DECEMBER 2012 - Congregation Kol Emet

THE VOICE 

OF KOL EMET 

December 2012 

Chanukah is Burning Bright 

By Rabbi Howard Cove 

rabbicove@kolemet.org 

On Saturday night December 8 th we will begin the festival 

of Chanukah for 5773. There is a story I would like to 

share with you that took place during Chanukah in 

Poland, 1944. For those who were fortunate enough not 

to be in the concentration camps, their lives depended on 

finding a hiding place and someone who would bring 

them food. 

Among those who were in hiding that winter were the 

members of the Shinar family. The Shinar’s were an 

observant Jewish family. Early in their hiding they had 

found a wooden board and they used it to make their 

own Jewish calendar so that they could observe all the 

Jewish holy days at the proper time. But when Chanukah 

drew near they were worried because they did not have a 

Chanukiah with which to observe the festival. After all, 

the festival of lights was impossible to observe in the 

place that they were. 

During their first Chanukah in the secret bunker they 

called home, the Shinar’s had marked the 8 days with 

nothing but a hand drawn Chanukiah. Every day of 

Chanukah they would draw one more flame in pencil 

over the Chanukiah. That was the best that they could do. 

In the 2 nd year the oldest child, Israel, had an idea. Maybe 

he could create some candles for a Chanukiah if he could 

only persuade someone on the outside to help him. With 

the help from a boy whose family was providing 

sanctuary for the Shinar’s, Israel collected tiny bits of wax 

over a period of many weeks. He found a bit of thread to 

use as wicks. Israel Shinar gave his family the opportunity 

to fulfill the mitzvah of truly lighting a Chanukiah. A few 

months later, in January 1945, the family was liberated. 

What’s Inside? 

Rabbi Cove’s Message ........................................ 1 

Carrie’s Message ................................................. 2 

Secretary’s Message ............................................ 3 

Mazel Tov ............................................................. 4 

Announcements .................................................... 5 

Upcoming Dates ................................................. 11 

B’nai Mitzvah ..................................................... 12 

Donations ........................................................... 14 

Anniversary and Birthday Announcements .......... 16 

Contact Information ............................................. 17 

Today, Israel Shinar is the owner and the chief executive 

officer of the Menorah Candle Factory, which is the 

largest candle manufacturing company in the world. In 

the last 50 years, Shinar’s company has manufactured 3.6 

billion candles! For this Chanukah alone, the company 

has manufactured and shipped 64 million candles 

worldwide. Millions of Jews now use Israel Shinar’s 

candles, which come in eight different colors. Can you 

imagine that someone who started out making candles 

for Chanukah out of little pieces of wax and thread, while 

hiding from the Nazis, is now the world’s largest 

manufacturer of Chanukah candles? Is that not a 

Chanukah miracle? 

The miracle for me is that even in the darkest experience, 

even in a crowded closet where Israel Shinar and his 

family lived for more than 2 years, Israel believed he 

could increase the light, not curse the darkness. The 

miracle happened when he made his way to Palestine. 

Israel Shinar chose not to wallow in self-pity, not to seek 

revenge, but that he chose to devote his life to bringing 

light to others.

We at Kol Emet and the Bucks County Jewish Community 

have a distinct opportunity to celebrate Jewish life and 

the miracle that the lights of Chanukah, Shabbat, and 

Torah are burning bright in our lives. 67 years after Israel 

Shinar lit his personally crafted Chanukiah, we will 

celebrate Shabbat and the Festival of Chanukah 5733 

with a concert by Rick Recht. We hope that you will be 

part of the joy, pride, warmth, and community on Friday 

12/7 at 7:00pm here at Kol Emet. We have an 

opportunity to increase the light as Israel Shinar has 

taught us to do. 

Let us shine! 

Let us shine! 

Let us shine! 

On December 7 th and for generations to come… 

Chag Sameach! 

From Carrie 

By Carrie Shames Walinsky 

Kol Emet Educational Director 

cwalinsky@kolemet.org 

So what really is the best way to travel to Israel? Is it 

sending your kids on Birthright? A Mediterranean cruise? 

A family trip? A summer teen experience? My answer is 

all of the above; it just depends on what you are looking 

for and what you are willing to invest. 

Birthright is an amazing FREE opportunity. I have never 

met a young adult who did not have a blast on Birthright. 

Birthright is great, but it is just a taste, a small sampling, 

as it does not give most young adults a lasting 

relationship and connection with their homeland. Many 

students see it as a free trip… it could be Italy, France, or 

China. BUT IT IS ISRAEL! If you want your child to develop 

a commitment and a connection to Israel, they really 

need more than an 8-day trip. 

