02 2015 bulletin

Bulletin

February, 2015 12 Shevat – 9 Adar 5775 Vol. 2 Published Monthly

BNAI ABRAHAM SYNAGOGUE

DANIEL STEIN, RABBI ROBERT WEINER, PhD, CANTOR MARK SHRAGER, RABBI EMERITUS, ZT”L MORRIS SIEGEL, CANTOR EMERITUS, ZT”L

1545 BUSHKILL STREET • EASTON, PA 18042-3118 (610) 258-5343 • Fax: (610) 330-9100

www.bnaiabraham.org • email: [email protected]

THE

UNITED

SYNAGOGUE OF

CONSERVATIVE

JUDAISM

DISTRIBUTION NOTICE If you would like family members or others to receive a copy of the bulletin, please send name, address and $15 payment to Bnai Abraham.

If you have not sent your email address to Bnai Abraham office staff, please do so as soon as possible. We will be notifying congregants of emergencies and special events through email.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS The deadline for submitting items is February 17th. Please have all items to BAS office no later than February 17th. Any items received after that date will be published in the next month’s bulletin.

C O N T A C T S

Gerald Weisberger President & Programming Committee Chair

Howard Nathanson Youth Chair Shelly Blumenthal Gift Shop Chair Howard Nathanson Kadima Advisor Irwin Lewis, M.D. Men’s Club President &

Ritual Committee Chair Elaine Morrow Sisterhood President Ellen Lifschutz Choir Director Aliette and Marc Abo, MD Theatre Club Gerald Weisberger House Chair Lothar Gumberich Memorials & Torah

Restoration Committee

O F F I C E H O U R S:

Closed on Mondays and Fridays. Hours open: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Services/Minyan Schedule

Thursday: 7:25 AM Friday Night Services – 8:00 PM First Friday of Each Month – Simcha Shabbat: 6:30 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM Kiddush follows

If you require a special minyan, please notify the office at 610-258-5343.

A MESSAGE FROM RABBI DANIEL STEIN…

All too often, especially in North America, we assume that all Jews look the same way and came from the same part of the globe. The truth, though, is that Judaism is, and always has been, more diverse than our Ashkenazi–centered worldview suggests. This February, as we celebrate Black History Month, I wanted to highlight a few Jews who belong not only to our Diaspora, but also to the African one.

For most Americans, when we think of Black Jews, the image of Sammy Davis, Jr. selling Manischewitz emerges as the most prominent. The truth, though, is that there have been strong affinities between Jews and African Americans going back to the nineteenth century. In preparing this piece, I was surprised to discover that Willy “The Lion” Smith, one of the most important early Jazz pianists was the son of an Ashkenazi father, and considered himself Jewish. Later in life, he even served as a chazzan at a Black Hebrew congregation. He was also conversant in Yiddish, and spoke the language throughout his life. More importantly, though, he was an integral part of a group of pioneering stride pianists that included Fats Waller, Eubie Blake and James P. Johnson.

American Jews are equally famous for excelling in comedy—today, while the comic landscape is slightly less Jewish than it was during the run of Sid Caesar’s Show of Shows, two of the most prominent comic actresses are African American Jews. Maya Rudolph, star of Saturday Night Live and Bridesmaids, and Rashida Jones, of Parks and Recreation, both claim Jewish Heritage. Jones, the daughter of famous producer Quincy Jones and actress Peggy Lipton, attended Hebrew school and once told American Jewish Life Magazine, “I feel pretty strongly about my connection, definitely through the Jewish traditions.”

Perhaps there is something distasteful about “claiming” Jewish celebrities. At the same time, it is important to acknowledge and recognize the growing diversity of the American Jewish landscape. Many of you are likely familiar with this joke:

A MESSAGE FROM RABBI DANIEL STEIN… Continued

A woman on a train walked up to a man across the table. "Excuse me," she said, "but are you Jewish?" "No," replied the man. A few minutes later the woman returned. "Excuse me," she said again, "are you sure you're not Jewish?" "I'm sure," said the man. But the woman was not convinced, and a few minutes later she approached him a third time. "Are you absolutely sure you're not Jewish?" she asked? "All right, all right," the man said. "You win. I'm Jewish." "That's funny," said the woman." You don't look Jewish.”

