Here is the tribute book from TBE's 50th Anniversary Gala dinner held on October 11, 2014.

3. For fifty years…
For fifty years this building has provided us with a center where we can
rejoice in the life of a vibrant Jewish Community in Riverside, California.
For fifty years we have come to this Temple Beth El as a congregation
to pray and meditate, to celebrate and dance, to mourn and weep,
to study and learn.
For fifty years we have weathered changes, watched dear ones enter and leave
the world, and we are still here.
Temple Beth El is more than bricks and mortar. Its walls and roof were built by
the combined vision, energy, sweat, tears and joy of the founders and the
generations of all of us who have walked in their larger-than-life footsteps.
Tonight we celebrate this Golden Anniversary and look forward to
ANOTHER fifty years!!!

4. View of Israel from Mt. Nebo
congratulations to temple beth el
on the occasion of her 50th anniversary!
I am proud to serve as your rabbi.
Jordan joins me in a big Mazal Tov,
Rabbi Suzanne Singer

5. In Loving Memory Of
Hy and Rose Rosen
Founding Members - Jewish Community leaders
!ank you for helping build the Jewish Foundation at
Temple Beth El
For Generations to come
Children
Jack Rosen
Bryan Rosen
Marjorle (Rosen) Horowitz
Grandchildren
Renee (Rosen)!ompson
Brent Rosen
Kevin Rosen
Joshua Rosen
Shayna (Horowitz) Shaham
Adam Horowitz
Great Grandchildren
Allison !ompson
Ryan Rosen
Regan Rosen
Hudson Rosen
Mason Rosen
Yael Shaham
Talia Shaham
McKenna Horowitz
Preston Horowitz

6. From Cantor Bob and Barbara Sirotnik
Hard to believe 50 years have gone by, and for
most of that time we have had the pleasure and
honor of sharing our lives with what truly
exemplifies the strength
of this temple…. its
members. The steadfast
dedication and
commitment of you is
symbolized by the
Shehecheyanu prayer.
You have kept our Temple alive, You have sustained
its existence, and You have enabled us to reach
this glorious day.
Mazel Tov to All!

7. WELCOME FROM RABBI SUZANNE SINGER
Then David said, Here shall be the house of the Lord God and here the
altar of burnt offering for Israel.
(I Chronicles 22:1)
What is a Jewish community without a place of worship? A place to
make God’s presence felt? King Solomon, David’s son and successor,
built the first, magnificent Temple. It was destroyed by the Babylonians,
rebuilt and destroyed again by the Romans. But we Jews never stopped
building our Temples. No longer worshipping at the one Temple in
Jerusalem, we have constructed Temples in our own communities in
every corner of the world.
photo credit: Jim Dorsey
Our Temples serve three purposes. A Temple is a Beit Knesset – a house for the community to
gather and share joy as well as sadness. It is a Beit Tefillah – a house of worship where we connect
to God and express our deepest held values. And it is a Beit Midrash – a house of study where we
explore the texts and values of our tradition.
The wonderful Temple Beth El founders who built our Temple had these very goals in mind. From
the 1964 Dedication Book:
Beyond the bricks and mortar, this new edifice speaks to us. It speaks to us in accents
of hope grounded in the way of life which we profess as Jews and to which we are
pledged. We are not foundlings of history. We are the proud heirs of mankind’s
deepest experience who have elected to be the everlasting keepers of God’s covenant
and His Torah. We insist that this Temple speaks to us and admonishes us to
remember always – that the basic reality in this world is the human being and that his
dignity, integrity and freedom should serve as the highest goals of all social endeavor.
Some things have changed in 50 years. We no longer refer to women as Mrs. [husband’s name] the
way the Dedication Book does. We have remodeled our Sanctuary to make it accessible to those
using wheelchairs and to create a more intimate feeling during services. But we still have steps
leading to the bima as we did in 1964. From the Dedication Book: “Beneath the Ark of Holiness are
the steps of ascent which recall the Psalmic hymnody that picture man’s going up to the mountain
of the Lord.” We also still have the, “Superb crown of the Ark of Holiness…a… Ner Tamid which
acts as a peak to the mountainous sinaitic values in the Ark.” And we continue to uphold the values
of Judaism in a community of dedicated congregants. I am honored to be the spiritual leader of this
Temple at this important moment.

8. WELCOME FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT
I am proud to be the President of Temple Beth El. On behalf of the Board
of Directors I would like to thank all of those who through the years have
contributed to the growth and continued success of our congregation.
It was through the forethought and generosity of those individuals who
saw the need 50 years ago for the Jewish community of Riverside to have a
permanent home that we are able to celebrate today.
It is now the responsibility of the current membership to ensure that this legacy will remain vibrant
for future generations. As our nation begins to emerge from an economic hardship not seen before
in most of our lifetimes, we are determined to safeguard our heritage and ensure that Temple Beth
El will continue to be the central location for the Jewish community of Riverside. I urge all of our
congregants to treasure this institution and involve yourselves in the various programs being
offered. For without our people, a building is just a building.
Shalom,
Jerry F. Sturmer, President
Board of Directors 2014
Jerry Sturmer, President
Harry Freedman, Vice President/President Elect
Tim Beld, Treasurer
Rusty Russell, Finance
Lauri Fenton, Secretary
Jory Yarmoff, Past President
Eric Lesser, Buildings Grounds
Jory Yarmoff, Religious Practices
Sandie Nelson, Religious Education
Diane Kwasman, Membership/Open Arms
Lyn Yarmoff, Fund Development
Sharyn Sherman, Youth Groups
Kevin Akin, Social Action
Paula Hermann, Sisterhood
Aimee Perlstein, TBECDC
Jason Winston, Communications
Non-Voting Members:
Suzanne Singer, Rabbi
Robert Sirotnik, Cantor
Temple Beth El Staff
Suzanne Singer, Rabbi
Robert Sirotnik, Cantor
Elise Haton, Senior Administrator
Rabbi Suzanne Singer, Educator
Carolee Jaspan, Melamedet
Susan Tenenbaum, Clergy Assistant
Diane Eskritt, Secretary
Daniel Mansfield, Custodian
Trudy Oliver, Director,
TBE Child Development Center
HISTORY OF TEMPLE BETH EL BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENTS
Moses Harry Lerner 1942-1945
Irving Komorrow 1946-1947
Jack Bauman,
First Temple President 1947-1948
Edward Harris 1948
Philip Kustner 1949-1950
Nathaniel Greenwood 1951-1952
Paul Briskin 1953-1954
Richard Brill 1954-1955
Irving Olsan 1956-1958
William Snow 1 958-1959
Barney Bauman 1959-1960
Bertram Eckmann 1960-1961
Richard Brill 1961-1962
Bertram Eckmann 1962-1965
David Goldware 1965-1967
Grace Brill 1967-1968
Burton Fohrman 1 968-1969
Jack Spitzer 1970-1971
Harris Kanel 1971-1972
Robert Jaspan 1972-1974
Boyd Briskin 1974-1976
Rhoda Bobb 1976-1977
Irving Richards 1977-1979
Andrew Granett 1979-1980
Loyal Keir 1980-1981
Sidney Lerner 1981-1982
William Becker 1982-1983
Lawrence Presser 1983
Judith Daniel 1983-1985
Barbara Sultan 1985-1986
Marvin Goffman 1986-1987
Irwin Wall 1987-1989
Neal Singer 1989-1991
Kerry Pendergast 1991-1993
Bill Oppenheim 1993-1994
Michael Goldware 1994-1995
Robert Jaspan 1995-1996
Elliott Luchs 1996-1997
Marge Congress 1997-1999
Judith Daniel 1999-2000
James Orens 2001-2002
Alan Stein 2003-2004
Rusty Russell 2005-2006
Jory Yarmoff 2007-2008
Kara Gilman 2009-2010
Jory Yarmoff 2011
Morris Maduro 2012-2013
Jerry Sturmer 2014 to present

