Dear Friends,
Rabbi’s Message
One of the great privileges of my rabbinate has been the opportunity to work alongside devoted and thoughtful lay leaders. When rabbis gather, the conversation often turns to the challenges of synagogue leadership, especially the complexities of working with a president. I listen and offer support, but I do so with a sense of gratitude. Over twenty two years, I have been blessed to work with presidents of uncommon integrity and commitment.
For the past three years, I have had the privilege of partnering with Lauren Freeman Bosworth, an exceptional president. I did make an effort to persuade her to serve a fourth year, though my somewhat vague promise of a reward in the world to come proved insufficient!
In the Book of Joshua, God charges Joshua at the outset of his leadership:
I charge you: Be strong and resolute; do not be frightened or dismayed.
The repetition of throughout that chapter is not incidental. Leadership requires more than competence. It demands a steadiness of spirit; to lead a synagogue, with all its passion and complexity, can be daunting. It calls for inner strength.
Lauren has lived up to that charge. Her leadership has guided our community through a period of meaningful growth. Our membership has increased, and just as importantly, the depth of engagement in synagogue life has expanded. She has advanced key areas of our work, including staffing, fundraising, and the stewardship of our building, always with clarity and purpose. She is strategic, unafraid of difficult conversations, and an attentive and discerning listener.
On a personal level, I loved working with Lauren. She related to me as a partner, not as an employee. She took a genuine interest in helping shape and realize a shared vision for our community. She was a trusted thought partner, offering wise counsel when it was needed and steady support throughout. I will miss our time working together very much.
I know that the community joins me in expressing our gratitude for her leadership, her clarity of vision, and her rare ability to remain calm and grounded even in moments of intensity. I hope you will express your appreciation for Lauren as well as Brian, Nina Luban, and Scott Bonci, by attending the gala at which we will honor them!
L’Shalom,
Rabbi David A. Schuck
President’s Message
This is my last President’s Bulletin article. Wow. It is hard to believe that my three years as Beth El’s president will be coming to an end on June 30. A lot has changed for me personally during this time — navigating the commitments and challenges of a new role at work to be General Counsel and seeing my youngest child graduate high school and leave for college.
At Beth El, this has been an incredible three years. On my very first day as president, I signed Rabbi Schuck’s contract extension. Shortly after my term began, Liz Clain, our Executive Director, started in her role. And during my term, we hired Rabbi Bedo, renewed the contracts for Rabbi Sitkin and Cantor Schvartz, transitioned the camp leadership and brought in a new head of facilities and a head of marketing.
bringing in additional income to the shul and providing a welcoming space for an important community offering.
These are big picture items and there are many that I am very proud of. But they do not capture what the majority of my work as President has really entailed. The job of the President is mostly about being behind the scenes. It is the numerous calls, meetings and texts with the clergy and professional staff, with lay leaders and with congregants to strategize, dream, handle personnel issues, ask for donations, hear input on a particular holiday, service, program or the building’s temperature, and above all else serve as a sounding board and resource. I am proud and humbled by the experience of being the President of this amazing congregation, and have particularly treasured these conversations.
With this clergy team, and with the incredible professional staff, and lay leadership working in partnership, Beth El has become a centerpiece for music, spirituality and community. Personally, as I have shared in both speeches and in individual conversations, it is a home for me and my family, whether I am reflecting with my eyes closed during a moving Kavvanah service, singing familiar melodies on Shabbat morning, or spending time with friends at social events from pickleball to kiddush lunch to casino night.
Many, many others have recognized just how special our Beth El community is, and our membership growth over the past few years has been incredible. We have reversed the trend seen in many other conservative synagogues and in our own community, adding 106 member families over the past three years: 30 families in Fiscal Year 2024, 34 families in Fiscal Year 2025, and 42 families already this year.
We have continued our fiscal responsibility — conducting a reserve study to understand and begin to plan for long term capital needs of our building, significantly increasing our fundraising through successful galas, B’Yacahd and other significant donations including bequests. We have also achieved our long term plan of renting out unused space in our building to the JCC’s Towards Tomorrow program -
I want to thank all of the lay leaders - especially the officers and past presidents - for their work. When I began my term three years ago, I met with many of the past presidents and with each officer. Each officer and past president has been incredibly supportive, involved whether it was providing advice or taking on a task, and for that I am so grateful. And I know this shul will be in great hands with David Shechter at the helm, and look forward to seeing the shul continue to flourish under his leadership.
Finally, I want to thank Brian, Andrew and Robin. Serving as President has meant a lot of late night meetings and calls and texts and me ruminating about various Beth El questions and issues even when not at a meeting or on the phone. They have been my biggest cheerleaders and their pride in my service to the community has been instrumental in enabling me to take on this role.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your president. It has truly been an honor.
Lauren Freeman-Bosworth President
Thank you for supporting Beth El Synagogue Center’s Annual Gala, where we will celebrate our honorees, Lauren Freeman-Bosworth, who nears the end of a transformative term as President of our synagogue, and Brian Bosworth, whose own contributions to the Beth El community through leadership of the Ritual Committee and medical guidance are immeasurable.
We also will confer the President’s Ne’emanim Service Award on Nina Luban and Scott Bonci, who live up to the Hebrew word ne’emanim — “faithful,” or “devoted” — every day, through everything they do to enhance our community.
And of course, as we do every year, we will come together to celebrate and support our wonderful spiritual home, which continues to grow and thrive, not only in numbers, but also in how it fosters engagement with Jewish life and Jewish ideals, and strengthens its members’ bonds with each other.
We look forward to an evening of celebration, gratitude, and of course, the beginning of what we hope will be a summer of relaxation, renewal and peace.
Gala Committee
LisaandRobPatchen,co-chairs
Beth El is a home to Lauren and Brian and being a part of the Beth El community enriches their lives and that of their children. Lauren is completing a three-year term as President of Beth El. She is proud that Beth El has flourished during her Presidency, with a significant growth in membership both in sheer numbers and a vibrant and engaged community of all ages. She is also proud to be only the fourth woman to serve as president in Beth El’s history. Before becoming President, she served in numerous officer positions, chaired or co-chaired several search committees, was deeply involved in numerous strategic initiatives and led the Kallah (the family Shabbaton). Brian has chaired the Ritual Committee for the past 7 years. He has served as a key member of the medical committee, guiding the congregation, Beth El Day Camp and the Nursery School through evolving protocols during the pandemic. The shul recognized this work by selecting him as the recipient of the Julian Y. Bernstein award from the Westchester Jewish Council in 2021. When not using his medical skills to assist Beth El, Brian can be seen running the teleprompter at the Shul Shenanigans show.
Aerospace Engineering and minor in Judaic Studies) and Robin (double majoring in History and Religion at Williams College) were shaped by the Beth El community and have taken that model of community engagement to their own college campuses where they have become leaders in their respective Jewish communities.
Lauren and Brian both attended Princeton University. Lauren received a J.D. from Columbia Law School, and serves as the Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary of Pitney Bowes Inc. Brian is a gastroenterologist and received his M.D. from the College of Physicians & Surgeons at Columbia University and serves as the Chief Medical Officer of the NYU Langone Health System.
