1. religion and spirituality
2. judaism

VOLUME 37, NO. 4
www.mkorshalom.org
Adar-Nisan-Iyar 5770 / March-April 2010
The Rabbis
Teach
Living As We Pray
I sat down to write this article shortly after
watching a news story on television about the
dangers of “Distracted Driving.” During the
report, experts from various scientific fields all
agreed on the fact that doing anything else while driving (talking on the
phone, texting, eating, etc.) dangerously lowers our level of awareness
and significantly limits our ability to remain focused on the task at hand.
As I thought about what I had just heard, I realized that driving is not the
only thing we seem to be doing on autopilot these days, as we attempt to
juggle busy schedules and to tackle seemingly never-ending to-do lists.
Oftentimes, we do not even have a chance to reflect on what we have just
done before moving on to the next activity of the day. So I cannot help but
wonder how different our perspective might be if we lived our lives in the
same way our tradition teaches us to engage in the act of prayer.
Jewish prayer is guided by two main principles, keva and kavannah. Keva
is the fixed regularity of our liturgy. The words of the Sh’ma, the Amidah
and other blessings found within our prayerbook do not change, nor does
their order shift from day to day or week to week. Kavannah is the heartfelt
intention we bring to the words we say, the thoughts, feelings and devotion
that give our prayers personal meaning. Keva without kavannah is like
simply going through the motions without an awareness of what we are
doing or why. And yet, kavannah without keva fails to ground us in tradition
and root us in the comfort of a shared and fixed structure. It makes sense,
then, that we should work to infuse our prayers with a combination of both,
and that our daily lives should reflect a similar balance.
Our alarm clocks go off at the same time each morning, our drive to
work or to school takes us along the same route each day and, even in
our “free time,” we find ourselves running between scheduled errands,
appointments and activities. Those are the things we see when we open
our daily planners or check our calendars. Those are the things that make
up the keva of our lives.
(continued on page 2)
INSIDE HIGHLIGHTS
M’kor Cares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6
Tot Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7
M’kor Shalom Monthly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 10-12
Torah Commentary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 13
What Is A M’kor Buddy?
A Message From Your President
Greetings! I hope all of you have weathered the grueling cold of winter and look
forward to the beauty of spring. I am writing to let you know about a new concept
being initiated by your Board of Trustees.
As you know, it has been a longstanding tradition for members of M’kor Shalom’s
Board of Trustees to reach out to you during the High Holy Days and Pesach. Until
now, the Board member who called may have changed from year to year. With our new
“in-reach” program, that will change. It is our goal to establish a closer relationship
with each family by having a Board member dedicated to you and your family. It
is a relationship that will provide a reliable contact for upcoming, relevant special
events throughout the year. Our aim is to make sure you are aware of opportunities
for involvement in ways that touch you and your family members’ interests while
ensuring you are getting greater value from your M’kor Shalom membership. It
will also provide you with a comfortable channel to provide feedback about your
synagogue. We want to be more responsive to your needs through a consistent
relationship with a Board member during that person’s time of service on the Board.
We want to know about your interests and perceptions of Congregation M’kor Shalom.
Are there things you are looking for that you have not found in our congregation?
What do you value most about your membership? Our lay leaders are committed to
making the most of your M’kor Shalom experience.
So, when one of your fellow congregants reaches out to you during the upcoming
days of Pesach, please chat with him or her for a bit and remember that we are not
calling to solicit funds. We are calling because we really do care about your needs
and interests at our “Source of Peace.”
B’shalom,
David
From Your
Leadership
Helene Sterling, Vice President
M’kor Shalom is a “family of families.” As a
member of our congregational family, each
of us should strive to help our synagogue
and our community. We are taught that
“all Jews are responsible for one another”
(Shavuot 39a) and doing a mitzvah is a responsibility. To make it
easy to find ways to fulfill that commandment, we are introducing
a campaign and a concept called “M’kor Cares” that invites and
encourages all our members to get more involved in congregational
life and volunteerism. The opportunities for involvement will be
coordinated, so that congregants can easily learn how to become
engaged in activities that are of interest. Everyone is welcome to
participate in one program or in multiple activities throughout the
year. The programs include those within the congregation and those
within the greater Jewish and South Jersey communities. The “M’kor
Cares” logo (see page 6) will identify those programs in need of
volunteers via many of our publicity vehicles ((E!Minders, What’s
Happening page of the website, the M’korMonthly mailer, etc.). It is
our hope that volunteering will help you to stay connected to M’kor
Shalom and make new friends. Also, when you help others you get a
good feeling and serve as a role model for our children.
Some of the major social actions events that need volunteers each
year or each week are: cooking for the hungry at New Visions
(a day shelter for the homeless in Camden), staffing the Metro
Camden Ronald McDonald House at Christmas, helping in the IHOC
Hospitality Program that supports homeless men staying at our
synagogue each December and working at the South Jersey Food
Bank. There are many activities sponsored by synagogue committees
that also need volunteers, such as help for the Purim Carnival, the
Chanukah Bazaar, M’korstock, Party Expo and selling gift cards each
week to raise funds for the synagogue. There are opportunities to
help in the Religious School.
M’kor Shalom cares about you, our congregants. Services, coordinated
by our Caring Community Committee, are available to lend a helping
hand at difficult times such as illness or a family death. If meals are
needed, a group of volunteers will prepare and bring them to your
house. Our Shiva Outreach Support assists mourners during the postfuneral period. They will provide comfort and assistance for the family
in preparing the house for shiva and wait for food deliveries on the
day of the funeral. Please notify the office if you are in need of these
services. A Shiva Corps works with the clergy to coordinate shiva
services. A grief support group that meets twice each month at the
synagogue can lend emotional support, if needed, after the funeral.
As a vice president, I find it extremely rewarding to volunteer my
time in support of a place about which I am so passionate. I hope
that you take the time to volunteer and do mitzvot in an area that
interests you. Please know that M’kor Shalom cares about you and
is dedicated to enriching your lives. Look for the opportunities,
identified by the M’kor Cares logo, so you can become connected to
M’kor Shalom and make a difference.
B’shalom,
Helene
2
Young Professionals Network
Inaugural Event
The first major event of
M’kor Shalom’s new Young
Professionals Network was
a great success. Almost two
dozen young adults between
the ages of 21 and 29 came
out to PJ Whelihan’s in
Cherry Hill to watch the
photo by Meara Lebovitz
Eagles game and meet Rabbi
Jennifer Frenkel. Many thanks to the following who planned the event: Maya Afek,
Meara Lebovitz, Stacy Schlags, Nadav Schwartz and Merle Steinberg.
Would you like to know more about future events including a happy hour and a social
action project in the works? Join our facebook group and send your e-mail address to
Merle Steinberg at merlesteinberg@mkorshalom.org to get on our mailing list.
Passover snap shot
Most of our holiday traditions were passed down
from my mother’s side of the family, but there is one
beloved and highly competitive tradition from Dad’s
ilperin
by Marilyn Ha
side, “The Egg Game.” When we get to the part in the
seder where we highlight the egg, beitzah, on the
seder plate, we pause. My sister brings out the eggs
that were hardboiled in a pot of water with onion skins (for a beautiful amber
color). We then proceed around the table, one by one, to knock the end of the egg
we’ve selected into the end of one held by the person on our left. Believe it or not,
only one egg will crack at a time. The one with the uncracked egg at the end wins
and has bragging rights until the next year. My mother, of blessed memory, was the
queen of this game and squealed with laughter each time she beat her husband,
daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren. We keep an egg in her honor/memory
next to Elijah’s cup on our seder table now, and we can hear the echo of her
laughter each year when we play “The Egg Game.”
The Rabbis Teach
(continued from page 1)
It is up to us, however, to decide how intentional we will be as we move through our day, how
aware we will remain of the world around us and how present we will be in the moment at
hand. Unfortunately, kavannah usually does not simply “happen.” Most of the time it takes
effort and a focused direction of our energy. It means shutting off the autopilot function
and attempting to live mindfully, attuning ourselves to each moment in order to experience
it fully. It means living with eyes open and souls ready to experience the sacredness in the
ordinary hours of our lives and the holy ground on which we usually walk unaware.
Many times it is the events in our lives that influence our prayers. However, may we
remember that the way we pray can have a very powerful effect on how we live as well.
B’shalom,
Rabbi Jennifer Frenkel
Mazal Tov to…
Matthew & Beth Cohen
on the birth of their son Elliot Harris Cohen
Francine Cooper
on the birth of her grandson
Alex Michael Comito
Craig & Sheryl Dossick
on the engagement of their daughter Renay
to Scott Shaw
Barry & Sharla Feldscher
on the marriage of their daughter Hope
to Joseph Horwitz
Marjorie Garfield
on the marriage of her daughter Valerie
to Lawrence Dobrow
Sidney & Barbara Geller
on the birth of their twin granddaughters
Joselyn Paige Polak & Lilah Shea Polak
Norman & Myrna Grolnick
on the birth of their grandson
Blake Philip Fisher
Gary & Robin Kushner
on the naming of their grandson Jonah
Gadarian
Michael & Marcy Partnow
on the birth of their granddaughter
Ella Partnow
Joan Paskow
on the birth of her great-grandson
Levi Carter Sawdon
Bruce & Lynne Podrat
on the engagement of their son
Randy Torban to Laurie Stern
Rabbi Michael Satz & Rabbi Janice Elster
on the birth of their son
Eitan Noam Elster-Satz
Max Taytelbaum & Shonnie Lebovitz
on the engagement of their daughter
Stacey Taytelbaum to Nathaniel Hackney
Joshua & Elizabeth Whinston
on their recent marriage
Stephen & Joan Whinston
on the marriage of their son Joshua
to Elizabeth Rogers
Going The Extra Mile
M’kor Shalom Finance Manager and World-Class Marathoner
Alex Kasich Has a Need for Speed
By Stephanie Arasim Portnoy
For Alex Kasich, life is a numbers game. By day the Cherry
Hill resident crunches numbers as Finance Manager of M’kor
Shalom. By night, he’s recently been honored for his ability to
crush numbers (and world records) in marathon and longdistance running.
Just this past January, Kasich, along with 10 other world-class
athletes, was inducted into the Mercer County Hall of Fame in
Hickory Township, PA, honored both for his achievements as
a runner at Hickory High School back in the ’70s and on the
national stage. Among his many incredible accomplishments
were being named an NCAA All-American Athlete in 1975;
placing 9th in the New York City Marathon in 1981; placing
Alex Kasich
22nd in 1983; being an Olympic trial qualifier twice and
holding two world records: for the 1968 Phillippi 4-mile classic (run in 18 minutes, 38 seconds) and
the 1986 Nike OTC 25K (completed in 1 hour, 16 minutes and 30 seconds).
Alex spoke at the induction ceremony. Always a team player, he didn’t dwell solely on the accomplishments
of the year’s fellow inductees—who included former players for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay
Buccaneers—but for the extended group. “We were so grateful for the honor [of being inducted],
but also grateful for the chance to get to thank our coaches and families for encouraging us, and, yes,
tolerating us, while we pursued our dreams,” says Alex. “When you’re training at that high a level, it
takes up so much of your time. Having your family’s support means everything.”
