Register for the 2025/2026 SOEL School Year. Limited space available!  Please click the button below to register. If you have any questions, please call the office, 215-866-8000.Â
16 Sivan 5785Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â June 12, 2025
Shabbat Services
Friday, June 13 6:00 p.m. Pre-Neg 7:00 p.m. Erev Shabbat Service & Installation Join us as we welcome our new Executive Committee and Board of Directors, express our heartfelt gratitude to outgoing President Bruce Sham, and pass the gavel to our incoming President, Ross Cohen. Followed by a special oneg. Molish Sanctuary &Livestream
Saturday, June 14 9:00 a.m. Torah Study led by Barry & Linda Weinstein 10:00 a.m. Peer Led Shabbat Service led by Steve Green, Michael Krassenstein, & Barry Tinkleman Torah Reader: Sue Fleishman Temple Beth Torah Chapel &Zoom Meeting ID:  884 5577 5879 Passcode: shabbos971
Thursday, June 19 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. We are packing period products and traditional food boxes and we would love to have your help! Advanced registration is required for each volunteer session.Click Here to Volunteer
15Â Sivan 5785Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â June 11, 2025
Cantor Elena Zarkh will be retiring in June 2026. Share your voice - join us as we begin our cantorial search! ​​​​​​​ In preparation for this change, Beth Am will be hosting 3 informal focus group opportunities this month in the TBT Chapel. We want to hear what is most important to you as we embark upon the search for our next cantor.
Thursday, June 19 at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 23 at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 25 at 2:00 p.m.
Refreshments will be served.
If you are unable to attend the brainstorming sessions, you are welcome to email Sherriewith your suggestions, thoughts, ideas and areas of focus.
9 Sivan 5785Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â June 5, 2025
Shabbat Services
Friday, June 6 6:00 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat Service - June Birthdays Temple Beth Torah Chapel & Zoom Meeting ID:Â 818 2351 9331Â Passcode:Â shabbos
Saturday, June 7 9:00 a.m. Torah Study led by Richard Orodenker 10:00 a.m. Peer Led Shabbat Service led by Paul Anderson, Michael Krassenstein, and Steve Green Torah Reader: Bridget Dorfman Temple Beth Torah Chapel &Zoom Meeting ID:  884 5577 5879 Passcode: shabbos971
2 Sivan 5785Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â May 29, 2025
Shabbat Services
Friday, May 30 7:00 p.m. Erev Shabbat Service with Adult Choir  May Anniversaries Molish Sanctuary & Livestream
Saturday, May 31 9:00 a.m. Torah Study led by Steve Lavner with original poetry by Linda Weinstein 10:00 a.m. Peer Led Shabbat Service led by Steve Green, Michael Krassenstein, and Barry Tinkleman Torah Reader: Steve Lavner Temple Beth Torah Chapel &Zoom Meeting ID:  884 5577 5879 Passcode: shabbos971
Sunday, June 1 7:00 p.m. 74th Annual Confirmation & Shavuot Service with Yizkor Mazal Tov to our Confirmands: Â Amanda Myers, Miller Posnan & Julia Zimmerman Molish Sanctuary & Livestream
Monday, June 2Â
The School of Early Learning & Office is Closed Monday, June 2 in observance of Shavuot.
We gratefully acknowledge your ongoing generous contributions to Beth Am. April - May Donations Please note that there is an approximate two week turnaround time for donations to be processed, so if you do not see your recent donation here, please check back in our next Donations newsletter.
