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, From the beginning of our religious tradition, people have sought out a spiritual connection with the Divine as well as with the community of Israel, past, present and future. Oftentimes these connections have taken the form of communal prayer and, from the time of the Torah, some of these prayers, like the Shema, V'ahavta and Mi Chamocha, have remained a part of our foundational liturgy. Over time, however, the desire and need for personal and communal prayer to evolve with the changing face and needs of a community has inspired Jews to write, re-write, and edit prayers. Some of these prayers emerged in the Rabbinic period, some in the Medieval period, and clearly there has been an explosion of creative and innovative prayer in our contemporary era. In my lifetime I have used four different Reform Shabbat siddurim: The New Union Prayerbook, the Gates of Prayer, the Gates of Prayer - gender-sensitive edition, and now Mishkan Tefillah. As Rabbi Michael White wrote, "Our Movement has created, and then recreated, the most inspiring, accessible, meaningful prayers and music, often later adopted by our more traditional coreligionists, because we Reform Jews understand that prayer must both bind us to our ancient tradition and also meet the sensibilities of the modern Jew, so our prayers can ascend, authentic and true, to the highest heights." And now, in the words of Ecclesiastes, "To everything there is a season" or in the more contemporary verse of Bob Dylan, "The times they are a changing....", and we see that our liturgy is now taking a giant step forward with a new High Holiday prayer book. In 1978 the Gates of Repentance was first published. In the early 90's a new gender-sensitive version was re-published. Now in 2015, 37 years after that last new liturgy was envisioned, a new 2- volume machzor will be used by Reform synagogues. These new prayer books, known as Mishkan Hanefesh, "The Sanctuary of the Soul", are modeled after Mishkan Tefillah, "The Sanctuary of Prayer", in their format, structure and style. The books balance tradition with modernity, using beautiful ancient prayers, as well as modern interpretive readings and translations. In addition there is contemporary commentary that is meant to illuminate the historical background as well as offer a variety of theological approaches to theology and ritual as a doorway into these ancient rites. For those who do not read Hebrew, there is transliteration for every Hebrew prayer. All in all, the goal is to enable participants to more ably connect with the liturgy in a concrete as well as spiritual way. During the Days of Awe we are called upon to engage in a personal as well of communal journey; to be introspective about our conduct, our relationships and our lives. We are encouraged to ask questions, seek connections and to reflect on the power of change. In High Holiday lingo we call this Teshuvah! I hope that these new machzorim will enable each one of us to feel inspired, uplifted, and connected to the meaning of these Days of Atonement. On a lighter note, the Days of Awe, as you know, are a time for apology as well as a time for patience. As we enter this New Year I ask for your patience! These new prayer books are dramatically different from the Gates of Repentance. I have used that machzor for almost 30 years and I know its timings and readings as if they are old friends. I will do my best to guide our community through these new texts but there are a lot of challenges since on any two-page spread there are three to four choices for readings. There simply is TOO much to read! Since the timing in particular will be new to me, I have decided, along with the ritual committee, to cut back on handing out parts to as many lay people as we usually do. I would hate to give out a part to someone only to realize I might need to skip that reading. As I become more familiar with the new liturgy, I will be able to include more people in the future. For the same reason I am also not inviting members of our community to write on a specific theme. I look forward to hearing from you in the days after the holidays and welcome your feedback and thoughts. I know that change can be hard, but I believe that once we all become more comfortable and fluent in with these new books, we will feel as though they have become old friends that we can re-meet each and every year. Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Rabbi Shoshana M. Perry
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From our President
When you Reflect, Are you Looking for the Good?
As my family will tell you, if a movie doesn't have a happy ending and, if it doesn't spend a lot of time dwelling on the happy part, don't invite me to see it! I can't even stand a movie where we get the happiness in the last 10 minutes, like the movie, The Pursuit of Happyness, where a single father struggles and struggles and struggles.
More my speed is the movie Tomorrowland, which makes the point we've got to devote energy to the good and to making that good happen. Conversely, if we continually look for and expect the bad, we are going to make that bad happen.
