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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 President
Dear Friends:
As the New Year approaches, the energy and life at Congregation Shalom begin to ramp up once again. Religious and Hebrew school commence in just a few short weeks, Brotherhood and Sisterhood have a full schedule of activities, and the Shalomites begin their cycle of events. Over this next year, I urge you to take advantage of all that Congregation Shalom has to offer. From adult education to social activities, and from spiritual growth to traditional offerings, we strive to be your Jewish home and the center of your Jewish community. And don't wait to become involved; this next month offers a multitude of opportunities for every interest. We will be hosting a lecture on the Dead Sea scrolls followed up by a visit to the Museum of Science to see the relics. Our Sukkah will be erected near our garden and all are invited to dine inside. Our first graders will be consecrated as we dance with the torahs and celebrate Simchat Torah. And, of course, Rabbi Perry will lead us in Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services. While you are making goals and resolutions for the New Year, add one more to the list: becoming a more active member in this community. We can all make the New Year a meaningful one full of growth, inspiration and friendship. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, thank you for being a member of Congregation Shalom. Happy New Year to you and your family.
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From Our Rabbinic Intern
Dear Congregation Shalom family, Even though we have never met face to face (with a few exceptions) I wanted to grab the opportunity to wish each and all of you a shana tova; a year filled with sweetness, love, gratitude, good health and fulfillment. I look forward to meeting each of you, to sharing stories, and to creating new memories together. Usually we understand shana tova exactly as I have used it; as a greeting and well wishes for the new Jewish year. But the root of the Hebrew word shana, shin-nun-hey, has other meanings as well. Shin-nun-hey are the same letters used to create the word le-shanot, to change. The High Holiday season always presents opportunity to make changes in our personal lives and in our relationships. It can also be a time of deep reflection; a time to be at-one-with ourselves and fine tune how we want to interact with and within our communities. It is customary in Jewish tradition to change one's name when there are significant changes in one's life. The past two years have been filled with life changing and of course, unexpected, events in my life. So in this season of introspection and change, I have changed my Hebrew name to Ma'ayan. As we enter the new Jewish year 5774 corresponding to 2013/14, I will embrace both my new name and my new position as the rabbinic intern at Congregation Shalom. Please do not be shy about approaching me as we pass each other in the halls. Introduce yourself (and then remind me of your name for the first few times we greet each other.) Shana tova - I wish you a year full of good health, much fulfillment, fun, and the ability to embrace positive change. Ma'ayan (aka Amy) |
Social Action Committee
Happy New Year, and an invitation to join us!
Happy New Year from the Social Action Committee. We always welcome new members, and invite you to join us in working to make the world a better place. If you would like to join us or be a part of the committee's email list, please email socialaction@congregationshalom.org and you will be added to the list for communication.
Blood Drive held on June 24
The blood drive was a great success. The Red Cross met its goal, collecting 38 pints of blood. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped set up and clean up, and who staffed the event, and especially to Jill DesLauriers, who once again organized this event so well.
High Holiday Food Drive
Once again this year we will be holding a food drive on Yom Kippur. Please bring non-perishable food items to donate to food pantries in several of our congregation's communities.
Alternatively, you can purchase a Hannaford gift card through Congregation Shalom that will also be donated for food pantry clients to use. This donation is a double mitzvah, as the food pantry gets 100% of your card purchases to buy what is most needed at the pantry and Congregation Shalom gets an additional 7% of all donations made. Last Yom Kippur, our congregation donated $2,225 to food pantries in addition to all the bags of groceries collected. Hannaford gift cards for the pantry are tax deductible and will show up on your year-end summary from Congregation Shalom.
Cards will be available for purchase during food collection times, or they can be purchased prior to the high holidays by e-mailing giftcards@congregationshalom.org.
Chelmsford Community Garden plot 
Congregation Shalom's garden plot at the Chelmsford Community Garden is thriving! A combination of favorable weather and a wonderful group of weeding and watering volunteers have produced an abundance of green beans, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, and squash that will be donated to local food pantries. It is a beautiful sight if you ever have the chance to visit the garden. If you are interested in being part of the rotation of watering and weeding, we'd love to have you! Please click here to sign up for an open slot.