Registration is now open for the 2025/2026 SOEL School Year. Limited space available!  Please click the button below to register. If you have any questions, please call the office, 215-866-8000.Â
24 Iyar 5785Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â May 22, 2025
Shabbat Services
Friday, May 23 Â 6:00 p.m.Kabbalat Shabbat Service Remarks: Afrikaners Thrust onto the World Stage: Legitimate Refugees? Temple Beth Torah Chapel & Zoom Meeting ID:Â 818 2351 9331Â Passcode:Â shabbos
Saturday, May 24 9:00 a.m. Torah Study led by Rabbi Leib 10:00 a.m. Peer Led Shabbat Service led by Steve Green, Michael Krassenstein, and Barry Tinkleman Torah Reader: Sue Fleishman Temple Beth Torah Chapel &Zoom Meeting ID:  884 5577 5879 Passcode: shabbos971
17 Iyar 5785Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â May 15, 2025
Shabbat Services
Friday, May 16 Â 7:00pm Erev Shabbat Service with T'filah Band Auf Ruf: Zach Levy and Remi Schwartz Molish Sanctuary &Â Livestream
Saturday, May 17 9:00 a.m. Torah Study in the TBT Chapel led by Adam Barr 10:00 a.m. Service in the Molish Sanctuary &Livestream B. Mitzvah Zoe Goldstein 10:00 a.m. Peer Led Shabbat Service in the TBT Chapel led by Drew Hmiel, Michael Krassenstein, and Steve Green Torah Reader: Evelyn Fair Temple Beth Torah Chapel &Zoom Meeting ID:  884 5577 5879 Passcode: shabbos971
17 Iyar 5785Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â May 15, 2025
Shabbat Services
Friday, May 16 Â 7:00pm Erev Shabbat Service with T'filah Band Auf Ruf: Zach Levy and Remi Schwartz Molish Sanctuary &Â Livestream
Saturday, May 17 9:00 a.m. Torah Study in the TBT Chapel led by Adam Barr 10:00 a.m. Service in the Molish Sanctuary &Livestream B. Mitzvah Zoe Goldstein 10:00 a.m. Peer Led Shabbat Service in the TBT Chapel led by Drew Hmiel, Michael Krassenstein, and Steve Green Torah Reader: Evelyn Fair Temple Beth Torah Chapel &Zoom Meeting ID:  884 5577 5879 Passcode: shabbos971
10 Iyar 5785Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â May 8, 2025
Shabbat Services
Friday, May 9 6:00 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat Service Temple Beth Torah Chapel &Zoom Meeting ID:Â 818 2351 9331Â Passcode:Â shabbos
Saturday, May 10 9:00 a.m. Torah Study led by Rabbi Leib 10:00 a.m. Peer Led Shabbat Morning Service led by Paul Anderson, Mike Krassenstein & Barry Tinkleman Torah Reader: Steve Green Temple Beth Torah Chapel &Zoom Meeting ID:  884 5577 5879 Passcode: shabbos971
3 Iyar 5785Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â May 1, 2025
Shabbat Services
Friday, May 2 6:00pm Kabbalat Shabbat Service - May Birthdays Temple Beth Torah Chapel & Zoom Meeting ID:Â 818 2351 9331Â Passcode:Â shabbos
Saturday, May 3 9:00 a.m. Torah Study led by Michael Krassenstein 10:00 a.m. Peer Led Shabbat Morning Service led by Drew Hmiel, Michael Krassenstein, and Barry Tinkleman Torah Reader: Evelyn Fair Temple Beth Torah Chapel & Zoom Meeting ID:  884 5577 5879 Passcode: shabbos971
Dear Friends, Now is the moment. Not next week. Not next year. Right now. In just five minutes—and for the price of a cup of coffee—you can help decide how $5 billion will be spent over the next five years. Yes, you read that right: $5 billion that will shape the future of Israel, Reform Judaism, and the values we hold sacred—equality, religious pluralism, inclusion, and justice.
The World Zionist Congress controls a $1 billion annual budget and sets global Jewish policy. These decisions ripple across oceans and generations. They determine whether Reform synagogues thrive, whether our rabbis receive the support they need, whether women, LGBTQ+ Israelis, and minorities are treated with dignity and fairness.
And right now—those values are under threat. We cannot sit this one out. We cannot be silent. When Jewish diversity is being squeezed at the margins. This is our chance to speak up. Loudly. Proudly. As Reform Jews. As Zionists. As people who believe that Israel must be a homeland for all Jews, not just a few.
Confirm your vote at URJ.org/ivoted (choose Old York Road Temple - Beth Am)
We’ve made a difference before. We’ve shown up. We’ve fought for what’s right. Let’s do it again.
Because the truth is: If we don’t vote, others will decide for us. Let’s claim our seat at the table. Let’s raise our voices in defense of a Judaism that is inclusive, progressive, and deeply rooted in justice. Your voice. Your values. Your vote. Vote Reform. Vote Slate #3.