Peer trips in the summer that last 4, 6, or 8 weeks 

provide many tailor made opportunities for teens and 

meet their specific interests. There are outdoor, army, 

computer, politics, religious, and Zionist options in trips. 

There are trips that combine Israel with Eastern Europe, 

Italy, Spain, and much more. Yes, they are all a financial 

investment, but it is also an investment in your child’s 

personal development and road to adulthood. Summer 

trips to Israel have proven to provide a strong Jewish 

identity and lifelong friends. 

So what about family trips? Cruises that go to Israel and 

other countries are great, but truth be known, you never 

get to deeply understand the countries you visit. Generic 

family trips to Israel are wonderful but they are just that 

– generic. You see everything but never truly meet 

cultures, communities, and experiences. 

The trip that Kol Emet is planning will be a unique and life 

long memory. This trip will be spiritual, educational, 

community building, and magical. But the best part is 

that it will be designed based on your interests and 

insight. There will be a teen leader for the children and an 

amazing tour leader for the adults. There will be a time 

for celebration, reflection, learning, and experience. 

Perhaps the most meaningful part of this trip will be the 

opportunity to share this experience with your family and 

see it through not only your own eyes, but theirs as well. 

This will be a lifelong, life altering, experience. 

If I were able to suggest the perfect cocktail to insure that 

American Jewish support will continue with Israel it 

would be family trips to share together and bond your 

family, allowing children to see that Israel is a priority in 

your life. I would then commit to sending each child on a 

summer trip for 6 – 8 weeks. I would do some research 

and find long lost cousins and friends in Israel and try to 

connect with them prior and during my trip. 

If anyone is thinking “well that is all well and good, but 

what about safety?” My answer to this is to stop listening 

to sensational news! I always feel safe in Israel. Ask 

anyone who has ever gone and they will agree. All 

organized trips work hand in hand and receive hourly 

updates from Israeli security, which insures safety for all 

tourists. Never have I, in all my experiences, felt unsafe 

there. 

So in my eyes, everyone who is connected to Judaism 

should travel, at least once in a lifetime, to Israel. From 

one trip, you will connect to your heritage, culture, and 

legacy. Whether you are travelling with or without your 

family, your trip becomes your community. Not only do 

you see Israel through your eyes, but through your travel 

partners as well. SO GO . . . WHAT ARE YOU WAITING 

FOR? 

The Voice of Kol Emet Page 2

Secretary’s Message 

By Randi Davis 

Davis193@comcast.net 

As winter approaches, our thoughts turn to the holidays. 

Many Jewish families begin the task of preparing for 

Chanukah. The preparations include the rituals of eating 

foods fried in oil and preparing the Chanukah Menorah to 

light the night eight times. 

Many also have the unique challenge of preparing to 

share Chanukah with Christmas. Christmas, which has 

taken on enormous materialistic overtones, causes 

parents to wrack their brains about where to find the 

best toys and figure out how to afford them. We do not 

want our children to feel “slighted” because Chanukah 

does not involve a jolly man, a sleigh, and large amounts 

of presents. 

This year, however, one cannot think about the “Festival 

of Lights” without reflecting on our week – or maybe 

longer – without light. I personally will not think of the 

well-known words spoken in the Torah, “Let there be 

Light”, in quite the same way again. 

Chanukah, unlike many other Jewish holidays is a very 

public celebration. It is customary to place the Chanukiah 

in our window or doorway so that the light shines to the 

outside. It is not enough to light your own home; one 

shines the light to include the outside and neighbors. 

Many of us experienced that sharing of light in the 

aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. The Kol Emet community 

reached out to one another. People shared generators, 

electricity, homes, and food. Driving through the 

neighborhoods, you had to watch your speed due to the 

electrical cords running from one house to another. In 

dealing with the power outage most of us surprised 

ourselves with what we were capable. 

The notion of being capable of more brings me to the 

miracle of the Chanukah light lasting for 8 days. There 

was one container of oil that should have burned for one 

day and night, yet it surpassed the laws of physics and 

lasted for 8 days and 8 nights. This is referred to as a 

miracle, and it was, but to me, the miracle does not come 

from some outside source. The eight candles of 

Chanukah symbolize strength and energy that we all 

possess. If we apply our full selves, we are all capable of 

reaching goals that might seem impossible. We each 

have within us infinite potential. 

This year it would be nice if we could to try to focus less 

on the Chanukah that shares characteristics with the 

material Christmas and more on the miracle. My house is 

going to focus on being thankful for light. As each candle 

burns in our Chanukiah, we will think of a goal for 

ourselves that may be beyond what we think we are 

capable. We will succeed at some and not others, but will 

be better for trying. We can make our New Year’s 

resolution around the Chanukah table rather than in 

January. 

