Here s what folks who do attend Shabbat morning services at Sons of Zion say they enjoy here:

Transcription

1 Congregation Sons of Zion 378 Maple Street Holyoke, MA Phone: (413) Sons of Zion News Upcoming Dates to Remember: Feb 4: Special Kiddush for Mollie Feb 11: Tu B Shvat Feb 12: Book Club Feb 25: Special Kiddush for Arlene Fox Feb 26: US Politics Comes to SOZ Inside this issue: From Our Co-Presidents 3 Thank You! 5 February Events 9 Calendar 10 Yahrzeits & Minyan Chairs From the Board of Directors From Our Sponsors 17 From the Office 18 From Our Rabbi This article is especially for you if you have not been at Shabbat morning services at Sons of Zion for a long time. (Others, of course, are more than welcome to read it as well.) Simply put, you re missing something special. Here s what folks who do attend Shabbat morning services at Sons of Zion say they enjoy here: Volume 2, Issue 6 Thoughtful conversation about the Torah portion that helps with our lives today The uplifting experience of singing with others Hearing Hebrew Renewing our faith Explanations about the meaning of the prayers The opportunity to actively participate in discussions, to learn from one another Finding support, comfort, and affirmation Feeling part of a warm community February 2017 Sh vat/adar 5777 Exodus: Moses and the burning bush. Marc Chagall, lithograph, Take a look at recent and upcoming special events at SOZ that bring an added dimension to almost every Shabbat: December 31: Steve Constant gave a heartfelt D var Torah (literally word of Torah or sermon) about how the haftarah that he chanted here brought him comfort at a difficult time. (See his talk on p.13 in this newsletter.)

2 Page 2 Sons of Zion News Join us for Tu B Shvat (the 15 th of the month of Shvat, the Birthday of Trees, on Feb. 11 after Shabbat services. (Rabbi Continued from page 1) January 14: Cindy and Ken Vieu celebrated their granddaughter Brielle turning 8 years old. Brielle captured our hearts as she felt right at home leading parts of the service from the bimah. January 21: Laura and Jordan Marks sponsored a Kiddush in celebration of their teenager Aster attaining highest academic honors at their new school. Aster gave a moving D var Torah about how Judaism, family, and community have been so comforting and supportive at a time of personal change and exploration. (See Aster s talk on p. 12 in this newsletter.) February 4: Bill Robbins is sponsoring a Kiddush honoring the memory of his and our beloved Mollie Blatt who would have been 100 years old on February 8. February 11: A special seder for Tu B shvat, featuring all kinds of fruits and nuts, songs and readings as we celebrate trees, nature, and the renewal of the growing season. February 25: another special Kiddush, this one sponsored by Andrea Fox in honor of her mother Arlene s birthday. Clearly, many people are experiencing Sons of Zion as a place where we find support sharing our lives both the challenges and the joys with one another. Facing good times or bad, when we are together in community, we are uplifted. Word seems to be spreading about our small, warm, and diverse congregation. In the last month alone, six new people have attended Shabbat services at Sons of Zion for the first time, and three new members have joined the synagogue. So, if you haven t been here for a Shabbat morning in a long time or ever consider giving it a try. You might be pleasantly surprised at how accessible, enjoyable, and meaningful your Shabbat at SOZ can be. Hope to see you soon, Rabbi Saul Perlmutter

