Ellie Festival

Congregation Beth Israel of Media has established a permanent fund to honor the memory and short life of Eliana Andersen, daughter of Kathy Silberman Andersen and Dan Andersen, sister of Molly. Ellie, a beloved fifth grader in our Hebrew School, died on July 25, 2003 after a courageous battle with a brain tumor.

Ellie loved school, her friends and family, and celebrations of all kinds. The Eliana Andersen Fund supports an annual children’s festival in her memory. By combining Ellie’s loves in a festival of the arts, we give our children a joyous event to look forward to each year, as well as reflect the Jewish tradition of “hiddur mitzvah,” enhancing community by creating beauty and art. A festival for our Hebrew School that bears Ellie’s name will continue to be a reality with your kind donation. To learn more about previous Ellie Festivals, click here.

The congregation is warmly invited to attend “A Good Friend,” the 21st annual Eliana Andersen Arts & Creativity Festival on Sunday, March 23, 2025.

After prayers in the sanctuary starting 9:30 a.m., The Creative Living Room’s Lisa Oster will lead us in Dance Me a Story, followed by a Drop of Torah activity offered by Rabbi Nathan and our own Sharon Boyd. Creation Stations and schmoozing at Ellie’s Café will continue the fun. Please RSVP to reisa.aviva@icloud.com so we have enough bagels, coffee, and brunch treats for everyone.