THE

UNITED

SYNAGOGUE OF

CONSERVATIVE

JUDAISM

Bulletin

March , 2011 Vol. 3 25 Adar 1- 25 Adar II Published Monthly

BNAI ABRAHAM SYNAGOGUE

DANIEL STEIN, RABBI ROBERT WEINER, PhD, CANTOR MARK SHRAGER, RABBI EMERITUS MORRIS SIEGEL, CANTOR EMERITUS, ZT”L

1545 BUSHKILL STREET • EASTON, PA 18042-3118 (610) 258-5343 • Fax: (610) 330-9100

www.bnaiabraham.org • email: office@bnaiabraham.org

DISTRIBUTION NOTICE If you would like family members or others to receive a copy of the bulletin, please send name, address and $15 payment to Elaine at Bnai Abraham.

If you have not sent your email address to Bnai Abraham office staff, please do so as soon as possible. We will be notifying congregants of emergencies and special events through email.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS The deadline for submitting items is March17. Please have all items to Elaine Kehler no later than March 17.

Any items received after that date will be published in the next month’s bulletin.

C O N T A C T S

Aron Hochhauser President Howard Nathanson Director Religious School Shelly Blumenthal USY Advisor & Gift Shop Chair Nanette Neadle USY Chair Howard Nathanson Kadima Advisor Sara Levin Kadima Advisor Irwin Lewis, M.D. Men’s Club President & Chair Ritual

Committee Elaine Morrow Sisterhood President Ellen Lifschutz Choir Director Aliette and Marc Abo, MD Theatre Club Gerald Weisberger House Chair Shirley Falk Membership Chair Lothar Gumberich Memorials & Torah

Restoration Committee

O F F I C E H O U R S:

Closed on Mondays and Fridays. Hours open: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Services/Minyan Schedule

Thursday: 7:25 AM Friday Night Services – 8:00 PM Saturday: 9:30, AM Kiddush follows

If you require a special minyan, please notify the office at 610-258-5343.

A MESSAGE FROM RABBI DANIEL STEIN

I do not envy the difficult task of our lawmakers in Washington, charged with the duty of creating a budget that is both financially responsible and responsive to the dramatic needs of the American people. It seems that November’s midterm elections made the point that, right now, Americans would prefer not to see an increase in their taxes. At the same time, many are unwilling to accept changes to those major programs—Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid—which help to insure their standard of living. Given a decrease in revenue and a profound increase in need, our government is faced with difficult choices about where and how to cut discretionary spending.

These painful choices mirror the reality many in our country face in the current economic climate. Families struggle to pay their utility bills and to put food on the table, and must make challenging decisions in planning their own budgets. This economic reality has also impacted Jewish organizations. Like our federal government, we have fewer funds to accomplish the same amount of work. Should the priority of our agencies be towards Jewish communities abroad, or should it meet local needs first? Should our focus be on Jewish continuity or communal welfare and social services? These questions, interestingly, sparked the interest of rabbis hundreds of years ago. Their approach to prioritizing communal need is instructive, and could perhaps serve as a tool for our community in assessing our own priorities.

The Shulchan Aruch (main code of Jewish law, 1542) gives surprisingly concrete criteria for prioritizing giving. It suggests that a person should give tzedakah first to:

1. Grown children or parents, if they are in financial need. 2. Relatives 3. Neighbors 4. Residents of the same city 5. Residents of another city.

Here, Jewish law imagines a kind of Utopian society--if everyone takes responsibility for the affairs of their own house, the community need not step in. Instead, families are self-reliant and attend to their own needs. The very next law, though, reveals that the Shulchan Aruch is not blind to reality: “And, if a rich father refuses to support his poor son, the community forces him.”

After dealing with these issues, the Shulchan Aruch takes up the hardest challenge: what to

do if there is simply not enough money. If a community can either clothe the naked or feed the hungry, it should feed the hungry. If men and women are both in need, the women come first. Finally, it suggests that, “If there are many poor people before the community, and not enough funds, a Cohen (priest) comes before a Levite, and a Levite before an Israelite, and an Israelite before a mamzer, and a mamzer before a proselyte. This is assuming that they are all equal in stature. However, a scholarly mamzer should receive charity even before the high priest!” I am not entirely sure that I agree with these priorities. If I were teaching this material, I would ask my students to think about the underlying values: Why should women come before men, or scholars before fools? Why should priests take priority over everyone else? Can we identify anything in the rabbis’ approach to charitable giving that resonates with our own values? And, if we had to create our own list of priorities, what would they be?

