June was an extremely active month at Kerem...

July-August 2017 Kerem Shalom, Concord, Massachusetts

June was an extremely active month at Kerem Shalom

Highlights included:

� Board approval of the budget for fiscal year 2018 (July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018)

� Development of a new, more informative package of materials about Kerem Shalom's dues structure that was sent to all member households.

� Annual meeting & dinner which provided an overview of the year and presentation of the 2018 budget. (and featured Kerem Shalom's Top 10. See list below. Caveat: it has been edited since the Annual Meeting to correct mistakes).

� Vineyard of Peace event at which over 100 people gathered to acknowledge Jan Huber O'Callaghan's many contributions to Kerem Shalom.

Kerem Shalom's Top 10

1. Oh those kids!

• Four teen boys remain active in Shevet Achim (Hanging Out With Brothers) for 5 years, and, in May 2017, attend the wedding of Matthew Lowe, their leader.

• Four Kerem Shalom teens visit Israel as part of the HiBuR program, an exchange program between Israeli and American fami-lies.

• Five High School students became Kerem Shalom's first TELEM Youth team, volunteering once a month at Household Goods Recycling in Acton; all have committed to continuing next year.

2. Kerem Shalom’s Retreat at Toah Nipi brought families and staff together for a weekend of community building, spirituality, and FUN.

3. The Governance Committee concludes 18 months of work with an awesome report and set of recommendations that are adopted by the Board of Directors.

4. Seasons of fun

• Autumn: Foodtruck Frenzy kicks off the capital campaign and attracts over 175 people who happily munch on falafel, pizza and tacos.

• Winter: The Membership committee hosts a Winter Cocktail Party at KS. Standing room only!

• Spring: Grapevine Gala draws 150 people who enjoy great food and wine, musical interludes, a silent auction filled with intri-guing items and a live auction – successful bidders will go to Africa, Martha’s Vineyard, New Hampshire and Fenway Park! AND, the Gala exceeds its goal by almost $15,000.

5. The Ruderman Family Foundation recognizes Kerem Shalom’s commitment to accessibility for people with disabilities and provides funding for further efforts.

6. Kerem Shalom sends members to Women’s Marches in Washington and Boston on January 21 to stand up for women’s rights.

7. Six Kerem Shalom members celebrate a joint Adult B’not Mitzvah on May 27.

8. Because of Generation to Generation, Kerem Shalom is able to pay down our mortgage by $100,000.

9. Kerem Shalom celebrates its third annual LGBTQ Pride Shabbat.

10. On June 10, Jan Huber O’Callaghan is awarded Kerem Shalom’s Vineyard of Peace Award in recognition for her commit-ment, service and character.

The GrapevineThe GrapevineThe GrapevineThe Grapevine, July-August 2017

Lifecycles: We mourn the passing of Dr. Martin Santis, husband of Helen Santis whom he was married to for 56 years. Dr. Santis passed away on June 16, 2017 at the age of 80. Our condolences to

his son David and his wife Kathi, daughter Susan and her husband Brett, daughter Elizabeth, his four grandchildren Emily, Alexandra, Jessica and Zachary, and his sister and brother in law, Irene and Lester Hahn.

Kerem Shalom P. O. Box 1646 Concord, MA 01742

Tel: 978-369-1223 Fax: 978-371-8072

http://www.keremshalom.org/ Affiliated with the Synagogue Council of Massachusetts

The Grapevine The Grapevine The Grapevine The Grapevine is the news-

letter of Kerem Shalom (Vineyard of Peace), distribut-ed to members and friends of the congregation, monthly, September through April plus a May-June and a July-August issue.

The editor is Batya Olsen, 978-371-3009. Contributions are due before the 15th of the month preceding publication and may be sent to the synagogue address. Articles are accepted early. Facsimiles can be sent to 978-246-5921. Text can be electronically mailed to [email protected].

Darby Jared Leigh, Rabbi, [email protected]

Michael Luckens, Rabbi Emeritus, [email protected] Rosalie Gerut, Cantor,

Dir., Adult Programming

[email protected]

Cherry Muse, President, [email protected]

[email protected] Joan Perlman, Education. Dir.,

[email protected]

Nancy Kaplan, Dir., Fam. Ed, [email protected]

Jessie Busiek, Administrator, [email protected]

Issue: 10 Volume: XVII

From the RabbiFrom the RabbiFrom the RabbiFrom the Rabbi ———— Darby Jared Leigh

Coming soon!

ASL High Holiday Chorus with Rabbi Darby Leigh

Some previous knowledge of ASL is required

Contact: [email protected] for more information.


Musings from the President…Musings from the President…Musings from the President…Musings from the President…

———— C��r�� Mu�

The power of ?

In 2006, I became the President of Public Conversations Project (PCP). An organization dedicated to creating dia-logue about important public issues, PCP emphasized asking thoughtful, open-ended question—“questions of gen-uine curiosity.”

The power of questions has been very much on my mind this year as I have had the privilege of attending numer-ous Kerem Shalom B’nai Mitzvah. Each celebrant concludes with a question that the congregation is asked to dis-cuss.

The questions have been wise and thoughtful. Discussions have been lively, rich and, at times, surprisingly emo-tional.