On Kol Nidrei, Lauren spoke about both Beth El (of course) and another place where she feels very much at home – Kiawah Island in South Carolina, talking about how much the whole family loves biking on the beach, watching the waves roll in, and building sandcastles. That served as the inspiration for this year’s beach-themed gala.
Lauren and Brian met on Lauren’s first day of college and spent their college years involved in the Center for Jewish Life (the campus Hillel organization). They were married in December 1998. Their children Andrew (graduating from Princeton in May 2026 with a major in
Nina and Scott are thrilled to be receiving this year’s Ne’emanim Service Award. Beth El Synagogue has nurtured the Luban-Bonci family for over twenty years, providing guidance not only for living Jewishly, but for living joyously in a strong community. They are humbled to share this year’s festivities with Honorees Lauren and Brian who have given so much of their wise, generous, and thoughtful selves to our synagogue.
Scott and Nina met while working in 1990’s Los Angeles. They returned to the embrace of their East Coast families the year their son Matthew was born. Matt attended Westchester’s Solomon Schechter (now Leffell) School, and in 2004 the family joined Beth El. Matt received a solid Jewish foundation, and between the two Jewish institutions, Scott continued his personal Jewish journey, culminating on June 9, 2023 in a joyful conversion under the guidance of Rabbi Schuck, joined by Rabbis Sitkin and Fisher. And the family’s Jewish journey continues!
Lauren and Brian are thrilled to share this Gala with Nina and Scott, and congratulate them on being the recipients of the President’s Ne’emanim Award.
2-5 during which, Nina firmly believes, Scott transmitted his calmness, thoroughness, and attention-to-detail to their son.
Nina received a graduate degree in education, and later, a law degree. She designed college developmental English programs in Buffalo and taught college English in Beijing (where she learned far more than she taught). She practiced environmental law in Los Angeles and New York, and eventually returned to education, specifically, Jewish adult education. She directed Westchester’s Florence Melton Adult Mini-School and led the Melton School’s transition to Westchester Adult Jewish Education. Nina loved everything about her return to education: her own learning, her teachers, and her students, more than a few of whom were Beth El members. Over the years, Nina has served on numerous Beth El committees, in each case rewarded with feelings of genuine productivity and with the camaraderie of fellow committee members. (If you have not yet tried out a Beth El committee or two, she highly recommends same!)
Scott is a hands-on guy who enjoys taking care of the house, yard, cars, and computers, with skills he inherited from his father (who built their family home with his own two hands and a couple of friends). Not surprisingly, Scott, an IT professional, builds and maintains computers and computer networks. He is inching towards retirement now, still enjoying his work and taking superb care of Luban-Bonci family computers, etc. Scott elected to be a stay-at-home dad during Matt’s years
Ne’emanim is Hebrew for “devoted.” How, Nina and Scott ask, can one not be devoted to an institution whose clergy team guides with wisdom and humor, whose entire staff rises tirelessly to the challenges of our community, and whose members learn with and from each other, and support each other during life’s highest highs and lowest ebbs … all the while accompanied by an unfolding background of music and poetry.
Shoresh Halev Center for Jewish Music at Beth El
New Shoresh Website Experience Coming Soon…
I am excited to tell you about a project we’ve been working on, and is almost ready … a newly designed, rich content website for Shoresh Halev Center for Jewish Music at Beth El. This is not just a brochure. This will be a working tool for people who wish to learn certain prayers, to encounter new music that we are using, to see videos of recent commissions, to share highlights from previous events, to get notifications of upcoming events, and a place to hang out just to listen to awesome music!
When was the last time you went to your friend’s house and listened to new music? If you’re like me, that was something I used to love to do with my friends, but that was a long time ago! We’re going to give you that opportunity again. We’ll share some of our favorites. You can send us your favorites and we’ll share those too!
Would you like to know how to sing some of the new melodies we are using in Shabbat services? Those will be available as well.
Maybe you missed some of our wonderful performances of the exciting new music we’ve commissioned? Come along!
How about peeking in on a live rehearsal, or streaming our latest playlist?
Of course, we love being with you in person and singing and playing and praying together. Now we are hoping to engage with you even when you are not at 1324 North Avenue!
Stay tuned…. We can’t wait to share this with you!
As always, I welcome your input.
Jack Klebanow
Music Director, Shoresh Halev Center for Jewish Music at Beth El
Nate Fisher’s Takes
Fisher’s Takes on Daily Minyan
1. How long have you been a regular Minyanaire?
About six years
2. What inspired you to start to cultivate this daily practice in your life, and how has it grown?
I retired and, being a morning person (then), started attending morning minyan. Also, we had moved across the street and it seemed like a logical way to begin the day.
Minyan
3. What do you love about daily minyan at Beth El?
The Beth El community is a very important part of our lives and being part of the minyan helps me give back, being able to assure there is a minyan so mourners could say Kaddish. It also helps to create a chevrah for people have experienced a loss in their lives.
4. What advice do you have for people starting out?
Go for it!! And if you attend in the morning, definitely stick around for the post-minyan coffee group discussions. We happen to solve all the world’s problems - until we get home!! Nate
Selichot 5786 Saturday, September 5, 2026
Rosh Hashanah 5787 Friday, September 11-Sunday, September 13, 2026
Yom Kippur 5787 Sunday, September 20-Monday, September 21, 2026
Shavuot night of learning
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Stay tuned for more details
tisha b’av 5786
Wednesday, july 22
Erev Tisha B’Av 7:00am Shacharit 1:00pm Mincha 8:20pm Maariv
thursday, july 23
Tisha B’Av 7:00am Shacharit 6:50pm Mincha/Maariv
Israel 360 | Engaging
Israel 360 has continued to bring important Israel programming to our community and we were proud to screen “The Road Between Us” on February 26th. This movie told the gripping true story of how IDF (retired) General Noam Tibon and his wife, Gali, raced from their home in Tel Aviv to Kibbutz Nachal Oz on October 7th to rescue their son, Amir, and his wife and two young girls who were hiding in their safe room in their house as Hamas terrorists went on a killing rampage through their kibbutz. Through General Tibon’s and Gali’s first hand account and reenactment of their harrowing journey to save their son and his family, as well as GoPro footage recorded by the terrorists during the attack, we bore witness to the tragically horrific events of that day, as well as the incredible rescue of their son’s family. (Some of you will remember we spoke with Amir Tibon shortly after October 7th when he zoomed in for a Breakfast Briefing and shared with us his personal account of that day’s horrific experience.) As the film’s director, Barry Avrich, said – he knows people will remember how the war ended, but he wanted to make sure people remembered how it began. Through their eyes, we bore witness to what happened and will carry that memory forward.
By the time you’re reading this, through the auspices of Israel Bonds, we will have hosted Asaf Romirowsky on April 29th for a presentation “Middle East in Crisis: Where Are We & What’s Next?” Asaf is the Executive Director of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East, Senior Research Fellow at the Begin-Sadat Center, and a published historian on Israel and Middle East Policy. It was certain to be an enlightening evening as Asaf updates us with the latest state of affairs in the Middle East and what the future may bring for the US, Israel and its many neighbors. Coming up on Wednesday, May 27th at 7:30pm, for our final scheduled program for the year we’ll be welcoming Israel Friends, an incredible organization addressing the pervasive trauma in Israeli society by providing mental health support through innovative online technology and a unique approach to care to help as many people as possible. We’re proud to co-sponsor this program with Beth El’s Mental Health Initiative.
