TBA COMES OUT IN FORCE TO CELEBRATE RABBI SOBEL S INSTALLATION

Transcription

1 CENTER FOR PROGRESSIVE REFORM JUDAISM IN METROWEST tebeam Volume 62 / No. 4 / December 2017 Photo by Susan Petroni, Framingham SOURCE TBA COMES OUT IN FORCE TO CELEBRATE RABBI SOBEL S INSTALLATION A Word from Rabbi Sobel CHANUKAH BRINGING LIGHT TO OTHERS When I was growing up, Chanukah was literally a festival of MANY lights! As the oldest of six children, my parents gave each one of us our own chanukiyah. (Note: A menorah is any multi-branched candelabra. A chanukiyah is a Rabbi Sharon L. Sobel menorah specifically designated for Chanukah. It has nine candle holders: one for each of the eight nights of Chanukah, plus one for the shammash the helper candle that is used to light the other candles.) Every morning during Chanukah, each of us would carefully choose which color candles we were continued on next page By Sherri Sheinhait and Ilena Williams OUR TEN-DAY ARTFUL CELEBRATION COMES TO AN EXCITING AND SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION. From the opening Shabbat Hall lu Service to the closing of the Art Show, many TBA members and guests enjoyed a truly wonderful experience. The cold weather could not keep over 300 congregants, guests, and family members away from Temple Beth Am as we warmly welcomed Rabbi Sobel to our community in a two-day celebration of Rabbi Sobel s Installation as Senior Rabbi of Temple Beth Am and the beginning of the Artful Celebration week. With a full synagogue, we kicked off the weekend s festivities at Friday night Shabbat services where two special events were incorporated into our service. Rabbi Sobel invited members from the Jewish War Veterans (Framingham Post 157) to the bimah to commemorate Veteran s Day with a special prayer for all who have served and to pray for peace. She highlighted the importance of remembering and learning from our past. Ilena Williams and Sherri Sheinhait, gala co-chairs continued on page 3

2 tebeam / December 2017 / 2 A Word from Rabbi Sobel continued from front page going to light that night. My mother placed a table in front of one of our living room windows with all of the chanukiyot (plural of Chanukiyah) circled strategically around. The mitzvah the commandment of Chanukah is to publicize the miracle; hence the directive to light the candles in a window. My siblings and I loved watching all those candles burn and glow! I have a collection of many beautiful and unique chanukiyot now. But the one I still use every year on Chanukah is the one I used growing up, the one I inherited from my mother. It is not beautiful, but it takes me back to my childhood, it reminds me of my mother and helps make me feel as if she is part of my Chanukah celebration, even though she is no longer alive. That feeling helps the flame of my candles glow even more brightly. It is no accident that Chanukah, our festival of lights, occurs during December. These are some of the darkest days/nights of the year: We are approaching our winter solstice. Once again, Chanukah reminds us that during the darkest time of the year, we human beings have the power to kindle lights against the darkness. We have the power to brighten the lives of others. For those who celebrate Chanukah, let me suggest that we can make the flames of our own Chanukah candles burn even more brightly by dedicating at least one of the nights of our own Chanukah celebration to a family tzedakah (social justice/charity) project instead of giving gifts to each other. The word tzedakah comes from the root tzedek which means justice and righteousness. We don t simply give tzedakah because it makes us feel good, but rather out of our sense of responsibility to God and to taking care of others in the world around us. There are a number of different provisions for tzedakah outlined in the Jewish tradition. They all center around one basic principle: No matter what form our tzedakah takes, we must make sure that we never compromise anyone s dignity, honor or self-respect. In fact, the highest form of tzedakah is when we can help someone to help themselves, so that they will no longer be dependent upon the help of others. This year, may the light of the Chanukah candles ignite the spark of justice, passion for human rights and freedom for all. Chag Urim Sameach! May you have a Happy Festival of Lights! Thank You Dear Friends, I would like to express my deep gratitude and appreciation to everyone who worked so hard to make my Installation weekend so very special. My heart is overflowing! I am so grateful to the Installation Committee, under the leadership of Sherri Sheinhait and Ilena Williams, our Board of Trustees, our office staff and all of you who came out to pay tribute and support. I look forward to this journey of discovery, renewal and growth upon which we are embarking together. Todah rabbah thank you very much! B y didut in friendship, Rabbi Sharon L. Sobel FRIDAY DECEMBER 1, 2017 / 14 KISLEV 5778 CAMP SHABBAT DINNER...6:00 PM Make your reservation in the temple office CAMP SHABBAT SERVICE...7:00 PM Wear your camp gear and enjoy this special annual service SATURDAY DECEMBER 2, 2017 / 14 KISLEV 5778 Weekly Portion VAYISHLAH Genesis 32:4-36:43 Haftarah Obadiah 1:1-21 TORAH & TREATS... 