HaHodesh June 2023

H desh

Summer 2023 Sivan-Tamuz-Av-Elul 5783

From Rabbi Lerner

Sharing Shabbat Mornings

Why do we come to shul ? Why do we have a shul ? What do we expect of a synagogue in the year 2023 (5783)?

These are some of the questions I like to think about as our culture and our world, and even our traditions, all evolve. Through the centuries, as Jews moved to different countries and were part of different cultures, Judaism adapted. Today, this remains true, if not more so.

A synagogue is called a beit knesset in Hebrew, literally: a house of gathering. Temple Emunah is a place where we gather as a community for many reasons. For some of us, it might be because we feel the power of a tradition that goes back thousands of years – and we are the next link in that chain. For others, it may be a place where we reach for the Divine. For some of us, it is a place where, as a community, we support one another in happy and sad times.

Think about our sanctuary. On one day, there is the joy of watching one’s child or one’s grandchild stand at the Torah

(continued on page 12)

Special June Saturdays

June 3

Melody & Meaning Shah . arit with Pride Shabbat

See Rabbi Lerner’s article on this page for more details.

June 17 – Juneteenth Shabbat

Guest Speaker: Sean Osborne

Topic: The gradual abolition of slavery in the US as seen through the lens of three black Civil War veterans with Lexington connections.

Sean Osborne is the founder and principal of OSD engineering consultants, a veteran and minority-owned consulting firm. He is the co-founder and past President of the Association of Black Citizens of Lexington. He will join us for a discussion and Q&A following Kiddush.

Blessing our Youth Going to Camp/Israel

We will bless our children heading to Israel, Jewish summer camp, and Jewish summer programs.

June 24

Gun Violence Awareness Shabbat

Guest Speaker: Ruth Zakarin

Friday, June 16 at 5 pm

Join us for our annual BBQ and Barkehu on Friday, June 16, at 5 pm. The evening will include a Musical Kabbalat Shabbat, awards and special thanks to our many volunteers, and the installation of new Temple Emunah leadership.

More details coming soon!

We look forward to celebrating with you and your family! Save the Date for September BBQ and Barekhu

Ruth Zakarin is the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, which works to address gun violence in all its forms through advocacy, public awareness, coalition building, and community organizing. A trained community organizer, Ruth spent over 25 years working with youth and adults impacted by domestic and sexual violence. She is particularly interested in creating models of trauma-informed advocacy and policy-making. Ruth will speak during services and be available for Q&A during Kiddush.

President's Message

The Secrets of the Crowds

Emunah Cares / New Program Director

Emunah Cares

A Newsletter for Temple Emunah members

9 Piper Road, Lexington, MA 02421-8199

www.TempleEmunah.org

Main Office: 781-861-0300 Fax: 781-861-7141

Senior Rabbi David G. Lerner 781-861-0300, ext. 22 dlerner@templeemunah.org

Associate Rabbi Leora Kling Perkins 781-861-0300, ext. 31 lklingperkins@templeemunah.org

Rabbi Emeritus Bernard Eisenman

President Linna Ettinger 781-863-8511 president@templeemunah.org

Executive Director Raveetal Celine 781-861-0300, ext. 21 rceline@templeemunah.org

Director of Me’ir Sherer 781-861-0303, ext. 24

Congregational Learning msherer@templeemunah.org

Accounting Manager Alisa Billings 781-861-0300, ext. 23 abillings@templeemunah.org

Chief of Cong. Advancement Hannah Arwe 781-861-0300, ext. 30

& Manager of Pastoral Admin harwe@templeemunah.org

Director of Media and Bonnie Gold 781-861-0300, ext. 29

Communications bgold@templeemunah.org

Synagogue Educator/Young Tova Weinronk 781-861-0300, ext. 34

Family Engagement Coord. tweinronk@templeemunah.org

Synagogue Educator Sydney Bluman 781-861-0300, ext. 32 sbluman@templeemunah.org

Office Administrator Marilyn Pappo 781-861-0300, ext. 20 office@templeemunah.org

Temple Administrator Mary Melnick 781-861-0300, ext. 26 mmelnick@templeemunah.org

Bulletin Editor Linda Silverstein lindags@comcast.net

Preschool Team

Lucie Chag, Interim Program Director lchag@templeemunah.org

Sally DeLucia, Interim Program Director Sdelucia@templeemunah.org

Laura Cohen Gordon, Interim Administrative Director lcohengordon@templeemunah.org

Chaiya Zalles, Interim Administrative Director czalles@templeemunah.org

And Rav Hamnuna said: One who sees multitudes of Israel, six hundred thousand Jews, recites: Blessed are You Lord…Who knows all secrets.

(Babylonian Talmud, Berakhot 58a)

When we talk about a people, a nation, a mob, or a crowd, it is easy to generalize and make assumptions about the opinions of the crowd. But it would be incorrect and wrong to make those assumptions. We all know this, but it is part of human nature to assume we know what every individual is thinking when they are part of a group.

Being part of the Temple Emunah community is an amazing adventure of revelation of the creativity and energy of each individual. Every program starts from an idea or spark that an individual committee member or chair has, and then that energy is transferred from one person to another until it initiates a series of events that make the program happen –hard work is involved with every idea.

