CENTER FOR PROGRESSIVE REFORM IN METROWEST

tebeVolumeam 63 / No. 3 / November 2018

TBA VISITS MAYYIM HAYYIM

A Word from By Barb Sands Rabbi Sobel MAYYIM HAYYIM, — AN EXPRESSION WHAT A GREAT NAME! OF GRATITUDE BUT WHAT DOES IT MEAN? Our Jewish tradition is deeply rooted in the value of express- IT REFERS TO THE RITUAL BATHS, ing gratitude in concrete and THE “LIVING WATERS” meaningful ways. Each morning, we recite Woman have used since ancient times. But did you know that today a a prayer called: “Modeh Ani” – ritual bath can be utilized by either men or woman and it is an inclusive place “I thank you” When we recite for all of the Jewish community for many reasons? “modeh ani,” we thank God Recently, a small, intimate group of Lifelong Learners, including Rabbi Rabbi Sharon L. Sobel for allowing us to awake once Sobel, visited the beautiful Mayyim Hayyim, which was founded by the famous again to a new day, to live our lives with meaning and author, Anita Diamant, in 2004. She wanted to open a spiritual place that all purpose, with joy and contentment, and to make a differ- could feel comfortable using. We discovered that our own Rabbi Sobel was ence in this world. a director of a in Toronto years ago. Many people think a mikveh is for Acknowledgement is the first step of showing married women or for Orthodox women or for converts only. On our recent gratitude, through our words and deeds. Whether it’s visit Leeza Negelev, one of the directors, explained that today’s modern mikveh reciting motzi or birkat hamazon after we eat a meal in continued on next page continued on page 3 tebeam / November 2018 / 2 A Word from Rabbi Sobel continued from front page acknowledging God’s gifts, or finding some special way to thank those in our lives who have served us well, either through a kind word or a gracious act, acknowledgment should be a part of our daily lives. When we experience a moment of meaning, a time of joy, something that should be acknowledged – do we take the time to express our gratitude and appreciation? We don’t need to make grand FRIDAY NOVEMBER 2, 2018 / 25 HESHVAN 5779 gestures. Appreciated gestures are a phone call, a simple note, a EVENING SERVICE...... 7:15 PM lovely tip for a good server, a word to the manager when we received Led by Rabbi Sobel and Cantorial Intern Wolff exceptional service, or a donation in gratitude. We are a society that is so often used to complaining, that we don’t always hear the acknowl- SATURDAY NOVEMBER 3, 2018 / 25 HESHVAN 5779 edgement of what we did that was right or good. My good friend, Weekly Portion HAYE SARAH Genesis 23:1-25:18 Rabbi Paul Kipnes, writes something called “Kvelling, not Kvetching.” I Kings 1:1-31 He said that we are a society that is so programmed to “kvetch” or SHABBAT MORNING STUDY...... 8:30 AM SHABBAT MORNING ...... 9:30 AM complain that we don’t often share with others when we are pleased with something, or when something went well. So today is time to FRIDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2018 / 2 KISLEV 5779 “kvell” or take pride. SHABBAT EVENING & TORAH SERVICE...... 7:15 PM When we express gratitude and give thanks, we place ourselves Led by Rabbi Sobel and Cantorial Intern David Wolff in relationship to something greater than ourselves. Sometimes we November Anniversary Blessings offer words of gratitude because we are already feeling grateful. And SATURDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2018 / 2 KISLEV 5779 sometimes we come to feel grateful because we are offering words of Weekly Portion TOLDOT Genesis 25:19-28:9 gratitude. Haftarah Malachi 1:1-2:7 I would like to take this opportunity to “kvell,” to express my SHABBAT MORNING ...... 8:30 AM gratitude to all those whom we are all so thankful for making Rosh SHABBAT MORNING MINYAN...... 9:30 AM Hashanah, , Sukkot and Simchat Torah so beautiful, special and meaningful: FRIDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2018 / 9 KISLEV 5779 SHABBAT HARVEST POTLUCK DINNER...... 6:00 PM • Everyone in the office, Ellen Jagher, Mary Robinson and Reservations are necessary Sandra Levey: without your support, hard work and efforts, SHABBAT HALL’LU SERVICE...... 