3 Volume 1, Issue 6 Page 3 From Inside Story our Headline Co-Presidents The New Year started off with two very special kiddush sponsorships, and a welcome to two new members, Rick Tessler of Amherst, and Susan Cohen of Northbrook, IL. Many blessings to Brielle and her family as we adored her and shared in celebration of her eight birthday. The very next week, there was another exciting kiddush on behalf of Aster Marks, where we were honoring her exemplary grades from her first term at her new school, and had the joy of hearing her bold and intensely personal d'var Torah. At our services, we have a unique opportunity to be visible, vulnerable, and courageous, as we open our hearts and share inner parts of ourselves with our SOZ family. Our rabbi and service leaders encourage us to reflect and connect with the parashah (Torah reading). It is moving to see how our teachings come off the page and become alive and relevant to our lives today. It is powerful that many of us feel safe enough with one another to take risks and share our own challenges, thoughts and wishes during these discussions. We are grateful to longtime member Dr. Steve Constant for his willingness to offer the deeply personal d'var Torah he gave in December that is printed in this months newsletter. While February is the shortest month of the calendar, we have a jam-packed schedule of important and incredible activities! Joyous celebrations continue with Bill Robbins sponsoring a special kiddush on February 4th, to honor his beloved soul mate Mollie Blatt who would have been 100 this year! On 2/11, bring your sense of adventure to try new and diverse fruits and nuts at the delicious Tu B Shvat Seder. On 2/25, please join us for another special kiddush honoring Arlene Fox in celebration of her 79th birthday! A big thank you goes to Ken Vieu for replacing the burnt out light bulbs in our large social hall, just in time for the important conversation and luncheon with our mayor and some of our local legislators. On Sunday 2/26, they will shed some light on the impact of the new administration on Greater Holyoke. We encourage everyone to come and bring two (or more!) friends so we can ensure a great turnout. In light of recent executive orders, a few SOZ members have expressed interest in forming a tikkun olam (repairing the world) group to discuss and look at how SOZ might want to become involved with social issues through the lens of our Jewish teachings and Jewish values. Recognizing that there are diverse and differing perspectives, we would like to offer time at 7 pm, on 2/8/17, before our next Board meeting (that begins at 7:30pm), to have a respectful and caring look at what is our role as a synagogue, and our role within the Interfaith community, to see how we would like to approach these matters. All interested members are invited to attend. If you are interested but unable to attend, please Andrea or Michael. The work of the Dues Subcommittee is progressing, and this month, the Board will be taking a second and perhaps final look at their proposal. The goals of a new dues structure are to clarify, streamline, update, be uniform, equitable and accessible to individuals and families from a wide range of economic backgrounds. There is nothing better than sharing your simchas with the people we love and who love us. We are off to a strong start. Let's see if we can keep the momentum going. We look forward to sharing more good times together. Respectfully submitted, Andrea and Michael

4 Page 4 Cemetery Restoration Project Update: Jan. 30, 2017 Congratulations, and thanks, to the 108 contributors who have recognized the need for this project. Now there is real grass, an irrigation system, and a professionally landscaped Holy ground. The real work of maintaining this project and the ENTIRE cemetery is in the hands of Sons of Zion News the Committee. Your continued support will assure the loving care and effort needed in the future. James Eisenstock, Project Chair Joanne Saltman and Nitza Seaver, Cemetery Co-Chairs Gellya Shulman Francine Foggle Harold Kritzman Dr. Stephen & Joan Kagan Levine Dr. Edward Barowsky Barry & Diana Hirsch Richard Stone Alan & Ellen Kaplinsky Diane Eskenasy & Family Sally & Hyman Edelstein Myra Shaefetz Helene & Sherman Marks Maida Rahn Lynne Josephson Arthur M. Sawl Harold Resnic Margie & Buddy Resnic Theresa Jaffe & Tracy Bryant Herb Goldberg Nitza Seaver Gary & Susan Bernstein Leonard & Sadie St. John Steve & Ellen Kappel Elliot Rothchild Dr. & Mrs. Daniel Vapnek Mitchell Epstein Jeremy Seaver & Michelle Karem Myra Efron Philip & Susan Craig Larzer & Ruth Ziff Richard Wilson Joseph Cohen Ruth Epstein Andrew & Lynda Levin Michael & Joan Rosner Larry & Anne Carmen Judith L. Greenspan William & Sharon Rothchild Amy Bernstein Jay Eisenstock Ellen Kischel Jacqueline Brecht Ruth G. Price Frederick & Elaine Clein Rachel Henderson Lois & Stephen Levin Frederick & Georgette Barowsky Francis & Ann LaMagdelaine A & B Eisenstock Dr. & Mrs. David Nochimson Sherwin & Rhoda Wernick Jennifer & Berkeley O'Keefe Robert Zellan Hydro-Pro Irrigation Steven Gold & Irina Markova Leslie & Carole May Mindy Lipson Sidney Paul Sanford & Joan Katz Charles Blood, Sisitsky Memorials Aaron & Eileen Wilson Gerald L. Wilson Ellen F. Kischel Elizabeth B. Boodman Adelaide Firestone Norman & Marion Halpern Judie & Noel Couture Micki & Barry Weider Nathan Wilson Nancy & Dave Carmen Andrew Barowsky Myra Orlen & Richard Goldman Mort Haberman Marjorie Sherman Bill Robbins Francine Stewart Roberta Baskin Shefrin Richard & Elizabeth Gaberman Renee Janow Robert & SaraRuth Rossow Michael & Mary Karukin George & Gail Baquis Aaron & Eileen Wilson James Eisentock Margot Jackler Carol Halpern Wernick Aaron & Gail Lansky Dennis Bernstein Andrea Fox Anonymous Susan Cohen Ascher-Zimmerman Funeral Home Ricki Ellen Kantrowitz Barry Sparkes Dr. Stephen Constant Andrew Epstein Shirley Fondiller Laurence & Francone Foggle Dillon Funeral Home Carol Halpern Wernick Richard and Susan Halpern Scott and Anne Daniels Baskin's, Inc. Purim: Megillah Reading is March 11! Purim and kids go together very well! We are looking for people to present, in any creative form you choose, the different chapters of the Megillah (The Scroll of Ester) on Purim night, Saturday March 11. You can either pick a chapter or just RSVP that you would like to participate, and we will assign you one. Rabbi Perlmutter will be reading Chapter 3 from the Scroll, but all the others are available. Please contact Joan Rosner, Rich Freyman, or the Synagogue office to make your selection, or for more information.

