individual parts, more
correctly the individual people, who need to be our primary focus.
But there is more. In Shir Ami it can never be “one size fits all.”
Still more: we, for whatever we are now or in the future will be
about, cannot, just like with the BSO and Philadelphia Orchestra,
be what every (or any) other synagogue is about. Our constituency
– and by that I mean we who are our members – make up a
unique “us.” Consequently what we are about as our congregation
moves into a new future, has to be unique as well. What it will
take for us to be meaningful to the totality of our membership is to
be meaningful to the individuals who are our members. And they
are not looking for any one thing. They are looking for a host of
different things, some spiritual, some cultural, some social, some
communal, to name a few. And we will need to try to promote all
of them for us to become and be what, as we go forward, we are
capable of yet achieving.
It was in my great aha(!) that I at last realized the full meaning
of Shir Ami’s motto, “Many voices. One song.” Our “sound” is
unique. Our whole being is unique because we as individuals are all
unique. And with that, the Judaism we in our future are going to be
about has to continue to be unique as well.
So with that comes this, my prayer: may we come to see what we
are and with it create what is going to be a unique future. And in
that, may we continue to flourish even as we celebrate and rejoice
in the uniqueness that will uniquely be ours.
L’shalom,
4
DON’T MISS A SPECIAL LEO SLOMOVITZ SCHOLAR -IN-RESIDENCE
WEEKEND WITH RABBI
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
FEBRUARY 6th & 7th
Learn how we can be Jewish visionaries and courageous pioneers
in the modern Jewish world, as SHIR AMI presents inspirational
author and charismatic teacher, Rabbi Baruch HaLevi.
JoIn uS foR SHABBAt SERVICES At 7:30 pm foLLoWED
BY A SpECIAL oneg, AnD SAtuRDAY MoRnIng At
10:15 Am foR A unIQuE CHEVRAt toRAH SERVICE
foLLoWED BY A fREE, IntERACtIVE LunCH.
Rabbi HaLevi is currently the spiritual leader of
Congregation Shirat Hayam, one of the most
dynamic congregations in the Boston area.
He is also the author of: “Revolution of Jewish
Spirit...” a book that teaches us how to
transform our synagogue spirituality and
inspire the Jewish community. It will be an
important and affecting weekend from one
of the foremost rabbis in modern Judaism.
RSVP today
to reserve a
spot for the
FREE LUNCH
Mark your calendar for February 6th and 7th!
thank you to the Slomovitz family for
sponsoring the Scholar-in-Residence program
TO RSVP: [email protected]
5
| 215.968.3400
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2015
Family-friendly Shabbat Services at 6:30pm
Dinner at 7:30pm | Soups, Salads, Appetizers ...Warm & Comforting!
Enjoy a delicious meal for community Shabbat. BYO invited! Under age 5 eat FREE!
COST: $10.00/per person
(Must be ordered and paid for in advance. RSVP February 9, 2015)
Name___________________________________________________ Phone__________________________________
Email__________________________________________________ No. Adults ___________ No. Children________
(number of dinners) _________
Total (@$10.00 EACH) ______________
I would like to sponsor dinner for another family experiencing financial difficulties
$_________________(amt enclosed)
RETURN TO: 101 Richboro Road, Newtown, PA 18940
DON’T MISS
ThIS wONDERFUl
EvENINg OF
PRAYER AND
cOMMUNITY AT
ShIR AMI
215.968.3400
FOR MORE INFO:
6
www.shiraminow.org
THE MANY WAYS OF GIVING BACK
BE A “KEEPER OF JEWISH EXCELLENCE”
Shir Ami’s Life Long Learning Theme for 5775
ESSENTIALS OF LIFE:
What Judaism Has to Say About
Food, Sex, Rest and Commerce
We extend an invitation for you to become a Keeper of Jewish Excellence.
Supporting all of the important mitzvahs of learning and prayer allow us to
continue our Lifelong Learning commitments.
❑ $500 ❑ $250 ❑ $180 ❑ $100 ❑ other
Please make checks payable to Shir Ami and mail to: 101 Richboro Road, Newtown, PA 18940
Name: _____________________________________________________________________
Phone: _____________________________________________________________________
E-Mail ____________________________________________________________________
Contributions to the Circle of Giving allow us to provide
help to those families requiring dues assistance in order
to become (or remain) members of our congregational
family. Due to the generosity of our Circle of Giving
donors, no family seeking affiliation with Shir Ami will ever
be turned away for lack of financial resources. Please join
the Circle of Giving sponsors this year and strengthen our
congregation. Donors at all levels are recognized as part
of our Circle of Giving program in the Shiron. Thank you
for your generosity!
