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ORACLE
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610.828.9066
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A M O N T H LY N E W S L E T T E R
The Happiness of Purim
MARCH 2014
By Cantor Jordan Franzel
R
abba amar m’chayav inish liv’sumei b’furaya ad d’lo yada bein
arur Haman l’varuch Mord’chai - Rabba said, a person is
obligated to imbibe on Purim until he doesn’t know the difference
between cursed is Haman and blessed is Mordechai. (M’gilah 7b)
This somewhat famous passage from the Talmud has often been
interpreted as a Rabbinic injunction, that a person’s obligation on
Purim is to get so drunk on wine that they lose regular consciousness.
In an age where more of us are enlightened about drinking
responsibly, the advice of Rabba does not necessarily fit our current
culture. The song, “Elimelech of Gilhofen,” which is an English
version of the Yiddish song “Der Rebbe Elimelech,” was written to be
a cautionary tale about the dangers of drinking in excess.
Indeed, there are many ways to celebrate Purim. How are we
then supposed to fulfill this particular Rabbinic mitzvah on Purim
if not by drinking to excess? The definition of the Aramaic word
for “imbibe” reveals different shades of understanding from the
traditional interpretation and gives us a deeper meaning. When
examining the root of the word liv’sumei, we find that it can mean
to grow better, to improve, to be fragrant, to be well seasoned, to be
sweetened, to delight, to be prepared and to be happy.
Perhaps being happy on Purim is where the Rabbis were aiming.
M’gilat Esteir reports that, as a result of the victory of Esther and
Mordechai, the Jews had light, happiness, joy and dignity (Esteir
8:16). One traditional teaching suggests there are two forms of
happiness, simcha and sason. Simcha is the kind of happiness that
is intense and short- lived and dependent on circumstance. This
happiness is mostly encountered through holidays, life cycles and
material matters. Sason, on the other hand, is everlasting joy. Less
intense but steady, sason is related to the delight of our spiritual
identities and our enduring covenants. Like God, this joy is eternal.
Both forms of happiness can and must be experienced through the
celebration of Purim. In fact, the last Slonimer Rebbe taught that
the verse from the Talmud can be read that one should become
intoxicated not during Purim but through the fun and rituals of
Purim itself, to get drunk with Purim.
M’gilah 7b, a section of the Talmud, reports this giving of gifts
incident:
Rabba sent to Mari Bar Mar, by the hand of Abaye, a basketful of
dates and a cupful of flour. Mari sent back to Rabba a basketful of
ginger and a cupful of long peppers. Abaye said to Mari: Now, Rabba
will say, “I sent him sweets and he sends me bitter!”
The bitter and the sweet, life is what makes us well-seasoned
individuals and causes us to grow and hopefully improve with
experience. Peppered with bits of bitterness, sweetened by successes
and fragrant with feelings, like the story of Esther, life is about
the extremes of tragedy and comedy and everything in between.
One moment we may be feeling the pains of growing and the next
rejoicing in the cycles of life. Sometimes the comedy is mixed in with
the tragedy and vice versa.
To not know the difference between
“cursed is Haman” and “blessed is Mordechai”
is to see both the tragedy and the comedy,
the bitter and the sweet, the blessings and
the curses as equally coming from the
same source, God, and to face all of it with
equanimity and equipoise. To illustrate this
idea, the Rabbis point out that in g’matria, Jewish numerology,
certainly there is no difference as the numerical equivalent of the
Hebrew letters in both the phrases, “arur Haman,” and “baruch
Mord’chai” equals 502.
A popular understanding of the relationship between Purim and
Yom Kipurim is that on Purim we put on masks but on Yom Kipurim
we try to take the masks off revealing who we really are to our God
and to ourselves. In the story of Esther, the hero is not the only one
hiding her identity. Woven into the intricate, comedic and dramatic
plot, God is concealed by a mask, not once being mentioned in the
whole m’gilah. Recognizing this mask could instill in us the sense that
perhaps God may be veiled by our lives as well, occasionally peeking
out and reminding us of the divinity in our world
This Purim, may we each take the mask off our God and face life’s
pleasures and challenges with composure and balance, humor and
reverence, happiness, true joy and fun.
In February, Emily Carpey (center) and Maxie Ehrlich (right) led the
Havdalah service at the COAFTY Palooza Shul-in. Also pictured are
members of other temple youth groups.
