HATIKVAH
Beth Tikvah Synagogue Newsletter         
November 8, 2015

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Greetings! 
  
     What a wonderful Shabbat morning service yesterday! I loved seeing so many of the Beth Tikvah mishpacha (family) there. I was very happy to see so many of our students attend this service. I also noted that a high percentage of our adult education Torah study participants from last week joined us for this service. I am sure that studying the parsha the week before enhanced their enjoyment of the service. Thank you to our usher, Benita Amsden, and to our kiddush hosts, Yvonne and Joel Harris, and Molly Secrest and Larry Katz. I can't wait until our next warm, meaningful and spiritual service. Luckily I don't have to wait too long; our next service will be on Friday November 20 at 7 PM. The service will be preceded by a dairy/parve (nut free) potluck supper. There is more information in the newsletter below. We've also added another Friday night service to our schedule. We will hold a lay led service on Friday November 27 at 5:30 PM. Yes, that is the Friday of Thanksgiving weekend.  We hope that our college students who are home for the holiday will join us that evening.
 
     A few weeks ago I mentioned the generous support of the Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts (JFCM). I am happy to share with you that JFCM has granted Beth Tikvah over $6,000 in grants to our religious school for scholarships and special needs education. Thank you to the JFCM! Speaking of scholarships, JFCM is again offering camp scholarships this year. Information on the Freelander Camp Scholarship and the JFCM Overnight Camp Scholarship is below in this newsletter. Attending a Jewish camp is a fantastic experience for our children and we are so fortunate to have so many excellent camps to choose from.
 
    Don't forget that I will be holding a training session on Wednesday November 18th to help people navigate and use our website. I will review how to log in to the system, edit a profile, and add important life-cycle events. Please email me if you will be attending that evening.


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In This Issue
From the Rabbi - 50th Anniversary of Nostra Aetate, or Vatican II
  Last week marked the 50th anniversary of what some have called the most radical document by the Second Vatican Council.  It's called Nostra Aetate, or "In Our Times," and it was a watershed in Catholic-Jewish relations, as it repudiated anti-Semitism and the charge that Jews were collectively guilty for the crucifixion of Jesus.
 
Following are three sources for your reading or listening pleasure, if you are interested in learning more:
 
1-An NPR story-
 
 
2-An article from Tablet Magazine, (an online news source that covers the Jewish world and Jewish issues), detailing the Pope's pronouncement equating anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism-
 
 
3-and an article by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, former Chief Rabbi of England-
 

Westborough Community Thanksgiving Dinner
     The 45th Westborough Thanksgiving Day dinner will begin at 1:00 pm  on Thanksgiving Day at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Westborough. All are warmly welcome to this free community event; free transportation is available! Please pass this along to anyone you know in need of a Thanksgiving meal.
 
     For reservations or to schedule a ride, please call:        508-366-3000.
 
     Last year, over 100 individuals and families volunteered their time to make the event successful. We need volunteers to serve (11:00 am to 2:30 pm) and clean-up (1:30 pm to 3:00 pm) on Thanksgiving Day. Please contact Joe or Annie Pucciarelli for info - 508-366-2852 or [email protected]
 
     Sponsoring civic organizations include: The Knights of Columbus and the Westborough Council on Aging, as well as the American Legion, In Your Shoes, Lions Club of Westborough, WASA, Westborough Civic Club, Westborough Girl Scouts-Girl Scouts of Central & Western MA, and the Westborough Rotary Club; in addition, the Westborough Professional Firefighter's Association & the Westborough Superior (Police) Officer's Association. The Westborough Women's Club provided dessert.  In addition, many local companies have donated generously including: Roche Brothers, Bertucci's, BJs Wholesale Club, Faris Farms Florist, Mathieu Newton Sotheby's International Realty & The Training Associates.
 
     Please call today and make your reservation  - or to volunteer - this event is a grand Westborough tradition!
 
Rabbi Michael Swarttz
Coordinator
Community Impact Partnership Coordinator
Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts

  
Youth Group News - Movie Night
Youth Group Movie Night is on Saturday, November 14th at 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Beth Tikvah.  The movie is "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Bad Day".  It's rated PG and Common Sense Media says that it's appropriate for kids 9+ and has positive family messages.  Pizza, water, and popcorn will be provided so please RSVP ASAP to ensure we have enough.  Please contact Abbe Allexenberg at [email protected].  
  
