CENTER FOR PROGRESSIVE REFORM IN METROWEST

tebeVolumeam 64 / No. 4 / December 2019

PRAYER & SONG AT TEMPLE BETH AM

A Word from By Wolff Sobel DEMYSTIFYING FRIDAY NIGHT CHANUKAH – PRAYER AND SONG LIGHTING can be very confusing. The order of our Friday night prayers can THE CANDLES seem arbitrary. Thankfully, there is a clear structure to our prayers, and you don’t need years of cantorial school to understand that structure! In this Te- OF HOPE BeAm article, I will attempt to demystify our Friday night prayers. In general, This year, Chanukah begins the our Erev (Friday night) prayers break down into four sections; Kabbalat evening of Sunday, December Shabbat, the Shema and its , the , and concluding prayers. nd 22 . This holiday was declared Kabbalat Shabbat (literally the “welcoming of Shabbat”) is the first section by Maccabee (approx- of our Friday night prayers. It is a preamble, and prepares us for the core of our imately 164 BCE) after the prayers (the Shema and the Amidah). Among other things, the text of Kabbalat Rabbi Sharon L. Sobel Jewish minority was victorious Shabbat contains several . The text of Hallelu, one of our favorite songs over the Greeks who had taken at TBA, comes from . The Psalms are ancient, holy poems, compiled over the and had imposed harsh restrictions perhaps 3000 years ago. After several Psalms, Kabbalat Shabbat closes with on Jewish practice and observance. L’cha Dodi, when we rise and face the entrance of the sanctuary. L’cha Dodi is a The victory celebrates religious freedom, the free- Medieval Jewish text, written during the 16th century, some 2500 years after the dom to live life on our own terms, without being subject Psalms! It comes from the Medieval mystical tradition of the Kabbalists; they to the harshness of life under duress. continued on page 3 continued on page 3 tebeam / December 2019 / 2