Alex has that support at home, from his wife Elena, herself a former rhythmic gymnastics athlete in her
native Siberia, and their young children, Katia, 8, and Michael, 9 months. While his busy career and
home life don’t leave him much time to compete these days, he continues to run for fun both by himself
and with members of the South Jersey Athletic Club. Asked for advice he’d give to aspiring runners, this
hall-of-famer says that setting a realistic timeframe to train and being patient with oneself are key. With
those two things, anyone can become a champion.
“One of the things I like best about running is that it’s such an individual thing,” he says. “Some people
are trying to beat the clock, others are trying to go faster than another person, some are just trying to
finish. No matter what level you’re at, everyone’s trying to win their own race; and as long as you keep
trying, you’re going to hit your goal.”
Sounds like Alex has clearly already hit a few of his goals. In a life that’s a numbers game, there’s
nothing better than being #1.
High Holy Day Appeal
5770/2009
We gratefully acknowledge the following families who have contributed
to this year’s High Holy Day Appeal.
Dedicatory Contributions
Jack & Sharon Weinberg in honor of M’kor Shalom
Dennis & Jane Satanoff in memory of Mitzie & Arnold Fuhrman and Phillip Satanoff
This list includes contributions received since the last edition of The Source.
3
On My Soapbox
By Sherry Wolkoff
My friends and I have reached a stage where our children are grown and live independently from us. Our days of carpooling
them to Hebrew School are long gone, and our social activities no longer revolve around our synagogue. Although we
still enjoy longstanding friendships made with other congregants, we have also moved on to enjoy travel and the
activities and cultural events offered by the over-55 active adult communities where many of us now live.
Though the synagogue is no longer central to our lives, I am saddened by the exodus of seniors from its
membership rolls. Some of my friends tell me they don’t need it any longer. They have many reasons. It no
longer suits their needs. It’s too expensive for the number of times they use it. They’d rather spend the money
to take a trip. They can find a place for the High Holy Days that will let them in free. Sadly, I know quite a few
people who dropped out the day after their child became a Bar or Bat Mitzvah – one actually celebrated the
end of her child’s Hebrew School education with a pizza party.
This comes at a time when synagogue membership is dropping precipitously due to the troubled economy and
rising rate of intermarriage, and Jewish identity in many families is tenuous at best. It makes me think of the
popular children’s book, The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein, which follows a friendship between a growing
boy and a tree. The story begins as the tree is full grown and vibrant and healthy and the boy is very young. The tree gladly provides the child
with shade, apples and a branch on which to hang a swing. As the boy grows older, he asks more and more of the tree and is never turned down.
All the tree wants is for the boy to be happy.
Eventually the boy becomes a man, cuts most of the tree down in order to make a boat, and the tree still does not protest. Many years later, the
withered old man returns to the tree, which is now no more than a stump. The man asks to sit and rest on the stump while he waits for his own death, and the tree
once again complies. There are many interpretations of this story, but my own is of a tree that served the boy well throughout his life, gave him everything it had, and
is abandoned because it seemingly has nothing left to offer.
Like the tree, a synagogue is weakened and diminished when we take what we need and then leave it behind. I have a problem with this on several levels. First, I believe
we have an obligation to support Jewish institutions, as many of them need our membership desperately if they are to survive. In a world where Jewish rituals and
observances often take a back seat to the pressures of modern life, it is the synagogues, the camps, the Jewish Community Centers and other Jewish organizations that
help to keep Jewish life alive. The synagogue serves us faithfully…educating our children, enabling us to celebrate their B’nai Mitzvah, weddings and other life-cycle
events, and helping us to build social lives and cultural traditions. Then, poof, we are done with it and out the door, with little thought for those who will come after us.
Second, I believe that people who drop out after their children are grown are missing many opportunities to enjoy what synagogue life can offer them as they age.
Most synagogues have reduced senior membership fees, but continue to plan events that are of interest to older congregants. Also, as we age and experience some
of the stressors in later life, such as failing health and loss of loved ones, attending synagogue services can bring us an even greater sense of peace and restoration
than it did in our younger days. As some of our friends die or move away, it offers us opportunities to create new friendships. Our increased leisure time affords us
more opportunity to take advantage of adult education courses offered at many synagogues, reminding us that we are never too old to learn. Also, drop-outs miss
opportunities to spend time in synagogue with their grandchildren and other extended family members, where they could be creating memories that will endure
long after the last family Bar Mitzvah. Sure, that shul in Center City may offer free High Holy Day tickets, but is that where your children and grandchildren are?
Third, I grew even more disturbed after I read the recent results of the Philadelphia Federation’s demographic study of Jewish population and synagogue membership
trends. The rising rate of intermarriage is causing serious drops in synagogue membership, and even young inmarried couples have lower affiliation rates than their
older counterparts. All of this portends serious problems for the future of Judaism.
There’s no doubt that synagogue membership is expensive and can pose a hardship for some families. But synagogues will work with you if you explain your
circumstances. If you do have the means, remember that most of our religious institutions are suffering from the poor economic climate yet must keep paying the
bills in order to keep their doors open. So, I say give what you can. Keep on taking what the giving tree has to offer. Help keep its roots strong so that it may live to
make another child happy, and keep Judaism alive and flourishing.
Editor’s Note: The above first appeared as a blog entry on The Voice website where Sherry, a M’kor Shalom congregant, is a regular contributor.
All congregants are welcome to participate in
synagogue activities. If you have any special
needs, please let us know by calling the synagogue
office and leaving a message for the Caring
Community Committee. We will make
every attempt to arrange appropriate
accommodations.
4
BOARD MEETINGS
is published bi-monthly,
September through May, by:
Congregation M’kor Shalom
850 Evesham Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
The March and April meetings of the
Board of Trustees of Congregation M’kor Shalom
will take place on Wednesday, March 17
at 7:30 pm and Wednesday, April 21 at
7:30 pm. All congregants are welcome to attend.
From MAZON: A Question To Ask & Answer This Passover:
Q. Why On This Night Are Millions Of People Going Hungry?
A. Because on this night, like every other night, millions of people in poverty
have no other choice.
Ian Berg
Father of Jeffrey Berg
Arthur Dubowitch
Father of Stuart Dubowitch
Barbara Epstein
Mother of Yale Epstein
Craig Fisher
Uncle of Cantor Scott Borsky
David Garfield
Husband of Marjorie Garfield
Father of Valerie Dobrow, Caren Garfield
& Rachel Garfield
Theodore Gordon
Uncle of Ellen Shapiro
Daniel Jones
Son-in-law of Michael & Kathy Perloff
Jeremy Kane
Son of Melinda Kane
Brother of Daniel Kane & Benjamin Kane
Shelly Kaneff
Mother of Robert Kaneff
Robert Klein
Father of Anne Klein Farber
Sylvia Markowitz
Grandmother of Michael Koenig
Bertha Mishkin
Mother of Beverly Lerner
Grandmother of Marc Snyderman
Salvatore G. Perice
Father of Salvatore Perice
Judith Rood
Mother of Jan Rood-Ojalvo
Carol Schissel
Grandmother of Ellyn Cominetto
Albert Weiner
Father of Penny Robinson
John Wesley
Father of Karen Slutsky
Joseph Zalcmann
Father of Albert Zalcmann
Grandfather of Audrey Snyderman,
Amy Waldman & David Zalcmann
As Passover approaches each year, I think about MAZON: A Jewish Response to
Gail Donner
Hunger and all the good work they do. I always hope that the day will come when
their work will be done and all will have enough to eat and a roof over their heads.
Unfortunately, that day has not yet arrived. So, what can we do?
• Make it a point to discuss this question and answer during our own seders.
• Spread the word and ask others to do the same.
• Take action by donating to MAZON (www.mazon.org) – or any other organization that helps feed
the hungry – the amount you would have spent on your seder meal for one additional guest.
Every action matters and every gift represents outreach to those who desperately need a helping hand.
Since 1985, MAZON
MAZON, with the support of the Jewish community, has awarded more than $50 million in grants
to prevent and relieve hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds in the United States, Israel and
around the world. Recently, they participated in the “Haiti Food Project: A Second Aid Benefit Concert” and sent
much-needed funds to that devastated nation. A national nonprofit organization, MAZON makes grants each
year to more than 300 carefully screened hunger-relief agencies, including emergency food providers, food
banks, multi-service organizations and advocacy groups that seek long-term solutions to the hunger problem.
M’kor Shalom is one of over 2,000 synagogue and community partners of MAZON
MAZON. We ask our families
celebrating simchas and committees organizing events with meals to donate 3% of the food costs of the event
to MAZON
MAZON. We also ask all our families to participate in MAZON’s annual High Holy Day and Passover appeals.
Especially in these difficult economic times, let’s keep in mind those less fortunate than ourselves, and do what
we can, each according to our means, to make a contribution toward eradicating hunger and homelessness.
B’shalom,
Gail
Green Corner
The vibrant blooms of spring are nearly here and perhaps you’re thinking about
starting your own organic vegetable garden, but you really don’t have the space,
time or a green thumb. Yet, you care about the environment and want to do
something to meet the goals of M’kor Shalom’s Green Covenant. Like many of
you, I’m concerned about the source, safety and carbon footprint of food, and I want to take action. Last
year I joined the Hazon Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program. Joining a CSA involves signing
a contract, paying an upfront fee and becoming a shareholder in the harvest. You share both the risks and
successes of the farmer’s harvest. Bountiful plump tomatoes or scrawny string beans are possibilities, but it
was a delectable experience last year and I’m looking forward to a repeat performance in 2010.
Discover and experience the culinary possibilities, as I did this past Thanksgiving with the dense flavors and
aromas of a cornucopia of New Jersey organic roasted root vegetables like rutabaga, beets and white turnips.
Your palate will be enlivened, surprised and amazed at how good local food tastes!
Hazon is a CSA with Jewish roots (pun intended) that encourages our Jewish community to become ‘localvores’ and support local food producers who practice organic agriculture while remaining mindful of
agriculture’s effects on the environment, economy and human health. Energy use is reduced by decreasing
the distance from the field to the plate. Hazon sponsors social events, cooking demonstrations and visits to
the farm. In the spirit of tikkun olam (“healing the world”) as well as good environmental and social justice
practices, a portion of the weekly harvest is sent to help the hungry. Hazon is open to the southern New Jersey
community and is organized by Marty Feigenbaum and Valerie Yasner (HazonCSAnj@gmail.com) with
weekly produce pick-ups at Temple Beth Sholom. For more information, visit www.hazon.org/csa.
– Debby Schwartz, M’kor Shalom Green Council
5
Four Very Special Dinners
Passover
snap shots
Our Passover crowd of 30+ sometimes
sits on cushions in a tent made of bed
by
Carol
sheets hanging from the playroom
Hupping Fisher
ceiling to make us feel closer to the
Jews who just left Egypt and are now
in the desert. But, even if there is no tent, there is still
Madam Matzah! This matronly gamester sometimes delights us with
jokes or brings along Minnie Matzah for a few card tricks. Other
times she leads us in a game of charades or Jewopardy. Whatever,
everyone looks forward to her popping in for a few minutes of
laughs during the pause in our seder.
