TEC Times, October 2013
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www.temple-etzchaim.org TEC Times October 2014 / 5775 Volume 24, Number 1 From Rabbi Alpert, 2 From the President 3 Religious Worship News 4 News from the ‘Hoods 5 Mazon 6 Community News 7 Religious School News 8-10 October-November Events 11,12 Early Childhood 13-15 Our Temple Community News 16 Donation Form 17 Community News 18 Our Advertisers 19-21 Temple Contacts 22 Newsletter Deadlines are: October 10th for November issue November 10th for December issue Please fill out publicity form for event submissions. A monthly bulletin for the Temple Etz Chaim community Inside this issue: Congregational Trip to Israel April 16 - 26, 2015 The Temple is planning our first ever trip to Israel on April 16th-26th. Please contact Gary Dauer or Rabbi Alpert if you would like to get more information.
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The newsletter of Temple Etz Chaim of Franklin, MA
Transcript of TEC Times, October 2013
www.temple-etzchaim.org
TEC Times October 2014 / 5775 Volume 24, Number 1
From Rabbi Alpert, 2
From the President 3
Religious Worship News 4
News from the ‘Hoods 5
Mazon 6
Community News 7
Religious School News 8-10
October-November Events 11,12
Early Childhood 13-15
Our Temple Community News 16
Donation Form 17
Community News 18
Our Advertisers 19-21
Temple Contacts 22
Newsletter Deadlines are:
October 10th for November issue November 10th for December issue
Please fill out publicity form
for event submissions.
A monthly bulletin for the Temple Etz Chaim community
Inside this issue: Congregational Trip to Israel
April 16 - 26, 2015
The Temple is planning our first ever trip to Israel on April 16th-26th. Please contact Gary Dauer or Rabbi Alpert if you would like to get more information.
By Rabbi Tom Alpert A Temple Cemetery
It is not easy for any of us to discuss death, much less to plan for it. But we can learn about this, as about so many other matters, from the Torah. At the end of the Book of Genesis, we read about the deaths of both Jacob and his son Joseph.
Jacob’s death is especially instructive because of the words he uses to describe what is about to befall him. He does not say, “I am going to die.” Rather, he explains, Ani ne’esaf el ami, “I am going to be gathered to my people.” He asks that he be buried with his people, and Joseph gets Pharaoh’s permission to inter his father’s remains in the family plot, in the Cave of Makhpelah. Throughout our history, we Jews have always tried to be buried with our people. During Biblical times, family sepulchers were the norm, but in the post-Biblical era, Jewish communities set up and operated cemeteries. A cemetery was known as beit olam, “the house of eternity,” or beit khayyim, “the house of life.” The Talmud tells us of the regard in which graveyards were held: “The Jewish tombstones are fairer than royal palaces.” Jewish worship does not require a synagogue, but Jewish burial does require a Jewish cemetery. As a result, the first act that Jews have typically done to establish a community has been to set up a cemetery. In what was to become the United States, the first Jewish cemetery was laid out in New Amsterdam (later New York) in 1656, and the first Jewish cemetery in New England was established in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1677. In order to perform proper burials, a Jewish community would organize a chevra kadishah, “burial society” (although the term literally means “holy society”). Jewish law traditionally required that burial not be a profit making enterprise, but was to be an obligation of the community as a whole. The chevra kadishah took on that obligation. Although we have moved away from these strict legal requirements over the years, the tradition of communal involvement with cemeteries remains strong. Here at Temple Etz Chaim, we have an opportunity to plan for our own community cemetery. On Sunday, October 19, at 3:00 pm at the Temple Building, we will host leaders from the Jewish Cemetery Association of Massachusetts (JCAM). JCAM, a non-profit organization, was formed thirty years ago to take care of many Jewish cemeteries throughout the state. It operates the newest one, Beit Olam East, a beautiful spot located in Wayland and serving the communities west and south of Boston. We have an opportunity to have a Temple Etz Chaim section in Beit Olam East. It will be open to any members of our Temple community, both Jewish and non-Jewish. The members of JCAM will be on hand to discuss this and to answer any questions you might have. Wherever you may be in the process of thinking about this – including not having done so at all – it would help you to at-tend and learn what the Beit Olam East option might mean for you and for the Temple. Please contact David and Susan Hirshfield, who are organizing the meeting, at [email protected] by October 15 to let them know if you will attend.
Jacob lived for one hundred forty seven years, full of all the variety that life can bestow. And at the end, with the wisdom he had acquired, he knew that it was time to join his people. May all of us live long and happy lives, and may we be as prepared for our deaths as Jacob was for his.
