For Immediate Release: March 22, 2007
On April 20th members of Bet Havarim's Shabbat Committee will be assisting Cantorial Soloist, Hanita Margulies Blair, as she leads Bet Havarim's Shabbat Service. The service begins at 7:30, p.m. and will be held in the Social Hall of St. David's Episcopal Church located on Jamar Drive in Dewitt. An Oneg Shabbat Reception follows the service.
Local author Jack Edgerton will be featured guest speaker at the April 20th service, according to Shabbat Committee Chair Mel Shindler. Edgerton, a native Syracusan, has authored a memoir of his life in Syracuse and will discuss the journey that brought him to write My Time, Thousands went to Broadway—Millions went to Auschwitz.
"While not of the Jewish Faith, Jack Edgerton grew up in the Salt Springs area of Syracuse and his memories of his childhood will, I am quite sure, serve as a wonderful trip down 'Memory Lane' for everyone," said Shindler. While touring Europe in 1958, a trip to Bergen-Belsen left an indelible impression on 14-year old Jack Edgerton. "What led Jack to write on the Shoah is most compelling and interesting; of the fact that Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen were completed during the year of his birth, 1943, and of learning of the horrors of the Nazi atrocities later in life, led to his decision to author this most interesting memoir," continued Shindler. "While My Time was written to as an autobiographical journey for Jack's grandchildren, it has become a fascinating book for us all to read and enjoy," added Shindler, continuing, "I urge everyone in the community to join Bet Havarim as we welcome Jack Edgerton to our Shabbat Service."
Bet Havarim held its third annual Passover Seder on April 2nd at "Traditions at the Links." The Seder service was led by Passover Committee member Jeff Fuchs, who was assisted by committee members Lynda Fuchs, Helen Marcum, Marty Morganstein, Melanie and Jim Roth, and Mel Shindler. "We want to acknowledge the additional readings and prayers contributed by committee member Melanie Roth," said Fuchs, "and the contributions of each member of our committee, and I want to extend my thanks and appreciation, most of all, to all who attended and participated in the Seder service." Bet Havarim Passover Committee member Marty Morganstein added, "what made our Seder Service so meaningful was the fact that everyone participated and it is that participation that makes Bet Havarim a truly unique community".
On March 11th members of Bet Havarim's Social Action committee gathered together for an afternoon of cooking to benefit Sarah House. Facilitated by committee members Cathy Dutch, Toni Meltzer ,and Delia Temes, the purpose of Bet Havarim's Social Action initiative was to prepare large quantities of entrees and desserts that could be enjoyed by out-of-town guests at Sarah House who, during their stay, would have little access to home-cooked meals." Founded in 1994, Sarah House, located on Roberts Avenue, is Syracuse's only hospital-hospitality house serving the needs of adult patients and their families. Gathering at the kitchen of Trinity Episcopal Church in Fayetteville, Social Action committee members Cathy Dutch, Marty Morganstein, Toni and Jeff Meltzer, Delia Temes, and Harriet Tetley prepared varied casseroles and desserts that were later delivered to Sarah House. Speaking for the committee, Bet Havarim member Toni Meltzer acknowledged the cooperation of Trinity Episcopal Church in allowing the use of their kitchen facilities for the project. "We especially want to thank the Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, Rev. William Redfield, for his kindness and generosity in allowing us the use of their wonderful facility," said Meltzer. Bet Havarim's Social Action committee is currently planning future projects that will benefit the community.
Bet Havarim's Shabbat services are conducted voluntarily by members of the Havurah's Shabbat Committee. "I encourage all the members of Bet Havarim to consider volunteering to participate in one or more of our upcoming Shabbat worship services," said Shabbat Committee Chair Mel Shindler.
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.