March Worship Schedule
Saturday, March 1
10:30 a.m.����������Shabbat Service
Friday, March 7
Clergy and Staff
Rabbi���������������������������������������������������Kenneth I. Carr
Rabbi.Carr@or-ami.org
Cantor�������������������������������������������������Jordan S. Franzel
Cantor.Franzel@or-ami.org
Rabbi Emeritus�����������������������������������Rabbi Seymour Prystowsky
RabbiP@or-ami.org
Transition Director/Director of Development
and Community Engagement����������Robin E. Cohen
RobinC@or-ami.org
610-828-9066 x200
Early Childhood Education
Center Director����������������������������������Michelle Ruder
MichelleR@or-ami.org
610-828-1086 x400
Director of Education and
Lifelong Learning�������������������������������Rabbi Shoshanah Tornberg
RabbiT@or-ami.org
610-828-4443
Administrative Assistant�������������������Lynn Alexander
LynnA@or-ami.org
610-828-9066 x201
Synagogue Office�������������������������������610-828-9066
610-828-3731 Fax
office@or-ami.org
Religious School���������������������������������610-828-4443
610-828-8689 Fax
school@or-ami.org
Early Childhood Education Center��610-828-1086
Officers and Trustees
Executive Officers
President���������������������������������������������Andrew Kasmen
First Vice President����������������������������Jeffrey Seidman
Second Vice President�����������������������Curtis Toll
Third Vice President��������������������������Terri Wolfheimer
Treasurer���������������������������������������������Joshua Dunoff
Immediate Past Presidents����������� Lowell Raeder
Lori Simon
Trustees
Simi Kaplin Baer
Hillary Israeli
Helene Levinson
David Nasatir
Peter Weidman
Deborah Gettes
Larry Kahn
Carole Lukoff
Andrew Prusky
Karen Green
David Kessler
Robin Morganstein
Ike Richman
Oracle Staff
Editor��������������������������������������������� Carole Verona
carole.verona@comcast.net
Assistant Editor����������������������������� Susan Ackland
sueackland@verizon.net
Deadline First of the month before publication of
issue. We reserve the discretion to edit for space
limitations. Congregation Or Ami is affiliated with
the Union for Reform Judaism.
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6:00 p.m.������������Tot Shabbat
7:30 p.m.������������Erev Shabbat Service
Saturday, March 8
10:30 a.m.����������Shabbat Service
Friday, March 14
7:30 p.m.������������Erev Shabbat Service
Saturday, March 15
10:30 a.m.����������Shabbat Service
Bat Mitzvah of Tarah Allen
Friday, March 21
6:30 p.m.������������Erev Shabbat Service
Saturday, March 22
10:30 a.m.����������Shabbat Service
Friday, March 28
7:30 p.m.������������Chai Member Erev Shabbat Service
Saturday, March 29
10:30 a.m.����������Shabbat Service
Our Vision of Family
We are a mishpachah (family) that
is accepting and open. We take care
of each other in a supportive and
nurturing environment, whether
celebrating the joys of our life or
strengthening each other during
our sadness and sorrow. We
continually give of ourselves in order
to help others in their time of need, through physical,
financial, or other means. Our friendships form
meaningful bonds that endure the test of time.
Purim: The World Is Upside-Down and
Inside-Out
By Rabbi Shoshanah Tornberg
M
ost of us who grew up in the Jewish community associate
Purim with children’s carnivals, kids bedecked in
superhero or princess costumes along with the Hamans
and Ahasueruses and Vashtis. What eludes many contemporary
American Jews is the very adult element of Purim, one which is no
less fun but, at its foundation, is anything but childish.
When we study the story of Esther’s bravery and Mordechai’s
wisdom in the face of Ahasuerus’ empty-headedness and Haman’s
evil, we look at Purim in the simple terms necessary to meet children
where they are developmentally. When it comes to good and evil, the
subtlety that we appreciate as adults is too complicated and confusing
for most stages of child development.
Purim is so much more than we can teach children in a religious
school context. Purim is a cultural safety valve that allows us, as
humans, to release the tensions and pressures of our day-to-day
lives. Esther, the Book we call “The Megillah,” can be found in
the last section of the Tanach, Bible, “Ketuvim.” It is not a serious
take on bravery in the face of evil. Indeed, this is one of its themes
but, truthfully, as a text “Esther” is a satire. It contains ridiculous
exaggerations:
• The king hosts a party for 180 days. Really?
• King Ahasuerus takes Haman’s passing word to annihilate a whole
section of the populace.
• The names of the characters are laughable to the ancient ear.
Bigtan, Teresh, Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, Poratha, Adalia,
Aridatha, Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, Vaisathah.
• The king should be all powerful, and yet his decree to kill all the
Jews cannot be repealed.
• In so many ways, the story is framed amidst the description of
a non-functional political system and ridiculous parameters to
marital and sexual mores.
So what? What does that have to do
with Purim? Why should we care today?
Biblical scholar, Adele Berlin, in her
commentary on “Esther” points out that:
• Purim, with its command to become
so intoxicated that you cannot tell the
difference between “Haman” and “Mordechai”;
• Purim, when we attire ourselves in the costume of someone we
are not (kings become fools; fools become kings; men become
women; women become men);
• Purim, when we up-end even the seriousness of our worship to
drown out Haman’s name,
• Purim, when we don’t shy away from the suggestive or even the
bawdy,
We engage in a cultural project that is not unique to Jews: Many
world cultures have traditions of set times of excess and revelry. They
provide a “safe” venue for cultural satire. What doesn’t bend breaks.
