The Star - Congregation Beth Elohim

TheStar
January 2016 • Volume 38, Number 6
Contents
BrotherhoodNews .....................................7
Calendar....................................................11
ChanttheMegillahthisPurim!...................6
Dona<onAcknowledgements .................7-9
FamilyShabbatService...............................4
HowtoReachUs.........................................4
JewishMedita<on.......................................4
JFS Patient Navigator ..................................6
President‘sMessage ...................................3
RabbiTransi<onPollingCommiOee ...........4
ScheduleofServices ...................................3
SisterhoodNews.........................................5
Scholar-in-ResidenceFlyer........................10
SocialAc<onCommiOeeNews...................9
ThirdAnnualBagels&BowlingFlyer...........2
TotShabbatandROSH................................6
VisitJewishSpain?......................................3
Congrega*onBethElohim
133ProspectStreet
Acton,MA01720
LewisMintz,Rabbi
CantorSarraSpierer
LeannShamash,DirectorofEduca<on
MerylM.Alpert,Director,EarlyLearningCenter
Congregation Beth Elohim
THE STAR
January 2016
TheCBESisterhood&BrotherhoodProudlyPresent
TheThirdAnnualBagels&Bowling
ActonBowladrome,Sunday,January10,2016
Dropinany*mefrom9:30AMto12noon
$5forS’hoodandB’hoodMembers;$10forallothers.
Feecoversbreakfast,bowlingandshoes.
PleaseRSVPbyJanuary3,2016eitherbyrespondingtotheEvite
orbyemailtoeitherEmilyBlumberg(Emily_Blumberg@yahoo.comor
ChuckPollak(cpollak611@gmail.com).
NOTE:Sorrykids,thisisanadulteventonly.
Lastminutebowlersarewelcome,butitwouldhelpusplan
toknowhowmanypeoplearecoming.
Material for inclusion in The Star may be submitted:
• by disk with hardcopy printout;
• via email: bob@BeckerSweetMusic.US (receipt acknowledged);
• as camera ready or handwritten copy; or
• by FAX: call Congregation Beth Elohim or the editor.
Receipt of material can be verified by calling the editor after the deadline.
Editor: Bob Becker 978-263-8097.
Copyright © 2015 by Congregation Beth Elohim.
All Rights Reserved.
The Star is generally published monthly by Congregation Beth Elohim and is
mailed at Acton, MA. To request a subscription call Congregation Beth Elohim at
978-263-3061 or write to 133 Prospect Street, Acton, MA 01720.
The deadline posted in the previous month’s issue, is generally the 15th of the
previous month, slightly earlier in case of holidays.
-2 -
January 2016
Congregation Beth Elohim
THE STAR!
ScheduleofServices
Friday,
Friday,
Saturday,
Friday,
Friday,
Friday,
Saturday,
Friday,
Saturday,
January 1 7:30
January 8 7:00
January 9 10:00
January 15 7:30
January 22 6:00
January 22 7:30
January 23 10:00
January 29 7:30
January 30 10:00
PM
PM
AM
PM
PM
PM
AM
PM
AM
Shabbat Evening Service
Family Shabbat Service #
Shabbat Torah Study; K'tonton Shabbat (Lower Level)
Shabbat Evening Service
Tot Shabbat & ROSH (Ruach for Shabbat)
Shabbat Evening Service #
Shabbat Torah Study
Shabbat Evening Service—Heh Class Participation
Shabbat Torah Study
#-DenotesservicesconductedbybothRabbiandCantor.
This display allowed for CBE to share its diverse and
clever participants’ hard work.
And last, but not least, under the suggestion and
direction of Leann Shamash, Religious School
extraordinaire, our “Give Back Chanukah” was an
unbelievable success! As most know, we collected
clothing for the Salvation Army, toiletries for elderly
Holocaust survivors, toys, treats and food for Buddy
Dog rescue, and necessary supplies for Birthday
Wishes. In addition, CBE supported a tree planting
drive through JNF. This was all in addition to our
ongoing collection of Rice and Beans, for the Acton
Food Pantry. By the first night of Chanukah we had
overflowing boxes, which continued for at least
another week.
With everything going on in the world, I like to
think of CBE as a haven of goodness!
