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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, First I would like to wish you all an early Happy Channukah! There are not many times that I can write knowing that we will all be celebrating Channukah BEFORE Thanksgiving. I know that Yael Hurwitz-Lange wrote more about this wonderful intersection of light and turkey in her column so enjoy learning more from her! I wanted to share with you information about a new survey of the Jewish community that was just released in early October by the Pew Research Center. The findings are significant for all Jews and it is important for us to learn from this landmark report. The study was based on contacts with 70,000 people in all 50 states and on interviews with 3,500 Jews. As the most comprehensive study done on the Jewish community in a decade it is worth reading and some of the results make for fascinating reading. You can find the entire study online by clicking here. Here is an overview of some of the highlights that might pique your interest. Pew estimates that there 6.7 million Jews overall with 5.3 million of them being adults. As the percentage of the American population, however, this has declined because of the low birth rates of non-orthodox Jews. In particular is a summary that was in The Forward newspaper: "Compared with other Americans, Jews are disproportionately wealthy - though one in five belongs to a household earning less than $30,000 a year - and remain politically liberal in both their support for President Obama and the Democratic party and in their views on social issues. Jews are more likely than the general public to think that Muslims and blacks are discriminated against, and the vast majority of them say that homosexuality should be accepted by society. Yet the survey also uncovers a generational divide that manifests in attitudes toward Judaism, the Jewish community and Israel. And the survey points to a crisis for the liberal religious denominations, particularly the Conservative movement." In terms of information regarding the Reform Movement there is both good news and bad news. The good news is that more than 1/3 of all US Jews identify as Reform and the Reform Movement has the highest retention rate. Also, if Jews are feeling discouraged in the practice and want to change movements, they are most likely to feel at home in a Reform setting. Most importantly the priorities of the Reform Movement seem to mesh most with the needs and concerns of the general Jewish population and in particular the focus on Tikkun Olam seems to be of prime importance for the contemporary American Jewish community. Finally the Reform Movement's positions on Israel seem to be most in sync with the positions of the American Jewish community. There are challenges, however. Synagogue membership throughout the country is declining overall as compared to the past and only 34% of Reform Jews belong to a Reform synagogue. Reform Jews tend to also be less involved in Jewish life than Conservative or Orthodox Jews and many of the children of Reform Jews are becoming completely secular or un-identified. The survey finds that "28% of those raised Reform have left the ranks of Jews by religion entirely, identifying as Jewish only ethnically or culturally." We can debate whether this is good or bad or neutral. But it is a trend to note. Let me leave you with this summary that was put out by the Reform Movement in regards to larger trends in American religious life as a whole: "American Jews overwhelmingly say they are proud to be Jewish and have a strong sense of belonging to the Jewish people, but the survey also suggests that Jewish identity is changing in America, where one-in-five Jews now describes him or herself as having no religion. This shift in Jewish self-identification reflects broader changes within this country's public. America as a whole - not just Jews - increasingly eschew any religious affiliation. Forty-five percent of "nones" (those who say they have not religion) believe in God, so it is not that they want no religion; they simply are wary of religious institutions. Indeed, the 22% of U.S. Jews who say they have not religion is similar to the share of religious "nones" in the general public and religions disaffiliation is as common among all U.S. adults ages 18-29 as among Jewish millennials (32%). Again, the report itself is fascinating to read and at my last post-confirmation class my 11th-12th grade students waded through many of the specific findings. It was awesome to see them wrestle with the data and figure out where they fit into the spectrum of things. I hope you will as well. L'shalom,
Rabbi Shoshana M. Perry
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 From our President
Dear Friends:
As you know, Rabbi Perry will be taking a four month sabbatical beginning late November.
Over the past several months, Rabbi Perry, Yael and I have been interviewing rabbinical students to assist in providing coverage while Rabbi Perry is engaged in her enrichment. After several meetings and interviews, we agreed to hire Ma'ayan Sands as our rabbinical intern.
During the past couple of weeks, Ma'ayan has had the opportunity to see our congregation "in action" and to teach adult education classes and a parent class during religious school. Afterwards, Rabbi Perry, Yael, Ma'ayan and I sat down to review the past few weeks and set a course for the future.
