Jennifer and David were married on January 15, 2011 at the Washington Athletic Club in Seattle. Rabbi James Mirel of Temple B’nai Torah officiated the ceremony.
Jennifer is the daughter of Gordon Gamelin and Susan McDaniel of Spokane. Her grandparents are Beverly Gamelin of Spokane and the late Ronald Gamelin, and Loretta Hamley of Spokane and the late Mack Hamley.
Jennifer graduated from Ferris High School and holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Washington State University. She works as a nurse technician.
David is the son of Jim and Marilyn Arensberg of Bellevue. His grandparents are Bert and Esther Arensberg of Kirkland, and Shirley Fleischmann of Kirkland and the late Stanley Fleischmann.
David graduated from Newport High School and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Washington. He works as a senior account manager at Washington Athletic Club.
The couple lives in Seattle.

May 15, 1953-January 4, 2011
Jamiyya Jeanne Laner, recent president of Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue, will be remembered by her beloved Jewish and Sufi communities, former employees, family, and numerous friends for her generosity, compassion, integrity, boundless energy, and love. She was born on May 15, 1953 in Kansas City and was raised in Saratoga, Calif. from the age of nine. She died on January 4, 2011 after complications following heart surgery. She was 57.
Jamiyya worked for Washington Mutual for 22 years between 1986 and 2008, rising from main frame computer programmer to vice president of technology. While working full time she earned a Master’s degree at the University of Redlands in 1988. In 2002, she received Washington Mutual’s Star Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the company. After she retired, she continued to meet socially with her Washington Mutual team once a month for dinner.
“We’d worked together for so long it didn’t make sense to break ties,” said Alf Christensen, one of her employees, who called her a natural born leader. “By that time we were friends.”
According to her sister, BJ Weil of Santa Fe, “She had great intellect but was also extremely good with people. She had a wonderful ability to work with and direct and manage people. She was a great one for finding people who were overlooked and making sure they were included.”
Jamiyya reinvented herself many times throughout her life. In 1980, during her 24-year marriage to Don Laner, she converted to Judaism. Following Don’s death in 2000 she met her current husband, Madani Knowles, a practicing Sufi, at a bereavement group at Valley Beth Shalom Synagogue in Encino, Calif.
She embraced Sufism and proceeded to become a Sufi initiate in 2003. She then received the Sufi name Jamiyya, which means “The Gatherer.”
“She gathered people her entire life. She was constantly gathering hearts and souls,” Madani said.
At the time of her death she was completing an Integral Life Coaching certificate and becoming a life coach. A lover of lifelong learning, she attended numerous classes, workshops, and retreats on meditation and spirituality. Local teachers included Jamal Rahman, minister of Seattle’s Interfaith Community Church, Rabbi Ted Falcon, founding Rabbi of Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue, Rabbi Olivier BenHaim, current Bet Alef rabbi, and many others. She also studied with leading thinkers such as Joan Borysenko, Ph.D., a world-renowned expert in mind–body connection.
In 2009, she became secretary of the Seattle Sufi Order. One of her proudest moments was having the honor of hosting Pir Zia Inayat Kahn, head of the Sufi Order, in her and Madani’s home during a weekend course taught at North Seattle Community College.
Concurrently she was an active member of Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue. She and Madani joined the synagogue in Bellevue in 2004. With Rabbi Ted Falcon’s retirement in 2009 and the transition to Bet Alef’s new rabbi, Jamiyya devoted her energy to ensuring the ongoing growth and success of the organization. She joined the Bet Alef board of directors as treasurer in 2009, and rose to president in 2010. Under her leadership, the synagogue launched the Bet Alef Learning Institute, bringing luminary scholars and thinkers to the Seattle area community.
Its first event featured Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, a founder of the Jewish Renewal movement and considered a rabbinic sage, and Jay Michaelson, renowned Jewish scholar and author.
“She personally helped me bring balance between the many priorities that compete for a rabbi’s attention,” Rabbi BenHaim said. “Her highly contagious enthusiasm and dedication lifted all of our hearts. Jamiyya will be remembered as someone who could bring people from many different backgrounds to the same table. All of us will remember her smile, her passion, her unbeatable enthusiasm, her unshakable positive attitude and her ability to put everything in a more compassionate perspective.”
In November 2010, Jamiyya and Madani traveled to Israel with Rabbi BenHaim and a group from Bet Alef, a trip Madani called “a lifelong dream.” Two weeks after returning to Seattle, the couple attended a weeklong Integral Spirituality conference in Monterey, Calif. At the conference they had a chance to work with leading spiritual teachers such as Deepak Chopra and celebrated Rumi interpreter Coleman Barks.
“Every day at the conference was a peak experience,” Madani said. “We sat in the front row every day. She didn’t want to miss a thing. When Coleman Barks read from Rumi, Jamiyya mouthed along, caught his eye, and he kept looking at us. It was like getting a private reading — she was so proud of that.”
Jamiyya suffered a number of chronic health conditions throughout her life, stemming from childhood diabetes. On the way back to Seattle she became short of breath, and underwent emergency heart bypass surgery the next day.
“She was at the top of her game,” Madani said. “She went out on top, radiantly happy.”
A memorial service was held for Jamiyya at Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue on January 9. A tribute fund at Bet Alef has been set up in her name to support programs of special interest to her. Send donations to Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue, P.O. Box 50201, Bellevue, WA 98015, noting the Jamiyya Laner Memorial Fund, or online at http://www.betalef.org.
— Karen Franklin

