Baltimore, MD - Jan. 7, 2024 - As a Shul, Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion (BJSZ) is dedicated to honoring an environment where individuals of all ages and diverse backgrounds can collectively flourish.

This forms our tapestry of legacy and leadership that our shul has upheld for over a century, and endeavor to continue weaving for generations to come. With all that the Jewish people are experiencing today, we understand more than ever how important it is to come together in unity.  With your support, we will continue to come together for tefilah, for friendship, for Torah and for Eretz Yisroel.

We have always strived to be a resource for the multifaceted members of our community, embracing shared values and objectives. Our objective of engaging the young, the old, and everyone in between is met through our uplifting minyanim, shiurim, women’s classes, kollel learning, educational lectures, and youth programming. How do we know that we continue to be successful? On Shabbos morning, the doors open to an animated crowd of families, and the seats in shul display the beautiful scene of grandparents, parents and children sitting and davening together. What unites us is our devotion to the Torah, our striving to find the Torah’s value in every aspect of life, our joy and passion and acharyas, and our commitment to community and to being there for each other.

The incredible leadership of Rabbi and Rebbetzin Rose has continued to move our shul forward with these values at our core. The Rav and Rebbetzin have been there for all our members, of all ages and backgrounds, sharing their wisdom and warmth and vision, however and whenever needed. In turn, they continue to inspire other shul leaders, providing an energy of passion that carries through to everything the shul does. With this energy, our shul continues to grow and flourish.

This year, it is an honor to pay tribute to the remarkable leadership of Mr. and Mrs. Phil and Rivka Bogart. As our esteemed former shul president and first lady, the Bogarts have woven the threads of Torah, vision, and community connection. Their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts have greatly supported BJSZ as a Shul of unity and growth. The Bogarts’ joined the shul in 2000 shortly after the merger of Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion. The initial attractions were Rabbi and Rebbetzin Hauer and the youth program, and there love for the Shul has continued with Rabbi and Rebbetzin Rose at the helm and the ever expanding and dynamic youth department. As said over by Phil and Rivka, “Rabbi Rose constantly seeks ways to enrich our lives with Torah, Tefilla, and Chesed.  And, equally important, the shul is warm and friendly. Our membership is diverse, we live in different neighborhoods, have different backgrounds and are at different stages of life.  Plus, we have a beautiful davening. The list goes on.  And, over the last 20 years, the shul continued to grow and expand its programing and opportunities for growth. Simply stated, BJSZ is vibrant.  And, since we are both from out of town communities (CT and TX), we feel very much at home at BJSZ.”  The Bogarts’ influence has become an integral part of the tapestry that shapes the identity of Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion.

The active membership of families across various generations plays a crucial role in shaping the warm and welcoming community that BJSZ has become. It is our greatest pleasure to honor the Singer family, Andrew and Lenie Singer, and their esteemed children and their spouses: Naftali & Sheina Hollander, Jacob & Kaila Schonland, Moshe & Peninah Couzens, Yaacov Singer, and Dovid Singer. Through multiple generations, the Singers have been dedicated members, leaders, and connectors of our shul. Andrew and Lenie have cultivated a tradition of energetic engagement towards the klal which has continued to be embodied by their children. Outside of Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion, the Singers have volunteered with Talmudical Academy, JobLink, and Bikur Cholim.  Andrew has used his experience in business to voluntarily conduct interview coaching, helping dozens of young people in Baltimore’s Jewish community take their initial professional steps. Lenie has also used her professional background to offer dating coaching for several years as a chessed.  Their children are involved in the community as well as in various torah opportunities throughout Baltimore. Perhaps the best example of the Singers’ dedication to Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion happens each week.  Shabbos morning frequently finds some combination of Andrew, his father, his sons, and his sons-in-law davening side by side at Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion. We express our heartfelt appreciation for the Singer family’s profound impact and look forward to witnessing the ongoing chapters they will contribute to the beautiful fabric of our Shul.

Now, we extend our call to each one of you to lend a hand in continuing to weave the tapestry of our Shul. Stand with us and ensure the longevity of BJSZ for years to come. Contribute now towards our sustained journey, continuing until the final redemption with the arrival of Mashiach, when Am Yisrael and the Eretz Yisrael will know no more pain and suffering.

To place an ad in honor of the Bogart or Singer Families and/or to make a reservation to join us at our Special Event on Motzaei Shabbos, Jan. 20, where Eitan Katz will be performing, please go to www.bjszdinner.com.