2024 April Newsletter
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Temple<br />
Adas<br />
Shalom<br />
M O N T H L Y<br />
N E W S L E T T E R<br />
4<br />
5<br />
6-7<br />
8<br />
9<br />
10<br />
12<br />
22<br />
24<br />
President's Message<br />
RPC Message<br />
Kehillah MAGNET<br />
Adult Education<br />
Sisterhood News<br />
Safety & Security<br />
<strong>April</strong> <strong>2024</strong><br />
Calendar of Events<br />
February <strong>2024</strong> -<br />
Donors<br />
Contents<br />
Mi Sheberakh<br />
Recently Passed<br />
<strong>April</strong> <strong>2024</strong> Yahrzeits<br />
Observed<br />
A P R I L 2 0 2 4 | 2 2 N D O F A D A R I I 5 7 8 4 - 2 2 N D O F N I S A N 5 7 8 4<br />
Rabbi Meeka’s Musings<br />
Shalom TAS’s Mishpacha משפחה (Family)<br />
The holiday of Passover has four different names in Hebrew, but in this article, I will<br />
mainly focus on the last one mentioned below.<br />
.חג הפסח Pesach) First and most common name is Chag Ha’Pesach (Pilgrimage Festival of<br />
The word pesach shares a root with the word “lifsoach” ,לפסוח which means to “skip,” or<br />
“pass over”. In connotation with the Holiday, as was written in the Torah, God “Passed Over”<br />
all homes on which the doorpost was marked during the last and most painful plague God<br />
inflicted on the Egyptians: Death of the First Born.<br />
.חג המצות Matzahs) Another popular name for this holiday is Chag Ha’matzot (Festival of<br />
Matzah מצה is the unleavened bread our ancestors prepared as they rushed out to escape<br />
the tyrannical King Pharoah. Matzah is considered both the bread of freedom, as well as<br />
the bread of poverty.<br />
Passover, a Holiday of Freedom: Set Our Captives Free!<br />
Another, lighter in nature and more environmentally connected title for this holiday is<br />
Chag Ha’aviv (Festival of Spring) חג האביב The Torah links Pesach with the season of<br />
spring, which is when Passover is celebrated in the land of Israel. The awakening of earth<br />
after winter’s hibernation is nature’s indication that “life” overcomes “death.” Spring is<br />
nature’s equivalence to redemption and celebration of life.<br />
But the one name I will dedicate this article to is Chag Ha’cheirut (Season of our Freedom),<br />
The narrative about Israel’s yetziat Mitzrayim (leaving Egypt, Mitzrayim which is .חג החירות<br />
a narrow, constrictive place) is the cornerstone of Judaism. Yetziat Mitzrayim is at the core<br />
of Jewish ritual, observance, ethics, and spirituality.<br />
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<br />
410-939-3170 | ADMIN@TEMPLEADASSHALOM.ORG
Rabbi Meeka's Musings<br />
Continued<br />
The Torah says: “In each generation every person is to feel as though he or she personally came out of Egypt<br />
(Deuteronomy 16:14). And to that, Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav, (18th century Chasidic leader) said: “The Exodus from<br />
Egypt occurs in every human being, in every era, in every year, and even every day.”<br />
Passover is a holiday when we are encouraged to ask, and answer questions around our Seder tables (like the Ma<br />
Nishtana that we sing every year when we read through the Haggadah).<br />
And these are my own questions for this season:<br />
When we say "we are God's chosen people" - what exactly do we mean by that? God chose us for what, to be the<br />
Moving Target for every terrorist organization on the face of this earth? Being hated by people I have never even<br />
heard of like the Houthis from Yemen?!<br />
My personal pain is obvious. As Rabbi Levi Kalman wrote: "I am so angry with Hamas for making my heart harden."<br />
And as for me, Rabbi Meeka, the "I should know and think better" is looming over my own head like a sword.<br />
I really believed in a world where Palestinians and Israelis can live side by side, help each other grow and prosper in a<br />
