June - August 2016 - Temple Shir Tikva

Transcription

JUNEJUNE-AUGUST 2016 | SIVAN –ELUL 5776
Temple Shir Tikva
Past, Present and Future
by Julie Kniznik and Matt Langweber
T
he transition of the presidency at Temple Shir
Tikva is always a bittersweet moment. The hard work, dedication and progress of one individual comes to a close,
while the promise of new possibilities for the future begins
with the new president.
In our case, at this crucial moment, we are happy to share
that the two of us have been functioning as a close-knit team
for months, focusing on common strategic goals as well as
short term accomplishments. And the future of our temple is
very bright, thanks to the broad participation of many people in self-study activities, a variety of successful events and
a number of great accomplishments over the last six months.
A few highlights include:
• We have attracted Rabbi Doug Kohn, an internationally
known, accomplished rabbi to lend his expertise to the
next transitional phase.
• The Early Learning Center has double the enrollment
predicted, with over 40 children and a waiting list for
certain classes next year. The ELC serves as a feeder
mechanism for involvement and new membership among
young families in MetroWest.
• A cornucopia of gatherings and events have taken place
recently, including two congregational brunches, Brisket
& Scotch, the joint Friday Shabbat Service with The
Islamic Center of Boston, Chinese food oneg on Christmas Eve, revitalized Adult Education and many more
programs generating unprecedented participation.
• More than 300 people participated in 15 congregational
and peer group meetings and 200 more completed the
survey to contribute their voice to the Rabbinic search
and future of TST.
Looking ahead, the Rabbinic Search Committee is embarking on its mission to find the next permanent Senior
Rabbi. The process of self-study that is feeding the committee has revealed many areas that congregants feel strongly
about improving. The Strategic Planning Committee has
(continued on page 10)
www.shirtikva.org
Thank You From Rabbi Gubitz
From the first moment I walked in our doors, I
felt that Shir Tikva could become like home for
me. But how could I have anticipated the personal meaning, professional growth, and loving
support I would experience from all of you?
Could I ever have imagined all of the amazing
tots, kids and teens I would come to love? How
could I have known about all of the incredible adults who commit
themselves to Temple Shir Tikva as you seek personal meaning
and pursue deep Jewish learning? Could I have known just how
much I would enjoy spending weekends away with our sixth
graders on the Shabbaton? Or our ninth graders in NYC? Or our
tenth graders in DC? Did I anticipate the opportunities I would
have to deepen my writing, Torah teaching and sermons?
Could I have known how much I would love hearing the wisdom of our youth answering challenging questions in Tefillah
(communal prayer) or raising their voices so sweetly in prayer?
Did I anticipate the professional energy and motivation I would
feel partnering with our education team to innovate and expand
how our children and families learn and experience Judaism? How could I have known that I would find a true colleague
and friend in Cantor Schachner? Could I really know what it
would mean to be with you at your bedside, at the graveside, or
walking alongside you as you encountered the greatest challenges
and deepest joys of living?
Only the prophets could foretell such blessings. I am so grateful to have shared these moments with all of you in this sacred
community. Thank you for being my teachers, my partners in this
work, and for giving me the space to find my voice as a rabbi. I
am confident in the future of Temple Shir Tikva and am proud to
have been part of its powerful story. How could I have known
what a blessing it would be?
In This Issue...
Shabbat & Holiday Services……………………………………2
TST Annual Fund Update………………………………………4
Shir Tikva Early Learning Center……………………………....6
Religious School News…………………………………………7
AISH and Shir Tikva Youth Programs……… ………………...8
New Director of Education Announced………………………...9
Adult Education…………………………………………………9
Members in the News………………………………………….10
Gathering…………………………………………………...12-13
Temple Shir Tikva and The Islamic Center of Boston………...14
Donations…………………...…………………………….........15
In Our Congregation….………………………………………..16
141 Boston Post Road, Wayland, MA 01778
508-358-9992
June-August 2016 Sivan-Elul 5776
Shabbat and Holiday Services
June 2016
Shabbat Bechukotai
Friday, June 3
6:00 p.m. Forshpeis (Nosh)
6:15 p.m. Simchat Shabbat Service - Sermon given by
Rabbi Gubitz
Saturday, June 4
8:30 a.m. Early Shacharit Service followed by Torah Study
9:30 a.m. Shabbat Yeladim
10:45 a.m. Late Shacharit Service
EMILY CLAUSEN, daughter of DJ and Joanne Clausen,
Bat Mitzvah
Shabbat Bamidbar
Friday, June 10
6:15 p.m. Simchat Shabbat Service & Volunteer Recognition with
Festive Oneg
Saturday, June 11
8:30 a.m. Bar/Bat Mitzvah Torah Study
MAYA PUFFER, daughter of Brad and Loren Puffer, Bat Mitzvah
5:00 p.m. Community Tikkun Layl Shavuot—see page 11
Sunday, June 12
10:00 a.m. Shavuot Yom Tov Service with Yizkor
Shabbat Naso
Friday, June 17
6:15 p.m. Simchat Shabbat Service – Sermon in Song
Saturday, June 18
MAX FREEDMAN, son of Andrew and Elizabeth Freedman,
Bar Mitzvah
MIRIAM RICH, daughter of David and Bonnie Rich, Bat Mitzvah
Shabbat Bahalotcho
Friday, June 24
6:15 p.m. Simchat Shabbat Service and – Farewell to Rabbi
Gubitz
7:30 p.m. Shabbat BBQ
Saturday, June 25
Page 2
July 2016
Shabbat Shelech
Friday, July 1
6:15 p.m. Simchat Shabbat Service
7:30 p.m. Shabbat Dinner to welcome Rabbi Kohn
Saturday, July 2
Shabbat Korach
Friday, July 8
Saturday, July 9
Shabbat Chukat
Friday, July 15
Saturday, July 16
Shabbat Balak
Friday, July 22
Saturday, July 23
Shabbat Pinchas
Friday, July 29
6:15 p.m. Simchat Shabbat Service and Blessing for the
Pan Mass Challenge Riders
Saturday, July 30
We are eager to share in your times of joy and support you
in times of sadness. Please call us directly or
inform a staff member so we may extend timely
friendship and comfort to you and your family.
