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Congregation Shalom is a Reform Jewish community committed to education, spiritual growth, and Tikkun
Olam (healing the world). We are proud to be an extended family of equals - welcoming, caring, and inclusive.
Together, we engage in religious observance, enjoy social activities, and pursue life-long learning.
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 From our Rabbi
Dear Friends,
I have been distracted and pre-occupied, as I am sure so many of us have been, by the tragic happenings in Boston these past 8 days. Today is Monday, April 22, 2013, just one week after the bombing at the Boston Marathon. It has been a difficult week for all of us. I feel like there are so many ripples of reverberating hurt that no individual who lives in the greater Boston area can feel unmoved or changed by the surrealistic violence that has happened in our community.
I feel as though a modern day Dayenu is playing out in all of our heads and spirits.
- If there had only been the bombing, that would surely have been enough....
- Yet we learned that one of the bombers was an affable, well-liked teen who had been afforded all the benefits of a great public education in the heart of one of the most diverse, tolerant communities in all of America. .... Dayenu - that would surely have been enough.....
- Then there was the violence in Cambridge and Watertown last Thursday night and we were all glued to the news and the TV and we were flooded with feelings of confusion and fear..... Dayenu - that would surely have been enough......
- Then there was the unheard of experience of our entire, great city of Boston and surrounding areas becoming a shelter-in-place city as what seemed like an entire military force was operating in our very midst....Dayenu - that would surely have been enough.....
DAYENU..... It has surely been enough..... and so we are left with the need to reflect and question. We will want to learn about what actually happened: How could these two young men have become so radicalized? What were their motives? How could they have operated under the radar of law enforcement? How can we prevent such further violence? And, we are also left with more personal and existential questions: How can we heal as a community and as individuals? How will we respond to our children who feel like the world as they know it is falling apart? How will we cope with fear in a way that it does not dominate our lives? How do we go on living without the shadow of suspicion always being cast on those who are "different" from ourselves? How do we support the wounded, the hurt and the grieving?
Personally I feel like my greatest act of defiance in the face of these terrorist acts is to embrace the words of little Martin Richard - "No More Hurting People... Peace". For me faith is the decision to pursue this value even in the face of loss and violence and in doing so this young 8 year old boy will always be my guide.
I found comfort in the words of a prayer written by my colleague Rabbi Joe Black and I hope it offers you solace and inspiration as well.
Our God who dwells in the highest heights and in the souls of our feet: We find You in the passion of those who delight in testing and celebrating the power of their bodies:
The runners who push themselves to find new challenges in the rhythm of the road and the camaraderie of the race;The doctors, medics, police, fire fighters and bystanders whose dedication to humanity drives them to run into the fray - towards the bruised and bloodied bodies in the streets.
On this day of destruction, we need to remember that the race is not for the swift; there is no finish line for those who seek a better world.
Neither bombs, nor blood, not death, nor destruction can deter us from running, O God. We run to You. We run towards a vision of perfection that is always in our sights. We run determined to never allow hatred to obscure Your presence. We run to build a better world. Be with those who have lost loved ones on this tragic day. Send comfort and healing to the injured and the maimed. Heal them - heal us all - body and soul - as we strive to find You.
Give us hope.
Help us to use our arms, our legs, our breath, our determination to unite in a common purpose. In our grief may we find the strength to keep on running.
Amen.
L'shalom,  Shoshana Perry Return to top. 
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 From our President
Dear Friends:
It is time once again for our Annual Meeting - Sunday, May 19. In an attempt to reach out to more members, we are making a few minor changes to our usual meeting routine. The meeting will be held earlier than usual, 4:30 p.m., in order to allow those members with younger children at home to attend. We also intend to offer babysitting at the temple during the meeting.
From 4:30 until approximately 5:10, we will be holding a "wine and cheese" social gathering. We hope that a little fellowship and goodwill to start off the meeting will strengthen ties within the community and offer some opportunity to see old friends and build relationships with new ones.
Finally, we will discuss the ongoing business of the temple at the meeting itself. We will review our finances for the past year, vote on a budget for the 2013-2014 fiscal year, evaluate our plans for upkeep of our physical plant, and vote on a slate of officers and trustees.
We will continue to publish the agenda, president's report and committee reports in the "members only" section of the temple website prior to the meeting so that all members can be properly informed of pertinent issues prior to the meeting.
I hope to see each and every member at the meeting, on Sunday, May 19th at 4:30.
L'Shalom, 
Stephen
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 From Our Education Director
I simply cannot believe that May is upon us and with that we will all be a part of the last day of both Religious and Hebrew School for this year. For every child this is the end of one journey and the next step on a journey going forward. Whether you are in preschool moving to kindergarten or you are in 12th grade going to college, we are all part of an ongoing Jewish voyage that will hopefully offer new ways to learn and grow. With this in mind, May is an exciting month filled with wonderful opportunities to bring your children to a series of community celebrations outside of their Wednesday and Sunday classes. I feel like May offers our students the chance to reflect on the past and to take a glimpse into the future.
On Friday May 3rd, our High School 12th graders will graduate from our Congregation Shalom school (some after 15 years) and will embark on the next steps in their Jewish lives. Several of the students will share their experiences and their reflections from the past few years. It is a unique and special opportunity to hear about our teenagers as they stand on the bridge between their high school world and a whole new world that awaits them next year. I want to encourage the whole community to come and support our young adults as we reflect on where they have been and dream about where they are going.
