Beth El Temple Center Bulletin
January
1997
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Table of Contents
January
Worship Schedule
SPECIAL SERVICES
Sunday, January 19th: Community service to honor Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr. (details TBA)
Wednesday, January 22nd: Tu B'shevat seder...5:30 p.m.
WEEKDAY SERVICES
Every Monday and Thursday in January, 7 a.m, except Monday
January 20th (MLK Day), when services are at 9 a.m.
Every Sunday in January at 9 a.m.
SHABBAT SERVICES
Friday January 3rd and Saturday January 4th
Family Service and Pot Luck, 6:15 p.m.
Regular Evening Service, 8:15 p.m.
Torah Study, 9 a.m.
Shabbat Morning Service, 10 a.m.
Friday, January 10th and Saturday, January 11th
Kita Dalet Class Service, 8 p.m.
Torah Study, 9 a.m.
Shabbat Morning Service, 10 a.m.
Tot Shabbat (downstairs), 10:15 a.m.
Friday, January 17th and Saturday, January 18th
Shabbat Evening Service, 8 p.m.
Junior Congregation (downstairs), 8 p.m.
Shabbat Morning Service, 10 a.m.
Friday, January 24th and Saturday, January 25th
Sisterhood Shabbat Dinner, 6 p.m., reservation required (call office), $12/adult, $7/child
New Member Shabbat Service, 7 p.m.
Torah Study, 9 a.m.
Shabbat Morning Service, 10 a.m.
Friday, January 31st and Saturday, February 1st
Kita Gimmel Class Service, 8 p.m.
Torah Study, 9 a.m.
Shabbat Morning Service, 10 a.m.
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From the Rabbi
I continue to be concerned about events in Israel.
When we welcomed 1996, we hoped that the peace process whould continue with strength and
determination. We prayed that our people would answer the evil of
Prime Minister Rabin's assassination by renewing its stubborn commitment to peace.
As we welcome 1997, it is hard to feel optimistic about that prospect.
As we welcomed 1996, we could take pride in our movement's important
victories on the path to equal rights
and recognition for non-Orthodox Jews in Israel. This new
year will find us fighting not to lose ground--both in our right to
serve as representatives on Israeli municipal religious
councils and in the recognition of conversions performed by non-Orthodox
rabbis.
Some will say that these are matters for Israelis alone to determine.
In the end, that is literally and rightfully so.
However, to the extent that Israel presents itself ( and is
understood) as the Jewish homeland, the character of its
society and its well-being are the urgent conern of every committed
Jew. We can not afford to let our borthers and sisters
walk down these dangerously destructive paths without,
at least, lifting our voices in warning.
If you've not yet done so, please consider writing letters to Prime Minister
Netanyahu and other officials in the
government (a sample letter can be found in the information racks
opposite the temple office). Urge these leaders to oppose any legislative acts that futher divide
and destroy relations amoung our people. Ask them to
insure that Israel be a home in which every Jew can feel at home. Implore them to maintain
their commitment to peace, their
willingness to take resonable risks for the sake of this greatest blessing.
Then, both 1997 and 5757 may yet become years of new hopes fulfilled, old
promises realized.
Rabbi Jonathan Kraus
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From the Director of Education
Last month I wrote about the Jewish Population Study and how it
served as a wake up call to lay leaders and professionals in the
Jewish community nationwide. This month,
I want to describe what is happening right here in Boston.
Recently, I volunteered to become a member of the Commission on Jewish Continutity
(COJC). The Commission serves as a resource for the development of special learning programs in
congregations and other Jewish settings.
There are three major programs that come under the supervision
of COJC. Sharim: Gateways to Jewish Living, is a two year
program of development for Jewish Family educators. These educators
develop and provide opportunities for Jewish family learning and observance experiences.
While this congregation is not formally part of the Sharim program, I have been participating
in the two year training program by taking the
cources in Jewish Family Education at Hebrew College. I have
found these courses to be very valuable as we begin to develop our
Gesher [bridge] family education program here at Beth El.
Me'ah [100] is a program of 100 hours of learning over the
course of two years. Me'ah seeks to develop Judaically
knowledgeable adults and to build a community of active Jewish
learners. The curriculum covers both classic Jewish texts and aspects
of contemporary Jewish life. There are currently eight
locations for this program. If you would like more information
about this program, please feel free to contact me. This is a unique opportunity
for adult study with some exceptional teachers.
