Shiron, March 2016

hiron
S
The Monthly Newsletter from Congregation Shir Ami in Newtown, Pennsylania
MARCH 2016 | ADAR I, ADAR II 5776
IN THIS ISSUE
Purim Happenings! .............. Pages 6 & 17
Catch
all of the Purim fun at Shir Ami
_______________________________________________
Chinese Dinner Shabbat .......... Page 4
Our monthly community meal is always a treat!
_______________________________________________
Special Shabbatot................... Page 12
Leo and Shirley Slomovitz Scholar in Residence and
Gever Music Shabbat
_______________________________________________
Lifelong Learning Classes....... Page 13
Your chance to study, reflect and learn with Shir Ami
________________________________________________
Community Photos................. Page 16
and so much more inside!
101 Richboro Road | Newtown, PA 18940 | www.shiraminow.org
Main: 215.968.3400 | Religious School: 215.968.3254 | E.L.C.: 215.968.6255
SHOWN Above: (l to r) Nancy Levitt,
Alison Pakula, Becky Markowitz,
Melody Hassid, and Kerri Gold
display their hand crafted
masterpieces during February’s
Painting Party at Shir Ami
Support our Advertisers
2
A FEW WORDS FROM RABBI SIMON
Women pray at the Western Wall Source: timesofisrael.com
separating men from women) at the Western Wall, and while men
and women would not necessarily have prayed together, there were
no separate sections and groups could be found standing next to one
another. But after 1967, control was given to the Minister of Religious
Affairs, and a mechitza was placed at the wall. In 1968 the World
Union for Progressive Judaism requested to have a mixed service at
the wall. Their request was denied, and the Kotel came to be known
more and more as an Orthodox synagogue. At the end of 1988, a
group of women entered the women’s side of the Western Wall, some
wearing tallit, and preparing to read from the Torah. They were met
by cursing, screaming, and threats. In 1989 a law was established
declaring that minhag ha-makom, the tradition of the place, would
rule, and that women could not pray in a way offensive to their UltraOrthodox neighbors, but they ignored that this had not always been
the tradition of the place. Women of the Wall would continue to meet
every month on Rosh Chodesh (the first of the month),
but their path has been an extremely difficult one.
This is part one of a two part series in response to the January 31,
2016 decision by the Israeli cabinet to create an official egalitarian
(mixed) prayer space at Robinson’s Arch, a section of the Western
Wall south of the Orthodox, separated prayer space currently thought
of as the Western Wall. While it is extremely exciting to have a place
where Reform and Conservative Jews can comfortably pray at
the Western Wall, there were also several compromises made to
get there. We hope you will join Rabbi Simon for a discussion on
the history and developments at his March 17th Lunch and Learn.
In addition, Shir Ami is so excited to join with Women of Reform
Judaism in hosting Lesley Sachs, the Executive Director of Women
of the Wall, on Saturday night, April 2, and we hope you will join us
as we hear her thoughts on the decision as well.
I remember my first day in Jerusalem as a 17 year old high school
student on a summer trip, when after driving into
Jerusalem we made our way to the Old City. There
it was - the Western Wall. We sat as a group in the
plaza before we were told that the boys would go
to the men’s section and the girls to the women’s
section. My prayer experience at the Kotel (Western
Wall) was an individual one, and I didn’t think much
about it. Every picture I had seen of the Western
Wall had men and women separate, so I suppose
it was what I expected. I didn’t question the fact
that we, a group of Jews, could not have a group
worship experience at the only remaining piece of
the Temple in Jerusalem.
In 1999, the Israeli government thought they found
a solution with Robinson’s Arch, an excavation site
south of the Western Wall plaza, but also a remaining
section of the Western Wall of the Temple. This difficult
to reach space which was not visible from the main
plaza seemed perfect to the government, was still
unacceptable to the Ultra-Orthodox, and seemed
like segregation to progressive Jews. After much
debate, control of Robinson’s Arch was given to the
Conservative movement, and for the past 16 years
there have been b’nai mitzvah and group services at the Arch, but the
area has left much to be desired. Women of the Wall have remained
in the women’s section.
What I didn’t know as a 17 year old was the history of conflict over
the place where I stood, not dating back to ancient Rabbinic times,
but rather to 1967 when Israel took control of the Old City, and
Jews were allowed to pray at the Western Wall for the first time in
an independent Israel. Before 1948, there was no mechitza (barrier
All of this seems to have changed, however, as of January 31st ...
Watch for Part Two of this article in the April Shiron
3
MARCH SERVICES & EVENTS
Schedule of services and other ritual events per week.
For a full calendar listing of all upcoming Shir Ami
events throughout our community, we invite you to visit
www.shiraminow.org
WEEK OF MARCH 4
Friday, Mar 4: family-friendly SHABBAT
7:00pm in Abraham-Swerdlow Sanctuary (all ages welcome)
March Birthday & Anniversary Blessings
SHIR AMI’S CHINESE
SHABBAT DINNER
Saturday, Mar 5: Shabbat Worship
ROSS & WEISSMAN B’nai Mitzvah
10:15am in the Abraham-Swerdlow Sanctuary (all welcome)
Friday, March 11, 2016
WEEK OF MARCH 11
6:00 pm • Shalom Hall
$10/adult, kids under
age 5 eat free
Friday, Mar 11: CHINESE FOOD SHABBAT DINNER
6:00pm in Shalom Hall (great for all families in our community)
Bring the family for this delicious variety
of chicken and vegetarian Chinese dishes,
including eggplant, string beans, lo mein, General Tso’s
chicken and others. A wonderful evening of prayer and community!
FOLLOWED BY: Shabbat WORSHIP
7:00pm in the Abraham-Swerdlow Sanctuary
Saturday, Mar 12: Shabbat Worship
CRAMER & KRAVATZ B’nai Mitzvah
RSVP by March 7th to:
jhershgordon@shiramipa.org (must be paid for in advance)
10:15am in the Abraham-Swerdlow Sanctuary (all welcome)
Saturday, Mar 13: PURIM CARNIVAL
10:00am to 1:30pm, throughout Shir Ami
WEEK OF MARCH 18
Friday, Mar 18: CUDDLE UP SHABBAT SERVICES
5:30pm in the Elliot Strom Chapel
ALL SATURDAYS
JOIN US FOR CHEVRAT TORAH services, every Saturday
during the month. MARCH 5, 12, 19, & 26th
Friday, Mar 18: SHABBAT WORSHIP with SHIR KLEZ!
7:00pm in Abraham-Swerdlow Sanctuary (a musical treat!)
10:15 am in Chodorow Family Life Center
Saturday, Mar 19: SHABBAT WORSHIP
DIEFES B’nai Mitzvah
10:15am in Abraham-Swerdlow Sanctuary (all welcome)
LOOKING FOR A
COFFEE BREAK?
THE FAMOUS ADULT PURIM SHPIEL!
7:00pm in the Elliot Strom Chapel
Wednesday, Mar 23: ADULT PURIM DINNER
6:30pm at the Green Parrot Pub in Newtown
Rabbi Simon is eager to get to know all of our
congregants. If you would like to meet with him at
the Shir Ami office or somewhere local for coffee,
WEEK OF MARCH 25
please contact Rabbi Simon at
Friday, Mar 25: SHABBAT WORSHIP with CHOIR
7:00pm in Abraham-Swerdlow Sanctuary (a musical treat!)
215.968.3400 or by email
jsimon@shiramipa.org
Saturday, Mar 26: SHABBAT WORSHIP
BACKALL & SCHWEIDEL B’nai Mitzvah
10:15am in Abraham-Swerdlow Sanctuary (all welcome)
to schedule an available
date.