8:30 AM FRIDAY DECEMBER 8, 2017 / 21 KISLEV 5778 SHABBAT EVENING SERVICE...7:15 PM Led by Cantorial Intern, Dara Rosenblatt SATURDAY DECEMBER 9, 2017 / 21 KISLEV 5778 Weekly Portion VAYESHEV Genesis 37:1-40:23 Haftarah Amos 2:6-3:8 TORAH & TREATS... 8:30 AM HANUKKAH Tuesday December 12, 2017 / 24 Kislev 5778 LIGHT THE FIRST HANUKKAH CANDLE AT SUNDOWN...3:53 PM FRIDAY DECEMBER 15, 2017 / 28 KISLEV 5778 SHABBAT HALLELU SERVICE...7:15 PM Led by Rabbi Sobel and Cantorial Intern, Dara Rosenblatt SATURDAY DECEMBER 16, 2017 / 28 KISLEV 5778 SHABBAT HANUKKAH Weekly Portion MIKETZ Genesis 41:1-44:17; Numbers 7:30-41 Haftarah Zechariah 2:14-4:7 TORAH & TREATS... 8:30 AM JR CONGREGATION SERVICE... 10:30 AM Led by Grade 5 FRIDAY DECEMBER 22, 2017 / 5 TEVET 5778 SHABBAT EVENING & TORAH SERVICE...7:15 PM Led by Rabbi Sobel December Anniversary Blessing SATURDAY DECEMBER 23, 2017 / 5 TEVET 5778 Weekly Portion VAYIGASH Genesis 44:18-47:27 Haftarah Ezekiel 37:15-28 TORAH & TREATS... 8:30 AM FRIDAY DECEMBER 29, 2017 / 12 TEVET 5778 SHABBAT EVENING SERVICE...7:15 PM SATURDAY DECEMBER 30, 2017 / 12 TEVET 5778 SHABBAT HAZAK Weekly Portion VAYECHI Genesis 47:28-50:26 Haftarah I Kings 2:1-12 TORAH & TREATS... 8:30 AM CAMP SHABBAT SERVICE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM Come to learn about Jewish overnight camping, to celebrate camping, or just to enjoy a spirited Shabbat service. All members, family, and friends are welcome to join our fun, song-filled Shabbat service. Wear your camp t-shirt, show your camp spirit, and bring a little summer to TBA! There will be representatives from many of the Northeast Jewish Camps. For more information contact the temple office.

3 3 / December 2017 / tebeam continued from front page INSTALLATION OF RABBI SOBEL The second event celebrated our future. To welcome Rabbi Sobel, students from TBA s Religious School presented her with an original piece of art. Students were asked to create a picture on a small piece of paper which represented what TBA and/or being Jewish means to them. There were Jewish stars, menorahs, hamas, Hebrew letters, and camels (which especially caught Rabbi Sobel s eye). The small pictures were compiled to create a large canvas by temple member and artist Linda Geller Goldberg. It is a bright, vibrant work of contemporary art and represents a piece of all our children. Rabbi Sobel was truly overwhelmed by this original piece. If you have not had an opportunity to see it, please stop by the temple to check it out. The celebration continued on Saturday night with the Installation Gala. With nearly 250 people in attendance everyone was welcomed into in the Social Hall for a cocktail reception which included a preview of the upcoming Israeli Art Show. After mixing and mingling, we celebrated our Jewish traditions of welcoming transition and new beginnings with Havdalah and the Installation Service of Rabbi Sharon Sobel. The service was led by two of Rabbi Sobel s mentors. Rabbi Lawrence Englander (Toronto) and Rabbi Adam Fischer (Stony Brook, NY) shared some warm memories of working with Rabbi Sobel. Temple President, Howard Schwartz formally installed Rabbi Sharon Sobel as Temple Beth Am s Senior Rabbi. There was a great deal of energy in the sanctuary as the service was enhanced by our Hall lu singers and musicians. Rabbi Sobel was welcomed to Temple Beth Am, surrounded by temple members, family and friends from near and far. This special weekend marks the beginning of the next chapter in TBA s history. Rabbi Sobel summed it up best: My heart is overflowing with gratitude this evening. For me, this is both a coming home and the beginning of something new and exciting. We come together tonight not just to celebrate, but for a deeper purpose. We are gathered together to make a sacred covenant as new rabbi and k hilah k dosha holy community embarking on a sacred journey of renewal and growth together. The evening was capped off with a champagne toast and dessert buffet. It was a special night at Temple Beth Am that will be remembered for many years to come. Israeli Art Show 2017 By Ronna Cohen THE ARTFUL CELEBRATION CONTINUED WITH THE ART SHOW SPONSORED BY SAFRAI GALLERIES. TBA members and attendees from the general public got to see over 1500 pieces of fine art from over 100 Israeli artists. The social hall was transformed into a magical art gallery displaying a wide selection of artist styles and media. Guests entering the hall often had their breath taken away by the beauty and sheer magnitude of the selection. Menachem Safrai and his lovely wife Sharone offered insight into each artists technique and personal stories as they moved through the gallery assisting all who wished to learn more about the art or to purchase art pieces for their home. Assisting them, were our TBA greeters and