THE VOICETEMPLE BETH ABRAHAM, 1301 WASHINGTON STREET, CANTON, MA 02021
PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY HESHVAN-TEVET 5773 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2012 ISSUE NO. 2
Amy DelaneAmy DelaneAmy DelaneAmy DelaneAmy Delaney and Wy and Wy and Wy and Wy and Waaaaayne Gryne Gryne Gryne Gryne Graaaaay Honory Honory Honory Honory Honored bed bed bed bed by TBy TBy TBy TBy TBAAAAA
Here are introductionsfrom Marci Bernotas, TBAPresident, to Wayne Gray,Hatan Torah, and AmyDelaney, Kallah B’Reishit:
Kallah B’Reishit:
Amy Delaney
I’ve had the pleasure ofknowing Amy Delaney for anum-berofyearsassome-onewhohas been very involved with thereligious school. But over thepast year or so, her commitmentto TBA has evolved into onethat embraces the total the TBAhas to offer. I love watching herdaven with us on Saturday,especially when one or both ofher daughters join her. I love herwillingness to spend the time inour kitchen to ensure that all ofour members have a lovelykiddish after services. I love theenthusiasm she brings to anyclass she attends or discussiongroup she’s part of. I lovedhaving her become a part of the
Purim Speilers. I love her smileand the way she lights up a roomwhen she enters and makeseveryone feel welcome.
Amy is the embodiment of theKallah B’reishit award and so, it iswith great pleasure and apprecia-tion that I present her with thisaward for her spiritual growth andcommitment to TBA.
Hatan Torah:
Wayne Gray
Wayne Gray is someone whowould rather just do somethingthan call attention to himself fordoing it. He has always beencontent to be the backgroundperson,patientlyworkingoncon-tracts forourperson-nel orgivinglegaladviceon various temple matters, helpingboth myself and other past presi-dents understand the legal ramifi-cations of any action we might becontemplating within the temple,
and being a sounding board when-ever I or someone else, is unsureabout attempting something new,different or generally off the wallregarding temple business.
But Wayne is much more thanjust a legal advisor. He truly caresabout this Temple and its members.He has worked tirelessly throughoutthe years on matters of governance,member relations and of course,keeping our board meetings inaccordance with parliamentaryrules. He’s also a blast to sit next toat board meetings.
Wayne does all these things andmore without asking for recognitionand so, it is well past time that weactually recognize him for doingthem. It is with great pleasure andappreciation that I present WayneGray with this year’s Hatan Torahaward for his outstanding commit-ment to Temple Beth Abraham.
Inside:
Amy Delaney’s Speech..........6Wayne Gray’s Speech...........7Rabbi’s Message...................2President’s Message..............3Membership..........................3Fundraising............................4Special Gifts..........................5Healing Service, Nov. 4.........7
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RRRRRaaaaabbbbbbi Dabi Dabi Dabi Dabi David: Tvid: Tvid: Tvid: Tvid: Therherherherhere’e’e’e’e’s No Sucs No Sucs No Sucs No Sucs No Such Th Th Th Th Thing as Fhing as Fhing as Fhing as Fhing as Failurailurailurailurailureeeee
It’s a new year. A new bookof the Torah has begun. Over thecourse of the holidays Ispoke about newbeginnings, doorwaysand what happenswhen your cheese ismoved. There’s nothingeasy about thesetransitions. In fact, veryoften we might ratheravoid them. We maybe afraid that we willbe a failure. Thatsomehow we won’tlive up to our own expectations. When I was serving on theboard of the Brain Tumor Society,I learned something importantabout successes and failures. Ilearned in the medical researchworld there’s no such thing asfailure. Every time a test doesn’tgo the way you would expect it ora treatment doesn’t react the wayyou might hope, you learn thatyou’re one step closer to findingwhat you’re looking for, becauseyou’ve been able to rule out yetanother possibility. What if we were able to adoptthis perspective on life? There isno such thing as failure, onlyanother step toward discoveringwhat we’re looking for. What if,for just a moment, we could giveourselves over, acknowledge thatwe’re not in charge, give a little bitof credit to God having a plan,then perhaps we would be able toembrace the possibility that we arenot failing when things don’t go asplanned and that we need not beafraid of failure in the future. Life isjust about taking one step afteranother, passing through a newdoorway, finding our new cheese. Friends, look at what we’ve
done over the past four weekstogether. When this summer began,
we weren’t sure what wasgoing to be of TBA. Therewere talks of regionali-zation, questions ofmembership retention, andconcerns about our future. We were, indeed,standing in a new door-way, unsure of whatawaited us on the otherside. But look at wherewe are now. Our religiousschool students and