4
SHIR AMI NEWS
MARCH B’NAI MITZVAH
MazAl Tov!
To Becca and Brandon Weiss on the birth of their son,
Samuel Benjamin Weiss, and to proud grandparents
Ellen and Ed Short
Alison Ross
Daughter of Ken and Kim Ross
March 5, 2016
25 Adar I 5776, Parshat Vayakal
To Jeff and Ruti Stark on the birth of their daughter,
Orla Iommi Stark
Jordan Michael Weissman
Son of Matthew and Deena Weissman
TODAH RABAH
March 5, 2016
25 Adar I 5776, Parshat Vayakal
To Rebecca Bowers and Gail Dickler for their continued
help in the Shir Ami Office
Benjamin Cramer
Son of Marc and Stephanie Cramer
March 12, 2016
2 Adar II 5776, Parshat Pekudei
Refuah Shleimah
Debbie Berlin
Mel Berman
Norton Borochaner
Judith Buch
Rabbi Ben David
Roschelle Einheber
Daniel Finkelstein
Albert Goldberg
Sophie Isabelle Kravatz
Daughter of Alan and Stephanie Kravatz
March 12, 2016
2 Adar II 5776, Parshat Pekudei
Alexander Diefes
Rabbi Paula Goldberg
Steve Goldberg
Bonnie Goldstein
Donna Goodman
Marilyn Jacobson
Christine Jones
Michael Leibowitz
Caroline Levine
Martin Mazer
Aryeh Leib
ben Mechlina
Teri Siegel
Doris Spector
Dena Stein
Seymour Stein
Andrea Tankin
Son of Richard Diefes and Julie Kardos
March 19, 2016
9 Adar II 5776, Parshat Vayikra
Condolences
Aaron Diefes
Rita Baker, mother of Paula Shavell
Son of Richard Diefes and Julie Kardos
Ina Cramer, mother of Marc Cramer
March 19, 2016
9 Adar II 5776, Parshat Vayikra
Felice Kardos, mother of Julie Kardos
Albert Kornberg, father of Judi Snyder
Celia Lerner, mother of Rochelle Newman
Jacob Ryan Backall
Jerry Miller, past president of Temple Shalom
Son of David Backall
& Allison and Kyle Rosenbaum
March 25, 2016
16 Adar II 5776, Parshat Tzav
If you would like to share an achievement,
milestone, refuah, or simcha in the Shiron,
please contact the Shir Ami office: 215-968-3400
Danielle Sarah Schweidel
Daughter of Robert and Beth Greiner
March 25, 2016
16 Adar II 5776, Parshat Tzav
5
PURIM EVENTS
ANNUAL PURIM CARNIVAL
PURIM SHPIEL SPECTACULAR
Sunday, March 13, 2016 • 10:00AM to 1:30PM
throughout the Shir Ami building
Saturday, March 19, 2016 • 7:00PM
in the Elliot Strom Chapel and Auditorium
Games! Inflatables! Food!
Join us for our Saturday Night Purim Spiel, “Schmaltz is the Word.”
It stars some of your favorite clergy, directors, board and community
members. Featuring songs from “Grease,” only with new, improved,
and more “Purim-ey” lyrics. We get to retell one of the great love
stories of Jewish history, and Boo Haman as well. It really doesn’t
get any better! Appetizers, snacks and soft drinks will be provided.
(You are welcome to bring other beverages of your choice.
I know we are).
There is no cost to enter the Shir Ami Purim Carnival. Pay only to
play and eat. It’s great fun for all - bring family and friends.
Can I SAVE by purchasing tickets in advance?
Yes. Avoid long lines and save money. Fill out the form on the next page.
Send it with a check payable to Women of Shir Ami. Tickets are 5 for
$1.00 in advance and 4 for a $1.00 at the door. Please note the deadline
to order advance tickets is Wednesday, March 2, 2016. Remember, you
can always purchase additional tickets at the Purim Carnival. The food
court takes cash. No need to buy tickets for Purim treats!
ADULT PURIM DINNER
Wednesday, March 23, 2016 • 6:30PM
at the Green Parrot Pub in Newtown
Can preschool age children be entertained at the
Purim Carnival?
Absolutely, we have a number of great games and crafts for young
children like duck pond, lollipop tree, and penny toss.
We will also be celebrating Purim with a Seudat Purim, a Purim meal,
as a community Wednesday night, March 23rd at the Green Parrot in
Newtown. All adults 21 and over are invited to join us (this would make
a great babysitter night)! You’re on your own for food and drink, but
Shir Ami will provide the Purim community as we celebrate together. No
costumes are required, but an award will be given for the most creative
outfit for the evening (think: silly hat).
How about older children?
We have treasure jars, candy sundaes, cake walk, and our King
Ahasuerus’ Sport Zone.
Anything for parents?
We have blackjack, money wheel and many other fun activities. Enjoy
a cup of hot coffee and our delicious snacks in the food court.
Rabbi Simon and Cantor Elson are looking forward to celebrating Purim
with all of you! RSVPs Requested by March 9, 2016 so we can let the
restaurant know how many to expect. Call the office: 215.968.3400.
Can I volunteer?
Yes. We invite Women of Shir Ami members to join the organizing committee and all members of the synagogue, ages 13 and older, to run the
games and crafts. Please call for details.
For more information, contact Jocelyn Kravitz at
215-321-2487 or jocelynkravitz@comcast.net
6
SHIR AMI’s EARLY LEARNING CENTER
February was another exciting month
in our ELC. It started with the best
news from Puxatauney Phil – only 6
more weeks of winter!! (I’ll believe
it when I see it). The children had
so much fun predicting, making
shadows and doing many art
projects of groundhogs. In our typical
fashion, we moved on to all our other
fun themes and units. Our Bright
Beginnings, 2’s and 3’s have been
learning all about Transportation. You
should have seen the boats, cars, trains and planes displayed all around
the school! PreK was busy visiting the Rainforest and learning about the
different animals that live there. Kindergarten has finally gotten off their
HIGH of celebrating the 100th Day of School!!
Registration has been in full swing. I am proud to announce that our
Kindergarten program is already filled. In fact, we reached total classroom
capacity within five days that registration began! What a testament to our
amazing teachers. If interested, please call to get on our wait list.
I’m sure you have also heard the news about our new Infant Center
opening in September. I am extremely excited about this! An Infant Center
is the gateway into our amazing Preschool and Synagogue community.
If you know anyone interested, please give them my information.
Upcoming in MARCH
3/2 Dr. Seuss Celebration
3/3 No School as our teachers will be attending the Bucks County Early Childhood Education conference – PlayCare Enrichment available
3/8 Chick eggs delivered
3/17 Tooth Buddy Tales Puppet Show
3/18 Purim Shabbat and Carnival
3/18 Cuddle Up Shabbat
3/21 to 3/25 No School – Spring Break
Registration is going on now for
Preschool 2016 -’17 and Camp Katan 2016
Reserve your spot today!!
For more information about Shir Ami’s acclaimed
Early Learning Center, contact Shari Beck-Nahman at:
sbnahman@shiramipa.org | 215.968.6255
This year, Shir Ami ELC is expecting
... an INFANT CENTER!
Due date: September 2016
Starting at 6 weeks of age; 7am – 6pm
This is a 12 month program
An Infant Center is the gateway into our amazing Preschool and Synagogue Community.
At Shir Ami, it’s never too early to get involved...but hurry, only 5 spaces remain!
