Musically Speaking

*credit given to Levanah Monthly, 1992

During the beginning of this month, we will celebrate the holiday of Shavuot. We commemorate the giving of the Torah to the Jewish people. We study all night long and celebrate, as all our holidays, with food, prayer, and much rejoicing.

According to tradition, King David was born and died on Shavuot. At the end of the Book of Ruth, which we will read on the first day of Shavuot prior to the Torah service, we read about the birth of Ruth’s great-great-grandson, David, who was to become the second King of Israel.

We still refer to David as the greatest King of Israel. He was a beloved hero in battle who captured Jerusalem and made it the capital city. But, we also remember him as the sweet singer of Israel, who wrote Psalms and sang praises to God with his harp.

David spent his days leading the people of Israel to victory in battle against the Philistines. Even before he became king, the people would chant “King Saul has taken thousands, but David his ten thousands.”

At night, weary from battle, David collapsed in his bed and fell into a deep sleep. Hours went by and a gentle breeze from the night wind came through his window. The wind plucked at the strings of his harp, which hung above his bed. The music awakened the king, who took down his harp to play and sing to God.

He began to play all the Psalms and all the poems he had written to God over the years. He sang throughout the night almost until dawn. Proud of how many songs he had written, he exclaimed to God: “Oh God, I so love to sing of Your greatness. Is there any creature in the universe who has sung such praises to you as I have over the years?”

Just then David heard the voice of a tiny sparrow, greeting the new day. “Be not overly proud, O King,” chirped the little bird. “For your voice is just one of the many who join together, each day, to praise the Creator of all.”

On behalf of my wife, Laura, my children, Samantha, Heather, and Jeremy, I wish you and your families a wonderful Shavuot filled with songs and praises.

Educationally Speaking

Dear Religious School Families:

Once again we come to an end; however, we have all heard that it is never an end but a new beginning.

I am so very proud of all the students and their accomplishments this year.

Preparations for the next school year are already under way. If you have not registered yet, please do so and avoid the late fee.

Fall classes will begin on Sunday, September 7, 2008 for all classes, T4T through Zayin.

I wish this year’s graduating Zayin class a Yeeshar Koach. Much luck and nachas to the students and their families.

I’d like to thank the entire school staff for all of their hard work, and all of the volunteers who made this year so wonderful.

A special thank you to my Assistant Director of Curriculum, Marcia Stein, for all of her efforts, as well as Brian Rothstein and Marty Katz, co-chairpersons of the Education Committee, who help make everything run smoothly. To all the other committee and sub-committee members, thank you as well for all your efforts and hard work.

As always, if there are any questions regarding any school matter, please call me at the synagogue office, even throughout the summer.

On behalf of my wife, Laura, my children, Samantha, Heather, and Jeremy, I wish you a wonderful Summer season.

Larry I. Brandspiegel

Cantor/Education Director 

Hebrew

In keeping with the Musically Speaking article, here is a way of increasing our usage of the Hebrew language.  

Shalom: Hello/Goodbye/Peace.

Ken: Yes.

Lo: No.

Mah Shlomcha/Mah Shlomech: How are you? (masculine/feminine)

Todah: Thank You.

Todah Rabah: Thank you very much.

B’va’ka’sha: You are welcome.

Efo Hasherutim: Where are the bathrooms?

Atah Chaver Sheli: You are my friend.

B’hatz’la’cha: Good luck.

Of course, this is just a very small selection of words; however, we must all start somewhere. In celebration of Israel’s 60th birthday, why not use some of them?

For more specific details on the above or any other ritual, please consult Rabbi Kornsgold or Cantor Brandspiegel.  

In my letter to the entire congregation inviting everyone to the May 18 General Membership meeting, I stated that Beth El is facing a very challenging financial situation. At the General Membership meeting on May 18, I explained the issues and what actions the Board of Trustees are proposing. In this article I aim to both reiterate those actions and further explain them. My overall goal in this month’s article is to enable you, the congregants, to have a full understanding of what it costs to run the synagogue.

