THE STAR! Contents Brotherhood News...6

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1 The Star January 2017 THE STAR! Congregation Beth Elohim January 2017 Volume 39, Number 6 Contents Brotherhood News...6 Calendar...8, 9 DonaCon Acknowledgements Family Shabbat Service...5 Hineni Capital Campaign Flyer...2 How to Reach Us...4 Jewish MeditaCon...3 Rabbi Search CommiVee News...3 Schedule of Services...3 The Islamic PerspecCve on Jews and Judaism Flyer...2 Tot Shabbat at CBE...4 The next time you want to buy a book or practically anything else go to Amazon.com via CBE s website and Amazon will donate 5 10% of your total purchase directly to CBE. Visit Pull down the Give menu at the upper right, and click on Shop Amazon. Congrega(on Beth Elohim Lewis Mintz, Rabbi 133 Prospect Street Acton, MA Sarra Spierer, Cantor Leann Shamash, Director of EducaCon Susan C. Perry, Director, Early Learning Center -1 -

2 Congregation Beth Elohim THE STAR January 2017 Winter/Spring 2017 Me ah Select Congregation Beth Elohim, Acton The Islamic Perspective on Jews and Judaism Instructor: Prof. Shari Lowin, PhD Meets Tuesdays, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at CBE Class begins February 7, 2017 Cost for 10 sessions: $335 Class Calendar Much of what we know today about how Islam views Jews and Judaism comes from news sources reporting from areas of conflict. But what does Islam really have to say about Jews and Judaism? This course will present students with a more in depth discussion of and analysis of materials relevant to this issue. We will look at the attitude of the Qur an to Jews and Judaism; the portrayal of Jews in the classical and later Islamic sources; the relationship between Muslim and Jewish exegetical materials; the relationship between Muhammad and the Jews of Medina; medieval polemics against Jews; legal rulings on Jews and Judaism from the classical period to the Spanish period and in the Ottoman Empire; Salafi statements regarding Jews; and more. Register for this class Student financial aid is available from Hebrew College by contacting Sara Brown, Associate Director of Me'ah program, at or sbrown@hebrewcollege.edu. Please contact Julie Kozhukhin adulted@bethelohim.org with other questions. Copyright 2016 by Congregation Beth Elohim. All Rights Reserved. The Star is generally published monthly by Congregation Beth Elohim and is mailed at Acton, MA. To request a subscription call Congregation Beth Elohim at or write to 133 Prospect Street, Acton, MA The deadline posted in the previous month s issue, is generally the 15th of the previous month, slightly earlier in case of holidays. Material for inclusion in The Star may be submitted: by disk with hardcopy printout; via bob@beckersweetmusic.us (receipt acknowledged); as camera ready or handwritten copy; or by FAX: call Congregation Beth Elohim or the editor. Receipt of material can be verified by calling the editor after the deadline. Editor: Bob Becker

3 January 2017 THE STAR! Congregation Beth Elohim Schedule of Services Friday, January 6 7:00 PM Family Service # Saturday, January 7 10:00 AM Torah Study Friday, January 13 Candidate Saturday, January 14 Rabbi Candidate Friday, January 20 6:00 PM Tot Shabbat Friday, January 20 Candidate Saturday, January 21 Rabbi Candidate Friday, January 27 Candidate Saturday, January 28 Rabbi Candidate Rabbi Search Committee News Susan Abrams sueabrams2@gmail.com Are you wondering, Are we there yet? How close are we to choosing our new Rabbi? The answer is, drum roll please, we are getting closer! The search committee completed several Skype interviews. With a list of pertinent questions, we had substantive conversations, asked follow up questions and did an unexpected amount of laughing. Check the sense of humor box on the list of qualities! We were able to record each interview, with the permission of the candidate, to share with the committee members who could not sit in on the original session. After all committee members had watched the videos we made some difficult decisions and decided on five candidates to bring to CBE for face-to-face interviews. Those meetings included a chance for the semi-finalist candidates to meet with staff as well as the search committee. Once again the committee engaged in long and thoughtful discussions to make more difficult choices and decide on the three finalist candidates. We continue to use the data collected by the Polling/Sensing Committee as our guidelines. The good news is, we had to have these long and thoughtful discussions because all our semi-finalist candidates had so many of the qualities we are looking for. The interest of so many candidates in this position is a testimony to the reputation of the CBE community as a strong, vibrant, synagogue with an active, engaged and committed congregation. The finalist candidates weekend visits are the results of all the resume reading, interviewing and discussion. The finalist weekends are January 13-15; January 20-22; and January Please note we have added the weekend of January as a # - Denotes services conducted by both Rabbi and Cantor finalist weekend to accommodate candidates schedules. We also have reserved the dates of February 3-5 and February as snow dates (hopefully not to be used). There are several very important ways you can participate in the finalist candidates visits: Put the dates on your calendar and come to at least one of the events; Complete the surveys that you will get asking for your feedback on each candidate; Volunteer to host a dinner for a candidate and a few others on one of the Friday or Saturday eveings of the visits--if you would like to do this, please let Chris or Sue know by December 28; and host a Friday evening oneg--if you would like to do this, please let Chris or Sue know by December 28. Please contact Sue or Chris if you have any questions or comments, by sending to rabbisearchcommittee@bethelohim.org. Jewish Medita(on at CBE Join Cantor Sarra for an evening of Jewish meditation on Wednesday, January 4, at 7:15. The evening will include mindfulness meditation, chanting, and a teaching about the joy of Chanukah. Beginners and experienced meditators are welcome. There is a suggested donation of $10. If you have any questions, or for more information, please cantorsarra@bethelohim.org.

