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:
April 15th is Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. To mark this important day our adult education committee would like to invite you to a showing of movie that received the Yad Vashem Award at the Jerusalem International Film Festival in 2008 for artistic achievement in a Holocaust related film.
The movie, "The Green Dumpster Mystery", tells the story of the filmmaker, Tal Haim Yoffe who, traveling on his scooter through Tel Aviv, finds a discarded box of old photographs in a green dumpster. This docu-detective film slowly unwinds a family history, beginning in Lodz, Poland, and traveling through the Siberian Gulag, a Samarkand sugar plant, a Ha'apala ship, and the battlefields of the Sinai Peninsula. Like Daniel Mendelsohn's bestseller The Lost and David Ofek's film No. 17 is Anonymous, this tightly-paced tour de force vividly evokes the now-extinguished lives of an anonymous - but typical - Israeli family.
Uri Klein of the Israeli newspaper wrote in his review, "One of the best Israeli films of recent times. In an ostensibly light tone, which balances the serious subjects in the film - history and memory, Holocaust and bereavement - the film tells the story of the director himself who, as he rode his scooter through South Tel Aviv, found a stash of old photographs in a dumpster. In the wake of this find, he sets out on a quest to find the people in the photo. Gradually, as in a very good thriller, in which secrets are revealed with increasing dramatic and emotional force, the director sets the stage for an Israeli family saga. Yoffe succeeds in digressing from a personal story into a drama with symbolic power. This is a serious, complex and important work."
Following the 50-minute movie, we will have the opportunity for discussion and a short memorial service.
I hope you will join us for this evening of learning and remembrance.
L'shalom,
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From our President
Dear Friends:
The Hebrew word ATID translates into "future." At Congregation Shalom the Board of Trustees is tasked with not only managing the current business of the temple but also leading the congregation into the future. What will our community look like a year from now? How about five years? Ten years?
While the "what" question is important, an even more important question is "who." Who will lead Congregation Shalom? Who will help plan its future and who will take on leadership roles now and in times to come?
One way we answer these questions is through our annual nominating process through which the temple community elects its officers and trustees. But there is a more basic question that must be addressed before we even get to our nominating committee. How do we impart knowledge of the temple, our bylaws, and our traditions on our members so that they have the understanding and basis to become our next generation of leaders?
Part of the answer to this question is through our Atid program. Every four or five years we gather together fifteen to twenty members of our community, bring in an outside facilitator, and discuss the "how" and "why" of Congregation Shalom. The Atid program focuses on lay leadership at a reform congregation, decision making for a temple, ethical questions faced by leadership, finance and budget decisions, and the general business of running a temple.
Our past Atid programs have been incredibly successful in both educating our members about the temple and generating leaders for both the Board and our committees.
We are now beginning the process of planning a new Atid course for next year. Our second vice-president, Joanna Myers, is in the initial phases of organizing the program. If you are interested in participating in such a program, whether you would like to be a leader of the congregation or simply would like more background on how it operates, please send an email to Joanna at [email protected].
And if you receive a phone call from Joanna asking you to participate in the program, please strongly consider it. We all have a role to play in Congregation Shalom's future. Together we can ensure that Congregation Shalom continues to serve all its members for generations to come.
L'Shalom,
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From Our Education Director
I confess that I love Passover - it is my favorite holiday. It is not just the fact that my family and lots of wonderful food surround me, but Passover always reminds me of the importance and the relevance of L'Dor Vador.
Recently, while sitting in the 5th grade Family Ed, Rabbi Perry reminded us all that when we celebrate Passover we say that we remember the time when we were all slaves in Egypt and we are asked to be a part of the Passover Seder as if we ourselves were actually slaves and were forced to flee. "In each generation, each person is obligated to see himself or herself [lirot et atzmo] as though he or she personally came forth from Egypt."
