Howard Wolk, whose idea jumpstarted TBELLE, and Arthur Gerstenfeld, founder of TBE’s Music Club, died this year within two months of each other; they left many grateful congregants behind, and inspired leaders who are continuing their remarkable successes.
Howard’s idea for the Temple Beth Elohim Lifelong Learning Experience (TBELLE) was borrowed from another synagogue; he liked the model as it utilized unpaid volunteer instructors from our congregation who turned their varying talents, hobbies, and interests into six weekly classes per semester. While it was initially challenging to recruit instructors/ facilitators, people got on board as enthusiasm for the program grew. (In 2016, after three solo years, Howard brought Sandy Goldstein along to share the administration of this growing program.)
Art was one of TBELLE’s first instructors, choosing to focus on classical music from Western nations; his “From Bach to Beethoven” was an audience favorite. Allegedly, Herr Beethoven came to the class at Art’s invitation!
In 2014 there were suggestions to broaden the scope of music as it was being showcased. Art began The Music Club, an addition to TBELLE, that met once a month with a different genre and facilitator at each session. Marty Sleeper emerged as a Rock & Roll encyclopedia, as did Don Drourr with his knowledge of Broadway musicals. Eventually, they formed a trio with Art to offer creative looks at the evolution of music, and to include music from around the world. They became our “TBE Music Men.”
TBELLE and The Music Club flourished virtually during the pandemic; as audience numbers increased, Art debuted “Monday Musical Moments” to dispel the sadness and fear the pandemic lockdown wrought.
To know Howard and Art was to love them. We learned about religion, politics, poetry, Judaism, music, art, birding, mental health, and more from our gifted presenters. We also learned that the bonds formed over these years of watching and listening will flourish and endure thanks to these two generous and sweet founders.
Gloria Rose
with thanks to Richard Stellar, Sandy Goldstein, Don Drourr, Sue Gerstenfeld, and Nancy Wolk.
