On June 4, the Virginia Youth of Beth Sholom performed the entire Friday evening service
in the style of what they have learned at kallahs of the North-American Federation of Temple
Youth. It was a celebration of our faith with words, prayers and songs extolling the You
in Judaism.

During the service, five graduating high school seniors of the VYBS were praised for their
contributions to the group and the temple: David Aponte, Scott Gettlin, Alex Hammers,
Jared Lidd and Elizabeth Swanson.

Rey Aponte, Hope Aponte and Michelle Swanson announced their departure as advisors to
the VYBS and introduced Jessica Bloomfield, Patricia Lidd and Ronda Fried as incoming the
advisors, with help from John Golmant.

Also announced were the VYBS Officers for the 2010-2011 year: President Shaina Lidd,
Programming Vice President Rachel Fried, Religious and Cultural Vice President Mary Fried,
Social Action Vice President Mira Golmant and Communications Vice President Kaija Lidd.



David Aponte (center, with kipa), outgoing Religious and Cultural Vice President,
who put most of the service together, goes over directions with other VYBS members.

Robert Gettlin and Rabbi Devorah Lynn listen as the departing VYBS seniors say
the prayer before reading of the Torah.

Rabbi Lynn compliments the VYBS members on their service and charges them to
continue their strong dedication to their faith: (l-r) Yoni Renan, Kaija Lidd, Shaina Lidd,
Rabbi Lynn, David Aponte, Mira Golmant, Elizabeth Swanson, Scott Gettlin, Alex
Hammers, Jared Lidd.

Rabbi Lynn gives a priestly benediction to the VYBS as Steve Robertson (r) and Steve
Robertson Jr. hold the tallis made by the temple's Savvy Seniors and dedicated "From
Generation to Generation".



In a moving finale, the VYBS pass a lit candle as they recite words from "No Day But
Today", a song from the musical "Rent", to guitar accompaniment from Noah Golmant
and Neumiro DaSilva.