Temple Beth El Bulletin · Temple Beth El Bulletin ... Sylvan D. Pomerantz, Immediate Past President 203-968-0605 ... look backward and ahead, asking the question,

Temple Beth El Bulletin An Egalitarian Conservative Synagogue

www.tbe.org

May - June 2017 Volume 43 Issue 3 (bi-monthly) Iyar - Sivan - Tammuz 5777

(ShaBaBimBam) Painting the wall in our room with our bare hands!

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WHERE TO FIND IT

Joshua Hammerman, Rabbi........................................................Page 3

Magda Fishman, Cantor .............................................................Page 3

Sidney Rabinowitz, Hazzan Emeritus ..........................................Page 4

HEVRE .........................................................................................Page 4

May-June Service Schedule ........................................................Page 5

B’nai Mitzvah ..............................................................................Page 7

Beth El Cares ..............................................................................Page 7

Men’s Club .................................................................................Page 8

Sisterhood .............................................................................. Page 8-9

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Mia M. Weinstein, President 203-595-0528 Sylvan D. Pomerantz, Immediate Past President 203-968-0605 Carl Weinberg, First Vice President 203-322-8675 Stan Friedman, Vice President 203-322-0416 Steven Sosnick, Vice President 203-972-6993 Daniel Young, Vice President 203-975-1990 Robert Cohen, Treasurer 203-329-9622 Susan Frieden, Assistant Treasurer 203-869-4282 Lisa Manheim, Secretary 917-690-2712

ADVISORS Gary P. Lessen 203-322-7617 Peter K. Kempner 203-968-8079 Eileen H. Rosner 203-461-0506

TRUSTEES Edward M. Berman 203-329-7750 Kenneth Broder 203-968-8080 Jeffrey Cohen 203-358-9911 Aron Davidson 203-274-6363 Stacey Essenfeld 203-595-0368 Lori Gilbert 203-276-8652 Susan Greenwald 203-322-0771 Richard Heimler 203-998-7118 Dana Horowitz 203-321-0018 Devra Jaffe-Berkowitz 203-978-1113 Arthur Laichtman 203-461-8223 Joshua Levine 203-276-1395 Judy Schneiderman 203-569-4969 Lael Shapiro 203-517-4835 Susan Shapiro 203-353-0657 Barry Strom 203-329-2580 Adam Tronick 203-569-9570 Beth Weinberg 203-329-7573 Michael Wiederlight 203-322-4256

SISTERHOOD PRESIDENT Beth Silver 203-249-7046

MEN’S CLUB Matthew Klein, Representative 203-322-8305

PAST PRESIDENTS Gordon Brown 203-276-8688 Rosalea Fisher 203-323-1449 Fred S. Golove 203-322-0295 Herbert Kahan 203-595-9981 Alan Kalter 203-322-8220 Peter K. Kempner 203-968-8079 Mark Lapine 203-329-9879 Gary P. Lessen 203-322-7617 Brian Rogol 212-531-8203 Eileen H. Rosner 203-461-0506

OUR STAFF IS MOST EAGER TO ASSIST YOU

Monday - Thursday, 9am - 5:00 pm | Friday, 9am - 2:00pm

Phone: 203-322-6901 Fax: 203-322-0532

Joshua Hammerman, Rabbi ([email protected]) ext. 307 Magda Fishman, Cantor ([email protected]) ext. 315 Sidney G. Rabinowitz, Hazzan Emeritus ([email protected]) ext. 309 Steven Lander, Executive Director ([email protected]) ext. 304 Lisa Gittelman Udi, Education & Youth Director ([email protected]) ext. 305 Lana Rappaport, Education Office ([email protected]) ext. 306 Linda Rezak, Bookkeeper ([email protected]) ext. 302 Mindy Rogoff, Temple Secretary ([email protected]) ext. 301 Ellen Gottfried, Secretary ([email protected]) ext. 308 Alberto Eyzaguirre, Facilities Manager ([email protected]) ext. 314 Sisterhood Gift Shop ([email protected]) ext. 310

TEMPLE BETH EL - BOARD OF TRUSTEES COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

Beth El Cares Ken Temple .................................................................... 203-968-9550

Beth El Families Dana Horowitz ............................................................... 203-321-0018 Josh Levine ..................................................................... 203-276-1395 Lisa Manheim ................................................................. 203-724-9196

Board of Education Arthur Laichtman ........................................................... 203-461-8223

Empty Nesters Sue and Carl Shapiro ...................................................... 203-353-0657

Facilities Lael Shapiro.................................................................... 203-517-4835

Finance Robert Cohen ................................................................. 203-329-9622 Susan Frieden ................................................................. 203-869-4282

Fund Raising Sylvan D. Pomerantz ...................................................... 203-968-0605 Steven Sosnick ............................................................... 203-972-6993

High Holy Days Seymour Weinstein ........................................................ 203-353-8873

Human Resources Carl Weinberg ................................................................ 203-322-8675

LGBTQ Committee Richard Heimler ............................................................. 203-998-7118

Marketing and Communications Stan Friedman ................................................................ 203-322-0416

Membership Committee Elissa Hyman .................................................................. 203-316-8228 Richard Heimler ............................................................. 203-998-7118

Mitzvah Garden Harriet Weinstein ........................................................... 203-353-8873

Project Ezra Joy Katz .......................................................................... 203-329-3359

Reyut Committee Melanie Massell ............................................................. 203-324-7190

Ritual Committee Denise Greenman .......................................................... 203-329-8594 Eileen H. Rosner ............................................................. 203-461-0506