5 Volume 1, Issue 6 Thank You! Inside Story Headline Francine Stewart, in honor of Pauline Jaffe s yahrzeit, to the Cemetery Fund Herb and Barbara Goldberg, in memory of Page 5 Susan McFarlin-Epstein and Richard Epstein Barbara s mother, Mollie Schlosberg Inside Abraham Story Ravett enhances the message Alicia and Scher, symbols. from her B nai Tzedek Fund you re trying to convey. Headline Mrs. Shirley Fondiller Avoid selecting images Kezia Once Constant, you have from chosen her B nai Tzedek Fund an image, place it close This Norman story & can Robin fit 75- Robinson, that in appear honor of to Harry be out Emily to the Levine, article. from Be sure her to B nai Tzedek Fund 125 Wolfe s words. 93rd birthday of context. Joan place and the Michael caption Rosner, of the in honor of Aster s Selecting Marjorie pictures Feldman or Microsoft Publisher academic image near achievement the image. graphics is an important includes thousands of Robert and Olivia Mausel Myra Efron, in memory of your father, Aaron part of adding content clip art images from Gellya Shulman, in memory Caption describing picture or to your newsletter. which of you her can husband Kingsberg choose Arkady, to the Cemetery and Fund import into your Margo and Kathie Stein, Susan and John Think about your article newsletter. There are Black, in loving memory of Albert graphic. Goldberg, Lee Frankl and ask yourself if the also several tools you to the Centennial Fund picture Elaine and supports Ron or Shepard can use to draw shapes Ozzie and Rhoda Wernick, in memory of Margie and Buddy Resnic, in memory of Babe Rhoda s mother, Sarah Lipnick Inside Resnic., Story to Headline the Endowment Fund Andrea Fox, in honor of Briellle, Aster and Joan and Michael Rosner, in honor of Brielle s Mollie birthday Our Coat Donations Made a Difference! The Jewish Family Service winter coat drive received so many donations that they were unable to accept ours! So I chose another organization to donate to, who will directly serve needy Valley residents. Thank you to everyone who donated! -Laura Marks

6 Page 6 The United States Under a Trump Presidency: What it Will Mean for Greater Holyoke Sons of Zion News National Politics comes to Holyoke! On February 26, 2017, at 11:30 am, Congregation Sons of Zion will host State and Local politicians for a moderated discussion entitled, The United States Under a Trump Presidency: What it Will Mean to Greater Holyoke. State Senator Don Humason, Jr., State Senator Eric Lesser, State Representative Aaron Vega, and Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse will participate in the panel discussion. Questions will be provided by audience members. The discussion will be moderated by Brenda Garton, faculty member in the Department of Communication at Western New England University in Springfield, and former evening news anchor at WWLP-TV (NBC) in Springfield. State Senator Don Humason (R, 2nd Hampden and Hampshire District) State Senator Eric Lesser (D, 1st Hampden and Hampshire District) Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse Brenda Garton of WNEU will moderate A light lunch, provided by Chef Ezra Bleau of South Hadley High School, will be served prior to the discussion. The event is open to the public with a $10 per person suggested donation to the Synagogue. There is ample parking behind the building on Cabot Street; please use the Cabot Street entrance. Handicap accessible. State Representative Aaron Vega (D, 5th Hampden District)