7:15 PM Temple Beth Am could not function; Led by Rabbi Sobel, Cantorial Intern David Wolff and the • Augusto Gomez and Victor Martinez: who make sure Shabbat Hall’lu band and vocalists everything is set up and functioning “behind the scenes;” • Howard Schwartz, the VP’s, the Board of Trustees and all SATURDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2018 / 9 KISLEV 5779 the Committee Chairs and Committee members: your Weekly Portion VAYETZE Genesis 28:10-32:3 countless volunteer hours, time, and energy are essential to Haftarah Hosea 12:13-14:10 our sacred work; SHABBAT MORNING TORAH STUDY...... 8:30 AM SHABBAT MORNING MINYAN...... 9:30 AM • Kathy Covarrubias and the entire Worship Committee: The High Holy Days demand more time, energy and effort TUESDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2018 than anyone can possibly imagine. Kathy does it all with ease, INTERFAITH INTERGENERATIONAL polish and a smile; THANKSGIVING SERVICE...... 7:00 PM • Our Cantorial Intern David Wolff: for bringing the gift of Sponsored by Framingham Interfaith Clergy Association your beautiful voice and spirit to our congregation; With participation of every local Framingham house of worship and our choirs • Our accompanist Dean Arvidson and volunteer choir Bring your families – There will be a special element of (Marcia Bachman, Rachel Fier, Rob Levine, Andy Miller, the program geared specifically for youth Dena Stetson and Ilena Williams) for your beautiful and Followed by a Festive Reception! meaningful music. Together all you lifted our souls to the very Everyone Welcome gates of Heaven. The choir along with our volunteer musicians, Merle Kushner, David Emanuel and Don Levey played on FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2018 / 16 KISLEV 5779 Simchat Torah as well;To everyone who read Torah and SHABBAT EVENING & SERVICE...... 7:15 PM participated in the services; Led by Rabbi Sobel • To Rabbi Donald Splansky, for the meaningful programs on SATURDAY NOVEMBER 24, 2018 / 16 KISLEV 5779 both Yom Kippur and Sukkot; Weekly Portion Genesis 32:4-36:43 • To Rabbi Kamerow, Amy Davis and Lilly McNulty for Haftarah Obadiah 1:1-21 working with BATY on their High Holy Day services and SHABBAT MORNING TORAH STUDY...... 8:30 AM the SukkahPalooza program; SHABBAT MORNING MINYAN...... 9:30 AM • To Sharon Silverman, Jodi Rubin, Sheila Statlender, and Abby Wolf for helping to organize a terrific SukkahPalooza program FRIDAY NOVEMBER 30, 2018 / 23 KISLEV 5779 (among all the other things they do!); SHABBAT EVENING FAMILY SERVICE...... 6:30 PM Led by Rabbi Sobel, Grade 4 and the Junior Choir • To all of the ushers and volunteers who assisted with securi- ty, parking lot duty, checking people in, and to everyone who SATURDAY DECEMBER 1, 2018 / 23 KISLEV 5779 “schlepped” and helped in so many ways. Weekly Portion VAYESHEV Genesis 37:1-40:23 For all of you and so much more, I say: “Modeh Ani!” (If I have Haftarah Amos 2:6-3:8 SHABBAT MORNING TORAH STUDY...... 8:30 AM inadvertently left someone off this list, during this period of forgive- SHABBAT MORNING MINYAN...... 9:30 AM ness, I ask your forgiveness.) 3 / November 2018 / tebeam TBA VISITS MAYYIM HAYYIM continued from front page can be used for celebrations, spiritual healing, holidays, preparing for Shabbat and many other uses determined by the person experiencing the need. Here is a quote from a man becoming a father using the mikveh: “I’m becom- ing a father! Immersing helped me focus on this amazing transition and dedicate myself to the important and holy work ahead.” The educational program was very informative, and the interactive role playing of the ritual experience was so helpful in understanding and demystifying the ancient tra- dition. Although it is modern and inclusive, the ritual baths in this beautiful place are built according to Jewish law. It is such an interesting and peaceful place. We’ve taken a few pictures to give you a feel of the space, but truly it is worth a visit on your own. Call or visit the Mayyim Hayyim website to schedule a tour. The mikveh is located in Newton, MA. Phone: 617-244 1836. Website: www.mayyimhayyim.org We have taken other excursions such as the visit to the Book Center last year. The attendees reported it was a wonderful experience to a place they didn’t know existed. Won’t you consider joining us on our next adventure? We would love to have you experience the joy of learning. Feel free to contact Barb Sands or Cynthia Roll to share your ideas with us.