I remember when my greatgrandfather would hide the afikomen,
and then, once we found it, we were
given silver dollar coins wrapped in
material with a rubber band.
an
elm
ce Kim
y
by Jo
by
Jaime D. Friedman
The only Hagaddahs we use at our
seder our children brought home from
Preschool and Religious School. M’kor
Shalom is with us each year and will be
forever a part of our family heritage.
Sponsored by THE SENIORS
March 12, April 9 and May 14, 6:00 pm
March 24 (Senior Seder), 5:00 pm
Join us before Shabbat services on the above dates in March and April for
provocative conversation. Our March 12 dinner speaker will address “The Swiss
Banks and Jewish Holocaust Money.” In April we will discuss “Jewish Resistance
to the Nazis.” And, in May, we will hold a Dinner to Honor Roz Rodman. Stay
tuned for more information about that special event.
Also, we will hold a Senior Seder on March 24 starting at 5:00 pm. Now that
will be a special dinner!
Please remember that at M’kor Shalom, a SENIOR can be any adult who enjoys
a variety of fun and stimulating programs where we renew old friendships and
make new ones. If you are at a time in your life when you are no longer raising a
family or working as much as you used to (or at all), now might be a good time
to focus more on yourself and perhaps join activities for which you previously
had no space in your busy life. Whether it is our famous SENIORS Dinners,
Brown Bag Lunches, Social Dancing or special events like the Senior Seder or
New York bus trip, SENIORS are creating a distinct presence as a “family of
families” within M’kor Shalom. Stay connected and join us, as we set an example
for others to follow.
What is missing at SENIORS events? YOU! If you have any questions or would like
to become more involved, don’t hesitate to contact either Harriet or Stan Ginsberg,
co-chairs of THE SENIORS, at TheSeniors@mkorshalom.org.
Introducing M’kor Cares
How To Find Opportunities To ‘Do Good’
Boomers New Year’s Eve
December 31
Since its start, Congregation
M’kor Shalom has been
known as THE synagogue
in South Jersey devoted to
social action and social justice.
Helping others is at the heart of M’kor Shalom, and if ever there was a time to
recommit to our community and the larger world around us and to teach these
values to our children, that time is now. Many of our congregants actively volunteer,
but sometimes it’s difficult to uncover appropriate volunteer activities for us as
individuals or as a family. M’kor Cares is designed to make it easier for you to
locate opportunities to engage in social action and other volunteer programs in
our community, both inside and outside of the synagogue.
Look for the M’kor Cares logo on synagogue announcements and visit the
M’kor Cares website page at www.mkorshalom.org to easily identify volunteer
opportunities supported by Congregation M’kor Shalom. These will include
activities sponsored by our committees and our Religious School, some associated
with our B’nai Mitzvah program and others supported by our clergy, staff and
neighborhood partner programs. We know you will find meaningful opportunities
for service that match your and your family’s interests and availability.
The Board of Trustees thanks Holly Berlin for introducing this new idea to M’kor
Shalom and Carol Hupping Fisher, chair of the Social Action Committee, for
recognizing its value to our congregation.
photos by Jack Weinberg
6
For more information, contact Holly at hollyberlin@comcast.net.
Programming For Tots
& Their Families
Tot Shabbat is a unique Shabbat experience designed for children ages
2-Kindergarten to enjoy with their families. On March 13 at 10:00 am,
in addition to our fun and lively celebration of Shabbat, we will focus on the
holiday of Passover through interactive storytelling, dynamic music and wonderful
crafts. On April 10, we will “travel” to Israel for an immersive celebration of
Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day. We will learn about the customs and
people of the Jewish homeland and enjoy some yummy Israeli food. We encourage
everyone to show Israeli pride and attend the service wearing blue and white.
Passover snap shot
Last year my older grandson Nathan (who
was in Kindergarten at the time) recited the
four questions in Hebrew – pretty much all
by himself. He could not read the English,
r
ne
by Gail Don
however, and he suggested we have a new
tradition – the youngest one who is able
reads the Hebrew and the oldest reads the English. So my
dad, who was never the youngest present in my memory, got to read
the four questions, and my son (Nathan’s father) finally got to stop
reading them – since he was no longer the youngest able.
Tot Shabbat is open to all members of the community. Members and non-members
of M’kor Shalom are welcome and encouraged to join in for the fun.
Our second Mom’s Night Out will be held at 8:00 pm on Thursday, March
11. Join us at Swanky Bubbles (Cherry Hill) for a delicious tapas-style dinner and
a fun evening unwinding with friends. Reservations must be received no later than
March 3. The Mom’s Night Out II event chair is Jayne Bloom, whom you may
contact at 424-1171 or jayne_jacova@verizon.net.
Jewish Heritage Night
At The Sixers
January 13
Bring your Tots over their Spring Break from school for Spring Break Playtime
with Puppets! This fun event, which is scheduled for 10:00 am on April 1,
will include an interactive puppet show, an opportunity for kids to make their own
special puppets and a kosher-for-Passover snack. The cost for this event is $9 per
child if you RSVP on or before March 28 and $12 per child at the door.
The Tot Programming Committee will sponsor a synagogue-wide fundraiser at
The Pop Shop in Collingswood on Thursday, April 29. A portion of the bill
for each family that eats at the restaurant on that date will be donated back to the
synagogue. More information to come…stay tuned.
For more information about Tot Programming or to volunteer to help at an event,
please contact Cheryl Herzfeld at TotProgramming@mkorshalom.org, or
Shannah Grossman at challahbackk@gmail.com.
Tot Shabbat
January 9
photos by Tami Bloom & Tracy Festinger
K’lal Yisrael
Corner
Celebrate Israeli Independence Day
M’kor Shalom Style
Join the K’lal Yisrael and Ritual Committees for a Shabbat celebration
of Yom Ha’atzmaut on Friday, April 23 at 8:00 pm. For more
information, contact Bruce Matez at mkormatez@verizon.net.
photos by Joel Herzfeld
7
The 5th Question:
What To Do With
The Seder Leftovers?!?
M’korstock Names
Its Charity Partner
Join us on Monday, March 8 at 7:00 pm to find out
Women’s Connection is hosting a special event called “Passover Chopped.”
For the low price of $10, you can sample Passover wine, taste delicious
Passover dishes prepared by volunteers and observe a cook-off between two
of M’kor Shalom’s renowned chefs using items one might have as leftovers
from a traditional seder.
We are looking for volunteers to prepare 9 x 13 inch pans of any dairy or
pareve (no meat) Passover dish (e.g., appetizer, vegetable, side dish, main
dish, dessert). We ask that the items be brought in ready to serve. If you are
volunteering to cook, RSVP to Lynne Podrat at WomensConnection@
mkorshalom.org.
Women’s Connection
Royal High Tea
January 10
M’korstock was not just a day of awesome
music, crafts and food. It was a fundraising
event with profits shared between M’kor
Shalom and Gift of Life Donor Program. The
M’korstock II Planning Committee is proud
to announce that Gift of Life once again will be
a special collaborator with M’kor Shalom for the
event in May 2011.
Formerly known as Delaware Valley Transplant Program, the organization’s name
was changed to Gift of Life Donor Program in 1999 to better reflect its mission
to serve and support donor families, transplant patients, organ recipients and
area hospitals. Since 1974, this organization has helped to coordinate more than
25,000 life-saving organ transplants and tens of thousands of life-enhancing tissue
transplants. The relatively high rates of organ and tissue donations in this region
are directly related to the courage of the families of organ and tissue donors
who saw beyond their grief and loss and followed through with their loved one’s
donation wishes.
In addition to M’korstock II, our synagogue will collaborate with Gift of Life in
a variety of ways in the coming year to bring awareness and education about the
importance of organ donation. (See below.)
An event like M’korstock does not just happen. It involves time, participation and
sponsorship for the event to be a success. Bring your talents, ideas and enthusiasm
and join us for the next planning meeting on March 4. For more information,
please contact Rob Bloom at rbloom67@msn.com.
Join The M’korstock Team At The
“Dash For Donor Awareness” on April 18
We plan to have a M’korstock Team walk in the Gift of Life “Dash” that will be held
on Sunday, April 18 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art starting at 9:15 am. If
you are interested in participating in this worthy cause with fellow M’kor Shalom
friends, contact Debbie Mitchell at dfmesq1@comcast.net.
photos by Joyce Kimelman
Two New Initiatives From JFCS
To Serve Our Community
Free Online Career Forum
Women’s Connection At The
Liberty Museum And Lunch
February 5
In an effort to help those who are struggling in this economy and who may be
looking for employment, JFCS has launched a new, free online Career Forum.
Individuals seeking employment can post a description of the type of job they are
seeking, and employers can browse through the descriptions to find someone who
might match an employment need.
The Southern NJ Addiction Planning Committee Event
Sunday, March 7
JFCS is co-sponsoring, along with Jewish Family Service of Bergen and North
Hudson, a Wellness Day for people with addiction issues and their friends and
families. It will be a meaningful and uplifting experience.
photos by Joyce Kimelman
8
To learn more about these services and other events, go to the JFCS website at
www.jfcssnj.org.
March Madness
At The Gift Shop
M’kor Shalom Theater Group Announces
Older inventory offered at even deeper discount
Look around for Passover. We have beautiful seder plates.
Need a hostess present or just a cute apron to wear in the kitchen? We have matzah
plates for sale. Pick out a candy dish. Why not have Alan Schorr’s fabulous CD, A
Joyful Shabbat Noise, playing in the background of your seder? Get finger puppets
and masks for the children to act out the 10 plagues. What a great way to bring fun
and laughter to your seder while celebrating an important part of our history. We have
a variety of haggadot with a focus on children, women or a more traditional telling of
the Exodus story.
This annual production is always a hoot and a holler and a big
fundraiser for M’kor Shalom. There will be music, singing, comedy,
laughter and wonderful desserts. If you are interested in participating
in some capacity, contact Larry Siegel at larry@siegelweb.com
or Beverly Weiss at bbweiss@aol.com. If you wish to perform,
please note that there is a rigorous rehearsal schedule. It starts on
Sunday evening March 28 and runs each Sunday from 7:00-9:30 pm
through May 2. From May 2 through May 6, rehearsals are held from
7:00-10:00 pm, with a possible last run-through the morning of the
May 8 show.
Traditions often start with Weddings. Let the Gift Shop at M’kor Shalom get one started
for you or someone you love. Pick out a wedding mezuzah or the glass to shatter at the
ceremony. We have beautiful wedding plates, menorahs and Shabbat plates. Select a
wedding frame or give a tzedekah box.
Caring Community Shabbat
30% Off Everything in the Store*
Opening (& Closing) Night
Save the Date! Saturday, May 8 – Erev Mother’s Day
January 29
Jewelry…Need we say more? We have a great collection of very well priced sterling
silver jewelry. Treat yourself. Treat your child’s teacher. Buy for your mom or your
friend. Now is the time to splurge.
*Excludes kippot, tallitot and some books and music. Discount applied to up to two
items per purchase
Adult Israel Trip
Led by Cantor Anita Hochman, Merle Steinberg and Musi Goldin
Saturday, October 16 through Tuesday, October 26
photo by Sharon Weinberg
This unique trip is not to be missed!
We’ll travel the Northern Coast to Jerusalem, then to Jordan and Eilat and on to Tel
Aviv. We’ll spend seven nights in Israel and one night in Jordan. Just about everything
is included in the cost of this special trip, including the bus to the airport, breakfasts,
dinners, overnight stays, tour fees, taxes, tips, insurance, flights and more.
