on this upcoming holiday, I want to share two lists of Chanukah values that offer guidance and inspiration.

Transcription

1 the Temple Israel Connection K ESHER December 2006 Our sixty-seventh year IN THIS ISSUE Calendar 3 Religious School Events 2,4 Special Services 2,3, 6 Yahrzeit 8 The Rabbi s Study Chanukah will begin sooner than we think, as the days that are already turning to night at a seemingly early time will become darker even earlier as we near the beginning of winter. Against the deep winter darkness, the lights of Chanukah burn even more brightly, and assume great significance for us, not just because of the glow they cast, but because of their meaning. People ask me from time to time if there is a universally accepted theme for each night of Chanukah, in the same way that each night of the African-American celebration of Kwanzaa has a designated value. There is, in fact, no one way to understand the lights of the eight nights of Chanukah. However, Temple bulletins around the country annually share a reading for Chanukah candlelighting which does link certain virtues to each night. We will take the opportunity to create our own list of Temple Israel Chanukah virtues during our celebrations as a congregation this year on December 15, 17 and 22. As we consider what is important to us on this upcoming holiday, I want to share two lists of Chanukah values that offer guidance and inspiration. Light One Candle (Song by Peter Yarrow) Gratitude Equality Sacrifice Wisdom Strength Empathy Commitment Courage Hanerot Halalu (Chanukah home prayerbook by Central Conference of American Rabbis Press) Freedom Learning Family Pride Renewal Faith God Vision Whatever values we choose, we know that Chanukah reminds us of a fight for religious freedom won by the Maccabees, who sought the right to be different in a world where the ruler sought to force everyone to be the same to fit his own purposes. When the diversity of today sometimes creates more barriers than bridges, there is much wisdom that our December celebration has to teach to all humanity. Let us light our chanukiot this year with joy and with a sense of the light of understanding that we hope will enter the hearts of all people around the world. Happy Chanukah! Rabbi Karol s Installation October 20, 2006

2 Page 2 December, 2006 Together on two Friday nights! CHANUKAH AND SHABBAT Friday, December 15 Tot Shabbat at 6:00 pm 6:30 pm Pot-luck Dinner Bring your Chanukiah to light! Chanukah Family Service at 7:30 p.m. ********* LAST NIGHT OF CHANUKAH Friday, December 22 7:30 pm BRING YOUR CHA- NUKIAH TO LIGHT Torah discussion on Joseph, the Maccabees and what they teach us! KESHER Kesher, Connection, is the newsletter for the congregation of Temple Israel of Dover, N. H. Ideas for submissions and letters to the editor are welcomed from members of the Temple Israel family and from others who wish to communicate with the congregation. All communication with the Editor should be transmitted by E- mail or other digital means. Publication is limited by editorial and space considerations. The deadline for submission is the tenth of the month for the following month s issue of Kesher. Jackie Glaser jayetemple@aol.com Jackie@dovertemple.org Rabbi Larry Karol lpkarol@aol.com rabbilarry@dovertemple.org Join us to celebrate Chanukah on Sunday, December 17 at 10:30am-12:30 pm *Latke Extravaganza *Activities for all ages! *Chanukah Trivia and Information Station *Play Dreidel *Chanukah Sing-along at 11:15 am All are welcome! Please respond to Temple At or by to Jackie@dovertemple.org T HANK YOU TO OUR DECEMBER ONEG HOSTS Dec. 1 Judith Rubenstein, Roberta Goldsmith Dec. 8 Barbara Levy, Kristin and Todd Adelman Dec. 15 Lisa and Mark Weinstein, Ellen Cohn, Michele and Jim Albion Dec. 22 Le Ann Milinder and Robert Adler, Tess Feltes and Mark Moses Dec. 29 Ann and Michael Bliss, Roni and Pete Pekins

