The Monthly Newsletter from Shir Ami in Newtown, Pennsylvania

Shiron

From the Rabbi’s Desk: “Live Streaming” ...............................3

Mitzvah Day Information ...............................................................4

Board of Directors Installation Service and Oneg .......................7

Community Purim Photos ................................................12 and 13

... and so much more inside!

IN THIS ISSUE

101 Richboro Rd | Newtown, PA 18940 | www.shiraminow.org Main: 215.968.3400 | Religious School: 215.968.3254 | E.L.C.: 215.968.6255

April 2017 | Nisan • Iyar 5777

SEE PAGES 12 & 13

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SHIRON | April 2017

Rabbi Joel Simon

WOMAN IN GOLD - I have taken several high school groups to Poland. While we learned about Jewish life before WWII, and we learned about the Holocaust, the most important part was learning these things with Polish Jewish teenagers, and learning how Jewish life has returned to Poland. It was hard for us to see places in which so much terror occurred that are now back to everyday life, but our Polish friends are used to it; for these teens and their families,

their goal is to make life as normal as possible in spite of the realities of the history around them.

As we observe Yom ha-Shoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, this month, I wanted to recommend this film which is a little different than many Holocaust movies. It tells the true story of Maria Altmann as she is helped by an unqualified lawyer in an attempt to regain her family’s treasured artwork, a piece which had become an Austrian national treasure after it was stolen from her family’s home by the Nazis. The artwork was a part of “normal” Austrian life, but its history had been ignored. At first glance, the loss of paintings may seem trivial in the greater scheme of Holocaust atrocities, but unlike many places that have returned to normalcy, these paintings can serve as a reminder that a return to normalcy does not mean that we have forgotten. Woman in Gold does a beautiful job of showing the realities of art restitution while telling the story of one family who lost so much and one woman who overcame so much.

1 While this was the recommendation, there was also the acknowledgement that we, as a Reform community, can be more flexible with the concept of minyan in general. If I am leading a shiva minyan and there are not ten Jewish adults present, I will still say kaddish with the family and would encourage others to do the same. The same would be true on a Friday evening service if someone wanted to say Kaddish and, for some reason, we were short of a minyan.

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If you’ve been logged onto Facebook on a Friday night between 7:00 and 8:00 the past few weeks, you may have been surprised to see the Shir Ami sanctuary in a box on your screen. That’s right – Shir Ami is now live shtreaming, I mean, live streaming our Friday night services along with other special events. We’ve already had some technical difficulties and glitches, and I know both the sound and video could be better, but we are doing our best to bring Shir Ami to you when you can’t be at Shir Ami.

While I know some of you have already taken advantage of this new opportunity, others may be surprised to see this combination of technology, especially Facebook, and Shabbat, the day on which we are challenged to separate ourselves from those things that occupy the rest of our week. I once attended a lecture on whether or not someone could be counted virtually in a minyan. That is to say, could someone watching a service live on their device through Facebook, Skype, or FaceTime count as one of the ten Jewish adults required to say Kaddish or read the Torah? (if you’ve ever wondered what kinds of things they talk about at rabbinic conferences, now you know...). The ultimate recommendation was no; just as someone standing outside a window looking in would not have been counted in a minyan, the same would be true for someone miles away who was looking in.1 However, just because that person may not “count” for a minyan doesn’t mean that the minyan can’t count for the individual watching from afar.

It might feel strange to be sick in bed with a bowl of chicken soup watching services on your tablet, or to be in a coffee shop doing work on

a business trip and listening to the choir sing Shalom Rav through your headphones, or to be on the couch with a glass of wine

after putting the kids to sleep, but wanting to hear as your loved one’s name is read before the Kaddish. We know you would rather be in the Shir Ami sanctuary, and we would rather have you with us, but if you want to be at a Shabbat service, we want you to be able to be here, even when you can’t be here.

After Jacob dreamt of the ladder with angels ascending and descending on it, he said, “God is in this place, and I did not know it.” Menachem Mendel taught that God is wherever we let God in. I hope you will take advantage of this new opportunity, letting God in when you need, and

joining us as often as possible, whether in our sanctuary or in your homes.

At this point, all live streaming will be through the Shir Ami Facebook page, and an archived version will be available afterward. You do not need to be a member of Facebook to view it, and you can access the page at any time by clicking the “F” symbol in the upper right hand corner of our website (www.shiraminow.org).

A schedule of services and other ritual events per week follow. Congregants of all ages are welcome at all of our services. All Erev Shabbat Services and B’nai Mitzvah will take place in the Abraham-Swerdlow Sanctuary, unless otherwise noted. For a full calendar listing of all upcoming Shir Ami events throughout our community, we invite you to visit www.shiraminow.org

Friday, Mar. 31:

7:00pm SHABBAT SERVICE with SHIR KLEZ!

Saturday, Apr. 1: SHABBAT WORSHIP10:15am STROM Bat Mitzvah

CHEVRAT TORAH10:15am in the Chodorow Family Life Center

Week of April 1

Friday, Apr. 7:7:00pm SHABBAT FOR THE SOUL (see page 6 for info)

Saturday, Apr. 8: SHABBAT WORSHIP10:15am SCHNUR Bat Mitzvah

CHEVRAT TORAH10:15am in the Chodorow Family Life Center

Friday, Apr. 21:

7:00pm YOM HaSHOAH SHABBAT SERVICE with guest David Tuck (see page 6 for info)

Saturday, Apr 22: SHABBAT WORSHIP10:15am CHECKOFF Bat Mitzvah

CHEVRAT TORAH10:15am in the Chodorow Family Life Center

Friday, Apr. 28:

7:00pm SHABBAT SERVICE with the CHOIR and special BOARD INSTALLATION

Saturday, Apr 29: SHABBAT WORSHIP10:15am BURDO Bar Mitzvah

CHEVRAT TORAH10:15am in the Chodorow Family Life Center

Friday, Apr. 14:6:00pm MATZAH PIZZA SHABBAT DINNER in Shalom Hall followed by

7:00pm FAMILY-FRIENDLY SHABBAT SERVICE

Saturday, Apr. 15: “SHABBAT IN THE WILDERNESS”10:15am Tyler State Park

CHEVRAT TORAH10:15am in the Chodorow Family Life Center

Monday, Apr. 17: Last Day of PASSOVER Yizkor10:15am in the Chodorow Family Life Center

Week of April 7

Week of April 14

Week of April 21

Week of April 28

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BE A PART OF MITZVAH DAY 2017

SUN., APR. 23 | 9:00am-1:00pmFrom the look of last year’s Mitzvah Day photos below, you can see how much goes on at Shir Ami for this important day. Here’s what 2017 has in store:

8:30-9:00am - Breakfast for our volunteers9:10am - Service9:30-12:00pm - Mitzvah Projects

Religious school kids will participate in their classes or with their families during regular religious school hours. The signup link will be on the Shir Ami homepage.

Please check out the SIGN UP LINK shiraminow.org for projects including:

• Makepettoys

• Breakfastbags

• Soup-erSunday

• AidforFriends

• AdoptaHighwaycleanup

• Makecardsforsoldiers

• Knitting/sewingbears

• Setupbreakfastfor volunteers• Carebagsforkidsat St. Mary’s ER

• GreenwoodHousevisit and activity

• BraceletsforBirches

• Carepackagesfor Friends Village

• Organizingandsorting in the food pantry

•…andmoreprojectsTBA

ALSO ON MITZVAH DAY:

Big Brothers Big Sisters Clothing DrivePlease drop off infant thru adult-sized clothing, coats, bedding, drapes, handbags, linens, stuffed animals, small appliances and shoes in a kitchen size garbage bag to the specified location outside our building by the sanctuary entrance. Drop off will be from 9am to 1pm on Mitzvah Day only.