____ Yes, I am pleased to be able to contribute
to the Circle of Giving program at this level:
❑
❑
Enclosed is my check
Simcha$1,800 ❑ (payable to “Shir Ami”)
Kavod$1,000 ❑
$ 720 ❑ Please bill my account
Beracha
Chai
$ 360 ❑
Madrichim
Other:
❑
Name: _____________________________________________________________________
Phone: _____________________________________________________________________
E-Mail ____________________________________________________________________
PLEASE RETURN FORMS TO:
SHIR AMI, 101 RICHBORO ROAD, NEWTOWN, PA 18940
7
Thank You to our 2014-2015
“KEEPERS OF JEWISH EXCELLENCE”
Helen Berman
Donna & Bob DeSantis
Amy Goldstein
Becky Markowitz
Harriet Paley
Debbie Schorr
Allen & Anna
Schwartz
Norman & Janet
Shachat
Sunny Schneider
Ellie & Ed Short
Nancy Siderits
Dotty Silverman
Lynne Taylor
Thank You to our 2014-2015
“CIRCLE OF GIVING” Sponsors
Anonymous
Bea Badner
Melvyn and Sandra Berman
Ellen Barish
Larry Bell and Robin Saltzman
Susan and Ken Bieber
Evelyn Cohen
Robert and Donna DeSantis
Edward Fair
Richard and Lynne Fiorelli
Phillip and Sheila Friedman
Harvey and Rabbi Paula Goldberg
Paul and Ilene Goldberg
Allan and Susan Goodman
Jerry and Cindy Green
Sheldon and Marilyn Halpern
Norman and Linda Idleberg
Matthew and Susan Klyman
Janet Kramer
John and Randi Lawrie
Caroline Levine
Becky Markowitz
Roberta and Gerald Miller
Ivy Pearlstein
Steven and Myrna Pressman
Arlene Poppel
Trudy Rubenstein
Stephen and Teri Siegel
Steven and Linda Shechtman
Brenda and Warren Shore
Rick and Nancy Siderits
Dotty Silverman
Robert Snyderman
Debbie and Scott Stevens
Steve and Phyllis Twersky
Marian Weintraub
Lenore Weissberg
Jeanne Winerip
Robert and Eileen Wolfe
Early Learning Center FEBRUARY UPDATE
Don’t
FORGET
Important E.L.C. Dates
2/4 – Tu B’Shevat Seders
2/13, 2/16 – No School – No Enrichment
2/20 – Cuddle Up Shabbat 5:30pm
“Toddler & Me” Program - Jan 7, 2015 – Mar 25, 2015
Wednesdays - 9:30 to 10:30 am
REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER CAMP 2015
IS NOW OPEN
REGISTRATION FOR PRESCHOOL ’15-’16
AND FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN IS NOW OPEN
REFER A FAMILY AND GET MONEY OFF YOUR
SHIR AMI BILL
For more info, contact Shari Beck-Nahman
[email protected]
According to Webster’s Dictionary
(not Dictionary.com), the word “change”
means to progress from one state of
being to another; to become different or
to vary. Change can be very scary, but
Shari Beck-Nahman
change can be good. Of course there
needs to be a combination of consistency as well as change. We
need to keep that healthy balance. Let’s look at some of the changes
that have occurred in the Early Learning Center over the past year:
• New administration
• Curriculum
• Teaching teams / Teachers
• After school activities
• Movement to Keystone Star 2
• Camp will now be 5 days with Before and After Care
However, what will always be consistent is the educational excellence of
our school and our reputation in our community. Of course none of this
would be possible without our incredible staff of dedicated teachers.
As the needs of our parents change, I need to balance consistency with
change. Not only am I here to listen to what is needed, but hear and
act upon those needs. My door is always open. Please don’t hesitate
to come in… Groups & Auxiliaries
Executive Board Meeting
daytime mah Jongg
Mon Feb 2 @ 7:30 pm
@ Penni Sander’s home
Wed Feb 4, 11, 18, 25 @ 9:30 am
Guided Tour & Lunch
Sun Feb 8 @ 11:00 am, Philadelphia
Nat’l Museum of American Jewish History
Tues Feb 10 @ 9:30 am
Family Life Center, reading
The Aviator’s Wife by Wendy Plump
Women of Shir Ami Gift Shop
gentle yoga
general board meeting
Most merchandise marked down 25%
Wed Feb 3, 10, 17, 24 @ 7:30 pm
Wednesday, Feb 18 @ 7:00 pm
game night
PURIM CARNIVAL
• Stock up for Passover
• Purchase wedding gifts
• Save on your Bar and Bat Mitzvah Tallit
Wed Feb 11 & 25 @ 7:00 pm
March 1 @ 10 am to 1:30 pm
robin kraut book club
Become a member of WoSA! Membership
forms are available in the office or contact
Cari Sacks-Witten,
soccermom1815@ yahoo.com.
March Madness Sale
March Gift Shop Hours:
Sundays: 9 am-11 am
Wednesdays: 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Special appointment can be made in advance
Contact Leslie Leibowitz:
8
[email protected]
Groups & Auxiliaries
9
Groups & Auxiliaries
10
Groups & Auxiliaries
11
FOREVER YOUNG
Groups & Auxilliaries
(Formerly 50 Something)
presents Author
John A. Nagy
Spies in the Continental Capital:
Espionage Across Pennsylvania During the American Revolution
PROGRAM AND BRUNCH
www.johnanagy.com
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Shir Ami, Shalom Hall • 10:30 am
$14.00 / Members of Forever Young or
$18.00 / Non-Members of Forever Young
Sunday, March 8, 2015
NAME
NUMBER ATTENDING
Mr. Nagy has written four books. His third, Spies in the
Continental Capital: Espionage Across Pennsylvania During
the American Revolution, was released in 2011. It is the
first comprehensive work on espionage in Philadelphia and
Pennsylvania, containing information on 130 spies. He has
appeared on the History Channel, C-SPAN, local educational TV
and more. He has lectured to about 100 different organizations.
ADDRESS
John A. Nagy is a Scholar in Residence at Saint Francis University,
Loretto, Pennsylvania, a consultant for Colonial Williamsburg and
the William L. Clements Library of the University of Michigan on
espionage, and an expert in antique documents. He is a founder and
past President of the American Revolution Round Table of Philadelphia.
He graduated from Saint Francis University, Loretto, Pennsylvania (BA)
PHONE
EMAIL
AMOUNT ENCLOSED $
in 1968 and Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey.
Reservations are a must!