It’s time…

FRIDAY DECEMBER 6, 2019 / 9 KISLEV 5780 SHABBAT EVENING FAMILY SERVICE...... 6:30 PM Led by Grades K, 1 and 2 and the All-School Choir SATURDAY DECEMBER 7, 2019 / / 9 KISLEV 5780 Weekly Portion Genesis 28:10-32:3 Hosea 12:13-14:10 Fundraising SHABBAT MORNING STUDY...... 8:30 AM SHABBAT MORNING MINYAN...... 9:30 AM FRIDAY DECEMBER 13, 2019 / 16 KISLEV 5780 SHABBAT EVENING SERVICE...... 7:15 PM @ TBA Led by Rabbi Emeritus Donald Splansky and Soloist Don Levey SATURDAY DECEMBER 14, 2019 / 16 KISLEV 5780 WEBSITE DONATIONS Weekly Portion Genesis 32:4-36:43 Just a click away! Haftarah Obadiah 1:1-1:21 The TBA website can now accept credit card donations. SHABBAT MORNING TORAH STUDY...... 8:30 AM Please take advantage of this new capability on our website to SHABBAT MORNING MINYAN...... 9:30 AM acknowledge the memory of, or to honor an accomplishment of a friend or a loved one. Go to: www.tempbetham.org FRIDAY DECEMBER 20, 2019 / 23 KISLEV 5780 SHABBAT HALL’LU SERVICE...... 7:15 PM GIFT CARDS December Anniversary TBA is currently selling gift cards to Stop & Shop and a variety of Baby Naming of Rylee Kessler, daughter of and Ashley Kessler 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 SATURDAY DECEMBER 21, 2019 / 23 KISLEV 5780 additional cost to you. Gift cards make great gifts any time of the Weekly Portion Genesis Genesis 37:1-40:23 year. Cards are available for purchase at the temple office by cash Haftarah Amos 2:6-3:8 and check only. SHABBAT MORNING TORAH STUDY...... 8:30 AM FUNDRAISING DINNERS SHABBAT MORNING MINYAN...... 9:30 AM During the year, there will be fundraising dinners at area SUNDAY DECEMBER 22, 2019 / 25 KISLEV 5780 restaurants. The temple receives a portion of all the sales. LIGHT THE FIRST CHANUKAH Stay tuned for dates and times. CANDLE AT SUNDOWN...... 3:56 PM Happy Chanukah TREE OF LIFE The TREE OF LIFE mounted on the wall of the of the temple FRIDAY DECEMBER 27, 2019 / 30 KISLEV 5780 lobby is a favorite way for members to commemorate “simchas” SHABBAT EVENING SERVICE...... 7:15 PM and honor family members and friends. Your gift of leaves ($300) SATURDAY DECEMBER 28, 2019 / 25 HESHVAN 5780 and stones ($1000) will support continuing growth projects in the ROSH HODESH future. Pledge cards are available in the temple office. SHABBAT CHANUKAH SMILE AMAZON Weekly Portion Numbers 28:9-15; Numbers 7:42-47 Haftarah Zechariah 2:14-4:7 You shop, Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible Amazon Smile purchases to Temple Beth Am. Amazon Smile is SHABBAT MORNING TORAH STUDY...... 8:30 AM the same Amazon that you know. Support TBA by starting your SHABBAT MORNING MINYAN...... 9:30 AM shopping at smile.amazon.com. FRIDAY JANUARY 3, 2020 / 7 TEVET 5780 SHABBAT EVENING SERVICE...... 7:15 PM For additional information regarding our SATURDAY JANUARY 4, 2020 / 7 TEVET 5780 fundraising efforts please call the temple office Weekly Portion VAYIGASH Genesis 44:18-47:27 at 508-872-8300. Haftarah 37:15-37:20 SHABBAT MORNING TORAH STUDY...... 8:30 AM SHABBAT MORNING MINYAN...... 9:30 AM Stu Sheinhait led a group of die-hard volunteers working the AFC Championship Game in January, 2018. The group raised several hundred dollars for TBA selling hot chocolate. They also got to watch the Patriots beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 24-20! 3 / December 2019 / tebeam Demystifying Friday Night Prayer and Song continued from front page imagined the arrival of Shabbat as the coming of a beautiful bride, and redeems the from slavery and parts the Red Sea. Upon crossing the Jewish people as the groom. through the Red Sea, the Israelites sing a joyous song. Mi Chamocha is After Kabbalat Shabbat, we are prepared to pray, and so we begin an excerpt from that song. The second blessing after Shema is known as ;in which we ask God to lay us down in peace ,(השכיבנו) the evening prayer). Friday night begins as all Hashkiveinu - מעריב) Maariv .the call to prayer. Here, we essentially, it is a bedtime prayer ,(ברכו) Jewish prayer begins, with Barchu call out to God; “we are here, and we are ready to pray!” At TBA, we After Shema and its blessings, we arrive at the Amidah (the stand- often sing “Am I awake, am I prepared?” as an interpretation on Barchu. ing prayer). Barchu leads us into the Shema. But, before we can say Shema, we We rise, and begin with our familiar tune for Baruch Atah Adonai, יי אלהינו ואלהי אבותינו ואמותינו) recite two blessings. The first blessing is known asMa’ariv Aravim Eloheinu Velohei Avoteinu V’imoteinu or “Blessed are You, our God, and God of our fathers and ,(ברוך אתה .This blessing thanks God for bringing evening on .(מעריב ערבים) In its place, we often read about the way day fades into evening. Like mothers”. The Amidah contains several blessings of praise and thanks, a blessing for ,(שלום רב) much of Jewish prayer, this blessing is tied to human wonder at the concluding with our beloved Shalom Rav processes of the natural world. The second blessing before Shema is peace. After the Amidah, we arrive at the fourth and final section of our in which we are thankful for Friday night prayer, the concluding prayers. Here, we rise and recite ,(אהבת עולם) known as in which we proclaim that it is our responsibility to pray ,(עלינו) God’s love. Aleynu .(קדיש יתום) in which we proclaim God’s together. Finally, we recite the mourner’s ,(שמע) Finally, we recite Shema oneness, and affirm our Judaism. In many ways,Shema is the high point I hope that this article helps you to feel more comfortable with Friday night prayer. If you have any questions, come to TBA on a ,(ואהבת) of our Friday night prayer. Shema is followed by the V’ahavta which we chant together in Hebrew. The V’ahavta is unique in our Friday. I will be extremely happy to talk with you after services over Friday night prayers; it is a lengthy, direct quote from the book of Challah and cookies. Deuteronomy, and we sing it using Torah trope. Essentially, in reciting V’ahavta, we are each reading Torah! COVER PHOTO: ‘Selfie’ of some of the members of our TBA volunteer choir. The After Shema and V’ahavta, we recite two more blessings. The first choir, along with our volunteer musicians, The helps to enhance our prayer with music .(מי כמכה) is a blessing for redemption, and contains Mi Chamocha at Shabbat Hall’lu services and at other archetypal story of Jewish redemption is from Egypt; God musical occasions throughout the year.

