June 2016 - Congregation Beth El

Scroll
Congregation Beth El
June 2016 • Iyar-Sivan 5776
Vol. 65 No. 10
From the Clergy
Theme
Year in Review • 1, 10-12
From the Clergy • 1
From the President • 1
Tikkun Leil Shavuot • 2
Tikkun Olam ToBE • 3
Rabbi Werbin
Installation • 4
Junior Congregation • 5
J Street Gala • 6
Siddur Lev Shalem • 7
Scientists in Synagogues
Grant • 7
Library Corner • 9
USY • 15
Departments
Sisterhood • 13
Men’s Club • 13
Contributions • 17
Bulletin Board • 20
The Scroll is a recipient
of three Solomon Schechter Gold Awards from
the United Synagogue of
Conservative Judaism.
Reviewing a
VIBRANT YEAR
By Rabbi Greg Harris
bis installed… and you begin to see the
Seventy-three b’nai mitzvah, approxiwonderful year we are concluding.
mately 5,000 slices of pizza consumed
American Jewish Creativity
by teenagers in the Religious School
The High Holidays allowed people to
Upper School, about 275 adult educawelcome and be
tion classes taught,
inspired by the
20 professional
Werbin family.
affinity group
Rabbi Fabián
gatherings, at
Werbin still
least 400 games
comments about
of mah jongg and
the vibrancy of
bridge played,
our community,
dozens of baby
whether it be
namings, funerSelfie with sister: Rabbi Harris and
the second-day
als and weddings, family at his February installation.
Sukkot deli
nine presentations Photo by Mitchell Solkowitz
lunch, the revised Megillah Theater at
of my “Vision for Beth El” throughout
Purim, or the myriad other ways people
the community, an unknown number
gather for prayer, study, and friendship.
of scoops of tuna or egg salad, two rabcontinued on page 16
From the President
Going From Strength to Strength
By Jerry Sorkin
When I addressed the congregation on
Kol Nidre, I mentioned how fortunate
we are that Beth El is a healthy Conservative congregation – and that I looked
forward to seeing Beth El go from
“strength to strength.” I am happy to say
at the end of my first year as president, I
believe we are continuing on that road
from strength to strength.
One of the most important goals for
this year was the successful transition of
our clergy. Rabbi Greg Harris became
head rabbi in June, and Rabbi Fabián
Werbin joined Beth El as associate rabbi
last summer. Rabbi Harris began to
discuss his vision for the future of Beth
El at the High Holidays and conducted
many discussions of that vision with
smaller groups during the year. Both
rabbis are flourishing in their new roles,
and their installation celebrations were
highlights of our year.
Strategic Planning
With these transitions, we have begun
a long-term strategic planning process,
called Atid 2, which seeks to build on
continued on page 8
For photos of Rabbi Werbin’s
Installation, see page 4.
Tikkun Leil Shavuot
Scroll
8215 Old Georgetown Road
Bethesda, Maryland 20814-1451
Phone 301-652-2606 Fax 301-907-8559
Webwww.bethelmc.org
Affiliated with United Synagogue
of Conservative Judaism
Rabbi
Gregory Harris gharris@bethelmc.org
Associate Rabbi
Fabián Werbin fwerbin@bethelmc.org
Hazzan
Matthew Klein mklein@bethelmc.org
Clergy Emeriti
Rabbi Samuel Scolnic z”l
Rabbi William Rudolph wrudolph@bethelmc.org
Hazzan Abraham Lubin salubin1@verizon.net
Executive Director
Sheila H. Bellack sbellack@bethelmc.org
Education Director
Rabbi Mark Levine mlevine@bethelmc.org
Associate Education Director
Elisha Frumkin efrumkin@bethelmc.org
Director of Community Engagement
Geryl Baer gbaer@bethelmc.org
Preschool Director
Kim Lausin klausin@bethelmc.org
Youth Director
Adam Zeren azeren@bethelmc.org
President
Jerry Sorkin sorkinj@cebglobal.com
Executive Vice President
Larisa Avner Trainor ltrainor@cig.com
Administrative Vice President
Carolyn Berger cbergerl@aol.com
Communications and Tikkun Olam
Vice President
Larry Sidman larrysidman@live.com
Community Building Vice President
Ivy Fields ivyfields@gmail.com
Development and Finance Vice President
Mark C. Bronfman mark.bronfman@gmail.com
Education and Lifelong Learning
Vice President
Sara Gordon saragordon18@gmail.com
Worship and Spirituality Vice President
Rebecca Musher Gross rebeccamgross@gmail.com
Treasurer
Joseph B. Hoffman jhoffman@kelleydrye.com
Secretary
Sue Emmer emmerconsulting@verizon.net
Scroll Committee scroll@bethelmc.org
Janet Meyers, Chair, Sharon Apfel, Judy Futterman,
Susan Jerison, Davida Kales, Marci Kanstoroom,
Jennifer Katz, Helen Popper, Marsha Rehns,
Walter Schimmerling, Larry Sidman, and Donna
Vogel. Graphic designer: Tiarra Joslyn
Scroll, USPS Number 009813, is published monthly by Congregation Beth El of
Montgomery County, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda, MD 20814. Periodical postage rate paid at Bethesda, Maryland and additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Scroll, 8215 Old Georgetown Road,
Bethesda, MD 20814.
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A Traditional Shavuot Eve
Nighttime Study Session
Saturday, June 11
6 Sivan 5776
Programming for all ages will begin
with a light dairy dinner
ADULTS
Clergy and congregants will lead the adult program:
7:15 pmMincha
7:45 pm
Dairy dinner
8:15 pm Teaching Session I
9:00 pm
Ma’ariv and Havdalah
9:15 pm–1:00 am Multiple Teaching Sessions
CHILDREN
Don’t miss out on educational and fun Shavuot programs for
kindergarten through high school:
7:15–8:15 pm
8:15–9:00 pm 9:00 pm
Dairy dinner
Program
Ma’ariv and Havdalah
RSVP for dinner to the Beth El synagogue office by
Wednesday, June 8
Name(s) of adult(s) ___________________________________
Name(s) and grades of child(ren) ________________________
___________________________________________________
Cost: $8.00 per person for dinner. No charge for progam.
Make checks payable to Congregation Beth El and mail to
8215 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD 20814.
For more information on the adult program, contact the main
office at 301-652-2606 or info@bethelmc.org. For information
on the children’s program, please contact Tali Moscowitz at
301-652-8569, ext. 309 or tmoscowitz@bethelmc.org.
June B’nai Mitzvah
June 4: Elliot Lovinger and Gideon Helf
June 11: Eve Titlebaum and Samuel Blank
June 18: Emily Niman
Mincha: Abbie Bobeck
June 25: Samantha Epstein
ToBE: Transforming Tikkun Olam at Beth El
By Sheryl Rosensky Miller
We are delighted to announce the launch of an exciting
and transformative new initiative at Beth El, “ToBE: Tikkun
Olam at Beth El. What We Want the World to Be.” ToBE
will be like having Mitzvah Day all year long, through an
intentional model of social action across Beth El. ToBE will
make “repairing the world” a high priority and core value of
Beth El. The purpose of ToBE is to markedly increase community engagement in tikkun olam throughout Beth El and to
widely publicize outcomes of these projects. We will accomplish this by coordinating and publicizing all social action
activities planned by the various groups at Beth El. Nearly
every interest and auxiliary group at Beth El, from the Beth
El Preschool (BEPS) to the Senior Caucus, engages in community service activities throughout the year. These meaningful programs include serving monthly meals at Shepherd’s
Table, collecting winter coats for
the homeless (BEPS), cooking for
area shelters (Sisterhood), partnering with Jewish Foundation
for Group Homes residents (Religious School and Day Schools
Committee), and more.
we could more than quadruple our results.
This is only the beginning. We could include a tikkun olam component to our
shul-wide programming, such
as holding a school supplies
drive to benefit low-income
kids in Montgomery County as part of the Back-to-Shul
BBQ. We could donate much-needed items for Israeli soldiers as we enter the Beth El Gala. The ideas are limitless.