There are only a few spaces left. If you are interested, please contact Merle Steinberg
as soon as possible at 424-4304 or MerleSteinberg@mkorshalom.org.
Cooking For The Hungry
December 24-25
Passover
snap shots
Our Passover meal is not complete
without our family’s great matzah
ball debate… sink or float?!?
Which one wins at your house?
by Leah
Wolf
Last Passover my 22-year-old niece
Rachel was in month 4 of a 6-month
trip to Israel. She loved living in
Israel, but she was feeling very blue
about missing our family seder, as
Passover is her favorite holiday.
She went to a lovely seder in Israel
an
ism
by Erica Re
and when she got home later that
evening we called her on Skype (a
software program that allows you to make video calls
over the internet). We had her on video conference during our
entire seder, and she was able to spend Passover with her aunts,
uncles and cousins. She was so happy to be part of our seder and
we all had a blast talking with Rachel in Israel while celebrating
Passover. We will always remember how special that was.
photos by Tracy Festinger
9
Erev Shabbat Service In Honor Of
Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 15
M’KOR SHALOM
MONTHLY: MARCH
The Image Of God In Medieval Jewish Poetry
Led by Rabbi Jennifer Frenkel
Sponsored by THE SENIORS
Monday, March 1, 10:15 am
Brown Bag Lunch
Sponsored by THE SENIORS
View Itzhak Perlman’s joyous documentary “In The Fiddler’s
House.” Bring your own dairy or pareve lunch. Beverages and
dessert provided.
Monday, March 1, 11:45 am
The Spiritual Dynamics Of Prayer
photo by Jack Weinberg
Monthly Mitzvot
Mksy (our senior youth group) will host a Prom Dress Event on Wednesday, March
3, from 7:00-9:00 pm. Bring in your gently used formal wear (such as prom and
bridesmaid dresses, shoes, accessories and men’s suits and shoes). Mksy volunteers
will take these to Camden County High School for students to select items for their prom
this year. Contact Jessie Cohen at 428-5450 or jncdrama@aol.com or Lori Garber at
772-1007 or lagarbs@comcast.net if you need more information.
From March 15 through March 19, drop off at the synagogue filled shoe boxes to
support the Interfaith Homeless Outreach Council (IHOC). Fill a shoebox with
full-size personal care items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant,
wash cloths, socks and underwear. Separate items by category and label each box for
a man, woman, boy, girl or baby. If you have any questions about Adopt-A-Box, please
contact Lori at 772-1007 or lagarbs@comcast.net.
In April (watch E!Minders for more information), Achim (The Men’s Group) will
sponsor an Images and Attitudes Career Clothing Drive for Men. Image and
Attitude, Inc. is a non-profit organization that helps to improve the image and selfesteem of economically disadvantaged men, women and at-risk youth by providing
quality business attire and personal and professional development support to help
ensure employment success and job retention. It is located in Pennsauken, NJ. We will
collect men’s gently worn suits, ties and shoes. Please contact Lori at lagarbs@comcast.
net for more information.
During the week of April 13, unopened boxes of aluminum foil, plastic wrap and
plastic bags can be dropped off at the main synagogue office. These will be delivered to
MetroCamden Ronald McDonald House.
Study Series with Rabbi Jennifer Frenkel
Sponsored by Adult Education
See article on page 16 for details.
Mondays, March 1, 15 & 22, 7:30 pm
Social Dancing
Sponsored by THE SENIORS
Learn the Cha Cha!
$20 per person for congregants; $25 for non-members
6 Mondays, through April 19, 7:30 pm
(No sessions March 29 & April 5)
Achim (The Men’s Group) Lunch
At Short Hills Deli
This group has no planned agenda, other than pleasant
conversation and a shared meal with men from M’kor Shalom.
No RSVP necessary. Questions? Contact Howard Greenberg
at howiegre@aol.com.
Wednesday, March 3, 12:00 noon
Prom Gown/Formal Wear Collection
Sponsored by Mksy and Social Action
Bring in your new or gently used formal wear, such as prom
and bridesmaid dresses and men’s tuxedos and suits.
Wednesday, March 3, 7:00 pm
Social Action Cooking
Sponsored by Social Action Committee
Join fellow congregants at the synagogue to cook meals that will
be delivered to New Visions Community Services of Camden.
Limited space. You must RSVP to tfestinger@comcast.net.
Thursday, March 4, 7:00 pm
Shabbat Havurah (Renewal Shabbat)
Friday, March 5, 8:00 pm
Cherry Hill Volvo Jewish Film
Festival Of The Katz JCC
Sunday, April 18 – Sunday, April 25
Celebrate the best in Jewish film from around the world with thrills, laughs and stories
that move the heart and touch the soul. The 5th annual festival promises something for
all. For more information, visit www.katzjcc.org.
10
New Dimensions – Awakening Service
Led by congregants Steve Cohen and Hope Honeyman, this
service incorporates breathwork and easy movement, song,
traditional liturgy and contemporary readings, as well as meditation.
Saturday, March 6, 10:00 am
Shabbat Services
Saturday, March 6, 10:30 am & 5:45 pm
M’KOR SHALOM MONTHLY: MARCH
Mystery Date Night
Sponsored by
M’kor Shalom Parents Association
There may be a few spots left for this fun-filled
evening. Contact Jaime D. Friedman at
jd_friedman@yahoo.com.
Saturday, March 6, 8:00 pm
Monthly Bake Sale
In School Lobby
Sponsored by M’kor Shalom Parents Association
Sunday, March 7, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
“Chopped” – The 5th Question
What to do...What to do...With all your
seder leftovers?
Sponsored by Women’s Connection
See article on page 8 for details.
The evening includes a cook-off using seder
leftovers as ingredients. $10.00 per person.
Questions? Contact Lynne Podrat at
WomensConnection@mkorshalom.org.
Monday, March 8, 7:00 pm
Grief Support Group
Sponsored by Caring Community Committee
Ongoing, the 2nd Monday and 4th Wednesday of
each month; open to all who have suffered a loss.
Monday, March 8, 8:00 pm
Wednesday, March 24, 8:00 pm
Mom’s Night Out II
Sponsored by Tot Programming
See article on page 7 for details.
Join us for dinner at Swanky Bubbles.
Questions? Contact Jayne Bloom at
jayne_jacova@verizon.net.
Thursday, March 11, 8:00 pm
Erev Shabbat Dinner
Sponsored by THE SENIORS
Congregant Steve Whinston will speak on
“The Swiss and Jewish Money.”
$18/congregant; $23/guest.
Friday, March 12, 6:00 pm
Shabbat Tzedek (Justice Shabbat)
Friday, March 12, 8:00 pm
Tot Shabbat
A unique Shabbat experience designed for
children ages 2-5 to enjoy together with their
families. This month we will focus on Passover
with interactive storytelling, dynamic music
and wonderful crafts. As always, the entire
community is welcome.
Saturday, March 13, 10:00 am
Torah Study
Sponsored by Adult Education
Sarah Rosenson will lead a discussion of the
week’s portion (Vayakhel/Pekude) on March
13 and Stefanie Cohen will discuss Bemidbar
from a Kabbalistic perspective on March 20.
Saturdays, March 13 & 20, 10:00 am
Shabbat Services
Saturday, March 20, 10:30 am & 5:45 pm
Passover Wine &
Horseradish Sale
Saturday, March 13, 10:30 am & 5:45 pm
Sponsored by Achim (The Men’s Group)
Looks for us in the school and administrative
lobbies for a selection of fine and traditional
Passover wines and homemade horseradish.
Sundays, March 21 & 28, 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Daylight Saving Time Begins
M’Cabaret
Shabbat Services
Sunday, March 14
Diaspora Education Program
Sponsored by Adult Education
See article on page 15 for details.
Sunday, March 14, 10:45 am
Adopt-A-Box
Sponsored by Social Action
Fill a shoe-box with full-size personal care items
and underwear, mark for “man, woman or child”
and bring to the synagogue. Will be distributed
to area shelters.
Monday-Friday, March 15-19
Horseradish Preparation
Sponsored by Achim (The Men’s Group)
Share in the fun of preparing horseradish from
scratch, to be sold to the congregation for
Passover. Mitzvah credit available. Questions?
Contact Howard Greenberg at
howiegre@aol.com.
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday,
March 15, 16 & 17, 6:30 pm
AARP Safe Driving Course
An evening honoring our clergy and
celebrating our congregation
Hosted by the Past Presidents of M’kor Shalom
Cocktails and Supper, featuring Eddie Bruce in
his acclaimed musical tribute to Tony Bennett.
Sunday, March 21, 6:00 pm
Passover Seder
Sponsored by THE SENIORS
“Ourstory” – A Modern Haggadah in Words and
Music. $45/person; RSVP by March 17.
Wednesday, March 24, 5:00 pm
Shabbat Limud (Learning Shabbat)
This service will include excerpts from
“A Joyful Shabbat Noise,” by Alan Schorr.
Friday, March 26, 8:00 pm
Shabbat Services
Saturday, March 27, 10:30 am & 5:45 pm
Confirmation Class Trip To Israel
Saturday, March 27 – Tuesday, April 6
First Seder
Sponsored by THE SENIORS
$12 for AARP Members; $14 for Non-members
Make checks payable to AARP – send to
synagogue ASAP. Class is limited to 25 participants.
Wednesday & Thursday, March 17 & 18,
9:30 am
Monday, March 29
Board Of Trustees Meeting
Monday & Tuesday, March 29 & 30.
All congregants are welcome to attend.
Wednesday, March 17, 7:30 pm
Shabbat Mishpacha (Family Service)
Our third graders help lead the service.
March birthdays will be recognized.
Friday, March 19, 7:30 pm
Fellowship Minyan
A meditative and spiritual Erev Shabbat
experience for adults.
Friday, March 19, 7:30 pm
Passover
Tuesday, March 30 – Monday, April 5
Office Closed
In Observance Of Passover
Deadline For The Source
All articles, announcements and essays should
be submitted to editor for publication in the May/
June edition of the congregation’s newsletter.
Wednesday, March 31
For more information about these events and
to register
, please go to the M’kor Shalom
website at www.mkorshalom.org and click on
the “What’s Happening” tab.
11
M’KOR SHALOM MONTHLY: APRIL
Spring Break Playtime
Sponsored by Tot Programming Committee
Spring Break Playtime with Puppets.
See article on page 7 for details.
Thursday, April 1, 10:00 am
Social Action Cooking
Sponsored by Social Action Committee
Join fellow congregants at the synagogue to
cook meals that will be delivered to New Visions
Community Services of Camden. Limited space.
You must RSVP to tfestinger@comcast.net.
Thursday, April 1, 7:00 pm
Shabbat Havurah (Renewal Shabbat)
Friday, April 2, 8:00 pm
Concluding Service For Passover
Yizkor is recited.
Sunday, April 4, 7:30 pm
Office Closed:
Last Day Of Passover
Monday, April 5
Achim (The Men’s Group) Lunch
At Short Hills Deli
This group has no planned agenda, other than
pleasant conversation and a shared meal with
men from M’kor Shalom. No RSVP necessary.
Questions? Contact Howard Greenberg at
howiegre@aol.com.
