BOARD MEETING
TUESDAY, March 10, 7:30 pm
For board members only
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Kol HaChadoshot
"What's news and 'nu' in the Beth David community" |
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Not From The Rabbi (really!)* /
Happy Purim
Things We Learned in Hebrew School:
1. The High Holidays have absolutely nothing to do with marijuana.
2. Where there's smoke, there may be salmon.
3. No meal is complete without leftovers.
4. Anything worth saying is worth repeating a thousand times.
5. Never take a front row seat at a Bris.
6. Next year in Jerusalem. The year after that, how about a nice cruise?
7. Never leave a restaurant empty handed.
8. Spring ahead; fall back; winters in Boca.
9. Always whisper the names of diseases.
10. If you have to ask the price, you can't afford it. If you can afford it, make sure to tell everybody what you paid.
11. Laugh now, but one day you'll be driving a Lexus and eating dinner at 4:00 PM in Florida.
Signs on Synagogue Bulletin Boards:
- Under the same management for over 5,775 years.
- Don't give up. Moses was once a basket case.
- What part of "Thou shalt not" don't you understand?
Ya Gotta Be Jewish:
- It was mealtime during a flight on El Al."Would you like dinner?" the flight attendant asked Moshe, seated in front. "What are my choices? "Moshe asked. "Yes or no," she replied.
- An elderly Jewish man is knocked down by a car and is brought to the local hospital. A pretty nurse tucks him into bed and says, "Mr. Gevarter, are you comfortable?" Gevarter replies, "I make a living...."
- A rabbi was opening his mail one morning. Taking a single sheet of paper from an envelope he found written on it only one word: "Fool." At the next Friday night service, the Rabbi announced, "I have known many people who have written letters and forgot to sign their names, but this week I received a letter from someone who signed his name...and forgot to write a letter."
- Three Jewish women get together for lunch. As they are being seated in the restaurant, one takes a deep breath and gives a long, slow "oy." The second takes a deep breath as well and lets out a long, slow "oy." The third takes a deep breath and says impatiently, "Girls, I thought we agreed that we weren't going to talk about our children."
* Thank you to the members who provided the material for this month's column.
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PURIM IS COMING!
- Wednesday, March 4, from sunrise to sundown is a fast day, the Fast of Esther. The fast begins at 5:32am, and ends at 6:19pm.
- Megillah reading will be on Wednesday night, March 4 at 6:15pm. If you own your own megillah, bring it to services and follow along from it.
- There will be three separate readings of Megillat Esther on Wednesday night, all starting at 6:15pm - a "quiet" reading in the Library, a "traditional" reading in the Sanctuary, and a "women's" reading in the Chapel.
- Unlike most positive commandments bound by time, from which women are usually exempt, all of the mitzvot of Purim apply with equal incumbency upon men and women.
- The mitzvah of hearing a reading of the megillah continues on Thursday morning. There will be two Thursday morning readings. The first will be at 7:05am, as part of the regular morning Tefilot. Morning Tefilot will begin at 6:30am. The second reading will be at 8:45am. Both readings will be in the Chapel.
- There will be a Thursday afternoon reading of the Megillah that will convene in the Library. This reading will begin promptly at 3:45pm; and an informal "Purim Seudah" built around pizza might be shared by some of the people attending this reading. For Seudah information, please call Rabbi Adler.
- The Beth David party on Wednesday night is a gala event, the biggest (and loudest) Purim celebration in town, maybe even the state. Have you thought about your costume yet? Please see below for details about this year's event.
- Purim is celebrated through mitzvot that affirm our sense of community. No one should be left out.
- Matanot L'evyonim are charitable contributions that bring the holiday spirit to those less fortunate. Funds collected at Beth David will be distributed in the holy city of Jerusalem, through the assistance of the Od Yosef Chai organization. Donations may be made through Rabbi Adler's charity fund between now and Purim.
