Bull may17 web rev

MAY 2017 • Vol. 99, No. 10 IYAR ~ SIVAN 5777 WWW.BETHELNR.ORG

(Doors open at 1:30 pm) Join us for an Israel Forum with Activities for all ages, a keynote speaker, Kosher Israeli food trucks, and a series of panel discussions.

COST: $175 per adult & Teen $85 per child ages 2-15 Children under 2, free

Price includes accomodations, all meals, and all activities!

JOIN RABBI SCHUCK FOR THIS EXCITING WEEKEND.

Sisterhood Honors Blanche Fried.... page 2 Annual Meeting................................. page 5 Spring Film Festival........................ page 3 Shavuot Tikkun and Services............. page 9

Nurssery School.............................. page 13 New Youth Program........................ page 15

For more about Blanche, please turn to page 11.

2

SPRING FILM FESTIVAL DINNER-THEATRE WILL RETURN IN MAY WITH “JEWISH CHARACTERS ON THE SIDE OF THE ANGELS” City school system, Larry was simultaneously Director of Activities at Kutsher’s Country Club for twenty years. He has, in recent years, been a senior Admissions Administrator for Baruch College. His warmth, charm, and engaging teaching style have greatly enriched our minicourse. Elaine Katz, founding chairwoman of the Festival, will present the middle two lectures of the series. Elaine began interpreting films when her aunt took her to see “Bambi.” She even further honed her interpretive skills far above Cayuga’s waters, as a Cornell National Scholar. She will endeavor to also be warm, charming, and engaging.

Viewing and discussing Tikun Olam, the repair of the world, could not be more relevant. Advance registration is required, and early registration is appreciated. Contact the main office at 914-235-2700, ext. 223, or register on-line at www.bethelnr.org/springfilm.

A Hollywood producer, a union organizer in the South, a New York mayoral assistant, and a television ghost writer will be seeking to repair their own individual worlds on the big screen at Beth El throughout the month of May. On four consecutive Thursday evenings, we will be treated to performances by such talents as Al Pacino, Sally Field, Woody Allen, Zero Mostel, and Bryan Cranston—along with pastrami sandwiches on rye. Opening night, May 4th, will feature “Trumbo,” and will be followed in succeeding weeks by “Norma Rae” on May 11th, “City Hall” on May 18th, and “The Front” on May 25th.

Designed as a delightful dinner-theatre, our METNY award-winning Spring Film Festival is now in its thirty-first consecutive year. Each evening begins with a festive buffet delicatessen dinner, followed by a formal introduction to the film, a complete screening, and an always lively and high-level group discussion. Many participants in the series have been attending for years, if not decades, but newcomers are always made to feel equally at home. Of course, nothing is more important than attending all four sessions of the series, but in case life intrudes, remember that every session is self-contained.

Guest lecturer Larry Strickler, returning for his twelfth year, will present the opening and closing sessions. A former history teacher and administrator in the New York

FEE SCHEDULE Series Individual Session

Member $80 $25

Non-Member $95 $28

Fee includes dinner, film, and lecture

JEWISH LIFE AND THOUGHT IN EASTERN EUROPE Taught by Rabbi David Schuck and Dr. Carol Diament

Thursdays, beginning at 9:30

am

May 4, May 11, May 18, May 25, and June 8*

*June 8th is a double session, with Dr. Carol Diament

Rabbi David Schuck will focus on the primary sources of Hasidic thinkers.

Dr. Carol Diament will focus on the primary sources of Jewish Enlightenment thinkers and writers.

Donation for all sessions: Community members, $90 • Beth El members, $60 Register at www.bethelnr.org/limmud.

3

RABBI’S MESSAGE One who reads the words of prayer with great devotion

may come to see the lights within the letters,

even though one does not understand

the meaning of the words one speaks.

Such prayer has great power; Mistakes in reading are of no importance.

Rabbi David Schuck

A father has a young child whom he greatly loves.

Even though the child has hardly learned to speak,

his father takes pleasure

in listening to his words.

The above meditation is attributed to the Baal Shem Tov or the Maggid of Miedzyrec, two very important Hasidic masters of the late eighteenth century. It captures an aspect of prayer that we often miss: the technical precision demanded by prayer is eclipsed by the power of the intention that we bring to it.

We struggle with Jewish prayer because of the Hebrew, the speed with which we pray, the tunes, and a self consciousness that everyone around us knows “how to” pray and we are hopelessly inept. Yet part of the power of prayer is the opportunity to shed the constant

judgment that echoes through our heads and experience emotions that are powerful.

Praying is not performed by the recitation of words. It is an opening up. We open up to listening; in singing we encounter our feelings and desires for our lives and the world. This opening up is a form of freedom: freedom from the burden of proof; freedom from constant analysis; freedom from opinions.

We allow our dreams to become expansive and we acknowledge that we are more than the sum of our accomplishments, knowledge, and possessions. We are creative beings with

a profound need for expression, and when we permit ourselves to express a deep emotional experience (whether angst, elation, or fear), the technicalities of proper pronunciation, choreography, and singing become irrelevant.

My brain informs me that I can not know without a doubt that God exists—proof is not possible. But at moments, my heart tells me that my intense desire to reach out toward this mysterious life-giving Force is as real as anything else in my life, and when I succeed at listening to my heart and I can momentarily shut down my brain, I know that even though I can hardly speak the right words and sing the proper melodies, my endeavor to do so is sufficient. In such moments I need no further proof that in some way, such expressions of prayer impact our cosmos. I need only notice the way in which they affect me.

I hope to sing with you at one of our Singing as a Spiritual Practice groups; I am eager to hear your voice and you mine.

L’Shalom, Rabbi David A. Schuck

NOTES FROM THE HAZZAN

Hazzan Jamie Gloth

“Forgetting someone is like forgetting to turn off the light in the backyard so it stays lit all the next day. But then it is the light that makes you remember.”

Yehuda Amichai

At a recent Bar Mitzvah celebration, someone came up to me after the service and remarked, “You deserve all the credit, Hazzan!” It was a proud moment for me.

But I replied, “No, they deserve the credit.

I’ll just take the nachas.” Collecting special moments like these are the memories we create for one another.

Last month, we recited Yizkor prayers on the last day of Pesach, and we will do so again later this month on the second day of Shavuot. Yizkor is about remembering.

Lately, I have been doing a lot of remembering. We live our lives sharing with

other people our daily activities, ordinary events and extraordinary triumphs. These moments sometimes include laughter, tears, nachas, sadness, revelation or a combination of them. And it is through our memories of these shared moments that we continue to be blessed by those who have touched our lives.

This article has been especially difficult for me to write. It is a daunting task to put into words so many powerful thoughts and feelings. Over the past six years, this congregation has shared so many of your moments with me, and you have allowed me to share mine with you. It truly has been a privilege to be part of your lives, to be invited to share with you your heartbreaking losses and your joyous successes. And when I needed a caring community to share in my own losses and joys, you have always provided that for me.

As your hazzan, I have not just led you in prayer or put together congregational programs. From the beginning, I have always strived to be helpful, to be inspirational, to be motivational, and to be a mentsch. I may not have always been successful, but 4

my intentions have always been sincere. I have tried to play a meaningful part in your lives—to know you, to know your families, to know your stories and inter-generational connections. To have succeeded in these areas is to have built a relationship with you. And it is these relationships that have meant so much to me over these past years, and what I surely will miss most of all.

Since it was announced that I would be leaving Beth El, I have been overwhelmed by your kind words of support and love.

There have been too many notes, e-mails, phone calls, and conversations for me to acknowledge them all. Please know that I appreciate each and every one, and will never be able to thank you adequately for this community’s continued kindness, generosity, and encouragement over these past many years. To name any one person specifically will mean forgetting someone else. And by the time I see the light in the backyard, it will be too late to correct my omissions. Please know that, in my mind, there will be a light for each and every one of you. Thank you.

Hazzan Jamie Gloth

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE COME TO SHUL ON JUNE 3rd AND SAY L’HITRA’OT We wanted to include Hazzan Gloth and his family at the farewell Kiddush luncheon and presentation, but he respectfully declined. Hazzan Gloth asked me to relay to our community that he appreciates our offer to publicly wish him farewell, but he rather invites people to share their thoughts with Samuel E. Berger him in writing or to talk with him privately. I know that many people have already written him lovely, heartfelt messages and several have talked to him one-on-one to share their feelings. Hazzan Gloth told me that these letters and conversations have been very meaningful to him and his entire family, and they will always cherish the friends they have made at Beth El. The Officers and I encourage you to reach out to Hazzan Gloth and his family to express your appreciation for what he and his family gave to our community in times of joy and at times of sorrow. Hazzan Gloth has accepted a position as Hazzan at Temple Aliyah in Needham, Massachusetts, and we wish the best to him and his family as they move to their new community.

Finally, I want to thank Elissa Glickman and Lisa Patchen for volunteering to co-chair the Kiddush Luncheon and Presentation, and for all the time and effort they have put into make it a beautiful and meaningful event. I hope you can join us on Saturday, June 3rd.

See you in shul, Sam

Dear Friends, On Shabbat morning June 3rd, in addition to the bat mitzvah of Isabel Bradbury, we will be having a presentation at the Kiddush luncheon to say L’hitra’ot, or farewell, to Rabbi Josh and Stephanie Dorsch. Rabbi Dorsch started as our Rabbinic Intern in 2012, then became our Assistant Rabbi, and ultimately our Associate Rabbi.

Along the way, Rabbi Dorsch met Stephanie and they were married at Beth El. And if that is not enough, we are all eagerly awaiting the arrival, im yirtzeh Hashem, of a new little Dorsch sometime in May. Rabbi Dorsch was committed to finding the right next chapter in his career and we are thrilled to announce that, after receiving multiple offers, Rabbi Dorsch has accepted a position as Senior Rabbi at Tifereth Israel Synagogue, in San Diego, California. Rabbi Dorsch wisely chose San Diego, which means he will remain in a National League city and continue to see his home town Phillies in person at PETCO Park. I am sure he will miss the four seasons of weather, and I know many in our community will certainly miss him. From his wonderful sermons, Torah-on-Tap sessions, fantasy sports leagues, and fantastic relationships with our youth, to his leadership in our participation at the AIPAC Conference, Beth El has been enriched by Rabbi Dorsch’s many contributions. Tifereth Israel is lucky to be welcoming the Dorschs into their wonderful community, and we wish him and Stephanie the best of luck in their exciting new adventure.

The Rabbi Melvin & Lenore Sirner Fund for Jewish Inspiration: New Classes SINGING AS A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE Music has deepened our ability to pray from the depths of our souls, sometimes with words and sometimes with melodies alone. This group will learn how singing can itself be a Jewish spiritual practice, and we will practice different techniques that help unleash the power of communal singing.

Everyone is welcome. No prior knowledge required. Facilitated by Rabbi Schuck—Thursday, May 11, 7:30pm-9:00pm; Sunday, May 21, 9:30am11:00am; Sunday, June 4, 7:00pm; Wednesday, June 14, 7:30pm; Tuesday, June 20, 7:30pm.

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION (dates TBD) Practiced by Hasidic masters in the 18th Century, this type of meditation trains our capacity to pay attention by focusing on our own minds. As such, we feel more satisfied with each moment of our experience, learn to be more receptive to what is happening in our livers rather than resisting what has already occurred or projecting what is not yet here, and we recognize how short and precious this life is. This form of meditation helps us feel less isolated, less caught in judgment and adversity, and more open to the mystery and majesty of this very life. Meets weekly.

