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Volume 22, Issue 3
March — May 2020
Adar, Nisan, Iyyar, and Sivan 5780
page17
Countdown
Countdown to
to Pesah
Pesah
Congregation Beth Shalom
5915 Beacon Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412.421.2288
don’t forget to visit
www.bethshalompgh.org
IN THE KNOW
In the Know..................................................... 2
CONGREGATION BETH SHALOM Words of Kedushah........................................ 3
5915 Beacon Street • Pittsburgh, PA 15217
www.bethshalompgh.org
A Message from Our President �������������������� 4
412.421.2288
Clergy and Staff
Rabbi Seth Adelson..........................................................Senior Rabbi
Directing the Way.......................................... 5
Kenneth A. Turkewitz.................................. Interim Executive Director
Rabbi Jeremy Markiz ����������������� Director of Derekh & Youth Tefillah
Hilary Yeckel........................................................... Director of the ELC Walking the Derekh....................................... 6
Marissa Tait �����������������������������������������������Director of Youth Programs
Lonnie Wolf............................................................. Cemetery Director
Rabbi Larry Freedman.................................................... J-JEP Director The Sisterhood Says........................................ 7
Executive Committee
Debby Firestone......................................................................President
Kate Rothstein..............................................Executive Vice President
Men’s Club Moments.................................... 7
Alan Kopolow.................................................................Vice President
Jordan Fischbach..........................................................Vice President
Dan Eisner............................................................................... Secretary Strategic Plan................................................. 8
Fred Newman.......................................................................... Treasurer
David Horvitz............................................... Immediate Past President
Emeriti and Scholars
Growing Through the ELC ���������������������������� 9
Rabbi Mark N. Staitman........................................... Rabbinic Scholar
Stephen E. Steindel, D.D............................................... Rabbi Emeritus
Moshe Taubé............................................................... Cantor Emeritus Learning with J-JEP...................................... 10
Amir Pilch F.S.A.........................................Executive Director Emeritus
Fern S. Moscov..........................................Preschool Director Emeritus
Board of Trustees
Beth Shalom Youth Zone............................. 11
Steve Albert David Horvitz Connie Pollack
Ria David Joseph Jolson Todd E. Rascoe
Mitchell Dernis Michael Jolson Bruce Rollman Purim Activities.............................................. 12
Dan Eisner Rhoda Judd Kate Rothstein
Julian Elbling Rona Kaufman Betsy Schwartz
Debby Firestone
Jordan Fischbach
Judy Kobell
Alan Kopolow
Mindy Shreve
Evan Stein
Benei Mitzvah............................................... 15
Ira Frank Aviva Lubowsky Paul Teplitz
Chris Hall Elisa Recht Marlin Lou Weiss
Tammy Hepps Aaron Morgenstern Michael Yoffee Countdown to Pesah.................................. 17
Alan Himmel Fred Newman Elinor Young
Past Presidents
Humans of Beth Shalom.............................. 22
Norton Freedel Harvey Robins Ira M. Frank
Harriet N. Kruman Julian Elbling Connie Pollack
Alan Greenwald Barry J. Palkovitz Stefi L. Kirschner Our Congregational Family ����������������������� 24
Marianne Silberman Judy Kornblith Kobell Howard Valinsky
Milton Eisner Jay L. Fingeret David Horvitz
Yale Rosenstein Steven H. Schwartz Shavu’ot Schedule...................................... 30
Auxiliary Presidents
Ira Frank................................................................................Men’s Club Calendars..................................................... 31
Judy Kornblith Kobell............................................................Sisterhood
Elana Kolko....................................................................................... USY Staff Directory............................................... 34
Legacy Circle.............................................. 35
2 C o n g r e g a t i o n B e t h S h a l o m • w w w. b e t h s h a l o m p g h . o r g • 4 1 2 . 4 2 1 . 2 2 8 8
OUR LEADERSHIP
Words of Kedushah Walking through the museum at Yad Vashem,
the Israeli Holocaust museum and memorial,
Rabbi Seth Adelson
Senior Rabbi
is always horrifying and evocative. It draws
rav@bethshalompgh.org out from one the same questions: How could
this have happened? Where were the good
Why We Survived people who could have prevented it? And
what about God?
As I sat in a Jerusalem But it also reminds me of human tenacity, and
hotel room writing this in particular the ancient tenacity of the Jewish
column, the day on which people. Despite the Nazi attempt to make the
I visited Yad Vashem world Judenfrei (Jew-free), despite the failure
with the second Honeymoon Israel Pittsburgh of the Allied powers to stop the Holocaust,
cohort, world dignitaries were packing their to bomb Auschwitz or the train lines, despite
bags to come to the Holy City. On January the indifference or indeed complicity of the
21st, Nancy Pelosi, Mike Pence, Prince Charles, non-Jewish populations and governments and
Emmanuel Macron, Vladimir Putin, and churches, we survived. We are still here.
numerous other notables arrived for a two- And why? Because our people live to
day commemoration of the 75th anniversary experience the drunken joy of Purim, to revel
of the liberation of Auschwitz. Israel’s Foreign in our freedom on Pesah, to learn Torah for its
Ministry labeled it, “the biggest political event own sake into the wee hours on Shavuot. We
ever in the history of the State of Israel,” which live to mark our holy moments, our celebratory
is a pretty bold statement considering Israel’s times, and our solemn rituals together. We live
politics. to recall the anonymous millions who perished
My father-in-law, Judy’s father Ervin Hoenig, in the Shoah, and to recall with pride the
was there 75 years ago. He was interned establishment of the Jewish state in our time.
at a labor camp in the Auschwitz complex, The secret to Jewish continuity is not
barely 20 years old, hiding under sacks of necessarily fancy, subsidized trips to Israel,
potatoes when a Mongolian regiment of the as much as those are helpful to engaging
Soviet army arrived to set him free from his our less-connected folks. The secret, rather,
enslavement. is Shabbat dinner. And Tikkun Leil Shavuot.
There is no question of the necessity to mark And havdalah. And having an outside-the-
this occasion; as the number of living first-hand box conversation about the true meaning of
witnesses dwindles and the forces of chaos haroset. And seeking out all the connective
spread lies via the Internet, we are all anxious moments, old-fashioned and newly-minted,
that the world will in fact do the unthinkable: that our tradition offers.
forget. I continue to see headlines about how Lean in, folks. Our people have been doing it
some young Europeans and even Americans for thousands of years, and we are still here.
are unfamiliar with the Nazi slaughter. And
the anxiety becomes even more threatening
when coupled with the data about rising rates
of anti-Semitic activity around the world.
Hod veHadar
Joyous and Moving Kabbalat Shabbat
But no matter what may happen, I am
resolute in my belief that the best defense 3/27, 4/24 & 5/22/2020
in this regard is a good offense: the way we
prevent giving Hitler a posthumous victory is by
leaning into our tradition, by being loudly and
proudly Jewish.
C o n g r e g a t i o n B e t h S h a l o m • w w w. b e t h s h a l o m p g h . o r g • 4 1 2 . 4 2 1 . 2 2 8 8 3OUR LEADERSHIP
A Message from Our President part of this connection and partnership with Jewish
organizations and Federations from across North
Debby Firestone America.
