July-August 2015 IN PROGRESStbaynj.org/clientuploads/newsletter/July-August 2015...her experiences...

Rabbinic Reflections

Mark Mallach

Senior Rabbi

[email protected]

Cecelia Beyer

Associate Rabbi

[email protected]

Richard Nadel

Cantor Emeritus

Susan Blanco

President

[email protected]

Tracey Shenker

Executive Director

[email protected]

Julie Bernstein

Early Childhood Director

[email protected]

Beth Sandweiss

JFS Social Worker

[email protected]

Dana Langerman

Bookkeeper

[email protected]

Ro Dobkin

Administrative Assistant

[email protected]

Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael 60 Temple Drive

Springfield, NJ 07081

Phone 973-376-0539 Fax 973-376-5478

www.tbaynj.org

TEMPLE BETH AHM YISRAEL VOL. XLXV NO. 10-11 JULY—AUGUST 2015 Tammuz — Elul 5775

Monday-Friday 7:00 am* Saturday 9:30 am Sunday 9:00 am *Legal Holidays 9:00 am Sunday-Thursday 7:45 pm Saturday 10 minutes past candle-lighting Friday 6:30 pm or 8:00 pm

TEMPLE BETH AHM YISRAEL MINYANIM Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael needs you to help assure our commitment to provide a

Daily Minyan, every day, twice each day, 365 days a year.

Our minyan policy is that TBAY members are asked to

attend daily minyan, morning and evening, on the date

of their birthday each month, meaning you would be at

minyan 12 days/year. Having a minyan allows mem-

bers the opportunity to say kaddish for their loved ones.

There is no dress code for minyan—come as you are,

but PLEASE COME!

S`lihot 5775 Saturday, September 12, 2015

8:00 – 10:30 pm A Joint Program with Temple Sha`arey

Shalom Hosted at TBAY

Program: Big Bang S`lihot: 21st Century & Forgiveness

On August 15 and 16, we usher in the new Hebrew month of Elul, which officially be-gins the seasonal preparation for the High Holy Days that begin one month later. To assist in our preparation and process of introspection and review of the past year, the Shofar is sounded daily (except on Shabbat) after the morning minyan. It is traditional to visit the graves of loved ones and teachers and attend the S`lihot prayers that are recited at the daily morning minyan service. In the Conservative movement we traditionally conduct an evening service on Saturday night the week before Rosh Ha-Shanah. The timing of this service is not “carved in stone,” and due to logistical con-cerns this year it is on Saturday, September 12. During this service the mood is set with the use of the melodies for the upcoming

High Holy Days. It is also traditional to have a pre-S`lihot program that provokes our thoughts on the themes for this time of the year.

This year’s program is Big Bang S`lihot: 21st Century & Forgiveness. We will screen two videos that are connected to the title. These episodes deal with relationships and the difficulty of forgiving and accepting forgiveness. We also will have a panel dis-cussion led by me, Rabbi Beyer and Rabbi Renee Edelman. Rabbi Edelman is the new rabbi at Temple Sha`arey Shalom.

The evening begins at 8:15 pm with Minha for Shabbat, followed by the S`lihot pro-gram. Refreshments will be served. Follow-ing the program, the S`lihot service will be-gin and will be led by Rabbi Beyer and the Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael choir. This pro-gram is open to all. Babysitting is available with advance notice. There is no fee for this program, but to help offset the cost, your $18 donation is greatly appreciated.

Rabbi Mark Mallach

We have been encouraging a more casual dress code for Shabbat services during the summer

AND ALL YEAR. We rather you are here than worry about getting changed and all dressed

up. Suggested Dress is Suggested Dress is Suggested Dress is Suggested Dress is ISRAELI CASUAL. ISRAELI CASUAL. ISRAELI CASUAL. ISRAELI CASUAL. (Please no T(Please no T(Please no T(Please no T----Shirts, shorts or torn jeans)Shirts, shorts or torn jeans)Shirts, shorts or torn jeans)Shirts, shorts or torn jeans)

• Friday night services are in the COURTYARD, weather permitting

(if not oppressively muggy or threat of rain, otherwise in the CHAPEL)

• Saturday mornings we are in the CHAPEL

IT'S SUMMERIT'S SUMMERIT'S SUMMERIT'S SUMMER————IT'S SHABBATIT'S SHABBATIT'S SHABBATIT'S SHABBAT

Esther Avnet Joseph Babrowsky Samuel Bauman* Meyer Biddelman* Abraham Cohen* Harold Dennis* Alvin Eglow Arthur Falkin* Richard Falkin William Feldman* Marilyn Garlen David Glass Jack Goldberg* Jack Goldman Sheldon Goldner Samuel Goldstein* David Harris* Reuben Hochberg* Lawrence Horwitz Milton Kappstatter* Mary Koltenuk* Pam Kornspan Harold Kugel*

Dorothea Kushner Bernard Lyons* Steven Mauer Rosalie Millman* Ira Perlman Paul Peyser Simon Rosenbach Jerome Rosenberg Mark Ross Howard Schapiro* Robert Schultz Richard Schuricht* Barry Segal Robert Shapiro Martin Shindler* Robert Steinhart* Phillip Wasserman* Samuel Weinstein* Milton Wildman* Stanley Wolfowitz Scott Zinberg Michael Zuckerman

OFFICERS 2015—2016

President Susan Blanco

973-379-1744

Exec. Vice President Lesley Brooks

973-902-5176

Vice President Brian Margulies

973-768-3993

Vice President Nate Rajs

973-229-5755

Vice President Mark Ross

973-985-2311

Vice President Lois Kaish

973-379-9402

Financial Secretary Keith Biebelberg

908-277-6992

Treasurer Andy Schuyler

908-578-4949

Recording Secretary Ilene Shewitz

973-376-7418

Corresponding Sec’y Andrea Wohl

973-467-8642

TRUSTEES 2015—2016

Aaron Adler 973-912-9925 David Biebelberg 973-564-9120 Debbie Rogut-Chait 908-608-1541 Douglas Chester 908-688-5388 Barbara Eglow 908-687-0106 Howard Gerber 973-379-4524 Matthew Glass 973-258-9001 Eugene Gorrin 908-686-7686 Larry Greenberg 973-218-0977 Seymour Greer** 973-376-3797 Beth Hersh*** 973-564-8130 Logan Himmel*** 973-232-6823 Linda Lieb** 973-376-7632 Elliot Merkin*** 973-467-8453 Fay Miller*** 973-379-9294 Debra Neher 973-258-1404 Janice Reznick 908-654-3117 Tracy Smith 908-219-4792 Steve Taub 908-354-1936 Paul Teller 908-233-0092 Glenn Wohl 973-467-8642 Sally Zuckerman 908-687-3375

**Honorary Board Member

***Ex-Officio

PAST PRESIDENTS

*Deceased

From Our President

Last month Sheryl Sandberg made a very

moving post on her Facebook page about

her experiences dealing with grief during

the mourning period after her husband

Dave Goldberg’s very sudden death. (To

read Sheryl’s Facebook post, click here.)

