Temple members Beatrice and Harold Ponn (both of blessed memory) established The Donald Ponn Scholarship Fund in memory of their son. The fund supports the youth of our congregation by providing scholarships for a variety of activities that help our children develop their identities and bring them into contact with other Jewish children. In the past, the fund has supported activities such as NFTY teen trips to Israel, NFTY youth institutes, Jewish leadership development and education programs, and Jewish summer camps.  Last year due to Covid, URJ camps were closed and trips to Israel were cancelled.

This year, we have great news! URJ Camps are accepting camp and NFTY in Israel applications for the summer of 2021! We welcome your applications for the Donald Ponn Scholarship Fund to support Jewish camping and youth trips to Israel. 

On Friday, October 23^rd as part of the Social Action Shabbat Service, the fifth annual Jonathan Jacoby Tikkun Olam Awards were presented to Lori Lander, Michael Wagner, and Keegan Harkavy. The award was created in 2016 to honor long-time Temple member and now resident of California, Jonathan Jacoby.  Jonathan exemplified the power that each of us has to “repair the world.” He has inspired many in the Congregation both to do more, and to do better, at the work of caring, staying involved, and making a difference in the lives of others. This year's three honorees follow in his footsteps, and serve as role models to us all. Read more about their work in the program booklet.

The Beth El Temple Center Climate Team's latest initative can benefit the environment and BETC at the same time!  Divert your home food scraps from the landfill; turn them into compost with weekly curbside pick-up service by Black Earth Compost.  Read about the program here.