On Friday May 10th, we get to look back on the past year and to celebrate the invaluable dedication that our teachers and Madrichim have shown towards our students. Our Teacher Appreciation Shabbat gives us the chance to show our support and appreciation for our very dedicated teaching staff. At the same time, we will hear our wonderful Makhela sing a few songs for us. Without the time, dedication and commitment of our teaching staff, our school would not be the warm and nurturing place it is.
On Friday May 17th, we will celebrate a special Shabbat led by our Confirmation class. They offer us the unique perspective of teenagers who have reached a milestone somewhere between Bnei Mitzvah and college and it is at this exciting time of learning, questioning and grappling with their Jewish identity that we are invited to celebrate a Shabbat with our 10th grade class. The 10th graders have created a service that reflects both where they have come from and where they hope to be going. The Confirmation class has worked hard to reach this important milestone and we encourage everyone to share in this simcha with them
May is truly a wonderful and meaningful time for all of our school and I hope that we will all come together not only on these three special Shabbats but also again for Mitzvah Day on June 2nd. Mitzvah Day affords each family the opportunity to be a part of a hands-on experience where we are able to put the values of Tikkun Olan (repairing the world) into action.
Martin Buber, a famous Jewish philosopher said, "All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware." I hope that everyone will travel with us to these wonderful spiritual destinations and that together we will all learn new things each step of the way.
 Yael Return to top. |
Social Action Committee
Mitzvah Day 2013 is on Sunday, June 2!
It is spring, and that means that Social Action is busy planning Mitzvah Day 2013. We welcome help from any members! Come to our next meeting at 7:00 on May 21 to learn more about projects you could lead, or other ways you could help support this beloved annual tradition of tikkun olam at Congregation Shalom.
We are planning many projects for all ages. On site we are planning children's craft mitzvot, collections of clothing, toys, and other items, and grounds work. Off site we will be volunteering on various projects at the Senior Center, Community Gardens, and Paul Center in Chelmsford, House of Hope in Lowell, and McElligott playground in Westford. Our temple website will have more details on the projects and how to sign up shortly. Shelter food coordinator needed Marilyn and Bob Frank are retiring from coordinating Congregation Shalom's monthly food donation to the Middlesex Transitional Living Center in Lowell. We are looking for someone who would like to make this mitzvah a part of their life going forward. For more information about this opportunity, please contact Social Action at socialaction@congregationshalom.org. Volunteer to serve at Table of Plenty in Chelmsford
Every 8 weeks, Congregation Shalom members volunteer to help serve food to those in need at the Table of Plenty in Chelmsford. If you are interested in volunteering at our next serving date on May 14, please contact us at socialaction@congregationshalom.org.
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| Fundraising News
Not Just For Women
On May 8th, 2013 at 7:30 PM, we are honored to have June Hersh join us for a wonderful evening of remarkable stories and a celebration of survival. June has gathered authentic recipes from survivors of the Holocaust. Congregation Shalom and Nashoba Valley Hadassah have joined together to bring this free program to you. June will tell us how this amazing cookbook came about. It is not just a book of recipes but a book of hope and survival. Dessert and coffee will be served while June autographs your very own book called Recipes Remembered - A Celebration of Survival. All desserts will be made from recipes found in this very special cookbook.
All profits from the book sales will be shared equally among Hadassah, Congregation Shalom and the Museum of Jewish Heritage in NY. Please join us for this wonderful evening. Books can be preordered or bought that night. Click here for more information or to preorder a book. June makes not a cent on these books; her goal is to help us understand what the survivors had gone through for their heritage.
Anyone interested in helping to make this event a success by providing a dessert (we will give you a recipe to follow that is from the book), helping to set up or finish up, please contact Laura at fundraising@congregationshalom.org.
Guess What's Coming!
Within the next week or two, you will notice another container next to the Paper Retriever. This one is for books, CDs, DV's, audio books, and records. The new GotBooks.Com container, with our name on it, also collects all kinds of clothing as well as accessories, backpacks and totes. NO mattresses, bed frames, furniture, appliances. If you have a question about what is acceptable, just email fundraising@congregationshalom.org for answers. Of course we make money on this, so go through your bookcases and use the book container for the books you no longer want or those that your children have outgrown. After these books are sorted, they go to various places as donations, including overseas.
Now when you are dropping off your old newspapers at the Paper Retriever, you can drop off books as well as outgrown or no longer "liked" clothing at the GotBooks container.
The container is here and READY FOR YOUR BOOKS!
L'Shalom,
Laura
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Important Reminder - SHALOMAPALOOZA !!
Shalomapalooza returns to Congregation Shalom on Sunday, June 8th, 2013, beginning at 7:00 PM. Our emcee, once again, is Rosanne Riddick, our "Hostess with the Mostest!" This special musical evening includes performances by: our younger Makhela and our High School students' Choirs, both under the direction of David Smerling; our Adult Choir, under the direction of Thom Lissey; and our talented Klezmer group, Shpiel. You will be wonderfully entertained throughout the evening and -- THIS IS ALL FREE AND INCLUDES REFRESHMENTS !!!!
