May 2025 Newsletter

Temple

Adas

Shalom

M O N T H L Y

N E W S L E T T E R

3

4

5

7

8

9

10

11

12

24

25

President's Message

RPC Message

Kehillah MAGNET

Adult Ed

Sisterhood News

Safety & Security

Treasurer's Report

May 2025

Calendar of Events

March 2025 - Donors

May 2025 Yahrzeits

Observed

Contents

Committee for Interior

Design

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

Rabbi Meeka’s Musings

Inspirational Services & Educational Opportunities

Coming to Temple Adas Shalom!

TAS is buzzing with meaningful programs and uplifting gatherings this

May! Below is just a partial list, please check Temple’s calendar for a

complete list of programs, outings and engagement opportunities!

May 3 – Holocaust Memorial Service, at 6:00 pm at TAS’s Sanctuary.

Recommended for 5th grade and older. Join us for a moving evening of

remembrance as we welcome Holocaust survivor Mr. George Falk, who

will share his powerful story—a living testament to the message: “Never

Again is Right Now.” The evening will begin with opening remarks from

Havre de Grace Mayor Bill Martin and feature stirring performances by

professional musicians, our choir, and ASTY teens. This community-wide

event is open to all—please invite your friends, family, and neighbors to

share in this meaningful experience.

for more information on this event

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

President's Message

Mark Wolkow

Our Congregational Get-Together –

More than just a Meeting!

On Saturday, June 8, we will get together as a

congregation to install new Board Members, recognize

Nord Award recipients, and provide an update on the latest

and greatest synagogue goings-on. But wait… there’s more.

A catered dinner will be served, first-class entertainment

has been arranged with none other than George and

Martha Washington, and there will be a dessert reception.

George and Martha will talk about their lives and their

relationship, which we know you will find fascinating. You

will even have the opportunity to ask them questions.

This kind of event is a great opportunity to meet up with your Temple friends and

get to know some members you may not have had an opportunity to meet

before. Plus you will have access to many of our Temple leaders to ask questions of

or make suggestions. I hope everyone will try to make room in your schedule to

attend. For $18, it’s also a great deal!

In closing, I’d like to congratulate Col. (Retired) Jonas Vogelhut and Dr. Brad

Cogan, each of whom will be recognized at the meeting for earning the Adoph

Nord Award, our congregation’s highest honor. Mazel Tov to both of these

gentlemen.

B’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 2nd

Shabbat Service

Live Streaming starts at 6:45pm-

7:00pm

In-Person service starts at 7:00pm

Friday, May 9th

Israel Celebration, Dinner, & Party

Live Streamingl starts at 6:00pm-

6:15pm


Friday, May 16th

Daven & Dine Shabbat Service


6:15pm


Friday, May 23rd

Shabbat Service


7:00pm


Friday, May 30th

Shabbat Shavuot & Confirmation

Service


7:00pm


YOUTUBE LINK FOR

SERVICES

https://www.youtube.com/@

templeadasshalom/streams



RPC Message

Linda Needel & Mike Mullis

Spring is in full swing here at Temple Adas Shalom! As the weather, and

the daylight, gets warmer and longer things are also heating up here in

our Sanctuary. Amongst our regular services, May brings us also a

combination of somber and wonderful services to celebrate and

remember the things that make us who we are.

Saturday, May 3rd @ 6pm: Holocaust Memorial Service

Join us for a special and moving remembrance of HaZikaron laShoah velaG'vurah,

Holocaust Remembrance and Survivors Heroism.

Friday, May 9th @ 6:15pm: Israel Celebration Family Shabbat & Dinner

Celebrating Yisrael, we will have a short service and a catered dinner. If you

have not RSVP’d for the dinner, please contact the main office.

Friday, May 16th @ 6:15pm: Daven & Dine

Dinner at Coakley’s in Havre de Grace. Free to attend but please RSVP.

Friday, May 30th @ 7pm: Shavuot & Confirmation

Come celebrate our Religious School Confirmands as they lead and read

from the Ten Commandments, as we also celebrate the giving of the

Commandments to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai.