The hardest part will be getting my children on board 

with this new notion of Chanukah. It will not be easy to 

get them past the gifts and materialism of the holiday. As 

parents, we can be role models of what we want our 

children to achieve. With patience and persistence, we 

can get them to truly see that they too possess the ability 

to achieve beyond their limits. Maybe they can see the 

light. 

Mazel Tov! 

Fran Fried, J.D. and Harvey Fried, J.D. are proud to 

announce that our son, Ari Fried, J.D., has passed the 

Pennsylvania Bar Exam. Welcome counselor! 

You are encouraged to announce accomplishments and events 

of which you are proud to share with your community. Here 

are some examples of reasons to post: 

Weddings, Engagements, Graduations, Promotions, Births, 

Milestones, Awards, Honors 

There is no fee to post accomplishments in The Voice. Submit 

your details to the office by the 10th day of each month to 

appear in the following month’s Voice. Send to 

office@kolemet.org. 


Announcements 

RECYCLING 

Help Kol Emet’s building fund by recycling your old 

newspapers, magazines, and more - staples and binders 

do not have to be removed. 

Don’t just drop off your kids on school nights; drop off 

your recycling too! The bin is located in the back of the 

parking lot, so it’s very convenient. The more weight our 

congregation collects, the more money for our building 

fund. This is a “win-win” for you, and our synagogue. 

Thank you! 

If you have any questions, please email Wendy Kursman 

at WKURSMAN@YAHOO.COM 

GENESIS TO JUSTICE: AN INTERFAITH STUDY 

Join Rabbi Howard Cove and Pastor Bob Coombe of 

Yardley United Methodist Church for a ten-session 

discussion focusing on the influence the Book of Genesis 

had on inspiring and influencing the creation of the legal 

system in the United States. The discussions will be based 

on the book Genesis to Justice by Professor Alan 

Dershowitz. All classes are on Thursdays, starting October 

25 th , and will be held at 7:30 PM. The sessions will 

alternate between the Church and Kol Emet. There is no 

charge for the course. The schedule is as follows: 

12/6 @ Kol Emet 

Chapter 3: G-d overreacts and floods the world 


Chapter 4: Abraham defends the guilty and loses 

1/24 @ the Church 

Chapter 5: Lot’s daughters rape their father and save the 

world 


Chapter 6: Abraham commits attempted murder and is 

praised 


Chapter 7: Jacob deceives and gets deceived 


Chapter 8: Dina is raped and her brothers take revenge 


Chapter 9: Tamar becomes a prostitute and the progenitor of 

David and the Messiah 


Chapter 10: Joseph is framed and then frames his brothers 


Summary: Where do the 10 Commandments come from? 

CARING COMMITTEE 

Shalom. Kol Emet Cares about Your Family! 

Do you know a Kol Emet someone who is having troubles 

in their life? Or celebrating a happy event such as a 

Wedding, Bar or Bat Mitzvah. The Caring Committee 

needs your input. If you hear of someone in our Kol Emet 

Family who is experiencing a change in status, who might 

be cheered by a card, a phone call, a visit, or perhaps a 

meal, you might first call Rabbi Cove or Bob Frey (215- 

493-8522) or Roberta Sutker, Caring Committee Chair 

(609-730-0837). 

Always keep in mind that Kol Emet takes pride in being a 

Caring Jewish Community. We need you to be our eyes 

and ears. 

- We can be there when there is an illness 

- We can be there when there is a death 

- When there is an event to celebrate and 

acknowledge 

The demonstration of our commitment to our Kol Emet 

Family comes about because we have wonderful 

volunteers. 

Can you occasionally, when needed; 

- Provide a meal 

- Deliver a meal 

- Be a visitor 

- Provide a ride 

- Participate in a Shiva Minyan 

- Make nursing home visits 

- Learn to lead a Shiva Minyan (Speak to Rabbi 

Cove) 

Please contact Roberta Sutker 

rsconnections09@gmail.com 609-730-0837 


SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE EVENTS COMING SOON 

1. HOLIDAY GIFT DRIVE THROUGH DECEMBER 7 th 

The Social Action Committee sponsors an annual 

holiday gift drive. This year we will be giving gifts to 

families serviced by Jewish Family and Children's 

Service, Easter Seals, and the Jewish Federation Day 

Care Center. Look for Sign-up Genius coming very 

soon! 

o If you sign up for a parent, you may want to 

purchase a gift certificate to one of the 

following stores: Acme, Shop-Rite, Sears, 

Target, or Wal-Mart. These stores are 

conveniently located to the recipient families. 

o If you sign up for a child, clothes, toys, or gift 

certificates would be welcomed. The Jewish 

Federation Day Care center is also always in 

need of children's hats, scarves and gloves. 

o Jewish Family Services is requesting gift card 

for all their recipients. 

o Gifts can be wrapped in any kind of paper. It is 

important that the gifts be labeled as to which 

family should receive them. All presents should 

be brought to the synagogue office by 

December 7, 2012 

We appreciate your support. If you have any 

questions, please contact Sandy Cohen 215-295- 

8306. 