Annual Meeting Monday, May 8th 7:00 8:00

pm

Cocktail Hour and Hors D’Oeuvres Annual Meeting

pm

AGENDA • Minutes of December 19, 2016 Congregational Meeting (Visit www.bethelnr.org/semiannualmeeting to view the Semi-Annual Meeting Minutes) • Good & Welfare • Koach Awards for 28 years of Membership................ Sandy Gruenberg, Vice President • State of the Synagogue ......... Samuel E. Berger, President • Recognition of Outgoing Board of Trustees Members & Officers............. Samuel E. Berger, President • Role of the Assistant Rabbi ................David Schuck, Rabbi • Annual Elections • Financial Report...................... Joseph Wygoda, Treasurer • Committee/Affiliate Reports

5

Limmud Classes in May Wednesday, May 3 Thursday, May 4

10:00 am 9:30 am

Thursday, May 4 Thursday, May 4

10:00 am 1:30 pm

Thursday, May 4 6:30 pm Thursday, May 4 6:30 pm Thursday, May 4 8:00 pm Saturday, May 6 12:30 pm Sunday, May 7 10:00 am Tuesday, May 9 8:00 pm Wednesday, May 10 10:00 am Wednesday, May 10 7:30 pm Thursday, May 11 9:30 am Thursday, May 11 Thursday, May 11

10:00 am 1:30 pm

Thursday, May 11 6:30 pm Thursday, May 11 6:30 pm Thursday, May 11 8:00 pm Saturday, May 13 8:30 am Saturday, May 13 12:30 pm Sunday, May 14 10:00 am Wednesday, May 17 10:00 am Wednesday, May 17 7:30 pm Thursday, May 18 9:30 am Thursday, May 18 10:00 am Thursday, May 18 1:30 pm

Thursday, May 18 6:30 pm Thursday, May 18 6:30 pm Thursday, May 18 8:00 pm Saturday, May 20 8:30 am Saturday, May 20 12:30 pm Sunday, May 21 10:00 am Wednesday, May 24 10:00 am Thursday, May 25 9:30 am Thursday, May 25 Thursday, May 25

10:00 am 1:30 pm

Thursday, May 25 Saturday , May 27

6:30 pm 12:30 pm

The Birth of the Jewish State, with Rabbi Karp Jewish Life and Thought in Eastern Europe, with Rabbi David Schuck and Dr. Carol Diament Talmud’s Twists & Turns, with Rabbi Hojda Parashat HaShavuah, with Rabbi Josh Dorsch and Jack Gruenberg Spring Film Festival Beginners Ulpan, with Miri Ben-Avi Advanced Ulpan, with Miri Ben-Avi Daf Shevui Israeli Dancing, with Cantor Aqua Torah on Tap (off-site) The Birth of the Jewish State, with Rabbi Karp Introduction to Judaism Jewish Life and Thought in Eastern Europe, with Rabbi David Schuck and Dr. Carol Diament Talmud’s Twists & Turns with Rabbi Hojda Parashat HaShavuah with Rabbi Josh Dorsch and Jack Gruenberg Spring Film Festival Beginners Ulpan, with Miri Ben-Avi Advanced Ulpan, with Miri Ben-Avi “A Modern Understanding of the Bible” Daf Shevui Israeli Dancing, with Cantor Uri Aqua The Birth of the Jewish State, with Rabbi Karp Introduction to Judaism Jewish Life and Thought in Eastern Europe, with Rabbi David Schuck and Dr. Carol Diament Talmud’s Twists & Turns, with Rabbi Hojda Parashat HaShavuah, with Rabbi Josh Dorsch and Jack Gruenberg Spring Film Festival Beginners Ulpan, with Miri Ben-Avi Advanced Ulpan, with Miri Ben-Avi Contemplative Service, with Rabbi David Schuck Daf Shevui Israeli Dancing, with Cantor Uri Aqua The Birth of the Jewish State, with Rabbi Karp Jewish Life and Thought in Eastern Europe, with Rabbi David Schuck and Dr. Carol Diament Talmud’s Twists & Turns, with Rabbi Hojda Parashat HaShavuah, with Rabbi Josh Dorsch and Jack Gruenberg Spring Film Festival Daf Shevui

Questions? For Ulpan classes, contact Miri Ben Avi at miriulpan@gmail.com, or 914-602-1503.

For all other classes, contact Rabbi Dorsch at jdorsch@bethelnr.org, or 914-235-2700, ext. 260.

6

A MODERN UNDERSTANDING OF THE BIBLE— ITS HEROES

with Rabbi David Blumenfeld, Ph.D. (Near Eastern Literature and Languages)

Shabbat Morning 8:30 am - 9:30 am Saturday, May 13th Heroic Women in the Bible Our session will explore the lives of a number of remarkable women in the Bible. By applying up-to-date scholarship to the biblical text, a deeper understanding of their vital role in the destiny of the Jewish People will be examined. All are welcome.

Tween Discussion Saturday, May 27th This is a place for tweens to discuss and study a topic that is relevant to tweens and/or to the Jewish calendar. It is informal and there are snacks at the beginning.

After the discussion, we enter the sanctuary together for the sermon and musaf.

1 0: 30 AM - 1 1:15 AM (Also on June 3)

Have fun with Yiddish!

FRIDAYS, 1:00 pm at beth el Questions? Contact Bea Freedman, 914-337-8645.

Service

Beth El Synagogue Center and Temple Israel of New Rochelle are proud to jointly sponsor

Contemplative Service, with Rabbi Schuck Saturday, May 20th • new time: 10:45 am How can we pay better attention to living our lives with intention? Make time for yourself at our Contemplative Service, which is designed to slow the pace of our lives down in order to listen to what emerges from the silence. We will set aside time for mindfulness meditation, contemplative study, singing, and prayer, and focus our attention on opening our hearts and minds. Everyone is welcome; dress as you would like and bring an open mind! Please arrive a few minutes early to minimize interruptions. After the service, you are welcome to continue to sit quietly in the Wiener Lounge or join the rest of the congregation for the sermon and remainder of the Shabbat morning service. Join us for the kiddush luncheon at 12:00 noon.

OUR SPRING BLOOD DRIVE SUNDAY, MAY 21st at Temple Israel

1000 Pinebroook Blvd, New Rochelle, NY 10804

8:30 am – 12:30 pm Register at bethelnr.org/blooddrive.

“Walk-ins” are always welcome too.

ISRAELI DANCING

Café Shabbat

Learn old and new dances with Cantor Uri Aqua

A Friday Happening for Young Families

Friday, May 19th 5:30 pm-6:45 pm

Sundays, 10:00 am – 11:00 am $10 per class • at Beth El Synagogue Center Interested? E-mail uaqua@bethelnr.org.

Wear comfy clothes and sneakers.

Join us!

Geared to children ages 6 and under.

Enjoy a musical Shabbat celebration, led by Hazzan Ellen Miller Arad, followed by dinner for everyone, dessert, and a snuggle story. Feel free to come in your pajamas!

Westchester’s Jewish History and Heritage Month Celebration Monday, May 8th, 6:00 pm Michaelian Office Building, 148 Martine Avenue, 8th Floor, White Plains

$20/adult; children free

Our honorees are Martine Fleishman, Frank Hassid, and DONALD FLEISHAKER at this annual celebration, as we celebrate UJA-Federation on its 100th anniversary.

Register at www.bethelnr.org/cafe.

7

THE MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF TOM THOMSON, BY GEORGE A. WALKER IN THE KANNER-KURZON MUSEUM, MAY 6th -MAY 28th

This graphic novel (also known as a wordless narrative) is told in a series of woodblock engravings by Canadian artist George A. Walker. Graphic novels tell stories via their images which are arranged sequentially to tell a fictional or nonfictional story.

When his body was discovered in a lake in the Algonquin Park wilderness in July 1917, Tom Thomson had been missing for eight days. He disappeared while canoeing. Although the official cause of death was accidental drowning, how he actually died is a mystery even though it was reported that the corpse had fishing line wrapped around a leg and the head showed evidence of trauma. Speculation abounded that a neighbor, Martin Blecher, Jr., murdered him or that he fell during a drunken brawl with J. Shannon Fraser over an unpaid loan to Fraser for the purchase of canoes. Thomson is said to have needed the money for a new

suit to wear for his marriage to Winnifred Trainor, whose parents had a cottage near where Thomson was staying in the park.

Rumors circulated following the death that she was pregnant with Thomson’s child. No speculation was ever proven, and the wide range of speculation serves only to perpetuate the Thomson myth.

Walker re-imagines the events leading

up to Thomson’s tragic death and the discovery of his body. The narrative is a visual elegy reflecting on the loss of a gifted artist (Thomson), a man of his time fluent in the visual language of modernism, who also found solace and an artistic muse in the wilds of the Canadian bush. Walker’s engravings chart Thomson’s life as a commercial artist in early twentieth century Toronto and his journeys of discovery as a creative painter in the hinterland of lakes and forests. This is a narrative constructed around a man’s life and death and his search for meaning by experiencing nature after rejecting the modernism of the city with its industry and commerce. Walker also must learn about death and tell the tale as art to instruct all of us.

The narrative will unfold as you move from the left after entering the museum and moving around the room to your right.

Israel Affairs Committee (IAC) Report The AIPAC Conference has ended, and it was a wonderful experience for those in attendance. We had the largest Beth El cohort ever, and it included a teen group led by Rabbi Josh Dorsch and Rebekkah Gold. The event was an incredible gathering of approximately 18,000 people—Jews, Christians, Muslims, and others from all over the world—coming together to show their support for Israel.

The General Sessions were inspiring and the numerous break-out sessions were fascinating. The “AIPAC Village,” where you could gather for a nosh or just to hang out, included exhibit space for some of the most innovative technologies and initiatives coming out of Israel. It was a special experience for all. So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for next year’s conference!

Up next, IAC has been working hard to proudly host SEE ISRAEL: Support * Educate *Engage. Come share your love of Israel on Sunday afternoon, May 7th, at Beth El, from 1:30 pm to 6:00 pm. This jam-packed afternoon is a community-wide event, cosponsored with other Westchester synagogues and organizations. There will be six lively discussion panels with representatives from a dozen Israel-related organizations. Panels will focus on the incredible work of these organizations and their impact on individuals

as told through personal stories. Panels will run simultaneously and repeat throughout the afternoon to allow attendees to catch several panels. An “Israel Forum” will run throughout the day with opportunities to learn more about the participating and other organizations, as well as a family activity in support of Israel. Babysitting and children’s activities will be available, and Kosher Israeli food will be available for purchase as well.

The day will culminate with a keynote speech

by IDF Colonel (Ret) Kobi Marom. Col. Marom served in an elite combat unit and led numerous missions, including the rescue of Ethiopian Jews in the Sudan desert as part of Operation Moses. He rose to become IDF Brigade Commander for the Eastern Front in South Lebanon and the Hermon Brigade and is considered one of the leading experts on the situation along Israel’s northern border.

Groups participating in the program, as of press time, include Israel Bonds, SPACA (Students & Parents Against Campus anti-Semitism), The Lone Soldier Center in memory of Michael Levin, Friends of United Hatzalah of Israel, Alexander Muss High School in Israel, the Jewish National Fund, Friends of the IDF, StandWithUS, the Masorti Foundation, the Association of American Reform Zionists, the Israel Cancer 8

Research Fund, Untold Truths, and American Jewish Committee’s Jewish Religious Equality Coalition.

