July 2025 Temple Topics - Digital Edition
Temple Anshe Hesed | 5 Sivan - 4 Tamuz 5785
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No services on Friday, July 4 or Saturday, July 5. The office will be closed July 4.
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Don’t forget to RSVP to upcoming events at TAHerie.org! Contact Bright in the office to RSVP by phone or email: office@TAHerie.org (814) 454-2426.
| | | Get ready to give! Put Tuesday, August 12 down in your calendar for Erie Gives Day! | | Click on the calendar to view July and August's calendar! | | July 11 is fast approaching - RSVP now! | | |
The Book of Ruth Club
In memory of one of its founding and most faithful members, Ruth Waidley.
WE WILL BE MEETING IN PERSON AT THE TEMPLE AND ON ZOOM. JOIN US EITHER WAY!!!!
OUR MEETING IS:
Monday, July 28, 2025
7:30 PM
via Zoom Join URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88169606965
The Matchmaker's Gift
By Lynda Cohen Loigman
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Even as a child in 1910, Sara Glikman knows her gift: she is a maker of matches and a seeker of soulmates. But among the pushcart-crowded streets of New York’s Lower East Side, Sara’s vocation is dominated by devout older men—men who see a talented female matchmaker as a dangerous threat to their traditions and livelihood. After making matches in secret for more than a decade, Sara must fight to take her rightful place among her peers, and to demand the recognition she deserves.
Two generations later, Sara’s granddaughter, Abby, is a successful Manhattan divorce attorney. When her beloved Grandma Sara dies, Abby inherits her collection of handwritten journals recording the details of Sara’s matches. But among the faded volumes, Abby finds more questions than answers. Why did Abby’s grandmother leave this library to her and what did she hope Abby would discover within its pages? Why does the work Abby once found so compelling suddenly feel inconsequential and flawed? Is Abby willing to sacrifice the career she’s worked so hard for in order to keep her grandmother’s mysterious promise to a stranger? And is there really such a thing as love at first sight?
For those who plan ahead, our August selection is How to Read a Book by Monica Wood.
Thanks to the many who have given us some great recommendations. We are always ready to hear others. Please forward them as well as any questions to Janice Wittmershaus at JKWittmershaus@gmail.com
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Kearsarge Area Food Pantry May Report
We had two shopping days, May 8 and May 22. On the 8th, we served 39 adults, 75 children, and 70 seniors. On the 22nd, we served 128 adults, 114 children, and 61 seniors, for a combined total of 90 households and 303 individuals. We would like to thank everyone who contributed toward our cereal drive. We had a good selection for all.
We used our monetary donations to supplement our options with produce like green peppers, onions, carrots, potatoes, and much more.
Beginning in June, our hours are going to change to 10:00am to 11:30am to give our shoppers a little more time.
Also, we have a new sign near the entrance displaying our schedule, with days, times, services provided.
In July, we will have our Project Dignity bi-annual event to provide household and personal items to our households and individuals in need. A list of needed items will be sent out to our sponsor congregants.
-Rich Filson
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We have raised $72,340 towards the Salata Match Campaign so far!
Let’s keep it going!