If you know of anyone interested, please contact Shari Beck-Nahman at
sbnahman@shiramipa.org or 215.968.6255
7
SHIR AMI RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
Never Forgetting
the Past as We
Move Into the
Future
MARCH SCHOOl CALENDAR
Tuesdays March 1, 8 and 15 – Purim Shpiel Practice /Prep
(6:15-8:15; Chapel) for 8th and 9th grades.
Sunday March 6 – Mitzvah Circle Program (9-11am)
Celebrating Tu B’Shevat took
on a very special meaning
this year for our 9th graders
and their families. We had the
honor and pleasure of ushering
in the New Year of the Trees
with nearly 50 Holocaust survivors. Our annual Tu B’Shevat Seder
was filled with song, laughter and delicious food, reminding us
that Spring is just around the corner. We also had the opportunity
to hear stories from those who suffered through the greatest of
atrocities. And while the stories were sometimes difficult to believe,
the lessons our guests wanted us to learn were clear:
Sunday March 13 – 8th Grade Visit to Abramson Center
(10:30-12pm)
Wednesday March 16 – Purim and Pizza!
(Beginning 5:15 in the Sanctuary)
Sunday Mar 20 thru Mar 27 – No School (Spring Break)
Tuesday March 29 – 9th Grade at Trenton Soup Kitchen
(Time TBD)
• Never forget what happened to our people and never let it
happen to anyone again – regardless of age, gender, religion
or race.
• Learn as much about the Holocaust as you can. Especially take the opportunity to learn from survivors, for once they
are no longer with us, it is up to us to share the truth of what happened to the future generations.
• Be proud of being Jewish. It is an honor and privilege to be able to practice Judaism freely and without fear of anything happening to you or your family.
Students and Holocaust Survivors enjoy a Tu B’Shvat Seder
Our Tu B’Shevat Seder is a tradition we look forward to continuing
for many, many years to come. A special ‘todah rabbah’ to all of
our guests, volunteers, 9th grade families and Jewish Children
and Family Services for making the afternoon so special.
“I am a Jew and will be a Jew forever. Even if I should die
from hunger, never will I submit. I will always fight for my
people, on my honor. I will never be ashamed of them, I
give my word. I am proud of my people, how dignified they
are. Even if I am suppressed, I will always come back to life.”
For more information about the Shir Ami Religious
School, contact Rabbi Eric Goldberg at:
rabbiegoldberg@yahoo.com | 215.968.3254
(Franta Bass, age 14, Terezin)
8
SHIR AMI YOUTH GROUPS
Every year NFTY-PAR –
a
remarkable group of Reform
Jewish teenagers – has a weekend
retreat called WINSTY. This year
WINSTY was hosted by TEFTY
(Temple Emanuel Federation of
Temple Youth in Mt. Laurel, NJ)
and it was one to remember.
TEFTY, PAR board and the 153
participants from 23 TYGs spent
the weekend discussing social
advocacy topics and participating
in community service activities.
From discussions on mental health, interfaith and inequalities to
cleaning buildings, repairing library books, working with special
needs groups and animals brought our teens a strong sense of
community while creating memories which will last a lifetime. We
also had beautiful services, an inspiring friendship circle, a really
fun song session, and a great time on Saturday evening at the Fun
Plex! From the beginning of the weekend until its end, it was truly
remarkable. AND, I think I heard buzz that SHAFTY may be hosting in
the next couple of years. Stay tuned…
Small group but big in exercise, our Bonim and Chalutzim youth
groups went to Sky Zone and
Palace Roller skating, respectively.
Everyone who attended had a lot
of fun before returning home to
watch the Super Bowl. We have
several awesome events coming
up this month that I know will
be popular among all. Tell your
friends to come join the fun – the
more the merrier!
Thank you to all who attended
our fabulous SHAFTY family
Shabbat service. A special
thank you to Lauren Fleming our
Religious & Cultural VP and Isaac Kravatz who lead us so beautifully.
The theme for our service was “Family”. Each board member
spoke about what makes their family special to them. Through
words, prayer and pictures, it was a wonderful Shabbat evening.
As always, thank you to Rabbi Simon and Cantor Elson for providing
guidance along the way.
WINSTY event with SHAFTY kids and Director Ferne Levy
HELP FIND YOUR SOLEMATE.
Did you know that over 200 million shoes hit our
landfills every year? The good news – used
shoes are in demand all over the world.
SHAFTY youth groups will be placing collection
boxes throughout the building for your gently
used shoes, which will then be cleaned and
recycled, along with a personal “soul-mate”
note placed in each shoe for the next user. This
project is earth-friendly and actually works to
connect people together.
Best of all, for every box we fill, we get about
$20. It’s simple! It’s time to clean out your
closets for a great cause at Shir Ami!
Please Bring Us Your Gently Used:
CASUAL SHOES
DRESS SHOES
SNEAKERS
FLATS
LOAFERS
WORK BOOTS
SORRY we are NOT accepting: Flip Flops, Slippers, Plastic Shoes,
Ski Boots, Winter Boots, Roller Blades, or Ice Skates
MARCH
SHAFTY EVENTS:
____________________________________________
Sr. SHAFTY:
NFTY-PAR Elections MARCH 6
____________________________________________
BONIM:
Dinner and A Movie
MARCH 12
____________________________________________
CHALUTZIM:
For info about SHAFTY, please contact Youth Director Ferne Levy:
fernelevy@comcast.net | 215.968.3400 Ext.226
9
SANDALS
HEELS
ATHLETIC SHOES
Cooking@Giant
FOLLOW SHAFTY:
MARCH 6
AUXILIARY EVENTS
Women of Shir Ami
Designer & Coach Bag Bingo
Thurs., April 7, 7:30pm | Shalom Hall
$30 in advance, $35 at the door. Bellinis
and Dessert included. For more info see www.shiraminow.
org.
____________________________________________________________
WOMEN’S PASSOVER SEDER
Sun., April 17, 4:30 pm | Shalom Hall
WRJ ATLANTIC DISTRICT EVENTS
Sing, dance, pray and enjoy a scrumptious meal together with
family and friends. Seder written and led by Rabbi Paula Goldberg
$30/per adult, $20/per child (ages 18 and under)
For more info see www.shiraminow.org.
Dinner and Shabbat Services with fredi Bleeker Franks
Friday, April 1 at Temple Emanu-El in Westfield, NJ
Speakers include fredi Bleeker Franks, WRJ Vice President of
Development and Special Projects
For more information and to carpool, contact Becky Markowitz at
215-262-4494, beckymarkowitz@gmail.com.
____________________________________________________________
Gentle Yoga WINTER SESSION
Remaining Dates March 1 & 8, 7:00pm | Auditorium
For more information and to sign up:
____________________________________________________________
www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a49aca729a57-gentle
Havdalah Service followed by Wine, Cheese, and Dessert
Saturday, April 2, Shir Ami’s Shalom Hall and Atrium, 7pm
_____________________________________________________________
Gentle Yoga SPRING SESSION
March 22, 29; April 5, 12, 19; May 3, 10, 17, 24,
7:00pm | Auditorium
Special guests are Lesley Sachs, Executive Director of Women
of the Wall & fredi Bleeker Franks, WRJ Vice President of
Development and Special Projects. Community members
welcomed. To RSVP, please contact Becky Markowitz at
215-262-4494, beckymarkowitz@gmail.com
Women and men of all levels and abilities. To sign up:
www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a49aca729a57-gentle
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Robin Kraut Book Club
Tues, March 8 at 10:00am | Family Life Center
District Area Day, sponsored in part by
The Women of Shir Ami
In March, we’re discussing “Saving Sophie” by Ronald Balson.
