January 2021 Bulletin

January 2021 • Vol. 103, No 6 TEVET ~ SHEVET 5781 WWW.BETHELNR.ORG

Children of Aging Parents (CAP)....... page 2 Tu B'Shvat Celebration...................... page 4 Gift of Awareness............................... page 3 B'Yachad Campaign..................... pages 6-9

SMART Mainstream Course..............page 10 Sisterhood..........................................page 12

HAPPENING "AT" BETH EL ONLINE Misheberach List

Beth El Memorial Page

At many of our services, and now at our evening Mishnah study, we say a prayer for healing for those who are ill. Any name added to the Misheberach list will be automatically removed after one month. If a name needs to remain on the list for another month, please reach out again to a member of the clergy.

Our Beth El website has a space to honor members and loved ones lost during these unprecedented times. Some who have experienced a recent loss have posted written reflections and photos of their loved ones for our Beth El community to honor and share in their memory. This website is password protected. Login to your ShulCloud account and visit bethelnr.org/virtualmemorial.

Sermon Sponsorship

“Who is honored? One who honors others.” Pirkei Avot 4:1 This teaching reminds us that our tradition has an ethic of honoring our loved ones. One way we do this is through teaching and studying Torah in their honor or in their memory. To celebrate someone marking a simcha or elevate the name and memory of a loved one, consider honoring them with your Beth El community by dedicating the weekly sermon in their name (sent out by email in the weekly Shabbat Announcements). The cost is $180. For information, visit.bethelnr.org/sponsor.

CAP ( children of aging parents) will meet on Thursday, January 28th, 7:30 pm. Our discussion will be led by our own Shari Baum, LMSW, coordinator of Partners in Caring at Westchester Jewish Community Services. Please email Erica Epstein at mmleepstein@ gmail.com with your interest and email address.

Mishnah Class

Join us for a 10-minute Mishnah study with our rabbis following morning and evening minyan (*Friday evening's study will begin 15 minutes before Kabbalat Shabbat—timing varies due to Shabbat*). We will recite the names of our loved ones aloud before and after we learn, and then end each mishnah study with the recitation of a communal prayer together in their memory.

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Save the date Tuesday, February 16th We will welcome speaker

SARAH HURWITZ

author of the book, “Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life-in Judaism (after Finally Choosing to Look There)” Ms. Hurwitz is the former speech writer for Michelle Obama and a senior speech writer for President Obama in 2009/2010

7:30

pm

- 8:45

pm

The event will be moderated

by Rabbi Schuck.

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RABBI’S MESSAGE Dear Friends, As we welcome 2021 and bid farewell to 2020, we are thinking about the state of our lives. 2020 was a tumultuous time. Our nation has been assaulted by many destabilizing forces: impassioned conspiracy theories once countenanced by the fringe alone became acceptable discourse among mainstream politicians; racial unrest; violent clashes between political adversaries; and of course, the Rabbi David Schuck devastation wreaked by COVID-19.

Only time will tell if these dynamics will now define American civic life or if they will recede back to the margins of society as 2021 unfolds. We all have our guesses, of course, and we should all do our part to tone down rhetoric and invest in organizations that prioritize healing without abandoning our principles in the process.

And we pray that the vaccines for COVID-19 will be distributed effectively and the infection rate and numbers of those who die will decrease rapidly. It will take time for our communities to process what has been lost while rebuilding lives and sectors of society that have been badly damaged.

I want to amplify another trend in our society which must be fought tooth and nail: the rise of antisemitism. It is predictable that in destabilizing times the perennial scourge of Jew hatred has emerged more boldly than in the past. Predictable, but unacceptable. We are not helpless. Jews have never before had as many resources at our disposal to fight antisemitism. The question is not one of resources but rather, will.

We must call out and fight antisemitism when we encounter it, even if it is politically inconvenient or socially challenging.

AJC recently published their now annual report on antisemitism entitled “The State of Antisemitism in America 2020.” I highly

recommend that you read it. I will spare you the statistics (though I suggest that you study them) and share part of its summary: “[the report] shows deep anxiety among American Jews and a disturbing lack of awareness among the general public about the severity of antisemitism in the United States.” I am not sure that we need to be convinced of this, but we must reckon with the implications.

The study found that the more educated Americans are, the more informed they are about antisemitism and the experience of Jews. In its own words, “Our efforts against the scourge of antisemitism must thus include a significantly enhanced educational component aimed at explaining the meaning, nature, and impact of contemporary antisemitism to Americans of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life…it is evident that American schools must do more to educate students about present-day Jew-hatred and that the educational process must extend well beyond and after the classroom. The Jewish community must work with its partners in federal, state, and local governments; in the private sector; and in other faith and ethnic communities to expand education throughout American society about the various forms and manifestations of modern antisemitism. The more knowledgeable Americans become about antisemitism, the more committed and effective allies they will be in combating it.”

We are obligated to act. Please don’t let the overwhelming nature of the many disrupting elements of American civic life eclipse the need to fight antisemitism. This is our problem to tackle. Please do your research. Support local and national organizations dedicated to combating antisemitism and educating the public about it. We at Beth El will continue to prepare our kids for the antisemitism they will encounter on college campuses and help them develop skills for advocacy. It is critical that we remain actively engaged in this fight.

Wishing all of you a 2021 of healing and civility.

L’Shalom, Rabbi David A. Schuck

Torah Readers Interested in reading from the Torah? Visit our signup sheet at bethelnr.org/ torahsignup. Contact Alan Kellman at alan@twoals. com with any questions or requests for assistance.

Haftarah Readers We would like to encourage broader participation in Haftarah reading during Shabbat services. Sign up at bethelnr.org/torahsignup.

Email Steven Cohen at scohen@kanekessler.com with any questions or requests for assistance.

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Beth El Family, With the start of the secular new year, I cannot help but think about the passage of time—how we are now in the eleventh month of the pandemic. In some ways, the time has passed slowly, with each day resembling the one before and with each of us eager for this difficult stretch of time to come to an end. But in other ways, the time has passed more quickly than I might have expected. Can it really be that we have endured more than ten months of this pandemic? Shabbat seems to surprise me each week with how quickly it arrives, not to mention how rapidly my laundry piles up and my food supply dwindles. Similarly, no sooner have I finished one monthly Bulletin article than another one seems due.

It was great to see more than 100 of you on Zoom at our SemiAnnual Congregational Meeting in December, although it would have been even better to see you in person. Yom yavo—the day will come. But since many people were not in attendance, I want to use this month’s article to update you all on some of the highlights: The Pandemic: As conditions improved in late Spring and early Summer, we formed a set of task forces to help us come back together, reopening such in-person activities as the Camp, Nursery School, Daily Minyan, and Shabbat Services. Our Medical Sub-Task Force (MSTF) approved all our in-person activities and practices. At the same time, we maintained and updated our online programming. Our many task forces served us well in reopening, but as our community and the nation began to experience a surge in COVID-19 cases, we recognized the need for a more streamlined mechanism for monitoring conditions and adjusting our policies, procedures, and practices accordingly. We have therefore returned to a small, centralized team, which consults with our clergy, senior staff, officers, and MSTF. Throughout the pandemic, we have acted with an abundance of caution to protect the health and physical wellbeing of our community while also acting out of an abundance of concern for its spiritual and psychological needs. Balancing these two constitutes a tremendous challenge and responsibility, which we do not take lightly. We thank you for your understanding and support in these difficult times.

Senior Staff Positions: As previously announced, Abby Wise and Bekkah Gold will be leaving us shortly to pursue other exciting opportunities. We wish them well and will miss them very much— they have become such important parts of the Beth El family. Our plans for the remainder of this fiscal year (January through June) are the following: Bekkah will be continuing in a part-time role through the end of the school year, during which time we will search for a part-time Director of Youth and Family Engagement. We will also search for a part-time Program Support Coordinator.

Rabbi Fisher will be overseeing the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Experience and Rabbis Sitkin and Fisher will oversee various areas of programming, coordinating program design with the senior professional staff. Other existing members of our staff will take on additional responsibilities, as well.

Groups requiring technical support will be supported by administrative staff and additional help hired on an as-needed basis.

As we look beyond these next six months, the current moment

presents an important opportunity for Beth El to take a thorough look at our overall organizational structure, assess our current needs, and consider how we can build our team to meet the current and future needs of our community. Beth El’s leadership is diligently at work on this task and we will report to the congregation when we have results to report.

Membership: Like many shuls, we prepared for a drop in membership of as much as 20% this year. As it turns Mark Silver out—and the numbers are not yet final— our expectation is that our decline in membership will likely be closer to 5%, only a couple of points higher than our recent trend.

Membership, of course, remains a concern, but it appears at this time that the pandemic did not have the dramatic effect that many feared it would.

The B’Yachad Campaign: Thanks to everyone who contributed and special thanks to the committee, led by co-chairs Sam Berger and Hila Reichman. We raised $682,000 (more than double a typical Kol Nidre Appeal) from 306 contributors, 86 of whom were firsttime donors. Extra special thanks to Carla and Laurence Stein for their very generous offer to match the gifts of all first-time donors.

Finance: As previously reported in a message to the congregation, we prepared a worst-case budget for the year that was balanced by making significant cuts to expense lines. Given the success of the B’Yachad campaign, the better-than-expected membership numbers, and the PPP loan, which we expect to be forgiven, we are expecting to come in better than the worst-case scenario. But everyone should understand that, pandemic or no pandemic, balancing our budget is a significant annual challenge and we depend on congregant support.

