Beth El Temple Center Bulletin
January
1998
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Table of Contents
January
Worship Schedule
Special Services
Monday, January 19th
Belmont Community Program & Service To Honor
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. TBA
Shabbat Services
Friday, January 2nd-Saturday, January 3rd
Family Service/Pot Luck [Rabbi Kraus] 6:15 PM
{Please call to RSVP for dinner}
Regular Service [Cantor Fine] 8:15 PM
Shabbat Morning Service 10:00 AM
Va’yigash
Genesis 44:18-47:27
Friday, January 9th-Saturday, January 10th
Shabbat Service 8:00 PM
Junior Congregation (downstairs) 8:00 PM
Shabbat Morning Service 10:00 AM
Tot Shabbat (downstairs) 10:15 AM
Va’yechi
Genesis 47:28-50:26
Friday, January 16th-Saturday, January 17th
Service Honoring Toby Koritsky 8:00 PM
Shabbat Morning Service 10:00 AM
Shemot
Exodus 1:1-6:1
Friday, January 23rd-Saturday, January 24th
Kitah Gimmel Class Service 8:00 PM
Shabbat Morning Service 10:00 AM
Va’era
Exodus 6:2-9:35
Friday, January 30th-Saturday, January 31st
New Member Shabbat 7:00 PM ( Early Starting Time)
Shabbat Morning Service 10:00 AM
Bo
Exodus 10:1-13:16
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From the Rabbi
My childhood unfolded during the 1960’s. Like most children, I was largely unaware of the history being made around me. Yet, among the items of childhood memorabilia I still possess, I do find witnesses to the times that shaped my growing up.
Among those carefully saved treasures, I find a book report with a cover of orange construction paper. The book was a biography of Martin Luther King Jr. On the orange cover, I’ve drawn a likeness of Dr. King. I always was proud of that drawing.
Recently, I’ve been reading Taylor Branch’s powerful account of the civil rights moment, Parting the Waters. The book presents Dr. King, the Kennedy brothers and other heroes of my childhood in the fullness of their humanity.
My heroes struggle with their fears, their insecurities and their less worthy impulses. They sometimes seem manipulative or even cynical and petty. Many of their decisions are motivated as much by political consideration as by principle. They expend a great deal of energy on relatively mundane matters of administration and organization. Often, they work incredibly hard and make enormous sacrifices for the sake of a tiny detail within the immense, new portrait of America they envision.
Still, they are my heroes. These leaders emerge as painfully human and flawed. Yet, each of them rises to the challenge of moments that transform him and our country. There are moments when each leader finds the inspiration and courage to transcend small daily frustrations, ego needs and political concerns. In so doing, they teach us about the possibility and necessity of struggling to express the greatness of our humanity from within the frailty of our humanity. They teach us about the resilient power of idealism and the need to persevere, even with our inevitable imperfections.
It’s a good lesson to recall this month as we honor Dr. King’s life. It’s a good lesson to recall as we renew our commitment to Dr. King’s work. I still am proud of that drawing.
-Rabbi Jonathan E. Kraus
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President's Message
In 164 B.C.E, on the twenty-fifth of Kislev, Judah Maccabee and his troops restored their Temple after the Syrian destruction. The small cruse of oil that was barely enough for one day burned for a full eight days. And for each day, the Jewish people came together as one community to celebrate the rededication, the renewal of their commitment to G-d and to their holy place.
And so too in the year 1997, the people of Beth El Temple Center came together with a commitment to renew our own holy place. Now as 1998 begins, we should take a few moments, and a few words, to reflect on what this year has meant in the life of, and for the future of, our Temple community.
You may think the vision of renewal began in January 1997 with the start of the Capital Campaign. However, it began several years before with the Long-Range Planning Committee under the leadership of Howie Herzog. That committee assessed the Temple’s physical needs, recommending the development of a master plan to address our future space requirements, handicapped accessibility, and the condition of our existing building. From this recommendation, the Building Committee was formed with the charge of hiring an architect to prepare preliminary designs for the renovation. That charge was completed in the early Fall of 1996. Our Capital Campaign began in January 1997 with the goal of raising $1.5 million to make the vision, documented in the architect’s drawings, a reality.
And 1997 was a wondrous year at Beth El Temple Center. I say this in part because we have raised $1.3 million. Many congregants have given their time and efforts tirelessly to make the fund-raising a success. Many more congregants have made pledges, stretching financially with their participation. This monetary accomplishment is only a small part of the wonder. The true accomplishment of 1997 is our coming together as one community with the shared goal of renewing our Temple as a Bet Knesset, Bet Tefilah, Bet Midrash – a house of meeting, of prayer, and of study.
And in 1999 when the renovations are completed, the results will be a more beautiful Beth El Temple Center, thriving with our renewed commitment to each other and to our Jewish future. I look forward to that day.
-Liz Karp, Co-President
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From the Director of Education
In December, I conducted a staff workshop. The topic was parent involvement and parent teacher communication as a means of increasing parent involvement.
