Sabbatical. TEMPLE BETH DAVID Voice: Fax:

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1 Shofar NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 KISLEV/TEVET 5775 Special thanks to Jackie Feuer, Sisterhood and the team of volunteers who helped add 100 potential donors to the Gift of Life Bone Marrow Registry during Yom Kippur. The vision of Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation is simple: A match. Anytime. Anywhere. For anyone. Sabbatical It is customary for congregations to allow their clergy a period of sabbatical during their tenure. I am grateful that I will have this opportunity in the upcoming months. Sabbatical is a time for reflection and rejuvenation away from the everyday demands of congregational life. It is a time for clergy to pursue an endeavor of personal interest to enrich their knowledge or gain new skills. Traditionally, congregations provide a sabbatical to their clergy every seven years. I will be on sabbatical beginning December 15, and will return following the CCAR convention on March 20. I will be studying an area of particular interest to me the proposal of a Jewish homeland in Africa that was considered by the Sixth Zionist Congress. I also will be spending a short time in Israel. While I am on sabbatical, I will be unavailable for life cycle events such as funerals, programs, and other temple activities. There is a Sabbatical Committee which will ensure the congregation s needs are met, and Rachel, Rabbi Zoob, and possibly other clergy will be available to help you if needed. I would like to thank the congregation for this opportunity, and look forward to seeing all of you upon my return. L shalom, Rabbi Jeffrey Wildstein TEMPLE BETH DAVID Voice: Fax: info@templebethdavid.net Rabbi Jeffrey S. Wildstein Cantorial Intern Rachel Reef- Simpson Rabbi Emeritus Henry A. Zoob Cantor Emerita Louise E. Treitman President David M. Wang VP Member Resources Deb Dubiner VP Religious Practices Lisa Altman VP Education Pat Aronson VP Administration Steve Ellis Treasurer Geoff Kupferschmid Immediate Past President Dan Weller Congregation Secretary Mel Bernstein Education Director Aviva Scheur Temple Administrative Assistant Rita Cohen

2 The PRESIDENT S CORNER We Stand With Israel If I forget thee oh Jerusalem, may my right hand forget her cunning. Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth if I remember thee not. - - Psalm 137 This summer, in the midst of the conflict in Gaza, we were asked by the CJP to put a "We stand with Israel" banner on Temple property. I canvassed the Executive Committee and we agreed to put the banner up. An issue that was raised at the meeting was whether showing our support for Israel with a banner might be considered too political. To me, the support of Israel by a synagogue seems like a "no- brainer." Israel is our spiritual home. It is the subject of numerous prayers and a central focus for our religion. However, I am aware that not everyone shares my views. It took a little while to find the best location but now, when I see it, I feel proud. Hopefully many of you do too. I did speak with one resident of Westwood who was not pleased with the sign. She came into the office and spoke with Rita first. She asked, "What is the meaning behind the sign?" Rita did her best to explain that we are a Temple and Israel is our spiritual home. Unsatisfied with that answer she said she wanted to speak with someone else. Rita suggested she speak with the President. I called her the next day and we discussed the sign. She told me she drives by it every day on her way to work and, as she explained it to me, it "disgusts" her. We spoke about Israel's right to exist (She reluctantly agreed.) We spoke about Israel's right to defend itself and the horrors of the conflict in Gaza. Like many this summer, she spoke of the "disproportionate " death count on the two sides. I tried to explain that the reaction she was exhibiting was exactly what Hamas was trying to elicit and that Israel was using incredible restraint in all that it did. I realized I was not convincing her and told her we are fortunate to have the freedoms we have living in America including freedom of speech and religion. I told her the sign was staying up and that, if seeing it truly disgusted her, she should find an alternate route to work. I tell this story today because I believe, as Jews, it is important for us to keep informed on what is going on in Israel. I also believe that, when necessary, we should be able to explain not only Israel's right to exist, but also its strength and importance as the sole democracy in the region. We may not always win over a skeptic, but it is important to try. This is precisely what the Israel Action Committee is trying to achieve here at TBD. For the past few months I have had the privilege of working with the Israel Action Committee. This group of dedicated congregants recently established the following mission statement: The mission of the Israel Action Committee is to promote a deeper understanding and connection between our synagogue members and Israel. Our programming helps to inform congregants of the impact of both domestic and world current events on our Jewish state. We aim for all our members to learn to be effective advocates for Israel s right to exist and by doing so develop a personal and meaningful connection with our homeland. (cont. on page 3) 2

