Reflections of a Torah Fund Region Vice President 

As I’m ending my term as the Torah Fund Vice President for the Mid-Atlantic Region, I’ve had time to reflect on what a satisfying, exhilarating experience this has been. Though I’m used to speaking in public, having been a domestic relations attorney for many years, my role as Torah Fund Vice President honed those skills, and enabled me to write talks unique to each affiliate I visited. Resolving money issues, keeping a calendar of events, sending out reports, and dealing with countless people—hopefully always with a smile on my face—enhanced my organizational skills. This was a customer service “job” to me, and hopefully my “clients” feel I provided good service. I know how fortunate I am to be in a region where it is physically possible to attend events in person, and I relish those opportunities. 

Yes, the Torah Fund events have been most impactful for me. I marvel at the generosity, creativity, and ingenuity of our affiliates in creating profound, meaningful, and memorable events. 

Sometimes it’s the music. Adath Israel-Lawrenceville prides itself on holding programs utilizing the talents of their gifted Hazzan Arthur Katlin. Last year, it was a program reflecting a “this is your life” song selection for their honoree. At Beth Zion-Beth Israel, their cantorial intern prepared a program discussing Torah and teaching tunes. But it was his revelation and appreciation that our Conservative movement fully accepts him and his husband into our community, the profound moment of this event, that I will always remember. 

There have been events where the location was the star. Germantown Jewish Centre holds their Torah Fund events at the home of a generous member, which makes it intimate, warm, and unique. They prepare a potluck meal and sell the leftovers, donating the proceeds. At B’nai Jacob, the event is held outdoors at the home of their Torah Fund chair. This is a paradise-like location and truly makes for a serene, welcoming atmosphere. 

I enjoy when the honoree is highlighted or when she highlights herself. At Adath Jeshurun, the menu reflected the honoree when French and Spanish foods were served because the honoree was a French and Spanish teacher. When the reverend from the senior housing facility where she lives told us that she insisted on teaching him about Judaism, we appreciated the friendship and acceptance. At Ohev Shalom in Bucks County, the honoree was the child of Holocaust survivors. It was compelling to hear her moving, urgent talk about the need and benefit of Torah Fund when she received her award. At Congregation Beth Tikvah, the honoree was older than 90, still active in sisterhood, and the Torah Fund chair. Her enthusiasm and vitality are inspirational. 

I appreciate a clever, unusual event too. This year, Congregation Beth El-Voorhees is not only utilizing their in-house talent by having their Hazzan Alisa Pomerantz-Boro as a presenter, but their panel event is entitled, “Breaking Barriers: They Tried to Keep Us Out; We Won; Let’s Eat!” Who wouldn’t want to go to an event like that? At Tifereth Israel, the event this year was “A Rabbi Who Makes a Difference,” which celebrated their rabbi, Jeff Schnitzer, who has served 25 years and has had a multifaceted career.  Five congregants were chosen to speak. Each had their own unique relationship with the rabbi. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house, and incidentally, more than the usual number of Torah Fund event attendees came to the event.

B’nai Jacob featured a Jewish woman member of the U.S. Secret Service as their speaker, and it was thought-provoking listening to her navigate the challenges. At Melrose B’nai Israel Emanu-El, the Challah Girls were featured. We experienced a little Torah, a little audience participation, and some delicious challah as well. At Tiferet Bet Israel, the Torah Fund event is combined with a book club meeting where The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride will be discussed. It’s amazing how many overlapping themes exist! 

Some affiliates enjoy significant “in-house” talent.  For example, Temple Beth Sholom not only had their rabbinic intern speak in-person—Alicia Rothamel, a fourth-year JTS student with a unique story—but synagogue member and JTS Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement Rabbi Joel Seltzer also spoke movingly about the need to identify and encourage future students.  At Har Zion Temple last year, we watched the honorees in a movie made about them, which included serving popcorn. This year’s honoree had a clever poem written about her where six affiliate members held up a letter of her name. And at Temple Sinai in Dresher, a very talented affiliate member prepares a special song for their honoree every year. 

Finally, some affiliates are in a category all their own. At Shirat Hayam, the congregation is both Conservative and Reform and has two spiritual leaders. Their Torah Fund event includes both Torah Fund and the YES Fund, which is its Reform movement counterpart. To see the love, community, camaraderie, and support between these organizations is refreshing. I will miss being a Torah Fund Vice President.