Shofar May-June 2015

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May/June 2015 2015 Iyar/Sivan/Tamuz 5775 Shofar
FAREWELL In this, my last Shofar column, I write to thank the congregation for the opportunity to serve as your spiritual leader. I came to Beth David at a time of uncertainty with the retirement of our longtime leader, Rabbi Zoob. This uncertainty was soon intensified with the unexpected retirement of Cantor Treitman, and the onset of the Great Recession. I was asked to bring new excitement and fresh ideas to the congregational programming, take control of the day to day operations of the community and its newly expanded facility, and provide stability through the difficulties of change naturally expected at a time such as this in the life of a congregation. I gladly took on these challenges, expanding our programmatic offerings so that there was something offered for congregants every week at the congregation, such as Limmud and other new educational opportunities. I listened to concerns of the community, and responded with the Religious Practices Committee by instituting changes in the logistics and nature of our Friday Night worship. We celebrated our fiftieth anniversary together, and adopted a new prayerbook, Mishkan Tefillah. We revised our post b’nei mitzvah program into our flexible and open Double Chai program. I stood with you to rejoice at times of gladness in your lives, and to give comfort and solace in times of sadness. Together, we dealt with the most difficult of issues, including changes in the Jewish community, the Newtown shootings, and the Marathon Bombing, which required us to reflect and renew our commitment to our faith and tradition. (continued on page 2) TEMPLE BETH DAVID Voice: 781-­‐769-­‐5270 Fax: 781-­‐769-­‐4453 Email: [email protected] www.templebethdavid.net Rabbi Cantorial Intern Rabbi Emeritus Cantor Emerita President Jeffrey S. Wildstein Rachel Reef-­‐Simpson Henry A. Zoob Louise E. Treitman David M. Wang VP Member Resources VP Religious Practices VP Education VP Administration Treasurer Immediate Past President Congregation Secretary Education Director Admin. and Mktg. Assistant Deb Dubiner Lisa Altman Pat Aronson Steve Ellis Geoff Kupferschmid Dan Weller Mel Bernstein Aviva Scheur Rita Cohen 2
May/June 2015 Iyar/Sivan/Tamuz 5775 (continued from page 1) We always strived to make the congregation as exciting, fulfilling, and meaningful as possible to reach the goals of our mission. From the study of Torah and the work of tikkun olam (repair of the world), to efforts of fundraising and membership, we came together to build a strong Jewish present that will yield a strong Jewish future. I particularly want to thank Rachel Reef-­‐Simpson, who has been my partner and friend in providing spiritual leadership for the community during the past seven years, Pam Weil for her friendship and dedication to our children, and Rita Cohen and Roberto for their friendship, assistance, care, and willingness to go the extra mile for the community. Thanks to Rabbi Zoob for his support and collegiality – I could not have hoped for a better Rabbi Emeritus, and to Cantor Treitman for helping me so much when I first arrived here. Thanks to Aviva Scheur for this year in the school, and to all the lay leaders and volunteers who worked with me to fulfill the congregation’s goals. I am proud of the work we have done together, and will always cherish the connections we have made, and the kindnesses so many of you showed to me and Andrea. I thank you again for this opportunity, and wish the congregation only joy and success in the future. L’shalom, Rabbi Jeffrey Wildstein Temple Beth David Annual Meeting Open House Brunch
In honor of
Rabbi Jeffrey Wildstein
and Cantorial Intern
Rachel Reef-Simpson
Sunday, May 31st
from 10 am-12 pm
All are welcome to come say farewell
and thank them for their service Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 7:30 pm All temple members are strongly encouraged to attend this important meeting! 2 1
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May/June 2015 The only thing that is constant is change -­‐ Heraclitus circa 500 B.C.E. The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new -­‐ Socrates circa 400 B.C.E. The times they are a changing -­‐ Bob Dylan 1963 Turn and face the strange changes -­‐ David Bowie 1971 Change-­‐ it is all around us. Some change is welcome, like springtime after a particularly brutal winter. Other change might be less so, because it represents the unknown. As President of Temple Beth David, of course I am referring to the upcoming change in our clergy. Before explaining from my perspective why we need to embrace and not fear upcoming changes, I want to briefly look back at where we have been. For a detailed history of the Temple, I urge you to review our 50th Anniversary Commemorative Book, copies of which can be found in our library (and from which came the background information contained herein). I will be thanking Rabbi W ildstein and Rachel in a separate letter to the congregation and at the Annual Meeting but for now, suffice it to say, we are truly grateful for all they have done for the Kehilla. When Temple Beth David was originally formed in 1960, a group of individuals and families believed there was a need for a Jewish community in the Dedham Westwood area. They were preceded by the Dedham Jewish Community Group from 1950-­‐1960. To this day our full legal name is Temple Beth David of Dedham and Westwood. Those founding m embers didn't