the Temple Israel Connection K ESHER February, 2008 Our seventieth year I N T H I S I S S U E Calendar 3 Adult Education 5,6 Religious School 4,6,7 Special Services and Programs 4-7 Yahrzeits 8 The Rabbi s Study Our discussion series Letting God In: What Do We Believe? has given participants an opportunity to engage in lively discussion about how our perspectives on God change over the course of our lives and how we view God in terms of our personal experiences. In the new book A Touch of the Sacred: A Theologian s Informal Guide to Jewish Belief (by Eugene Borowitz and Frances Schwartz), the first chapter presents the dilemma that we may have in such a discussion or even in fashioning a personal God concept: that we can t talk about God, because nothing we could express would come close to expressing what God is, but that we MUST talk about God because we human beings are driven to express what we feel and believe. Asking children or adults to draw a picture of the wind or of love leads them to realize that they can depict the effects of wind or the effects of a loving relationship, but that it is not possible to portray the actual wind or love. Still, we know that the intangible aspects of life are worth discussing because they are often more real than what is tangible. We know that the effects of God do not always lead people to positive and loving action. I would agree with anyone who would point out that much violence has been done in the name of God. In those cases, the violence is usually perpetrated in the name of a particular group of believers. I marvel at the Jewish, Muslim and Christian spiritual leaders who regularly meet in Jerusalem (sponsored by the Interreligious Coordinating Council in Israel icci.org.il) no matter what is happening on the political scene, even in times of heightened conflict. Such dialogues are, in my view, a true reflection of what many faiths would hope to convey about God s presence in human life. It is like the verses in the Torah portion for the week of February 1, Mishpatim, which notes that God hears the cry and shows compassion to the most vulnerable members of society (especially those in poverty). The Torah teaches that, to be like God, we should be kind and generous and show compassion to people in need, well beyond what might be offered in packages of legislation or social programs intended to offer every member of society a chance to subsist and thrive. When we internalize and act upon that teaching about compassion and kindness, we are, from a Jewish perspective, demonstrating an effect of God that can lead humanity to a greater unity that better reflects the unity of God. Prayer, study, action, and maintaining relationships are based on consideration for the well-being of community members these are ways that God can enter our lives. May we continue to be open to God s presence so that we can find our way, together, to hope and peace. From Rabbi Karol: I will be officiating on February 12 at the wedding (in Tel Aviv) of a woman at whose conversion I presided in Kansas in 2005. I will be leaving for Israel on February 9 and returning on February 17. I will offer impressions from my trip following our service on Friday, February 22.
Page 2 February, 2008 T H A N K Y O U T O O U R O N E G H O S T S February 1 Robin and Peter Pastor Susan and Marc Shepcaro Marjorie and Scott Pim February 8 Glicka and Michael Kaplan Maschia and Stephen Kaplan February 15 Mary and Arthur Anker Carol Stein February 22 Lorraine and Stephen Goren Ilese and Craig Stevens February 29 Carol and Francis Birch Deborah and Irving Oshman KESHER Kesher, Connection, is the newsletter for the congregation of Temple Israel of Dover, NH. 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 Jackie@dovertemple.org Rabbi Larry Karol lpkarol@aol.com rabbilarry@dovertemple.org From Temple President Sharon Brody: Notes from the kitchen table. Well, it is the end of January and I am looking forward to February!! Why, you ask well, it goes back to the twenty years we lived in Nashua. I know it sounds silly but in my mind, winter is officially over in February. Everyone has a favorite ice cream place in New England and mine for many years was a place in Nashua which closed in October and reopened in February according to the family that owned this ice cream stand that was when spring started. So even today, I look forward to February, because I know winter