President Since the last Mishpachtenu, we received
debbyfire@gmail.com wonderful news from New Light Congregation.
Dear Beth Shalom As it is not necessary to restate, we all grieve
Member: over the circumstances that caused New Light
Congregation to relocate to Beth Shalom. We
This article was written in have welcomed New Light Congregation from the
the last week of January, moment they came here and have continued to try
less than a week before to meet their needs. We heard early in January that
Groundhog Day. So while I their congregation had unanimously decided to
don’t know if the prediction remain at Beth Shalom. We welcome them whole-
was for an early Spring, heartedly.
this edition of Mishpachtenu appears before the
official end of winter. If there is any winter gloom Beth Shalom leadership attended the United
remaining, there are several things happening at Synagogue for Conservative Judaism (USCJ)
Beth Shalom that I want to share with you that will Convention in Boston. Rabbi Adelson and Rabbi
make you feel good about our shul. Markiz presented a session on the Derekh Program
to a standing-room-only workshop. Also attending
We are now a Legacy Partner! Beth Shalom the conference was our Youth Director, Marissa
was invited to become a member of the Life Tait, and from the executive committee Alan
and Legacy program this past fall. We feel very Kopolow, Jordan Fischbach, and myself. We
fortunate to be a part of this program, along with were joined by Brandeis University student Maddie
more than thirteen Pittsburgh Jewish organizations Herrup, a regular Beth Shalom Shabbat attendee.
offered by the Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh and From my experience of having gone to two of
the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. The objective these conferences, I can’t stress the importance
of Life and Legacy is to provide for long-term of attendance for our officers and any interested
sustainability for Jewish institutions. This training and members.
incentive program has been helping us plan for the
future of our kehillah. While at the convention, our team connected
with several professional and lay facilitators, and
Our Beth Shalom program will be called the Legacy concentrated on topics that would be able to
Circle, and includes these team members: Ira help Beth Shalom in various ways. We were able
Frank, Mindy Shreve, Julian Elbling, Kate Rothstein, to connect with Mindy Gordon, our USCJ regional
Rabbi Jeremy Markiz and myself. Our participating representative and Aimee Close, from USCJ who
goal is to assure the future of Congregation Beth helped guide our Strategic Plan. Bari Weiss, Lou
Shalom, and it is also a very important part of our and Amy Weiss’s daughter, was one of the keynote
synagogue’s development/fundraising mission speakers. Rabbi Werbow and former member Gary
and strategic plan. There are several ways for Goldberg send their best to our members. We
each of you to help not only our shul but also other also spent some time with Elaine and Ron Beck’s
Jewish institutions that you may have a special daughter, Rachel. We were surprised to learn that
connection to. Our team has been visiting members our strategic plan will be used as a model for other
with the hope that you, our membership, will help synagogues. We discovered that our decisions and
us achieve the goals set by the program. Please the way our shul is moving are all in line with the
consider leaving a legacy gift to Congregation progressive thinking by experts at the convention.
Beth Shalom which can be achieved in several As I write this article, several committees are hard at
ways, but begins with a “ Declaration of Intent” work helping to make the necessary changes in the
through these giving options: will or trust, retirement by-laws, leadership, and in other areas to ensure an
plan assets (IRA, 401K, pension), life insurance easy transition to our strategic planning goals.
policy and a cash donation. You can make a
difference for the future of Pittsburgh’s Jewish I, along with our Executive Committee, wish you a
Community and Congregation Beth Shalom. If joyful Purim and a meaningful Passover. And those
you’d like further information, please contact any of you who don’t have plans to be with family and/
member of our team or Rabbi Jeremy Markiz at or friends, are encouraged to participate in Beth
the shul. We appreciate your willingness to be a Shalom’s second night Seder.
4 C o n g r e g a t i o n B e t h S h a l o m • w w w. b e t h s h a l o m p g h . o r g • 4 1 2 . 4 2 1 . 2 2 8 8OUR LEADERSHIP
Directing the Way Bid (IFB) to several roofing and/or solar contractors
and, as I write this, many of them are viewing the
Kenneth A. Turkewitz facility. After a public bid opening in late February,
Interim Executive Director we plan to issue an award to a contractor by 1
kturkewitz@bethshalompgh.org April, with a goal of beginning work in late May.
Over a year ago, we launched an initiative to
Beth Shalom has a fairly
replace the roof on our school building and put
large facility. It takes a
a solar array on the new roof. We raised money
lot of care and feeding
to do this and we obtained a grant from the
to keep it in good
Commonwealth. After working with the Allegheny
operational condition
County Economic Development Department
and to serve its members.
to ensure proper procedures for our grant, we
“All of this Belongs to
created our specifications and posted the job in
You”, as we’ve been
the newspaper. We’ve distributed our Invitation for
saying all year. So I’d like to bring everyone up
Bid (IFB) to several roofing and/or solar contractors
to date on some of the work being done on your
and, as I write this, a number of them viewed the
building.
facility. After a public bid opening in late February,
First, the big projects. we plan to issue an award to a contractor in April,
Over a year ago, we launched an initiative to with a goal of beginning work in late May.
replace the roofs on our school building and Our other big project is restoration of the main
put a solar array on them. We raised money sanctuary’s exterior envelope. Because this is
to do this and we obtained a grant from not a simple task, we’ve engaged the services
the Commonwealth. After working with the of a restoration architectural firm to help us set
Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County priorities and develop cost effective solutions.
to ensure proper procedures for our grant, we Our first objective is eliminating a safety hazard.
created our specifications and posted the job in This includes securing the metal panels that have
the newspaper. We’ve distributed our Invitation For covered the main sanctuary’s cornice since 1997.
Our second goal is keeping water from leaking
into the main sanctuary building. This includes
Plan For Your Future Now replacing the roof, restoration of the main façade
and renovating the portico’s drainage and paving
We Can Help With: system. You will be hearing more about this project
• Pre-need Planning as it progresses.
• Plot Selection
• Monument Ordering The day-to-day, more “mundane,” but necessary,
projects continue, as well. We recently replaced a
We Offer to You: heating compressor pump that broke down, stairs
• Beth Shalom Cemetery carpeting in the Ballroom, the water circulation
• Beth Shalom pump which was causing water pressure problems
Mausoleum in the building, rugs in the preschool, fire sprinkler
• Temple Ohav Shalom backflow equipment, and so much more.
Memorial Garden Yes, all of this belongs to you, but it doesn’t come
• Homestead Hebrew for free. Please keep this in mind when we’re
Cemetery looking for funding.
Visit Our Cemetery And please help Beth Shalom ensure its long-term
sustainability, by participating
Cemetery gates open at 8:00 a.m. & close at in the Life and Legacy
sunset. The Cemetery is also closed at sundown on program, and becoming a
Friday through the Sabbath and all Jewish holidays. member of Beth Shalom’s
For more information, contact: Lonnie Wolf, Legacy Circle.
