Dear Friends,
Rabbi’s Message
I am writing this a few days after the terror attack on Bondi Beach in Australia, where fifteen people were murdered and forty more wounded as Hanukkah was being celebrated. The news landed heavily. Another massacre of Jews carried out in a public space. The Jewish community in Australia had been warning for years that anti-Israel and antisemitic vitriol, left unchecked, would eventually erupt into violence. It always does. Their cries fell on deaf ears.
The antisemitism that has been normalized can feel isolating, as if the world has hardened against us. Many in our shul have shared that they feel that Jewish grief is meant to be carried quietly and without witness. This inevitably leads to a sense of loneliness.
And yet, in this dark moment, something else has happened. Our neighbors have reached out, not only to express horror, but to make sure we feel less alone. An elder from Generations Church called simply to say, we are with you. No agenda. No explanation. Just solidarity, offered person to person.
We also received a letter from a senior administrator at the Ursuline School, the Catholic school next door to our synagogue. I want to share it with you in its entirety because I was deeply moved by it and thought you might be as well.
I write to you with a heavy heart in the wake of the tragic shooting at Bondi Beach in Australia, especially painful as it occurred at the beginning of Hanukkah a time meant for light, hope, and remembrance of God’s enduring presence among God’s people.
Please know that we stand with you and your faith community in sorrow, prayer, and solidarity. We grieve the loss of life, condemn the violence that continues to wound our world, and recognize the particular pain such acts cause within the Jewish community, especially during sacred days.
As you gather to light the menorah this week, we hold you close in our thoughts and prayers. May the lights of Hanukkah shine as a sign of resilience, faith, and the triumph of light over darkness. We pray that they bring comfort to those who mourn, strength to those who feel vulnerable, and renewed hope to all.
We want you to know that the Beth El faith community is not alone. Your safety, dignity, and peace matter to us. The Ursuline School is committed to being neighbors who choose compassion over fear, presence over silence, and solidarity over indifference.
May you all be surrounded by care and love during this holy season. Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is any way we can support you.
With sympathy, respect, and solidarity.
I share this with you because it matters for us to know that even as we feel under siege, there are neighbors in our community who understand the toll this takes on us and who are reaching out to ease the burden of our isolation.
This week, in the shadow of far away violence, our neighbors have reminded us that we are seen, that we are not alone. That solidarity is not an abstract ideal but a phone call, a letter, a willingness to say your pain matters to me.
May we take strength from this. As we continue to confront antisemitism and the ways hatred of the Jewish people is often cloaked in the language of opposition to the only Jewish state, we should also know that there are neighbors who offer genuine solidarity in these trying times. It may not change the reality on the ground, but it can help us feel less alone, and that matters a great deal right now.
L’Shalom,
Rabbi David A. Schuck
President’s Message
I am often asked how decisions get made at Beth El, and how the lay leadership works. In other words: who does what? Beth El has a constitution (available on our website), but assuming that most people, unlike me, are not corporate lawyers who enjoy reading constitutions for fun, I thought I would answer these questions here.
Each year in May, the congregation votes at the Annual Meeting for a slate of Officers and for members of the Board of Trustees (who serve staggered three year terms). The Board meets monthly, and while some of the meetings are to provide Board members with updates on various things happening around the shul, the Board’s charge is primarily financial - to protect the shul’s finances by reviewing and approving a budget each year, and then by reviewing and voting on expenditures outside of that budget. This could include elevator or pool repairs, rates for camp, nursery school and religious school, and increasing the budget for security-related expenses. The Board also votes on significant policy changes.
the needs of the congregation, the committee ultimately recommends a slate of Officers and Trustees to the Board.
We have several other permanent and ad hoc committees. I will mention two here - Audit and Finance and HR. Both are comprised of a mix of Board members and non-Board members, and the members generally have experience in the respective fields. The Audit and Finance Committee reviews the financials, works closely with the Treasurer, and puts together the annual budget working with the members of the professional staff. The HR committee makes significant staffing decisions (i.e. clergy and executive director), provides feedback on performance, and appoints search committees as needed.
The Officers (President, Executive Vice President, Vice Presidents, Treasurer, Recording Secretary and Financial Secretary) each have various responsibilities. As President, I advise both the Rabbi and the Executive Director on a host of policy, personnel, and budget questions, preside over the meetings of the Board, and personally work on fund raising, strategy, and other significant initiatives. The Officers meet monthly as a team and discuss initiatives, policy decisions and provide advice to the clergy and to the Executive Director.
How do individuals become Officers or Board Members?
Each year a Nominating Committee - made up of both Board and non-Board members - is formed shortly after the Semi-Annual meeting in December. The Nominating Committee meets January through March and during that time they speak with current officers as well as individuals who have expressed interest in joining the Board or becoming an officer. Based on these conversations and
Beth El’s lay leadership is strong, thoughtful, and deeply committed to the future of our community. And we are always looking for new voices - people who care about the synagogue, who want to contribute their energy, ideas, and skills, and who want to help shape Beth El’s next chapter.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to serve, or are curious about joining the Board or a committee, I warmly invite you to reach out. My experience serving on the Board has been incredibly meaningful and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Lauren Freeman-Bosworth President
Men’s Club
Beth El Men’s Club’s Annual Sponsorship of World Wide Wrap, a Global Tefillin-Wrapping Initiative
The Beth El Men’s Club does many things that benefit the Beth El community. We provide funds for needed “big ticket” items such as furniture and electronics. We sponsor events including Passover wine tastings; bourbon tastings; an outing to a baseball game; and in conjunction with Beth El Sisterhood, we give siddurim and kiddush cups to all of our b’nei mitzvot, and provide decorations for the sukkah. However, we may be most well-known for our annual sponsorship of the World Wide Wrap (“WWW”), which will be held on February 8, 2026 (Super Bowl Sunday) at 8:15am.
In 1999, the Federation of Jewish Men’s Club premiered a documentary, “The Ties that Bind,” that posed the questions, “What will tefillin do for me?” and “Why should I wear them?” The documentary spurred the creation of a worldwide day for Jewish men and women to experience the mitzvah of putting on tefillin, some for the very first time. Inspired by the film, a Conservative Temple in Charlotte, North Carolina created a program known as the “100-Man Wrap,” and drew more than that number of men and women for their shacharit service, which included laying tefillin. From there, the program grew and grew, and today it is practiced at Conservative synagogues throughout the world.
At Beth El, the World Wide Wrap has evolved into a program for our whole community, and especially our b’nei mitzvah students, who, aided by our minyanaires, are invited to learn about the practice and to lay tefillin. Since this is an opportunity for some who have never put on tefillin or haven’t done so in many years, the clergy and lay people help teach them how it is done. In addition to the regular minyanaires, we encourage other adults, including recent b’nei mitzvot, to join us for the service and assist our students in wrapping tefillin.
After services, we have a tradition of everybody gathering for a group picture for The Bulletin, followed by a bagel brunch sponsored by the Men’s Club.
So bottom line, come join the minyan at 8:15am, our usual Sunday morning starting time, on February 8th. Bring your tefillin if you have a pair or borrow one from us, perform a mitzvah, and then stay for breakfast.
Steven Young Marc Klee Men’s Club
Israel 360 | Staying Connected with our Israeli Family
Israel 360 kicked off this year with a uniquely informative program featuring Professor Dan Ben David, Founder and President of The Shoresh Institution for Socioeconomic Research, titled “Israel at a Crossroads: Where Do We Go From Here?” It was an eye opening, albeit sobering, presentation that examined the various demographic and societal challenges developing in Israeli society and approaching a critical juncture. With data driven analysis, Professor Ben David explored issues ranging from education gaps to workforce participation and economic disparity, and outlined potential reforms aimed at navigating a more sustainable future.