hosts who played Docents stopping to welcome each person entering the show and offering their support and an occasional opinion about what picture to select. One of the highlights was Friday afternoon when the staff of Little Acorn daycare center brought their preschoolers around to see the show. Their eyes were shining as they looked at all the pictures, sharing with their teachers their favorite pictures and why they loved them. Manachem and Sharone were beaming as the children giggled and gasped as they saw pictures they liked. Each and every person who attended the show was thrilled at the beautiful displays and variety of the art work. Many of our TBA members came multiple times, asking friends which art they thought they should buy, sharing stories about the pieces they purchased at the show several years ago. Many members stayed for hours, as did a large number of visitors from other temples and the greater Metrowest Area. Between the raffle of 5 pieces of art work and the sales from the show, we raised approximately $6500, although we are waiting for a final accounting. Putting together a show of this size requires a lot of planning and a lot of work. Our committee began in June to map out the details of this event and helped every step of the way. We had a team of volunteers who helped sort the artwork, set up the reception and sales area, spend countless hours hosting the show, answering questions, handing out our artists booklet and making sure that every sale went smoothly. Sunday afternoon, volunteers, many at the temple from 9:00 AM, helped pack up the show and close out the sales area. Special thanks to our committee members: Lois Levick, Carol Hanover, Jeff Sands, Joanne Pike, Lilly Anolik, Sue Clark, Bob Clark, Cynthia Roll, Marlene Wiener, Scott Cohen, Marcia Huston, Hilton Magier, Stu Sheinhait, and Jonathan Rosenthal. No temple event can succeed without an active, and committed membership. Here at Temple Beth Am we have that and so much more. Thanks to all who came and helped and all who shared in this terrific event by participating or purchasing a work of art. Sincerely, Ronna Cohen, Art Show Chair Ronna & Scott Cohen

4 tebeam / December 2017 / 4 Education News A SEASON OF LIGHT By Rabbi Marcie Kamerow, Director of Education It s hard to believe that we are approaching the end of the first half of the school year! As we enter this season of shorter and darker days, I want to highlight some of the high points and light that our religious school students are bringing to the community. Rabbi Marcie Kamerow, MJEd In October, our Grade 6 class led us in our first Family Shabbat Service of the year along with the Junior Choir. They have set a high bar for the other grades to come. In addition, we held our Grade 1 Family Education program. In this program, we learned about the concept of Mitzvot and Tzedakah in order to understand how we can do mitzvot with our whole body! On November 10, our students did a wonderful job presenting Rabbi Sobel s installation gift. On the heels of that service, TBA For additional information regarding our fundraising efforts please call the temple office at GIFT CARDS TBA is currently selling gift cards to Stop & Shop and a variety of other national stores and restaurants. The cards are sold to you for face value and 5% of each card purchased is donated to TBA, at no additional cost to you. Gift cards make great gifts any time of the year. Cards are available for purchase at the temple office by cash and check only. FUNDRAISING DINNERS During the year, there will be fundraising dinners at area restaurants. The temple receives a portion of all the sales. Stay tuned for dates and times. SPRING FUNDRAISING EVENT March 17, Mark you calendars! This is always a popular event. Not to be missed. Details to follow. THE WALL OF HONOR CAMPAIGN This campaign takes place during the High Holiday Season. This is the largest fundraiser that we do during the year. Please send back your pledge cards and donations to support our temple. TREE OF LIFE The TREE OF LIFE mounted on the wall of the of the temple lobby is a favorite way for members to commemorate simchas and honor family members and friends. Your gift of leaves ($300) and stones ($1000) will support continuing growth projects in the future. Pledge cards are available in the temple office. GILLETTE STADIUM PROGRAM Volunteer at Gillette Stadium for upcoming Patriot s Games. Temple Beth Am is earning $125 per person per game! Watch for more information or contact Stu Sheinhait at sshein@rcn.com or call The only requirement is that you must be 16 years old. Volunteers get pizza and soda to eat before the event. SMILE AMAZON You shop, Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible Amazon Smile purchases to Temple Beth Am. Amazon Smile is the same Amazon that you know. Support TBA by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com we held our Grade 4 Family Shabbat Service in conjunction with Camp Shabbat. We kicked off the evening with a camp style dinner of