Temple Beth Avodah Community Program Guide 2018

Meet the Team!

Stacy Schwartz Temple President stacy@bethavodah.org

Susan Glickman Cantorial Soloist sglickman@bethavodah.org x106

Doug Ball Facilities Manager dball@bethavodah.org x103

Rabbi Keith Stern kstern@bethavodah.org x111

Becky Oliver Temple Director boliver@bethavodah.org x108

Lori Rosen Director of Member Relations & Engagement lrosen@bethavodah.org x104

Eileen Brooks Director of Communications & Marketing ebrooks@bethavodah.org x112

Marla Gold Business Manager mgold@bethavodah.org x105

Heidi Baker Director of Early Childhood Education & Engagement hbaker@bethavodah.org x110

Mikah Atkind Director of K - 12 Learning & Engagement matkind@bethavodah.org x109

Myriam Rofrano Youth Engagement Coordinator mrofrano@bethavodah.org x107

Iris Sonnenschein B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator isonnenschein@bethavodah.org x102

Rebecca Baizen Education Executive Assistant rebecca@bethavodah.org x115

Sara Zaiger Office Assistant szaiger@bethavodah.org x100

Community Wide Events Mitzvah Day

A Novel Idea!

Join us for a day of doing good in the community with various projects available both at TBA and offsite. There are opportunities for all ages, families, and individuals. Registration will begin after Yom Kippur.

This event depends on active involvement from leaders and participants in order to be successful.

For more information or to help plan, contact Suzy Willard Rosenthal (swillardrosenthal@gmail.com) or Carol Kirson (ckirson@gmail.com).

We are privileged to welcome author Keith Gessen to TBA to lead a book discussion on his novel A Terrible Country. The New York Times calls it a “literary triumph about Russia, family, love and loyalty.” Join in on our one book, one community program. Let’s come together as a congregation to connect through this touching novel.

Challah Bake

Building Dedication Weekend

November 3

January 26

Don’t miss this fun program for all ages! We provide the ingredients for you to make a delicious challah. Like chocolate chips or raisins? We have those too! Pizza lunch is provided. Sponsored by the Early Learning Center. Sign up will be available later in the year.

November 22

April 3 & 5

We have a big weekend planned to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Anita Bamel Music Fund and to dedicate our new building. Musician Craig Taubman will return to TBA for Shabbat Services on Friday evening. On Sunday, we will celebrate our new spaces with innovating programming. More to come!

We Pray Together...

Simchat Shabbat: Grade 1 students & younger. Held on the first Friday of the month at 6:00 p.m., Simchat Shabbat is for our youngest congregants and their families. This short service is led by Rabbi Stern and Cantorial Soloist Susan Glickman and is followed by a dinner and entertainment for the children.

Family Shabbat: Kindergarten - Grade 5. Family Shabbat begins with a pizza dinner served at 5:45 p.m. followed by 6:15 p.m. services. Each service is open to all ages and will feature a different set of grades helping to lead with Rabbi Stern and Susan Glickman. After services, enjoy a special ice cream sundae oneg and connect with other TBA families.

Teen Shabbat: Grades 6 - 12. At the start of the year, grade 6 and 7 students are joined by their families as they help lead a Shabbat Service. Students in grades 8 - 12 lead the congregation in a creative service they have planned. Each service includes a community dinner.

B’nai Mitzvah: Rabbi Stern works with each family to create an individualized, personal and challenging experience. We offer both morning and Havdallah B’nai Mitzvah Services. No two students share a service.

Holidays & Special Services October 8, Kol Nidre October 9, Yom Kippur October 13, Building the Sukkah & Erev Sukkot October 20, Erev Simchat Torah Service & New Member Pizza November 22, Shabbat Service with author of A Terrible Country December 22, First Hanukkah Candle December 25, Hanukkah Celebration March 8, Purim Carnival March 9, Erev Purim March 25, Interfaith Seder April 3, Bamel Fund 20th Anniversary Shabbat April 8, Passover Begins April 9, Second Night Community Seder May 1, Time, Talent & Treasure Shabbat May 8, Grades 5 & 12 Graduation Shabbat

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Jazz Shabbat: Experience Shabbat and familiar Jewish Liturgy through a jazz lens.