“Why is gossip harmful to people?”

“What can you do in your daily life to recognize/honor the divine image in everyone?”

“How have people made you feel welcome when you were an outsider?”

“What would it be like if people with disabilities were the norm and the non-disabled had to adapt?”

“What legacy do you carry? And what legacy do you want to pass on?”

More often than not, on the car ride home my husband and I are talking about the D’var and our responses to the question we just heard. Not only does this practice engage congregants, it also demonstrates a genuine understand-ing of the content of the Torah portion.

I’ve just ended my first year as Kerem Shalom’s President. Like our B’nai Mitzvah students, I’ve learned a great deal this year, although for the most part, Hebrew not required. Kerem Shalom is a community of people who are seekers, who care about others, who are incredibly articulate and who are very, very bright. Kerem Shalom is also a community of people who are extremely busy, who struggle to balance the many demands on their time.

In the spirit of our B’nai Mitzvah, I’d like to conclude this column with these questions:

What can Kerem Shalom do to become more central to your life?

And what can you do to make yourself more central to Kerem Shalom?

Member News:

A show of Ilana Manolson's recent paintings at the Jason McCoy Gallery in New York City on 57th and Madison opened on June 6. It's a blue chip gallery (Matisse, Miro and Jackson Pollock were recently on the wall) and she's very pleased to be showing there again. The gallery has already placed the first piece at University of California, Berkeley's Art Museum and I think more of the work is going to go to a good collections…..You can see much of here work at Ilana Manolson. And you can see the gallery website at Jason McCoy Gallery. -David Lax


Social Action News

Project Linus

Update

This cute pink and yellow one is on it’s way to comfort a child. It is fun sorting through everyone’s squares and putting them together in some sort of order! Summer is a great time to keep knitting these little squares, you won’t get hot under some big project. The pieces just need to be 6 inches square, washable yarn and please weave in your tails. Any pattern, any color combination - the more interesting the better. We have sent well over 100 blankets into the universe to comfort children!

- Pat Likens

Volunteer Opportunity: Help produce Kerem Shalom's Grapevine

The Grapevine The Grapevine The Grapevine The Grapevine is one of the ways Kerem Shalom shares information that builds

and strengthens our community. We put together ten issues of The Grapevine The Grapevine The Grapevine The Grapevine each year: monthly September through April and then a May-June issue and a July-August issue.

Do you have a good sense of clear graphic presentation? An eye for detail?

Are you familiar with Microsoft Publisher? Would you like to learn?

If this sounds interesting to you please contact Batya Olsen, [email protected].

NEW CLASS STARTING ON MONDAY EVENINGS, 7:15-9:15 PM

BEGINNING IN THE FALL OF 2017 ON OCTOBER 16th

.

Welcoming adults of all ages & backgrounds for a founda4on in Judaic culture &

civiliza4on.

You don’t need to be Jewish or know Hebrew to join this group. Me’ah offers 100

hours of learning over a period of two years (with many breaks for secular and Jew-

ish holidays & summer vaca%on.) If you miss a class, no worries, the classes are all

recorded and can be downloaded at your leisure.

Concerned about costs?

Combined Jewish Philanthropies and Hebrew College offer scholarships to make it

possible for all who wish to join in this fascina%ng learning experience.

Here are some tes4monials from our Me’ah students at KS:

“It was a life changing experience to learn about our past genera�ons and how they

lived,

giving context to our lives in the present.”

“The class is an amazing opportunity. I never expected such a connec�on to Jewish

learning and to my classmates. I looked forward to what turned out to be a highlight

of my week.”

“Learning about thousands of years of Jewish history in the context of World History

is absolutely fascina�ng, especially when it’s done by brilliant, thought-provoking

teachers and surrounded by a group of wonderful interes�ng adults. I have found

myself able to understand world events, especially those in the Middle East in mod-

ern �mes, more deeply than I could have before. This knowledge has been extremely

useful in discussing the challenging rela�onship between Jews and Arabs in the pre-

sent day. I highly recommend this course to people of all backgrounds.”

Dear Kerem Shalom

Community:

Many people have borrowed Kerem Sha-lom keys over the past few months and have not returned them. The office no longer has spare keys to lend out to halper families, renters, etc. If you still have a key that you borrowed from Kerem Shalom, please return it to the office at your earliest convenience. Thank you so much for your understand-ing and assistance with this.

Jessie Busiek

Kerem Shalom Administrator


Todah rabbah (thank you)

to Ella, Declan, and Amy Varnerin for cleaning the classrooms in preparation for next year!

Students and teachers alike had a wonderful end to the 2016-17 school year. Our last days of school included our Israel stations (detailed below) as well as a moving up to the next grade cere-mony with Rabbi Darby in the sanctuary.

Students rotated through 4 stations which gave them the oppor-tunity to experience the flavor of Israel and do a mitzvah as well. The interactive stations included: making healing cards for a sick congregant, becoming an archaeologist and working on an Israeli dig, trying on Israeli mud, tasting Israeli food, listening to music and seeing beautiful pictures of Israeli sites, as well as playing an Israeli ball game called Gaga. If all this wasn’t enough fun, we topped it off with a trip to the ice cream truck in our KS parking lot! Seeing the smiling faces of students and their parents is al-ways a wonderful way to end the school year and I feel so fortu-nate that I can be a part of making your child’s Jewish education both meaningful and enjoyable.

