New day opens for Beth Abraham members

By Lance Winkler

It was a bittersweet occasion for many. As the final service was held at Beth Abraham synagogue on Salem Avenue this past Sunday, and the twelve Torah scrolls were removed from the building, many of the elderly parishioners who had both celebrated and mourned many of life’s events at the now-closed Temple wept openly. “It was clearly the most touching moment of all that day,” said Beth Abraham member Allan Rinzler.

“This is the last of the three Temples to move from their original place of worship,” said Marshall Weiss, editor of the Dayton Jewish Observer newspaper. At one time, according to Weiss, there were three separate synagogues situated within six blocks of each on and near Salem Avenue in Northwest Dayton - Temple Israel, Beth Jacob and Beth Abraham. The other two temples have moved to new locales and Beth Abraham has been the last to make the move. Weiss noted that it was truly emotionally trying for some of the members as they were making a large jump geographically and emotionally.  

But on the bright side, there was a beautiful new Temple awaiting them on the other side of town. Over three hundred members, friends and well-wishers then drove to the south border of Dayton and all marched from the Dayton Daily News parking lot up the hill into Oakwood, turned right on West Schantz Avenue, then another right turn onto the grounds of Sugar Camp where the new Beth Abraham Synagogue awaited them.

Beth Abraham members walk towards new synagogue at Sugar Camp.

The twelve scrolls of handwritten scripture on parchment paper, each containing the first five books of the Old Testament, were carried in-turn by a large number of members both young and old, before they were carried into the building. There, they were carefully unwrapped from their protective coverings.

Lee Schear holds one of the 12 Torah scrolls.

Klezmer music greeted the group as they entered the main worship area. A spontaneous group line dance wove its way through the congregation, the eternal flame was turned on in its new niche above the Ark doorway, Cantor Chazzan Andrea Raizin sang a number of songs in celebration, the congregation sang a number of songs in celebration, and Rabbi Bernard Barski spoke of the future in this new house of worship. A shofar, or rams horn, was blown to signify the opening and closing of the ceremony as well.

The scrolls were again carried about by the congregants before being ceremoniously and individually installed in the Holy Ark at the front altar of the Temple. Allan Rinzler, a longstanding member, had the privilege of placing the first Torah scroll in the Ark. “That was quite an honor,” he said. “Regarding the twelve Torah scrolls, the number has no special significance. It’s just how many we own,” Rinzler said by way of explanation. It was, in all, a very inspiring experience for everyone attending.

After the ceremony, everyone filed out to the lower level meeting room and enjoyed a meal together, breaking bread in their new spiritual home.

A formal dedication of the synagogue is planned in mid-April.

Boosters Spring Fundraiser posts $20,000

The snow didn’t stop the Oakwood community from supporting the annual Athletic Boosters Spring Fundraiser.  It was a full house with 285 tickets sold, over 140 auction items up for bid, and a record profit of approximately $20,000! The Booster Board members did an incredible job soliciting items and services that created enthusiasm among bidders.  

The displays were clever and creative attracting bidders to the tables in spite of the buzzing social atmosphere. Examples of several new items auctioned off this year included the Windjammer Band, reserved seats for commencement and baccalaureate, James Free Jewelry gift certificates, a GPS system, a Saccaggi authentically cooked Italian dinner, spring yard clean-up and mulching, a euchre party for 12, and fabulously stitched Oakwood towels representing every sport (made by Lendel Doty).  

Some of the old stand-by auction items that created bidding wars were Wright Brother’s prints and house tours, VIP parking passes for football games, and a week’s vacation at a Florida condo. The Oakwood Athletic Boosters Association assists and cooperates with the Athletic Department in promoting and improving the quality of all athletic programs. The Booster Board will be voting on the 2008 project in May.

The Booster’s would like to thank the City of Oakwood and the Oakwood Community Center for doing an outstanding  job clearing the sidewalks and parking areas of snow and ice around the OCC that evening.  Also, thanks to the Windjammer Band for providing fantastic music throughout the evening Everyone’s time and cooperation made this event a huge success.

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