As we close out our program year, we want to thank our committee members for their thoughtful hard work that makes all we do possible. And, of course, we want to thank YOU, the Beth El community that has been so supportive of our work and has made each event a unique and enlightening experience to help us facilitate civil dialogue around the many challenges facing our beloved Israel. As we head into
with Israel from all Perspectives
the summer, we’ll be brainstorming ideas for next year, so be sure to keep an eye out for upcoming programs starting in the Fall.
Praying for peace in Israel and the entire Middle East, Tamar Tait & Mark Seidenfeld Co-Chairs, Israel 360 Committee
Sunday, May 31st, 2026 11:30am-4:00pm
Register to join our group and take our bus bethelnr.org/israel-parade 2026
Israel Parade 2025
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
Keruv | Accessibility & Inclusion @ Beth El
Save the date for Pride Shabbat, Saturday, June 20, 2026, with special guest Rabbi Avigayil Halpern
We are delighted to welcome Rabbi Avigayil Halpern for our 10th annual Pride Shabbat. Rabbi Halpern is a writer and educator focusing on queer and feminist Torah. She is a regular contributor to Jewish Currents’ weekly Parshah Commentary, an adjunct Talmud faculty member at Hebrew College, and is currently at work on a book about queer niddah (Jewish menstrual practice) and Jewish sexual ethics and law. She has served as a Scholar in Residence at the Hadassah-Brandeis Institute (Brandeis University, Waltham, MA) and was recognized as one of the New York Jewish Week’s “36 Under 36” in 2021 and twice as a “Vatichtov: She Writes” Fellow, among other fellowships and awards.
Rabbi Halpern has taught Torah and built community both nationally and internationally, including at Lehrhaus Tavern and House of Learning (Somerville, MA), Congregation Beit Simchat Torah (NYC), the Drisha Institute (NYC), Hillel Deutschland (Berlin, Germany), Base DC (Washington, DC), Adas Israel Congregation (Washington, DC), Halachic Left, and beyond. She currently lives in Washington, DC, where she teaches liberatory Torah to Jews of all ages and backgrounds in person and online. She writes regularly at avigayil. substack.com.
We look forward to learning with Rabbi Halpern during her d’var Torah on Shabbat morning and a shiur after kiddush lunch focusing on “Writing Our Own Torah: Queer Torah for Everyone - Using LGBTQ texts to inform what it means to have a personal relationship with Torah.”
As always, please contact info@bethel. org or (914) 235-2700 with accessibility needs so we can address them.
Heather Gold Keruv Committee
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
Chesed
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
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.
Chesed Initiative
Reimagining Bikkur Cholim at Beth El
Our community includes members who are homebound, aging, or feeling isolated. We are gathering a small group to rethink how we show up for one another— join us!
Join Rabbi Bedo at her home for an evening of conversation and reflection. Help shape a culture of care in our community.
Interested? Please email vbedo@bethelnr.org
Sisterhood
Thank you for showing up for Sisterhood in truly unprecedented numbers this year! Your enthusiasm and support are powering our ongoing projects and opening the door to brand-new opportunities for our growing community.
Our annual Tea Bag Drive is already in full swing, and your generosity is making a real impact by funding the shiva dinners we provide to families in mourning. The Torah Fund Brunch, honoring Cindy Shecter and Carrie Fox, was a beautiful and spirited Sunday gathering — and thanks to you, Beth El Synagogue Sisterhood surpassed the annual Metro-North regional goal for contributions!
Game Night brought together multiple generations for an evening of laughter, connection, and plenty of new faces.
Sisterhood Shabbat — April 25, 2026, a cherished opportunity for women of our synagogue to learn and lead within the Shabbat service, and we’re just getting started.
Mark your calendars for the Sisterhood Gala 6/11
Honoring our past president, Marcia Assor. You won’t want to miss this special night.
Every week, you’re invited to join us for mah jongg, canasta, and our heartwarming initiative launched this year, We Care Blankets, where we knit and crochet blankets for pediatric cancer patients across local hospitals. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a total beginner, our talented volunteers are ready and excited to help you get started.
Sisterhood is sponsoring a bus to the Israeli day Parade on May 31, 2026. Space is limited, so please sign up early. The cost is $10, round trip. In any case, mark your calendars to show support for Israel by your presence at the parade!!
Each Thursday, when the Beth El Shabbat Announcements hit your inbox, scroll all the way to the end - with so much happening in our shul, you won’t want to miss a thing.
Vickie Fisher
Beth El Sisterhood
Beth El Nursery School
From Preparation to Purpose: Deep Learning Through Passover in Our Nursery School
In the weeks leading up to Passover, our nursery school classrooms were filled with a sense of curiosity, wonder, and meaningful engagement. What may appear on the surface as simple holiday preparation was, in fact, a rich tapestry of deep learning— woven through exploration, sensory experiences, and relationships. Guided by our Reggio-inspired philosophy, we embraced the belief in the image of the child as capable, curious, and full of ideas. The environment, thoughtfully curated as the third teacher, invited children to investigate the themes of Passover in authentic and developmentally appropriate ways.
In our art spaces, children explored symbols of the holiday. Weaving, painting, sewing, gluing and found materials, they created matzah covers, afikomen bags, seder plates, pillows and matzah trays. These were not crafts with predetermined outcomes, but rather open-ended invitations for expression, reflection, and meaning-making. Passover songs echoed through our hallways, not just as melodies to memorize, but as shared cultural language. Children explored rhythm, repetition, and Hebrew vocabulary, building both confidence and connection.
The culmination of this meaningful work
extended beyond our classroom walls. Our children had the extraordinary opportunity to share their learning at the Holocaust Survivors Luncheon held in our synagogue. Standing in front of a room filled with survivors and community members, our children sang the Four Questions and Dayenu with joy and sincerity. While they may not yet fully grasp the historical weight of the moment, their presence carried profound meaning. In their voices, there was continuity. In their songs, there was resilience. In their innocence, there was hope.
This experience exemplified the power of early childhood education not only to build skills, but to nurture identity, empathy, and belonging. Our children were not simply performing; they were participating in the living story of the Jewish people. For our educators, this moment was a powerful reminder: when we trust children with meaningful experiences, they rise to meet them. When learning is rooted in connection between past and present, self and community, it becomes lasting and transformative. As we reflect on this journey, we are filled with gratitude for our children, our families, and the generations who came before us. Through song and shared experience, we continue to pass something sacred from one generation to the next. L’dor v’dor - from generation to generation.
Ronnie Becher Director, Beth El Nursery School
Beth El Day Camp
Keeping Cool at the Shul With A Pool!
