B’notai Mitzvah Administrator Andrea Mark amark@templeshalom.net
ELC Administrator
Ritu Bernal adminelc@templeshalom.net
Building Supervisor David Diaz
Include Your Special Event and Ideas in the Shofar
We are excited that so many of you have come to us with ideas for articles, other information to include, special recognitions and offers to write on topics of interest to you. Please join your fellow congregants in helping to make the Shofar newsletter a reality!
We can only include your event and ideas if we know about them, so please speak up. It is as easy as emailing Carol Jimenez and Michael Schwartz.
Thank you to all who contributed to and have provided support for the Shofar. Your dedication to the Temple Shalom community is what makes this newsletter possible.
The Shofar Committee
Whom do I contact at
Temple Shalom about...?
• Building/Space rental
• Calendar items
• Reserving meeting space/room set-up
• Accessibility
• Becoming a member
• Account/statement or making a donation
• Religious School
• Scheduling a life-cycle event
• Scheduling a meeting with one of our clergy
• Other items
Suzy Burstein sburstein@templeshalom.net
Sharon Winick swinick@templeshalom net
Katherine Schnorrenberg school@templeshalom.net
Katherine Schnorrenberg school@templeshalom net info@templeshalom.net All Temple Shalom staff may also be reached by telephone at (301) 587-2273
Temple Shalom Committees and Contact Information
Belonging Committee
(Formerly Membership Committee)
Megan Parker and Dana Larkin membership@templeshalom.net
Book Club
Janice Zalen bookclub@templeshalom.net
Budget Committee
Lynn Mandell treasurer@templeshalom.net
Capital Improvements Committee
Debbie Szyfer deborah.szyfer@gmail.com
Generation to Generation Committee
Rachel Miller generationtogeneration@templeshalom.net
House and Grounds Committee
Mike Gurevich mike.gurevich@gmail.com
Mitzvah Corps
Mary Jacobs mitzvahcorps@templeshalom.net
Opening the Gates Committee
Debbie Szyfer and Mike Rubin tsbuilding@templeshalom.net
Religious Education Committee
Joanna Waldstreicher rec@TempleShalom.net
Renaissance Group
Paula Kahn and Sherry Doggett renaissance@templeshalom.net
Sacred Spaces
Berinna Doggett and Sherry Doggett sacredspaces@templeshalom.net
Shofar Newsletter
Carol Jimenez and Michael Schwartz shofar@templeshalom.net
Sukkat Shalom
Sherry Doggett sukkatshalom@templeshalom.net
Tikkun Olam
Fran Paver and Betsy Kingery tikkunolam@templeshalom.net
Worship Committee
Megan Parker and Sarah Leavitt meganrk@gmail.com leavitt.sarah@gmail.com
Auxiliaries
Brotherhood
Mike Gurevich and Marc Hershkowitz brotherhood@templeshalom.net
Sisterhood
Juliana Horowitz sisterhood@templeshalom.net
Youth Groups
Xani Polakoff xpollakoff@templeshalom.net
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Executive Committee
President
Matt Andelman president@templeshalom.net
Executive Vice President
Karen Miller
Vice Presidents
Lynn Mandell
Debbie Szyfer
Megan Parker
Steve Schleien
Treasurer
Lynn Mandell treasurer@templeshalom.net
Financial Secretary
Sherry Doggett
financialsecretary@templeshalom.net
Secretary
Joanna Waldstreicher
Immediate Past President
Peter Howard
Additional Trustees
Matthew Bremen
Berinna Doggett
Dawn Goldstein
Deborah Hutton
Lisa Krim
Jason Kromirs
Toby Lowe
Rachel Zimmerman
Ex-Officio Voting Trustees
Brotherhood Co-Presidents
Mike Gurevich/Marc Hershkowitz
Sisterhood President
Juliana Horowitz
Honorary
Non-Voting Trustees
Senior Rabbi Rachel Ackerman
Cantor Ze’evi Tovlev
Rabbi Educator Joshua Gischner
Executive Director Andrew Maayan
URJ Board Member Anne Feinberg
Joan Kalin
Andrea Mark
A Message From Our Senior Rabbi Rachel Ackerman
With summer nearly upon us, our often more relaxed and carefree days hold a weight to them. These past five months have brought us many challenges and unease. Some have lost or left long-held, beloved jobs and are still searching for what is next. Some have taken early retirement. Others hesitate to retire because they do not want their long, goaloriented work to disappear. Some have proactively moved on because the day-today work has lost its purpose. Although some of us have new beginnings, many wonder if this day will be when our next chapter reluctantly unfolds.
For some of us, our identities are threatened because of race, orientation, nationality, immigration status and even our Judaism. For some, our academic freedom and freedom of speech are at stake. To say that this time has been painful for so many in our community would be a severe understatement. We continue to navigate unprecedented times and our lives are constantly upended. It is easy to turn to despair, because so much feels lost. So much is lost.
The late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks taught, “To be a Jew is to be an agent of hope in a world serially threatened by despair. Every ritual, every mitzvah, every syllable of the Jewish story, every element of Jewish law, is a protest against escapism, resignation or the blind acceptance of fate. Judaism is a sustained struggle, the greatest ever known, against the world that is, in the name of the world that could be, should be, but is not yet. There is no more challenging vocation.”
And so, at this time, we turn toward mitzvot as a protest against despair for all of us. We can turn toward Shabbat as the respite we need and the opportunity to live, for a brief time, in the world as it should be. And we turn to one another in service and in receiving gifts from those able to contribute.
Temple Shalom is here to support you, and we need you at Temple Shalom to support one another. Thank you to all who have given with deep generosity and received with profound vulnerability. Whether you are in a position to offer support or receive support, I implore you to challenge despair by acting through and receiving love. Some of the many ways that you can give and receive are listed on the next page of this Shofar newsletter.
Every mitzvah will be an act of protest against the world as it is, as we continue to work toward the world as it should be. Struggle-bystruggle, hand-in-hand, we will overcome despair.
Sermons given by Rabbi Ackerman and our other clergy are on Temple Shalom’s website.
Ways to Give and Receive Support Through Temple
Shalom
By Senior Rabbi Rachel Ackerman
Here are some of the many ways (as of the writing of this article in late April) that you can give and receive support.
Yvonne Wagner Emergency Needs Fund: This fund enables clergy to support members of our congregation in need. It was newly established in memory of Yvonne Wagner (Temple Shalom’s first female president), who quietly and anonymously supported those in significant need in our community. Please donate to this fund or reach out to Rabbi Ackerman, Rabbi Gischner or Cantor Tovlev if you need emergency support.