That means looking for the good and that is especially hard for me just before the High Holidays. It's easy to dwell on what I've done wrong. Maybe, in addition, I should be looking for the good. That is, during this time of self-reflection, yes, I should stick to the tried and true preparations of asking: "What did I do wrong? Now, how will I do better?" And, not to forget the hard one of: "To whom do I owe an apology?"
Yes.
But, equally important, I should remember to ask: "What did I do well?" And, "What did I do that I can look back on and say I am proud to have done?" I remember the story of Charles Francis Adams, the grandson of John Adams, describing in his diary a day fishing with his son as "a day wasted" where his eight year old son described the same day in *his* journal as: "Went fishing with my father today, the most glorious day of my life."
That story helps me remember to examine my year from many viewpoints as I consider how to do better.
And to review what I might have done well, too!
May you have a joyous new year, better than the last.
L'shanah Tovah!
Tamar Wexler
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From our Education Director
Each year at this time, I marvel at the fact that we are about to begin another year. I am never quite sure what happened to the last year and at the same time I am excited about year ahead. The quiet classrooms are waiting for the happy and eager voices of our students and the teachers are gearing up for another year of dynamic and engaging teaching. Entering into my 5th year at Congregation Shalom, I am in awe of the way our students grow up and mature and I am thrilled not just by the excitement of a new year but by the opportunities that every year offers. I am also watching my own family grow and I cannot believe that my "baby" is a sophomore in high school and my oldest is leaving for college.
With all the changes around me, I feel blessed to be surrounded by my amazing teachers and my wonderful support staff. While everyone was out enjoying the summer, Joan LaRochelle worked tirelessly alongside me to get everything ready for the upcoming year. Joan does not teach in a class nor does she get to interact with all the kids very often, but she is the support that keeps this wonderful school operating the way it does. Thank you to Joan for all she does to support the school and myself. I also want to thank Bonnie Nojeim for all her hard work.
Once again, my amazing and talented teachers spent the summer working on lesson plans, art projects, and creative ways to make Judaism come alive. I have some new teachers, some teachers who are returning in a different role, and some teachers who will once again be teaching their same classes with the skill and commitment that we witnessed last year.
Welcome back to Lauren Denis, Deborah Morrissey, Rob Berkovitz, Rich Laider, Margie Lotto, Sue Tymon, Audrey Desrochers, Phyllis Kallus, Julie Silver, Ilene Rodman, and Sandy Moore. Once again, we are very lucky to have Rabbi Perry teaching our students as well. I know that we are a richer school community because of her amazing teaching and I feel fortunate that each of my amazing teachers brings their love of learning to your children every week.
I also want to take the opportunity to welcome Jodi Blankstein, our new Cantorial Soloist, and Steven Philp, our new Youth Educator, to our school community. Jodi will undoubtedly bring her love and passion for Jewish music to our students and we are excited for the new "Kol Kolot" children's choir that Jodi will be introducing to our school. Steven is an experienced and passionate educator and we feel lucky to have him teaching in our Hebrew and Chai School classes.
Since we do not begin school until after the High Holidays, I want to wish our whole community a Shana Tovah U' Metuka - a happy and sweet new year.
Yael
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High Holiday Schedule
Rosh Hashanah
Sunday, September 13
8:00 pm Erev Rosh Hashanah Service
Monday, September 14 Day 1
9:00 - 10:20 am Family Service
11:00 - 1:00 pm Adult Service
2:45 pm Children's Service
4:00 pm Tashlich -- Freeman Lake, North Chelmsford
Tuesday, September 15 Day 2
10:00 - 12:00 noon Adult Service
Yom Kippur
Tuesday, September 22
7:30 pm Kol Nidre
Wednesday, September 23
9:00 - 10:20 am Family Service
11:00 - 1:00 pm Adult Service
1:45 pm Children's Service
2:45 - 3:45 pm Digging Deep: Exploring the High Holidays - a Congregation Shalom program led by the Shalomites
4:00 - 4:45 pm Teshuvah Through Music and Meditation
4:45 pm Yizkor/Neilah/Havdallah
Approx. 6:30 pm Congregational Break-Fast follows the conclusion of services. All are invited to attend.