9. RIVERSIDE TEMPLE BETH EL SISTERHOOD
Since its establishment in 1947, Sisterhood has played an important supportive role
for Temple Beth El. The women who founded it were mostly stay-at-home moms
who wanted the Temple to be a place of education, socialization and religious
inspiration for themselves and their families. They did so by creating a Sunday
School for their children, providing onegs after Sabbath and Holiday services and
social events for its members. The planned construction of a new Temple was the
impetus for greater fund raising efforts. Annual rummage
sales and craft fairs helped finance its construction and
supply the new kitchen. Later events like the Tour of
Living Judaism and Sarah’s Kitchen encouraged
community support. Creation of a gift shop and
non-sectarian nursery school came soon after.
Much has changed in the intervening five decades. Now
many of our members are working wives and mothers or
retirees. However, Sisterhood has continued its
traditional roles of supporting the Temple’s religious life
through a variety of actions, such as weekly onegs, gifts
for b’nai mitzvah and break-the-fast refreshments along
with annual financial donations to the General Fund.
All made possible by the women who support the
Sisterhood of Temple Beth El.
Our thanks go to all the past and present Sisterhood
members whose contributions of time and effort have so
enriched our lives as Temple members.
Temple Beth El
SISTERHOOD PRESIDENTS
Esther Bauman 1947-1948
Chick Reznick 1948-1950
Gertrude Bauman 1950-1951
Sylvia Einzig 1951-1952
Sarah Greenwood 1952-1953
Grace Brill 1953-1954
Rose Rosen 1954-1955
Ruth Landis 1955-1956
Chick Reznick 1956-1958
Claire Sugarman 1958-1960
Gertrude Bauman 1960-1962
Evelyn Steingone 1962-1964
Rhoda Alpert 1964-1965
Nettie Bellen 1965-1966
Sylvia Briskin 1966-1967
Jeanette Freedman 1967-1968
Joyce Reikes 1968-1969
Pearl Barnett 1969-1970
Rosalie Silverglate 1970-1971
Lee Eckmann 1971-1972
Anita Baumoel 1972-1973
Pearl Barnett 1973-1974
Bobbe Scher 1974-1975
Margy Lawrence and
Rochelle Chamberlin 1975-1976
Erica Duenes and
Sue Gerson 1976-1977
Chick Reznick and
Barbara Friedman 1977-1978
Barbara Huff 1978-1979
Ann Garnett 1979-1980
Barbara Sultan 1980-1981
Jennie Greenberg 1981-1982
Judith Daniel 1982-1985
Jennie Greenberg 1985-1987
Lou Fithian 1987
Mariella Goldstein 1987-1989
Selma Kardos and
Mona Katz 1989-1990
Mariella Goldstein and
Esther Valdez 1990-1993
Freda Oppenheim 1993-1994
Marlene Picone 1994-1995
Roberta Collen 1995-1996
Judith Daniel 1996-1997
Roslyn Jones 1997-1998
Sandy Tarmo 1998-1999
Aime Birnbaum 2000-2001
Shoshana Goren 2002-2003
Lore Magnus and
Susan Tenenbaum 2003-2005
Diane Kwasman 2005-2007
Karen Youngerman 2008-2010
Lore Magnus and
Susan Tenenbaum 2011-2013
Christine Leapman 2014
(l to r) Mrs. Boyd
Briskin and Mrs.
Martin Brown, co-authors
of The Care
and Feeding of Jewish
Husbands, never tire of
sampling husband-tested
recipes.
Sisterhood members (l to r)
Mrs. David Goldware,
Mrs. Nat Greenwood and
Mrs. Jules Barnat model
fashions to be featured at
TBE's Fashion Around the
Clock.
Christine Leapman,
Sisterhood President