The wonder of each individual’s thoughts, emotions, and ideas are the secrets that Rav Hamnuna is referring to, that God “knows” the secrets of every individual, and these secrets are not lost in the crowd, even in a crowd of six hundred thousand Jews. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (z”l) writes, “Only God can enter the minds of each of us and know what we are thinking, and this is what the blessing refers to.” (Lessons in Leadership p. 185)

We might be lulled into forgetting the wonder of individuals when we count the number of household unit members we have. However, the numbers do not tell any stories of the secret superpowers of every individual member of Temple Emunah. In the Torah, there is an expression, se’u et rosh or, “lift the head” (Numbers 1:2), that refers to the need to remember to focus on the infinite value of each individual. In our everyday affairs we should remember to “lift the head” of our membership, our Board members, and our staff. Each individual is a treasure of infinite blessing and power.

People ask me every day what it is like to be president of Temple Emunah. And my response is that it is an amazing community of committed, passionate, creative individuals. When I think about the ideas and energy of Temple Emunah, it is like looking into a beautiful, changing kaleidoscope.

You each are the secret blessing to the enduring vibrancy and joy of Temple Emunah. Thank you for being a member of Temple Emunah and bringing your unique ideas, passion, and energy to our community!

Linna Ettinger, president@templeemunah.org

I’m very proud to be a member of Temple Emunah. In addition to having outstanding staff and a beautiful building, we have a tremendous community! Our members are generous not only financially but also with their time. The list of ways our members help fellow congregants, our synagogue and their broader communities, locally, nationally, and internationally is almost endless. Our members volunteer in such varied ways as:

• Driving a fellow member to a medical appointment, daily minyan, Shabbat and/or Yom Tov service.

• Delivering food to a family with a new baby, a family dealing with illness, or a newly bereaved family.

• Visiting an isolated congregant, either in-person, by phone or via Zoom.

• Advocating for more equitable housing access.

These are but a few of the ways our members contribute to Tikkun Olam – repairing and improving our world. To support this effort, I am writing to announce an exciting new Initiative – Emunah Cares.

The idea is simple. We are asking our fellow community members to commit to performing at least one act of Tikkun Olam in the upcoming year. Initially all you need to do is complete a simple questionnaire that identifies the various Mitzvah programs needing volunteers. This form appears on the back side of the Emunah Cares flyers in the Temple lobby. You can also complete the form online by going to bit.ly/3IMesry

Within three days of submitting your form I will contact your acknowledging receipt. At that time I will also forward your name to the Temple volunteer who is chairing the Mitzvah program in which you expressed interest. Within several days they will contact you to discuss volunteer opportunities.

With Emunah Cares we are not asking you to join a committee or attend numerous meetings. You can volunteer for something as simple as giving a fellow congregant a ride to shul on Shabbat. If you have questions or suggestions, feel free to contact me: ken.bruss@gmail.com.

Ken Bruss

Welcome New Director of Programming: Chaya Schneider

Chaya Schneider is excited to transition to the non-profit sector and share her passion for Judaism following a corporate career in software. Raised in Far Rockaway, Queens, Chaya left the ultra-orthodox Jewish world after feeling stifled by the limitations women faced in the community, and as such remains an avid supporter of women’s initiatives today. She made her way back to Judaism after discovering liturgy that included the matriarchs and divine feminine as well as the opportunity for women to chant torah and be counted in a minyan. Chaya is especially proud of her two daughters, who were the first and only females in the family to chant Torah at their Bat Mitzvah services.

Chaya shares an equally strong passion for music and enjoys participating in early music groups on recorder and harpsichord, facilitating sound baths, as well as singing in several Jewish and community choirs. Having recently moved from New Jersey to the Berkshires, Chaya is delighted to move closer to Boston and explore the vast selection of arts and cultural activities in the area.

Seven Species Panels Dedication

We were finally able to dedicate and celebrate the Seven Species Panels being installed in our courtyard! Designed by artist and member Ruth Super, these panels are a testament to the support of our entire community. At our dedication event on April 30, we also honored the memory of Dick Wissoker z”l and the Wissoker family’s impact on Emunah. See pages 16-17 for more photos.

Brought to You from the Adult Education Desk Summer is upon us, and this past year has been an active one, with a variety of programs for our Emunah community.

Our ongoing programs—Perek Yomi (study of the Torah), Talmud Study, Ivrit LaKol, Bess Ezekiel Rosh Hodesh group, Parshat Hashavuah, Meditation, and Wednesday morning study – continue to educate, enlighten, and entertain. All the groups always welcome new participants, so if you are interested, contact us, and we will connect you to the right people.

We’ve also had tremendous success with our Community Collaborative programs. Two stimulating Me’ah Select courses – Encounters with God and The Diverse Cultures of Contemporary Israel: Through Story and Film – had our members learning. The Lexington Institute of Jewish Studies presented a course entitled The Fragility of Democracy. We began partnering with Hadar Boston to bring programs and lectures to our community. Our rabbis taught using Shalom Hartman Institute’s I Engage video lecture course, Together and Apart. Finally, diverse faith communities gathered for a discussion on anti-Semitism in an Interfaith Gathering sponsored by the Phyllis Klein Thrope Memorial Fund.