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WELCOME HEVRE

Since last fall, we have seen a mini miracle taking place here at TBE, as our new ShaBaBimBam program has been an instant hit. For many years, we had been told by parents that Shabbat mornings are not the best time to run programs for young families. But we heard parents who were suggesting otherwise, and, acting on a hunch, we set up a Shabbat morning group and boldly scheduled it to meet twice-a-month. Even in the heyday of Friday night Tot Shabbats here (which I initiated nearly three decades ago), we rarely ran them more than once-a-month. ShaBaBimBam burst onto the scene with a huge gathering of about 30 kids plus their parents, and we haven’t looked back since. We were fortunate to have a very committed group of parents behind it – one of them happened to be Cantor Fishman – and before you knew it, the group was not only bringing more and more friends to ShaBaBimBam, but they began planning other programs as well, including Friday night picnics, a Hanukkah party and children’s activities at our Congregational Second Seder. They also cleaned and decorated our tot classroom downstairs. The reviews have been spectacular and the buzz has spread throughout the community. Day Schools have taken notice and are getting in line to sponsor ShaBaBimBam lunches. And the lunches have been key. Every other week, not only does a large group of young families hang out here after services, well into the afternoon, but they get to mingle with congregants who come to our adult service, along with Bar Mitzvah families and other celebrants. It’s been a win-win-win all the way around, and we’ve created the kind of Shabbat day community here that we have been longing for. There have been times in the past when we’ve had sit-down lunches, but, aside from Bar Mitzvah Kiddushes, we’ve never run them as often as twice-a-month. It’s been a real boon for all generations. Seeing the need to harness this new energy and prioritize this wonderful phenomenon, in early spring we officially hired one of the parents who had been organizing ShaBaBimBam, Liat Kochavi, as a part-time staff worker. Liat has been hard at work engaging with new families and working with other parents, staff and lay leaders in developing plans for the summer and coming year. Meanwhile, I look around and I see dozens of new children here - and they don’t want to leave. For them this has become a place of acceptance and enchantment – for their parents too, some of whom have never felt welcome in a synagogue before. We are attracting new Stamfordites (and thanks to all the new housing, there are lots) and Stamford families of several generations, LGBT families, Israelis, single parent families, interfaith families, you name it. And they all feel embraced here. I’m reminded of a verse from Proverbs: Train a child in the way he should go and even when he is old he will not depart from it. We are finding new ways to draw these kids and parents in. As they grow, they, as well as the rest of our community, will benefit immensely because of it. The group has chosen the name Hevre, which means

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ON ONE FOOT CANTOR MAGDA FISHMAN

I hope that all of you had a meaningful Pesach. It was so wonderful to celebrate so many seders with so many of you. I would love to invite you, once again, to our annual Yom Ha’Atzmaut/Mediterranean Shabbat on Friday, May 5. This year we will feature Israeli, Jazzy, World sound, while remembering those who lost their life in the IDF and terror attacks. Assaf Gleizner, our amazing Musician-in-Residence, will be joined by his group Trio Shalva (Nadav Snir and Daniel Ori), and will share very special renditions of beautiful Israeli melodies in a mini-concert immediately before services at 6:45pm. We will enjoy delicious falafel with hummus and tahini. Please be there on time so you won’t miss it! Services will begin at 7:30pm and joining us will be Trio Shalva, Avram Pengas on guitar and buzuki, and Nick Mandoukos on ud sharing the sounds of the Middle East. We will conclude with an Israeli sing-along and dessert. The Cantor’s Concert will be held on June 8 featuring Divas on the Bimah and honoring our Executive Director and his lovely wife, Steven and Lieba Lander! I will join in song with my wonderful colleagues - Cantors Jen Cohen, Alisa Pomerantz-Boro and Elizabeth Shammash, accompanied by Assaf Gleizner on piano - in a versatile concert that will present some of our favorite songs and messages. Divas on the Bimah has been performing for many years now, and everywhere we went it was a thrill for us and for the communities. Each cantor is unique and comes from a different background of performance and life path into the cantorate. Please invite your family and friends. It will really be an enjoyable night of Broadway, Jewish music, Israeli music, laughter and community. I am looking forward to seeing all of you at TBE services, gatherings, classes and events. If you would like to be involved in song, prayer and reading Torah, please let me know. It’s a wonderful feeling to be involved in the community. Please reach out and let me know if you have ideas on how you would like to be connected. Happy May – June!

Cantor Magda Fishman

SHAVUOT 2017/5777

Standing on Mount Sinai again this year, we

look backward and ahead, asking the question,

“What Will the Jewish World Look Like in

2050?”

We will join our friends from Temple Sinai for

Tikun Leil Shavuot

Tuesday, May 30 at 8:00 pm

Held at Temple Sinai, 458 Lakeside Drive, Stamford

Cheesecake will be served.

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THE HAZZAN’S VOICE

On a trip to Israel, many years ago, I tried to purchase tickets for classical music concerts. They were all sold-out, no matter where and when I tried. It is known that the classical music scene in Israel is one of the most vibrant in the world. Gil Shohat is one of Israel’s leading figures in classical music. His daily schedule is unbelievable. His schedule, some years, includes 340 concerts sometimes two-a-day, as both conductor and pianist. Shohat has written more than 250 original compositions including nine large scale symphonies, five operas, at least 15 concertos and various other pieces, all cataloged by the Harvard University Library when he turned 34. He is now 44. He also delivers his popular lecture series and holds the position of director to many institutions. Shohat has been quoted as saying, “All my life I was like this, chasing after something that is more than humanly possible.” Gil Shohat’s musical career began at age four when his Kindergarten teacher told his parents that Gil needed to study music. His first composition was a “Fantasia for Solo Piano,” written when he was 12. At age 10, his grandmother asked him what he wanted for his birthday. He requested a recording of Rachmaninoff’s “Second Piano Concerto.” By mistake he received the composer’s “Second Symphony.” This was a transforming experience and revelation for Shohat. Unlike international musicians who focus on one instrument, Shohat spreads himself thin. “I am not a typical example of somebody who specialized in one instrument or profession. I do everything and combine everything, including world music and jazz, and that already makes me different.” A reporter for the New York Times wanted to write an article on Shohat. But, when his publicist sent him a list of all his compositions, the reporter believed Shohat to be a fraud - that it was impossible that someone Shohat’s age had written so much. Shohat came to local and international attention with his first opera, “Alpha and Omega,” a parable of the Adam and Eve story, that premiered in Israel in 2001. That was the opera that changed the whole conception of Israeli concert music. It was the first time in the history of Israel that 30,000 people bought tickets to hear an Israeli piece and it revolutionized the entire concept of Israeli music. As Leonard Bernstein of our generation brought pride to America and world Jewry, so today Gil Shohat brings pride to

Israel; and the more we know about him and his music will Jews world-wide learn to appreciate his efforts.