Framingham Interfaith Intergenerational Thanksgiving Service With participation of every local Framingham house of worship and our choirs

• Bring your families — There will be a special TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2018 element of the program geared specifically for youth. 7:00 PM • Followed by a Festive Reception! TEMPLE BETH AM Everyone Welcome. 300 PLEASANT STREET • Sponsored by the Framingham FRAMINGHAM Interfaith Clergy Association • 2018 Thanksgiving Service Committee Chair: Rabbi Sharon Sobel tebeam / November 2018 / 4

Coming off of so much activity and the holidays we find ourselves Education Update in the Jewish month of Cheshvan. This is the only month on the Jewish calendar without a major Jewish holiday. We of course still have AFTER THE HOLIDAYS Shabbat, but this month is also a time of rest between what we know as By Rabbi Marcie Kamerow, the major holidays. It also the Hebrew month that comes on the heels Director of Education of the secular holiday of Thanksgiving. This a month that gives us a The fall holiday season is over and what a great opportunity to reflect on the value of thankfulness or in Hebrew, busy time it has been for us! We had our Hoda’ah. Jewish liturgy highlights this value in the Modeh Ani (I give grade 6th Family Education program on thanks) prayer that is said by many each morning and the Modim September 23. It focused on the meaning of Anachnu Lach (We are thankful) prayer which is a part of our Bar/Bat . On October 14 we had our prayer. While we think of Thanksgiving as a mostly American holiday, Kindergarten program which focused on the it still encompasses many of our Jewish values. meaning of the Shema and nighttime prayer As we sit in this quiet time on the Jewish calendar, we look Rabbi Marcie Kamerow, MJEd rituals. We celebrated Sukkot, with Sukkah forward to many upcoming events. On October 21 students in grades Palooza, dinner, and services. Additionally, 6-12 are invited to join Jewish Family Service and the Jewish Teen On Sunday, September 30 our we held our annual Simchat Torah Initiative at their “Love Your Neighbor” event at the Brophy School. celebration. This celebration also featured the consecration of our The event will take place from 9-12 and our students will be helping new students who began their religious education at Temple Beth Am with various beautification projects as well as making care packages for this year! new immigrants. Brophy’s population includes a number of refugees and this is a great way for us to live out our Jewish values and give back to the community. Later that week, we had our first Family Shabbat service. Our Grade 6 class worked hard to prepare for this service. Even without , we can always find a way to fill our calendars! Wishing you all a month of meaningful experiences and opportu- Fundraising @ TBA nities to give back. For additional information regarding our fundraising L’, efforts please call the temple office at 508-872-8300. Rabbi Kamerow