3 Page 3 Temple Israel Board of Trustees Phil Ginsburg, President Sharon Brody, Vice-President Gayle Sanders, Corresponding Secretary Steve Giguere, Treasurer Ellen Cohn, Gary Epler, Lisa Greenblatt, Marc Hiller, Ann Isacoff, Marla Katz, Stuart Scharff, Julie Serrano, Marc Weinstein, Colin Williams New Hampshire Reform Rabbis Pulpit Exchange on Friday, December 8 Temple Israel will join other New Hampshire Reform congregations on December 8 in an annual pulpit exchange. Rabbi Joshua Segal of Congregation Betenu in Amherst will lead our service, which will begin at 7:30 pm. Rabbi Karol will be leading worship that night at Temple Adath Yeshurun in Manchester. CALENDAR OF EVENTS: DECEMBER 2006 Kislev 10 Tevet 10 Shabbat services are Friday evenings at 7:30 pm Day Date Event Fri Dec 1 Shabbat Services 7:30 pm Lay Led 12/1-12/3 B nei Mitzvah Retreat Tues 5 Prayerbook Hebrew With Mort Cherim 6:30 7:30 pm Judaism:Roots & Rituals with Rabbi Karol 7:00-8:30 pm Wed 6 Religious School 4:00 6:00 pm Board Meeting 7:00 pm Fri 8 Shabbat Services 7:30 Pulpit Exchange Rabbi Joshua Segal will lead the service. Rabbi Karol will be in Manchester NH Sat 9 Shabbat Morning Tefilah & Torah 10:30 am Sun 10 Rabbi s Table 11:00-12:30 am Continuing discussion of The Search for Peace in the Middle East Teen Talk with Rabbi Karol 3:30-4:30 Tues 12 Prayerbook Hebrew With Mort Cherim 6:30 7:30 pm Judaism:Roots & Rituals With Rabbi Karol 7:00-8:30 pm Wed 13 Religious School 4:00-6:00 pm Adult Book Club 4:00-5:30 pm (Social Hall) Discussion of The Ladies Auxiliary, By Tova Mirvis Fri 15 FIRST NIGHT OF CHANUKAH FAMILY SHABBAT Tot Shabbat 6:00 pm, Pot Luck Dinner at 6:30 pm Shabbat Chanukah Services 7:30 pm Sun 17 Chanukah Latke Extravaganza & Sing Along 10:30 am Tues 19 Prayerbook Hebrew With Mort Cherim 6:30 7:30 pm Judaism:Roots & Rituals With Rabbi Karol 7:00-8:30 pm Wed 20 Religious School 4:00-6:00 Fri 22 LAST NIGHT OF CHANUKAH Shabbat Services 7:30 pm Wed 27 NO CLASSES DECEMBER VACATION Fri 29 Shabbat Service for Renewal of Spirit 7:30 pm Hospital Visits: Please keep us informed! Due to national privacy laws, hospitals are not allowed to call congregations to inform them that their members have been admitted as patients. If you know you are going to be in the hospital in advance, please call the Temple office. If you find yourself in the hospital unexpectedly, please tell a nurse that you would like to see the hospital chaplain, who can call the Temple to let us know that you are there. Rabbi Karol and your Temple Israel community would like to give you the care and support that will help you face your health challenges or concerns. Mazel Tov to our community members celebrating happy occasions in December Birthdays David Goren (4), Burton Cohen (6), Brendon Kotlus (15), Kristin Adelman (19), Marc Weinstein (24), Andrew McDonald (24), Satchel Adelman (23), David Lent (28), Michael Kaplan (31), Elizabeth Fisher (31), Zoe Adelman (31). Anniversaries Rick and Shelly Levy (8).