We can return safely to a world of normalcy if we know there is a
time we will be able to let our breath and let loose the fantasy of what
might be in a different kind of world.
This year, we will be hosting an adult Purim celebration on March
15. We will imbibe (safely), eat Persian food and enjoy a Purimspiel
(satirical Purim play) including group karaoke. We will encounter
issues and humor not appropriate for the children’s celebration we
will enjoy the next day.
If you have not celebrated Purim for yourself since you were a
child, the leadership and I especially invite you to join us and to
add to the irreverence and revelry. Children delight in the silly fun
of Purim. But, we hope you will, as adults, help us make fun that is
anything but silly.
Purim for Kids? No.
Purim for adults!
Come join us for a night
of Purim revelry and merriment
When? Saturday evening, March 15, at 7 p.m.
Costumes and Cocktails. Come in costume (if you
dare) and enjoy our open wine bar
Join us for an Authentic Persian Dinner – Right
Out of Shushan
Video Purim Shpiel featuring members of your
Or Ami family of friends … with a chance to
participate in karaoke, too.
Where? Congregation Or Ami (we will begin in
the atrium)
Why? Purim (it’s not just for kids!)
Who? Adults (and mature teens)
How? In costume (if you dare)
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SHARE Your Sunday: A Family-Friendly Volunteer Opportunity
By Sydelle Zove, COATz Committee
Little green thumbs can be a big help when transplanting
vegetable seedlings at SHARE.
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A
lthough not exactly an encore career, urban farming does appeal to the
recently retired Plymouth Whitemarsh High School Spanish teacher,
especially knowing that the vegetables she harvests are putting food on the
tables of families with limited income and few options for purchasing healthy food.
Long-time Or Ami member Nori Brown got hooked on SHARE after last spring’s
COATz-sponsored visit, and since then has been a regular and valued volunteer.
Says SHARE’s executive director, Steveanna Wynn, “Nori will do anything we ask
her to do, from data entry, to working side-by-side with our farm manager in the
high tunnels, to stuffing envelopes for a fundraising mailing.” As for Nori, she “loves
the spirit” of cooperation and generosity evident among SHARE’s staff and large
volunteer corps.
On Sunday, April 27, Or Ami volunteers will once again focus our energies on
supporting the work of the SHARE Food Program. We’ll be packing bags and boxes
with non-perishable food, and transplanting vegetable seedlings. SHARE distributes
food, without charge, to more than 500 Philadelphia-area food cupboards. At its Nice
Roots Farm, SHARE is growing vegetables that supplement the packaged food items.
SHARE also hosts a cooperative buying program that offers wholesome food at a
discount of 50 percent off retail.
So save the date: Sunday, April 27, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the SHARE Food Program,
2901 W. Hunting Park Avenue—just a left turn off of Henry Avenue and a mere
15-minute ride from Or Ami. Nori will be on hand to lead the bagging team, which
will work inside the warehouse, and COATz committee member Sydelle Zove will
guide those with greener thumbs (including little green thumbs, such as the one
pictured here) at the on-site urban farm.
Details will follow in the April Oracle, on the website, and in the weekly News &
Notes e-bulletin. Hope to see you there.
Mazel tov to Dene and Marvin Bloom, who have been distinguished
members of Congregation Or Ami for 54 years and counting! The
Blooms have been members longer than any other family and are
joined by two generations of their children and grandchildren. We are
so fortunate to have this hardworking, sincere, generous couple counted
amongst us. Congratulations and thank you, Dene and Marvin!
Membership Matters:
Thank You to Our Longtime Members
A
heartfelt mazel tov and a happy membership anniversary go to the following members of Congregation Or Ami. It is your presence, your
support and your ongoing commitment that make COA possible. We extend a special thanks to the members listed below who have
been with us for 18+ years. Thank you for your longtime dedication and support of our synagogue. You are all golden to COA!