Tikkun Olam (ToBE) Task Force
The Tikkun Olam (ToBE) Task Force includes representatives from the many Beth El groups that engage in ongoing
community service programming. As chair of the task force,
I hope to draw from my experience as chair of Mitzvah Day
for three years and from my 18
years as a legal aid attorney and
manager for low-income seniors
at AARP Legal Counsel for the
Elderly.
The task force has developed a
comprehensive inventory of social
Inviting All to Participate
action programming that already
These programs require publicoccurs at Beth El. We will discuss
ity and coordination to ensure
how to create a centralized clearthat every congregant, beyond the
inghouse for publicizing projects
sponsoring group, is aware of the
through the Beth El website, the
Sheryl (far right) with Doris Povich and
project and is invited to particiScroll, and the weekly announceMartin Rosensky at Mitzvah Day
pate. By streamlining individual
ments. The task force will develop
tikkun olam projects, ToBE intends to maximize the impact
creative methods to promote the new brand, “ToBE,” to
of the existing array of tikkun olam programs that occur all
ensure that it becomes associated with Beth El. We will form
year and ultimately to build upon them with innovative new three subcommittees: community engagement, marketing
programs.
and communications, and metrics and outcome. Task Force
For example, Zhava members participate in the Hope
members include the clergy and staff, Larry Sidman, Jerry
Connections 5K. This walk benefits Hope Connections for
Sorkin, Ivy Fields, Jana Singer, Peter Novick, Fran Rubin,
Cancer Support, a local organization that enables those with Jonathan Epstein, Jack Ventura, Andrea Rifkind, Jennifer Odcancer and their loved ones to deal with the disease’s emointz, Andrea Golden, Debbie Feinstein, Stacey Topol, Evelyn
tional and physical impact. All Beth El members could be
Karson, Doris Povich, Lisa Lerner, Jon Polon, Donna Shimencouraged to participate in the walk or support a walker.
shi, and Howie Stein.
Looking In, Out, and Up
Another example: What if ToBE publicized the BEPS
diaper drive for low-income families to the entire congrega- In keeping with the framework of Rabbi Harris’s maxim,
“looking in, looking out, and looking up,” the Tikkun Olam
tion? Together, we could have a greater impact on repairing
(ToBE) Task Force will devote its first year to “looking in”
the world by donating more of these expensive items for
through coordinating, publicizing, and celebrating the rethose in need. Likewise, Sisterhood holds food and toiletry
sults of current projects within the multitude of groups at
drives throughout the year. If our whole congregation were
aware of these efforts and had the opportunity to participate,
continued on page 14
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Installation of Rabbi Fabián Werbin
Speaking at his Friday evening, May 6, installation, Rabbi Werbin reviewed his eventful first year as Beth El associate rabbi.
He thanked congregants at the standing room only service for their warm welcome and told how impressed he was with
the enthusiasm of Beth El’s clergy and members. Following the installation and Kabbalat Shabbat service, the congregation
enjoyed a dinner featuring Argentine specialties including empanadas, salsa salad, and chocolate torta. Photos by Mitchell Solkowitz
Potato Knish
Ingredients:
7 baking potatoes,
peeled and cubed
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 onions, chopped
1 teaspoon ground
black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup warm water
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups all-purpose
flour
4
Recipe of Rabbi Werbin’s grandmother, Catalina Werbinz”l
Directions:
Place potatoes in large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce
heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and allow to steam
for 1-2 minutes. Heat 1/4 cup oil in skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion; cook and stir until
onion is translucent, about 7 minutes. Combine potatoes and onion (with the oil) in large bowl;
season with 2 teaspoons of salt and and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Mash until smooth and then set aside.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Beat eggs, 1/2 cup oil, warm water, and 1 teaspoon salt. Gradually stir in flour. When the dough
has pulled together, turn it out on a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic,
about 8 minutes. Divide the dough into thirds and roll each piece to about 9” x 13”. Slice the
rolled dough in half lengthwise, and spread the potato mixture down the center of each strip. Roll
each strip around the filling and gently press to seal. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling
until there are six logs.
Cut each log into 1” slices and place cut side down on the prepared baking sheet. Gently press
the edges of the dough toward the center of the potato mixture to form a bun.
Bake in preheated oven till golden brown, 35-45 minutes.
“Amazing” Junior Congregation Team Graduates
Junior Congregation leader Cheryl Kreiser and the three high school
seniors who have assisted her over the years each reflect on their experiences teaching sixth graders at the weekly Shabbat service.
the kids grow and progress in their connection to Judaism
has brought me a great feeling of accomplishment. To go
from being afraid to stand in front of 30 fellow classmates to
Helping Hold Up the Leader’s Arms
leading a Shabbat service in front of 150 friends and family
By Cheryl Kreiser
members at the end of the year is a huge achievement. I am
In Parashat Beshalach we read that Moses’s arms must reso honored to be a part of that.
main up if the Israelites are to prevail. But he cannot do it
Cheryl has been the best person to work with and learn
alone; Aaron and Hur help him hold up his arms. Leading
from. Her enthusiasm and love for the sixth graders, JewJunior Congregation
ish learning, and Junior
reminds me of this story,
Congregation is infecbecause the success of
tious. She has touched so
the morning depends
many people in so many
on the energy and the
ways at the synagogue.
enthusiasm of the leaders.
Those who have been
There is no down time.
fortunate enough to
One needs Aaron and
have had her as a teacher
Hur. truly understand that the
The past five years
“Cheryl Experience” is
leading Junior Conthe best Jewish learning
gregation have been
experience you can get.
wonderful because I’ve
She’s an instrumental
been working with the
reason why I returned to
same three teens – Ben
Junior Congregation to
The
Junior
Congregation
team,
from
left:
Abigail,
Cheryl,
Katz, Abigail Levine,
help lead the service after
Ben, and Olivia
and Olivia Levine. I’ve
I was a bar mitzvah. She
known them since they were in the third grade. I was their
is, and will always be, my teacher and friend.
Allowing Students to Question
teacher in the fifth and sixth grades and their b’nai mitzvah
By Abigail Levine
tutor. While Olivia and Abigail would come and go with
I decided to help out at Junior Congregation because I
track season, Ben made Junior Congregation his exclusive
absolutely loved the service when I was in sixth grade and
Saturday morning gig. Olivia didn’t join us this year, opting
wanted to continue being a part of it once I “graduated.”
instead to take on additional b’nai mitzvah tutoring. We’ve become a team unlike any other I’ve ever worked There is so much to learn, even after years of going, and
with. These teens can run the service and motivate the chil- it’s a beautiful community to be a part of. The sixth graders come in shy and unsure of themselves, and by May they
dren. We finish each other’s sentences, and sometimes, Ben
are confident and strong in leading their own service. It’s an
can read my mind. They have given me nachas. This June,
amazing transition to watch, and it’s so cool to be able to
they will graduate from high school. I will lose three of my
help them get there. Making the commitment was easy; by
best friends, and the Beth El Religious School will lose
the end of my first year assisting and watching all the stuthree amazing role models.
dents grow, I was excited to come back the next year and
Passing on Life Lessons
start all over.
By Benjamin Katz
JC is unique in that it allows students to actually practice
I first decided to help out with Junior Congregation because
Judaism
by participating in a service as well as ask questions
it had such an important impact on my Jewish identity, and
and discuss big topics. Around that age is when many kids
I wanted to give the sixth graders after me the same great
are becoming more mature and may start questioning the
Junior Congregation experience. The morals, Jewish values,
religion they’ve been raised in. What JC does is allow for any
and life lessons learned in Junior Congregation are invaluquestions or doubts and foster discussions that let all students
able.
discover what Judaism means to them. It’s worthwhile, not
Five years is a long time to go to synagogue every Shabcontinued on page 15
bat and control 40, 50, even 60 crazy kids, but watching
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Beth El Members Attend J Street Gala
By David Goodfriend and Susan Emmer
The 2016 J Street Gala and Leadership Assembly held on
ture,” and the plenary, entitled “Steps Forward: What Can Be
April 17 and 18 in the Ronald Reagan World Trade Center
Done to Renew Efforts to Resolve the Conflict?”
in Washington, D.C., convened more than 1,000 pro-Israel,
The dinner celebrated diplomacy and honored former
pro-peace supporters as well as more than 30 rabbis for an
U.S. ambassadors to the United Kingdom (Amb. Louis Susevent that featured speeches and a dinner Gala headlined
man), Spain (Amb. Alan Solomont), and Morocco (Amb.
by Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John F.