The third program under the auspices of the Commission is the
Youth Educator Initiative Pilot Project. This program provides funding,
consultation, and training to expand programming for teenagers.
This is a fairly new program. I hope that in the near future,
we may receive some services through this program.
Boston has developed a national reputation for setting the
standard with cutting edge programs such as these. These programs
represent a commitment to Jewish continuity for
families, adults, and teens. It is a real opportunity for me to be
part of the Commission and to be part of the process that puts Jewish
continuity into action.
Toby Koritsky
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From the Preschool Director
The children had a wonderful time learning the story of
Chanukah, and all the fun customs that go along with it.
We made lots of decorations for our homes and classrooms including
three dimensional dreidels, a paper chain
menorah, and stained glass Jewish stars. Each youngster made a gift for
his/her family; this treasure
was wrapped in "hand-printed" paper.
Everyone also made a "matchless" hannukkiah
to "light" at home. Some of
our detectives solved Chanukah puzzles and
riddles, while other chefs made rugelach with one of our
Moms.
The children's favorite, by far, was the Rabbi's visit! They danced
and became animated dreidels, while singing to the holiday tunes he played on the guitar.
This same performance was enjoyed by the preschool families
and teachers at our annual Chanukah fund raiser potluck supper. All of us had a great time with
a sing-a-long, while the "dreidlettes" (named by Rabbi Kraus), kept time
to the music! Thank you, Rabbi Kraus; this was a wonderful way for all of us to share holiday
spirit and friendship! The profits from this successful event will be used
to buy more equipment for our motor room.
Rolene Karp
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Save the Date...
Moshe Waldoks
Jewish Humor
Sunday, March 16th, 1997
Light supper at 6 p.m.
With talk to follow...
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"Mensch" T-Shirts for Sale!
Do you know a mensch? Celebrate our year of the mensch and support the
school by purchasing a "Mensch" T-shirt. It makes a great gift!
See the sample in the lobby.
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Mazel Tov to Aleph Class Students
Congratulations to the Aleph Class and their teacher, Eran Kaplan.
The class recently completed their Hebrew primer and will now begin work in
Gates of Prayer. The class and their families celebrated the event
on January 8 with a Siyyum Hasefer, "celebration of the book." The
students demonstrated their Hebrew skills by reading and singing at the ceremony. They
were presented with their own siddurim wiht a special cover
created by their parents. Everyone enjoyed a pot luck dinner. It was a wonderful
celebration of this important milestone. Congratulations to the class.
May they go from strength to strength!
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Passport to Israel Program
The annual Passport to Israel Program will take place on
Sunday, January 12th at 9:30 a.m. in Zonis Auditorium.
All 4th and 7th grade parents are encouraged to attend.
Come learn about the CJP Scholarship program and hear our
children who have returned from summer Israel trips speak about
their experiences. Any questions? Call Karen Pike.
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A Seder in January?
Plan to join us for our second annual Tu B'shevat Seder on
Wednesday night, January 22nd at 5:30 p.m. (immediately after
Hebrew school). Drawing on a 16th century mystical tradition,
we celebrate this holiday with a joyous (delicious!) seder service--designed
for young and old alike. Please call the office by January 15th to reserve a
place (and so we'll know how much fruit to purchase and how many
places to set!).
Jewish tradition marks the 15th day of the month of Shevat as the
"New Year of the trees." In rabbinical times, this day was said to
have served as the "tax" date for tithing the annual produce
of fruit trees. Over the centuries, Tu B'shevat evolved in response to
changing Jewish circumstances. After the destruction of the Temple,
eating fruits indigenous to Israel helped us maintain ties to the land
while living in exile. Today, we weave Zionist, mystical, and ecological
strands together to create a celebration which is a delightful
tapestry of Jewish meanings.
Come find out why this night, too, is different from all other nights!
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Family Table
Please continue to bring in your apple juice (juice boxes are OK)
and cereal for Family Table. There are 25 temples collecting food monthly
for 263 Jewish people in the Boston area. (120 adults and 143 children.)
This next delivery date is February 2nd. If you have any questions,
please call Sheila Doctoroff. Thank you.
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Just a Reminder...
Sunday Morning Learning Workshops
9:30 a.m. at Beth El Temple Center
- January 26: Judaism and the Nature of Prayer
- February 9: Talking to Your Children about God
- April 13: Judaism and the Nature of God
Co-sponsored by the Adult Education and Outreach committees.
