1. religion and spirituality
2. judaism

APRIL 2015
Nissan/Iyar, 5775
Shir Ami is a Reform Congregation, proudly affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism
From Our Rabbi’s Study
Rabbi Howard Kosovske
PESACH: YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT
Involve yourself in the reading of the entire haggadah on Pesach,
and you will find yourself enmeshed in a drama carrying your
ancestors from degradation to liberation. The seder: it’s a storytelling cum gastric ingestions of our People’s move from servitude
to freedom. But it goes beyond that. It bespeaks a further hope, a
hope that our emancipation will universalize into the liberation of all
humankind (No wonder the seder is such a happening!)
But about the seder itself, one thing seems to run counter to
what the order of it ought to be (and the very word, seder, means
“order” in Hebrew). Here’s the way it goes: first we eat matzah
and experience the freedom it represents, and then eat a chunk of
maror and experience the bitterness of enslavement. So why the
backtracking?
Before I give you my take on this, pause with me and consider the
whole phenomenon of the matzah we eat at the seder. Volumes
have been written about it, but I’ll spare you most of the technical
details. Beyond the process of how that matzah (hand-made or
machine-made) gets to your table, beyond how it is made and
why it is made in the way that it is, one thing is clear: eating that
obligatory piece of matzah at the seder is not something to take
lightly. First, there is the minimum size it is supposed to be (The
size is called a k’zayit in Hebrew, meaning an olive’s-worth, but
that’s technical; I’ve seen that size defined either as a piece ½ or the
size of a standard piece of machinemade matzah). And there is also
the amount of time in which you
are supposed to eat it (The time is
within two minutes, though some
allow three or four). From both standpoints, eating that obligatory
piece of matzah is not supposed to be a quick nibble. It’s about
fully contemplating and experiencing through eating matzah what
freedom tastes like. (Do that at your seder, by the way, and you will
find yourself in the middle of a powerful religious experience!)
So why then, just when we get to the high-point of the drama, do
we go backwards? The Torah on a number of occasions, literally
beginning right after the Great Liberation and continuing through the
long trek across the wilderness, berates our ancestors for wanting
to go back to Egypt and certain enslavement. So why do we,
symbolically after the liberation we have experienced through eating
freedom-bread, now go back by eating maror into the very place the
Torah has told us never to go?
The answer (and this is one to teach our kids): we are not returning
to the bitterness of slavery by eating maror. Rather, we are telling
ourselves that we are never going to forget where we have come
from.
continued inside, page 4
Shabbat Services & Board
of Directors Installation – May 1
A LOOK
AHEAD Community Shabbat Dinner – May 8
Confirmation Service – May 24
Main: 215.968.3400 Religious School: 215.968.3254 E.L.C.: 215.968.6255
3JDICPSP3PBEt/FXUPXO1"tXXXTIJSBNJOPXPSH
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2
CALENDAR: Upcoming Services & Events
APRIL
For a full calendar listing of all Shir Ami events, www.shiraminow.org
SERVICE / EVENT
DATE
TIME / PLACE
Installation of 2015-2016 Board of Directors - Special Shabbat Service
Please join us for services on Friday, May 1, 2015 at 7:30pm
as we honor and thank the 2014-15 board of directors and install the 2015-16 board
(and our Choir Sings!)
To sponsor the Oneg in honor of outgoing president Nancy Siderits and the 2014-2015 board,
incoming President Joshua McCoy and the Incoming 2015-2016 board:
ONEG SPONSOR NAME _______________________________________________________________________
EMAIL__________________________________________________ PHONE ______________________________
$36/Sponsorship ______________
[ Please make your check payable to Shir Ami and return with this form byApril 27, 2015 ]
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.
WELCOME OUR NEWEST MEMBERS
Stewart and Donna Krevolin
(COVER STORY - continued)
Todah Rabbah
Refuah Shleimah
Andrea Tankin
Donna Goodman
Jay Miller
Gary Prell
Ed Shapiro
Andrew Lasner
Norton Borochaner
Rochelle Einheber
Andee Losben
Jay Miller
Gerry Thomas
Condolences
PESACH: YOU ARE
WHAT YOU EAT
Women of Shir Ami for putting on a
spectacular Purim Carnival
To Alan Rosenberg, Emily Elkin, David
Elkin & the entire cast for an incredible
Disco Purimspiel!
To Ivy Pearlstein, Eve & Larry
Lefkowitz, Jim Harper & Jackie Biegel
for Disco Hamantashen!