And as always, if you have a great idea or thought about how we can

“shape our Shul”, come join the Religious Practices Committee! We meet

th

once a month on the 4 Thursday and welcome all who want to come and

be part of the group that plans the things you see every month at Temple

Adas Shalom! Reach out to Linda or Mike for more information!

We’ll see you in the Sanctuary!

Linda & Mike

Co-Chairs, RPC



Kehillah MAGNET

Sarah O’Donnell & Ashira Quabili

Shalom Temple Adas Shalom Community!

Kehillah MAGNET is busily planning for our 2025-2026 school year, and our

Early Bird Registration ends on Sunday, May 18, 2025! 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!

We are currently looking to expand the number of educators that we have

on staff – both classroom teachers and Hebrew tutors during the week. If

you are interested in learning more about becoming an educator for the

2025-2026 school year, please email Sarah O’Donnell at

principal@templeadasshalom.org today!

Model Seder 2025:

This year, we had an incredible Model Seder with over 70 children, parents,

grandparents, and teachers in attendance. Many thanks to the Sibel family for

organizing the event, as well as our many volunteers who set up and cleaned

afterwards!



Kehillah MAGNET

Sarah O’Donnell & Ashira Quabili

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. Stay tuned for future tot

events!

Family Shabbat:

Adas Shalom Temple Youth (ASTY) Meetings:

Every other month during the academic school year,

Rabbi Meeka and Michael 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.

We look forward to seeing you next year!

ASTY is held bi-weekly during the school year with teens in grades 7-12. Our

students have been an integral part of volunteering in other grade levels this

school year, and they will be participating in our Holocaust Memorial event on May

rd

3 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!

Ashira Quabili

Kehillah MAGNET Religious School Committee Chair

Sarah O’Donnell

Kehillah MAGNET Principal



Adult Education

David Dirlam

Our Adult Education Committee will hold its first annual

planning meeting. On Sunday, May 4, we will create a plan

for the next fiscal year, July 2025 through June 2026. The

Rabbi’s Tea and Torah is our most enduring offering, and we

will continue to encourage this attractive program.

Other options include movie nights, book

discussions, special speakers, day trips,

courses, and other types of offerings that

contribute to our members’ connection to

Judaism.

Your creative suggestions for specific or

general offerings will be eagerly discussed

at our meeting. Please email your

suggestions by May 3 to

adulted@templeadasshalom.org.

Stay updated with upcoming events on the Temple Calendar.



Sisterhood News

Deb Temple

Shalom Sisters!

Spring is a welcome addition. Nature is blooming with colors, baby birds are

beginning to emerge, and the winter doldrums are fading away in the

sunshine. This temperate weather sure is a pleasant change of pace.

Sisterhood

Events

All our Sisterhood dates are

posted on the Temple Calendar

and appear in bright pink.

We have two great upcoming events, and we are hopeful you will join us.

On May 18th we will head out for a delicious lunch at Squire’s

Restaurant at noon followed by a 3:00 live production of Hairspray at

the Community College of Baltimore County in Dundalk. There are

carpools available, and the theatre tickets are free for Sisterhood

members! Additional theatre tickets are available for guests at only

$18. RSVP by May 1st.

st

On June 1 we will hold our End of Year Havdalah and Sisterhood

Board Installation. Please join us as we welcome the week with

Havdalah, enjoy a catered lunch, and share all our own exciting plans

for the summer. This event will include a fun and creative activity for

th

those who want to participate. RSVP by May 20 .

M A Y

SUN

18

J U N E

SUN

1

Lunch & Hairspray live

onstage!*

12:00pm

Board Installation, Havdalah,

& Watercolor Your World*

12:00pm

*indicates calendar change, please update

your calendar

For those not yet Sisterhood members (What are you waiting for? You know

you want a piece of this fun!), 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!

TAS Sisterhood is a proud

member of the Women of

Reform Judaism (WRJ): “a

network of Jewish women

working together to

empower women and

communities through the

bonds of sisterhood,

spirituality, and social

justice.”

Please reach us at Sisterhood@TempleAdasShalom.org to RSVP, renew your

membership for next year (Jul 2025 – Jun 2026) or to become a new

member, or to just share your thoughts on how we can better serve your

needs and that of our community. We look forward to hearing from you

soon!