Having children at a Seder can make this quite complicated to achieve. I wish it was as simple as 4 questions, and 4 answers, but rather, the Seder offers us a myriad of questions that will grow and evolve as we go through the different stages of our children's lives. How do we keep the kids engaged? How do we explain the idea of slavery and make it feel relevant today and what does freedom look like? How do we balance the different needs of both adults and children so that everyone feels engaged and included? The list is endless.
As parents and as educators, we are always struggling with how to meet every child where they are at. As you prepare for your Seder, I encourage you to look at the different children in your home and see how they might be able to be a part of this wonderful holiday. Much like the 4 children in the Hagaddah, each of us at different times may be wise, simple, wicked or not able to ask. Engaging the family in the Passover preparation can be a fun and also a meaningful endeavor. Whether it is laying tables, putting together bags of "plagues" (red dot stickers and cotton balls make wonderful plagues), acting out a small play, or even creating their own Hagaddah, there are many wonderful and fun ways to engage your younger children. As the children get older, I have often encouraged my children to look at where slavery exists today and what can be done about it. We have explored the different sons and how we might relate to each of them and, regardless of age, we all love acting out the different plagues. There are many different ways to create a meaningful Seder experience for your family and I encourage everyone to find a way that makes sense for you and your family.
I love to teach my kids about the matzah balls my grandmother used to make, and my father's charoset is a family favorite. It is the shared experience of the past and the present that keeps this idea of L'Dor Vador central to the Passover experience.
In continuing the theme of the different generations, I would like to invite all our Tot families to join us for a very special Tot Seder experience on Sunday April 5 from 9 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. We are excited to invite our kindergarten, preschoolers, and our little tots to join us for a fun and interactive Seder experience. Please RSVP to [email protected].
I wish you all a Chag Sameach-a wonderful and meaningful celebration of Passover filled with past traditions and new family traditions that will be handed down L'Dor Vador.
Yael
Please click here to read previous columns on our website. |
Social Action Committee
Diaper and Baby Goods Drive
As this newsletter goes to press, Social Action is running a Diaper and Baby Goods Drive. Final count of donations will be available next month, but it is clear that members have been very generous in helping families in need - thank you all for participating in this important mitzvah.
Monthly Food Donations for Middlesex Transitional Living Center
Congregation Shalom is collecting food for the Lowell Transitional Living Center (LTLC). It is easy to help out with this mitzvah. Donations of meatloaf, and/or brownies and/or salad are accepted each month. There will be a cooler chest located by the doors of Congregation Shalom. Simply place your donation in the cooler and know that you have done a good deed! The food will be collected and brought to the Lowell Transitional Living Center in Lowell, where our donations are greatly appreciated each month. You can leave your donations in the cooler beginning on Wednesday, April 15 through Thursday April 16. May dates will be May 13-14 - mark your calendar now.
Volunteer at Table of Plenty in Chelmsford
Congregation Shalom is part of a team of volunteers at the Table of Plenty in Chelmsford, an organization that serves a free meal to all, no questions asked, every Tuesday from 5-6 p.m. at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in Chelmsford Center. Our team serves every other month on the third Tuesday, and will next serve on May12. If you have time to volunteer during the afternoon on Tuesdays and would like to take part, please send an email to [email protected] and put Linda Newhard's name in the subject line.
Mitzvah Day is coming: Sunday, June 7
The Social Action Committee is busy planning this year's Mitzvah Day, a congregation-wide day of social action. Stay tuned for more details, but hold the date and plan to join us for a day of community and tikkun olam!
Questions? Need more information? Please contact [email protected]. |
Fundraising Committee
Coming to your Mailbox
It is the time of year for our 50/50 Raffle - the more tickets sold, the more the winner gets. Last year's winner received a check for $525 and some change. The winning ticket will be pulled Mitzvah Day this year. Come on, take a chance - buying tickets helps your congregation and maybe you!
Wine Tasting for Passover March 29th from 1 - 4 p.m. in Waltham at Gordon's Fine Wines on Main Street. More than 50 kosher wines that you can try, BUT bring a friend to drive.
