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The SPIRIT of Beth Israel Congregation - Chester County, PA JUNE 2018 SIVAN— TAMMUZ 5778

6/4, 6:30PM Sisterhood Closing Dinner 6/5, 7:00 PM Calendar Meeting 6/7, 7:00 PM Ritual Committee 6/12, 7:30 PM Board Meeting 6/16, 9:30 PM Life Long Learning 6/19, Israel Bound!! 6/20, 2:45 PM Interfaith Action Meeting

HaRuach

Inside HaRuach Rabbi’s Desk ........................................ 2

President’s Article ................................ 3

Sisterhood ........................................... 5

Religious School .................................. 7

Preschool & Kindergarten..................... 6

Celebrations ......................................... 9

Calendar .............................................10

Todah Rabah ......................................12

Yahrzeits .............................................14

Candle lighting times June 2018 6/1, 8:06 PM 6/8, 8:10 PM 6/15, 8:13 PM 6/22, 8:15 PM 6/29, 8:16 PM

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From Rabbi Cutler’s desk Prayer is our intimate dialogue with the Infinite, the profoundest ex-pression of our faith that at the heart of reality is a Presence that cares, a God who listens, a creative Force that brought us into being in love. It is this belief, more than any other, that redeems life from soli-tude and fate from tragedy. There is a purpose. We have a purpose. However infinitesimal we are, however brief our stay on earth, and no matter how difficult our lives may be, we matter.

It is possible to believe otherwise. There can be a life without faith or prayer, just as there can be a life without love, or laughter, or happi-ness.

It takes courage to believe and to be a Jew. We do not need proof about the injustices of events. It is written on the pages of our history. For the last 3,000 years our ancestors lived dispersed throughout the world, without a home, without rights, all too often experiencing perse-cution and suffering. All they had was hope and through that hope came faith and prayer. In Judaism, we do not analyze our faith, we pray it. For Judaism, hope becomes real when it becomes prayer.

In prayer, we speak to a presence vaster than the unfathomable universe yet closer to us than we are to ourselves: The God beyond who is also the Voice within. Prayer is the bridge that joins us to Infinity. In prayer, God becomes not a theory but a Presence, not a fact but a relationship. Prayer is where God meets us, in the human heart, in our offering of words, in our acknowledged vulnerability. Prayer is expressed through silence, language and music. And how much the more so on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur when we enter a dialogue with the Infinite. Music, lan-guage and silent reflection is the bridge where we meet God to enter a dialogue.

Those who lead us in the prayers are essential in leading us in the dialogue. As such we are blessed to have numerous and talented people who contribute so much to our community in countless ways. The corps of committed volunteers is one of the strengths of Beth Israel. We are especially gifted in the areas of music and voice. Members of the Beth Israel Choir enhance our worship so beautifully by either singing or playing musical instruments or both. You may have no-ticed over the past few years that we have more congregants leading services, reading Torah, singing in the choir, or playing musical instruments.

This year, for the first time, instead of hiring a cantor from the outside, High Holiday services will be led by Beth Israel members, including many members of the choir. This helps individuals to feel invested in Beth Israel, in its present and future. It empowers people to want to take charge and thus to give more. This is my vision of Beth Israel: a more involved, participatory, and committed lay leaders. This, also, establishes a model, inspiring others to want greater in-volvement and to take ownership.

We would like to make the service as meaningful and participatory as possible, and there is a role for everyone who would like to participate. If you would like a part in High Holy Day ser-vices (e.g., English reading, learn to chant Torah), please let me know. Not just praying but be-ing an active part of the service helps us to enter in a dialogue with the Infinite.

Shaolm, Rabbi Jon

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President’s Article

By Mark B. Segal

Learn, Live, Teach Judaism……L’Dor va Dor.

THANK YOU BETH ISRAEL!

