|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 From our Rabbi
Dear Friends, During the holidays and over the summer many of you asked about my plans for this winter when I will be on sabbatical and some of you were interested in understanding the logistics of what will happen at the synagogue while I am away. First let me begin with the concept of sabbatical. The roots of the Sabbath and sabbatical are ancient and rooted in the Torah. Shabbat is a central sign of the covenant between God and the Jewish people. In Bereshit we learn that after the completing all the work of creation God "shavat" - God rested - and in Exodus 31 we learn that not only did God rest but also God "vayinafash" - God was refreshed. The Hebrew literally means "re-souled"! These two passages teach us a profound message; even God needed to rest and become renewed. In Parashat Behar - Leviticus 25 - this vision is further expanded with the communication from God to our ancestors about the laws of the sabbatical year. The text reads, "The Lord spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai: Speak to the Israelite people and say to them: When you enter the land that I give you, the land shall observe a Sabbath of the lord. Six years you may sow your field and six years you may prune your vineyard and gather in the yield. But in the seventh year the land shall have a Sabbath of complete rest, a Sabbath of the Lord: you shall not sow your field or prune your vineyard. You shall not reap the after growth of your harvest or gather the grapes of your untrimmed vines; it shall be a year of complete rest for the land." God understands that not only does the land need to rest to remain productive and healthy, but also that for that one-year it needs to be renewed and re-claim the nutrients from its own produce. In time the wisdom of the Sabbath and of the sabbatical year was embraced in broader communities. Academia has been on the forefront of making sabbaticals a part of their faculty's career paths. For them it is a time of study, rest, research, writing and travel. It broadens their life experiences and helps them to become better teachers. For clergy, the time of sabbatical is more personally defined. Some clergy go into retreat and spend the time in prayer and meditation. Some clergy go to university and study. Some pursue independent research and writing and others travel to places of religious and historical interest. It has been eight years since my last sabbatical. For our newer members you might be interested in knowing what I did during that time. My family and I lived in Florence, Italy and I served a small Reform congregation that could not afford a rabbi. During that time I helped them with strategic planning in addition to leading services, adult education and more. I also had the opportunity to study about Italian Jewish history and visit many Jewish sights in the country. It was an amazing experience and it enhanced my understanding of Jewish life in Europe from a historical as well as a contemporary perspective. I am approaching this coming sabbatical with a very different focus. From a practical point of view, since Channah has just entered high school, travel overseas was not an option. Over the last several months I have been reflecting on this opportunity with two thoughts in mind. How can I best use this sabbatical to grow professionally and spiritually and what can I learn and do that would enhance my work as the rabbi of Congregation Shalom? As a result of this thinking, I have a LONG list of goals and opportunities that I hope to pursue - far more then I can probably ever achieve!!! In our morning liturgy we say prayers for the gift of health, soul and intellect and during this upcoming sabbatical I hope to find renewal in each of these areas. I have a huge pile of books, on a wide range of subjects, that I plan to read and I look forward to sharing some of what I learn in a blog. Perhaps you will read along with me!!! I also have an idea for a children's story about Sukkot that I would like to write. I also plan on learning more about how I can use social media and computer applications in my work. Many synagogues have moved forward in this realm and I think Congregation Shalom needs to do some catch up. For that to happen, however, I need to become more fluent in this realm and I rarely find the time on a day-to-day basis to grow and learn in this area. Most of all, I also very much feel the need to find the time and space to pray and meditate. I rarely find room in the busyness of my work and life to pursue the things that originally brought me to the rabbinic life and, after 25 years of working in congregations, it is important to refill the intellectual and spiritual wells! I am confident that this will not only benefit me but also help me to be a better rabbi when I return to the community. I wanted to share with you some of the logistics of how things will work while I am away. Although the specific dates have not yet been determined, I will be starting my sabbatical around Thanksgiving and will be returning in time for the Sisterhood retreat at the end of March. One area that I know people have asked expressed concern about is how will the early spring students get ready for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies if I am away. In the fall I plan on working with all the early spring Bar/Bat Mitzvah students on their Divrei Torah since I would normally have done this during the winter. I will have the opportunity to work with all the students. Ma'ayan will be leading two services a month and the other services will be lay-led. These will be clearly identified on the calendar. She will also be doing twice a month adult ed sessions throughout the year and details on these classes are to follow. I have two co-teachers for Kitah Hey - Audrey Desrochers and Pam Gordan. They will be teaching together while I am away. Amy Degen will be covering my Post-Confirmation classes for the four months I am on sabbatical. We will begin Café Wisdom in October and I will talk with the group about how we want to handle the months that I am away. At present, in the fall Ma'ayan will not be able to teach because she has classes, but she may be able to teach second semester. As for other logistics, including who will cover during emergencies, I will be sending out a letter covering all those details in early November but, in the meanwhile, please do not hesitate to be in touch it you have any questions. Most of all I would like to say thank you to the community for your support during this time of sabbatical. Warm regards,
Rabbi Shoshana M. Perry
Return to top. 