GIFT CARDS TBA is currently selling gift cards to Stop & Shop and a variety of other national stores and restaurants. The cards are sold to you for face value and 5% of each card purchased is donated to TBA, at no additional cost to you. Gift cards make great gifts any time of the year. Cards are available for purchase at the temple office by cash and check only. FUNDRAISING DINNERS During the year, there will be fundraising dinners at area restaurants. TBAQuiz The temple receives a portion of all the sales. Stay tuned for dates and times. … YOU THINK YOU KNOW TREE OF LIFE So The TREE OF LIFE mounted on the wall of the of the temple lobby is a EVERYTHING ABOUT TEMPLE BETH AM? favorite way for members to commemorate “simchas” and honor family members and friends. Your gift of leaves ($300) and stones ($1000) Whether you are a new member of Temple Beth Am, or will support continuing growth projects in the future. Pledge cards are someone who has been a member for decades, you may not available in the temple office. know the answers to the questions below: GILLETTE STADIUM PROGRAM Volunteer at Gillette Stadium for upcoming 1 Does TBA have a dedicated cemetery? Patriot’s Games. Temple Beth Am is 2 What is Amazon Smile and what does it have to do with earning $125 per person per game! Watch for Temple Beth Am? more information or contact Stu Sheinhait at [email protected] or call 508-328-8462. The only requirement is that you must be 3 Who designed the ark, Eternal Light, stained 16 years old. Volunteers pizza and soda to eat before the event. glass windows and decorative menorah and Ten Commandments on either side of the ark, in addition to VP of Fundraising Stu Sheinhait and die-hard volunteers working the AFC the stained glass window on the wall in the social hall? Championship Game in January, 2018. What does the Hebrew on the ark doors mean? The group raised several hundred dollars 4 for TBA selling hot chocolate. They 5 What do the stained glass windows represent? also got to watch the Patriots beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 24-20!  6 Can you continue giving to the Building Fund after your original commitment? AMAZON SMILE 7 What is a “gift in kind?” From Oct 29 - Nov 2, AmazonSmile will increase the donation rate on Who was “Charlie?” all eligible smile.amazon.com purchases. This will be our largest bonus 8 donation promotion to date, and is a great opportunity for Temple Beth Am to increase its AmazonSmile donations. Support TBA by starting your How did you score? Find the answers on page 10 shopping at smile.amazon.com. 5 / November 2018 / tebeam

President’s Message SO, YOU THINK YOU KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT TEM- PLE BETH AM? Like many of you I was mortified to learn Whether you are a new member of Temple Beth Am, or some- of the tragedy that recently occurred at the one who has been a memberCYCLES for decades, you may not know Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. This the answers to the questions below: senseless act of violence and anti-semitism LifeIN JOY Does TBA have a dedicated cemetery? hurts us as Americans but especially as Jews. What is AmazonTHE Smile TEMPLE and what REJOICES does it have WITH: to do with Tem- But this is not the time to retreat and reveal ple Beth Am? weakness but rather to show strength. At David and Ellen Murachver on the birth of their first Who designed the ark, Eternal Light, stained glass windows and a time in our history that America may be grandchild. Liv Parker Murachver was born on October decorative menorah and Ten Commandments on either side of divided, it is imperative that we, as Jews, must 15, 2018. She weighed 8 pounds and was 20.4 inches long. Her proud parents are Russell and Lindsay Murachver. come together and show solidarity. For it was the ark, in addition to the stained glass window on the wall in not solely the people of Pittsburgh that were the socialSPECIAL hall? NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIES affected by this tragedy but Jews everywhere. What does the Hebrew on the ark doors mean? Date Name Years And we at Temple Beth Am stand with the people of Pittsburgh and What do the stained glass windows represent? Jews around the world to condemn such acts of hate and violence. In a Can11/12 you continueHoward giving and to Jane the GoldsteinBuilding Fund after your original30 sign of strength please make every effort to support Temple Beth Am commitment?11/12 Howard and Wendy Schwartz 30 and our Jewish community at this time when it is needed most. What11/14 is a “giftMichael in kind”? and Esther Wishnow 25 Hazak Hazak, Venit Hazek — “Be Strong! Be Strong! And may we Who11/26 was “Charlie”?Sorin and Indira Herscovici 30 all be strengthened!” All couples celebrating a November anniversary will Howard E. Schwartz, Temple President Howbe blesseddid you atscore? the November Find the answers 9th service on page at 7:15 XX PM. Please call the temple office if you are planning to attend. IN SADNESS We record with deep sorrow the names of those who have died since our last bulletin. May their memory be for a blessing. THE CONGREGATION MOURNS WITH: Howard Goldberg, on the passing of his sister, Marilyn Freiberg Howard and Wendy Schwartz, on the passing of their good friend, Nancy Friedman Vale Paula Baerson, on the passing of her aunt, Shirley Gayle Cousens