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Sisterhood Snippets It’s hard to believe that this is our last HaRuach as Sisterhood Presidents. We would like to thank the retir-ing board for their service and welcome the new 2018-2020 Board of Directors. For all of those that are continuing in either the same position or are taking on a new position, we are very appreciative! A big Mazel Tov to the new Sisterhood President, Deborah Kaplan! XOXO, Jody & Michelle

Sisterhood Slate 2018-2020 President: Deborah Kaplan Treasurer: Michelle Harbold Financial Secretary: Linda Jacowitz Recording Secretary: Roz Goldstein Corresponding Secretary: Laney Spear Fund Raising VP: TBD Breakfast with Rabbi: Michele Steiner High Holy Days Cards and Billing: Linda Jacowitz Leagrams: Meryl Senft Tablecloth: Meryl Senft Judaica Shop Management: Michelle Harbold Floral Fund: Yahrzeit management/ Flower Orders: Maxine Endy Hamentashen Fund Raiser: Marcy Zeichner, Michelle Harbold Friends helping Friends: Deborah Kaplan High Holy Days Greeting Bags & Honey Cake Baking: Deborah Kaplan Holiday Gift Wrap: Deborah Kaplan Jewish National Fund: Shelly Kramer Torah Fund: TBD

House Coordination VP: Roz Cohen Inventory Management Roz Cohen Catering Mashgiach: Roz Cohen Oneg/Kiddush Roz Cohen High Holiday Décor: Barbara Kramer

Membership VP: Maxine Endy Membership Secretary: Cassandra Lam Paid Up Membership Party: Erin Orso Retention: Lynn Greenspan Social Events Publicity: Erin Orso Sick and Welfare: Barb Hendel Ritual Committee Liaison: Roselyn Cadoff

Programming VP: Jaimee Helbein Adult Education : Maxine Endy, Jaimee Helbein, Rochelle Rabin

Pearl Endy Adult Education Fund: Maxine Endy Z’havah: Olga Faden, Jody Reinbold Book Club: Anne Suss, Roz Goldstein Youth School Preschool Liaison: Jody Reinbold B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator: Elaine Bran Community Service: Ann Greenstein Mitzvah Meals: Jaimee Helbein Israel Affairs: Barb Hendel , Mary Starkman Closing Dinner: Erin Orso Break the Fast: Michelle Harbold Sisterhood Shabbat: Roz Goldstein

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It is so hard to believe that another year at BIP is coming to a close. We have watched 100 chil-dren come through our doors to learn and grow. Most importantly, we have really focused on social and emotional growth. We have continued to work on developing a growth mindset in the children, where they learn to keep trying and persisting to help them learn and figure out solu-tions and also how to solve problems. We have worked hard on making sure to build the brain by making certain the children are active, they are crossing their midline and we are building all kinds of fine and gross motor skills which increase brain activity and growth.

Throughout each classroom we have made certain to name our emotions so that we can “tame them” when necessary. Each day we practice being inclusive, treating others with respect and encouraging empathy. Furthermore, we are respectful of school property as well. We encourage accountability for owning our own actions, while knowing that mistakes happen. Mistakes are opportunities to learn. When you do this on a daily basis in a positive atmosphere filled with love, you see tremendous growth and success.

There are numerous opportunities to put this into practice as we play, learn and eat together each day. There is no room for unkind behavior. To all of us at BIP we consider this to be our measure of success and our proven method to laying the foundation for future academic learn-ing. This is our strong philosophy that we will honor each day and strive to achieve.

This year I added a new feature—Storytime with Miss Adrianne on Wednesday mornings, fifteen minutes be-fore the start of school. I spent the second half of the year reading books that concentrate on building empa-thy. So children were asked questions about the ac-tions of certain characters ; how that made them feel; did they ever feel that way; how did they rate the book ( thumbs up or thumbs down), and to explain why they felt that way. We are so very proud of all of the chil-dren for being such kind, loving, individuals. There are so many wonderful books that explain these concepts and then we use it as a springboard to remind them of actions and feelings throughout the day.

The staff at BIP are very thankful for this wonderful opportunity to invest in the future of this country. We know how vitally important the preschool years are and how crucial these practices are to helping parents on their journey to raise responsible, confident, productive, happy mem-bers of society.