Clergy Mitzvah Funds: Rabbi Ackerman, Rabbi Gischner, Cantor Tovlev and Rabbi Kahn each have a fund which can be used to support individuals who are in need. Please donate to these funds and reach out to any of these clergy if you need support.
Federation Rabbinic Emergency Fund: This fund enables Rabbi Ackerman to support those who have lost their jobs as federal workers or contractors. Each household that meets these conditions can receive $1500 paid directly to service providers to cover medical bills, rent and mortgage payments, utilities, food gift cards or other needs. Please reach out to Rabbi Ackerman if you are in need and meet these criteria.
Food for Nourishment: The top shelf of the freezer in the Temple Shalom kitchen is filled with vegetarian casseroles, soups and other forms of sustenance made with love by Temple members. It is there for anyone to take, without asking, for any reason, whether you are navigating food insecurity,
caring for a loved one, too exhausted to put dinner on the table, going through a rough period or simply need a meal. Please take whatever is available and we will continue to replenish so there is a constant supply of comfort food to uplift you during a challenging time. You can also contribute to Food for Nourishment by earmarking a donation toward it or by contacting Michael DeLong, Andy Sfekas, or Lydia Schlosser.
Shalom Cares: This is an ongoing and multi-pronged generous effort by community members to support Temple Shalom members who have been impacted by changes in the federal government by providing financial, legal, professional, social services, self-care and social opportunities. If you are in need of services or have expertise or services to offer, please contact karenseelig@yahoo.com.
Dues and Financial Commitments: If you are struggling to meet your dues commitment, religious school tuition or other synagogue contributions, including for the new 2025-2026 fiscal year, please contact financialsecretary@templeshalom.net so we can support you. If you are able to give extra this year, please consider giving above and beyond your annual calculated dues contribution or offer financial support in other ways (such as sponsoring an oneg or Shabbat Vayinafash dinner, offering to subsidize another family’s religious school tuition, etc.). These contributions will enable us to maintain our full-staffing capacity as well as continue to offer the spiritual, nourishing and high-quality programs we rely on during these challenging times.
Every mitzvah will be an act to help us, individually and as a community, through the challenges we face and towards making this world as it should be.
Jewish Texts for These Times
By Cantor Ze’evi Tovlev
Recently, I have had many conversations with congregants about the state of the world. Many of us are anxious about the future because of our identities, livelihoods, families, immigration status and so much more. The world feels broken and it is easy to feel helpless when faced with the enormity of all that needs repair. I find myself turning to two Jewish texts for strength and comfort.
The first text comes from Pirkei Avot, Ethics of our Ancestors. Lo alecha hamlacha ligmor, it is not our responsibility to finish the work of repairing the world; v’lo atah ben chorin l’hibateil mimena, but neither are we free to abandon the work. This text reminds us that the burden of fixing all the world’s problems does not rest on our shoulders, but we cannot sit back and do nothing. When asked what this means to them, some congregants told me it is a reminder that justice work is a legacy passed down to us, and engaging in it carries on an important Jewish tradition. Others said it is a reminder to pace ourselves; we are just one leg of the relay race of justice. We take the baton given to us by generations past, run with it as far as we can and pass it to the next generation.
The second text is Leviticus 19:8: v’ahavta l’reiacha kamocha (ךומכ ךערל תבהאו), love your neighbor as yourself. At first glance, it reminds us to love each other. At second glance, it also reminds us to love ourselves. Some of us excel at loving others. We jump at the chance to help others in their time of need. We may need a reminder to ask ourselves what we need in
hard times. Self-love is just as important as loving others. Some of us have established a deep sense of self-love. We may need encouragement to show love to others as easily as we do ourselves. Both are necessary.
The commandment “love your neighbor as yourself” reminds us to take the love we have cultivated and share it. If we have love for others, we should share that with ourselves; if we have love for ourselves, we should share that with others. We must find a balance between caring for others and caring for ourselves, but we can do our part in repairing the world when we lead with love.
You are not required to finish the work of repairing the world, but you can always start with love.
Message from Executive Director Andrew Maayan
The topic of this article is to explain, to some degree, what goes into making the High Holy Days happen at Temple Shalom. As I write this message at the end of April, a full five months before Rosh HaShanah 5786, High Holy Day planning is already well underway. It is that big of a deal around here! We are already discussing how much honey candy we will need!
To cut to the chase even more, I am writing today to ask that you consider joining us in making the holidays happen. In other words, please consider volunteering! We need all the help we can get and we are grateful for each and every person who gives of their time.
There are roles for everyone! If you like schmoozing in the office, come and help us stuff envelopes or put together packets; we would love your company! If you would like to
be part of an actual service or receive an aliyah, Andy Mark would be ecstatic for you to take part. If you like meeting people and being of assistance, then being an usher may be the perfect job for you. If you like graphic design or planning, we would love to have your help as well.
Each and every one of these tasks is truly and sincerely necessary, no matter how big or how small. Temple Shalom is not a “spectator sport,” but a deeply active and involved group of people, with many committees, task forces and lay-led groups all coming together to form a community. You are the actual ingredients that make Temple Shalom special. Not only could we not do it without you, you literally are Temple Shalom.
If you are able to volunteer, all you have to do is let someone in the office or on the staff know. Once you do that, there is nothing else you need to do. We will take you up on your offer! And we promise, you will be glad you did. The High Holy Days are something very special to be a part of and to help create here at Temple Shalom.
A Snapshot of Our Early Learning Center (ELC)
By Maggie Heidema, ELC Director
Temple Shalom ELC is in full swing, enrolling and preparing for summer 2025 and the 20252026 school year. Our school is a year-round program open from 7:00am - 6:00pm. We serve children from 12 months to 5 Years. We are a Reggio-Emilia-inspired, play-based program; we allow our students a lot of room to explore and grow at their own pace. Our school weaves Jewish values and content into classroom experiences. We strongly believe in the capability and capacity of children for learning and discovering. We also believe children thrive when they are given the freedom to learn, create and take risks in a safe and caring environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the ELC, we teach Jewish values as well as celebrate Jewish holidays, Shabbat and Havdalah together as a community. The students enjoy creating projects, singing songs and learning customs about upcoming holidays. They love it when one of our temple clergy stops by to read a story or sing a song. We learn to engage the world with all of our senses and our whole body.
