Rabbis Alex and Amy Greenbaum have been our spiritual leaders since Rabbi Alex’s installation in 2002. In anticipation of our Tribute Event honoring the Rabbis’ 15 year anniversary at Beth El, I asked Rabbi Alex and Rabbi Amy to share some of their first impressions from back in 2002. Rabbi Alex: One of my favorite memories…
My first friend at Beth El: The first summer that we joined Beth El, Steve and I came to a new member picnic. We happened to sit at a table outside with another couple. What are the chances that I sit down and start talking to an actuary?!?! I am an actuary, and there are…
Mark Blatter: I grew up Orthodox in Brooklyn, NY, and I put on tefillin regularly until I was in my 20’s. When my father died 15 years ago, I came to morning minyan at Beth El. And I had to re-learn how to put tefillin on. I’d forgotten about how to do it even. And…
This week’s 100 Reasons post features Beth El members Stacey and Jason Cobb: Stacey: I grew up going to Beth El but moved away for college and met Jason. We belonged to a synagogue in Columbus, OH prior to moving back here. Jason: The rabbi I took my conversion classes with went to rabbinical school…
We moved to Mt. Lebanon in 1973, and as soon as we moved in, the very first thing I did was come down the hill to Beth El. Our daughter Faith was 12, and we already had a Bat Mitzvah date. The first day we came also happened to be Rabbi Steindel’s first day on…
This week’s 100 Reasons blog focuses on Beth El Religious School’s Shorashim class. Below, these 1st and 2nd graders share what they like best about their Beth El community: Becca: What I like about Religious School is that I have so many good friends. Ari: What I like is cooking and art. Leah: I like…
I grew up in Squirrel Hill, and my attitude was “How can I go over a bridge and through a tunnel to get to the South Hills?” Jan and I met when we were working at camp in Monroeville, and when it was time to drive her home she directed me on how to get…
My richest Beth El memories are of attending Friday night services, at 8:30 pm, after dinner at home, in the 1970’s. That is when most congregants attended Shabbat services at that time. I can see and hear the choir, led by Al Freed, and can still hear Jeanne Rascoe and Muriel Duel’s voices during certain…
New correspondence and pictures from Uganda! From: Gershom Date: November 28, 2016 at 12:40:21 AM EST To: Cliff Spungen Subject: Re: Teffilin Cliff We had hachnasat Torah ceremony today and I delivered the $200 for kippot to Aaron. Thank you so much and please convey my thanks to the rabbi and the community. Thanks Gershom From: Aaron Kintu Moses Date: November…
I am happy to report that Rabbi Sizomu and the Torah arrived in Uganda safely. Please read our email correspondence below: 23 Nov 2016 Rabbi Gershom, We hope that your trip home went well for you. It meant so much to our community to host you for Shabbat. Your words were so meaningful, and it…
February 12, 2021
Try to imagine a day where you go without using plastic—it’s impossible. From yogurt containers to shampoo bottles to takeout containers, plastic is a part of our daily lives. Just a few years ago, this didn’t bother many people because recycling plastic was easier and more commonplace. South Hills townships used to recycle all plastics…
December 1, 2020
Sponges. We all use them, from cleaning pots and pans to other household chores. But did you know that many sponges contain plastic? They are also a repository for germs and pretty hard to recycle. One way to make environmental changes in kitchen habits is to replace sponges with Swedish dishcloths. They are made from…
October 19, 2020
I grew up having paper towels handy for many uses, especially in the kitchen. Wash your hands; dry with a paper towel. Spill on the floor; wipe with a paper towel. Rinse fruits and vegetables; spread to dry on a paper towel. You get the idea. Once we started composting, we would add the used…
