Various Events at Congregation Kneseth Israel from April through June 2006

The 17th annual Aleph Jewish Day School Bet Dinner and Auction fundraiser was held at Congregation Kneseth Israel. Being honored were Bob and Renee Epstein, generous supporters of the school. Bob serves on the executive board for the school. Bob also serves on the board for the Kneseth Israel Hebrew School and has been the Aliyah Chairman during the High Holidays for the past three years. Renee has done an outstanding job as the Membership Chairwoman for our synagogue, and serves on the Board of Governors for Congregation Kneseth Israel. A classy evening to honor a very classy couple.

Above left, Michael and Janean Adelstein display one of the auction items, custom framed artwork from students at the Aleph Bet Jewish Day School. At right, the theme of the event was "new York New York". A mime posing as the Statute of Liberty sets the theme of the evening.

Above left, Ytta Carr, Deborah and Steve Weiner. At right, the honorees of the event Renee and Bob Epstein.

Above left, Dore and Steven Lebowitz. At right, Bob and Renee Epstein being honored.

Kneseth Israel Hebrew School Model Passover Seder

Sunday, April 9, 2006

Kneseth Israel's Hebrew School hosted a model Passover Seder attended by all of the teachers and students, their parents, and some grandparents. At left, Rabbi Weisblum leading the seder. At right, the children stand on their chairs and ask the Four Questions. For the complete photo gallery of this event, please check the Hebrew School Web page.

Men's Club Debut Event: Breakfast with guest speaker Joe Gross

Sunday, April 23, 2006

The Kneseth Israel's new formed Men's Club held their first event, a complimentary breakfast with guest speaker Joe Gross, Sr. Sports Writer for The Capital (Annapolis' daily newspaper). Mr. Gross has been with the newspaper since 1973 and is a familiar name and face to almost all Annapolitans. He shared a lot of great stories and took many questions. About 25 men attended.

Above: Joe Gross speaking with the Men's Club. (Both photos courtesy of Mark Goldberg, Spectrum Productions.)

Above left, Joe Shaffran, who writes a weekly column in The Capital on running, and his pal Joe Gross. At right, the men help themselves to the nice breakfast spread.

Lag B'Omer Picnic

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Congregation Kneseth Israel hosted a Lag B'Omer picnic at the synagogue, which was attended by about 60 people, including many of the families of the Hebre School children. Grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, beverages, and desserts were served.

Above left, grill masters Andrew Schneider, Michael Adelstein and his son Jacob. At right, Ilanit Evers, Roslyn Singerman, and Rebbitzem Emeritus Esther Rosenblatt.

A nice turnout and good food! With the threat of rain, the event was moved indoors, but that did not dampen the spirit.

The youngest member of Kneseth Israel, 8-week old Magen Evers with her middle sister Maya at left and with Rebbitzen Miriam Weisblum at the right.

Musical entertainment was enjoyed by everyone, and a happy Rita and Arnold Cohen on the right.

100th Anniversary Gala Banquet

Sunday, May 21, 2006

Perhaps the greatest event ever in the history of Congregation Kneseth Israel was the 100th Anniversary Gala Banquet. A cocktail reception took place under a tent, a tree was planted and dedicated to the past presidents, a dinner was served, a slide show and music and narration was presented that summarized our close knit Jewish community over the past 100 years, and a beautiful new window was unveiled, donated by Rita and Arnold Cohen. A classy affair for a great synagogue! For a complete gallery of the photos from this grand event, please visit the 100th Gala Web page.

Above left, two of the five co-Chairpersons of the event, Laurie and Dr. Louis Berman. At right, Dr. Berman with Dr. Larry Block and Anna E. Greenberg, co-chairpersons of the gala. The committee had been planning this for more than two years. Below left, Rita and Arnold Cohen, who dedicated the new window in the Reiter Auditorium with Jeffrey P. Goldstein, two-time past president who has been instrumental getting our beautiful windows in the synagogue. At bottom right, the new window in unveiled.

Sisterhood Paid-up Luncheon

Sunday, June 4, 2006

The Kneseth Israel Sisterhood hosted a paid-up luncheon, where they discussed business, enjoyed a delicious brunch, and welcomed guest speaker author Mark Carp ("Abraham: The Last Jew").

At left, Sisterhood President Hinda Exler calls the meeting to order. At right is the Sisterhood board; seated left to right Nancy Gordon, Esther Rosenblatt, Marilyn Halpern. Standing are Thea Pinskey, Hinda Exler, Rita Cohen, Nancy Schoenburg, and Miriam Weisblum.

At left are Sonya Taub, Esther Rosenblatt, and Faye Lieberman. At right is Rebbitzen Miriam Weisblum and Rita Cohen.

At left, a nice turnout enjoys a delicious brunch while guest speaker Mark Carp speaks. At right is Mr. Carp as he discusses his book, "Abraham: The Last Jew".

Kneseth Israel Hebrew School Commencement Ceremony

Sunday, June 4, 2006

Kneseth Israel's Hebrew School celebrated the conclusion of their inaugural year. At left, teacher Adi Brito with Allysa, Haley, and Eric Janowitz and her son (in front). Check out the photos on the Hebrew School's Web page.

Men's Club Father's Day Breakfast

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Preparation - Above left Meir Weisblum and Jacob Adelstein mix the pancake batter. Above right, pancake mavens Jody Goldsmith and Glenn Carr,

Above left, Rabbi Weisblum with Rita and Arnold Cohen. At right is Eric Davidson and daughter Noa.

Above left, three generation of Siskinds. Above right, a relaxing Father's Day for those present.

Alyssa Paige Janowitz Bat Mitzvah

Sunday, June 25, 2006

Alyssa Janowitz, daughter of Dr. Michael and Abby Janowitz, became a Bat Mitzvah at Congregation Kneseth Israel on June 26, 2006. Alyssa attends Central Middle School where she is on the Principal's Honor Roll, participates in orchestra, and plays field hockey and lacrosse. She attends the Kneseth Israel Hebrew School. Below left is Rabbi Weisblum and Alyssa. At the right, is her Bat Mitzvah project which was participating in a Kid's Triathalon to raise proceeeds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She raised over $800 in her project. See Rabbi Weisblum's tribute that he gave Alyssa at her Bat Mitzvah at this link. Her Bat Mitzvah speech can be found at this link.

Aleph Bet Jewish Day School Dinner