Conductor Jamie Saltman (Keyboard) Todd Baker (Bass) & Jerzy Glod (Drums) and some of Boston’s finest musicians join Rabbi Stern and Cantorial Soloist Susan Glickman in these popular Shabbat Services. Join us on November 8 at 6:15 p.m., January 10 at 6:15 p.m., March 13 at 6:15 p.m. and the Time, Treasure and Talent Jazz Shabbat on May 1 at 7:30 p.m.

Note: a Simchat Shabbat “All Jazzed Up” Service for young families will take place on May 1 at 6:00 p.m.

Yizkor: Jewish mourning is both private and public. When we visit a grave or observe a yahrzeit (the anniversary of a person’s death), we generally do so in private. Yizkor is the public observance for the community of bereaved. Yizkor is a memorial service, recited four times a year in synagogue. It is our opportunity to remember those who are no longer here with us. The service lasts twenty minutes and is very meaningful. We invite you to join for the remaining Yizkor Services of 5780 all beginning at 9:00 a.m. on October 21, April 15, and May 29.

Arts & Music Come Sing With Us! Exploring the Craig Taubman Songbook: Craig’s music has shaped the trajectory of our sound at TBA over the past two decades with beloved TBA melodies such as his call and response Bar’chu and his peaceful Hashkiveynu. In 2007, Craig brought his Friday Night Live to us and we are delighted he will be returning on April 3 to help us dedicate our new space and celebrate 20 years of the Anita Bamel Music fund.

Come out and sing as we review music from his large repertoire, much of which you will recognize. We’ll sing for fun at our drop in sessions. Next we will have formal rehearsals in preparation for Craig’s visit.

Drop-in Rehearsals: February 3, 6 & 24, begin on Mondays in our new space, 7:15 - 8:30 p.m. Choir rehearsals: March 2 & 23. All choirs will join on Sunday, March 29 for a final rehearsal at 10:00 a.m.

Guest Artist Craig Taubman April 3

TBA Arts Troupe

We aim to bring together performance and arts enthusiasts of all ages from our community! We seek out fun, family-friendly cultural adventures inside the walls of TBA as well as in the greater Boston area. Join us at our first outing taking place at the New Rep Theatre.

Our Events

Purim Show

Opening Event A Night at the Theatre Trayf at the New Rep Theatre Wednesday, October 30, 7:00 p.m.

Purim Show Information Meeting Sunday, November 17, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Poetry Slam Sunday, January 26, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Join us for our first ever TBA Poetry Slam and experience the art of spoken word poetry. Enjoy wine, cheese, dinner and poetry!

Whether you love to sing and dance, make costumes, or just celebrate Purim - there’s a part in this inter-generational show for EVERYONE! Come as the Purim show theme is revealed!

Community Art Project Spring TBD Community Art Project. Look for upcoming details as we plan for a Temple-wide art project to celebrate our new building!

Ar ts Troupe Chairs: Ilona Goldfarb Amy Tonkonogy

Purim Show Monday, March 9 The Big Event!

Keep an eye out for details.

Youth & Families

From our youngest babies attending the Simchat Shabbat to our grade 12 graduates, our children and families find their second home at Temple Beth Avodah. Throughout our programs, we utilize interactive learning tools and a holistic approach, and incorporate your family and community in the educational process.

Beth Avodah Youth Group League (BAYGL)

Make friends, participate in fun activities, and develop leadership skills! Check the TBA calendar for more information and dates for each group. Jr & Sr BAYGL are part of NFTY-NE, our regional youth group.

Mini BAYGL (grades 2-5): Stay tuned for our favorite events of the year including snow tubing, and Maccabiah Color War. Jr. BAYGL (grades 6-8): Students receive leadership training during Midrasha and plan social events throughout the year.