And we have more engaging programs coming up. On Thursday, January 15th at 7:30pm, Beth El’s very own Salo Aizenberg will present “The War on Truth: Confronting the Disinformation Campaign Against Israel.” Salo is a widely published commentator on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and antisemitism, and a board member of Honest Reporting. He’ll discuss how misleading narratives take shape, with a particular focus on debunking flawed reports, examining their impact on global opinion and explaining how inaccuracies can be identified and challenged.
On Thursday, February 26th at 7:30pm, Israel 360 will proudly host the film “The Road Between Us.” Winner of the People’s Choice Documentary Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, this powerful and moving film combines new interviews with footage from October 7th to recount how retired general Noam Tibon journeyed from Tel Aviv to Kibbutz Nahal Oz seeking to rescue his son and his family from Hamas attack. Many may remember that General Tibon’s son, Amir Tibon, spoke to us from Israel shortly after that horrific day at one of our Breakfast Briefings sharing his family’s harrowing experience on October 7th. Hearing and seeing this dramatic and very personal journey unfold from his father’s perspective promises to be an especially moving experience.
We hope you will join us for these important events and we look forward to continuing to provide opportunities for our community to engage with a diversity of voices on the complex and challenging issues facing Israel.
Tamar Tait & Mark Seidenfeld Co-Chairs, Israel 360 Committee
Keruv | Accessibility & Inclusion @ Beth El
One of the missions of the Keruv Committee is to make the Beth El Synagogue Center building accessible so that all members and visitors feel comfortable and that their access needs are understood and met. We have renewed focus as we approach Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) in February, which aims to raise awareness of challenges faced by individuals with disabilities to foster a more inclusive Jewish community.
The Torah portion Vayishlach offers a powerful example of how to strive to understand and meet another person’s needs out of love and empathy. When Jacob and Esau reunite after years of estrangement, Esau ran to greet Jacob, embraced him, kissed him, and they wept. Esau then says to Jacob (in Genesis 33:12), “Let us start on our journey, and I will proceed at your pace.” River Mudgett provides a personal and insightful D’var Torah about this line in their article, “Jacob, Esau and Access Intimacy,” which is available in the Disability Torah Project library of parsha reflections at disabilitytorahproject.org/writings. The article explains that Esau must have noticed that Jacob is injured and limping due to his recent divine wrestling match, and that his words to Jacob demonstrate
the concept of “access intimacy,” which is when a person understands another person’s accessibility needs as a result of a vulnerable and open interaction. Access intimacy does not require an intense relationship or detailed knowledge about the other person’s condition, but rather a desire to notice and learn about the person’s difficulties out of caring and empathy.
In the spirit of JDAIM and to strive for access intimacy, we invite anyone with mobility, hearing, vision, neurodiversity or other access needs—or any family member or friend— to come to an Accessibility Tour of Beth El on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 4:00-5:00pm. The tour will be led by Keruv committee members and our Facility Director Anthony Maiolo, and will also be accessible by Zoom. It will be an opportunity to explore our building, explain and demonstrate current accommodations (accessible bathrooms, chair-lift and designated seating in the sanctuary, large-print prayer books, and hearing devices), and discuss how these work or fall short and how they can be improved. Register at bethelnr.org/access-tour
If you wish to participate in the tour, or if you cannot make it but would like to provide feedback about the accessibility of the building, please reach out to Carrie at csfox99@gmail.com or Ellen at hollanderellen550@gmail.com. We hope this tour will help strengthen the understanding and connection among our community members and create a more accessible space for all.
As always, please contact info@bethel.org or (914) 235-2700 with accessibility needs so we can address them.
Carrie Fox Keruv Committee Calling All Volunteers!
Beth El is looking for volunteers to help lead our efforts to expand Beth El’s involvement in the following areas: social action, chesed, and community building/ social programming.
If you are someone who is looking to get more involved, please contact Beth El’s Programming Director Stephanie Lederman at slederman@bethelnr.org join the chesed committee!
You can help provide kosher food for our community in their times of need. In the past, the committee has run special seders, provided shiva meals for those in need, and also those whose health was failing.
Contact Beth El Chesed Co-Chairs Sandy Gruenberg and Joyce Wechsler at gamson36@gmail.com
Chesed
Bikkur Cholim – Caring for Homebound Members
The mitzvah of bikkur cholim —caring for those who are ill or homebound—has deep roots in our tradition. The rabbis teach that when Avraham was recovering from his brit milah, God visited him, modeling the power of presence and care.
At Beth El, our Chesed efforts include community members reaching out to homebound congregants and others who may appreciate a friendly phone call or an occasional visit. These small acts of connection can make a real difference.
Opening Our Seder Tables
Pesach may feel far away, but it arrives quickly. Each year, individuals and families in our community find themselves looking for a place at a seder table—for many reasons: being new to the area, living alone, traveling far from family, or navigating a time of transition.
At the beginning of the Haggadah we declare:
“Let all who are hungry come and eat; let all who are in need come and celebrate Pesach.”
Opening your seder table is a meaningful way to put these words into practice—and a chance to welcome new voices and perspectives into your Pesach experience.
Connecting Through Chesed If you know someone in our community who might benefit from a check-in, a call, a visit, or an invitation to a seder, please reach out. We are also looking for volunteers—whether to make occasional phone calls, visit homebound members, or host guests at a seder. No prior experience is necessary; guidance and support will be provided.
To request support or volunteer, please contact Rabbi Viki Bedo at vbedo@bethelnr.org or (914) 235-2700, ext. 427
Sisterhood
The WeCareBlankets Beth El Sisterhood initiative convenes knitting and crocheting members every Thursday morning in the Beth El Den to create stitches that will keep a child who is in hospital undergoing medical treatment warm once completed.
The
Distance From Tel Aviv to Jerusalem
Since this past Spring, the group has completed over 100 hand-knit and crocheted blankets. While some are larger, most are about 36x36 inches in size. That means if we were to stretch out the yarn used, that single strand would stretch from Tel Aviv all the way to Jerusalem!
Join this initiative and see what else Beth El Sisterhood is up to at bethelnr.org/sisterhood.
Beth El Sisterhood Social Action Initiative in conjunction with WE CARE and You Can Too…
…as we make blankets for children in CANCER TREATMENT at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Valhalla
• WANT TO LEARN HOW TO KNIT OR CROCHET ?
Phyllis Feingold will teach starting February 27 on Thursdays from 10:00 to 12 Noon in the Board Room
If you know how to knit or crochet you can work at home-or join the group and schmooze as we work and learn together
Blankets must be made with washable acrylic yarn and should be approximately 36”x 36” and colorful
• YOU MAY PREFER TO DONATE MONEY OR SUPPLIES
We have some supplies to get started but will need more.
Bring supplies to Beth El indicating it is for Sisterhood
To donate money make check payable to Beth El Sisterhood noting We Care Blankets and Mail to: Rita Kaufman 188 Tewkesbury Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583
• You MUST REGISTER for We Care and/or for Questions Leave a message at: wecaresisterhood@gmail.com
Looking forward to working with you from the We Care Blankets CommitteeCindy Shechter, Chair Dorothy Fox, Judi Kenter, Rita Kaufman, Phyllis Feingold
Beth El Nursery School
At our Nursery School, every celebration is also a learning experience—one that reflects our deep commitment to the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Hanukkah, with its rich traditions, meaningful rituals, and joyful sense of community, offers a beautiful opportunity for children to learn through hands-on exploration, collaboration, and expression.
In the Reggio Emilia approach, children are seen as competent, curious, and full of ideas. When children create their own Chanukiot or sew dreidel pillows, they are not simply completing projects—they are problem-solving, making choices, experimenting with materials, and expressing their understanding of Hanukkah in their own unique ways. Each creation reflects the child’s thinking, creativity, and growing independence.