This summer, Nancy and I will be busy preparing for the next school year. We will be meeting with teachers, working on cur-riculum, ordering text books, and planning a myriad of activities for our school. I hope you will take the opportunity to drop by the synagogue and visit us in the Education Office! As the sum-mer progresses, we will be sending out important e-mails so please make sure we have your correct e-mail address. And, of course, if you have not yet registered for 2017-18, please contact

me at [email protected] at your earliest conven-ience.

The first days of school will be Wednesday, September 13th and Monday, September 18th. The complete schedule will soon be posted on our website, www.keremshalom.org under school schedule.

Best wishes for a restful summer!

Joan Perlman

From the Education

Director

- Joan Perlman

Pizza and Practice

This will be the 12th year of our summer Hebrew practice activity, known as Pizza and Practice. Our temple board is support-ing this program which allows us to charge only $20 a session for this wonder-ful opportunity!

Our Education Director, Joan Perlman, will be running this pro-gram on Wednesdays, beginning June 28th until August 23rd, from 6:00 to 7:30PM. Students will gather at 6:00 PM for a slice of pizza and a drink and then work with teenage student aides from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. If your child doesn’t eat pizza, no problem, we can come up with an alternative!

The informal “campy” atmosphere al-lows students to keep up their Hebrew skills while having a great time with their friends. Most students cannot simply stop studying Hebrew from May to September without some regression and Pizza and Practice is a fun and economical way to keep Hebrew fresh in their minds. It is also a great way for upcoming b’nai

mitzvah students to practice Hebrew and prayers.

To sign up for Pizza Practice, please contact Joan at 978-369-

1223 or at [email protected]. Sign up for just the sessions that you wish to attend. This program is also available to non-members and open to grades 1-7!

Photos from the

end of the school

year


From the Director of Family Education -Nancy Kaplan

“It is not your duty to complete the work but neither are you free to desist from it.” - Pirkei Avot 2:21

ThesacredworkwedoasacommunityonMitzvahDAYONE

enablesustohelpthoseinneedhereinMassachusettsandaroundthe

world.Thereareprojectssolelyforadults,alsothere’sworkforteensand

families;severalprojectsprovideopportunitiestocontinuetheworkthrough-

outtheyear–andneedoursupport!

We’llbecollectingnon-perishables,gentlyusedwinterouterwear,books,

schoolsupplies,cleaningsupplies,householdgoodsandmuchmore;please

keepourcollectionsinmindasyoucleanyourclosets&shelvesthissummer.

As we prepare for Mitzvah Day...

Adults, High School and B’nei Mitzvah Students: Let us know WHO you are and how our community can help!

EveryyearMitzvahDayisastrongerre'lectionofourmembership.Manyofyou,

ourKeremShalommembers,arepassionatelyinvolvedintheworkoftikkunolam

—repairingtheworld--asyouravocationorvocation.Thesteadfasteffortsof

dedicatedvolunteersadvancethemissionsoftheprojectswelearnaboutand

supportwithourtime,workandresources.

OurSignUpGeniuus e-mail registration willgoliveduringtheHighHolyDays,

sothateveryonecanperuseandsignupforvolunteerandtzedakahopportunities

online(therewillbewalk-inopportunitiesonMitzvahDayaswell).

STUDENTS: Please get in touch with me this summer to discuss your

tzedakah project ideas for Mitzvah Day and for the coming year.

SIXTEENTH Annual Mitzvah DAY ONE SIXTEENTH Annual Mitzvah DAY ONE SIXTEENTH Annual Mitzvah DAY ONE SIXTEENTH Annual Mitzvah DAY ONE Sunday November 5th 10:30 amSunday November 5th 10:30 amSunday November 5th 10:30 amSunday November 5th 10:30 am

NEW High School offerings 2017-18: Come to one session or come to all!

John Englander, KS’s 7th grade Holocaust Studies teacher, will facilitate a series called “Making Prayer My Own.” ( article on this page —> )

Our Youth Advisor, Lauren O’Callaghan, will offer 4 social events that will provide high schoolers with a place where they can hang out with their KS peers, make connections, and have a ton of fun. Be on the lookout for a doodle poll!

I’ll facilitate monthly service learning at Household Goods in Acton. Household Goods is a great organization householdgoods.org - and they’ve been ex-ceptional hosts to our (also exceptional) high school volunteers. Since January, a team of five 8th grade students have volunteered there monthly on Sundays. We’re doing this work under the umbrella of TELEM (“Groove” in Hebrew), a Jewish Community Relations Council-sponsored initiative of the CJP. We integrate reflection and discus-sion after our work shift ends each month, to learn about the Jewish values connected with our volunteerism. Our long-term goal is for our teens to gain a deep understand-ing of the complex issues around poverty and to develop strategies for fighting pov-erty. THIS FALL our team looks forward to continuing, and to welcoming our rising 8th graders and all interested high school students to our TELEM Team at Household Goods, the 3rd Sunday of the month, from 12:30-3:30 pm (we’ll adjust dates for school vacations, Jewish holidays, etc) Please contact me at familyed@keremshalom,.org, with questions or if you’d like to join us!