Samuel Kaplan), all of whom have close ties to J Street.
Diplomacy Is Important
Kerry.
Secretary Kerry spoke at length about the importance of
Several Beth El members attended the event, including
diplomacy. He praised the
J Street youth leaders Josh
work of Ambassadors SusBoxerman and Josh Handelman, Solomont, and Kaplan
man. Josh Boxerman said,
for their service to the Unit“I had been involved in J
ed States and for promoting
Street U [the college arm
peace. Secretary Kerry said it
of J Street] as part of the
was important that Amb. Kanational student leadership
plan, the top U.S. diplomat in
during my senior year of colMorocco, a Muslim country,
lege. Attending the assembly
is Jewish.
was important for me, nearly
Vice President Biden and
a year after graduating, to get David Goodfriend, Josh Boxerman, Susan Emmer, and
Secretary Kerry emphasized
reconnected and reenergized Josh Handelman
the need for the United States and Israel to pursue a peaceon the issue and to be reminded just how important Israel’s
ful solution in the Middle East.
future as a Jewish and democratic state is to me. J Street’s
Member of Knesset Stav Shaffir, one of the youngest
work in Washington, on campus, and in the Jewish commuKnesset members, spoke passionately about the need for
nity is more crucial than ever.” The leadership roles of Beth
El congregants and their teen and young adult-aged children transparency in Israeli government institutions. Shaffir spoke
movingly about the need for collaboration in efforts to find
in Israel advocacy organizations, such as J Street and AIPAC
an Israeli-Palestinian solution.
(showcased in the May Scroll), reflect the diverse ways in
A large crowd of energetic college students from J Street
which Beth El demonstrates its connectedness to Israel.
U, with 70 chapters on campuses across the United States,
Leadership Assembly events preceding the Gala evening
attended the event. One of the fastest-growing Jewish orincluded a discussion entitled “Pundits, Pollsters, and Poliganizations, J Street U often helps students to support Israel
tics” that addressed the changing politics around Israel and
through advocacy while opposing the efforts of the so-called
the 2016 election. Session highlights included J Street U
“Boycott, Divest, Sanction” or “BDS” movement. n
workshops, “The Battle to Defend Israel’s Democratic Fu-
Israel Needs Us We Need Israel
In the Washington area, there is an abundance of Israelfocused activities in June. Here are some suggestions:
BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY to IsraelFest 2016 on
Sunday, June 5, from 2:00 to 6:00 pm, at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose
Rd., Rockville. This free celebration of Israeli books,
food, dancing, singing, and culture offers everyone an opportunity to rejoice with other area residents in the vibrancy and diversity of life in Israel.
ATTEND the closing performance of the Washington
Jewish Music Festival on Wednesday, June 15, at 7:00 pm
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at the Washington, D.C. Jewish Community Center, 1529
16th Street, Washington, D.C., to listen to Artolerance, a
remarkable group of musicians performing works bringing together Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel. The performance will be followed by a discussion about how to
construct a shared society in Israel. For details and to buy
tickets, visit www.wjmf.org.
GIVE the State of Israel a belated 68th birthday present
by purchasing an Israel Bond. This unique gift doubles
as an investment, returning monetary as well as spiritual
dividends. For details, visit www.israelbonds.com.
Introducing New Prayerbook Siddur Lev Shalem
By Hazzan Matthew Klein
This summer, Beth El will begin using Siddur Lev Shalem,
the new siddur of the Conservative movement. The siddur
builds on the successes of the High Holiday prayerbook,
Mahzor Lev Shalem, and includes features like prayer commentary, poetry, and abundant transliteration. This siddur is
the first new movement-wide prayerbook since the 2000
edition of Sim Shalom, and the original Sim Shalom before
that in 1984.
I have been a Conservative Jew for my whole life and
have seen many siddurim come and go. This is the first one
that I think that every Conservative Jew should own; it is
the first siddur that will not only teach people the prayers
but will also give them spiritual tools with which to pray.
More Liturgical Options
Siddur Lev Shalem is replete with new, sensitive liturgical moments, including blessings for life transitions, psalms for times
of tragedy, and even a prayer for mourners when there is
no minyan. The editors also have significantly expanded the
liturgical options across the board, particularly with piyyutim
(liturgical poetry), excerpts from the Sephardic practice of
reciting Song of Songs on Friday night, a Ladino Ein Keiloheinu, and even new liturgy from Israeli prayerbooks. All of
these complement the same core of traditional prayers that
are familiar from our current siddur, Siddur Sim Shalom.
In the realm of English language, Siddur Lev Shalem has
much to offer each of us. It features lyrical, beautiful English
translations that are meant to evoke emotion in the reader.
The commentary and poetry in
the margins continues to be a well
for personal inspiration, or for refocusing if one becomes distracted.
And the siddur is also peppered
with short essays and study sections
that will meaningfully expand your
knowledge of Shabbat, Festivals, and
the main themes of Jewish spirituality.
Siddur Study Sessions
Over the next year, the clergy will be running educational
sessions across the congregation about the new siddur and
how to get the most out of it. If you or a group that you are
part of at the shul is interested in studying the siddur together, please reach out to me directly at mklein@bethelmc.org.
Copies of the siddur will be available for purchase through
Beth El in the fall.
I love this siddur because it does what I try to do every
day – it teaches you to pray. Not just how to appreciate the
Hebrew but how to appreciate and develop a relationship
with God. It contains a variety of theologies and ways of relating to the divine, while uniting all of us through a shared
spiritual experience. I truly hope that your experience of
our new siddur will allow you to pray with a lev shalem – a
full heart. n
Beth El Receives "Scientists in Synagogues" Grant
By Arthur N. Popper and Geryl Baer
Beth El has received a grant from Sinai and Synapses to create programming that will bring scientists into synagogue
life. Beth El was one of 11 synagogues to receive the reward,
and the only synagogue in the Washington area. Activities
will promote discussions and dialog with congregants regarding the connections and relationship between scientific
thought and Judaism.
Sinai and Synapses (sinaiandsynapses.org), an offshoot of
Clal-The National Jewish Center for Leadership and Learning, has as its goal “to bridge the religious and scientific
worlds, offering people a worldview that is scientifically
grounded and spiritually uplifting.” As one of its initiatives,
the Scientists in Synagogues program provides funding to
congregations “to explore the most interesting and pressing questions surrounding Judaism and science.” For nearly
three years, Beth El’s Scientists and Engineers Affinity Group
(now called the STEM Affinity Group) has been meeting
several times a year. This highly successful group now forms
the base for expanding opportunities to integrate Judaism
and science.
Science in Judaism Discussions
Over the course of the grant (a year and a half beginning in
July), we will introduce “Science in Judaism” topics to the
entire synagogue for learning, discussion, and debate. One
possible topic is about the ethical dilemmas arising from the
explosion of technological advances. For example, wearable
technology might improve health but may raise significant
privacy concerns. Another potential topic to discuss would
be about robots that might be able to clean up environmental accidents but could malfunction and cause harm. To ensure that technology enhances human dignity and the public
good, dilemmas like these need to be addressed in the context of Jewish ethics and learning. Jewish wisdom can play a
continued on page 16
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FROM THE PRESIDENT continued from page 1
Beth El’s success over the last decade – and to help us to
evolve to meet our community’s changing needs in the future. The effort is being led by Dale Rosenthal and David
Topol. The Atid steering committee includes Amy Goott,
Jon Gross, Richard Klein, Jeff Snyder, and Abby Weiner. In
developing a long-term plan, Atid 2 is focused primarily
on education, engagement, and spirituality. The committee is gathering input from the congregation, will develop
recommendations, and is expected to complete its work in
December.
