Beth El Temple Center Bulletin
April
1998
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Table of Contents
April
Worship Schedule
Special Services
Friday, April 10 - Saturday, April 11
Erev Pesach Service 6-6:30 PM
Pesach Festival Service 10:00 AM
Thursday, April 16-Friday, April 17
7th Day Pesach Service 7:30 PM
7th Day Pesach/Yizkor Service 9:00 AM
Wednesday, April 22
Yom Ha’shoa Service 7:30 PM
(Holocaust Remembrance Service)
Shabbat Services
Friday, April 3rd-Saturday, April 4th
Family Service/Pot Luck 6:15 PM
{Please call Temple office to RSVP for Pot Luck}
Social Action Shabbat 8:15 PM
Shabbat Hagadol Morning Service 10:00 AM
Tzav
Leviticus 6:1-8:36
Friday, April 10th-Saturday, April 11th
Pesach Festival Services (see above)
Friday, April 17th-Saturday, April 18th*
Shabbat Evening Service 8:00 PM
Shabbat Morning Service 10:00 AM
Shemini
Leviticus 9:1-11:47
Friday, April 24th-Saturday, April 25th
Shabbat Evening Service (simchas) 8:00 PM
Shabbat Morning Service 10:00 AM
Bat Mitzvah of Elizabeth Dresner,
daughter of Charles Dresner and Judith Rosen
Shemini
Leviticus 9:1-11:47
[*Please note that our congregation observes 7 days of Pesach (for traditional Jews, this Shabbat is the 8th day)]
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From the Rabbi
At my health club, people pay a fee to become members. The fee entitles them to use whichever of the programs and exercise equipment appeal to them. People come frequently or infrequently as their schedule and priorities dictate. They take advantage of the staff when they need help or ignore them entirely. If they pass other members in the hall, they may say "hello" or ignore them. But most people don’t seem to come looking for new friends or relationships.
At my synagogue, people contribute tzedakah (in accordance with their means) to support Jewish programs and activities in which they believe. The contribution entitles members to fulfill the mitzvah of supporting Jewish life and strengthening the Jewish future. Members feel they are part of a community that depends upon their active participation and their care in order to survive. For that, members come as often as they can because they feel responsible to support the community, because the activities are meaningful and because the synagogue is the place in which they find people who care for them and about whom they care.
At my synagogue, members consider the leaders of the congregation important people in their extended Jewish families. Members don’t turn to the professionals only when they need help or have a question. They would never ignore these Jewish teachers, whom they value as friends and spiritual companions. Passing other people in the hallway, synagogue members not only make an effort to say, "hello," they try to form some sort of a connection—large or small. People come here to create and discover a wealth of Jewish connections.
Of course, some people confuse the health club with the synagogue. We view the synagogue as a "fee for service" provider and its leaders as employees. We use the synagogue only when we need it or when we feel like it or when an occasional program interests us. We don’t consider our responsibilities and our opportunities as members of a covenant community. What a loss for all of us.
Rabbi Jonathan Kraus
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President's Message
Instead of the philosophical musings that I have generally contributed to this space, news this month must take precedence over editorial comment. As I write, the March Trustees' Meeting is still over a week away, but its agenda and resolutions are the products of many months of work and discussion, so I expect that these resolutions will be approved by a substantial majority. Taken together these actions are palpable symbols of the course this congregation has chosen for several years to come.
The Board of Trustees(BOT) will give final consideration to last month's proposal by Carl Rosenberg, the new Chair of the Building Committee, that we hire the architects Leers-Weinzappel to complete the schematic plans developed before we started the Capital Campaign. The architects have already started to consider the many suggestions that came out of the Capital Campaign meetings, and to develop a schedule. We expect that we'll have revised plans and drawings to share with the congregation some time in late May or early June. Meanwhile Carl and his committee will be meeting with professional and lay leadership, serving as intermediaries to the architects, and helping us make choices for this project. At another level, however, this resolution represents the beginning of a new phase in the Capital Campaign. We already have $1.3 million in pledges, have collected over 35% of that amount, and are still continuing to solicit and receive new pledges. Now we are starting the process of turning schematics and good ideas into builders' plans that we can afford, and of converting cash and commitment into bricks and mortar. By the time you read this we should be well on our way to defining a construction schedule and how it effects our programming.