For our annual Glatzer weekend, Scholar-in-Residence

Yossi Abramowitz joined us to discuss Israel at 75: Challenges, Accomplishments, and Opportunities. Yossi led three different talks, plus he met with the teens, to inspire us and give us hope while also sharing the significant challenges and discord facing Israel.

As we look ahead to 5784, we’re excited about upcoming programs. We’ve begun planning, but we’d love to hear from you! What Adult Ed programs would you like to see in the next year? We welcome all of your ideas. Contact us with your suggestions or if you’d like to join our committee. We’d be delighted to hear from you.

Happy summer!

Terri Swartz Russell and Sandy Goldstein Co-chairs of Adult Education adulted@templeemunah.org.

Emunat haLev Meditation Institute

We have two weekly opportunities to meditate with our Emunah community. No meditation experience is needed!

The Tuesday morning meditation group meets on Zoom from 8:30-9:20 AM . The Zoom link can be found in the Emunah calendar or in the weekly Emunah Happenings email. The format of our meditation includes a guided meditation by Barbara Neustadt, sitting in silence, a niggun sung by Cantor Louise Treitman, and a teaching by Rabbi Lerner. There is also time for people to share their experiences.

Musaf meditation on Shabbat meets every Shabbat in person after the Rabbi’s D’var Torah. We meet in either the Pious Chapel or the Katz Meeting Room

All are welcome regardless of their meditation experience! Please contact Barbara Neustadt at barbneus7@gmail.com if you would like more information or have questions.

Barbara Neustadt barbneus7@gmail.com

Gender Neutral Aliyot

As a welcoming community, Temple Emunah works to ensure that people of all identities can participate fully in our services, programs, and activities. Our policies and practices aim to reflect the belief that every person is created in the image of God. One challenge that we face as a Jewish community is the gendered nature of the Hebrew language. In Hebrew, it is very difficult to conjugate a simple verb without designating male or female. In recent years, it has become increasingly visible in our society that there are people who identify as neither male nor female and, for those individuals in particular, being called up for an aliyah in many communities can present a challenge. All people deserve the respect of being referred to by the names and pronouns by which they identify – how much more so when they are being honored in public in sacred space!

The Conservative Movement’s Law Committee published a paper last year detailing language that can be used to give an aliyah without reference to gender (bit.ly/42aJbFD). This language is already used in many communities throughout the country. Our rabbis, the religious committee, and our gabbaim have collaborated to make this language available to anyone who prefers it. We have redone our aliyah cards and gabbai sheets to reflect this new third option. Anyone of any gender may choose to be called up in a non-gender-specific way.

If you would like to be called up without reference to your gender, you can send us an email so that we can update your Hebrew name in our ShulCloud database. Additionally, if you are offered an aliyah in shul, the aliyah card will direct you to inform the gabbai whether you prefer to be called up as a male, female, or without reference to gender. If you have any questions, please feel free to approach our rabbis, Religious Committee members, or Keruv Committee members.

Introducing the Keruv LGBTQ+ Inclusion Committee

Judaism values the protection of all marginalized people and Temple Emunah is committed to upholding that value.

Not unlike the rise in anti-Semitism, the LGBTQ+ community is encountering an overwhelming escalation of discrimination. We saw a necessity to form a separate committee that focuses on the needs of this community.

The LGBTQ+ Inclusion Committee continues to “draw near” and welcome members under the Keruv umbrella, as well as work to create an environment where all LGBTQ+ people feel supported, safe, and valued. We are committed to fostering values of equality, respect and acceptance of all people within our synagogue and larger community.

As many of you are aware, there have been over 400 legislative bills targeting LGBTQ+ people and their basic human rights. As a direct result of passed anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in fifteen states to date and hundreds of other proposed laws, the LGBTQ+ community here at Emunah is saddened and deeply feels the pain of the families being targeted. It affects the well-being of our families in profound ways, especially as we watch lawmakers continue to negate the reality of LGBTQ+ people who are simply trying to exist in a world that often alienates or erases them.

Despite these challenges, we are hopeful. The LGBTQ+ Inclusion Committee is excited and encouraged by the support from the Emunah community. We do not do this work alone and feel fortunate to have clergy, staff, lay leaders, and other Emunah Committees supporting our efforts and programs.

Currently, staff and community members are participating in a year-long USCJ/Keshet Leadership program advancing and improving our LGBTQ+ inclusive practices. Rabbi Lerner and Rabbi Kling-Perkins have worked and continue to update and establish ritual practices that are inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community.

We are looking forward to our upcoming fall program and have invited speakers Reg Calcagno, and Mimi Lemay, from the Human Rights Campaign, one of the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.

In December, Rabbi Mike Moskowitz and his wife, Rabbi Wendy Amsellem, will be our Glatzer Memorial Weekend Scholars. Rabbi Moskowitz, an Orthodox Rabbi, is the Scholar-in-Residence for Trans and Queer Jewish Studies at Congregation Beit Simchat Torah in New York.