B’Yachad Philanthropy
As we plan for our future, we are continuing to solidify our
development efforts. This year, we launched the B’Yachad
personal philanthropy program. B’Yachad allows members
to direct their gifts to the areas of Beth El that are most
important to them. For example, if a Beth El family is most
interested in adult education programming, they can request that all of their donations to Beth El (above fees and
dues) be directed to adult education programming, such as
the Scolnic Institute. The Development Committee, led by
Mark Bronfman, and the Create a Jewish Legacy team, led
by Suzanne Bronheim and Mark Levitt, have worked hard
to ensure we continue to build on our recent successes on
the development front.
Am Yisrael Chai
Another imperative this year has been to reignite Beth El’s
Israel-related activities and ensure Beth El’s connection to
Israel. Larry Sidman, vice president for communications and
tikkun olam, has taken the lead in launching the Am Yisrael
Chai Committee. The committee has received enthusiastic
support and participation throughout the year, beginning in
Beth El Library Hours
The Beth El Library is open whenever
Beth El is open. The library operates on
a self-service honor system. To check
out a book, remove the card from the
book’s back pocket, print your name
and date, place that card in the library desk basket, and
then insert a predated, yellow date due card in the back
pocket. To return books, place them in the book bin in the
hallway right outside the library.
On Shabbat and holidays, follow the printed directions
on the library desk to learn how to check out books
without writing. Volunteer librarians are available to help
you on Sunday mornings from 10:00 am to noon.
To see what is available in our collection, as well as the
new books that are available, visit bethelmc.mysurpass.
net.
8
September with a program about the (then pending) Iran
nuclear agreement. That program featured David Makovsky
and attracted more than 200 participants. The group continues to focus on Israel-related programming and activity, with
a focus on education.
Security Enhancements
Security continues to be a key focus of the Board. Last fall,
our security task force commissioned an independent security firm to conduct a comprehensive audit. The consultant’s
recommendations were reviewed and adopted by the security task force and the Board. As a result, we are now in the
process of making several hundreds of thousand dollars of
investments to enhance Beth El’s security. These enhancements will be paid for through a number of sources, including an additional security assessment for members and a special contribution from the Preschool. We have also applied
for security funding grants from the Department of Homeland Security and the Montgomery County government.
Beth El’s ability to move from “strength to strength” is
only possible because of the generosity of our congregants
– through their volunteer efforts, their financial support,
and our lay leadership. I’d like to thank three lay leaders in
particular. First, David Mills, who as president helped to
navigate Beth El through what could have been very difficult times. His hard work over the term that preceded my
presidency enabled us to come through a rabbinic transition
as a strong, healthy, united community. Second (and third),
Robin Jacobson and Larry Kirsch. In May, Robin and Larry
stepped down from the board after serving two terms. We
are grateful to them – and all board members – for their service. n
Dedications of Siddur Lev Shalem
Several congregants have already
inquired about dedicating a copy
of the new Siddur Lev Shalem in
memory or in honor of a loved
one. In the fall, dedications will
be available for $54 each and
will include a bookplate with
the pertinent information on the
inside front cover. For those who
wish to see a sample copy of the
siddur, there is one available in the main office. Questions? Please contact Hattie Goodman at hgoodman@
bethelmc.org or 301-652-2606.
Library Corner
Oh, to Be in England
By Robin Jacobson
As spring turns to summer, the United Kingdom continues
to joyously commemorate two oh-so-British occasions: the
Queen’s 90th birthday and the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. The yearlong festivities seem to have spilled
over into the Jewish book world, producing several recent
titles about British Jews. So as you nibble your strawberries
and cream, also dip into Howard Jacobson’s satiric novel,
Shylock Is My Name, which sets Shakespeare’s The Merchant of
Venice in 21st century England. Prefer non-fiction? Try Sasha
Abramsky’s The House of Twenty Thousand Books or Ian Buruma’s Their Promised Land: My Grandparents in Love and War;
these books capture the vanished British Jewish world of the
authors’ grandparents.
Shylock Is My Name
This novel is part of a series
in which contemporary
authors reimagine Shakespeare’s plays. Not surprisingly, the series’ publisher
commissioned Howard Jacobson, a celebrated British
novelist who writes about
modern Jewish identity, to redo The Merchant of Venice. Generations of scholars and playgoers have puzzled over this play.
On one hand, the character of Shylock, the Jewish moneylender, embodies villainous anti-Semitic caricatures and
yet, on the other hand, eloquently insists on Jews’ humanity
(“Hath not a Jew eyes . . .”).
In Jacobson’s novel, the Shylock character is Simon Strulovitch, a wealthy British Jewish philanthropist and art collector. But with a touch of magical realism, the Shylock of
Shakespeare’s play also appears in the novel and becomes
friendly with Strulovitch. The two men talk over Shylock’s
motivations in The Merchant of Venice, leading to debates
over Judaism, vengeance, and rebellious daughters. There are
many funny bits – as when Strulovitch ponders whether
Shakespeare’s original family name might have been “Shapiro” or quips while visiting Venice, “Oy gevalto, we’re back on
the Rialto!”
The House of Twenty Thousand Books
This tribute to Jewish intellectual life in 20th century England centers on author Sasha Abramsky’s grandparents, Chimen (pronounced “Shimen”) and Miriam Abramsky. The
Abramsky home in North London was crammed with valuable books and manuscripts, reflecting Chimen’s professions
as a book dealer and expert on both Socialism and modern
Jewish history. And thanks to Miriam’s over-the-top hospitality (she was a psychiatric social worker who loved people),
the house overflowed with guests, typically left-wing intellectuals who argued vociferously while devouring Miriam’s
multi-course meals.
For much of their adult lives, Chimen and Miriam were
stalwart members of the Communist Party, even though
Chimen’s father, a renowned Orthodox rabbi, served
two years at hard labor in Siberia under the Soviets. The
Abramskys forged a unique blend of Judaism and Communism; they famously hosted a “Communist Seder” every
Passover.
Their Promised Land
Like Sasha Abramsky, Ian Buruma writes of his Jewish
grandparents’ lives in England. But unlike the Communist
Abramskys, Winifred (“Win”) and Bernard Schlesinger paid
allegiance solely to England, the country Bernard
served in both world wars.
Win wrote that she felt
“privileged to live in and
for the most wonderful
country in the world.”
Win and Bernard came
from German Jewish families who immigrated to
England in the 19th century. Both families prospered and
cultivated upper-middle-class English tastes; they admired
classical music and fine art and educated their children at
Oxford (Win) and Cambridge (Bernard). Nonetheless, Bernard’s Jewish surname limited his job prospects as a physician
at London hospitals.
The Schlesingers’ correspondence reveals an ongoing
concern with how fellow Jews comported themselves. Jews
who lacked polished English manners embarrassed them.
Nonetheless, at a time of Nazi peril, the Schlesingers heroically rescued 12 Jewish children from Berlin, housing and
educating the children in England. To this day, descendants
of those children credit the Schlesingers for their lives. n
Beth El Book Chat
Sunday, July 10, 10:00 am
Join us to discuss All Who Go Do Not Return
by Shulem Deen, an award-winning memoir of Hasidic life. Questions? Contact Margery London or Robin Jacobson.