- Shelach Manot are gift baskets of tasty and sweet food treats that we give to neighbors and friends. These are ideally distributed on Purim day. (As you create your list of recipients, please consider those people you know whose names might not appear on anyone else's list. A little thoughtfulness goes a long way.) Also, consider supporting the Shelach Manot fundraising projects of our local Jewish day schools.
- Purim dinner (Thursday evening, March 5) should be marked by a holiday-style meal with fun foods, songs and camaraderie. Don't spend Purim day alone, invite a friend to share it with you.
- The Shabbat immediately before Purim (Saturday,February 28) is called Shabbat Zachor because of a special Torah reading that recalls the infamous desert attack on our ancestors by the Amalekite army. It is a special mitzvah to attend this service.
Purim is a celebration of life, and the victory of good over evil. Please invite your friends to meet you at Beth David and to join in our celebration of Jewish survival.
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REGISTER NOW
Save on Ticket Price by purchasing ahead.
Tickets at door will have a surcharge.
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What Is "National Day of Unplugging"?
Sponsored by an agency called Reboot, the "National Day of Unplugging" is an annual Shabbat dedicated to separating ourselves from technology and reconnecting ourselves with our relatives, friends and community.
Step One is to TURN OFF - and
unplug - cellphones, tablets, laptops and computers.
Step Two is to identify one aspect of your own life where you would like to re-connect. It could be anything - read, rest, walk, spend time with family, spend time with friends, eat better, literally anything!
Step Three is to do it.
The Rebbot "Sabbath Manifesto" has ten steps towards making Shabbat a special day, staring with March 6/7 -
1. Avoid Technology.
2. Connect with loved ones.
3. Nurture your health.
4. Get outside.
5. Avoid commerce.
6. Light candles.
7. Drink wine. (Kiddush)
8. Eat bread (challah).
9. Find silence.
10. Give back.
To add a bit of novelty to this initiative, Reboot has distributed a "sleeping bag" for cell phones. Beth David has a limited number of these bags. Please call Tracy or Rabbi Adler if you would like a sleeping bag for your cell phone.
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Daylight Savings Time Schedule Resumes
Sunday morning, March 8 (or Saturday night before bed), we turn our clocks forward one hour as we welcome DST. Daylight Savings Time brings certain changes to our ongoing schedule of tephillot. Please note the changes -
Weekday Evening Minchah/Maariv - These services will continue to convene about ten minutes before sunset, but sunset will be one hour later.On the week of March 9, Minchah/Maariv will begin at 6:35 pm.
Friday Evening Tephillot - This service will convene primarily at 6:30pm for most of DST. There will be some weeks in April and May when this service might convene a bit later in order to meet the requirement of reciting Maariv at its proper time. Every effort is made to schedule this service in a way so as to not interfere with Shabbat dinner being enjoyed at a timely hour.
Shabbat and Yom Tov Mornings - Effective March 15, Shabbat morning services will begin at 9:30am. The morning will begin with an optional "Beit Medrash" study with Rabbi Adler.
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On the Friday evening of March 13, Beth David will participate with hundreds of congregations from across America in sharing the beauty and warmth of Shabbat (and our shul) with brethren and friends. The model, though, will be different and innovative; and for it to work, we need as many members as possible to share in striving for success. Here is how it will work -
EVERY MEMBER is asked to invite a guest, or guests, to share in your Friday night Shabbat dinner at your home. The meal need not be anything different than your normal Shabbat dinner. We ask only that you share it with guests who are not members, or regular attendees, of Beth David.
WHEN YOU EXTEND YOUR INVITATION, be sure to ask your guest(s) to join you at Beth David, before dinner, for Friday evening services. This service will begin promptly at 6:30pm, and conclude by 7:30pm.
THE SHABBAT TABLE is a special place, often graced with songs and Torah thoughts. If you let Rabbi Adler know that you will be a host for dinner, he will provide you with a small packet of simple ideas to make your Shabbat extra special. NJOP (National Jewish Outreach Program) has online material that will be made available to everyone who hosts guests for dinner.