Sr. BAYGL (grades 8-12): Planned by a teen board, events take place once a month including lounge nights, social events and social action projects.

School Hours

Early Learning Center Early drop off, M-F, 8:15 - 9:00 a.m.

Morning program, M-F, 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.

Lunch bunch, M-Th, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Enrichment, M-Th, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Extended day, M-Th, until 5:00 p.m.

Kindergarten - Grade 5 Taglit…Discover (K-5): Sundays 9:30 -11:30 a.m.

Na’Or…Enlighten (gr. 3-5, optional gr. 2): Early session classes Tuesday 2:00-4:15 p.m. (optional early drop off 12:30-2:00 p.m.)

Late session classes Tuesday 3:45-6:00 p.m. (optional early drop off 3:00-3:45 p.m.)

Kehillah…Community: Programs and events for kids & families Grades 6 & 7 Midrasha…Interpret: Mondays 4:30-6:45 p.m. (Gr. 7) Mondays 6:15 - 8:30 p.m. (Gr. 6) (includes dinner) – weekly classes Kehillah…community: Various programs and events throughout the year B’nai Mitzvah Individualized tutoring and meetings Grades 8-12 Midrasha…Interpret: Weekly Mondays 6:15-8:30 p.m. (includes dinner) – Discussion based classes Haderech…the Way: Monthly Sundays 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (includes lunch) – interest based groups and activities Kehillah…Community: BAYGL youth group events, trips, lounge nights, and teen leadership including BAYGL board, Teen Leadership Council and madrichim teen assistants

Parents With Young Children Bring your child to our Kochavim Club, a drop-off class for preschool aged children, and head over to the Parenting Through A Jewish Lens class on November17, December 8, January 5, March 15 & April 12 at 9:30 a.m. Engage with others as you explore your parenting journey.

Takes place on Sunday mornings at TBA. Reservations are required.

See TBA Thursday or bethavodah.org for details.

Purim Carnival - March 8, 11:30 a.m.

Food • Games • Crafts & More!

The Purim Carnival is BAYGL’s biggest fundraiser of the year. The money raised is used to support programs and social action projects, and to help ensure BAYGL’s future. The carnival is open to all so wear your costume and bring your friends! All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Mark Your Calendar!

Parent Council Chairs

Early Childhood Programs Simchat Shabbat: Shabbat dinner follows the 6:00 p.m. service. Reservations are required! November1, December 6, February 7, March 6 and our special Simchat Shabbat “All Jazzed Up” on May 1!

Early Learning Center Stephany Johnson Emily Isman

Challah Bake: Mix up a batch of challah dough, let it rise while you enjoy a pizza lunch. Decorate your challah (if you choose) before taking it home to bake in your own oven. January 26.

K - Gr. 5

Suzy Willard Rosenthal Jessica Silber

Early Learning Center Priority Enrollment for 2020/21: November 1-15 for Temple members, returning students and siblings.

K - Grade 5 Programs

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Family Lunch Gatherings: Join us for lunch and games after Taglit on Sunday November 17 (grades 2 & 3), December 8 (grades 4 & 5) and January 12 (K & 1).

Family Shabbat: November 15 (highlighting K & 1), January 24 (highlighting 4 & 5), March 20 (highlighting 2 & 3), and May 8 (grades 5 & 12 graduation).

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K-5 Family Events: K-5 Parent Coffee (October 27 & February 9), Pancake Breakfast (April 5), and Picnic (May 3).

Grade 6 - 12 Programs Parents of Teens Wine & Cheese: October 28, January 13, and March 16.

Talking to Your Kids About AntiSemitism: November 18.

Teen Shabbat: October 18 (grades 6 - 7) and December 6 (grades 8 -12).

Teen Trips Grade 8 Washington, D.C., October 26 - 27 • Grade 9 RAC Washington, D.C., January 10 - 13 Grade 10 & 11 Israel Trip, February 13 - 23 • Grade 7 Boston, March 22 • Grade 6 Overnight, March 28 - 29 For additional programming please refer to the Education calendar mailed at the beginning of the school year.