And while this post generated a lot of at-

tention in both the secular and non secular

press, I came across it as I was skimming

Facebook. What caught my attention was

that Sheryl specifically referenced in her

opening sentence the 30 day period she

was concluding by its name, shloshim.

For those who may not know who Sheryl

Sandberg is, she is the nice Jewish girl

who made big news when she took on the

position of COO of Facebook and became

the first woman to be elected to its board.

Sheryl has used her high profile to share

her experiences of being a woman in male

dominated environments -- first in the MBA

program at Harvard, and then at the U.S.

Treasury Department and Google before

joining Facebook. Sheryl chronicled these

experiences and what she learned in her

book, “Lean In.” In the book, Sheryl is very

open and proud of her Jewish upbringing.

So much so that my sister encouraged me

to read it, not only for the practical advice

Sheryl gives to women in the workplace,

but also because, “she was raised like us.”

So I should not have been surprised that

Sheryl posted so openly about the fact that

she was not just reaching a mourning mile-

stone, but completing that part of her per-

sonal religious practice. In the first para-

graph of her 1700 word post, Sheryl ex-

plains the different periods of Jewish

mourning that she has concluded. She fur-

ther explains what she found helpful, what

she didn’t, and what she will do differently

going forward when it is her turn to comfort

others.

I read Sheryl’s post at a time when I was

reflecting on what I had learned this past

year as Temple President. The importance

of the shiva call makes the top ten list.

When I lost my father 3 years ago, I real-

ized how important those visits are to the

mourners. Like Sheryl, I walked away from

the experience with a much better under-

standing of what I could do to help those in

mourning. At the time I was surprised, not

only by how many people cared enough to

make the time either to attend my father’s

funeral or visit my home, but by how much

comfort it gave me. Shiva calls are not

easy for anyone, and that definitely in-

cludes me. More often than not, I found

myself walking into someone’s home that I

was not that familiar with. But without ex-

ception, each time I visited I was made to

feel welcomed by the mourners and their

family.

As a congregation, comforting our mourn-

ers is one of the most powerful things we

do. And while we provide a place to say

Kaddish, we also provide other support as

well. If you have experienced a loss and

are having difficulty, please reach out to

us. In addition to our clergy, we have a

social worker, Beth Sandweiss, who can

refer you to other resources should you

need them.

If you can help make a minyan for some-

one to say Kaddish, please make the effort

to do so when the request is made. Your

presence will be welcomed and those in

need of comfort will be grateful.

Sue Blanco

T e m p l e B e t h A h m Y i s r a e lT e m p l e B e t h A h m Y i s r a e l 9 7 39 7 3 -- 3 7 63 7 6 -- 0 5 3 9 t b a y n j . o r g0 5 3 9 t b a y n j . o r g

From Our Associate Rabbi This is the Day!

Today is the day God made; let’s celebrate and be joyful! - Psalm 118 Greetings from Camp Zeke! As you are read-ing this, I am spending two weeks at beautiful Camp Zeke in Lakewood, Pennsylvania, serv-ing as the “Camp Rabbi” for the beginning of camp. This is Camp Zeke’s second summer in existence, and last summer I had the honor of being part of the “founding family” of this Jew-ish camp dedicated to fitness and culinary arts. For the two weeks I am here, I will help infuse Jewish content into all of the physical fitness activities, cooking, and general camping that these young Jewish campers and their staff do. From zumba to k’rav maga to cooking to learn-ing about organic farms in the area to singing to praying and to just enjoying the world to-gether, I will help to put a Jewish lens on the experience. I do this in many ways, including adding prayers to different activities and meals, to leading services and activities on Shabbat, to reinforcing the Jewish values of the camp, including shemirat haguf – taking care of one’s body, gemilut hassadim – acts of giving and kindness, and tikkun middot – self betterment. But most of all, I am here to help bring joy and celebration to the little, everyday moments at camp. And what better place than camp to take ad-vantage of every moment of every day? Psalm

118 encourages us to seize the day and to make the most of every moment we have on this earth. Camp is the perfect place to do this – whether one is camper, staff member, or even camp rabbi. For there are so many ways to and times in which to seize the day at camp. There is always something new to try, some-one new to get to know, and something new to discover about oneself. And camp is certainly never predictable; the weather, the activities, the routine – all of these things can (and do!) change at any moment. And this is what I love most – the constant reminder to enjoy every-thing (and everyone) in a day. For this is the day God made. I’m gonna celebrate it! When we arrived at camp, each staff member made a button on which he or she wrote a goal for the summer. We are required to wear them at all times as a personal reminder of those goals we’ve set out to achieve in the camp’s goals of self care and self betterment. Camp-ers are allowed (and encouraged) to do “button checks,” in which they ask to see our buttons. If we are not wearing them, we must do 15 jumping jacks on the spot. What does my but-ton say? “Zeh Hayom!” Today is the day! I can’t wait to continue celebrating each and every moment of every day with you when I get back!

Rabbi Cecelia Beyer

It’s Happening

at TBAY in

JULY &

AUGUST

!

Early Childhood

Camp Program

Women’s

League Book

Club

at home of

Susan Teller

Tisha B’Av

Service

Shabbat

Barbecue

Torah on Tap


JOIN THE CHOIR !JOIN THE CHOIR !JOIN THE CHOIR !JOIN THE CHOIR !

Have you ever listened to the choir on the High Holidays and found yourself singing along? Maybe

even picking out some harmonies? Now is your time to join the TBAY High Holiday Choir!

