Dear Friends,
Rabbi’s Message
At Beth El, music has always been an integral part of our spiritual and communal life, but through Shoresh Halev, our Center for Jewish Music, we have witnessed a true transformation. These efforts, of course, have been led by our indefatigable music director Jack Klebanow in partnership with Cantor Gaby, and made possible through the generous vision and support of Laurence and Carla Stein and others. The power of Jewish music is taking root in every corner of our synagogue, growing and flourishing in ways that continue to inspire, energize, and unite us.
We see it in the soaring participation at our services, where melodies lift us higher in prayer. Our First Fridays musical services are drawing larger crowds than ever before, infusing Kabbalat Shabbat with joy and connection. Our prayer team meets regularly to learn new melodies and cultivate the confidence necessary to bring harmonies and soul into our communal tefillah.
We see it in the voices of our children. From the youngest members of our nursery school rockin’ along with Jack (and his keyboard!) and Gaby (and her guitar!), to the enthusiastic singers in Shirateinu, our children’s choir, Jewish music is becoming a language they instinctively know and love. In our religious school and among some of our oldest members, music is fostering deep intergenerational connections, helping us pass down tradition in a way that is vibrant and meaningful.
We see it beyond the walls of our synagogue. I am especially proud of Shirei Neshama, our initiative that commissions Jewish artists to create new musical pieces for ritual moments on the holiday calendar. Each piece debuts in a concert at Beth El before becoming part of our communal prayer life. Artists who have created new music through us include Nava Tehila, Basya Schechter, Rabbi Josh Warshawsky, Rabbi Yosef Goldman, Galeet Dardashti, and Sir Frank London. These melodies have enriched our communal prayer and have found their way into synagogues around the world.
Our music is traveling far and wide, through our Shoresh Halev social media presence and music videos (some of which have thousands of views), reaching hearts beyond our immediate community. There have been articles written about the work we have been doing in the larger press as
well. The music being created here—songs of celebration, yearning, and spirit—is becoming part of the larger renaissance of Jewish music around the world.
And this is just the beginning. As we dream about an online “listening room,” continue our expansion into interfaith musical collaborations, and strengthen our ongoing programs, the roots of Shoresh Halev will only deepen. There are so many opportunities to be uplifted by these events.
If you haven’t joined us for a melaveh malka, an evening of music, singing, and reflection, all facilitated by gifted musicians in the intimate setting of someone’s home, we would love for you to join us.
But at the heart of these efforts is not a program or a choir or a concert. The essence of this work is to infuse our Jewish lives in and out of the sanctuary with music because it elevates our spirits, strengthens our bonds, and allows us to access the divine in a way that words alone cannot. This is one core piece of my vision for Beth El.
There are so many opportunities to connect to the music and singing that we are creating. At times, it inspires hope. At other times, the music is elegiac, striking the much needed chord of reflection and contemplation. We hope this music will deepen your experience of Jewish life, both inside and outside of our communal home.
L’Shalom,
Rabbi David A. Schuck
Above: Frank London recording session Learn more about Shoresh Halev Center for Jewish Music at Beth El at bethelnr.org/music
President’s Message
People often ask me about our membership numbers — are they going up or down. They have read studies or heard anecdotes about synagogue membership generally and about membership in conservative synagogues in decline. I am thrilled to note that Beth El is no longer experiencing that. A part of this is due to the increase in young families joining the shul. I have written about this trend in prior bulletin articles and it is evident on Shabbat mornings when our preschool members are literally crawling all over the bima, ready for grape juice and challah. Maybe less obvious is the fact that we have many new members who are not in that “young family” demographic. Many of these members are already deeply engaged in the fabric of Beth El.
I asked several of these new members what drew them to Beth El. Warmth, the community, spiritual connections, and the incredible clergy team came up over and over again.
“I chose Beth El because I immediately felt a warmth and sense of belonging when I visited the shul. The community represents the true essence of Judaism - meeting you where you are to encourage and nurture a connection to the religion. Beth El does the most wonderful job from parent to child and my family feels very lucky to be a small part of that.”
—Katie Rappaport
Denise Abner similarly focused on our incredible community:
“Being a part of a lively Jewish community with members from all age groups drew us into making a synagogue change once we became empty nesters. In addition, the multiple clergy members who exude warmth, knowledge and energy and an active musical component made Beth El a natural choice for us.”
uplifted and grateful each and every week. We are thankful for the kindness and warmth of the Beth El community.”
— Reena Blum Glick
The clergy and Shabbat were also central to Jacques Steinberg and Sharon Weinstock joining Beth El:
“There are so many aspects of Beth El that drew Sharon and me to the congregation. But the marquee attraction for us was the opportunity to study with (and learn from) Rabbi Schuck and the entire clergy team— including in settings like the Shabbat Kavannah Service, with its much-appreciated infusion of meditation and mindfulness.”
— Jacques Steinberg
Reading these words reinforces how special and unique our community is and fills me with pride in our shul, and with excitement that members, from those who have recently joined to those who have been members for years or decades are a part of our community. Joanna Stein’s comment hits on all these themes:
“Beth El immediately impressed us with its welcoming congregation, that is Jewishinformed, curious and joyful. We also felt a connection with the clergy and the leadership that they offer. We are so thrilled with the decision to join Beth El. It’s a fantastic fit for our family.”
— Denise Abner
Others spoke about the spirituality and how Shabbat services at Beth El infuse meaning:
“Joining Beth El has been a wonderful decision for our family. We leave shul feeling inspired,
Lauren Freeman-Bosworth President
—Joanna Stein
Purim!
Thursday, March 13th
Erev Purim
5:49am Dawn—Start of Fast
7:00am Shacharit
4:00pm-6:00pm Religious School
5:30pm Mini Megillah for Tots Families (Ages 0-5)
6:00pm-6:30pm Kids’ Pizza Dinner (All ages under 13)
6:40pm Purim Megillah Reading and Purim Celebration with Shpiel
Dress up, hear the Megillah chanted by our teens, and see a hilarious “Purimshpiel” featuring congregants.
7:42pm Nightfall—End of Fast Grab a hamentashen!
9:00pm After Party
Adults, join us for a costumed hang over brews & appetizers! Details TBD
Friday, March 14th Purim
7:00am Shacharit with Megillah Reading
6:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat
6:43 Candle Lighting
B E T H E L
P U R I M C A R N I V A L
A Day of Fun for the Whole Family!