The weather is warming, and we’re dreaming of sunny days spent in the heart of camp: our pool! As a proud authorized provider of the American Red Cross Learn-To-Swim program, Beth El Day Camp provides swim instruction to campers of all swim abilities. Led by Aquatics Director Darrius Conde, our experienced water safety instructors and lifeguards support campers’ continual development in the water. Through daily instruction, our aquatics team focuses on making sure every camper feels safe, comfortable, and has fun. Beginners get help easing into the pool, learning important safety basics, playing games, and getting used to the feel and environment of the water at their own pace. As campers grow more confident, lessons shift toward improving strokes, building strength and endurance, and practicing safe swimming in deeper water.
Now in his second year as Aquatics Director, Darrius brings a remarkable passion for swim safety and many years of experience to the role. After becoming certified to teach water safety through the American Red Cross, he went on to provide swimming instruction as a gym credit to public schools across New York City through the Making Waves program. In addition to teaching in schools, Darrius also offered affordable swim lessons through Bronx Swim, working with brand-new swimmers and helping more advanced students prepare to become lifeguards or compete on swim teams. We are the shul with the pool because of the care Darrius and his team of dedicated and enthusiastic lifeguards bring to their roles.
As in past years, we are pleased to offer private after-camp swim lessons for Beth El Day Camp campers! These oneto-one lessons are the perfect way for campers to hone their technique and build confidence in the water with the assistance of a trusted camp instructor.
To learn more or register, visit betheldaycamp.org For questions, please contact our leadership team at daycamp@bethelnr.org. We hope you’ll join us for the Best.Days.Ever!
Rebecca Guralnik and Zoe Schein Beth El Day Camp
Department of Youth and Family
Coming Up!
Shabbat Afternoon Hangs: Every Saturday, weather-permitting, at 4:00pm in Roosevelt Park, join other Beth El families for a park meetup!
Y&F Field Day: Sunday, May 16 at 12:00pm Stay tuned to departmental emails for updates.
Shavuot Picnic: Saturday, May 23 at 4:00pm in Roosevelt Park
All are welcome to join! Potluck sign-up will be sent out closer to the event. Email Brenda Corwin at bcorwin702@gmail.com with any questions. Sign up for the Y&F Newsletter!
Scenes from Beth El’s Purim Carnival 5786
(Photos by Ezra Guralnik)
Announcing a New Community Support Fund - The Alice and Albert Trief Fund
Due to a very generous donation by anonymous donors, we are pleased to announce the creation of a new fund dedicated to supporting members of our Beth El community across generations. This fund is designed to help ensure that all congregants and their families can participate fully in synagogue life - programs, education, holidays, and community experiences that enrich and connect us.
The fund will provide assistance in a variety of ways, including support for seniors (such as transportation, program access, and community engagement) and for young families (including help with nursery school, camp, and other educational or communal opportunities). It may also offer limited, short-term support in response to
Safety & Security
At Beth El, our approach to security is grounded in vigilance, strong partnerships, and maintaining a warm, welcoming environment. With the support of our members, staff, local law enforcement, and community partners, we continue to strengthen our preparedness while preserving the spirit of our synagogue. Thank you for your ongoing cooperation in helping keep our community safe.
Take Action
Please save the New Rochelle Police Department’s main number in your phone: (914) 543-2300. Calling 911 from a mobile phone may route you to a state dispatcher first, which can delay response time. Calling this number connects you directly to a local dispatcher.
Recent Updates
• Over 130 people attended a Security Awareness event, led by Bill Hayes, Regional Security Director of the Community Security Initiative (CSI), with participation from New Rochelle police officers. If you missed it and would like a summary, please reach out to a Security Committee member.
Important Notice Regarding Cemetery Plot Costs
Judaism encourages us to care for one another not only in life, but also in how we prepare for the end of life. For many, making burial arrangements in advance is an act of loveone that brings peace of mind and spares children and loved ones from having to make difficult decisions during a time of grief.
Beth El maintains dedicated sections at Sharon Gardens and Mount Eden, where congregants may purchase burial plots at a cost significantly lower than purchasing directly through the cemeteries. Many members find comfort in knowing they will one day be laid to rest among others from their Beth El community.
emerging needs, helping individuals and families remain connected to our community. In addition to the support for specific congregants these funds can be used to enhance programming.
If you or someone you know could benefit from this fund, we encourage you to reach out confidentially to the Executive Director, Elizabeth Clain (eclain@bethelnr.org)
We are deeply grateful to the donors whose generosity has made this fund possible. We also warmly invite others in our community to consider contributing to help sustain and grow this meaningful source of support. If you would like to contribute please visit bethelnr.org/donate
• Thank you to those who stopped by our Security Committee table at Kiddush in March to share questions and feedback, the committee remains open to hearing feedback and concerns at all times.
• The New Rochelle Police Department continues to maintain an increased presence at local synagogues and Jewish institutions.
• We are continuing to work with the Community Security Initiative to review and strengthen our security protocols and building safety.
Appreciation
We are deeply grateful to our staff, who work every day to balance safety and accessibility while supporting the many programs and services in our building.
We welcome your questions and feedback— Security Committee:
Rachel Casanova
Michael Dorfman
Pam Eliach
Rob Raynes
Jay Rehr Avinoam Shefa
On July 1st, the cost of Beth El plots will increase from $3,200 per plot to $3,750. This will be the first increase in 5 years. We wanted to make sure the congregation was aware of this change so you can plan accordingly.
If you are interested in purchasing plots, please reach out to Elizabeth Clain at eclain@bethelnr.org.
We understand that planning for the future can be difficult and may bring up strong emotions. Our clergy are here to provide support whenever needed. By taking care of these arrangements now, families can provide their children with the gift of clarity, peace, and reassurance for the years ahead.
Lifelong Learners
GRANDFRIENDS: Connecting Generations, Enriching Lives
Lunch & Lear n:
Lunch & Lear n:
“We are bonding.”
“She is my friend.”
“I can’t wait for Grandfriends Day!”
Tuesday, A pril 21
“Wow!”
Tuesday, A pril 21
“This is the light of my life!”
10:00am Coffee and Shmooze
“This is my grandchild fix.”
“I love teaching curious learners about fossils and the past, to help prepare the children for the future.”
10:15am Silver Sneakers: Flex
$5 to participate
Free with Silver Sneakers Members
These feelings of fulfillment were expressed by children and elders participating in the Grandfriends program of Beth El Nursery School, as part of IDEAL18’s intergenerational initiatives. What is a Grandfriend? A volunteer who wants to form an intentional, meaningful connection with one of our nursery school learners. Some have grandchildren in the program, some do not, and some grandchildren have long graduated. As a grandfriend one is a valued member of the community who brings energy, meaning, and motivation. Each of the elders have invaluable attributes which make them assets to the community.
interaction. What emerged was so much more than just a program; it was an exchange of care, curiosity and joy. Many grandfriends were invited to be guests at the class’ Seder. Some are regular attendees at Havdalah on Monday mornings. Others visit the classrooms for storytime or Show and Tell. At the culminating program, the Grandfriends will participate in a Shabbat celebration led by Cantor Gaby Schvartz and Shoresh Halev Director, Jack Klebanow.
The Grandfriends team works well together…with special thanks to Ronnie Becher, Shery Rosenstein, the Nursery School teachers Amelia Golly, Shoshy Markman, Jana Rockoff, Jo Steiner and Rhea Zificsak. Kudos to Julia Thibault, our parent liaison who received a generous grant from Hadar to fund several of our programs.