We are especially in need of sopranos and tenors, but all voices are welcome. Our director, Leslie Adler, will help to teach you the music and will provide music and recordings.

What you need to know: � Choir members must be able to carry a tune (you

need not be an excellent singer, but excellent singers are welcome, too!)

� Choir members attend all High Holiday Services � Choir rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings from

7:30-9:15 pm in late July through the beginning of October. (If you cannot make Tuesdays but are still interested, let us know when you are available)

Want to join in the musical fun? Contact Rabbi Beyer at [email protected]!


Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael Legacy Society: Our Inaugural Class

We are pleased and honored to announce that we have met our 18 legacy gifts goal for Year 1 (7/1/14-6/30/15) under the Create a Jewish Legacy program sponsored by the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest NJ and jointly funded by the JCF and the Harold Grin-spoon Foundation. By doing so, TBAY will receive a $10,000 cash incentive grant offered by JCF. The following donors constitute our Inaugural Class of Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael Legacy Society Members:

Our Legacy Society Members were recognized and hon-ored at our June 12 Shabbat service and our First Annual TBAY Legacy Society brunch held on June 14. We thank each of them for their meaningful support and commit-ment to TBAY and to Judaism and its future. As a reminder, CJL is a 2-year program, and JCF has committed $300,000 for the first two years to help strengthen TBAY and the 14 other participating organiza-tions for the future. If we secure an additional 18 legacy gifts next year (7/1/15-6/30/16), TBAY will receive another $10,000 incentive grant offered by the JCF. If you are interested in becoming a member of our Legacy Society, but are unsure how to make a legacy gift, please contact me.

Gene Gorrin

Legacy Committee Chair 908-686-7686 or [email protected]

PAVE THE WAY Campaign

Have your personal brick installed in the entrance walkway to the Temple and the path leading into the Holocaust Garden to leave a lasting impres-sion on the synagogue and the community.

Your donation for each 4X8 engraved brick is $180. Each brick can have up to 3 lines of text in Hebrew and/or English. Any additional brick dedication after

the first is $136 each.

Your support is greatly appreciated and will be a lasting tribute.

Come to the TBAY lobby and see some of the bricks people have

ordered.

For more information contact Dana Langerman at 973-376-0539, ext. 12 or [email protected].

To order online, go to

www.polarengraving.com/TBAYPavetheWay

Torah on Tap with Rabbi Mallach

7:45 pm

Thursday, July 16

Thursday, August 20

Join Rabbi Mallach

for Torah study in a relaxed

and casual atmosphere

Aaron Adler

Leslie Adler

Sue Blanco

David Glass

Gene Gorrin

Lois Kaish

Stanley Kaish

Brian Margulies

Ellyn Margulies

Joel Millman

David Munshine

Holly Munshine

Diane Peyser

Paul Peyser

Andy Schuyler

Jackie Schuyler

Barry Segal

Iris Segal

Paul Teller

Anonymous #1

Anonymous # 2


SAVE THE DATE

SUNDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 18 TEMPLE BETH AHM YISRAEL and

RACHEL COALITION

host

M A R I S K A H A R G I T A Y star of

Watch your mail for more details

The Fast of Tisha B'Av falls this year on Saturday evening, July 25 and Sunday, July 26. (Tisha B’Av means the Ninth of Av. It should begin Friday night the 24th, but we are not al-lowed to fast on Shabbat for this fast so we observe it on the 10th of Av this year.) Tisha B'Av commemorates the destruc-tion of the First Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BCE and the destruction of the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 CE. Both events occurred on the same day of the Hebrew calendar, the ninth of Av (or at least, that's how our tradition records events). Tisha B'Av has become a Jewish national Memorial Day. On Tisha B'Av, we mourn not only the loss of our religious center, but also the loss of so many Jews in defense of our faith. On Tisha B'Av, we observe a full day of fasting, from sun-down on Saturday evening until sundown Sunday. Tradition

teaches that we refrain from wearing leather shoes, bathing, and marital relations. On Tisha B'Av, it is as if we are mourn-ers sitting shiva for the martyrs of our people. During the eve-ning service on Satruday, July 25, we will chant the Book of Lamentations in its special, mournful cantillation. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO LEARN TO CHANT ANY PART OF LAMENTATIONS, CONTACT Rabbi Beyer ASAP at [email protected].

As another sign of mourning, those who pray on the morning of Tisha B'Av, Sunday, July 26, at 9:00 am, do not wear te-filin. Tefilin are worn for the afternoon service. Work is per-mitted on Tisha B'Av, though many traditional people spend the day studying appropriate passages from the Bible and Tal-mud.

Tisha B 'Av 5775 Saturday, July 25, 2015 at 8:15 pm

We like to hold our annual Healing and Thankfulness for Healing Service prior to the High Holy Days but this year it was not possible to do so. This year our Sukkot shel R`fuah – Canopy of Healing, will be raised on Shabbat Shuvah – the Intermediate Shabbat of Repentance. If you are looking for a Judaism in which your personal spiri-tual connection leads to a life filled with more joy and com-passion, or if you are in need of or thankful for healing in ei-ther the physical or spiritual realm, then you are cordially invited to this service. We will seek out God together, review

our lives, consider possibilities of change, and seek blessings for health and healing. The service includes special musical vocal presentations with accompaniment led by Rabbi Beyer. As always, each partici-pant will have an opportunity to share a direct blessing of healing with Rabbi Mark Mallach. Please join us for a most memorable evening enhanced by beautiful songs and melodies of healing and Shabbat. An Oneg Shabbat – Shabbat Repast of Joy, will follow.