4 Congregation Beth Elohim THE STAR January 2017 Donations The congregation thanks our members, their relatives and friends, and the larger community for donations recently received To the Rabbi s Discretionary Fund from: Simon Braune & Nami Kodaka in honor of Ayaka Leah (Sarah Leah) Kodaka-Braune s conversion and naming ceremony. Susan & Rodney Hass in memory of Rabbi Reuben Katz, father of Naomi Katz Mintz. Sandra Roschelle in honor of Rabbi Mintz s dedication to CBE for 40 years. Doris Goldstein & Paula Levin with deep gratitude for your guidance, support, and leading of the service during our time of mourning for our mother, Manya. With heartfelt appreciation. To the Amy Naparstek Fund from: Linda & Denis Friedman to celebrate a milestone birthday of our dear friend, Chips Naparstek, with love. Esther Bachrach in memory of my father, David Bachrach. Andrea Harris in honor of Chips birthday. Susan & Rodney Hass in memory of Scott Meister. Peter Galland in memory of Sheila A. Galland. Chips & David Naparstek in honor of Linda Friedman s special birthday, with love. Tot Shabbat at CBE Friday evening, January 20 at 6:00 All of our youngest children and their families are invited to sing, dance, pray, and learn with Cantor Sarra at our monthly Tot Shabbat. During Torah Time, we ll hear a story and march with our own Torah scrolls. Children with a birthday during this month will receive a special birthday song. After services, we will all come together for Oneg Shabbat, a sweet snack and conversation in the Social Hall. This is a wonderful way to meet new friends in the community! Tot Shabbat services take place on either the third or fourth Friday of each month. If you d like, bring your own (dairy) dinner and join us anytime after 5:15 as we eat together in the Social Hall before the service. All are welcome. Please contact Cantor Sarra at cantorsarra@bethelohim.org with any questions or for more information. Yiddish & Contemporary Israeli Music WERS, 88.9 FM, broadcasts Chagigah, Sunday mornings 8:00 11:00 AM. How to Reach Us Telephone The congregation office telephone number is Dial these extensions for: Rabbi Mintz 2 Cantor Spierer 7 Ezra Habif 1 Leann Shamash 3 The telephone number for the Early Learning Center office and director Susan C. Perry is Web Site O u r c o n g r e g a t i o n w e b s i t e, includes the online edition of The Star as well as a variety of other information including a bookstore link (Amazon.com) and a donation form

5 January 2017 THE STAR! Congregation Beth Elohim Donations The congregation thanks our members, their relatives and friends, and the larger community for donations recently received To the Hineni Capital Campaign Fund Raiser from: Alan & Peggy Berko David & Chips Naparstek Barry & JoAnne Nyer Linda Minkoff Ron & Joanna Honig Alan & Arlene Weiss Iris Stutman Lauren & Leonard Solomon Marilyn Leeds & David Salomon in memory of Rabbi Reuben Katz. Joel & Marjorie Friedman Ellen Valade Michelle & Chris Siegert Melvin & Rachel Spierer Dan & Shelley Klein in memory of Rabbi Reuben Katz whose poetry and wisdom were a joy to all who knew him. Cynthia & Stuart Karon in honor of Rabbi Mintz and what his knowledge and leadership meant to our daughters Jewish education. Emily & Joseph Navetta David & Susan Pinsky Lindsay & Erik Rosenman Laurence & Rita Grossman Rick & Sara-Jane Rogers Alan & Shelley Sherman Tom & Marlene Wachtell The Estate of Kenneth L. Nathanson Chari & Skip Goodman Don & Barbara Metsky Family Shabbat Service Celebrate Shabbat with songs, prayers, and blessings on Friday evening, January 6 at 7:00. Geared especially toward children, yet designed to be welcoming for all adults and children, our Family Shabbat services feature many opportunities for participation, uplifting and lively new melodies mixed in with our familiar tunes, and instrumental accompaniment by CBE s own talented musicians. Each month, children have the opportunity to lead a prayer, blessing or song in the service. This is a wonderful way for children to learn and to feel the special sense of joy and pride that comes with leading a community in prayer. Please let Rabbi Mintz or Cantor Spierer know if your child would like to help lead. After the service, we will gather together for an oneg Shabbat. All are welcome! - 5 -