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High Holiday Services at Congregation Shalom
Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Sunday, September 13. We offer several services and encourage you to choose the services that are best for your family. Please see the schedule for all service times. If you have any questions, please contact ritual@congregationshalom.org.
The Adult Services on the first day of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur morning begin at 11 a.m. and last 1 ˝ - 2 hours. Services on the seciond day of Rosh Hashanah begin at 10 a.m.. Please note: We appreciate that families want to save seats for one another for services. However, the Board of Trustees requests that fifteen minutes before services begin, you relinquish any empty seats to those who are coming in.
The Family Service is held on the first day of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur. Each one begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at approximately 10:20. It is geared to meet the needs of families with children in the second to sixth grades. (This service is distinct from the children's service in the afternoon, which is designed as a service for younger children.) We use a beautiful High Holiday prayer book that is written to meet the needs of children ages 8-12. Rabbi Perry leads this service with our soloist and the traditional High Holiday melodies are used. There is a shorter sermon geared to this population. For many, this service will be a substitute for the later service, although some adults may choose to attend both. In fact some adults without children may choose this service. The service is designed to maintain a sense of sacredness and seriousness. We remind all of our members that this is not a service for young children.
The Young Children's Service is held at 2:45 on the first day of Rosh Hashanah and at 1:45 on Yom Kippur. Itis for children from toddler to age 7 and is about 45 minutes.
We would like to review information regarding flow of traffic, timing, and seating. The Family Service will end at 10:20 a.m. and the Adult service will begin at 11 a.m. This will give our community a 40-minute window to have the sanctuary clear out, be picked up, and to have people get seated for the next service. When the Family Service is over we will ask all those who are in attendance to exit through the doors to the side of the building and the back of the sanctuary. People will not be able to exit into the lobby. If people have used the coatroom it will mean that they need to circle back to the lobby to pick up their coats. Meanwhile people who are coming to the 11 a.m. service will not be able to enter the sanctuary until the early service is finished, all the people have left, and the sanctuary is "picked up"..
**If you or someone you are bringing to services has a disability and needs special seating, please call Marilyn Frank or email her at ritual@congregationshalom.org. Please note we have several infrared hearing devices. Please contact Marilyn if you would like to use one. If you will need handicapped parking, please contact Janet at ritual@congregationshalom.org.
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Social Action Committee
Happy New Year, and an invitation to join us
Happy New Year from the Social Action Committee. We always welcome new members, and invite you to join us in working to make the world a better place. If you would like to join us or be a part of the committee's email list, please email socialaction@congregationshalom.org and you will be added to the list for communication. Happy New Year!
High Holiday Food Drive
Once again this year we will be holding a food drive on Yom Kippur. Please bring non-perishable food items to donate to food pantries in several of our congregation's communities.
Alternatively, you can purchase a Hannaford gift card through Congregation Shalom that will also be donated for food pantry clients to use. This donation is a double mitzvah, as the food pantry gets 100% of your card purchases to buy what is most needed at the pantry and Congregation Shalom gets an additional 7% of all donations made. Last Yom Kippur, our congregation donated over $2,000 in gift cards to food pantries in addition to all the bags of groceries collected. Hannaford gift cards for the pantry are tax deductible and will show up on your year-end summary from Congregation Shalom.
Cards will be available for purchase during food collection times before and after high holiday services, or in advance by emailing giftcards@congregationshalom.org and specifying purchase is intended for the food drive.
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, September 16 through Thursday, September 17 (until 5 p.m.) October dates will be October 21-22 - mark your calendar now.
Chelmsford Community Garden plot
Congregation Shalom's garden plot at the Chelmsford Community Garden is thriving! The work of a small but dedicated group of weeding and watering volunteers has produced an abundance of cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes, squash, and basil that are being donated to local food pantries. Thanks to all who have helped plant and maintain the garden this year.