Heal ing and Thank fu lness f or Hea l ing Ser v i ce Friday, September 18, 2015 at 8:00 pm


Join us for the Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael

Annual Summer Shabbat BarbequeAnnual Summer Shabbat BarbequeAnnual Summer Shabbat BarbequeAnnual Summer Shabbat Barbeque Friday, August 7 at 6:30 pmFriday, August 7 at 6:30 pmFriday, August 7 at 6:30 pmFriday, August 7 at 6:30 pm

followed by followed by followed by followed by Services Under the Stars at 7:30 pmServices Under the Stars at 7:30 pmServices Under the Stars at 7:30 pmServices Under the Stars at 7:30 pm

$12 per Adult $6 per Child (Ages 3—13)

RSVP by sending in your check and the names of those attending to TBAY at

60 Temple Drive, Springfield, NJ 07081, or contact the Temple office at [email protected]

RSVP Deadline is RSVP Deadline is RSVP Deadline is RSVP Deadline is Tuesday, July 28Tuesday, July 28Tuesday, July 28Tuesday, July 28

Special thanks to Fern and Jerry SteinbergSpecial thanks to Fern and Jerry SteinbergSpecial thanks to Fern and Jerry SteinbergSpecial thanks to Fern and Jerry Steinberg

for organizing this event for organizing this event for organizing this event for organizing this event

The following remarks were delivered on Shabbat evening, June 12, 2015 at the re-dedication ceremony for the L’Dor VaDor campaign. L’Dor VaDor, this concept central to our Temple community continues to mean that we are dedicated to passing on to our children and generations to come a place for prayer, reflec-tion, spirituality, shared observance and social mingling. There is no more poignant example of this than what we see here this evening in our sanctuary, three generations of a fam-ily celebrating a simcha, the Bat Mitzvah of Becca Smith. But when it became obvious that the debt burden of our mort-gage on the Temple building was frustrating our stated goals and weighed heavily on our aspirations for the next genera-tion, we formulated this campaign to raise the funds to retire our current mortgage when it comes due in 2017. As we accomplish this effort, we will be able to augment our existing programming for general and specific audiences within the congregation, create an ongoing Reserve Fund to maintain the safety and ambiance of our building, and im-prove the experience of our Religious Services by offering enhanced family worship options along with up to date tech-nology and support for congregants with special needs.

Due in no small measure to the efforts of co-chairs David Glass and Andy Schuyler and their committee of conscien-tious volunteers, we now have 137 committed donors, $1,144,675 in pledges and seek additional funds of $165,000 during the next 24 months to reach our goal of $1.3 million. Our sincerest appreciation goes out to all of you who have participated to date to bring us to this awesome number. We welcome Faith and Bob Racusin as the latest members to join our Donor Wall of Recognition. All L’Dor VaDor donors are being recognized on our new plaque that was mounted in the lobby just yesterday! Although we are calling this evening a re-dedication, it can also be a time for dedication – dedication on the part of those of you who have not yet made a commitment to L’Dor Va-Dor to do so. Give it some thought. Any member of our com-mittee will be happy to discuss it with you and lead you to a pledge that is comfortable for you – or maybe a bit of a stretch! It is that important to all of us that the strong legacy we leave for generations to come includes a debt-free building – our home away from home. Please help. Stand up and be counted!

Lois Kaish

L’Dor VaDor

Remarks from the Donor Wall Rededication Ceremony

Camp Kayitz is in full swing with water play, movement, cooking, arts and crafts and entertainment for the children. Each week has a different fun theme such as Under Construction and Wild and Wacky Week. Special activities are planned for each of these fun filled weeks.

For those of you who wonder what to do with your child after camp ends or in the evening, here are some fun ideas for things to do as a family. Consider having a fam-ily fun night once a week where everyone in the family plays games together. Getting fun books to read together as a family is another idea. Go to a library and have a family reading night. Leave the books in places where the kids can easily access them. Watching movies that every-one in the family can enjoy is another fun activity you can do with your children. Buy some cool brushes and non-toxic paint for them to do their own artwork at home. For younger kids you can buy some play dough sets and have them play with those. If you know someone who is looking for all day child-care, we are pleased to announce that the Early Child-hood Program will now be open all day – all year! We will be offering extended care from 7:00 – 9:00 am as well as 2:30 – 6:00 pm Monday through Friday. We will have options for care when school is closed. Please call for a tour and more information. This won-derful new program starts in September. Enjoy the summer and stay cool. For more information about Camp Kayitz or the Early Childhood’s fall pro-grams, call me at 973-376-0539 ext. 22.

Julie Bernstein Director

Early Childhood Program


The Early Childhood

Program at Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael

New Hours

Same Great Program

• Full Childcare Program

• 12 Months to

Pre-K

• NJ Certified Teachers

• Smartboard

Technology

• 7AM to 6PM

60 Temple Drive

Springfield, NJ 973-376-0539

ext. 22

Julie Bernstein,

Director Juliebernstein@

tbaynj.com

Now Open All Year!!

Tracy and Michael Smith,Tracy and Michael Smith,Tracy and Michael Smith,Tracy and Michael Smith,

in honor of Becca’s Bat Mitzvahin honor of Becca’s Bat Mitzvahin honor of Becca’s Bat Mitzvahin honor of Becca’s Bat Mitzvah

Women’s League and Men’s Club,Women’s League and Men’s Club,Women’s League and Men’s Club,Women’s League and Men’s Club,

in honor of Installationin honor of Installationin honor of Installationin honor of Installation

Thank you to those who sponsored a Friday evening Oneg Shabbat

O n e g S h a b b a t S p o n s o r s

If you would like to share a simha or just share with your

friends at Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael by sponsoring an Oneg

Shabbat, Contact Executive Director Tracey Shenker at

[email protected] or 973-376-0539, ext. 13.

KIDDUSH SPONSORSKIDDUSH SPONSORSKIDDUSH SPONSORSKIDDUSH SPONSORS Thank you to those who sponsored a

Saturday morning Kiddush

Tracy and Michael Smith, in honor Tracy and Michael Smith, in honor Tracy and Michael Smith, in honor Tracy and Michael Smith, in honor

of Becca’s Bat Mitzvahof Becca’s Bat Mitzvahof Becca’s Bat Mitzvahof Becca’s Bat Mitzvah

Helen Jenys and Peter Schvarcz, in Helen Jenys and Peter Schvarcz, in Helen Jenys and Peter Schvarcz, in Helen Jenys and Peter Schvarcz, in

honor of Arielle’s engagementhonor of Arielle’s engagementhonor of Arielle’s engagementhonor of Arielle’s engagement

I hope you are all enjoying an amazing summer! It’s not too late to give us your camp addresses for a note from Rabbi Cece! Please let Heather in the office know where you’ll be and when you’ll be there ASAP! And it’s already time to think about the THEME for our religious school year! Three years ago our theme was “v’ahavta lereiacha kamocha” (love your fellow as you love yourself), and two years ago the theme was “being a whole Jewish person,” and this year, our first year as Shorashim, our theme was “ruach (spirit), lev (heart), and ometz (courage).” While these will of course continue to be the guiding principles of our community, we need a theme for this year, and Rabbi Cece is stumped. This year we are having a CONTEST to choose the theme! Think of what makes you proud or happy to be Jewish. Any Jewish value or idea is fair game! Submit your suggestions to Rabbi Cece by August 15 – and may the odds be ever in your favor!