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 in September, please contact us at socialaction@congregationshalom.org . Return to top. |
Fundraising News
So Many Ways to Help!
- Amazon.com - so many of us click on the Amazon website BUT if you go to our website first, click on the Amazon icon there, Amazon opens. Bookmark the site. Every time you now go to Amazon, a percentage of your sale will be directed to Congregation Shalom. No matter how small your sale item, every penny helps!
- Paper Recycling - save your weekly collection of newspapers, magazines, trash mail as well as 'oops' from your printer. Do make use of our paper-retriever bin in the parking lot.
- Book Bin - do use our recycling book depository for all those 'outgrown' children's books or paperback books that have seen better days. What about the backpack your second grader used in kindergarten? What about the belts that somehow got smaller on you, handbags that are out of style or accessories you no longer want?
- Inkjet cartridges - just drop them in the container in the foyer. Some are worth as much as $4.00 others only a nickel.
- Matching donations - many employers will match your own donations so do check with them and if they do, get the paperwork and begin the process.
- Online Auction - in a few short weeks you will receive your auction donation form. Please make use of it. When the auction starts on November 1st be ready to bid. We have new and exciting items this year, as well as some that have been hotly contested in the past years.
As the New Year begins, please think about joining the Fundraising Committee. We need your help!
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Oneg Assignments Now Available for 2013-2014
Please check your Oneg dates!! Just click here for the list.
If you have any problems or see any mistakes, Caren can make some changes if you give her the information quickly. Email her now at oneg@congregationshalom.org.
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Haggadot for Free
We have the following Haggadahs that we are offering to our members that we just do not use anymore at our second seder. I have listed the title and number of copies that are available. If interested, please email me at rabbiassistant@congregationshalom.org.
The Promise Haggadah by Nanci J. Freedberg
5 Copies
Passover Haggadah by Rabbi Nathan Goldberg
68 Copies
A Children's Haggadah by Howard I. Bogot and Robert J. Orkand
9 Copies
Deluxe Edition, Passover Haggadah (brought to you by Coffees of Maxwell House)
45 Blue Copies
2 Old Style copies
6 White Copies
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A New Group is Forming
What is a Congregation Shalom Meet-Up Group?
It's a chance for retired or pre-retired members to meet up and connect with others for new and interesting day trip adventures and activities!
Come to our first brainstorming meeting to exchange ideas:
Date; September 19th
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: Temple library
RSVP to: Laurie Fidler or Margie Berenson at scholarship@congregationshalom.org.
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Save the Date Sept 4 Erev Rosh Hashanah Sept 13 Kol NidreSept 22 Yom Rishon
Sept 27 Consecration
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Extended Family Activities
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Quick Links
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On behalf of myself, Laurie and our families, I wish to express our sincere gratitude to the members of Congregation Shalom. Your outpouring of love and support provided to us via phone calls, emails, cards and donations to our Temple upon the passing of our Dad and Grandfather, Nathan Katz, will never be forgotten.
You are, indeed, our extended family.
Marcia Gross and Laurie Valleley
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| Good & Welfare
We are happy to announce joyous news in our extended Congregation Shalom family:
Meryl and Adam Gold welcomed twin sons, Dylan Atlas Gold and Henry Blake Gold, on July 15th. Mazel tov to the family.
Our members Shelly and Ed Rainen became first time grandparents on August 9th. Carrie Rainen and Kyle Rys are proud parents of a beautiful baby girl named Lilah Rose. Mazel Tov to Shelly, Ed, Carrie and Kyle.
Our members Janet and Dan Dubner became first time grandparents on June 12. Sarah Dubner and Mike Hance are proud parents of a beautiful baby girl named Eve Marie. Mazel Tov to Sarah, Mike, Janet and Dan.
It is with a heavy heart that I write to tell you of the passing of Charlotte Siegel, mother of our member Esther Wiener. Our condolences to the family.