Send your check payable to: “Forever Young” along with
your form before March 1, 2015 to:
FOREVER YOUNG
Ann Pollock 304 Silver Oak Court Warwick, PA 18974
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 215 -773-0594
Forever Young is a Non-Profit Auxiliary of Shir Ami Synagogue [JohnNagy 3/8/2015]
12
Good at ALL locations.
Not valid with any other offers.
Good for one per customer.
Excludes Pandora & Movado BOLD.
Expires 10-31-14
Good at ALL locations.
Not valid with any other offers.
Good for one per customer.
Excludes Pandora & Movado BOLD.
Expires 10-31-14
www.TimeAfterTimeWatches.com
www.TimeAfterTimeWatches.com
13
Rabbi Search Committee: UPDATE
As I’m sure you’ve all heard by now, I am very pleased to again share that after a long and thorough search process, our committee has made a
formal recommendation to our board of directors relative to the candidate of our choice for Shir Ami’s next settled Rabbi. Over the next several
weeks, we’ll be sending information out regarding our committee’s recommended candidate, Rabbi Joel Simon from Tampa, Florida.
During the month of December and into January, we conducted our final round of video and on-site interviews. At the beginning of January, we
invited Rabbi Simon to visit with us once again for an extended, two-day period. His wife, Jacent, was also invited in order for the committee to meet
and interact with them both on a more social level. Rabbi Simon was also personally introduced to and/or had an opportunity to speak with Rabbi
Kosovske, Rabbi Strom, Rabbi Eric Goldberg, Rabbi Paula Goldberg, Cantor Elson, Farrell Borine, Shari Beck-Nahman and Ferne Levy.
All of the individuals mentioned above had very favorable comments after their conversations with Rabbi Simon and, to a person, they all feel that
he will be easy to work along with. This aspect of our process was vitally important to the committee as we recognize the necessity of a spirit of
cooperation being an essential part in the success of our selection.
That, along with Rabbi Simon possessing most if not all of the qualities we were directed by our focus group participants to look for in our next rabbi,
led us to make the selection that I ultimately presented to both our Executive and General Boards.
As Nancy’s recent announcement indicated, both levels of our board of directors have approved our committee’s recommendation, Final approval
for offering Rabbi Simon the position, however, will rest with you, our congregants. The last step in the process will be for us to request your vote to
proceed with hiring Rabbi Simon at a special congregational meeting scheduled to be held on Tuesday, February 17th.
I hope to see all of you at the special meeting at 7:00pm on February 17th, at which time, you’ll have the chance to hear from Rabbi Simon as well
as speak with both him and Jacent. Please mark this date on your calendars and plan to attend this important event.
B’Shalom,
Ken Bieber, Search Committee Chair
Help Shir Ami by helping yourself!
By switching your business and/or personal accounts to Customers Bank, not only are you benefiting
yourself by gaining all the customer service of a small bank with the capabilities of a big one, but you are
helping to raise funds for Shir Ami!
Through our Community Support program, we will donate money to Shir Ami every year based upon the
total amount of deposits its members hold with Customers Bank*. The more we have in total deposits, the
more money we will give back! This is at no cost to you or Shir Ami and there is no limit to the amount of
money the synagogue can earn!
* Total amount refers to deposits in Checking Accounts and DDAs (Demand Deposit Accounts) . Additional restrictions may apply.
Call Kevin or stop by the branch today to discuss how you can switch and make a difference!
Kevin Beauparlant
2 Summit Square Center
Route 413 and Doublewoods Road
Langhorne, PA 19047 | (267) 352-3012
[email protected]
customersbank.com
14
SHAFTY YOUTH GROUPS
Ferne Levy, Youth Director 215.968.3400 Ext.226
ConneCt with Us
An excellent DJ, latkas with chicken nuggets, jelly donuts for
dessert as well as dressing up and posing in front of a green
screen made our celebration of the 1st night of Hanukkah with our
80 friends really awesome! In addition, everyone brought a holiday
gift for Bucks County Social Services so that other kids who are
less fortunate would have a gift to open on the holidays.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sr. Shafty NFTY Convention February 13-17
Jr. Shafty Fancy dinner out on the town,
February 21
Bonim & Chalutzim Snow tubing, February 8
Registration Day for the next round of Birthright Israel
with URJ Kesher is February 3, 2015. Like Camp
Harlam, URJ Kesher trips are part of URJ’s youth
programs. As the only Birthright Israel trip affiliated
with Reform Judaism, URJ Kesher trips embody the
values important to you -- inclusive, open-minded,
inspirational and fun. Remind your kids to travel to
Israel this summer with URJ Kesher.
We’ve already announced 30 projected summer trip
dates. Sign your children up for registration alerts.
[NEW for 2015] Camp Harlam alumni and staff are
invited to join a special Camp Harlam reunion bus
May 17-28, 2015. In addition, URJ Kesher is offering
specialty trips for LGBTQ & allies, and anyone
interested in environmental issues.
Questions? Call 202-370-4026 or send an email.
We love our trips, and we hope to share them with
your children.
15
EDUCATION: Life Long Learning 5775
Fall 2014 - Spring 2015
For more information about any of our Life Long Learning courses, please stop into the synagogue or check our website for a brochure.
ESSENTIALS OF LIFE: What Judaism Has
Rest
to Say About Food, Sex, Rest and Commerce
Instructor: Rabbi Paula Goldberg
Dates: March 5, 12, 19, 26
Time: 7:30 - 9:00pm
What could be more essential in life than the opportunity to slow down,
take a break, and get some rest? Judaism has a mandated “day of
rest” -- Shabbat, but there is much more that our tradition has to say
about this concept.
