A truly ominous and egregious grassroots campaign urging educators to stop using invaluable teaching materials from the Anti-Defamation League reached the highest levels of K-12 education last weekend.
Inside a packed conference hall in Portland, Oregon, the thousands of delegates who make up the governing body of the National Education Association - the largest teachers union in the country - passed a measure that bars the NEA from using, endorsing or publicizing any materials from the ADL.
“By severing this partnership, the NEA is stripping schools of trusted, time-tested resources that help educators teach about the Holocaust, address antisemitism and combat all forms of hate. Educators need more tools, not fewer.”
We urge you please to sign the petition below by clicking on the link, demanding that the NEA fulfill its responsibility to educators, students and families by restoring its partnership with the ADL and in doing so, recommitting to the fight against antisemitism.
Saturday, July 12 9:00 a.m. Torah Study led by Adam Barr 10:00 a.m. Peer Led Shabbat Service led by Steve Green, Michael Krassenstein, and Barry Tinkleman Torah Reader: Rabbi Claire Green Temple Beth Torah Chapel & Zoom Meeting ID: 884 5577 5879Passcode: shabbos971
We gratefully acknowledge your ongoing generous contributions to Beth Am. May - June 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.
Friday, July 4 6:00 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat Service ZOOM ONLY Meeting ID: 581 823 0247 Passcode: July4th!
Saturday, July 5 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 5879Passcode: shabbos971
An Evening with Adam Shapiro & Katie Lowes
For tickets please visit our website or call the office.
Friday, June 27 6:00 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat Service Temple Beth Torah Chapel &Zoom Meeting ID: 818 2351 9331 Passcode: shabbos
Saturday, June 28 9:00 a.m. Torah Study led by Barry Tinkleman 10:00 a.m. Peer Led Shabbat Service led by Drew Hmiel, Michael Krassenstein, and Steve Green Torah Reader: Evelyn Fair Temple Beth Torah Chapel &Zoom Meeting ID: 884 5577 5879Passcode: shabbos971
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 an informal focus group at 7:00 p.m. tonight in the TBT Chapel.
We want to hear what is most important to you as we embark upon the search for our next cantor.
Refreshments will be served.
If you are unable to attend the brainstorming sessions, you are welcome toemail Sherriewith your suggestions, thoughts, ideas and areas of focus.
Due to last night’s storms, our synagogue is currently experiencing a power outage. As a result, tonight’s Kabbalat Shabbat service at 6:00pm will be held on Zoom only. Tomorrow morning’s Torah study and minyan at 9:00am will also take place only on Zoom.
Zoom Links:
6:00 p.m. Friday’s Kabbalat Shabbat Service ZOOM ONLY Meeting ID: 818 2351 9331 Passcode: shabbos
Saturday’s 9:00 a.m. Torah Study and 10:00 a.m. Peer Led Service ZOOM ONLY Meeting ID: 884 5577 5879 Passcode: shabbos971
While we may not be able to gather in person at the synagogue, it is vital that we show our unity and strength as a community by joining together virtually.
It’s been just over a week since Israel launched its daring, preemptive strike against Iranian military, governmental and nuclear facilities. Iran predictably retaliated but purposefully, deliberately, targeting ordinary, Israeli civilians in heavily densely populated areas.
Therein lies the fundamental difference between a nation yearning, fighting yet again for its very survival and a despotic, theocratic regime, hellbent on destroying the only Jewish country in the world.
Of this we must be certain: Iran represents - as it has for the past 46 years - the greatest and gravest existential threat to Israel and the Jewish people.
We salute German Chancellor Merz who earlier this week, at the G7 Summit in Canada, praised Israel for doing “the dirty work for all of us, by striking Iran and preventing it from building a nuclear weapon.” Would that other world leaders spoke so candidly and honestly.
