temple ippd sivan - elul 5772 - welcome | temple … · ippd sivan - elul 5772 141 boston post...

When G-d called to Abraham, he responded, “Hineni, Here I am.”

Temple Shir Tikva

June - August 2012

Sivan - Elul 5772 ippd

www.shirtikva.org 141 Boston Post Road, Wayland, MA 01778 508-358-9992

Inside This Issue… Inside This Issue… Inside This Issue… Inside This Issue…

Shabbat & Holiday Services……………………………..2

Adult Learning Opportunities…………………….……...6

Youth Community……………………………………..8-9

Page of Study—Daf Limud…………………………10-13

Gathering……………….…………………………...16-17

Shir Tikva Library….…………………………………..18

Celebrating Rabbi Greg LitcofskyCelebrating Rabbi Greg LitcofskyCelebrating Rabbi Greg LitcofskyCelebrating Rabbi Greg Litcofsky

If we learn from another person a single chapter of Torah, or a single halacha, or a single verse, or a single saying, or even a single letter,

we must show him honor... (Pirkei Avot 6:3)

Y ou may not realize that Shir Tikva has cultivated a reputation in the Jewish world: There are now many young Jewish professionals – rabbis, cantors, teach-

ers, and more – all over the country who cite our synagogue as the place that first invested in them at the beginning of their careers. It’s a reputation we should all be proud of. Of all those young Jewish teachers who are making a difference, I am most delighted to celebrate my friend, student and teacher, Rabbi Greg Litcofsky.

We’ve all learned from Rabbi Litcofsky far more than one letter, one word, or one halacha. For five years now, he’s been our teacher, prodding us with his passion, his endless energy, his devotion to the State of Israel, and his warm Torah-wisdom. Now it’s time to honor him and to thank him.

I remember five years ago when our rabbinic search com-mittee gathered at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York and I first met him. It was immediately clear that he was the most exemplary member of his graduat-ing class. As I spoke to his professors and peers, I kept hearing the same sentiments: “a star,” “so genuine,” “his enthusiasm to do good is boundless.” And so it was, and is.

Here at Shir Tikva, Rabbi Litcofsky literally has taught stu-dents of every age – preschoolers, Religious School students, Youth Community teens, college students, adults – and the Torah he has shared with us has been wise, deep and articu-late. He’s energized our Young Families group and our Broth-erhood. He’s brought his nationally-recognized skills in com-munity-based social justice organizing to us, which has mani-fested itself in many ways.

He has counseled and supported us. He’s taken our teenag-ers to Washington, DC, to learn the art of lobbying for justice and Tikkun Olam. He’s told stories at Tot Shabbat services and has taken the lead in organizing a fabulous monthly Shabbat Mishpacha for the families of Shir Tikva with elementary school children. And he’s led us in organizing for social jus-tice, and linking arms with the like-minded members of the (continued on page 4)

Please Join Us to Honor

Rabbi Greg Litcofsky Rabbi Greg Litcofsky Rabbi Greg Litcofsky Rabbi Greg Litcofsky and his family, Rachel, Noa & Ami

Friday, June 15Friday, June 15Friday, June 15Friday, June 15

Shabbat Service, 6:15 p.m., Shabbat Service, 6:15 p.m., Shabbat Service, 6:15 p.m., Shabbat Service, 6:15 p.m.,

Dinner, 8 p.m. Dinner, 8 p.m. Dinner, 8 p.m. Dinner, 8 p.m.

Rabbi Litcofsky will leave Temple Shir Tikva at the

end of June to become Senior Rabbi at Temple

Emanu-El of West Essex in Livingston, New Jersey.

A festive, meaningful and song-filled Simchat

Shabbat service will be followed by a farewell dinner

in Rabbi Litcofsky's honor. The cost for dinner is $18

per person. RSVP to www.shirtikva.org/celebrate or call

the temple office by June 4.

Temple Shir Tikva

Hineni June - August 2012 Sivan - Elul 5772

SSSShabbat and Holiday Services

Sharing Our Shabbat Celebrations Sharing Our Shabbat Celebrations Sharing Our Shabbat Celebrations Sharing Our Shabbat Celebrations

As a CommunityAs a CommunityAs a CommunityAs a Community

To the entire Shir Tikva Community:

The Ritual committee reminds you that every prayer service at Shir Tikva is open and welcome to everyone. However, under the leadership of our Rabbis and our Ritual Committee, we are launching an initiative to make the late (10:45 am) Shabbat morning service, when students become Bar/Bat Mitzvah, more community-oriented and inclusive, with community blessings, aliyot to the Torah, and opportunities to chant from the Torah.

It is our hope that this will lead to a new feeling at all our B'nai Mitzvah and life cycle celebrations that our entire community kvells with our families as they reach these milestones! You are especially invited to join us on June 9 for Shabbat morning services as we explore these new paradigms for our Shabbat morning community – and we invite your feedback and comments. Please come and join us! (Our early Shacharit service (8:30 am) will continue to meet on these dates and on every Shabbat of the year.) Thank you for your support and enthusiasm.

Rabbi Neal Gold, Rabbi Greg Litcofsky

and members of the TST Ritual Committee

June 2012

Shabbat Naso Friday, June 1 6:00 pm Forshpeis (Nosh)

6:15 pm Simchat Shabbat Service and Confirmation

Saturday, June 2 8:30 am Early Shacharit Service followed by Torah Study

9:30 am Shabbat Yeladim

10:45 am Late Shacharit Service

Bar Mitzvah Bar Mitzvah

Shabbat Beha’alotecha

Friday, June 8 6:00 pm Forshpeis (Nosh)

6:15 pm Simchat Shabbat Service and Board Recognition /

Installation

Saturday, June 9 8:30 am Early Shacharit Service followed by Torah Study

8:30 am B’nai Mitzvah Torah Study

10:45 am Late Shacharit Service

Bat Mitzvah

Shabbat Shelach Friday, June 15 6:00 pm Forshpeis (Nosh) 6:15 pm Simchat Shabbat Service and Celebration of Rabbi

Litcofsky Saturday, June 16

8:30 am Early Shacharit Service followed by Torah Study

10:45 am Late Shacharit Service Bar Mitzvah

Bat Mitzvah

Shabbat Korach Friday, June 22 6:00 pm Forshpeis (Nosh) 6:15 pm Simchat Shabbat Service and Thank You to Laurie

Weinstein

Saturday, June 23


10:45 am Late Shacharit Service and Adult B’nai Mitzvah

Shabbat Chukat Friday, June 29 6:00 pm Forshpeis (Nosh) 6:15 pm Simchat Shabbat Service

Saturday, June 30


July 2012

Shabbat Balak Friday, July 6 6:00 pm Forshpeis (Nosh)

6:15 pm Simchat Shabbat Service and Welcome Rabbi Jennifer

Gubitz / Welcome Home Cantor Hollis Schachner Saturday, July 7 8:30 am Early Shacharit Service followed by Torah Study

Shabbat Pinchas

Friday, July 13

6:00 pm Forshpeis (Nosh)

6:15 pm Simchat Shabbat Service

Saturday, July 14 8:30 am Early Shacharit Service followed by Torah Study

Shabbat Matot-Masei Friday, July 20 6:00 pm Forshpeis (Nosh) 6:15 pm Simchat Shabbat Service

Saturday, July 21


Shabbat Devarim Friday, July 27 6:00 pm Forshpeis (Nosh) 6:15 pm Simchat Shabbat Service

Saturday, July 28


Temple Shir Tikva

June - August 2012 Sivan – Elul 5772 Hineni

From Our Rabbis and CantorFrom Our Rabbis and CantorFrom Our Rabbis and CantorFrom Our Rabbis and Cantor

We are eager to share in your times of joy and to support you in times of sadness. Please call us directly or inform an

administrative staff member so we may extend timely friendship and comfort to you and your family.

Rabbi Neal Gold,

Rabbi Greg Litcofsky,

Cantor Hollis Schachner,

Rabbi Herman Blumberg, Emeritus

August 2012

Shabbat Va’etchanan Friday, August 3 6:00 pm Forshpeis (Nosh)


Saturday, August 4 8:30 am Early Shacharit Service followed by Torah Study

Shabbat Ekev

Friday, August 10

6:00 pm Forshpeis (Nosh)


Saturday, August 11 8:30 am Early Shacharit Service followed by Torah Study

Shabbat Re’eh Friday, August 17 6:00 pm Forshpeis (Nosh) 6:15 pm Simchat Shabbat Service

Saturday, August 18


Shabbat Shofetim Friday, August 24 6:00 pm Forshpeis (Nosh) 6:15 pm Simchat Shabbat Service

Saturday, August 25


Shabbat Ki Tetze Friday, August 31 6:00 pm Forshpeis (Nosh) 6:15 pm Simchat Shabbat Service

Saturday, September 1


SSSShabbat and Holiday Services

Celebrate the Adult B’nai Mitzvah ClassCelebrate the Adult B’nai Mitzvah ClassCelebrate the Adult B’nai Mitzvah ClassCelebrate the Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class

Join the Temple Shir Tikva community to celebrate the

Adult B’nai Mitzvah class as they are called to the Torah

on Saturday, June 23, at 10:45 a.m.