Making Prayer My Own

NEW High School Offering from John Englander for 2017-18

Like many others, I've thought a lot in my life about prayer. I've prayed a lot and often find deep meaning and power in prayer. In my decades-long Jewish journey, I've had my fair share of sitting through services filled with prayers and rituals that don't feel real and authentic--

that don't resonate for me personally. One of the things I love most about Kerem Shalom is the intention and thoughtfulness around making prayer matter. This is a central message and goal of Rabbi Darby: He wants prayer to work for each and every one of us. When I go to a service at KS now, although I know not every word, prayer or song will move me (that would be totally un-fair and unrealistic to expect), I also trust there will be many powerful moments of connection through prayer and commu-nity.

It's been a long time since I was a teen-ager, but I feel pretty confident that whatever ambivalence I may feel now towards prayer as a 51 year-old, most 14-18 year-old's probably feel tenfold! It is the rare teenager who connects deeply with the prayers in our siddur, as wonderful as we think some of them are.

My goal in these sessions will be to take a few of the key prayers in our siddur and help students connect with them in deep ways that make the prayers relevant to their own lives. This will not be tradi-tional Jewish textual study and analysis of the prayers. Instead, teens will reflect on what the words mean to each of them and then consider personal connection points to help make the prayer authentic-

-to deeply resonate for themselves.

What are your personal connection points? Through music? Sports? Friend-ships? Whatever works for YOU is what matters! My hope is that after going through this process, teens attending a service at KS (or anywhere for that mat-ter) might open their siddurs and experi-ence the service in a whole new light.


About KS Adult Programming

AP presents educational, cultural, spiritual and social opportuni-ties for our KS adult community and beyond. We cordially invite you to explore and participate in our offerings. See full descrip-tions of our AP offerings at http://keremshalom.org/adultprogramming/. REGISTER via email to [email protected].

SEND or drop off checks payable to Kerem Shalom to: Rosalie, c/o Kerem Shalom P.O. Box 1646, Concord 01742. (Please in-clude “AP and the class name” on the memo line.) (Note: Fee based Programs run only if we have enough regis-trants & payments 4 weeks prior to start date.) Please don’t let finances get in the way of your participation; let Rosalie know if the fee is an issue for you.

NEW FALL 2017 CLASSES

Me'ah returns to Kerem Shalom with terrific instructors! Hebrew College offers 100 hours for study of Judaic culture and civilization over 2 years. There is no need to be Jewish or know Hebrew to participate; there are no meetings during vacations; classes are recorded (you can miss and listen later.) Tuition is $650/year. Financial aid is available. Couples are most welcome. (See page 4 for more information.) Mondays from 7:15pm – 9:15 PM, starting on Oct. 16, 2017. Contact: [email protected]

NEW! ASL High Holiday Chorus with Rabbi Darby Leigh

Some previous knowledge of ASL is required

Contact: [email protected] for more information

NEW! KS Genealogy Studies with Jessie Klein

3 Wednesdays (to start off): Oct. 18, 25 & Nov 1. 1:00-3:00 PM

Contact: [email protected]

Wise Aging Series A variety of opportunities focusing on posi-tive aging and planning ahead for the end of life with mindful-ness of Jewish wisdom and traditions. Includes presentations by Rabbi Darby Leigh as well as by other local experts and facilitat-ed discussion groups among KS members. A variety of resources will be used, including chapters from A Book of Life, by Rabbi Michael Strassfield; Wise Aging, by Rabbi Rachel Cowan and Dr. Linda Thal; The Conversation Project website and toolkits; Ethical Wills, by Rabbi Jack Reimer and Dr. Nathaniel Stampfer; and presentations by a local Estate Planning attorney regarding wills, trusts, health care directives; a local funeral home, and the Boston Area Hevra Kadisha. If you are interested either in par-ticipating or in working together with a small group of KS mem-bers who are organizing this series, please contact [email protected]

TUESDAY MORNING CLASSES 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Tamar Biala

CONTEMPORARY WOMEN’S IDEAS ON TORAH

Learn what other women have written and begin to write our own “Midrashim”! September 12 and 19 and October 3 and 10; 10:30a.m.-12:30p.m. $100 for KS members; $150 for non-

members

Dr. Jacob Meskin

THE RABBIS & THE JESUS MOVEMENT

October 17, 24, 31 and November 7, 14; 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $150 for KS members; $225 for non-members

Rabbi Jamie Kotler KING DAVID – A HUMAN LIFE

November 21, 28and December 5, 12, 19; 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $100 KS Members; $150 for non-members

King David is among the best-known figures in Judaism. We moderns, even those of us with little Jewish education, sing and dance horas in his name. But what do we really know about him? In this five part series, we will turn to the two books of Samuel to explore David in all his flawed complexity. David is, without a doubt, the most finely drawn character in the Hebrew Bible. His life is spectacularly complex. He is a youthful musician and sing-er – a composer of psalms. He is the warrior who slew Goliath, and the brilliant political leader who united the nation. Yet he has a shadow side: he lies, schemes and deceives, he satisfies his lustful appetites with impunity. Throughout, he remains the Be-loved of God, the man whose line is chosen to be the forerunner of the Messiah. Join us for an exploration of David the warrior, the leader of men, the fugitive, the king, the father, the lover, the husband.