Get ready for a day of fun, games, and mitzvot at our annual Purim Carnival! This event is perfect for families with children of Tots-elementary schoolers; 4th graders and older are welcome to volunteer! Costumes encouraged. In addition to all of the carnival fun, join us to pack meals to share with our neighbors and HOPE Community Services.
SUNDAY, MARCH 9TH
10:30-11 AM QUIET & TOT TIME 11 AM- 1 PM FULL CARNIVAL
Passover 5785
14-20 Nisan • Evening of Saturday, April 12th – Sunday, April 20th
April 12th
Erev Pesach
8:13pm Candle Lighting
April 13th
Pesach
9:00am Festival Morning Services
7:10pm Festival Mincha/Maariv
8:15pm Candle Lighting
April 14th
Pesach
9:00am Festival Morning Services
7:20pm Festival Mincha/Maariv
8:16pm Havdalah
April 15th
Chol Hamoed Pesach
7:00am Shacharit
7:20pm Mincha/Maariv
April 16th
Chol Hamoed Pesach
7:00am Shacharit
7:20pm Mincha/Maariv
April 17th
Chol Hamoed Pesach
7:00am Shacharit
7:20pm Mincha/Maariv
April 18th
Chol Hamoed Pesach
7:00am Shacharit
6:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat
7:20pm Candle Lighting
April 19th
Pesach
9:00am Festival Morning Services
7:20pm Mincha/Maariv
8:21pm Candle Lighting
April 20th
Pesach
9:00am Festival Morning Services
7:30pm Mincha/Maariv
8:22pm Havdalah
Beth El Shabbaton Reflections
As relatively new members of Beth El, my family was excited for the Shabbaton experience. As a parent of a preschooler, I spend a lot of time with the vibrant community of families with children in similar age ranges. However, the Shabbaton offered a wonderful opportunity, both formally and informally, to deepen connections not only within this group but also with other members in the congregation.
During the weekend, the hallway, a space commonly used just for traveling between places, became a hub of connection. We shared group bedtime stories, and after the kids were asleep, impromptu board games brought people together. These spontaneous moments, along with structured activities of the Shabbaton like trivia, bingo, and shared meals, offered plenty of chances to connect.
What makes a community truly special is the relationships between its members. The Shabbaton provided a meaningful space for us to build and strengthen these connections, enriching both ourselves and the entire Beth El community.
Just as there is an opening to Shabbat, there is also a closing, and Havdalah serves as the other bookend. I don’t like to think of it as an “ending” because part of Havdalah is about carrying the essence of Shabbat with us into the week until the next Shabbat.
The connections that were made during the Shabbaton both enriched us individually and also helped to strengthen our community. Who would have thought that stepping out of New Rochelle would be the key to bringing us all closer together? This sentiment feels particularly fitting because it was also expressed in that week’s parshah, Bo. In Bo the Jewish people only become a community when they join together leaving Egypt. For those of us who attended the Shabbaton by leaving New Rochelle and coming together we were able to build closer connections and further enrich our Beth El community.
Shira Novack Member
Secrets of Our Sanctuary
This is the second of five Bulletin articles exploring the Beth El Sanctuary as we celebrate its 55th year. The Sanctuary was opened for use for the High Holidays in 1970.
The articles are based on the book, Let Them Build Me a Sanctuary, written by long time Beth El member Stanley Batkin z’’l, detailing the 20-year process in designing and implementing Beth El’s move from Union Avenue in downtown New Rochelle to the North End, which began in the late 1960s. Stanley’s portrait hangs in the Board Room, along with examples of Israeli art that he collected and donated to Beth El.
Although “Look Up” is the tag line for the new Superman movie coming in July, this article explores some of the many reasons to look up in the Sanctuary. While there are no comic book heroes present, you may even find some real “superheroes” there.
Standing in the center of our Sanctuary, start by turning around and looking up to explore the rear fixed wall. Above the movable portion of the wall is a series of fifteen traditional stained glass “Celestory Windows” (windows that are placed high to allow natural light into the space), which also grace the bottom border of this and most pages of each issue of the Bulletin. Stanley designed them, with the cooperation of our revered Cantor, Lawrence Avery, to depict instruments clearly described in the Torah and psalms. Each window is 26-inches high by 61-feet wide. According to Stanley, “As the sun sets in the west, these brilliant glass windows create a colored banner of reflected light moving across our sanctuary seats and walls in the direction of the ark.”
The instruments represented (from left to right), are: Pipe, Drum, Trumpet, Tambourine, Shofar, Flute, Psaltery (a medieval ten-stringed instrument like a dulcimer), Cymbals, and Harp. The flute, shofar, tambourine, trumpet, drum, and pipe are repeated.
Beneath the clerestory windows are listed the names of the forty-eight prophets, followed by seven “prophetesses”, including Sarah, Miriam Deborah, Hannah, Abigail, Huldah and Esther. The list was compiled by Rashi, and the book indicates that although there were other lists of prophets, Rashi’s list “seemed most acceptable”. Fifty-five years later, we may question why the prophetesses were not chronologically integrated into the list (e.g. Sarah between Abraham and Isaac). It is not known if the idea was even broached at the time of design, which was well before Beth El became egalitarian.
Above the pulpit is a transparent plastic dome. It was situated above the four holes inset into the Bimah floor (covered by four removable plates) that are used to anchor chuppah poles. The dome was placed to provide brides and grooms “a view of the open sky as they join their lives together in the bonds of marriage”. The dome is also known for allowing sunlight to “bathe” our rabbis with light during morning services at certain times of the year, when they stand at the lectern traditionally placed on the left side of the Bimah. Of course, a second dome was added above the central reading table when the Sanctuary was remodeled in 2019 into 2020.
The ceiling is unadorned except at the joining of the walls, where there is a repetitive design of an ancient menorah, made of rolled zinc and painted in gold, which was a common design element in the nineteenth century. Stanley revealed that one regret he had about the Sanctuary design was the failure to sufficiently light this border. This beautiful design element is much easier to see since the remodeling.
In the next Bulletin issue– What do you do if you need to get a message to the Rabbi sitting on the Bimah?
Do you have a spare copy of Stanley’s book you could donate to the shul? We are looking to bolster our collection. Please be in touch with our main office if so.
Steven Young Member
To sponsor a future scholar series event in memory of a loved one or in honor of someone, please visit bethelnr.org/obmsponsorship.