Rabbi Jennifer Gubitz, Cantor Hollis Schachner
Rabbi Emeritus Herman Blumberg
Temple Shir Tikva
Shabbat and Holiday Services
August 2016
Shabbat Matot-Masei
Friday, August 5
Saturday, August 6
Shabbat Devarim
Friday, August 12
Saturday, August 13
Shabbat Vaetchanan
Friday, August 19
Saturday, August 20
Shabbat Eikev
Friday, August 26
Saturday, August 27
MITCHELL RIEDER, son of Robert Rieder and Wendy Rieder,
Bar Mitzvah
Hineni
Executive
Director
Notes…
Susan Altman
Rabbi Shimon the Righteous talks about the
three “pillars” that the world rests upon:
Torah, Avodah (service,) and Gemilut Chasadim
(acts of loving-kindness). Pirkei Avot 1:2
Lay leaders of synagogues are very special people and
synagogues depend on their vision, dedication and partnership. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Julie Kniznik, who completes her term as president of Temple Shir
Tikva on June 6. She has led TST with dignity, grace and
wisdom for the last two years and will continue as past
president for the next year.
Julie has always had the best interest of TST at the forefront of each meeting she presided over and every committee meeting that she attended. She listened to members with
an open mind, comforted the bereaved and she celebrated
the simchas.
Julie, you gave of yourself by living and leading based
on the Torah, through your service and with your acts of
loving-kindness. Thank you.
Join us to Welcome
Rabbi Doug Kohn
Kesher Program Provides
Support to Congregants
TST Kesher Program’s mission is to provide both spiritual and
emotional support, solace and hope to congregants and their families during times of illness, suffering, loss and grief, and to recognize celebrations of simchas. Each month, a volunteer coordinates
community support services. The Kesher coordinator for June is
Karen Miller. She can be r eached at 508-358-6330 or at
k.kahnmiller@gmail.com. July’s coordinator is Sheila Deitchman. She can be r eached at sheila.deitch man@ver izon.net.
The August coordinator is Dorie Nickelsberg. She can be reached
at 508-733-9102 or at dorway26@ gmail.com.
If you are aware of a congregant in need of Kesher services, call
the temple office, the rabbis, cantor or the coordinator. For pastoral
emergencies after normal business hours, please call 508-319-
9442.
Temple Shir Tikva
Friday, July 1
Join us on Friday, July 1, as we welcome
Rabbi Doug Kohn to his first Shabbat at Temple Shir
Tikva. We will have our festive, song filled Simchat
Shabbat service followed by a Shabbat dinner.
RSVP at www.shirtikva.org/RabbiKohn.
Page 3
Board of Trustees’ Meeting Summary
In an effort to improve communications and provide congregants with information about governance, this is a summary of
the May 9 meeting.
Julie Kniznik expressed thanks to all for the interfaith evening with our friends from the Islamic Center and said how
proud she is of our interfaith involvement. She shared a heartfelt farewell and congratulations to Rachael Pass, who is leaving us to study to become a rabbi at Hebrew Union College.
(HUC). Julie made a plea for those able to contribute to the
annual fund.
Clergy Report: Cantor Schachner reported that Rachael
Pass will be joined at HUC by Shir Tikva member Leah Nussbaum, who will also study to become a rabbi. She expressed
“Yasher Koach” to Joyce Pastor and others who helped with the
Neighbor to Neighbor program. The two services we shared
will be part of a documentary on the life of a young Muslim in
the community.
Education Taskforce Report: Laura Brande presented the
work done by the Education Taskforce. She shared the background and outcomes of the work done by Rabbi Gubitz and
others before the creation of the taskforce, the process the taskforce followed, and the outcome of their work. The taskforce
articulated the TST Education Cornerstones;
Shir Tikva’s education program fosters a lifelong love of
learning by creating relevant and experiential educational opportunities for our students and their families.