6 Congregation Beth Elohim THE STAR January 2017 Donations The congregation thanks our members, their relatives and friends, and the larger community for donations recently received To the General Fund from: Hope Davis & Robert Brown Maida Fund in memory of Arnold Goldblatt at the time of his yahrzeit. Linda & Denis Friedman: Wishing a beautiful birthday to our dear friend, Jo-Ellen Hirsch, with love. Stephen & Diane Richter To the High Holiday Appeal: Gary & Judy Budiansky Chips & David Naparstek Sandra Roschelle Michelle & Chris Siegert Linda Minkoff in honor of Rabbi Mintz for 40 years of dedicated service and to Cantor Sarra for 10 years of beautiful music. Brotherhood News MaC Liebman m.liebman@comcast.net The Brotherhood has been busy this holiday season. Gary Kushner was awarded the Brotherhood s greatest monthly honor, the Brother of the Month, for his dedication to delivering bagels around the greater Acton area in November. Later, Brotherhood members helped out at Cantor Sarra s celebration and then the Bagels and Bowling event. Have you missed our breakfasts? There will be soon be three, as along with the Sisterhood, we host breakfasts for the final candidates for our new Rabbi. These should be rewarding, informative, and important events, so we hope you ll be able to attend. To the Cantoral Fund from: Sandra Roschelle in honor of Cantor Sarra s 10 year anniversary with CBE. Doris Goldstein & Paula Levin: Grateful thanks for honoring our mother, Manya, with your beautiful voice at her funeral and the shiva. With deep appreciation. CBE Brotherhood in honor of Cantor Spierer s 10th anniversary at CBE. Michael Sanders The Rosenman Family in honor of 10 wonderful years at CBE and many more to come. Julie & Robert McCall in honor of Cantor Sarra. in honor of Cantor Sarra s tenth anniversary at CBE. Joel & Shelley Spierer and Family in honor of Cantor Sarra Spierer s celebration of her tenth anniversary. At this time, breakfasts are scheduled for January 15, 22, and 29. Check the Star-Lite and the CBE web site for updated information. Today I read the remarks President Obama made at the annual White House Hanukkah celebration. It s worth reading. One thing he said is that among Hanukkah s lessons is that a small group can make a big difference. Maybe he was referring to the Brotherhood, because we make a difference at CBE and we would like to be larger. So, please join us, and if you are a returning member, please pay your d u e s a t t h e B r e a k f a s t s, o r o n l i n e a t Here s wishing you enjoyed celebrating the miracles we are reminded of at the Festival of Lights! - 6 -

7 January 2017 THE STAR! Congregation Beth Elohim The Hineni "Stand with CBE" campaign is off to a great start! We thank and greatly appreciate our 50 early donors who have generously pledged or given more than $144,000 to Hineni as of December 20th. If you happen to see our Hineni donors, who are listed here, please consider thanking them for helping secure CBE's future. To join our growing community of Hineni donors and stand with CBE, go to BENEFACTORS ($25,000 to $49,999) Alan & Peggy Berko PATRONS ($10,000 to $24,999) Dan & Shelley Klein Stephen & Diane Richter Leonard & Lauren Solomon SUPPORTERS ($5,000 TO $9,999) Gary & Joan Eichhorn Jonah & Pam Laufer Natalie & Roger Matus Linda Minkoff Michelle & Chris Siegert Ellen Valade Alan & Arlene Weiss Donors Donors CONTRIBUTORS ($1,000 TO $4,999): (2) Bob & Deena Ferrara Joel & Marjorie Friedman, Barbara Green & Chris Whitbeck Harry Hollenberg & Ann Budner Ron & Joanna Honig Amy Jackson David & Amy Leers David & Chips Naparstek Barry & JoAnne Nyer Lewis & Naomi Mintz David & Susan Pinsky Chuck & Lauren Pollak Erik & Lindsay Rosenman Neal Silverman & Julie Agapite Mel & Rachel Spierer Abbott & Barbara Weiss Doug & Sue Wood CHAVERIM (UP TO $999): (4) Michael & Emily Blumberg Jeff & Mindy Fishman Laurence & Rita Grossman Moshe & Michelle Jacob David & Karen Jarsky Mark & Elaine Kahan Stuart & Cynthia Karon Dan & Laura Kelmar Julie Kozhukin Ellen & Bruce Leicher Peter & Heidi Lovitz Joseph & Emily Navetta Rick & Sara-Jane Rogers David Salomon & Marilyn Leeds Iris Stutman Donors Donors p