3 (The President s Corner - cont. from page 3) My personal connection for Israel goes back a long way. I learned about Israel in religious school and my older sister and brother both visited Israel as teens but, for some reason, I never did. We had cousins in Israel we would speak to on the phone (back when that was quite expensive!) or see at family gatherings and they always asked: When are you coming to Israel? I have been fortunate to travel to many places but, for some reason, I never made it to Israel. Happily this changed in Debbie and I were out to dinner with another couple when a good friend of mine told me about a group he was involved with called the FIDF (Friends of the Israel Defense Forces.) My friend's mother had recently passed away and, as a tribute to her, he was traveling to Israel to dedicate a mobile recreation center for soldiers on active duty in the Golan Heights. He invited me on an FIDF "Mission to Israel." Because of his personal connection to the cause, and a long bucket list desire on my part, I gladly agreed to go on the mission. While there we toured Army, Navy & Air Force bases all over the country. We saw the command center for the Israel- Gaza barrier. We toured the location where (then still held) Gilad Shalit was captured. We received briefings from military personnel and from Knesset members. We also did the typical touristy things: Masada and the Dead Sea, Yad Vashem & Ir David, the Mahene Yehuda market and the Kotel. Perhaps the most memorable thing we did, however, was to spend time with the soldiers. To me they seemed so young but so determined to serve their country with honor. From a "lone soldier" we met originally from Brookline, to the hundreds of recent high school graduates with whom we ate and shared stories, the key feeling I came away with was pride. They were proud to do their duty to make sure that Israel would continue to exist. Their pride was contagious and, as an American Jew on his first trip to The Holy Land, I felt connected to Israel in a way I never had before. Why had I waited so long to visit? By the end of the week, I remember vividly seeing the Kotel for the first time on a Shabbat evening. As we approached, I heard a group of students singing "Oseh shalom bimromav, hu ya aseh shalom alleynu.." and I started weeping. I just felt so connected with tradition and my people at that time that emotion overwhelmed me. Stand with Israel? You bet I do. That doesn't mean I agree with everything the Israeli government does. I also don't agree with everything the United States government does but I love my country. As Jews I believe we all need to stand with Israel, especially when so many others still want to see it wiped from the map. So what can we do as members of the TBD community? - - We can attend programs put on by the Israel Action Committee. Join me for A Taste of Israel on November 8 at 5:30. There will be a special Havdalah service followed by an Israeli wine tasting and a discussion with the Rabbi about Israel. Throughout the year please look for other events sponsored by the IAC. - - We can make a donation to a new fund at TBD which helps support the activities of the IAC. - - We can travel to Israel. Find a mission like I did, or go as a family; you will be warmly welcomed. - - We can fight the BDS movement by supporting Israel and purchasing Israeli products. (Try downloading and using the app "Am Yisrael BUY." - - We can inform others through the use of social media. (cont. on page 4) 3

4 (The President s Corner - cont. from page 3) - - We can invest in Israel by purchasing Israel Bonds. Whether we stand to the left or the right with our politics, I believe we must stand with Israel. I hope you do too. L Shalom David Some members and clergy showing their support after Tashlich 5775 Temple Beth David warmly welcomes our new members Marla and Will Beck and their children Lily and Michael Adam and Brandi Cooper and their children Morgan and Amanda Barbara Curtis Leslie and Daron Forman and their children Shayla and Meira Rhonda and Steve Glyman and their children Andrew, Eric and Jason Suzan Levin and her daughter Ellie Paul and Vicki Loberman and their son Noah Phyllis Paster Grant and Lisa Silver and their children Jacob and Lily 4