A Word from Rabbi Sobel continued from front page

For most Jews living in the United States The Jewish community here in Metro- today, we were born into a life of freedom. West has opened our arms and hearts to those Some members of our community however, who suffer. We light our candles on Chanu- truly know how precious this gift is: having kah as a beacon of light and hope to all. emigrated to the Greater Boston Area from The lights of Chanukah teach us, that the then-Communist regimes of the former if we kindle one spark, that spark can ignite Soviet Union or other Soviet bloc countries. multiple flames and create a roaring fire that They experienced first-hand the notion of will light up even the darkest night – that is, “pidyon shvoo’im” — redeeming the captive, if we save one life, it is as if we have saved an and they know what it means to truly cele- entire world. brate a chanukat habayit — the dedication of We know too well that there are those their own home, where they can live freely as who still threaten to fracture our world today. they choose, without fear, without censorship, Every day, we read examples of xenophobia and with all the rights and responsibilities (fear of foreigners or “the other”), hatred, that freedom entails. This is what Chanukah violence, war, bloodshed, refugees with This Chanukah, this Festival of Lights, is all about: the ability to live freely as one nowhere to go, hunger, poverty, homelessness, as we kindle our Chanukah candles begin- chooses, to celebrate religion as a free people. and racism. The list of maladies afflicting us ning on Sunday, December 22nd, I hope that Freedom means having clothes to wear, food seems never-ending. we can dedicate ourselves anew to bringing to eat, a bed in which to sleep, a welcoming Yet, Chanukah is all about hope. The justice, hope and light to our broken world. and safe place to call “home.” flames on the candles remind us that all it (For a more complete description of However, despite the fact that we takes is one spark to light a flame: a flame that Chanukah – please see the eblast which I will have many freedoms, we are still living in leads to justice, a flame that leads to healing be posting immediately prior to Chanukah.) dark times. We know all too well that there and wholeness. One flame in the darkness can are many people for whom oppression and bring great light, great warmth to a very dark exile, war and famine have become the place: one spark of righteous deeds can inspire “norm.” Hatred and violence rage on. others to do the same. Injustices prevail. tebeam / December 2019 / 4 Education Update POINTS OF LIGHT In our classrooms, students are busy at work acquiring new Hebrew skills, learning about Jewish values, /Shabbat, By Rabbi Marcie Kamerow, preparing to lead services, the Jewish calendar, and Jews in Hollywood. In our high school, students are learning about the different aspects Director of Education of Jewish denominations and how they connect to their choices and Jewish identity. It’s hard to believe that we are approaching Our Grade 4 class led us in our first Family Shabbat Service of the the end of the first half of the school year! year along with our new All School Choir on November 1. They have As we enter this season of shorter and darker set a high bar for the other grades to come. Our next family Shabbat days, I want to highlight some of the high service is December 6th and will be led by our K-2 class. points and light that are religious school Of course, I cannot mention December without mentioning Rabbi Marcie Kamerow, MJEd students are bringing to the community. Hanukkah. The word “Hanukah” means “dedication.” Historically, it In October, we hosted the “Love Our commemorated the rededication of the Temple in after the Neighbors” event along with the Jewish Teen Initiative of Greater Bos- Maccabean revolt. Only in Rabbinic times did the story of the miracle ton and JFS Metrowest. Over 100 preteens spent the morning sorting of oil evolve. Neither story mentions presents. The true meaning of clothes, building buddy benches, crafting donation boxes, making mu- this holiday is rededication. As we close out 2019 I hope it is a time for rals, and decorating bins which will benefit the immigrant and refugee you to reflect on the year that was and how you and your family might population at the Woodrow Wilson School in Framingham. It was a think of rededicating yourselves to Jewish life and life here at Temple morning where parents and kids truly got to live out the Jewish value of Beth Am. “Love Your Neighbor as Yourself,” a commandment from the book of Wishing you all a happy Hanukkah and a great New Year. Leviticus (19:18). Rabbi Kamerow Wall of Honor Goes Over the Top (Now lets go even higher!)