✡
President‘sMessage
BarbaraGreen
president@bethelohim.org
This column should really be called “President’s
Kvell Korner,” instead of President’s Message. This
month I have another four things to kvell about.
First, at December’s Family Shabbat service, I
noticed a mom with two kids. I went over and
introduced myself. They told me they were Lutheran,
but were studying other religions. After noticing our
advertisement of services, in the Action Unlimited,
they decided to check out our service. Throughout
the service, I tried to put myself in a non-Jewish
family’s position. I sat back and watched the
musicians, the kids excitedly singing along, the kids
leading the prayers, the Rabbi reading a Chanukah
story and the Cantor teaching new tunes to old,
familiar songs. Of course, everything culminated with
a fun Oneg Shabbat. What a wonderful experience it
must have been for this family. It certainly was for
me!
My second kvelling moment of the month was
when I attended one of the sessions held by CBE’s
Polling and Sensing committee. What a fabulous
presentation! The amount of work, energy, and effort
that has happened is just incredible. The session that
I attended had close to sixty people. The Q & A was
thoughtful and respectful. I look forward to the next
committee’s efforts. Plug time: the Rabbi Search
Committee is being formed, please consider
contacting me if you want to participate.
A quick third kvell was due to another, very
successful, menorah design contest. Not only were
these incredibly creative menorahs on display at CBE,
but for the first time, they traveled over to Acton’s
Willow Books, for a window display of their own!
VisitJewishSpain?
Spain was a place that housed a
sophisticated Jewish community for hundreds of
years. They wrote poetry and verse, were doctors
and lawyers and contributed to their community,
but were expelled from Spain in 1492, never to
return.
Our congregation will travel to Spain in
April, 2017 and explore what remnants remain
in Spain of Jewish life there. If you are interested
in such a trip, please let me know. We will be
meeting in March to talk more about this trip,
but for now I am assessing your interest.
Would you consider joining us? Please
contact Leann at lshamash1@verizon.net.
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Congregation Beth Elohim
THE STAR
RabbiTransi*onPollingCommiSee:
ThanksforYourPar*cipa*on&Feedback
FamilyShabbatService
A Joyful Way to Celebrate Shabbat
with your Family and Community
We are very grateful for the tremendous
support we have received from so many
congregants and staff as we have gone through
the process of polling our community. Our goal
has been to obtain a true picture of the strengths
and characteristics of our congregation and
determine what our members would like for the
desired characteristics and roles of our next
rabbi. With the combined process of home
meetings, staff interviews, an online survey, and
follow-up congregational meetings, we received
input from well over 300 congregants and
believe we have gotten a truly accurate sense of
our strengths, needs and expectations. We were
gratified to see such a robust response and the
level of excitement we felt from you all regarding
our future. Thanks to you, the CBE Board and
Search Committee will be well prepared and
equipped to find the right rabbi for our
community.
Your “Focus on the Future” Polling
Committee:
Susan Abrams ---------------------------Brian Hess
Erik Rosenman ---------------------------------Waky
Deborah Alevy ---------------------Lori Lotterman
Beth Schrager ----------------------Susanna Wood
Alan Berko ----------------------Steven Michelson
Michelle Siegert ------------------Linda Friedman
Maya Minkin -------------------------Tom Wachtell
Questions?
Send
email
pollingcommittee@bethelohim.org.
January 2016
Celebrate Shabbat with music, prayers,
blessings, and stories on Friday evening, January
8 at 7:00! Geared especially toward children in
grades one through six, yet designed to be
welcoming for all adults and children, our Family
Shabbat services feature many opportunities for
participation, uplifting and lively new melodies
mixed in with our familiar tunes, and
instrumental accompaniment by CBE’s own
talented musicians. Each month, children, and
even families together, have the opportunity to
lead a prayer, blessing or song in the service.
This is a wonderful way for children (and
parents) to learn and to feel the special sense of
joy and pride that comes with leading a
community in prayer. Please let Rabbi Mintz or
Cantor Spierer know if you or your child would
like to help lead.
Our service will be accompanied by the very
talented and creative Len Solomon, who will
bring one of his homemade instruments to share
with us. During the oneg, we will enjoy a musical
surprise from Len, sure to tickle your funny
bone.
All are welcome!