5 Musical NOTES During the first week of November, the weekly Torah portion is Parshat Vayeira. It is the same parsha that we read at Rosh Hashanah, when God tests Abraham by telling him to sacrifice his only son Isaac. Abraham does as he is commanded by God; Abraham builds an altar, binds Isaac, places him on the altar and raises the knife to slay him. It is then that an angel of God calls to Abraham and says: "Abraham! Abraham!" And he answered, "Here I am." And the angel said, "Do not raise your hand against the boy, or do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your favored one, from Me."(Genesis 22:12-13) Abraham then slays a ram in place of his son and the angel bestows a blessing on Abraham saying because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your favored one, I will bestow My blessing upon you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars of heaven and the sands on the seashore; (Genesis 22: 17-18) As I read these words today, I was reminded of an encounter I had with a very special congregant who became Bar Mitzvah at our Temple a few years ago. We were about to begin a rehearsal for his service when he turned to me and said Rachel, I have a question. Sure, I said, what s your question? I want to know why God would tell Abraham to sacrifice his son. Why would God do that? Oyyy.I thought to myself.i wasn t expecting that one! I knew this was a very inquisitive and introspective boy, but I was assuming he was going to ask me something simple, perhaps something logistical about his Bar Mitzvah service. I couldn t have predicted that he was going to ask me a thought provoking question about the akedah- this wasn t even his Torah portion! But, I could tell this story really struck a chord in him and he wanted my take on the story. I thought for a moment and then I responded: Well, I believe that God was putting Abraham to the ultimate test. God wanted to see if Abraham truly had faith in Him and if Abraham s faith was strong enough that he would do anything God commanded of him, including sacrificing his son. It was because Abraham was willing to do whatever God asked of him that Abraham became the father of our people. But, I ll tell you something, if God tested me like that, I would have failed the test. Well, I think you passed the test and Abraham failed it, he said with conviction. I was taken aback; out of the mouth of babes. I never thought of it that way. You have a really interesting take on the moral of the story. I think you might have a point, buddy. Maybe you should consider becoming a Rabbi someday. And with that, we moved on and began the rehearsal. But, I never forgot that day and the lesson learned from my student. I ve turned that comment around and around in my mind for years. It had a profound effect on me. God was definitely testing Abraham that day. And maybe Abraham s blind faith decision to sacrifice his son was not the choice God had hoped Abraham would make. This lesson learned from this Bar Mitzvah boy was a real aha moment, as often happens when we study Torah. How much sweeter the lesson learned is when it is from the mouths of our students. We have so much to learn from the next generation, if we take the time to listen and engage. These moments are the ones I relish whenever I am part of a life cycle event in the lives of our students and our families. L Dor Vador- may we pass on our life lessons from generation to generation and listen and learn from the pearls of wisdom our younger generation has to share with us. L Shalom, Rachel Reef- Simpson 5

6 CHOIR, THANKSGIVING INTERFAITH CHOIR AND FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE REHEARSALS: Thursday November 6 th Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Wednesday November 12 th Thanksgiving Interfaith Choir Rehearsal Sunday November 16 th Thanksgiving Interfaith Choir Rehearsal Wednesday November 19 th FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE Band and Choir Rehearsal Friday November 21 st FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE Band and Choir Rehearsal FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE Service Monday November 24 th Thanksgiving Interfaith Choir Rehearsal Westwood Interfaith Thanksgiving Service 6:30 to 8:00 PM 2:00 to 3:30 PM 7:00 PM 5:00 PM 7:00 PM 5:30 to 6:30 PM 7:30 PM Wednesday December 3 rd Choir Rehearsal with Pianist 7:00 PM Sunday December 14 th Choir Rehearsal 11:00 AM Friday December 19 th Choir Service Rehearsal 5:00 PM Choir Service 7:00 PM Our first Friday Night Live Service of the year is Friday, November 21 st at 7pm. Come join us for this spirited evening of contemporary music, including new music from Israel, and help welcome our new members! Join the Friday Night Live Tefillah band and Shir David Choir for this spiritually uplifting service! Our first Choir Service is Friday, December 19 th at 7pm. Come join Shir David for this special service including traditional and contemporary choral music. Come and be moved spiritually by the majestic repertoire of our own Shir David choir! 6