is almost over. I missed talking with all of you in January and bringing you up to date on my wonderful trip to San Diego and the URJ Biennial so, you will have to listen to me now. It was an amazing trip!! As luck would have it, Rabbi Karol and I traveled to San Diego together on a non-stop American Airlines flight. Actually, it should have been renamed The Northeast Region of the URJ Express because I don t think there were many passengers who were not delegates or presenters on board. As I looked around and noticed the number of cantors and rabbis on board carrying their guitars, I really thought we were going to get to San Diego on the wings of a Jewish sing-along with the ruach we all were feeling. Alas, it was a quiet trip, albeit with lots of conversations with seat partners and others and the networking began. I had a couple next to me who were from Israel and they were going to the biennial to offer their crafts. Across the aisle from me, was a family from Sharon, Massachusetts; I noticed them at the gate and thought they looked familiar. Rabbi Karol said the same thing. We were both correct! We recognized the family from Crane Lake Camp. Arriving in San Diego was wonderful it was warm, not like the weather we were leaving in New Hampshire, and from the moment we arrived at the Marriott Hotel we were caught up in the electricity that is a Biennial convention. It is amazing to be surrounded by 4500 Jews! And all 4500 attendees had different opinions, different histories, different perspectives and all learning together, listening to each other, disagreeing with others, praying together, singing together and supporting each other. I was able to attend workshops relating to financial management for small congregations, fundraising for small congregations, and family Shabbat initiatives (that was the most fun...ellen and Peter Allard were on the panel). My husband Steve and I were treated to a wonderful Shabbat luncheon and study time with Dr. Ron Wolfson, the author of God s To-Do List. Dr. Wolfson was warm, witty and challenging; he challenged and challenges each of us to make life meaningful for ourselves and others. If you have not read this book, Rabbi Karol has copies available. It is written just as Dr. Wolfson speaks and you can t help but be moved and encouraged. When we are looking at programming for our community, it would be wonderful to have Dr. Wolfson come to our Temple, as a scholar-in-residence. The next URJ biennial will be in November of 2009, in Toronto. Let s put the date on our calendar so that more of us can attend. Believe me, it will change you. Want to get a jump start before Toronto? This year in October, our regional biennial will be in Albany, NY. How about joining me there as an introduction to what our movement has to offer. I want to give you all a heads up on some activities coming up on March 30, (that is a Sunday) there will be a Red Cross blood drive at our Temple, sponsored by Jason Rubinstein as his Bar Mitzvah project. It is certainly a cause we can appreciate and support. The date has been set for our next Temple Israel Gala Auction November 1, 2008. Put the date on your calendar so that we can all attend this year I won t have a daughter s wedding as a conflicting date. Stay tuned for more information! The next board meeting will be on Wednesday, February 6 at 7:00 PM in the library. All are welcome to attend and there will be, as usual, an opportunity to bring forth ideas for the board to consider at the end of the meeting. The meetings generally end by 9:00 PM. Best always, Sharon
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 Fund Gerald & Elizabeth Sweet, in honor of the wedding of Kathy Beaupre & Richard Carlson. Bill Kram. Karen Glosserman, in memory of Leonard Kaplan. Jacqueline Sacks. Lynne DeSantis, in honor of the wedding of Kathy Beaupre & Richard Carlson. Rabbi Discretionary Fund Sue and Robert Gould - keep up the good deeds. Kathy & Richard Carlson, with thanks for their wedding ceremony. The Fournier Family, Gelinas Family, Downey Family & St. Cyr Family in honor of Kathy Beaupre & Richard Carlson s wedding. Temple Israel Board of Trustees 2007-2008 Sharon Brody, President; Marc Hiller and Mark Rubinstein, Co Vice-Presidents; Julie Serrano, Corresponding Secretary; Ellen Cohn, Recording Secretary; Paul Pasternack, Treasurer; Lynne DeSantis, Gary Epler, Robert Horowitz, Ann Isacoff, (Sisterhood), Eve