June is Pride Month! We invite you to join us for LGBTQ+ Shabbat on June 3, as we celebrate our amazing LGBTQ+ loved ones, family and friends.

With Gratitude, Lori Schechner, Lori.schechner@verizon.net

Doreen Grossman, grossman20@gmail.com

C0-Chairs

If you would like to become a member of our committee, please reach out to Lori or Doreen.

Becoming A Regular

It is almost always disruptive to my routine. I have to make sure the dog is ready to be alone for a few hours. I have to wake up earlier than I want or stop what I am doing in time to get in my car and drive thirty minutes to Emunah. I park, put my kippah on my head, and enter the building. Usually, I arrive with just enough time to sign in before the service begins.

The minyan was my first Emunah experience. I came to say kaddish for my late husband. I wanted to pray in a daily minyan where I counted. Emunah checked those boxes. When I walked in, I was a stranger. But not for long. There were hugs, “I’m so sorry’s,” and offers to “Come sit here with me.” The minyan was there day after day. When I felt unable to stand or to say the words of the liturgy, I was sustained by the others in the room. They rose, they spoke, and they davened. And because they did, I did too. That was in 2010.

Since then, I have had many minyan experiences. I have always found sacred space within that small, quiet assembly. I have seen strangers arrive and find what they, too, needed. Over time I have very slowly – week by week, month by month, year by year – come to understand the value and meaning of our minyan in the life of our synagogue and of the wider Boston Jewish community. I am sustained knowing the minyan is there. Even when I am not. Twice a day, people gather to embrace mourners, mark yahrzeits, and pray.

During the High Holidays this year, the minyan was on my mind. It was beginning to be safe to gather in person. But the return was not smooth. I had learned that sometimes there were not ten of us. Attendance was becoming steadier, but not the way it had been before. Some worried that we would “lose” our minyan. The prospect of Emunah without its twice-daily minyan got my attention.

Like the steady beating of my own heart, the minyan is something I count on and take for granted. So as we prayed the long, often repetitive high holiday liturgy, I asked myself what I could do to help. What could I commit to? And what could I really follow up on? Once a week? Sunday evening. (Less traffic than other nights) Maybe I could actually do it.

Right after Simh . at Torah, I started attending Sunday evening ma’ariv. It was still a schlep. Still a stretch. Still required planning and effort. There were weeks when I did not make it. But many weeks, I did. And I discovered that I loved being there. Sunday night has its own regular leader and its own hevra of regulars. “Are you joining us Sunday-nighters?” someone asked recently. “Yes,” I replied, “Yes. I believe I am.”

Judith Himber

Preschool

Billy Dalwin Preschool (BDPS) Update

Spring has sprung, and we have so much to look forward to as we wind down the school year. But first, a look at all we accomplished this winter! Winter offers unique opportunities for child development like none other. Sledding, making snow angels, building snow people, shoveling (yes!), tossing snowballs, and just navigating a rougher terrain all challenge children to use their motor planning and skills in a different way. In summer, one can run about unencumbered, and in winter, the same frolicking is done from inside layers of snow gear, bulky boots, and mittens! Kol HaKavod to the dedicated teachers who took the time every single day to help children bundle up and enjoy the winter landscape.

Celebrating Shabbat every week remains a focal point and a true highlight of every week. We are so ecstatic to be able to welcome Shabbat outside once again! We also explored, created, and tasted all things Pesah . (Passover) last month. From crafting ceremonial items for the Seder table to “crossing” the Red Sea to freedom, to searching for chametz and burning them with Rabbi Kling-Perkins, to eating delicious Pesah foods, the children were involved in a multi-sensory approach to learning about Pesah. Todah Rabah to the family volunteers who helped peel eggs, mash tuna, and slice fruit so the children could eat lunch and snacks at school during the holiday.

The children made Israeli flags and had a school-wide parade for Yom Ha’atzmaut. This was a great introduction to

the highly anticipated Trip to Israel!! The children will “fly” to Israel and spend a couple of weeks exploring the entire country. They will swim in the Dead Sea, explore the desert, ride camels, go to the beach at Eilat, visit Haifa, Tel-Aviv, and have Shabbat in Jerusalem. They will “fly” back home with many fun memories and experiences.

There is still time to enroll your child(ren) in our Kaytana Summer Program. This fun-filled outdoor program will take place daily from July 3-August 11, 2023, 8 am-3 pm. Please contact Sally at sdelucia@templeemunah.org for more information and enrollment forms. There will be special visitors that include Tumblebus, Pumpernickel Puppets, Dance with Hannah, Ice Cream with Moe and lots more! It is also time to reserve your spot in our preschool for September 2023! Please contact Lucie at lchag@templeemunah.org for enrollment information. We have room in each age group and want to make sure everyone gets their space! Tell your friends about the wonderful, close-knit kehillah we have at Billy Dalwin. Please follow us on social media. You can find us on Facebook at Billy Dalwin Pre-School of Temple Emunah. On Instagram, we are billydalwinps.

Happy Spring!

