obituaries
BELITSKY AARON JACK-On January 19, 2023.

Beloved brother and brother-in-law of the
late Bernice and Michael Brown. Loving
uncle of Mark Brown (Waynette), Clifford
Brown (Marcia), Paul Brown (Shelley
Argus), and Karen Velocci (Peter). Also
survived by many great nieces and great
nephews. Mr. Belitsky was dedicated to
his Jewish community and touched many
people over the years. Contributions in
his memory may be made to KleinLife
Meals on Wheels, 10100 Jamison
Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19116.

GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
GLASER EUGENE on January 17, 2023.

Husband of Marilyn (nee Tucker)
and the late Elaine. Father of Debra
Ismailoff, Dr. Richard (Jackie) Cohen,
Sheryl Cohen and Karen (Ron) Wilk,
also survived by 13 grandchildren and
28 great grandchildren. Contributions
in his memory may be made to a char-
ity of the donor’s choice.

GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
FELDMAN NORMA (nee Carman) on January 21,
2023. Wife of the late Ralph, mother of
Rand Feldman, Lisa (Ron) Krader and
the late Marc Feldman; grandmother
of Scott (Linda) Feldman, Stephanie
Feldman, Jessica (Eric) Zoldessy and
Amanda Krader; great grandmother
of Zia Rose. Contributions in her
memory may be made to The Jewish
Federation of Greater Philadelphia.

GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
FRIEDMAN BUZGON
SOLOMON (Sol) passed away peace-
fully on January 10, 2023 at the age of
85. He was a proud graduate of Chester
High School and Pennsylvania Military
College (now Widener University). Sol
was an outside salesman for several
companies. His favorite job was repre-
senting Planters Peanuts. After retiring
from sales, he became a substitute
teacher in all the major school districts
in New Castle County. Sol enjoyed lis-
tening to Klezmer music and attending
concerts, musicals, plays, and live sport-
ing events. He always rooted for the
Eagles, Phillies, and Sixers. Husband
of the late Ruth (nee Schwartz). Father
of Harold (Lisa) and Edina. Grandfather
of Ethan. Brother of Miriam (Joe) Elman,
Phyllis (the late Gary) Gumerman, and
Nadine (Stewart) Abowitz. He will also
be missed by his many nieces and
nephews. After Ruth passed away in
2006, Sol enjoyed the company of the
late Lynne Ludwig and Sandy Davis.

Contributions in his memory may be
made to City Fare Meals on Wheels
at www.cityfare.org, Talleyville Fire
Company at www.talleyvillefireco.org, or
a charity of the donor’s choice.

SCHOENBERG MEMORIAL CHAPEL
www.schoenebergerfuneralhome.com NOMI RAIA (1931-2023) - Nomi Raia
Friedman’s career spanned fine arts,
commercial and fashion illustration,
and design. Her editorial fashion
work and commercial illustrations
were featured in international fash-
ion magazines, galleries, magazines,
and more. Nomi’s fine art varied from
commissioned floral, portrait, and still
life works, to the very painfully person-
al, visceral and spiritual “Deposition
Series.” Her commercial work included
high-end retail and restaurant brand-
ing, as well as fragrance, fashion, in-
terior design, and launch books. She
was also the illustrator for the clas-
sic “Emily Post’s Complete Book of
Wedding Etiquette.” Nomi was a schol-
arship graduate of the Philadelphia
College of Art – where she later taught
– and attended the Boston Museum
School, Boston University, and the
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.

She studied with Emlen Etting, René
Bouché, Franz Kline, and others. Nomi
is survived by children, Bela Lisa, Seth,
and Joel and grandchildren, Lucas,
Hallie, and Yelena. The family will be
organizing an exhibit highlighting the
scope, power, and beauty of her work.

HOCKY JOSEPH - January 24, 2023, of
Haverford, PA and former resident
of Broomall; beloved husband of the
late Fay (nee Zelitch); loving father
of Joan Hocky (Tony Stanford), Eric
Hocky (Abby Stamelman) and Susan
Novick (Howard); devoted brother
of Betty Woolf (Milt), the late Minna
Passman (Richard) and the late Addie
Gabel (Harold); cherished grandfather
of Glen, Melanie, Daniel, David, Ben
and Vaughn; adored great-grandfather
of Larry. Joe practiced law until the
age of 94. He was known for his lively
wit and puns; charming storytelling to
young and old alike, and his kindness
and patience with all. In lieu of flowers,
contributions in Joseph’s memory may
be made to Celebrate the Individual,
https://www.celebratetheindividual. org/, The Quadrangle Board (memo:
Residents Assistance Fund), 3300
Darby Road, Haverford PA 19041, or
a charity of your choice.