Preschool & Kindergarten News by Adrianne Liebman

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Another year of Religious School has come and gone… This was an important year for us. We launched our new One-Plus Wednesday program, which was received favorably by our students and parents. We did a lot of experiential learning, including several cooking experi-ences, art projects, and interactive lessons. We also have listened to our students’ and parents’ feedback – and have instituted changes to improve our program for the upcoming school year.

We are very excited to introduce a new Judaic Studies curriculum to our students 3rd – 7th grade for the 2018-19 school year. It is called “Etgar Yesodi” and is designed to connect powerfully with students. It embodies the most effective strategies to give our children a deep understanding of Judaism, and helps the students find their own personal meaning of what it means to be Jewish– using project-based learning, art, drama, music, cooperative learning, community service, and parental involvement. Stay tuned for more information on this exciting and innovative curricu-lum!

June is a good time to say “thank you” to the many groups who support the Cohen Family Reli-gious School. So, we send a big “thank you” to:

Members of the Religious School Committee, who meet monthly and provide guidance to our school, and to our co-chair, Heather Simon, for her leadership.

Rabbi Cutler for his support of our school and his guidance in helping us all learn more about Judaism and how to help repair the world as Jews.

Sisterhood, and outgoing co-Presidents Michelle Harbold and Jody Reinbold, for supporting the Religious School and helping finance programs such as Simchat Torah treats, visit from Andi Joseph, Passover seders, and Chanukah candles for families

Men’s Club for their support of the Religious School programs, and for helping to set up and break down the Purim carnival

The Board of Directors, and outgoing President Mark Segal, for their leadership and constant support of the Religious School

Our wonderful teachers, who give their time, effort, and love to our children John Barnett for volunteering to sing with his guitar to the younger students, All our parents for bringing your children to and from Religious School, services, and partici-

pating in our many programs All our students! You inspire us, and we love teaching you! I hope everyone has an enjoyable and relaxing summer!

Religious School Chai-lights

Joanie Sharp

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BIC5 INVITES YOU TO BECOME A FRIENDSHIP TEAM LEADER

Beth Israel Congregation of Chester County A COMMUNITY OF CONNECTION AND CARING

Where we reach out to one another

BIC5 has successfully branched out to serve the greater Chester County Community through the Interfaith Action Community (IAC). We intend to continue participating in social action projects in collaboration with this group. Please contact John Barnett with questions.

Now we are ready to reorganize and strengthen the internal function of BIC5, providing a net-work of caring and support among members through the organization of Friendship Teams.

The plan is for each family or individual member to be assigned to a Friendship Team under the leadership of a team leader who will keep connected to the Friendship Team members through phone calls and assistance when the need arises.

To implement this plan, we will need 8 volunteers to serve as team leaders for a maximum of 14 congregants. Please call the office or Ann to volunteer to be a team leader and/or to get details. We anticipate organizing the teams by June 30 so need your response before then.

In addition, we will again begin to accept donations of nonperishable food items to be donated to one of the area food banks. Please place your food donation in the big box in the foyer.

We continue to welcome contributions to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund which provides mar-ket gift cards to congregants and other families in need. You may put your coins in the jar next to the food box or mail your donation to the office.

610 524-3938 Greensteina123@yahoo.com Ann Greenstein

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LACHALL, COHEN & SAGNOR

H. MICHAEL COHEN Attorney at Law

Tel. (610) 436-9300 144 West Market Street Fax (610) 696-7962 West Chester, PA 19382-2985 Email: mcohen@lcslaw.com

WHAT DOES JUDAISM SAY ABOUT PRAYER?

Thinking about this topic brings to mind the question “is prayer for the sake of God or for the sake of man? In my mind, the answer is clearly “for the sake of man”.

I say this because prayer helps us focus on what we value in life (peace, wholeness of body and soul, the comfort of community, etc.) Furthermore, prayer heightens our awareness of the won-ders of life --- that which is truly awesome.

In the words of Abraham Joshua Hershel:

Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement. ....get up in the morning and look at the world in a way that takes nothing for granted. Everything is phenomenal; everything is incredible; never treat life casually. To be spir-itual is to be amazed.”

