Beth El Temple Center Bulletin
February
1998
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Table of Contents
February
Worship Schedule
Shabbat Services
Friday, February 6th-Saturday, February 7th
Family Service/Pot Luck [Rabbi Kraus] 6:15 PM
Regular Service [Cantor Fine] 8:15 PM
Junior Congregation [downstairs] 8:15 PM
Shabbat Teaching Service/Luncheon 10:00 AM
B’shalach
Exodus 13:17-17:16
Friday, February 13th-Saturday, February 14th
Shabbat Evening Service 8:00 PM*
"Sermon in Song" (Cantor Fine)
Shabbat Morning Service 10:00 AM
Tot Shabbat [downstairs] 10:15 AM
Yitro
Exodus 18:1-20:23
Friday, February 20th-Saturday, February 21st
Shabbat Evening Service (Torah Reading) 8:00 PM
Shabbat Shekalim Morning Service 10:00 AM
Mishpatim
Exodus 21:1-24:18
[+Exodus 30:11-16]
Friday, February 27th-Saturday, February 28th
Kitah Beit Class Service (simchas) 8:00 PM
Shabbat Morning Service 10:00 AM
Terumah
Exodus 25:1-27:19
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From the Rabbi
I’m finishing my most recent battle with "the Cold" that’s been going around. Four days ago, my left ear became completely clogged and I could hardly hear out of it. Previously, I’d only felt that way for a brief time after coming off an airplane. Four days of that sensation (including Shabbat services at which I had to lead and teach when I could hardly hear myself, the Cantor or the congregation) left me feeling slightly panicky and claustrophobic. What if I never regained my hearing in that ear?
I began the Shabbat morning service as I always do, welcoming the congregation. My voice echoed loudly inside my head but I could not tell whether others could hear me or if I was shouting. Then we began the morning blessings.
The first prayer praises God for the gift of our physical health. The literal Hebrew translation is: "Blessed are You, Adonai, Ruler of the universe, who has formed human being in wisdom, and created in us a system of ducts and tubes. It is well known before Your glorious throne that if but one of these be opened, or if one of those be closed, it would be impossible to exist in Your presence. Blessed are You, Adonai, who heals all creatures and does wonders."
I have read those words many times before. Occasionally, I even have managed to transform the reading into an act of genuine prayer. But I have seldom prayed those words with the focus and intensity of this past Shabbat.
Blessed is the Source of wisdom that reminds us to be grateful for unnoticed, daily gifts. Blessed is the Source of courage that enables the afflicted to continue hoping, to adapt and survive—waiting for recoveries that sometimes do not come. Blessed are You Adonai, who forms our bodies with wisdom, the Power that flows through the mystery of sickness and health, of suffering and healing.
My hearing returned last night.
Rabbi Jonathan Kraus
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President's Message
Study is central to a Jewish life, and the breadth of topics that raise questions of significance is surprisingly broad. Early last January I read a brief paperback book by Amir Aczel recounting for lay readers the historical context and modern process of Andrew Wiles' proof of Fermat's Last Theorem, a deceptively simple statement that no integer, non-zero solution exists for an infinitely large family of simple equations, xn + yn = zn, for all integers n >2. Wiles is a Princeton Professor of Mathematics who read some mathematical conjectures that led him to believe he could prove this theorem scribbled in the margin of a Latin text by the brilliant 17th century mathematician, Fermat. Wiles spent nearly three years working on the problem alone in his attic office, telling no one. After being stuck for a period of time, he shared his ideas with a colleague who set him off on an entirely different path. After another year this path also lead to an impasse. Wiles then sought counsel of another professor, who once again suggested an entirely different approach to the dilemma. Finally, drawing on many different subsets of the world of higher mathematics and with the help of several colleagues, in 1994 Wiles presented, and ultimately defended, a proof of the theorem.
I am intrigued that his proof is ingenious and yet enormously complicated, drawing upon extremely diverse mathematical concepts. Somehow part of me wants to believe that a simple, elegant proof exists, but the reality is that proving theorems with an infinite number of possible solutions cannot be an easy business. The process takes time and knowledge and dedication; this theorem took three full days to present to professional mathematicians. Moreover, even the best trained human mind requires other intellects to suggest new avenues of research and discovery. In the specific example presented in this book on one mathematical truth, I see parallels to Jewish study.