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Nominating Committee Report
The Nominating Committee is proud to present the slate for next year's board, to be voted on at the annual meeting. We'd like to thank all the nominees for their willingness to serve.
President: Stephen Rodman (renomination)
Vice President: Tamar Wexler (renomination)
2nd Vice President: Brad Friedlander (renomination)
Treasurer: Fran Hirschel (2nd year of 2 year term)
Trustee: Robert Janoschek (renomination)
Trustee - Audrey Desrochers
Trustee - David Penn
Trustee - Roseanne Riddick
The remaining officers are David Benningson, who will be serving out the second year of a 2-year term as Recording Secretary, and Liz Denly, who will be serving out the second year of a 2-year term as Corresponding Secretary. The additional 4 Trustee seats are held by Cris Shuldiner, David Brother, Deb Muhlfelder, and Richard Karpeles, who will each be serving the second year of their 2-year term.
- The Nominating Committee: Cris Shuldiner, Liz Denly, Roger Loyer, Katie Wolman, and Margie Lotto
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Take the Challenge,
Do Your Share For the Environment
The 'Jews and the Environment' Chai School elective class want to challenge our synagogue community to an environmental awareness challenge. Between Earth Day, April 22nd and Mitzvah Day, June 2nd, we have 18 tasks that would help the environment. These are: 1) Use lunch boxes or reuse brown paper bags 2) Don't leave equipment plugged in 3) Use reusable bottles instead of throw-away water bottles, or reuse water bottles 4) Try to carpool instead of driving alone 5) Walk instead of driving short distances 6) Keurig cups-reuse, recycle, or get one that can be refilled 7) Read online newspapers instead of paper ones. If you can't, recycle the newspapers 8) Use rechargeable batteries instead of throw-away ones 9) Dispose of batteries and light bulbs appropriately Fluorescents can be dropped off on the first Wed of the month at Chelmsford Town Hall; small ones can be dropped outside their office anytime. Batteries can also be dropped off at any time. 10) Don't leave chargers plugged in 11) Bring reusable bags for shopping and recycle bags by reusing them 12) Recycle electronics by bringing them to Mitzvah Day 13)Do not let cars idle 14) Turndown the thermostats in homes (to 65 degrees) 15) Drop off unused medicines for disposal so they aren't flushed into our water stream 16) Reuse plastic containers 17) Electronic drop off instead of throwing them out 18) Eyeglass drop off instead of throwing them away This list is on the bulletin board in a checklist format. We have numbered the lists so we know how many people have taken them and we ask that they are returned on or around Mitzvah Day so we can publish the results in our newsletter. We hope you will all try to do this challenge to help the environment! If you have any questions, please email rabbiassistant@congregationshalom.org .
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Sh'leimut: A Jewish Approach to Integrating Body, Mind and Spirit
This year our Sunday morning adult education program offers opportunities to explore the integration of body, mind and spirit. Each week we will focus on a different element both from a study perspective as well as an experiential perspective. You can choose to participate in all three types of classes or pick and choose the ones you are most interested in. We hope you will find the experience meaningful! For more information, please click here. Return to top. |
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Groups
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Extended Family Activities
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Quick Links
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******
Annual Meeting
****** SUNDAY, MAY 19 AT 4:30 IN THE SANCTUARY
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Confirmation Service - Time Change
Our Confirmation Service this year will be on Friday night May 17th. Please note the time will be at 7:00 pm. |
Temple Recycling Program
Over the past several years, our Social Action committee has worked hard to help our community "go green." We now use CFLs to light our building, we have a paper recycling dumpster in our parking lot, and we have expanded our gardens and landscaping in an environmentally friendly manner. We have also instituted a recycling program wherein members volunteer on a weekly basis to take home our recyclables, combine them with their own personal items, and recycle them in their own municipality. Over the past two-plus years, the same five members have volunteered their time to make this recycling effort effective. They need a break! We are looking for eight members who can take over this recycling program. It would simply require you to take our temple recyclables home with you on a Sunday once every other month. If you think you can lend a hand, please email me at president@congregationshalom.org. |
Good & Welfare
We are very sad to tell you that Brian Howard passed away on April 2nd, a few weeks following the death of his wife Tammy. Brian is the son of Terry and Phyllis Howard, the brother of Jason Howard and Jennifer Heater, and brother-in-law of Gavin Heater. We send our heart-felt condolences to the entire family. We write also the sad news that Marie Wikander, the mother of our member Fred Wikander, died on April 9th. Our heart-felt condolences go to the family. |
We are incredibly grateful for the support, kindness, generosity, and prayers of the entire Congregation Shalom family. You have made dealing with Stephanie's lung issues easier for us, and words cannot express our appreciation. The prayers and well wishes have been very powerful. The meals were a great help to us when we needed them. The rides to all of the medical appointments have made life much easier. The generosity in giving supermarket gift cards has been overwhelming and is helping a lot with the financial impact of Stephanie's current needs. Thank you all.
On a related note, we unfortunately lost track of which Tupperware belongs to who. However, we have it all and would love to return it. If we have your Tupperware, please contact us so we can get it back to you.
Many, many thanks,
Stephanie Gallagher & Jon Libby
We are thankful to all in our Congregation Shalom family who made donations to celebrate the birth of our granddaughter, Julia Isabel Hyatt. You have increased our joy by sharing in it.