Today, it is more laughable to assume that we know how “Jewish” looks. As global faith, we should embrace our diversity, and take pride in the accomplishments of all Jews.

I hope this month, we set aside time to acknowledge the unique contributions of African Americans to our culture, and the particular ways our American Jewish community has benefited from our special relationship to the Black community.

Wishing you all the best for a good month,

Daniel Stein

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE …

Shalom,

This month we look forward to implementing some of our plans to upgrade and make significant repairs and replacements to our heating and security systems. We will also be adding our long awaited washer, dryer and a new freezer.

Our current heating system is very expensive to operate, unreliable, and difficult to control. On top of that, replacement parts are becoming extremely hard to obtain. The security system simply is antiquated and does not offer the level of security dictated in current times. We trust you will be able to experience some of these changes in the not-to-distant future.

Also, we recently became aware of the expanding need in the Jewish community, as well as the secular for food staples as well as warm clothing. Please drop off food staples (cereals, peanut butter, soup, personal items) in the entrance area at Bnai Abraham. We will continue to distribute this to Jewish Family Services, etc. on a timely basis.

Clothing is also a priority, obviously warm coats, hats, scarves, gloves etc. are in demand. The clothing can be dropped off in the cloak room and we will distribute it to the appropriate organizations.

Lets plan on bringing cheerios, tuna, tooth paste, etc. any time we come to Bnai Abraham. It will make both you and the eventual recipient very happy.

Sincerely, Jerry Weisberger President

SIMCHA SHABBAT FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6th, at 6:30 P.M.

Please join us for our musical Simcha Shabbat on Friday, February 6th , and stay for a special oneg to follow.

BETHLEHEM/EASTON HADASSAH BOOK AND FILM CLUB THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19th, at 1:30 P.M.

BOOK: Outwitting History: Adventures of a Man

Who Rescued a Million Yiddish Books by Aaron Lansky

At the home of Roberta Diamond 218 Georgia Ave. Bethlehem, PA Phone: 610-865-3357

UPCOMING EVENTS

BNAI ABRAHAM/TEMPLE COVENANT OF PEACE KNITTING GROUP WEDNESDAY MORNING – FEBRUARY 18th, at 10:30 A.M.

Please note the knitting group will be meeting at the home at the home of Liz Cartine

2260 Sheffield Dr. Easton, PA 18040 Please RSVP to Liz at 484-373-0990

BETHLEHEM-EASTON HADASSAH POT-LUCK BRUNCH

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8th, at 11:00 A.M.

Please join us at the home of Sandy Weiner 3230 Highfield Circle, Bethlehem, PA

Please bring dairy dish for 6 – 8 people. Anything goes – Salads, sweets, quiche, kugel (just let us know so we don’t end up with 25 kugels).

RSVP to Judy Aronson at [email protected] or leave a message at 610-867-7624.

JAVA AND JEANS SHABBAT SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28th, at 10:00 A.M.

Join us on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. for our monthly Shabbat service. This month Veronica Grant will join us for Yoga Body

Jewish Mind. Veronica will provide us with an introduction to her yoga philosophy. This program will feature light movement, appropriate for all ages and skills.

A vegan oneg will follow.

VERONICA GRANT – YOGA BODY JEWISH MIND TRADITIONAL YOGA CLASS – SUNDAY, MARCH 1st, at 9:00 A.M.

Join us on Sunday, March 1st, when Veronica Grant will lead a “traditional” yoga class, incorporating her Jewish approach to practice. Please wear workout clothes.

UPCOMING EVENTS

JAVA &

JEANS

BNAI ABRAHAM SUNDAY FILM/DINNER SERIES SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22nd, at 4:00 P.M.

Join us at Bnai Abraham on Thursday, February 22nd at 4:00 pm to view

“Sallah Shabati”

The sharp, often hilarious satire that became the most successful film in Israeli history is about new immigrants Sallah and his family, who are left in a shack near their promised apartment and are abandoned for months. A Yemenite Jewish family that was flown to Israel during "Operation Magic Carpet" - a clandestine operation that flew 49,000 Yemenite Jews to Israel the year after the state was formed - is forced to move to a government settlement camp. The patriarch of the family, portrayed by Chaim Topol, tries to make money and get better housing, in a country that can barely provide for its own and is in the midst absorbing hundreds of thousands of Jewish refugees from Arab countries.