have a rabbi, a cantor, an educator or even a building. W hat they had is something Jews have had for millennia: faith. Faith that they could organize and build and create a sense of community. Through their faith, and hard work, they and their successors built what we have today. We are fortunate to still have founding members Iyar/Sivan/Tamuz 5775 The PRESIDENT’S CORNER Harvey and Cynthia Atkins who are both actively involved in the Temple. Edna Gordon and Mark Rogers are also founding members. Children of other founding members remain active in our congregation today. Steve Brody is a constant sight on Shabbat evenings and at Brotherhood events. Liz Atkins actively participates in Saturday morning Shabbat services and Torah Study. (She also keeps our piano in tune!) Before Rabbi Zoob joined the congregation in 1970, we had student rabbis coming to lead services on a monthly b asis. In the summer, lay leaders like Murray Siroka would lead services, give a D'var Torah and, with his wife Shirley, host an Oneg. Cynthia Atkins and other members taught at the religious school and Shirley eventually became our Principal-­‐ all volunteer positions. After Rabbi Zoob arrived, then and current Lay Leader Will Krasnow would often lead services in the summer. The timing of those intrepid founders and early congregants was good as the surrounding Jewish community, as well as the economy as a whole, was growing. Kids growing up today see new technologies come along at a rapid pace but many were not even born the last time we had robust growth in our economy. In retrospect, perhaps those were simpler times. W e didn't have crazy schedules for our kids’ activities. Both parents didn't often work. Families weren't as spread out as they are now. We didn't have the Internet to distract us. Continued on page 4 3 4
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May/June 2015 Iyar/Sivan/Tamuz 5775 The PRESIDENT’S CORNER/continued So TBD grew, and changed...We went from Rockland Street in Dedham to Pond Street in Westwood. Rabbi Zoob went from part time to full time in 1977. Eventually a part time cantorial soloist was hired: our current Cantor Emerita Louise Treitman. As the school grew we went from volunteers like Shirley Siroka through a number of paid educators to now-­‐retired Pam Weil and, currently, Aviva Scheur. Office staff went from volunteers to Elene Cashman to Mary Lou Houle (remember "Hi Hon!") to Susan Tinianow to our current Rita Cohen. Tragedy struck in 1987 when the Pond Street synagogue was destroyed by arson but out of those ashes, a new, even stronger community arose. While help and donations poured in from around the country, it was the Kehilla here, in Westwood, that dug in and made sure that our best days were not behind us but still lay ahead. It took two years to build anew and current m ember Marcia Hirshberg was instrumental in getting our current land donated to us by W estwood Lodge. Generous donations were made by members too numerous to m ention (but there are plaques I urge you to review in our foyer). A beautiful new synagogue was built on Clapboardtree Street, dedicated 26 years ago in 1989, and designed by Temple Member Claude Menders (Z"L). Still, the Jewish community was growing. School enrollment and Temple membership grew. What also persisted was a communal understanding of the need for area Jews to support their local temple. Support meant dues, of course, but it also meant helping out in the classroom; the honor of hosting an Oneg with home baked deserts; joining and being actively involved in Sisterhood or Brotherhood or a chavurah; and volunteering and participating in Temple committees or Lay Leadership. Membership had grown to nearly 300 families. So, in anticipation of continued growth, we built an addition! New classrooms and our lovely Beit Simcha. With it came a capital campaign and new debt in the form of a mortgage. The addition was dedicated 9 years ago in April of 2006. Unfortunately, a significant economic downturn was just around the corner. If you have been around as long as I have...you know that there are ups and downs in the life of any organization. Our scholar in residence this year, Rabbi Dan Judson, spoke about the rise (and decline) of Reform Judaism. Here, on Clapboardtree Street, we have not been immune to these changes. These institutional changes, together with the economic downturn, have had a profound impact on our budget. As I pointed out in a recent letter to the congregation, school enrollment is down, membership is down and collected dues are down. What we need from clergy and staff has changed, but as I have also tried to point out (some would say ad nauseam) our Kehilla is still strong. While the clergy is certainly important to the community; the community goes beyond the clergy, beyond the staff, beyond the four walls of our synagogue. The Kehilla is what unites us not just on the high holidays but on every occasion we can get together to pray, to study, to rejoice, to grieve, to socialize, to kibitz, to kvetch. And it is this Kehilla that I believe will get us through this period of uncertainty and will show that we still have better days ahead. This is truly an exciting time in the history of Temple Beth David. Those of us who accept the challenge have the opportunity to shape the future. Not just for us, but for the generations that follow. Our founders did this 55 years ago. Are you ready to join me and accept the challenge in the years ahead? For our sake, for our children's sake and for the sake of Jewish people, I hope so! L'Shalom, David Thank you to those who have ushered, set up, cleaned up and brought food and drink to our Friday night Onegs and to our Kabbalat Shabbat and Gesher service Onegs. Your help is much appreciated by our community. 