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5401 Old Zuck Road / New Building Fund
Dennis & Amy Vidmar
Joseph & Debra Fries
In honor of the 150th Anniversary
Susan Sussman
Jawn Gross
Rebecca Schenker
Richard Lipchik
Lisa & Dean Mallis
Mark & Ellie Tanenbaum
Brad Ford
Edie Joseph & Cindra Vallone
Caring Committee
In memory of Barbara Singer
Cathy and Phil Zacks
Cemetery Endowment
In honor of the 150th Anniversary
Rosalie Feistel
Franklin and Myrtle Fox Program Fund
In honor of the 150th Anniversary
Joel Fox
Harf Family Joys of Judaism Fund
On the occasion of the Bar Mitzvah of my great grandson, Jonah Gadharf
Walter Harf
In honor of the 150th Anniversary
Marie Bleefeld
Richard & Sharon Levick
Julius Send Square Parking Fund
In honor of the 150th Anniversary
Robert & Ellen Sender
Lechtner Cantorial Soloist Fund
In honor of the Friday Night Live Group
Julie Cohen
In honor of the 150th Anniversary
Howard Pollock
Kenneth Chinsky
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Rabbi Mitzvah Fund
In memory of Jack Joseph Maher
Korlyn Morais & Rabbi Morais
In memory of Jim Price
Korlyn Morais & Rabbi Morais
With appreciation
Lybov Zelinskaya
Remembrance Fund / Perpetual Memorial Fund
In memory of Ida Wexler Landberg
David & Eta Howell
In memory of my father, Samuel J. Roberts
Bobbi Pollock
In memory of my grandmother, Bessie Blumberg
Bobbi Pollock
Salata Family Fund
In honor of the 150th Anniversary
Craig & Pam Reynolds
Eric & Susan Pallant
Diane & Frank DeFazio
Temple Endowment
In honor of the 150th Anniversary
Beth & Dan Nicoson
From his swear jar
Dayvid Gross
Tikkun Olam
In honor of the 150th Anniversary
Rachel Bornstein
Lisa Nathanson & Jan Woods
Tzedakah
Jawn Gross
Tree of Life Dedicated by the Baker Family in Honor of Edward G. Baker
Leaf for the Tree of Life in honor of Ben Fuller’s Bar Mitzvah
Edie Joseph & Cindra Vallone
Leaf for the Tree of Life in honor of Sofia Ford’s Bat Mitzvah
Edie Joseph & Cindra Vallone
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Reflections from Rabbi Morais
From the Rabbi’s Desk: A Summer of Hope and Healing
As summer begins, we often think of warmth, renewal, and a chance to catch our breath. Children head off to camp, families take vacations, and we slow down just a bit to enjoy the longer days and brighter skies. But even in these golden months, our hearts remain tethered to the pain and complexity of the world around us—especially to Israel, a place so central to our souls and identities.
We witnessed a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran. After years of tension, direct conflict, and terrifying escalation, the guns have fallen silent—at least for now. We pray this truce holds. We pray for the wisdom of leaders on all sides to choose diplomacy over destruction, and for the people—Israeli, Iranian, and all others impacted—to feel the beginnings of peace rather than the burdens of war.
At the same time, the war in Gaza continues. The devastation, grief, and uncertainty it brings weigh heavily on us. Each day we hope for progress toward the safe return of all hostages, the protection of innocent lives, and a just resolution that allows Israelis and Palestinians alike to live in security and dignity.
In only a few weeks we will gather together for our congregation’s 150th Anniversary Reunion. We have an amazing weekend full of activities, music, worship and so much fun! I am looking forward to welcoming back so many people who were part of Anshe Hesed at some point in their lives. This will also be a wonderful opportunity for our current members to celebrate the vibrant Jewish life we continue to build at Anshe Hesed.
This summer, may we not only seek rest for our bodies, but also renewal for our spirits. May our prayers for peace strengthen our resolve to pursue justice, speak out for humanity, and stand with Israel while also holding space for empathy, reflection, and healing.
In the words of Psalm 34, we are compelled by God to: “Seek peace and pursue it.”
May this summer be a time when peace feels possible, and our small acts of kindness and commitment help bring it closer.
Shalom,
Rabbi Rob Morais
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Let's Talk with President Craig Reynolds
The Shema is described as the keystone of Jewish belief. It is a declaration and affirmation of
G-d's unity and authority. A traditional observant Jew understands that Torah commands us to pray the Shema twice a day, "when you lie down and when you get up."
As one would expect, over time, there has been much discussion on the proper way to recite the Shema. Of course, because it is Jews doing the discussion, there are many views and opinions.
Over the centuries, the method and the custom of reciting the prayer have evolved and changed. In this regard, one interesting practice is to cover one's eyes with the right hand when reciting the first verse of the prayer. The practice of covering the eyes was not always common, and the mandate to use the right hand for this purpose emerged over a thousand years later.
The explanation for why we cover our eyes when reciting Shema has also evolved. The common understanding today is that it enables us to concentrate on what we are saying and maintain the proper focus and intent. But that was not necessarily its origin.
The Talmud tells us that the custom of covering one's eyes was initiated during the second century by Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi, the compiler of the Mishnah. When reciting the prayer, the custom of that time was to look in each of the six spatial directions while accepting Divine Sovereignty throughout the world, as stated in the Shema.
