June 2012 - Temple Shir Tikva

Temple
Shir Tikva
ippd
June - August 2012
Sivan - Elul 5772
When G-d called to Abraham, he responded, “Hineni, Here I am.”
Celebrating Rabbi Greg Litcofsky
If we learn from another person a single chapter of
Torah, or a single halacha, or a single verse,
or a single saying, or even a single letter,
we must show him honor...
(Pirkei Avot 6:3)
Y
ou may not realize that Shir Tikva has cultivated a
reputation in the Jewish world: There are now many
young Jewish professionals – rabbis, cantors, teachers, and more – all over the country who cite our synagogue
as the place that first invested in them at the beginning of
their careers. It’s a reputation we should all be proud of. Of
all those young Jewish teachers who are making a difference,
I am most delighted to celebrate my friend, student and
teacher, Rabbi Greg Litcofsky.
We’ve all learned from Rabbi Litcofsky far more than one
letter, one word, or one halacha. For five years now, he’s been
our teacher, prodding us with his passion, his endless energy,
his devotion to the State of Israel, and his warm Torahwisdom. Now it’s time to honor him and to thank him.
I remember five years ago when our rabbinic search committee gathered at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of
Religion in New York and I first met him. It was immediately
clear that he was the most exemplary member of his graduating class. As I spoke to his professors and peers, I kept hearing
the same sentiments: “a star,” “so genuine,” “his enthusiasm
to do good is boundless.” And so it was, and is.
Here at Shir Tikva, Rabbi Litcofsky literally has taught students of every age – preschoolers, Religious School students,
Youth Community teens, college students, adults – and the
Torah he has shared with us has been wise, deep and articulate. He’s energized our Young Families group and our Brotherhood. He’s brought his nationally-recognized skills in community-based social justice organizing to us, which has manifested itself in many ways.
He has counseled and supported us. He’s taken our teenagers to Washington, DC, to learn the art of lobbying for justice
and Tikkun Olam. He’s told stories at Tot Shabbat services and
has taken the lead in organizing a fabulous monthly Shabbat
Mishpacha for the families of Shir Tikva with elementary
school children. And he’s led us in organizing for social justice, and linking arms with the like-minded members of the
(continued on page 4)
www.shirtikva.org
Please Join Us to Honor
Rabbi Greg Litcofsky
and his family, Rachel, Noa & Ami
Friday, June 15
Shabbat Service, 6:15 p.m.,
Dinner, 8 p.m.
Rabbi Litcofsky will leave Temple Shir Tikva at the
end of June to become Senior Rabbi at Temple
Emanu-El of West Essex in Livingston, New Jersey.
A festive, meaningful and song-filled Simchat
Shabbat service will be followed by a farewell dinner
in Rabbi Litcofsky's honor. The cost for dinner is $18
per person. RSVP to www.shirtikva.org/celebrate or call
the temple office by June 4.
Inside This Issue…
Shabbat & Holiday Services……………………………..2
Adult Learning Opportunities…………………….……...6
Youth Community……………………………………..8-9
Page of Study—Daf Limud…………………………10-13
Gathering……………….…………………………...16-17
Shir Tikva Library….…………………………………..18
141 Boston Post Road, Wayland, MA 01778
508-358-9992
Hineni
June - August 2012 Sivan - Elul 5772
Shabbat and Holiday Services
June 2012
July 2012
Shabbat Naso
Friday, June 1
6:00 pm Forshpeis (Nosh)
6:15 pm Simchat Shabbat Service and Confirmation
Shabbat Balak
Friday, July 6
6:00 pm
Forshpeis (Nosh)
6:15 pm
Simchat Shabbat Service and Welcome Rabbi Jennifer
Gubitz / Welcome Home Cantor Hollis Schachner
Saturday, June 2
8:30 am
Early Shacharit Service followed by Torah Study
9:30 am
Shabbat Yeladim
10:45 am Late Shacharit Service
Bar Mitzvah
Bar Mitzvah
Shabbat Beha’alotecha
Friday, June 8
6:00 pm
Forshpeis (Nosh)
6:15 pm
Simchat Shabbat Service and Board Recognition /
Installation
Saturday, June 9
8:30 am
Early Shacharit Service followed by Torah Study
8:30 am
B’nai Mitzvah Torah Study
10:45 am Late Shacharit Service
Bat Mitzvah
Shabbat Shelach
Friday, June 15
6:00 pm
Forshpeis (Nosh)
6:15 pm
Simchat Shabbat Service and Celebration of Rabbi
Litcofsky
Saturday, June 16
8:30 am
Early Shacharit Service followed by Torah Study
10:45 am
Late Shacharit Service
Bar Mitzvah
Bat Mitzvah
Shabbat Korach
Friday, June 22
6:00 pm
Forshpeis (Nosh)
6:15 pm
Simchat Shabbat Service and Thank You to Laurie
Weinstein
Saturday, June 23
8:30 am
Early Shacharit Service followed by Torah Study
10:45 am
Late Shacharit Service and Adult B’nai Mitzvah
Shabbat Chukat
Friday, June 29
6:00 pm
Forshpeis (Nosh)
6:15 pm
Simchat Shabbat Service
Saturday, June 30
8:30 am
Early Shacharit Service followed by Torah Study
Saturday, July 7
8:30 am
Early Shacharit Service followed by Torah Study
Shabbat Pinchas
Friday, July 13
6:00 pm
Forshpeis (Nosh)
6:15 pm
Simchat Shabbat Service
Saturday, July 14
8:30 am
Early Shacharit Service followed by Torah Study
Shabbat Matot-Masei
Friday, July 20
6:00 pm
Forshpeis (Nosh)
6:15 pm
Simchat Shabbat Service
Saturday, July 21
8:30 am
Early Shacharit Service followed by Torah Study
Shabbat Devarim
Friday, July 27
6:00 pm
Forshpeis (Nosh)
6:15 pm
Simchat Shabbat Service
Saturday, July 28
8:30 am
Early Shacharit Service followed by Torah Study
Sharing Our Shabbat Celebrations
As a Community
To the entire Shir Tikva Community:
The Ritual committee reminds you that every prayer service at
Shir Tikva is open and welcome to everyone. However, under the
leadership of our Rabbis and our Ritual Committee, we are launching
an initiative to make the late (10:45 am) Shabbat morning service,
when students become Bar/Bat Mitzvah, more community-oriented
and inclusive, with community blessings, aliyot to the Torah, and
opportunities to chant from the Torah.
It is our hope that this will lead to a new feeling at all our B'nai
Mitzvah and life cycle celebrations that our entire community kvells
with our families as they reach these milestones!
You are especially invited to join us on June 9 for Shabbat morning
services as we explore these new paradigms for our Shabbat morning
community – and we invite your feedback and comments. Please
come and join us! (Our early Shacharit service (8:30 am) will continue
to meet on these dates and on every Shabbat of the year.) Thank you
for your support and enthusiasm.
Rabbi Neal Gold, Rabbi Greg Litcofsky
and members of the TST Ritual Committee
Page 2
Temple Shir Tikva
June - August 2012 Sivan – Elul 5772
Shabbat and Holiday Services
August 2012
Shabbat Va’etchanan
Friday, August 3
6:00 pm
Forshpeis (Nosh)
6:15 pm
Simchat Shabbat Service
Saturday, August 4
8:30 am
Early Shacharit Service followed by Torah Study
Shabbat Ekev
Friday, August 10
6:00 pm
Forshpeis (Nosh)
6:15 pm
Simchat Shabbat Service
Saturday, August 11
8:30 am
Early Shacharit Service followed by Torah Study
Shabbat Re’eh
Friday, August 17
6:00 pm
Forshpeis (Nosh)
6:15 pm
Simchat Shabbat Service
Saturday, August 18
8:30 am
Early Shacharit Service followed by Torah Study
Shabbat Shofetim
Friday, August 24
6:00 pm
Forshpeis (Nosh)
6:15 pm
Simchat Shabbat Service
Hineni
Welcome Rabbi Jennifer Gubitz
Assistant Rabbi Jennifer Gubitz
will join the Shir Tikva clergy in July
with a heartfelt vision of her rabbinate. “My deepest held beliefs compel
me to engage daily in the story of our
people – the stories from our ancient
texts and from our modern experience, the stories of our youth and of
the young at heart, the stories of those
who suffer and those who rejoice – as
Rabbi Jennifer Gubitz
the gamut of human expression converges with Torah.