11:30am Gideon Vardi: What do you see?
We can hardly wait to renew our friendships in the fall!
In honor of Israel's birthday, explore the fascinating photography of Gideon Vardi and stay for an Israeli lunch!
IDEAL 18: Intergenerational Deep Experiences Across Lifecycles, is one of the many meaningful programs that Beth El Nursery offers the 4 year old and 5 year old Gesher, Bridge, children and Lifelong Learners. All of the learning is through a Jewish lens - Jewish ideals, values, traditions and sources, to add strength to the fabric of our community. Meeting monthly, the youngest and the most experienced members of the community flourish together through intentional and creative experiences in a variety of settings and expressions that lead to trust and joy.
Grandfriends could be even more grand with your involvement…we are recruiting! Please be in touch for an informal chat. All are welcome. Contact Julie Rockowitz, jrockowitz@bethelnr.org.
Gideon Vardi captures the beauty of Eucalypt s trees in Israel b ooming into sections of its bark. And he does all of this only with on no editing. His low-tech style and natural ch e other, as Vardi brings the unique swirls of E in realistic form.
By moving away from naming his photogra t interpretation, their own shapes in the bark Photos will be for sale after the presentatio
The program began in the fall of 2025 and involved 16 elders. For the children, the opportunity taught empathy, connection and respect for older generations.These programs ensure Jewish continuity, combat aniti-aging biases and fight the loneliness that plagues so many people as they age. Both the youngest and most experienced members of our community flourished together through creative, joyful experiences in a variety of settings and expressions. Together they honed new skills, tackled beading, built birdhouses, created yoga poses, and designed a unique friendship quilt. In between moments of creativity, children and adults engaged in a lot of conversation, sang, had fun - and became grand friends. These experiences led to a palpable example of the social, emotional, cultural, and educational benefits of guided intergenerational
The program is sponsored by an anon
12:30pm Falafel Lunch- R p
Register at betheln ch
$15 pp payable at the RSVP Required: Con w (914) 235 - 2700, ext. 340 o e 1324 North Ave, Ne 0 at Beth El
Wise Aging
One might think there are no instructions for getting older. However, over the last several months, Rabbi Elana Zaiman led a Wise Aging class on Zoom which opened up conversations about what it means to not just get older, but to age wisely.
The class afforded the time and space to look more carefully at our younger selves, more thoughtfully at what the future may bring, and perhaps, how to handle these revelations in the here and now. Based on the book Wise Aging: Living with Joy, Resilience, & Spirit, written by Rabbi Rachel Cowen z”l, and Dr. Linda Thal, Rabbi Zaiman offered a road-map for the journey we are all on. The class was not individual “unloading” nor was it group therapy. Under Rabbi Zaiman’s gentle direction, it was a supportive space for storytelling, dot-connecting, diagram drawing, poetry reading and respectful listening. It was an experience of sharing, but not a confessional, and that is important.
In a surprisingly short time participants formed a cohesive group, trusting each other while sharing past lives and private thoughts either with the cohort as a whole or in small breakout groups. Each “soul workout” session started with a general meditation to relax the body and the mind,
clearing the thoughts of whatever has been hectic during the day and helping participants to engage fully and calmly with what is ahead.Through journaling, the group sometimes shared stories, opened up their hearts, and always respected the internal wisdom of each participant. The cohort dealt with topics that included family, friendships, facing truths, forgiveness, illness, death and legacy.
The Wise Aging group met for 10 online sessions, 90 minutes each, twice a month. The overall feeling was that one cannot control how one physically ages, but one can learn to face aging wisely. This means acknowledging what is hard, but also learning to appreciate what is positive and what one can be grateful for. A common thread from the participants was that through Wise Aging, individuals who entered as Beth El acquaintances became something stronger. Together they reflected on life, aging, and relationships.
If you are interested in pursuing a Wise Aging course, please contact Julie Rockowitz, jrockowitz@ bethelnr.org.
Stay Tuned
Beth El Community News
Mazal tov to:
Mazal tov to Beth Siegel on her birthday.
Mazal tov to Lisa & Perry Jacobs on the birth of their grandson, Asher Isaac Jacobs, and mazal tov also to parents, Matt Jacobs & Melanie Friedel Jacobs.
Mazal tov to Cantor Uri and Judy Aqua on the birth of a granddaughter, Malka Yona, in Jerusalem. Mazal tov to parents Shabsi and Frumie Aqua and to siblings Meir Simcha, Yosef Menachem and Faigy. Mazal tov as well to Aunts and Uncles Danny and Debby Aqua and Talia and Eli Litwin and to all of the cousins.
Mazal tov to Sima & Mitchell Littman on the engagement of their daughter Dalia to Nathaniel Rattner.
Mazal tov to Sima & Mitchell Littman on the birth of their first grandchild, Gideon Baruch, and mazal tov also to parents, Hannah Littman & Josh Oynick.
Mazal tov to Julia Keltz and Zach Seiden on the bar mitzvah of their son, Jared Seiden. Mazal tov also to grandparents, Beth Breakstone and Ted Keltz.
Mazal tov to Cynthia Shechter and Carrie Shechter Fox who are being honored at the Sisterhood Torah Fund Brunch on Sunday March 8.
Mazal tov to Elissa Baum on the birth of her eleventh great grandchild, Harper Rose Luciani, who was born on February 27, 2026. Mazal tov also to parents are Kyra & Matt Luciani and to grandparents, Drs. Seth & Laura Baum and Julie Luciani.
Mazal tov to George Rozansky & Sharon Summer Rozansky on the birth of their first grandchild, Cleo Summer Rozansky, who was born on February 27th. Mazal tov also to parents, Phillip & Joanna Summer Klein.
Mazal tov to Carole and Jeff Graham, on the bat mitzvah of their granddaughter Bailee Graham Wahren. Mazel tov also, to parents Danielle and Barry Wahren.
Mazal tov to Elly & Teddy Zabb on the bar mitzvah of their grandson, Charlie Klarfeld. Mazal tov also to parents, Dara Zabb Klarfeld & Simon Klarfeld.
Mazal tov to Naava Katz & Ariel Simon on the bat mitzvah of their daughter, Talya Simon.
Mazal Tov to Barbara and Bob Cohen on the birth of their fifth grandchild, Norah Pam Cohen, who was born on March 20th. Mazal tov also to parents Adam Cohen and Molly Pam.
Mazal tov to our 5th/6th Grade basketball team who were WJBL runners-up.
Mazal tov to Lawrence & Barbara Orans on the birth of their grandson, Micah Robert Orans. Mazal tov also to parents, Neil & Ilana Orans.
Mazal tov to Jacqueline & Avi Einzig on the birth of their granddaughter. Mazal tov also to parents, Heath & Isaiah Einzig, big brother Hunter and other grandparents, Sarah & Dan Goldman.
Mazal tov to Linda & Michael Goldstein on the birth of their grandson, Ari Joseph (Ariyeh Yosef). Mazal tov also to parents, Melissa & Tuvia Peretz, and big sister Noa Chloe.
A warm Beth El mazal tov to one and all!
Condolences to:
Condolences to our members Sharon Weinstock and Jacques Steinberg on the loss of Sharon’s father Leonard Weinstock z”l.
