March 2024 Bulletin

RABBI’S MESSAGE

One of the more meaningful parts of our Shabbat morning service (and there are many!) is when we recite a mi shebeirach and read aloud the names of people in need of spiritual, emotional, and physical healing. Hearing the names of a parent, child, or friend in shul as we pray for them can be a very powerful religious experience. This is especially true when Cantor Gaby weaves our disparate prayers together, carrying them to the heavens on the wings of a beautiful melody. In fact, praying for the health and wellness of other people has long historical roots in the Jewish tradition and is linked, unsurprisingly, to the mitzvah of bikkur cholimthe commandment to visit the sick.

In the Arba’ah Turim, a compendium of Jewish law written by the 13th century Spanish rabbi, Yaakov Ben Asher, we find a teaching that says “the mitzvah of bikkur cholim is so cherished because through it one ‘ invokes compassion upon the person being visited’ and we find that it is almost as though they are brought back to life.” Rabbi Moses Isserles, quoting the Ramban, even suggests that one who visits the sick, but does not make a request for compassion for them (i.e. recite a prayer for healing), does not fulfill their mitzvah. It’s clear from these, and many other sources, that the rabbis believed reciting prayers for healing could be a source of comfort to those who suffer from an illness. And since providing comfort to others is an expression of our Jewish values, as well as a way to honor God, we even request prayers for healing on Shabbat when we traditionally refrain from making other types of personal requests.

However, as important as it is to pray for those in need of healing, sometimes our desire to hear the names of people we care about being read aloud conflicts with other communal values that are worth considering. As Rabbis Daniel Greyber and Micah Peltz allude to in their responsum, “When Should a Person Come Off the Communal Prayer List?”, it is common for the mi shebeirach list to reach “40, 50, even 60 names” at any given time. Our current list of names, for example, stands at 40 people, which doesn’t even include the additional names community members recite out loud themselves when we pause to mention those who were not on our list. When the cholim list gets too long we run the risk of creating what’s called a tircha detzibura, “an unnecessary communal burden”. Reciting each name clearly, and at a pace that appropriately honors each individual, takes a very long time and can often create an undesirable feeling for

the community. And when we make what should be a loving and intimate part of the service feel burdensome, we unintentionally create the opposite effect. Or, we end up compensating for the length by reading the names quickly so as to not overburden the community. This doesn’t feel as respectful as it should.

So what do we do when these two important values conflict? How do we ensure that we both continue to pray for healing for those in need and also avoid creating an excessive burden that detracts from the service? Many of the names on our list have been there for months, sometimes years. We feel the best solution is to be disciplined about removing names off of the mi shebeirach list after 30 days. That being said, we know that there are people in our community who either live with ongoing, chronic health challenges or know someone else who does. If you would like for us to continue to read your name, or the name of a family member, friend, or colleague aloud, we request that you contact us every month. It’s important to remember that even when we might not recite one’s name out loud during the Torah service, there are plenty of other opportunities to recite a private prayer for healing, like in the silent Amidah as well as other places. And, of course, we will continue to pause during the mi shebeirach so anyone can recite the name privately. We hope that this system will allow us to both honor those who are ill and create a service that feels intimate, loving, and flows seamlessly from one prayer to the next.

Wishing you a month filled with blessings and love.

L’Shalom, Rabbi Zachary M. Sitkin

VOLUNTEER AT BETH EL!

Calling all volunteers!

Beth El is looking for volunteers to help lead our efforts to expand Beth El’s involvement in the following areas: social action, chesed, and community building/social programming.

If you are someone who is looking to get more involved, please contact Stephanie Lederman at slederman@bethelnr.org.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Every Shabbat morning, the bima fills with the five and under members of our community, scrambling for a good spot on the steps nearest to the challah and grape juice. In the words of the parent of several Beth El tots, “There is nothing better than having your kids ask to go to shul every Shabbat.” Our youngest members are very much at home in the main sanctuary and throughout Beth El. Those who have been at Beth El for some time have seen how this cohort has grown in the past several years, and how significant their presence is at Shul. This bulletin article focuses on our younger cohort to highlight their experience and the ways they continue to positively impact our community. With my own kids now in their late teens, I am definitely no longer part of the tot set. So I spoke with a number of members who are: Alana Chill, Janine Chinitz, Lenny Grinberg, Kara Kalman, Heather Mazursky Horowitz, Lisa Mendler Sitkin, and Andrew Obus. The following is what they had to say:

What led you to join Beth El?

The individuals I spoke with (as is true of members of the community at large) include both individuals who grew up at Beth El,whose parents are still active members, and those with no prior connection to the shul. When Andrew and his family first came to Beth El for a tot service on Simchat Torah, they were blown away by the level of welcome they received. Janine joined Beth El even before having her first child; when she moved to Beth El, she was about to have her first child and “all we wanted was a community. Our priorities were to find a place where our kids can learn the importance of Judaism in a fun, loving environment that feels like home with activities for both the kids and for us. We found that at Beth El and more!” In contrast, Heather and her husband both grew up at Beth El. She noted that “our closest friends are from nursery school and shabbat services. Parents hang out together. This is the community – both kids and adults,” a sentiment shared by many I spoke with. Lenny noted that “there’s something for everyone. Yet, with such a diverse level of religion, our Rabbis still manage to bring us all together.”

Tell me about Tot Shabbat:

Andrew told me that, like so many in the tot community, they are regulars at Tot Shabbat, and spoke about how unique and special it is to have Tot Shabbat every week. Their 3 ½ year old loves the songs and the story and is always excited about Tot Shabbat. For Janine, Tot Shabbat is where the

kids sing songs, learn about the holidays, and dance around with their friends. To Heather, it is a Shabbat community where so many families come virtually every week.

Every parent I spoke to noted the Beth El culture of welcoming young children and their families into the main sanctuary on Shabbat. They spoke about the clergy handing out lollipops and regularly remarking that the noise of children babbling or even crying is welcome at any time. This makes them feel welcome and a part of both the tot community and the larger shul, and excited to be a part of Beth El.

What would you tell a prospective member about the Tot Community at Beth El?