Followed by dinner (and discussion) at Pizza D'Ora restaurant, 208 Cattell St., Easton

Come to one or come to both! We look forward to seeing you there!

The film is free – Dinner is Dutch Treat

UPCOMING EVENTS

BNAI ABRAHAM/JEWISH BOOK COUNCIL SUNDAY, MARCH 1st, at 11:00 A.M. at BNAI ABARHAM

Please join us on Sunday, March 1st, at 11:00 a.m. when Thelma Reese, author of “The New Senior Woman,” will be our guest.

Thelma Reese, Ed. D., retired professor of English and of Education, is a graduate of Temple University, a confirmant of Adath Jeshurun in Philadelphia and attended Gratz College. As Director of the Mayor's Commission on Literacy for the City of Philadelphia, she appeared frequently on television and hosted a cable show. Together, she and Barbara Fleisher created and maintain the ElderChicks.com blog.

This is a free event and all are welcome.

UPCOMING EVENTS

BNAI ABRAHAM/JEWISH BOOK COUNCIL TUESDAY, MARCH 10th, at 7:00 P.M. at LAFAYETTE COLLEGE

PARDEE AUDITOREUM (CIVIL RIGHTS HALL)

Please join us at Lafayette College on Tuesday, March 10th, at 7:00 p.m. when David Greene, author of “Midnight in Siberia,” will be our guest.

David Greene is host of NPR’s Morning Edition. For two years prior to taking on his current role in 2012, Greene was an NPR foreign correspondent based in Moscow, covering the region from Ukraine and the Baltics east to Siberia. He spent a month in Libya reporting riveting stories in the most difficult of circumstances as NATO bombs fell on Tripoli. He was honored with the 2011 Daniel Schorr Journalism Prize for that coverage.

The event is free and all are welcome.

EREV PURIM, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4th - 6:00 - 8:15 PM

MEGILLAH, COSTUMES, HAMANTASCHEN, ICE CREAM SUNDAE BAR & SWING DANCING FOR FAMILIES, FRIENDS AND FUN-LOVING DANCERS OF

CBS & BNAI ABRAHAM

•  Religious school will end an hour early, 5:30, so the children can have a pizza bagel & cruditee dinner. Then, they will get into their costumes and attend the Megillah reading at 6:00 PM. Parents should come along to get their children ready. Children of all ages and schools, affiliated or not are welcome!

•  Groggers will be provided, or bring your own.

•  Volunteers for Wednesday’s Swing Dance from CBS & Bnai are needed and will be appreciated. Please contact Judith [email protected]

UPCOMING EVENTS

A TRIBUTE TO RABBI MARK SHRAGER Z"L BY NATHAN WEISSLER

My name is Nathan Weissler and I am a college student. I live with my family in Chevy Chase, Maryland a suburb of Washington, DC. As the first yahrzeit of Rabbi Mark Shrager z"l approaches, I have been thinking about the impact that he has had for me, my family and for many others. As I continued to think about that, I realized that I wanted to put those thoughts in writing which is what I am doing in this article. I am honored to write this tribute to Rabbi Shrager.

My maternal grandfather, Leonard Miaskoff z"l, was a member of Bnai Abraham Synagogue for many years. From the time Rabbi Shrager came to Bnai Abraham, he was my grandfather's until my grandfather moved to the Washington, DC area in the mid 1990s. After my grandfather moved to the Washington, DC area, he still maintained a friendship with Rabbi Shrager and a connection with Bnai Abraham Synagogue. Rabbi Shrager had a very important and positive impact for my grandfather. My grandfather was married twice and both of his wives died of brain cancer. Rabbi Shrager came to Bnai Abraham Synagogue around the time that my grandfather's second wife died. My grandfather was devastated. I do not think that it would be an overstatement to say that Rabbi Shrager was essential in rescuing my grandfather emotionally. My family and I will always grateful to him. It is always special whenever someone has a friend who completely believes in you and cares about you deeply. Rabbi Shrager was that kind of friend to my grandfather and that meant so much to him. Additionally, Judaism and Jewish dedication was a very important part of my grandfather's life. I vividly remember seeing a lot of Jewish books in my grandfather's library when I was young. In my opinion, Rabbi Shrager's love of Judaism helped to inspire my grandfather's love of Judaism. Furthermore, he was a friend who would go out of his way to help others and to be supportive. Indeed, after my grandfather's death in 2007, Rabbi Shrager officiated at my grandfather's funeral. The funeral was in Long Island, New York during Chol HaMoed Passover (the intermediate days of Passover.) My family and I will always appreciate that Rabbi Shrager officiated at my grandfather's funeral during a busy time of year.