Rabbi Thomas M. Alpert
Page 2 TEC T imes Volume 24, Number 1
Page 3 TEC T imes Volume 24, Number 1
Rosh Hashanah Speech:
Shana Tova. What can I say? This is my third and last Rosh Hashanah talk, and I continue to be amazed at the people in this wonderful community, not only those visibly active, but also those whose contribution may not be as clearly evident. When I walk through the halls of religious school, or into services, I am invariably met with many warm, smiling faces greeting me. This is despite the fact that these last two years have been challenging, and we have not always agreed with each other. I have always believed and continue to believe that our temple is a warm and friendly place, and the greetings I receive each time I walk into Friday night services or religious school reaffirms this belief. During these last two years, I have also found out just how much people care about Etz Chaim. People come to meetings, call and email me and contribute ideas. People, many people, also contribute a good deal of time and effort running the many programs that we offer and keeping the build-ing up to date. This is evident every time we come into Friday night services and see the sanctuary and community room set up. It is evident every time we go to Sunday school and see a teacher, a volunteer, a synagogue member, greet our child warmly. It is evident when we get together for a holiday or festive life cycle event, as well as when there is a death, and many members of the congregation come to sit Shiva with the bereaved family. I have also found that people also care deeply about the future of the temple, they read letters, and voice their opinions on what is going on. We are listening. Many of you said that you are unhappy with the fact that we have so many campuses, and that the building at 900 Washington Street is not important to you (and/or you feel that it is not a good venue for a temple) . Therefore, we are looking at selling the property, and moving to a more suitable location. As explained in the let-ter that recently went out, we have two task forces, one charged with selling the building and the other with looking for a new location. Wherever we end up, it doesn’t really matter. That this is a community of caring and relationships is evident in all that we do. There is no building that will change this. While another building may be nicer looking, or more conveniently located, or house more activities, it will not increase our most precious asset, our caring for each other, our sense of community or our generosity to each other. In real estate, it’s “location, location, location”, this is not the case with spiritual communities. In our case it’s who we are, and how we care for each other that makes our temple unique and important to each of us. May each of you have a happy and sweet new year. Grace Kooper Temple Etz Chaim President
From the President Grace Kooper
Page 4 TEC T imes Volume 24, Number 1
Religious Worship News
October 4 Yom Kippur Deuteronomy 29:9 14, 30:11-20 Leviticus 19:1-4, 9-18, 27-32 October 11 Shabbat during Sukkot Exodus 33:12-34:26 October 18 B’reishit Genesis 1:1-6:8 October 25 Noach Genesis 6:9-11:32
October Torah Portions
At this point we are half way through the High Holidays. It is a time of reflection. It is a great time to consider differ-ent things in your life. One thing you may think about is your religious life and what part our religion plays in it. We have many activities going on at the Temple for the Holi-day season.
Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur services will be held at Frank-lin Federated Church. Those are held on October 3rd and 4th respectively. There is also the Sukkot dinner and ser-vice at the Temple building on October 8th beginning at 5:45 pm. We would love to see everyone there. Think how much fun you will have.
We would like to thank the Rabbi, Cantor, and the choir for wonderfully spiritual services. We also would like to thank everyone who participated in the services by accept-ing honors and thank everyone who helped set up and clean up and brought food.
Lastly, do you ever think of having a bigger part in the Temple and making a bigger impact? We would love to have your thoughts heard at our RAC meetings. Think about joining us and make an impact!
Jayme Solomon-Zissu RAC Chair
RAC Report
Thank you to our choir Alan Ani, Melissa Chartoff, Dave Johnson, Ellen Keith, Lisa Law-rence and Lee Rich, our musicians Nikki Ker-
mish, and Andy Weitzman and our shofar choir Jonathan Brooks, Andy Brown, Cameron Cawley and Becca Solomon for bringing music to our High Holy Days.
Thank you to Dave Johnson, Ellen Keith and Lee Rich for con-tinuing to bring music to our Shabbat services.
High Holy Day & Shabbat Music
Friday, October 3rd at FFC: 7:30 pm Kol Nidre Service at
Saturday, October 4th at FFC: 9:00 am Children’s Yom Kippur Service 10:00 am Yom Kippur Morning Service 1:00 pm Afternoon Study Session 3:15 pm Musical Interlude 3:30 pm Afternoon & Yizkor Service, Ne’ilah 6:30 pm Havdalah & Break Fast
Wednesday, October 8th at TEC: 5:30 pm Erev Sukkot Dinner 7:00 pm Erev Sukkot Service
Thursday, October 9th at TEC: 9:00 am Sukkot Morning Service Friday, October 10th at TEC: 7:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service at TEC
Wednesday, October 15th at FFC: 7:00 pm Simchat Torah & Consecration Service
Thursday, October 16th at TEC: 9:00 am Simchat Torah Service with Yizkor Friday, October 17th at TEC: 7:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service at TEC
Friday, October 24th at TEC: 7:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service at TEC
Friday, October 31st at TEC: 7:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service at TEC
TEC: Temple Etz Chaim, 900 Washington Street, Franklin FFC: Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main Street, Franklin
High Holy Day/Tishrei & Shabbat Schedule
Saturday, October 18th: Please join the congregation in worship as Heidi Keith, daughter of Clint and Ellen Keith, is called to the Torah as Bat Mitzvah.
B’nei Mitzvah
Page 5 TEC T imes Volume 24, Number 1
News from the ‘Hoods
Sisterhood opened the year with the annual Opening Brunch. Twenty fabulous ladies gathered at the Zissu home to enjoy one another’s company and a delicious potluck brunch. A very special “Todah Rabah” to Jayme Solomon-Zissu and her family for their hospitality. We will definitely be back!