Mitch and Joanne Hyatt
The Howard/Heater family would like to thank everyone for their kind words and loving support following the recent loss of our son Brian and daughter-in-law Tammy. Dear Congregation Shalom family, We are so grateful for all your heartfelt messages of condolence and support, surrounding us with love at this difficult time. We cannot express how much they have meant to us. Your kind words, thoughts and prayers are deeply appreciated. Thank you. Nancy and Larry Mizen Thank you to everyone who helped to make my Bat Mitzvah in March a wonderful day. Also, thank you to the Temple community for your generosity, contributions and thoughtfulness. I appreciated all your good wishes and kindness. My Bat Mitzvah was a special day. Thank you again, Abigail Morrissey
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May Birthdays
Dylan Hunt Steven Janoschek Rachel M. Stein Matthew Rosenstein Inanna Shannon Alexa Klamka Alexandra Nazario Spencer Emery Evans-Cole Jonathan Brody Joseph Pofcher Noah Solomon Daniel Newman Hannah Rosenstein Malarie Charron Jacob Galvin Samuel Bernstein Daniel Reid Levine Cole William Rodman Jordan Harris Rodman Joshua Mooiweer Nathan Morrissey Saul Jason Schwartz Daniel Vasilevsky Alexa Tanzer Benjamin Smith Sarah Brown Aidan O'Connell
יום הולדת שמח |
Yahrzeits
5/10/13
Nettie Bernstein
Doris Halpern
Lillian Indorf
Marcia Kasowitz
Morley Kert
Albert Picard
Janice Riseman
Frances Sudhalter
5/17/13
Esther Heckel
Maria Hupke
Norman Josett Sr.
William Kaitz
Linda Kaknes
Nancy Lev
Alexander Salgo
Louis Shamesman
5/24/13
Martin Ames
Edward Brown
Pearl Kurland
Michelle Moarin
Eva Salgo
Joseph Singer
Ida Weisberger
5/31/13
Harold Goldstein
Harold Goldstein
Minnie Helfman
Etta Kerzner
Leonard Lewin
Beverly Matson
Irving Park
Lawrence Stempler
Faith Ward
Please contact Joan LaRochelle for all Yahrzeit matters. |
| Newsletter Ads and You!
We are always looking for advertisers for the Temple newsletter. Ads can be placed at any time with special pricing for members. Ads need not be for a year so if you want to try us, we take ads for 3 months as well as six months. If you decide to continue your ad for a full year, we do pro-rate the price. As the saying goes, "Try us, you'll like us!"
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| Youth Scholarships Available
Throughout the year, there are many enriching Jewish experiences available to our youth through our synagogue or the community. These include but aren't limited to summer camps and trips to Washington, New York, and Israel. Fortunately, there is some scholarship money available through the temple to those families in need of financial assistance for these opportunities. Please contact Margie Berenson at scholarship@congregationshalom.org with any questions and/or for an application form.
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Changed Your Address?
Notify us at emailchange@congregationshalom.org and we'll make sure all the right organizations at the Temple are informed. Please include your full name in your request.
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Donate to Congregation Shalom
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Reminder - Based on IRS rules, donations made to the Rabbi's Discretionary Fund should be written directly to "Rabbi Perry's Discretionary Fund". |
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Sisterhood News
We hope everyone had a happy Passover! Now we can look forward to warm weather and flowers blooming.
Our Sisterhood retreat was a big success! There were about 33 of us this year and everyone had a great time. Sue Horowitz provided beautiful music again and the retreat organizers did a great job with the programming, which was based on "food for thought". We partook in a chocolate seder and had many discussions on food and what it means for the Jewish people both in times past and today. This year was my (Katie's) first time attending the retreat and it was such a nice weekend. It felt so good to be around such a great group of women of different ages, most of us at different stages in our lives, and have such a great time together. If you have never been to a retreat and are considering it for next year, I highly recommend it. Thanks to Rabbi Perry for leading us on this spiritual weekend, to Janet Dubner for organizing all the logistics of the weekend and for helping to plan the events, and to Susan McHugh and Lynne Rothstein for helping to plan and lead the events of the weekend.
Dr. Koven's talk "Beyond the Broccoli" was well attended and enjoyed by all. She is an accomplished primary care physician with a great sense of humor. She had the whole audience laughing many times throughout her talk and I think people found it to be very helpful information. If you are interested in learning how to stay healthy over 50, you can buy her book titled Chicken Soup for the Soul: Say Hello to a Better Body! Weight Loss and Fitness for Women over 50.
If you would like to join our board, we still have openings for a programming chairperson and an oneg supply chairperson. In addition, Janet Dubner is looking for someone to help her organize next year's retreat. If you are interested in being on our board or working with Janet next year, please contact us at sisterhood@congregationshalom.org. We are always looking for new ideas and we would welcome new women onto the board and into these roles.
Please save the date on your calendar for "Dinner with the Rabbi" which will take place on Tuesday, May 21st, 6:30 p.m. at the temple. Based on feedback we have received from some of our members, the dinner course will be catered this year. We hope you will be able to join us!