|
|
 From our President
Dear Friends:
As we enter the New Year, let us re-examine the mission of our congregation:
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.
Our mission is an impressive undertaking, yet it is empty unless there is action behind it. For the betterment of our community, and for the betterment of ourselves, let us resolve to make greater efforts to reach our mission.
Over this next year, I ask for your time, your talent and your commitment. I ask, if you have the financial ability, that you consider making a donation to Congregation Shalom beyond your dues payment, so that we can continue to offer the programming and hire the educators that make our mission a reality and maintain the beautiful building where so much learning occurs. I ask you to help make Congregation Shalom an even better community. Become involved. We offer many points of entry, many ways to become part of the community. When we work together, we create a vibrant community where all of our skills and contributions are valued.
More than anything, though, it is up to each one of us to actively seek and consciously engage in Jewish life. Judaism is more than faith or belief, it is about how we act in our everyday lives and how we treat other people. It is about transforming the everyday realm into something sacred and about giving meaning to our lives. As members of a Jewish community, we have the responsibility to care, to study, and to think seriously about how we express our Jewishness in ways that are meaningful to each one of us. To teach Judaism to our children and to make it real and relevant in our own lives, we need to make it come alive for ourselves. So come study with us, worship with us, celebrate with us, become engaged in Jewish life and involved in everything that Congregation Shalom has to offer. Be part of our mission.
|
 From Our Education Director
By the time this newsletter is published, both Religious and Hebrew School will have begun and both the high holidays and Sukkot will be behind us. However, after the hectic start to any school year October offers us at Congregation Shalom, a whole host of engaging and creative learning opportunities. On Sunday October 6th from 10am - 10:30am, we will offer a new and exciting program for ALL Temple members. We invite everyone to bring a pet dog, cat, bird or any other beloved creature - either real or stuffed (if you do not have a real pet) to join us for our first ever "Birchot HaChayot - A Blessing of the Animals." Rabbi Perry (along with our 2nd Grade class) will teach us about the importance of animals in Judaism and we will bless our wonderful furry friends who are so much part of our families. If you are bringing your pet, please ensure that your pet is able to get along with other animals when they join us. Feel free to also bring a picture of your pet if your pet can't join us! This year we are also offering a unique adult learning opportunity for our parents during 1st, 2nd and 3rd Grade Family Ed events. In the past, parents have spent the whole time learning and creating projects with their students. This year we will offer parents a mix of learning opportunities - parents will spend time with their students but will also have time where they will study in a more in-depth way with Ma'ayan, our Rabbinic Intern. Our hope is that we will be able to further our Temple's mission by creating another opportunity to "pursue life-long learning." Other exciting events in October include a trip to see the Dead Sea Scrolls for Grades 6-12 and a pretend trip to Israel for our 3rd Graders. We will prepare Dov the Bear for visits to our 1st graders' homes and we will think about what it was like to be on Noah's Ark with 2nd Grade. We are also excited to welcome our Chai School class back in October for more fun and exciting classes. Whatever grade your child is in, we hope that you will join us for a stimulating month of learning and growing in one of our wonderful school programs. 