Wednesday, April 7, 12:00 noon
Women & Spirituality Group
Wednesday, April 7, 7:30 pm
Erev Shabbat Dinner
Sponsored by THE SENIORS
“Jewish Resistance to the Nazis”
$18/congregant; $23/guest
Friday, April 9, 6:00 pm
Shabbat Tzedek (Justice Shabbat)
Friday, April 9, 8:00 pm
Tot Shabbat
A unique Shabbat experience designed for
children ages 2-5 to enjoy together with
their families. Music, storytelling, crafts and
more! This month, we will “travel” to Israel
for a celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israeli
Independence Day. As always, the entire
community is welcome.
Saturday, April 10, 10:00 am
12
New Dimensions:
Awakening Service
Led by congregants Steve Cohen and Hope
Honeyman, this service incorporates breathwork
and easy movement, song, traditional liturgy and
contemporary readings, as well as meditation.
Saturday, April 10, 10:00 am
Shabbat Services
Saturday, April 10, 10:30 am & 5:45 pm
Yom Hashoah
Holocaust Remembrance Day
Sunday, April 11
Monthly Bake Sale
In School Lobby
Sponsored by M’kor Shalom Parents Association
Sunday, April 11, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Brown Bag Lunch
Sponsored by THE SENIORS
Professor Jennifer Kay will speak on
“Shlomo the Dancing Robot/Robots 101.”
Bring your own dairy or pareve lunch.
Beverages and dessert provided.
Monday, April 12, 11:45 am
Social Dancing
Sponsored by THE SENIORS
Learn the Cha Cha! $20 per person for
congregants; $25 for non-members for each
6-session series. This series began March 1.
Mondays, April 12 & April 19, 7:30 pm
Jewish Humor:
No Area of Life Left Untouched
Sponsored by Adult Education
Led by Rabbi Richard A. Levine
Rabbi Levine will present an informative, thought
provoking and, yes, entertaining look at Jewish
humor throughout the ages.
See article on page 15 for details.
4 Mondays, April 12 through May 3, 7:30 pm
Grief Support Group
Sponsored by Caring Community Committee
Ongoing, the 2nd Monday and 4th Wednesday of
each month; open to all who have suffered a loss.
Monday, April 12, 8:00 pm
Wednesday, April 28, 8:00 pm
Men’s Casual Night Out
Sponsored by Achim (The Men’s Group)
Meet at Kaminski’s (Brace Road in Cherry Hill)
for casual conversation and refreshments.
No RSVP necessary.
Thursday, April 15, 7:30 pm
Shabbat Mishpacha ((Family Service)
Our second graders help lead the service;
April birthdays will be recognized.
Friday, April 16, 7:30 pm
Fellowship Minyan
A meditative and spiritual Erev Shabbat
experience for adults.
Friday, April 16, 7:30 pm
Torah Study
Sponsored by Adult Education Committee
Yossi Afek leads the discussions this month.
Saturdays, April 17 & 24, 10:00 am
Shabbat Service
Saturday, April 17, 10:30 am
Holocaust Studies Series:
Survival in Auschwitz
Sponsored by Adult Education
“Staying Alive,” an analysis of Primo Levi’s
Survival in Auschwitz.
See article on page 16 for details.
Sunday, April 18, 10:00 am
Board Of Trustees Meeting
All congregants are welcome.
Wednesday, April 21, 7:30 pm
K’lal Yisrael Shabbat
Celebrate Israeli Independence Day
M’kor Shalom style.
Friday, April 23, 8:00 pm
Shabbat Services
Saturday, April 24, 10:30 am & 5:45 pm
M’kor Cares Brunch
Volunteering: Stories from the Front Line
Our own Dan Gottlieb leads the conversation.
Sunday, April 25, 11:00 am
Communications Deadline
Submit material for E!Minders and May M’korMonthly
Wednesday, April 28
The Pop Shop Fundraiser
Details coming soon.
Thursday, April 29
Erev Shabbat Service
Friday, April 30, 8:00 pm
For more information about these events and
to register
, please go to the M’kor Shalom
website at www.mkorshalom.org and click on
the “What’s Happening” tab.
TORAH COMMENTARY
This month: “What does it mean for us to be holy like God?”
The Talmud has become a foundation of our Jewish faith. Written over a period of 300 years and completed in 500 CE, it has a unique look and
composition with commentary from medieval rabbis surrounding text from Torah. In each edition of The Source
Source, congregants serve as our rabbis, our
teachers, and we present their words in the format of the Talmud.
The rest of Leviticus 19 provides specific examples of what it
Jewish holiness stems from Leviticus 19. God directs the Israelites to
means to be holy like God. Many of these are about ethical behavior
strive for holiness. Holiness is portrayed as both a God-like quality and
on an individual level: respect your mother and father; do not
a goal for individuals to strive for. Included among the laws of holiness
mistreat the disabled (deaf and
are: a prohibited list of sexual
blind); do not swear falsely by
relations (it’s okay to read on,
God’s name; and show respect
I won’t go there); restrictions
for the elderly. Included are
on the way that one relates to
“You shall be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy.”
some of the classic dictates of
neighbors, business associates
(Leviticus 19:2)
the Bible (“love your neighbor
and hired workers; and ritual
To be holy like God means to achieve the status of saintliness,
as yourself”) and Judaism (“do
restrictions such as eating blood.
which can only be achieved by loving your neighbor infinitely. When
not mistreat the stranger for
The Jewish relationship with
you were strangers in Egypt”).
one is successful in doing that, one experiences joy and that is when
God emanates from God setting
Some examples are more
we achieve holiness like God. The joy of loving our neighbor (a.k.a.
apart the Jewish people as the
specifically about social justice
bearing the burden of the ‘other’) is infinite as God is infinite.
chosen ones. The people of Israel
such as leave part of your
Since the human experience and worldliness is finite, meaning
are commanded to be holy in order
harvest for the poor and do
we have a beginning and an end, experiencing holiness requires us
to be considered God’s people.
not hold back wages from your
to integrate interruptive (ritual) and instantiative (ethical) mitzvot.
Being close to God is
employees. Others are about
Interruptive mitzvot interrupt our obsessions with ourselves
considered holiness. Objects
following rituals… (observe the
and material distractions. This preoccupation with ourselves is
such as synagogue buildings and
Sabbath)… about taking care of
called our yetzer hara. Saying motzi before a meal is an example
Torah scrolls are considered holy
your body (do not use tattoos)…
of an interruptive mitzvah because its intention is to make us stop
because they are used in a way
about taking care of the earth
to consider the ‘other’ and his/her needs. Instantiative mitzvot
that brings them close to God.
(do not eat fruit from trees you
actualize the bearing of the other’s burden. Listening to someone,
Holiness is also achieved by
plant until the fifth year).
responding compassionately, acting with humility and doing what
doing good deeds; those that are
When we are holy like God,
will bear their burden are ways that we express instantiative mitzvot.
ethically and ritually proper.
we connect and elevate that part
Through these combined efforts, we can experience glimpses of
My view of holiness relates
of God that is within us. We strive
holiness or joy when we feel truly connected with another human being
primarily to my relationships with
for the highest ethical standards
in loving them or bearing their burden. Experiencing these moments of
others. At the forefront are my
in our relations with each other
joy inspires us to seek more joy that in turn helps us to strengthen
relationships with my wife Eileen,
and with the world. To reach
our soul, also known as our yetzer tov. Our hope is that one day our
my children, my mother and my
this goal requires discipline.
souls will be enlarged to the point of achieving saintliness.
sisters. I also consider the choices
It helps to follow rituals and to
It is interesting that this text is found in the middle (neither the
I make that impact my world.
show respect for our bodies and
beginning nor the end) of the Torah, which further reinforces its
These are easily achieved at M’kor
our natural environment. This
infinite wisdom.
Shalom, whether it is sharing in
discipline constantly reminds
– Catherine S. Fischer
the joy of a congregant’s simcha,
us of our ethical obligations,
giving support to a grieving family
of our higher selves and of our
by attending a shiva service, giving
connection to God. To be ordinary is easy; to be holy is difficult.
tzedakah or taking part in the IHOC program. My sense of holiness begins
However, only in this way can we transform ourselves and the world.
with my family and my synagogue. May you find holiness in your life.
– Joshua Spielberg
– Robert Elias
How can we be holy like God? The question itself feels arrogant. After all, we’re just humans, imperfect at best. Sometimes we make bad choices or disappoint ourselves and
those we love. How can we be compared to God?
Holiness is simply part of Godliness, an inherent aspect of the Divine. In humans, holiness feels less attainable. But I propose that holiness is in fact as inherent in us as it
is in God. Humans are uniquely able to form relationships, to repair the world through connections with others and with God. It is our job to use our Divine sparks to do that.
Note that “spark” is both a noun and a verb. We can imagine a Divine spark as a light or an essence that fuels our own capacity for holiness. It represents God’s most blessed
gift to us, a piece of God that becomes essential to our human existence. However, the verb “to spark” means to create, to inspire, to produce. We must “spark” to action, doing
good work and living with integrity, kindness and creativity. The words, “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy,” are a command as well as a gift, an instruction
from God to do our best work from that point of light within us.
So is our holiness the same as God’s holiness? That depends on how we view the Divine energy that inspires us. To me, when we quiet our minds enough to really hear our inner
voice, when we allow our actions to be guided by the essence of God within us, we are living in holiness. Is that the same as God’s holiness? I believe it is.
– Stefanie Cohen
13
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL NEWS
Teenagers!
Merle Steinberg
Education Director
Diane Malin
Assistant Education Director
In The Spring Our Focus Turns
To Teenagers –
In Many Different Ways
Our Confirmation Class (10th Grade) is getting
ready for two major events. The first is the journey
to Israel that will begin on March 27. Rabbi
Jennifer Frenkel and Bruce Matez, who are
the Confirmation Class teachers, and I will lead a
group of 20 M’kor Shalom students on a never to
be forgotten adventure to our Jewish homeland.
Joining us this year will be Rabbi Debbie
Cohen and Barry Pisetzner and 13 students
from Temple Emanuel in Cherry Hill. There is no
bonding like the bonding that takes place while
climbing Masada or visiting the Kotel.
These students are also preparing for Confirmation, which takes place on
the festival of Shavuot on Wednesday, May 18. The students will lead the
morning service and have chosen their parts according to their strengths and
preferences. For now, they are busy practicing Torah and Haftarah portions,
writing essays and rehearsing songs. It all comes together in this house; a
meaningful and beautiful service.
Blue Box Bob
January 10
photos by Diane Malin
Club 5-6: Iron Chef
January 18
Rutgers! Penn State! Delaware! NYU! Boston! Maryland! And the screams fill
our hallways as one by one our senior students find out where they are going
to college next year. This is an emotional time for them, their families… and
for us… Not everyone gets accepted to his or her first choice. The scholarship
money may or may not come through, and they need still another letter of
recommendation–yesterday! Some teens have known for months through the
early admission process and the rest, by April 1, will know in what state they
will live next fall.
