In the Temple Family
Mazel Tov to:
Barsha and Jack Kantor on the birth of their granddaughter, Aliza Gorman Kantor.
Parents are Jeffrey and Raelin Kantor.
Dr. Rachel and Jeffrey Berger on the birth of a daughter, Michelle Diane Berger.
Speedy Recovery to:
- Jack Bass
- Gertrude Blauer
- Ruth Cohen
- Rose Seully
- Eleanor Trebach
- Stan Trebach
- Richard Vallon
Condolences to:
Constance Franklin on the loss of her mother, Edith Franklin.
Bonnie Minkovitz on the loss of her beloved brother, Arthur Kagan.
Dr. Charles Millstein on the loss of his beloved father, Joseph Millstein.
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From the Rabbi
On Shabbat Shira, we shared a glorious Friday night service! Like many people present,
I felt quite inspired and energized. Partial credit goes to our student cantor, Geoffrey
Fine. In honor of this “Sabbath of the Song” (i.e., the song sung by our ancestors in their
escape from Pharaoh’s army at the Sea of Reeds), Cantor Fine offered a wonderful
sermon-in-song. Together, we listened, sang and learned of the incredible diversity and
history reflected in Jewish music.
However, more than a beautiful sermon set this night apart. The sanctuary was filled with
a special warmth and energy. The service flowed with a graceful, natural rhythm. Almost
everyone sang and prayed the words with great feeling. That night, together in our
sanctuary, we created sacred time.
What made this night different from all other nights? We had a "critical mass." As I
looked in the congregation that night, I saw a small group of individuals who love to
sing. I saw a handful of people who expect to pray as part of a congregation rather than
to sit passively like a theatre audience. Their contagious enthusiasm touched and
involved everyone in the sanctuary. The service soared!
I was reminded that a small group of committed, enthusiastic individuals can make a
huge difference in the life of a community. A small group of people, aglow with a vision,
willing to risk sharing that vision with others, willing to try and breathe life into their
dream, can easily ignite the soul of a congregation.
For one blessed hour, a small group of congregants kindled such a fire on Shabbat Shira..
I am absolutely certain that the warmth they generated can be ours, not just at occasional
services, but in every activity our community undertakes. We can be equally inspired and
energized in our Jewish learning, in our efforts at world repair, in our holiday and life
cycle celebrations and yes, in our worship. All we need is a “critical mass” of dreamers
with the courage to help ignite the spark. What about you? Won’t you come dream with
us?
Rabbi Jonathan Kraus
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From the President
Friday afternoon. As I write this message, snow is swirling outside. Another major storm.
We are advised on the radio to "get where we are going" by 3 PM. For the first time I can
remember, services were called off rather than risk accidents. In our tradition, celebrating
Shabbat eve in the home is also an expression of devotion.
The silence in our Temple this evening is in stark contrast to what I find almost any other
time I enter the building. Last Sunday morning, for instance, every room was occupied by
the school, by meetings, and by classes. I did not count them, but probably more than 100
of our members were there for one or another activity, in addition to about 150 young
members in the school. That is as it should be. We are a Temple Center.
But how well are we serving YOU? Are you satisfied that your leaders are listening to
you? I receive few phone calls. Is that a sign of satisfaction ??
In a few days you will receive a questionnaire that asks you to tell us how you feel about
different activities in the Temple. Even if -- especially if -- you are completely satisfied,
please take the few minutes to respond. The Board of Trustees needs to know how it can
best serve YOU.
Stephen Winter
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From the Directory of Education
Purim is coming. You know the story. Esther, a Jewish woman , becomes Queen of Persia. Then, much to her
dismay, she and her people are threatened with destruction and she holds the key to their safety. Esther's uncle,
Mordechai, convinces her of the need to speak up and save her people. She confronts Haman and his evil acts and
saves the day.
Children (and fun minded adults) love to celebrate Purim. There are the costumes, masks, and most of all the
noise to drown out the name of Haman. However, like most Jewish holidays, the ritual symbols and the values of
the holiday have a lot more meaning than meets the eye, particularly in relation to what we teach our children. I'll
mention just a few. A prominent symbol is the mask. A mask does many things. It creates an image. It can also
hide the face behind the mask. Even Esther was reluctant to remove the mask of beautiful Queen and reveal her
connection to the Jewish people.
In the Purim story the Jews are in the minority. They are living in the diaspora. It makes me wonder what masks
do we Jews wear in our efforts to deal with being a minority in the diaspora. What image do we want to project?
How do we communicate these messages to our children? Even today there are times when it is not easy being
one of the few instead of the many. Do our children feel they need to wear a mask and cover up their Jewish
identity?