Lisa described the young family community as a group where everyone cares for one another’s kids -- pushing each others’ strollers, holding each other’s babies, opening the snacks. Kara noted that “Beth El has not only given us a great community to help instill Jewish values for our kids, but also a place to meet other couples and make adult friends.” Alana summarized it: “In my opinion, nothing exemplifies the spirit and warmth of the Beth El community at large and the Beth El tots community more than the scene on the stairs leading up to the bimah at the conclusion of Shabbat morning services. This scene, involving a sizable group of children, ranging in age from infants to upper elementary school, finding their spots on the stairs to eagerly await their grape juice and challah and sing Adon Olam, all the while laughing, waving at the clergy, and occasionally running around on the bimah during the announcements, is to me, what shul should be all about for young families. The idea that young families and young kids, with their noise, their mess, and their joy, should be welcomed into the sanctuary and made to feel a part of the larger community, is an integral part of Beth El, and makes our community special and so welcoming for young families. My children run into Beth El like it is a second home--they are warmly embraced by our rabbis and by Cantor Gaby (knowing they are the suppliers of the lollipops doesn’t hurt either), their love for Shabbat and Jewish song and tradition is celebrated, and they are constantly making new friends as new families join our community. As parents, we love that we have so many fellow congregants across generations who know our children by name and greet them enthusiastically each week. We are so grateful to have our Beth El family and we look forward to our children growing up in this amazing community.”

Splash Into Summer with Beth El Day Camp!

Grab your swim buddy and dive into a summer of fun at Beth El Day Camp! Our outstanding swim program is beloved by campers and counselors alike, featuring American Red Cross Certified lifeguards and swim instructors who work with every camper to ensure that they are

Passover Schedule 5784

Thursdays, April 4th, 11th, 18th, 2024: Class with Rabbi Kenter 12:00 – 1:00 pm

Friday - Saturday, April 12th - 13th, 2024:

Scholar-in-Residence Shabbat with Dr. Masua Sagiv

Sunday, April 21st, 2024:

Bedikat Chametz at home – in the evening

Monday, April 22nd, 2024:

Morning Minyan/Ta’anit Bechorot – 6:30 am

Community biur chametz – 10:00 – 11:00 am

Latest time to eat chametz –10:36 am

Latest time to sell/burn chametz – 11:45 am

Early Mincha – 1:00 pm

Festival Maariv Service – 6:15 pm

Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024:

Festival Services – 9:00 am

Tot Services & Mini-Minyan – 10:30 am

Mincha/Maariv – 6:15 pm

Wednesday, April 24th, 2024:

Festival Services – 9:00 am

Tot Services & Mini-Minyan – 10:30 am

Mincha/Maariv – 7:30 pm

Friday, April 26th, 2024: Kabbalat Shabbat/Maariv – 6:30 pm

Saturday, April 27th, 2024: Shabbat Chol HaMoed Services – 9:00 am

Tot Services & Mini-Minyan – 10:30 am

Mincha/Maariv – 7:30 pm

Sunday, April 28th, 2024:

Festival Maariv Service – 6:30 pm

Monday, April 29th, 2024:

Festival Services – 9:00 am

Tot Services & Mini-Minyan – 10:30 am

Festival Maariv Service – 6:30 pm

Tuesday, April 30th, 2024:

Hashkama Minyan – 7:00 am – 8:30 am (Includes Yizkor)

Festival Services – 9:00 am

Tot Services & Mini-Minyan – 10:30 am

YIZKOR – 10:45 am

Mincha/Maariv – 7:40 pm

(Havdalah) – 8:34 pm

Nursery School News REGGIO EMILIA, ITALY

In the spring of 1945, when the people of Europe looked around and thought of ways to rebuild and move forward, the citizens of Reggio Emilia, a small town in Italy, decided to invest their efforts and their energy into reinvigorating the education of young children.

Inspired by their values, they researched how children learn and what is best for children, and created a whole new way of educating the youngest members of the population. Children were given freedom to explore, develop their own creativity, and make discoveries about the world around them.

A central figure in this history was Loris Malaguzzi who, together with many local administrators, citizens, and women in particular, contributed to the birth and construction of a network of municipal preschools and infant-toddler centers in Reggio Emilia. These centers grew to become world renowned and ultimately a model of excellence throughout the world.

In 1991, Newsweek magazine published an article noting that the Reggio Emilia’s preschools and infant-toddler centers were the most advanced in the world for early childhood education.

I was inspired to learn more about this approach, as it spoke to me and aligned with everything I knew was right for children. For the last 12 years, I have been reading and studying about the Reggio schools, visiting Reggio inspired programs throughout the country, and taking courses at Bank Street College to deepen my understanding of the Reggio approach.

At Beth El, I have been honored to bring this philosophy to the faculty and continue to educate our teachers and learn, together with them, about this methodology. Our school is now a model for others to visit, and we often host educators from schools throughout the metropolitan area who come to observe our classrooms and learn from our teachers.

The Reggio approach is characterized by several key principles:

Project-Based Learning: Learning is organized around projects that emerge from the children’s interests. These projects are in-depth investigations that integrate various subject areas and can last for an extended period.

The Role of the Environment: The physical environment is considered the “third teacher.” Classrooms are designed to be aesthetically pleasing and to provoke curiosity. Natural materials and openended resources are used to encourage exploration.

Documentation of Learning: Teachers in the Reggio Emilia approach place a strong emphasis on documenting children’s learning experiences. This documentation, which may include photos, videos, and written observations, helps make the learning process visible and is often used to reflect on and assess the child’s progress.

Collaboration and Communication: Collaboration between teachers, children, and parents is highly valued. Regular communication and involvement of parents in their child’s learning journey are key components of the approach.

Image of the Child: The approach views children as competent and capable individuals with their own ideas and theories. Teachers respect and value children’s perspectives, encouraging them to express themselves in many ways.

Teachers as Researchers: Teachers are seen as researchers learning alongside the children. They engage in ongoing professional development and reflect on their practice.

This past December, I was privileged to take the next step on this journey when I had the opportunity to attend a study tour in Reggio Emilia. Our group attended lectures and visited schools throughout the week. This amazing experience will serve as a framework for our staff’s continued professional development within the exciting and meaningful world of Reggio.

If you would like to learn more about the Reggio approach, go to the

Volunteer Spotlight: Kiddush Committee

1,090 pounds of tuna

7,800 eggs

1,060 pounds of lox

12,480 bagels/rolls

925 pounds of cookies

These are just a few of the remarkable numbers that demonstrate how much food is prepared on an annual basis to feed Beth El congregants at our weekly kiddush! Our kiddush holds profound significance for the entire congregation as it fosters community.

We are truly grateful to the Kiddush Committee who is responsible for ensuring that kiddush happens 52 weeks of the year and we are delighted to spotlight the Kiddush Committee in this month’s bulletin. The Kiddush Committee is comprised of Lauren Berger, Roberta Chernov, Janis Demartini, Lawrence Epstein, Phyllis Feingold, Barbara and David Horowitz, Rabbi Barry and Judy Kenter, Eva Platzner, Jay Rehr, Arlene Salman, Bob Schepp, and Pearl Sullivan.