He also said in Man is not Alone,

“As civilization advances, the sense of wonder declines. Such decline is an alarming symptom of our state of mind. We will not perish for want of information; but only for want of appreciation”.

There are prayers we recite regularly which express this sense of awe. One is Modim which starts “We thankfully acknowledge you, Our God… and continues to say, “We thank You and proclaim your praise for our lives…for our souls, for your miracles which are daily with us…”

Another is the Yotzer Or (Former of Light) which says: “Praised are You, Our God, Ruler of the universe, former of light, creator of darkness, maker of peace and the creator of all things. In Your mercy light shines over the earth and upon all who inhabit it. Through your goodness the work of the creation is daily renewed. How great are Your works, O God, in wisdom You have made all of them. The earth is filled with your creations”.

Even when we recite prayers of supplication, asking for peace, health, hope, comfort, the words we say are not so much a plea to God to intervene, but an acknowledgement of our thoughts in times of fear and helplessness, the expression of which (in the presence of community) can, in itself, be healing or comforting.

And, when we prayer, we are often inspired to take action – we cannot just hope for peace, we need to take steps toward it. We cannot just wait for our despair to be diminished, but seek the strength and hope from the resources around us to help us deal with it. A contemporary saying (whose source I cannot locate) suggests we pray as if the world depends on God, but act as if the world depends on us.

Ann Greenstein

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6/2 Aviad Adlersberg 6/5 Benjamin Harrison 12th 6/6 Jordan Sharp 21st 6/7 Halle Schonherz 6/8 Ivy Egger 6/9 Ann Greenstein 6/9 Kimberly Ticefelt 6/11 Marcy Zeichner 6/15 Mitchell Drucker 6/15 Judy Fickler 6/18 Meg Schachter 6/19 Jonathan Egger 6/20 Lucas Kramer 5th 6/24 Olga Faden 6/24 Sophie Zebrowski 13th 6/25 Aviel Kuhn 15th 6/25 Benjamin Kuhn 15th 6/25 Jeffrey Pickholtz 6/27 Evelyne Blair-Miller 6/28 Alvin Arzt 6/30 Mitchell Abrams 6/30 Sydney Simon 9th

6/8 Paul & Sharon Zislis 49th 6/17 Herbert & Roselyn Cadoff 67th 6/18 David & Judy Fickler 40th 6/22 Donald & Anne Suss 44th 6/23 Michael & Linda Cohen 44th 6/23 Marc & Laura Richman 27th 6/26 Rabbi Jon Cutler & Thierry Steenbergh 17th 6/26 Mark & Carol Segal 35th

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Mazel Tov

To our High School Class of 2018 Sam Dinerman attending University of Wisconsin Allyson Margolis attending University of Pennsylvania Molly Greenspan attending Ithaca College David Scott attending University of Maryland Megan Rabin attending Northeastern University To our College Graduates of 2018 Lauren Kenney- University of Pittsburgh, B.S. in Psychology, minor in Spanish, continuing at University of Pittsburgh for a Doctor of Occupational Therapy.

Michelle Kenney - University of Delaware, B.S. in Mathematics and Econom-ics, minor in Spanish, continuing at University of Delaware for M.S. in Economics and Applied Econometrics.

Zack Greer - James Madison University, B.A. in Justice Studies, attending Wid-ener University Delaware School of Law.

Maddie Brod - University of Pennsylvania, B.S. Materials Science Engineering, continuing at Columbia University for PhD in the same major.