Services will be followed by a light oneg and Kiddush in

the atrium.

Kate Bell

Susan Haber

Bonnie Levy

Karen Pelto

Amy Podolsky

Brad Puffer

Cathy Regensburger

Randi Sterrn

Heidi Tissenbaum

Elaine Winer

Welcome Rabbi Jennifer GubitzWelcome Rabbi Jennifer GubitzWelcome Rabbi Jennifer GubitzWelcome Rabbi Jennifer Gubitz

Assistant Rabbi Jennifer Gubitz

will join the Shir Tikva clergy in July with a heartfelt vision of her rabbin-ate. “My deepest held beliefs compel me to engage daily in the story of our people – the stories from our ancient texts and from our modern experi-ence, the stories of our youth and of the young at heart, the stories of those who suffer and those who rejoice – as the gamut of human expression con-verges with Torah.

A passion for storytelling, justice, music, and relationship-building compel me to help you find your blessings, find your Torah, and, ultimately, find your voice. Our world could benefit from as many blessings, as many vibrant Torah discussions and as much singing as we can possibly gener-ate. I feel energized by the opportunity to be part of the crea-tion of special moments at Shir Tikva.”

Ordained at HUC-JIR in New York in May, Rabbi Gubitz is experienced in the social justice realms of Reform Jewish life. She served as an Eisendrath Legislative Assistant at the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism in Washington, DC, and is committed to congregational-based community organizing. At HUC-JIR Rabbi Gubitz was president of the Rabbinical School Student Association and active in the HUC Soup Kitchen. Rabbi Gubitz is also deeply committed to youth engage-ment, with a special emphasis on teenagers, and to Jewish

(continued on page 5)

Rabbi Jennifer Gubitz

Temple Shir Tikva


May 14 Board of Trustees’ Meeting HighlightsMay 14 Board of Trustees’ Meeting HighlightsMay 14 Board of Trustees’ Meeting HighlightsMay 14 Board of Trustees’ Meeting Highlights By Scott Machanic, Recording Secretary

Celebrating Rabbi LitcofskyCelebrating Rabbi LitcofskyCelebrating Rabbi LitcofskyCelebrating Rabbi Litcofsky (continued from page 1)

interfaith community around us in Metrowest. The ini-tiatives he has launched will continue to resound in our shul for a long time to come.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg, of course, because much of a rabbi’s most important work is the “mortar between the bricks;” the relationships and interactions that take place in the hallways, over the telephone, be-fore and after services, etc. And there, too, his sweet and earnest touch has made us better Jews. He has cer-tainly left an indelible mark on the spirit of Temple Shir Tikva.

Simultaneously, Rabbi Litcofsky has learned much from Temple Shir Tikva. He is ready to guide his own community with sensitivity, wisdom, and his under-standing of Torah. That community is Temple Emanu-El of West Essex in Livingston, New Jersey. I know the shul well – it’s not far from where I grew up, and I know all the rabbis who have served there for the past three decades. With confidence, I believe it will be a fine shidduch, and that he will do great things with them and vice-versa. I know they are lucky to have found such a good rabbi.

As Pirkei Avot instructs us, it is our task – and a bit-tersweet pleasure – to honor him as he begins the next stage of his rabbinic career. Please join us on Friday night, June 15, as we send Greg, Rachel, Noa, and Ami off toward new horizons with affection and gratitude.

—Rabbi Neal Gold

Michael Pullen delivered a D’Var Torah highlighting the period of the Omer, the seven weeks from Passover to Shavuott, which celebrates the receipt of the Torah at Mt. Sinai. Each of us is in our own Mitzrayim (which can be translated roughly into “narrow straits”) and must be pre-pared to receive the Torah with compassion and bonding.

Rabbi Gold’s remarks began by referencing the exciting time of the Omer, when we count each day as a precious gift, culminating in Shavuot, when each of us stands at Sinai entering the covenant to receive the Torah. Rabbi Gold noted that, while the end of the school year is often perceived as a more leisurely time at the Temple, in fact the calendar is full. In addi-tion to celebration of Shavuot, we celebrate our 10th grade Confirmation June 1, Recognition and Installation of the Board of Trustees June 8, Rabbi Litcofsky on June 15, Laurie Weinstein on June 22, celebrate along with the Adult B’Nai Mitzvot on June 23, and on July 6 we welcome Rabbi Gubitz and welcome back Cantor Schachner. We also thanked Rachel Kest and Samantha Nidenberg. We hope to have David Passer back in full health in the not too distant future.

Phil Benjamin highlighted the Annual Meeting, scheduled for Monday evening, June 4. He also noted that nine new computers have been installed replacing those used by the staff.

The Youth Engagement Task Force reported on its two-plus years’ ef-fort, and noted that our efforts foreshadowed a similar push by the URJ. Our kids have a lot on their plates, and they have to want to be here, not be told to be here. Relationships are incredibly important to them, as is mean-ingful participation. The Task Force’s basic request is to treat education holistically, for all ages, because younger students represent the future of teen programs. The Board thanked Jay Gainsboro for his foresight in start-ing the process over two years ago as Vice President of Education.

The Brotherhood Golf Classic is June 18. Key sponsors are in place. We need at least 40 players and we need to sell raffle tickets.

The Development Committee, through Susan Benjamin, reported that the Annual Fund has reached its matching figure of $ 50,000 and has raised $ 232,000 of the budgeted figure of $ 250,000. There is a newly re-estab- lished Annual Fund Committee. Development, along with Strategic Plan-ning, intends to engage our congregation in a visioning (Hazon) program on our upcoming 36th Anniversary in 2014, with an eye toward our next 36 years.

Dues and fees will not be increased this year in recognition of tough economic times. Recent history showed that increases in dues and fees have not generated expected revenue increases. Beyond staff reductions, the expense side of the budget is level-funded, though the budget does include additional funds to help Education during its transitional period. In recognition of their yeoman service, staff were given modest pay increases. For the current fiscal year, collections are running behind budget and Mark Susser has been calling members to inquire about payment. Board mem-bers expressed a concern that there might be a perception among congre-gants that our frugal budget reflects dire fiscal straits, when our efforts are intended to prevent the congregation from facing dire straits in the future.

Bob Koster, on behalf of the Nominating Committee, thanked those stepping down from Board service, including Susan Benjamin, Mark Susser, Martin Gredinger, Wendy Mishara, and Jill Katz, plus committee chairs Amy Portnoy, Meryl Kukura, Michael Pullen, Peter Abend, Jill Abend, Elaine Winer, Abe Wons, and Jen Cobe. Nominees are Brian Levey, President; Larry Whitman, VP-Finance/Treasurer; Karen Langwe-ber, VP- Gathering; Karen Miller, VP-Tikkun Olam. New At-Large Board Members will include Amanda Glynn, Jeff Maimon, Rochelle Nemrow, Roy Lurie and Danyel Rodgers.

The Encyclopedia Judaica is now available to Temple Shir Tikva members:

• Log on to the Members Only area of the Temple Shir Tikva website at www.shirtikva.org/

eventsresources/members-only.

• Choose Encyclopedia Judaica (EJ) from the Members Area menu.

• Then enter your search of the EJ website.

Encyclopedia Judaica Now Encyclopedia Judaica Now Encyclopedia Judaica Now Encyclopedia Judaica Now

Available Online for Available Online for Available Online for Available Online for

Shir Tikva MembersShir Tikva MembersShir Tikva MembersShir Tikva Members

Temple Shir Tikva


Come and experienceCome and experienceCome and experienceCome and experience Tishah B’Av at Shir TikvaTishah B’Av at Shir TikvaTishah B’Av at Shir TikvaTishah B’Av at Shir Tikva

Saturday, July 28, 7:30 p.m.Saturday, July 28, 7:30 p.m.Saturday, July 28, 7:30 p.m.Saturday, July 28, 7:30 p.m.

Tishah B’Av began as the annual commemoration of the Jewish exile from Jerusalem more than 2,000 years ago.