At the end of the story, Esther stands up for herself and her people. In many ways she becomes stronger for it. She
knows who she is, what is important, and she isn't afraid to take a stand. All this while living in the diaspora. If we
can teach children the lesson that a strong Jewish identity can flourish within the larger community and help them
to take pride in that identity, then the lesson of Purim will be well taught. Chag Sameach.
Toby Koritsky
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From the Pre-School Director
Part of our program this month has been the celebration of Tu B’Shevat. The youngsters
learned about this New Year for trees by comparing it to a New Year in their own lives.
Our discussions were about why trees are so important to us, how we care for them, why
we plant trees in Israel and what the differences are between living and non-living things.
We enjoyed tasting some of the fruits which grow in Israel such as dates, figs, grapes,
raisins, nuts, peaches, and pomegranates. Each preschooler created a beautiful tree that
could be used for a centerpiece.
Another theme for our curriculum was about nutrition and how to be healthy. The
children learned about the four food groups and which ones are the best to help you
grow. We planned well balanced meals. But our most fun was a visit from one of our
Dads who is a professional chef. He gave us all cooking lessons as the group baked
lowfat chocolate chip muffins from “scratch.” Such a wonderful aroma filled the Temple
halls! In keeping with the mood, everyone wore his or her handmade chefs hats. As you
can tell, we are always busy having lots of good times.
Rolene Karp, Director
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Adult Education
Adult Education and Outreach will be cosponsoring three holiday workshops this month.
On Sunday morning March 3, 9:30-11:00 a.m., right before our Carnival, come and learn
about Purim. Then for Passover we will be expanding our usual format to accommodate
two Sunday workshops. The first will be March 17 and will focus on the Seder, the
second is scheduled for the following Sunday March 24. All of our workshops try to
provide an overview of the history, liturgy, and philosophy of each holiday, plus music
and family projects. All are welcome as we learn together! Babysitting will be provided;
please contact Munya Tovares.
This month our Lunch with Rabbi Kraus will be on Thursday afternoon, March 7 at
noon. Our topic for discussion will be Women and the Bible. For March, we advise
you to leave the brown bag at home; we will provide a simple lunch. If you need
transportation, call Jan Stigberg.
On Saturday evening, we will begin to get even more in the mood for Pesach, with an
evening of Storytelling with Carol Goldman. Out of Egypt is Carol's response to the
Haggadah's statement that in every generation individuals are called to personally regard
themselves as having gone out of Egypt. We look forward to sharing Carol's journey.
Please join us at 7:30 for an evening of thoughtful entertainment and sweet desserts.
Also remember, our upcoming events will include the documentary film, Of Stars and
Shamrocks: Boston's Irish and Jewish Communities to be shown at Temple Sunday
evening, April 28. Joining us that evening will be filmmaker and director, Dr. John
Michalcyzk.
Arlene Feinberg
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BEFTY BLURB
This year has started out a little bit slow for Befty, but is sure seems to be picking up.
February 2-4, Rachel, Harry, and Sam had a great time with Manty at Winder
Wonderland in Manchester, NH. Getting up early to head up to GunStock on Saturday
morning for a day of skiing was a cold adventure.
On February 10, the Befty Board went into Boston to get materials from the recycle
center at the Childrens Museum. They sorted them and joked around while preparing for
the next day's event. Although the turnout was not as high as they would have liked,
making a mini golf course with the materials they bought was a blast. Each hole was a
place in Israel (even though some were hard to distinguish by looking at them!). They
had pizza and a song session with Rabbi Kraus also. It is too bad for those who weren't
able to come, because it was a marvelous day for a put.
The Purim Carnival is coming up! Befty will be behind some of those great games found
every year in the Temple social hall. You might recognize a Befty-ite as Haman (BOO!)
getting hit in the face with a wet sponge. There is a lot more going on in the spring as
well. Check the new Befty board in the front hall of the Temple for what's new and
happening!
Sam Weinstein
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Board Briefs
Despite the snow storm, 17 Board members attended, just one short of the quorum
needed to take decisions requiring a vote. Lisa Rourke presented the Treasurer's report.
For the first 6 months, expenditures are exactly 50%; income is according to expectations.
The Board received recommendations for renewing the contracts of our Director of
Education, Toby Koritsky, and our student Cantor, Geoffrey Fine. The Building
Committee proposes to engage an architect to study the status of the Temple's 40-year old
unseen systems: heating, cooling, the roof, etc., our compliance with current codes, and to
develop a concept for renovations. Although renovations have been discussed and
publicized for several months already, and an open meeting is planned for the next day,
more membership comment is needed before the Board votes on the proposal. The Budget
Committee reported that the Fiscal 97 budget should be ready for Board discussion in
March. Sisterhood reported on the busy schedule of activities for March and beyond. They
have been announced to the membership. A steering committee of nursery school parents
and temple members has been formed to assist the Nursery School Committee in
formulating plans and policies for the nursery school. The Finance Committee has
reviewed the Temple's insurance policy and made recommendations for more adequate
coverage. It has also developed a recommendation for altering the policy governing
payments of dues and school fees to distribute payments more evenly throughout the year.
Votes necessary for the implementation of the several recommendations discussed will be
taken a future meetings.
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HOUSE COMMITTEE
It is evident from this and recent bulletins that temple activities are flourishing. This
trend is all to the good and we expect to see it continue.
The House Committee is facing the challenge of keeping up with this increased pace of
temple life: there are more events to set up for, more wear and tear on the facilities and
more cleaning needed. We are straining the capabilities of our custodial staff and the
committee is aware of problems of cleanliness throughout the building.
Along with other measures we plan to take, we think it important to ask the congregation
to recognize everyone's responsibility to take care of our temple home. It would help if
we would try to leave any area we use as tidy as we found it (or perhaps even tidier!),
especially in the kitchen.
If you are planning an event, set up a cleaning crew; if you are working on a class
project, make clean-up part of the project; and if you need to use something, clean it and
put it away again.
As always, the House Committee is open to suggestions, criticisms and assistance. Call
me or leave a note in the office.
Jonathan Jacoby, Chair
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Do a Mitzvah, Be a Minyan Mensch!
During the winter, we often have a hard time making a minyan
(the ten Jewish adults required for certain prayers and rituals)
at Monday and Thursday morning services. The presence of a minyan
is especially meaningful and comforting for those who need to
recite kaddish for a loved one who has died. The services
begin at 7:00 a.m. and end by 7:40.
We are looking for volunteers who will commit to one week of Monday/Thursday
services. Your presence during that one week will make a big
difference to your fellow congregants. If you can help us with
this mitzvah, please call the Temple office and leave your name
with Rose Glasser. We will contact you to arrange a good week.
Thank you, in advance, for your help. (By the way, you also
can help us make a minyan every Sunday morning from 9:00-9:30
am!)
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Outreach Committee
The Outreach committee is alive and well. Our Adult Ed co-sponsored Tu B'shevat
workshop was well attended. As always, Ed Walker's presentation was informative and
Michael Wolfson generated a lively discussion. Thanks also to the Rabbi and Toby for
their contributions.
Please mark your calendar for Outreach events in March.
- March 3
- 9:30 - 11:00
- Purim Workshop (co-sponsored with Adult Ed)
- No baby-sitting! as cradle roll meets at the same time.
- March 17
- 9:30 - 11:00
- Passover Workshop I (co-sponsored with Adult Ed)
-
We will discuss the makings of a seder and have a short cooking class.
Please RSVP to Munya or Rose (484-6668) so we can order enough food.
- March 24
- 9:30 - 11:00
- Passover Workshop II (co-sponsored with Adult Ed)
- Liturgy, history, music, and home worship will be discussed and, as always, we will have a
philosophical discussion.
Remember, everyone is welcome at Outreach events and we encourage your participation
and feedback. Please call Munya Tovares or Rose (484-6668) if you have
questions about or are interested in participating in Outreach. Our March meeting has yet
to be scheduled. Please call for information.
Munya Tovares, Chair
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Passport to Israel Update
I am ecstatically pleased to announce that eleven (11) Beth El Temple families, eight (8)
Aleph class and four (4) Dalet class, signed up for this program in our second year of
participation. Congratulations to the Diamond/Briere, Dukas/Ellenberg, Franklin,
Herzog, Lawner/Sand, McShane, Thornton/Schwartz, Winter/Stigberg (for both David
and Daniel), Bruskin, Oppenheim, and Weinstein families. I would also like to
acknowledge the Torgerson, Lerman, Pike, Dvorak, Lesser, Millman and Reisman
families who re-enrolled this year. In addition, special mention to the
Robert/Janice/Jonah Nissenbaum family who were participants in their prior temple and
are now participating with Beth El. All together, we now have twenty (20) children
participating in this program.
I very much look forward to the day when all of these children travel to Israel. I would
like to encourage everyone, as part of celebrating family simchas, to make a contribution
to the Donald Ponn Memorial Youth Fund. Through this fund, a number of our Temple
youth have received scholarship money to help defray part of the cost of a trip to Israel.
For more information about the Passport to Israel program, please do not hesitate to call
me, Karen Pike, at home.
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Sisterhood
With Spring around the corner, we renew our energy and spirits
and turn our attention to the many Sisterhood events on the calendar.
On February 28, the Babies and Moms group will meet at
the home of Sue Spielman. If you have a child under two and have
not joined this group in the past, call Tami Kaplan for details
of this meeting or to find out about the next meeting.
Purim will be celebrated on Sunday, March 3, first with a Cradle
Roll party for the youngest set, followed by the Purim
Carnival for all the children. (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) Come play
games and eat hamentashen as the kids, BEFTY, and the adults have
fun and schmooz.
The book discussion group will be meeting on March 6 at
the home of Marsha Mattison. This session's book is Montana
1948. The discussion group will meet again on March 24 in
preparation for a field trip to the Brattle theater March 30 to
hear author A.B. Yehoshua speak. Call Marsha or Sylvia
Tolman to find out more.
Have a treasure you would like to find out more about? Or do you
just want to see everyone else's treasures and learn about
origins and values? Call Liz Malsky or Robin Sagarin
for reservations to our March 31 breakfast program
given by Skinner Inc. Breakfast starts at 9 a.m.. Cost $5 per
person.
The cookbook committee has set up a display in the lobby
to show where we are on gathering recipes. We need your recipes
now to insure this project does not fold. Help move that thermometer
higher by putting your recipes in the bag.
Thursday, April 4, Sisterhood will be sponsoring a second night
Congregational Seder led by Rabbi Kraus. All are welcome.
Paid reservations are to be sent to Leslie Lundberg at 199 Lewis
Road, Belmont. Last year's participants raved about the wonderful
service and feeling of community. So send your check now. Cost
$25/adult, $15/child 5-12. 0-4/free. No reservations will be accepted
after March 22nd.
May has three major events planned. One is work and two are pleasure.
Starting off the month will be the Spring rummage sale
on May 5. Please think of us as you start your Spring cleaning.
And don’t forget we need your help on that day too! On May
9th we will have our annual Donor Dinner. This year we
plan a few changes, so watch for future mailings. And on May 18,
we plan a joint concert with Temple Isaiah of Lexington.
So set these dates aside now.
Plan to join Sisterhood this Spring as we spring into the summer
months.
Sharon Feinberg, President
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Social Action Committee
The Social Action Committee has made donations to the following charities: Women's Institute for
Housing and Economic Development, Children's International, Support Committee for Battered Women,
Jewish National Fund, Jewish Fund for Justice, Holocaust Memorial Museum, Transition House, Friends
of Boston's Homeless, Shelter, Inc., Greater Pine Street Inn, Perkins School for the Blind, N. E. Bosnian
Relief, Project Bread, MAZON, Belmont Against Racism, Wellness Center, Hospice at Mission Hill,
Jewish Cemetery Association, Social Justice for Women, Cambridge Women’s Shelter, Pilgrim Church,
Rosie’s Place, and Long Island Shelter.
We are rapidly depleting our funds and we need your support! Please remember us when you make
donations in honor of a Simcha or in memory of a loved one. Send checks to SAC-BETC and mail to the
Temple Office. Your donation will be acknowledged.
When cleaning your houses for Passover, please bring your chametz to the Temple either to the Family
Concert on March 17, or during the two weeks before Passover. We will distribute food to Project
MAZON who works with Family Table, Boston's Jewish food pantry.
On March 24 volunteers are needed to deliver Passover baskets of holiday foods to needy families and
seniors. Call Sheila Doctoroff if you are interested in helping.
On March 6, Sheila and Naomi will be attending a workshop at Congregation Mishkan Tefila -- the
Synagogue's Response to a New Social Action Agenda. Many area Rabbis will be speaking.
Please don't forget our Family Concert on March 17. Tickets will be available at the door. Proceeds will
go to Bridge Over Troubled Waters (support service for troubled teens) and CASPAR (program for
substance abusers). At this concert we will be selling beautiful pins with proceeds to help the homeless.
Our next meeting will be Sunday, March 10 at 9:30 a.m. We will be discussing upcoming programs
including Social Action Shabbat, Mitzvah Day, and plans for next year which include possibly a
Candidate's Night. Please join us!
Sheila Doctoroff and Naomi Ellenberg-Dukas
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Beth El's Web Site Now Even Better!
Come visit Beth El on the internet at http://shamash.org/reform/uahc/congs/ma/ma002. Our site now has
an on-line photo album! I would like to thank Doug Jefferson for preparing the images, and Toby Korisky
for lending us her collection of photos.
Our home page is getting plenty of hits! ne of the new features I added to the page is a counter. We’ve
gotten about a hundred hits in the past two weeks.
You know, as a member of Beth El, you are a part of something B-I-G: the Reform Movement. Check
out the wonderful Reform Movement home page at http://shamash.org/reform.
I would like to thank Doug Jefferson and Shelley Grubman for their ongoing assistance in enhancing the
home page. I would also like to thank Susan Shanksy, the Bulletin editor, for her ongoing assistance in
putting the Bulletin on-line.
Beth El's home page is hosted at no charge by courtesy of the UAHC.
Ed Walker, Secretary-Clerk
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