This is precisely the time, Beth Am, to show up and be counted: by attending tonight’s Kabbalat Shabbat service at 6:00pm which will be infused with Israeli songs, poetry and prayers. In addition, plan to join us for Torah study and minyan tomorrow morning beginning at 9:00am.
Why? Because we need each other’s company more than ever before. And who knows; these opportunities might just enrich your Jewish connection and identity in ways you never thought possible!
We pray that this will be a relatively peaceful and purposeful Shabbat for Israel and world Jewry.
Shabbat Shalom! Rabbi Robert Leib Cantor Elena Zarkh Sherrie Turetsky, Executive Director Barbara Weisman, Education Director Bruce Sham, President Barry Tinkleman, VP Religious Practices
Friday, June 20 6:00 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat Service This Erev Shabbat Service will highlight our continued support to the land of Israel and its people through poetry, prayer and song. Temple Beth Torah Chapel &Zoom Meeting ID: 818 2351 9331 Passcode: shabbos
Saturday, June 21 9:00 a.m. Torah Study led by Rabbi Leib 10:00 a.m. Peer Led Shabbat Service led by Adam Barr, Michael Krassenstein, and Barry Tinkleman Torah Reader: Barry Stein Temple Beth Torah Chapel &Zoom Meeting ID: 884 5577 5879Passcode: shabbos971
Dear Board of Director members, We are beginning work on a new mission statement and a 3–5 year strategic plan for Old York Road Temple-Beth Am. To get started, I would greatly appreciate hearing from you, our future leaders and historians. Please take some time and carefully/diligently ponder the following questions and complete the form by June 27. We greatly appreciate your response.
As discussed at our last meeting, we are beginning work on a new mission statement and a 3 - 5 year strategic plan. To get started, I would greatly appreciate you, our leaders, taking some time and carefully/diligently ponder the following questions and return your answers by June 27.
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 5879Passcode: 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
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 toemail Sherriewith your suggestions, thoughts, ideas and areas of focus.
Friday, June 6 6:00 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat Service - June Birthdays Temple Beth Torah Chapel & Zoom Meeting ID: 818 2351 9331 Passcode: 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 5879Passcode: shabbos971
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 5879Passcode: shabbos971
Sunday, June 1 7:00 p.m. 74th Annual Confirmation & Shavuot Service with Yizkor Mazal Tov to our Confirmands: Amanda Myers, Miller Posnan & Julia Zimmerman Molish Sanctuary & Livestream
Monday, June 2
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.
Friday, May 23 6:00 p.m.Kabbalat Shabbat Service Remarks: Afrikaners Thrust onto the World Stage: Legitimate Refugees? Temple Beth Torah Chapel & Zoom Meeting ID: 818 2351 9331 Passcode: 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 5879Passcode: shabbos971
Friday, May 16 7:00pm Erev Shabbat Service with T'filah Band Auf Ruf: Zach Levy and Remi Schwartz Molish Sanctuary &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 5879Passcode: shabbos971
Bat Mitzvah: Zoe Goldstein
Bat Mitzvah: Zoe Goldstein
Daughter of Rachel & Scott Goldstein
10:00 a.m. Shabbat Service Molish Sanctuary & Livestream Emor
Friday, May 16 7:00pm Erev Shabbat Service with T'filah Band Auf Ruf: Zach Levy and Remi Schwartz Molish Sanctuary &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 5879Passcode: shabbos971
Bat Mitzvah: Zoe Goldstein
Bat Mitzvah: Zoe Goldstein
Daughter of Rachel & Scott Goldstein
10:00 a.m. Shabbat Service Molish Sanctuary & Livestream Emor
Friday, May 9 6:00 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat Service Temple Beth Torah Chapel &Zoom Meeting ID: 818 2351 9331 Passcode: 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 5879Passcode: shabbos971
Friday, May 2 6:00pm Kabbalat Shabbat Service - May Birthdays Temple Beth Torah Chapel & Zoom Meeting ID: 818 2351 9331 Passcode: 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 5879Passcode: 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-Chair
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-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.