Yael
|
From Our Rabbinic Intern
This story from Rebbe Nachman of Bretslav (April 4, 1772 - October 16, 1810) carries one of my favorite messages. I hope you will accept it as my gift to you this month. There was once a poor, God fearing Jew who lived in the city of Prague. One night he dreamt that he should journey to Vienna. There, at the base of a bridge leading to the King's palace, he would find a buried treasure. Night after night the dream recurred until, leaving his family behind, he traveled to Vienna to claim his fortune. The bridge, however, was heavily guarded. The watchful eyes of the King's soldiers afforded little opportunity to retrieve the treasure. Every day the poor Jew spent hours pacing back and forth across the bridge waiting for his chance. After two weeks one of the guards grabbed him by the lapels of his coat and demanded gruffly, "Jew! What are you plotting? Why do you keep returning to this place day after, day?" Frustrated and anxious, he blurted out the story of his dream. When he finished, the soldier, who had been containing his mirth, broke into uncontrollable laughter. The poor Jew looked on in astonishment, not knowing what to make of the man's attitude. Finally, the King's guard caught his breath. He stopped laughing long enough to say, "What a foolish Jew you are to believe in dreams. Why, if I let my life be guided by visions, I would be well on my way to the city of Prague. For just last night I dreamt that a poor Jew in that city has, buried in his cellar, a treasure which awaits discovery." The poor Jew returned home. He dug in his cellar and found the fortune. Upon reflection he thought, the treasure was always in my possession. Yet, I had to travel to Vienna to know of its existence. What treasures do we have within ourselves, within our community or maybe in Judaism that are as yet undiscovered? What can we discover or re-claim as our own that will enrich and add new meaning to our lives? May we all find ourselves nourished and enriched by the discovery of unknown or unexplored treasures in our own backyards. Ma'ayan |
Social Action Committee
High Holiday Food Drive
Once again, our members showed their generosity to those who are less fortunate. On Yom Kippur members of the Social Action Committee delivered 4 carloads of donated groceries and $850 in grocery store cards to food pantries in Chelmsford, Westford, Nashua, Lowell, and Acton. Sales of grocery store cards continued afterwards and have now exceeded $1,800. Thank you to all who participated!
Cards to Hannaford, Stop and Shop, and Donelan's will continue to be available for purchase on Sunday mornings in the lobby, or they can be purchased by e-mailing giftcards@congregationshalom.org.
Chelmsford Community Garden plot
As of mid September, we have already produced over 200 pounds of vegetables, exceeding last year's harvest by over 90 pounds, and there are still more squash and potatoes to harvest! It has been a wonderful growing year, and we feel proud of the food our congregation has been able to donate to local food charities (and to decorate the bima at high holidays!) Thank you to all the volunteers who have made our plot so beautiful and productive this year.
Halloween Candy Drive
Look for more information coming soon about our annual Halloween candy drive. This is a great opportunity to help our troops overseas by sending candy for their enjoyment and use in outreach.
Martin Ames Shabbat, November 22, 2013
We are looking forward to learning more about growing food for social justice at this year's Martin Ames Shabbat, to be held at 8:00pm on Friday, November 22. Our guests will be Mill City Grows, an urban gardening initiative in Lowell that teaches inner city residents how to maximize food production. Please join us to learn more about this social action topic.
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 November, please contact us at socialaction@congregationshalom.org.
Return to top.
|
Fundraising News
Your Fundraising Committee has been hard at work getting donations for our On-line Auction. Restaurants in the area such as Napa East, Feng Shui (Chelmsford and Tyngsboro) and Burton's Grill have been most generous. Stores like Beckonings, Building Nineteen, Staples, Trader Joe's and Starbucks have donated gift certificates. Attractions such as the New Rep Theatre, Plimoth Plantation, and Southwick Zoo answered our call.
Our members are very generous too...whether it is food - mandel bread, wild mushroom soup or Bagel Alley or the expertise of Judit Price with Career Coaching, the book '9 Steps To Creating Your Next Bold Move' written by our own Wendy Capland or the donation of a Gift Certificate for Ticketron. Yes, our members have been very generous. Now it is your turn.