Babysitting will be provided
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3rd Annual Temple Family Bowling and Pizza Party
January 26, 1997
After Sunday School
11:30-1:30 p.m.
Lanes and Games on Rt. 2, Cambridge
Pizza and Soda will be Served!!
$10 per adult, kids go free!
Cost of bowling shoes is extra.
Contact office (484-6668) for registration form!
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Thank You
Thank you for making PROJECT EZRA a huge success! The Synagogue
Council of Massachusetts wishes to thank each and every volunteer from
Beth El Temple Center, for taking part in this wonderful mitzvah.
Over 1500 Jewish volunteers from all over Massachusetts, helped feed the hungry
in shelters, feeding programs, hospitals, and nursing homes on
Christmas Day. The positive human impact of this interfaith activity
was expressed by the people at the institutions we visited as
a "ray of sunshine" and as "an example of God's people working together
in harmony and charity". The experience was deeply felt by both
recipients and volunteers. We at the Synagogue Council hope that the
Beth El Temple Center group had a meaningful experience, and
"a mitzvah which you will never forget!" Your continued support will enable
the Jewish community to coordinate similar volunteer projects in the future.
Alan Teperow, Executive Director, The Synagogue Council of Mass.
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Shabbat Shalom: A Two-Part Workshop on Observing Shabbat and Havadala
Sunday January 5 and Sunday January 12
9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Beth El Temple Center
Rabbi Kraus will be leading this two-part workshop on observing Shabbat, highlighting:
- the history of the practice of Shabbat and Havdalah
- the significance of the Shabbat and Havadalah symbols
- the Shabbat table service and the Havadalah service
The fee for the class is $12 for temple members, and $15 for nonmembers.
The fee will cover the cost of the handbook on observing Shabbat, and a cassette tape
of Shabbat and Havadalah prayers that all participants will receive at the first session.
Please contact the temple office (484-6668) for registration information.
Babysitting will be provided.
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Jewish Philosophy Study Group
The group will next meet on Wednesday, January 8th at 7:30 pm at the
temple. We will continue to discuss Genesis. There will be copies
of the readings in the Adult Education box in the temple office.
Anyone interested can come and join the group. New members are always
welcome! You do not need to have any prior knowledge. If you have any
questions or concerns, please call me.
Julian Harlowe
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Sisterhood Rosh Chodesh Group
The next meeting of the Rosh Chodesh group will be Wednesday, January
8th, at 7:30 p.m. at the home of a temple member. We will usher in
the month of Shevat.
We will behaving a Tu B'Shevat Seder. By celebrating the seder with women
only, we'll discover some of the feminine aspects of growth.
Please bring fruits of trees to share: dates, figs, apples,
oranges, olives, almonds, or leafy and/or flowering branches.
Please join us on January 8th as we celebrate the New Year of the Trees!
Any questions, or to RSVP, please call me, Sheila Doctoroff.
Sheila Doctoroff, Chair
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Sisterhood Book Discussion Group
The Horse Whisperer
by Nicholas Evans
Monday January 27th
7:30 p.m.
At a member's home
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Adult Education
Rescheduled from the fall! Mike Wolfson will
lead us in a "hands on" study of Hebre calligraphy.
There will be three sessions on Monday evenings,
January 6th, 13th, and 27th. Please call Mike to reserve a spot!
Lunch with the Rabbi is scheduled for Thursday, January 8th.
On January 26th we will have our second Sunday morning learning
series on "Judaism and the Nature of Prayer." These workshops
are cosponsored with the Outreach committee, and offer us the opportunity,
to explore together, topics that we hope may be of interest to all who enjoy exploring their Jewish
identity.
Conversational Hebrew class will be continuing their studies with
Yehudith Shem-Tov. There is room for new people to join the class.
If you are interested, please call Arlene Feinberg. Classes will be
starting up on Tuesday, January 14th, and will most likely run for another
6 or 7 sessions. Cost will be determined by the number
of students willing to make the commitment.
Previews of special coming events, include this year's shabbaton "Answering
the Whirlwind," which will be held the weekend of March 7th-9th.
Rabbi Kraus will be leading us in a series of lectures and discussions regarding
Jewish perspectives and responses to evil. We are also planning a very special visiting
scholar lecture series with Rabbi Larry Kushner.
Arlene Feinberg, Chair
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Religious School Committee
We had a very busy and festive December. The community menorah lighting was
particularly colorful thanks to the wonder candle decorating done by our students. At
that evening latke party, Toby Koritsky organized fun activities for the younger
set, and a great time was had by all.