RICK RECHT SHABBAT ALIVE! 

Friday, December 7, 2012 – 7:00pm 

A special Shabbat service with one of the most celebrated 

artists in Jewish Music is coming to Kol Emet! Come and 

experience an extraordinary, inspirational, and moving 

Shabbat Service on December 7th beginning at 7:00pm. 

All are welcome! This program is being made possible by 

the generous donations of several Kol Emet families. 

Please contact Judi to let us know you will attend so that 

we can plan for seating. Email office@kolemet.org or call 

(215) 493-8522 today. 

MEET-N-GREET & DESSERT RECEPTION 

Meet Rick Recht after Shabbat Alive! 

Friday, December 7, 2012 

Meet and schmooze with Rick immediately following the 

Shabbat service and enjoy a gourmet dessert reception in 

a small group setting. $100 per person. A limited 

number of reservations will be taken. 

Please contact Judi to reserve your spot. Reservation 

accepted with payment payable by cash, check, or credit 

card. Email office@kolemet.org or call (215) 493-8522 

today. 

See the poster on the following page… 

2. RICK RECHT CONCERT ON DECEMBER 7th 

We are collecting gently used DVDs (rated G, PG, 

and PG 13) and Play Station 2 games for Children’s 

Hospital in Philadelphia. We will also collect games 

for other systems, just no hand-held games. If you 

have some DVDs/Games you are ready to donate, 

please drop them off on December 7 th . Or, if you 

would like to drop them off prior to December 7 th , 

you will find collection bins located in the sanctuary 

lobby as well as the religious school lobby. 

3. AID FOR FRIENDS EVENT ON JANUARY 13th 

Please mark this date for the winter Aid for Friends 

event. In January, we package soup/stew/chili type 

of meals that will be delivered to Aid for Friends in 

Philadelphia. Please look for more details in the 

Weekly Whisper. This is a great community service 

opportunity for teens. 



SWIM ACROSS AMERICA 

Please help support Nathan Olhasso on special event he is working on for his Bar Mitzvah project. Nathan 

is working with Swim Across America, an organization that raises money for cancer research, prevention 

and treatment through swimming. Nathan along with other teammates and participants will be swimming 

relays as they “Get into the Spirit and Dive in to Destroy Cancer.” 

In our lifetime, 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer. Nathan chose this project due 

to his love of swimming, and a desire to help the Swim Across America Organization who provided funding 

for the discovery of a treatment that saved his grandmothers life. 

This event is being held on Saturday, December 15 from 11:30 am to 2 pm at the George School Pool in 

Newtown PA and we are hoping that you will all be able to attend. We could use your help and there are so many 

ways you can participate! 

1. Join the Swim or Donate to the 

Cause! Even if your best stroke is the 

doggie paddle all ages and skill levels are 

welcome! You can sign up as an individual 

or a team, or donate to Nathan, other 

swimmers or directly to the event at: 

www.swimacrossamerica.org/spirit 

2. Volunteer your time to help either as we 

get ready or that day so that the event runs 

smoothly, we would greatly appreciate 

it. Great for service hours or for other 

students looking for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah 

project. 

3. Donate something else! We will be in 

need of food donations that day for the 

swimmers, water, little prizes, fundraising 

prizes, gift certificates, etc. No donation is 

too small anything you wish to give would 

be appreciated. 

Thank you for your time and help with Nathan’s Bar Mitzvah Project. If you have any questions or to Volunteer 

please contact: Alizabeth Olhasso - liz@olhasso.com 215-760-7103 (cell) 

This is an amazing and fun event, we hope to see you there. 

Nathan Olhasso 


SAT/SSAT/ACT Tutoring 

College Guidance 

Academic Subjects 

Teaching 

One-on-One Tutoring 

Certified PA and NJ 

Grades 6-12 

Tutoring and College Coaching 

JoAnn Sachs, M.S. Ed – Educational Consultant 

215-493-5709 jasachseas@aol.com 

Need to boost your SAT, ACT, SSAT scores? Are you overwhelmed with the 

College Application Process? I can help! One on One tutoring. Complete 

explanation of the college search process and college essay help. 

Experienced teacher – Satisfied clients! 


A Tree Grows at Kol Emet 

The leaves may be falling outside but they are growing 

on our beautiful Tree of Life in Kol Emet's Social Room. 

