Beth Israel Congregation’s

BBUULLLLEETTIINN

Rabbi’s Message

A Volatile Year

As the Jewish year of 5775 draws to its conclusion, the

description of the recent performance of the New York

Stock Exchange has given us a very appropriate term –

“volatile”. Indeed, it has been a volatile year. The brutal

violence in the Middle East continues as the Syrian Civil

War has claimed 250,000 lives and the Islamic State

proceeds with its conquest of additional territory. The

destruction of the Syrian city of Palmyra, one of the best

preserved monuments to Roman civilization, is a testimony

to the irrational behavior of the Islamic State. In our own

nation, random acts of violence and the tense relationship

between inner city populations and their police departments

also undermine our sense of security.

Israel and her friends are terrified by the prospects that may

result from the P5 + 1 agreement with Iran. Iran will

receive a bounty of $150 billion from renewed trade with

the West which will replenish the armaments of Hezbullah

and Hamas. Iran’s self-monitoring of its nuclear ambitions

seems to be a sham of meaningful arms control. Iran’s

hostile rhetoric which calls for the annihilation of Israel has

not abated despite its alleged rapprochement with the West.

Indeed, the word “volatile” is valid, not only to describe our

economic condition, but our general sense of insecurity at

this time.

At this difficult time, we come to the synagogue to

welcome the New Year of 5776. The beautiful words of

our Mahzor, our High Holy Day prayer book, offer comfort

and hope. G-d’s presence is with us to sustain us despite

the seemingly difficult reality that surrounds us.

“Repentance, prayer, and acts of loving kindness avert the

severity of the decree.” So proclaims the moving prayer of

Unetaneh Tokef, which is recited on Rosh Hashanah and

Yom Kippur. Spiritual reflection can indeed transform the

outcome of events. Americans were deeply moved by the

response of the African-American church in Charleston,

South Carolina to the brutal murders of the members of its

Bible class. Instead of hatred, the bereaved families called

for forgiveness and introspection. Charleston, unlike other

American cities, retained its dignity and grace in response

to a savage crime.

--Continued on page 2

September 2015/5776

General Service Schedule

Friday—7:30pm; Saturday—10:00am

September Events

Sep 12@ 7:30pm—Selichot Service & Reception

Sep 13 @10:00am—First day of Religious School

Sep 20 @10:00am—Book Club

See complete listing of High Holidays services

located on page 3

Religious School Schedule

Sept 13, 20, 27—BIRS; 10:00am-12:00pm

15, 29—BIRS; 4:15-5:30pm

Shabbat Candle Lighting Times Sep 04 – 7:10pm Sep 11 – 6:59pm Sep 18 – 6:48pm Sep 25 – 6:37pm

The first day of Beth Israel’s Religious

School will be Sunday, September 13 from

10am-12pm. We are looking forward to an

exciting new school year. Register your

student for Beth Israel Religious School by

contacting Sara Stivelman at

sarastive@yahoo.com.

(Schedules will be sent out to each student by mail)

book will be “Introduction to

Rabbi’s Message, Continued …

The hideous murders of a Palestinian baby and a teenage

Israeli girl at the Jerusalem Pride Parade have brought about

soul-searching in the Israeli Orthodox community. Despite

tensions in the Holy City, Jerusalem remains a testimony of

tolerance among its diverse inhabitants. The light rail line

which encircles all of Jerusalem will continue to be a

reflection of the unity of the city – Arab and Jewish, secular

and religious. Interestingly, the majority of Arabs in

Jerusalem today have expressed the desire to become Israeli

citizens in a recent survey.

Acts of loving kindness have been demonstrated throughout

the current upheaval in the Middle East. The economic

strain placed upon Greece and Italy as they deal with a

refugee crisis unparalleled in recent history is balanced with

compassion and empathy for those fleeing from turmoil and

chaos. As always, Israel provides medical assistance to all,

despite their political ideologies. Israel has set up a field

hospital to assist the victims of the Syrian Civil War as it

continues to provide medical care to Palestinians from Gaza

and the West Bank. Currently, Israel is trying to balance the

humanitarian concerns of African refugees from East Africa

with its need to secure its border.