I am writing these words a few days after Hanukkah, although by the time you read them the holiday will have been over for a few weeks. Nonetheless, I want to share a thought that I think is still applicable. Many have written or spoken on the theme of Hanukkah brightening our lives in these dark days. And we all know the story of the miracle of Hanukkah, how just enough oil for one day lasted for eight. So maybe this year, the miracle of Hanukkah is to extend the light still further—for the brightness of those eight days of Hanukkah to last for sixty-four, getting us through the Winter with light and warmth. That is our immediate goal at Beth El—to be a source of light and warmth to the community in these challenging times.

Mark

BESC Cemetery & Funeral Policies Cemetery plots are only for sale to members in good standing.

To purchase cemetery plots, please contact Alise Liquorie in the front office, 914-235-2700, ext. 223, or aliquorie@bethelnr.org.

If you have questions about end-of-life planning, our clergy are available to speak with you. Email clergy@bethelnr.org.

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THE B'YACHAD CAMPAIGN Beth El’s B’Yachad Campaign Raises almost $700,000 Against the backdrop of the global pandemic, Beth El has successfully continued to create opportunities for us to stay connected— spiritually, intellectually, and culturally—during this time.

We, like many of you, feel grateful to be a part of this vibrant and nurturing community. We are grateful for the remarkable and Herculean effort of our clergy, staff, and committed leaders who have led us during this challenging time. And, above all, we are grateful for all who demonstrated their support thus far by donating to The B’Yachad Campaign. Your contributions allowed us to raise $680,000 (as of December 18). These crucial funds will help enable our clergy and staff to sustain the high level of programming and support—pastorally, religiously, and spiritually—that they offer to our community.

We would love to close out the campaign at $700,000. With that goal in mind, if you have not had the chance to make a contribution, you still can! Please visit www.bethelnr.org/byachadcampaign and help us reach $700,000.

Thank you to all the dedicated members of The B’Yachad Campaign Committee who helped us thoughtfully create this vital campaign and to all the generous supporters listed on the pages to follow.

With deep appreciation to the Beth El community, Sam Berger and Hila Reichman, Co-chairs

Committee Ellen Gelboim Marc Klee Harriet Kaplan Suvall Gary Claar Lynn Keltz Jenny Longman Jeff Swarz Barbara Cohen BENEFACTOR $1,800-$2,499 Linda and Warren Lesser Anonymous The Norwitz Family Ella and Russell Fayer Barry and Elise Richman LEADER $36,000-$53,999 Victoria and Nathan Fisher Dr. Ellen Teplitz, Judge Barry Warhit, and The Claar Family Caryl Fuchs Phyllis Teplitz PILLAR $25,000-$35,999 Lynn and Steven Gruenstein PATRON $3,600-$5,399 Anonymous Robert and Cynthia Hershkowitz Anonymous (2) Eric and Laurie Roth Harvey and Phyllis Jay Salo Aizenberg and Karine Kleinhaus The Jacobs Family BUILDER $18,000-$24,999 Barry and Rachel Charles Matilda and Gary Joseph Anonymous Ivan and Brenda Corwin The Katzenberg Family Jen and Jon Klonsky Dorothy and Herb Fox Richard and Rosalind Kaufman Harriet Kaplan Suvall and Marc Suvall David and Elizabeth Goldman Steven and Maria Kessler Joyce and Michael Wechsler Mitch and Wendy Gross The Keusch Family Dana and Joseph Kekst KOACH $10,000-$17,999 Marc and Barbara Klee Beth Breakstone and Ted Keltz Tris, Sam, Yali, and Kenny Berger Stephanie and Matthew Klingsberg Leonora Loewentheil Lauren Freeman-Bosworth and Brian Susan and Elliot Lesser Stephan Loewentheil Bosworth Anita and Stanley Liebowitz Geralynn, David, Derek, and Jake Reifer Bob and Barbara Cohen and Family Sima and Mitchell Littman Judith Schmeidler Donald Fleishaker Naomi Raber Ruth and Eric Treiber The Gelboim Family Julia Keltz and Zach Seiden Bob and Susan Goldstein SHOMRIM $2,500-$3,599 Beth Siegel, Brent, Grace, and Jenna The Goldstein Family—Linda, Michael, Anonymous Steve Silverman and Emily Bromberg Stephen, Jackie, Helen, Melissa, Tuvia Dr. Claudia and Michael Felberg and Family Doug and Doreen Simon Jenny and Randy Longman Aaron and Sheryl Fleishaker The Talmadge Family Susan and David Schlecker Sandy and Jack Gruenberg Rebecca and Jack Wertheimer Steven and Lori Schwartz Edward D. Heffner Norbert and Claudia Wolloch Marjorie and Lester Zimmerman and Family Rita and David Kaufman Anita and Marc Zoldessy Sue and Michael Meisler GUARDIAN $7,200-$9,999 STEWARD $1,000-$1,799 Lisa and Robert Patchen Barbara and Robert Ehudin Anonymous (5) Hila Reichman and Josh Podietz Chaiken Scharfman Family The Alderman Family Dana, Avi, Ayelet and Raphael Stein Jodi and Rob Scheinfeld Cindy and Stan Arkow The Tait Family Marcia and Nathan Assor SUPPORTER $5,400-$7,199 Helene Wolloch The Barlis Family Anonymous (3) Joseph and Barbara Wygoda Jane and Steven Berkowitz and Family Michael Frankel and Shayna Klopott RABBI'S CIRCLE $100,000 Carla and Laurence Stein

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THE B'YACHAD CAMPAIGN Rabbi David Blumenfeld and Dr. Frances Blumenfeld Marvin Dubin and Susan Solow-Dubin Abbe Fleishaker Sondra and Carl Goldenberg Barbara and David Horowitz and Family Zona Kaufman Drs. Lynn and Marty Keltz Frank and Nancy Levin Martin Levitin Nina Luban and Scott Bonci Anita and Michael Malina Ari and Nancy Mayerfield Lisa and Mark Medin Scott Mellis and Melanie Kogan John, Benny, Zack, Claudia, and Eliza Pei Morris Barbara and Lawrence Orans Sharon and George Rozansky Drs. Thalia and Alan Segal The Silver Family Harvey and Judy Wacht Richard Wolloch Steven and Debbie Young CHAVERIM $540-$999 Anonymous (4) Debra and Edward Ackerman Adrienne and Brad Altman Judith and Richard Aronow Rosyln and Richard Barnett Steve and Michele Brick Ronald and Beth Cohen Jacqueline Spiegel and Steven Cohen Drs. Paul and Carol Diament Barbara and Mark Goldman Marsha and Arthur Goldstein and Family Sy Gruza Ellen and Jack Hollander Nadine and Robert Jacobson Donald and Barbara Kotler Alex LaTorraca Shireen and Matthew Lewis Arthur and Barbara Margolin Esther and Mark Mildner Rachel (and David?) Moster Talia Swartz and Ofer Nagar The Olstein Family Mindy and Stanley Patchen Roberta and Bill Reindel The Rosenberg Family Leslie and Richard Ruttenberg and Family Richard Schechtman and Robin Bronk Carrie Fox and David Shechter Lloyd Sherman

Peter and Sharon Spenser Rise and Alan Stern Marianne and Robert Sussman Dr. Abraham S. Walfish Bernice Ward Norma Wasserman and Family Weiss and Berman Family Frederick and Leni Wiener Bill and Kathi Winters Allan and Claire Wolkoff Ben and Cara Wulfsohn CONTRIBUTOR $360-$539 Anonymous (9) Ms. Michele Abo Donna and Abe Bartell Ronnie and Michael Becher Sheila Cohen Irwin Cohen Phyllis Cole Judy and Mel Gabriel The Gilbert and Bonante Family Jonathan and Elissa Glickman Grace Kalfus and Bruce Gold Joseph and Carrie Goldberg Jeffrey and Roberta Graf Steven Guggenheim & Susan Wolman Beth Weingast Halperin Diane and Ralph Heiman Harvey Heir in memory of Linda Heir Idit Isaacsohn Robin Kaphan Eunice Kaplan Bernard Katz Samuel and Joanna Kaufman Judi and Rabbi Barry Kenter Dr. Jay and Barbara Lerman Peter and Elizabeth Levine The Malka Family in memory of Albert Avraham ben Yshoua Malka, z�l Larry and Lisa Mandelker Melissa and Tuvia Peretz Frank and Joyce Podietz Stacey, Oren, Maya, and Ethan Popovsky Linda and Joseph Resnick Gary and Gwen Salmo Hanita and Paul Schneiderman Ed and Judy Schwartz and Family Cynthia and Ira Shechter Barbara and Harold Shulman Jay Sommer Mark and Marjorie Stein Drs. Howard Steinman and Barbara Birshtein, members for 35 years Steven and Rachelle Stern 7