Later, commentators explained that Rabbi Yehuda intended to hide his eye movements from his students or to block out the distractions of his students. Following the rabbinic tradition, where the actions of rabbinic sages are viewed as precedents for subsequent practice, the Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law) later codified his actions as standard practice.
Various kabbalists have given instruction that we are to use the right hand to close our eyes during the first verse of the Shema. The most noteworthy of them, Rabbi Yitzchak Luria, the Arizal, provided a very profound explanation for this based on a perplexing riddle found in the kabbalistic work known as the Zohar.
For many centuries, commentators have offered additional explanations for why one should cover one's eyes with one's right hand during the recitation of the Shema. Interestingly, these explanations range from the Arizal's enigmatic and beautiful kabbalistic elucidation to the somewhat awkward explanation that in ancient times, the left hand was used to clean one's behind in toilet facilities. Therefore, it was deemed inappropriate to use it for critical religious purposes.
Did you find the evolution and changes in praying the Shema interesting? There is more to it than mentioned here. Let's talk.
talktempletah@gmail.com
-Craig
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J. Leonard Ostrow Award
Congratulations to Edie Joseph, the recipient of the Ostrow Award, for Spring 2025!
The J. Leonard Ostrow Award is a community fund established in 1980. The purpose of the fund is to perpetuate J. Leonard Ostrow’s memory and to challenge another generation to emulate his contributions to the Jewish and Erie community.
Edie has been a member of Temple Anshe Hesed since 1994. She served as Temple President for three years from 2017-2020. She has served on many committees and continues to teach in our Gesher program.
Edie would like to use the Ostrow Award to enhance her Hebrew teaching. She has applied to the Rosen School of Hebrew, an Israeli on-line course. She plans to take a five-week conversational Hebrew course. Edie states, “I have been teaching Biblical Hebrew for at least 22 years. Although I have taught a multitude of children Hebrew for their Bar and Bat Mitzvah, I have limited knowledge of day-to-day Hebrew. Learning conversational Hebrew would not only teach me new words, but it would also enhance my ability to pass on the Hebrew language or at least some fundamentals to my students.”
The Ostrow Committee congratulates Edie on this prestigious award and her name will be added to the J. Leonard Ostrow plaque in the Temple foyer.
The Ostrow Award is open to adults and high school students from both Temple Anshe Hesed and Brith Sholom. Check out the weekly email or the Temple website for more information (https://www.taherie.org).
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We are looking for a Youth Group coordinator to coordinate, design, and implement four to six engaging programs for our Youth Group.
This individual must have Jewish knowledge and be able to plan programs for a varying number of participants. Willingness to travel for day or weekend trips is a plus.
Completion of PA state clearances is required upon employment, with reimbursement of cost available. Please email the office at office@taherie.org with questions or to apply.
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Birthdays
July 2 Keri Bernstein, Zoe Levine
July 3 Jenna DeFazio
July 4 Bernice Fox, Daulton Drexel, David Howell
July 6 Samuel Warshaw
July 10 Robert Przybyszewski
July 12 Frank Singer, Ava Spry
July 17 Melanie Wood, Michele Bille
July 18 Samantha Shaiman
July 19 Tania Thalkar, Joanna Bush
July 21 Jaden Levine, Gregory Rubin
July 22 Odessa S.
July 26 Susan Pallant, Isaac Pallant,
July 28 Barbara Shapira, Naomi Teperow, Craig Reynolds
July 29 Brian Rubin
July 30 Amelia Vidmar, Sharon Levick, Yvonne Levy
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Anniversaries
July 2 Lauren French Stout & Devon Stout
July 5 Melissa & Charles Romero
July 11 Greg & Lauren Gardner
July 12 Eric & Susan Pallant
July 15 Darlene & Robert Przybyszewski
July 16 Mary Connerty & Frank Singer
July 20 David & Kendra Zacks
July 22 Leon & Carole Bilewitz
July 31 Ina & Edward Fisher
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J. Leonard Ostrow Award for High School Students and Adults
The J. Leonard Ostrow Fund was established in 1980 to emulate the life and legacy of Attorney
J. Leonard Ostrow. The purpose of this fund is to perpetuate his memory and challenge another generation to emulate his contributions, encourage humanitarian efforts, and develop leadership capabilities, as exemplified by his life.
