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says, but he/she needs people who know how to disagree in love and how to give and take criticism with kindness. He/she wants to be with his/her people in their time of joy and in their time of trouble so that he/she can help them find a divine dimension in both. A rabbi may need many things in order to be happy; like all human beings he/she needs health, enjoyment and a good home life; but most of all he/she needs to be needed. “What a rabbi really wants to have are people who will understand that he/she is not a superman or superwoman, nor is he/she a non-person. He/she wants people who will realize that he/she cannot pray for them or study for them or do anything for them, but that he/she can do a great many things with them. “What a rabbi really wants is to be able to stand up before God at the end of his/her days and say: ‘Lord of the Universe, these are the Jews to whom you have entrusted unto me. They are good people. They are loyal to Your Torah. They try to keep Your commandments. They try to live by Your light. They are just and kind and good, and I love them.’”

December 2008/Kislev 5769

TidingsTidings Temple Ohabei ShalomTemple Ohabei Shalom——Judaism in MotionJudaism in Motion

What’s Inside:

page 2 Cantor Schloss’ Message TOS Chanukah Celebration Toy Drive

page 3 Worship • Shabbat Rishon • Tot Shabbat Mitzvah Mall

page 4 Project For Our Future

page 5 TOS 2009 Israel Trip

page 6 Auxiliaries • Sisterhood • Brotherhood Mitzvah Committee

page 7 Yizkor Elohim Lifelong Learning

Page 8 ARS Weather Policy Family Table December Birthdays/Anniversaries

page 9 Ansin Religious School

page 10 ARS, continued Lifelong Learning

page 11 December Funds

page 12 Chanukah Book Fair

page 13 Chanukah @Home

page 14 2nd Annual Music Benefit

page 16 December Calendar

100 Blessings a Day

At a board retreat last month, our officers, trustees and staff reflected on, and began to define for themselves, the mission of Temple Ohabei Shalom. It was a healthy and illuminating exercise that within the next several weeks will lead to a draft mission statement that I hope the entire TOS community will embrace. With the support of the entire congregation, a new mission statement will help move us forward for years to come.

The talk of our congregational mission reminded me of a certain rabbinic mission statement that I happened upon some years back. It resonated with me so much that I keep a copy in my desk and refer to it often. Written by an unknown author, it is entitled “What a Rabbi Really Wants.” This month, I want to share it with you.

What a Rabbi Really Wants

“What does a rabbi really want? What he/she wants is Jews. He/she wants people whose lives are rooted in convictions, to whom our heritage is precious, to whom God is a reality, to whom holiness is a goal, to whom the Sabbath is a joy, to whom compassion is a standard, to whom the best possible Jewish education is a necessity, to whom Judaism is a way of living and a way of thinking for themselves and for their children. “What a rabbi really wants is to have a synagogue that is worthy of its name. One that is both physically and spiritually inspiring. One that has in it not only fine furnishings and good architecture but also the presence of God, the sound of Torah and the spirit of friendship. It must be a place in which love and devotion are invested as well as dollars, a place in which friendships have deepened and people have matured, in which joy and strength and solace and direction can be obtained. “What a rabbi really wants to have are open minds and open hearts that will respond to him/her and to Torah. He/she does not need to have sycophants who will agree with whatever he/she

Rabbi John Franken

Say Cheese!

To help Rabbi Franken, Cantor Schloss and the rest of the TOS staff to know you and your family, please send digital photos of yourselves, properly labeled, to office@ohabei.org or mail hard copy to the TOS office.

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A Vision of our Future Cantor Randall Schloss

There is a lot going on at Temple Ohabei Shalom these days! Although we are kept more than busy with the everyday business of worship services and adult education classes, religious school and youth group events, committee meetings and board retreats, choir rehearsals and b’nei mitzvah celebrations, our synagogue culture is dominated by thoughts and visions of the future of our community. We are not satisfied with the present; we are not settling for the status quo. At the forefront of these thoughts is the realization of our aptly named Project for Our Future. Indeed, our future depends on the successful completion of this project, encompassing a renovated school building, the creation of an early childhood center, and increased accessibility to all of our facilities. It’s all very exciting! In the midst of this vision of our future is music. Music may not be the end goal of our community. Rather we are focused on Jewish values, worship, education and social action. But music is perhaps the primary catalyst that helps our community succeed in all of these areas. In his article, “The Vocation of the Cantor,” Abraham Joshua Heschel explains “It is the task of the cantor (and of music) to create the liturgical community, to convert a plurality of praying individuals into a unity of worship.” I would venture to say that this idea extends beyond worship to all areas of the community involvement. That is why at services, meetings, classes, gatherings of all kinds, we sing! Music binds us and energizes us. It uplifts each of us in unique ways and also serves the community at large. It is in this spirit that I am thrilled to announce our Second Annual Music Benefit. On Saturday evening, January 31, 2009, my wife, soprano Leah Schloss and I will welcome other Boston area cantors and singers for a vibrant evening of music and fun. The concert, How Wonderful a Sound: Songs of the American Music Theatre, will also feature Music Director David Sparr playing our beautifully rebuilt Mason & Hamlin piano. It will be followed by an elegant champagne and dessert reception. The entire evening will benefit Music at Ohabei Shalom, ensuring a sustainable musical and spiritual life at Temple Ohabei Shalom. I encourage all of you to support both the present and future of our congregation through The Project for our Future and Music at Ohabei Shalom. L’shalom,

We wish Mazel Tov to Esta Epstein on her appointment as Chairperson of the New England Region Board of Directors of the Anti-Defamation League!