He also made a positive impact for me. I recall meeting him twice. The first time that I met him was when I was nine years old, in 2001. My family and I were visiting Bnai Abraham Synagogue and my grandfather was also there. At that time, I had already developed an interest in Jewish books which is a strong interest of mine to this day. I spoke with Rabbi Shrager about Jewish books and specifically about Jewish books that I had read. I will always remember and appreciate his interest in what I shared during our conversation. He treated me with a lot of respect and kindness. In my view, children are able to notice when people are truly interested in what they share. I could tell that he was very interested in what I was sharing. Meeting him at Bnai Abraham Synagogue will be a special memory of my childhood.

RABBI MARK SHRAGER, Z”L

The second time that I met him was at my grandfather's funeral, which I briefly discussed earlier in this article. I was deeply saddened about my grandfather's death and I spoke with Rabbi Shrager about my grandfather. I will always appreciate and remember the gentleness with which he spoke to me. Additionally, his facial expressions communicated a lot of care and concern. I remember him telling me that I can always feel confident, throughout my life, that my grandfather would be proud of me.

When I learned of Rabbi Shrager's death, I was deeply saddened. I then began fully understood the impact that he had for my family and myself. Additionally, I realized that he had inspired me, throughout the years, in ways that I had not previously been aware of. For instance, I am considering studying to be a rabbi and working in special education. I would very much like to work in a profession in which I will be especially able to have a positive impact for others. He profoundly inspired me in my thoughts about a possible career. Observing his dedication to others helped to inspire my thoughts about what I would like to do professionally after completing my education. The inspiration that he has given me will be a very important part of my life, always. I look forward to continuing to think about what path to take in life.

I miss Rabbi Shrager very much and I think about him often. I will always cherish my memories of him.

RABBI MARK SHRAGER, Z”L

Yahrzeit List In the Bond of Life

February 2015

Contact Irwin Lewis, Ritual Chairman

February 1 Max Maron, beloved father of Norman Maron February 1 Paul Friedman, beloved uncle of Becky Goldenberg February 3 Sherman Litvin, beloved father of Herb Litvin February 3 Cantor Morris Siegel February 3 Bernice Pestka, beloved mother of Doris Goldman February 4 Pearl Bugen Gitkind, beloved sister of Roz Smolow February 5 Leonard Brooks, beloved father of Joel Brooks February 6 William Rabinowitz, beloved father of Mitch Rabinowitz February 7 Gerold Nathanson, beloved father of Howard Nathanson February 7 Ethel Kaplan Kahan, beloved sister of Sidney and

Leopold Kaplan February 8 Mollie Marcus, beloved mother of Renee Berg February 8 Herbert Saalfeld, beloved father of Anita Tish February 8 Adolph Gross, beloved father of Faye Goldberg February 11 William Friedman, beloved grandfather of Becky Goldenberg February 11 Robert Walker, beloved father of Stanley Walker February 13 Harold Tish, beloved husband of Anita Tish February 13 Morris Cravits, beloved father of Doris Lifland February 14 Phillip Lifschutz, beloved father of Boris Lifschutz February 15 Richard Greenberg, beloved father of David Greenberg February 17 Miriam Flitter, beloved mother of Merle Grollman February 17 Ruth Bugen Sher, beloved sister of Roz Smolow February 18 Esther Ytkin, beloved mother of Herman Ytkin February 20 Lillian Averick, beloved sister of Martin Zippel February 21 Oscar Falk, beloved father of Norman Falk February 21 David Bloch, beloved father of Robert Bloch February 21 Rabbi Mark Shrager February 23 Meyer Cohen, beloved father of Jacquelyn Brown February 23 Ida Friedman, beloved mother of Becky Goldenberg February 24 George Marcus, beloved father of Renee Berg February 24 Lillian Richmond, beloved step-mother of Sheila Goldberg February 25 Norman Morris Goldberg, beloved father of Susan Jones February 25 Edwin R. Berg, beloved husband of Renee Berg February 27 Margaret Spaziani, beloved mother of Margaret Kaplan February 27 Tillie Goldenberg, beloved mother of Miriam Cassel February 27 Ruth Asteak, beloved mother of Gary Asteak