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Fundraising Committee
It's coming - check your mailbox
Our Annual On-line Auction letter and donation form is coming. You will find, in your mailbox, a letter asking for donations.
- Do you make a food that people hunger for?
- Do you have a favorite restaurant?
- Do you have a skill you are willing to teach?
- What about a piece of Art that no longer fits your décor?
- Do you have tickets to a sports event?
- What about theatre tickets?
- Do you take incredible photographs?
- How about lessons in.....? You name it
- Have a dinner party?
- Any vacation homes?
There are so many things that you can offer as a donation that others would be very willing to pay for. Look around. Find something. This is always our biggest fundraiser but we need you to make it spectacular!!!
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Save the Date
Sept 13 Erev Rosh Hashanah
Sept 20 Leadership Meeting
Sept 22 Kol Nidre
Sept 23 Yom Kippur Services and Break Fast
Sept 27 First day of Religious School
Sept 30 First day of Hebrew School
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Quick Links
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Links to Our Website
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Check Your Oneg Assignments
The list of Oneg assignments is available. Please, please double-check the dates your family has been assigned. Click here for the complete list, included later in this newsletter. For members' convenience the complete list is included this month.
If you want our help re-scheduling, you must let the Oneg committee know before September 7. After that, it will be your responsibility to find someone to exchange dates with.
As always, this list is also available on our website.
Return to top.
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High Holiday Assistance
If you are in need of special assistance for seating at the High Holidays please contact Marilyn Frank by phone or at ritual@congregationshalom.org . You need to be specific as to which day or evening you will be at services and how many family members will be sitting with you. You will be seated by an usher and are expected to be at the temple to be seated earlier than the service is scheduled. In fairness to the Congregation membership, these seats will not be held when it becomes 15 minutes before the service. Thank you for understanding these arrangements.
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Help! We need a projector!
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I would like to thank the Congregation Shalom community for all your warmth and support during this difficult time surrounding the passing of my mother, Elaine Becker. Our family is so appreciative of all your kindness, donations, caring and concern - it meant a lot to us.
Sandy Rose
We'd like to thank everyone who sent cards, emails and well wishes to our family during Paul's hospitalization. Your support and encouragement boosted our spirits. We also greatly appreciate the delicious meals many of you provided. There are certainly some fabulous chefs in the CS community!
The Sedgwick Family
The Sohn family would like to thank the Congregation Shalom family for all the emails, cards and donations, both to the temple and to the Pan Mass Challenge for which I was training when I was injured. I feel very fortunate to be home with my family. I also feel very fortunate for all the concern, caring and kindness expressed both to me and to my family during this difficult time. I continue to make progress in my recovery and therapies and I remain positive that I will continue to do so. To all a sweet New Year!
Peter and Carol Sohn
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An Invitation to Friends
Dear friends:
As many of you are aware, we have moved to Hyannis. We are Cape Codders now! We would love to have Congregation Shalom friends come to visit. We have space for you to stay overnight. We mean it!!! Hope to hear from you.
L'shalom,
Margi and Roger Loyer
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Good and Welfare
Margi and Roger Loyer are happy to announce the marriage of their daughter, Sarah, to Georgia Lassner. The wedding was in Ogunquit in July. Sarah and Georgia are living in LA.
It is with a heavy heart that I write of the passing of Ann Elkins, mother of our member Staci Landress. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Staci, Darren, Jessica, and Rachel during their time of loss.
It is with a heavy heart that I write of the passing of Bob Kupor, brother of our member Susan McHugh. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Susan, Dennis, Ben, and David during their time of loss.
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Welcome New Members
We welcome the following families to our Congregation Shalom community. Please reach out and help make them feel welcome.