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Brotherhood Buzz
The rumors of our demise have been greatly exaggerated. For those who have still not cracked the mystery of the month (April, that is) the Congregation Shalom Brotherhood is alive and kicking. In fact, May brings us to two of our favorite events ..... on Sunday, May 5th is our annual meeting - where we re-cap the year and vote for our new Board.
At the time of writing, there are still a couple of vacancies on our Board. So if spring-time is giving you the itch to get involved, please drop a note to brotherhood@congregationshalom.org , or just come to our annual meeting!
Later in May, we'll descend on Linger Longer By the Sea on Cape Cod for our annual Brotherhood retreat. Good weather or not, it's always a great time, and one of the reasons things are sunnier in the 'Hood.
Of course regular billiards and poker games also continue in May, along with Guy's Night Out (this week). For more information on these or any other activities, you can always check the brotherhood calendar or drop a note to brotherhood@congregationshalom.org. Have a great spring!
Click here to view the Brotherhood calendar at our Congregation Shalom website.
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Shalomite News
Hello everyone!
As the school year comes to a close, we still have lots of fun Shalomites events coming up! On May 4-5 Shalomites juniors and seniors will be going to URJ Eisner camp for NFTY-NE's Senior Kallah and saying goodbye to the seniors. It's the seniors last ever NFTY event, so it's gonna be an emotional one! On Friday, May 3rd there is a Shabbat graduation service for all graduating seniors. Everyone should try to attend and say goodbye to the class of 2013!
The Walk for Hunger is May 5th in Boston, spots are still available to go, and if nobody signs up by Friday, Shalomites can't go! It's a wonderful cause and a fantastic event so PLEASE consider walking!! If you are interested contact Rachel Hantman!
The pre-slating meeting for future board members is on Tuesday, May 14, and it will explain all the positions and the slating procedure. If you are interested please attend at 7pm!
Any Shalomites who want to slate must have their slating letters in by Friday, May 17th.
On May 19th join Shalomites in rekindling your inner child! This fun event will feature Nicktoons, dinosaur chicken nuggets, and fingerpainting! More details coming soon!
Save the date: June 9th is going to be the Shalomites final event, Six Flags!!
That's it for now! Stay classy Congregation Shalom.
Olivia Rose
President
Click here to view the Shalomites calendar at our Congregation Shalom website.
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Junior Youth Group
Hello parents of 5th, 6th, and 7th grade students! The goal of this group is to have a place outside of temple where kids can get to know each other better while doing fun things! Hope to see you soon. Beth Shapiro Jr. Youth Group Coordinator Return to top.
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 Lowell Transitional Shelter (Middlesex Shelter)
Food Contributions... ...are due at the Franks' house by 4 PM on Friday, May 17th. This month the food should be meatloaves and/or brownies. Leave food in the blue ice chest at the front of the driveway starting Wednesday. For more information contact ritual@congregationshalom.org. Thank you!
We are looking for someone interested in assuming the mitzvah of getting food to the Lowell Transitional Shelter each month. It doesn't take much time, but it is a once-a-month commitment each month all year. We do it in conjunction with St. Mark's in Westford. They bring their contributions to the Franks house now. Bob and Marilyn Frank have done this for 30 years. It would really be perfect if we could find such a volunteer from Westford. |
 Book Group
The Congregation Shalom book group invites all who are interested in a stimulating evening of book review, discussion and fellowship to attend our book group meetings. On Monday, May 13, we will meet at the home of Esther and Fred Wikander. The book discussion for that evening will be In the Garden of the Beasts by Erik Larson. Return to Extended Family links.
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Library Latest
Book Review of The Jewish Book of Why by Alfred J. Kolatch Rabbi Kolatch was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. From 1941 to 1948 he served as a rabbi of congregations in South Carolina, New York, and in the US Army as a chaplain. He has authored more than a dozen books. This book is not meant to "advise Jews how to conduct their lives" but rather "to explain the reasoning behind the practices that are followed". For example, why do Jews cast crumbs into a stream on the first day of Rosh Hashanah? Why do Jews leave stones on a tombstone? Why does a groom break a glass at a wedding? The book covers all aspects of Jewish life including marriage, death and mourning, dietary laws, synagogue rituals, and specific holiday practices. Kolatch makes a quick summary of history and describes how Jewish practices have been influenced by outside, including Gentile, practices. I love the way this book is organized. It is extremely easy to read. If you have a question about Shabbat, you simply turn to the Shabbat section, or look in the index for your specific question. Also, the questions and answers are short and to the point. I was not surprised that I knew some of the answers, but I was surprised at how much I didn't know, or at about how much I was mistaken! It was interesting to me how many traditions stemmed from the fear of ghosts or evil spirits, and the rituals were designed to keep them away! For example, although there are several explanations for the groom breaking a glass at a wedding, including the sorrow over the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, another explanation is that it was believed that demons are intent upon destroying the happiness of the new couple and that the most effective deterrent to demons is noise, including that of breaking a glass. To the question: Why to do those who attend a funeral wash their hands after the burial? One answer is connected with the ancient practice of purification after being in close proximity to the dead. The other answer is connected to the ancient belief that demons follow the dead and hover around graves, so the mourners must purify themselves. A last example is: Why do small bells hang on the Torah crown? One answer is that the robe worn by the High Priest was decorated with golden bells. Another explanation is that it was believed that evil spirits are warded off by the noise of bells. There were traditions that I always knew, but didn't know the history of why. For example: Why are people discouraged from sending flowers to Jewish funerals? According to the Talmud, the purpose of flowers and spices was to offset the odor of a decaying body. The practice of sending flowers to funerals was common among non-Jews, who kept their dead for longer periods before burial. Jewish law demands immediate burial, and flowers were discouraged to encourage a distinction between Jewish and non-Jewish practices. Flowers are not forbidden by Jewish law. A final question: Why are the Sabbath challot covered with a decorative cloth? The Sabbath has been compared to a bride. Just as the veil of the bride is removed after the blessings under the canopy, so are the challot "unveiled" after the blessing is recited. Who knew? Submitted by Rhonda Waxman Return to Extended Family links.
