May 2024 Newsletter

Temple 

Adas 

Shalom 

M O N T H L Y 

N E W S L E T T E R 

4 

5 

6-8 

9 

10 

11 

13 

20 

President's Message 

RPC Message 

Kehillah MAGNET 

Adult Education 

Sisterhood News 

Safety & Security 

May 2024 

Calendar of Events 

Contents 

March 2024 - Donors 

M A Y 2 0 2 4 | 2 3 R D O F N I S A N 5 7 8 4 - 2 3 R D O F I Y A R 5 7 8 4 

Rabbi Meeka’s Musings 

Shalom TAS’s Mishpacha משפחה (Family) 

Passover, our celebratory Holiday of delivery from slavery to freedom, has now passed. 

But our People’s voices can still be heard, clear and loud, all over the world: Let Our 

People Go! 

At our annual 2nd Night Seder this year, we set a special table that will be standing at 

our Social Hall until all our hostages are returned. And God, I pray with all Am Yisrael 

that we will be able to dismantle this table sooner rather than later when our 

hostages, במהרה בימינו אמן ‏,סלה (As soon as possible, Amen Selah). 

21 

Mi Sheberakh 

May 2024 Yahrzeits 

Observed 

8 N . E A R L T O N R D . E X T . H A V R E D E G R A C E , M D 2 1 0 7 8 

410-939-3170 | ADMIN@TEMPLEADASSHALOM.ORG

Rabbi Meeka's Musings 

Continued 

The Month of May holds 3 important Holy Days: 

On May 5th - 6th many will commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day (Yom Ha’Shoah), as we painfully acknowledge 

that still, after so many years post WWII and the horrific atrocities committed against millions of Jews and other 

minorities – sadly antisemitism, and Nazism did not die with the end of World War II. 

Yom Ha’Shoah is a constant reminder of the potential for evil which lies below the fragile façade of civilization. 

Therefore, we must continue to commemorate the Holocaust. We each must do our best to prevent the seeds of 

Nazism from finding fertile soil again. 

Therefore, we consider it a mitzvah to commemorate and remember year after year after year, the six million Jews 

who were murdered in the holocaust. We can each do so by attending special memorial services and programs in our 

communities. Such a program will be offered at our Temple on May 4th in our sanctuary. Please look for more details 

in our weekly Bulletin, our webpages, on Facebook and this Newsletter. This communal service is available and open 

for everyone in our community who wishes to join us. 

On May 12th-13th, many Israelis and Jewish people around the world will experience grief and mourning, during 

Israel’s annual Yom Ha’Zikaron, Memorial Day, which up until October 7 of 2023, was dedicated mostly to Israeli 

soldiers who gave their lives to protect our land since 1948. But following the despicable acts of violence perpetrated 

by Hamas on that day, when so many Israelis were brutally murdered, the echoes and sounds of wailing, grief and 

despair are going to rise, and will be much louder than ever before. 

But on the 13th - 14th of May, Israelis will somehow find strength to rise from the deep pit of grief, as they attempt to 

celebrate, or at least acknowledge Independence Day and Israel’s 76th Birthday. The celebration of Israel’s 

Independence Day recognizes that a new era has dawned in the life of all Jewish people around the world. The rebirth 

of Israel from the ashes of the Holocaust is a symbol of Hope against despair, of redemption against devastation. I 

believe that this is the main reason why these four holidays, i.e. Passover, Holocaust Memorial Day, and Israel’s 

Independence are so close to one another. This sequence of holidays symbolizes our individual and communal 

journey from slavery to freedom, through a desert saturated with hatred and dangerous enemies, all the way to the 

Promised Land, hopefully a peaceful, tranquil place which we will all get to witness in our lifetime. 

ממצרים דרך אפלה ופחד ‏,ייסורי מוות,‏ כאב ואובדן – אל הארץ הטובה והמובטחת 

From Mitzrayim (narrowness) through darkness and fear, death, pain, and loss – to the good and promised Land. 



Rabbi Meeka's Musings 

Continued 

These days I am finding myself a bit lost for words of comfort, sheer joy and hope, which is why I asked my colleague, a poet 

by the name of Rich Orloff, if he has any poems I could share with you today. I asked for a poem that yearns for peace, yearns 

for better days to come, as we extend our hand to our neighbors, inviting them to walk with us on “the path to trust,” while 

“wishing both of us safety with each step.” 