Come and be part of this exciting learning opportunity based
around the essentials of life from a Jewish perspective. Join us
for an exciting year exploring classic and contemporary Jewish
sources on the most essential aspects of our lives.
Commerce
Instructor: Rabbi Howard Kosovske
Dates: April 23, 30, and May 7, 14 Time: 7:30 - 9:00pm
Is there a Jewish way to conduct ourselves when we are doing
business? Are there Jewish ways to treat our employees? Does
Judaism give rights to employers? In this segment, we will explore
how we take our Judaism out into secular society.
Other opportunities to study with us include:
LUNCH AND LEARN
Third Thursday of the Month
11:45 - 1pm
Feb 19
Mar 19
Apr 16
May 21
Topics to be Announced
Rabbi P. Goldberg
Rabbi E. Goldberg
Rabbi Kosovske
Bea Streitfeld
(lay led)
Beginning hebrew
ADULT CONFIRMATION
Instructor: Rabbi Paula Goldberg
Instructor: Shir Ami Rabbis
Jan 4, 11, 18, 25 and Feb 8, 15, 22
Time: 9:15 - 10:45am
Starting Date: February 26, 2015
Thursdays 5:45 - 7:15pm; $118.00
Open to Shir Ami members only
TEA, TORAH & TALK
Course REGISTRATION FORM
Led by Rabbi Howard Kosovske Selected Sundays 9:15 - 10:45am
A lively Sunday morning discussion series of some important
issues and interesting topics.
Registration is required so that adequate space and material can be
prepared. Courses are free for Shir Ami members, $36 each for nonmemebers.
Adult confirmation program is $118 for members.
February 22
___ Adult Confirmation
An Introduction to the Talmud Part 2, including the “Definitive Answer to
the Purim Question: To Drink or Not to Drink?”
___ Beginning Hebrew
___ Tea, Torah and Talk
March 22
The Real Hidden Messages of Pesach and the Spooky Stories we Pass
Over in Sunday School!
ESSENTIALS OF LIFE
April 26
___ SESSION 3 What Judaism Has to Say about REST
Drawing Circles in the Sand: Lessons Gleaned from a Curious
Character Named Honi.
16
___ SESSION 4 What Judaism Has to Say about COMMERCE
GEVER MUSIC SHABBAT - March 20, 2015
SHIR AMI WELCOMES ROSS M. LEVY
This year’s Anna Gever Music Shabbat promises to be an inspiring and engaging
musical and spiritual experience for all ages. Our guest artist this year is Ross
M. Levy, who, along with his band, will lead us through a “Shabbat For The
Soul.”
Ross M. Levy has been a singer and songwriter of both Jewish and secular
content since his early teen years. Ross holds a degree in Judaic Studies from the University of Hartford. He worked as an educator
at Temple Beth Israel in West Hartford, where he fell in love with teaching. He believes it is his job to give his students a variety of
experiences, and works to make religious school fun, exciting, and most of all, relevant. In the Philadelphia area he has worked as
the Director of Student Life of the Jewish Community High School of Gratz College.
He took his passion in this work and began to create his own style of contemporary Jewish music. His compositions are a fusion of
rock, folk and jazz and are enjoyed by people of every age and level of Jewish knowledge or observance. He has recorded two studio
albums: “What Goes Up,” and “Where the Future Lies.” He has also been featured on four of the URJ Ruach Series compilation
CD’s of new music, and he has performed at a number of national conferences for the URJ and NFTY, as well as for synagogues and
organizations across the country. He was the winner of the Jewish American Idol competition at the CAJE conference in Burlington,
Vermont. He is also a featured artist on Jewish Rock Radio and continues to work on composing new Jewish music all the time
while working at Main Line Reform Temple in Wynnewood, PA.
Shabbat For The Soul was created as a forum for exploring the spiritual potential of Shabbat worship through music, images, stories,
and words. Ross Levy and his band, the Levites, are bringing the Reform Jewish liturgy into the 21st century with their music. They
take familiar melodies of the Reform movement and put them on top of an irresistible groove. They also compose completely new
melodies and employ chordal structures from other musical idioms for some of the prayers, resulting in original arrangements that
bring a new feeling to what is familiar. These elements combine to bring us an energy that is spiritual, joyful and yes, danceable too!
We want you to experience Ross M. Levy’s Shabbat For The Soul with us.
Please join us for this year’s Anna Gever Music Shabbat on
Friday, March 20, 2015 at 7:30pm
17
RITUAL COMMITTEE UPDATE: What is Chevrat Torah?
Did you ever wonder what our Shabbat Chevrat Torah service was all about? Did you ever consider attending but decided not to go because
you were not sure what to expect, or what was expected of you?
Basically, Chevrat Torah is an informal Shabbat morning service that in-cludes song and study. A place where we gather on Saturdays
from 10:00 am to noon in the Family Life Center for bagels, schmoozing, prayer and Torah study. We start out with a little nosh and
go through the Shabbat morning service that includes a very informal discussion of the weekly Torah portion that we read that day.
Many times our discussion takes us to current events and how that Torah portion relates to those events.
As a regular attendee for many years, I can tell you that Chevrat Torah is much more than that to me, and I would like to share
my perspective with you. It is a place where I get to regularly see a small cadre of my Shir Ami friends, in a very warm and caring
atmosphere. A place where I can engage in Torah study if I choose to, or sit back, listen and learn from others in the group. Attending
Chev-rat Torah has allowed me in great measure to become very familiar with the ser-vice, the individual prayers, the wonderful music,
our rabbis and teachers and especially the Torah. Being there has taken the mystery of those things away and my uncertainty away. I
have found that taking part in this Shabbat experi-ence gives me the opportunity to participate with my congregation in a most meaningful
way and one that I have come to enjoy and look forward to with great anticipation.