April 12th, discussing “The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street”
by Susan Jane Gilman. May 10th, discussing “Rabbi Run” by
Rabbi Emeritus, Elliot Strom. For more info: Margie Kopins at
pugiwug@msn.com
________________________________________________________
Sunday, April 3, |Beth David Synagogue
Gladwyne, PA, 1pm to 4pm
Great opportunity to share an afternoon with other Area women
and sisterhoods. Learning, networking, interesting speeches and
not to be missed Chocolate Seder! Guest speaker is fredi Bleeker
Franks, WRJ Vice President of Development and Special Projects.
More information will be available soon at wrjatlantic.org.
Evening Book Club, 7:30pm | Family Life Center
March 10th, discussing “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman
May 12th, discussing “Between Two Deserts” by Germaine
Shames. For more info, contact Faith Bowers at 215-579-2025
or faithmk@verizon.net.
We hope you will join us for these events!
Become a member of WoSA. New Membership brochures are available in the office or contact Cari Sacks-Witten: soccermom1815@ yahoo.com
Auxilliaries are a great way to stay involved at Shir Ami. See www.shiraminow.org for more info.
10
AUXILIARY EVENTS
Men’s Club of Shir Ami
Ladies
Night Out!
PRESENTED BY
SHIR AMI ELC
Thurs, April 14th
7-10pm, Shalom Hall
This year will be our biggest vendor night ever!
Complimentary light bites and wine, raffle, prizes...all welcome!!
For info: lnd278@aol.com
Forever Young
Men’s Club CRAFT BEER NIGHT
at Carlucci’s Grill
Wed., March 9th at 6:30pm
PRESENTING: “RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN SING!”
Sunday March 6, 2016 | Shalom Hall
Bruch at 10:30am, Program at 11:30am
Carlucci’s Grill (1633 Big Oak Rd., Yardley)
Please join your friends for a delicious brunch and very enjoyable
program of singing the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein. You
will learn interesting things about the life of Oscar Hammerstein.
Singing along with Jessie Barth and her supporting musicians
will evoke the freedom, romance and joy that these musicals
have inspired – with songs selected from Oklahoma, Carousel,
South Pacific, The King and I, The Sound of Music and others.
Jessie Barth has devoted herself to writing about the famous
former Bucks County resident, Oscar Hammerstein and keeping
alive his legacy through SINGS such as this one. Hope to see
you on March 6th!
Don’t miss out on a Craft Beer Tasting and a three course
Italian Dinner. Carlucci’s will provide us with a few menu choices
– approximate cost $28 including, beverages, beer, tip and tax. We
will taste four top rated craft beers as per Beer Advocate! RSVP
required to assure we have enough beer! RSVP to fred.fisher@
rocketmail.com
___________________________________________________________
Men’s Club Sunday Brunch with Rabbi Strom:
How Many Wives Does A Man Need?
Sun., April 17th at 9:00am
$14.00 Forever Young members; $18.00 for non-members
the Shir Ami Auditorium
Join us as Rabbi Elliot Strom, author of the novel Rabbi Run,
leads on a discussion of marriage and fidelity as it pertains to the
Jewish View of Marriage, Divorce, (In)Fidelity and Commitment.
Judaism’s take on marital questions include: What happens when a
man falls out of love with his wife? What if he has other priorities?
Can he have female friends? Or, what happens if he is drawn
into a sexual relationship outside of marriage? Join us for a great
discussion as well as - you guessed - food!
RSVP at shiramimensclub.org or fred.fisher@rocketmail.com
FOR QUESTIONS: Ann Pollock, 215-773-0594
The Men’s Club is an active part of Shir Ami synagogue.
We support Shir Ami as well as the local Jewish Community.
RSVP: mail check payable to “Forever Young” to Ann Pollock
304 Silver Oak Court, Warwick PA 18974 by February 29.
(Include your name, number of tickets, and your contact info.)
11
SPECIAL EVENTS
Leo and Shirley Slomovitz
Scholar in Residence Weekend
Jewish Influence on American Popular Music
THE ANNA GEVER MUSIC SHABBAT
GUEST ARTIST: Daniel Cainer
Friday, April 15, 2016 | 7:00pm
in the Abraham-Swerdlow Sanctuary
featuring
Rabbi Kenneth
Kanter, of the
HUC-JIR
Daniel Cainer: 21st CENTURY JEW
Smart, funny, timely and only slightly irreverent, Cainer’s deeply
moving tales about his family and his observational comedy
are a joy. Brilliant rhyming and wordplay, great musicianship
and haunting tunes you won’t forget. Cainer has performed his
unique collections of Jewish themed stories in song around the
world including two limited seasons off-Broadway, Australia,
Germany and now – Newtown!
This well-reviewed, highly-rated artist is not to be missed!
Friday, April 8, 2016 | 7:00pm
in the Abraham-Swerdlow Sanctuary
JEWS ON TIN PAN ALLEY
In sing-along format, Rabbi Kanter will trace the history of American
popular music from the 1840s to the 1940s, the beginning of the
American popular music industry to the end of “Tin Pan Alley.” We
meet the song pluggers, tunesmiths, European immigrants, “real
live nephews of Uncle Sam” and the songs that served as musical
companions to American history. The names Berlin, Kern, Rodgers,
Arlen and Gershwin are joined to lesser names like Von Tilzer, Gus
Kahn, Billy Rose, and Charles K. Harris. You will soon know them
all at this fascinating presentation from Rabbi Kanter.
Saturday, April 9, 2016 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm
in the Elliot M. Strom Chapel
WE JEWS ON BROADWAY
A sing-along history of the American Musical from the “Gay 90’s”
operetta of Romberg and Friml, through the “Roaring 20’s” music
of Berlin, Kern, the Gershwins, and Rodgers and Hart. Share
Oklahoma’s “Beautiful Morning”; vist the West Side Story of
Maria and Tony and the New York of Guys and Dolls. We end with
Sondheim, Mel Brooks, Kander and Ebb, Broadway of today.
PLUS: Please join us on Friday April 8th
as Rabbi Kanter and Cantor Elson bless and
name Eva Bea Simon in the Jewish tradition.
Rabbi Simon looks forward to sharing this
mitzvah with the congregation.
“A must see!”
--UK Daily Mirror
“Tremendously Entertaining”
--Jewish Currents, New York
“Lovingly Detailed”
--TimeOut
“TOP 5 THEATRE
NY SHOWS”
--Theatre Pizazz 2014
“An hour in Cainer’s
company is true pleasure”
--The Stage
“Honest, edgy, touching...it will leave you tapping
your toes and longing for more.”
--Jewish Week, New York
LIFELONG LEARNING
Lunch ‘n Learn: Whose Wall is it Anyway?
The Yiddish Culture Club
Rabbi Joel Simon
Thurs., March 17 | 11:45am | Shir Ami Atrium
Yiddish Culture Club is a friendly group that meets at 10:00am
Thursdays before every Lunch and Learn in the library to
share stories about family and friends coming to America
and being part of our Jewish Heritage. For more info:
Abram Gertner at igertner@comcast.net
Join Rabbi Simon for a look at the history of the Kotel (the Western
Wall), the challenges met by the Women of the Wall due to UltraOrthodox control of the wall, and the January 31st decision by the
Israeli Cabinet to create an egalitarian prayer space at the Kotel.
Why are some people so excited while others are upset? What
compromises were made, and are they good or bad for the future of
Progressive Judaism in Israel.
YIDDISH WORD
OF THE MONTH
Chossen
__________________________________________________________
Please also join us on Saturday night, April 2, as Shir Ami joins
with WRJ in welcoming Lesley Sachs, Executive Director of
Women of the Wall. Men and women are welcome.
