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Seaside Jewish Community News www.seasidejewishcommunity.com 302.226.8977 18970 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 Mailing address: P.O. Box 1472, Rehoboth Beach DE 19971
May 2021 Iyar – Sivan 5781
In this Issue Board of Directors 2 President’s Message 2 Rabbi Bernstein’s Message 2 Committee Chairs 3 Board/Committee Meetings 3 New Member Shabbat 3 Overview of the 12 Tribes 4 Series on Middle East Conflict 4 Haftarah Program 4 Jewish Intellectual History 4 Book Group - Color of Love 5 Watch for Info on Shavuot 5 Jewish Film Festival Returns 5 Mitzvah Opportunities 5 Birthdays 5 In The Community 6 Thank You 6 Donation Form 6 Spring Collection Drive 7 RS Registration Opens 7 Sponsors 8 Schedule of Services Friday, May 7 Parashat בהר־בחקתי Behar-Bechukotai (Leviticus 25:1-27:34) Haftarah (Jeremiah 16:19–17:14) 7:30 p.m. Shabbat Evening Service* Leader: Rabbi Kevin Bernstein Friday, May 14 Parashat במדבר Bamidbar (Numbers 1:1–4:20) Haftarah (Hosea 2:1–2:22) 7:30 p.m. Shabbat Evening Service* Leader: Member led Monday, May 17 10 a.m. Shavuot and Yizkor Service* (see related article on page 5) Saturday, May 22 Shabbat Morning Service* New Member Shabbat Parashat נשא Nasso (Numbers 4:21–7:89) Haftarah (Judges 13:2–13:25) 9:00 a.m. Torah study 10:00 a.m. Worship Leader: Rabbi Kevin Bernstein Saturday, May 29 Shabbat Morning Service* Parashat בהעלתך Beha’alotcha (Leviticus 16:1–20:27) Haftarah (Zechariah 2:14-4:7) 9:00 a.m. Torah study 10:00 a.m. Worship Leader: Member led *All services will convene virtually during the coronavirus crisis. Instructions to join remotely are included in the weekly eBlast.
Board Seat Opens as Buddy Feldman Resigns
The Seaside Board of Directors will be appointing a new member this month.
Citing health reasons, Buddy Feldman informed the Board of his resignation, effective immediately, on April 19. Mr. Feldman was in the final year of his second term on the Board, which was due to expire at the end of 2021.
According to Seaside’s By-Laws, when a Board position becomes vacant, the President must appoint a successor to temporarily fill the vacancy, pending Board approval. This position must then be filled at the next Annual Meeting via an election. That newly elected Board member then completes the previous Board member’s term and may be elected for up to two more full terms, provided his or her completed term did not exceed 18 months.
As such, whoever fills Mr. Feldman’s vacancy will be eligible to be elected for up to two terms beginning next January but must be nominated and then elected by the congregation at this year’s Annual Meeting to continue serving beyond this year.
Buddy Feldman was elected to the Board in November 2015. When that new Board met afterward to discuss officer positions, he was named Co-President along with Mike Saltzman (z’l), marking the first time Seaside had gone with two
Continued on page 4
SJC Approves Purchase of ShulCloud License
In an effort to better manage its growing membership and to improve communications with members, prospective members, donors, and the general public, Seaside Jewish Community will soon be implementing ShulCloud.
The SJC Board approved the purchase of a license from the synagogue management system at its April meeting. ShulCloud is a state-of-the-art cloud-based synagogue management program that has been used by more than 1,200 synagogues worldwide.
In addition to helping Seaside manage its membership information, the company will also host Seaside’s new website and provide an easy-to-use calendar showing all upcoming Seaside events. Additionally, dues payments and other donations can be made through ShulCloud.
In order to effectively use this new management tool, all current membership data will be transferred over to ShulCloud, which will make it easy for Seaside to create and maintain the membership directory and provide timely updates on name, address, and phone number changes for our members.