A Prayer for My Neighbors 

by Rich Orloff 

I do not wish you harm 

I do not wish you pain 

I do not want revenge 

Or believe that either of us can triumph over the other 

I respect you as a creation of God 

I see there is divinity in you 

I wish you the opportunity to live life fully 

I wish you all the joy I wish myself 

Do not mistake these wishes for weakness 

I will do all I need to do to protect myself 

I believe there must be consequences to harmful actions 

To reduce the likelihood of such harms being repeated 

We each have our reasons to hate 

We each have histories filled with suffering 

We each will need extraordinary courage 

So that our pasts don’t limit our future 

I do not wish to inflict more trauma 

On your descendants or on mine 

I will gladly work with you 

Each of us taking small steps 

I do not expect trust overnight 

Nor can I offer it to you 

But I’m willing to walk with you on the path to trust 

Wishing both of us safety with each step 

Praying for much better days to shine with warmth, hope 

and springtime joy on each and every one of us. 

With love, 

Rabbi Meeka 



President's Message 

Mark Wolkow 

Many thanks! 

Do you know someone who has made a positive contribution to Temple Adas Shalom in recent 

years? If so, we want to know about it as we re-institute the TAS Awards program, to be held in 

conjunction with the Congregational Meeting, Installation, and dinner on Saturday, June 8. 

This program ran from 2000 through 2015 annually. It has been on hiatus since then, but is being 

revived this year. Following are the award categories. We can recognize zero, one, or more 

individuals for each. Or we can make new categories. It’s all very flexible. 

Adas Shalom - For ten or more years of service on the Board of Trustees of Temple Adas Shalom 

Yvette Kravitz Religious School Award - For contributions above and beyond the call of duty to 

the Adolph Nord Religious School 

Ner Tamid Award - For involvement in multiple synagogue activities in recent years 

Unsung Hero Award - For significant contributions behind the scenes 

Above and Beyond Award - For volunteer efforts to a specific area of the temple over an 

extended period of time 

Step up to the Plate Award - For volunteer effort in a specific area in recent years 

Fun in Fundraising Award - For exemplary effort in the area of fundraising 

Mitzvah Award - For volunteering to help in the Temple office - answering phones, collating 

programs, processing mailings, assembling newsletters, etc. 

"Jump into the fray" Award - For members who have made a significant commitment to involve 

themselves in volunteer activities at/near the outset of their congregation membership 

Youth Service Leadership Award - For actively participating in leading the congregation during 

services – as the service leader, music leader, or Torah Reader during services not lead by ASTY as a 

group 

Send your recommendations along with the person’s accomplishments to 

(membership@templeadasshalom.org) and (president@templeadasshalom.org). 

And mark your calendars for a June 8th for dinner, meeting, and the awards ceremony. 

Shalom, 

Mark 

May Service Multi 

Access Information 

and Links 

Please note that streaming will 

be done via YouTube. 

YouTube links for all of our 

services can be found on our 

calendar. No passcodes are 

required. Past and present 

services and other events can also 

be found on our YouTube 

channel. 

Friday, May 3rd 

Graduation Shabbat & Eye Level 

Torah, & JNF Speaker 

Live Streaming starts at 6:45pm- 

7:00pm 

In-Person service starts at 7:00pm 

Friday, May 10th 

Shabbat Evening Service 


7:00pm 


Saturday, May 18th 

Shabbat Torah Services & Joslin’s 

B’Nai Mitzvah 

Live Streaming starts at 9:45am- 

10:00am 

In-Person service starts at 10:00am 


Shabbat Torah Service & Jack 

Gwin Bar Mitzvah 

Live Streaming starts at 9:45am- 

10:00am 

In-Person service starts at 10:00am 

Friday, May 31st 

Shabbat Torah Service 


7:00pm 


YOUTUBE LINK FOR 

SERVICES 

https://www.youtube.com/@ 

templeadasshalom/streams 



RPC Message 

Melissa Immel & Mike Mullis 

Greetings From The Religious Practices Committee! 