To Emma Leibowitz, Isaac Kravatz
& SHAFTY - for leading our Magical
Shabbat service
Jerry Shotz
father of Audrey Ponzio
To Donna DeSantis and the Ritual
Committee for organizing Middle Eastern
Shabbat dinner
Harriet Judith Marks
mother of Matti Wasserson
To Gail Dickler for helping out in the Shir
Ami office
Henry Bishins father of
Leslie Liebowitz
To Diana Cohen, Lauren Cohen,
Mindy Chesner, Melody Hassid, Ross
Akselrad & Pulse Entertainment for
another successful Ladies Night Out.
Mazel Tov
To Melody and Alan
Rosenberg on the marriage
of their son March 14th
Jonathan Rosenberg and
Rachel Kitzmann
To SIMCHA for hosting a community
special needs seder
One of the things peculiar to Judaism is that it
does not tell us that the way to know how to act
toward others is by “putting yourself into the other
person’s shoes.” Rather it tells us instead that it is
by remembering your own history. In other words,
remember now what slavery felt like, and then act to
free those who are yet enslaved. Remember what
being mistreated felt like, and then insure that no one
else is mistreated.
So now it becomes clear that the seeming
backtracking in the seder isn’t such a strange thing
at all. It’s a suggestion of a powerful imperative:
remember (and in your mind relive) where you have
been, and then go out and make the world a better
place.
I wish you a chag kasher v’sameiach, a religiously
successful and happy Pesach. May the festival bring
you fulfillment. May the festival bring you sweetness
as well.
L’shalom,
To Elaine Shubin who won the 50/50
raffle at Ladies Night Out & donated
her winnings back to ELC
April B’nai Mitzvah
Join your Shir Ami community for services as we call to Torah:
MARISA RENEÉ KALAFER
RACHEL NEMEZ
daughter of Dr. Dinah Gonzalez-Braile
and Dr. Marvin Kalafer
daughter of Miriam and
Dr. Jack Nemez
April 18, 2015 | 29 Nissan 5775
Parshat Shemini
April 18, 2015 | 29 Nissan 5775
Parshat Shemini
4
Congregational 2nd Seder œ APRIL 4, 2015 œ 5:30pm
Join your Shir Ami family
for a beautiful Passover
seder and delicious Kosher
meal served family style.
(Vegetarian meal available by advance request only).
COST PER PERSON: *Members: $30 adults, $15 children (ages 5-12) Non-members: $40 adults, $17 children.
Children age 4 & under are FREE (but you must include them on your form so we can set a seat for them).
*Member: Everyone living in a member’s household, including college age children.
Total $ ____________________
I am pleased to include a donation of $__________ to the 2015 Seder to help those in need.
If you don’t have a place to go for 1st Seder on Friday April 3, 2015, or you have
room at your Seder table for a guest, please contact Farrell at [email protected],
215-968-3400 x104. Together we can perform the mitzvah of observing Passover
by connecting our community at our Seder tables.
5
Early Learning Center
APRIL UPDATE
The groggers are silenced, the hamentashen eaten, and the costumes are put away for next year. That doesn’t
means things have quieted down in the halls of our Early Learning Center. Purim may be over, but Passover is
yet to come!!
How do children learn best? By doing. The experience of actually making real matza, dressing up in costumes and
pretending to be slaves in Egypt by building with blocks, growing our own parsley and making our own charoset for
our seders, sitting through a real seder that is an experiential and sensory experience. These are only some of the
things that our school has exposed your child to. Let’s not forget the games, songs and activities.
IMPORTANT E.L.C. DATES
t4*(/61'03$".1,"5"/46..&3$".1
WITH MANY OPTIONS AVAILABLE
4/1, 4/2, 4/3 – Spring Break
t"/%3&(*45&3'0313&4$)00-
4/20 – Begin hatching baby chicks
DON’T
FORGET
I am extremely proud of our experiential curriculum. We try to reach every
different kind of learner in as many different ways as possible. We care about
each child individually. Not only on Passover, but in everything we teach, we
help children to create meaning by thoughtfully providing meaningful experiences.
Shari Beck-Nahman
4/10 – No School (7th day of Passover)
4/15 – PreK Trip to the Bucks County Museum
4/22 – Israel Day Celebration
4/24 – Cuddle Up Shabbat
4/27 – Earth Day Activities
For more info, contact Shari Beck-Nahman
[email protected]
6
SHAFTY YOUTH GROUPS
Ferne Levy, Youth Director 215.968.3400 Ext.226
ConneCt with Us
We would like to thank our families and Shir Ami members that
attended out beautiful Magical Shabbat Service. Our music was
so pretty and the speeches were very insightful. We are always
grateful to have the opportunity to lead a Friday night service.