7 From the EDUCATION DIRECTOR Aviva Scheur Religious School November/December Calendar Sunday, November 2 Friday, November 7 Sunday, November 9 Sunday, November 16 Sunday, November 16 Wednesday, November 26 to Sunday, November 30 Wednesday, December 3 Friday, December 5 to Monday, Dec. 8 Saturday, December 13 Sunday, December 14 Sunday, December 14 Wednesday, December 24 to Sunday, January 4 Grade 6 Family Education (11:15 am to 1 pm) Grade 7 Service (7:00 pm) Grade 5 Family Education (11:15 am to 1 pm) Grade 9 Seminar- St Denis Church (9:00 am to 11:00 am) Grade 6 Family Education (11:15 am to 1 pm) No school. Thanksgiving Double Chai Trimester 2 begins L Taken Trip Washington D.C. Grades 9-10 Grade 6 Service (10:30 am) Hanukkah Happening Grades K- 2 (9:00 am to 11:00 am) Grade 6 Family Education (11:15 am to 1 pm) No school. Winter vacation Bar Mitzvah in November Jacob Grassi, son of Michelle Pressma and James Grassi, will celebrate his bar mitzvah on Shabbat Lech Lecha, November 1,

8 Update from the Interim Rabbi Search Committee In August, Temple Beth David began the search for an interim rabbi through the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) Placement office. The CCAR is the rabbinic arm of the Reform movement, and nearly all Reform rabbis seeking placement, interim or permanent, in a Reform congregation will go through the CCAR Placement Office. As David Wang explained in the September/October Shofar (found at the Interim Rabbi Search Committee (IRSC) is co- chaired by Amy Cook (Board member) and Lisa Fassberg Weller and is comprised of Temple members representing a wide spectrum of our community. The committee members are Lisa Altman (VP Religious Practices), Pat Aronson (VP Education), Zelayna Rauch, Mark Beal and David Goldfisher. We have received a number of resumes to date and initial Skype interviews are underway. We hope to invite several candidates for on- site interviews and/or visit the candidates at their current congregation over the next few months. In accordance with the procedures outlined in the Temple By- Laws, the Committee will recommend a candidate to the Board of Trustees, who will then vote to accept or reject the recommendation. At that time, notice will be sent of a special congregational meeting where we will vote to accept or reject the candidate. Barring any extenuating circumstances, the interim rabbi will begin on July 1, Answers to some frequently asked questions regarding the rabbinic search and the decision to look for an interim rabbi are on the next page. If you have any questions please contact David Wang at president@templebethdavid.net. 8

9 Why did the Board decide to seek an interim rabbi? Interim rabbis receive specialized training and possess the expertise to guide congregations through a transitional process so that they are well positioned to engage in a thoughtful search for a permanent or settled rabbi. An interim rabbi can also facilitate the discovery of a new congregational identity and the creation of a new, shared vision. Skilled at community building, their training enables them to help congregations heal and grow during times of leadership transition. By not rushing into a permanent commitment with a new rabbi, the complicated and varied feelings within the community raised by the departure of Rabbi Wildstein will be given time and space to resolve. Ultimately, the interim process will help ensure the success of Temple Beth David s relationship with the next settled rabbi What does an interim rabbi do? Interim rabbis usually serve a congregation for a one- year term. During that year, in addition to the work described above, the interim rabbi would fulfill all of the traditional and typical functions of a rabbi including worship, lifecycle events, pastoral care, committee work, teaching, etc. The interim rabbi would not be a candidate for the permanent position. How is the interim rabbi search different from the regular rabbi search? Because of the specialized and limited nature of the interim rabbi position, the interim rabbi search is a shorter search with a smaller available pool of applicants and a smaller search committee. What comes next? Before beginning the next search, a committee will be formed to actively seek input and feedback from the congregation regarding the strengths and challenges of our community, what is important to the community, and the qualities and skills desired in our next rabbi. There will be multiple ways to engage in this process and everyone s participation will be welcomed and valued. The committee will compile the results, share them with the community and, using that information, prepare an application to the CCAR for a permanent rabbi. 9