I encourage you to come see what this is all about and decide for yourself. I look forward to welcoming you there with a very
hearty Shabbat Shalom.
-- Alan Sheinberg
A Bissel Yiddish!
Want to learn Yiddish? Join a
friendly group who share stories.
YIDDISH WORD OF
THE MONTH
The Yiddush Culture Club meets
at 10: 00 am before every Lunch
n Learn in the Library. We share
stories about family and friends
coming to America, and being
part of our Jewish Heritage. Stop by and join us!
18
Balabusta
– the wife of an important person
or a bossy woman.
Groups & Auxilliaries
WOMEN OF SHIR AMI
Kathy Boockvar
Book Review and Buffet Dinner
Topic: The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
WHEN: March 25th, 7:00pm, Atrium
COST: WOSA Members $25
(Non-members $30)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR, SUE MONK KIDD
From the celebrated author of The Secret Life of Bees, we are presenting
this magnificent novel about two unforgettable American women.
The Invention of Wings is a triumph of storytelling that looks with unswerving
eyes at a devastating wound in American history through women whose
struggles for liberation, empowerment, and the desire to have a voice in the
world. It will leave no reader unmoved.
ABOUT OUR BOOK REVIEWER, KATHY BOOCKVAR
Kathy Boockvar is the Executive Director of The Birth Center and on the
Board of Directors of A Woman’s Place. Her bio includes: previously
Chief Counsel and Deputy for Strategic Initiatives to the Pennsylvania Auditor
General, owner and manager of a public interest law firm in Bucks County,
and voting rights attorney.
Questions? Contact Diane Dienstman at [email protected]
Please send your check payable to WOSA by March 13 to :
Diane Dienstman | 2 Tulip Drive | Newtown, PA 18940
19
(Please include names of each attendee on your check).
Lunch
and Learn
THURSDAY
FEB. 19th
Lunch 11:45 AM
Discussion 12:15 PM
Two Opinions
Jews,
Two Jews, Three
Three
Opinions
presented
by Rabbi Paula Goldberg
presented by Rabbi Paula Goldberg
Some say Jews love to argue, to disagree, to debate. Everyone
has heard “two Jews,
three
” What
does that
really mean?
Some
sayopinions.
Jews love
to argue,
to disagree,
to
Do we really lovedebate.
argument?
With
whom
and
about
what
do
we
Everyone has heard “two Jews, three
debate? Does argument
wedoes
are angry?
Can
we argue
with
opinions.”mean
What
that really
mean?
Do we
God? Does disagreement
to lack With
of faith
or increased
really love lead
argument?
whom
and about faith?
what
Where does this characterization
do we debate? come
Does from?
argument mean we are
angry? Can we argue with God? Does disagreement lead to lack of faith or increased faith? Where does this
If it is true that we never tire of arguing, what does that say about
characterization come from?
us? About our ability to form cohesive communities? to come
consensus
about
anything?
join the
discussion,
If it is true that we never tire of arguing,towhat
does that
say about
us? come
About and
our ability
to form
cohesive
sharpen
your come
questions,
discover
new ones,
and please
-- bring
communities? to come to consensus about
anything?
and join
the discussion,
sharpen
your questions,
youropinion!
opinion!
discover new ones, and please -- bring your
Lunch & Learn programs are offered on the third Thursday of each month. Each program is a self-contained course of study from 12:15 to 1:30pm.
A cold buffet lunch is available, star ting at 11:45am. Pre-registration is not required. Shir Ami members are asked to contribute $7.00 and non-members
to contribute $12.00 to defray the cost of food and drink. For info, please contact Harriet Paley at 215-962-4619 or [email protected].
The Yiddish Culture Club
meets at 10:00am
before every Lunch & Learn.
Stop by and join us!
20
You want the best for your family!
Whether you’re choosing ingredients
for the family dinner, a college for
your daughter, or living arrangements
for your senior parent – quality is
important.
We invite you to stop by and see for
yourself the kind of lifestyle we can
provide for your parent.
The Birches features 24-hour personal care services and includes
the Daybreak Memory Care neighborhood for those with Alzheimer’s
disease or dementia.
The Birches at Newtown’s month-to-month lease includes everything
needed, and... there is no buy-in. Apartments start at $3495/month
and includes medication management!
Call 215-497-7400 to arrange a visit to our community.
Visit our website:
w w w.th e birchesa t n ewtown .com
21
70 Durham Road
Newtown, PA 18940
215-497-7400
YAHRZEITS
TO BE READ FEB 6
Feb 7
Rae Friedman
Harry Muffs
Feb 8
Ethel Kaneff
Feb 9
Vera Barsky
Robert Berlin
Bettie Cohen
Anna S. Kreiner
Lynnore Love
Belle Straver
Feb 10
Rose Birnbaum
Beatrice Glazer
Sidney Graboyes
Maurice Gutradt
Samuel Mandel
June Ornsteen
Josef Salzmann
Esther Strom
Rose Waltzer
Feb 11
Sarah Barag
Samuel Birnbaum
Barbara Gates
Saul Gilman
Shirley Langloss
Maurice Moskowitz
Feb 12
David Bloom
Joseph Charles
On the anniversaries of remembering, a Jew remembers not only by feeling, but by doing. Kindling a yahrzeit
candle the evening before is one thing we do; the Kaddish spoken at a gathering of our people is another. All names
will be read on the Friday evening before the yahrzeit. You are encouraged to honor your loved one with a living
memorial - a contribution to one of our special Temple funds.