9
BACK-TO-SHUL BBQ
SUKKAH BUILDING
ARTISAN BOUTIQUE
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL CONSECRATION
SIDDUR
COVER WORKSHOP
10
PILLOW PROJECT
MITZVAH DAY
SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDE
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LATKE-HAMANTASCH DEBATE
MITZVAH DAY
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BETH EL BOOK CHAT
SPORTS NIGHT
HANUKKAH/ROSH CHODESH
11
SEPHARDIC JOURNEYS CONCERT
RABBI HARRIS INSTALLATION
MEGILLAH THEATER
BENDER AWARDS
12
MEN'S CLUB ELECTION FORUM
RABBI HARRIS INSTALLATION
PURIM CARNIVAL
WORLD WIDE WRAP
BIT-O-MEGILLAH
TRADITIONAL MEGILLAH
SCOLNIC INSTITUTE
Men’s Club
Blue Yarmulke Honoree
Rabbi Rudolph
UPCOMING MEN’S CLUB EVENTS
Thursday, June 2, 8:30 pm Hearing
Men’s Voices. Dennis Askwith will discuss “Hearing Men’s Other Voices: The
Poet Within.”
Sunday, June 5, 10:00 am Eric Rozenman, a writer for the Committee for
Accuracy on Middle East Reporting in
America (CAMERA), will speak about
CAMERA’s challenges.
The FJMC Seaboard Region Men’s Clubs gathered on Sunday, April 17, for the Blue Yarmulke Man-of-the-Year dinner at Congregation Beth Israel in Owings Mills, Md. Our
Men’s Club honoree this year, Rabbi Emeritus Bill Rudolph,
accepted the honor to the enthusiastic cheers of a Beth El
group that included his wife Gail Fribush, Rabbi Harris, and
many friends. In accepting the award, Rabbi Rudolph noted
the integral role that Men’s Club has played over the years
in Beth El’s success. He observed that the biggest challenge
for Conservative Judaism is the quest to provide relevancy
for young people. While commending the Men’s Club for its
efforts in this regard, through programs such as the softball
team and the Jews and Brews get-togethers led by Rabbi
Harris, he urged the Men’s Club to continue to find ways
to engage our community’s younger members. The Blue
Yarmulke dinner is one of the Seaboard Region’s signature
events, during which Men’s Clubs throughout the region
honor members who have devoted much time and energy to
serving their clubs and communities. n
Sisterhood
UPCOMING SISTERHOOD/ZHAVA EVENTS
Thursday, June 2, 8:30 pm Zhava end-of-the-year event
Tuesday, June 7, 7:30 pm Rosh Chodesh: It’s a Woman
Thing
Tuesdays, June 7, 14, 21, 28, 6:30 pm Mah Jongg
Back By Popular Demand
Women’s Shabbat Retreat
Sponsored by Sisterhood
December 9-11
Bolger Center in Potomac
Shabbat Services, Creative Programming,
Learning, and Leisure
Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Mindy Portnoy
Registration begins in September
Co-chairs: Suzanne Bronheim, Pat Danoff,
and Holly Stein
Sisterhood and Zhava held a Women and Passover program Tuesday, April 12, to gather new
ideas for Seder menus. Attended by 80 women, the
program featured Marsha Liss, Lori Bard, Alison
Baraf, and Hanna Gutmann preparing charoset
and dessert dishes. Everyone then tasted the creations while learning new insights into the holiday from clergy spouses Rebekah Harris, Patricia
Gradel, and Rabbi Alyssa Austerklein. The program was dedicated in memory of Mindy Lieberman, a Beth El congregant who died in 2009.
13
UPCOMING TIKKUN OLAM PROGRAMS
Sunday, July 31 INOVA Blood Drive, coordinated by
Jack Ventura and Jonathan Simon. Save a life by the
simple task of donating much-needed blood.
Sunday, September 11, 4:00 pm Back-to-Shul BBQ will
include a collection drive for school supplies for lowincome families.
Tuesday, October 11 Manna Food Drive before Kol
Nidre at Beth El and Whitman High School
Sunday, October 30 Mitzvah Day. While ToBE will
bring a year-round Mitzvah Day atmosphere to Beth
El, our signature project will continue to thrive.
Contact Jon Polon at jonpolon@hotmail.com or
Donna Shimshi at dhshim001@yahoo.com to learn
how to become involved in the planning.
ToBE: TRANSFORMING TIKKUN OLAM
continued from page 3
Beth El. Next, ToBE will “look out” by exploring partnerships with area nonprofit organizations through the Beth El
Nonprofit Roundtable, comprised of congregants involved
in philanthropies within Montgomery County. ToBE will
“look up” by educating congregants about the central role
of tikkun olam in Judaism.
Through ToBE, we intend to dramatically enhance Beth
El’s impact on “repairing the world” by mobilizing our
membership. Beth El will become known as a synagogue
that places a high value on tikkun olam. From improving
our environment, visiting the sick, supporting charitable
causes in Israel, and cooking meals together for the homeless, ToBE will offer programs that meet the diverse interests
of our congregation. Please join me on this incredible journey. To participate, contact me. n
Collecting for paper recycling
Good Deeds Day Highlights
Beth El members were among the 8,000 volunteers
who participated in The Jewish Federation of Greater
Washington’s Good Deeds Day on April 10. Beth El
held its largest Good Deeds Day ever, with members
donating more than 1,500 pounds of paper and cardboard to be shredded and recycled (see photo above),
as well as 700 pounds of electronics collected by the
Green Tikkun Committee.
Sisterhood collected 175 towels for Greentree Shelter. Sisterhood also sponsored a community cooking
project that prepared 11 breakfast casseroles for Shepherd’s Table.
Twelve volunteers helped 45 members donate blood.
Bonim had 22 children making chew toys and “adopt
me” cards for dogs and cats at the Montgomery Animal
Shelter.
The Daniel Mann Literary Luminary Event featured
Esther Foer, executive director and CEO of Sixth
& I Historic Synagogue, and her son, Franklin Foer,
prominent journalist and author, who discussed
their newest project: a book about their family’s
roots in Ukraine. At the April 17 program, Esther
Foer told about discovering several years ago
that her father had a wife and daughter who were
killed in the Holocaust. Esther and Franklin described their recent trip to the Ukrainian village
where the family once lived. Photo by Mark Pollak
14
Youth Activities
BEBUSY’s Busy Year
By Elizabeth Warrick
This year has been a great one for Beth El Bethesda USY
(BEBUSY). As a chapter, we’ve been everywhere, doing so
many cool things! This year saw BEBUSY flourish in ways it
hasn’t for a long time. The bonds between BEBUSY members have grown thanks to our wonderful events.
Our first event of the year was the BEBUSY Kickoff at
Players Fun Zone, with glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, bumper
cars, laser tag, arcade games, inflatables, and a batting cage. I
ran from moon bounce to bumper cars to laser tag with all
my friends. It was the first time in a while that many of us
had gotten together, and we especially enjoyed the bumper
cars. It got really intense – we would all rush towards the
center and have our cars hit one another. Everyone joined
in for a huge game of laser tag. That night had many Beth El
kids join for a night of wonderful fun. As far as kickoffs go,
BEBUSY’s was an awesome success!
Seaboard USY Kickoff
After that, there was the regional Pump It Up Seaboard
Kickoff. This Seaboard event has been at Pump It Up for
several years now, and every time it does not disappoint.
There are so many inflatables and other things to do that
there’s no way to go five minutes without meeting someone
new. That may sound daunting to some, but USY members and staff were all so welcoming. It was there that I met
people from other chapters and saw friends I haven’t seen in
a while.
Other events we had included “Clips and Quesadillas,”
a BEBUSY casual night of eating cheese quesadillas and
watching a movie after a wonderful Havdalah ceremony. The
more intimate setting really allowed me and other members
to feel closer to each other. Everyone was sitting around and
making jokes.
Another amazing BEBUSY program was a joint USYKadima evening at ShadowLand for laser tag. That was so
much fun. We got to make up our own nicknames. In the
laser tag arena, we all worked with our teams to try to win. I
found it amazing how well we all worked together. We had
strategies and look-out points and everything. Of course,
there were lots of hilarious jokes shared by everyone.
There was also a night at Skyzone, a trampoline park. Everyone had contests to see who could jump the highest, and
we played dodgeball on the trampolines. Everyone laughed,
and it was really good exercise, as well.