(JTA) — Debbie Friedman, a popular singer and songwriter who is widely credited with reinvigorating synagogue music, has died.
Friedman died Sunday after being hospitalized in Southern California for several days with pneumonia. She was in her late 50s.
“Debbie influenced and enriched contemporary Jewish music in a profound way,” read a statement published Sunday on the website of the Union for Reform Judaism. “Her music crossed generational and denominational lines and carved a powerful legacy of authentic Jewish spirituality into our daily lives.”
Friedman brought a more folksy, sing-along style to American congregations. In 2007 she was appointed to the faculty of the Reform movement’s cantorial school in a sign that her style had gained mainstream acceptance.
She is best known for her composition “Mi Shebeirach,” a prayer for healing that is sung in many North American congregations.
Friedman released more than 20 albums and performed in sold-out concerts around the world at synagogues, churches, schools and prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall. She received dozens of awards and was lauded by critics worldwide.
“Debbie Friedman was an extraordinary treasure of our movement and an individual of great influence,” said Rabbi Eric Yoffie, president of the Union for Reform Judaism. “Twenty-five years ago, North American Jews had forgotten how to sing. Debbie reminded us how to sing, she taught us how to sing. She gave us the vehicles that enabled us to sing. Then she impacted our youth and our camps and, ultimately, from there she impacted our synagogues.
“What happens in the synagogues of Reform Judaism today — the voices of song — are in large measure due to the insight, brilliance and influence of Debbie Friedman.”

Scott and Lindsay Mochkatel of San Diego, Calif. welcomed Merrik Schott Mochkatel on September 16, 2010.
Merrik’s grandparents are Mark and Carol Mochkatel of Camano Island, and Ann Wilkens and John Stephens of California. His great grandparents are Morry and Mickie Mochkatel of Bellevue, Phillip Marshall of Mt. Vernon and the late Sally Marshall, Margaret Groom of California and Betty Stephens of California.

Benjamin will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on January 22, 2011 at Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation on Mercer Island.
Benjamin is the son of Bonnie and Robbie Cape of Sammamish and the brother of Noah and Dalia. His grandparents are Deanna and Sydney Godel, Michael and Maureen Cape, and Pearl and Michael Caplan, all of Montreal, Quebec.
Benjamin is a 7th grader at the Jewish Day School. He loves all sports, especially swimming and soccer. He is an avid snow and water-skier and last summer participated in his first triathlon. Benjamin loves technology and is also a budding entrepreneur; his business, Benj Sells for You, has been selling people’s “stuff” on eBay since 2008. Benjamin has attended Camp Hatikvah in British Columbia for the past five years.
For his mitzvah project, Benjamin has been volunteering at the Friendship Circle. He has also set up a Youth Mitzvah Fund at the Jewish Federation and has asked his guests to give to his fund in lieu of gifts.

Sabrina will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on January 15, 2011 at Temple Beth Am in Seattle.
Sabrina is the daughter of Lisa and Jeffrey Berkman of Kenmore and the brother of Samuel and Sydney. Her grandparents are George and Linda Berkman of Seattle, and Robert and Lois McIntosh of Redmond.
Sabrina is a 7th grader at Kenmore Junior High. She enjoys gymnastics, dancing, and swimming.
For her mitzvah project, Sabrina volunteered at Council House in Seattle.