In the ELC, we are a family. We grow and learn from each other and we celebrate our successes as a community. We have a diverse group of students, teachers and families and we welcome everyone regardless of their backgrounds. Proverbs says, “Teach a child according to their way, for when they are old they will not depart from it.” We imbue this concept in our day-to-day life within the ELC. Next time you are in the building, walk down the ELC hallway and take a minute to see the amazing work the children have created. Feel free to contact me at elc@templeshalom.net if you have any questions about our program.
We accept the voucher through the Maryland Child Care Scholarship program
Do you offer scholarships? Interest Form
Scan the QR Code to fill out our interest form or email ELC Director Maggie Heidema at elctempleshalom.net. How do we learn more?
ELC Hours: 7:00AM - 6:00PM Monday through Friday Ages 12 months - 5 years
Temple Shalom, 8401 Grubb Road, Chevy Chase, MD
Message from Temple President Matt Andelman
Hello, Temple Shalom! I am very excited to be the new Temple Shalom President!
I hope to have the opportunity to connect with as many of you as possible during my time as president. Temple Shalom has been my family’s home for 20 years, since literally the day our oldest child Ben was born (there is a story). If you do not know who I am, perhaps you know my wife, Jen, who teaches Kids Time, or our triplet daughters Naomi, Greta and Laila, who just graduated from high school and PostConfirmation and have worked at the religious school for several years.
I came to the presidency on a relatively unusual path; I have technically never been on the board. Instead, I have been the Temple Counsel for six years, advising the board and becoming involved in many aspects of the Temple's operation, including the law of giant tents in parking lots. I have truly loved my role and look forward to serving the Temple in my new capacity.
So, what to expect from the next two years while I am Temple president? Finances are certainly at the top of my mind right now. We are structurally sound, but the chaos and uncertainty that have directly affected a large part of our membership have, in turn, left things uncertain for us. Dues are the bedrock of our financial health. We will need to depend on those who can do so to step up this year and pay more to help offset those who cannot pay their usual amount. The early signs are promising, but we have too small a sample size to feel confident. We also have some new financial outlays approaching, including
refinancing our mortgage and renewing our contracts with Rabbi Ackerman and Cantor Tovlev. Stay tuned for an update from the bimah during High Holidays! I also want to continue fostering community and connection within our membership. It took me a long time to move from feeling like I was simply a member here to truly belonging. I want to make sure everyone has an opportunity to feel the same sense that I do, that Temple Shalom is their home. I am also committing to contacting every member family at least once over the course of my term and setting up “office hours” for people to stop in.
There is much more I hope to accomplish, but if we can maintain financial stability and a community of belonging, the rest is commentary.
Shabbat Morning Worship/ Torah Study, 10:00am Selichot Program, 7:30pm Selichot Service including Board installation, 9:00pm
Wednesday, September 17
Wednesday Morning Minyan, 8:00am (in person/Zoom)
Friday, September 19
Erev Shabbat Service, 6:00pm
Saturday, September 20
Shabbat Morning Worship/ Torah Study, 10:00am
Monday, September 22
Erev Rosh HaShanah Tot Service, 5:30pm
Erev Rosh HaShanah Service, 8:00pm
Tuesday, September 22
Rosh HaShanah Services, Day 1, Schedule coming soon
Wednesday, September 23
Rosh HaShanah Service, Day 2, 10:00am
Friday, September 26
Erev Shabbat Service, 6:00pm
Saturday, September 27
Shabbat Morning Service/Torah Study, 10:00am
Temple Shalom Adult Education
Mid-June - September
Ongoing Regular Study/DiscussionJust Drop In!
Shabbat Morning Worship and Torah Study, Saturdays, 10:00am (in person and Zoom)
Experience the Joy of Shabbat Torah Study. Join us for Shabbat morning services at 10:00am, followed by a stimulating community Torah study at 11:00am. Deepen your understanding of the weekly Torah portion and connections with your community. Register here to receive the Zoom link.
News and Views
Thursdays, 10:30am - 11:30am
Join this lay-led group discussion of current news issues, providing an opportunity for thoughtful reflection on the world around us. Contact info@TempleShalom.net to register.
Sisterhood Book Club
Third Thursday of each month, 8:15pm (Zoom only)
To get the link for the meeting, click this link, sign into your Temple account and follow the prompts to have the link sent to your email. For a listing of the books being discussed, see the Sisterhood’s Book Club flyer in this issue of the Shofar. Email for more information.
Multi-Session Classes Requiring Registration
Introduction to Judaism
Tuesdays, mid-October 2025 - early February 2026, 7:00pm - 9:00pm (in person)
Registration begins June 2025.
Deepen your understanding of Judaism through a Reform lens. This course is designed to create a community of learners, including individuals and couples from Jewish and/or various faith traditions and cultural backgrounds, those who have had no religious upbringing and those who want a meaningful adult Jewish learning experience. Email Rabbi Potts for more information.
Pop-Up Adult Education
Elul Lunch n’ Learn
Wednesdays, August 27, September 3 and September 10, 12:00pm
Join Cantor Ze’evi for a meaningful mid-day study session as we journey through the month of Elul and prepare our hearts and minds for the High Holy Days. Come as you are, whether new to Jewish learning or a seasoned student. Together, we will reflect, learn and nourish our spirits (and bodies) as we prepare to welcome the new year. All ages and backgrounds are warmly encouraged to attend. Contact info@TempleShalom.net to register.
Non-Worship Events
Worship services and adult education opportunities are listed elsewhere in this newsletter. For more information, please click here for the Temple Shalom calendar. If you would like us to list your October, November or December Temple Shalom event, please email us the information.
Welcome New Members
March - May
Linda Ballet and Rachel Shepherd
Children ages 1, 5 and 8
Silver Spring
Jessie and Jason Feldman
Child age 1
Chevy Chase
Sara Kenigsberg and Jonah Goldman Bethesda
Rachel Roday Wheaton
Shepherd’s Table Volunteers, 5:00pm Tikkun Olam Committee Meeting, 7:00pm (virtual)
Shepherd’s Table Volunteers, 5:00pm Brotherhood Meeting, 7:00pm ELC Open House, 4:30pm Community Kickoff and first day of Religious School, 9:00am Book Group, 9:30am Tikkun Olam Committee Meeting, 7:00pm (virtual)
Renaissance Outing, 2:00pm
Andrew and Vivan Shepard
Children ages 0, 4 and 7
Bethesda
Upcoming Meetings of the Board Of Trustees
All members of Temple Shalom are welcome to attend meetings of the Board of Trustees. Board of Trustees meetings are generally on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Temple. Beginning in June, they will start at 7:00pm. (Occasionally, the meeting will be by Zoom only.) The Board of Trustees’ regular monthly meetings for the third quarter of 2025 (with our newly elected officers and trustees!) are scheduled for June 24, July 29 and September 9. There will be no regularly scheduled Board meeting in August. If you plan to attend a Board meeting and are not a Trustee, as a courtesy, please contact our Temple President in advance.