Suggested reading in advance of the course: 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1Kings Chapters 1 and 2 and the historical novel The Broken Chord by Geraldine Brooks

SPECIAL EVENTS

L.E.D. Presentation and Brunch (“Learn, Explore, Discuss”) December 10th, 10:30-12:00

JEWISH COMPOSERS OF MUSICAL THEATER

Brandeis Professor Stephen Whitfield returns, with music by Steve Pixley and Rosalie Gerut RSVP: Diane Fulman [email protected]

KNOWLEDGE IS EMPOWERING: Understanding the Jew-ish - Cancer Connection

Thursday, November 9th, 7:00-8:30 PM

More info: http://oneinforty.org/events/ or contact [email protected]

To Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/knowledge-is-

empowering-understanding-the-jewish-cancer-connection-tickets-35028852240

VISIT TO MAYYIM HAYYIM (date to be determined) Immerse in the living waters for a modern day mikvah in Newton

in preparation for the High Holidays

Contact Rosalie

(Continued on page 9)

Adult Programs

–From Rosalie Gerut


Kerem Shalom’s Calendar is also online at http://www.keremshalom.org/. Click on the Calendar tab at the top of the page.

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SUNDAY SALON SERIES

Film: THE LIFE OF CAROLA DOMAR, beloved member of Kerem Shalom whose memory is a blessing. Filmmaker Susan Rieder and Carola’s daughters will be present to answer questions. November 12th, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Kerem Shalom Story Hour

Fans of the Moth Radio Hour?

We can have our own Kerem Shalom Story Hour We are looking for members to tell stories – happy, sad, funny, life changing. What do you think? Contact: [email protected] and we’ll get it going!

ONGOING CLASSES

American Sign Language Classes (ASL) Wednesdays evenings 6:30 PM

With Jotham Otterson

Please contact [email protected] for additional infor-mation and to sign up

Women's Spiritual Life Study and Share Group with Rosalie Gerut Topics from A Book of Life By Rabbi Strassfeld are studied and discussed in an open, welcoming manner. Thursdays 10:30 a.m. -12:00 [N.B.: new day of the week and time] September 14th, October 19th, November 9, December 14th

No cost for KS members/non-members $18

Contact [email protected] with questions or to sign up.

ONGOING GROUPS

Women’s Beginning of the Month Group (“Rosh Chodesh”) (KS members only) We have lively discussions on inspiring themes from Torah

and other Judaic sources that have an impact on our lives. Facilitated by Rosalie Gerut First Monday of each month, 9:30-11:00 AM

Beginning September 11th. For information contact [email protected]

Kerem Shalom Meditation Group

Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00 PM @ Kerem Shalom. Beginners and experienced meditators welcome. Contact: Scott Sancetta – [email protected] or 617-763-

0914

Kerem Shalom Men’s Discussion Group and

Upcoming “Men’s Mitzvah Bar”

Join Rabbi Darby and others for a fun evening at a local bar Contact George Peabody, <[email protected]>

KS Support Group for People Living with Health Challenges (KS members only) Meeting on the 4th Wednesday of each month, 10:00-11:30 AM

September 27, October 25, November 22, December 27

Contact Kitty Stein (781) 259-9264 or [email protected]

KS Writing Group

Meets on select Wednesday afternoons between 3:00-6:00 PM

Helping each other focus on writing projects

For information contact [email protected]

Jewish Content Book Club

Tuesday July 25 at 12:30 at The Colonial Inn for lunch: Discus-sion of A Horse Walks Into a Bar by David Grossman

Tuesday September 12th at 12:30 PM, Discussion of Norwegian by Night by Derek Miller. Bring your lunch. Contact Jane Appell, [email protected]

Kerem Shalom Book Club

Thursday Evenings 7:30 PM

Contact Pat Sills, [email protected]

Mah Jongg Club

Every other Tues. 7-9 PM; Every other Mon. 4-6 PM

Contact Amanda, [email protected] or 617-448-5986 (small fee for non-KS members)

Tai Chi at Kerem Shalom

Sundays, 9:30-10:30 AM

KS members $10/ Non-members $15/session

Contact Rob Elkind [email protected]

KS Local Walking & Bicycling Groups for KS members Walk, talk, ride and stay fit! Contact: [email protected] for “twalking”

Contact: [email protected] for bike riding

(Continued from page 7)

ברוכים הבאים

(Bruchim Habayim)

Welcome New Members

Please welcome

Elana Bernstein-Monson and Kris Monson their daughter Julian Bernstein-Monson (4th grade) of Arlington. Contact them at (617) 510-5600 or [email protected].

Bonnie & Jay Hellman of Concord whom you can reach at 978-369-3882, [email protected] or [email protected]

Ania & Jeremy Richmon and their children Wyatt, Ruby and Wesley of Concord. Reach them at 978-610-6253, [email protected] or [email protected].

Rochelle Steinberg of Concord. You can reach her at 978-317-

0281 or [email protected].

Michelle Long & Ben Wessler, and their children Judah (K) & Sierra (PK) of Concord. Their contact info is 617-875-0868, [email protected], and [email protected]

David & Dara Yoken and their sons Jonah (K) and Eli (PK) of Concord. You can contact them at 617-407-2919 or [email protected] or [email protected].