The Beth El Board of Trustees diligently worked on the budget, and, as a result, the budget includes a reduction in expenses of $66K for the fiscal year July 2008 through June 2009. Expense reduction highlights include:

•          Elimination of the part-time office assistant: approx. savings $20K.

•          Elimination of credit card fees: approx. savings $10K.

•          Elimination of the majority of the paid teen assistants in the Hebrew School: approx. savings $10K.

•          Reduction in United Synagogue dues: approx. savings $10K.

•          Reduction in postage expense due to the decrease in Shalom mailings and printing: approx. savings $6K (the Shalom is emailed to all congregants and will be available for pick up at the synagogue, arrangements will be made for those without computers or other special situations).

Although the expense reduction is a tremendous achievement, Beth El is facing a deficit of approximately $95K for the same budgeted period. Why the deficit?

•          Membership growth trends: previously budgeted projections not met on an annual basis.

•          Utility expense trends: the costs of natural gas and electricity have increased immensely.

•          Financial Assistance trends: approximately 20% of the congregation receives Financial Assistance (provided to those who cannot pay full membership dues) totaling $90K, this values increases on an annual basis.

•          Nonpayment of dues: congregants who do not pay their membership dues on an annual basis approx. $22K.

As a result of the above trends, the monies pledged from the Building Expansion effort that were originally intended to partially offset the annual mortgage expense were used to pay the annual mortgage expense in its entirety. Therefore, the monies pledged for the Building Expansion effort have almost run out. The deficit of $95K is a direct result of this scenario.

What can we do to reverse the trend? The Board of Trustees has instituted a policy of fiscal responsibility and discipline including transparency and honesty in our financials and our budget projections. The first step the Board took was to address the expenses within the 2008–09 budget; this resulted in the $66K savings.

What are the synagogue’s primary expenses (based on the budget for the fiscal period July 2008–June 2009)?

•          Clergy Expense: $258K

•          Annual Mortgage Expense: $248K

•          Building and Grounds Expense: $204K (includes custodial and utility expenses).

•          Administrative Expense: $135K (includes office manager, bookkeeper and liability insurance).

We need to address the revenue aspects as well. As with the majority of synagogues, Beth El’s primary source of revenue is its congregational dues. We need to both increase our membership to cover the annual mortgage obligation and we need to diversify our revenue streams. We need to continue to actively pursue new members. We need to bolster our current fundraising model and get greater participation from the congregation. We need to fully empower the endowment concept.

At the General Membership meeting, I introduced the “Securing Our Future” capital campaign. What is the concept? The idea is to raise $1.25M over a 5-year period. These monies will be utilized to pay the annual mortgage obligation for five years. During these five years a concentrated effort to increase the membership will be undertaken. At the end of the 5-year period the resulting increase in dues revenue aims to cover the annual mortgage obligation.

The “Securing Our Future” capital campaign effort will target three distinct groups within Beth El:

•          Congregants who joined within the last 5 years.

•          Seniors.

•          Congregants who previously pledged to the prior capital campaign.

Everyone will be asked to help.

Again I cannot emphasize enough my desire that all of us have the same understanding of what it takes to financially operate the synagogue including the various expenses and revenues. This Board is addressing our financials issues in a responsible and disciplined manner. The combination of the capital campaign, the push for new members, disciplined and responsible fiscal behavior, and the diversification of our revenues will ensure the continuation and longevity of Beth El Synagogue. However, your help is essential and we will only succeed with your help.

I look forward to embarking on this effort with you. I anticipate the time when a few years from now we can all look back and be proud of the effort that all of us contributed to.

If anyone has any questions and/or comments, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thank You.

Benjamin Genek

president@bethel.net 

The synagogue benefited from the Men’s Club Passover Wine Sale, which once again was a huge success! We raise our cup to the congregation for purchasing their kosher wine through the Club and also to Craig Sherman and Ken Sanders for organizing and implementing another great tasting at Purim and wine pick-up prior to Pesach. In fact, this year was so innovative: several congregants opted to have their wine delivered direct for the nominal delivery charge. That saved an extra trek to the synagogue to pick up the wine. Wow, maybe next year they’ll offer ‘virtual vino’!

