Meet Our May Family of the Month: Ava Apple & Harry Tsvi Strauch
Ava Apple (aka Chava) & father Harry Tsvi Strauch (86)
Our Journey to Beth Sholom: Though we “officially” joined just a year or so ago, we’ve been attending services since 2019. My father has a deep history with CBS—he taught Sunday School here in the mid-to-late 1950s.
What We Love Most About Beth Sholom: We love the mix of ages and backgrounds, the inclusive services, and the Rabbis! Our favorite experiences include Friday night Musical Shabbat and Rosh Hashanah.
Favorite Holidays & Foods: Yom Kippur is my favorite holiday, followed by Rosh Hashanah and Shavuot. When it comes to food, you can’t beat a bagel with cream cheese—but I also love Matzoh Brei!
A Fun Family Fact: Through my grandmother, my family tree connects to the Belzer Rebbe and to Elazar Rokeach of Amsterdam (1685–1742), the Chief Rabbi of Amsterdam and author of Maaseh Rokeach. My father was also one of the founding members of the Council for a Summer of Love in 1967!
Our Jewish ‘Superpower’: For me, it’s setting an example for my family and friends—helping them learn about our customs, traditions, and roots.
Our Hopes at Beth Sholom: As a founding member of the HaMerkaz Chavurah, my hope is to get to know more of the Beth Sholom community.