The Monthly Newsletter from Shir Ami in Newtown, PennsylvaniaShiron

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

January • February 2022 | Shevat Adar I 5782

Rabbi Briskin: Jewish Law and Covid Response ............3

January/February Ritual Calendar.........................................4-5

Life Long Learning • NEW Events...................................8-9

Purim Baskets (Mishloach Manot) Fundraiser ...............11

...and more in this DOUBLE ISSUE OF SHIRON!

Look Inside:

Sr. SHAFTY Goes Ice Skating in Philly

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Shortly before the Coronavirus upended so much of what we do at Shir Ami, we were beginning a nice tradition at the Oneg Shabbat. For those of us who enjoyed saying a little “L’chayim” after services, several folks were bringing a bottle of whiskey to share with those who wanted to partake. For many, a little sip of Four Roses brings more oneg—joy, to the oneg Shabbat.

We haven’t had an Oneg Shabbat since March of 2020. And even though for the past several months we have been inching our way back towards a greater sense of normalcy, food and drink for the most part has not been part of the equation. Despite empty tummies, we have nevertheless returned to in person Shabbat services. Our Early Learning Center is at capacity while our religious school has many new children, and both continue to meet safely, in person. Our choir is singing again; we celebrated b.mitzvah almost every Shabbat this fall with no restrictions on numbers. Chevrat Torah, our Shabbat morning minyan has returned to the Chodorow Family Life Center. Our Food Bank volunteers gather throughout the month to help sort and distribute our collection of food. Women of Shir Ami gather for programs, and Mah Jongg is back on Wednesday mornings.

It’s good to be back and in some ways, it feels normal. Yet, we know that we are still far from normal. We still require masks to be worn inside. We do not serve food inside (unless everyone in the group has shown proof of vaccination). The choir has to sing while wearing masks—no easy feat. We don’t know whether to shake hands, fist or elbow bump or to hug. It can all be quite awkward.

However, our clear policies and protocols—many of which we have adjusted as circumstances allow—have kept Covid-19 at bay at Shir Ami. Thankfully, Covid has not spread at Shir Ami even when we’ve discovered that a person who was at Shir Ami tested positive. This is because we have been cautious by taking steps that mitigate potential spread without ceasing all operations, primarily masking and distancing as best as possible.

This is why we will continue to meet in person, as long as we are able to keep a handle on all Coronavirus variants, and especially the Omicron variant. We pray that those who contract the Omicron variant have mild symptoms. We are concerned that many vaccinated and boosted individuals are contracting Covid. Even so, figures show that the rates of Covid among unvaccinated individuals is far greater.

That is why I hope and pray that if you are among our community of eligible folks who have not yet chosen to get vaccinated, you will change your mind. Not only because I am asking, and our community is asking, but because it’s also what Judaism expects of all of us and it truly is

a mitzvah—a sacred obligation and it’s the right thing to do. This is a widely held belief among the non-Orthodox Jewish community.

Last year, before Covid, a question was posed to the Rabbinical Assembly’s (Conservative movement’s) Committee on Jewish Law and Standards. The RA is the governing body of Conservative rabbis. Rabbi David Golonkin published a responsum (known also as a teshuva) that responded to the question, “Does halakhah (Jewish law) require vaccinations?” The Committee published its response saying the following: “There is a halakhic obligation for Jews to vaccinate themselves and their children, unless their doctors determine that it’s dangerous for that specific person to be vaccinated due to a pre-existing condition.” The responsum (teshuva) is steeped in example after example of rabbinic thought and halakhic interpretations over the centuries that help them come to this conclusion.

They also share that “since the discovery of the smallpox vaccine by Dr. Edward Jenner in 1796, it has been proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that vaccines against infectious diseases save the lives of millions of people every year while only a very small percentage experience complications or die.” Simply said, the risks of remaining unvaccinated for oneself or others are far greater than the risks of getting vaccinated.

I am under the impression that the vast majority of our Shir Ami members are vaccinated. For those who are not, I strongly urge you to follow the science and Jewish law. Take into consideration how your individual decision affects the entire community. We want you to be with us and we want you to feel welcomed. But know that we cannot continue to make decisions that affect 95% of our folks for the sake of the 5%, whether that is deciding when we can remove our masks or eat, or be in closer proximity to one another.

We love to celebrate life. Preserving the health and well-being of our community is one way we do so. God willing, when we all do our part, and when Omicron passes, we may be able to share a meal, or a conversation face to face, or raise a glass of Angel’s Envy and say “L’chayim!”

FROM OUR RABBI’S STUDYSHIRON | January/February 2022

How Jewish Law and Science Interact

CONTACT RABBI BRISKIN: rabbibriskin@shiramipa.org | 215.968.3400 Ext. 102

RABBI CHARLES BRISKIN

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JANUARY & FEBRUARY RITUAL CALENDAR

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Saturday, January 1 Chevrat Torah 10:15am (via Zoom only) led by Ruth Schapira __________________

Friday, January 7Intergenerational Shabbat 7:00pm Abraham-Swerdlow Sanctuary, Livestream and ZoomLed by Rabbi Briskin, Rabbi Goldberg, Cantor Kohlbrenner and songleader Michael Smolen, with participation from our Shir Ami family members celebrating birthdays and anniversaries in January. Our theme is Tikkun Olam – repairing the world, which is also our middah (Jewish character trait) of the month.

Saturday, January 8Chevrat Torah 10:15am Chodorow Family Life Centerled by Rabbi Chuck Briskin

TROTMAN Bat Mitzvah4:30pm Abraham-Swerdlow Sanctuary __________________

Friday, January 14 Shabbat Shira Service and MLK Weekend Shabbat 7:00pm Abraham-Swerdlow Sanctuary, Livestream and Zoom

Join for a festive and upbeat service with our choir. We will include special readings and honoring MLK weekend. Rabbi Briskin will speak on racial justice.

Saturday, January 15 Chevrat Torah 10:15am Chodorow Family Life Center STEINBERGER B’nai Mitzvah4:30pm Abraham-Swerdlow Sanctuary

Torah on the Trail 8:30-9:45amJoin Rabbi Briskin for a walk along interior trails of Tyler State Park. This alternative Shabbat experience will be outside with the hope that it can be conducive to cultivating a greater sense of connection to our environment.

Saturday, January 15 Tu B’Shevat Wine Tasting and Seder 7:00pm @ Shir Ami

SEE PAGE 6for more info on this special event__________________ Friday, January 21 Community Shabbat evening service 7:00pm (via Zoom ONLY)

Saturday, January 22 Chevrat Torah 10:15am Chodorow Family Life Centerled by Cantor Rachel Kohlbrenner__________________

Friday, January 28 Shabbat evening service 7:00pm Elliot Strom Chapel and Zoom

Join us for an intimate and reflective Shabbat service featuring a discussion about the meaning of mitzvot (commandments) in our lives.

Saturday, January 29 Chevrat Torah 10:15am (via Zoom only) led by Rabbi Greg Litcofsky

SACHS Bar Mitzvah10:15am Abraham-Swerdlow Sanctuary __________________

Friday, February 4 Intergenerational Shabbat service 7:00pm Abraham-Swerdlow Sanctuary, Livestream and ZoomLed by Rabbi Goldberg, Cantor Kohlbrenner and songleader Michael Smolen, with participation from our Shir Ami family members celebrating birthdays and anniversaries in February. Our theme for this service is Ahavah – love, which is also our middah (Jewish character trait) of the month.

Saturday, February 5 Chevrat Torah 10:15am Chodorow Family Life Centerled by Ruth Schapira

Friday, February 11 Disability & Inclusion Shabbat 7:00pmAbraham-Swerdlow Sanctuary, Livestream and Zoom

February is disability inclusion and awareness month. We will share some of the work we are doing to make our Shir Ami community more inclusive for those with disabilities of all kinds, some visible and others not.

Saturday, February 12 Chevrat Torah 10:15am Chodorow Family Life Center led by Rabbi Chuck Briskin

Sunday, February 13 Sunday in the Park with Rabbi Chuck 9:30-11:00am Open to all, and especially Religious School parents (or if you are looking to jump start your day). Join Rabbi Briskin and friends from Shir Ami for a 60-75 minute walk along the paved trails of Tyler State Park. __________________

Friday, February 18Shabbat Service 7:00pm (on Zoom ONLY) Invite friends to your home; join us for Shabbat services then share a nice and leisurely Shabbat dinner with friends.