Sharon Brown and Marc Straussberg Vivian and Mark Swartz Eleanor and Mark Walfish Anne and Rick Weisbrod Michele and Arthur Wolk Esther Zarembski and Family OTHER DONATIONS UNDER $360 Anonymous (29) Joseph Aronauer and Peri Schwartz Joan and Jonah Atlas Mark and Melinda Berman Felice and Steve Brostoff Drs. Joshua Burack and Emma Medina Rachel and Enrique Casanova Judith and Lawrence Cooper Joel and Ann Davis Ilene and Irwin S. Davison Drs. Avi Einzig and Jacqueline Stern-Einzig Phyllis Feingold Jack and Faye Gingold Cynthia and Jeff Glickman David Goldman Howard and Helene Goldstein Yvette Gordon Jerry Gottlieb Wendy Goulston Mr. & Mrs. Joel Grossman Sol David and Linda Haber Judith Harary Susan and Elliot Hollander The Hylton Family Florence Joffe Arlene Kamer Robert Kattan Jack and Laney Katz Vanessa and Adam Kerchner Randi and Richard Klee Donna and Gary Levy Marci and Alan Marcus and Family Adam Mayblum & Dr. Debra Etelson The Moise-Silverman Family Gaby and George Newfield Jayne and Darren Peister Robert Preminger and Pamela Friedman Dr. Leon and Barbara Protass Hilario Ramos and Dr. Deborah Solymar The Rivlin Family Judith Rosenfeld Shery and Howard Rosenstein Stephanie Roth and Brad Roth Sidney Rothstein and Malva Luban Valerie Rudolph The Sacks Family Elise and Bob Schepp

THE B'YACHAD CAMPAIGN B'Yachad, continued from page 7 Marjorie Schlosberg-Glick J. Leonard and Harriet Schwartz Janet and Isaiah Seligman Robin Seltzer The Shteingart Family Gitta and David Silberstein The Spiegeland Family Pearl and Tom Sullivan Robin and Ronald Sundick Blanche Wager Naomi and Sylvain Weinberger Esther Winik Elly and Teddy Zabb The Zisser Family

Andy and Rachel Collens Judith and Lawrence Cooper Ivan and Brenda Corwin Joel and Ann Davis Ilene and Irwin S. Davison Janis Demartini Drs. Paul and Carol Diament Michael Dorfman Marvin Dubin and Susan Solow-Dubin Jill and Daniel Efron Barbara and Robert Ehudin Drs. Avi Einzig and Jacqueline Stern-Einzig Larry and Erica Epstein Ella and Russell Fayer Phyllis Feingold Dr. Claudia and Michael Felberg and Family All donors listed in alphabetical order: Victoria and Nathan Fisher Aaron and Sheryl Fleishaker Ms. Michele Abo Abbe Fleishaker Debra and Edward Ackerman Donald Fleishaker Salo Aizenberg and Karine Kleinhaus Dorothy and Herb Fox The Alderman Family Michael Frankel and Shayna Klopott Adrienne and Brad Altman Paul and Victoria Freedman Cindy and Stan Arkow Caryl Fuchs Joseph Aronauer and Peri Schwartz Judy and Mel Gabriel Judith and Richard Aronow The Gelboim Family Marcia and Nathan Assor The Gilbert and Bonante Family Joan and Jonah Atlas Jack and Faye Gingold The Barlis Family Sari Dweck and Lawrence Ginsburg Rosyln and Richard Barnett Cynthia and Jeff Glickman Donna and Abe Bartell Jonathan and Elissa Glickman Ronnie and Michael Becher Grace Kalfus and Bruce Gold Michele Bedell Joseph and Carrie Goldberg Tris, Sam, Yali, and Kenny Berger Sondra and Carl Goldenberg Jane and Steven Berkowitz and Family Debra and Neil Goldfarb Mark and Melinda Berman David Goldman Rabbi David and Dr. Frances Blumenfeld David and Elizabeth Goldman Fred and Judy Bomback Barbara and Mark Goldman Lauren Freeman-Bosworth and Brian Marsha and Arthur Goldstein and Family Bosworth Bob and Susan Goldstein Steve and Michele Brick Howard and Helene Goldstein Felice and Steve Brostoff Bari and Jay Goldstein Drs. Joshua Burack and Emma Medina The Goldstein Family—Linda, Michael, The Burton Family Stephen, Jackie, Helen, Melissa, Tuvia Jason Carter and Miriam Kalnicki Yvette Gordon Rachel and Enrique Casanova Jerry Gottlieb Chaiken Scharfman Family Wendy Goulston Barry and Rachel Charles Jeffrey and Roberta Graf The Claar Family Carole and Jeff Graham Bob and Barbara Cohen and Family Mitch and Wendy Gross Irwin Cohen Mr. & Mrs. Joel Grossman Ronald and Beth Cohen Sandy and Jack Gruenberg Sheila Cohen Lynn and Steven Gruenstein Jacqueline Spiegel and Steven Cohen Sy Gruza Phyllis Cole 8

The Guber Family Steven Guggenheim and Susan Wolman Sol David and Linda Haber Beth Weingast Halperin Judith Harary Edward D. Heffner Diane and Ralph Heiman Harvey Heir in memory of Linda Heir James Hellring Robert and Cynthia Hershkowitz David and Rosalind Hertzog Vona Herz Jeff and Karen Hogan Susan and Elliot Hollander Ellen and Jack Hollander Barbara and David Horowitz and Family The Hylton Family Idit Isaacsohn The Jacobs Family Nadine and Robert Jacobson Harvey and Phyllis Jay Florence Joffe Larry and Bonnie Jonas Matilda and Gary Joseph Arlene Kamer Robin Kaphan Eunice Kaplan Louise Kapner and Faye Koslow Robert Kattan Bernard Katz Helene and Howard Katz Jack and Laney Katz The Katzenberg Family Rita and David Kaufman Richard and Rosalind Kaufman Samuel and Joanna Kaufman Zona Kaufman Dana and Joseph Kekst The Kellman Family Drs. Lynn and Marty Keltz Beth Breakstone and Ted Keltz Judi and Rabbi Barry Kenter Vanessa and Adam Kerchner Steven and Maria Kessler The Keusch Family Marc and Barbara Klee Randi and Richard Klee Stephanie and Matthew Klingsberg Jen and Jon Klonsky Donald and Barbara Kotler Alex LaTorraca Marc and Barbara Lazarus Alan and Liz Legatt Dr. Jay and Barbara Lerman

THE B'YACHAD CAMPAIGN Susan and Elliot Lesser Linda and Warren Lesser Frank and Nancy Levin Peter and Elizabeth Levine Martin Levitin Donna and Gary Levy Laura J. Lewis Shireen and Matthew Lewis Anita and Stanley Liebowitz Jennifer, Dan, Abigail, and Evan Lifshey Sima and Mitchell Littman Leonora Loewentheil Stephan Loewentheil Jenny and Randy Longman Nina Luban and Scott Bonci Anita and Michael Malina The Malka Family in memory of Albert Avraham ben Yshoua Malka, z�l Kelly and Harry Mamaysky Larry and Lisa Mandelker Marci and Alan Marcus and Family Arthur and Barbara Margolin Adam Mayblum & Dr. Debra Etelson Ari and Nancy Mayerfield Lisa and Mark Medin Sue and Michael Meisler Scott Mellis and Melanie Kogan David and Meryl Mendelson Esther and Mark Mildner Lisa Scherzer and Jason Mirvis Susan Eichen Mittleman and Jeff Mittleman The Moise-Silverman Family Susan, z�l, and George Morris John, Benny, Zack, Claudia, and Eliza Pei Morris Rachel and David Moster Talia Swartz and Ofer Nagar Gaby and George Newfield Dianne Newman The Norwitz Family Molly Nozyce The Olstein Family Barbara and Lawrence Orans Lisa and Robert Patchen Mindy and Stanley Patchen Jayne and Darren Peister Melissa and Tuvia Peretz Lisa and Jeremy Platek Frank and Joyce Podietz Hila Reichman and Josh Podietz Stacey, Oren, Maya, and Ethan Popovsky Robert Preminger and Pamela Friedman Dr. Leon and Barbara Protass Marcia and Hy Pryluck Naomi Raber

Hilario Ramos and Dr. Deborah Solymar Geralynn, David, Derek, and Jake Reifer Roberta and Bill Reindel David Resnick Linda and Joseph Resnick Ellen and Merill Resnick and Family Barry and Elise Richman Av Rivel The Rivlin Family The Rosenberg Family Judith Rosenfeld Shery and Howard Rosenstein Stephanie Roth and Brad Roth Eric and Laurie Roth Sidney Rothstein and Malva Luban Sharon and George Rozansky Lawrence S. and Fran Rubenstein Leslie and Richard Ruttenberg and Family Valerie Rudolph The Sacks Family Gary and Gwen Salmo Richard Schechtman and Robin Bronk Jodi and Rob Scheinfeld Elise and Bob Schepp Michael and Roni Schiffres Susan and David Schlecker Marjorie Schlosberg-Glick Judith Schmeidler Hanita and Paul Schneiderman Ed and Judy Schwartz and Family J. Leonard and Harriet Schwartz Steven and Lori Schwartz Drs. Thalia and Alan Segal Julia Keltz and Zach Seiden Marjorie, Mark, Talia, Michael, and Jonah Seidenfeld Blair and Evelyn Selber Janet and Isaiah Seligman Robin Seltzer Carrie Fox and David Shechter Cynthia and Ira Shechter Lloyd Sherman The Shteingart Family Barbara and Harold Shulman Beth Siegel, Brent, Grace, and Jenna Gitta and David Silberstein The Silver Family Dr. Jason and Louise Silverman Steve Silverman and Emily Bromberg Doug and Doreen Simon Jeff Sindone Evan and Liat Snyder Jeffrey and Diane Solomon Jay Sommer 9