Rabbi Cecelia Beyer


Religious School & Teen Institute

Going to Camp or on a Teen Program?Going to Camp or on a Teen Program?Going to Camp or on a Teen Program?Going to Camp or on a Teen Program?Going to Camp or on a Teen Program?Going to Camp or on a Teen Program?Going to Camp or on a Teen Program?Going to Camp or on a Teen Program?Going to Camp or on a Teen Program?Going to Camp or on a Teen Program?Going to Camp or on a Teen Program?Going to Camp or on a Teen Program? Send Us Your Address!Send Us Your Address!Send Us Your Address!Send Us Your Address!Send Us Your Address!Send Us Your Address!Send Us Your Address!Send Us Your Address!Send Us Your Address!Send Us Your Address!Send Us Your Address!Send Us Your Address!

Who doesn’t love getting mail? Let us know where you’ll be and when you’ll be there so we can send a letter!Who doesn’t love getting mail? Let us know where you’ll be and when you’ll be there so we can send a letter!Who doesn’t love getting mail? Let us know where you’ll be and when you’ll be there so we can send a letter!Who doesn’t love getting mail? Let us know where you’ll be and when you’ll be there so we can send a letter!

Both Both Both Both Rabbi Mallach Rabbi Mallach Rabbi Mallach Rabbi Mallach Rabbi Mallach Rabbi Mallach Rabbi Mallach Rabbi Mallach Rabbi Mallach Rabbi Mallach Rabbi Mallach Rabbi Mallach and and and and Rabbi Cece Rabbi Cece Rabbi Cece Rabbi Cece Rabbi Cece Rabbi Cece Rabbi Cece Rabbi Cece Rabbi Cece Rabbi Cece Rabbi Cece Rabbi Cece would welcome the opportunity to send a note. would welcome the opportunity to send a note. would welcome the opportunity to send a note. would welcome the opportunity to send a note.

All you need to do is forward the address (email or snail mail) and the dates you will be away toAll you need to do is forward the address (email or snail mail) and the dates you will be away toAll you need to do is forward the address (email or snail mail) and the dates you will be away toAll you need to do is forward the address (email or snail mail) and the dates you will be away to Rabbi Mallach at Rabbi Mallach at Rabbi Mallach at Rabbi Mallach at [email protected]@[email protected]@tbaynj.org and Rabbi Beyer at and Rabbi Beyer at and Rabbi Beyer at and Rabbi Beyer at [email protected]@[email protected]@tbaynj.org

No Hillel on campus?

Closest synagogue is 50 miles away?

Not to worry!

The College Connection Committee of Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael would like to send fun holiday-related small gifts and cards to our college students throughout the year. If you are the parent of a college student, all you need to do is provide the following information:

Send information to

Debbie Neher, [email protected], or Amy Roth, [email protected].

Past participants must re-register every year with current contact information. Please notify us if any information changes during the

1. Student’s Full Name

2. College Name

3. Student’s Exact Mailing Address

4. Student’s Email Address

5. Studying Abroad? Which Semester and Year?

6. Parent’s Name and Email Address

YOU DID IT!! IT’S OFFICIAL!! The Partnership for Jewish Learning and Life received confirmation that we

DID set a new Guinness World Record for Most People Blowing the Shofar:

“The largest shofar ensemble involved 1,022 participants at an event organized by The Partnership for Jewish Learning and Life in Whippany, New Jersey, United States on 21 September 2014. All participants created the following sounds on their own Shofar the T’Kiyah, Sh’varim and the Tru’ah.” So, for the record, we are PRETTY sure that TBAY was the largest group there (we had roughly 70 of us), so we should

be very proud of this! For all those who participated, thank you for the part you played to Bring Jewish Learning

to Life! Check it out at http://www.thepartnershipnj.org/shofar

I n Memo r i am The Congregation extends sympathy

to those who have sustained a loss in their family

May the spirit of love, which is everlasting, bring solace to the sorrowing hearts of our

congregants and their families.

Baruch Dayan Ha’Emet ~

Praised be the true Judge

Edward Kurtzer Edward Kurtzer Edward Kurtzer Edward Kurtzer

who lost his beloved who lost his beloved who lost his beloved who lost his beloved

sister Mae Cohnsister Mae Cohnsister Mae Cohnsister Mae Cohn

In October we are planning to hold a program open to the

entire synagogue community and have a speaker ad-

dress a topic of general interest. The two ideas for topics

we have come up with so far are:

• Talking to someone who is dying

• Planning for your own long term healthcare needs

These are very different ideas—one emotional and one

practical. We would appreciate your input. Please call or

send me an email about what would be of most interest to

you.

Best wishes for a safe and great summer.

April Modlinger, Chair [email protected]

973-715-3457

Caring Committee

CCCCCCCCONGRATULATIONSONGRATULATIONSONGRATULATIONSONGRATULATIONSONGRATULATIONSONGRATULATIONSONGRATULATIONSONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Temple family extends hearty congratulations to these

families on their recent life cycle events and other special occasions

Robyn and Joseph Bier on the engagement of their son Zach to Heather Abrahamin

David Glass on receiving the Keter Shem Tov Leadership Award from Springfield B’nai B’rith Lodge

Lisa Harris Glass on receiving the Eshet Chayil Award from Springfield B’nai B’rith Lodge

Debbie and Jared Gutman on the engagement of their daughter Ilana to Eric Handler

Lisa Herzberg on her son Ben receiving an MD from Harvard Medical School

Inaugural Members of Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael Legacy Society

Helen Jenys and Peter Schvarcz on the engagement of their daughter Ariel to David Eckfeld

Lois Kaish on receiving the Eleanor Roosevelt Humanitarian Award

from Springfield B’nai B’rith Lodge

Stanley Kaish on receiving the International Citizenship & Civic Affairs Award


All the newly installed Officers and Trustees of Temple, Women’s League and Men’s Club