Scenes from Mitzvah Day 2016

REFUAH SHLEIMAHDebbie BerlinMel BermanNorton BorochanerMiriam Braile Judith BuchStacy Curry Rochelle Einheber

Bonnie GoldsteinDonna GoodmanMarjorie GoodmanEstelle LasnerSandy LernerAnn Levitt Saul Levy

Jack OrberHelene RauschSteve RosofskyMarci RubinDan SherwoodAndrea Tankin Cindy Zins

CONDOLENCES

To Dennis Tafflin on the passing of his father, Robert Tafflin

To Melody Hassid on the passing of her father, Jacob Joel Wattenmaker

To Hope Shafer on the passing of her grandfather, Louis ‘Bud’ Kanther

To Andrew Rothman on the passing of his grandmother, Sheila Sadel

To Dinah Gonzalez Braile on the passing of her mother, Miriam Braile

To Rabbi Joel Simon on the passing of his mother, Vicki Simon

MAZAL TOV!

Marvin Kalafer and Dinah Gonzalez Braile on the birth of their grandson, Landon, son of Stacy Spicer

To Alan Rosenberg, Emily Elkin, and the rest of the Little Shop of Rocky Horror Purim cast for another amazing Purim Shpiel

To the Women of Shir Ami for putting together a wonderful Purim Carnival for Shir Ami

To Shari Beck-Nahman for her help organizing the Purim Cuddle-Up Shabbat

To Rabbi Eric Goldberg and the Religious School Committee and to the Purim and Pizza Cast for a fantastic night

To everyone who baked hamentashen for our Purim festivities

TODAH RABAH

APRIL B’NAI MITZVAH

Emma StromDaughter of Adam Strom and Jessica FedermanApril 1, 20175 Nisan 5777, Parshat Vayikra

Alexa SchnurDaughter of Sheri Katz- Schnur and Elliot SchnurApril 8, 201712 Nisan 5777, Parshat Tzav

Amanda Checkoff Daughter of Abby and Jaime CheckoffApril 22, 201726 Nisan 5777, Parshat Shemini

Nathan BurdoSon of Julie and Gregory BurdoApril 29, 20173 Iyar 5777, Parshat Tazria-Metzora

If you are in need of clergy for any reason, please contact Rabbi Simon: jsimon@shiramipa.org 215-968-3400 (x102) cell 813-435-8350

If you would like to share an achievement, milestone, refuah, simcha or other news in the Shiron, please contact us

in the Shir Ami office: 215.968.3400

SHIRON | April 2017

The clergy of Shir Ami and our Chesed (Kindness) Committee want to be there for you in your times of need. Please let us know if you are:

� •facing an illness ● •scheduledforsurgery● •mourningalovedone● •inneedofsomeonetotalkto

Please also let us know if you want to (or don’t want to) be listed in our Refuah Shleima list.

We also want to celebrate with you in times of joy if you:

� •getengaged● •haveanewchildorgrandchild● •winanaward● •wanttoshareotherexcitingnews

For any of the above or anything else, contact the Shir Ami office or a clergy member directly. Thank you.

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SHABBAT FOR THE SOUL

FRI., APR. 7 | 7:00pm | Abraham-Swerdlow Sanctuary

Join us for a beautiful musical Erev Shabbat Service with Cantor Elson and Rabbi Simon

SECOND NIGHT PASSOVER SEDER

TUES., APR. 11 | 5:30pm

While the RSVP date has passed, please call Jodi in the office (215-968-3400)

if you are interested in being added to a waitlist for this congregational event.

MATZAH PIZZA SHABBAT DINNER

FRI., APR. 14 | 6:00pm

Come make your own Matzah Pizza with your friends at Shir Ami. RSVP to Jodi at jafriedman@shiramipa.org or 215-968-3400. We are in need of volunteers to help with coordinating the Matzah Pizza dinner, please let the office know if you are able to help.

Cost:$5.00/pp

SHABBAT IN THE WILDERNESS at TYLER STATE PARK

SAT., APR. 15 10:15am

Join your Shir Ami congregation for a serene outdoor Shabbat service in bucolic Tyler State Park. Location to meet to be determined. Please check the e-news for more details

Please note there will still be our regularly scheduled Chevrat Torah services at 10:15am in Shir Ami’s Chodorow Family Life Center.

BOARD INSTALLATION

FRI., APR. 28 Please Join us for Shabbat and Installation. There will be a special Oneg in honor of Sharon K. Benoff’s installation as President and our installation of the incoming Shir Ami Board of Directors.

FormoreinformationortoassistwiththeOneg,pleaseseetheformonthefollowingpage.

ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

TUES., APR. 25 | 7:00pm | Shalom Hall

It’s time for one of our most important events of the year – the Shir Ami Congregational Meeting. Please join us for drinks and appetizers, and of course, lots of interesting news. Most important is your presence. The agenda will include reports from our auxiliaries and the proposed budget for the 2017-2018 fiscal year. Copies of the budget will be available in the office in advance if you’re interested in reviewing its contents beforehand. Please make plans to be there and support Shir Ami at our Annual Meeting.

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THE JEWS OF ROCK & ROLL

SUN., APR. 2 | 9:00am Shalom Hall Presented by Rabbi and author Brian Leiken. Don’t miss this fascinating presentation on Jewish influence in rock music. A special thank you to the Men’s Club of Shir Ami for providing bagels, cream cheese, and coffee.

Cost: FREE

YOM HASHOAH SHABBAT SERVICE

FRI., APR. 21 | 7:00pm | Abraham-Swerdlow Sanctuary

As we remember the atrocities of the Holocaust, we have the opportunity to hear from our Shir Ami member, David Tuck. David will tell us about his life in Poland before the War and his survival through the Lodz Ghetto, Posen, and Auschwitz. David regularly speaks to school groups, and we are honored to have him speak from our bima on April 21. Please join us.

Featuring Special Guest DAVID TUCK

MITZVAH DAY

SUN., APR. 23 A full line up of mitzvot and projects for families of all ages. Be a part of the Shir Ami community and perform acts of loving kindness.

See PAGE 4 for details.

SHIRON | April 2017

BOARD OF DIRECTORS SHABBAT AND SPECIAL INSTALLATION ONEG

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(Please make checks payable to Shir Ami)

Name ____________________________________________

Phone # __________________________________________ Email ____________________________________________

Return Form to:

Julie Hershgordon - Shir Ami, 101 Richboro Rd., Newtown, PA 18940For questions please email Linda Idleberg at anosmimi@yahoo.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 28 | 7:00pm

We look forward to welcoming Shabbat with you as we honor the outgoing Board of Directors and celebrate the installation of the Shir Ami 2017-2018 Board of Directors.

This service will be followed by a special Oneg in their honor. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us for this special celebration.

( PLEASE CHECK ALL THAT APPLY )

I would like to be an Oneg Sponsor: $72 $54 Other $______ I would like to help set up the Day of the Oneg

I would like to help serve at the Oneg

Call me to discuss additional ways I can help

How you can help?