HowtoReachUs
Telephone
to
The congregation office telephone number is
978-263-3061. Dial these extensions for:
Rabbi Mintz
2
Cantor Spierer
7
Ezra Habif
1
Leann Shamash
3
JewishMedita*onatCBE
Join Cantor Sarra for an evening of
Jewish meditation on Wednesday evening,
January 20 at 7:15. The evening will include
The telephone number for the Early Learning
Center office and director Meryl Alpert is
978-266-9988.
mindfulness meditation, chanting, and an
inspiring teaching from the weekly Torah
portion. Beginners and experienced
Web Site
Our congregation web site,
www.bethelohim.org, includes the online edition
of The Star as well as a variety of other
information including a bookstore link
(Amazon.com) and a donation form.
meditators are welcome. There is a
suggested donation of $10. If you have any
questions, or for more information, please
send email to cantorsarra@bethelohim.org.
-4 -
January 2016
THE STAR!
Congregation Beth Elohim
minute bowlers are always welcome, but advance
notice will help ensure that there is enough food for
all of the hungry bowlers. If you have any questions,
feel free to email Emily Blumberg at
Emily_Blumberg@yahoo.com or Chuck Pollak at
cpollak611@gmail.com.
On Friday, January 22, Sisterhood will sponsor a
special Friday night service discussion and oneg. The
service will begin at 7:30 PM as usual. Cantor Sarra
Spierer will provide special music for the service and
Rabbi Lewis Mintz will lead a discussion on the
recent spate of terrorist attacks in Paris, San
Bernadino and elsewhere. Hopefully coming together
to discuss these disturbing events and the sometimes
equally disturbing responses will help us all get our
heads and hearts around these latest atrocities.
Please join us.
The Sisterhood Book Group will meet on Sunday,
January 24 at 7:30 PM at the home of Deborah
Colbert, 8 Salamander Lane, Stow. The Sisters will
discuss Between the World and Me, by Ta-Nehisi
Coates, a letter from the author to his teenage son
about the trials and tribulations of growing up
African-American in the United States. Please contact
Deb at deb_colbert@mac.com for more information.
Also in January, Sisterhood will launch our
second Mishloach Manot, or Purim Bag project. If
you’d like to participate in the mitzvah of sending
food gifts to friends and loved ones for Purim, look
for the order form in next month’s The Star or
Star-Lite. The Purim bags will be delivered on
Sunday, March 27 and there will be several
opportunities for the Sisterhood community to come
together for baking hamantaschen, as well as
assembling and delivering gift bags. Keep an eye on
your email and Facebook for more information when
it becomes available.
Lastly, before I move on to rolling out dough and
melting butter, I‘d like thank the 84 members who
have already joined Sisterhood this year for keeping
our group going strong! If you haven’t yet joined
Sisterhood, you may still do so by visiting
http://www.bethelohim.org/getinvolved/sisterhood.html
and scrolling down for information about
membership payment options. Do you have any
questions or ideas for events? Please contact
sisterhood@bethelohim.org or find us on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/groups/CBEsisters/.
We’d love to hear from you!
✡
SisterhoodNews
JulieAgapite
jagapite@verizon.net
Well, sisters, we’ve made it past the darkest day
of the year. It won’t be long now before we can leave
for work and/or come home when it’s actually light
out. Won’t that be nice? In the meantime, I will cope
with the darkness by making (and very likely eating)
lots of cinnamon rolls, a sweet, fluffy yeast dough
slathered in butter and cinnamon sugar and, as if
that wasn’t enough, topped with a decadent maple
icing. Sigh. I suppose it is no coincidence that the
darkest months of the year are also my own personal
period of waist expansion. Even bigger sigh. While I
wait for the dough to rise, I will tell you what’s new
with Sisterhood. I’m also hoping this distracts me
from the chocolate covered marshmallow bears
sitting on my counter. Those little fellows are really
calling my name.
As part of the CBE-wide “Give Back Chanukah”
initiative, Sisterhood collected pet supplies for the
Buddy Dog Humane Society in Sudbury. We donated
two large bins of food, treats and toys for homeless
dogs and cats. A great big thank you goes to
everyone who donated and to Laura Kelmar for
organizing the drive and delivering the goods to
Buddy Dog. As far as I know, no one adopted a dog
but I think everyone should. My little sidekick, Calvin
the dog wonder, has been easier to train than my
children, is always thrilled to see me, and gives me
very little sass. At the moment, he is sitting at my feet
and looking at me in complete adoration. What’s not
to love?