7 Volume 1, Issue 6 Page 7

8 Page 8 Tikkun Olam Feb 8, 7pm In light of recent executive orders, a few SOZ members have expressed interest in possibly forming a Tikkun Olam ( repairing the world) group to discuss and look at how SOZ might want to become involved with social issues through the lens of our Jewish teachings and Jewish values. Recognizing that Sons of Zion News there are diverse and differing perspectives, we would like to offer time at 7 pm, on 2/8/17, before our next board meeting (that begins at 7:30pm), to have a respectful and caring look at what is our role as a synagogue, and our role within the Interfaith community, to see how we would like to approach these matters. All interested members are invited to attend. If you are interested but unable to attend, please Andrea or Michael. Dear Friends, As your local Jewish communal organization, we voice great concern about President Trump s executive order halting the refugee resettlement program and enforcing a travel ban on Muslims. History cannot repeat itself with religious bans on entry into the United States. The Jewish people know firsthand the consequences of turning away those fleeing persecution. Our country was founded based on a core principle of religious freedom and "Welcoming the Stranger". We join with the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, HIAS and many Jewish organizations in decrying these Orders in the name of national security. national security. This article from Radio Free Europe s web site provides a good analysis on the implications of the Administration's actions. If you are interested in advocating with your Senator, HIAS has established an "Act NOW" Campaign. Our Jewish Family Service of Western MA (JFS), one of our beneficiary agencies, is heralded as a national model for refugee resettlement and they will continue to provide services to refugees already resettled; their robust programs will continue. If you are interested in supporting the JFS refugee program with your time or donations, please contact Daisy Kabochi at dkabochi@jfswm.org. We are proud of our Jewish American heritage and vehemently reject any effort to shut our nation s doors on religious minorities seeking freedom and the most vulnerable. We recommit ourselves to the work of protecting and advancing the dignity of all human beings and to preventing suffering in this world. Please feel free to call us with questions, ideas, or comments. We appreciate you joining with us to repair the world. B shalom, Susan Goldman, President Bob Marmor, Interim Executive Director

