TAS December Newsletter

Temple 

Adas 

Shalom 

M O N T H L Y 

N E W S L E T T E R 

3 

4 

5-6 

7-8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

27 

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President's Message 

RPC Message 

Kehillah MAGNET 

Adult Education 

Sisterhood News 

Safety & Security 

Member Spotlight 

December 2023 

Calendar of Events 

Contents 

October 2023 - Donors 

Mi Sheberakh 

Recently Passed 

December 2023 

Yahrzeits Observed 

D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 | 1 8 T H O F K I S L E V 5 7 8 4 - 1 9 T H O F T E V E T 

Rabbi Meeka’s Musings 

Shalom TAS’s Mishpacha משפחה (Family) 

On p. 556 in Siddur Mishkan Tefila (On Hannukah), we find an ancient blessing 

Al Ha'nissim (For the Miracles): “We thank You, [God] for the על הניסים titled 

miracles, for the redemption, for the mighty deeds and saving acts, brought 

about by You, and for the wars, which You waged for our ancestors in the days of 

”.old at this season 

'Al Ha'Nisim' (of Geonic origin [c. 600 CE - 1040 CE]) is a special prayer added to 

the Amidah. It is a powerful declaration of gratitude to God for the miracles of the 

Jewish People's survival: we thank God for redeeming us from the tyrant ruling of 

the Syrian Greeks (c. 222-186 B.C.E.). 

How I wish we didn’t have to praise God “for the wars, which You waged for our 

ancestors in the days of old at this season.” But sometimes, as we are witnessing 

current events as I am writing these 

lines, war is necessary. In the days of the 2nd temple – the 

small band of Maccabees fought for their freedom to 

practice their religion, and cleanse our holy temple 

from the tyrant ruling of the Syrian Greeks 

(c. 222-186 B.C.E.). In present times, the IDF has been 

fighting to free all of our hostages from the tyrant, 

and cruel terrorist actions of Hamas. 

In 1982 Peter Yarrow wrote a beautiful song (you will get to 

hear it during our upcoming Rock Shabbat), "Light One Candle," which was sung 

by the folk group Peter, Paul and Mary. 

The song was written as a pacifist response to the 1982 Lebanon War, and now I 

feel it is really timely to sing this song again, and again, with a couple of updated 

changes… 

Continued on page 2. 8 N . E A R L T O N R D . E X T . H A V R E D E G R A C E , M D 2 1 0 7 8 

410-939-3170 | ADMIN@TEMPLEADASSHALOM.ORG

Rabbi Meeka's Musings 

Continued 

Light One Candle/Peter Yarrow (with slight 

changes) 

Light one candle for the Israeli children 

With thanks that their light didn't die 

Light one candle for the pain they endured 

When their right to exist was denied 

Light one candle for the terrible sacrifice 

Justice and freedom demand 

But light one candle for the wisdom to know 

When the peacemaker's time is at hand 

Don't let the light go out 

It's lasted for so many years 

Don't let the light go out 

Let it shine through our hope and our tears 

Interestingly, despite a long history of troubles, we 

Jews are still around some 3,500 years or so since 

our ancestors Abraham and Sarah began their 

challenging Jewish journey. Maybe our belief in 

miracles isn’t so naïve after all, as the national 

anthem of our Jewish state is HaTikvah, the hope. 

We can never stop hope, yearn and fight when 

necessary for true Shalom, peace. 

With hope for better days to come, and for 

brighter reality to be restored, I am wishing you 

happy Hannukah, and truly joyful holidays season. 

With love, 

Rabbi Meeka 

Light one candle for the strength that we need 

To never become our own foe 

And light one candle for those who are suffering 

Pain we learned so long ago 

Light one candle for all we believe in 

That anger will not tear us apart 

And light one candle to find us together 

With peace as the song in our hearts (Don't let the 

light go out…..) 

What is the memory that's valued so highly 

That we keep it alive in that flame 

What's the commitment to those who have died 

That we cry out: “they've not died in vain 

We have come this far always believing 

That justice would somehow prevail 

This is the burden, this is the promise 

And please God, please don’t let us fail! (Don't let 

the light go out…..) 