8 Congregation Beth Elohim THE STAR January 2017 Congregation Beth Elohim January 2017 # Denotes services conducted by both Rabbi and Cantor Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 3 Tevet 4 Tevet 6:30-8:30 PM 5 Tevet 6 Tevet 7:15-9:15 PM Meditation Class with Cantor Sarra 7 Tevet 7:00 PM Rabbi Search Committee 8 Tevet 4:11 EST :00 PM Family Service # 9 Tevet Vayiggash (Genesis 44:18-47:27) 10:00 AM Torah Study 8 10 Tevet Tevet Tevet Tevet 14 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Morning: Family Education: Gan Class 4:18 EST 11 Tevet 6:30-8:30 PM 7:00 PM Sisterhood Board 14 Tevet 7:00 PM Rabbi Search Committee Candidate 16 Tevet Vayechi (Genesis 47:28-50) Rabbi Candidate Tevet Tevet Tevet Tevet Tevet 21 9:00-11:00 AM Rabbi Candidate 9:00 AM MLK Breakfast Breakfast 4:27 EST 21 Tevet 7:00 PM Rabbi Search Committee 6:00 PM Tot Shabbat Candidate 23 Tevet Shemot (Exodus 1-6:1) Rabbi Candidate Tevet Tevet Tevet Tevet Tevet Tevet 28 9:00-11:00 AM Rabbi Candidate 6:30-8:30 PM 7:00 PM Rabbi Breakfast Search Committee 4:36 EST 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM MLK Read-a-thon Candidate 1 Shevat Va'era (Exodus 6:2-9) Rabbi Candidate 29 2 Shevat 30 3 Shevat 31 4 Shevat 9:00-11:00 AM Rabbi Candidate 6:30-8:30 PM Breakfast 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Vav Class Program 5 Shevat 6 Shevat 7:00 PM Rabbi Search Committee 7 Shevat 4:45 EST Candidate Snow Date 8 Shevat Bo (Exodus 9-13:16) Rabbi Candidate Snow Date The congregation calendar is also online at

9 January 2017 THE STAR! Congregation Beth Elohim Congregation Beth Elohim February 2017 # Denotes services conducted by both Rabbi and Cantor Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 2 Shevat 9:00-11:00 AM Rabbi Candidate Breakfast 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Vav Class Program 3 Shevat 6:30-8:30 PM 4 Shevat 5 Shevat 6 Shevat 7:00 PM Rabbi Search Committee 7 Shevat 4:45 EST Candidate Snow Date 8 Shevat Bo (Exodus 9-13:16) Rabbi Candidate Snow Date 5 9 Shevat 6 10 Shevat Shevat Shevat 11 9:00-11:00 AM Rabbi Candidate 6:30-8:30 PM 7:00 PM Rabbi Breakfast Snow Date Search Committee 4:54 EST 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 7:00 PM Sisterhood Board 11 Shevat 7:00-9:00 PM The Islamic Perspective on Jews and Judaism 12 Shevat 7:30-9:00 PM Yiddish Culture Class with Rabbi Mintz Candidate Snow Date 15 Shevat Beshallach (Exodus 13:17-17) Rabbi Candidate Snow Date Shevat Shevat Shevat Shevat Shevat Shevat Shevat 9:00-11:00 AM Rabbi Candidate 6:30-8:30 PM 7:00 PM Rabbi Yitro Breakfast Snow Date Search Committee 5:03 EST (Exodus 18-20) 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 7:00-9:00 PM The 7:30-9:00 PM 6:00 PM Tot Shabbat 10:00 AM Torah Study 10:00-11:30 AM Family Education: Bet Islamic Perspective Yiddish Culture and Gimel Class on Jews and Class with Rabbi Service # 7:00 PM CBE Board Judaism Mintz 23 Shevat 24 Shevat 25 Shevat 26 Shevat 7:30-9:00 PM Yiddish Culture Class with Rabbi Mintz 27 Shevat 28 Shevat 5:12 EST Service 29 Shevat Mishpatim (Exodus 21-24) Shevat 27 1 Adar 28 9:00 AM Brotherhood Board 6:30-8:30 PM 2 Adar 7:00-9:00 PM The Islamic Perspective on Jews and Judaism 3 Adar 4 Adar 5 Adar 5:20 EST Terumah (Exodus 25-27:19) 6 Adar The congregation calendar is also online at

10 Congregation Beth Elohim THE STAR January 2017 Congregation Beth Elohim 133 Prospect Street Acton, MA January 2017 The deadline for the February issue of The Star is January 15 Articles submitted to The Star must include a contact name in case of questions. Congregant addresses listed in the CBE Directory are to be used solely for CBE matters