Hazzan Sidney Rabinowitz

In recent months, something amazing has begun to take place here at Beth El. Maybe you’ve attended a Saturday morning service, and seen the swarm of toddlers (with parents-in-tow) buzzing toward the back of the building - and wondered where they were headed. Perhaps you’ve heard of ShaBaBimBam, with that curious-sounding name. You might have seen colorful flyers, or photos of happy children on social media, and asked yourself what all the excitement was about. “Hevre @ TBE” is a community comprised of 40 young families with children under five (and many older siblings) that was recently formed with the goal of providing a warm environment where families may gather to learn faith traditions and develop their Jewish identity in a dynamic, kid-friendly way. In Hebrew, Hevre means a close-knit group of friends, your buddies. This is what we are nurturing here at TBE. We have recently celebrated several holidays together, including Purim and Pesach, as well as hosting a makeover party for our Hevre Clubhouse (formerly the Shorashim room). The recent flurry of activity has been in response to a growing demand for children’s programming at TBE. One of our new programs is a music and movement Shabbat celebration at which kids sing, dance and celebrate the Sabbath with parents and friends. ShaBaBimbam was the brainchild of Cantor Magda Fishman. A young mother herself, and a visionary in her own right, Cantor Fishman felt a great need for her son to have a community to call his own here at TBE. Like-minded parent volunteer efforts, combined with the steadfast support of Rabbi Hammerman, Lisa Udi, and representatives of the Board, allowed us to create and launch ShaBaBimBam. Music Together’s Natasha Fenster and Steve Epstein lead the event, which is held twice monthly and followed by a Kiddush lunch. We invite you and your family to join this incredible community forming here at Beth El. Participation in ShaBaBimBam and in the variety of other Hevre activities does not require membership or even an RSVP, and friends are always welcome. There are many more exciting programs and activities in the works. For more information, and/or to get involved, check out Hevre @ TBE’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/HEVREatTBE. Do not hesitate to reach out to Liat Kochavi, the Coordinator of Young Families Programming and Engagement, with any questions or suggestions you may have. Liat can be reached at [email protected] or 203-322-6901.

HEVRE @ TBE

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SEEKING SHABBAT GREETERS

Do you like getting a warm “Shabbat Shalom” as you enter shul on Saturday morning?

Our greeting program has been extremely well received. To keep this program going, we need volunteer greeters like you.

Interested? Contact Steven Lander at [email protected].

Thanks for helping make Temple Beth El a warm and welcoming place to be.

SHABBAT AND FESTIVAL SERVICES

MAY

Friday, May 5 Trio Shalav mini-concert 6:45 p.m.

Kabbalat Shabbat 7:30 p.m. MEDITERRANEAN SHABBAT

Shabbat, May 6 Services 9:30 a.m.

BRANDON SHAPIRO, BAR MITZVAH ShaBaBimBam 11:00 a.m.

Friday, May 12 Kabbalat Shabbat 7:30 p.m.

Shabbat, May 13 Services 9:30 a.m.

MOLLIE HERZ, BAT MITZVAH

Friday, May 19 Kabbalat Shabbat 7:30 p.m.

Shabbat, May 20 Services 9:30 a.m.

JULIA GIVENTER, BAT MITZVAH ShaBaBimBam 11:00 a.m.

Friday, May 26 Kabbalat Shabbat 7:30 p.m.

Shabbat, May 27 Services 9:30 a.m.

Tuesday, May 30 - Erev Shavuot TIKKUN LEIL SHAVUOT 8:00 p.m.

at Temple Sinai 458 Lakeside Drive, Stamford

Wednesday, May 31 - Shavuot, 1st Day Services 9:30 a.m.

MICHAEL FLAUM-SOUKSAMLANE, BAR MITZVAH

JUNE

Thursday, June 1 - Shavuot, 2nd Day Services 9:30 a.m.

Yizkor

Friday, June 2 Kabbalat Shabbat 7:30 p.m.

Shabbat, June 3 Services 9:30 a.m.

SOPHIE BLOMBERG, BAT MITZVAH ShaBaBimBam 11:00 a.m.

Friday, June 9 Kabbalat Shabbat 7:30 p.m.

Shabbat, June 10 Services 9:30 a.m.

SARAH EISENSTEIN, BAT MITZVAH

Friday, June 16 Kabbalat Shabbat 7:30 p.m.

Shabbat, June 17 Services 9:30 a.m.

JASON BUSCH, BAR MITZVAH ShaBaBimBam 11:00 a.m.

Friday, June 23 Kabbalat Shabbat 7:30 p.m.

Shabbat, June 24 Services 9:30 a.m.

CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF PURIM SHTICK!

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Check out our special website

Dedicated to TBE’s event space

www.thebigeventspace.com

Please let your friends and business associates

know how we can fulfill their celebratory

and meeting needs.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A GABBAI?

Training available!

Please contact Rabbi Hammerman at [email protected].

Special Occasion?

Sponsor The Shabbat E-nnouncements (sent every week via e-mail)

The Shabbat Announcements (distributed each Shabbat at the Temple)

and the Shabbat-O-Gram (e-mailed every Thursday night)

All three publications for $72

All sponsors will be acknowledged at the beginning of each of these announcements

and also listed in our bi-monthly Bulletin.

Call Mindy in the office at 322-6901 ext. 301.

Laura Markowitz and to Stewart Casper on the birth of a granddaughter, Dylan Rose, born to Stacey and Daniel Warshaw.

Richard Redniss on receiving the Citizen of the Year Award from the City of Stamford.

MAZAL TOV TO...

Catherine Reed & Yitzhak Brudny Iva and Martin Mandel Risa and Steven Raich

THANK YOU FOR SPONSORING KIDDUSH

THANK YOU FOR SPONSORING THE SHABBAT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Catherine Reed & Yitzhak Brudny Risa and Steven Raich

HONORABLE MENSCHEN TODAH RABAH TO OUR TORAH READERS!