TOS Chanukah Celebration Sunday, Dec 21, 2008, 4:00 pm

Chanukiah Lighting – 1st candle Latkes & Yummy treats to eat Singing & Music (Mahkelah & TOS adult choir) Crafts & Activities for children of all ages Suggested donation $5 per person Bring canned tuna/salmon and graham crackers for Family Table!

Toy Drive December 1 - 16, 2008

The Grow Clinic at Boston Medical Center serves malnourished, at risk children.

Temple Ohabei Shalom has provided ongoing support to this program for several years.

You can help by: *Bringing unwrapped new toys to the playpens

located in the synagogue office and outside of the An-sin Religious School office.

Puppets, Checkers, Stuffed Animals, Dolls, Books, Games…

Please no guns, GI Joe figures, war games, etc.

*Donating a bottle or two of unwrapped Sesame Street Complete Vitamins.

Please do not substitute any other brand.

*Writing a check payable to “Temple Ohabei Shalom - Grow Clinic” and

send to the Synagogue office at:

1187 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA 02446 Thank you! An

nual

Holid

ay T

oy D

rive

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TOS Board of Trustees Retreat

On Sunday, November 9th, trustees, officers and synagogue leadership staff met for an afternoon of discussions and exercises designed to direct our work for the remainder of the year. The retreat was held in a beautiful setting at Tufts Hillel where Rabbi Franken, in his undergraduate days, founded the Reform minyan. Topics included the mission of the synagogue, goals and priorities for the year. If you are interested in learning more about the work of the trustees, or in participating in task forces to fulfill our mission and goals, contact Cathryn Stein at 617-288-5144 or tigermilk@verizon.net.

Illness? Hospitalization? Birth? Simcha?

Please let us know... 617.277.6610

Mitzvah Mall Sun., Dec 7 9:30am-12pm

Our fifth annual Mitzvah Mall will feature dif-ferent organizations to whom a small contribu-tion can make a big difference. We are en-couraging everyone in the school to partici-pate and for parents to stop in as well!

Tot Shabbat

Friday, December 5, 2008 First Friday of the month, 5:45 pm

Join Rabbi Franken and Cantor Schloss as they bring the Shabbat experience alive for the youngest participants in our community. Activities, music, dancing and optional dinner for all participants! (optional dinner: $6 kids/$10 adults)

RSVP to Amanda at 617-739-9200

Shabbat Rishon Friday, December 5, 7:30 pm Oneg to follow

Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Jewish Preschool: Why Early Childhood Education is the New Gateway to Child (Jewish) Development

Featuring local expert, Barbara Davis, an educator with over 20 year experience in early childhood education. Barbara has been every active in the creation of two very suc-cessful preschool programs in the Boston area and will share her insight and experiences with us as we embark on our ex-citing journey of opening our own early education center. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Psychology from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and a Master’s degree in Parent Support and Family Educa-tion from Wheelock College in Boston. Barbara has presented at many area conferences including the Jewish Early Childhood Conference, the Tehilah Institute and the MAEYC Director’s conference. She is also on the advisory committee for the Metrowest Preschool Access Program. She has extensive experience in parenting programs that offer sup-port and guidance to parents of young children. In addition, working with grants from the Bureau of Jewish Education, Barbara has created several Family Education programs for families at the preschool level.

Worship

4

5

Community

The Chanukah Gift

of a Lifetime

Tentative dates: Dec. 21, 2009 - Jan 2, 2010 Led by Rabbi Franken and Cantor Schloss For more information and to put your name on the mailing list, send an email to klandman@ohabei.org. More details will be forthcoming in early 2009.

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Brotherhood News Sisterhood News

Auxiliaries

Jonathan Atkins & Louis Goldman

Betsy Gould

On November 5th a devoted group of Sisterhood friends met at Zita Samuel’s home, knitting and crocheting healing shawls for congre-gant shut-ins, and children’s hats for the Boston Medical Center’s Grow Clinic. This was an evening truly dedicated to the mitzvah of caring and kindness. Zita’s own talent and diligence was already re-sponsible for five beautiful shawls. This ongoing group would appre-ciate donations of yarn to further their projects.

