Rabbi jeremy Barras
senior RABBI
Just about two years ago an idea began to sprout that had the potential to not only revolutionize our campus, but also help us elevate the soul of our community in ways we never before dreamed. Today it is so incredibly exciting to see that these dreams are coming to fruition, and that we each have a chance to be part of something truly transcendent. This is our Beth Am and its future belongs to us and our children. May we be blessed to fulfill this campaign with pure hearts and unbridled joy.
nora anderson
HEAD OF SCHOOL
We welcome Nora Anderson as our new Head of School at Temple Beth Am Day School, after serving as Carmel Academy’s, Greenwich, CT, Head of School for seventeen years. Raised in Lima, Peru, Nora came to the US to pursue a BA in Psychology with minors in Education and Mathematics from Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University. Nora received a MS. in School Guidance and Counseling from Lehman College, SUNY and pursued a Masters in Education in School Supervision and Administration from Bank Street College of Education and a Certificate in the Reading and Writing Process from Teachers College. Nora also holds an advanced professional degree from Columbia University Business School Executive Education’s Institute for Day School Management. We are excited to welcome Nora to this new chapter in Temple Beth Am and Day School’s history.
Lily Serviansky
Steering Committee Chair
Beyond the Curve Campaign will give Beth Am an opportunity to grow and flourish in a modern and safe environment. I am excited and proud to be chairing the Steering Committee that oversees this project. I am grateful for the enthusiasm and commitment of all those involved.
Beth Am is a strong and blessed community with committed and talented members who care deeply about its well-being. We have a proud history of “leading the way” in Miami and at a national level. Our campus will be welcoming, a hub for education and meaningful Jewish experiences for all our members. We will continue to lead and ensure a vibrant Jewish community. Join us and become part of Beyond the Curve for family, community and excellence!
Richard and Colleen Fain
steering committee members/visionaries
God called on Abraham to create a future for the Jewish people. Abraham answered: “Hineini” – “I am here.”
In 1955, another link in the Jewish chain was added – Temple Beth Am. Our founders had a vision that this new community would grow, thrive and provide a space for praying, life-long learning, celebrating and tikkun olam. We joined 30 years ago and have found meaning, growth and friendship…now it is our turn to give back and add to that chain. It is time to build for the future.
Beth Am is an excellent example of what happens when people support something they believe in, something good, something of value. Today, we are asked to heed Beth Am’s call to make the campaign successful – please join us in saying “Hineini.”
STUART RATZAN
PRESIDENT AND Campaign co-chair
My Beth Am journey began in Ceil Coonin’s 3rd grade class. My childhood here shaped who I am. It is why I care so much about Jewish education and giving back to a community that has done much for me and as importantly, my family.
I have witnessed first-hand L’dor V’dor. How students become parents and parents become members…and then, members become leaders. Our sustainability and growth depend on this commitment to create a state-of-the-art Jewish education center.
Mycki and I have watched our children grow and flourish here. From Day School students, to B’nai Mitzvot, and of course as basketball players. Like all of us, the impact and love we give and receive from being a part of this community is life altering and enormously gratifying. That’s why I am honored to be incoming President and Chair this historic effort.
Rich Siegel
Campaign co-chair
Like many of you, my Temple Beth Am journey began in the Day School, where my then one and three-year old daughters started school shortly after we relocated to Miami. As they grew, so did our relationship with the Temple, which continues to play a significant role in our life. My family and I volunteer not as an obligation, but so that we can in a small way repay Beth Am for the immeasurable impact it has had on our lives.
That’s why chairing this historic effort is so meaningful. When asked to participate, I did not hesitate. How could anyone say no to a community that has done so much for me, my family and generations of families fortunate to call Temple Beth Am their Jewish home?
It is now up to each one of us to demonstrate that same vision, determination, and commitment of our predecessors so that Temple Beth Am continues to be recognized as the leading educational, recreational, and spiritual hub for generations.
Daniela Zanzuri-Beiner
IMMEDIATE PAST-PRESIDENT
Edward and I moved to Miami in the early 80’s, two young adults starting careers and a life in a new city. Our Temple Beth Am life started at the suggestion of then librarian, Margo Berman, (z”l) who encouraged us to consider the pre-school for our family.
From Challah mom to President, the journey has been filled with making life long connections, gaining a deeper understanding of Judaism, and a place of belonging.
Beth Am is our family’s foundation. A place we have studied, shared joys and sadness, found our spiritual connections and forged our deepest friendships. It has been my honor to give to a community that has given me so much- a place that has taught me to be a better person and a better Jew.
barbara w. havenick
day school, Campaign co-chair
My Beth Am journey began shortly after meeting my husband Alex, long before we were married. Alex was in Law School at UM and when I asked him what his hobbies were, his first response was “Coaching Beth Am Basketball”.
Simply put, Temple Beth Am had us at “Hello”. We give back to this wonderful spiritual home because it has given so much to our family and friends. And we feel so much love and professional care at our superior Day School.
We are also thrilled to play a significant role in the “Beyond the Curve Campaign.” We learned early on that giving back is who we are as a people and we are hopeful that our participation will get others to be a part of this monumental effort. To us, Temple Beth Am is a valuable part of who we are and is pivotal in our everyday lives. We are so fortunate to live in this vibrant community and we want to make sure it is here for future generations to have the same experiences that make this place so special.
Kate Lampen-Sachar
day school, Campaign co-chair
Temple Beth Am has always been a part of my life in Miami. I started in Nursery School at TBAM, was Bat Mitzvah-ed at TBAM, and had a TBAM wedding ceremony. My family has always had strong ties to TBAM from my sister, Caroline’s experience at the day school to my mother’s involvement with the temple board and programming.
During our years away living in New York before returning to Miami, Dan and I hadn’t imagined that a synagogue would become the focal point of our community life. That started to change almost immediately upon our move to Miami.
From the first day, TBAM embraced my family. Not only did we know that the Day School would be the perfect fit for our twins, Sophia and Isabelle, educationally, but we also hoped to forge new friendships for ourselves. And, we were immediately embraced by other families and found a sense of belonging. The Day School has been amazing for our family, and my girls truly love school every day; they tell us so without hesitation or solicitation. TBAM has offered our family so much, and we look forward to continuing to support it in this next important chapter. I chose to become involved with the capital campaign as a day school co-chair with Barbara W. Havenick so that I can help to provide a state-of-the-art, educational, and cultural home to others. I am so thrilled to take part in this multi-generational campaign. My parents and my husband are excited to participate. And most importantly, my daughters are excited to contribute their efforts to make this campaign a success.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AND BECOME PART OF OUR success STORY.
In the beginning, around 100 families formed a spiritual bond with a purpose to ensure that our Jewish Community had a permanent, lasting home in South Dade. This group was not only our pioneers, they were our visionaries. It is now up to each and every one of us to demonstrate that same vision, that same determination, and that same commitment of our predecessors so that Temple Beth Am will continue to be recognized as the leading educational, recreational and spiritual voice in South Florida.