Reggio Emilia values the “hundred languages of children”— the many ways children express themselves beyond words. Frying latkes, shaping dough for jelly donuts, sewing, painting, singing, and building all allow children to communicate ideas through movement, art, music, and sensory exploration. These activities engage all the senses and invite children to deepen their understanding through doing.
Collecting mittens to donate reflects one of the core values of both Hanukkah and the Reggio Emilia philosophy: caring for others. Children participate in meaningful acts of kindness, learning that they are part of a larger community and that their actions can make a difference. Gathering to sing Hanukkah songs reinforces connection, shared joy, and a sense of belonging.
Our classrooms are thoughtfully prepared with inviting materials, open-ended tools, and spaces that encourage collaboration. During Hanukkah, the environment evolves alongside the children’s interests, becoming a place where traditions are explored, questions are welcomed, and learning naturally unfolds.
By gathering as a community to sing, cook, create, and give, children experience Hanukkah not just as a holiday, but as a living, shared story. These moments foster relationships, strengthen identity, and honor each child’s voice. Through these Hanukkah experiences, our children are learning far more than traditions—they are developing curiosity, compassion, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning, all seamlessly woven into the fabric of the Reggio Emilia philosophy.
Ronnie Becher Director, Beth El Nursery School
Beth El Day Camp
The Camp that Grows with Your Child
Beth El Day Camp is well known for its nurturing atmosphere and dedicated staff, which makes it a perfect first camp experience for our youngest campers. But Beth El Day Camp’s excellence doesn’t stop there! Serving campers ages 2 through 12, Beth El Day camp offers programming that is tailored to support the socioemotional and physical growth of children of all ages. As campers progress through our camp program, the contents of their days at camp shift to support those changes.
Our Dagim-Fish (2s), Parparim-Butterflies (3s), and Tziporim-Birds (4s) enjoy nursery school-inspired activities ranging from bikes & trikes, storytime, music, playground time, trains, yoga, sports, art, time to explore our indoor adventure space, and so much more!
Our Kofim-Monkeys (5s) are ready for even more with the introduction of more advanced concepts in STEM and cooking. One of the highlights for our 5 year old campers year after year is karate with our beloved instructor, Diane Richardson, who has taught martial arts at Beth El Day Camp for many years. Our Kofim also share weekly performance and Oneg Shabbat experiences with older campers.
Dubim-Bears (6s), Pilim-Elephants (7s) and ArayotLions (8s) are all about acquiring exciting new skills and deepening their understanding of and engagement with creative and athletic concepts. From magic with our camp magician, Magic Evan, to drumming and music composition with Dave Lewitt, our campers come home at the end of each day ready to perform for their loved ones and looking forward to what the next day will bring. In the pool, our older campers participate in swim challenges that enable them to demonstrate skill and endurance, earning them access to deeper parts of the pool where they can dive and perfect their form. They take pride in being able to leave campus weekly to enjoy recreational activities at nearby Roosevelt Park.
Beth El Day Camp’s 9 - 12 year olds experience a summer where their imaginations know no limits: Creativity Camp. With staff who are passionate about children and the arts and a rotation of specialists who are experts in their craft, campers gain exposure to topics such as fashion design, watercolor painting, makerspace, beading, and improvisational arts as well as open studio time to pursue what most resonates with them. They also benefit from Beth El’s regular camp programming, including tennis, swim, drumming, and more. One of the highlights of Creativity Camp is the weekly field trips, which alternate between Roosevelt Park, volunteering at HOPE, and an end-of-summer trip to the trampoline park.
Interested in learning more about Creativity Camp? Join us for a Taste of Creativity Camp on January 25th, 2026 from 12pm - 2pm. We’ll enjoy a pizza lunch, an art project, and finish with making a sweet treat. Register at bethelnr.org/ taste-of-camp.
Don’t miss out—spots are filling up fast! Visit betheldaycamp.org to register today. Feel free to contact our leadership team at daycamp@bethelnr. org with any questions. We hope you join us for a magical summer!
Zoe Schein
Beth El Day Camp Assistant Director betheldaycamp.org
bethelnr.org/casino
Department of Youth and Family
Top 5 Highlights
from November & December ‘25
1. We really got into the meat of our learning in Religious School, and had Mitzvah Days for our K-3rd grade classes. Families joined us to explore mitzvot related to our classroom learning about Torah stories, Jewish values and mitzvot.
2. We prepared for Youth & Family Engagement Shabbat by learning numerous songs and prayers to share with the congregation, preparing our art display, creating our beautiful center pieces for the Community Dinner, and connecting our children’s and Teen programming with the larger picture of the greater synagogue community.
3. We celebrated Hanukkah with our Hanukkah Havdalah Sleep-Unders, in which our elementary schoolers enjoyed havdalah, pizza making, movies, and Hanukkah cookie decorating. They really had a blast, and we also collected over a dozen pairs of new pajamas for Beyond Bedtime, an organization that supports families and children facing adversity in developing restful, nurturing bedtime routines.
4. We enjoyed our first Religious School snow day of the year, although we hope to reschedule our Mitzvah Field Trip to Willow Towers for a later date to bring joy and companionship to the residents.
5. We celebrated Hanukkah together with our joyful Community Candlelighting for the 5th night of Hanukkah!
I want to introduce Mason Voit, who will be running the Religious School and Department of Youth & Family Engagement while I am home with my newest addition. Mason will be joining us after working as Director of Education and Jewish Family Life for CSAIR, a Conservative synagogue in Riverdale, for over two decades. He brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, creativity, and passion to this role, and will be more-than-able to lead our programming during my absence. I cannot think of a better person to take over while I am gone, and I am sure that our community will welcome Mason with open arms! Please be sure to introduce yourself to Mason and he can be reached at mvoit@bethelnr.org, Mason will take over in mid-January.
Alyssa Berman Dept. of Youth & Family and Religious School Director
Join the Fun at These Upcoming Events
bethelnr.org/calendar
Youth Programs (K-7th Grades)
• Monday, January 19: MLK Day of Service in partnership with Shiloh Baptist Church, 10:00am
• Sunday, February 1: Youth & Family Ice Skating, 2:00pm
• Saturday, February 7: GameOn: Shabbat Board Games and Light Dinner, 4:00pm
• Sunday, February 8: World Wide Wrap (for 6th & 7th Graders), 8:00am followed by brunch
• Sunday, February 8: B’nei Mitzvah Date Reveal (for 4th Graders), 12:00pm
• Sunday, March 1: Purim Carnival Teen Programs (8th-12th Grades)
• Friday, January 31: Teen Shabbat Dinner
• Saturday, February 28: Purim Carnival Prep, in the Evening (Teens and Adults)
Weekly Shabbat & Holiday Programs
Saturdays at 10:30am. For service locations, visit bethelnr.org/calendar
• Tots Shabbat (Babies-Age 5)
• Mini Minyan (K-2nd grades)
• Junior Minyan (3rd-7th)
Beth El Teens is buzzing with energy this year! We kicked things off with a lively Welcome Back BBQ, followed by Sushi in the Sukkah, a warm and welcoming Shabbat dinner at Rabbi Sitkin’s home, and meaningful parent-teen learning during Youth & Family Shabbat. The turnout and enthusiasm at each event have been truly exciting, and speak to the strong sense of connection our teens are building together.
Behind the scenes, we’ve refreshed our Instagram presence (follow us! @bethelnr_teens), created thriving WhatsApp chats, and formed an active teen leadership team that’s helping bring new ideas to life. And there’s plenty to look forward to—a Shabbat dinner at Rabbi Schuck’s home, a poker and game night full of fun and friendship, a meaningful MLK Day spent giving back through chesed work at Beth El, and more.
It’s been such a joy to watch our teen community grow, lead, and engage—and we’re just getting started!