Meaning: Bridegroom
__________________________________________________________
The Morality of War: War vs. Diplomacy
Rabbi Emeritus Elliot M. Strom
Tues., March 1 | 11-12:30 | Shir Ami Atrium
KEEPERS OF JEWISH EXCELLENCE
Is diplomacy just “war by other means?” Is war sometimes
the only legitimate alternative? And is there such a thing as
“just war?” We will look at these and other questions, see
what our classic Jewish texts have to say on the subject
and apply this wisdom to our complex world of today.
Shir Ami is pleased to present our ongoing Keeper of Jewish Excellence
program, allowing all members the opportunity to study throughout
the year. Please consider becoming a “Keeper” here at Shir Ami.
Your donation in turn supports all of the important mitzvot of learning
and prayer that we share, and what’s more, allow us to continue our
Lifelong Learning commitments. Thank you to the following:
__________________________________________________________
Religious Freedom or Justified Discrimination
[Rescheduled Class] with Rabbi Paula Goldberg
Thurs., March 3 | 7:30pm-9:00pm | Shir Ami Atrium
Jewish law has a principle dina d’malchuta dina - the law of the land is
law, but what happens when religious beliefs can be cited as a reason
not to follow a law? With the current reaction to gay marriage as only one
example, we will look at how religious movements react to secular law.
Helen Berman
Norman and Janet Shachat
Ken and Susan Bieber
Ed and Ellie Short
Amy Goldstein
Andrea Silverman
Becky Markowitz
Dotty Silverman
Ivy and Larry Pearlstein
Karin and Daniel Surkin
Allen Schwartz
Lenore Weissberg
I’d like to support Lifelong Learning at the following level:
THE BUCKS COUNTY RABBIS’ COUNCIL
❑ $500 ❑ $250 ❑ $180 ❑ $100 ❑ Other
sponsoring on Thursday, MARCH 17th:
Name: ___________________________________________________
WHY MUSLIMS AND JEWS NEED TO DIALOGUE
WITH ONE ANOTHER. HOW DO WE RESPOND TO
THE STATEMENTS OF THE WORLD AROUND US?
Phone: ___________________________________________________
E-Mail ___________________________________________________
Imam Abdullah Antepli
❑
❑
Chief Representative of Muslim Affairs &
Adjunct Faculty of Islamic Studies at Duke University
Enclosed is my check (payable to “Shir Ami”)
Please bill my account
Please make checks payable to Shir Ami and mail to:
101 Richboro Road, Newtown, PA 18940
Ohev Shalom of Bucks County
944 2nd Street Pike Richboro, PA 18954
13
HELP STRENGTHEN SHIR AMI
There are many ways to give back at Shir Ami. One of these is to contribute to
the Circle of Giving. This fund provides help to those families requiring dues
assistance in order to become (or remain) members of our congregational
family. From the generosity of our donors, no family seeking affiliation with
Shir Ami will ever be turned away for lack of financial resources.
Please join the Circle of Giving this year and help us to strengthen our
congregation. Donors at all levels are recognized in the Shiron.
2015 - 2016 Donors
Tzedek (Righteousness)
-------
Chesed (Kindness)
Linda and Ted Liebman
Ahava (Love)
Mindy and David Chesner
Chaver (Friend)
-------
Simcha (Joy)
Marcia and Ron Abraham
Steve and Myrna Pressman
Rabbi Joel and Jacent Simon
Kavod (Honor)
Debbie and Robert Dunn
Cantor Mark and Barbara Elson
Rabbi Eric Goldberg and
Rabbi Geri Goldberg-Newburge
Susan and Allan Goodman
Nancy and Michael Green
Jodi and Joshua Hornstein
Linda and Norm Idleberg
Leslie and Aaron Leibowitz
Randi and Todd Leon
Ferne and Scott Levy
Lorrie and David Riggs
Josey and John Rosenthal
Dorothy Silverman
Owen J. and Luz Emma A. Simon
Rabbi Elliot and Susan Strom
Kerry and Richard Domsky
Rabbi Paula and Harvey Goldberg Chai (Life)
Allen Leboff
Tammy and David Bulkin
Debbie and Scott Stevens
Flora and Robert Day
Jessica and Michael Goodman
Shalom (Peace)
Joanna and Nathaniel Holzman
Anonymous Donation
Stephanie and Alan Kravatz
Judy and Barry Kroll
Meryl Reis and William Spitz
Becky Markowitz
Phyllis and Carl Rigefsky
Joshua McCoy
Dee and Steve Rodos
Harmon and Nadine Stein
Debbie and Steve Rosenberg
Meredith and Jon Stevens
Susan and George Rosenberg
Betsy and Eliot Rosenfield
Beracha (Blessing)
Debbie and David Rosenthal
Anonymous Donation
Janet and Norman Shachat
Anonymous Donation
Lindye and Steven Shechtman
Sharon and Jack Benoff
Marilyn and Alan Sheinberg
Susan and Ken Bieber
Wendy and Dean Siegel
Brett and Randi Cohen
___ I would like to contribute to the Circle of Giving:
❑ $7,200 – Tzedek (Righteousness)
❑ $5,400 – Chesed (Kindness)
❑ $3,600 – Ahava (Love)
❑ $2,500 – Chaver (Friend)
❑ $1,800 – Simcha (Joy)
❑ $1,000 – Kavod (Honor)
❑ $720 – Shalom (Peace)
❑ $360 – Beracha (Blessing)
❑ $180 – Chai (Life)
_____ (other amount)
Name: ___________________________________________________
Phone: ___________________________________________________
E-Mail ___________________________________________________
❑
❑
Enclosed is my check (payable to “Shir Ami”)
Please bill my account
Please make checks payable to Shir Ami and mail to:
101 Richboro Road, Newtown, PA 18940
14
OUR COMMUNITY
MITZVAH DAY REPORT
Heartfelt appreciation to all of the activity leaders,
planners, volunteers and participants in this
wonderful day of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world.
Thanks also to the supporters of Mitzvah Day:
Another great Shir Ami Mitzvah Day
took place this past January. We
are please to report that over 170
volunteers participated, and here’s our
tally: • 35 pints collected for the Red
Cross Blood Drive • $700 for CHOP
•
$508 for Alex’s Lemonade Stand •
• McCaffrey’s corporate office
• McCaffrey’s in Yardley
• Panera in Levittown
300 meals for Aid for Friends • 80
bracelets for residents at the Birches • 70 breakfast bags for the Bucks County
• Women of Shir Ami
Emergency Homeless Shelter • 40 ER activity bags with fleece “buddies” for St.
• Men’s Club
Mary’s Pediatric ER • organized the food pantry • 80 knit bears completed for
Give Kids the World • cards for Israeli and American soldiers • 120 pet toys for
• ELC and Religious school families for
supply donations
Wags Rescue • chicken soup and ziti for congregants in need of a caring meal •
• The Shir Ami maintenance team
60 snack bags, 40 bracelets and cards for residents at Crestview nursing home
• All of the amazing volunteers who helped
make this day so exciting and such a
great success!!!
facility • Team Shir Ami delivered 182 boxes of food and helped package almost
3000 boxes at JRA • Sing for Your Supper collected 30 bags of food for the Shir
Ami food pantry • Big Brothers/Big Sisters donation drive collected 75 bags •
library organized and books given • Beautiful service to start our day • Great
SEE EVERYONE NEXT YEAR!
energy and spirit to help those in our Shir Ami and broader community!
THE PRESSMAN LIBRARY
Our Pressman Library was so very fortunate to have had a team
of ten expert volunteers on Mitzvah Day. The Library was a whirl
of activity - shelves were reorganized, books were weeded, labels
were renumbered, and much more was accomplished. JEWISH WISDOM FOR GROWING OLDER by
Rabbi Dayle A. Friedman
A book of wisdom, realism and depth, this volume has been termed
as a joy and pleasure to read.
