Philly Soul Collective
Let us provide a unique experience that will bring you
& your guests together for a special moment in time.

With over 20 years of experience, we understand that each client has a different
vision for their special day and we strive to turn those dreams into realities
Available for weddings, mitzvahs, private parties &
corporate events. With affordable pricing for every budget
Paul and Evelyn Becker
Bernard and Ruth Spekter had a meet-cute that sounds like it
came right out of a romantic comedy.

Bernard Spekter, a World War II veteran who served in the
Air Force and earned a Bronze Star, started a commercial office
supply company in Philadelphia, of which he served as president
and owner for many years. Ruth Spekter worked as a secretary at
the time for a company he visited to solicit business.

“I just saw Ruth casually and then I met her again in Atlantic
City,” Bernard Spekter, soon turning 99, recalled, “and we struck
up an acquaintance.”
From there, their relationship progressed. They got engaged
and were married in a rabbi’s study in 1947. They recently cele-
brated their 71st anniversary.

In that time, he said — as the other couples mentioned — it was
hard to find an apartment. So when one became available in West
Philadelphia, they seized the opportunity.

“We were supposed to be married in June, but because this
apartment became available, we took it and her mother thought
that because we got this apartment and married so soon that per-
haps Ruth was pregnant, which was not the case,” Spekter laughed.

They lived in the one-bedroom, Murphy bed apartment for
many years before moving to a larger space.

The two, who’ve belonged to Main Line Reform Temple for
more than 65 years, are proud parents of two children, four grand-
children and five great-grandchildren.

In their lives together, they’ve traveled all over, met popes and
fostered an appreciation for art — especially Ruth Spekter, who has
long been active with the Barnes Foundation, as they lived in Lower
Merion; conducted art tours throughout the U.S., Europe and Canada;
and carried a suitcase of books about Albert Barnes with her when they
traveled. “I’ve been dragged through more museums that I can count,
but that was my wife,” he said with an affectionate laugh.

To him, there are many pillars of a strong, lasting relationship
— even in the midst of hard times.

“First of all,” he said, “the woman I married is one of the most
loving caring [people]. I could never have gotten where I am without
her understanding, and bringing up children that I’m proud of to-
day. Just love each other and respect each other and try to help each
other. “You have to be able to say you’re sorry when you do something
wrong,” he continued, adding, “and fortunately, my wife is so for-
giving.” ❤
JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Here’s what our
customers are saying:
Joan “Pretty much the best group in the universe.

Jeff and his team are so talented and the
music so fantastic that even the most boring
of guests were out on the dance floor.”
CONTACT: Jeff Lites
Phone: 267-252-0475 | soulcollective@email.com
www.scphilly.com | Check us out on FB or YouTube
NAME: ISRAEL GUIDE DOG CENTER; WIDTH: 21P9; DEPTH: 28P6; COLOR: BLACK PLUS ONE;
AD NUMBER: 00081417
SIMCHAS SUPPORT OUR DOGS’
HEBREW EDUCATION
The Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind provides
expertly trained guide dogs for people who are visually
impaired and Service Companions for soldiers with
PTSD, and also children with autism, in Israel.

Mitzvah Projects Available.

For more Information www.israelguidedog.org
or call 215-343-9100
968 Easton Rd - Suite H, Warrington, PA 18976
OCTOBER 25, 2018
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