HATIKVAH
Beth Tikvah Synagogue Newsletter         
January 11, 2016

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Greetings! 
    
    This past weekend was quite busy, from Shabbat services Saturday morning to a Mommy, Daddy, and Me Program on Sunday morning, and our Annual Coffee House in between. Thank you to the Dubrovsky and Hollander families for providing the kiddush for our service. Thank you to everyone who read Torah, Molly Secrest, Judy Narod, Barry Robins, and Josh Robins. As usual, it was a wonderful, educational, and spiritual service.
    The Coffee House Saturday night was amazing. Wendy Gonsenhauser put together a great program. Here are some tastes of the performances that night. 

Leonid Shapiro
Leonid Shapiro -
Yiddish Music
Laura Sui - Summertime
Laura Sui - Summertime











Mitch Gordon and Joel Shapiro
Mitch Gordon and Joel Shapiro
The Nays Power Trio
The Nays Power Trio












     Each year our students in the religious school choose a charity to support at the Coffee House. This year, our kitah vav (6th grade class) chose Fugees Family, an organization devoted to working with child survivors of war. We raised over $100 for this charity Saturday night. For more information about this charity, click here.
     Thank you to Abbe, Shelley, Adriane, Daya, Jack, Sara, Adam, Wendy and Brad for setting up and cleaning up. Thank you to everyone who brought yummy baked goods and other foods. Thank you to all of our excellent performers and thank you to everyone who attended and made it such a special evening. 

     See you on January 22 at our joint service with Congregation Bnai Shalom at 7:30 PM. It's our turn to host this year! 

     Finally, check out all the events going on in the kehillah (community) over the next couple of months!

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In This Issue
From the Rabbi
"Now What?:  Questions and answers for those who have chosen Judaism" is a five-week class offered by Mayyim Hayyim, the community Mikvah in Newton.

A brief description of the class is: 
 
"Your conversion class was just the beginning. These five sessions will deepen your understanding, boost your confidence, and answer questions that surfaced after you got out of the water.  Interactive and experiential learning for people who chose Judaism - no matter how long ago that was. Partners are encouraged to attend."
 
The instructor is Rabbi Lesley Gordon, who is connected with the Jewish Discovery Institute, which is co-sponsoring the program.  I know Rabbi Gordon, and she is a talented, engaging and knowledgeable teacher.
 
This program begins on Thursday, March 3.  Classes will take place 7:00-9:00 pm.  To register:  
 
Rabbi Mike
 
Kvell and Tell
Rana and I are pleased to invite you to Maya's exhibit of her senior project (see details below) at the Dorr Museum on the campus of College of the Atlantic, 105 Eden St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, marking the end of her undergraduate student years. 

Dear friends, family, colleagues, teachers, and mentors,
 
I am pleased to announce the opening for my senior project gallery exhibition, which showcases my experiences with observation, field work, illustration, and humility on the Somes-Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary in Somesville, ME. The project was conducted over 18 weeks and is culminated in this collection of illustrations, photographs, botanical matter, and reflections.
 
I would be delighted if you would join me on Sunday, January 24th at 3:00pmto celebrate the opening of this show.
 
I hope to see you there!
 
Thank you,
Maya Rappaport



If you have a kvell (good news, milestone, etc.) to share, please email me by Thursday night for the weekly newsletter. 
Adult Education - Hold the Dates
February 7: Jewish Aerobics - The Choreography of Services.  Ever wondered why we bow, stand, and turn at certain times during the services?  Ever wanted to practice having an aliyah at the bimah?  Come learn!

March 6: Torah Study - an Adult Ed favorite, a chance to read, reflect, and discuss this week's Parsha with other adults.

April 3: Why Be Jewish? (Part 1) This session was conceived during a previous Adult Ed session.  Rabbi Mike will lead us in a conversation about the very profound question of - when we have a choice, why choose to be Jewish?  As this is a very important and complex question, we will continue the conversation in the fall of 2016 (Part 2).

May 1: Counting the Omer/Torah Study - We'll count the Omer together and discuss why, coupled with a reflection and discussion of this week's Parsha.

     
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
1/22/16 - Friday night service with Congregation Bnai Shalom at Beth Tikvah, 7:30 PM

2/5/16 - Scout Shabbat, 7:00 PM

2/7/16 - Mommy Daddy and Me

2/7/16 - Adult Education - Jewish Aerobics, The Choreography of Services


Youth Group
Next activity will be snow tubing, contact Abbe for more information.


events
Community Events
 
Central Mass Jewish Film Festival
January 22 - Feb 2, 2016
For a full list of movies and locations and for ticket information.

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Snowtubing 
with
PJ Library and Yachad
January 17, 2016
Join New England Yachad and friends for a family day of snowtubing. Yachad is the only international organization promoting inclusion for children and adults with disabilities in the broader Jewish community. Co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Central Mass.
Cost $23.00 per person

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MLK Band Show and
Open House
Boroughs JCC
January 18, 2016
Open house at 10AM
MLK Band Show 10:30AM
Live concert performed by Stacey Peasely, a famous singer of children's songs and songs for children.
Tickets available through BJCC Preschool
Contact Anna Le Tiec

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Jewish Women's Kallah
sponsored by Congregation Bnai Shalom Sisterhood
January 30, 2016
117 East Main St.
Noon - 4:30 PM
Eva Grayzel, a well-known motivational speaker who is a
cancer survivor, will speak at Congregation B'nai Shalom's (CBS) annual  Jewish Women's Kallah (teaching event).  All are welcome to attend. Cost is $36 for non-members. Contact:
Janice Hirshorn for more information.

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Worcester JCC 
Winter Gala and Silent Auction
February 6, 2016
Cyprian Keyes Golf Club
6PM
Featuring live music by
Soul Sensations
Tickets are $90/person
$800/block of 10
for tickets and more info

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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.

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Jewish Genetics Presentation
with Dr. Jodi Hoffman
Thursday March 31, 2016
7:30 - 9 PM
Congregation Bnai Shalom

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.