8 N . E A R L T O N R D . E X T . H A V R E D E G R A C E , M D 2 1 0 7 8 


President's Message 

Mark Wolkow 

Openings 

We had a great turnout for the Congregational Meeting in November – just 

under 70 people – more than we’ve had in probably 20 years. Everyone 

enjoyed the dinner prepared by Chef Paul Lever, and those who stayed for the 

Sig Gast video laughed until we cried... and then bought Hanukkah Gifts at 

the Gift Shop Hanukkah sale. 

One thing we did not accomplish was filling all of the open seats on the Board 

of Trustees. So this is a call for three individuals to come forward to fill the 

positions of Board Secretary, Adult Education (AE) Chair, and Fundraising 

Trustee (to co-chair with Terry Weiner). None of the three require a huge 

effort. 

The Board Secretary primarily notifies Board Members of meetings; takes and 

distributes Board meeting minutes; and maintains Board records. 

The Adult Education Chair convenes meetings of the AE team, during which 

decisions are made regarding book and film reviews; congregational trips; 

and other learning experiences to be offered to the congregation. 

November Service 

Multi Access 

Information and Links 

Please note that streaming will be done 

via YouTube. 

YouTube links for all of our services can be 

found on our calendar. No passcodes are 

required. Past and present services and 

other events can also be found on our 

YouTube channel. 

Friday, December 1st 

Shabbat Service 

Live Streaming starts at 6:45pm-7:00pm 

In-Person service starts at 7:00pm 

Friday, December 8th 

Rock Shabbat Service 




Family Friendly Shabbat Dinner 



Friday, December 22nd 








The Fundraising co-chairs determine which and how many fundraising efforts 

to pursue. Several ongoing fundraisers are already staffed and in place. 

Typically, there is one large fundraising activity/event each year. 

All three positions currently serve on the Temple Board; however, an 

upcoming Bylaws review will likely reduce the size of the Board, in keeping 

with current trends. Please contact me if you are willing to serve… or at least 

willing to hear a little more about the open slots. 

Hag Sameach! 

Mark Wolkow 

RPC Message 

Melissa Immel & Mike Mullis 

Happy Chanukah from the Religious Practices Committee! 

During Chanukah, we commemorate the miracle of a small amount of oil that 

burned brightly for eight days, defying all odds. It's a beautiful reminder that 

even in the darkest times, a spark of faith and determination can light up our 

lives. As we kindle the menorah's candles, let us be reminded of the power of 

hope and unity, and may the glow of each candle illuminate our hearts with joy 

and courage. 

We want to invite you to a special musical service that promises to be an 

unforgettable experience on December 8th: Rock Shabbat! Prepare to be 

uplifted and inspired as Rabbi Meeka Simerly infuses the sacred traditions of 

Shabbat with the energetic rhythms of rock music. Our talented choir and band 

will lead us in a dynamic and harmonious celebration of our faith like you've 

never seen before. Rock Shabbat is not just a service; it's a spiritual journey 

through music. Please bring your friends and family to share in this unique 

experience. Let the power of music and community fill your heart and soul as 

we come together to celebrate Chanukah Shabbat in a new and exciting way. 

Following the service,we will gather for a celebratory oneg, to celebrate the 

Festival of Lights with games, latkes, music and connection. 

L’shalom, 

Melissa Immel & Mike Mullis, RPC Co-Chairs 




Sarah O’Donnell & Joel Yoffee 

Shalom Temple Adas Shalom Community, 

The school year is flying by, and our religious school continues to host (as well as 

participate in) a variety of amazing activities! On Sunday, November 19, 2023, 

five members of our religious school staff drove to Temple Isaiah in Fulton, MD 

to participate in the Ma Rabu Religious School Conference with over a hundred 

Jewish educators from the greater Baltimore area. We heard from keynote 

speaker, Sabrina Sojourner, and joined others in two breakout sessions. It was a 

truly meaningful experience. 

Attention: Tzedakah Match Opportunity! 

This year, our students are working hard to raise tzedakah money and will be 

voting this month on the non-profit organization to which they would like to 

send our 2023-2024 collection. We are encouraging temple congregants to 

“match” what our students raise and either add their donation to our school’s 

tzedakah total or send their contribution to the organization of their choosing. 

Brenda and David Jaffe have already taken our students up on their match offer 

and will be donating their funds to the Arava 

Institute of Environmental Studies. The 

organization’s goal is to build connections among 

different populations of people in Israel. 

“Over a university-accredited semester, 

a roughly equal number of Israeli Jewish, Arab (Israeli, Palestinian, Jordanian, 

Moroccan) and other international students live, eat and study together. 