9 Volume 1, Issue 6 Upcoming Events at the Synagogue Inside Story Headline Thursday, Feb. 2: Hebrew Reading Class at 9:45am (following 8am enhances the message and symbols. minyan and breakfast). Rabbi you re Perlmutter trying to convey. is offering a course on Hebrew reading. The course Avoid is open selecting to all images and will focus on building He- Once you have chosen an image, place it close This brew story reading can fit skills. 75- It should that appear be useful to for be out beginners, as well as for to the article. Be sure to 125 people words. who would like to of improve context. their reading from place the the prayer caption book of the and eventually from the Selecting pictures or Microsoft Torah. Next Publisher meeting tentatively image near scheduled the image. for graphics Feb. 23. is New an important people are includes always thousands welcome! of part of adding content clip art images from Shabbat, Feb. 4: Special to your newsletter. which Kiddush you can in Memory choose of Mollie Blatt, an in honor of her 100th Birthday. and import On February into your 4, the Sons of Zion community will about come your together article to remember newsletter. There and celebrate are Mollie Blatt's 100th Think and Birthday. ask yourself February if the 8th would also several have been tools you Mollie's 100 th birthday. Bill picture Robbins supports lovingly or requests can your use presence to draw shapes at a Shabbat Kiddush in honor of her many contributions and long service to Sons of Zion. Inside Story Headline Inside Story Headline Shabbat, Feb. 4: SOZ Chorus and anyone who just likes to sing will be This story can fit 150- While your main goal and write your own getting together on Saturday, Feb 4 after Kiddush. We'll be doing 200 words. of distributing a articles, or include a some Tu B'Shvat and Purim newsletter songs among might be other to things. calendar All are of upcoming welcome. One benefit of using your Shabbat, newsletter Feb. as 11: a Tu b Shvat sell your Seder product following or Morning events Services. or a special All promotional are welcome tool and is that encouraged service, to the come key and to a celebrate offer the that Birthday promotes of a you successful newsletter is new product. the can Trees! reuse content from other marketing making it useful to your You can also research materials, Sunday, Feb. such as 12: press SOZ Book readers. Club at 9:30am. The articles Sons of or Zion find book filler releases, club will market meet on Sunday A February great way 12 to at add 9:30am articles for breakfast by accessing and studies, discussion. and The reports. current book useful is "Black content Widow" to your by Daniel the World Silvia. Wide Web. newsletter is to develop You can write about a Shabbat, Feb. 25: Special Kiddush in Honor of Arlene Fox s Birthday. Story Andrea Headline Fox is hosting a Kiddush in honor of her mother Arlene Inside Fox's 79 th Birthday. This is the actual date of Arlene's birthday, so expect story singing, can fit cake, 150-and possibly While your even main balloons! goal We and hope write to your see own you This 200 words. of distributing a articles, or include a there. One benefit of using newsletter might be to calendar of upcoming your Sunday, newsletter Feb. 26: as a Political sell Panel your product Discussion or at 11:30am, events or The a special promotional United States tool Under is that a Trump service, Presidency: the key to What a it offer Will that Mean promotes to a you Greater can reuse Holyoke. content State successful Senator Don newsletter Humason, is State new product. Senator Eric from other marketing making it useful to your Lesser, State Representative Aaron Vega, and Holyoke You can Mayor also research materials, such as press readers. Alex Morse will participate in a panel discussion. articles Questions or find will filler be releases, provided market by audience members. A great way A light to add lunch will articles be provided. by accessing studies, and reports. useful content to your the World Wide Web. newsletter is to develop You can write about a To catch the reader's attention, place an interesting sentence or quote from the story here. Page 9 Remember Caption describing celebrate picture or what Molly Blatt and would graphic. have been her 100 th birthday on Feb. 4. Please plan to attend our Political Panel Discussion, to be held on Feb. 26 at 11:30am. Caption describing picture or graphic.

10 Page 10 Sons of Zion News February 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sh vat 3 7 Sh vat Sh vat 10 Sh vat 11 Sh vat 12 Sh vat 13 Sh vat 14 Sh vat 15 Sh vat Minyan 8am Minyan 8am B Shalach - Shabbat Shira Book Club 9:30am 16 Sh vat 17 Sh vat 18 Sh vat 19 Sh vat 20 Sh vat 21 Sh vat 22 Sh vat Sh vat 24 Sh vat 25 Sh vat 26 Sh vat 27 Sh vat 28 Sh vat 29 Sh vat Minyan 8am Minyan 8am Washington s Birthday (Obs) 2630 Sh vat 27 1 Adar 28 Political Forum 11:30am at SOZ Rosh Chodesh Minyan 8am Minyan 8am Rosh Chodesh 2 Adar 5 Sh vat 8 Sh vat Minyan 8am Bo Kiddush in Honor of Mollie Blatt s Hebrew Reading Class 9:45 100th Birthday Anniversary Minyan 8am Hebrew Reading Class 9:45 (tentative) Tu b Sh vat Seder after Services Yitro Mishpatim - Shabbat Sh kalim Kiddush in Honor of Arlene Fox s 79th Birthday Please keep in mind: The office is closed on Fridays, weekends, and Jewish holidays. If you need to make funeral arrangements during these times, please contact Joanne at

11 Volume 1, Issue 6 Yahrzeits & Minyan Chairs Inside Story Headline January 29 February 4: David Carmen Jan. 30 *Leopold Mausel Feb. 1 *Clarence Irving Garber *Rebecca R. Katz Feb. 2 *Lenore Kingsberg *Elizabeth Orlen Feb. 4 Isidor Becker Feb. 5 Feb 11: Joanne Saltman Feb. 8 *Samuel Karukin Feb. 11 *Samuel Garber Page 11 Feb. 19 Feb. 25: Cindy Vieu Feb. 19 Edwin Os *Rae Schepps Feb. 21 *Beatrice Kahan Feb. 24 *Sylvia G. Welson Feb. 26 March 24: Nancy Carmen Feb. 26 *Marcia Greenspan Friedman Feb. 27 Theodore Belsky *George Rose Feb. 28 *David Epstein Feb. 12 Feb. 18: Steve Levine Feb. 12 Rebecca Wolfe Feb. 13 Doris Goldberg Selbie Feb. 14 *Frances Brams Evarts Feb. 16 Harris Cohan Feb. 18 *Eda G. Solomon Contact Joan Rosner (joanrosner@comcast.net) or the Synagogue Office (office@sonsofzionholyoke.org or ) if you are interested in sponsoring a Kiddush and would like to choose a date.