BNAI ABRAHAM SYNAGOGUE General operating expenses

Please consider a donation to Bnai Abraham Synagogue to cover “General Operating Expenses”. Your donations support our Congregation and strengthen our Jewish community here in Easton.

BEATRICE & LEON FRIEDMAN FUND 1.  Support organizations that benefit minor children whose parents are unable to

provide for their health, maintenance, support and education 2.  Needy, elderly 3.  Shelter for the homeless

BUILDING FUND Extraordinary maintenance and repair of the buildings and property of the synagogue and parsonage

SISTERHOOD CAMP RAMAH SCHOLARSHIP FUND

GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUND Interest only used to subsidize Bnai Abraham’s operating expenses

GOLDMAN/MERBAUM TORAH FUND

HERB SNYDER GARDEN FUND

JESSE & TAYLOR COOPER FUND

DR. JOEL LEWIS SCHOLARSHIP FUND Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutoring stipends

JULIUS COHEN MEMORIAL FUND 1.  Religious School Scholarships 2.  Assisting needy congregational youth in Jewish-oriented education,

programming and activities (e.g. Yeshiva or Jewish Day School, trips, USY)

RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND

ROBERT KUTNER LIBRARY FUND

SHEILA GOLDBERG FUND To pay High Holiday fees for anyone who cannot afford to attend

SILVERMAN RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND Religious School Scholarships, Shofars

SISTERHOOD BUILDING FUND

SUE SEIGEL SHABBAT FUND 1.  Shabbat programming, including kiddush lunches 2.  Bagels and Books

SY JACOWITZ TOT SHABBAT FUND Boker Tov Scholarships

THEATER FUND Supports a wide variety of synagogue projects and functions

Bnai Abraham Synagogue Bnai Abraham Synagogue sending congratulations Liz and Harvey Cartine on the birth of their grandson, Joshua Cartine. Sandy and Alan Abeshaus to honor the memory of Norman Seidel. Alan and Marsha Abraham in memory of Norman Seidel. Ilya Alelov has made a generous donation to Bnai Abraham Synagogue. Robert and Joan Barlieb in memory of Norman Seidel. Sally Brau in memory of Norman Seidel. Tony and Kathy Calabrese in memory of Norman Seidel. Michael J. Caruso in memory of Norman Seidel. Emily Caruso in memory of Norman Seidel. Walter and Lucinda Dealtrey in memory of Norman Seidel. Carol D. Devlin in memory of Norman Seidel. Arky and Barbara DeStefano in memory of Norman Seidel. Elaine Emrick in memory of Norman Seidel. Ruth and Al Gordon in memory of Norman Seidel. Mark and Wendy Greenberg in memory of Norman Seidel. William and Jane Heilman in memory of Norman Seidel Sid and Helene Kaplan sending get well wishes to Dexter Neadle. Sid and Helene Kaplan in memory of Paul Strikwerda’s father, Folkert Strikwerda. Rhoda and Allen Katz in memory of Norman Seidel. KWM Kressler, Wolff & Miller, Inc. in memory of Norman Seidel. Doris Lifland in memory of Norman Seidel. Jerri Lytel and W.L. Keller in memory of Norman Seidel. Merchants Bank in memory of Norman Seidel. Charles Mertz in memory of Norman Seidel. Pinky Moskowitz in memory of my dearest cousin, Norman Seidel. Leslie Muhlfelder in memory of Norman Seidel. Northampton County Bar Association in memory of Norman Seidel. Matthew and Denise Pollack in memory of Norman Seidel. Ruth Reiter in honor of Judy and Arnie Cohen. Ruth Reiter in memory of Norman Seidel, a good man, a good friend, and a benefactor. Ira and Lauren Seligman in memory of Norman Seidel. Harry and Ruthie Shleifer in memory of Norman Seidel. Helaine Sigal in memory of Norman Seidel. Roger and Marna Simon in memory of Norm Seidel. Roger and Marna Simon in memory of Paul Strikwerda’s father, Folkert Strikwerda.