Saturday, February 19 Chevrat Torah 10:15am Chodorow Family Life Center led by Cantor Rachel Kohlbrenner __________________

Friday, February 25Shir Shabbat Service 7:00pm Motown Shir Shabbat, Songs of Love. This special Shabbat will feature our liturgy set to groovy motown melodies with Shir Ami musicians and choir to uplift our spirits.

Abraham-Swerdlow Sanctuary, Livestream and Zoom

Saturday, February 26 Chevrat Torah 10:15am Chodorow Family Life Centerled by Rabbi Paula Goldberg

KOSE Bar Mitzvah10:15am Abraham-Swerdlow Sanctuary

Zoom links will be provided on the Shir Ami e-News. Email jafriedman@shiramipa.org if you require a link.

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To Abby and Jeff Menard, on the birth of their son, Michael Slade, and to big brother Brandon

To Tara and Brian Needles on the birth of their daughter, Emmy, and to big brothers, Brayden and Asher

To Rachel and Eugene Kozorovitsky on the birth of their daughter, Shiloh, and to big sister Mikaella

To Shelby and Andrew Rothman on the birth of their son, Ezra, and to big brother, Seth

mazel tov

The Family of Herbert Ross

To Alan Kravatz on the passing of his father, Mel Kravatz

To Rachel Sigman and Dave Clark on the passing of their father/step-father, Nathan Goloskov

To Dianne Fein on the passing of her aunt, Ellen Pollan

To Nancy Siderits on the passing of her mother, Harriett Obus

To Rabbi Charles Briskin on the passing of his aunt, Joyce Kahn

To David Siegel on the passing of his father, Jesse Siegel

To Essie Cherkin on the passing of her brother,Stephen Bush

To Helene Hart and to Jason Hart on the passing of their sister/aunt, Marcy Goldhammer

To Ralph Sarne on the passing of his mother, Margot Sarne

To Cantor Flo Friedman on the passing of her cousin, Donald Steinman

condolences

Ava Trotmandaughter of Shari and Nate Trotman

January 8, 20226 Shevat 5782Parashat B’shalach

Benjamin Murphy Steinbergerson of Jaime and Eric Steinberger January 15, 202213 Shevat 5782Parashat Yitro

Leo Samuel Steinbergerson of Jaime and Eric Steinberger January 15, 202213 Shevat 5782Parashat Yitro

Bram David Koseson of Marla and Ethan Kose

February 26, 202225 Adar I 5782Parashat Vayakhel

Jake Tyler Sachsson of Jamie and Howard Sachs January 29, 202227 Shevat 5782Parashat Mishpatim

b.mitzvah

SHIRON | January/February 2022

Nicole AdamsKiley AndersonAbraham Meir Moshe ben MiriamBunny BarschiSandy BartashWilliam BergerRebecca BreitingerSteve BushConnie CallisCarol ChersonEric ChersonBarbara Paley CohenSeth CohenJay CrystalMoshe Dovid Ben AdaMary DayenClaudia DigesuTim EganMickey FleischmanLinda FrankElaine GeigerJordan GoldbergMolly GoldbergRabbi Paula GoldbergIrv GoldfingerBonnie GoldsteinMarcy GoldsteinBradley GoodmanDave GoodmanSusan GorgasZachary HirshKim HymanAlbert JonesRena KarlinKaren KatzKeith Kessler

Adam KritzerAmy LasnerJay LasnerMarcie LevensteinJan MaharamSheryl Lomas MalamudKatherine McCandlessBrian McCuskerRay PetersNatalie bat TamarEllen RawiczAzi RichmanBob RosenSherri Brenner RosenWendy RosenthalSteve RosofskyMichael SachsMichael SandmanRona SarneLarry SchaefferMartin SchroederMarilyn SheniakRonald ShermanRhea SilberbergSandy SilbermanNatalie SilvermanGeorge SpitalnyDeena StuartKarin SurkinAnne TimmonsVevel ben Bessie v’TevyaLenore WeissbergJeanne WineripAudrey WinstonSarah Zins

We Pray for Healing of Body, Mind, and Spirit for:

refuah shleimah

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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MEDITATIONS AND MORNING BLESSINGS with Rabbi Briskin

Wednesdays and Fridays | 8:45am

Twice a week, Rabbi Briskin leads a brief ritual to start the day. We share a couple of traditional morning blessings, read a piece of poetry and enjoy several minutes of mindfulness meditation. This practice is a great way to center ourselves and to create some calm before the busy-ness of the day ensues. No previous experience with meditation needed; just an open mind to a new experience.

UPCOMING SHIR AMI EVENTS

Tu B’Shevat Wine Tasting

Saturday, January 15

7:00pm | Shir Ami

Tu B’Shevat Israel’s Arbor Day is a holiday that celebrates the early first growth on trees in Israel. Several centuries ago, rabbis created a special seder that connects some mystical elements to the holiday. Tu B’Shevat gatherings are often marked with wine and special foods to share.

Join us as we taste (at least) 4 different wines curated by Rabbi Briskin and Scott Stevens and sample Tu B’Shevat foods as well. Because we are eating and drinking indoors, proof of vaccination is required and limited to 36 participants.

Cost is $25 which will provide all wine and food. COFFEE TALK 9:30am | ThursdaysJan. 13 and 27 Feb. 10 and 24

Rabbi Briskin welcomes you to join him for a cup of coffee and conversation about anything that is on your mind (and appropriate to be discussed with a group).

It’s a nice way to meet other people from Shir Ami and enjoy casual and open conversations.

Save the Dates:PURIM CARNIVAL & KIDS’ PURIM SPIEL

March 13, 2022

ADULT PURIM SPIEL

March 19, 2022

MEGILLAH READING & ADULT PURIM STUDY March 16@7:30 pm

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LIFE LONG LEARNING SHIRON | January/February 2022

PART I: If Only I Could Read and Decode Hebrew

Mondays, Jan 3, 10, 17, 24 | 8:00-9:00pm on Zoom

Once you can tell an aleph from a bet, and put a few letters and vowels together, you will be able to follow along in the prayerbook without the transliteration. Join Rabbi Paula Goldberg to learn (or relearn) Hebrew letters and vowels and improve your Hebrew decoding skills.

Fee for the course is $36.

Part II: I Say These Words; What do they Mean?

Mondays, Feb. 14 21, 28, Mar. 7,14,21 | 8:00-9:00pm on Zoom

Now that you’ve learned how to read Hebrew, put those skills to work as you learn to better understand the meaning of the prayers, as well as basic prayer book grammar and translation. Ability to read and decode Hebrew (from part I) is highly recommended.

Fee for this course is $54.

Part III: Basic Conversational Hebrew Class

Thursday, Feb. 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24 | 7:00-8:00pm, In person only.

If you already have basic decoding skills (or are learning them in the other class), and may even know how to say a phrase or two, please join Batel Moore for an ongoing class of basic conversational Hebrew. The first round will meet for 6 weeks from 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Fee for this course is $54.

Three Hebrew Classes Begin This Month

LIFE LONG LEARNING

Shir Ami’s ‘Feed Your Mind and Soul’ series meets at the intersection of Jewish holidays, pop culture, Jewish texts and the foods that define our people. As the name suggests, we hope participants will come ‘hungry’ and leave with their minds enlightened, souls lifted and bellies full.

FEED YOUR Mind and Soul

In Search of Israeli Cuisine Thursday, January 13 | 7:00pm

Racial Reads part II: The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Color Blindness by Michelle Alexander

Wednesday, January 26 7:00pm Zoom only event

Get to knowAuthor Ayelet Tsabari Sunday, January 2312:00pm As part of our Tu B’Shevat celebration,

please join Rabbi Eric on Thursday, January 13 at 7:00pm via Zoom as we explore and discuss In Search of Israeli Cuisine. Part of our ‘Feed Your Mind and Soul’ Lifelong Learning Series, In Search of Israeli Cuisine is a portrait of the Israeli people told through food and helps explain why Israel is more “salad bowl” than “melting pot”. Profiling chefs, home cooks, farmers, vintners, and cheese makers drawn from more than 100 cultures that make up Israel today: Jewish, Arab, Muslim, Christian, Druze, a rich, complex and human story emerges. The chef/guide of In Search of Israeli Cuisine is Michael Solomonov. Mike enters peoples’ lives and their kitchens to discuss their roots, inspirations, what their grandmothers cooked, how they’re preserving traditions and updating recipes with global influences. We kindly ask participants to watch In Search of Israeli Cuisine in advance. The movie (including the trailer) can be found in many places on line, including Amazon Prime. In addition to exploring and discussing the film, participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the shivat minim (7 Spices) that are considered to most represent Israel, their connection to Tu B’Shevat and special recipes in which these spices are the stars!