A passion for storytelling, justice, music, and relationshipbuilding compel me to help you find your blessings, find
your Torah, and, ultimately, find your voice. Our world
could benefit from as many blessings, as many vibrant Torah
discussions and as much singing as we can possibly generate. I feel energized by the opportunity to be part of the creation of special moments at Shir Tikva.”
Ordained at HUC-JIR in New York in May, Rabbi Gubitz
is experienced in the social justice realms of Reform Jewish
life. She served as an Eisendrath Legislative Assistant at the
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism in Washington,
DC, and is committed to congregational-based community
organizing. At HUC-JIR Rabbi Gubitz was president of the
Rabbinical School Student Association and active in the
HUC Soup Kitchen.
Rabbi Gubitz is also deeply committed to youth engagement, with a special emphasis on teenagers, and to Jewish
Saturday, August 25
8:30 am
Early Shacharit Service followed by Torah Study
(continued on page 5)
Shabbat Ki Tetze
Friday, August 31
6:00 pm
Forshpeis (Nosh)
6:15 pm
Simchat Shabbat Service
Saturday, September 1
8:30 am
Early Shacharit Service followed by Torah Study
From Our Rabbis and Cantor
We are eager to share in your times of joy and to support
you in times of sadness. Please call us directly or inform an
administrative staff member so we may extend timely
friendship and comfort to you and your family.
Rabbi Neal Gold,
Rabbi Greg Litcofsky,
Cantor Hollis Schachner,
Rabbi Herman Blumberg, Emeritus
Temple Shir Tikva
Celebrate the Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class
Kate Bell
Susan Haber
Bonnie Levy
Karen Pelto
Amy Podolsky
Brad Puffer
Cathy Regensburger
Randi Sterrn
Heidi Tissenbaum
Elaine Winer
Join the Temple Shir Tikva community to celebrate the
Adult B’nai Mitzvah class as they are called to the Torah
on Saturday, June 23, at 10:45 a.m.
Services will be followed by a light oneg and Kiddush in
the atrium.
Page 3
Hineni
June - August 2012 Sivan - Elul 5772
May 14 Board of Trustees’ Meeting Highlights
By Scott Machanic, Recording Secretary
Michael Pullen delivered a D’Var Torah highlighting the period of the
Omer, the seven weeks from Passover to Shavuott, which celebrates the
receipt of the Torah at Mt. Sinai. Each of us is in our own Mitzrayim
(which can be translated roughly into “narrow straits”) and must be prepared to receive the Torah with compassion and bonding.
Rabbi Gold’s remarks began by referencing the exciting time of the
Omer, when we count each day as a precious gift, culminating in Shavuot,
when each of us stands at Sinai entering the covenant to receive the Torah.
Rabbi Gold noted that, while the end of the school year is often perceived
as a more leisurely time at the Temple, in fact the calendar is full. In addition to celebration of Shavuot, we celebrate our 10th grade Confirmation
June 1, Recognition and Installation of the Board of Trustees June 8, Rabbi
Litcofsky on June 15, Laurie Weinstein on June 22, celebrate along with
the Adult B’Nai Mitzvot on June 23, and on July 6 we welcome Rabbi
Gubitz and welcome back Cantor Schachner. We also thanked Rachel Kest
and Samantha Nidenberg. We hope to have David Passer back in full
health in the not too distant future.
Phil Benjamin highlighted the Annual Meeting, scheduled for Monday
evening, June 4. He also noted that nine new computers have been installed
replacing those used by the staff.
The Youth Engagement Task Force reported on its two-plus years’ effort, and noted that our efforts foreshadowed a similar push by the URJ.
Our kids have a lot on their plates, and they have to want to be here, not be
told to be here. Relationships are incredibly important to them, as is meaningful participation. The Task Force’s basic request is to treat education
holistically, for all ages, because younger students represent the future of
teen programs. The Board thanked Jay Gainsboro for his foresight in starting the process over two years ago as Vice President of Education.
The Brotherhood Golf Classic is June 18. Key sponsors are in place.
We need at least 40 players and we need to sell raffle tickets.
The Development Committee, through Susan Benjamin, reported that
the Annual Fund has reached its matching figure of $ 50,000 and has raised
$ 232,000 of the budgeted figure of $ 250,000. There is a newly re-established Annual Fund Committee. Development, along with Strategic Planning, intends to engage our congregation in a visioning (Hazon) program
on our upcoming 36th Anniversary in 2014, with an eye toward our next 36
years.
Dues and fees will not be increased this year in recognition of tough
economic times. Recent history showed that increases in dues and fees
have not generated expected revenue increases. Beyond staff reductions,
the expense side of the budget is level-funded, though the budget does
include additional funds to help Education during its transitional period. In
recognition of their yeoman service, staff were given modest pay increases.
For the current fiscal year, collections are running behind budget and Mark
Susser has been calling members to inquire about payment. Board members expressed a concern that there might be a perception among congregants that our frugal budget reflects dire fiscal straits, when our efforts are
intended to prevent the congregation from facing dire straits in the future.
Bob Koster, on behalf of the Nominating Committee, thanked those
stepping down from Board service, including Susan Benjamin, Mark
Susser, Martin Gredinger, Wendy Mishara, and Jill Katz, plus committee
chairs Amy Portnoy, Meryl Kukura, Michael Pullen, Peter Abend, Jill
Abend, Elaine Winer, Abe Wons, and Jen Cobe. Nominees are Brian
Levey, President; Larry Whitman, VP-Finance/Treasurer; Karen Langweber, VP- Gathering; Karen Miller, VP-Tikkun Olam. New At-Large Board
Members will include Amanda Glynn, Jeff Maimon, Rochelle Nemrow,
Roy Lurie and Danyel Rodgers.
Page 4
Celebrating Rabbi Litcofsky
(continued from page 1)
interfaith community around us in Metrowest. The initiatives he has launched will continue to resound in our
shul for a long time to come.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg, of course, because
much of a rabbi’s most important work is the “mortar
between the bricks;” the relationships and interactions
that take place in the hallways, over the telephone, before and after services, etc. And there, too, his sweet
and earnest touch has made us better Jews. He has certainly left an indelible mark on the spirit of Temple Shir
Tikva.
Simultaneously, Rabbi Litcofsky has learned much
from Temple Shir Tikva. He is ready to guide his own
community with sensitivity, wisdom, and his understanding of Torah. That community is Temple EmanuEl of West Essex in Livingston, New Jersey. I know the
shul well – it’s not far from where I grew up, and I
know all the rabbis who have served there for the past
three decades. With confidence, I believe it will be a
fine shidduch, and that he will do great things with them
and vice-versa. I know they are lucky to have found
such a good rabbi.
As Pirkei Avot instructs us, it is our task – and a bittersweet pleasure – to honor him as he begins the next
stage of his rabbinic career. Please join us on Friday
night, June 15, as we send Greg, Rachel, Noa, and Ami
off toward new horizons with affection and gratitude.
—Rabbi Neal Gold
Encyclopedia Judaica Now
Available Online for
Shir Tikva Members
The Encyclopedia Judaica is now available to
Temple Shir Tikva members:
• Log on to the Members Only area of the Temple
Shir Tikva website at www.shirtikva.org/
eventsresources/members-only.
• Choose Encyclopedia Judaica (EJ) from the
Members Area menu.
• Then enter your search of the EJ website.
Temple Shir Tikva
June - August 2012 Sivan – Elul 5772
Hineni
Welcome Rabbi Jennifer Gubitz
Come and experience
(continued from page 3)
Tishah B’Av at Shir Tikva
summer camping. She spent many formative years as Director of
Education, unit head and head song leader at URJ Goldman
Union Camp Institute in Zionsville, Indiana, at URJ-KUTZ
Camp, and for NFTY regional and North American events.
Prior to accepting her position at Shir Tikva, Rabbi Gubitz
served as the JUST Congregations rabbinic intern at Beth
Haverim Shir Shalom in Mahwah, NJ, where, in addition to many
other responsibilities, she taught adults, families and children. For
many years, she worked for Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn, leading Gan Shabbat for young families and supporting
Brooklyn Jews, a project to engage 20s and 30s.