Email ____________________________________________

Return Form to:

SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS

Synagogue Member

Two years ago I was planning for my installation. I was so excited to see my friends and family sitting in our beautiful sanctuary, as I officially became the President of Shir Ami. I had worked so many years on the board, and now it was my turn to step up and show

the congregation that I could be a caring and confident leader. I was fully aware of my upcoming responsibilities, and was going into this experience knowing that it could be challenging, time-consuming and sometimes a bit controversial. But I was ready to give it my all. At the same time Rabbi Joel Simon was beginning as our new Senior Rabbi and, together, we have formed a partnership of learning as we both settled into our new roles. A congregant recently remarked, “it seems like you have been president forever.” I thought about that perception and actually, to me, it seems just like yesterday that I was installed. As President I have had the honor of sitting on the bimah for 104 Shabbat services, spent countless hours on Shir Ami-related discussions and negotiations, board meetings, phone calls, conference calls, emails and meetings with so many of the staff, congregants and clergy as a group effort to assure that Shir Ami continues to be an amazing place for all.

This milestone is bittersweet for me. I have become a natural and permanent fixture here at Shir Ami. It has been my pleasure to get to know so many of our congregants, board members and clergy on a different level. We have accomplished so much over the last two years, sharing some wonderful as well as some difficult moments but, as a whole, I have been honored to be available and here for all.

Over these last two years as President I have learned so much. No doubt, the education that I received as president was more beneficial to me than any college course, professional training or degree I hold. I feel that the interaction with the congregation has shown me the way Judaism and a Jewish life are meant to be lived.

So our journey continues ... maybe I will not be at every Friday night service,

perhaps I will not have such a strong physical presence here. However, I look forward to remaining active in the congregation, serving on the board of directors as immediate past president, and continuing my leadership as we all grow into the next chapter in the life of Shir Ami.

Members of our new governance board will soon take their places. Perhaps some of them will approach things a bit differently then we are used to, however still with the same caring philosophy and the same love and commitment to Shir Ami. I was so happy be part of the governance task force that will bring the Shir Ami board of directors into a 21st century model. I am looking forward to continuing our next steps in building a spiritual home together.

I want to thank the 2015-2017 board of directors for making the last two years a sacred partnership for me. We have all worked so hard together as we negotiated, spoke, debated and collaborated on behalf of our community. Your hard work and dedication to your positions was done with such commitment. It would not have been possible to carry out my responsibilities as president without each and every one of you.

Thank you to Rabbi Simon and Phil Nordlinger for collaborating with, assisting and inspiring me as I endeavored to lead the board. Mazel Tov to Sharon K. Benoff as she soon receives the honor of becoming the next President of Shir Ami. I look forward to steadfastly working with Sharon and the board as we continue our journey l’ dor v’ dor.

We have made an impact here. The last two years will always be remembered, as it adds a link in our congregation that will go into the chapter and history of what Shir Ami was, is, and will always be.

I look forward to celebrating our future simchas together, and together we will continue to make Shir Ami strong and sustainable for many, many years to come.

L’Shalom,

Joshua McCoy

Looking Forward, Looking Back

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For more info about the Shir Ami Religious School, please contact Rabbi Eric Goldberg at rabbiegoldberg@yahoo.com | 215.968.3254

A Time to Prepare for Spring

Rabbi Eric Goldberg, Religious School Director

SHIRON | April 2017

It’s April, which means Spring has sprung! (Or at least I hope it has. As I write this, we are getting ready for a March snowstorm). If you are like me, Spring brings all kinds of images and sounds to our minds: flowers beginning to bloom, animals emerging from hibernation, windows opening to let in fresh air, and the crack of baseball bats as the sport makes its way from Florida and Arizona up to the northern parts of the country. While these images and sounds certainly have many differences, they also have one thing in common: They are months in the making.

A flower does not just one day decide to bloom. An animal does not come out of hibernation on any random day. We do not open windows until the conditions are just right. The baseball schedule is finalized through a scientific process. Each of these activities are the result of months of planning, of

intricate pieces of science, human experience and nature working together. Each of these processes has been honed over hundreds or thousands of years, and will continue to be honed for hundreds and thousands more. It takes just the right temperature, just the right amount of rain, the proper amount of sunlight, the study of conditions over the centuries and the coordination of thousands of people and organisms to move in just the right way at just the right time.

The month of April is very much the same at Religious School. Our preparations for Passover actually began months ago and will be in full swing in April. These preparations will take place both inside the classroom and throughout our synagogue. Some of our students, like the young flower or rookie baseball player, will be learning and experiencing this for the first time. For others, they will be returning

to a familiar topic with the experiences of years past. Therefore, our students will learn and experience, in an age-appropriate way, the story of our ancestors escaping slavery in Egypt and the long journey to become free people in Israel. Through hands-on, interactive lessons, students will explore the customs,

ethics, values and rituals that our people have held close to their hearts for centuries. They will understand that they are the next in a long line of people who have carried our traditions from one generation to the next. They will understand, as our tradition commands, that Passover is not a story about them. It is a story about us.

And when the first evening of Passover comes on April 10, our students will be ready to serve as leaders at your family seder. They will be ready to recite the Four Questions; they will know about pesach, matzah, maror; they will say L’shanah haba’ah b’Yirushalayim! with pride and with the hope

in their hearts that someday they will celebrate Passover in Jerusalem. They will be prepared as they become the next link in the chain of our people, thousands of years old and, thanks to your children (and you), a chain that will remain strong and vibrant for thousands of years to come.

escaping slavery in Egypt and the long journey to become free people in Israel. Through hands-on, interactive lessons, students will explore the customs, ethics, values and rituals that our people have held close to their hearts for centuries. They will understand that they are the next in a long line of people who have carried our traditions from one generation to the next. They will understand, as our tradition commands, that Passover is not a story about

And when the first evening of Passover comes on April 10, our students will be ready to serve as leaders at your family seder. They will be ready to recite the Four Questions; they will know about pesach, matzah, maror; they

with pride and with the hope in their hearts that someday they will celebrate Passover in Jerusalem. They will be prepared as they become the next link in the chain of our people, thousands of years old and, thanks to your children (and you), a chain that will

UPCOMING IN APRIL:April 2: 8th Grade Visit to Mitzvah Circle (10a-12p)

April 2: 9th Grade Visit to Mitzvah Circle (10:30a-12p)

April 4: No 9th Grade Classes

April 5: No 8th Grade Classes

April 9-16: No School (Passover Break)

April 25: 9th Grade Visit to Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (3-5p)

My family and I wish you and your loved ones a Zissen Pesach!

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Oh, the Places We’ll Go! To celebrate Dr. Seuss’s 113th birthday, The Cat in the Hat came to school and read the book, Fox in Socks to the children. What a funny story! We learned quickly what a tongue twister is. We also decorated socks to hang in our lobby, played a socks matching

game, tossed socks into a laundry basket, and made edible fox faces!

BE HAPPY – IT’S ADAR!! That was our mantra this month as we celebrated the holiday of Purim. The children had so much fun making masks and megillahs, and baking yummy hamentashen. They learned the meaning of giving as they made Shalach Manot bags to give to someone else. You’ll never believe who came all the way from Shushan to visit the children and tell their story???!!! It was King Achashverus, Queen Esther and Haman!!! What a great surprise (and learning experience). Our Purim Shabbat was great fun as some of our teachers acted out the story of Purim in costumes. Everyone had groggers to blot out the name of the King’s mean helper, Haman. The children got to participate in the “shpiel” by singing songs and parading in the beauty pageant. After Shabbat, we did a quick change and had a great time at our Purim carnival as we played Haman Basketball, Pinned the Crown on Queen Esther, “Filled the Hamantashen” and ate delicious hamentashen. A great time was had by all!