REMEMBER, WE ARE NOT ALONE. What will be happening at Beth David will be happening in communities across the country. If you have any questions, or seek more information about being a host, please call Rabbi Adler at 860-236-1241, X12; or send an e-mail by CLICKING HERE.
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Shabbat HaGadol / March 28 -
A Break Out Shabbat of Study
Following on the success of our first 'break out' Shabbat (called originally Syna-Plex or Kaleidoscope), we will repeat the model as a way of preparing for Passover. On Shabbat morning, following the conclusion of prayers and before Kiddush, we will all have the opportunity to select from one of three break out groups for targeted study of specific Passover themes. Our groups will be -
- What was the purpose of the Israelites' slavery in Egypt? Facilitated by Galya Greenberg We will study a selection of commentaries from rabbinic through modern sources that deal with this issue from various points of view: Did we/they deserve it? Was it the fault of the Patriarchs? Was it to strengthen faith? Was it punishment or formative? Participants should come ready to grapple with text and big ideas!
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From Creation to De-Creation, facilitated by Heather Fiedler
The 10 plagues have been looked at in every way possible. In this session, we will compare the narrative of creation in B'reishit with the narrative of the destruction brought on by the 10 plagues in Shemot.
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Bar Mitzvah of Leo Gold-March 14
Leo loves being a 7th grade student at Solomon Schechter Day School where his favorite extracurricular activity is Robotics. He is a voracious reader and also loves anything related to computers and technology. Leo has been tap dancing since the age of 3 and has achieved an upper level red belt in Tae Kwon Do (more than half-way to his goal of achieving a black belt). Leo also enjoys chess, riding his bike and hanging out with his brothers. Leo has been studying diligently and is eager to share his big day day with family, friends and the Beth David community. Leo's passion for math and science led him to choose the date of his celebration as 3.14.15 - the ultimate Pi (π) Day of this century!
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Coming in April -
Beth David Community Seder
Saturday Night, April 4 @ 8:00pm
Adults - $36.00
Children under 12 - $30
Family Max - $125
Please call the shul office (860-236-1241) to place your reservations, make reservations by CLICKING HERE.
Catering by Abel Catering of New Haven, co-sponsored by NJOP
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Parsha and Prayer Tuesdays @ 7:00-8:00pm
(Watch calendar for shifting start times)
A study of Torah text coupled with a review of Shabbat prayers. This study can offer something for everyone.
The Weekly Parsha Wednesdays @ 12:00- 1:00 pm This class is a "lunch-n-learn", and no previous text study is required. This group convenes in the library of Beth David Synagogue.
Talmud Sanhedrin, Thursdays @ 12:00-1:00pm This class studies a passage from the Babylonian Talmud, Sanhedrin addresses matters pertaining to the Jewish legal system. The group is hosted by Mr. Harry Weller and meets at the Rocky Hill offices of the Connecticut States Attorney, 300 Corporate Place.
Everyday Holiness Mussar Group - Sunday, February 15, 7:30-8:30pm
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Within The Congregation
Mazel Tov to Zev and Alana Butler on the birth of a baby boy Gavriel Dov.
Mazel Tov to Nathan Cohen and his family Bruce, Naomi and Abby Cohen on Nathan's recent promotion to Electrician's Mate 3/Petty Officer 3rd Class.
Condolences to the family of Henry and Carrie Katz, both of whom passed away within three weeks of each other.
Condolences to David and Jean Federman on the passing of David's father Murray.
Condolences to the family Ruth Kronick.