Safety & Security

Pat Wolkow

College Bound and Present College Families

CLICK HERE TO FILL

OUT AN EVENT FORM

REMINDER: THIS

FORM SHOULD BE

FILLED OUT FOR ALL

TEMPLE EVENTS

Our Security Team is offering this link to you with some helpful

information as you visit and make decisions with your family about

college and campus visits.

“Secure Community Network, Hillel International,

and Partners Launch Essential Campus Safety

Questions Resource to Empower Students &

Families”

The Season Has Changed

Now that weather is getting warmer and a bit more

humid, some of our doors expand. PLEASE give any

doors a double check when leaving the building that

the door is shut tight!

Be Safe

Security Team

security@templeadasshalom.org



Treasurer’s Report

Stephen Marksamer

Dear TAS Members,

Another month into 2025. Turmoil in our national economy and global positioning is

continuing. Uncertainty in our personal finances is a very real probability. That is what

makes this even more difficult. This is my ask to reach, if you can, in participating to

financially support our Jewish community here at Temple Adas Shalom. My latest

report to our Board of Trustees on April 10 had a total of 56 families who have made

an annual pledge. That leaves about 76 who haven’t.

My letter last month rested on participation. It was all about our TAS community

coming together, participating in the many events that are available week in and

week out. I was thrilled to see and talk to many of you at our 2nd Night Seder, led by

Rabbi Meeka. The singing and dancing (yes a procession dancing around the social

hall with Naomi gleefully at the head) was such a joy.

Our synagogue also requires financial participation. We can’t do this alone. There is a

pledge tile and a security fee choice in every member’s profile/account page. Simply

click 2025 Pledge or Donations and you will come across them. It’s truly easy to find, but

if you have any difficulty a quick call to DaNae or me and we can help you solve the

puzzle.

The security fee is only $120, payable in monthly, quarterly, or almost any which-way

you want (some have paid it all at once). The times we live in require diligence in our

safety that perhaps we never fully realized before. The security guards present at

every special event are there to protect us and we rightly compensate them for this

protection and peace of mind. We already have 100% participation because everyone

is being charged the fee; however, not everyone has paid it (or a portion of it –

remember you can divide it up into whatever monthly allotment is convenient for

you).

Springtime means more events outdoors for all of us. We will have so many

opportunities to participate. Please don’t forget about the financial opportunities as

well.

Thank you all for your generosity.

Click here to submit

your 2025 Pledge

Sincerely,

Stephen Marksamer

Treasurer, Temple Adas Shalom



Committee for Interior Design

Sandy Dirlam

TAS’ revived Committee for Interior Design is now doing

exciting things to upgrade our spaces.

First, Mike and Mindy Goldman, and Fred

Edeson are working on installing and

programming several user-friendly and

scrollable electronic monitors in the reception

area and outside the sanctuary. This will give

us the opportunity to display live and past

services (for greeters, among others), TAS

history, a calendar of current events, donor

thank yous, yahrzeits, past presidents, special

service awards, committee input, and more.

Second, we plan to upgrade the

social hall to entice more people to

rent. We will paint it a soft, neutral

shade of ivory or off white (or

suggestions welcome), add a chair

rail (to keep walls clean where food

is served or people congregate)

and possibly a wainscoting below

the chair rail. We are also exploring

the possibility of hanging local

artists' works and possibly

receiving a fee when any are sold.

Please send input to Sandy Dirlam before our next meeting on

Saturday, May 3.



Temple Adas Shalom’s May 2025 Calendar of Events

please refer to the online calendar for the most up-to-date information

SAVE THE DATE

10.25.2025

70TH ANNIVERSARY

GA

LA

6:00pm

CELEBRATE WITH US!

AN EVENING OF ENTERTAINMENT, GREAT

FOOD, AND GOOD COMPANY!