One of the most important and influential books of the last decade, Michelle Alexander argues that the war on drugs has created a new racial caste system, disproportionately punishing black people. A powerfully interlocking system of laws and policies targets black people for drug crime, punishes them more severely than white criminals, and makes life as an ex-felon extremely difficult. The result is effectively racial subjugation and disenfranchisement. Join us for a conversation facilitated by Janis Bader, Harriet Paley and Rabbi Briskin.

Ayelet Tsabari was born in Israel to a large family of Yemeni descent. She graduated from, and taught at Simon Fraser University’s Writer’s Studio and the MFA Program in Creative Writing at the University of Guelph.

She is the author of The Art of Leaving, winner of the Canadian Jewish Literary Awards, a finalist for the Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize for Nonfiction, and an Apple Books and Kirkus Review Best Book of 2019.

Her first book, The Best Place on Earth, won the Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award for Jewish Fiction. The book was a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, and has been published internationally to great acclaim.

Ayelet will be joining us from Israel.

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LIFE LONG LEARNING (continued)

GOLDEN SLIPPER GEMSEnrichment Classes for Older Adults

Golden Slipper Gems offers inexpensive university-quality courses on a variety of topics including music, history, theater, Israel, and politics. Call or email Lettie at 267 984-0722 LSwitzer@goldenslipper.org or visit GoldenSlipperGems.org for more information.

“Billy the Kid” led by Brett Cohen

Tuesday, February 8 | 7:30pm

In 2017, Billy Joel walked on stage at Madison Square Garden wearing a bright yellow star sewn onto his suit jacket. It was shortly after events in Charlottesville, Virginia, and the usually non-political Joel was asked why he chose to wear that bright yellow star on this particular night. He replied: “My old man, his family got wiped out. They were slaughtered at Auschwitz. Him and his parents were able to get out.”

How did Billy Joel’s family history play, or not play, a role in his upbringing, his music, his lyrics?

Join Brett Cohen, Billy Joel aficionado and attendee of an uncountable number of Billy Joel concerts, as he shares some of his favorite Billy Joel songs, why those songs mean so much to him, and how Billy’s Jewish history influenced the music he created.

SHIRON | January/February 2022

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READS with Cantor Rachel Thursday, February 3 | 7:30pm

In Person and via Zoom

Shir Ami READS with Cantor Rachel will

be in person at Shalom Hall or on Zoom at 7:30pm. Please register in advance. We will be discussing the book, The Orchard by David Hopen. This book is about Ari who moves with his ultra-Orthodox family to a suburb of Miami. He enrolls in a Jewish academy that is full of wealthy students. When the academy’s golden boy, Noah, takes Ari under his wing, Ari finds himself entangled in the school’s most exclusive and wayward group. These friends are magnetic and defiant, especially Evan, the brooding genius of the bunch, still living in the shadow of his mother’s death. Influenced by their charismatic rabbi, the group begins testing their religion in unconventional ways. Soon Ari and his friends are pushing moral boundaries and careening toward a perilous future; one in which the traditions of their faith are repurposed to mysterious, tragic ends. Come join Cantor Rachel for a lively discussion of this book.

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Our goal is to engage, inspire, surprise, expand minds and experience our peoples’ amazing history and tradition in a new light and through new lenses. From music to movies to text study to book groups to learning from some of the most accomplished scholars of our time, there is truly something for everyone! (And, if there’s something you don’t see that interests you, please be in touch with Rabbi Eric).

Do you ever wonder what the Shir Ami Board of Directors

(BOD) does? Probably not many of you think about it, but I think it’s

important for everyone to understand what these volunteers do on behalf of the

congregation.

In September, at a Board retreat led by Rabbi Lou Feldstein, CEO of the consulting firm, Dynamic Change Solutions, we learned that a synagogue Board of Directors has five main responsibilities; 1) To set the strategic direction of Shir Ami by establishing both short and long-term goals and aligning them with the four pillars of our mission: Learning Together, Making an Impact, Growing Spiritually, and Connecting Together. 2) To set policies and provide financial oversight, i.e., making sure that Shir Ami remains financially sound and that our facility is maintained. 3) The BOD is responsible for resource management and increasing philanthropic support and annual giving. Board members are asked to lead by example and contribute to the Circle of Giving. 4) Board members are expected to be advocates and ambassadors for Shir Ami both within the congregation and outside of our circle, to the greater community. 5)The Board is responsible for clergy and senior staff selection and retention.

Did you know that Board meetings are open to all congregants? If you want to know what is happening at Shir Ami, I am inviting you to attend a meeting! Except for at budget time, we rarely get observers. You can also find out what is going on by reading the minutes from the meetings (although it might be best not to try and read them at bedtime). The minutes and reports from the clergy, staff and committee chairs are posted on our website, under, “About Us, “Our Board,” (where you can see all our smiling faces and contact info).

So, what goes on at a Board meeting? Every month, the fifteen of us and select staff members meet for a couple of hours on a Tuesday evening. Our meetings open with a D’Var Torah, a discussion of the weekly Torah portion, and its relevancy to today. After approving the previous month’s minutes, we hear updates or discuss clergy, staff or committee reports For example, Jon Stevens, our ShirOpen Taskforce Chair, usually informs the Board of

the latest COVID protocols. After the High Holy Days, our Ritual Co-Chairs, Debbie Rosenthal and Michael Smolen, shared how their committee reviewed the services, looking at what was successful and what could be tweaked. For the remainder of the meeting, we ask strategic questions, identify and discuss issues within the congregation and vote on any proposals to remedy or address the issues at hand. Please note - the Board’s job is not to get involved in the day-to-day operations of Shir Ami; that is the job of our professional staff. Rather, it is to proactively ask strategic questions and identify congregational priorities. We then empower our professionals and lay-led committees to implement procedures to meet the identified goals. Our meetings always end with a closing prayer or song.

For the last few months, facilitated by Jeff Cohen, the BOD has been developing and prioritizing Board goals in preparation for the upcoming budget process. I will be sharing these goals with you in an upcoming Shiron. If the suspense is too much for you, then read the October minutes!

How does the Board accomplish all of its responsibilities? Fifteen people can’t do it all. Our congregational committees and taskforces help with a lot of the practical work to accomplish what needs to be done. That is where YOU come in. Whatever your interest, we have a committee for you; they range from the Engagement, Membership, B. Mitzvah Liaison, Religious School, and Inclusion Committees to Tikkun Olam, Music, Security, and Philanthropy Committees, to name just some. Please consider volunteering to serve on a committee. Our Board members work very hard for our congregants, but they need your help to keep Shir Ami strong. If you are interested in serving on one of our committees, please be in touch with me at president@shiramipa.org. I wish all of you a safe and healthy winter and look forward to seeing you in and around Shir Ami in the near future.

– Ellie Short, President

The Shir Ami Board of Directors:WHAT DO WE DO?

OUR SHIR AMI PRESIDENT

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If you are interested in Volunteering in any capacityplease contact Ellie Short: president@shiramipa.org

PURIM HIGHLIGHT

Support this program at: www.shirami.org/form/PurimBaskets

___ $90 (“5chai”) send greetings to the entire congregational family – members, preschool families and staff

EXTRA OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT SHIR AMI:

___ $180 (“10chai”) ___ $360 (“20chai”)

FOR PRE-SCHOOL FAMILIES & TEACHERS ONLY

___ $45 Special for preschool families and teachers. Send your greetings to the preschool community!

Pricing options:

Every congregant, preschool family, and Shir Ami staff member will receive a gift box safely delivered to their home or via the preschool. The boxes will contain hamentaschen and other Purim treats.

While your financial support of this project will be truly appreciated, you WILL receive a Purim box whether you are able to be a sponsor or not.

All sponsorships and payments are due by Friday March 4, 2022

Payment through ShirAmi.org is preferred

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:

For Baking: March 12 and 13

To assemble boxes: March 10

To deliver boxes: March 13

(Delivery to a 15 mile radius of Shir Ami)

Contact Jodi at jafriedman@shiramipa.com for volunteer information.

