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-Chair
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.
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 5879Passcode: 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: Wednesday, April 30 (Yom HaZikaron) Time: 2:45 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Location: My living room in the TBT Chapel at Old York Road Temple-Beth Am.
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.
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 5879Passcode: shabbos971
Passover
Sunday, April 13 10:00 a.m. Passover Service Temple Beth Torah Chapel & Zoom Meeting ID: 825 1904 7561 Passcode: Pesach
Saturday, April 19 10:00 a.m. Passover Yizkor Service Temple Beth Torah Chapel & Zoom
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 5879Passcode: shabbos971
Saturday, April 5, 10:00 a.m. - Molish Sanctuary
Bat Mitzvah Sophia Meloscia
Bat Mitzvah Sophia Meloscia
Daughter of Lauren & Joseph Meloscia
10:00 a.m. Shabbat Service Molish Sanctuary & Livestream Vayikra
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.
On Thursday morning, we experienced a power outage at Beth Am due to a blown transformer. After a 24-hour outage, PECO was finally able to restore power. Shabbat services and weekend programs will proceed as scheduled.
Please note: there is a speed bump in the driveway when you enter the rear parking lot. Please proceed with caution.
Sorry to say, SOEL will remain CLOSED today, Friday, March 28. PECO installed a temporary line overnight but we are UNABLE to connect to the building and so we do not have power.
Friday, March 28 7:00 p.m. Erev Shabbat Service with Adult Choir Honroing March Anniversaries Molish Sanctuary & Livestream
Saturday, March 29 8:45 a.m. Torah Study led by Richard Orodenker 10:00 a.m. Peer-led Service led by Steve Green, Michael Krassentstein, and Barry Tinkleman Torah Reader: Sandi Cohen Temple Beth Torah Chapel & Zoom Meeting ID:884 5577 5879Passcode: shabbos971
We are happy to announce the following candidates for the Board of Directors:
Term Ending 2026 Sara Bloom Rene Carl Maddy Malis Herman Palat Sheldon Wolf Term Ending 2027 Craig Cheifetz Gary Kimmel Suzan Lopatin Mollie Shapiro Joy Stember
Term Ending 2028 Hilde Sham Robin Berman Reese Heitner Andrea Samson Howard Weinstein
Presidential Appointments Stacey Hirsch Ellen Levin
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 (still have to talk to Sharon) 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.
Community
The Return of Benjamin Lay Sunday, May 4, 3:00 pm Quintessence Theatre 7137 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19119
Call Braydon at 215-987-4450 (Group ticket coordinator) Tell Braydon you are part of OYRT-BA Price: $40 for Seniors, $45 for adults under 65
For more information contact Fred Goldstein at (215) 356-2109.
The next chapter of both Israeli and Jewish history, at large, is about to unfold.
This email is to ask you, please, to join hundreds of thousands of Reform/Liberal/ Progressive Jews throughout the world mobilizing for the 2025 World Zionist Congress Elections, now underway.
Controlling an annual budget of over $1 billion, the World Zionist Organization - representing Jewish communities from around the world - meets every 5 years to set policies that directly affect the status of Reform Jews in Israel and millions of Israelis, many of whom have already rejected and continue to reject the rigid, uncompromising and oppressive policies of the Orthodox Rabbinate.
Reform Judaism and our vision of Israel as a democratic, pluralistic state are under attack like never before. Reform Jews, women, LGBTQ+ Israelis and ethnic minorities continue to be discriminated against.
Your vote directly impacts vital resources and crucial funding for Reform synagogues, clergy, values and advocacy. We need YOU to help ensure religious pluralism, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ inclusion and a safe, secure path to peace.
These are the quick, simple steps to take: 1. Scan the QR code below or just go to www.vote4reform.org.