parents are learning and celebratingand davening on Shabbat andduring the week. We had beautifulHigh Holy Day services led bymembers of our own community.We celebrated Sukkot, not only atthe temple but also in the homes ofour members. We danced with thesifrei Torah and celebrated ourtradition, our community and ourhonorees Amy and Wayne. The struggles we went throughthis past spring and summer werenot Temple Beth Abraham failing orfeeling threatened with failure. Theywere a difficult step along our pathto discovering who we are sup-posed to be. And the path has notreached its end. We have notreached our destination. There aremore questions to be asked, moreanswers to be sought: What doesmembership mean in the 21st-century? How can we makesynagogue affiliation affordable andmeaningful for everybody whowants to be a part of our family?How can we open our doors in herarms even wider to make sure thatevery person feels welcomed, feelsvalued, and feels treasured as a partof our sacred community? How canwe make prayer more vital, cel-
ebration more joyous and oursense of responsibility for ourworld and our community morepresent in our lives? What we now know is that weare asking the right questions;we’re asking the difficult ques-tions; we’re passing throughdoorways and searching for ourdestinations and we’re doing sotogether as a community and as afamily. Temple Beth Abraham willcontinue to grow and thrive andbecome who we are supposed tobe - because of this work thatwe’re doing. There will undoubtedly bemore painful decisions to makedown the road, but these pains arenot failures. These challenges arenot a sign of a faltering temple or afailing community - they are signsof vitality and honest searching.As we begin a new Jewish yearand a new book of the Torah, letus write a new chapter in ourTorah. Let us “sing a new song” asthe Psalmist says. Let us face ourchallenges together; celebrate ourjoyous times, mourn, pray, singand learn together. Temple BethAbraham has done amazing things,as we’ve heralded in this newchapter in our lives. Let’s cel-ebrate all that we’ve accomplishedand look forward to our futuresuccesses. Our future awaits us.
Book GrBook GrBook GrBook GrBook Groupoupoupoupoup
Monday, Nov. 19, Rashi’sDaughters: Miriam by MaggieAnton, hosted by Susan Lipsitt. Monday, Dec. 17,Unorthodos by Deborah Feldman,hosted by Gayle Feldman.
PrPrPrPrPresidentesidentesidentesidentesident’’’’’s Messas Messas Messas Messas Messagggggeeeee
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The holiday season is overand all I can say is…..Wow. Theparticipation of ourmembers, the willingnessto embrace new ideasand the feeling ofwarmth and communitywas all that anyonecould have hoped forand more. So many ofyou came up to me afterthe High Holy Dayservices to comment onhow much you enjoyedthem this year. The past fewmonths had been a time of uncer-tainty, and yet we have embracedthe new and shown our willingnessto move forward within ourcommunity.
We need to, however, ac-knowledge that there is stillconfusion for some of you overthe events of the past few months,and I want to let you know thatyou can feel free to contact me atany time and I will try to answeryour questions.
We have spoken about a newatmosphere of transparency withinour temple, and I mean to be anexample of that.
Moving forward, we need tofocus on two things: Membershipand Fundraising. Thanks to all ofyou, our High Holiday Appeal wasan amazing success. But this is justthe beginning of our financialcommitment to our Synagogue.During the next year we will giveyou many opportunities in the formof fundraising events to financiallysupport TBA. Please give gener-ously to ensure that we cancontinue to remain independentand vibrant.
As you all know, the lifebloodof our community is our members.
MemberMemberMemberMemberMembershipshipshipshipship
Unfortunately, because of thepossibility of regionalization last
year, as well as theevents that occurredwithin our congrega-tion, our ability torecruit new membersbecame quite achallenge. But I havebeen taught thatchallenges should belooked at as nothingmore than opportuni-ties, a chance for us to
become something singular andoutstanding. Now that we havemade the decision to remainindependent, we need to spreadthe word that we are here; we arecommitted to becoming a strong,innovative, and welcomingTemple. Speak to your neighborsand friends and tell them about allthat TBA has to offer.
Yes, we have just comethrough an incredibly difficult year,but we have nothing to beashamed of. We stand here nowwith a renewed commitment toTBA, and we need to let thegreater Jewish community knowthat we are not closing, we arenot going anywhere, and, like inthe children’s book, we areworking towards becoming the“little temple that could”.
Will the TBA of the futurelook different? Probably. But itwill be done with the input of all ofour members and with an eyetowards becoming the synagogueof the future. Together we canmake this happen. Get the wordout. Support us financially. Getinvolved. Make it work.
B’Shalom,Marci
A very warm welcome isextended to our newest members,Leo & Dorothy Lennick. They arethe parents of Adrienne Jacobson.