grilled cheese and then moved into our service where our grade 4 students and Camp Shabbat speakers led us in prayer. December is a busy month. Our teachers will be attending Limmud Boston on December 3 as a way to further their own education. That week is also the URJ Biennial which is here in Boston. I am honored to be a presenter there on Thursday, December 7 in a session on Collaboration and will have the opportunity to speak about my experience working with other communities to expand Jewish youth engagement. December will also bring us our first Junior Congregation service of the year which will be led by Grade 5 on December 16. Of course, I cannot mention December without mentioning Hanukkah. We will have our annual shopping spree put on by Sisterhood on December 10 and our Hanukkah party on December 17 from 10:30-11:30 AM. I want to reflect more about the meaning of Hanukkah. The word Hanukkah means dedication. Historically, it commemorated the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean revolt. Only in rabbinic times did we get the story of the miracle of the oil. In neither is there a mention of presents. The true meaning of this holiday is rededication. As we close out 2017 I hope it is a time for you to reflect on the year that was and how you and your family might think of rededicating yourselves to Jewish life and life here at Temple Beth Am. Wishing you all a happy Hanukkah and a great New Year. L Shalom, Rabbi Kamerow SHARON MEMORIAL PARK Heritage - Tradition - Community since 1948 Chapel for indoor funeral services Advance planning - Interfaith sections

5 5 / December 2017 / tebeam GBIO Rally at State House MEMBERS OF TEMPLE BETH AM S SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE ATTENDED A RALLY ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM AT THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE HOUSE ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13. The rally was organized by the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO) in anticipation of an impending House vote on H.4011, an Act Relative to Criminal Justice Reform. Reform rabbis from cities and towns across Massachusetts were in attendance at the standing-room-only event, as were many clergy representing other faiths. A young man in recovery urged reforms that would decriminalize addiction, distinguish between drug users and those who sell drugs, and redirect funds from costly incarceration towards better treatment options. Other speakers addressed concerns related to solitary confinement, bail and court fees. Former federal judge and current Harvard law professor Nancy Gertner, explained her opposition to mandatory minimum sentencing, urging reform that would allow judges to use discretion, common sense and compassion. For a more complete understanding of Judge Gertner s perspective, see the following editorial from the Washington Post: mandatory-minimum-sentences-are-cruel-and-ineffective-sessions-wants-them-back/ For more information about the rally and proposed legislation, see the following article from the Boston Globe: A Mitzvah on Christmas Day Join your Sisterhood family on Christmas morning, for our long-standing tradition of cooking and preparing full turkey dinners for those less fortunate than us! There will be a crew cooking full Christmas Dinners, Jewish maven style lots of food, lots of fun and lots of chatter! Because every delicious turkey dinner deserves a fabulous dessert, you can also help by dropping off yummy desserts on Christmas day. Make or buy a dessert, bring it to TBA on Christmas Day, and schmooze with the TBA Sisterhood chefs! Face it it s Christmas there s not much to do anyway might as well spend some time with the ladies from the hood and make someone s Christmas holiday bright and cheery! Going away for the holidays? No problem, we can use help shopping for the ingredients prior to Christmas. Can t make a dessert? No problem there store bought is perfectly fine! This is a great opportunity to teach your children about giving to others! If you d like to assist in the cooking, preparing or delivering process, please sisterhoodtba300@gmail.com. There will also be a sign-up schedule forthcoming. This project is the essence of Sisterhood! Thank you in advance for your support of this wonderful mitzvah! Wendy Schwartz, Chair WAYS YOU CAN HELP Prior to Christmas Day: Shop for the groceries Pick up donated turkeys Help prepare turkeys to put in oven (Christmas Eve day) Christmas Day: Prepare & cook the meals (shifts range from 8:00 AM-noon) Deliver meals between 12:00-2:00 PM (minimum 2 people per car suggested) Drop off home-baked or store bought desserts to TBA before 12:00 noon. President s Message Firstly, on behalf of my entire family I want to thank everyone for their outpouring of support after my recent surgery. We were overwhelmed by all the telephone calls, s, texts and cards received. So, thank you. But this should not come as a surprise. Over the years this community has continuously risen to support our