Edelstein-Williams (Sisterhood), Carole Krassner, William Ollar, Stuart Scharff, Marc Weinstein. Mazel Tov to our community members celebrating happy occasions in February! Birthdays Zoe Albion (2), Sydney Katz (4), Heidi Kotlus (5), Deborah Mueller (5), Olivia Zeff (8), Emily Horowitz (15), Ruth Saunders (15), Sonia Ginsburg (21), Michele Albion (22), Carol Birch (28). Anniversaries Lessa Brill & John Wallace (7), Richard & Sharon Nye (14), Ilese & Craig Stevens (14), Marc & Lisa Weinstein (16), Colin & Eve Edelstein Williams (21). CALENDAR OF EVENTS: FEBRUARY 2008 SHEVAT 25 ADAR 1 24 Day Date Event Fri Feb 1 Tot Shabbat 6:00 pm Pot Luck Dinner 6:30 pm Family Shabbat Service 7:30 pm 5 th Graders will participate - January & February Birthday-Anniversary Blessings Sat 2 Tefillah & Torah 10:30 am Tue 5 Conversational Hebrew 6:00-7:00 pm Judaism Class 7:00 8:30 pm Wed 6 Religious School 4:00-6:00 pm Board Meeting 7:00 pm Fri 8 Shabbat Service 7:30 pm Tue 12 Conversational Hebrew 6:00-7:00 pm NO Judaism Class Wed 13 Religious School 4:00 6:00 pm Fri 15 Shabbat Service Lay-led 7:30 pm Tue 19 Conversational Hebrew 6:00-7:00 pm Judaism Class 7:00 8:30 pm Wed 20 Religious School 4:00 6:00 pm Fri 22 Shabbat Service for Renewal of Spirit 7:30 pm Tue 26 Conversational Hebrew 6:00 pm NO Judaism class Wed 27 NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL Fri 29 Shabbat Service 7:30 pm Tue Mar 4 Wed Mar 5 Fri Mar 7 Conversational Hebrew 6:00-7:00 pm Judaism Class 7:00 8:30 pm Religious School 4:00 6:00 pm Tot Shabbat 6:00 pm SHABBAT ACROSS AMERICA Pot luck Dinner 6:30 pm Service for all ages 7:30 pm Page 3 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. Jason Rubinstein, who will become Bar Mitzvah on June 21, is organizing a Temple Israel blood drive on Sunday, March 30 as his Mitzvah project. He is coordinating with the local chapter of the American Red Cross. Be watching for more details in the next Kesher and in e-mail updates. He looks forward to your support!
Page 4 February, 2008 The Ritual Committee is excited about the recent printing of the new Mishkan T'filah prayer book. Our goal is to purchase 150 copies of the Shabbat only version and 40 copies of the weekday and festival book to enrich our worship. Please consider a donation toward this purchase to recognize a simchah (special birthday, anniversary, bar/bat mitzvah, etc.) or to honor the memory of a loved one. A bookplate will be affixed inside the volume's cover to acknowledge each donation. Thank you for helping us achieve this goal for our community! The Ritual Committee Order your Passover Chocolate Online! Sale begins January 14 and ends February 22, 2008 Our members and out of town family and friends can now order by going to www.misschocolate.com and using our Temple/school ID # 704933. Our religious school earns the profit and the orders can be delivered straight to your home. Orders can also be given to Jackie Glaser at the Temple, or to any of our religious school students. There are also extra order forms at the Temple. Thank you very much for your support! Tu Bish vat Seder Wednesday, January 23 Thank you to Glicka Kaplan, Maschi Kaplan and everyone who helped and participated! An unusually large group attended the most recent Sisterhood meeting in November to enjoy readings by long-time Temple member Ann Isacoff and a lovely dinner, featuring Glicka Kaplan's delicious chili. Ann has written two very interesting memoirs about growing up in Massachusetts in a predominately Jewish community. Having been born in 1916, Ann's "Before I was Ten" memoir shed light on a very different world. She remembers the first electric light coming into the family home. With three generations living in a large duplex she also experienced a rich Jewish way of life. She colorfully described foods, family, aromas, Sabbath dinners, the "ice man", even superstitions to ward off "the evil eye". Ann also read some excerpts from her second memoir, " Memories," which includes some Temple Israel history. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening sharing Ann's recollections. She is an extraordinary woman! In Sisterhood business, Eve Edelstein-Williams was nominated and elected to the Temple Board of Trustees as a representative from the Sisterhood. Please watch for details regarding the next meeting of the Sisterhood, which also promises to be interesting! As always, all are welcome to attend!