Laura Cohen Gordon Co-Administrative Director lcohengordon@templeemunah.org

SUPPORT FAMILY TABLE

The following information is taken from the website of JF&CS:

The mission of Jewish Family & Children’s Services Family Table is to end hunger in the Greater Boston Jewish community while serving people who need our assistance regardless of religious affiliation.

Family Table fulfills its mission by providing kosher food, creating a caring Jewish connection, and empowering people to make healthy eating a part of their daily lives.

This is accomplished by offering:

• Nutritious groceries, including fresh produce and whole grain products

• Jewish holiday and ritual items, including challah and Shabbat candles

• Personal hygiene items such as soap, toothpaste, and shampoo

• Healthy recipes and recipe tastings using pantry foods

• Connections to programs that help families move from crisis to stability

Family Table serves more than 100 towns across Greater Boston, the North Shore, and the South Area.Currently, Family Table is helping more than 500 families e ach month with groceries and connections to other services. It actually costs $5,000 a month to provide food for a month to the clients of Family Table.

Your ongoing and generous financial contributions to Family Table enables us to purchase specific food items from the Amazon Wish List created by JF&CS. Please make this part of your regular donations. So many people depend on you. We remain grateful to you. If you are available to pack and deliver food to recipients, please contact Lisa Katz at 781-6935593. Packing is held at the Waltham site, 1430 Main St. on any of these upcoming delivery dates, May 21, June 25, and July 23. All volunteers age 18 and older must undergo a JF&CS CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) background check. This documentation is due two weeks prior to the distribution.

Todah Rabbah, Michelle and Mark Abramson, mhabramson@gmail.com, markabramson619@gmail.com, 781-861-7152 Nancy Lefkowitz, nancylef@gmail.com, 781-696-2085 Temple Emunah Coordinators of JF&CS Family Table

Religious School / Youth

From the Director of Congregational Learning

It’s been another great academic year! Our Religious School was able to meet inperson the entire year! And we were able to return to some of our hallmark programs: Camp Ramah Retreat, Shul-Ins, and indoor Purim Carnival, just to name a few. Not only did we hold our retreat, but two other Conservative Synagogues also joined us in the endeavor. In total we brought together more than ninety students in grades 3-12.

There are so many people who contributed to our success this year. Thank you to Norma Gaffin, Vice President of Education, Allison Page and Emily Ring, co-chairs of our Religious School Committee. Thank you, also, to all those who ran and participated in our Mishloah Manot Fundraiser. A special thank you to Nancy Capparelli and Marci Hopkins, chairs of the committee.

Thank you to our clergy, Rabbi David Lerner and Rabbi Leora Kling Perkins, and our teaching and advising staff: Kfir Mizrahi, Aaron Tornberg, Leah Rochbert, Dalia Tomlak, Irit Hamami, Rafi Abramowitz, Elye Rabinovitz, Sarah Bernstein, Jonah Zaslow; and our madrikhim: Maggie Chessman, Ellie Baim, Kayla Smith, Meredith Mills, Emma Mandell, Sophie

Gaebe, Amira LaFlamme, Gabe Marin, Arielle Lack-Zell, Max Hebert, Talia Zolondick, Zephy Borisy, Nathan Gaffin, Zachary Post, Hannah Brodsky, Evan Karen, and Edie Berndt. Thank you to the Temple Emunah Sisterhood and the Speicher family for their support of our madrikhim and enrichment (music/ Israeli Folk dance) programs.

A special thank you to Tova Weinronk and Sydney Bluman for being such wonderful team members in directing our Education Program (Religious School and Youth Activities). And to our Administration Team and custodial staff for all of their work in supporting our programs.

Finally, as always, thank you to all our parents and children for being on this journey of Jewish living with us! You are truly a blessing in my life!

Mark your calendar for the opening of Religious School 5784 and Fall Youth Day, both of which will be on Sunday, September 10, and for our Grade 3-12 Youth Retreat on December 8-10, 2023.

On behalf of the staff of our education and youth programs, I wish everyone a relaxing and healthy summer.

Kayitz Na’im (pleasant summer), Me’ir Sherer Director of Congregational Learning msherer@templeemunah.org

Summer will be here soon. You can borrow books for the entire summer until Sept. 21. If you need more time, we will gladly renew the book(s).

To help you choose something to read, here are a few of our recommended favorites, as well as some new books.

Fiction

People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks

Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner

Love & Treasure by Ayelet Waldman

“Romantic, provocative and ripe for discussiona historical novel”

The Prison Minyan by Jonathan Stone

America’s only Jewish prison - “Never a problem making a minyan”

House on Endless Waters by Emuna Elon

“About history, ficti0n and the importance of family ties”

Shalom India Housing Society by Esther David

The Last Watchman of Old Cairo by Michael David Lukas

“Evocative prose… that captures the essence of the beautiful, haunted shabby yet utterly sublime Middle Eastern city.”

Stop by the Library to borrow books, or request them by emailing emunahlibrary@gmail.com

Disability & Inclusion

Summer is just around the corner, and we’re hoping June will bring sunshine and warmth. Most of us are waiting to put on our T-shirts and shorts!