Rob & Megumi Hirschel and their children, Misa and Yoshi
Daniel & Heidi Lazar and their children, Joseph and Lauren
Shawn and Rebecca Newell and their children, Josalyn and Samuel
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September Yahrzeits
9/4/15
Albert Aronson, Sarah Brown, Jerome Degen, Marilyn Fields, Mary Finkelstein, Kenneth Green, Itzhak Kamien, Harry M. Ried, Herman Schaevitz, Clara Shamesman, Ernest Snyder, Adelaide Wexler
9/11/15 Arnold Becker, Benjamin Berman, Domenic Iannini, Helen Posner 9/18/15 Lillyan Chandler, Susan Chertok, Henry Derby, Joel Eisenstein, Lois Levy, George Smith, Barbara Spiegler, Elliot Winograd 9/25/15 Sampson Chandler, George Fuchs, Carol Heines, Dorothy Heines, Herbert Hirsch, Murray Niedergang, Arthur O. Rainen, Aaron Rothstein 10/2/15 Leslie Birnbaum, Louis Feldsott, Lewis Ginsberg, Ruth Goldstein, Carol Kurzman, Marge Landress, Samuel Levi, Aaron Scolnick
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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 scholarship@concgregationahalom.org with any questions and/or for an application form.
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Changed Your Address?
Notify us at emailchange@congregationshalom.org and we'll make sure all the right organizations at the Temple are informed. Please include your full name in your request.
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A Message From the Reform Movement
REFORM JEWISH MOVEMENT RESPONSE TO IRAN DEAL:
ADDRESS IMPORTANT CONCERNS, FOCUS ON THE DAY AFTER
Whether the JCPOA is approved or defeated, there will be a day after. It is essential that this debate not be allowed to create a lasting rift between Israel and the U.S., between North American Jews and Israelis, or among American Jews.
Following extensive consultations with experts from across the political spectrum in both the United States and Israel, and thoughtful conversation with North American Reform Jewish leaders, the Reform Jewish Movement today issued a leadership statement on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
The statement - released today by the leaders of the Union for Reform Judaism, the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, the Central Conference of American Rabbis, and ARZA - concludes that "there is simply no clarity that would support taking a position 'for' or 'against' the JCPOA itself." Rather, the statement emphasizes, "Our focus must be on two questions: First, how is it possible to address our concerns about the JCPOA? Second, if the agreement is finalized, what happens the day after? Specifically, how can we work to support the strongest possible U.S.-Israel relationship going forward?"
Looking toward the "day after," the leadership statement noted that "Whether the JCPOA is approved or defeated, there will be a day after. It is essential that this debate not be allowed to create a lasting rift between Israel and the U.S., between North American Jews and Israelis, or among American Jews."
The statement also addressed the tone of the debate, saying "We call upon the Israeli leadership, the U.S. Administration and members of Congress, and those on all sides of this debate to tamp down their rhetoric. If the debate is allowed to weaken the U.S.-Israel alliance, or further sharpen partisan divides over what it means to be 'pro-Israel,' Israel will be less secure."
Click here to read the full statement from the Reform Jewish Movement.
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Sisterhood Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk
What if you could make a commitment to support the health of the women in our Congregation? Would you do it?
Well, anyone at Congregation Shalom can, by joining the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. Last year, Making Strides events united more than one millionpeople in nearly 300 communities nationwide with a shareddetermination to finish the fight against breast cancer. When you support our team with a donation or by joining the team,the American Cancer Society will be able to help more people in our community touched by breast cancer.
This non-competitive walk to save lives will take place on Sunday, October 18. The walk starts at 10:00 a.m. at beautiful Greeley Park in Nashua, NH. We will meet and walk together as the Congregation Shalom Sisterhood team in a scenic fall neighborhood. Non-Sisterhood members are also welcome. Pre-registration is required.
To register or make a donation, go online to makingstrideswalk.org .
Under the "support a walker or team" section, type in "Congregation Shalom Sisterhood" and press search. When the blue team name comes up, click on it to reach the "Donate" or "Join the team" buttons. The system will guide you from there.
We look forward to your support. Thank you.
