• Volunteers Re-engineer Sukkah
• Women's Chavurah Comes Out In Style In Pittsburgh
• President's Message
• Rabbi's Address
• Simchat Torah at Beth Ahavah
• Simchat Torah in New York City
• A Sweet Sukkot in King of Prussia
• More Bubbe's "Chicken Soup" Financial Advice

On Sunday morning, October 8th several Beth Ahavah volunteers gathered to erect the sukkah. Though we brought boundless high energy with us, there was one problem. The roof slats were too short and wouldn't stay in place. We brainstormed. We pondered. Finally, two capable chiropractors suggested a modification to the brackets. They saved us the expense of going to Home Depot or the trouble of sawing several structural pieces. We now have a safer sukkah.

Another dynamic duo supplied powerful battery-operated screwdrivers. They made short work of fastening the wood. Others pitched in with brains and brawn.

Our gracious hosts not only let us use their crawl space for storage, their backyard for the sukkah, but offered us their strawberry netting for the roof and followed that up with a wonderful lunch including tomatoes from their garden. Thanks to all for helping out!

The weekend of October 27-29 marked an important milestone in the history of Congregation Beth Ahavah's Women's Chavurah. Our B.A. chapter WRJ President represented our chapter of Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) by formally accepting our charter from, the First Vice President of WRJ. She welcomed B.A.'s Women's Chavurah into the National organization in a special ceremony during the 39th Biennial Convention of District 5, WRJ, held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The convention was held at the beautiful and historic Westin William Penn Hotel and was attended by nearly 100 delegates from Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and Steubenville, Ohio. The theme of the weekend was Tradition in Transition: Making Our Traditions Work for Us Today. Beth Ahavah was represented by two members, who, along with the women of Temple Brith Achim in King of Prussia, led the group in song and worship on Shabbat morning.

The weekend included a variety of opportunities for learning, worship and personal growth, including a "learnshop" on the Changing Traditions of Marriage, led by Rabbi Sue Levi-Elwell. A highlight of the weekend was a program featuring Neil Yerman, a scribe who has been engaged to write a Torah for the WRJ. Those in attendance could take advantage of the extraordinary (and, I might add, emotional) opportunity to actually write a letter in the Torah (with the help of the scribe, of course).

The weekend was energizing and exciting with lots of time to greet old friends, make new ones, laugh, learn, have fun, and of course . . . eat! Our delegates returned with lots of ideas to share with our own Sisterhood. These are experiences not to be missed! The Women of Reform Judaism welcomes all of us!

What an exciting time! Sitting down to write this, thinking back to the past few weeks, so much has happened since I wrote my previous President's Message.

High Holy Days were well attended and, as expected, excellently officiated by Rabbi Linda Holtzman. I want to especially thank our members who took leadership roles, and with the help of many of our other congregants, worked hard to make the holidays a success. We all appreciate it!

As the High Holy Days ended and we approached Sukkot, we were proud to welcome Rabbi Marsha Pik-Nathan to our community. Rabbi Pik-Nathan has been hired to serve as Beth Ahavah's new rabbi. I encourage everyone to come by B.A. and meet our new rabbi. She led a dynamic and innovative service on Simchat Torah. If that service is any indication of what we have to come, then we are very lucky. Rabbi Pik-Nathan will be leading services once a month. Visiting rabbis, rabbinical students, and lay leaders will continue to lead services on the other Friday nights. More information about when our rabbi will be leading services will be announced. Please watch the web site and your mail for the rabbi's installation and other upcoming events when you can meet her.

As is tradition at B.A., 12 of our members (with the exception of two whose car broke down in the Lincoln Tunnel) ventured up to Congregation Beth Simchat Torah (CBST), the g/l/b/t synagogue in New York City. The folks at CBST welcomed us with open arms. The night consisted of a klezmer band and traditional dancing with the Torah. It truly was a blast.