A special mazel tov to our SHAFTY members Isaac Kravatz and
Michael Mitgang for winning positions on the NFTY PAR board
for the 2015-2016 year. This marks the 3rd year in a row that
Shafty has regional board members! We are so proud of them.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sr. Shafty:
Spring Kallah.... April 10th-12th
Ultrazone ...April 19th
Sr. SHAFTY elections are coming up on April 16th.
Check your e-mail for details.
Jr. Shafty:
TBD.... April 18th
Bonim:
Rollerskating.....April 19th
Chalutzim:
Dinner & a Drive-in Movie…April 18th
7
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015
Family-friendly Shabbat Services at 6:30pm
DON’T MISS
THIS WONDERFUL
EVENING OF
PRAYER AND
COMMUNITY AT
SHIR AMI
Mexican Buffet Dinner at 7:30pm | Join us for South of the Border dishes like
fish tacos, beans, rice, and more, for a community Shabbat dinner to remember!
Bring your own Margaritas (or other BYO). As always, kids under age 5 eat FREE!
COST: $10.00/per person
(Must be ordered and paid for in advance. RSVP May 1, 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
FOR MORE INFO:
215.968.3400
www.shiraminow.org
8
Groups & Auxiliaries
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING
Mon. April 6 @ 7:30 pm - Penni Sander’s home
GENTLE YOGA
Tue. April 7, 14, 21, & 28 @ 7:30-8:30 p.m - Auditorium
GAME NIGHT
Wed. April 8, 22 @ 7 p.m., Family Life Center
TERRY GUNTHER STUDY GROUP - Last session!
See page 8
for more
details
Sun. April 12 @ 9 a.m., Family Life Center
ROBIN KRAUT BOOK CLUB
Tue. April 14 @ , 9:30 a.m., Family Life Center
COACH BAG BINGO!
Coach Bingo @ 7:00 p.m., Shalom Hall
YOGA SHABBAT
Sat. April 25 @ 10:00 am, Chapel
Become a member of WoSA! Membership forms are
available in the office or contact Cari Sacks-Witten,
soccermom1815@ yahoo.com
GENERAL BOARD MEETING
Wed. April 29 @ 7 p.m., Family Life Center
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:
www.th e b irc hesat newtown.com
9
70 Durham Road
Newtown, PA 18940
215-497-7400
MEN OF
WO
Coach
Bag
Bingo
Bags, Baubles and Bellinis
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Doors open at 7:00pm Bingo begins at 7:30pm
Cost: $25.00 in advance, $30.00 at the door
Checks and tear offs must be received by April 12 for discount
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Questions?
Debbie Weinstein: 908-591-0410 or [email protected]
WoSA’s COACH BAG BINGO at Shir Ami
Name_______________________________________________________________________________
Email_______________________________________________________________________________
Phone Number _________________________________________________ # of Tickets____________
Please make your check payable to WOSA (Send to: Shir Ami, 101 Richboro Road, Newtown, PA 18940)
Prepaid bingo cards will be held at the registration desk in Shalom Hall
10
GENTLE YOGA
Spring Classes
Spring YOGA Classes start in
March for men and women of
ALL levels and abilities.
(Note: Minimum of 8 needed hold a class)
TUESDAY NIGHTS
7:30 - 8:30 pm
MARCH 24
APRIL 7, 14, 21, 28
MAY 5, 12, 19
Shir Ami Auditorium
ONLY $79.00
for members of Women of Shir Ami
and Men’s Club
$85.00
Walk-Ins: $15.00/per
Guests:
ABOUT THE CLASS:
Good for the mind,
body and spirit
Shelley Pulaski-Fisher has been a
yoga instructor for 15 years. Her teaching
style combines attention to detail and
a lot of fun. Shelley modifies the
movements for any special needs you may
have, especially in the areas of arthritic and
skeletal issues. Please bring a yoga mat
and a beach towel or blanket; chairs are
available to help with balance.
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C0A49ACA729A57-gentle3/11463542
11
It’s time for Spring Cleaning
Do a mitzvah and help raise funds
for
at the same time!!
April 12th - 16th anytime
April 17th until Noon
Please drop off your infant thru adult-sized clothing,
coats, bedding, drapes, handbags, linens, stuffed
animals and shoes. Big Brothers Big Sisters will
donate to Shir Ami $0.20 per pound!