With hope and urgency, Robert Leib, Rabbi, Elena Zarkh, Cantor,  Sherrie Turetsky, Executive Director, Bruce Sham, President, Barry Tinkleman, VP Religious Practices,  Peter Rabinowitz, Voting Captain and Harold Marcus, IAC Co-ChairÂ
May 31 - Teen Pride Shabbat
2025 Rochel Brill Memorial Holocaust Essay Winners
 The Rochel Brill Holocaust project is in memory of Rochel Brill, cousin to our late congregant, Jerry Brill and his son, Robert Brill. Rochel was the daughter of Sora and Hershel Brill. Hershel was a cheesemaker in Lithuania and Sora helped in the cheese factory as well. Hershel, Sora and their children fled Lithuania when the Germans invaded. Later, they returned only to find that the Germans were as bad as they had heard. Hershel was executed with 150 other men from the town. The rest of the family was transferred to the Zagare ghetto where they were eventually also killed. Jerry Brill’s cousin, Rochel, was killed at the age of 18 months.
Dear Friends, Now is the moment. Not next week. Not next year. Right now. In just five minutes—and for the price of a cup of coffee—you can help decide how $5 billion will be spent over the next five years. Yes, you read that right: $5 billion that will shape the future of Israel, Reform Judaism, and the values we hold sacred—equality, religious pluralism, inclusion, and justice.
The World Zionist Congress controls a $1 billion annual budget and sets global Jewish policy. These decisions ripple across oceans and generations. They determine whether Reform synagogues thrive, whether our rabbis receive the support they need, whether women, LGBTQ+ Israelis, and minorities are treated with dignity and fairness.
And right now—those values are under threat. We cannot sit this one out. We cannot be silent. When Jewish diversity is being squeezed at the margins. This is our chance to speak up. Loudly. Proudly. As Reform Jews. As Zionists. As people who believe that Israel must be a homeland for all Jews, not just a few.
Confirm your vote at URJ.org/ivoted (choose Old York Road Temple - Beth Am) We’ve made a difference before. We’ve shown up. We’ve fought for what’s right. Let’s do it again.
Because the truth is: If we don’t vote, others will decide for us. Let’s claim our seat at the table. Let’s raise our voices in defense of a Judaism that is inclusive, progressive, and deeply rooted in justice. Your voice. Your values. Your vote. Vote Reform. Vote Slate #3.
With hope and urgency, Robert Leib, Rabbi, Elena Zarkh, Cantor,  Sherrie Turetsky, Executive Director, Bruce Sham, President, Barry Tinkleman, VP Religious Practices,  Peter Rabinowitz, Voting Captain and Harold Marcus, IAC Co-ChairÂ
30 Nisan 5785Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â April 28, 2025
Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday for a sucessful Mitzvah Day! We are grateful for your commitment to Beth Am, unwavering support to our community, hard work and dedication.
Your mitzvot helped serve families experiencing food insecurity, animal shelters, and individuals who are undergoing treatment for various illnesses. We collected food, women's hygeine products, children's books, and pet supplies. We baked cookies, beautified the Beth Am garden/outdoor learning space, and made soups/sandwiches for those experiencing homelessness.
Most importantly, we came together as a community to help those in need.
Here are some statistics from the day:
40 Hamsas for IDF Soldiers
50 Mezzuzahs for Victims of the California Wildfires
75 Bags for The Breating Room
130 Meals Packed for Cook for a Friend
479 Pounds of Food Collected for the Jenkintown Food Cupboard
Please consider joining us to celebrate our wonderful Beth Am community this Sunday, May 4 at our Annual Congregational Meeting.Â
26 Nisan 5785Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â April 24, 2025
Shabbat Services
Friday, April 25 7:00 p.m. Brotherhood & Sisterhood Shabbat Service with Choir April Anniversaries Molish Sanctuary & Livestream
Saturday, April 26 9:00 a.m. Torah Study led by Barry Tinkleman 10:00 a.m. Peer Led Shabbat Morning Service led by  Steve Green, Michael Krassenstein, and Barry Tinkleman Torah Reader: Sue Fleishman Temple Beth Torah Chapel & Zoom Meeting ID:  884 5577 5879 Passcode: shabbos971
To my Beth Am Chaverim, ​​​​​​​   I am inviting you to join me as I watch the groundbreaking documentary October 8 on the big screen TV in my living room at the TBT Chapel at Old York Road Temple-Beth Am. I don't want to miss anything, so I’ll be watching it twice: Wednesday, April 30 at 2:45 p.m. and at 7:00 p.m.—it’s 1 hour and 40 minutes long.   The film delves into the alarming rise of antisemitism in contemporary society. Directed by Wendy Sachs and produced by Debra Messing, this powerful film explores how antisemitic ideologies have infiltrated mainstream media, college campuses, human rights organizations, and global discourse following the October 7 Hamas attack.   Through incisive analysis and personal accounts, October 8 exposes the normalization of anti-Jewish sentiment under the guise of anti-Zionism. The documentary features prominent voices such as Sheryl Sandberg, Ritchie Torres, and Bari Weiss, alongside courageous student activists who have faced hostility. It sheds light on biased media narratives, radical Islamist strategies, and the troubling complicity of institutions that claim to champion social justice.