10. History of Temple Beth El
Rabbinic, Cantor/Cantorial Soloist,
and Administrative Leadership
Rabbinic Leadership
Bernard Zeiger 1947-1960
Henry Tavel 1960-1964
Harry Sherer 1964-1967
Solomo Kleinman 1969-1971
Philip Posner 1971-1989
Martin Weitz 1989-1992
(during Rabbi Posner’s sabbatical)
Philip Posner 1993-1994
Rick Harkavy 1995-2000
Frank Stern (Interim) 2000-2001
Harold Caminker 2001-2005
Suzanne Singer (Interim) 2005
Jill Zimmerman (Student) 2005
Yitzhak Miller 2006-2007
Suzanne Singer 2008-present
Cantors/Cantorial Soloists
Lawrence Finkel 1947-1953
Dr. Sam Resnick 1971
Robert Sirotnik 1972-1993
Sharon Omens 1993-1995
Robert Sirotnik 1995- present
Administrator
Elise Haton 1999-present
Excerpts from note by Rabbi Philip M. Posner, DD, DHL, June 2014
In memory of so many who enriched the life of TBE, and in gratitude for all those whose
lives touched mine as their rabbi and friend.
Having had the honor of being Beth El’s longest serving rabbi, 23 years, I am
especially filled with memories of so many of you who I worked with, delighted
in, occasionally fought with, taught and studied with, married, b. mitzvahd,
confirmed, buried, and served in so many interesting and special ways. All your
names are too numerous to state. I can only hope that you know who you are
and how our lives touched and are the better for that connection. And if that
betterment is lacking for any reason caused by my failures or actions, I hope
time has forged a forgiving heart.
I shall mention one name. Marion Kober who when I arrived in 1971 was the Temple librarian. A few
months before she died she said to me: “Rabbi Posner, you will never know how many lives you
touched as our rabbi.”
Talented and hard-working Rabbi Suzanne, Cantor Bob, Elise, and Carolee, and so many of you, “you
will never know how many lives you touched” with the qualities of your individuality that contributed
to and preserve the life of Riverside California’s vibrant Reform Temple. And that is why it is so
important and wonderful that you are celebrating fifty years, and your history, as a congregation.
I am grateful for my connections with Temple Beth El of Riverside – past, present and future.
Thinking of you now from afar will have to suffice – a fair expression of loyal affection - as I wish the
members of my old congregation much shalom.

11. Members of Temple Beth El since or before 1964
Margie Akin
Rosalie Silverglate Anderson
Boyd and Sylvia Briskin
Suzanne and Werner Coppel
Bert and Lee Eckmann Family
– Martha, Kenneth, David and Carol
Eugene Elkin
Arnie and Ruth Geller
Bauman Family
– Diana Bauman Goldman, Marjorie Bauman,
Esther Bauman and Arleen Blum
David and June Goldware Family
– Nick, Michael and Rebeccah
Helen Gropen and Elissa Gropen
Harry Freedman
Family of Harris Kanel – Anita Kanel
Selma Kardos
Mona Katz
Philip and Rae Kustner Family
– Owen and Sari Kustner
Ruth Landis and Rick Landis
Howard Leavitt
Alice Marks and Debbie Hodges
Richard MacHott
Herb Metsch
Barbara Pendergast
Bobbe' Scher
Wilford and Sarah Sklar family – Teri Sklar
Jamie Weiss
and Herb Spiegel (dear friend)
Recollections from TBE’s Original Members
Rosalie Silverglate Anderson on the importance of the new Temple to our family:
For comments on the importance of the new Temple to our family, I polled my kids and heard
remembrances of the Rubidoux dentists (Bob and Leonard) conducting services when Rabbi Posner
was on vacation. They were also proud of their Grandmother’s artistic contributions to the Temple.
What I recall is the sense of family that we had when we gathered for High Holidays. The Jaspans were
seated in front of us and the Gellers and Kanels were in the two rows behind us. It was a wonderful
opportunity annually to note the kids’ growth and catch up on events. We shared pride in the new
Temple Beth El and how it molded us as a congregation. However, many of us (even my kids) recall
with fondness the old Temple on 12th Street and the memories it had for us.
I hope that our congregants now share that sense of family.

12. From Suzanne Coppel:
Werner and I remember walking into this beautiful edifice and how proud we were of Temple Beth El
and still are.
The Sisterhood had a luncheon meeting once a month and we happily took turns working and cooking.
It was a pleasure to be involved with ladies like Rae Kustner, Chick Reznick, Gert Bauman and Lee
Eckmann, and a bit later with Blanche Ginsberg and Syde Geller and countless others. They were
dedicated workers and an excellent influence.
We took our sons, Gary and Steven, to Hebrew and
Sunday School every week. We vividly recall their
Bar Mitzvahs and Conformations.
No matter how many Rabbis came and went, we
always belonged to this Jewish community.
We finally have a wonderful, caring, hard-working
and dedicated Rabbi in Suzanne Singer. She is
beautiful inside and out. Hit the jackpot when we
hired her and we all love her.
Gary Coppel’s Bar Mitzvah 1968
Front row: Steven Coppel, Gary Coppel, Toni Coppel Lane
Second row: Suzanne Coppel, Werner Coppel, Herbert Lane
From The Children of Lee and Bert Eckmann:
Temple Beth El – For the Eckmann kids it has been one of
the pillars of our Jewish identity, intrinsic to our definition
of “home” and “family”. The anticipation of going to Friday
night services, with parents and Grandma Rose, seeing our
friends of all ages – people who have followed us all our
lives and whom we still hold dear from afar. Youth group
and confirmations and Seders and bagel-and-lox brunches
and all the activities which helped to solidify the meaning of
Judaism in our lives.
It was a place where we combined learning and
understanding and friendship and collaboration with
music, always music; singing for and with the
congregation. We especially remember the
commitment and involvement of our parents in Temple
life. Temple Beth El was part of the heart of our family
– and it still is.

13. From Ruth Geller:
MAZEL TOV on the 50th Anniversary of our Temple Beth El Sanctuary
So many memories of our time in this wonderful community…
From our first weekend in Riverside in 1961 with two little boys, we called the temple and were told
there was a party at the home of Rabbi Tavel. We claimed we could not come with two small children,
but the Rabbi insisted we bring them and we met our first friends including Rosalie and Leonard
Silverglate and many others. When our daughter Karen was born the ladies of sisterhood helped host
her baby naming in the old synagogue on 12 St. Rae Kustner, Gertrude Bauman and many others
helped put together a lovely celebration.
In 1964 Bert Eckmann, Hy Rosen, David Goldware, Alan Nixen, Irving Olsan, Boyd Briskin and
Richard Brill saw the new temple become a reality. Though young and relatively new, we were honored
to be part of the Founders.
Through the years there have been so many memorable times. Karen was in the first class of TBE
Nursery School with teacher Irene Rubin-Gordon, Mark and Karen celebrated becoming Bar and Bat
Mitzvah, all three becoming confirmed and active in the temple youth groups.
We are so grateful that the community welcomed our parents. My mother, Blanche Ginsberg, ran the
gift shop with Inez Neiman and Sam Zahler. She was welcomed and included by the temple founders
including Rae Kustner, Edna Olsan and Chick Reznick. Arnie’s parents, Syde and Sol Geller, also
became an integral part of this temple and enjoyed their many years here.
Arnie and I have enjoyed the many functions, celebrations and committees we have served. We thank
so many friends who have been with us through happy and difficult times. We were blessed to have our
family together in this very special community. We wish many more years of success to Temple Beth El
with its wonderful Rabbi Suzanne Singer and Cantor Robert Sirotnik.
From the Kanel Family:
Through all the years of raising a family in Riverside, Temple Beth
El and the people at TBE were an integral part of our lives. Our
family developed our Jewish identity through our involvement at
Temple Beth El.
Harris Kanel, Anita Kanel,
Lucy Weinberg, Elliott Weinberg 1964