Attendees: Staff Members: Rabbi Darby Leigh, Rosalie Gerut, Nancy Kaplan,

Joan Perlman, Jessica Busiek

Board Members: Ted Barten, Matt Daniel, Susan Deysher Cohen, Jenifer Goldman Fraser, John Langell, Carol Leandro, David Matias, Jill Mirman, Cherry Muse, Ray Phillips, Elisabeth Sack-ton, Scott Sancetta, JoAnn Simon, Wendy Taubes, Sara Wiener

Opening: After the blessings for community work and torah study were recit-

ed, Jenifer gave a D’Var Torah.

Rabbi’s Report (Rabbi Darby): Kerem Shalom has received more mail, which Rabbi Darby shared,

with messages of solidarity in the face of rising anti-Semitism in North America. One of the letters was sent from a Muslim faith community.

Kerem Shalom has been selected to become a Partner in the Ruder-man Synagoge Inclusion Project in recognition of our efforts to be a welcoming synagogue to people with disabilities and vary-ing abilities. We were awarded some seed money to help fund our ongoing efforts towards full inclusion for everyone.

Rabbi Darby is grateful to be representing Kerem Shalom at the Re-constructionist Rabbinical Association Convention of North America and Israel in Oregon this weekend.

President’s Report (Cherry Muse): Cherry received a call from Concord’s Chief of Police, Joseph

O’Connor, who has instituted more intensive patrolling of Kerem Shalom, in light of the current climate of threats to Jew-ish institutions.

Following the recommendations of the Governance Task Force, the Executive Committee will be expanding. Jenifer Goldman Fra-ser has agreed to serve as an additional member of the Execu-tive Committee.

Eleven months into the Capital Campaign, over $1.1 million has been pledged, $360,000 has been received, $100,000 has been paid towards the mortgage, and essential capital improvements on the building have been made. With many households still to contribute, the campaign will be extended until the end of the fiscal year on June 30th, at which point Cherry feels hopeful that we will reach or exceed our goal of $1.5 million. The cam-paign’s leadership team is pleased to welcome Brad Guth, whose administrative skills are invaluable.

After reviewing the short and long term goals for Kerem Shalom that she identified upon assuming the role as president, Cherry an-nounced that the Board would spend some time reviewing indi-vidual Board member’s goals that were identified at the Board retreat in September.

Approval of February Minutes: A vote to approve the minutes from the February Board meeting was

taken and passed.

Financial Update (Ted Barten): Ted distributed and reviewed a financial report for February, ex-

plained the plans that were recommended by the Finance Com-mittee to reset the mortgage, and presented an overview of the upcoming budget process.

Security Issues (Ray Phillips): Ray is researching the topic of security issues, with a particular focus

on visible measures to further tighten the security of the build-

ing. He plans to coordinate with John Langell, and make recom-mendations to the Board at an upcoming meeting.

New Board Member Orientation (JoAnn Simon): The Governance Committee has been working on a document de-

signed to orient new Board members to the nuts and bolts of serving on the Board. JoAnn plans to circulate the document for the Board’s review and eventual endorsement.

Update on Concord Public Schools’ Holiday Policy (Susan Deysher Cohen):

The passage of a School Committee vote in January to reinstate the religious holidays, including Rosh Hashannah, Yom Kippur, and Good Friday did not represent a final decision. After further review by a specialized committee, the School Committee will be addressing this issue and taking another vote in April.

Reminders of Upcoming Events (Cherry Muse): -April Board Meeting: Date changed to April 24th

-Grapevine Gala: Saturday, April 29th

-Vineyard of Peace Evening: Saturday, June 10th (Havdallah Service, followed by a reception honoring Jan Huber O’Callaghan)

The meeting, which adjourned at 9:30 pm, was followed by Execu-tive Session.

Respectfully submitted by Wendy Taubes

KS Board Meeting Minutes, 20 March 2017

KS Board Meeting, April 24, 2017

Staff and board members attended ALICE security training prior to the meeting.

Present: Board Members: Cherry Muse, chair, Elisabeth Sackton, notes

John Langell, Ted Barten, Mark Stein, Ray Phillips, Sheara Friend, Nina Englander, Marty Plotkin, Matt Daniel, Jenifer Goldman-

Fraser, Carol Leandro, (Jan Huber O’Callaghan, consulting on budget)

Staff: Joan Perlman, Jessica Busiek, Nancy Kaplan, Rosalie Gerut

D’var—Nina, on Shemini

Rabbi’s report Rabbi Darby is unable to attend tonight’s meeting because he needs

to be with his family for Ariza’s birthday dinner!

Rabbi Darby warmly invites the Board to attend Rayna’s bat mitzvah during Shabbat morning services on May 6.

President’s report: Cherry reports that we are 76 % toward goal in Capital Campaign.

There is real capacity (in terms of further solicitation) to reach our goal by end of June.

This is the home stretch of the campaign, which must end by June 30.

A Phon-a-thon is planned on Sunday May 21st. 2-2.5 hours – All board are asked to be present. 5:30-8:00.