4 Page 4 December, 2006 Contributions Temple Israel encourages members to honor the memory of loved ones and to offer tribute to friends, relatives and community members through our various Temple funds. Temple Israel expresses its grateful appreciation for the following donations: General Donations Fred & Karen Shectman, in honor of Rabbi Karol s installation & Rhonda Karol. Stuart & Jodi Scharff in memory of Leonard Kaplan. Rabbi s Discretionary Fund Ann Isacoff, in memory of Leonard Kaplan. Craig & Ilese Stevens, in memory of Leonard Kaplan. Barbara Cherry, in honor of the marriage of Cathi Cherry & Mel Liston. Sandell Morse, in thanks for services for her father Leon Hirsch. The Kaplan Family, with thanks for support during the loss of their father, Leonard Kaplan. Ann Isacoff, in honor of the marriage of Cathi Cherry & Mel Liston. Ursula & Gerald Cherry, in honor of the marriage of Cathi Cherry & Mel Liston. High Holy Days Fred Shectman; Jim & Elaine Dolph; Alan & Marilyn Mars; Stephen D. Cohen; Ann & John Ewalt; Maxine Morse; Rachael Sachs; Judi Rosensweet; Neal Katz; Janice & Eric Miller; Maschia & Steven Kaplan; Cathi Cherry; Ethlyne Golub; Steve & Lorraine Goren; Deedee & David Goldstein; Marjorie Kaplan. IN MEMORIAM The Temple Israel family extends condolences to: Glenyce Kaplan, Stephen and Maschi Kaplan and Michael and Glicka Kaplan on the death of Glenyce s husband and their father, Leonard Kaplan, on October 28; Andrew Martin and Rabbi Lev Ba esh, on the death of Andrew s father, Donald Martin, on November 4; Shirley Lampke, David Osman and Peter Osman and their families on the death of Seymour Osman on November 18. May their memories be for blessing. Teen Talk with the Rabbi (Ages 13-18) Ongoing discussions of Jewish related topics and current issues Selected Sundays at 3:30-4:30 p.m. Next sessions: December 10, January 6, and January 20 Bagels & Blocks Playgroup Meeting Wednesdays at Temple during Religious School For children from birth to 5 years old this is an opportunity for young children and their parents or caregivers to get together for play, socializing, a snack and a few songs. For more information, contact Michele Albion at Please consider making a gift this year to The Greater Seacoast UJA Campaign To assist Israel at a time of rebuilding and challenge. With your help, we will begin the healing through trauma counseling. With your help, we can ease the homecoming for those who left their homes during the summer to find places of safety. With your help, we can provide financial assistance to needy families. With your help, we will provide support for students returning to school With your help, we will help rebuild Israel s communities in the north. With your help, we will rebuild lives and spirits. GIVE HELP GIVE HOPE GIVE GENEROUSLY. The Greater Seacoast UJA has mailed letters to many members of the greater Jewish community. If you need a pledge form, please call the Temple office ( ).

5 Foster s Daily Democrat Monday, November 20, 2006 Inter-faith service speaks on meaning of Thanksgiving By JENNIFER KEEFE, Democrat Staff Writer DOVER "It is in the spirit of giving thanks that we unlock the meaning of life." Sunday night's Inter-Faith Thanksgiving Service at St. Joseph Catholic Church began in part with these words from a prayer recited by Rev. Ed Vaeni, a chaplain with Wentworth Homecare and Hospice. "The gift of giving can turn a house into a home; a stranger into a friend," Vaeni continued, addressing the attentive audience who filled the church pews. The service is in its 35th year and remains a special one. It had typically been held the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, but Carol Seely, chairperson of the Dover Cooperative Ministries, said attendance had been down in recent years, encouraging the decision to hold the service on the Sunday before the holiday instead. "We felt that perhaps people felt too rushed the day before Thanksgiving," Seely said. So at 7 p.m. Sunday, local church-goers gathered in St. Joseph Church. The main purpose of the Inter- Faith Service is to celebrate Thanksgiving and bring together the many different houses of worship in the area for a night of worshipping together. In the true spirit of giving, canned food donations were collected at the service for the Dover Food Pantry, bags of which piled up before the service even began. The Dover Area Religious Leaders Association and the Dover Cooperative Ministries sponsor the service, and 10 members of these organizations, who each lead services in difference houses of worship in the area, came to help lead the Inter-Faith Service. Also participating were choirs from Wentworth- Douglass Hospital and St. Joseph Church. "It's an honor," said Rabbi Larry Karol, a new clergy member who was pleased to be part of the Inter- Faith Service. "It was just really very easy to come into this group and be welcomed into the community and this service." To start the service, Karol blew the Shofar, a ram's horn that was used in ancient times to call people to worship. "We're using it tonight to call the people together," Karol said. And gathering people of different areas of worship was a key part of the service. "The Inter-Faith endeavor is very important to all of us," said Katherine Mulhern of the Dover Friends Meeting. "There is so much we're all concerned about in the society at large and the differences between us are so small compared to what surrounds us." Karol said there is something in every faith that can help people understand each other. Robert Ervin, a priest at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Dover, explained the importance of Thanksgiving that people may overlook during the holiday. "Giving thanks is centuries old in all cultures," he said, adding that even though the concept of Thanksgiving in America looks back to the Pilgrims at Plymouth Plantation, "it also goes back to Abraham Lincoln who, by executive order, reinstated Thanksgiving during the Civil War." Ervin said Thanksgiving did not become a regularly celebrated holiday until the 1800s. To honor Lincoln's contribution to what Thanksgiving is today, Priest Robert Cole of St. Joseph Church did a reading from Lincoln's Thanksgiving Day Proclamation at the beginning of the service. The particular readings that followed throughout the service were, as Wentworth-Douglass Hospital Chaplain Elsa Worth put it, all about "gratefulness." Worth, who would be reading a homily during the service, said, "My message is that gratefulness transforms lives and the world." Page 5