Education Report: Steve Rosenstein – VP Education, reported that we have a made an offer to a new education director
for next year. She is our first choice, is very experienced and is
excited to be a part of driving what our next school can be. We
expect to have confirmation of her acceptance soon. Steve also
reported that Rhonda Magier-Cohen will be staying on as Director of Family Engagement, and we are in an active search to
replace Rachael Pass, Drector of Youth Engagement.
Executive Director’s Report: Susan Altman reported that
Temple operations are running smoothly. The Early Learning
Center (ELC) has 41 children enrolled and only one space left
for the 18-month-old classroom. Our new summer camp program is nearly at capacity too.
Congregational Engagement Committee Report: Peter and
Jill Abend relayed a request from Rabbi Kohn that each Board
member compile a list of key people and/or vulnerable congregants for him to connect with when he arrives.
Finance Report: Treasurer Jeff Maimon reported highlights
from current period results through March. These include ELC
performing well; expenses in line or favorable to budget; income booked to budget but adjustments needed. Based on an
analysis of receivables, we will have a revenue shortfall for the
full year of approximately $174,000 due to resignations, additional abatements and bad debt write offs.
For the full year forecast, our two biggest risks are remaining cash collections of receivables and annual fund contributions. Collections to date are about $1.2 million; budget was
about $1.45 million. Forecast has been revised downward to
$1.265 million based on the analysis referred to above. We
have maintained the forecast for the annual fund at $270,000
but there is some risk if our development efforts are not successful.
(continued on page 12)
Page 4
TST Annual Fund Update
Thanks to our members who have supported the TST Annual Fund
spring appeal. We have raised $18,000 towards the $25,000 match in
new and increased donations so far. The match includes 44 new and
47 increased donations.
We are so very grateful for this extraordinary show of support for
our sacred community. We are moving in a positive direction, but we
still need support from 100% of our community to meet our goal of
raising $275,000 by June 30.
Have you donated to the annual fund yet? Our goal is to have all
members in our community donate. Donations can be at any level you
are comfortable with. Tzedakah and giving are a key part of our culture and responsibility. Donations to the Annual Fund are the best and
most direct way for you to give locally and meaningfully to a Jewish
cause with direct impact to you, your family, and your community.
The temple can't continue to grow without everyone's support. The
great news is that like spring, our sacred community is blossoming,
with activity, programs and worship. We are in process of a senior
rabbi search, shaping the direction of our community for years to
come. Part of the process of attracting the best rabbi will be to demonstrate that we are an active, engaged, and participatory community.
We need your help to do this and to meet the budget needs of all the
important commitments we have made.
Now is a unique opportunity to amplify the impact of your donation. Please help us reach our goal of achieving the $25,000 match,
and securing our campaign goal of raising $275,000 from 100% of
our temple community.
TEMPLE SHIR TIKVA 2016 Annual Fund
Temple Shir Tikva
Hineni
Incoming
President’s
Message
Outgoing
President’s
Message
Matt Langweber
“Thank You”
Chazak, Chazak V’nitchazek!
Be Strong, Be Strong and May We be Strengthened!
I
am asked these questions over and over
again: Are you crazy? Do you really want to be president
of TST?
I always answer an unequivocal YES! I am energized and
excited about the future of TST. We are at a point in time
where we have the unique opportunity to craft a vibrant
synagogue for the future. We can come together as a
community. We can vision together and hire professionals
that share this vision. We can collectively strengthen the
foundation that our founders created in 1978. We are “Shir
Tikva Strong.”
There are so many exciting initiatives going on or about to
commence that will help us become this visionary synagogue
of the future. Our new interim rabbi, Doug Kohn, will be
joining us on July 1. He has already been working behind the
scenes and will join us with an energy and warmth that will
resonate to all of us.
The Rabbi Search Committee, led by Judy Kaye, is
diligently working to identity the rabbi who will lead us in
the future. Over 300 congregants have participated in the
self-study that will inform us as we move forward in the
process. Our education team will have dynamic new leadership. Task forces are being formed to insure our financial
stability and design a new organizational model to meet the
changing needs of our governance and operations. We are
“Shir Tikva Strong.”
Our professional, educational, office and custodial staffs,
plus Rabbi Blumberg, all deserve a huge thank you for going
the extra mile during the past year. They have kept the
synagogue operating seamlessly during a period of immense
change. Finally, on behalf of the congregation, and myself, I
extend a heartfelt thank you to our past president, Julie
Kniznik. For the past year, she has been my mentor, teacher
and good friend. She has worked with me during the transition to insure that I am prepared to undertake this great
honor. Shir Tikva is truly a better place as a result of her
Temple Shir Tikva
Julie Kniznik
A
s I write my final message to you as
president, I’m thinking about how several people
have inquired as to whether – if given the chance – I
would opt to do this all over again. Honestly, the answer
is yes… and no. When any of us accepts a volunteer
role, it is generally because we are motivated by our
passion to do something to make the world a better
place. That was certainly one of my greatest motivations,
along with my love for the temple and what I believed to
be my relevant skill set needed for the role.