Adult Engagement

The Jewish tradition can be interpreted in different and divergent ways. But one thing we can all agree on: Jews are committed to learning – about everything. At Beth Avodah, we engage Jewish adults on many different fronts, from studying Torah, to watching a show, to reading great literature together, and on and on!

A Novel Idea

Our Rosh Hashanah gift to you! - A Terrible Country - written by Newton native Keith Gessen, is a thoughtful, contemplative and compassionate novel about family dynamics and what it means to return to a place that is no longer home.

We look forward to a lively book discussion with the author on November 22.

Atideinu: Our Future

Our new leadership program is focused on bringing in leaders of all kinds and backgrounds to help shape TBA’s future. This program will feature different components for those looking to dip their toes into leadership along with those wanting to immerse themselves in a deeper way. Keep your eye out for more information as this new pilot initiative is developed.

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Boomers!

If your birth year is between 1946 - 1964 you are a baby boomer!

We look forward to working as a group to plan a variety of social and educational events. We invite YOU to suggest, plan, and lead events of interest to you and other TBA Boomers! Upcoming events: Apple Picking, October 19. Dance Party, November 16 includes dance lessons and lots of fun. Jazz Shabbat Post Service Reception, January 10. Attend a lovely Jazz Shabbat and then get together for nosh after. Theatre Outing, March 29 to see The Band’s Visit.

Outdoor Event, May 17.

November 16 The Boomers! are hosting a dance party complete with dance lessons and lots of fun.

More information coming in our weekly emails and website.

Parenting Through a Jewish Lens

This popular class is brought to you by CJP and Hebrew College. It takes place here at TBA on Sunday mornings in conjunction with Kochavim Class. Detailed information can be found in this booklet on the Youth & Families page.

November17, December 8, January 5, March 15 and April 12 at 9:30 a.m.

Talking to Kids About AntiSemitism It is an increasingly common phenomenon in the United States to hear stories of swastika graffiti, defiled cemeteries, fraternity Hitler parties, sundry hate crimes and, worst of all, homicidal attacks on Jews at prayer in our synagogues. It is a frightening time we live in, and to pretend everything is fine is to willfully bury our heads in the sand. Our kids, so protected, so lucky to live where they do in safety and comfort, are simultaneously confronted with a painful emerging reality. Delve more deeply into this issue with Rabbi Stern and think together about talking to our children about antiSemitism in today’s world. November 18, 7:00 p.m.

Torah Class

Whether you have an extensive Jewish education, or if you’ve never opened a bible before to read - you are all equally welcome and will be equally comfortable. It is truly a fellowship of adult learners. Come and join in the pursuit of greater Jewish knowledge and spirituality on the following Sundays at 10:00 a.m: October 20, November 17 & 24, December 8, January 5, 12 & 26, February 2 & 9, March 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, April 5 & 12 and the final class on May 3.

Brotherhood

TBA Brotherhood is committed to creating connections and building friendships through shared experiences, impactful community outreach, and thoughtful exploration of Jewish identity in the 21st century. If you have suggestions or comments, please reach out to us. Upcoming events: Sukkah Building, October 13 at 9:00 a.m., Come and join your TBA friends. Enjoy a snack, a cup of coffee and help build the TBA sukkah. Men’s Overnight Retreat, December 7 & 8. Rabbi Stern leads this weekend of thoughtful discussion, good food and a fun social outing. Our final event is on March 22, Game Night with the Women of TBA!

Women of TBA

Please join us for programs of all kinds throughout the year. If you are interested in helping us plan any of these events, we welcome your involvement. There is something for everyone! Please mark your calendars for the following upcoming events and programs and don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or comments. Upcoming Events: Bowling at Kings, October 23, 7:00 p.m. Come see friends old and new, there will be plenty of food and bowling.