Jonathan Weiss and Andrea Lesch Weiss welcomed Tamar Esther to the world on June 7, 2010. She was born at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. She weighed 8 lbs., 2 oz.
Tamar is the little sister of Avital Rivka and Amiel Moshe and the granddaughter of Millard and Wendy Lesch of Bellevue and Rabbi David and Judy Weiss of Chicago.
Tamar was named in memory of her great-grandmother, Betty Gottesman Lesch.

Former Seattleites Garrett and Jessica Fenton welcomed Noah to the world on October 13, 2010.
Noah is the little brother of Joseph and grandson of Jani Goldberg of Portland, Ore. and Palm Springs, Calif., and Esther and Norman Freedman of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. His great-grandparents are Anita Goldberg of Portland, and Murray Borenstein of Ft. Lauderdale.
Noah was named in honor of his maternal great-grandmother Natalie and his paternal great-grandfather Howard.

Carla and Jared were married on August 26, 2010. The ceremony was officiated by Rabbi Chalom of San Diego Chabad at the Dana Hotel in San Diego.
Carla is the daughter Jeff and Yael Wollach of Victoria, B.C. She is a graduate of McGill University in Montreal and is currently a law student.
Jared is the son of Phil and Estelle Sanderson of Vancouver, B.C. His grandparents are Mary Piha Cohen of Seattle, the late Isaac Piha and the late Leon “Cookie” Cohen. He is also a graduate of McGill University and works as an employment consultant.
The couple lives in San Diego.

Ryan will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on December 18, 2010 at Congregation Kol Ami in Woodinville.
Ryan is the son of Stacy Schill and Ron Kubasta. His grandparents are Stan and Fran Schill of Mercer Island, JoEllen Schill of Bellevue, and the late Marlene (Marlie) Kubasta.
Ryan is an 8th grader at Kenmore Jr. High. He is a Boy Scout, Rank First Class, and a madrich at religious school. His interests include oceanography, swimming, animals, camping, hiking, computers, and reading. For his mitzvah projects, Ryan volunteered at the Jewish Family Service Food Sort and on various Boy Scout projects.

Elliott celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on November 13, 2010 at Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation on Mercer Island.
Elliott is the son of Brian and Brandy Moss of Bellevue. His brother is Ryan Moss.  His grandparents are Leon and Phyllis Moss of Spokane, and the late Jacob and Ruth Schwartz.
Elliott is a 7th grader at Vista Academy. He enjoys many sports, including soccer and basketball, but mostly loves baseball. He has played Little League for the past six years. He has also attended Camp Solomon Schechter for the past five years.  For his mitzvah project, Elliott has been and will continue to fundraise and volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Alaska, Montana, Northern Idaho and Washington.

Ruty and Will Daniels of Seattle welcomed Levy to the world on April 2, 2010.
Levy is the little brother of Theo and the grandson of Ted and Barbara Daniels of Seattle and the late Fortune Sorrell. His great-grandparents are Bill and Carolyn Danz of Seattle.

Leila and Michael Bender of Seattle welcomed Violet to the world on September 21, 2010. She was born at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle. She measured 19-1/2 inches long and weighed 7 lbs., 4 oz.
Violet is the little sister of Amaya and the granddaughter of Catherine and Robert Clark of Woodinville and Yvonne and Allan Bender of Bellevue.

Josie will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on December 4, 2010 at Temple B’nai Torah in Bellevue.
Josie is the daughter of Rich and Julie Mermelstein of Bellevue and sister of Ellie. Her grandparents are Steve and Cheri Mermelstein and Ray and Darleen Horton.
Josie is an 8th grader at Tillicum Middle School. She is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, ASB, dive team, tennis team, and volleyball team. She also enjoys theater and singing. For her Bat Mitzvah project, Josie is raising awareness and money for Nothing But Nets to stop the spread of malaria in Africa.