Bnai Abraham Synagogue (Continued) Roz and Mark Smolow in memory of Norman Seidel. Roz and Mark Smolow wishing Sally and Dexter Neadle much happiness in their new home. Thomas Stover in memory of Norman Seidel. Sandra and Mort Waldman in memory of Norman Seidel. Phyllis and Warren Rosen in memory of Norman Seidel. Eileen J. Friedland Weiner in memory of my cousin Norman Seidel. Gail and Jerry Weisberger sending get well wishes to Dexter Neadle.

Building Fund Selma Jacowitz in memory of Norman Seidel. Sid and Helene Kaplan in memory of Norman Seidel. Steven Molder in memory of Norman Seidel. Gail and Jerry Weisberger in memory of Norman Seidel.

General Endowment Fund Arthur and Phoebe Altman in honor of Rabbi Daniel Stein.

Goldman/Merbaum Torah Fund Bernice Merbaum in memory of Norman Seidel.

Herb Snyder Garden Fund Anne Snyder-Lyons in memory of Norman Seidel.

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Jay Neadle in memory of Norman Seidel. Herman and Jessica Ytkin wishing Sally and Dexter Neadle much happiness and good health in their new home. Herman and Jessica Ytkin in memory of Norman Seidel.

Sheila Goldberg Fund Sheila Goldberg has made a generous donation to the Sheila Goldberg Fund.

Yahrzeit Alan Abeshaus in memory of his mother, Edna Abeshaus. Howard Falk in memory of his brother, Arnold Falk. Doris Lifland in memory of her father, Morris Cravits. Selma Jacowitz in memory of her sister, Harriet Levine. David Phillips in memory of his mother, Alice Phillips. Mitch Rabinowitz in memory of his father, William Rabinowitz. Norm Seidel in memory of his mother, Eva Rubin Seidel. Lorrie Scherline in memory of her husband, Jay Scherline

Refuah Sh’lma (A Full and Complete Healing) To all who were sick or hospitalized, we wish a return to good health.

In memoriam May God in His Kindness Grant Comfort and Solace to the Mourners

Phoebe Altman David Denenberg

Ilya Gabriel Joe Grollman Dexter Neadle Andrew Shaw

Jack Stein

Todah Rabah

A special thank you to Nancy Cohen for her generous donation to Bnai Abraham Synagogue.

A special thank you to Stan and Judy Walker for purchasing a new computer for the Bnai Abraham Synagogue Office.

Thank you, Ilya Alelov, for sponsoring the Kiddush on January 17, 2015.

Kiddush is a perfect way to celebrate a special birthday or anniversary, and it allows you the opportunity to celebrate with our community. To sponsor a Kiddush for $36, please contact the synagogue office.

Do you have a celebration we should know about? Email [email protected]

Folkert Strikwerda Melvin Sussman

Sisterhood News

It’s a New Year -- Be Part of Sisterhood

Join an extraordinary group of women to support the synagogue and have fun while doing it.

It’s the New Year – Send in your annual dues -- just $20

(Make check payable to Bnai Abraham Sisterhood and send to the office.)

Sisterhood members will be calling all the women in our congregation with the goal of making every

member feel part of our Jewish community.

Mitzvah Committee Let’s reach out to our members in times of

consolation or illness, celebrate happy events, and welcome new members. Let’s especially reach

out to Jewish residents (in and out of our congregation) at local facilities.

We can make a difference.

Contact Elaine Morrow with any questions or to get involved.

Call 484-515-3475 or email [email protected]

The Ritual Corner For February Submitted by Irwin Lewis

No article for February.

General Announcements

Please notify Bnai Abraham Office in

writing if you move, if there is a marriage, children, family member entering a nursing home, or change in membership status. We do need to keep your records up to date.

Thank you.