Don’t want to bowl? You’re welcome to come to hang out and socialize.

Hanukkah Party, December 18, 7:30 p.m. Women’s Retreat, January 17 - 18.

Women’s Kallah, February 29, 9:45 a.m., March 22 Game Night with Brotherhood, and Closing Event on May 13, 7:00 p.m.

A WTBA/Brotherhood Cohosted Event!

March 22 Stay tuned for details!

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Kara-Oneg

What do you call karaoke after services? Well, kara-oneg of course! All are welcome to attend the 7:30 p.m. Shabbat Service on February 7 followed by this one of a kind event.

Lunch with Rabbi Stern

Are you a congregant born before 1945? Then come and have lunch with Rabbi Stern! He will host the men on April 29 and ladies on May 6. Both begin at 12:00 p.m.

Interfaith Seder

After a successful series last year of “A Priest And A Rabbi Walk Into A Bar” we are delighted to be hosting an Interfaith Seder on March 25 to engage in more conversations and connections with people of all faiths. More details to come.

Labriyut is one of those terrific Hebrew words with multiple meanings and usages.

Labriyut means 1) bon appetit – dig in! 2) “Bless you” after someone sneezes and 3) an alternative to a l’hayyim toast. The fourth and most crucial usage of labriyut means “to your health.” TBA is sponsoring the Labriyut Speaker series. Five temple members (Susan Altman, Sharon Inouye, Jennifer Riff, Ali Newman and Jim Meisel) will share their expertise in matters of physical, emotional, and mental health. Each presenter is a respected expert and practitioner in their field. They will share valuable lessons on being alive and aware. Don’t miss this series – Labriyut! Classes are on Sunday mornings at 11:15 a.m. on November 17, January 12, February 9, March 15 and April 5.

A Community that Pursues Justice

“Tzedek” means righteousness or justice. Our Tzedek Committee pursues justice by helping others and trying to improve the world in ways small and large. Join us!

Ways to Get Involved:

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High Holy Day Food Collection: Benefits Greater Boston Food Bank, Newton Food Pantry, and Boston Medical Center.

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Family Table Collection: With other congregations in the Boston area, we collaborate to collect for families in need. At TBA, we collect canned salmon and raisins to be delivered monthly. Feel free to ship donations directly to TBA or stop by and drop off a donation.

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Cooking for The Second Step: Monthly opportunities to cook a meal for families impacted by domestic violence. Dates: October 27, November 24, December 29, January 26, March 29, May 31. February and April we will ask for help cooking from home!

Blood Drives: Save a Life! January 5 and March 29 December Initiatives: •Holiday Gift Drive •Christmas at Ruggles

•REACH Beyond Domestic Violence Holiday Party

Boston Pride Parade: June 13

A Giving Community In addition to the many causes TBA supports as part of our Tzedek Committee, there are opportunities for families and individuals to support TBA to help reach our vision of being an open and accessible community.

Annual Sustaining Campaign: TBA is a special place where people connect in a variety of ways. Families choose to come here to educate their children, to find support and comfort, to celebrate, and to build a community. It is through the generosity of our Annual Sustaining Campaign donors that we are able to offer membership and programming to people of all ages who would otherwise not be able to participate in our Temple community.

Vision Campaign: This campaign is all about creating new space for a meaningful and open Temple community. The construction project is underway and expected to be complete in the winter.

Volunteering: TBA is always looking for volunteers to partner with our staff. Whether it is helping out in the office, running an event, chairing a committee, or simply lending a helping hand, there are many ways to be involved at TBA. Donations: There are many funds at TBA that support the work of our congregation. Below is a list of Temple funds. We welcome donations at any time.