JOSEPH LEVINE & SONS
www.levinefuneral.com KUSHNIER
LEONARD, age 80, passed away
January 24, 2023. Beloved husband
of Betty (nee Rockliss) Loving father
of Scott Kushnier (Galit), and the late
Joseph Kushnier. Adoring grandfather
of Ephrat, Rina, Yehoshua, Binyamin,
Talya, and Pessia Leah. Dear broth-
er of Ronald Kushnier (Marsha). He
is also survived by Betty’s children
Howard, Elice, and Debbie and their
families. Contributions in his memo-
ry may be made to Cancer Support
Community of Greater Philadelphia
www.cancersupportcommunity.org GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
MORRIS HOWARD P., died January 26, 2023.

Husband of the late Esther; father of
Alissa Morris-Alexander (Michael) and
Aaron David Morris; and grandfather
of Samantha and Maya.

GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
ROSEN LEWIS January 21, 2023. Beloved
husband of Leslie (nee Jurikson) of
Bala Cynwyd; loving father of Julie
(Lowell) Singer, Bonnie Rosen and
Ryan (Lisa) Rosen, adoring Zayda of
Mathew, Sam and Alex Singer and
Simon and Sydney Rosen, devot-
ed brother of Elliot (Maxine) Rosen
and Sharon (the late Arthur) Webb.

Contributions in his memory may
be made to a charity of the donor’s
choice. JOSEPH LEVINE & SONS
www.levinefuneral.com ROSENBLUM
BETTIE (nee Lander), January 21,
2023, of Wynnewood, PA. Beloved wife
of the late Simon Rosenblum; loving
mother of Randie (Robert) Harmelin,
Wendi (Mitchell) Lax and Amy (Steven)
Lancellotta; cherished grandmother
of Sara, Stephanie, Matthew, Rachel
(Chris), David (Liz), Michael (Marina)
and Justin and, great grandmother of
Ryan, Hannah, Hudson, and Peyton.

Contributions in Bettie’s memory may
be made to JDRF Greater Delaware
Valley Chapter, 555 Croton Road,
Suite 111, King of Prussia, PA 19406
or LifeRaftGroup.org.

JOSEPH LEVINE & SONS
www.levinefuneral.com ROSENFELD
DR. HOWARD, January 25, 2023,
of Blue Bell, PA; beloved husband of
Rhoda (nee Applebaum); loving fa-
ther of Dr. Jack Rosenfeld (Linda),
Jill Marcus, (Jeffrey) and Jayme
Powell (Tom); cherished grandfather
of Rachel (David), David (Johnathan),
Jason (Jennifer), Michelle, Melody,
Jessica and Aiden. In lieu of flowers,
contributions in Howard’s memo-
ry may be made to Tiferet Bet Israel
(tbibluebell.org) or a charity of the do-
nor’s choice.

JOSEPH LEVINE & SONS
www.levinefuneral.com May Their Memory Be For a Blessing
The Philadelphia Jewish Exponent extends condolences to the families of those who have passed.

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jewishexponent.com • 215-832-0700
22 FEBRUARY 2, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT
SCHUMAN ROCHELLE
“SHELLIE” (nee
Anderson) on January 24, 2023.

Beloved wife of the late Isadore;
Loving mother of Dana Refold (Jeff);
Sister of Barry Roth and the late Mark
Roth; Devoted grandmother of Jaxson
and Logan. Contributions in her mem-
ory may be made to Leeza’s Care
Connection, www.leezascareconnec-
tion.org GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
SEARS ADELE (nee OKUN)-On January 25,
2023. Wife of the late Dr. Herbert,
mother of the Rev. Dr. Stanley Sears
(Carolyn Christie) and Dr. Alan
Sears, grandmother of John Stuart
Sears (Lauren Randall), Dr. Louis
Stephen Sears, Dr. Landon Scott
Sears (Michelle) and Elana Rae
Sears and great grandmother of Leah
Sears. Contributions in her memory
may be made to The Michael J. Fox
Foundation for Parkinson’s Research,
P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD
21741. GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
SHUSTER ELEANOR (nee Felzer) beloved wife of
the late Stanley Shuster; loving moth-
er of Carol (Dennis) Freedman and
Penny (Mel) Brodsky; adoring grand-
mother of Jay (Melissa), Mindy (Scott),
and Carly (Michael); great-grand-
mother of Emma, Matthew, Zachary,
Tyler, Dylan, and Noa. Contributions
in her memory may be made to the
American Cancer Society, or American
Heart Association or to a charity of the
donor’s choice.

GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
SMILOWITZ JACQUELINE (nee Gordon) on
January 23, 2023. Wife of Alec.

Mother of Hope (Matthew) McLaughlin
and Robert (Sandra) Smilowitz.

Sister of Suzan (Harvey) Friedrich.