Richard and Susan Ackland
Victor and Arlene Adlin
Irving and Debby Askow
Joel and Trudi Azeff
Marv and Lorie Balistocky
Jerry and Marilyn Bard
Raymond and Jeanette Bawer
Alan and Marla Beletz
Matthew and Sandra Bennett
Jack and Michele Berman
Steve and Barbara Berr
Henry and Esther Bleier
Nori Block
Marvin and Dene Bloom
Mark and Paula Blumberg
Alan and Susan Borislow
Ted and Joan Borowsky
Martin and Nori Brown
Andrew and Lisa Casel
Joe and Judy Coane
Joel and Gail Cooperman
Robert and Brigitte Cooperman
Rick and Maris Delano
Robert and Alice Dubow
Josh and Lauren Dunoff
Marvin and Evelyn Feigenberg
Martin and Paulette Feinberg
David and Andrea Feldheim
Brad and Deborah Feldstein
Nancy Fineman
Joseph and Arlene Renee Finston
Joel and Carolyn Fromer
Robert and Sharon Fuerman
Ralph and Patricia Gallo
Debbie Gettes
Phyllis Glassman
Joel and Shirley Gottlieb
Joan Griff
Robert and Cynthia Grodanz
Irv and Bunny Grunes
David and Sandra Grunfeld
Neil and Carol Hecht
Fred and Mindi Herman
Frank and Lori Hockman
Jay and Jacqueline Hoffman
Roy and Susan Hoffman
Barry and Marsha Isdaner
Craig and Lori Israelite
Joel and Helene Jaspan
Bruce and Karen Kleiman
Robert and Carol Klein
Bill and Lisa Koelewyn
Robert and Susan Korn
Brian Kroker and Brooke Stolper
Joel and Iris Lebed
Daniel and Paula Leder
Ron and Rachel Leopold
Alexander and Helene Levinson
Ann Levitt
Jonathan and Marcy Lipner
Stephen and Zella Ludwig
Joel and Carole Lukoff
Judith Lutz
Jeff and Judy Marlowe
Joseph and Gwen Mennen
Hal and Susan Michels
Eugene and Marilyn Miller
Jerry Milner
David and Es Nash
Daniel and Hilary Newman
Andy and Joselyn Ney
Harry and Miriam Orenstein
Larry and Susan Paul
Marshall and Julie Pepper
Joseph and Marjorie Picone
Phyllis Polen
Rabbi Seymour and Cochava Prystowsky
Paul and Sharon Rafael
Jeffrey and Nancy Rapoport
Stephen and Naomi Reses
Robert and Nancy Ripp
Alan and Carol Roomberg
Jerome and Susan Rosenfeld
Brian and Amy Jo Rosenthal
Gail Roth
Steven and Marsha Rubin
Susan Rubin
Adrianne Safier
Mark and Ginni Salaman
Howard and Sandie Salasin
Bob and Reba Salkoff
Steven and Fredda Savett
Frank and Kathleen Seidman
Robert and Heidi Shusterman
William and Aimee Silverman
Michael and Lori Simon
Richard and Jane Simon
Stanley and Lois Sinowitz
Leila Sobel
Craig Soffin
Judith Steier
Lawrence and Marlyn Stern
Myra Stern
Gilbert Toll and Jane Friehling-Toll
Lillian Toren
Gene and Etta Waldman
Stanley and Phyllis Warchaizer
Martin and Mel Waxman
Marvin and Susan Weber
Peter and Debbi Weidman
Perry and Jamie Weiner
Bruce Weinstein
Howard and Lisa Weinstock
Robert and Terri Weiss
Charles Winkelman
Mark and Terri Wolfheimer
Fredi Wolgin
Bonnie Zeldin
Mitchell and Randi Zimmer
Please note that this list was developed from
COA’s records, which reflect continuous years
of membership. We’re very sorry if there might
be some listing errors. Please send an email to
Barb Hoffman (barbhoffman@comcast.net)
so that we can include corrections in the next
Oracle issue.
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Check out WHAT’S TRENDING
at Congregation Or Ami
March 1: P’kudei, Exodus 38:21 – 40:38
The description of making the implements for the Tabernacle is
interrupted as the Torah explains that the gold, silver, and copper
used to make these items was the amount contributed by the people.
Then the story resumes as the artists make the priestly garments: the
ephod, the breastpiece, the robe, the tunics, the headdress, the sash,
and a frontlet. God tells Moses how to put all the pieces together,
and in the first month of the second year since the people left
Egypt, Moses sets up the Tabernacle. When it is complete, the cloud
covers the Tent of Meeting, and God’s presence fills the Tabernacle,
concluding the Book of Exodus (Sh’mot).
March 8: Va-yikra, Leviticus 1:1 – 5:26
The Book of Leviticus (Va-yikra) begins with God commanding
Moses about the different sacrifices that people are to bring: the burnt
offering of cattle, sheep, goats, or birds; the meal offering of choice
flour or first fruits; the sacrifice of well-being; the sin offering; and
the guilt offering. God tells Moses what should be sacrificed, but if a
person cannot afford a certain animal, then a lesser sacrifice is also
acceptable. God gives Moses the details for how the priests are to offer
all of these sacrifices, as well as the conditions under which a person
should bring a certain sacrifice.
FIRST FRIDAY
SHABBAT DINNERS
Friday, March 7th
Early Childhood Education
Center Night &
Shabbat Across America
March 15: Tzav, Leviticus 6:1 – 8:36
God again commands Moses about sacrifices for the people to bring:
a burnt offering; a meal offering; an offering to celebrate Aaron’s
ordination; a sin offering; a guilt offering; an offering of well-being. In
preparation for the ordination of Aaron and his sons, Moses washes
them and then dresses Aaron in the special garments of the High
Priest. Moses consecrates the Tabernacle by anointing it, and then
does the same to Aaron. He clothes Aaron’s sons in their priestly
garments. He then sacrifices a sin offering, a burnt offering, and the
offering of ordination. Aaron and his sons eat a sacred meal. The
entire process is repeated for seven days.
