Harry Kraft director of Youth Education
jewish advocate Editor to speak
gbio - newton mayoral accountability meeting
From the RabbiA Good End: Why Simchat Torah MattersWhat makes for a good end? I have been thinking about this question in connection with the coverage of Senator Kennedy’s last weeks and days. As was famously reported, he wanted a good end. Family gathered around him. They shared stories. They celebrated his life and accomplishments. They rededicated themselves to perpetuating his noblest values and his legacy. A good end both captures the essence of what is—and inspires us to rededicate ourselves to what will be. Consider the end of a marriage ceremony. The groom smashes the glass, and then the groom and bride share their first kiss as husband and wife under the chuppah. We capture the essence of what is. Life is full of challenges, represented by the shattered glass. We rededicate ourselves to what will be. We will face all of our challenges in the future together in love, represented by the shared kiss. Consider the end of Shabbat with Havdalah. We capture the essence of what is: the spirit of peace and unity symbolized by the one candle and the fragrant smell of the spices. And we rededicate ourselves to do the work that the next week summons forth in the form of fire—the symbol of productive activity. Consider the end of the Torah, which captures the essence of what is. Moses dies on the wrong side of the River Jordan, never having crossed into the promised land. That is the human condition: at some point, we all come across the River Jordan we cannot cross and the promised land we cannot enter. Unfulfilled yearning is part of life. And yet, Moses knows that his values live on in the Jewish people, and no sooner do we end Deuteronomy than we begin with Genesis. A good end is a gateway to a new beginning. And that brings us to Simchat Torah, the end of our high holiday season. We will read about the death of Moses and the end of Deuteronomy. And then we gather around, we share stories, and we celebrate his life and accomplishments by going back to the beginning and reading about the creation of the world. We rededicate ourselves to perpetuating the Torah of Moses. Since Simchat Torah is Sunday, October 11, all of our community can be present. Students from our own religious school and from Solomon Schechter, Rashi and JCDS, and their parents, and all of us, can participate in this good end. We will honor Anita and David Granoff and Anita Redner with the special aliyot of the last reading of Deuteronomy and the first reading of Genesis. Simchat Torah will be a perfect end and a great beginning. See you there.
|
Two Opportunties To Celebrate Simchat Torah!EREV SIMCHAT TORAH SERVICES, Saturday evening, October 10 will begin with Mincha/Ma’ariv at 6:00 pm in the Gann Chapel followed at 6:45 pm in the Rabbi Chiel Sanctuary with Kabbalat Panim for all of our Kindergarten students (special welcome for all TE Religious and Day school students as they begin their formal Jewish education) and our Erev Simchat Torah celebration. Music by Tizmoret, our Teen band. Simchat Torah Day Exploration & Celebration Come for all or part of the day, the Torah service and hakafot begin at 10:15. RSVP for the luncheon is a MUST!! RSVP to TE.SimchatTorah.RSVP@gmail.com. Please let us know you will be celebrating with us by September 29th. Celebration co-chairs: Ellen and Michael Berk, Laurie and Rich Gliklich, Debbie Reich and Alan Epstein and Rachel and David Pemstein. We thank the “Dr. Trudy Karger Family Education Fund” for its generous sponsorship of this holiday celebration.
|
Join Us on Simchat Torah!October 10: Erev Simchat Torah Services RSVP for the luncheon ASAP to: TE.SimchatTorah.RSVP@gmail.com
|
From the Rabbi Albert I. Gordon Religious School
|
The Jewish Advocate Editor to Speak at Ruach Shabbat RishonIn his first public speaking appearance since being named editor of The Jewish Advocate, Steve Maas will address Ruach Shabbat Rishon, our new 8:00 to 9:00 AM service on October 24th. Ruach Shabbat Rishon is our early morning Shabbat experience for children in grades kindergarten through five. Steve’s first position in journalism was as the editor of his Hebrew School newspaper at Temple Emanuel in Kensington, Maryland. From there, he went on to a distinguished career as a journalist for more than 30 years, spending most of his time at The Boston Globe. There he co-edited Globe West, edited the Calendar section, and headed the Living/Arts copy desk. The Jewish Advocate, founded in 1902, is the oldest continually-circulated English-language Jewish newspaper in the United States. Ruach Shabbat Rishon will also be taking place on October 17th. Ruach Shabbat Rishon addresses the Shabbat wishes of Temple Emanuel families who desire a Shabbat component to their Saturday, but have time conflicts with our 10:30 AM Ruach Shabbat service. Sports uniforms will be welcomed.
