For immediate release, May 27, 2003
Syracuse's recently organized Reform Jewish Havurah, Bet Havarim, announced its first monthly Shabbat service which will be conducted on Friday evening, June 20, 2003, at St. David's Episcopal Church located on Jamar Drive in Fayetteville, beginning at 7:30PM. "New Beginnings" is the focus of Bet Havarim's first Shabbat service which has been created by a committee chaired by Mel Shindler, along with committee members Frann Albert, Zarita Hack, Marlene Holstein, Helen Marcum, Fran Mylon, Ilse Salomon, Delia Temes and Harriet Tetley. At the conclusion of the worship service an Oneg Shabbat will be served followed by an informal discussion regarding future plans, services and events.
According to Marty Morganstein, a member of Bet Havarim's Steering Committee, "our first general meeting held on April 29th was very successful with over 60 people attending. Over half of those attending have committed to join our Havurah. As a result of this positive response our current plans include a monthly Shabbat Worship service on the third Friday evening of the month, plus worship services on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur."
"Bet Havarim's services will follow the fundamental principles of Reform Judaism," said Shabbat committee chairperson Mel Shindler, adding, "and we are encouraging our Havurah members to participate in the design of our services as well as in the conducting of our services." Shindler also said, "study, social action and community dialogue are areas in which we also hope to be involved in the future"
Bet Havarim Shabbat committee member Delia Temes said, "we are looking to have an examination of the way we practice our faith and to transform it," continuing, "we are looking ahead… hoping to provide another option, a niche for others like us to re-connect with spirituality, community and education." As part of a discussion of Bet Havarim's stated mission: "to promote and cultivate a love and understanding of our Jewish heritage, teachings, and values… our common strength is through communal worship, celebration, study,a commitment to Israel and its people…" She concluded by saying, "we'd be happy to become a place where people could find community and spirituality."
Bet Havarim has been organized as a not-for-profit corporation under New York State Law.
The public is cordially invited to the June 20th service. St. David's Church is located on Jamar Drive just off Maple Drive (opposite Wegmans). For information phone Marty Morganstein at (315)637-5390.