Cemetery Director at 412.421.2288 x 293,
412.654.7550 (c) or cemetery@bethshalompgh.org
C o n g r e g a t i o n B e t h S h a l o m • w w w. b e t h s h a l o m p g h . o r g • 4 1 2 . 4 2 1 . 2 2 8 8 5OUR LEADERSHIP
Walking the Derekh We know it can feel overwhelming. All you have
to do is have an idea, find two friends, and set
Rabbi Jeremy Markiz up a meeting with me! After that, we’ll work on it
Director of Derekh together.
& Youth Tefillah
jmarkiz@bethshalompgh.org Events:
In December, Rabbi Walking Toward Freedom: Interfaith Series
Adelson and I had the Weekly beginning February 27th| 7:30 p.m.
opportunity to present Locations determined by event date in
at the USCJ conference collaboration with other organizations.
about the work we’re
As we go into a shared season of celebration
doing with Derekh. In centered in freedom, we have the opportunity
preparation, it became to explore this idea together. Join us for this
clear that some of the ideas and frameworks wonderful six session series.
of Derekh should be shared more fully with the
congregation. Today is that day! At least to start. Beth Shalom Speaker Series: Marra Gad
Wednesday, March 25th| 7:30 p.m.
Derekh’s logo carries with it an explicit meaning
Eisner Commons
and a hidden meaning. On one hand, we
have the prayer services, lifecycles, and a “The Color of Love “ - An unforgettable memoir
myriad of other activities that we “expect” about a mixed-race Jewish woman who,
from a synagogue. Derekh was designed to be after fifteen years of estrangement from her
the other half, an engine that develops new racist great-aunt, helps bring her home when
programs for those of us who find more meaning Alzheimer’s strikes.
in participating in other ways. Find Your Way, Svara Talmud Study Weekend
Derekh’s tag line, is about identifying the other Saturday, April 6th| 12:45 p.m.
ways we connect to Judaism and community. Samuel & Minnie Hyman Ballroom
The hidden meaning is from the first letter and “Jewish Law for Anarchists: OR, Why Should I
the big circle around the whole thing. Together, Care About Halakah?!” - Using rabbinic texts,
they spell: Do. Derekh is an encouragement contemporary political theories, and our own
to DO Judaism. To engage in a new way, to experiences as a guide, we’ll unpack various
explore a new idea, to learn a new perspective, definitions of what Halakha is/can be in relation
and to experiment with yourself. to our movement(s) and lives.
We know that not everyone likes the same Beth Shalom Speaker Series: Steve Israel
stuff. Some folks prefer chocolate, others prefer Wednesday, May 6th| 7:30 p.m.
vanilla. Derekh is built the same way. Not every Eisner Commons
program is for everyone. We’ve started to “Big Guns” - From Steve Israel, the congressman
broaden our options so that everyone can find turned- novelist who writes “in the fulltilt style of
something that works for them. Carl Hiaasen” (The Washington Post), comes a
We’ve built Derekh to be as responsive as comic tale about the mighty firearm industry, a
possible. We listen and watch what is going on small Long Island town, and Washington politics.
in the congregation and try and identify the
various opportunities that exist. The best way
this happens is when you step forward to take
a leadership role in Derekh. The vast majority
of programs we do are inspired, developed,
and run by Beth Shalom community members!
Derekh is here to walk you through the process.
6 C o n g r e g a t i o n B e t h S h a l o m • w w w. b e t h s h a l o m p g h . o r g • 4 1 2 . 4 2 1 . 2 2 8 8OUR LEADERSHIP
The Sisterhood Says Men’s Club Moments
Judy Kornblith Kobell Ira Frank
Sisterhood President Men’s Club President
jayeko@msn.com natfabira@juno.com
As winter ebbs and We at Men’s Club
continue to thrive in
spring is on its way,
our goal of providing
Sisterhood continues to
activities that are social,
keep busy. In February,
educational, religious,
we celebrated Sisterhood and communal. With that
Shabbat. We were delighted in mind, please save the
to have Danielle Kranjec as our dates for these upcoming
speaker and we honored three very accomplished programs!
congregants, Marlene Behrman Cohen, Ilanit
Helfand, and Pat Weiss. Many of our members took Events:
part in the service and the entire congregation Over 21 Purim Party
joined us for a delicious Kiddush luncheon. I want Sunday, March 8 | 6:00 p.m.
to thank Helen Feder for organizing the service and Samuel & Minnie Hyman Ballroom
its many participants. It is a yeoman job and she For $25.00 per person, enjoy a light meal, open bar,
does it so fabulously. Thank you as well to Lidush costumes with prizes, games, and more with the
Goldschmidt and Dina Rayzberg for all their effort Men’s Club and Sisterhood!
in planning and arranging the luncheon and to all
those who helped with set-up. Men’s Club Shabbat
This year Sisterhood has been coordinating with Saturday, March 14| 9:15 a.m.
Faye Rubenstein Weiss Sanctuary
Men’s Club to sponsor many events, including
several Friday night Shabbat dinners and the Join Men’s Club with guest speaker Imam Chris
upcoming Over 21 Purim Party on March 8. A Caras in a celebration of faith.
special shout-out to Ira Frank, Men’s Club President,
Congregational Shabbat Dinner
for being so instrumental in this endeavor.
Friday, March 20| 6:00 p.m.
I hope many of you join in these outstanding Samuel & Minnie Hyman Ballroom
evenings. I look forward to working with Men’s Enjoy a dinner at the shul sponsored by the Beth
Club and other committees to present programs of Shalom Men’s Club & Sisterhood.
interest to the entire congregation and I welcome
new ideas and suggestions. Yellow Candle Packing
Monday, March 23 | 3:00 p.m.
Events: Samuel & Minnie Hyman Ballroom
Congregational Shabbat Dinner No need to register, just show up and help us out
Friday, March 20| 6:00 p.m. with this important tradition.
Samuel & Minnie Hyman Ballroom
Enjoy a dinner at the shul sponsored by the Beth Pre-Passover Pizza Dinner
Shalom Men’s Club & Sisterhood. Tuesday, April 7| 6:00 p.m.
Samuel & Minnie Hyman Ballroom
Sisterhood Torah Fund Brunch Load up on the hametz before Pesah! (Registration
Sunday, April 19 | 10:00 a.m. and fees apply)
Samuel & Minnie Hyman Ballroom
Celebrate the Sisterhood’s special honoree, Lidush Flag Planting
Goldschmidt, this year with us. More information Sunday, May 17 | 9:30 a.m.
forthcoming. Beth Shalom Cemetery
We need your help to show our
support for the troops! If you have
any questions, call Ira Frank at
412-281-4064.