If you were unable to attendour August 31st Shabbat Un-plugged Membership Event, youmissed a great evening. In atten-dance were 110 adults andchildren, both members andprospective families. Attendeesenjoyed cocktails and appetizerswhile making beautiful ceramicKiddush cups or just schmoozingwith friends old and new. Whiledinner and sundaes were delicious,our Shabbat Unplugged servicewith Lisa Winner on piano, DaveBernard on base, and RabbiDavid on guitar was inspiring.Special thanks go to MelissaRudman, who always “pulls ittogether” and does it famously.Adrienne Jacobson’s help withpublicity was exceptional. MarciaConnors and Ruth Myers madeour check-in desk run smoothly.Judy Steinberg was great at “fillingthe bucket” and so much more inthe background. Cheryl Hiltz’shelp with setup was invaluable.Phyllis and Keith Moore’s dona-tion of our centerpieces made thetables complete. Jerry Connorsand Neil Lerner scooped icecream, joked with everyone, andthen brought the place back to aclean and organized state. Otherswelcomed prospective membersand helped out in many ways.
Netti and I want to thankeveryone in attendance for makingthis evening a great success. It waswonderful turnout to support thisevent and our synagogue.
Please remember that yourhelp in membership is always
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CongCongCongCongCongrrrrreeeeegggggaaaaational Educational Educational Educational Educational Educationtiontiontiontion
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MemberMemberMemberMemberMembershipshipshipshipship
Wow we did it. We survivedthe holidays again thisyear. Every year I sayif I can just make it toThanksgiving, I will behome free. By the timeyou read this, a monthwill have passed andall the craziness will beforgotten. But this yearsome things should notbe forgotten. This yearwas the first time in avery long time that we all trulycame together as a community.Whether it was the davening in thesanctuary, cooking for SimchatTorah, or my favorite example, theShabbat of Sukkot. I lovedSukkot, because the Reich familyopened up their home and sukkahfor the entire Religious School.About 50 people enjoyedShabbat together in their sukkah. While that was happeningmany of us (about 30) were atTBA having services and Shabbatdinner together. It was a beautiful
evening for all who participated.Providing opportunitiesfor new friendships tobegin and for old toreconnect is how wecontinue to create astrong and thrivingcommunity.
So with this in mind,I encourage all of you toparticipate in ourChanukah ShabbatDinner on December
14th. A Religious School family willbe hosting a dairy potluck at theirhome and for those familieswithout children in the ReligiousSchool we will have a specialChanukah dinner at TBA. Ichallenge everyone to reach out toa temple member and make plansto go together to one of ourdinners on December 14th. Moreinformation about the event willfollow soon.
B’Shalom,Melissa
I wanted to update you on our2012-2013 Membership direc-tory. Early in October a mailingand email blast went out to eachand every one of you asking foryour help in filling out the form forthe 2012-2013 TBA Member-ship Directory. Whatever you sentin is what will be published. We want to make sure thatyou understand that this Directoryserves as a valuable resource toolfor us all to better communicatewith our Temple family. We areadding to the Directory so that
you will have information aboutour synagogue, our cultural,religious as well as our plannedsocial programs for the next 13months. If you have any ideas that youmight like to see implemented forFundraisers this year, please donot hesitate to contact me at yourconvenience at (781) 267-6112or email me [email protected].
Larry Finklestone, Chair Fundraising
FundrFundrFundrFundrFundraising Updaaising Updaaising Updaaising Updaaising Updatetetetete
Milestones
Congratulations to Roxy andWayne Gray on the engage-ment of their son, Jonathan, toKatherine Minton
Ellen and Marty Shapiro on the birth of their first grandchild, Benjamin Isaac Shapiro, son of Jonathan Shapiro and Jessie GlasserTo Harriet and Jerry Lavine on the birth of their first grandchild, Chloe Parker Flanagan, daughter of Debra and Paul FlanaganSteve and Shelley Shuman on the engagement of their daughter Melissa to Daniel ParetskyTo Diane and Warren Foreman on their granddaughter Sarissa Ann’s Bat Mitzvah
Speedy Recovery
Al BarnetEstelle and Howard LevyRabbi Milton Feierstein
Condolences
Elaine Matisoff, loss of brother, Martin Allen Goldman
Good and WGood and WGood and WGood and WGood and Welfelfelfelfelfararararareeeee
(continued from page 3)needed. Just send me names,addresses, phone numbers and/or emails of interested families.
With appreciation,Phyllis Lerner
The synagogue would like tobe informed about all impor-tant events and occasions,including births, engage-ments, weddings, awards,etc., as well as illnesses anddeaths. Please notify theoffice at (781) 828-5250.
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A New Year of Firsts isAlready a Success!
Going into the 2012-2013school year here at TBA we knewthere would be changes toembrace — a new schedule ofalternating Saturdays andSundays, a new approach tolearning (by way of holding classeson Shabbat, offering “Discovery”choices on Tuesdays and settingstudent-centric goals), and theexpansion of the Telem (a youthprogram for 8th-12th graderswhich “integrates volunteer servicewith classroom learning andreflection”) to south area templesites. A number of TBA alumni areparticipating — stay tuned forupdates!