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September Birthdays
Jillian Mackillop
Ryan Menaker
Hannah Muhlfelder
Jared Zeichick
David Burke
Lyla Kiloski
Samantha Lee
Jacob Muhlfelder
Joshua Rosenstein
Kenedi Silton
Joseph Boerman
Jordan Galvin
Julian Cordelia Libby-Gallagher
Andrew Bass
Sophie Helen Eskenas
Emily Gulick
Rachel Laider
Rachel Landress
Penelope Olivia Miranda
Rachel Myers
David Toomey
Jacob Strauss
Joshua Johnson
Joshua Mayer
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Yahrzeits
9/6/13
Arnold Becker
Benjamin Berman
Sarah Brown
Lois Levy
Helen Posner
Harry M. Reid
Herman Schaevitz
George Smith
9/13/13
Domenic Iannini
Barbara Spiegler
9/20/13
Lillyan Chandler
Susan Chertok
Henry Derby
Joel Eisenstein
George Fuchs
Herbert Hirsch
Murray Niedergang
Rose Roth
Elliot Winograd
9/27/13
Sampson Chandler
Louis Feldsott
Ruth Goldstein
Ida Kamien
Arthur O. Rainen
Aaron Rothstein
10/4/13
Leslie Birnbaum
Gerald M. Freedland
Henry Hirshman
Carol Kurzman
Darrel Landress
Samuel Levi
Aaron Scolnick
Arleen R. Yegelwell
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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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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High Holiday Services at Congregation Shalom
Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, September 4, 2013. The Ritual Committee would like to remind you of the choices you have for participating in High Holiday Services. Please see the schedule below for all service times. If you have any questions, please contact ritual@congregationshalom.org.
The Adult Service on the first day of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur morning begins at 11 AM and lasts 1 1/2 - 2 hours. Services on the 2nd day of Rosh Hashanah begin at 10 AM. Please note: we appreciate that families want to save seats for one another for services. However, fifteen minutes before services begin, we ask that you relinquish any empty seats to those who are coming in.
The Family Service is held on the first day of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur. These services begin at 9:00 AM and end approximately at 10:20. They are geared to meet the needs of families with children in the 2nd to 6th grades. This service is distinct from the children's service in the afternoon, which is designed as a service for younger children. We use a beautiful High Holiday prayer book that is written to meet the needs of children ages 8-12. Rabbi Perry leads this service with our soloist and the traditional High Holiday melodies are used. There is a shorter sermon geared to this population. For many, this service will be a substitute for the later service, although some adults may choose to attend both. In fact, some adults without children may choose this service. The service is designed to maintain a sense of sacredness and seriousness. We remind all of our members that this is not a service for young children.
The Young Children's Service is held at 2:45 on the first day of Rosh Hashanah and at 1:45 on Yom Kippur. Itis for children from toddler to age 7 and lasts about 45 minutes.
We would like to review information regarding flow of traffic, timing, and seating. The Family Service will end at 10:20 AM and the Adult service will begin at 11 AM. This will give our community a 40-minute window to have the sanctuary clear out, be picked up and to have people get seated for the next service. When the Family Service is over we will ask all those who are in attendance to exit out the doors to the side of the building and the back of the sanctuary. People will not be able to exit into the lobby. If people have used the coat room it will mean that they need to circle back to pick up their coats, or if their children are in baby-sitting they will need to circle around into the lobby to pick them up. Meanwhile people who are coming to the 11 AM service will not be able to enter the sanctuary until the early service is finished and all the people have left.
If you or someone you are bringing to services has a disability and needs special seating, please call Marilyn or email her at ritual@congregationshalom.org. Please note we have several infrared hearing devices. Please contact Marilyn if you would like to use one. If you will need handicapped parking, please contact Janet at ritual@congregationshalom.org.