After a long discussion, we all agreed that Ma'ayan's expectations and goals differed from our expectations and goals. As a result, we all came to the conclusion that both Ma'ayan and Congregation Shalom will best be served by severing ties.
Rabbi Perry, Yael and I have already been meeting to make sure the Congregation is well provided for during the Rabbi's sabbatical. Between lay leaders, visiting Rabbis, and special outside educators, we believe this will be an exciting year for all of our members.
Over the next weeks, we will let you know the specific plans for services and adult education. In the meantime, if you should have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at president@congregationshalom.org.
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 From Our Education Director
By now the word Thanksgivukkah seems to be a commonly used phrase and if you do a web search you will find hundreds of ideas and creative recipes to celebrate this day. In fact, Thanksgivukkah even has its own URL thanksgivukkahboston.com. It has been said that the last time Thanksgiving and Hanukkah were on the same day was in 1888 and there will not be another Thanksgiving and Hanukkah on the same day for 70,000 years, or approximately 2,800 generations. I personally have not done the math, but it is clear that this is truly a once in a lifetime experience. New words have emerged and I just learned that Menorah + Turkey = Menurky. There are recipes for turkey latkes, pumpkin kugel, and cranberry filled sufganiyot (donuts). I even saw a menorah made out of pumpkins. With the excitement and uniqueness of celebrating both Thanksgiving and Hanukkah on the same day, I asked my daughter to reflect upon why this has caused such interest. She thought about it for a minute and said, "well people have all their family around them for Thanksgiving but not necessarily for Hanukkah, so it feels like it is an extra special Hanukkah if we are able to really give thanks for our families and celebrate this Jewish holiday together." I had not thought of the simplicity of just enjoying this festival of lights surrounded by the warmth of family but I think that often Hanukkah's meaning and beauty get drowned in presents and rushing to fit in the lighting of candles as we rush between different activities. This Hanukkah offers us the opportunity to spend time as families enjoying both the miracle of Hanukkah and the miracle that comes with being thankful for the friends and family around us. Lighting the candles as a family and perhaps sharing what we are thankful for as we light each of the eight candles may offer us a chance to reflect on the gifts that we so often take for granted. This year, we will celebrate Hanukkah as a school community on Sunday November 24th from noon - 2:00pm, just a few days before we go into the Thanksgiving break. Please join us for wonderful food, music, games and loads of fun as we celebrate Hanukkah together and give thanks for the wonderful school community that we belong to. I want to wish everyone a meaningful and enjoyable Thanksgivukkah filled with light and thanks and the gift of family, friends and community. 
Yael
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Social Action Committee
Halloween Candy Drive
Donate some of your unopened Halloween Candy! As part of "Operation Gratitude," the donated candy will be shipped to U.S. Soldiers serving overseas. Drop off your unopened Halloween candy at Congregation Shalom in the collection box located in the lobby. Feel free to include a personal note or card to a soldier. Candy collection will run from November 1 through November 6. The collection box will be picked up at 6:15pm on Wednesday, November 6.
Martin Ames Shabbat, November 22
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.
Join us at our next meeting!
Our committee is actively welcoming new members. We'd love to have you join us at our next meeting, so please email us at socialaction@congregationshalom.org if you are interested.
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2013 Online Auction
The 2013 Congregation Shalom 9th Annual Online Auction will start this year on Friday, November 1st. It is always lots of fun with loads of terrific bargains! We start the bidding at 25-30% of an item's value. Chanukah starts early this year on November 28, so don't miss the early sessions. We'll have our usual four two-week bidding sessions, ending on December 26.
If you haven't already contributed to the Online Auction, please consider doing so. Great items to donate include theater or sports tickets, homemade baked goods or other culinary specialties, those items in your closet that still have the tags on them, services you can provide such as music lessons, tutoring, professional services, etc. For more information contact Laura.
We already have over 100 items, with more coming in daily. Items are organized into the following categories:
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Restaurants
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Clothing & Accessories
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Food
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Collectibles
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Jewelry
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Judaica
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Entertainment
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Arts and Crafts
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Services
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Vacations
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Homewares
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Miscellaneous
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The Food category always has delectable goodies made by our members, such as gourmet soups by the Hirsches, Dubners, and Rodmans. The Arts and Crafts category features a wonderful whimsical signed print of Manhattan. And our talented extended family members donate beautiful crafted items such as Phyllis Howard's and Laurie2's jewelry. A highlight in this year's Restaurant section is a $100 Gift Certificate to Legal Sea Foods. There is a steeply discounted two-week session for a new family's 8-12 year old camper at Camp Cody in NH. Lots of theater tickets and other goodies in the Entertainment category, and the Red Sox came through with another autographed baseball!