Opportunties for Youth in Israel Free 10-Day Israel Experience Encourage your 18-26 year-old to join thousands of others for a FREE, fun and adventure filled Israel experience. As an official Birthright Israel program sponsor, The Union for Reform Judaism offers a free 10-day trip to Israel for all Jewish 18-26 year olds. The URJ Kesher Birthright Trip provides young adults with the opportunity to travel with new friends, to connect with Israel, and to return home enriched. To date, more than 150,000 young adults have taken advantage of Birthright Israel. Birthright inspires participants to explore their Jewish identity, to deepen engagement in Jewish life and to feel a personal connection to the land and people of Israel. Don't miss out on providing your 18-26 year old the opportunity of a lifetime. To apply for the URJ Kesher FREE 10-Day Birthright Experience visit www.rjbirthright.org. Registration begins on February 12, 2008 for Spring and Summer 2008 programs. Register early, space is limited. For more information visit www.rjbirthright.org OTHER ISRAEL PROGRAMS Jewish National Fund s Alternative Spring Break www.jnf.org/spring break (open to Jewish adults ages 18-30). NFTY North American Federation of Temple Youth www.nftyisrael.org (high school) Page 5 On March 7, 2008 Temple Israel will again host SHABBAT ACROSS AMERICA, sponsored nationally by the National Jewish Outreach Program. On that night, we will hold a Tot Shabbat service at 6:00 pm and, at 6:30 pm, a dairy/vegetarian potluck dinner (with a special entrée provided). Our 7:30 pm Learner s service, which will include explanations about our prayers, will be participant-friendly for members of all ages! Please let us know if you plan to attend the dinner (603-742-3976)! TEMPLE OFFICE HOURS: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 9:00 am 1:00pm Wednesday (when school is in session) at 1:00 6:00 pm. During the winter months, it may be necessary to cancel religious school because of bad weather. We will try to let all school familes know ahead of time. Remember, if the Dover and/or Oyster River Schools close, the Temple will also be closed. If you have any questions, please call the Temple office at 603-742-3976. The University of New Hampshire College of Liberal Arts and the Department of History cordially invite you to attend, on Monday, February 11, the fourth Annual Hans Heilbronner Lecture, sponsored by the endowed fund for Holocaust Education, presented by Roald Hoffmann, Ph.D., Professor of Chemistry, Cornell University, recipient of the 1981 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. His topic will be "Returning, Remembering, Forgiving: Poland 1941-Ukraine 2006. The event will take place in Richards Auditorium, Murkland Hall. The 7:30 pm lecture will be preceded by a 7:00 pm reception.
Page 6 February, 2008 Judaism: Roots and Rituals An Introduction to Judaism presented by Rabbi Larry Karol Meeting on Tuesday nights February 5 and 19 and March 4 and 11 at 7:00-8:30 pm Join us for Tefillah (Prayer) and Torah An informal Shabbat Morning worship experience including a peer discussion on the Torah reading for the week Saturday, February 2 at 10:30 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! Family Shabbat at Temple Israel for members of all ages!!!! Friday, February 1 Tot Shabbat at 6:00 pm Dairy/Vegetarian Pot-luck Dinner at 6:30 pm Family Service at 7:30 p.m. Our Fifth Graders will take part in the service Birthday and Anniversary blessings for January and February Save the date: Megillah Reading, Songfest and Purim Carnival on Sunday, March 16, 2008 For information about an exciting summer at the Union for Reform Judaism s Crane Lake Camp or Eisner Camp in western Massachusetts, go to http://necamps.urjcamps.org/ Rabbi Karol will be serving as faculty dean at Crane Lake Camp on July 6-20. Save the date: Temple Israel Gala Auction (as part of our 70th Anniversary Celebration) Saturday, November 1 Any boys and girls in the Temple family who participate in scouting programs are welcome to contact Rabbi Larry (603-742-3976 or lpkarol@aol.com) to be given a special role in the 7:30 pm Family Shabbat service on Friday, February 1. Shabbat Service for Renewal of Spirit Friday, February 22 7:30 pm Featuring our regular Shabbat prayers along with special music and readings on the themes of healing and renewal. Join us and add your voice to this enriching worship experience. IN MEMORIAM We extend our condolences on the death of Temple member Irving Pastor (brother-in-law of Florence Pastor and uncle of Peter Pastor) on January 15. We wish for his family members that time and memories will bring them comfort and solace in the days to come.