We quickly moved on from Purim to Passover. The Matzah Bakery came and taught us how to bake matzah. There’s also lots of singing throughout the building as the children learn about King Pharoah and Moses. We are all learning about the special songs, prayers and foods we eat on Passover.

A wonderful sign that Spring is coming is the delivery of our chick eggs. Stay tuned as we watch them hatch and grow!

The Many Ways We Learn

Shari Beck-Nahman, ELC Director

For more about Shir Ami’s acclaimed Early Learning Center, contact Shari Beck-Nahman at sbnahman@shiramipa.org 215.968.6255

UPCOMING IN APRIL:April 3: Kindergarten Play and Seder

April 4: Kindergarten Play and PreK Seder

April 5: Kindergarten Play and Bright Beginnings, 2’s and 3’s Seders

April 10-17: No School – Spring Break (InfantCenterOpen4/12and4/13)

April 19: PreK trip to the Bucks County Children’s Museum

April 24: Earth Day Activities

Save the DateELC PTO Presents:

LulaPalooza Ladies Night OutMay 4 | 6:00pm-10:00pm If you have not heard of LulaRoe - come out and see what everyone is talking about! With 30 consultants, over 10,000+ pieces, raffles, and nosh, you do not want to miss this event. Bring your friends, family, and colleagues for a fun time!

All proceeds benefit the Early Learning Center.

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It may not have been snowing here in Newtown a few weeks ago, but there was enough of the white stuff at Bear Creek Mountain for our 3rd through 6th graders to enjoy snow tubing for two hours. It was a beautiful day and the kids said it was “awesome.”

Conversely, our senior youth group had fun inside on the trampolines at Sky Zone where they played a little basketbal and focused on the always popular dodge ball! Remembering the 5 D’s of dodge ball, “dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge,” balls were flying across each side and everyone was laughing and trying to be the last one standing. After many games, we went out for a delicious dinner at Friday’s.

Lastly, Jr. SHAFTY spent one Sunday evening on a small food tour, starting with Applebee’s for dinner and The Melting Pot for an amazing, gooey dessert. As always, everyone enjoyed a night out with friends.

April is an exciting month when we elect officers to the 2017-2018 SHAFTY Board. We look for teens that can build and execute programs, attract new members, and have lots of spirit and creativity. While we’ll be saying goodbye to the seniors who are leaving us for college this year, it opens the door for those kids who may be interested in becoming a member of our board. (Yes, I’m talking to you!) There are many valuable skills gained from a board position. SHAFTY board members learn leadership skills, have opportunities to take initiative while working in a team settings, learn how to manage time and responsibilities, participate and plan fundraisers, partake in social action projects, bond with new friends, and SO much more. Most importantly, this is a way to learn the skills that colleges are looking for when reviewing applications. If you are currently in 8th through 11th grade, please consider applying for a position. Check your e-mail for more details!

Making Leaders of Our Teens

For more info about SHAFTY, contact Youth Director Ferne Levy: fernelevy@comcast.net

FOLLOW SHAFTY:

Ferne Levy, Youth Director

UPCOMING IN APRIL:Sr. SHAFTY - Grades 9 - 12April 7-9: Spring Kallah at Camp HarlamApril 20: Board ElectionsApril 23: Mitzvah DayApril 28: Installation dinner

Jr. SHAFTY - Grades 7 & 8April 29: Backward Progressive Dinner

Bonim - Grades 5 &6 (see you in May!)

Chalutzim - Grades 3 & 4April 30: Cup Cake Wars! (Last event of the school year)

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DESIGNER & COACH BAG BINGOWin Fabulous Designer Handbags& Raffle Prizes!

Thursday, April 6, 2017 | 7:30pm to 9:30pm

Shalom Hall | Doors open at 7pm and Bingo begins at 7:30pm

Cost: $35 at the door. Bellinis and dessert included.

Purchase a table of 10 and receive 40 free raffle tickets for your table. Mail checks payable to WoSA to: Women of Shir Ami, 101 Richboro Road, Newtown, PA 18960. Please include your name, email, number, and how many people you are RSVPing for. Questions?

Contact Debbie Weinstein: 908-591-0410, Debbie.weinstein@mlwhome.com

_____ YES, I will attend WoSA’s 2017 Designer Bag Bingo

Name______________________________________________________

Email______________________________________________________

Telephone______________________________ # of tickets__________

TUESDAY NIGHT GENTLE YOGAtaught by Shelley Pulaski-Fisher, R.Y.T.Tuesday, April 4, 18, 25 | 6:30pm to 7:30pm | Auditorium

Cost: $89 for WoSA and Men’s Club Members, $95 for guests$15 Walk-in fee per class | New Participants - Try your first class free!

To RSVP: www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a49aca729a57-gentle7

EVENING BOOK CLUB Wednesday, April 5, 7:307:30pm | Chodorow Family Life Center

Discussing Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka

ROBIN KRAUT BOOK CLUB Tuesday, April 1810:00am | Chodorow Family Life Center

Discussing The Orphan’s Tale by Pam Jenoff

WOSA GENERAL BOARD MEETING

Wednesday, April 197:00pm | Chodorow Family Life Center (open to all WoSA members )

3RD BI-ANNUAL MAH JONGG

MAH JONGG TOURNAMENTSunday, April 30, 2017 | 9:30am to 4:30pm | Shalom Hall

9 am: Registration and coffee and bagels

10 am: Tournament begins

Cost:$30/person,includeslunch,desserts,beveragesandCASHPRIZES!

Thirteen Tile Pick & Throw using the new 2017 Mah Jongg Card (Please bring your own card)

RSVP by Monday, April 24, 2017. Mail checks payable to WoSA to:

Linda Brown, 1 Crabapple Place, Newtown, PA 18940.Contact Linda Brown at 215-882-0872, lindajbrown13@gmail.com

_____ Yes, I will attend WoSA’s April 2017 Mah Jongg Tournament

Name______________________________________________________

Email______________________________________________________

Telephone______________________________ # of tickets__________

A LOOK AHEADALL the Women in our communityare invited to a

WOMEN OF SHIR AMI CELEBRATION!

Our new President Debbie Weinstein will be installed. We will honor our outgoing President Jocelyn Kravitz and the outgoing and incoming boards.Please join us for fun, food and friendship.

Thursday, May 11 | 7:00pm Installation at Shir AmiFollowed by Appetizers & Desserts

RSVP: Les Handler 973 997-7035 les.handler@gmail.com

Becky Markowitz 215 262-4494 beckymarkowitz@gmail.com

Women of Shir Ami

To join WoSA, contact Cari Sacks-Witten: soccermom1815@ yahoo.com

to 9:30pm

14

A LOOK AHEADALL the Women in our community

BRATION!

JEWS OF ROCK AND ROLL SUNDAY BRUNCHSunday, April 2 | 9:00am

A interesting presentation by Rabbi Brian Leiken on Jewish influence in rock music. A breakfast of bagels, cream cheese, and coffee will be provided. No charge for this event. Don’t miss out on the fun!

MITZVAH DAY • HIGHWAY CLEAN UP EVENTSunday, April 23 | Mitzvah Day

This is a great volunteer opportunity to help Men’s Club clean up our annual highway project. A great morning of cameraderie for a worthwhile cause. Come out and help us repair the world!

GUYS / DADS NIGHT OUTThursday, April 27 | 7:00pm | Giuseppi’s Restaurant in Richboro

Food, drinks, conversation, and fun! Don’t miss an opportunity to hang with your friends for a night.