members during times of need. It truly indicates the strong community we have here at Temple Beth Am. Not all communities can make this statement but I am proud say we here at TBA do. And this is just one of the many reasons I am proud to be President of Temple Beth Am. So, on the heels of celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends we move into the busy holiday season. At a time when we are shopping at the mall, attending holiday parties and thinking about a diet after the first of year it is also a time to think about others. For some, it is the first time they will celebrate the holidays without a loved one, worried about the health of a family member or friend or just with those less fortunate. So, please note our thoughts are with you. TBA is fortunate to have a group of volunteers, sponsored by our own Sisterhood, that for many years devote their Christmas day preparing and delivering meals to local group homes run by The Advocates. But we are still looking for additional volunteers. Any and all assistance is most appreciated. It is just another example of how our temple is a vital and integral part of our local and Jewish community. So, in advance thank you to all these volunteers for helping our temple members but also our community. Lastly, please be safe during this holiday season and let me wish you and your family a happy & healthy new year. B Shalom. Howard E. Schwartz, President

6 tebeam / December 2017 / 6 BROTHERHOOD Breakfast Recap ANOTHER BROTHERHOOD BREAKFAST IS IN THE BOOKS. This month s speaker was Susan Wilkins, Director of Education at the International Museum of World War II. The museum is located right in our backyard in Natick just behind the Sherwood Plaza shopping mall on route 9. While the museum is currently tucked away in a rather obscure building, it houses one of the most comprehensive collections of artifacts and documents from the era. More importantly, the items in the collection are particularly available to the public not just to look at through glass and from behind ropes, but to actually get up close to and, in many case, touch and hold. We were particularly impressed with its incredible collection of original pieces, not copies, including uniforms and documents from every country involved on both sides of the conflict; truly an International collection. The museum is currently open mainly to school children during the week, but is undertaking a massive campaign to expand its facility in order to make more of its holdings available to its visitors. In the meantime, the museum at its current location at 8 Mercer Rd., Natick and is open to the public on Friday and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Upcoming Events NEXT BREAKFAST: DECEMBER 3, 2017 Our next breakfast will be co-sponsored with Life Long Learning and will feature Chris Whitman, the Senior Development Manager of The Abraham Fund Initiative, an organization dedicated to creating a shared society in Israel. The organization recently moved their North America office from New York City to Newton and are very interested in getting to know the Jewish community in New England. We encourage all our members and the general public to attend this informative discussion. PATRIOTS GAME: DECEMBER 17, 2017 Watch the Patriots with Brotherhood on 10-foot-tall screen! December 17 the Pats take on the Steelers and we ll be watching in High-Definition in the Social Hall. Wear your team colors and bring your favorite beach chair. We ll provide the snacks and even pizza during half-time. PROJECT EZRA CHRISTMAS DINNER AT HASTING HOUSE: DECEMBER 25, 2017 A brotherhood tradition. TBA Brotherhood has been providing Christmas dinner for the residents at Framingham s Hastings House. We are grateful to our many sponsors for donating much of the food for this event. Brotherhood News BROTHERHOOD BREAKFASTS Sunday, December 3 Sunday, January 14 Sunday, February 18* co-sponsored with Sisterhood All breakfasts begin at 9 AM Sunday, March 11 Sunday, April 22 Sunday, May 6 OTHER BROTHERHOOD EVENTS Sunday, December 17 Watch the Patriots with Brotherhood on 10-foot-tall screen! Monday, December 25 Brotherhood serves Christmas dinner, Hastings House, Time TBD Saturday, January 27 Brotherhood & Sisterhood sponsored social event, TBD Sunday, January 28 Texas Hold Em Poker Night at TBA, 4:00 PM Friday, March 2 Brotherhood participates in Shabbat Torah Service, 7:00 PM Sunday, March 4 Brotherhood serves dinner at TBA Basketball Banquet at FHS, Time TBD Friday, March 16 Brotherhood & Sisterhood Potluck Dinner, 6:00 PM Sunday, April 1 Brotherhood serves Easter dinner, Hastings House, Time TBD Member attendance is encouraged for all events. The Brotherhood is a wonderful way to get involved with the temple! TBA Brotherhood needs volunteers to help with our annual events. If you d like to get involved, please contact Mark Barnett, VP of Membership at mail4barnett@gmail.com or either co-president Bill Karger at wbkarger@verizon.net or Henry Schwan at henry.schwan@verizon.net.