4 May/June 2015 Iyar/Sivan/Tamuz 5775 Congregational Needs Committee TBD Congregational Needs Committee Meets in March and April to Prepare for Clergy Search Temple Beth David has begun the process of searching for new clergy after Rabbi Jeffrey Wildstein and Cantorial Intern Rachel Reef Simpson depart in June of 2015. Rabbi Darryl Crystal will be joining us on July 1 as our interim Rabbi and an interim Cantor (not yet hired) is also planned for the coming year. The Board of Directors formed a Congregational Needs Committee (CNC) to work with the temple community and develop an understanding of our Congregants’ values and priorities that will guide the Clergy Search Committee. The CNC was formed in February of 2015 and was tasked to report to the Board in May of 2015. Members of the CNC include the Co-­‐Chairs, Edythe Selles and Dan Weller, and David Wang, Gary Kaplan (Westwood), Anne Kupferschmid, David Lapp, Marcia Colagiovanni, Wendy Berliner, and our newest member, Ben Dubiner. The CNC is seeking congregational input into the clergy search in two ways. First, a Survey (using Survey Monkey) will be released to all TBD members in the next one or two weeks. Second, the CNC will host subsequent live forums held in April and May. Questions in the survey are wide-­‐ranging regarding the structure of the clergy and educator positions as well as the professional and personnel characteristics of the clergy. Questions related to religious practices, programming, and education are included. Questions regarding temple diversity and the engagement of interfaith couples and LGBTQ community members are included. The entire survey takes about 30 minutes to complete and it could be one of the most important efforts that individual congregants can provide to have their voices heard! The CNC recognizes that it is critically important that congregants and staff feel comfortable sharing sensitive information with Committee members. The CNC is committed to treating all information received from surveys or private communications confidentially and with respect. CNC members will only communicate the substance of feedback, questions, and comments made by congregants and staff with the relevant Temple leaders, committees, or groups by keeping their original sources anonymous. Please contact any CNC member to convey your perspective on the future of the Temple and new clergy. SAVE THE DATE! JUNE 7, 2015 FOR A SPECIAL CONGREGATION-­‐WIDE CONVERSATION MORE INFORMATION TO COME! Committee members: Dan Weller, David Lapp, Anne Kupferschmid, Marcia Colagiovanni, Gary Kaplan and Edie Selles. Not shown are David Wang, Wendy Berliner and Ben Dubiner. 5 2
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May/June 2015 Iyar/Sivan/Tamuz 5775 Musical NOTES “I Don’t Know How to Say Goodbye, I’ll Say Shalom!” As many of you know, the word Shalom has three definitions: Hello, Goodbye and Peace. No word could be more fitting as I prepare to say goodbye to my Temple Beth David family, say hello to the Temple Emanuel Sinai community and find peace as I embark on a new phase of my Jewish journey. Part of finding the “peace” in shalom is by looking back on the cherished memories I have of our Jewish journey together as a congregational family. Some of these reflections are musical in nature, others humorous, still others poignant. I’d like to share a few of these memories with you now. Shir David, the Temple choir, is b usy making music together and rehearsing for both our last Friday Night Live together on Friday, June 5th and our final choir service on Friday, June 19th. This past week, after schmoozing a bit first as we always do, we sat down to sing a new setting of “Yih’yu L”Ratson” that we are premiering at the choir service and “Adonai Li”, a beloved piece which liturgically comes from the last line of “Adon Olam.” I don’t often get chills when I’ve rehearsed a piece week after week, but I was so moved by the majestic sound of our choir at rehearsal that night, I couldn’t help but feel God’s presence at that moment. Thank you to S hir David, my b eloved choir and our Temple Beth David band and musicians for sharing their musical gifts with me and with our community. Speaking of the prayer “Adon Olam”, I bet you’ve never heard it sung to the tune of Pharrell William’s “Happy!” Over the last few months, I’ve been teaching this “Happy” version of “Adon Olam” to our 3rd through 6th grade classes in the Religious School during music class. I am pleased to announce that our students will be sharing the bimah with me for our final Friday Night Live service on Friday, June 5th with the choir and the band, and they will b e singing this joyous rendition of the prayer. Please plan to come to this special service-­‐