James Vilbert – Widener School of Law

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June 2018 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1 BIP: FINAL 3,4,5-Day & Kindergarten 11:00 AM Kindergarten Farewell

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9:30 AM Bar Mitzvah of Michael Honig & Shabbat Services

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11:30 AM BICC Monthly Program-

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BIP: FINAL STAFF DAY

5 Calendar Meeting

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7:15 PM Choir Practice

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7:00 PM

Ritual Committee Meeting

8 7:30 PM Shabbat Services

9 9:30 AM Shabbat Services

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11 12 7:30 PM Board Meeting

13 7:15 PM Choir Practice

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15 7:30 PM Shabbat Services

16 9:30 AM Shabbat Services and Life Long Learning

17 18 19 BI’S JOURNEY TO ISRAEL

20 12:45 PM

Interfaith Action Community Team Meeting

7:15 PM Choir Practice

21 22 7:30 PM Shabbat Services

23 9:30 AM Shabbat Services

24 25 26 27 7:15 PM Choir Practice

28 29 7:30 PM Shabbat Services

30 9:30 AM Shabbat Services

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July 2018 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1 11:30 AM BICC-Monthly Programing Committee

2 3 7:30 PM Sister-hood Meeting

4 5 6 7:30 PM Shabbat Services

7 9:30 AM Shabbat Services

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10 7:30 PM Board Meeting

11 7:15 PM Choir Practice

12 7:00 PM Ritual Com-mittee Meeting

13 7:30 PM Shabbat Services

14 9:30 AM Shabbat Services Life Long Learning

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18 Beer Tasting (Time TBD) 12:45 PM Interfaith Action Team Monthly Mtg. 7:15 PM Choir Practice

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20 7:30 PM Shabbat Services

21 9:30 AM Shabbat Services 8:00 PM Tish B’Av Services and Study

22 23 24 25 7:15 PM Choir Practice

26 27 7:30 PM Shabbat

28 9:30 AM Shabbat Services

29 30 31

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Todah Rabah Tzedakah is a mitzvah, a unique privilege granted to every Jew. Remembering friends and family in this manner is an appropriate

way to show our feelings towards both our loved ones and our community. We want to thank the following for their contributions.

General Operating Fund

To Linda Glazer, wishing you a speedy recovery From Deborah Kaplan & Erik Anderson

Donation From Dominik Zebrowski

To Beverly Paris, In memory of her brother From Barry and Sandy Milberg Choir Fund For Robin and her wonderful choir From Sigrid Rosenthal

To Robin and Jerry Napiecek, in great appreciation and many thanks for sponsoring the Greaseband for the Sock Hop From Elaine and Stu Bran

In loving memory of Stu’s father, Max Bran From Elaine and Stu Bran

To Don and Anne Suss, mazel tov on the birth of your grandson From Deborah Kaplan & Erik Anderson Cohen Fund In honor of Cindy Blair-Miller From the Confirmation Class of 5778

To Tony Dyckman, wishing you a Happy Birthday From Sigrid Rosenthal

Yahrzeits In memory of Don’s sister, Carin Bakelaar From Don and Anne Suss

In memory of Hyman Kaplan From Deborah Kaplan & Erik Anderson

Sisterhood Yahrzeit Floral Fund In memory of Sondra’s mother, Sophia Golomb From Sondra Abrams

In memory of Sheri’s family friend, Carol Novick From Sheri and Michael Richman

In memory of Sandy’s mother, Hilda Strauss From Barry and Sandy Milberg

In memory of Barry’s grandfather, Simon Senner From Barry and Sandy Milberg

In memory of Roz’s father, Leonard Maletz From Roz Goldstein

In memory of Herb’s father, Morris Cadoff From Herb and Roselyn Cadoff

In memory of Ione’s Uncle, Conrad Apfelbaum From Ione Apfelbaum Strauss

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Yahrzeits

Observed on May 25/26 6/1 Mollie Jacowitz Sivan 18 6/1 Anne Levitsky Sivan 18 6/1 Carol Novick Sivan 18 6/1 Hilda Strauss Sivan 18 Observed on June 1/2 6/3 Peter Stanley Gordon Sivan 20 6/4 Marvin Dekosky Sivan 21 6/4 Abraham Gershonzon Sivan 21 6/4 Alan Goldfine Sivan 21 6/4 Hannah Lopatin Sivan 21 6/4 Steven B. Silverman Sivan 21 6/4 Albert Starkman Sivan 21 6/5 Joanne Chertok Sivan 22 6/5 Elsie Poch Sivan 22 6/6 Kenneth Brod Sivan 23 6/6 William Jacowitz Sivan 23 6/6 Barnett Leet Sivan 23 6/7 Sylvia Horowitz Sivan 24 6/7 Simon Senner Sivan 24 6/8 Dr. Ephraim Braverman Sivan 25 6/8 Herbert Steinberg Sivan 25