ShabbatMUSICAL EREVHall’lu SHABBAT SERVICES Join us once a month for a wonderful uplifting, spiritual and engaging service as we welcome Shabbat Shabbat Hall’lu dates: with music, friends and community. Our Shabbat Hall’lu musicians and choir are all volunteers who • November 16 • December 7 devote their love, energy and enthusiasm to Temple 6:00 PM Potluck • January 11 Beth Am. If you love to sing or play an instrument, Shabbat Harvest • February 8 Dinner. Watch the we would love to have you join us! We are especially • March 15 looking for flute, violin, viola, cello, stand-up bass, weekly eBlast for percussion, d’jembe, and accordion. The musicians and details • April 12 choir are under the direction of our Cantorial Intern, • May 17 David Wolff and our Accompanist, Dean Arvidson. • June 21 (Watch our weekly eblast for more details.) tebeam / November 2018 / 6 BROTHERHOOD TBA MEMBER JERRY SASLAV TO SPEAK AT NOVEMBER 11 BROTHERHOOD BREAKFAST Brotherhood News By Henry Schwan, Brotherhood co-president

BROTHERHOOD BREAKFAST SCHEDULE All breakfasts begin at 9:00 am

• November 11 • March 17 • December 9 • April 14 • January 20 • May 19 (last one) • February 17

Watch for more details about these great events! Member attendance is encouraged for all events.

The Brotherhood is a wonderful way to get

Jerry Saslav and his family have been Temple Beth Am members for involved with the temple! nearly 20 years. This month on Veterans Day, Saslav is the guest speak- TBA Brotherhood needs volunteers to help with our annual er at the November 11 TBA Brotherhood breakfast. His talk will focus events. If you’d like to get involved, please contact on his military service, and the heartfelt story of what prompted him to Mark Barnett, VP of Membership at serve his country. [email protected] or either co-president It started 17 years ago, on a beautiful Tuesday morning. Bill Karger at [email protected] or Saslav took his mother to Logan Airport for her flight home to Henry Schwan at [email protected]. Florida. Listening to the radio during the car ride home, Saslav heard the shocking news — American Airlines Flight 11 slammed into the north tower of the World Trade Center. Saslav couldn’t believe what was happening. Not only was Amer- ica attacked, but his mother could have been on hijacked Flight 11; it Erin is away at college, attending her sophomore year at Ohio State departed just eight minutes after his mother’s plane left the runway. University. The rest of what happened on that fateful day is tragic and well “(The Brotherhood) gives a lot of support,” Saslav said. “Knowing documented, and Saslav started thinking about what he could do to that someone is looking in…means a lot.” help his country. Occasionally, weekend drill duty in the Massachusetts Army “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do National Guard forces Saslav to miss a Brotherhood breakfast. His rank for your country?” was a question delivered by President John Kennedy is Sergeant First Class, and his duties during a recent drill weekend in his 1961 inauguration speech, and it stuck in Saslav’s brain after included taking inventory of supplies. nine-eleven. He thought of his daughter, Erin, who was a toddler at the It’s not the glamorous military life portrayed on television and time, and wondered what would happen if she asked him one day, “Our in the movies, but it’s a necessary part of soldering, according to country was attacked, and what did you do to help?” Saslav. That is one of the messages he wants to deliver in his Veterans Saslav met with a military recruiter, joined the Army National Day talk — military duty is a team effort, and someone must do the Guard, served tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, and currently necessary support work to keep the troops fortified. works as a photographer at Hanscom Air Force Base. Saslav will also speak about military service as a “family event,” When he stands behind the lectern as guest speaker in the TBA because while a solider is overseas, the rest of the family must pitch in Social Hall on Veterans Day, Saslav will be in a venue he knows well. and keep the home front stable. He’s a Brotherhood member who normally works behind the scenes in And, soldiers are never the same after they return from combat. the kitchen crew at each monthly breakfast. That is another highlight to expect in Saslav’s talk. Saslav enjoys the “camaraderie” with his fellow Brotherhood He speaks from experience. members as they prepare the buffet breakfast. It’s one of the few places When Saslav returned home after serving in Iraq, a friend told in his civilian life, he said, that compares to the “unit cohesion” in his him he had changed. Saslav remembers telling his friend, “No one is military world. trying to kill me today. What is there to worry about?” There is also the relief Saslav feels knowing that the Brotherhood The Sunday, November 11 Brotherhood breakfast begins is checking in with his wife, Lori, when he’s away on deployment. 9:00 AM in the TBA Social Hall.