Junior congregation services were again student run. Special thanks
to Jessica Rubin-Wills, Lauren Feinberg, and Emily Newberg for setting such
a fine example.
Consecration, welcoming our new students to the religious school, was
very well received. It was combined with a Friday night service, giving special meaning to
both events. Parents did a fine job of making Torah covers for the presentation.
This month, we are looking forward to Siyyum Hasefer by presenting our
aleph class students with their own Siddurim. We are proud of their progress
and wish them well in this new endeavor.
The school committee is continuing to review family education
and other curriculum areas. Our next meeting will be January 6th at
7:30 p.m. in the Sloan Bride's Room. All are welcome.
Hildy Dvorak, Chairperson
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SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Thank you for your generous response to our requests for food for
Family Table, which serves 60 Jewish families in Boston. We give both
unsweetened cereals and apple juice, and are especially in need of more apple juice to meet
our monthly obligation to these families. We also have a lovely selection of
House Pins, proceeds from which likewise go to assist families in our
local area. The food donations we bring to the Waverly Fire Station for
the Boston Food Pantry continue to bring relief to
Boston families threatened by hunger.
At our last meeting, we enjoyed a presentation by Woody Lichtenstein about our
tradition's view on tzedakah, to aid us in our choices of social action--to
whom, and how much, with what limits--we give. Copies of the presented material
are available by calling Ariel Kohn. Our next meeting is on
Sunday January 12 at 9:30 a.m. at Beth El. Please feel free to join
us, even for a single meeting, to meet the many new
members of our committee and find out how little time it takes
to create great benefit.
Project Ezra as of this writing is coming up soon, where we
volunteer to serve meals on Christmas so that those who
celebrate the holiday can spend it with their families. Alice
Melnikoff is coordinator of the project again this year, as she has
done so ably in the past. Whatever family traditions, or new traditions,
you are celebrating this year, may you find joy and contentment, and properity
in the new year. Let it be for all of us a year of betterment, tikkun olam,
which comes one mitzvah at a time, through every one of us.
Sharon Rich and Ariel Kohn, Co-Chairs
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Brotherhood
The next meeting is January 7th at 7:30 p.m. at the temple.
Joseph Tovares, Brotherhood President
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Sisterhood
Happy new year everyone. I hope that 1997 will bring you the very best of health
and happiness. Sisterhood hopes to have a very happy
evening on January 24th with our annual Shabbat dinner.
This year we will have services for the newest temple members following the
dinner. Please come out for dinner that evening, meet new people, and
rejoice in being together. We will have entertainment for the youngsters and
baby-sitting during services as well. So, no excuses, come
be warm with the wonderful feelings of friendship. This dinner is open
to everyone in the community. $12/adult; $7/child. Contact the temple
office for a reservation form.
Plans are underway for our first annual Sisterhood retreat in Falmouth
on March 14-16. We hope to have 30 sisterhood members sign up to relax,
pray, and spend a spiritual weekend together. Details of this weekend are
forthcoming. Be among the first to get on the sign up list.
Weekend retreats or conventions are very rewarding. Seven of us attended the
region one district convention in Natick in November. The rewards of new friendships as well as
the multitude of information received have sent us running with
more programming. Watch for the newest ideas to be put into action.
We still have some Girlz in the Sister Hood aprons left for sale.
The price is $14.95. Also we have more art calendars available for
$8.95. I hope those of you who were the recipients of these for
Hanukah enjoy them.
If you haven't yet paid your dues to join Sisterhood, I hope you
will consider doing so. A second billing has been sent out recently. Join
100,000 Reform Jewish women in 600 sisterhoods around the world. We are the
women's voice in our congregation, the only women's organization dedicated
to enriching and strengthening Reform Judaism for ourselves and
our families. We work in our local community and for national
and international causes as well. Develop your leadership
skills, increase your Jewish knowledge, expand your
involvement in congregational and community life.
Enjoy the friendship and camaraderie of women who share
your values and concerns. Whether you are an active member
or not, your membership will identify you as part of
a special community of women, as a part of everything we do
and support all of our projects. We support the youth here
at Beth El and around the world, as well as helping many Rabbbis to go
to school. Send your $25 dues to Sara Reisman today. Be part of this
organization. Thank you. [Sisterhood membership is open to
non-temple members.]
Sharon Feinberg, Sisterhood President
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