Condolences to Barbara Kotler on the loss of her husband
Donald P. Kotler z”l, and condolences also to Aaron (Melanie) Kotler and Dana Kotler on the loss of their father and to Richard Kotler on the loss of his grandfather.
Condolences to Vona Herz on the loss of her sister, Judith Thomas z”l.
Condolences to Jack Renick on the loss of his brother Eliot Renick z”l.
Condolences to the Kaplan family on the loss of our longtime member Eunice Kaplan z”l.
Condolences to Jack Renick on the loss of his brother, Eliot Renick z”l.
Condolences to Eli (Penny) Glanz on the loss of his father, Leslie Glanz z”l.
Condolences to Alan and Marci Marcus on the loss of Alan’s father, Harlan Marcus z”l.
Condolences to Tamar (Joseph) Tait on the loss of her mother, Ruth Marion Kon z”l.
Condolences to Richard & Sherry Brown on the loss of Richard’s mother, Alma Brown z”l.
Condolences to Susan Wolman on the loss of her husband, Steven Guggenheim z”l.
We record the losses suffered by our members and friends and extend to them our deepest sympathies.
Kiddush Sponsors
The kiddush of February 21 was sponsored by Brent, Grace & Jenna in honor of their mother, Beth Siegel’s birthday.
The kiddush of March 7 was sponsored by Julia Keltz and Zach Seiden in honor of the bar mitzvah of their son, Jared Seiden.
The kiddush of March 21 was sponsored by Naava Katz & Ariel Simon in honor of the bat mitzvah of their daughter, Talya Simon.
The kiddush of April 18 was sponsored by Lauren Freeman-Bosworth & Brian Bosworth and Nina Luban & Scott Bonci in appreciation of the congregation honoring them at this year’s upcoming gala on June 4.
Share your milestone events with us
If you experience a milestone or a loss in your family contact Zoe Raynes at zraynes@bethelnr.org or (914) 235-2700, ext. 223
Reach out to Programming Director Stephanie Lederman to learn more. slederman@bethelnr.org (914) 235-2700, ext. 246
General Fund
Beth El Gives
(Includes Kiddush Luncheon Fund)
Naana Cobbina; Margery Katz; Carole Strum; Mark & Elaine Weitzman.
For the recovery of Leah Shandel bat Hana, from Lisa & Perry Jacobs.
In Honor of:
Shari & Marvin Chinitz, leaders in our community, from Judith & Elliot Schwartz.
THANK YOU!
With thanks for joining your daily minyan zoom, from Laurel & Alan Glassman.
The Bat Mitzvah of our granddaughter, Julia Eve Belsky, on Shabbat March 7, 2026, from Susan & Bob Goldstein.
Adele Ostrager’s 90th birthday on April 15th, from Deborah Kaplan.
In gratitude to the minyan for enabling me to say kaddish for my brother. Penn Chabrow z”l, from Joyce Wechsler.
Rabbi Barry Kenter, from Ellen & Jack Hollander.
Barbara Simon on her 90th birthday, from Steven Kron.
Nate Fisher for his minyan breakfast honor, from Judith & Elliot Schwartz.
Jared Seiden’s Bar Mitzvah, from Miriam Pomeranz.
The Birth of Eli Meir Badash, grandson of Lynn & Martin Keltz, from Miriam Pomeranz.
In Memory of:
Penn Chabrow z”l, beloved brother of Joyce Wechsler, from Mindy Patchen, Helene Katz, Lisa & Perry Jacobs, Rosalie & Larry Berman, Ellen & Jack Hollander, Michael & Susan Meisler and Norma E. Hurwitz.
Evelyne Mitchel z”l, beloved sister of Leonora Loewentheil, from Ellen Umansky.
Amy O’Malley z”l on her birthday, from Megan Lococo.
Helene’s mother, Julia Lefkowitz z”l, and Howard’s mother, Gail Goldstein-Kenvin z”l, upon their Yahrzeits, from Helene & Howard Goldstein.
Sora bat Velvul z”l, from Lisa & Perry Jacobs.
Myron Jacobs z”l, from Perry & Lisa Jacobs.
Howard’s father, David Steinman z”l, from Howard Steinman & Barbara Birshtein.
Donald Kotler z”l, beloved husband of Barbara Kotler, from Ellen & Jack Hollander and Howard Steinman & Barbara Birshtein.
Judith Thomas z”l, beloved sister of Vona Herz, from Ellen & Jack Hollander.
Our stepmom, Sheila Tanenbaum, z”l. With great generosity of heart, Sheila embraced our family and became a loving step-savta to our children, whose grandmothers they never had the chance to know. She spoke with pride and joy about her beloved children and grandchildren, from Yoram Bernet.
Our beloved longtime Beth El member Eunice Kaplan z”l, from Judy Schmeidler, Mindell Patchen, and Audrey Singer.
Helene’s mother, Julia Lefkowitz z”l, and her brother, David Lefkowitz z”l, upon their yahrzeits, from Helene & Howard Goldstein
Ruth Kon z”l, beloved mother of Tamar Tait, from Sarah Marcus, Alan & Elizabeth Legatt and Thomas & Pearl Sullivan.
My father Adolf Schmitz z”l on his yahrzeit, from Helga Luden.
Dr. Steven Winik z”l on his yahrzeit, from Eric & Laurie Roth.
Steven Guggenheim z”l, beloved husband of Susan Wolman, from Shirin, Steven, Nicola & Jenna Stein.
The Robert Matthew Klein Fund for Inclusion and Special Needs
In Honor of:
Carrie Shechter Fox in recognition of her well-deserved honor at the Annual Torah Fund Brunch from Beth & Ron Cohen.
In Memory of:
Penn Chabrow z”l, beloved brother of Joyce Wechsler, from Judy Schmeidler, Elise & Bob Schepp and Barbara Finder.
Alice Schwartz z”l, beloved mother of Steve Schwartz on her yahrzeit, from Steve & Lori Schwartz.
Isaac Yadgaroff z”l, beloved father and grandfather, from Loretta & Arthur Holland.
Martin Schiller z”l, beloved father of Emily Herzfeld, from Beth & Ron Cohen.
Ruth Kon z”l, beloved mother of Tamar Tait, from Lori & Steve Schwartz.
The Yvette and Herman Gordon Century Fund for Adult Teaching and Learning
In Honor of:
Erica & Larry Epstein, from Amos & Andrea Neufeld.
In Memory of:
Penn Chabrow z”l, beloved brother of Joyce Wechsler, from Esther & Mark Mildner and Dorothy Fox.
Miriam Hirsch z”l with appreciation of Rabbi Bedo for her teaching in memory of my mom on her Yahrzeit, from Robert Hirsch.
My late husband, Rabbi David BlumenfeldPhD z”l, from Frances Blumenfeld.
Leslie Glanz z”l, beloved father of Eli and father-in-law of Penny Glanz, from Ellen & Jack Hollander.
Eliot Renick z”l, beloved brother of Jack Renick, from Ellen & Jack Hollander.
Our beloved longtime Beth El member Eunice Kaplan z”l, from Ellen & Jack Hollander.