Our first “Chavurah” onSeptember 29 was a rousingsuccess — from the smoothtransitions when students filed outof the sanctuary to theirclassrooms and back, to the inter-generational “Shabbat Shalom”greetings to enjoying the kiddushluncheon together. We lookforward to the many moreinspiring Shabbat learningexperiences to come this year!
Students in grades 5-7 haveselected their Discovery optionsfor a portion of their Tuesdaylearning and will begin theseelectives later this month. Inaddition, by the end of this month,they will mark their first milestonetoward their year-long goals.Some of these goals include:interpreting the Sh’ma throughmusic/dance/art and exploringIsraeli pop culture. Thepossibilities were endless, and thestudents’ interests reflect that.
Shorashim, our family learningprogram for our youngest studentsand their families (K-2) is in itssecond year and off to a greatstart.
Another first this year, “Pizzain the Hut” took place in the Reichfamily sukkah on October 5(special thanks to our gracioushosts!). Nearly 50 parents andkids from the religious schooljoined together for a uniqueShabbat Unplugged and a pizzadinner experience. What a vibrantschool community we have!
We held our first Board of Edmeeting on October 14.
We’ll continue to build onstrengthening our schoolcommunity with a PotluckHavdalah on Saturday,November 17. Details soon.
Amy Litwak andEllen Orkin, ChairsBoard of Education
RRRRReligious Sceligious Sceligious Sceligious Sceligious Schoolhoolhoolhoolhool Special GiftsSpecial GiftsSpecial GiftsSpecial GiftsSpecial Gifts
In November you will receiveinformation about the specialneeds and opportunities forongoing contributions to TempleBeth Abraham.
I want to share with you avery special gift contributed by thefamilies of the Zion class. Soonwhen you enter the front lobby,you will see an Electronic BulletinBoard which will provide informa-tion about current and upcomingevents. It will enhance our under-standing of the vibrant, activecommunity we are.
I want to thank AdrienneJacobson for initiating this veryspecial gift.
Phyllis Moore, ChairSpecial Gifts
Hope you gotten a chance toread last month’s selections. Thismonth’s should be just as good!They include By Blood by EllenUllman, Border of Truth byVictoria Redel (available also inlarge print), Sweet Like Sugar byWayne Hoffman, The Far Side ofthe Sky by Daniel Kalla. Thesecan be found in the ChapelLibrary.
Please don’t forget to visit our“real” library in the ReligiousSchool wing to reconnect withsome of your favorite books orperhaps one that you have wantedto read and just never got to it.While there is no time limit forkeeping the books, we requestthat they are returned in a timelyfashion so others may enjoy them. Harriet Lavine and Wendy Lustbader
FFFFFrrrrrom the Librom the Librom the Librom the Librom the Libraryaryaryaryary
Afghans forAfghans forAfghans forAfghans forAfghans for
HospitalizedHospitalizedHospitalizedHospitalizedHospitalized
VVVVVeteretereteretereteransansansansans
We are still providing Afghansfor our hospitalized vets at the VAin West Roxbury. They arecurrently in need of any size afghan36” x 36” or larger. We alsoaccept squares which Judy Malinbeautifully joins into afghans. Thesquares are made on a size 8needle. Cast on 64 stitches andknit for 64 ridges. If you have anyquestions, please contact me [email protected]. Thankyou for your help in fulfilling thismizvah.
Harriet Lavine
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Many thanks to everyonewho generously filled grocerybags full of items for the HighHoliday Canton Food PantryFood Drive this year. As youcan see from the photo, we wereoverflowing with bags of food,toiletries, and all goods for theCanton Food Pantry!
The Canton Food Pantrywas truly appreciative of thedonation and, once again, wasimpressed with the magnitude ofthe delivery – still the largest localdonation they’ve received thisyear.
Even as you donated to theCanton Food Pantry, wecontinued to provide our monthlycans of soup and vegetables tothe Family Table. Keep thosecans coming to the lobby so thatour loyal deliverers (Adrienneand Jerry Fleishman) will beready to go every month.
We have other members ofour TBA team who travel toWaltham to pack and deliveralmost every month. Thanks toRebecca Chism (and her momand dad, Rose Ann and George)who have been doing this for us,for Family Table and for those inneed of kosher food regularly formore than three years. It started,according to Rebecca when shewas in 7th grade and hascontinued to today.
If you would like to joinAdrienne, Jerry, Rebecca, RoseAnn and George to experiencethe joy of helping others, pleasenote on your calendars the dayswe have committed to for TBAto send a group of people toWaltham to pack and deliver forFamily Table.
TBA’s designated FamilyTable days for this year are March17, and July 14. Mark yourcalendars now and bring the kidsalong for a great familyexperience. The time frame is 10am for packing and noon fordelivery. Call if you want moreinformation about these dates orothers that are available.
Would you like to join inworking on the next big (or small)Social Action activity? Pleasecontact me at 781-575-0087 [email protected] if youare interested in working onactivities that are ongoing or areinterested in developing others.