When ShulCloud is ready to go live, members will receive an email with the ShulCloud link and detailed instructions on how to log on to the system, review membership information, and navigate around the site. A password will be created the first
Continued on page 4
Page 2 Seaside Jewish Community May 2021 Board of Directors President Joel Simon 302-245-1386 Executive Vice-President Todd Hacker 302-396-5973 Vice-President for Programs Susan Aaronson 302-278-7272 Secretary David Udoff 240-350-3258 Treasurer Howie Hochman 302-616-2592 At Large Board Members Mat Ash 301-404-1471 David Herschler 301-704-2306 Sara Rosen 240-393-2775 Interim Religious Leader Rabbi Kevin Bernstein 215-896-3439 Religious School Director Holly Jacobson 410-303-2867 Rabbi Emeritus Rabbi Beth Cohen 302-858-2374 Immediate Past President Marsha Davis Newsletter Editors* Reba Novich Noreen Spiegelman David Udoff *Please send all SJC Newsletter questions and requests to the SJC Newsletter team at [email protected].
President’s Message – Joel Simon
Spring is a time of renewal. This has never been more significant than during the COVID-19 pandemic. The distribution of vaccines gives us hope and excitement for better times to come. In Judaism, springtime has often represented hope and looking toward the future.
Last month we celebrated Passover, our holiday of redemption and freedom. Seders often end with a look toward the future, “Next Year in Jerusalem.” Many of us feel a new joy when we are again able to eat leavened items at the conclusion of Passover. Passover also brings the Counting of the Omer, an homage to our agricultural heritage.
Each year we Count the Omer for seven weeks and end the time period with Shavuot. Shavuot may be our holiday that represents hope and renewal more than any other, as we commemorate receiving the Torah. While Torah links us to our past, it also connects us to our future. Jews for centuries have looked toward the Torah for spiritual inspiration and ritual practice, providing guidance for our lives.
We read the Torah, each story contained and preserved each year. While the parashot remain the same, often our appreciation and interpretation may differ. I am currently tutoring five of our young people for their B’nai Mitzvah. Discussing, learning, and debating Torah with a 12-year-old is one of the most rewarding experiences one can have. How could Noah live to be 950 years old? Why don’t we still have Priests? How does “an eye for an eye” relate to today? It is refreshing and certainly renews the spirit to see the world and Torah through the eyes and minds of young people.
I encourage you all to reengage in Torah, perhaps with a granddaughter, a nephew, or even a contemporary. May the blessings of Shavuot and our commandments inspire all of us, people of all ages. Chag Sameach!
Rabbi Bernstein’s Message
And the counting continues. As we begin the month of May,
we conclude two “countings” of days. We are finishing counting the 49 days of the omer and the final days of the month of אייר (Iyar). Both lead to the holiday of Shavuot, which occurs on the 6th of סיון (Sivan).
However, there is one thing in this counting that differentiates it from how it has felt in almost every Jewish community where I have been a part. We are counting up.
In most communities, the arrival of Shavuot signifies a bit of slowing down. Academic years are concluding. Synagogues are getting ready to move to their quieter summer tempo, perhaps moving their prayer services to smaller spaces, anticipating their membership’s movement to vacations, travel, and summer camps.
But not at Seaside. As we enter this month and look forward to Shavuot (and Memorial Day weekend), we anticipate life getting busier and more hectic. All the more so this year, as we can feel the loosening of the grip of the pandemic and await a joyous return to our newly renovated, beautiful building.
Shavuot celebrates Revelation, the Jewish people’s receiving the Torah and Ten Commandments. May this celebration be an inspiration to all of us as we anticipate this active, bustling part of our year, our busy season.
May 2021 Seaside Jewish Community Page 3
Carole Ash led SJC’s first in-person Chant and Meditation since the COVID-19 pandemic began and Seaside’s first “event” outside on the patio of the new building, Apr. 25.