Meet Solange Hansen
We asked Beth El’s new Development Director Solange Hansen a few questions for this month’s Bulletin to help our community get to know the person behind our upcoming strategic growth.
What aspects of Beth El excite you the most?
I love that I’m supporting an organization that is part of my community that I care deeply about. I live six minutes, three miles away—and being close to my mother who has lived with me for 25 years is very important to me.
I’ve loved walking the halls and hearing members tell stories about their deep connections to Beth El and learning the Synagogue’s history. I get great joy from hearing the Nursery School kids outside my office, and I am enjoying getting to know my colleagues.
Can you share how your previous development roles might guide your work here at Beth El?
In my role at IsraAID—the oldest and largest Israel-based global humanitarian aid organization—I worked to expand communities of supporters throughout the New York region to strengthen its global humanitarian efforts. What sets IsraAID apart from other humanitarian organizations is its rapid response to disasters, partnering with local communities to restore stability as quickly and effectively as possible. Their work includes reopening schools and centers for vulnerable populations, addressing trauma and mental health needs, and implementing clean water solutions by leveraging cuttingedge Israeli technology and innovation.
For example, since 2015, IsraAID has been on the ground in Vanuatu—a remote island nation in the South Pacific, located about 500 miles from Fiji and 1,000 miles from Australia— helping communities rebuild after a devastating cyclone displaced over 150,000 residents. Their long-term approach ensures sustainable recovery and resilience for the future.
I started doing political fundraising many years ago for Senator Arlen Specter (PA), one of the most outspoken Jewish members of the US Senate. This is where I truly learned the role of fundraising, relationship building, and the power of people coming together to find solutions for community needs.
Fun Fact: Solange teaches a weekly sewing class for children at Pelham Public Library where kids learn basic sewing machine and embroidery skills. She has been teaching this class for about 5 years, and has taught over 300 kids in the community. Say hello and give a warm welcome to Solange when you see her at Beth El.
Below: Solange and her beautiful children.
Chesed at Beth El
The mitzvah of bikkur cholim —visiting those who are ill or homebound—has deep roots in our tradition. The rabbis teach that when Avraham was recovering from brit milah,
God visited him, modeling for us the importance of showing up for one another in times of need.
At Beth El, we take this mitzvah to heart. Our dedicated team of volunteers reaches out to homebound seniors and others who may appreciate a phone call or visit, offering connection and kindness. If you or someone you know would enjoy a friendly check-in from a fellow community member, please reach out to me at vbedo@bethelnr.org or (914) 2352700, ext 427. We’d love to be in touch and help strengthen the bonds of our Beth El family.
Rabbi Viki Bedo
Keruv | Accessibility & Inclusion @ Beth El
At Beth El, we strive to provide a warm and welcoming environment for members and visitors. This intention is expressed on the synagogue’s website, influences several programs and initiatives at Beth El, and is the primary motivation of the Keruv committee. When anyone enters Beth El, we want them to feel they belong. Despite good intentions, however, synagogues may not be as welcoming and inclusive as they strive to be and there is always room for growth and improvement.
For this reason, USCJ released a new resource, “Inclusive Greeting & Ushering Guidance for the Whole Community.” It provides guidance to greeters and ushers at synagogue services because they are typically the first people to greet newcomers and guests, but it also provides a refresher for everyone in the community on how to foster a welcoming atmosphere. Here are some key takeaways from the guidance for our synagogue:
• When people first enter, greet them with “Shabbat Shalom” or “Welcome to Beth El” to signal that they are seen and we are glad they are here.
• Do not ask people if it is their first time at Beth El, or what brought them to the synagogue. These questions can offend someone if they are not new, and may make people feel like you think they do not belong, and you do.
• Do not ask people if they are Jewish or make any assumptions about their religious identity, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, children, etc. These questions or assumptions can make people feel
marginalized or that they are not accepted. We do not need to put people into categories and should strive to see and accept each individual as they are. Respect a person’s appearance, identity, self-label, chosen name, and pronouns.
• Do not comment on whether someone looks Jewish or their name sounds Jewish. Jews look many different ways, and come from different places. These types of comments deny that diversity and can come across as judgmental and exclusionary. It’s best not to make any comments about someone’s personal appearance as these types of comments can make people feel uncomfortable or self-conscious.
• Let people know that you are available if they have any questions or if there is anything they need to feel welcome at Beth El.
The entire Do and Don’t list in the document is worth reading and can be accessed on uscj.org or from the link on the Keruv page on the Beth El website - https://www. bethelnr.org/connect/adults/keruv/.
Thank you for all you do to help make people feel welcome and at home at Beth El!
Do you have any special needs such as wheelchair seating? Please let us know! Please email info@bethelnr.org or call our main office.
Carrie Fox Keruv Committee
Beth El Nursery School
Here in the Northern Hemisphere, we are still in the throes of winter. For so many of us, it’s not just the cold; we’re still feeling the chill that comes with the effects of the war in Israel.
And yet, according to the Jewish calendar, we came up on a holiday that’s all about spring: Tu Bishvat, the birthday of the trees, which we celebrated in February.
In the depth of winter, the calendar asks us to look forward. To grow. To dig our roots down deep, to stretch our branches wide, and to heal from the icy pains around us. There’s a powerful message in that. Even in the darkest times, we can hope for –and grow–a better future.
Tu Bishvat literally means the fifteenth day of the Hebrew month of Shevat and usually falls in January or February. It may be winter for us, but it is the end of the rainy season in Israel and the time when sap has started rising in the trees. In the Nursery School, each year we celebrate Tu Bishvat as the “birthday of the trees.”
This year, we transformed the Youth Lounge into a “Tu Bishvat Expo.” Children’s natural sense of amazement, wonder and joy of discovery was evident as they entered the room and began to explore the variety of activities that awaited them. All activities focused on or used materials directly connected to the earth and trees and children independently explored and self-selected what they wanted to engage in.
Soil was the basis for a number of activities, as they scooped, patted and poured from one vessel to another. There were no limits to the sensory experiences nor to the mess. Children used leaves, greenery, pine cones and flowers on overhead projectors and light tables to experiment with light and
shadows. They used a variety of wooden loose parts to build on a mirrored base and built structures with large wooden blocks. Matching the picture of a fresh fruit to the dried fruit needed a lot of “concentration” and focus as the cards were turned over. Cheerios and pipe cleaners were used to create bird feeders, and parsley seeds were planted in small peat pots with the hope they’ll be ready for Pesach.