don’t forget to bring the whole family. It will be sure to make the grandparents “kvell”, as I do every time I sing with our kids in the school. Another fond musical memory I will take with me was watching those same 3rd through 6th graders “rock out”, belting out the song and d oing all the dance moves to “Pharoah, Pharoah” by M ah Tovu. We had so much fun in our Passover music class a few weeks ago singing and dancing to this, that this week when I was rehearsing with the 5th graders for their class service, they asked if they could do it as their concluding song for their class Shabbat service…only their service is in May, long after the matzah has been p ut away! But just knowing that these kids had a love of Jewish music and that they connected Jewishly through music gave me such nachus/pride. Thank you Temple Beth David families for sharing the gift of your children with me these last 7 years. I will be eternally grateful to my colleague and mentor, Rabbi Jeffrey Wildstein, for his profound role in providing my family and me one of the greatest gifts we will ever receive in our lifetime. One year into my tenure at Temple Beth David, Phil made the life altering decision to join our faith and the Jewish people. Of his own accord, he began a course of study with Rabbi Wildstein to fulfill the requirements for conversion. Rabbi Wildstein went above and beyond in helping us through every step of the process, showing his support through the physical, mental and emotional journey that Phil’s conversion entailed. And, on the day of our sons’ Alex and Ian’s B’nai Mitzvah, I passed the Torah to Phil and he proudly passed the Torah to our sons; an awe inspiring moment that Rabbi Wildstein p layed a crucial role in helping make happen. Thank you, Rabbi Wildstein, for our sacred partnership and friendship. Finally, just a few weeks ago, a recent Bar M itzvah father, came into my office to share a video of his son becoming Bar Mitzvah in Israel on Masada. I had the privilege of working with this very special Continued young man in preparation for his Bar Mitzvah in Israel. Up until this point, the on page 7 6 4
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May/June 2015 Musical NOTES/continued boy was not connecting to his Judaism and was not entirely “sold” on the process and study involved in becoming Bar Mitzvah. The first few times I came to meet with him, I brought snacks (surely what does any good, Jewish mother who is the mother of sons do?) I’m quite certain that this student was more interested in the cheez-­‐its than in studying with me. But, slowly, we began to connect, sitting at his kitchen counter, with bowls of savory snacks and Torah. He began connecting to his Judaism and took pride in learning his prayers and his Torah portion. And, right before he left for Israel, at our last session together, he looked me in the eyes and told me he couldn’t have gone through the process of becoming a Bar Mitzvah without me. I got really “verklempt” and asked him if I could give him a hug. And, a few weeks ago, I was kvelling with pride as his Dad and I watched the video of his Bar Mitzvah on Masada. If that’s not what it is all about, I don’t know what is. I thank you, my Temple Beth David family, for seven years of praying together, singing together, learning and laughing and sometimes crying together. Thank you for making my family part of your extended family. Todah Rabbah to Rabbi Wildstein, Rita, Aviva, Sharon, Roberto and formerly to Pam Weil and Brenda Marchand for your partnership, your wisdom, your guidance and your commitment to the TBD community. Todah Rabbah also to Cantor Louise Treitman and Rabbi Henry Zoob for your roles in mentoring me these last 7 years and for your continued commitment to Temple Beth David. Todah Rabbah to my magnificent choir and Temple musicians, past and present, who in this past year included Rhonda Glyman, Will Krasnow, M arcia Perna, Zelayna Rauch, Sondra Traister, Harriet Vogel, Hazel Warnick and Carol Westheimer, and our musicians Brad Ellenberg, Dave Kaminski, Rich Lustig, Lisa M arcus Jones, Rob Rudin and Grant Smith. I will always be in awe of your special gifts and forever grateful that you have shared your talents and time with me and with our community. Thank you to all of the members of the Board of Directors who served our community while I’ve been Cantorial Soloist. Your commitment to Jewish life and Iyar/Sivan/Tamuz 5775 to our Temple family is awe-­‐inspiring. A special Todah Rabbah to the Presidents who supported me along the way: Mel Bernstein, Matt Watsky, Amy Cook, Dan Weller and David Wang. To all of the TBD teachers, tutors and Religious School staff: thank you for giving your time and expertise in guiding our students through their Jewish education and Jewish journeys. You help shape and mold our future Jewish generations. A great big Todah Rabbah to my B’nai Mitzvah tutoring partners Nancy Mollitor and Ellen Kollangi. You are warm, patient and gifted teachers and I value our partnership and friendship. To all our Temple volunteers who make everything happen in our community, from the school to the religious activities and our special Temple celebrations. Without your caring and commitment we would never have the phenomenal school, Temple programming, worship services and caring community we h ave now. Thank you to my B’nai Mitzvah students and their families. Sharing the journey to becoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah with your family and connecting with your kids and working in partnership with them to achieve the goal of becoming a Bar or Bat M itzvah is doing God’s work and I thank you parents for giving me this privilege. To all the amazing people who embraced my family and I since our arrival in 2008. Your friendships are a treasure that we will continue to cherish for years to come. Finally, though at present we do n ot yet know who will be the next Cantorial presence at Temple Beth David, please welcome him or her with the same open arms, heart and mind that you greeted me with when I first came to our Temple community. Allow yourselves to grow and flourish and find n ew ways to explore worship and Jewish music together. Chazak, Chazak, V’nitchazeik-­‐May you go from Strength to Strength! L’Shalom-­‐In Peace, Rachel 7 May/June 2015 Iyar/Sivan/Tamuz 5775 A Message from Mark Hornstein ,