Registration/donation is $25/adults, $18/ teens 13-18 and seniors 65+. Net funds raised will be divided among all participating Israelrelated groups (other than Israel Bonds).

Please register at www.SeeIsraelToday. com. Questions? Contact Mark Seidenfeld at mseidenfeld@scholastic.com.

We hope you can join us for what is sure to be an inspiring and lively event in support of Israel.

Michael Schiffres and Mark Seidenfeld Co-Chairs

Celebrate Israel Parade Sunday, June 4th

5th Avenue, in New York

Contact Donna Bartell at donna@wjcouncil.org for details.

SHAVUOT SERVICES

TIKKUN LEIL SHAVUOT

Tuesday Evening, May 30th Minyan 6:30 pm Dinner 7:00 pm (details to follow) Tikkun Leil Shavuot 8:00 pm Wednesday, May 31st Morning Services 9:00 am (wiener lounge) Early Minyan at 6:45 pm Light candles after 9:10 pm

Tuesday Evening, May 30th 8:00 pm Three learning sessions by our rabbis. THEME: Revelation (Topics to be determined.)

8:00 pm-8:45 pm, 9:00 pm-945 pm, 10:00 pm-10:45 pm Cheesecake and snacks will be served during each 15 min break

SHAVUOT HANG OUT

Thursday, June 1st Early morning service, 6:30 am, with Yizkor Morning Services, 9:00 am, with Yizkor Evening minyan 8:15 pm, followed by a Shiur.

The holiday ends at 9:11 pm.

Wednesday, May 31st, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Children and adults, come play basketball, soccer, Gaga, and more. All are welcome.

Enjoya dairy dinner, wine (21+), and cheesecake. $10/adult, $5/ child ages 2-13. Under 2, free. R.S.V.P. to bethelnr.org/fun by May 23.

Youth Schedule and special programming, page 15.

JOIN THE SMART* PEOPLE

* SMART = Senior, Mature Adult, Retired Together Programs

SMART* Programs

Tuesday, May 9th, 10:00 am. Coffee and schmooze with a newspaper. At 10:30 am, join us for a talk by Judge Walter Schwartz, a Trustee of the Westchester County Historical Society, on “Courageous Women and the Suffrage Movement.” 2017 marks the centennial of Women’s Suffrage in New York State. Why did women’s voting rights take so long to come to fruition and why isn’t the United States among the seventy nations that have elected or appointed a female as its Head of State? $5 per person includes lunch of salad and sandwiches to follow the discussion. R.S.V.P. to Julie at 914-235-2700, ext. 256.

Wednesday Mornings 10:30 am - 11:30 am At Beth El. Schedule is subject to change.

No R.S.V.P. • No fee.

First Wednesday of the month

MAY 3: BALANCE EXERCISE AND FITNESS using resistance bands, with Tim from North End Fitness.

Wednesday, May 17th, 11:30 am, Current Events with Shari Baum, M.S.W., following exercise. No charge.

Second Wednesday of the month MAY 10: Golden Zumba, with Laura.

Tuesday, May 23rd, 10:00 am. Coffee and schmooze with a newspaper. At 10:30 am, join us for an inspiring program by “The Mosaic Storytelling Project.” You will meet and hear from Diana, who will share her personal journey as the mother of a transgender teenage daughter. Diana is part of the Mosaic Storytelling Project, a unique learning lab, providing Jewish LGBTQ teens, adults, and family members with tools to cultivate an authentic and inspirational public voice to be shared in Jewish settings, thus building a more compassionate and inclusive community.

Third Wednesday of the month

MAY 17: BALANCE AND FLEXIBILITY, with Judy.

Fourth Wednesday of the month MAY 24: CHAIR YOGA, with Nan.

For questions or to R.S.V.P. on any SMART activity, contact Julie Rockowitz at jrockowitz@bethelnr.org, or 914-235-2700, ext. 256.

Mosaic of Westchester is a non-profit initiative in the Westchester Jewish community. Mosaic is working for the full inclusion of LGBTQ Jews in Westchester Jewish life, thus enriching the entire Westchester Jewish community. Sandwich lunch to follow.

9

MEMORIES TO GO Continuing with our “Dear Jane” letters, Sheila Mignone tackles the question of whether or not to bring a child into a world filled with Introduction by Lynn Lowin darkness, yet also shining with light.

Dear Jane, My mother is standing in the closet. The door is shut, but the light is on. She is ironing. Outside, the buzz of airplanes leaving La Guardia reverberates through the dark windows. Her child slumbers peacefully in her crib. The baby is four and a half months old. “What have I done?” my mother thinks as she irons in the closet. “Have I brought a child into this threatening world?” The apartment is dark, it is “blacked-out,” and she irons in the closet with the door closed so that no light can be seen. Outside, the snow falls peacefully, covering all the dark spots, making the world seem virginal. It is December 1941 and the United States has reluctantly declared war on both fronts. My mother is not young. She has suffered miscarriage after miscarriage and finally she has her child; but a child brings so many joys, and so many worries. Now she has a war. Her beloved family has left the port of Genoa and taken up residence in-land.

Her cousin is in the resistance and they don’t know where he is or if he is alive. “What have I done? Why did I want to bring a child into a terrible threatening world of unthinkable war machines and incredibly inhuman animalesque people.

We survive the war and now come new worries. We are sitting in the pediatrician’s office on Bruckner’s Boulevard. First there was a small pox scare and everyone had to be vaccinated. Then came polio with no known cure. “Don’t drink from the public water fountains, don’t go to the local swimming pool, stay away from crowds.”

Always she remembers the words of Doctor Fogelman, “Darling, you can’t bring her up under glass.”

More or less at the time of the commencement of hostilities in Korea, we move to the suburbs and I attend the little school on Washington Avenue in Hartsdale. I am in third grade and the sirens are howling; the fire department has a loud horn that honks the warning numbers, ”One honk, two honks, three honks…take cover.”

We are cowering under our desks because our small wooden desks are going to save us from an atomic bomb. The little boy next to

Scenes from a Successful Special Needs Seder

me wiggles and squirms under the desk, and when the air raid drill is over we realize that he is completely stuck in the metal portion of the desk. We must rely on the janitor. We called the poor child “Dickey under the desk” until we graduated. The Cold War rages and there is still no cure for polio but, “Darling, you can’t bring her up under glass.”

The years pass; it is 2001. I am teaching and the secretary comes to the room. “Your son called to say he is all right.” “My son? Why is he calling? “A plane has run into the World Trade Tower,” replies the secretary. Three weeks pass and my friend and I are in Grand Central Station. I have come from the celebration of Columbus Day; she is on her way to El Al to change her passage to Israel. The President has told us that we should not travel. A young girl approaches with a microphone. She works for National Public Radio and she wants to know why we are in New York City and are we frightened. Ruth explains that she is going to El Al to change her ticket because the President has informed us that we should not travel. “And what are your thoughts,” the reporter pushes the microphone in front of me.

“I have lived through World War II, I have lived through the Cold War, the Korean War, the Vietnamese War. We are all in the hands of God.” Jane, you cannot hire a gypsy to read the tea leaves for your child. You cannot read the entrails of some dead animal. The tarot cards are in the hands of a living human being. We have all sought to know the future for ourselves, for our children. You cannot live the life of your child. He will cross the street, he will ride his bicycle, he will have many girlfriends, and he will learn to drive a car. He will bring you many joys and, yes, many sorrows. You will always strive to shield him from the dangers of the world and sometimes you will be successful, but frequently you will fail and he will learn for himself. Yes, Jane, be a mother, be protective, but always remember, “Darling you can’t bring him up under glass.”

Sheila Mignone

New Rochelle Hadassah is pleased to present Geri Shatz: “Israel: Envisioning the Future” Geri Shatz, former president of Jewish National Fund’s Bucks County region, is currently coordinating visionary ventures in Israel through JNF. These forward-thinking programs are assisting communities in improving people’s lives in a measurable and innovative way and in so doing, Geri’s efforts are helping to rebrand and enhance Israel’s image around the world. Join us for an inspiring look in to the extraordinary potential for Israel’s future.

Monday, May 22nd

at Beth El Synagogue Center Light lunch: 12:30 pm; Program: 1:00 pm 10

SISTERHOOD Sisterhood Scene I am happy to report that our Tea Bag Fundraiser to support our Shiva Dinner Fund was more successful this year than ever before.

Susan Morris, our tireless Tea Bag Fundraiser chairperson, made this announcement at our recent Sisterhood meeting. The money collected enables Sisterhood to provide a Shabbat dinner for members of our Beth El family who are sitting shiva.

For the past forty years, Blanche Fried administered the Shiva Dinner project. She contacted the bereaved family, and then made the arrangements necessary to provide dinner to the family who was sitting shiva. Blanche did this with her usual efficient, thoughtful, and compassionate manner, making sure that all the arrangements were in place so that the meal would be delivered to the family on Friday, before the start of Shabbat. Earlier this year Blanche stepped down from her Shiva Dinner responsibilities. In appreciation for all that Blanche has done for the Beth El

community, we are celebrating her years of devoted service to Sisterhood by honoring her at our Spring Gala on Tuesday, May 16th (see Bulletin, page 2). Please join us to honor Blanche Fried, a kind, loving member of Sisterhood, who has touched the lives of so many families at Beth El. Sisterhood also continues to hold our weekly Monday morning Walking Club, Monday afternoon Canasta game, and Tuesday afternoon Mah Jongg. Our monthly Bagels & Books Book Club will be held on Monday, May 22nd. This month, we will discuss Saving Sophie, by Ronald H. Balson.

These programs are under the direction of Arlene Salman. Our Wine, Cheese & Evening Book Club is run by Erica Epstein and Cynthia Glickman and will meet on Thursday, May 4th, to discuss The Marriage of Opposites, by Alice Hoffman.

I look forward to seeing you at our Spring Gala and at the many Beth El and Sisterhood activities in the months ahead.

Risë Stern, Executive Vice-President

Thursday, May 4th

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

The Marriage of Opposites

by Alice Hoffman Free!

No R.S.V.P. needed.

SISTERHOOD’S “BAGELS & BOOKS” BOOK CLUB

Sisterhood Gala Honoree Blanche Fried

This year’s Sisterhood Gala honoree Blanche Fried needs no introduction to much of the Beth El congregation. As a member for forty-nine years, she has touched the lives of so many in our community.

Over the years, I have met members who know my Aunt Blanche and only have kind things to say about her, and often a wonderful story. In her early years at Beth El, having young children, Blanche immediately joined the PTA and became a class mother. She loved chairing the PTA fund-raising dinner dance so much that she did it twice!

Over the years, Blanche has participated and/or co-chaired the Hospitality, Kiddush, Youth Activities, and Membership Committees. She also became aware of a senior population in the Bronx that had not been affiliated with synagogue life for a long time. She took it upon herself to arrange a tour of Beth El for these seniors. The visit included lunch, entertainment, and a special gift for each one. Blanche and her husband, Phil, z”l, always kept “exceptional” children close to their hearts. Establishing the Marc Fried Special Needs Scholarship provided special programing to children at Beth El. While visiting my aunt recently, she spoke about the music program she was able to fund through this scholarship, and even showed me a photo she cherishes of all the children enjoying themselves. Sisterhood and the synagogue community truly has benefited tremendously from Blanche’s dedication.