Also in the past month, as has become our tradition, the Men’s Club distributed Yom Hashoah yellow memorial candles to the entire congregation. The candles are lit in remembrance of the six million who perished in the Holocaust. Many of you have sent back contributions, which we thank you for. These contributions are earmarked, and once the yellow candle monies have ceased to trickle in, the Men’s Club will make an appropriate donation of the monies received. In the past, donations have been made to the Simon Wiesenthal Foundation, but if you have another suggestion that we may consider, please let Marshall or Rob know. As the world changes, oddly, so may history. We cannot allow revisionists to question nor deny the Holocaust. As time goes by, the yellow candle program has become more important as it reminds us of what was.

Getting the candles to you was no small task…in fact, it was a bulk job (little postal pun). Thanks to Joel Goldfinger for schlepping to pick up the candles from the warehouse and then coordinating the assembly line to put the boxes together, fill them with the hardware (yellow candle) and software (letter & prayer) then adroitly package and sort the finished product in the appropriate postal bag. For those of you who were able to stop by and assist, your efforts are greatly appreciated. Yasher Koach to you!

Let’s look ahead. The weather has confirmed that spring is in the air. So, besides seasonal allergies, it must mean Lag B’Omer is coming! Since the groundbreaking of the Zaitz Education Wing, Beth El Synagogue has celebrated Lag B’Omer by treating the congregation to a festive picnic. This year the Men’s Club will help out and have fun once again by doing the grilling and more. The ‘more’ includes sponsoring the moon bounce that we know the youngsters will all enjoy (especially if we have a dry day)! Of course we’ll also help set up and clean up—now that’s service!

So, calling all Mitzvah Men! Please contact us if you’ll be around on Sunday May 18.

Guys, Marshall and Rob really need your assistance at this year’s picnic, in particular, as they will retreat…literally. That weekend is Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs 2008 Tri-Region Retreat in Poyntelle, PA. It is a weekend of learning that will also offer prayer, camaraderie, and (hopefully) fun. The theme this year is Wellness, so we hope that all goes well at the Lag B’Omer picnic without us!

Lastly, you should all know that this year Israel celebrates its 60th anniversary! Please be sure to join in one or all of the many celebrations that will be occurring in our community. One special evening for the whole family will be on Wednesday, June 11, when the Tsofim (Israeli Scouts) will perform a song-and-dance program that the entire family can enjoy, at Rider University. This event is sponsored by many organizations in the region, so mark your calendars now and let’s all celebrate this historic occasion with Israel’s youth ambassadors. (For all information, see the flyer on page 24.)

B’Ydidut,

Marshall Alter    Rob Blitzer

(cfamja181@verizon.net)         (theblitzers@verizon.

            net)  

It has been an amazing almost two years since I took over the role of President of Sisterhood. I would not have been able to do it without the help of my board. Five women are leaving their positions for next year. The following women started their current position the same time I started as President:

Leah Best-Damron, Social Actions VP. Leah would buy or organize someone to buy the food for the food bank. She also organized the trip to the Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia and helped give them food.

Ellen Botwin, Kitchen Coordinator. This position was started at the same time and Ellen organized the kitchens and has been staying on top of any problems (buying of new Dairy oven) that arose and bought new odds and ends that were needed.

Linda Gelfand and Penny Pierce have held the position of Co-VP of Programming. Last year there was a B’Nai Mitzvah Show Case and this past year was something completely out of the ordinary; a Passover themed dinner with wine pairing – mmmm good. Penny will not be on the board this coming year but has already started the ball rolling as chairwoman of the next B’Nai Mitzvah Show Case for next January.

Not to be forgotten, but Deborah Napoleon is stepping down as Treasurer, which she has held for the past three years. Deb has held many positions over the past several years. One that she will continue will be running the Gift Shop. Under her tutelage the gift shop has added many new items and if you cannot find what you want she usually is able to order it for you.