Sukkat Shalom
by Lori Simon-Rusinowitz and Sherry Doggett
Sukkat Shalom was launched in 2014, in the wake of the war with Hamas, to offer a place to discuss Israel in an open and accepting environment. It is a safe space for candid conversations about Israel amid diversity, potential discomfort and shared commitment to civil discourse. This is more important than ever in the wake of Hamas’ October 7, 2023, massacre of about 1200 Israelis and the subsequent devastating war in the Gaza Strip.
Each year, the Sukkat Shalom Committee offers a session during Yom Kippur and at other additional times. Since October 7, 2023, offering more frequent sessions for members to share their thoughts and feelings and hear others’ perspectives has become important. Chai School classes, other Temple groups and individual members have participated. Sessions since October 7 have focused on the ongoing war. Topics have included questions such as:
What is it like to talk to others, including other Jews and non-Jews, about Israel?
What are your feelings at this stage of the war?
What are your feelings about Jews protesting against the war?
Currently scheduled upcoming Sukkat Shalom sessions:
Friday, July 18, following Shabbat services.
Sunday, September 7, during the Community Kick-off.
Thursday, October 2, during Yom Kippur afternoon study sessions.
Sunday, October 12 program featuring Noa Baum (a storyteller and author who promotes understanding and peace).
Creating a Safer Sacred Temple Space
By Sherry Doggett and Berinna Doggett, Co-Chairs Sacred Spaces Committee
The Sacred Spaces Committee has spent the past five years developing a comprehensive policy to address sexual harassment, bullying and other behaviors that violate the sacred space Temple Shalom strives to provide. The proposed policy was shared with the Board of Trustees and then the congregation. Our congregation adopted the Sacred Spaces Behavior Policy and Procedures at the annual meeting this June.
This effort stems from a painful chapter in our history; in the 1970s, Rabbi Ian Wolk was found to have sexually abused minors in our community. While he was removed in 1980, accountability and support for survivors were
insufficient. Guided by Rabbi Bruce Kahn, Rabbi Rachel Ackerman and the national Sacred Spaces Initiative, the Committee has worked toward healing, justice and prevention
The new policy outlines clear expectations for conduct, response procedures and training for staff and congregants It reflects our commitment to ensuring Temple Shalom is a safe, respectful and sacred space for all, while establishing a path forward for t’shuvah (returning or repentance).
Thank you to committee members Deb Golden, Tonya Katcher, Joan Meier and Rachel Miller, for their expertise and hard work on these important and challenging issues.
Stay tuned for informational events and opportunities to learn more. Become more familiar with the policy, which is on the Temple Shalom website. Any questions? Please email sacredspaces@templeshalom.net.
B’notai Mitzvah
July - September
Oliver Vaena September 6
Oliver is in grade 7 at the American International School of Mozambique in Maputo. He has lived in France, the U.S. and of course, his current home, Mozambique When he is not studying for his bar mitzvah, he is saving top corner shots as a football (soccer) goalie, learning songs on his guitar or hoping for a lifechanging trip to a new place, with good food! Oliver is very social and is always with his friends. He is looking forward to being back in the DC area to celebrate his bar mitzvah with friends and family.
Samuel Vaena September 6
Samuel is excited to celebrate his bar mitzvah. He currently lives in Maputo, Mozambique, where he is in grade 9 at the American International School of Mozambique He is exploring new cultures in southern Africa, where the Jewish community is scarce but still thriving. Sam enjoys swimming, baking, reading and spending time with friends. He is particularly excited to celebrate this occasion with his brother Oliver. This bar mitzvah marks a meaningful step in his Jewish journey and he is grateful for the love and support of family, friends and our synagogue community.
Belonging Committee
by Co-Chairs Megan Parker and Dana Larkin
There is a moment in the Passover seder where we are directed to teach our children that we were all slaves in Egypt. The Haggadah explains that as one community, we were present and accounted for, whether we were born yet or not. Such is the imperative of belonging within the community. We are “called in” to the community and to the story. This concept extends further, both when we “call in” Elijah and when we “call in” the stranger (let all who are hungry come and eat). Bringing people into the community is a very important tenet.
Our community, and the people it encompasses, is central to Judaism, as evidenced by the way we tell our Passover story. At Temple Shalom, we want all our members to feel “called in” to the community. The Belonging Committee wants to know what the points of connection are that will help you feel “called in”. If you have attended one of our Belonging Committee events, you would know that we want to encourage conversation, help find the points of connection and reach the place where you feel “called in.” Whether through “speed friending” or asking the questions on index cards at Shabbat dinner, we want everyone to share stories and ideas and brainstorm ways we can call each other and ourselves into our community. At both of our events this year, we have learned a lot of things that our new and newish members would like to see at Temple Shalom. We have been surprised and pleased by how often those things are already happening. What remains is the point of connection.
email us at membership@templeshalom.net and let us know what you are looking for at Temple Shalom. Is there a group or topic that interests you? A team to play softball with? An Israeli dance opportunity? Do you like to cook? Or do you want people to go with to a service or event? If we have it, we would love to connect you to the right people to get you started! And if we do not, we would love to help you find the right people to work with to make it happen. Let us know and we can help connect you!
Let us all feel “called in” to belonging at Temple Shalom.
In this light, we encourage all members, but especially our new and newish members, to
Tikkun Olam Committee
by Co-Chairs Betsy Kingery and Fran Paver
The Tikkun Olam Committee is open to all congregants and offers a variety of ways, big and small, to get involved in tikkun olam (the mending of the world). As we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, let us pledge to work together, support each other, not sit idly by and work to Do Justice!
Get Out the Vote in the Virginia General Election (November 4). The Center for Common Ground’s Reclaim Our Vote campaigns made a difference! In the 2024 General Election in Virginia, the Center reports that the turnout to vote was 70.5% among people who received a postcard urging them to vote, and 62.8% among people who did not receive such a postcard
Temple Shalom’s Get Out the Vote team wrote 2,000 postcards to low-propensity BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) voters in the Virginia 2025 Primary
campaign. Help us write even more for the Virginia General election. This campaign will begin mid- to late summer. The Get Out the Vote campaign is non-partisan; it does not support specific candidates. To sign up in advance, click here.
Sacred Grounds activities:
National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Boat Tour Saturday, June 14 at 4:00pm-6:00pm; Register here.