Two-State solution. I REALLY wanted to believe it was possible in my lifetime. And now I am not sure anymore. And I<br />
am angry. Angry at a handful of radicals (on both sides) who have been wrecking this dream for all of us.<br />
The great Black American author Maya Angelou was quoted saying: “The truth is, no one of us can be free until<br />
everybody is free.” And Chag Ha'Cheirut, our holiday of Freedom is coming soon, and our hostages are not yet free.<br />
How can we celebrate The Holiday of Freedom, when so many of our People, cannot?<br />
What will it be like for those beat-down families to have a Passover Seder without their loved ones, whose fate is<br />
unknown as I am writing these lines?<br />
Are they alive? Are they dead? Are they suffering? Are they in pain?<br />
And based on our tradition of asking the Four Questions, here are my own Four Questions, all addressed to God:<br />
1) God - Where are You?<br />
2) God - Please let us know: Where are our Hostages?<br />
3) God - Where is the rest of the world right now, when our hostages, and their families need every bit of help and<br />
support?<br />
4) God - Will You please send some sort of a Siman (sign) to our Hostages, and their families?<br />
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<br />
410-939-3170 | ADMIN@TEMPLEADASSHALOM.ORG
Rabbi Meeka's Musings<br />
Continued<br />
This was written with pain and despair. Because the Holiday of Passover is supposed to be a celebration of freedom. Yet our<br />
captives are not yet free. Therefore, this year, I will add my disk to the Seder Plate, and I will invite you all to do the same: add<br />
that disk which declares in both languages: Ha’lev shelanu sha’vui be’Azah (Our heart is captive in Gaza), Bring Them<br />
.הלב שלנו שבוי בעזה Home Now<br />
This year, let us not forget about our own.<br />
With a broken heart, Rabbi Meeka<br />
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<br />
410-939-3170 | ADMIN@TEMPLEADASSHALOM.ORG
President's Message<br />
Mark Wolkow<br />
Best Purim Ever!<br />
And if not the best, for sure in the top 5. Rabbi Meeka led off with an inspiring Megillah reading,<br />
getting students and parents revved up with loud “Haaaamaaans”, and chanting at speeds at, or<br />
maybe even faster, than our all time speed-demon, the venerable Sig Gast (z”l).<br />
The sanctuary was packed as we went from the Megillah to the choir’s Purim Schpiel, which<br />
featured melodies from Fiddler on the Roof. Originally written by Stu Needel the cleverly written<br />
schpiel featured wonderful singing, comical acting, and appeal for both adults and children.<br />
Directly following the schpiel was our Purim Carnival. Sarah O’Donnell and her staff and students<br />
put on a great event, which was very well attended. The parking lot looked like it might have<br />
been Yom Kippur! This year featured brand new games for the children, thanks to funds made<br />
available from the Stanley Getz bequest. It was a great success for kids of all ages, and the<br />
Religious School earned over $500.<br />
Finally, the Sisterhood Purim Basket fundraiser was very successful, with great participation and<br />
very tasty hamantaschen and rugulah.<br />
Thanks to everyone who made this a great holiday!<br />
<strong>April</strong> Service Multi<br />
Access Information<br />
and Links<br />
Please note that streaming will be<br />
done via YouTube.<br />
YouTube links for all of our services<br />
can be found on our calendar. No<br />
passcodes are required. Past and<br />
present services and other events<br />
can also be found on our YouTube<br />
channel.<br />
Friday, <strong>April</strong> 5th<br />
Shabbat Evening Service<br />
Live Streaming starts at 6:45pm-<br />
7:00pm<br />
In-Person service starts at 7:00pm<br />