Graduating from public school is only part of their roller coaster year. Our
seniors are getting ready to graduate from Post-Confirmation as well. This
year on Tuesday, May 11, our 28 twelfth graders will sit on the same bimah
they sat on at their Consecration, Bar/Bat Mitzvah and Confirmation to
receive their certificate of graduation. Their thoughtful essays, reflecting their
educational experience at M’kor Shalom, will be bound in a booklet for all to
read, and a few will be read at graduation. Their 12th grade teachers, Rabbi
Barry Schwartz, Steve Burkett and Drew Molotsky, will share with their
parents, family and friends the pride of this special “M’kor Moment.” Soon
most will be members of the College Connection, receiving packages of treats
throughout the year from our congregation.
And as for me… I have known most of these students since they were little.
Watching them grow and take their places in the world is, on a personal
level, an emotional experience filled with pride. On a professional level, no
Educator could ask for a more extraordinary testament to the work that we
do. Thou shalt teach… commands us to educate but does not begin to
explain the rewards that we receive by fulfilling this commandment.
We look forward to seeing our Confirmands next year in Post-Confirmation
and our Graduates at the High Holy Days. Teenagers!
– Merle Steinberg
14
photos by Diane Malin and Steven Pantaliano
MKSY At WINSTY
January 16-18
photo by Meara Lebovitz
We Celebrate The B’nai Mitzvah Of:
March 6
10:30 am
5:45 pm
Brett Olin, son of Sean & Robin Olin
Daniel Neumann, son of Marc & Elyse Neumann
March 13
10:30 am
5:45 pm
Dayna Wachman, daughter of Barry & Marsha Wachman
Emily Lichtenstadter, daughter of Debra Bromson
March 20
10:30 am
5:45 pm
Roxanne Friedman, daughter of Jerry & Judith Friedman
Aaron Molotsky, son of Brad & Ellen Molotsky
March 27
10:30 am
Zachary Kuptsow, son of Scott & Eileen Kuptsow
Sadie Ronga-Rubin, daughter of Susan Rubin and Gloria Ronga
Scott Abrams, son of Brad & Suzanne Abrams
5:45 pm
April 10
10:30 am
5:45 pm
Raffi Cohen, daughter of Matthew & Beth Cohen
Evan Zelig, son of David & June Zelig
Avery Reiter, daughter of Michael & Stacy Reiter
April 17
10:30 am
Rob Kaplan, son of Charles & Tracy Kaplan
April 24
10:30 am
5:45 pm
Alex Vincoff
Vincoff, son of David & Elyse Vincoff
Bobby Waller, son of Robert & Susan Waller
We
Welcome
Our
New
Members
Lawrence & Valerie Dobrow
New York
Ari & Rebecca Forman
Wynnewood, PA
Stephen & Michelle Weichert
Jacob, Jessica, & Joseph
Voorhees
Diaspora Series Program
The Jews of Turkey, Ancient and Modern
Adult Education Committee
Lecture Series
Sunday, March 14, 10:45 am
The Adult Education Committee proudly presents what it is hoped will be an annual series of programs
focused on Jewish communities throughout the Diaspora. Historically, American Jews have looked inward to
the evolution and needs of Jews in the United States and outward in strong support for the modern State of
Israel. This is understandable. Additionally, we have reacted in short bursts to crises affecting Jews in other
parts of the Diaspora, such as the campaign to support the Jews of the former Soviet Union, the Falasha Jews
of Ethiopia and Jews impacted by international political and economic crises.
Jewish Humor:
No Area Of Life
Left Untouched
April 12, 19, 26
and May 3,
7:30-9:00 pm
However, we do not seem to maintain an ongoing interest in the history and present-day status of Jewish
communities throughout the world. We may occasionally travel to countries with relics of ancient Jewish
communities or meet Diaspora Jews during the course of conducting our business affairs. However, what do
we really know about other Jewish communities that remain, whether vibrant or weak, in far-flung places and
how their histories brought them to their current status?
Through educational and entertaining programs presented by noted speakers who possess expertise on
countries with an existing Jewish community, or by others in our community who may be expatriates or have
specialized knowledge about these countries, we expect that this series will offer insight and new perspective
on the Jewish Diaspora.
We begin our series with the Jews of Turkey and a presentation by Laurence Salzmann, a noted professional
photographer/filmmaker who, along with his wife, Ayse Gursen-Salzmann, an anthropologist at the
University of Pennsylvania, has extensively studied the history of the remaining Jewish communities in Turkey.
Salzmann and his Turkish-born wife travelled throughout Turkey during a five-year residency (1984-89)
to discover and record Jewish life. His approach involved long term observation of local communities,
developing close relationships with the subjects of his images, speaking their languages and following the
activities of their daily lives. Salzmann will present his film, “Turkey’s Sephardim – 500 Years,” which looks
at the history of Turkey’s Sephardic Jews, descended from Jews expelled from Spain in 1492. The film will
be followed by a question and answer session. There will also be Turkish culinary treats. This program will
offer an opportunity to learn about how the Jews of Turkey blend their Jewish religious life and traditions
with the larger Turkish culture.
The Adult Education
Committee proudly
welcomes Rabbi
Richard A. Levine of
Rabbi Richard A. Levine
Adath Emanu-el (Mt.
Laurel, NJ) as a speaker in our 2009-1010 Lecture
Series. Rabbi Levine will present an informative,
thought provoking and, yes, entertaining look at
Jewish Humor throughout the ages.
Describing this lecture series, Rabbi Levine
remarks, “Some have said it is Jewish Humor
that has helped our people survive the many
trials and tribulations that have confronted us
over the centuries. Yet, Jewish Humor goes
beyond that. It has enabled us, among other
things, to laugh at ourselves, our community
and our ‘accomplishments.’ We will engage in
‘serious’ study of a wide range of topics dealing
with people, situations, pogroms and even God.
Everything is worthy of humorous treatment by
the Jewish people. At the same time, there will be
many chances to smile and laugh.”
15
New Study Series
With Rabbi Frenkel
Adonai S’fatai Tiftach
(Adonai Open My Lips):
The Spiritual Dynamics of Prayer
March 1, 15 & 22, 7:30-9:00 pm
Rabbi and theologian Abraham Joshua Heschel once wrote,
“The worth of public worship depends upon the depth of
private worship, of the private worship of those who worship
together.” There are at least two dimensions of prayer in
the Jewish tradition, keva (the fixed form of the prayers
and their recitation) and kavannah (heartfelt intention/
direction). In this class, we will learn about both, but with a
stronger emphasis on kavannah. We will look at traditional,
Hasidic, mystical and modern-day texts related to prayer
and at different versions of familiar prayers. We will also
experiment with Jewish meditational techniques, chanting
and musical arrangements for daily, Shabbat and holiday
liturgy. No Hebrew reading ability is necessary, just an interest
in spending some time concentrating on what we each can
and do bring to our personal and communal prayers.
Holocaust
Studies Series
Survival in Auschwitz
Audio Books
Basic Modern Hebrew by Pimsleur Language Program…Learn to speak and understand
modern Hebrew using the highly effective Pimsleur Method that gives you quick command of the
language without tedious drills.
Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell…In this darkly comic suspense novel, Bazell follows the 14-yearold protagonist as he evolves from a hit man avenging the murder of his grandparents to a medical
intern in a witness-protection program.
Brighton Beach Memoirs by Neil Simon…In this memoir of his family in 1930’s Brooklyn,
Neil Simon contrasts the comic growing pains of teenager Eugene with the family’s struggles with
illness, poverty and Hitler’s rise to power in Europe. This production is read by Valerie Harper.
DVDs
DNA: Secret of Photo 51…NOVA investigates the shocking truth behind the discovery of the
double helix structure of DNA by the brilliant biologist Rosalind Franklin.
Old Jews Telling Jokes…The 18 joke tellers featured in this delightful film are not professional
actors. They are regular folk like your Jewish grandfather or uncle delivering off-color and risqué
jokes from a bygone era.
Two Lovers…This classic romantic drama set in Brooklyn stars Joaquin Phoenix as a bachelor
torn between the family friend his parents are hoping he will marry and his exotic and mysterious
new neighbor (Gwyneth Paltrow).
Books
Delilah: A Novel by India Edghill…Edghill’s book is a spellbinding and emotionally powerful
retelling of the Biblical story of Samson and Delilah.
April 18 at 10:00 am
The Adult Education Committee proudly
presents the second program of this year’s
Holocaust Studies Series we entitled “Staying Alive.” The
program on April 18 will be an analysis of Primo Levi’s book,
Survival in Auschwitz. Larry Glaser, congregant and
professor of Holocaust Studies at Richard Stockton College,
will guide our study.
Scholars of the Holocaust are certain that other than those
who were actually there, nobody could imagine what it would
take to survive imprisonment in Auschwitz. The novelist
Philip Roth tells us that for Primo Levi, “…[T]hinking
and observing were survival factors.” Levi himself writes of
Auschwitz and says, “Here the struggle to survive is without
respite, because everyone is desperately and ferociously
alone.” Levi painstakingly and vividly describes the process of
his capture, transport, incarceration and eventual liberation
in a riveting book entitled, Survival in Auschwitz. For the
author, this book was an act of courage and the fulfillment
of a commitment to face and record the painful experience.
For those of us who were not there but are drawn to the
lessons of history, this book is a tool for inquiry that should
motivate meaningful discussion. Come join us to listen or
share your thoughts and feelings about Holocaust survival.
We’ll delve into what Primo Levi can teach us about staying
alive in body, in mind and in spirit while fighting a battle
designed to terminate all three.
16
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer…In the1940s,
Juliet Ashton, a single, 30-something author, reveals through letters written by the inhabitants of
Guernsey, the tragic stories of life under Nazi occupation. Shaffer writes with humor and optimism
while affirming the power of books to sustain people during difficult times.
Manhood for Amateurs: The Pleasures and Regrets of a Husband, Father and Son by
Michael Chabon…In a collection of entertaining essays, novelist Chabon revisits his suburban
Maryland childhood of the 1970s with nostalgia and humor. He describes himself as “an attentive
father and a fairly observant Jew” who lives in Berkeley, California, with his four children and his
wife, author Ayelet Waldman.
Conquering Fear: Living Boldly in an Uncertain World by Harold S. Kushner…In his
12th book, Kushner, bestselling author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People,
urges readers to overcome fears such as rejection, aging and death through trust, faith, hope
and courage.
Library Hours (when Religious School is in session)
Sundays, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Mondays, 4:00-6:00 pm
Tuesdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm;
4:00-6:00 pm &
7:30-9:00 pm
Wednesdays 4:00-6:00 pm
Friday after services
Questions?
Contact Deena Worrell
at library@mkorshalom.org.
In times of happiness or sadness
sadness, M’kor SShalom offers a variety of ways to share your wishes and thoughts with others. Minimum donation $12;
2 Silver Cards
2;
$18;; Gol
$18
Goldd Cards $36, unless otherwise noted. Cards to keep at home and send yourself are also available in packs of 5 for $$36
36.. Every attempt is made to list all
36
contributions received in the synagogue office by the 1st of every
very other month in the following issue of The Source. Contributions may also be made online from
the M’kor Shalom website (www.mkorshalom.org).