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High Holiday Schedule - 2013
Rosh Hashanah
Wednesday, September 4
8:00 PM - Erev Rosh Hashanah Service
Thursday, September 5 Rosh Hashanah Day1
9:00 AM -10:20 AM Rosh Hashanah Family Service
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Rosh Hashanah Adult Service
2:45 PM - Children's Service
4:00 PM - Tashlich - Freeman Lake, North Chelmsford
Friday, September 6
10:00 AM - Rosh Hashanah (Day 2) Service
Yom Kippur
Friday, September 13
7:30 PM - Kol Nidre
Saturday, September 14
9:00 AM - 10:20 AM Yom Kippur Family Service
11:00 AM - Yom Kippur Adult Service
1:45 PM - Children's Service
2:30 PM - Service of Music & Meditation
3:45 PM - 5:00 PM Topic to be Announced
5:00 PM - Yizkor/Neilah/Havdallah
Approx. 6:30 PM - Congregational Break-fast follows the conclusion of services. All are invited to attend.
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Dead Sea Scrolls: Life in Ancient Times 
Join Us...
Perhaps you have heard about the amazing Dead Sea Scroll exhibit at the Museum of Science. From the caves of Qumran overlooking the Dead Sea to the halls of the Museum of Science in Boston, these precious manuscripts have survived a tumultuous 2,000 year journey.
Once deemed worthless fragments of parchment and papyrus, the Dead Sea Scrolls are now considered by many to be the greatest archaeological discovery of the 20th century.
The Museum of Science in conjunction with Brandeis University and Israeli Antiquities agency have put together an amazing traveling exhibit that showcases these priceless pieces of history that have given us a new perspective on ancient life, society and thought.
As a congregation we are excited to offer several opportunities to learn about and visit these amazing ancient texts. Two of these programs are being planned by an ad-hoc adult/social committee and two of these programs are being organized through the school.
Sept. 22nd from 4:00-6:30 at Congregation Shalom A Gathering of Learning at Congregation Shalom (For Congregation Shalom Members, their guests and teens from Bar Mitzvah age up) We will begin with wine, cheese and treats in the Sukkah (if weather permits) and then we will continue in the Sanctuary where we will watch a movie by NOVA on the Dead Sea Scrolls. The movie will be followed by a presentation by Jamie Bryson who is a PhD Student in Near Eastern & Judaic Studies at Brandeis University. Sept. 29th from 12:30-4:30 at the Museum of Science Trip to the Museum Followed by Optional Dinner (For Congregation Shalom Members over the age of 18) We will be traveling to see the exhibit at the Museum of Science accompanied by our speaker Jamie Bryson. Mr. Bryson helped work on the educational pieces of the exhibit and he will be able to enhance our understanding of what we will be seeing during the trip. Tickets for this part of the trip will be $27.25 for 60+ and $29.25 for all other adults. If you are a member of the museum, please let us know, because we may be able to buy you a ticket at your membership rate. Also, if you feel you cannot attend because of the cost please contact Rabbi Perry privately at rabbiperry@verizon.net and she will be able to help with small scholarships to defray the costs. Following the visit to the museum, there will be an opportunity to socialize over dinner. At present we are planning on going to a highly rated Afghanistan restaurant near the museum called Helmand. Please feel free to look at their website to learn more. The restaurant may change depending on how many people RSVP for that part of the trip. We will be carpooling together from the synagogue. Each party will receive their own check so costs will vary. In October the school will host two programs for students 6th grade-12th grade. One will be with Jamie Bryson and one will be a trip to the museum itself. These dates and relevant information will follow. Adults in our community can choose to come to the above trip or participate in the family trip. If a student cannot attend the family program at the synagogue, they are welcome to attend the program on the 22nd of September. Since we have to reserve tickets and see how many people want to attend the dinner, we are looking for RSVPs to gauge interest. You are not committing at this point, but if you are at all interested please let us know if you want to come and, if so, would you want to participate in the dinner afterwards. Please send your RSVP to rabbiassistant@congregationshalom.org. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Rabbi Perry at rabbi@congregationshalom.org . Please let us know by August 2nd if you are interested in follow-up information or if you are interested in coming. Remember to note if you want to participate in the optional dinner afterwards and whether you can drive. We will create an e-mail distribution list for members who have expressed interest. We hope that you will join us for one or both of these events. They promise to be interesting and fun. L'shalom, Rabbi Shoshana M. Perry, Alan Fidler, Margie Berenson, Nancy Mizen, Jane Nahabidian |
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Sisterhood News
L'Shanah Tovah! We wish everyone in our extended family a happy and healthy new year.