The part of me that would do this again is so very
proud of all that we have accomplished these past two
years. Creating the structure to genuinely integrate our
interfaith families; taking over the ELC; and focusing on
building a relational community; and positioning the
temple for future growth are significant achievements.
And the best part of being president, as many of you
have heard me say repeatedly, is making new friends and
strengthening bonds with others.
So, what might keep me from doing this all over
again? Well, the many hours of hard work away from
my family have been difficult, particularly during a
period of personal family crisis. Bearing the burden of
some members’ frustrations and related anger over
decisions with which they disagreed was hard for me
since I am someone who generally is a “people-pleaser.”
And yet, each of these challenges represented an
opportunity for personal growth in ways I never could
have imagined.
But, despite the challenges, I would say “yes” again
because of the joy I experienced as people repeatedly
stepped up in significant ways to help out throughout my
term. I got to see the good in so many. TST is a
community of individuals who make me proud to call
this place home. So, in closing, I want to say thank you
to all for giving me this opportunity to serve as your
president. It has been an honor and a privilege, and I am
eternally grateful.
Page 5
Temple Shir Tikva Early Learning Center
It is hard to believe that it is the end of our first year as the TST Early Learning Center!
I feel so fortunate to have been able to watch as this community came together and the children
formed strong friendships. Not a day has gone by when we haven’t laughed and marveled over
something a child has said or discovered. The teachers have shown such commitment and dedication;
I really don’t think there is a more supportive or dynamic staff anywhere.
While we are sad to say goodbye to our friends moving on to kindergarten, we know they are ready
for their next adventure and hope they will come back to visit us often. We’re looking forward to welcoming new families into the ELC, both in the summer and again in September. ~Sandy
Page 6
Temple Shir Tikva
Hineni
jepig Religious School News
Religious School Opening Day
Sunday, September 18
Register for Religious School TODAY!
www.familyid.com/shirtikva
Temple Shir Tikva
Page 7
AISH Summer Issue 5776. A Year in Pictures!
Madrichim Orientation at Camp Chickami.
Our 10th graders in D.C. for the
RAC’s L’Taken Social Justice
Seminar!
AISH Teen Leadership Council attends
leadership training with NFTY Northeast.
Our 9th graders in NYC!
Page 8
Temple Shir Tikva
TST Welcomes Aviva Scheur as
New Director of Education
Temple Shir Tikva is delighted to announce
that Aviva Scheur will serve as our new Director
of Education starting July 1. She will be responsible for the Religious School and AISH for
grades pre-K through 12.
Aviva comes to us from Temple Beth David in
Westwood where she served as Director of Education. She also spent 14 years prior to that in
various teaching and administrative roles at
Gann Academy in Waltham. Aviva has an extensive background
in Jewish education and earned a master’s degree at Brandeis
University in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies. She also holds
both undergraduate and advanced degrees in Psychology and
Counseling Services.
Aviva is known for her professionalism, warmth and connections with kids and families and we are happy to welcome her
into our Shir Tikva family. There will be several opportunities
for religious school families and others to meet Aviva over the
summer and fall. Please come to one of our summer Shabbat
BBQs (June 24, July 29 and August 26) and say hello!
Please Join Us to Honor
Rabbi Jennifer Gubitz
Hineni
Adult Education
The Adult Education Committee Presents
Jews from Far Flung Places
Wednesdays, June 1, 8 & 15, 7 p.m.
This six-week series, which started last month, continues
through June 15, featuring Temple Shir Tikva members who
grew up in the 20th century in countries once ruled by colonial empires, monarchies, despots and dictators. They were
close witnesses to the aftermath of World War II and the
Cold War. They will speak both about the history and historical context of Jews in their native lands and the attempts by
the Jews to adapt to political, ethnic and religious attacks on
their way of life.
All the speakers have done independent historical research for this program. They will also share their Jewish
journey to Boston, including the story of their assimilation
into American Jewish life.
The first speaker in May, Michael
Eliastam, accompanied by his daughter,
Monet, spoke of his boyhood on a farm
in South Africa, the turmoil that led to
his seeking education in the U.S., his
medical career in Massachusetts, and
first person accounts of South Africa
Michael Eliastam
today. He spoke at Temple Shir Tikva as and his daughter,
part of this series that features members Monet.
who grew up in “far-flung” places.
Speakers entertain questions from the audience for a reasonable period of time after they conclude their presentations. There is no charge for this program. RSVP at www.
shirtikva.org/jfffp. org.
Speakers:
Friday, June 24
Shabbat Service, 6:15 p.m.,
Community BBQ, 8 p.m.
A festive, meaningful and song-filled Simchat Shabbat service will be followed by a family BBQ. Participants are asked to bring a non-dairy side dish, nondairy dessert or soft drink to share. RSVP at www.shir
tikva.org/bbq to let us know what you can bring.
If you would like to show your appreciation to Rabbi
Gubitz in a personal way, you can make a donation in
her honor to the Rabbi Herman and Paula Blumberg
URJ Camp Scholarship Fund. To make a donation go
to www.shirtikva.org/HonorRabbi Gubitz.