B’nai Mitzvah is a formal recognition of our children becoming young adults in 

our Jewish community. This month we have the כָּארְ‏ ‏ִבּ‏ (blessing) to come 

together to honor four students as they reach this milestone on the road to 

maturity. Mazel Tov to the Joslin and Gwin families on reaching this truly special 

occasion. All congregants are invited to attend services on Friday, May 17th and 

24th at 7:00 pm, and the following Saturday mornings at 10:00 am to welcome 

Annistyn, Ryan, & William Joslin, and Jack Gwin into our community as Jewish 

adults. Join us on June 7th for a unique Rock Shabbat service that blends... rock 

music. Let the rhythm uplift your spirit as we come together to celebrate 

Shabbat in a new and dynamic way. Come prepared to sing, sway, and 

experience the joy of our shared faith through the power of music. Don't miss 

this opportunity to connect with your community in a rockin' celebration of 

Shabbat! 

B'Shalom, 

Melissa Immel & Mike Mullis, RPC Co-Chairs 




Sarah O’Donnell & Joel Yoffee 

Shalom Temple Adas Shalom Community! 

Kehillah MAGNET is already gearing up for our 2024- 

2025 school year! If you know of families with 

children in Grades Pre-K through ten who want 

their children to learn about their Jewish culture, 

history, and traditions, please send them our way! 

Our Early Bird Registration is currently up and 

running until May 19, 2024. Sign up today! 

We are currently looking to expand the number of 

educators that we have on staff, as well as move to 

an individualized model of teaching Mid-Week 

Hebrew. If you are interested in learning more about 

teaching or tutoring for the 2024-2025 school year, 

please email Sarah O’Donnell at 

principal@templeadasshalom.org today! 

Purim Carnival 2024: This year, we had an incredible Mock Seder with over 

65 children, parents, grandparents, and teachers in attendance. Thank you 

to all our volunteers! 




Continued 

REGULAR PROGRAMMING: 

TOT SHIRA: Each month during the school 

year Kehillah MAGNET welcomes families with 

children ages 5 and under to attend the Pre- 

K/K music class at our religious school. “Tot 

Shira” is a wonderful way to introduce little 

ones to our dedicated teachers and fantastic 

students. Our final Tot Shira of the school year 

was held in April. Stay tuned for future tot 

events! 

FAMILY SHABBAT SERVICE: 

Every other month during the academic school year, Rabbi Meeka and 

Mike Mullis, music teacher and director, lead one Friday night service that 

is designed with families in mind. Family Shabbat nights begin at 5:30 pm 

with a child-friendly meal, and the service runs from 6:15 – 7:00 pm. 

Attending Family Shabbat is a great way to enjoy the company of friends, 

relax after a long week, and provide further understanding of Hebrew 

learning. Our students in grades 7 – 9 helped Rabbi Meeka to lead the final 

Family Shabbat of the academic year on April 19, 2024. We look forward to 

seeing you next year! 




Continued 

Adas Shalom Temple Youth (ASTY) MEETINGS: 

ASTY is held monthly during the school year with teens in grades 7-12. This 

past month, our teens traveled to the Holocaust Memorial in Washington, 

D.C. on April 21st. They have been an integral part of our social action efforts 

this school year, and they will be participating in our Holocaust Memorial 

event on May 4th at the synagogue. Many thanks to our incredible ASTY 

advisors, Alison Filicko and Joshua Larkin, for a fantastic year! 

Please check out the temple calendar for all upcoming events and see 

you soon! 

Joel Yoffee 

Kehillah MAGNET Religious School Committee Chair 

Sarah O’Donnell 

Kehillah MAGNET Principal 



Upcoming 

Adult 

Educational 

Events 

Adult Ed. Book Discussion 


10:00am to 11:30am 

Adult Education 

Brian Folus 

Dear Congregants, 

On May 11 at 10:00am, we will be having on Zoom our next Book Discussion. We 

are reading the book “The Red Tent” by Anita Diamant. 

In this modern classic interpretation of the biblical story of Dinah, Anita 

Diamant imagines the traditions and turmoil's of ancient womanhood--the world 

of The Red Tent, a New York Times bestseller and the basis of the A&E/Lifetime 

mini-series. In the Bible, Dinah's life is only hinted at in a brief and violent detour 

within the more familiar chapters of the Book of Genesis that tell of her father, 

Jacob, and his twelve sons. The Red Tent begins with the story of the mothers-- 

Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah--the four wives of Jacob. They love Dinah and 

give her gifts that sustain her through childhood, a calling to midwifery, and a 

new home in a foreign land. Dinah's story reaches out from a remarkable period 

of early history and creates an intimate connection with the past. Deeply 

affecting, The Red Tent combines rich storytelling and the valuable achievement 

of presenting a new view of biblical women's lives. 