Lisa Mendler
Beth El Teens Coordinator
Mitzvah Days
Teen Hangs
Lifelong Learners
Thursdays | No Charge
10:00am Coffee
10:15am- 12:00pm Opera Experience
January 15: Rigoletto
January 22: Don Giovanni
January 29: Lucia
February 12: Cosi Fan Tutte
Join Joan Mallory and enjoy the music and mood of Opera!
Joan is on the New Rochelle Opera Board of Directors, and is the Former Chair of Music Education at Nyack College.
Opera lovers and newcomers are welcome!
Re gister at bethelnr.or g/oper a or call Julie (914) 235-2700, ext. 340
Lunch & Lear n: Tuesday, Febr uar y 17
Lunch & Lear n: Tuesday, Febr uar y 17
Tiffany to Wright: A Journey Through The MET’S Stained Glass Collection
Join Elana Kaplan, museum lecturer and educator, for an engaging tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Stained Glass Window collection. Together, we’ll explore works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, John La Farge, Frank Lloyd Wright, and other visionary artists. Along the way, we’ll uncover the stories, symbolism, and artistic innovations that bring these windows to life and make them some of the museum’s most captivating treasures. 11:30am | lunch to follow | RSVP required.
Shoresh Halev Center for Jewish Music at Beth El
Shoresh Halev’s Prayer Initiative Update
As we look ahead to 2026, I am excited to share how Shoresh Halev’s Prayer Initiative has generated growing energy around prayer, music, and participation in services at Beth El and how we aim to continue to build new pathways for deeper engagement in our services.
Prayer Team
Our Prayer Team is a group of congregants who especially enjoy communal singing. We meet monthly to learn new melodies and we lead the congregation on Shabbat and special holiday services. This group has become an important part of our musical and spiritual life and we aim to broaden participation and invite more voices to join us for this meaningful work. You do not need experience or skill to be part of our Prayer Team, or an especially great voice. You just need to enjoy singing and be open to bringing song from the depths of your heart.
Shabbat and Holidays
The clergy team continues to find ways to make our services more accessible and musical, and we sense a palpable excitement as services are more spirited than ever. Family celebrations and communal milestones are celebrated during services increasingly enlivened by song.
Looking forward to Spring
This spring, we look forward to:
• Experimenting with new ways for the Prayer Team to participate in services
• Adding music to parts of the service that are currently recited only
• Introducing more of the original melodies we have commissioned
• Experimenting with moments of communal intention (kavvanah), where we pause to share a melody or reflect briefly on a moment or a prayer.
Strengthening Our Daily Minyan
To support and strengthen our Daily Minyan, Cantor Gaby and I are launching a New Marketing Initiative with a clear goal: to ensure that we always have sufficient people to “make a minyan”. Our new campaign slogan is “We Count on You.” Stay tuned for more!
Shoresh
Jack Klebanow Music Director,
Halev Center for Jewish Music at Beth El
Beth El Community News
Mazal tov to:
Mazal tov to Shayna & Ian Leaderman on the bar mitzvah of their son, Eli Leaderman.
Mazal tov to Ella & Sam Shteingart on the engagement of their daughter, Simone to Adam Feldman, son of Nancy & Brian Feldman.
Mazal tov to Emily Rubin on being elected as a judge in the Westchester County Family Court.
Mazal tov to Rachel & Jason Heiser on the birth of their daughter, Sage Payton, born Monday, October 27th, 2025.
Mazal tov to Tally & Jake Palefski on the bat mitzvah of their daughter, Mijal Palefski.
Mazal tov to Rabbi Viki Bedo on her Beth El Synagogue installation that took place on Sunday, November 16th.
Mazal tov to Erica & Larry Epstein on the birth of their first grandchild, Lyla Ruth born on November 10th. Mazal tov also to parents, Marc & Sarah Epstein.
Mazal tov to Josh Casson on the 31st anniversary of his bar mitzvah.
Mazal tov to Michele & Arthur Wolk on the birth of their grandson, Miles Eli on October 28th and mazal tov also to parents, Samantha Wolk & Ian Sacarny.
Mazal tov to Dori Graff & Seth Leibowitz on the bat mitzvah of their daughter Cassidy Leibowitz.
Mazal tov to Claire & Sam Stampfer on the naming of their daughter, Goldie Sage and mazal tov also to Peter & Phoebe Gross and Claire & Meir Stampfer on naming of their granddaughter.
Mazal tov to Debbie & Jonathan Rieber on the bar mitzvah of their son, Jacob Rieber.
Mazal tov to Beth El members, Sandy Savitz Gruenberg, Fred Claar, Susan Brown Hollander and Barbara Shulman on their induction into the Westchester County Senior Hall of Fame.
Mazal tov to Rabbi Jessica Fisher & Rabbi Geoff Claussen on the birth of their son, Yona Lev Fisher-Claussen.
Mazal tov to the teens and children who will participate in Youth & Family Shabbat, and thank you to all the families who contributed to the kiddush.
Mazal tov to Leslie & Dick Ruttenberg on the engagement of their son Matthew to Rachel Brinn, daughter of Nancy & Ron Brinn.
Mazal tov to Elise & Barry Richman on their 45th wedding anniversary.
Mazal tov to Emily Rubin on being elected as a Judge in the Westchester County Family Court.
Mazal tov to Lewis Koflowitz on the anniversary of his bar mitzvah.
A warm Beth El mazal tov to one and all!
Condolences to:
Condolences to Frank & Nancy Levin on the loss of Frank’s father, Joseph Levin z”l. Condolences also to Hannah Levin and Jeremy Levin on the loss of their grandfather and to Eden on the loss of her great-grandfather.
Condolences to the King family on the loss of our longtime member, Ruth King z”l.
Condolences to the Davison family on the loss of Beth El’s past Executive Director Irwin Davison z”l.
Condolences to Gwen & Gary Salmo on the loss of Gwen’s father, Warren Kashuk z”l.
Condolences to Hal & Barbara Shulman on the loss of Hal’s brother, Steven Shulman z”l.
Condolences to Bruce (Grace Kalfus) and Lisa (Jim McHugh) on the loss of their brother Kenneth “Kenny” Gold z”l, and to Rebekkah and Lissy on the loss of their uncle.
Condolences to Peter (Risa Ryger) Wasserman and Julie Anderson on the loss of their mother, Mildred Wasserman Kraft z”l. Condolences also to Carlin (Jeremy) Turim, Maris Ryger-Wasserman, Justin (Claudia) Anderson and Jordan Anderson on the loss of their grandmother, and to Rory and Sebastian on the loss of their great-grandmother.
Condolences to Hy (Marcia) Pryluck on the loss of his sister Esther Lilly Jucovics z”l.
We record the losses suffered by our members and friends and extend to them our deepest sympathies.
Share your milestone events with us
If you experience a milestone or a loss in your family contact Zoe at zraynes@bethelnr.org or (914) 235-2700, ext. 223
Kiddush Sponsors
The kiddush of November 8th was sponsored by Shayna & Ian Leaderman in honorof the bar mitzvah of their son, Eli Leaderman.
The kiddush of November 15th was sponsored by Tally & Jake Palefski in honor of the bat mitzvah of their daughter, Mijal Palefski.
The kiddush of November 22nd was sponsored by Josh & Jessica Casson in honor of Josh reading haftorah on the 31st anniversary of his bar mitzvah.
The kiddush of November 29th was sponsored by Dori Graff & Seth Leibowitz in honor of their daughter, Cassidy Leibowitz’s bat mitzvah, and also by Phoebe & Peter Gross in honor of the naming of their granddaughter, Goldie Sage Stampfer.
The kiddush of December 6th was sponsored by Debbie and Jonathan Rieber in honor of the bar mitzvah of their son Jacob Rieber.
The kiddush of December 13th was sponsored by the families of the Beth El Youth Community in honor of Youth and Family Engagement Shabbat.