For me, the most compelling aspect of the Jewish approach to charity is the way it is intertwined with everyday life. Every occasion is a moment to give--when we repent on Yom Kippur, we are told to give charity. When we revel on Purim, we are also commanded to give. In our joys and in our sorrows, we are always mindful of those in need. And the responsibility is egalitarian: even a person who subsists on charity must pass a portion of that gift forward. On Purim, when we must give gifts to the poor, the needy are commanded to gather with their friends and exchange gifts with each other. In a sense, requiring the poor to give offers them the dignity of inclusion. Your gifts, the law says, are as required and valued as the contributions of the wealthy.

I pray that our leaders make wise decisions and that we soon return to economic prosperity. I doubt, though, that we will soon be free of challenging choices in our own financial lives and in our charitable choices. Purim, which we celebrate this month, reminds us that our joy is incomplete as long as need exists. As long as hunger and want exist among millions, our enjoyment of the goodness of life is superficial. Judaism teaches us that, in making difficult choices, we must make sure we have our priorities in order.

All the best,

Rabbi Daniel Stein

Y a h r z e i t L i s t I n t h e B o n d o f L i f e

March, 2011

Contact Irwin Lewis, Ritual Chairman

March 4 Adrienne J. Malvin, beloved mother of Ronald Malvin

March 6 Lillian Averick, beloved sister of Martin Zippel

March 7 David Bloch, beloved father of Robert Bloch

March 9 Ida Friedman, beloved mother of Becky Goldenberg

March 10 Lillian Richmond, beloved stepmother of Sheila Goldberg

March 12 Edwin Berg, beloved husband of Renee Berg

March 16 Doris Bloomberg, beloved mother of Diane Silverman

March 29 Harry Minsky, beloved father of Lillian Krim

March 29 Louis Asch, beloved father of Cindi Drill

March 30 Nathan Kantor, beloved father of Marsha Faden

March 26 Alice Johnson, beloved grandmother of Margaret Kaplan

Yarzheit Fund

Herman Ytkin in memory of his beloved mother, Esther Ytkin

Susan Jones in memory of her beloved father, Morris Norman Goldberg

Gary Trinker in memory of his beloved mother, Marcia Trinker

Miriam Cassel in memory of her beloved mother, Tillie Goldberg

Sande Phillips in memory of her beloved father, Thomas Bianco

Ruth Asteak in memory of her beloved father, Abraham Goldstein

Dr. Stanley Walker in memory of his beloved father, Robert Walker

Ruth Reiter in memory of her beloved mother, Lillian Koplin

Diane Silverman in memory of her beloved mother, Doris Bloomberg

Bnai Abraham Synagogue Fund Doris Lifland in memory of Pearl Bugan Gitkind and in honor of Susie Aufrecht’s 90th birthday. Marna and Roger Simon in honor of Susie Aufrecht’s 90th birthday Joan Kerbel in honor of Susie Aufrecht’s 90th birthday Roslyne and Bill Smolow in honor of Susie Aufrecht’s special birthday Jacob and Hannah Alansky in honor of Nana Susie Aufrecht Ruth Reiter in honor of Susie Aufrecht’s special birthday Anthony and Lois Burkot in honor of that lovely lady, Susie Aufrecht, who celebrated her 90th birthday Barbara Smolowitz in honor of Susie Aufrecht Roslyne and Bill Smolow in memory of Estelle Merion, mother of Ronald Merion Judy and Arnie Cohen in honor of Susie Aufrecht Murray Minster in honor of his dear friend, Susie Aufrecht, on her 90th birthday The Hof family in honor of Susie Aufrecht’s special birthday Alan and Marsha Abraham in honor of Susie Aufrecht’s birthday Gail and Jerry Weisberger in honor of Susie Aufrecht’s 90th birthday Helaine Sigal in honor of Susie Aufrecht Robert and Ronnie Freedberg in recognition of Susie Aufrecht’s birthday Ruth Reiter in honor of the Kaplan family and their many simchas Henrietta Pessin in honor of Helene and Sidney Kaplan’s wedding anniversary and son David’s Bar Mitzvah anniversary

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Sally Brau in honor of Susie Aufrecht’s birthday Karen and Peter Cooper in honor of Susie Aufrecht’s special birthday Henrietta Pessin in honor of Rabbi Stein and Dena’s first anniversary

Sue Siegel Shabbat Fund Selma Jacowitz in honor of Susie Aufrecht’s 90th birthday Helene and Sidney Kaplan in honor of Susie Aufrecht’s special birthday Sally and Dexter Neadle in honor of Anne Zuckerman and Sara Levin for all their hard work for the USY Convention and the Shabbat Kiddush last week.