Committee Chairs Adult Education Hank Smith, 864-884-6603 Peter Zoll, 703-915-6205
Cemetery Barry Novich, 301-922-8414 Allan Slan, 240-535-5240
Communications Jennifer Rubenstein, 302-841-0143 David Udoff, 240-350-3258
Chesed Phyllis Bloom, 302-945-5522
Community Service Emily Eider, 610-781-4175
Finance Andy Aaronson, 302-278-7272 Howie Hochman, 302-616-2592
Fundraising Marilyn Feldman, 301-343-2706 David Herschler, 301-704-2306
HHD Logistics Barry Novich, 301-922-8414 Reba Novich, 301-922-8415
House Mat Ash, 301-404-1471 Stanley Silverblatt, 443-324-2035
Membership Diane Flyer, 213-220-2075 Elaine Hochman, 302-616-2592
Multi-Faith Leslie Gladstone, 410-627-0828 Allan Slan, 240-535-5240
Safety and Security Norm Stein, 301-395-6788 Neil Trugman, 302-381-8436
Social Fran Saltzman, 302-827-2751
Social Justice Zita Dresner, 302-644-2749 Anita Smulyan, 302-703-2900
Worship Sara Rosen, 240-393-2775
Youth Education Alyssa Simon, 302-245-1385
Board/Committee Meetings Committee meetings are
convening virtually during the coronavirus crisis. Check with Committee Chairs to obtain the link to join a specific meeting.
Once the coronavirus crisis ends and in-person meetings are able to resume, meetings will be held at the now-finished SJC building. Check with the Committee Chairs for more details.
Board Meetings – Sunday, May 16, and Jun. 13, 12:30 p.m.
Board Workshop – Monday, May 3, and Jun. 7, 7 p.m.
Adult Education – Wednesday, May 5, and Jun. 2, 4 p.m. (Meets first Wednesday each month)
Membership – Monday, May 10, and Jun. 21, 7 p.m. (Meets third Monday each month)
Multi-Faith – Thursday, May 6, and Jun. 3, 4 p.m. (Meets first Thursday each month)
Worship –Sunday, May 9, and Jun. 13, 7 p.m.
Chesed – Friday, May 21, and Jun. 18, 10 a.m. (Meets third Friday each month)
Community Service – Friday, May 21, and Jun. 18, 10:30 a.m. (Meets third Friday each month)
Fundraising – Tuesday, May 11, and Jun. 15, 7:30 p.m. (Meets second Tuesday each month)
Youth Education – Sunday, May 23 (time TBD)
Our weekly Email blasts on Thursdays contain important reminders and highlight our events. To sign up, go to the SJC website and click on the
Sign Up Here button.
Celebrating New Members Please come celebrate Shabbat
with other members of Seaside during our regular Saturday Shabbat service via Zoom on Saturday, May 22 at 10:00 a.m.
Each year, Seaside welcomes our new members with a special New Member Shabbat service. Last year we were unable to celebrate the New Member Shabbat, so this year we will be recognizing new members who joined Seaside in 2020 and 2021.
If you are interested in participating in the service, reading a prayer or other reading in Hebrew or English, being called for an Aliyah, saying a blessing, or leading other parts of the service, please contact one of our Membership Co-Chairs no later than Monday, May 10, so that we may coordinate with Rabbi Bernstein. Our Membership Co-Chairs are Elaine Hochman (302-616-2592) and Diane Flyer (213-220-2075).
All members are welcome toattend. We are very excited to hold this event and celebrate the continued growth of SJC.
Page 4 Seaside Jewish Community May 2021 B. Feldman Resigns Continued from page 1 Presidents. He remained in that post until 2020, when Seaside went back to having a single President. As Co-President with Mr. Saltzman and later Alyssa Simon, he helped oversee the planning of the Seaside building expansion project.
