Community Guide
Temple Beth Avodah 2024 -
James Nahirny Temple President james@bethavodah.org
Eileen Brooks Director of Communications & Marketing ebrooks@bethavodah.org
Rebecca Baizen Education Manager rebecca@bethavodah.org
Eva Willard-Bauer Youth Coordinator youth@bethavodah.org
Rabbi Keith Stern kstern@bethavodah.org
Heidi Baker Director of Education, ELC - Grade 5 hbaker@bethavodah.org
Stacey Gabriel Education Coordinator sgabriel@bethavodah.org
Alexa Weintraub Program Coordinator admin@bethavodah.org
Becky Oliver Executive Director boliver@bethavodah.org
Hannah Boronski Director of Education, Grades 6 - 12 hboronski@bethavodah.org
Gaby Yurrita ELC Coordinator gyurrita@bethavodah.org
Jenna Walker Administrative Assistant office@bethavodah.org
Doug Ball Facilities Manager dball@bethavodah.org
Community Wide Events
18 Tables, November 16
18 Tables is back! This is a wonderful event that brings our adult community together at 18 different homes of members of our congregation. The evening starts by gathering at 6 p.m. at Temple for a short Havdalah service and cocktail hour where we will announce your host and fellow diners. You’ll have a great time meeting new people and enjoying a lovely dinner together. Would you like to be one of our hosts or attend the event? Scan the QR code here to get started.
Temple Play, March 6, 8 & 9
Everyone is bound to have a “Ball” at this year’s production of Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Whether you join in to sing, act, work behind the scenes or attend as an audience member, there are so many ways to participate. Mark your calendars to attend the info session on Sunday, October 20 at 4 p.m. In the meantime scan the QR code to let the production team know where your interest lies. Open to congregants: adults of all ages and children 7 years and older.
Becky’s 20th Anniversary Bash, May 4
Becky Oliver started her career at Temple Beth Avodah in 2005 as our Youth Educator. She spent many years in our education department and is now TBA’s Executive Director. We’ve set aside Sunday, May 4 at 4 p.m. to commemorate her anniversary as well as to celebrate her passion for Jewish education, community, and all of you! The afternoon will be filled with food, games, and lots of fun for all ages.
Welcoming
At Temple Beth Avodah the door is always open and the light is always on.
As a synagogue community, Temple Beth Avodah prides itself on nurturing a warm, inclusive, and relationship-focused atmosphere. Every member has a board liaison who checks-in with them periodically throughout the year. This is an opportunity to get to know one of our leaders more personally, share what is happening in your life, and ask questions about TBA. If you don’t know who your liaison is and want to reach out to them, you can always contact the Temple to get that information.
Executive Committee Board of Directors
James Nahirny, President
Lisa Cohen, Vice President & Development Chair
David Cohen, Treasurer & Finance Chair
Bruce Blakely, Secretary & Building and Grounds Chair
Sarah Dretchen, Education Chair
Carolyn Snider, Leadership Development Chair
Michelle Spitzkoff, Human Resources Chair
Jeff Tarmy, Community and Programming Chair
New Members
Margie Ross Decter
Jeremy Goldfarb
Julie Black Gollob
Beth Kozinn
Ellen Meisel, Past President
Adam Rizika
Carole Rodenstein, Immediate Past President
Jon Simon
Mike Weissel
Mike Zakin
We are a growing community! We are thrilled to have welcomed the following families over the past year. Please wish them a warm Shana Tova when you meet them. New members have a host family who makes sure they are getting to know the TBA community. If you would like to be a host, please let us know. New members can join us on October 27 for brunch!
Susan Allen
Wendy Altman
Jessica & Eric Benjamin
Diane Bielenberg
Jenne Colasacco and Tea Grant
Betsy Coval
Daniel, Alyssa, Jordan, and Charlie Elfman
Mark, Andrea, and Sammy Feldman
Caroline, Leon, and Alexis Fridmar
Anna, William, Matthew, and Riley Goldman
Michael, Jessica, Will, and Betsy Gross
Daniel, Liza, Jake, Sadie, and Max Harris
Ira Herman
Jennifer & Matthew Higgs
Susan Horwitz
Adam, Katy, Stephen, and Max Karon
Rachel, David, Leighton, and Zoe Kerner
Becca Krumholz, Aaron, Nora and Matthew Gottesdiener
Howard Smith & Anne Levine
Ron Rice, Nancy Mann, Stanley, and Eva Rice
Daniel Pavlotsky & Briana Tautiva
Ted & Karen Philip
Elana, Sarah, and Avri Pollack
Helene & Benjamin Presskreischer
Richard & Lynn Raisman
Marne Rizika
Meisha Rosenberg
Marsha Salett
Mason, Chrissy, Alden, and Haiya Sand
Paige & Allen Shlayen
Shari & Alan Shocket
Julie Silverman
Nanci Stolar
David Taube, Jesse, Noah and Natalia Taube-Perrotta
Jay and Kenshin Terada
Sarah Wanger
Debra, Douglass, Raffa and Lev Williams
Sarah Wysocki & Amy Donovan
Shabbat and Holidays
Special & Guest Shabbat Services
Throughout the year, we have Shabbat services geared towards different age groups and interests. Guest author Joan Leegant will join us on October 25 at 6:15 p.m. She will share thoughts on her book, Displaced Persons, a collection of stories about Israel and American Jewish life. Keep your eye on the TBA Tuesday for information about additional special guest musicians and speakers to come.
