June 11, 2020 - Beth Shalom's annual Congregational meeting was held via Zoom. A new Executive Board, with Lewis Morrison as incoming president, and Board of Trustees was elected effective July 1, 2020. In addition, a new synagogue budget was approved. Outgoing president BJ Rosenfeld, upper left in photo, ran the Zoom meeting.
April - September, 2020 - Rabbi Markowitz conducting Congregation Beth Shalom Shabbat evening services via "Zoom." Click on photo to expand.
"Off-site Dinner" - March 3, 2020
Good food, good drinks and best of all, good friends at our "off-site dinner" in Boynton Beach, FL!
Chanukah Pot Luck Dinner, Candle-lighting & White Elephant Gift Exchange -
December 28, 2019
Congregation Beth Shalom hosted a Chanukah Pot Luck Dinner, Candle-lighting with a White Elephant Gift Exchange on December 28, 2019.
Refreshments were provided by Sisterhood and Men's Club. A good time was had by all!
Off-site Dinner - December 2, 2019
Good food, good drinks and best of all, good friends at our off-site dinner!
Snowbirds Celebrate November Birthdays in Florida - November 17, 2019
A group of Beth Shalom members got together in Boca Raton, Florida to celebrate several November birthdays!
Veterans Day program - November 10, 2019
Guest speaker and brunch.
Maj. Shawn Tabankin served in the United States Army for over 17 years, originally enlisting in 1997 as a Private in the 82nd Airborne Division. Maj. Tabankin received his commission as an Infantry Officer in 2002, and transferred to the NYANG in order to attend New York Law School. Maj. Tabankin has been mobilized twice for combat tours; Iraq in 2004 as an Infantry Platoon Leader, and Afghanistan in 2012 as an Infantry Company Commander. Maj. Tabankins awards include two Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantrymans Badge. Maj. Tabankin is currently on Active Duty for the NYANG, serving as the Operations Officer in the 2-108th Infantry Regiment headquartered in Utica, New York."March of the Living" Talk - September 7, 2019
Guest speaker Seth Finkle spoke about his experiences taking part in the 2019 "March of the Living." This is a three kilometer walk from Auschwitz to Birkenau, done as a tribute to all victims of the Holocaust. This walk takes place annually on Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day and brings people, young and old, from around the world.
"PAPER CLIPS" - July 17, 2019
Over 35 people turned out to watch this video, partake in deserts and enjoy commentary from Tony McCann. The video began as a lesson about prejudice as teachers, in a rural Tennessee heavily Christian community, searched for a way to teach their students about prejudice and the Holocaust. What happened next was a MIRACLE.
Sukkot 2018 at Congregation Beth Shalom - September, 2018
80th Birthday Celebration - June 17, 2018
Rabbi Markowitz (left) and many friends and relatives helped Don Rubin (center) celebrate his 80th birthday.
4th Annual Joint Rosh Hodesh Woman's Program - May 15, 2018
Portraits of our Mothers: We came together to share who our mothers wre before they became mothers. What were their dreams and accomplishments, and how did they inspire us?
Men's Club Talk: The Future Of Clifton Park - April 29, 2018
Phil Barrett, town supervisor, discussed “The Future of Clifton Park" using a very comprehensive and informative slide presentation.
Celebration of Israel’s 70th Birthday - April 20, 2018
The festivities included dinner, Shabbat Services and a special Oneg Shabbat. Our own Clifton Park Town Supervisor, Phil Barrett (pictured below right with Congregation President Fern Hayden) was our special guest speaker are talked about the special relationship between the United States and Israel.
Pot luck dinner followed by Jewish storyteller - October 21, 2017
Sisterhood sponsored a delicious pot luck dinner followed by storyteller Sandor Schuman.
Choir Practice - September 2017
The Beth Shalom choir during a practice session for the High Holidays.
Annual Congregation Beth Shalom Picnic - August 27, 2017
Men's Club sponsored our annual picnic: great friends, great food, great live music and great weather! A good time was had by all.
JCC Maccabi Games - August 6-11, 2017
Congratulations to all the members of Congregation Beth Shalom who were involved in successfully bringing the JCC Maccabi Games to Northeastern New
York. Great job by the volunteers who were involved in hosting,
coaching, and cheering the athletes.
Trip to Montreal, Canada - June 28-29, 2017
Members of Congregation Beth Shalom spent two days in Montreal touring and shopping.
A Day at the Lake - July 9, 2017
Members of Congregation Beth Shalom spent a pleasant day among friends on Lake Buel, Massachusetts.
Bat Mitzvah - 2016
Rabbi Markowitz reviews the Torah portion with a Bat Mitzvah.
Volunteers For Israel (VFI) - 2014, 2015
Three individuals from Congregation Beth Shalom have participated in VFI Program (In Israel: Sar El)
Sisterhood News
We’re trying to keep busy. There are two (2) projects coming up. We are again participating in Boscov’s “Friends Helping Friends” promotion. This year the format is different. It will be held for two (2) days, October 14th and 15th, in store and on line. You will receive 20% off the lowest sale price on almost everything in the store and Sisterhood will receive back 5% of your total purchase. All you have to do is mention Sisterhood from Congregation Beth Shalom at the register or online at checkout. There is no need to buy a shopping pass, just shop till you drop on October 14th and 15th and remember to mention “Sisterhood”.
The other project we would like you to support is “Books for Troops”. This organization collects paperback books only, no romance or hardcover books please. The books are then boxed and sent to our troops. Each box of about 40 books cost an average of $15.00 to mail, so monetary donations are also greatly appreciated. If you would like to make a donation, please make your check out to “Books for Troops” and drop it and or books off at the synagogue. Any questions please call Sandy at 518-877-7878. Let’s show our troops our gratitude for their service.
The other project we would like you to support is “Books for Troops”. This organization collects paperback books only, no romance or hardcover books please. The books are then boxed and sent to our troops. Each box of about 40 books cost an average of $15.00 to mail, so monetary donations are also greatly appreciated. If you would like to make a donation, please make your check out to “Books for Troops” and drop it and or books off at the synagogue. Any questions please call Sandy at 518-877-7878. Let’s show our troops our gratitude for their service.
Shalom,
Sandy Rubin and Sheila Alfasso
Men's Club Report
The Men’s Club has missed not being able to put on new programs for our synagogue members. The important thing is that we take care & stay healthy, and follow recommended suggestions to accomplish this.
When the pandemic hit New York State, we were preparing to put on our 2 biggest programs of the year.
1, Phil Barrett – town of Clifton Park Supervisor – topic – “The Future of Clifton Park As He Sees It.”
2. Barry Hamerling – Financial Consultant –will share his experiences with our members and will be open to answering questions.
We hope to be able to do this in the coming year. Membership –the New Year is upon us & the Men’s Club dues request has been sent out. Please, send in your dues so we can continue putting on programs for all. $30.00 is a small amount for membership in your active Men’s Club. All programs are provided by both your Sisterhood & Men’s Club.
Men’s Club wants to continue putting on programs that will provide enjoyment, both social & cultural for the members of our congregation. To be able to do this, we need the help of our congregation members.
We are always looking for new ideas and volunteers to assist in our programs. Any suggestions from our membership will be appreciated. I can be contacted at: (518} 371-4946 or email me at: [email protected] We need our members to volunteer in order to achieve Sisterhood/Men’s Club future programs.
All Beth Shalom take care & stay well!! Les Miller
Les Miller, Men's Club President
Les Miller, Men's Club President
OUR NEXT MEN’S CLUB MEETING IS TBD