August 18, 2025 /
August 18, 2025 /
Beth El member, Fran Grafman’s Story
I am a lifelong member of Beth El as was my mother, Marcia Grafman and my grandparents, Louis and Cecilia Israel. Louis was on the founding committee for the original synagogue. I grew up attending Hebrew School and Junior Congregation with the wonderful Ernest Weiss. When my children, Matthew & Jessica Bodenstein, came along, they also attended Hebrew School and Junior Congregation at Beth El. They both were Bar & Bat Mitzvaed at the synagogue. Over the years I served on the Hebrew School Board, chaired family nights, baked on the Sisterhood committee, and I still do Leagrams.
I have so many childhood memories of Beth El. My earliest is coming to Harrisburg for Sunday School. We still lived in Carlisle until I was 8. I remember Mr. Weiss and his lovely stories. I would always see him walking by my house on 2nd St on his way home and felt so honored in his presence. My brother, Lew Grafman’s Bar Mitzvah, was all held at Beth El and it was a proud and happy occasion for my family. Then came the Bar Mitzvah dances in Sisterhood Hall. Boys on the left, girls on the right. I loved Confirmation when I was 14 and felt so grown up. My own children followed in this tradition. Matthew’s Bar Mitzvah came first and three years later, Jessica’s Bat Mitzvah. There were sad times too. The deaths of my grandmother and my parents, all of whom are buried at Beth El Cemetery. My whole life has been a cycle at Beth El. I was named there and have spent my life there.
Happy 100th Anniversary to a most important part of my life.
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.