A birthday celebration must have special treats and this one had a few very colorful ones. Orange dried apricots and mangos, green dried kiwi, brown dates and raisins, and yellow dried apples.
Tu Bishvat is an important holiday for today’s children. As our awareness of the environment becomes more essential to the future of the human race, Tu Bishvat takes on more of a global importance. It is not just about spring, trees, and rebirth in Israel; it is about respecting, appreciating, and taking care of nature. Any activities we can do to foster these values transmit the true meaning of Tu Bishvat to our children. Celebrating Tu Bishvat as a school has given the children a deep sense of the Kedusha (sacredness) of trees. We believe that if the trees could talk, this would be exactly the kind of celebration they would request.
To paraphrase a quote, “Imagine if trees gave free wifi. We’d all be planting like crazy, It’s a pity they only give us the oxygen we breathe.” And this holiday serves as the perfect segue to the Nursery School joining the synagogue as we explore and support Beth El’s recycling initiative.
Ronnie Becher & Shery Rosenstein Beth El Nursery School
Beth El Day Camp
Exciting New Programs – Register Now!
We’re thrilled to announce exciting new additions to Beth El Day Camp programming this summer! Get ready for a season filled with creativity, adventure, and unforgettable memories. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming: New Program Highlights
• Red, White, and Blue Spin Art
Celebrate the 4th of July by creating spin art in red, white, and blue!
• Bubble Show with Bubbledad
Prepare to be amazed as Bubbledad dazzles campers with his magical bubble displays!
• Circus Lessons with Time Flies Circus
Campers will have the chance to learn circus skills from the pros at Time Flies Circus in hands-on, interactive lessons.
• Nature Adventures with Wayfinders: We’re partnering with Wayfinders on the Hudson to bring weekly nature-based activities to all age groups. From outdoor exploration to mindfulness exercises, campers will engage in fun, enriching experiences through a social-emotional learning lens.
Camp families can also expect their favorite activities to return this summer: yoga, cooking, tennis, swim, music, art, dance, STEM, crossfit, magic, and so much more!
Creativity Camp – Now Featuring Fashion Design/Textiles!
For our budding 9-12 year old artists, we’re expanding our art intensive program this summer to include Fashion Design and Textiles! Campers will have the opportunity to explore the world of fashion, learn basic design techniques, and experiment with textiles to create their own designs. It’s a perfect way for young artists to dive deep into their creativity and express their unique style.
Don’t miss out—spots are filling up fast! Visit betheldaycamp.org to register today. Feel free to contact our leadership team at daycamp@bethelnr. org with any questions. We hope you join us for a magical summer!
Guralnik & Zoe Schein
Rebecca
Beth El Day Camp
Department of Youth and Family
Our first few months of 2025 were full of exciting programming, including HaNEWkkah, Youth & Family Shabbat, Bishul Ba’Olam, MLK Mitzvah Day, Pajama Havdalah, ice skating, and our reimagined Shabbaton! We want to thank our Beth El community for their support, especially for MLK Mitzvah Day. With your help, we collected 161 pairs of eyeglasses and 73 glasses cases, not to mention 22 bags of Jewish children’s books. We also packed 120 sack lunches, made 30 fleece scarves and cocoa kits, gifted 50 tissue paper flowers to White Plains Hospital, and made 45 friendship bracelets for Israel. It was so special to see our community come together in honor of MLK Day to do tikkun olam.
As we look ahead towards March and April, we are excited for a new Shabbat dinner for families with young children on March 7, as well as the Purim Carnival and Mini Megillah. Along with Purim comes our annual Purim Matanot Le’evyonim Campaign. This campaign both fulfills the mitzvah of matanot le’evyonim (gifts to those with less than you) for Purim, and is the Youth & Family Engagement Department’s main annual fundraiser. Your support with this campaign helps the Youth & Family Engagement Department continue providing high quality programming and education for Beth El’s future. You are supporting special events, enriching learning experiences, and meaningful connections while doing one of the key mitzvot of Purim. Thank you for joining us.
In addition to our annual campaign, we are the proud recipients of a grant from UJA Federation of New York that will allow us to prepare HOPEful meals, individually packaged meals that will be delivered as more matanot le’evyonim. We will be doing this mitzvah together at the Purim Carnival, and we are excited to share meals with our community.
Alyssa Berman
Beth El Religious School
Shoresh Halev
Center for Jewish Music at Beth El
As winter rolls into spring, we have exciting things happening at Shoresh Halev Center for Jewish Music at Beth El!
We hope you had a chance to take in our production of Shul Shenanigans 2 on the weekend of March 1-2. What fun it has been to create a totally new show with the participation of so many people in our sacred community. It was uproariously funny, compelling musically, and absolutely charming. Bravo to Howard Rosenstein for writing and directing yet another brilliant spoof musical of all things Beth El! Also here’s a shout out to all the wonderful actors, stage hands and pit band members—what a great community event. As much as we love to reach for spiritual depths, sometimes it’s wonderful to just have fun, sing, make great music, be together socially, and find opportunities to laugh together.
This spring marks a new phase in the development of Shoresh Halev, where we aim to build out our organization to include members of the community in advisory and
leadership positions. This is an essential next step which will allow us to continue to grow, and continue to expand our programming, and to engage increasingly larger audiences. Whether you are interested in our Shirei Neshama project, in which we commission renowned musicians to create new musical works for each of the Jewish holidays, the Prayer Team and Prayer Initiative, Shiratenu (our Children’s Choir), our prospective Listening Room Online Community, Beth El Cafe, Musical Beit Midrash, supporting our efforts in Social Media Marketing, or Tech Support (sound and video!), we would love to include you in our future planning efforts.
Please be in touch with me directly at jklebanow@bethelnr. org if you are interested in participating in one of these wonderful projects. I always welcome your input and support!
Jack Klebanow Shoresh Halev Center for Jewish Music at Beth El
Spring Film Festival Is Back!
The Festival Dinner-Theatre will return in May with This Is the Army Mister Cohen
Off we’ll go into the wild blue yonder when Beth El commemorates the 80th Anniversary of Allied Victory in World War ll. Through the lens of four superb films we will explore portraits of Jewish characters in the military during the war to save the free world.