14. From Karen Geller Kohut:
I was 2 years old when Temple Beth El was dedicated in 1964 and in the 70s I was enrolled in the
Sunday School. My family lived close enough to Temple so that on the Jewish High Holidays our family
and other Jewish families in the neighborhood would walk back and forth to Temple between the
lengthy services. On Rosh Hashanah, there was a children’s program, and we would be called in to hear
the Shofar. I remember seeing the “Royce Roy” as my Grandma Blanche called it - Edna and Irving
Olsan’s Rolls Royce - parked near the front of the parking lot.
Nettie and Carl Bellen and Rosalie and Leonard Silverglate helped at Purim Carnival where I dressed
up as one of the many Queen Esthers. My favorite stop was a booth that had a mirror and a bowl of
Avon sample lipsticks. TBE’s annual Lox and Bagel Brunch had a huge turnout and I can still
remember the Kardoses and the Schers at the Brunch.
The Temple Beth El gift shop was a favorite! After Sunday School we would buy a treat of chocolate or
gum in gold foil coin wrappers imported from Israel. In the 70s and early 1980s I had a special
connection because my Grandma Blanche ran the gift shop.
Grandma Blanche had a group of Temple lady friends - Leona Kustner, Rae Kustner, Chick Reznick,
Edna Olsan, Nettie Bellen and Lucy Ashwal to name just a few - who played cards and supported
Temple functions. My Grandma Syde played Mahjongg with Norma Glick, Susie Coppel and Lucy
Ashwal, and my Grandfather Sol had the nickname Sunshine Sol because he was so upbeat.
Rabbi Posner and Cantor and Barbara Sirotnik officiated at my wedding with James Kohut in 1988, and
they were present at my Bat Mitzvah in 1975 as well. That Bat Mitzvah was pivotal in my life because I
saw that I could do things my older brothers, Mark and Gordon, did ahead of me. It gave me the
confidence to go to UC San Diego and Mount Sinai Medical School.
From Owen and Sari Kustner:
When reflecting about TBE for the past 50 years and beyond, we recall the emphasis on community.
From Owen: I think of the families’ who opened their homes for Jewish Servicemen during WWII.
The families wanted a Temple in Riverside and started one in a small house in downtown Riverside. I
remember endless conversations at our dinner table about the Temple when my father, Phil Kustner,
served a two year term as Temple President. The discussion always centered around the need for a
Jewish place to meet. The commitment my Mom and Dad showed was not necessarily for the religious
focus but for a place to meet. All of the families are gone now, but I remember them.
From Sari: Our new desirable location set the stage for numerous events in which Temple members
made positive impressions on the Riverside non- Jewish community.
One example is Sara’s Kitchen, in which Rae Kustner, and a cadre of expert cooks in the late seventies
and early eighties provided Jewish fare ….blintzes, cabbage rolls, challah, bagels, etc. Pre-orders were
available and popular with Riverside businesses.
Another way in which the community learned about Jewish life in the seventies was the Tour of Living
Judaism, during which temple members explained traditional Jewish holidays at congregant homes
and the Temple.
Recognizing our Temple’s importance in the Riverside area, I greatly appreciate those who have
promoted it throughout its existence.

15. Excerpts from Rabbi Hillel Cohn’s Remarks - 50th Anniversary Shabbat service, June 13, 2014
It is a real honor and pleasure to mark the 50th anniversary of the dedication of this building in which
you have worshipped, studied, been enriched spiritually, and motivated to contribute to the betterment
of the community and world. I was tempted to join the group who were invited to come to the bema at
the beginning of tonight’s service since I, too, was in attendance at the dedication of this building fifty
years ago.
I bring you greetings tonight from your sister congregation, Congregation Emanu El, for a long time
the synagogue in San Bernardino but now, for the last four years, relocated to Redlands. In actuality
my congregation is not really a “sister” congregation but rather a “mother” congregation. For you see,
for many, many decades Congregation Emanu El was the only congregation between Pasadena and
Phoenix and until the 1940’s the Jews of Riverside were part of our congregation. It was in the 1940’s
that some of the members of our congregation - among them Moe Lerner, Irving Olsan, Charlie Ross
and others - were encouraged to form a congregation here in Riverside. And they did just that. So, my
congregation is really your “parent” and as a proud parent we take pride on what you have
accomplished over the course of your history and are even more impressed with that you have achieved
and are continuing to achieve under the wonderful leadership of my dear friend Rabbi Singer.
I want to share with you excerpts from two prayers written by two eminent leaders of the liberal Jewish
movement - Rabbi Roland Gittelsohn and the Honorable Lily H. Montagu, a great leader of liberal
Judaism in Great Britain:
Our God and God of our ancestors: We come before You gratefully and humbly on this anniversary of
this synagogue building. We are thankful for so much. For the vision and courage of those intrepid
men and women who foresaw the need for such a congregation as this and the possibility of its growth.
For the devotion and strength of those whose leadership and labor through the years have brought the
dream of the founders of this congregation to abundant fulfillment. For the generous support of all
who have provided the sinews and substance without which the achievement of constructing this
building would not have been possible.
Grateful for the accomplishment of the past, we pray that in the future too the leaders and members of
this congregation may continue to merit the success which can only come through Your blessing. May
the ties between the rabbi and people be deepened and strengthened. And may love unite all who are
part of this congregation more firmly: the love of each other here, the love of our fellow-Jews
everywhere; the love of all humanity; and above and beyond all that, O God, the deathless love of You.
Grant that those who come to worship here may come in a spirit of humility and filled with a love for a
living Judaism. May they find here consolation at times of trouble, courage and hope when in doubt or
difficulty, and when in joy, the consecration of their happiness.
Let the men and women, young people and children who gather here in sincerity in ever greater
numbers, receive Your instruction through study and service, and strive to share Your divine light with
all seekers.
Place Your blessing, we pray, on the rabbi of this synagogue, and on all who come to work with her for
the welfare of its members and for all people.
Amen.