The kiddush of December 20th was sponsored by Elise and Barry Richman in honor of their 45th wedding anniversary, and by Dan Feldman in honor of Emily Rubin being elected as judge in Westchester County Family Court.
Beth El Gives
B’Yachad Fund
Thank you to all who have contributed to Beth El’s Annual B’Yachad Fundraiser. And thank you to those who increased their donations by 10% (indicated with a *). The contributions listed are as of December 22nd, 2025. Contributions received after that date will be listed in the next Bulletin.
Pillar ($25,000 and above)
Anonymous (1 Family)*
Claar Family
Laurie & Eric Roth*
Carla & Laurence Stein
Builder ($18,000 and above)
Anonymous (1 Family)*
The Feilbogen Family
Koach ($10,000 and above)
Anonymous (2 Families)
Tris, Sam, Yali & Kenny Berger*
Robert & Barbara Cohen*
Brenda & Ivan Corwin*
Barbara & Robert Ehudin
Susan & David Schlecker*
Lori & Steven Schwartz*
Harriet & Marc Suvall*
Jill & Bruce Weisfeld
Guardian ($7,200 and above)
Anonymous (2 Families)
Susan Eichen & Jeff Mittleman*
Joel & Meredith Gantcher
Bob & Susan Goldstein*
Supporter ($5,400 and above)
Anonymous (1 Family)*
Aizenberg-Kleinhaus Family
Lauren Freeman-Bosworth & Brian Bosworth*
Joyce & Fred Claar
Dorothy Fox
Louis & Lynette Goldberg*
Alan & Allison Kellman
Jenny & Randy Longman*
Sue & Michael Meisler
David & Geralynn Reifer*
Dr. Ellen Teplitz Warhit & Barry Warhit*
Patron ($3,600 and above)
Anonymous (2 Families)*
Marvin & Shari Chinitz
Michael & Claudia Felberg*
Sheryl & Aaron Fleishaker*
Abbe Fleishaker
Sandy & Jack Gruenberg
Karen & Jeff Hogan & Family*
The Jacobs Family*
Janet & Arthur Jakoby*
Harvey & Phyllis Jay*
Dr. Martin Keltz & Dr. Lynn M. Buckvar-Keltz
Steven & Maria Kessler*
Lisa & Robert Patchen and Family
Jayne & Darren Peister
Hila Reichman & Josh Podietz
Elise & Barry Richman
Judith Schmeidler
Shomrim ($2,500 and above)
Anonymous (1 Family)*
Adrienne & Brad Altman*
Jane & Steven Berkowitz & Family*
Lynn & Steven Gruenstein
Gary & Micki Joseph
Marc Klee & Barbara Engelson*
Joseph & Tamar Tait
Barbara & Joseph Wygoda
Anita & Marc Zoldessy*
Benefactor ($1,800 and above)
Anonymous (2 Families)
Beth Breakstone & Ted Keltz
Daniel & Jody Burton
Rachel & Barry Charles
Marvin Dubin & Susan Solow Dubin
David Glick & Reena Blum Glick
Linda & Michael Goldstein*
Helene Katz
Rita & David Kaufman
Marshall Matos
Stephanie & Matthew Klingsberg
Lisa & Mark Medin
John Morris & Family*
George & Gaby Newfield
The Rosenberg Family*
Rob & Jodi Scheinfeld
Marjorie, Mark, Talia, Michael & Jonah Seidenfeld
Blair & Evelyn Selber
Erik Sulman & Dara Less*
Eric & Ruth Treiber*
Roberta Weiss & Isaac Kotlowicz
Rebecca and Jack Wertheimer
Steward ($1,000 and above)
Dave & Denise Abner*
Liz & Eric Alderman & Family
Nathan & Marcia Assor
The Barlis Family
The Davidowitz Family*
Caroline Fox & David Shechter*
Bruce & Rita Gilbert
Jacob & Ellen Hollander
Barbara & David Horowitz
The Kalman Family
Sam & Joanna Kaufman
Rosalind Kaufman*
Alfred & Shelley Klein
Nina Luban & Scott Bonci
Drs. Scott Mellis & Melanie Kogan
Esther & Mark Mildner
Barbara & Lawrence Orans
The Safer Family
Alan & Thalia Segal*
The Sitkin Family
Shirin & Steven Stein
Cynthia & Ira Shechter*
Ofer & Talia Nagar*
Allison & Alex Wohl*
Norbert & Claudia Wolloch*
Debbie & Steven Young
Chaverim ($540 and above)
Anonymous (3 Families)
Debra & Edward Ackerman
Bartell Family*
Fred & Judy Bomback
Lisa Capelouto & Paul Bernstein
Jacqueline Spiegel-Cohen & Steven Cohen*
Phyllis Cole*
Rachel Barbanel-Fried & Andy Salama*
The Friedlander Family
Jonathan & Elissa Glickman
Marsha & Arthur Goldstein
Susan Goldstein
Daniel & Susan Groner*
Vona Herz
Nadine, Robert, Ben, Hannah & Lily Jacobson*
Bernard Katz
Raanan Korinow & Shira Novack
Barbara & Marc Lazarus
Susan & Elliot Lesser
Arthur & Barbara Margolin
The Moscowitz-Urbas Family
Moster Family
Mindy Patchen*
Robert & Pam Preminger*
Hyman & Marcia Pryluck*
George & Sharon Rozansky*
Paul & Hanita Schneiderman*
Judy & Ed Schwartz*
Lloyd Sherman
Candace Silver*
Mark Silver*
Peter & Sharon Spenser
Alan & Risë Stern
Alicia & Scott Talmadge
Mark & Eleanor Walfish
Bill & Kathi Winters
Dr. Jill Zeitlin & Marc Wilenzick
Contributor ($360 and above)
Anonymous (7 Families)
Steven & Michele Brick
Sheila Cohen
Beth & Ronald Cohen*
Barbara Finder
I. David Goldman
Peter & Phoebe Gross
Julia Keltz & Zach Seiden
Judi & Rabbi Barry A Kenter
THANK YOU!
Dava Yavetz and David Lacher
Barbara & Jay Lerman
Martin Levitin*
Laura Jane Lewis*
Lydia Read & Dan Mailick
Larry & Lisa Mandelker*
Richard & Leslie Ruttenberg
Evelyn & Barry Salter
Hal & Barbara Shulman*
Weber Family
Sharon Weinstock & Jacques Steinberg
Rick & Anne Weisbrod
Esther Winik*
Allan & Claire Wolkoff*
Other Donations
Anonymous (4 Families)*
Jeff & Susan Adler
Joseph Aronauer
Rachel and Enrique Casanova
Alana Chill & Elliot Meiteles
Ilene & Irwin S. Davison
Janis Demartini & Family*
Carol & Paul Diament
The Diamond-Goldklang Family
Daniel & Jill Efron
Phyllis Feingold
Susan & Joel Grossman
Dr. Alan & Brenda Guber
Melissa & Zev Haber
Larry Hanau*
Arthur & Loretta Hollander
Susan & Elliot Hollander*
Kenneth Honig
Ben & Heather Horowitz & Family*
Barry & Sarah Josephs
Robert Kattan*
Jack & Elaine Katz
The Katz Family*
David & Fran Klingsberg
Shayna Klopott & Michael Frankel*
Lewis Koflowitz
Donna & Gary Levy*
Marks Family
Debra & Adam Mayblum
Josh Rehr & Elana Jacob*
Meri-Jane Rochelson & Joel Mintz*
Howard & Shery Rosenstein
Brad & Stephanie Roth
Malva Luban-Rothstein & Sidney Rothstein*
Gary & Gwen Salmo*
Elise & Bob Schepp
Roni & Mike Schiffres*
Naomi Adler Schiller
Dr. Isaiah & Janet Seligman
Andrea Spitz
Steven & Rachelle Stern
Dr. Marc Wager
Norma Wasserman
Elly & Teddy Zabb
General Fund
(Includes Kiddush Luncheon Fund)
For the recovery of Eliazor ben Hana from Lisa & Perry Jacobs; Menachem Creditor; Eli & Penny Shima Glanz; Alyssa & Michael Sherman.