Grandmother of Jake McLaughlin and
Dan (Rachel) Smilowitz.

GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
MEMORIAL ELIAS WIEZER
(4/30/62-2/5/2000) Although your life was cut short,
You made a HUGE Impact that
Will Last A LIFETIME!
23 Years later....Feels like yesterday.

We LOVE You ALWAYS!
Betty and Sara



synagogue spotlight
J Jarrad Saff ren | Staff Writer
onathan Goldstein, 51, describes
himself as a congregant, daily
minyan attendee and Shabbos
regular at Adath Israel on the Main Line.

His children, ages 18, 15 and 13, have
all gone through Hebrew school and the
bar/bat mitzvah process at the Merion
Station community on North Highland
Avenue. Goldstein and his wife are
part of a group of 12 families who eat
together, travel and even play Dungeons
& Dragons.

All of this started when they fi rst
walked into the Conservative synagogue
and met each other many years ago.

There was an energy in the air, Goldstein
recalled. “When you come and join our
synagogue, one of the things that’s
self-evident is that the gravity is around
new families,” he said. “When you come
to our shul, on Shabbos, there are 100
children running around.”
Goldstein spoke in the present tense
because this energy continues today.

Adath Israel did not lose members
before, during or after COVID, according
to synagogue leaders. It has remained
stable at about 750-800 families. Plenty
of older families have left, but they have
been replaced by younger households.

Rabbi Andrew Markowitz, who works
full-time at the synagogue but is fi lling
in during Rabbi Eric Yanoff ’s sabbati-
cal, said the Saturday morning Shabbat
crowd has gotten younger since the
pandemic started. And Adath Israel’s
Early Childhood Learning Center has
more than 120 students, with more
waiting to get in.

“We’re stable and healthy,” the rabbi
said. “We’re not declining in any way.”
Adath Israel attracts young parents
with its preschool and religious school
programs. According to Markowitz, the
Conservative institution turns 50-60%
of its preschool families into congre-
gants. And then it off ers programs
“attached to that” that provide options
for the whole family.

Recently, the shul introduced a class
called “The Home We Build Together”
consisting of 10 young families learning
how to create a Jewish household with
Jewish values. Most of those members
were not Shabbat regulars before taking
the course, but they became weekly
attendees after they completed it.

More recently, Adath Israel leaders
hired a social worker to organize a
post-partum group and an aging group
for people who wanted safe spaces
From left: Adath Israel Rabbi Andrew Markowitz, Cantor Elizabeth
Shammash and Rabbi Eric Yanoff
to talk about both topics. Many Early
Childhood Learning Center parents
are active in the synagogue’s Parent-
Teacher Organization. Many are also
Mitzvah Players, meaning they perform
plays for the community every 1-2 years.

But perhaps the most important
program is Hebrew school classes on
Saturdays. Rabbi Markowitz explained
that, when students used to meet on
Sundays, they were taking in lessons
but not learning to live like Jews. Moving
classes to Saturdays allowed them to
take part in Sabbath activities as they
happened. Plus, when parents started
picking kids up after services, they began
staying for Kiddush and mingling with the
members who attended. This encour-
aged parents to just come to the service
in the fi rst place. Adath Israel’s Shabbat
ritual now draws about 250 people to the
sanctuary on a normal Saturday.

“The synagogue has really become a
community center,” Markowitz said.

About 80% of members live in Bala
Cynwyd or Lower Merion, meaning they
can walk to the building. Fifth and sixth
graders often walk over for Wednesday
night sessions of religious school.

“We’re essentially a neighborhood
shul,” the rabbi said.

But while Adath Israel may attract
congregants with its schools and then
cater to their needs as individuals, too,
it really does try to off er something for
everybody — even people who may
not use the schools. A group of empty
nesters meets for a Saturday morning
Torah study session. Sometimes,
congregants put yoga classes on the
calendar. Whatever people want and
need. This helps it build cohorts among
various groups of adults. There are
many versions of the friend group
that Goldstein described. Bob Salvin,
a member in his eighth year and the
synagogue president, joined after
moving back to the area from Houston in
2015. And Salvin and his wife also have
“a bunch of people we hang out with.”
Synagogue life, according to
Markowitz, is not founded on the trans-
action of off ering a school for people’s
kids. A school may get them in the
door, pay the bills and open another
door to a deeper commitment. But
once they are inside, parents must feel
that their community is relational, not
transactional. “It doesn’t work if it’s transactional,”
Rabbi Markowitz said. ■
jsaff ren@midatlanticmedia.com
JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 23
Courtesy of Adath Israel on the Main Line
The sanctuary inside Adath Israel on the Main Line
Photo by Jules Markowitz
Adath Israel on the Main Line
Maintains Family Atmosphere