Merrily McManus Laytner: August 27, 1942–October 24, 2010
Merrily McManus Laytner was born in Seattle on August 27, 1942 and, although born to Jewish parents, did not know she was Jewish until she was 9 years old. In the 4th grade, her teacher told his class how he was a refugee from Europe and of the great suffering he had endured. When Merrily related this to her mother, she was told that, like the teacher, she too was Jewish. That encounter with her teacher — the late and beloved Cantor Joseph Frankel of Herzl- Ner Tamid — sparked a lifelong involvement with the Jewish community, starting with the youth choir of Temple de Hirsch.
After getting an MFA from the Otis Art Institute, Merrily returned to Seattle and started a family with her then-husband, Sam Cordova. She became active in the Jewish community, teaching art classes for seniors at the Jewish Community Center while her children were in daycare there. Still later, she entered the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle’s Young Leadership program and, following Michael Schuffler’s lead, she became active in the Jewish Federation’s former Community Relations Council, during which time she served as chair, co-founded a statewide organization (the now-defunct Washington Association of Jewish Communities) and helped design and implement annual statewide political action/Jewish cultural conferences. For these accomplishments, she was awarded the Spitzer Family Young Leadership Award.
Moving from lay leader to professional in 1984, Merrily was hired as the Jewish Federation’s first Women’s Division director. During the next five years, she brought a new intensity to that program, adding a serious dose of feminism to its work. Contributions increased by 70 percent in three years and in 1987 the program was recognized for having achieved the largest Women’s Division increase in North America.
In 1989 Merrily was promoted to the position of campaign director, and led the Federation’s overall fundraising activities during a particularly exciting time when the Jewish community was absorbing Soviet Jewish immigrants and organizing the exodus of Ethiopian Jewry. In 1993, her development team brought in $5 million for the annual campaign and an additional $6.4 million for the second-line Operation Exodus campaign.
Her proudest accomplishment during this period, however, was to co-found with the late Shirley Bridge, Michele Rosen, Janet Gray, Karen Mayers Gamoran, the late Babs Fisher, Lucy Pruzan and others the Women’s Endowment Foundation, a supporting foundation that provided the seed money and for many years sustained Jewish Family Service’s Project DVORA as well as other programs benefiting women and children. For all this work, she was awarded the Shirley Bridge Power of One Award by the Women’s Endowment Foundation in 2000.
In 1993, Merrily left the Federation to become vice president of the Woodland Park Zoological Society, running the zoo’s external relations. For six years she worked to design and implement the first phase of a $125 million comprehensive private/public campaign to address the current and future capital and programmatic needs of Woodland Park Zoo. During that time, many new exhibits were funded and built, and zoo membership grew by 33 percent.
In 1999, just before her first bout with ovarian cancer, Merrily formed her own development consulting firm and counted among her clients the Cascade Land Conservancy, Museum of History and Industry, Woodland Park Zoological Society, Seattle Girl’s School, Artist Trust, Multifaith Works, and the International Snow Leopard Trust.
But Merrily’s heart was never far from the Jewish community and she remained active both as a volunteer and a professional fundraiser. Merrily provided the expertise and passion for campaigns resulting in expanded programs and beautiful new spaces for Hillel Foundation at the University of Washington, the Union of Reform Judaism’s Camp Kalsman, and the soon-to-be-constructed Jewish Family Service of Seattle. She also drafted a strategic plan for the Stroum JCC’s Early Childhood Development Center. Throughout her Jewish communal career, Merrily mentored and inspired hundreds of women professionals, volunteers and lay leaders.
In addition to her professional career, Merrily was an accomplished artist whose paintings and sculptures grace the homes of many in Seattle and elsewhere.
Merrily was married to Rabbi Anson Laytner for 24 wonderful years and between them shared three daughters: the late Amy Cordova Myers (Michael), Anna Cordova Reichstein (Daryl) and Miryam Laytner; four grandchildren whom she adored: Jackson and Nico Myers, and Gabriella and Jacob Reichstein.
Ovarian cancer claimed Merrily’s life on October 24, 2010/17 Heshvan 5770. Her funeral was held at Hillel; more than 300 people came to see her off. Devoted friend Rabbi Dan Bridge presided on that sad and rainy day.
—Barbara Maduell

Sophie was called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah, on October 16, 2010, parshat Lech Lecha.
Sophie is the daughter of Elizabeth Davis and Rob Jacobs of Seattle and Steve Rittenberg and Cam Gaffney, and the sister of Hannah and Samuel Davis-Jacobs and Katie Rittenberg. Sophie is the granddaughter of Reena and Stuart Davis of Portland, Ore., Phyllis and Martin Jacobs of Lake Oswego, Ore., Phyllis and Jerry Rittenberg of Camarillo, Calif. and Kathleen and Len Gaffney of St. Augustine, Fla.
A graduate of the Seattle Jewish Community School, Sophie is a 7th grader at the Jewish Day School of Metropolitan Seattle. She enjoys dance, spending time with friends, attending Camp Solomon Schechter, reading and theater.
For her mitzvah project, Sophie has been collecting school supplies to be donated to First Place, a school and social service organization that focuses on educating and nurturing children who face homelessness.