16. Temple Beth El Bingo
Jerry Rachman
All temples and synagogues have the same problem: not enough income from fundraisers. In Fall 1978,
Temple Beth El president, Loyal Keir, came to the Young Couples Club looking for young guys to start
a bingo fundraiser. There was not much interest. A few of us said we would check it out. I was the
gopher. A friend of mine worked at the St. Catherine’s bingo and he introduced me to the manager,
Don. With Don’s assistance, I learned how to run a bingo game.
Irwin Feilas and I went to the Board meeting in January 1979 to propose that TBE start its own bingo
game. We were met with much resistance. The board members said that TBE congregants won’t play
bingo. I told them that bingo was played by people from the community and not our members. They
had no idea. They voted it down. Neal Singer, TBE’s treasurer, came to me and said to proceed with a
bingo game as there was no other fundraising going on at TBE. He said I had to spend as little money
as possible. Thus, with a $3,000 budget to get bingo rolling, Bingo became a Thursday night institution
at Temple Beth El. We had a good group of volunteers and Sisterhood ran the kitchen. Rhoda Bobb
was the first cashier and Charlie Berliner was the “caller.”
For 23 years, TBE Bingo ran every Thursday evening with the exception of holidays. Most Temple
members hated the Bingo sign on the corner of Central and Victoria, but the fact was that over the
years, TBE Bingo raised $1,000,000 for the synagogue! This money helped to balance the yearly
budgets, build the preschool building, redo the roof and ceiling, purchase the banquet tables and many
other projects.
I ran Bingo for the first 13 years, then Jean Hallac and Mark Sultan ran it for three years. Sandy
Rachman ran the game until we decided to close it in February 2002. Our players started going to the
Indian casinos, and we couldn’t compete.
There were many volunteers throughout the years who made TBE Bingo so successful. I will not try to
list them all because I’m sure I’ll forget someone. However, I have to note two volunteers who worked
all 23 years – Heshy Glick and Sandy Rachman.
b i n g o b3 b i n g o i15 b i n g o n23 b i n g o g36 b i n g o o51

17. A History of Temple Beth El
50th Anniversary of the 2675 Central Avenue Building
The Jews in Riverside 1870’s - 1936
Some of the information that follows is derived from Barney Bauman’s history written in 1989 for the
25th anniversary. This information is designated with an asterisk (*).
Nathan and Fanny Bauman, along with Baby Jack arrived here in 1907, bringing their worldly
possessions with them in a horse-drawn wagon. Barney, brother Harry, and sister Sara were all
born in Riverside. Barney passed away in 2001 and his wife Gertrude passed away in 2007.
1872: Walter Lyon and Julius Rosenthal, perhaps the first Jews in Riverside, opened a general store.
Later Rosenthal developed a domestic water system for the city.
1870s to 1940s: There were many Jews living in the area practicing their Judaism in their homes or
relying on San Bernardino’s Congregation Emanu El, which started in the 1850s.
*1931: The Riverside Jewish Welfare, the first enduring Jewish organization in Riverside, was formed
by the women under the leadership of Mrs. (Esther) Lerner.
*1936: The second Jewish organization, Riverside Lodge 1221, of the B'nai B'rith, was installed. These
two organizations held meetings in the American Legion building in Fairmount Park, in private homes
and in a hall in the Grout Building at Seventh and Main Streets.
Jewish Community 1940s - 1961
*During World War II: The influx of both military and civilian personnel to March Air Base, Camp
Haan, and the Port of Embarkation known as Camp Anza brought new obligations to the less than
twenty active families. Seders were prepared and served to more than three hundred soldiers. Housing
was found and residents’ homes were used for service men's weddings and social events.
*1942: The Jewish Welfare Board was formed to provide comfort and support to Jewish servicemen.
Also a children’s religious school was organized by a small group of mothers.
*November 22, 1944: Moe Lerner called together Jack Esther Bauman, Barney and Gertrude
Bauman, Albert and Leona Colten, Irving and Sophie Komorrow, and William
and Ruth Sklar. Together they formed a corporation known as the Riverside
Jewish Community Center. A charter was issued with 21 members.
Subsequently the corporation purchased the former Immaculate Lutheran
Church on 12th Street near Lemon Street to use as a synagogue.
The price was $5,000.
1945: The first High Holidays were celebrated at the new 12th Street
location.
*1947: Riverside Jewish Community Center was dissolved and Temple Beth
El was formed. Jack Bauman was elected the first president of the Temple.
The State of California issued the charter for Temple Beth El. The first
Temple Bulletin was published with Nat Greenwood as editor. Dues were
reduced to $25 per year to attract more members.
1947-1960: Rabbi Bernard Zeiger became Temple Beth El’s first rabbi.
1947-1954: Cantor Lawrence Finkel, Temple Beth El’s first Cantor, was a volunteer and never missed a
service. He also owned a delicatessen and liquor store in Riverside.
*1948: Temple membership reached 54 families with a planned budget of $6,700. The first class of
Confirmands was graduated.
*1949: Philip Kustner was Board President. Dues were raised from $25 to $60 a year. Irving Olsan was
appointed to search for a new site for the Temple. Temple Beth El became a member of the Union of
American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC).

