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Beth Israel Congregation’s
BBUULLLLEETTIINN
Rabbi’s Message
A Volatile Year
As the Jewish year of 5775 draws to its conclusion, the
description of the recent performance of the New York
Stock Exchange has given us a very appropriate term –
“volatile”. Indeed, it has been a volatile year. The brutal
violence in the Middle East continues as the Syrian Civil
War has claimed 250,000 lives and the Islamic State
proceeds with its conquest of additional territory. The
destruction of the Syrian city of Palmyra, one of the best
preserved monuments to Roman civilization, is a testimony
to the irrational behavior of the Islamic State. In our own
nation, random acts of violence and the tense relationship
between inner city populations and their police departments
also undermine our sense of security.
Israel and her friends are terrified by the prospects that may
result from the P5 + 1 agreement with Iran. Iran will
receive a bounty of $150 billion from renewed trade with
the West which will replenish the armaments of Hezbullah
and Hamas. Iran’s self-monitoring of its nuclear ambitions
seems to be a sham of meaningful arms control. Iran’s
hostile rhetoric which calls for the annihilation of Israel has
not abated despite its alleged rapprochement with the West.
Indeed, the word “volatile” is valid, not only to describe our
economic condition, but our general sense of insecurity at
this time.
At this difficult time, we come to the synagogue to
welcome the New Year of 5776. The beautiful words of
our Mahzor, our High Holy Day prayer book, offer comfort
and hope. G-d’s presence is with us to sustain us despite
the seemingly difficult reality that surrounds us.
“Repentance, prayer, and acts of loving kindness avert the
severity of the decree.” So proclaims the moving prayer of
Unetaneh Tokef, which is recited on Rosh Hashanah and
Yom Kippur. Spiritual reflection can indeed transform the
outcome of events. Americans were deeply moved by the
response of the African-American church in Charleston,
South Carolina to the brutal murders of the members of its
Bible class. Instead of hatred, the bereaved families called
for forgiveness and introspection. Charleston, unlike other
American cities, retained its dignity and grace in response
to a savage crime.
--Continued on page 2
September 2015/5776
General Service Schedule
Friday—7:30pm; Saturday—10:00am
September Events
Sep 12@ 7:30pm—Selichot Service & Reception
Sep 13 @10:00am—First day of Religious School
Sep 20 @10:00am—Book Club
See complete listing of High Holidays services
located on page 3
Religious School Schedule
Sept 13, 20, 27—BIRS; 10:00am-12:00pm
15, 29—BIRS; 4:15-5:30pm
Shabbat Candle Lighting Times Sep 04 – 7:10pm Sep 11 – 6:59pm Sep 18 – 6:48pm Sep 25 – 6:37pm
The first day of Beth Israel’s Religious
School will be Sunday, September 13 from
10am-12pm. We are looking forward to an
exciting new school year. Register your
student for Beth Israel Religious School by
contacting Sara Stivelman at
sarastive@yahoo.com.
(Schedules will be sent out to each student by mail)
book will be “Introduction to
Rabbi’s Message, Continued …
The hideous murders of a Palestinian baby and a teenage
Israeli girl at the Jerusalem Pride Parade have brought about
soul-searching in the Israeli Orthodox community. Despite
tensions in the Holy City, Jerusalem remains a testimony of
tolerance among its diverse inhabitants. The light rail line
which encircles all of Jerusalem will continue to be a
reflection of the unity of the city – Arab and Jewish, secular
and religious. Interestingly, the majority of Arabs in
Jerusalem today have expressed the desire to become Israeli
citizens in a recent survey.
Acts of loving kindness have been demonstrated throughout
the current upheaval in the Middle East. The economic
strain placed upon Greece and Italy as they deal with a
refugee crisis unparalleled in recent history is balanced with
compassion and empathy for those fleeing from turmoil and
chaos. As always, Israel provides medical assistance to all,
despite their political ideologies. Israel has set up a field
hospital to assist the victims of the Syrian Civil War as it
continues to provide medical care to Palestinians from Gaza
and the West Bank. Currently, Israel is trying to balance the
humanitarian concerns of African refugees from East Africa
with its need to secure its border.