Kvell and Tell
Today I had the pleasure of seeing three of our thespians, Jack Goodman, Sara Goodman, and Lily Farizon in the Westborough High School play "Museum". They were all terrific! 

If you have a kvell (good news, milestone, etc.) to share, please email me by Thursday night for the weekly newsletter. 
Torathon - Saturday November 14, 2015
    Torathon is just around the corner. It will begin with a tribute to the late singer and songwriter Debbie Friedman whose fifth yahrzeit we will be observing at Torathon. This is an opportunity for the community to come together and learn together. 30 different courses dealing with all aspects of Jewish life are being offered.

    This year's Torathon, a flagship program of the Federation will be held on Saturday, November 14 from 5:15 - 10:00 pm at Congregation Beth Israel. For complete information, a summary of the 30 courses being offered, and to purchase tickets, please click here. 
  
PotluckDairy/Parve Potluck Dinner and Friday Night Service - November 20, 2015
     Join us for a dairy/parve potluck dinner at 6 PM followed by a joyful, participatory, egalitarian family friday night service at7 PM. All services at Beth Tikvah are family friendly; however, our family services are a little family friendlier. They begin at 7 PM and are preceded by a potluck community supper at 6 PM. People with last names beginning with A - M are requested to bring a main dish. Those with last names beginning with N-Z are asked to bring either a veggie side dish or salad. All dishes must be either dairy or parve and nut free as we are a nut-free facility. To sign up for the pot-luck, use the sign-up genius link below:

Sign Up Now!
  
Mommy, Daddy, and Me Playgroup
    Our next informal play group for parents and their children will be on Sunday November 22 at 9 AM. This group, which meets once a month, gives parents the opportunity to exchange ideas while their children play and participate in age appropriate Judaic crafts/activities. This program is open to everyone with children between the ages of 1 and 4. Come join the fun!

Adult Education
          The final Fall session will take place on Sunday December 6 from 9 - 10 AM. A Close Look at Chanukah: a study session led by Rabbi Mike Swarttz on the historical sources for the holiday, such as the Book of Maccabees and the Talmud, and how they inform our understanding and observance of the holiday.

     These sessions are for anyone interested in learning more about Judaism in an intimate, informal, discussion-oriented environment at Beth Tikvah.  No advance registration required, all are welcome!
  
scholarshipJFCM Overnight Camp Scholarships
     Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts is pleased to announce the limited availability of camp scholarships for the summer of 2016. Children attending resident camp for at least three weeks are eligible to apply. All Jewish children from Central Massachusetts are welcome to apply.
     Qualifying camps must be not-for-profit Jewish camps with strong Jewish educational and experiential components.
Preference will be given to families that donate to the Federation's Annual Campaign.

Deadline for submitting applications is January 31, 2016.

Applications can be submitted three ways:
Email: [email protected] - please put camp scholarship in subject field. All emailed applications will receive a reply that they have been received.
Fax: 508-798-0962
Mail: JFCM, 633 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609 Attn: Camp Scholarship
If you have any additional questions, please contact JFCM at 508-756-1543.
 
 

FreelanderFreelander Camp Scholarships
    Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts
The Freelander Family Jewish Camping Initiative
In cooperation with the Foundation for Jewish Camp
SUMMER 2016 Summary
 
Goal
The goal of the Initiative is to promote and support Jewish overnight camping among Jewish families in Central Massachusetts. 
 
Parameters
The program is a partnership among the Freelander family, the synagogues, and the Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts.
 
Each participating synagogue will eligible to receive $1,500 grants to 2nd-3rd-4th-5th grade students who will attend a qualifying Jewish overnight camp for the first time for at least one month.
 
