For Immediate Release: January 30, 2007
Friday evening, February 16th, will be the date of Bet Havarim's next Shabbat worship service. The Shabbat service will begin at 7:30 PM in the Social Hall of St. David's Episcopal Church in Dewitt. An Oneg Shabbat reception follows the Shabbat service to which the public is cordially invited.
Bet Havarim's Shabbat services are led by Cantorial Soloist Hanita Margulies Blair who is assisted by members of Bet Havarim's Shabbat Committee. "We are so very fortunate to have Hanita Blair leading our services and singing the liturgy," said Bet Havarim's Shabbat Committee Chair, Mel Shindler, adding, "Hanita has brought a warm, friendly atmosphere to our services and through her efforts we have been able to achieve a better understanding of our Jewish heritage and its teachings."
"Since our founding in 2003 Bet Havarim has invited a number of people representing academia, various community philanthropic organizations, volunteer agencies, and other groups who would have messages of interest to our members and the Central New York community," said Shindler, "and we hope to soon announce the appearance, at future Shabbat services, of several speakers."
Bet Havarim's Torah Study and Discussion group has announced its next meeting on Saturday morning, March 10th, beginning at 10:00 AM. "Our March 10th meeting will be hosted by Wendy and Don Kates at their home," said group member, Shindler. "Our group will be discussing that morning's Torah portion, Ki Tisa, from the Book of Exodus (Sh'mot), Chapters 30 through 34 and we look forward to welcoming both new and returning members of our group," added Shindler. For information or directions phone Mel Shindler at 478-6856, or send us email as described below.
Plans are also being made by members of Bet Havarim's Social Action Committee for a project involving volunteers from Bet Havarim. The project is being facilitated and coordinated by Bet Havarim members Cathy Dutch, Toni Meltzer and Delia Temes. Announced at the January Shabbat service, the Social Action initiative will benefit "Sarah House" located on Roberts Avenue in Syracuse. Founded in 1994 Sarah House is Syracuse's only hospital hospitality house serving the needs of adult patients and their families. "We are eagerly anticipating our work with Executive Director, Mary Keough, on behalf of Sarah House said Meltzer, adding, "Judaism's core beliefs in social justice are an important factor at Bet Havarim and we hope to soon announce the details of our Sarah House Social Action project."
Bet Havarim is organized to promote and cultivate a love and understanding of our Jewish heritage, teachings, and values, and to ensure the continuation of the Jewish people. Our common strength is through communal worship, celebration, study, a commitment to Israel and its people, and the practice of mitzvoth by applying the principles of Judaism to the values and conduct of the individual, family and the society in which we live for the betterment of humanity.
For information about Bet Havarim, service schedules, D'vrei Torah, etc., visit Bet Havarim's web site at http://www.BetHavarimSyr.org, send email to info -at- BetHavarimSyr.org (please make the obvious change in the address), or phone Marty Morganstein at 637-5390 or Mel Shindler at 478-6856.
St. David's Church is located on Jamar Drive. From the intersection off Maple Drive and E. Genesee St. in Dewitt (across from Wegman's) drive south on Maple Drive and take the third right turn on to Jamar Drive. The Church is located at the end of Jamar Drive with off-street parking available. St. David's is handicapped accessible.