August 18, 2025 /
August 18, 2025 /
Beth El Member, Diane Z. Sand’s Story:
As part of Beth El’s 100th anniversary, we were all asked to write about what Beth El Temple has meant to us. In 1971 Mike Sand, my late husband, and I landed on the shores of the Susquehanna River for employment opportunities. The first thing we did after unpacking was join Beth El Temple. That has led to a lifetime of friendships, mutual support, connection and devotion to Beth El. Some Beth El members can trace back their connection to the Temple for generations, even to family members who founded Beth El almost 100 years ago. But all of us through these many years have added to the strength of the synagogue, each in our own way.
On June 21, 1972, during Hurricane Agnes and the Flood, our older son, Jay, was born in the flooded Harrisburg Hospital. After coming home with our newborn son, an immediate first step that Mike took was to help Beth El by donning high boots and rubber gloves and assisting in clearing out the mud that had come from the flood waters. After that, Mike started to volunteer, in less physical activities, at the Temple in committees, initiating programs and participating in Interfaith events such as the Freedom Seder (along with Rabbi Cytryn and Rev. Harris) and taking on leadership roles, including serving as president. One of his long-time activities was the annual High Holiday Appeal which he knew was vital for the short and long-term health of the synagogue. After the COVID pandemic, Mike, along with a committee of volunteers, revived the adult Sunday morning education program, Breakfast and Learn, and dedicated it to the memory of Rose Blecker who had led this program for many years.
Although we didn’t realize that each time our family participated at Beth El, we were adding to the strength of the synagogue. Such participation included our sons attending Hebrew school, bar mitzvah, confirmation and even a wedding at Beth El. Years ago the congregation came together to support the fight to Save Soviet Jewry in which I was deeply involved. Many at Beth El welcomed Jewish immigrants from the former Soviet Union whom we helped make a new life in Harrisburg through being buddy families, teaching English and becoming friends.
Our family introduced Rabbi Gershom Sizomu of Uganda to Beth El first through our son Jay’s wedding ceremony in 2001 and then in 2023 through a Shabbat weekend visit from Rabbi Gershom, the first black rabbi from Africa to be ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary.
Devotion to Beth El has been a significant part of the Sand Family through these many decades. As soon as the Legacy program was introduced at Beth El, both Mike and I signed our “Letter of Intent” to add our support to this program that is essential to the continued life and sustainability of Beth El Temple for many years in the future.
2026 is the year that the Beth El Temple celebrates the 100th anniversary of its founding. I know for certain that I won’t be here to celebrate the 200th anniversary, although hopefully some of the newborn members of Beth El will be. Through the leadership of many outstanding rabbis and the support of devoted congregants, Beth El has grown and flourished. May Beth El Temple continue to thrive in the future.
Share Your Story
As part of Beth El Temple’s upcoming centennial celebration, we are collecting “100 Stories for 100 Years” to honor the rich history and cherished memories of our community. We invite you to share your story—whether it’s a meaningful moment, a special event, or a personal connection to the synagogue. Your contribution will help preserve our legacy for future generations.