Bins are located at the Main Office Entrance
Contact Melody Hassid for more info at [email protected]
Your Donation Makes a Difference! Tax receipts available on website
Thanks for supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters/Clothes for Kids’ Sake
Visit http://www.donatebbbs.com
12
Anne Odland
Lori Rosolowsky
PROGRAM AND BRUNCH
a charming
Shir Ami, Shalom Hall t 10:30 am
and versatile
Sunday, May 3, 2015
vocal trio
$14.00 / Members of Forever Young or
Michele Demsky
Please return this form:
NAME
$18.00 / Non-Members of Forever Young
Whether honoring the Andrews Sisters or Broadway greats, Anne
Odland, Michele Demsky and Lori Rosolowsky are a dynamic vocal
trio sure to charm audiences singing of their life journeys on and
off the stage as performers, teachers, and moms. Anne has toured
internationally, coaching the Keystone State Boychoir; Michele
has toured nationally as Christine in Phantom of the Opera; and
Lori is a favorite of regional venues as a pianist, singer, songwriter
and comedienne. Performing both a cappella and with piano
accompaniment, Three’s a Charm presents innovative arrangements
of I Got Rhythm, When I Fall in Love, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
and other gems, with chutzpah and pizzazz. It’s time to Forget Your
Troubles, Come On Get Happy; this trio delights with one great show!
NUMBER ATTENDING
ADDRESS
PHONE
EMAIL
AMOUNT ENCLOSED $
Don’t miss these 3 wonderful performers!
Reservations are a must:
Send your check payable to: “Forever Young” along with
your form before April 26, 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 [Rosolowsky 5/3/2015]
13
FOREVER YOUNG
FOR THE 2015-2016 SEASON
July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016
Shir Ami Members: $14.00
Delicious Brunches!
Non-Members: $18.00
Wonderful Programs!
Fabulous Trips!
Lasting Friendships!
Forever Young is a Non-Profit Auxiliary
of Shir Ami Synagogue
MEMBERSHIP FORM
Please make your check payable to: “Forever Young” and mail to
Ann Pollock 304 Silver Oak Court Warwick, PA 18974 Email: [email protected]
For more info:215 773 0594
NAME__________________________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS______________________________________________________________________________________
Phone___________________________________________ Date of Birth (month/day)______________________
EMAIL _________________________________________________ AMT Enclosed $_______________________
14
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
15
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.
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
(payable to “Shir Ami”)
Please bill my account
Simcha
$1,800
Kavod
$1,000
Beracha
$ 720
Chai
$ 360
Madrichim
Other:
Name: _____________________________________________________________________
Phone: _____________________________________________________________________
E-Mail ____________________________________________________________________
PLEASE RETURN FORMS TO:
4)*3".*3*$)#03030"%/&8508/1"
16
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
Allen & Anna Schwartz
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
Ann Pollock
Arlene Poppel
Steven and Myrna Pressman
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
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 to Say About Food, Sex, Rest and Commerce
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
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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.
LUNCH AND LEARN
Third Thursday of the Month
11:45 - 1pm
Apr 16 Rabbi Kosovske
May 21 Bea Streitfeld
(lay led)
Topics to be Announced
COURSE REGISTRATION FORM
Other opportunities to study with us
include:
Registration is required so that adequate space and material can
be prepared. Courses are free for Shir Ami members, $36 each
for non-members.
TEA, TORAH & TALK
___ Tea, Torah and Talk
Led by Rabbi Howard Kosovske 4FMFDUFE4VOEBZTBN
ESSENTIALS OF LIFE
A lively Sunday morning discussion series of some important
issues and interesting topics.
___ SESSION 4 What Judaism Has to Say about COMMERCE
April 26
Drawing Circles in the Sand: Lessons Gleaned from a Curious
Character Named Honi.
17
EDUCATION: Life Long Learning 5775
Lunch
and Learn
THURSDAY
FEB. 19th
APR.
16th
Lunch 11:45
11:45 AM
Lunch
AM
Discussion 12:15
12:15 PM
Discussion
PM
Lessons I Taught to 36 Rabbis
Two Jews,
Three
Opinions
While
We Stood
Beside
presented by Rabbi Paula Goldberg
the Auschwitz Crematoria
Presensted by Rabbi Howard Kosovske
Some say Jews love to argue, to disagree, to debate. Everyone
has heard “two Jews, three opinions.” What does that really mean?
Do we really love argument? With whom and about what do we
Rabbimean
Howard
a life-long
debate? Does argument
we areKosovske
angry? Caniswe
argue with
God? Does disagreement lead to lack of faith or increased faith?
student of Holocaust
history. Involved
Where does this characterization
come from?
in some aspect of the Holocaust literally
If it is true that we never tire of arguing, what does that say about
from the time of his
until the
present,
hecommunities?
has some important
us? childhood
About our ability
to form
cohesive
to come
to consensus
join the discussion,
messages for all of us,
especiallyabout
now,anything?
