May 6, 2005/Nisan 27 5765, Volume 57, No. 36
Nosh-talgia
LEISAH NAMM
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 During the April 28 session of Nosh-talgia, Alex Schwartz and his sister Betty Ginis find their parents' names in a Beth El dedication book dated March 4, 1951. Alex became a bar mitzvah at the synagogue and Betty was married there. Photo by Leisah Namm |
In celebration of Beth El Congregation's 75th anniversary, Beth El members past and present are meeting monthly to share collective memories about life at Beth El - and Phoenix - in the congregation's formative days.
In an hour-long session called Nosh-talgia - people bring lunch while they recount stories of the past - each person has an opportunity to speak, while a video camera captures their stories for posterity.
At an April 28 gathering, Larry Schwartz, who moved to Phoenix in 1949, facilitated the meeting of 16 participants.
A number of women in the April group were former volunteers in the synagogue's gift shop, and a number of men used to volunteer at Bingo games - both were once a large source of income for the Conservative synagogue, they recalled. The discussion also covered afternoons at the Jewish Community Center pool - at its different locations - the numerous rabbis that led Beth El, and involvement in Sisterhood and Club Nu Vu Den, an annual musical show written and performed by members in the 1950s and 1960s.
A few times during the reminiscing session, participants filled in the pauses when others tried to remember the name of a person from the past. Several people brought mementos and photographs to share.
Many recalled how they raised their families through the synagogue. Eleanore Hersh and her late husband Milton joined Beth El in 1946. Their children were named, became b'nai mitzvah and were married there.
Charlotte and Alex Adelman arrived at the synagogue in 1979. Beth El was where their son became a bar mitzvah, where their daughter married and where they renewed their vows on their 25th anniversary.
Ruth Becker emphatically reminded the group to remember the synagogue's founders when reminiscing about the early years.
"Let's not forget those people who built this synagogue," Becker said. "We have to remember them."
Ann Polunsky, Beth El fund development vice president, says Nosh-talgia was formed to highlight the history of Beth El and allow a venue for congregants to "share their memories." As part of the 75th anniversary celebration, a reunion for members past and present is scheduled for Oct. 21-23.
Nosh-talgia meets at noon on the third Thursday of each month at Beth El, 1118 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix. Call 602-944-3359.