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Sisterhood News
Greetings Friends,
I hope everyone had a great summer!
By now you all should have received the kick-off dinner invite, the calendar of events, and the dues statement. If you did not receive these, please let us know. Due to rising costs, we are unable to offer an early bird dues discount this year. The dues will remain at $36.00 for the year.
We hope you can join us for the annual kick-off dinner at the temple on Thursday, September 10th. This is a great opportunity to re-connect after the summer and relax with friends while enjoying a nice dinner.
On Sunday, September 27th, Donna Upson has again offered to open up her house to football fans for the 12:30 p.m. Patriots game. She can only fit up to 8 people at her house, so please send an email to sisterhood@congregationshalom.org by September 25th
if you plan to attend.
We try to pick events that have been popular in the past or that we think will be of interest to the majority of our members but, as always, your feedback is welcome. If you have ideas for a program you would like to see or an activity that interests you, please let us know. We can always add something to the calendar.
Katie Ebersman
sisterhood@congregationshalom.org
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Brotherhood News
The Brotherhood was active in August. We had a family hike along the Rockport seashore and a bike ride on the Chelmsford rail trail which were thoroughly enjoyed by all. Also, our monthly "Guys Night Out" was a special production at the home of David Penn, which featured The Usual Suspects Band practice, a nine piece rock and roll group that includes five members of Congregation Shalom. David's basement rocked. Food at the event was to die for, including a smoked turkey and even more Bar-B-Que, with each Brotherhood member bringing his favorite beverage and side dish. Thank you, David! Members and Prospective new members: On Sunday September 20 at 530 p.m. we will hold our annual new member kickoff event at the temple. Guys will not miss the food and festivities even if they can't make the starting time, get there when you can. Because we enjoyed the band practice so much at the recent Guys Night Out, we have invited The Usual Suspects Band to perform at our temple!! The performance will start at 7 p.m. Award winning master Bar-B-Que chef Chris Shuldiner will be catering, as he has so graciously done in the past. There will be Brotherhood home-brewed beer, along with non-alcoholic options to drink. This is a golden opportunity to get a taste of your Congregation Shalom Brotherhood and enjoy the best in food and music. You don't want to miss this event!
David Brother
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Shalomites
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Check Your Oneg Date!
The Oneg committee has generated a list of members' Oneg assignments for the upcoming year. It is listed later in this newsletter - please click here to get to it quickly. If there is a problem, the Oneg committee will work with you until September 7 to exchange dates. After that point, it is your responsibility to find someone to change dates with!!! One other note - we are a bit short for Tot Shabbat volunteers, so if anyone would prefer Tot Shabbat, please notify the Oneg committtee and we will work to switch assignments.
The Oneg Committee - Caren Boroshok, scheduler
- Pat & Rick Karpeles, letter senders
oneg@congregationshalom.org
Sep 11 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - Jody w/Adam Music Maguire*, Chandler W&E, Katz, Kaufman, Notinger, Pitts & Rosenthal, Shapiro M&E
Sep 13 - 8 pm Adult Shabbat - Rosh Hashanah Frank*, Danzig B&L, Kallus, Levi, Pignatelli, Schutzman, Zehngut & Frampton
Sep 14 - 2:45 pm Tot Shabbat - Children's Service Rosh Hashanah Arrington, DiGiovanni, Libby & Gallagher, Matson, Shuldiner
Sep 18 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Shpiel Brother*, Grier, Haas, Orlinsky, Starr