The teachers were asked to fill out four columns. In the first column, teachers were asked, "What role do you want to see parents play in their child’s Jewish education?" The answers were varied. They included: the desire to see parents play a more active role, parents as role models, parents reinforcing the curriculum, greater interaction between parents and teachers and having parents value what we do.
Can we guarantee that all this will happen? Not really. However, we, as teachers, can increase our level of communication with parents. Sometimes what we assume is clear isn’t and too much time goes by before we discover that we need to provide more information.
Here’s what we are planning to do. Beginning in January, each teacher will be sending a monthly newsletter home in the mail. They will share what’s happening in the classroom, things to talk about with your child related to the curriculum and more. Please look for it and let us know what you think. As I said to the teachers, communication goes two ways. We are working to increase our level of communication with you. Don’t hesitate to return the favor. Questions or concerns about the curriculum or homework? Something you want to share or learn? Let us know. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.
-Toby Koritsky
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From the Preschool Director
The preschoolers had two themes this month. Our first was learning about pets: how to care for them and which animals would be appropriate for our homes. In school we created a beautiful pet shop window which was filled with our own creations of turtles, mice, fish, birds, etc. The highlight for us was a visit to the Belmont Pet Shop where we saw parrots, guinea pigs, a chinchilla, etc. and even a cat being groomed.
Our other theme at this time of the year was obviously Chanukah. The children had a wonderful time learning the story behind the holiday and all the fun customs that go along with it. We of course decorated our classroom and made presents and cards for our families. Each youngster made a "flameless" menorah to light at home. A parent came in to make potato latkes with use - the group even had a chance to try hand grating.
All of the preschool families celebrated the season at our annual pot lot supper get-together. Rabbi Kraus accompanied us on his guitar as we sang holiday songs. Each family contributed a sum of money as this was also a fundraising event. Proceeds will purchase more brio toys for our classroom.
I would like to thank the Temple Board members for making me feel welcome at the last meeting. The preschool staff appreciates knowing that we have your support for our future endeavors.
-Rolene Karp, Director
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In the Beth El Family . . .
Mazel Tov to Dave and Pam Alper on the birth of their twins Meg and Adam, who were born on November 26th… to Marty Wagner and Naomi Dworkin on the birth of their son, Raphael Lev Wagner and to Shirley Rummerman on the birth of a granddaughter, Hailey Nicole Fuchs…and to Dr. Barry Manuel, who received a distinguished Alumnus Award from Boston University.
Congratulations to five of our Belmont High School students who have been newly inducted into the National Honor Society: Juniors Jacob Comenetz, Sara Klionsky, Rachel Millstein, Jessica Oppenheim and Senior Rebecca Huey.
Laurie Karp and Nathan Lesser will both spend next semester studying in Israel. Laurie, a junior at Duke, will attend Hebrew College in Jerusalem. Nathan, a sophomore at Columbia, will study at Technion in Haifa.
Rabbi Jonathan and Amy Kraus recently celebrated their 10th anniversary. Amy and Jonathan enjoyed a long weekend in Stockbridge, and the Kraus grandparents enjoyed the company of their grandchildren.
Carl Barron, was honored by the Cambridge Family YWCA as "an individual who exemplifies the elements of character represented in the Y’s symbol spirit, mind and body."
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WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS!
Please join us for a special service on Friday night, January 30th as we welcome our new Temple members. Let our newest members know how delighted we are that they’ve joined our family. Get to know them and make some new Temple friends. Services begin early at 7:00 p.m., immediately after the annual Sisterhood Shabbat dinner at 6:00 p.m. Don’t miss it!
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SERVICE TO HONOR TOBY KORITSKY
Please make a special effort to join us for services on Friday night, January 16th. During the service, we honor our wonderful Director of Education, Toby Koritsky. As most of you know, Toby was honored recently with the prestigious title of "Reform Jewish Educator." Joining us to present the beautiful certificate will be Lois Edelstein—Toby’s friend and mentor. Lois is among the most highly respected Jewish educators in the Boston community and we are delighted to welcome her to Beth El. We look forward to sharing with all of you a very proud moment in Toby’s career and in the life of our congregation. See you there!
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PASSPORT TO ISRAEL PROGRAM
The Passport to Israel program will have its annual information meeting on Sunday, January 11th, 1998, at 11:00am in the Zonis Auditorium. All 4th and 7th grade parents and students are encouraged to attend.
A visit to Israel can have a profound effect on your child's Jewish identity and development. The Passport to Israel program is a means that the CJP has devised to help families save for their pre-college aged children's educational trips to Israel.
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Sisterhood Rosh Chodesh Group
On Tuesday, January 6th, we will welcome the month of Tevet at a member's home in Belmont.
We will honor young women in the community. You are welcome to invite your teenage daughter to this meeting. We will discuss how we remember adolescence and what challenges teenage girls face today.