Temple Shir Tikva
June 1 Daniele Bick
June 8 Michael Mirman
June 15 Harry Abadi
Algeria
Latvia
Egypt
If you have questions, contact Marcus Cohn, Chair, Adult
Education Committee at mecpc1@gmail.com.
Members in the News
If you or an adult member of your family has won an award
or done something newsworthy, send article/details and
photos to hinenied@shirtikva.org. We look forward to hearing from you and celebrating you with our whole congregation.
TST Communications Committee
Joan Blair, Jon Sieber, Peggi Cohen, Susan Altman,
Toni Spitzer, Judy Keseberg and Brooke Stein
Page 9
Members in the News
Please come for Simchat Shabbat
June 10, 2016 at 6:15 p.m.
to celebrate
Temple Shir Tikva’s wonderful volunteers
and recognize Beverly Klau for her service
as our Religious School Principal
Festive Oneg Shabbat following the service
R.S.V.P. to www.shirtikva.org/celebration
Neighbor to Neighbor
invites women from
Temple Shir Tikva and
the Islamic Center of Boston
to come together
for warmth, comfort, friendship
and heart-to-heart conversation.
We gather from time to time in one another’s homes
to share our stories, hopes and dreams
as we celebrate our experiences of being
a woman, friend, daughter, sister, wife or mother.
You’re encouraged to share a special family picture,
an original, handcrafted item or work of art,
a treasured object from your tradition
or an inspiring poem, song or prayer.
We enjoy bountiful
potluck dinners together.
To receive our Neighbor to Neighbor
invitations, please contact:
jfpastor@yahoo.com or
sheila.deitchman@verizon.net
Page 10
Leah Nussbaum, daughter of Victor Nussbaum and
Karen Margolis will soon be embar king on
her journey to become a rabbi. She will attend
Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of
Religion. Leah's identity as a Reform Jew was
nurtured at Shir Tikva, where she attended
Hebrew School and Youth Community for 13
years, and where she engaged in Youth and
Teen Choir, student teaching, interfaith work,
Tikkun Olam and teen leadership. Leah graduated from Syracuse University in 2015 and currently works
as a Fellow for Repair the World in Philadelphia.
Rachael Pass, TST Dir ector of Youth
Engagement, is another Shir Tikva community member who will join the next
Hebrew Union College rabbinic class.
Studies begin this summer in Jerusalem
where she and Leah Nussbaum will carry
the spirit of the Shir Tikva community.
The Shir Tikva Board of Trustees proudly acknowledged
the unusual occurrence of two community members matriculating in the same year, a tribute to Shir Tikva's Jewish
nurturing, which allows each member to pursue a Jewish
journey in ways appropriate for them. The board unanimously voted to extend Israel travel stipends to Rachael and
Leah from the Study in Israel Scholarship Fund.
Temple Shir Tikva Past,
Present and Future
by Julie Kniznik and Matt Langweber
(continued from page 1)
also been examining peer congregations to understand
best practices. It is crucial that we examine and act on
these improvements now, to present the strongest and
most inviting opportunity to candidates for the Senior
Rabbi position. As a result, we are forming three task
forces charged with making specific recommendations
concerning Governance, Operations and Partnership
across temple functions.
At the June 6 Annual Congregational Meeting, more
details will be introduced on the way forward to rearchitect the future of TST. We strongly urge you to attend. The meeting is an important milestone, not only
about the transition of leadership, but also about the ongoing and vital transition we must all effect for our Temple
Shir Tikva community. We thank you for your involvement to date. Please join us both in the next phase.
Temple Shir Tikva
Hineni
mler oewiz Tikkun Olam
Mitzvah Opportunity!
Temple Shir Tikva provides volunteer meal servers twice a month at Pearl Street Cafe in Framingham. Operated by United Way, Pearl Street Cafe is
a warm and welcoming place where those struggling
with food insecurity can enjoy a "community supper" each Tuesday and Thursday evening. Volunteer
adults (and children over 10 accompanied by an
adult) act as wait-staff, serving guests a freshly prepared, restaurant-style meal. This is a wonderful and
rewarding mitzvah opportunity!
To sign up, go to www.signupgenius.com/
go/30e0d49a4ad2 ba3fd0-social. Contact Meredith
Roberts, meredithhroberts@yahoo.com or Amy
Podolsky, podolsky.arp@gmail. com, for more information.
In Our Community
Metro West Jewish Day School News...
Accepting Applications for 2016-2017
MetroWest Jewish Day School is accepting admissions applications for the 2016-2017 school year on a rolling basis. Financial
aid is still available. Applications and financial assistance information are available online at www.mwjds.org/admissions.
Graduation 5776
Wednesday, June 8. 5 p.m.
50 Pamela Road, Framingham
Join us to celebrate our third graduation class. This year’s graduates are Arlie Burg (Temple Israel of Natick), Miriam Halpern
(Congregation Or Atid), Livvy Segall and Yonaton FreedmanNaditch (Newton Centre Minyan). Reception to follow. RSVP by
June 3 by calling 508-620-5554 or at the school website,
www.mwjds.org.