18. *1950: The remodeling of the 12th Street Temple began. The steeple was removed from the front of the
building, a portico erected, and new front doors were installed. The building was extended 30 feet to
the alley, with two classrooms upstairs, and a classroom and kitchen downstairs. The Sisterhood
completely furnished the new kitchen.
*1951-1952: Nat Greenwood was Board President. The families of Paul Briskin, Charles Ross, Philip
Kustner, Hy Rosen, Winfield Clark and Irving Olsan held fundraisers in their homes as financial
problems dominated.
*1953: Paul Briskin was Board President. His first act was to establish a nonboard financial advisory
committee, consisting of Charles Ross, Hy Rosen and Irving Olsan. The committee recommended an
increase of dues. The Youth Group was reorganized and became affiliated with the Southern California
Federation of Temple Youth.
1955: Temple membership reached 100 families.
1955-1960: John Ulrich served as lay Cantor.
1956-1958: Irving Olsen was Board President. The future site for a proposed new building was
approved. The TBE cemetery was established.
1958-1959: William Snow was Board President.
1960-1964: Rabbi Henry Tavel served as our rabbi.
1959-1961: Barney Bauman was Board President.
1960: TBE established its Hebrew School. One of the last Bar Mitzvahs (Nick Goldware’s) was held in
the 12th Street location.
1961: Registration in the Religious School reached 100 children.
A New Building
1960s – Present
1961: Following a difficult zoning fight, the congregation purchased the present site at Victoria and
Central Avenue.
1961-1962: Richard Brill was Board President.
1962-1965: Dr. Bertram Eckmann was Board President.
1963: On September 15, ground was broken for the construction of the present building.
1963: A small group of Temple members agreed to build a religious school wing.
1964: On June 12, the first religious services were held in the new building.
1965: On March 7, Temple Beth El’s new building was formally dedicated.
1965: Temple Beth El Nursery School was established.
1964-1967: Rabbi Harry Sherer served as our rabbi.
1965-1967: David Goldware was Board President.
1967-1968: Grace Brill was Board President.
1968-1969: Burton Fohrman was Board President.
1969-1971: Rabbi Solomon Kleinman served as our interim rabbi.
1970-1971: Jack Spitzer was Board President.
1971: Lay-Cantor Dr. Sam Resnick, served as our interim cantor.
1971-1972: Dr. Harris Kanel was Board President.
1971-1994: Rabbi Philip Posner served as our rabbi.
1972-1974: Dr. Robert Jaspan was Board President. He was president when Cantor Robert Sirotnik
(a dental student at the time) was hired. When Dr. Sirotnik graduated dental school, he joined Leonard
Silverglate’s dental practice.
1972-1993: Cantor Dr. Robert Sirotnik served as our cantor.
Mid 1970s: Lay Rabbi Loyal Keir and lay Cantor Herb Broh led Shabbat morning services.

19. 1974-1976: Boyd Briskin was Board President.
1976: Temple Beth El formed a choir with Cantor Robert and Barbara Sirotnik, Sandy Tarmo, and
Carolee Jaspan.
1976-1977: Rhoda Bobb was Board President. The congregation was divided regarding the Rabbi’s
contract.
1977-1979: Irving Richards was Board President. TBE sponsored its first Russian immigrant family,
and hired its first paid youth adviser and a part time bookkeeper. Jerry Rachman organized TBE’s
weekly Bingo for the first time as a fundraiser. Permanent seats in the sanctuary were sold.
1979-1980: Dr. Andrew Granett was Board President. The major accomplishments of his term were …
“getting through the year without the Rabbi quitting, the building collapsing, or too many more people
leaving.”
1980-1981: Loyal Keir was Board President.
1981-1982: Sidney Lerner was Board President. Carolee Jaspan became TBE’s Melamedet and her first
student became a Bar Mitzvah.
1981-present: Carolee Jaspan served, and continues to serve as our volunteer Melamedet.
1982-1983: William Becker was Board President.
1983: Lawrence Presser was Board President.
1983-1985: Judith Daniel was Board President.
1985-1986: Barbara Sultan was Board President.
1986-1987: Marvin Goffman was Board President.
1987-1989: Irwin Wall was Board President. The asbestos ceiling was replaced at cost of $125,000.
1989: The congregation celebrated The Silver Anniversary of the present building with a gala dinner
dance.
1989-1991: Neal Singer was Board President. The congregation examined issues regarding the
“Jewishness” of some rabbinical practices -- allowing non-Jews to participate in services, stand on the
Bima, and read from or touch the Torah. Other issues included burial of non-Jews (mainly spouses) in
the Jewish section of the cemetery, and listing of names of non-Jews on memorial tablets in the
Sanctuary.
1991-1993: Kerry Pendergast was Board President.
1993-1994: Bill Oppenheim was Board President. A new air conditioning system was installed and the
roof was replaced. The Office was expanded and the Jaspan Lounge was remodeled. TBE took over
The Nursery School and received a grant to upgrade and redo the children's playground.
1993-1995: Cantor Sharon Omens served as our cantor.
1994-1995: Michael Goldware was Board President.
1995 to present: Cantor Dr. Robert Sirotnik returned and continues to serve as our cantor.
1995-1996: Dr. Robert Jaspan was Board President.
1995-2000: Rabbi Richard Harkavy served as our rabbi.
1996-1997: Elliott Luchs was Board President. It was a difficult time with lawsuits involving the rabbi,
as well as financial issues that resulted in layoffs, closing the office a few days per week and closing
religious school early.
1997-1999: Marge Congress was Board President. It was a very tumultuous time at the temple.
1999-2000: Judith Daniel was Board President.
1999-present: Elise Haton was hired as the full-time Administrator of TBE.
2000-2001: Rabbi Frank Stern served as our interim rabbi.
2001-2005: Rabbi Harold Caminker served as our rabbi.
2001: September. Following the 9/11 attacks, Rabbi Caminker, Mayor Ron Loveridge and other civic
and religious leaders, held a citywide rally at Riverside City Hall.