10 ADULT ED News TBD Participates in Leaders in Adult Learning Fellowship Hebrew College and Combined Jewish Philanthropies have created an innovative new program, Leaders in Adult Learning Fellowship ( that prepares lay- leaders to inspire other adults in their communities to embark on a journey of Jewish learning. The Leaders in Adult Learning Fellowship is a two- year program, the first year of which provides training in facilitating Bible- study groups and community organizing. During their second year, fellows will organize and implement Bible study or another adult education programs in their own communities. Two fellows represent each participating community, and Fred Davis and Edie Selles are the TBD representatives. This year they will attend bi- weekly seminars at Hebrew College and begin planning a new adult education offering at our synagogue for the year. Watch for updates in future Shofars. iengage - Part 3 - October 29th, November 5th and 12th at 7pm - No prior participation is required. Offered in partnership with the Shalom Hartman Institute and CJP. Rabbi Wildstein leads this dynamic program, which includes readings and video lectures to invite a new conversation about our relationship with Israel. Those who have attended parts one and two have felt that this is one of the most interesting courses they have taken at Temple Beth David. You are welcome to join the class even if you have not attended the first two sessions. There is a $20 fee for course materials. Theotropes Study Group will resume their monthly meetings on November 9 th at 11:15. If you are interesting in exploring contemporary spirituality through a kabbalistic lens and relating the Biblical narrative to contemporary human relations contact Edie Selles at wselles@aol.com to join the group. Watch the Weekly Shofar and the website for additional information. B shalom, Pat Aronson, Vice President of Education VP of Education 10

11 SISTERHOOD Happenings Thank you to the Sisterhood bakers and helpers with the Yom Kippur Break Fast. It's a wonderful tradition to have a little nosh at the temple on Yom Kippur before moving on to a larger Break Fast. We also want to thank everyone who helped with the Sisterhood Brunch on 10/19, especially Anne Kupferschmid and Marcia Colagiovanni. We so appreciate all the help that so many contributed to make the brunch delicious and fun. Also thanks for a great talk by Ted Reinstein. Come to a coffee co- sponsored with the Membership Committee on the morning of 11/16. This group is always doing something fun and delicious. Sisterhood is joining in with them for some shopping! Join us on Sunday, November 16th from (10 a.m. to noon) for a morning of Chanukah shopping and style with Stella & Dot. Come see the gorgeous line of jewelry, scarves and bags...just in time for your holiday shopping. We will have a raffle for free product too! Bring a friend...the more the merrier. 25% of sales will be donated to Temple Beth David! Can't make it but want to shop the fundraiser? Use this link Temple members should also pass along the link to shop to their family and friends because all orders placed for this show, either in person or on line, will make the donation to the temple Sisterhood grow. Everything is shipped directly to the customer in 3-4 days and shopping can start immediately and continue through December 7th. The Sisterhood Book Group is going strong and recently went to the movies! A group of us went to see a movie that had been adapted from a book we'd read. If you want to get on the book group list, contact Amy Fiorino at arf815@gmail.com Watch the weekly Shofar for updates on Sisterhood meetings and activities and check out the Sisterhood page on our website. All are welcome to participate and we love new ideas! Feel free to reach out to any one of us on the committee as our telephone numbers are below. We need help with Sisterhood Shabbat coming up later in January Event planners are also needed for the joint Sisterhood/Brotherhood winter social! Don't forget to shop for your Chanukah needs at the Sisterhood Judaica Shop! It's often open on Sunday mornings! Best regards from the Sisterhood Committee, Linda Kipper Marcia Colagiovanni Anne Kupferschmid Deb Dubiner Sherri Goldman Barbara Rosenbloom Lois Bienstock Lisa Fassberg Weller

