October 11, 2026

Today, I give blood in memory of my father as a way to honor his legacy. I remember, as a child, joining my dad when he went to donate blood, and I remember with pride the first time, when I was 16, that we were able to donate together. He was a doctor, and he patiently explained to me (several times) the different blood types and how important it was for us to donate with ours.

“It’s a way that any person can save a life,” he told me, and, “Not everyone is able to donate, but those who can should.” He was no stranger to saving lives in his profession, but he still donated as often as he was able, and by the end of his life, he had donated well over 10 gallons of blood.

My father’s words have stuck with me, and they have been joined by a chorus of voices from our tradition. Leviticus 19:16 teaches, “You shall not stand idly by the blood of your fellow,” reminding us that if we can save a life, we must do so. Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:5 adds, “Whoever saves one life… is considered as if he saved the entire world.” In the Talmud, we’re taught that pikuach nefesh, saving a life—or even the potential to save a life—is a powerful obligation, even if we must violate Shabbat to do so (Yoma 84b–85b).

Giving blood is a value that, for me, lives at the nexus of memory, religion, and hope. When I give, I honor the values my father bestowed, personally and religiously, and I give someone else the gift of tomorrow.

We hope you will join us in giving at our Red Cross Blood Drive at Congregation Beth Tikvah on Tuesday, October 20, from 12:00–6:00 p.m. You can register in advance or simply walk in that day.

To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org and use sponsor code bethtikvah. Questions can be directed to Brotherhood member Art Flesch at artflesch@hotmail.com.

With gratitude,

Rabbi Karen Martin

October 9, 2026

Jewish tradition teaches us that at any given moment in time, there are 36 righteous individuals who are privileged to behold God’s presence and who, because of the sacred work they do, sustain the world. The origin of this notion is found in the Talmud, in tractate Sanhedrin (97b), where we learn, “There are not less than 36 righteous people in the world who receive God’s presence.” When I first learned this teaching, I was also made aware that lamed vavniks, as they are called in Hebrew, do not know how they are. (The name lamed vavnik is derived from the numerology of Hebrew letters in which every Hebrew letter also has a number. In this case, lamed = 30 and vav = 6; added together, they equal 36.) While we cannot apply to join the club, nor would we know where to send our application, we can aspire to be righteous in our work.

As we think about the individuals who make a difference in the world, I want to highlight that each year, the Columbus Jewish News selects 18 Difference Makers in our community. I am not suggesting that these 18 individuals are lamed vavniks, but perhaps they can inspire all of us to think about how we can make a difference in the world we encounter on a daily basis. While I want to extend my congratulations to all, I want to highlight the two members of this year’s class who are Beth Tikvah members, Bill Byers and Tanya Shats. If there is one character trait that might help them qualify as lamed vavniks, it is their humility. When I wished each of them a mazel tov, they showed their humility, essentially saying that others were more deserving.

Bill has been an incredible leader in the Jewish community. Through his leadership and vision, he has helped guide us into the future as we better understand our security needs so that we can be active participants in Jewish life and the Jewish community can thrive. Over the years, I have had numerous conversations with Bill about the challenges we face as a Jewish community. Bill is always a listening ear and someone who brings innovative ideas as we think about a pathway forward. Through Bill’s leadership and vision, we are setting the standard for security in Jewish communities across North America.

Working with Tanya as our Social Action chair has been a joy. Her first entry point into Beth Tikvah was when she began serving as our Mitzvah Day Chair and then became our Social Action Chair. Tanya brings incredible joy and resolve to the work she does at Beth Tikvah, helping us achieve our vision of making the world we encounter a better place. Perhaps even more important than her volunteer work is her professional work where she helps support foster children, some of our community’s most vulnerable. She helps to ensure they are loved, supported, and able to find places where they can grow and thrive.

We should be proud of our fellow Beth Tikvah members, Bill and Tanya, and we extend a mazel tov to all those who make a difference in our community. As we read about the special work each of them does, may we be inspired to make a difference as well. Mazel tov!

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Rick Kellner

October 4, 2026

After several years of service as Board Treasurer, Jonathan Beck has announced that he is stepping down from this role. Jonathan has helped guide our congregation’s finances with great thoughtfulness and dedication, and we are deeply grateful for the many ways he has contributed to the strength of our congregation.

We are pleased to share that Liz Shafran has stepped into the role of Treasurer, moving from her position as 2nd Vice President. Liz has been a dedicated member of our congregation for many years and brings extensive nonprofit board and treasurer experience, making her a great fit for this role.

Jenny Byers has been voted in as 2nd Vice President, an interim role she graciously accepted mid-cycle. We are excited to welcome Jenny back to our Board of Trustees! Jenny is also a longtime member and a great friend of Beth Tikvah.

Please join us in thanking Jonathan for all he has done and in welcoming Liz and Jenny into their new roles.

Warmly,

Tara Rozen, Board President