By Sarah Roper, Programs Manager
Lewis I. Held Award Recipients
On Friday, May 3rd, the congregation recognized two high school graduates who have dedicated their time, talents, and energy to Beth Ahabah.
They were both honored with the Lewis I. Held Award at Shabbat services that evening. We are grateful for their years of service to the congregation!
Adam Edward Basseches-Holm is a life-long member of Congregation Beth Ahabah. He has worked as a madrich in the Religious School since eighth grade.
He has served as the Beth Ahabah Teen and Temple Youth (BATTY) teen board president for the past two years; he has helped to increase participation in the program and at events after attendance fell during the pandemic.
He also served as the lighting designer for Beth Ahabah’s 2023 and 2024 purim shpiels and participated in the L’Taken Social Justice Seminar through the Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism in Washington, DC in January 2024.
Adam Edward is a graduate of CodeRVA Regional High School with a dual enrollment As-sociate’s Degree through J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.
Berthe Irene Parker recently graduated from the Engineering Specialty Center at Highland Springs School. She played varsity field hockey, was a founding member of the varsity swim team, and danced at the West End Academy of Dance.
Berthe served as a library aide, a member of the robotics team and Rho Kappa, and won awards competing on the Technology Student team. She also worked to establish a Jewish Students Union.
At Beth Ahabah, Berthe worked as a madriach and enjoyed performing in many of the congregation’s annual purim shpiels. She is looking forward to continuing her education in the fall.
Natan Berenshteyn’s25th Anniversary Celebration
The congregation celebrated Music Director and Accompanist Natan Berenshteyn’s 25th year at Beth Ahabah the evening of Friday, May 10th.
To mark the occasion, the Beth Ahabah choir and members of Atlee High School’s all-female a capella choir, Dissonance, lent their voices to the Shabbat service. They sang Natan’s musical compositions for much of the traditional service liturgy, showcasing a repertoire that ranged from slow and gentle to spirited and joyful. (see photo above)
Rabbi Emeritus Martin P. Beifield Jr., Cantor Emerita Frances T. Goldman, Cantor Sarah Beck-Berman, and Rabbi Scott M. Nagel all spoke in appreciation of Natan’s accomplish-ments and dedication to the congregation.
The evening ended with a delicious reception for congregants, choirs, families, and friends.
We are looking forward to the next 25 years (and beyond) of amazing music at Beth Ahabah!