12 Temple Beth David Sisterhood MAH JONGG CARDS Purchase your Mah Jongg cards through Sisterhood. This becomes a donation to Sisterhood from the National Mah Jongg League. Regular Size Cards - $8.00 each Large Size Cards - $9.00 each Please send your check made out to: Temple Beth David Sisterhood along with the information as indicated below to: Shirley Siroka 10 Hatters Hill Road Medfield, MA If you are collecting for your Mah Jongg Club please put the names and addresses for each card to be purchased, including apartment numbers. We must have each individual name in order to receive our donation. You must have your checks and lists in by January 20 th, 2015 (No orders can be accepted after January 20 th ) ********************************************************** *Name: *Address: Number of Regular $8.00 each $ Number of Large $9.00 each $ Total $ *Check made out to Temple Beth David Sisterhood enclosed. 12

13 BROTHERHOOD News The first Brotherhood Breakfast of the year, co-sponsored with the Israel Action Committee, was a great success. The speaker was Professor Jay Berkowitz of UMass- Amherst. Professor Berkowitz gave a very informative talk on the rise of Anti- Semitism in France and Europe. The Sukkot Picnic was a wonderful community day. The main activity of the Brotherhood Program is the Brotherhood Breakfasts. The Breakfasts provide an opportunity for friendship and fellowship. Each Breakfast is followed by an interesting and thought provoking Program. The Brotherhood also engages in many activities in support of the Temple. The following are the Brotherhood events currently scheduled: November 9 Sunday Brotherhood Breakfast 9:00 AM December 7 Sunday Brotherhood Breakfast 9:00 AM February 8 Sunday Brotherhood Breakfast 9:00 AM March 7 Saturday Temple Social 7:00 PM Co- sponsored with Sisterhood 13 Friday Brotherhood Shabbat 7:00 PM May 3 Sunday Brotherhood Breakfast 9:00 AM Please check the weekly Shofar and the website to verify dates and times of events. Membership Dues are $36.00 The cost of each Breakfast is $10.00, Pre- Paid Breakfasts are $ For further information, or to inquire about the Brotherhood, please contact Eric Dubiner at or via e- mail at Dubiner@gmail.com. TZEDEK MEMBERSHIP Kol Yisrael arevim zeh b zeh All in the Jewish community are responsible for one another. When you make a financial commitment over and above annual dues, you give every member of our community the opportunity to participate fully in the life of the congregation. If you are able, please become a Tzedek member. We depend on each other. NAWDTY News For more information on teen opportunities at Temple Beth David nathanjvaughan@gmail.com or call

14 Our mission: ISRAEL ACTION COMMITTEE Upcoming Event: A Taste of Israel The mission of the Israel Action Committee is to promote a deeper understanding and connection between our synagogue members and Israel. Our programing helps to inform congregants of the impact of both domestic and world current events on our Jewish state. We aim for all our members to learn to be effective advocates for Israel s right to exist and by doing so develop a personal and meaningful relationship with our homeland. Saturday 11/8 5:30 p.m. Please join us for Havdalah, followed by Israeli wine tasting and appetizers. Rabbi Wildstein will lead us in an interesting and thought provoking discussion on the current state of Israel s affairs. Please come and bring your ideas, perspective and questions. Please RSVP at TBDIAC@gmail.com " The War in Gaza on the Streets of Paris" On Sunday, Sept 21, the IAC co sponsored, with the Brotherhood, a presentation by Professor Jay Berkowitz. Professor Berkowitz is the Chair of the Near Eastern and Judaic Studies department at U Mass Amherst. He recently spent two months in Israel and a week in Paris. His main academic interest has been French Jewish history. He was a very well received teacher of Meah here at TBD and our scholar- in- residence in At the breakfast, Dr. Berkowitz spoke on " The War in Gaza on the Streets of Paris". Dr. Berkowitz reviewed the long standing anti- Semitism in France that predated the war in Gaza. He reviewed this history in detail to show that any suggestion that the current wave of anti- Semitism stems strictly from the Gaza war is just false. Any individual should be able to criticize Israel's policies openly. However, there is increasingly less distinction between anti- Zionism and anti- Semitism. This fusion has essentially created a more socially acceptable anti- Semitism. Consequently, Dr. Berkowitz noted that there is increased difficulty and fear of being openly Jewish in Europe today. He went on to discuss the Israel apartheid fabrication as an extension of this anti- Semitism. The BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) is the action plan of the Israel apartheid construct. Professor Berkowitz strongly refuted the apartheid charge. He pointed out the participation of Israeli Arabs in Israeli society. This included the 10 Arab members of the Knesset as well as the 20% of Arab student in Israeli higher education institutions. In conclusion, Dr. Berkowitz emphasized the need for all of us to educate our children and ourselves in order to combat the false narrative of Israel presented today. Please see an interesting article addressing the Edinburgh University Students Association by Professor Denis MacEoin in April 2011 that refutes the concept of an Apartheid Israel. ( action- committee). 14