6 Page 6 December, 2006 Join us for Tefillah (Prayer) and Torah A monthly informal Shabbat Morning Service, including a peer discussion on the Torah reading for the week Saturday, December 9, :30 a.m. A light Kiddush will follow the service. We look forward to congregants participating in this opportunity to connect with God, our community and our heritage! The Rabbi s Table A Series of Discussions on Judaism s approach to Contemporary Issues Sunday, December 10, 2006 at 11:00 am-12:30 pm The Search for Peace in the Middle East Part II Rabbi Karol will lead an ongoing discussion on the situation in and around Israel in the aftermath of the Lebanon War and in relation to efforts to restart informal dialogue and formal peace negotiations. Join us for a conversation that will broaden our understanding about the present and future of relations between Israel and its neighbors. Prayerbook Hebrew Course Tuesdays at 6:00-7:00 pm Mort Cherim is offering a free course for interested individuals: Prayerbook Hebrew Made Easy. The only requirement will be purchase of the textbook, the ability to decode (read Hebrew... even at a basic level), and a willingness/desire to learn. Contact Mort Cherim via e- mail/phone at mortnan@juno.com / If there is enough interest, we will also offer a crash course in basic Hebrew for adults. *********************************************** Judaism: Roots and Rituals An Introduction to Judaism course presented by Rabbi Larry Karol Meeting on Tuesday nights at 7:00-8:30pm from November 7 through March 13 (no class on November 28, December 26 and February 21) Especially designed for adult learners, seekers and explorers who want to know more about the Jewish heritage! Please let Rabbi Karol know if you plan to attend by calling Temple Israel ( ) or by sending an to Rabbi Karol at lpkarol@aol.com