Temple Shir Tikva
MWJDS welcomed their fourth grade class to the
bimah last month to chant Torah publicly for the first
time. Ella Kent chanted with Rav Hazzan, Scott Sokol,
Tara Kent and Francine Rothkopf.
Page 11
May 9 Board of Trustee’s
Meeting Summary
(continued from page 4)
Jeff shared that Financial Year 2017 (FY17) is a bridge year – we
need to reassess operations at all levels and for all departments during the current year. W need to focus on growing membership and
change the "giving" culture or we will have to reduce expenses by
between 5-10% to deliver a break-even budget. Key drivers of our
financial results include: membership dues and school fees —60% of
income; fund raising —has been about 13%
of income, needs to be closer to 20%); payroll and benefits — 70%
of our total expenses.
Review of FY17 Budget. Assumption highlights: Membership
based on conservative estimate; dues and school fees reflect an average increase of 2.5% in line with cost increases; ELC income based
on current enrollment; ELC is budgeted to break even. The budget
assumes a small increase in annual fund giving as well as special
$180k of funding raising to cover the Rabbi search, ELC investments, expanded programming in key areas, and reduction in total
dues and school fee income. Total expenses are budgeted to be up by
$151k; $80 relates to senior Rabbi search. The rest is due to ELC; All
other expenses on a net basis are expected to be flat.
The Board voted on and approved the following motions:
Authorizing the transfer from the Endowment Fund to the operating account(s) of available funds up to $40k for the FY16 Budget.
Recommending that up to $35k of available funds from the Endowment Fund be included in the FY17 Budget.
Approving the proposed dues and fees for FY17, as presented by
the Finance Committee, and recommending that the proposed dues
and fees be approved by the congregation at the Annual Meeting.
Approving the budget for FY17 as presented by the Finance Committee, recommending that the proposed Budget be approved by the
congregation at the Annual Meeting.
Authorizing the treasurer and Finance Committee, in consultation
with the EC, to make adjustments in the budget for FY17 prior to the
Annual Meeting so long as the bottom line is not impacted and the
dues and fees remain as approved by the Board.
Technology Committee Report: Mike Cohn said that the Technology Committee has identified a need in 2017 to replace computer
technology equipment that is reaching its end of life and end of warranty period of four years, and an opportunity to replace and enhance
wireless network and internet access to support congregational engagement. The Board voted on and approved (with one opposed and
one abstention: a motion to authorize the use of capital funds, up to
$22k, for new wireless technology, replacement of network server
and 10 local desktop PCs.
Restricted Fund Distribution Request: The Board unanimously
approved a motion to authorize the use of restricted funds from the
“Study in Israel” fund, $1000 to support Rachael Pass and $3000 to
support Leah Nussbaum, to study in Israel.
TST Self Study Report – Julie Kniznik shared a summary of our
self-study work so far. She said that a clear picture is emerging; our
‘business’ model, governance and management structure are obsolete; congregational needs have changed but we are still built for the
1970s or ‘80s; lots of in-house talent in the staff but not everyone is
being utilized appropriately or fully. We have a unique opportunity
for major reorganization and to introduction of new culture of collaboration, performance, and engagement; fostering a new generation of
leaders. To address our need for change, we are proposing three task
forces to address each of the three key areas: Operations, Governance, and Effective Collaboration Between Professionals and Volunteers.
Roy Lurie, Recording Secretary
Page 12
dlidw
Gathering
Sisterhood
To learn more about the Sisterhood, participate in any existing programs, or help us envision and plan new ones – contact the Sisterhood
at tstsisterhood@shirtikva.org.
Book Group to Discuss
On the Move: A Life
Thursday, June 9, 7:30 p.m.
The final book group selection of the year
will be On the Move: A Life by Oliver Sacks.
If you have read any of his other works or
essays, come join us and add to the discussion. Please bring book recommendations for
next year as well.
From the Amazon.com review:
When Oliver Sacks was 12 years old, a
perceptive schoolmaster wrote: Sacks will go
far, if he does not go too far.” It is now abundantly clear
that Sacks has never stopped going. With unbridled honesty
and humor, Sacks writes about the passions that have driven
his life—from motorcycles and weight lifting to neurology
and poetry. He writes about his love affairs, both romantic
and intellectual; his guilt over leaving his family to come to
America; his bond with his schizophrenic brother; and the
writers and scientists—W. H. Auden, Gerald M. Edelman,
Francis Crick—who have influenced his work.
On the
Move is the story of a brilliantly unconventional physician
and writer, a man who has illuminated the many ways that
the brain makes us human."
Brotherhood
To learn more about the Brotherhood, participate in any existing programs, or help us envision and plan new ones – contact the Brotherhood
at tstbrotherhood@shirtikva.org.
Brotherhood Social
Thursday, June 9, 7:30 p.m.
Join us for a relaxing night at the temple with other men,
young and old, as we watch a sports game together. If you are
interested, play some poker. This event is open to all male members of the temple, who are at least 21 years old.
The poker game is a friendly game of Texas Hold’em poker
and no experience is required to have a good time. So come on
out, bring your temple buddies and get to know other people in
the temple community.