_________________________________________________
The Library sparkles with an invitation for you to visit and take
home some treasures, and to tempt you here are several additions
which will be on the shelves shortly:
NAMING GOD -- AVINU MALKEINU, OUR FATHER, OUR KING
Edited by Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman, PhD
An addition to our multi-volume series of Prayers of Awe
_________________________________________________
ZAHAV, by Michael Solomonov
A World of Israeli Cooking - explore some of the recipes created by our
author who owns the immensely popular restaurant in Philly, Zahav.
_________________________________________________
HAYM SALOMON - American Patriot by Susan G. Rubin
A delightful volume four our children telling the story of this unsung
heroof the American Revolution.
_________________________________________________
KILLING A KING by Dan Ephron
The assassination of Yitzhak Rabin detailing those events which
altered the course of Israel’s history
_________________________________________________
TALIA & THE RUDE VEGETABLES by Linda E. Marshall
Our younger readers will enjoy the tale of Talia who was asked to
collect root vegetables for her grandma.
THE HOUSE OF TWENTY THOUSAND BOOKS by Sasha Abramsky
An exciting journey of the people, the books and ideas from the
worlds of Eastern European Jewry to the present.
15
OUR COMMUNITY
Painting Party
Tu B’Shvat Holocaust Speakers
Tot Shabbat celebration at the Children’s Museum
Painting Party
If you have photos to share
from a Shir Ami event, please
send to Jodi Friedman at
jafriedman@shiramipa.org
Painting Party
Women of Shir Ami
Tu B’Shvat Wine Tasting
Tu B’Shvat Wine Tasting
16
CLubs & COMMITTEEs
by Alan Sheinberg, Ritual Committee member
Are You Ready for Purim?
the 15th of Adar?
Go to any rock concert these days, and sooner or later the lead singer
will exhort the fans to “Get up and make some noise!”
Did you know “grogger” comes from the Polish word “grzegarz,”
meaning “noisemaker” or that “Purim” was the winning word in the
1983 National Spelling Bee? And perhaps most intriguingly, did you
know the Jewish sages teach that when the Messianic Age comes, all
other Jewish festivals, from Passover to Chanukah, will no longer be
observed? Only Purim will continue to be observed.
Been there, done that. We Jews have been making noise for millennia,
thanks in large part to the holiday of Purim, which falls on the 14th
of Adar (this year March 24). Groggers in hand, a sanctuary full of
rambunctious Jewish families on Purim makes more noise than
a Harley Davidson convention (well, maybe not, but it’s Purim —
excess is allowed).
How can a relatively minor holiday, which many think of as a kind
of Jewish Halloween, be thought of in this way? According to the
Talmud, it is derived from a line in the Megillah: “The memory of
Purim will never cease from among their descendants.”
Being present for a reading of the Book of Esther is only one of several
requirements to properly observe Purim. Others include partaking in
a festive meal, sending gifts to family and friends (called mishloach
manot), and offering tzedakah to the poor. All good things. Please do
them.
Please come and help us create new Purim memories at one or more
of the Shir Ami Purim events:
Other traditions, from eating hamantashen to dressing in costume to
downing a shot or two, only add to the festive spirit. Anyone who
routinely comes home for Purim probably knows those basic facts.
But here are a few Purim tidbits you may not have come across:
March 13 Purim Carnival; March 16 Purim and Pizza;
March 19 Adult Purim Shpiel; March 23 Adult Purim Dinner
Did you know that any Jewish city that was walled in during the time
of Joshua (cities like Jerusalem) celebrates Purim the next day, on
We wish you a joyous, treat-filled and noisy Purim.
Check the Shir Ami ENews or the Shiron for times and details.
Theatre Club Events
“She Loves Me” with Laura Benanti and Zachary Levi
Sunday May 15, 2016 at 2pm (RSVP Feb 29)
Please join us for great
Broadway shows and
camaraderie. Open to all
Shir Ami members and
“invite” your families and
friends to join us.
Studio 54 in New York / $109 each orchestra seat
_________________________________________________________
“Shuffle Along”
with Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes
Mitchell, Billy Porter, and Joshua Henry
Sunday, June 5, 2016 at 2pm
_________________________________________________________
$119 each orchestra seat
“WAITRESS” music by Sara Barielles; stars Jessie Mueller
Sunday, April 10, 2016, 2016 at 3pm (RSVP Feb 3)
(Sold out, but please contact Andee to be on the waiting list)
Contact Andee: ALosben@aol.com or 215-860-6868
(after 10:30 am, please)
in New York / $109 each orchestra seat
17
YAHRZEITS
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 with a contribution to one of our special Temple funds.
TO BE READ MARCH 4
TO BE READ MARCH 11
TO BE READ MARCH 18
TO BE READ MARCH 25
March 5
Clara Averbach
Marci Foley
Sylvia Isacoff
Michael Kohen
Harriet Judith Marks
Kenneth Marks
March 13
Marvin Dubin
Lillian Mezzy
Yetta Paletz
March 19
Ceil Kritzer
Isie Rosen
David Vitcov
March 14
Henry Bishins
Bernice Goldstein
Anna Loev
Jacob Miller
March 20
Alex Frame
Kay Sack
Karl M. Sender
March 26
Rose Pollak
Harry Rosenthal, Jr.
Rosalind Rothstein
Bobette Schlezinger
Estelle Vinitzky
March 6
John Dinkelspiel
Benjamine Levine
Albert Surkin
March 7
Hyman Bader
Louis Mendelson
Edith Spiegler
Pauline Steinman
Morton Wasserman
March 8
Lillian Abraham
Eva Kaytes
Erling Nord
March 9
Rose Auslander
Gert Levitt
Louis Mandel
Earl McCoy
Morris Tragerman
March 10
June Shulman
Charlotte Wolbransky
Joseph Zamora
March 21
Esther Friedner
Lorri Kiehl
Sophie Saltzman
March 15
Bernard Ganzman
Lillian Kane
Manuel Reese
Walter Yarus
March 22
Stanley Galey
Karl Kramer
Norma Passe
Helen Rosenzweig
David Tabas
March 16
Olga Segin Berg
Alfred Ettenger
Jeffrey Sembler
March 17
Betty Borowsky
Sally Friter
Bernice Kallet
Abraham Albert Nissim
Fred Strauss
March 23
Cecilia Kravitz
Estelle Novack
Nathan Schlezinger
March 24
David Newman
March 18
Dorothy Cole
Solomon Frantz
Abraham Pulaski
Beverly Sembler
March 25
Louis Alexander
Albert Bloom
Elizabeth Cogen
Frances Doner
Barbara Ehrlich
Shirley Maharam
Richard Palm
Irvin Rubin
March 11
Dale Lynch
Mildred Temkin
Sara Weiner
March 27
Bernard Blum
Abraham Cohen
Sylva Gold
Patricia Van Sciver
Bob Walters
March 28
Samuel Drucker
Ida Greenberg
Andrew Horvat
Herman Talansky
March 29
Sara Frantz
Lillian Freiman
Barry Lavine
Myrna Schultz
Sara Schwalb
Beatrice Wood
March 30
Sam Dienstman
Alan Goldstein
Charles Lynch
Leon Messer
March 31
Henry Laevsky
Judith Laevsky
April 1
Patricia Gornish
Brian Miller
Leon Prince
Harvey Willig
Morris Young
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 momentwhich 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.