Name as you want it to appear

_______________________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

Telephone ___________________________________________________

Email _______________________________________________________

$90 $180 $360 $45 PreSchool Level

$25 x _______ Extra boxes in addition to your support level

$______________ Total Enclosed

**ONLY RETURN THE FORM BELOW IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO USE THE ONLINE WEBSITE FORM

SHIRON | January/February 2022

Purim Mishloach Manot Baskets...are BACK!Please check your weekly enews and emails for more information in January

Back by popular demand! Extra boxes delivered to YOUR HOME to give to friends and family(Sponsorship required to purchase additional boxes)___ $25/ea

Mail to: Shir Ami, 101 Richboro Road, Newtown, PA 18940

BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

WHO: Andy Salsman, Producer for the MSNBC show Meet the Press Daily

FAMILY: Wife, Stacey, is the Associate Director of

Programs and Coordinator for the Center for Spiritual Well Being at Beth Shalom Congregation, Victoria (grade 5), Sadie (grade 3), and Kramer, their 12 year old Golden Doodle

WHERE:Live in Newtown

YEARS AT SHIR AMI: Since 2015

HOBBIES: Running and cooking

FUN FACT: Can recite from memory in less than one minute every Best Picture Winner in Academy Award history (be sure to get Andy to prove this when you see him!)

NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Shir Ami welcomes the Needles family!

FAMILY MEMBERS:

Brian, a creative designer for a software company; wife, Tara, in marketing; Brayden (first grade), Asher (ELC pre-K); Emmy (4 months), and their Golden Doodle, Kingston.

WHERE: Live in Newtown Grant

JOINED SHIR AMI: Because of ELC, and so children can learn Jewish values

FAVORITE VACATION SPOT: Jamaica

SPORTS TEAM: Eagles!

STRANGE FACT: The Needles live on the same street as three ELC teachers

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MEMBERS OF OUR SHIR AMI COMMUNITY

As the holiday season comes to an end, it’s wonderful to reflect on all the fun the children had throughout the months of November and December. Every aspect of their learning was fun, productive and even yummy!

We started the month doing the wonderful mitzvah of “Acts of Loving Kindness” by donating toys and books to children less fortunate than we are. The children learned quickly that it is a mitzvah to give to others and not just receive. As the month went on, everyone got very busy making their hanukkiyot. Wood, clay, beads, etc were just a few of the materials used. Our chanukiot teach us about the miracle of the oil and of the eight nights that we light it. We loved getting together each morning to light Hanukkah candles as a school and sing songs together.

Kol Ha’Kavod (great job!) to our Kindergarten children for their amazing productions of, “Judah Who Always Said, No!” They are all naturals on the stage! Of course, it wouldn’t be a holiday without the yummy foods that we eat. Some classes made olive oil, others made edible chanukiot. The smell of latkes filled the hallways along with the beautiful voices of our children happily singing Hanukkah tunes. Thank you to all our classroom

parents for their hard work planning such wonderful Hanukkah parties. Everyone seemed very content with all their special treats.

Our ELC Virtual Hanukkah Event was so much fun! We heard a wonderful interactive story from Music Play Patrol and made edible chanukiot. Yum!

In November we showed off our team spirit on “Wear your Favorite Team” day. December had “Disney Day”. So many princesses!

Before Winter Break, everyone enjoyed eating popcorn and watching a movie in pajamas. My favorite day of the year! As we look ahead to January and February, our classes will focus on the winter season, peace and unity for Martin Luther King Day and Tu B’shevat. There’s also Presidents’ Day and Groundhog’s Day to learn about. (Let’s pray for an early spring!) I can’t wait to see what will pop up in the hallways.

We will also be hosting our Kindergarten Open House (1/6/22) and Class Observations (1/11, 1/12/22) via Zoom! Keep an eye out for the ‘22-’23 school registration forms! Remember to reserve your spots early!

ELC Learns About Mitzvot

SHIR AMI ELC | LEARNING TOGETHER

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

UPCOMING IN JANUARY & FEBRUARY

1/5: Kick Off to Reading Month

1/6: Virtual Kindergarten Open House@ 6:45pm

1/11 -1/12: Virtual Kindergarten Class Visitation

1/13: Registration begins for Shir Ami members only

1/13: Tu B’Shevat Celebrations

1/14: Tu B’Shevat Shabbat with clergy

1/17: No School – MLK Day

1/18: Registration begins for existing ELC families

1/19: Backwards Day

1/20: Open Registration begins

1/28: Conferences – No Classes – Infant Center Open

2/18, 2/21: Closed for President’s Weekend

2/23: Rainbow Day

SHARI BECK-NAHMAN

ELC Director, Shir Ami

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SHIRON | January/February 2022

FERNE LEVYYouth Director, Shir Ami

Building Friendships and Trust

For more info about SHAFTY youth groups, contact Youth Director Ferne Levy at flevy@shiramipa.org

It’s hard to believe that our Shafty year is half over! We’ve had so much fun playing games and dancing at the Hanukkah Hop, Ice Skating in Philadelphia, winning hundreds of tickets from arcade games in between laser tag, and enjoying our first junior Hanukkah hop where

many of our bingo players won cool prizes!

Thank you to everyone who donated to JAFCO/FamilyMatters and Tree House Books. We received a huge thank you from these organizations. It is heartwarming that our Shir Ami family was incredibly generous as we donated over a hundred gifts to those in need.

We pride ourselves on expanding our community, and having Sr. SHAFTY board members as mentors. It is important that we build relationships, friendships, and trust among our middle schoolers. At the beginning of December, JCrew members (7th and 8th grades), were texted by their “SHAbuddy” – and so the connection has begun!

Don’t forget to keep sending in your gently used shoes as well as pop tabs. We are always focused on social action!

January and February are filled with activities for all of the youth groups; we certainly hope you can join us! Wishing you happiness, health, and strength in the new year.

SHIR AMI YOUTH | CONNECTING WITH EACH OTHER

JANUARY SR. SHAFTY January 14-16 Winter Kallah @ Camp Harlam

January 29, Speed Raceway

BONIM January 23, Funzilla

CHALUTZIMJanuary 23, Rollerskating

FEBRUARY SR. SHAFTYFebruary 12, Pottery Painting

JCREWFebruary 6, Snow Tubing

BONIMFebruary 6, Snow Tubing

CHALUTZIMFebruary 6, Snow Tubing

K2CLUBFebruary 27, Family Bowling

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When you think about it, there’s a lot of ‘love’ in Judaism. In the Torah, for example, we learn:

‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself’ (Lev. 19:18)

‘The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as one of your citizens; you shall love him/her as yourself…’ (Lev. 19:34)

‘You shall love Adonai your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your might’ (Deut. 6:5).

There’s also a lot to love about Judaism – from food (latkes and sufganiyot for Hanukkah, hamantaschen for Purim and matzah ball soup on a cold winter day), to Israel (the beaches on the Mediterranean Sea to the sparse beauty of the Negev to the hustle and bustle of Tel Aviv), to holidays (is there anything better than a beginning of fall evening in the sukkah hanging out with family and friends?).

Speaking of food, Israel and holidays, in January we have one holiday that brings all three of these together: Tu B’Shevat! Tu B’Shevat is one of my favorite holidays of the entire year. Why?

a. The food is amazing! What other holiday do we get to eat not one, not two, but three special kinds of food: 1. Fruits of which we eat the outside but not the inside (i.e. dates and peaches), 2. Fruits of which we eat the inside but not the outside (i.e. oranges and pomegranates) and 3. Fruits of which we eat both (i.e. blueberries and strawberries).

b. Tu B’Shevat (the birthday of the trees) connects to Israel, especially the idea that Spring is beginning and the trees are getting ready to bloom! If you have never been to Israel at this time of year, you just have to go. The landscape is changing and the weather is beautiful. As a bonus, Tu B’Shevat also lets us know that Spring is not too far away here either. And Spring not only means warmer weather, but my favorite time of year – baseball season!

There really is a lot to love about Judaism all throughout the year. At this time of year, let’s show our love for Jewish holidays, our love of Israel and our love for being together as a community by celebrating Tu B’Shevat with friends, family and loved ones (in a COVID appropriate way, of course). Chag Sameach! Rabbi Eric

For info about the Shir Ami Religious School, contact Rabbi Eric Goldberg egoldberg@shiramipa.org | 215.968.3254

RABBI ERIC GOLDBERGReligious School Director

There’s A Lot to Love About Judaism!

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL | LEARNING TOGETHER SHIRON | January/February 2022

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MAKING AN IMPACT Circle of Giving helps us to create a lasting impact on our community through Social Justice initiatives, and to connect with each other through dynamic social activities. Help sustain and grow Shir Ami by including the Circle of Giving fund as one of your tzedakah recipients. We hope you will join the Circle of Giving for the first time this year, or if you are a past donor, we hope that you will consider increasing your gift by a level.

We aspire to raise an additional $130,000 to enable creative innovations to our worship services, fund inter-generational programming, enhance educational programs for all ages, and ensure

that anyone can be a member regardless of financial means.

