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Every year Beth El recognizes and honors individuals who through their leadership and volunteerism have significant impact on our synagogue community. We are deeply grateful to Arnold Fruman and Robert Slatkin who have co-chaired Beth El's Annual Appeal for over 15 years.

Their commitment and dedication to their work has ensured Beth El's financial stability and more importantly, our ability to provide the community with the level of programming and services that makes Beth El the special place that it is for so many people. Please join us on Tuesday, October 22 at 10 AM during Simchat Torah morning services as we continue the tradition of honoring outstanding leaders in our community and escort Arnold and Robert up to the Torah with our special chuppah.

We had the privilege of reflecting with Arnold and Robert on their years of service to Beth El:

What does Beth El mean to you?

Robert Slatkin: Beth El keeps me grounded to Jewish tradition; a reminder of the importance of being Jewish means to me, my wife Eva and my family. My three sons had the privilege of going to Beth El Hebrew school and being a bar mitzvah. I have made friends with some wonderful congregants and being with them at Beth El feels like family. We are also so lucky to have the "A-Team" of clergy but in fact they should be referred to as the AAA team.

How long have you been volunteering for the Annual Appeal?

Arnold Fruman: Robert Slatkin and I have been affiliated with the Annual Appeal for the last 20 years and have been co-chairman of the Appeal since 2004. We have worked with three great heads of development, first Alan Dorenfeld, our beloved Ailene Sher of blessed memory and a great addition in Amanda Beitman.

Why is the annual appeal so important to you and Beth El?

AF: The Beth El Annual Appeal is vital to the continued and future growth of the synagogue. The dollar amount raised from the Annual Appeal allows Beth El to balance its ever increasing congregational budget. Without the Annual Appeal, Beth El would be forced to use other means which would severely hamper our financial reserves. Simply put, investing in Beth El through the Annual Appeal is an investment in the future of Conservative Jewish values in Baltimore, which is to say, our children's future.

What is your message to the next generation when it comes to supporting the Annual Appeal and holding a leadership role at Beth El?

RS: Make Beth El important in your life; you will feel the warmth of being a part of a meaningful, rewarding experience. You get out what you put into anything that you do. It will be worth it.

Simchat Torah Celebrations

October 21, 2019:

5:30 - 6:00 p.m.: Dinner for Kindergarten families (Shapiro)
6:15 - 8:00 p.m.: Mincha/Ma'ariv, Kindergaten Torah Celebration, Congregational Hakafot, drinks, snacks, and music outside

October 22, 2019: 

10:00 a.m.: Simchat Torah Service honoring Robert Slatkin & Arnold Fruman