Please join us in the work of our committee. We can always use new members.
We, of the Fundraising Committee, wish you well in this New Year.
Return to top.
|
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
|
College Package Committee
This year we are going to prepare care packages for our college students for Chanukah and either Passover or Purim. For the past two years we have been able to keep the cost of the packages to $16/package and plan on sticking to that price this year. If you know you would like a package sent to your college student, email their names and addresses to college@congregationshalom.org. We will begin to prepare for the Chanukah package in November. Chanukah is during Thanksgiving break so we want to mail the packages on the Saturday of Thanksgiving Weekend. We will put the packages together the week before and will need help shopping for items and putting the packages together. The cost of the package will be added to your congregation shalom dues bill. These college packages are a great way to show you care and keep our college students connected to Congregation Shalom. Last year a parent told us that their child's package was the best one received on her dorm floor and that other kids were jealous that her synagogue sent such a fun gift! We hope you will contact us and get on the list for Chanukah. Sincerely, The College Package Committee |
|
|
Save the Date Oct 6
Blessing of the Animals
Oct 26
God in the Box
Oct 27 Meditation and Drumming
|
Extended Family Activities
|
Quick Links
|
A grateful thank you for all your thoughts and contributions.
Paul Rodman
The family of Howie Snyder wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the numerous cards, calls and donations made in the name of Ernie Snyder, the father of Howie Snyder, who recently passed away in Florida. The show of support from the Congregation Shalom membership in our time of need provided tremendous comfort to our family during this difficult period and was greatly appreciated. Thank you,
Howie and Phyllis Snyder
My family and I would like to thank the members of Congregation Shalom for the donations made in memory of our mother, Charlotte Siegel. Also thank you for the cards and kind notes during this time of sadness.
Esther Wiener
|
| Good & Welfare
It is with a heavy heart that I write to tell you of the passing of Ernest Snyder, father of our member Howard Snyder. We send our deepest condolences to Howie, Phyllis and their whole family.
|
| New Members
We welcome the following families to our Congregation Shalom community. Please reach out and help make them feel welcome.
Donna Upson, and her daughter Sarabeth
Brian and Laura Miller, and their children Melissa and Evan
Rachel and Edward Thomas, and their children Devin and Hannah
|
October Birthdays
Alex Gordon
Rachael O'Connell
Rachel Weiner
Philip Rosen
Benjamin Newman
Andrew Shapiro
Abigail Rosenthal-Pitts
Laura Solomon
Noah Ablove
Aron Rose
Judah Shai Danzig
Dean Linden
Alaina Gertz
Channah Powell
Ethan Karp
Tyler Sherer
Gabriel Micah Rosen
Kaden Silton
Rylan Chandler
Rebecca Mackillop
Celia Kampner
Jake Kampner
|
Yahrzeits
10/4/13
Leslie Birnbaum
Gerald M. Freedland
Henry Hirshman
Carol Kurzman
Darrel Landress
Samuel Levi
Aaron Scolnick
Arleen R. Yegelwell
10/11/13
Nathan Brown
Phillip Elkins
Mary (Strolovsky) Friedlander
Betty Lou Gordon
Leon Katler
Steven Rothstein
10/18/13
Celia Brass
Freida Fidler
William Grier
Paul Mayer
Carole Reichert
Myer Martin Shapiro
Phillip Singer
Harry Starr
Lena Starr
Bebe Steinberg
Zoltan Szabo
George Wiener
10/25/13
Albert Edelstein
Theodor Heynemanns
11/1/13
Alice Berit
Sara Katzman
Ray Niedergang
Madeline Richards
Morris Rosenberg
Barbara Schachet
Shelby Tocman
Please contact Joan LaRochelle for all Yahrzeit matters. |
| Yom Kippur Break Fast
In the spirit of L'Dor VA Dor and after a long day of prayer, the Break Fast Committee organized, prepared and served about 100 members of the Congregation Shalom family and their guests. This is a tradition that has been going on for over 25 years. My sincerest thanks go out to my committee: Becky Bronson, Sara Epstein, Margie Lotto, Margi Loyer, Judy Miller, Tom Steinfeld, and Esther Wikander. Additional thank yous to Brad Friedlander, Jerry Lotto, Gerry Miller, Mitch Hyatt, Sam Weitzen, and Phyllis Kallus. I would like to also thank James Allen, the manager of the Chelmsford Stop & Shop, for his time and effort as well as truly embracing our Jewish community and deeply discounting everything we purchased from him. May you all have a Happy, Healthy and Sweet New Year!