Danielle Ross on receiving the Young Leadership Award


Deborah and Yitzhak Shai on their daughter Danielle receiving a DDS from NYU

College of Dentistry

Tracy and Michael Smith on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter Becca

Irma Zeller on the marriage of her granddaughter Arlyn Zeller to Craig Althoff

Congregational NursesCongregational NursesCongregational NursesCongregational Nurses

Congregational nurses are on duty all summer

Call us for service at 973-376-0539

x27 and we will call back

Jaclyn Herzlinger, RN and Andrea Cook, RN



Thank you for your

minimum donation of $10

Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael Gratefully Acknowledges these DonationsTemple Beth Ahm Yisrael Gratefully Acknowledges these DonationsTemple Beth Ahm Yisrael Gratefully Acknowledges these DonationsTemple Beth Ahm Yisrael Gratefully Acknowledges these Donations ART FUND In Memory of Rose Chetkin by David Chetkin CARING COMMITTEE FUND In Memory of Hugo Modlinger by April and Robert Modlinger John Englander by Diane Peyser Irving Beim by Harriet Beim COLLEGE CONNECTION FUND In Memory of Louis Greenblatt by Babe and Sy Greer EMERGENCY RESPONSE FUND In Memory of Sheila Yoskowitz by Irving Yoskowitz HAZAK In Honor of Lois and Stanley Kaish by Gene Gorrin HOLOCAUST EDUCATION ENDOWMENT In Memory of Anna Kappstatter by Bobbie Goldman PRAYER BOOK DEDICATIONS In Memory of Jean Zaitz by Yeda and Ross Fish, Marnie, Evan and Rory Nathanson RABBI MALLACH FUND In Honor of Becca Smith’s Bat Mitzvah by Arlene and Daniel Kollin In Appreciation Ilene and Louis Perl Justin Horowitz In Memory of Rose Levenson by Ruth and Howard Berkowitz Sylvia Margolis by Lillian Margolis Harry Sporn by Irma Zeller Sabina Ring by Shirley Ring Irving Berman and Joseph Brauer by Marlene Moss

Morris Davis by Bernice and Sam Davis Julius Levine by Jill Aroeste Anna Lebovitz by Amy Lebovitz Anne Kaplan and Morris Kaplan by Marlene and Herbert Olarsch Sylvia Olarsch and Morris Olarsch by Marlene and Herbert Olarsch Fred Kaufman by Sally Kaufman Helen Salkovitch by Lynn and Sheldon Salkovitch Samuel Seltzer by Sylvia and Saul Seltzer Louis Aroeste by Jill Aroeste Rose Kesselman by Irma Zeller Richard Wyden by Lynn Wyden RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND In Honor of Jonah Glass’s Bar Mitzvah by Lois and Stan Kaish Becca Smith’s Bat Mitzvah by Lois and Stan Kaish In Memory of Abraham Koplowitz by Lynn and Sheldon Salkovitch ROSALIE MILLMAN MEMORIAL FUND In Memory of Joseph Wohlfeiler by Suzanne Greenberg Yetta Blumenfeld by Rita and Harold Cohen SHABBAT BABYSITTING FUND In Memory of Herman Rappaport by Lois and Larry Horwitz TEMPLE DONATIONS In Memory of Rose Samuels by Geri and Joseph Babrowsky Maurice Carchman by Miriam Carchman Lenore Shindler by Debra and Jonathan Dietz Linda and Joseph Angers Chet Barritta Harry Stein Rose Sacharoff by Janet Feldman Morris Goldberg by Gene Gorrin Edward Friedman by Charlotte Friedman

Bertram Kubey by Laura and David Goldberger Joseph Wohlfeiler by Glenda and Floyd Jayson Esther Kaplan by Albert Kornspan Natalie Roth by Bobbie D'Angelo Alan Perlmutter by Marci, Martin, Dana and Drew Meyerhardt Sanford Kessler by Elaine Roth Meyer Cantor by Marilyn Schreiber Hedwig Schuricht by Mona Schuricht Frank Schanerman by Melvin Schanerman Susan Klein by Susan and Paul Teller Tessie Teller by Susan and Paul Teller Robert Baida by Susan and Paul Teller Gloria Young by William Young Harry Zucker by Mona Schuricht Marcy Federbusch by Sally and Michael Zuckerman Solomon Slotnick by Cynthia and Mark Slotnick Mary Roseman by Arthur Goorin Sheldon Rudin by Henrietta Gardner Maurice Carchman by Sue and Mariano Blanco Norton Millman by Eileen and Richard Sherman Charles Werner by Wallace Werner Laurence Weil by Arlene Weil Jacob Cott by Marilyn Schwartz Esther Lazarus by Philip J. Malvin Rose Cassell by Philip J. Malvin Ray Anne Blacksburg by Roslyn Feuer YIZKOR DONATIONS In Memory of Niederman and Lefkovits Families by Naomi and Asher Niederman Beim, Levy and Millinger Families by Harriet Beim YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Honor of Iris and Barry Segal by Gene Gorrin In Memory of Jacob Lehman by Elaine Lehman Phillip Lehman by Elaine Lehman

WOMEN’S LEAGUEWOMEN’S LEAGUEWOMEN’S LEAGUEWOMEN’S LEAGUE

Co-Presidents’ Message While everyone is relaxing and enjoying the summer, Women’s League is already planning for an exciting year ahead. Thank you to all of the women who worked so hard during the past year. We tried new programs and activities, many of which had great attendance. Some highlights included Vodka & Latkes, Paid-up Membership, Trip to Mt. Airy, Jewish Film Festival, Tu B’Shevat Seder, Donor Dinner and our annual Pasta Dinner, which was expanded to a Family Fun Fest with an assortment of activities. We also part-nered in a combined program with our other Springfield synagogues again. We sponsored many successful fundraisers this year, in-cluding the Ad Calendar, New Year’s Greetings, Lord & Taylor shopping day and the clothing drive. Thanks to Esther Avnet, chair, and our many benefactors, we again had a great year contributing to Torah Fund. Women’s League continued the tradition of supporting Temple functions, including underwriting the Passover Se-der, assisting in balancing the Temple budget, funding our Congregational Nursing Program, providing Oneg Shabbat, and contributing substantial donations whenever the syna-gogue is in need.