Shabbat for Families with Children ages 0-18! Go to the Youth & Families pages to see more information about dates for each age group.
Jazz Shabbat: Experience Shabbat through a jazz lens featuring our trio Jamie Saltman (keyboard), Todd Baker (bass) & Jerzy Glod (drums) along with some of Boston’s finest musicians. November 1, December 6, February 7, March 21, and May 2.
Ask the Rabbi Shabbat: During these Shabbat services, Rabbi Stern will pause to answer questions you have related to the service, prayers, or spirituality. Join us for this engaging experience (geared towards teens and adults). November 8 and January 10.
Holiday Celebrations
Join us after the High Holy Days for the following celebrations!
• Sukkah Building: October 13 at 12 p.m.
• Erev Sukkot: Sips & Snacks in the Sukkah, October 16 at 7 p.m.
• Erev Simchat Torah: Applepalooza, October 23 at 5:30 p.m. (Check the Youth & Families page for more info)
• Hanukkah Happening: December 25 at 3 p.m.
• Erev Purim: March 13 at 7:30 p.m.
• Purim Carnival: March 16 at 11 a.m.
• Second Night of Passover Community Seder: April 13 at 6 p.m.
• Erev Shavuot Program: June 1 at 5 p.m.
Yizkor
TBA Band: Enjoy our newest way to celebrate Shabbat with our talented congregants who make up our TBA Band. Interested in joining the band? Let us know! January 31, April 11, and May 16.
Yizkor, a memorial service recited four times a year, is the public observance for the community of the bereaved. It is our obligation to remember those who are no longer here with us. The three remaining services after Yom Kippur are: October 24, April 19, and June 2. Yizkor is an online only service beginning at 9 a.m.
20’s and 30’s
We kicked off the year with a great outdoor Cookout & Cocktails event. Stay tuned for more events for adults in their 20s and 30s. These events are open to members and non-members alike!
Parents’ Night Out
Keep your eye out for opportunities for parents from ELC through Grade 12 to connect for fun activities and good conversation.
Senior Lunches
Congregants 70+ are welcome to join Rabbi Stern for lunch on the following dates: October 21 (in the sukkah weather permitting), January 14 and May 5.
Women’s Programs
Living and
TBA has lots to offer adults of all ages. Whether you are interested in full community programs or small groups, we hope you will join us. Check out our youth & family section for more activities for children and their families. Interested in getting involved in planning events? Let us know.
Women’s Hanukkah Party: This super popular and fun event is on December 17.
Women’s Retreat: Join us for our annual overnight retreat on January 24-25. Open to adult women of all ages. Location TBD. More information is coming soon!
Women’s Gatherings (55 - 70): Lunch together on November 12 and February 5, get creative at a Pre-Passover Food and Wine evening event on April 8, and celebrate one last time at the early evening Year End Cocktail Party on May 13.
Men’s Programs
Men’s retreat: We’re bringing back the men’s retreat with Rabbi Stern on December 7-8. Open to adult men of all ages. Save the date! Location TBD. More information coming soon.
Men’s Shul League Softball Team: Join the team or cheer on the TBA men. Check TBA Tuesday email for more information in the spring.
Small Groups
(Check the TBA online calendar for specific dates)
• Game Night: Drop into game night anytime to play Mah Jongg, Canasta, or any other game that you bring with you on Monday evenings.
• Book Club: All adults are welcome to join our new book club. Participants rotate leading the discussion. Book club is in person and online.
• Knitting Group: Our knitters meet a few times a month on Sunday mornings to schmooze and knit items for themselves as well as for TBA Cares and other social action causes. If you are a seasoned knitter or new and want to learn, we welcome you to join us.
• Garden Club: The garden club plants, harvests, and then donates the produce to the Newton Food Pantry. During the winter, they do small garden/floral projects and discuss future plans for the garden. Participate and perform a mitzvah too! Meetings take place on Sundays.
