On Thursday morning, we experienced a power outage at Beth Am due to a blown transformer. After a 24-hour outage, PECO was finally able to restore power. Shabbat services and weekend programs will proceed as scheduled.
Please note: there is a speed bump in the driveway when you enter the rear parking lot. Please proceed with caution.
Sorry to say, SOEL will remain CLOSED today, Friday, March 28. PECO installed a temporary line overnight but we are UNABLE to connect to the building and so we do not have power.
Friday, March 28 7:00 p.m. Erev Shabbat Service with Adult Choir Honroing March Anniversaries Molish Sanctuary & Livestream
Saturday, March 29 8:45 a.m. Torah Study led by Richard Orodenker 10:00 a.m. Peer-led Service led by Steve Green, Michael Krassentstein, and Barry Tinkleman Torah Reader: Sandi Cohen Temple Beth Torah Chapel & Zoom Meeting ID:884 5577 5879Passcode: shabbos971
We are happy to announce the following candidates for the Board of Directors:
Term Ending 2026 Sara Bloom Rene Carl Maddy Malis Herman Palat Sheldon Wolf Term Ending 2027 Craig Cheifetz Gary Kimmel Suzan Lopatin Mollie Shapiro Joy Stember
Term Ending 2028 Hilde Sham Robin Berman Reese Heitner Andrea Samson Howard Weinstein
Presidential Appointments Stacey Hirsch Ellen Levin
Executive Committee President: Ross Cohen Executive Vice President: Rachel Frankel Religious Practices VP: Barry Tinkleman Fundraising VP: Richard Wright Membership & Outreach VP: Shari Marder House & Grounds VP: Steve Rigefsky Social Action VP: Linda Kline (still have to talk to Sharon) Treasurer: Michael Krassenstein Secretary: Mark Lopatin House Counsel: Sharon Glogowski
The Committee will present these selections to the congregation on Sunday, May 4, 2025, during the Annual Meeting for a final vote. Only members in good standing and present at the meeting will be entitled to vote.
We thank all of our volunteers and members.
Community
The Return of Benjamin Lay Sunday, May 4, 3:00 pm Quintessence Theatre 7137 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19119
Call Braydon at 215-987-4450 (Group ticket coordinator) Tell Braydon you are part of OYRT-BA Price: $40 for Seniors, $45 for adults under 65
For more information contact Fred Goldstein at (215) 356-2109.
The next chapter of both Israeli and Jewish history, at large, is about to unfold.
This email is to ask you, please, to join hundreds of thousands of Reform/Liberal/ Progressive Jews throughout the world mobilizing for the 2025 World Zionist Congress Elections, now underway.
Controlling an annual budget of over $1 billion, the World Zionist Organization - representing Jewish communities from around the world - meets every 5 years to set policies that directly affect the status of Reform Jews in Israel and millions of Israelis, many of whom have already rejected and continue to reject the rigid, uncompromising and oppressive policies of the Orthodox Rabbinate.
Reform Judaism and our vision of Israel as a democratic, pluralistic state are under attack like never before. Reform Jews, women, LGBTQ+ Israelis and ethnic minorities continue to be discriminated against.
Your vote directly impacts vital resources and crucial funding for Reform synagogues, clergy, values and advocacy. We need YOU to help ensure religious pluralism, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ inclusion and a safe, secure path to peace.
These are the quick, simple steps to take: 1. Scan the QR code below or just go to www.vote4reform.org.
2. Remember that in order to cast your vote, you must be a US citizen, identify as Jewish and be 18 years or older.
3. Register online anytime before May 4th (final day to vote) and pay the required $5 election administration fee.
4. Cast your vote, please, for slate #3, VOTE REFORM.
5. PLEASE TAKE THIS LAST, FINAL STEP: Once you’ve received confirmation of your vote, please go to URJ.org/ivoted and be certain to enter “Old York Road Temple-Beth Am” in the drop down box.
We thank you very much for your support at this most critical juncture in Israel’s history. As we’ve demonstrated before in prior WZC elections, we’ve made a decisive difference in successfully securing the rights and interests of our worldwide Reform movement.
YOUR VOICE! YOUR VALUES! YOUR VOTE!