Peter and Sharon Spenser The Spiegeland Family Dana, Avi, Ayelet and Raphael Stein Carla and Laurence Stein Mark and Marjorie Stein Shirin and Steven Stein Drs. Howard Steinman and Barbara Birshtein Rise and Alan Stern Steven and Rachelle Stern Sharon Brown and Marc Straussberg Pearl and Tom Sullivan Robin and Ronald Sundick Marianne and Robert Sussman Harriet Kaplan Suvall and Marc Suvall Vivian and Mark Swartz Jeff and Kathy Swarz The Tait Family The Talmadge Family Sheila Tanenbaum Dr. Ellen Teplitz, Judge Barry Warhit, and Phyllis Teplitz Ruth and Eric Treiber Harvey and Judy Wacht Blanche Wager Terry and Marc Wager Dr. Abraham S. Walfish Eleanor and Mark Walfish Bernice Ward Norma Wasserman and Family Dr. Risa Ryger and Peter Wasserman Charlotte and Richard Watt Joyce and Michael Wechsler Naomi and Sylvain Weinberger Sharon and Ira Weiner Anne and Rick Weisbrod Weiss and Berman Family Rebecca and Jack Wertheimer Frederick and Leni Wiener Esther Winik Bill and Kathi Winters Michele and Arthur Wolk Allan and Claire Wolkoff Helene Wolloch Norbert and Claudia Wolloch Richard Wolloch Ben and Cara Wulfsohn Joseph and Barbara Wygoda The Yairi Family Steven and Debbie Young Elly and Teddy Zabb Esther Zarembski and Family Marjorie and Lester Zimmerman and Family The Zisser Family Anita and Marc Zoldessy Miriam and Fred Zucker

KERUV* KORNER

*“Keruv” = to bring close, to draw near.

Next month, February, is once again Jewish Disabilities Awareness and Inclusion Month. We hope that Beth El will again provide programming to highlight the contributions of those who are “differently abled.” We are also thinking of joining forces with neighboring congregations to bring back a more robust Kulanutype, family-friendly service for families with members who have developmental or cognitive special needs once the pandemic is over.

Will we be able to celebrate our LGBTQ members this year?

Well, the virtual Jew York Pride “parade” online we helped sponsor last June was one of the most entertaining I’ve ever attended. So stay tuned—and share your ideas with us. Whatever your interest in inclusion, help us be more inclusive! Our current members are Elise Richman and Nina Luban (co-chairs), Alyssa Sherman, Beth Cohen, Bob Sussman, Carole Graham, Carrie Fox, Ellen Hollander, Dorothy Fox, Deborah Olstein, Elise Schepp, Jay Diamond, Joyce Goldklang, Judi and Rabbi Barry Kenter, Judy Schmeidler, Les and Marge Zimmerman, Pearl Sullivan, and Phoebe Gross. Feel free to contact any of us with your ideas, or, better yet, join the committee yourself! We will meet again on Sunday, January 17th, at 12:00 pm.

We hope to see you (virtually) then.

Elise Richman and Nina Luban, co-chairs

January can be a cold dark month, but, on the other hand, it is in January that the days start to grow longer. Tu B’Shvat, the new year for the trees, falls on January 28th this year. The holiday brings hope, reminding us that spring is on its way. The seedlings we plant now will eventually blossom and bear fruit.

So it is with Keruv, our Inclusion Committee. Back in November we had a virtual committee meeting with a record number of attendees and the seeds of new ideas were planted. A few are working on the UJA grant with Beth El staff to develop a buddy system to provide technical assistance, as needed by phone, to anyone who has not been able to take advantage of Beth El’s rich offerings due to discomfort accessing or using computers, smartphones or the internet. We are also looking into devices that can assist those who are visually or hearing impaired to get online and participate.

Other Keruv members reconnected with the women of Chai House, who have been unable to attend Beth El during the pandemic, by assembling and delivering Hanukkah goodie bags to their current residences in Westchester. “Let’s Talk About It” resumed virtually under the leadership of Shari Baum, reuniting and providing support and ideas to participants with family members who are intermarried. We are also talking about ways of raising consciousness about the growing proportion of American Jews who are Jews of color and potentially seeking help from the Jewish Multiracial Network or others on how to ensure that Beth El is welcoming and comfortable for diverse members.

KERUV (Virtual) MEETING

Sunday, January 17th • 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm • Open to all!

Email Nina.luban@gmail.com or elisekrichman@gmail.com if interested and the link will be sent before the meeting.

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ISRAELI CULTURAL CONNECTIONS Presented by Beth El’s Israel Affairs Committee

Beth El’s Israel Affairs Committee (IAC) is pleased to share cultural items of interest concerning Israel each month. IAC always welcomes new members. For more information about meetings and events, please contact either Tamar Tait at TamarTait@optonline.net, or Bruce Gold at Bruces.gold@gmail.com. This month’s Israeli Cultural Connections column is presented by IAC member Mark Seidenfeld.

Move Over Netflix, Here Comes IZZY!

or Shtisel here, but you will find plenty of quality programming from short films to full length features. I’m on Season 2 of “Street Justice,” a great crime-drama that’s the perfect fix for Fauda fans who can’t wait for the next season to arrive I’ve watched several short films and full-length features on everything from a couple trying to find the ever-elusive parking spot in Tel Aviv to a religious Jew trying to make it home before Shabbat who unknowingly picks up an Arab along the way and the chaos and friendship that ensues. I’ve seen dramatic re-enactments of the Bus 300 hijacking in 1984 (which happened while I was in Israel at Hebrew University for my junior year abroad) to the story of the Strauss ice cream empire –“Marrying an Ice Cream Factory.” It’s $5/month and there truly is something for everyone (although I have not seen any kids programming available yet). So give it a shot and enjoy!

And for those of you wondering, no, I’m not related to anyone at IZZY and I’m not getting any kickback. I’m just a lover of Israel who found something that’s worth sharing with others.

PS: IZZY has offered 50% off their first month for anyone from Beth El who signs up in January. They can redeem the offer using this link: https://www.streamisrael.tv/browse?code=bethelny. Also, free episodes of some television shows on the service are available at www.streamisrael.tv/free-episodes.

Fauda, Shtisel, When Heroes Fly, Mossad 101, “Srugim”, Prisoners of War (“Hatufim”), Hashoter Hatov, False Flags (“K’fulim”), Hostages, even the most recent Valley of Tears on HBO Max….. You’ve seen all of these and more. They’ve been great.

Beyond the engaging story lines, quality acting, action, drama and laughter, you love hearing the Hebrew, following along and telling yourself how good your Hebrew is (and that you’re not cheating by checking the subtitles!) and just getting your ta’am (taste) of a country you love and miss. You get a thrill out of seeing the streets and scenes of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. But you want more. You continue checking Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu, trying to find some new Israeli TV show to get your fix, but you find nothing new. And then, like a great present you were waiting for all of Hanukkah that finally appears on the eighth night (I’m writing this on Day 3), you find IZZY (https://helloisrael.tv/)—a streaming service dedicated exclusively to Israeli movies, TV shows, and documentaries.

IZZY was founded by Josh Hoffman, a Los Angeles native and unaffiliated Jew, who took advantage of a free trip and went on Birthright with two friends, discovered a deep connection to Israel, and never left. Josh, together with two other Olim (immigrants to Israel) and just as the world was turning upside down, founded IZZY in February 2020, and launched the service in May 2020. No Fauda

Save the date . . . February 8, 2021

Israel Cancer Research Fund Presentation January 12th, with Dr. Nancy Maizels

Dr. Kenneth Pollack from the American Enterprise Institute will speak on a current topic.

Co-Sponsored by Sisterhood and The Israel Affairs Committee

See page 3. Sponsored by The Israel Affairs Committee

Who's in Your Circle?

If you find yourself spending the majority of your time at home, especially now during Covid, and wishing you could find new and interesting ways to meet people—you’re not alone. UJA invites you to learn about Westchester Circles, a 60+ online community.* Beginning this winter, we’re offering a variety of small virtual groups created especially for people who may feel isolated and are looking for conversations and connections with their neighbors around common interests.

Please join us. And tell friends or family members. It’s a wonderful new way to meet your Westchester neighbors from the comfort and safety of your own home. Sign up at www.bethelnr.org/UJACircles.

For information, please contact Julie Rockowitz, 914.235.2700, ext. 256, JRockowitz@bethelnr.org, or Tali Strom at stromt@ujafedny.org.

*A collaboration of the following organizational partners: Beth El Synagogue Center, DOROT, Jewish Community Center of Mid-Westchester, Harold and Elaine Shames Jewish Community Center on the Hudson, The Jewish Agency for Israel, Westchester Board of Rabbis, Westchester Jewish Community Services, Westchester Jewish Council.

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Sisterhood Scene There are four New Years in the Jewish calendar: first of the Hebrew month of Tishrei (Rosh Hashanah) the birthday of the world; first of the month of Elul when the animal tithes were set in the ancient world; first of the month of Nisan near Pesach which set the reign of Jewish kings; and the 15th of the month of Shevat, the birthday of the trees.