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8 May/June 2015 Iyar/Sivan/Tamuz 5775 B’nai Mitzvah In March and April Isaac Popper, son of Alyson and Jeffrey Popper, celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on Shabbat Vayikra, March 21, 2015. Henry Lamkin, son of Rebecca and Brian Lamkin, celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on Shabbat Tzav, March 28, 2015. Micah Borkan, son of Steven Borkan and Paula Quatromoni, celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on Shabbat Tazria-­‐Metzora, April 25, 2015. In May and June Bridget Hughes, daughter of Debra and Aaron Hughes, will celebrate her bat mitzvah on Shabbat Emor, May 9, 2015. Benjamin Rothstein, son of Susan Rothstein and Ned Rothstein, will celebrate his bar mitzvah on Shabbat Behar/Behukkotai, May 16, 2015. Jack Ritzenberg, son of Jill Scirpo and Jeremy Ritzenberg, will celebrate his bar mitzvah on Shabbat Naso, May 30, 2014. Mack Forman, son of Gwen and Roger Forman, will celebrate his bar mitzvah on Shabbat Shelach Lecha, June 13, 2014. 9 May/June 2015 Iyar/Sivan/Tamuz 5775 Music and Activities at Temple Beth Choir and Friday Night Live Band Rehearsals: Wednesday, May 3rd Thursday, May 21st Wednesday, June 3rd Friday, June 5th 7 pm Choir Rehearsal-­‐Added 7 pm Choir Rehearsal 7 pm Friday Night Live Band and Choir Rehearsal 5 pm 7 pm Friday Night Live Band and Choir Rehearsal Service Wednesday, June 10th 7 pm Monday, June 15th 7 pm Friday, June 19th 5:30 pm 7 pm Choir Rehearsal Choir Rehearsal with Pianist Choir Rehearsal Choir Service FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE Friday, June 5th at 7 pm Join Rachel Reef-­‐Simpson, the Temple Beth David Tefillah Band and the Shir David Choir for a Shabbat Service of inspiring and spiritually uplifting contemporary Jewish liturgy. Join in the Ruach/Spirit and come worship with us! SHIR DAVID CHOIR SERVICE Friday, June 19TH at 7 PM. This service will include majestic liturgical music from our Temple Beth David choir. Come and be moved spiritually by the lovely repertoire. 10 May/June 2015 Iyar/Sivan/Tamuz 5775 From the EDUCATION DIRECTOR Aviva Scheur Religious School Calendar: May 2015 Friday, May 1, 7:00 pm Sunday, May 3, 9:00 am-­‐9:30 am 11:00 am-­‐1:00 pm 10:00 am-­‐12:00 pm 11:30 am-­‐1:00 pm Wednesday, May 6, 4:00 pm -­‐5:00 pm 5:00 pm-­‐5:30 pm Sunday, May 10 Wednesday, May 13, 4:00 pm-­‐5:00 pm 5:00 pm-­‐ 5:30 pm* 6:00 pm-­‐8:00 pm Sunday, May 17 11:00 am-­‐2:30 pm Grade 5 Service Music, Grades K-­‐2 Grade 6 visit to Boston Nature Center (the B’nai Telem environment program). Bus Transportation from Temple Beth David Confirmation Class Grade 9 Visit to Mayyim Hayyim Mikveh. Meet and Pick up 1838 Washington St., Newton Grade 3 Siyyum Service Rehearsal Music, Grades 3-­‐6 Mother’s Day. No Religious School Grade 3 Siyyum Service Rehearsal Tefillah, Grades 3-­‐6 Confirmation Rehearsal Last Day K-­‐2 Religious School Grade 9 “Cemeteries are for the Living” Program at Baker Street Cemetery Bus Transportation from Temple Beth David 10:00 am-­‐12:00 pm Confirmation Class Wednesday, May 20, 4:00 pm -­‐5:30 pm Last Day Religious School, Grades 3-­‐6 5:30 pm-­‐ 8:00 pm Last Day Kadima/Double Chai-­‐ Celebratory Dinner and Sign up (for incoming grades 8-­‐10) 6:00 pm-­‐8:00 pm Confirmation Rehearsal Saturday, May 23, 5:30 pm Confirmation Dinner 7:00 pm Shavuot Service, Confirmation *Please note: No student may be dismissed from Tefillah between 5-­‐5:30, as it interrupts the sacred atmosphere of our prayer service. If a parent needs to pick a child up early, special arrangements to do so before the service must be made. 11 May/June 2015 Iyar/Sivan/Tamuz 5775 Important Notice Regarding Temple Beth David Calendar 2015 -­‐ 2016 All temple committees and affiliates are reminded to submit their proposed dates to the main office no later than May 28, 2015. If you have any questions about Temple life, our clergy, staff and lay leaders are here to help. Call the office 781-­‐769-­‐5270 and Rita will point you in the right direction! MAY 17TH SEE PAGE 13 AND 15 FOR INFORMATION ABOUT A SPECIAL NOSH AND ‘DRASH PRESENTED BY RABBI WILDSTEIN AND THE WESTWOOD INTERFAITH WALK FOR HUNGER! Help support Temple Beth David! Make a donation to one of our funds http://tinyurl.com/Beth-­‐David-­‐
Donations Looking to find out what is going on at Temple Beth David? Look here! http://www.templebethdavid.net and check back often for new information…there are tabs for Social Action, Families with Young Children, Sisterhood, Brotherhood and more! Looking for information about Rabbi Darryl Crystal, the Congregational Needs Committee or our clergy transition? http://templebethdavid.net/second-­‐