7 Page 7 Come light the candles! SAM GLASER IN CONCERT Thursday, December 21, :00 p.m. At the Jewish Federation Building, 698 Beech Street Manchester Suggested donation $5 per person Read what others have said about a Sam Glaser concert! "Not only was this a wonderful performance but it was a great educational experience." "Simply fantastic. Unbelieveable show." "His music moves your soul." "You took our breath away." Wednesday, December 13 4:00-5:30 p.m. A Temple Book Club will meet in the Social Hall to discuss The Ladies Auxiliary, By Tova Mirvis Please respond to Temple ( ) or Jackie@dovertemple.org Celebrate Chanukah at Home First Night of Chanukah -Friday, December 15 From On the Doorposts of Your House, and Haneirot Halalu, Central Conference of American Rabbis The lights of Chanukah are a symbol of our joy. In time of darkness, our ancestors had the courage to struggle for freedom. Theirs was a victory of the weak over the strong, the few over the many. It was a victory for all ages and all peoples. The candles are placed in the Menorah from right to left, and kindled from left to right. Ba-ruch a-ta Adonai, Eh-lohei-nu meh-lech ha-o-lam a-sher ki-d'sha-nu b'mitz-vo-tav v'tzi-va-nu l'had-lik ner shel Chanukah. We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe: You hallow us with Your Mitzvot, and command us to kindle the Chanukah lights. Ba-ruch a-ta Adonai, Eh-lo-heinu meh-lech ha-o-lam, sheh-a-sa ni-simla-a-vo-teinu ba-ya-mim ha-heim ba-z'man ha-zeh. We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe: You showed wonders to our ancestors in days of old, at this season. On the first night only, add: Ba-ruch a-ta A-do-nai, E-lo-heinu me-lech ha-o-lam, she-hecheyanu, v'ki-y'manu, v'higi-anu la-z'man hazeh. We praise You, Eternal One, Sovereign God of the universe, for giving us life, for sustaining us, and for enabling us to reach this season. We kindle these lights in remembrance of the wondrous deliverance You inspired our ancestors to struggle for and to attain. During the eight days of Chanukah these lights are sacred; we are not to use them but only to gaze upon them, so that their glow may rouse us to give thanks for Your wondrous saving power. Rock of Ages/Maoz Tzur Rock of ages, let our song praise Your saving power; You, amid, the raging foes, were our sheltering tower. Furious, they assailed us, but Your arm availed us, and your Word broke their sword when our own strength failed us. Ma-oz tsur y-shu-a-ti l'cha na-ch l-sha-be,-ach - Ti-kon bayt te-fi-la-ti v'sham to-dah n'za-be-ach L'ayt ta-chin mat-bay-ach mi-tzar ham-na-bay-ach - Az eg-mor be-shir miz-mor cha-nu-kat ha-miz-be-ach.

8 Page 8 Temple Israel of Dover P. O. Box 254 Dover, N. H December 2006 Non-profit US Postage PAID Dover, NH Permit #27 Temple Israel is a growing Reform Jewish congregation that welcomes all who wish to participate in Jewish worship, study, and fellowship. Our mission is to serve as a center for a Jewish experience of tradition and prayer, a lifelong Jewish education, individual and communal acts of caring, and connection to Israel and the wider Jewish world. Temple Israel is a proud member of the Union for Reform Judaism, one of more than 800 congregations in the Reform synagogue movement. Phil Ginsburg, President pginsburg@rcn.com Rabbi Larry Karol lpkarol@aol.com rabbilarry@dovertemple.org Administrator: Jackie Glaser jayetemple@aol.com Jackie@dovertemple.Org Tot Shabbat, Dinner and Family Service on First Night of Chanukah, December 15! Shabbat Morning Tefillah and Torah, Saturday, December 9, 10:30 am Program on Middle East Peace on Sunday, December 10. Latke Party and Chanukah Sing-along, Sunday, December 17. Y AHRZEIT DATES FOR DECEMBER Week of December 2: Gussie Flescher (26), Baurcard Nesin (28), Pierrette Zinck (30), Faye Shear (Dec 1), Edward Seperson (1), Lawrence Felsenberg (1). Week of December 9: Ruth Fain (3), Mildred Lane (4), Joseph Giffen (7), Statia Nesin (9), Morris Levy (9). Week of December 16: Morris Isacoff (11), Davida Gelfman (12), Rita Peters (15). Week of December 23: Rose Cohen (16), Jacob Cohen (16), Rabbi Aaron Ilson (18), Catherine Most (19). Week of December 30: Floretta Osman (25), Gloria Adler (26), Sayde Harris (27). Week of January 6: Samuel Cook (29), Adolph Baer (30), Benjamin Radner (31), Herman Cherim (Jan 2), Isadore Osman (3), Roman Rubinstein (3). NOTE: Yahrzeits are listed according to the Hebrew date, so the English date will vary from year to year. Kaddish may be recited on the Shabbat following the date of remembrance. For information or to add a name please call Jackie Glaser at It is appropriate to make a donation when adding a name to the Yahrzeit list and at the Yahrzeit date each year. Traditionally names of the immediate family are added. However, you may also choose to add names of others who have added holiness to your life. For information or to add a name please call Jackie Glaser at Memorial Wall Members may add names of loved ones or reserve spaces on the new memorial wall with a minimum contribution of $300. Please contact Jackie in the office for more information.