Theatre Fund Amy and David Michaels in honor of Nana Aufrecht’s 90th birthday Aliette and Marc Abo in honor of Susie Aufrecht’s special 90th birthday

Sisterhood Fund Ruth Reiter in honor of Anne Zuckerman for her dedication to the synagogue

Robert Kutner Library Fund Helene and Sidney Kaplan in memory of Nat Kantor and Pearl Gitkind

Goldman Torah Fund Henrietta Pessin in honor of Susie Aufrecht’s 90th birthday

Todah Rabah Sheila Goldberg will sponsor Kiddush on Saturday, March 12 in honor of her birthday.

Shirley and Howard Falk will sponsor Kiddush on Saturday, March 19 in honor of the upcoming Bat Mitzvah of their granddaughter, Alicia Gallant.

Jessica and Herman Ytkin will sponsor Kiddush on April 2 in honor of Herman‘s special birthday.

Thank you to Sally Brau for the beautiful flower arrangement for Kiddush on Saturdays.

R e f u a h S h ’ l e m a (A Full and Complete Healing) To all who were sick or hospitalized, we wish a return to good health.

Joe Kaplan Bernice Merbaum Roslyne Smolow

I n m e m o r i a m May God in His Kindness grant comfort and solace to the mourners

Michael Fein, brother-in-law to Gail Weisberger Dr. Nathan Kantor, land grantor for Bnai Abraham Synagogue

Bnai Abraham Synagogue is delighted to extend a warm welcome to new members of our

Bnai Abraham family.

WELCOME!

Ralph and Rebecca Civjan

Eric and Sheryl Gallant

Julia Goldberg

Becky Goldenberg

Daniel and Anne Kaye

Scott and Dr. Rachel Leibman

Dr. Norman Maron

Dr. and Mrs. Ilan Peleg

Stuart and Susan Wachtel

Barry Glassman

Sharon and Sanford Stein

Welcome Our New Members…

T h e R i t u a l C o r n e r

THE POWER OF ONE

When Jews lived in their own shtetls throughout Eastern Europe, the Rabbi was the highest civil

authority. A Rabbi was asked to dismiss a man from his post whom the community found to

be lazy and negligent. Many spoke against the man, a minor official, but one man spoke for him.

The Rabbi, to the dismay of the people, dismissed the charges against the man and ordered that

he be kept at his post. Why did the Rabbi accept the testimony of one man when so many

testified the other way? Look for the explanation in the next Ritual Corner.

source - Ernest Van Den Haag The Jewish Mystique 1969

Submitted by Irwin Lewis

Bnai Abraham Synagogue 1545 Bushkill Street, Easton, PA 18042

L E A G R A M S Dear Member:

Below you will find the Leagram list for the second quarter of 2011. Leagrams costs $2.00 each. Indicate those people to who you want card sent. We would also appreciate if you would complete the form below.

Please mail the entire sheet with your check payable to BNAI ABRAHAM SYNAGOGUE to the office

TOTAL NUMBER OF CARDS _______ AT $2.00 EACH = __________

TOTAL AMOUNT = ___________

YOUR NAME AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR ON THE CARDS:

_____________________________________________________________________________________ To bring the Leagram list up-to-date, please fill in the following with your anniversary, other anniversaries, you notice missing from the list, or scheduled Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, and please return these changes/additions to us.

NAME:__________________________________________________

ADDRESS: ______________________________________________

PHONE: ________________________________________________

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY: ________________________________

If you would like to be added to the Leagram listing, please complete the form with your name and wedding anniversary date and return to Bnai Abraham office.

a n n i v e r s a r y C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S

May 6 Rabbi & Mrs. Max Hausen 1140 Calaway Lane Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 May 25 Mr. & Mrs. Simon Merbaum 2901 Liberty Street Easton, PA 18045 June 7 Dr.& Mrs. Matthew Pollack 3780 Tiffany Drive Easton, PA 18045 June 7 Dr. & Mrs. Robert Weiner 3230 Highfield Circle Bethlehem, PA 18020 June 17 Hon & Mrs. Robert Freedberg 434 Dogwood Terrace Easton, PA 18040 June 19 Dr. & Mrs. Arthur Altman 3550 Southwood Drive Easton, PA 18045 June 19 Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Cohen 202 Taylor Avenue Easton, PA 18042 June 21 Dr. & Mrs. Mark Koshar 4328 Cheryl Drive Bethlehem, PA 18017 June 22 Mr. & Mrs. Herman Ytkin 2321 Woodridge Ter. Easton, PA 18045 June 27 Mr. & Mrs. Gary Gordon 2550 Sandy Lane Easton, PA 18045