Also in December, Barbara Hirsch hosted ten
Sisters at her home for a screening of the film, Little
White Lie, a moving documentary about one woman's
painful discovery of her true parentage and roots.
The Sisters enjoyed some social time together over
wine and cheese as well as a stimulating personal
discussion about the themes of Jewish identity, race,
and family secrets explored in the film. Thank you,
Barbara, for your generous hospitality!
Coming up on Sunday, January 10 from 9:30 AM
to 12:00 noon, Sisterhood and Brotherhood will
jointly hold the Third Annual Bagels and Bowling
event. The cost of this adult-only event is $5 for
Brotherhood/Sisterhood members and $10 for
non-members, which covers breakfast, bowling and
shoes. Please RSVP before January 3 by evite. Last
-5 -
Congregation Beth Elohim
THE STAR
January 2016
TotShabbatandROSHatCBE
ChanttheMegillahthisPurim!
Friday evening, January 22 at 6:00
Calling All Adults, Teens, and
Children
All of our youngest children and their
families are invited to sing, dance, pray, and
learn with Cantor Sarra at our monthly Tot
Shabbat. During “Torah Time”, we’ll hear a
story and march with our own Torah scrolls.
Children with a birthday during the month
will receive a special birthday song. After
services, we will all come together for Oneg
Shabbat, a sweet snack and conversation in
the Social Hall. This is a wonderful way to
meet new friends in the community!
Tot Shabbat and ROSH (“Ruach on
Shabbat” services for elementary-school
aged children and their families) take place
on either the third or fourth Friday of each
month. Look on CBE’s online calendar to
find out all of the dates for services this
year!
If you’d like, bring your own (dairy)
dinner and join us anytime after 5:15 as we
eat together in the Social Hall before the
service. All are welcome. Please contact
Cantor Sarra at cantorsarra@bethelohim.org
with any questions or for more information.
Be a part of CBE’s Megillah reading and
Purim celebration this year! On Wednesday
evening, March 23rd, we want you to help
us tell the heroic story of Esther and
Mordecai. Each volunteer will chant one,
two, or three Megillah verses, and will
receive a recording to practice with.
First-time readers are encouraged to join in
the fun! Cantor Sarra will be available to
assist along the way.
To volunteer, email Cantor Sarra at
cantorsarra@bethelohim.org or call the
synagogue office by January 31.
JFSPa*entNavigator
You Value Your Independence,
Help Others Keep Theirs
Join the JFS Patient Navigator corps of
volunteers that provides access to vital
health services. Patient Navigators are
trained volunteers who accompany frail
older adults to medical appointments,
facilitate communication with medical staff,
and provide practical and emotional
support. CJP funds JFS to provide this
important service to Jewish seniors in
Metrowest.
If you have an interest in helping frail
older adults maintain their independence,
c o n t a c t J F S ( w w w. j f s m w. o r g ) a t
508-875-3100 x110 to learn more about this
flexible, rewarding opportunity.
The next training is scheduled for
Thursday, January 14, 9:00-3:00, lunch and
materials will be provided. Space is limited,
sign up today!
Do not abandon me in my old age.
--High Holyday Prayer Book
WhatJewishMajorLeagueBaseballPlayer
SpokeSevenLanguages,
andWasaSpyFortheOSS?
Moe Berg played fifteen seasons in the
majors mostly as a back-up catcher. In the off
seasons he traveled extensively around the
world, including two trips to Japan. He had been
working for the OSS (renamed the CIA) as a spy
for the US on his trips. In 1943/44, and speaking
German like a native he was touring Nazi
occupied Europe on a spy mission. He was asked
to determine whether the Germans were close to
building an A bomb, in which case he was
charged with murdering the Nazi scientists who
were developing it!!
-6 -
January 2016
THE STAR
Congregation Beth Elohim
Donations
The congregation thanks our members, their relatives and friends,
and the larger community for donations recently received…
To the General Fund from:
Bob & Kathie Becker in memory of John
Murphy’s brother, Kevin.
