I would like to introduce you to two of our newest members of Temple Beth Sholom, Allan and Mae Margolis. This couple hails from Bridgeport, making a new home in Hamden. Simply put, family is what brought the Margolis’ to Hamden.

Allan’s niece is none other than our past president, Lauren Ortman. They live in the same building complex as Lauren’s parents, their brother and sister- in-law, Lester and Bernice Margolis – also members of TBS. Allan and Mae joined Temple Beth Sholom in the summer of 2008. Active members for 55 years, they are still associate members of Congregation Rodeph Sholom in Bridgeport.

“We need to be affiliated. It’s important to us.” says, Mae. “We thoroughly enjoyed being a part of Rabbi Scolnic’s 25th anniversary celebration. We have also attended Friday night and Saturday Shabbat services. Rabbi Scolnic has made us feel very comfortable as we make the transition to our new synagogue.”

For years, the Margolis’s were active volunteers at the Jewish Home in Fairfield. They hope to become involved in our own Mitzvah committee by either
baking for the residents or assisting at the bi-monthly programs. Mae and Allan have family up and down the east coast. They are looking forward to visiting family in Florida very soon. The Margolis’ have 2 daughters and are excitingly waiting for the birth of their first great grandchild in the spring.
Mae is a knitter that loves to do the most intricate patterns and one of Allan’s hobbies was always working outdoors before making the move to Hamden. Mae also loves to cook. Granddaughter Johanna has compiled favorite recipes into a cookbook titled,

Chopped Liver, Chicken Soup and Chocolate Cake: Grandma Mae’s Favorite Recipes. Enjoy one of their family’s favorite Passover treat.

Passover Toffee Squares
1 cup parve margarine
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup sugar
1 cup cake meal
¼ teaspoon salt
8 ounces milk chocolate bits
1 cup chopped pecans
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter,
vanilla, sugar and salt until light and fluffy. Mix
in egg – beat well. Add cake meal gradually.
Blend well. Dough should be stiff. Lightly grease
10”x15” jelly roll pan. Spread dough in pan-even
to all sides and corners. Bake 20-25 minutes.
After baking, pour melted chocolate bits over the
cooked dough. Sprinkle chopped nuts over
chocolate and press slightly. Cut into squares
before cooled.

Mae would love to see Temple Beth Sholom start a book club that could meet during the day. Our beautiful library is available for meetings just for that purpose. So, please contact the office and I will be happy to connect you to two lovely people who would like to get to know more of our congregants.

Welcome, Allan and Mae. We are glad you are part of our growing, caring community.

Hinda Piscitelle