This year Tu B'Shvat will be on Thursday, January 28th.

When I was a child in religious school in Philadelphia, at this time of the year we always collected dimes (then quarters) to plant trees in Israel. We knew that Tu B'Shvat was the holiday of trees and Jewish National Fund (JNF). Also, on Tu B'Shvat, we were given bags of fruits which grew in Israel to eat. No one, except one boy, ever ate the carob.

Tu B'Shvat was the beginning of spring in the Holy Land. I remember thinking, how could it be spring when there was snow on

the ground where I grew up. It wasn’t until I was a young adult and spent a year in Israel as a teacher that I saw the Olive trees blooming and knew that the holiday was for real.

On Tu B'Shvat we measure when trees can be harvested in Israel, and today we focus on ecology and the environment. Even though it is not spring yet in New York, you can be sure that the olive trees and other early bloomers are in flower and the air is becoming warmer.

Let’s keep in mind that spring is on its way and hopefully we can celebrate more and more holidays together, and the pandemic will be over at last. Let Tu B'Shvat be your conduit to spring!

Womens League for Conservative Jewry will have a Tu B'Shvat seder online earlier in the month of January. If you are interested, just go to their website (WLCJ.org) to sign up.

Sandy Gruenberg, Sisterhood President

TORAH FUND Good news! Our 2020–21 Torah Fund pins are finally on the way, but we know that it’s all about the “Jewry,” not the jewelry. Our Beth El community continues to be actively engaged, supported and nurtured through these challenging pandemic times, thanks to the relentless dedication, creativity, and hard work of our own clergy and lay leaders.

Let’s support the education and training of future rabbis, cantors, Jewish educators and other Jewish professional and lay leaders by continuing to donate to Torah Fund, which provides scholarships and programming at all five seminaries. Making a contribution to Torah Fund, in any amount, is one way to acknowledge the value of our own exceptional Beth El clergy and lay leaders.

Supporting students at JTS and the four other Conservative/ Masorti seminaries is more important than ever now, as they contend with challenging scenarios while preparing for a bright and sustainable future—not only for JTS students and teachers, but for the strength of our communities and the perpetuity of the Jewish people. Please join us in continuing this important work!

Every Torah Fund donation of $180 or more will be recognized with this year’s B’Yachad pin. To donate online, visit https://secure2.convio.net/jts/site/Donation2?df_id=1481&1481.donation=form1.

When you make an online donation, please email us as well. If you prefer to donate by phone or to mail a check, please call/email us.

Sheila Cohen, Chilly321@aol.com, 914- 576- 1078

Janis DeMartini, Jdemartini37@gmail.com, 917- 836-6892

Save the date . . .

February 8th Dr. Kenneth Pollack from the American Enterprise Institute will speak on a current topic.

Sisterhood and The Israel Affairs Committee will co-sponsor this event.

SISTERHOOD PRESENTS BAGELS & BOOKS Monday, January 11th 9:30 am We will discuss Kaddish.Com,

by Nathan Englanders Questions? Contact Arlene Salman, 914-235-2485, aesalman@aol.com

EVENING BOOK CLUB

invites you to discuss its next book Maybe You Should Talk to Someone,

by Lori Gottlieb February 3rd, at 7:30 pm Questions? Contact Erica at mmleepstein@gmail.com or Cynthia at cynglickman@gmail.com.

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NURSERY SCHOOL NEWS Nursery School Receives Grant from the Jewish Education Project (JEP) Ronnie Becher, director of Beth El's award-winning Nursery School, is proud to share the below letter received recently from the JEP. Dear Ronnie Becher, Congratulations! Thank you for submitting your proposal for a 2020-2021 Microgrant from The Jewish Education Project. Over 45 applications for Microgrants were submitted from Day Schools and Yeshivas, Early Childhood and Family Engagement, and Part-Time Jewish Education; of those applications, we funded only 57%. We are confident these innovative experiences will nurture, support and act as catalysts to promote Thriving in Jewish education.

We are pleased to award Beth El Nursery School a Microgrant of $2,000 for your proposed project, Synthesizing Kindergarten Learning Standards with a Jewish Reggio Philosophy of Learning.

We will require the completion of post-project survey and updated budget with actuals by June 30, 2021. (The survey will be sent to recipients in late May/early June 2021).

Submission of photos, videos, anecdotes, and other documentation that captures your learning experience. We hope to be able to share these with a wider audience. Please email these to microgrants@JewishEdProject.org at any time during the duration of the grant cycle.

Attendance at the virtual Microgrant Celebration on Thursday, June 17, 2021.

Completion of check-ins with your liaison/coach from The Jewish Education Project and participation in two group coaching sessions.

You will receive more specific information within the next few weeks.

In addition, all grant recipients should adhere to the following: All promotional material should include the logos of The Jewish Education Project and UJA Federation of New York.

The Jewish Education Project is the only organization that works across the New York Jewish community across denominations and institutional settings, to help educators develop new, innovative ways to engage and educate Jewish kids, teens and families.

Please save the date of Thursday, June 17th, from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, for a virtual celebration and reflection for all grant winners. We look forward to sharing the successes and impact of our work. More information to follow.

Congratulations on being chosen as a grant recipient. We look forward to seeing and hearing about the impact this innovative experience has on your community!

L’Shalom, Bess Adler and the Microgrant Team, The Jewish Education Project

Beth El Day Camp . . . here we come!

Welcoming children ages 2-8 half and full day programs New Arts Club: ages 8-12 4-week or 8-week sessions Art, Dance and Theater— a spectacular opportunity

Contact Julie at jrockowtiz@bethelnr.org

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Happy New Year! The Department of Youth & Family Engagement can’t wait to see you (virtually and we hope in person) in 2021!

Beth El Religious School had so much fun celebrating Hanukkah together this year by making sufganyot (doughnuts) with their classes! It was a delicious way to celebrate! Below, students learn the Shema.

every Tuesday at 4:00 pm, with Stephanie Lederman Youth and Family Coordinator

Harriet Kaplan Suvall

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Our Cooking Chug bakers designing their own cookies for Hanukkah

Hey Class

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JANUARY 2021 SUNDAY

TUESDAY

MONDAY

TEVET ~ SHEVAT 5781

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

FRIDAY

1

Visit us on facebook at facebook.com/BethElSynagogueCenter

3

Shacharit 8:15 am

Religious School Closed Virtual Daf Shevui 10:30 am Minyan 4:30 pm

SMART 11:00 am

Minyan 4:30 pm

21 TEVET 6

Shacharit 7:00 am

Powered by Courage: Living Nonviolence 12:00 pm RS Cooking Chug 4:00 pm

Minyan 4:30 pm

OBM ScholarStream 8:00 pm

10

26 TEVET 11

Shacharit 8:15 am Rise & Sing 9:00 am Religious School 10:00 am Encounter Speaker Series 10:00 am Virtual Daf Shevui 11:30 am Minyan 4:40 pm

17

Minyan 4:50 pm

24

31

18 SHEVAT

Minyan 4:30 pm Officers Mtg.7:30 pm

28 TEVET 13

Sis. Bagels & Bks 9:30 am SMART 11:00 am

RS Cooking Chug 4:00 pm

Minyan 4:40 pm Sisterhood Board Meeting 7:30 pm

Minyan 4:40 pm Audit & Finan. 7:00 pm Minyan 4:40 pm IAC Cancer Research Bd of Trustees Mtg 7:30 pm Fund Presentation via Zoom 8:00 pm

5 SHEVAT 19

Shacharit 7:00 am

6 SHEVAT 20

12 SHEVAT 26

Shacharit 7:00 am SMART 11:00 am Minyan 5:00 pm

Shacharit 8:15 am Rise & Sing 9:00 am Relig. Sch. 10:00 am Tu BiShevat Prog.1:00 pm Minyan 5:10 pm Josh Warshawsky Concert 7:30 pm

13 SHEVAT 27

Shacharit 7:00 am RS Cooking Chug 4:00 pm

Minyan 5:00 pm OBM ScholarStream 8:00 pm

Minyan 5:00 pm

16

25 TEVET

1 SHEVAT 15

2 SHEVATT 16

3 SHEVAT

Shacharit 7:00 am

SMART Parasha HaShavua 11:00 am 4:34 pm 1:30 pm Religious Sch 4:00 pm Minyan 4:40 pm Kabbalat Shabbat Teen Learning 6:30 pm 3:30 pm IJS Course Mindfulness Meditation 7:30 pm Rosh Hodesh Grp 8:00pm ROSH HODESH

8 SHEVAT 22

Shacharit 7:00 am

Parasha HaShavua 1:30 pm Religious School 4:00 pm

SMART 11:00 am

15 SHEVAT 29

Shabbat Serv. 9:30 am TOT Shabbat 9:45 am Kehillah Svc. 10:45 am Minyan 4:40 pm Havdalah 5:35 pm

10 SHEVAT

Shabbat ends 5:43 pm

BO

4:42 pm Shabbat Serv. 9:30 am

Minyan 4:50 pm Kabbalat Shabbat Teen Learning 6:30 pm 3:30 pm IJS Course Mindfulness Meditation 7:30 pm Shacharit 7:00 am Parasha HaShavua 1:30 pm Religious School 4:00 pm Minyan 5:00 pm Teen Learning 6:30 pm CAP Discussion 7:30 pm Singing as a Spiritual Practice with Josh Warshawsky 8:00 pm TU BiSHEVAT