7 / November 2018 / tebeam SISTERHOOD WHY YOU NEED SISTERHOOD OF TBA 2019 MAH JONGG CARDS Sisterhood of TBA is the collective identity of the women in our congregation. It provides us with a strong presence and voice. Sister- ARE ON SALE! hood provides an outlet for the creative energy, talent and leadership potential of the individual Jewish woman. It also gives our members a worldwide identity and connection through our affiliation with Women of Reform Judaism, an agency for more than 500 Sisterhoods of Re- form congregations with over 75,000 members throughout the world.

WHY SISTERHOOD OF TBA NEEDS YOU Sisterhood needs the support of all the women in our congregation. No organization can exist without members or finances. With your participation, we all benefit from your friendship, energy and inter- ests. From your membership dues come the funds to implement our programs, contribute to our temple and support our Tikkun Olam and SUPPORT SISTERHOOD efforts in the Jewish communities. Your unique educational, AND ORDER CARDS FOR religious and life experiences enrich the collective membership. YOURSELF AND FOR YOUR GROUP! WHERE YOUR SISTERHOOD DUES GO We made over $200 for our Sisterhood last year with Mah Jongg Card Your Sisterhood dues payment includes membership in Women of sales. Let’s see if we can top that! Reform Judaism (WRJ), serving Jewish and humanitarian causes throughout the world. If you are in Framingham, Florida, or anywhere else you can send me the list, and send the check(s) to Merle Kushner, Treasurer, $18 per member for WRJ National Dues 16 Spring Lane, Framingham, MA 01701, made out to “Sisterhood $2 per member for WRJ District Dues Temple Beth Am.” $5 per person for YES Fund Honor Roll Dues $8 regular print/$9 large print. $3 Sisterhood supported funds The remainder of your dues goes towards the operating budget of Deadline is January 16, 2019. the Sisterhood of TBA and the programs and projects supported by Sisterhood of TBA. Please either use address labels for the addresses, or WHAT WE DO… make sure you write clearly! With your help, we can do even more! You can also email them to me. Cards will be mailed to TIKKUN OLAM (repairing the world) your address, and you auto- BRIT OLAM (sustaining Jewish continuity) matically become a member KEHILLAH (building community) of the National Mah Jongg League. PLEASE JOIN US… Thanks for your support, Membership Level Dues Benefits Sue Clark Ruth (ages 18-61) $49 Receive all Sisterhood correspon- [email protected] Ruth Senior $40 dence via e-mail, WRJ Dues, YES Fund Dues and New Year Kick-Off Dinner 508-331-1470 (ages 62+) Miriam $62 Ruth Membership Level PLUS: YES Fund Event

Leah $100 Miriam Membership Level PLUS: Honors Dinner

DO YOU SHOP AT STOP & SHOP? Rachel $120 Leah Membership Level PLUS: an additional $20 YES Fund donation You can help TBA make $ by using S&S Gift Cards. We get a percentage of every card purchased. They come in Rebecca $150 Rachel Membership Level PLUS: $30 donation to a Sisterhood Fund $25, $50 and $100 denominations. All you need to do is stop by the TBA office, select the one you want, make your Sarah $200 Rebecca Membership Level PLUS: $50 donation to a Sisterhood Fund check out to Temple Beth Am and then SHOP. It’s easy!