AN ANONYMOUS TEMPLE BETH AM MEMBER IS PUTTING OUT A WALL OF HONOR CHALLENGE. WHEN THE NEXT $1000.00 IS RAISED, THIS CONGREGANT WILL MATCH THE $1000.00. LET’S MEET THIS CHALLENGE!

Join Temple Beth Am’s Wall of Honor “ru’ach.” This is our From the writings of Pirke Avot, Rabbi Tarfon lived by this annual financial appeal. During December members of our teaching, “It is not incumbent upon you to complete the work, Board of Trustees will be making calls to members of our con- but neither are you at liberty to desist from it.” Let us carry gregation to get on board with the Wall of Honor. Consider a on Rabbi Tarfon’s teachings of continuing the work of Juda- donation at any level of giving. This may be the time to honor ism. Temple Beth Am is on a journey of change to meet the a special milestone or simcha in your life or your family’s life, needs of our diversified and transgenerational congregation or perhaps to memorialize a loved one who held leadership membership. Be part of our call for action from our children’s roles, or volunteered for years at Beth Am. education, to our adult education and social activities, and our Temple Beth Am President Carol Hanover spoke to us during commitment to social action. Our goal is to remain an integral High Holiday services about our Wall of Honor initiative to and influential presence in the Metro West Jewish Community meet our goal. Temple Beth Am continues to receive gener- now and in the future. ous donations from Temple Beth Am families who believe in Temple Beth Am’s “ru’ach” is alive! Send your donation checks our future, and acknowledge the need to raise funds to cover to the Temple Beth Am office by December 31. programs, activities and physical improvements to enrich our Heartfelt thanks for your support for the Wall of Honor. congregation’s needs. Susan B. Siegel, VP Fundraising and Finance 5 / December 2019 / tebeam President’s Message Dear Friends, Library News Do you remember that line from Pirke Avot about how you don’t have to complete a task but you must begin it? Well, we have begun a whole lot of tasks at Temple Beth Am! Rabbi Sobel’s full-time tenure with us ended on November 30. Much of that last month was spent organizing coverage for her rabbinic duties, since she will only be with us part-time until what would have been the end

Carol Hanover of her full-time contract on June 30, 2020. She will begin her work with AIPAC on December 2, 2019. Cantorial Intern David Wolff is offering to help, Rabbi Kamerow’s responsibilities will change a bit, and Rabbi Splansky and clergy from nearby congregations will fill in occasionally, as needed. We are even organizing and training a shiva minyan team comprised of our members, should there be need for their services. Rabbi Sobel will still be with us for most Friday nights and holidays. Should you require the services of a rabbi during this period, please call Ellen Jagher in the CHANUKAH excitement Temple Office and she will expedite this request for you. in the library The Rabbinic Search Committee is making excellent progress and expects to be able to present a candidate very soon. This committee has We have a great collection of Chanukah books, for all truly been a labor of love, requiring nearly weekly meetings, trips out of ages, plus holiday cook books to delight! state, phone calls and research. The committee will continue long after Please stop by to browse and “check it out”! the selection is made, working with transition support. The Temple is about to do some serious “Tikkun Olam” (Repair of the World) by putting solar panels on its roof. At the same time, the Library Hours: temple’s aging roof will be replaced at no cost to the temple because • Sundays, 9:00-11:00 AM when of a variety of grants and a leasing arrangement. There may be a bit religious school is in session of noise and the usual inconveniences that come with any construc- Marsha Massey, • Most Tuesdays, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM tion project, but we will try to minimize all of this as we move into TBA Librarian the 21st century with a better awareness of energy conservation and a much-needed new roof. The Wall of Honor is nearing completion. The deadline is De- cember 31, 2019. Your contribution of any amount is always appreciat- JFS NAMES TBA MEMBER ed, as it helps with our operational budget. In early 2020, we will begin NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER another campaign aimed at refurbishment of the temple’s interior. JFS of Metrowest We have several committees that are in need of members. If you Amanda Coughlin Senior Director are interested in participating just let me know: Lifelong Learning, [email protected] 508-875-3100 x340 Worship, Shiva Minyanim, Caring, Fundraising, Outreach, Volunteer Coordinator and Dues Restructuring, among other opportunities. IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE

There is something to interest everyone. Jewish Family Service of Metrowest announces Lino Covarrubias as new Chief Executive Officer Most importantly, we need YOU to help us complete the tasks we Framingham, MA – November 4, 2019 – Jewish Family Service of have begun. TBA is at a vibrant and exciting point in its history, as we Metrowest (JFS) has announced that current JFS Chief Operations Officer Lino Covarrubias will officially succeed longtime leader reinvent and refresh and move forward into a bright future together. Marc Jacobs as the organization’s Chief Executive Officer effective Only YOU can make it possible. January 1, 2020.

L’shalom, “After a very strong and thoughtful succession planning process, the JFS Board of Directors voted in June to name Lino as Marc’s Carol Hanover successor,” said Board President David Milowe. “With Lino taking the helm of JFS, JFS will go from strength to strength, will continue to enhance impact, never make excuses, and always move forward.”

Covarrubias, a former officer in the United States Navy and a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, accepted the position of JFS COO in 2008 after completing over 20 years of active service in the U.S. Navy. Lino holds a MBA.

“I have always been impressed with JFS’ leadership both within its professional staff and its volunteer-based Board of Directors,” Covarrubias said. “When I was looking for the right place to focus my efforts after retiring from the Navy, JFS checked all the boxes. The organization’s Join us for our Musical Shabbat Service on services and programming within the MetroWest Community, the focus on the most vulnerable lu within our community in general, and the growing emphasis on supporting immigrants were all ShabbatFriday, December 20 atHall 7:15 PM. Everyone is positive draws for me.” ’ welcome! Traditional and contemporary music; As Covarrubias assumes the CEO role, Marc Jacobs, who has held the position since 1996, will participatory, reflective and joyful worship. move to a CEO-Emeritus, Leadership Advisor role, where plans call for him to serve through the middle of 2020. Welcome Shabbat with family, friends & community tebeam / December 2019 / 6 BROTHERHOOD NOVEMBER BREAKFAST BROTHERHOOD RECAP BREAKFAST SCHEDULE On Sunday, November 10, 2019, All breakfasts begin at 9:00 AM TBA Brotherhood welcomed Michael Sweeney, Executive Director of the • December 22 Massachusetts State Lottery Com- • January 12 mission. • February 9 Mr. Sweeney entertained broth- erhood with an overview of the lottery, • March 22 from its booming growth over the last • April 26 several years to where it stands today • May 17 generating $1.5 billion in revenue for the Commonwealth. Between employing almost 400 staff, generating dollars to local variety stores, large payouts to consumers and delivering funds to our local commu- The monthly breakfasts, held from September to May, include our nities, the Lottery has proven to be a beneficial stream of revenue for famous 40-foot buffet offering a variety of foods including eggs, chick- MetroWest retailers. en wings, white fish salad, vegetable platters, liver, bagels and cream HONORING OUR VETERANS cheeses, to name a few. Each breakfast also includes a special guest speaker and presentation covering a wide array of topics of interest for brotherhood members to learn from. Our next speaker on December 22nd, will be Whitey Bulger’s attorney. We expect this breakfast to generate a lot of interest. And for February, we’ve schedule Harvey Leonard followed by local star sports newscaster Steve Burton in the Springtime. We hope to see you at our future breakfasts! Please reach out to Steve Schneider or Bill Karger Co-Presidents of Brotherhood with any questions. Besides our usual guest speaker this month, and the standard 40-foot buffet prepared by our volunteer staff, we also gave honor to the Veterans in our group such as the Jewish War Vets, whom all Watch for more details led us in the Pledge of Allegiance in about these great events! honor of Veterans Day.

IT’S FOOTBALL SEASON @ TBA! Brotherhood sponsored another great football watch- ing event on Sunday, Novem- ber 17th. Forty-plus TBA members joined in the fun as the Patriots beat the Eagles! As always, Brotherhood of- fered an amazing spread of hot dogs, munchies and pizza... all for FREE. What a great way to strengthen our temple community and spend time with friends. Thank you to everyone that helped setup, serve, clean up and joined us! 7 / December 2019 / tebeam SISTERHOOD HANUKKAH EVENT DECEMBER 15TH! WHY YOU NEED SISTERHOOD OF TBA Sisterhood of TBA is the collective identity of the women in our congregation. It provides us with a strong presence and voice. Sisterhood provides an outlet for

the creative energy, talent and leadership potential of the individual Jewish woman. It also gives our mem- bers a worldwide identity and connection through our affiliation with Women of Reform Judaism, an agency for more than 500 Sisterhoods of Reform 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 mem- bers or finances. With your participation, we all benefit

from your friendship, energy and interests. From your membership dues come the funds to implement our pro- Sisterhood and the School Committee are sponsoring a Family grams, contribute to our temple and support our Tikkun Hanukkah celebration Olam and Tzedakah efforts in the Jewish communities. Your unique educational, religious and life experiences Sunday, December 15th enrich the collective membership. 11:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m. WHERE YOUR SISTERHOOD in the Social Hall DUES GO Crafts, music, latkes and donuts Your Sisterhood dues payment includes membership in Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ), serving Jewish and PLEASE RSVP to [email protected] or call the humanitarian causes throughout the world. temple office at 508-872-8300 $18 per member for WRJ National Dues (let us know how many will be attending - $2 per member for WRJ District Dues $5 per person for YES Fund Honor Roll Dues we want to make sure we have enough for everyone!!!) $3 Sisterhood supported funds The remainder of your dues goes towards the operating budget of the Sisterhood of TBA and the programs and projects supported by Sisterhood of TBA. WHAT WE DO… With your help, we can do even more! TIKKUN OLAM (repairing the world) GREAT RECOGNITION FOR • Christmas Dinner Project TBA’S SISTERHOOD! • Coat Drive • High Holy Day Food Drive • Honors Dinner ($45 pp) • YES Fund Event ($18 pp) • YES Fund Card Sales BRIT OLAM (sustaining Jewish continuity) • Chanukah Party • Chanukah Shopping Spree • Leslie Brenner Camp Scholarship Fundraiser • Programs & Speakers • Religious Services • Yom Tov Parties KEHILLAH (building community)

If you have questions about events or membership please email us at [email protected] tebeam / December 2019 / 8 Programs and Events November Highlight Kibbitz & Bagels

Dozens of TBA members gathered at The Bagel Table in Ashland last month to socialize over coffee and breakfast.

Who Loves Latkes?!

Look for the next in the series of “Kibbitz & ...” as our community participates in a variety of informal social events to expand/strengthen our network of acquaintances within our Temple. BAGELS, CREAM CHEESES, WHITE FISH SALAD, NOODLE KUGEL Indulge in These Jewish Dairy Delights

METROWEST Join Us for Brunch and “The Sturgeon Queens,” Story of Russ & Daughers Deli of NYC JEWISH DAY Sunday January 5, 2020, 10:00am Don’t Miss It! Catered by The Bagel Table, SCHOOL Plus Kugel Kontest – look for entry information Illuminating the Path Gala $22.00/person December 8, 2019 Food & History MetroWest Jewish Day School invites all to attend its Illuminating the Path Gala on Sunday, December 8 at 5:00 PM at Temple in Needham. This elegant, adult event features an open bar, appetizers, delicious

arrays of tapas and desserts, as well as an entertaining (Picture from Russ & Daughters) program and an exciting auction. Come celebrate with This event is sponsored by Temple Beth Am’s Events Committee, and proceeds MWJDS and learn more about the school with a view to will be used to sponsor future social and cultural programs. the Pre-K to Grade 8 children in your life. Tickets may Coming in February look for information about Academy Award Nominee Picture be purchased at https://www.mwjds.org/ Night and Chinese Buffet. 9 / December 2019 / tebeam

If you have questions about events or BATY membership please contact YOUTH Sarah Rosenthal at [email protected] Hello families! EVENT RECAP We have some REALLY exciting things going on in the upcoming AMERICAN months. As always, remember how important it is that we have atten- JEWISH dance at events! If people don’t come, we can’t do things and we have some GREAT events coming up. HERITAGE As always, in order for your child to participate in BATY please MUSEUM register them and pay! If you have two children, please fill out two We had a great October separate forms. and attended the American Jewish Heritage Museum and indulged in ice cream! SCHEDULING NOTE: The students and families I have created a google sheets so I can learned so much! try to schedule events around when it is convenient for you guys! If you can update your availability as you know it — that would be great that way when we are UPCOMING MEETINGS planning/scheduling events I will know November 16 - during Shul In when you are free. If you don’t see your December 8th - 11:30 AM name, add yourself. Scan me

UPCOMING EVENTS SHUL IN: NOVEMBER 16-17 PROGRESSIVE DINNER / DECEMBER 7 BATY will be staying over and JBAT is encouraged to come at night We are also planning a progressive dinner on Saturday December 7th but leave around 10ish! We will be ordering pizza, watching a movie, starting at 5:30. This is when we go to different people’s houses in the and playing games! area and we eat appetizers at one house, dinner at another house, and then dessert at another. As we go through there will be games at PLASTER FUN TIME / NOVEMBER 17 each house. We will have a JBAT event at the arts and crafts place, Plaster Fun Time! We will meet at the temple at 12:30 and drive there for 1:00! HANUKKAH MEETING Teens will get the opportunity to craft and have fun together! At our BATY meeting before Hanukkah, we are going to have a small party just for BATY! We will be having a gift exchange called white HANUKKAH PARTY elephant! Everyone will purchase a generic gift for no more than $10 BATY will be inviting another youth group to join us and run a Ha- which we will wrap and number. Everyone will pick a number and nukkah party! During the event, we will have a dreidel game/tourna- receive that gift! It is a super fun idea and I am excited to see what ment, do cookie decorating with contests and do some sort of donation everyone gives! service project!! We will follow up but we are aiming for a time in December/January

CYCLES IN SADNESS We record with deep sorrow the names of those who have died Life since our last bulletin. May their memory be for a blessing. THE CONGREGATION MOURNS WITH IN JOY Susan Siegel, on the loss of her dear friend SPECIAL ANNIVERSARIES (and past Sisterhood president), Evye Woldman DECEMBER Date Name Years MEMORIAL PLAQUE 12/19 Lewis and Marilyn Allinson 60 Eudice G. Lorge, mother of Greta Lee Splansky; All couples celebrating an December wedding anniversary will be April 8, 2019 – 3 Nisan 5779 blessed at the December 20th service at 7:15 PM. Please call the temple Susan I. Splansky, sister of Rabbi Donald Splansky; officeif you are planning to attend. February 23, 2019 – 18 Adar I 5779 tebeam / December 2019 / 10

2020 MAH JONGG CARDS SOCIAL JUSTICE TBA If you are in Framingham, Florida, or COMMITTEE Notes anywhere else you can send me the list, Next meeting: and send the check(s) to: Wednesday, December 18, 2019 TBA CARES Susan Clark, 1662 Latta Court, For inquiries contact: Your temple is here for you whether The Villages, FL 32162 Sheila Statlender and Lisa Nasch: in good times or bad. Please let Rabbi • Checks are made payable to [email protected] Sobel know what is going on in your “Temple Beth Am” life. [email protected] • $8 regular print/$9 large print TBA COAT DRIVE • Deadline is January 9, 2020 Ends January 12

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

Volume 64 / No. 4 / December 2019 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 , 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