7 7 / December 2017 / tebeam GET READY! ORDER YOUR 2018 MAH JONGG CARDS. SISTERHOOD ANNUAL COMEDY NIGHT FOR THE LESLIE BRENNER FUND FUNDRAISER Saturday, December 2. Doors open at 7:00 PM Back by popular demand, Linda Belt will headline Temple Beth Am s Annual Leslie Brenner Fundraiser to benefit the Leslie Brenner Camp Scholarship Fund. This season s ticket will includes, beverages, variety of cheeses, and our famous dessert buffet. The Sisterhood established this camp scholarship fund in loving memory of Leslie Brenner, who spent many years as a leader at Jewish camps. Her enthusiasm and support for the Jewish camp experiences were infectious. To Leslie, Jewish camp was the essence of life for children. Sisterhood s goal is to grow this scholarship fund so more and more of Beth Am youth will consider Jewish overnight camps. For our temple youth, attending Jewish overnight camp is a transformative experience that bridges their connection to their Jewish identity. Please start collecting your lists, spreading the word and supporting TBA Sisterhood. We made over $200 last year from Mah jongg Cards! Please make your checks out to Sisterhood, TBA. Mail them with names and addresses to Sue Clark, 1662 Latta Court, The Villages, Florida Thanks for your support! $8 regular print $9 large print DEADLINE is JANUARY 8, 2018 For a serving size of cup uncooked Israeli-style couscous 1 and ½ cups of hot water 2 TBL Osem Consomme powder 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp garlic powder 2 TBL olive oil Assorted frozen vegetables: chopped onion, peas & carrots, and chopped broccoli Sisterhood News SISTERHOOD BOARD MEETING Tuesday, December 7:15 PM in the Home of Lisa Movitz, 18 Coachman Lane, Natick ANNUAL COMEDY NIGHT FOR THE LESLIE BRENNER FUND FUNDRAISER Saturday, December 2 Doors open at 7:00 PM HANUKKAH SHOPPING SPREE FOR RELIGIOUS SCHOOL CHILDREN Sunday, December 10 during Religious School Class HANUKKAH PARTY Sunday, December 10:30-11:30 AM CHRISTMAS DINNER PROJECT Monday, December 25 starting at 8:30 AM Come help cook and prep, bring desserts and deliver meals (See article regarding Christmas Dinner Project for more details) SISTERHOOD BOARD MEETING Wednesday, January 7:15 PM in the Temple Study TRIVIA EVENT Saturday, January 27 MAH JONGG TOURNAMENT Sunday, April 29 Watch for more details about these events! October Kick Off Dinner A Huge Success After an outstanding culinary experience prepared by the past presidents and the Sisterhood Board for almost 60 people, we had the pleasure listening and learning from Dan Levenson, Associate Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). It was a great way to kick off TBA Sisterhood s New Year! Please find Carol Hanover s recipes from the dinner below. CAROL S COUSCOUS OK to use different vegetables, but strongly suggest using onion, fresh or frozen. Preheat oven to 375. Spray 8x8 baking dish with cooking spray. Add dry couscous and oil and mix well. Add seasonings and frozen vegetables and mix again. Finally, add hot water and bake at 375 for 35 minutes, covered. CAROL S PINEAPPLE CHICKEN BREASTS OR PINEAPPLE SALMON ½ can crushed pineapple in juice, mostly drained ½ cup Soy Vay (or other brand) Teriyaki sauce 6 chicken breast halves (pounded to 1-in thickness) Preheat oven to 375. Place chicken in baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Drizzle with teriyaki sauce and refrigerate for one hour or as long as If you have questions about events or membership please us at sisterhoodtba300@gmail.com overnight. Top with pineapple. Bake at 375 for 35 minutes, uncovered. Check for doneness but do not overbake. NOTE: This recipes is even better with salmon fillet instead of chicken, but do not marinate the fish. Put the teriyaki sauce and pineapple on it just before baking. For medium rare, 25 minutes in the oven will do the trick. Enjoy!