She has also served in pulpits in Rocky Mount, North Carolina;
Steubenville, Ohio; Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hill,
California; and as a chaplain intern at Memorial Sloane Kettering
Cancer Center in Manhattan.
Rabbi Gubitz was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, and raised in
Fort Wayne, Indiana. She earned a B.A. in English and Jewish
Studies – with a particular interest in American and Eastern European Jewish History and Literature – from Indiana University.
Rabbi Gubitz loves Hoosier basketball, short story anthologies,
folk music, puns and poetry, Jewish geography, spiritual writing
and ethically sustainable food.
Saturday, July 28, 7:30 p.m.
Tishah B’Av began as the annual commemoration
of the Jewish exile from Jerusalem more than
2,000 years ago.
The holiday has been transformed by our tradition
into a holy, spiritual, and powerful moment in the
Jewish calendar.
Please join us in the sanctuary for a very special
night of study, prayer, and discovery.
We will explore a variety of thought-provoking
themes and will take turns reading aloud from the
book of Eichah (Lamentations) by candlelight.
The whole family is encouraged to participate in
our deeply moving Tishah B’Av observance.
Visit Our New Website
Go to www.shirtikva.org
Here are some shortcuts:
• www.shirtikva.org/events-and-resources/Vats-Nu
Sunday, June 3,
7 p.m.
current issue of Vats Nu
• www.shirtikva.org/events-and-resources/Hineni-on-the-
web
current and past issues of Hineni
•
RSVP to:
www.shirtikva.org/concert
• www.shirtikva.org/about/givingtzedakah
make an online donation
•
“Rarely can one combine incredible musical
talent and charisma as Josh does.”
Temple Shir Tikva
www.shirtikva.org/calendar/month
current temple calendar
www.shirtikva.org/events-resources/photo-galleries
view member photos
Page 5
Hineni
June - August 2012 Sivan - Elul 5772
Adult Education
Shabbat Morning Torah Study
Rabbi Neal Gold, Rabbi Greg Litcofsky
Every Saturday, 9:30 a.m.
Every Shabbat morning, a group of spirited students gather to study
the weekly Torah portion. The conversation is always insightful and
fun as we explore our ancient texts and mine them for contemporary
meaning. The group is open and inviting and everyone is welcome to
join us as we uncover the Torah’s timeless lessons and values.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Torah Study
Rabbi Neal Gold, Rabbi Greg Litcofsky
2nd Saturday each month, 9:15 a.m.
Our pre-Bar/Bat Mitzvah students and their families join together as a
learning community monthly, to study the weekly Torah portion.
Students, parents, siblings and grandparents are always invited to join
our teachers for a freewheeling conversation about the foundation
texts of Jewish life.
Wednesday Torah Study
Rabbi Neal Gold
Every Wednesday, 10-11:30 a.m.
An inspired group gathers on Wednesday mornings for friendship,
community, and the study of the great books of the Jewish people
(both ancient and contemporary). Newcomers are always invited to
join this very warm and special community within the Temple for
mid-week spiritual insights from our tradition.
Shir Tikva Book Group Will Discuss
Out of Egypt: A Memoir
Monday, June 11, 7:30 - 9 p.m.
The second meeting of a TST book “course” that complements TST’s adult continuing Jewish education program will
meet Monday, June 11 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Liliane Schlor will
lead the group in a discussion of the book Out of Egypt: A
Memoir, by Andre Aciman. The book is available from Minuteman Library Network and Amazon.com.
Aciman uses his great talents as a raconteur and his sharp
sense of humor to give us a vivid account of his easy and joyful
life and that of members of his family at the time preceding the
massive and painful departures of Jews from Egypt, following
the major changes in political and economic conditions.
For the future the group is considering the following books:
• Standing with Israel, D. Brog, - (The September selection)
• The Jew in the Lotus, R. Kamenetz
• The Counterlife, P. Roth
• Short stories of Etgar Keret
Please join our June meeting and suggest books that you
found interesting for group discussion. Contact Chuck Huizenga
at chas.huizenga@comcast.net with any questions.
Summer Intern Needed
For Social Media Projects
The TST Communications Committee is looking for one or several
volunteer interns to help with summer projects. Most projects can be
done from home. Students or other
volunteers looking to enhance their
knowledge of social media and
newsletter publication are invited to
contact Joan Blair, blair.joan@
gmail.com. Four projects have been
identified: photo sorting, Facebook,
Constant Contact and LinkedIn.
For more information, go to
http://shirtikva.org/volunteeropportunities (this website page requires
member login).
Page 6
Temple Shir Tikva
June - August 2012 Sivan – Elul 5772
Looking Back at Mitzvah Day 2011
Hineni
Join Us to Thank
Laurie Weinstein at
Shabbat Services on June 22
For six months, Laurie Weinstein has
blessed our community’s bimah as our
cantorial soloist while Cantor Schachner
has been on sabbatical. She’s joined our
rabbis in leading Shabbat and Yom Tov
services, trained our Bar/Bat Mitzvah
students, prepared our volunteer Torah
readers, and has brought us innumerable
gifts with her voice and spirit.
Laurie, her husband Rabbi Michael
Weinstein, and their son, Mose, have
blessed our congregation since their arrival here. Now, as Rabbi Weinstein begins
a new pulpit in Johns Creek, Georgia, we
send them off with love and thanks.
Please join us as our community says
L’hitraot! at Shabbat services on June 22.
Israel Celebration Day 2012
Jewish Family Services
TST community members gathered Sunday, April
29, to mark Israel’s Independence Day. The celebration included a cookout, performances, crafts and
Israeli dancing, music and games.
Temple Shir Tikva
Page 7
Hineni
June - August 2012 Sivan - Elul 5772
jepig Youth Community
Fond Memories for 16 TST Grads
by Evan Joseph Berkowitz
C
hatting happily about the ins and outs of high school
life, still full from a dinner of Chinese food, and, as always, ready to learn, the Temple Shir Tikva graduating
class of 5772 sat down for their final class on Wednesday, May 9.
The students, who graduated on Friday, May 18, reminisced on
their years at Shir Tikva—from children in the Religious School up
to their final weeks of Youth Community. Senior Melissa Hill said
of her time at Shir Tikva: “The memories are priceless.” Along
with Melissa, 15 other students from throughout greater Boston,
including Daniel Abend, Claire Bailey, Rachel Becker, Asa Hecker,
Jeffrey Kasle, Marissa Kaye, Sara Kohlberg, Julia Levinson, Halle
O’Conor, Haylee Rosenblatt, Mariko Sadagursky, Julia Saltzman,
Cameron Scari, Jacob Slater and Bradley Swartz all graduated this
year.
The 16 students have all been involved in the temple, whether
through Youth Community, various trips to places from Washington, D.C. to Israel, acting as a Madrich or Madricha in the temple’s
Religious School, or simply attending services to be part of their
Jewish community. Melissa also said that she was “really going to
miss this place” and “all the great times we had here.”
Jeffrey Kasle realized that graduation, like Bar Mitzvah or Confirmation, “is just another step in Jewish life.” He acknowledged
that he was closing one book, but opening another. “I’m looking
forward to finishing this journey. It’s been great.”
Youth Community meant many different things to students
who graduated on May 18. For some, it was an escape from their
hectic lives as high school seniors to an oasis of spirituality. Even
though some were struggling to balance preparation for college
with busy social lives and jobs, most still found time for their Judaism. To others, Youth Community was a weekly chance to learn
even more about their rich heritage and religion from Eli Katzof,
one of the teachers at Shir Tikva. For others, it was a chance to eat
a good meal and see friends from other towns they would not see
otherwise. “I’m going to miss my Wednesday dinners with all my
Jewish friends,” added Cameron Scari of his Youth Community
experience.
Whatever the reason, it was heartwarming for parents, friends
and relatives of the TST class of 5772 to see seniors graduate on the
same Bimah where many of them became a Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
Large classes, like the 16 who graduated in May, prove to educators
like Rabbi Neal Gold, who taught many of the twelfth grade
classes, that they are doing something right.
It was with a firm handshake, a warm farewell and a delicious
hot dog at the Youth Community picnic on May 16 that all of the
administrative and educational staff at Shir Tikva wished the very
best to the graduating class of 5772.