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May/June 2015 Iyar/Sivan/Tamuz 5775 SISTERHOOD Notes Thank you to the Brotherhood for teaming up with us for the March 14th Social. Many thanks to all who helped out that night, secured donations and planned the event. Proceeds were given to the temple. See the accompanying article by Lori Friedman. Earlier in the year, an idea came out of a Sisterhood Book Club meeting. Let's take a trip to New York City to enjoy Jewish New York! There have been trips like this for the youth of TBD so several of us from the Book Club will visit the m any places that have been on their itinerary. The trip is planned for the first weekend in May so ask us how the trip was. Maybe we'll make this an annual event. Linda Kipper 508-­‐359-­‐8296 Barbara Rosenbloom 781-­‐769-­‐5830 Cleaning out your closets? W e'll be doing a fundraiser with the Epilepsy Foundation and we want your old clothing and items made of cloth. Beginning 5/21, you can store your cloth only discards at the temple. We'll get a donation according to the weight of our donation. We want your old towels, linens, tablecloths, curtains, etc. no accessories, electronics or household goods. Cloth only! We'll b e collecting the donations until 8/21. Plastic bags for collecting your donations will be available at the temple. Thanks! Have an enjoyable summer and watch for opportunities to get involved in Sisterhood! Sherri Goldman 508-­‐359-­‐6401 Anne Kupferschmid Lois Bienstock Marcia Colagiovanni 508-­‐668-­‐9587 508-­‐359-­‐4023 781-­‐251-­‐6671 Deb Dubiner 781-­‐320-­‐0211 Lisa Fassberg Weller Bonnie Wellins Jackie Feuer 781-­‐461-­‐1571 508-­‐733-­‐9025 781-­‐690-­‐6534 Shavuot/Confirmation Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 7:00 pm “An Israel that Could Have Been: The Offer of a Jewish Territory in Africa.” Sunday, May 17, 2015 at 11:15 am In the first decade of the twentieth century, Great Britain offered the Zionist Movement a territory in the East African Protectorate. What followed was a drama involving questions of life and death for European Jews, Herzl’s political future, anti-­‐
Semitism, philo-­‐Semitism, international politics, an assassination attempt, and outrageous stories of lions and elephants. All of this led to a coalescing of the Zionist Movement around the idea of Palestine as the only possible homeland for the Jewish people. Join Rabbi Wildstein for this incredible and little known story which he researched as part of his sabbatical. Sponsored by the Adult Education Committee Join us as we celebrate receipt of the Torah and the Confirmation of our wonderful students Jason Allen Ben Dubiner Simone Greenberg Arianna Guerrera Shira Hornstein Philip Lamkin Ben Nagle Evan Traister Diana Holiner 13 4
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May/June 2015 Iyar/Sivan/Tamuz 5775 Swing into Spring Social a Tremendous Success On Saturday, March 14th, more than 60 Temple Beth David members welcomed the Spring of 2015 at the annual Sisterhood/Brotherhood Social. The guests enjoyed numerous appetizers, drinks, and desserts that were donated by dozens of local restaurants, and participated in a raffle that included more than 20 prizes donated by local companies and temple members. Following the dinner, many of the guests danced to music from the 60’s to today, while others socialized with old and new friends. The event was successfully executed by a small, dedicated group of sisterhood and brotherhood members, whose efforts enabled the Temple to net more than $2,000 from the event. As aptly stated by Linda Kipper, “Everything came together beautifully on the night of the social. I am so appreciative of everyone who helped out, especially on that night.” Special thanks go out to Lori Friedman, Deb Dubiner, and Linda Kipper who jointly spearheaded the event. We would like to thank the following local restaurants and companies who sponsored this year’s Swing into Spring Social: Bed Bath and Beyond BJs Blue Orchid Blue Moon Byblos Chiara Bistro Churchill Corporate Services Comellas Costco Deb Ellis Designs Dedham Community Theatre Dr. Detail Habachi Massage Envy Minerva Nail Spa and Tanning Thank you to Alana Sharenow and Sondra Traister for everything that they do to make sure there are ushers at Friday night services, that Onegs are set up and cleaned up, and that delicious food and drinks are available for our enjoyment. Want to help out? Contact Alana [email protected] or Sondra [email protected] Noon Hill Grill Old Colonial Café Paradise Café Perk’s Coffee House Precision Automotive Stella’s Cleaning/Tailoring Stop and Shop Sweet Basil Taso’s Vellos Vico Ristorante Italiano Lisa Fassberg Weller Weller Carpets Whole Foods Zebra’s Bistro Shop at Amazon and support Temple Beth David at the same time! http://tinyurl.com/TBD-­‐Amazon-­‐link 14 May/June 2015 Iyar/Sivan/Tamuz 5775 We need your help! According to Project Bread’s 2013 status report on Massachusetts, over 700,000 people in our State have to worry each day about whether they will have enough food to eat. That’s about 1 in 9 adults and 1 in 6 children. In Massachusetts! The 2015 Westwood Interfaith Walk for Hunger on May 17 will help bring Massachusetts one step closer to getting food to those in need. We walk as one community committed to ensuring that all people have enough food for themselves and their families. Come join us to raise money to help individuals and families in need. Come show the community that you believe that food for all is something you support. Come walk with us – people of all faiths – as we get one step closer to helping our neighbors obtain access the food they deserve. Let’s work towards a day when no man, woman or child in Massachusetts will go to bed hungry! The Details: The Westwood Interfaith Walk for Hunger is Sunday, May 17th from 1:00-­‐3:30. It begins at Temple Beth David, 7 Clapboardtree Street, Westwood. The walk is 3 miles long. Families are encouraged to attend. Please pick up a pledge card at your church or temple. If your church or temple does not have pledge cards, please contact Jeff Greenwald at 781-­‐329-­‐7542 or [email protected]. If you wish, you may register to take pledges online through Project Bread’s website. Please go to: http://support.projectbread.org/goto/Westwood. All money goes to Project Bread. All are welcome and you need not be a member of any church or temple to attend. Just grab a pledge sheet, raise some money, and join us to end hunger. 