Last year, Shir Ami members donated over $150,000 to the Circle of Giving Fund!

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR 2021-2022 CIRCLE OF GIVING “CHALLENGE GIVERS”

Johanna and Joseph DiMedio

Tzedek (Righteousness) Linda and Ted Liebman Harriet and Jerry Paley*** Ellie and Ed Short ***Meri and Jon StevensMatti and Jim Wasserson

Chesed (Kindness) Sharon and Jack BenoffPeter Coe***Donna and Bob DeSantis*** Rabbi Paula and Harvey GoldbergMargie and Mark KopinsKarin and Dan Surkin

Ahava (Love) Diana and Erik Cohen***Alison Saifer and Michael KellyStephanie and Alan Kravatz**Alyssa and David Kressman*Erin and Yale Saltzman

Chaver (Friend) Debbie and Scott Stevens***Meryl Reis and Bill Spitz**Marilyn and Alan Sheinberg***Lynde and Steven Shechtman***

Simcha (Joy)Ron Abraham Karen and Rabbi Chuck BriskinMindy and David Chesner Randi and Brett Cohen***Pamela and Bruce Dick

Marlene and Marvin LasterJackie and Marc Luber***Sandy LuberMyrna and Steven PressmanDebbie and David Rosenthal***

Kavod (Honor)Linda and Norman IdlebergArthur and Paula Krauss ***Rhoda and Melvin Kreiner Judith and Barry Kroll Rachel and Neil LesserLorrie and David Riggs Phlaxy and Howard Rosenman Georgeann and Steve Sembler

Shalom (Peace) Helen Berman***Flora and Robert Day***Becky Markowitz***Women of Shir Ami

Beracha (Blessing)Natalie and Jason CohenCantor Rachel and Erik Kohlbrenner***Janis and Howard Kritzer Ferne and Scott LevyRabbi Geri Newburg and Rabbi Eric GoldbergKim and Phil Nordlinger**Ellen and George Rifkin Susan and George RosenbergRachael and Michael Smolen***Julie and Ken StandigRicki and Dennis Tafflin

Chai (Life)Marjorie and Harvey AbramsonSheila and David Auslander Sue and Ken BieberEssie and Bob Cherkin***Stacey and Jeff Cohen Richard and Lynne Fiorelli Robin and Glenn FirestoneLeslie and Mark FisherJodi and Scott FriedmanFern and Richard FriedDiana Turek-Gever and Hal GeverBeverly and Mark Goldberg Shawn and Brett GoldbergHilary and Ken Leboff**Randi and Todd LeonRicki and Mark Libeskind*Abby and Ross Levine*Dawn and Alan LevineEllen and Paul RawiczMelissa and Brian RubensteinKaren Schulze and Marshall AsnenDebbie and Larry SchorrPaula and Mark Shavell**Nan and Ron SmolowSusan and Rabbi Elliot Strom***Rachel and Jeremi TylerEileen and Philip Weinstein

SEE NEXT PAGE FOR FORM

Accurate as of 12/30/21- reflects all gifts for ‘21-’22 Circle of Giving beginning July 1, 2021

Support Circle of Giving

*new giver **increased by 10% ***increased by category

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MAKING AN IMPACT

Chai (Life)Marjorie and Harvey AbramsonSheila and David Auslander Sue and Ken BieberEssie and Bob Cherkin***Stacey and Jeff Cohen Richard and Lynne Fiorelli Robin and Glenn FirestoneLeslie and Mark FisherJodi and Scott FriedmanFern and Richard FriedDiana Turek-Gever and Hal GeverBeverly and Mark Goldberg Shawn and Brett GoldbergHilary and Ken Leboff**Randi and Todd LeonRicki and Mark Libeskind*Abby and Ross Levine*Dawn and Alan LevineEllen and Paul RawiczMelissa and Brian RubensteinKaren Schulze and Marshall AsnenDebbie and Larry SchorrPaula and Mark Shavell**Nan and Ron SmolowSusan and Rabbi Elliot Strom***Rachel and Jeremi TylerEileen and Philip Weinstein

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Shir Ami is pleased to present our Keepers of Jewish Excellence program, allowing all members the

opportunity to study throughout the year. Please consider becoming a “Keeper” at Shir Ami. Your

donation supports all of the important mitzvot of learning and prayer that we share, and what’s more,

allows us to continue our Shir Ami Lifelong Learning programs. “Keepers” will be recognized in the

Shiron for their generosity.

Be a “Keeper” of Jewish Excellence this Year

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

$500 $250 $180 $100 Other_____

Enclosed is my check (payable to “Shir Ami”) Please bill my account

Name: __________________________________________________________________

Phone: _________________________________________________________________

E-Mail _________________________________________________________________

FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT CIRCLE OF GIVING:215.968.3400 | pnordlinger@shiramipa.org

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

Donors at all levels will be recognized monthly in the Shiron and in our High Holy Day handout.

Name: __________________________________________________________________

Phone: _________________________________________________________________

E-Mail _________________________________________________________________

____ YES, I would like to be a member of Circle of Giving for the fiscal year July, 2021 through June, 2022. I pledge, in addition to my full Shir Ami dues, the following contribution to the Circle of Giving:

$7,200 – Tzedek (Righteousness)

$5,400 – Chesed (Kindness)

$3,600 – Ahava (Love)

$2,500 – Chaver (Friend)

$1,800 – Simcha (Joy)

$1,000 – Kavod (Honor)

$720 – Shalom (Peace)

$540 – Beracha (Blessing)

$360 – Chai (Life)

________ (other amount)

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

Please bill my account (in accordance with my current payment plan)

Please have the office contact me to discuss payment arrangements

To donate to the Circle of Giving Fund:

Please make checks payable to Shir Ami and mail to: 101 Richboro Road, Newtown, PA or donate via our website @ www.shirami.org/payment.php.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2021-22 KEEPERS:

Ellie and Ed Short

Meri and Jon Stevens

Susan and Ken Bieber

Debbie and Larry Schorr

Deb Gates-Maten and Mark Maten

Paula and Arthur Krauss

Becky Markowitz

Helen Berman

SHIRON | January/February 2022

RETAIL CARDSSave money at dozens of local businesses throughout the year, while at the same time help raise a little money for Shir Ami. Many local retailers participate in the program.

shirami.org/form/discount-cards

$20 EACH

ONLY

Help Shir Ami at the Supermarket

Here’s a very easy way to support Shir Ami just by simply going shopping for groceries. Pre-purchase supermarket cards from us at face value (in $50 increments) and we receive 5% of every card back from the market. This program has been a huge help to Shir Ami.

We sell about $20,000 worth of gift cards each delivery day (every three weeks), which in turn provides an extra $1,000 to ShirAmi. Gift cards have proven to be a really easy way to provide additional support to Shir Ami.

Participating markets include: Shoprite, Acme, Giant, McCaffrey’s, and Redner’s Markets Cards can deliver to your door or via a convenient meet-up if you live further away (such as New Hope, Doylestown, or NJ).

To order supermarket cards, get info about home delivery, or other questions, please email:

shirgiftcards@gmail.com

SUPPORT SHIR AMI with AMAZON SMILE

Remember, always start at smile.amazon.comfor your shopping!

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support Shir Ami every time you shop – at no cost to you. You’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com. You use your same account on Amazon.com and AmazonSmile. When you select Shir Ami as your charity, Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases (not including tax or shipping) to Shir Ami every time you shop on AmazonSmile.

FUNDRAISING | MAKING AN IMPACT

For questions: 215.968.3400 | pnordlinger@shiramipa.org18

Support Shir Ami AND Save on Your Tax Bill...

Did you know that you can donate to Shir Ami and save on your tax bill at the same time? In addition to tax deductible cash donations, there are ways to support Shir Ami and avoid taxes.

Did you know you can avoid capital gains taxes by donating appreciated stock? Did you know you can make a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA if you are over 70 ½, and avoid paying taxes on the distribution?

Tax-deductible cash contributions can be made by check or through Shul Cloud.

Call Phil Nordlinger: 215-968-3400 ext. 104 or pnordlinger@shiramipa.org to learn how you can enjoy significant tax savings while helping your Jewish community.

An ad for your business in

Shiron supports you,

and also supports Shir Ami.

