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OUR LEADERSHIPA Message from our Executive DirectorRobert GleibermanExecutive DirectorExecDir@bethshalompgh.orgDear Congregation BethShalom,Thank you for theconfidence you haveshown by offering me theposition as your Executive Director. I am trulyhonored to follow Ken Turkewitz, and his greatwork as your Interim Director.My recent trip, with my wife Lynn, to your wonderful community confirmed the decision to acceptthe position. From the beginning of the applicationprocess all the way through to my acceptance Iwas in awe of the professionalism, communicationskills, and care of your search committee led byKate Rothstein. Kate was amazing in making sureevery detail was taken care of with my interactionswith the leadership, staff, and members.During my two day visit I got the opportunity, whilesafely socially distancing, to meet individually withamazing lay leaders, congregational members,and professional staff, namely:Rabbi Seth Adelson, Senior Rabbi; Kate Rothstein,Search Committee Chair; Debby Firestone, President; Adam Kolko, VP Youth; Alan Kopolow, VPFinance; Mindy Shreve, VP Member Engagement;Paul Teplitz, Secretary; Joe Jolson, VP Operations;Fred Newman, Treasurer; Jordan Fischbach, VPSynagogue Life; Ken Turkewitz, Interim ED; Hilary Yeckel, Director of the Early Learning Center;Kristin Zappone, Communication & MarketingSpecialist; Marissa Tait, Director of Youth Programming; John Williams, Maintenance Supervisor;Keith Stewart, Security; Michelle Vines, Catering/Events Coordinator; Rabbi Larry Freedman, Director of the Joint Jewish Education Program; RabbiJeremy Markiz, Director of Derekh & Youth Tefillah;and Dale Caprara, Controller.I/we were also treated to a tour of your magnificent facility, led by Steve Hecht, Bunny Morris,and Ken Turkewitz and a tour of Pittsburgh, ledby Debby and Nate Firestone. Thank you for thewonderful dinners Saturday and Sunday night aswell as great lunches Sunday and Monday. Weespecially enjoyed our Saturday night dinner aswe virtually dined with members Yale & BarbaraRosenstein, Michael & Carol Beth Yoffee, andFred & Linda Newman. Your hospitality wasamazing! I am looking forward to meeting the restof the lay leadership, staff and members after myMay 1 arrival.Most of 2020 as well as 2021 has been very difficult for us all. It looks like there is some light atthe end of the tunnel - hopefully before the end of2021. I am confident that the leadership of CBS,in conjunction with health experts, will make thedecision, as soon as safely possible, for us tostart gathering in person. I know we all look soforward to that time. I know I can’t wait!Lynn and I want to express our gratitude andmany thanks to everyone for so warmly welcoming us to your wonderful Pittsburgh community. Iam so looking forward to getting to know everyone real soon.All the best,Robert GleibermanJoin hundreds from Jewish Pittsburghfor a trip of a lifetime!REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!To register, go to:JewishPgh.org/Mega-MissionC o n g r e g a t i o n B e t h S h a l o m w w w. b e t h s h a l o m p g h . o r g 4 1 2 . 4 2 1 . 2 2 8 85

OUR LEADERSHIPA Fond FarewellKenneth A. TurkewitzDeparting Interim ExecutiveDirectorExecDir@bethshalompgh.orgOn June 14, 2019, theNorth American Association of Synagogue Executives (NAASE) advertised aneed for an InterimExecutive Director forCongregation Beth Shalom. Within a few days Iapplied for the position, and by mid-July I wasemployed at Beth Shalom as your Interim Executive Director for “six to nine months; maybe a year.”Needless to say, it stretched longer than a year,and I’m delighted that it did. I have been proud tobe part of this wonderful community, and grateful tothe leadership for giving me the opportunity to doso.Working for a synagogue has never been justabout a paycheck for me. It’s about improving thelives and experiences of others and about helpingto advance the organization. If I’m not providingsome improvements, I’m not doing my job.This congregation has been the most complex oneI have worked for so far. With an 88,000 sq. footbuilding, an aging infrastructure (though truly theyall seem to have that), an Early Childhood Center, five tenants, two cemeteries, a healthy staff,an engaged lay leadership, and a host of budgetchallenges, I certainly wasn’t bored! Throw in apandemic, a solar panel project, and helping to hireour first ever Development Director and my ownsuccessor, and I think the only things I was lackingwere my family and sleep.But with all