HATIKVAH
Beth Tikvah Synagogue Newsletter         
December 6, 2015

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Greetings! 
  
To throw or not to throw - that is the question
Whether tis nobler in the mind to shower
The Bnai Mitzvah with soft jelly candy
Or to simply sing simon tov u'mazel tov
To throw the candy after the haftorah
Or to toss it after adon olam
To throw - perchance not throw: ay, there's the rub
    
     I guess it says a lot about how well we are doing these days that the greatest problem vexing the board is whether or not to allow the throwing of candy during Bnai Mitzvah. After many years of not following this custom, we tried it at our two recent Bat Mitzvah's. We have tried brainstorming ideas to permit the candy throwing with the least disruption to the service. We know there are some people who really want have the candy throwing, and there are others who are very against it. The ritual committee discussed the issue and made their recommendation to the board.  The board is discussing the issue and will incorporate the answer into the Bnai Mitzvah manual that we are currently editing. Unfortunately, I know that whatever our decision, someone will be unhappy.  However, we will have to make a decision that will be of benefit to the majority. For an outside opinion on this relatively new custom, I draw your attention to this article which I found very illuminating, "Don't by an Airhead", by Cantor Matt Axelrod. 

     The service yesterday was wonderful. I loved how poised and confident Jordan was on the bima, and what a beautiful and thought provoking d'var Torah. It was great to see such a diverse group of Torah readers. Thank you to Ella Sharon, Bob Shwartz, Mike Smith, Josh Robins, Rabbi Mike, and of course Jordan Chastanet for being our Torah readers. Thank you to Susanne Choate for being our usher and to Stephen and Stacey Marmor, and to Jody Fredman for all their help cleaning up and putting everything away after the lovely kiddush lunch provided by the Chastanets. Also, thank you to the Chastanet family for the donation to the congregation of the beautiful silk flower arrangement for our bima.
 
     This morning, Rabbi Mike led a study session on Chanukah. I anticipated maybe 10 attendees, and thought that was being optimistic. Well, wasn't I the surprised one when I saw the overflow crowd in the BJCC board room. Thank you to Cara Berg Powers, Justin Hollander, and Suzanne Robins for putting together a great slate of classes for the fall. But wait, there is more! They have put together an equally excellent slate of adult education classes for the Spring. See the dates below in the newsletter.
 
     This Wednesday afternoon, December 9 at 5:30 PM, everyone is invited to our Chanukah celebration.
Play rehearsal
Play Rehearsal
Join us for latkes, games, chanukiah lighting and a play by our talmidim (students). Make sure you bring your chanukiah for our candle lighting! For more information, check in our newsletter below. Please use the sign-up genius link below, or on our website to let us know that you are coming. We are still looking for more volunteers to contribute to our dinner and to come set up and stay for clean up.
 
     Our next service is Federation Shabbat on Friday December 18 at 7:30 PM. Our twon emissaries from Israel, Lihi and Omri, will be representing the Federation that evening. I hope you will all come and join us that evening to hear our emissaries. It will be a very special evening.

     Finally, our annual Beth Tikvah Coffee House, quickly approaches. Join us for a fun-filled musical evening on Saturday January 2, 2016. 

  top 
In This Issue
From the Rabbi - Forum on Homelessness
     
You are invited to participate in a Forum on Homelessness that B'nai Shalom's  Social Action committee has organized for Wednesday, December 9th. They have put together a remarkable panel of experts from MA agencies to teach  about key policy issues, effective advocacy, and helpthe attendees think about our next steps to helping make a difference. The entire community is invited.  The ultimate goal of the gathering is to create a partnership with others who wish to build an effective local network of advocates on this issues.
 
Please see the attached flyer for more details.
 
Rabbi Mike

Chanukkah Chanukkah Party
      Come celebrate the holiday with the Beth Tikvah Mishpacha (family). Latkes, sufganyiot, activities! The fun begins at 5:30 PM! Join the dreidel tourna
ment!
 
      Bring your chanukiah (1 per family) for the group candle lighting!  

    Our talmidim (students) have been working on a play to entertain us all. Thank you to everyone who brought in recyclables today. I'm not exactly sure what they are doing with them, but it has something to do with the play.

We do need help with this event.  Please sign-up by either selecting the link below or emailing me.

Sign Up Now!
  
Adult Education - Hold the Dates
February 7: Jewish Aerobics - The Choreography of Services
March 6: Torah Study
April 3: Passover: history, traditions, reflections
May 1: Counting the Omer/Torah Study 
     
Youth Group
     Thanks to everyone who came to Movie Night.  It was a really cute movie.  The next Youth Group activity will be Sunday, December 13th directly after school.  We will be making gifts for seniors.  The kids can pack lunches to eat in the big room.  Please RSVP to Abbe at [email protected].  The more kids who come ... the more gifts we can give to seniors for Hanukkah!
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
 


 

Kvell and Tell
If you have a kvell (good news, milestone, etc.) to share, please email me by Thursday night for the weekly newsletter. 


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.
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EventsUpcoming Events
12/9/15 - Chanukkah Party, 5:30 PM

12/18/15 - Friday night service, 7:30 PM, Federation Shabbat

1/2/16 - Annual Coffee House

Youth Group
Sunday December 13, after school - Make gifts for seniors at Senior Center. Contact Abbe for more information.


Yarzheits
This month we remember: Anna Burack Siegel, mother of Marylin Queen,
Maxine Robins, mother of Barry Robins.


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.