We are planning some wonderful things for next year but we need your help - we need you to join us and help make each endeavor a success!
Enjoy your matzoh!
Your Fundraising Committee
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Young Member Honored By Election to NFTY Board
We are honored that one of our young adults will be serving on the board of the North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY), the Reform Jewish Youth Movement. Joey Penn has been elected as NFTY's next North American Membership Vice President.
The leadership of Congregation Shalom received a glowing letter from Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the URJ, about Joey. As Rabbi Jacobs said, by "electing Joey as NFTY's Membership VP for the 2015-2016 academic year, the NFTY General Board expressed loudly and clearly that Joey's leadership skills are exemplary and his potential is extraordinary." He goes on to commend our congregation, saying it "has been our experience in this role that the most amazing teens come from equally wonderful congregations - thank you for all you have done to raise such an incredible young man."
You can read the press release announcing Joey's election by clicking here.
Please join us in celebrating Joey's accomplishment. Mazel tov, Joey!
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Save the Date
April 4 Community Second Seder
April 12 Grade 6 Wax Museum
May 1 Teacher Appreciation Shabbat
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Quick Links
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Links to Our Website
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Exciting Passover Tot Experience!
There was no Tot Shabbat on Friday, March 20th, but instead there will be a fun interactive Tot-sized Passover Seder experience on Sunday, April 5th from 9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
There will be small food tastings and mini Seder fun.
Pre-school will be joining us, so parents please plan to stay. Siblings are encouraged to stay since this is in lieu of Tot Shabbat for March. Older students will be in their classes.
So that we may plan accordingly, please RSVP with the number of family members that will attend.
Send your RSVP to Joan at [email protected].
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, April 5th from 9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. for a fun filled morning.
Looking ahead, our May 15th Tot Shabbat will be the Kindergarten Shabbat.
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Second Seder at Our Temple
Congregation Shalom's 48th Annual Second Seder will be held at the temple on Saturday, April 4 at 6:00 p.m.
Please mark your calendars.
This event is open to our members, their families, and guests, and will include the complete Seder menu, ceremonial foods, Seder plates, ceremonial wine and beverages.
The cost will be fifteen dollars per person, and is partially catered. Please reserve this important date in the traditional religious life of our congregation and plan to join us in this observance.
Pat & Bob Schneider
[email protected]
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Spring Care Package for Your College Student
After a LONG Winter and just after Passover, treat your child to a fun and yummy package with support from the synagogue. Cost is only $16 per package. We intend to mail the packages by April 15.
We know Finals are around the corner. Surprise your child and bring them some joy!
Please contact Amy Degen at [email protected] to order your package. Deadline is Friday, April 10th. Email the address of your child in the same email.
Also we could always use help. If you would like to bake or put together the packages, let Amy know in your email.
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Dear Friends,
It is with a grateful heart that I thank all of you for your generous donations to Congregation Shalom after my recent Carpal Tunnel surgery. It was a comfort to be thought of by all of you and I so appreciate your support to our community.
Warm regards,
Shoshana Perry
We would like to thank everyone in our temple family for your cards, visits and donations in memory of our mother and grandmother, Thelma Goldstein. Your support has been heartwarming and we feel truly blessed to be part of such a warm and caring community.
Ilene Order and the Hurd Family
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Good and Welfare
It is with a heavy heart that I write of the passing of George Kyte MacKillop, father of our member Colin MacKillop. We send our sincerest condolences to Colin, Riki, Becca and Jillian.
It is with a heavy heart that I also write of the passing of Thelma Goldstein, mother of our member Ilene Order and grandmother of our member Gayle Hurd. Thelma passed away at the age of 99. Our deepest condolences go out to the whole family.
It is with a heavy heart that I write of the passing of Alice Truitt, mother of our member Joanne Hyatt. Alice passed away at the age of 90. Our deepest condolences go out to Joanne, Mitch, and their whole family.