Please save the date for our annual kick-off dinner at the temple on Tuesday, September 17th at 6:30 pm. As always, the main course will be catered and we ask that you bring an appetizer, dessert or beverage. This is one of our favorite events of the year because we can catch up with people we don't get to see that often while enjoying delicious home-made food. We hope to see old and new friends this year. If you did not receive an invitation in the mail for this event, along with our calendar and dues statement, please let us know.
Looking ahead to October, Dale Stanten will be coming to the temple on Tuesday, October 8th at 7:00 pm. to discuss her book "The Hooker's Daughter." Dale grew up in "Jewish Boston" during the 1940's and 50's in a not so typical Jewish family. One of our members is friends with Dale and thinks her talk will be interesting for us.
B'Shalom,
Katie Ebersman and Susan Miller, Co-Presidents
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Brotherhood Buzz
Our Constitution states that the purpose of the Congregation Shalom Brotherhood shall be to foster friendship and camaraderie amongst interested adult males, to encourage socialization within the adult male membership of the Congregation and to further the goals of the Congregation. As Neal and I work with our board to develop and refine the program for the coming year we are trying to evaluate how we can better accomplish that vision.
Specifically we are considering the following:
- One or two breakfast meetings with a guest speaker that can offer insight on a societal issue. If anyone has a personal connection to an appropriate potential speaker, let us know so we can pursue this (keep in mind our budget is limited).
- Formalizing our process for welcoming new temple members.
- Reaching out to those less active in the Brotherhood to see what sorts of activities they be would be most likely to attend.
We'd love to hear your ideas. Please send any suggestions to brotherhood@congregationshalom.org.
Neal Berenson and Roger Loyer, Co-Presidents
Click here to view the Brotherhood calendar at our Congregation Shalom website.
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Shalomite News
The Shalomites are excited to welcome Alex Margolis back as our advisor for this year! We had a lot of fun with him last year and he promises to bring a lot of energy and excitement to our programs again.
Three Shalomites attended the NFTY Summer Institute in late August. Two of us (Oren and I) were chosen as Prayer Coordinators, an honor that is only given to 10 kids each time.
Our first program for the year is the always popular 8th grade kidnap on Sunday September 22 starting at 1pm. We have a great surprise destination, and we are looking forward to welcoming all the incoming 8th graders to Shalomites. During the first hour of the event there will also be a parent meeting where the Youth Commissioners talk about the Shalomite activities for the year, collect paperwork, and introduce the parents to one another. More information will be coming by email. Also in September is NFTY's Leadership Training Institute, on September 29. All 9th thru 12th graders are welcome to attend.
Any Shalomite who hasn't joined the Shalomite Facebook group should do that right away! It's a great way to know what's going on, and to communicate directly with each other. We also post babysitting opportunities there.
If you want to know more about Shalomites or any of our activities, email shalomites@congregationshalom.org.
Joey Penn Shalomites President Click here to view the Shalomites calendar at our Congregation Shalom website.
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Junior Youth Group
HELP WANTED
Hello, my name is Beth Shapiro and I'm the coordinator for the Junior Youth Group. The Junior Youth Group is an activity-based organization here at Congregation Shalom. There are NO Dues to join! We sponsor a variety of activities throughout the year from Laser Tag to snow tubing to movies. The activities are open to anyone in grades 5-7 for a nominal fee per event.
I need your help to make this happen. I need 3-4 parent volunteers to help create the calendar as well as coordinate ONE activity. There is little time commitment and a lot of fun!!
If you can help please email me at JuniorYouthGroup@Congregationshalom.org.
Look forward to seeing everyone this year!!