Ruth Kon z”l, beloved mother of Tamar Tait, from Dorothy Fox and Debbie & Steven Young.
Herman W. Gordon z”l, Helen Gordon z”l and William Hirsch z”l on their yahrzeits, from Yvette Gordon.
Capital Improvement Fund
In Honor of:
Barbara Simon on her 90th birthday with much love from her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Lynn & Steven Gruenstein on your double chai wedding anniversary, from Shari & Marvin Chinitz.
In Memory of:
Leslie Glanz z”l, beloved father of Eli Glanz, from Shari & Marvin Chinitz.
Eliot Renick z”l, beloved brother of Jack Renick, from Shari & Marvin Chinitz.
Shoresh Halev Center for Jewish Music Fund
In Honor of:
Nate Fisher, to commemorate his service to the Minyan, from Debbie & Steven Young.
Thank you for hosting the Yom Ha’Shoah event, from Iris Kasten.
In Memory of:
Penn Chabrow z”l, beloved brother of Joyce Wechsler, from Harriet Kaplan Suvall & Marc Suvall.
Leonard Weinstock z”l, beloved father of Sharon Weinstock, from Shari & Marvin Chinitz.
Ruth Kon z”l, beloved mother of Tamar Tait, from Shari & Marvin Chinitz.
Dorothy & Donald Fleishaker Religious School Enrichment Fund
In Memory of:
Penn Chabrow z”l, beloved brother of Joyce Wechsler, from Lloyd Sherman.
My beloved father, Hyman Sheinman z”l, from Lloyd Sherman.
Leslie Glanz z”l, beloved father of Eli Glanz, from Lloyd Sherman.
Jeremy
Scheinfeld Memorial Fund
In Honor of:
My beloved grandchildren: Jack Bodhi Lee, Charlie Stella Coyle
Presley Jane Kaphan, Maxwell Lee, Ruby Eva, and Noah
Paul Kaphan, from Robin Kaphan.
The birth of Lisa and Perry Jacobs’ first grandchild, Asher Jacobs, son of Matt and Melanie, from Hanita & Paul Schneiderman.
Leslie & Dick Ruttenberg on the engagement of their son Matthew to Rachel Brinn, from Robin Kaphan and family.
In Memory of:
Warren Kushak z”l, beloved father of Gwen Salmo, from Barbara Finder.
Penn Chabrow z”l, beloved brother of Joyce Wechsler, from Gwen & Gary Salmo.
Our beloved mother Norma Schneiderman z”l on her Yarzheit, from Hanita & Paul Schneiderman.
Maria Goldhecht z”l on her yahrzeit, from Ruth & Mark Sininsky.
The Sylvia & Robert Scher Chesed Community Fund
In Honor of:
The birth of a new grandchild to Lynn Chinitz & Steven Gruenstein, from Erica & Larry Epstein.
In Memory of:
Penn Chabrow z”l, beloved brother of Joyce Wechsler, from Liz & Eric Alderman and Phyllis & Harvey Jay.
Abe Walfish z”l on his yahrzeit, from Jeff Mittleman & Susan Eichen Mittleman.
Kenie Mittleman z”l, Fanny Friedman z”l, Glenn and Morty Eichen z”l on their yahrzeits, from Jeff Mittleman & Susan Eichen Mittleman.
Donald Kotler z”l, beloved husband of Barbara Kotler, brother of Dr. Stuart Kotler and brother-in-law of Sheila Kotler, uncle of Lisa Shafer, Meredith Kotler and Sarah Kotove, from Sheila Kotler and family.
Ruth Kon z”l, beloved mother of Tamar Tait, from Jeff Mittleman & Susan Eichen Mittleman.
Endowment Fund
In Memory of:
Leslie Glanz z”l, beloved father of Eli Glanz, from Marc & Barbara Klee.
Day Camp Fund
In Memory of:
Joan Jacobs z”l, from Perry & Lisa Jacobs.
Men’s Club Fund
In Memory of:
THANK YOU!
Marc’s father Walter Klee z”l on his yahrzeit, from Marc & Barbara Klee.
Eliot Renick z”l, beloved brother of Jack Renick, from Marc & Barbara Klee
David Gingold Nursery School Fund
In Honor of:
Ella Kliger, from Elijah Kliger. Laurie & Eric Roth, from Bernice Gale.
In Memory of:
Jack Kaplan z”l, from Mitchel Kaplan.
Yahrzeit Donations
Marion Auspitz; Marian Berkowitz; Steven Berkowitz; Frances Blumenfeld; Beth Breakstone & Ted Keltz; Jerome & Phyllis Brown; Jody Burton; Rachel & Barry Charles; Nancy Chhahira; Sheila Cohen; Judy & Doug Conrad; Joyce Cornick; Barbara Ehudin; Nathan Eisler; Pamela & Steven Eliach; Joan Faier; Alen & Barbara Feinberg; Dalia Fenster; Annette Fogelman; Maxine Friedman; Pamela Friedman & Robert Preminger; Meredith & Joel Gantcher; Adele Gentin; Deborah Gerstein; Rita & Bruce Gilbert; Judith Goldstein; Susan Goldstein & Family; Sheryl Sterner Grabowski; Malcolm Graff; Debra Greenberg; Roberta Greenberg;
Greta Gross; Sandy Gruenberg; Sy Gruza; Alan Guber; Marilyn Handler; Robin & Jeffrey Hessel; David & Ruth Hirsh; Arthur & Loretta Holland; Arthur & Janet Jakoby; Marcia Kahn; Rosalind Kaufman; Steven Kessler; David Klingsberg; Elliot & Susan Lesser; Martin Levitin; Sande Lichtenstein; Susan Lurie; Michael Malina; Arkady Mamaysky; Mark Medin; George Morris & Family; Goldie Newman; Barbara Protass; Jack Renick; Lester Resman; Joel Resnick; Patricia Greenwel-Rojkind; Emily Rubin & Dan Feldman; Evelyn & Barry Salter; Deborah Schlein; Judith Schmeidler; Judith & Elliot Schwartz; Joyce Silver; Harold Shulman; Barbara Simon & Family; Shirin & Steven Stein; Steven Stern; Marc Straussberg; Harold Sussman; Eric Treiber; Tova Usdan; William Winters; Claudia & Norbert Wolloch.