Feb 13
Hyman Dimenstein
Evelyn Greenfield
Norman Weinstein
TO BE READ FEB 13
Feb 14
Lotte Dinkelspiel
Ruth Gold
Albert Greenland
Kenneth Rice
Alvin Rubenstein
Sarah Seltzer
Morris Shapiro
Esther Snyderman
Feb 15
Herman Gomberg
Evelyn Joseph
Meyer Newman
Miriam Rubin
Mark Evan Schlesinger
William Solodar
Feb 16
Regina Berger
Morton Buster
Laura Kornberg
Isaac Mahtat
Pola Tuck
Feb 17
Alexander Greenlick
Etta Newman
Samuel K. Zackon
Feb 18
Aaron Jaffee
Alexander Levine
Arthur Linderman
Zachary Rizzo
Theodora (Toby) Rosofsky
Anna Stutman
Eve Tragerman
Vivian Wisler
Anna Loev
Jack Shusterman
Barry Snyder
Ruth Yeslow
Anna Dickstein
Sherwin Shepard Henenfeld
Karen Ring
Anna Stolinsky
Feb 19
Nathan Baronstein
David Bieber
Neal Blatt
Abraham Goldfinger
Charlotte Wolbransky
Feb 24
Edna Galperin
Harriette Gerber
Miriam Goldberg
David Kramer
Morris Miller
Jean Wolf
Mar 2
Ann Drucker
Rose Solomon
Herman Weintraub
Feb 25
Max Charles
Candi Cutler
Harold Linderman
Celia Milgram
Mar 4
Pearl Bernstein
Henry Krauss
Sophie Leff
Estelle Novack
Harold Perkel
Anne Spero
Etta Weissman
Feb 20
Sandra Cohen
Harvey Levine
Mark Robbins
Simon Shmuckler
Rachel Simcovitch
TO BE READ FEB 20
Feb 21
Irwin Bleeden
Harriet Morgenstein
Benjamin Norkin
Helen Shore
Feb 22
Amy Cohen
Leonard Gilpin
Steven Halsband
Robert Hudis
Stephen Joseph
Pauline Landsman
Mary Lomas
Abraham Siegel
Feb 23
Fannie Clyman
Eztra Golub
Kay Goren
Feb 26
Ida Dietz
Ilene Haimovitz
Fay Hetelson
Lillian Schneider
Feb 27
Robert Albert
Claire Bush
George Eisenthal
Solomon Frantz
Rose Kushner
Samuel Rosenthal
Sarah Vineberg
Mar 3
Seamon Friedner
Mar 5
Elsie Borochaner
Sylvia Esacoff
Michael Kohen
Meyer Roth
Mar 6
Rose Berkes
Albert Bloom
John Dinkelspiel
Barbara Ehrlich
Norman Frantz
TO BE READ FEB 27
Feb 28
Ralph Buchman
Raymond Shipley
Mar 1
George Berkes
YAHRZEIT LIGHT CEREMONIAL
The family gathers at dusk, before the evening meal, on the eve of the anniversary of the death of the departed. The head of the family speaks: At this moment which
bears the memory of our beloved (name), let us join hands in a token of God’s grace. A link has been broken in the chain of affection which has long bound us
together, yet the blessed bonds of home and love remain. With prayerful heart, we receive this divine gift of life which holds us together in family unison.
Eternal God, we thank You that, in this time of sadness and loss, You have helped to keep us strong. Though the pain of our loss is still present for us, we know that
love will always be stronger than death. And so, to You, we lift our hearts, because we know that our loved one continues to be a living presence in our lives. We
acknowledge your mercy, O God, who strengthens us with faith and peace. As our loved one lives for us in these words and memories, we kindle this yahrzeit light
and sanctify it in the remembrance of the Divine Word: The spirit of humanity is the light of the Lord. (Kindle the Memorial Light.) ZECHER TZADIK LIV-RACHA. May
the memory of the righteous be an eternal blessing.