C o n g r e g a t i o n B e t h S h a l o m • w w w. b e t h s h a l o m p g h . o r g • 4 1 2 . 4 2 1 . 2 2 8 8 7OUR LEADERSHIP
Strategic Plan Information and families of all backgrounds to grow
Jewishly and help lead our community
• where programs deepen and enhance our
Securing Our Future members’ connection to halakhah (Jewish
By Jordan Fischbach law), Jewish culture, and Israel
• where the study of Torah, practice of
Congregation Beth Shalom celebrated our Judaism, and the pursuit of justice lead to
synagogue centennial in 2017. As we begin improving our own lives, our community,
our next century, we find ourselves at a and our world.
moment of transition. The last few years have
seen a lot of positive momentum, including This vision was evolved by four volunteer-led
increased membership, reinvigorated religious task forces into concrete action items. Our
services and practice, and growing adult priority recommendations can be summarized
education and engagement opportunities as follows:
via our Derekh initiative. Even as we celebrate 1. Make Financial Sustainability a Priority
recent successes, however, we continue to 2. Cultivate a Culture of Giving
face existential financial and infrastructure
challenges, as well as membership trends 3. Modernize the Synagogue’s Leadership
affecting the entire Conservative movement. Structure
Given these challenges, Beth Shalom decided 4. Expand the Profile of Youth and Families in
to embark on a strategic planning process Institutional Planning
in spring 2018, and began work in earnest in 5. Make the Synagogue More Welcoming
the fall. Through this process, we sought to 6. Improve Member Engagement
better understand the recent evolution of
the synagogue, identify current strengths and The recommendations related to financial
weaknesses, and highlight a set of priority sustainability are most urgent, because we
recommendations and actions to implement must have a solid financial foundation in
over the next five years. The plan represents order to ensure a viable future. All of these
the collective work of dozens of synagogue recommendations, however, are essential to
leaders, supported by professional staff, and building long-term sustainability.
provides a framework for Beth Shalom to The final plan was approved unanimously by
adapt and thrive in the near-term and for the Board of Trustees in November, and can
decades to come. be found on our website at the link below.
The plan is guided by an updated vision for our We are already working to implement actions
synagogue. prioritized for the first year, and I am leading
a new Implementation Team to help track
We strive for a Beth Shalom: and report our progress. Team members
• where every member cherishes their include Kate Rothstein, Natasha Berman,
shul connection, expressed through Alan Kopolow, David Horvitz, Paul Teplitz, and
participation, volunteerism, and a culture Adam Kolko, and Ken Turkewitz. I encourage
of giving you to take a look at the plan and come find
• that operates sustainably and in a way that us with any questions you might have. We will
reflects our values also be organizing informal sessions for you to
discuss and provide feedback in the months
• that celebrates children and youth as to come. Thank you to all of our members and
integral to our entire intergenerational staff who contributed to this significant effort!
community
• that embraces diversity, inviting individuals http://bethshalompgh.org/sp2019/
8 C o n g r e g a t i o n B e t h S h a l o m • w w w. b e t h s h a l o m p g h . o r g • 4 1 2 . 4 2 1 . 2 2 8 8OUR LEADERSHIP
Growing Through the ELC social skills! Our teachers continue to take
professional development courses as well
Hilary Yeckel as state mandated training, such as the fire
Director of the ELC
hyeckel@bethshalompgh.org
safety course we took in January. Be sure to
look ahead to our events this Spring.
Hello Congregants! We also have begun to prepare for the 2020-
I hope you all had a 2021 school year! As always if you ever have
restful and peaceful a question or wonder how you can support
holiday season, as the ELC please contact the ELC office. I look
well as a very Happy forward to hearing from you!
New Year! As Beth
Shalom Early Learning Center enters into a
new decade, I could not help but look back Events:
and reflect on the growth within the program. All School Purim Celebration
Since the center opened 32 years ago, we Tuesday, March 10 | 12:30 p.m.
have not only grown in size, but in experience Samuel & Minnie Hyman Ballroom
and depth. What started out as a part-time This event is for all of our children’s families and
program with only a small number of students friends to join us and celebrate Purim! Children
has blossomed into a top-rated center among will dress in costume, sing, dance, and
the Jewish Early Childhood community and celebrate the holiday as a school community!
beyond. Beth Shalom ELC proudly serves 143
children from infancy to prekindergarten age Grandparent & Special Friends Shabbat
within ten classrooms in the year 2020. Our Friday, May 15 | 10:30 a.m.
center continues to maintain its highest stars Samuel & Minnie Hyman Ballroom
(4 stars) accreditation with Keystone Stars, The ELC students will share their weekly
and the highly sought after accreditation Shabbat experience with a grandparent or
from the National Association for Educating special friend! Rabbi Adelson will lead the
Young Children (NAEYC). Our teaching group in song and prayer, and afterwards
staff continues to grow and develop as each special friend will go back to their child’s
professionals in the field of early childhood classroom to enjoy a story together!
education as well. Beth Shalom Early Learning
Center is proud to say that 40% of our staff has
been with us for three years or longer. Having
spent six of my last ten years at Beth Shalom
and in the Early Learning Center, I am happy
and proud to see what we as a community
have become, and what I know we can
continue to blossom and grow into.
2019 ended in the ELC with a wonderful
school-wide family celebration for Hanukkah.
Our children danced and sang with our
music teacher, Morah Debbey, as she taught
us about the traditions of the holiday. 2020
has been off to a fantastic start as children
continue to explore art with Morah Julie,
investigate and experiment with Morah
Elaine, and work with their teachers on their
C o n g r e g a t i o n B e t h S h a l o m • w w w. b e t h s h a l o m p g h . o r g • 4 1 2 . 4 2 1 . 2 2 8 8 9OUR LEADERSHIP
Learning with J-JEP Events:
Open House for New and Prospective Students
Rabbi Larry Freedman
Director of J-JEP Sunday, March 29 | 9:30 a.m.
RabbiLF@jjep.org Rodef Shalom Congregation
All new incoming students and parents are
What’s the most invited to learn about the 2020-2021/5781
important part of the school year. Open to students entering grades
Pesah seder? Matza? K-8. Potential students & families will get to
The most important participate in a tour, Q & A, Morning Tefillah,
part of the Pesah seder and class time. RSVP to Kate@jjep.org.
is the children because
without them we can’t Celebration of Learning
go on. Early in the seder we arrive at the Four Sunday, April 26 | 10:30 a.m.
Questions. A child takes a look at the table. Rodef Shalom Congregation
There are more seats than usual, more formal Join us as J-JEP wraps up another year
than usual with unusual things: matza, salt of learning and recognizes our students
water, maror, a roasted bone. and educators for all their hard work. Our
The child asks, “Why is this night different?” celebration features a showcase of projects
A-ha! This is what the parents are waiting from our classes, a look back at highlights from
for, the opportunity to teach using the child’s our year, and a yummy treat!
curiosity. “Well,” we answer, “Do we have
a story for you. See, your ancestor was a
wandering Aramean….” Let the teaching
commence.
Once the four-part question is asked, the rest
of the hagadah can be read with all manner
of songs and skits and puppets and text
employed to teach the story. Without the Four
Questions, the whole thing drags to a halt.
Sometimes parents downplay the importance
of the child standing up to lead. Too much
attention with all the people looking at the
child. Too stressful. Let’s just sing it together,
so many families say. I encourage you
to encourage your child. Think of it as a
leadership opportunity, as learning the value
of obligation, a sense of duty. Yes, it may be
a little challenging but think of how important
the task is, think of how everyone is relying on
you! How often does a room of adults come
to a stop for the words of a child? How cool is
that?
We’ll prepare your children. Be sure to give
your child time to practice. Enjoy answering
the questions and teaching your children.