Dan & Shelley Klein in memory of Ida
Berkwitts
Ronda Kenger in honor of Doris & Fred
Goldstein’s grandsons, Eduardo & Svend, sons
of Alicia & Alex Raun.
Risa & Jonathan Selig in celebration of the
engagement of our son, Jay Selig, to Rachel
Lynn Kress.
Ronda Kenger in honor of Doris & Fred
Goldstein’s grandson, Jacob, son of Emily &
Ted Macnow.
Ellen & Bruce Leicher in honor of Rabbi Lewis
& Naomi’s grandson, Nadav Tal.
Susan & Rodney Hass
Dan & Shelley Klein in memory of Peter A.
Stark
Maida & Glenn Fund in memory of Arnold
Goldblatt, father of Maida Fund, on the
occasion of his yahrzeit.
Ronda Kenger in honor of Rabbi Lewis &
Naomi’s grandson, Nadav Tal.
Bob & Kathie Becker in memory of Mrs.
Harriet Zimmer, mother of Danya ZimmerBloomstone.
CBE Brotherhood in honor of Rabbi Lewis &
Naomi Katz Mintz’s grandson, Nadav Tal.
Lauren & Leonard Solomon in appreciation of
our wonderful community.
Esther Bachrach in memory of David Bachrach.
since the last assessment was conducted fifteen years
ago. A major change is demographics; we have an
increasing Asian population in our town, as well as
an aging population. There are more single parents,
and a significant source of stress is economic
vulnerability. ABUW is taking this assessment and
determining best approaches to address the issues
identified. After the talk, a raffle raised over $100 for
United Way. Thanks to all who attended and
donated.
There will be no Brotherhood breakfast in
January, but please make sure you come out for the
Brotherhood and Sisterhood third annual Bagels and
Bowling event on January 10. Information is in the
Star and at all your local media outlets.
✡
BrotherhoodNews
MaSLiebman
m.liebman@comcast.net
Although December 20 is one of the shortest
days of the year, there was plenty of enlightenment
at the Brotherhood Breakfast. A kitchen staff of Matt
Kontoff, Mark Bloch, Neil Elliot, Jeff Bergart and
Michael Sanders served bagels and lox to members of
the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood and guests for the
last breakfast of the 2015 calendar year. We listened
as Rachel Sagan, Executive Director of the Acton
Boxborough United Way spelled out the results of a
recent community assessment (with the help of by
CBE’s Ann Budner, co-chair of the Social Action
Committee and a former board member of ABUW,
who led the consulting team that conducted the
assessment). ABUW operates like a community chest,
and has distributed over four million dollars since its
founding in 1981. The assessment identified many
issues. First, the towns have changed significantly
WERS,88.9FM,broadcastsYiddish
andContemporaryIsraeliMusic,
Sundaymornings8:00–11:00AM.
-7 -
Congregation Beth Elohim
THE STAR
January 2016
Donations
The congregation thanks our members, their relatives and friends,
and the larger community for donations recently received…
To the Back to the Future Fund from:
To the Wish List Fund from:
Alan & Arlene Weiss
Susan & Rodney Hass in honor of Rabbi Lewis
& Naomi Mintz’s grandson, Nadav Tal.
David & Chips Naparstek in loving memory of:
Amy Naparstek, our beloved daughter, Ida
Naparstek (“Grammy”) & Ben Harris, Chips’
father.
Susan & Rodney Hass in memory of Kevin
Murphy, brother of John Murphy.
Stephen & Susan Grossman
To the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund from:
Ruth Morton
To the High Holiday Appeal from:
Dan & Shelley Klein in honor of the birth of
Nadav Tal Mintz.
Neal Silverman & Julie Agapite
Susan Abrams
Susan & Michael Goldman in honor of the
birth of our first grandchild, Theo Ezra
Goldman, son of Karissa & Jonathan Goldman.
Alan & Arlene Weiss
Susan & Michael Goldman in honor of Rabbi
Lewis & Naomi Katz Mintz on the occasion of
the birth of their grandson, Nadav Tal Mintz.
To the Choir Fund from:
Dan & Shelley Klein in honor of the birth of
Nadav Tal Mintz.