20. 2001-2002: Dr. James Orens was Board President. Tumultuous times continued at the temple
regarding rabbis.
2003-2004: Alan Stein was Board President. TBE started earning income from the cell tower.
2005: Rabbi Suzanne Singer served as our interim rabbi. Jill Zimmerman was our student rabbi.
2005-2006: Raymond Russell was Board President. As TBE President, he was the first to meet and
then hire Rabbi Suzanne Singer who then served as our Interim Rabbi from July through December
2005. She was immensely popular and at the end of her stay, a large numbers of congregants submitted
a petition to the Board asking us to find a way to hire her as our permanent Rabbi.
2006-2007: Rabbi Yitzhak Miller served as our rabbi. He introduced lunches after Religious School for
the students and their families.
2007-2008: Jory Yarmoff was Board President.
2008: Singer songstress Debbie Friedman performed at TBE to a sold out house.
2008 to present: Rabbi Suzanne Singer was hired and continues to serve as our rabbi.
2008: The Temple organized a Jewish Cultural Faire at the Riverside Plaza.
2009-2010: Kara Gilman was Board President.
2009: On three occasions a small group of neo-Nazis demonstrated in front of our Temple while
congregants came to worship. The week following the first demonstration, 300 community supporters,
including Riverside’s mayor, pastors and members of local churches, and representatives from the
Islamic Center, filled the synagogue to celebrate Simchat Torah in the name of solidarity.
2010: Rabbi Singer was installed as our rabbi.
2011-2012: Jory Yarmoff was Board President.
2012-2013: Morris Maduro was Board President. Construction of the Bimah renovation began.
2014-Present: Jerry Sturmer is Board President.
2014: June 13, Temple Beth El celebrates its official 50th Anniversary with a special Shabbat Service
and Oneg.
2014: Bima and sanctuary renovations are completed with new seating, handicap access to the Bima
and new carpeting.
2014: September 7, the Open Arms Committee organizes a Jewish Cultural Faire at the synagogue.
2014: October 11, the congregation celebrates the 50th anniversary in our building with a Golden
Anniversary Gala.
2014-2039: Stay tuned!
NOTE FROM THE TRIBUTE BOOK SUB COMMITTEE: We consider this a living document that
continues after tonight’s Gala. Should you have points of historic significance to add, please send to
judy.lehr@gmail.com.
2013 new members

21. B’nai B’rith Riverside Lodge 1221
Past Presidents
1936-1937 Moe H. Lerner
1938 Irving Komorow
1939 Jack Bauman
1940 Philip Kustner
1941 Barney Bauman
1943 William Sklar
1944 Hyman Rosen
1945 Edward Harris
1946-1947 Paul Briskin
1948 Norvin Sederholm
1949 Nat Greenwood
1950 Wilford H. Sklar
1951 Paul Briskin
1952 Samuel Robinovitz
1953 George Anthony
1954 David Ramek
1955 Robert H. Herman
1956 Edward H. Rubin
1957 David Goldware
1958 Robert H. Tarr
1959 Irwin Weinberger
1960 Martin A. Alpert
1961 Irving Swirsky
1962 Morris Garber
1963 Kenneth Reifman
1964 William Lazaroff
1965 Sam Kopulsky
1966 Hal Rubak
1967-1968 Barney Bauman
Charles Ross (honorary title for long
service as Treasurer)
1969 Henri Sinasohn
1970 Solomon H. Turkel
1971 Eugene Elkin
1972 Arthur J. Schechter
1973-1974 David Mains
1975 Wilford H. Sklar
1976-1978 Chuck Harris
1978-1980 Julius Scher
1980-1982 Kermit Baumoel
1982-1984 Harold Glick
1984-1986 Mark Krakower
1986 Jerry Rachman
1987 Mark Krakower
1988-1990 William Oppenheimer
1990 Al Hallac
1991-1993 Tim Beld
1993 Sam Zahler
1994-1996 Sidney Cohnen
1996 Harold Glick
1997-1998 Eugene Elkin
1999 Mark Krakower
2001 Gary Rosenfeld

24. Excerpts from comments of The Honorable Mark Takano,
United States House of Representatives,
to the congregation at the 50th Anniversary Shabbat Service
Friday, June 13, 2014
Near the end of WWII, the Riverside Jewish Community was
formed and they purchased a building for only $5,000. In the
early 60s, the group had outgrown that building and begun
fundraising for a new location. We stand now in that location,
fifty years to the day these doors opened to the community for
the first time.
The $200,000 raised in the beginning of the sixties funded the
construction of Temple Beth El, which in the last fifty years
quickly became an unwavering institution in our community, as
vibrant and strong as it was since these doors first opened.
I’m sure that those who were here fifty years ago when the High
Holy Day services were first held in this space, when five
hundred people filled the Sanctuary and into the social hall,
knew that this Temple will not only last for fifty years, but for
decades more to come. Temple Beth El has not only persisted, it
has thrived. In these fifty years, Temple Beth El has grown from
the couple dozen families to the over 200 families today—a
testament to the strength and importance this institution
commands.
The recent remodel of the sanctuary represents the ongoing
evolution of the Jewish community here in Riverside, as well as
the inclusivity this congregation strives for. Accessibility and
openness are some of the qualities that come to mind when I
think of Temple Beth El and this congregation. I know these
qualities hold true as you all have so graciously welcomed me
into the space I’m sure many of you consider a second home.
You all make this expansive 8,000 square foot space feel much
smaller and tighter than the space itself is; a true
manifestation of community and solidarity.
The Jewish community in Riverside has not only grown in the last
fifty years, but has prospered. Without this community,
Riverside would surely not be as great as it is today.
Once again, thank you for inviting me, and welcoming me here to
celebrate this momentous occasion with you all. I look forward
to seeing Temple Beth El thrive for many more years to come.

34. 1964… WHAT A YEAR!!!
A movie ticket cost $1.25 and a postage stamp 5 cents.
Diet Pepsi was introduced and Arby's opened.
New York City hosted the World's Fair and opened the
Verrazano Narrows, the world's longest suspension bridge.
Martin Luther King Jr. won the Nobel Peace Prize.
Color television made its way into our homes.
Jeopardy! debuted on television.
The Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show.
Elizabeth Taylor Richard Burton married (each other) for the first time.
Barbra Streisand's People album hit #1 for five weeks.
Goldfinger premiered at the movies Fiddler on the Roof opened on Broadway.
Peggy Fleming won the US female Figure Skating championship.
Sandy Koufax threw his 9th complete game without allowing a walk,
and was the 1st pitcher to strike out the side in 9 pitches.
Abebe Bikila ran an Olympic/World record marathon in 2:12:11.2.
Rusty Russell Bill Oppenheim graduated from North Miami Senior
High School… AND,

Temple Beth El opened its doors on Central Avenue.
Congratulations on this Golden Anniversary!!
With great affection,
Rusty Russell and Judy Lehr

36. This is Now
This was Then!
Paul 1984 Lisa 1977 Marc 1987
We thank all those who went before and made Temple Beth El a reality.
We wish all present and future members of Temple Beth El lives of health and joy.