Help the Tree of Life continue to grow. While you help 

the synagogue financially, it is a lasting way to recognize 

Simchas within our synagogue family. The leaves and 

rocks on the Tree of Life sculpture celebrate people 

special to you and will help establish a permanent 

legacy for our synagogue. 

Not only for a Bar/ Bat Mitzvah, it is a way to 

commemorate an aleph consecration, confirmation, 

graduation, wedding, birth of a child or grandchild, a 

special birthday or anniversary– or any milestone or life 

cycle event. 

The one-time costs to purchase each are $200 for a leaf 

and $700 for a stone. 

For more information or to place your order please 

contact Bob Frey, Executive Director at 215-493-8522 

ext. 113 or email Bob at bfrey@kolemet.org 

The next page can be submitted as a request form. 

Below are samples of the leaves and rocks. 

HELP WANTED 

Join a group of congregants to discuss and recommend 

ways to enrich our worship experiences at Kol Emet. 

IDEAS WANTED 


ways to improve how we communicate with you. 

COMMUNITY WANTED 


ways for us connect to each other and to our community 

here at Kol Emet. 

Contact Melody Katz at president@kolemet.org to provide 

Help, Ideas, or Community participation. 


Our beautiful new Aytz Chaim (Tree of Life) sculpture was donated by Eileen Wolf, a founding member of Congregation 

Kol Emet. 

At the base of the tree, there are a number of stones. The limbs of the tree spread into branches with golden leaves that 

become perpetual symbols of the joys of life. The stones and leaves may be inscribed to commemorate such happy events as 

births, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, anniversaries, graduations, or just to honor family and friends. 

Share the happiness by inscribing your family’s simchas on our Aytz Chaim. It will be a beautiful and permanent dedication 

to the meaningful and happy events that touch our lives. 

I wish to inscribe ________ leaf (leaves) at $200 per leaf (max 4 lines/75 letters) 

I wish to inscribe ________ boulder(s) at $700 per stone 

Please print carefully: 

________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________ 

Contributed by: 

Name ___________________________________________________________________________ 

Address __________________________________________________________________________ 

City/State/Zip ______________________________________________________________________ 

Phone ____________________________________________________________________________ 

Please make your check in full payable to Congregation Kol Emet. 

Your financial gift is tax-deductible 

to the full extent provided by law 

and will be included on the receipt 

that we send in January listing all 

gifts received during the prior year. 

Please consult your financial 

planner or tax advisor regarding the 

deductibility of your contribution. 


Upcoming Dates 

Spiritual Calendar 

Thursday Morning Minyan is at 7:15am 

Friday night Shabbat Services are at 7:30pm (unless otherwise noted) 

Saturday morning Shabbat Services will be at 9:30am (unless otherwise noted) 

December 

Sat. Dec. 1: 

9:30am Shabbat Service and Bar Mitzvah 

Jarod Szwalbenest, led by Rabbi Cove 

5:00pm Havdalah Service and Bat Mitzvah 

Alyssa Yeger, led by Rabbi Cove 

Thu. Dec. 6: 7:30pm Genesis to Justice: An 

Interfaith Study 

Fri. Dec. 7: 6:30pm Shabbat Unplugged 

with Rick Recht, led by Rabbi Cove 

January 

Thu. Jan. 3: 7:30pm Genesis to Justice: 

An Interfaith Study 

Fri. Jan. 4: 7:30pm Shabbat Service, led 

by Rabbi Cove 

Sat. Jan. 5: 9:30am Shabbat Service led 

by Rabbi Cove 

Thu. Jan. 10: 7:30pm Board Meeting 

Sat. Dec. 8: 

9:30am Shabbat Service and Hey Class 

Shabbat, led by Rabbi Cove 

4:30pm Havdalah Service and Bat Mitzvah 

Julia Vreeswyk, led by Rabbi Cove 

Thu. Dec. 13: 7:30pm Board Meeting 

Fri. Dec. 14: 