|
From the Harry Kraft Director of Informal Youth EducationWAYNE GOLDSTEIN The month of October this year is filled with holidays and many opportunities for our Temple Emanuel youth to be inspired spiritually and celebrate. The festive, harvest holiday of Sukkot begins October 2 and we hope many of our teens will join us for our first Sr USY Lounge Night in the Brezniak Sukkah on October 5th-always a fun time for everyone. Simchat Torah and Shemini Atzeret (October 10-11) offer ample opportunities for our youth to join in the fun as we celebrate the completion of the cycle of reading the torah done every Shabbat with marching and dancing-a very good time to be in the synagogue, hanging out with friends and enjoying being Jewish! Youth of all ages are invited to come to the Solomon Youth Lounge for a Simchat Torah party after services-there is no religious school or Prozdor the following day so please stay a bit later and enjoy the new games and hang out with your friends. The Kadima/USY Boat cruise for kids in grades 5-12 is on October 18th as we will join hundreds of other youth from the New England area on a tour of Boston Harbor and George’s Island. You must be a paid member of the youth department to attend the boat cruise. The trip is beautiful and pleasurable so please register early for this event. There are many activities to choose from this month and we look forward to seeing your children joining in the fun. Chag Sameach! October 2009 Events (subject to change)Monday, October 5th- Senior USY lounge night from 6:30-8:00 in the Brezniak Sukkah For more information on the above activities or to register your child for the Harry Kraft Youth Department, please contact Wayne Goldstein (wgoldstein@templeemanuel.com, 558-8121) or Elyssa Cohen (ecohen@templeemanuel.com, 558-8140). Check out the new TE website for up to date information at www.templeemanuel.com
|
Enrichment Opportunities for All School-Age TE Children!
|
Hebrew Our HeritageEric Ungar, class participantAlthough I can read Hebrew (not too fluently), and although I have picked up some vocabulary from reading the siddur and the Chumash with the English and Hebrew side-by-side and from exposure to my children’s Hebrew school and Camp Yavneh education, I have never really studied Hebrew. “Hebrew, our Heritage” has given me the opportunity to learn and appreciate some basics of the biblical language. I have particularly enjoyed learning how words are formed from common roots and how some of the idioms in the Chumash provide insights into the thought processes that underlie the concepts. Surprisingly, all this has not involved a great deal of time or tedious grammar. Anyone interested in learning more about what the Chumash “really” says owes it to him/herself to look into this course. Our teacher, Yona Rosenman, is devoted to this sort of teaching. She is a sabra who has a wonderful command not only of the language in all its ramifications, but also of the biblical meanings and interpretations. Register for the above course today! In the course HEBREW OUR HERITAGE: UNDERSTANDING MODERN AND ANCIENT TEXTS participants study the structure of the Hebrew language and acquire a basic working vocabulary. As participants knowledge of Hebrew increases , the class will use what has been learned to read and interpret ancient and modern texts, including selections from Tanakh, Siddur, and Rabbinics. Each lesson will include new elements of Hebrew grammar, short readings in Modern Hebrew and traditional texts in the original Hebrew. This course will meet once a week on a weekday evening for 1 1/2 hours beginning in mid-October. The meeting time will be set by class participants. There will be a fee (tbd) for this course. For information and to register for this course please contact Maida Rubin, mkrubin@comcast.net. Additional Hebrew courses for adults being offered this year include:
Using the beginning level Hebrew newspaper ‘Sha’ar LaMathil’ printed with vowels (and a Hebrew/English dictionary!) this group will meet once a week during the daytime for 1-1½ hours beginning in mid-October in the Rabbi Lifson Library to read and discuss Israeli and Jewish current events. This course is for beginning and intermediate Hebrew readers. If you can read prayerbook Hebrew this is a nice next step. No homework or assignments! There is no fee for this course.
|
Adult Learning – Fall OpportunitiesPlease check the Adult Education page of our site to see a full listing of our classes: http://www.templeemanuel.com/adult-education-temple-emanuel
|
GBIO-Newton Mayoral Accountability MeetingOn Wednesday, October 14th, 7-9:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Avodah in Newton, Ruth Balser and Setti Warren, the two candidates for Mayor of Newton will meet with hundreds of members of faith communities based in Newton and Temple Emanuel members who live in Newton, to address specific issues relating to the economy, education, seniors, and the environment. This night will lay the foundation for Temple Emanuel and many other Newton religious institutions to build a powerful relationship with the new mayor and to advance issues of concern in our congregation. This will be an exciting and historic event. Strong turnout from Temple Emanuel will be essential to the success of the action. The evening has been planned with the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization and will be presented in collaboration with the Newton Clergy Association and the Jewish Community Relations Council. Questions? Call Abby Flam at 617-795-0219 for more information.