COFFEE WITH THE RABBI

Starting Monday, March 7th at 1:00 pm, and every Monday thereafter, please feel welcome to join Rabbi Stein for coffee at Wegman’s, located on Rt. 248, Lower Nazareth Township. No program, just come and schmooze.

MEN’S CLUB March 6, 2011, 2:00 PM

SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE AFTERNOON

On Sunday, March 6, we will welcome Dr. David Arnow to Bnai Abraham for a special Scholar-in-Residence afternoon. Dr. Arnow is an expert on the Passover Seder and will be sharing with us strategies for making our own Passover Seders more meaningful and relevant. Dr. Arnow is the author of Creating Lively Passover Seders and is a co-editor of My People’s Haggadah. He served as President of the New Israel Fund and as Vice President of New York UJA-Federation. Dr. Arnow was a Wexner Heritage Leadership Fellow from 1992-94 and has served on several national commissions on Jewish identify and Jewish education. We are excited to welcome him to our community.

MEN’S CLUB SPECIAL BRUNCH Sunday, April 3 at 10:00 AM

10:30 AM, special speaker, Martin Lemelman, Lehigh Valley noted author, will discuss “Two Cents Plain” – his story of growing up in the back of a Brooklyn candy shop

$6 covert for lunch – All are invited RSVP ihlewismd@yahoo.com or leave message at 610-253-2481

General announcements…

FIRST SEDER

As you will see advertised elsewhere in the bulletin, Bnai Abraham will again be hosting a communal second Seder. If you need a place to attend a first Seder or have extra room at your Seder table for a guest, please contact the synagogue office so that we can make a match. Rabbi and Mrs. Stein are anxious to have a full table of guests. Please be in touch.

Also, Temple Covenant of Peace has invited us to be their guests at their Women’s Seder, Sunday, April 3rd at 5:00 PM. Contact the TCP office at 610-253-2031.

RABBI’S INSTALLATION June 5, 2011

Mark your calendars. More information and invitations will be forthcoming.

TRIP TO PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY Sunday, June 26, 2011

We are in the process of arranging for docents for our special group tour. Current plans are for a bus to be shared by Bnai Abraham and the Temple, the cost of which will be mostly or and is expected to fill up fast. Those congregants wishing to join this tour will be asked to make a deposit to hold a place. Details will be available very soon.

General announcements continued…

SPONSOR A KIDDUSH!

Anne Zuckerman and Sara Levin have been working hard to revamp our after-service Kiddush. A kiddush is a perfect way to celebrate a special birthday or anniversary, and it allows you the opportunity to celebrate with our community. To sponsor a kiddush for $36, please contact the synagogue office.

MINDFUL FITNESS Happily Presented by Bnai Abraham Sisterhood

Cost: $5.00 Come join Sharon Trinker and Wendy Williams on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 AM for sculpting, toning, pilates and yoga. No prior workout experience necessary. Bring hand weights, a mat or towel, water and a smile.

Classes are cancelled if schools are closed or delayed due to inclement weather.

CHAIR YOGA

Come sit, relax, stretch and build strength from 10:00 to 11:00 AM following Mindful Fitness on Wednesdays. Build strength, flexibility and balance all from a seated and/or standing position. There is no need for a mat. Dress comfortably and come with a open mind for fun and fitness. Cost is $5.00.

If you are already attending Mindful Fitness, your fee covers Chair Yoga.

Please call Wendy Williams with any questions @ 610-253-3069

THEATRE TRIP May 15, 2011

Please join Bnai Abraham’s Theatre Group in celebrating our 67th Broadway extravaganza “Sister Act”, a divine musical comedy. Departure time, 9:15 AM; curtain time, 3:00 PM. Please make checks payable to Bnai Abraham Synagogue and mail to “Sister Act”, Dr. Marc and Mrs. Aliette Abo, 936 Wedgewood Road, Bethlehem, PA 18017. See flier for more details.

General announcements continued…

MOVING?

Please notify the Bnai Abraham Synagogue office of any address changes to avoid charges for returned and undeliverable mail and to insure that you receive all mail being sent to you from the synagogue.