Finally, as it often said, “Prayer never hurts”. We think of

the moving words and melody of Avinu Malkenu. “Have

mercy upon us and answer us although we are without

merit. Deal with us charitably and lovingly save us.”

Prayer helps us focus on what is essential. In the silence of

reflection we can hear “the still, small voice” of the divine.

It was that voice that gave Elijah the prophet to face the evil

of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. It is that same voice that

will give us the courage and determination to confront the

volatility of the world in which we live today.

I extend my best wishes to you and your loved ones for a

New Year of peace and tranquility. I hope and pray that it

will truly be a Shana Tova, a year of goodness and blessing

for us, for Israel, and for all humanity.

--Rabbi Bienstock

From the President:

The seasons are changing. You can feel it in the

air and sense it by the shortening of the days. For

me, it is that time again when my house is filled

with moaning about returning to school. Pam is

dreading long school days and learning to deal

with new initiatives. My kids are excited to see

friends that they have not seen, but also nervous

about the school work they have quickly forgotten.

My summer seems so short, maybe we can fit in

one more trip on the bay or a barbeque with

friends? Yet, fall must come. For us Jews, this is

also a time to reflect on our past year. Whom do

we need to apologize to? Whom do we need to

repay? Maybe even, who do I owe a word of

thanks? Each year as the High Holiday season

approaches, I reflect on my own personal issues. I

try to take stock of how I could do better for my

family, my congregation, my friends, and even

possibly my professional career. We are all not

perfect but, especially at this time of year, it is

important to look back and try to make things

right. I look forward to this process because after

the High Holidays, with sincere praying and

thought, we can emerge new with all that weight

lifted off our shoulders. We all carry too much

baggage with debts of words, money, and regrets.

We need to lessen our loads by shedding these

burdens. To get my preparation for the Holidays

started, I want to extend my most sincere apology

to members and non- members of the congregation

that I may have offended. I also want to take a

minute to say, I am really sorry that I was not able

to spend more time with a good friend that just

passed away, Bernie Rubin. I had the fortune to

talk to him several times after services and also at a

monthly poker game. Bernie always had questions

about trees or stories about his latest contractor

issues. He was one of the few people that actually

took the time to talk to people. He led a very busy

life but, he always had time for a good story. I will

deeply miss Bernie and send my hope of healing to

his family during their period of mourning. Lastly,

I know I owe many of you a most sincere thank

you for all that you do to make Beth Israel a

terrific place to worship and fellowship. I wish you

an easy Yom Kippur fast and a new prosperous

Year.

--Todd Berman

The Beth Israel Congregation Book Club will meet on Sunday, September 20th at 10:00am. The book will be “Introduction to Kabbalah” by Rabbi Steven Wernick. Newcomers are welcomed and encouraged to join the Book Club.

Beth Israel High Holidays Schedule: Fri Sept 11 – 7:30 pm – Selichot Program/Service

Sun Sept 13 –Rosh Hashanah Eve – Service 7:30 pm

Mon Sept 14 – Rosh Hashanah Morning – Service 9:00 am,

Youth Service -10:30 am

Mon Sept 14 – Tashlich Service at Boat Launch – 1 pm

Mon Sept 14 – Second Eve Rosh Hashanah – 7:30 pm

Tues Sept 15 – Second Day Rosh Hashanah – Service 9:00 am

Sun Sept 20 – Cemetery Memorial Service – 1:00 pm

Tues Sept 22 – Kol Nidrei Service – 6:30pm

Wed Sept 23 – Yom Kippur Morning – 9 am

Youth Service – 10:30 am

Memorial Service – Yizkor – 11 am

Mincha – Afternoon Service – 5:45 pm

Neila – Concluding Service – 6:45 pm

Sounding of the Shofar – Break Fast – 8:00 pm

Sun Sept 27 – Sukkot Eve – in Sukkah – 7:30 pm

Fri Oct 2 – Pizza in the Hut – 6:30 pm – Dinner; 7:30 pm –

Service

Sun Oct 11 – Blessing of the Animals – 12 pm

High Holiday Announcements:

Anyone interested in participating in our Shofar squad or who wishes to read the Torah or Haftarah for the High

Holy Days may contact the Rabbi. Rabbi Bienstock is willing to work with anyone interested in reading.