70 yearscome
afterand
Auschwitz’
liberation.
sharpen your questions, discover new ones, and please -- bring
As such,
is a lunch and learn session not to be missed.
your this
opinion!
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!
18
RITUAL COMMITTEE UPDATE: Zachor
Seventy years after the end of World War II and the closing of the
concentration camps, the promise of “Never Again” continues to
remain very fresh in our minds. We are constantly reminded that
our world is actually experiencing a resurgence of anti-semitism.
The events of just these past
few months in Europe make that
abundantly clear. It has become
evident that our responsibility to
remember is even more important
today than we could have imagined.
Zachor means remember. With that
in mind, on April 15 at our Yom
Hashoah service led by Rabbi
Kosovske, we will commemorate
those lost in the Holocaust and listen to a presentation by Holocaust
survivor Dr. Charles L. Rojer.
Dr. Rojer was born in 1934 in Brussels, Belgium. His parents managed
to place him in hiding during World War II to protect him from the
Germans who occupied Belgium after May 1940. He spent almost
three years in various hiding places and survived the war unaware
that his parents and much of his family had been murdered by the
Germans in the Auschwitz gas chambers. His sisters survived, hidden
in a convent and they found each other again, quite by accident, about
a year after the war ended. They lived in separate orphanages until
1948 when they immigrated to the United States.
Dr. Rojer explains, “My story of
surviving the Holocaust by being hidden
in different places in Belgium should
have been less and less significant
as time passed. Instead, it continues
to point up the cruelty of man toward
man, the insidious manner in which a
totalitarian government can gradually
remove all human rights safeguards in
the presence of a silent majority and the amazing courage of those
who resist in spite of the risks involved. Survivors of this period are
quickly dying out, which makes each telling that much more poignant.”
Please join us on April 15 at 7:00 as we gather together once again to
remember all those who perished during the Holocaust.
-- Alan Sheinberg
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 SBJTFGVOET 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 | [email protected]
customersbank.com
19
Join us for this special program
IN HIS OWN WORDS:
WEDNESDAY APRIL 15
My story of surviving the Holocaust by being hidden in different
places in Belgium should have been less and less significant
as time passed. Instead it continues to point up the cruelty of
man toward man, the insidious manner in which a totalitarian
government can gradually remove all human rights safeguards
in the presence of a silent majority and the amazing courage
of those who resist in spite of the risks involved. Survivors of
this period are quickly dying out, which makes each telling that
much more poignant.
Guest speaker Dr. Charles Rojer,
a survivor of the Holocaust as a
“hidden child.” All community
members invited. Sponsored by
the Shir Ami Ritual Committee
Charles L. Rojer, M. D. is a retired Otolaryngologist Head and Neck
surgeon. A survivor of the Holocaust as a Hidden Child, he came to the
USA in June 1948 with his two older sisters. Orphaned by the Nazis,
he lived with an Uncle and his wife and three children in Philadelphia.
He learned English, worked and struggled to pay for his education
through Central High School, Temple University, Hahnemann Medical
College and back to Temple to complete his residency. His first
marriage ended when his wife of 37 years, Goldie, died of leukaemia. A
year and a half later he met and eventually married Marsha Levin, now
Levin-Rojer, a local artist, who convinced him to retire in Princeton.
He has three children from his first marriage and now nine grand
children, his personal victory over Hitler.
Time: 7:00pm
Place: Shir Ami Sanctuary
Service led by Rabbi Kosovske
101 Richboro Road, Newtown, PA
| www.shiraminow.org | 215.968.3400
20
You are invited to a panel discussion
“Once We Were Slaves:
Understanding Modern-day
Sex Trafficking in Our Community”
Wednesday, April 22, 2015 / 3 Iyar 5775
$0>30?Program begins at noon
'9+5*1//70+6;'48+%'57+.&+0)
2100 Arch Street, Philadelphia
Lunch provided; dietary laws observed
2 CLE credits for Pennsylvania attorneys
Cost: $36 ($18 for college students with ID)
Sex trafficking is modern-day slavery involving millions of people worldwide spanning
all socioeconomic backgrounds – 600,000 people in the U.S. alone, 100,000 of whom are children.
The Jewish community and Jewish children are not exempt from these issues. Join with us to learn
more about this problem locally and and what we can do to ensure the safety of our children.
Panel Members
Rabbi Rachel Kobrin, Congregation Adath Jeshurun What does our tradition teach us?