|
74th Sisterhood Donor EventSisterhood Temple Emanuel is pleased to announce that our annual Donor brunch will be held Sunday, November 1. This year’s theme is “Wit and Wisdom of Women” and we are very excited to have Beth Teitell as our guest speaker. Beth is a correspondent for the Boston Globe’s style section and a freelance reporter for the National Public Radio show Marketplace. Her work has appeared in Time Magazine, the Washington Post, the Huffington Post and the Boston Herald, where she was a long time columnist. She is the author of two books, “Drinking Problems at the Fountain of Youth,” a funny but factual look at our society’s obsession with appearing forever young, and “From Here to Maternity : the Education of a Rookie Mom,” a hilarious take on motherhood. Beth is a co-founder of “I Have Nothing to Wear,” an annual charitable event to benefit women and children in need. The boutiques will open at 9:00 am so come early to shop and socialize. Brunch and program will follow at 10:30 am.Please look for your invitations in the mail. If you are not a Sisterhood member but would like to receive an invitation, contact Vicki Isman, vicki.isman@comcast.net, as soon as possible. Looking forward to seeing you on November 1st. Lynn Mandeau, Marilynn Buchenholz, Susan Bloomstone Herman, co-chairs.
|
Secrets of Old Boston Scavenger HuntKesherim (Connections), formerly known as PG45, looks forward to our inaugural event on Sunday, October 25th, 1:00pm to 4:00pmWe will meet outside of Houston’s, front of Faneuil Hall steps, 60 State Street, Boston, MA. If you would like to receive information about our upcoming events you can subscribe to the Kesherim LISTSERV. Tosubscribe, send a blank e-mail to te-pg45+subscribe@googlegroups.com.
|
From the BrotherhoodMARC LOWENTHAL, FIRST VICE-PRESIDENTThank you to the many volunteers who worked tirelessly to organize and run Temple Emanuel’s Annual Community Barbecue, led by Gregory Kaidanov and Lew Sassoon. Brotherhood especially hopes that you enjoyed the efforts we provided in the kitchen and behind the grill. Brotherhood members who attended the BBQ each received one of our new logoed Bike Water Bottles. Please e-mail us if you are a Brotherhood member and would like a bottle. If you have not already joined Brotherhood for this year or want more information about our events, please visit the Brotherhood page at www.templeemanuel.com/Brotherhood-Membership or e-mail us at Brotherhood@templeemanuel.com. This October please join Brotherhood for the following special events:
Wishing you a very Happy Sukkot!
|
JF&CS FAMILY TABLEPlease bring in tuna fish and crackers for JF&CS Family Table, Boston’s only kosher food pantry.
|
From the Nursery School
|
Families Invited to Schechter ProgramsFamilies are invited to upcoming events at Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Boston in October. The first Open House for prospective families will be held at 9 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, at the Schechter Lower School, 60 Stein Circle, Newton. Families will have the opportunity to tour the school, visit classrooms, and meet members of the faculty and administration, as well as parents. For more information, contact Carol Rumpler, Director of Admission, at 617-964-7765, ext. 4608. Schechter’s PALS (Preschool And Little Siblings) Program invites preschoolers to two delightful programs at the Schechter Lower School, 60 Stein Circle. Tales and more tails will abound as the Pumpernickel Puppets present two animal shows, The Three Billy Goats Gruff and The Lion & The Mouse, at 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 18. Children will delight in these classic stories brought to life by large and lovable puppets. At Dino Adventures at 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, amateur excavators can touch fossils and dinosaur relics, as well as meet live animals that resemble extinct dinosaurs. To RSVP, contact Stephanie Maroun, 617/630-4625. To learn more about Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Boston, a Jewish day school in Newton for grades K-8, please visit the school’s website at www.ssdsboston.org.