CAMPAIGN FOR NEW MEMBERS HELP WANTED!

We are asking every member of our congregation to help us locate prospective new members. They may be your neighbors, friends, vet, or whoever. Please relay the name and any pertinent information to the Membership Chair, Shirley Falk, or to Elaine Morrow. You may also call and give the information to the synagogue office staff.

SHOPPING AT AMAZON…A NEW FUNDRAISER FOR BNAI ABRAHAM!

Click on the Amazon search link on the “Donations” page on the BAS website, and, for any purchases made during your visit on Amazon.com, Amazon will contribute 4% to 15% of the purchase price to Bnai Abraham!

How it works:

Navigate to the BAS Donations webpage at http://www.bnaiabraham.org/donations.html and type any item keyword in the Amazon search box, and you will be transferred to Amazon.com. (You must use this link or purchases will not be traced to BAS). If you place items in your shopping cart and complete a purchase during your visit, Amazon will pay us a portion of the purchase price (not including shipping), which could range from 4% to 15% depending on the item category.

Rates for categories are posted on our website.

We encourage all of our members to shop on Amazon.com – but remember to only access Amazon.com through the BAS link at the below url or we will not get the purchase credit:

http://www.bnaiabraham.org/donations.html

Thank you for your continued support of BAS and HAPPY SHOPPING!

ADULT EDUCATION Our successful Torah Study group will continue to meet Thursday mornings, 10:15 to 11:15. No prior experience is necessary. We are charging a low materials fee of $10 per semester to defray the cost of copying and coffee.

AL’S CLEANERS - FUNDRAISER FOR BAS!

Bnai Abraham has been signed up at Al’s Cleaners, 1132 Northampton Street, to enable the synagogue to collect 10% of all sales of dry cleaning and laundry services that our congregants spend there. It’s easy. Just mention that you are a member of Bnai Abraham Synagogue, and they will credit the synagogue and send the proceeds periodically. Al’s is only about seven blocks from the synagogue, has very convenient hours, and does excellent work.

On Friday night, March 4, 2011,

hundreds of synagogues across the continent will take part in a

historic National Jewish Event

to celebrate what unifies all Jews -

Shabbat!

Everyone is invited… singles, couples, families — all ages to join B’nai Abraham Synagogue

& Temple Covenant of Peace

Services at 7:30 PM at B’nai Abraham Synagogue

immediately followed by Oneg

It is our goal to fill the Sanctuary!! Mark your calendar

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,

Name_________________________________________________________ Gender: F M Grade:_____ Age:_____ Birthday:________________________ Chapter (your synagogue)_________________________________________________ Home Address:_________________________________________________________ (#&Street) (City/State) (Zip)

____________________________________________ Parent Email Address__________________________________________________ Parent Phone #________________________Parent Cell Phone#________________ In an emergency, and a parent cannot be reached, please contact:_________________ Home #______________________Cell #__________________Relation:___________

Medical Insurance Company and Policy Number or ID

*______________________________________________________________________* Physician_________________________________Phone #________________________ Current Medication(s)____________________________Check here if being sent___ Allergies (including food, medications, seasonal, substances):__________________ ( If you need to, continue on a separate sheet of paper for allergies and medications) My child has my permission to attend the Hagesher/EPA Kadima Program at the Philadelphia Zoo. In case of an emergency I give the adult in charge my permission for medical treatment to facilitate immediate emergency action. I hereby authorize the medical personnel to order x-rays, routine tests and treatment for my child, and, in the event I cannot be reached in an emergency, I hereby authorize the physician to hospitalize, secure proper treatment for, and order injections and/or anesthesia and/or surgery for my child as named above. I understand that I shall be responsible to pay for any medical care rendered to my child while attending this Kadima function. Parent/Guardian_______________________________________Date________________

Registration Fee: $15

EPA/Hagesher K adima Day at the Zoo

7605 O ld York Road M el rose Park , PA 19027

Checks Payable to EPA/Hagesher

K adima

Application Due Date: March 28, 2011

Cancellation Policy

After this date, no money will be refunded as per Regional Youth Commission Policy

During the Program, I give permission to the staff member in charge or Medical personnel on duty to dispense Over the Counter Medications. I understand that the amount of medication dispensed will be according to the recommended dosage on the container. These medications will mostly include, but are not limited to Tylenol, Advil, Benedryl. Parent/Guardian______________________________________Date_________________ My signature below certifies that this applicant is a paid member of our Kadima Chapter.