6:30pm Family Shabbat Service and 

Chanukah Celebration, led by Rabbi Cove 

Fri. Jan. 11: 5:30pm Family and 

Preschool Shabbat Service, led by Rabbi 

Cove 

Sat. Jan. 12: 9:30am Daled Class 

Shabbat Service led by Rabbi Cove 

Fri. Jan. 18: 7:30pm Shabbat Service, 

led by Rabbi Cove 

Sat. Jan. 19: 9:30am Shabbat Service 

led by Rabbi Cove 

Sat. Dec. 15: 9:30am Shabbat Service and 

Bat Mitzvah Jessica Mandel, led by Rabbi 

Cove 

Fri. Dec. 21: 7:30pm Shabbat Service led 

by Rabbi Cove 

Sat. Dec. 22: 9:30am Shabbat Service led 

by Rabbi Cove 

Fri. Dec. 28: 7:30pm Shabbat Service led 

by Rabbi Cove 

Sat. Dec. 29: 9:30am Shabbat Service led 

by Rabbi Cove 

Thu. Jan. 24: 7:30pm Genesis to 

Justice: An Interfaith Study 

Fri. Jan. 25: 5:30pm Gimel Class 

Shabbat Service, led by Rabbi Cove 

Sat. Jan. 26: 9:30am Shabbat Service 

and Kadima/Mechina Family Ed 

Program, led by Rabbi Cove 


December B’NAI MITZVOT 

Jared Szwalbenest 

December 1, 2012 AM 

Son of Stan and Joan 

Parshat Vaeshah 

Jared’s project was recycling electronic items to help others in need who do 

not have such items. He is collecting items such as computers, VCRs, DVRs, 

ipods, cameras and cell phones. These items will go to a recycling plant 

before going to the needy. 

Alyssa Yeger 

December 1, 2012 PM 

Daughter of Lenn and Jill 

Parshat Vayeishev 

Alyssa’s project is volunteering at the Friendship Circle. Friendship Circle is a 

non-profit organization that provides programs and support to the families 

of individuals with special needs. It pairs teen volunteers with an individual 

with special needs. Together, they form a lasting friendship and participate 

in one of our 25 weekly and seasonal programs. Schools/Village. 


Julia Vreeswyk 

December 8, 2012 PM 

Daughter of Michael and Andrea 

Parshat Mikeitz 

Julia’s project is the collection of used sports equipment that she will be 

donating to Boys Club of Trenton. 

Jessica Mandel 

December 15, 2012 AM 

Daughter of Matthew and Jacqueline 

Parshat Miketz 

Giving to others less fortunate has always been important to Jessica. In 

addition to donating stuffed animals, clothing, time, and money to a number 

of charities —including Alex’s Lemonade Stand—Jessica has swum lap after 

lap every summer since 2008 to raise money for Morry’s Camp, an 

organization that provides summer camp experiences for less fortunate 

children. And, until recently, her mitzvah project was focused on helping 

another deserving population: homeless and abused animals. But when her 

mother was diagnosed with breast cancer this past spring, Jessica changed 

her mitzvah project to one that benefits cancer patients and their loved 

ones. She has created a weekly newsletter with puzzles, games, jokes, and 

inspirational quotes for families who have a member being treated for 

cancer at Abington Memorial Hospital. 


DONATION LIST 

In Memory of Fund Donor 

Sheila Goldman Building Eric & Robin Schwartz 

Ken Krieger Preschool Denise & Victor Kaplan 

Jack Nedelman Rabbi’s Discretionary Richard Nedelman 

Pearl Goldberg Rabbi’s Discretionary Richard Nedelman 

Al Carson Building Herbert Carson 

Brandon Adam Schultz Rabbi’s Discretionary The Schultz Family 

Harry Aaron Schnapp Caring Committee Fran Fried 

Joseph Kursman Building Wendy & Seth Kursman 

Sylvia Thomas Building Wendy & Seth Kursman 

Bertha Gesoff Building Wendy & Seth Kursman 

Elaine Weiss Various Richard Weiss 

Rose Noodell Mitzvah The Olhasso Family 

Marvin Goldsmith Preschool Denise & Victor Kaplan 

In Honor of Fund Donor 

Bat Mitzvah of Jules Bernstein Building Terri & Bobby Fink 

Bat Mitzvah of Charlee Moses Ritual Amy & Alan Stern 

Evan Steinberg Receiving the Scouts’ Ner Tamid Ritual David and Anne Steinberg 

Naming of Penelope Rose Pinti Rabbi’s Discretionary Kathy & Robert Rosenthal 

Marriage of Lauren Katz & Adam Turek-Herman Building The Vladimir Family 

Thank You to The Families Listed Below Who Have Fulfilled Their 5773 Yiskor Pledges 

Ralph & Julie Asplen, Norm & Eddi Axler, Marc & Allison Berger, Bill & Helene Blacker, Scott & Irene Clopton, Glenn & Barbara 

Cohen, Scott & Dawn Cohen, Michael & Michelle D’Amelia, Jonathan & Sheila Fash, Eric & Karen Feder, Bob & Terri Fink, Ellie Fisher, 

Marc Fishbein & Sherri Twer, Greg & Robin Frank, Michael & Julie Frantz, Harvey & Fran Fried, Darryl & Linda Gaeman, Helene 

Goldberg, Dan & Debbi Goldman, Judith Goldberg, David & Jill Gordon, Benson Jung & Traci Manuel, Steve & Audrey Kortick, Ryan & 