37. Individually, tasks become difficult and someƟmes impossible.
But working together as a team, seƫng goals and keeping focused,
almost anything is possible.
To the founders, THANK YOU for your vision and dreaming of a
Jewish facility for our region; to those who conƟnue to carry on
tradiƟons, CONGRATULATIONS on this milestone. We know it is
challenging to carry on a dream of someone else is oŌen more
difficult than to create our own; to the children in religious
school—BLESS YOU—you have been given a treat, a miracle of
sorts, a blessing, a structure, a foundaƟon. . .
Now it is up to all who are able to CONTINUE the vision . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keep Judaism alive.

41. Best Wishes from Anita Kanel and Family:
Renee and Jeff Kanel,
David Kanel,
Laura and Chris Boily
Back row: Shauna Kanel, Jason Kanel, Laura Kanel Boily, Julie Kanel, David
Kanel, Chris Boily, Naomi Kanel. Front row: Je! Kanel, Anita Kanel, Harris
Kanel, Renee Kanel, Joshua Kanel

42. May the congregation
go from strength to strength
with joy and mazel
The Haydu-Marmor Family
Joe, Barbara, Jonathan and Mira
“Ask not what your Temple can do for you; ask what you can do for your Temple.”
Over the past 50 years, there have been countless men and
women who have brought this ideal to life at
Temple Beth El: Barney Gertrude Bauman, Bert Lee
Eckmann and Robert Carolee Jaspan, to name a few.
May our wonderful Temple Beth El continue to inspire a
new generation of service over the next 50 years!
Max and Susan Tenenbaum and Family

43. To our wonderful synagogue,
Temple Beth El, we wish a
glorious Golden Anniversary.
We chose to come to this temple
over 20 years ago and have
made it our second home.
Here's to Temple Beth El's
next 50 years!
Jory, Lyn and Jessie Yarmoff

44. Congratulations to
Temple Beth El on
your Golden Anniversary
4FSWJOHUIF$PNNVOJUZ5ISPVHI
%POPSEWJTFE'VOET]$IBSJUBCMF(JGUOOVJUJFT]1MBOOFE(JWJOH
XXXUIFDPNNVOJUZGPVOEBUJPOOFU]

45. In Memory of 1964 TBE members
Ruth Kleiger
Lawrence B. Kleiger
Ellen Kleiger
MEMORY IS A BLESSING
With love from
Kevin Akin and
Margie Akin (1964 member)

47. May you continue
to be a
House of God
and Godliness
Rabbi hillel Rita cohn
congregation emanu el
Congratulations
May the next half century be
spiritually enlightening and filled
with social awareness – and may
all members experience much
happiness and good health!
Irv and Regina
Richards

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52. And congratulations from …
Father Louis Abdoo, I.M.C
Loraine Alberga
Steve Sandy Cohen
Lynn Anne Craven
Barbara Gary Droutman
Gene Elkin
Lauri Marc Fenton
Jerry Susan Gordon
Albert Jean Hallac
Haus Family
Ron, Paula, Rachael Hermann
Sheila Jahn
Bernie, Mona Gary Katz
David Judy Kronenfeld
Mitch Debbie Lavine
Jim, Lois Katie Lipow
Lynn Lipscomb
Sally Larry Loeb
Morris, Gina, Rena Maduro
Bernd Lore Magnus
Jean Mains
Eliud Elisse Martinez
Parsi Family
The Pasternak/Manges Families
Families of Bill Brenda Oppenheim
3 Generations of Price/Schwitzgebels
Bob Ingrid Rosenbaum Family
Carol Jeremy Samsky
Marilyn Schechtman Family
Fern Shanklin Families
Neal Monica Singer
Irmy Tilton Family
Judy Treiber Family
Myrna Bernie Waltzer
Gayle Duncan Webb
Doris Oscar Weingart

53. From the Temple Beth El dedication booklet
(March 7, 1965)

54. On behalf of the Golden Anniversary Gala Committee…
We wish to thank our Golden Sponsors:
Michael and Donna Goldware
Nicholas and Susan Goldware
Carolee and Robby Jaspan
Rusty Russell and Judy Lehr
We toast Sandy and Marty Tarmo, and Judy Lehr and Rusty Russell
for providing us with the commemorative wine glasses.
Please support those advertisers who so generously support Temple Beth El:
Riverside Insurance Agency, Tim Beld
Interstate Air Quality, Inc.
Tonkin Plumbing, Phillip Tonkin
The Community Foundation
Mario’s Place, Leone Palagi
Dan Hantman, Attorney at Law
Isabella's Cupcakes More
New York Pizzeria, Robert Gillis
Monark Asian Bistro, Karen Chen
Belfor Property Restoration, Mitch Lavine
Carns Rooter Inc., Bernie Garcia
Custom Sewing Alterations, Josephine Needleman
Hasco Heating Airconditioning Service Company, Inc., Sal Trujillo, Jr.
Pediatric Medical Group, Alan Kwasman, M.D.
Rhythm Entertainment. Alan Greenstein
Sub Station, Richard Munio
and
McGrath’s Catering, Mike McGrath
Golden Anniversary Gala Committee
Lyn Yarmoff, Chair
Sandy Freedman
Mona Katz
Judy Lehr
Gina Maduro
Elisse Martinez
Sandy Tarmo
Decoration Sub-Committee
Sandy Freedman, Chair
Barbara Droutman
Elise Haton
Connie Luchs
Joan Pasternak
Barbara Stone
Tribute Book Sub-Committee
Elise Haton and Judy Lehr, Co-Chairs
John Benoit
Diane Eskritt
Jerry Gordon
Susan Gordon
Barbara Marmor
Marilyn Orens
Jackie Orellana Shoji
Andrea Shuirman
Sandy Tarmo
Special thanks to TBE’s Senior Youth Group for providing childcare during our celebration.

56. d
congratulations to
Rabbi Suzanne Singer
on the occasion of the
50th anniversary of
riverside temple beth el
Love,
Alexander ◆ Caroline ◆ Derrick
Jake ◆ Martine ◆ Michele
d
Nick ◆ Rob ◆ Romy