The award-winning documentary film Trembling before G-d, about “gay and lesbian Orthodox Jews trying to reconcile their sexuality with their faith”, is our Theatre Night choice. The film follows a pot-luck dinner with the Brotherhood, on Wednesday, Dec. 3rd, at 6:30 p.m. The women will provide a dairy / pareve supper, while the men are responsible for the beverages and desserts. We look forward to sharing a stimulating and thought-provoking program. Please contact Betsy Gould 781 329-7439 for reservations. We thank Margie Kahn for once again ably organizing this event.

We are so happy to report that two of our wonderful Sisterhood planning board members Julie Boris and Margie Kahn are on their way to restored good health after recent surgery.

At a recent meeting with the clergy and representatives from Sister-hood & Brotherhood, it was decided that both candle sticks and a kiddush cup will be given from these two groups to each B’nei Mitz-vah for the rest of this year through June. The TOS leadership feels strongly that Reform Jewish children should participate fully and equally in any and all Jewish rituals, regardless of gender.

A hearty todah rabah is extended to Hilda Lopez, who has once again graciously offered to organize our Sisterhood Shabbat for the end of March. TOS Saturday Shabbat celebrants will be treated to Diane Rosen chanting torah, and Rhonda Solomon the haftarah. We always have a plethora of talented Sisterhood participants, making this such a meaningful annual service.

January 14th we will be so fortunate to have humorist and award-winning author Beth Tietell reading from her best-selling book “Drinking Problems at the Fountain of Youth”. If a fun-filled night of humor sounds appealing, be sure to join us!

The Jewish month of Kislev brings with it Chanukah, the Festival of Lights! The Officers and Board of the Brotherhood extend their warm wishes to our brethren and their families and the entire greater Ohabei Shalom community, for a month filled with joy, health, and peace!

In November, Brotherhood hosted two events. One was the “Breakfast with the Brothers “ Open House, a time when our member brothers hosted the fathers of Ansin Religious School students for schmoozing and discussions of men’s Issues, the November elections, and other topics. The other event was a dinner meeting where our members joined together in an envelope stuffing party, for our year-end fundraising mailing. All in attendance were eager to get involved and participate in this important event, under the leadership of Brotherhood treasurer Ed Kahn.

For our December meeting we will attend the Sisterhood’s Annual Movie Night on December 3, 2008, at 6:30pm with a potluck dinner taking place before the movie. Brotherhood will provide the desserts and beverages, while the Sisterhood provides the main course. The movie will be the award-winning documentary “Trembling Before G-d,” a cinematic portrait of gay and lesbian Orthodox Jews who struggle to reconcile their faith and their sexual orientation.

There will be a Breakfast with the Brothers Open House on Sunday, December 21, 2008 from 9:30am to 12pm.

Once again, we remind members that when shopping at the Butcherie in Brookline, to please have your cash register receipts stamped, then bring them with you to TOS, or mail them to the Ohabei Shalom Brotherhood.

Year-End Tax Savings to Benefit You and TOS In addition to writing a check, here are some ideas to get a year-end tax deduction and also help TOS:

You could change or buy a life insurance policy so the premiums are tax-deductible and benefit TOS, create a charitable remainder trust, or transfer stocks, bonds, mutual funds, dividends or interest to TOS. Although not tax-deductible now, making a bequest in your will or trust could also make a big difference to the synagogue you call home. Please don’t delay. Your wishes to help Ohabei Shalom won’t take place until it’s in writing. Ask your tax advisor and then call Executive Director Steven Davis at 617-277-6610.

Stan Keizer, Wills, Bequests & Insurance Chairperson

Mitzvah Committee The Mitzvah Committee sends holiday Chanukah and Pesach packages to our TOS synagogue college stu-dents while they are away from home. We want our youngsters to feel connected to Judaism and our syna-gogue. We can only do this if you contact Betsy Gould (781)329-7439 or Buppygould@aol.com ASAP with your son or daughter’s college address. On Saturday, Dec. 20th, we will be visiting our congre-gational shut-ins for Chanukah. As you gift the gift of caring, you receive a remarkable opportunity of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, on a most poignant level. If you would like to make a visit, want more information, or know of a TOS congregant in need of a visit, please contact Betsy Gould (781) 329-7439. Participants are asked to come enjoy Shabbat morning services and the kiddush light lunch before carrying out the mitzvah.

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Yizkor Elohim - May God Remember We mourn the recent passing of:

Franklin Epstein, father of Ann Epstein Solomon Hozid, father of Amy Hozid

Herbert David Sidman * Rose Spinoza * Pauline Cohen Goldie D. Green * Roslyn Grossman Benjamin Lemchen * Fanny Marzynski * Fred Andelman Mark Brent Dolinsky Mamie Gershon * Helen Morse Hyman Florence Muskat Mitchell E. Nussman * Libby Roginsky Nat Weiner * Louis Zwick * Evelyn Bazer Betty Bello Augusta Benson Lena Drucker Harry Geller * David Halperin Irving Krichman Myra Merrill Ruth Namiot Rubin Sorkin Harry Stein Gertrude L. Black Pauline Bloom Katie Comenitz Bertha Dublin Louis I. Glasker * Sidney B. Goldstein * Isaac Green Cyrus L. Jacobs * Pearl Korsun Rachel Levi Carole Y. Marcus * Alma Grossman Mendelsohn Mildred Ullian Nollman * Jay Hersh Ostrower Bertha Rachel Scheinfeldt Fannie L. Snider * Samuel Tartakoff * Isaac Toochinsky December 10-20 Edward Daniels David L. Dorfman * Frances Grossman Eleanor Katz Renee Levine August Mark Mason * Florence Weiner Richard Altman David L. Barron * Betsy Carpenter Julius Gershon * Irene Gorman * Shirley Katz *