ETHAN BRUDNY NOA BRUDNY STEVE DANZER

STACEY ESSENFELD CANTOR MAGDA FISHMAN

PHIL GRANOWITZ KAREN HAINBACH

RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN LESLIE HEYISON

JOY KATZ CAROL KRIM

BERT MADWED ALISON MANDEL

WENDY MILES SUSAN SCHNEIDERMAN

MERYL SILVERSTEIN MIA WEINSTEIN

TBE DISCUSSION GROUP - MARCH 19, 2017

“Camping with Henry and Tom” The play was presented about the period in history when Henry Ford wanted to be President of the United States to make America great. The play and discussion revealed a great similarity to our present political times.

“Together: A Journey for Survival”

Presentation, Discussion and Book Signing with author Ann S. Arnold & her father, Mark (Manek) Schonwetter

Thursday, May 11 at 7:30pm

In “Together: A Journey for Survival,” Ann Arnold shares her family’s journey through Poland’s countryside as a war of nations thunders around them. The story displays the magnificent strength of a mother’s love and the incredible courage of good people during the worst of times. www.togetherajourneyforsurvival.com/

Books will be available for sale at the event with a portion to be donated to Temple Beth El.

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INFORMATION FOR YOU…

When making a donation in honor of or in memory of someone, an acknowledgement will be mailed to the designee for donations of $10 or more. Donations of less than $10 will be acknowledged only in the Bulletin.

All donations will be published in the Bulletin unless you state that you wish to be anonymous.

ATTENTION PARENTS OF COLLEGE STUDENTS

Rabbi Hammerman would like to stay in touch with your child while he/she is away at college. Please send his/her e-mail address to Ellen in the Temple office at [email protected]. Thank you!

CELEBRATING A SPECIAL EVENT? COMMEMORATING A YAHRTZEIT?

Please consider sponsoring a Kiddush, following Shabbat Services, or an Oneg Shabbat, following our Friday evening services.

Contact Steven Lander for all of the new, reasonably priced Kiddush options at 322-6901, ext. 304 or [email protected].

B’NAI MITZVAH

This organization focuses on Tikkun Olam (“Repair of the World”) through mitzvot, both in the synagogue and in the community. We welcome volunteers! The following is a list of the work we are engaged in:

Reyut (Friendship): Committed to serving the needs of those in our TBE community, including friendly visits, assistance with errands, and transportation. Contact Melanie Massell at [email protected] or 203-324-7190.

Project Ezra: Providing pre-shiva meals to the bereaved in the congregation. Contact Joy Katz at 203-329-3359 or [email protected].

Helping to serve lunches once-a-month at a local soup kitchen. Contact Norman Stone at 203-866-2273 or [email protected].

High Holiday and Passover food drives: Contact Ken Temple at 203-962-1491 or [email protected].

Preparing and serving Christmas dinners at local homeless shelters. Contacts: Amy Temple at 203-496-1309 or [email protected].

If you have your own idea for a project or a group contact Ken Temple at [email protected] or 203-962-1491.

BETH EL CARES

May 6 BRANDON SHAPIRO Son of Tara and Richard Brother of Ashley Attends Bi-Cultural Day School Mitzvah Project: Ability Plus Adaptive Sports at Mt. Snow

June 3 SOPHIE BLOMBERG Daughter of Jill and Jeffrey Sister of Zachary Attends Scofield Magnet Middle School Mitzvah Project: Swim Across America

June 17 JASON BUSCH Son of Maria Levin & Greg Busch Brother of Lana Attends Bi-Cultural Day School Mitzvah Project: Neighbor to Neighbor

May 20 JULIA GIVENTER Daughter of Catherine and Craig Attends King Low Heywood Thomas Mitzvah Project: The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County

June 10 SARAH EISENSTEIN Daughter of Deborah and Jonathan Sister of Austin Attends Bi-Cultural Day School Mitzvah Project: Breast Cancer Support

May 13 MOLLIE HERZ Daughter of Nancy and Jeffrey Sister of Jacob and Owen Attends Rippowam Middle School Mitzvah Project: Swim Angelfish

May 31 MICHAEL FLAUM-SOUKSAMLANE Son of Alison Flaum Brother of Evan Attends Carmel Academy

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TORAH FUND

Sisterhood is committed to supporting Torah Fund sponsored by Women’s League for Conservative Judaism. Proceeds are raised by selling lovely cards and pins to support the Jewish Theological Seminary and other seminaries in LA, Jerusalem and Buenos Aires. The Torah Fund Campaign has raised more than $90 million since its inception.

Card messages include Mazel Tov, New Baby, Get Well, Sympathy, Friendship and Thank you. Cost is $3 per card or $20 for seven cards. A new pin is created each year for a donation of $180. Purchase from the TBE gift shop or directly from Suzanne Stone, [email protected], 203-866-2273.

Thank you

Ronnie Fein for the delicious cooking lesson!

Sisterhood

March 19, 2017

Stunning Sisterhood Models from TBE Fashion Show!

March 23, 2017

MEN’S CLUB

Men’s Club Blood Drive April 23, 2017

41 = TOTAL Productive Blood Donations! 6 OVER GOAL! Each unit can save up to three lives so 123 potential lives saved by Temple Beth El! Thank you to all who gave blood.

Yasher Koach to Harvey Goodman for chairing the drive and to Beldotti Bakeries for donating the cake. Watch for the announcement of our next blood drive.

Matt Miller, Men’s Club President donating blood.

WOMEN’S INTERGENERATIONAL SEDER March 29, 2017

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SISTERHOOD

Sisterhood of TBE Judaica Gift Shop

Beautiful items for holidays, Shabbat and B’nai Mitzvah

HOURS The Gift Shop is open on Sundays

from 9:00 a.m. - noon when Religious School is in session or by appointment.

Contact: Barbara Berman: 203-329-7750,

[email protected]

Beth Silver: 203-249-7046, [email protected]

(for B’nai Mitzvah)

Proceeds Support TBE and Youth Education!