Beth Ahavah hosted a fundraiser for Michal Eden on October 25. Michal is the only openly gay person to run for the Knesset. She is running on the Meretz ticket. She spoke about the struggles of the g/l/b/t community in Israel. Her words were heartfelt and very impressive, as are her efforts. The event was chaired by three B.A. members. If you would like to support Michal's campaign, email me at bethahavah@aol.com.

As you can see, a lot is going on. Now my question: Are you a part of it? If your answer is "no," then why not? We need your help. If Philadelphia is to have a home for the g/l/b/t Jewish community, we must all make it together. I ask you to call me and share what you feel you can do at B.A.. If you have no idea, then call me anyway and I will work to find a place for you at B.A.

Shalom,

David Wohlsifer

Shalom!

I am thrilled to have this opportunity to say a public hello to the Beth Ahavah community with this article. It is a delight and an honor to have been chosen as your new rabbi, and to be able to begin this new year, of 5761 on the Jewish calendar with you.

I have already had the pleasure of meeting many of you throughout the Rabbi Search process and since I have begun to serve as your rabbi at services and at the Sukkot party. You have all been so warm and welcoming. I have felt right at home. I thank you for helping to make this an easy and comfortable process. I am already beginning to understand the appropriateness of the name Beth Ahavah (house of love), for this congregation.

I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank the chair of the Rabbi Search Committee for being such a mensch. The integrity, vision, clarity, honesty, and humor that she displayed throughout the process was a real credit to B.A. and reflected a wonderful image of this congregation. Everyone on the Search committee was welcoming and encouraging. I feel like our discussions set the groundwork for what I hope is the beginning of a long, meaningful partnership between B.A. and myself.

The Search Committee got a chance to learn a great deal about my background, philosophy, and vision. I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself more fully to the rest of you. I was ordained at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in 1996 (where one of my beloved teachers was Rabbi Linda Holtzman). Going to rabbinical school was the beginning of a second career for me. Prior to entering RRC, I worked as a licensed clinical psychologist. I received my Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Washington University in St. Louis in 1987. I worked in a variety of settings, including the Women's Therapy Center in Center City, where I saw a primarily lesbian population. I also directed the Student Counseling Center at Widener University, and have several years of experience working in college counseling centers. I have also worked in private practice settings with individuals, couples and families.

My rabbinical experiences have been varied, and have helped me to grow and develop in many areas. I have worked in congregational settings, as a Jewish educator, and as a campus rabbi. Most recently, I was the Hillel director at Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and Swarthmore colleges, creating Jewish life in settings where many of the students identify as g/l/b/t and there is a sophisticated feminist consciousness among students and faculty.

On a more personal note, I hail from none other than Woodcliff Lake, NJ (ok, I was born in Brooklyn, but I don't remember it!), the very same town in which the most recent World Congress of g/l/b/t Jews was held. I am married, and my husband and I have three children, whom some of you have met. I hope to introduce all of you to my family in the near future. We live in a section of Philadelphia, which we chose deliberately because we wanted to live in a racially, ethnically, and sexually diverse neighborhood, to have our children grow up feeling comfortable with all kinds of people to celebrate a variety of loving life-partnerships and families. We lived away from Philadelphia for three years, both in St Louis and in Takoma Park, Maryland (another very liberal, diverse community), and are so happy to have returned to the same neighborhood where we had previously lived for six years.

Now that we are together, I am looking forward to spending a good deal of time getting to know you, to learn your stories--your Jewish stories, your coming-out stories, the stories of your struggles, your joys, your fears and your dreams. I am excited about opportunities to learn together, to encounter and wrestle with tradition, with text, with prayer and with Jewish ideas both ancient and contemporary. I welcome your questions about and your critiques of Judaism. I am ready to help you to find Jewish ways to mark the important milestones and happenings in your lives. I hope you will give me your ideas and input into how to make Shabbat and holiday services touch you more personally and profoundly.

