"When you stand on the stage you must have a sense that you are addressing the whole world, and that what you say is so important the whole world must listen" - Stella Adler
Nina Balis had a profound impact on Temple Bat Yahm. Not only were Nina and Len founding members of the Temple but she was also one of a small group of women who started our sisterhood, The Women of Temple Bat Yahm and she was a pillar of both.
Nina’s talent and attention to detail made everything she did seem easy even though she took on challenging projects. She played the piano by ear and could listen to any melody once, pick it up instantly, and play it in any key. An active participant in the many satires of famous Broadway musicals that Bat Yahm Players mounted, she helped to raise funds for both TBY and WTBY. Nina was instrumental in helping write alternate lyrics with a Jewish take and amend story lines for each production to match.
Nina was the quintessential volunteer, always stepping up to offer help when needed. She co-chaired WTBY’s Women of the Year as well as the 36th WTBY Anniversary party, helped with Jewish Movie Night, gave us a hand with Chocolate Seders, gift wrapping, rummage sales, the Chanukah Boutiques and so much more.
Her creativity and style was apparent in all her endeavors. She was a warm and gracious hostess, inviting WTBY into her newly remodeled red and white kitchen to work on writing the WTBY cookbook. Nina was a gourmet baker, selling her chocolate chip pizzas at the Chanukah Boutique for many years. That was a giant cookie to enjoy!
WTBY was a priority for her and this organization owes her a debt of gratitude. We appreciate her wisdom and ability to share her ideas in the most insightful and poignant manner. She was a multi-talented and multi-dimensional woman.
Nina was a loving wife, mother of 3 and grandmother to 4 boys.
In her honor, we proudly establish the Nina Balis Performing Arts Fund.
May her memory be for an abiding blessing.
The Nina Balis Performing Arts Fund helps make it possible to bring in guest artists to JCAL
To make a donation to the Helene R. Jacobs Campership Fund, please send a check to WTBY: Campership c/o Temple Bat Yahm.
Fri, April 19 2024 11 Nisan 5784