12 Page 12 Special Shabbats with Family and Friends Brielle Turns 8! Whether you know her as the granddaughter of Cindy and Ken Vieu, or as the indispensable helper up on the Shabbat bimah, you have probably had the pleasure of meeting Brielle. She celebrated her 8 th birthday with her SOZ friends and family on Jan. 14, when she enjoyed a special Kiddush and ice cream cake in honor of the occasion. Happy Birthday, Brielle; we enjoyed celebrating with you! Sons of Zion News In this parshah, G-d calls upon Moses. Moses response when ה נ נ י simply, called forward is Here I am. And so I say to you, henaini. Here I am. All of you met me as Sarah. Today I, and most of my friends, family, and loved ones, know me as Aster. The name of this Parshah translates literally to names. Most assume it refers to the list of names at the beginning of the chapter, a list of the descendants of Jacob who came to Egypt. But in this same chapter, we think about the concept of names again, when Moses asks G-d what he should say when the Jewish people ask him to say who sent him. G-d, in a sense, is perhaps the Aster Achieves Highest Honors Aster Marks, the oldest child of Laura and Jordan Marks, was honored with a special Kiddush on Jan. 21. Aster began attending Stoneleigh- Burnham School in the fall of 2016 as a 9th grader, and was awarded Highest Honors at the end of Winter Term, having achieved all As ( and one A+! ). Congratulations, Aster, and keep up the good work! Aster s D var Torah: On Names ( Sh mot ) queerest being there is. We are all made in G-d s image, every one of us, be we straight, gay, bi, male, female, both, or neither. As we are made in G-d s image, it s not too far of a stretch that some of us may go by more than one name. Changing your name is divine. G-d s name changes, from y-h-v-h to, I will be what I will be, to other multitudes of names. So, too, do people go through many names. Before I was known by any official name, I was Kiddo. Then I was Sarah, but I didn t stop being the same soul that was called Kiddo. I was just known by a different name. So too does G-d never change who They are, They merely are known by a different title. The Torah says that we are created in G-d s image. When I was first questioning my gender, this knowledge helped me immensely. Knowing that no matter what, I was made according to the divine image was so comforting, and helps me block out people who say that being trans and neither a girl nor a boy is wrong and bad in G-d s eyes. Being Jewish has helped me so much while I continue the process of living my life as authentically me. Turning to faith has given me a new relationship with G-d and I'm so glad I have this experience, Judaism, and my community and family to support me going forward. Aster Marks, 1/21/2017

13 Volume 1, Issue 6 Page 13 Steve Constant s D var, Dec. 31, 2016 Today is the last day of I am thankful for this year. It has been a difficult year. It started with me having a heart attack at work. It ended with my brother-in- law dying of pancreatic cancer. One of my favorite clients Constance Hierapolis born in Thessaloniki, Greece was born the same year as me. He did not survive his heart attack this year. His wife found him dead in his chair after complaining of some indigestion. Joe, another client who always brought me his sick chickens to examine.also had a heart attack. They found him dead in his car. I just finished reading Rogue Heroes by Ben Mac- Intyre, a book about the development of the British Special Forces in WW2. They went out on missions every week through the desert to attack Hitler s forces. They always returned with at least one killed soldier. But they continued on. It doesn t matter where you are, whether in war or at home, we live next to fallen soldiers. Zechariah is a book G-d has used in my life. It has been a comfort to me, my go to place of comfort. Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for lo I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee. Be silent before the Lord, for He is aroused out of His holy habitation. Thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto thee. During hard times this is the promise of G-d: that He will send Himself to you. G-d heard the people of Israel s cry as slaves and chose Moses to deliver His people. When Moses said, The people need to know your name, what did G-d answer? He said, My name is Where there is pain, there I AM. Sing and rejoice, O Daughter of Zion, for lo I come, and I will dwell in your midst. Why did G-d call Abraham? To reveal Himself, the one true G-d, to establish a nation that knew and worshipped the one true G-d, that through this nation G-d could reveal Himself to the rest of the world. This is the prayer of the Jewish people throughout their history. On Yom Kippur, we pray, That Thy way may be known Egyptian Taskmasters, O. A. Stemler and Bess Bruce, 1927 upon earth, Thy saving health among all nations. (Psalm 67). The promise to Abraham in Genesis 22 was that, In thy seed shall all the nations (Goyim) of the earth be blessed. Through the Prophet Isaiah, G-d proclaimed, For Mine house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations (Goyim), and through Jeremiah, All the nations (Goyim) of the earth will hear all the good that I do unto them, and they shall fear and tremble. Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for lo I come, and I will dwell in your midst... It was no coincidence that a Jew became the savior of the Gentiles. It was what the Jewish people prayed for.