We weigh anchor on Thursday, May 1st, with The Caine Mutiny, starring Humphrey Bogart. Throughout the month of May, Thursday evening presentations will continue with The Young Lions, starring Montgomery Clft; Biloxi Blues, starring Matthew Broderick; and Saving Private Ryan, starring Tom Hanks. The films’ directors—Steven Spielberg, Mike Nichols, and Edward Dmytryk—are giants in their field.
A delightful Dinner-Theatre is the format of our Spring Festival, as each self-contained session opens with
a delicious delicatessen buffet for those who are willing to trade in those succulent matzos they will have been eating for a pastrami on rye. Dinner is followed with a formal introductory lecture, a complete screening, and a most stimulating (and possibly bellicose, this year) group discussion. Although our Festival has its aficionados, newcomers are immediately welcomed and made to feel at home.
Returning as Guest Lecturer for the series is Rabbi Azriel Fellner. An eloquent speaker, widely sought-after scholarin-residence, master of Jewish text, and analyst of Jewish life in contemporary American culture, Rabbi Fellner is a veritable five-star general in his field. Our fearless leader and founding chairwoman of the Festival, Elaine Katz, will also be presenting.
Registration information will be forthcoming. Be sure to enlist before you are drafted!
Security Update
Enhancing Our Synagogue’s Security: A Grant Update
The security committee is pleased to share that Beth El Synagogue Center has been awarded a $200,000 grant from the Securing Communities Against Hate Crime (SCAHC) initiative. This significant funding reflects our ongoing commitment to the safety and security of our community and is in addition to a grant that we received in 2023 that has been used to upgrade our camera operating system, our network security and will be used this spring to install bollards at the front of Beth El.
The 2024 grant will support four key security initiatives designed to further enhance our facility’s protection and resilience:
1. Improve the security of the Perimeter Entrance Doors
2. Expansion of the CCTV System
3. Installation of a Building-Wide Public Address System
4. Installation of Extensive Perimeter Lighting on Beth El Grounds
While we won’t detail every measure for security reasons, please know that we work with Bill Hayes who is a security professional and part of the Community Security Initiatives funded by the UJA and the Westchester Jewish Council to identify areas of the building that need security updates.
We are thrilled that New York State is providing this kind of support to houses of worship which allows us to harden our infrastructure. So far, no grants have been offered to offset the cost of security guards—the security fee that every member of Beth El pays goes towards paying for these guards.
Finally, we want to make Beth El Congregants aware that this year the New Rochelle Police provided all security for the High Holidays and Shabbat morning through the month of February gratis. Please be sure to thank the police for all they do to keep us safe, we are truly grateful to the City of New Rochelle and the police for supporting Jewish Institutions during these times.
The Green Team
Be on the lookout for new signage that we hope will be helpful in guiding communal sorting of items for composting, recycling, and trash. We look forward to collaborating with you to ensure our local footprint is
a green one globally! Passionate about composting and recycling in New Rochelle? Learn more about becoming an ambassador at bethelnr.org/green.
Israel 360 | Staying Connected with our Israeli Family
Looking Back: Nova Survivor Ron Segev & Activist Shabbos
Kestenbaum @ Beth El
The Israel 360 Committee began 2025 with two thoughtprovoking speakers, offering unique insights into issues facing Israel and the Jewish community today. First off, we had the privilege of hearing from Ron Segev, a survivor of the tragic attack at the Nova music festival on October 7th, 2023. His personal account of that fateful day was both heartbreaking and inspiring.
Ron shared the harrowing story of how the music and joy at the festival suddenly turned to chaos, with explosions, gunshots, and screams of terror replacing the sounds of celebration. Attending the festival with his brother and friends, Ron’s life was irrevocably changed in an instant. Though a year has passed since that tragic day, he explained that, for him and the community of survivors, it often feels as though it happened just yesterday.
Beth El was deeply moved by Ron’s courageous story of survival and resilience, and by his commitment to helping others through the work of the Nova Foundation. This organization plays a crucial role in providing emotional, social, and welfare support to the survivors, helping them rebuild their lives in the aftermath of unimaginable trauma.
Our second speaker, in an event co-sponsored with Israel Bonds, was Shabbos Kestenbaum, a Harvard Divinity School student, activist, and lead plaintiff in a landmark lawsuit against Harvard University, alleging pervasive and systemic antisemitism. A prominent voice in the fight against antisemitism, Shabbos has become a key figure in national conversations, frequently contributing to media outlets, testifying before Congress, and speaking internationally on critical issues facing the Jewish community.
During his talk, Shabbos shared the disturbing experiences he and other Jewish students faced at Harvard, where they were harassed for being Jewish. Despite repeated attempts to engage the administration, including Harvard’s Corporation, former president Claudine Gay, and various deans, Shabbos explained how their efforts were met with inaction. His hope is that the ongoing lawsuit will hold Harvard accountable for its failure to address this systemic issue. Recently returned from a delegation to Israel with the Israel Foreign Ministry, Shabbos also shared valuable insights from that experience and offered his perspective on the broader challenges facing supporters of Israel on campuses and around the world.
The Israel 360 Committee remains committed to offering these vital conversations and ensuring that we continue to explore the issues most important to the State of Israel. As we reflect on these powerful stories of resilience, advocacy, and change, we look forward to future events that will deepen our connection to Israel and each other.
Beth El Synagogue Receives Recognition for Strong Support of Israel
At the Israel 360 Committee’s recent event in partnership with Israel Bonds featuring Shabbos Kestenbaum, Israel Bonds presented Beth El Synagogue with a special award. This recognition was given in appreciation of the synagogue’s steadfast support for the State of Israel and its ongoing commitment to the work of Israel Bonds.
Rabbi Bedo graciously accepted the award on behalf of Beth El. In her heartfelt remarks, she spoke about the profound importance of Israel to the Jewish people and to our community.
We are grateful to Israel Bonds for this recognition and look forward to continuing our shared mission of fostering a secure and vibrant future for the State of Israel.
Tamar Tait & Mark Seidenfeld Israel 360 Committee
Above: Mark Seidenfeld, Liz Alderman, Ron Segev, Susan Dubin, Tamar Tait
Above: Mark Seidenfeld, Rabbi Bedo, Cynthia Blustein from Israel Bonds, Shabbos Kestenbaum,Tamar Tait
Beth El Sisterhood
It’s hard to believe that in just a blink of an eye, it’s March and winter, thankfully, is almost over.
Sisterhood is proud of the annual Sisterhood Shabbat, in which so many of our members participate. We look forward to davening each year with the Beth El community and are delighted to sponsor the kiddush. This year Sisterhood Shabbat is on March 8th.