Our easy-to-use auction program with anonymous bidding is found at www.shalom-auction.org.
For detailed info on items being auctioned, how to register, bidding periods, etc. please click here.
If you have any questions or problems please email Ava at auction@congregationshalom.org.
Thanks and have fun!
Laura, Ava, and the Fundraising Committee
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Peri Smilow Family Concert on November 23
Celebrated vocalist and guitar player,Peri Smilow, will be performing at Congregation Shalom on Saturday, November 23rd, at 7:00pm. Peri will perform Jewish music, including a few Channukah songs, for an evening of fun and entertainment appropriate for all ages. Tickets are $10 a person with a $30 family limit. Non-members are welcome. Click here for more info. |
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 |
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Save the Date Nov 1
Online Auction Begins
Nov 17
Sisterhood Chanukah Fair
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Extended Family Activities
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Quick Links
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Thank you to our Shalom family for your donations and good wishes on the birth of our granddaughter, Eve Marie Hance. Her parents, Sarah and Mike, send their thanks from San Francisco too.
Janet & Dan Dubner
Thanks to everyone who sent a donation to the temple and their good wishes for a speedy recovery during my recent illness. The loving thoughts of my Congreagation Shalom family always go a long way to help in times of trouble.
Laurie Fidler
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| Good & Welfare
It is with a heavy heart that I write of the passing of Doris Friedman, mother of our member Joshua Friedman. We send our deepest condolences to Joshua, Amy and their whole family.
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| New Members
We welcome the following family to our Congregation Shalom community. Please reach out and help make them feel welcome.
Adam Schertzer and Robin Strizhak, and their children Alexandra and Benjamin
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November Birthdays
David Rosenberg
Toby Strauss
Stephanie Boroshok
Parker Sharpe
Dawn Moore
Matthew Moore
Molly Riseman
Jennifer Sohn
Rebecca Sohn
Sarah Doben
Brian Notinger
Callie Notinger
Seth Progin Matson
Abigail Morrissey
Joseph Penn
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Yahrzeits
11/8/13
Helen Ginsburg
Julian Greenfield
Muriel Hyatt
Rose Ried
Hyman Rodman
11/15/13
Bernice Bresnick
Gordon Bronson
Alvin Ecker
Michael Glott
Edward Penn
Rae Rosen
Celia Singer
Samuel Spiegler
11/22/13
Harold Berit
Howard Cravis
George Katzman
Lisa Rothstein
Irene Segal
Sigmund Weitzman
Gert Wiener
11/29/13
Frances Becker
Blanche Brown
Bernard Miller
Irene Notinger
Selma Raichek
Mildred C. Rainen
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
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.
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Donate to Congregation Shalom
The form includes a list of donating options.
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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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Congregational Communications Corner
Hopefully you know by now that our temple community has a new website. It has the same address as the old web site (http://www.congregationshalom.org ) but that's where the similarity ends. Thanks to the tremendous efforts of Eileen Shapiro-Hirsch and Jerry Bass, our website has a fresh new look and new content. More is being added all the time, so be sure to take a test drive and come back often (by the way, our new web site also looks great on your tablet or smart phone). If you haven't done so, be sure to register so you can login as a member (your old userid and password won't work here).
We want to know what you think, so while you are there, be sure to click on the Feedback icon (only if you're logged in) and let us know. Or you can send email to web_feedback@congregationshalom.org. While we start down the road of our new web-site, we also want to recognize the tireless efforts of Sandy Eisenhandler, our former web-master.
We hope that our new website will become the place to go when you want to find out about temple activities. For those who prefer a more social, interactive web experience, we also have our Congregation Shalom Facebook page. Be sure to "friend" Congregation Shalom and join our extended SOCIAL family!