Sep 23 - 6:30 pm Adult Shabbat - Yom Kippur Break Fast Friedlander*, Lotto, Miller G&J, Penfield & Bronson, Wikander
Sep 25 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Segal L&H*, Bass, Brody & Scott, Lieberman, Nahabedian
Oct 2 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - Consecration/Simchat Torah Grade 1 Jody w/Adam Music Morrissey J&D*, Danzig A&K, Feuerstein, Ginsberg & Kawashima-Ginsberg, Lazar, Rosen, Schertzer & Strizhak
Oct 9 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Miller C&S*, Karp, Kurland, Lathrop, Stein
Oct 16 - 6:15 pm Tot Shabbat - Jody w/Adam Music Jegasothy, Newman D&E, Wahlberg & Gilmore
Oct 16 - 8 pm Adult Shabbat - Jody w/Adam Music Upson & Correia*, Boyer, Raichek, Rose, Zehngut & Frampton
Oct 23 - 6 pm MOCA Shabbat - Shpiel Goss & Beck-Goss*, Gilmore, Hyatt, Rosenberg, Sherer
Oct 30 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - McBride*, Boerman & Shaponick, Indorf, Levine, Moskowitz
Nov 6 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - Grade 3 Jody w/Adam Music Heater*, Berman, Cole & Evans, Kreithen & Goldman-Kreithen, Moore, Rosen
Nov 13 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Shpiel Rodman P&L*, Berenson, DesLauriers, Michaud, Waxman
Nov 20 - 6:15 pm Tot Shabbat - Jody w/Adam Music Libby & Gallagher, Libby & Shannon, Maltby, Miranda & Stewart-Miranda
Nov 20 - 8 pm MOCA Shabbat - Jody w/Adam Music Social Action Hirschel*, Beningson, Smith T&L, Sohn, Solomon, Szabo & Wexler
Dec 4 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - Children's Choir Grade 4 Klamka*, Chandler W&E, Dangel & Gordon, Kiloski, Menaker, Owens, Rodman S&I
Dec 11 - 8 pm MOCA Shabbat - Shalomite Creative Service Goldberg*, Giniger & Revy, Landress, Mayer, Penn, Sedgwick, Segal J&W
Dec 18 - 6:15 pm Tot Shabbat - Jody w/Adam Music DiGiovanni, Newman D&E, Skolnick, Wahlberg & Gilmore
Dec 18 - 8 pm Adult Shabbat - Jody w/Adam Music Peisach & Wyshogrod*, Epstein, Gertz, Kerzner, Loughlin, Toomey
Jan 8 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - Grade 2 Jody w/Adam Music Schwartz*, Burke, Feuerstein, Matson, Traverse, Wolman
Jan 15 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Howard*, Arthur, Cohn, Myers, Weintraub & Spiro
Jan 22 - 8 pm Adult Shabbat - Brown*, Andreola, Laider & Myers, Rainen, Solomon
Jan 29 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Michaud & Capland*, Boyer, McHugh, Newlon & Rothstein, Richmond
Feb 5 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - Grade 5 Jody w/Adam Music Cohen D&L*, Ablove, Ebersman, Leonard & Miller, Linden, Lischer
Feb 12 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Hirsch*, Miller D, Moskowitz, Nahabedian, Smith R&L
Feb 19 - 8 pm Adult Shabbat - Lee*, Bass, Hamilton, Rosenberg & Katler, Sherer
Feb 26 - 6 pm MOCA Shabbat - Adult Sunset Jody w/Adam Music Green*, Graff, Heines, Rosenberg, Sevigny
Mar 4 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - Grade 6 Shpiel Hunt*, Berkovitz, Himelfarb, Myerson, Rodman L&A, Weinberg & Fox-Weinberg
Mar 11 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Jody w/Adam Music Worden*, Brody & Scott, Cohen D, Hyatt, Miller M&L
Mar 18 - 6:15 pm Tot Shabbat - Jody w/Adam Music Arrington, Danzig A&K, Lazar, Schertzer & Strizhak
Mar 18 - 8 pm Adult Shabbat - Jody w/Adam Music Mackillop & Rabinowitz*, Holub, Hurd, Lathrop, Toomey
Mar 26 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Burton*, Andreola, DesLauriers, Mizen, Sedgwick
Apr 1 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - Shpiel Kempner*, Kaplan, Kaufman, Nazario, Rosenstein, Strauss
Apr 8 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Shpiel Dubner*, Boerman & Shaponick, Curry, Hantman, Penn
Apr 15 - 6:15 pm Tot Shabbat - Jody w/Adam Music Jegasothy, Libby & Shannon, Miranda & Stewart-Miranda, Skolnick
Apr 15 - 8 pm Adult Shabbat - Jody w/Adam Music Galvin & Blume*, Blumstein, Denly, Holladay & Navy, Johnson, Notinger
Apr 29 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Graduation Jody w/Adam Music Muhlfelder*, Degen, Moore, Rose, Segal J&W, Weitzen & Epstein