SOUP, SALAD, AND SOUL- A SISTERHOOD MITZVAH EVENT: Saturday, October 11th in the TEC Sukkah It’s time for our annual Soup and Salad dinner as we perform a mitzvah for a local philanthropy. This year, we are gather-ing supplies for local foster children of all ages. Ladies, please collect NEW backpacks and small stuffed animals that foster children can call their own and take with them wherever they go! If you knit or are part of the Knitzvah group, please bring your blankets. Don’t forget to sign up for your contribution to our meal
MAH JONGG NIGHT: Thursday, November 6th at 7pm Sisterhood will be hosting another Mah Jongg event for those interested in breaking out their sets and cards or brushing up on their game! Mark your calendars! More information coming!
December will bring our annual Chanukah dinner and gift wrapping fundraiser at Barnes and Noble. We will need your help to fill all spots in the calendar. Sign up and let us know what you can bring.
Ladies, please make sure we have your email address to ensure you receive all of our flyers and sign ups! Contact Jill Simms at with any questions.
Shana Tova to you and your families, Jill Simms
Sisterhood News
Sisterhood Board: President: Jill Simms VP/communications: Cindy Heilweil Treasurer: Lori Beth Towne
Hello gentlemen
Let me start by saying hello and welcome to everyone! I hope everyone had a great summer. Okay, down to the job at hand. It’s time for Monday Night Football on October 27th!! Bill Gilbert has graciously volunteered to organize our monumental event where we meet at Pinz (in Milford) and enjoy a night out. We start at 8pm this year, so you can either eat at home or eat at Pinz where they have a full restaurant available. In the past, we ordered pizzas, pitchers as well as bot-tled beers, munchies and burgers. The cost is whatever you eat. Last year, we had about 18 men participate and we rocked the joint. Oh…and if you‘re wondering who’s playing, it’s the Redskins and Cowboys. Please either let Bill or myself know if you are planning to come (so we can get a big enough table), but last minute decisions are find as well. Hey, bring a Tem-ple friend, the more the merrier. For anyone worried about staying up late, we usually go home before or at half time (10:30ish the latest).
In November, we are thinking of a Poker Night again. This time, we are thinking of making this a “learn how to play poker night”. We have some really good poker players in our congregation and if you are interested, please contact me. The plan is to teach a Texas Hold’em game (like on TV), thus reducing any anxiety people have of never playing before. It’s a fun night and best part is the “posturing” we do to win the hand. We had lots of laughs and no one was actually competitive. As always, we will send out an E-vite when we get more details.
Lastly, let me say that everyone is welcome to participate in our Brotherhood events, as long as you’re over 21 years old (we like our beer and scotch). If you want to be on our mailing list, please contact me or John Samolyk (his official title is “Keeper of the List”). And, if you have ideas of things to do, let us know as well. I hope to see you soon Stewart Lipson [email protected]
Brotherhood News
Page 6 TEC T imes Volume 24, Number 1
MAZON It is that time of year again: the New
Year- Rosh Hashana and of course Yom Kippur. And as always, FROGY is hosting
MAZON: a food drive for the Franklin Food Pantry.
What we are looking for:
Non-perishables such as canned foods and dry foods.
Unused personal care products such as shampoo.
Items will be collected on 4 October 2014 before the Yom Kippur morning service.
Page 7 TEC T imes Volume 24, Number 1
Our knitters are currently working in cooperation with Sisterhood, to support the children who receive services from the Kennedy Donovan Center. KDC assists in placing children into foster homes. These children, who may experience multiple moves, often have very few belongings. The center has requested items that can be provided to the children at the time of placement, so that they feel they have something of their own to take with them. Mem-bers of our Sisterhood are putting together backpacks and stuffed animals and the Knitzvah
members are making afghans that the children will keep. As always, we welcome any knitters who would like to join us in this project. We have several easy patterns available, as well as lots of yarn and needles. These blanket projects are both a great place for a beginning knitter to learn the basics and an opportunity for more advanced knitters to try out fancier stitch work. We continue to meet on alternate Sundays at 4:00 pm at the temple building. No RSVP is necessary – just come and have fun! For questions contact Sue Cass by email: [email protected].
Community News
Sunday & Monday November 9 & 10, 2014
Question: What might motivate someone to spend two days of precious time visiting Jewish sites of interest in New York City? Answer:
To experience learning, prayer, song and friendship with members of every Jewish denomination.
To participate in a one-of-a-kind experience with veteran synagogue leaders, minyan reps, rabbinical students and teenagers that will move you, uplift you and change the way you perceive yourself and your fellow Jews.
To visit the seats of higher learning of the major denominations of Judaism (Jewish Theological Seminary, Yeshiva University, Hebrew Un-ion College, Academy for Jewish Religion and Hebrew Institute of Riverdale/Yeshivat Chovevei Torah).
To have intimate, forthright discussions about Jewish law and issues confronting the Jewish people with world-renowned rabbis and scholars.
To meet and dialogue with rabbinical students across the denominations. For more information email Synagogue Council of Massachusetts or go to their website.