of this, it is really this community that’skept me engaged. I am proud and thrilled to havebeen with Beth Shalom for almost two years. Thiswas always to be only a temporary position for me,but if Carol and I were open to moving, it wouldlikely be a whole different path we would havetaken together as I neared the end of that firstyear. I’m delighted we have found Robert, and thatI could help Beth Shalom move to a more permanent arrangement, but my departure is still bittersweet for me.6I have so many people to thank for my time here,from the hiring committee who took a quick chanceon me, to the wonderful staff who I worked alongside, to the lay leadership who have partnered withme on so many aspects of running this synagogue,to all of the congregants who welcomed me sowarmly. I’d love to call out your names individually tothank each of you, but I know in doing so I’ll end outmaking this column way too long, and I’ll still givesome important people short shrift. Nonetheless, Iwould like to especially thank two of my partners.Synagogue President Debby Firestone never intended to serve as long as she has. A four yearstretch is a long time when you throw yourself intothe job the way Debby has. I kept encouraging herto delegate and make more use of her leadershipteam and her committees. Among other things, Iwas afraid that she was setting a standard for operating that would make it too daunting for anyone towant to follow her. But Debby’s tenacity to get everything just right kept her working hard at her position.She got involved with everything and has been atrue partner for me in our operations. Debby and Ididn’t always agree on everything, but I was neverafraid to give my suggestions or air my opinion on atopic, and she was always willing to listen. I’m verythankful for her leadership, partnership, and friendship.Rabbi Seth Adelson is somehow still upbeat andfull of energy even after being the only clergy for a600-member synagogue. How he can get everything done he needs to is beyond me. When we cansqueeze in time to meet together or work throughan issue together it’s very valuable time. One of thefew advantages of the pandemic is that I have theopportunity on Shabbat to talk with him for a fewminutes before and after services (okay, sometimesduring services, but I try not to do that too much) ina dedicated manner. Sometimes our conversationsare business-oriented, sometimes they’re lighthearted, and sometimes I’m actually asking questions of a religious nature. The time is precious.And my time overall with Beth Shalom has beenprecious, as well. It’s only mid-April as I write this,but by the time this issue of Mishpachtenu comesout, I’ll be gone. I hope to have the opportunities tosee many of you again. No matter what, though, Itake a part of Beth Shalom with me.KenC o n g r e g a t i o n B e t h S h a l o m w w w. b e t h s h a l o m p g h . o r g 4 1 2 . 4 2 1 . 2 2 8 8

OUR LEADERSHIPA Message from our Development DirectorRabbi Andy ShugermanDevelopment DirectorRabbiAndy@bethshalompgh.orgI am grateful for thisopportunity to introducemyself in writing to theBeth Shalom community.By the time this piece getspublished inMishpachtenu, perhapssome of you will have heard me share in person(and not just over Zoom!) a few of the ideas I willarticulate below.One of the Torah’s central stories, that of buildingthe Mishkan (wilderness tabernacle), encompasses so much of how I understand development workas a sacred endeavor for me as a rabbi, educatorand fundraising professional. It both illustrates thetransformation of our biblical ancestors into a holynation and serves as a metaphor for how I aspireto accompany learners and donors of all ages asthey grow themselves. In the book of Exodus, rightafter we read about Moses ascending Mount Sinaifor forty days and nights, God says, “Make mea sanctuary/holy place (Mikdash) and I will dwellamongst/within them.” (Exodus 25:8)This might seem like a strange command comingfrom God, who had miraculously split the ReedSea and uttered the Ten Commandments througha cloud with dramatic sights and sounds. If Godwanted a holy place built, why did God not justuse these same supernatural powers to build it forthem? The Israelites were clearly having a hardenough time surviving in the desert – they arealready complaining in Exodus 17 of not havingany water to drink! – so why would God commandthem to get involved in such a complicated buildingproject, especially one with explicitly spiritual andnot material ends?From my perspective, this strange biblical episodestrikes