NWF Sacred Grounds Native Plant Garden Tour Sunday, June 22 at 4:00pm in Rockville; Register here.
Help plant our Temple’s Sacred Grounds Native Garden, October 4 at 9:30am12:00pm (or until all the plants are planted). For more information, please email us!
For information about getting involved in Gun Violence Prevention Advocacy, Refugee Resettlement, the Sacred Grounds program, Climate Advocacy, Food Insecurity or Voting or if you have a focus area you would like help leading, contact co-chairs Betsy Kingery and Fran Paver at tikkunolam@templeshalom.net.
Renewal of Senior Rabbi Contract and Annual Meeting
Exciting but unsurprising news! The Congregation voted by unanimous consent (on June 10, in a meeting held prior to our Annual Meeting) to approve the Board of Trustee’s recommendation that Senior Rabbi Rachel Ackerman’s contract be renewed. This will extend the sacred partnership between our Senior Rabbi and our community, a partnership which is foundational to Temple Shalom’s thriving. The temple’s Bylaws elevate and honor this vital bond by including the full Congregation as well as the Board in the decision to extend the service of the Senior Rabbi. We are also extremely pleased that Rabbi Ackerman has also indicated her wish to extend her service to our Congregation.
At the annual meeting – also on June 10 –Senior Rabbi Rachel Ackerman and outgoing President Peter Howard shared remarks on the state of Temple Shalom, responses to challenges faced by our community (and so many others) this past year and how we will continue to support the congregation, moving forward with strength and increased numbers of members, and the support our members continue to give towards our Capital Campaign for much-needed renovations to our building to serve our diverse needs. Our religious school remains strong, our Early Learning Center is growing, and our adult education and music programs have expanded. Treasurer Lynn Mandell reported on the state of the budget – a strong finish is projected for fiscal year 20242025 (our fiscal year is July 1 – June 30). The Congregation voted unanimously to
approve the budget presented for fiscal year 2025-2026.
The Congregation was also presented with the very thorough work of our Sacred Spaces Committee and voted overwhelmingly to approve its recommended (and Board of Trustees recommended) comprehensive policy to address sexual harassment, bullying, and other behaviors that violate the sacred space Temple Shalom strives to provide. This policy is discussed in another article in this issue of the Shofar. Thank you to the Sacred Spaces Committee, led by Berinna Doggett and Sherry Doggett.
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One of the annual agenda items for our annual meeting is the opportunity to vote on officers and orustees for the upcoming fiscal year. The congregation unanimously approved the slate recommended by the Nominating Committee. The new officers and trustees are listed on page three of this Shofar. We also recognize and thank the officers and trustees whose terms have ended: Carol Jimenez; David Kornbluth; John Landesman; Jeff Steger; and Melanie Topper.
A sincere thank you to Rabbi Emeritus Bruce E. Kahn for the thoughtful and inspiring convocation and continuing to play an important role in our Temple Shalom community, to Megan Parker for her D’var Torah, and to our officers and trustees, clergy and staff for the unending work and devotion and support you provide to our congregation.
Mazel Tov to . . .
March - May
Jacob Glass and Adrienne Lohe on the birth of their son Caleb
Victoria Fleischer and Ella Lipin on the birth of their daughter Marlow Stevie
Emily Meyer on her Academy for Jewish Religion Rabbinic ordination and Master of Arts degree in Jewish Studies
Rabbi Gerry Serotta (Temple Shalom’s Associate Rabbi, 2000-2008) on receiving the Founders Award for decades of prophetic leadership as a founding board member of T’ruah, the rabbinic call for human rights
Torah Scrolls at Temple
Shalom
by Marty Shargel
In the spring of 2014, a highly qualified and experienced appraiser of Judaica came to Temple Shalom to examine our various Judaic objects. Although the goal was to authenticate and establish monetary value for insurance purposes, it also gave us other important information. This article describes only our Torah scrolls and does not include the associated items such as covers, crowns, shields, etc. or other Judaica (such as art) in the building. Much of the information here is from the 2014 appraisal.
An important characteristic of Torah scrolls is whether they are kosher, meaning ritually usable, or pasul (not ritually usable). Whether a scroll is kosher or not is determined by scribal inspection, which is a tedious and lengthy examination. There are now techniques for computer scanning to spot errors. Some important criteria include the proper formation of every letter with no loss of ink and each line beginning with the letter vav. Any damage to a kosher scroll must be appropriately repaired for it to remain kosher.
Temple Shalom has six Torah scrolls, three in the Sanctuary Ark and three in the Chapel Ark.
In the Sanctuary Ark: The scroll marked din (justice) according to the sofer (scribe) on site is from Latvia, is about 100 years old and is kosher. The scroll shalom (peace) was written in honor of Rabbi Emeritus Bruce E. Kahn celebrating his 18th (chai) year at Temple Shalom. It is also kosher. The very heavy scroll emet (truth) is about 100 years old, is from Poland/Latvia and was determined to be pasul.
In the Chapel Ark: All three Torah scrolls are pasul. The Holocaust or Westminster scroll is thought to be about 140 years old and originates in Czechoslovakia. Another scroll, supported on ornate rollers with ink inscriptions, is from Germany and is about 95 years old. The taller scroll is likely from Russia.
Despite these scrolls’ enormous meaning to us, none is unique or of extraordinary monetary value. At the time of the 2014 appraisals, the total valuation of the six scrolls, not including any accessories (covers, crowns, finials, etc.), was $152,000. Replacement today, of course, would be immensely higher. Whatever the dollar value and whether pasul or kosher, we treasure them all.
Consider all the hands that have touched them, all the voices that have read or chanted from them and all letters and words that have risen heavenward from their pages.
Introduction to Judaism Class
By Rabbi JoHanna Potts, Joe Kidder and Rachel Zimmerman
The Introduction to Judaism course held at Temple Shalom is a cooperative effort by the Reform congregations in the DMV geographic area. The course has 18 sessions and is offered twice each year, in Fall and Spring. Although it is called “an introduction”, many participants are re-engaging in Jewish learning as adults after having attended Hebrew school, others have done reading on their own while engaging in Jewish experiences, some are part of or plan to be part of a Jewish family and some are interested in converting. Each time, the class of individuals becomes a connected, supportive learning community where their different life experiences enrich the material through sharing perspectives.
Two former students, Joe Kidder and Rachel Zimmerman, share their experiences in the class.