The holiday has been transformed by our tradition into a holy, spiritual, and powerful moment in the Jewish calendar.

Please join us in the sanctuary for a very special night of study, prayer, and discovery.

We will explore a variety of thought-provoking themes and will take turns reading aloud from the book of Eichah (Lamentations) by candlelight.

The whole family is encouraged to participate in our deeply moving Tishah B’Av observance.

Welcome Rabbi Jennifer GubitzWelcome Rabbi Jennifer GubitzWelcome Rabbi Jennifer GubitzWelcome Rabbi Jennifer Gubitz

(continued from page 3)

summer camping. She spent many formative years as Director of

Education, unit head and head song leader at URJ Goldman

Union Camp Institute in Zionsville, Indiana, at URJ-KUTZ

Camp, and for NFTY regional and North American events.

Prior to accepting her position at Shir Tikva, Rabbi Gubitz

served as the JUST Congregations rabbinic intern at Beth

Haverim Shir Shalom in Mahwah, NJ, where, in addition to many

other responsibilities, she taught adults, families and children. For

many years, she worked for Congregation Beth Elohim in Brook-

lyn, leading Gan Shabbat for young families and supporting

Brooklyn Jews, a project to engage 20s and 30s.

She has also served in pulpits in Rocky Mount, North Carolina;

Steubenville, Ohio; Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hill,

California; and as a chaplain intern at Memorial Sloane Kettering

Cancer Center in Manhattan.

Rabbi Gubitz was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, and raised in

Fort Wayne, Indiana. She earned a B.A. in English and Jewish

Studies – with a particular interest in American and Eastern Euro-

pean Jewish History and Literature – from Indiana University.

Rabbi Gubitz loves Hoosier basketball, short story anthologies,

folk music, puns and poetry, Jewish geography, spiritual writing

and ethically sustainable food.

Visit Our New WebsiteVisit Our New WebsiteVisit Our New WebsiteVisit Our New Website

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Sunday, June 3,

7 p.m.

“Rarely can one combine incredible musical

talent and charisma as Josh does.”

RSVP to:

www.shirtikva.org/concert

Temple Shir Tikva


Shabbat Morning Torah StudyShabbat Morning Torah StudyShabbat Morning Torah StudyShabbat Morning Torah Study


Every Saturday, 9:30 a.m.

Every Shabbat morning, a group of spirited students gather to study the weekly Torah portion. The conversation is always insightful and fun as we explore our ancient texts and mine them for contemporary meaning. The group is open and inviting and everyone is welcome to join us as we uncover the Torah’s timeless lessons and values.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Torah StudyBar/Bat Mitzvah Torah StudyBar/Bat Mitzvah Torah StudyBar/Bat Mitzvah Torah Study


2nd Saturday each month, 9:15 a.m.

Our pre-Bar/Bat Mitzvah students and their families join together as a learning community monthly, to study the weekly Torah portion. Students, parents, siblings and grandparents are always invited to join our teachers for a freewheeling conversation about the foundation texts of Jewish life.

Wednesday Torah StudyWednesday Torah StudyWednesday Torah StudyWednesday Torah Study

Rabbi Neal Gold

Every Wednesday, 10-11:30 a.m.

An inspired group gathers on Wednesday mornings for friendship, community, and the study of the great books of the Jewish people (both ancient and contemporary). Newcomers are always invited to join this very warm and special community within the Temple for mid-week spiritual insights from our tradition.

Adult Education

Summer Intern Needed Summer Intern Needed Summer Intern Needed Summer Intern Needed

For Social Media ProjectsFor Social Media ProjectsFor Social Media ProjectsFor Social Media Projects

The TST Communications Com-

mittee is looking for one or several

volunteer interns to help with sum-

mer projects. Most projects can be

done from home. Students or other

volunteers looking to enhance their

knowledge of social media and

newsletter publication are invited to

contact Joan Blair, blair.joan@

gmail.com. Four projects have been

identified: photo sorting, Facebook,

Constant Contact and LinkedIn.

For more information, go to

http://shirtikva.org/volunteeroppor-

tunities (this website page requires

member login).

Shir Tikva Book Group Will Discuss Shir Tikva Book Group Will Discuss Shir Tikva Book Group Will Discuss Shir Tikva Book Group Will Discuss

Out of Egypt: A MemoirOut of Egypt: A MemoirOut of Egypt: A MemoirOut of Egypt: A Memoir

Monday, June 11, 7:30 - 9 p.m.

The second meeting of a TST book “course” that comple-

ments TST’s adult continuing Jewish education program will

meet Monday, June 11 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Liliane Schlor will

lead the group in a discussion of the book Out of Egypt: A

Memoir, by Andre Aciman. The book is available from Minute-

man Library Network and Amazon.com.

Aciman uses his great talents as a raconteur and his sharp

sense of humor to give us a vivid account of his easy and joyful

life and that of members of his family at the time preceding the

massive and painful departures of Jews from Egypt, following

the major changes in political and economic conditions.

For the future the group is considering the following books:

• Standing with Israel, D. Brog, - (The September selection)

• The Jew in the Lotus, R. Kamenetz

• The Counterlife, P. Roth

• Short stories of Etgar Keret

Please join our June meeting and suggest books that you

found interesting for group discussion. Contact Chuck Huizenga

at [email protected] with any questions.

Temple Shir Tikva


Looking Back at Mitzvah Day 2011 Looking Back at Mitzvah Day 2011 Looking Back at Mitzvah Day 2011 Looking Back at Mitzvah Day 2011

Jewish Family Services

Join Us to Thank Join Us to Thank Join Us to Thank Join Us to Thank

Laurie Weinstein at Laurie Weinstein at Laurie Weinstein at Laurie Weinstein at

Shabbat Services on June 22Shabbat Services on June 22Shabbat Services on June 22Shabbat Services on June 22

For six months, Laurie Weinstein has

blessed our community’s bimah as our

cantorial soloist while Cantor Schachner

has been on sabbatical. She’s joined our

rabbis in leading Shabbat and Yom Tov

services, trained our Bar/Bat Mitzvah

students, prepared our volunteer Torah

readers, and has brought us innumerable

gifts with her voice and spirit.

Laurie, her husband Rabbi Michael

Weinstein, and their son, Mose, have

blessed our congregation since their arri-

val here. Now, as Rabbi Weinstein begins

a new pulpit in Johns Creek, Georgia, we

send them off with love and thanks.

Please join us as our community says

L’hitraot! at Shabbat services on June 22.

TST community members gathered Sunday, April 29, to mark Israel’s Independence Day. The celebra-tion included a cookout, performances, crafts and Israeli dancing, music and games.

Israel Celebration Day 2012

Temple Shir Tikva


Temple Shir Tikva Paid For RecyclingTemple Shir Tikva Paid For RecyclingTemple Shir Tikva Paid For RecyclingTemple Shir Tikva Paid For Recycling

Our temple is being paid for paper put in the bright green and yellow recycling bin located outside, near the loading dock. Accepted items include newspapers, magazines, catalogs, mail, paperback books and colored paper. Please help us by bringing your recyclable paper products to the temple.

jepig � Youth Community

Fond Memories for 16 TST GradsFond Memories for 16 TST GradsFond Memories for 16 TST GradsFond Memories for 16 TST Grads by Evan Joseph Berkowitz

C hatting happily about the ins and outs of high school life, still full from a dinner of Chinese food, and, as al-ways, ready to learn, the Temple Shir Tikva graduating

class of 5772 sat down for their final class on Wednesday, May 9. The students, who graduated on Friday, May 18, reminisced on their years at Shir Tikva—from children in the Religious School up to their final weeks of Youth Community. Senior Melissa Hill said of her time at Shir Tikva: “The memories are priceless.” Along with Melissa, 15 other students from throughout greater Boston, including Daniel Abend, Claire Bailey, Rachel Becker, Asa Hecker, Jeffrey Kasle, Marissa Kaye, Sara Kohlberg, Julia Levinson, Halle O’Conor, Haylee Rosenblatt, Mariko Sadagursky, Julia Saltzman, Cameron Scari, Jacob Slater and Bradley Swartz all graduated this year.

The 16 students have all been involved in the temple, whether through Youth Community, various trips to places from Washing-ton, D.C. to Israel, acting as a Madrich or Madricha in the temple’s Religious School, or simply attending services to be part of their Jewish community. Melissa also said that she was “really going to miss this place” and “all the great times we had here.”

Jeffrey Kasle realized that graduation, like Bar Mitzvah or Con-firmation, “is just another step in Jewish life.” He acknowledged that he was closing one book, but opening another. “I’m looking forward to finishing this journey. It’s been great.”