Marlene Friedlander
|
| 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!"
|
Adult Education
Please join and support me as I make my "Adult Ed debut" with Congregation Shalom on Sunday, October 6 at 10:40-ish. This will be an "adult only" discussion of the more subtle aspects of the story of Noah: his character and his reputation as a (questionable) "good guy". In particular, we will compare the covenant that God made with Noah to the covenant God made with Abraham. We won't be accused of defamation of character but it might be a close call. Please contact me at rabbinicintern@congregationshalom.org for more info or questions. I look forward to meeting each of you and to learning with you and from you. Ma'ayan
|
Youth Scholarships
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@concgregationahalom.org with any questions and/or for an application form. |
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.
|
|
Donate to Congregation Shalom
The form includes a list of donating options.
|
Reminder - Based on IRS rules, donations made to the Rabbi's Discretionary Fund should be written directly to "Rabbi Perry's Discretionary Fund". |
|
|
|
|
|
Sisterhood News
We hope everyone had happy and peaceful holidays!
Our kick-off dinner was a success! About 40 of us enjoyed catching up and eating delicious food, partly catered by Bianco's Catering. Thanks to Judit Price, our Membership Chair, for organizing the dinner this year.
Don't miss Dale Stanten when she comes to speak at the temple on Tuesday, October 8th at 7:00 p.m. Dale will be discussing 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. Light refreshments will be served.
Looking ahead to November, on Sunday, November 3rd we will go out for dinner and a movie. An evite will be sent with movie and dinner location choices as the time gets closer.
It's hard to believe that Hanukkah starts at Thanksgiving this year! Our annual Hanukkah fair will take place on Sunday, November 17th and Wednesday, November 20th during religious school hours. We are grateful to Patti Green for overseeing this and to Pat Karpeles for helping her. We need people to work shifts during the fair hours and also to help with set-up and clean-up. Please email us at sisterhood@congregationshalom.org if you did not sign up yet and can help out. Make sure to tell us what times are best for you. Please note this is not a Sisterhood fundraiser. It is done as a service to the temple community. In order for the fair to take place every year, we need volunteers to help work it.
B'Shalom,
Katie Ebersman and Susan Miller, Co-Presidents
|
Brotherhood Buzz
L'Shana Tova. We wish you all a healthy and happy year to come.
We are excited to start off this year with a number of activities. On September 22 at 6:30 we held our kickoff event - the Brotherhood new member dinner featuring BBQ by our own Cris Shuldiner. IT was a great opening event; the food was great (even the leftovers some of us took home!) and the company even better! On October 6th, some us will be helping to take down the temple's Sukkah. If you will be dropping off or picking up your children at religious school, allow a few extra minutes to join us and lend a hand. That night, we will host the first of our monthly poker nights - we meet at the temple at 6:30 - $10 fee includes pizza and beer with any remaining funds going to those with the most chips at the end of the evening - no experience necessary. On October 17th we are offering a Guy's Night Out, location to be determined - join for some guy's socializing and dinner at a local restaurant.
Not a brotherhood member? If any of these events appeal to you feel free to contact either of us to learn more. Or, better yet send us your email and we will include you on our mailing list so you can learn about more happenings.
Neal Berenson and Roger Loyer, Co-Presidents
brotherhood@congregationshalom.org
Click here to view the Brotherhood calendar at our Congregation Shalom website.