15 May/June 2015 Iyar/Sivan/Tamuz 5775 ISRAEL ACTION COMMITTEE How Israel’s System Of Government Works Israelis in March’s election gave Benjamin Netanyahu a clear mandate to continue as Prime Minister for a fourth term. However, a surprise and resounding victory for him was only the first step in putting together a government. For, elections in Israel, compared to ours, are more than deciding w hom the most popular person is to run the country. In an effort to lead, he must cobble together a coalition of support from various nationalist and religious ally parties to reach at least a 61-­‐seat majority out of 1 20 in the K nesset. The Israeli political system, the only democracy in the Middle East, is based on parliamentary democracy and can often appear confusing to our electoral system. It was modeled largely on the British system. Elections in Israel are based on nationwide proportional representation. Every Israeli citizen aged 18 or older has the right to vote. Israelis of all ethnic groups and religious beliefs, including Arab Israelis, have the right to vote. The Knesset, equivalent to our legislative branch is elected for a four-­‐year term directly by the voters. Although most governments have not served a full term, early elections are a frequent occurrence. Knesset elections are based o n a vote for a party rather than for an individual. A party must receive at least 3.25% of the total votes to win a seat in the Knesset. Currently there are 10 parties (down from 14) represented in the K nesset with a total membership of 120. A recent merger of the Arab parties formed a singular large ticket out of four small parties. Some of the parties represented currently include Likud, Zionist Union, Kulanu, The Jewish Home, and United List to name a few. The number of seats a party receives in the Knesset is proportional to the number of votes that party receives. Elections are overseen by the Central Elections Committee and are held according to the Knesset Elections Law which states: “The Knesset shall be elected by general, national, direct, equal, secret and proportional elections, in accordance with the Knesset Elections Law.” Election campaigns are a lively affair, usually with vigorous debate of the issues. Israelis take great interest in political affairs, including internal policy, foreign relations, and actively participate in the electoral process. Since the government requires the Knesset’s confidence to function, it must have the support o f at least 61 o f the 120 K nesset members. To date no one party has ever received enough Knesset seats to form a government by itself. Therefore, the government is usually comprised of a coalition of parties. The government (the cabinet of ministers) is equivalent to our executive branch and is responsible for administering internal and foreign affairs, including security matters. The Prime Minister is selected from among the Knesset members. The President of the State appoints the Knesset member considered to have the best chance of forming a viable coalition government in light of the Knesset election results. When a government has been formed, the designated Prime Minister presents it to the Knesset w ithin 45 days of election results. At this time, he or she announces its composition, the basic guidelines of its policy and the distribution of functions among its ministers. The Prime Minister then asks the Knesset for an expression of confidence. The government is installed w hen the Knesset has expressed confidence in it by a majority of 61 (out of 120) members. Then the new ministers assume their offices. Reported by: Mel Bernstein 16 May/June 2015 Iyar/Sivan/Tamuz 5775 Join Us
May 3, 2015
The IAM Strong Foundation is proud to
announce the 1st Annual IAM Strong 5k on
May 3, 2015. The race is for serious runners
looking for that 5k race experience as well as
the more social participant interested in a
shorter distance and more social atmosphere.
We will start at Flahive Field adjacent to
Westwood High School at 9:30 am. Check in
will begin at 8am. Please join us as we spread
the word of our mission to open the
conversation about adolescent mental health
issues. For more information and to register
for the event go to
www.iamstrongfoundation.org.
About the Foundation
The IAM Strong Foundation, founded to keep the legacy of Isabelle Alexandra
Medina alive, works to shatter the stigma associated with teen mental health issues,
emphasizing the need to treat mental health issues no differently than physical
health issues.
The Foundation plans to do this by creating a dialog among teens and adults and
eliminating the isolation and stigma associated with teenage mental health struggles
by providing resources, support and acceptance.
They will work to develop educational materials to support these efforts and will
fund programming directed at teens starting in the middle school and continuing
through high school.
They will also look to provide grants and funding for programs that align with their
values and mission statement. These grants will be funded through fundraising,
donations and community activities.