Zionism: The Tablet Guide

Great commentary by political leaders and professors from Chomsky on the left to Mead in the center to Begin on the right, as well as Herzl and Jabotinsky.

Schindler’s List by Thomas Keneally

We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter Lioness: Golda Meir and the Nation of Israel by Francine Klagsbourn

All Rivers Run to the Sea: Memoirs by Elie Wiesel

Betraying Spinoza: The Renegade Jew Who Gave Us Modernity by Rebecca Goldstein

Doreen Grossman and Sandy Miller-Jacobs are working together as co-chairs and met with Rabbi Kling Perkins. We reviewed where we are in terms of programming for our synagogue members. We hope to be able to open some programs to other synagogue members. Doreen is already updating our “accessibility box” near the entrance. This will enable children and people to use fidgets and reading glasses (especially if you forgot to bring yours). We are working on signage that will help everyone know what is available.

Please return the books that you borrowed during the last three years!! Check your bookshelves and stacks of books that you own.

Thanks to those who have returned some books. We appreciate it!

Toni Stechler and Marci Hopkins (emunahlibrary@gmail.com)

Please let us know if there are specific things you wish were available. We have three sets of siddurim with large typeface that are not heavy. Several of the first set are in the small chapel which will help those attending morning and evening services. Let us know if a music stand to hold the large siddurim will help, especially if you prefer to stand than sit. If you are concerned about seating for Rosh Hashanah, please let us know if we can rearrange the seats so that they are accessible for you. We anticipate setting up signs and having people to help guide people to their seats.

We are open to hearing from people who have specific issues around space, noise, and food allergens. Feel free to contact Doreen and Sandy.

Doreen Grossman, grossman20@gmail.com

Sandy Miller-Jacobs, sandymj@gmail.com C0-Chairs, Inclusion Committee

Clockwise from top left: Grades 3-4 Shul-in, Kitah Dalet Chocolate Seder, teens at Yad. See more photos on pages 10-11 and 20.

Sisterhood

It’s that time again! Time to write a bulletin article in the future tense (which doesn’t always happen), when you want to talk about “now.” I recently attended the dedication of the Seven Species Panels, a community effort commemorating Emunah 60. One panel in particular was dedicated in loving memory of Dick Wissoker z”l. Sisterhood was proud to donate $1,800 in support of this memorial panel.

Dick was a pillar of our community in every way. The list of things he did can fill this page and more. It’s amazing how Dick and his wife Barbara, who came to Emunah in 1968, never stopped doing. I recall one of my first interactions with them, taking an active role in the celebration of Emunah 40. On Sunday, it was pointed out that Emunah is now 64. Boy, how time flies!

Over these 24 years, I am mostly associated with two things: the Temple Emunah kitchen (all of it) and Sisterhood. This is not to say that there are no other things on this list – but it’s a list that keeps growing. In all my roles, I am driven to build community through food events (and there are MANY), programming events, Hineni requests, minyan leadership, requests from the rabbis or the Temple president, and my commitment to the Sisterhood and the O.C.-Operating Committee (my friends). I hope that all of you will think about committed volunteerism at Temple Emunah or by helping Sisterhood and/or the temple kitchen. We are all an incredible group of people offering so much to the community.

In addition to volunteerism, there is financial support of our temple and Sisterhood. Sisterhood provides many free programs, financial support to temple committees, the religious school, temple youth programs, food events and general operating expenses to the synagogue.

Three ways that you can financially help Sisterhood are:

• Participating in the Rosh Hashanah Honey campaign which Cindy Bobrow will be organizing by the time you read this bulletin. Many thanks to those who have participated in the past, and I hope that others will partake after seeing this message.

• Sponsoring Bimah Flowers: Sheila Kojm (bimahflowers@ gmail.com) can help assist you with your sponsorship. Sponsorship can be done in many ways; in memory of a loved one, an anniversary, birthday, event, or just to say thanks in many other ways.

• Finally, by adding your name to Sisterhood membership ($36.00) on your due’s commitment forms.

Sisterhood’s Operating Committee will continue to work during the summer to come up with a 2023/24 calendar of events and will continue to add additional programs throughout the year.

In closing, I hope that others will join Sisterhood on our journey, whether as an active participant or a silent partner, and by knowing that “You Make It Happen” for our Sisterhood to be able to go, “Above and Beyond,” just like Dick did for so many years.

L’shalom, Janet Goldberg, Sisterhood President janet.goldberg2@verizon.net

Brotherhood

Shalom Haverim!

Summer will be upon us shortly, and warm weather with it. The Brotherhood is looking forward to rooting for our Emunah Softball team as it takes on the other shuls in the league!

Brotherhood Shabbat was celebrated on May 6 with Parashat Emor We hope you joined us for this annual tradition. I want to thank Scott Lerman for organizing and managing the event, and all the Brotherhood members who participated. Yasher Koach!

Our Man of the Year was also celebrated in May when we recognized David Goldberg for all he has done and continues to do for the Brotherhood and Temple Emunah. I want to thank David Rosenbaum, Mike Rosenberg, and Ed Lidman for all their efforts to make this celebration happen.