May 6 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - Children's Choir Teacher Recognition Krigman*, Katz, Miller B&L, Rodman S&I, Shuldiner, Silton, Weitzen & Epstein
May 13 - 6 pm MOCA Shabbat - Shpiel Schneider*, Fidler, Gross, Kamien, Snyder
May 20 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - Confirmation Jody w/Adam Music Eskenas*, Landress, Linden, Mayer, McKeon, Smith T&L, Waxman
Jun 3 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - Jody w/Adam Music Newman E&R*, Cole & Evans, Strauss, Thomas, Traverse, Zeichick
Jun 10 - 7 pm MOCA Shabbat - Adult Choir (Music) Valleley*, Derby, Gilmore, Heines, Kurland, Rubinstein, Sullivan
Jun 17 - 6:15 pm Tot Shabbat - Jody w/Adam Music Berman, Ginsberg & Kawashima-Ginsberg, Maltby
Jun 17 - 8 pm Adult Shabbat - Board Installation Jody w/Adam Music Janoschek*, Beningson, Denly, Desrochers, Friedman, Myers, Reilly
Jun 24 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Shpiel Newlon & Rothstein*, Epstein, Laider & Myers, Riddick, Sevici
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Back to School (Grocery) Shopping? 
Are you spending more grocery time at Stop & Shop or Donelan's or Hannaford recently? You can help Congregation Shalom at the same time. We are looking for 10 more families to join our monthly grocery card program (joining the many families participating already).
Once a month, you get a grocery card for Hannaford, Stop & Shop or Donelan's in whatever amount you want ($25-$500), and the temple gets cashback 7% for free! For Just email Judy Beningson at giftcards@congregationshalom.org and I will get you started. 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 fundraising@congregationshalom.org.
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Extended Community
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Browsing Through Birke's
A Documentary Film
about a Jewish Holocaust-surviving family,
their quirky 50 year-old downtown Lowell clothing store,
and its eccentric owner
DATE: October 1
TIME: 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. (Film at 7:00 p.m.)
WHERE: UTEC, 41 Warren Street, Lowell, MA 01851
- Visit with Szifra and other family and customers.
- Share your story from shopping at Birke's. We would love to hear it!
- Get the chance to learn more about the culture, history and experiences from Lowellians from Cambodia, Rwanda, Kenya, other African countries, Bhutan, Burma, Iraq and other countries.
- View the film
- Panel and Q & A Discussions after the film.
Szifra (Shifra) Birke is an executive coach and daughter of Holocaust survivors. Contact her at Szifra@BirkeConsulting.com or 978-446-9600.
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Tikvah Family Shabbaton
Camp Ramah in New England
November 6-8
Experience an accepting, supportive, fun-filled
Shabbat retreat designed for parents, siblings,
and children with disabilities
What is unique about this Shabbaton?
- Parents will have the opportunity to relax, celebrate Shabbat, and meet other families with similar experiences and exchange ideas and resources.
- Siblings will participate in group activities together, developing bonds in a safe and supportive environment.
- Children and young adults with disabilities will enjoy a variety of activities and opportunities for socialization with experienced Ramah staff.
For more information or to register, see our Tikvah Family Shabbaton webpage.
Questions? Contact Tali Cohen, Director of Tikvah Vocational Services at talic@campramahne.org or 413-400-2763.
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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:
tableofplentyinchelmsford@gmail.com
www.tableofplentyinchelmsford.org
978-710-8328
Return to Quick Links
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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 LPalais@vnab.org.
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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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