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 Lowell Transitional Shelter (Middlesex Shelter)
Food Contributions... ...are due at the Franks' house by 4 PM on Friday, September 20th. 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 will resume their book review meetings and invite all who are interested to join them for an evening of discussion and fellowship. The following is our fall schedule: Monday, September 9, 2013 at 7:30 PM Meeting at the home of Laurie and Alan Fidler Book Selection - "A City So Grand" by Stephen Puleo Monday, October 7, 2013 at 7:30PM Meeting at the home of Judy and Mel Starr Book Selection - "Light Between Oceans" by M.L. Stedman Monday, November 18,2013 at7:30 PM Meeting at the home of Margie and Neal Berenson Book Selection - "The Murder's Daughter" by Randy Susan Myers Return to Extended Family links.
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Join the Library Committee
Please join our committee and help us make the Library more "user friendly". Volunteer time needed. We will be discussing opening the library for congregant time. Email Amy Degen at rabbiassistant@congregationshalom.org if you are interested.
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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.
We have an ongoing need for blue or white squares. If you already knit and/or crochet and would like to make squares, this is what you will need: worsted weight (#4) 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. We are planning to offer knitting and crocheting groups every couple of months this year.
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.
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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. Please know that there is only one family service each month, and some families may have to do Sunset or 8pm services. Also, the coordinator position counts as TWO onegs for adult and family services; however, there are not enough Tot families so those families will be assigned two onegs, regardless of whether or not they are the coordinator.
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
Sep 4 - 8 pm Adult Shabbat - Rosh Hashanah Frank*, Danzig B&L, Kallus, Levi, O'Connell, Pignatelli, Schneider, Schutzman, Smith L, Szabo & Wexler, Zehngut & Frampton
Sep 5 - 2:45 pm Family Shabbat - Rosh Hashanah DiGiovanni, Matson, Shuldiner
Sep 14 - 6:30 pm Adult Shabbat - Yom Kippur Break Fast Friedlander*, Lotto, Miller G&J, Penfield & Bronson, Weitzen & Epstein, Wikander
Sep 20 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Abigail Eskenas Bat Mitzvah Burton*, Muhlfelder, Newman A, Orlinsky, Starr
Sep 27 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - Shpiel Consecration/Simchat Torah Grade 1 Ebersman*, Burke, Chandler W&E, Cole & Evans, Cunningham, Goss & Beck-Goss, Mizen
Oct 4 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Berenson*, DesLauriers, Kert, Landress, Nazario
Oct 11 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - David Smerling Strauss*, Kiloski, Klamka, Krigman, Mizen, Reilly & Finn-Reilly
Oct 18 - 6 pm MOCA Shabbat - David Smerling Hyatt*, Brand & Skolnick, Price, Segal L&H, Smith R&L
Oct 25 - 6:15 pm Tot Shabbat - Wolman*, Danzig A&K, McBride, Miranda & Stewart-Miranda
Oct 25 - 8 pm Adult Shabbat - Shpiel Andreola*, Apfelberg, Moore, Sevigny, Sohn
Nov 1 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - David Smerling Grade 4 Kaplan*, Cole & Evans, Rodman S&I, Rodman L&A, Smith T&L, Solomon
Nov 8 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Brother*, Bresnick, Denly, Laider & Myers, Steinfeld & Sorell
Nov 15 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Hirsch*, McHugh, Michaud & Capland, Newlon & Rothstein, Sherer
Nov 22 - 6:15 pm Tot Shabbat - Schwartz*, Berman, Maltby, Newman D&E
Nov 22 - 8 pm Adult Shabbat - David Smerling Social Action Holladay & Navy*, Blumstein, Hirschel, Levine, Richmond, Tack
Dec 6 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - David Smerling Channukah Grade 2 Kempner*, Dangel & Gordon, Eskenas, Klamka, Krigman, Menaker, Pitts & Rosenthal
Dec 13 - 8 pm MOCA Shabbat - Shpiel Janoschek*, Gilmore, Goss & Beck-Goss, Myers, Riseman, Szabo & Wexler
