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Sisterhood Keeps Fit With Joy In Motion

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By LAURA CONE The Sun

Published: November 5, 2008

Ellen Stein encouraged women to loosen up and embrace the joy of motion instead of the drudgery of plain old exercise.

"This is a dance," Stein said during a Joy In Motion class at Beth Israel, a Jewish congregation in Sun City Center. "Step back and feel a stretch in your waist. Contract again and release. One more contraction and release."

Stein, who is the president of the Beth Israel Sisterhood, leads the dance and motion classes on Thursday mornings. Members of the Sisterhood also meet the first Tuesday of every month at 1 p.m.

Elayne Grossman, the chairwoman of the Beth Israel Judaica gift shop, said the sisterhood is planning a special Hanukkah bazaar and luncheon Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. Meanwhile, a Hanukkah party is set for Dec. 21.

"It's a very congenial group," Grossman said. "The gift shop is open whenever there is a function here. It is also open by appointment."

Originally from Baltimore, Md., Grossman said the women will be setting up the items for Hanukkah in the sanctuary. She helps people find special gifts for weddings, graduations, bar mitzvahs, Hanukkah and other holidays at the gift shop. She has a kid's corner for people buying for their grandchildren and great grandchildren.

"I shop the stores to see what they are asking. If you go to the stores you will pay 20 to 30 percent more than at the gift shop," Grossman said.

Sandra Hurwitz, the treasurer of the Sisterhood, said the congregation recently dedicated a meditation garden in memory of members.

The congregation recently had a sunset service prior to its regular Friday night Shabbat service. Rabbi Philip Aronson dedicated the meditation garden.

Hurwitz said members Dick Kravitz and Lou Einhorn made donations for the garden to honor their late wives, Edith Kravitz and Rita Einhorn.

"The stone wall represents the stones in the holy Western Wall of the Temple in Jerusalem," Hurwitz said.

She said the garden, protected by the shade of slash pine trees and a mature oak, will be paved with 1,000 engraved bricks to honor loved ones as part of a fundraiser.

For more information on Joy In Motion, which takes place Thursdays at the Henry Gibson Social Hall, Beth Israel, 1115 Del Webb E. from 10 to 11 a.m., call Ellen Stein, (813) 633-0134. For more information on the congregation, call (813) 633-3868.

Laura Cone may be reached at lcone@mediageneral.com.

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