For 70 years, Temple Adas Shalom has been a place of

peace, learning, and belonging, thanks to the

dedication and dreams of our founding families and

members like you.

more details to come

Community

Holocaust Memorial

Service

Saturday 5/3/2024 – 6:00 pm

Honoring the Past,

Illuminating the Present,

Shaping the Future

Opening remarks by Mayor of Havre de Grace Bill Martin

With Guest Speaker:

Holocaust Survivor Mr. George Falk to share his testimonial

Participation by TAS ASTY youth members, TAS Choir & Musicians

Am Yisrael Chai

TAS Celebrates Israel

Join us to celebrate Israel’s Independence Day!

Friday, May 9th

Pricing

Adults $20

Kids $10

(ages 3-12)

6:15 - 7PM

Family Shabbat Service

7:00PM

Catered Israeli Inspired Dinner

and Celebration with Israeli Dancing

There will be activities for children, Israeli music and folk

dancing, face painting, special raffle

Register by Monday 5/5/2025

https://members.templeadasshalom.org/event/israel-celebration-dinner--party.html

TAS and Friends of IDF Present:

Beit Kafe Yisraeli

An Inspiring Event with Friends of IDF

Learn. Connect. Support

Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 6PM

Join us for an engaging and educational event as we

introduce the Friends of the IDF (FIDF) to our community.

Learn about the incredible impact FIDF has on the lives of

Israeli service members and how you can be a part of this

vital mission.

Gain firsthand insight into the experiences of IDF members

and the life changing support provided by FIDF. This is a

unique opportunity to connect with others who share a

passion for Israel and its defenders.

Refreshments will be served

(sushi, wraps, desserts, etc.)

Register here by May 10th

For more information contact Rabbi Meeka Simerly

Sunday

May

presented by the Dundalk Community Theater

18

Guests: $18 Admission

Sisterhood Members: Free Admission

11:30am | carpool

meet at Temple Parking Lot or

Park-n-Ride near wegmans on rt 924

12:00Pm | lunch

squire’s italian restaurant (Dine at your own expense)

6723 Holabird ave. baltimore, md 21222

3:00Pm | “Hairspray”

CCBC Dundalk - Lloyd College Center

John E. Ravekes Theatre

7200 Sollers point rd dundalk, MD 21222

RSVP BY MAY 1ST

sisterhood@templeadasshalom.org

410-939-3170

limited tickets available

RSVP with carpool location, lunch plans, and number of tickets:

Sisterhood (free) or Guest ($18).

Pay TAS Sisterhood via PayPal or send a check to TAS Sisterhood.

Make

12:00pm - 2:00pm

Today

Social Hall

Sunday, June 1st

Welcome the Week with Havdalah

Enjoy a Catered Lunch

Celebrate our Sisterhood Board Installation

Complete a Fun and Creative Project

Schmooze and share your summer plans with friends!

Epic

$12 Activity Fee

Click or Scan to Pay via PayPal to TAS Sisterhood

RSVP by 5/23/2025

sisterhood@templeadasshalom.org

Sunday June 8th

5:00pm - 9:00pm

Agenda Highlights:

Congregational Meeting

Includes Board Installation and Nord Award Presentations

Dinner catered by Latia Wilson

Enjoy a delicious menu of sliders, salads, fruit & desserts

A Visit from George & Martha Washington!

Live actors bring the First Couple to life — hear how they met,

fell in love, and led a nation (and a household)

Dessert Reception

Mingle with “George & Martha” and your fellow congregants!

$18 per person

(15 and over)

Please register by May 29th

Click or

Scan Here

70 YEARS

Join us in commemorating this milestone by placing an ad in our

special 70th Anniversary Program! This is a wonderful opportunity to

share your business, honor or memorialize loved ones, offer

congratulations to the temple, or highlight cherished memories from

your time here.

You can submit a business ad, a personal tribute, or even photos

from past events to be featured in our program. Let’s come together

to celebrate our history and community as we look forward to the

future!

Thank you for being a part of our journey!

Program Ad Sizes

Center Fold (17" x 11")

Inside Front/Back Cover (8.5" x 11")

Full Page (8.5" x 11")

Half Page (8.5" x 5.5")

Quarter Page (4.25" x 5.5")

Business Card (3.5" x 2")

Patron Greeting (70 characters or less)

Secure your spot by June 15th, 2025 here:

https://members.templeadasshalom.org/form/TAS-70th-sponsorship

Contact Contact Us Us

410-939-3170

410-939-3170

8 8 N N Earlton road, ext.