Please contact us at [email protected] or feel free to call/email a Sisterhood board member:

Beth Silver, President 203-249-7046, [email protected]

Judy Schneiderman, Treasurer 203-569-4969, [email protected]

Dora Salm, Secretary 203-461-8596, [email protected]

Barbara Berman, Gift Shop 203-329-7750, [email protected]

Juli Harris, Board Member 203-276-0589, [email protected]

Leslie Heyison, Board Member 646-354-3950, [email protected]

Karen Resnick, Board Member 203-968-8708, [email protected]

Salm, Juli Harris, Karen Resnick, and Judy Schneiderman) are gearing up for another wonderful year of Sisterhood. Please join me in expressing Mazal Tov and Good Luck to our new leadership team! ♥ I have met so many wonderful people during my term as Sisterhood President. It is an honor and privilege to work with you! Thank you for your love and support. This experience has had a profound impact on my life and I am grateful. This quote describes how I feel about all of you. “The best kind of people are the ones that come into your life and make you see the sun where you once saw clouds; they believe in you so much and help you believe in yourself, they love you for simply being you, they are once in a lifetime kind of people.” – Anonymous ♥

With love, friendship, and appreciation, Beth Silver ♥

“Together we can do so much.” -- Helen Keller

Sisterhood is lucky to have so many unique and caring individuals who, together, make our organization so relevant and impactful. Thank you and Yasher Koach to our members and supporters for all that you do! ♥

Please look in the Shabbat Announcements for details about our upcoming events:

Thursday, May 25, Rosh Chodesh Sivan

Tuesday, June 6, Annual Mah Jongg Tournament at TBE (a lot of fun!)

Saturday, June 24, Rosh Chodesh Tammuz

We have been busy this Spring! Ronnie Fein demonstrated how to make delicious recipes from her new cookbook, The Modern Kosher Kitchen: More Than 125 Inspired Recipes for a New Generation of Kosher Cooks. We had a crowd of 30 who enjoyed learning and tasting. If you would like a cookbook, we are selling them in the Gift Shop $25 (a great gift and well worth it! I have made several recipes and my family is loving it!). Ronnie is kindly giving all proceeds to Sisterhood. Thank you, Ronnie, for sharing your special talents with us! ♥ Thank you to Fran Ginsburg for organizing this wonderful event. ♥ “Oh, what a night!” ♫ More than 60 Sisterhood members and friends enjoyed our Spring Fundraiser, a Fashion Show at Lord & Taylor. Our Sisterhood models were stunning (Andrew, Brook, Carol, Dana, Devra, Jodi, Jordan, Lisa, Mia, and Sari). We shopped, we ate and drank, and we had a great time with friends. Thank you to our volunteers, attendees, and models for helping Sisterhood raise $2,500. Yasher Koach! ♥ Thank you and Yasher Koach to Betty Baer for organizing our Annual Passover Food Sales for yet another year! We are so appreciative for your ongoing commitment to Sisterhood. Betty’s efforts helped raise $1,500 for Sisterhood. ♥ Sisterhood conducted our annual Sisterhood Shabbat on April 29. It was a beautiful opportunity for our community, friends and guests to worship together. Sisterhood members conducted all parts of the service and did a magnificent job. Mazel Tov and Yasher Koach! We are very pleased to honor Cathy Satz, this year’s Rose Rosner Volunteer of the Year Awardee – so well deserved for all that she has done for Sisterhood. ♥ Thank you to all who made this a wonderful Shabbat service: Cathy Satz – Service Chair, Judy Schneiderman – Luncheon Chair, Men’s Club, Rabbi Hammerman, Cantor Fishman, and our fantastic staff – Steve, Ellen, Linda, Mindy, Alberto and Antonio. ♥ Thank you to Judy Schneiderman, Chairperson, hosts, speakers and attendees for making our monthly Rosh Chodesh meetings so vibrant and meaningful! ♥ I am very excited to introduce our new Sisterhood President, Leslie Heyison, who will begin her tenure on July 1, 2017. We are very appreciative and thank Leslie for taking this big step to become our leader, motivator, and caretaker. She and our wonderful Sisterhood Board (Barbara Berman, Dora

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Grandparents Circle Returns to TBE!

Are You Looking to Share Your Jewish Identity with Your Interfaith Grandchildren?

Grandparents love to share family traditions and holiday

customers, but what happens when the grandkids are being

raised in an interfaith home?

The Grandparents Circle is an education and support program for Jewish

grandparents whose adult children have intermarried. This five-session

course will help guide you on how to nurture the Jewish identities of your

grandchildren while respecting the choices of your intermarried adult

children. It’s also an opportunity to speak to other TBE congregants who

are facing the same issues.

A grandparent who attended the last session remarked, “The Grandparents Circle exceeded our

expectations, and the content of the program was relevant and thought provoking. We all seemed to

have the same goal - to love our children and grandkids, and hopefully see that Jewish values and

traditions are carried forward from generation to generation.”

The program will be led by Rae-ann and Scott Allen and will be held on five Thursday evenings, May 11

from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., and May 18, June 15, 22 and 29, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at Temple

Beth El. Session size is limited to maximize discussion time among attendees.

Go here to register: www.tinyurl.com/tbegc17. You do not have to be a TBE member. There is a charge

of $15 per person to cover materials. Have questions? Contact Scott Allen at 203-831-0018 or

[email protected].

TBE Receives Website Award Temple Beth El received a Yasher Koach Award from the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs (FJMC) “in recognition of its dedication to keeping the tent doors of the Jewish people open … and for improvements implemented in making its congregational website a more welcoming portal to the community.” The award, which was funded by the National Center to Encourage Judaism, was presented at FJMC’s annual Keruv Conference held in Bethesda, MD, in March. Synagogues across the United States and in Canada attended. Keruv (Hebrew for “to bring close”) is an FJMC initiative which assists Conservative synagogues that seek to create a warm and welcoming environment for intermarried families and their children. Temple Beth El has participated in this initiative for over a year.

TBE CHOIR AT KABBALAT SHABBAT SERVICE March 24, 2017

TEMPLE BETH EL – ANNUAL MEETING

Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.

Please join us for the 2017 Annual Meeting.

Reports will be presented from our professional

staff, president, treasurer and fundraising

committee.

Election of your Board of Trustees will be held.

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Shal-Om Yoga with Pamela Tinkham Last Three Wednesdays Each Month 6:15-7:30pm

$20 per session

Shal-Om Yoga is a gentle Vinyassa (flow) of Yoga that encompasses all aspects of the mind, body and spirit. The goal of Yoga is to calm down your nervous system so that you can experience Shalom (peace) in your every day lives. We hope to see you there! Namaste. (The Divine Light in me honors the Divine Light in you). For more information contact Pamela Tinkham at [email protected] or visit the YogaPsychHealth, LLC website at www.YogaPsychHealth.com.