As the year winds down, there are some things I’d like to call out:

• One of the truly fun events and the last date on our calendar is the Memorial Day Whiskey tasting, on Sunday, May 28. Join us after minyan to taste some great whiskey and usher in Memorial Day.

• During the summer we are planning to set up some more informal get-togethers, such as Brotherhood Beer-call at the Mighty Squirrel. Come for the beer, come for the camaraderie or both, but we hope you will join us.

The New England Region is holding some fun events this summer that we encourage you to participate in as well:

• The 75 th annual Retreat at Camp Ramah, June 8-11 http://www.nerfjmc.org/theretreat

• The Tour de Shuls, June 25, an annual bike ride to raise funds to support the Tikvah program at Camp Ramah: http://www.nerfjmc.org/tourdeshuls

• Woo Sox game at Polar Park, Worcester, on Sunday, June 25. Kosher food will be available, enjoy the parking, food, and game for less than the cost of parking at Fenway!

Finally, I want to point out a major event that the International Federation of Jewish Men’s Club (FJMC) is holding that will be honoring our own Mo Diamant z”l with the prestigious Ma’asim Tovim award during its international convention in Philadelphia that runs June 29-July 2. If you would like to attend or just put forth a tribute to Mo, please go to www.fjmcconvention.org

As I always say, if you are looking for a way to get more involved with Temple Emunah, the Brotherhood is a great way to do it and to meet some great men. Feel free to reach out to me or any other member of the Brotherhood board for more information, or just join us for a board meeting (everyone is invited). Please be sure to check our events calendar at https:// www.templeemunah.org/calendar/ to see what’s happening!

I wish everyone a wonderful summer!

Scott Damsky, Brotherhood President brotherhood@templeemunah.org

Kitah Vav Visited Mayyim Hayyim and Brezniak Funeral Home

Students in grades 3-8 at Altitude

USY Gesher

Anna Freifelder

Grandmother of Marsha Tucker

Norman Pearlstein

Grandfather of David Geller

Roz Shaw Freifelder

Stepmother of Marsha Tucker

Amy Stechler

Stepdaughter of Toni Stechler

August 20 / 3 Elul

Philip Bender

Uncle of Mark Abramson

Jacob Bresloff

Grandfather of Ethel Rothmel

Maxine Coblentz

Mother of Larry Coblentz

Anne Feinstein

Grandmother of Jane Epstein

August 21 / 4 Elul

Althea Jacobs

Mother-in-law of Ben Brosgol

Max M. Librach

Father-in-law of Miriam Librach

Betty Miller

Aunt of Hal Miller-Jacobs

Morris Segaloff

Father of Harvey Segaloff

Louis Stuhl

Grandfather of Louis Stuhl

Pearl Turtletaub

Grandmother of Stephanie Buckler

August 22 / 5 Elul

William Katz

Father of Leonard Katz

Yahrzeits

Howard Kaufman

Father of Margo Reder

Father-in-law of Rick Reder

Eric “Budgie” Lack

Father of Heidi Lack

Harry Richelson

Father-in-law of Irwin Alpert

August 23 / 6 Elul

Helen Miller

Mother of Bonnie Levy

Mother-in-law of Harry Levy

Frank Rothstein

Father of Ellen Rothstein

August 24 / 7 Elul

Billy Dalwin

Son of Bruce and Naomi Dalwin

Albert Jacobs

Father of Fran Jacobs

Minette Klein

Mother of Michael Klein

Daniel I. Palant

Husband of Barbara Palant

Zachary Shwartz

Brother of Rachel Tye

Patricia L. Stayn

Wife of John Stayn

August 25 / 8 Elul

Sidney Klinghoffer

Uncle of Marsha Tucker

Ida Oxman

Aunt of Lois Bruss

Edward Weinstein

Father of Clifford Weinstein

Father-in-law of Georgia Weinstein

August 26 / 9 Elul

Stanley J. Brody

Father of Laurel Brody

Freida Bromberg

Mother-in-law of Carol Bromberg

Frances Feinzig

Grandmother of Ben Bloomenthal

Israel Smith

Father of Jerome Smith

Ada Vernick

Mother of Larry Vernick

August 27 / 10 Elul

Anna Zager Kaplan

Mother of Michael Kaplan

Terry Klein

Mother of Craig Klein

Allen P. Wasserman

Son of Maxine Wasserman

Anna Zaleznik

Grandmother of Lois Bruss

August 28 / 11 Elul

Amy Edelman

Aunt of Teddi Marin

Anna Gordon

Aunt of Bob Gordon

Pearl Hofman

Mother of Debra Hofman

Raye Jacobsohn

Sister-in-law of Minna Halperin

Bernard Jacobson

Husband of Margaretha Jacobson

Helen Mikkelsen Hess

Sister of Carl Mikkelsen

Jerome Myers

Father of Michael Myers

August 29 / 12 Elul

Baruch Ackerman

Grandfather of Alan Musnikow

Leah & Baruch Gershkowitz

Dina & Yaakov Grober

Grandparents of Donna Gershkowitz

Tauby Lerner

Grandmother of Rabbi David Lerner

Mother-in-law of Anne Lerner

Abraham Posnick

Father of Barbara Posnick

Frieda Solomon

Great-grandmother of Carolyn Keller

August 30 / 13 Elul

Hester Canter

Mother of Joe Canter

Dorothy Kitover

Grandmother of Eric Gornstein

Richard B. Simches

Father of Lorri Owades

August 31/ 14 Elul

Dora Galani

Mother of Zvi Galani

Martin Greenberg

Father of Mark Greenberg

Ralph S. Levitt

Father of Alisa Billings

John McCauslin Jr.