MEN'S CLUB TOPICS FOR 2015

WE ARE ALWAYS ON THE LOOKOUT FOR SPEAKERS! TOPIC NEED NOT BE JEWISH-RELATED AND CAN BE VERY

INFORMAL. PROFESSIONALS ARE WELCOME WITH EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION. PLEASE NO SOLICITATIONS.

CAMPAIGN FOR NEW MEMBERS - HELP WANTED!

We are asking every member of our congregation to help us locate prospective new members. They may be your neighbors, friends, vet, or whoever. Please relay the name and any pertinent information to Elaine Morrow, or the office staff at Bnai Abraham Synagogue.

AL’S CLEANERS - FUNDRAISER FOR BAS!

Bnai Abraham has been signed up at Al’s Cleaners, 1132 Northampton Street, to enable the synagogue to collect 10% of all sales of dry cleaning and laundry services that our congregants spend there. It’s easy. Just mention that you are a member of Bnai Abraham Synagogue, and they will credit the synagogue and send the proceeds periodically. Al’s is only about seven blocks from the synagogue, has very convenient hours, and does excellent work.

MOVING

Please notify the Bnai Abraham Synagogue office of any address changes to enable us to avoid charges for returned and undeliverable mail and to insure that you receive all mail being sent to you from the synagogue.

General announcements continued.......

SHOPPING AT AMAZON…A FUNDRAISER FOR BNAI ABRAHAM!

Click on the Amazon search link on the “Donations” page on the BAS website, and for any purchases made during your visit on Amazon.com, Amazon will contribute 4% to 15% of the purchase price to Bnai Abraham!

How it works:

Navigate to the BAS Donations webpage at http://www.bnaiabraham.org/donations.html and type any item keyword in the Amazon search box, and you will be transferred to Amazon.com. (You must use this link or purchases will not be traced to BAS). If you place items in your shopping cart and complete a purchase during your visit, Amazon will pay us a portion of the purchase price (not including shipping), that portion to range from 4% to 15% depending on the item category.

Rates for categories are posted on our website.

We encourage all of our members to shop on Amazon.com – but remember to only access Amazon.com through the BAS link at the below url or we will not get the purchase credit:

http://www.bnaiabraham.org/donations.html

Thank you for your continued support of BAS and HAPPY SHOPPING!

General announcements continued.......

Tree of Life

Permanently commemorate your simcha or celebrate a person!

The “Tree of Life” sculpture is on display in the BAS Main lobby known as Founders Hall.

It is used to honor and remember special events such as:

Bar/Bat Mitzvahs

Birthdays

Anniversaries

Memorials

Engagements

Namings

Weddings

and any other special milestone or celebration!

Leaf: $140 Apple: $800

Or memorialize your loved one:

Stone at base of tree: $1,100

Dedicate a memorial plaque to be located on the

walls of the Sanctuary: $300

To honor your friends on the Walk of Life: $350

Lothar Gumberich, Chairman: 610-253-5263 BAS office: 610-258-5343

Jewish Family Service is committed to alleviating hunger in our community. Please join us in our efforts to accomplish this.

Thank you to everyone who has so generously contributed to our food pantry with non-perishable items or financial support. We are supported in the Lehigh Valley by Second Harvest, as well as by the contributions of food drives and individuals. We are looking to expand into the entire Lehigh Valley to our Jewish community, and we ask for your support.

If you have non-perishable items to donate, please either drop them at JFS or call and we will pick them up. Financial donations can be sent directly to JFS.

In our outreach, we need everyone to spread the word. If you know someone, either affiliated or not, who could benefit from any JFS service, tell them about us and have them call. JFS maintains confidentiality and professionalism. We will deliver emergency food packages or supplemental food boxes anywhere in the Lehigh Valley. In addition to providing food, our Benefits Checkup Program (BCU) is designed to assist low-income persons of retirement age and younger adults with disabilities to find and apply for federal, state and local benefits. JFS seeks to help individuals and families live healthier, more stable lives by providing professional counseling, education and community programs.

JFS would love to assist you in scheduling a food drive or creating a project that can help benefit persons in need. Please call JFS at (610) 821-8722 or go on our website for further information.

Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley

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“Our Quality is Etched In Stone”

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