DONATIONS
FUND
WE GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE THE FOLLOWING CONTRIBUTIONS TO SHIR AMI FUNDS
DONOR
RECIPIENT
HONORING / NAME
Anna Gever Music Fund
Jay & Andrea Miller
Anna Gever Music Fund
Ivy Pearlstein
Bobbi Slutzky ELC Scholar. Fund
Michael & Adina Pliskin
Earl Rachvarg
Bobbi Slutzky ELC Scholar. Fund
Jody & Stewart Levy & Family
Susan & Richard Abramson
Gold Card Fund
Rosalyn O’Hara
Gold Card Fund
Jody & Stewart Levy & Family
Jeff Solar & Famly
Allan & Tina Dabrow
Israel/Camp Scholarship Fund
Library FundAndrea Finkelstein Losben
Library Fund
Andrea Finkelstein Losben
Library Fund
Andee & Steve Losben & Family
Bob & Donna DeSantis
Mark Gohen
Men’s Club Youth Scholar Fund
Prayer Book
Linda Rubin
Rabbi Kosovske’s Disc. FundGerald Thomas
Rabbi Kosovske’s Disc. FundGerald Thomas
Rabbi Kosovske’s Disc. Fund
Becky Markowitz
Sara Lewin Zwick
Rabbi Kosovske’s Disc. Fund
Rabbi Kosovske’s Disc. Fund
Women of Shir Ami
Rabbi Kosovske’s Disc. Fund
Rochelle Gould & Family
Rabbi P. Goldberg Disc. Fund
Linda S. Fisher & Sarah Kaplan
Rabbi P. Goldberg Disc. Fund
Randi & John Lawrie
Rabbi P. Goldberg Disc. Fund
Sheldon & Marilyn Halpern
Rabbi P. Goldberg Disc. Fund
Faith Bowers
Rabbi P. Goldberg Disc. Fund
Ellen Barish
Rabbi P. Goldberg Disc. Fund
Randi & John Lawrie
Rabbi P. Goldberg Disc. Fund
Marilyn Eisenthal
Rabbi P. Goldberg Disc. Fund
Susan Luttrell
Rabbi P. Goldberg Disc. Fund
Norman Shachat
Rabbi P. Goldberg Disc. Fund
Jack & Shirley Orber
Rabbi P. Goldberg Disc. Fund
Linda S. Fisher
Rabbi P. Goldberg Disc. Fund
Arthur Kaneff
Ivy Pearlstein
Rabbi P. Goldberg Disc. Fund
Rabbi P. Goldberg Disc. Fund
Donna DeSantis
Rabbi P. Goldberg Disc. Fund
Amy Goldstein
Rabbi P. Goldberg Disc. Fund
Jean Simmons
Lois Edelson
Rabbi Strom’s Disc. Fund
Rabbi Strom’s Disc. Fund
Jay Silverzweig
Sharing is Caring Fund
Karin & Dan Surkin
Sylvia Lefcourt
Sharing is Caring Fund
Phyllis Kamens
IMO Evelyn Miller
IMO Elizabeth Schwartz
IMO Mother, Bea
IHO Carly’s engagement
IMO Joan Altman
IMO your father
IMO Lewis Dabrow
IMO Marty Finkelstein
IMO Jacob Finkelstein
IHO Ben’s Engagement
IMO Carol Gohen
IMO Robert Palm
IMO Diana Thomas
IMO Murray Thomas
As an act of tzedakah
IMO Jacob Zwick & gratitude to our Rabbi
As an act of tzedakah
IMO Sheldon Gould & gratitude to our Rabbi
IMO Daniel Kaplan
IMO Albert Greenland
IHO Chevrat Torah
IHO Chevrat Torah
IHO Chevrat Torah
IHO Chevrat Torah
IHO Chevrat Torah
IHO Chevrat Torah
IHO Chevrat Torah
IHO Chevrat Torah
IHO Chevrat Torah
IHO Chevrat Torah
IHO Chevrat Torah
IHO Chevrat Torah
IHO Chevrat Torah
IHO Chevrat Torah
IMO Albert Cohen
IMO Esther Silverzweig
IMO Harold Lefcourt
IMO Pinkus Levinsky
INFORMATION ABOUT OUR VARIOUS FUNDS
Memorials and Contributions - Remember your friends’ and family’s important moments by sending an appropriate card. Call the Synagogue
office at 215-968-3400. Honor or Memory Cards may be purchased in the office for $25 per package of five that you send yourself (may
not be charged). Checks should be made out directly to Rabbi Kosovske’s, Rabbi Strom’s, Cantor Elson’s, Rabbi Eric Goldberg and Rabbi
Paula Goldberg’s discretionary funds if making a donation to any of them. Checks should be made payable to Shir Ami for the following funds:
Prayerbooks - $36; Torah Commentaries - $54. CALL FOR A FULL LIST OF FUNDS.
The following FundS ARE AVAILABLE: suggested DONATION: $18 or $36 ($10 minimum please)
Gold Card (General Fund)
Library
Israel/Camp Scholarship
Men’s Club Youth Scholarship
Bob McGarry Adult Education
Sharing is Caring
Israel Tiyul
Bruce Birnbaum Tikkun Olam
Kaytes Family Gratz Scholarship
Stan Averbach Biblical Garden
Anna Gever Music
Temple Shalom Sisterhood Children’s Fund
S.I.M.C.H.A. Special Needs Programming
23
Beverly Spiegler Special Ed Library Collection
Kay Swerdlow Building Endowment
Senior Endowment
Slomovitz Scholar-in-Residence
Bobbi Slutzky Early Learning Center Scholarship
Claire and Jerry Miller Capital Fund
LADIES NIGHT OUT
Hosted by Shir Ami, 101 Richboro Road, Newtown, PA
Thursday, March 19, 2015 • 7 to 10 pm
Grab your friends & shop more than
40 vendors
all under one roof!!
Complimentary desserts & coffee
Wine available for purchase
Enter our Raffle to win fabulous prizes
*Non-members welcome
All proceeds benefit Shir Ami Early Learning Center
24
Support our Advertisers
Synagogue Member
Synagogue Member
Synagogue Member
13-603
Bucks County
Synagogue Member
215-860-0775
215-860-7754 fax
Pest Solutions
Bugs are smart... We’re Smarter!™
www.cooperpest.com
(800) 949-2667
Raghan Abouasaleh, MD
Matthew Brace, MD
Charles Dougherty, MD
Harvey E. Goldberg, MD
John T. Howell III, MD
Alan M. Kravatz, MD
Andrew Sullivan, MD
Ai En Thlick, MD
Lance B. Wilson, MD
Patricia Stein, PA-C
Penn Medicine Bucks County is a multispecialty outpatient
medical facility in Yardley, Pennsylvania.
Located at 777 Township Line Road, Penn Medicine Bucks
County offers expert primary care and specialty health care,
plus a full range of services. Families can see their primary
care physician, consult with a specialist, get lab work and
radiology services all in one place.
GET THE WORD OUT.
ADVERTISE IN THE SHIRON.