Sharon Feinberg's Budget Committee will present its work to the BOT for amendment and approval. The approved budget will be presented for a vote at the May Temple Center Meeting. Underlying this quotidian but important task are momentous changes in our Temple. The most obvious is the change in dues structure. We have self-assessments for next year's dues from two-thirds of our congregants, distributed much as was projected across all the proposed dues categories. Based on that substantial majority and upon a projection of modest growth in membership, we have projected dues revenues next year at $75,000 more than last year. Last year we budgeted a shortfall of nearly 9% of budget to be covered from reserves (although our current projections show a substantially better outcome). For next year we are trying to cut back from a 2% shortfall to a 1% shortfall or less by the time the budget is presented to the congregation.
The expense budget has grown reflecting our priorities and expanding activity. In addition to contractual and cost of living increments for our staff, the budget includes a three year renewal for Toby Koritsky, our Director of Education. Our agreement with Toby reconfirms our congregation's commitment to learning and study for children and adults, and to Toby's leadership in these areas. The agreement also begins to bring her compensation into an appropriate range for Temple educators with her skills, experience, and responsibilities.
The largest new commitment for the congregation is to hire Geoffrey Fine as Cantor. The proposal is to hire Geoff at 75-80% of full time in the first year by limiting some his responsibilities, and then to move to full time in the second year of the contract. Rabbi Kraus, Cantor Fine and the lay leadership are trying to resolve the specific tasks, but we have agreed that along with his cantorial duties at services Geoff will be our principle B'nei Mitzvah tutor and will teach in the Religious School. Some number of commitments to pastoral care, volunteer choirs, and various concerts will have to wait for the second year.
As the skipper of a small sailboat coming about, that is, changing course by tacking, there is a moment after you've pushed the tiller to leeward where the bow of the boat points into the wind and the boat begins to lose way. If you've done it right, that moment is short and the bow swings over, the sails flutter and then fill, the boat heels and picks up speed. But at that moment pointing into the wind you can do nothing but wait for momentum, for the water pressure on the tiller, for the little noise as the tension on the mast shifts from one side to the other. Institutions come about more slowly than little boats. Over the winter we have pushed the tiller to change course. Now our bow has passed though the source of the wind, and over the next few months I hope we'll all feel our ship move forward and gain speed.
-Jonathan Miller, Co-President
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From the Director of Education
In April, the Jewish community will be celebrating Israel’s 50th year of statehood. There will be concerts, fairs, lectures and probably some politics. I am lucky to have been to Israel three times. The first time, I was just a kid of nineteen. I had not been raised with any ideas of Zionist dreams but, for some reason, Israel had a magic that caught my attention. It was a trip that was a potpourri of experiences. We toured, worked on a dig and a kibbutz and never seemed to sleep. Eilat was not the resort area it is today and it was safe to sleep on the beach. It was also the first time that I saw people my age carrying guns. The news about Israel took on a new meaning because it was now about people who were more real and places that could be pictured in my mind’s eye.
The next visit was not for another twenty years and the third visit would come two years later. These visits were different because I was there as a student and stayed in place for longer periods of time. I had grown up and so had the country. Neither of us was quite so innocent and wide-eyed anymore. My trip to the kotel (Western Wall) was not the religious experience I thought it was "supposed" to be. Perhaps it was the questions in my mind about the rights of women and prayer in that location. I wasn’t sure that I wanted the American invasion of fast food restaurants even if it was good for the economy. The security issues had remained the same and it still required time to accept getting your bag checked as a way of life.
Today, there are many issues that we may debate about our relationship with Israel. But, like any family, there is that connection that makes us part of who we are as Jews and is so crucial. We need to care. We teach the children about Israel and I hope that all of the students will one day take a trip to Israel that will make their connection real and strong. On April 5th the whole school will celebrate this milestone year. I invite you to join us or to check out what is happening in the greater Jewish community. It is a special time not to be missed.