In March, we plan to attend an Orthodox Shabbat service in Newton. Please join us as we celebrate the new moon and discuss issues related to women!
RSVP to the temple.
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Sisterhood Book Discussion Group
The Cunning Man
By Robertson Davies
Monday, January 26th at 7:30PM
At a member's home
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BEFTY: Beth El Federation of Temple Youth
Hi everybody! Befty had another exciting month. Twelve of us went to see Blue Man Group. "It was a blast and a half," said one Befty member. It was a very interesting show. We also had two very successful bake sales, thanks to your support! Beth Jackendoff was the PC at Institute, and had a wonderful time. In January, we will be having a post-Institute dance. This should be a cool change to reunite with friends from Institute. We hope to see you soon, at our next bake sale!
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Adult Education
There are so many people to thank for what was a wonderful Shabbaton. Following Saturday services and lunch, Ed Mattison provided us with an accessible lecture that explained some pretty daunting scientific theories of creation. Rabbi Kraus refreshed our understanding of three Jewish creation myths (two from Genesis and one from the Kabalah). A group of about fifty of us then mulled these over. In the evening we gathered for Havdalah service. Four more scientists participated in a panel discussion ably moderated by Ed Mattison. Ron Calvaino, Ray Jackendoff, Ariel Kohn, and Timothy Roach all spoke of their individual disciplines (a nuero psychologist, a linguist, a molecular biochemist, and atomic physicist ) and their personal quests to reconcile their own experiences of science and theology. After the formal panel discussion ended at around 9:30pm, Zonis auditorium was alive with conversation as folks ate deserts and continued the debate until around 11pm. This synopsis will not do our teachers justice. It was a wonderful day.
Adult Learning is proud and fortunate to have been able to call upon these gifted teachers. I know that all of us who were there, are grateful to each of our participants for sharing their expertise and knowledge with us. We are a family of hidden treasures. Our congregation is fortunate to have been able to mine so much of our temple’s rich talent.
I also want to express great appreciation to Sue Kuelzer, Bryna Milkow, Mike Wolfson, and Susan London for all their dedication and help to make this Adult Learning Shabbaton a very special event.
On Monday February 23 Rabbi Kraus will be teaching a Hebrew prayer reading class. Many of us know how to decode the prayers. We can with various levels of proficiency recognize our alphabet and pronounce the sounds that go with the Hebrew consonants and vowel symbols, but very few of us may actually be able to translate them into their intended words. In this course Rabbi Kraus will teach some basics of Hebrew grammar and vocabulary so that students can begin to understand the Hebrew words we speak and sing at services. Along the way, we will explore not only what the words of our prayers mean but how we can make them more meaningful for ourselves. Given the proper knowledge and skills, almost anyone can nurture and express their Jewish Spirituality in the beautiful words of our tradition. Please note that this is not a beginning Hebrew class. The course is intended for those who already know enough Hebrew to read prayers (even very slowly). Mark your calendar, and please join us for this class.
Arlene Feinberg, Chair
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Youth Committee
The Youth Committee is pleased to share with you that Befty has been having a very busy year. Representatives have attended a conclavette, a shul-in and regional board meetings. Chapter members have gone to a Red Sox game, the Rocky Horror Show and to see The Blue Man Group. Did you know that prior to a Saturday evening social program Befty conducts a Havdalah service?
Beth Jackendoff was chosen as prayer/program coordinator for NFTY-Northeast’s December Institute. This position requires a significant degree of work and dedication. We are proud of Beth and the leadership and enthusiasm she brings to our chapter.
Junior Befty is beginning their programming with 16 members attending a Pre-Chanukah Shul-In in Malden. Jen Nissenbaum our Befty advisor has organized our attendance and will chaperone this event for our Junior Befty in the absence of a Junior Befty advisor. Thank you, Jen.
Junior Befty has a program scheduled for January 11th (Befty will help with programming). In February we will be invited to attend a Shul-In at Temple Ohabei Shalom in Brookline.
The Youth Committee will meet again in February to hear an update from our busy Befty chapter and plan future events for our Junior Befty. Anyone wishing to attend or share ideas for Junior Befty programs, we’d love to hear from you.
-Robin Sagarin, Chair
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Membership Committee
Thanks largely to the warm and vital sense of community that has been engendered by Rabbi Kraus, our staff and all of our congregates – yes, you! – thirty two members have joined or rejoined Beth El since last December. Please welcome them and their families to the Temple and make them feel at home.
The Membership Committee has been busy this fall, holding three open houses for those interested in learning about the Temple, and a delightful brunch to welcome new members. I am very pleased to thank the committee members for their enthusiasm and effective work: Paulette Black, Arlene Feinberg, Arleen Hardiman, Andrea Kramer-Roach, Sue Kuelzer, Paula Lerner, Marsha Mattison, Bryna Milkow, Penny Roscoe, and Mike Wolfson.
-Ed Mattison, Chairman
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