High Holiday seating will again be open seating so please make an effort to arrive on time. Each member in good standing will receive a ticket for High Holiday admission.

Tickets are required for admittance and will be mailed in the near future.

Any member whose dues are two quarters or more in arrears will be required to pay a local resident fee of $300 to attend the Holiday services.

Letters have been sent to those members whose dues are not current.

Non-adult children living at home do not need a ticket, but any guests, including

adult children, will need a ticket for entry. The price of a guest ticket for a member of good standing is $50 per guest. Guest tickets need to be prepaid. Contact Jackie at the office.

Please note that the Kol Nidrei evening service on Tuesday Sept. 22nd will begin at 6:30pm. You must arrive on time for admittance.

Break the Fast will be held on Wednesday, September 23rd at 8:00pm. The charge will be:

$10 for members

$15 for nonmembers

$ 5 for children 5-10

No charge for children under 5

Thank you to the following members who have donated

towards our High Holiday flowers:

*Jeff & Joanne Sherr in memory of Sidney F. & Bernice S.

Sherr

*Bob & Judy Scherr in memory of Mr. & Mrs. Max Kessler and

Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Scherr

*Sharon Ferger in memory of her husband, John Ferger

*Andy & Karen Karten in loving memory of Dr. Alfred Spieler

and Irv Karten

*Steve & Laurie Schwalb in memory of our loved ones

*Jamie & Jeff Albright in memory of Mildred Albright and

Malcolm Pierce

*Teri & Tom Quigley in memory of Truman Lee Harris

Income Amount

BIRS $3,025.50

Grants 6,926.80

Donations (includes one- time donation of $50,000) 78,837.29

Events 6,483.00

Membership Dues 55,510.28

Room Rentals 600.00

Israeli Bonds 30,000.00

Total Income 182,036.10

Expense Cash Awards $1,050.00

BIRS 2,169.05

Building Maintenance 8,762.95

Business Expenses 11,332.51

USCJ Dues 3,000.00

Events 5,207.84

Insurance 6,242.00

Investment Transfer 36,900.00

Office Expense 3,845.75

Taxes 1,984.36

Utilities 17,399.57

Wages 49,217.69

Total Expenses 147,834.86

Net Income 34,201.24

(less certificate of deposit opened 8/20/2015) -23,100.00

FY 2014-2015 income $11,101.24

Beth Israel Congregation Profit Loss Statement from 7/01/2014-6/30/2014

Dear Beth Israel Congregation,

Thank you so much for encouraging the

five of us to go USY encampment and

Kamp Kadima. We had a great time.

Some of the things we did while we

were there was Grade War One, which

was a teaching activity demonstrating

the actions that took place in World

War One. Also Maccabia which stands

for "color wars" in Hebrew. Third

making amazing new friends. Forth,

Shacharit which was the morning

prayers and finally, Ruach which was

all the kids singing and dancing Jewish

prayers and songs which made us feel

part of a group, warm and welcomed by

our new USY/Kadima family.

Last, we want to thank the board for the

scholarships they gave us and Ms Davis

(mom) for driving us to Capitol Camps

in Waynesboro Pennsylvania. We hope

that we will have the chance again to be

united with our new USY/Kadima

friends.

Sincerely,

Aaron Davis, Gabe Berman, Will Pincus, Sadie Hall and Shayna Davis

Beth Israel’s USY students enjoying camp

this summer. Pictured: Gabe Berman,

Shayna Davis, Sadie Hall and Will Pincus

Look for more pictures coming by email

soon!