Not surprisingly, people on the Kiddush Committee had very similar experiences and feelings about the joy and satisfaction they get from serving on this committee. Below is a compilation of the group’s thoughts and feelings.

Why serve on the Kiddush Committee?

People joined the committee because it was an opportunity to give back and to socialize with their friends. Larry Epstein spoke about his friend Mitch Kaphan (of blessed Memory) who brought him on to the committee. One theme we heard over and over again was a desire to give back to the community, and what better way to do so than through the organizing of the weekly kiddush! Bob Schepp, among others, has been on the Committee for over thirty years. Bob’s earliest involvement stemmed from his desire to see more “kid friendly” options at the kiddush.

One of the most fundamental Jewish values is the principle of hachnasat orchim or hospitality. Welcoming guests goes back to Avraham and Sarah’s tent, which was open on all four sides to ensure that anyone approaching the tent would be forced to encounter their welcoming hospitality. This Committee embodies that principle.

What is your favorite part of being on the Kiddush Committee?

The camaraderie that is formed among the dedicated group of volunteers is a highlight for the committee members. We all know the centrality that food plays in the life of our Jewish community and therefore, each Committee member spoke about the greater satisfaction they get week after week ensuring that over 120 congregants have an opportunity to break bread together. Of course, the food is just a vehicle for congregants to shmooze, laugh, and simply get to know each other. Communal gathering strengthens our sense of belonging and it is beautiful to see people sitting together from different generations building community.

What are the logistics of feeding so many people?

Our goal is to make the kiddush as special as possible and we pride ourselves on ensuring that everything runs smoothly without a hitch. For congregants arriving at 12:15 p.m. the food is magically on the tables. In fact, the committee leaves the service early and sets all the food on the buffet tables and does any last minute preparation that is necessary. The magic is that every week, rain or shine, regardless of how many people are traveling or ill, there will be a kiddush ready for the congregation after the service concludes. We are delighted to have people join us on Saturday morning whenever they arrive, even if it’s simply to share a meal with us.

Can you speak to the importance and symbolism of sponsoring kiddush as a member of Beth El?

When members of the congregation are celebrating smachot, it is common to sponsor a kiddush. Through this act, congregants can share their joy and celebrate significant milestones with the community. By sponsoring a kiddush you are actually participating in the mitzvah by contributing to both the spiritual and physical nourishment of the community. Common milestones that people celebrate are: wedding anniversaries, big birthdays, anniversaries of Bar/Bat mitzvahs, Aufrufs, weddings, engagements, baby namings, graduations, etc. A kiddush sponsorship is always welcome. We encourage everyone to participate in this mitzvah as it benefits the entire community.

Please contact Stephanie Lederman at slederman@ bethelnr.org to sponsor a kiddush.

Keruv Korner

“Keruv” = Hebrew for “to draw closer”

In this article, the Keruv committee would like to introduce you to the 2023 Interfaith Inclusion Guide published by The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ). The guide is an important document that advises congregations on how we can be more welcoming and inclusive to families that include non-Jewish members, which we hope will encourage further discussion and stimulate your own ideas about inclusiveness. Recognizing that each congregation is different, the document is a guide rather than a mandate to USCJ member congregations, and it explores a range of potential options to help make families feel not only welcome but also a significant part of the synagogue community. It suggests how synagogues can honor the contributions of nonJewish family members for all that they do to create strong families (including a public blessing that begins, ‘You come to services, even when it feels strange and confusing at first’); how we can enable non-Jews to participate in synagogue celebrations by emphasizing all that they may do, rather than what halakha prescribes only for Jews; and how we might even reframe the “December dilemma” as a time of

“December Delights,” in which families are encouraged to discuss the meanings of differences in holiday celebrations. The guide is not yet available online, but it will later be added to USCJ’s website with Interfaith Inclusion resources at https://uscj.org/leadership/interfaith-inclusion/. In the meantime, please reach out to me at mjrochelson@gmail. com to receive a copy of the guide.

Beth El is making great strides in welcoming interfaith couples and families, and still we know that more can always be done. If you are or may become a member of an interfaith family, we invite you to join the Keruv committee’s “Let’s Talk About It” group, which meets in person every few months to discuss issues impacting interfaith families. The group will next meet on April 3, time and place to be announced. Please contact Elise Schepp at LCmoocow@ aol.com if you’d like to attend or just find out more. Meetings are facilitated by Shari Baum, LMSW of Westchester Jewish Community Services. Everyone is welcome!

By Meri-Jane Rochelson

Israel 360

With heavy hearts, the Beth El community joined almost 1,000 people for a gathering on January 16th to mark the 100th day since hostages were abducted by Hamas and the terrible attack on Israel was perpetrated. The program, organized by the Westchester Jewish Council, UJA, and Westchester Shlicha Shachar Liran Hanan, included remarks from interfaith clergy, local representatives, and, most meaningful, reflections from Carmi Tint, Eyal Tarchilzky, and Maurice Schnaider, residents of Sderot who survived the October 7th attack.

We are extremely proud of our congregants who participated in Beth El’s recent Volunteer Mission to Israel. Twenty Beth El members, including Rabbi Schuck, served as our ambassadors, being our eyes and ears and sharing with us their thoughts and reflections. Each day they volunteered in different ways to help Israel and Israelis in their time of need. The mission began long before it departed New York as our kindergarteners and preschoolers wrote and decorated cards for IDF soldiers. Below are some reflections from the mission participants as they experienced the program in real-time.

Day One – The group helped prune eggplants at a moshav and then volunteered at Pantry Packers in Jerusalem, the oldest food pantry in Israel dating back to the 1700’s. The day ended with an emotional evening with the parents of a young mother, Adi Vial Kaploun, a deeply devoted Zionist

who was murdered on October 7th. Adi fought bravely to protect her 2 children who survived the attack, as well as her father who happened to be visiting her kibbutz at the time.

Day Two – The group woke to the devastating news that 24 soldiers were killed. Fittingly, under the auspices of Sar El, the group was already scheduled to head up to Haifa to volunteer on an army base. Beth El volunteers were part of a larger effort on the base that together packed 25,000 meals for soldiers. Volunteers programs such as this one began immediately after October 7th and demonstrate the commitment of Jews worldwide to support Israel. A highlight of the day was sharing the cards that our religious school children made with soldiers, this was the one bright moment on an otherwise bleak day.