14 Page 14 Board of Directors Meeting Summary: Jan 18, 2016 PRESENT: Andrea Fox, Michael A. Rosner, Frances Welson, Cindy Vieu, Joanne Saltman, Buddy Resnic, Alfred Hutt, Steve Levine, Joan K. Levine, Joan Rosner, Rabbi Saul Perlmutter The meeting came to order at 7:40p.m. Committee Reports: Dues Subcommittee: Frances Welson reported that the dues subcommittee researched what other shuls in our area are doing based on a request from the Budget & Finance Committee to consider a system where our members would contribute on a sliding scale based on individual or family gross income. Members would not be discouraged from contributing more if they would like to help ensure the economic stability of SOZ. Members would not be asked for proof of income. Discussion included establishing a minimum for out-of-town members looking to maintain cemetery privileges. Members shared information about another local synagogue that has a category for sustainers. These are members who contribute at least $1,000 annually in addition to their dues, they get special acknowledgement, and are not asked for other donations during the year. In addition to dues, some synagogues have a building fund, but that was not something we wanted explore now. The committee will look to define what a household is and look at how cemetery privileges may impact this new plan. The group hopes to finalize the plan for new dues structure at the February meeting or no later than March. The group thanked Frances for the hard work of the committee and her comprehensive presentation. Budget and Finance: The chair reported their continuing efforts to be more fiscally secure, that they want to adjust dues, lower expenses (not much more to lower), possibly find a less expensive copier, and suggested we approach Rodphey Sholom about renting space without pursuing a formal a merger. The idea of approaching Rodphey was rejected for now. Discussion about members Legacy commitments ensued. Would people be willing to make their Legacy contribution now? It was emphasized, when you made a Legacy commitment, it s a promise. It s a great idea to help now if you can afford it but not to take it from Legacy. This committee is continuing to work toward balancing how much money we take in, how much we spend per month and monitoring what we have in our accounts. Activities: Cindy reported that the Hanukkah events the menorah lighting in front of City Hall Sons of Zion News followed by a celebration inside, and a children s program at the Holyoke Library were hugely successful. Many thanks to Steve for reaching out and confirming with the local elected officials for the political forum on Sunday, February 26. Our panel includes Senator Humason, Senator Lesser, Representative Vega and Mayor Morse. Topic: How Greater Holyoke is affected by the new Trump administration. Joan Levine will follow up with Brenda Garton who was asked to moderate. The director of South Hadley High School s culinary department has volunteered to prepare a light lunch. There is no charge but there is a suggested donation of $ We encourage everyone to invite friends! Membership: A draft membership application for new and current members was prepared by Laura and distributed for review. Excited to announce two new recent new members, Rick Tessler, Northampton; Sharon Cohen, Illinois. Building & Security: Ken Vieu is installing new lights in the kitchen and large social hall. Let there be light!! Bylaws: We hope to see a draft next month; they are working hard. Cemetery: Joanne reported, 97