World Wide Wrap, 2020 - Photo Courtesy of J-JEP
10 C o n g r e g a t i o n B e t h S h a l o m • w w w. b e t h s h a l o m p g h . o r g • 4 1 2 . 4 2 1 . 2 2 8 8OUR LEADERSHIP
Beth Shalom Youth Zone keep an eye on your emails for upcoming
dates and events.
Marissa Tait
Director of Youth Programs This has been a fantastic year and the Youth
mtait@bethshalompgh.org Department is flourishing thanks to YOU!
Events:
The 4th annual Jews
For Justice: A Shabbat Purim Carnival
Dinner and Discussion, Sunday, March 8 | 10:00 a.m.
was held on January Samuel & Minnie Hyman Ballroom
17, 2020. The evening’s Enjoy the wonders of Kosherland at this year’s
discussion focused Purim Carnival!
on the meaning of
Purim Meglliah Reading and Activities
Tikkun Olam. Beth Shalom’s teens facilitated
Monday, March 9 | 5:00 p.m.
discussions at each table for a multi-
Samuel & Minnie Hyman Ballroom
generational dynamic conversation. This
program has won BSUSY three awards and has Come hear the story of Purim!
become a source of pride for our teens. We Chocolate Seders
are excited to reimagine this program and Thursday, March 26 | Times vary
look forward to its new look. The Teen-Led Eisner Commons
Kabbalat Shabbat services are continuing to
Atid & Kadima: 5:15 p.m.
be a huge success. Please join BSUSY teens
BSUSY: 6:30 p.m.
on the third Friday of every month. After
services, the teens enjoy Shabbat dinner CRUSY Regionals
and conversation with Rabbi Adelson. It Thursday, April 23 - Sunday, April 26
has proven to be an incredible experience-
building relationships and learning with each BSUSY Lounge Nights:
other. 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - MONDAYS!
Kadima and BSUSY continue to meet for great March 2, March 16 | April 6, April 20
snacks, pool and ping-pong during Lounge May 4, May 18
Nights in the Shear Youth Lounge. These
Lounge Nights provide great opportunities for Kadima Lounge Nights:
teens to spend time together and brainstorm
new programs. Lounge nights are held for
6:00 - 7:00 p.m. - MONDAYS!
Kadima on the second and fourth Monday March 23 | April 13, April 27 | May 11
and BSUSY meets the first and third Monday of
each month. We hope to see you there! Teen-led Congregational Kabbalat
Purim and Passover are just around the corner! Shabbat Service & Dinners
This year’s carnival theme is Kosherland. Please
March 20 | April 17 | May 15
join us on March 8th from 10:00 a.m-Noon for
a morning filled with candy! Unfortunately,
Purim and Passover indicate the all-too-close
end of the academic year. While that does
mean camp and other fun summer programs,
internships, and activities, it also means we will
not see a lot of our youth for a while. However,
we do have some final hurrahs planned, so
C o n g r e g a t i o n B e t h S h a l o m • w w w. b e t h s h a l o m p g h . o r g • 4 1 2 . 4 2 1 . 2 2 8 8 1 1Games, Prizes & More!
SUNDAY
MARCH 8
2020
10:00 a.m.
'til Noon
For more information about the
Purim Carnival, call Marissa Tait at
412.421.2288 x 463 or email,
mtait@bethshalompgh.org
BENEFITS YOUTH PROGRAMMING! BE A SPONSOR FOR PURIM!
The purchase of available candy in our [ ] Become A Purim Carnival Patron................$118.00
Purim Carnival will be greatly appreciated!
[ ] Sponsor a Table of Prizes......…....................$72.00
________________________________ [ ] Sponsor a Food Table..................................$54.00
Name as on Card
[ ] Sponsor a Game Booth................................$36.00
______/________/_________/_______ [ ] Sponsor Arts and Crafts...............................$18.00
CC Number [ ] Other Gift................................................$_______
________________________________
___________ ______/_____ Your Name
CVV Number Exp. Date
________________________________
________________________________ Email Address
Signature
_________ - ___________ - _________
[ ] Please charge my card [ ] Check Enclosed Phone Number
Make checks payable to Congregation Beth Shalom,
5915 Beacon Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217Purim 5780
Enjoy some Sweet Purim Fun at
Congregation Beth Shalom!
Monday, March 9, 2020
• 5:45 p.m. Erev Purim Dinner for Families
$10/FAMILY UNTIL 03/05/20 | $20/FAMILY AT THE DOOR
RSVP BY MARCH 5TH AT WWW.BETHSHALOMPGH.ORG/PURIM
• 5:45 p.m. - PJ LIBRARY Purim programming
• 6:30 p.m. - Adult Costume Contest and Youth Costume Parade
• 7:00 p.m. - Ma’ariv/Evening Service
• 7:15 p.m. - Full Megillah Reading, including songs, shtik, and more!
• 8:30 p.m. - After-reading Refreshments
Tuesday March 10, 2020
• 8:00 a.m. - Megillah Reading at CDS, 6424 Forward Ave.
• 12:30 p.m. - ELC All-School Family Purim Celebration
Congregation Beth Shalom 5915 Beacon Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412.421.2288 • www.bethshalompgh.orgCONGREGATION BETH SHALOM
ANNUAL
CONGREGATIONAL
MEETING
Let Your Voice Be Heard!
MAY 26, 2020 | 7: 30 P .M. ONWARD
SAMUEL & MINNIE HYMAN BALLROOM
5 91 5 BEAC ON STR E E T , P GH , PA 152 17
There is no sign-up required. Please arrive to the congregation
roughly fifteen minutes before the meeting is set to begin.B E N E I M I T Z VA H
Lillian Juliet Feinman Aliza Michal Shear,
is the daughter of daughter of Shoshanna
Matthew and Sharon and Adam Shear,
Feinman, sister will be called to the
of Madeline and Torah to celebrate
Levi Feinman, and her becoming a
granddaughter of Alan Bat Mitzvah on
and Sandra Hammer, Saturday, May 23,
and Larry and Sheryl Parashat Bamidbar,
Feinman. at Congregation Beth
A seventh grader at Community Day School, Shalom. Aliza is the
Lily is an avid basketball player and spends granddaughter of Sharon (z”l) and Benjamin
her summers at Emma Kaufmann Camp. She Liptzin of Stockbridge, Massachusetts, and
volunteers at the JCC Senior Center, and also Natalie and Henry Lewis of Chevy Chase,
spends time at Friendship Circle where she is Maryland. Her older siblings are Daniella and
going through leadership programming as part Sammy Shear. Aliza is in seventh grade at
of her Bat Mitzvah project. Lily will be called to Winchester Thurston School. She loves musical
the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on March 21, 2020. theater and all of its components (acting,
dance, and singing), as well as playing
basketball. In the summer, she attends Emma
Bat Mitzvah: 3/21/2020 Kaufmann Camp.
Bat Mitzvah: 5/23/2020
Asher Rhys Schwartz
was born in Chicago,
Illinois, during the
Passover Seder in 2007.