Day Three – The day began with another important volunteer food packing initiative. This time the group worked at Mishmar Ayalon, whose production output has dropped to 50% of what it was before October 7th. A trip to United Hatzalah Headquarters followed, where Beth El members met one of 7,000 volunteers who have given of themselves to help respond to emergency medical needs. The organization worked round the clock for 35 days straight after the attack. Christians, Muslims, and Jews worked side by side. During dinner, the group was joined by representatives of the many displaced families that were being temporarily housed at the hotel and were able to provide children’s books to the families. The day ended with a most moving visit with a survivor of the Nova Music Festival.

Day Four – The closing day of the mission began with volunteering at the chamal a pivotal volunteer center in Jerusalem where clothing is collected and distributed and where war relief efforts for displaced families are coordinated. Since October 7th, volunteers have helped provide clothing and support to hundreds of thousands of displaced Israelis. Beth El volunteers were assigned the task of sorting and boxing clothing. The day continued with a very emotional and jarring visit to Kibbutz Kfar Aza, one of the kibbutzim that suffered unimaginable destruction and the murder of 64 members. After their visit, the group learned that the security guard who had been traveling with them throughout the trip had just completed his service in the IDF two weeks before the trip and was actually stationed at Kfar Aza to work with archaeologists to comb through ash and dirt to retrieve the remains of victims to be transferred to Zaka for proper handling and burial. From Kfar Aza, the group went to Tel Aviv where they met with two hostage family members at the headquarters of the Hostage and

Missing Families Forum. Their stories were harrowing and they live with unbearable pain, but they were extremely grateful for our visit and support as a reminder that Israelis are not alone.

Among the many meaningful elements that Rabbi Schuck added, he began each day with a kavanah (intention), helping to frame that day’s experiences.

The summary above only scratches the surface of this mission. Throughout my email exchanges with mission participants, there were a number of recurring themes: ranging from darkness to light, from despair to hope, resilience, chesed, hope for the future. Our mission representatives acted on our behalf, sharing children’s books, cards for soldiers, volunteering, volunteering, and more volunteering. Most importantly, they showed up. They were there to bear witness, to provide comfort to be supportive listeners and to demonstrate their and Beth El’s unwavering commitment to the principle Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Bazeh (all of Israel are responsible for one another).

Please speak to any of the mission participants to learn more about their experience and this program’s impact. Special thanks to those who contributed their reflections above, Mark Seidenfeld, Mark Silver, Pearl Sullivan, Nora Klion-Wolloch, and David Horowitz and to Tamar Tait,

Ofri Maliniak, and Mark Seidenfeld for helping to create this unique program for our community and with great appreciation always to Rabbi Schuck for enhancing the experience in immeasurable ways.

Please be on the lookout for upcoming Israel 360 programs.

By Susan Solow-Dubin

Security Update

On February 1st, Beth El held our first Civilian Response to Active Shooter Emergency (CRASE) awareness training presented by the New Rochelle Police Department. The session was incredibly informative and provided those of us who were there an opportunity to engage in dialogue with members of the New Rochelle Police Department. We recommend that all members of the congregation watch the film that was shown by the police. The video is available at alerrt.org on the left navigation bar under “avoid.deny. defend.” The video simulates an emergency event and the civilian response to it. We thank the New Rochelle Police Department for taking the time to meet with us and we would like to remind all congregants to please thank the officers you see circulating on the Beth El Property. We are truly grateful for the support they have provided us, particularly since October 7th.

We also want to share details regarding four grants that we were awarded (totaling $145,000) to invest in the infrastructure of the Synagogue. In 2023, we applied for, and were awarded these grants funded by the NY State Division of Criminal Justices which falls under SCAHC (Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes). Over the next year, we will install bollards at the entrance to Beth El, upgrade the security of the Security Booth, integrate our camera operating system, and upgrade our cybersecurity internal network. While the goal is to implement these grants as fast as possible, the grants have very strict guidelines that require certain steps to take place before implementation. We appreciate the patience and understanding as we follow the requirements for project execution.

Thank you,

Michael Dorfman, Security Committee Chair

Spring Film Festival Hits Grand Slam When It Returns In May with JewishCharactersOnFieldOfDreams

Sprinting, via the silver screen, from Major League baseball diamond to Olympic track to Collegiate football field to Heavyweight boxing ring, our 36th annual METNY award-winning Festival will examine Jewish athletes as they chase their dreams. On three Thursday evenings in May, and one Tuesday, we will present four superb films. Our series opens with “THE LIFE AND TIMES OF HANK GREENBERG” on May 9th. Following weeks will present “CINDERELLA MAN” starring Russell Crowe and Renee Zellweger, “CHARIOTS OF FIRE” starring Ben Cross and Ian Holm, and “SCHOOL TIES” starring Brendan Fraser and Matt Damon.

Our Festival's format is that of a Dinner-Theatre, with each self-contained session starting with a delightful delicatessen buffet. This not only allows for pleasant socialization but provides, by way of pastrami sandwiches on rye, compensation for all that matzoh you've been eating. Following dinner is a formal introduction to the film, a

complete screening, a critique, and highly stimulating (sometimes combative) group discussion. Although some participants have been attending for decades, newcomers are immediately made to feel at home.

Masterfully guiding us as we probe each film will once again be Rabbi Azriel Fellner. Distinguished Congregational leader, teacher at the Jewish Theological Seminary, Scholar-in-Residence, and prolific writer on topics of Jewish scholarship and contemporary JewishAmerican culture, Rabbi Fellner is an eloquent lecturer. Elaine Katz, founding chairman of the Festival will also be presenting. Elaine began analyzing films when her aunt took her to see “Bambi.”

As we approach Opening Night, registration information will be made available. Meanwhile, reserve the dates and be prepared to register early in order to get the best box seats and to avoid being relegated to the bleachers.

Sisterhood Happenings

Spring is in the air! Just a few more weeks and we will see buds on the trees. Birds will return. I am hopeful that we will hear some better news from our brethren in Israel. We all continue to pray.

On March 3rd, we honored Sisterhood member Sheila Cohen for her dedicated support of the Torah Fund, which supports students of the Jewish Theological Seminary by providing academic scholarships. The JTS Torah Fund is vital to ensuring the future of cantors and rabbis in the Conservative Movement. If you

missed the brunch, there is still time to donate to the Torah Fund with this link: inspired.jtsa.edu.

Our Bagels & Books series continues on the morning of March 18th, featuring An Unorthodox Match by Naomi Ragen. All are welcome to attend. Please reach out to Sharon Spenser at yentaspen@yahoo.com for additional information and the schedule of future titles.

Please join us at our annual Sisterhood Shabbat on March 30th. Sisterhood members, if you have not yet signed up to participate, there is still room, so don’t delay. Contact Vicki Fisher at vkfisher18@gmail.com.