Condolences to Claire Yaffa on the passing of her husband Louis. Louis and Claire were married 64 years. Louis is survived by Claire, their three children Glenn, Debra and Marsha; and his brother Irving. |
New Fundraising Opportunity
Easy, Easy, Easy
smile.amazon.com
What is AmazonSmile? AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you'll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. You can choose from nearly one million organizations to support. How do I shop at AmazonSmile? To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You may also want to add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile. How do I select a charitable organization to support when shopping on AmazonSmile? On your first visit to AmazonSmile ( smile.amazon.com), you need to select a charitable organization to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. BETH DAVID SYNAGOGUE IS A LISTED OPTION. Amazon will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation. |
Fundraising Opportunities at Beth David
SCRIP-Purchase gift cards to Big Y, Crown, Stop & Shop and Shop Rite. Beth David receives 5% of all sales. This is a great fundraiser because there is no cost involved to Beth David or the scrip purchaser. Simply come to the Beth David office, purchases these cards in multiples of $100; and then use them like cash at the store. Crown gift cards can be reloaded in the store at the cash register.
TREE OF LIFE-Honor yourself or family with a leaf on the Tree of Life. Bronze, silver & gold leaves available. Our "tree" adorns the synagogue lobby, with many leaves ready to be engraved. Call Tracy to negotiate prices.
MEMORIAL PLAQUES-Remember a loved one with a bronze memorial plaque. Each plaque costs $360 and will be illuminared on the anniversary of your loved one's passing as well as all holidays when Yizkor is recited.
BINGO-This is Beth David's largest on-going fundraiser. It supports the majority portion of the Beth David's yearly fundraising goal. Volunteering is an opportunity to meet other shul members and work off your MEP.
Call Tracy in the office with any questions about any of the above fundraising opportunities.
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DONATIONS
RABBI'S DISCRETIONARY FUND:
In Memory of
Avi Lapidus, yahrzeit
Laurence Anne Coe
Harry Kaplan, yahrzeit
Mimi Kaplan
J. Goldenberg, yahrzeit
Minnie Goldenberg
In Honor of
The birth of Michael Orin Schwanke
Leslie and Carl Schwanke
Nicole Sandal's 18th Birthday
Maryam Sandal
KIDDUSH FUND
In Memory of
Mimi Mazal Bitton
Andre and Elena Bitton
Rose Langsam, yahrzeit
Norma Miller, yahrzeit
Ed and Elaine Schwartz
William Singer, yahrzeit
Judy and Fred Singer
Frank Solomon, yahrzeit
Gussie Chase, yahrzeit
Joyce Solomon
Shaya Gershkovich, yahrzeit
Maya Ungar
Avi Lapidus, yahrzeit
Harriet Lapidus, yahrzeit
Rabbi Jay and Susie Lapidus
Leah Eckstein, yahrzeit
Marianna and David Eckstein
Netti Allweiss, yahrzeit
Helga Allweiss
In Honor of
The Shabbaton Weekend
Rachel and Ben Abrams
Rabbi and Leslie Adler
Helga Allweiss
Steve Allen
Barbara Becker and Jonathan Bilmes
Judy and Bruce Brenner
Rabbi and Leah Chatinover
Aliza and Dave Chameides
Fanny and Aaron Cohen
Marianna and David Eckstein
Julia Rosenblum and Len Felson
Martin and Sharon Freilich
Bill Gamzon
Loren and Joel Gelber
Susan and David Gibeley
Sandy and Richard Greenberg
Galya and Jonathan Greenberg
Julie and Abner Gershon
Lexi and Richard Jacobson
Mark Kaye
Bob Kreger
Helen Neumann
Susan and Jon Olson
Barbara Ungar
Bonnie and Joel Wolfe
Robyn and Harry Weller
Ruth Yancovich
Beverly Lebetkin on her Birthday
Donna Wolf and Tony Capitao
Jonah Gershon on his Bar Mitzvah
The Gershon Family
Beth David
Abraham Anavim
CHESED FUND
In Memory of
Henry and Carrie Katz
Irv and Selma Schein
Joan and Harold Kadish
Barbara Ungar
Carrie Katz
Leo and Lorraine Pinsky
Ruth Kronick
Irv and Selma Schein
Anna Leah Michelson, yahrzeit
Robert Kreger
Marilyn Wolfe, yahrzeit
Joel and Bonnie Wolfe
Ruth Epstein, yahrzeit
Harriet and Barry Goldsher
Joseph Greenstein, yahrzeit
Leslie Phyllis, yahrzeit
Ruthe Greenstein
Avi Lapidus, yahrzeit
Barbara Ungar
In Honor of
The birth of a baby boy to Chris and Alana Butler
Elissa and Jonathan Freeman
The Engagement of Elayna Weller to Mark Kaye
Harriet and Barry Goldsher
GENERAL FUND
In memory of
Anna Moyer, yahrzeit
Albert Moyer
Morris Feldman, yahrzeit
Gertrude and Dorothy Feldman
Ethel Kowal, yahrzeit
Martin and Sharon Freilich
Yosef Zingman, yahrzeit
Zisul Zingman, yahrzeit
Israel Zingman, yahrzeit
Gisha Zingman, yahrzeit
Sarah Leah Zingman, yahrzeit
Igor Zingman
Anna Kreger, yahrzeit
Robert Kreger
Hedwig Grunebaum
Edna Adler
In Honor of
Rabbi Adler
Lisa Rubin Siegel
Jonah Gershon on his Bar Mitzvah
Mary Todd
Jack Shuman Fund
In Memory of
Loved one of the Sheldon Schwartz Family
Arnold Shuman
Miriam Cohen Memorial Fund
In Memory of
Mendel Sicklick, yahrzeit
Isaac Milkowitz, yahrzeit
Beatrice Cohn Levy
Sylvia Bland Memorial Fund
In Memory of
Joan Segal, yahrzeit
Marge and Bill Glater
Claire, Lew and Glenn Yaffa
Rachel Wise, yahrzeit
Cathy Potiker
Leatrice Etelis
Martin Bland, yahrzeit
Louis Yaffa
Marge and Bill Glater
Irving Kotler, yahrzeit
Ben Starr, yahrzeit
Jack Mann, yahrzeit
Claire and Lew Yaffa