Youth Community meant many different things to students who graduated on May 18. For some, it was an escape from their hectic lives as high school seniors to an oasis of spirituality. Even though some were struggling to balance preparation for college with busy social lives and jobs, most still found time for their Juda-ism. To others, Youth Community was a weekly chance to learn even more about their rich heritage and religion from Eli Katzof, one of the teachers at Shir Tikva. For others, it was a chance to eat a good meal and see friends from other towns they would not see otherwise. “I’m going to miss my Wednesday dinners with all my Jewish friends,” added Cameron Scari of his Youth Community experience.

Whatever the reason, it was heartwarming for parents, friends and relatives of the TST class of 5772 to see seniors graduate on the same Bimah where many of them became a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Large classes, like the 16 who graduated in May, prove to educators like Rabbi Neal Gold, who taught many of the twelfth grade classes, that they are doing something right.

It was with a firm handshake, a warm farewell and a delicious hot dog at the Youth Community picnic on May 16 that all of the administrative and educational staff at Shir Tikva wished the very best to the graduating class of 5772.

Evan Berkowitz, a sophomore at Lincoln Sudbury Regional High

School, writes for and co-edits the news section of the school’s award-

winning newspaper, The Forum.

The 7th grade Rosh Hodesh girls recently baked cookies for the

Kesher Committee to distribute to Shir Tikva families with a

member who is ill. Liz Kaye and Laura Kaye are pictured.

Temple Shir Tikva


Above, left to right: Adam Rob-

erts, Ethan Stone and Lauren

Morgart finished the “Walk for

Hunger,” which was a full 20

miles.

(Left to right) Lauren Morgart, Nan Morgart, Ethan Stone,

Adam Roberts, Meredith Roberts, Jacob Robin and Stacey

Robin.

Right: Eighteen Shir Tikva mem-

bers gathered at the “Walk for

Hunger” on May 6.

TST Youth JoinedTST Youth JoinedTST Youth JoinedTST Youth Joined

“Walk for Hunger”“Walk for Hunger”“Walk for Hunger”“Walk for Hunger”

On May 6On May 6On May 6On May 6

Temple Shir Tikva


cenl sc � Page of Study

Karen Pelto teaches:

Cataclysmic events unfold in this week’s Torah por-tion, sparked by an apparent power struggle between Moses and Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, who demand to know why Moses and Aaron have raised themselves above the congre-gation, insisting that all of the community is holy. The next day, the earth opens and swallows the three men’s house-holds, people, and possessions - they vanish “from the midst of their congregation.” A fire then consumes the 250 men of Korah’s company who offered incense at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. Following these annihilations, the congre-gation rails against Moses and Aaron, accusing them of bringing death upon “the Lord’s people” – in response, 14,700 are struck down by plague.

It is made clear that the severe punishment is in response to sins and actions that will not be tolerated. Moses orders the community to withdraw from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, “lest you be wiped out for all their sins.” Those who offered incense at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting “have sinned at the cost of their lives.” G-d in-structs that the fire pans be fashioned into plating for the altar and Aaron’s staff be placed before the Tent of the Pact to serve as a warning to the people and lesson to the rebels. What are these sins? In response to Korah, Dathan,

and Abiram, Moses states “Truly, it is against the Lord that you and all your company have banded together.” As for the congregation, G-d acts to stop the “incessant mutterings” of the Israelites against both Moses and G-d. For me, it is not entirely satisfying to think of their statements and actions as sins, so I looked to last week’s Torah portion for clues. In Shelah-Lekha, G-d asks Moses to speak to the Israelites to convey required actions and consequences. Among these is: "But the person, be he citizen or stranger, who acts defi-antly reviles the Lord; that person shall be cut off from among his people." Acts defiantly – the challenges to Moses and Aaron are the sins. Why is defiance a sin?

In today’s turbulent world, there are often two vantage points from which to view defiance. To those in power, peo-ple who defy are cast as traitors and jailed or executed for their words or actions. To those who are powerless or are

observing from afar, they are cast as heroes and admired. Some dissidents even assume leadership roles in the very regimes that they had defied – Lech Walesa in Poland, Nel-son Mandela in South Africa. Most become symbols of free-dom from oppression. To me, the most striking current symbols are the more than 30 Tibetan monks, nuns, and individuals who have set fire to themselves to protest exile from their homeland. China labels these protestors as crimi-nals or separatists while Tibetans view their actions as nec-essary and noble. I struggle with labeling the defiant actions of

Korah, his followers, and the congregation, as sins. Korah, Dathan, and Abiram’s motivations are not made explicit in the Torah. The translation states that Korah “betook him-self” along with the others to rise up. Were they acting inde-pendently in a bid for power? This appears to be the view of Moses, who frames their demand as rooted in dissatisfaction with their role as Levites. Perhaps they were acting as spokesmen, giving voice to the general discontent of the people of Israel. This is a distinct possibility, as later the people speak up against Moses themselves.

We can draw lessons from Korah about leadership in times of crisis or stress. While we may not face conflict of this scale in our personal or professional lives, we all have times in our lives when we are called upon to lead and we can certainly all benefit from learning to identify where pos-sibilities to resolve conflict exist. Understanding the motiva-tions behind people’s words and actions are key. Different attitudes, values and beliefs contribute to the intensity and intractability of conflicts.

If someone’s position is grounded in an attitude, there is a great deal of room for dialogue, compromise and change. Positions based on beliefs are more deeply held and less likely to shift. Only by exploring the underlying motivations for people’s words and actions are we able to resolve con-flict, or at least mediate its effects. If defiance is always met with swift and severe retribution, there is no opportunity for positive change – in ourselves, our congregation, our com-munity….and our world.

Over the past year, the Adult Bar and Bat Mitzvah class has been studying together on a weekly basis in

anticipation of their B’nai Mitzvah. Together, we have been on a journey of learning and exploration.

This month, for our Daf Limmud, some of the students share with us the drashot that they have written.

They have taught us and one another deep and rich Torah and it’s our pleasure to share this with you.

Please join us as we celebrate their B’nai Mitzvah on Saturday, June 23, at 10:45 a.m.

Temple Shir Tikva



Amy Podolsky teaches:

In Be-Midbar, G-d speaks to Moses in the Midbar – the Wilderness – and commands him to take a census of the Israel-ites, in a very specific manner. “Take a census of the whole Israel-ite community by the clans of its ancestral houses, listing the names, every male, head by head…from the age of twenty years up, all those in Israel who are able to bear arms.” (Numbers 1: 1-

4) So Moses, along with Aaron, did as he was told. Per G-d’s instruction, a “head” of each household (or tribe) was appointed, 12 in total), to assist in counting. The total of this count was 603, 550.

The Levites, as was also commanded by G-d, were not counted among the Israelites; they were assigned a separate (and special) task. “…You shall put the Levites in charge of the Taber-nacle of the Pact, all its furnishings, and everything that pertains to it: they shall carry the Tabernacle and all its furnishings, and they shall tend it; and they shall camp around the Tabernacle. When the Tabernacle is to set out, the Levites shall take it down, and when the Tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up; any outsider who encroaches shall be put to death.”- (Numbers 1: 50-52)

Next, G-d further subdivides the people by singling out the Kohathite clan from among the Levites, telling Moses and Aaron to take a separate census of this family-within-the-family, by counting the men, “…from the age of thirty years up to the age of fifty, all who are subject to service, to perform tasks for the Tent of Meeting.” (Numbers 4: 3-4) To this group, G-d assigns the important task of handling the “most sacred objects” in the Tent of Meeting. G-d firmly instructs that The Kohathite should not be left alone to perform these sacred duties, that they should not be not be separated from the rest of the Levites, and that they should always be under the direct supervision of Aaron and his sons. So sacred are these objects that it appears G-d does not even want The Kohathites to look at them before they are cov-ered: “…let Aaron and his sons go in and assign each of them to his duties and porterage. But let not [The Kohathites] go inside and witness the dismantling of the sanctuary, lest they die.” (Numbers 4: 19-21)

I had several questions after reading this parashah. Why were only the men counted in the census? Was there any signifi-cance to the timing in which G-d commands Moses to take these censuses? Why on the first day of the second month in the second year following the Exodus from Egypt?) Why all the specific instructions as to who is to camp (and march) where? The spirit of this last question struck me most throughout this reading. Not so much the camping and marching, but rather all of the empha-sis and attention to detail that G-d places on anything and every-thing related to the Tabernacle, its most sacred objects, and of course, “The Pact.” Nothing, it seems, is left to chance, and ex-traordinary lengths are taken to protect these treasures, down to the color of cloth that covers lamps in the Tabernacle.