Refugee Update: Good News

The latest refugee family, the Zafaris, being sponsored by ICNAW (of which Beth El is a proud participant), has moved into their new apartment, on Drake Ave in New Rochelle. Obviously this location (not White Plains) will enable us to more easily be a part of their new lives.

The Zafaris are a family of three - Sohaila, the Mom, Mostafa, the Dad and a four year-old named Mohammed, with a baby on the way. Sohalia is a civil engineer and Mostafa, a lawyer, both earned their degrees in Iran. Like the Jafari family [Taiba spoke at a Sisterhood gathering] they too, walked through much of Central America, including through the terrifying Darian Gap, and upon their arrival applied for asylum. They spent one month in a shelter in New York City and three months in a motel in Yonkers as they waited for their papers.

Sohaila is an expert seamstress and hopes to eventually open her own shop. In the meantime she will be doing alterations and creations in her home. We could be among her first customers! Mohammed has been watching shows on his phone and is learning English quite quickly. He recently mentioned a Zamboni to one of our volunteers! He will be going to universal pre-k at the Y, which is close to home.

Please join us in welcoming and supporting this new and charming family.

If you are interested in donating time or resources to assist refugee families, please reach out to:

Youth & Family Engagement Update

This year, 2024, is a unique year. According to the Jewish calendar, our current year of 5784 is also special, and these reasons are the same. Why? This year, we got to celebrate February 29 as a leap year, and we are also enjoying two months of Adar, the month in which we “increase our joy” as we prepare for Purim.

The Jewish leap year, known as shanah me’uberet (an “enlarged” or “pregnant” year) occurs seven times in nineteen years. We have this calendar to ensure that Passover always occurs in the Springtime. Our leap year adds an extra month, usually in March, so we end up with Adar I (30 days), and Adar II (29 days). Purim occurs in Adar II, which is why it falls so late in March this year. We learn in the Talmud that, “When the month of Adar enters, we increase in joy” (Taanit 29a), so when we have two months of Adar, we get to focus on joy and happiness for twice as long.

As part of bringing joy and happiness to our lives during Adar, we’d love to celebrate Purim with you! Purim at Beth El is fun for all ages and stages, and we hope you join us.

Our specific Purim programs through the Youth & Family Department are:

Matanot L’evyonim Purim Campaign: begins in early March through Purim day (March 24)

Do the mitzvah of giving gifts to those with needs

greater than our own, while supporting the Youth & Family Engagement Department’s main fundraiser!

Purim Carnival: Sunday, March 17

Join us as a participant or volunteer with our annual Purim Carnival!

We open at 10:30 am for Tots and those who are interested in a quieter experience, and then the full carnival runs from 11 am-1 pm.

If you are interested in volunteering at the carnival, please reach out to Alyssa at aberman@bethelnr.org.

Mini Megillah Celebration:

Sunday, March 24 at 11 am

Join us as we have a special Megillah reading for our youngest community members! In this kid-friendly reading, we’ll boo Haman, cheer for Esther and Mordechai, and even get to share our costumes with a costume parade!

Mini Megillah will occur after our family-friendly, community-wide festive Purim seudah (meal) at 10 am. We’ll join together for special brunch food between the full Megillah reading and the Mini Megillah program. We hope you join us for both!

Purim Palooza

Sunday, March 17

10:30 am

(quiet hour & Tots)/11:00 am

Official start: Purim Carnival

Thursday, March 21

Taanit Ester (Fast of Esther)

Fast ends at sunset - 7:37 pm

Saturday, March 23

7:50 pm: Maariv and Megillah reading

Sunday, March 24

8:15 am: Shacharit and Megillah reading

10:00 am: Festive Seudah meal for the whole community!!!

11:00 am: Mini Megillah reading for our youngest community members and their families. Get ready to hear snippets of the megillah, shake your groggers, boo Haman and enjoy a special costume parade!

Youth & Family Highlights

Over the last few months, the Youth & Family Department has been very busy with some major events for the Beth El Community!

In January, we ran an inspiring MLK Mitzvah Day with support from Beth El Day Camp. Over 100 people joined us to do tikkun olam (repairing the world), in honor of MLK Day, and we really appreciate the generosity of our community.

With your support, we…

• Collected 277 pairs of shoes for Soles4Souls

• Baked 150+ cookies for Hope Community Services

• Decorated 59 cards for Israelis, which were handdelivered by our Beth El mission trip

• Made 50 lbs. of snack bags for Hope Community Services

• Tied 10 fleece blankets for Project Linus

Later in January, we also took our middle schoolers on a field trip to the Museum of Jewish Heritage as part of connecting their learning and Jewish identity with the many Jewish cultural and historical opportunities that exist in New York. We also had our annual Youth & Family Ice Skating, in which 50 people joined us for skating, fun and hot chocolate!

Then in February, we celebrated our Youth & Family community with our Youth & Family Shabbat. While we missed our Leffell seniors who were visiting Poland and Italy, we enjoyed Shirateinu singing during Kabbalat Shabbat services Friday night, a wonderful community Shabbat dinner, and our Teens and older children took over Shabbat morning services. It is so special to have our community come together to celebrate the learning and Jewish joy of our youth!

Dear Friends,

Shoresh Halev Center for Jewish Music at Beth El

As many of you know, on Sunday, January 21st we had a thrilling concert with Rabbi Yosef Goldman and his band in celebration of Shabbat Shira. Cantor Gaby and I were honored to participate.

This was part of our Shirei Neshama series, where we invite renowned artists to come to Beth El to participate in a residency where they premiere a new song they have composed which is inspired by one of the Jewish holidays. We then release a music video of the live performance of the new song. “Ashirah,” the new work composed by R. Yosef Goldman, is an uplifting and beautiful song, and our music video already has over 25,000 views on social media! Make sure to see it on Facebook or YouTube!

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that we will be launching The Listening Room, a new Shoresh Halev Online Community at Beth El. This community blog will

have numerous components, starting with a place where we will share music and have opportunities for learning new music. This is a chance to be together virtually, so when you’re not at Beth El, we’re still in community! We hope you will participate in this new project.

I always look forward to seeing you and to singing and praying with you. We have so many opportunities. If you have any questions, or would like to find ways to participate more, please call me or email me directly. I would love to hear from you!

Kol tuv, Jack Klebanow Music Director

914-235-2700 x 252

jklebanow@bethelnr.org

Shoresh Halev Center for Jewish Music at Beth El

Beth El Synagogue Center is proud to host over 30 Israeli artists and artisans selling their wares. Please bring friends and neighbors to support these Israeli artists and their families.