15 Friday Night Service Schedule for November and December Please note: The Religious Practices Committee has decided to hold all regular Friday Night Services at 7:00 pm except for Kabbalat Shabbat and the Gesher Service. Both will continue at 5:45 pm on the second Friday of the month. Friday, November 7 Intergenerational Shabbat evening service with a Torah service led by our 7 th grade Friday, November 14 at 5:45 pm Kabbalat Shabbat for our youngest congregants and community members and their families. Sing with Rachel and hear a story from Rabbi Wildstein. Also, Gesher service for second through fifth graders Friday, November 14 at 7:00 pm Shabbat evening service with a Torah reading Friday, November 21 Friday Night Live Shabbat evening service celebrating our new members Friday, November 28 Shabbat evening service with a Torah reading Friday, December 5 Intergenerational Shabbat evening service. Friday, December 12 at 5:45 pm Kabbalat Shabbat for our youngest congregants and community members and their families. Sing with Rachel and hear a story from Rabbi Wildstein. Also, Gesher service for second through fifth graders Friday, December 12 at 7:00 pm Shabbat evening service Saturday, December 13 th at 10:30 am Shabbat morning service let by our 6 th grade Friday, December 19 Shabbat evening service with our temple choir Friday, December 26 Shabbat evening service. Our clergy and our community are eager to share in your times of joy and sadness. Please call Rabbi Wildstein directly or inform the Temple office if a baby has been born, if someone is ill or in the hospital, or if a family member has died. We would like to extend friendship and support to you and your family in a timely fashion. If you have any questions about Temple life, our clergy, staff and lay leaders are here to help. Call the office ( ) and Rita will point you in the right direction! 15

16 What s happening NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 November SAT 1 Early Shabbat Service & Study Shabbat Services Bar Mitzvah of Jacob Grassi 8:30 AM 10:30 AM FRI 7 Erev Shabbat Service Grade 7 7:00 PM SAT 8 Early Shabbat Service & Study 8:30 AM TUE 11 Veterans Day Office Closed FRI 14 Kabbalat Shabbat Gesher Service Erev Shabbat Service 5:45 PM 5:45 PM 7:00 PM SAT 15 Early Shabbat Service & Study 8:30 AM THU 20 Board Meeting 7:30 PM FRI 21 Erev Shabbat Services (FNL) 7:00 PM SAT 22 Early Shabbat Service & Study 8:30 AM MON 24 Westwood Interfaith Thanksgiving Service TUES 25 Medfield Interfaith Thanksgiving Service December 7:30 PM 7:00 PM FRI 5 Erev Shabbat Services 7:00 PM SAT 6 Early Shabbat Service & Study 8:30 AM SUN 7 Brotherhood Breakfast 9:00 AM THURS 11 Board Meeting 7:30 PM FRI 12 Kabbalat Shabbat 5:45 PM Gesher Service 5:45 PM Erev Shabbat Service 7:00 PM SAT 13 Early Shabbat Service & Study 8:30 AM Shabbat Service 6th grade 10:30 AM SUN 14 Hanukah Happening 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM TUE 16 First Night of Chanukah FRI 19 Erev Shabbat Services 7:00 PM Choir Service SAT 20 Early Shabbat Service & Study 8:30 AM SUN 21 Membership Coffee 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM FRI 26 Erev Shabbat Services 7:00 PM SAT 27 Early Shabbat Service & Study 8:30 AM 16