He has been an even-
tempered fellow since
day one. Asher has two
We look forward
sisters: Hannah (15yo)
and Mira (9yo) who to celebrating
all of our
are REALLY invested in
helping him grow into
a patient and understanding guy. Asher loves
to play basketball, baseball, and some soccer,
too. He’s a bit reserved when you first meet,
but his friends know that he’s really funny once
Benei Mitzvah as
you get to know him, and just watch him bust
a move on the dance floor -- it’s something! the year continues!
Bar Mitzvah: 4/25/2020
C o n g r e g a t i o n B e t h S h a l o m • w w w. b e t h s h a l o m p g h . o r g • 4 1 2 . 4 2 1 . 2 2 8 8 1 5PESAH. UNIVERSITY
BRING SOMETHING NEW TO YOUR SEDER!
SUNDAY, MARCH 29TH
Join us for these wonderful sessions at Beth Shalom.
10:00 A.M.
Meaning at the Seder:
Has your seder lost its luster? Finding it difficult to relate to 10 plagues,
four cups of wine and Dayyenu? Learn with Rabbi Seth Adelson to help
navigate the essential questions of this night: Why are we here? Why are
we discussing the Exodus and not eating? And what could it possibly all
mean to us today?
10:45 A.M.
Kashering Your Pots:
There are many laws when it comes to Passover, from kashering one's
pots, to how much matzah we're obligated to eat, to what is required
at your seder. It can be easy to go overboard. Sit with Rabbi Jeremy
Markiz as we review the technical aspects of Passover and what is
versus what is not required.
Congregation Beth Shalom • 5915 Beacon Street, PGH, PA 15217
412.421.2288 • www.bethshalompgh.orgCountdown to Pesah 5780/2020
MA’OT HITTIN - PASSOVER TZEDAKAH FUND
From the beginning of the month of Nissan, we are especially sensitive to the needs of fellow
Jews who may need our special help and support toward fulfilling all the mitzvot of the Pesah
season. A form for donating to our Ma’ot Hittin fund is available on page 19.
BEDIKAT HAMETZ: TUESDAY NIGHT, APRIL 7
The traditional search for hametz on the night before Pesah falls this year on Tuesday night
immediately after sunset. The blessing for bedikat hametz, found at the beginning of most
Haggadot, is recited and the kol hamira formula nullifying unseen hametz may be recited.
Hold any found hametz for ritual burning the following morning, April 8. If you need help find-
ing these prayers, please contact Rabbi Adelson.
SALE OF HAMETZ: WEDNESDAY MORNING, APRIL 8, before 11:00 A.M.
One of the central commandments of Pesah is that we rid ourselves of all forbidden hametz
in our possession. Individuals who fully observe Pesah do their best to eliminate hametz as far
as possible and then traditionally resort to the procedure of “selling” any hametz which may
have been packed away or missed. All hametz must be removed or sold by 11:00 a.m. A
form for selling your hametz is available on page 19. Please return it to our office by April 8 in
the morning.
FAST OF THE FIRST BORN & SIYYUM BEKHORIM: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8
All first born should fast on the day before Pesah in commemoration of the deliverance from
Egypt of the Israelite firstborn. The Rabbi offers a siyyum (public completion of study) which is
followed by a festive meal at which all present may eat, and once having eaten, a first born
need not fast that day. The siyyum and the se’udat mitzvah will be held this year on Wednes-
day morning in the Homestead Hebrew Chapel and Palkovitz Lobby at 8:15 a.m., following
the 7:30 a.m. morning minyan. This Special Siyyum Breakfast is sponsored by Stanley & Cherie
Maharam in loving memory of beloved parents and grandparents Bess & Aaron Maharam.
BI’UR HAMETZ - WEDNESDAY MORNING, April 8
The ritual burning of the hametz found during Tuesday night’s search should be completed
by 11:00 a.m. The stove should be fully kashered and all cooking proceeds in Pesah pots with
Pesah utensils only. Traditionally no hametz or matzah is eaten after this time until the seder.
Candle Lighting Blessing
#1 - Yom Tov Candle Lighting Blessing (1st, 2n, 7th, and 8th nights)
.aFh mFi lW
¤ x¥p wil¦ c§ d© l§ Ep«Ëv¦ e§ ,eiz̈Fv§ n¦ A§ Ep«ẄC§ w¦ xW£̀
¤ ,ml̈Frd̈ K¤ln«¤ Epi«dŸl-¡
¥ ` 'd dŸ`© KExÄ
Barukh atah Adonai, Elohenu melekh ha'olam, asher kiddeshanu bemitzvotav, vetsivanu lehadlik ner shel Yom Tov.
#2 - Sheheheyanu Blessing (1st and 2nd nights only)
.d¤Gd© on§
© Gl© Ep«r̈iB¦ d¦ e§ Ep«n̈I§ w¦ e§ Ep«ïg¡ d¤ W
¤ ,ml̈Frd̈ K¤ln«¤ Epi«dŸl-¡
¥ ` 'd dŸ`© KExÄ
Barukh atah Adonai, Elohenu melekh ha’olam, sheheheyanu, vekiyyemanu, vehigi’anu lazeman hazeh.
C o n g r e g a t i o n B e t h S h a l o m • w w w. b e t h s h a l o m p g h . o r g • 4 1 2 . 4 2 1 . 2 2 8 8 1 72020 FESTIVAL OF PESAH 5780
Pre-Pesah Preparations
Tuesday, April 7 Pre-Pesah Meal at Beth Shalom 6:00 p.m.
Samuel and Minnie Hyman Ballroom
Home Ceremony of Searching for Hametz At home
Wednesday, April 8 Morning Service 7:30 a.m.
Helfant Chapel
Siyyum Bekhorim 8:15 a.m.
With breakfast sponsored by the
Maharam Educational Fund
Bi’ur Hametz - All remaining hametz must be burned or sold by 11:00 a.m.
First Day of Pesah
Candle lighting time 7:34 p.m. – Blessings #1 and #2 on page 17
Wednesday, April 8 First Seder No evening service at Beth Shalom
Thursday, April 9 Early Pesah Morning Service 6:30 a.m. Homestead Hebrew Chapel
Pesah Morning Service 9:15 a.m. Samuel and Minnie Hyman Ballroom
Youth Tefillah 10:00 a.m. - Noon
Second Day of Pesah
Candle lighting after 8:35 p.m. from existing flame – Blessings #1 and #2 on page 17
Thursday, April 9 Second Seder
Congregational Second Seder No evening service at Beth Shalom
“In Every Generation” (RSVP Only) 6:00 p.m. Samuel and Minnie Hyman Ballroom
Friday, April 9 Early Pesah Morning Service 6:30 a.m. Homestead Hebrew Chapel
Pesah Morning Service 9:15 a.m. Samuel and Minnie Hyman Ballroom
Youth Tefillah 10:00 a.m. - Noon
Hol Hamoed – Intermediate Days
Friday, April 10 Shabbat Evening Service 6:00 p.m. Helfant Chapel
Shabbat candle lighting at 7:36 p.m.