Synagogue Council of Massachusetts Unity Mission to NYC
Knitzvah News
For more information visit them
on the web at www.bjff.org
Religious School News and Events
Page 8 TEC T imes Volume 24, Number 1
Back To School For Parents
Sunday, November 9 9:00 - 11:30 am Medway High School 88 Summer St., Medway
9:00 - 9:30 am for Pre-K through 3rd grade parents 11:00 - 11:30 am for 4th through 7th grade parents
Meet your child’s teacher
Learn about their curriculum
Find out about ways to enhance your child’s learning
Review requirements for their classes
Meet other parents in your child’s classes Pre K through 3rd grade parents: Escort your children to the Auditorium before 9:00 am
where your children’s madrichim/teacher aides will be there and Rabbi Alpert will lead Tefillah.
Parents please proceed to your child’s classroom directly after you have dropped your child off in the auditorium.
4th grade through 7th grade parents: Proceed to your child’s classroom by 11:00 am Your children will be in the Auditorium and will be dis-
missed after Tefillah back to their classrooms where you will be.
For more information, please contact Hana Berman.
Sunday, November 9 Medway High School 88 Summer St., Medway
Come see the latest in Jewish children’s books to add to your home library. What a wonderful gift for your child at Hanukkah! Watch for more details.
Wish List
There are a few supplies on our Religious School Wish List: If you are able to do-
nate… please drop them off at school, Thank you! Pocket folders without fasteners Glue sticks Bright colored construction paper
Welcome to Religious School!
We are excited to announce our newest families to the Temple Religious School:
Antebi Family
Eagerman Family
Lajeunesse Family
Rubenstein Family
Scardino Family
Valenca Family
Meet up with old friends. Make new friends. It all happens at Java Nagilah! Our Religious School Coffeehouse!
Kitah Aleph-Bet created windsocks
to help decorate the sukkah!
Page 9 TEC T imes Volume 24, Number 1
Religious School Calendar 2014-2015/5774-5775
School is open every date listed, unless otherwise noted.
Religious School
Grades Pre K-7 Sunday- 9:00–11:30 am
Hebrew School
Grades 3-6
Wednesday- 4:00–5:30 pm
Academy (A); Confirmation (C); Post
Confirmation (PC) - Grades 8-12
Tuesday- 6:30-8:30 pm
9/14 – First Day of School
9/21
9/28
10/5-No School
10/12-No School
10/19
10/26
11/2
11/9
11/16
11/23
11/30- No School-Thanksgiving
12/7
12/14
12/21
12/28- No School (Winter Break)
1/4- No School (Winter Break)
1/11
1/18-- No School
1/25
2/1
2/8
2/15 – No School (February Break)
2/22– No School (February Break)
3/1
3/8
3/15
3/22
3/29
4/5 – No School (Passover)
4/12
4/19–No School (Spring Break)
4/26 – No School (Spring Break)
5/3
5/10
5/17 – Last day of School
9/17-First Day of School
9/24-No School
10/1
10/8-No School-Sukkot @ Temple
10/15-No School -Simchat Torah @ FFC
10/22
10/29
11/5
11/12
11/19
11/26-No School-Thanksgiving
12/3
12/10
12/17
12/24 – No School (Winter Break)
12/31– No School (Winter Break)
1/7
1/14
1/21
1/28
2/4
2/11
2/18– No School (February Break)
2/25
3/4
3/11
3/18
3/25
4/1
4/8 – No School (Passover)
4/15
4/22– No School (Spring Break)
4/29
5/6
5/13– Last day of School
5/20 Make-up day (if needed at Temple)
9/16-A/C
9/23-A/C
9/30– A/C/PC
10/7– A/C
10/14 – A/C
10/21 – A/C
10/28– A/C/PC
11/4– No School
11/11 – A/C-No School
11/18– A/C/PC
11/25- No School-Thanksgiving
12/2 – A/C ( 7th grade)
12/9 – A/C/PC
12/16 – No School (1st night of Chanukah)
12/23 - No School (Winter Break)
12/30 – No School (Winter Break)
1/6– A/C
1/13 –A/C
1/20– A/C/PC
1/27 - A/C
2/3 - A/C (7th
grade)
2/10– A/C
2/17– No School (February Break)
2/24 – A/C/PC
3/3 – A/C
3/10 – A/C
3/17 – A/C
3/24 - A/C
3/31– A/C/PC
4/7- No School (Passover)
4/14 – A/C
4/21 – No School (Spring Break)
4/28 – A/C/PC
5/5 – A/C (7th
grade)
5/12– A/C/PC– Last day of School
Page 10 TEC T imes Volume 24, Number 1
Family Shabbat Services 5775 Each month, there is a special “Family Shabbat” service designed specifically for families with
children in our Religious School. This gives us an opportunity to come together as a community to
celebrate Shabbat. They will feature friendly singing, age-appropriate readings, and birthday
blessings. During some of these Family Shabbat Services, specific classes will participate in leading
some of the prayers.
We hope that your family will join us for all of these Family Shabbat services, as they promise to be wonderful celebrations in our community.
We would appreciate it if all families would bring a sweet for Oneg following the services.
