It was a joyous occasion on the afternoon of March 11 marking the dedication of the Beis Yosef Synagogue in honor of Mr. Joseph Appleman. The celebration was marked with the unveiling of a plaque, a tribute by Mr. Appleman’s family, Mottie and Karen Guttmann, Rabbi Dr. David J. and Tammy Katz, and Nathan and Shari Lindenbaum. Touro College and University System and New York Medical College (NYMC) leadership were on hand for the momentous occasion. The synagogue has become a pillar of the NYMC community for weekly shiurim, special events for Jewish holidays, communal Friday night dinners and Shacharit services. View the Beis Yosef Synagogue photo gallery.
“The Appleman family and their children have very generously supported Jewish education in many institutions. We at the Touro College university system are grateful to have their friendship and generous support,” said Rabbi Moshe Krupka, executive vice president of the Touro College and University System. “We applaud their efforts and thank them for their shared vision of building a stronger and vibrant Jewish tomorrow.”
Bashe Behrman, School of Medicine Class of 2020, is especially grateful for the sense of community the synagogue brings. “A shul is the center of a community; it anchors the community. Having a permanent fixture of Jewish life on campus will do so much to allow this community to reach its full potential,” expressed Ms. Behrman. “What the family of Mr. Joseph Appleman has done by endowing a shul on campus has given us the infrastructure necessary for our community to thrive. This medical training will always have its challenges but sharing this experience with a community, and not having to compromise our Jewish life has been an immeasurably valuable gift.”
Standing from left: Edward C. Halperin, M.D., M.A., chancellor and chief executive officer; Rabbi Moshe Krupka, executive vice president, Touro College and University System; Rabbi Dr. David J. Katz; Shari Lindenbaum; Nathan Lindenbaum; Mottie Guttmann; Ronnie Myers, D.D.S., M.S., dean of the Touro College of Dental Medicine; and Alan Kadish, M.D., president, Touro College and University System. Seated from left: Tammy Katz, Mrs. Florence Appleman; Mr. Joseph Appleman; and Karen Guttmann.