Return to Groups.
|
Shalomite News
|
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!!
|
Donation Acknowledgements
The following donations were received from March - August 2013: |
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT FUND
In honor of
Jerry Gilmore's return to good health
Judy & Gerald Miller's granddaughters
Rachel Landress becoming a bat mitzvah
Joan & Arnie Kurzner's 50th wedding
anniversary, 3 donations
In appreciation of
Shavuot Yizkor service
In support of
the needs of the community
EDUCATION FUND
In honor of
Jonathan Waxman becoming a bar
mitzvah, 2 donations
Margi Loyer's Congregant of the Year
recognition, 2 donations
Janet and Dan Dubner's granddaughter
In memory of
Michael DePasquale,
Michelle Janoschek's father
CHESED FUND
In memory of
Marie Wikander,
Fred Wikander's mother
HESSIE GOLDSTEIN MEMORIAL LIBRARY FUND
In memory of
Marie Wikander,
Fred Wikander's mother
|
MARTIN AMES SOCIAL ACTION LECTURE FUND
In honor of
Harry Rubinstein's good health
Barry & Lucy Danzig's happy events
In memory of
Terry & Phyllis Howard's son, Brian
MUSIC FUND
In honor of
Deborah Danzig earning nursing
degree, 2 donations
In memory of
Brian Howard, 7 donations
Tammy Howard, 5 donations
ZELMAN KAMIEN TREE OF LIFE FUND
In honor of
Birth of Caroline Claire Rodman
In memory of
Evelyn Rodman
LEAVES ON TREE OF LIFE
In honor of
Confirmation Class of 2013
Birth of Avery & Audrey Miller
In memory of
Irene Notinger
|
|
Lowell Transitional Shelter (Middlesex Shelter) 
After 31 years Bob and I are retiring from being the contact people for providing meals once a month, all year long, to the Lowell Transitional Shelter. Three decades have flown by since I liaisoned with St. Mark's in Westford and together we have cooked, served and brought food to Lowell and been happy to have been able to be of service. If anyone in our community would like to continue this mitzvah please feel free to contact me for information. Thank you to everyone who has found the time to leave meat loaves and/or salad in our cooler. Marilyn Frank |
 Book Group
The Congregation Shalom book group invites all who are interested to join them for an evening of discussion and fellowship. On October 7, 2013 , we will meet at the home of Margie and Neil Berenson and be reviewing the book "The Murderer's Daughters" by Randy Susan Meyers.
Return to Extended Family links.
|
Check Out the Library
Exciting News: The library will be open second session during religious school, Sundays from 10:30am-12:30pm. Come and relax, browse our collection of books and borrow a book or two. We have purchased over 100 books since last year so visit us and look around. If you can't find a book or are interested in our getting a book for you, you can email us at library@congregationshalom.org. Also, we are hoping to have an evening a month open to the congregation to visit the library and take out books. We are also going to make the library more "user friendly" and label shelves so it is easier to find books by topic. Help promote the library and support its use by encouraging your children to use the library even for public school homework and reports. If you are interested in joining our committee, you can email us. We would love more committee members! Sincerely, The Library Committee
Return to Extended Family links.
|
Attention M O C A's
(Members Of a Certain Age)
To All MOCAs, new and older, Greetings! Here is our schedule for 2013-2014...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 MOCAs. We attend a Shabbat Service at Congregation Shalom and, before or after the service, meet for dinner at a nearby restaurant. Do plan to join us. This year, 2013-14, our meetings will be at the Feng Shui restaurant on the following Shabbat (Friday evening) dates and times: October 18, 2013 7:30 PM Sunset Shabbat Service at 6:00 PM December 13, 2013 6:00PM Shabbat Service-Shpiel at 8:00 PM January 24th, 2014 6:00 PM Shabbat Service at 8:00 PM April 11, 2014 7:30 PM Sunset Shabbat Service at 6:00 PM June 13, 2014 7:30 PM Sunset Shabbat Service at 6:00 PM Do mark your calendars and plan to join us for some or all! 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 note that three of our MOCA Shabbat Services are Sunset Shabbats. This affords us the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely meal, with time to socialize, after the Shabbat Service. 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 Chair, Ethel Kamien
Return to Extended Family links.
|
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.
|
Turn Your Shopping Into Cash!