Ann Hartstein, ChairSocial Action
TBTBTBTBTBA DelivA DelivA DelivA DelivA Delivererererers Successful Drivs Successful Drivs Successful Drivs Successful Drivs Successful Drive fe fe fe fe for Canton For Canton For Canton For Canton For Canton Food Pood Pood Pood Pood Pantryantryantryantryantry
Amy DelaneAmy DelaneAmy DelaneAmy DelaneAmy Delaneyyyyy’’’’’s Speecs Speecs Speecs Speecs Speech:h:h:h:h:
When I was younger, myparents thought I was going tobecome a Rabbi when I grew up.I remember the looks on myparents’ faces when I chose anOrthodox temple to join when Iwas ready for Hebrew School. Itwas that of “Who is this child, andwhere did she come from?” Mymother always said that I got mylove for Judaism from my GrandpaAl. And to him I definitely owe ahuge debt of gratitude — gratitudefor teaching me, for inspiring me,for bringing me to services withhim, for sharing his love of Godand Judaism. He was not mybiological grandpa but the onlygrandpa I knew on my mom’sside. When I lead the PassoverSeder, it is him that I call on in mymemories. So Grandpa, you are a
big reason I have continued on thisspiritual journey.
I didn’t grow up in a veryJewish area on Long Island. Infact we had to travel about 25minutes to get to my HebrewSchool and Temple. But eventhough there weren’t a lot ofJewish kids in my school, mybelief in God and connection toJudaism never wavered. In collegeand grad school I attendedservices at Hillel, but eventuallyschool and life on campus got inthe way of really “practicing”Judaism. I was still Jewish, I stillbelieved in God, but I did notpractice very much at expressingit. Speaking of graduate school, itwas what brought me up toMassachusetts and where I met
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WWWWWaaaaayne Gryne Gryne Gryne Gryne Graaaaayyyyy’’’’’s Speecs Speecs Speecs Speecs Speech:h:h:h:h:
There I was on RoshHashanah listening to Marcie’sintroduction, minding my ownbusiness, when she said the word“parliamentarian”. I turned to mywife Roxy and said, “Did I hearright?” Two thoughts immediatelyflashed through my mind: 1) Idemand a re-count and 2) para-phrasing one of Groucho Marxlines, “I have grave doubts aboutbeing a member of any institutionthat would honor me!”
In preparing for this speech, Ithought back to my introduction toTemple Beth Abraham, which wasnot strictly spiritual. You see, LouisWhitman, a judge in front ofwhom I frequently appeared inQuincy District Court, was at aBar Association meeting and drinkfest. Judge Whitman came up tome and asked me where I wasliving these days? I told him wehad recently bought a house inCanton, and he suggested that Ithink about joining TBA. Nowwhen a judge that you appear infront of frequently makes such asuggestion, I immediately thought Ishould join TBA. Later thatevening, when I went home, Iannounced to Roxy that we werejoining TBA. My wife had thisincredulous look on her face, butsure enough, we joined back in1981.
Another memory was when Iwas elected to be an officer andhad Bima duty. I remember vividlythat Elliot Grupp was on the Bima,and he was instructing me on myresponsibilities. I took out my pento take notes; Elliot looked at meand said, “Put that pen away!” Ilooked back and said, “But it’s aMont Blanc”.
Based on that experience, Irealized that I would not beseeking further office. Instead Idecided to learn and to listen andto watch people like CliffordSeresky and other leaders of thesynagogue during Board meetingsand committees.
I have been the parliamentar-ian and attorney involved innegotiating Rabbi’s contracts formany years. I have tried to giveadvice to Presidents respectfullyand be sure of the legality ofBoard decisions. I have alwaystried to make sure that if peoplewant to talk on a motion that theyare given an opportunity to do so.
In looking at my Jewishidentity, I come from an historicalperspective. In particular I ammindful of the efforts of peoplewho have given their, time,treasure and commitment to thistemple.
Last spring when there werediscussions about regionalization,I had a personal feeling of failure,to the people who had given somuch to create and sustain thissynagogue. I, for one, dislikefailure and it is up to all of us tomake sure this temple succeeds.
I thank you all very much forthis award.
Sunday, November 4, 7:45 p.m.Founder’s Hall, Temple Israel of Sharon
A spiritual and musical service for hope and healing ofself and/or others.
Special prayers, song, meditation and instrumental music.
Singers from Temple Beth Abraham, Temple Israel andKehillah Schecter Academy. Free.
http://www.tisharon.org/tiferet
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(continued from page 6)my husband Phil. Early on in ourrelationship, Phil and I had “THE”Discussion about religion. Iexpressed to him that if we weregoing to continue into a seriousrelationship with the prospect ofmarriage and having a family, hewould have to agree to have aJewish household and to raise ourchildren Jewish. This will foreverbe known as the great compro-mise of 1995…We would raiseour children Jewish and have aJewish household and I wouldbury my Yankees hat forever andbecome a Red Sox fan. And whilemy New York friends will neverforgive me, it works for us. Allalong the way, Phil has alwaysbeen supportive and understand-ing of this compromise and hasdone his best to participate whenhe was comfortable, to celebrateJewish holidays with us, and tohelp me instill a deep belief in Godto our children. So I thank you,Phil, for all of your love andencouragement, and understandingin this journey; it means the world.