Observed on June 8/9 6/9 Leonard Maletz Sivan 26 6/11 Lillian Arzt Sivan 28 6/11 Nathaniel Wolfson Sivan 28 6/13 Filbert Cherry Sivan 30 6/13 Sylvia Itz Sivan 30 6/14 Robert Frank Tammuz 1 6/15 Hutzie Beck Tammuz 2 6/15 Isaac Smulowitz Tammuz 2

Observed on June 15/16 6/17 Milton Wexler Tammuz 4 6/17 Milton Wexler Tammuz 4 6/17 Adolph Zeller Tammuz 4 6/19 James H. Burns III Tammuz 6 6/19 Albert Knable Tammuz 6 6/19 Leo Magid Tammuz 6 6/20 Dr. Morris Duitch Tammuz 7

6/20 Louis Kramer Tammuz 7 6/20 Esther Rabb Tammuz 7 6/21 Victor Gerber Tammuz 8 6/21 Gladys Jackson Tammuz 8 6/22 George Edelman Tammuz 9 6/22 Ronald Kaufmann Tammuz 9 6/22 Dr. Marcus Rosenblum Tammuz 9 Observed on June 22/23 6/23 Sofia Chafetz Tammuz 10 6/24 Florence Baer Tammuz 11 6/24 Fannie Berliner Tammuz 11 6/24 Morris Cadoff Tammuz 11 6/24 Max Kalick Tammuz 11 6/24 Anne Lieberman Tammuz 11 6/25 Emmy Behrend Tammuz 12 6/25 Barbara Casson Tammuz 12 6/26 Conrad Apfelbaum Tammuz 13 6/26 Sara Goldberg Tammuz 13 6/26 Chaim Kleeman Tammuz 13 6/26 Chanah Anne Kleeman Tammuz 13 6/26 Hyman Pogach Tammuz 13 6/26 William Shafrin Tammuz 13 6/27 William Chertok Tammuz 14 6/27 Morris Kramer Tammuz 14 6/28 Gustav Levy Tammuz 15 6/28 Sylvia Rubin Tammuz 15 6/29 Aaron Levine Tammuz 16 6/29 Norma Miller Tammuz 16 6/29 Bebe Shanholtz Tammuz 16 Observed June 29/30 6/30 Larry Israelson Tammuz 17 6/30 Nathan Sofer Tammuz 17

6/30 Meyer Wexler Tammuz 17

May their memories be a blessing

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HaRuach

BETH ISRAEL CONGREGATION of CHESTER COUNTY

385 Pottstown Pike (Rte. 100)

Eagle, PA

P.O. Box 678 Uwchland, PA 19480

(610) 458-8550

biccsyn1@gmail.com

www.bethisraelpa.org

Rabbi — Jon Cutler

BOARD OF DIRECTORS President — Mark B. Segal Executive Vice President — Halle Schonherz Vice President, Finance — Nadine Dinerman Vice President, Program — Secretary — Roz Goldstein Treasurer — Stuart Miller Immediate Past Presidents — Robert Greer & Andrew Weintraub

MEMBERS Cindy Blair-Miller Larry Faden Linda Glazer

Michelle Harbold Barb Hendel Deborah Kaplan Morris Kauffman Robin Kerollis-Napiecek

Gary Levin Terry Myers Jody Reinbold

David Scott Mandy Scott Heather Simon Steve Simon Martin Skolnik Neal Stone

Paul Zislis

TRUSTEES

Ed Margolis Jeff Pickholtz Don Suss

Pre-School Director — Adrianne Liebman Religious School Director - Joan Sharp

Office Administrator —Bernice Gause Music Director — Robin Kerollis-Napiecek

HaRuach Editor—Deborah Kaplan

See up-to-date Calendar on www.bethisraelpa.org for highlights