Date Help Rabbi lead
services
Time/ Location
Class Dinner
Bring Oneg or Lunch
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014 Kitah Zayin (7th )
10:00 am @ Temple
Lunch- 7th grade
Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 Kitah Vav (6th) 4:00 pm @
Temple
Program/
Havdallah/ Nosh 6th grade
Friday, Dec. 19, 2014 Family
Shabbat
7:00 pm @
Temple
ALL grades
Oneg
Friday, Jan. 9, 2015 Kitah Gan (PreK-K)
7:00 pm @ Temple
PreK-K ALL grades Oneg
Friday, Feb. 6, 2015 Kitah Aleph-
Bet (1st & 2nd)
7:00 pm @
Temple
1st - 2nd ALL grades
Oneg
Friday, Mar. 13, 2015 Kitah Hey (5th) 7:00 pm @
Temple
5th ALL grades
Oneg
Friday, Mar. 20, 2015 Kitah Dalet
(4th)
7:00 pm @
Temple
4th ALL grades
Oneg
Friday, May 15, 2015 Kitah Gimmel
(3rd)
7:00 pm @
Temple
3rd ALL grades
Oneg
Other Worship Opportunities
Saturday, May 23, 2015 Erev Shavuot and Confirmation @ 7:00pm at Franklin Federated Church
Our Confirmation students (10th graders) help lead the service marking the
festival of Shavuot, the celebration of the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai.
During the service, the students confirm their sense of Jewish identity and their
place in the Jewish community.
October Events
Page 11 TEC T imes Volume 24, Number 1
Sukkot at The Big Apple Farm
Soup, Salad and Soul A Sisterhood Mitzvah Event!
Saturday, October 11 6:00 pm at Temple Building
Please join us for Havdalah, a scrumptious meal in the sukkah, and a mitzvah project to benefit foster children!
Go to Sign Up Genius and RSVP. Questions? Contact Jill Simms
Monday, October 13 3:00 pm The Big Apple Farm 207 Arnold St., Wrentham
Presented by Temple Etz Chaim’s Early Childhood Hayrides, apples & other farm treats! Hayrides are only $3/person- come meet other families with young children and celebrate this harvest holiday together! For more information, see the flyer on page 14 Questions? Contact Dawn Doucette-Kaplan
Sukkot Pizza in the Hut and Service Wednesday, October 8
at Temple Building
5:45 pm: Help decorate sukkah
6:00 pm: Dinner
7:00 pm: Erev Sukkot Service
Join us as we celebrate Sukkot with a pizza, pasta (vegan
approved) and salad dinner. RSVP online.
Sponsored by The Brotherhood
Simchat Torah and Consecration Wednesday, October 15 7:00 pm Franklin Federated Church 171 Main Street, Franklin Join us and bring a friend as we dance, sing,
march around, play and rejoice with our Torah scrolls! We will also honor all of our students who are beginning their learning in our Religious School through the ceremo-ny of Consecration. Please feel free to bring a sweet for our Oneg for all to enjoy.
Saturday Morning Torah Study Every Saturday Morning Starting October 11 8:30 - 9:30 am at Temple Building
Do you want to get together with others in the Temple community to learn about what the Torah means in our lives?
Want to start your Shabbat off right? Maybe you are just an early riser who doesn’t want to
wake anyone?
Join the Rabbi for our weekly text study. No Hebrew need-ed. We’ll study text in English. Come when you can or come every Saturday. The door is open to open your mind! Any questions email Rabbi Alpert.
Tiny Tots Playgroup
Tuesday, Oct. 7, 21, 28 10:00 am at Temple Building
Tiny Tots is designed to help families with children birth through preschool make Jewish connections. Our gather-ings are casual, our connections become strong.
For more information, contact Melissa Chartoff.
Sunday, Oct. 5
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Downtown Franklin
Rain or Shine
Join Temple Etz Chaim and the whole Franklin community
as we celebrate this harvest season.
Visit our booth and make a Sukkot/Fall sun catcher.
October and November Events
Page 12 TEC T imes Volume 24, Number 1
Sisterhood Mah Jongg
Thursday, November 6
7:00 pm
Place: TBD It's time for a Mah Jongg night! Grab your cards and a nosh to pass and come join us for a fun filled night of Mah Jongg and friends! We are asking for a $5 donation toward our Sisterhood fund to ensure we can make a sizeable do-nation at the end of the year to each of our philanthro-pies. Hope to see you there! Please sign up to bring a nosh. Contact Jill Simms if you are interested in join us!
Sunday, October 19 3:00 -4:30 pm at the Temple Building
We are exploring a synagogue sec-tion for members of Temple Etz
Chaim at the Beit Olam East Cemetery in Wayland.
As you know, when a synagogue establishes a cemetery for its members to share, the communal bond is strengthened. So when future generations come to pay tribute to their loved ones, they can recall the community they once knew and the faces they can still imagine. The sanctity of dedicat-ing a cemetery to a synagogue allows the community to reflect on its collective self and infuses the community with a sense of purpose, a complete life-cycle connection—cradle to grave. It strengthens the bonds of a synagogue community in ways that are permanent and eternal.
If you have any questions, please contact Susan or David Hirshfield.