One of Blanche’s ideas has been a part of the Beth El community for forty years. Blanche, through Sisterhood, initiated a way to reach out to Beth El members when they were having their most difficult days, during their shiva period. In 1977, she began to make comforting phone calls, offering families in mourning a Shabbat dinner. These meals have become a part of the fabric of what Sisterhood offers to the community. Blanche has made Beth El her second home. Individuals she meets along the way are always welcomed into “her home.”

Join us on Tuesday, May 16th to honor Blanche, a Beth El treasure (invitation, page 2).

Monday, May 22nd 9:30 am We will discuss Saving Sophie,

by Ronald H. Balson.

Sisterhood Programs C A R D R O O M, 12:45 pm weekly: Canasta,Mondays; Mah Jongg, Tuesdays.

WALKING CLUB every Monday, 9:30 am.

All are welcome!

QUESTIONS? Contact Arlene Salman at aesalman@aol.com, or 914-235-2485.

MITZVAH CARDS ARE JUST $10 EACH

To send a card, contact Risë Stern at rskstern@verizon.net. Payments should be mailed to her at 59 Bayne Place, White Plains, NY 10605. Funds donated support Shiva dinners and other worthy Sisterhood endeavors.

11

KERUV* KORNER *“Keruv” = to bring close, to draw near Keruv and MOSAIC of Westchester The Jewish people, the United States, and Israel are all communities that I love and are central to my identity. All three communities are also wildly diverse, and I believe have benefited tremendously from that diversity of experience, making each stronger, more resilient, more innovative, and more vibrant. Similarly, the Keruv Committee’s efforts to make diverse elements of our local Jewish community comfortable at Beth El not only benefit the individuals we “draw close,” but all of us.

Our lives are all enriched by the involvement and contributions of others different from ourselves. And yet, I am aware that it is not always comfortable to encounter the unfamiliar, especially in our “home”—which is what Beth El is and should be for everyone.

At the end of this month, we will celebrate Shavuot, when we commemorate Revelation. Revelation is often imagined as an ecstatic, or at least transcendent, experience. However, judging by the reaction of the Israelites, it was actually experienced as discomfiting and quite scary. The same is

LET’S TALK ABOUT IT! Tuesday, May 2nd 7:30 pm at the home of

Elise and Bob Schepp

often true of more mundane revelations.

Learning that our child is planning to marry someone who is not Jewish, discovering that the person next to us has a physical or mental impairment, even learning that we hold ardently different political views from a friend can be challenging. When a child reveals to parents that his or her gender identity or gender preference is not what the parents expected, the revelation might simultaneously trigger myriad divergent emotions—fear, a deep desire to protect, love and respect for that child, but also feelings of disappointment or even betrayal or guilt. The same is true to a lesser extent when it is revealed to us that fellow Jews and congregants differ from us. In our confusion, it is tempting to revert to past practices, to construct a Golden Calf of rigid boundaries to protect us. However, to do so is antithetical to our core Jewish value.

By getting to know the unfamiliar, by hearing the story of someone who is different from us in some way, we overcome our discomfort and start to recognize

“LGBTQ inclusion enriches our entire Jewish community” (Mosaic of Westchester) Join Beth El as we march with Mosaic and other Jewish organizations, adults and teens, at the Annual Gay Pride Parade in Manhattan.

SUNDAY, JUNE 25th

25 Mildred Pkwy., New Rochelle

Rabbi Schuck will join us to discuss the present and evolving position of the Conservative movement on intermarriage and how Beth El fits in.

Come share your ideas with other Beth El members!

how much we are alike. We feel more connected. With this in mind, MOSAIC, an organization supporting Jewish LGBTQ individuals and families in Westchester, under the leadership of Bina Raskin, initiated the Storytelling Project. Teens and adults receive training and an opportunity to share their narratives with interested others.

Several from the program spoke last winter at an event for our youth, an experience that has been described as trans-formative. On Tuesday morning, May 23rd, our “S.M.A.R.T.” congregants are coming to hear the Jewish mother of a trans-gender child share her story. Also, Beth El invites anyone interested to help us uphold the Beth El banner as we march with MOSAIC in the Gay Pride Parade on Sunday, June 25th. (See save the date.) One person at a time, we can dispel myths, challenge stereotypes, and start to create the human connections that build our spiritual community.

Elise Richman Nina Luban Keruv Co-Chairs

Save the date . . .

Friday, June 16th, 6:00 pm for a MEMORY MINYAN for people with dementia, their family, friends, and caregivers

Facilitated by Shari Baum, L.M.S.W.

For questions or to R.S.V.P., contact Julie Rockowitz at JRockowitz@bethelnr.org, or 914-235-2700, ext. 256.

R.S.V.P. to Elise Schepp at LCmoocow@aol.com.

Sponsored by Beth El Synagogue Center, Seviah, Westchester Jewish Community Services, UJA-Federation o f New York, and UJA-Federation’s ENGAGE Jewish Service Corps.

12

Heartwarming Moments in the Nursery School Caring for Others: The Gezah class (3-yearolds) was making challah. Lucas said, “I want to make challah for someone else.” “Who do you want to make it for?” ‘“Milton.” Lucas sat at the table with his dough and decided to make Milton a braided challah.

Because Lucas had requested raisins in his own challah, the teacher asked him if he would like to put raisins in Milton’s challah. Lucas replied that he doesn’t even know if Milton likes raisins. The teacher suggested they go ask him, so they walked around Beth El looking for him. Lucas even knocked on his office door. Upon finding out that Milton does not like raisins, Lucas said, “OK, then I won’t put them in.” We called Milton at the end of the day so Lucas could give him the challah. You were there for the delivery and the high five.

Milton opened the challah right then and there and ate it.

Welcoming Guests: Below are quotes from our wonderful volunteer readers, part of the Dor L’Dor program, who come once a week to read and engage with our children: Judy Harary: “The teachers are so fabulous. They know how to relate to the children, how to handle things. They are lovely to me, they include me and invite me to their Shabbat celebration.”

Leslie Ruttenberg: “When I arrived in class, the children were making applesauce, so I joined in to help. When they finished, I said goodbye, but they said, Nunna (Leslie’s nickname), you didn’t

read us a story yet.”

Arlene Kamer: “When I come in, the children sidle up to me, slowly.

Then they get a little closer, and then a little more closer. I love it.”

Helping our Friends: Ben was having trouble putting on his sweatshirt and the frustration was mounting. Joshua, who was standing close by, said, “I can help you.” With that, Joshua picked up Ben’s arm, put it in the sleeve, and zipped him up! Thank yous were exchanged.

One child was having an altercation with another – these things happen. As the teacher went over to intervene, a third child put up her hand like a stop sign and said, “Stop, I can handle this!” She gave the following suggestions to her classmate: “Stop. Look at me.

Calm down. Breathe.” It worked!

The two-year-old class was enjoying the playground on a chilly morning. The teacher was rubbing a child’s hands. Austin asked, “Why are you doing that?” When the teacher responded that the child’s hands were cold, Austin said, “Here. He can have my gloves!”

Ronnie Becher, Director Join us for Cafe Shabbat Friday, May 19 Details, page 7.

DAY CAMP REGISTRATION CONTINUES FOR SUMMER 2017

MONDAY, JUNE 26 - FRIDAY, AUGUST 11

Open Tuesday, July 4 To register, visit bethelnr.org/daycamp.

To arrange a tour, call Julie at 914-235-2700, ext. 256.

Questions? E-mail jrockowitz@bethelnr.org.

13

YOUTH & FAMILY ENGAGEMENT Youth Community May Youth Community Highlights Updates In April, we celebrated Passover with a joint Ruach and Chaverim Chocolate Seder and a viewing of the film The Prince of Egypt. It was a fun gathering and we had a blast. Don’t forget—this month we’ll be running our Youth Community Cheesecake Sale. Proceeds from the Cheesecake Sale help us to keep event costs low; hire the highest caliber Youth Advisors; and provide unique, engaging, and quality programming for our members. You can help do all of this while enjoying delicious cheesecake! Visit www.bethelnr.org/cheesecake, or stop into the Office of Youth & Family Engagement to place your order.

Monday, May 1

Yom HaAtzmaut Program at the JCC

Friday, May 5

USY dinner at Bekkah’s house, 7:30 pm

Sunday, May 7

BE Mitzvah Experience, 10:00 am Youth Community Field Day SEE Israel Program, doors open at 1:30 pm

Friday, May 19

Kadima Shabbat Dinner, 6:00 pm (off-site)

Saturday, May 20

Graduation Shabbat

Tuesday, May 30

Shavuot Begins

Watch your e-mail for information about other upcoming Youth Events!

The teens were thrilled to be able to spend time with our clergy while they were at the AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington D.C.

Some of our Beth El teen delegation on Capitol Hill after the AIPAC Policy Conference. What a meaningful experience that was!

14

YOUTH & FAMILY ENGAGEMENT Religious School Update Calling All Beth El Teens (8th-12th graders)!

The highlight of last month was our Yetziat Mitrayim stations. Our learners engaged in text study and activities which brought them from being slaves in Egypt (building pyramids), through the ten plagues, matzah tasting, learning the midrash about Nachshon entering the Red Sea, and decorating Miriam’s timbrels. It was an exciting morning!

This month we will celebrate Israel with Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut.

We are excited for Avi Nahumi to lead our elementary children in educational Israel games. Gan-Vav (K-6th grades) will join together on Thursday, May 26th, immediately following Religious School for our End-ofYear Showcase. Parents, watch your e-mail for details; you won’t want to miss this! We will also honor our E.L.I. participants at Graduation Shabbat on May 20th.

Follow the Religious School on Twitter! @bethelrelschool

We are excited to launch a new engagement and educational program next year open to all of our 8th to 12th graders. As the Department of Youth and Family Engagement, we believe that formal education is one way to be engaged, though it is not the only way. We also believe that we need to connect teens to Judaism in a way that is authentic to each of them as individuals and as whole people.

With this in mind, we are happy to present an options-based model to our teen population, creating a menu of options for Jewish learning and engagement for ALL of our Beth El teens, including niche-specific opportunities and social engagement as well.

In this way, we will be able to address the varied interests and schedules of our teens in a way that allows us to reach each of them personally.

We will have four- and eight-session educational opportunities that will occur once per week throughout different parts of the year. There will be a variety of topics that teens will have a chance to look at through a Jewish lens, such as poverty in New York, Israel, Holocaust education, Hebrew of varying levels, pedagogy, and more. Additionally, there will be Shabbat and social programming multiple times throughout the month in order to engage our teen community in a more holistic way. Teens are urged to sign up for what works for them based on their interests and schedules, and Bekkah will continue to meet with teens individually in order to build relationships and help them navigate these opportunities.

Our department can also connect teens with outside Jewish engagement and education opportunities through JTeen Leadership, USY, Gratz College, Mosaic, BBYO and more.

Stay tuned for more details about the learning and engagement opportunities for teens through the Department of Youth and Family Engagement!

Questions? Contact Bekkah Gold: rgold@bethelnr.org, 914-235-2700, ext. 221.

Kitah Alef made such beautiful covers for the Afikomen this Passover!

Some of our teens baking some delicious treats in their Jewish Cooking class.