We will be collecting $20 to play poker or $5 if you are not
playing poker, to cover refreshments.
Temple Shir Tikva
Hineni
TST Golf & Family Outing
Monday, June 20, 10 a.m.
Charter Oak Country Club in Hudson
•
Golf for the usual participants – everyone welcome
•
Tennis courts for players of all ages
•
Olympic-size swimming pool for all family members, adult jacuzzi and baby pool
•
Featuring a 12:30 shotgun start, followed by dinner and a silent auction.
•
Non-TST members are welcome too – bring your friends.
Check out the club website at http://www.charteroakcc. com/Club/Scripts/Home/home.asp.
Contact Scott Shapiro with any questions: scottgshapiro@gmail.com.
Temple Shir Tikva
Page 13
When the Arc of Justice Tilts a Bit More
Toward the Universe
Joint Sabbath Service Connects
Shir Tikva with Islamic Center of Boston
by Marilyn Newman
On Friday evening, May 7, in Wayland, Massachusetts, an
historic event took place. There were no drum rolls; it was not
on the six o’clock evening news; and there were no reporters
present. It was no less significant due to their absence.
All present reported experiencing similar emotions: feeling
choked up, moved to tears, having goose bumps, profoundly
affected. What occurred was quite simply a joint Sabbath service co-hosted by TST and the Islamic Center of Boston (ICB).
The evening began with the traditional kabbalat shabbat
service at Shir Tikva, led by Cantor Hollis Schachner and Rabbi
Jennifer Gubitz. Music was performed by a joint children’s
choir composed of singers from both the temple’s and the center’s religious schools; the voices rang in harmony in English,
Hebrew and Arabic.
The sermon was delivered by Saadia Baloch, an ICB member, who spoke eloquently in English and also read from the
Quran in Arabic, citing verses which call for making peace
among all peoples and stress the brotherhood of all mankind
Following the service at Shir Tikva, which was attended by
many members of both TST and ICB, the congregations walked
together across the street to the Islamic Center, where Muneeb
Khan recited the call to prayer (A zan), and the traditional Muslim evening service (Maghrib salat) was led by Dr. Faisal Khan,
Imam and Director of Religious Affairs. After the evening prayers, members of ICB hosted an amazing buffet dinner featuring
middle-eastern specialties and Indian delights. Appetizers and
desserts included Jewish delicacies as well.
I left with what could only be described as the feeling that
“my cup runneth over.” It was an evening during which new
friendships were forged, while old friends came together again,
when Isaac and Ishmael, brothers and children of brothers, came
with open hands and open hearts to embrace each other in brotherhood, hope and peace.
Page 14
Temple Shir Tikva
Hineni
Donations
Annual Fund
•Donald Schuler and Joan Blair
•Steve and Nancy Tharler
•Jim and Karen Levin
•Marc and Diane Homer
•Neil and Joyce Gordon
•Alan and Cathy Regensburger
•Bruce Shackleton and Elizabeth
Fineberg
•David and Gail Kahn
•Paul and Patty Kussell
•Barry and Robin Kostin
•Jonathan and Wendy Mishara
•Chester and Diane Black
•Scott and Susan Cohen
•Susan Meade
•Bruce and Joyce Pastor
•Donald Bachman and Karen Back
•Judy Riegelhaupt
•Larry and Meredith Roberts
•Stuart and Maxine Rosenthal
•Barry and Amy Shemin
•Ed and Janet Polansky
•Leonard and Joan Shulman
•Jeff and Kelly Lappin
•Marcus and Jane Cohn
•Michael and Joyce Levy
•Jay and Barbara Gainsboro
•Alan and Roberta Freed
•Mark and Joan Lappin
•Michael Wadness and Cathy Shore
Wadness
•Jessica Rubinstein
•Harvey and Amy Michaels
•Martin and Ellen Herbordt
•Betty Brudnick
•Peter and Jill Abend
•Michael and Joan Kalafatas
•Alan and Paula Brown
•Michael and Rochelle Nemrow
•Jeff and Karen Miller
•Raju and Mimi Kucherlapati
•Cary and Susan Benjamin
•Joan Warshaw
•Phil Benjamin and Mindy Milberg
•Ken and Karen Krowne
•Larry and Jane Salk
•Paul and Ronnie Schejtman
•Joan Friedman
•Jeff and Heather Schwartz
Temple Shir Tikva
•Reynold Knopf and Alexandra
•Richard Friedman and Nancy
Statland
•Marvin and Joan Siflinger
•Matthew and Brooke Stein
•Nick and Amy O’Donnell
•Ed Perlman and Betsy Huntley
•Peter Gross
•Brad and Loren Puffer
•Michael and Monet Eliastam
•John and Marilyn Darack
•Stuart Falber
•Dan Schneider and Julie Kniznik
•Scott and Erica Kaswell
•Herb Kimiatek
•Franklin Rosen and Karen Zeff Rosen
•Gene Berkowitz and Karen Pelto
•Ted and Phyllis Bially
•Larry and Melinda Whitman
•Michael Abrahams
•Richard Knopping - in honor of his
granddaughter, Samantha Kolovson for