Name of Participant_______________________________________________ Region_____________________________

INT E RN A T IO N A L A ND R E G IO N A L C O D E O F C O NDU C T F O R USY E RS, K A DI M A NI KS A ND ST A F F !

Year after year, the Kadima and USY members have a great time at our Regional activities. Because of our genuine concern and care for each member, and so that all can enjoy these programs to the fullest extent without interference, we have a Code of Conduct at Regional events. These rules are basic, simple and fair, and in the best interest of all participants. It is the responsibility of parents to review these rules and stress their importance to their children as we will expect full compliance. We reserve the right to call parents of individuals whose behavior is inconsistent with the Code of Conduct below to personally pick up their child from the event (with no refund) and/or to exclude their child from future events. 1. There is to be no smoking. 2. There is to be no possession or use of any narcotics, marijuana, other illegal drugs or prescription drugs not prescribed for the user. Matches, firecrackers (or similar devices), knives, sharp or dangerous objects, as well as the items mentioned before are not permitted to be brought to the event. 3. There will be no possession or consumption of any alcoholic beverages. 4. There will be no shoplifting or other theft of any kind. 5. If a Kadimanik is caught in p expense. 6. Each participant is expected to maintain proper decorum and attitude during the entire program. Disruptive behavior (including, among other things, inappropriate sexual behavior) will not be tolerated. Your parents will be responsible to pay for any damage you may cause. 7. Proper dress is expected of everyone All USYers/Kadimaniks shall wear clothing appropriate to the event/location. Please note that you may not wear tank tops, halters, see through blouses or strapless shirts to regional events. 8. Each participant is expected to conduct him/herself appropriately as a Conservative Jew (including through the observance Kashrut), in accordance with applicable standards of the Law and Standards Committee of the Rabbinical Assembly and/or the local Rabbinical Authority. 9. No Kadimanik shall violate any civil or criminal law, including but not limited to, those related to tampering of or destruction of property,

t or language, indecent attire or public nudity, shall not be permitted. I have read these rules and understand them fully. I certify that I will adhere to this Code and will conduct myself in a manner reflecting credit upon myself, my Chapter, congregation and community. Any violation of this code of conduct may result in the participant being sent home at his/her parents' expense. The Regional Director has the sole discretion to send a participant home.

SIGNATURE OF Kadimanik

I , the parent/guardian of , a minor, who will be participating in USY/Kadima Regional programs, do hereby certify that I have read the Code of Conduct set forth above. I do hereby agree that if my child who has signed the above Rules of Conduct fails to adhere to the Code, then in such event those persons in charge of the program may send my child home at my expense. I understand that the Regional Youth Director has the sole discretion to send my child home.

I have been made aware of the fact that the events in which my child is participating may be photographed by either amateur or professional photographers, that the photographs taken may be used both for purposes of reporting on the event or for such other use as the Kadima organization may determine. I have no objection to the pictures taken being used at any time for promotional use. It is my understanding that by signing this document I consent to the use of the pictures just referred to for any purpose whatsoever.

SIGNATURE OF PARENT DATE

A NEW FUNDRAISER FOR BNAI ABRAHAM

Our next fundraiser will be a “Buy Local” campaign, which will be an extension of the

arrangement we already have with a few local businesses.

We will be soliciting local small businesses to give Bnai Abraham a small percentage of the sales

from Synagogue members who identify themselves, as such, at the time of purchase. We will list

all participating merchants in the Bulletin on a tear-out card which you can carry in your wallet as

a reminder.

According to ‘Buy Local Philly’, three times as much money stays in the local economy when you

buy goods and services from locally owned businesses instead of large chains. This campaign can

definitely spread some goodwill from our Bnai community to the heart of the area business

community.

If you know of any business that would like to participate, please contact Judy Walker at

judithwlkr@gmail.com. We will have a soliciting team armed with information and a letter

from the Synagogue.

USY WINTER CONVENTION

The great success of the USY winter convention at Bnai Abraham Synagogue would never have

happened without the support, dedication, involvement and team work of so many of our

volunteers.

I would like to thank Anne Zuckerman and Sara Levin, who worked non-stop for five months

shopping, balancing the budget, preparing the meals, snacks, cooking and baking. Anne

welcomed all volunteers with open arms, and she made working in the kitchen a very pleasant

experience. Thank you, Anne, and all the volunteers who worked harmoniously in the kitchen:

Aliette Abo, Shelley Blumenthal, Sally Brau, Judy Cohen, Sheila Goldberg, Becky Goldenberg,

Wendy Gumberich, Julie Hochhauser, Ellen Hof, Selma Jacowitz, Sara Levin, Linda Lewis, Elaine

M0rrow, Sally Neadle, Ruth Reiter, Linda Scheer, Marna Simon and Sharon Trinker.