Saturday, April 11 Early Shabbat Service 6:30 a.m. Homestead Hebrew Chapel
Shabbat Service 9:00 a.m. Samuel and Minnie Hyman Ballroom
Minhah, Discussion, Ma’ariv 7:35 p.m. Homestead Hebrew Chapel
Sunday, April 12 Morning Minyan 8:00 a.m. Homestead Hebrew Chapel
Mon. – Tues. April 13-14 Morning Minyan 7:30 a.m. Homestead Hebrew Chapel
Sun. – Mon. April 12-13 Evening Minyan 7:00 p.m. Helfant Chapel
Seventh Day of Pesah
Candle lighting at 7:40 p.m. – Blessing #1 on page 17
Tuesday, April 14 Evening Service 6:00 p.m. Helfant Chapel
Wednesday, April 15 Early Morning Service 6:30 a.m. Homestead Hebrew Chapel
Morning Service 9:15 a.m. Samuel and Minnie Hyman Ballroom
Youth Tefillah 10:00 a.m. - Noon
Eighth Day of Pesah
Candle lighting after 8:41 p.m. – Blessing #1 on page 17
Wednesday, April 15 Evening Service 6:00 p.m. Helfant Chapel
Thursday, April 16 Early Morning Service, with Yizkor 6:00 a.m. Homestead Hebrew Chapel
Morning Service, with Yizkor 9:00 a.m. Faye Rubenstein Weiss Sanctuary
(Yizkor at approximately 10:30 a.m.)
Youth Tefillah 10:00 a.m. - Noon
Concluding Service and Havdalah
Thursday, April 16 Evening Service 7:45 p.m. Homestead Hebrew Chapel
Havdalah 8:42 p.m.
18 C o n g r e g a t i o n B e t h S h a l o m • w w w. b e t h s h a l o m p g h . o r g • 4 1 2 . 4 2 1 . 2 2 8 8Ma’ot Hittin - Passover Tzedakah Fund
With the approach of spring and Passover, it has always been the tradition of our congregation to establish a
Ma’ot Hittin fund which will be used to help the impoverished Jews of our city and others in need to prepare for the
great festival of liberation. It is our communal responsibility to provide the necessary food for a Passover Seder and
for the observance of the holiday in general.
Please send us your contribution (checks should be made payable to Beth Shalom Ma’ot Hittin Fund) so that we
have adequate funds to help the many Jews who will be turning to us prior to Passover. Your generosity will help
make other Jewish families happy as they celebrate this holiday of freedom. Thank you.
MA’OT HITTIN - PASSOVER TZEDAKAH FUND
Online form available at www.bethshalompgh.org/maot-hittin-5780
Enclosed is my contribution in the amount of $______________ for the Ma’ot Hittin Fund. Please make check payable
to Congregation Beth Shalom Ma’ot Hittin Fund. Thank you.
NAME___________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS_______________________________________________________________
PHONE__________________________________________________________________
EMAIL ___________________________________________________________________
PLEASE CUT AND RETURN EACH FORM SEPARATELY
SELLING OF HAMETZ —
Hametz, not explicitly defined in the Torah, is described in rabbinic literature as being these five species of grain:
wheat, spelt, oats, barley, and rye. Although matzah must be made from one of these, we are forbidden by
halakhah (Jewish law) to eat, own, see, or benefit from any other form of these grains on Pesah. (Please note: rice,
legumes, quinoa, corn, etc. are not hametz. See pg. 20 for more details.)
Please take the opportunity to fill out the form below and return it to the synagogue by 11:00 am on Wednesday,
April 8 in order to have your hametz included in the sale.
It is customary to include a donation to support the vulnerable in our community. These funds will be contributed to
Rabbi Adelson’s Discretionary Fund which is used to provide scholarships, offer assistance to those in need and to
promote Jewish cultural, educational and religious activities.
Hag kasher vesameah (A Happy and Kosher Pesah)!
Rabbi Seth Adelson
CONTRACT FOR THE SELLING OF HAMETZ 2020/5780
Online form available at www.bethshalompgh.org/selling-hametz-5780
I (We) __________________________________________ hereby fully empower and authorize Rabbi Seth Adelson to dispose of all hametz
that may be in my (our) possession – wherever it may be: at home, place of business or elsewhere (knowingly or unknowingly). Rabbi Adelson
has the full right to sell, dispose of and conduct all transactions in accordance with the detailed terms explained in the Hebrew contracts. The
above power hereby given is meant to conform with all Torah and Rabbinic regulations to meet the requirements of Jewish law.
NAME(S):
LOCATION OF HAMETZ:
AMOUNT DONATED:
SIGN HERE:
C o n g r e g a t i o n B e t h S h a l o m • w w w. b e t h s h a l o m p g h . o r g • 4 1 2 . 4 2 1 . 2 2 8 8 1 9A Brief Pesah Kashrut Guide
A full description of kashering processes and listing of permitted foods
can be found at: www.rabbinicalassembly.org/pesah-guide
The process of kashering utensils depends on how the utensils are used. According to halakhah, leaven can be purged from a
utensil by the same process in which it was absorbed in the utensil (kevolo kakh polto). Therefore, utensils used in cooking are
kashered by boiling, those used in broiling are kashered by fire and heat, and those used for only cold food are kashered by
rinsing in cold water.
A. Earthenware (china, pottery, etc.) may not be kashered. However, fine translucent chinaware which has not been used for
over one year may be used if scoured and cleaned in hot water.
B. Metal utensils (wholly made of metal) used in fire (spit or broiler) must first be scrubbed and cleansed and then made as hot
as possible. Those used for cooking or eating (silverware, pots) must be thoroughly cleaned and completely immersed in boiling
water. Pots should have water boiled in them which will overflow the rim. The utensils should not be used for a period of at least
24 hours between the cleaning and immersion in boiling water. Metal baking utensils cannot be kashered.
C. Oven and Ranges - Every part that comes in contact with food must be thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned. Then, the oven
and range should be heated as hot as possible for a half hour. If there is a broil setting, use it. Self-cleaning ovens should be
scrubbed and cleaned and then put through the self-cleaning cycle. Continuous-cleaning ovens must be kashered in the same
manner as regular ovens. A microwave oven, which does not cook the food by means of heat, should be cleaned and then
a cup of water should be placed in it. Then the oven should be turned on until the water “boils.” A microwave oven that has a
browning element cannot be kashered for Pesah.
D. Glassware - Authorities disagree as to the method of kashering drinking utensils. One opinion requires soaking in water for
3 days, changing the water every 24 hours. The other opinion requires only a thorough scrubbing before Pesach, or putting it
through the dishwasher.
E. Dishwasher - After not using the dishwasher for a period of 24 hours, a full cycle with detergent should be run. It may then be
used for Pesah.
F. Electrical Appliances - If the parts that come in contact with hametz are removable, they can be kashered in the appropriate
way (if metal, follow the rules for metal utensils). If the parts are not removable, the appliance cannot be kashered. (All exposed
parts should be thoroughly cleaned).
G. Tables, closets and counters - If used for chametz, they should be thoroughly cleaned and covered and then they may be
used.
H. Kitchen Sink - A metal sink can be kashered by a thorough cleaning and by pouring boiling water over it. A porcelain sink
should be cleaned and a sink rack used. If, however, dishes are to be soaked in a porcelain sink, a dish basin must be used.
