BERLIN — Over 120 well-wishers gathered at the Embers Restaurant in Ocean City last weekend to honor the Berlin/Ocean City synagogue’s founding families. The six families identified a need for a Jewish community on the Eastern Shore and laid the groundwork for what would eventually become a spiritual home to hundreds of Jewish families.
Many would follow as the congregation grew, but these original families came together, held meetings and services in places as diverse as the Ocean City Art League, Ocean City Lion’s Club, Francis Scott Key Motel, and St. Peters Lutheran Church. Eventually the congregation purchased land and was able to build a Synagogue building on Worcester Highway. Today, Temple Bat Yam offers a religious school, adult education and Friday Shabbat services and is led by Rabbi Susan Warshaw.
The families were presented with awards as well as a proclamation from the governor, presented by Senator Jim Mathias. Councilwoman Mary Knight also spoke at the event.
Pictured, from left, are Jay and Cheryl Taustin, Bruce and Cynthia Leiner, Andrew and Nancy Benjamin, Jerry and Patti Selig, and Bob and Harriet Fine.
Photo by Ted Page