Through classes, holiday celebrations, trips, dialogue sessions, and more, 

students get to know each other as individuals, beyond the stereotypes and 

they engage in transformative dialogue work (https://arava.org/about-ourcommunity/about-arava/). 




Continued 

REGULAR PROGRAMMING: 

TOT SHIRA: Each month during the 

school year Kehillah MAGNET welcomes 

families with children ages 5 and under to 

attend the Pre-K/K music class at our 

religious school. “Tot Shira” is a wonderful 

way to introduce little ones to our 

dedicated teachers and fantastic 

students. Our next Tot Shira of the year 

will be on Sunday, December 3, 2023. 

FAMILY SHABBAT SERVICE: 

Every other month during the 

academic school year, Rabbi 

Meeka and Mike Mullis, music 

teacher and director, lead one 

Friday night service that is 

designed with families in mind. 

Family Shabbat nights begin 

at 5:30pm with a child-friendly 

meal, and the service runs from 

6:15 – 7:00pm. 

Attending Family Shabbat is a great way to enjoy the company of friends, 

relax after a long week, and provide further understanding of Hebrew learning. 

Adas Shalom Temple (ASTY) Meeting: 

ASTY is held monthly during the school year with teens in 

grades 7-12. This school year, the program is being led by TAS 

congregants, Alison Filicko and Joshua Larkin, with special 

support from Karli Chancey! Our teens are currently planning 

their first Esports competition and presenting a proposal to 

Mark Wolkow on December 3rd to redesign the teen lounge. 

They are also working closely to support our social action 

initiatives in the synagogue. Their first task will be to box up 

donated baby supplies that will be sent to the Harford Family 

House. ASTY will have its next meeting on Sunday, 

December 10th from 10:45 – 11:45 am 

Please check out the temple calendar for all upcoming 

events and see you soon! 

Joel Yoffee 

Kehillah MAGNET Religious School Committee Chair 

Sarah O’Donnell 

Kehillah MAGNET Religous School Principal 



Upcoming 

Adult 

Educational 

Events 

Tea & Torah 

Sunday, December 3rd 

9:45am - 10:45am 

Book Discussion: “Israel” 


9:45am - 10:45am 


Brian Folus 

Dear Congregants, 

We have a few exciting events coming up and I sincerely hope you will join us. 

Starting on December 10, Rabbi Meeka is planning to begin a new class “Tea & 

Torah” This will be held on Sundays from 9:45-10:45am in the Temple Library. 

This will be a very informative and interactive Torah Study class. The class is 

free, but Rabbi is asking people to register. A link is on the calendar. 

On January 20, at 10:00 we will have our next Book Discussion, hosted by 

Denise Gordon. Our January book is Israel- A Simple Guide to the Most 

Misunderstood Country on Earth by Israeli American Noa Tishby. A “fascinating 

and very moving” (Aaron Sorkin, award-winning screenwriter of The West Wing 

and The Social Network) chronological timeline spanning from Biblical times to 

today that explores one of the most interesting countries in the world—Israel. 

We think this is a very timely selection and we encourage you to checkout this 

book and read and discuss it with us. 

“This is not your Bubbie’s history book” (Bill Maher, host of Real Time with Bill 

Maher). Instead, offering a fresh, 360-degree view, Tishby brings her “passion, 

humor, and deep intimacy” (Yossi Klein Halevi, New York Times bestselling 

author of Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor) to the subject, creating an 

accessible and dynamic portrait of a tiny country of outsized relevance. 

Through bite-sized chunks of history and deeply personal stories, Tishby 

chronicles her homeland’s evolution, beginning in Biblical times and moving 

forward to cover everything from WWI to Israel’s creation to the disputes 

dividing the country today. Tackling popular misconceptions with an 

abundance of facts, Tishby provides critical context around headlinegenerating 

controversies and offers a clear, intimate account of the richly 

cultured country of Israel.” 




Continued 

On Tuesday, February 13 at Noon we will have our next Lunch & Learn. Our presenters will be Rabbi 

Meeka and a representative from Sol Levinson & Sons. Our topic is Philosophy & Rituals about Jewish 

Death and Dying. Although a hard topic to face, we believe that this will be a worthwhile discussion 

for everyone. Please see the calendar for the Zoom link. 