Learning
Let’s Get Together! Social events open to all adults
18 Tables, November 16 Dance Party, February 1 Bingoritas, March 25
Adult Education
Guest Author Joan Leegant: On October 25 we are delighted to welcome Joan to share about her book, Displaced Persons. This collection of stories shines a light on Israel and American Jewish life, especially relevant in these times. She will speak briefly at Shabbat services and facilitate more in depth at the dinner following. Books will be available for purchase and signing. For more about Joan and her work visit www.joanleegant.com.
Torah Class: Returning participants, along with newcomers, are invited to join. All experience levels and familiarity with Torah are welcome and encouraged to participate in this wonderful community of learners. Takes place on Sunday mornings and begins on October 20. Check the TBA online calendar for specific dates.
Coming to the End… Rabbi Stern will lead us through a 3-part series on the important topic of Jewish views on death and dying. These learning sessions will include subjects such as preparing when a loved one is dying, end of life decisions and euthanasia, and the Jewish views on the afterlife. January 15, 22, and 29.
Kulanu Fighting Antisemitism: TBA has partnered with the ADL for the Kulanu Fighting Antisemitism program. Kulanu, Hebrew for “all of us,” is dedicated to empowering congregations to address antisemitism and hate in their communities through education, community engagement and advocacy. We had an amazing event in September where we learned about the history of antisemitism. We are in the process of planning more events and learning opportunities. Stay tuned!
Israel Learning Sessions: Rabbi Stern will lead several sessions on current events focused on Israel. Takes place on November 19 and January 7 with a spring date to be announced.
Ask the Rabbi Shabbat Services: You’ve got questions? Rabbi’s got answers! Takes place on November 8 and January 10. Geared toward teens and adults.
At a Glance
PreK - Gr 5 9:3011a.m.
BAYGL events*
Teen Interns* Family Programs*
Rosh/Shevet*
Youth and
What a typical week looks like for our ELC - Grade 12 Students:
ELC 9 a.m. -12 p.m.
Midrasha Grades 6-8 4:30-6:15 p.m.
Grades 6-12 community dinner 6:15-7 p.m.
Grades 9-12 7-8:30 p.m.
SATURDAY ELC 9 a.m. -12 p.m. ELC 9 a.m. -12 p.m. ELC 9 a.m. -12 p.m. ELC 9 a.m. -12 p.m.
BAYGL* Events
Grades 3-5 Enrichment 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Grades 3-5 classes 3:305:30 p.m.
*Extra Offerings Family and Grade specific Shabbat Services*
Rosh/Shevet *
Our Early Learning Center (ELC) also offers early drop off (M-F) and Lunch/Extended Hours (M-Th)
These programs enhance the learning and social experience. Most do not occur weekly.
BAYGL is our youth group beginning with Mini BAYGL (grades 3-5), then Jr. BAYGL (grades 6-7) and finally Sr. BAYGL (grades 8-12).
Teen Interns (grades 8-12) work with younger students in classrooms and in other capacities at the temple based on their interests. Training takes place monthly from 11 a.m. -1 p.m. on Sundays.
Rosh Hodesh/Shevet (grades 8-12) are gender-based groups that meet before BAYGL events to discuss pertinent issues to their lives as Jewish teens.
Families
Mark Your Calendars!
Young Children (babies-grade 2)
• Baby Group: October 25 (additional dates coming soon)
• Families with Young Children Shabbat: October 25, December 13, February 28, March 28, and May 9
• Family Play Dates: November 17, February 2, and April 6
• Havdalah & Play Date: January 11
Pre-K-Grades 5
• PreK-Grade 2 Family Shema PJ Party: February 2
• Grade 3 Hanukkah Family Program: December 15
• Grade 4 Tu B’shvat Family Program: February 9
• Grade 5 Family Program: March 30
• Grades 3-5 Shabbat Morning Experience (children only): December 7
• Grades 3-5 Family Shabbat: April 4
Grades 6-12
• Grade 6 Family Programs: October 21, February 8, and April 7
• Grade 7 Family Programs: September 30 and January 13
• Grades 9-12 Antisemitism Today Family Program: December 9
• Teen Led Shabbat: March 28
• Grade 12 Graduation Shabbat: May 9
Grades 6-12 Trips & Retreats
• Grade 6 Shul In (sleepover at TBA): November 15 -16
• Grade 7 Shul In (sleepover at TBA): January 31 - February 1
• Grade 8 Overnight to Brooklyn, NY: November 2 - 3
• Grades 9-12 Religious Action Center: December 13 -16
• Grades 9-12 Spring Trip: Stay tuned for more info!
for Simchat Torah
On Wednesday, October 23 at 5:30 p.m., immediately following religious school, come and have fun celebrating Erev Simchat Torah. Rabbi Stern will lead us in a Simchat Torah service including unrolling the Torah and celebrating our new religious school students. Following the service, we will enjoy a pizza dinner and make apple treats such as individual apple pies and pop-tarts. Look for a sign-up form in an upcoming TBA Tuesday email. This event is geared towards families with children ages 3-12, but is open to anyone who enjoys celebrating Torah and apple treats!