After Phil and I were married,we shortly became pregnant withHolly and decided to move toCanton. One of the things thatdrew me to the town was that ithad two temples. It was HarrietBurak who sold us our house andat the same time, tried to sell TBAto me. We weren’t quite ready tojoin a temple yet, but anyone whoknows Harriet, knows howpersuasive she can be.
It wasn’t until Holly was doneat the JCC, that Heather Paskinagain brought up TBA to me. Iremembered Harriet’s love for thetemple but was concerned about
being in a Conservative templewhen I was in an interfaith mar-riage. Heather convinced me tocome to a Cuddle Up Shabbatand Rabbi David and the congre-gation did the rest. I felt at home,and Phil actually enjoyed the mu-sic and the service as well. So toHarriet and Heather, thank you forbringing me in the doors of TBA.
Holly began Hebrew School.we spent the high holidays at thetemple, but I was not by anymeans a Shabbat regular or a veryinvolved congregant. I wascomplacent with going sometimesfor family service or dinner, forcoming on Sukkot or Purim, but Iwas out of the temple more oftenthan in it and didn’t really feeltotally connected. I didn’t pauseon Saturdays, didn’t take the timeout of my very busy life to doanything different, I was burningmyself out. (My parents will tellyou that this is a chronic problemof mine).
When I had health issuesabout four years ago, I didn’t tellanyone, didn’t reach out, andactually withdrew more from thecommunity. I would drop off thekids at Hebrew School twice aweek, and that was about it.
And then Holly’s Bat Mitzvahyear came around, and I startedattending Shabbat services withher, and everything changed. Iwent with her and for her butended up receiving so much formyself. Pausing for three hoursand giving thanks and reflectingand rebooting was like a miracle.No, it wasn’t like a miracle, it wasand is a miracle. Just beingunplugged and disconnected frombusiness as usual was something
that I wanted more and more. Ifound that I looked forward to theSaturdays that I “had” to bringHolly to services.
After Holly’s Bat Mitzvah, shetold me that she didn’t want tokeep going to Makor for HebrewSchool, that it just wasn’t for her.We struck a bargain with RabbiDavid and got Melissa’s blessing,which will forever be known asthe great compromise of 2010-2011. She would not have to goto Makor if she would come toservices every Saturday. And shedid. Thank you, Holly, for helpingme find the miracle of Shabbat atTBA. Danielle now accompaniesme along with Holly every Satur-day and I find it the absolute bestway to spend my day. I wouldn’thave it any other way.
So there I was coming toservices every Saturday with bothof my children at my side, happyto just sit and listen and pray untilDena asked me if I would have anAliyah for the first time. Shepushed me that first time and thenjust when I would get comfort-able, she’d push me just a littlefurther outside of my comfortzone. The first time she asked meto lead the Torah service, I musthave looked at her like she wascrazy. But she wouldn’t take nofor an answer, as anyone whoknows Dena knows just howpersuasive she can be. And shewas with me the whole timemaking sure I knew what to say,when to say it and what to do.She has guided me throughout thisspiritual journey of not just beingJewish, but practicing Judaism.Not just believing in God, butgiving thanks to God and appreci-
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Amy DelaneAmy DelaneAmy DelaneAmy DelaneAmy Delaneyyyyy’’’’’s Speecs Speecs Speecs Speecs Speech:h:h:h:h:
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(continued from page 8)ating God with my community. SoDena Kaufman, thank you foralways making sure I continue togrow spiritually by pushing me everso gently just out of my comfortzone.
And all throughout, there werethe Shabbat regulars who mademe feel so welcome and warm inyour presence. You have becomefamily to me and my girls and suchan important part of our lives. Ilook forward to seeing you allevery week. I love sharing in yourjoys and comforting you in yoursorrows. You have been with meevery step of the way and havemade this spiritual journey joyousand wonderful. I have learned fromyou all that just as it is important tonourish your body with good foodand exercise and your mind withknowledge, it is just as importantto nourish your soul and spirit with
god and prayer.And last but certainly not least,
I want to thank Rabbi David forbeing there every step of the waythis year, as I became more andmore involved in the service. Forbringing your music and love forGod every Saturday and makingme learn something new everyweek. For staying by my sidewhile I fumbled through the Torahservice the first time and then high-fiving me when I completed it onmy own on Rosh Hashanah. Foryour love and enthusiasm forTorah study that is so contagious, Ijust can’t help but want to learnmore. You have been such a largepart of my journey this year.