In studying Torah the truths we seek concerning how to live a righteous Jewish life in our time have no simple, elegant single statement. Each answer is developed from a question developed from other answers, and each of those answers require dedicated thought and study. One overriding, single truth may exist, but for human beings we must build up to larger truths from smaller ones. We can start with Ten Commandments, but ultimately we find ourselves asking more and more difficult questions about how to apply those rules and live by them, and each of those answers leads in turn to other questions.
Professor Wiles needed several major branches of mathematics to prove a seemingly simple assertion. If we seek greater truths in the broader field of human experience, then surely we cannot stop with the wisdom of the Five Books of Moses, nor of the Tanakh, nor even to all works of philosophy and religion. We must be engaged in the study of the Social Sciences, the Natural Sciences, the Humanities, the Fine Arts, for each has approaches to truth and beauty to consider, to evaluate, to debate, and to synthesize into our concept of Judaism.
As Andrew Wiles needed other mathematicians to help him toward a proof of a relatively simple theorem, so we need every kind of scientist, artist, and philosopher to uncover the infinitely more complicated truths of justice and righteousness. If our study of Torah leads naturally to reflections on all human knowledge, then every individual can contribute to the gradual unfolding of larger and larger concepts. Perhaps the most important quality of Jewish study is that eventually the study must be shared, questioned, and strengthened by the synthesis of many points of view.
No doubt some traditionalists will think I've stretched to find Jewish significance in the popular history of the solution of a mathematical puzzle. I remind them of the wealth of interpretation of the sections of the Torah considering the treatment of leprosy, or the construction materials of the tabernacle. For me, any study approached with Jewish values leading toward greater understanding of those values may be Jewish study . . . even a bit of casual reading about Fermat's Last Theorem.
-Jonathan S. Miller, Co-President
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From the Director of Education
Each week in Hebrew School I give the students a summary of the week’s Torah portion. At the end of the portion, there is a question for the students (and their families) to think about. The students return the sheet with their answers.
One week, the students were asked to summarize something important that they had learned from Torah in ten words or less. The results were a lesson to me. The students’ responses included: "We study Torah for a better life. Respect your mother and father. Respect the people around you and help friends in need. God is a creator. My Jewish heritage and the rules of life. That you should be nice to other people. To be righteous and to do God’s mitzvot."
As an educator, it was wonderful to see how much students have learned from their study of Torah. More importantly, they see it as part of their life and not just stories to be heard and then ignored. In our busy world it is easy to forget the important messages of the Torah. What a better world it would be if we acted on them instead. I thank our students for the reminder.
-Toby Koritsky
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From the Cantor
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH
February 1998 is Jewish Music Month, since it contains Shabbat Shirah, or Sabbath of Song. It's Torah portion, B'Shallach (Exodus 13:17-17:16), includes Moses' Song of the Sea, which the Israelites sang after their escape from Egypt and their successful crossing of the Sea of Reeds.
It has become a tradition in Reform Judaism to have a special musical addition to the Shabbat service in the form of a "sermon in song", typically featuring a Jewish composer or some special aspect of Jewish music. On Friday, February 13th, 1998, at our Shabbat Service, I will give a musical presentation on the Jewish composer, Leonard Bernstein. This is based on my senior thesis, Leonard Bernstein: Jewish Interpretations and Applications for His Vocal Music.
Following an abbreviated Shabbat service in the sanctuary, I will present my recital- discussion in the Zonis Auditorium. I will be assisted by partner Joel Hencken, who will serve as narrator, and by our organist, Mark Dwyer, at the piano. We will discuss some of the interesting Jewish moments in Bernstein's life, his contributions to Jewish culture, his liturgical music, and how even some of his "secular" music can be adapted for contemporary Jewish use.
It is a great pleasure for me to be able to share with the congregation, some of this wonderful music and some of the fascinating material about Bernstein that I have been poring over for the last year! Given the Reform movement's openness to diverse musical styles, it has been surprising to me that Leonard Bernstein's music has been so little used in Jewish contexts. I hope this presentation will encourage you to see him as an appealing source of Jewish, as well as popular American music.
Looking forward to seeing you on the 13th!!
-Student Cantor Geoffrey Fine
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From the Preschool Director
At this time of year our activities center around winter. We talk about weather changes, dressing appropriately for the different seasons, how animals live in winter, how we adjust in our homes, etc. We read winter stories, and learn songs about the cold weather. We experiment with ice and snow-melting, measuring and recording.