As our web site evolves, with more up to date content, news and information, we expect our newsletter and weekly updates will evolve as well. So this is a great time for you to communicate with your communications committee. Let us know what you like, what you don't like. Especially tell us what you would like more of (and less of). Tell us how we can communicate more effectively. You can reach out to us by sending email to communications@congregationshalom.org. We look forward to hearing from you.
On behalf of our communications committee,
Peter Sohn
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God in the Box - Interfaith Program 
What does God mean to you?
That was the question filmmakers Nathan Lang, Nick Calderone, Troy Browder, and Jim Manley asked during a cross-country journey with their mobile studio, The Box. The answers they received -- from scholars, religious leaders, and strangers on street corners across America --form the basis of an award-winning documentary film called God in the Box.
Join us as we share our own answers to the question, and explore the different images and understandings of God taught by Westford's faith traditions in a yearlong program based on the film.
The Program launched with a screening of the movie at St. Catherine's Church in Westford in late October. Panel Discussions will be held throughout the year with the first one, What We Believe, at Congregation Shalom on November 17 at 7 pm. For a full list and schedule of panel discussions please see our website.
This program is funded by a grant from the Men of Reform Judaism (MRJ) Congregational Interfaith Mini-Grant Program, made possible by funding of the Jewish Chautauqua Society, MRJ's interfaith education project. For more about the film, God in the Box, please visit the filmmakers' website at www.godinthebox.com.
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Sisterhood News
Happy Fall! Hopefully you have had a chance to enjoy the beautiful weather and foliage.
Many thanks to Dale Stanten who came from Swamscott, MA to speak to us about her book The Hooker's Daughter. Dale's talk was well received by everyone who attended. Her life story and her courage were an inspiration to many of us.
On Sunday, November 3rd we will go out for dinner at Feng Shui in Chelmsford and see a movie afterwards. You should have received an email about this already.
As announced in our October newsletter, the annual Hanukkah fair will take place on Sunday, November 17th and Wednesday, November 20th during religious school hours. We still need people to work shifts during 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.
We look forward to our annual Hanukkah party which will take place on Monday, December 2nd. An email will come out for this in November announcing the details.
Please note that from now on you will receive all Sisterhood event invitations (with the exception of the kick-off dinner invite which comes in the mail) via email instead of getting an electronic invite from Punchbowl. Constant Contact is the software that the temple uses to compile all member email addresses and we use this list for Sisterhood as well. If you don't think the temple has your correct email address and you want to receive our invites, please give the temple office your email address.
As always, we welcome new Sisterhood members and hope to have some new people join us this year. If there are programs you would like to see, or if you have any general suggestions for Sisterhood, please send an email to us at sisterhood@congregationshalom.org.
B'Shalom,
Katie Ebersman and Sue Miller, Co-Presidents
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Brotherhood Buzz
We had a great turnout for our kick-off dinner. Thanks to Cris Shudiner for the delicious Bar-B-Q and to many other who made this a success.
Our annual set up and take down of the temple sukkah went without a hitch, even with a new group doing the task. Thanks to all who participated.
Our next big event is on November 9th. Our own gourmet chef, Mel Starr, will be directing many of us in the fine art of Greek cuisine. Spouses are invited, but attendance is limited so get your reservation in.
Thanksgiving AND Hanukkah? Once in a lifetime, but latke making happens every year. The brotherhood will be preparing latkes for the school Hanukkah party on November 24th. Help is needed. Please let us know if you can spare some time that day. Details will be going out soon.
We want to remind you that we are struggling to find a speaker for our spring breakfast. If any of you know of a good candidate please let us know.
Roger Loyer and Neal Berenson, Co-Presidents
brotherhood@congregationshalom.org
Click here to view the Brotherhood 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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| Food for Lowell Transitional Shelter (LTLC)
I am taking over responsibilities from Marilyn and Bob Frank for this mitzvah. Please help me carry out this important mitzvah.
WHAT: Food for people in need at the LTLC in Lowell
WHEN: 3rd Friday of each month
HOW & WHERE: Volunteers leave designated prepared food in a cooler at the entrance to the temple on the 3rd Thursday and/or Friday (by 4:00 p.m.)
I will remind you all of the date each month in this article.
For November: Thursday Nov. 14th and Friday the 15th
Requested food donations for this month are meatloaves (cooked) and/or brownies. Food should be cooked and wrapped; meatloaves can be cooked ahead and can be cold (or frozen).