THURSDAY, MARCH 14TH | 4:3O-8:3O pm

Beth El Synagogue Center 1324 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10804

$5 per person

Register here: bethelnr.org/shuk24

Mazal tov to:

B’nei Mitzvahs:

BETH EL NEWS

Alyssa and Michael Sherman on the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Maxwell Sherman and mazal tov also to grandparents, Dick and Leslie Ruttenberg; Robert and Robin Brown on the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Lee Brown; Shayna Klopott and Michael Frankel on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Sophie Frankel; Donna and Gary Levy on the bat mitzvah of their granddaughter, Hannah Celia Levy, daughter of Matthew Levy and Jill Kalish Levy, sister of Jonah, Ariella, and Abigail.

Births:

Bernie Katz on the birth of a great-granddaughter, born to his grandchildren Talia & Joey Katz of Jerusalem. Mazal tov to big sister Yakira Shirley, grandparents Gila & Richie Katz and the entire family; Nikki and Noah Schwartzman on the birth of their son, Benjamin Russell, on November 7, 2023. Mazal tov also to big brother Sam; Phoebe and Jonathan Rubenstein on the birth of their son, Sidney David, on December 9, 2023. Mazal tov also to big brother Shia; Meryl and Brian Miller on the birth of their daughter, Hannah Shira, on January 10, 2024. Mazal tov also to big sisters Abigail and Paige; Elissa Baum on the birth of

Condolences to:

great-granddaughter, Hannah Baum Luciani, born to her grandchildren Kyra Baum Luciani & Matt Luciani. Mazal tov to big sister Hailey Baum Luciani, and to grandparents Dr. Seth & Dr. Laura Baum and grandmother Julie Luciani and the entire family; Elliot Meiteles and Alana Chill on the birth of their son, and mazal tov also to big sisters Orly and Lila; Shachar Liran-Hanan and Elroi Hanan on the birth of their son, and mazal tov also to big sisters, Kerem and Lotem.

Weddings/Aufrufs:

Sandy and Sam Klein on the marriage of their son, Dr. Gabriel Klein to Dr. Jessica Biedny, daughter of Patty and Paul Biedny.

Birthdays:

Joyce Wechsler on her 80th birthday.

Anniversaries:

Joyce and Fred Claar on their 60th wedding anniversary; Vicki Fisher on the 67th anniversary of her Bat Mitzvah; Daniel Feldman and Emily Rubin on their 15th wedding anniversary; Sam Wolloch on the 30th anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah; Sam and Trisanne Berger on their 35th wedding anniversary.

A warm Beth El mazal tov to one and all!

Hyman (Marcia) Pryluck on the loss of his sister, Elaine Tiven (Itka bat Brachah) z”l; Adam (Debra) Mayblum on the loss of his father, Martin Mayblum z”l and condolences to Ethan, Kyle, and Ari Mayblum on the loss of their grandfather; the Strauch family on the loss of our member, Bob Strauch z”l; our member Jay (Barbara) Lerman on the loss of his brother, Melvin Lerman z”l; our member Bob (Elise) Schepp on the loss of his mother, Naomi Schepp z”l; our member Mordechai (Joanna Esterow) Sacks on the loss of his father, Morris Sacks z”l.

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

Share your milestone events with us

If you experience a milestone or a loss in your family contact Zoe at zraynes@bethelnr.org or 914-235-2700, ext. 223

Jeremy Katz & Loren Edelson

Raanan Korinow & Shira Novack

Michael & Sigal Lerner

Bruce & Jill Weisfeld

General Fund:

BETH EL GIVES

Arye Stern; Paul Levy; Arkady Mamaysky; Lisa Jacobs for the good health of Lenny Lefkovic, Eliazor ben Hana; Sondra Peretz;

In Honor of:

Our grandsons Avi and Noam Sitkin, from Barbara & Allen Mendler.

The Beth El clergy team and the beautiful High Holiday services, from Michael & Suzette Fisher.

Joshua Kellman’s Bar Mitzvah from Robert & Zoe Raynes and Elizabeth Clain.

Joyce’s birthday, from Joyce & Michael Wechsler.

Marc S. Lazarus who is much involved in life at Beth El, from Gerald & Susan Spielholtz.

In Memory of:

Helene Wolloch z”l, from Lynn and Jeffrey Lowin, and Margo Lampert.

Martin Mayblum z”l, from David and Reena Glick.

Rena and Berish Strauch z”l, from Sondra Goldenberg, and Marianne & Bob Sussman.

My beloved father, Robert Berman z”l on his yahrzeit, from Pearl Sullivan.

My beloved husband and parents, from Roberta Chernov. My beloved mother, Bess Rosen Birshtein z”l, from Barbara Birshtein.

Melvin Lerman z”l, beloved brother of Jay Lerman, from Bruce & Rita Gilbert, Marianne & Bob Sussman, and Lloyd Sherman.

Naomi Schepp z”l, beloved mother of Bob Schepp, from Barbara & Bob Cohen, Eric & Elizabeth Alderman, and Shari Baum.

The Robert Matthew Klein Fund for Inclusion and Special Needs

In Honor of:

Max Sherman on the occasion of his Bar Mitzvah, from Gwen & Gary Salmo.

The Bat Mitzvah of Sophie Frankel, daughter of Shayna Klopott & Michael Frankel, from Lori & Steve Schwartz.

In Memory of:

Naomi Schepp z”l, beloved mother of Bob Schepp, from Lori & Steve Schwartz, and Rochelle Chaiken.

Yvette & Herman Gordon Century Fund for Adult Teaching & Learning

In Honor of:

Joyce Wechsler’s 80th birthday, from Michele Benach.

In Memory of:

Herb Fox z’l, from Judith & Elliot Schwartz.

Capital Improvement Fund

In Memory of:

My beloved mother, Ethel Steinman z”l, from Howard Steinman.

Endowment Fund

In Memory of:

Melvin Lerman z”l, beloved brother of Jay Lerman, from Marc & Barbara Klee.

Shoresh Halev Center for Jewish Music Fund

In Memory of:

George Tecklin z”l, a lifelong music lover, from Jeff & Susan Mittleman.

Pearl Friedman Rochelson z”l on her yahrzeit, from MeriJane Rochelson & Joel Mintz.

Naomi Schepp z”l, beloved mother of Bob Schepp, from Marc Suvall & Harriet Kaplan Suvall.

Rena and Berish Strauch z”l, from Phyllis & Harvey Jay.

Dr. Eli G. Rochelson z”l on his 40th yahrzeit, from MeriJane Rochelson and Joel Mintz.