George Kritzer Edward Levin Marcus Myers Marylin Rodenstein Ernestine O. Stern * Rachel Miriam Stone E. Harold Stoneman * Herbert Jerome Wolf Michael G. Barron * Josiah Grossman Bennett L. Kartt * Martha Livingston * Minnie R. Myerson * Molly Nessen William Rosnosky Sarah Sager Emily R. Shoolman * Abraham Sulzbury Helene Goldkrand Symonds * Joseph Wolf Henry A. Ginsburg Hyman Gold * Esther s. Knopf * Israel Levin Michael Brian Nadelman Edward A. Nathanson * Juliette A. Sobell * Jesse Zofnass David Abelson Louisa Barrows* Edward Z. Cohen * Esther Gittel Katz Louis I. Rosenfield* Tillie Schwartz Racher Stoller Gertrude Burkhardt Wolfson Anna Lillian Zitter Margot W. Barron * Benjamin Bernstein Gertrude Burroughs * Abraham Nathan Caplan Norman S. Coler * Henry Finch Louis I. Fleischman * Maurice J. Freedman * Hy Goldstein * Celia Gordon * Eugene Juster Suzanna Rado Marie Gryzmish Tishler * Julian B. Tobias Louis Wadman * Ernest Wasser Isidore Zeiger Henry Cohen Elaine Garnick S. Charles Kahn * Joseph Levine * Samuel Nesson * Eli Baron

Harold Brown Sarah Cohen Dora Feinsteyn Max Fratkin Blanche Gamel Fannie Katz Philip Mabel Joseph Tudor Maleson Benjamin Morse * Grace Newman * Hilda Tobias Teplitz Mary Zordan Sarah Barber Karen J. Berman * Maurice Jacob Bernstein * Bertha Clark Jeanne Cohn Joseph Grodberg Irwin Kaufman David Lilienthal * Robert Lubets * Edith Montague * Arthur Mitchell Rosenbush * Samuel M. Salny * Abe Stanger Harold E. Zarling * Melvin E. Berger Louis J. Daniels Rose Fine Joanne Katz Devone Jonath Kruger Sandi Kupperman Joseph Scheinfeldt Jackie Springer Walter Trombly Samuel Wasser * Yetta Winig Carl Brackman Lena Dinner Steven Eric Fay * Alan Honig Michael Kofman Frank Miller Bessie Nathanson * Reba Schlakman Ruth B. Shankman * December 20-31 Louis Abrahams Candy Bloomberg Dora K. Gordon * Sara I. Gordon Miriam Katz Rose Keezer * Alexander Levi A. Fred Prager Sol Rosenfeld Robert Slosberg * Hannah Waxman Sarah Willis

We extend our deepest sympathy to their families. Those listed below are recorded in our Book of Remembrance, Windows or on Memorial Plaques. An asterisk indicates that the plaque will be illuminated during the week of yahrzeit.

December 1-10 Marie Ancona Beatrice R. Ansin * Edward Ansin * Edward Anthony Manuel Black David Dallal Lena H. Ellis * Marilyn T. Feuer Robert Fuchs Ethel Hurwitz Esther Lissner * Naomi Mashal Albert Rosenberg Martha F. Sagoff * Samuel Siff Janeth G. Stern * Muriel E. Tanner Robbie Deitch Richard Finkel Barbara Friedman Helen Uhr Geller * Betsy Gold Bruce F. Goodman Bertha Hannington * Annie Hyman * Eva Kline * Samuel Kotzen * Ida Rubin Jacob A. Simons * Beatrice Smith Golda Zeiger Adelaide Beal * Solomon Belenki Marilyn Feigenbaum Robert M. Goldman * Jerome Hertz Rose Berk Kaplan Elizabeth Kritzer Harry I. Wasserman Eugene Winters Ruby Yassinger Arnold H. Bloch * Rose Wexler Caplan Sadie L. Dangel * Amelia Greenbaum Lynn Katz Mary Joel Phillips Matilda Rosenfield Sadie R. Shutzer Clara Benson * Louis Benson * Abraham Berman Sayde Glogovsky Abraham Green * Anna Grodberg Sylvia S. Levine Esther Myerberg * Mary Pivnick Annie Sher