being selected Female Scholar-Athlete
of the Year at UMASS Amherst
•Jeff and Laraine Levy - in honor of
Cantor Schachner for making their
granddaughter’s baby naming special
•David and Elaine Polansky - in honor
of Tashi Friedman, daughter of Joan
Friedman, on her Bat Mitzvah
•Robert and Debbie Polanskly - in honor
of Cantor Schachner and all she does
to welcome Shabbat each Friday night
with her lovely voice, creating a beautiful, spiritual, peaceful and joyful experience a true blessing
•Joel and Nancy Schulman - in honor of
Rabbi Gubitz
•Joel and Nancy Schulman - in honor of
Rachael Pass
•Jay and Carol Atlas - in honor of the
birth of their grandson, Maddox Atlas
Mitchell
•Robert and Debbie Polansky - in honor
of Elaine Polansky on her birthday
•Robert Koster and Kate Bell - in
honor of Julie Kniznik for her leadership during this challenging time at
TST
•Larry and Jane Salk - in honor of Joan
Lappin on her birthday
Goldstone - in memory of Sanford
Cohen, father of Deborah Cohen
•David and Elaine Polansky - in
memory of their parents
•Doug and Andi Shaw - in memory
of Robert Shaw on his yartzeit
•Clifford and Mary Bierman - in
memory of Marvin and Marylin
Bierman
•Jeffrey and Jennifer Weisberg - in
memory of Harvey Rosen, father of
Amy Manchester
•Jeff and Jill Karp - in memory of
Harvey Rosen, father of Amy
Manchester
•Arnold and Charmian Sperling - in
memory of Harry N. Platt
•John and Marilyn Darack - in memory
of Melvin Freedman, father of Jill Katz
•Robert and Debbie Polansky - in
memory of George Polansky
Building and Furnishings Fund
•Richard Friedman and Nancy
Goldstone
Mortgage Reduction Fund
•Neil and Joyce Gordon - in honor of
the marriage of Steven Schuler, son
of Don Schuler and Joan Blair, to
Serena Shulman
Rabbi Gubitz’s Discretionary Fund
•Bernice Rothstein - in memory her
daughter, Susan Ruth Rothstein
Support Shir Tikva
With Tzedakah
To make supporting your
congregation and performing
the mitzvah of tzedakah
more convenient, we have
on-line donations available.
To commemorate or
memorialize life-cycle events
of congregation members,
family, or friends, go to
www.shirtikva.org/donate.
Page 15
In Our Congregation
Affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism and the Synagogue Council of Massachusetts
Mazel Tov...
Jay and Carol Atlas on the bir th
of their grandson, Maddox Atlas
Mitchell, son of Micah and Jaimie
Mitchell
Matt Langweber, President
president@shirtikva.org
Jennifer Gubitz, Associate Rabbi
rabbigubitz@shirtikva.org
Hollis Schachner, Cantor
cantor@shirtikva.org
Herman J. Blumberg, Rabbi Emer itus
hermanblumberg@gmail.com
Susan Malman Altman, Executive Dir ector
saltman@shirtikva.org
Beverly Klau, Religious School Principal
bklau@shirtikva.org
Rhonda Magier-Cohen
Curriculum and Family Education Director
rmagiercohen@shirtikva.org
Karen Edwards, Asst. to the Rabbis & Cantor
kedwards@shirtikva.org
Toni Spitzer, Office Administr ator
tspitzer@shirtikva.org
Elizabeth Suga, Education Coor dinator
esuga@shirtikva.org
Temple Shir Tikva Early Learning Center
elc@shirtikva.org
Sandy Gold, Ear ly Lear ning Center Dir ector
sgold@shirtikva.org
Pam Knowles, ELC Administr ator
pknowles@shirtikva.org
Joan Blair, Website Editor
blair.joan@gmail.com
508-358-4024
Peggi Cohen, Hineni Editor
hinenied@shirtikva.org
339-222-2454
Condolences to...
Steve Kaplan and Marjory
Kaplan on the death of their
mother, Glenyce Kaplan
Julio Machado on the death of his
brother, Jose Ronaldo Machado
508-358-4331
Hineni Deadline
September Issue
Friday, August 5
Email all articles and photos to
Peggi Cohen, Hineni editor, at
hinenied@ shirtikva.org.
Office Hours
School Office
Temple Office
Monday/Tuesday………… ...9 a.m. - 5 p.m.…………….9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday………………….9 a.m. - 8 p.m.…………….9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday…………………... .9 a.m. - 5 p.m.…………….9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday………………………..9 a.m. - 2 p.m.…………….9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sunday……………….......8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
To make performing the
mitzvah of tzedakah more
convenient, we have enabled
on-line donations.
Office Closings:
Go to
July 4, Independence Day
www.shirtikva.org/donate
141 Boston Post Road
Wayland, MA 01778
Page 16
Online Donations
U.S. Postage Paid
Non-Profit Org
Permit No. 33
Wayland, MA
Temple Shir Tikva

June - August 2016 - Temple Shir Tikva

Transcription

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