-Toby Koritsky
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From the Preschool Director
The preschool children had a wonderful time using their imaginations to celebrate Purim. Our Kings and Queens enjoyed a lot of dramatic play as they acted
out the holiday story with crowns, masks, and costumes. As we read about wicked Hamen, the youngsters shook their handmade groggers. We sang Purim songs and had fun role playing with our original puppets. Everyone baked hamentashen to take home in specially decorated Purim baskets in keeping with the custom of giving sweet gifts to family and friends.
Soon you will receive some Star Market Share coupons which we hope you will use on the days designated at Star Market. Some of the profits from your grocery purchases will be donated to the preschool. Hopefully we will earn enough money to buy some new rugs for our classroom.
We are presently enrolling children ages 3-5 years for
our summer camp program. This year, it is offered beginning the last week in June through the end of July. The hours are 9-1:30PM, Monday through Thursday. Our program will offer stories, games, arts and crafts, songs and swimming in the wading pool.
There is no Judaica for these few weeks. If you would like more information about camp, please call me at the Temple.
Rolene Karp
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In the Beth El Family . . .
Mazal Tov to Blanche Marlin on her 95th birthday!…
Elizabeth Lee Dresner … will become Bat Mitzvah on April 25th. She is the daughter of Chuck dresner and Judith Rosen. In June, Elizabeth will graduate from the eighth grade.
She is an accomplished jewelry-maker whose work is sold at Susi's in Cambridge, and she enjoys playing the piano and the flute.
Paula Lerner's photograph's, A Widow on Welfare--An Untold Story", has won first place awards in both the single and series awards categories on issue reporting by the 1997 National Press Photographers Association, a nationwide contest with more than 28,000 photographs entered. Congratulations, Paula!
Best wishes to Laurie Tolman, who is recovering from surgery.
Our condolences to Liz Blumenthal on the death of her mother, Mildred Blumenthal and to the family of Dot Stern, a long time Temple member.
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Thank You
On behalf of the entire congregation, I thank the Women of Reform Judaism-Beth El Temple Sisterhood for our beautiful new havdalah set. As you know, we try to celebrate havdalah each time we have a Saturday evening program. This gift truly fulfills the ideal of hiddur mitzvah¾
making our fulfillment of the mitzvot as beautiful as possible.
We look forward to sharing this new treasure with you at our upcoming Congregational Seder. Meanwhile, we thank the women of Sisterhood for their continued generosity and devotion to our congregation!
-Rabbi Kraus
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WE NEED YOUR HELP!
The Ad Book is a long standing fundraiser of
Beth El Temple Center. We want to involve more Temple members in all aspects of this worthwhileproject. There is a need for many skills:
- Graphic Design
- Desktop Publishing
- Sales and marketing
- Publishing
- Accounting
- Project Management
We want your ideas, energy and commitment
to this great project.
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School Registration
SCHOOL REGISTRATION
1998-1999
Registration forms for the 1998-1999
School year will be sent out in april.
Registration is due may 17.
This is essential in determining class size and staffing needs. For those parents who are planning kindergarten enrollment
or will be new to the school in grade one, please call the office for a registration form.
Thank you for your cooperation.
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Lunch with the Rabbi Recipes
Fish Soup
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 leek, diced
½ tsp. thyme
½ bay leaf
2 cups crushed tomatoes
1 pint fish broth (Greer’s)
¼ cup fennel, chopped, or ½ teaspoon crushed fennel seed
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 1/2 lb. Cod, scrod or other white fish (I use Greer’s fish soup pieces), cut into 1 inch chunks.
In a large kettle heat the oil, add the celery, onion,
garlic, leek, thyme, and bay leaf and cook five minutes.
Add the tomatoes, fish broth, fennel, salt, pepper and parsley and simmer fifteen minutes.
Add the fish and continue cooking until fish is cooked through.
This recipe is adapted from The New York Times Cookbook recipe for Bouillabaisse.