On March 10 we had a wonderful presentation “The Wonders of Gilchrist”. This was 

a great opportunity to learn more about Gilchrist’s services. If you missed this inperson 

presentation, please see the Power-point on the Adult Ed page. 

Rabbi Meeka is continuing her new class “Tea & Torah” This is being held in the 

Temple Library. This is a very informative and interactive Torah Study class. The 

class is free, but Rabbi is asking people to register. A link is on the calendar. Even if 

you missed the first class feel free to register and join the class. Upcoming 

sessions will be held on May 5th at 10:00 a.m. and May 19th at 9:30 a.m. 

We truly hope you will join us for these upcoming events and send us suggestions 

and request for topics or movies or programs you would like the Adult Ed. 

Committee to provide for you. 

As always feel free to sit in on a meeting, just click on the link in the Calendar. 

Looking forward to hearing from you! 

Shalom, 

Brian Folus 



Sisterhood News 

Deborah Temple 

What a great General Membership Meeting we had in April – it was fun and informative, 

the food was terrific, we all found our Zen, and the company was even better! For those 

who could not make it, do not despair, we want to make sure everyone is in the know 

and will be sending out a ‘State of the Sisterhood’ for your review. 

Sisterhood 

Events 

All our Sisterhood dates are 

posted on the Temple Calendar 

and appear in bright pink. 

Sisterhood End of Year Event 

Sunday, June 2nd 11am-3pm 

For those not yet Sisterhood members (c’mon what are you waiting for?), this is a 

wonderful time to join. Our TAS Sisterhood is in great shape! Our membership numbers 

are up, our finances look strong, and our TAS Giftshop is turning a profit (way to go Pat & 

Denise) ...we are expanding our activities, our outreach, and our impact. Do you want to 

help the homeless? Do you want to come join us for a Mocktails and Mimosas brunch? 

Or an evening of axe-throwing? Not every activity is for everyone, we get it; but, in full 

transparency, some of us like to do it all! Let us know what interests you so we can start 

planning - because this is not your Bubbe’s Sisterhood. 

We do have two especially important things to include this month. A big 

congratulations to our incoming board members: Naomi Walton (co-vice president) and 

Heather McJilton (board member). And a big thank-you to Mindy Goldman (co-vice 

president) and Liz Westendorf (board member) for volunteering to head our 

membership outreach committee. 

Please join us for our End of Year Event on June 2nd. We will be enjoying lunch at 11:00 

at JD’s Smokehouse followed by a 1:00 tour of the historic Tudor Hall and a 2:00 Special 

Talk about the “Brides of Bluebeard: John Wilkes Booth’s Paramours.” Cost is $10 per 

member, currently limited to 20 members. Additional tickets may be available upon 

request at $20 for guests. Please reach out to Pat Wolkow to reserve your place. 

Our Sisterhood Board Installation will take place alongside the Board Installation on 

June 8th at the Congregational Meeting. 

Shalom, 

Deb Temple 



Safety & Security 

Pat Wolkow 

Note for Building Key Holders: 

DeNae has been sending updates on the security system glitches, 

and all is now in ready mode! 

Steps to disarm the building alarm: 

When you approach the entry door, peer in to notice that the light 

on the alarm pad is Red. That means the alarm is on. (If it is green, 

someone is likely in the building already, please notify them you 

are in the building too.) 

When you swipe your key, the door clicks and is unlocked. The 

light will turn green and the alarm is lifted. 

If you hear beeping at the alarm pad then your key did not disarm, 

which means you must enter your personal code to disarm (it 

happens sometimes so be ready!*) 

Reading on the pad will say System Ready as you and others stand 

still. 

*If your card does not automatically disarm the alarm notify DeNae 

during working hours. If you forgot your code, contact her as well, but 

in advance! 

CLICK HERE TO 

CHECK OUT THE 

NEW EVENT FORM! 

Steps to set alarm: 

Check and follow the Building Closing Procedures, located next to 

the Alarm Pad. 