Participants
Synagogues in Central Massachusetts
 
Who is eligible?
  • Families in good standing, belonging to the synagogue. 
  • The oldest child who is currently in 2nd-5th grade and will be a first -time camper.
  •  A family can participate regardless of financial need.
  • The child must be the oldest sibling in the family (if there are siblings).
  • Both the oldest child and the siblings have not gone to overnight camp before.
  • The family has not received the scholarship before. 
What camps qualify?
Qualifying camps must be not-for-profit Jewish overnight camps with strong Jewish educational and experiential components.  Each participating synagogue will determine which overnight Jewish camps qualify for this program. 
 
The role of the synagogues
Promote camping among its members; Identify prospect families; Work with families to recruit campers.
 
The role of the Federation
Coordinate and administer the program; hold the funds and distribute grants to camps; assist synagogues with marketing and promotion of the program; serve as a liaison to the Freelander family.
 
Deadline - 
Applications must be received by January 31, 2016.
 
How to enroll campers
Each camper/synagogue must fill out the attached JFCM Camp Scholarship form and submit it to the Federation in order to be eligible for the scholarship.


New - Beth Tikvah Synagogue Bar/Bat Mitzvah Facebook Group
    A "Beth Tikvah Synagogue Bar/Bat Mitzvah Group" page has been created on Facebook.  It is intended to assist those who are planning Bar or Bat Mitzvahs and who are looking for advice and suggestions from those who have had previous experience in the areas of locations, themes, vendors, etc.  It is a closed group so if you're interested in joining, or if you have a friend you think would be interested, please send a request to Abbe Allexenberg.
  
2015-2016 Kiddush and Lobby Greeter Sign-ups

     Every Beth Tikvah family is requested to host one Friday Night oneg or Shabbat morning kiddush.  We request that all Beth Tikvah board members usher at least one service.  

 

You can choose the service you'd like to host by clicking here:

Sign Up Now!  

    We are also asking all of our families to volunteer to be a greeter in our lobby on Sunday mornings and Wednesday afternoons when school is in session.  Beth Tikvah takes pride in being warm and welcoming. Having greeters in the lobby when school is in session helps foster that ideal.  Please use the sign-up genius link to pick your preferred date(s).

Sign Up Now!

    Please sign up by the end of September. After that, we will assign the open slots.
  
Membership
   Membership in a synagogue is an important decision. Beth Tikvah Synagogue is a growing congregation that enjoys the sharing of Jewish rituals and customs, a superior Religious School, and of course, fun and socializing.  If you are not currently a member, and would like to be, please contact Benita Amsden.

You may submit your membership form and pledge form via our website. Or, you may use the forms below (please note the pdf instructions in the side bar)


Membership Form


 

Pledge Form
  

FAQ
 


 



B'Shalom,

EJ Dotts
President

Beth Tikvah Synagogue

[email protected] 

About Beth Tikvah
Beth Tikvah provides a warm and relaxing place to worship, study and share with other Jewish families.  It is an inviting and spiritual place which provides a unique opportunity for families to grow together under a Jewish umbrella.  We encourage each individual to contribute his or her skills and ideas to maintain our Jewish heritage and history so that our children appreciate their Jewish roots.
Join Our Mailing List
EventsUpcoming Events
11/14/15 - Torathan at Congregation Beth Israel, 5:15 - 10 PM

11/20/15 - Potluck Dinner/Family Service 6 PM

11/22/15 - Mommy, Daddy, and Me, 9 - 10:30 AM

11/27/15 - Friday night service, 5:30 PM (added to the schedule!)

11/30/15 - Ladies Night at the Movies and Dinner

Youth Group
Next event - MOVIE NIGHT - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH AT 6:30 P.M.


events
Community Events
 
Jewish Federation of Central Mass Young Adult Division
Are you a Young Jewish Adult 22-45 looking to connect with your peers living in and around the Central Massachusetts area?Then join YAD on facebook and find out what's happening in our area.

Volunteers Needed

Torah Reading (contact Rabbi Mike)

 

Leading Wednesday Evening Minyan (contact Michael Smith)

 

 

 

Form Fillable PDFs

A lot of the links connect to form-fillable pdfs.  You may need to follow these steps to save your filled out form:

1. Save to your computer first. 

2. Open the file you saved

3. Fill in the information and save it with a new name. 


 

 If you don't wish to save the form, just fill in the information and print.