Women’s League also awarded our annual scholarship to Hailey Kaplan, daughter of our members Dana and Steven Kaplan and an outstanding Jonathan Dayton graduating senior. In addition, we help many TBAY high school stu-dents fund their summer programs to Israel, through our Youth Scholarship fund.

Planning is underway for an exciting 2015-2016 program year, with some new ideas, leveraging successful pro-grams from the past and trying different days and times to meet everyone’s busy schedules.

Don’t forget about Women’s League over the summer. We need everyone’s help with the following:

� Buy vouchers for ShopRite, Kings, Trader Joes, Whole Foods and Costco (start earning donor credit)

� Solicit ads for the calendar (you can earn lots of do-nor credit)

� Send back the ad blanks with your family’s birth-

days, anniversaries, or memorials (you get donor credit for this too!)

� Complete your Women’s League membership form and return it promptly (in the mail shortly)

� Fill out your New Year’s greeting form (this will be in the mail with the membership form)

Come to our Summer Book Club on July 21 at 7:00 pm at Susan Teller’s home. The book is Certain Girls, by Jennifer Weiner. You must RSVP to Susan at [email protected] or 908-233-0092, if you’d like to come. Seating is limited. Earn your donor credit: GIFT CARDS: We now have Costco, Whole Foods and

Trader Joes in addition to ShopRite and Kings. Pick them up in the Temple office or call Irene Goldie-Petras, 908-964-0998 or Ilene Shewitz, 973- 376-7418.

TRIBUTE AND TAPESTRY CARDS:

Lori Citrin-973-912-8022 (for bulk & regular cards), April Modlinger-973-218-9174, Marlene Moss-973-379-1788 or Lynda Goldman-908-378-5168.

As co-presidents for the past several years, we want to thank everyone for all your help and support. We look for-ward to a great year under the able leadership of Helen Jenys and April Modlinger.

Beth Hersh [email protected] or 973-564-8130

Lynn Haliczer [email protected] or 973-376-0451


WOMEN’S LEAGUE

SUMMER BOOK CLUB

TUESDAY, JULY 21 at 7:00 pm

CERTAIN GIRLS, by JENNIFER WEINER SUSAN TELLER’S HOME, 1003 CHIMNEY RIDGE DRIVE, MOUNTAINSIDE

LIMIT 20 people, RSVP to Susan Teller, [email protected] or 908-233-0092

Please call any of these people to send Tribute Cards or Tapestry Cards. Lori Citrin 973-912-8022 Lynda Goldman 908-378-5168 April Modlinger 973-218-9174 Marlene Moss 973-379-1788 Buy Tribute Cards to mail yourself. Ten cost $20. Contact Lori Citrin at [email protected] or 973-912-8022.

gtÑxáàÜçVtÜwágtÑxáàÜçVtÜwágtÑxáàÜçVtÜwágtÑxáàÜçVtÜwá

Golden Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Warner, Grand-daughter Jessica's Graduation Helen Cooper Lois and Stan Kaish, Congratulations on Achievements Helen Cooper Lisa and David Glass, Bar Mitzvah of Jonah Barbara and Al Eglow Miriam Carchman Caren and Richard Manders Marlene Moss Lisa Herzberg, Son's Graduation from Medical School Marilyn Schwartz

Debbie and Jared Gutman, Ilana's Engagement Caren and Richard Manders Marlene Moss Elissa and Yale Greenspoon Susan and Daniel Preston, Jared's Engagement Elissa and Yale Greenspoon Ann Dultz, Marriage of Granddaughter Stephanie Marlene Moss Carole Chrystal, Grandson's Gradua-tion from Medical School Marilyn Schwartz Memorial Lee Vogel, Husband Mort Myrna and Jules Wasserman Corrine Berkowitz, Mother Cookie Pashian Lorna Winick Millie Colatrella

gÜ|uâàxágÜ|uâàxágÜ|uâàxágÜ|uâàxá Golden Irma Zeller, Granddaughter Arlyn's Marriage Helen Cooper

Lisa and David Glass, Jonah’s Bar Mitzvah Esther Avnet Susan and Daniel Preston, Jared's Engagement Caren and Richard Manders Andrea and Glenn Wohl, Children’s B'nai Mitzvah Helen Jenys and Peter Schvarcz Judith and Richard Falkin, Birth of Grandson Helen Jenys and Peter Schvarcz Isabell Adler, Get Well Helen Jenys and Peter Schvarcz

Memorial Elodie Schlesinger, Husband Herman Rose and Sam Goldman Renee Berkowitz, Beloved Mother Bessie Katz Gloria Fox Arlyne Choset, Husband Warren Perri and Brett Director Tammy Freeman and Debbie Freeman


WOMEN’S LEAGUEWOMEN’S LEAGUEWOMEN’S LEAGUEWOMEN’S LEAGUE

We have received a number of submis-sions for the 2015-2016 Ad Calendar. Do we have yours? Your personal ads and listings and those from the vendors who you can solicit to support this project?

Ad blanks and solicitation letters have been sent to you! Start to make use of them NOW! Additional copies are available in the Temple office or from us. As in the past, phone calls will be made to all members. We will be happy to answer any questions and to assist you in any way to once again make the Ad Calendar a very success-ful endeavor.

Ilene Shewitz & Lois Kaish, Co-Chairs

Sally Zuckerman, Honorary Chair

Women’s League Judaica ShopWomen’s League Judaica ShopWomen’s League Judaica ShopWomen’s League Judaica Shop

If you have an upcoming Wedding or B'nai Mitzvah we can order Kipot, Talit & Tefillin

Judaica Shop purchases earn donor credit! (Except sale items and mezzuzah scrolls)

Call Caren at 973-467-9058 or

Marlene at 973-379-1788

SUPPORT WOMEN’S LEAGUE AND TEMPLE BETH AHM YISRAEL

Visit our Judaica Shop and take advantage of our SUMMER SALE

50% OFF ALL JEWELRY! 30 % OFF EVERYTHING ELSE!

In-stock items only. Mezzuzah parchments & memo-rial lights are excluded from sale.

NO DONOR CREDIT ON SALE ITEMS


Men’s Club Softball: The TBAY Men's Cub is always looking for new players who are at least 18 years old. Games are

played Sunday mornings through early August. Please contact softball program director Warren Frank at bigmets-

[email protected] or 908-598-0172.