Rabbi Robert Leib Cantor Elena Zarkh Sherrie Turetsky, Executive Director Barbara Weisman, Education Director Bruce Sham, President Ross Cohen, Executive Vice President Peter Rabinowitz, WZC Election Congregational Captain Harold Marcus, Chair, Israel Connections Committee
Friday, March 21 6:00 p.m. Erev Shabbat Service Temple Beth Torah Chapel & Zoom
Meeting ID: 818 2351 9331 Passcode: shabbos
Saturday, March 22 8:45 a.m. Torah Study led by Rabbi Leib 10:00 a.m. Peer-led Service led by Steve Green, Michael Krassenstein, and Barry Tinkleman Torah Reader: Evelyn Fair Rovinsky Youth Lounge & Zoom Meeting ID: 884 5577 5879 Passcode: shabbos971
Saturday, March 22: 10:00 a.m. B. Mitzvah Charlie Hartman
Bar Mitzvah Charlie Hartman
Son of Rachel Hartman & James Hartman
10:00 a.m. Shabbat Service Molish Sanctuary & Livestream Vayakhel
Friday, March 21 6:00 p.m. Erev Shabbat Service Temple Beth Torah Chapel & Zoom
Meeting ID: 818 2351 9331 Passcode: shabbos
Saturday, March 22 8:45 a.m. Torah Study led by Rabbi Leib 10:00 a.m. Peer-led Service led by Steve Green, Michael Krassenstein, and Barry Tinkleman Torah Reader: Evelyn Fair Rovinsky Youth Lounge & Zoom Meeting ID: 884 5577 5879 Passcode: shabbos971
Saturday, March 22: 10:00 a.m. B. Mitzvah Max Hartman
Bar Mitzvah Charlie Hartman
Son of Rachel Hartman & James Hartman
10:00 a.m. Shabbat Service Molish Sanctuary & Livestream Vayakhel
Registration is now open for the 2025/2026 SOEL School Year. Please click the button below to register. If you have any questions, please call the office 215-866-8000.
Friday, March 14 6:00 p.m. Erev Shabbat Service Temple Beth Torah Chapel & Zoom
Meeting ID: 818 2351 9331 Passcode: shabbos 6:45 p.m. A Wicked Purim Spiel Molish Sanctuary & Livestream
Saturday, March 15 9:00 a.m. Torah Study led by Steve Lavner with original poem by Linda Weinstein 10:00 a.m. Peer-led Service led by Steve Green, Michael Krassenstein, and Barry Tinkleman Torah Reader: Sue Fleishman TBT Chapel & Zoom Meeting ID: 884 5577 5879 Passcode: shabbos971
Friday, March 7 6:00 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat Service - March Birthdays Reflections by Past President, Mark Braverman: Honoring the memory of Rose Girone, the world's longest living Holocaust surviror. Temple Beth Torah Chapel & Zoom
Meeting ID: 818 2351 9331 Passcode: shabbos
Saturday, March 8 Saturday, March 8 Shabbat Zachor שבת זכור Shabbat of Remembrance 9:00 a.m. Torah Study led by Steve Lavner with an original poem by Linda Weinstein 10:00 a.m. Peer-led Service led by Drew Hmiel, Michael Krassenstein, & Steve Green Torah Reader: Barry Stein ...you shall blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget! (Deuteronomy 25:17-19) TBT Chapel & Zoom Meeting ID: 884 5577 5879 Passcode: shabbos971
Friday, February 28 7:00 p.m. Jewish Disablity Awareness & Inclusion Shabbat Service with Adult Choir & Honoring February Anniversaries Molish Sanctuary & Livestream
Saturday, March 1 9:00 a.m. Torah Study led by Barry Tinkleman 10:00 a.m. Peer-led Service led by Steve Green, Michael Krassenstein, & Barry Tinkleman Torah Reader: Bridget Dorfman TBT Chapel & Zoom Meeting ID: 884 5577 5879 Passcode: shabbos971
Upcoming Events
If you are unable to attend but wish to support the synagogue you can make a donation by clicking the button below.
We gratefully acknowledge your ongoing generous contributions to Beth Am. February Donations Please note that there is an approximate two week turnaround time for donations to be processed, so if you do not see your recent donation here, please check back in our next Donations newsletter.