TBE Discussion Group (No Fee)

The TBE Discussion Group meets one Sunday per month. The group grew out of members’ interest in exploring, discussing and enjoying Jewish topics. It has been going strong for 45 years and is open to all TBE members. For details and program information please contact Polly Geller at [email protected].

Sisterhood Rosh Chodesh (No Fee)

Our Rosh Chodesh women’s group meets at the beginning of every Hebrew month. We share a warm and cozy evening of Sisterhood and education. The leader facilitates our discussion with interesting topics relating to the new month. All women are welcome. Feel free to join us when your schedule permits. Meeting details are published in the Temple Beth El Weekly Shabbat announcements. For more details, contact Judy Schneiderman at [email protected], 203.569.4969.

Mark you calendar: Sivan, Thursday, May 25

Tammuz, Shabbat, June 24

ADULT LEARNING

TASTES OF JEWISH RENEWAL

A TBE SCHOLAR’S PROGRAM SERIES FEATURING

Rabbi David Markus

Join us as we explore textual and experiential

approaches of Jewish Renewal to enliven

Jewish community and spiritual life.

Rabbi Markus serves as Co-Chair of

ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal,

Rabbi of Temple Beth El of City Island,

Judicial referee in NY Supreme Court

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 2017, 8:00PM

INNOVATION IN JEWISH LIFE: DISRUPTION, DE-CENTERING

& RENEWAL

Jewish life is changing fast, but often we forget that Jewish

life always has evolved. We’ll put today’s changes into

historical context and use these tools to dream Judaism’s

evolving future together.

This “Scholars’ Program” event is sponsored by Michael Horowitz in loving memory of Penny Horowitz, z’l

and Bessie Silver, z’l and Millie Reiss, z’l.

There is no charge.

April 23, 2017

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DEDICATE A PRAYER BOOK

CHUMASH (BIBLE)

The Etz Hayim Chumashim (Bibles) are available for dedication. Having a simcha or observing a yahrtzeit? Why not dedicate a Chumash to honor the occasion? This dedication costs $72.

SHIVA MINYAN BOOKS AVAILABLE FOR DEDICATION

Prayer Books for Shiva Minyans are available for dedication for $36.

A lovely, personalized book plate will be placed inside the front cover.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR GIVING

Adult Education Fund

Beth El Cares

Beth Elders

Debra Wald Goldberg Kindergarten Scholarship Fund

Frank & Rose Rosner Memorial Fund (maintenance)

General Fund

Kiddush Fund

Mitzvah Garden Fund

Music Fund

Prayer Book Fund

Project Ezra Fund

Religious School Fund

Reyut Shabbat Bag Fund

Solar Fund in memory of Norma Mann, z’l

Youth Fund

DISCRETIONARY FUNDS Rabbi Joshua Hammerman’s Mitzvah Fund

Cantor Magda Fishman’s Mitzvah Fund

Hazzan Sidney Rabinowitz’ Mitzvah Fund

TREE OF LIFE

A beautiful way to commemorate a special occasion is to purchase a “leaf” on our beautiful “Tree of Life” sculpture adorning our Temple lobby. There are many more leaves available for your own personal inscriptions.

The following categories are still available:

Triple Chai $5,400

Guardians of the Temple $1,000

Silver Leaves - Gold Border $750

Silver Leaves $250

MEMORIAL PLAQUES

Inscribe the names of your loved ones on a plaque for our Chapel wall along with a light to commemorate their yahrtzeit and yizkor observances throughout the year.

DONATE ONLINE A PRAYER BOOK ON-LINE Go to: www.tbe.org/donate/

CONTRIBUTING SHARES OF STOCK TO TEMPLE BETH EL

One way to boost your charitable contributions to Temple Beth El is to give shares of appreciated stock instead of cash. You do not pay any tax on your capital gain, and your charitable deduction is the shares’ entire fair market value.

Several Beth El members contribute shares of stock to satisfy their dues pledge, their annual fund pledge, and other contributions to the Temple.

After consulting your tax advisor, please contact the TBE office at 203-322-6901.

HAVE YOU VISITED OUR WEBSITE?

www.tbe.org

Find out about the latest news and upcoming

activities … access our online membership directory

… register for events and make donations …

connect to TBE’s Twitter and Facebook pages …

and much more.

something between a “fellowship” and “the gang.” Basically, take the cast of “Friends,” throw in the cast of “Cheers” and add a few dozen tots straight from “Mr. Rogers Neighborhood,” and you’ve got a Hevre. Tell your friends about Hevre, and your kids and grandkids too! And check out our photo album at https://goo.gl/photos/z9EAWKKkTpWaFnkd7

Welcome to TBE, Hevre!

Rabbi Joshua Hammerman

ON ONE FOOT continued from page 3...

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RABBI JOSHUA HAMMERMAN MITZVAH FUND In honor of… In appreciation by Stephen Zimmerman In appreciation by Melanie Massell

In memory of… Alan Shameer, z’l, by Marge Shameer, Sherry Cohen & Daniel Shameer

Leah Fishbane, z’l, by Barbara, Jack & Mitchell Levitz

Frank D’Andrea, z’l, by Roni & Allan Lang

CANTOR MAGDA FISHMAN MITZVAH FUND In honor of… In appreciation by Melanie Massell

KIDDUSH FUND In memory of… Minerva Kweskin, z’l, by Rhonna & Brian Rogol, Marsha Colten & Rob Cohen

MUSIC FUND In honor of… The marriage of Alison Greenwald to David Ash by Marsha Colten & Rob Cohen

Talia Raich on becoming a Bat Mitzvah by Marsha Colten & Rob Cohen

In memory of… Dora Cohen, z’l, by Marsha Colten & Rob Cohen

Robert Colten, z’l, by Marsha Colten & Rob Cohen

BETH EL CARES/REYUT In memory of… Frank D’Andrea, z’l, by Richard Heimler and Chris Maroc, Judy Schneiderman, Susan & Art Greenwald, Linda & Larry Rezak, Beth, Pete & Jake Silver

Loeb Aronin, z’l, by Judy Schneiderman

FRANK AND ROSE ROSNER MEMORIAL FUND In honor of… In appreciation by Phyllis & Harvey Walzer