This newly revised award is now open to high school students and adults from both Temple Anshe Hesed and Brith Sholom. This unique award is a quarterly award, and may be used for a trip to Israel, other travel, or Jewish studies, which may include tuition, conferences, leadership development, or other Jewish experiences.
The application and additional information about the award are available using the following link.
The fourth award application period runs from July 1 – August 15, 2025, with notification by September 15, 2025. https://www.taherie.org/j.-leonard-ostrow-award.html
Please contact Ina Fisher at inalfisher@gmail.com if you have any questions about the Ostrow Award.
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July 4/5
Allen Emerman, Morris Levy, Isaac Silin, Moses Martin Auerhaim, Harvey Shapiro, Lillian Baker, Irvin Friedman, Rose Pinski, Reuben W. Cohen, John Coates, Pearl Dreyfus, Lena Kimmel, Leon Mandel, Richard Henry Zacks, Aron Volfson, Babbette Dryfoose, Amelia Schuster Falk, Norma Green Sherman, Ida Schlesinger
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July 11/12
Kurt Haurwitz, Stephen Totleben, Minnie Kramer, Anna Krawitz, Judith Nadworny, Helene Roberts, Gloria Paul, Henry Schulhoff, Irma Schuster, Gilbert Shulman, Jr., Joseph William Weil, James Ogilvie, Marilyn Wyman,
Gussie Siegel, Fanny Auerhaim, Katherine Todtman, Rose Jashenosky Furstman, Bertha Goldsmit, Harry Pollock
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July 18/19
Edgar Frank, Benjamin Goldman, Phillip Nast, David Rudolph, Hanna Simon, Frances Eisenberg, Abram Saver,
Hy Levin, Charles Goldsmit, Lazarus Schuster, Philip Elfenbeim, Emma Marks, M.S. Meyerhoff, Hans Nathan, Wendy Sherman, Celia Kleeman, Kohlman Perell, Florence Charters, Sylvia Galinsky, Robert Lechtner, Julia Rosin, Constance Stanbro, Marcia Parker, Rosalie Small
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July 25/26
Libby Wolff, Morris Urkov, Joseph Steinfeld, Yetta Steinberg Mellon, LeRoy Stanbro, Regina Feuchtwanger,
Sam Tanenbaum, Louis Roman, Edward M. Levy, Suzanne Kholos, Belle Rittenberg, Fanny Waxelbaum,
Edward Patton, Eugene Straus,
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August 1/2
Philip Hanauer, Hannah Rosenthal, Charles Ruben, Jacob Wallach, Harry Cooperberg, William Eiseman,
Johanna Hagedoorn, Ellis Westheimer, Marcel Guth, William Kimmel, Edward A. Solomon,
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Service Dedications
Did you know that you can dedicate a Service in memory of, honor of or celebration of a loved one or event? The cost is $18 per occasion/person. Please contact the Temple office for more information or to put in your dedication.
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Friday, July 4
Office Closed
No Shabbat Evening Services
Saturday, July 5
No Shabbat Morning Services
Friday, July 11
6:15 p.m. Shabbat Evening Services & Celebrations Oneg
Saturday, July 12
9:30 a.m. Torah Study—Zoom only
Friday, July 18
6:15 p.m. Shabbat Evening Services
Saturday, July 19
9:30 a.m. Torah Study—Zoom only
150th Anniversary Reunion Weekend
Friday, July 25
6:15 p.m. Shabbat Evening Services—Led by Rabbi Morais, Cantorial Soloist Jessie Rhoades, and Artist in Residence Dan Nichols
Saturday, July 26
10:00 a.m. Shabbat Morning Services and (in person and via YouTube)
3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Family Reunion Picnic—adult and kids activities, ice cream, family song session and concert with Artist in Residence, Dan Nichols, concluding with Havdalah.
Sunday, July 27
10:00 a.m. Kever Avot service at TAH Cemetery
11:00 a.m. Kever Avot service at Laurel Hill Cemetery
| | People of Loving Kindness | | | |
Temple Anshe Hesed is a Reform Jewish congregation guided by Torah and dedicated to perpetuating Judaism and its traditions through education, worship, and social action in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
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Temple Anshe Hesed
5401 Old Zuck Road
Erie, PA 16506
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Phone: 814-454-2426
Fax: 814-454-2427
Email: office@taherie.org
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