Open the pad and notice that it says “System Ready. ” If it does 

not, then there is either movement (a person) or a door is not 

securely closed. You must recheck! 

Once you enter your code, you will have 30-45 seconds to leave 

out the door, so if necessary, have all your belongings in hand or 

set outside before alarming. 

CONGRATULATIONS! 

FALSE ALARMS COST US A HEAFTY FINE!!! 

So if you are not confident in adjusting the alarm system we are more 

than happy to arrange an appointment to meet with Pat Wolkow or 

DeNae Harmon to practice OR turn in your key card. 

Be safe, and keep us safe! 

security@templeadasshalom.org 

-Pat Wolkow 



Temple Adas Shalom’s May 2024 Calendar of Events

March 2024 – Donors 

BUILDING FUND (L'dor V'dor) 

Rob & Charna Kinneberg (L’dor V’dor) 

Rayna & David Richardson (L’dor V’dor) 

Brian & Tammy Folus 

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund 

Meeka & David Simerly 

Rayna & David Richardson - In memory of Marcy Werde 

HJC General Fund 

Jayne Klein - In memory of William Broemm, Barbara Zion-Keyser & 

Andrew Klein 

Hyndel Kempler - In memory of Barbara Chancey 

Martin Werde 

Andrew & Amy Ratner - In memory of Lois Ratner 

Stanley Freedman 

Debra & Lee Tannenbaum - In memory of Lois Ratner, Peter Jay, 

Barbara Chancey, & Marcy Werde 

Debbie Delaney - In memory of Wally Lyons 

Mark & Patricia Wolkow - In memory of Marcy Werde, Barbara 

RELIGIOUS PRATICE DONATION 

Chancey, Shelley Weinmann, Marcy Schirloff, Lois Ratner, Lou Abrams, 

& Elise Schipper 

Kehillah MAGNET RS Fund/Garden Fund 

Rayna & David Richardson - In memory of Barbara Chancey (KM Fund) 

Richard & Rhonda August - In memory of Barbara Chancey (KM Fund) 

Jessica & Jean Piwovar (Garden Fund) 



Mi Sheberakh * We Pray for Healing 

Amelia Parsons 

Anita Rosenzweig 

Burt Bronk 

Elise Dirlam-Ching 

Fred Belkin 

Daniel Hurst 

Harvey Malin 

Heather Mullis 

Joyce Levy Levine 

Justin Orellana Garcia 

Nancy Lever 

Natalie Litofsky 

May 2024 - Yahrzeits Observed 

Orin Zwik 

Rabbi Ziona Zelazo 

Robin Way 

Shari Morris 

Steve Nohowel 

Stu Needel 

Molllie Berger 

Fannie Ostrowsky 

Ethel Wolpert 

Sol Isadore Silver 

Harriet Folus 

Abraham Davis 

Jerome Rosenbloom 

Werner Fridberg 

Syd Bernstein 

Ida W. Kravitz 

Ida Richman 

Robert L. Gwaltney 

Helen Vogel 

Tillye Getz 

Barbara Fine 

Linda Gordon 

Karen Avra Ruskin 

Annie Singer 

Anna Greenberg 

Margie Tannenbaum 

Nina Schiff 

Norman Cogan 

Louis Reiser 

Shelly Shuman 

David Snyder 

Fannie Hutner 

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Nathan M. Siegel 

Esther Kushner 

Jimmy Chancey 

Elliot Larkin 

Paula Stein 

Jacob Hecht 

Jacob David Graff 

Sally Altman 

Anna Brenner Shuman 

Dr. Norman Berger 

Rina Leizerbaum 

Henry Theodore Sacks 

Grace Pincus Fine 

Pearl Feldstein Spergel 

Netta Gillespie 

Samuel Nathanson 

Morris Edeson 

Irvin Paul Gilden 

Gustave Charles Zader 

Bernice G. Shuman 

Marilyn Goldsticker August 

Halsey Neff 

Jack Stein 

Anna Pillersdorf 

Gloria Hoffman 

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Caring Note 

Caring is about both the simchas and healing through support and community. 

Is there a moment you would like to share, privately or publicly? 

We want to be there for you so please let us know. 

Email the Caring Committee at caring@templeadasshalom.org

May 2024 Newsletter

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