FYI: We alternate months, so that for December the requested food donations will be salad and/or brownies, then in January meatloaves and/or brownies, and so on. I'll remind you of the dates and requested foods each month.
QUESTIONS? Contact me, Margi Loyer, at fooddonations@congregationshalom.org.
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 Book Group
The Congregation Shalom book group welcomes all who are interested in joining the group for an evening of book review, discussion and fellowship. The following is a list of our meetings scheduled for the remainder of this year. Monday, November 18 at 7:30 PM - at the home of Margie and Neal Berenson Book Selection: The Murderer's Daughters by Randy Susan Meyers Monday, December 16 at 7:30PM - at the home of Esther and Fred Wikander Book Selection: The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh Return to Extended Family links.
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| Meet-Up Group
Here are the six of us out for the day at Perkins Cove in Ogunquit, Maine. It was the Berensens, Starrs, and Fidlers. We had lunch on a restaurant patio, walked along the Marginal Way, and had cocktails at The Cliff House. It was a nice day with nice people.
Next one is to Patriot Place in Foxboro. Join us. Show up at the temple at 10:30am on November 7.
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Library - Book Review
Once We Were Brothers by Ronald H. Balson Ronald H. Balson is a "Chicago trial attorney, an educator, and writer." He has worked across the US and overseas. He was a professor of law at the University of Chicago for many years and is now a lecturer. "Travels to Warsaw and southern Poland in connection with a complex telecommunications case inspired this novel". This self-published novel takes place in Chicago in 2004, but also in Poland during World War II through the memories of Ben Solomon, a Holocaust survivor. Ben Solomon believes that a wealthy Chicago philanthropist named Elliot Rozenweig, who claims to be a Jewish survivor of Auschwitz, is really a German-born Nazi named Otto Pietek. He wants to persuade lawyer Catherine Lockhart to help him to sue Rozenweig in civil court for stealing his family's money, jewelry, and valuables during the war. Over the course of the novel, Ben recounts his childhood memories to Catherine, including that Otto was raised as his brother for many years. The story progresses between what is happening in 2004, and Ben's story from childhood through the end of the war. This story reminded me a bit of that movie "The Music Box" with Jessica Lange, where her father was accused of being a Nazi and, over time, the evidence against him piles up. The writing in this book was good, and at times engaging, but not amazing. I really wanted to find out what happened both in the past to Ben and his family, and with the court case in the present. In previous books that I've reviewed such as Sarah's Key and A Thread of Grace, and books that I read many years ago like Stones from the River, and Gone to Soldiers, I felt an acute connection to the characters. I felt emotionally involved in the horrors that I was reading about. In this book, I did not feel that connection with the characters, and I felt more distanced from their plight. At times the 2004 story dragged on, especially in the relationship between Catherine and her friend Liam. I liked the book but I didn't love it.
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 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 remaining meetings will be at the Feng Shui restaurant on the following Shabbat (Friday evening) dates and times: 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.
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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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Grocery Cash-back Cards Raise Money For OurTemple
THANK YOU to the families who have purchased supermarket gift cards over the last few weeks.
YOU can help raise funds for Congregation Shalom programs, too. Here's how:
1 -- You buy a grocery cashback gift card (for Donelans, Hannaford, or Stop & Shop), and
2 -- The temple receives 7% cashback.
So, if you buy $100 worth of groceries, the temple gets $7.
To learn more, email Judy Beningson at giftcards@congregationshalom.org . OR purchase one in person on Sundays at the temple 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 Updated for 2013-2014!
New software is now being used which will make it much easier to keep the directory up-to-date. Please check your family's information for accuracy, and contact Debbie at membership@congregationshalom.org with any changes or updated photos.
You may view or download the Membership Directory from the secure, Members Only section of our website, towards the bottom of the page.
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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
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, Sohn
Nov 22 - 8 pm Adult Shabbat - David Smerling Social ActionHolladay & Navy*, Blumstein, Cohn, 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, Price, 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
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 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, Orlinsky, Riseman, Steinfeld & Sorell, Toomey
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Extended Community
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Eisner and Crane Lake Camps
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 here to register online.
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.
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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.
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From the Merrimack Valley Jewish Federation...
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.
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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. |
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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