I. Hametz and non-Passover utensils - Non-Passover dishes, pots and hametz, whose ownership has been transferred, should be
separated, locked up or covered, and marked so as to prevent accidental use.
Permitted Foods
A. The following foods require no kasher lePesah label when purchased before or during Pesah: fresh fruits and vegetables that
have not been coated, eggs, unflavored tea bags, unflavored regular coffee, 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil, whole or raw tree
nuts, whole (unground) spices, fresh fish from a kosher source and fresh kosher meat or frozen, raw hekhshered meat (other than
ground products as ground products with prohibited materials could be made on the same equipment).
B. The following products require reliable kasher lePesah certification (regular kosher supervision not being sufficient) whether
bought before or during Pesach: all baked goods (farfel, matzah, any product containing matzah, matzah flour, matzah meal,
Pesach cakes), all frozen processed foods, candy, canned tuna, cheeses, chocolate milk, decaf coffee, decaf tea, dried fruits,
herbal tea, ice cream, liquor, non Grade A butter, oils, soda, vinegar, wine, yogurt.
C. The following foods require no kasher lePesah label but do require kashrut supervision if purchased new and unopened
before Pesach: all pure fruit juices in plastic or glass bottles, filleted fish, frozen fruit (no additives), non-iodized salt, pure white
sugar (no additives), unsalted Grade A butter, white milk
D. Any processed food bought during Pesah must have a kasher lePesah label.
E. Any detergent, because it is not a food and it is not eaten, may be used for Pesah as long as it has valid kosher supervision.
Medicines: Since hametz binders are used in many pills, the following guidelines should be followed: If the medicine is required
for life sustaining therapy, it may be used on Pesah. If it is not for life sustaining therapy, authorities differ in their approaches.
Please consult with your rabbi. Capsules, because they do not need binders, are preferable to pills.
In December 2015, the Committee on Jewish Laws and Standards ruled kitniyot, or non-hametz grains and legumes such as
rice, millet, chickpeas, fenugreek, etc., are acceptable for Ashkenazim to consume during Pesah provided the kitniyot have
been checked 3 times before Pesah and were not stored with hametz. To read the full teshuvah, response, please go to: www.
rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/default/files/public/halakhah/teshuvot/2011-2020/Levin-Reisner-Kitniyot.pdf.
For the most up-to-date information: https://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/sites/default/files/final_pesah_guide_5780.pdf
20 C o n g r e g a t i o n B e t h S h a l o m • w w w. b e t h s h a l o m p g h . o r g • 4 1 2 . 4 2 1 . 2 2 8 8Passover Yizkor Appeal 5780
Each year, during the holidays of Pesah, Shavu’ot, Yom Kippur, and Shemini Atzeret, a special Memorial Service
is held. It is a time when we honor the memory of our beloved departed family members. Yizkor Services are held
on these four holidays and, in the tradition of the mitzvah of giving, an appeal is made for funds during the Yizkor
Service.
Our Passover Yizkor Service will take place on Thursday morning, April 16 at approximately 10:30 am. It is
appropriate to make a contribution in order to link the memory of dear ones to an act of loving kindness. If you
wish, please fill out the form below with the name of the loved ones you wish to honor so that their names can be
printed in Mishpachtenu.
If you would like additional information regarding the Yizkor Appeal, please call the office at 412-421-2288. With
grateful thanks for your continued support of our synagogue, and with all good wishes for the coming Festival.
Please tear off and mail to Congregation Beth Shalom, 5915 Beacon Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. Thank you.
I/We wish to contribute to the Passover 2020 Yizkor Appeal
Online form available at www.bethshalompgh.org/Passover-Yizkor-Appeal-5780
In memory of:
(Please Print)
Enclosed please find my check in the amount of $___________.
Name:
Address:
Phone #:
Email:
Sisterhood
Kiddush Club Judaica Shop
Who makes kiddushes
happen? We make the
2020 Sales
kiddushes happen! March
30% OFF Seder & Matzah Items
Volunteer for Kiddush Club
- for setup, for cleanup, and April
everything in between. 30% OFF all Jewelry
Please contact Michelle Vines, May
412-421-2288 ext. 113
30% OFF Challah Board
catering1@bethshalompgh.org
Friday: 10a - 12p or by appointment.
Barbara Kaiserman 412.422.5677
C o n g r e g a t i o n B e t h S h a l o m • w w w. b e t h s h a l o m p g h . o r g • 4 1 2 . 4 2 1 . 2 2 8 8 2 1HUMANS OF BETH SHALOM
Humans of Beth Shalom (HOBS)
Here, we highlight member “units” (a family or individual) and we look forward
to introducing others in the future. We asked the responders to identify
themselves and then to respond to a subset of pre-selected questions.
Judi Rosen and Marlene Behrmann Cohen
Inspired by the famous Humans of New York, or HONY, series.
THE YOGMAN FAMILY This photo is of our immediate family at our dining
Name in English and in Hebrew (phonetic). room table. We have four wonderful children, and our
Benjamin Isaac/Binyamin Yitzchak favorite time of the day is dinner together.
and Shayna (English and Hebrew name) We give each person a turn to share something they
Where were you born and which places have you lived are proud of, and then we all make (water) l’chaims
in? each time.
Ben: What food connects you to feeling Jewish? Where is that
I was born in Pittsburgh and grew up here except for a memory from?
couple years as a preschooler in Dusseldorf, Germany. Matzah brei is a favorite food for both of us from
I went to college at Case Western in Cleveland and Passover mornings. We learned this about each other
moved to Raleigh, NC, upon graduation, returning to at a Shabbat meal with several Beth Shalom families.
Pittsburgh in 2011. Shayna prefers sweet, Ben savory. It all worked out…
Shayna: we were engaged at the time and were sung “Od
I was born in Long Island, NY. I’ve lived in New Jersey, Yeshamai” by everyone in attendance, and we married
New York, Colorado, Florida, and Scotland! I moved to soon after.
Pittsburgh in 2016.
When do you feel the most Jewish? And why?
How long have you been a member of Congregation Ben:
Beth Shalom? Singing Jewish songs as a family and getting Isaiah
We have been members for four years. excited about them, Shabbat candle lighting, and
Please attach a favorite photo from anytime in your life recently, menorah lighting.
with a brief description. Shayna: I feel most Jewish when I teach my children
Jewish history, practice and mentschlich-keit. Having
a hand in perpetuating our beautiful tradition is an
immense honor.
What is your fondest Jewish memory in Pittsburgh?
We were married at Pinsker’s! We love returning to
‘where it all started.’
(HOBS continued on next page)
Tell us YOUR Story!
We want to share the rich history of our
members within the congregation.
Please reach out to Judi Rosen,
judirosen2828@gmail.com or Marlene
Berhmann Cohen at behrmann@cmu.edu
to be a part of the growing Humans of Beth
Shalom project!
22 C o n g r e g a t i o n B e t h S h a l o m • w w w. b e t h s h a l o m p g h . o r g • 4 1 2 . 4 2 1 . 2 2 8 8You can also read