Seaside thanks Buddy for all his hard work and dedication to Seaside. His diplomatic tenor and calm demeanor as Board Co-President helped stabilize relations among Board members and proved essential in conducting Board meetings. He will be missed. ShulCloud Continued from page 1 time members log in. All membership information will be secured and will not be available to non-members.
Seaside will no longer mail out paper copies of the Membership Directory, except upon request. The membership directory will be available online and updated regularly as new information comes in. The directory will be made available only to Seaside members.
We know that some members prefer that their names not be included in the directory, and we will make sure that those members who prefer to be unlisted will remain so. If you have asked in the past to be excluded from the directory, we will continue to do so. If at any time you wish to be excluded from the directory, please send an email to [email protected].
A letter will be sent to the membership regarding the ShulCloud initiative. If you have any questions about the ShulCloud transition, please contact Scott Waxman, who is heading up the ShulCloud project for Seaside, or Howie Hochman, Seaside Treasurer. Overview of the 12 Tribes
On Thursday, May 20 at 4 p.m., Eric Doroshow will present part three of his three-part series, “The Twelve Tribes of Ancient Israel,” based on his research for his book and paintings. During this session Eric will discuss, What is the relevance of the twelve tribes for us today?
A Zoom link will be provided in an eBlast closer to the date of this program. Education Series on Middle East Conflict
On Wednesday, May 26 at 7 p.m., Nick Simmonds will offer the third session of his 10-part series, “The Middle East Conflict: from Early Zionism Through the Six Day War.” The session will take a detailed look at how World War I laid the groundwork for an ensuing century of conflict between Arabs and Jews.
A Zoom link will be provided in an eBlast closer to the date of this program.
Do you have an adult educational program idea?
Would you like to see it become a reality? Share your idea with
It’s not too late to join the Adult Education Committee!
Be on the lookout for more unique
Adult Ed. programs!
Haftarah Program May 10 Seaside’s next Haftarah class
will take place on Monday, May 10 at 4 p.m. The Haftarah to be studied is Haftarah Bereshit-Isaiah 42:5-43:10. This Haftarah is linked to the literal beginning of the world – the story of Creation.
Questions to be discussed will include the following: How do we thematically link Isaiah’s message to the literal beginning of the universe? What role does Isaiah see for the people of Israel? What is the temporal balance between and among the Creation, the mission of the Jewish people, and the world to come? What other Haftarah might have been more appropriate for the very opening of the Torah?
For more information, contact Jeffrey Rosen. The Zoom link will be provided in the weekly eBlast. Jewish Intellectual History
On Thursday, May 11 at 4 p.m., the Jewish Intellectual History class will view Lesson 19: “Jewish Law—Martin Buber vs. Franz Rosenzweig”
A discussion of the positions of these two great philosophers will follow, led by Jeffrey Rosen. The Zoom link will be provided in an eBlast closer to the date of the class.
Buber’s closest collaborator was the Jewish theologian Franz Rosenzweig (1886−1929). They disagreed intensely, however, on Jewish ritual observance. In a work addressed to Buber entitled The Builders, Rosenzweig challenged him to adopt the same openness towards Jewish observance that he had demonstrated towards the study of Jewish texts.
The next class, Session 20, “Mordecai Kaplan and American Judaism” will be held on Tuesday, Jun. 15 at 4 p.m. For additional information, contact Peter Zoll.
May 2021 Seaside Jewish Community Page 5 Book Group to Discuss The Color of Love
On Thursday, May 20 at 4 p.m., Sara Rosen will lead a discussion of Marra Gad’s book: The Color of Love: A Story of a Mixed Race Jewish Girl.
This book, which won the 2020 Midwest Book Award in Autobiography/Memoir, is an easy narrative on a complicated experience. It is a deeply personal story through which the author has shared a perspective that is seldom told.
A Zoom link will be provided in a future eBlast. Watch for Info on Shavuot
Please watch future eblasts this month for information about Shavuot services, which will be held on Monday, May 17 at 10 a.m. Yizkor is said at this service. We hope to join the Jewish Federation of Delaware’s program, just as we did last year.
