Blog

Leading with Values: A multigenerational family discusses their love for Beth El and commitment to the Annual Appeal
By: Brandon Chiat, Digital Media Manager

If you ask Arnold Fruman about his work, you might get a surprising answer.

Though he is president of National Lumber Company, one of the last family-owned lumber yards in Baltimore and one of the largest in Maryland, Mr. Fruman would prefer to tell you about his role at Beth El.

“Beth El has evolved into one of the most respected Conservative synagogues in the country,” said Arnold Fruman. “For Beth El to grow and prosper, we must continue to expand the Annual Appeal.”

In 2005, Alan Dorenfeld, then Beth El's Director of Development, asked Mr. Fruman and Robert Slatkin to co-chair Beth El's Annual Appeal.

“Leading the Annual Appeal is a demanding position that in many ways is like running a mini-business,” said Mr. Dorenfeld. “Arnold was the perfect candidate.”

Mr. Dorenfeld described Arnold Fruman as a successful businessman and a leader who gets the very best out of his volunteers. “Beth El is Arnold's second family, and he's dedicated to making Beth El the best congregation it can be,” he said. “Though he'd never ask for the recognition.”

True to Mr. Dorenfeld's description, Arnold attributes Beth El's success to those around him. “Our rabbis simply do not get enough credit for Beth El's transformation into a national model for Conservative Judaism,” he said.

Yet Rabbi Steve Schwartz explained it is not the clergy who make the congregation work. “It's the lay leaders that take our synagogue and turn it into a congregation,” he said.

In addition to the clergy, senior staff also rely on the selfless dedication of lay leaders like the Frumans, added Amanda Beitman, Beth El's current Director of Development. “In my short time here, it's become clear that the Fruman family's passion for Jewish life represents the very best of Beth El,” said Amanda Beitman, who started her new position in May. “Not only are they dedicated to our congregation but they also feel a responsibility to the larger Jewish community.”

The Frumans have held various leadership roles since first joining Beth El in 1975. In addition to Arnold's role as co-chair of the Annual Appeal, his son Kevin leads the committee planning LIVE! From Beth El and his daughter-in-law, Rebecca chairs the Beth El Hebrew school committee.

For Kevin Fruman, vice president of National Lumber, Beth El values and Fruman-family values are one in the same. “Judaism teaches us to live ethically and righteously,” he said. “To run a successful family-business or a vibrant congregation, you have to follow those same core values.”

Kevin, along with his brother Neal, are the fifth generation of Frumans to run National Lumber, a business founded by their immigrant great-grandfather, Alexander Fruman.

“There is complete trust,” Kevin said of his family. “There is always someone to depend on which makes us stronger as business partners and family members.”

Just as Kevin trusts his team at National Lumber, so too does he empower an active group of Beth El member-volunteers to organize LIVE! From Beth El, the new marquee event of the congregation's social calendar.

“While we're not ready to announce their name, we're honoring a great Beth El family and raising money for an exciting new addition to the campus that will entice young families to join our congregation for years to come,” said Kevin.

Rebecca Fruman is paying close attention to her father-in-law's work on the Annual Appeal and her brother-in-law's work on LIVE! From Beth El.

“Fundraising from the Annual Appeal is instrumental to Beth El schools,” said Rebecca. “Jewish education is the foundation of the Jewish community, and Beth El's curriculum instills Jewish values in our children from a young age.”

Money raised from Beth El's giving campaigns facilitates immersive experiences for the congregation's students. Recently, Beth El entered into a partnership with the Arlozorov School in Ashkelon, Israel through the Center for Jewish Education's Shevet Achim program.

“During the school year, the fourth-grade classes Skyped several times with their Israeli friends in Ashkelon and exchanged recipes, letters, and Purim gifts,” said Rebecca.

Beth El students also interacted with the Shinshinim, young Israeli-emissaries who visit Baltimore before joining the Israeli Defense Force. “These personal relationships help build stronger Jewish communities and allow our students to learn first hand about the lives of students like them in Israel,” said Rebecca.

Rebecca understands that Beth El families are busy, but she says supporting Beth El schools through the Annual Appeal is an investment in their children's future. “Supporting the Annual Appeal is a commitment to your children's Jewish education and the development their Jewish identity,” she said.

Fostering Jewish identity and values is just one reason why Arnold Fruman believes the Annual Appeal is the most rewarding way members can support Beth El.

“No child will ever be denied a Jewish education and no member will ever be denied dues assistance,” said Mr. Fruman. “The generosity of our members ensures Beth El will always take care of its own.”