We are hard at work with new and exciting plans for the spring. On March 12th, we will hold our annual Carol Freedman Memorial Eastchester Library program in partnership with Hadassah, where we will showcase the latest in Jewish fiction and nonfiction titles. If you are unable to attend and would like a copy of the book list, email Erica Epstein at mmleepstein@gmail.com
Please join Sisterhood in honoring Sisterhood boardmember and Women’s League for Conservative Judaism Metro Region Vice President Judi Kenter at our annual JTS Torah Fund brunch on Sunday March 23rd. If you have not made your donation to the Torah Fund, there is still time! Any amount is welcome.
Visit www.jtsa.edu/torah-fund. For a donation starting at $180, you will receive a beautiful Am Yisrael Chai pin.
Sisterhood is pleased to introduce a social action project for all ages this year. Do you knit or crochet? If not, would you like to learn? Join with other volunteers to make a blanket for a child undergoing cancer treatment at one of our local hospitals. We have supplies to get you started.
Phyllis Feingold will teach a Crochet & Knitting class on Thursdays at Beth El from 10:00am to 12 noon, beginning on February 27th. If knitting is not your thing, you can make a donation to cover the cost of supplies at bethelnr.org/donate-sisterhood-blanket-project
For more information, or to register, email wecaresisterhood@gmail.com
Note our upcoming book clubs
• April 2nd, Evening Book Club
The Wolf Hunt by Ayelet Gundar
• April 28th, Bagels and Books Hotel Cuba by Aaron Hamburger
Marcia Assor
Beth El Sisterhood
Beth El Sisterhood Social Action Initiative in conjunction with WE CARE and You Can Too…
…as we make blankets for children in CANCER TREATMENT at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Valhalla
• WANT TO LEARN HOW TO KNIT OR CROCHET ?
Phyllis Feingold will teach starting February 27 on Thursdays from 10:00 to 12 Noon in the Board Room
If you know how to knit or crochet you can work at home-or join the group and schmooze as we work and learn together.
Blankets must be made with washable acrylic yarn and should be approximately 36”x 36” and colorful
• YOU MAY PREFER TO DONATE MONEY OR SUPPLIES
We have some supplies to get started but will need more.
Bring supplies to Beth El indicating it is for Sisterhood
To donate money, make check payable to Beth El Sisterhood noting
We Care Blankets and Mail to:
Rita Kaufman 188 Tewkesbury Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583
• You MUST REGISTER for We Care and/or for Questions
Leave a message at: wecaresisterhood@gmail.com
Looking forward to working with you from the We Care Blankets CommitteeCindy Shechter, Chair
Dorothy Fox, Judi Kenter, Rita Kaufman, Phyllis Feingold
Beth El Lifelong Learners
Lifelong Learners make sandwiches for HOPE Community Kitchen the first Tuesday of each month at 11:00am.
Beth El Community News
Mazal tov to:
Mazal tov to Barbara & Lawrence Orans on the birth of their grandson, Arbor Winston Orans, born on December 30th. Mazal tov also to parents Alix Samuel & Mark Orans.
Mazal tov to Liat Kalikow and Sean Murray on the birth of their daughter, Demi Paige, and mazal tov also to big sister, Piper.
Mazal tov to parents Jessica and Scott Grossman on the birth of their daughter Zoe Sabrina. Mazal tov also to big brother Benny and big sister Maddie.
Mazal tov to Ilana & Uri Tamir on the bat mitzvah of their daughter, Zoe. Mazal tov also to grandparents, Shari & Marvin Chinitz and Tova & Shlomo Tamir and the rest of the Chinitz and Tamir families.
Mazal tov to Nora Klion Wolloch and Richard Wolloch on the engagement of their daughter, Elana Wolloch to Eric Barwacz, son of Laurie and Ronald Barwacz.
Mazal tov to our Director of Programming, Stephanie Lederman & Harvey Lederman on the birth of their second beautiful granddaughter, Ava Dalia, and mazal tov also to parents, Ron Berger & Amanda Lederman Berger.
Mazal tov to Jacqueline Stern-Einzig & Avi I. Einzig on the marriage of their son Zachary to Tanya, daughter of Yelena Mestechkina and Mark Mestechkin of Brooklyn, NY.
A warm Beth El mazal tov to one and all!
Condolences to:
Condolences to Greg & Hillary Portnoy on the loss of Greg’s father, Norman Portnoy z”l.
Condolences to Steven (Kara) Goldman on the loss of his father, longtime member David Goldman z”l, and to Ben & Dani Goldman on the loss of their grandfather.
Condolences to Linda Resnick on the loss of her husband, longtime member Joseph Resnick z”l, to Michael Resnick and Brian (Jennifer) Resnick on the loss of their father, and to Adam, Daniel and Jacob on the loss of their grandfather.
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
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 Beth El’s Director of Programming Stephanie Lederman at slederman@bethelnr.org
Kiddush Sponsors
The Kiddush of January 11th was sponsored by the families of the Beth El Youth Community in honor of both Youth & Family Shabbat, as well as our Leffell School Seniors traveling to Israel and Poland.
The Kiddush of January 25th was sponsored by Ilana & Uri Tamir in honor of the bat mitzvah of their daughter, Zoe.
First Friday
Kabbalat Shabbat
Join us for uplifting communal music Every first Friday of the month at 6:00pm
Beth El Gives
B’Yachad Campaign
Contributor ($360 and above)
Hal & Barbara Shulman.
General Fund
Marc & Harriet Suvall; Michael Siegell; Raanan Korimow; For the recovery of Bayla Shayna bat Chaya Leah, from Arthur & Barbara Margolin; For the recovery of Chava bat Sarah, from Lisa & Perry Jacobs.
In Honor of:
The engagement of Mark & Esther Mildner’s daughter, from Nora Klion Wolloch.
The Bar Mitzvah of Jack Bohrer, grandson of Joe & Barbara Wygoda, from Bob & Barbara Cohen.
Rabbi Zach Sitkin. We are grateful for Rabbi Sitkin’s kindness, guidance and understanding, from Carole & Jeff Graham.
Our friend, Marc S. Lazarus for his devotion to the Beth El community and his faithful and constant participation in the daily morning minyan, from Gerald & Susan Spielholtz.
In Memory of:
Sharon Schoenholtz z”l, beloved wife of Larry Hanau, from Lawrence & Barbara Orans.