YOUTH SHAVUOT SCHEDULE Combined Kehilla Service, 10:45 am Wednesday, May 31 Thursday, June 1 Shabbat SPACE (both days) 9:30 am-1:00 pm

May Religious School Highlights Thursday, May 4

Sunday, May 7

Thursday, May 11

Saturday, May 20 Sunday, May 21 Thursday, May 25

Dorothy Fleishaker Dancing Letters for Alef & Bet Blue and White Day, Israel Games, 12:00 pm SEE Israel Program, doors open at 1:30 pm Educator and Religious School Board End-ofYear Celebration, 6:00 pm Graduation Shabbat Final Sunday of Religious School Final Thursday and End of Year Showcase for Gan -Vav families, 5:30 pm -6:30 pm 15

MAY 2017 MONDAY

SUNDAY 1

Shacharit 6:55 am

TUESDAY 5 IYAR

Walking Club 9:30 am

1324 North Avenue New Rochelle, NY 10804-2190 914-235-2700 • www.bethelnr.org

OFFICERS President ............................ Samuel E. Berger Executive Vice President....... Mark Seidenfeld Vice President ...........................Daniel Burton Vice President ...................Sandra Gruenberg Vice President .................Geralynn C. Reifer Treasurer ...............................Joseph Wygoda Financial Secretary ................. Barbara Cohen Recording Secretary ..................Jayne Peister AFFILIATES Sisterhood President ...........Barbara Horowitz Men’s Club President ........... Steven L. Young Religious Sch. Parent Org. ........... Ellen Barlis, Sharon Brown, Rachel Casanova, Marci Marcus Nursery Sch. Parent Org. ...Rachel Messinger BULLETIN EDITOR ............... Linda Newman

Beth El maintains morning and evening services every day of the year. Contact Associate Cantor Uri Aqua, 914-235-2700, ext. 222. * Minyan Times listed on this calendar page and elsewhere in The Bulletin are accurate as of the date of printing.

Please visit the Beth El website www.bethelnr.org/calendar for the most up-to-date information.

G Let’s Talk About It Disc. 7:30 pm (off-site)

Shacharit 8:00 am

11 IYAR

Wise Aging 3:00 pm Annual Congregational Meeting Hor D’Oeuvres 7:00 pm; meeting. 8:00 pm Board of Trustees 9:30 pm

Mincha/Maariv 7:45 pm

Mincha/Maariv 7:45 pm

18 IYAR

Zumba 9:30 am Israeli Dancing 10:00 am

Mincha/Maariv 8:00 pm LAG BA’OMER (33rd DAY OF OMER) MOTHERS’ DAY Shacharit 8:00 am

25 IYAR

Men’s Club Blood Drive 8:30 am (at tiNr) Rosh Hodesh Parent Learning 9:15 am Singing as a Spiritual Practice 9:30 am Zumba 9:30 am Israeli Dancing 10:00 am USY Rosh Hodesh Group 1:00 pm Religious School Organization Summer Send-off (off-site) Mincha/Maariv 8:00 pm

28

Shacharit 8:00 am

Israeli Dancing 10:00 am

15

Shacharit 6:55 am

13 IYAR

1

S.M.A.R.T. Group (Senior, Mature, Retired Together) 10:00 am Coffee, 10:30 am, Discussion on Suffrage Movement Mah Jongg 12:45 pm

L

Shacharit 7:00 am

Sisterhood Executive Board Mtg. 6:30 pm Sisterhood General Board Meeting 7:30 pm Torah-on-Tap 8:00 pm (off-site)

19 IYAR

16

Shacharit 7:00 am

20 IYAR

3 SIVAN

Mah Jongg 12:45 pm

Wise Aging 3:00 pm

Sisterhood Spring Gala Cocktails 6:00 pm; Dinner 7:00 pm

26 IYAR

Sisterhood Bagels & Books 9:30 am Walking Club 11:30 am Hadassah 12:30 pm Canasta 12:45 pm Wise Aging 3:00 pm

Shacharit 8:00 am

1

G

C

I

23

Shacharit 7:00 am

27 IYAR

S.M.A.R.T. Group (Senior, Mature, Retired Together) 10:00 am Coffee, 10:30 am, The Mosaic Storytelling Project Mah Jongg 12:45 pm

2

L

G

Religious School Graduation. 6:30 pm Nursery School Board Meeting 7:30 pm

Mincha/Maariv 8:00 pm

29

D I

Mincha/Maariv 8:00 pm

Mincha/Maariv 8:00 pm Shacharit 6:55 am

N

L

Canasta 12:45 pm Memories to Go 1:30 pm

22

G

Mincha/Maariv 7:45 pm

Mincha/Maariv 8:00 pm

4 SIVAN

30

Shacharit 7:00 am

Synagogue Offices Closed Nursery School Closed Bar Mitzvah Joshua Kurlander Walking Club 9:30 am

Mincha/Maariv 8:15 pm

9

Walking Club 9:30 am

Youth Comm. Chaverim Field Day 12:00 pm

21

12 IYAR

Canasta 12:45 pm

SEE Israel Program 2:00 pm

Shacharit 8:00 am

Shacharit 6:55 am

Walking Club 9:30 am

Zumba 9:30 am Israeli Dancing 10:00 am BE Mitzvah 10:00 am USY Program 1:30 pm

14

8

O

Mincha/Maariv 7:45 pm YOM HA’ATZMAUT

Mincha/Maariv 7:45 pm YOM HAZIKARON

7

3

L

Hadassah 12:00 pm (at home of carole curtis) Canasta 12:45 pm

Last Day of Religious School

Daily Minyan

6 IYAR

Shacharit 7:00 am

Mah Jongg 12:45 pm

A Conservative synagogue affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Rabbi .................................... David A. Schuck Hazzan ........................................ Jamie Gloth Associate Rabbi...................... Joshua Dorsch Associate Cantor ...............................Uri Aqua Assistant Rabbi.........................Zachary Sitkin Rabbi Emeritus ......................Melvin N. Sirner Hazzan Emeritus ....................Farid Dardashti Executive Director ..................Erica Leventhal Controller .................................... Olivier Vogel Day Camp Director .................Julie Rockowitz Nursery School Director ......... Ronnie Becher Dir. of Youth & Family Engagement ...Jen Vegh Special Projects Director ........ Linda Newman Maintenance Director ............... Milton Sinclair

2

Mincha/Maariv 8:15 pm MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVED

5 SIVAN

3

8:01 pm

M S P Y

Mah Jongg 12:45 pm Dinner 7:00 pm Tikkun Leil Shavuot Program 8:00 pm Mincha/Maariv 6:30 pm EREV SHAVUOT

S

IYAR ~ SIVAN 5777 WEDNESDAY

3

7 IYAR

Shacharit 7:00 am

Limmud: The Birth of the Jewish State, with Rabbi Molly Karp 10:00 am Get SMART* Get Fit 10:30 am (*Senior, Mature Adult, Retired Together)

Officers Meeting 7:15 pm (off-site) Mincha/Maariv 7:45 pm

14 IYAR

Shacharit 7:00 am

Limmud: The Birth of the Jewish State, with Rabbi Molly Karp 10:00 am Get SMART* Get Fit 10:30 am (*Senior, Mature Adult, Retired Together) Nurs. Sch. Dismissal 11:00 am for Parent Teacher Conferences Day Camp New Parent Meeting 7:30 pm Intro to Judaism 7:30 pm (at beth el) Mincha/Maariv 7:45 pm PESACH SHENI

21 IYAR

Shacharit 7:00 am

Limmud: The Birth of the Jewish State, with Rabbi Molly Karp 10:00 am Get SMART* Get Fit 10:30 am (*Senior, Mature Adult, Retired Together) Current Events, with Shari Baum 11:30 am

Intro to Judaism 7:30 pm (off-site) Mincha/Maariv 8:00 pm

28 IYAR

Limmud: The Birth of the Jewish State, with Rabbi Molly Karp 10:00 am Get SMART* Get Fit 10:30 am (*Senior, Mature Adult, Retired Together)

Mincha/Maariv 8:00 pm YOM YERUSHALYIM

31

8 IYAR

Shacharit 6:55 am Limmud: Jewish Life and Thought in Eastern Europe 9:30 am Talmud Twists & Turns, Rabbi Hojda 10:00 am Parashat Hashavua 1:30 pm Hebrew Ulpan, Beginners 6:30 pm Spring Film Festival 6:30 pm Sisterhood Evening Book Club 7:30 pm Hebrew Ulpan, Advanced 8:00 pm

11

15 IYAR

Shacharit 6:55 am Limmud: Jewish Life and Thought in Eastern Europe 9:30 am Talmud Twists & Turns, Rabbi Hojda 10:00 am Parashat Hashavua 1:30 pm Religious Sch. Board & Educators 6:00 pm Spring Film Festival 6:30 pm Hebrew Ulpan, Beginners 6:30 pm Singing as a Spiritual Practice 7:30 pm Hebrew Ulpan, Advanced 8:00 pm

18

6 SIVAN

Morning Service 9:00 am Shabbat SPACE 9:30 am Pre-Serv Oneg 10:15 am Youth Services 10:45 am

Shavuot Hang Out and Dinner 5:30 pm Mincha/Maariv 6:45 pm FIRST DAY OF SHAVUOT

after

9:10 pm

22 IYAR

29 IYAR

Shacharit 6:55 am Limmud: Jewish Life and Thought in Eastern Europe 9:30 am Talmud Twists & Turns, Rabbi Hojda 10:00 am

Yiddish Vinkl 1:00 pm

9 IYAR

12

Shacharit 7:00 am

Nursery Sch. Mothers’ Day Tea for 3s & 4s 9:15 am

7:38 pm

16 IYAR

7:45 pm

Yiddish Vinkl 1:00 pm

Shacharit 7:00 am

Yiddish Vinkl 1:00 pm

23 IYAR

7:52 pm

Café Shabbat 5:30 pm Kadima Shabbat Dinner 6:00 pm (off-site)

Shacharit 7:00 am

1 SIVAN

Bar Mitzvah Abner Casanova Welcoming Chai House Residents & Staff Shabbat Morning Service 9:00 am Shabbat SPACE 9:30 am Pre-Service Oneg 10:15 am Youth Services 10:45 am Daf Shevui 12:30 pm Mincha/Maariv 7:45 pm

13

17 IYAR

Shabbat ends 8:46 pm

Bat Mitzvah Tatia Goldberg Birthday Shabbat A Modern Understanding 8:30 am Shabbat Morning Service 9:00 am Shabbat SPACE 9:30 am Pre-Serv Oneg 10:15 am Youth Services 10:45 am Daf Shevui 12:30 pm Ruach & Chaverim Field Day 4:30 pm Mincha/Maariv 8:00 pm

20

24 IYAR

Shabbat ends 8:53 pm

BEHARBECHUKOTAI Bar Mitzvah Sam Tolkof Graduation Shabbat Shabbat Morning Service 9:00 am Shabbat SPACE 9:30 am Pre-Serv Oneg 10:15 am Youth Services 10:45 am Contemplative Service 10:45 am Daf Shevui 12:30 pm

27 BAMIDMAR

Yiddish Vinkl 1:00 pm 7:58 pm

Mincha/Maariv 7:00 pm ROSH HODESH

Shabbat ends 8:39 pm

Mincha/Maariv 8:00 pm

Mincha/Maariv 7:00 pm

26

10 IYAR

EMOR

Nursery Sch. Mothers’ Day Play Date for 2s Time TBD

19

6 ACHAREI MOTKEDOSHIM

USY Shabbat Dinner 7:30 pm (off-site)

Parashat Hashavua 1:30 pm Last Day of Rel. Sch. & End-of-Year Showcase 5:30 pm Spring Film Festival 6:30 pm Mincha/Maariv 8:00 pm

Synagogue Offices Closed Nursery School Closed

Shacharit 7:00 am

Mincha/Maariv 7:00 pm

Shacharit 6:55 am Limmud: Jewish Life and Thought in Eastern Europe 9:30 am Talmud Twists & Turns, Rabbi Hojda 10:00 am Parashat Hashavua 1:30 pm Rosh Hodesh Group 6:00 pm Spring Film Festival 6:30 pm Hebrew Ulpan, Beginners 6:30 pm Ritual Committee Meeting 7:30 pm Hebrew Ulpan, Advanced 8:00 pm Mincha/Maariv 8:00 pm

25

5

SHABBAT

Mincha/Maariv 7:00 pm

Mincha/Maariv 7:45 pm

17

Shacharit 7:00 am

4

Mincha/Maariv 7:45 pm

10

24

FRIDAY

THURSDAY

2 SIVAN Shabbat end 8:59 pm

Shabbat Morning Service 9:00 am Shabbat SPACE 9:30 am Pre-Serv Oneg 10:15 am Tween Discussion 10:30 am Youth Services 10:45 am Daf Shevui 12:30 pm Mincha/Maariv 8:15 pm

Please visit the Beth El Synagogue Center website, WWW.BETHELNR.ORG for the most current information on meetings and events.