Joe: From the time my wife Joanna and I first met, through our engagement and marriage, it was always extremely important to her that our children be raised Jewish. Despite my rocky relationship with the organized Christian religion from my childhood, I agreed. Our first child, Reuben, was born at the beginning of the COVID pandemic. Shelby, our second child, was born as the pandemic was subsiding. Joanna wanted to find a synagogue for the family. Until then, most of my exposure to Judaism was limited to Shabbat and Hanukkah rituals. As a non-Jew, I needed a place where I would be accepted and feel comfortable attending.
In 2024, over a year after joining Temple Shalom, it was clear that we had found the perfect home for our predominantly Jewish yet still interfaith family. Reuben was involved in Kids Time while starting his personal journey into Judaism. When the Introduction to Judaism class was offered, I took it to learn more about Judaism to support Reuben and Shelby through their journey. Even if I never converted, I still wanted them to know that I supported them and could help them (when possible). Yet I still had reservations about taking the class because I was not Jewish.
All my concerns were put to rest in the first five minutes of the first class when it was said that “the purpose of this class is not to get you to convert.” The design of the class is methodically appropriate for non-Jews The pace of learning is suitable for those who do not know a lot but dives deep enough into Judaism to think critically without being confusing or overwhelming. I was even able to impress my in-laws with some of the information I learned!
Rachel: In college, it became obvious to me that I had gaps in my Jewish education. Many of my friends were Jewish and when they learned about my interfaith family background, they helped me learn about being Jewish by attending events at Hillel and celebrating holidays with them. I took some classes as well, but did not have the foundational knowledge to understand the meaning behind everything The Jewish things I participated in brought me joy and made me want to learn more. They also brought me closer to my grandfather, who was very excited about and proud of my interest in being Jewish.
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Encouraged by my non-Jewish spouse, in 2019 I enrolled in Introduction to Judaism. My classmates had a variety of backgrounds: nonJews drawn to Judaism, people like me raised in interfaith families, those married to Jewish partners and even lifelong observant Jews who simply wanted to learn more. The class was great! We filled in each other’s knowledge gaps and enriched each other’s experiences, led by the gifted and talented teacher Rabbi JoHanna.
With Rabbi JoHanna’s and Rabbi Rachel’s encouragement, I joined the Adult B’notai Mitzvah class that began just as the Introduction to Judaism class concluded. The
connections made through the B’nai Mitzvah class and learning from Rabbi Rachel and Rabbi JoHanna, while progressing towards a goal, made a huge and positive difference in my life. This includes sitting with friends in services, getting rides to Temple and my agreeing to serve on the Board of Trustees. I have learned about non-profit hiring through participating in senior staff search committees. Many connections have reached out when someone in my family is sick with COVID or the flu, including offering to drop off meals.
I truly enjoy the breadth of my experiences at Temple Shalom, all of which started with the Intro to Judaism Course.
Sisterhood Book Group
July - September
July 17, 8:15pm
To honor the twentieth anniversary of comedienne Gilda Radner’s death from ovarian cancer comes a commemorative edition of her memoir, It’s Always Something.
August 21, 8:15pm
In the 1930s, the collective farming espoused by Stalin’s activists was the first step in creating a man-made famine. In Ukraine, it stole almost four million lives and Erin Litteken reimagines their story. Seventy years later, a young widow discovers her grandmother’s journal, one that will reveal the long-buried secrets of her family’s haunted past.
September 18, 8:15pm
A small child comes to England on a Kindertransport and learns nothing of his real family from the people who raise him. When he is much older, fleeting memories return to him, and Austerlitz traces them to the world he left. There, faced with the void at the heart of 20th-century Europe, he struggles to rescue his heritage.
To get the meeting link, click this link or email sisterhood@templeshalom.net.
Profile – Joan Kalin
by Lynn Kanowith and Marty Shargel
Temple Shalom will soon celebrate its 65-year anniversary. It has endured and thrived due in part to senior members like Joan Kalin. She has belonged to Temple Shalom for sixty years and is still an active member
Joan grew up in Baltimore. Her greatgrandfather immigrated there from Germany in the 1850s. Her family members were longstanding and active members of the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation. At an oneg there she met Stanley and they were married, moved to our area and joined Temple Shalom.
Joan and Stan joined Temple Shalom because she found it was ”warm and welcoming” and not “a fancy place.” The Kalins became active and assumed leadership positions. Stan was president of Temple Shalom in 1971 and 1972. Joan was a vice president in 1979. Joan was
president of Sisterhood “forever.” She served on the national board of Women of Reform Judaism, the Mid-Atlantic Council for Reform Judaism, president of the regional office of ARZA and the national board of the American Zionist Movement. She also served on the national board of ARZA. All of this activity helped bring Temple Shalom into the national eye. Joan also continues to volunteer in the temple office weekly. She remains an honorary member of our temple Board of Trustees.
Her family has remained committed members of Temple Shalom. All four generations of the extended Kalin family have been involved. Her children attended religious school at Temple Shalom, had their bar and bat mitzvah and confirmations here and her daughter Ellen was married here. Other activities of her family have ranged from teaching in our ELC and religious school to the youngest attending the ELC. One might say that in so many ways for 60 years Joan and the Temple have been “soul mates.”
Mazel Tov to Emily Meyer and Other Distinguished Jewish Professionals Among Temple Shalom Members
by Karen Lowe
Mazel tov to Temple Shalom’s very own Emily Meyer, who was recently ordained as a rabbi and also received a Master of Arts degree in Jewish Studies at the Academy for Jewish Religion (AJR) after a six-year course of study.
When Emily, Gabe, Ella and Owen Meyer joined Temple Shalom, Emily quickly used her degrees in music to serve our community: first, teaching in our religious school, then as a Cantorial Soloist and also as an active member of the Women Cantors’ Network.
Emily initially entered AJR with the goal of becoming an ordained cantor, but soon found a love for Talmud and rabbinic studies, which led her to the rabbinical program.
As we say mazel tov to Rabbi Meyer, we also acknowledge and kvell (take pride) in the list of rabbis, cantors and educators whose distinguished contributions to the Jewish faith and people were greatly impacted through their ties with Temple Shalom.
Emily continues a long tradition of Temple Shalom members who have gone on to become rabbis. In no particular order, we are proud to recognize: Darryl Crystal, who became a CCAR rabbi specializing in helping congregations as an interim rabbi; Jen Clayman, who was also ordained through the CCAR; and Andy Shugarman, who obtained ordination through the Jewish Theological Seminary. Hannah Spiro grew up at Temple Shalom, was ordained through the Reconstructionist Rabbinic College and serves as the rabbi for the Hill Chavurah here in the DC area; Jack Kramer and Debra Dressler were adult members who went on to second careers as rabbis.