Benjamin will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on November 13, 2010 at Temple B’nai Torah in Bellevue.
Ben is the son of Judy and Brad Chase of Mercer Island and the brother of David and Sam. His grandparents are Marcia Chase of Kirkland, and Dr. Allen and Joyce Sosin of Boca Raton, Fla.
Ben is a 7th grader at Islander Middle School. He enjoys soccer and reading.
For his mitzvah project, Ben is donating art supplies to the Seattle Children’s Hospital art therapy program.

Samuel will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on November 13, 2010 at Congregation Beth Shalom in Seattle.
Sam is the son of Amee and Michael Sherer and the brother of Juliana. His grandparents are Gene and Gerry Huppin of Kirkland and Palm Desert, Calif., and the late Abe and Eunie Sherer.
Sam is a 7th grader at Eckstein Middle School. He enjoys sports, technology, being with his friends and family, and spending summers at Camp Solomon Schechter.
For his mitzvah project, Sam collected more than 200 new and gently used stuffed animals to give to children of the Homeless to Renter program and the Ryther Children’s Center.  He is also donating a portion of his Bar Mitzvah money to support a favorite organization, HAMA (Humans and Animals in Mutual Assistance), in Israel.

Ernest R. Stiefel, long active in Seattle’s Jewish community whose dramatic personal history sparked his penchant for service, died Oct. 18. He was 89.
Stiefel was born in Frankfurt, Germany in 1921. His parents were active in the Jewish community and early on he developed an interest in genealogy. In 1939, after surviving Kristallnacht, Stiefel left his home and his parents on a month-long journey eastward. He traveled by train through Eastern Europe, Russia, and China, then passed through Japan and Canada before arriving in Seattle.
The trip marked the last time Stiefel saw his parents. His escape from Germany, and the subsequent welcome he received from Seattle’s Jewish community, were pillars of the life he would go on to build. That life was marked by a dedication to his history, his family, and his community.
“The family history was incredibly important to my father,” said his son David Stiefel. “His hobby was Jewish genealogy and he prided himself on tracing ancestors going back hundreds of years as well as finding current distant relatives. He had a passion for German Jewish history. From an early age, we — his children and grandchildren — clearly knew our heritage.”
Stiefel became a board member at what was then known as the Jewish Federated Fund (now the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle) in 1966, serving as its chair in the early 1970s. But unlike many other former chairs, he continued to attend board meetings all the way up until this past June — a 44-year run.
“Ernie gave his entire life to your family and to the Jewish people, most especially the Seattle Jewish community,” wrote Michael Novick in a letter to the Stiefel family read at Ernest’s funeral. “In my prior role as CEO of the Seattle Federation, Ernie was an invaluable and continuous resource and supporter for my 11-plus years in that position.”
Stiefel had a way of making himself invaluable. After serving in World War II, he graduated from the University of Washington on the G.I. Bill and passed the CPA examination in 1949 with the highest score in the state. His accounting skills — Stiefel was known for his ability to size up a balance sheet and in an instant declare figures incorrect — and his wise, understated presence made him a stalwart across the community.
Stiefel’s roles in Seattle’s Jewish community were plentiful. At one point or another, he chaired the Jewish Education Council, the Federation’s planning and allocations committee (on which he also remained active into this summer), and the Federation’s capital needs committee. He was a founding member of Congregations Beth Shalom and Ner Tamid, and served as president of Beth Shalom and of the University of Washington’s Hillel Chapter.
“He was an advocate for equity among agencies [of the Jewish community], and he was an advocate for agencies not being in deficit,” said Amy Wasser-Simpson, vice president for planning and community services at the Federation.
He was also, according to Wasser-Simpson and others who worked with Stiefel in the Jewish community, an invaluable source of historical wisdom and knowledge.
“He was a guy who was very wise,” said Richard Fruchter, CEO of the Federation. “He was almost a historian as far as how the organization worked and what impact it had on the community.”
History was a major part of Stiefel’s life. He was an active recorder and researcher of his own family history, and an invaluable asset to the Washington State Jewish Historical Society, where he advised on accounting and, along with his wife Doris, sought out and recorded oral histories for posterity.
“His advice was monumental for us,” said Lisa Kranseler, executive director of the WSJHS. “He was a tremendous resource; he knew about everyone. He served in great capacity for the Historical Society. He will be remembered. “
Stiefel’s family continues to serve in great capacity. He is survived by his wife Doris of nearly 60 years; sons David, who is also an accountant and serves on the Federation’s executive committee, and Mark, president-elect of Congregation Beth Shalom, and daughter Sharon, a rabbi and educator in St. Paul, Minn., as well as grandchildren Elana, Jason, Miriam, Nathan, Michael, and Emi.
Funeral services were held at Congregation Beth Shalom. Stiefel’s wishes were that donations be sent to The Ernest R. Stiefel Graduate Scholarship Fund of Phi Beta Kappa, c/o Puget Sound Association of Phi Beta Kappa, PO Box 15258, Seattle, WA 98105; Congregation Beth Shalom, 6800 35th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98115; or the Washington State Jewish Historical Society, 2031 Third Ave., Seattle, WA 98121.
— Eric Nusbaum