Cemetery Informational Meeting Together at Southwick’s Zoo Uniting Our Jewish Families in Community
Sunday, October 26th
12:30 - 5:00 pm Southwick Zoo 2 Southwick Street, Mendon, MA
Must Register for discounted rate by October 24th: $5/person 3 years & older (age 2 and under FREE) For more information see the flyer on page 15.
Funded by CJP Metrowest Community Fund Grant Supported by: Temple Etz Chaim, 900 Washington Street, Franklin Temple Beth Torah, 2162 Washington Street, Holliston Temple Beth Shalom, 55 Pine Street, Milford
Brotherhood Monday Night Football Monday, October 27
8:00 pm
Pinz
110 South Main Street, Milford, MA
Join the TEC Brotherhood for our annual Monday Night
Football event! Watch some football, eat, drink and
shmooze with your fellow TEC brothers!
Interested? Contact Bill Gilbert.
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
Sunday, November 23
6:00 pm
Place: TBD
Everyone is invited to join in this service of thanksgiving. It will
include musical selections by the Interfaith Choir including our own TEC choir members and individuals from the Council’s houses of worship together with reflections, read-ings and prayers to help us focus on this season of Thanks-giving. The Franklin Interfaith Council, made up of faith commu-nities in Franklin, has as its primary purpose the betterment of the Community it serves. A collection will be taken to benefit the Fuel Assistance Fund of Franklin Interfaith Council.
Zumba
FALL II 6-Week Session
Monday Nights at 7:30pm (1 Wed.)
Nov. 10, 17, 24, Dec. 1, 10 & 15
at Temple Building
Party yourself into shape at Temple Etz Chaim
Only $40 members, $50 non-members
Sign up with Dawn Doucette-Kaplan
No dance experience required,
just be ready to have some fun!
Page 13 TEC T imes Volume 24, Number 1
Early Childhood Early Childhood Mission Statement
Our mission is to offer young children, birth through second grade, age-appropriate
religious and secular programs based on strong Jewish values. Our goal is to develop
and strengthen relationships between our families with young children and provide a
supportive Jewish community.
Shabbat and Ritual Programming
Tot Shabbat Service: Through a fun-filled, casual service of songs,
stories, and a Torah parade, followed by a mini-oneg (Friday nights, Erev
Shabbat) or by snacks and a craft (Saturday, Shabbat mornings), we bring
Shabbat to life for children Kindergarten and under. Siblings and other
family members are also welcome to enjoy and join in the fun! All Tot
Shabbat services are held at our Temple.
Family Shabbat Service: An hour-long service geared for all families.
During the services one Religious school class presents on their Jewish
learning, though all class families are encouraged to attend! All Family
Shabbat services are held at our Temple.
Social Action Programming
Tikkun Olam for Tots: A family social action program designed to
engage children toddler through second grade with their parents in
meaningful Tikkun Olam through hands-on service projects.
Ongoing Programming
Tiny Tots: A weekly Playgroup designed to help families with children
birth through preschool make Jewish connections. Our gatherings are
casual, our connections become strong. Tiny Tots programs are at
10:00am once a week. Want to join the group? Contact Melissa
Chartoff at: [email protected]
For more information about our Early Childhood services and programs for Families
with Young Children please contact the Early Childhood Chair, Dawn Doucette-
Kaplan, at:
Temple Etz Chaim, 900 Washington Street, Franklin - 508) 528-5337
Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main Street, Franklin - (508) 528-3803
Choate Park, off Mechanic & Main Street, Medway
Big Apple Farm, 207 Arnold St, Wrentham - (508) 384-3055
Southwick Zoo, 2 Southwick St, Mendon, MA 01756 - (508) 883-9182
Page 14 TEC T imes Volume 24, Number 1
Page 15 TEC T imes Volume 24, Number 1
Together at Southwick’s Zoo:
Uniting Our Jewish Families in Community
Sunday, October 26th 12:30-5:00pm
12-1:00pm: Check-In at Gates with Dawn Doucette-Kaplan 12:30-2:00pm: Kosher Dairy Luncheon 1:30-2:30pm: Rabbi Alpert with other Jewish Leaders & Earth
Limited Presentations 2:30-5:00pm: Explore, Discover & have an Adventure
Must register for discounted rate of $5/person 3 years & older (age 2 and under FREE) by October 19th
Register at: https://cjpsouthwickszoo.wufoo.com/forms/together-at-
southwicks-zoo/
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!
Funded by CJP Metrowest Community Fund Grant
Supported by: Temple Etz Chaim, 900 Washington Street, Franklin
Temple Beth Torah, 2162 Washington Street, Holliston Temple Beth Shalom, 55 Pine Street, Milford
Catered by Chabad House Jewish Community Center, Milford
Page 16 TEC T imes Volume 24, Number 1
Our Temple Community News
You can honor, wish a speedy recovery to, or remem-ber a friend or loved one with a donation to Gracious Gifts. Your donation to the Temple will be truly appre-ciated.
Here is the list of funds your donation can go to:
Building Fund: Secures land or buildings for the Temple. It may be further used for capital improvements to our existing land or structures.
Early Childhood Fund: The purpose of this fund is to sup-port early childhood - birth to age 6 - programs such as Tot Shabbats and Hanukkah events.