As we start the Torah from thebeginning and a new year hasbegun, I know that I am still at thebeginning of my journey. I amlooking forward to continuing itwith all of you. Chag S’meach.
Amy DelaneAmy DelaneAmy DelaneAmy DelaneAmy Delaneyyyyy’’’’’s speecs speecs speecs speecs speech:h:h:h:h:
Next bulletin is January-February. Deadline isDecember 1. Email articlesand photos to Sherry Alpert,[email protected].
Minyans are Sunday-Thursday, 7:30 p.m.If you cannot attend, pleasearrange for someone to go inyour place.
Help Get the WHelp Get the WHelp Get the WHelp Get the WHelp Get the Wororororord Out!d Out!d Out!d Out!d Out!
Have you seen our newmembership brochure? Ourreligious school brochure? Ournembership postcards?
Have you seen the storiesabout TBA in the local press? Have you seen the Patch.comemail listings that include TBAevents?
Have you seen whatWickedLocal.com has to sayabout TBA?
Have you seen our religiousschool blog onJewishBoston.com?
Have you seen the ads forTBA in various print media?
Have you seen the calendarlistings and announcements ofTBA events online?
The brochures are in the TBAlobby and the news stories, andlistings are everywhere from theBoston Globe, Canton Citizen andCanton Journal toJewishBoston.com. I have anoverflowing binder of newsarticles and calendar listings toprove it. But it is a lot for oneperson to do.
We need two volunteers: oneto take over announcements and
calendar listings on Patch.com andthe other volunteer to handleWickedLocal.com.
Do you want to contribute butdon’t have much time to do so?This is the perfect way for you todonate to TBA. It is just a smallpiece of what is done for marketingand PR for TBA. You do it at yourown pace, on your own computer,and it is quick. You will enter a fewcalendar listings per month andsubmit pre-written announcements.
Just cut and paste. Easy workthat will make a tremendous impactto attract more members. Pleasestep up and help make a differ-ence.
Call me at 508-740-7831, [email protected].
Adrienne Jacobson, Chair Publicity
ScScScScSchecter Evhecter Evhecter Evhecter Evhecter Evententententent
“Rosh Chodesh Live”,Thursday, Nov. 15 and Friday,December 15, 8:30-10:30 a.m.Join Kehillah SchechterAcademy’s school community tocelebrate song and dance led byRabbi David and Dr. NitzanResnick. Art and snacks forKehillah Kids. Located at OneCommerce Way, Norwood.
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Sunday, November 18
“Stringsational!” Featured soloists: Julia Hunter on violin, and Xi Zhang on viola
3:00 p.m., Canton High School Golijov : Last Round
A Jewish composer reducated in Israel and the U.S., Osvaldo
Golijov draws inspiration from the last great tango composer,
Piazzolla, in this work for augmented string ensemble.
Mozart : Sinfonia Concertante
Sinfonia Concertante shows his beautiful range of grand, rich,
melodic, tragic, and even mischievous musical themes.
Beethoven : Symphony No. 4
This joyful work s full of vitality and spontaneous themes, truly
one of Beethoven’s greatest works.
Tickets and info at www.SymphonyNova.org
Maestro Lawrence Isaacson presents
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Temple Beth Abraham Staff
Spiritual Leader...............Rabbi David Paskin
Congregational Educator......Melissa Rudman
President...............................Marci Bernotas
Office Manager......................Judy Steinberg
The Voice Editor......................Sherry Alpert
Rabbinic Intern...............Shoshana Friedman
Temple Beth Abraham1301 Washington Street
Canton, MA 02021
(781) 828-5250
www.templebethabraham.org
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 1
Captain:
Janice Halpern
Kaufman (1)Friedman (1)Kramer (2)Lerner (2)
Shmishkiss (2)
Rosenblatt 4 Levenson 5 Levenson 6 Levenson 7 Levenson 8Captain: Rosenblatt/Levenson