Shabbat Teen Service
In addition to all the fun events, there is a teen service at
Beth El almost every month. There, teens have a Shabbat
service led by other teens and then have a kiddush with delicious donuts and an interesting discussion. The teen service
is really a wonderful time to experience Judaism and learn
about it. If you have questions, you can ask Aviva Solkowitz,
religious education vice president. BEBUSY is always happy
to help teens get involved in Judaism.
We hope you all look forward to another wonderful year
with BEBUSY. We’re already planning amazing events that
will incorporate Israel education, tikkun olam, and fun. Being a part of USY is an amazing opportunity for teens, and
it has truly helped me grow as a person and a leader. n
Elizabeth is BEBUSY’s vice president of communications.
JUNIOR CONGREGATION continued from page 5
only because the sixth graders learn so much about prayers
and services and the Torah but also because they are allowed
to wonder and ask and be skeptical.
Shaping a Jewish Life
By Olivia Levine
Helping out with Junior Congregation has completely
shaped my life. If not for Cheryl and her amazing service, I
would not have learned so many prayers nor have practiced
to perfect them. I would not have become so involved with
the Religious School after my bat mitzvah or have become
a b’nai mitzvah tutor. I would not still be able to recite the
Torah service and chant an aliyah. I would certainly not have
gone to services almost every week for the past six years.
With JC, I have done all of the above, and, most importantly,
found my relationship with Judaism and found myself as a
Jew. n
Participants in July’s Cantors Assembly trip to
Spain meet to discuss the itinerary.
15
STEM GRANT continued from page 7
role in addressing these challenging moral questions.
We will explore topics such as these in three primary
activities, each to take place several times over the next year
and a half. The first is a continuation of the STEM Affinity Group breakfasts. Currently, we have three breakfast
meetings a year, but we will add two dinners to make the
program more accessible to additional congregants who are
STEM professionals.
Religious School Collaboration
The second program will focus on Upper School students in
our Religious School. In collaboration with the Religious
School leadership, we will hold STEM school activities once
or twice a year. Students and presenters will discuss STEM
topics with a focus on the Jewish perspective and on how
scientific ideas intersect with Judaism.
The third program will be open to all in our Beth El
FROM THE CLERGY continued from page 1
We explored our congregational theme of “American Jewish Creativity” with Dr. Jonathan Sarna, the renowned expert on American Jewish history, as our scholar-in-residence,
Dr. Ben Jacobs at the Feld Lecture, and Hazzan Klein orchestrating an incredible concert, “Sephardic Journeys: Music of the Spanish Jews.”
Rabbi Rudolph remained very engaged in his new role
as rabbi emeritus. He focused his energies on bikkur cholim
visits and other projects, and the Latke-Hamantasch Debate
was as funny as ever.
For me, the new responsibilities as head rabbi have been
exciting. By working more closely with our incredible lay
leadership, with Jerry Sorkin as president, collaborating in
different ways with the professional staff including Sheila
Bellack, executive director, and focusing on the strategic direction of Beth El, it has been an incredibly stimulating year.
Planning Ahead
We are looking forward, too. Even as our Preschool continues to have a waiting list and membership is strong, our
Atid 2 strategic planning process is making sure we remain
relevant to the needs of our current membership and the
broader community. We are also looking across the synagogue at the many and varied social action projects underway. Sheryl Miller is leading an effort to think strategically
about these community partnerships between Beth El and
important organizations including Bethesda Cares, Children’s Inn, Shepherd’s Table, Interfaith Works, and numerous
other groups (see page 3 for details).
This article only scratches the surface of all that has happened at Beth El this year, but I am confident it jogged
16
community, regardless of scientific background, and will
focus on similar issues. We will work closely with the Men’s
Club and Sisterhood in planning events.
In each of these three programs, the intent will be to not
only learn about science but, more importantly, to engage in
discussions with the speakers and our clergy about the Jewish perspective on the issues.
Because of Beth El’s proximity to agencies and universities focused on relevant issues, there are many STEM professionals who are able to participate in this project. We have
reached out to members of the STEM Affinity Group for
initial involvement. However, we are anxious to increase the
number of STEM professionals at Beth El working with us
to develop ideas, participate in, and even lead programs. If
you are a STEM professional interested in learning more
and potentially participating, please contact Arthur Popper
for more information. n
good memories for you. Above all, I hope you have found a
way to connect more deeply with the Beth El community
this year. It might have been with the guidance of the “Taking Root” emails as a tool aimed at new members, or because you read about a program and joined in.
Beth El is an extraordinary community because of your
caring and involvement. As Beth El enters its 66th year, we
are not complacent with our past achievements. Our future
vibrancy and successes can occur only with your partnership as we work together to strengthen Beth El. I invite you
to try a new program, introduce yourself to someone you
do not know at services, and reach out to staff to find your
place within Beth El. I hope you have a wonderful and rejuvenating summer. n
Grandparent’s Memory Book
for Jewish Families
The newly reprinted Grandparent’s Memory Book for Jewish Families is a perfect gift for Father’s Day, birthdays,
anniversaries, and all other special occasions. Pick up your
copy today at the Beth El office or Judaica & Gifts.
This interactive, 72-page book was written by Beth El
Sisterhood members. It covers the gamut of family lore,
holidays, and traditions. There is space for photographs,
mementos, and recipes. There is nothing else like it on the
market today.
The beautifully designed book provides an opportunity for grandparents to pass along their values and Jewish heritage to the next generation. The book retails for
$16.95; quantity discounts are available. To order or for
more information, contact Ina Young.
Contributions
Donations made from March 28 to April 26
Beth El Forest
In Honor Of:
Maayan Harris by Naomi Greenwood and Thomas Dahl
In Memory Of:
Irwin Nadell by Sandra and Paula Friedman
Beth El Israel Fund
In Honor Of:
Evan Krame for his leadership and teaching by Sharon Fine
Mindy Portnoy for her teaching Rosh Chodesh classes by Sharon Fine
Rabbi Werbin’s installation by the Fine Katz family
In Memory Of:
Evelyn Shevin by Marilyn, Frans, and Michelle Shevin-Coetzee
Dorothy Beverly Kitchen Fund
In Memory Of:
Our mother, Lillian Seigel, by Ann Goodman and Carolyn
Shanoff
David and Harriet Brooks Senior Adult Fund
In Memory Of:
David and Harriet Brooks by Phyllis Machta and Harvey and
Patti Gould
Harriet Brooks by Judy Jacobs, David and Marjorie Richman, the family of Harriet Brooks, Holyoke Pediatrics, Irma
Kramer, and Sandy and Dick Pollen
Cantor's Fund
In Honor Of:
Hazzan and Rabbi Austerklein, for making our wedding day
meaningful, by Mitch Polon and Tracey Dorfmann
In Memory Of:
Harley Lubin, beloved son of Hazzan Abe and Sandy Lubin,
by Marge and Shelly London, Margi and Mark Kramer and
family, Margie and Bob Litman, Mona and Jerry Gabry, Judith and Jonathan Levin, Jack Minker and Johanna Weinstein,
and Ruth and Alan Vinitsky
My father, Abraham Becker, by Scott Becker
Chevra Kadisha Fund
In Memory Of:
Benson David Adams by Natalie Adams
Harriet Brooks by Sarah Kalser
Leonard Neumann by Bev and Stu Berman
Ruth Slater, mother of Matthew Slater, by Joseph and Judy
Semo
Zachary Levy by Herbert and Cheryl Baraf
Crowell Scholarship
In Memory Of:
Barney Barr by Rita and Sol Barr
General Fund
In Honor Of:
Rabbi Fabian Werbin and Patricia Gradel and family by Jack
and Stephanie Ventura
Rabbi Fabian Werbin, on his installation, by Bennett and Marlene Harte, Debbie and Bob Kaplan, and Rabbi Steve and
Andrea Glazer, Debbie Leibowitz, Sandy and Dick Pollen,
Leonard and Gabriela Bebchick, Leesa Fine and Milan Kubic,
and Margie, Joe, Ellen, and Erica Hoffman
Rabbi Bill Rudolph on receiving the Blue Yarmulke Man-of-
Please remember that contributions can be made
easily, quickly, and securely via our webpage –
www.bethelmc.org
the-Year by Herb Tanenbaum and Amy and Gene Goott
Rabbi Harris’s installation by Margie, Joe, Ellen, and Erica
Hoffman
Ian Rothman, on his marriage, by Margie, Joe, Ellen, and Erica
Hoffman
Kevin Trainor, for his help with Shitufim kiddushim, by Sharon
Fine
Bar mitzvah of Eliot Eisen, grandson of Dr. and Mrs. Ab Eisen,
by Rhoda Nichaman
Bat mitzvah of Maayan Harris by Barbara and David Eisenstein, Herb Tanenbaum, Eugene Meyer and Sandra Pearlman,
Helena Koenig, Leesa Fields and Jonathan Band, Barbara Marom-Pollack and Jonathan Pollack, Irene and Ricardo Munster, Marge and Shelly London, Rhonda and Robert Zahler,
Ben and Suzanne Bronheim, Hal Scheinberg and Roberta
Lasken, Jose and Tutti Sokol, Margie and Bob Litman, Risa
Bender, Sophia, Josh, and Ben Klubes, Jerry and Shelly Belson, Allen and Barbara Lerman, Dora Weinstein, Helene
Weisz and Richard Lieberman, Phyllis and Jeffrey Lavine, Sid
and Janet Getz, Margi and Mark Kramer and family, Julia P.