In keeping with this theme, our three and four year olds have written a story which they would like to share with you…
"A Fun Winter Day"
Jack and Cindy woke up early one winter morning. They put on their warm winter clothes and went outside to make a snowman. They're very cold and it's freezing out. They have to make three snowballs. They make the face with candy balls for the eyes and a carrot for the nose. They cut out a rainbow from paper, for the mouth. They use sticks for arms and raisins for buttons. They make candy feet. They put a hat and scarf on the snowman. Then they collected 4 logs and went inside. The fire was lit and they watched Space Jam. They ate chicken nuggets and drank apple juice by the fire. Then they roasted marshmallows in the fireplace. It feels warm by the fireplace,
But you have to be careful, you have to have a chimney on your house. Jack and Cindy had a fun day and they are going to sleep. They're going to have another fun day in the morning. THE END!
Rolene Karp
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In the Beth El Family . . .
Mazel Tov to Gert and Sam Shapiro on the occasion of their 65th wedding anniversary…They celebrated with their family at their granddaughter’s house in Newton. Gert and Sam have four children, twelve grandchildren, and six great grandchildren!
Congratulations to Sam Rosenberg for being elected to the National Honor Society. Our apologies for being tardy with this announcement.
Emily and Julie Bruskin have both been admitted to Harvard University , early decision. Samantha Weinstein has been admitted to MIT, early decision. Congratulations!
Charlotte Goldstein thanks the Temple family for their continued love and support during her illness. She is most grateful for the donations, cards, visits, and food she has received. A special thank-you goes to her Sisterhood friends.
Our condolences go to Liz Malsky on the death of her mother, Anna Eleanor Zane and to Joan Kerzner on the death of her mother, Blanche Powell.
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BETC GIFT SHOP
Judaica makes great
Valentine's Day Gifts!
We stock tallis clips, jewelry,
AHAVA soaps and lotions,
and much more!
Stop by the office anytime.
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Celebrate Your "Anniversary"!
Many of us reserve a special place in our hearts for our Bar or Bat Mitzvah haftarah portion. The sound of the Hebrew words and the melody of the trope remains etched in our memories. If you’ve got the "etch" (or the tape), we invite you to mark the anniversary of your Bar or Bat Mitzvah by chanting your haftarah during an upcoming Shabbat morning service. The following portions are available through the end of June:
2/7 B’shalach (Judges 4:4-5:31)
2/14 Yitro (Isaiah 6-7:6 + 9:5-6)
2/21 Shabbat Shekalim (II Kings 11:17-12:17)
2/28 Terumah (I Kings 5:26-6:13)
3/14 Ki Tisa (I Kings 18:1-39)
3/21 Shabbat Parah (Ezekiel 36:16-38)
3/28 Shabbat Hachodesh (Ezekiel 45:16-46:18)
4/4 Shabbat Ha’gadol (Malachi 3:4-24)
5/2 Metzora (II Kings 7:3-20)
5/16 Emor (Ezekiel 44:15-31)
6/6 Naso (Judges 13:2-25)
If you are interested in celebrating your anniversary with us, please contact either Rabbi Kraus or Cantor Fine through the Temple office.
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Adult Education
We hope that last month’s Adult Learning column may have whet your appetite for Rabbi Kraus’, Understanding the Hebrew Prayers: Jewish Spirituality through Grammar and Vocabulary
This will be a 12 session, Monday evening class beginning on February 23 and running until April 27. Please consider joining us for this series. This course is intended for anyone who can recognize our Hebrew alphabet and can read our prayers, however slowly or masterfully. Learn some of the basics of grammar and vocabulary. Explore with us not only what the words of our prayers mean but also how we can make them more meaningful for ourselves. So come nurture and express your Jewish
spirituality with our Rabbi and your fellow congregants. We suspect it will be a wonderful class to develop our community’s commitment to our traditions made all the better by your presence.
I also want to remind everyone that our Visiting Scholar Dr Judith Kates will be coming to teach us at Beth El this May. Dr Kates has been teaching adult education programs in the Boston area and at Hebrew College since 1987. She is co-editor of two books, Beginning Anew: A Women’s Companion to the High Holidays (Simon & Schuster, 1997) and, Reading Ruth: Contemporary Women Reclaim a Sacred Story (Ballantine Books, 1987). Our class, A Seminar on the Book of Ruth is scheduled for four Monday evenings May 4th, 11th, 18th, & 25. We will soon have the Reading Ruth book available at the temple office. Dr. Kates has a fine reputation as a teacher, and we know that we are very fortunate that she will be able to join us. We hope that you will consider attending this year’s Visiting Scholar Program.