Evan Berkowitz, a sophomore at Lincoln Sudbury Regional High
School, writes for and co-edits the news section of the school’s awardwinning newspaper, The Forum.
Page 8
The 7th grade Rosh Hodesh girls recently baked cookies for the
Kesher Committee to distribute to Shir Tikva families with a
member who is ill. Liz Kaye and Laura Kaye are pictured.
Temple Shir Tikva Paid For Recycling
Our temple is being paid for paper put in the bright green and
yellow recycling bin located outside, near the loading dock.
Accepted items include newspapers, magazines, catalogs, mail,
paperback books and colored paper. Please help us by bringing
your recyclable paper products to the temple.
Temple Shir Tikva
June - August 2012 Sivan – Elul 5772
Hineni
TST Youth Joined
“Walk for Hunger”
On May 6
(Left to right) Lauren Morgart, Nan Morgart, Ethan Stone,
Adam Roberts, Meredith Roberts, Jacob Robin and Stacey
Robin.
Above, left to right: Adam Roberts, Ethan Stone and Lauren
Morgart finished the “Walk for
Hunger,” which was a full 20
miles.
Right: Eighteen Shir Tikva members gathered at the “Walk for
Hunger” on May 6.
Temple Shir Tikva
Page 9
Hineni
June - August 2012 Sivan - Elul 5772
cenl sc Page of Study
Over the past year, the Adult Bar and Bat Mitzvah class has been studying together on a weekly basis in
anticipation of their B’nai Mitzvah. Together, we have been on a journey of learning and exploration.
This month, for our Daf Limmud, some of the students share with us the drashot that they have written.
They have taught us and one another deep and rich Torah and it’s our pleasure to share this with you.
Please join us as we celebrate their B’nai Mitzvah on Saturday, June 23, at 10:45 a.m.
Karen Pelto teaches:
Cataclysmic events unfold in this week’s Torah portion, sparked by an apparent power struggle between Moses
and Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, who demand to know why
Moses and Aaron have raised themselves above the congregation, insisting that all of the community is holy. The next
day, the earth opens and swallows the three men’s households, people, and possessions - they vanish “from the midst
of their congregation.” A fire then consumes the 250 men of
Korah’s company who offered incense at the entrance of the
Tent of Meeting. Following these annihilations, the congregation rails against Moses and Aaron, accusing them of
bringing death upon “the Lord’s people” – in response,
14,700 are struck down by plague.
It is made clear that the severe punishment is in response
to sins and actions that will not be tolerated. Moses orders
the community to withdraw from the tents of Korah,
Dathan, and Abiram, “lest you be wiped out for all their
sins.” Those who offered incense at the entrance of the Tent
of Meeting “have sinned at the cost of their lives.” G-d instructs that the fire pans be fashioned into plating for the
altar and Aaron’s staff be placed before the Tent of the Pact
to serve as a warning to the people and lesson to the rebels.
What are these sins? In response to Korah, Dathan,
and Abiram, Moses states “Truly, it is against the Lord that
you and all your company have banded together.” As for the
congregation, G-d acts to stop the “incessant mutterings” of
the Israelites against both Moses and G-d. For me, it is not
entirely satisfying to think of their statements and actions as
sins, so I looked to last week’s Torah portion for clues. In
Shelah-Lekha, G-d asks Moses to speak to the Israelites to
convey required actions and consequences. Among these
is: "But the person, be he citizen or stranger, who acts defiantly reviles the Lord; that person shall be cut off from
among his people." Acts defiantly – the challenges to Moses
and Aaron are the sins. Why is defiance a sin?
In today’s turbulent world, there are often two vantage
points from which to view defiance. To those in power, people who defy are cast as traitors and jailed or executed for
their words or actions. To those who are powerless or are
Page 10
observing from afar, they are cast as heroes and admired.
Some dissidents even assume leadership roles in the very
regimes that they had defied – Lech Walesa in Poland, Nelson Mandela in South Africa. Most become symbols of freedom from oppression. To me, the most striking current
symbols are the more than 30 Tibetan monks, nuns, and
individuals who have set fire to themselves to protest exile
from their homeland. China labels these protestors as criminals or separatists while Tibetans view their actions as necessary and noble.
I struggle with labeling the defiant actions of
Korah, his followers, and the congregation, as sins. Korah,
Dathan, and Abiram’s motivations are not made explicit in
the Torah. The translation states that Korah “betook himself” along with the others to rise up. Were they acting independently in a bid for power? This appears to be the view of
Moses, who frames their demand as rooted in dissatisfaction
with their role as Levites. Perhaps they were acting as
spokesmen, giving voice to the general discontent of the
people of Israel. This is a distinct possibility, as later the
people speak up against Moses themselves.
We can draw lessons from Korah about leadership in
times of crisis or stress. While we may not face conflict of
this scale in our personal or professional lives, we all have
times in our lives when we are called upon to lead and we
can certainly all benefit from learning to identify where possibilities to resolve conflict exist. Understanding the motivations behind people’s words and actions are key. Different
attitudes, values and beliefs contribute to the intensity and
intractability of conflicts.
If someone’s position is grounded in an attitude, there is
a great deal of room for dialogue, compromise and change.
Positions based on beliefs are more deeply held and less
likely to shift. Only by exploring the underlying motivations
for people’s words and actions are we able to resolve conflict, or at least mediate its effects. If defiance is always met
with swift and severe retribution, there is no opportunity for
positive change – in ourselves, our congregation, our community….and our world.
Temple Shir Tikva
June - August 2012 Sivan – Elul 5772
Hineni
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Amy Podolsky teaches:
In Be-Midbar, G-d speaks to Moses in the Midbar – the
Wilderness – and commands him to take a census of the Israelites, in a very specific manner. “Take a census of the whole Israelite community by the clans of its ancestral houses, listing the
names, every male, head by head…from the age of twenty years
up, all those in Israel who are able to bear arms.” (Numbers 1: 14) So Moses, along with Aaron, did as he was told. Per G-d’s
instruction, a “head” of each household (or tribe) was appointed,
12 in total), to assist in counting. The total of this count was 603,
550.
The Levites, as was also commanded by G-d, were not
counted among the Israelites; they were assigned a separate (and
special) task. “…You shall put the Levites in charge of the Tabernacle of the Pact, all its furnishings, and everything that pertains
to it: they shall carry the Tabernacle and all its furnishings, and
they shall tend it; and they shall camp around the Tabernacle.
When the Tabernacle is to set out, the Levites shall take it down,
and when the Tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it
up; any outsider who encroaches shall be put to death.”(Numbers 1: 50-52)
Next, G-d further subdivides the people by singling out the
Kohathite clan from among the Levites, telling Moses and Aaron
to take a separate census of this family-within-the-family, by
counting the men, “…from the age of thirty years up to the age of
fifty, all who are subject to service, to perform tasks for the Tent
of Meeting.” (Numbers 4: 3-4) To this group, G-d assigns the
important task of handling the “most sacred objects” in the Tent
of Meeting. G-d firmly instructs that The Kohathite should not be
left alone to perform these sacred duties, that they should not be
not be separated from the rest of the Levites, and that they
should always be under the direct supervision of Aaron and his
sons. So sacred are these objects that it appears G-d does not
even want The Kohathites to look at them before they are covered: “…let Aaron and his sons go in and assign each of them to
his duties and porterage. But let not [The Kohathites] go inside
and witness the dismantling of the sanctuary, lest they
die.” (Numbers 4: 19-21)
I had several questions after reading this parashah. Why
were only the men counted in the census? Was there any significance to the timing in which G-d commands Moses to take these
censuses? Why on the first day of the second month in the second
year following the Exodus from Egypt?) Why all the specific
instructions as to who is to camp (and march) where? The spirit
of this last question struck me most throughout this reading. Not
so much the camping and marching, but rather all of the emphasis and attention to detail that G-d places on anything and everything related to the Tabernacle, its most sacred objects, and of
course, “The Pact.” Nothing, it seems, is left to chance, and extraordinary lengths are taken to protect these treasures, down to
the color of cloth that covers lamps in the Tabernacle.