Herb & Sara Mintz Zwicker: “With gratitude to
Rabbi Mintz for his heartfelt support and
inspiring eulogy of Myron H. Mintz.”
Michael White in memory of Hetty Zimmer,
mother of Danya Zimmer-Bloomstone and
mother-in-law of Ben Bloomstone, for her love
of music.
Bob & Kathie Becker in honor of the birth of
Nadav Tal, son of David & Deborah, grandson
of Rabbi & Naomi Mintz.
To the Family Education Fund from:
Dan & Shelley Klein in memory of Myron
Mintz.
Paul & Susan Linet & Family in honor of the
birth of Nadav Tal Mintz.
Suresh Damodaran & the MIT Lincoln Lab
Acton Van Pool.
-8 -
January 2016
THE STAR
Congregation Beth Elohim
Donations
The congregation thanks our members, their relatives and friends,
and the larger community for donations recently received…
To the Amy Naparstek Fund from:
Mark Naparstek & Family in honor of Pa and
Chips, with love from the Las Vegas
Naparsteks.
Linda & Denis Friedman: “Wishing Chips
Naparstek a wonderful birthday and a
meaningful year ahead.”
David & Chips Naparstek in honor of the birth
of Nadav Tal, grandson of Rabbi Lewis &
Naomi, son of David & Deborah Mintz, with
mazal tov to all.
David & Chips Naparstek in honor of the birth
of Svend & Eduardo, grandsons of Doris &
Fred Goldstein, sons of Alicia & Alex Raun.
Randi Wallen & Alex Lelchook in memory of
Mrs. Joan Fowler, mother of Kathie Becker.
Noah Lelchook in memory of Jerry Emer,
grandfather of Aaron Emer.
David & Chips Naparstek in memory of Mrs.
Joan Fowler, mother of Kathie Becker, with
sympathy to Kathie, Bob, Aliza and Ben.
Linda & Denis Friedman remembering Amy
Naparstek with love.
support the Social Action Committee’s activities,
primarily the Community Supper at Mt. Calvary.
Thank you to everyone who came to the party and
danced the night away for a good cause. More thanks
to all the fabulous volunteers who pulled off this
event flawlessly: Peter Berson, Stacey Briggs, Ann
Budner, Liz Hess, Marcy Hoban, Sara Levine, Barbara
Michaelsen, Linda Minkoff, Sara Levine, Peter Lovitz,
Michael Sanders, Lauren Solomon, and others who
just rolled up their sleeves and helped! An extra
special thanks to Clark (CBE Superman) for all his
hard work in cleaning up our mess late at night!
SocialAc*onCommiSeeNews
AnnBudner
a_budner@yahoo.com
Son of Mock Mitzvah Was a Big Success
Our fabulous fundraiser, “Son of Mock Mitzvah,”
returned on November 7 and it was a smash! The
large crowd danced, drank, made ice cream sundaes,
and played silly games including (of course) Coke
and Pepsi. Chris Whitbeck’s rocking band, The Acton
Music Project, once again generously donated their
talents to the cause. We raised nearly $1900 after
paying our minimal expenses. Half the proceeds will
support the CBE General Fund and the other half will
Christmas at Cor Unum
We had an unbelievable response to our call for
volunteers during Christmas at Cor Unum! At press
time we had maxed out at 41 volunteers, 25 for
Christmas Day and 16 for Christmas Eve, and more
people wanted to sign up! Cor Unum was looking for
help on the Saturday after Christmas, so hopefully
some folks were able to participate then. We will
share a full write-up and photos in the next edition of
The Star. Many thanks to all the volunteers! What a
terrific community we have.
If you are interested in more Social Action
action, please join us. Our committee is fun! For
more info, email Ann Budner and Barbara
Michaelsen at socialaction@bethelohim.org.
✡
The next time
you want to
buy a book —
or practically anything else — go to Amazon.com
via CBE’s website and Amazon will donate 5 – 10%
of your total purchase directly to CBE.
Visit www.bethelohim.org. Pull down the “Give” menu
at the upper right, and click on “Shop Amazon.”