Finally, as it often said, “Prayer never hurts”. We think of
the moving words and melody of Avinu Malkenu. “Have
mercy upon us and answer us although we are without
merit. Deal with us charitably and lovingly save us.”
Prayer helps us focus on what is essential. In the silence of
reflection we can hear “the still, small voice” of the divine.
It was that voice that gave Elijah the prophet to face the evil
of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. It is that same voice that
will give us the courage and determination to confront the
volatility of the world in which we live today.
I extend my best wishes to you and your loved ones for a
New Year of peace and tranquility. I hope and pray that it
will truly be a Shana Tova, a year of goodness and blessing
for us, for Israel, and for all humanity.
--Rabbi Bienstock
From the President:
The seasons are changing. You can feel it in the
air and sense it by the shortening of the days. For
me, it is that time again when my house is filled
with moaning about returning to school. Pam is
dreading long school days and learning to deal
with new initiatives. My kids are excited to see
friends that they have not seen, but also nervous
about the school work they have quickly forgotten.
My summer seems so short, maybe we can fit in
one more trip on the bay or a barbeque with
friends? Yet, fall must come. For us Jews, this is
also a time to reflect on our past year. Whom do
we need to apologize to? Whom do we need to
repay? Maybe even, who do I owe a word of
thanks? Each year as the High Holiday season
approaches, I reflect on my own personal issues. I
try to take stock of how I could do better for my
family, my congregation, my friends, and even
possibly my professional career. We are all not
perfect but, especially at this time of year, it is
important to look back and try to make things
right. I look forward to this process because after
the High Holidays, with sincere praying and
thought, we can emerge new with all that weight
lifted off our shoulders. We all carry too much
baggage with debts of words, money, and regrets.
We need to lessen our loads by shedding these
burdens. To get my preparation for the Holidays
started, I want to extend my most sincere apology
to members and non- members of the congregation
that I may have offended. I also want to take a
minute to say, I am really sorry that I was not able
to spend more time with a good friend that just
passed away, Bernie Rubin. I had the fortune to
talk to him several times after services and also at a
monthly poker game. Bernie always had questions
about trees or stories about his latest contractor
issues. He was one of the few people that actually
took the time to talk to people. He led a very busy
life but, he always had time for a good story. I will
deeply miss Bernie and send my hope of healing to
his family during their period of mourning. Lastly,
I know I owe many of you a most sincere thank
you for all that you do to make Beth Israel a
terrific place to worship and fellowship. I wish you
an easy Yom Kippur fast and a new prosperous
Year.
--Todd Berman
The Beth Israel Congregation Book Club will meet on Sunday, September 20th at 10:00am. The book will be “Introduction to Kabbalah” by Rabbi Steven Wernick. Newcomers are welcomed and encouraged to join the Book Club.
Beth Israel High Holidays Schedule: Fri Sept 11 – 7:30 pm – Selichot Program/Service
Sun Sept 13 –Rosh Hashanah Eve – Service 7:30 pm
Mon Sept 14 – Rosh Hashanah Morning – Service 9:00 am,
Youth Service -10:30 am
Mon Sept 14 – Tashlich Service at Boat Launch – 1 pm
Mon Sept 14 – Second Eve Rosh Hashanah – 7:30 pm
Tues Sept 15 – Second Day Rosh Hashanah – Service 9:00 am
Sun Sept 20 – Cemetery Memorial Service – 1:00 pm
Tues Sept 22 – Kol Nidrei Service – 6:30pm
Wed Sept 23 – Yom Kippur Morning – 9 am
Youth Service – 10:30 am
Memorial Service – Yizkor – 11 am
Mincha – Afternoon Service – 5:45 pm
Neila – Concluding Service – 6:45 pm
Sounding of the Shofar – Break Fast – 8:00 pm
Sun Sept 27 – Sukkot Eve – in Sukkah – 7:30 pm
Fri Oct 2 – Pizza in the Hut – 6:30 pm – Dinner; 7:30 pm –
Service
Sun Oct 11 – Blessing of the Animals – 12 pm
High Holiday Announcements:
Anyone interested in participating in our Shofar squad or who wishes to read the Torah or Haftarah for the High
Holy Days may contact the Rabbi. Rabbi Bienstock is willing to work with anyone interested in reading.