March 22: Sh’mini, Leviticus 9:1 – 11:47
On the eighth day of Aaron’s ordination, in front of the whole
community, Aaron sacrifices a sin offering and burnt offering for
himself, then a sin offering, burnt offering, and offering of well-being
on the people’s behalf. Now that he is High Priest, Aaron blesses
the people, and God’s Presence appears to all the people at the Tent
of Meeting. The celebration is cut short when Aaron’s sons Nadav
and Avihu make an offering that God had not commanded, and
they are struck down by God’s fire. God and then Moses command
Aaron and his remaining sons about appropriate conduct at the Tent
of Meeting. God instructs Moses and Aaron about which animals
are permitted and forbidden for food. God specifies certain animal
carcasses as not even to be touched, lest they make someone ritually
impure.
Tot Shabbat followed by a Family
Friendly Shabbat Dinner.
All Welcome – Invite your Friends!
6:00 Tot Shabbat Ÿ 6:30 Dinner
7:30 Erev Shabbat Service
Dinner Charge Adults 13 and over $18.00
Children 3-12 $11.00 Ÿ Under 3 No Charge
Friday, April 4th
Volunteer Appreciation
and COAFTY Night
Join us for a special evening
honoring our volunteers, followed
by a lively service led by COAFTY.
March 29: Tazri-a, Leviticus 12:1 – 13:59
God describes for Moses various causes of ritual impurity: childbirth,
skin afflictions, inflammations, burns, and skin discolorations.
Fabrics and garments can also become ritually unclean. The rituals of
diagnosis and impurity are described.
All Welcome Ÿ BYO
Delicious Menus by Infinity Caterers
Watch for Registration Information
in Or Ami’s Weekly E-newsletter
or call Or Ami for More Information
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March Donations
Bridge the Gap
To Craig Kamen
In memory of your brother���������������������Susan and Larry Paul
To the Butler family
In memory of Alvin Lidsky���������������������Tenaglio family
The Snyder family (Debra, Brian,
Sabrina and Sage)
ECE Fund
To Carole Lukoff
In honor of your special birthday�����������Her sistas: Sharon Fuerman, Jill
Connolly, Eileen Linton, Susan
Hoffman, Miriam Orenstein and
Liz Zeitz
Fine Arts Fund
To Jeff and Judy Marlowe
In memory of your mother,
Natalie Hertz�����������������������������������������������Bob and Carol Klein
The Davis/Wightman family
General Fund
In honor of the Mazill bris���������������������Mark Kushner
To Mr. and Mrs. Edward Jastfriend
In honor of being honored
by Israel Bonds�������������������������������������������Sandi and Howard Salasin
Joseph Goldblum Library Fund
To Jeff Marlowe and family
With deepest sympathy
on the death of your mother,
Natalie Hertz�����������������������������������������������Barbara and Robert Goldblum
Michael Salkoff Memorial Fund
In memory of
Charles Handfinger’s yahrzeit��������������Reba and Bob Salkoff
In memory of
Sophia Cottler’s yahrzeit������������������������Reba and Bob Salkoff
Mitzvah Fund
To Sue Butler and family
In memory of your father and grandfather,
Alvin Lidsky������������������������������������������������Stacy, Eric, Mollie and Sara Fink
To Sue Butler and family
In memory of your father, father-in-law
and grandfather, Alvin Lidsky����������������Amy and Rick Margulies
To Jeff Marlowe
In loving memory of your mother,
Natalie Hertz�����������������������������������������������Stephen and Barbara Berr
Nancy Roomberg Memorial Fund
To Carol and Alan Roomberg
In honor of the engagement of
Daniel Roomberg to Jessica Klein����������The Brownstein family
Rabbi Prystowsky’s Discretionary Fund
To Norie Margolis
In memory of your son,
Marc Klingsberg�����������������������������������������Debby and Irv Askow
Rabbi Carr’s Discretionary Fund
To the Banks family
In honor of Eric Bank’s Bar Mitzvah�����Carol Stein
To Rabbi Carr
In appreciation�������������������������������������������Weiss/Lebed family
To Rabbi Carr
In appreciation and in honor of
our son Josh’s wedding������������������������������Brad and Andrea Heffler
To Judy Lutz
In memory of your mother,
Pauline Lutz������������������������������������������������Carole Verona
To Jeffry Marlowe
In memory of your mother,
Natalie Hertz ����������������������������������������������Phyllis and Stan Warchaizer
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To Stephen Tenaglio
In memory of Richard Tenaglio�������������Debra and Brian Snyder
Torah Fund
To the Archinow family
In honor of Eric’s Bar Mitzvah����������������Rachel and Ron Leopold
To the Banks family
In honor of Eric’s Bar Mitzvah����������������Lisa and Andy Kasmen