Musical events in our County 

On Saturday, December 2 the Susquehanna Symphony Orchestra will present its Jazzy Holiday 

Spirit Concert. This concert features The Duke Ellington “Nutcracker Suite” and “A Taste of 

Chanukah” a medley arranged by yours truly. 

On Sunday, December 10 at 3:00pm the Bel Air Community Band will present their Winter Concert. 

The BACB is under the direction of Mr. Richard Hauf. This concert is held at Bel Air High School, no 

tickets are needed for this concert. 

We truly hope you will join us for these upcoming events and send us suggestions and request for 

topics or movies or programs you would like the Adult Ed. Committee to provide for you. As always 

feel free to sit in on a meeting, just click on the link in the Calendar. 

Looking forward to hearing from you! 

Shalom, 

Brian Folus 

Adult Ed. Chair 



Sisterhood News 

Deborah Temple 

Hanukkah begins on December 7th, “Look at how a single candle can both 

defy and define the darkness” (Anne Frank). 

In Harford County, 17,400 people are living below the poverty line, less than 

$1132.50 per month. As we light our Hanukkah candles this year, I encourage 

you to join me in sharing the blessings of our lives and giving generously to 

those doing without. If you are able to help with donations of food, clothing, 

holiday gifts, cleaning supplies, or even pet food and bedding, there is a 

local charity who needs you (of course, everyone takes money, too). Please 

feel free to reach out to me at Sisterhood@TempleAdasShalom.org if you 

need help matching with the right charity for you. 

Sisterhood 

Events 

All our Sisterhood dates are 

posted on the Temple Calendar 

and appear in bright pink. 

Gift Shop Open 

Sunday, November 5th 

9:00am - 12:00pm 

Sisterhood Hanukkah Party 


1:00pm - 3:00pm 

And now back to our previously scheduled TAS Sisterhood newsletter… 

We continue to grow in membership, commitments, and new ideas while 

still enjoying our rich history. With all of the changes we’ve had, our 

calendar has been a bit wonky. 

Our current schedule through March: 

January 

9th Sisterhood Board Meeting 

21st Monthly Mahjong 

February 

3rd Our annual Chic Flic – come celebrate Frida Kahlo’s art, life, and 

culture! 

12th Purim Project begins 

March 

9th Women's Event TAS 

13th Purim packaging. Call Pat or Marcia to volunteer. 

17th – 22nd Purim Package pickup 

TAS Sisterhood membership is open to all women committed to our 

mission so whether you are Jewish or love someone who is Jewish, please 

join us. 

Happy Holidays to all! 

Shalom, 

Deborah Temple 

Sisterhood President 



Safety & Security 

Pat Wolkow 

Security Team News 

Please be safe everyone! Remember your “Situational Training” that 

we had a while back, to use whenever you are out and about. WHAT 

you forgot it!… Didn’t get in on that one? We can refresh it for you and 

also partake in other beneficial opportunities. PLEASE email our Team 

if interested and share what training you would like! 

security@templeadasshalom.org 

SEE SOMETHING? 

SAY SOMETHING! 

SO, WE CAN DO 

SOMETHING! 


First Aid 

CPR 

Stop the Bleed 

Active Shooter 

Suspicious Activity Reporting 

We have planned a Winter Training Event. See flyer in this newsletter. 

Help Wanted: We would like to write for a new Security grant. Looking 

for a good technical writer to help us out. Contact Pat Wolkow if 

interested. 

If you see something …Say something! 


-Pat Wolkow 



Staff Member Spotlight 

About your Administrator 

By DeNae Harmon 

In my 30 years of living, I have worked for 14 companies in 25 different positions, and that 

doesn’t include my volunteer work. I have been here at Temple Adas Shalom for the last two 

and a half of those years and added two new position titles as ELC Director and now 

Administrator. I now have my first office that was only for me. As someone fairly young and 

not degreed, it has taken me an immense amount of hard work to reach the position that I 

am in now and prove that I am capable. My work means a 

great deal to me, and I have spent a great many hours of my 

life devoted to it, often working multiple jobs at a time 

(even now). That said, I certainly keep busy in my personal life 

as well. 