If you have questions about events or membership please email us at [email protected] tebeam / November 2018 / 8 LIFELONG LEARNING RABBI’S COFFEES “FOUR MAVERICK GREAT A monthly opportunity to join JEWISH BOOKS” Rabbi Sharon Sobel in Discussion Four sessions on Wednesday evenings Join Rabbi Sobel each month in an informal setting in the Temple 7:15 PM – 9:00 PM Library to discuss a current topic of interest to you. With Rabbi Donald M. Splansky No course fee and no reservations required. Just drop in on time, As described in chapters in The People and for any session. the Books, by Adam Kirsch (published by The Rabbi’s Coffees will be offered on the following dates: W. W. Norton & Co.) November 8, December 13, January 10, February 14, March 14, April 11 and May 9. Wednesday, October 24 – de Leon’s The Zohar “The Secret Life of God,” chapter 8, pp 193-219 Wednesday, November 7 – Spinoza’s Theological Political Treatise “Heresy and Freedom,” chapter 10, pp 247-271 Wednesday, November 28 – Moses Mendelssohn’s “Between Two Worlds,” chapter 11 (part 2), pp 286-298 Wednesday, December 5 – Theodor Herzl’s The Jewish State & Old New Land “If You Will It,” chapter 13, pp 327-351 (Note: Wednesday, December 12 is a “snow-date,” if necessary) Each student must read the designated chapter of The People and the Books before class. RSVP to [email protected] or call: 508-872-8300 to register Judah Campanton: “One’s wisdom extends only as far as one’s books, and one should sell all one may possess to buy books. For as our sages said, ‘He who increases books, increases wisdom.’” Library News

HOW GREAT IS THIS?!

Come read how to put spirituality meaning in our lives. Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin, featured guest speaker at the October Scholar-In-Residence Shabbat, is the author of many books, several of which are in our collection. All are available for borrowing.

Library Hours: • Sundays, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM when religious school is in session Marsha Massey, • Most Tuesdays, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM TBA Librarian 9 / November 2018 / tebeam LIFELONG LEARNING SOCIAL JUSTICE THE NEWLY REVIVED SOCIAL ACTION We invite everyone to join us for our next SJC meeting on COMMITTEE (SJC) HAS BEEN MEETING Thursday, November 29 at 7:15 PM at TBA, or to share your ideas REGULARLY, WITH VALUED ENCOURAGEMENT with us as we go forward. We welcome your feedback and support! Contact us at [email protected] and [email protected] FROM RABBI SOBEL We hope to support important social action initiatives through collaboration both within and outside our immediate Temple Beth Am (TBA) community. “ JUSTICE With this in mind, on Sunday, October 7, the SJC and TBA host- ed a canvassing initiative in support of “Yes on 3,” the ballot question JUSTICE which seeks to protect LGBTQ rights in Massachusetts. This event was sponsored by Keshet and by a consortium of Metrowest Reform SHALL YOU Jewish temples. Turnout exceeded expectations by about double: forty volunteers knocked on more than seven hundred doors and had PURSUE” two hundred nine one-on-one conversations between canvassers and Framingham residents. Everyone was exceedingly grateful to TBA for making our space available for the afternoon. A special thanks to Dan Bendell for donating his time to oversee building security issues. For Sukkapalooza, the SJC sponsored a speaker panel on “Food We are seeking committee members who are looking to Security in Metrowest.” We hosted two inspiring speakers, David Blais form consensus to determine Temple Beth Am’s social justice mandate. of Daniel’s Table and Leno Covarrubias of the Metrowest Jewish Fami- ly Service. Our committee is exploring ways to continue to support the Our goals: efforts of both of these organizations in order to address the problem of • to be inclusive of all our congregants, across the hunger in Framingham. demographic spectrum In October, the SJC also helped publicize the annual conference • to plan initiatives on the local, state, national and on climate change held at the Plymouth Church in Framingham, spon- international level sored by Massachusetts Interfaith Power & Light, Inc. and supported • to educate, raise awareness and take action by the Jewish Climate Action Network ( JCAN). Speakers focused • to respond to the lessons of the Torah, our Jewish on why climate change is a social justice issue, and how to participate tradition and the prophet’s call effectively in environmental politics. FRAMINGHAM INTERFAITH BOOK CLUB INVITES YOU TO THEIR MONTHLY BOOK DISCUSSIONS TIME: on the 1st TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH 7:30-8:45 PM Sponsored by Framingham Interfaith Clergy Association & VENUE: OPEN SPIRIT The Open Spirit Center at Edwards Church CENTER at Reading the current book is not a requirement to join the discussion. EDWARDS CHURCH, 39 Edwards Rd., The mission of the Book Club is to foster a deeper understanding and respect among Framingham people of all faiths and traditions. For additional information, please contact us at: [email protected] tebeam / November 2018 / 10 TBAQuiz Well… HOW DID YOU DO?

1 TBA has a dedicated section of the Jewish Cemetery 5 The sanctuary windows on the right as you face the bima Association of Massachusetts (JCAM) cemetery, called refer to a passage in Malachim about finding God: not “Beit Olam,” in Wayland. Plots are available. in the wind, not in the earthquake, nor in the fire, but a still small voice. The windows on the left side depict the 2 Amazon will give a small percentage of everything you revelation at Mt. Sinai, blessings of the Kohanim and our purchase, including Prime purchases, to TBA if you type in ability to perform mitzvot. “Amazon Smile” (or Amazon.smile.com) and select TBA as your charity of choice just once. Then, each time you 6 Yes, you can continue giving to the Building Fund just shop, just start by typing Amazon Smile and your shopping as you donate to other funds at TBA. As our building experience will be the same — just that TBA gets a ages and needs more repairs, this is a very important donation that costs you nothing. donation choice. 3 Local artist David Holleman designed all of this, in stages. 7 A “gift in kind” is a donation that is not money. For The ark originally had a striped curtain that is still in a example, The McNulty family just donated a good supply drawer beneath the scrolls. It was intended to represent of Ice Melt to TBA, so when you see them, say thank you! Joseph’s coat of many colors. The windows in the sanctuary had plain yellow glass in them, before the artist 8 “Charlie” was an owl puppet used by Rabbi Alfred made them so lovely. The window in the social hall was Friedman at Children’s Services and brought to life a gift of the Brotherhood, placed in there in memory of by Rebbetzin Audrey Friedman, both now of blessed Larry Wolfman, a Brotherhood president. memory. Audrey hid behind the podium and was Charlie’s voice — regaling parents and children alike in 4 “Know before Whom you stand.” her Brooklyn (?) accent, with just a bit of Peter Rabbit thrown in!

Look for more TBA questions next month and get to know TBA better!

TBA Notes WEBSITE DONATIONS ARE HERE! Our new website can now accept credit card donations. Please take advantage of this new capability on our website to acknowledge the memory of, or to honor an accom- plishment of a friend or a loved one.

SHABBAT MORNING TORAH STUDY Every Saturday from 8:30-9:30 AM

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Special group rate blocks } for family and friends } Alexandra Bavosi / Sales Manager Courtyard Marriott 3 Technology Drive, Westborough, MA 01581 (508) 836-4800 EXT. 6001 [email protected] Temple Beth Am 300 Pleasant Street Framingham, MA 01701 Temple office 508-872-8300 Bookkeeper’s office 508-872-8300, ext. 106 e-mail [email protected] website www.tempbetham.org School office 508-872-8312 Rabbil Sharon Sobel 508-872-8300 x104 Rabbi Marcie Kamerow 508-872-8312

Rabbi Sharon L. Sobel Rabbi Rabbi Donald M. Splansky Rabbi Emeritus Rabbi Marcie Kamerow Director of Education David Wolff Cantorial Intern Howard Schwartz President Ellen Jagher Office & Building Administrator; Contributing Editor to tebeam Mary Robinson Bookkeeper Sandra Levey School Administrator Amy Davis Youth Advisor Jeff Sands tebeam Editor Rob Levine tebeam Designer tebeam is published 9 times annually by Temple Beth Am

Volume 63 / No. 3 / November 2018 Closed Facebook Group TBA MEMBER GROUP Public Facebook Page tebeam Temple Beth Am of Framingham

Temple Beth Am is a warm and vibrant Reform Jewish community located in Framingham, MA, comprised of members from the greater Metro West area. Founded in 1956 and affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism, members and visitors find a relaxed and informal atmosphere in which people of all ages, backgrounds CENTER FOR and orientations come to worship, learn, enjoy music, explore PROGRESSIVE Judaism, and find new friends. REFORM JUDAISM IN METROWEST