Men’s Club of Shir Ami

To join Men’s Club, contact Fred Fisher: fred.fisher@rocketmail.com

SHIRON | April 2017

Forever Young

An amazing 40-piece Concert Performance with the Tri-County Band!

Join us for an entertaining Brunch Event as Forever Young Goes to the Pops!

MAY 7, 2017 | 11:00am | Shalom Hall

11:00am: Honoring outgoing Forever Young president, Ann Pollock

11:30am: BBQ lunch of burgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, with the TRI-COUNTY BAND CONCERT to follow

(a special thank you to the Shir Ami Men’s Club for barbecuing)

For this special family friendly lunch, you are invited to bring children and grandchildren along. The more the merrier, but please RSVP

Since 1950, the Tri-County Band has delighted tens of thousands of people throughout the Delaware Valley and New Jersey, and is continually in demand to provide music for municipal celebrations and parades. To learn more: www.tricountyband.org

NAME(s)

Numberoffamilymembersattending:

(Adults) _______(Children) _______

ADDRESS

PHONE

EMAIL

AMOUNT ENCLOSED $

COST: BY APRIL 24: SA members $8.00

Non SA members $10.00 | After April 24: Members $10.00,

Non-Members $15.00

To RSVP: call Ann Pollock 215-773-0594 or Shir Ami office 215-968-3400

Please include all names attending

15

Above: Forever Young’s March event with actress Linda Kenyon

Upcoming Events for April

CIRCLE OF GIVING CHALLENGE GIVERS ($18,000)

Mindy and David Chesner

Margie and Mark Kopins

Debbie and Scott Stevens

Tzedek (Righteousness) -------

Chesed (Kindness)Linda and Ted Liebman

Ahava (Love)Meri and Jon Stevens Chaver (Friend)Pamela and Bruce Dick Simcha (Joy)AnonymousMarcia and Ronald Abraham Sharon and Jack BenoffStephanie and Alan KravatzMarlene and Marvin LasterJoshua McCoyMyrna and Steve PressmanLindye and Steven ShechtmanJacent and Rabbi Joel SimonToby and Michael Slomovitz

Kavod (Honor)Abby and Scott ApplebaumKerry and Richard Domsky Judy and Barry Kroll Wendy and Daniel Lebovic Georgann and Steven Sembler Marilyn and Alan Sheinberg

Shalom (Peace)Donna and Bob DeSantis Rabbi Paula and Harvey Goldberg Susan and Alan GoodmanIvy and Larry Pearlstein

Beracha (Blessing)Helen Berman Susan and Ken BieberChickie Busch Randi and Brett Cohen Nancy and Scott Erman Jessica and Michael Goodman

Rabbi Eric Goldberg and Rabbi Geri NewburgeNancy and Michael GreenJoanna and Nate HolzmanLinda and Norman Idleberg Mona and Joel Jaffe Allen LeboffRachel and Neil Lesser Marsha and Gregory Neyman Harriet and Jerry Paley Dorothy SilvermanNan and Ronald Smolow Meryl Reis and Bill SpitzCorinne and Cliff Strauss Karin and Dan Surkin

Chai (Life)Susan and Warren Apollon Sharon and Jay Baronoff Flora and Robert Day Dara and Neil Dayen Natalie DonnClare Finkel Lynne and Richard FiorelliDiana and Harold GeverShawn and Brett Goldberg Sandra GreenfieldMarilyn and Sheldon Halpern Fran Jonas Dinah Gonzalez-Braile and Marvin Kalafer Paula and Arthur KraussJanis and Howard Kritzer Dawn and Alan LevineBecky MarkowitzElinor and Richard PresselEllen and George RifkinLorrie and David RiggsDebbie and Steve RosenbergSusan and George RosenbergBetsy and Eliot Rosenfield Debbie and David RosenthalRona and Ralph Sarne Ellie and Ed ShortPhyllis and Stephen Twersky Rachel and Jeremi TylerLisa and Marc Weiss Jeanne Winerip

Name: ___________________________________________________

Phone: ___________________________________________________

E-Mail ___________________________________________________

❑ Enclosed is my check (payable to “Shir Ami”)

❑ Please bill my account

❑ $7,200 – Tzedek (Righteousness)

❑ $5,400 – Chesed (Kindness)

❑ $3,600 – Ahava (Love)

❑ $2,500 – Chaver (Friend)

❑ $1,800 – Simcha (Joy)

❑ $1,000 – Kavod (Honor)

❑ $720 – Shalom (Peace)

❑ $360 – Beracha (Blessing)

❑ $180 – Chai (Life)

_____ (other amount)

____ I would like to contribute to the Circle of Giving:

Please make checks payable to Shir Ami and mail to: 101 Richboro Road, Newtown, PA 18940

THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL CIRCLE OF GIVING YEAR

We’ve made our match! Thank you so much to the Chesner, Kopins, and Stevens families for starting the challenge off, and everyone else who helped make our Circle of Giving Campaign a success. If you haven’t contributed yet, please continue doing so to help support all of the amazing programs at Shir Ami, and making membership possible for all.

If you are interested in being a challenge giver for the 2017-2018 year, please

contact Rabbi Simon or Phil Nordlinger for more information. Your generosity

helps us strengthen our congregation. We couldn’t be here without you!

____ As a member in good standing of Shir Ami, YES, I would like to be a

member of Circle of Giving for the fiscal year July, 2016 through June, 2017.

I pledge the following:

16

Keepers of Jewish Excellence

Shir Ami is pleased to present our ongoing Keepers of Jewish Excellence program, allowing all members the opportunity to study throughout the year. Please consider becoming a “Keeper” here at Shir Ami. Your donation in turn supports all of the important mitzvot of learning and prayer that we share, and what’s more, allows us to continue our Lifelong Learning commitments.

Thank you very much to our current “keepers”:

“KEEPERS” will be recognized in the Shiron for their participation and generosity

BECOME A KEEPER OF JEWISH EXCELLENCE

I’d like to support Lifelong Learning at the following level:

❑$500 ❑$250 ❑$180 ❑$100 ❑Other

Name: _________________________________________________________

Phone: _________________________________________________________

E-Mail _________________________________________________________

❑ Enclosed is my check (payable to “Shir Ami”)

❑ Please bill my account

Please make checks payable to Shir Ami and mail to 101 Richboro Road, Newtown, PA 18940

Helen BermanSue and Ken BieberArlene and Miles BuchmanDonna and Bob DeSantis Darcy and Bob Golden Amy J. Goldstein Marilyn and Sheldon HalpernLinda and Norman IdlebergBecky Markowitz

Harriet and Jerry Paley Myrna and Steve Pressman Norman and Janet Shachat Marilyn and Alan Sheinberg Ellie and Ed Shor tAndrea and Chuck Silverman Dorothy SilvermanLynn and Bob TaylorLenore Weissberg

Big Brothers, Big Sisters Clothing Bin (located in the front of the Early Learning Center Parking Lot) is there for your donations. You can make a difference for those in need. Please help Big Brothers, Big Sistersand Shir Ami by collecting your old clothes in kitchen size plastic bags and bring them to our big green clothing bin at Shir Ami.

CLOTHING COLLECTION

for those in need. Please help Big Brothers, Big Sistersand Shir Ami by collecting your old clothes in kitchen size plastic bags and bring them to our big green

HELP SHIR AMI, WHILE YOU SHOP. Purchase supermarket cards from Shir Ami at face value, and we make a 5% profit from the store. Help raise money just by shopping. We stock the cards in the office - it’s easy and really makes a big difference!