19

SHIRON | January/February 2022AROUND OUR COMMUNITY

On the anniversary (yahrzeit) of the death of your loved one, it is customary to light a candle in memory of that person. The yahrzeit candle burns for twenty-four hours serving as a sacred and somber symbol of your mourning while framing this period of remembrance (yizkor). Before lighting the candle, you may choose, on your own or with family and friends, to recall the ev-erlasting gifts that your loved one left behind for you to cherish and protect. As you prepare to light the candle, you may recite this benediction to help you focus your attention and to create an intention for this solemn moment:

“Ner Adonai nishmat adam; The light of God shines in our soul.” (Proverbs 20:27)

[I/we] give thanks for the blessing of life, for companionship, and for memory. Our tradition teaches us that we never lose those we love, for love is stronger than death. So [I/we] kindle this light now,

and as it burns, so may the memory of __________________continue to be an inspiration.

(From the CCAR Rabbi’s Manual; 2015)

TO BE READ JANUARY 7 January 8 Sylvia Siegel January 9 Bess Bloom January 10 Bernard Bernstein Henrietta Granet Ruth Kanner Samuel Meadow Samuel Rosenblum Theo Spiegler January 11 Jerold Backall Dorie Berman Helen Greenblatt Freda Poppel Kenin Blanche Rosen Mollie Shechtman Fabian SunbergVivian Zieff January 12 Dorothy Shiffrin Asnen Harry Dickstein Aaron Green Henry David Smolen Rose Zackon

January 13 Joseph Huscher Sidney Singer January 14 William Cautin Jacon Finkelstein Michael S. Goetz Jacob Joel Wattenmaker

TO BE READ JANUARY 14 January 15 Livingston Bunzl Marty Finkelstein Eugenia Lewin Harry Miller

Sharon Alane Mitnik Judy Richman Madelyn Siderits Eileen Silverstein Caroline Talewsky Albert Wolf January 16 Charlotte Jablon Beverly Jaffe Anita Rosenberg Martin Taylor Richard Wolfinger

January 17 Rose V. Fischman Albert Miller January 18 Ida Axler Erwin Gever Paul May Irving Tashman

January 19 Lois Gitter Jim Kasman Irwin J. Paley Morris Shilane James Stevens Marilyn Winkler January 20Harry Muffs Selma Rose January 21 Lea Grubszstein TO BE READ JANUARY 21 January 22Anna Sara Kreiner Stanley Libeskind Belle Straver January 23Israel Brod Sidney Graboyes Pearl Gitkind

Dorothy Halpern Isak Perera Elizabeth Stinsman January 24Max Bard Barbara Gates Miriam Greenberg Shirley Langfuss Edwin Tobias Stark Miriam (Mickey) Stein Edna Weissberg

January 25Joseph Charles Phyllis Greenfield

January 26 Hyman Dimenstein William Finkle Jerry Resnick Claire Rothstein Marilyn Phyllis Rubin Minnie Schwartz Bernard Steinman Yetta Stutz

January 27Julius Bloom Bertha Katzenstein Estelle Merion

January 28Haim Gertner Herman Gomberg Frank Koltov Celia “Cyd” Siegel TO BE READ JANUARY 28 January 29 Leonard S. Brown Morton Buster Bertha Falkow Benjamin Fein Laura Kornberg Pola Tuck Ruth Wiggins

January 30 Edith Mandl

January 31Freda Berman Zachary Hebert Richard Lefkowitz Adelene Sloan Charles Sloan Anna Stutman Linda Joyce Zion February 1 Rita Baker David Bieber Abraham Goldfinger Edwin Kravitz Regina Schlesinger Leon Shechtman Selma Weissman

February 2Eleanore Beckelman George Langer Harvey Levine Mark Robbins Abe Toscher Edward Wasserson February 3Norton Ginsburg Bess Newborn Sidney Rubin Miriam Wolff February 4Shirley Gilman Steven Halsband Pauline Landsman Mary Lomas Betty Mondros Rose Spector Barry Sysler

TO BE READ FEBRUARY 4 February 5Louis Friedman Fred Pearlstein Ruth Yeslow

(continued)20

JANUARY 2022 YAHRZEITS

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February 6Albert Kornberg Robert Tafflin

February 7 Max Charles Claire Cohen Sheila Burke Fisher Rae Friedman Jack Morgenstern February 8 Lillian Schneider Fannie Stoll February 9 George Eisenthal Lynnore Love Sarah Vineberg February 10 Beatrice Glazer Roslyn Groder Samuel Mandel Esther Strom Rose Waltzer February 11 Lori Bleiman Anna Dickstein Saul Gilman Maurice Moskowitz

TO BE READ FEBRUARY 11 February 12 David Bloom Frederick Pulka Rose Solomon February 13Evelyn Greenfield Celia Lerner David Shear February 14 Lotte Dinkelspiel Albert Greenland Ruth Gold Elaine Holzman William Koblenz Alvin Rubsenstein Sydney Skopp Ann Spero

February 15 Mollie Hopkins Meyer Roth Miriam Rubin Mark Evan Schlesinger William Solodar February 16 Joseph (Bud) Baker Beatrice Belsky Regina Berger February 17 Howard Berger Esther Luber Abe Richman Lawrence Sobol Samuel K. Zackon February 18Alexander Levine Arthur Linderman Alma Rosenblum Theodora (Toby) Rosofsky Eve Tragerman

TO BE READ FEBRUARY 18 February 19Nathan Baronstein Neal Blatt Selma Langer Jerome Miller February 20 Betty Cohen Sandra Cohen Rachel Simcovitch

February 21Irwin Bleeden Fannie Cooperman Benjamin Norkin February 22Abraham Siegel Albert Schlesinger Albert Winerip Carl Winerip

February 23 Les Field Kay Goren Harold Kalaminsky Carol Rosen February 24Liza Bekker Harriette Gerber Miriam Goldberg Israel Goldfarb Bobbi Lewis Meyer Miller Jean Wolf February 25 Steven DavisPhyllis Standig Eagle Leonard Hellinger Carl Kanner Harold Linderman

TO BE READ FEBRUARY 25 February 26Kenneth Marks February 27Claire Bush Samuel Rosenthal Bonnie Rosner Albert Surkin

February 28 Ralph Buchman Louis Mendelson Raymond Shipley Edith Spiegler Pauline Steinman Marc Surrey Jeffrey Zoll

March 1 Lillian Abraham Sherwin Shepard Henenfeld Anna Stolinsky

March 2 Norman Kass Louis Mandel Morris Tragerman

March 3Seamon Friedner Leonard Klein Charlotte Wolbransky Joseph Zamora

March 4John Jackson Henry Krauss Sophie Leff Sylvia Rubin

On the anniversaries of remembering, a Jew remembers not only by feeling, but by doing. Kindling a yahrzeit candle the evening before is one thing we do; the Kaddish spoken at a gathering of our people is another. All names will be read on the Friday evening before the yahrzeit. One way to honor your loved one is with a living memorial such as a contribution to one of our temple funds in their memory.