Special thanks to the following 14 host families who opened their homes, provided

transportation, breakfasts and snacks: Aliette and Marc Abo, Shelley and Neil Blumenthal,

Shirley and Howard Falk, Beth and Joshua Gallant, Liz McMahon and Gary Gordon, Merle

Grollman, Julie and Aron Hochhauser, Larry and Elaine Lang, Judy and Steven Molder, Howard

and Jill Nathanson, Jay Neadle, Sally and Dexter Neadle, Rabbi and Dena Stein, and Sharon and

Gary Trinker. Thanks to the perseverance, energy and hard work of two of our teens, Sara Neadle

and Eric Blumenthal (both serve on the regional board).

72 USYers and ten staff members attended the winter convention, the largest number in several

years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shelley Blumenthal

USY Advisor

Availability of Federation Scholarships for Jewish Summer Camps and Jewish Teen Experiences

I wanted to make certain that you were aware of Federation scholarships for Jewish residential summer camping and Jewish teen experiences. Both have been marketed on our website, www.JewishLehighValley.org, and in Hakol.

We continue to offer Teen Experience Incentive Grants/Scholarships. These are not needs-based and are available to teens who choose to participate in a variety of Jewish experiences, ranging from a trip to Israel to a youth group summer leadership program. The maximum grant is $500 and is impacted by the number of applicants and the respective costs of the program/experience.

I am pleased that we were also able to renew funding for the Jewish Summer Residential Camp Scholarship. This is a needs-based scholarship for Jewish children and youth who desire to attend a Jewish summer residential camp. Eligible camps are those run by recognized non-profit Jewish organizations. We will coordinate our financial assistance with that of the applicant’s synagogue (if appropriate) and the camp. First-time campers may also be eligible for the One Happy Camper incentive of $1000. The camp will have information on that program.

There are separate applications for these two scholarship applications. Both applications are available online at: http://www.jflv.org/page.aspx?id=191289.

The application deadline for both scholarships is March 16, 2011.

IMPORTANT: I already anticipate that our available funds will be insufficient for the demand. If you know of potential donors who may have an interest in this need, please let me know. I am happy to contact them for a designated gift to address the anticipated unmet needs.

Thank you

Mark L. Goldstein Executive Director

PLEASE JOIN BNAI ABRAHAM’S THEATRE GROUP IN CELEBRATING OUR 67TH BROADWAY EXTRAVAGANZA!

SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2011

“SISTER ACT” A DIVINE MUSCIAL COMEDY

HALLELUJAH………….It’s almost here!

A HABIT-FORMING TRIUMPH!!!!!!

BROADWAY THEATRE 1681 BROADWAY, NEW YORK

DEPARTURE TIME: 9:15 AM

CURTAIN TIME: 3:00 PM

PRICE: $150.00

Please make all checks payable to Bnai Abraham Synagogue. Mail checks and order form to:

“SISTER ACT” Dr. Marc & Aliette Abo

936 WEDGEWOOD ROAD BETHLEHEM, PA 18017

Name:______________________________________________________________________

Address:____________________________________________________________________

City:_________________________________ State_______________ Zip_________

Telephone#___________________________ Email___________________________

# of tickets requested:_______________

Jewish Family Services of the Lehigh Valley

F o o d P a n t r y help keep our kosher food pantry stocked…

Every time you attend a meeting for a Jewish 0rganization, please bring a non-perishable kosher item with you. Call for your collection box and pick up. Call Becky Goldenberg at 610-892-1250 or Email: goldenberg@aol.com or Jewish Family Services of The Lehigh Valley at 610-821-8722.

Jewish Family Services of the Lehigh Valley will provide a collection box and will pick up the items.

T r e e o f L i f e

Permanently commemorate your simcha or celebrate a person!

The “Tree of Life” sculpture is on display in the BAS Main lobby known as Founders Hall.

It is used to honor and remember special events such as: Bar/Bat Mitzvahs

Birthdays

Anniversaries

Memorials

Engagements

Namings

Weddings

and any other special milestone or celebration!