Page 7 DOVER FRIENDLY KITCHEN Temple Members serve at the Dover Friendly Kitchen on the first Thursday of each month at St. Thomas Church Parish Hall on Locust Street. Our Temple effort needs people to help cook, serve and clean. We are there from 3:45 pm until around 6:15 pm. Volunteers do not need to come for the whole time. If anyone has questions, or could let me know if they plan to attend, I can be reached at 749-6849 or abbwelch@yahoo.com. We welcome everyone's help! Thank you! Andra Welch, Coordinator HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN ALREADY? We are still looking for your ad to put into our Kesher newsletter! Please enclose your business card together with your check for $90 (for a 6 month insert), payable to "Temple Israel", P.O. Box 254 Dover, N.H. 03820. Signature: Hadassah Cares Send a Hadassah card, tree or certificate and show the world you care. Your donation enriches the lives of millions of people and is 100% tax deductible. Cards are $2.00 each or buy assorted cards.mazel tov, get well, sympathy, b nei mitzvah, and special money holder cards for all occasion or Bar and Bat Mitzvah. Bulk prices: 20 assorted cards are $25.00; 15 assorted cards are $18.75; 10 assorted cards are $12.50; Trees are $15.00. Certificates vary in prices. Contact: Lorraine Goren 603-742-0777 "Tear Down The Walls", sings Rabbi Larry Karol, during a celebration Sunday night at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church by the Dover Area Religious Leaders Association and Dover Cooperative Ministries to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day. (From Fosters Online, January 21, 2008 photo by Aaron Leclerc). There will be no Religious School on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 *************** Rabbi Karol will be away (in Israel) from Saturday, February 9 until Sunday, February 17. Please contact Temple President Sharon Brody or Vice- Presidents Mark Rubinstein and Marc Hiller in case of any urgent concerns.
Temple Israel of Dover P. O. Box 254 Dover, N. H. 03821 (603) 742-3976 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. Page 8 February, 2008 Sharon Brody President kayyoumom@comcast.net Rabbi Larry Karol lpkarol@aol.com rabbilarry@dovertemple.org Administrator: Jackie Glaser Jackie@dovertemple.Org FAMILY SHABBAT on February 1 Tot Shabbat 6pm, Pot-luck dinner 6:30 pm, Family Service 7:30 pm Tefillah and Torah, Saturday, February 2 at 10:30 am Shabbat Service for Renewal of Spirit on Friday, February 22 Rabbi Karol will speak about his trip to Israel SHABBAT ACROSS AMERICA March 7 Tot Shabbat at 6:00 pm, Dinner at 6:30 pm and Learner s Service at 7:30 pm Y A H R Z E I T D A T E S F O R F E B R UA R Y Week of Feb 2 Frances Davis (27), Elizabeth Schoonmaker (27), Louis Fisher (Feb 1), Ida Siegel (2), Jack Cook (2), Harry Goodstein (2). Week of Feb 9 Irving Thorner (3), Milton Cooper (3), Betty Karnefsky (4), Robert Davis Jr. (5), Anne Gray (5), Ree Becker (5), Theodore Davis (6), Sam Glosserman (7), Lillian Miller (7), Golda Zarrow (9). Week of Feb 16 Beatrice Newton (10), Marjorie Ryder (10), June Singer (10), Phyllis Kaye (11), Norman Brill (11), Louis Silverman (11), Joseph Nicole (12), Micki Pastor (12), Bruce Krassner (12), Rachel Tayyabkhan (13), Louis Horwitz (14), Morris Marcus (15), Estelle Cooperman (16). Week of Feb 23 Stephen Stocklan (17), Helen Levy (17), Margret Gutman (18), Edward Baer (19), Daniel Newman (22). Week of Mar 1 Louis Samuels (24), Pearl Rosenthal (25), Sophie Feldman (26), Esther Bravmen (27), Sumner Levy (27), Ida Isacoff (29), Lorraine Kotlus (Mar 1). 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. Traditionally names of the immediate family are added. It is appropriate to make a donation when adding a name to the Yahrzeit list and at the Yahrzeit date each year. For information or to add a name please call Jackie Glaser at 603-742-3976. 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.