Lunch with Rabbi Kraus is scheduled for Thursday Noon February 12, 1998…Early Morning Monthly Midrash will meet Monday at 7:30am and on February 23, 1998…Jewish Philosophy Study Group will meet Wednesday at 7:30pm February 4, 1998…
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Outreach Committee
HOLD THE DATE FOR THESE UPCOMING PROGRAMS AT BETH EL TEMPLE CENTER
Saturday, February 7 at 10:00 a.m. This is a great opportunity to learn more about Shabbat and the meaning and structure of the Saturday morning service. Throughout the service the Rabbi will explain the purpose and meaning of the different sections and answer our questions. A light lunch will follow the service.
Workshop on "Creating a Jewish Home", Sunday, March 22 at 9:30 a.m. and Sunday, March 29, 1998 at 11:15 a.m. (please note the different times). See Flyer for more information.
- Passover Workshop
, Wednesday, April 8, 1998 at 7:30 p.m. at Beth El Temple Center. Overview of the Passover rituals, including the seder, the Haggadah, and the food!
- Israeli Dancing
, Sunday, June 7, 1998 at 7:00 p.m. Need we say more? Just come and have fun.
-Cindy Rubin
(General information is available on-line about the
Reform outreach program, and
regional
outreach programs.)
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SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE
The Social Action Committee continues to look for and to offer opportunities for Temple members to participate in tikkun olam, repairing the world, one mitzvah at a time.
We would like to acknowledge the 40 BETC members that participated in Project Ezra in December, preparing and serving Christmas meals allowing Christian food providers to have the holiday off to spend with their families. This was a great representation from our Temple.
At our January SAC meeting, Roger Coulton and Judie Feins presented information about the Belmont Fair Housing Committee. They are trying to ensure that some of the McLean Hospital property is used to provide housng to middle income families. If you know anyone who is currently renting in Belmont and would like to buy their own home here, but feels they cannot afford it, please call Mr. Coulton at 484-0597, or Ms. Feins at 484-6302 for more information.
Thanks to Jonathon Jacoby, the SAC file in the Temple library is now well organized so that community members can easily find opportunities to fulfill their mitzvot for tikkun olam. Please make a point to stop by and check it out the next time you're at the Temple! Temple members are also always welcome to attend our monthly meetings held at 9:30am on the second Sunday of each month at the Temple.
-Anne Emmerich, Secretary
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Women of Reform Judaism
You Have Probably Had Enough Winter By Now . If Thoughts Of Spring Are Floating Through Your Mind And You Need To Get Away From It All Please Call Me Today. The Regional Board Has Put Together A Retreat At Ocean Edge Resort In Brewster, Mass. The Date Is March 20-22, 1998. The Cost Is $ 190.00, And We Have Scholarship Money Which We Would Like To Give Out To First Time Attendees. For More Information Call Sheila Doctoroff At 484-2523.
Merle Kummer And Abbie Fisher Report That Our Cradle Roll Program Has 41 Families Involved . If You Know A Family With Children, Between The Ages Of 2-5 Tell Them About This Wonderful Holiday Program.
The Sisterhood Purim Carnival Will Be A Huge Hit With Our School Kids On March 15!! Miriam Weil Is The Chair Of This Wonderful Event. There Will Be Games And Prizes. Lunch Will Be Served, So Plan To Make A Day Of It.
We Are Pleased To Welcome Laurie Friedman To Our Board. She Is A New Member Who Has Offered To Keep Track Of Our Membership. We Appreciate Her Efforts On Our Behalf. Thanks Laurie !!!!
You Will Not Usually Find Beauty Secrets In The Temple Bulletin But There Is A Special Product In The Gift Shop You Should Buy…Ahava Products From Israel Are The Perfect Answer To Your Winter Time Skin Woes. We Have Several Creams To Choose From--I Promise You Will Thank Us And Those Folks At The Dead Sea Who
Scoop Up All That Mineral Mud.
Keep June 7th Free…Tami Kaplan Is Going To Take Us To A Salute To Israel On It's 50th Birthday. This Event Will Take Place At Symphony Hall (The Boston Pops) Watch For Flyers Soon. Please Feel Free To Call Me Anytime…
-Myrna Robinson-Weiner
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