.

Member-to-Member

Beth Israel Congregation extends its sincerest condolences to Toby Rubin and sons, Howard, Leonard and Allan and their families upon the passing of our beloved member, Bernard Rubin. We also extend condolences to the family of longtime member, Marilyn Seidel. In addition we send condolences to the family of former member Ed Herring, who passed away shortly after celebrating his 60th wedding anniversary. We share the words of comfort of our tradition to the members of these families, “May G-d comfort you among your fellow mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. May G-d spare you from any further sorrow and grant you healing.”

Prayers for a refuah shelemah- for healing- for Mel Snyder. Congratulations to Sharon Ferger on her recent marriage. Thank you to Oneg Hosts Andy & Karen Karten and Mark & Lucille Rudnick for hosting during the month of August. Best wishes to all of our students and teachers returning to their respective schools and universities.

BIC Birthdays: Roy Hansen—Sep 2 Susan Land—Sep 8 Murray Lustig—Sep 8 Andrea Kahn—Sep 12 Andrew Sortman—Sep 14 Mark Rudnick—Sep 15 Shayna Davis—Sep 16 Keith Hall—Sep 23 Jamie Albright—Sep 26

BIC Anniversaries: Todd & Pam Berman—Sep 17

BIC Cards: *Condolences to the family of Bernie Rubin from:

Jamie & Jeff Albright, Ann & Roy Hansen, Sharon

Ferger, Andy & Karen Karten and Arlene Miller

*Condolences to the family of Marilyn Seidel from:

Andy & Karen Karten and Arlene Miller

*Condolences to the family of Ed Herring from: Toby Rubin and Ann & Roy Hansen

Selichot Service on Friday, September 11th

7:30pm

Kick off the High Holidays with a Selichot

service. We will begin at 7:30pm with a little

nosh, wine, cheese and dessert, then a short

service at 8:00pm, followed by more

communing.

This is a great way to introduce potential new

members to Beth Israel so bring any Jewish

friends or neighbors who might be interested.

Shana Tova!

Yahrzeits: September

Donations for August

Yahrzeits

Janice Spieler Yahrzeit of Alfred Spieler & Jack Kerman Ann Hancock Yahrzeit of Hattie Rosenberg