In Honor of:
Alan Greenberg on the birth of his granddaughter, from Marc & Anita Zoldessy.
Peter and Sharon Spenser on the birth of your grandson, from Naana Cobbina.
Andrea Fleishaker. Mazel tov on your Simchat Torah honor, from Sarene & Harold Shanus.
Benjamin Aaron Sherman who became a bar mitzvah on October 25th, 2025, from Fred & Judy Bomback.
The birth of Elly and Teddy Zabb’s great grandson, from Helene Katz.
Simchat Torah Honorees: Barbara Finder, Andrea Fleishaker, Marcia Assor and the Floor Gabbaim, from Helene Katz and Ellen & Jacob Hollander.
Lorri & Rich Levine on the marriage of their daughter Stacey Levine to Justin Burris, from Thomas & Pearl Sullivan.
Rob and Lisa Patchen’s October Beth El Schmooze event, from Susan & Michael Meisler.
Our very special grandson Eli Leaderman on his bar mitzvah on 11/8/2025 and his parents Shayna and Ian, from Ronald & Roberta Sacks.
Ben Claar and Marissa Wolf’s recent marriage, from Larry & Stacey Kohn.
Phyllis Feingold for our shabbat and cooking experience, from Dorothy Fox.
The birth of Sage Payton Heiser, from Jackie & Sol Israel.
Leslie & Dick Ruttemberg on their grandson Benjamin’s bar mitzvah, from Helene Katz.
Erica & Larry Epstein on birth of their granddaughter, Lyla Ruth, from Helene Katz and Barbara & Bob Cohen.
The Beth El clergy, with gratitude for your consistent warmth and welcome. Your teaching is accessible, inspiring, and practical—exactly what I need. Kol hakavod to each of you, from Wayne Groh.
In appreciation for Rabbi Bedo on her installation, from Norma Wasserman.
The anniversary of the bar mitzvah of Joshua Casson, from Barbara & David Horowitz.
Rabbi Zach Sitkin, from Leonid & Amy Grinberg.
The baby naming of Goldie Stampfer, granddaughter of Phoebe and Peter Gross, from Barbara & Bob Cohen.
Barbara Finder, from Naana Cobbina.
Elise and Barry Richman’s 45th wedding anniversary, from Judy & Ed Schwartz and Family.
The anniversary of my bar mitzvah, from Lewis Koflowitz.
In Memory of:
Myron Jacobs z”l, Joan Jacobs z”l and Teddi Ann Jacobs z”l, from Lisa & Perry Jacobs.
Joseph Buchsbaum z”l, Lily Buchsbaum z”l and Elsie Hulnick z”l, from Irving Buchsbaum.
Joseph Levin z”l, beloved father of Frank Levin, from Thomas & Pearl Sullivan, Arthur & Janet Jakoby and Carol Booth.
Anita Liebowitz z”l, from Lynn & Jeffrey Lowin.
Ruth King z”l, from Adele Ostrager and Blair & Evelyn Selber.
S. Joseph Birshtein z”l and Bess Rosen Birshtein z”l, from Barbara Birshtein.
Margery Blum z”l, from David Glick & Reena Blum Glick.
Dr. Barry Steinberg z”l, upon his yahrtzeit, from Jacques Steinberg & Sharon Weinstock.
Irwin Davison z”l, beloved husband of Ilene Davison, from Shirin & Steven Stein.
My beloved brother on his yahrzeit, from Lewis Koflowitz.
Warren Kashuk z”l, beloved father of Gwen Salmo, from Thomas & Pearl Sullivan and Steven & Shirin Stein.
THANK YOU!
The Robert Matthew Klein Fund for Inclusion and Special Needs
THANK YOU!
In Honor of:
Jen & Dan Lifshey with thanks for the climbing dome!
We’re so glad we’re neighbors, from Ellen & Jason Wirchin.
Erica & Larry Epstein on birth of their grand daughter, Lyla Ruth, from Lori & Steve Schwartz, Judi Schmeidler and Shelley & Fred Klein.
In Memory of:
Yvette Seltzer z”l, beloved mother of Robin Seltzer, from Judi Schmeidler.
Warren Kashuk z”l, beloved father of Gwen Salmo, from Nora Klion Wolloch.
David Gingold Nursery School Fund
In Honor of:
Rabbi Bedo, mazel tov on your installation, from the Families in Gezah Bet.
In Memory of:
Selma Resnik Rapp z”l, from Mitchel Kaplan.
Hannelie Guggenheim z”l, from Allan Guggenheim & Lucy Bolton.
Laurie’s beloved mother, Mildred Michael z”l on her yahrzeit, from Eric & Laurie Roth.
The Yvette and Herman Gordon Century Fund for Adult Teaching and Learning
For the recovery of Julie Rockowitz, from Jacob Renick.
In Honor of:
The Lifelong Learners, from Jacob Renick.
Alan Greenberg on the birth of his granddaughter, from Phyllis & Harvey Jay.
The anniversary of my bar mitzvah, from Lewis Koflowitz.
In Memory of:
Isidore Hirsch z”l, from Yvette Gordon.
Bob’s beloved parents, Jerry and Jeanette Cohen z”l, from Bob & Barbara Cohen.
Meyer Gordon z”l, from Yvette Gordon.
Irwin Davison z”l, beloved husband of Ilene Davison and former Executive Director of Beth El, from Mark Silver.
My beloved brother on his yahrzeit, from Lewis Koflowitz.
Selma & Stanley Batkin Religious School Scholarship Fund
In Memory of:
Alex Lefkovic z”l and Olga Lefkovic z”l, from Lisa & Perry Jacobs.
Capital Improvement Fund
In Memory of:
Irwin Davison z”l, beloved husband of Ilene Davison, from Geralynn & David Reifer.
Shoresh Halev Center for Jewish Music Fund
For the good health of Pesach ben Yochanan from Lisa & Perry Jacobs.
In Honor of:
Benjamin Sherman becoming a bar mitzvah, from Phyllis & Harvey Jay.
Marc Suvall & Harriet Kaplan Suvall on the marriage of their son David to Raina Kamat, from Ed & Judy Schwartz.
Lois Kohn Claar & Gary Claar on the marriage of son Benjamin, from Shari & Marvin Chinitz.
Ann & Sandy Zisser on their anniversary, from Dorothy Fox.
In Memory of:
My dear brother, Lawrence David Lewis z’’l, from Laura Lewis.
My mother Jane Perry z”l on her first yahrzeit, from Carrie Fox.
Joseph Levin z”l, beloved father of Frank Levin, from Shari & Marvin Chinitz.
Dorothy & Donald Fleishaker Religious School Enrichment Fund
In Honor of:
Barbara & David Horowitz’s 50th wedding anniversary, from Margo Lampert.
Jeremy Scheinfeld Memorial Fund
In Honor of:
Eli Leaderman’s bar mitzvah, from Louise and Jason Silverman.
Renee & Ivor Wolk on the engagement of their daughter Sophia to Sam Forman, from Dina & David Brot.
In Memory of:
Murray Gold z”l, beloved father of Bruce Gold (Grace Kalfus), beloved grandfather of Bekkah and Lissy Gold, from Bruce Gold & Grace Kalfus.
Frieda Kalfus z”l, beloved mother of Grace Kalfus (Bruce Gold), beloved bubby of Bekkah and Lissy Gold, from Bruce Gold & Grace Kalfus.
My father Len Salmo z”l on his yahrzeit, from Gary Salmo. Our beloved Father, William Schneiderman z”l on his Yarzheit, from Hanita & Paul Schneiderman.