Shabbat ends 5:35 pm

VAERA

9 SHEVAT 23

Shacharit 7:00 am

14 SHEVAT 28

Shacharit 7:00 am

24 TEVET 9

Shacharit 7:00 am

7 SHEVAT 21

Shacharit 8:15 am Shacharit 7:00 am Shacharit 7:00 am Synagogue Offices Closed Nursery & Religious RS Cooking Chug Schools Closed 4:00 pm Cinema Brunch 11:00am Minyan 4:50 pm OBM ScholarStream Minyan 4:50 pm Minyan 4:50 pm 8:00 pm MARTIN LUTHER Jewish Parenting KING JR DAY Learning Circle 8:00pm

23 TEVET 8

Shabbat Shacharit 7:00 am Shacharit 7:00 am Ends SHEMOT Parasha HaShavua 5:27 pm 1:30 pm 4:26 pm Bar Mitzvah Misha Religious Sch. 4:00 pm Shteingart SMART 11:30 am Minyan 4:30 pm Shabbat Serv. 9:30 am TOT Shabbat 9:45 am Teen Learning 6:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat Kehillah Svc. 10:45 am RS Educ. Train. 6:30 pm 3:15 pm Minyan 4:30 pm IJS Course Mindfulness Havdalah 5:27 pm Meditation 7:30 pm SHABBAT MEVARCHIM

29 TEVET 14

Shacharit 7:00 am

11 SHEVAT 25

Shacharit 8:15 am Rise & Sing 9:00 am Relig. Sch 10:00am Bldg Mindful Resilience 10:30am Minyan 5:00 pm

27 TEVET 12

22 TEVET 7

Shacharit 7:00 am

Shacharit 7:00 am

4 SHEVAT 18

Shacharit 8:15 am Religious School Closed Virtual Daf Shevui 10:30 am

18 TEVET

NEW YEAR'S DAY

20 TEVET 5

Shacharit 7:00 am

17 TEVET 2

Shabbat Shacharit 8:15 am Ends Synagogue Offices VAYECHI 5:21pm Closed 4:20 pm Nursery & Shabbat Services Religious Schools 9:30 am TOT Shabbat 9:45 am Closed Kehillah Svc. 10:45 am Kabbalat Shabbat Minyan 4:25 pm 3:15 pm Havdalah 5:21 pm

For all of our online and virtual learnings, teachings, and activities, visit www.bethelnr. org/livestream.

19 TEVET 4

SHABBAT

TOT Shabbat 9:45 am Kehillah Svc. 10:45 am

Minyan 4:45 pm Havdalah 5:30 pm

16 SHEVAT 30

Shacharit 7:00 am

17 SHEVAT

BESHALACH

Shabbat ends 5:52 pm

4:50 pm SMART Grp Bar Mitzvah Jake Solar with Josh Shabbat Serv. 9:30 am Warshawsky 11:00 am TOT Shabbat 9:45 am Kehillah Svc. 10:45 am Minyan 4:50 pm Kabbalat Shabbat with Havdalah Young Josh Warshawsky Families & Melaveh 3:30 pm Malkah with Josh W. 6:00 pm

NEWSMAKERS

JANUARY YAHRZEIT OBSERVANCES

The yahrzeit of the following deceased persons permanently inscribed on our Memorial Walls are observed on these dates: Frances Rosenblum 1 Janet S. Levene 14 Barbara Teichman 1 William Rosenberg 14 Nathan Fink 2 Anita Rothenberg 15 Ralph P. Katz 2 Moses Baer Sheffer 16 Rose Goldstein 3 Reuben Sherman 16 Ada Hirsch 3 Samuel Guggenheim 17 Ella G. Farber 5 Daniel Halpern 17 Myra Farber 5 Harry Zuckerman 17 Theodore I. Garfein 5 Norma Singer Brandes 18 Helene Guggenheim 5 Max Goldman 18 Tillie Nirenberg 5 Sidney Shalat 18 Anna Sohn 5 Sigi Engler 19 Frida Szlachter 5 Eunice Fishman 19 Herman E. Getzoff 6 George Y. Winter 19 Betty J. Grad 6 Tola Messing 21 Rose M. Greenberg 6 Dinah Ross 21 Charlotte Hirsch 6 Maurice Isaac Cohen 22 Florence Singer 6 Gertrude Schwartz 23 Louis H. Streger 6 Nathan Behr 24 Coloman Lowenkopf 7 Joseph Brandes 24 Deborah Miller 7 Robert Brenner 24 David Snyder 7 Rabbi Abraham Nowak 24 Fannie Bogash 8 Abraham Botwinick 25 Emil Feuerstein 8 Dr. David L. Jasper 25 Arline Kasakove 8 Joseph G. Kalish 25 Amelia Lyons 8 William Schepp 25 Mary Schifter 8 Henry Bernstein 26 Philip Schonberg 8 Ida B. Desnick 26 Herman Axelrod 9 Becky Glatman 26 Lea Ferstenberg 9 Michael Mayorowitz 26 Florence Schwartz 9 Benjamin Seidenstein 26 Molly Warriner 9 Dr. Judah Somerstein 26 Beatrice Bergman 10 Louis M. Braunstein 27 Frances Goldman 10 Ettie Epstein 27 Victor Gordon 10 Edythe Fayer 27 Rebecca Jackson 10 Jay Robinson 27 Leon A. Messing 10 Anna Frankel 28 Hyman Batkin 11 Murray Glago 28 Shirley Ilberman 11 Harold Morganstern 28 Irving Barasch 12 Sarah Honey Galler 29 Ida Bolnik 12 Irving Levy 30 Jack H. Epstein 12 Josie Schaffer 30 Martin M. Fagin 12 Lewis Arkin 31 Seymour Kostrinsky 12 Myra Karson 31 Teresa Ginsberg 13 Abraham Rosenberg 31 David Barish 14 Miriam Werbelosky 31 Lillian Fried 14 Grace Wile 31 Dr. Max Goldstein 14

Mazal tov to:

Jeffrey and Roberta Graf on the birth of their first grandchild, Jackson Oliver Graf, born 11.16.20, and to parents Daniel and Alyssa Graf; Ellen and Marc Gross on the engagement of their daughter Libby Gross to Patrick Rice; Assaf and Ofri Maliniak on the bar mitzvah of their son Liam Maliniak; Dawn and Joe-Victor Shammas on the bat mitzvah of their daughter Abigail; Lynn Chinitz and Steve Gruenstein on the birth of a grandson, and to parents Diana and Rafael Bildirici and grandparents Claudia and Salvo Bildirici; Elissa Baum on the birth of great-grandson Charlie Taylor Baum, grandson of Drs. Seth and Laura Baum and Susanne and Neill Taylor, and to parents Jason and Kelley Baum.

A Warm Beth El Mazal Tov to One and All!!

Share your milestone events with us!

If you experience a milestone or a loss in your family, contact Linda at LNewman@bethelnr.org, or 914-235-2700, ext. 246.

CONDOLENCES We record with sorrow the losses suffered by our members and friends and extend to them our deepest sympathies.

Condolences to: Gail Goldman on the passing of her mother, Lillian Shapiro.

Keep in Touch! Update Your Information in the Member Directory Did you know that when you log into the Beth El website, you can access a member directory? It is at bethelnr.org/member/ directory. Please review your information and click on “edit my account information” to make updates. It is that simple, and it will help the Beth El community stay connected. Go to bethelnr.org/logininstructions, or email Carrie Fox (csfox99@ gmail.com) if you need help logging into the website.

Not receiving a yahrzeit notice for a family member? Contact Linda at LNewman@bethelnr.org with the name, English date of death (and if it was before/after sunset and what the deceased’s relationship is to you).

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GENERAL FUND

RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND

Baron Wolman, beloved brother of Susan The Matti Friedman lecture at Beth El, from Jay Wolman, from Alan and Allison Kellman. and Barbara Lerman.

Irma Epstein, Leonard Epstein, and Robert The birth of a granddaughter to Harvey and Phyllis Epstein, beloved parents and brother of Larry Jay, and to parents Becky and Mike Forman, from Epstein, from Alan and Allison Kellman.