-9 -
Congregation Beth Elohim
THE STAR
January 2016
CBE ADULT EDUCATION PRESENTS
SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE
Rabbi Kevin Hale
Sofer STaM / Torah scribe
SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2016
9:00 – 10:15 AM
SESSION FOR ADULTS
10:15 AM – 12:20 PM
SESSIONS FOR RELIGIOUS
SCHOOL STUDENTS
Rabbi Kevin Hale is a Sofer STaM, a traditionally trained Torah scribe who spends his
days evaluating, repairing and writing Torah / tefillin / megillot, including scrolls that
survived the Shoah which belong to the Czech Memorial Scrolls Trust. His mentor was
Rabbi Eric Ray, z"l a world-renowned sofer, artist and authority on the provenance of
Torah scrolls. Rabbi Hale is a scholar and teacher of our sacred scribal tradition, and
has served as a scholar-in-residence to congregations all over the country and beyond.
In 2014 he wrote a mezuzah for Cafe Bergson, located in the former home of the last
pre-war Jewish resident of Oswiecim, Poland, and operated by the Auschwitz Jewish
Center. He is passionate about offering hands-on education, enriching our connection to
torah, and empowering rising soferim.
The morning session for adults — “Torah in Black and White" — focuses on the 613th
commandment to "write this song for yourselves", the mitzvah for each of us to write a
torah. Come learn about the ancient tools, materials, practices and rituals that go into
this sacred craft and a hands-on approach to teaching about the Torah scroll. We will
visit the world of the Torah scribe and learn about the current state of the Jewish scribal
world. Then we will practice a classic Ashkenazi Torah script and get a taste of a day in
the life of a sofer. Lettering sheets and supplemental materials will be provided.
Adults are welcome to attend the religious school sessions and may also observe the
work of Rabbi Hale while he is inspecting our scrolls.
Please contact Julie Kozhukhin at adulted@bethelohim.org to let us know you are
coming or to ask questions regarding this program.
- 10 -
January 2016
Congregation Beth Elohim
THE STAR!
Congregation Beth Elohim
January 2016
# — Denotes services conducted by both Rabbi and Cantor
Sunday
Monday
15 Tevet
Tuesday
16 Tevet
Wednesday
17 Tevet
Thursday
18 Tevet
Friday
19 Tevet
Saturday
20 Tevet
1
Candle Lighting Time—
4:04 EST
21 Tevet
Shemot
(Exodus 1-6:1)
2
7:30 PM Shabbat
Evening Service
22 Tevet
3
23 Tevet
4
6:30-8:30 PM
Midrasha
24 Tevet
5
4:15-6:15 PM
Religious School
25 Tevet
6
4:15-6:15 PM
Religious School
26 Tevet
7
27 Tevet
8
Candle Lighting Time—
4:11 EST
7:00 PM Family Shabbat
Service #
29 Tevet
10
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Religious School
9:00-11:00 AM Brotherhood Board
Meeting
9:30 AM - Noon Brotherhood/Sisterhood
Bagels & Bowling
7:00 PM Congregation Board Meeting
7 Shevat
17
14 Shevat
24
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM School & MLK
Read-a-thon
1 Shevat
11
6:30-8:30 PM
Midrasha
7:00 PM Sisterhood
Board Meeting
2 Shevat
12
4:15-6:15 PM
Religious School
8 Shevat
9 Shevat
19
4:15-6:15 PM
Religious School
18
15 Shevat
25
6:30-8:30 PM
Midrasha
16 Shevat
26
4:15-6:15 PM
Religious School
3 Shevat
13
4:15-6:15 PM
Religious School
7:00-9:00 PM Tzion
14
10 Shevat
20
4:15-6:15 PM
Religious School
7:00-9:00 PM Tzion
7:15-9:15 PM
Meditation Class
with Cantor Sarra
21
17 Shevat
27
4:15-6:15 PM
Religious School
28
4 Shevat
5 Shevat
15
Candle Lighting Time—
4:19 EST