Joseph Levin z”l, beloved father of Frank Levin, from Marvin Dubin & Susan Solow Dubin.
My beloved sister, Laurie Finder z”l, from Barbara Finder.
Warren Kashuk z”l, beloved father of Gwen Salmo, from David & Geralynn Reifer.
The Sylvia & Robert Scher Chesed Community Fund
In Honor of:
Gavin Duke, from Dennis & Nicola Ziman. The installation of Rabbi Bedo, with best wishes for continued success, from Avi & Dana Stein & Family.
In Memory of:
Ellen Gelboim z”l, from Margo Lampert.
Joseph Levin z”l, beloved father of Frank Levin, from Steven & Debbie Young.
Beverly Eichen z”l and Max Mittleman z”l on their yahrzeits, from Susan Eichen & Jeff Mittleman.
Endowment Fund
In Honor of:
The Minyanaires, Clergy, Torah Readers and all who attend the Minyanim, from Marc Klee & Barbara Engelson.
In Memory of:
Yahrzeit of Marc’s mother, Sylvia Klee z”l and the Yahrzeit of Barbara’s mother, Harriet Engelson z”l, from Marc Klee & Barbara Engelson.
Day Camp Fund
In Honor of:
Andrea Fleishaker for your Simchat Torah honor, Love Elise & Bob Schepp.
Julie Rockowitz and all she does for the Beth El seniors, from Dorothy Fox.
Barbara Finder, Kallat HaTorah, from Jacob Renick.
Yahrzeit Donations
Marion Auspitz; Jane & Steven Berkowitz; Marian Berkowitz; Mark Berman; Michele & Steve Brick; Phyllis K. Brown; Rachel & Barry Charles; Bob & Barbara Cohen; Lisa Cohen; Judy & Doug Conrad; Suzanne Dickman; Nathan Eisler; Erica & Larry Epstein; Marci Esrig; Barbara Feinberg; Lea Gabbay; Helen Geffner; Adele Gentin; Bruce & Rita Gilbert; Stephanie Ginsberg; Jay Goldstein; Debra Greenberg; Carol & Laurence Gross; Greta Gross; Guggenheim Family; Haber Family; Marilyn Handler; David Horowitz; Phyllis & Harvey Jay; Arlene Kamer; Madelyn Katz; Cindy Klein; Barbara Kotler; Donald Kotler; Edward Kramer; Jane Kreinik; Ronald Lang; Barbara & Jay Lerman; Ir & Andrea Lippel; Susan Lurie; Arkady Mamaysky; Marci Marcus; Arthur & Barbara Margolin; Judith Merion; Adele Ostrager; Richard Robbins; Henrietta Sanford; Marjorie Schlosberg; Judith & Elliot Schwartz; Barbara Simon and Family; Rabbi Melvin
Sirner; Peter & Sharon Spenser; Ira & Cynthia Shechter; Bernard Alan Stahl; Jacques Steinberg and Sharon Weinstock; Rachelle Stern; Marc Straussberg; Florence Taubenfeld; Stephen & Rosalie Tenenbaum; Eric Treiber; Thea & Ziv Vinokor; Harvey Wacht; Charlotte & Richard Watt; Beth Weinberg; Jesse & Ronnie Weinberger; Anne & Rick Weisbrod; William Winters; Norbert Wolloch; Richard Wolloch; Marc & Anita Zoldessy; Murray Zung; Zvi Ben Zvi.
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
Naana Cobbina in memory of Robin Seltzer’s mother; Rita & David Kaufman in memory of Lola Zisser z”l, mother of Sandy Zisser; Linda & Steve Newman in honor of Elise Schepp on receiving the Dr. Arthur T. Davidson Healthcare Award (along with the New Rochelle City School District Nurses) at the NAACP’s 57th Freedom Awards on November 2nd; Linda & Steve Newman in memory of their parents and grandparents; Steve & Sheila Freeman; Elise & Bob Schepp in honor of Barbara Finder, in recognition of her Simchat Torah honor; David & Allison Resnick in honor of Andrea Fleishaker, Kallat Kol Ha-N’arim; Rita & David Kaufman in memory of Pearl Kaufman z”l and Etta Rosenfeld z”l; Andrew & Rachel Collens in memory of Janet & Avrom Siegel z”l; Mark & Eleanor Walfish in memory of Jack Radin z”l, father of Eleanor Walfish; Bernie Katz in honor of the clergy and the High Holiday services; Janet & Isaiah Seligman in memory of Janet’s beloved father Joe Kenler z”l; Lea Gabbay in memory of her beloved family members who have passed away; Caryl Fuchs in memory of Stanley Fuchs z”l and Samuel Fuchs z”l; Bruce Wenig; Martin Keltz & Lynn Buckvar Keltz in appreciation of Rabbi Schuck for officiating at the unveiling for Lida Traum Keltz z”l; Donna & Gary Levy in memory of our parents, Meyer & Celia Wiener z”l and Arnold & Harriet Levy z”l; Sima & Mitchell Littman in memory of Chana Trachtman z”l & Giselle Lee Littman z”l; Susan & Matthew Byer in honor of Ben Claar and Marissa Wolf’s recent marriage; Lisa & Perry Jacobs for the good health of Pesach ben Johanna; Harvey Wacht in memory of Judy Wacht z”l and with thanks to Rabbi Sitkin for officiating at her unveiling; Lois Kohn Claar & Gary Claar with gratitude to Rabbi Schuck for officiating Ben & Marissa’s wedding; Dorothy Fox to Dr David Kaufman in memory of your recent loss; Norma Wasserman in appreciation for Rabbi Schuck and in honor of her 88th Birthday; Jennifer Savage Sale in memory of Ruth King z”l; Eric & Liz Alderman in honor of Erica & Larry Epstein on the birth of your beautiful granddaughter, Lyla Ruth Epstein; Erica & Larry Epstein in honor of the installation of our beloved Rabbi Bedo; Steve & Joy Rotker in honor of Rabbi Viki Bedo on her Installation! We were so happy to be able to join you for this special Simcha; Sol & Linda Haber in honor of the installation of Rabbi Bedo; Gary Salmo in honor of my Veteran’s Day aliyah; Debbie & Steven Young in honor of the installation of Rabbi Bedo; Caryl Fuchs in memory of
THANK YOU!
her grandson Alexander Matta z”l and her mother-in-law
Sadie Fuchs z”l; Phyllis & Harvey Jay in honor of Rabbi Bedo’s Installation; Tayla & David Kalendar in honor of Rabbi Bedo’s Installation; Lisa & Perry Jacobs for the recovery of Eliazor Ben Hana; Sharon & George Rozansky in honor of the birth of a granddaughter to Erica and Larry Epstein; Marcia & Hyman Pryluck in memory of Marcia’s beloved father Jacob Ader z”l; Anita & Marc Zoldessy in honor of Jacob Rieber’s bar mitzvah; Isaiah & Janet Seligman in memory of Irwin Davison z”l; Steven & Debbie Young in honor of Rabbi Sitkin to thank him for his assistance and teaching; Gary Schneidman. Cantor’s Discretionary Fund
Dorothy Fox in honor of Cantor Gaby for the work she does for our community and her beautiful voice; Jennifer Savage Sale in memory of Ruth King z”l; Gary Schneidman.
To
Make a Donation Contact Zoe Raynes
zraynes@bethelnr.org
(914) 235-2700 ext 228
Minimum donation is $18.
Mail your payment to:
Beth El Synagogue Center
Attn: Zoe Raynes 1324 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10804
Top Attorneys of North America Who’s Who Directories
Larchmont, NY — Rita K. Gilbert
Attorney at Hyman & Gilbert was selected for inclusion in the forthcoming Top Attorneys of North America 2024-2025 edition of The Who’s Who Directories. The accomplishments attained by Ms. Rita K. Gilbert in the field of Legal Services, warrants inclusion into the Top Attorneys of North America.