Jay and Barbara Lerman in memory of Jay’s father, Morris Lerman, on his yahrzeit; Alan and Allison Kellman in memory of Howard Schwartz, beloved father of Steven Schwartz; Jeffrey and Roberta Graf in honor of the birth of their first grandchild Jackson Oliver Graf, born 11.16.20, and to wish a mazal tov to our children Daniel and Alyssa Graf; Barbara and David Horowitz in honor of our clergy and their participation in our Hanukkah cooking event; Dana Stein for the recovery of Ben Stein; Jill Sasloff in memory of Ernie Einzig; Charlotte Watt in memory of her beloved mother, Freda Abramsky; Joyce Goldklang in honor of our clergy and their participation in our Hanukkah cooking event; Marcia Assor in honor of the tireless efforts of our clergy; Janis Demartini in honor of our clergy and their participation in our Hanukkah cooking event; Sheila Cohen in honor of our spectacular clergy, who always rise to the occasion; Susan and Elliot Lesser; Harriet and Marc Suvall in honor of Joyce and Michael Wechsler on the bar mitzvah of their grandson Rubin Finkel; Harriet and Marc Suvall in honor of Cantor Uri and Judy Aqua on the birth of their grandson; Jill Sasloff in honor of Laurence and Carla Stein for all they do for their community; Barry and Judi Kenter in honor of the Sisterhood and our clergy; Hila Reichman in honor of our amazing clergy and the Hanukkah cook off; Terry and Marc Wager in honor of the Hanukkah cook off; Louise and Jason Silverman in honor of the Hanukkah cook off; Judith Silverman in honor of the Hanukkah cook off; Herb and Dorothy Fox in honor of our creative clergy; Ira and Cynthia Shechter in honor of the clergy Hanukkah cook off; Andrea Spitz; Sharon and Peter Spenser in honor of the Hanukkah clergy cook off; Ellen and Jack Hollander in honor of the Hanukkah clergy cook off; Marci and Alan Marcus in honor of the Hanukkah clergy cook off; Robin Kaphan in memory of her husband, Mitchell Kaphan, latke maker extraordinaire; Barbara and Bob Cohen in honor of the Hanukkah clergy cook off; Elise Schepp in honor of the Hanukkah clergy cook off; Shayna, Ian, and Eli Leaderman; Joyce and Michael Wechsler in honor of the Hanukkah clergy cook off; Robert Preminger and Pamela Friedman.

IN HONOR OF:

Rochelle Chaiken.

Howard Schwartz, beloved father of Steven Salo Aizenberg and Karine Kleinhaus, from Schwartz, from Liz and Eric Alderman.

Robert Saposh.

Nettie Goldstein, beloved mother of Robert Michael Wechsler on his eightieth birthday, from Goldstein, on her yahrzeit, from Susan and Robert Goldstein.

Rosalie and Harry Kleinhaus.

IN MEMORY OF: Arnold Reifer, beloved husband of Arlene Reifer, and father of David Reifer, from Liz and Eric Alderman, and Marianne and Bob Sussman.

ANDREW SHAPIRO MEMORIAL FUND IN HONOR OF: The sixtieth wedding anniversary of Louise and Jay Silverman, from Judy Shapiro.

The birth of Jackson Oliver Graf, grandson of Jeffrey and Roberta Graf, from Judy Shapiro.

IN MEMORY OF: Amy Kaplan, beloved daughter of Eunice Kaplan, from Judy Shapiro.

My dear husband on his sixth yahrzeit, from Judy Shapiro.

Elky Pezzner, beloved mother of Susan Goldstein, on her yahrzeit, from Susan and Robert Goldstein.

YAHRZEIT DONATIONS Dana Asher and Scott Reiner, Stuart Bardin, Marian Berkowitz, Melinda and Mark Berman, Phyllis K. Brown, Rachel and Barry Charles, Rota and Gerald Cohen, Suzanne Morris Dickman, Ellen and Trevor Eisenberg, Kenneth Eisenberg, Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Elkind, Ruth Esses, Barbara Finder, Annette and Mitchell Fogelman, Ruth Frankel, Helen Geffner, Bruce Gilbert, Jay Howard Goldstein, Jerry Gottlieb, Florence Graff, Malcolm Graff, Robert Greenberg, Madelyn and Albert Katz, Cindy and Ken Klein, Stanley Kreig, Susana and Michael Lurie, Arkady Mamaysky, Susan and Jeff Mittleman, Jayne Peister, Marcia Pryluck, Richard Robbins, Susan and David Schlecker, Cynthia and Ira Shechter, Sharon Spenser, Jack Spirt, Ronnie and Jesse Weinberger, Anne and Rick Weisbrod, Esther Zarembski.

My beloved cousins, Edward Shapiro and Andrew Shapiro, from Richard Brown.

SPECIAL NEEDS FUND IN MEMORY OF:

SERMON SPONSORSHIPS

Arnold Reifer, beloved husband of Arlene Reifer and father of David Reifer, from Shelley and Fred Klein.

The engagement of my grandson David Fleishaker to Sarah Meisler, from Donald Fleishaker.

Howard Schwartz, beloved father of Steven Schwartz, from Anne and Rick Weisbrod.

HANNAH & JOSHUA FUND (FAMILIES INITIATIVE)

IN HONOR OF:

SYLVIA AND ROBERT SCHER CHESED COMMUNITY FUND IN MEMORY OF:

IN MEMORY OF

Tess Meyrowitz on her yahrzeit, from Harriet and Jules Leonard Schwartz.

Rabbi Isidoro Aizenberg on his yahrzeit, from Eric and Michelle Maidenberg.

DAY CAMP FUND

JEREMY SCHEINFELD MEMORIAL FUND

The engagement of our daughter Libby Gross to Patrick Rice, from Ellen and Marc Gross.

A donation was received from Grace Kalfus and Bruce Gold.

IN MEMORY OF:

IN HONOR OF

THE ELEANOR G. BAUMWALD PRAYERBOOK FUND

IN MEMORY OF: Arnold Reifer, beloved husband of Arlene Reifer and father of David Reifer, from Susan Naveran, Rabbi Stanley Urbas, from Eric and Michelle Maidenberg.

Jill Sasloff, and Lori and Steven Schwartz.

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TO MAKE A DONATION Contact ZOE RAYNES at zraynes@bethelnr.org, or 914235-2700, ext. 228. Minimum $18. Mail your payment to Beth El Synagogue Center, attn: Zoe, 1324 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10804.

SISTERHOOD MITZVAH FUND IN HONOR OF:

Eunice Kaplan on being inducted into the Bob (Bobby Crocker) Schepp’s challah baking Westchester County Senior Hall of Fame, a true ayshet hayil, from Erica and Larry Epstein, Sharon project, from Yonatan Koch. and Peter Spenser, and Barbara Simon.

Dalia Fenster on the bat mitzvah of granddaughter IN MEMORY OF: Eva Spiegeland, from Hyman and Marcia Pryluck.

Gaby Schvartz on her beautiful singing and her Rabbi Sidney Goldstein, beloved brother of participation in “A night of Music and Joy,” from Carol Diament, from Hy and Marcia Pryluck, and Sheila Cohen.

Hyman and Marcia Pryluck.

Bernie Katz on the wedding of his two grandsons, Howard Schwartz, beloved father of Steven Schwartz, from Margie and Arnie Reisfeld, Sandy from Sandy and Jack Gruenberg. and Jack Gruenberg, Sheila Cohen, and Erica and Ellen and Bill Weininger on the wedding of Larry Epstein. their son Danny to Shani, from Sandy and Jack Irma Epstein, beloved mother of Larry Epstein, Gruenberg. from Hy and Marcia Pryluck, and Nora KlionMichael Wechsler on his special birthday, from Wolloch.

Sandy and Jack Gruenberg.

Arthur Ginsburg, beloved father of Ruth Gotian, Aaron and Sheryl Fleishaker on the engagement from Hy and Marcia Pryluck. of their son David to Sarah Meisler, from Sandy Amy Kaplan, beloved daughter of Eunice Kaplan, and Jack Gruenberg. from Hy and Marcia Pryluck.

Elise and Bob Schepp on the birth of grandson Jay Renee Algazy, beloved mother of Laura Lewis, Miller, from Sandy and Jack Gruenberg. from Hy and Marcia Pryluck.

Carole Graham and her excellent crochet skills, Baron Wolman, beloved brother of Susan from Barbara and David Horowitz.

Wolman, from Sandy and Jack Gruenberg.

Lynn Chinitz and Steven Gruenstein on the birth of their grandson, from Erica and Larry Epstein. Norman Gordon, beloved husband of Millie Gordon, from Nora Klion-Wolloch.

The SISTERHOOD MITZVAH FUND is handled by Gaby Newfield.

Please send all correspondence for Sisterhood donations to her (or place in the Sisterhood box in the office when the synagogue reopens).

Sisterhood Mitzvah Fund c/o Gaby Newfield 87 Runyon Place Scarsdale, NY 10583 P: 914-235-4030 E: gabyn77@yahoo.com

If you are not receiving Beth El emails, please check your ShulCloud settings or email us at info@bethelnr.org to make sure that your email is on file correctly.

Beth El Celebrates January Birthdays Beth El would like to extend a “Happy Birthday!” to its members with a birthday in the month of January. If you have a January birthday, but

your name does not appear on the list, we are sorry for the omission and ask that you e-mail the synagogue at info@bethelnr.org so that we can update our records. Contact us if

you do not wish to have your name appear on our birthday list. (The list reflects our adult members and post-bar/bat mitzvah children up to the age of 21.)