me as a brilliant example of divine pedagogy. The Israelites in this story had passivelywitnessed the miracles of the Exodus and MountSinai and are still internalizing these life-alteringmoments during their first few months as recentlyfreed slaves. What could they do to assimilatethese experiences, to take a more active role intheir own development as a people and to startpartnering with one another and, moreover, withGod?Perhaps God understood that the people neededto work together on a common goal in order tobuild relationships with each other and with God.The Mishkan required contributions from everyindividual member of the Israelite community“whose heart so moves them (Exodus 25:2).” Twomedieval Spanish biblical commentators, Rambanand Rabbeinu Bachya, understood this emotionalterm - what in Yiddish we might call “in di kishkes”- to internalize viscerally what was experienced atMount Sinai. Each person felt deeply touched, andthat is why they contributed materials and effort toward some aspect of this collaborative new project.Collectively their shared commitments encouragedactive participation rather than passive acceptance.This is exactly the kind of transformational cultureof giving that I would work to foster at Beth Shalom. As the new school year begins and the NewYear of 5782 approaches, I look forward to seeinghow our efforts can move each other to build anddeepen relationships of lifelong learning and philanthropic commitment. I am excited to hear yourstories about how the Beth Shalom communityhas touched you and your family as we composetogether this next chapter in the Book of Life.Rabbi Andy ShugermanHelp Your Shul.by wishing our friends a Happy Birthday!As part of revamping the birthdaygreetings, you can now write one largercheck and draw down on your deposit asyou send greetings during the year. Lookfor more improvements soon!PLEASE download the birthday form fromour weekly announcements or see theform in our office to complete and returnit to our office. Thank you!C o n g r e g a t i o n B e t h S h a l o m w w w. b e t h s h a l o m p g h . o r g 4 1 2 . 4 2 1 . 2 2 8 87

OUR LEADERSHIPThank You, Beth ShalomRabbi Jeremy MarkizDirector of Derekh& Youth Tefillahjmarkiz@bethshalompgh.orgI’d like to share somereflections from my pastfive years at BethShalom. It’s here where Itruly became a rabbi. Notjust a rabbinic intern, not just receiving the ordination, but the trust and responsibility of being arabbi.I remember the first time I sat in the youth loungeon a Shabbat morning waiting for the kids to runup the stairs. I didn’t know what I’d find. I discovered, along with some snark, wonderful humanswho loved their synagogue. They felt safe andcomfortable in its many twisting hallways, thebuilding’s always surprising gym on the fourthfloor, and mostly, being with each other.I’m thankful that you trusted me with your childrenand their Judaism. I’ve watched them grow in thepast five years and they’re glorious. I’ve sang withthem, prayed with them, and heard them sharegratitude for their friends, their families, and for thecommunity. I’ve been there when you’ve namedthem and when they’ve stood before the Torah.I’ve listened to them wrestle over the question ofwhat it means to be Jewish and been awed bytheir answers.The investment in me to build Derekh was achance to live out my core values of access andliteracy and it changed my life. All I wanted wasto help you find your way into the Tradition. Youlike learning? Great. Music? Great. Israeli culture?Great. Whatever it was, I wanted you to have it.We held 700 Derekh programs in the past fouryears to collectively make your vision for BethShalom a reality.I am thankful to see your passion, energy, anddrive. Derekh is a reflection of you. You all madeDerekh possible and have made it what it is today.8Together we created concerts, lectures, filmshowings, speakers, trivia nights, and study sessions. We learned in small groups and we filledthe ballroom with learners. We traveled togetherand built connections across oceans. We havelaughed together and we have cried together.I will never forget holding all of you in my heartafter the Shooting, how we cried with joy andsorrow together. Even before we returned toPittsburgh after we got married, Elana and Isat in the airport outlining all of the ways thatwe knew we wanted to be there for you. Flyingback late Tuesday night and being in minyan onWednesday morning.On that first Shabbat, I felt the world on myshoulders. Our leadership had gone to Israel andwe were hosting three