I tried to imagine what in my world could have such importance, what I would so painstakingly watch over and protect, and
Temple Shir Tikva
the only answer that seemed to resonate with me was my children. It seems like an obvious one; I would certainly go to any
length to protect my kids. When they were very little, I watched
over them with great care. My schedule revolved around their
schedules: bedtimes, mealtimes, bath times, nap times, etc. I was
extremely rigid about their care, and felt fear about their general
well being. My diaper bag was stocked with sanitary wipes,
plastic table covers for restaurants and infant Tylenol, just in
case. When I would go out, leaving my kids under the protection
and care of others, I was very specific in communicating instructions, lest Josh and Danny fall out of routine, fall ill, or fall asleep
at the wrong time. I don’t know that I can draw a line between Gd’s vigilance around the care and keeping of the Tabernacle (and
its sacred contents), and the memories of myself as a young, neurotic mother. It seems to be a stretch. Why? Are my children not
my most precious treasures, just as the Torah is to G-d? Of course
they are. However, I suspect that protecting one’s most valuable
possessions in the comforts of Brookline (and later Sudbury),
may be slightly less threatening than in the desolate Midbar.
Looking back, it was a luxury to have fears such as one’s child
getting sick from not washing his hands after a visit to the playground or local deli. And we had a good pediatrician who took
care of the children when they inevitably got sick. In contrast, Gd’s fears (or so it seems), were a matter of the life or death of the
Jewish People. There was no back-up. Had this Covenant been
lost, stolen or otherwise destroyed, so too, would our Jewish
heritage. What I can relate to, although the circumstances and
conditions were much different, is the idea of (and fear around)
trying to keep something that is so sacred…safe.
I am incredibly grateful that G-d took such extreme measures to protect our Covenant and our people. Had all of these
painstakingly detailed measures (the counting, the camping, the
marching, the taking down and the pitching, the who’s doing
what, the covering items in blue cloth and dolphin skin, etc., etc.)
not been taken, I do not believe I would be sitting here today,
writing a drash for my adult Bat Mitzvah. This parashah says to
me that our Jewish heritage (and its survival) was (and is) very
sacred and important; that G-d intended for it to be passed down
from generation to generation, and available to all.
Although my parents did instill in me a deep sense of “Jewish
pride” (for which I am grateful), I, like many daughters of assimilated Jews, did not become a Bat Mitzvah as a child. I always felt
a longing for a deeper connection to Judaism, but felt it was out
of my reach. Temple Shir Tikva, and its clergy, helped change
that misconception. Almost five years ago, I shared my story
with Rabbi Litcofsky, to which he simply said, “So have an adult
Bat Mitzvah!” And when I meekly replied, “But I don’t know any
Hebrew,” he said, “So you’ll learn Hebrew!”
It didn’t seem plausible to me at the time, but here I am. Rabbi
Gold and Rabbi Litcofsky have been amazing, inspiring teachers.
I have learned so much about “living Jewishly,” and what it
means to become a Bat Mitzvah. I am pleased to report that my
kids survived many a childhood virus and I am thrilled that I can
join them, and Scott, in living a Jewish life, as G-d intended.
Page 11
Hineni
June - August 2012 Sivan - Elul 5772
cenl sc Page of Study
Randi Sterrn teaches:
The parsha Korach, Numbers 16, has many themes running
through it. Leadership, faith, envy and patience are all present,
but the theme that I grappled with most was power. This theme
runs throughout the portion and makes me uncomfortable.
Moses has power, as he is God’s messenger. He believes that
he has absolute power in this capacity which impacts his leadership. His expectation is that all will follow him because of this
power. Korach, however, finds power in numbers. He has 250
followers who choose to defy Moses and God, as they are running
out of patience and are envious of Moses’ power. But the ultimate
power lies with God. We pray to the “all powerful God” regularly
and we have faith that God will lead us to the right place. We
know that God is the ultimate power and we trust that that the
path he sets us on and the decisions he makes for us are the right
ones, even if they are difficult for us to understand. Naturally, we
don’t sit back and just wait for things to happen. We pave our
own path, but know there is a power that is watching over us.
Korach and his followers did not believe this and drove to make
things happen for themselves. Their power was in numbers, but
as we learned, there was no number greater than G-d.
My discomfort comes from the way G-d used G-d’s power. Gd swallowed up Korach and his followers. Moses, as G-d’s follower, and our leader, allowed this to happen. So these people
were tired, hungry, disappointed and yes, rebellious, and the only
possible solution was to kill them? This would not be acceptable
in today’s society. We do not tolerate cultures that allow for absolute power and for killing people who disagree with the general
point of view. Beyond that, when others questioned God’s action,
they were killed. As the parsha states, another 14,700 were killed
by a plague. It states there is a “wrath gone out from the Lord.” So
G-d has a temper! We know that having a temper is rarely a good
thing and leads to substandard results in our lives, but here G-d’s
temper was used to kill G-d’s own people. This concerns me. G-d
has absolute power and a temper. This combination resulted in
the death of the people who questioned God, Moses and Aaron.
What would have happened if G-d reacted differently?
Would we have been taken over by Korach and his followers and
would our lives have been different? Would we never have become the strong people that we are today? All this is unknown.
But what I do know is that we as a people do not have the same
power as God, yet we do have power in our lives. We should not
abuse that power, but rather use it for good.
The most important power that we possess is that of teaching
our children — teaching them to be good people, to make their
way in life as contributing members of the community, to accept
other points of view, to be tolerant and to be kind. As I read
Korach, I couldn’t help but think that G-d was acting like a bully.
This disturbed me, but as I considered it further, I came to believe
that perhaps this was not actually the case, because we know G-d
had a plan for us and was protecting us from what might have
happened. Yet we cannot accept bullying from our children or
Page 12
adults in any community. We, as adults, have the power to teach
our children that bullying is a bad use of power and not to accept
it. We have the power to instill confidence, thoughtfulness and
kindness in our children so that they never feel the need to be a
bully and have the confidence to turn away from a bully. We accept G-d’s use of his power because we know that G-d uses his
power wisely and there is no greater power for any of us than
knowing how to use our own power wisely.
Brad Puffer teaches:
What begins in greed for power concludes with the mitzvah
of giving. At the beginning of this Torah portion, greed leads to
the death of Korah and his rebellion. That is in direct contrast to
the end of the Torah portion, when the gifts provided by the Israelites to the Levites sustain life and faith, making the Jews, survival possible.
During one heated argument, as Korah rebelled, Moses said,
“Is it not enough for you that the G-d of Israel has set you
apart…. Now that he has advanced you and all your fellow Levites with you, do you seek the priesthood too?”
It was not enough for Korah and his band of Levites to accept
the blessings they already had. Korah’s desire for more power,
control and wealth were his ultimate downfall. The rebels had
now been convinced they were unfairly brought from Egypt, suddenly describing it as “a land flowing with milk and honey.”
They looked back to the days in Egypt with rose-colored glasses,
unable to give thanks for their newfound freedom. In the end,
they were literally destroyed by their own gluttony when the
“earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up.”
At the end of the Torah portion, G-d tells Moses to set aside
one-tenth of the offering from the Israelites as a tithe to the Levites so that they may study and perform their priestly duties. It’s
a gift that allows Judaism to live and breathe. Those types of gifts
continue to sustain Judaism to this day, allowing us to stand in
our beautiful synagogue, to learn more about ourselves and our
faith from our rabbis, and to help teach our children so that Judaism can continue to survive and not be destroyed like Korah.
At the heart of this Torah portion about Korah’s rebellion is
how important it is to look around us and give thanks for what we
have. Not every day will be perfect. Some days we may yearn for
more. We may want to be the big boss. We may want a better job
and a bigger house. We, too, will sometimes look back at our past
with rose-colored glasses. But this Torah portion shows how that
does not bring happiness. In fact, that desire can destroy us.
Compared to many others in this world, we are, of course, very
lucky. But we are also blessed to be here today in a community
that cares for each other. We are blessed to believe in something
that is more than just ourselves. And it’s why we must continue
to give back to others and to our community. If we do that, our
Jewish faith will endure and never be swallowed up.
Temple Shir Tikva
June - August 2012 Sivan – Elul 5772
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Elaine Winer teaches:
The story of Korah and his followers and their demise
was striking and yet familiar. I found myself looking at
Moses and Aaron and wondering about their leadership as
well as their communications and relationships with the
nation of Israel. Another part which struck me was the nation’s feelings of hopelessness and despair, even after G-d
saved them for not rebelling or following the organizers and
non-supporters of Moses and Aaron.