8

Yahrzeits, continued

Nathan Needleman Sophie Rosenbush Penn * Addison Simmons Rebecca Simons Meyer Stern Martin Weilheimer Katherine Boyne William Carmen Abraham G. Daniels * Manuel Drucker Samuel Foster Charles Landay * Isadore Salomon Hesta L. Skirball * Herman C. Tanger * Levin J. Wyzanski Hodel Zabarsky * Wilhelmina M. Abrahams * Marcelle Cohen Aaron Dolinsky Theresa Freedman Jennie Gilman * Alfred Katz Gertrude Krichman Herbert Kutnick Elias T. Pomerantz Harry Rideman George Small Jacob Smith David Tanfilyev Aaron A. Alberts * Gladys K. Levy * Bessie Mirich Oscar Ravech * Edward I. Rivitz * Lillian Sorkin Myer Cogan Harry Fireman * Rose Isaacson Manya Kirstein Stanley Maisner * Meyer L. Miller Meyer Papp Rae Baker Peake Rebecca Sidell Eva Sorkin Mike Sumberg Morris Swartz

School Cancellation Policy In Case of Inclement Weather The Ansin Religious School will close if the

Brookline Public schools close for a snow day. Please tune in to WBZ (channel 4), WCVB

(channel 5), WHDH (channel 7), or WRKO (680 on the AM dial) for school cancellations. We will also

leave a message on the School answering machine: (617) 739-9200.

Jewish Family and Children’s Service Greater Boston’s

Jewish Food Pantry

Please note:Temple Ohabei Shalom’s NEW monthly contribution is:

Canned Tuna or Salmon Graham Crackers

Donations can be brought to the synagogue and placed in the baskets by the Chapel or near the elevator. You can also write a check to the Sisterhood of Ohabei Sha-lom with “Family Table” in the memo line or volunteer to drive our contributions to the collection center in Waltham just one Sunday a year, 9:30am—11:30am If you are interested in helping, Contact Dottie Berman at 617-277-6610 or dberman@ohabei.org.

December Special Birthdays Hilda I. Lopez-Soto Jason Kriger Joseph Helfgot Karen Rizman David J. Chused Samuel Leibowitz David Rogovin

Special Anniversaries Mr. & Mrs. Aaron M. I, Shinberg Mr. & Mrs. John C. Davidow Jamie & Leila Rome David Seldin & Cathryn Stein

Warren F. Abrams Elizabeth L. Altman James Behr Julian Behr Jacob Bresnick * Leah B. Cline * Mitchell Halperin Joseph Jacobson Ruth Green Mann * Abraham Stone Julius Becker* Sarah Katzman * Clara B. Pomerantz James I. Roberts * Sadie Lipner Shulman * Nathan B. Basch Harry Ginesky * Vivian Kardaris Solomon Lewenberg * Nathan Matfess Rose Ravech * Berthal Mitchell Rosenbush * Beartrice Saldinger * Ruth Masters Traub * Carol Zalkind Evelyn Berenson * Herman Bloom * Benjamin G. Etcoff * Solomon Goldberg * Harvey Alan Innerfeld Norman Mintz Esther G. Moskow * Mildred Nager * Edith Plancon Esther Sulzbury Jacob Swartz * Philip E. Zich Mary Ellen Glasker * Max Lewis Kates * Beatrice L. Wadman * Albert Weiss Marvin Zarlin Lillian Zimmerman Helen K. Glen * Hyman Green * Julie M Kravet Albert Kravitz Helen Krug

9

Ansin Religious School News

Mark

You

r Cale

ndar

s! No School

Please mark your calendars . . . Tuesday, December 23 – Sunday, January 4 Winter Break

Community-Wide Programs Mitzvah Mall Sunday, December 7, 9:30 am Our fifth annual Mitzvah Mall will feature different organizations to whom a small contribution can make a big difference. We encourage everyone in the community to participate!

Chanukah Book Sale Sunday, December 7 & 14 and Tuesday, December 9 Help support the Gopen Family Library and get your Chanukah shopping done early!

Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing! Gatherings: For girls in grade 7. Sunday, December 21 12:30 – 2:30 pm —please note the change of time due to the TOS Chanukah celebration.

Youth Group Events BOSTY Shabbat-In- Eight Crazy Nights Friday, Dec.19, 4:00 pm – Saturday Dec. 20, 9:00am For students in Grades 5 & 6. Applications are due Friday, December 12

OSTY Shabbat Friday, December 19, 6:00 pm Please join us for a service lead by our High School students.

Tot Shabbat Friday, December 5, 2008 First Friday of the month, 5:45 pm Join Rabbi Franken and Cantor Schloss as they bring the Shabbat experience alive for the youngest participants in our community. The evening will include activities, music, dancing and dinner for all participants.

TOSTY Chanukah Shabbat Friday, December 26, 6:00 pm

Mark your Calendars MOSTY Shul-In: Justice League Saturday, January 10 – Sunday January 11 For students in Grades 3 & 4. Watch for more information to come.

SaVE THE DATE!

Join Us For a Super (Heroes) Event!