Jane Perry z”l, beloved mother of Carrie Fox, from Maxim Maron, Nora Klion Wolloch, Lois Kohn Claar & Gary Claar, Marc Wager & Teresa Eichler.
Laura Penn z”l, beloved mother of Erica Epstein, from Nora Klion Wolloch.
Anita’s beloved mother, Jeanette Parker z”l, from Marc & Anita Zoldessy.
Robert Orans z”l, beloved father of Lawrence (Barbara) Orans, on the occasion of his yahrzeit, from Lawrence & Barbara Orans.
Rabbi David Blumenfeld z”l, from Glen Krebs.
Lida Keltz z”l, beloved mother and grandmother, from Marc Wager & Teresa Eichler.
Selma Solow z”l, beloved mother of Susan Solow Dubin, from Marc Wager & Teresa Eichler and Barry Lovell.
Bess Birshtein z”l, mother of Barbara K. Birshtein, from Howard Steinman & Barbara Birshtein.
Norman Portnoy z”l, beloved father of Greg Portnoy, from Ralph & Diane Heiman.
Mary Kramer z”l, mother of former longtime member Edward Kramer, from Edward Kramer.
My mother, Ethel Steinman, from Howard Steinman.
Dorothy Fleishaker Religious School Enrichment Fund
In Honor of:
Derek Koenig on your Bar Mitzvah, from Judith Moschera. Ezra Smolow on your Bar Mitzvah, from Judith Moschera.
In Memory of:
Jane Perry z”l, beloved mother of Carrie Fox, from Aaron & Sheryl Fleishaker.
My parents who are missed as we light the Chanukah menorah, from Abbe Fleishaker.
The Robert Matthew Klein Fund for Inclusion and Special Needs
In Memory of:
Selma Solow z”l, mother of Susan Solow Dubin, from Lori & Steve Schwartz.
Jane Perry z”l, beloved mother of Carrie Fox, from MeriJane Rochelson & Joel Mintz, Elizabeth Clain, Bob & Elise Schepp, Howard Steinman & Barbara Birshtein, Steve & Lori Schwartz, Judi Schmeidler.
The Yvette and Herman Gordon Century Fund for Adult Teaching and Learning
In Honor of:
Rabbi Schuck’s limmud class, from Judith & Elliot Schwartz. Rabbi Kenter’s limmud class, from Judith & Elliot Schwartz. Esther & Mark Mildner and their family, from Bonita & Joseph Silverman.
In Memory of:
The yahrzeits of Pearl Rudin z”l, Sara Gordon z”l, Isadore Hirsch z”l, Meyer Gordon z”l, Hyman Levinsky z”l, Sophie Levinsky z”l, and Ada Hirsch z”l, from Yvette Gordon.
Youth & Family Engagement Fund
In Honor of:
The bat mitzvah of Zoe Tamir. Mazal tov to Zoe, Ilana, Uri, Shari, and Marvin, from Laura Lewis.
In Memory of:
Birgitta Sherman z”l, beloved mother of Michael (Alyssa) Sherman, from Susan & Elliot Lesser.
Jane Perry z”l, beloved mother of Carrie Fox, from Phyllis & Harvey Jay, Geralynn & David Reifer.
Our dear friend David Goldman z”l, from Susan & Elliot Lesser.
Shoresh Halev Center for Jewish Music Fund
Marc Suvall & Harriet Kaplan Suvall.
In Honor of:
The bat mitzvah of Zoe Tamir. Mazal tov to Zoe, Ilana, Uri, Shari & Marvin, from Marc Suvall & Harriet Kaplan Suvall.
In Memory of:
Jane Perry z”l, beloved mother of Carrie Fox, from Marc Suvall & Harriet Kaplan Suvall.
George Tecklin z”l, from Jeff & Susan Mittleman.
Jeremy Scheinfeld Memorial Fund
In Memory of:
Norman Portnoy z”l, beloved father of Greg Portnoy, from Geralynn & David Reifer.
THANK YOU!
David Gingold Nursery School Fund
For the recovery of Chava bat Sara, from Lisa & Perry Jacobs; For the recovery of Levi ben Leah, from Lisa & Perry Jacobs.
In Honor of:
Morah Jo Steiner, with thanks for giving Rafi a great start to the school year, from Dana & Avi Stein.
Morah Eve Balsam, with thanks for giving Rafi a great start to the school, from Dana & Avi Stein.
Avinoam Shefa for Torah reading during Parshat Miketz and his wife Gabrielle’s aliyah, and their daughters Maayan, Esther, and Tamar Sylvie, from Aviva Shefa.
The Sylvia & Robert Scher Chesed Community Fund
In Honor of:
The birth of Arbor Winston Orans, son of Alix Samuel & Mark Orans, and grandson of Barbara & Lawrence Orans, from Jeff & Susan Mittleman.
In Memory of:
Jane Perry z”l, beloved mother of Carrie Fox, from Dorothy Fox.
Yahrzeit Donations
Richard Aronow; Marion Auspitz; Steve & Felice Brostoff; Phyllis Brown; Robert Cohen; Joyce Cornick; Susan Diamond; Barbara Ehudin; Avi & Jacqueline Einzig; Kenneth Eisenberg; Arthur Elkind; Marilyn Falow; Barbara & Allen Feinberg; Dalia Fenster; Beatrice Freedman; Pamela Friedman & Robert Preminger; Caryl Fuchs; Lea Gabbay; Helen Geffner; Susan Gelb; Ellen & Moshe Gelboim; Marsha & Ralph Guggenheim; Sheldon Haber; Marcia Kahn; Kenneth Klein; Linda Israel; Cindy & Ken Klein; Stanley Krieg; Martin Levitin; Susan Lurie; Lois Morgenstern;
Adele Ostrager; Mindell Patchen; Barbara & Leon Protass; Richard Robbins; Sharon & George Rozansky; Evelyn & Barry Salter; Harriet Schwartz; Cecile Schwartzman; Cynthia & Ira Shechter; Raymond Shemer; Lloyd Sherman; Marsha & Warren Sherman; Barbara Simon; Laura Dee Simon; Marc & Ruth Sininsky; Rabbi Melvin Sirner; Tom & Pearl Sullivan; Andy Tannen; Florence Taubenfeld; Tova Usdan; Mark Walfish; Beth Weinberg.
