Friday, April 10, 2009 Second Day of Passover Morning Services 9:30AM Shabbat candlelighting 7:01PM Evening Services 7:30PM Wednesday, April 15, 2009 Seventh Day of Passover Morning Services 9:30AM Evening Services 8:00PM Yom Tov Candlelighting 8:08PM Thursday, April 16, 2009 Eighth Day of Passover Morning Services 9:30AM Yizkor recited at Morning services Evening Services 8:00PM Passover ends 8:08PM Service Times for Passover at Temple Beth Emunah 2009 Selling of Chametz
Nisan/Iyar Volume XIX Number 7 April 2009 Wednesday, April 8, 2009 Fast of the First-born Morning Services 6:30AM Seder begins at sundown No Evening Services Thursday, April 9, 2009 First Day of Passover Morning Services 9:30AM Second Seder begins at sundown No Evening Services Friday, April 10, 2009 Second Day of Passover Morning Services 9:30AM Shabbat candlelighting 7:01PM Evening Services 7:30PM Shabbat, April 11, 2009 Third Day of Passover Morning Services 9:30AM Shabbat ends 8:02PM No Evening Services Sunday, April 12, 2009 Fourth Day of Passover Morning Services 9:00AM 2nd Day Chol HaMoed Pesach Evening Services 7:30PM Monday, April 13, 2009 Fifth Day of Passover No Morning Services 3rd Day Chol HaMoed Pesach Evening Services 7:30PM Tuesday, April 14, 2009 Sixth Day of Passover No Morning Services 4th Day Chol HaMoed Pesach Yom Tov Candlelighting 7:08PM Evening Services 7:30PM Wednesday, April 15, 2009 Seventh Day of Passover Morning Services 9:30AM Evening Services 8:00PM Yom Tov Candlelighting 8:08PM Thursday, April 16, 2009 Eighth Day of Passover Morning Services 9:30AM Yizkor recited at Morning services Evening Services 8:00PM Passover ends 8:08PM Service Times for Passover at Temple Beth Emunah 2009 Selling of Chametz The Torah commands us to rid ourselves of all leavened products during Pesach. All leavening in your possession must be donated, discarded, or sold prior to the start of the holiday (by Wednesday, April 8 at 9AM). Rabbi Cohen will act as the agent of sale for all chametz for members of the Temple Beth Emunah community. To sell your chametz, please come by Rabbi Cohen’s office starting April 1st . To enact the sale you will need to provide the address of your home (or wherever the chametz is stored) and appoint Rabbi Cohen as your agent. It is customary to donate tzedakkah at this time as well. For more information please contact Rabbi Cohen Rabbi Cohen’s Parshat HaShavuah Class will resume on Saturday mornings after services: Saturday, April 4 th Remember: Even if you can’t make it to services that morning, please feel free to come for class. We meet in the library 15 minutes after Kiddush (around 12:30PM). Class is conducted in English.
Transcript
Nisan/Iyar Volume XIX Number 7 April 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009Fast of the First-bornMorning Services 6:30AMSeder begins at sundownNo Evening Services
Thursday, April 9, 2009First Day of PassoverMorning Services 9:30AMSecond Seder begins atsundownNo Evening Services
Friday, April 10, 2009Second Day of PassoverMorning Services 9:30AMShabbat candlelighting7:01PMEvening Services 7:30PM
Shabbat, April 11, 2009Third Day of PassoverMorning Services 9:30AMShabbat ends 8:02PMNo Evening Services
Sunday, April 12, 2009Fourth Day of PassoverMorning Services 9:00AM2nd Day Chol HaMoedPesachEvening Services 7:30PM
Monday, April 13, 2009Fifth Day of PassoverNo Morning Services3rd Day Chol HaMoedPesachEvening Services 7:30PM
Tuesday, April 14, 2009Sixth Day of PassoverNo Morning Services4th Day Chol HaMoedPesachYom Tov Candlelighting7:08PMEvening Services 7:30PM
Wednesday, April 15, 2009Seventh Day of PassoverMorning Services 9:30AMEvening Services 8:00PMYom Tov Candlelighting8:08PM
Thursday, April 16, 2009Eighth Day of PassoverMorning Services 9:30AMYizkor recited at MorningservicesEvening Services 8:00PMPassover ends 8:08PM
Service Times for Passover atTemple Beth Emunah 2009
Selling of Chametz
The Torah commands us to rid ourselves of all leavened products duringPesach. All leavening in your possession must be donated, discarded, or soldprior to the start of the holiday (by Wednesday, April 8 at 9AM).
Rabbi Cohen will act as the agent of sale for all chametz for members of theTemple Beth Emunah community. To sell your chametz, please come byRabbi Cohen’s office starting April 1st . To enact the sale you will need to provide the address of your home (or wherever the chametz is stored) andappoint Rabbi Cohen as your agent. It is customary to donate tzedakkah atthis time as well.
For more information please contact Rabbi Cohen
Rabbi Cohen’s Parshat HaShavuah Class will resume on Saturday mornings after services:
Saturday, April 4th
Remember: Even if you can’t make it to services that morning, please feel free to come for class.
We meet in the library 15 minutes after Kiddush (around12:30PM).
Class is conducted in English.
From The Rabbi's DeskIn commemoration of the slaying of the first born sons of the Egyptians, each year on the eveof Passover we hold a fast for the first born sons of the Jewish people. The first-born sonshave an option: we can either choose to fast from the morning through the evening and breakour fast with the first foods eaten at the seder that evening, or we can take part in a siyyum,the conclusion of the study of a tractate of Talmud or other rabbinic sources and materials. Bytaking part in the conclusion of the study of these materials, a participant must fulfill the obli-gation of celebrating in a seudah—a festive and celebratory meal. Thus we don’t have to fast, but instead can eat (the relatively few crumbs that are left behind of chametz) and celebratetogether.
This year we have the opportunity not just to celebrate the siyyum that coincides with the fastof the first born, but also the once-in-twenty-eight year occasion to celebrate the Blessing ofthe Sun (Bikat HaChamah). The Talmud Bavli teaches us that the sun makes a 28-year cycleto return back to the place it was when the world was created (as in the Story of Creation ac-cording to the Book of Genesis in the Torah). Genesis teaches us that God created the sun onthe fourth day. Since the Hebrew calendar is a lunar-based calendar and all days (includingholidays) begin at night with the setting of the sun, the fourth day of creation actually tookplace beginning on Tuesday night at sundown and concluded with sundown on Wednesdaynight. We thus celebrate the return of the sun to its original position (according to the story ofcreation) on Tuesday night every 28 years. In mathematical terms, since a solar year is 365.25days long, the cycle lasts for 10,227 (28 times 365.25) days. The brachah (blessing) is recitedon April 8, 2009, which corresponds to the Hebrew calendar date of the 14th of Nisan 5769).Given the significance and rare opportunity, we will have a chance to combine the study of theblessing of the sun and the siyyum (end of study) that concludes the fast of the first-born to-gether at the same time.Please join us at 6:30AM on Wednesday, April 8th. Services will take no longer than 30 min-utes and then we will study for 30 minutes some of the material I mentioned above.
That morning will also be the last time that members of our community will be able to selltheir chametz. There are only five grains that are considered to be chametz: wheat, barley,spelt, rye and oats. The Torah commands of each of us to not only rid ourselves of any pos-session of chametz, but that we must sell it as well. This sale can be done by filling out ashort form detailing where the chametz that you own will be kept and by making me youragent for the sale. Before Passover begins I will sell the chametz of the shul and all those whowish to have me sell theirs as well. This is a fun, easy, and necessary part of the Passoverholiday. (Please note that in making me your agent I am not in any way agreeing to cleanyour home for Pesach!).
The holidays are nearly upon us. Passover is the most-celebrated Jewish holiday on the calen-dar (more than Purim, Rosh HaShanah, Yom Kippur or even Chanukah). It takes a little timeand energy to ready the house and the family (and the food) for Passover. The end result is anevent that brings together the entire family in celebration. Should you need to discuss aspectsof the home rituals or have questions about what to do or how to do it, please, as always, feelfree to speak with me directly.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful chag sameach/happy holidays!
Rabbi Joshua B. Cohen
TEMPLE BETH EMUNAH479 Torrey Street
Brockton, MA 02301(508) 583-5810
Fax: (508) 583-1360
affiliated with theUnited Synagogue
of Conservative Judaism
Rabbi Joshua CohenH. David Werb, Rabbi Emeritus
Robert Fishman, PresidentFran Litner, Educational Director
I often receive emails and letters from visitors to our shul expressing their gratitude to our community for making them feelat home while they celebrate as guests at a simcha. The following excerpts were taken from a lengthier letter from Mr. Wil-liam Safer, who visited in March to celebrate the Bat Mitzvah of a family friend. As you read these words, we should all beproud of who we are and what it means to those who are not part of the Temple Beth Emunah family on a permanent ba-sis. Yasher Koach to all of us.
“The warmth and friendliness, the sense of community I saw were something that is not easy to come by, it grows year to year and fromgeneration to generation. I know that this is something to cherish and never to be taken for granted.”“…the trip to your shul broughtback that spirit and warm feeling and brought back the " Jewish" feeling that is hard to explain, but well known to all who areJewish.”
“God bless your shul and all you enter it's holy doors, thank you for my spiritual renewal that day!”
Yom Hashoah-Holocaust MemorialDay is April 21stAnyone who would like to honor thememory of family members whoperished in the holocaust should sendme their names via email([email protected])or in my box in the Temple office.
Message from the Educational Director:
All of us at the religious school would like to wish you and your family a sweet and happy Passover. The school has been very busy withmany exciting programs and events.
Mazel Tov to all of our B’Nai Mitzvah families. Each of the children have made us all so proud. Yasher Koach to each of them for theirdiligence and hard work. It is a pleasure for all of us to see them come to the bimah on Shabbat.
Thank you to Ann Dreiker for taking the 2nd and 7th grade class pictures. Thank you to Larry and Judy Burak for donating wine for afundraiser which has helped our PTO raise money for the school. I also want to thank the parents who supported the school by attendingall the events and for encouraging their children. A special todah rabah to all of the volunteers who help each week in our school. Theymake such a difference!
On March 15th, our 6th graders took part in Mitzvah Day. Becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a huge milestone in a child’s life and we at the temple feel strongly that a child should also do a mitzvah as part of becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. The students have worked all year ontheir personal mitzvot and presented them for all to see. I applaud them for their dedication and effort.
The 6th and 7th grade classes are also in B’Nai Telem. They have volunteered at Cradles to Crayons, Head Start, Heights Crossing, and will help to clean Blue Hills Reservation on . On March 31st the 6th and 8th grade made paper butterflies for the Houston Holocaust Memo-rial. They are collecting 1.5 million butterflies from around the world to represent the 1.5 million children who perished in the Holocaust.I encouraged our children to take part in this important mitzvot. On April 26th, at !:00 PM, the children are invited to present their butter-flies at the Yom Hashoah commemoration in Boston. More information will follow.
Our first year of TELEM (Hebrew High) was a huge success. The students and the residents of both Heights Crossing and Evelyn Housebenefited from this amazing program. We could not be more proud of our kids! Thank you to Pam Foley from Annie’s Pretzels for do-nating pretzels for all participants of this program.
The 3rd and 4th grade Kabbalat Shabbat Service was well attended and a huge success. Thank you to their teachers, Jen Faber, Ruth Gold-stein and Shira Werb for preparing their classes.
On March 29th, the second grade parents had a great time decorating siddur covers to present to their child at the Siyyum. The 3rd gradeclass and parents made beautiful Haggadot. Both the siddur covers and the Haggadot will be work of art to be treasured.
On April 4th at 7:30 PM, the 5th and 6th grade will lead Havdalah service. Thank you to their teachers, Barbara Fine, Hagit Moverman,Debbie Bank and Caryn Budd for preparing their classes. The tiles that the 5th grade made will be on display.
The model Seder for Pre-K through 2nd grade will be held in the social hall on Sunday, April 5th. Parents are encouraged to join theirchild. To help defray the cost of the food, we are asking for a donation of $5.00 per person. Thank you to “Sweethearts Three”in Sharonfor the chocolate frogs that they donated for the model Seder.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone at our 2nd grade Siyyum on May 1st at 7:30 PM. The students have been learning the servicewith the help of their teachers, Gail Burman and Robin Goldstein. Mazel Tov to our 2nd grade students and their families.
On May 3rd, we will have an Israel Day celebration, complete with fun games, DJ Russ Burman, Israeli songs and dancing. This is a spe-cial way to teach the children about Israel.
A very special todah rabah to Jen Antebi for her outstanding music programs and enriching our children’s lives.
The 7th grade class trip to New York is Sunday, June 14th. The class is looking forward to visiting the Museum of Jewish Heritage andenjoying the experience of New York. The class is working with Mrs. Possick on graduation. Graduation is Thursday, May 28th at 7:00PM. Mazel Tov to our 7th graders and their families.
If you have not registered your child for religious school for the coming year, 2009-2010, please do so. Registration is handled throughDeb Kirsch in the main office.
Have a great spring vacation.
B’Shalom
Fran Litner
To the Members of Temple Beth Emunah:
I would like to personally thank everyone for all of their help in making the First Annual Girl Scout/ Boy Scout Shabbat celebra-tion such a huge success. I had no idea so many people would be interested in one of my Youth Shabbat Services! A specialthank you to Jim Green for helping me with the Boy Scouts (over 60 registered Boy and Girl Scouts attended, along with over30 registered adults and community members), Danny Goldstein for cooking a fantastic meal, Fran Litner for helping me piecetogether the service, Robin Ekpunobi for handling dessert, and Stu Kirsch and Aaron Riseman for helping serve and clean up.Please mark your calenders for next year's Scout celebration at our Temple on Friday March 12, 2010, I hope to see you allthere.
Again Thank you to all who helped.
Lindsay CaronGirl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts Liaison to the National Jewish Girl Scout CommitteeTemple Beth Emunah Member and Youth Shabbat Leader
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBERIMPORTANT - NO SCHOOL ON TUESDAY, APRIL 14TH
APRILThursday, April 2nd - Intensive/enrichmentSaturday, April 4th - 5th & 6th Grade Havdalah ServiceSunday, April 5th - Class Pre-K - 6th
Model Seder - PreK through 2nd
Parents welcomedTuesday, April 7th - ClassThursday, April 9th - No intensive/enrichmentSunday, April 12th - Classes Pre-K through 6th
Tuesday, April 14th through Monday, April 27th - NO SCHOOLTuesday, April 28th - Classes resumeThursday, April 30th - Intensive/enrichment
MAYFriday, May 1st - 2nd Grade SiyyumSunday, May 3rd - Pre-K through 6th
Israel DayTuesday, May 5th - ClassThursday, May 7th - Intensive/enrichmentSunday, May 10th - NO SCHOOLTuesday, May 12th - ClassThursday, May 14th - Intensive/enrichmentSunday, May 17th - Pre-K through 6th
Last Sunday of schoolTuesday, May 19th - Classes - 2nd - 7th
Last Day of SchoolThursday, May 28th - 7th Grade Graduation
Erev Shavuot
6th Grade Mitzvah Day 2009
SO MUCH SO FAST
It didn't hit me until last week, when my son's aide and I ended up talking about his programming for next year. For those of youwho don't know, he is enrolled in the Special Needs Sunday Program and has High Functioning Autism. He has learned so muchin such a short amount of time. Where did this year go? You always think that time will stand still in some way, but it neverdoes. Here are some of my favorites from this year.......
He has gone from a child that knew absolutely nothing about our heritage and past, to a child who is respectful of what he haslearned and relishes in the knowledge. He has been full of questions, both in the classroom and outside of the synagogue as well.As his teachers and aide have remarked, he is very inquisitive. I think that is just so thrilling to know, as this means that he isenjoying what he is doing and wants to keep on going. He always wants to know “How?” “Why?” “What?”
When we arrive at the synagogue on a Sunday morning, he will very willingly choose his Kippah from a variety I keep in a bag.Not only does he wear it with pride, but he enjoys keeping it on. He thinks it's “cool.” One of his biggest interests is how hehas become so completely fascinated and intrigued with the sanctuary. He finds it so mysterious. He is mesmerized with howsong and prayer echo throughout the room and bounce off the walls. He looks in awe when someone is up on the pulpit lookingdown. When he walks in with his class, he walks in slowly, looks up at the ceiling and then scans the rest of the room. From amother's standpoint, It is really pretty cool to watch this happen.
Just as wonderful is watching him enjoy the temple's festivities, such as the many music programs that he has been a part of on aSunday morning or even a craft show where he can always find something special.
One big aspect is how he now feels so comfortable walking about the synagogue. He is now able to start piecing together how allthe offices, classrooms and function halls work together. It is not such a complicated maze anymore! He prances around like heowns the place and I love it! Look what confidence and feeling safe does to a child. It does wonders!
I really never thought that this wonder and enjoyment would be accepted, and this quickly. In all my years of being a mom, Ihave never heard of any child asking about synagogue and when they will return next. My son is now the exception. (at least inmy eyes) Something has inspired him and touched his softspot. I think a parent sending their child to religious school alwayshopes that their child will find something memorable about what was learned.
As Brian's lesson comes to a close and his aide comes to find me, he can barely contain his excitement in showing me what hecreated for that morning. I always look forward to this time. He will then ask me with a huge smile “Aren't you just so proud ofme?” and I say with pride “You bet I am !” “What will daddy think?” “I think he will just love it!” He will then open the doorsto the parking lot and head towards the car, making sure that his coveted artwork is safe. By the way, we have kept everythingthat he has created.
We are now on our way to Rite Aid for our after Sunday School treat. Probably some gum and sour skittles. Yea, Sundays arepretty cool.
Alison Eskenas is a freelance writer and a parent of a special needs child. She provides support, advocacy and awareness to fami-lies who have special needs children. She can be reached at [email protected]
Save the Date
Temple Beth Emunah Sisterhood
Donor Dinner
Heart and SoulTuesday May 5, 2009
Temple HappeningsSpencer Harrison Dennis
Spencer will be called to the Torah on April 4th, 2009, and lives inStoughton, where he attends the O’Donnell Middle School. His favorite subject in school is geography, and he hopes to go to Israel somedaysoon. He is active in sports such as baseball, basketball, and football;baseball being his favorite. Spencer has two older brothers, Justin, who isa freshman at Westfield State College, and Tyler, who is a senior in highschool this year.
One of Spencer’s true compassions is for animals. He has two cats and a dog, two of which are rescue animals from the MSPCA. A donation will be made to theMSPCA in honor of the guests at his Bar Mitzvah.
Spencer has grown up at Temple Beth Emunah and has made connections and friendships here.He and his family are grateful to Fran Litner and the teachers who have been supervised by her.Hagit Moverman has been a wonderful teacher and friend to his family. Her home has alwaysbeen open and her patience always appreciated.
Supermarket Scripis now available
for all yourgift giving needs
Looking for a gift? We now have available Scrip for Shaw’s, Stop-n-Shop, and
Sudbury Farms/Roche Bros. in smallerdenominations of $10.00.
These make wonderful gifts forTeachers, Bus Drivers,
Secretaries, Hair Dressers and many others. Consider scrip when plan-ning gifts.
Catering for all occasions. ShivaPlatters, Graduations, Bar/Bat
Mitzvah, and many more.Hosts: Ina & Mike Schwartz
111 Belmont St So. Easton, Ma.02375
Phone: (508) 230-8074 Fax: (508) 230-9065
Herb was the most wonderful human being anyone could know.
There were only a very few who knew what he did in silence to make each and everyone’s life a better place.
He gave all of us the most wonderful life. He loved my mom with all his heart and soul. He didn’t say it with words, but his actions always spokeloud and clear. He allowed us to make our own mistakes, and was there to pick up the pieces. We always knew we had a place to stay, no matter howold we were, even with our kids, not to mention a prolonged visit from Hondo and Lady. I told you so was not in his vocabulary; it was always howcan we help.
He lived by a few mottos…..
If you are going to do something, do it right.Always use the right tool for the right job.And of course, there is always room for ice cream.
As one of his children I can only say it with the message he gave to me when I graduated from college. “The world is yours go for it.” That is how helived his life and wanted us to live ours.
My children did not know him as he was before Parkinson’s. I always told them to ask Papa. Papa knew everything and if he didn’t, he knew where to look it up, of course growing up, even if he knew the answer, he made us break out the Encyclopedia and made us look it up ourselves.
Papa was a strong active man. He rode bikes, played tennis, went on hot air balloon rides, and rode a camel in Egypt. He was truly a world traveleralways looking for a new adventure.
He loved all six of his grand children and only wished he could get up and run and play with them. Parkinson’s did not stop himfrom enjoying eachand every one of them at basketball, baseball, hockey, dance, soccer and essay contests. He may not have been able to participate in body, but alwaysin his heart. Please Robert, Danny, Robbie, Abby, Sarah and Sammy, know what joy and happiness you brought to Papa’s life.
Mohammed, for those of you who don’t know was his fourth child. You were such a bright spot in his life. We love you so much and could not thankyou enough for the joy and happiness you brought to our father and the support you were able to provide to mom, when things weren’t going so well.
Daddy, we danced at my wedding to a song that said you are the wind beneath my wings. Now you are the angel wings for all of us.
I know you will be with us always and forever. When I feel a breeze come by, I will know it will be a kiss from you.
Please know daddy, how much we all love you and we will miss you every moment of every day.
You made this world a much brighter, fun and happier place for all of us.
Good bye our angel.
We love you.
What are your plans for Sunday, June 7 at noon? Why not join the 23rd annual Parkinson Walk-A-Thon at ReebokHeadquarters in Canton, right off Rte. 138. Enjoy an easy 5K walk on a soft track and raise money for Parkinson’s research. If you think 5K seem too long, don’t worry. You can stop at any time as the track is very safe. Herb Cohen, of blessed memory, was a long-time member of TBE. For many years, he and his wife Laurel have providedthe Siddurim our children receive for their Siyyum, and Laurel continues the tradition. To honor Herb, and tohelp others, join Team Herb. To join on line, go to apdama.kintera.org/walk09 You can contact Laurel at 508297 1997, or e mail her at [email protected]. 100% of the proceeds go to Parkinson’s research, and if you need another reason to join, there are Team Herb tee shirts.
Social Action
Dear Temple Beth Emunah Members,
My name is Abby Green and I am having my Bat Mitzvah on April 9 2010. That weekend will be the 6th anniversary ofmy papa Herb Cohen’s death. He was a long time member of TBE.
My papa had Parkinson’s disease. As my Bat Mitzvah project I would like to make you aware of how Parkinson’s disease does not only change the lives of the person but the person’s family as well.
My papa used to be able to play tennis walk and be with his grandchildren but then he got Parkinson’s. Because of that he eventuently lost his independence. We had to drive him because he could no longer drive. We had to cut his food and helphim do every day things. This was hard for my Bubbie also. She had to get help in their house because she could not carefor him alone. My family was sad a lot because of this.
I would like to invite you all to participate in the annual Parkinson’s walk. It is at Reebok Corporate offices in Canton MA. My family joined as a team to raise money for research for the cure. I was only 4 years old at the time I did the walk.We walked in the hope that we could find a cure for my papa before he got too sick. We had 4 more walks before he died.During that time he couldn’t play tennis or play with his grandchildren. He needed help getting deseed. And his voice got soft so we couldn’t understand him. Our family has continued to do the walk in his memory. So we can get the money needed to find the cure.
I would like to invite you all to join our family as a member of “Team Herb”. on June 7, 2009. We can celebrate his life and help all the other people who suffer from Parkinson’s disease.
Thank you very much.Abby Green
HELP STOCK THE SHELVES
Please join in the Social Action Committee’s project to help feed nine families at Montello House, a shelter for home-less families in Brockton. Drop off non-perishable food items or personal care items in the blue bin near the HebrewSchool first floor doors, or on Wednesdays in the box by the Bingo rear doors. Items do not need a hechsher. This isa wonderful opportunity to put your unopened packages of chamatz to good use. In times like these, all donationsmake a difference.
Todah Rabah
The Rabbinical Assembly
Pesah GuideThis guide is based on the Guide that was prepared for the Rabbinical Assembly Committee on Jewish Law and Standards by Rabbi Mayer Rabi-nowit and accepted by the Committee on December 12, 1984 with a number of changes that reflect subsequent decisions of the Committee onJewish Law and Standards and the ongoing changes in food production. Also, additional material on smoothtop electric ranges, medicines, cos-metics, and toiletries has been added. This document has been prepared by Rabbi Paul Plotkin, Chair of the Kashrut Subcommittee of the Com-mittee on Jewish Law and Standards, and Rabbi Eliot Dorff, Chair of the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards.For more information, consult the Summary Index of the Committee on Jewish Law and StandardsPlease see the Rabbinical Assembly website for updates on specific items for the 5769 Pesah season.
February, 2009One no longer has to live in a large Jewish community in order to have access to products that are certified as kosher for Passover. Manyproducts that are under kashrut supervision all year long are supervised for Passover as well and are available to consumers. These areproducts that do not contain hametz and therefore do not require a change in ingredients for Passover. In addition, those living farfrom stores that carry a full array of products that are kosher for Passover can now shop on the internet to order foods that are kosherfor Passover and have them shipped to their homes. In addition, there are some general rules that can make it possible to acquire cer-tain items, without Passover certification, before Passover and use them on Passover.
The Torah prohibits the ownership of hametz (leaven) during Pesah. Therefore, we arrange for the sale of the hametz to a non-Jew.The transfer, mekhirat hametz, is accomplished by appointing an agent, usually the rabbi, to handle the sale. It is valid and legal transferof ownership. At the end of the holiday, the agent arranges for the reversion of ownership of the now-permitted hametz. If ownership ofthe hametz was not transferred before the holiday, the use of this hametz is prohibited after the holiday as well (hametz she-avar alav ha-Pesah).
Since the Torah prohibits the eating of hametz during Pesah, and since many common foods contain some admixture of hametz, guid-ance is necessary when shopping and preparing for Pesah.
During the eight days of Pesah, hametz cannot lose its identity in an admixture. Therefore, the minutest amount of hametz renders thewhole admixture hametz and its use on Pesah is prohibited. However, during the rest of the year, hametz follows the normal rules ofadmixture, i.e. it loses its identity in an admixture of one part hametz and sixty parts of non-hametz (batel be-shishim). This affords usthe opportunity to differentiate between foods purchased before and during Pesah.
What follows is a general guideline. However, your rabbi should be consulted when any doubt arises. Kosher le-Pesah labels that donot bear the name of a rabbi or one of the recognized symbols of rabbinic supervision, or which are not integral to the package, shouldnot be used without consulting your rabbi.
Prohibited foods include the following: leavened bread, cakes, biscuits, crackers, cereal, coffees containing cereal deriva-tives, wheat, barley, oats, spelt, rye, and all liquids containing ingredients or flavors made from grain alcohol.
Most Ashkenazic authorities have added the following foods (kitniyot) to the above list: rice, corn, millet, legumes (beans and peas;however, string beans are permitted). The Committee on Jewish Law and Standards has ruled unanimously that peanuts and peanut oilare permissible. Some Ashkenazic authorities permit, while others forbid, the use of legumes in a form other than their natural state, forexample, corn sweeteners, corn oil, soy oil. Sephardic authorities permit the use of all of the above. Consult your rabbi for guidance inthe use of these products.
PERMITTED FOODS: A. The following foods require no kosher le-Pesah label if purchased prior to Pesah: unopened packages orcontainers of natural coffee without cereal additives (However, be aware that coffees produced by General Foods are not kosher forPassover unless marked KP); sugar, pure tea (not herbal tea); salt (not iodized); pepper; natural spices; frozen fruit juices with no addi-tives; frozen (uncooked) vegetables (for legumes see above); milk; butter; cottage cheese; cream cheese; ripened cheeses such as cheddar(hard), muenster (semi-soft) and Camembert (soft); frozen (uncooked) fruit (with no additives); baking soda.
B. The following foods require no kosher le-Pesah label if purchased before or during Pesah: Fresh fruits and vegetables (for legumessee above), eggs, fresh fish and fresh meat.
C. The following foods require a kosher le-Pesah label if purchased before or during Pesah: All baked products (matzah, cakes, mat-zah flour, farfel, matzah meal, and any products containing matzah); canned or bottled fruit juices (These juices are often clarified withkitniyot which are not listed among the ingredients. However, if one knows there are no such agents, the juice may be purchased prior toPesah without a kosher le-Pesah label); canned tuna (since tuna, even when packed in water, has often been processed in vegetable brothand/or hydrolyzed protein--however, if it is known that the tuna is packed exclusively in water, without any additional ingredients oradditives, it may be purchased without a kosher le-Pesah label); wine; vinegar; liquor; oils; dried fruits; candy; chocolate flavored milk;ice cream; yogurt and soda.
D. The following processed foods (canned, bottled or frozen), require a kosher le-Pesah label if purchased during Pesah: milk, butter,juices, vegetables, fruit, milk products, spices, coffee, tea, and fish, as well as all foods listed in Category C.
DETERGENTS: If permitted during the year, powdered and liquid detergents do not require a kosher le-Pesah label.
MEDICINE: Since hametz binders are used in many pills, the following guidelines should be followed: If the medicine is requiredfor life sustaining therapy, it may be used on Pesah. If it is not for life sustaining therapy, some authorities permit, while others pro-hibit. Consult your rabbi. In all cases, capsules are preferable to pills.
KASHERING OF UTENSILS: The process of kashering utensils depends on how the utensils are used. According to halakhah,leaven can be purged from a utensil by the same process in which it was absorbed in the utensil (ke-voleo kakh poleto). Therefore,utensils used in cooking are kashered by boiling, those used in broiling are kashered by fire and heat, and those used only for coldfood are kashered by rinsing.
A. EARTHENWARE (china, pottery, etc.) may not be kashered. However, fine translucent chinaware which has not been used forover a year may be used if scoured and cleaned in hot water.
B. METAL (wholly made of metal) UTENSILS USED IN FIRE (spit, broiler) must first be thoroughly scrubbed and cleansed andthen made as hot as possible. Those used for cooking or eating (silverware, pots) must be thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned and com-pletely immersed in boiling water. Pots should not be used for a period of at least 24 hours between the cleaning and the immersion inboiling water. Metal baking utensils cannot be kashered.
C. OVENS AND RANGES: Every part that comes in contact with food must be thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned. Then, ovenand range should be heated as hot as possible for a half hour. If there is a broil setting, use it. Self-cleaning ovens should bescrubbed and cleaned and then put through the self-cleaning cycle. Continuous cleaning ovens must be kashered in the samemanner as regular ovens.
D. SMOOTHTOP ELECTRIC RANGES present a problem. They cannot be covered with foil, nor heated at a high temperature,nor cleaned with an abrasive cleaner. Consult with the manufacturer on how to clean the smoothtop. Then discuss with yourrabbi if that method of cleaning is adequate enough to kasher the smoothtop. Some will not be able to be kashered.
MICROWAVE OVENS, which do not cook the food by means of heat, should be cleaned, and then a cup of water should be placedinside. Then the oven should be turned on until the water disappears. A microwave oven that has a browning element cannot bekashered for Pesah.
E. GLASSWARE: Authorities disagree as to the method for kashering drinking utensils. One opinion requires soaking in water forthree days, changing the water every 24 hours. The other opinion requires only a thorough scrubbing before Pesah, or putting themthrough a dishwasher.
Glass Cookware: There is a difference of opinion as to whether it is to be kashered. One opinion is that it must be kashered.After a thorough cleansing, there should be water boiled in them which will overflow the rim. The other opinion is that only a thor-ough cleansing is required.
Glass Bakeware, like metal bakeware, may not be kashered.F. DISHWASHER: After not using the machine for a period of 24 hours, a full cycle with detergent should be run.G. ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES: If the parts that come into contact with hametz are removable, they can be kashered in the appropri-ate way (if metal, follow the rules for metal utensils). If the parts are not removable, the appliance cannot be kashered. (All exposedparts should be thoroughly cleaned.)H. COUNTERTOPSThere are many types of surface used for countertops. Some can be kashered by cleaning and then pouring boiling water over thesurface; others need to be cleaned and then covered. Below is a list of materials for countertops that the Chicago Rabbinical Councilaffirms may be kashered for Passover. It is important to note that these materials are kasherable, only as long as they are not stained,scratched, or cracked. Surfaces with a synthetic finish also must be cleaned and covered as they may not be kasherable.
I. TABLES, CLOSETS
If used with hametz, they should be thoroughly cleaned and covered, and then they may be used.
J. KITCHEN SINKA metal sink can be kashered by thoroughly cleaning it, then leaving it unused for 24 hours, and then pouring boiling water over it. Aporcelain sink should be cleaned and a sink rack used. If, however, dishes are to be soaked in a porcelain sink, a dish basin must beused.K. HAMETZ AND NON-PASSOVER UTENSILSNon-Passover dishes, pots and hametz whose ownership has been transferred to a non-Jew should be separated, locked up or covered,and marked in order to prevent accidental use.
MICHELLE GOLDSTEINBORNSTEIN
BOOK FUND SCHOLARSHIP
The Michelle Goldstein Bornstein College Book FundScholarship invites interested applicants to write a onepage essay, approximately 250 words, on how they planto make Judaism an active part of their college experi-ence. This essay must be typed or processed. The appli-cants must put only their date of birth on the essay.The applicants should place their essay into an envelope,seal it, and put their date of birth on the envelope. In ad-dition, the applicant must have a second, larger envelopein which to place the essay envelope and a sheet with theapplicant’s name, address, phone number, and date of birth.
All applications must reach Mr. & Mrs. DanielGoldstein, 10 Balmy Ln, MiddleboroMA 02346
by Sunday May 10, 2009. There are no excep-tions.
These are the criteria for the Michelle Goldstein Born-stein College Scholarship:1. a senior girl or boy.2. a graduate of Temple Beth Emunah Religious
School.3. must have completed Hebrew High/Telem4. active in USY5. must have an acceptance letter from a 4- year college
Attention Bar & Bat MitzvahFamilies:
It is a mitzvah to give tzedakah when becoming aBar or Bat-Mitzvah. Please consider donating tothe L’Dor V’Dor –Torah Project–perhaps even
restoring your Torah portion. You will be giving toa great cause, and at the same time getting the
satisfaction of knowing that every year when yourportion is read, you made it possible.
Please contact Deb Kirsch, Temple Administratorat 508-583-5810 to make a contribution.
Do a Mitzvah today!
Temple Beth Emunah is looking forvolunteers to join their Literacy team.
Members of the Literacy Teamgo into local Brockton Elemen-tary schools and work with stu-dents in their reading and writ-ing skills. Our Team Leader isRobin Ekpunobi. She has beenworking with the JCRC andmembers of Temple BethEmunah to help fill the need inour local schools. The commit-ment is for just one hour aweek. All volunteers aretrained in how to service these
special students. If you are interested inworking with children and you enjoy read-ing please contact Robin Ekpunobi at 781-297-7196
RABBI H.DAVID WERBMEDITATION GARDEN AND
TEMPLE BETH EMUNAHHONORS WALKWAY
Would you like to commemorate aspecial occasion, such as a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, wedding,anniversary, or birthday; or honor or memorialize your
loved ones?You can purchase a personalized, laser engraved brick to
be placed in the Rabbi H. David Werb MeditationGarden or the Temple Beth Emunah Honors Walkway,both located in the Temple’s Korim Courtyard.
The net proceeds go towards theTemple’s Endowment Fund, which helps our Temple and Religious School. Your purchases will keep Temple Beth
Emunah strong for many years to come, and also add to thebeauty of the garden - an area for reflection, relaxation andenjoyment. Please be sure to visit it when you’re at the
Temple.4” x 8” and 8” x 8” bricks are available, and are perma-
nently laser engraved with your special inscription.Please pick up an order form at the Temple office, or call
for more details.
Brotherhood Update
WOW, what a full month the Brotherhood just completed. The month included one Breakfast, two Flea Markets, two Rabbivisits, a Comedy night and our Brotherhood Shabbat and Man of the Year event held on March 20th. We knew it was going tobe a very busy and rewarding month for everyone involved.
First let me thank everyone who made these events such a success. I would love to name everyone, but the list is just toolong. Please know that all of your efforts are greatly appreciated.
I would like to thank the Stan Marcus as Chairman of the Man of the Year Committee, as well as putting together the entireservice. For those of you who were in attendance, you know that I was selected as this year’s recipient of the Brotherhood Man of the Year. I would like to thank all of the past recipients for selecting me as well as for being great role models. I be-lieve there was 7 or 8 past Man of the Year men in attendance. This was a very well attended event, and many Brotherhoodfamilies participated in the service. I would like to thank Stan Marcus, Bob Fishman and Rabbi Cohen for all of your kindwords during the presentation of the Man of the Year plaque.
Please note that the Brotherhood Election Supper has been changed from April 23rd to Thursday May 7th due to a Rabbi Candi-date visit.
I and my family would like to wish the Brotherhood and entire Temple Family a Happy Passover.
Sisterhood Judaica ShopDo you need that special Gift ?
Start your shopping at the Sisterhood Ju-daica Shop. Come in and see all of the new
merchandise.We have everything for that special Bar/BatMitzvah, Bride - to-be, and Housewares for
the new home owner and, we are in theprocess of restocking the gift shop with allnew merchandise. From tzedakah boxes tobeautiful Shabbat candle sticks. Our prices
are veryreasonable. Don’t miss out on the beautiful
The Sisterhood of Temple Beth Emunah will be celebrating the 25th
Anniversary of our first Adult B’not Mitzvah.
In recognition of the 1984 class and the classes from 1988, 1993,1995, 1999 and 2006 we invite the congregation to join us at a spe-cial anniversary service on Friday, June 12, 2009 at 7:30 PM.
More information will be sent out in a few weeks. If you have anyquestions call Marilyn Geller at 508-588-5778 or Beverly Strumpfat 508-587-5757
Sisterhood Jewels
The Sisterhood wishes to thank all of those that made donations in honor oftheir loved ones. Anyone still wishing to donate can have their Jewelsprinted in the program for Sisterhood Donor Dinner. The cost is $5.00 to listunlimited names. Forms are available in the Temple office.
Diamonds –Our ChildrenAndrew and Jennifer AshmanEric and Deborah AshmanHarvey and Linda AshmanJacob CaplainDaniel CastelineEmily CastelineSherri GellerDr. Steven GellerGary and Barbara FineEmily FishmanJennifer Fishman PerezStacey JacobsSarah and Aaron KellyJoshua Aaron LappenZachary Seth LappenMarcia LappinSteven and Allyson LitnerMark and Kathie LubinMatthew Charles RisemanJillian Beth RisemanBenjamin SaldenFelicia SaldenMarcy and Chris SiegelBenjamin SkerkerRachel SkerkerAdam SlotnickBarry and Michelle SlotnickDavid and Linda SlotnickMatthew ToschesMia Tosches
Grandchildren cont.Aaron LappinLillian LappinMiranda LappinRebecca LappinSara LappinBrett LitnerDrew LitnerRyan LitnerMark Edward LubinMatthew MillerMira MillerAbby NewmanDavid NewmanAndrea PerezAshley PerezBryan H. RaphaelsonSarah N. RaphaelsonSteven A. RaphaelsonLaura SchnitzerAdam SiegelJoseph SiegelAndrew N. SlotnickDylan J. SlotnickKalea L. SlotnickSamantha A. Slotnick
Amethyst –Parents / GrandparentsClair CaplainRon CaplainSylvia Gelman CloseEdward and Mitzi FreemanPaul and Faye GellerBetty GreenbergElliot and Fay KorimAlbert LevineRuth LevineArnold and Ethel LevinsonBess LouisonIsrael LouisonMel LouisonNaomi LouisonDavid and Arlene RisemanToby and Mel SaftlerDavid ShuchatowitzFrances Shuchatowitz
Ruby –Siblings/ FriendsSylvia BarnattKory BluesteinHeidi BourqueRobin EkpunobiStephen GelmanAlan and Joni LevinsonAudrey LouisonDeb Louison LavoyMarshal RichmondRussell and AJ RisemanSteven and Stacy RisemanGary and Faye ShapiroSharon Wolf
Rabbi's Discretionary Fund Yahrzeit Fund Stuart Koretz Fund David Licter Scholarship FundAliyah Fund Herbert Cohen Fund Bella Kovick Fund Harry & Bessie Lemelman FundTeen Aide Scholarship Fund Prayer Book Fund Law rence Liberman Fund Jacob N. Lipman Religious FundAdam Slotnik Fund Stephen & Michael Wolfe Fund Craig Mendelson Heb. School Fund Mark Mendelson FundNedorim Fund Rabbi H. David Werb Meditation Fund Richard Rosen Learning Series Saftler Family FundYouth Endow ment Fund Harry Belinsky Fund Schair Memorial Lecture Fund Hilary Schutt FundMichelle Goldstein Bornstein Fund Dr Stuart Birnbaum Defibillator Fund Maxine Steinberg Fund Edw ard Teller FundRonald McDonald House Louis & Ruth Zax Fund
Stephan & Michael Wolfe Fund Nedorim FundFrances & Joseph Wolfe IMO brother Leon Stu Kirsch & Family IMO Father of Paul Lazarovick
Herb & Judy Bernstein IMO Lester GilsonRabbi H. David Werb Meditation Garden Regina Cameron IHO the birthday of Rosemarie Sekler
Leslie & Elliot Schw artz IMO Peter Green Jack & Barbara Lappin IMO Steve Weiner's mother Ethel WeinerJohn & Cele Lubin IMO Steve Weiner's mother Ethel Weiner
Adam Slotnick Fund Stacey Jacobs IMO Ethel WeinerThe Slotnicks IMO Priscilla Salant Selma & Bill Kracoff IMO Ethel Weiner
Marge & Allan Slotnick IMO Priscilla Salant The Casataline Family IMO Ethel WeinerDina & Don Oppenheim IMO Priscilla Salant George & Diane Isgur IMO Ethel WeinerMarge & Lou Goldberg IMO Priscilla Salant Reva & Alan Castaline IMO Stu Kirsch's Uncle, Jordan Gelman
Eleanor Kopp IMO Jack Fraser Fran & David Litner IHO Gary RabinovitzMarge & Allan Slotnick IMO Jordan Gelman
Marge & Allan Slotnick IMO Ethel Weiner Youth Endowment FundDiane & George Isgur IMO David L. Kaplan
Yahrzeit Fund Diane & George Isgur IMO Arthur S. KingWendy & Mitchell Sims IMO Robert Sims Diane & George Isgur IMO Shirley S. KaplanWendy & Mitchell Sims IMO Marc Sims Diane & George Isgur IMO Eileen Isgur
Elliot Lerner IMO his beloved w ife Helen Lerner Diane & George Isgur IMO Rose IsgurMarge & Lou Goldberg IMO Morris Miller Diane & George Isgur IMO Louis Isgur
Diane Teller IMO her Mother & FatherDr. & Mrs. Herbert Bernstein IMO Minna Bernstein Craig Mendelson Hebrew School Fund
Jack & Barbara Lappin IMO Daughter Rochelle died May 7,1989 Fran Litner IMO Ellen Jacobs' mother Naomi Jacobs AndersonWendy Sims IMO Naomi Jacobs Anderson
Saftler Family Fund Sandra & Norton Mendelson IMO Naomi Jacobs AndersonMorton Saftler IMO Martin "ED" Conlon Sandra & Norton Mendelson IMO Thelma finger
Beverly & Larry Strumpf IMO Thelma fingerDavid Licter Scholarship Fund Fran & David Litner IMO Ethel Weiner
Marjorie Fleisher IMO Naomi Jacobs Anderson Fran & David Litner IMO Jordon Gelman
Richard Rosen Learning Series Mazel TovSheryl Sapriel IMO Fay Titlebaum Lindsay Caron on her appointment as the liaison for the Eastern Ma. Girl Scouts Council
Barbara Rosen IMO Jean Carceau to the National Jew ish Girl Scout CommitteeAnita & Murray Alperin IMO Fay Titlebaum Hyman & Esther Fishman co-sponsoring the Kiddush IHO Esther's Birthday
Barbara & Jack Lappin on becoming great grandparents to Ethan David HayesHarry Belinsky Fund Susan Kovick on the birth of her great grand Nephew
Reva & Alan Castaline IHO the Bat Mitzvah of Corey Shore Matt Greenstein's Acceptance to Bridgew ater State CollegeGary Rabinovitz on being named Brotherhood's 'Man of the Year'
Stuart Koretz FundSylvia C. Koretz IMO Mary Baker Baruch Dayan HaEmet (We Mourn the Passing)
Ethel Weiner, mother of Stephen WeinerWishes for a R'fuah Sh'laymah -a speedy recovery Naomi Jacobs Anderson, mother of Ellen Jacobs & sister of Betty Landa
Bob Fishman's Mother Esther Fishman Thelma Finger, mother of Bob FingerMary Baker
Aliyah Fund Fay TitlebaumFran & Dave Litner IHO Mary Rabinovitz's 1st Aliyah
Silver Circle Donation: $25Special Gifts Donation: $50+
Please help support the Temple with a donation to one of the following funds:Donations may be IHO (In Honor of), IMO (In Memory of) or For the Recovery of someone
Temple Beth EmunahAffiliated w ith United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
Donations for-Feb 21, 2009-Mar.20,2009Thank you for your continued support
Nedorim Donation: $5Minyan Circle Donation: $10
Chai Circle Donation: $18
April 2009Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
31 1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30
Brotherhood BdMeeting 7:30pm
BINGO
NO BINGO
NO BINGO
BINGO
Nosh & Learn w/ Fran1:30pmRabbi’s Pesach Class 7:30pm
1st day of PesachServices 9:30amNo classes2nd Seder 7pmCandles 8:01pm
Candle lighting 6:53pm
Bar Mitzvah of SpencerDennis 9:30amRabbi’s class5th & 6th gr Havdalah
Sisterhood BdMeeting 7:30pm
2nd day of PesachServices 9:30am
Candle lighting 7:01 pm
Shabbat Services9:30am
8th day of PesachServices 9:30amYizkor recited
Candle lighting 7:09 pm
Shabbat Services9:30amMincha/Maariv7:15pm
Hebrew Schoolresumes
Nosh & Learn w/Fran 1:30pm
Rabbi CandidateDinner 6pmService 7:30pm
Candle lighting 7:16 pm
Shabbat Services9:30amMincha/Maariv7:15pm
Fast of 1st Born6:30amPesach begins 6:59pm
Candle Lighting 7:08pm
7th day of PesachServices 9:30amCandle lighting 8:08
BINGO
Rabbi CandidateDinner 6pmService 7:30pm
Model Seder pre-k to2nd grade
School Vacation week
No School No School
No School Nosh & Learn w/Fran 1:30pm
Rabbi’s Pesach Class 7:30pm
Cory is coming!I am thrilled to announce that Cory Schneider, International President of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism, will be visiting North Atlantic Region on April 20 -21, 2009.
Cory will be traveling around the Region, meeting in Area gatherings with our Region Board,Sisterhood Presidents and officers, and Past Region/Branch Presidents. This is an outstandingopportunity for us to get together informally with our International President, to share infor-mation and ideas that will help us succeed as members of Women’s League, and to answer your questions about the future of North Atlantic Region.
Meetings will be held in several locations around the Region. Please feel free to attend theArea meeting most convenient for you.
Cory is a dynamic speaker and a delight to know. I hope you will take the opportunity to meether. Further details will be sent out this weekend.
Diane JacksonPresident, North Atlantic Region WLCJ
***Please come as part of Cory’s agenda is a stop on the South Shore at Temple Beth Emunah on Tuesday April 21 at 4:30pm. A light supper will be served. Come out to meet our Nationalpresident as well as other sisterhood members from the Region. We will be hosting so your at-tendance is welcomed! This is an event not to be missed. Cory is a wonderful and inspira-tional woman. She has done some wonderful things in the name of Women’s League and I’m sure she would love to share those experiences.
I am honored that we will be hosting her !
Lisa RisemanTemple Beth Emunah Sisterhood President
