Temple Beth-El scores a win with first Summer Celebration

Under bright blue skies on July 18, 100 golfers hit the links at Temple Beth-El’s first Summer Celebration, which included its seventh annual golf tournament.

“It was great to see old friends and contribute to this great and worthwhile temple fundraiser,” Dan Pritsker, of Providence Diamond, said of the golf tournament. “As a new member of Temple Beth-El, my wife and I are thrilled to be part of the wonderful temple family.”

In addition to golf, dozens of others participated in card and tennis games at the Summer Celebration,  held at Ledgemont Country Club, in Seekonk, Mass.

Cardroom game chair Betty Kotlen, assisted by Rose Gergel, helped establish this new tradition. “The cardroom was full of laughter and we all loved the afternoon of canasta,” Kotlen remarked.

Tennis chair Lisa Brosofsky arranged for parents and their teens to play doubles, including the team of Rabbi Howard Voss-Altman and his son, Judah. Participant John Landry said, “Great idea to include tennis this year. It was fun playing with family and friends. Loved being able to swim after a round of tennis. We look forward to next year’s event!” 

Kids had their own party, a day at the pool, a specially prepared dinner, and videos. 

An additional 60 people attended the evening cocktail and dinner party.

Rick Granoff, chairman of the golf committee, announced that the golf tournament and Summer Celebration netted over $52,000, doubling the revenues from 2015. Granoff also said that the temple broke a record by raising over $19,000 at the live and silent auctions. 

Funds raised from the auctions will be used to expand a special-needs program in the Rabbi Leslie Yale Gutterman Religious School. The program will allow students who learn differently to learn at their own pace, with an emphasis on building a successful and rewarding Jewish educational experience.  Special needs professional staff will develop fun ways to learn, including arts enrichment and stimulating field trips.

The Summer Celebration was the brainchild of the Oversight Committee, chaired by Stuart Feldman, which had a vision of engaging many more temple members and their guests than participate in the golf tournament. Their dedication and foresight, coupled with the efforts of many subcommittees, resulted in a hugely successful day.

Ruby Shalansky is development director of Temple Beth-El.