Please email me to let me know if you are coming and which time. There is no charge, I just need to know how many chairs to set.
Date:Â Wednesday, April 30 (Yom HaZikaron) Time:Â 2:45 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Location:Â My living room in the TBT Chapel at Old York Road Temple-Beth Am.Â
Ambler Choral Society presents its Spring Concert  Sunday, April 27, 3:00 p.m.  Supplee Presbyterian Church 855 East Welsh Road, Maple Glen, PA Artistic Director Mark Daugherty conducts a program featuring 3 works by Gabriel Faure, Randal Thompson, R. Vaughan Williams, as well as music by Felix Mendelssohn, Morten Lauridsen and others. Dessert reception to follow. Admission is $20.00 adults, $5 children For more information, please call 215-715-7184
We gratefully acknowledge your ongoing generous contributions to Beth Am. February - March Donations Please note that there is an approximate two week turnaround time for donations to be processed, so if you do not see your recent donation here, please check back in our next Donations newsletter.
Unload unwanted items from your home! Have a ball checking out the array of no-cost regifting items!
Guidelines:
-Each item must be new or in very good condition.
-Any electronics and appliances must be new (unused). -Any donated food must be unopened and unexpired. -No money is involved. -Items can include kitchen paraphernalia, clothing, accessories, purses, totebags, costume jewelry, toys/games, household gadgets, cards, wall decorations.
1:00 pm Attendees start setting up their giveaway items on tables 1:00 to 3:00 pm Lunching, Schmoozing, & Shopping Feel free to bring a dairy or pareve lunch you bring for yourself. No nuts please. Coffee/tea/water provided.
Any remaining items are packed up by Harriet, who will find them homes or donate them to charity.
Anyone who can’t attend but would like to donate, please email Harriet.
12 Nisan 5785Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â April 10, 2025
Shabbat Services
Friday, April 11 7:00 p.m. Pre-Passover Shabbat Service with T'filah Band Molish Sanctuary & Livestream
Saturday, April 12 9:00 a.m. Torah Study led by Richard Molish 10:00 a.m. Peer-led Service led by Paul Anderson, Michael Krassenstein, and Barry Tinkleman Torah Reader:  Steve Green Temple Beth Torah Chapel & Zoom Meeting ID:  884 5577 5879 Passcode: shabbos971
How Can You Support Your Community’s Teens?  Discover what you can do to nurture the Jewish identities and mental wellbeing of the young people in your congregation. Read more here.Â
5 Nisan 5785Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â April 3, 2025
Shabbat Services
Friday, April 4 6:00 p.m. Congregational Family Shabbat Dinner RSVP Required Strick Auditorium 6:45 p.m. Erev Shabbat Service - April Birthdays Molish Sanctuary & Livestream
Saturday, April 5 8:45 a.m. Torah Study led by Steve Lavner & Poetry by Linda Weinstein 10:00 a.m. Peer-led Service led by Steve Green, Michael Krassenstein, and Barry Tinkleman Torah Reader: Steve Lavner Temple Beth Torah Chapel & Zoom Meeting ID: 884 5577 5879 Passcode: shabbos971
We are happy to announce the following candidates for the Board of Directors:
Term Ending 2028 Hilde Sham Robin Berman Reese Heitner Andrea Samson Howard Silverstein  Presidential Appointments Stacey Hirsch Ellen Levin Sharon Whitney
Executive Committee President: Ross Cohen Executive Vice President: Rachel Frankel Religious Practices VP: Barry Tinkleman Fundraising VP: Richard Wright Membership & Outreach VP: Shari Marder House & Grounds VP: Steve Rigefsky Social Action VP: Linda Kline Treasurer: Michael Krassenstein Secretary: Mark Lopatin House Counsel: Sharon Glogowski
The Committee will present these selections to the congregation on Sunday, May 4, 2025, during the Annual Meeting for a final vote. Only members in good standing and present at the meeting will be entitled to vote.  We thank all of our volunteers and members.