"Todah Rabah" - Thank You for Your Support
We acknowledge our recent contributors and the generosity that has benefitted the mission and the cause of our congregation.
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Happy Birthday
Amy Goldstein
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March 1
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Julia Rosenblum
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March 1
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Nathan Cohen
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March 3
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Maryam Sandal
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March 3
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Barry Goldsher
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March 4
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Lacey Goldsher
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March 4
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Karen Benjamin
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March 6
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Aedan Mitchell
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March 7
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Jonathan Freedman
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March 11
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Liba Lomasky
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March 11
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Ben Gitman
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March 12
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Jacob Saidon
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March 12
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Ellen Stoltz
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March 12
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Julie Koppel
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March 13
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Jonathan Greenberg
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March 15
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Robert Fiedler
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March 15
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Andre Bitton
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March 16
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Atalya Drescher
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March 19
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Brian Lichtenstein
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March 19
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Jerry Benjamin
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March 20
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Eli'el Doron
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March 20
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Abram Melamud
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March 20
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Elaine Schwartz
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March 20
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Shawn Portfolio
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March 20
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Marcia Adler
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March 21
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David Sarota
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March 23
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Abie Russ-Fishbane
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March 23
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Sofia Braunshweiger
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March 24
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Yasmin Drescher
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March 25
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Jessica Anavim
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March 26
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Rosalyn Gordon
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March 26
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Gil Fried
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March 27
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Gabriel Shtern
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March 27
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Happy Anniversary
Richard & Alex Jacobson
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March 9
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Marge & Bill Glater
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March 20
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Yitzchok & Leslie Adler
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March 21
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"Where coming to shul is like coming home."
Our pledge is to make every visit to Beth David a warm, welcoming and satisfying experience. Let us know how we are doing. Your input helps us measure our success.
Sincerely,
Beth David Synagogue
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