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General Fund Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Cantorial Discretionary Fund Temple Operations Fund Endowment Trust Fund Religious School Operations Fund Early Learning Center Operations Fund Sherry Silk Religious School Scholarship Fund

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Temple Youth Fund Temple Education Fund Rabbi & Margaret Miller Scholarship Fund Gordenstein Retik ELC Scholarship Fund Memorial Fund Ritual and Prayer Book Fund Arts Troupe Fund Caring Community Fund

A Grateful Community

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Social Action Fund Brotherhood Fund Women of TBA Fund Wise Fund Tye Fund Kayla Rosenberg Fund Anita Bamel Music Fund

We invite you to the Time, Treasure, and Talent Celebration Jazz Shabbat on May 1 at 7:30 p.m. Each of you contributes to our community through volunteering your time, donating your treasure, and sharing your talents. Join us as we thank you for the many ways you make our community thrive and grow.

A Caring Community

For more information on any of these initiatives please call the Temple office at 617.527.0045.

Taking care of the sick: Our Caring Committee provides meals and food deliveries to help families who are recovering from illnesses and after hospital stays.

TBA Knitting Group: The TBA knitters create shawls, lap blankets, scarves and baby caps to be delivered as part of our Caring Community outreach to our members in need and to those who are served by Rosie’s Place. All are welcome to drop-in on the following Sundays at 10:00 a.m. to knit and nosh! October 20, November 17, December 8, January 12, February 9, March 8 and April 12.

College Connection: College Connection helps our college kids stay connected to TBA and to their Jewish identity through TBA Care packages at the holidays. Volunteers are needed to assist the committee in assembling these fabulous packages a few times/year.

Comforting the Bereaved: Our Shiva outreach program provides a care package and home-cooked meals as needed in days in and around the shivah period to families who have experienced a recent loss. Another way to support these families is to lead a Shiva Minyan. If you are interested in offering your assistance in this area, please email Caring Community staff liaison Susan Glickman.

Celebrating Simchas: We celebrate together in times of joy by delivering new baby gifts and hanging a mezuzah in your new home.

Need Help or Support? If you or someone you know is having a simcha or is in need of support, please email Sara Zaiger or call the temple office 617.527.0045. Your privacy will always be respected.

A Welcoming Community

When new members join TBA the Welcoming Committee is there to help them get to know the community. New families will be matched with a host family. The host family accompanies new members to events and programs and answers any questions. We also have events for new members to meet others and learn about areas where they would like to become involved at TBA! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Welcoming Chairs with any questions or to volunteer to help welcome new members.

Welcoming Chairs: Janna Sneider Michelle Spitzkoff

New Member Pizza Dinners: Join us on October 20 and January 5 for complimentary pizza dinner and conversation with fellow congregants, board members and Temple staff at 5:00 p.m. After the October 20 dinner, stay for a Simchat Torah and Consecration celebration! Dinner is open to all members who have joined in the past two years.

Welcome to Our Newest Members September 19, 2018 - September 17, 2019

Amy and David Abrams and family Jordana Philips and David Allen & family Benjamin Brown and Ariella Feingold & family Susan Fisher Daniel and Lauren Getler & family Larry Gordon Dan Hackner and Betty Gower & family Eliza Danielson and Minit Gupta & family Mark and Jennifer Kaufman & family Leonid and Adel Kogan & family

Larry and Jane Liberfarb Cheryl London & family Craig and Julie Marcus & family Jonathon Millen and Renata Matrosov & family Laura Schwartz & family Dmytri and Natalia Shtokman & family Heather Ufland & family Ian and Melissa Waldman & family Jeff and Mira Woods & family Dori Goldberg and Michael Zaiken & family

Let’s Connect...

We want to get to know you. We want to hear your stories and about your interests. Have a special talent? Ideas for TBA? Need to get out of the office or house for an hour? Lori Rosen, Director of Member Relations & Engagement wants to treat you to breakfast or lunch. Contact Lori at lrosen@bethavodah.org or 617.527.0045 to make plans!

Get Social!

In addition to all of the great stuff on our website, we post a lot on social media.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter. Links can be found on our homepage and in TBA Thursday.

Temple Beth Avodah • 45 Puddingstone Lane, Newton, MA 02459 • 617.527.0045 • bethavodah.org