Jeremy Scheinfeld Memorial Fund

In Honor of:

Sophie Frankel’s Bat Mitzvah, from Geralynn & David Reifer.

In Memory of:

Arnold Reifer z”l, from Arlene Reifer.

Naomi Schepp z”l, beloved mother of Bob Schepp, from Geralynn & David Reifer, and Gwen & Gary Salmo.

Dorothy Fleishaker Religious School Enrichment Fund

In Memory of:

Berish and Rena Strauch z”l, from Stanley & Susan Friedman.

The Sylvia & Robert Scher Chesed Community Fund

For the recovery of Judy Schwartz, from Phyllis and Harvey Jay

In Honor of:

Joyce Wechsler’s 80th birthday, from Phyllis & Harvey Jay.

In Memory of:

Melvin Lerman z”l, beloved brother of Jay Lerman, from Nora Klion-Wolloch.

Abe Walfish z”l on his yahrzeit, from Jeff & Susan Mittleman.

Selma & Stanley Batkin Religious School Scholarship Fund

In Memory of:

Naomi Schepp z”l, beloved mother of Bob Schepp, from William Winters.

The David Gingold Memorial Nursery School Fund

In Honor of:

The birth of Molly Adele Rosenstein, granddaughter of Shery and Howard Rosenstein, from Jeff & Susan Mittleman.

In Memory of:

Hannelies Guggenheim z’l, from Allan Guggenheim & Lucy Bolton.

Playground Renovation Fund

In Honor of:

Sophie Frankel becoming a Bat Mitzvah and her absolutely awesome D’var Torah, from Laura Jane Lewis.

In Memory of:

Naomi Schepp z”l, beloved mother of Bob Schepp, from Debbie & Steven Young.

Yahrzeit Donations

Cindy Aaronson & Stan Arkow; Marion Auspitz; Jerome Brown; Phyllis Brown; Sherry Brown; Diana Cohen Chudnoff; Judy & Doug Conrad; Joyce Cornick; Irwin & Ilene Davison; Noel & Leah Edelson; Barbara Ehudin; Kenneth Eisenberg; Arlene & Arthur Elkind & Family; Marilyn Falow; Ella & Russell Fayer; Barbara & Allen Feinberg; Marvin Feldman; Dalia Fenster; Annette Ferstenberg; Beatrice Freedman; Pamela Friedman & Robert Preminger; Bari Goldstein; Sandy Gruenberg; John & Sue Hakimi; Marilyn Handler; David Hirsh; Loretta & Arthur Holland; Deborah Kaplan; Madelyn & Albert Katz; Kenneth Klein; Deborah Frankel Koch; Barbara Kotler; Bernard Kramer; Stanley Krieg; Melvin Leitner; Caryn Levison; Martin Levitin; Susan Lurie; Lois Morgenstern; Diane Newman; Goldie Newman; Deborah Olstein; Adele Ostrager; Judith & Daniel Pace

and Family; Herbert & Lynda Posner; Barbara & Leon Protass; Richard Robbins; Evelyn & Barry Salter; Harriet E. Schwartz; Ira Shechter; Lloyd Sherman; Marsha & Warren Sherman; Barbara Simon & Family; Sandy & Max Stolzberg; Andrew Tannen; Norma Wasserman; Peter Wasserman; Michael & Joyce Wechsler; Bill Winters; Murray Zung & Family;

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund

Greta Gross in memory of her beloved husband, Bert Gross z”l; Ira & Cynthia Shechter in memory of Elaine Tiven z”l, beloved sister of Hyman Pryluck; Sharon Fishler in memory of Joel Shechter z”l, beloved brother of Ira Shechter; Barbara & Bob Cohen in memory of Bob’s beloved parents, Jerry and Jeanette Cohen z”l on their yahrzeits; Joy & Steve Rotker in loving memory of Steven Schneidman; Leslie & Dick Ruttenberg in honor of the Beth El clergy and staff who made Max’s Bar Mitzvah so special; F. William Reindel in memory of his beloved mother, Helen Jean Reindel z”l; Annette Fogelman in memory of Richard Vrodkin z”l, beloved husband of Sharon Vrodkin; Michael & Linda Goldstein in honor of Noah Chloe; Marjorie Schlosberg in memory of her beloved husband, Mitchell Glick z’l; Robert Strauch in memory of Berish and Rena Strauch z”l; Shayna Klopott & Michael Frankel in honor of Rabbi Schuck, Rabbi Sitkin and Cantor Gaby for helping prepare Sophie for her Bat Mitzvah and for their incredible spiritual leadership; Paul Bernstein in memory of Leo Bernstein z”l, Lev Shmuel ben Reuven v’Raisel; Avi & Jacqui Einzig in memory of Miriam Einzig z”l on her yahrzeit; Caryl Fuchs in memory of Naomi Schepp z”l, beloved mother of Bob Schepp; Phyllis Cole in memory of Melvin Lerman z”l, beloved brother of Jay Lerman; Janis Demartini in memory of Naomi Schepp z’l, beloved mother of Bob Schepp; Janis Demartini in honor of Jay Rehr’s 70th birthday; Joshua & Deena Davis in memory of Melvin Lerman z”l, beloved brother of Jay Lerman; Deena Davis in memory of her beloved mother, Sylvia Griff z”l, on her yahrzeit; Louise & Jason Silverman and family in memory of their dear friend, Dr. Berish Strauch z”l; Laura Jane Lewis in honor of Joshua Kellman becoming a Bar Mitzvah;

The Schepp Family would like to thank our Beth El family for all their generosity, love and support during this difficult time

In Honor of:

Shery and Howard Rosenstein, the birth of your grandchild from Phyllis and Harvey Jay

Erica and Larry Epstein, the marriage of your son, Marc to Sarah from Phyllis and Harvey Jay, Vicki and Nate Fisher with many thanks for your kindness from Harriet and David Rudnick, Donna and Gary Levy, the bat mitzvah of your granddaughter Hannah Levy from Joyce and Michael Wechsler

To donate to the Sisterhood Mitzvah Fund

Please send donations to:

Sisterhood Mitzvah Fund:

Gaby Newfield

87 Runyon Place

Scarsdale, NY 10583

P: 914-235-4030

E: gabyn77@yahoo.com

In Memory of:

Elaine Tiven, beloved sister of Hyman Pryluck from Andrea Spitz

Rena Strauch, beloved wife and mother of the Strauch family from Phyllis and Harvey Jay

Martin Mayblum, beloved father of Adam Mayblum from Joyce and Michael Wechsler

Bob Strauch, beloved father of Robert Strauch and family from Sheila Tanenbaum

Naomi Schepp, beloved mother of Elise and Bob Schepp from Phyllis and Harvey Jay, Harriet and David Rudnick, Joyce and Michael Wechsler, Alise Liquorie, Erica and Larry Epstein

Joel Shechter, beloved brother of Ira Shechter from Vicki and Nate Fisher

Bert Schwarz, beloved husband and father of Miriam

Schwarz and family from Vicki and Nate Fisher

Manuel Herbst, beloved father of Susan Meisler from Vicki and Nate Fisher

Sheldon Lobel, beloved father of Marci Lobel-Esrig from Vicki and Nate Fisher

Miriam Sapiro, beloved mother of Susan Sapiro and Beth Sapiro Kasma from Mona Gross

Melvin Lerman, beloved brother of Jay Lerman from Joyce and Michael Wechsler

5784 B’Yachad Donations

Thank you to all who have contributed to Beth El’s Annual B’Yachad Fundraiser.