In memory of… Frank Rosner, z’l, by Eileen H. Rosner

Lena & Israel Rubinovitz, z’l, by Eileen H. Rosner

Minerva Kweskin, z’l, by Eileen H. Rosner

YOUTH FUND In honor of… ShaBaBimBam by Carol & Allen Krim

The birth of Adar Netzer by Marsha Shendell

SHABBAT BAG FUND In honor of… In appreciation by Wai Mei & Peter Roseman

In memory of… Steven Silverstein, z’l, by Meryl & Hank Silverstein

WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

MINERVA KWESKIN, z’l Joan & Howie Breslow, Joanne & Marshall Goldberg, Debby Goldberg & Ruth Colner, Harley & Stephen Osman FRANK D’ANDREA, z’l Betsy & Peter Kempner, Mina Roth-Dornfeld, Ellie Mirne, Ellen Gottfried, Caroline Temlock Teichman & Marc Teichman, Sondra & Leo Gold, Beth, Pete & Jake Silver, Gail Solomon Hecht & Harvey Hecht, SANDRA GREENMAN, z’l Loralee & Philip Granowitz SAMUEL LIEBERMAN, z’l Harley & Stephen Osman BARRY GERSH, z’l Sondra & Leo Gold LOEB ARONIN, z’l Susan & Art Greenwald, Sandra Burn GLORIA MITCHELL, z’l Sally & Jim Rothkopf, Barbara & Warren Brandt, Mary Ellen & Jon Gould, Betsy & Peter Kempner, Marsha Colten & Rob Cohen, Fran & Bob Plansky

IN MEMORY OF:

VICTORIA MARY CELIA BREWER ON HER SECOND BIRTHDAY Sue Frieden JESSE LAPIDES ON BECOMING A BAR MITZVAH Sue Frieden THE MARRIAGE OF ALISON GREENWALD TO DAVID ASH Richard Heimler & Chris Maroc, Betsy & Peter Kempner THE BIRTH OF DYLAN ROSE WARSHAW Betsy & Peter Kempner TALIA RAICH BECOMING A BAT MITZVAH Betsy & Peter Kempner, Suzanne & Norman Stone BETH BOYER Benjamin, Gold & Troyb

IN HONOR OF:

FRANK D’ANDREA, husband of Melanie Massell WILLIAM HARRIS, son of Juli Harris

GLORIA MITCHELL, mother of Amy Bloomenthal MICHAEL BASS, brother of Eric Bass

HAROLD KLEIN, husband of Jeanne Klein

WE MOURN THE PASSING OF...

SIDDUR LEV SHALEM

In memory of… Doris Rothman, z’l, by Linda & Joseph Rothman Ethel Rosenthal, z’l, by Linda & Joseph Rothman Gloria Mitchell, z’l, by Lori & Bruce Tobin Irving Marvin Meth, z’l, by Jennifer & Harris Meth

THANK YOU FOR DEDICATING...

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Stuart Abrams .................................................... ROSE ABRAMS Barbara & Stan Friedman ........................ NATHAN ALIENTUCH Maxine & Jay Freilich & Family ........................ KARL ARONSON Maxine & Jay Freilich & Family ................. RICHARD ARONSON Kobliner Family .................................................... ESTELLE BERK Rita & Mike Butterman ............................... GRETE BERKOWITZ Darlene & Larry Hornstein ...................... SOPHIE BLOOMFIELD Stuart Abrams .................................................... MARY BROWN Susan Wise .............................................. ISADORE CHERNIACK Estelle Colten .................................................. ROBERT COLTEN Roni & Allan Lang ............................................. SYLVIA COWEN Sarah Darer & Hank Eskin .................................. MOLLIE DARER Sarah Darer & Hank Eskin ................................... SUSAN DARER Trish & Raymond Dayan ..................................... DAVID DAYAN Rhoda Dember................................................. DAVID DEMBER Harriet & Fred Dulaney........................................... LEWIS HELD Lori & Stuart Ratner & Family ...................... IRVING EDELSTEIN Paula Epstein ....................................................... MAX EPSTEIN Paula Epstein ................................................... SIDNEY EPSTEIN Ronnie & Edward Fein ......................................... GEORGE FEIN Beverly Ferber & Family ............. AUGUSTA & HYMAN FERBER Nancy & Brad Benjamin ........................... LOIS & HAROLD FINK Tomsky Family ......................................... LOIS & HAROLD FINK Maxine & Jay Freilich & Family .... RUTH & SEYMOUR FREILICH Barbara Malloy ............................................... THELMA GLAZER David Goldrich ........................... HELEN & NATHAN GOLDRICH Loralee & Philip Granowitz ....................... IRVING GRANOWITZ Nancy Greene ................................................... FLOYD GREENE Steven Grushkin & Family ......................... MERVIN GRUSHKIN Leonor Lopez ..................................................... JOSÉ HALPERN Lori & Bruce Tobin ................................... SAUL HERSHKOWITZ Nancy & Jeffrey Herz & Family ................................... JIM HERZ Naomi & Harold Hessel .................................. NATHAN HESSEL Naomi & Harold Hessel ...................................... RENEE HESSEL Sari & Alan Jaffe ...................................................... TILLIE JAFFE Herb Kahan ..........................................................SADIE KAHAN Evelyn & Bruce Kahn ......................................... GEORGE KAHN Marsha Shendell & Family .................................DANIEL KAISER Ann & Julius Lasnick ........................................... JULES KAPLAN Susan & Richard Blomberg .... RENEE & KURT KONIGSBACHER Susan & Richard Blomberg ................... LOUIS KONIGSBACHER Sam, Hal & Robert Kravitz .............................. FRIEDA KRAVITZ Bobbe & Ben Evans ........................................ DEBORA LEPANE Harriet & Seymour Weinstein ............................ HILDA LERNER Romanowitz Family ................................................CLARA LEVY Alan Locker ....................................................... MEYER LOCKER Stephanie & Larry Sherman ............... MOLLIE & JACOB MALIN Stephanie & Larry Sherman .............................. ROBERT MALIN Laura Markowitz .................................... ROSALIE MARKOWITZ Herb Kahan ............................................. GERTRUDE MATZNER Andrea & Eric Bass ........................................ SARAH NEWMAN Eleanor Mirne ........................................... ARTHUR NUSSDORF Sandy & David Oberhand ...................... EMANUEL OBERHAND Francine & Robert Plansky ................................ PAUL PLANSKY Shelley & Brian Zielinski.................................... ALICE RATZKER Phyllis Gofstein .......................... FRANCES & JACOB REGELSON