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Attention M O C A*s
(*Members Of a Certain Age)
To All MOCAs, new and older, Greetings! Here is our schedule for 2012-2013...please mark your calendars.
MOCA's purpose is to help Members Of a Certain Age (you decide the age!) maintain an active association with the congregation and with other M O C As.We attend a Shabbat service and, before or after the service, meet for dinner at a nearby restaurant. Do plan to join us.
This year our remaining meeting will be at the Feng Shui restaurant on the following Shabbat (Friday evening):
June 7, 2013 - 6:00 PM Installation Shabbat at 8:00 PM
Do mark your calendars and plan to join us!
At the Feng Shui restaurant, the MOCA group will have a private room, food will be ordered from the regular menu, and the management will give us separate checks per individual or couple.
Please contact Ethel Kamien if you would like to be added to the MOCA list or if you desire more information. Her email address is moca@congregationshalom.org.
Your MOCA Co-Chairs, Ethel Kamien and Richard Price
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We Care!
We care what is going on in your life - keep us informed. Please let Rabbi Perry or Caring Committee Chair Margie Lotto know if there has been a death in your family, an illness, or if you are simply in need. Please contact Rabbi Perry at 978-251-8515 or at rabbi@congregationshalom.org, or contact Margie Lotto at caringchair@congregationshalom.org.
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Turn Your Shopping Into Cash!
If you shop at Hannaford, Donelan's or Stop & Shop, then donating to Congregation Shalom has never been easier. Order a gift card from the Temple and not only do you get the value of the card purchased, but Congregation Shalom gets a 7% bonus (5% back from the stores and 2% from the credit card purchase).
Gift cards can be purchased by calling Gail Brother or emailing giftcards@congregationshalom.org. Cards will also now be available at the Temple on Sundays during the religious school year.
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Caring Yarns
Caring Yarns is a Congregation Shalom program that provides Misheberach afghans for temple members undergoing treatment for serious illness or who have significant family crisis. Several times a year we meet to teach knitting and crocheting and to share patterns and friendship.
If you already knit and/or crochet and would like to make squares, this is what you will need: worsted weight acrylic yarn in any shade of blue or pure white (please, no off white). Variegated blue/white combinations are fine. Squares should measure 10" x 10". We usually use size 8 knitting needles or crochet hook H or J.
If you have any questions or would like to learn how to knit or crochet so you can participate in this activity, please contact Janet Dubner at caringyarns@congregationshalom.org.
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 Helping Hand Fund
Congregaiton Shalom is a community of people who care about each other. This fund's purpose is to offer interest-free loans to members who are in need of support with such things as health insurance, rent, food, etc. When the money is returned, it goes back into the fund to lend to others. Please do not hesitate to call Rabbi Perry at 978-251-8515 if you would like to inquire about a loan from the Fund. All of the inquiries will be kept strictly confidential. |
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 Zelman Kamien Tree of Life Fund
Our new Tree of Life will fill up quickly with your help. If you would like to contribute a leaf in commemoration of family life cycle events such as Births, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Weddings, Anniversaries, Birthdays, and In Memory of loved ones, please contact Gayle Hurd at treeoflife@congregationshalom.org .
Click here for more information and a form for ordering a Leaf.
Return to Quick Links.
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Remembrance Cards
If you would like to send a special card to friends and family for life cycle events or "In memory" of a loved one, sending a Congregation Shalom Remembrance card is a wonderful, thoughtful, and convenient way to let others know that you are thinking of them.
We are offering several ways in which to purchase these cards.
1) For sale in packages of 5 cards for $20, or 11 cards for $40.
2) You can enroll in our Automatic Remembrance Program, where your cards will be sent to members automatically. With this option, you enjoy the convenience of having remembrance cards sent out in your name without having to remember to contact anyone at the time of the event. When you enroll in this program, please specify what life cycle events you want recognized with a donation card, as well as which members you want to be included in your mailings. The cost of all card purchases will be reflected on your Temple bill.
3) Individual remembrances can also be sent by phoning or emailing Jane at the contact info below. The $4 charge will be added to your bill.
In this age of e-mails, text messages, and voice mail, remembrance cards are a welcoming and personal way to respond to a life cycle event, and your contributions help to defray Congregational expenses.
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iGive for Congregation Shalom
Have you ever thought how great it would be to be able to shop online at 783 different well-known stores and still donate money to Congregation Shalom? Well, you can do that! It's free and easy so join those of us who have been sending donations to the synagogue for years simply by shopping by first going to the iGive website once you have established the link. Click here to register for Congregation Shalom to automatically be the recipient cause. If you make a purchase through iGive within 45 days of signing up, an extra $5.00 will go to Congregation Shalom. If you have any questions, please contact Laura at fundraising@congregationshalom.org. |
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 Our Member Directory is Here!