To send us a message, e-mail info@bethelnr.org.

Visit us on facebook at facebook.com/BethElSynagogueCenter

NEWSMAKERS

MAY YAHRZEIT OBSERVANCES

Mazal tov to: Claire Kessler on the birth of great-granddaughter Neama Devorah, and to Debra and Neil Goldfarb on the birth of a grand-niece; Sheryl and Aaron Fleishaker on the engagement of their daughter Andrea to Jonathan Ravski, son of Karyn Rosenthal-Ravski and Dr. Norman Ravski; Donald Fleishaker on the engagement of his granddaughter Andrea Fleishaker to Jonathan Ravski, son of Karyn RosenthalRavski and Dr. Norman Ravski.

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.

Kiddush The kiddush of April 29th was sponsored by the Beth El Sisterhood in honor of Sisterhood Shabbat.

The kiddush of May 6th will be sponsored by Phyllis and Fred Cohen, in honor of the bar mitzvah of their grandson Abner Casanova, son of Rachel and Enrique Casanova; and by Meryl and David Mendelson in honor of the aufruf and upcoming marriage of their son Andrew Mendelson to Ashley Shain daughter of Joseph Shain and Jane Shain.

The kiddush of May 13th will be sponsored by Nina Kleinman and Leon Goldberg in honor of the bat mitzvah of their daughter Tatia Goldberg.

The kiddush of May 20th will be sponsored by the family of Sam Tolkoff in honor of his ninetieth birthday celebration, and by Jack Renick in honor of his special birthday.

Get Fresh Produce Right at Beth El: Join Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)!

The yahrzeit of the following deceased persons permanently inscribed on our Memorial Walls are observed on these dates: Nathan Flaster Abraham Rubin Mildred Bialo Irna Patchen Minnie Zucker Rubin Neiman Bertha Robbins Louis Gordon Nathan Lefkowitz Leonard B. Mendelsohn Alexander Aaron Anna Cron Helen Grad Samuel Jonas Max Gold Jack Schwartz Morris Katz Zelda Fately Saul Friedler David Satenberg Herman Wechsler Arthur Fischler Eileen Katz Ida Sarah Meyerson Philip Turner Isidore Louis Wolf Leon Karp Harry Levin Leonard Lewinsohn Morris Michael Cecelia Rosenberg Florence Friedman Fredericka Kolins

2 2 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 7 7 8 9 9 10 10 12 12 13 14 14 15 15 15 15 15 16 16

Miriam Osofsky Gertrude Greenberg Sadie Anderson Harry Covkin Harry Goodman Gisa Henner Kolman C. Davis Cellock Dreizen Stanley S. Hirsch Gershon Newman Seymour Rosen Bradley Ruttenberg Harry A. Gordon Morris Lapin Vera Cooper Julius Messite Joseph Wagner Beatrice Zoldessy Alex Lefkovic Clara Librett Lyla Arkin Morris J. Goldstein Abraham Katz Abraham Levine Michael Glick Ida Gross Stella Scheinkman Rebecca Cohn Claire Goodfriend Sylvia Meller Bernard Besen Abraham H. Fab Joseph Simon

16 5 18 18 19 19 20 20 20 20 20 21 22 22 23 23 23 23 24 24 25 25 25 25 26 27 27 28 28 28 29 30 30

CONDOLENCES

CSAs are co-operatives where a group of people buy shares in a farm’s annual harvest. In exchange, the farm provides its shareholders with weekly shares (24 weeks) of fresh organic veggies, fruits, and even coffee (if you so choose). Typically, the price of your share will be far less than purchasing the same organic goods from your supermarket. For the first time, Beth El is offering shares from the CSA at Stoneledge Farm, with pickup at Beth El on Wednesdays, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm!

We record with sorrow the losses suffered by our members and friends and extend to them our deepest sympathies. Condolences to: Judy Rosenfeld and Rebecca Wertheimer on the loss of their sister Edith Greenough; Dr. Michelle Sasson Lenchner on the loss of her father, Dr. Charles Joseph Sasson; Marcia Pryluck on the loss of her mother, Frances Ader; Tracey Levy on the loss of her grandmother, Frances Ader; Irwin Cohen on the loss of his mother, Sarah Cohen; Vanessa Kerchner and Marisa Goldberg on the loss of their grandmother Sarah Cohen; Martin Keltz, Teddy Keltz, and Elise Richman on the loss of their father, Harold Keltz; Sharon Schoenholtz on the loss of her father, Harold Schoenholtz.

• A Standard Vegetable Share is $560. Optional Shares are: Fruit Share $240; Coffee Share $126; Mushroom Share $120.

• Member requirements: Members are required to volunteer at least one pick up, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

• The 2017 season starts June 7 and continues until November 15.

Questions? Contact Kevin Hylton at kbhylton@gmail.com.

New to CSA? Register at bethelnr.org/csa and place your order. Already have a CSA member account? LOGIN to place your order!

18

CONTRIBUTIONS GENERAL FUND

RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND

A donation was received from Diane and Eugene Miriam Hirsch, beloved mother and sister, from Mila and Michael Greenberg, Bettina Graf and Linett. family, and Shari and Marvin Chinitz.

IN HONOR OF: Donna and Gary Levy on the birth of their twin Selma Moses, beloved mother and grandmother, granddaughters, from Shari and Marvin Chinitz. from Mila and Michael Greenberg, and Norma and Charles Fleishman.

Donna and Abe Bartell, our Beth El 2017 Gala Edith Greenough, beloved sister of Rebecca honorees, from Alice Weiss.

Wertheimer and Judy Rosenfeld, from Marjorie Kenny Berger’s “shout out,” from Barbara and and Mark Seidenfeld.

Bob Ehudin.

Morris Ordover, beloved father of Lori Schwartz, Lisa and Rabbi Zach Sitkin on the birth of their from Liz and Eric Alderman and family, and Elise son Avi, from Liz and Eric Alderman and family, and Bob Schepp.

Mila and Michael Greenberg, and Shari and Willian Rubin, beloved father of Bonnie Jonas, Marvin Chinitz. from Liz and Eric Alderman and family.

The bat mitzvah of Jenna Siegel, daughter of Beth Siegel and Pat Myron, from Mila and Michael Inge Fischler, beloved matriarch of the Winters family, from Shari and Marvin Chinitz.

Greenberg.

Shari and Marvin Chinitz on the marriage of Nathan Lefkowitz, beloved father of Helene their son Isaac Chinitz, from Mila and Michael Goldstein, on his yahrzeit, from Helene and Howard Goldstein.

Greenberg.

Helene Wolloch in honor of Rabbi Schuck and family; Paula Krulak; Janice Levy with thanks to Rabbi Schuck and Cantor Aqua; Janice Levy in memory of her mother, Irene Weisberger, on her yahrzeit; Susan and Jeff Mittleman on the yahrzeits of Kenie Mittleman and Morton Eichen; Erica and Josh Leventhal; Stephanie and Edward Moses and family; Marjorie Schlosberg in memory of her sister-in-law Ruth Linnick; Rita and David Kaufman in honor of Avi Natan and Lisa and Zach Sitkin; Sheila Tanenbaum in honor of Rabbi Zach and Lisa Sitkin’s baby boy Avi; Caryl Fuchs wishing a mazal tov to Rabbi Zach and Lisa Sitkin on the birth of their son Avi; Hazel Davis in thanks to Rabbi Schuck for prayers of healing; Sheila Freeman in honor of the bar mitzvah of Andrew Bosworth; Shari Baum in memory of Lila Langer, grandmother of Erica Leventhal; Deborah Gerstein in memory of her father, Sol Gerstein; Barbara and Rob Ehudin in honor of Avi Sitkin, son of Rabbi Zach and Lisa Sitkin; Richard and Charlotte Watt in honor of the bris of Avi Sitkin, son of Rabbi Zach and Lisa Sitkin; Ella and Russell Fayer in thanks to Rabbi Schuck for his guidance in making the naming of Harper so special; Leslie Jaffe in memory of her beloved father, Harry Chaefsky, on his yahrzeit; Joel Walfish in honor of his father Abe’s 96th birthday; Sheila and Ivan Rothberg in memory of Lila Langer; Ellen and Merill Resnick in memory of Erica Leventhal’s dear grandmother; Ellen and Merill Resnick for the complete and speedy recovery of Mitchell Kaphan.

Ella and Russell Fayer on the birth and baby David Lefkowitz, beloved brother of Helene naming of their granddaughter, from Mila and Goldstein, on his yahrzeit, from Helene and Howard Goldstein.

Michael Greenberg.

Ruth Kon on her special birthday, from Mila and Frances Ader, beloved grandmother of Tracey Levy, from Mila and Michael Greenberg.

Michael Greenberg.

YAHRZEIT/YIZKOR DONATIONS Eunice Kaplan on her special birthday, from Mila Barbara Lerman; Deborah Gerstein; Karen and Michael Greenberg.

Hauptman; Shirin and Steven Stein; Elaine RECOVERY OF: Friedman; Cindy and Stan Arkow; Lawrence Refuah shleimah to Mitchell Kaphan, from Shari Getzler; Sheila Tanenbaum; Helen Gruenfeld; and Marvin Chinitz.

Frank Meyers; Debra Greenberg; Tova Usdan; Deborah Schlein; Faye Rubinstein; Barbara IN MEMORY OF: Simon; William Kulak; George Tecklin; Susan Maya Hazel Cohen, beloved granddaughter of Lawi; Robert Zorowitz; Donald Fleishaker; Lenore and Rabbi Melvin Sirner and daughter of Patricia Greenwel-Rojkind; Rosiland Kaufman; Gabrielle Sirner Cohen and Morris Cohen, from Marvin Greenbaum; Marcia Kahn; Rhona David and Sandra Langsam, Susan and George Aronstein; Frederick Wiener; Marla Bergman; Morris, and Ella and Russell Fayer.

Susan Goldstein and family; Rita and Gerald Lila Langer, beloved grandmother of Erica Cohen; Ruth Hirsh.