Operating Budget: The differences between Capital Campaign and annual budget: Cap-ital Campaign: build capital fund and reduce debt. Operating



budget: still running deficits, consistently. This can’t continue indefinitely.

Cherry asks: What is KS’s business model? What do you do to raise money to pay expenses? (not mission, but funding). How do we get people who support the mission to provide financial support necessary for sustaining Kerem Shalom?

Exercise: What is KS business model? Each person asked to write a brief description of business model on small sheet of paper.

Whatever we articulate as business model, we have to change. Staff pay steepest price for our poor business model, in terms of lack of administrative support, custodial support, benefits, and secu-rity.

Messaging congregation about why we need to raise funds and change business model: strategic focus on messaging about creating a financially stable Kerem Shalom is critical to chang-ing the financial stress that is routine in this organization.

Marty raised issue that the messaging about the distinction between fundraising for annual budget and fundraising for capital cam-paign might be important. For example, many people do not recognize that the Grapevine Gala is a fundraiser to make up the deficit in the annual operating budget, not a capital campaign.

Minutes for March meeting: A vote to approve the minutes from the March Board meeting was

taken and passed.

Financial: Ted hands out hefty packet with Financial Update, Budget/Dues

Structure for FY 2018

-Financial Dashboard was included in Board package materials that were emailed prior to the meeting.

-Proposed Budget w 3% salary raises

-Proposed Budget w 2% salary raises

Discussion of financial issues and budget, including school census, reduced bar/bat mitzvah census (and fees), building and repair costs, insurance and abatement costs.

Major fundraiser would be needed each year to manage deficit.

Deficit of 60-70K anticipated. Loss of revenue because of lower school census, increasing expenses, including salary and bene-fits, building and grounds.

Ted: We cannot go into next FY with 10% deficit. Executive Com-mittee discussed dues structure options: one, a straight increase in different categories. The other would be more variable, in-cluding a “Sustainer” category.

Discussion of dues structure, and abatement structure:

• Messaging about the dues and the value of membership is need-ed

• Members are expected to pay the dues and dues are set to cover expenses (we often lead with abatement flexibility, as opposed to message that dues are set to cover expenses)

• Consider asking people to state that they need abatement for financial reasons

• Consider refraining from asking people “what is it worth to you?” (as we have done when we were potentially losing mem-bers who did not want to pay full dues even if they are able to afford to do so).

• We do not ask for disclosures, but we could ask people to state why they are asking for abatement.

• Concern if we set income guidelines—would people see that they fall into one guideline and pay less even if they can afford more?

Jan: We found over the years that when people pay what they will pay: people do not pay more than they are willing to pay, even if they promised to do so.

Agree that there will be an in depth review of dues structure in the next FY, with a task force made up of Board members and non-

Board members.

Ted: Table abatement debate for now, with plan to return to it later. Consideration of Sustainer category of membership: What will moti-

vate people to commit to sustainer category

Little enthusiasm for changing Family Dues: families are hemor-rhaging money. Families pay for activities.

Sense of the Board: Does Sustainer category cannibalize other annu-al fund monies.

Building Repairs and closure during the summer

John Langell reports that there is a rough plan to close the building for month of July. There will be interior and exterior repairs that will involve scaffolding, power cords, exposed wiring. During 10 days of concrete repair, parking lot will be virtually inacces-sible. There will possibly be limited access for staff during this time, but programs and services will probably need to be relo-cated. The contract for concrete work (and a firm start date) have not been worked out, and if this work has to be delayed, there will be some minor repairs to address safety, and it is pos-sible that in that case we might be able to have use of the build-ing despite other major repairs.

Board meeting went to executive session at 9:50.


KS Board Meeting Minutes: May 15, 2017

Attendees: Staff Members: Rabbi Darby Leigh, Nancy Kaplan, Joan Perlman,

Jessica Busiek

Board Members: Ted Barten, Matt Daniel, Nina Englander, Jenifer Goldman Fraser, Sheara Friend, John Langell, Carol Leandro, Jill Mirman, Cherry Muse, Ray Phillips, Elisabeth Sackton, Scott Sancetta, JoAnn Simon, Mark Stein, Wendy Taubes

Opening: After the blessings for community work and torah study were recit-

ed, Mark gave a D’Var Torah.

Rabbi’s Report (Rabbi Darby): Following up on comments made by the students who spoke at the

service on May 12th, Rabbi Darby reminded us to recognize the meaningful impact that engagement in Kerem Shalom and in Judaism is having on young people and adults in our communi-ty. He concluded that we have changed people’s lives in a pro-found way.