In Memory Of Jeremy Kane
Son of Melinda Kane, Brother of Daniel Kane & Benjamin Kane
Jeremy Kane Confirmation Class Israel Trip Fund
Rabbis’ Good Works Fund
To provide support for the Confirmation Class Trip to Israel
Amy & Debra Schwarzl and Family
Barbara, Stew, Jackie & Andrew Abrams
Carol & David Laskin
Catherine & Richard Fischer
Dan Gottlieb
David & Susan Rush
David Burd & TGS Financial
David Singer
Eileen & Robert Elias
Erica, Richard & Zoe King
Gail & Dick Donner
Gail, Steven, Hope & Sarah Fine
Gerri & Larry Carroll
Harriet & Stan Ginsberg
Howard & Stacy Heyman and Family
Irene Giman & Glenn Trommer and Family
Joanne Rosenthal
Jodi & Les Streitfeld
John & Marilyn Hailperin
Jovina Spirgel
Leonard Sattel
Lisa & Mitchell Conn
Lynda & Steve Hopkins
Madison Palat and Family
Marla & Gary Vecchio and Family
Marty & Joni Bisk
Merle & Bernie Steinberg
Michael, Barbara, Samantha,
Brett & Allyson Wolf
M’kor Shalom 2004 Confirmation Class
Neil & Suzan Weitz
Penni & Buddy Mandel
Peter & Elle Hecht
Peter & Faye Rosengard and Family
Renée & David Weisband and Family
Robert, Wendy, Jenna & Sarah Spivack
Ron & Beth Brody and Family
Sandy & Dick Simon
Scott Mullen
Seth & Erica Concors
Adult Education Fund
To support programming for adults.
Received From
Beverly Solomon
In Memory Of
David Garfield, husband of Marjorie Garfield
Rose Solomon, mother-in-law
Sidney Franklin, father
Sophie Solomon, sister-in-law
Lorna Seidman, mother of Maury Seidman
Shelly Kaneff, mother of Robert Kaneff
Jeff & Celestine Berg
Abraham and Sylvia Angstreich
Building Preservation Endowment Fund*
In Memory Of
Linda & Steven Angstreich
David Garfield, husband of Marjorie Garfield
Patsy Brandt, wife of David Brandt
Joseph Zalcmann, father of Albert Zalcmann
David Garfield, husband of Marjorie Garfield
Myrna & Norman Grolnick
Steve & Rolane Sunshine
Received From
Sara, John, Jessica & Julia Honovich
In Honor Of
The marriage of David & Marjorie Garfield’s daughter Valerie
to Lawrence Dobrow
Carol Neulander Beautification and Completion Fund
Received From
To beautify and complete our building and grounds.
Morra & David Molotsky
In Memory Of
Patsy Brandt, wife of David Brandt
Received From
Iron Chef Program Participants
Mary Ellen, Maury, Sam, Brian & Claire Seidman
In Honor Of
Judy Stern
Rabbi Frenkel
Caring Community Fund
To support the Caring Community Committee in their efforts
to make M’kor Shalom a more compassionate and inclusive synagogue.
Received From
In Memory Of
Karen & Mark Cohen
Albert Weiner, father of Penny Robinson
Marylee & Stuart Alperin
David Garfield, husband of Marjorie Garfield
Sharon & Arky Halperin
Daniel Jones, son-in-law of Kathy & Michael Perloff
Shonnie Lebovitz, Max Taytelbaum and Meara Lebovitz
Joseph Zalcmann, father of Albert Zalcmann
Steven & Marcy Lahav
Arthur Dubowitch, father of Stuart Dubowitch
Sue & Gary Polikoff
Albert Weiner, father of Penny Robinson
The Sklar Family
Ian Berg, father of Jeffrey Berg
William & Marian Karsif
Albert Weiner, father of Penny Robinson
Received From
Barbara & Stew Abrams
Carol & David Laskin
Karen & Neal Slutsky
In Honor Of
The birth of Lynn & Bob Davis’ granddaughter, Sarah Levanah Davis
The engagement of Sheryl & Craig Dossick’s daughter Renay to Scott Shaw
The marriage of Robert & Eileen Elias’ daughter Rebecca to Ari Forman
To distribute funds to worthy and
charitable causes at the discretion
of the rabbis.
Ronnie & Rob Coben and Family
Religious/Preschool Fund
To provide funding for creative
programming for our students.
Kathy & Michael Perloff
Warren J. Elias
Special Needs Fund*
To support ongoing efforts to ensure that
M’kor Shalom is a welcoming community
for those with special needs.
Carol Sekeres Weller & Paul Weller
photo by Jack Weinberg
Marlyn & Harry Starkman
Merle & Bernie Steinberg
Rabbi Richard Address
Maxine Bernstein’s speedy recovery
The birth of Lynn & Bob Davis’ granddaughter, Sarah Levanah Davis
The marriage of David & Marjorie Garfield’s daughter Valerie
to Lawrence Dobrow
Roberta Israelsky
Cantor Borsky
Shirley Solot
Allen Goodman’s speedy recovery
Shonnie Lebovitz & Max Taytelbaum
The marriage of David & Marjorie Garfield’s daughter Valerie
to Lawrence Dobrow
Choir Fund
Received From
To keep our synagogue ssafe, secure and beautiful for generations to come.
Received From
Shari, Mitch & Isaac Sklar
Sharon, Larry, Samantha & Zach Siegel
Sheryl & Craig Dossick and Family
Stefanie, Steve, Jessie, Maddie & Lizzie Cohen
Stephanie & Adam Levine
Stephanie & Brian Baker
Steve & Judy Stern
Steve & Rolane Sunshine
Sue & Gary Polikoff
Teri & Neal Nover and Family
Tracy & Andy Gardner and Family
To contribute in honor of our choir for expanded activity.
Albert & Carmella Zalcmann
David & Susan Rush
Hersh Kozlov & Family
Judy Levin & Rich Cohen
Lynne & Edward Cohen
Sharla & Barry Feldscher
The Choir Family
In Memory Of
David Garfield, husband of Marjorie Garfield
Patsy Brandt, wife of David Brandt
Enid Kozlov, wife & mother
David Garfield, husband of Marjorie Garfield
Michael Stein, uncle of Ellen & Roger Sheinkin
David Garfield, husband of Marjorie Garfield
Enid Kozlov, wife of Hersh Kozlov
Received From
In Honor Of
Audrey Litto
Bruce & Sandy Blumenthal
Carol Cedar
Chad Satanoff
Elyse Pello
Erma Glass
Estelle Kushner
Hersh Kozlov & Family
Jane & Dennis Satanoff
Shayna Grinbergs’ Bat Mitzvah
Bruce Weinger’s speedy recovery
Cantor Hochman
The engagement of Jane & Dennis Satanoff’s daughter Rachael to Ken Ovitz
The Clergy & Staff of M’kor Shalom
Norman Rednik’s special birthday
The naming of Jonah Harris Gadarian, great-grandson
Cantor Hochman
Bruce Weinger’s speedy recovery
Karen Wallenobrien’s speedy recovery
Rabbi Schwartz’s speedy recovery
Janice Botwin
Shayna Grinbergs’ Bat Mitzvah
Marc & Andrea Millstein
Dennis & Jane Satanoff’s special anniversary
Mary Ellen, Maury, Sam, Brian & Claire Seidman
Cantor Hochman
Rebecca & Art Silver
Karen Wallenobrien’s speedy recovery
Robin & Gary Kushner
Cantor Hochman
Shari & Mitchell Sklar
Cantor Hochman
College Connection Fund
To provide hol
holiday gifts and monthly Jewish publications for all our college students.
Received From
Bella & Eric Levine
Susan & Scott Soslow
Received From
Elyse Pello
Sandy Kushner
In Memory Of
Arthur Dubowitch, father of Stuart Dubowitch
Shelly Kaneff, mother of Robert Kaneff
In Honor Of
The Clergy & Staff of M’kor Shalom
Sam Cole’s college graduation
17
Community Compassion Fund
To enable us to directly aid those less fortunate than ourselves.
Received From
In Memory Of
Andrew & Samantha Sklar
Debi Kahn
Jaye & Len Halpern
Susan Shpeen, sister-in-law & aunt of the Feist Family
Daniel Jones, son-in-law of Kathy & Michael Perloff
Albert Weiner, father of Penny Robinson
Patsy Brandt, wife of David Brandt
Daniel Jones, son-in-law of Kathy & Michael Perloff
Shelly Kaneff, mother of Robert Kaneff
Arthur Dubowitch, father of Stuart Dubowitch
David Garfield, husband of Marjorie Garfield
Melinda Kane and Family
Sheryl & Craig Dossick
Steve & Judy Stern
Received From
In Honor Of
Officers, Board of Trustees & Committee Chairs
David Snyder’s new role as JCRC Executive Director
The marriage of Marjorie Garfield’s daughter Valerie to Lawrence Dobrow
Sue & Gary Polikoff
Zachary Riley’s Bar Mitzvah
Tracy & Andy Gardner
The birth of Barbara & Sidney Geller’s twin granddaughters,
Joselyn Paige & Lilah Shea Polak
Jeremy Kane Confirmation Class Israel Trip Fund
To provide support for the Confirmation Class Trip to Israel.
Received From
Morra & David Molotsky
Shari, David & Cole Leff
In Memory Of
Arthur Dubowitch, father of Stuart Dubowitch
David Garfield, husband of Marjorie Garfield
Received From
In Honor Of
David & Susan Rush
The birth of Barbara & Sidney Geller’s twin granddaughters, Joselyn Paige &
Lilah Shea Polak
The engagement of Sheryl & Craig Dossick’s daughter Renay to Scott Shaw
Elyse Pello
The Clergy & Staff of M’kor Shalom
Morra & David Molotsky
The marriage of Joan & Stephen Whinston’s son Joshua to Elizabeth Rogers
Officers, Board of Trustees & Committee Chairs
The engagement of Lynne & Bruce Podrat’s son
Randy Torban to Laurie Stern
Suzy & David Peltzman
Josh Diamond’s Bar Mitzvah
Warren J. Elias Special Needs Fund*
To support ongoing efforts to ensure that M’kor Shalom is a
welcoming community for those with special needs.
Received From
Eileen & Robert Elias
Morra & David Molotsky
In Memory Of
David Garfield, husband of Marjorie Garfield
David Garfield, husband of Marjorie Garfield
Received From
In Honor Of
Brad & Ellen Molotsky
Justin Major’s Bar Mitzvah
John & Randee Mateo
The marriage of Robert & Eileen Elias’ daughter Rebecca to Ari Forman
Linda & Larry Robinson
The marriage of Robert & Eileen Elias’ daughter Rebecca to Ari Forman
Lois Taylor
The marriage of Thelma & Donald Spivack’s granddaughter Rebecca Elias to Ari Forman
Lynne & Norman Rednik
The marriage of Robert & Eileen Elias’ daughter Rebecca to Ari Forman
Marilyn Cohen
The marriage of Robert & Eileen Elias’ daughter Rebecca to Ari Forman
The marriage of Thelma & Donald Spivack’s granddaughter Rebecca Elias to Ari Forman
Merle & Bernie Steinberg
The marriage of Robert & Eileen Elias’ daughter Rebecca to Ari Forman
Neil & Jodi Levine
The marriage of Robert & Eileen Elias’ daughter Rebecca to Ari Forman
Officers, Board of Trustees & Committee Chairs
The marriage of Robert & Eileen Elias’ daughter
Rebecca to Ari Forman
Peter & Elle Hecht
The marriage of Robert & Eileen Elias’ daughter Rebecca to Ari Forman
Sara & John Honovich
The marriage of Robert & Eileen Elias’ daughter Rebecca to Ari Forman
Selma & Stan Hochman
The marriage of Robert & Eileen Elias’ daughter Rebecca to Ari Forman
The marriage of Thelma & Donald Spivack’s granddaughter Rebecca Elias to Ari Forman
Sharon & Arky Halperin
The marriage of Robert & Eileen Elias’ daughter Rebecca to Ari Forman
Teri & Neal Nover and Family The marriage of Robert & Eileen Elias’ daughter Rebecca to Ari Forman
Library Fund
To purchase books and equipment. Bookplate Minimum Contribution: $36 (gold card).