17 Interfaith Thanksgiving Services Westwood Monday, November 24, :30 p.m. at Temple Beth David A Time of Thanks, A Time To Thank Join us as we thank those who serve the Town of Westwood our police, firefighters, veterans, and community leaders. Medfield Tuesday, November 25, :00 p.m. at United Church of Christ 496 Main Street, Medfield Thanksgiving Service MAZEL TOTS Come join us for Mazel Tots, a special new program on Sunday, November 16 th from 9:00-10:00am that introduces young children (ages 2-5) to Judaism. Activities include a craft project, Jewish stories and songs with Rachel Reef- Simpson and snack. This is a great opportunity for children and caregivers to connect with others in our community. Member and non- member families are welcome to attend. RSVPs appreciated please cori.lapp@gmail.com if you plan to attend. Shop at Amazon.com through the link at and help support Temple Beth David. Take a look at the newly expanded check back often for new information there are tabs for Social Action, Families with Young Children, Sisterhood, Brotherhood and more! 17

18 Condolences to. Emily, Mario, Sophia and Madeline Media, on the death of their beloved daughter and sister, Isabelle Medina. Aviva Scheur, on the death of her beloved cousin, Raphael Edgar. Eric, Ben and Sam Dubiner, on the death of their beloved father and grandfather, Matt Dubiner. Rachel Powsner, on the death of her beloved mother, Rhoda M. Powsner. Rabbi Jeffrey Wildstein, on the death of his beloved uncle, Michael Kreiger. Murray Siroka, on the death of his beloved sister, Miriam Wexler. DONATIONS TZEDEK MEMBERS Amy & Jamie Cook RABBI S DISCRETIONARY FUND Anny Goldstein In memory of Jeannette Rozenberg The Toubman Family Amy & Michael Branton Craig & Jacqueline Weiner Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Henken Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Henken Sandy & Ken Morris Daniel Marchand In memory of Frederick Hennick In gratitude to Rabbi Zoob for officiating at their son s naming ceremony In honor of Aaron becoming a Bar Mitzvah In memory of Rose Henken & Dr. Jacob Spitz In memory of Rose Spitz In memory of Nathan Morris CANTORIAL SOLOIST S DISCRETIONARY FUND Craig & Jacqueline Weiner In honor of Aaron becoming a Bar Mitzvah ART, DECORATING AND LANDSCAPING FUND and their families. Cynthia & Harvey Atkins Cynthia & Harvey Atkins Cynthia & Harvey Atkins In memory Ruth Bailet, Sister- in- law of Sandy Grasfield Mazel Tov to Marcia & Michael Perna on the marriage of their son Gabe to Amanda Lutzker Mazel Tov to Seth Cohen & Zelayna Rauch on the marriage of their daughter Jackie to Aaron Kapelus May their souls be bound in the bonds of eternal life. LIBRARY FUND Celina & David Schreiber In memory of Janet Hanan Celina & David Schreiber In memory of Harriet Ellis 18

19 For simchas and RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND memorials, please remember your Craig & Jacqueline Weiner TBD Religious School Committee In honor of Pam Weil In memory of Raphael Edgar, cousin of Aviva Scheur Temple funds. Contributing Jennifer Berry Elliot Mahler GENERAL DONATION In memory of Elaine Berry In appreciation of High Holiday Services generously to your favorite fund is a Allen Berliner TEMPLE EXPANSION FUND In memory of Ruth Berliner wonderful way to honor the memory of a loved one or mark a special occasion. Donation forms are always available in the Temple office or a supply can be sent to you. 19

20 OUR MISSION Encourage the Worship of God Promote the Study of Torah Promote Tikun Olam (the Repair of the World ) Promote Jewish Community Enhance Jewish Family Life 20