Leventhal, from the Beth El Officers, Alyce and Mitchell Kaufman, Charlotte and Richard Watt, Barbara and Rob Ehudin, Liz and Eric Alderman and family, Shari and Marvin Chinitz, Marianne and Bob Sussman, and Elise and Bob Schepp.

PTA ISRAEL TRAVEL STUDY FUND IN HONOR OF: Lisa and Rabbi Zach Sitkin on the birth of their son Avi, from Susan and George Morris.

TO MAKE A DONATION Contact Alise Liquorie at 914-235-2700, ext. 223, or aliquorie@bethelnr.org, or visit www.bethelnr.org/donate.

DOROTHY FLEISHAKER RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND IN HONOR OF:

Beth El’s Religious and Day School students for sharing our simcha, from Ella and Russell Fayer.

IN MEMORY OF: Lila Langer, beloved grandmother of Erica Leventhal, from Debbie and Steven Young, and Allison and Alan Kellman.

ELEANOR G. BAUMWALD PRAYERBOOK FUND IN MEMORY OF:

Eva Teitelbaum, from Jack R. Schwartz.

19

On behalf of

Erica Leventhal

and her entire family Thank you for the outpouring of love and support upon the loss of my Grandma,

Lila Langer, z”l.

Your visits, calls, donations, and cards are so appreciated and helped give us strength at this difficult time.

CONTRIBUTIONS SISTERHOOD MITZVAH FUND

ENDOWMENT FUND

IN MEMORY OF: IN HONOR OF: Lila Langer, beloved grandmother of Erica Bob Schepp for his pink hat knitting project, from Leventhal, from Barbara and Marc Klee.

Rochelle Chaiken, Hanita Schneiderman, Sandy Hyman, Erica Epstein, and Rabbi David Schuck DAY CAMP FUND and Tali Aldouby-Schuck.

IN HONOR: Nadine and Robert Jacobson on their son Ben Linda and Dov Hyman on the birth of their becoming a bar mitzvah, from Joyce and Michael granddaughter, from Nora Klion-Wolloch.

Wechsler.

Donna and Gary Levy on the birth of their Bert Gross on being honored for his decades of granddaughters, from Nora Klion-Wolloch. devotion to the minyan community, from Carol and Paul Freedman.

IN MEMORY OF:

Maya Hazel Cohen, beloved granddaughter of Rabbi Melvin and Lenore Sirner, from Shelley and Arnie Goldring-Silverman.

IN MEMORY OF: Miriam Hirsch, beloved sister-in-law of Yvette Gordon, from Carol and Paul Freedman, and Nora Martin Silver, beloved husband of Linda Silver, Klion-Wolloch. from Shelley and Arnie Goldring- Silverman.

Inge Fishler, beloved matriarch of the Winters Paul Ganeles, beloved husband of Joan Ganeles, family, from Nora Klion-Wolloch. from Shelley and Arnie Goldring-Silverman.

Selma Moses, beloved mother and grandmother, William Rubin, beloved father of Bonnie Jonas, from Nora Klion-Wolloch. from Joyce and Michael Wechsler.

Morris Ordover, beloved father of Lori Schwartz, from Cynthia and Jeff Glickman, and Joyce and Michael Wechsler.

Sydney Mitchell, beloved father of Andrea Mitchell, from Shelley and Arnie GoldringSilverman.

Miriam Hirsch, beloved sister-in-law of Yvette Gordon, from her Friends in the Summer Reading Group, and Norma Wasserman.

Miriam Hirsch, beloved mother of Robert Hirsch, from Norma Wasserman.

Lila Langer, beloved grandmother of Erica Leventhal, from Joyce and Michael Wechsler.

Edith Greenough, beloved sister of Judith Rosenfeld, from Joan and Jonah Atlas.

SPECIAL NEEDS FUND IN HONOR OF:

JEREMY SCHEINFELD MEMORIAL FUND IN HONOR OF: Lisa and Rabbi Zach Sitkin on the birth of their son Avi, from Jodi and Rob Scheinfeld.

With thanks to Bob and Elise Schepp for welcoming us on Passover and all their love and support during a difficult time, from Robin and Mitchell Kaphan.

THE RECOVERY OF: Mitchell Kaphan, with wishes for a complete and speedy recovery, with love from Robin and the family.

IN MEMORY OF: Norma Schneiderman, my beloved mother, on her yahrzeit, from Paul Schneiderman.

Lila Langer, beloved grandmother of Erica Leventhal, from Jodi and Rob Scheinfeld.

Morris Ordover, beloved father of Lori Schwartz, from Jodi and Rob Scheinfeld.

Maya Hazel Cohen, beloved granddaughter of Lenore and Rabbi Melvin Sirner and daughter of Gabrielle Sirner Cohen and Morris Cohen, from Robin and Mitchell Kaphan.

Our beloved Pop and Grandpa, Norman Kaplan, on his yahrzeit, from Robin and Mitchell Kaphan.

Our beloved Dad and Grandpa, Bobby Futterman, on his yahrzeit, from Robin and Mitchell Kaphan.

Selma Cohen, beloved mother of Barbara Katzeff, from Robin and Mitchell Kaphan.

Bea and Abe Walfish on their seventy-fourth Blanche Fried on her 2017 Sisterhood Gala honor, wedding anniversary, from Elizabeth and Alan Legatt. from Wendy and Alan Rosenberg.

The birth of our grandson Charlie Frances The ninety-fifth birthday of Yvette Gordon, from Rosenberg, son of Amanda and Brian Rosenberg, Norma Wasserman. from Wendy and Alan Rosenberg.

IN MEMORY OF: The birth and brit milah of Avi Natan Sitkin, son of Lisa and Rabbi Zachary Sitkin, from Elizabeth Lila Langer, grandmother of Erica Leventhal, from Elizabeth and Alan Legatt, and Lori and and Alan Legatt.

Steve Schwartz.

The bar mitzvah of Benjamin Jacobson, son of Nadine and Robert Jacobson, from Elizabeth and Frances Ader, mother of Marcia Pryluck and grandmother of Tracey Levy, from Elizabeth and Alan Legatt.

Alan Legatt.

The bar mitzvah of Andrew Bosworth, son of Lauren Freeman-Bosworth and Brian Bosworth, Edith Greenough, sister of Judy Rosenfeld and from Elizabeth and Alan Legatt.

Rebecca Wertheimer, from Elizabeth and Alan Legatt.

Rabbi Josh Dorsch, Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs’ Man-of-the-Year, from Elizabeth and Sarah Cohen, mother of Irwin Cohen and Alan Legatt. grandmother of Vanessa Kerchner and Marisa Goldberg, from Elizabeth and Alan Legatt.

Avi Carr-Gloth, Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs’ Youth-of-the-Year, from Elizabeth and Our beloved grandmother Annie Rosenberg, from Alan Legatt.

Wendy and Alan Rosenberg.

SYLVIA AND ROBERT SCHER CHESED COMMUNITY FUND IN HONOR OF: Lisa and Rabbi Zach Sitkin, on the birth of their son Avi, from Janet Yoskowitz, and Ellen and Moshe Gelboim.

IN MEMORY OF: Lila Langer, beloved grandmother of Erica Leventhal, from Ellen and Moshe Gelboim.

YOUTH ACTIVITIES FUND IN MEMORY OF:

Edith Greenough, beloved sister of Rebecca Lila Langer, beloved grandmother of Erica Wertheimer and Judy Rosenfeld, from Janet Leventhal, from Linda and Harvey Heir, and Dina Yoskowitz. and David Brot.

20

Call today for a

FREE Hearing Screening!

(914) 775-6082 20 Mill Road, Eastchester, NY 10709 2/1/17 SISTERHOOD’S BAUM JUDAICA

170101 HearUSA Generic Ad_Beth El Synagogue_3.625x2.375 to run 0-0_03_bw.indd 1

9:49 AM

GIFT SHOP Browse our display cases for all your Judaica, gifts, and more!

Open by appointment.

E-MAIL GIFTSHOP@BETHELNR.ORG or call Carole Graham, 914-576-6617; Ellen Hollander, 914-632-4658; Erica Epstein, 914-633-3161; Phoebe Gross, 914-725-8711.

Beth El Celebrates May Birthdays Beth El Synagogue Center would like to extend a “Happy Birthday!” to its members with a birthday in the month of May. If you have a May birthday, we hope that you will join

us for Kiddush lunch on Shabbat, May 13th.

If you have a May 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

Elizabeth Alderman David Alpert Joseph Aronauer Judith Aronow Marcia Assor Alexander Babayev Revekka Babayev Rick Barlis Stephanie Barrett Judy Baumgarten Michele Bedell Rabbi David Blumenfeld Yael Brown Daniel Burton Benjamin Burton Dean Chhahira Thomas Cohen Beth Cohen Barbara Cohen Bernice Coll

Susan Hart Gary Heller David Herlands Gayle Herman Robert Hershkowitz David Herzog Nadine Jacobson Janet Jakoby Herbert Joffe Grace Kalfus Michael Kanner Mitchell Kaphan Mitchel Kaplan Gillian Lynn Katz Donna Katz Robert Keltz Maria Kessler Michael Kessler Brandon Klee Samuel Klein Sandy Klein

Sarah Collens Sharon Cooper Aron Davidowitz Ann Davis Jay Diamond Daniel Efron Robert Ehudin Russell Fayer Daniel Feldman Herbert Fox Pamela Friedman Emily Ginsburg Esther Glassman Carrie Goldberg Lynette Goldberg Tatia Goldberg Neil Goldfarb Bari Goldstein Arthur Goldstein Susan Groner Jack Gruenberg

David Klonsky Rita Krasik David Lacher Robert Levine Samuel Levy Michael Lewis Ira Lippel Andrea Lippel Addison Maidenberg Anita Malina Assaf Maliniak Marianne Mani Alan Marcus Nancy Mayerfield David Mendelson Rachel Messinger Mark Mildner Benjamin Morris Sydell Musikar Gerard Parker Robert Patchen 21

can update our records. Please 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.)

Lisa Patchen Jeremy Platek Stuart Prager Hilario Ramos Arnold Reifer M. Jacob Renick Barry Richman David Rosenstein Mark Sadok Barry Salman Mark Salomon Henrietta Sanford Marjorie Schlosberg Bette Schneidman Noam Schuck Joshua Schulman Rachel Schulman Dana Schwarcz Harriet Schwartz Jeffrey Schwartz Zachary Seiden

Diane Solomon Peter Spenser Jacqueline SpiegelCohen Morris Stampfer Laurence Stein Marcia Stern Marc Straussberg Thomas Sullivan Kayla Sullivan Robert Sussman Talia Swartz Judy Wacht Ilisa Wallach Danielle Weiss Jack Wertheimer Frederick Wiener Steven Winik Debbie Young

Helping Older Adults Live Forward Since 1917

Meet RiverSpring Health™ For nearly a century, the Hebrew Home at Riverdale has been helping older adults live the fullest lives they can. Today, we’ve grown from our award-winning nursing home into RiverSpring Health, a new brand offering a full range of care solutions including managed long-term care, independent living, assisted living, rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and much more.

Learn more about how we can help you live forward at 1.800.56.SENIOR or by visiting riverspringhealth.org.