COA Board of Trustees
To Marvin Bloom
Wishing you a speedy recovery��������������Ilsa and Sol Kirshen
To Marvin Bloom
May 2014 be a healthy, happy
New Year for your and your family�������Gwen and Joe Mennen
To Buzz Bray
In memory of your mother,
Elizabeth Catherine Bray�������������������������Lillian and Caren Toren
To Susan Butler and family
In loving memory of your father,
Alvin Lidsky������������������������������������������������Marvin and Dene Bloom
Debra and Randall Brenner
The Brownstein family
Rachel and Kipp Cohen
Larry and Sande Finkelstein
Craig and Lori Israelite
The Jeck family (Dara, Dan, Ethan
and Dylan)
Lisa and Michael Lefkowitz
The Leopolds
Mitch and Randi Zimmer
To Andrew and Barbara Cohen
In memory of Robert Cohen������������������Alex Weiner
To the Goldberg family
In honor of Zack’s Bar Mitzvah��������������Lisa and Andy Kasmen
COA Board of Trustees
To Dr. Elihu Goren
In memory of your mother���������������������The Balistocky family
To the Kane family
In loving memory of your beloved
mother and grandmother,
Carol Pollock����������������������������������������������The Brownstein family
Larry and Sande Finkelstein
Peter and Debbi Weidman
To Mrs. Rita Lidsky
In memory of Alvin Lidsky���������������������Mickey and Marty Eilberg
To Andy Lutz
In memory of your mother,
Pauline Lutz. May her memory
be for blessing.��������������������������������������������Alan and Marla Beletz (Sharon
Tubman)
Marilyn (Beletz) and Martin Eilberg
Suzanne and Stephen Beletz
Stephen and Barbara Berr
Evelyn and Marvin Feigenberg
Janice and Sal Lemarco (Janice Beletz)
To Judy Lutz
In memory of your mother, Pauline �����Sandie and Howard Salasin
Alan and Marla Beletz (Sharon
Tubman)
Marilyn (Beletz) and Martin Eilberg
Suzanne and Stephen Beletz
Stephen and Barbara Berr
Evelyn and Marvin Feigenberg
Janice and Sal Lemarco (Janice Beletz)
Helene and Alex Levinson
Maxine and Marvin Sodicoff
To Jeffry Marlowe and family
In memory of your mother,
Natalie Hertz�����������������������������������������������Debbie and Irv Askow
Rose and Sam Cooperman
In memory of Natalie Hertz, cont.�������Lorie and Marvin Balistocky
Craig and Lori Israelite
Helene and Alex Levinson
Howard and Sandie Salasin
Judy Steier
Marlyn and Larry Stern
Marv and Sue Weber
Peter and Debbi Weidman
To Susan Moore
In memory of your father,
Arthur Lefkoe���������������������������������������������Peter and Debbi Weidman
To the Schwartz family
In honor of Emily’s Bat Mitzvah�������������Lisa and Andy Kasmen
COA Board of Trustees
To Stephen Tenaglio
In memory of your father,
Richard Tenaglio����������������������������������������Rachel and Kipp Cohen
Larry and Sande Finkelstein
To Lillian Toren
Wishing you a speedy recovery��������������Judith Steier
To the Dainoff family
For donating a Target gift card in honor of Hailey Dainoff being a
Shabbat child
To the Fritts family
For donating a Target gift card and books for the classroom in honor of
Avery Fritts being called to the bimah as a Shabbat child
To Pat and Richard Tashman
For contributing to the ECE Fund in honor of their granddaughter Avery
Fritts being call to the bimah as a Shabbat child
To the Weisbruch family
For contributing a Target gift card in honor of their daughter Ella Rose
being called to the bimah as Shabbat child
Yahrzeit Fund
In memory of Louis Askow���������������������Debbie and Irv Askow
In memory of yahrzeits����������������������������Debra and Laurence Berger
In memory of Al Tarlow��������������������������Gail and Joel Cooperman
In memory of Dr. Harris Feinberg���������Paulette and Marty Feinberg
In memory of Robert Friedman�������������Staci and David Friedman
In memory of Arthur Russ����������������������Joel and Carrie Fromer
In memory of Sol Frommer��������������������Joel and Carrie Fromer
In memory of Charles Sternshein’���������Ian and Lynne Gibbs
In memory of ris Miller����������������������������Rich Miller
In memory of Thelma “Toby” Rubin����Susan Rubin
In memory of Sam Seidman�������������������Amy and Jeff Seidman
In memory of Esther Weinstein,
mother of Seymour Winsten,
grandmother of Helene Levinson����������Seymour and Madeline Winsten
Youth Fund
To Barbara and Larry Kahn
In honor of Dr. Jonathan Kahn
as he begins his medical practice������������Nancy and Mark Hite
New Horizons News:
Rabbi Prystowsky to Speak
About Israel, Palestinian
Arabs and Iran
N
ew Horizons welcomes Rabbi
Seymour Prystowsky on Tuesday,
March 11, at 7:30 p.m. to speak about
Israel, Palestinian Arabs and Iran.