15 Volume 1, Issue 6 Page 15 people donated to the grounds renovation raising $18,000 to date. Settlement was reached, the family in dispute will pay $2,250. Accounts are healthy. Money in excess of $10,000 will go into Cemetery Endowment Fund. All donations and cemetery funds should be sent to the office and recorded in the records by the office. Personnel: Please note that Laura does not work on Friday. Religious Committee: As the hour growing late, Joan asked board members to read the report in the Newsletter. Shabbat Kiddush sponsorships have been wonderfully active. New Business Artwork: Andrea noted there are several pieces of art on the 3rd floor which are deteriorating. Do we want to display or sell them? There is someone interested in three pieces. Board suggested Lee Hutt look at it to help determine value. The pieces are pictured on this page. Anyone with any information or interest in them should contact Andrea or Michael before the next board meeting (Feb. 8). Kitchen rental: Steve was contacted by a prize winning, kosher chocolate maker who is interested in renting our kitchen 2 days a month for 6-8 hours starting in April. She has insurance and is working on attaining a Holyoke license. She s coming to look at the kitchen. Rental is being negotiated. Steve suggests a 3 month trial with ability to extend. Rabbi s Report: Saul reported that we have been attracting new people including some people who attended the Menorah lighting have come to services. He joked that new people make the mistake of coming on time when not many others have arrived. We are encouraging those attending services to try and come early or on time. Board members are encouraged to be at services to welcome them. Next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 8 at 7:30 PM. Meeting adjourned at 9:30p.m. Respectfully submitted, JoanRosner Acting Secretary

16 Page 16 Sons of Zion News Help Defend Our Spelling Title! Homework House is an organization that provides free after-school tutoring and mentoring for children in Holyoke, Massachusetts who are at-risk for academic failure and dropping out of school. Last year, they held their first annual Adult Spelling Bee, and the winning team was Congregation Sons of Zzzion; you may have seen the trophy outside of the office! We would like to field another winning team this year. Registration starts soon, and the fee is $150. If you are a good speller and are interested in forming or joining a spelling bee team, please contact Fran Welson (office staff can put you in touch with her). If you are not a good speller, or would just like to help offset the cost of registration, donations can be sent to the office (make sure you label your check). Please consider participating in the fun, and helping out a great cause right here in Holyoke! Shabbat Across America: March 3, 2017 Jews across North America will come together to eat drink, relax, dance, enjoy, debate, and celebrate. CONGREGATION RODPHEY SHOLOM & CONGREGATION SONS OF ZION Invite YOU to participate in a big and bold event uniting Jews across America for a Shabbat celebration. Candle lighting and a Friday night service will be followed by a traditional Shabbat meal. Singing, dancing, stories, and more!! Adults: $20 Children (5-13): $6 Children under 5: Free Family: $45 Festivities begin with candle lighting at 5:26pm and a Shabbat service. Please RSVP by Monday, February 27 Call Cong. Rodphey Sholom at to make your reservations or to get more information.

17 Volume 1, Issue 6 Ads from Our Sponsors Page Caption describing picture or graphic. To catch the reader's attention, place an interesting sentence or quote from the story here. Please Patronize our Sponsors. They Make our Newsletter Possible! Always Room for More! Caption describing picture or BUSINESS CARD ADS: $180 / YEAR PLEASE CONTACT graphic. THE SYNAGOGUE OFFICE (413) OR office@sonsofzionholyoke.org

18 Time to plan your Purim costume! Congregation Sons of Zion 378 Maple Street Holyoke, MA Phone: (413) Submission deadline for next issue: February 25. Discover the wide range of Jewish arts and culture around western Massachusetts. Enjoy the rich fabric of Jewish community in the Pioneer Valley, Berkshires, Southern VT, and beyond at Jewish Culture Connect! From the Office As I look out the window and contemplate the rest of my day, I see snow, slush, brown puddles and a grey sky. I can tell from the ache in my fingers, and by watching the pedestrians hurrying by, that it s cold out there. I don t mind the cold too much. I love to crochet and sew, and it s much more comfortable to work on an afghan or a quilt when the warmth of the item, and the cup of tea by my side, is welcome. But I will admit to feeling a pang of longing. When can I start my garden? When can I work the earth and start to feel life stirring out of its winter torpor? The answer is simple: Tu B Shvat. The Birthday of Trees is also the point in winter when I allow myself to look forward to Spring, to plant a little parsley for Pesach, and to begin my garden plan in anticipation of warmer weather. The winter work is quiet and mindful, but it is important to think and plan now so I can leap into Spring full of ideas. Like sewing or crochet, each stitch and each day brings me closer to warmth, completion, and the chance once again to enjoy the labor for my fruits. Please come and celebrate Tu B Shvat with SoZ on Feb. 11. ~Laura