It is surprising that Moses and Aaron had no idea of what
was stirring in the desert. There must have been many meetings and discussions about Moses and Aaron’s failures as
leaders, messengers of G-d, and their inability to get them to
the Land of Milk and Honey. Plans must have been made
for the rebellion for so many to stand up and protest; but we
must also ask how out of touch were Moses and Aaron to
not recognize that something was stirring?
This particular type of situation continues in our world
today. We have corporations with officers and management
in a hierarchy whose jobs are to carry out the goals of the
corporation. These goals are decided at the highest executive
level and follow a chain of command to be enacted and realized. We know that communication must be to staff at all
levels, plans must be made and workers engaged to carry a
project to completion. But what happens in an organization
where people are not allowed to meet, express their views
and collaborate? What happens to those who feel their work
and workplace is oppressive? These employees may feel that
they are not compensated properly, work too many hours
and do not get recognized or rewarded for all they contribute. They may opt to leave the employer and find brighter
horizons, or if employees feel they have no other options, a
union may step in and help them get the compensation,
benefits, and working conditions they deserve .
Although Moses had Chieftains to head each tribe,
just as a board or CEO has management, we do not get a
sense that Moses and Aaron were in complete control of
communications with the Chieftains for others to take such
drastic and dangerous steps as described in the parasha.
When the words “Moses fell on his face” appear, one may
picture a face in a state of total shock, horror, disbelief or
even shame. Did Moses carry on regular meetings with the
chieftains? Did the chieftains attempt to discuss what was
going on among their tribes with Moses? Did the leaders and
Moses collaborate among themselves?
If they did bring these matters up, did Moses ignore them
or give them the latitude to resolve these issues themselves?
Being a leader of thousands of people and a messenger of Gd while wandering in the desert is admittedly a tremendous
responsibility. However, it appears that Moses was not up to
the task and G-d needed to step in with a clenched fist in
order to get the people back on the path .
Looking For a Meaningful Volunteer Experience? Consider Jeff’s Place
Jeff’s Place, a community-based, family-focused program,
provides FREE peer
support groups and
services to children
and teens, ages preschool through high
school, and their caregivers coping with a
significant death loss. All families are welcome, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity
or socioeconomic status.
Jeff’s Place is open to the entire Metro
West community and our support groups
Temple Shir Tikva
are 100% free, though all donations are
gratefully accepted. We are proud and
truly appreciative of our partnership with
Temple Shir Tikva in Wayland, who generously provides us with a much needed
home for our support groups. Jeff’s Place
is a nonprofit 501(c)3.
Jeff’s Place support groups take place at
Temple Shir Tikva every other Monday
evening from 6:30-8:15 for family participants and from 5:30-9:30 for Volunteer
Facilitators. Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of one-year (late September-June) facilitating groups after suc-
cessful completion of the training.
Once volunteer facilitators complete
training, they will be matched to an appropriate position. If you are interested in
helping in another way, we always need
volunteers to assist with administrative/
organizational tasks and special events.
For more information or to register for
the next Volunteer Facilitator Training,
contact Jenny Kaplan Schreiber at
jenny@jeffsplacemetrowest, call 508-2763225 or visit www. jeffsplacemetrowest.
org.
Page 13
Hineni
June - August 2012 Sivan - Elul 5772
mler oewiz Tikkun Olam
Temple Shir Tikva's 2nd Annual
Mitzvah Day
Grow Your Hair
For Locks of Love
Locks of Love, a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United
States and Canada who are suffering from
long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis, will again be a part of our templewide Mitzvah Day program on October 28.
A minimum length of 10 inches is
needed for a Locks of Love hair donation,
so if you’ve always wanted to donate your
hair to Locks of Love, now is the time:
Ready, Set, GROW!
Locks of Love’s mission is to return a
sense of self, confidence and normalcy to
children suffering from hair loss by utilizing
donated ponytails to provide the highest
quality hair prosthetics to financially disadvantaged children. The children receive hair
prostheses free of charge or on a sliding
scale, based on financial need.
Guidelines for Hair Donations
•Hair that is colored or permed is acceptable.
•Hair that has been bleached (usually this
refers to highlighted hair) is not usable. If
unsure, ask your stylist. If the hair was
bleached years ago and has completely
grown out, it is fine to donate.
•Hair that is swept off of the floor is not
usable because it is not bundled in a ponytail or braid.
•Hair that is shaved off and not in a
ponytail or braid is not usable. If shaving
your head, first divide hair into multiple
ponytails to cut off.
•Layered hair is acceptable if the longest
layer is 10 inches.
Page 14
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Featuring special guest lecturer
October 28, 2012
Danny Siegel
T
emple Shir Tikva is thrilled to welcome world renowned "Mitzvah Maven," Danny Siegel, back as
our guest lecturer for this very special day. Danny is
often referred to as The Worlds Greatest Expert on Microphilanthropy, The Feeling Person's Thinker, and The Pied Piper of
Tzedakah.
He is a well-known author, lecturer and poet who has spoken
in more than 500 North American communities to communal
organizations, synagogues, and JCC's on Tzedakah and Jewish
values. Danny is the author of 29 books on such topics as practical and personalized giving and has produced an anthology of 500 selections of Biblical and Talmudic quotes about living life called Where Heaven and Earth Touch. Danny is also a
poet and several of his published books are poetry.
Danny Siegel founded the Ziv Tzedakah Fund (www.ziv.org) in 1981 after making several trips to Israel carrying money to be distributed to those in need. Jewish
tradition teaches that anyone on a mission of good deeds will be saved from harm,
so, on each trip, Danny followed this age-old custom and asked friends and relatives for a dollar or two to give away to Tzedakah upon his arrival in the Holy
Land.
Danny has a B.S. in Comparative Literature from Columbia University's School
of General Studies and a Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Hebrew Literature
from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. He is one of three recipients of
the prestigious 1993 Covenant Award for Exceptional Jewish Educators.
Mitzvah Day is a wonderful opportunity for our entire congregation to come
together in the spirit of Tikkun Olam — repairing the world. This year’s program
will once again feature many hands-on mitzvah opportunities for congregants of all
ages, both here at our temple, and out in the greater Metrowest community.
More Mitzvah Day program details will be available in the coming months. See
Mitzvah Day 2011 photos on page 6.
Get in on the planning! We welcome anyone who wants to be involved, and
hope you will consider joining a committee. For more information, contact Danyel
Rodgers at drodgers@chestnuthillrealty.com or Amy Podolsky at amypodol@
aol.com.
Temple Shir Tikva
June - August 2012 Sivan – Elul 5772
Hineni
Passport to Israel
Gift Cards Available
Help a child you know
save for the trip of a lifetime
by donating to their
Passport to Israel Fund.
To purchase a
Passport to Israel gift card, visit
the temple’s main office.
It’s a great way to celebrate accomplishments, honor
milestones and help a child
reach his or her dream.
THE MYRA AND ROBERT KRAFT
PASSPORT TO ISRAEL PROGRAM
Volunteers Needed
to visit people receiving hospice care
You can make a difference in someone’s life in
as little as one hour a week.
Training is provided.
Non-contact positions are also available.
Call Alice Hutter at West River Care:
781-707-9580
Temple Shir Tikva
Page 15
Hineni
June - August 2012 Sivan - Elul 5772
dlidw
Gathering
Final Brotherhood Game
Night of the Year
Thursday, June 14, 7:30 p.m.
Join us for another game night of fun
and talking with other men from the temple. This is the last game night scheduled
until October. We will be playing a Texas
Hold’em tournament including free movie
passes for the winners.
If poker doesn’t strike your fancy, then
bring along a chess board or other game of
interest and you should find someone to
play with. Pass the word on to your friends
at the temple to join us also.
If you have any questions or to let us
know you are planning to attend, email
Peter Abend at tstbrotherhood@shirtikva.
org.
We will be collecting $20 for temple
members and $25 for non-members to play
in the Texas Hold’em tournament. The cost
is $5 ($10 for non-members) if you are not
playing poker to cover refreshments. We
look forward to seeing you there.
We are extremely appreciative
of your donations. Please help us
to properly allocate your
contributions by writing
a note on your check
or using a donation form.