Please also join us for services on the first two Fridays of the month and the last two Saturdays of the month. If you wish to lead a service or would like to participate, please contact Rabbi Kevin Bernstein or Sara Rosen.
We are currently looking to update the Worship page on the SJC website that informs newcomers as well as members regarding services and holiday observances.
Also, our Torahs are in need of repair, and Seaside will be looking into the restoration costs.
Coming Attractions: Jewish Film Festival Returns
The popular Rehoboth Beach Jewish Film Festival is returning to the Cinema Arts Theater in Lewes. The Film Festival will run from May 28 through July 1.
The Rehoboth Beach Film Society and Seaside are once again partnering to bring quality Jewish-themed films to our community. Audiences will have a choice on how to view the films. They will be able to attend screenings in the theater, following CDC’s guidelines and social distancing, or enjoy the films virtually.
The films will be scheduled over several days, with specific screenings designated as Seaside-hosted events. For film titles and times, please visit the Rehoboth Beach Film Society’s website at www.rehobothfilm.com in the weeks to come. Mitzvah Opportunities
Helping Hands Volunteers: The Chesed Committee is looking for additional volunteers to provide meals, run small errands, or visit with members who need temporary support. Contact Ellie Flanzraich at 561-504-7922 to sign up.
Food Rescue: Volunteer to collect food donations from area restaurants and businesses to deliver to the Epworth food pantry. If you would like to help, contact Reba Novich at 301-922-8415 or Barry Novich at 301-922-8414.
Epworth Soup Kitchen (ongoing): The next dates are Sunday, May 9, with food prep on Friday, May 7, and Sunday, Jun. 20, with food prep on Friday, Jun. 18. Contact Dill Patz (302-537-4368).
Happy Birthday to Our Members 05/01 Susan Klein 05/01 Bernice Mark 05/01 Chase Resnick 05/01 Jared Schwartz 05/03 Paul Block 05/03 Ronni November 05/03 Rhona Rosenberg 05/03 Steve Schaffer 05/05 Carol Cohen 05/05 Beverly Gordon 05/05 Nathan Pickard 05/06 Sue Schaffer 05/07 Patricia Katz 05/08 Leslie Alter 05/08 Mitchell Resnick 05/09 Ariel Fox 05/09 Cindi Silverblatt 05/10 Leslie Gladstone 05/12 Karen Freid 05/12 Ron Vederman 05/13 Jeffrey Ward 05/15 Saul Smith 05/16 Carole Bakst 05/17 Ian Richman 05/17 Barbara White 05/18 Warren Gleckel 05/19 Mark Bicks 05/20 Jeff Hawtof 05/20 Louis Westreich 05/21 Nancy Fishel 05/23 Randi Agetstein 05/23 David Cohen 05/23 Geoff Lerer 05/23 Larry Migdel 05/23 Edward Simon 05/24 Stuart Galkin 05/25 Neal Bien 05/26 Charlotte Sass 05/27 Linda Gleckel 05/27 Rochelle Green-Tanger 05/28 Gilbert Berman 05/28 Robb Mapou 05/28 Rabbi Dick White 05/29 Kristan Trugman 05/30 Larry Hobman 05/31 Stacey Fox 05/31 Sara Freid 05/31 Paul Pennock
Page 6 Seaside Jewish Community May 2021 In The Community
Refuah Shleimah - Get Well Wishes
We send our prayers and healing energy to SJC members and loved ones of members who have been hospitalized or injured in recent weeks or who are facing or have had health challenges.
Annette Annenberg Buddy Feldman Shelley Grabel Bobby Harris Beverly Lesher Brenda Sims Hank Smith Alan Spiegelman Len Ullmann Phyllis Weiser
Nihum Avelim – Comforting
the Mourners Our heartfelt condolences go to
Michele Amie Terner and Jessica Leigh Terner and their family on the passing of their mother, Janet Ruth Terner, on April 17. Zichrona L’vracha, may Janet’s memory be for a blessing.