Annie Kubanoff, Paul & Sally Levine, Dino & Mindy Martin, Rich & Alla Nedelman, Michael & Risha Neil, John Paston, Jason & Tabi 

Peters, Rich & Helene Pizzi, Nick & Cheryl Primola, Janet Rosenzweig, James & JoAnn Sachs, Spencer & Stephanie Siegel, Sylvia 

Spelkoman, David & Anne Steinberg, Burt & Roberta Sutker, Jay & Lori Weinstein, Nathan & Joanie Zuckerman 

MITZVAH AND MEMORY 

Death often brings more than sorrow and grief. It creates changes and all kinds of disruptions in our lives. In times of confusion, 

pain, and personal loss, many of us seek support from community, and a connection with earlier generations. We do this through 

participating in rituals and traditions from our Jewish way of life. Whether we consider ourselves religious or not, whether we 

pray once or twice a year or regularly, we can derive meaning and rebuild our emotional foundation from the words, symbols, and 

faith of our spiritual heritage. Our Thursday morning Minyan, Shabbat evening and Shabbat morning worship can provide the 

spiritual nourishment and community connections you might need as you grieve a loss or mark the anniversary of a loved one’s 

passing. 

Coming to the synagogue on a Yahrzeit, anniversary, of a loved one’s death, and saying Kaddish, is a meaningful way to transform 

our memories into a living tribute to our departed. Our own lives are made holier by rising to proclaim our faith in the names of 

those who have passed. Please consider joining us in prayer at a time of Yahrzeit and perform a powerful mitzvah to pay tribute to 

your memories. 

Attention Kol Emet Business Owners: Advertise in this Newsletter 

In the spirit of building community, The Voice includes advertisements from Kol Emet congregants who have businesses 

offering products and services. In addition to your ad, we will list your name (if not included in your copy) so the reader 

knows which Kol Emet congregant is involved in the business. Your listing will include: 

Name of Company 

Address (if business has a storefront location) 

Contact (Phone, Email, and/or Web Address) 

50 word description (images are welcomed) 


Cost is $10/issue. Send information to the Kol Emet Office (office@kolemet.org) by the 1 st of the month for a listing in the 

next issue. 

Donor Name 

Address 

City, State, Zip 

KOL EMET DONATION COUPON 

Recipient 

Address 

City, State, Zip 

Enclosed is my gift of: 

Please use my gift for: 

$18 Building Fund 

$36 Membership Assistance 

$50 (for Prayerbook) Rabbi's Discretionary Fund 

$72 (for Oneg) Mitzvah Fund 

$180 Bruce Levitt (Playground) Memorial Fund 

$360 Caring Committee 

Other – Please specify 

Social Action 

Prayer Book Fund 

Endowment Committee 

Toby Frey Memorial Fund 

Outdoor Sanctuary Fund 

Oneg (specify date) 

Charles A. Fisher Memorial Sanctuary Fund 

This gift is in honor of: 

This gift is in memory of: 

Send to: Congregation Kol Emet • 1360 Oxford Valley Road • Yardley, PA 19067 

Staying Informed at Kol Emet 

There are many ways we try to keep you informed: 

• The Voice: This Newsletter (www.kolemet.org/documents/mayvoice2011.pdf) and past issues 

(www.kolemet.org/monthly.asp). 

• http://www.kolemet.org: Our place on the web. Includes the calendar (www.kolemet.org/calendar.asp). 

• The Whisper: Weekly Email of upcoming events at Kol Emet and in the Jewish community. 

(www.kolemet.org/weekly.asp) 

• Religious school: Materials sent home with your children every week. 

• Shouts: Emails sent to alert you to imminent events and meetings. 

• Congregational Meetings: Meet at Kol Emet to both listen to, and be heard, by your Board. 

Make sure all the adults in your family get The Weekly Whisper e-mail. If your family has more than one e-mail address, 

please feel free to sign-up your multiple addresses. To get The Whisper, send an e-mail to office@kolemet.org. 