Men’s Club Installation: At the installation of Men’s Club officers and trustees on Friday night, March 12, Co-President

David Glass spoke about the late Hy Kuperstein, may his memory be for a blessing, and the many years of dedicated

service he gave to our Men’s Club and TBAY. Hy is missed. David also highlighted many of the services and functions

of our Men’s Club and its revitalization to attract new and younger members to our social events. Anyone interested in

suggesting a new event should contact David directly.

Note - NO meeting in July or August

September Meeting: The next Men’s Club meeting is Tuesday, September 8 at 7:30 pm Optional dinner at 7:00. Call

Elliot Merkin at 908-884-4754 for food reservations no later than the prior Sunday night.

Marvin Bram, David Glass, Ken Melman

Co-Presidents

Men’s Club

Pardes Beth Ahm Yisrael ~ The Grove of Beth Ahm Yisrael

A Cemetery on the Grounds of the Menorah Section of East Ridgelawn Cemetery

in Clifton, New Jersey

Other Cemetery Pricing* Beth Israel $ 3,500 King Solomon $ 2,300

Mt. Lebanon $ 3,500 B’nai Abraham $1,800 – $ 2,300

* For comparison, prices as of April 2015

Only those of the Jewish faith as defined by the Conservative movement may be buried in this cemetery. Final determination for eligibility is under the direction of

Rabbi Mark Mallach at Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael.

For more information or to obtain an application contact Tracey Shenker at [email protected] or or 973-376-0539, ext. 13.

Member Prices

1 Plot $ 1,800 2 Plots $ 1,600 each 3 to 5 Plots $ 1,500 each 6 or More $ 1,350 each

Non-Member Prices 1 Plot $ 2,150 2 Plots $ 1,900 each 3 to 5 Plots $ 1,800 each 6 or More $ 1,600 each

Tammuz Tammuz Tammuz Tammuz ———— Elul 5775 Elul 5775 Elul 5775 Elul 5775 JJJJULYULYULYULY & A & A & A & AUGUSTUGUSTUGUSTUGUST 2015 2015 2015 2015

JULY

1 Wednesday Temple Board Meeting 7:45 pm 3 Friday OFFICE CLOSED Shabbat ALIVE! Service 6:30 pm Candle Lighting 8:13 pm 4 Saturday INDEPENDENCE DAY Shaharit 9:30 am Babysitting & Blessings 10:30 am Havdallah 9:13 pm 10 Friday Shabbat Service 8:00 pm Candle Lighting 8:11 pm 11 Saturday Shaharit 9:30 am Babysitting & Blessings 10:30 am Havdallah 9:11 pm 16 Thursday Torah on Tap 7:45 pm 17 Friday Shabbat Service 8:00 pm Candle Lighting 8:07 pm 18 Saturday Shaharit 9:30 am Babysitting & Blessings 10:30 am Havdallah 9:07 pm 23 Thursday Women’s League Book Club at Susan Teller’s home 8:00 pm 24 Friday Shabbat Service 8:00 pm Candle Lighting 8:02 pm 25 Saturday Shaharit 9:30 am Babysitting & Blessings 10:30 am Erev Tisha B’Av Service 8:15 pm Havdallah 9:01 pm 26 Sunday TISHA B’AV Tisha B’Av Service 9:00 am 31 Friday Shabbat Service 8:00 pm Candle Lighting 7:55 pm

AUGUST

1 Saturday Shaharit 9:30 am Babysitting & Blessings 10:30 am Havdallah 8:54 pm 5 Wednesday Temple Board Meeting 7:45 pm 7 Friday Annual TBAY Barbecue 6:30 pm Shabbat Service 8:00 pm Candle Lighting 7:47 pm 8 Saturday Shaharit 9:30 am Babysitting & Blessings 10:30 am Havdallah 8:46 pm 14 Friday Shabbat Service 8:00 pm Candle Lighting 7:38 pm 15 Saturday Shaharit 9:30 am Babysitting & Blessings 10:30 am Havdallah 8:37 pm 18 Tuesday Religious Affairs Meeting 7:45 pm 20 Thursday Torah on Tap 7:45 pm 21 Friday Candle Lighting 7:28 pm Shabbat Service 8:00 pm 22 Saturday Shaharit 9:30 am Babysitting & Blessings 10:30 am Havdallah 8:26 pm 28 Friday Candle Lighting 7:17 pm Shabbat Service 8:00 pm 29 Saturday Shaharit 9:30 am Babysitting & Blessings 10:30 am Havdallah 8:16 pm


HHHHaaaappppppppyyyy SSSSuuuummmmmmmmeeeerrrr!!!!!!!!


Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael

60 Temple Drive

Springfield, NJ 07081

973-258-0655

FAX 973-258-0334

www.exquisite-affairs.com

♦ Short-Term Rehabilitation Center ♦

♦ Skilled Long-Term Nursing Care ♦ ♦ Hospice & Palliative Care ♦ ♦ Memory Care ♦ ♦ Respite Stays ♦ ♦ Senior Housing with Assistance ♦ ♦ Medical Transportation Services ♦

1155 Pleasant Valley Way

West Orange, NJ 07052

Call for a Tour Today:

973-400-3307

www.Daughtersof

Israel.org

BULLETIN INFORMATION

Bulletin Deadline: 10th of each month Submit articles by email to [email protected]

Rose Widom-Goldman Women’s League Editor

Lois Kaish Editor

Dana Langerman Layout and Production

Ro Dobkin Proofreader

Michael Weinrauch, MD

Barry Cohen, MD John Farry, MD Robert Fishberg, MD Steven Furer, MD Sidney Glasofer, MD Michael Lux, MD Robert Mich, MD

David Powell, MD Sanjiv Prasad, MD

Roberto Roberti, MD Steven Sheris, MD

Elliott Stein, MD Michael Tighe, MD Vance Weber, MD

211 Mountain Avenue, Springfield, New Jersey wwwaicdheart.com 973-467-0005

ASSOCIATES IN

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Expert care, one heart at a time

ERROR: stackunderflow

OFFENDING COMMAND: ~

STACK:

July-August 2015 IN PROGRESStbaynj.org/clientuploads/newsletter/July-August 2015...her experiences...

Documents

Transcript of July-August 2015 IN PROGRESStbaynj.org/clientuploads/newsletter/July-August 2015...her experiences...