Blog

JOAN AND DR. MICHAEL SCHULTZ HONORED AT LIVE! FROM BETH EL
By: Brandon Chiat, Digital Media Manager

A stainless steel cocoon hangs in Dr. Michael Schultz’s office.The Michael Aram sculpture is a gift from a former patient, inscribed with a message of gratitude: “From all your butterflies past, present, and future, you cocooned us in your kindness, caring, concern and wisdom and we emerged as beautiful butterflies.”

By: Brandon Chiat, Digital Media Manager

One of history’s most renowned cellists has a unique connection to Beth El.

By: Rabbi Dana Saroken

On Sunday, March 24th, I headed to Washington, D.C. to attend the annual AIPAC Policy Conference with Dr. Eyal Bor and 30 of our Beth El congregants. From the moment we entered the convention center, the buzz was palpable: There were huge plenaries where politicians shared their reflections and visions, and 18,000 (yes…18,000!) people were captivated by their words.  

BALTIMORE, MD. (March 27th, 2019) — Beth El Congregation of Baltimore announced today it has hired Taliya Adelstein to serve as Senior Events Manager with immediate effect.

In her new role, Ms. Adelstein will be responsible for planning the congregation’s events which include lifecycle celebrations such as baby namings, britot, B’nai Mitzvah, weddings, and kiddushes, as well as in-house events for all affiliates, committees, religious and preschool programs and the observance of the Jewish holidays.

By: Rabbi Steve Schwartz

By: Ben Kreshtool, Ritual Director

Celebrated on the 14th of Adar, Purim is a joyous holiday on which we recount the saving of the Jews from a looming massacre organized by the wicked Haman during the Persian period (539-330 BCE).

What is the history of Purim?

By: Brandon Chiat, Digital Media Manager

If music is the universal language than Beth El speaks it fluently.

Beth El recently received a generous gift from an anonymous donor to establish the First Wednesdays Concerts & Cultural Programs Fund, which will support cultural experiences at the synagogue for years to come.

By: Brandon Chiat, Digital Media Manager

Purim is a holiday wrapped in a disguise and concealed behind a mask.

“Everything gets flipped upside down in the Purim story,” said Rabbi Steve Schwartz. “King Achashverosh, who should be wise, is a fool; Esther is a Jew, but no one knows, as she is disguised; Haman is Achashverosh’s most important minister until suddenly Mordechai is!”

By: Rabbi Steve Schwartz 

The following is a text version of Rabbi Schwartz's Shabbat sermon from February 17th, 2019. 

It has been quite a week for Ilhan Omar, the freshman congresswoman from the state of Minnesota. 

The 37-year-old has a compelling story.