Rabbi Prystowsky, who is Rabbi Emeritus,
Congregation Or Ami, received his Doctor
of Divinity (honorus causa) from Hebrew Union College-Jewish
Institute of Religion. An engaging scholar and teacher, he also
has a PhD from Dropsie University and certification as a family
therapist from the Department of Family Psychiatry of the
Eastern PA Psychiatric Institute. Dr. Prystowsky has published a
number of periodicals and has lectured on both psychology and
religion. He also served as adjunct professor in the Graduate Dept
of Chestnut Hill College.
The program will be preceded by a membership meeting
at 7 p.m. For more information, contact David Grunfeld at
dgrunfeld@rcn.com.
Save the dates for upcoming programs
on April 8 and May 13
Tarah Allen
Daughter of Jason and Maryn Allen
March 15, 2014
Tarah’s mitzvah project is volunteering at Cradles to Crayons, a
non-profit charity dedicated to providing homeless and lowincome children with clothing, books, school supplies, toys and
other essential items they need to help them thrive at home and
at school. Tarah has and will continue to give her time to Cradles
to Crayons working in the warehouse evaluating and sorting
donated clothing, cleaning shoes and grouping books, toys and
school supplies for distribution to kids in need. Tarah had a
rewarding experience collecting items for donation and working
with this charity for her mitzvah project and plans to continue
volunteering at Cradles to Crayons after her bat mitzvah.
9
Congregation Or Ami 2014 Monthly Newsletter
Advertising Insertion Order
Please select one of the following advertising options:
________ Eighth Page (Business Card size)
3-1/2” w x 2-1/4” h
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________ Quarter Page
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$350.00
________ Half Page
7-1/4” w x 4-5/8” h
$550.00
________ Full Page
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$1000.00
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7-1/4” w x 9-1/2” h
$1200.00
Please email high quality art for your ad to office@or-ami.org. Formats accepted are .tif, .pdf, .jpg, .wmf, and .eps with fonts
converted to outlines. The quality of the art you submit will determine the print quality of your ad! Ads that don’t meet our print
specifications may be edited at our discretion.
My check for $___________, payable to Congregation Or Ami, is enclosed.
Please mail check to:
Congregation Or Ami, Attention Newsletter Advertising
708 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444
Name of Advertiser_______________________________________________________________________________________
Contact Name____________________________________________________ Phone _ ________________________________
Signature________________________________________________________________Date____________________________
10
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2055 Chemical Road, Plymouth Meeting
610-567-0900 ~ keisha.jacobs@hilton.com
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Day Camp: 4 to 8 Week Sessions
Mini-Day Option (3, 4, & 5 year olds)
American Red Cross Swim Program
Arts & Outdoor Adventure Activities
Extensive Sports Program
Great Lunches & Snacks & Much More!
Teen Travel Program: 1 to 8 Week
Options for 6th through 9th Grades
Door-to-Door Transportation
Offering Your Child the Finest in Caring Staff,
Diverse Programming & Outstanding Facilities.
Howard & Dale Batterman, Owners/Directors
610.275.CA M P
www.srdaycamps.com
17
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
Located in Green Lane, PA
Experts in creating memories and friendships that last a lifetime, since 1926.
EXCITING SPECIAL EVENTS & OUT-OF-CAMP TRIPS!
Coed, residential, 7-week camp for ages 6-16.
Half session available.
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"Where Happiness Counts"
215-234-9211
info@greenlane.com www.greenlane.com
Melissa and Jay Freedman and Rene and Adam Weiner
Owners/Directors
19
Calendar: March 2014
https://www.calendarwiz.com/calendars/calendar.php?crd=orami2009&