Arielle will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on October 16, 2010 at Congregation Ezra Bessaroth in Seattle.
Arielle is the daughter of Norman and Lisa Behar of Seattle and the sister of Eliana. Her grandparents are Phillip and Judy Koppel of Bellevue, Isaac Behar of Seattle, and the late Eleanor Behar.
Arielle is a 6th grader at Seattle Hebrew Academy. She plays on volleyball and basketball teams, and enjoys swimming, boating, and playing piano. For her Bat Mitzvah project, she is volunteering at the Jewish Family Service food bank.

Hana will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on October 23, 2010 at Temple B’nai Torah in Bellevue.
Hana is the daughter of Robin Goldstein and Tim Root. Her sister is Maya Alisse Goldroot. Her grandparents are Ronni and Richard Goldstein of Ventura, Calif. and Bill and Sherry Root of Ann Arbor, Mich.
Hana is a 7th grader at Timbercrest Jr. High. She enjoys books, computers, drawing, clarinet and piano.

Sarah will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on October 9, 2010.
She is the daughter of Laurie and Alan Powazek and the sister of Josh and Jonah. Her grandparents are Linda and Mervyn Gerson of Nevada and the late Regina and Ben Powazek. Sarah was named for her Grandpa Ben.
Sarah is a 7th grader at Issaquah Middle School and enjoys skiing, dancing, playing viola, spending time with her friends, and baking. For her mitzvah project, she will hold a bake sale in support of Share Our Strength — Bake Across America, an organization raising money to end childhood hunger.

Aidan will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on October 2, 2010 at Temple Beth Am in Seattle.
Aidan is the son of Lincoln Miller and Nancy Sapiro. His sisters are Ana Rae and Kathryn Miller. His grandparents are Robert and Heather Miller of Portage, Wis., the late Elizabeth Miller, and the late Jane and Abner Sapiro.
Aidan is a 7th grader at The Northwest School. He enjoys baseball, soccer, running, music, and reading. For his Bar Mitzvah project, he is working with Green Seattle to restore and maintain Seattle’s forest parklands.

Emily celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on August 14, 2010, at a 4 p.m. mincha service at Temple B’nai Torah in Bellevue.
Emily is the daughter of Carol Schuster and John Kaplan, step-daughter of Brian Schuster, and step-daughter of Michelle Carmody Kaplan, all of Bellevue. She is sister to David and Daniel Kaplan, step-sister to Shoshana, Galya and Raphael Schuster, and half-sister to Thomas John Kaplan. Her grandparents are Dr. and Mrs. F. Alan and Marjorie Coombs of Salt Lake City, Utah, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Morton and Elaine Kaplan. Her step-grandparents are Rabbi Arlene Schuster of Bellevue and the late Dr. Joseph Schuster, Ms. Sharon Carmody of Seattle, and Mr. and Mrs. John and Sharlene Carmody of Edmonds.
Emily is an 8th grader at Odle Middle School. She enjoys reading, playing soccer, swimming, dancing, listening to music, and spending time with friends. For her Bat Mitzvah project, she is raising money for the Central Asia Institute, a program working to promote and provide community-based education and literacy programs, especially for girls, in remote mountain regions of Central Asia, made popular by Greg Mortensen’s book Three Cups of Tea.

Lauren will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on August 21, 2010 at Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation on Mercer Island.
Lauren is the daughter of Debbie and Corbin Tudor of Bellevue and the sister of Carly and Joelle. Her grandparents are Norbert Reuben of Woodmere, N.Y., the late Judy Reuben, Carolyn Tudor of Kalispell, Mont., and the late Leonard Tudor.
Lauren is going into the 8th grade at Chinook Middle School. Her interests include drawing, painting, soccer, basketball, lacrosse and swim team.