8 tebeam / December 2017 / 8 YOUTH WE HAVE BEEN SO BUSY THESE PAST FEW MONTHS IN BATY! Youth News BATY WORSHIP SERVICES BATY Winter Shabbat Service Friday, January 5, 2018 at 7:15 PM (Tentative) BATY BOARD MEETINGS (WEDNESDAYS AT 6:45 PM) - BOARD ONLY December 13, 2017 January 10, 2018 February 14, 2018 March 14, 2018 April 4, 2018 May 9, 2018 First of all, I would like to thank everyone who helped us in supporting Levi Leap this year. We would not be able to execute this event without all of your help. We truly appreciate everyone who volunteered in October to staff the event, opened their home to house participants, and for all of your donations of any kind. BATY would not be able to put on the events and activities we do without the help of the community and we truly appreciate it. The event was such a success! We spent the day playing B nei Mitzvah games, followed by dinner and the dance. I am constantly amazed and impressed when I see how much hard work and dedication our BATY teens put into executing an event like this. They are such amazing teens and leaders, and I feel so lucky to spend so much time with them. Everything about the event, from the idea to all the little details come from them. Thank you to our BATY volunteers who worked the Bake Sale during the Israeli Art Show. Thank you also to the BATY parents and temple members who donated baked goods. Coming up, we are looking forward to our annual BATY Shul-In ( January 20-21), which will lead into a fundraiser for BATY to help subsidize the cost of our events for the rest of the year. Julia Zinn, BATY Advisor BATY MEETINGS (WEDNESDAYS AT 6:45 PM) - ALL BATY December 20, 2017 January 17, 2018 February 7, 2018 March 21, 2018 April 25, 2018 May 16, 2018 NFTY-NE EVENTS December Institute: December 26-30, 2017 MANTY s Winter Wonderland: February 2-4, 2018 Spring Conclavette: April 6-8, 2018 Leadership Kallah: May 11-13, 2018 BATY EVENTS BATY Event: December 9, 2017 Shul-In: January 20-21, 2018 Mystery Bus Ride: March 3, 2018 March BATY/JBAT Event: March 17, 2018 Pancake Breakfast: March 25, 2018 BATY Event: April 28, 2018 Freshman Kidnap: Date TBD SISTERHOOD ANNUAL WINTER COAT DRIVE Don t forget to drop off your gently used coats by January 5. Collection boxes can be found in the Religious School lobby. Your donation will help make this winter warmer for local children and families. If you have questions about events or BATY membership please contact Julia Zinn at youthadvisor@tempbetham.org

9 9 / December 2017 / tebeam Library News Marsha Massey, TBA Librarian Library Hours: Sundays, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM when religious school is in session Most Tuesdays, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM Featuring This Month CHANUKAH LIGHTS by Michael J. Rosen and master pop-up artist Robert Sabuda. This is an intriguing pop-up book like no other, to delight and amaze readers of all ages. Wishing the TBA community a joyful Chanukah! Lifelong Learning News LIFELONG LEARNING PRESENTS A PERSONAL EXODUS STORY: ISRAEL BONAN January 7, 1:00 PM Temple Beth Am Did you know that there is more than one refugee population since the creation of Israel in 1948? Mark your calendars for a personal story that many people are unaware of involving the struggle of Jews as forgotten refugees in Arab Lands. Born in Cairo, Egypt, in the 1940 s, Israel Bonan faced adversity and he talks about his own experience. How did his experience shape him and what is the situation today for other forgotten refugees? Come hear him speak and watch a short film, The Forgotten Refugees. Light refreshments will be served. Although admission is free, a donation to the organization, JIMENA: Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa, is requested. RABBI S COFFEES A monthly opportunity to join Rabbi Sharon Sobel in Discussion Join Rabbi Sobel each month in an informal setting in the temple library to discuss a current topic of interest to you. No course fee nor reservations required. Just drop in on time, for any session. The Rabbi s Coffees will be offered on the following dates: December 20, January 17, February 14, March 21, April 11, and May 16. All discussions are from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM Feel free to bring a bag lunch! For more information on Lifelong Learning please contact Co-Chairwomen Barbara Sands (bss1022@verizon.net) or Cynthia Roll (cynthiaroll@yahoo.com) LIFECYCLES IN JOY WE WELCOME The following families have joined the temple since the last issue of the tebeam and we welcome them into the temple family: David and Susan Anapolsky 70 Riverpath Drive #29 Framingham, MA Arlene Ginsberg 55 Charles Court Southborough, MA WE WELCOME BACK Marlene Wiener 36 Berkeley Road Framingham, MA All couples celebrating a December anniversary will be blessed at the December 22 service at 7:15 PM. Please call the temple office if you are planning to attend. IN SADNESS We record with deep sorrow the names of those who have died since our last bulletin. May their memory be for a blessing. THE CONGREGATION MOURNS WITH Howard and Wendy Schwartz, on the loss of their dear friend, John Gray Paula Baerson, on the loss of her aunt, Margaret Garfield Ted Geller on the loss of his father, Herbert M. Geller CALL FOR MUSICIANS AND SINGERS! Do you sing or play an instrument? We would love to have you join us on the bima for our special Shabbat Hall lu services and other musical ocassions throughout the year. If interested, please Dean and/or Dara. Dara: dara.rosenblatt@gmail.com / Dean: Arvidsond@aol.com