Acme, McCaffrey’s, ShopRite, Giant, Redners

•CallorstopintoShirAmitoorder the cards you need

•Spenditlikeagiftcardwhenyou buy groceries

•5%ofyourpurchasesdirectly benefit Shir Ami

More info: donnadesantis@gmail.comCall today to get started! 215.968.3400

SUPERMARKET GIFT CARDS

The popular Shir Ami local retailer discount card is back. This savings card is accepted at many places in our local area, including Dolce Carini, Applebee’s, RedBerry, Madera’s, Ben & Irv’s Golden China, Saladworks, Rita’s, Party Fair, Moish & Itzy’s and others. It’s the perfect way to save throughout the year and help raise a little money for Shir Ami at the same time. The card is available through the Shir Ami and ELC offices.

DISCOUNT RETAIL CARDS

$20 EACH

ONLY

SHIRON | April 2017

17

Lifelong Learning: Lunch and Learn

Program: “Responding to The Unexpected”

Led by Rabbi Eric Goldberg

April 20 | 11:45am

In this week’s Torah portion, Shemini, we read: ‘And Aaron’s sons,

Nadav and Avihu, each took his pan, put fire in them, and placed

incenseuponit.TheybroughtbeforeGodalien/foreignfire,which

God had not commanded them’ (Leviticus 10:1). We read shortly

thereafter that God ‘consumed’ Nadav and Avihu, ending their lives

in an instant. Surely Aaron, Nadav and Avihu’s father, must have

wept,yelledat/toGod,orscreamedaloud intothesky.Wouldn’t

we all do the same should such a fate befall our family? Yet, we

read that upon hearing the news ‘Aaron was silent’ (Leviticus 10:3).

Such a reaction begs the question: What is the proper Jewish

response to the unexpected, especially when there are tragic, life

alteringand/ordevastatingconsequencestoan individual, family

or community?

Join us for a look into traditional teachings on this issue from the

Tanakh through present day. Come and share your thoughts on an

issue that touches each and every one of our lives.

Please plan on joining us for a wonderful lunch and discussion.

Please join us for great Broadway shows and camaraderie. Open to all Shir Ami members, and invite your families and friends to join us!

“Put on Your Sunday Clothes...” and join us for the new revival of Jerry Herman’s Tony Award winning “Hello Dolly” on Sunday, July 16, 2017 at 2 PM. We are sold-out for orchestra and mezzanine seats and we have 50 people going to see it! It stars Bette Midler, David Hyde Pierce, and Kate Baldwin. The orchestra is $219 for each ticket and the mezzanine tickets are $163 each. We have over 50 people going now and I will definitely keep a waiting list!

“Bandstand” for Sunday, May 21, 2017 at 3 PM in New York. It stars Laura Osnes (our club saw her in “Cinderella”), Corey Cott (“Newsies”), and Beth Leavel (we saw her in “The Drowsy Chaperone” which won her a Tony). It is $129 per orchestra seat ...sold-out, but I am keeping a waiting list.

”Anastasia” for Sunday, July 30, 2017 for the 3 PM matinee. It is in New York and is a new musical based on the movie. It stars Yardley’s Christine Altomare and Ramin Karimloo ( “Les Mis”). Orchestra seats are $119 each. I hope to still have tickets when this Shiron comes out.

We also have a new musical called “Come From Away” for Sunday, June 11, 2017 for the 2PM matinee. It is a wonderful ensemble cast telling the story of the 7,000 passengers and 38 planes sent to Newfoundland on 9/11.Itisinspiringandletsyouseethe“othersideofthe9/11coin.”Itis $119 for each orchestra seat. If you have suggestions, just contact me at ALosben@aol.com or call 215-860-6868 after 10 am, please. I will have more shows for later this summer, as soon as they open and we can get confirmation. On a personal note, I want to say thank you to all of my wonderful Shir Ami family (you know who you are!!) who have sent me numerous donations, beautiful cards with loving messages, and kind e-mails to express first your thoughts about my father Dan Finkelstein, a former Shir Ami member who passed away in October and then now for the really un-expected and sudden passing away of my special and loving husband of almost 46 years, Stephen Jay Losben, MD. Our 3 children Rabbi Emily Ilana Losben-Ostrov (Ruben), Joshua Losben (Rabbi Lisa Kingston), and Samantha Losben and I truly appreciate your kindness. I will get those thank you notes out in the near future!

Andrea Finkelstein Losben, Shir Ami Theatre Club Chair

Theater Club

So

urce: Wikip

edia P

ublic

18

On the anniversaries of remembering, a Jew remembers not only by feeling, but by doing. Kindling a yahrzeit candle the evening before is one thing we do; the Kaddish spoken at a gathering of our people is another. All names will be read on the Friday evening before the yahrzeit. You are encouraged to honor your loved one with a living memorial with a contribution to one of our special Temple funds.

TO BE READ APRIL 7 April 8 Rose Frager April 9Regina Brilliant Max Decter Alex Kasman Faye Kaye Walter Loev Harold Rosenman Samuel Singer

April 10 Seymour Affrime Gerald Bernstein Philip Bolno Joseph Cohen Ruth Glassman

April 11Amalia Aharon Allen Finell Stanley Millenson Don Schwartz

April 12Benjamin Dunn Maxine Lorber Esther Malkin Celia Meadow David Mendelsohn Louis L. Reisz April 13 Beatrice Belsky Archie Hillerman Ethel Knaster

Mitchell Laitman Beatrice Steinberg Rebecca Vanderporten Friedner Amy Brooke Wilck

April 14 Harold Blaustein Michelle Edelman Morris Goldstein Albert Sacks

TO BE READ APRIL 14

April 15Sara Billet Carmela Ferla Floyd Frank Ida Levine Faye Taylor Rose Unger April 16Dora Davis Elaine Fisher Robert Kulka Sidney Miller Jerry Weintraub

April 17Alan Fingerman Myron Frank Alvyn Garten Faye Katz Shirley Rubenstein

April 18Jacob Baronoff Ethel Edelman

Adam Matthew Hirsch Sylvia Jacobs Sidney Schwartz Anita Streim Melvyn Sulzburgh

April 19 Muriel Hochberg Seymour Klayton Ethel Neff Bernard Sealtiel

April 20Morris Goldstein Anna Pollner Henry Schneider David Spector Beverly Spiegler

April 21Buth Bader Goldman Jack Hecht Oscar Hecklin Sumner Herzog Samuel Kupinsky Sidney H. Reiss Morris Vinitzky

TO BE READ APRIL 21 April 22 Dora Karl Stephanie Mann Wesley Steinman Emanuel Topakas April 23 Daniel Byrne

April 24 Robert Edelman Robert Kutner

April 25Stephen Borowsky Ellen Rotkowitz Allan Simon Evelyn Skopp

April 26Fred Rausch Howard Saltzman Jack Verker

April 27 Norman Lomas Betty Wexler

April 28Irene Frame Rose Levy Friedman Minni Levi

TO BE READ APRIL 28 April 29Alec Berman Reba Cohen Irvina Kandel Richard Michel Reba Novack April 30 Louis Buster Fred Geller Frances Smith

May 1 Cora Cohen Belle Diamond Ludwig Hess Milton Hochberg Ella Jay Jacob N. Sandman Shelley Stein

May 2Michael Frank Harry Horowitz Nate Stein Alfred Warner

May 3Hebert Feldman Jack Turek May 4Richard Bernstein Ronald Donn Bernard Levine Marilyn Meissner Hyman Robbins Bill Rush Morton Sirota

May 5Seymour Davis Charlotte Eiserman Ruth Freedman Ed Kohen

YAHRZEIT LIGHT CEREMONIALThe family gathers at dusk, before the evening meal, on the eve of the anniversary of the death of the departed. The head of the family speaks: At this moment which bears the memory of our beloved (name), let us join hands in a token of God’s grace. A link has been broken in the chain of affection which has long bound us together, yet the blessed bonds of home and love remain. With prayerful heart, we receive this divine gift of life which holds us together in family unison.