Outside of the office, I spend a great deal of time with my 

family. In my own home I have my husband, Jeffery, our 

daughter, Evelyn, a dog and two cats. Over the years we have 

done countless sports and activities and taken in both animals 

and humans alike that needed a place to live. We often play 

video games, watch anime, and enjoy day trips to the mall and 

the movies whenever we can. I was raised very 

unconventionally and truly by a village, leaving me with 8 

siblings and more than one set of parents. Between 

those siblings, my husband’s 4, and close friends I have 

amassed 8 nephews and 2 nieces so far. I was raised with 

6 sets of grandparents and still am lucky enough to have many 

of them in my adult life. I get together with many of these 

family members for game nights and activities regularly and 

maintain many close relationships. 

In my limited free time, I have several groups of friends 

with whom I have regular girls’ nights and events. When 

I’m not with them I am likely reading a book 

(or listening to one) or taking a nap. I enjoy the arts - especially 

plays, music, museums, and creating both written and 

visual art. With my busy schedule, though, it is not often I am 

able to partake of those particular joys. Those are the 

highlights, but if ever you would like to chat more about me, or 

what’s going on with you or at the Temple, I am only a phone 

call away. 



Temple Adas Shalom’s December 2023 Calendar of Events

TAS Enrollment Code: C8WI7XN6IQBW

October 2023 – Donors 

BUILDING FUND (L'dor V'dor) 

Ann & Brad Cogan 

Richard & Roberta Foard 

Charna & Rob Kinneberg (L’dor V’dor) 

David & Rayna Richardson (L’dor V’dor) 

Brian & Jill Davis (L’dor V’dor) 

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund 

Fred & Roslyn Belkin 

Linda & Stuart Needel 

Henry Walters 

Henry Shrem 

David & Rayna Richardson 

Arlene Bello 

HIGH HOLIDAY DONATIONS 

Fred & Karen Edeson 

David Brown & Carol H. Mohr 

Naomi Walton 

HJC GENERAL FUND 

Michael Feinberg 

Janice Grant & Woodrow Grant Jr. 

Herb Abrams & Terry Weiner - In memory of Sue Rudick 

Lynn Brody Slome 

Mark & Patricia Wolkow - For the marriage of Valerie Shapiro 

to Liam Norfleet 

Kehillah MAGNET RS Fund 

Jayne Klein - In memory of Sue Rudick 

Niall & Sarah O’Donnell 

Ashira & Ashiq Quabili 



Anita Rosenzweig 

Barbara Chancey 

Daniel Hurst 

Elise Schipper 

Fred Belkin 

Mi Sheberakh * We Pray for Healing 

Gerri Bronk 

Harvey Malin 

Heather Mullis 

Maddox Langbein 

Marcy Schirloff 

Marcy Werde 

December 2023 - Yahrzeits Observed 

Nancy Lever 

Natalie Litofsky 

Paula Mathai 

Ray Lee 

Steve Nohowel 

Yetta Belitzky 

Adolph Nord 

Leon “Lee” Greene 

Toby Needel 

Nathan Sachs 

Aaron Baumgarten 

Susan Seidenberg 

Wendy Ann Zion 

Joseph Braverman 

Dr. David Rosenblatt 

Irving Albert Passe 

Sylvia Hoffman 

Gladys Ertwine 

Michael Spring 

Miriam Cogan 

Joseph Laskowski 

Marlene Minkoff 

Lucille Josephs Cohen 

Regina Hassid 

Daniel Schwartz 

David Ford 

Daniel Newman 

Bill Irgang 

Patty Brill 

Howard Levy 

Dr. John D. Rosin 

William Keene 

Barry Gomborov 

Abraham I. Glasser 

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Ann Tash-Porton 

Edward Singer 

Sadie Weintraub 

Jean Theis 

Solomon Getz 

Alice Goode 

Paul Richardson 

Charles Roseman 

Joyce Graff 

Joanne Levine 

Morton Z. Schapiro 

Ruth Vogelhut 

Sarah H. Miller 

Dominic Richard Florio 

Abraham Baker 

Etta Thayer 

Joseph Newman 

Isa Levin 

Paul Pressel 

Beatrice Breitbart 

Harry Samuels 

Frances Bress 

Herman Hurwitz 

Richard Alan Moss 

Julia Silver 

Isadore Carmy 

Jayne Jennings 

Liliane Shapiro 

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Caring Note 

Caring is about both the simchas and healing through support and community. 

Is there a moment you would like to share, privately or publicly? 

We want to be there for you so please let us know. 

Email the Caring Committee at caring@templeadasshalom.org

TAS December Newsletter

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