MOSTY Shul-In Sat, Jan 1o to

Sun, jan 11,

For students in

Grades 3 & 4.

Get your capes

ready & watch

for more

information

to come!

Eight Crazy Nights

BOSTY Shabbat-In Friday, Dec.19, 4:00 pm to Saturday Dec. 20, 9:00am

For students in Grades 5 & 6. Applications due Friday, December 12!

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A Marathon, not a Sprint Kate Mikesh, Director of Informal Education

What a whirlwind start to the New Year it has been! Since rushing back to Boston after a summer away, a trip to South Africa and a very important Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing! training in NYC in August, I feel as though I’ve been sprinting non-stop. Perhaps it was watching all of the Olympics coverage back in August that has me constantly trying to break our own records here at Ohabei Shalom...or maybe I’m just trying to keep up with Amanda (did you know she ran a 1/2 marathon in October!?) Just a few Saturday nights ago, Amanda and I took 22 OSTYites to Levi Leap (an annual NFTY-NE dance) in Framingham...a huge Increase from the 8 kids I took last year and the zero that attended the year before. A couple weeks later, 6 OSTYites attended Fall Conclavette (a weekend-long NFTY-NE event). Not since Mike & Shari were in youth group has OSTY had such a presence in the region. The kids are already talking about wanting to host our own regional conclavette here next year. With our new Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing! group off to a great start with the grade 7 girls and another round of Chugim (clubs) (see below) in full swing on Sunday mornings, it doesn’t look as though there will be much of a slow-down as I continue to go for the gold!

Make Your Own Sunday! The theme of the ARS fall Chugim was Social Action! For four Sundays in November, students in grades 3 - 6 partici-pated in a variety of social action-themed activities during their 1/2 hour chugim (clubs)! Check out the activities that kept us so busy: • Challah Baking: Time in the kitchen with Jason baking

challah that was donated to a local nursing home. • Letter Writing: David B. & Ariana helped us find out who

our representatives are in congress, and we wrote them about an important social issue...OR, sent a letter to a U.S. soldier who was overseas for Thanksgiving.

• Thanksgiving Crafts: Hillary & Sarah helped us create Thanksgiving placemats and cards to make Thanksgiving dinner more welcoming for homeless women at the Women’s Lunch Place.

• Story Time: We joined Melissa for story time! We discussed the importance of social action and what we can each do to make a difference in our community, country and the world!

Monday Night Learning Religion and Politics in Israel and the Middle East Over the past decade, the Middle East had reshaped itself when a new force came into power – religious fundamentalism. Dr. Motti Inbari, a post doctoral fellow at Brandies University, an expert on religious radicalism in Israel and the Middle East, offers a provocative and fresh outlook on the growth of extremism around the world. Dr. Inbari is also one of the leaders of the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism (Reform), as he served for 7 years to support its ideas.

Monday Evenings from 7:00 – 8:30 pm

12/1 “God’s Warriors” – The Fundamentalist Phenomenon 12/8 Religious Zionism and the Temple Mount Dilemma 12/15 Reform Judaism in Israel – Achievements and Challenges

“Go on a Low Carbon Diet” class at TOS

Have you read and heard in services about global warming but don’t know how you can make a differ-ence? Here’s a great way to learn how you can save on your energy bills, lower your carbon footprint and help to stop global warming.

For four weeks, we’ll meet in Brookline to discuss actions you can take that will ensure a healthier planet. The book we will use is called “The Low Carbon Diet; A 30 day program to lose 5,000 pounds.” At the completion of the 4 weeks, you will no doubt want to reduce your carbon footprint to zero!

Please call Judith Mabel at 617-232-7049 or email at jmabel02@gmail.com to enroll.

Come Sing with our Choir! From novices to experienced singers, all are welcome! First rehearsal/introductory meeting for all interested choir members, Next rehearsals—Dec 8th and 15th. See you there! Contact Karen Landman (klandman@ohabei.org) if you would like to participate. If you would like more infor-mation, contact Cantor Schloss at rschloss@ohabei.org.

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December Funds General Fund Melvin Foster Betya Kruch Martin Shore & Shari Lisann In Memory Of R. K. (Shelley) Schwartz Samuel Klain Beth D. Braunstein Arthur Zich Elaine B. Smoody David J. Gamerman Rebecca Bamberger Doris Jacobs Leslie & Glenn Shriberg Arthur Zich In Honor Of Joan & Jay Meltzer Len Davidson Laura Trust & Alan Litchman Rabbi John Franken In Appreciation Of Pamela & Steven Cohen David G. Kanter Sarah Gopen Weintraub Sheila & Charles Schwartz For Health and Recovery Of Robert & Helen Sawyer Sophia Solow Matthew Sawyer Stephen Ardizzoni Bob Wolf Cantor’s Discretionary Fund In Honor Of Franklin & Sherrie Epstein Cantor Schloss In Appreciation Of Larry & Denise Green High Holy Day honors Education Director’s Discretionary Fund

