Megillah, September - October 2003

Sisterhood News

Sisterhood Travels to the Seminary

On May 20, 2003, a group of our members, including a few husbands, went on a trip to New York to visit the Jewish Theological Seminary. We traveled in high style in an impressive stretch limo complete with chauffeur. We were treated to a brown bag breakfast of juice, bagels, and muffins prepared by Elie and Ziza Pallia.

When we arrived at the Seminary, we were warmly welcomed by third-year student, Brian Bramly, who showed us around, pointing out the new Library Tower and the many places where the Nevey Shalom name plaques appear - testifying to the fact that we helped in the building or furnishing of these rooms by our support of Torah Fund through these many years. It gave us a warm feeling to see that our money was being used wisely and well.

Our first class was in the Wingate Auditorium. The presentation of the rare book department by David Wachtel was a revelation. His enthusiasm and obvious love of his subject was infectious, and when we learned that he has a daughter attending the University of Maryland, our bond was complete!

We then had lunch in a bright, cheerful room where a table was already set for us and a long buffet table was waiting with a delicious lunch of salmon, roasted vegetables, and potato salad. Cookies and brownies rounded out the meal. A happy surprise was Sara Horowitz, who dropped by to sit and chat with old friends who liked to remind her that we "knew her when".

Our next session was with Dana Saroken, who discussed Talmud. The most memborable thought she left us with was a quetion: "What legacy would you like to leave when you're gone?" The first answer that came to mind for many was material things - money, possessions, etc. Many who had grandchildren wanted to be remembered as having been an influence for good. Dana listened to us all and then made this suggestion: "When you go home, sit down and write a letter to each of your loved ones and good friends. Tell them all the things you appreciate about them, but never say; and tell them how much you love them." (This letter is to be delivered after you're gone.) We all left the Seminary with much to think about. Many thanks to Sharon Goldstein who was the coordinator for JTS and to Theda Rosenblum and Ziza Pallia who made all of the arrangements for our trip.

Sisterhood Appreciation Day

On June 1st, Sisterhood celebrated our yearly Appreciation Day with a wonderful Chinese luncheon in our beautifully decorated Zamosky Room. Following lunch, we all went to the Bowie Community Playhouse to see the musical comedy, "Me and My Girl". The music was tuneful, the dancing was lively, and the acting was entertaining. We all came away with a happy feeling of having spent a delightful afternoon with our friends.

For we three Sisterhood presidents, the highlight of the luncheon was when we were each presented with a lovely jeweled pin. Ellen, Theda, and I thank the members of our Board and all those Sisterhood members who contributed towards these lovely gifts. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

We appreciate your kind thoughts and we appreciate you for the work and cooperation you have given Sisterhood this past year. With your help, we were able to complete some very successful and enjoyable programs.

Holiday Flowers

Once again, Sisterhood and our local chapter of Hadassah have worked together on the holiday flower project. Members of both organizations have worked hard so that the bouquets will be available in time for Rosh Hashanah. If you have ordered the flowers, we hope you enjoy them. Don't forget the pick-up date is Thursday, September 25, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Thanks to all the people from both organizations who have worked hard to make this venture a success.

~Pauline Levin


© 2003, Nevey Shalom, The Jewish Congregation of Belair.