Call 215-968-3400 for rates and info.
25
Advertiser Support
26
Support our Advertisers
t
Thank you Ellen and the Shir Ami Committee
for refurbishing Shir Ami’s interiors!
Your Choice! 2, 4, 6 & 8 Week Sessions
t
u SWIMMING u TENNIS u ARTS & CRAFTS u GAGA u BASEBALL
u JEWELCRAFT u NATURE u BASKETBALL u WOODWORKING u BOATING
u ROPES COURSE u ROBOTICS u THEATER u DANCE u & MORE!
Interior Design
Commercial & Residential
Home Staging
The DIAMOND RIDGE Difference…
Dare to Compare!
t Innovative Elective Program with more than
40 Activities
t American Red Cross Instructional Swim Program
t Guaranteed Door-to-door Transportation in
buses & vans
t Catered Lunches with AM/PM snacks
www.interiorpossibilities.com
t Air-conditioned Arts Center & Studios
Steven Bernstein, Camp Director
Howard & Dale Batterman,
Owners/Directors
d
o
o
w
k
Roc tures
Adven
TEEN
TRAVEL
n
n
215-343-8840
t
Jamison, Bucks County
t
CALL
TODAY
for a
PERSONAL
TOUR
www.diamondridgecamps.com
For teens
entering 6th
through 9th grades
1 to 8 Week Options
See our latest
Travel Schedule
on our website.
n Fantastic
overnight trips,
Monday through Friday
610.275.2267
CALL
TODAY
for a Home
Visit!
Home of SESAME/ROCKWOOD CAMPS
Blue Bell, PA 19422 • www.srdaycamps.com
Howard & Dale Batterman, Owners/Directors
Imagine
your ad here.
Suzanne Phillips, D.P.M.
ADVERTISE IN THE SHIRON.
1073 Second Street Pike
Richboro, PA 18954
Call 215-968-3400 for rates and info.
Accepting all insurance plans
www.BucksCountyPodiatry.com
27
267-288-5103
Officers and Directors | 2014-2015
EXECUTIVE BOARD
CLERGY AND ADMINISTRATION
PresidentNancy Siderits
Exec. Vice President
Joshua McCoy
TreasurerSharon Benoff
Vice President
Stephanie Kravatz
Vice President
Leslie Leibowitz
Vice President
Alan Rosenberg
Vice President
Brian Shipley
SecretaryLorrie Riggs
Immediate Past President
Mo Perera
Legal Counsel
Paul Cohen
Financial Counsel
Nathan Snyder
Rabbi Howard Kosovske
Rabbi Emeritus
Elliot M. Strom
Cantor Mark Elson
Rabbinic Scholar
Rabbi Paula Goldberg
Religious School Director
Rabbi Eric Goldberg
Director of Operations
Farrell Borine
E.L.C. Director
Shari Beck-Nahman
Youth Director
Ferne Levy
DIRECTORS
S.I.M.C.H.A.
Debby & Mark Berlin
FundraisingMindy Chesner
Pre-SchoolLauren Cohen
RitualDonna DeSantis
ContinuityJoan Dossick
Israel Advocacy
Bob Dunn
MembershipJeff Eder
FundraisingMelody Hassid
Religious School
Beth Karle
Marketing/Publicity
Risa Kane
Pre-School Stu Kavitsky
Youth Group Liaison Nancy Levitt
URJ Representative Andee Losben
MembershipRandi Preissman
CommunicationsCarl Rigefsky
College Connection
Barbara Roth
Marketing/Publicity
David Sandman
Building and Grounds
Larry Schorr
Life Long Learning
Ellie Short
BudgetWendy Siegel
ContinuityDan Surkin
AUXILIARY PRESIDENTS
Men’s Club
Jay Miller
Women of Shir Ami
Penni Sander
Forever Young
Ann Pollock
SHAFTYEmma Leibowitz
PAST PRESIDENTS
Ronald Abraham
Harvey Abramson
Irving Altman TS (z’l)
Ken Bieber
Fred Bock
Danny Brown
Filbert Cherry (z’l)
Phyllis Doroshow
Ruth Fives
Harvey Goldberg
Sheldon Gould TS (z’l)
Janis Jacobs
Bob Kasman (z’l)
Robert Katzenstein
Arthur Krauss
Harold Lefcourt TS (z’l)
Larry Lefkowitz TS
Norman Leibowitz TS
Becky Markowitz
Andrea Miller TS
Jerome Miller TS
Mo Perera
Stephen Rodos
Alan Rosenberg TS
Alan Sheinberg
Teri Siegel
Ronald Smolow
Nathan Snyder TS
Leonard Sokolove TS (z’l)
Dena Stein TS
Debbie Stevens
* (z’l) zichrono livracha “of blessed memory”
Contact Us
Clergy
Rabbi Howard Kosovske – [email protected]
Rabbi Elliot M. Strom – [email protected]
Cantor Mark Elson – [email protected]
Office Staff
Julie Hershgordon - [email protected]
Noelle May - [email protected]
Rabbinic Scholar
Rabbi Paula Goldberg – [email protected]
SHAFTY
Ferne Levy – [email protected]
President
Nancy Siderits - [email protected]
E.L.C. Director
Shari Beck-Nahman - [email protected]
Director of Operations
Farrell Borine - [email protected]
E.L.C. Staff
Judy Friedman – [email protected]
Director of Religious School
Rabbi Eric Goldberg – [email protected]
For general Info:
[email protected]
NFTY website
NFTY.org/par
Women of Reform Judaism
www.wrj.org
Union of Reform Judaism
www.URJ.org
28