Mazel Tov to All of Kol Emet’s December 

Wedding Anniversaries and Birthdays 

Anniversaries 

Birthdays 

Day Couple Day Name Day Name 

19 Mitchell & Julie Stein 1 Chloe Connors 24 Nicole Kelliher 

20 Jeff & Jill Gross 1 Michael Kitei 24 Leyna Kirsh 

26 Harold & Carol Kaplan 1 Rhonda Lichter 24 Roberta Sutker 

27 Susan Wilson 2 Meridith Selekman 25 Barbara Kaner 

31 Geoff & Amy Goll 3 Dylan Peters 27 Nicole Edelman 

4 Shelley Miller 27 Josh Finkle 

4 Linda Millman 27 Marty Goldberg 

5 Cathleen Goldman 27 Mitchell Goldberg 

5 Allison Haferl 27 Brooke Levy 

5 Jake Schwartz 27 Charles Weiner 

6 Charles Lavine 28 Zachary Bush 

6 Alyssa Yeger 28 Frank Goldman 

7 Gene Covell 28 Steven Hoffman 

8 Thea Cohen 28 Ira Melamed 

8 Mike Pedrow 29 Micah Kubanoff 

8 Heather Schultz 29 Brandon Millman 

8 Jeffrey Schwartz 29 Chelsea Riechelson 

9 Robert Katz 30 Allyson Goldberg 

10 Elaine Cowen 30 Jeffrey Goldberg 

12 Joel Morein 31 Rachel Barrish 

13 Julie Asplen 31 Olivia Millman 

13 Julie Frantz 

14 Anna Spingler 

14 Emily Weiss 

15 Sandy Cohen 

15 Marlene Greenberg 

15 Mindy McCormick 

15 Joshua Waintraub 

16 Anna Hoffman 

17 Seth Rosenwald 

17 David Steiner 

20 Andrew Finkle 

20 Benjamin Haferl 

21 Andy Myers 

21 John Pazdera 

21 Brad Pedrow 

21 Andrew Stern 

21 Jill Yeger 

22 Nina Dembin 

22 Stacey Haferl 

23 Chelsea Klevan 

23 Steven Kortick 

24 Harold Kaplan 


CONGREGATION KOL EMET CONTACT INFORMATION 

Rabbi Rabbi Howard Cove (rabbicove@kolemet.org) 215-493-8522 ext. 3 

Executive Director Bob Frey (bfrey@kolemet.org) 215-493-8522 ext. 113 

Educational Director Carrie Walinsky (cwalinsky@kolemet.org) 215-493-8522 ext. 4 

Office Administrator Judi Pogachefsky (office@kolemet.org) 215-493-8522 ext. 2 

President Melody Katz (president@kolemet.org) 215-752-7705 

Vice President Andrew Finkle (aefinkle@gmail.com) 215-968-7520 

Vice President Wendy Simon (wellwatched@verizon.net) 215-321-1465 

Secretary Randi Davis (davis193@comcast.net) 267-392-5265 

Treasurer Eric Schwartz (eschwartz@comcast.net) 215-497-1057 

Past President Robert Moses (natanbenmoshe@verizon.net) 215-321-9927 

Religious Education Bob Fink (bunionbob@aol.com) 215-493-4715 

Adult Education Barbara Levine (barblavine@comcast.net) 609-883-2854 

Early Education Dina Bortnichak (dina@bortnichak.com) 215-295-1646 

Finance Tom Kearns (tpkearns8@gmail.com) 215-750-1019 

Community Relations Brad Pedrow (bpedrow@gmail.com) 609-775-7536 

House Rich Nedelman (rlnalla@yahoo.com) 215-493-5587 

Long Range Planning Burt Sutker (bjsutker@aol.com) 609-730-0837 

Membership Julie Asplen (jasplen@verizon.net) 215-736-3692 

Preschool PTO Co-President Susan Steiner (susansteiner@hotmail.com) 215-321-7079 

Religious School PTO Co-President Beth Zuckerman (bzuck5@gmail.com) 215-493-2996 

Religious School PTO Co-President Heather Finkle (hfinkle3@yahoo.com) 215-968-7520 

Religious School PTO Co-President Tabitha Peters (tdpeters3@gmail.com) 215-321-3161 

Ritual Robert Moses (natanbenmoshe@verizon.net) 215-321-9927 

Social Action Jill Gordon (yardley4@comcast.net) 215-295-8838 

Men’s Club Howard Greenberg (hymizzy@aol.com) 609-883-2524 

Youth Programming Heidi Bush (heitobush@verizon.net) 215-493-4080 

Rabbi Liaison Ellie Fisher (fishned333@aol.com) 215-702-8025 

Sisterhood Hilary Levy (brgrwithcheese@verizon.net) 215-493-5734 

Fundraising Barbara Cohen (bcertified@comcast.net) 215-598-3663 

Fundraising Lisa O’Rourke (lisagorourke@verizon.net) 215-295-9212 

Caring Committee Chair Roberta Sutker (rsconnections09@gmail.com) 609-730-0837 

General Contact Info 

Congregation Kol Emet, 1360 Oxford Valley Road, Yardley, PA 19067 

E-mail: office@kolemet.org, (phone) 215-493-8522, (fax) 215-493-3444 

Find us online: www.kolemet.org and Facebook, LinkedIn, and WetPaint Wiki

DECEMBER 2012 - Congregation Kol Emet

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