It is with a heavy heart that I write of the passing of Morris Wyszogrod, father of our member Barry Wyshogrod. Morris passed away in Jerusalem. Our deepest condolences go out to Barry, Marcia, and their whole family.
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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 [email protected] with any questions and/or for an application form.
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Changed Your Address?
Notify us at [email protected] 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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Sisterhood News
Greetings friends. Looks like spring is finally approaching!!! We send our best wishes to our members who had snow damage to their homes this year.
16 people showed up to hear Lorraine Greenfield speak about recording memories. Her talk was very engaging and she left everyone with a copy of her book "Thoughts Along the Way".
About 30 people are signed up to attend the annual retreat in Maine. We look forward to a fun weekend with friends, good food, and a renewal of spirit.
Our shopping trip to Brookline is coming up on Sunday, March 29th. If you are interested in going, please be on the lookout for the Evite and make sure to please reply to it. We will meet at the temple and carpool into Brookline.
On May 5th we will have our Dinner with the Rabbi/Annual meeting. At that time we will vote on changes made to our bylaws and also on the new slate of officers to the Board. We hope to see many of you there!
Katie Ebersman, Sisterhood Board
[email protected]
Click here to view the Sisterhood calendar at our Congregation Shalom website.
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Brotherhood News
March's "Guys Night Out" was at Rapscallion's restaurant. The food was varied from burgers to seafood dishes. I don't know how Jon and Neal keep coming up with new places to eat every month! If you haven't attended this event yet, and you have a restaurant in mind, let us know. We'd be happy to make it our next destination!
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Shalomites
Shalom!
Thanks so much to all who came to the Purim Carnival last month, and to all of the 7th-12th graders who made the event such a smashing success. We raised enough funds to provide tons of incredible events and scholarships! Running booths for such active and enthusiastic participants was truly a pleasure, and I'm looking forward to seeing all of the opportunities we can take advantage of in the coming year.
In addition, I'd like to thank everyone in advance for all the help the community has provided with regards to Spring Conclavette. I look forward to hearing what everyone thought about this incredible event and all the great experiences they had with NFTY participants! I'm so proud of all of the leadership shown by every member of each grade and the amazing power that the bonds in this community hold.
On April 11th, there will be a movie night for The Shalomites in place of our shul-in. I'm excited for another chance to have some fun and bond as a group! If you have any movie requests, let us know!
Best,
Hannah Muhlfelder, The Shalomites President
Click here to view the Shalomites calendar at our Congregation Shalom website.
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Caring Yarns Yearlong Project
Calling all knitters! We have a project for you that can be finished in one evening while watching TV. We have a pattern for making slippers for women that we will take to the Lowell Women's Shelter. The pattern comes in 3 sizes, requires size 9 needles, 2 stitch markers, a yarn needle and one skein of worsted weight (#4) yarn. You can make a few sets with this one skein. Please click here for the pattern.
We will be working on this project through next summer. Thanks for joining us in this project.
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Passover Shopping at Stop & Shop From all reports, Shop & Shop has the widest selection of Passover food items. If you plan on shopping at Stop & Shop for Passover, please buy a grocery card so you can help the temple at the same time. Just email Judy Beningson at [email protected] and I will get you a card in whatever denomination you need: $25 - $500! Thank you.