Cyvia Marmer Yahrzeit of Benjamin Marmer

Jeff & Joanne Sherr Yahrzeit of Sidney Sherr

Bob & Judy Scherr Yahrzeit of Sadie Scherr

General Fund

Dr. James Hatley

Barry Berger Fund

Steve & Laurie Schwalb Yahrzeit of Mitchell Keats

In Memory of Gilbert Bers

Sachs Figurelli, LLC

Bruce & Joy Katzenberg

In Memory of Marilyn Seidel

Ronald & Susan Wilkins

In Honor Of

Steve & Laurie Schwalb In Honor of Lindsay Schwalb for earning a Master of

Integrated Marketing

Communications degree

From Reed College of Media

At West Virginia University

Steve & Laurie Schwalb In Honor of their 40th

Wedding anniversary

Steve & Laurie Schwalb In Honor of Steve’s

Retirement from Perdue after 33 years

YAHRZIET NAME SERVICE DATE

SADIE SCHERR Sept 4-5, 2015

JACK STEIN Sept 4-5, 2015

MEYER BEN JOSEF GINCHER Sept 4-5, 2015

HARRY BAKER Sept 4-5, 2015

MILTON MEHLMAN Sept 4-5, 2015

HARRY(HERSHEL) RADERMAN Sept 4-5, 2015

ISRAEL L BENJAMIN Sept 4-5, 2015

RAPHAEL BOGAGE Sept 4-5, 2015

FANNIE WEISS Sept 4-5, 2015

SIDNEY FRANK SHERR Sept 4-5, 2015

DOROTHY NEEDLEMAN Sept 11-12, 2015

BENJAMIN JACOB SCHERR Sept 11-12, 2015

RACHELE BERNSTEIN Sept 11-12, 2015

SADIE RUBENFELD Sept 11-12, 2015

LILLIAN ROSS Sept 11-12, 2015

LENA BAKER Sept 11-12, 2015

WILLIAM SEGAL Sept 11-12, 2015

HERBERT MILLER Sept 11-12, 2015

ROSE MASOWITZ Sept 11-12, 2015

ANNA MYERS Sept 11-12, 2015

DANIEL MILLER Sept 11-12, 2015

BERNARD LEPSELTER Sept 11-12, 2015

ETTA SCHWARTZ Sept 11-12, 2015

DEBORAH FINK ZIGUN Sept 11-12, 2015

PATRICIA WILCOX Sept 11-12, 2015

PHILIP SILVERSTEIN Sept 18-19, 2015

MARY ROSOFSKY Sept 18-19, 2015

MAURICE ROSENBERG Sept 18-19, 2015

FRIEDA COOPER Sept 18-19, 2015

FRANCES KERPELMAN Sept 18-19, 2015

MILTON MARMER Sept 18-19, 2015

SARAH SCHWARTZ Sept 18-19, 2015

CYNTHIA KALMANSON Sept 25-26, 2015

ROSE MASOWITZ Sept 25-26, 2015

ANNA ROSENBERG Sept 25-26, 2015

RICHARD SCHNEIDER Sept 25-26, 2015

JOSEPH SEIDEL Sept 25-26, 2015

DR. HOWARD FURMAN Sept 25-26, 2015

JOHN EDWARD HESS Sept 25-26, 2015

ILYA FISHBERG Sept 25-26, 2015

HARRY MILLER Sept 25-26, 2015

MILDRED KALMANSON Sept 25-26, 2015

LEWIS MICHAEL HESS Sept 25-26, 2015

DORA MASARSKY Sept 25-26, 2015

ANNA SEGAL Sept 25-26, 2015

Beth Israel Staff Rabbi: Arnold Bienstock Office Manager: Jackie Middleton

Board of Governors President: Todd Berman Vice President: Arlene Miller Secretary: Andy Karten Treasurer: Shari Miller Youth Education: Sara Stivelman USY: Ella Davis Religious: Jaimi Hall Membership: Susan Tilghman Ways & Means: Susan Lewis Paciga House: Joe Beatus, Mike Folkoff Contact Us 600 Camden Avenue, Salisbury, MD 21801 Phone 410-742-2564 Fax 410-742-2697 www.bethisraelsalisbury.org General Information: bicsecretary@verizon.net Office Hours: Tuesday- Friday 10:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m. Shabbat Services: Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

The mission of this Congregation shall be to establish and maintain a Synagogue and such educational,

religious, social and recreational activities as will help further the cause and objectives of

the Synagogue and Conservative Judaism.

Established 1926

BIC’s Gift Shop is GOING OUT OF

BUSINESS

The Holy Days are coming and the Gift shop is

closing! Come pick up some of your High Holiday

needs: kipohs, tallis clips, and honey and apple dishes

at 50% off!

Do you love ONEG?

Who doesn’t? So come celebrate a simcha, remember a yahrzeit or just make it a great end to a long week by hosting one! It’s easy and quick. Call Jackie in the BIC office for details. 410-742-2564.

Beth Israel Cards Appropriate for every occasion and affordable, BIC

Cards can be purchased in the Office.

Would you like to honor a loved one?

There are many ways to acknowledge your loved ones at Beth Israel.

Consider a leaf on our Tree of Life, displayed in the lobby. This is a wonderful way to commemorate a special event or to honor or remember a special person. The cost of a leaf is $500.

You may also wish to consider purchasing a Yahrzeit Memorial Plaque for your loved one. The cost is $360 and will be displayed in our Sanctuary.

Or maybe you'd like to purchase a chair for the social hall in the honor/memory of a loved one. The cost for a chair is $50.

Please contact Jackie at the Synagogue Office and she'll be happy to assist you with your tribute.