Page 16
Annual TST Brotherhood Golf Classic
Set for June 12 at Stow Acres Country Club
T
here is still time to join us at the 12th Annual Temple Shir Tikva Golf
Tournament on Monday, June 18, at Stow Acres Country Club in Stow.
Registration and lunch start at noon with a shotgun start at 1:30.
The TST Golf Classic is an opportunity not only to participate in a fun-filled
gathering of golf enthusiasts at every level of play and to rekindle friendships, but
also to support Temple Shir Tikva at the same time. This is the Brotherhood’s big
event of the year, so come on out and help us make this a success.
There are several ways to participate whether you golf or not …
• Play golf. Sign up yourself, invite your spouse or friend, or bring
your own foursome. We'll match you up with golfers of similar ability. We play the "best ball" style of play that get's everyone involved
in the fun. Just $200 covers 18 holes, golf cart, box lunch and
heavy hors d'oeuvres after golf- not to mention the after-golf awards
and live and silent auctions.
• Buy raffle Tickets. Get your raffle tickets for a great chance of winning 4 Red Sox tickets located in the owner’s box seats near the Red
Sox on deck circle!
• Become a sponsor. If you own a business or know someone who
does, you can sponsor a hole, the lunch, the hors d'oeuvres, or the
entire tournament with a generous donation that also generates terrific
publicity.
• Donate auction items. Donate sports or theatre tickets, vacation
properties, personal services or other merchandise of value. These can
be a huge part of the proceeds for the golf classic offered up through
our silent and live auction. Your donations are very much welcomed
and appreciated.
• Join us for drinks and hors d’oeuvres and bid on auction items.
Take home great gifts that you and your family will enjoy. And be
part of the fun at our auctions.
Get your foursome together or register to be added to a foursome and make new
friends. For information, to register or to buy raffle tickets go to www.shirtikva.
org/golf.
Temple Shir Tikva
June - August 2012 Sivan – Elul 5772
dlidw
Hineni
Gathering
TST Sisterhood –
Looking Back and
Planning Ahead
Left and Below: Randy Kamen Gredinger led the evening’s conversation last month at the Annual Sisterhood Dinner. Her topic was Gain Perspectives and
Practices to Transform your Life: An Interactive and
Experiential Conversation.
It has been a joy and a privilege to
gather with generations of Temple Shir
Tikva women this past year to learn and
laugh, sing and schmooze. Several ideas
for next year have already been mentioned, such as Yiddish cooking, and we
welcome your ongoing input and involvement - this is your Sisterhood!
The Women’s Kallah, first held in
2010, is a signature event that builds community as women engage in opportunities
to socialize, learn, explore and grow. The
number of women involved in planning
the Kallah continues to grow – plan to join
us next year!
The Annual Dinner continues to inspire
us as we explore topics relevant to our
lives as modern Jewish women – as well
as providing an opportunity to socialize in
a relaxed atmosphere. This year’s speaker
was our own Randy Kamen Gredinger.
• Planning for Pesach has evolved from a
more formal women’s seder to a casual
gathering where Pesach stories, ideas
and recipes are shared during a communal meal.
• Sisterhood Schmooze is an informal
gathering offering women the chance to
simply socialize and make friends old
and new.
Julie Pivor and
Lauren Rikleen
(seated) baking for
the Kallah.
The 2012 Kallah Committee (left to right): Amy Gilbert, Karen
Pelto, Karen Langweber, Lisa Lewtan, Gayle Tillman, Jennifer
Weisberg, (Kallah Chair), Jodi Swartz, Jill Abend, Cheryl Savit,
Lisa Schreiber, Julie Pivor, Janice Malkin, Jayne Lampert, Bonnie
Levy, Susan Cohen. Committee members not pictured: Laurie Bogdan, Susan Benjamin, and Jill Katz)
• The Book Group offers women the
opportunity to exchange views on traditions and values as we read Jewishthemed books.
• The Mah-Jongg Tournament, new in
2012, gives women the chance to come
together and enjoy some friendly competition – and conversation.
Jill Abend & Karen Pelto, Co-Chairs
JillCarole@aol.com; kpelto@verizon.net
Temple Shir Tikva
Seven tables of women gathered for friendly competition at the Mah Jongg Tournament
on May 17. Winners were Cathy Regensburger (1st), Elaine Freedman (2nd) and Robin
Sklar (3rd). Left photo: (left to right) Sandy Mitts and Marjorie Lustig. Right photo: (left
to right) Jodi Swartz, Melinda Whitman, Liz Shron and Robin Sklar.
Page 17
Hineni
June - August 2012 Sivan - Elul 5772
Temple Shir Tikva Library
By Susan Saul, Librarian
Recent Additions to the Library
The Sacred Table: Creating a Jewish Food
Ethic / Edited by Mary L. Zamore
The Sacred Table: Creating a Jewish Food Ethic
serves up a rich dialogue about the intersection of
Judaism and food. This anthology of essays explores the questions and challenges of navigating
the personal and communal choices about eating.
The historic Jewish approach to eating, traditionally termed Kashrut, is explored, broadened and,
in some cases, challenged within this volume. Throughout The Sacred Table, Kashrut is viewed as a multifaceted Jewish relationship with food and its production,
integrating values such as ethics, community, and spirituality into our dietary practice.
NOTE: Rabbi Neal Gold was on the Sacred Table Task
Force and contributed the chapter: “Let all who are
hungry come and eat: Food ethics, Tzedakah and how
we celebrate.”
On the Doorposts of Your House: Prayers and
Ceremonies for the Jewish home / Chaim
Stern, ed.
This revised and expanded edition of the classic
home prayerbook Gates of the House includes a
wealth of new readings and meditations for private and family devotions on all occasions.
Filling Words with Light: Hasidic and
Mystical Reflections on Jewish Prayer / Lawrence Kushner
Jewish mystics teach that every word a person
utters in prayer should radiate light. Even the
letters of the words of prayer carry sparks of the
Divine that yearn to join together in holiness. In
this inspiring spiritual companion, Reform Rabbi
Lawrence Kushner and Orthodox Rabbi Nehemia
Polen join together to provide a window into the liturgy
for people of all backgrounds by offering fresh insights
and meditations that bring the traditional prayerbook to
life.
Did Moses Really Have Horns? And Other
Myths about Jews and Judaism / Rifat Sonsino
Why did generations of people grow up thinking
that Jews really had horns? Did Eve really eat an
apple, and if not, why does everyone think she
did? Did Noah's ark really exist? Did Moses
really write the Torah? This fascinating book explores these and many other assumptions about
Jews and Judaism. Rabbi Sonsino uses history,
archeology, and other scholarship to debunk familiar
myths, showing how and why they developed over time.
Hebrew Talk : 101 Hebrew Roots and the
Stories They Tell / Joseph Lowin
An exploration of Hebrew roots, shorashim, that
draws from a wide range of sources--biblical and
Rabbinic texts, contemporary authors, and a diverse collection of Israeli Hebrew: newspapers,
advertising slogans, slang and graffiti.
The Rashi School Hosting PUDDLESTOMPERS
The Rashi School is excited to be hosting PUDDLESTOMPERS Summer Nature Program from July 9-August 3.
It’s a great opportunity for children ages 3-8 to:
Explore vernal pools hidden among white pine trees
Flip over logs to find worms, bugs, and salamanders
Discover bird nests in grassy meadows
Each week has a different theme. Sign up for several different weeks:
• Bone Detectives (July 9 - 13)
What did an owl eat for lunch? Investigate real bones to uncover
clues about animal life!
Page 18
• Dino Nature (July 16 - 20)
Learn about plants and animals that have existed since the time of the
dinosaurs.
Scientists in Training (July 23 - 27)
Explore a different scientific field each day with fun activities and
outdoor experiments.
• Nature Builders (July 30 - August 3)
Nature is full of busy builders! Weave a spider web and construct a
giant bird nest.
For more information, go to http://www.puddlestompers.com/
Summer %20Program/dedhamsummer.html or call The Rashi School..