Serving Westchester County and the metro New York area since 2001

630 Amsterdam Avenue • New York, NY 10024 (212) 769-4400 • (800) 227-3974 • www.plazajewish.org Pre-need services are available Serving the metropolitan New York area, Florida, and Israel 24 hours a day Arranging for funerals in all 50 states and Europe

22

MARY ANN GIACOBBE

DELIVERING AN UNPARALLELED REAL ESTATE SERVICE

BONNIE CREST

NEW ROCHELLE

Reminiscent of a bygone era, this grand Center Hall Colonial boasts magnificent architectural details featuring high ceilings, beautiful hardwood floors, and multiple fireplaces. With a wonderful flow for entertaining, the elegant entry opens to both dining and spacious living room and adjacent enclosed sunporch. Completing the floor is a library, spacious kitchen with garden exit, and powder room. The second floor offers a spacious master suite with lovely balcony, three additional bedrooms and a hall bath; and the third floor adds two more bedrooms and a full bath. The lower level has a fireplace, laundry room, plenty of storage space and an attached garage. With tons of possibilities, this great home is close to shops, schools, park and transportation. WEB# NR1391506 | $1,295,000

MARY ANN GIACOBBE

Real Estate Salesperson

Mobile 914.424.4651 24-hr Voicemail 914.749.2582 MaryAnnGiacobbeHL@gmail.com MaryAnnGiacobbe.houlihanlawrence.com MaryAnnHL.com �� AGENT IN HOULIHAN LAWRENCE NEW ROCHELLE BROKERAGE ���� � ���� � ���� Source: 1/1/13-12/31/15, New Rochelle brokerage, total commission dollars by agent.

NEW ROCHELLE BROKERAGE | 15 QUAKER RIDGE ROAD, NEW ROCHELLE, NY 10804 23

Scan this QR Code with your smart phone to download our App

NEW YORK CITY | LONG ISLAND | THE HAMPTONS | WESTCHESTER | CONNECTICUT | NEW JERSEY | FLORIDA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | INTERNATIONAL

Ranked #1 Agent in New Rochelle for 2016* Glorianne’s New Listings for 2017

sOPHistiCAteD COlONiAl

tiMeless tUDOR

New Rochelle | $1,195,000 | Impeccable 4bedroom, 3.5-bath home offers an open, light-filled layout featuring quality appointments, hardwood floors, graceful millwork, arched doorways, vaulted ceilings, recessed lighting and oversized windows throughout. Main living areas include grand 2-story entry foyer with sweeping staircase and skylight, exquisite formal living and dining rooms, modern eat-in-kitchen and spacious family room with floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace and French doors to den. Web# 4652157

New Rochelle | $1,195,000 | Impressive English Tudor perched on one of the most sought-after streets in New Rochelle’s Wykagyl Park.

Expansive, well-maintained 6-bedroom, 4.5-bath residence in quiet neighborhood of beautiful homes. Architectural features abound, plaster walls, arches, hardwood floors, moldings, leaded glass windows, stone fireplace and slate roof. Extra bonus rooms include finished walk-out basement and attic space. Near shops and restaurants. Web# 4702071

New listiNg

New listiNg

New Rochelle | $785,000 | This handsome 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bath Tudor in the Wykagyl Crossings area is conveniently located to shops, dining and houses of worship. Its warm and welcoming interior is rich with architectural detail (hardwood floors, fireplace, built-ins) and its exterior .21 acre (100 x 93) property features two patios and large yard.

New Rochelle | Price Upon Request | Direct waterfront home on Long Island Sound in sought-after Davenport Estates. Stunning unobstructed panoramic water views! Enjoy the beautiful shoreline and breathtaking sunrises! Water access including private beach. Contemporary style home offers over 4,000 sf of living space, fireplace, 3.5 bath, plus elevator. Cul-de-sac setting half acre.

GLORIANNE MATTESI

ELLIMAN.COM

Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker Direct: 914.393.6990 Glorianne.Mattesi@elliman.com 101 KING STREET,CHAPPAQUA, NY 10514. 914.238.3988. © 2017 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. *HGMLS. ALL PROPERTY TYPES, TOTAL SALES, DOLLAR VOLUME BY OFFICE, BY AGENT, NEW ROCHELLE SCHOOL DISTRICT 1/1/2016 - 12/31/2016

24

MANHATTAN | BROOKLYN | LONG ISLAND | THE HAMPTONS | THE NORTH FORK | RIVERDALE | WESTCHESTER | PUTNAM/DUTCHESS | GREENWICH | ASPEN | LOS ANGELES | FLORIDA

Expect the Best from The #1 Realtor in New Rochelle* There’s a reason why Glorianne sold nearly $20 Million in New Rochelle properties in 2016.

With expertise in every neighborhood and every price range, no one knows New Rochelle real estate better. Call today to learn how her customized approach can work for you.

Glorianne Mattesi Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

26 Popham Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583 | Direct: 914.393.6990 Glorianne.Mattesi@elliman.com

© 2017 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

101 KING STREET, CHAPPAQUA, NY 10514. 914.238.3988 *HGAR MLS, JAN-DEC 2016, $19,941,500 IN TOTAL DOLLAR VOLUME.

25

26

T H E B R I S TA L A S S I S T E D L I V I N G • W H E R E E V E R Y DAY M E A N S M O R E ®

E XP E R I E N C E T H E D I F F E R E N C E

EXPERIENCE THE BRISTAL

Photos: Game Room and Dining Room, The Bristal at Armonk; Living Room, The Bristal at White Plains

Call Us Today to Schedule Your Visit ARMONK | 90 Business Park Drive WHITE PLAINS | 305 North Street thebristal.com

| |

(914) 432.8200 (914) 681.1800

Licensed by the New York State Dept of Health • Eligible for Most Long Term Care Policies Equal Housing Opportunity • Quality Communities by The Engel Burman Group

27

UNIQUE HANDCRAFTED JUDAICA MEZUZAHS • YADS DREIDELS • PICTURE FRAMES PERSONALIZED GIFTS

…Westchester’s Outstanding Day Camp…

In Scarsdale, NY

A SUMMER TRADITION FOR 89 YEARS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS AGES 3-13

10% DISCOUNT FOR BETH EL MEMBERS ENTER CODE “BETH” AT CHECKOUT PURCHASE ONLINE AT

FOR INFORMATION, CALL (914) 949-8857, OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.CAMPHILLARD.COM

bjcrystalgifts.com/collections/judaica

One Family

Give a lasting gift!

Purchase a brick on Beth El’s Brick Path of Honor (Derech HaKavod)

Four Generations

Est. 1929

914-632-0324 www.GeorgeTDavis.com

This is the perfect way to celebrate a life-cycle event, commemorate the past, honor the future, permanently engrave a tribute, and make a lasting impression.

New Rochelle’s oldest established business is proud to announce its newest location

16 Shea Pl. New Rochelle 10805

Bricks are available in two sizes: 4” x 8” and 8” x 8”, and with the option of one to six lines of text, depending upon the size chosen.

Text is available in Hebrew and English.

The staff of Lloyd Maxcy & Sons welcomes its new addition and is committed to providing the same excellent care that families have come to expect over the past 151 years.

To find out more, contact Linda at the synagogue, LNewman@bethelnr.org, call 914-235-2700, ext. 246, or visit our website, www.bethelnr.org.

Please feel free to visit our new location.

Ever y ction e l e s thing e g lar ! you n a s d e v o a o f eed! h d e e r W a p e r of p Specializing in a complete line of Kosher Meats, Provisions, Cooked Foods & Specialty Groceries. We have a full-service catering department for all your party needs.

Golden Horseshoe Shopping Center Scarsdale, NY 10583

SEASONSNY.COM Place your order online and either pick it up in the store or have it delivered to your home! E-mail scarsdaleorders@seasonsny.com.

28

Tel: 914-472–2240 Fax: 914-472–2215

SOLD

SOLD

DON’T WAIT ANOTHER YEAR TO LIST YOUR HOME

SOLD

The 2017 Spring Market is in full bloom.

We are experiencing bidding wars at many price points. This is a great time to consider listing your home. To find out more about how you can benefit from current market conditions, please give me a call today at 917.693.3557.

SOLD

Allow me to put my lifelong home design experience, deep-rooted community knowledge and the formidable marketing power of Houlihan Lawrence to work for you.

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

THE TOP PRODUCER IN THE #1 BROKERAGE IN NEW ROCHELLE

SOLD

JOCELYN HALL BURTON Real Estate Salesperson

Mobile 917.693.3557

JBurton@HoulihanLawrence.com Proud Beth El member

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD NEW ROCHELLE BROKERAGE | 15 QUAKER RIDGE ROAD, NEW ROCHELLE 29

SOLD

Top Producer, HGMLS, 1/1/16-12/31/16, All Property Types, Dollar Volume, by Agent. The #1 Brokerage, HGMLS, 1/1/16-12/31/16, All Property Types, Total Sales, Dollar Volume, by Office, New Rochelle School District.

SOLD

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

Pretty Paper

& Polka Dots

Luxury Sedans & SUVs

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

Law Office­ of­

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 • Wills, Trusts, and Estate Administration­ • Business Services, including Contracts, New Business Formations, and Sales/Purchases • Land Use: Zoning Board, Planning Board

Just off Exit 7 of the Cross County Parkway East

The Source of Support for the Jewish Community since 1897 www.riversidememorialmountvernon.com Charles S. Salomon • Joel E. Simon

chase bank building­

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

270 north avenue, 8th floor­ new rochelle, ny 10801­­ 30

914-355-5900

www.lacherlaw.com­­

Carmel Academy Excellence With A Soul

• Small group instruction catering to the needs of each child

• Impactful values and character development program

• Award-winning STEAM programs

• Highly-credentialed, passionate teachers

• Expertly developed general and Judaic studies curricula

• Robust extracurricular programs

Experience The Difference To schedule a campus visit, please contact Ella Shteingart, Admissions Director, at 203-983-3503 or ella.shteingart@carmelacademy.com.

A private school for children of all Jewish affiliations serving students from Transitional Kindergarten through 8th grade.

270 Lake Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830 • (203) 863-9663 • www.carmelacademy.com 31

FILE:

CRML_161010_BES

LAYOUT: Copy Changes

SIZE:

7.5 x 9.875

CLIENT:

Carmel Academy

PUBS:

PAGE #:

1

Beth El Synagogue Bulletin

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

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

SHERY ROSENSTEIN Sales Associate

Personalized attention to you and your needs.

B: (914) 723-8228 C: (914) 420-8556 E: s.rosenstein@yahoo.com W: www.clairedleone.com

29 Wilmot Road Scarsdale, NY

WISHING THAT

“A GENUINELY HAPPY PERSON IS ONE WHO HAS RENDERED OTHERS HAPPY.” DAISAKU IKEDA

YOUR HOME IS FILLED WITH BLESSING WITH LIGHT WITH HAPPINESS AND WITH JOY

The Top Producer in the #1 Brokerage in New Rochelle JOCELYN BURTON

GAY ROSEN

As Real As Real Estate Gets

Licensed R.E. Associate Broker ABR, CBR, CDPE, CRS, GREEN, GRI, SRES c: 914.907.2645 • gay.rosen@juliabfee.com gayrosen.com Larchmont Brokerage • 1946 Palmer Avenue Each office is independently owned and operated

Real Estate Salesperson

917.693.3557 mobile JBurton@HoulihanLawrence.com Proud Beth El member

NEW ROCHELLE BROKERAGE | 15 QUAKER RIDGE ROAD Top Producer, HGMLS, 1/1/16-12/31/16, All Property Types, Dollar Volume, by Agent. The #1 Brokerage, HGMLS, 1/1/16-12/31/16, All Property Types, Total Sales, Dollar Volume, by Office, New Rochelle School District.