Deb is moving on to the next level. She will hold the position of Treasurer of the MidAtlantic Region For the Women’s League of Conservative Women and International Board Member. A past president and member of the Synagogue, Gail Wilton, will also be holding the position of Financial Secretary for the MidAtlantic Region too. Both women should be congratulated.

The ladies may be leaving the executive board but not their commitment to Sisterhood. Ellen will be continuing in her many other committees for Sisterhood, Penny is doing the showcase and Deb will continue to run the gift shop.

Unfortunately, at the time of me writing this article (1st w/e in May) we have two positions open: Kitchen Coordinator and Membership VP. To hold a position on the Sisterhood Board, you must be a member of Sisterhood, in good standing, for at least two years. If interested, please give me a call. The positions are not hard and may be shared with another person. I applaud the women that are continuing in their positions, switching to another and the women that have given so much of their time but must move on and off the Sisterhood executive board.

In May we had our Rummage Sale. I wish to thank everyone who donated items, helped out on the day of the event and the night before setting up. And especially D. Soriano and D. Napoleon for lending their garages so people were able to drop off the items ahead of time.

I look forward to another year as President of Sisterhood and wish to continue with the upward swing. Let us all continue helping Sisterhood so we can contribute even more to the Synagogue. Everyone should have an enjoyable summer. I know I will as my family and I finalize all the details (them practicing and the rest of us everything else) of my sons, Benjamin and Evan’s B’Nai Mitzvah to be held over the Labor Day weekend.

On behalf of Mike, my children, Benjamin, Evan, Sam, Maya, and myself, we would like to wish a safe and fun Summer.

B’Shalom,

—Shari   

Welcome, finally, to SPRING. It’s the beginning of May, everything is gloriously in bloom, my lilacs were wonderful, the dogwood and forsythia brilliant in color, and dandelions took over the lawn, and I am gasping for breath even with the Advair and Proventil. I love it ! Today (May 6) is a quiet, pleasantly warm and sunny day. The calmness and serenity belies the world outside my little Eden.

Yom Hashoah has just passed. Various channels have shown Holocaust programming and Jewish organizations have held programs and memorial candles have been lit. Yom Hazikaron is scheduled for tomorrow. Time will stop throughout Israel when a siren will be heard for a very long minute.

These events pass on with little recognition by the world in general, as do many horrors going on as I write this column. We live on a beautiful planet (which we are trying to destroy as quickly as we seem to be seeing our species trying to do the same to itself). Why? I don’t understand it, and maybe one of you has a logical explanation. Why do we mourn the past and the ongoing pain of present atrocities and just go on? I stop typing and look outside. Why can’t it be like “outside here” everywhere? Why do “we” hate “us” and starve “us”, kill “us”, steal from “us”, do all these things to “ourselves”? What is it going to take for our glorious leaders to add to their great plans some way to get together to save this planet and its inhabitants from deteriorating.

But no one seems to care or consider it seriously enough to do something. I am sure there are some of you out there who are reading this thinking, “oh, she couldn’t think of anything else to talk about so she is just babbling” or “she’s watching too much Animal Planet or National Geographic.” Well, maybe that’s true. Why should I be so worried? I’m getting on to old and won’t have to deal with the repercussions. However, I do worry about the future of my kids and my grandkids, etc., etc. I’ve no answers—do you? If not, isn’t it time we all start thinking about it? If we do, maybe our leaders will.

Just A Reminder: Our annual Opera Luncheon Afternoon is scheduled for June 20, with the deadline to sign up being June 9. We will still accept reservations up to noon of June 13. Call Dot at 443-3156.

What’s Coming Up? I have started planning our 2008–09 schedule. If you would like to run a program or have any suggestions, feel free to call me at 448-0009 during June. I will consider all ideas. Summer meetings have been scheduled for July 17 and August 21. There is a possibility that we will host a regional program in July, Watch for more information.

Enjoy your summer and stay safe.

—Jackie.