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.