2. Remember that in order to cast your vote, you must be a US citizen, identify as Jewish and be 18 years or older.
3. Register online anytime before May 4th (final day to vote) and pay the required $5 election administration fee.
4. Cast your vote, please, for slate #3, VOTE REFORM.
5. PLEASE TAKE THIS LAST, FINAL STEP: Once you’ve received confirmation of your vote, please go to URJ.org/ivoted and be certain to enter “Old York Road Temple-Beth Am” in the drop down box.
We thank you very much for your support at this most critical juncture in Israel’s history. As we’ve demonstrated before in prior WZC elections, we’ve made a decisive difference in successfully securing the rights and interests of our worldwide Reform movement.
YOUR VOICE! YOUR VALUES! YOUR VOTE!
Rabbi Robert Leib Cantor Elena Zarkh Sherrie Turetsky, Executive Director Barbara Weisman, Education Director Bruce Sham, President Ross Cohen, Executive Vice President Peter Rabinowitz, WZC Election Congregational Captain Harold Marcus, Chair, Israel Connections Committee
Friday, March 21 6:00 p.m. Erev Shabbat Service Temple Beth Torah Chapel & Zoom
Meeting ID: 818 2351 9331 Passcode: shabbos
Saturday, March 22 8:45 a.m. Torah Study led by Rabbi Leib 10:00 a.m. Peer-led Service led by Steve Green, Michael Krassenstein, and Barry Tinkleman Torah Reader: Evelyn Fair Rovinsky Youth Lounge & Zoom Meeting ID: 884 5577 5879 Passcode: shabbos971
Saturday, March 22: 10:00 a.m. B. Mitzvah Charlie Hartman
Bar Mitzvah Charlie Hartman
Son of Rachel Hartman & James Hartman
10:00 a.m. Shabbat Service Molish Sanctuary & Livestream Vayakhel
Friday, March 21 6:00 p.m. Erev Shabbat Service Temple Beth Torah Chapel & Zoom
Meeting ID: 818 2351 9331 Passcode: shabbos
Saturday, March 22 8:45 a.m. Torah Study led by Rabbi Leib 10:00 a.m. Peer-led Service led by Steve Green, Michael Krassenstein, and Barry Tinkleman Torah Reader: Evelyn Fair Rovinsky Youth Lounge & Zoom Meeting ID: 884 5577 5879 Passcode: shabbos971
Saturday, March 22: 10:00 a.m. B. Mitzvah Max Hartman
Bar Mitzvah Charlie Hartman
Son of Rachel Hartman & James Hartman
10:00 a.m. Shabbat Service Molish Sanctuary & Livestream Vayakhel
Registration is now open for the 2025/2026 SOEL School Year. Please click the button below to register. If you have any questions, please call the office 215-866-8000.
Friday, March 14 6:00 p.m. Erev Shabbat Service Temple Beth Torah Chapel & Zoom
Meeting ID: 818 2351 9331 Passcode: shabbos 6:45 p.m. A Wicked Purim Spiel Molish Sanctuary & Livestream
Saturday, March 15 9:00 a.m. Torah Study led by Steve Lavner with original poem by Linda Weinstein 10:00 a.m. Peer-led Service led by Steve Green, Michael Krassenstein, and Barry Tinkleman Torah Reader: Sue Fleishman TBT Chapel & Zoom Meeting ID: 884 5577 5879 Passcode: shabbos971
Friday, March 7 6:00 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat Service - March Birthdays Reflections by Past President, Mark Braverman: Honoring the memory of Rose Girone, the world's longest living Holocaust surviror. Temple Beth Torah Chapel & Zoom
Meeting ID: 818 2351 9331 Passcode: shabbos
Saturday, March 8 Saturday, March 8 Shabbat Zachor שבת זכור Shabbat of Remembrance 9:00 a.m. Torah Study led by Steve Lavner with an original poem by Linda Weinstein 10:00 a.m. Peer-led Service led by Drew Hmiel, Michael Krassenstein, & Steve Green Torah Reader: Barry Stein ...you shall blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget! (Deuteronomy 25:17-19) TBT Chapel & Zoom Meeting ID: 884 5577 5879 Passcode: shabbos971