Rochelle Lite Amy & Daniel Slotnick In Memory Of Marilyn Barron Rose E. & Aaron M. Mayburg Ansin Religious School Adrienne Shishko & Joel Sklar Dina Brownstein & Joseph Kriesberg

Amy & Daniel Slotnick Ohabei Shalom Temple Youth (OSTY)

In Honor Of

Lisa Irvings Leo Irvings Minyan Fund In Memory Of Carl Ostroff Morris Ostroff Robin R. Kroopnick Annette H. Rosen Victor & Joy Darish Morris Fisher Anne S. Fries Elliot Fries Amir & Ronna Dallal James Pivnick Bernice Levinson Morris Diamond Ita N. Wiener Benjamin G. Persky Howard J. Freedman Herbert P. Freedman Dolly Koffman Celia B. Foster Pauline A. Rhodes Florence M. Rhodes Arlene Goldberg Hoxie & Faye Silva

Evelyn Goldberg

Paul G. Smith Michael David Smith Louis Burke Belle Burke Frank & Lillian Zabarsky Kalman Finer Harold & Sylvia Koritz Karen Koritz Estock Harriet Baker Benjamin Baker Dolly Koffman Leonard S. Koffman Nathan Levine Isador Levine

Minyan Fund, cont. In Memory OfRoberta Radkay Richard M. Levine Roger & Myrna Landay Mildred S. Landay William & Betsy Micucci Belle Hacker Hilda Lopez Maria Lopez Shirley H. Eisenberg Eugene R. Eisenberg Victor & Joy Darish Ida Darish Gerald & Toby Penn David Melnick Betty Morningstar & Jeanette Kruger

Monia Morningstar

David Morningstar Diane Schertzer Harry Schertzer Robert S. & Martha A. Rubin Jesse A. Rubin Evelyn F. Ruby Abbott M. Ruby Elaine Z. Stern Dorothy R. Zakon Jessica T. Shoher Harold M. Shoher Bernard & Phyllis R. Kliman Lillian Rice Florence S. Hootstein Stephen M. Hootstein Sylvia Bickwid & Gerald M. Epstein

Myrtle Klain

Barbara Helfgott Hyett Lillian Schor Helfgott Sidney J. Gordon Bruce Gordon Nathaniel Gordon Phyllis Nussman Ruth Tirk Judith A. Halper Samuel Halper Louis E. Laskey & Nora J. Calabi

Eleanor “Robbie” Laskey

Nancy Brooks Nelson Ida Brooks Rhoda Butters Pauline Kachelnik Corinne E. Gilbert Philmore Gilbert Victor & Joy Darish Celia Fisher Life Long Learning Fund In Memory Of Spence & Betsy Gould Doris Jacobs Spence & Betsy Gould Kalla Frieberg Ansin Religious School – Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing!

In Memory Of

Dorothy Julia Lebach Erich Lebach Ida Weilheimer In Honor Of Michael Davis & Susan McCallum

Netanya Lebach

Olins Piano Fund Marcia E. Levine Building Fund In Memory Of Judith A. Halper Libby Dresner Project for Our Future Laura Trust & Alan Litchman Shari & Michael Churwin Steven Davis Bill & Marcia Harris Berenson Library In Honor Of Todd Samuel Beyer Donald & Dorothy Berman Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund In Appreciation of: Larry & Denise Green Rabbi Franken Hilda Lopez Rabbi Franken Margie & Ed Kahn Rabbi Franken Esther Strachman Rabbi Franken Lila Sesholtz Rabbi Franken Sonia & Richard Ravech Rabbi Franken Lewis White Rabbi Franken

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Honor a teacher, special occasion, or the memory of a loved one with a bookplate.

Custom bookplates, $18.

By purchasing a bookplate you are helping to support our library. You can also help us

increase our fiction and nonfiction collections by selecting one of the books on our wish list

for donation.

Come see our new books, CDs & DVDs. We will also have candles,

dreidles and gelt for sale.

To support the Gopen Family Library

Sunday, December 7 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Tuesday, December 9 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Sunday, December 14 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Please visit the Gopen Library or the Book Sale for book plate reservation forms as well as a copy of our wish list.

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Temple Ohabei Shalom: Chanukah on a Sheet CHECKLIST (from Ron Wolfson, The Art of Jewish Living: Hanukkah) _____ Chanukiyah (Hanukkah menorah) (at least one per family) _____ 44 candles OR oil and wicks for eight nights _____ Matches (use long fireplace matches) _____ Text of blessings and songs _____ Dreidel(s) _____ Chanukah gelt _____ Tzedakah box _____ Traditional foods cooked in oil (e.g., latkes, sufganiyot [jelly doughnuts]) ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

HOW TO LIGHT THE CHANUKAH CANDLES Put the candles in the chanukiyah, starting from the right, adding one candle for each night of Chanukah. Use a separate candle as the shammash (“helper”). You are not supposed to “use,” but only to enjoy, the eight candles, so we “use” the shammash to light the others.