Community
The Hebrew Free Loan Society of Greater Philadelphia has been a beacon of support for Jewish individuals and those serving our community, offering interest-free loans to help people regain financial stability while preserving their dignity.
Our work is rooted in the Biblical teaching: "If you lend money to My people, to the poor among you, do not act towards them as a creditor; exact no interest from them." (Exodus 22:24)
For generations, Jewish communities have embraced this sacred tradition, ensuring that no one faces financial hardship alone. Today, we continue this legacy by providing loans for:
Emergency expenses
Education and career advancement
Family milestones, including weddings and new babies
Small business growth and stability
Your support makes a lasting impact. Every dollar donated allows us to extend more loans, helping families overcome financial challenges and build a stronger, more resilient community. And because our loans are repaid and then re-lent, your gift keeps giving—helping not just one person, but many, over and over again. Please consider making a donation today. Together, we can uphold this vital tradition and ensure that our community remains strong and supportive for all who need it. Donate Here
Get your costumes ready and join the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Old York Road Kehillah for a family-friendly Purim celebration! Come and enjoy pizza, hamantaschen, prizes, inflatables and more
Sunday, March 16 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Families with Preschool Children 12 - 3 p.m. | General Admission Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel 8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park
Cost: $10 for individuals $25 for one adult and two or more children $30 for two adults and two or more children
Advanced registration is encouraged by Tuesday, March 11. Onsite registration is available. Cash will not be accepted.
Questions: Contact Engagement Specialist Isabella Duarte at oldyorkroad@jewishphilly.org or 215.832.0527
Friday, February 21 6:00 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat Service Guest Speaker - Harold Marcus, Vice President of the Hebrew Free Loan Society, will share meaningful insights from Parshat Mishpatim, exploring its implications and teachings on how we can support one another in accordance with our traditions. Temple Beth Torah Chapel & Zoom
Meeting ID: 818 2351 9331 Passcode: shabbos
Saturday, February 22 9:00 a.m. Torah Study led by Adam Barr 10:00 a.m. Peer-led Service led by Steve Green, Michael Krassenstein, & Barry Tinkleman Torah Reader: Sue Fleishman TBT Chapel & Zoom Meeting ID: 884 5577 5879 Passcode: shabbos971
Haddasah of Greater Philadelphia presents: Dr. Alejandra Borensztein-Saad: “Cracking the Code: Sustainable Weight Loss Tips, Medications and More” Sunday, March 2 at 10:30 a.m. on ZOOM
Alejandra Borensztein, MD is a diabetes & metabolism endocrinologist. She has extensive experience in Thyroid Disorders, Gonadal Endocrine Disorders, and Osteoporosis & Screening. In addition to treating endocrine conditions, Dr. Borensztein practices a holistic approach to weight loss and lifestyle modification. Helping patients lose weight and feel well is her passion, and in 2022 she officially became a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine.
Friday, February 14 6:15 p.m. Tu B'Shevat Shabbat Experience 7:00 p.m. Erev Shabbat Service with T'filah Band Molish Sanctuay & Livestream
Saturday, February 15 9:00 a.m. Torah Study led by Rabbi Robert Leib 10:00 a.m. Peer-led Service led by Paul Anderson and Steve Green Torah Reader: Steve Green TBT Chapel & Zoom Meeting ID: 884 5577 5879 Passcode: shabbos971
Mazal Tov
Mazal to Wendy Stahler! Her granddaughter and grandson, Paige and Anthony Koons made her a great Bubbe with the birth of Autumn Marie Koons, 7lbs 8oz on Wednesday, February 12.
Sons and Daughters of Holocaust Survivors of Greater Philadelphia invites you to a Zoom program February 23 at 7:00 PM with Randi Boyette "Understanding and Challenging Antisemitism, Anti-Zionism, and Anti-Israel Bias"
This interactive session will explore the history of antisemitism, persistent myths and stereotypes, and the current landscape of rising antisemitism, anti-Zionism, and anti-Israel bias in the U.S. Attendees can share experiences and discuss strategies to challenge this enduring prejudice.
Randi Boyette is Senior Associate Regional Director at ADL Philadelphia. She has been with the organization since 2003, focusing on anti-bias education, antisemitism awareness, and Holocaust and Genocide education.