18
DONATIONS
FUND
DONOR
RECIPIENT
Anna Gever Music
Anna Gever Music
Anna Gever Music
Anna Gever Music
Bev. Spiegler Spec. Ed. Library
Bev. Spiegler Spec. Ed. Library
Bobbi Slutzsky ELC Fund
Bobbi Slutzsky ELC Fund
Bobbi Slutzsky ELC Fund
Bobbi Slutzsky ELC Fund
Bobbi Slutzsky ELC Fund
Bobbi Slutzsky ELC Fund
Bobbi Slutzsky ELC Fund
Bobbi Slutzsky ELC Fund
Bobbi Slutzsky ELC Fund
Bobbi Slutzsky ELC Fund
Bobbi Slutzsky ELC Fund
Bobbi Slutzsky ELC Fund
Bobbi Slutzsky ELC Fund
Bobbi Slutzsky ELC Fund
Bobbi Slutzsky ELC Fund
Bobbi Slutzsky ELC Fund
Bobbi Slutzsky ELC Fund
Bobbi Slutzsky ELC Fund
Bobbi Slutzsky ELC Fund
Bobbi Slutzsky ELC Fund
Bobbi Slutzsky ELC Fund
Bobbi Slutzsky ELC Fund
Cantor Mark Elson’s Disc. Fund
Cantor Mark Elson’s Disc. Fund
Cantor Mark Elson’s Disc. Fund
Cantor Mark Elson’s Disc. Fund
Cantor Mark Elson’s Disc. Fund
Cantor Mark Elson’s Disc Fund
Cantor Mark Elson’s Disc. Fund
Cantor Mark Elson’s Disc. Fund
Cantor Mark Elson’s Disc Fund
Cantor Mark Elson’s Disc. Fund
Cantor Mark Elson’s Disc. Fund
Circle of Giving
Circle of Giving
Circle of Giving
Circle of Giving
Circle of Giving
Circle of Giving
Circle of Giving
Circle of Giving
Circle of Giving
Circle of Giving
Circle of Giving
Circle of Giving
Circle of Giving
Circle of Giving
Claire & Jerry Miller Capital Fund
Israel Camp Scholarship Fund
Israel Camp Scholarship Fund
Israel Camp Scholarship Fund
Ivy and Larry Pearlstein
Shir Klez
Phyllis Bloom
Anita and Gene Rubin
Judi Snyder and Family
Nancy and Rick Siderits
Judi Snyder and Family
Barbara and Ron Cohen
Paula Shavell
Allen and Anna Schwartz
Shelly Newman
Helene Hart
Barbara Cohen
The Goodman Family
Barbara Cohen
Toby Adler
Barbara Cohen
The Benoff Family
Barbara Cohen and Family
Helen Berman
Barbara Cohen
Merrick and Michele Sirota
Barbara Cohen
The Siderits Family
Barbara Cohen
Adina and Michael Lambert
Barbara Cohen
Judith and David Friedman
Barbara Cohen and Family
ELC Teachers
Barbara Cohen
Marilyn Schwartz
Barbara Cohen
Debbie and Stan Auerbach
Barbara Cohen
Barbara and Mark Elson
Barbara Cohen
Al and Sherry Dickinson
Cindy and Gary Dickenson
Debbie and Stan Auerbach
Robin Magaziner
Lindye Shechtman
Paula Shavell
Marilyn Schwartz
Paula Shavell
Debbie and Stan Auerbach
Paula Shavell
Dotty Silverman
Paula Shavell
Mindy and David Chesner
Paula Shavell
Mindy and David Chesner
Judi and Nathan Snyder
Mindy and David Chesner
Barry and Sara Shapiro
Linda and Dave Smith
Ricki Tafflin
Ginny and Larry Fineman
Ricki Tafflin
Barbara and Cantor Mark Elson
Ricki Tafflin
Paula and Mark Shavell & Family
Ricki and Dennis Tafflin
Mildred Oring
Ricki Tafflin
Women of Shir Ami
Ricki Tafflin
Barbara and Cantor Mark Elson
Phyllis Bloom
Phyllis, Adam, and Neal Bloom
Norman and Rosalie Schorr
Andee & Steve Losben & Family
Barbara Cohen
Mark and Deb Maten
Barbara and Michael Markowitz
Nancy Siderits
Ricki Tafflin
Nancy Siderits
Holly Wolbransky
Marlene and Allan Brull
Jerry and Cindy Green
Nancy Cohen
Jessica Krenzel Cohen
Lawrence F. Gilman
Marilyn and Sheldon Halpern
Barbara Cohen
Joshua McCoy
Paula Shavell
Shir Ami Board of Directors
Paula Shavell
Shir Ami Board of Directors
Julie Kardos
Teri and Steve Siegel
Judi Snyder
Nancy and Rick Siderits
Sharon Benoff and Family
Shir Ami Board of Directors
Judi and Nathan Snyder
Shir Ami Board of Directors
Rochelle Newman
Shir Ami Board of Directors
Marc Cramer
Jerome Miller
Gene and Anita Rubin
Paula Shavell and Family
The Candeub Family
Debbie and Howard Silverston
Alan Candeub and Family
Jon Epstein and Family
19
HONORING / NAME
IMO Yetta Stutz and Fred Pearlstein
IMO Elliot Bloom
IMO father, Albert Kornberg
IMO father, Albert Kornberg
IMO mother, Rita Baker
IMO father
IMO Caroline Talewsky
IMO mother, Caroline
IMO mom, Caroline Talewsky
IMO beloved mother, Caroline
IMO Caroline Talewsky
IMO mother, Caroline
IMO mother, Caroline Talewsky
IMO mom, Caroline
IMO beloved mother, Caroline Talewsky
IMO mother, Caroline Talewsky
IMO mom, Caroline
IMO mother, Caroline Talewsky
IMO mother, Caroline Talewsky
IMO grandmother, Leona Auerbach
IMO father, Sid Gold
IMO mom, Rita Baker
IMO Rita Baker
IMO mother, Rita Baker
IMO mom, Rita Baker
IMO mother, Rita Baker
IMO Judi’s father, Albert Kornberg
IMO Melvin Shapiro
IMO father, Jerome B. Wulfsohn
IMO Diane and Jerome Wulfsohn
IMO Diane and Jerome Wulfsohn
IMO Diane and Jerome Wulfsohn
IMO father, Jerome B. Wulfsohn
IMO father, Jerome Wulfsohn
IMO Elliot Bloom
IMO Elliot Bloom
IMO Jerome Schorr
IMO mother, Caroline Talewsky
IHO birth of granddaughter, Tiba
IMO father, Jerome Wulfsohn
IMO mother, Lenore Wohl
IHO Wedding of Lauren Green
IMO grandmother, May Krenzel
IMO Shirley Slomovitz
IMO mother, Caroline Talewsky
IMO mother, Rita
IMO mother, Rita Baker
IMO mother, Felice Kardos
IMO father, Albert Kornberg
IMO Uncle Sid
IMO Albert Kornberg
IMO Celia Lerner
IMO Ina Cramer
IMO Morris Miller
IMO mother, Rita Baker
IMO Jay Bradin
IMO Joyce Epstein
DONATIONS
Israel Tiyul
Beverly and Mark Goldberg
Barbara Cohen and Family
Israel Tiyul
Carol and Eric Cherson
Bob Golden
Israel Tiyul
Debbie and Bob Dunn
Paula Shavell
Israel Tiyul
Marilyn Schwartz
Julie Kardos
Israel Tiyul
Bryan Mandel
Israel Tiyul
Paul Rubin
Israel Tiyul
Debbie and Bob Dunn
Glenn Segal
Kay Swerdlow Building Fund
Marcia and Ronnie Abraham
Barbara Cohen
Men’s Club Youth Scholarship
Arthur and Paula Krauss
Barbara Cohen
Prayerbook
Caryn and David Blizzard
Ricki Tafflin and Family
Prayerbook
Mildred and Bob Tafflin
Ricki Tafflin and Family
Prayerbook
Marc and Cynthia Tafflin
Ricki Tafflin
Prayerbook
Paula and Mark Shavell & Family
Barbara and Rob Cohen
Pressman Library Fund
Andee & Steve Losben & Family
Paula Shavell
Pressman Library Fund
Jean Simmons
Rabbi Joel Simon’s Disc. Fund
Melvyn Berman
Rabbi Joel Simon’s Disc. Fund
Joel Kravitz
Rabbi Joel Simon’s Disc. Fund
Suzy Harbaugh
Rabbi Joel Simon’s Disc. FundRichard and Sally Leview
Rabbi Joel Simon’s Disc. Fund
Rhoda Kreiner
Rabbi Joel Simon’s Disc. Fund
Melvin and Rhoda Kreiner
Rabbi Joel Simon’s Disc. Fund
Joel Sorosky
Rabbi P. Goldberg’s Disc. Fund
Richard and Sandra Ludwig
Sharing is Caring
Harlee and Billy Schwartz