10 tebeam / December 2017 / 10 TBA Save-the-dates, tidbits, WEBSITE DONATIONS ARE HERE! Making a donation to your favorite TBA fund or to the Wall of Honor is now easier than ever. Our new website can now accept credit card donations. It s easy and quick. Please take advantage of this new capability on our website to acknowledge the memory of, or to honor an accomplishment of a friend or a loved one. REIMAGINING JEWISH LIFE Only 4 Miles from Temple Beth Am Creative Event Spaces for People Guest Room Blocks Available for Out of Town Visitors Easy Access Off Speen Street, Mass Pike and Route 9 BostonNatick.HamptonInn.com. 319 Speen Street, Natick, MA December 6-10 Join other members of Temple Beth Am at the largest Jewish gathering in North America. Five thousand attendees will come together in Boston to worship, learn, sing, build community, and shape the future of the Reform Movement. Contact the temple office for more info. SHABBAT HALL LU Join us for our Musical Shabbat Service on Friday, December 15 at 7:15 PM. Everyone is welcome! Traditional and contemporary music; participatory, reflective and joyful worship. L CHAIM! Experience the downtown energy in the heart of the MetroWest. For exquisite cuisine, impeccable service and unique spaces to celebrate your unique style, choose the VERVE Crowne Plaza Hotel for your wedding, shower or Bar/Bat Mitzvah. For a tour of our modern, elegant ballrooms and a personal consultation, call Worcester Street, Natick MA VERVEhotelnatick.com Owned & Operated by Distinctive Hospitality Group Natick, MA

11 11 / December 2017 / tebeam Notes and things to know JOIN US FOR AN EVENING WITH LARRY DANNENBERG Monday, December 4 at 6:30 PM Learn about today s college search strategies, financial aid, and more! For parents of children in middle and high school. This is a FREE event. NEW SOCIAL JUSTICE, TZEDEK, COMMITTEE! Next meeting: Wednesday, December 20 at 7:15 PM Join our newly revitalized Social Justice, Tzedek, Committee. Let s work together to make our world a better place for all. Please Rabbi Sharon Sobel at rabbi@tempbetham.org SHABBAT MORNING TORAH & TREATS Join us on Shabbat morning, 8:30 AM in the Levine Library. Light breakfast Lively Torah study Brief Shabbat morning service led alternatively by Rabbis Sobel and Splansky. Everyone is welcome! COLLEGE NEWS We would like to send holiday packages and the monthly tebeam to your students away at college. Please your student s name, college address and to shalom@tempbetham.org. Please advise of travel plans so that packages are not sent during the holidays. TBA CARES Your temple is here for you whether in good times or bad. If you have a simcha that you would like to share with us, or if you have an illness in your family or are in need of anything, we want to know. Please let Rabbi Sobel know what is going on in your life. rabbi@tempbetham.org DINING AND DAVENING Upcoming dates: January 19 and March 2 Come relax with friends at a local restaurant prior to Shabbat Evening Services. Independent Family Owned In the Tradition of Our Great-Great Grandfather Jacob H. Levine ( ) Proudly serving all of New England s Jewish Communities with over a century of local experience. } Special group rate blocks for family and friends } Alexandra Bavosi / Sales Manager Courtyard Marriott 3 Technology Drive, Westborough, MA (508) EXT abavosi@jamsanhotels.com Levine Chapels 470 Harvard Street Brookline, MA LevineChapels.com A Proud Dignity Memorial Provider. A Service Family Affiliate of AFFS and Service Corporation International 206 Winter Street, Fall River, MA (508)

12 Temple Beth Am 300 Pleasant Street Framingham, MA Temple office Bookkeeper s office shalom@tempbetham.org website School office Rabbil Sharon Sobel x104 Rabbi Marcie Kamerow x121 Rabbi Sharon L. Sobel Rabbi Rabbi Donald M. Splansky Rabbi Emeritus Rabbi Marcie Kamerow Director of Education Dara Rosenblatt Cantorial Intern Howard Schwartz President Ellen Jagher Office & Building Administrator; Contributing Editor to tebeam Mary Robinson Bookkeeper Sandra Levey School Administrator Julia Zinn Youth Advisor Jeff Sands tebeam Editor Rob Levine tebeam Designer tebeam is published 9 times annually by Temple Beth Am tebeam Volume 62 / No. 3 / December 2017 Temple Beth Am is a warm and vibrant Reform Jewish community located in Framingham, MA, comprised of members from the greater Metro West area. Founded in 1956 and affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism, members and visitors find a relaxed and informal atmosphere in which people of all ages, backgrounds and orientations come to worship, learn, enjoy music, explore Judaism, and find new friends. CENTER FOR PROGRESSIVE REFORM JUDAISM IN METROWEST