View or download it from the secure Members section (About Us, For Our Members) of our website. You must be logged in using your username and password to see it.
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 Oneg Shabbat Assignments Congregation Shalom has a tradition of all member families hosting two Onegs each year. Hosting an Oneg includes ALL of the following responsibilities:
- Bringing baked goods or fruit (to serve 15-20) to the service, AND
- Doing set-up, and/or clean-up with the other Oneg hosts for the service. (You'll receive instructions by regular mail, then a reminder e-mail.) Your Captain may choose to split set-up and clean-up duties among the participants, or have everyone help for the entire Oneg. AND
- Finding replacement hosts for your assigned dates should you later want to change your date.
If you are a newer member you will be placed with experienced members who will introduce you to the procedures. One host family serves as Captain (indicated by asterisk) for each Oneg.
Thank you for your service to the Temple, The Oneg Committee, Caren Boroshok and Pat & Rick Karpeles.
Due to the fact that we have several children in the congregation who have severe allergies to peanuts and tree nuts, we have instituted a policy for all Oneg food. Please do not bring any items to the Temple that contain these ingredients.
To report changes if you swap assignments with another member
(so it can be corrected in our database to send e-mail reminders) please send e-mail to: oneg@congregationshalom.org. On-line Oneg look-up facility lists all families/dates currently assigned.
-- OR -- You can sort by event to see assignments by DATE
(useful to find someone with
whom to swap assignments).
Log in to the Congregation Shalom Website using your personal login information. Go to
May 3 - 6:15 pm Tot Shabbat -Chandler W&E*, Kaplan, Miranda & Stewart-Miranda, Wolman
May 3 - 8 pm Adult Shabbat - Chai SchoolBrown, Desrochers, Lerman, Riddick, Riseman, Valleley
May 10 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - David Smerling Teacher RecognitionMackillop & Rabinowitz*, Denly, Goldberg, Lee, Weiner, Weintraub & Spiro
May 17 - 7 pm Adult Shabbat - David Smerling - ConfirmationRose*, Graff, Levine, Miller C&S, Muhlfelder, Myers, Penn
May 24 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Memorial Day weekendWorden*, Fidler, Gilmore, Indorf
May 31 - 8 pm Adult Shabbat -Desrochers, Hamilton, Nahabedian, Sevici
Jun 7 - 6:15 pm Tot Shabbat -Maltby*, Jeffrey & Goodman, Menaker
Jun 7 - 8 pm MOCA Shabbat - David Smerling Board InstallationRubinstein*, Eisenhandler, Levi, Matson, Raichek, Shapiro B
Jun 14 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - David SmerlingMorrissey J&D*, Kaufman, Richmond, Shapiro M&E, Skolnick
Jun 21 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat -Boerman & Shaponick*, Burton, Graff, Grier, Starr
Jun 28 - 8 pm Adult Shabbat -Kampner, Orlinsky, Pitts & Rosenthal, Stempler, Zeichick
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Extended Community
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From Nashoba Valley Hadassah....
Rummage Sale Information
Nashoba Valley Hadassah will be having a Rummage Sale on Sunday, May 5th from 10-4 at the Tahattawan Masonic Lodge, 310 King St, Littleton, MA.
We will need the following items in clean, respectable and working condition:
- clothing and shoes for all ages (no underwear)
- household goods (small appliances in working condition, bedding, towels, dishes, pots & pans)
- sports equipment. (no old skis or outdated equipment)
- books, games and toys (not broken or incomplete, no stuffed animals)
We will also need sturdy child and adult hangers, pants/skirt hangers, and paper bags with handles.
Drop off for the items will be Thursday, May 2 from 5-9
Friday, May 3 from 4-7
Saturday, May 4 from 7-9
A signed tax donation form will be provided. Donor is responsible for completing it.
To be successful, help is needed for drop off, day of the sale, and for publicity. High school students can receive volunteer hours for their time.
Please click here to sign up. Please contact either Judy Salant at (978) 266-1139 or jssalant@aol.com, or Donna Brock at (978) 371-8084 or grandefrommage@att.net with any questions or if you can help.
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Concord Orchestra Pops
Enjoy a spring evening or afternoon with friends at the Concord Orchestra Pops, featuring baritone soloist and violinist Jeffrey Korn performing music of George Gershwin and Aaron Lebedeff, a star of Yiddish theater. Mr. Korn will perform Aaron Lebedeff's most familiar composition, Rumenye, Rumenye. There will be table seating with refreshments and a cash bar and a sing along with Mr. Korn leading music from My Fair Lady. The concerts also feature Veronica Kenney, principal oboe, playing Handel's Oboe Concerto No. 3 in G Minor, as well as music by Dvorak, Bernard Hoffer, Sibelius, and Saint-Saens.
Concerts are at the Performing Arts Center at 51 Walden, Concord, MA on Friday, May 17 at 8:00 pm; Saturday, May 18 at 8:00 pm; and Sunday, May 19 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for senior citizens and $10 for students. Groups of twelve or more receive a discount. For tickets and information, call 978-369-4967 or visit www.concordorchestra.com.