Copperman, Reina Lerner, Jayson and Judy Slotnik, Jim and
Leslie Dellon, Liz Schrayer and Jeff Schwaber, Rhoda Nichaman, the Kulp family, Holly and Howie Stein, and William
and Sue Kanter
Bob Litman receiving the Kavod Award by Linda and Jerry
Herman
In gratitude for the recent successful operation of my daughter,
Cindy Hankin, by William Hoffman
Jack and Stephanie Ventura’s 50th anniversary by Ben and Suzanne Bronheim and Jose and Tutti Sokol
Robin Jacobson and Marge London for leading the Beth El
Book Club by Sharon Fine
Sam Olchyk, on your speedy recovery, by Margie, Joe, Ellen,
and Erica Hoffman
In Memory Of:
Barbara Bowytz Hoffman by Joe and Margie Hoffman
Barbara Fink, sister of William Kanter, by Judy and Harry
Melamed
Bennett Fidellman by the Lynn family
Clara Rosen, my mother, by Arthur Rosen
Deborah Karch by Esther S. Sherman
Deborah Shandell, sister of Andrea Shandell, by Andrea Shandell and Russell Fox
Dorothy W. Lee by Lester Lee
Robert Nussenblatt, husband of Rosine Nussenblatt, by Donna
Vogel and David Margulies, Jack and Stephanie Ventura, and
Esther and Elliot Wilner
Evgeny Estrin by Luba Estrina
Fred Moskowitz by Dan and Carol Moskowitz
Harley Lubin by Margie, Joe, Ellen, and Erica Hoffman
Harry Asen by Henrietta Asen
Harvey Shapiro by Melvyn F. Shapiro
Helen Oremland by Benita Forman
Herbert Shapiro by Margie and Joe Hoffman
Jacob Burman, my brother, by Bea Berger
Jose Ventura by Jack Ventura
Judith Moskowitz by Dan and Carol Moskowitz
Label Forman, our beloved uncle, by Julian Levin and Sondra
Brody
Max J. Cohen, my uncle, by William Kanter
17
Contributions Continued
Merwin Lavine by Phyllis and Jeff Lavine
My father, Sam Bayliss, by Susan Stromberg
Naava Ellis, mother of Audrey Ellis, by Jenifer and Ben Paul
and family
Rita Jacobi, mother of Susan Bruckheim, by Donna Vogel and
David Margulies
Ruben Kaplovsky by Lillian and Jay Miller
Ruth Slater, mother of Matthew Slater, by Amy and Gene
Goott and Margie, Joe, Ellen, and Erica Hoffman
Sarah Spero, grandmother of Stephanie Ventura, by Stephanie
and Jack Ventura
Thelma Sarah Paul by Cheryl and Herbert Baraf
Zachary Levy, father of Stacey Topol, by Donna Vogel and David Margulies, Lori Fish Bard and Larry Bard, and Anne and
Martin Rosensky
Elaine Silverman Gessow College Activities Fund
In Memory Of:
Beloved grandfather, Jack David Silverman, by Dr. and Mrs.
Marc Michelson
Green Tikkun Fund
In Honor Of:
Good Deeds Day paper shredding by Anonymous, David Weisz,
Carl Cohen and Wendy Rubenstein, Daniel Kaplan, G.R.
DeLeon, Jerrold Keilson, Jim and Leslie Dellon, Jon Kaltman,
Michael Levitt, Ross Dicker, Ruth Assal, Silvia Holschneider, Stephen Klitzman and Justine Lisser, Clifford Matheson,
Steve and Kate Baldwin, Michael Polis and Rhoda Barish,
and Susan Board
Michael Katz’s 50th birthday by Sharon Fine
In Memory Of:
Livia Schreiber Levine, beloved mother and grandmother, by
Robert Levine and family
Vera Lieban-Kalmar, beloved mother and Omi, by Michele
Lieban Levine and family
Groner Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund
In Honor Of:
Marty Rosensky’s recovery by Erwin and Leena Groner
Israel Experience Every Teen Fund
In Honor Of:
Maayan Shira Harris’s bat mitzvah by Burton S. and Diane E.
Epstein
In Memory Of:
Karen Dubin by Robert Litowitz
Morris Heckman by Bernard and Ruth Ann Heckman
Kimball Nursery School Fund
In Honor Of:
Birth of Grace Rose Wolgamot, granddaughter of Linda Goldsmith and Howard Berger, daughter of Emily Berger and
Adam Wolgamot, by Martha and Yuli Wexler
In Memory Of:
Sidney Berman by Stu and Bev Berman
Bernardo Kotelanski, M.D. Marriage Education Fund
In Memory Of:
William Ginsberg by Phil and Vivian Gorden
Library Fund
In Memory Of:
Libby Tabak by Lawrence Tabak
18
Lillian Seigel, beloved mother of Carolyn Shanoff and Ann
Goodman, by Carolyn Shanoff
Litman Holocaust (Shoah) Education Fund
In Memory Of:
Leopold Zweig by Alan and Michele Greenberg
My beloved father, Max Kahn, by Fred A. Kahn
Rita Honig Litman by Bob Litman
Mazon
Sandra Golkin by the Greenberg family
In Honor Of:
Cindy Newman, for a successful surgery, by Selma Barron
Endre Schneider, for a speedy recovery, by Selma Barron
Lita Kerin on becoming a great-grandmother by Selma Barron
Maayan Shira Harris’s bat mitzvah by Craig Yokum
Bat mitzvah of Liana Rosenbaum by the Fine Katz family
In Memory Of:
Hans Hirsch, father of Daniel Hirsch, by Sharon Fine
Ronald Pomerantz, father of Phyllis Pomerantz Arnold, by the
Fine Katz family
Men’s Club Fund
In Honor Of:
Bob Koenig by Craig Yokum
In Memory Of:
Christian C.Yokum by Craig Yokum
Mintz Landscaping Fund
In Memory Of:
Harley Lubin by Ken and Carolyn Feigenbaum
My beloved father, Bernard Turteltaub, by Helena Koenig
Morning Minyan Fund
In Honor Of:
Max Teplitz’s University of Chicago acceptance by Susan and
Terry Teplitz
In Memory Of:
Albert Berger, my beloved husband, by Audrey Berger
Greta Goldman, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and loving friend, by Audrey Berger
Louis Ellenbogen, my beloved father, by Audrey Berger
Fannye Levin, our beloved mother, by Julian Levin and Sondra
Brody
Harriet Brooks by Sarah Kalser
Harry Brody, my father, by Gerald Brody
Katey’s father, Michael Abrams, by Katey and Andy Koblenz
Rita Jacobi by Allen and Barbara Lerman
Sally Goldberg, my mother-in-law, by Jack Minker
Prayer Book Fund
In Memory Of:
Elana Patrice Stein by Linda Katz, Don Stein, and Alyssa Stein
Rabbi's Fund
In Honor Of:
Rabbi Greg Harris by the family of Harriet Brooks
Installation of Greg Harris as head rabbi by Ellen Tillman and
Rosita Kotelanski
Rabbi Werbin’s installation by Herb and Nancy Rosenthal,
Hedy Teglasi and Saul Golubcow, Barbara and David Eisenstein, Jim and Leslie Dellon, and Sarah Birnbach and Jake
Guttmann
Rabbi Werbin’s excellent teaching by Jose and Tutti Sokol
Contributions Continued
Rabbi Rudolph by Selma Barron
Rabbi William Rudolph by the family of Harriet Brooks
Rabbi Rudolph’s Blue Yarmulke Man-of-the-Year Award by