Eternal God, we thank You that, in this time of sadness and loss, You have helped to keep us strong. Though the pain of our loss is still present for us, we know that love will always be stronger than death. And so, to You, we lift our hearts, because we know that our loved one continues to be a living presence in our lives. We acknowledge your mercy, O God, who strengthens us with faith and peace. As our loved one lives for us in these words and memories, we kindle this yahrzeit light and sanctify it in the remembrance of the Divine Word: The spirit of humanity is the light of the Lord. (Kindle the Memorial Light.) ZECHER TZADIK LIV-RACHA. May the memory of the righteous be an eternal blessing.

SHIRON | April 2017

19

ANNA GEVER MUSIC FUNDfrom Becky Markowitz IMO Meyer Roth from Jay, Andi, and Genna Miller IMO Steven Davisfrom Marlene Laster IMO Eva Laster

BEVERLY SPIEGLER SPEC. EDUCATION LIBRARY FUND from Bonnie and Cornel Spiegler to Sharon Kaytes and Family IMO Harold Kaytes

BOBBI SLUTZSKY ELC SCHOLARSHIP FUNDfrom Stan Fingerhut IMO Ruth Fingerhut from Susie and Elliot Fineman to the Tafflin Family IMO Robert Tafflin from the Shubin Family to Melody Hassid IMO Jacob Wattenmaker

BOB MCGARRY ADULT EDUCATION FUND BRUCE BIRNBAUM TIKKUN OLAM FUND

CLAIRE AND JERRY MILLER CAPITAL FUND CANTOR MARK ELSON’S DISCRETIONARY FUND from Ginny and Larry Feinman to Dennis Tafflin and Family IMO Robert Tafflin

CIRCLE OF GIVING from Carol and Sal Sonsino to Sharon Kaytes IMO Harold Kaytes from the Laigai Family to Sharon Kaytes IMO Harold Kaytesfrom Phyllis Glassman to Sharon Kaytes and Family IMO Harold Kaytes from Bonnie and Leonard Levin to Sharon Kaytes IMO Harold Kaytes from Joseph Kaytes to Sharon Kaytes IMO Harold Kaytes from Valerie Swarbrick to Sharon Kaytes IMO Harold Kaytesfrom Jeff Berman IMO Fannie Cooperman from Carla and Barry Jentz to Alan Shuchat IMO Mark Shuchatfrom Marilyn Halpern IMO Elizabeth Cogenfrom Lindye and Steve Shechtman to Ricki and Dennis Tafflin IMO Robert Tafflin from the Shir Ami Board of Directors to Ricki and Dennis Tafflin IMO Robert Tafflin from Sharon Schwartz and Bruce Rosenberg to Dennis Tafflin and Family IMO Robert Tafflin from Shir Ami Board of Directors to Andrew Rothman IMO Sheila Sadel from Shir Ami Board of Directors to Hope Shafer IMO Louis Kanther FOOD PANTRY

ISRAEL CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FUND from Mindy Eisenthal IMO Rose Fischman from Mindy Eisenthal IMO Sarah Vineberg from Mindy Eisenthal IMO George Eisenthal from Nancy Levitt and Family to Alfred, Sharon, Barnet, and Tracey Paul IMO Melanie from Lee, Nancy, Asher, and Casey Levitt to Melody Hassid and Family IMO Jacob Wattenmaker from Melissa and Seth Schwartz to Marjorie and Harvey Abramson IMO Rose Abramsonfrom Ivy and Larry Pearlstein IMO Fred Pearlstein

ISRAEL TIYUL FUNDfrom Mindy, David, and Brandi Chesner to the Hassid Family IMO Jacob Joel Wattenmakenfrom Eileen Lash IMO Howard Steinberg

KAY SWERDLOW BUILDING FUND KAYTES FAMILY GRATZ SCHOLARSHIP from Myrna and Steve Pressman to Sharon Kaytes IMO Harold Kaytesfrom Linda and Mike Berger to Sharon Kaytes IMO Harold Kaytes

MEN’S CLUB YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP FUND

PRAYERBOOK DONATIONS

PRESSMAN LIBRARY FUND from Andee Losben to Ricki and Dennis Tafflin IMO Robert Tafflin from Fran Jonas to Ricki and Dennis Tafflin IMO Robert Tafflin from Rhoda and Melvin Kreiner to Joan Goldstein IMO Sy Goldstein from Ken Bieber IMO David Bieber RABBI ERIC GOLDBERG’S DISCRETIONARY FUND

RABBI PAULA GOLDBERG’S DISCRETIONARY FUNDfrom Mindy Eisenthal IMO Mark Shuchat

RABBI ELLIOT STROM’S DISCRETIONARY FUND from Harriet Levy IMO Pearl Bernstein from Rhoda and Melvin Kreiner IMO Anna Kreiner from Kenneth Rosen to the Tafflin Family IMO Robert Tafflin

RABBI JOEL SIMON’S DISCRETIONARY FUND from Rhoda and Melvin Kreiner IMO William Solodar from Caryn Trbovic IHO Alek Trbovic from Mildred Oring to Dennis and Ricki Tafflin IMO Robert Tafflin SENIOR ENDOWMENT

SHARING IS CARING FUND from Estelle and Irving Goldfinger IMO Meyer Miller from Bernice and Van Grossberg to Miriam Cain IHO Speedy Recovery from Estelle and Irving Goldfinger IMO Abraham Goldfinger from Phyllis and Steve Barsky to Dennis Tafflin and Family IMO Robert Tafflin from Karin Surkin IMO Albert Surkin from Karen Surkin IMO Barbara Ehrlich SIMCHA SlOMOVITZ/HUDESSCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE FUND STAN AVERBACH BIBLICAL GARDEN FUND from Sharon and Jay Bornstein to Dennis Tafflin and Family IMO Robert Tafflin

TEMPLE SHALOM SISTERHOOD CHILDREN’S FUND from Donna Glickstein IMO Jacob Miller from Lois Wilcox IMO Ruth Yeslow

20

THE FOLLOWING FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE: ($18 minimum please, unless noted)

___ Circle of Giving: Sustains programs and membership for all, regardless of ability to pay.

___ Anna Gever Music: Interest on your donation supports our annual Gever Music Shabbat with extraordinary guest musical leaders.

___ Beverly Spiegler Special Education Library Collection Fund: Supports the purchase of special education materials for our Pressman Library.

___ Bobbi Slutzky Early Learning Center Scholarship: Provides need-based scholarships for ELC tuition.

___ Bob McGarry Adult Education: Provides books and other materials to support our Lifelong Learning programs.

___ Bruce Birnbaum Tikkun Olam: Supports community service projects.

___ Claire & Jerry Miller Capital Fund: For capital improvements to our building and grounds.

___ Israel/Camp Scholarship: Provides financial assistance for our children and teens to attend URJ-affiliated camps and NFTY programs in Israel.

