Beth El Temple Center Bulletin
October 1996
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Table of Contents
October Worship and Event Schedule
Friday October 4
Erev Simchat Torah Service 7 p.m.
Saturday October 5
Torah Discussion 9 a.m.
Shabbat Morning Service 10 a.m.
Eleanor and Stanley Trebach Testimonial Dinner 6:30 p.m.
Sunday October 6
Outreach Interfaith Workshop 9:30 a.m.
Friday October 11
Erev Shabbat Service 8 p.m.
Saturday October 12
Torah Discussion 9 a.m.
Senior Shabbat Morning Service sponsored by Sisterhood 10 a.m.
Tot Shabbat 10:15 a.m.
Thursday October 17
Lunch with the Rabbi, noon
Friday October 18
Erev Shabbat Service 8 p.m.
Saturday October 19
Torah Discussion 9 a.m.
Shabbat Morning Service 10 a.m.
Outreach Havdalah Service 5:30 p.m.
Sunday October 20
Temple Membership Meeting 9:30 a.m.
Friday October 25
Erev Shabbat Service 8 p.m.
UAHC Regional Biennial in Albany starts
Saturday October 26
Torah Discussion 9 a.m.
Shabbat Morning Service 10 a.m.
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From the Rabbi
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President's Message
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From the Director of Education
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From the Cantor
Shalom, and L'Shanah Tovah, a Happy New Year to all! As the New Year is ushered in, I wanted to take
the opportunity to say hello to old friends and to introduce myself to those of you I haven't met yet. I am
very pleased to be starting my first full year - including the High Holidays - at Beth El Temple Center. I
enjoyed last year immensely, working with Rabbi Kraus, singing with you at services, and sharing tea and
talk during the Onegs. I look forward to this year - a year of new friendships including our new organist
Mark Dwyer, and a chance to share with you some of the rich legacy that is our Jewish music and which
comes from so many centuries and so many lands.
Let me tell you a bit about myself. I grew up in Maryland and sang in my home congregation choir for
nine years. Our Cantor, Robert Kieval, not only had a beautiful operatic voice but conveyed the
spirituality of chazzanut; this inspired my early interest in the synagogue and its music. My
undergraduate degree is from the Eastman School of Music in vocal performance. Before entering the
cantorate, I sang with a number of opera companies; I also worked as assistant to the director of the
Mass. Dept. of Public Health - HIV/AIDS Bureau. As many of you know, I'm currently a third year
cantoral student at the School of Sacred Music, Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion
(they've got to find a shorter name!). My studies there include both traditional and the Reform liturgy and
music, as well as Rabbinic texts, Jewish history, theology, philosophy, and education.
I'd also like to share with you that I had a simcha over the summer. My partner of 3 years, Joel
Hencken, and I celebrated our Kiddushin (sanctification) Ceremony on August 4, when we became
k'shutafi-l'chayim (partners in life). Our close friend and my colleague, Cantor Jodi Sufrin of Temple
Beth Elohim in Wellesley officiated. We were joined by both set of our parents, family, and friends from
around the country, including some new friends from Beth El Temple Center. We were also honored by
being able to sing together an a capella setting of our favorite verses from Shir Hashirim (The Song of
Songs) composed for the occasion by my mentor at the Hebrew Union College campus in Jerusalem,
Professor Cantor Eliyahu Schliefer. We'd love to sing it for you sometime - just ask us!
This year I again plan to present a discussion/demonstration of some particular aspect of Jewish music
during Shabbat Shirah. While many ideas abound in my mind (cantillation, music of the Baroque period,
contemporary Israeli sacred music, etc.) I would be very interested to know if anyone has a topic close to
their heart they would like me to present. I will be looking for additional opportunities to share with you
my great joy and fascination with the wonderful variety of Jewish music.
Again, Joel and I wish a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year 5757 to all the members of the Beth El
Temple Center community, and we hope to see you and talk with you in person at the Temple.
Geoff Fine
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From the Preschool Director
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In the Beth El Family . . .
Mazel Tov to Our Bat/Bar Mitzvahs
Jared Brenner-Goldstein is the son of Ronda Brenner and Bob Goldstein and the older brother of
Rachel. He will be called to the Torah on October 19, the first in his Hebrew School class to join
the adult community of Beth El Temple Center. He is acutely aware of all the pressure this
position holds. Jared is a seventh grader at Chenery Middle School where his favorite pasttime is
basketball. Sports of any kind, participatory or spectator, fill his time when he is not studying. He
is a very socially oriented teenager. He particularly looks forward to the time when, in retrospect,
he can tell his friends how easy and rewarding this Bar Mitzvah really is.
Rebecca Reisman, daughter of Sara and Jerald Reisman, will celebrate becoming Bat Mitzvah on
October 26. She lives in Cambridge and attends BB&N. When she is not busy with Hebrew
School and regular school,, she enjoys competitive skiing, field hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse,
horseback riding and playing the flute. A typical seventh grader, dhe spends her free time shopping
with friends, outdoor adventures, and playing with her dog Winnie. Rebecca is looking forward to
her Bat Mitzvah. She is taking her new position in the the community seriously. In order to give
something to people less fortunate, Rebecca has been busy putting together stuffed animal
centerpieces for her Bat Mitzvah which she will donate to a battered woman's shelter.
Shira Hahn is the younger daughter of Liz and Andrew Hahn and the sisterof Jillian. She will
celebrate becoming Bat Mitzvah on November 2. She is a seventh grader at Chenery Middle
School and is thoroughly enjoying her new life as a teenager. You'll find her on the soccer field, on
stage and sitting at a piano or in the orchestra pit with her violin. But mostly you will never see
Shira sitting still for very long anywhere! She has a keen understanding of people and loves to
hang out with friends more than anything. She is one of two very bright lights in her parents' lives.
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Band Aid!
Calling all musicians: this year, on Simchat Torah (Friday night, October 4, on the Reform
calendar) we'd like to try something new! A "pick-up" Band of Temple members will provide the
music for the Simchat Torah dancing and celebration with the Torah. We will have one rehearsal
to go over several pieces of simple, appropriate music. The ability to improvise is not required but
will be helpful. If you are interested, please contact Rabbi Kraus through the Temple Office
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Frequent Davening Has Its Rewards
Did you sign up for the Once-A-Month Club last September and attend services at least once a
month during 5756? If so, please be sure to call and let either Rabbi Kraus or Rose Glasser know.
We are planning a special treat to honor our "frequent daveners" and don't want to leave anyone
out.
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Todah Rabah!
Our sincere appreciation to all who contributed to the smooth operation of the many High Holiday
services.
The members of the Ritual Committee and other Temple members assisted them with
preparations.
- Howard Herzog who took care of reserved seat assignments.
- Donald Goldman and colleagues who served as ushers.
- Our doctor members who were on call for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur - Dr. Rachel Berger,
Dr. Daniel Karp, Dr. Kevin Kaufman, Dr. Jeffrey Levin-Scherz, Dr. Jerald Reisman, and Dr.
Sidney Rubinstein.
- Toby Koritsky, Amy Kraus, Debbie Nager, and Jean Milstein who organized the children's and
youth services.
- The custodial staff: Tony Bella, Bill Bourgault, and Ken Woodland.
- Ruth Cohen, Arlene Feinberg, Rose Glasser, Florence Goldstein, Charlotte & Norman Goldstein,
Sara Reisman, Ruby Schneider, Ada Stein, and Stan Trebach who prepared the materials for the
Yom Kippur appeal.
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BEFTY
Welcome back from summer vacation! We welcome Jessica Doctoroff, Dan Dvorak, Jacob
Feldman, Max Lesser, Ben Lichtenstein, Jonathan Millman, and David Reisman as well as all
members who are returning. We expect a great year.
During the summer, BEFTY sent President Rachel Harrison and NFTY-NE Representative Harry
Weiner to Summer Institute. They had a wonderful time and met lots of people. The first weekend
of school, Corresponding Secretary Rachel Huey joined Harry and Rachel at NFTY-NE's
Executive Board Weekend, where they learned a lot about their jobs as board members to help
them lead BEFTY and plan for the Conclavette which BEFTY hopes to host November 8-10.
A Conclavette is a weekend-long event to which other temple youth groups from NFTY-NE send
members to our Temple. They arrive Friday night for services and special programs. Friday night
they stay with host families. Saturday is filled with more services and programs, and Saturday
night, a social event like a dance. That night they spend with the host families, or at a Shul-In at
the Temple. Following services on Sunday, they return home. BEFTY has not hosted a Conclavette for years, and would really like to. To make it happen, we must ask Temple members to
help. If you can offer housing or be willing to help in other ways, or have questions, please call
BEFTY Advisor Jen Nissenbaum.
BEFTY has set many goals for his year and hopes to accomplish them all. For more information
about BEFTY or would like to join, please call Jen or Rachel Harrison.
Rebecca Huey, Corresponding Secretary
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BOARD BRIEFS
Treasurer Lisa Rourke reported that Fiscal 96 closed with a deficit of approximately $ 25,000 but
the actual deficit was about $10,000 less than had been expected in the budget. The deficit was
balanced somewhat by contributions for the Holocaust Window which are not reflected in
operating budget. Membership is growing slowly. The Building Committee reported that it
expects to receive plans for renovations from the architects by the end of September, with options
for more or less extensive renovations. The
option that will be accepted will depend on the amount a capital campaign is able to generate. The
Board does not plan on borrowing or raising dues for the renovations. The Board voted to engage
Joel Friedman for a feasibility study to indicate the level of contributions to a capital campaign that
can be expected from the membership of Beth El Temple Center. The Board also voted to
recommend a By-Law amendment for the addition of two standing committees (Nursery School
and Finance) for approval by the Membership.
The Board expressed its thanks and good wishes to Vice President Dianne Schram who has taken a
position in San Francisco. It regrets that the Temple will no longer benefit from her energy and
good advice.
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Entertainment 1996-1997
Entertainment 1996-97 Books, both North and South, are
on sale at the Temple, for $30 each. Six dollars are returned to the Temple on each book. See
Rose at the Temple office.
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OUR NEW TRUSTEES
As we welcome the New Year, we welcome four newly elected Trustees. The Nominating
Committee is delighted with this group of talented members and looks forward to the exciting
contributions they will make to the Temple:
Erwin Greenstein has been an active member for more than 25 years. He has contributed in many
ways: Treasurer of the Temple, Vice President of Brotherhood, the now defunct Bingo games, and
the thankless job of organizing ushers for High Holiday services. When not at the Temple, Erwin
is a pharmacist in Brighton. His primary goals for his term are to help members in the 60+ age
range to stay connected and excited about our Temple community.
Susan Kuelzer, a member for 10 years, has been active in Sisterhood, the Ritual Committee and
Adult Education. Sue's commitment to the Temple has grown with her faithful participation in the
weekly Torah discussions. Sue has two daughters, Kari, 26, and Jenny, 20. In her spare time, she
is the co-owner, creator, and manager of Grendel's Restaurant and Bar in Harvard Square. Sue
would like to see our Adult Education programs expand and reach more members of the
congregation.
Beth El has benefited from Janice Nissenbaum's energy and abilities for many years. She has
been president of Sisterhood, chair of the Religious School Committee, and a member of the Rabbi
Search Committee. Janice is always available to help organize and support youth programs. Her
interest in youth carries over to serving as a substitute teacher in the Belmont schools. In addition
to raising three children (her oldest daughter Jennifer is our BEFTY advisor), Janice is a sales
representative for several lines of women's sportswear which also involves her in wholesale trade
shows. Janice's primary commitments at the Temple now are the youth programs and BEFTY, to
help develop a love for Judaism in future generations.
Michael Wolfson, who joined only three years ago, has already become a valued member of our
community. Participants in the Saturday morning services and the Torah discussions are well
acquainted with him. The Adult Education Committee has drawn on his knowledge and ability as a
teacher. Mike has taken instrumental roles in the Outreach holiday workshops, has contributed to
the Yom Kippur discussion groups, and has taught a Hebrew calligraphy course. An architect by
profession, specializing in public school and institutional projects, Mike's participation as a young,
unmarried member will bring a different set of viewpoints in addition to bringing his personal
talents to the Board. His primary interest is to make the Young Adult Group a vibrant community
for young members in which will feel comfortable.
Sara Reisman, Nominating Committee
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Sisterhood Book Discussion Group
Regeneration by Pat Barker
Monday October 28 at 7:30 p.m. at a member's home. Call the office for details.
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Jewish Philosophy Study Group
The Jewish Philosophy Study Group will next meet on Wednesday, October 9, at 7:30 p.m. at the
Temple. We will discuss the Kaballah, specifically in regard to music. There will be copies of the
readings in the Adult Education box in the Temple office. Anyone can come and join the group.
New members are always welcome. Prior knowledge not required. For questions or concerns, call
Julian Harlowe.
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Around the Greater Boston Jewish Community:
(Also see the Temple Bulletin Board.)
- Open Houses at Rashi School, Boston Area Jewish Day School, October 3 & 21, from 9:30-
11:00 a.m. (449-6049)
- Jewish Community Volunteer Program of CJP , central clearinghouse for volunteers in the
Greater Boston Jewish Community. Sandie Bernstein, Director (558-6586).
- Feminism, Family and the Jewish Future, Lecture by Blu Greenberg, noted Orthodox
Feminist, October 15, 10 a.m. Comb. Jewish Women of Gr. Boston (566-0666)
- Marriage Encounter - Jewish Expression, November 9-10 Paul & Sandy Boris Berkowitz
(617-735-0602)
- Separation & divorce support groups for children & adolescents; support/education
programs for adults beginning in October through Jewish Family & Children's Service. Jayne
Gershkowitz, Dir. Comm.(617-227-6641)
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ROSH CHODESH
The next meeting of the Rosh Chodesh group is on Wednesday, October 16, 7:30 p.m. to welcome
the month of Cheshvan. Meetings consist of prayers, study, socializing and sometimes music and
dance. Please come and learn about some women's rituals in Judaism. In October, we will be
doing some guided imagery.
We will meet at the home of a temple member. RSVP to Adele Oppenheim or Sheila Doctoroff .
Sheila Doctoroff
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Thank You Note from David Carrier
Dear Friends,
Thanks to you all for the lovely gifts last June. It has been my pleasure to be a part of Beth El
Temple Center for the last six years, and your gifts will keep you with me for years to come.
I wish you all the best for the New Year and the future. May Temple Beth El continue to
blossom under the inspired leadership of Rabbi Kraus and Cantor Fine.
Sincerely,
David Carrier
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BROTHERHOOD
Brotherhood launched its new year with the annual dinner at Eddie Doctoroff's home in Gloucester.
Twelve members attended, including the Rabbi and the Temple president. It was a good gathering
and excellent opportunity to catch up after the summer. Our next event was building the Temple
Succah.
In addition to hosting many events for the community that have become the hallmarks of
Brotherhood - the Hanukkah party, Family Bowling, and the Religious School picnic, we will be
experimenting with smaller events for the men of the congregation. The format - speakers, films,
or just discussion - has not been determined. Of course we shall continue with our Sunday
morning "Schmooze Room" offering coffee, bagels, and the New York Times.
All of this will be possible only if we continues to receive the support of the men of the
congregation. I extend a special invitation to them to come to the October 7, meeting, and help
plan an active year. We have set a goal of 75 members, up from 50 last year. With their help,
we'll be off to an active, satisfying year of brotherhood.
Joseph Tovares, President
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OUTREACH COMMITTEE
The Outreach Committee was originally formed to support interfaith couples and families though
our mission goes beyond that. On October 6, at 9:30 a.m. at the Temple, we are proud to sponsor
"Raising Children in an Interfaith Home,"a very special program for interfaith couples with
children facilitated by Esther Kosofsky who has worked with in this field for more that 10 years.
Many of us face unique challenges and experience great joy in teaching our children about religion.
This session offers a wonderful opportunity to share experiences and learn from others in a
supportive environment. We hope you'll join us; babysitting will be provided. For more information
or to RSVP, call Cindy Rubin.
Annie Fantasia will host our first Havdalah service of the year on October 19, 5:30 p.m. Join us.
RSVP to Annie.
Parents of children married to a non-Jewish spouse will meet for a potluck brunch and
discussion on November 24, at Steve and Bettina Winter's home. SAVE the DATE! More later.
Cindy Rubin, Chair
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SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Happy New Year, and come join us! Next meeting is on October 6, 9:30 a.m. in the Library. We
intend to use this meeting to choose a focus for the year. We expect to work on some small
projects in different areas, with our primary effort applied to Food and Shelter. We are planning a
three-pronged approach of social action, political advocacy, and educational activities, and need
your input of how best to serve our community. At this meeting, we shall also host a
representative from Family to Family, a program that provides financial support to families in
need. Please call Sharon Rich or Ariel Kohn for more information.
There is time to participate in our Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur food drive: take a bag with the
yellow "Beth El Temple Center Food Drive" sticker, fill it with nonperishable food, and return it to
the Temple. We especially invite donations of apple juice and unsweetened cereal which were
requested for the October pickup by Family Table, a program of Reform Judaism.
It is not too early to mark your calendar for Sunday, April 13, 1997, our second annual Mitzvah
Day. Remember also that you can drop off food in our box near the Temple office year 'round.
We regularly deliver it to the Waverly Fire Station, the Belmont Food Pantry.
Join us in our exciting work. Social action has long been an important component of Reform
practice. The repair of the world, tikkun olam, comes one Mitzvah at a time, through every one of
us.
Sharon Rich & Ariel Kohn, Cochairs
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