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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 [email protected]. |
Donation Acknowledgments
The following donations were received from November, 2014 - February, 2015:
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT FUND
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MUSIC FUND
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6 general donations
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One general donation
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In honor of
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High Holidays
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MARTIN AMES SOCIAL ACTION LECTURE
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Norman Beckman
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FUND
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Ira Libby's Bar Mitzvah
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In memory of
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In memory of
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Rose Liner
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Leonore Rombach
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Joel Himmelfarb
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Rebecca Hall
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Dr. and Mrs. Morris Cross
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SCHOOL EDUCATION FUND
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Jerry Gilmore
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In honor of
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Naomi Perry
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Rose Snyder's 100th birthday
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Bernie Tack, 2 donations
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BUILDING FUND
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RABBI PERRY'S DISCRETIONARY FUND
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one general donation
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In memory of
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In honor of
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Arlene Newman
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Rose Snyder's 100th birthday
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SUSAN MURRAY YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP FUND
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LEAVES ON TREE OF LIFE
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In memory of
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In honor of
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Jerry Gilmore
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Brett Denly's bar mitzvah
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Naomi Perry
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In memory of
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Bernie Tack
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Diane Hurwitz Lewis
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Gary Lee Lewis
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April Yahrzeits
4/3/15
Gertrude Blumstein, Sidney Brother, William Derby, Adelle Egan, Helen Gross, Thomas Herring, Carl Hite, Brian Howard, Nathan Singer, Joseph Waldman
4/10/15
Barbara Blumstein, Arthur Brahm, Selma Fagelman, Dora Goldman, Jerome Rosenstein, Marie Wikander
4/17/15
Herman Burton, Paula Howard, Elijah Roberts
4/24/15
Melvin Carrick, Morris Gilmore, Sidney Kittredge, Sidney Liebman, Miriam Marcus, Simon Navy, David Newman, Philip Order, Samuel Price
5/1/15
Ruth Abrams, Benzion Antokal, Nancy Solomon Davis, Lillian Kent, Max Kupor, Ronald S. Levi, Paula Navy, Bernard Reichert, Helen Sevici, Yetta Tocman
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Extended Community
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Join in on the Jewish Camp Experience this Summer!
Please click here for a summary of Jewish Summer Camps in our area. You'll find contact info for all of them.
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JF&CS Family Table
Helping families in need celebrate Passover
More than 400 families in Greater Boston and on the North Shore rely on JF&CS Family Table to provide them with kosher food and personal items every month. Our community is a key part of this effort. As you prepare for your Passover celebration, please consider a donation to JF&CS Family Table - a wonderful way to observe and celebrate Passover and the beloved tradition of tzedakah.
You can make a gift to Family Table in one of the following ways:
- Mail a check to JF&CS Family Table Passover Appeal, 1430 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02451
- Visit jfcsboston.org to make your donation online
- Call 781-647-JFCS (5327) to donate by credit card over the phone.
Your entire donation is tax deductible. Thank you for your support!
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Table of Plenty in Chelmsford
Free Dinner Served
Every Tuesday from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
at First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in Chelmsford Center
All are welcome. No questions asked.
Also, if you know of someone who cannot get out,
but would benefit from a dinner being delivered to them, please contact us.
For more information contact:
[email protected]
www.tableofplentyinchelmsford.org
978-710-8328
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From the Visiting Nurse Association of Boston & Affiliates... VNA Hospice Care needs volunteers! Hospice volunteers play a key role in helping to provide caring and compassion to patients and families facing life-limiting illness and loss. A volunteer may provide patients with company and emotional support, give the spouse, partner or other caregiver a needed break from care giving, and/or help caregivers run errands or get to and from appointments. A strong need exists for volunteers who can visit on weekdays. We also seek: musicians who would like to sing or play music quietly at the bedside of nursing home residents; Reiki practitioners who would like to offer Reiki to patients and/or caregivers; and people interested in visiting with their therapy dog. Volunteers who speak both English and a second language are also helpful. We provide volunteer training and ongoing support. Call 781-569-2888 and ask to speak to a Volunteer Coordinator for more information. Or email [email protected].
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Spiritual Poetry Journal
"Soul-Lit" is a new on-line spiritual poetry journal. A number of entries have been from Jews and have Jewish content. Writers are encouraged to submit their own poems which have a level of spiritual content to them. Two volumes have already been published.
To check out the website, please click here.
Please spread the word to members of the community who are writers / poets, and who may wish to submit their own writings.
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