Leaf: $140 Apple: $800

Or memorialize your loved one:

Stone at base of tree: $1,100

Dedicate a memorial plaque to be located on the

walls of the Sanctuary: $300

To honor your friends on the Walk of Life: $350

Simon Merbaum, Chairman: 610-253-2175 Lothar Gumberich: 610-253-5263

BAS office: 610-258-5343

ProJeCt of Easton has been helping people help themselves for 42 years, ever since a group of clergy and everyday people of goodwill saw the need in their community and acted. Today, ProJeCt offers relief to people struggling to meet their basic needs, helps lift them out of emergencies, and supports their move to self-sufficiency through top-ranked adult and family education programs. ProJeCt also works for you as we work to build a strong community. With your support, we serve over 3,600 families and individuals annually. It’s our ProJeCt. It’s your ProJeCt.

Donations Needed for Food Pantry

(Food Pantry menus change monthly; therefore, items will change accordingly.)

Canned potatoes

Canned soup

Juice

Saltine crackers

Hygiene products (deodorant, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc.)

Brown paper bags (grocery store size)

Food items can be delivered directly to ProJeCt’s Food Pantry, located at the rear of St. John’s Lutheran Church parking lot, 330 Ferry St. Easton. Donations accepted Mon - Fri, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm, and 1:00 - 4:00 pm. (For large donations of food, please schedule drop-off in advance)

Other: Gift cards for pharmacy, clothes and food, children’s backpacks, school supplies - notebooks, binders, filler paper, pens and pencils, flash-drive memory sticks, new or gently-used strollers, new or gently-used locking file cabinets, new or gently-used brochure display racks, room dividers or partitions.

BAS is going green

We will email the bulletin to all those who have

provided a current e-mail address. Everyone will

continue to receive the bulletin by mail.

Please send your email address to

office@bnaiabraham.org.

You will receive your bulletin quicker

and in full color. Please note...

We will be notifying congregants of emergencies

and special events through e-mail.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. These three words are applicable to a wide variety of things and situations Paper is a precious commodity and comes from trees, one of our dwindling natural resources. Stay conscious of the need to conserve paper, and rethink some of your work or school printing practices. This will cut down on wasted paper and will decrease the amount of new paper that needs to be purchased. Don't print things out unless absolutely necessary. Try not to print emails. Back up files on your computer using multiple electronic methods and locations. If you still have old one-sided sheets of paper around, use them for printing, copying, or as a notepad for taking notes. And always recycle paper rather than throwing it in the trash.

Our Advertisers… we thank you for your patronage

Denise Pollack, M.Ed. National Certified Counselor

Licensed Professional Counselor Adolescent and Adult Counseling

2925 William Penn Highway, Suite 306

Easton, PA 18045 610-392-3862

www.denisepollackcounseling.com

REALTY WORLD Benchmark Realty 230 West Broad Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018 610-868-2633 (Office) 610-868-4747 (Fax)

Toll Free – 1-877-257-4210 Melanie Onesto

Barbara DeStefano

“Our Quality is Etched In Stone”

Easton Monument Studio Personalized Memorials & Distinctive Stone Art

203 North 7th Street, Easton, PA 18042

610-905-8523

KAPLAN’S ENTERPRISES, INC.

Vertical Blinds American Flags Pleated Shades Flags & Banners Mini Blinds Custom Banner Window Shades Canvas Work

CANVAS | AWNINGS Residential and Commercial 100 Northampton Street, P.O. Box 150

Easton, Pennsylvania 18042 610/258-5319 Fax 610/258-6036 NJ 800/458-7994

DAVID KAPLAN Established 1923

Our Advertisers… we thank you for your patronage

Call Right At Home today for a free in-home assessment to see if home care is an option for your situation. A few hours daily or around the clock.

610.253.9605 Ron Brodsky, Owner

100 North Third Street, Suite 402 Easton, PA 18042

www.lehighvalley.rightathome.net

Serving the entire Lehigh Valley

1134 Northampton St. Easton, PA 18042

610-258-7288

Our Advertisers… we thank you for your patronage

Place an ad in the bulletin for twelve months and reach over 160 readers.

Cost: $36/year

Contact Elaine Kehler

610 258-5343

Sandy Weiner Independent Senior Sales Director

3230 Highfield Circle Bethlehem, PA 18020 (610) 758-8800 1-800-258-8730

www.marykay.com/sweiner Swo226@aol.com

Bnai Abraham Synagogue

1545 Bushkill Street

Easton, Pennsylvania 18042

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit No. 434

Easton, PA 18042

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED