+ All Categories
Home > Documents > TEC Times, February 2014

TEC Times, February 2014

Date post: 20-Feb-2016
Category:
Upload: temple-etz-chaim
View: 222 times
Download: 1 times
Share this document with a friend
Description:
The newsletter of Temple Etz Chaim of Franklin, MA.
Popular Tags:
27
www.temple-etzchaim.org TEC Times February 2014 / 5774 Volume 23, Numer 6 From Rabbi Alpert, Ask The Rabbi 2 President’s Message 3 February Events 4 February and March Events 5 Purim Events 6 Scholar in Residence 7 Early Childhood Programs 8 Sisterhood News 9 Brotherhood News 10 Temple Community News 11 Our Temple Youth Groups 12 Education Corner 13-15 Holocaust Stamps Project 16 Religious Worship News 17 Temple Fundraisers 18-21 Temple Community News 22, 23 Our Advertisers 24-26 Temple Contacts 27 To submit items to TEC Times, email [email protected] Deadlines are: February 15th for March issue March 15th for April issue A monthly bulletin for the Temple Etz Chaim community Inside this issue: New Temple Website CHECK US OUT! The Communications Committee has just launched our brand new website. Try it out and give us feedback.
Transcript
Page 1: TEC Times, February 2014

www.temple-etzchaim.org

TEC Times February 2014 / 5774 Volume 23, Numer 6

From Rabbi Alpert, Ask The Rabbi 2

President’s Message 3

February Events 4

February and March Events 5

Purim Events 6

Scholar in Residence 7

Early Childhood Programs 8

Sisterhood News 9

Brotherhood News 10

Temple Community News 11

Our Temple Youth Groups 12

Education Corner 13-15

Holocaust Stamps Project 16

Religious Worship News 17

Temple Fundraisers 18-21

Temple Community News 22, 23

Our Advertisers 24-26

Temple Contacts 27

To submit items to TEC Times, email

[email protected] Deadlines are:

February 15th for March issue March 15th for April issue

A monthly bulletin for the Temple Etz Chaim community

Inside this issue:

New Temple Website CHECK US OUT!

The Communications Committee has just launched our brand new website. Try it out and give us feedback.

Page 2: TEC Times, February 2014

By Rabbi Tom Alpert A Time to Learn Together

The Mishnah teaches asei l’cha rav, “get yourself a teacher.” We are blessed here at Temple Etz Chaim with the wonderful men and women who teach our children about Judaism. But in March, we are slated to have the spe-cial blessing of an amazing teacher who will teach us adults – parents of young and school age children; empty nesters; retirees; and singles – about how Judaism can nourish our lives and our relationships. And for an added bonus, our teacher will also bake with and share her wisdom with our teenagers.

This teacher is our first ever Scholar in Residence, Rabbi Amy Scheinerman. Rabbi Scheinerman is energetic, engaging, and able to bring Jewish texts alive. She has received rave reviews not just from large congregations but from communities much smaller than ours. She loves to make connections and to help people find their own way to let Judaism influence their lives.

Do I sound as if I’m smitten? Well, I am. I have had the pleasure of studying with Rabbi Scheinerman, and I know not only what a great teacher she is but how deeply she is committed to bringing first rate Jewish study to Jewish communities – to us. If you would like to learn more about Rabbi Scheinerman, visit her website at http://scheinerman.net/judaism.

Through the work of our Adult Education Committee, Rabbi Scheinerman will be our Scholar in Residence for the weekend of Friday, March 7 through Sunday, March 9. Here is her schedule for her visit with us:

Friday, March 7, First Universalist Society, 262 Chestnut St., Franklin, 7:30 p.m. Following a brief service highlighted by our Temple Choir, Rabbi Scheinerman will teach about Ancient Wisdom for Modern Relationships: Building a Better Us.

Saturday, March 8, Temple Building, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. As we share a breakfast, we will learn about Human Dignity: Reality or Lip Service.

Saturday, March 8, Temple Building, 6:30 p.m. Our teens will have an opportunity to prepare rugelach with Rabbi Scheinerman. While the sweets are baking, they will share pizza and study about Can Leaders and Politicians Play Nicely in the Sandbox? After their study, they will enjoy their rugelach dessert.

Sunday, March 9, Medway High School, 88 Summer St., Medway, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Join us for breakfast and study as Rabbi Scheinerman finishes her time with us by discussing Siblings: Competitors? Companions? Confidantes?

We hope that you can attend many of these programs. For more information, please contact me or Melissa Folsom, Chair of Adult Education.

Rabbi Thomas M. Alpert

Page 2 TEC T imes Volume 23, Numer 6

What are the Jewish rules about how long you say Kaddish for a loved one after that person has died?

In Judaism, you are required to say Kaddish for a relative who is either in the same generation as you or one genera-tion removed. That means that you are required to say Kaddish for your deceased parents, spouse, siblings, and

children. In traditional practice, you are not permitted to say Kaddish for anyone else without receiving permission to do so from a close family member. The Reform tradition is more flexible.

The amount of time one says Kaddish varies. For most of the people you would be mourning, the amount of time is 30 days after burial. This derives from the mourning period for Moses, the greatest of the prophets. However, there is a special exten-sion of this time that applies only to parents. Because you are required to “honor your father and your mother,” one says Kad-dish for parents for a year after death. Once the mourning period (a year for parents, 30 days for everyone else) is over, one is permitted to say Kaddish only at specified times: the yahrzeit (anniversary) of the death, and at the four Yizkor services which are held annually (on Yom Kippur, Sh’mini Atzeret/Simchat Torah, Passover, and Shavuot). To prolong the saying of Kaddish to other times is not allowed lest our grief overwhelm our lives.

There have been discussions at the Temple about the appropriate way to recite the names of those for whom Kaddish is being said, whether by the individual mourner or by the service leader (usually me) on behalf of the congregation. The Religious Activi-ties Committee has decided that the service leader will continue to recite the names of all those who have yahrzeits. He or she will also recite the names of all those whose burial was within the last 30 days. However, for the entire year after death, the service leader will read only the names of parents.

Ask The Rabbi

Page 3: TEC Times, February 2014

Page 3 TEC T imes Volume 23, Numer 6

We had a meeting in December, and many of you came. We had many good and creative ideas, some of which are in the process of being implemented.

Hopefully, by now you have had time to look over the minutes of the meeting and remember what some of the ideas were, or see them for the first time, if you weren’t there. By the time you read this, our building will have been seen by a professional, licensed appraiser. We will know something about the value of our building and land, and whether it makes sense to stay at 900 Washington Street, to sell the property, pay off our mortgage, and find a property more suited to our needs and budget. There is a task force charged with re-visioning our community, and several avenues are being looked at. We have a group of congregants engaging in an active learning network through URJ to learn how congregations fund themselves, and what we can learn from other congregations. This involves webinars presented by experts as well as live, online discussions with these experts, and most importantly an opportunity to learn from other congregations about our size what has worked and what hasn’t. We are reexamining our membership categories, to see if we are as welcoming and fair as possible. We are reexamining our religious school, to see how it can be more welcoming and inclusive as well. The re-visioning task force is also looking at how to build a more cohesive community overall, how to turn our temple into a true K’hillah k'doshah, a holy community, where people celebrate with each other, mourn with each other, sharing happy and sad times, taking comfort from and caring about each other. We hope to change the temple from a fee-for-service model to a synagogue of caring that the members support, both by helping with what needs to be done, as well as financial-ly. These are some of the ideas that the temple board and leadership has been hard at work on to help in the medium to long term. For the short term, some members, and friends and relatives of members have made contributions to the temple to relieve our immediate financial crisis. You can find who they are in the gracious gifts portion of this newsletter. I welcome any and all other ideas whether for immediate relief of our financial crisis or for longer term plans to help our temple stay warm, vibrant and exciting. Grace Kooper Temple President

From the President Grace Kooper

Page 4: TEC Times, February 2014

February Events

Page 4 TEC T imes Volume 23, Numer 6

Soup, Salad and Soul

Monday, February 24 6:30 pm Our Temple Building

It’s Sisterhood’s annual mitzvah event! Come share the warmth of your sisters, home-made soups, sal-ads, desserts, and some wine while completing this year’s mitzvah project. We’ll be making lap blankets for local seniors using fleece. You know the popular Yankee Swap item at each year’s Hanukkah party? We’re making them together - come learn how they’re crafted, have a nourishing meal, and visit with friends - all while performing a mitzvah! To RSVP and sign up for a dish go to Sign-Up Genius.

Sunday, February 9 2:00 pm Our Temple Building

Do you play Mah Jongg? Want to learn? Join us! Bring a Mah Jongg card, quarters and an appetizer or des-sert to share. Need a card? Let us know!

RSVP to Jill Simms.

Mah Jongg Lessons

American Judaism: A History

Wednesdays, Jan. 22, Jan. 29, Feb.5, 12 7:30 - 9:00 pm Our Temple Building

In roughly 360 years, Jews have made a tremendous impact on the United States, and the United States has made a tremen-dous impact on Jews and Judaism.

Recently, important studies have asked questions about the future of Judaism in America. In order to answer those questions as they relate to each of us, we must know about our past. Come join Rabbi Alpert as together we learn about what made us the people we are today.

Because the story of Jews and Judaism in America is largely a story of immigrants, participants will have an opportunity to research their own families and share the story of their immigrant past with each other.

There is no required reading in the course, but if you would like, you can read from Jonathan Sarna’s American Judaism (2004), a winner of the National Jewish Book Award.

RSVP to Rabbi Alpert or call the office at 508-528-5337

Tuesday, February 4 6:30 pm Reception 7:00 pm Film 8:45 pm Panel Discussion & Dessert Jewish Community Center 333 Nahanton St, Newton Cost: Free

Anita is the story of a young woman with Down Syndrome who lives a happy, routine life in Buenos Aires, meticulously cared for by her mother. One morning in 1994, everything changes when Anita is left

alone, confused and helpless after the nearby Jewish Com-munity Center is bombed. As Anita wanders through the city looking for her mother, she learns not only to care for herself, but touches the lives of those around her.

This film is in Spanish with English subtitles and is recom-mended for ages 13 and older. To register go to bostonjcc.org/reelabilities.

Sponsored by the CJP Disabilities Committee and the Special Needs Professionals Committee

Reel Abilities Disabilities Film Festival

Brotherhood Brunch

Sunday, February 23 (President’s Day) 11:30 am Dean College’s Cafeteria Cost: Approximately $15

Let’s celebrate President’s Day by sleeping in (no Sunday school) and join some new and old friends for a fulfilling brunch. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet style brunch which includes breakfast, lunch and dessert items. Possible guest speaker. Keep an eye out for the Evite coming soon. For more information or to RSVP contact Stewart Lipson.

Page 5: TEC Times, February 2014

February and March Events

Page 5 TEC T imes Volume 23, Numer 6

A Taste of Judaism

Weds., Feb. 26, March 5 and March 12 7:30 - 9:30 pm Our Temple Building Cost: Free Taught by Rabbi Alpert, this 3 session class is de-signed for “beginners” with all religious back-grounds who would like to explore Reform Judaism’s relevance in today’s world. Participants are invited to learn about Jewish per-spectives on topics of spir-ituality, ethics and community. Course content is not de-pendent upon any previous knowledge about Judaism. In the class, free and lively discussion of Judaism’s approach to living in our rapidly changing society is encouraged. Un-affiliated Jews, interfaith couples, in-laws of Jews or anyone seeking more knowledge about Judaism, including individu-als from other religious backgrounds, will find this course a good beginning. Pre-registration is requested. For questions, contact Joyce Schwartz at 617-928-0012 or email her at [email protected]

Women’ s Getaway Weekend

March 21, 22, 23 Lake Morey Inn Fairlee, Vermont

For all those women who need a well-deserved weekend away.

This event is open to ALL women, age 21 and older.

Women’s Getaway Two-Night Package Includes:

Overnight Lodging

Dinner & Breakfast Daily

Welcome Reception

In-Room Gift

All Entertainment and Classes

Spa services are available for an additional charge

Rates are per person for the two-night package based on double occu-pancy. Extra adults in the room would be $85 per night. All rates are subject to an 18% service charge and 9% VT tax. Two-night minimum stay is required.

Contact Jill Simms if you’d like to join us.

Room Types and Rates: Classic — $271.00 Deluxe — $279.00

Monday, March 24th 7:00 pm at the home of John Samolyk

Watch for details… coming soon. If you are interested or have questions, contact Stewart Lipson.

Brotherhood Poker Night

Scholar in Residence

Temple Etz Chaim is greatly honored to have Rabbi Amy Scheinerman join us for a weekend of learning. Friday through Sunday, March 7, 8, 9 See page 7 for full details

Friday, March 28th 7:30 pm Our Temple Building Join Temple Etz Chaim Sisterhood as we have a special Erev Shabbat service honoring women in history.

If you’d like to participate in this service, contact our Sister-hood President, Jill Simms.

March is Women in History Month

Page 6: TEC Times, February 2014

Purim Carnival

Sunday, March 16 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Medway High School 88 Summer Street, Medway Admission: $5 per person or $20 per family Food is extra

Join us for games, hamentashen, food and lots of fun!

Purim Spiel, Megillah Reading and Children’s Costume Parade

Sunday, March 16 9:45 am - 11:00 am Medway High School 88 Summer Street, Medway

…..PURIM IS COMING….. To Religious School

and it is time to Dress up---Come to Religious School in Costume

All creative, imaginative,

and unique costumes welcome!! Decide what costume you would like

to wear and come to Religious School dressed up for the morning!!

We will have our Purim Parade

and prizes will be awarded.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR JOINING US!

Crafters and Vendors Wanted

Sunday, March 16th 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Medway High School 88 Summer Street, Medway

Table Cost: $18 for Temple Etz Chaim Members $25 for Non-Members Temple Etz Chaim is looking for vendors and crafters to participate in our Purim Carnival. This annual celebration features food, games and fun for the whole family. To request a table email Michele Brooks.

Page 6 TEC T imes Volume 23, Numer 6

Purim Events

TEC Adult Purim Cocktail Party

Saturday, March 15th 7:00 pm At the Solomon - Zissu Home 6 Larkin Lane, Hopedale, MA

RSVP and sign up for an item to bring through SignUpGenius. For more information contact Jayme. Sponsored by Brotherhood, Sisterhood and RAC.

Purim on the Roof

Page 7: TEC Times, February 2014

Scholar in Residence

Page 7 TEC T imes Volume 23, Numer 6

Rabbi Amy Scheinerman

Temple Etz Chaim is honored to have Rabbi Amy Scheinerman

as she joins us for a weekend of learning

Friday, March 7 First Universalist Society, 262 Chestnut St., Franklin 7:30 p.m. As part of Erev Shabbat evening service Ancient Wisdom for Modern Relationships: Building a Better Us Talmud is the foundation of the Judaism we practice. We draw on the Babylonian Talmud for wisdom and values, yet many of us have not been introduced to it: What does it look like? What’s in it? How do you study it? We’ll take our first dip into this ancient and remarkable well of ancient-yet-modern advice on navigating the relationships in our life. Saturday, March 8 Temple Building, 900 Washington St., Franklin 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Breakfast will be provided Human dignity: reality or lip service? The term “human dignity” is frequently bantered about, yet civility in the political realm is in short supply. Our Sages struggled with these same issues in their lives and found solutions we can use. Saturday, March 8 Temple Building, 900 Washington St., Franklin 6:30 p.m. Teen program of rugelach baking, pizza, and study Can Leaders and Politicians Play Nicely in the Sandbox? Competition, political ideology, ignited tempers, conspiracy — not only in 21st Century Ameri can politics, but also in the 1st century House of Study. What wisdom can we glean for our own time and our own lives? Sunday, March 9 Medway High School, 88 Summer St., Medway 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Breakfast will be provided Siblings: Competitors? Companions? Confidantes? When you think of sibling rivalry, perhaps Cain and Abel come to mind, but Rachel and Leah had it tougher: they shared a husband. The fertile imagination of the Rabbis delivers a powerful lesson in managing jealousy and competition. But who is the teacher and who is the student? Be prepared to be surprised!

Page 8: TEC Times, February 2014

Page 8 TEC T imes Volume 23, Numer 6

Early Childhood Programs

Tiny Tots, our new playgroup, is designed to help families with children birth through preschool make Jewish connections. Our gatherings are casual, our connections become strong.

Tiny Tots Schedule: Friday, February 7

Thursday, February 13 Friday, February 28 Thursday, March 6 Friday, March 14 Thursday, March 20 Friday, March 28 All Tiny Tots programs start at 10:00 am and are held at 900 Washington Street, Franklin, MA For more information about our Tiny Tots group or to be put onto our email list contact Melissa Chartoff at [email protected]

Photos from our wonderful PJ Havdalah service.

Thank you Rabbi Alpert for a special evening

(and we loved your teddy bear!)

Tiny Tots Playgroup

Temple Etz Chaim of Franklin is committed to

serving the young families in our growing

community. We help families with young

children find a supportive Jewish community

and a place to connect with other families raising

Jewish children.

Through a fun-filled, casual service of songs,

stories, and a Torah parade, followed by a mini-

oneg (Friday nights, Erev Shabbat) or by snacks

and a craft (Saturday, Shabbat morning), we

bring Shabbat to life for children from toddlers

through kindergarten and their families.

Tot Shabbat schedule for 2014: 5774

Saturday, Feb. 8 9:30 a.m.

Saturday, April 12 9:30 a.m. (Passover Seder)

Friday, May 23 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 14 9:30 a.m.

All Tot Shabbat services are held at

900 Washington Street, Franklin, MA

For more information about Tot Shabbat services

contact us at: [email protected]

Page 9: TEC Times, February 2014

TEC Sisterhood closed 2013 on a high note. Our Barnes and Noble Gift Wrapping fundraiser started slowly but finished successfully and raised a total of $796.40! These funds will be shared with our select philanthropies at the end of our year in June. Way to go ladies! January included our Sushi Night at Whole Foods. Twenty-five women, ages 14 and older, learned to roll sushi and en-joyed a delicious array of rolls in a fabulous sushi buffet. Yum! Please mark your calendars for the following upcoming activities:

February 9th at 2:00 pm we will be meeting at TEC for Mah Jongg! If you play or want to learn, please plan to join us. Bring your Mah Jongg card, quarters, and a plate to share. RSVP to Jill and let us know if you need a card.. February 24th at 6:30 pm is our new Annual Soup, Salad, and Soul event. For more information, please go to Sign Up Genius.

March 15th at 7:00 pm is the TEC Purim Cocktail Party at the Zissu home. Please join Sisterhood, Brotherhood, and RAC at this adult only event. For complete information go to Sign Up Genius.

March 21st - 23rd is the Women’s Getaway Weekend, open to ALL Sisterhood and TEC members.

March 28th at 7:30 pm is our Women in History Shabbat Service. Speakers will be needed for this service honoring Women, as well as contributions toward oneg. Please contact Jill for information. Finally, Sisterhood is sponsoring the annual Pesach candy sale. If you don’t have a student in our religious school, you can contact me and/or submit an order form found on page 20 with payment to Sisterhood. I look forward to sharing all of these events with you. If you haven’t yet joined Sisterhood, please consider doing so! B’shalom, Jill Simms TEC Sisterhood

Page 9 TEC T imes Volume 23, Numer 6

Sisterhood News

Sisterhood Membership Information $25.00 for Temple members $36.00 for Non-Temple members All women new to Temple Etz Chaim: 1st year is free. For information feel free to contact us.

2013-2014 Sisterhood Board

President: Jill Simms

Vice President: Fyllis Berg-Elton

Treasurer : Lori Beth Towne

Communications: Lori Beth Towne

Membership: Barbara Gillmeister

Our Temple Community News

Page 10: TEC Times, February 2014

Page 10 TEC T imes Volume 23, Numer 6

Our Temple Community News Brotherhood News

Hello gentlemen! Our 4th Annual Bowling Night turned out to be a lot of fun… actually, we all had a ball. We had some really good games and some turkeys (wait, getting a turkey is good in bowling). Anyway, we all kibitzed, ate some food and had some beer, so we all won. Some of us even stayed after the bowling for another round of drinks and conversation. I guess you can call that an unofficial Brotherhood meeting.

In February, I am trying to organize a Brotherhood brunch for Sunday the 23rd at 11:30 am. We have no Sunday school that day because of vacation week, so everyone can sleep in. I haven’t hammered out any details, but I will send an Evite to everyone when I do. Please respond to the Evite, even if it’s a “maybe” response. As for our community collection (to help buy High Holyday books for the Children’s service), we have collected about $150. This is fantastic and I applaud everyone’s involvement and generosity. As we have future events, the total is just go-ing to grow and the hope is we can give the cash to Rabbi Alpert for him to buy what we need. Any extra money we collect will go to the Rabbi’s Fund to help fellow congregants in need.

SAVE THE DATE - April 22nd. We will have another “dough raiser” to observe the end of Passover. We will once again team up with Uno’s Pizzeria in Bellingham to collect up to 20% of our food bill to donate to the Temple (or Rabbi’s Fund). However, this year, we will hold the event after the 8th day of Passover, so everyone who observes 8 days of Passover will be able to participate. Like last year, we will need to use a special coupon in order for us to get

credit and it can be used all day by anyone (friends & family included- not just Temple members). More information to follow.

The last thing that I am working on is a Poker Night on March 24th. Keep a lookout for an Evite and more information in February or early March. Sincerely Stewart Lipson

The boys had a great night of bowling, beer and bonding...

Page 11: TEC Times, February 2014

Page 11 TEC T imes Volume 23, Numer 6

Communications and Publicity News

Our Temple Community News

Party yourself into shape

at Temple Etz Chaim

6-week Session

Starting in February

Only $40 members/ $50 non-members

Sign up with Dawn at

[email protected]

Want to sign up for the next session?

Email Dawn the days/times that work best for you!

No dance experience required,

Just be ready to have some fun!

With continued energy and sense of purpose, members of the Knit 1, Purl 2 group completed our second knitzvah lap blanket in ear-ly January. We have agreed to continue this project, hoping to accumulate squares in anticipation of

any future need. We would welcome information about anyone else among our friends and family who might bene-fit from our support. The group will continue to meet on Sunday afternoons, approximately twice per month. Our knitting is not re-stricted to blanket squares! In fact, most of us have per-sonal projects on our needles and look forward to these regular opportunities to make progress on our own work. As we have said before, we welcome knitters at all levels of skill. Prior knitting experience is not required; we will pro-vide instruction. No RSVP is necessary. New knitters need no materials; we have yarn and needles to share – all you need to bring is you! For questions, contact Sue Cass.

Knit 1 Purl 2 Knitzvah News

Approximately two years ago, we were notified that the URJ would be adopting a new website support platform. Members of the Communications Committee began reviewing websites from other congregations as well as discussing ideas for revi-sions of our existing site. A TEC website sub-committee was formed and, in December 2012, we developed a website re-design plan. While John Samolyk has continued to maintain our old website, Steven Cohn has been leading the new web-site development efforts. Other Comm Comm members have collected information from many of the various temple committee chairs in an effort to make specific committee pages more relevant. The proposed new website was approved by the Board of Directors at their January 2014 meeting and the transition to the new website has been completed. We urge everyone to try it out! Investigate the calendar and see what happens when you click on specific events. Or click on any link and see where it takes you. Review the descriptions of our Shabbat and Holiday celebrations. Note the offer-ings in the Adult Education section. Check the volunteer opportunities. See what the different committees do. Look at the directions to our various campuses. Try the new “members only” section, accessible with your family’s personal login (provided to you confidentially via email). Our goals have included making the website more attractive and easier to navi-gate with readily accessed links from one location to another. Let us know if we have succeeded or, if not, what would im-prove it. Please take advantage of the opportunity to submit comments: on the right side of our home page, click on the link for “new website feedback” and offer any thoughts, ideas, concerns. With our new website, we hope to meet both our current members’ needs and attract potential new members. The website is, and will remain, a work in progress. All sections will continue to be updated with time-sensitive information. And we know there are sections that need additional descriptions/details/photographs, etc. We welcome ideas for information that should be incorporated. Ultimately, our website will be enhanced by your feedback.

Page 12: TEC Times, February 2014

This month, FROGY got to relax…a little! January 17 was our annual FROGY service. With Harley Keith as our song leader and Sarah Goodman and Rachel Pfeffer co-leading, the service was a completely teen led experience. The Dr. Seuss theme provided a fun and playful (although not completely kosher!) service that adults and children alike enjoyed. February is what holds the excitement. On the first and second of February, FROGY is sending five eighth graders from the junior youth group, FROSTY, to the JOSTY shul-in in Brookline, MA. There, they will get a glimpse into the glorious community we have helped to shape and take NFTY for a “test run” before events next year. MANTY’s Winter Wonderland is the following weekend, which FROGY teens are planning on attending. They will head up to Manchester, New Hampshire for an exciting weekend of praying, socializing, and TUBING! They leave on Friday and will return home, exhausted, run-down, worn-out, but happy, on Sunday. Also, make sure you keep buying tasty goodies at the bake sale on February 2nd! Your generous donations help keep the costs down so we can have TONS of fun local events! That’s all that’s happening in FROGY’s little corner of the world! Rachel Pfeffer - Sarah Goodman FROGY Co-Presidents

FROGY

We have a name! FROSTY! The group put their heads together and decided on the name FROSTY - Franklin Reform Organization of Student Temple Youth.

Here’s what we’ve been doing: The Junior Youth Group was literally "bouncing off the walls" at our most recent event! The kids had a fabulous time at Launch in Norwood, an indoor trampoline park, where they were able to expend some serious energy. They had the chance to battle it out on the dodge ball court and even dive into the foam pit. I was exhausted just watching! Several of our members will be attending the JOSTY Shul In taking place Feb. 1st-2nd at Temple Ohabei Shalom in Brookline. This will be an amazing opportunity for them to meet Junior Youth Group members from other Temples and a chance to make lasting friendships and wonderful memories! Stay tuned for a follow-up report. Jodi Rutkowski Jr. Youth Group Advisor

FROSTY

Page 12 TEC T imes Volume 23, Numer 6

Our Temple Youth Groups

Temple Etz Chaim’s Jr. Youth Group is back!!! FROSTY!

Open to teens in grades 6, 7, and 8 (TEC members only)

Our activities are all social

No joining fee: the only cost is the price of the actual event Interested? Contact our Jr. Youth Group Advisor, Jodi Rutkowski

CALLING ALL TEENS ...Have you heard the news?

Page 13: TEC Times, February 2014

Shalom from the Education Corner Wendy Bierman

Having just finished classroom discussions on Tu BiShevat, we can see that the celebration of the New Year for trees is an exciting time. Holidays are a highlight during our school year and we always enjoy not only learning about them, but sharing special times with our families highlighting each of them as well. In the past few months, I have had the honor to observe our teachers in their classrooms. Each time I go into our class-rooms during the year I am shown time and again the dedication of our teachers. I share with our teachers that I don’t only observe them, but I observe the children in the classrooms and the interaction with both. Some of the observations are very poignant as I see a student help another student or a teacher share with their children something about their personal Jew-ish life. I am forever grateful that we have each of our classrooms involved in learning in a host of ways. We have seen that our vast array of unique classroom approaches adds to our enriching program. Our teachers put their heart and soul into what they do and it is evident in each and everything they do. As you read TEC TIMES this month you will have received your child or children’s report card(s). Inside that envelope, you found a summary of what was done in our classrooms this Fall. The highlights are shared with you to show that there is a wide variety of topics covered.. It also gives you an opportunity to see what other classes are working on during the Fall months. We are a special school that truly gets the core value of educating our children. They are able to share their discov-ery of the subjects covered with their contemporaries, their teachers and you their parents. We are continuing to build our Jewish community of learners as well as the Jewish community at large. I have been asked to re-run part of an excerpt I included in my article many years ago. The question may be a curious one for many, but when you may ask our children the answers say it all. Our teens may respond the social aspects are important to us, our 6th and 7th grade classes may discuss their learning about their upcoming B’nei Mitzvah celebrations. Our 3rd graders may share their excitement about receiving their very own siddur covered by their siddur cover they artfully deco-rated. The 2nd grade children may talk about their Hebrew karate accomplishments, while our 4th graders may talk about the myriad of innovative Hebrew games they play to accomplish the goals of learning their prayers. Either way we all have had the time when our children have asked: WHY DO I HAVE TO GO TO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL? Published in 2003, here is a wonderful response taken from “What Does Being Jewish Mean?” by Rabbi Elchonon Freed-man, Jan Greenberg, and Karen Katz A lot of kids think Religious School is a waste of their time. Maybe you do, too. Often it comes after a long day of regular school. Maybe there is time for a quick snack before rushing off to Hebrew School, maybe there is not. Maybe other friends of yours also go to RS, and maybe some of your Jewish friends don’t. Maybe there is a lot of homework from regu-lar school on Hebrew School nights. Maybe you have a sports or party conflict, and your parents insist that Religious School comes first. And although Hebrew School is sometimes interesting and fun, sometimes it really isn’t. Maybe, like some of your friends you also ask your parents, “Why do I have to go to Religious School?”

And the answer is, “Because”

Because we love you and want you to know as much about being Jewish as you possibly can.

Because we parents often don’t know as much as we possibly could about being Jewish and can’t give you all the right answers.

Because at RS you get to learn and socialize with other Jewish children just like yourself (who may sometimes wonder why they have to go too).

Because one of the most important things the Torah expects of parents is that they teach their children Torah… and if we are unable to do that, we are obligated to find someone who do it for us.

Because Judaism has a rich and full heritage older than five thousand years, with lots to learn about, enjoy and appreci-ate and RS is a great place to be introduced to it.

Because if you didn’t go and later found out all that you missed, you’d probably be mad at your parents.

Page 13 TEC T imes Volume 23, Numer 6

Page 14: TEC Times, February 2014

Page 14 TEC T imes Volume 23, Numer 6

Because Judaism is precious and beautiful and important and your parents want you to share in it and be connected to it.

Because whatever career or role in life you pursue, the knowledge and information you gain in RS will enrich you in ways you cannot even imagine.

Because Judaism is more than just a religion –it is a way of life.

Because all of Judaism is based on scholarship and study. If we spent our whole lives studying Torah, we still wouldn’t know everything there is to know about living our lives the way God wants us to live them.

Because to be a good Jew you must first be a knowledgeable Jew.

Because although Judaism has survived all kinds of persecutions and disasters throughout the ages, it cannot survive indifference and neglect by its own people.

Because the only way for you to continue the unbroken chain of Judaism is to study it, know it, and pass it along to your children. You are a precious link in this chain, which stretches back through generations, and while you may add to it, you should not break it.

That way, when your children ask you, “Why do I have to go to RS?” you can smile at them very knowingly and answer, “Because” Thank you as always for fielding the “because” answer, it may seem a bit easier after reading the above. As a team, we work together to continue this important link to our past and experience it in our lives now and in the future with our families. Please share Shabbat with us during the upcoming months. Our Family Shabbat services are special and include the whole community. Enjoy seeing and hearing our children as they help lead services with Rabbi Alpert. Please bring a dessert for Oneg!! Upcoming dates are:

A huge Todah Rabbah to our Education Committee members who graciously volunteered to fill in for me when I was out this month: Lisa Lipson, Jodi Rutkowski, and Lisa Lawrence. A special thank you goes to Ellen Keith for her melodious help for Tefillah each Sunday morning. She has put her heart and soul into providing the musical component to our Sunday morning prayer service. Also thank you Ellen for helping in the Learning Center too. We wish her well as she shares her talents on Sunday morning with another school. PURIM CENTRAL: 9:00-9:45 am Class time (no Tefillah) 9:45-11:00 am ALL SCHOOL ASSEMBLY including the Purim Spiel, Megillah reading and Costume Parade (Parents: Join us in the auditorium) 11:00 am SCHOOL WILL BE DISMISSED 11:00-12:30 pm Purim Carnival (downstairs in cafeteria) Enjoy the month! Kol tuv (all the best) Wendy

Friday, February 7 7:00 pm Temple

Friday, March 21 7:00pm FFC

Friday, April 4 7:00pm Temple

Friday, May 2 7:00pm Temple

Friday, May 9 7:00pm FFC

Page 15: TEC Times, February 2014

… Purim is coming … To Religious School

Sunday,March 16

and it is time to

Dress up---Come to Religious School in Costume

The Temple theme is…. PURIM ON THE ROOF

All creative, imaginative, and unique costumes welcome!!

Decide what costume you would like to wear and come to Religious School

dressed up for the morning!!

We will have our Purim Parade and as usual.

Prizes will be awarded.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR JOINING US!

Page 16: TEC Times, February 2014

Page 16 TEC T imes Volume 23, Numer 6

Temple Etz Chaim Board of Directors is pleased to announce that we have become a sponsor

along with other area Reform synagogues of the

Holocaust Stamps Project for the Foxborough Regional Charter School

For the past four years, Foxborough Regional Charter School has been collecting cancelled postage stamps as part of an ongoing Holocaust Education program.

Their Goal: To collect one postage stamp for each of the

CTIMS of the Holocaust.

They have collected 3,221,136 stamps as of October, 2013.

How can we participate? It’s easy – just cut out the postage stamps from any envelopes you receive in the mail and drop them in the stamp collection box at the Temple or the lobby table at Medway High School.

Why? Each stamp that is collected symbolizes one wasted life,

“thrown away” as having no value, much the same way as an envelope bearing a cancelled stamp is tossed in the trash. The

students are learning about one man’s intolerance and prejudice resulting in the annihilation of so many victims from

21 European countries. Their study of this period in world history has revealed that the dangers of discrimination and bullying are self-evident.

What will be done with the collected stamps? A series of 18 x 24 inch postage stamp collage artworks will eventually total 18 pieces because the number 18 has special significance in our Jewish culture. The Hebrew spelling of the word for “18” is also translated to mean “life.” Together, the unique collection of the students’ artistic creations will serve as a fitting tribute to

the 11,000,000 lives of the people murdered in the Holocaust.

For further information please visit the Holocaust Stamp Project WEBSITE: http://www.foxboroughrcs.org/students-families/student-life/frcs-holocaust-stampproject/

Any questions, please email or call me at [email protected] - 508-528-5337

Page 17: TEC Times, February 2014

Page 17 TEC T imes Volume 23, Numer 6

RAC has many things going on and coming up. We have looked at the way people felt about reading the yahrzeit names. We have considered how this affected the community and Jewish traditions, as well as, our tradition and will be going back to reading the names on the yahrzeit list. We will invite anyone who would like to stand to do so and then everyone will stand as a congregation for the kaddish. We thank everyone for trying this and for the feedback. We are looking forward to Purim. We are having a couple of different happenings this year. We will be doing the Purim Spiel at Religious School this year along with the seventh grade class. If you have never been to a Purim spiel, it is a lot of fun. Make a morning of it and come for the Purim Spiel and stay for the Purim Carnival. We are also, in conjunction with Sisterhood and Brotherhood, having a Purim cocktail party. This is being held at the Solo-mon-Zissu home in Hopedale. Sign up to bring an appetizer, dessert, beverage, or anything else on the list (sent in an email). It is a great way to get together, celebrate, and have a good time with your fellow congregants. Lastly, we are starting to look at Second Night Seder. We will send more info when we have them. Jayme Solomon-Zissu RAC Chair

RAC Report

Religious Worship News

Friday, February 7: Erev Family Shabbat Service, 7:00 pm at TEC

Saturday, February 8: Tot Shabbat Service, 9:30 am at TEC

Friday, February 14: Erev Shabbat Service, 7:30 pm at TEC

Friday, February 21: Erev Shabbat Service, 7:30 pm at TEC

Friday, February 28: Erev Shabbat Service and Leaf Dedication, 7:30 pm at TEC

TEC: Temple Etz Chaim, 900 Washington St., Franklin

Worship Schedule

February 1 T’rumah Exodus 25:1 - 27:19 February 8 Tetzaveh Exodus 27:20 - 30:10 February 15 Ki Tisa Exodus 30:11 - 34:35 February 22 Vayak’heil Exodus 36:1 - 38:20

February Torah Portions

Page 18: TEC Times, February 2014

15 DAYS ONLY! Starts Sunday, March 2nd through

Sunday, March 16th

Friends and Families of Temple Etz Chaim:

Get $10 off $50 Annual Membership / Get $20 off Annual Rewards Membership

Free additional 3 months of Membership

Free Second Membership Card for household member

Plus, BJ's will donate $5 to Temple Etz Chaim Religious School

Any one can purchase a membership. Friends, family, co-workers, etc....BJ's has stores up and down the east

coast. Membership is accepted in all BJ's stores.

It does not matter when you last renewed, 15 months will be added to your current expiration date.

Business memberships are NOT eligible for renewal under this program.

Payment is by check made payable to BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. or Credit Card...Sorry no Cash.

New members will be emailed a temporary pass while membership is being process

Questions? Contact Michael Tutin at [email protected]

Applications can be picked up during Sunday School/Hebrew School/Academy, at Temple Etz Chaim, and the

website starting 3/2/2014.

Page 18 TEC T imes Volume 23, Numer 6

BJ’s Wholesale Fuel Your Fundraiser

Special Membership Offer

Page 19: TEC Times, February 2014

TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM DONATION FORM Date: __________________________

$36 ___ $54 ___ $72 ___ $108 ___ Other ___ Tree of Life * Leaf ($180) ___ Rock ($500) ___

(B’nei Mitzvah certificate minimum $36)

Method of payment (check one): Visa ___ MasterCard ___ Check (payable to Temple Etz Chaim) ___ Card number Expiration date Signature: (required for charge orders only)

*Temple Etz Chaim is building its own Tree of Life - a piece of artwork, generously donated y Enid and Gary Gilbert and family. We have included this

beautiful tree in our Temple to commemorate or honor loved ones and special events in our lives. Donors will be notified of the date for leaf’s unveiling. Please choose one of the following funds for which to designate your donation.

Your thoughtful gift will be acknowledged with an appropriate card sent in accordance with your wishes. The amount of your gift will not be disclosed.

Check here if you do NOT want this gift acknowledged in the Temple newsletter and website.

Thank you for your support of Temple Etz Chaim.

Contributor Information

Name:

Address:

Telephone:

Please send card/certificate to:

Name:

Address:

Message or Inscription

Please note: messages for Tree of Life can be up to three lines

(maximum 20 characters per line).

B’nei Mitzvah certificates: please include ceremony date.

Rabbi’s Mitzvah Fund: This fund, at the sole discretion of the Rabbi, is used to help congregants and others in need and support organization that are in keeping with Reform Jewish ideas.

Religious School Fund: This fund, at the discretion of the Director of Education with the consent of the Educa-tion Committee, is used to provide funding for programs and to provide additional educational resources for the staff and children of the religious school. This will allow the Religious School the ability to offer unique opportuni-ties to further the Jewish growth of our children on our community.

Service of the Heart Fund: Service of the Heart Com-mittee acknowledges and assists Temple members from delivering meals to sponsoring guest speakers.

Torah Fund: This fund’s purpose is for the purchase and repair of Toratot and their adornments.

Yizkor Fund: The purpose of this fund is for memorial-izing. Purchase of Yom HaShoah remembrances, special services and other material related to memorializing is included.

Youth Fund: The purpose of this fund is to supplement the work of the Senior Youth Group in its efforts to reach its goals of reaching out to Jewish youth. Recommended use of this fund include scholarship aid to NFTY events, underwriting FROGY events or individual aid based upon the recommendation of the Youth Advisor.

Building Fund: This fund’s purpose is secure land or buildings for the Temple. It may be further used for capital improvements to our existing land or structures.

Early Childhood Fund: The purpose of this fund is to support early childhood (birth to age 6) programming, in-cluding the purchasing of arts and craft supplies for Tot Shabbats and holiday celebrations, books used for PJ Hav-dalah services and materials for Tikkun olam activities.

Goldwasser Fund: This fund, created in honor of Stu-dent Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser (1997-1998) will be over-seen by Rabbi and two congregants. It is solely for congre-gants seeking Jewish learning, worship or social experiences and will be distributed on a confidential basis after a short application process.

Library Fund: This fund’s purpose is to acquire books and other literature for the Temple’s library to be loaned out to members of the temple.

Music Fund

Prayer Book Fund: The purpose of this fund is to pur-chase our movement's prayer books for use by the entire congregation.

Rabbi’s Education Enrichment Fund: To be used at the sole discretion of the Rabbi in order to attend confer-ences and programs and purchase study materials that will support the spiritual and educational needs of the Temple.

Page 20: TEC Times, February 2014

MIS

S C

HO

CO

LA

TE

PR

ES

EN

TS

PA

SS

OV

ER

2014

D

ea

r C

on

gre

ga

nt:

W

e w

ill

be

co

nd

uc

tin

g o

ur

an

nu

al

PA

SS

OV

ER

CA

ND

Y S

AL

E d

uri

ng

th

e m

on

ths

of

Ja

nu

ary

& F

eb

rua

ry.

We

wil

l b

e s

ell

ing

K

os

he

r fo

r P

as

so

ve

r c

an

dy

an

d c

on

fec

tio

ns

. E

ve

ry e

dib

le i

tem

wil

l h

av

e a

ce

rtif

ica

tio

n o

f P

as

so

ve

r K

os

he

r S

up

erv

isio

n.

O

ur

Pe

rso

na

l c

on

sid

era

tio

n w

ill

be

giv

en

to

all

ord

ers

, h

ow

ev

er

larg

e o

r s

ma

ll.

Le

t u

s t

ak

e c

are

of

yo

ur

Pa

ss

ov

er

ho

lid

ay

n

ee

ds

. If

yo

u a

re i

nte

res

ted

in

pu

rch

as

ing

Pa

ss

ov

er

ca

nd

y,

ma

ca

roo

ns

, e

tc.,

ple

as

e f

ill

ou

t th

e o

rde

r fo

rm b

elo

w a

nd

ma

il

it b

ac

k w

ith

th

e c

orr

ec

t p

ay

me

nt.

Yo

ur

ch

ec

k m

us

t a

cc

om

pa

ny

yo

ur

ord

er.

Ple

as

e m

ak

e c

he

ck

pa

ya

ble

to

ou

r

org

an

iza

tio

n.

Th

an

k Y

ou

!

ITE

M #

P

AS

SO

VE

R I

TE

M D

ES

CR

IPT

ION

Q

TY

. P

RIC

E

TO

TA

L

IT

EM

#

PA

SS

OV

ER

IT

EM

DE

SC

RIP

TIO

N

QT

Y.

PR

ICE

T

OT

AL

25

01

C

OC

ON

UT

MA

CA

RO

ON

S (

P)

$

9.0

0

25

08

C

AS

HE

W B

UT

TE

R C

RU

NC

H (

D)

$

11

.00

25

29

F

RU

IT S

LIC

ES

(P

)

$

14

.00

2

53

1

LO

LL

YC

ON

ES

(D

)

$6

.00

25

41

S

ED

ER

MIN

TS

(P

)

$1

1.0

0

25

42

A

LM

ON

D C

AR

AM

EL

CL

US

TE

RS

(D

)

$1

1.5

0

25

60

A

LM

ON

D B

AR

K (

P)

$

11

.00

2

55

3

CH

OC

OL

AT

E C

AR

AM

EL

DA

ISIE

S (

D)

$

10

.50

25

64

C

HO

CO

LA

TE

CO

V.

MA

CA

RO

ON

S (

P)

$1

2.0

0

25

62

M

ILK

CH

OC

OL

AT

E M

AT

ZO

(D

)

$1

4.0

0

25

91

R

AS

PB

ER

RY

CH

OC

O.

JE

LL

IES

(P

)

$1

2.0

0

25

90

A

LM

ON

D K

ISS

ES

(D

)

$1

4.0

0

26

42

C

HO

CO

. C

OV

. M

AT

ZA

H C

RA

CK

ER

S (

P)

$

14

.00

2

59

3

MIL

K &

DA

RK

CH

OC

O.

AS

S’T

. (D

)

$1

6.0

0

35

77

A

LM

ON

D B

UT

TE

R C

RU

NC

H (

D)

$

14

.00

T

OT

AL

-B

N

OT

E:

AL

L I

TE

MS

CA

N B

E V

IEW

ED

TO

TA

L-A

O

N O

UR

WE

BS

ITE

.

TO

TA

L –

A:

GR

AN

D

TO

TA

L:

Na

me

: __

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

___P

ho

ne

#:_

____

____

____

____

____

____

___

____

____

____

____

_ A

dd

res

s:

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

___

____

____

____

____

_ T

his

is

ou

r P

as

so

ve

r p

rom

oti

on

. P

lea

se

bri

ng

or

ma

il in

th

is o

rde

r fo

rm w

ith

yo

ur

ch

ec

k p

ay

ab

le t

o o

ur

org

an

iza

tio

n.

SU

BM

IT O

UR

SC

HO

OL

CO

DE

:___

____

____

____

____

. V

IS

IT

T

HE

W

EB

SIT

E A

T

WW

W.M

IS

SC

HO

CO

LA

TE

.C

OM

S

EE

T

HE

O

N-L

IN

E O

RD

ER

IN

G S

ER

VIC

E. F

ee

l fre

e to

vie

w o

ur

ww

w.m

issc

ho

co

late

.co

m

Page 21: TEC Times, February 2014

Page 21 TEC T imes Volume 23, Numer 6

SAVE THE DATE - April 22nd. We will have another “dough raiser” to observe the end of

Passover. We will once again team up with Uno’s Pizzeria in Bellingham to collect up to 20% of

our food bill to donate to the Temple (or Rabbi’s Fund). However, this year, we will hold the

event after the 8th day of Passover, so everyone who observes 8 days of Passover will be able

to participate. Like last year, we will need to use a special coupon in order for us to get credit

and it can be used all day by anyone (friends & family included- not just Temple members).

More information to follow.

Post Passover Fundraiser

Page 22: TEC Times, February 2014

Page 22 TEC T imes Volume 23, Numer 6

Our Temple Community News

You can honor, wish a speedy recovery to, or remember a friend or loved one with a dona-tion to Gracious Gifts. Your donation to the Temple will be truly appreciated.

Here is the list of funds your donation can go to:

Building Fund: Secures land or buildings for the Temple. It may be further used for capital improve-ments to our existing land or structures.

Early Childhood Fund: The purpose of this fund is to support early childhood - birth to age 6 - programs such as Tot Shabbats and Hanukkah events.

Goldwasser Fund: For congregants seeking Jewish learning, worship or social experiences and will be dis-tributed on a confidential basis.

Library Fund: To acquire books and other literature for the Temple’s library to be loaned out to members of the Temple.

Music Fund

Prayer Book Fund: To purchase our movement’s prayer books for use by the entire congregation.

Rabbi’s Education Enrichment Fund: Used at the sole discretion of the rabbi in order to attend confer-ences and purchase study materials.

Rabbi’s Mitzvah Fund: Used to help congregants and others in need and support organizations that are in keeping with Reform Jewish ideals.

Religious School Fund: Used for programs and to provide additional educational resources for the staff & children of the religious school.

Service of the Heart Fund: Used to acknowledge and assist Temple members from delivering meals to spon-soring guest speakers.

Torah Fund: The purpose of this fund is for the pur-chase and repair of Toratot and their adornments.

Yizkor Fund: Purchase of Yom Ha Shoah remem-brances, special services, and other material related to

memorializing is included.

Youth Fund: To supplement the work of the Senior Youth Group in its efforts to reach its goals of reach-ing out to Jewish Youth.

Donations can be made online at http://franklin.temple-etzchaim.org/membership/donate or go to page 19 and print the form.

Making a Donation

A Special Way to Honor A Special Day

Temple Etz Chaim is now offering a unique opportunity to recognize B’nei Mitzvah students

Friends and family can make a donation to the Temple in honor of this special occasion. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah stu-dent will receive a commemorative certificate that lets them know a generous donation has been made in their honor. The donations made will go toward the temple fund of your choice. At just a minimum donation of $36 this is a wonderful opportunity to support our community and recognize a special life cycle event for our young mem-bers and their families. See the donation form on the page 19 or go online. Questions? Email Margot Rivelis

Rabbi’s Mitzvah Fund In memory of Cantor Harry Freilich and Sura Charna Freilich by Dr. and Mrs. Steven Freilich

Jonathan Zissu and Jayme Solomon-Zissu

General Fund In memory Gail Minsky, by the Rivelis Family

In honor of our children Andrew and Matthew by Audrey and Ron Venooker

On behalf of Rabbi Alpert, his family and temple commu-nity by the Harris and Elizer Kemper fund, Galveston, TX

In memory of Julie Kermish by Nikki Kermish

In memory of Joyce Eileen Gabel by the Simms Family

In honor of Jessica Anne Simms becoming a Bat Mitzvah, June 9, 2012 by the Simms Family

The Alpert Family The Cass Family The Gilbert Family The Gill Family The Giordano Family The Kiel Family The Rich Family The Rivelis Family The Samolyk Family

Recent Donations

Page 23: TEC Times, February 2014

Community News

Staying Connected at TEC

Find us and everything that our community has to offer at www.jewishboston.com.

Participating in Jewish life in Boston just got easier! Share events, resources, and ideas or simply have your voice heard. Find what you need, when you need it.

Temple Etz Chaim is on Facebook! It's another way to get the word out about who we are and what we

do. If you are already on Facebook, become a fan. If you haven't joined Facebook, don’t worry - you can still view our page by clicking on the link. Feel free to upload pictures or leave comments on our wall. If there is something you'd like to see on our page, email our webmaster.

Page 23 TEC T imes Volume 23, Numer 6

Do you know an older adult living in Metrowest who would feel more comfortable going to the doctor if there were someone s/he trusted to accompany them? JFS Vol-unteer Patient Navigators are trained to work with older adults to prepare for, accompany them to, and support them during their medical appointments. After the visit, the Patient Navigator gives a written report to the older adult or their family member. If you or someone you know would benefit from this enhanced medical escort service, please call JFS in Framingham (508-875-3100 x110). This program is funded by CJP and there is no charge to participate.

JFS Patient Navigator Program for Seniors

A LinkedIn group has been set up for the Temple. The group name is "Temple Etz

Chaim of Franklin, MA" and you can join by clicking this link. It is a great place for temple members to network with each other about job opportunities and business rela-tionships. Bill Gilbert is the administrator of the site and if you want to join, just send a request via LinkedIn and he will approve you.

The URJ offers free Birthright to Israel through its Kesher program. Congregants who are eligible and interested in a URJ Kesher Birthright Trip, should email Rabbi Alpert. He can obtain priority status for anyone interested. The trip is available for any congregant under the age of 26 who has not gone on an organized youth trip to Israel before. More information about Kesher, including application procedure, is available at its website.

Birthright to Israel

In these difficult economic times, the Temple community is here to help all of our members. If you need assistance or want to find out about resources for support within the community, please contact Rabbi Alpert at 508-528-5337. All communication is kept confidential.

Need Assistance from the Temple Community?

Ushers Wanted

When you attend Erev Shabbat services on a Friday night you’ll meet two board mem-bers. We call them BMOD (board member on duty). That is part of our responsibility as a board member. For us, it’s a great way to meet congregants, celebrate Shabbat to-gether and help out by being a volunteer.

We’d like to open up this opportunity to ALL our congre-gants. Here is what an Usher would do:

Arrive at temple 30 minutes before services

Help set up for the oneg (food and drinks enjoyed after service)

Enjoy the service with the congregation

After services, help hand out wine for Kiddush

Help clean up after services There will ALWAYS be a board member working with you! If you are interested in being on the Usher list please con-tact our president, Grace Kooper.

Thank you to Dave Johnson and Ellen Keith for continuing to bring music to our Shab-bat services.

We are always looking for a few adult singers or musicians to join our choir. Interested? Contact Ellen Keith.

Shabbatot Music

Page 24: TEC Times, February 2014

Page 24 TEC T imes Volume 23, Numer 6

3 Specializes in B’nei Mitzvah Celebrations www.3-restaurant.com

508-528-6333

Please Support Those Who Support Temple Etz Chaim

Page 26: TEC Times, February 2014

Page 26 TEC T imes Volume 23, Numer 6

Please Support Those Who Support Temple Etz Chaim

Page 27: TEC Times, February 2014

Officers President, Grace Kooper, [email protected] First Vice President, Adam Cutler, [email protected] Second Vice President, Margot Rivelis, [email protected] Treasurer, Allen Bast, [email protected] Asst. Treasurer, Michael Levine, [email protected] Exec. Secretary, Kellene Kiel, [email protected] Clerk, Howard Heilweil, [email protected]

Directors Director, Andy Bierman, [email protected] Director, Stacy Bushey, [email protected] Director, Pam Giordano, [email protected] Director, Cindy Heilweil, [email protected]

Past Presidents

Richard Shulman, Founding President

David Hirshfield Andrew Brown

Susan Bershad Barbara Gillmeister

Risa Ceskavich Sue Cass

Bill Gilbert Margot Rivelis

Adult Education Melissa Folsom [email protected]

Brotherhood Eugene Grossguth & Stewart Lipson [email protected]

Budget & Finance Michael Levine [email protected]

Building & Grounds Emily & Scott Berman [email protected]

Building our Community’s Future Bill Gilbert [email protected]

Communications & Publicity Sue Cass [email protected]

Early Childhood [email protected]

Education Pam Giordano [email protected]

FROGY / Senior Youth Group

Liam McSweeney [email protected]

Fundraising Ad Campaign Risa Ceskavich [email protected]

July 4th Booth Jill Simms

[email protected] Stewart Lipson [email protected]

Scrip Lisa Lipson [email protected]

Gracious Gifts Susan Hirshfield [email protected]

Java Nagilah Dave Johnson [email protected]

Junior Youth Group Jodi Rutkowski [email protected]

Leadership Dev. & Nominating Margot Rivelis [email protected] Rabbinic Liaison

Michele Brooks [email protected]

Religious Activities Jayme Solomon-Zissu [email protected]

Service of the Heart Sherene Borr & Cindy Heilweil [email protected]

Sisterhood Jill Simms [email protected]

Synagogue Life & Membership Connie Shulman [email protected]

TEC Facebook Page Lisa Lipson [email protected]

TEC Times Margot Rivelis [email protected]

Tiny Tots [email protected]

Webmaster Steve Cohn John Samolyk [email protected]

Committee and Auxiliary Contacts

Temple Etz Chaim

is a member of the URJ

Contact Us:

Temple Etz Chaim

900 Washington Street

Franklin, MA 02038

Phone: 508-528-5337

Web: www.temple-etzchaim.org

Our Clergy and Staff:

Thomas Alpert, Rabbi

[email protected]

Wendy Bierman

Director of Education

[email protected]

Audrey Venooker, Bookkeeper

[email protected]

Adrianne Castro, Office Administrator

[email protected]

Temple Etz Chaim is a Reform Jewish congregation serving the community of greater Franklin, Massachusetts. Our congregation is a member of the Union for Reform Judaism, the Synagogue Council of Massachusetts and the Franklin Interfaith Council.

Temple Etz Cham is affiliated

with the Synagogue Council of

Massachusetts


Recommended