Michele Abo Uri Aqua Jason Aronstein Dana Asher Joan Atlas Daniel Bases Jessica Berman Jeffrey Bloom Sherry Brown Jocelyn Burton Abner Casanova Adiel Chhahira Rachel CohenZolottev Joel Davis

Lily Jacobson Phyllis Jay Florence Joffe Mathilda Joseph Harvey Katzeff Richard Kaufman Adam Kerchner Jessica Keusch Ruth King Marc Klee Samantha Lacher Estelle Lebowitz Dara Less Peter Levine Deborah Levine

Barbara Renick Joshua Rosenberg Nathaniel Roth Eric Roth Dana Rottman Lawrence Rubenstein Meir Salama Gwen Salmo Lori Schwartz Cynthia Shechter Simone Shteingart Arnold Silverman Sharon Spenser Dina Stahl Shirin Stein

Sophie Erber Claudia Felberg Judah Ferst Nathan Fisher Jordan Fishler Barry Friedman Simone Goldberg Barbara Goldman Judith Goldstein Meryl Gordon Linda Haber Carol Herzberg David Horowitz Linda Hyman Hannah Jacobson

Lorri Liss Levine Marci Lobel-Esrig Nina Luban Michelle Maidenberg Harry Mamaysky Howard Mandelbaum Jesse Morris Rachel Moster Ann Oestreicher Laura Penn Kelly Plaxin Helene Pollack Stacey Popovsky Jay Rehr Arlene Reifer

BETH EL'S DONATION POLICY

Carla Stein Marc Suvall Dylan Tait Joseph Tait Betty Troyetsky Howard Wenig Barbara Wygoda Dava Yavetz Lori Zung Happy

Birthday!

We will mail out acknowledgement letters for donations of $36 or greater made to our various funds. ALL donations of any value will continue to be posted in the monthly Bulletin. To donate, visit www.bethelnr.org/donation.

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WELCOME IN 2021 If you are thinking of making a move this year…

NOW is the time for us to talk and start planning J O C E LY N ’ S L I S T I N G S S E L L FA S T E R A N D F O R A HIGHER PRICE THAN THE R E S T O F T H E M A R K E T. Jocelyn ranks in the Top 1% of all Westchester County Realtors. 50% of Jocelyn’s listings sell in under 20 days and also sell for more money with an average list/sale price ratio of 106%.

J O C E LY N H A L L B U R T O N

Real Estate Salesperson M 917.693.3557 | jburton@houlihanlawrence.com jocelynburton.houlihanlawrence.com facebook.com/JocelynHallBurtonRealEstate N E W R O C H E L L E B R O K E R AG E 15 Q U A K E R R I D G E R D, N E W R O C H E L L E , N Y 1 0 8 0 4 Source: HGMLS, 1/1/19-12/31/19, total dollar volume of single family homes sold by Houlihan Lawrence agent, New Rochelle school district; 1/1/19-12/31/19, total dollar volume of single family homes sold by company, New Rochelle school district. Top 1%: According to the HGAR, there are approximately 6500 members located in Westchester County on an annual basis. Jocelyn ranks #53 and in the Top 1% in Westchester County by all properties sold, total dollar volume, 2019.

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The Spring Market Is Upon Us If you are considering listing your home this Spring contact me.

M Y M A R KET KN OWL EDGE, STR ATEGIC A DV IC E A N D IMPECCABLE CUSTOMER SERVICE A R E SECON D TO N ON E.

I B R I N G R E S U LT S

Real Estate Salesperson - NY & CT Residential & Commercial Real Estate M 914.424.4651 VM 914.749.2582 MaryAnnGiacobbeHL@gmail.com MaryAnnGiacobbe.houlihanlawrence.com

CONNECTING CITY DWELLERS AND NEW ROCHELLE SELLERS

Scan this QR Code with your phone to download our App

A TO P P R O D U C E R I N N E W R O C H E L L E F O R OV E R A D EC A D E N E W R O C H E L L E B R O K E R A G E • 1 5 Q U A K E R R I D G E R O A D, N E W R O C H E L L E , N Y 1 0 8 0 4

H O U L I H A N L A W R E N C E .C O M

Source: HGMLS, 1.1.1990 - 12.31.2019, all properties sold, total volume, by agent. Source: HGMLS, 2009 - 2019 each individual year, single family homes sold in New Rochelle School District, by agent by dollar volume.

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DISCOVER THE FINEST IN SENIOR LIVING

The Bristal Assisted Living has been serving seniors and their families in the tri-state area since 2000, offering independent and assisted living, as well as state-of-the-art memory care programs. We are committed to helping residents remain independent, while providing peace of mind that expert care is available, if needed. Designed with seniors in mind, each of our communities feature exquisitely appointed apartments and beautiful common areas that are perfect for entertaining. On-site services and amenities include daily housekeeping, gourmet meals, a cinema, salon, plus so much more. Discover a vibrant community, countless social events with new friends, and a luxurious lifestyle that you will only find at The Bristal.

SCHEDULE YOUR VISIT TODAY!

ARMONK

WHITE PLAINS

914-432-8200

914-681-1800

For a list of all locations in the tri-state area, visit: THEBRISTAL.COM

Licensed by the State Department of Health.

Eligible for Most Long Term Care Policies.

AN ENGEL BURMAN COMMUNITY

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THE BETH EL SISTERHOOD’S

Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont and NOEL GREENSTEIN invite you to see our

BAUM JUDAICA GIFT SHOP

IS READY FOR (VIRTUAL) BUSINESS! NOW YOU CAN PURCHASE ITEMS USING OUR VERSION OF "VIRTUAL SHOPPING!"

Luxury Sedans & SUVs

1. If you are in the synagogue stop by and check out the display cases and take a picture if it is NOT Shabbat; OR 2. Choose a category of Giftware, let us know, and we will send photos of our stock; OR 3. Find something online and we can order it for you.

Call Carole or Ellen for further information.

Carole Graham, 914-576-6617, or Ellen Hollander, 914-632-4658 OR E-MAIL GIFTSHOP@BETHELNR.ORG

(914) 833-5000 1435 Boston Post Road ngreenstein@raycatenalexusny.com Larchmont, N.Y.

David Lacher­

RIVERSIDE MEMORIAL CHAPEL WESTCHESTER: 21 West Broad Street Mount Vernon, NY 10552

Providing creative solutions to individuals and the business community

914-664-6800

• Real Estate: Commercial and Residential

Just off Exit 7 of the Cross County Parkway East

• Wills, Trusts, and Estate Administration­

The Source of Support for the Jewish Community since 1897

• Business Services, including Contracts, New Business Formations, and Sales/Purchases

www.riversidememorialmountvernon.com

• Land Use: Zoning Board, Planning Board

Charles S. Salomon • Joel E. Simon

270 North Avenue, 8th Floor New Rochelle, New York 10801 914 355 5900 www.lacherlaw.com

Continuing to maintain the high service standards of the Rosenthal, Grossberg, and Alpert families 25

Wishing You Health & Happiness in the Year Ahead!

New to Market

Timeless Elegance in Wykagyl Park | New Rochelle $1,349,000 | 6 BR, 5.1 BA | Approx. 5,636sf | Chef’s Kitchen | Solarium | Web# H6082673

Glorianne is excited to share she is once again Ranked as New Rochelle’s #1 Agent 5-years and counting!

Glorianne Mattesi Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker

O 914.723.6800 M 914.393.6990 glorianne.mattesi@elliman.com elliman.com 26

Your Ultimate New Rochelle Expert.

OneKnows KnowsNew NewRochelle RochelleBetter Better Than Glorianne.

No One Than Glorianne.

Coming Soon!

Paine Heights Elegant Tudor | New Rochelle 7 BR, 3.2 BA | Approx. 3,792sf | Web# H6087154

Wykagyl Estates Residence | New Rochelle $1,029,000 | 4-5 BR, 3.5 BA | Approx. 3,2784sf | Web# H6071990

Maplewood Park Expanded Split Level | New Rochelle $859,000 | 3-4 BR, 2.5 BA | Approx. 2,231sf | Web# H6082150

Westwood Gardens Expanded Cape/Colonial | New Rochelle $689,000 | 3 BR, 2 BA | Approx. 1,777sf | Web# H6066411

Great Value! Split Level Home | New Rochelle $649,000 | 3 BR, 2.5 BA | Approx. 1,850sf | Web# H6080221

Duplex Condo with Rooftop Terrace | New Rochelle $389,000 | 2 BR, 2 BA | Approx. 1,085sf | Web# H6058350

83 KATONAH AVENUE, KATONAH, NY 10536. 914.232.3700 © 2021 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE, THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY. *HGAR MLS, 2016-2020 FOR TOTAL DOLLAR VOLUME AND NUMBER OF TRANSACTIONS.

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BETH EL SYNAGOGUE CENTER 1324 NORTH AVENUE NEW ROCHELLE, NY 10804-2190

Non Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID White Plains, N.Y. Permit No. 925

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

SHERY ROSENSTEIN Licensed Real Estate Sales Person

Helping the Beth El community with their home buying and selling needs for over 10 years.

914.420.8556 s.rosenstein@yahoo.com

Wishing that your home is filled with blessings, light, happiness and joy.

‫מאחלת לכם‬ ‫שביתכם יהיה מל‬ ,‫ באור‬,‫בברכה‬ ‫ ובשמחה‬,‫באושר‬ JOCELYN BURTON

Real Estate Salesperson

M 917.693.3557 JBurton@houlihanlawrence.com Proud Beth El member

Ranked in the Top 1% of All Agents in Westchester MLS # #

1 Agent in the 1 Brokerage in New Rochelle

NEW ROC HELLE BROK ERAGE | 15 QUAKE R RIDGE ROAD Source: OKMLS, 2019, total dollar volume of single family homes sold by Houlihan Lawrence agent, New Rochelle school district; 2019, total dollar volume of single family homes sold by company, New Rochelle school district.

Top 1%: According to the OKMLS, there are approximately 6500 members located in Westchester County on an annual basis. Jocelyn ranks #53 and in the Top 1% in Westchester County by all properties sold, total dollar volume, 2019.