REMEMBERING OUR LOVED ONES

Romanowitz Family ................................. HESH ROMANOWITZ Jerry Rose ............................................................ JOSEPH ROSE Judy Schneiderman ...................................... RUTH ROSENBERG Joyce & Lewis Slayton ......................................... ROSE ROSNER Joyce & Lewis Slayton .................................. LENA RUBINOVITZ Ruth Alpert ........................................................... JULIA SACHS Barbara & Edward Drotman ...................... MICHAEL SCHMALL Mina Roth-Dornfeld .............................. ALLYN SCHOTTENFELD Carol Schwartz & Family ......................... EDWARD SCHWARTZ Lori & Stuart Ratner & Family ...................... YETTA SCHWARTZ Barbara & Marvin Gold ...................................... MOLLIE SEIGEL Roslyn & Merritt Nesin ................................. MORRIS SHAPIRO Beth, Pete & Jake Silver ................................ELIZABETH SILVER Sarah Darer & Hank Eskin .................. DOROTHY SILVERSTONE Cindy & Steven Warren ......................................... SOL SISKIND Phyllis & Harvey Walzer ..................................... ESTHER SMALL Susan & Larry Holzman ................................. CHARLES SNIPPER Stuart Sobel ........................................................... JOAN SOBEL Magida Family .................................................... CELIA SOLOVE Rosalie & Joe Wise ............................................ SAMUEL STERN Tomsky Family ................................................. HARRY TOMSKY Sharon & Jeff Turshen ............................... RICHARD TURSHEN Ronnie & Ed Fein ........................................................ LILY VAIL Barbara & Stan Friedman ............................. LILLIAN WARSAW Claire & Paul Stuken .................................... ANCHEL WALLACH Loralee & Philip Granowitz ........................... WALLY WALLACH Jerry Rose ........................................... LORRAINE WEISBERGER Debra & Stephen Pollack ........................... ESTHER WINTHROP Sondra & Leo Gold ............................ HENRIETTA WITTENBERG Nancy Wolfson & Family ....................... GERTRUDE WOLFSON Roselyn Finchler ........................................... HELEN ZAGELMAN

15

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We Capture Your Precious Memories

on Video… Weddings Bar/Bat Mitzvahs

Proud to be the official TBE videographer

Tom was able to capture the spirit and joy of our B’nai Mitzvah service and party in a video we will always treasure. He was also a pleasure to work with from start to finish.

Jared Finkelstein

If you are looking for a videographer, look no further! Tom was a delight to work with and the finished product was incredible. He created separate videos of my daughter’s Bat Mitzvah service and celebration and captured all aspects of the joy of the day.

Jill Teich

Thomas Pace, Jr. 203.335.0168 T & J Video Service

We also transfer home movies/video to DVD.

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BETH TORAH KOSHER CATERERS

Glatt Kosher Custom Catering

Catering for all occasions, on-premises

or off-premises at location of your choice.

American, Middle Eastern & International foods.

China, Silver, Linens, Waiters & Bartenders

106-06 Queens Blvd. Forest Hills, NY 11375 Phone: (718) 261-4775

Fax: (718) 261-4607

(FORMERLY SUPERSOL)

FRESH GLATT KOSHER MEAT & POULTRY DELICIOUS PREPARED FOODS,

KOSHER GROCERIES, DAIRY & FROZEN AND OF COURSE OUR EXQUISITE CATERING

SEASONS MARKET 1128 & 1136 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale, New York 10583

TEL: 914-472-2240 FAX: 914-472-2215

UNDER THE KASHRUTH SUPERVISION OF THE VAAD HARABONIM OF QUEENS

ART GREENWALD President

INTEGRATED PROTECTION SERVICES, LLC 76 PROGRESS DRIVE STAMFORD, CT 06902

Tel: 203.322.0772 WWW.INTEGRATEDPROTECTIONSERVICES.COM

SYSTEMS AND SERVICES FOR SECURITY AND FIRE PROTECTION

SERVING CONNECTICUT AND NEW YORK COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

PLACE YOUR AD HERE

CALL MINDY at 203-322-6901, ext. 301 or [email protected]

THE DEADLINE FOR THE

JULY-AUGUST 2017 ISSUE

OF THE TEMPLE BETH EL BULLETIN IS:

FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

18

FETHI PHOTOGRAPHY

cell: 914-629-2204 [email protected]

www.fethiphotography.com

Experience working with TBE for over 25 years.

Ask your friends!

19

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Non-Profit

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

STAMFORD, CT PERMIT NO. 42

Temple Beth El 350 Roxbury Road Stamford, CT 06902

MAY - JUNE 2017

CHECK US OUT ON

2017 Cantor’s Concert: Divas on the Bimah

Thursday, June 8 at 7:00 p.m.

Steve and Lieba Lander Honorees

Join us as four exceptionally talented female cantors join forces for an unforgettable concert of popular, Broadway, Israeli and Jewish music.

· Cantor Magda Fishman of Temple Beth El in Stamford, CT · Cantor Jen Cohen of Temple Beth Sholom in Cherry Hill, NJ · Hazzan Alisa Pomerantz-Boro of Congregation Beth El in Vorhees, NJ · Cantor Elizabeth Shammash of Tiferet Bet Israel in Blue Bell, PA

Accompanying the divas will be Israeli-born composer, musical director and arranger, Assaf Gleizner.

The event honors Steve and Lieba Lander for their tireless dedication and commitment to Jewish and community service organizations for nearly 50 years. A dessert reception will follow.

General admission is $36 per person ($45 at the door). Student admission is $10 ($18 at the door). To purchase tickets or place a journal ad, go to tinyurl.com/tbecc2017, or call the office at 203-322-6901.

Divas on the Bimah is sponsored by the Mann Family in memory of Norma and Milton Mann, z’l.