22 Shevat
6:30-8:30 PM
Midrasha
23 Shevat
4:15-6:15 PM
Religious School
6 Shevat
Bo
(Exodus 9-13:16)
16
7:30 PM Shabbat
Evening Service
11 Shevat
22
12 Shevat
Candle Lighting Time—
4:27 EST
6:00 PM Tot Shabbat &
ROSH (Ruach for
Shabbat)
7:30 PM Shabbat
Evening Service #
18 Shevat
29
19 Shevat
Candle Lighting Time—
4:36 EST
7:30 PM Shabbat
Evening Service—Heh
Class Participation
21 Shevat
31
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Religious School
9:00-10:15 AM Adult Sofer Program with
Rabbi Kevin Hale
10:15 AM - 12:20 PM Sofer Programs
for Students with Rabbi Kevin Hale
28 Tevet
Va'era
(Exodus 6:2-9)
10:00 AM Shabbat Torah
Study
10:00 AM K'tonton
Shabbat
9
24 Shevat
4:15-6:15 PM
Religious School
25 Shevat
26 Shevat
Candle Lighting Time—
4:45 EST
7:00 PM Family Shabbat
Service #
13 Shevat
Beshallach
(Exodus 13:17-17)
10:00 AM Shabbat Torah
Study
6:15-8:30 PM New
Member Bowling Event
23
20 Shevat
Yitro
(Exodus 18-20)
10:00 AM Shabbat Torah
Study
30
27 Shevat
Mishpatim
(Exodus 21-24)
10:00 AM Shabbat Torah
Study
Congregation Beth Elohim
February 2016
# — Denotes services conducted by both Rabbi and Cantor
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
21 Shevat
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Religious School
9:00-10:15 AM Adult Sofer Program with
Rabbi Kevin Hale
10:15 AM - 12:20 PM Sofer Programs
for Students with Rabbi Kevin Hale
22 Shevat
6:30-8:30 PM
Midrasha
23 Shevat
4:15-6:15 PM
Religious School
24 Shevat
4:15-6:15 PM
Religious School
28 Shevat
7
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Religious School
9:00-11:00 AM Brotherhood Board
Meeting
Morning: Family Education: Vav Class
29 Shevat
8
6:30-8:30 PM
Midrasha
5 Adar I
14
9:00-11:00 AM Brotherhood Breakfast
1
2
3
Thursday
4
25 Shevat
Friday
5
Saturday
26 Shevat
Candle Lighting Time—
4:45 EST
7:00 PM Family Shabbat
Service #
30 Shevat
9
4:15-6:15 PM
Religious School
1 Adar I
10
4:15-6:15 PM
Religious School
11
2 Adar I
3 Adar I
12
Candle Lighting Time—
4:54 EST
19 Adar I
28
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Religious School
4 Adar I
Terumah
(Exodus 25-27:19)
13
7:30 PM Shabbat
Evening Service
15
6 Adar I
16
7 Adar I
17
8 Adar I
18
9 Adar I
19
10 Adar I
Candle Lighting Time—
5:03 EST
7:30 PM Shabbat
Evening Service
12 Adar I
21
7:00 PM Congregation Board Meeting
27 Shevat
Mishpatim
(Exodus 21-24)
10:00 AM Shabbat Torah
Study
6
13 Adar I
22
6:30-8:30 PM
Midrasha
7:00 PM Sisterhood
Board Meeting
14 Adar I
23
4:15-6:15 PM
Religious School
20 Adar I
29
6:30-8:30 PM
Midrasha
21 Adar I
15 Adar I
24
4:15-6:15 PM
Religious School
25
16 Adar I
26
17 Adar I
Candle Lighting Time—
5:12 EST
6:00 PM Tot Shabbat &
ROSH (Ruach for
Shabbat)
7:30 PM Shabbat
Evening Service #
22 Adar I
23 Adar I
24 Adar I
Candle Lighting Time—
5:21 EST
11 Adar I
Tetzavveh
(Exodus 27:20-30:10)
10:00 AM Shabbat Torah
Study
20
18 Adar I
Ki Tissa
(Exodus 30:11-34)
10:00 AM Shabbat Torah
Study
27
25 Adar I
Vayakhei
(Exodus 35-38:20)
The congregation calendar is also online at http://www.bethelohim.org/calendar.html
- 11 -
Congregation Beth Elohim
THE STAR
Congregation Beth Elohim
133 Prospect Street
Acton, MA 01720
January 2016
The deadline for
the February issue of
The Star is January 15
Articles submitted to The Star
must include a contact name
in case of questions.
Congregant email addresses
listed in the CBE Directory
are to be used solely for CBE
matters.
- 12 -
January 2016