Friday, <strong>April</strong> 12th<br />
Scout Shabbat Torah Service<br />
Live Streaming starts at 6:45pm-<br />
7:00pm<br />
In-Person service starts at 7:00pm<br />
Friday, <strong>April</strong> 19th<br />
Family Shabbat<br />
Live Streaming starts at 6:00pm-<br />
6:15pm<br />
In-Person service starts at 6:15pm<br />
Friday, <strong>April</strong> 26th<br />
Shabbat Evening Service<br />
Live Streaming starts at 6:45pm-<br />
7:00pm<br />
In-Person service starts at 7:00pm<br />
Shalom,<br />
Mark Wolkow<br />
YOUTUBE LINK FOR<br />
SERVICES<br />
https://www.youtube.com/@<br />
templeadasshalom/streams<br />
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<br />
410-939-3170 | ADMIN@TEMPLEADASSHALOM.ORG
RPC Message<br />
Melissa Immel & Mike Mullis<br />
Happy Spring From The Religious Practices Committee!<br />
Spring is upon us! The time change and march toward summer brings longer<br />
sunshine and the blooming of our flora and fauna! And much like the bloom in<br />
Springtime, Temple Adas Shalom continues to bloom as well with an entire<br />
month of wonderful and spiritual Services and activities, and that's no <strong>April</strong><br />
Fools!<br />
On Saturday, <strong>April</strong> 6th in the evening, join Deb Temple at her home for a<br />
Regional Havdallah.<br />
Friday, <strong>April</strong> 12th we honor our local Boy/Girl Scouts of America with a Scout<br />
Shabbat. This Shabbat will include Scouts from Temple Adas Shalom as well<br />
as Troops and Packs from around the county. If your child is a Scout and<br />
would like to participate in the service, please reach out to Mike Mullis at<br />
musicdirector@templeadasshalom.org!<br />
Friday, <strong>April</strong> 19th is a Family Shabbat Service, which will include our<br />
Religious School Grades 7-9. This service begins at 6:15, and is always a<br />
wonderful chance for our Temple Yeladim to shine!<br />
Tuesday, <strong>April</strong> 23rd is our yearly Pesach Second Night Seder, led by Rabbi<br />
Meeka Simerly! More information will be on the Temple Adas Shalom<br />
Website Calendar. Sign up and be part of a wonderful tradition here at<br />
Temple Adas Shalom!<br />
Thursday, <strong>April</strong> 25th is our Monthly RPC Meeting, preceded by Yizkor.<br />
Would you like to make a difference here at Temple? Join the RPC and help<br />
shape the future of our growing Synagogue!<br />
There is something for everyone here at Temple Adas Shalom! Happy Spring!<br />
B'Shalom,<br />
Melissa Immel & Mike Mullis, RPC Co-Chairs<br />
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<br />
410-939-3170 | ADMIN@TEMPLEADASSHALOM.ORG
Kehillah MAGNET<br />
Sarah O’Donnell & Joel Yoffee<br />
Shalom Temple Adas Shalom Community!<br />
Kehillah MAGNET is already gearing up for our <strong>2024</strong>-<br />
2025 school year! If you know of families with<br />
children in Grades Pre-K through ten who want<br />
their children to learn about their Jewish culture,<br />
history, and traditions, please send them our way!<br />
Our Early Bird Registration is currently up and<br />
running until May 19, <strong>2024</strong>. Sign up today!<br />
We are currently looking to expand the number of<br />
educators that we have on staff, as well as move to<br />
an individualized model of teaching Mid-Week<br />
Hebrew. If you are interested in learning more about<br />
teaching or tutoring for the <strong>2024</strong>-2025 school year,<br />
please email Sarah O’Donnell at<br />
principal@templeadasshalom.org today!<br />
Purim Carnival <strong>2024</strong>: Thank you to everyone who helped to organize, run,<br />
and come to our Purim Carnival. It was a BLAST!<br />
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<br />
410-939-3170 | ADMIN@TEMPLEADASSHALOM.ORG
Kehillah MAGNET<br />
Continued<br />
Passover is coming!<br />