High Holiday seating will again be open seating so please make an effort to arrive on time. Each member in good standing will receive a ticket for High Holiday admission.
Tickets are required for admittance and will be mailed in the near future.
Any member whose dues are two quarters or more in arrears will be required to pay a local resident fee of $300 to attend the Holiday services.
Letters have been sent to those members whose dues are not current.
Non-adult children living at home do not need a ticket, but any guests, including
adult children, will need a ticket for entry. The price of a guest ticket for a member of good standing is $50 per guest. Guest tickets need to be prepaid. Contact Jackie at the office.
Please note that the Kol Nidrei evening service on Tuesday Sept. 22nd will begin at 6:30pm. You must arrive on time for admittance.
Break the Fast will be held on Wednesday, September 23rd at 8:00pm. The charge will be:
$10 for members
$15 for nonmembers
$ 5 for children 5-10
No charge for children under 5
Thank you to the following members who have donated
towards our High Holiday flowers:
*Jeff & Joanne Sherr in memory of Sidney F. & Bernice S.
Sherr
*Bob & Judy Scherr in memory of Mr. & Mrs. Max Kessler and
Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Scherr
*Sharon Ferger in memory of her husband, John Ferger
*Andy & Karen Karten in loving memory of Dr. Alfred Spieler
and Irv Karten
*Steve & Laurie Schwalb in memory of our loved ones
*Jamie & Jeff Albright in memory of Mildred Albright and
Malcolm Pierce
*Teri & Tom Quigley in memory of Truman Lee Harris
Income Amount
BIRS $3,025.50
Grants 6,926.80
Donations (includes one- time donation of $50,000) 78,837.29
Events 6,483.00
Membership Dues 55,510.28
Room Rentals 600.00
Israeli Bonds 30,000.00
Total Income 182,036.10
Expense Cash Awards $1,050.00
BIRS 2,169.05
Building Maintenance 8,762.95
Business Expenses 11,332.51
USCJ Dues 3,000.00
Events 5,207.84
Insurance 6,242.00
Investment Transfer 36,900.00
Office Expense 3,845.75
Taxes 1,984.36
Utilities 17,399.57
Wages 49,217.69
Total Expenses 147,834.86
Net Income 34,201.24
(less certificate of deposit opened 8/20/2015) -23,100.00
FY 2014-2015 income $11,101.24
Beth Israel Congregation Profit Loss Statement from 7/01/2014-6/30/2014
Dear Beth Israel Congregation,
Thank you so much for encouraging the
five of us to go USY encampment and
Kamp Kadima. We had a great time.
Some of the things we did while we
were there was Grade War One, which
was a teaching activity demonstrating
the actions that took place in World
War One. Also Maccabia which stands
for "color wars" in Hebrew. Third
making amazing new friends. Forth,
Shacharit which was the morning
prayers and finally, Ruach which was
all the kids singing and dancing Jewish
prayers and songs which made us feel
part of a group, warm and welcomed by
our new USY/Kadima family.
Last, we want to thank the board for the
scholarships they gave us and Ms Davis
(mom) for driving us to Capitol Camps
in Waynesboro Pennsylvania. We hope
that we will have the chance again to be
united with our new USY/Kadima
friends.
Sincerely,
Aaron Davis, Gabe Berman, Will Pincus, Sadie Hall and Shayna Davis
Beth Israel’s USY students enjoying camp
this summer. Pictured: Gabe Berman,
Shayna Davis, Sadie Hall and Will Pincus
Look for more pictures coming by email
soon!