Temple Shir Tikva
June - August 2012 Sivan – Elul 5772
Hineni
Donations
Adult Education Fund
•Jay and Barbara Gainsboro - in memory
of Joan Jarvis, mother of Cathy Regensburger
•Jay and Barbara Gainsboro - in memory
of Sheldon Schneider, father of Dan
Schneider
Annual Fund
•Daniel and Betty Ann Miller
•David and Elaine Polansky
•Ken and Anna Chase
•Michael Groff and Joy Saini
•Sara Salomon
•Gerald and Sandra Kraft
•Michael and Wendy Simches
•Ken and Elaine Kaye
•Steve and Jae Rosenstein
•Jeffrey and Karen Miller
•Jay and Barbara Gainsboro
•John and Evelyn Neumeyer
•Garry and Bette Ann Weiner
•Robert and Carole Bellman
•Stuart and Maxine Rosenthal
•Arnold and Charmian Sperling
•Richard and Sylvia Knopping
•Ed Perlman and Betsy Huntley
•John and Marilyn Darack
•Leonid and Yanina Gordin
•Leonard and Joan Shulman
•Marc and Diane Homer
•Robert Koster and Kate Bell
•Donald Askin and Connie Saienga
•Frank and Judy Hamm - in memory of
Sheldon Schneider, father of Dan Schneider
•Richard Moche and Heidi Brown - in
memory of Bernard Porter, husband of
Marilyn Porter
•Ricky and Ellen Blocker - in memory of
Bernard Porter, husband of Marilyn
Porter
•Jed and Eda Matson - in memory of Bernard Porter, husband of Marilyn Porter
•Stu and Carol Gilbert - in memory of Bernard Porter, husband of Marilyn Porter
•Velma Frank - in memory of her husband, Robert Frank
•Stephen and Trudy Sonis- in memory of
Sheldon Schneider, father of Dan Schneider
Temple Shir Tikva
•Stephen and Trudy Sonis - in memory of
Joan Jarvis, mother of Cathy Regensburger
•Robert Koster and Kate Bell - in memory
of Bernard Porter, husband of Marilyn
Porter
•Jay and Barbara Gainsboro - in memory
of Libby Brodney, mother of Jeanne
Goldner
•Jay and Barbara Gainsboro - in memory
of Bernard Porter, husband of Marilyn
Porter and brother-in-law of Trudy Sonis
•Scott and Laurene Sperling - in memory
of Nathan Schreier, father of Robin
Scherier
•Peter and Nancy Gossels - in memory of
Sheldon Schneider, father of Dan Schneider
•Peter and Nancy Gossels - in memory of
Joan Jarvis, mother of Cathy Regensburger
•Peter and Nancy Gossels - in memory of
Libby Brodney, mother of Jeanne Goldner
•Rich Langweber and Tom and Jennifer
McEnany - in honor of their mom, Karen
Langweber, on her birthday
•Marilyn Newman - in honor of her
granddaughter, Ellie Solomon, on becoming Bat Mitzvah
•Stephen and Trudy Sonis - in appreciation of Peter and Nancy Gossels
•Bruce and Marilyn Leish - in honor of the
marriage of Amy Sachs and Alan Green
•Richard Friedman - in honor of the Bat
Mitzvah of Amy Podolosky
•Ricky and Ellen Blocker - in honor of
Deborah Sperling, daughter of Arnold
and Charmian, on her graduation from
medical school
•Wayne and Judy Keseberg - in honor of
the marriage of their daughter Joanna to
Joseph Welch
•Robert and Martha Gordon - in honor of
Alice Mandel
•Robert and Lonnie Swarz - in honor of
Myra Snyder on her birthday
•Robert and Lonnie Swarz - in honor of
Karen Kavet on her birthday
•Dennis and Cindy Lombardo - in honor
of Myra Snyder on her birthday
Building and Furnishings Fund
•Bruce asnd Joyce Pastor - in memory of
Libby Brodney, mother of Jeanne Goldner
•Abe and Loda Golos - wishing David
Passer a complete and speedy recovery
Mortgage Reduction Fund
•Daniel and Betty Ann Miller
•Betty Brudnick
Music Fund
•Paul and Annette Roberts - in memory of
Bernard Porter, husband of Marilyn
Porter
Rabbi Gold’s Discretionary Fund
•Daniel and Betty Ann Miller
•David and Mimi Brown - in memory of
Bernard Porter, husband of Marilyn Porter
•William and Barbara Savel - in loving
memory of Faye Bernstein, on her
yartzeit
•Robert and Sandra Marcus - in memory of
Bernard Porter, husband of Marilyn
Porter
•Ken and Elaine Kaye - in appreciation of
Rabbi Gold
•Robert and Lonnie Swarz - in memory of
Bernard Porter, husband of Marilyn
Porter, brother-in-law of Trudy Sonis
•Stuart and Ellen Chasen - in memory of
Bernard Porter, husband of Marilyn
Porter
•Paul and Annette Roberts - in memory of
Libby Brodney, mother of Jeanne Goldner
Youth Community Fund
•Jessica Rubinstein - in memory of Joan
Jarvis, mother of Cathy Regensburger
•Lee-Ann Yolin - in memory of Joan Jarvis, mother of Cathy Regensburger
Online Donations
To make supporting your
congregation and performing the
mitzvah of tzedakah more convenient,
we have enabled on-line donations on
our web site. To commemorate or
memorialize life-cycle events of congregation members, family, or friends, go to
www.shirtikva.org/about/
givingtzedakah
Page 19
Hineni
June - August 2012 Sivan - Elul 5772
ippd
Temple
Shir Tikva
508-358-9992
Affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism and the Synagogue Council of Massachusetts
September
Hineni Deadline
Friday, August 3
Articles and photos may be sent by
email to hinenied@shirtikva.org or mailed
to the temple office. Email or call Peggi
Cohen, Hineni editor, at 508-358-6272
with questions or comments.
Phil Benjamin, President
president@shirtikva.org
Neal D. Gold, Rabbi
rabbigold@shirtikva.org
Greg Litcofsky, Associate Rabbi
rabbilitcofsky@shirtikva.org
Herman J. Blumberg, Rabbi Emeritus
hermanblumberg@gmail.com
Hollis Schachner, Cantor
cantor@shirtikva.org
David Passer,
Executive Director
Deena Bloomstone,
Director of Congregational Learning
Rachel Kest,
Director of Elementary & Family Education
Samantha Nidenberg
Youth Educator
Karen Edwards,
Assistant to the Rabbis and Cantor
Linda Goldbaum,
Office Administrator
Toni Spitzer
Office Administrator
Lucy Dube, Bookkeeper
execdir@shirtikva.org
ext. 214
eddirector@shirtikva.org
ext. 201
Online Donations
familyed@shirtikva.org
ext. 203
snidenberg@ahirtikva.org
ext. 202
To make performing the mitzvah of tzedakah
more convenient, we have enabled on-line
donations.:
www.shirtikva.org/about/givingtzedakah
kedwards@shirtikva.org
ext. 210
lgoldbaum@shirtikva.org
ext. 211
tspitzer@shirtikva.org
ext. 200
bookkeeper@shirtikva.org
ext. 215
Peggi Cohen, Hineni Editor
hinenied@shirtikva.org
JCC Early Learning Center of Wayland ·
Phone: 508-358-5331
508-879-5064
ippd
508-358-6272
Fax: 508-358-5332
Donations
We are extremely appreciative of your
donations. Please help us to properly
allocate your contributions by writing
a note on your check or using a donation
form.
Office Hours
School Office
Temple Office
Monday…………………...9 a.m. - 5 p.m.………….….9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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.
Office Closings: Wednesday, July 4, Independence Day
Upcoming Events
Sunday, June 3, 7 p.m………………..19th Annual David Snyder Memorial Concert
Friday, June 8, 6:15 p.m…..Simchat Shabbat with Board Recognition & Installation
Tuesday, June 12……...TST Brotherhood Golf Classic at Stow Acres Country Club
Thursday, June 14, 7:30 p.m………TST Brotherhood Final Game Night of the Year
Friday, June 15, 6:15 p.m. ……..Simchat Shabbat & Celebration of Rabbi Litcofsky
Friday, June 22, 6:15 p.m……..Simchat Shabbat & Thank You to Laurie Weinstein
Saturday, June 23, 10:45 a.m.…….Late Shacharit Service and Adult B’Nai Mitzvah
Friday, July 6, 6:15 p.m. ………………..Simchat Shabbat, Welcome Rabbi Gubitz
& Welcome Home Cantor Schachner
Page 20
Temple Shir Tikva