Rachel Yudt, Chair, Montgomery County Anti-Human Trafficking Understanding the scope of trafficking
Jen Spry Personal story
PA State Senator Daylin Leach Legislative perspective
Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vertri Ferman, Esq. Law enforcement perspective
RSVP by April 14th at jewishphilly.org/trafficking
Hosted by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Women of Vision,
Women’s Philanthropy and Jewish Community Relations Council, in conjunction
with the National Council of Jewish Women/Greater Philadelphia Section
JEWISHPHILLY.ORG
In Partnership with
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21
YAHRZEITS
TO BE READ APR 3
Apr 4
Amalia Ben Aharon
Isadore Goldfield
Stanley Millenson
Don Schwartz
Apr 5
Miriam Bard
Essie Cohen
Benjamin Dunn
Edward Ginsburg
Maxine Lorber
Esther Malkin
Celia Meadow
Apr 6
Irwin Bobrin
Goldy Kramer
Ruth Orleans
Irving Rosen
Amy Brooke Wilck
Apr 7
Madge Berman
Lois Bleeden
Erma DeSantis
Michelle Edelman
Samuel Frager
Morris Goldstein
June Stark
Apr 8
Sara Billet
Rose Frager
Faye Taylor
Rose Unger
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.
"QS
Regina Brillilant
Dora Davis
Jade Incelli
Faye Kaye
Robert Kulka
Sidney Miller
Harold Rosenman
Samuel Singer
Myrtle Sobel
Jerry Weintraub
Morris Goldstein
Archie Hillerman
Ethel Knaster
David Spector
Beverly Spiegler
Rebecca Vanderporten
Friedner
marvin Sobel
Morris Tafflin
Apr 14
Ruth Bader Goldman
Morris Vinitzky
Apr 10
Seymour Affrime
Jack Edelson
Alan Fingerman
Alvyn Garten
Ruth Glassman
Apr 15
Carmela Ferla
Floyd Frank
Milton Hochberg
Ida Levine
Wesley Steinman
Apr 21
Rose Levy Friedman
Jack Hecht
Samuel Kupinsky
Minni Levi
Sidney H. Reiss
TO BE READ APR 10
Apr 16
Daniel Byrne
Elaine Fisher
Julia Goldstein
Eunice Polansky
Apr 11
Jacob Baronoff
Louis Clyman
Ethel Edelman
Allen Finell
Adam Matthew Hirsch
Sylvia Jacobs
Anita Streim
Melvyn Sulzburgh
Apr 12
Ethel Neff
Louis L. Reisz
Apr 13
Rose Bahr
Peggy Berman
Barry Bressler
Apr 17
Robert Edelman
Elizabeth (Betty) Goldstein
Faye Katz
shirley Rubenstein
TO BE READ APR 17
Apr 18
Stephen Borowsky
"QS
Seymour Klayton
Bernard Sealtiel
Apr 20
Anna Pollner
Henry Schneider
Betty Wexler
Apr 22
Reba Cohen
Irvina Kandel
Dora Karl
Stephanie Mann
Richard Michel
Sheldon Saffren
Apr 23
Louis Buster
Sidney Frantz
Apr 24
Belle Diamond
Ludwig Hess
Robert Kutner
TO BE READ APR 24
Apr 25
Michael Frank
Nancy Caryl Isaacson
Allan Simon
Apr 26
Henry Braddon
Fred Rausch
Howard Saltzman
Jack Verker
Apr 27
Richard Bernstein
Muriel Hochberg
Bernard Levine
Hyman Robbins
Apr 28
Seymour Davis
Samuel Feinstein
Irene Frame
Ruth Freedman
Ronni Michels
"QS
Alec Berman
Reba Novack
Apr 30
Irving Einbinder
Freda Geller
Frances Smith
May 1
Cora Cohen
Rose Greenfield
Murray Heller
Ella Jay
Bill Rush
Jacob N. Sandman
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.
22
DONATIONS
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 215-9683400. 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.
THE FOLLOWING FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE: SUGGESTED DONATION: $18 OR $36 ($10 minimum please)
___ Gold Card (General Fund) Sustains current programs and projects throughout the synagogue.
___ Anna Gever Music: Interest on your donation supports our annual Gever Music Shabbat with extraordinary guest musical leaders
___ Beverly Spiegler Special Education: supports the purchase of special education materials for our Library
___ Bobbi Slutzky Early Learning Center Scholarship: provides need-based scholarships for preschool tuition
___ Bob McGarry Adult Education: provides books and other materials to support our Lifelong Learning programs
___ Bruce Birnbaum Tikkun Olam: supports community service projects
___ Circle of Giving: supports membership for all regardless of ability to pay
___ Claire & Jerry Miller Capital Fund: for capital improvements to our building and grounds
___ Israel/Camp Scholarship: provides financial assistance for our children and teens to attend URJ-affiliated camps and NFTY programs in Israel
___ Israel Tiyul: defrays the cost of the Israel Trip for our 8th and 9pth grade students so they can embrace the importance of supporting Israel.