.
Member-to-Member
Beth Israel Congregation extends its sincerest condolences to Toby Rubin and sons, Howard, Leonard and Allan and their families upon the passing of our beloved member, Bernard Rubin. We also extend condolences to the family of longtime member, Marilyn Seidel. In addition we send condolences to the family of former member Ed Herring, who passed away shortly after celebrating his 60th wedding anniversary. We share the words of comfort of our tradition to the members of these families, “May G-d comfort you among your fellow mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. May G-d spare you from any further sorrow and grant you healing.”
Prayers for a refuah shelemah- for healing- for Mel Snyder. Congratulations to Sharon Ferger on her recent marriage. Thank you to Oneg Hosts Andy & Karen Karten and Mark & Lucille Rudnick for hosting during the month of August. Best wishes to all of our students and teachers returning to their respective schools and universities.
BIC Birthdays: Roy Hansen—Sep 2 Susan Land—Sep 8 Murray Lustig—Sep 8 Andrea Kahn—Sep 12 Andrew Sortman—Sep 14 Mark Rudnick—Sep 15 Shayna Davis—Sep 16 Keith Hall—Sep 23 Jamie Albright—Sep 26
BIC Anniversaries: Todd & Pam Berman—Sep 17
BIC Cards: *Condolences to the family of Bernie Rubin from:
Jamie & Jeff Albright, Ann & Roy Hansen, Sharon
Ferger, Andy & Karen Karten and Arlene Miller
*Condolences to the family of Marilyn Seidel from:
Andy & Karen Karten and Arlene Miller
*Condolences to the family of Ed Herring from: Toby Rubin and Ann & Roy Hansen
Selichot Service on Friday, September 11th
7:30pm
Kick off the High Holidays with a Selichot
service. We will begin at 7:30pm with a little
nosh, wine, cheese and dessert, then a short
service at 8:00pm, followed by more
communing.
This is a great way to introduce potential new
members to Beth Israel so bring any Jewish
friends or neighbors who might be interested.
Shana Tova!
Yahrzeits: September
Donations for August
Yahrzeits
Janice Spieler Yahrzeit of Alfred Spieler & Jack Kerman Ann Hancock Yahrzeit of Hattie Rosenberg
Cyvia Marmer Yahrzeit of Benjamin Marmer
Jeff & Joanne Sherr Yahrzeit of Sidney Sherr
Bob & Judy Scherr Yahrzeit of Sadie Scherr
General Fund
Dr. James Hatley
Barry Berger Fund
Steve & Laurie Schwalb Yahrzeit of Mitchell Keats
In Memory of Gilbert Bers
Sachs Figurelli, LLC
Bruce & Joy Katzenberg
In Memory of Marilyn Seidel
Ronald & Susan Wilkins
In Honor Of
Steve & Laurie Schwalb In Honor of Lindsay Schwalb for earning a Master of
Integrated Marketing
Communications degree
From Reed College of Media
At West Virginia University
Steve & Laurie Schwalb In Honor of their 40th
Wedding anniversary
Steve & Laurie Schwalb In Honor of Steve’s
Retirement from Perdue after 33 years
YAHRZIET NAME SERVICE DATE
SADIE SCHERR Sept 4-5, 2015
JACK STEIN Sept 4-5, 2015
MEYER BEN JOSEF GINCHER Sept 4-5, 2015
HARRY BAKER Sept 4-5, 2015
MILTON MEHLMAN Sept 4-5, 2015
HARRY(HERSHEL) RADERMAN Sept 4-5, 2015
ISRAEL L BENJAMIN Sept 4-5, 2015
RAPHAEL BOGAGE Sept 4-5, 2015
FANNIE WEISS Sept 4-5, 2015
SIDNEY FRANK SHERR Sept 4-5, 2015
DOROTHY NEEDLEMAN Sept 11-12, 2015
BENJAMIN JACOB SCHERR Sept 11-12, 2015
RACHELE BERNSTEIN Sept 11-12, 2015