Admitted to practice law in 1980, Rita K. Gilbert is licensed to practice in New York, Connecticut, and Florida. Her practice areas are exclusively focused on: Estate and trust law, Estate litigation, Matrimonial law, Real estate law, Corporate law and Elder law.
Hyman & Gilbert are dedicated, compassionate attorneys who are there to help their clients get the best legal representation.
Rita received her J.D. from Pace University Law School in 1979, her M.A. from Johns Hopkins University, where she was a Fulbright Scholar in International Studies in 1966, and her A.B. from Hunter College in 1963, cum laude. Rita is a member of the Westchester County Bar Association, former co-chair of the Elder Law section, New York State Bar Association, Westchester Women’s Bar Association, former co-chair of the Matrimonial section for fifteen years and formerly co-chair of the Trusts & Estates section, New York State Women’s Bar Association, former chair of the Tax section, Estate Planning Council of Westchester and National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Rita is a Martindale-Hubbell AV Peer Review Rated attorney, the highest distinction a lawyer can receive from his or her colleagues.
Rita is also a published author and former chair of the Westchester Community Foundation and the Benjamin N. Cardozo Society of UJA-Federation. She is currently on the Executive Committee of the Justice Brandeis Westchester Law Society. Rita received the Diane White Legal Advocacy Award from the Pace Women’s Justice Center 2010 and the Judge Learned Hand Award from AJC in November 2012. Rita is currently on the Board of the Professional Advisory Council of the Westchester Community Foundation. In her spare time, Rita lectures for a variety of state bar associations and civic organizations.
hymangilbert.com
In Honor of:
Sisterhood Donations
Marcia Assor, for being Simchat Torah Honoree from Rochelle Chaiken, Elise and Bob Schepp, Sandy and Jack Gruenberg
Barbara Finder, for being Simchat Torah Honoree from Rochelle Chaiken, Sandy and Jack Gruenberg
Andrea Fleishake, for being Simchat Torah Honoree from Rochelle Chaiken, Sandy and Jack Gruenberg Sisterhood from Valerie Rudolph
All Simchat Torah Honorees from Barbara and David Horowitz
Dorothy Fox in recognition by Westchester County Senior Hall of Fame from Ellen and Jack Hollander
Fred Claar in recognition by Westchester County Senior Hall of Fame from Ellen and Jack Hollander
Sandy Gruenberg in recognition by Westchester County Senior Hall of Fame from Ellen and Jack Hollander, Sharon and Peter Spenser, Rita and David Kaufman, Elise and Bob Schepp, Janis Demartini
Susan Hollander in recognition by Westchester County Senior Hall of Fame from Ellen and Jack Hollander, Sharon and Peter Spenser
Barbara Shulman in recognition by Westchester County Senior Hall of Fame from Ellen and Jack Hollander
Robyn Yairi, for being Simchat Torah Honoree from Sandy and Jack Gruenberg
Alan Greenberg, the birth of a new grandchild from Sandy and Jack Gruenberg, Erica and Larry Epstein
Sharon and Peter Spenser, your grandson’s birth from Sandy and Jack Gruenberg
Elly and Teddy Zabb, becoming great grandparents from Sandy and Jack Gruenberg
Erica and Larry Epstein, the birth of your granddaughter from Barbara and David Horowitz
Elise and Barry Richman, your 45th wedding anniversary from Phoebe and Peter Gross, Joyce and Michael Wechsler
Erica and Larry Epstein, the birth of your granddaughter and to parents Sarah and Marc Epstein from Rochelle Chaiken
Gail and Steven Goldman, the naming of your granddaughter from Erica and Larry Epstein
Erica and Larry Epstein, the birth of your granddaughter from Elise and Bob Schepp, Jessica and Raymond Farkas, Barbara Finder, Hanita and Paul Schneiderman, Gail and Steven Goldman, Sharon and Peter Spenser, Nora Klion-Wolloch.
Refuah Shleima:
Barry Salman, continued speedy recovery from Dorothy Fox.
In Memory of:
Our parents from Barbara and David Horowitz
Anita Liebowitz, beloved wife of Stanley Liebowitz from Joyce and Michael Wechsler
Ruthie Esses, beloved aunt to Erica Epstein from Elise and Bob Schepp, Nora Klion-Wolloch
Warren Kashuk, beloved father of Gwen Salmo from Phoebe and Peter Gross, Joyce and Michael Wechsler
Kenneth Gold, beloved brother of Bruce Gold from Phoebe and Peter Gross, Joyce and Michael Wechsler.
Synagogue Guide
We hope this guide makes it easier to figure out who on staff to contact for all your needs.
To see all upcoming services and events, visit bethelnr.org/upcoming To sign up to read Torah or Haftorah, visit bethelnr.org/readhaftorah (914) 235-2700
Ronnie Becher (Nursery School Director) ext 250 nursery@bethelnr.org
Viki Bedo (Rabbi) ext 427 vbedo@bethelnr.org
Clive Benmor (Administrative Coordinator) ext 223 cbenmor@bethelnr.org
Alyssa Berman (Youth & Family Engagement Director) ext 221 aberman@bethelnr.org
Naiza Cintron (Executive Assistant) ext 227 ncintron@bethelnr.org
Elizabeth Clain (Executive Director) ext 225 eclain@bethelnr.org
Rebecca Guralnik (Camp Director) ext 256 daycamp@bethelnr.org
Jack Klebanow (Music Director) ext 252 jklebanow@bethelnr.org
Margarita Korol (Mktng/ Communications Director) ext 291 mkorol@bethelnr.org
Stephanie Lederman (Director of Programming) ext 246 slederman@bethelnr.org
Who to Call If You...
Want to make a donation?
Zoe Raynes ext 228
Had a baby, know someone in the hospital, had a death in the family, or need Rabbinic counsel?
Zoe Raynes ext 228
Zoe Raynes (Clergy Assistant) ext 228 zraynes@bethelnr.org
Julie Rockowitz (Senior Programming Coordinator) ext 340 jrockowitz@bethelnr.org
Shery Rosenstein (Nursery School Assistant Director) ext 250 nursery@bethelnr.org
Anthony Maiolo (Facilities Director) ext 226 mrussell@bethelnr.org
David Schuck (Rabbi) ext 230 dschuck@bethelnr.org
Gaby Schvartz (Cantor) ext 326 gschvartz@bethelnr.org
Zoe Schein (Assistant Camp Director) ext 338 daycamp@bethelnr.org
Zachary Sitkin (Rabbi) ext 338 zsitkin@bethelnr.org
Olivier Vogel (Controller) ext 231 ovogel@bethelnr.org
Are you celebrating a milestone or achievement at Beth El?
Have a question about catering or celebrating a simcha at Beth El?
Stephanie Lederman or Naiza Cintron ext 227
Need to set up a bar/bat/b’nei mitzvah date?
Zoe Raynes ext 228
Need to purchase a cemetery plot or need information about our cemeteries?
Elizabeth Clain ext 225
Have a question about a Yahrzeit date?
Zoe Raynes ext 228
Need to know the time of services? bethelnr.org/calendar or Clive Benmor ext 223
Have a question about events?
Stephanie Lederman ext 246
Interested in joining one of our many clubs?
Stephanie Lederman ext 246
Want to volunteer?
Stephanie Lederman ext 246
Need information about membership?
Elizabeth Clain ext 225
Have a question about your statement?
Olivier Vogel ext 231
Interested in our Religious School?
Alyssa Berman ext 221
Interested in our day camp?
Rebecca Guralnik ext 256
Want to join Sisterhood or Men’s Club?
Clive Benmor ext 223
Interested in Nursery School?
Ronnie Becher or Shery Rosenstein ext 250
Interested in Youth & Family events?
Alyssa Berman ext 221
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