SSunday
unday
MMonday
onday
TTuesday
uesday
March 2014
W
ednesday
Wednesday
TThursday
hursday
FFriday
riday
SSaturday
aturday
29th of Adar I
5774
1
9:00 am To rah
Study @ Oneg
Ro o m
MARCH 2014
10:30 am 12:00 pm Mini
Minyan @ Ro o m
200
10:30 am
Shabbat Wo rship
Service @
Sanctuary
3:30 pm - 6:00
pm Kehillah #4 @
sanctuary, so cial
hall, yo uth
lo unge, 2
classro o ms,
upstairs lo bby
30th of Adar I
5774
2
3 1st of Adar II 5774
9:00 am - 10:30
am Fifth Grade
Family pro gram
@ So cial Hall
9:00 am - 12:00
pm RS
11:00 am - 1:00
pm Omdim Purim
Spiel Pro ductio n
Time
4 2nd of Adar II 5774
6 4th of Adar II 5774
7 5th of Adar II 5774
8 6th of Adar II 5774
4:00 pm - 6:00
pm RS
5 3rd of Adar II 5774
9:15 am ECE
PTO Meeting
ANSA Directo r's
Co nference
11:15 am
M'Sibat Shabbat
7:00 pm - 8:15
pm "The Weekly
Po rtio n" taught
by Canto r Franz el
@ Upstairs
Co nference
Ro o m
9:45 am - 12:00
pm Mystic Drumz
Pro gram @ Ro o m
200
11:00 am 12:00 pm Rabbi's
Ethics in Judaism
Class @ Rabbi's
Office
6:00 pm - 6:30
pm To t Shabbat
@ Sanctuary
9:00 am To rah
Study @ Oneg
Ro o m
7:00 pm - 9:00
pm RSC Meeting
@ Ro o m 200
6:30 pm
Co ngregatio nal
Shabbat Dinner
10:30 am
Shabbat Wo rship
Service @
Sanctuary
7:30 pm Erev
Shabbat Wo rship
Service - Tefillah
#2 @ Sanctuary
7:00 pm - 9:00
pm Co nfirmatio n
Class @ Rabbi's
Office
7:00 pm - 9:00
pm Omdim Hey
Co urses
9 7th of Adar II 5774
Daylight Saving
Tim e Begins
10
8th of Adar II
5774
11
9th of Adar II
5774
4:00 pm - 6:00
pm RS
9:00 am - 12:00
pm RS-No
Classes - Teacher
prep day
7:00 pm - 8:15
pm "The Weekly
Po rtio n" taught
by Canto r Franz el
@ Upstairs
Co nference
Ro o m
12
10:00 am 11:30 am Mystic
Drumz Pro gram
7:00 pm - 9:00
pm Co nfirmatio n
Class @ Rabbi's
Office
Calendar: March 2014
10th of Adar II
5774
8:00 am - 9:00
am ECE Staff
Meeting
13
11th of Adar II
5774
11:00 am 12:00 pm Rabbi's
Ethics in Judaism
Class @ Rabbi's
Office
14
12th of Adar II
5774
11:15 am
M'Sibat Shabbat
7:30 pm Erev
Shabbat Musical
Wo rship Service
7:30 pm - 9:00
pm Spiritual Life
Co mmittee (SLC)
Meeting @ Library
15
13th of Adar II
5774
EREV PURIM
9:00 am To rah
Study @ Oneg
Ro o m
10:30 am
Shabbat Wo rship
Service @
Sanctuary
7:00 pm - 9:40
pm Family Purim
Shpiel/Adult Purim
Evening
https://www.calendarwiz.com/calendars/calendar.php?crd=orami2009&
7:00 pm - 9:00
pm New Ho riz o ns
Pro gram @ Oneg
Ro o m
7:00 pm - 9:00
pm Omdim Hey
Co urses
1 of 2
16
14th of Adar II
5774
PURIM
17
15th of Adar II
5774
18
16th of Adar II
5774
4:00 pm - 6:00
pm RS
9:00 am - 1:00
pm Kids' Purim
Carnival and
Celebratio n
7:00 pm - 8:15
pm "The Weekly
Po rtio n" taught
by Canto r Franz el
@ Upstairs
Co nference
Ro o m
9:00 am - 12:00
pm RS
2/24/2014 10:02 AM
19
17th of Adar II
5774
7:00 pm General
Bo ard Meeting @
Oneg Ro o m
20
18th of Adar II
5774
11:00 am 12:00 pm Rabbi's
Ethics in Judaism
Class @ Rabbi's
Office
21
19th of Adar II
5774
11:15 am
M'Sibat Shabbat
6:30 pm Erev
Shabbat Wo rship
Service
21st of Adar II
5774
24
22nd of Adar II
5774
25
23rd of Adar II
5774
STOP HUNGER
NOW! Pro gram
4:00 pm - 6:00
pm RS
9:00 am - 12:00
pm RS
7:00 pm - 8:15
pm "The Weekly
Po rtio n" taught
by Canto r Franz el
@ Upstairs
Co nference
Ro o m
7:00 pm - 9:00
pm Co nfirmatio n
Class @ Rabbi's
Office
7:00 pm - 9:00
pm Omdim Hey
Co urses
30
28th of Adar II
5774
9:00 am - 12:00
pm RS
9:15 am - 10:00
am Chugim Bet
#5
31
29th of Adar II
5774
20th of Adar II
5774
9:00 am To rah
Study @ Oneg
Ro o m
10:30 am Aufruf
o f Andrew
Levinso n and
Kelley Klo ake
10:30 am
Shabbat Wo rship
Service @
Sanctuary
7:00 pm - 9:00
pm Omdim Hey
Co urses
23
22
26
24th of Adar II
5774
5:00 pm - 7:00
pm COAFTY
Bo ard Meeting @
Yo uth Lo unge
7:15 pm ECE
Co mmittee
Meeting @ Library
27
25th of Adar II
5774
11:00 am 12:00 pm Rabbi's
Ethics in Judaism
Class @ Rabbi's
Office
28
26th of Adar II
5774
11:15 am
M'Sibat Shabbat
6:00 pm - 7:30
pm Member
Anniversary
Dinner
7:30 pm Erev
Shabbat Wo rship
Service
29
27th of Adar II
5774
9:00 am To rah
Study @ Oneg
Ro o m
10:30 am
Shabbat Wo rship
Service @
Sanctuary