הב ר הד תו

(Todah Rabah)

Rusty Glicksman and Rita Volya In memory of Dad

Roberta Bernstein In memory of Dr. Joseph Bernstein

Jean Ellis-LaBossiere and Dick La-Bossiere

In memory of George LaBossiere

Robin Kanarek In memory of Robert Kanarek

Jan Huber OCallaghan In honor of the "b'not mitzvah ladies"

Ronad and Deena Whitfield In honor of the b'not mitzvah of Susan Phillips and Miriam Zarchan

Pat Lukens and Stephen Bober In honor of Jan Huber OCallaghan - Vineyard of Peace Award

Nanci Bell In honor of Jan Huber OCallaghan - Vineyard of Peace Award

Nancy and Luke Burnham In honor of Jan Huber OCallaghan - Vineyard of Peace Award

The Family Ed/Ed Committee In honor of Jan Huber OCallaghan - Vineyard of Peace Award

Janet Bradley Garber & Ken Garber In honor of Jan Huber OCallaghan - Vineyard of Peace Award

Michael and Naomi Rosenfeld Friends of Kerem Shalom - Auction Sponsor

Edith Sussman Friends of Kerem Shalom

Dara Mitchell and Terry O'Sullivan Friends of Kerem Shalom

James and Debbie Brissenden Friends of Kerem Shalom

Dr Lawrence and Sue Bernstein Friends of Kerem Shalom

Ed and Ellen Buzanoski Friends of Kerem Shalom - in honor of a beautiful, warm, welcoming congregation and a Rabbi who matches both

Art and Diane Fulman Adult Programs Discretionary Fund

Pat Lukens and Stephen Bober Youth Programming Discretionary Fund in memory of Barbara Olsen & Nancy Lukens Etienne

We Thank You for your generosity to Kerem Shalom!

Iris and Ted Barten to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund in honor of the B’not Mitzvah women

Rabbi Darby also reminded us of the upcoming event (on May 23rd), which is honoring Kerem Shalom as we receive recognition from the Ruderman Foundation for our welcoming spirit and inclusivity of everyone, including those with disabilities.

President’s Report (Cherry Muse): The Capital Campaign is preparing for a phonathon, coordinated by

Matt Daniel. Members of the Board and the Capital Campaign committee will be reaching out by phone to approximately 110 members, in an effort to reach our goal of $1.5 million.

Approval of April Minutes: A vote to approve the minutes from the April Board meeting was

taken and passed.

Financial Update (Ted Barten): Due to the countless volunteer hours by Carolyn Gold and her com-

mittee, the auction proved to be a financial and social success. Surpassing its budgeted goal, a net of $42,000 was raised.

Kerem Shalom’s Business Model (Cherry Muse): At the April Board meeting, the question of identifying Kerem

Shalom’s “business model” was addressed. Some Board mem-bers responded by defining the model as they see it, while oth-

ers took an aspirational approach. The various descriptions cap-ture the tension that exists for the Kerem Shalom community in terms of the generosity that Kerem Shalom values and the con-straints inherent in a finite amount of financial resources. This discussion will serve as a starting point to a more in-depth study of our dues structure. A task force will be established to address these issues.

Budget/Dues for FY 2018 (Ted Barten): A vote was taken and passed to implement some modest dues in-

creases, while adding a new category on an experimental basis.

Updates/Reminder (Cherry Muse): -More information as to the timeline for the concrete project should

be available soon. -Susan Brager Murphy has volunteered to chair the High Holy Days

committee. -The Presentation of the 2017 Vineyard of Peace Award, honoring

Jan Huber O’Callaghan, and Havdalah Service will be held on Saturday evening, June 10. 2017.

The meeting adjourned at 10:15 pm.

Respectfully submitted by Wendy Taubes



I N T HE C O M M UN IT Y

Welcome Shabbat with Song at Kerem Shalom

Friday, July 14, 7:30 PM

with Nancy Kaplan and George Peabody

Festive oneg to follow

Please join us in ushering in the "oneg" - the joy - of Shabbat this Friday, July 14 at 7:30 pm, during an evening of song with KS Director of Family Education Nancy Kaplan and George Peabody, her long time friend :-) Shabbat is a time of love, joy, play and contemplation. Join us in singing love songs and folk songs,* and exploring chant and alternative melodies** for our liturgy. (Song sheets provided) Invite your friends and introduce them to our vibrant community!

*Love songs by Lennon/McCartney, Neil Young, Bob Franke, Julie Gold, Motown, traditional Irish ballads, King Solomon

**Prayer melodies and chants by Shefa Gold, Rabbi David Shneyer, Rick Recht, Sheldon Low, Norman Blake - plus original tunes by Nancy and George.

After Kiddush and Motzi stay for sweet refreshments, challah and conversation at our oneg Shabbat.

PLEASE LOOK FOR DETAILS ABOUT OUR SUMMER SER-VICES July 28. August 11. and August 25 IN UPCOMING KS E-MAILS AND ON OUR WEBSITE: www.keremshalom.org

Led by KS's Congregational Leaders, these are joyful services, filled with song, and appropriate for adults and for families with children.

In This Issue:

June Recap 1

Rabbi’s Message 2

Lifecycles 2

President’s Message 3

Member News 3

Social Action 4

Me’ah 4

School News 5

Family Education 6

Adult Programming 7, 9

September Calendar 8

Welcome New Members 9

March, April, May Board Meeting Minutes

10 - 12

Thank You 12

Vinyard of Peace Award photocollage

13

Welcome Shabbat with Song

13

In This Issue 14

The Grapevine

Kerem Shalom

P.O.Box 1646 Concord, Massachusetts 01742

Change Service Requested

The dates scheduled are the 2nd and 4th Fridays

in July and August at 7:30 p.m.

July 14th and 28th

August 11th and 25th.

June was an extremely active month at Kerem...

Documents

Transcript of June was an extremely active month at Kerem...