Donna Vogel and David Margulies, Rita and Irwin Kopin,
Reina Lerner, and Jim and Leslie Dellon
Maayan Harris becoming a bat mitzvah by Elliot and Esther
Wilner, Cheryl and Herbert Baraf, Tricia and Howard Sachs,
Lee and Donna Dymond, the Lester family, Carolyn Lodish,
Rebecca and Anthony Millin, Kay Klass and Mark Levitt,
Liz Schrayer and Jeff Schwaber, Rachelle Bernstecker and
Bob Abramson, Sheryl and Ira Fishman, the Grill family,Yael
Greenberg, Debbie and Scott Glick, and Sabina Shalom
In Memory Of:
Beloved father-in-law, Ben Cohen, by Rita Liebowitz
Bob Nussenblatt by Karyl Barron and Jeffrey Moak
Evelyn Grunley and Martin Grunley by Nancy Grunley and
Alan Golden
Herman David Robin by Paul Robin
Leon Polis by Sheryl and Ira Fishman
Mindy Lieberman, a dear young woman, by Jackie and George
Goldstone
Rose Teicher by Bert and Judy Spector
Zachary Levy, father of Stacey Topol, by Amy and Gene Goott
Samuel Scolnic Adult Learning Institute
In Honor Of:
Rabbi Harris by Rita and Irwin Kopin
Officiating at Bruce G. Barcome’s unveiling by Ann Barcome
Irv Kopin’s birthday by Sandy and Dick Pollen
Maayan Harris’s bat mitzvah by Sandy and Dick Pollen
In Memory Of:
Robert Nussenblatt, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and
friend, by Rita and Irwin Kopin
Jack and Fay Amster by Jason Amster and Tassie Hanna
Our mother, Trudy Haber, by Merle and Ira Haber
Senior Caucus
In Memory Of:
Sadye Moshman by Annette Moshman
Marianna de Vries by Josephine Sanders
Robert Nussenblatt, husband of Rosine, father, and grandfather,
by Brenda and Jim Schmand
Dr. Elaine L. Shalowitz Education Fund
In Memory Of:
A good friend, Harriet Brooks, by Erwin Shalowitz
Elaine Shalowitz by Sam Langerman
My beloved wife, Elaine Shalowitz, by Erwin Shalowitz
Social Action Fund
In Honor Of:
Bat mitzvah of Maayan Harris by Amy and Eugene Goott
In Memory Of:
Elliott Morris by Jim and Leslie Dellon
My beloved mother, Doris King, by Bert and Susan King
Sybil Suls Youth Activites Fund
In Honor Of:
Avi Spector, Max Portnoy, Lilah Katz, Ben Harris, and Ila Gordon for reading Torah at Shitufim, by Sharon Fine
Torah Scroll Fund
In Honor Of:
Rabbi Werbin, Rabbi Harris, and Ricardo Munster for officiating and for their support for Sophia’s bat mitzvah by Risa
Bender, Sophia, Josh, and Ben Klubes
Transportation Fund
In Memory Of:
Harriet Brooks by Sarah Kalser
My beloved daughter, Dale Sue Allen, by Annette K. Goldberg
Rita Jacobi by Julia P. Copperman and Sarah Kalser
Wolf Israel Quest
In Memory Of:
Sy Wolf by Faye Rosen Wolf
Young Equality Fund
In Honor Of:
B’nai mitzvah of our triplet grandchildren, Aaron, Leah, and
Sara Fandel, by Ina and Joe Young
Senior Program Fund
In Honor Of:
Ben Fassberg by Meira Warshauer and Sam Baker and Esther,
Jordan, Leo, and Mimi Bleicher
Sisterhood Kesher Nashim Fund
In Memory Of:
Pauline Heckman by Bernard and Ruth Ann Heckman
Thelma Farber by Rebecca Farber
Sisterhood Kiddush Fund
In Honor Of:
Amanda Ford, for her help and creativity, by Rhoda Nichaman
Amanda Ford by Temple Shalom 2016 Tallit Workshop
Sisterhood Retreat
In Memory Of:
Harley Lubin by Marge and Shelly London
Sisterhood Shiva Meal Fund
In Memory Of:
Amalia van Dam-Vromen by Josephine Sanders
Helen Wilder, mother of Mitzi Goldman, by Mitzi and Max
Goldman
Joseph G. Resnick by Bernard Resnick
Beth El Member Portal
The new member portal will allow congregants to view
and update their basic personal information such as
address, phone numbers, and email addresses, as well
as add seasonal addresses, make donations, and view
Yahrzeit information and finances.
About the first week of June, you will receive an email
inviting you to create an account to log in to the member
portal. After that, you will be able to log in to the member
portal using your email address and your chosen
password.
If you have questions about the member portal, or did
not receive your invitation email, please contact the main
office at 301-652-2606.
19
Congregation Beth El
8215 Old Georgetown Road
Bethesda, Maryland 20814-1451
Periodicals
Postage
PAID
Bethesda, MD
20814
While we know you’ll want to read every word in this issue of the Scroll, when you’re finished, please recycle it.
Bulletin Board
Mazal Tov to
Sarah Birnbach and Jack Edlow on the birth of their grandson,
Jamison George Edlow. Proud parents are David Edlow and
Jordan Pontious.
Condolences to
Susan and Arthur Bruckheim on the death of Susan’s mother,
congregant Rita Jacobi
Rosine Nussenblatt on the death of her husband, Robert
Nussenblatt
Stacey and David Topol on the death of Stacey’s father,
Zachary Levy
Noteworthy
Senior Caucus Meeting, Wednesday, June 1, 1:00 pm. These
active retirees hear about the ongoing programs and plan new activities. Be one of them. This program is followed by:
Roundtable with the Rabbi, Wednesday, June 1, 2:00 pm.
Join us to celebrate June’s birthdays (yours and those of others)
with desserts, coffee, and a lively discussion led by Rabbi Harris.
Birthday celebrants receive a special invitation, but all are welcome. Send submissions to the Scroll to scroll@bethelmc.org
Senior Caucus, Thursdays, June 2, 9, 23, and 30, noon.
Brown Bag lunch. Come and socialize with your friends and enjoy refreshments and dessert.
The Hebrew Conversation Group will meet on Tuesday,
June 7, at 1:30 pm. This will be the last meeting until the fall.
Senior Caucus-Vatikkim Luncheon Program, Thursday,
June 16. Starts with lunch at noon. Program TBA. Lunch costs
$10. To RSVP for lunch, call Ricardo Munster at 301-652-2606,
ext. 316, or rmunster@bethelmc.org, by Tuesday, June 14. The program is free and begins at 1:00 pm.
Bridge – the greatest game ever! Join us every Monday
(except the second Monday this month because of Shavuot) and
Thursday (except the third Thursday) from noon to 3:00 pm.
Drop in and join a game; no partner necessary. For information
or transportation, contact Ricardo Munster at 301-652-2606, ext.
316, or rmunster@bethelmc.org.
Follow us for pictures, upcoming events, and
more: fb.me/congregation.beth.el