Donna Miller
Sharing is Caring
Irving and Estelle Goldfinger
Sharing is Caring
Irving and Estelle Goldfinger
Sharing is Caring
Randi Lawrie
SIMCHA
Nancy Siderits and Family
Paula Shavell
Stanley Averbach Biblical Garden
Sharon and Jay Bornstein
Ricki and Dennis Tafflin
TS Sisterhood Children’s Fund
Lois Wilcox
continued
IMO Caroline Talewsky
IHO his retirement
IMO mother, Rita
IMO Rita Baker
IMO Samuel Mandel
IMO Sidney and Marilyn Rubin
IMO mother, Ruth
IMO Caroline Talewsky
IMO mother, Caroline
IMO Diane and Jerome Wulfsohn
IMO Jerome Wulfsohn
IMO Jerome Wulfsohn
IMO mother, Caroline Talewsky
IMO mother, Rita Baker
IMO mother, Rachel Simcovitch
IMO Freda Berman
IMO Edwin Kravitz
IMO Esther Snyderman
IMO Eunice Levie
IMO father, William Solodar
IMO 20th Yahrzeit of daugthter, Anna
IMO Nettie Sorosky
IMO Yetta Rabinowitz
IMO aunt, Anna McGee
IMO Abraham Goldfinger
IMO Harry Miller
IMO Albert Greenland
IMO Rita Baker
IMO Jerome Wulfsohn
IMO Ruth Yeslow
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Send Donation Cards
Memorials and Contributions - Remember your friends’ and
family’s important moments by sending an appropriate
donation card. Call the Synagogue office at 215-968-3400.
Honor or Memory Cards may also 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 Simon’s, Rabbi Strom’s, Cantor Elson’s, Rabbi
Eric Goldberg’s 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 - $54; Torah Commentaries - $72.
20
DONATIONS
INFORMATION ABOUT OUR FUNDS
The following FundS ARE AVAILABLE: suggested DONATION: $18 or $36 ($18 minimum please)
Your donations in honor of your friends and family help Shir Ami. Call the office at 215-968-3400 or donate through our website.
___ Circle of Giving: Sustains programs and membership for all, regardless of ability to pay.
___ Anna Gever Music: Interest on your donation supports our annual Gever Music Shabbat with extraordinary guest musical leaders.
___ Beverly Spiegler Special Education LIbrary Collection Fund: Supports the purchase of special education materials for our Pressman 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.
___ 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 9th 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.
___ Pressman 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 $54).
___ 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 and Shirley 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 $72).
Clergy Discretionary Funds:
______Rabbi Joel Simon’s Discretionary Fund: This fund allows Rabbi Simon, at his discretion, to provide emergency assistance/scholarships to
congregants and others in need, supplement congregational programs in need of additional funding, and to support local, national, and international
non-profit organizations.
______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.
______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.
Permanent honors/memorials: An order form will be mailed to you
______Brick/Paver: Engrave a brick with a permanent honor or memorial in our beautiful garden walkway. Brick - $180; Paver - $360.
______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
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Shir Ami supports all of
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OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE BOARD
CLERGY AND ADMINISTRATION
PresidentJoshua McCoy
Exec. Vice President
Sharon Benoff
TreasurerAlan Rosenberg
Vice President
Stephanie Kravatz
Vice President
Leslie Leibowitz
Vice President
Lorrie Riggs
SecretaryDebbie Rosenthal
Financial Secretary
Mo Perera
Immediate Past President
Nancy Siderits
Legal Counsel
Paul Cohen
Financial Counsel
Nathan Snyder
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Fundraising Mindy Chesner
Pre-SchoolLauren Cohen
RitualDonna DeSantis
ContinuityJoan Dossick
MembershipJeff Eder
Tikkun Olam
Jessica Goodman
FundraisingMelody Hassid
Marketing/Publicity
Risa Kane
Religious School
Amy Kirsh
MembershipAllison Leff
Youth Group Liaison
Nancy Levitt
URJ Representative
Andee Losben
ChesedRandi Preissman
CommunicationsCarl Rigefsky
Israel Advocacy
Debbie Rosenberg
College Connection
Barbara Roth
College Connection
Penni Sander
Marketing/Publicity
David Sandman
Building and Grounds
Larry Schorr
Lifelong Learning
Ellie Short
BudgetWendy Siegel
Rabbi Joel Simon
Cantor Mark Elson
Rabbi Emeritus
Elliot M. Strom
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
AUXILIARY PRESIDENTS
Men’s Club
Fred Fisher
Women of Shir Ami
Jocelyn Kravitz
Forever Young
Ann Pollock
SHAFTYDaniel Levy
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 (z’l)
Mo Perera
Stephen Rodos
Alan Rosenberg TS
Alan Sheinberg
Nancy Siderits
Teri Siegel
Ronald Smolow
Nathan Snyder TS
Leonard Sokolove TS (z’l)
Dena Stein TS
Debbie Stevens
* (z’l) zichrono livracha “of blessed memory”
Clergy
Rabbi Joel Simon – jsimon@shiramipa.org
Cantor Mark Elson – melson@shiramipa.org
Rabbi Emeritus Elliot M. Strom – estrom@shiramipa.org
Rabbinic Scholar
Rabbi Paula Goldberg – rabbipaula@gmail.com
President
Joshua McCoy -joshua@kmccoyinsurance.com
Director of Operations
Farrell Borine - fborine@shiramipa.org
Director of Religious School
Rabbi Eric Goldberg – rabbiegoldberg@yahoo.com
Office Staff
Julie Hershgordon - jhershgordon@shiramipa.org
Noelle May - nmay@shiramipa.org
For general Info:
synagogue@shiramipa.org
Membership Coordinator
Jodi Friedman - jafriedman@shiramipa.org
NFTY website
NFTY.org/par
SHAFTY
Ferne Levy – fernelevy@comcast.net
Women of Reform Judaism
www.wrj.org
E.L.C. Director
Shari Beck-Nahman - sbnahman@shiramipa.org
Union of Reform Judaism
www.URJ.org
E.L.C. Staff
Judy Friedman – jfriedman@shiramipa.org
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FAMILY | COSMETIC | RESTORATIVE | PREVENTATIVE DENTISTRY
SHIRON | MARCH 2016
101 Richboro Road | Newtown, PA 18940
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See inside for photos of community events,
upcoming Shir Ami programs, a schedule
of services, auxiliary information,
ELC and religious school updates, and more!
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