Father of Scott McCauslin

Barbara Rosenbaum

Wife of Charles Rosenbaum

Seven Species Panels Dedication

Donations

The congregation gratefully acknowledges the following contributions:

Beautification

In memory of:

Harris Cohen, beloved husband of Rona Cohen

Phyllis Rubinovitz

Harold Lake, beloved father of Debra Sheldon

Cheryl & Shelly Lowenthal

Dick Wissoker z”l Species Panel

In honor of our parents Ralph Quatrano, Barbara Quatrano, Leonard and Gloria Karoll

Yahrzeit of Eva Urmer, beloved grandmother

Doreen Karoll and Steve Quatrano

Family Table

In memory of Lynn Harris, beloved mother of Michelle Abramson

Paul & Barbara Neustadt

Yahrzeit of Yoav Kupiec, beloved son

Israel & Charlotte Kupiec

General

In celebration of:

The birth of Marty Thrope’s grandson, Simeon Jonah

Mazal tov to Dan Schrager and Ellen Gaies on the birth of their granddaughter, Jamie Brooke

Bob & Kathie Becker

Margo and Rick Reder’s new grandson, Ari Janet & David Goldberg

Mazel tov to Margo and Rick Reder on their new grandchild and to the proud parents!

Steve and Amira Aaron

In memory of:

Phyllis Fox Mills

Ross Wein and Family

Harold Lake, beloved father of Debra Sheldon

Janet & David Goldberg

Alan Ades, beloved father of Stephen Ades

Miriam Sidman

Yahrzeit of:

Evelyn Zimmerman, beloved mother

Roberta Perlmutter

Celia Perlmutter, beloved mother

Burt Perlmutter

Ruth Winiker, beloved mother

Micki Shpilner

Stanley Resnick, beloved father and grandfather

Laurie, Rebecca, & Daniel Speicher

Anna Delfiner, beloved mother-in-law

Barbara Delfiner

Holy Book Fund

Yahrzeits of Joseph Nathanson & Nathan Weiser, beloved grandfathers

Neil Weiser & Laura Musikant-Weiser

Israel Committee

Yahrzeit for Isay Zeylikman, beloved father-in-law

Irina Zeylikman

Ladle Fund

In memory of Sarah Davis, beloved sister of Mark Lichtenstein

Sid & Deanna Wolk

Yahrzeit for Eli M. Chase, beloved father

Arleen Chase

Landscape

Yahrzeit of Hyman Smith, beloved grandfather

Jerome & Sharon Smith

Library Fund

In celebration of Lori & Howard Reubenstein on their 60 th birthdays

Phyllis & Marc Landman

Rabbi Kling Perkins

Discretionary Fund

In appreciation of the Temple Emunah community for their support during shiva for Frances Lehrman, beloved mother of Nancy Bloom

Jacob & Nancy Bloom

in honor of Rabbi Kling Perkins’s Torah reading on April 15

Marc & Naomi Sacks

Yahrzeit for Robert Seligman, beloved father

Judith Neiterman

Rabbi Lerner’s Discretionary Fund in celebration of our marriage and with appreciation to Rabbi Lerner

Jessica Casper & George Dorfman

In celebration of Ali Tilem’s Bat Mitzvah

Matthew & Jill Tilem

In memory of Alan Ades, beloved father of Stephen Ades

Eric & Julie Shapiro

Yahrzeit of:

Eli Chase, beloved father

Arleen Chase

Rebecca Ginsburg, beloved grandmother

Samuel Baker

Shirley M. Koren, beloved mother

Annette Koren and Harmon Jordan Religious School

In appreciation of the good Purim wishes and the Mishloach Manot

Barbara Delfiner

Simchat Mitzvah Fund

In honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Ali Tilem

Eleanor & Saul Nathan Social Justice Committee

In appreciation of Raveetal Celine for her support of the Emunah community

RJAG

In honor of Donna & Harvey Jauvtis on the birth of their granddaughter, Joleen Eleanor May

Barbara & Paul Neustadt

In memory of Harold Lake, beloved father of Debra Sheldon

Margo & Mark Zelermyer

Special Needds

In celebration of and Mazel tov to Jill & Matthew Tilem on their daughter Ali becoming a Bat Mitzvah

Marcia Camac

Thrope Memorial Fund

In celebration of he birth of Marty Thrope’s grandson, Simeon Jonah

Alison Dick & Ed Willins

Youth Fund

In appreciation of Temple Emunah

Margolia Gilson

Address Service Requested

Passover activities at the Religious School included crossing the Red Sea and making h . aroset.

Youth Day 5783 at Canobie Lake Park