Please contact SJC Religious Leader Rabbi Kevin Bernstein (302-226-8977) if you would like to add the name of someone you love to the SJC healing prayer list or to the list of family members who have died or if there is a celebration or milestone in your life that you want to share with the SJC family.
Thank You SJC gratefully acknowledges the
following donations received as of April 19.
Adult Education Jerry & Susan Klavans with
healing prayers for Buddy Feldman and Hank Smith
Hank Smith in memory of Debi Smith
Building Fund/Capital Campaign
Lori Bernstein Irene & Gerald Holtz to retire the
mortgage Jocelyn Kaplan in honor of Carole
Ash’s Chant & Meditation group
Rosenfeld’s Jewish Delicatessen Marty Rosensweig Edward & Patricia Simon David Udoff & Jennifer Kappeller Community Service Programs George Beckerman, with thanks to
Emily Eider for her tireless efforts on behalf of our community.
Unrestricted Donations to General Fund
Sharon & Paul Greenblath in memory of our parents: Fanny & Ben Greenblath; Judy & Abe Family.
Gail & Howard Henner in honor of Hank Smith - get well
Kimberly Engel & Family in memory of Joseph Green
Leah Lederman & Michael Resnick in honor of Rosa & Hertz Lederman, Holocaust survivors
Morton Oransoff Andrea & Ken Silverstein Youth Programming Hank Smith in memory of Debi
Smith New Members Diane Abeloff & Emile Bendit Fani & Dan Brandenburg
Donation Form
Seaside Jewish Community P.O. Box 1472 Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Complete this form and mail it with your check to the above address. You can also charge your gift by clicking on the “donate” button at www.seasidejewishcommunity.com.
Enclosed is a donation in the amount of: $ _______________
Donor Info: (Please print clearly)
Name: Address:
City, State, Zip:
Phone: E-Mail: Optional: I would like to make this gift: □ In honor of or □ In memory of:
Please send a notification to: ______________________________ Address: _______________________
City, State, Zip: ______________________
Gifts will go to Seaside’s General Fund, or you may designate your gift to one of the following:
□ Adult Education Program □ Alfred Gross Scholars Fund □ Chesed Program □ Community Service Program □ Religious Leader Discretionary Fund □ Youth Programming Fund □ Ritual Object Program □ Multi-Faith Program □ Pay down Mortgage/Building Fund □ B’nai Mitzvah Tutoring Fund □ Worship Programs
Thank you again for your generosity. SJC is a 501(c)(3) organization; our tax id is 52-2060467 and contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Consult your tax advisor for details. Questions? Please leave a message at (302) 226-8977. 03/2021
May 2021 Seaside Jewish Community Page 7 An Incredible Effort!
Dozens of Seaside members turned out on Sunday, April 11, for our spring collection drive to benefit the Epworth United Methodist Church Good Samaritan Food Pantry and made the event an incredible success (see photos at right).
About 1,333 lbs. of non-perishable food, paper goods, and personal care items were donated at the drive-through event. About five SUVs (rear seats down!) were filled to capacity and delivered directly to Epworth by a team of Community Service volunteers.
This was Seaside’s second drive-through event since COVID-19 began. It was a lovely way for members to re-connect while performing an amazing act of Tikkun Olam.
By continuing activities such as the soup kitchen and food rescue, as well as by initiating new community service programs like the shelter meals program, Seaside congregants are continuing to impact our beach community by helping those in need. Thank you, Seaside members for your incredible generosity! Religious School Registration Opens in May
Religious School registration will be open May 1 for families who have children ages 5 (turning 5 in 2021) through Bnai Mitvah age (13). If you are interested in receiving the Google form to register, please email Alyssa Simon, Youth Education Chair.
Current families will be receiving the form via email from Holly Jacobson, our Religious School Director.
Seaside Jewish Community P.O. Box 1472 Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
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