For more information and resources, see
their website, www.iamstrongfoundation.org. 17 May/June 2015 Iyar/Sivan/Tamuz 5775 Friday night service schedule for May, June and Friday, May 1 at 7:00 pm – Intergenerational Shabbat evening service led by our Fifth Grade Friday, May 8 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. This is our last Kabbalat Shabbat service of the program year. Friday, May 8 at 7:45 pm (note later time) – Shabbat evening service with a Torah service. Friday, May 15 at 7:00 pm – Shabbat evening service with our Third Grade Siyyum Ha-­‐Sefer. Friday, May 22 at 7:00 pm – Shabbat evening service. Friday, May 29 at 7:00 pm – Shabbat evening service with a Torah service. Friday, June 5 at 7:00 pm – Intergenerational Friday Night Live Shabbat evening service. Erev Shabbat Summer Services 6:30 pm every Friday in the Beit Simcha June 26th, 2015 through Labor Day weekend Enjoy a more casual Shabbat experience in our beautiful Beit Simcha 18 May/June 2015 Iyar/Sivan/Tamuz 5775 What’s happening – MAY 2015 FRI SAT SUN THU FRI 1 2 3 7 8 SAT 9 SUN THU 10 14 FRI 15 SAT 16 SUN 17 FRI SAT 22 23 SUN MON MON FRI SAT 24 25 25 29 30 Erev Shabbat Service – Grade Five Early Shabbat Service and Study Brotherhood Breakfast Lag B’Omer Kabbalat Shabbat Service Gesher Service Erev Shabbat Service Early Shabbat Service and Study Shabbat Services Bat Mitzvah of Bridget Hughes Mother’s Day (No Religious School) Board Meeting Annual Meeting Erev Shabbat Service – Grade 3 Siyyum HaSefer Early Shabbat Service and Study Shabbat Services Bar Mitzvah of Benjamin Rothstein Yom Yerushalayim Membership Coffee Nosh n Drosh Erev Shabbat Service Erev Shavuot Early Shabbat Service and Study Confirmation Dinner Shavuot Service / Confirmation Shavuot 1 Memorial Day – Office Closed Memorial Day – Office Closed Erev Shabbat Service Early Shabbat Service and Study Shabbat Services Bar Mitzvah of Jack Ritzenberg 7:00 PM 8:30 AM 9:00 AM 5:45 PM 5:45 PM 7:45 PM 8:30 AM 10:30 AM Erev Shabbat Service – FNL Early Shabbat Service and Study Erev Shabbat Service Early Shabbat Service and Study Shabbat Services Bar Mitzvah of Mack Forman Board Meeting Erev Shabbat Service – Choir Early Shabbat Service and Study Father’s Day Erev Shabbat Service Early Shabbat Service and Study 7:00 PM 8:00 AM 7:00 PM 8:30 AM 10:30 AM 6:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM 8:30 AM 10:30 PM 9:00 AM 11:15 AM 7:00 PM 8:30 AM 5:30 PM 7:00PM 7:00 PM 8:30 AM 10:30 AM JUNE 2015 FRI SAT FRI SAT 5 6 12 13 THU FRI SAT SUN FRI SAT 18 19 20 21 26 27 7:30 PM 7:00 PM 8:30 AM 7:00 PM 8:30 AM 19 May/June 2015 Iyar/Sivan/Tamuz 5775 DONATIONS Condolences to…. Susan Slobodkin, on the death of her beloved mother, Dorothy Slobodkin. Russell Gontar, on the death of his beloved mother, Genevieve Gontar. Nancy Gottlieb, on the death of her beloved uncle, Lester Mayers. Fred Davis, on the death of his beloved aunt, Lyn Sipress. …and their families. “May their souls be bound in the bonds of eternal life.” CANTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND Marcia Colagiovanni In memory of Luisa Rachel Polichetti Colagiovanni ART, DECORATING AND LANDSCAPING FUND Marcy & Will Krasnow Mel & Carol Bernstein Martin Weiner Martin & Naomi Weiner Mr. & Mrs. Berton Lerner In memory of Lester Mayers, Uncle of Nancy Gottlieb LIBRARY FUND In honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Celina & David Schreiber’s granddaughter In memory of Barnet Weiner In memory of Melvin Needle, brother of Carol Bernstein In memory of our dear daughter, Rena Shapiro DANNY RINGEL PASSPORT TO ISRAEL FUND Marcy & Will Krasnow In memory of Melvin Needle, brother of Carol Bernstein CLAUDE E. MENDERS ADULT EDUCATION FUND The Hornstein Family Jennifer Berry Roseli Weiss & Robert Winograd Roseli Weiss & Robert Winograd Elinor Banquer Richard Henken Allen Paster & Lois Bienstock Allen Paster In honor of the Yahrzeit of Stephen Hornstein GENERAL DONATIONS In memory of Yale Berry In memory of Miriam Wexler, sister of Murray Siroka In memory of Enid Lane, sister of Shirley Siroka In memory of Herman Banquer In memory of Herbert Spitz In memory of Jon Kohn In memory of Etta Paster 20 May/June 2015 Iyar/Sivan/Tamuz 5775 DONATIONS(cont.) GENERAL DONATIONS For simchas and memorials, please remember your Temple funds. Contributing generously to your favorite fund is a wonderful way to honor the memory of a loved one or mark a special occasion. Donation forms are available in the Temple office, a supply can be sent to you or click below. David Wang Milton & Selma Safren Levine Chapels Beth Knaus In memory of Herbert Wang In memory of Sarah Gaberman In honor of Mr. & Mrs. Priver’s grandson, Henry Lamkin, becoming a Bar Mitzvah PRAYERBOOK FUND In memory of Elizabeth Griffin DR. ELI & EDITH FRIEDMAN YOUTH LEADERSHIP FUND Barbara & Mark Friedman Mazal Tov on the Bat Mitzvah of Celina & David Schreiber’s granddaughter TEMPLE EXPANSION FUND Larry Stone & Linda Kipper In memory of Lillian Stone Brotherhood Breakfast on April 12th featuring Mike Reiss, Temple Member and ESPN Boston Patriots reporter http://tinyurl.com/TBD-­‐
Donation-­‐Form 21 May/June 2015 OUR MISSION
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Encourage the Worship of God Promote the Study of Torah Promote Tikun Olam (the “Repair of the World”) Promote Jewish Iyar/Sivan/Tamuz 5775 PURIM 2015 PHOTO GALLERY Our clergy and our
community are
eager to share in
your times of joy
and sadness.
Please 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.
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