Several staff and teachers also went on to become rabbis. They include our now Adjunct Rabbi/Jewish Educator, JoHanna Potts, religious school teacher Josh Fixler and Cantor Lisa Levine, who is now a rabbinic pastor. Next will be our Family Engagement and Education Coordinator, Katie Heinzer, who is about to start rabbinic studies at Hebrew Union College
Three members of our community have become or will soon become a Cantor: Barbara Gay Margulis and Sharon Steinberg each served as a Cantorial Soloist and went on to become an ordained cantor; and Dana
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Bederson grew up at Temple Shalom and is currently a student at the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music at Hebrew Union College as well as the student cantor at Temple Micah in DC.
Four other members of our community have earned degrees as Jewish educators: long-time educator Ann Rubin and long-time teacher
Scott Kravetz added Master of Jewish Education (MJE) to their already impressive accomplishments, as did teacher Carri Wasserberg. Dena Kahn, who grew up at Temple Shalom, earned her MJE at The Rhea Hirsch School of Education of Hebrew Union College.
If any of this sounds right for you or if you want to explore further being a Jewish professional, please reach out to any of our clergy. They would love to hear from you!
Mazel Tov to Our Confirmands
Mazel tov to the Confirmation Class of 5785/2025. These students honored the commitment they made at their b’notai mitzvah to continue their Jewish education through grade 10. We are so proud of them and are extremely grateful to their parents for all the support they provided over the years. On Erev Shavuot (June 1) these confirmands led us in a special service and shared their thoughts about prayers, their personal philosophy about Judaism and much more
Lily Blackman
Benjamin Ceresa
Noah Cintron
Henry Delovitch
Eliana Gardner
Linzi Greenfield
Paige Hochman
Nathan Horowitz
Madeline Howard
Leela Joshi
Joshua Klein
Aviva Labbé-Moravchik
Jacob Labbé-Moravchik
Rowan Liftik
Celia Max
Joaquin Muñoz
Jacob Nadelhaft
Rafael Pikofsky-Christiansen
Benjamin Polin
Elijah Reeves
Kyra Schachter
Daniel Slade
Philip Slade
Benjamin Trackman
Ethan Wexler
Temple Shalom Funds
Tzedakah is a central mitzvah of Judaism. Donors benefit as much as, or more, from giving as does the recipient. Donating tzedakah can recognize a special event, honor an individual, memorialize a loved one or community member, or thank the Temple or an individual for something particular. All contributions made to Temple Shalom funds are fully eligible for a tax deduction, and all amounts are welcome.
TEMPLE SHALOM GENERAL FUND
These gifts have great impact due to their flexibility and help ensure that our temple is open to all, regardless of financial ability.
CAPITAL FUND
Capital projects support ongoing long-term work to improve our building and grounds.
TEMPLE SHALOM ENDOWMENT FUND
HONORING RABBI
EMERITUS BRUCE E. KAHN
Supports the long-term financial health of Temple Shalom for generations to come.
CLERGY MITZVAH FUNDS
This is a traditional way to say thank you for support with a life-cycle event or other personal guidance, service or inspiration. Clergy use them for tzedakah projects at the clergy’s discretion.
Senior Rabbi Rachel Ackerman
Cantor Ze’evi Tovlev
Rabbi Educator Joshua Gischner
Rabbi Emeritus Bruce E. Kahn
SPECIAL PURPOSE FUNDS
There are 12 Special Purpose Funds, each uniquely dedicated to support specific projects and/or activities to supplement temple funding.
David Mark Gildenhorn Fund
Scholarships for temple youth to participate in programs in Israel.
Adele D. Lewis Memorial Teachers Fund
Professional development for religious school teachers and betterment of the religious school.
Burton Hoffman Memorial Fund
Special projects to support our temple community related to worship, education, youth engagement, life cycle events, films/media presentations and adult b’notai mitzvah program.
David Rivkind Memorial Flower Fund
Floral and other decorations are used for Temple Shalom’s services/programs and the general beautification of the temple and its grounds.
Eli Newberger Speakers Fund
Speaker programs for Temple Shalom, including its Brotherhood.
Herman Rosenfeld Memorial Resettlement Fund
Funds or loans to Jewish immigrants resettling in the United States; supports Temple Shalom’s pursuit of social justice (including Mitzvah Corps).
Levinsohn-Feinberg Youth Educational Program Fund
Scholarships for temple members to attend Jewish summer camps and programs for temple youth.
Oscar Felker Memorial Educational Enrichment Fund
Educational enrichment for adults and youth, including scholarships for college/rabbinical/cantorial school, special projects for the religious school, purchase of books/reference materials, educational trips for members and Scholars-in-Residence.
Sigmund Mayer Jr. Prayer Book Fund
For the purchase of prayer books, ritual items and other ways to enable participation in religious services at Temple Shalom.
Phyllis and Stanley Nehmer Fund for Special Events
Temple Shalom programming and special events to expand Judaic knowledge, social interaction, continuing education and arts enrichment.
The Tretter Family Music Fund
Supports the temple’s music programming, including Artists-in-Residence, scholarships for song leaders, shaliach tzibur, music training camps, musical community outreach, commissioning of music for Temple Shalom, musical education for temple music groups and audio-visual equipment not covered through other means.
Torat Shalom Fund
Torah-related education and programming, including Shabbat morning Torah study.
Yvonne Wagner Emergency Needs Fund
Enables our clergy to support members of our congregation in need.
To make a donation, click here.
Donations may also be mailed to: Accounting Manager, Temple Shalom, 8401 Grubb Rd., Chevy Chase, MD 20815. Please specify the occasion or person being honored or remembered, the fund for your donation and the name and address of who should be informed of your contribution.
Donations
March - May
Tzedakah humanizes both the giver and the recipient. It acknowledges an important occasion, thanks someone for a particular thing or pays tribute in sympathy. Temple Shalom thanks all who have generously donated to our community. These acknowledgements do not include donations to our Capital Campaign, which will be acknowledged separately.