FEBRUARY 2022 YAHRZEITS SHIRON | January/February 2022

CIRCLE OF GIVING from Marilyn and Sheldon Halpern IMO Richard Zallen from Linda and Norman Idleberg IMO Fanny Idleberg from Lawrence Kades to the Smolow Family IMO Miriam Smolow from Nancy Siderits and Family to Stacey Groder & Family IMO Arlene Poppel from Arlene Buchman to Gail Ostro IMO Jerry Ostro from the Shir Ami Board of Directors to Michelle Cohen IMO Jerry Ostro from Meri and Jon Stevens to Michelle Cohen IMO Jerry Ostro from Marian Weintraub from Michele and Merrick Sirota to Loretta Rubin IMO Sam Rubin from Harriet Moskowitz-Levy IMO Nancy Lynn Moskowitz from Susan and Robert Cohen from Larissa and Benjamin Buch from Ann Pollock IMO Richard S. Pollock from Sandy Luber IMO Stan Luber from Ricki and Dennis Tafflin IMO Mildred and Robert Tafflin from Ricki and Dennis Tafflin IMO Jerome and Diane Wulfsohn from Marshall Asnen and Karen Schulze to Howard Raymond IMO Lillian Gollman from Andee Losben and Family to Alan and Stephanie Kravatz IMO Melvin Kravatz from the Shir Ami Board of Directors to Alan and Stephanie Kravatz IMO Melvin Kravatz from Meri and Jon Stevens to Alan and Stephanie Kravatz IMO Melvin Kravatz from Ellen Barish IMO Jack Barish from Marshall Asnen and Karen Schulze to Arleen Lipson IMO Barry Lipson from Marshall Asnen and Karen Schulze to Alan Rosenthal IMO Rita Rosenthal from Marshall Asnen and Karen Schulze to Heidi Leonard IMO her father, Irv from Judy Mazess to Julie Hershgordon in appreciation from Ilana Hessing and Steven Ginsburg IMO Laurel Hessing from Marian Weintraub to Barbara and Mark Stein IMO Rochelle Gould from the Shir Ami Board of Directors to Barbara and Mark Stein IMO Rochelle Gould from Meri and Jon Stevens to Barbara and Mark Stein IMO Rochelle Gould from Ellie and Ed Short to Dennis and Ricki Tafflin IMO Mildred Tafflin from the Shir Ami Board of Directors to Rachel Sigman IMO Nathan Goloskov from the Shir Ami Board of Directors to Dave Clark IMO Nathan Goloskov from Meri and Jon Stevens to Rachel Sigman IMO Nathan Goloskov from Meri and Jon Stevens to Dave Clark IMO Nathan Goloskov from Meri and Jon Stevens to Aden Wexler IHO becoming a Bar Mitzvah from Meri and Jon Stevens to Will Stein IHO becoming a Bar Mitzvah from Meri and Jon Stevens to Asher McAleese IHO becoming a Bar Mitzvah from Meri and Jon Stevens to Reese Cohen IHO becoming a Bat Mitzvah from Meri and Jon Stevens to Kate Levin IHO becoming a Bat Mitzvah from Meri and Jon Stevens to Brody Rosenbaum IHO becoming a Bar Mitzvah from Mindy and David Chesner to the Kravatz Family IMO Melvin Kravatz from Mindy and David Chesner to Julie Hershgordon IHO her retirement from Lisa and Matthew Kulka to Alan Kravatz IMO Melvin Kravatz from the Benoff Family to Julie Hershgordon IHO her retirement from Ellie and Ed Short to Alan and Stephanie Kravatz IMO Melvin Kravatz from Robin and Glen Firestone to the Kravatz Family IMO Melvin Kravatz from Joshua McCoy to Alan and Stephanie Kravatz IMO Melvin Kravatz from Susan and Morris Wolbransky to Alan and Stephanie Kravatz IMO Melvin Kravatz from Meryl Reis and Bill Spitz to Alan and Stephanie Kravatz IMO Melvin Kravitz from Claire Finkel to Alan Kravatz and Family IMO Melvin Kravatz from Joshua McCoy IMO Jean McCoy from Essie and Bob Cherkin to Alan and Stephanie Kravatz and Family IMO Melvin Kravatz

from Judy Mazess IMO Steven Mazess from Essie and Bob Cherkin to Dave and Stephanie Clark and Family IMO Nathan Goloskov from Linda and Norman Idleberg IMO Alice Galey from Diane and Adam Dienstman from Natalie and Jason Cohen from Ivy and Larry Pearlstein to Cantor Kohlbrenner In appreciation of choir singing again from Gail and Stephen Dickler from Marian Weinstraub IMO Celia Heimerling from Kim and Alan Superfine from Linda Idleberg IMO Alice Galey from Joshua McCoy to Nancy Siderits IMO Harriett Obus

RABBI CHARLES BRISKIN’S DISCRETIONARY FUND from Sandy Luber IMO Isadore Newborn from Amy and Jerry Wexler IHO Aden Wexler becoming Bar Mitzvah from Lenore Weissberg IMO Norman Weissberg, William Weissberg, and Sidney Lazarus from Debbie and Bob Dunn to Rabbi Briskin IHO Reese’s Bat Mitzvah from Lauren Glick and Jonathan Bogo from Beth and James McAleese IHO Asher James McAleese Bar Mitzvah from Susan and Elliot Fineman to Dennis and Ricki Tafflin IMO Mildred Tafflin from Stephanie and Alan Kravatz IMO Melvin Kravatz from Ricki and Dennis Tafflin IMO Diane Wulfsohn from Jackie and Marc Luber CANTOR RACHEL KOHLBRENNER’S DISCRETIONARY FUND from Debbie and Bob Dunn to Cantor Kohlbrenner IHO Reese’s Bat Mitzvah from Beth and James McAleese IHO Asher James McAleese Bar Mitzvah from Stephanie and Alan Kravatz IMO Melvin Kravatz from Diana Turek Gever and Hal Gever to Nancy Siderits and Family IMO Harriett Obus RABBI ERIC GOLDBERG’S DISCRETIONARY FUND from Mel and Sandra Berman from Amy and Jerry Wexler from Jackie and Marc Luber from Gina Friedman and Michael Ponomarenko RABBI PAULA GOLDBERG’S HONORARY CHEVRAT TORAH FUND from Judy Mazess IHO Rabbi Paula Goldberg from Judy Mazess to Sue Ellen Schimmel IMO Larry Schimmel RABBI ELLIOT STROM’S DISCRETIONARY FUND from Roslyn and Jay Silverzweig IMO David Koenig

CANTOR MARK ELSON’S DISCRETIONARY FUND ANNA GEVER MUSIC FUND from Judi and Nathan Snyder to Nancy Siderits IMO Harriett Obus from Andrea and Jay Miller IMO Evelyn Miller from Claudia and Nicholas Digesu from Diana Turek Gever and Hal Gever to Nancy Siderits IMO Harriett Obus from Phyllis Doroshow IMO Jay Doroshow from Becky Markowitz to Nancy Siderits IMO Harriett Obus from Donna and Bob DeSantis to Nancy and Rick Siderits IMO Harriett Obus

To make a donation to a Shir Ami fund, please call our main office at 215.968.3400 or visit: shiraminow.org/donate22

DONATIONS TO SHIR AMI FUNDS MAKING AN IMPACT

23To make a donation to a Shir Ami fund, please call our main office at 215.968.3400 or visit: shiraminow.org/donate

BEVERLY SPIEGLER SPEC. EDUCATION LIBRARY FUND from Allen and Anna Schwartz to Alan Kravatz IMO Melvin Kravatz BOBBI SLUTZSKY ELC SCHOLARSHIP FUNDfrom Robbi and Fred Grant to Julie Hershgordon IHO her retirement from Shelley Lynde, Jay Toren, and the Lynde Family to Susan and Bob Shrager IMO brother, Steven from Shari and Jack Nahman to Nancy Siderits IMO Harriett Obus BOB MCGARRY ADULT EDUCATION FUND

BRUCE BIRNBAUM TIKKUN OLAM FUND from Ricki and Mark Libeskind to Debbie and Bob Dunn IHO Reese Bat Mitzvah from Helen Berman to Alan Kravatz and Family IMO Melvin Kravatz from Sara Rosenman Sharma and Anup Sharma IMO Helene Lapin Rosenman from Helen Berman to the Kravatz Family IMO Melvin Kravatz CLAIRE AND JERRY MILLER CAPITAL FUND FOOD BANK from Harriet and Jerry Paley from Jamie and Howard Sachs from Nicole Gorin from Michael and Jenna Kanoff from Laura Conroy from Shelley and Stan Cohen to David and Sheree Kanter IMO Fred Kanter from Andee Losben and Family IMO Daniel and Anita Finkelstein from Shelley and Stan Cohen to Elyse Price IMO Warren Price from Mike Golebiowski from Linda and Norman Idleberg from Sybil Cooper IHO High Holy Days Food Drive from Susan Caplan and Barry Bloom to Alan and Stephanie Kravatz IMO Melvin Kravatz from Flora and Bob Day to Alan Kravatz IMO Melvin Kravatz from Chari and Paul Cohen to Stephanie and Alan Kravatz IMO Melvin Kravatz from Harriet and Jerry Paley IMO Manuel Lomas from Harriet and Jerry Paley to Dennis and Ricki Tafflin and Family IMO Mildred Tafflin from Harriet and Jerry Paley to Alan and Stephanie Kravatz and Family IMO Melvin Kravatz from Stacey and Barry Groder to the Kravatz Family IMO Melvin Kravatz from Bob and Flora Day to Alan Kravatz IMO Melvin Kravatz from Chari and Paul Cohen to the Kravatz Family IMO Melvin Kravatz from Nancy and Rick Siderits to the Tafflin Family IMO Mildred Tafflin from Cindy and Scott Mendelsohn to Pam and Bruce Dick In appreciation of families who helped during their time with Covid-19 from Cynthia Berman from Phyllis Bloom, Neal Bloom, & Family to Nancy Siderits IMO Harriett Obus from Andrea Losben and Family IMO Samuel Finkelstein and Eleanore Losben Trigher from Andrea Losben, Rabbi Emily Losben- Ostrov. Joshua Losben, Samantha Losben, Ruben Ostrov, Rabbi Lisa Kingston, and Felicia Mohr IMO Stephen J. Losben from Andee Losben and Family to Nancy Siderits IMO Harriett Obus from Susan and George Rosenberg IHO their Temple Shalom Family from Mindy and David Chesner to Shanika Johnson IHO get well soon from Ralph and Rona Sarne to Nancy Siderits IMO Harriett Obus