Goldwasser Fund: For congregants seeking Jewish learning, worship or social experiences and will be distributed on a con-fidential basis.
Library Fund: To acquire books and other literature for the Temple’s library to be loaned out to members of the Temple.
Music Fund
General Fund
Prayer Book Fund: To purchase our movement’s prayer books for use by the entire congregation.
Rabbi’s Education Enrichment Fund: Used at the sole discretion of the rabbi in order to attend conferences and pur-chase study materials.
Rabbi’s Mitzvah Fund: Used to help congregants and others in need and support organizations that are in keeping with Reform Jewish ideals.
Religious School Fund: Used for programs and to provide additional educational resources for the staff & children of the religious school.
Service of the Heart Fund: Used to acknowledge and assist Temple members from delivering meals to sponsoring guest speakers.
Torah Fund: The purpose of this fund is for the purchase and repair of Toratot and their adornments.
Yizkor Fund: Purchase of Yom Ha Shoah remembrances, special services, and other material related to
memorializing is included.
Youth Fund: To supplement the work of the Senior Youth Group in its efforts to reach its goals of reaching out to Jewish Youth.
Donations can be made online or go to page 17 and print the form.
Making a Donation
Recent Donations Tree of Life Rock In honor of the naming of Frances Frumeh & Fiona Elisheva Nix by Stephen Lefrak Building Fund In honor of Gary Dauer's special birthday by Susan & David Hirshfield
The Antebi Family The Berman Family Marc Cohen The Cote Family The Eagerman Family The Hiller Family The Lajeunesse Family The Rubenstein Family The Scardino Family The Sharrow Family
Welcome to our Community
TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM DONATION FORM Date: __________________________
$36 ___ $54 ___ $72 ___ $108 ___ Other ___ Tree of Life * Leaf ($180) ___ Rock ($500) ___
(B’nei Mitzvah certificate minimum $36)
Method of payment (check one): Visa ___ MasterCard ___ Check (payable to Temple Etz Chaim) ___ Card number Expiration date Signature: (required for charge orders only)
*Temple Etz Chaim is building its own Tree of Life - a piece of artwork, generously donated y Enid and Gary Gilbert and family. We have included this
beautiful tree in our Temple to commemorate or honor loved ones and special events in our lives. Donors will be notified of the date for leaf’s unveiling. Please choose one of the following funds for which to designate your donation.
Your thoughtful gift will be acknowledged with an appropriate card sent in accordance with your wishes. The amount of your gift will not be disclosed.
Check here if you do NOT want this gift acknowledged in the Temple newsletter and website.
Thank you for your support of Temple Etz Chaim.
Contributor Information
Name:
Address:
Telephone:
Please send card/certificate to:
Name:
Address:
Message or Inscription
Please note: messages for Tree of Life can be up to three lines
(maximum 20 characters per line).
B’nei Mitzvah certificates: please include ceremony date.
Rabbi’s Mitzvah Fund: This fund, at the sole discretion of the Rabbi, is used to help congregants and others in need and support organization that are in keeping with Reform Jewish ideas.
Religious School Fund: This fund, at the discretion of the Director of Education with the consent of the Educa-tion Committee, is used to provide funding for programs and to provide additional educational resources for the staff and children of the religious school. This will allow the Religious School the ability to offer unique opportuni-ties to further the Jewish growth of our children on our community.
Service of the Heart Fund: Service of the Heart Com-mittee acknowledges and assists Temple members from delivering meals to sponsoring guest speakers.
Torah Fund: This fund’s purpose is for the purchase and repair of Toratot and their adornments.
Yizkor Fund: The purpose of this fund is for memorial-izing. Purchase of Yom HaShoah remembrances, special services and other material related to memorializing is included.
Youth Fund: The purpose of this fund is to supplement the work of the Senior Youth Group in its efforts to reach its goals of reaching out to Jewish youth. Recommended use of this fund include scholarship aid to NFTY events, underwriting FROGY events or individual aid based upon the recommendation of the Youth Advisor.
Building Fund: This fund’s purpose is secure land or buildings for the Temple. It may be further used for capital improvements to our existing land or structures.
Early Childhood Fund: The purpose of this fund is to support early childhood (birth to age 6) programming, in-cluding the purchasing of arts and craft supplies for Tot Shabbats and holiday celebrations, books used for PJ Hav-dalah services and materials for Tikkun olam activities.
Goldwasser Fund: This fund, created in honor of Stu-dent Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser (1997-1998) will be over-seen by Rabbi and two congregants. It is solely for congre-gants seeking Jewish learning, worship or social experiences and will be distributed on a confidential basis after a short application process.
Library Fund: This fund’s purpose is to acquire books and other literature for the Temple’s library to be loaned out to members of the temple.
Music Fund
General Fund
Prayer Book Fund: The purpose of this fund is to pur-chase our movement's prayer books for use by the entire congregation.
Rabbi’s Education Enrichment Fund: To be used at the sole discretion of the Rabbi in order to attend confer-ences and programs and purchase study materials that will support the spiritual and educational needs of the Temple.
Community News
Staying Connected at TEC
Find us and everything that our community has to offer at www.jewishboston.com.