IN LOVING MEMORY
In memory of Joan and Norman Gurevich
Caren Bosk
Carol Jimenez
Lynn and Temma Kanowith
Joan Kalin
Rita Klein
Alan and Judith Lewis
Walter and Rachel Miller
Jerry and Deborah Nedelman
Stephen and Helene Sacks
Martin and Carolyn Shargel
Carl and Beryl Tretter
Harvey and Francine Berger in memory of Beatrice Borscher and Harry Shulman
Cory Brackman in memory of Steve Handelman
Phyllis and Thomas Dietz in memory of Grace Dietz, Arthur Podolsky and Helen Podolsky
Emma Dolan in memory of Jen Marwell
Jeff Freedman in memory of Mark Freedman
Robert and Alice Goodman in memory of Herman Goodman
Amy Harfeld and Eli Elfassi in memory of Amy’s father David Harfeld
Laurence and Jacqulyn Hefter in memory of Charles S. Hefter and Michael Miller
Miles and Paula Kahn in memory of Mildred Kahn
Joan Kalin in memory of Leo Hamburger and Solomon Hamburger
Lynn and Temma Kanowith in memory of Leon Herman
Fred and Marie Kaplowitz in memory of Roslyn Covyn
Kenneth and Audrey Kramer in memory of family members who we are remembering over the past year: Milton Kramer, Charlotte Kramer, Flora Kramer, Gertrude J. Reich and Irving Reich
Ely and Sheila Fishlowitz in memory of Milton J. Sweed
Lauren Frankel in memory of Carolyn Becker
Michael and Barbara Krause in memory of Clara Krause and Larry Krause
Donations
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IN LOVING MEMORY
Michael and Barbara Krause in memory of Clara Krause and Larry Krause
Scott Kravetz in memory of Jaidon Smith
Alan and Judith Lewis in memory of Edith D. and George Z. Stuhl, Adrianne Marcus, Lottie Lewis, Henrietta and Louis Saltzman and Richard S. Young
Karen and Jack Lowe in memory of Irwin Lowe
Stuart and Victoria Marwell in memory of Jen Marwell
Barry Molar and Juliet Mellow in memory of Noah Molar and Shirley Molar
Ann Rubin Goldman in memory of Joost Oppenheim
Jonathan Silverman in memory of Etta Tockman and Judy Silverman
Frederic and Rhoda Spindel in memory of Albert Gally
David Stern in memory of Charles Stern
Carl and Beryl Tretter in memory of Zelda Sline and Ruth Gold Tretter
Soching Tsai and David Kornbluth in memory of Seymour Kornbluth
Lori Weinstein in memory of Calvin Weinstein
Richard Weitzner and Vickie Gaul in memory of Ellen Weitzner
Janice Zalen and Jared Wermiel in memory of Nathan Wermiel
Rita Zucker in memory of Leah Kamenker
GENERAL FUND
Leah and Neil Cohen in support of where the temple can use it most
Benjamin Hecht
Debra Jaffe in honor of Rabbi Josh Gischner’s presentation “Hope, Pain and Heroes”
Joan Kalin in honor of Katie Heinzer for her acceptance to Hebrew Union College
Joan Kalin in honor of the Rabbinic Ordination of Rabbi Emily Meyer
Kenneth and Audrey Kramer in support of where it is needed most
Rosalyn Leiderman in honor of Rabbi Josh Gischner’s presentation “Hope, Pain and Heroes”
Walter and Rachel Miller
Jerry and Deborah Nedelman
Eddie Orcutt and Sheila Mulhovo in honor of all those who hunger or need a little help
Megan and Austin Parker
RABBI EMERITUS BRUCE E. KAHN ENDOWMENT FUND
Alan and Judith Lewis in memory of Joan and Norman Gurevich
Ann Rubin Goldman in memory of Joost Oppenheim
Lisa Rider and Simon Wing in memory of Joan and Norman Gurevich
CLERGY DISCRETIONARY FUNDS
Rabbi Rachel Ackerman Mitzvah Fund
Ely and Sheila Fishlowitz in memory of Milton J. Sweed
Kenneth and Audrey Kramer
Judith Levy in memory of George Ruby
Joseph Rose
Martin and Carolyn Shargel in memory of Joan and Norman Gurevich
Martin and Carolyn Shargel in memory of Carol Shargel
Martin and Carolyn Shargel in honor of Emily Meyer’s ordination
Rita Zucker in memory of Leah Kamenker
Rabbi Emeritus Bruce E. Kahn Mitzvah Fund
Miles and Paula Kahn in memory of Mildred Kahn
Alan and Judith Lewis in memory of Edith D. and George Z. Stuhl, Adrianne Marcus, Lottie Lewis, Henrietta and Louis Saltzman, and Richard S. Young
Joseph Rose in memory of Nancy Rose
SPECIAL FUNDS
Adele D. Lewis Memorial Teachers Fund
Nancy Cole in memory of Jen Marwell
Capital Campaign Fund
Barry Molar and Juliet Mellow in memory of Joan and Norman Gurevich and Noah Molar
Levinsohn-Feinberg Youth Educational Program Fund
Matthew and Rachel Bremen in memory of Joel G. Breman
Harvey and Francine Berger in memory of Melvin Leonard Druin
Harvey and Francine Berger in memory of Joan and Norman Gurevich
Scott Kravetz on behalf of the congregation with appreciation for participating in our Yom HaShoah observance to Lily Blackman, Noah Cintron, Aviva Labbé-Moravchik, Jacob Labbe-Moravchik, Sam Pikofsky-Christiansen, Ben Szekely, Solomon Silver, Ben Polin and Ben Trackman
Karen and Jack Lowe in memory of Joan and Norman Gurevich
Karen and Jack Lowe thank you to Matt Andelman for a fabulous Trivia Night
Oscar Felker Memorial Educational Enrichment Fund
Jonathan Silverman in memory of Etta Tockman and Judy Silverman
The Tretter Family Music Fund
Carl and Beryl Tretter in memory of Joan and Norman Gurevich
Torat Shalom Fund
Joan Kalin in honor of Katie Heinzer for her acceptance to Hebrew Union - Mazel tov!
Joan Kalin in honor of the Rabbinic Ordination of Rabbi Emily Meyer
Yvonne Wagner Emergency Needs Fund
Karen and Jack Lowe
Condolences
March - May
Allison Druin (Ben Bederson) and Atlas and Dana Bederson on the death of their father and grandfather Melvin Leonard Druin
Mike (Linda) Gurevich on the death of his mother Joan Sirota Gurevich
Mike (Linda) Gurevich on the death of his father Norman Gurevich, husband of Joan Gurevich z’l
Simon Heil (Daniel Escavage) on the death of his grandfather John Heil
Katie Heinzer on the death of her grandfather Richard Melton
Robin Kragen (Gabe Sussman) on the death of her mother Beverly Kragen
Emily Marwell and Emet Marwell on the death of their daughter and sister Jen Grace Elizabeth Marwell
Diann Onsted on the death of her partner Ronald Weiner
If you are interested in purchasing a cemetery plot in the Garden of Remembrance Memorial Park (Clarksburg, Maryland), please contact the Temple Shalom office at (301) 587-2273.