___ Kay Swerdlow Building Endowment: the interest is used for structural maintenance to our building and grounds.
___ Kaytes Family Gratz Scholarship: provides need-based scholarships to enable our high school students to attend Gratz JCHS programs
___ Library: purchases books and journals to maintain and enhance our library
___ Men’s Club Youth Scholarship: supports SHAFTY and provides scholarships to High School seniors who apply and meet the criteria of pursuing
Judaism beyond Shir Ami
___ Prayer Book Donation: provides for the purchase and maintenance of prayer books for the synagogue (minimum donation $36)
___ Senior Endowment: supports the maintenance of our building
___ Sharing is Caring: provides emergency funds for individuals with crisis need for housing, food or payment of utilities
___ SIMCHA: supports Judaic programming for individuals with special needs
___ Leo Slomovitz Scholar-in-Residence: supports our annual Scholar in Residence programs and weekends
___ Stan Averbach Biblical Garden: to maintain and enhance our beautiful outdoor Biblical Garden
___ Temple Shalom Sisterhood Children’s Fund: for programs, materials or initiatives for our children that is not included in our budget
___ Torah Commentary Donation: provides for the purchase and maintenance of Torah commentaries for the synagogue (minimum donation $54)
Clergy Discretionary Funds:
______Rabbi Howard A. Kosovske’s Discretionary Fund: a tzedakah fund, administered by our rabbi, whose primary goals are to aid the needy,
care for the infirm, teach the unlearned, and extend a helping hand to those who have lost their way in the world.
______Rabbi Paula Goldberg’s Discretionary Fund: used for emergency assistance to congregants and support for various Shir Ami programs
such as Israel trips, camp scholarships and food for Shabbat and Shavuot study, etc.
______Rabbi Eric Goldberg’s Discretionary Fund: utilized by the Rabbi to assist those in need, for programming not covered by our budget or for
Tikkun Olam. All expenditures are at his discretion.
______Rabbi Emeritus Elliot Strom’s Discretionary Fund: utilized by the Rabbi to assist those in need, for programming not covered by our budget or
for Tikkun Olam. All expenditures are at his discretion.
______Cantor Mark Elson’s Discretionary Fund: used to assist needy individuals, as well as to support community causes or worthy institutions at
the discretion of the Cantor. In addition, the Fund is used for educational and musical activities at Shir Ami.
Permanent honors/memorials: An order form will be mailed to you
______Brick/Paver:FOHSBWFBCSJDLXJUIBQFSNBOFOUIPOPSPSNFNPSJBMJOPVSCFBVUJGVMHBSEFOXBMLXBZo#SJDL1BWFS
______Leaf: add a leaf to our Tree of Life to honor a person/event. Honor a B’nai Mitzvah, Confirmation, Wedding or a special family member. - $200
______Yahrzeit plaque: in our sanctuary or chapel; the perfect way to honor the memory of your loved one. Each year their name will be highlighted
and their memory will be honored during Shabbat services - $400
23
DONATIONS
WE GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE THE FOLLOWING CONTRIBUTIONS TO SHIR AMI FUNDS
FUND
DONOR
RECIPIENT
HONORING / NAME
Anna Gever Music Fund
Marvin & Marlene Laster
Beverly Spiegler Spec. Ed. Fund
Linda Kasman & Family
Allen Schwartz
IMO Minnie Schwartz
Bob McGarry Adult Ed. Fund
Ed & Ellie Short
Allen Schwartz
IMO Minnie Schwartz
Bobbi Slutzky ELC Scholar. Fund
Nancy Siderits
Shara St. Denis
IMO Ruth Salit
Bobbi Slutzky ELC Scholar. Fund
Melissa & Todd Cohen & Family
Dr. & Mrs. Ken Morris
IMO Mother
Bobbi Slutzky ELC Scholar. Fund
Elaine & Barry Wisler
Roberta & Ronnie Muchnick
IHO Bar Mitzvah of grandson, Max
Bobbi Slutzky ELC Scholar. Fund
Adina & Michael Pliskin
Allen Schwartz
IMO Minnie Schwartz
Bobbi Slutzky ELC Scholar. Fund
Dorothy Silverman
IMO Alvin Silverman
Cantor Elson’s Disc. Fund
Norton & Judith Borochaner
In Appreciation
Claire & Jerry Miller Capital Fund
Jerry & Claire Miller
IMO Marci Miller
Gold Card Fund
Shir Ami Board of Directors
Shara St. Denis
IMO Ruth Salit
Gold Card Fund
Shir Ami Board of Directors
Audrey Ponzio
IMO Jerry Shotz
Gold Card Fund
Shir Ami Board of Directors
Matti Wasserson
IMO Harriet Judith Marks
Israel/Camp Scholar. Fund
Teri & Steve Siegel
Allen Schwartz
IMO Minnie Schwartz
Israel Tiyul
Jan & Brad Stoltz
Jamie & Neil Gold
IMO Gertrude Serlen
Israel Tiyul
Becky Markowitz
Library Fund
Andee & Steve Losben
Jay Miller
IHO A Speedy Recovery
Prayer Book
Shir Ami Men’s Club
Jay Miller
IHO A Speedy Recovery
Prayer Book
Anita & Ken Rosenzweig
Steve & Teri Siegel
IMO Celia Siegel
Prayer Book
Susan Strauss Klyman
IMO Beloved father, Fred Strauss
Rabbi Howard Kosovske Disc.