Please reach out to Sarah if you would like to<br />
volunteer your time or help to prepare food for the<br />
Religious School’s Mock Seder on Sunday, <strong>April</strong> 14th.<br />
REGULAR PROGRAMMING:<br />
TOT SHIRA: Each month during the school year Kehillah s MAGNET welcomes<br />
families with children ages 5 and under to attend the Pre-K/K music class at<br />
our religious school. “Tot Shira” is a wonderful way to introduce little ones to<br />
our dedicated teachers and fantastic students. Our next Tot Shira of the year<br />
will be on Sunday, <strong>April</strong> 7, <strong>2024</strong>.<br />
FAMILY SHABBAT SERVICE<br />
Each month during the school<br />
year Kehillah s MAGNET<br />
welcomes families with<br />
children ages 5 and under to<br />
attend the Pre-K/K music class<br />
at our religious school. “Tot<br />
Shira” is a wonderful way to<br />
introduce little ones to our<br />
dedicated teachers and<br />
fantastic students. Our next<br />
Tot Shira of the year will be on<br />
Sunday, <strong>April</strong> 7, <strong>2024</strong>.<br />
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<br />
410-939-3170 | ADMIN@TEMPLEADASSHALOM.ORG
Upcoming<br />
Adult<br />
Educational<br />
Events<br />
Adult Ed. Movie Night<br />
Saturday, <strong>April</strong> 20th<br />
7:00pm - 9:00pm<br />
Adult Ed. Book Discussion<br />
Saturday, May 11th<br />
10:00am to 11:30am<br />
Adult Education<br />
Brian Folus<br />
Dear Congregants,<br />
On <strong>April</strong> 20 we are looking to show the Movie “Golda” in person at the Temple. Please see the<br />
calendar and Weekly Bulletin for more info.<br />
On May 11 at 10:00am, we will be having on Zoom our next Book Discussion. We are reading the<br />
book “The Red Tent” by Anita Diamant.<br />
In this modern classic interpretation of the biblical story of Dinah, Anita Diamant imagines<br />
the traditions and turmoil's of ancient womanhood--the world of The Red Tent, a New York<br />
Times bestseller and the basis of the A&E/Lifetime mini-series. In the Bible, Dinah's life is only<br />
hinted at in a brief and violent detour within the more familiar chapters of the Book of Genesis<br />
that tell of her father, Jacob, and his twelve sons. The Red Tent begins with the story of the<br />
mothers--Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah--the four wives of Jacob. They love Dinah and give<br />
her gifts that sustain her through childhood, a calling to midwifery, and a new home in a<br />
foreign land. Dinah's story reaches out from a remarkable period of early history and creates<br />
an intimate connection with the past. Deeply affecting, The Red Tent combines rich storytelling<br />
and the valuable achievement of presenting a new view of biblical women's lives.<br />
On March 10 we had a wonderful presentation “The Wonders of Gilchrist”. This was a great<br />
opportunity to learn more about Gilchrist’s services. If you missed this in-person presentation,<br />
please see the Power-point on the Adult Ed page.<br />
Rabbi Meeka is continuing her new class “Tea & Torah” This is being held in the Temple Library.<br />
This is a very informative and interactive Torah Study class. The class is free, but Rabbi is asking<br />
people to register. A link is on the calendar. Even if you missed the first class feel free to register<br />
and join the class.<br />
<strong>2024</strong><br />
Apr 7 10:00-11:00 Apr 28 10:00 - 11:00<br />
Apr 21 10:00-11:00 May 5 10:00 - 11:00<br />
May 19 9:30-10:30<br />
We truly hope you will join us for these upcoming events and send us suggestions and request<br />
for topics or movies or programs you would like the Adult Ed. Committee to provide for you.<br />
As always feel free to sit in on a meeting, just click on the link in the Calendar.<br />
Looking forward to hearing from you!<br />
Shalom,<br />
