We would like to thank all those who worked so hard to make last weekend's annual Temple Aliyah Memorial Day weekend retreat at Camp Yavneh in New Hampshire a resounding success. Over 100 Temple members of all ages enjoyed a truly relaxing and spiritually up-lifting Shabbat. The food was delicious, davenning  outdoors on Shabbat morning was wonderful, and Havdallah under the stars on Saturday night was unforgettable. The weather cooperated, and Saturday afternoon at the Yavneh beach saw many people swimming, sunning, kayaking and canoeing. Best of all was the "free" time we had to sit and shmooze and get to know each other better. We look forward to seeing newcomers, as well as the "veterans" at Retreat 2011!
 
Laura Kaufman, Diane Marget, Rick Kramer and Sara Shapiro, Editors

For our last Minyan Shirah before we break for the summer months we have planned a service that will be a bit different. On Friday evening, June 18, musical instruments will accompany our Kabbalat Shabbat service.  What's this!  Musical instruments at a Friday evening service at Temple Aliyah? How can that be? 
 
Recently, in response to interest expressed by a number of congregants, Rabbi Perkins and our Ritual Committee discussed our traditional policy of refraining from the use of musical instruments on Shabbat, and ultimately decided to reaffirm it. However, during the summer months, our Friday evening service concludes well before candle-lighting time. Rabbi Perkins suggested, and the Ritual Committee has agreed, that we explore the use of musical instruments to accompany the early part of the Friday evening services (up to and including L'cha Dodi) during this part of the year. (This practice, which several congregations in our area and elsewhere employ, is consistent with traditional Jewish practice.) June 18 is the first of these occasions when we will experience instrumental accompaniment. Please feel free to join us.