I tried to imagine what in my world could have such impor-tance, what I would so painstakingly watch over and protect, and

the only answer that seemed to resonate with me was my chil-dren. It seems like an obvious one; I would certainly go to any length to protect my kids. When they were very little, I watched over them with great care. My schedule revolved around their schedules: bedtimes, mealtimes, bath times, nap times, etc. I was extremely rigid about their care, and felt fear about their general well being. My diaper bag was stocked with sanitary wipes, plastic table covers for restaurants and infant Tylenol, just in case. When I would go out, leaving my kids under the protection and care of others, I was very specific in communicating instruc-tions, lest Josh and Danny fall out of routine, fall ill, or fall asleep at the wrong time. I don’t know that I can draw a line between G-d’s vigilance around the care and keeping of the Tabernacle (and its sacred contents), and the memories of myself as a young, neu-rotic mother. It seems to be a stretch. Why? Are my children not my most precious treasures, just as the Torah is to G-d? Of course they are. However, I suspect that protecting one’s most valuable possessions in the comforts of Brookline (and later Sudbury), may be slightly less threatening than in the desolate Midbar.

Looking back, it was a luxury to have fears such as one’s child getting sick from not washing his hands after a visit to the play-ground or local deli. And we had a good pediatrician who took care of the children when they inevitably got sick. In contrast, G-d’s fears (or so it seems), were a matter of the life or death of the Jewish People. There was no back-up. Had this Covenant been lost, stolen or otherwise destroyed, so too, would our Jewish heritage. What I can relate to, although the circumstances and conditions were much different, is the idea of (and fear around) trying to keep something that is so sacred…safe.

I am incredibly grateful that G-d took such extreme meas-ures to protect our Covenant and our people. Had all of these painstakingly detailed measures (the counting, the camping, the marching, the taking down and the pitching, the who’s doing what, the covering items in blue cloth and dolphin skin, etc., etc.) not been taken, I do not believe I would be sitting here today, writing a drash for my adult Bat Mitzvah. This parashah says to me that our Jewish heritage (and its survival) was (and is) very sacred and important; that G-d intended for it to be passed down from generation to generation, and available to all.

Although my parents did instill in me a deep sense of “Jewish pride” (for which I am grateful), I, like many daughters of assimi-lated Jews, did not become a Bat Mitzvah as a child. I always felt a longing for a deeper connection to Judaism, but felt it was out of my reach. Temple Shir Tikva, and its clergy, helped change that misconception. Almost five years ago, I shared my story with Rabbi Litcofsky, to which he simply said, “So have an adult Bat Mitzvah!” And when I meekly replied, “But I don’t know any Hebrew,” he said, “So you’ll learn Hebrew!”

It didn’t seem plausible to me at the time, but here I am. Rabbi Gold and Rabbi Litcofsky have been amazing, inspiring teachers. I have learned so much about “living Jewishly,” and what it means to become a Bat Mitzvah. I am pleased to report that my kids survived many a childhood virus and I am thrilled that I can join them, and Scott, in living a Jewish life, as G-d intended.

Temple Shir Tikva



Randi Sterrn teaches:

The parsha Korach, Numbers 16, has many themes running through it. Leadership, faith, envy and patience are all present, but the theme that I grappled with most was power. This theme runs throughout the portion and makes me uncomfortable.

Moses has power, as he is God’s messenger. He believes that he has absolute power in this capacity which impacts his leader-ship. His expectation is that all will follow him because of this power. Korach, however, finds power in numbers. He has 250 followers who choose to defy Moses and God, as they are running out of patience and are envious of Moses’ power. But the ultimate power lies with God. We pray to the “all powerful God” regularly and we have faith that God will lead us to the right place. We know that God is the ultimate power and we trust that that the path he sets us on and the decisions he makes for us are the right ones, even if they are difficult for us to understand. Naturally, we don’t sit back and just wait for things to happen. We pave our own path, but know there is a power that is watching over us. Korach and his followers did not believe this and drove to make things happen for themselves. Their power was in numbers, but as we learned, there was no number greater than G-d.

My discomfort comes from the way G-d used G-d’s power. G-d swallowed up Korach and his followers. Moses, as G-d’s fol-lower, and our leader, allowed this to happen. So these people were tired, hungry, disappointed and yes, rebellious, and the only possible solution was to kill them? This would not be acceptable in today’s society. We do not tolerate cultures that allow for abso-lute power and for killing people who disagree with the general point of view. Beyond that, when others questioned God’s action, they were killed. As the parsha states, another 14,700 were killed by a plague. It states there is a “wrath gone out from the Lord.” So G-d has a temper! We know that having a temper is rarely a good thing and leads to substandard results in our lives, but here G-d’s temper was used to kill G-d’s own people. This concerns me. G-d has absolute power and a temper. This combination resulted in the death of the people who questioned God, Moses and Aaron.

What would have happened if G-d reacted differently? Would we have been taken over by Korach and his followers and would our lives have been different? Would we never have be-come the strong people that we are today? All this is unknown. But what I do know is that we as a people do not have the same power as God, yet we do have power in our lives. We should not abuse that power, but rather use it for good.

The most important power that we possess is that of teaching our children — teaching them to be good people, to make their way in life as contributing members of the community, to accept other points of view, to be tolerant and to be kind. As I read Korach, I couldn’t help but think that G-d was acting like a bully. This disturbed me, but as I considered it further, I came to believe that perhaps this was not actually the case, because we know G-d had a plan for us and was protecting us from what might have happened. Yet we cannot accept bullying from our children or

adults in any community. We, as adults, have the power to teach our children that bullying is a bad use of power and not to accept it. We have the power to instill confidence, thoughtfulness and kindness in our children so that they never feel the need to be a bully and have the confidence to turn away from a bully. We ac-cept G-d’s use of his power because we know that G-d uses his power wisely and there is no greater power for any of us than knowing how to use our own power wisely.

Brad Puffer teaches:

What begins in greed for power concludes with the mitzvah of giving. At the beginning of this Torah portion, greed leads to the death of Korah and his rebellion. That is in direct contrast to the end of the Torah portion, when the gifts provided by the Isra-elites to the Levites sustain life and faith, making the Jews, sur-vival possible.

During one heated argument, as Korah rebelled, Moses said, “Is it not enough for you that the G-d of Israel has set you apart…. Now that he has advanced you and all your fellow Le-vites with you, do you seek the priesthood too?”

It was not enough for Korah and his band of Levites to accept the blessings they already had. Korah’s desire for more power, control and wealth were his ultimate downfall. The rebels had now been convinced they were unfairly brought from Egypt, sud-denly describing it as “a land flowing with milk and honey.” They looked back to the days in Egypt with rose-colored glasses, unable to give thanks for their newfound freedom. In the end, they were literally destroyed by their own gluttony when the “earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up.”

At the end of the Torah portion, G-d tells Moses to set aside one-tenth of the offering from the Israelites as a tithe to the Le-vites so that they may study and perform their priestly duties. It’s a gift that allows Judaism to live and breathe. Those types of gifts continue to sustain Judaism to this day, allowing us to stand in our beautiful synagogue, to learn more about ourselves and our faith from our rabbis, and to help teach our children so that Juda-ism can continue to survive and not be destroyed like Korah.

At the heart of this Torah portion about Korah’s rebellion is how important it is to look around us and give thanks for what we have. Not every day will be perfect. Some days we may yearn for more. We may want to be the big boss. We may want a better job and a bigger house. We, too, will sometimes look back at our past with rose-colored glasses. But this Torah portion shows how that does not bring happiness. In fact, that desire can destroy us. Compared to many others in this world, we are, of course, very lucky. But we are also blessed to be here today in a community that cares for each other. We are blessed to believe in something that is more than just ourselves. And it’s why we must continue to give back to others and to our community. If we do that, our Jewish faith will endure and never be swallowed up.

Temple Shir Tikva


Jeff’s Place, a com-

munity-based, fam-

ily-focused program,

provides FREE peer

support groups and

services to children

and teens, ages preschool through high

school, and their caregivers coping with a

significant death loss. All families are wel-

come, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity

or socioeconomic status.

Jeff’s Place is open to the entire Metro

West community and our support groups

are 100% free, though all donations are

gratefully accepted. We are proud and

truly appreciative of our partnership with

Temple Shir Tikva in Wayland, who gen-

erously provides us with a much needed

home for our support groups. Jeff’s Place

is a nonprofit 501(c)3.