Once the shammash is lit, the blessings are recited. The candles are then lit, beginning with the newest one (the one on the left). In other words, put in from the right, light from the left.

While the candles are burning, you are not supposed to do any other work, but just to look at the candles (for example, while you are eating). Because the candles are not to be “used,” there should be some other light in your house while they are burning. If you want a candlelit dinner, light another taper or two. Let the candles burn out by themselves.

On erev Shabbat, light the Chanukah candles before you light the Shabbat candles. At Havdalah, finish the Havdalah service before you light the chanukiyah. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

SUGGESTIONS FOR AVOIDING FINANCIAL AND SPIRITUAL BANKRUPTCY (from Wolfson). Adapt as necessary or helpful.

First night: “Big Gift Night” (parents give to children) Second night: “Parent Night” (children give to parents) Third night: “Grandparent Night” (children give to grandparents) Fourth night: “Poem Night” (everyone recites an original poem) Fifth night: “Small Gift Night” (parents give to children) Sixth night: “Gift of Self Night” (non-monetary gift from each person to another or to the entire family) Seventh night: “Giving night” (everyone gives to a charity of his/her choosing, with the children’s gifts matched by the parents) Eighth night: “Word night” (a game in which each person tries to stump the others with difficult words)

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Cantor Randall Schloss

Presents How Wonderful a Sound: Songs of the American Musical Theater

The 2nd Annual Temple Ohabei Shalom Music Benefit

Saturday, January 31, 2009 at 7 P.M. Montague Chapel, Temple Ohabei Shalom

This vibrant evening of music and fun will feature Cantor Randall Schloss, Leah Schloss, David Sparr and other Boston Area cantors & singers in con-cert, followed by a private champagne & dessert reception.

The evening will benefit our Music and Worship Fund, ensuring a sustainable musical and spiritual life at Temple Ohabei Shalom.

Please join us for this musical community celebration!

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NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID PERMIT NO. 3465

BOSTON, MA.

December at Temple Ohabei Shalom

Dai

ly W

orsh

ip

Mon—Thurs 8:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. Friday 8:00 a.m.. Saturday 6:00 p.m. Sun/Holidays 9:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

Temple Ohabei Shalom is the area’s only Reform synagogue providing daily prayer for those in need of solace or a quiet moment of introspection.

Each daily worship leader commits to one 20-minute weekly service. To become a leader, please call the synagogue office (617) 277-6610.

December 1 6:00pm ARS: High School 7:00pm Monday Night Learning—”God’s Warriors” 2 3:30pm ARS: Grades 3-7 3 6:30pm Sisterhood & Brotherhood Potluck & Movie 5 5:45pm Tot Shabbat & Dinner (RSVP required for dinner) 7:30pm Shabbat Rishon 6 10:30am Shabbat Morning Service 7 9:15am ARS: grades PreK-7 9:15am B’nai Mitzvah Havurah—6th grade parents only 9:30am Adult Hebrew 9:30am Mitzvah Mall 11:30am Interfaith Havurah Organizational Meeting 8 6:00pm ARS High School 7:00pm Monday Night Learning—Religious Zionism 7:00pm Adult choir rehearsal 9 3:30pm ARS: grades 3-7 12 6:00pm Erev Shabbat Service 13 10:30am Shabbat Morning Service 14 9:15am ARS: grades PreK-7 9:30am Adult Hebrew

15 6:00pm ARS High School 7:00pm Monday Night Learning—Reform Judaism in Israel 16 3:30pm ARS: grades 3-7 18 7:00pm TOS committee night 19 4:00pm BOSTY Shabbat-In (grades 5 & 6) 6:00pm OSTY Erev Shabbat service 20 10:30am Shabbat Morning Service 12:30pm Mitzvah visits 21 9:15am ARS: grades K-7 9:30am Adult Hebrew 12:30pm Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing! 4:00pm TOS Chanukah Party 22 6:00pm ARS High School 23-Jan 4 NO ARS 25 TOS office closed 26 6:00pm Erev Shabbat Chanukah—TOSTY Shabbat 27 10:30am Shabbat Morning Service

January 1 TOS office closed 2 7:30pm Shabbat Rishon 3 10:30am Shabbat Morning Service

December Candle Lighting Times

5 - 3:54 P.M. 12 - 3:54 P.M.

19 - 3:56 P.M. 26 - 4:00 P.M.

Leadership Staff and Executive Board John A. Franken, Rabbi Randall M. Schloss, Cantor Emily G. Lipof, Rabbi Emerita Steven Davis, Executive Director Shari A. Churwin, Education Director Kim Singer, B’nai Mitzvah Educator Kate Mikesh, Dir. Informal Education David Sparr, Music Director

Jesse Cochin, President Arnie Greenfield, Vice President Edward Jacobs, Vice President Kathy Jonas, Vice President Cathryn Stein, Vice President Bob Loeb, Treasurer Martin Shore, Assistant Treasurer