Brian Folus<br />
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<br />
410-939-3170 | ADMIN@TEMPLEADASSHALOM.ORG
Sisterhood News<br />
Deborah Temple<br />
Shalom Friends,<br />
Our International Women’s Month Brunch was held last month. Many thanks to those who<br />
planned it, to those who attended it, and to those who donated items for Tabitha’s House<br />
and SARC. The food was wonderful, the presentations were fascinating, and the offerings<br />
were informative. Our event chairs transported an entire carload of donations to Tabitha’s<br />
House, and a second carload to SARC. Way to go team!<br />
Sisterhood<br />
Events<br />
All our Sisterhood dates are<br />
posted on the Temple Calendar<br />
and appear in bright pink.<br />
Sisterhood Havdalah<br />
Saturday, <strong>April</strong> 6th<br />
5:30pm - 7:30pm<br />
General Membership Meeting<br />
Saturday, <strong>April</strong> 13th<br />
5:00pm - 8:00pm<br />
General Membership Meeting & Officer Elections<br />
With only two months left in the Sisterhood’s annual calendar, we are preparing for our<br />
<strong>2024</strong>-2025 impact on Temple Adas Shalom and the community. Please join us on Saturday,<br />
<strong>April</strong> 13th when we hold our General Membership Meeting & Officer Elections. While that<br />
may sound dry, we promise it will be fun, delicious, and eventful. There will be no resting on<br />
our laurels at this interactive meeting where you will help guide our activities and<br />
community commitments for the upcoming year.<br />
We will be providing a light dinner and drinks. Please bring along your favorite Passover<br />
(dairy) appetizer or dessert to share and send the recipe to<br />
sisterhood@templeadasshalom.org. We will compile the recipes to share with members;<br />
this will ensure that everyone’s holiday table has something new. Please tell us that you will<br />
join us and submit your recipes by <strong>April</strong> 9th.<br />
We will close out our evening with Julie Sang’s introduction to Tangle Art. This relaxing and<br />
meditative art therapy requires no previous art experience. It is all about relaxing and<br />
refocusing. It will be a soothing and meditative activity for those who wish to partake.<br />
Upcoming Events<br />
May 11th - Mark your calendars now for the TAS Sisterhood Havdalah! Everyone is welcome to<br />
this beautiful service when we mark the end of Shabbat and usher in a good week.<br />
June 2nd – Hold this date for our Sisterhood End of Year Event. We will unveil this fun<br />
afternoon at the General Membership Meeting!<br />
Wishing each of you a happy, healthy, and meaningful Passover,<br />
TAS Sisterhood Board<br />
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<br />
410-939-3170 | ADMIN@TEMPLEADASSHALOM.ORG
Safety & Security<br />
Pat Wolkow<br />
ALERT<br />
Admin as well as other key players have created an “Event” form<br />
that must be completed and submitted for any future events.<br />
It helps the event organizer to address many checkpoints that might<br />
be overlooked . It helps to accurately plan for security, update<br />
calendar, and arrange postings in the newsletter and more.<br />
CLICK HERE TO<br />
CHECK OUT THE<br />
NEW EVENT FORM!<br />
If you already have an event on the calendar, it might be<br />
advantageous to review the form and submit for both you the<br />
organizer, admin, and Security, to double check that all is lined up!<br />
Also, if any changes in your event happen between form submissions<br />
and the actual event day, they should be reported to admin and<br />
security.<br />
In other news: Your Security Team hopes to secure one more grant to<br />
help us with a few more items to help keep us safe. If you have<br />
noticed anything that might need our attention, or be helpful, give us<br />
a shout!<br />