Jeff’s Place support groups take place at

Temple Shir Tikva every other Monday

evening from 6:30-8:15 for family partici-

pants and from 5:30-9:30 for Volunteer

Facilitators. Volunteers are asked to com-

mit to a minimum of one-year (late Sep-

tember-June) facilitating groups after suc-

cessful completion of the training.

Once volunteer facilitators complete

training, they will be matched to an appro-

priate position. If you are interested in

helping in another way, we always need

volunteers to assist with administrative/

organizational tasks and special events.

For more information or to register for

the next Volunteer Facilitator Training,

contact Jenny Kaplan Schreiber at

jenny@jeffsplacemetrowest, call 508-276-

3225 or visit www. jeffsplacemetrowest.

org.

Looking For a Meaningful Volunteer Experience? Consider Looking For a Meaningful Volunteer Experience? Consider Looking For a Meaningful Volunteer Experience? Consider Looking For a Meaningful Volunteer Experience? Consider Jeff’s PlaceJeff’s PlaceJeff’s PlaceJeff’s Place

Elaine Winer teaches:

The story of Korah and his followers and their demise

was striking and yet familiar. I found myself looking at

Moses and Aaron and wondering about their leadership as

well as their communications and relationships with the

nation of Israel. Another part which struck me was the na-

tion’s feelings of hopelessness and despair, even after G-d

saved them for not rebelling or following the organizers and

non-supporters of Moses and Aaron.

It is surprising that Moses and Aaron had no idea of what

was stirring in the desert. There must have been many meet-

ings and discussions about Moses and Aaron’s failures as

leaders, messengers of G-d, and their inability to get them to

the Land of Milk and Honey. Plans must have been made

for the rebellion for so many to stand up and protest; but we

must also ask how out of touch were Moses and Aaron to

not recognize that something was stirring?

This particular type of situation continues in our world

today. We have corporations with officers and management

in a hierarchy whose jobs are to carry out the goals of the

corporation. These goals are decided at the highest executive

level and follow a chain of command to be enacted and real-

ized. We know that communication must be to staff at all

levels, plans must be made and workers engaged to carry a

project to completion. But what happens in an organization

where people are not allowed to meet, express their views

and collaborate? What happens to those who feel their work

and workplace is oppressive? These employees may feel that

they are not compensated properly, work too many hours

and do not get recognized or rewarded for all they contrib-

ute. They may opt to leave the employer and find brighter

horizons, or if employees feel they have no other options, a

union may step in and help them get the compensation,

benefits, and working conditions they deserve .

Although Moses had Chieftains to head each tribe,

just as a board or CEO has management, we do not get a

sense that Moses and Aaron were in complete control of

communications with the Chieftains for others to take such

drastic and dangerous steps as described in the parasha.

When the words “Moses fell on his face” appear, one may

picture a face in a state of total shock, horror, disbelief or

even shame. Did Moses carry on regular meetings with the

chieftains? Did the chieftains attempt to discuss what was

going on among their tribes with Moses? Did the leaders and

Moses collaborate among themselves?

If they did bring these matters up, did Moses ignore them

or give them the latitude to resolve these issues themselves?

Being a leader of thousands of people and a messenger of G-

d while wandering in the desert is admittedly a tremendous

responsibility. However, it appears that Moses was not up to

the task and G-d needed to step in with a clenched fist in

order to get the people back on the path .


Temple Shir Tikva


Grow Your Hair Grow Your Hair Grow Your Hair Grow Your Hair

For Locks of Love For Locks of Love For Locks of Love For Locks of Love

Locks of Love, a public non-profit or-

ganization that provides hairpieces to finan-

cially disadvantaged children in the United

States and Canada who are suffering from

long-term medical hair loss from any diag-

nosis, will again be a part of our temple-

wide Mitzvah Day program on October 28.

A minimum length of 10 inches is

needed for a Locks of Love hair donation,

so if you’ve always wanted to donate your

hair to Locks of Love, now is the time:

Ready, Set, GROW!

Locks of Love’s mission is to return a

sense of self, confidence and normalcy to

children suffering from hair loss by utilizing

donated ponytails to provide the highest

quality hair prosthetics to financially disad-

vantaged children. The children receive hair

prostheses free of charge or on a sliding

scale, based on financial need.

Guidelines for Hair DonationsGuidelines for Hair DonationsGuidelines for Hair DonationsGuidelines for Hair Donations

•Hair that is colored or permed is accept-able.

•Hair that has been bleached (usually this refers to highlighted hair) is not usable. If unsure, ask your stylist. If the hair was bleached years ago and has completely grown out, it is fine to donate.

•Hair that is swept off of the floor is not usable because it is not bundled in a pony-tail or braid.

•Hair that is shaved off and not in a ponytail or braid is not usable. If shaving your head, first divide hair into multiple ponytails to cut off.

•Layered hair is acceptable if the longest layer is 10 inches.

mler oewiz � Tikkun Olam

Temple Shir Tikva's 2nd Annual Temple Shir Tikva's 2nd Annual Temple Shir Tikva's 2nd Annual Temple Shir Tikva's 2nd Annual

Mitzvah DayMitzvah DayMitzvah DayMitzvah Day

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Featuring special guest lecturer Featuring special guest lecturer Featuring special guest lecturer Featuring special guest lecturer

Danny SiegelDanny SiegelDanny SiegelDanny Siegel

T emple Shir Tikva is thrilled to welcome world re-nowned "Mitzvah Maven," Danny Siegel, back as our guest lecturer for this very special day. Danny is

often referred to as The Worlds Greatest Expert on Microphilan-

thropy, The Feeling Person's Thinker, and The Pied Piper of

Tzedakah.

He is a well-known author, lecturer and poet who has spoken

in more than 500 North American communities to communal

organizations, synagogues, and JCC's on Tzedakah and Jewish

values. Danny is the author of 29 books on such topics as practical and personal-

ized giving and has produced an anthology of 500 selections of Biblical and Talmu-

dic quotes about living life called Where Heaven and Earth Touch. Danny is also a

poet and several of his published books are poetry.

Danny Siegel founded the Ziv Tzedakah Fund (www.ziv.org) in 1981 after mak-

ing several trips to Israel carrying money to be distributed to those in need. Jewish

tradition teaches that anyone on a mission of good deeds will be saved from harm,

so, on each trip, Danny followed this age-old custom and asked friends and rela-

tives for a dollar or two to give away to Tzedakah upon his arrival in the Holy

Land.

Danny has a B.S. in Comparative Literature from Columbia University's School

of General Studies and a Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Hebrew Literature

from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. He is one of three recipients of

the prestigious 1993 Covenant Award for Exceptional Jewish Educators.

Mitzvah Day is a wonderful opportunity for our entire congregation to come

together in the spirit of Tikkun Olam — repairing the world. This year’s program

will once again feature many hands-on mitzvah opportunities for congregants of all

ages, both here at our temple, and out in the greater Metrowest community.

More Mitzvah Day program details will be available in the coming months. See

Mitzvah Day 2011 photos on page 6.

Get in on the planning! We welcome anyone who wants to be involved, and

hope you will consider joining a committee. For more information, contact Danyel

Rodgers at [email protected] or Amy Podolsky at amypodol@ aol.com.

October 28, 2012

Temple Shir Tikva


Volunteers NeededVolunteers NeededVolunteers NeededVolunteers Needed

to visit people receiving hospice care

You can make a difference in someone’s life in as little as one hour a week.

Training is provided. Non-contact positions are also available.

Call Alice Hutter at West River Care:

781-707-9580

Passport to IsraelPassport to IsraelPassport to IsraelPassport to Israel

Gift Cards AvailableGift Cards AvailableGift Cards AvailableGift Cards Available

Help a child you know

save for the trip of a lifetime

by donating to their

Passport to Israel Fund.

To purchase a

Passport to Israel gift card, visit

the temple’s main office.

It’s a great way to celebrate ac-

complishments, honor

milestones and help a child

reach his or her dream.

THE MYRA AND ROBERT KRAFT

PASSPORT TO ISRAEL PROGRAM

Temple Shir Tikva


We are extremely appreciative of your donations. Please help us

to properly allocate your contributions by writing

a note on your check or using a donation form.

Annual TST Brotherhood Golf Classic Annual TST Brotherhood Golf Classic Annual TST Brotherhood Golf Classic Annual TST Brotherhood Golf Classic

Set for June 12 at Stow Acres Country ClubSet for June 12 at Stow Acres Country ClubSet for June 12 at Stow Acres Country ClubSet for June 12 at Stow Acres Country Club

T here is still time to join us at the 12th Annual Temple Shir Tikva Golf Tournament on Monday, June 18, at Stow Acres Country Club in Stow. Registration and lunch start at noon with a shotgun start at 1:30.