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
Marc & Anita Zoldessy in memory of Penn Chabrow z”l, beloved brother of Joyce Wechsler; Rita & David Kaufman in memory of Penn Chabrow z”l, beloved brother of Joyce Wechsler; Sol & Linda Haber in memory of Penn Chabrow z”l, beloved brother of Joyce Wechsler; The Talmadge and Miller families in memory of Helaine Miller z”l; Shari Baum in memory of Evelyne Mitchel z”l, beloved sister of Leonora Loewentheil; Naana Cobbina in memory of Penn Chabrow z”l, beloved brother of Joyce Wechsler; Rabbi Barry & Judi Kenter in memory of Morris Kenter z’l; Phyllis Cole in memory of Penn Chabrow z”l,
beloved brother of Joyce Wechsler; Sylvia Texon Rogers & Thomas Rogers; Mark & Eleanor Walfish in memory of Eleanor’s mother Ruth Radin z”l;The Loewentheil Family in memory of Evelyne Mitchel z”l beloved sister of Leonora and with thanks to Rabbi Sitkin for officiating at the shiva; Roberta & Jeffrey Graf in memory of Jeffrey’s beloved father and much loved Popsi, Rudolf Graf z”l; Shirley & Alan Levitz in memory of Leonard Weinstock z”l, beloved father of Sharon Weinstock; Erica Leventhal in memory of her grandma Lila z’l; Jay & Barbara Lerman in memory of Helen & Abraham Tussman z”l; Mitchell & Sima Littman in honor of the engagement of Dr. Dalia Littman and Nathaniel Rattner; Mitchell & Sima Littman in honor of the birth of Gideon Baruch Oynick, son of Hannah (Littman) and Josh Oynick; Fred & Judy Bomback in memory of Penn Chabrow z”l , beloved brother of Joyce Wechsler; Michael & Claudia Felberg in memory of Bettye Felberg z”l and Miguel Altschuller z”l on their yahrzeits; Barbara Simon’s 90th birthday, with much love from her children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren; Sharon Weinstock (Jacques Steinberg), Jill Ames (Jonathan) and Mark Weinstock (Terri) with sincere thanks for the support of Rabbi Schuck, Rabbi Sitkin, Rabbi Bedo, Cantor Gaby, Jack Klebanow, and the entire congregation on the occasion of the death of their father; Marcia & Hy Pryluck in memory of their beloved mother Frances Ader z”l, always in our thoughts, forever in our hearts; Jacqueline & Avi Einzig in memory of Ernest Einzig z”l on his yahrzeit; Fred & Judy Bomback in memory of Judith Thomas z”l, beloved sister of Vona Herz; Larry & Erica Epstein in memory of of a very fine lady, Eunice Kaplan z”l; Annette Fogelman in memory of Eunice Kaplan z”l; Phyllis Cole in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Carole and Jeff Graham’s granddaughter, Bailee; Phyllis Cole in memory of Donald Kotler z”l, beloved husband of Barbara Kotler; Phyllis Cole in memory of Judith Thomas z”l, beloved sister of Vona Herz; Sima & Mitchell Littman in memory of Betty Trachtman z’l and George Oscar Lee Littman z”l on their yahrzeits; Lisa Kaplan in memory of her beloved mother, Eunice Kaplan z”l; Claire Gerstein in memory of her grandmother, Rebecca Jackson and my parents, Sol and Esther Gerstein; Rita & David Kaufman in memory of Rita’s father, Abraham Rosenfeld z”l on his Yahrzeit; Peter & Louise Conlon in memory of Eunice Kaplan z”l; Dorothy Fox in memory of Leslie Glanz z”l, beloved father of Eli Glanz; Deborah Kaplan in memory of Ruth Kon z”l, beloved mother of Tamar Tait; Jonathan Kaplan in memory of Eunice Kaplan z”l; Lisa & Perry Jacobs for the recovery of Eliazor Ben Hana; Maryann & Robert Sacks in honor of the marriage of our grandson, Noah
Feilbogen (son of Amy & Rob Feilbogen) to Lexi Levitt; Amy & Robert Feilbogen in honor of the marriage of their son Noah Feilbogen to Lexi Levitt; Frank & Nancy Levin in memory of Frank’s parents, Betty and Joseph Levin z”l and with thanks to the clergy for their support following his father’s recent passing; Bernie Katz in memory of Stanley Abel z’l, beloved husband of Mary Abel; Shari Birnbaum Baum in memory of Eunice Kaplan z”l; Shari Birnbaum Baum in memory of Ruth Kon z”l, beloved mother of Tamar Tait.
Cantor’s Discretionary Fund
The Talmadge and Miller Families in memory of Helaine Miller z”l; Beth Siegel in memory of Penn Chabrow z”l, beloved brother of Joyce (Michael) Wechsler; Barbara Finder in honor of Cantor Gaby for bikkur cholim visits to her mother; Deborah Kaplan in honor of and with thanks to Shari Chinitz & Cantor Gaby for your help with Torah reading; Meri-Jane Rochelson & Joel Mintz in memory of Leslie Glanz z”l, dear father of Eli and father-in-law of Penny Glanz; Russell & Ella Fayer in memory of Joseph Kramer z”l; Amy & Robert Feilbogen in honor of the marriage of their son Noah Feilbogen to Lexi Levitt.
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
Erica & Larry Epstein, the birth of your granddaughter, Lyla Ruth from Sandy & Jack Gruenberg
Leslie & Dick Ruttenberg, the engagement of your son, Matthew to Rachel from Sandy & Jack Gruenberg
Rita & David Kaufman, the bat mitzvah of your granddaughter, Eliana from Sandy & Jack Gruenberg
Josh Casson, the anniversary of your bar mitzvah and doing the haftarah from Sandy & Jack Gruenberg
Sandy & Jack Gruenberg, the bar mitzvah of your grandson from Rita & David Kaufman
Beth Siegel, your birthday from Joyce & Michael Wechsler
Bernie Katz, your birthday from Joyce & Michael Wechsler, Sandy & Jack Gruenberg
Carrie Fox, being a Torah Fund Honoree, from Garalynn & David Reifer, Joyce & Michael Wechsler, Dana Asher and Scott Reiner
Cynthia Shechter, being a Torah Fund Honoree, from Garalynn & David Reifer, Joyce & Michael Wechsler, Dana Asher and Scott Reiner
Helene Katz, your granddaughter Emma’s marriage to Zac Goldberg from Sandy & Jack Gruenberg
Esther & Mark Mildner, the marriage of your daughter
Caroline to Gregory Ross from Sandy & Jack Gruenberg
Barbara & Jay Lerman, your grandson, Benjamin Heistein becoming bar mitzvah from Sandy & Jack Gruenberg
Carole & Jeff Graham, the bat mitzvah of your granddaughter from Sharon & Peter Spenser
Elly & Teddy Zabb, the bar mitzvah of your grandson from Sharon & Peter Spenser
Esther & Mark Mildner, your daughter’s wedding from Sharon & Peter Spenser
In Memory of:
Penn Chabrow z”l, beloved brother of Joyce Wechsler from Sandy & Jack Gruenberg, Marcia & Hyman Pryluck
Hilda Gamson Savitz z”l, beloved mother of Sandy Gruenberg from Sandy & Jack Gruenberg
Judith Thomas z”l, beloved sister of Vona Herz from Dorothy Fox, Gaby & George Newfield
Eliot Renick z”l, beloved brother of Jack Renick from Phoebe & Peter Gross, Joyce & Michael Wechsler
Leslie Glanz z”l, beloved father and father-in-law of Eli and Penny Glanz from Joyce & Michael Wechsler
Kenneth Gold z”l beloved brother of Bruce Gold from Sandy & Jack Gruenberg
Ruth Kon z”l, beloved mother of Tamar Tait from Joyce & Michael Wechsler, Janet & Richard Kirshbaum, Erica & Larry Epstein, Phoebe & Peter Gross, Geralynn & David Reifer, Gaby & George Newfield
Eunice Kaplan z”l from Marjorie Schlossberg-Glick, Goldie Newman
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 amaiolo@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