Jeanne Winerip
IMO Carl Winerip & Albert Winerip
Sharing is Caring Fund
Susan & Lou Stern
IMO Beatrice & Morton Wasserman
Sharing is Caring Fund
Kathi & Carl Sherzer
IMO Gustave J. Weiss
Stan Averbach Biblical Garden
Bunny Averbach & Family
IMO Clara Averbach
Stan Averbach Biblical Garden
Joshua McCoy
Todd Devin
IMO Richard Devin
Stan Averbach Biblical Garden
Bonnie Cohen
Teri & Steve Siegel
IMO Celia Siegel
TS Sisterhood Childrens’ Fund
Lois Wilcox
IMO Eva Laster
IMO Meyer Roth
IMO Ruth Yeslow
A BISSEL YIDDISH!
Want to learn Yiddish? Join a friendly group
who share stories. 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!
24
YIDDISH WORD
OF THE MONTH
A Shitk Naches
Meaning: A great joy
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27
Officers and Directors | 2014-2015
CLERGY AND ADMINISTRATION
EXECUTIVE BOARD
President
Exec. Vice President
Treasurer
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Secretary
Immediate Past President
Legal Counsel
Financial Counsel
Nancy Siderits
Joshua McCoy
Sharon Benoff
Stephanie Kravatz
Leslie Leibowitz
Alan Rosenberg
Brian Shipley
Lorrie Riggs
Mo Perera
Paul Cohen
Nathan Snyder
DIRECTORS
S.I.M.C.H.A.
Fundraising
Pre-School
Ritual
Continuity
Israel Advocacy
Membership
Fundraising
Religious School
Marketing/Publicity
Pre-School
Youth Group Liaison
URJ Representative
Membership
Communications
College Connection
Marketing/Publicity
Building and Grounds
Life Long Learning
Budget
Continuity
Debby & Mark Berlin
Mindy Chesner
Lauren Cohen
Donna DeSantis
Joan Dossick
Bob Dunn
Jeff Eder
Melody Hassid
Beth Karle
Risa Kane
Stu Kavitsky
Nancy Levitt
Andee Losben
Randi Preissman
Carl Rigefsky
Barbara Roth
David Sandman
Larry Schorr
Ellie Short
Wendy Siegel
Dan Surkin
Rabbi
Rabbi Emeritus
Cantor
Rabbinic Scholar
Religious School Director
Director of Operations
E.L.C. Director
Youth Director
Howard Kosovske
Elliot M. Strom
Mark Elson
Rabbi Paula Goldberg
Rabbi Eric Goldberg
Farrell Borine
Shari Beck-Nahman
Ferne Levy
AUXILIARY PRESIDENTS
Men’s Club
Women of Shir Ami
Forever Young
SHAFTY
Jay Miller
Penni Sander
Ann Pollock
Emma 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
3BCCJ)PXBSE,PTPWTLFoILPTPWTLF!TIJSBNJQBPSH
3BCCJ&MMJPU.4USPNoFTUSPN!TIJSBNJQBPSH
$BOUPS.BSL&MTPOoNFMTPO!TIJSBNJQBPSH
Office Staff
Julie Hershgordon - [email protected]
Noelle May - [email protected]
Rabbinic Scholar
3BCCJ1BVMB(PMECFSHoSBCCJQBVMB!HNBJMDPN
SHAFTY
'FSOF-FWZoGFSOFMFWZ!DPNDBTUOFU
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
+VEZ'SJFENBOoKGSJFENBO!TIJSBNJQBPSH
Director of Religious School
3BCCJ&SJD(PMECFSHoSBCCJFHPMECFSH!ZBIPPDPN
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