The TST Golf Classic is an opportunity not only to participate in a fun-filled gathering of golf enthusiasts at every level of play and to rekindle friendships, but also to support Temple Shir Tikva at the same time. This is the Brotherhood’s big event of the year, so come on out and help us make this a success. There are several ways to participate whether you golf or not …

• Play golf. Sign up yourself, invite your spouse or friend, or bring

your own foursome. We'll match you up with golfers of similar abil-ity. We play the "best ball" style of play that get's everyone involved in the fun. Just $200 covers 18 holes, golf cart, box lunch and heavy hors d'oeuvres after golf- not to mention the after-golf awards and live and silent auctions.

• Buy raffle Tickets. Get your raffle tickets for a great chance of win-ning 4 Red Sox tickets located in the owner’s box seats near the Red Sox on deck circle!

• Become a sponsor. If you own a business or know someone who does, you can sponsor a hole, the lunch, the hors d'oeuvres, or the entire tournament with a generous donation that also generates terrific publicity.

• Donate auction items. Donate sports or theatre tickets, vacation properties, personal services or other merchandise of value. These can be a huge part of the proceeds for the golf classic offered up through our silent and live auction. Your donations are very much welcomed and appreciated.

• Join us for drinks and hors d’oeuvres and bid on auction items. Take home great gifts that you and your family will enjoy. And be part of the fun at our auctions.

Get your foursome together or register to be added to a foursome and make new friends. For information, to register or to buy raffle tickets go to www.shirtikva.

org/golf.

dlidw � Gathering Final Brotherhood Game Final Brotherhood Game Final Brotherhood Game Final Brotherhood Game

Night of the YearNight of the YearNight of the YearNight of the Year

Thursday, June 14, 7:30 p.m.

Join us for another game night of fun

and talking with other men from the tem-

ple. This is the last game night scheduled

until October. We will be playing a Texas

Hold’em tournament including free movie

passes for the winners.

If poker doesn’t strike your fancy, then

bring along a chess board or other game of

interest and you should find someone to

play with. Pass the word on to your friends

at the temple to join us also.

If you have any questions or to let us

know you are planning to attend, email

Peter Abend at tstbrotherhood@shirtikva.

org.

We will be collecting $20 for temple

members and $25 for non-members to play

in the Texas Hold’em tournament. The cost

is $5 ($10 for non-members) if you are not

playing poker to cover refreshments. We

look forward to seeing you there.

Temple Shir Tikva


dlidw � Gathering

TST Sisterhood TST Sisterhood TST Sisterhood TST Sisterhood ––––

Looking Back and Looking Back and Looking Back and Looking Back and

Planning AheadPlanning AheadPlanning AheadPlanning Ahead

It has been a joy and a privilege to gather with generations of Temple Shir Tikva women this past year to learn and laugh, sing and schmooze. Several ideas for next year have already been men-tioned, such as Yiddish cooking, and we welcome your ongoing input and involve-ment - this is your Sisterhood!

The Women’s Kallah, first held in 2010, is a signature event that builds com-munity as women engage in opportunities to socialize, learn, explore and grow. The number of women involved in planning the Kallah continues to grow – plan to join us next year!

The Annual Dinner continues to inspire us as we explore topics relevant to our lives as modern Jewish women – as well as providing an opportunity to socialize in a relaxed atmosphere. This year’s speaker was our own Randy Kamen Gredinger.

• Planning for Pesach has evolved from a more formal women’s seder to a casual gathering where Pesach stories, ideas and recipes are shared during a commu-nal meal.

• Sisterhood Schmooze is an informal gathering offering women the chance to simply socialize and make friends old and new.

• The Book Group offers women the opportunity to exchange views on tradi-tions and values as we read Jewish-themed books.

• The Mah-Jongg Tournament, new in 2012, gives women the chance to come together and enjoy some friendly com-petition – and conversation.

Jill Abend & Karen Pelto, Co-Chairs

[email protected]; [email protected]

The 2012 Kallah Committee (left to right): Amy Gilbert, Karen

Pelto, Karen Langweber, Lisa Lewtan, Gayle Tillman, Jennifer

Weisberg, (Kallah Chair), Jodi Swartz, Jill Abend, Cheryl Savit,

Lisa Schreiber, Julie Pivor, Janice Malkin, Jayne Lampert, Bonnie

Levy, Susan Cohen. Committee members not pictured: Laurie Bog-

dan, Susan Benjamin, and Jill Katz)

Julie Pivor and

Lauren Rikleen

(seated) baking for

the Kallah.

Left and Below: Randy Kamen Gredinger led the eve-

ning’s conversation last month at the Annual Sister-hood Dinner. Her topic was Gain Perspectives and Practices to Transform your Life: An Interactive and Experiential Conversation.

Seven tables of women gathered for friendly competition at the Mah Jongg Tournament

on May 17. Winners were Cathy Regensburger (1st), Elaine Freedman (2nd) and Robin

Sklar (3rd). Left photo: (left to right) Sandy Mitts and Marjorie Lustig. Right photo: (left

to right) Jodi Swartz, Melinda Whitman, Liz Shron and Robin Sklar.

Temple Shir Tikva


Temple Shir Tikva LibraryTemple Shir Tikva LibraryTemple Shir Tikva LibraryTemple Shir Tikva Library

By Susan Saul, Librarian

The Sacred Table: Creating a Jewish Food

Ethic / Edited by Mary L. Zamore

The Sacred Table: Creating a Jewish Food Ethic serves up a rich dialogue about the intersection of Judaism and food. This anthology of essays ex-plores the questions and challenges of navigating the personal and communal choices about eating. The historic Jewish approach to eating, tradition-ally termed Kashrut, is explored, broadened and,

in some cases, challenged within this volume. Through-out The Sacred Table, Kashrut is viewed as a multifac-eted Jewish relationship with food and its production, integrating values such as ethics, community, and spiri-tuality into our dietary practice.

NOTE: Rabbi Neal Gold was on the Sacred Table Task

Force and contributed the chapter: “Let all who are

hungry come and eat: Food ethics, Tzedakah and how

we celebrate.”

On the Doorposts of Your House: Prayers and

Ceremonies for the Jewish home / Chaim

Stern, ed.

This revised and expanded edition of the classic home prayerbook Gates of the House includes a wealth of new readings and meditations for pri-vate and family devotions on all occasions.

Filling Words with Light: Hasidic and

Mystical Reflections on Jewish Prayer / Law-

rence Kushner

Jewish mystics teach that every word a person utters in prayer should radiate light. Even the letters of the words of prayer carry sparks of the Divine that yearn to join together in holiness. In this inspiring spiritual companion, Reform Rabbi Lawrence Kushner and Orthodox Rabbi Nehemia

Polen join together to provide a window into the liturgy for people of all backgrounds by offering fresh insights and meditations that bring the traditional prayerbook to life.

Did Moses Really Have Horns? And Other

Myths about Jews and Judaism / Rifat Sonsino

Why did generations of people grow up thinking that Jews really had horns? Did Eve really eat an apple, and if not, why does everyone think she did? Did Noah's ark really exist? Did Moses really write the Torah? This fascinating book ex-plores these and many other assumptions about Jews and Judaism. Rabbi Sonsino uses history,

archeology, and other scholarship to debunk familiar myths, showing how and why they developed over time.

Hebrew Talk : 101 Hebrew Roots and the

Stories They Tell / Joseph Lowin

An exploration of Hebrew roots, shorashim, that draws from a wide range of sources--biblical and Rabbinic texts, contemporary authors, and a di-verse collection of Israeli Hebrew: newspapers, advertising slogans, slang and graffiti.

Recent Additions to the LibraryRecent Additions to the LibraryRecent Additions to the LibraryRecent Additions to the Library

The Rashi School is excited to be hosting PUDDLE- STOMPERS Summer Nature Program from July 9-August 3.

It’s a great opportunity for children ages 3-8 to:

Explore vernal pools hidden among white pine trees Flip over logs to find worms, bugs, and salamanders Discover bird nests in grassy meadows

Each week has a different theme. Sign up for several different weeks:

• Bone Detectives (July 9 - 13) What did an owl eat for lunch? Investigate real bones to uncover clues about animal life!

• Dino Nature (July 16 - 20) Learn about plants and animals that have existed since the time of the dinosaurs. Scientists in Training (July 23 - 27) Explore a different scientific field each day with fun activities and outdoor experiments.