In all of the above ways, and in many other opportunities that will arise as we grow together, I am hoping we will work together to continue to make B.A. the kind of vibrant, welcoming place that many Jews are seeking. I am sure there are many Jews who identify as g/l/b/t and/or allies in the Philadelphia area, who have not yet explored B.A. as a place to call "home." I am hoping, through my involvement in local and regional rabbinic networks, and through interfacing with other gay and Jewish organizations in town, to increase the visibility of B.A. throughout the area. I am hoping we can co-sponsor activities with other liberal Jewish groups, and I hope to represent you in many arenas in the gay and Jewish communities. I welcome your input and suggestions in my endeavor to do this Hopefully, together, we can make sure that anyone who wants to know about B.A. learns about us and feels welcome, whether to check us out, or to join.

Many g/l/b/t Jews have felt alienated from institutional Judaism for obvious reasons and have not had a chance to acquire Jewish literacy and learning on an adult level. One of the ways I am available to you as your rabbi is as a teacher (that is, after all, the true meaning of "rabbi"). Please let me know if there is some way I can help you to learn more about the rhythms and teachings of Judaism. There is so much more to learn and delight in than your childhood Hebrew school may have let you in on. Many Jews, but especially those who have found themselves alienated, "on the fringes," struggle to understand the place of God in their lives. Please call me, share your story with me if you want, and together, let's try to explore the many ways to make Judaism your own.

More than anything, what I am learning is that B.A. is a home address for many people, a safe and loving place to explore and celebrate being a g/l/b/t Jew. I am honored to be able to serve as your rabbi, and to have a place in this community of Jews. Let's work on building and deepening this wonderful community. It's too good a secret to keep all to ourselves!

I look forward to the challenges and joys of being your rabbi. Thank you for opening your doors to me. May we all go from strength to strength in this new year.

B'shalom,

Rabbi Marsha Pik-Nathan

How to Contact Rabbi Pik-Nathan

On Friday evening, October 20, we at Beth Ahavah not only celebrated Simchat Torah, but also welcomed our new rabbi, Marsha Pik-Nathan.

That evening, Rabbi Pik-Nathan graced our pulpit for the first time. She led an inspiring service where we all got wrapped up in the Torah. We pushed back our chairs and formed a circle around the sanctuary. The Torah was brought to the center of the circle, and the scrolls were slowly opened. Eventually, the open Torah scrolls formed a ring around the sanctuary. Everyone in the circle held onto the scrolls, literally and figuratively creating a strong sense of community. We chanted portions, first from the end of the Torah and then from the beginning, to commemorate the ending and beginning that Simchat Torah represents.

Our President, David Wohlsifer, welcomed Rabbi Pik-Nathan on behalf of the congregation. Then, several congregants took the opportunity to personally welcome the rabbi. At the Oneg following the service, everyone got to meet the rabbi.

On Saturday, October 21, several members of Beth Ahavah joined Congregation Beth Simchat Torah (CBST) in Manhattan to celebrate the end and the beginning of the Torah. Several of us took the train to New York, where we met at the Church of the Holy Apostles.

The Church of the Holy Apostles is a beautiful brick-faced church on the corner of 28^th Street and 9^th Avenue, near the Chelsea district. CBST shares the space with an Episcopal parish. This offered B.A. members a number of interesting visual juxtapositions, particularly the sukkah on the church grounds. The interior was delightfully Gothic, complete with vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows. Among the Christian saints and martyrs, B.A. members ate a delicious meal of brisket and kasha.

Since Shabbat was ending, the congregation did havdalah, followed by the Simchat Torah service. Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum called out the hakafot, and everyone grasped hands and danced joyfully around the Torah. For the last hakafah the congregation spilled out into the street and danced in the playground across from the church. It was a truly wonderful experience to be outdoors, among friends, dancing and singing.