Thankfully, all has been peaceful at our Temple Campus!<br />
If you see something …Say something!<br />
security@templeadasshalom.org<br />
-Pat Wolkow<br />
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<br />
410-939-3170 | ADMIN@TEMPLEADASSHALOM.ORG
Temple Adas Shalom’s <strong>April</strong> <strong>2024</strong> Calendar of Events
February <strong>2024</strong> – Donors<br />
BUILDING FUND (L'dor V'dor)<br />
Rob & Charna Kinneberg (L’dor V’dor)<br />
Rayna & David Richardson (L’dor V’dor)<br />
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund<br />
H Carol Mohr & David Brown - In memory of Hilda Mohr<br />
Eric Griesinger - In memory of Hilda Mohr<br />
HJC General Fund<br />
Richard & Rhonda August<br />
Denise & Arthur Gordon - In memory of Elaine & Jonny Graff<br />
Henry Hoffman<br />
Mark & Patricia Wolkow - In memory of Jim Baker & Marsha Robinson<br />
Randi & Frank Chancey<br />
Debbie Delaney<br />
Elise & Michael Woods<br />
Art Elsner<br />
RELIGIOUS PRATICE DONATION<br />
ELC Donation & Kehillah MAGNET RS Fund<br />
Denise & Arthur Gordon - (ELC Donation) In memory of “Jim” Baker Jr.<br />
Burt & Gerri Bronk - (Kehillah MAGNET RS FUND)<br />
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<br />
410-939-3170 | ADMIN@TEMPLEADASSHALOM.ORG
February <strong>2024</strong> – Donors<br />
ONEG Fund / Garden Fund/MT’filah Siddur Fund<br />
Eric Griesinger (ONEG)<br />
Jean & Jessica Piwovar (Garden Fund)<br />
Denise & Arthur Gordon (MT’filah Siddur Fund) In memory of<br />
Shelley Feinman<br />
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<br />
410-939-3170 | ADMIN@TEMPLEADASSHALOM.ORG
Mi Sheberakh * We Pray for Healing<br />
Amelia Parsons<br />
Anita Rosenzweig<br />
Burt Bronk<br />
Fred Belkin<br />
Harvey Malin<br />
Heather Mullis<br />
Justin Orellana Garcia<br />
Nancy Lever<br />
Natalie Litofsky<br />
Orin Zwik<br />
Shari Morris<br />
Steve Nohowel<br />
<strong>April</strong> <strong>2024</strong> - Yahrzeits Observed<br />
Lester Arotsky<br />
1st<br />
Harry Belkin<br />
19th<br />
Frederick Goldstein<br />
3rd<br />
Patricia Pollack<br />
19th<br />
Samuel Zipkin<br />
4th<br />
Sheila Fang<br />
19th<br />
Stanley Cohen<br />
4th<br />
Harriet Appel<br />
20th<br />
Sidney Calvin<br />
6th<br />
Howard Litofsky<br />
20th<br />
Joanne Hurtwitz<br />
9th<br />
Charles Bunkin<br />
21st<br />
Michael Schneck<br />
9th<br />
Edwin Starr<br />
21st<br />
Dr. Joseph Portnoy<br />
12th<br />
Eve Snyder<br />
21st<br />
Sidney Hoffman<br />
12th<br />
Mark Paster<br />
21st<br />
Eva Sirkis<br />
12th<br />
Wally Lyons<br />
21st<br />
Morton Getz<br />
14th<br />
Abraham Singer<br />
22nd<br />
Jules Counts<br />
14th<br />
Charles Immel<br />
23rd<br />
Harry Shuman<br />
15th<br />
Minnie Roseman<br />
23rd<br />
Isaac Korenfeld<br />
16th<br />
Irv Altman<br />
24th<br />
Judy Malin<br />
16th<br />
Gertrude Selby<br />
26th<br />
Sam Arotsky<br />
16th<br />
Rose Goodman<br />
26th<br />
Daniel McConnell<br />
16th<br />
Bess Belkin<br />
27th<br />
Abraham Vogelhut<br />
17th<br />
David Pollack<br />
27th<br />
Barbara Latman<br />
18th<br />
Joseph Snyderman<br />
27th<br />
Benson Sacks<br />
18th<br />
Lena ipman<br />
27th<br />
Ethel Starr<br />
18th<br />
Amalie Diamant<br />
28th<br />
Thomas Merriken<br />
18th<br />
Paul Lynch Sr.<br />
28th<br />
Walter Miller<br />
18th<br />
Raymond Paster<br />
29th<br />
Gladys Krongel<br />
19th<br />
Stanford Folus<br />
29th<br />
Caring Note<br />
Caring is about both the simchas and healing through support and community.<br />
Is there a moment you would like to share, privately or publicly?<br />
We want to be there for you so please let us know.<br />
Email the Caring Committee at caring@templeadasshalom.org<br />
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<br />
410-939-3170 | ADMIN@TEMPLEADASSHALOM.ORG