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
Ira & Cynthia Shechter in honor of Zeev Schuck’s bat mitzvah; Bermie Katz in honor of the Beth El clergy and livestream services; Judy & Fred Bomback in memory of Birgitta Sherman z”l, mother of Michael (Alyssa) Sherman; Susan Solow Dubin & Marvin Dubin in memory of Sharon Schoenholtz z”l, beloved wife of Larry Hanau; Susan Solow Dubin & Marvin Dubin in memory of Laura Penn z”l, beloved mother of Erica Epstein; Susan Solow Dubin & Marvin Dubin in memory of Blanche Rothberg Wager z”l, beloved mother of Marc Wager; Deborah Gerstein in loving memory of her grandmothers, Rebecca Jackson z”l and Rose Gerstein z”l on their yahrzeits; Janis Demartini in memory of Jane Perry z”l, beloved mother of Carrie Fox; Jay Lerman in memory of his brother, Melvin Lerman z”l on his yahrzeit; Marc & Marci Esrig in memory of Jane Perry z”l, beloved mother of Carrie Fox; Shari Baum in memory of Jane Perry z”l, beloved mother of Carrie Fox; Harvey Wacht in memory of his beloved wife, Just Wacht z”l, and with thanks to the Beth El clergy for their support; Lisa & Perry Jacobs for the recovery of Sarah Ratza bat Leah Shanda; Sylvia Texon Rogers in memory of her beloved father, Dr. Meyer Texon z”l on his yahrzeit and with thanks for the Beth El minyan; Carrie Fox in memory of her mom Jane Perry z”l and in gratitude for all of Rabbi Schuck’s guidance and support during her illness; Paul Bernstein in memory of Leo Bernstein z”l; Lisa & Perry Jacobs for the recovery of Sarah Ratza bat Leah Shanda; Ira & Cynthia Shechter in memory of Jane Perry z”l, mother of Carrie (David Shechter) Fox and grandmother of Ilana, Jacob & Naomi Shechter; Louise & Bobby Cohen in honor of Zoe Tamir’s bat mitzvah; Marvin & Shari Chinitz; Meryl Glass Druckerman in honor of Rob & Lisa Patchen’s 25th wedding anniversary; Lisa & Perry Jacobs for the recovery of Levi ben Leah.
Cantor’s Discretionary Fund
Marc Suvall & Harriet Kaplan Suvall.
To Make a Donation Contact Zoe Raynes zraynes@bethelnr.org (914) 235-2700 ext 228
Minimum donation is $18. Mail your payment to:
Beth El Synagogue Center
Attn: Zoe Raynes 1324 North Avenue New Rochelle, NY 10804
March 6, 20, 27; April 3, 10; May 1, 8, 15, 22
bethelnr.org/nursery
Saturdays at 10:00am on March 22nd April 5th May 3rd
Explore your Jewish identity, engage in discussions, deepen your understanding of Jewish traditions in a warm, inclusive environment led by teens for teens, with adult guidance
Questions? Please email Alyssa Berman at
In Honor of:
Sisterhood Donations
Marcia and Nathan Assor, the birth of your new grandchild from Erica & Larry Epstein;
Zoe Tamir, becoming bat mitzvah from Joyce & Michael Wechsler;
Vicki and Nate Fisher, your 60th wedding anniversary from Ellen & Jack Hollander;
Linda and Joe Resnick, your 50th wedding anniversary from Ellen & Jack Hollander;
Leah and Noel Edelson, mazal tov on your new location from Ellen & Jack Hollander;
Vicki Fisher, your induction into the Westchester Senior Hall of Fame from Ellen & Jack Hollander;
Shari and Marvin Chinitz, the bat mitzvah of Zoe Tamir, mazal tov.
In Memory of:
Sharon Schoenholtz, beloved wife of Larry Hanau from Joyce & Michael Wechsler, Ellen & Jack Hollander;
Jane Perry, beloved mother of Carrie Fox from Joyce & Michael Wechsler, Phoebe & Peter Gross, Barbara & David Horowitz, Andrea Spitz, Sandy & Jack Gruenberg;
David Goldman, beloved father of Steven Goldman and Family from Elise & Bob Schepp, Ellen & Jack Hollander, Phoebe & Peter Gross, Sandy & Jack Gruenberg;
Laura Penn, beloved mother of Erica Epstein from Ellen & Jack Hollander;
David Blumenfeld, beloved husband of Frances Blumenfeld from Ellen & Jack Hollander; Joseph Resnick z”l, beloved husband of Linda Resnick and beloved father of Michael and Brian from Joyce and Michael Wechsler, Gaby and George Newfield.
Synagogue Guide
We hope this guide makes it easier to figure out who on staff to contact for all your needs.
To see all upcoming services and events, visit bethelnr.org/calendar/ For a list of this week’s events with registration and Zoom links, visit bethelnr.org/this-week/ To sign up to read Torah or Haftorah, visit bethelnr.org/readhaftorah
Ronnie Becher (Nursery School Director) ext 250 nursery@bethelnr.org
Viki Bedo (Rabbi) ext 427 vbedo@bethelnr.org
Clive Benmor (Administrative Coordinator) ext 223 cbenmor@bethelnr.org
Alyssa Berman (Youth & Family Engagement Director) ext 221 aberman@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
Solange Hansen (Development Director) ext 229 shansen@bethelnr.org
Jack Klebanow (Music Director) ext 252 jklebanow@bethelnr.org
Margarita Korol (Mktng/ Communications Director) ext 291 mkorol@bethelnr.org
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
Stephanie Lederman (Director of Programming) ext 246 slederman@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
Zoe Schein (Assistant Camp Director) ext 338 daycamp@bethelnr.org
Zachary Sitkin (Rabbi) ext 338 zsitkin@bethelnr.org
Olivier Vogel (Controller) ext 231 ovogel@bethelnr.org
Are you celebrating a milestone or achievement at Beth El?
Have a question about catering or celebrating a simcha at Beth El?
Stephanie Lederman or Naiza Cintron ext 227
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 or Clive Benmor ext 223
Have a question about events?
Stephanie Lederman ext 246
Interested in joining one of our many clubs?
Stephanie Lederman ext 246
Want to volunteer?
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 Berman ext 221
Interested in our day camp?
Rebecca Guralnik ext 256
Want to join Sisterhood or Men’s Club?
Clive Benmor ext 223
Interested in Nursery School?
Ronnie Becher or Shery Rosenstein ext 250
Interested in Youth & Family events?
Alyssa Berman ext 221
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