synagogues, four services, and Shababababa and Shabbat Haverim. Iremember standing in the lobby welcoming hundreds as they entered our congregational home.On that Saturday, I found myself standing on thebimah looking out at you, feeling overwhelmed. Iremember looking out at you and telling you thatour roots were strong, that our connectednesswould make the difference.But what I remember most from that weekend iswhat came after services. Some folks had cometogether to throw us a sheva berakhah in themidst of everything that was happening. Trulyour “mourning was turned to dancing” our “sackcloth was turned to joy” like in the Psalms. Wedid dance, cry, and laugh together that day and Iwill never forget that.Beth Shalom community, thank you for the opportunity to grow into a better person, a betterrabbi, and a better Pittsburgher (am I allowed tosay that yet?).Your friend and your rabbi,JeremyC o n g r e g a t i o n B e t h S h a l o m w w w. b e t h s h a l o m p g h . o r g 4 1 2 . 4 2 1 . 2 2 8 8

OUR LEADERSHIPGrowing Through the ELCHilary YeckelDirector of the ELChyeckel@bethshalompgh.orgWe are looking forward to a fun summer with ourstudents and are busy preparing for the 2021-2022school year.Hilary YeckelHello Congregants-DirectorIt is hard to believethat our 2020-2021school year is nearingthe end, and soon wewill be in the midst ofsummer camp at Beth Shalom. As I do at the endof every school year, I take time to reflect on theaccomplishments, highlights, and lessons that Ias the Director experienced throughout the year,and we as a school shared together. This yearin particular provided me with many memoriesand emotions. Upon reflection, I am struck withan overwhelming sense of accomplishment andgratitude. I am proud of our students, parents,educators, and colleagues. I am proud of what wewere able to accomplish and do as a communityduring a pandemic. I am proud that our studentswalked into our center each day excited and happyto be with us. I am thankful that our educatorscame to work day in and day out to teach andplay with their students. I am thankful that parentstrusted us each day during times where trustingeach other seemed to feel impossible. Ultimately, Iam incredibly proud and happy that we were ableto provide the learning environment that the EarlyLearning Center has been known for over 30 yearsduring a time when childcare was so uncertain.As always, the spring months in the ELC werefilled with time spent outside and fun learningexperiences inside. Classrooms celebrated Purim,Israel’s Birthday, and many more themes. We werealso very excited to welcome Morah Debbey backinto our classrooms as we transitioned from virtualmusic to live in person! We will wrap our academicyear by graduating another class of ELC graduateson June 8 and June 10.ELC CalendarJune - August 2021Tuesday, June 8Prekindergarten Graduation Part 1 - 6:30 p.m.Thursday, June 10Last Day of Academic YearPrekindergarten Graduation Part 2 - 6:30 p.m.Friday, June 11ELC ClosedMonday, June 14Teacher In-Service DayTuesday, June 15Camp Gan Shalom BeginsMonday, July 12Camp Gan Shalom Session 2 BeginsMonday, August 6Camp Gan Shalom EndsMonday, August 9 - Friday, August 13Teacher In-Service WeekMonday, August 16First Day of 2021-2022 School YearC o n g r e g a t i o n B e t h S h a l o m w w w. b e t h s h a l o m p g h . o r g 4 1 2 . 4 2 1 . 2 2 8 89

OUR LEADERSHIPLearning with J-JEPRabbi Larry FreedmanDirector of J-JEPRabbiLF@jjep.orgThat was quite a year,wasn’t it? Having goneonline, we found newways to teach the classicsand new things we neverwould have thought of in anormal year. But now webegin to look forward. I have been participatingin the Covid-19 response committees at bothsynagogues and what I have learned is to plan, beflexible, be ready for changes and always followthe science.Right now, as adults are becoming vaccinated atan increasing rate and we are growing increasinglyconfident that vaccinated adults do not transmitto children and children themselves are poortransmitters to other children (data taken fromthe CDC website page entitled, “Science Brief:Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in K-12 schools”)we look forward to returning J-JEP to in-personlearning.Here are just a few details: Masks still required.We are working on the number of students ina classroom. We are waiting for more data todetermine if our Sunday bagels can make

Mishpachtenu June, July & August 2021 Volume 23 Issue 4 Sivan, Tamuz, Av & Elul 5781 Congregation Beth Shalom 5915 Beacon Street Pittsburgh, PA 15217