Received From
In Memory Of
Mark Eichman
Marlyn & Harry Starkman
Received From
Elyse Pello
Marlyn & Harry Starkman
Lorna Seidman, mother of Maury Seidman
David Garfield, husband of Marjorie Garfield
In Honor Of
The Clergy & Staff of M’kor Shalom
The marriage of Joan & Stephen Whinston’s son Joshua to Elizabeth Rogers
Prayer Book Fund
Received From
Regular prayer book w/bookplate: $18 ((silver
silver card);
Holiday prayer book w/bookplate: $12 (blue card).
Gary & Sheryle Banin
Peter & Faye Rosengard and Family
Selma & Stan Hochman
Wendy & Paul Frantz
Received From
Marlyn & Harry Starkman
In Memory Of
Michael & Lesley Rosenbaum’s aunt
Albert Weiner, father of Penny Robinson
David Garfield, husband of Marjorie Garfield
Shelly Kaneff, mother of Robert Kaneff
In Honor Of
Michael Starkman’s special birthday
Rabbis’ Good Works Fund*
To distribute funds to worthy and charitable causes at the discretion of the rabbis.
Received From
Bart & Lisa Saidel
Carol & David Laskin
Carole & Steve Branch
18
In Memory Of
Ian Berg, father of Jeffrey Berg
David Garfield, husband of Marjorie Garfield
The father of Debbie Costello
David & Judi Weinberg and Family
Dorothy & Myron Sigal
Eileen & Leonard Segal
Jane & Mel Chilewich
Jaye & Len Halpern
Marc & Sharon Cutler
Peter & Faye Rosengard and Family
Rebecca & Art Silver
Ronnie & Rob Coben and Family
The Wachman Family
The Zalcmann Family
Zara & Evan Davis
Arthur Dubowitch, father of Stuart Dubowitch
David Garfield, husband of Marjorie Garfield
David Garfield, husband of Marjorie Garfield
Daniel Jones, son-in-law of Kathy & Michael Perloff
David Garfield, husband of Marjorie Garfield
David Garfield, husband of Marjorie Garfield
David Garfield, husband of Marjorie Garfield
David Garfield, husband of Marjorie Garfield
Ian Berg, father of Jeffrey Berg
Salvatore G. Perice, father of Salvatore Perice
Salvatore G. Perice, father of Salvatore Perice
Ian Berg, father of Jeffrey Berg
Lorna Seidman, mother of Maury Seidman
Joseph Zalcmann, father of Albert Zalcmann
Enid Kozlov, wife and mother
Received From
In Honor Of
Barbara & Rudy Schwartz
The marriage of Robert & Eileen Elias’ daughter Rebecca to Ari Forman
The marriage of Thelma & Don Spivack’s granddaughter Rebecca Elias to Ari Forman
Elyse Pello
The Clergy & Staff of M’kor Shalom
Gayle Coopersmith & Alan Taflin
Rabbi Frenkel
Hilda Katz & Carol Cedar
Rabbi Frenkel
Joan & Stephen Whinston
Rabbi Schwartz
Joyce & Morris Dworkin
Rabbi Schwartz’s speedy recovery
Kathy & Michael Perloff
The Clergy & Staff of M’kor Shalom
Marilyn & Sheldon Rotter
Rabbi Schwartz’s speedy recovery
Marty & Ellen Faye and Family
Rabbi Schwartz’s speedy recovery
Maury & Mary Ellen Seidman
Rabbi Schwartz
Michael & Stacy Kline
Cantor Borsky
Officers, Board of Trustees & Committee Chairs
The birth of Rabbi Michael Satz & Rabbi Janice
Elster’s son, Eitan Noam Elster-Satz
Paul & Selma Zonies
Rabbi Schwartz’s speedy recovery
Phyllis Popiel
Rabbi Schwartz’s speedy recovery
Rebecca & Art Silver
The marriage of Robert & Eileen Elias’ daughter Rebecca to Ari Forman
Shari & Mitchell Sklar
Rabbi Frenkel
Stuart & Amy Dubowitch
Rabbi Schwartz
The Zalcmann Family
Rabbi Schwartz
Zara & Evan Davis
Cantor Hochman
Religious/Preschool Fund
To provide funding for creative programming for our students.
Received From
In Memory Of
Received From
In Honor Of
Ann Goffman
Barbara Epstein, mother of Yale Epstein
Carol & David Laskin
Ian Berg, father of Jeffrey Berg
Dee & Harry Green
David Garfield, husband of Marjorie Garfield
Howard & Renée Siegel
Arthur Dubowitch, father of Stuart Dubowitch
Howard & Stacy Heyman
Shelly Kaneff, mother of Robert Kaneff
Irene Giman & Glenn Trommer and Family
Ian Berg, father of Jeffrey Berg
Jaime, Rick, Jordan, Hunter & Jake Friedman
Ian Berg, father of Jeffrey Berg
Jason & Leah Wolf
Shelly Kaneff, mother of Robert Kaneff
Mark, Sheryl, Brett & Landon Schuster
Grandmother and great-grandmother of the Unterlack Family
Marla & Gary Vecchio and Family
Barbara Epstein, mother of Yale Epstein
Melissa, Jeff, Matthew & Amanda Merovitz
Barbara Epstein, mother of Yale Epstein
Ross, Judy, John & Mara Greenberg
Ian Berg, father of Jeffrey Berg
Scott & Andrea Rosenthal
Jeanne Gabel, grandmother of Stefanie McCarthy
Scott, Eileen, Zack & Jeremy Kuptsow
Ian Berg, father of Jeffrey Berg
Susan & Scott Soslow
Ian Berg, father of Jeffrey Berg
Suzy & David Peltzman
Shelly Kaneff, mother of Robert Kaneff
Teri & Neal Nover and Family
Shelly Kaneff, mother of Robert Kaneff
The Wachman Family
Barbara Epstein, mother of Yale Epstein
Shelly Kaneff, mother of Robert Kaneff
Yossi Schwarz & Renée Jerome-Schwarz
David Garfield, husband of Marjorie Garfield
Dorothy & Sam Feigenbaum
Elyse Pello
Jayne, Craig, Ravi, Lee & Cary Bloom
The birth of Mr. & Mrs. Evan Zweben’s son
The Clergy & Staff of M’kor Shalom
Lynn Mustica
Lynne Rednik
Teri Nover
Jennifer & Gregory Bauman
Renée Jerome-Schwarz
Stacy Heyman
Judi Weinberg & Harriet Uris
Harley Getson’s Bat Mitzvah
Judy Gerson
The B’not Mitzvah of Lynne & Ed Cohen’s granddaughters, Allison & Rebeca
Linda & Larry Robinson
Arky Halperin’s speedy recovery
Mary Ellen, Maury, Sam, Brian & Claire Seidman
Cantor Borsky
Naomi & Bob Hilbronner The B’not Mitzvah of Lynne & Ed Cohen’s granddaughters, Allison & Rebeca
Officers, Board of Trustees & Committee Chairs
Shayna Herzfeld’s Consecration
Rachel Bauman
Kenny Einhorn
Zipora Lasman
Robert & Beth Kaneff
Cantor Borsky
Shari & Mitchell Sklar
Cantor Borsky
Shonnie Lebovitz & Max Taytelbaum
The birth of Rabbi Michael Satz & Rabbi Janice Elster’s son,
Eitan Noam Elster-Satz
Stef, Darren, Hannah & Chloe McCarthy
Harley Getson’s Bat Mitzvah
Teri & Neal Nover and Family
Harley Getson’s Bat Mitzvah
Terri & Scott Akman
Lynne Rednik & the Preschool
Tot Programming Committee of Congregation M’kor Shalom
Nancy Davis
Scholarship Fund
To provide camp and educational scholarships for our congregants.
Received From
Elyse Pello
In Honor Of
The Clergy & Staff of M’kor Shalom
Amy Silvers Israel Scholarship Endowment Fund*
To provide financial support to enable students to participate in the Confirmation Class Israel Trip.
Received From
Israel Trip Friends of M’kor Shalom
Maury & Mary Ellen Seidman
Merle & Bernie Steinberg
Norman & Arlene Silvers
Received From
Gail & Mark Shafarman
Maury & Mary Ellen Seidman
Norman & Arlene Silvers
In Memory Of
Albert Weiner, father of Penny Robinson
Ian Berg, father of Jeffrey Berg
Albert Weiner, father of Penny Robinson
Florence Silver, wife of Al Silver
Kate Vogel’s mother & John Littleton’s wife, Bess
Libby Cerniglia’s brother
The husband and father of Mrs. Lee Berg & Family
Helen & Leon Weinberg Scholar-in-Residence Fund*
Received From
To support the biennial Scholar-in-Residence Program.
Sharon & Jack Weinberg
Received From
In Honor Of
Carol & Paul Weller
Karen Wallenobrien’s speedy recovery
Torah Fund
Received From
With Bookplate. Minimum Contribution: $72.
Jay & Shea Rosen
Renée & David Weisband
Shonnie Lebovitz & Max Taytelbaum
In Memory Of
Joseph Zalcmann, father of Albert Zalcmann
David Garfield, husband of Marjorie Garfield
David Garfield, husband of Marjorie Garfield
Yahrzeit Memorial Fund
In Honor Of
Norman & Arlene Silvers’ 50th wedding anniversary
Cantor Borsky
Arlene & Ken Borow’s 50th wedding anniversary
Elaine & Herman Katz’s 50th wedding anniversary
Elaine Cohen’s special birthday
Gary Davis’ speedy recovery
Irvin Borowsky’s special birthday
Marcia Zerivitz’s special birthday
Muly Litvak
Phyllis Punch’s birthday
Sol Brown’s special birthday
The birth of Elliott & Marcia Zerivitz’s grandchild
The birth of Jerry & Jane Krasker’s grandchild
The marriage of Caren Lichter & Stan Sack
In Memory Of
Albert Weiner, father of Penny Robinson
Ian Berg, father of Jeffrey Berg
Received From
Beatrice Steiner
Faye Rosengard
Leonard Denbo
Naomi Stoglin
Phyllis Popiel
Vivian & Bart Friedman
To remember beloved family and friends.
In Memory Of
Daniel Steiner, husband
Martin & Shirley Pearlman, parents
Rose Denbo, mother
Jeanette Salkow, sister
Charles Popiel, husband
Maurice Needle, father
Funds noted by an asterisk (*) are restricted funds – that is, contributions are used
solely for the fund’s stated purpose. Contributions to all other synagogue funds ensure
support of specific activities, as well as general congregational needs.
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