Below are contributions received after the printing of the January Bulletin.

Sisterhood Donations THANK YOU!

Koach

($10,000 and above)

Marc and Harriet Kaplan Suvall

Patron

($3,600 and above)

Rob and Amy Feilbogen

Benefactor

($1,800 and above)

Marvin and Susan Dubin

Steward

($1000 and above)

Mark and Lisa Medin

Alan and Thalia Segal

Contributor

($360 and above)

Ella and Russel Fayer

Dava Yavetz and David Lacher

Other Donations

Anonymous

The Katz Family

Candace Silver

Dani and Robyn Yairi

Kiddush Sponsors

The kiddush of January 6th was sponsored by Shayna Klopott and Michael Frankel in honor of their daughter Sophie Frankel’s bat mitzvah.

The kiddish of February 3rd was sponsored by Richard Wolloch and family to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Sam Wolloch’s bar mitzvah and in memory of Helene Wolloch and by Sam and Tris Berger in honor of their 35th wedding anniversary.

The kiddush of February 10th was sponsored by Youth families in honor of Youth and Family shabbat weekend.

The Health for Life Program (HeLP)

This kiddush of February 16th was sponsored by Beth El in honor of Rabbi Sirner.

The kiddush of March 2nd was sponsored by Allison and Alan Kellman in honor of their son Joshua Kellman’s bar mitzvah.

The kiddush of March 9th is sponsored by Samantha Katzenberg in honor of her daughter Alison Katzenberg’s bat mitzvah.

Health for Life Program (HeLP): Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop

Do you have a chronic disease or care for someone who does?

Join this six- week workshop geared to Westchester residents age 55 and older and their caregivers to learn techniques and strategies to better manage your health. Topics include: getting a good night's sleep, healthy eating, setting goals, breathing techniques, action planning.

Thursdays March 28 – May 9,2024 (no class April 25) from 10 am to 12:30 p.m.

Beth El Synagogue Center, 1324 North Ave. New Rochelle

Space is limited. Registration is required.

Email Marikay Capasso: mqcq@westchestercountyny.gov or call 914-813-6427 to learn more & register.

Synagogue Guide

We hope this guide makes it easier to figure out who on staff to contact for all your needs.

If you have any other questions, please contact Naiza at ncintron@bethelnr.org.

To see all upcoming services and events, go to: bethelnr.org/calendar/ For a list of this week’s events with registration and Zoom links, go to: bethelnr.org/this-week/

To sign up to read Torah or Haftorah, go to: bethelnr.org/readhaftorah

Ronnie Becher (Nursery School Director) ext 250

nursery@bethelnr.org

Naiza Cintron (Executive Assistant) ext 227

ncintron@bethelnr.org

Elizabeth Clain (Executive Director) ext 225

eclain@bethelnr.org

Rebecca Guralnik (Camp Director) ext 256

daycamp@bethelnr.org

Jack Klebanow (Music Director) ext 252

jklebanow@bethelnr.org

Stephanie (Director of Programming)

Lederman ext 246

slederman@bethelnr.org

Abby Prager (Administrative Coordinator) ext 223

aprager@bethelnr.org

Zoe Raynes (Clergy Assistant) ext 228

zraynes@bethelnr.org

Julie Rockowitz (Senior Programming Coordinator)

ext 340

jrockowitz@bethelnr.org

Shery Rosenstein (Nursery School Assistant Director)

ext 235

nursery@bethelnr.org

Marilyn Russell (Facilities Director) ext 226

mrussell@bethelnr.org

David Schuck (Rabbi) ext 230

dschuck@bethelnr.org

Gaby Schvartz (Cantor) ext 326

gschvartz@bethelnr.org

Alyssa Schwager (Youth & Family Director)

Berman ext 221

aberman@bethelnr.org

Zachary Sitkin (Rabbi) ext 338

zsitkin@bethelnr.org

Olivier Vogel (Controller) ext 231

ovogel@bethelnr.org

SYNAGOGUE RESOURCES – WHO TO CALL IF YOU:

✔ Want to make a donation?

Zoe Raynes ext 228

✔ Had a baby, know someone in the hospital, had a death in the family, or need Rabbinic counsel?

Zoe Raynes ext 228

✔ Are celebrating a milestone or achievement?

Stephanie Lederman ext 246

✔ Have a question about catering or celebrating a simcha at Beth El?

Stephanie Lederman ext 246

✔ Need to set up a Bar/Bat/B’nei Mitzvah date?

Zoe Raynes ext 228

✔ Need to purchase a cemetery plot or need information about our cemeteries?

Elizabeth Clain ext 225

✔ Have a question about a Yahrzeit date?

Zoe Raynes ext 228

✔ Need to know the time of services?

bethelnr.org/calendar

Abby Prager ext 223

✔ Have a question about events?

Stephanie Lederman ext 246

✔ Interested in joining one of our many clubs?

✔ Want to volunteer?

Stephanie Lederman ext 246

Stephanie Lederman ext 246

✔ Need information about membership?

Elizabeth Clain ext 225

✔ Have a question about your statement?

Olivier Vogel ovogel@bethelnr.org

✔ Interested in our religious school?

Alyssa Schwager ext 221

✔ Interested in our day camp?

Rebecca Guralnik ext 256

✔ Want to join Sisterhood or Men’s Club?

✔ Interested in nursery school?

Abby Prager ext 223

Ronnie Becher or Shery Rosenstein ext 250

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Proud Beth El Member

RANKED IN THE TOP 1% IN WESTCHESTER

RANKED IN THE TOP 1.5% IN THE U.S. #1 AGENT IN NEW ROCHELLE

NEW ROCHELLE BROKERAGE • 15 QUAKER RIDGE ROAD • NEW ROCHELLE, NY 10804