After founding and running the gift card program at Congregation Shalom for many, many years, Gail Brother is transitioning the program to Judy Beningson. THANK YOU to Gail for the inspiration to get this program going. The money it raises has huge value to the temple.
AND, now is a great time to join the program. 1) You buy a gift card and use it and 2) the temple receives 7%. So, if you buy a $100 card for $100 worth of groceries, the temple gets $7. The program works for Hannaford, Donelan's or Stop & Shop (unfortunately, not Market Basket). The money really adds up and several families buy cards every week.
Gift cards can be purchased by emailing Judy Beningson at giftcards@congregationshalom.org and we will mail them to you OR purchased in person on Sundays at the temple during the religious school year.
|
|
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.
|
 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. |
|
 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.
|
|
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.
|
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. |
|
 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.
|
 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
Oct 4 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat -Berenson*, Brody & Scott, Landress, Mizen, Nazario
Oct 11 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - David SmerlingStrauss*, DesLauriers, Kiloski, Klamka, Krigman, Reilly & Finn-Reilly
Oct 18 - 6 pm MOCA Shabbat - David SmerlingHyatt*, 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 - ShpielAndreola*, Apfelberg, Moore, Sevigny, Sohn
Nov 1 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - David Smerling Grade 4Kaplan*, 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 ActionHolladay & Navy*, Blumstein, Cohn, Hirschel, Levine, Richmond
Dec 6 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - David Smerling Channukah Grade 2Kempner*, Dangel & Gordon, Eskenas, Klamka, Krigman, Menaker, Pitts & Rosenthal
Dec 13 - 8 pm MOCA Shabbat - ShpielJanoschek*, Gilmore, Goss & Beck-Goss, Myers, Riseman, Szabo & Wexler
Dec 20 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - David SmerlingLoyer*, Bernstein S&S, Muhlfelder, Nahabedian, Raichek
Jan 3 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - David SmerlingHunt*, 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 3Cohen D&L*, Ablove, Chandler W&E, Linden, Silton, Wolman
Feb 14 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - David SmerlingHoward*, 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 6Morrissey J&D*, Galvin & Blume, Menaker, Miller M&L, Reilly & Finn-Reilly, Rosenstein
Mar 14 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - ShpeilWorden*, Gross, Schneider, Snyder, Weintraub & Spiro
Mar 21 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - David SmerlingCohen D*, Bresnick, Doben, Hurd, Nahabedian
Mar 28 - 6:15 pm Tot Shabbat -Miranda & Stewart-Miranda*, DiGiovanni, Matson, Shuldiner
Mar 28 - 8 pm Adult Shabbat - Lay LedRiddick*, Laider & Myers, Moore, Weiner
Apr 4 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - David Smerling Grade 5Kreithen & Goldman-Kreithen*, Maguire, Nazario, Owens, Rosenberg, Weiner
Apr 11 - 6 pm MOCA Shabbat - Shalomite Creative ServiceMackillop & Rabinowitz*, Blumstein, Gertz, Haas, Karp, Notinger, Sedgwick
Apr 18 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - David SmerlingCurry*, 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 RecognitionKaufman*, Coleman R, Maguire, Notinger, Silton, Skolnick, Solomon
May 9 - 6:15 pm Tot Shabbat -Danzig A&K*, Berman, Newman D&E
May 9 - 8 pm Adult Shabbat - David Smerling and GraduationBass*, Beningson, Brody & Scott, Sedgwick, Sherer, Tocman & Goldberg
May 16 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - David Smerling and ConfirmationLee*, Coombes, Galvin & Blume, Johnson, Newman E&R, Segal J&W, Smith T&L
May 30 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - ShpielHantman*, DesLauriers, Fidler, McHugh, Michaud & Capland
Jun 6 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - ShpielMyerson*, Burke, Dangel & Gordon, Eskenas, Rodman L&A, Zeichick
Jun 13 - 6 pm MOCA Shabbat - David SmerlingMoskowitz*, Gilmore, Graff, Kurland, Sullivan
Jun 20 - 8 pm Adult Shabbat - David Smerling Board InstallationKerzner*, 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, Orlinsky, Riseman, Steinfeld & Sorell, Toomey
|
|
Extended Community
|
Eisner and Crane Lake Camps
New & Prospective Camper Weekend
Our annual retreat for students in grades 2-5 will be October 18-20 at Eisner and Crane Lake Camps. The application and flyer are available now by clicking here.