The service was concluded with the traditional reading of the Torah. The Torah scrolls were opened and rolled out on long tables. Everyone crowded around the parchment as Rabbi Kleinbaum surveyed each section. Memorable moments included the cantor trumpeting the theme of 2001: A Space Odyssey for Genesis and for a B.A. member who received thunderous applause for his reading of Bereshit.

The New Jersey Transiters had to leave a little early to catch the train back to Philadelphia. The B.A. members were grateful for CBST's hospitality and look forward to celebrating Simchat Torah with them next year.

The Women's Chavurah put on a very good show for this year's B.A. Sukkot Party at a member's home in King of Prussia on October 14. Although the event actually started at 7pm, a dedicated group of Chavurah members came early to decorate the sukkah before the masses arrived.

First we had havdalah in the sukkah, then many had a chance to shake the lulav, and savor the scent of the etrog. Our new rabbi, Marsha Pik-Nathan attended the event with her husband, and three young children. After the service, we enjoyed the culinary side of the event as we were treated to a delicious array of baked goods and dessert items. Our thanks to our hosts, and the Women's Chavurah for what turned out to be a very sweet Sukkot.

by Bubbe

Hello my kinder. Your Bubbe just put a Jewish apple cake in the oven and now she's ready to write to all her Beth Ahavah kinder. Are you getting ready to celebrate the miracle of Chanukah? The miracle Bubbe loves the most is the miracle of a big tax refund check on April 15. But the miracle only happens if Bubbe does her year-end tax planning and charitable giving. Bubbe hates paying taxes. Feh on taxes!

Bubbe doesn't give away one shekel without consulting her young, hot, pumped estate and tax lawyer, Chad. Poor Chad still hasn't found the right girl! Bubbe met Chad for Sunday brunch and Chad was looking sooooooo good, with his cute spike haircut and those little round glasses. Chad was with a young woman with a very short haircut. Chad introduced her as Rebecca. He said she was a sister. According to Rebecca, Chad has lots of sisters. And guess what, kinder? Rebecca isn't married either, just like Chad! Your Bubbe has shittachs to make!

At the end of each year, Bubbe decides which charitable organizations she wants to support with a gift. Bubbe's shul (synagogue) is always first on her list. Bubbe has met so many nice people at her shul. Do you have lots of nice people at your Beth Ahavah? Do some have lots of attitude? You tell the ones with attitude that Bubbe's going to stick her rolling pin up their tuchuses, and then we'll see how much attitude they have! But enough of that! Kinder, you should make a gift to your Beth Ahavah before December 31. Don't be a schnorer.

Chad had all the answers about year-end charitable giving. Believe me, he's some smart Philadelphia Jewish lawyer!

Gifts of Cash: Chad said Bubbe should write a check to the shul and mail it. The envelope must be postmarked by December 31 to get a tax deduction in 2000. Gifts of cash are fully deductible, up to 50% of adjusted gross income. Any unused deduction can be carried forward for up to five additional years.

Gifts of Stock: Chad said a gift of appreciated stock or mutual funds is one the most tax-wise gifts. If I transfer the stock to the shul, I get a tax deduction for the market value of the stock. No capital gain taxes will be due on the stock. Oy vey, such a deal! And gifts of stock are fully deductible, up to 30% of adjusted gross income, with a five-year carry forward for any unused deduction. The stock has to have been owned for at least one year and one day to get the maximum tax deduction.

Review of Bubbe's will - Chad said I should review my will every year. Bubbe has her shul in the will for a nice few dollars. Is your Beth Ahavah in your will? Why not?!

Chad, Rebecca, and Bubbe had a delicious brunch - and Chad paid, such a mensch! Chad said he was going shopping after brunch. Chad loves to shop. Rebecca was going to rent a U-Haul to help another sister move. There are so many sisters in the world!

Bubbe's Jewish apple cake is ready to come out of the oven. Good luck with your year-end contributions and have a happy Chanukah and a safe new year - with good health!