Dec 20 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - David Smerling Loyer*, Bernstein S&S, Muhlfelder, Nahabedian, Raichek
Jan 3 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - David Smerling Hunt*, Johnson, McKeon, Newman E&R, Shapiro M&E, Skolnick
Jan 10 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Rodman P&L*, Cohn, Hurd, Rosenberg & Katler, Toomey
Jan 17 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Boerman & Shaponick*, Lerman, Sevici, Sullivan, Waxman
Jan 24 - 8 pm MOCA Shabbat - Rainen*, Arthur, Hamilton, Holub, Kurland
Jan 31 - 8 pm Adult Shabbat - Degen*, Derby, Desrochers, Grier, Valleley
Feb 7 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - David Smerling Grade 3 Cohen D&L*, Ablove, Chandler W&E, Linden, Silton, Wolman
Feb 14 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - David Smerling Howard*, Mayer, Michaud, Miller C&S, Stein
Feb 21 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Green*, Beningson, Boyer, Brown, Leonard & Miller
Feb 28 - 6:15 pm Tot Shabbat - Rosen*, Berkovitz, Heater, Libby & Shannon
Feb 28 - 8 pm Adult Shabbat - Penn*, Friedman, Gannon, Giniger & Revy, Goldberg
Mar 7 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - David Smerling Grade 6 Morrissey J&D*, Galvin & Blume, Menaker, Miller M&L, Reilly & Finn-Reilly, Rosenstein
Mar 14 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Shpeil Worden*, Gross, Schneider, Snyder, Weintraub & Spiro
Mar 21 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - David Smerling Moskowitz*, Blumstein, Bresnick, Hurd, Nahabedian
Mar 28 - 6:15 pm Tot Shabbat - Miranda & Stewart-Miranda*, DiGiovanni, Matson, Shuldiner
Mar 28 - 8 pm Adult Shabbat - Lay Led Riddick*, Laider & Myers, Moore, Weiner
Apr 4 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - David Smerling Grade 5 Kreithen & Goldman-Kreithen*, Maguire, Nazario, Owens, Rosenberg, Weiner
Apr 11 - 6 pm MOCA Shabbat - Shalomite Creative Service Mackillop & Rabinowitz*, Doben, Gertz, Haas, Karp, Notinger, Sedgwick
Apr 18 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - David Smerling Curry*, Bernstein S&S, O'Connell, Roberts, Waxman
Apr 25 - 8 pm Adult Shabbat - Rose*, Apfelberg, Desrochers, Levi, Rosenberg & Katler
May 2 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - David Smerling Teacher Recognition Kaufman*, Coleman R, Maguire, Notinger, Silton, Skolnick, Solomon
May 9 - 6:15 pm Tot Shabbat - Danzig A&K*, Berman, Newman D&E, Rosen
May 9 - 8 pm Adult Shabbat - David Smerling and Graduation Bass*, Beningson, Brody & Scott, Sedgwick, Sherer, Tocman & Goldberg
May 16 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - David Smerling and Confirmation Lee*, Coombes, Galvin & Blume, Johnson, Newman E&R, Segal J&W, Smith T&L
May 30 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Shpiel Hantman*, DesLauriers, Fidler, McHugh, Michaud & Capland
Jun 6 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - Shpiel Myerson*, Burke, Dangel & Gordon, Eskenas, Rodman L&A, Zeichick
Jun 13 - 6 pm MOCA Shabbat - David Smerling Cohen D*, Gilmore, Graff, Kurland, Sullivan
Jun 20 - 8 pm Adult Shabbat - David Smerling Board Installation Kerzner*, Derby, Dubner, Hirschel, Kamien, Rubinstein, Smith R&L, Valleley
Jun 27 - 6:15 pm Tot Shabbat - Lischer*, Libby & Gallagher, Maltby, Schwartz
Jun 27 - 8 pm Adult Shabbat - Denly, Kert, Riseman, Toomey
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Extended Community
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Parent Support Group
A Parent Support Group has formed, with monthly meetings in Westford. The group is designed both to offer education and to form a supportive community for parents challenged with raising children struggling with mental health issues. Come together and gain information and some skills to help your child. The group is open to all. Please click here for details about meeting times and location.
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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.
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Please support our Congregation Shalom advertisers
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