• Nature Builders (July 30 - August 3)

Nature is full of busy builders! Weave a spider web and construct a giant bird nest. For more information, go to http://www.puddlestompers.com/

Summer %20Program/dedhamsummer.html or call The Rashi School..

The Rashi School Hosting PUDDLESTOMPERSThe Rashi School Hosting PUDDLESTOMPERSThe Rashi School Hosting PUDDLESTOMPERSThe Rashi School Hosting PUDDLESTOMPERS

Temple Shir Tikva


Online DonationsOnline DonationsOnline DonationsOnline Donations

To make supporting your

congregation and performing the

mitzvah of tzedakah more convenient, we have enabled on-line donations on

our web site. To commemorate or

memorialize life-cycle events of congre-gation members, family, or friends, go to

www.shirtikva.org/about/

givingtzedakah

Donations

Adult Education Fund

•Jay and Barbara Gainsboro - in memory

of Joan Jarvis, mother of Cathy Regens-

burger •Jay and Barbara Gainsboro - in memory

of Sheldon Schneider, father of Dan

Schneider Annual Fund

•Daniel and Betty Ann Miller •David and Elaine Polansky •Ken and Anna Chase •Michael Groff and Joy Saini •Sara Salomon •Gerald and Sandra Kraft •Michael and Wendy Simches •Ken and Elaine Kaye •Steve and Jae Rosenstein •Jeffrey and Karen Miller •Jay and Barbara Gainsboro •John and Evelyn Neumeyer •Garry and Bette Ann Weiner •Robert and Carole Bellman •Stuart and Maxine Rosenthal •Arnold and Charmian Sperling •Richard and Sylvia Knopping •Ed Perlman and Betsy Huntley •John and Marilyn Darack •Leonid and Yanina Gordin •Leonard and Joan Shulman •Marc and Diane Homer •Robert Koster and Kate Bell •Donald Askin and Connie Saienga •Frank and Judy Hamm - in memory of

Sheldon Schneider, father of Dan Schnei-

der •Richard Moche and Heidi Brown - in

memory of Bernard Porter, husband of

Marilyn Porter •Ricky and Ellen Blocker - in memory of

Bernard Porter, husband of Marilyn

Porter •Jed and Eda Matson - in memory of Ber-

nard Porter, husband of Marilyn Porter •Stu and Carol Gilbert - in memory of Ber-

nard Porter, husband of Marilyn Porter •Velma Frank - in memory of her hus-

band, Robert Frank •Stephen and Trudy Sonis- in memory of


der

•Stephen and Trudy Sonis - in memory of

Joan Jarvis, mother of Cathy Regens-

burger •Robert Koster and Kate Bell - in memory

of Bernard Porter, husband of Marilyn

Porter •Jay and Barbara Gainsboro - in memory

of Libby Brodney, mother of Jeanne

Goldner •Jay and Barbara Gainsboro - in memory

of Bernard Porter, husband of Marilyn

Porter and brother-in-law of Trudy Sonis •Scott and Laurene Sperling - in memory

of Nathan Schreier, father of Robin

Scherier •Peter and Nancy Gossels - in memory of


der •Peter and Nancy Gossels - in memory of

Joan Jarvis, mother of Cathy Regens-

burger •Peter and Nancy Gossels - in memory of

Libby Brodney, mother of Jeanne Gold-

ner •Rich Langweber and Tom and Jennifer McEnany - in honor of their mom, Karen

Langweber, on her birthday •Marilyn Newman - in honor of her

granddaughter, Ellie Solomon, on becom-

ing Bat Mitzvah •Stephen and Trudy Sonis - in apprecia-

tion of Peter and Nancy Gossels •Bruce and Marilyn Leish - in honor of the

marriage of Amy Sachs and Alan Green •Richard Friedman - in honor of the Bat

Mitzvah of Amy Podolosky •Ricky and Ellen Blocker - in honor of

Deborah Sperling, daughter of Arnold

and Charmian, on her graduation from

medical school •Wayne and Judy Keseberg - in honor of

the marriage of their daughter Joanna to

Joseph Welch •Robert and Martha Gordon - in honor of

Alice Mandel •Robert and Lonnie Swarz - in honor of

Myra Snyder on her birthday •Robert and Lonnie Swarz - in honor of

Karen Kavet on her birthday •Dennis and Cindy Lombardo - in honor

of Myra Snyder on her birthday

Building and Furnishings Fund

•Bruce asnd Joyce Pastor - in memory of


ner

•Abe and Loda Golos - wishing David

Passer a complete and speedy recovery

Mortgage Reduction Fund

•Daniel and Betty Ann Miller •Betty Brudnick

Music Fund

•Paul and Annette Roberts - in memory of


Porter

Rabbi Gold’s Discretionary Fund •Daniel and Betty Ann Miller •David and Mimi Brown - in memory of

Bernard Porter, husband of Marilyn Por-

ter

•William and Barbara Savel - in loving

memory of Faye Bernstein, on her

yartzeit •Robert and Sandra Marcus - in memory of


Porter •Ken and Elaine Kaye - in appreciation of

Rabbi Gold •Robert and Lonnie Swarz - in memory of


Porter, brother-in-law of Trudy Sonis •Stuart and Ellen Chasen - in memory of


Porter •Paul and Annette Roberts - in memory of


ner Youth Community Fund

•Jessica Rubinstein - in memory of Joan

Jarvis, mother of Cathy Regensburger •Lee-Ann Yolin - in memory of Joan Jar-

vis, mother of Cathy Regensburger

Temple Shir Tikva


ippd Temple Shir Tikva

508-358-9992

Phil Benjamin, President [email protected] 508-879-5064

Neal D. Gold, Rabbi [email protected]

Greg Litcofsky, Associate Rabbi [email protected]

Herman J. Blumberg, Rabbi Emeritus [email protected]

Hollis Schachner, Cantor [email protected]

David Passer, [email protected] ext. 214 Executive Director

Deena Bloomstone, [email protected] ext. 201 Director of Congregational Learning Rachel Kest, [email protected] ext. 203 Director of Elementary & Family Education Samantha Nidenberg [email protected] ext. 202

Youth Educator

Karen Edwards, [email protected] ext. 210 Assistant to the Rabbis and Cantor Linda Goldbaum, [email protected] ext. 211

Office Administrator Toni Spitzer [email protected] ext. 200

Office Administrator Lucy Dube, Bookkeeper [email protected] ext. 215

Peggi Cohen, Hineni Editor [email protected] 508-358-6272

JCC Early Learning Center of Wayland · Phone: 508-358-5331 Fax: 508-358-5332

Affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism and the Synagogue Council of Massachusetts

Upcoming EventsUpcoming EventsUpcoming EventsUpcoming Events

Sunday, June 3, 7 p.m………………..19th Annual David Snyder Memorial Concert

Friday, June 8, 6:15 p.m…..Simchat Shabbat with Board Recognition & Installation

Tuesday, June 12……...TST Brotherhood Golf Classic at Stow Acres Country Club

Thursday, June 14, 7:30 p.m………TST Brotherhood Final Game Night of the Year

Friday, June 15, 6:15 p.m. ……..Simchat Shabbat & Celebration of Rabbi Litcofsky

Friday, June 22, 6:15 p.m……..Simchat Shabbat & Thank You to Laurie Weinstein

Saturday, June 23, 10:45 a.m.…….Late Shacharit Service and Adult B’Nai Mitzvah

Friday, July 6, 6:15 p.m. ………………..Simchat Shabbat, Welcome Rabbi Gubitz

& Welcome Home Cantor Schachner

Office Hours

School Office Temple Office

Monday…………………...9 a.m. - 5 p.m.………….….9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday…………………...9 a.m. - 5 p.m.………….….9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday………………..9 a.m. - 8 p.m.……….…….9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Thursday………….……….9 a.m. - 5 p.m.……………..9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday……………..……….9 a.m. - 2 p.m.……….…….9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Office Closings: Wednesday, July 4, Independence Day

ippd September

Hineni Deadline

Friday, August 3

Articles and photos may be sent by

email to [email protected] or mailed

to the temple office. Email or call Peggi

Cohen, Hineni editor, at 508-358-6272

with questions or comments.

DonationsDonationsDonationsDonations

We are extremely appreciative of your donations. Please help us to properly allocate your contributions by writing a note on your check or using a donation form.

Online DonationsOnline DonationsOnline DonationsOnline Donations

To make performing the mitzvah of tzedakah more convenient, we have enabled on-line donations.:

www.shirtikva.org/about/givingtzedakah

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