ISRAEL CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FUND from Stacy Mitgang and Family to the Kravatz Family IMO Melvin Kravatz from Nan and Ron Smolow to Ken and Sue Bieber IHO Alfred Jarvis Hallenbeck from Nancy and Rick Siderits to Alan Kravatz and Family IMO Melvin Kravatz

ISRAEL TIYUL FUND from Jackie and Marc Luber from Brenda Shore from Meryl Reis and Bill Spitz IMO Sylvia Lewis from Becky Markowitz to the Kravatz Family IMO Melvin Kravatz from Robyn and Neal Axe to Dave Clark IMO Nathan Goloskov

KAY SWERDLOW BUILDING FUND

MARCIA ABRAHAM FUND FOR JEWISH LIFE from Ron Abraham to Alan and Bonnie Bricklin IMO Mark Bricklin from Harriet and Jerry Paley to Bubbe Jules IHO birth of Jordyn Sloan Millman from Harriet and Jerry Paley to Fran and Floyd IHO birth of Jordyn Sloane from Ron Abraham to Ricki and Dennis Tafflin IMO Mildred Tafflin from Ron Abraham to Becky Markowitz IHO her new office from Harriet and Jerry Paley to Samantha, Jacqueline, and Family IMO Rochelle Gould from Ron Abraham to the Siderits Family IMO Harriett Obus

MEN’S CLUB YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP FUNDfrom Nancy Siderits and Family to Billy Schwartz & Family IMO Carl Schwartz from Paula and Arthur Krauss to Alan Kravatz and Family IMO Melvin Kravatz from Billy and Harlee Schwartz to Nancy and Rick Siderits IMO Harriett Obus

MISHKAN HANEFESH DEDICATIONS PRAYERBOOK DONATIONS from Cantor Flo Friedman to Alan and Marilyn Sheinberg IHO their grandson, Eli Beitler, becoming a Bar Mitzvah from Caryn Geer to Ricki and Dennis Tafflin IMO Mildred and Robert Tafflin PRESSMAN LIBRARY FUND SAFETY AND SECURITY FUND SENIOR ENDOWMENT SHARING IS CARING FUND from Irving Goldfinger IMO Linda Simons Leah from Debbie and Michael Goetz IMO Larry and Tama Rosenstock from Irv Goldfinger IMO Estelle Goldfinger from Marci Goldfinger IMO Estelle Goldfinger from Irving Goldfinger, Marci Goldfinger, and Susan Goldfinger Bilker to Nancy Siderits IMO Harriett Obus SIMCHA

SLOMOVITZ/ HUDES SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE FUND STAN AVERBACH BIBLICAL GARDEN FUNDfrom Fran Jonas to Nanci and Paul Benn IMO Roz Atcovitz TEMPLE SHALOM SISTERHOOD CHILDREN’S FUND

(continued from previous page) SHIRON | January/February 2022

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS

To learn more about advertising in our monthly Shiron: pnordlinger@shiramipa.org | jafriedman@shiramipa.org

To support Caring for Friends:

1. Contact the Shir Ami office for foil trays (215) 968-3400

2. Fill large section with a protein (i.e. turkey or veggie protein)

3. Fill small sections, one with a veg and one with a starch

4. Cover tightly with foil and fill out Caring for Friends form

5. Put in plastic bag and use a twist tie to close it

6. Put it in your freezer for 3 or more days

7. Contact Rachel Lesser (rachel@rachellevylesser.com) or Nancy Erman (erman5@comcast.net) to coordinate drop-off

It’s more important than ever not to let food go to waste. If you find yourself with extras, have some Caring for Friends packaging on hand in order to immediately freeze leftovers and drop off at Shir Ami. We have been a longtime supporter of the Caring for Friends initiative. Help feed locals who are unable to help themselves simply by packaging your leftovers or planning out some meals in their foil tray system. t’s easy to help us provide meals for seniors, kids, etc.

MAKE MEALS | CARING FOR FRIENDS

24

Arcade Archery Arts & Crafts Basketball Beach Volleyball BMX Bikes Boating Ceramics

Drama/ Dance Fishing Ga-Ga Gymnastics Hockey Kangaroo Jumper Kayaking

FUN IN THE SUN!

1380 Creek Road Furlong, PA 18925

215.598.7143

For boys and girls age 3-15 Lunch and snacks provided

Well-rounded camp experiences for kids since 1986

Door to door transportation

ACA Accredited

Rental facilities available for picnics and weekends

Owned and Operated by a Shir Ami family

Lacrosse Miniature

Golf Nature

Newcomb Rockwall/

Zip Line

Soccer (In & Outdoor)

Softball Swimming

(3 Pools) Tennis

Wiffle Ball Yoga

briarwooddaycamp.com

info@briarwooddaycamp.com

... & so much more!

25

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SHIRON | January/February 2022

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Ellie ShortVice President Stephanie KravatzVice President Jason CohenSecretary Ellen RawiczTreasurer Michael SmolenImmediate Past President Jon Stevens

AT LARGE:Jeffrey CohenRobin FirestoneTodd LeonMarc Luber

Debbie RosenthalMelissa RubensteinAndy SalsmanRachel TylerBrandon Weiss

AUXILIARY PRESIDENTS

Men’s Club David NovickWomen of Shir Ami Risa KaneSHAFTY Abby Green

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

PAST PRESIDENTSRonald AbrahamHarvey AbramsonIrving Altman TS (z’l)Sharon K. Benoff Ken BieberFred BockDanny BrownFilbert Cherry (z’l)Phyllis DoroshowRuth FivesHarvey GoldbergSheldon Gould TS (z’l)Janis JacobsBob Kasman (z’l)Robert KatzensteinArthur KraussHarold Lefcourt TS (z’l)Larry Lefkowitz TS

Norman Leibowitz TSBecky MarkowitzJoshua McCoyAndrea Miller TSJerome Miller TS (z’l)Mo Perera Stephen RodosAlan Rosenberg TSAlan SheinbergNancy Siderits Teri SiegelRonald SmolowNathan Snyder TSLeonard Sokolove TS (z’l)Dena Stein TS (z’l)Debbie StevensJon Stevens

CLERGY AND ADMINISTRATION Rabbi Charles Briskin Cantor Rachel Kohlbrenner Director of Operations Phil Nordlinger Director of Education Rabbi Eric Goldberg E.L.C. Director Shari Beck-Nahman Youth Director Ferne LevyRabbi Emeritus Elliot M. Strom Cantor Emeritus Mark Elson Rabbinic Scholar Paula Goldberg

Membership Coordinator Jodi Friedman Communications Director Jodie Levinson Preschool Administrator Cheryl Primola

Thank you to Big Page Marketing/David Sandmanfor designing our monthly Shiron.

Clergy and EmeritiRabbi Charles Briskin– rabbibriskin@shiramipa.orgCantor Rachel Kohlbrenner – cantorkohlbrenner@shiramipa.orgRabbi Emeritus Elliot M. Strom – estrom@shiramipa.orgCantor Emeritus Mark Elson – melson@shiramipa.org

Rabbinic ScholarRabbi Paula Goldberg – rabbipaula@gmail.com

PresidentEllie Short - president@shiramipa.org

Director of OperationsPhil Nordlinger - pnordlinger@shiramipa.org

Director of EducationRabbi Eric Goldberg – egoldberg@shiramipa.org

Membership CoordinatorJodi Friedman - jafriedman@shiramipa.org

Communications DirectorJodie Levinson -jodie.levinson@shiramipa.org

SHAFTY (Youth Groups)Ferne Levy – flevy@shiramipa.org

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

Preschool AdministratorCheryl Primola – cprimola@shiramipa.org

General Info: synagogue@shiramipa.org

NFTY website: NFTY.org/par

Women of Reform Judaism: www.wrj.org

Union of Reform Judaism: www.URJ.org

www.shirami.orgMain Office: 215.968.3400 Religious School: 215.968.3254 E.L.C.: 215.968.6255

OUR MISSION

Shir Ami is the hub of Reform Judaism in Bucks County

We are DEDICATED to sustaining and growing a vibrant

and diverse Jewish Community.

We are DEVOTED to educating all who seek a greater understanding of our traditions, values, and practices.

We are COMMITTED to connecting with each other, cultivating spiritual growth, creating a just and

compassionate society, and supporting Israel and our Jewish family worldwide. 26

CONTACTS SHIRON | January/February 2022