Kollangi (1)Bakerman (1)Greenberg (1)
Malin (2) Sindell/Goffin(1)
Slavet (1)Sternklar (1)
Warsofsky (1)
Evans (1)Aubin/Segal (1)
Bernotas (1)Cherenson (1)Delaney (1)
Lustbader (1)Rothberg (1)
Sokolove (2)Brockman (1)
Feldman, M (1)Harsfield (1)Horowitz (1)Kradin (1)Lavine (1)
Lewis, H (1)Victorson (1)
Holmes (1) Litwack, D (2)Mikelson (1)Schulze (2)
Okun, C (1)Cohen, Jon (1)Fleishman (1)
Freedman/Katz(2)Kessel (1)
11 12 13 14 15Captain:Andrew
Langmead
Rosenblatt (2)Blonder (1)Hersh (1)
Matisoff (1)Rothkopf (1)
Snyderman (1)
Burak (1)Foreman, R (2)Foreman, W (2)Freedman, A (1)
Mayman (2)
Halpern (2)Brenner, M (1)
Gray (2)Kepnes (1)
Berwald/Chism (1)Jacobson (2)
Kriger (1)Stein (1)
Wolicki (1)Zussman (1)
Evans (1)Fleishman (1)
Kramer (2)Lerner (2)
Wolfe, S (1)
Rosenblatt 18 19 20 21 22Captain: Rosenblatt
(Sun only)
Frank, P (2)Kapln/Gldstn (1)
Langmead (2)Slavet (1)Tepper (1)
Alpert/Fnklston(2)Friedman (1)
Lurie (1)Marglous (1)
Stein (1)
Sokolove (2)Holstein (1)
Hrshmn/Lloyd(1)Katz, H (1)
Rosenstein (1)Schlossberg (1)
Woolner (1)
Fishbon (1)Linsenberg (1)Sagotsky (1)
Shuman, Stepn (1)Zides (1)
THANKSGIVINGDiamond (2)Baseman (1)Kessel (1)
Shuman, I (2)Solomon (1)
25 26 27 28 29Captain:
Alkalay (2)Leder (1)Moore (1)
Snyderman (2)Vishny (1)
Cohen, Jon (1)Burak (1)
Cohen, Janice (1)Feldman, G (1)
Myers (1)Russman (2)
Paisner (2)Bernotas (1) Gordon (1)Kradin (1)Schulze (2)
Silverstein (1)
Kaufman (1) Heyman (1)Malin (2)Ring (1)
Rosenthal (1)
5th Week
Can you help?
November Minyan Schedule
Thank you for honoring your commitment to the minyan. If you cannot come on your assigned night, please find a substitute. Bolded names are those people who have agreed to lead the davening.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
Rosenblatt 2 Bernotas 3 Bernotas 4 Bernotas 5 Bernotas 6Captain:Rosenblatt/Bernotas
Kollangi (1)Bakerman (1)Greenberg (1)
Malin (2) Sindell/Goffin(1)
Slavet (1)Sternklar (1)
Warsofsky (1)
Evans (1)Aubin/Segal (1)
Bernotas (1)Cherenson (1)Delaney (1)
Lustbader (1)Rothberg (1)
Sokolove (2)Brockman (1)
Feldman, M (1)Harsfield (1)Horowitz (1)Kradin (1)Lavine (1)
Lewis, H (1)Victorson (1)
Holmes (1) Litwack, D (2)Mikelson (1)Schulze (2)
Kaufman (1)Kramer (2)Lerner (2)
Shmishkiss (2)
9 10 11 12 13Captain:Janice
Halpern
CHANUKAH 2Rosenblatt (2)
Blonder (1)Hersh (1)
Matisoff (1)Rothkopf (1)
Snyderman (1)
CHANUKAH 3Burak (1)
Foreman, R (2)Foreman, W (2)Freedman, A (1)
Mayman (2)
CHANUKAH 4Halpern (2)
Brenner, M (1)Gray (2)
Kepnes (1)
CHANUKAH 5Berwald/Chism (1)
Jacobson (2)Kriger (1)Stein (1)
Wolicki (1)Zussman (1)
CHANUKAH 6Okun, C (1)Fleishman (1)
Freedmn/Katz(2)Kessel (1)
Rosenblatt 16 Levenson 17 Levenson 18 Levenson 19 Levenson 20Captain:Rosenblatt/Levenson
Frank, P (2)Kapln/Gldstn (1)
Langmead (2)Slavet (1)Tepper (1)
Cohen, Jon (1)Alpert/Fklston(2)
Lurie (1)Marglous (1)
Stein (1)
Sokolove (2)Holstein (1)
Hrshmn/Lloyd(1)Katz, H (1)
Rosenstein (1)Schlossberg (1)
Woolner (1)
Fishbon (1)Linsenberg (1)Sagotsky (1)
Shuman, Stephn (1)Zides (1)
Evans (1)Fleishman (1)
Kramer (2)Lerner (2)
Wolfe, S (1)
23 24 25 26 27Captain:
Alkalay (2)Leder (1)
Snyderman (2)Vishny (1)
CHRISTMAS EVE
Cohen, Jon (1)Burak (1)
Cohen, Janice (1)Feldman, G (1)
Myers (1)Russman (2)
CHRISTMASPaisner (2)Bernotas (1) Gordon (1)Kradin (1)Schulze (2)
Silverstein (1)
Kaufman (1) Heyman (1)Malin (2)Ring (1)
Rosenthal (1)
Diamond (2)Baseman (1)Kessel (1)
Shuman, I (2)Solomon (1)
30 31 Captain:
5th Week
Can you help?
NEW YEAR’S EVE
5th Week
Can you help?
December Minyan Schedule
Thank you for honoring your commitment to the minyan. If you cannot come on your assigned night, please find a substitute. Bolded names are those people who have agreed to lead the davening.
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