|
Passport to Israel: Summer 09 Tripby eliot silvermanThis past summer 24 Temple Emanuel 10-12th grade teens were on Israel trips. Read on to learn how TE member, Eliot Silverman enjoyed his time this summer on Hadassah’s Young Judaea Program in Israel. “There are many summer programs that offer a tour of Israel. In mid February, my mother asked me if I wanted to go on a tour of Israel. I was unenthusiastic and unsure due to the risks and dangers I hear so often on the news. The truth is that I did not want to go! My mother signed me up anyway. I ended up loving every minute of my Israel experience. I made many lifelong friendships and I was able to experience another culture for four weeks. Throughout the entire trip, not once did I feel unsafe or threatened. My previous assumptions about the country were all incorrect. Being in the holy land was a life changing experience. Every high school student should have the opportunity to experience Israel as I did. The summer before my senior year will always be remembered as the best four weeks of my life. The highlight of my trip was actually a five day activity called ‘Sea to Sea’. It was an optional hike from the Kineret to the Mediterranean Sea. We hiked in groups of ten with a guide for roughly 60 miles from one side of Israel to the other. First we would wake up at four in the morning and pack our backpacks with breakfast and lunch. This includes pots, pans, burners, and plenty of food. We would then hike until seven. At seven we would stop for breakfast, which we would have to prepare. Next we would continue hiking and stop from eleven until three because the temperature was dangerously hot during that time of day. During those four hours we would eat lunch and relax. From three to six we would hike to our campsite. At the campsite, people would prepare a dinner. After dinner we would do an activity and then sleep. This schedule lasted for four nights. On the fifth day, we hiked to the Mediterranean Sea. Everyone sprinted in together. The hike was extremely gratifying and it gave me a chance to bond with people who had similar interests.” To partially finance these trips TE parents used funds saved through the Myra and Robert Kraft Passport to Israel Savings Program. To learn more about the Passport program and how to enroll contact Passport co-chairs Judy Levenfeld judylevenfeld@comcast.net or Maxine Zarchan mzarchan@rcn.com or visit the Passport to Israel page on the TE website www.templeemanuel.com/myra-and-robert-kraft-passport-israel-savings-program.
|
“Radical Amazement”: Discovering the Amazing in Our
|
Paul Gilman Memorial Lecture
|
Study in the SukkahThursday, October 8, 7-9:30pm
|
Rashi School Programs for Parents and ChildrenParents interested in learning more about The Rashi School, Boston’s Reform Jewish Day School, are invited to an Information Session on Monday, October 5, 9:30-11 am, at the school, 15 Walnut Park, Newton. (Park in Jackson Road lot.) Attendees will learn how Rashi’s approach to education, featuring integrated learning and individualized instruction, can help each child grow. Parents will see classes in action and meet Rashi educators. Students entering the school in the fall of 2010 will be welcomed at the school’s new building on a multigenerational campus on the Needham/Dedham line. Rashi offers extended day and afterschool electives, transportation, and financial assistance options. Additional information can be found on the Rashi website: www.rashi.org. To RSVP, contact Adrienne Frechter, Director of Recruitment and Admissions, at 617/969-4444 ext. 255 or email afrechter@rashi.org. Preschoolers and their parents are invited to participate in Artful Adventures, a hands-on program presented by educators from Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, on Thursday, October 22, 11 am-12:30 pm at the Rashi School. This Curious Minds program is free and will include a pizza lunch. Children will be invited to search for animals in images from the Museum’s collections and create their own animal puppet to take home. Preregistration is required. Contact Anne Puchkoff at 617/969-4444 x 226 or apuchkoff@rashi.org.
|
Direct Service Social Action:Starting the New Year RightBy Joan Beer and Ellen KassWould you like to become more engaged in Tikkun Olam this New Year? Temple Emanuel’s Social Action Committee aims to embody the Jewish concept of social justice by providing assistance to those in need. There are two branches of the committee: “Hillel’s Call to Action” and “Direct Service.” The “Direct Service” component responds to specific needs of individuals and families in the greater Boston area. Current Direct Service activities include tutoring at the Ohrenberger School in West Roxbury; supporting Cradles to Crayons, which helps children living in homeless and low income situations; and feeding the hungry through Family Table, Sunday’s Bread, the Walk for Hunger, and co-sponsorship of the Project Manna Concert with Mass. Avenue Baptist Church. Additional projects include Project Ezra, which supplies Jewish volunteers over Christmas; coat, book, and musical instrument drives; and an effort to reinstate our blood drive. To learn more visit www.TempleEmanuel.com and search under “Committees,”“Outreach Projects,” and then “Social Action.” Our committee seeks energetic, creative individuals who want to inspire and give back to the community we share. We are open to new ideas and welcome you to attend any of our upcoming meetings or call our co-chairs - Howie Zaharoff (617/332-2895) or Ellen Kass (617/527-8479) - for more information.
|
Learner's MinyanCo-Sponsored by the Jewish Discovery Institute
|
Kol Keff! (Sound of Joy!)TE 3rd Graders and Older:
|
Temple Emanuel Brotherhood & The New England Region FJMC (Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs )request the honor of your company and offer you the opportunity to record a tribute as we recognize Bob Brown together with a group of exceptional men from across our Region as Keepers of the Flame 2009
|