SADIE RUBENFELD Sept 11-12, 2015
LILLIAN ROSS Sept 11-12, 2015
LENA BAKER Sept 11-12, 2015
WILLIAM SEGAL Sept 11-12, 2015
HERBERT MILLER Sept 11-12, 2015
ROSE MASOWITZ Sept 11-12, 2015
ANNA MYERS Sept 11-12, 2015
DANIEL MILLER Sept 11-12, 2015
BERNARD LEPSELTER Sept 11-12, 2015
ETTA SCHWARTZ Sept 11-12, 2015
DEBORAH FINK ZIGUN Sept 11-12, 2015
PATRICIA WILCOX Sept 11-12, 2015
PHILIP SILVERSTEIN Sept 18-19, 2015
MARY ROSOFSKY Sept 18-19, 2015
MAURICE ROSENBERG Sept 18-19, 2015
FRIEDA COOPER Sept 18-19, 2015
FRANCES KERPELMAN Sept 18-19, 2015
MILTON MARMER Sept 18-19, 2015
SARAH SCHWARTZ Sept 18-19, 2015
CYNTHIA KALMANSON Sept 25-26, 2015
ROSE MASOWITZ Sept 25-26, 2015
ANNA ROSENBERG Sept 25-26, 2015
RICHARD SCHNEIDER Sept 25-26, 2015
JOSEPH SEIDEL Sept 25-26, 2015
DR. HOWARD FURMAN Sept 25-26, 2015
JOHN EDWARD HESS Sept 25-26, 2015
ILYA FISHBERG Sept 25-26, 2015
HARRY MILLER Sept 25-26, 2015
MILDRED KALMANSON Sept 25-26, 2015
LEWIS MICHAEL HESS Sept 25-26, 2015
DORA MASARSKY Sept 25-26, 2015
ANNA SEGAL Sept 25-26, 2015
Beth Israel Staff Rabbi: Arnold Bienstock Office Manager: Jackie Middleton
Board of Governors President: Todd Berman Vice President: Arlene Miller Secretary: Andy Karten Treasurer: Shari Miller Youth Education: Sara Stivelman USY: Ella Davis Religious: Jaimi Hall Membership: Susan Tilghman Ways & Means: Susan Lewis Paciga House: Joe Beatus, Mike Folkoff Contact Us 600 Camden Avenue, Salisbury, MD 21801 Phone 410-742-2564 Fax 410-742-2697 www.bethisraelsalisbury.org General Information: bicsecretary@verizon.net Office Hours: Tuesday- Friday 10:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m. Shabbat Services: Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
The mission of this Congregation shall be to establish and maintain a Synagogue and such educational,
religious, social and recreational activities as will help further the cause and objectives of
the Synagogue and Conservative Judaism.
Established 1926
BIC’s Gift Shop is GOING OUT OF
BUSINESS
The Holy Days are coming and the Gift shop is
closing! Come pick up some of your High Holiday
needs: kipohs, tallis clips, and honey and apple dishes
at 50% off!
Do you love ONEG?
Who doesn’t? So come celebrate a simcha, remember a yahrzeit or just make it a great end to a long week by hosting one! It’s easy and quick. Call Jackie in the BIC office for details. 410-742-2564.
Beth Israel Cards Appropriate for every occasion and affordable, BIC
Cards can be purchased in the Office.
Would you like to honor a loved one?
There are many ways to acknowledge your loved ones at Beth Israel.
Consider a leaf on our Tree of Life, displayed in the lobby. This is a wonderful way to commemorate a special event or to honor or remember a special person. The cost of a leaf is $500.
You may also wish to consider purchasing a Yahrzeit Memorial Plaque for your loved one. The cost is $360 and will be displayed in our Sanctuary.
Or maybe you'd like to purchase a chair for the social hall in the honor/memory of a loved one. The cost for a chair is $50.
Please contact Jackie at the Synagogue Office and she'll be happy to assist you with your tribute.
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