Purim Carnival
The Purim Carnival is a wonderful family event planned by Sr. BAYGL, our high school youth group, for younger families. The carnival is open to all, so wear your costume and bring your friends on March 16 at 11 a.m.
Applepalooza
Tzedakah:
Our tradition deeply values providing for future generations. Your legacy gift enables us to ensure TBA will continue long into the future. Leaving a legacy is simple and does not require a financial gift today, but is a meaningful way to recognize the importance of TBA in your life and for future generations. There are many ways to set up your planned gift for immediate or future gifts including:
• Making a bequest in your will or living trust
• Designating TBA as a beneficiary on a retirement plan, life insurance policy, or annuity
• Gifting from your IRA through a qualified charitable distribution
• Gifting appreciated securities
• Gifting proceeds from an inheritance/sale of an asset
Temple Beth Avodah and its employees do not provide tax, legal, or financial advice. If you are interested in legacy giving we suggest that you consult your tax, legal, or financial advisors for advice about your individual situation. We are happy to provide information about Temple Beth Avodah and talk with you about potential areas for your gift.
Legacy Giving Social
Action
Keep your eye on our TBA Tuesday emails for more information and dates. Want to get more involved? Let us know!
The Second Step: TBA has continued its partnership with TSS to cook and deliver meals for families escaping domestic violence.
Food Donation: We’ve brought back the Yom Kippur brown bag collection in addition to our usual salmon and raisin request for Jewish Family & Children Service’s Family Table. Don’t forget to grab your brown bag on Rosh Hashanah and return it on Yom Kippur filled with food to donate. Did you know you can also send a monetary donation or arrange for raisins and salmon to be shipped directly to TBA by clicking the link on our homepage?
Garden Club: Plant, harvest, and donate to the Newton Food Pantry.
Blood Drive: Give the gift of life right here at TBA at one or both of our blood drives. December 15, spring date TBD.
December Tzedakah Drive: Each year, we participate in a different collection to benefit a local organization. Pride Parade: TBA joins the Boston community on June 14 to march in the annual Pride Parade.
Giving Back
Thank
You!
Your partnership creates a welcoming and thriving community. Your contributions, through your Member Commitment and donations, leadership and volunteerism, and your participation, make our community strong. Looking for ways to give?
Our Member Commitment model empowers you to make an informed choice about your financial contribution. This philanthropic model depends on members to understand, recognize, and support the needs of the community. Thank you for investing in TBA!
Our success is dependent on the many lay leaders and volunteers at TBA. Whether on the Board of Directors, serving on a committee, or volunteering to plan events, these congregants partner with the professional staff to ensure the continued high-quality experiences of the TBA community.
We are grateful for donations throughout the year. Our funds support education, technology, special programs, caring efforts, and so much more. Whether you are recognizing a celebratory event, honoring someone in your life or at the Temple, or remembering a loved one, we encourage you to choose a fund that is meaningful to you.
Giving to our community and the world is an essential component of Jewish life. Thank you for all the ways you give and make TBA and the world better.
Caring
Whether you are marking a milestone moment or facing a difficult challenge, Temple Beth Avodah is a place where you can find a compassionate and caring community to help you navigate life’s journey. TBA Cares is an initiative focused on ensuring that all members feel a part of the community and have the care they need. TBA is dedicated to being a source of strength and support for our members in all stages of life.
We’re here for you as you are…
• Encountering Illness or Surgery
• Struggling with Mental Health
• Experiencing Loss and Grief
• Welcoming a New Child
• Facing Parenting Challenges
• Caring for Aging Parents
• Feeling Isolated
• Transitioning to an Empty Nest
• Experiencing Domestic Violence
• Needing any support at all
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at TBAcares@bethavodah.org or contact any member of our staff or lay leadership.
Looking to help your fellow congregants?
Below are volunteer opportunities you can participate in. Contact us at TBAcares@ bethavodah.org to get involved.
• Medical support
• Bereavement
• Senior connections
• Meals support
• Delivery needs
• Knit healing shawls and baby hats
Scan the code to email TBACares
We look forward to seeing you this year!
Be sure to check the TBA calendar and TBA Tuesday email for the most up to date information. If you have an idea for a program or event not listed in this guide please contact us at info@bethavodah.org.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. Links can be found on our homepage and in the TBA Tuesday email. Let’s Get Social!