Mitzvah Corps
Hands-on Social Justice Service Program for Teens
Mitzvah Corps is the Reform Movement's community service and service learning program for high school students.
Our programs serve as the bridge connecting Reform teens with transformative social action opportunities. Teens spend between 2-6 weeks volunteering with organizations providing hands-on experiences and a deeper understanding of the major issues facing their communities. They build meaningful relationships while obtaining and expanding the skills to play an active role in making our world a better place.
We're excited to be returning to Costa Rica, New Orleans and New Jersey this summer!
Additionally, this summer - for the first time ever, Mitzvah Corps will offer:
- Two 3-week sessions of Urban Mitzvah Corps in New Jersey in addition to the traditional 6-week program
- Mitzvah Corps Nicaragua - an exciting 10 day adventure in a rapidly growing region
- Shorter program options, inviting teens to participate in multiple Mitzvah Corps experiences in the same summer
Please visit our website for more detailed information about the Mitzvah Corps family of programs and what they can offer your teens.
If you would like to request brochures please fill out our online request form or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 212-650-4071 or mitzvahcorps@urj.org. You can also view a copy of our brochure online.
From Camp Young Judaea.... Phyllis Shulman, an alumni representative from Camp Young Judaea in Amherst, NH, is trying to find campers from past years who may wish to re-connect to the camp community and find out about all the exciting plans ahead.
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From the Merrimack Valley Jewish Federation....
Jewish Film Festival 2013
Sunday, May 5, 2013 3:30PM - 7:15 PM
Osgood Landing, 1580 Osgood Street, North Andover (South Entrance)
The Other Son 
As he prepares to join the Israeli army for his national service, Joseph discovers he is not his parents' biological son, but that he was inadvertently switched at birth with Yassin, the son of a Palestinian family from the West Bank. This revelation turns the lives of these two families upside-down, forcing them to reassess their respective identities, their values and their beliefs. "Can your son, the one you brought up, ever stop being your son? Can the "other" be any less your son? Or, as Joseph asks, "am I still Jewish?"
In Hebrew, French and Arabic with English subtitles.
Hava Nagila (The Movie) 
"Infectious! Vastly Entertaining!" Hava Nagila (The Movie) is a documentary romp through the history, mystery and meaning of the great Jewish standard. Featuring interviews with Harry Belafonte, Leonard Nimoy, Connie Francis, Glen Campbell, and more, the film follows the ubiquitous party song on its fascinating journey from the shtetls of Eastern Europe to the kibbutzim of Palestine to the cul-de-sacs of America. High on fun and entertainment, Hava Nagila is also surprisingly profound, tapping into universal themes about the importance of joy, the power of music and the resilient spirit of a people.
"Fascinating! A fun and fanciful frolic."
Call 978-688-0466 for info. Purchase tickets at www.mvjf.org.
General Admission $18 Films
Camp Hadar 
A Quality Jewish Day Camp at an Affordable Price
Captain's Pond, Salem NH
Co-ed Day Camp, Ages 4-16
New for 2013!
- Now Offering Transportation from centrally located bus stops in Chelmsford and Andover, MA AND Nashua and Manchester, NH guaranteed for the entire summer at NO ADDITIONAL FEE!
- Complete renovation of ALL camper cabins.
- Paddle Boarding, the new waterfront craze.
- An expanded Jewish Artist-In-Resident Program, including: Israeli Dancing, Jewish Story Telling, and the return of Jon Nelson and our Rockin' Shabbat program.
Register by April 30, 2013 and receive up to 15% off your total tuition!
Visit camphadar.org for more info and to register today.
Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/camphadar and on Twitter @camphadar
Save the Date: Open House
Sunday, May 19th from 12pm-2pm
94 Hooker Farm Rd Salem, NH
Israeli Folk Dancing in the Merrimack Valley
Every Sunday Night 7:00-8:15 pm at 1580 Osgood Street, North Andover (Osgood Landing, South Entrance). Open to all ages and levels, beginners welcome, no partner needed. $2 per person. For more information, contact Anne Schwartz, 781-942-3659, anne.israelidancer@gmail.com.
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Spiritual Poetry Journal
"Soul-Lit" is a new on-line spiritual poetry journal. A number of entries have been from Jews and have Jewish content. Writers are encouraged to submit their own poems which have a level of spiritual content to them. Two volumes have already been published.
To check out the website, please click here.
Please spread the word to members of the community who are writers / poets, and who may wish to submit their own writings.
Birthright Israel
Nearly 300,000 participants from across the globe have visited Israel on a 10-day educational trip with their peers through Taglit-Birthright Israel. Most participants say that the trip was a "life-changing experience" that made them feel closer to Israel and to their Jewish heritage.
The trip is for Jewish young adults ages 18-26 yrs. The Taglit-Birthright Israel gift covers round trip airfare (from designated cities), hotel, transportation, two meals and other associated land costs for 10-day trips to Israel offered by approved Trip Organizers. Gratuities, personal purchases, and travel / medical insurance are not included.
The dates of the trips this coming year are:
Winter/Spring 2012-2013 Trips in December, January, February, March
Registration opened September 12, 2102
Spring/Summer 2013 Trips in May,June, July, August
Registration opens February 2013
For more information go to www.birthrightisrael.com.
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