Heller-Wexler Father-Son Weekend
Join us November 1-3 as we celebrate the special bond between fathers, sons and even grandfathers. We will be playing and hiking all over camp, from our fields to our ropes course to our nature village. Enjoy special opportunities for dads to learn and socialize with one another, while the boys are looked after by our superstar staff. This is a great way for families who are considering sending their son to Eisner or Crane Lake to experience camp for the first time. Click hereto register online.
Registration for Summer 2014
We anticipate to be able to open registration between September 24 and October 1. Once it opens, registration will move briskly. Returning families will have an exclusive two-week window, followed by an additional week when summer tour families will be invited to register. At the conclusion of this three week period, registration will open to new families.
As always, we will be in contact with you throughout the year. Don't hesitate to call or email us at eisnercranelake@urj.org if you ever have any questions.
|
LimmudBoston 2013 - the annual day-long festival of Jewish lifelong learning - is taking place on December 8, 2013 at Congregation Mishkan Tefila in Chestnut Hill, MA. Family rates are available. LimmudBoston is inspirational, educational and just sensational fun for the entire Jewish community. The day of learning includes storytelling, concerts, hands-on learning and more. See the schedule, ticket information, and volunteer opportunities at www.LimmudBoston.org.
|
From the Merrimack Valley Jewish Federation...
Saturday, October 19 at 7:30 PM
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER
DAVID MAKOVSKY
David Makovsky is the Ziegler distinguished fellow and director of the Project on the Middle East Peace Process at The Washington Institute. He is also an adjunct professor in Middle East studies at Johns Hopkins University. His commentary on the peace process and the Arab-Israeli conflict has appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, International Herald Tribune, and many other publications and television news shows.
Watch for location details.
FIRST LIGHT WITH YOM HADASH IN CONCERT
Sunday, December 15 at 2:30 PM
Temple Emanuel, 7 Haggetts Pond Road, Andover
MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW
CALL 978-688-0466
From the Jewish Family and Children's Service... JF&CS Family Table Turkey Tzedakah You can help another family enjoy Thanksgiving this year! JF&CS Family Table feeds more than 340 families every month. Imagine all of those families sitting down and enjoying a festive Thanksgiving dinner, complete with a kosher turkey - thanks to you! You can make this possible by donating today. Each gift of $36 will cover the cost of one kosher turkey. To donate to the Family Table Turkey Tzedakah fund please call 781-647-JFCS (5327), donate online at www.jfcsboston.org/donate, or send a check to: JF&CS Family Table 1430 Main Street Waltham, MA 02451 Be sure to indicate "Turkey Tzedakah" when you make your gift. From The Synagogue Council of Massachusetts... Bus Tour of Jewish Boston Journey with us on Sunday, October 27 from 12:45 to 6:00 pm through Boston's Jewish time and space to explore a revitalized multi-generational congregation, meet leaders of a young and innovative Brookline minyan; visit one of Boston's original congregations, and explore a Roxbury church that was once a synagogue and whose present generations face the same challenges and opportunities as the Jewish community does. We will meet at Temple Beth Zion (TBZ), 1566 Beacon Street, Brookline, at 12:45 pm and leave promptly at 1:00 -- rain or shine. Bus returns to TBZ at 6:00. To join us for this exciting tour, advance registration is required ($45 per person). To pay by credit card, which includes a 4% processing fee, click here . To pay by check, and avoid the 4% fee, click here .
|
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. |
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.
|
|
Please support our Congregation Shalom advertisers
|
|
|