Mushroom Bolognese
½ oz. Dried shiitake mushrooms
½ lb. button mushrooms
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium shallot, chopped
1 medium garlic clove, chopped fine
1 16-ounce can salt-free whole tomatoes
1 tablespoon double-concentrate tomato paste
2 teaspoons sugar
½ tablespoon dried oregano
½ tablespoon dried basil
Put shiitake mushrooms in a small bowl and add enough warm water to cover. Leave them to soak about 15 minutes, until soft.
Put the shiitakes and the button mushrooms in a food processor that has been fitted with a metal blade. Process until finely chopped.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic and saute until tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the chopped mushrooms and saute, stirring frequently, until all the liquid from the mushrooms has evaporated and they have just begun to brown, 10 to 15 minutes.
Add the tomatoes, breaking them up with your hands. Stir in the tomato paste, sugar, oregano, and basil. Simmer until the sauce is thick but still slightly liquid, 10 to 15 minutes. Pour over cooked pasta.Serves 4
Dietary information per serving (sauce only):
Calories: 105 Cholesterol: 0 mg
Fat: 4 g Sodium: 63 mg
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Ad Books Available
The 1998 AD BOOK is Here!
Please pickup your copy of the Ad Book at the
temple office. This year's ad book has a label for
each Temple member (or member family). There are boxes in the Temple Office with one book per member. Please take the book reserved for you. If you require additional copies of the Ad Book, the cost is $2.50 per book.
This is an important Temple fundraiser and also serves as a way to connect our Temple family. Let’s thank Irving Adler, Ruth Cohen, Richard Winter, Stephen and Bettina Winter for their commitment to
this project. Many thanks to our Temple members who have generously supported this project.
-Paulette Black
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Sisterhood Book Discussion Group
Monday, April 6th, at 7:30PM
"A Lesson Before Dying"
by Ernest Gaines
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BEFTY: Beth El Federation of Temple Youth
March has been an exciting month for BEFTY. The Purim carnival was great, and there were some great costumes! Everyone is looking forward to BEFTY's Shul-In on March 21st. The theme is going to be Othodox Jews, and we will be learning about their traditions. This should be a fun way to learn new things and meet people from other youth groups. Next month, in April, is creative arts weekend. BEFTY will be sending two members, who are both looking forward to this event. I hope everyone has a great Passover!!
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Adult Education
Adult Learning is very pleased to invite you to attend this year’s Visiting Scholar Program. This is an opportunity to study with Dr. Judith Kates, a leading scholar on Jewish Women Studies. We will explore the Book of Ruth.A Biblical work that focuses primarily on relationships between women. With the aid of both traditional and contemporary commentaries, we will consider themes such as lovingkindness and law, duty and loyalty and the nature of inter-personal relationships between mother-daughter, husband-wife, and friends.
We will also study the connection between the Book of Ruth and the holiday of Shavuot, which celebrates the giving of Torah to the Jewish people. No knowledge of Hebrew is required. Men and Women are encouraged to come together to study these biblical relationships with Dr. Kates . So mark your calendars for four Mondays in May. May 4th, May 11th, May 18th and May 25th. Tuition for all sessions is $60 for Beth El congregants and $75 for guests. Dr. Kates’s book Reading Ruth: Contemporary Jewish Women Reclaim a Sacred Story is available NOW at the Temple office. If you have any questions please call me. We hope that many will be able to enjoy this special opportunity with a gifted teacher.
-Arlene Feinberg, Chair
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Outreach Committee
The Outreach Committee
presents
Seder Workshop
Wednesday, April 8, 7:30 p.m
at Beth El Temple Center
Just in time before Passover to review details of the seder. Get ideas on how to improve you seder or how to do a seder if this will be your first time hosting one.
A
Review the structure of the Seder
A
Review a variety of Haggadot
A
Review what you need to buy and how to arrange the table
A
Offer options for beginners and the more experienced hosts
EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
RSVP to Rose or Maureen at (617)484-6668.
(General information is available on-line about the
Reform outreach program, and
regional
outreach programs.)
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