Participating in Jewish life in Boston just got easier! Share events, resources, and ideas or simply have your voice heard. Find what you need, when you need it.
Temple Etz Chaim is on Face-book! It's another way to get the word out about who we are and what we do. If you
are already on Facebook, become a fan. If you haven't joined Facebook, don’t worry - you can still view our page by clicking on the link. Feel free to upload pictures or leave comments on our wall. If there is something you'd like to see on our page, email our webmaster.
Page 18 TEC T imes Volume 24, Number 1
A LinkedIn group has been set up for the Temple. The group name is "Temple Etz Chaim of Franklin, MA" and you can
join by clicking this link. It is a great place for temple mem-bers to network with each other about job opportunities and business relationships. Richard Shulman is the adminis-trator of the site and if you want to join, just send a request via LinkedIn and he will approve you.
The URJ offers free Birthright to Israel through its Kesher program. Congregants who are eligible and interested in a URJ Kesher Birthright Trip, should email Rabbi Alpert. He can obtain priority status for anyone interested. The trip is available for any congregant under the age of 26 who has not gone on an organized youth trip to Israel before. More information about Kesher, including application procedure, is available at its website.
Birthright to Israel
You value your independence, help others keep theirs. Join the JFS Patient Navigator corps of volunteers that pro-vides access to vital health services. Patient Navigators are trained volunteers who accompany frail older adults to medical appointments, facilitate commu-nication with medical staff, and provide practical and emo-tional support. CJP funds JFS to provide this important service to Jewish seniors in Metrowest. If you have an interest in helping frail older adults maintain their independence, contact JFS (www.jfsmw.org) at 508-875-3100 x110 to learn more about this flexible, rewarding op-portunity.
In these difficult economic times, the Temple community is here to help all of our members. If you need assistance or want to find out about resources for support within the community, please contact Rabbi Alpert at 508-528-5337. All communication is kept confidential.
Need Assistance from the Temple Community?
Page 19 TEC T imes Volume 23, Number 11
3 Specializes in
B’nei Mitzvah Celebrations
www.3-restaurant.com
Please Support Those Who Support Temple Etz Chaim
Page 20 TEC T imes Volume 23, Number 11
Please Support Those Who Support Temple Etz Chaim
Page 21 TEC T imes Volume 23, Number 11
Please Support Those Who Support Temple Etz Chaim
Officers President, Grace Kooper, [email protected] First Vice President, Adam Cutler, [email protected] Second Vice President, Howard Heilweil, [email protected] Treasurer, Michael Levine, [email protected] Asst. Treasurer, Richard Huff, [email protected] Exec. Secretary, Kellene Kiel, [email protected] Clerk, Lee Rich, [email protected]
Directors Director, Emily Berman, [email protected] Director, Stacy Bushey, [email protected] Director, Margot Rivelis, [email protected] Director, Jill Simms, [email protected]
Past Presidents Richard Shulman, Founding President
David Hirshfield Andrew Brown Susan Bershad Barbara Gillmeister Risa Ceskavich Sue Cass Bill Gilbert Margot Rivelis
Adult Education Melissa Folsom [email protected]
Brotherhood Stewart Lipson [email protected]
Budget & Finance Michael Levine [email protected]
Building & Grounds Emily & Scott Berman [email protected]
Building our Community’s Future Bill Gilbert [email protected]
Communications & Publicity [email protected]
Early Childhood Dawn Doucette-Kaplan [email protected]
Education Pam Giordano [email protected]
FROGY / Senior Youth Group Liam McSweeney [email protected] [email protected]
Fundraising Ad Campaign Risa Ceskavich [email protected]
July 4th Booth Cindy and Howard Heilweil [email protected] [email protected]
Gracious Gifts Susan Hirshfield [email protected]
Java Nagilah Dave Johnson [email protected]
Junior Youth Group Jodi Rutkowski [email protected]
Leadership Dev. & Nominating Margot Rivelis [email protected]
Rabbinic Liaison
Michele Brooks [email protected]
Religious Activities Committee Jayme Solomon-Zissu [email protected]
Service of the Heart Sherene Borr & Cindy Heilweil [email protected]
Sisterhood Jill Simms [email protected]
Synagogue Life & Membership Connie Shulman [email protected]
TEC Facebook Page Lisa Lipson [email protected]
TEC Tidbits/TEC Times Margot Rivelis [email protected]
Tiny Tots Melissa Chartoff [email protected]
Visioning Committee Grace Kooper
Webmaster Steve Cohn John Samolyk [email protected]
Committee and Auxiliary Contacts
Contact Us:
Temple Etz Chaim
900 Washington Street
Franklin, MA 02038
Phone: 508-528-5337
Web: www.temple-etzchaim.org
Our Clergy and Staff:
Thomas Alpert, Rabbi
Hana Berman, Director of Education
Audrey Venooker, Bookkeeper
Adrianne Castro, Office Administrator
Temple Etz Chaim is a Reform Jewish congregation serving the community of greater Franklin, Massachusetts. Our congregation is a member of the Union for Reform Judaism, the Synagogue Council of Massachusetts and the Franklin Interfaith Council.