Havre de Grace, MD 21078

Havre de Grace, MD 21078

admin@templeadasshalom.org

March 2025 – Donors

BUILDING FUND (L'dor V'dor)

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

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund

Gary Getz & Elaine Hirsch In memory of Harvey Malin

In memory of Myron Hurwitz

In memory of Adele Friedman

Jayne Klein

In memory of Harriet Coleman

Rayna & David Richardson In appreciation of Rabbi Meeka and the support she

gave as we mourned the loss of my father, my sister's

husband and my brother-in-law's mother.

Meeka & David Simerly

Denise & Arthur Gordon In memory of Linda Topol

In memory of Robin Levy

Eric Griesinger

In memory of Yahrzeit or anniversary of the passing

of my beloved wife, Deborah Griesinger

HJC General Fund

Janice & Woodrow Grant Jr.

Terry Weiner & Herb Abrams

Mark & Patricia Wolkow

Matthew Bodner

Felice & Gregory Repas

In Memory of Harriet Colman, mother of Rabbi Gila

Ruskin and Dr. Paul Ruskin

In Memory of Harriet Colman, mother of Rabbi Gila

Ruskin

In Memory of Linda Topol

Oneg Fund

John & Jennifer Zader

Kehillah MAGNET RS Fund

Esther & Jean Piwovar

Denise & Arthur Gordon

In memory of Myron Hurwitz



May 2025 - Yahrzeits Observed

Barbara Fine

1st

David Snyder

17th

Tillye Getz

1st

Joseph Goldberg

18th

Linda Gordon

2nd

Netta Gillespie

18th

Karen Avra Ruskin

2nd

Samuel Nathanson

18th

Annie Singer

3rd

Gustave Charles Zader

19th

Anna Greenberg

3rd

Irvin Paul Gilden

19th

Margie Tannenbaum

4th

Morris Edeson

19th

Nina Schiff

5th

Halsey Neff

20th

Norman Cogan

6th

Jack Stein

20th

Shelly Shuman

7th

Bernice G. Shuman

20th

Louis Reiser

7th

Elliot Larkin

21st

Fannie Hutner

8th

Gloria Hoffman

21st

Nathan M. Siegel

9th

Anna Pillersdorf

21st

Jimmy Chancey

10th

Marilyn Gordon

22nd

Esther Kushner

10th

Harry Schneck

22nd

Paula Stein

11th

Merrill Bertram Glasser

24th

Jacob David Graff

12th

Leo Spergel

26th

Sally Altman

13th

Rose Asner

26th

Dr. Norman Berger

14th

Hannah Arotsky

27th

Anna Brenner Shuman

14th

Johanna Bernheim

29th

Pearl Feldstein Spergel

16th

Marilyn Goldsticker August

30th

Grace Pincus Fine

16th

Fira Sirkis

31st

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



Looking for volunteers to help our

Technology Committee !

For more information on how to become a

part of our team contact us below!

(410) 939-3170

technology@templeadasshalom.org

8N Earlton Road Ext, Havre de Grace, MD, 21078

HAVE AN

UPCOMING EVENT?

But before we roll out the red carpet...

There are 2 REQUIRED forms

you MUST fill out!

TAS EVENT FORM

This one’s essential—it ensures that

Security, Tech, Buildings & Grounds, and

Temple Admin all know what’s

happening and can help make it run

smoothly.

FLIER REQUEST FORM

This one’s for me (hi! ). If you want a flyer

made, social media posts, email blasts,

or announcements—I need this form to

make that magic happen!

WHY TWO FORMS?

Because events only run smoothly when everyone's in the loop—and we love smooth events!

No forms = no flyer. No promo. No setup. No security.

(And you definitely want those things.)

marketing@templeadasshalom.org

Mindy Goldman

410-622-3043

ToBeDesigns.com

Mindy@tobedesigns.com

facebook.com/ToBeDesigns

May 2025 Newsletter

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