___ Israel Tiyul: Defrays the cost of the Israel Trip for our 8th and 9th grade students so they can embrace the importance of supporting Israel.

___ Kay Swerdlow Building Endowment: The interest is used for structural maintenance to our building and grounds.

___ Kaytes Family Gratz Scholarship: Provides need-based scholarships to enable our high school students to attend Gratz JCHS programs.

___ Pressman Library: Purchases books and journals to maintain and enhance our library.

___ Men’s Club Youth Scholarship: supports SHAFTY, youth programming and youth scholarships.

___ Prayer Book Donation: Provides for the purchase and maintenance of prayer books for the synagogue (minimum donation $54).

___ Senior Endowment: Supports the maintenance of our building.

___ Sharing is Caring: Provides emergency funds for individuals with crisis need for housing, food or payment of utilities.

___ SIMCHA: Supports Judaic programming for individuals with special needs.

___ Slomovitz/Hudes Scholar-in-Residence Fund: Supports our annual Scholar in Residence programs and weekends.

___ Stan Averbach Biblical Garden: To maintain and enhance our beautiful outdoor Biblical Garden.

___ Temple Shalom Sisterhood Children’s Fund: For programs, materials or initiatives for our children that is not included in our budget.

___ Torah Commentary Donation: Provides for the purchase and maintenance of Torah commentaries for the synagogue (minimum donation $72).

Clergy Discretionary Funds:

______Rabbi Joel Simon’s Discretionary Fund: ThisfundallowsRabbiSimon,athisdiscretion,toprovideemergencyassistance/scholarshipsto congregants and others in need, supplement congregational programs in need of additional funding, and to support local, national, and international non-profit organizations.

______Cantor Mark Elson’s Discretionary Fund: Used to assist needy individuals, as well as to support community causes or worthy institutions at the discretion of the Cantor. In addition, the Fund is used for educational and musical activities at Shir Ami.

______Rabbi Paula Goldberg’s Discretionary Fund: Used for emergency assistance to congregants and support for various Shir Ami programs such as Israel trips, camp scholarships and food for Shabbat and Shavuot study, etc.

______Rabbi Eric Goldberg’s Discretionary Fund: Utilized by the Rabbi to assist those in need, for programming not covered by our budget or for Tikkun Olam. All expenditures are at his discretion.

______Rabbi Emeritus Elliot Strom’s Discretionary Fund: Utilized by the Rabbi to assist those in need, for programming not covered by our budget or for Tikkun Olam. All expenditures are at his discretion.

Permanent honors/memorials: An order form will be mailed to you

______Brick/Paver: Engrave a brick with a permanent honor or memorial in our beautiful garden walkway. Brick - $180; Paver - $360.

______Leaf: AddaleaftoourTreeoflifetohonoraperson/event.HonoraB’naiMitzvah,Confirmation,Weddingoraspecialfamilymember.$200.

______Yahrzeit plaque: In our sanctuary or chapel; the perfect way to honor the memory of your loved one. Each year their name will be highlighted and their memory will be honored during Shabbat services. $400.

Your donations in honor or memory of your friends and family help Shir Ami.

Call the office at 215-968-3400 or donate through our website.

21

SHIRON | April 2017

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22

CLERGYRabbi Joel Simon – jsimon@shiramipa.orgCantor Mark Elson – melson@shiramipa.orgRabbi Emeritus Elliot M. Strom – estrom@shiramipa.org

Rabbinic ScholarRabbi Paula Goldberg – rabbipaula@gmail.com

PresidentJoshua McCoy -joshua@kmccoyinsurance.com

Director of OperationsPhil Nordlinger - pnordlinger@shiramipa.org

Director of Religious SchoolRabbi Eric Goldberg – rabbiegoldberg@yahoo.com

Office StaffJulie Hershgordon - jhershgordon@shiramipa.org

Membership CoordinatorJodi Friedman - jafriedman@shiramipa.org

SHAFTY (Youth Groups)Ferne Levy – fernelevy@comcast.net

E.L.C. DirectorShari Beck-Nahman - sbnahman@shiramipa.org

E.L.C. StaffJudy Friedman – jfriedman@shiramipa.org

For general Info: synagogue@shiramipa.org

NFTY websiteNFTY.org/par

Women of Reform Judaism www.wrj.org

Union of Reform Judaism www.URJ.org

EXECUTIVE BOARD President Joshua McCoyExec. Vice President Sharon BenoffTreasurer Alan RosenbergVice President Stephanie KravatzVice President Leslie LeibowitzVice President Mo PereraVice President Lorrie RiggsSecretary Debbie RosenthalImmediate Past President Nancy SideritsLegal Counsel Paul CohenFinancial Counsel Nathan Snyder

BOARD OF DIRECTORSRitual Faith BowersFundraising Mindy ChesnerLifelong Learning Donna DeSantisContinuity Joan DossickTikkun Olam Jessica GoodmanReligious School Nancy GreenFundraising Melody HassidMembership Joanna HolzmanMembership Allison LeffYouth Group Liaison Amy KirshChesed Randi PreissmanIsrael Advocacy Debbie RosenbergMarketing/Publicity David SandmanBuilding and Grounds Larry SchorrLifelong Learning Ellie Short Budget Wendy Siegel

CLERGY AND ADMINISTRATION

Rabbi Joel SimonCantor Mark ElsonRabbi Emeritus Elliot M. StromRabbinic Scholar Paula GoldbergDirector of Operations Phil NordlingerReligious School Director Rabbi Eric GoldbergE.L.C. Director Shari Beck-NahmanYouth Director Ferne Levy

AUXILIARY PRESIDENTS Men’s Club Fred FisherWomen of Shir Ami Jocelyn KravitzForever Young Ann PollockSHAFTY Daniel Levy

PAST PRESIDENTSRonald AbrahamHarvey AbramsonIrving Altman TS (z’l)Ken BieberFred BockDanny BrownFilbert Cherry (z’l)Phyllis DoroshowRuth FivesHarvey GoldbergSheldon Gould TS (z’l)Janis JacobsBob Kasman (z’l)Robert KatzensteinArthur Krauss

* (z’l) zichrono livracha “of blessed memory”

Harold Lefcourt TS (z’l)Larry Lefkowitz TSNorman Leibowitz TSBecky MarkowitzAndrea Miller TSJerome Miller TS (z’l)Mo Perera Stephen RodosAlan Rosenberg TSAlan SheinbergNancy Siderits Teri SiegelRonald SmolowNathan Snyder TSLeonard Sokolove TS (z’l)Dena Stein TS (z’l)Debbie Stevens

Main: 215.968.3400 | Religious School: 215.968.3254 | E.L.C.: 215.968.6255

SHIRON | April 2017

101 Richboro Road | Newtown, PA 18940

HELP SUPPORT

OUR SHIRONWe are excited that the Shiron will continue to be mailed to almost 700 homes. You can help ensure a regular mailing by supporting the advertisers each issue, or even taking an ad out for your own business. For more information contact Phil: pnordlinger@shiramipa.org

ADVERTISE IN THE SHIRON For rates, ad sizes and other info call: 215.968.3400

JOIN US FOR A FUN SOCIAL EVENT!Shir Ami is an active community – there’s always so much going on here!

Inside this issue of SHIRON you’ll find Shir Ami news, updates from our Directors, and info about upcoming events. Keep it on hand -- the Shiron is a great resource for everything that’s going on in the month of April and beyond.

OUR COMMUNITY HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE