Fall 2024 Insight

THE HIGH HOLY DAY ISSUE

Fall 2024|5784/5785 August, September, October Av, Elul, Tishrei

INSIGHT Fall 2024|5784/5785

IN THIS ISSUE...

4 RABBI ZECHER'S HIGH HOLY DAY MESSAGE 5 S'LICHOT & EREV ROSH HASHANAH 6 PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NOTES 7 ELUL: A MONTH OF PREPARATION 8 ROSH HASHANAH & YOM KIPPUR SERVICES 10 SUKKOT & SIMCHAT TORAH SERVICES 11 PHOTOS: ANNUAL GATHERING 12 CENTER FOR ADULT JEWISH LEARNING

13 5784 TIKKUN ZOOM SHAVUOT 14 TEEN JUST-US SUMMER PROGRAM 15 PHOTOS: FROM THE ARCHIVES 16 CIRCLES @ TI 17 FJECC ALUMNI AT SUMMER CAMP @ TI 18 RIVERWAY PROJECT FOR 20s & 30s 19 PHOTOS: TI SCENE 20 NEW MEMBERS & LIFECYCLES 22 YAHRZEITS 23 CONTRIBUTIONS

UPCOMING JEWISH HOLIDAYS

ABOUT THE COVER

September 28, 2024

| S'LICHOT

October 2-4, 2024

| ROSH HASHANAH

October 11-12, 2024 | YOM KIPPUR October 16- 23, 2024 | SUKKOT October 23-24, 2024 | SIMCHAT TORAH

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Shanah tovah! We look forward to spending the 5785 High Holy Days together. In this issue, read Rabbi Elaine Zecher's High Holy Day message, and learn more about all the ways we can celebrate together!

To see full details, visit www.tisrael.org/5785

Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.

May the strength of Israel endure, and may there come a time when peace becomes stronger than violence, and all those who live in the region know calm from a united heart of community and cooperation.

Temple Israel Commemorates October 7 Sunday, October 6, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Onsite & online.

We remember October 7, 2023 as one of the most painful and terrifying days in recent Jewish history.

What has followed has led all of us to a shadow side of what we thought we knew about antisemitism in the U.S. and yet has also exposed us to the strength and resilience that have kept us together for these millennia. To prepare for this first yahrzeit, Temple Israel of Boston will gather on the evening of October 6, 2024 in a circle of honor, mourning, and remembrance of where we were and where we are now.

There have been many words written and spoken over the past year about October 7. For this night of remembering, we put those words aside and share song, poetry, and ourselves, gaining strength through blessed community.

Monday, October 7, 2024 We will be joining the Greater Boston Jewish commmunity in commemorating October 7.

Recent Israel Events at Temple Israel

Israel Study Guide Available on our Website The Israel Study Guide, created in June 2023, was carefully curated with links to many subjects, organizations, and web pages, organized by topics that deal with the historic and modern day State of Israel. This guide was curated by members of the Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus, with support from Temple Israel clergy and Ann Abrams.

www.tisrael.org/insight | 617-566-3960

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A 5785 High Holy Day Message from Our Senior Rabbi

Tav ‫ת‬ Shin ‫ש‬ Peh ‫פ‬ Hey ‫ה‬

These four Hebrew letters have great significance for us as we enter the new year. In the Jewish calendar, we mark the year as 5785 since the creation of the world, a spiritual representation that the world has been around much longer than any of us. The numbers, 5785, are also Hebrew letters ‫תשפה‬: tav, shin, peh, hey. We regard 5785 not just as this coming year but also as a message because it can be read as the Hebrew word for language: ‫ שפה‬safa.

Literally, it means lips. What are the words that emerge from our lips? We consider this question as we gather during this sacred time, but also each time we pray.

Adonai, open my lips, ‫אדני שפתי תפתח‬ and let my mouth declare Your praise. ‫ופי יגיד תהלתך‬ Placed as an intention as we begin the middle section of the service, this phrase, from Psalm 51,

Rabbi Elaine Zecher

reminds us that what comes forth from our lips in the form of language has the potential for good and also for harm. Words matter. As a Yiddish maxim reminds us: from a punch you can heal, but from a word you can feel. As we know from Maya Angelou, we never forget how someone made us feel.

We carry these words with us into the year as a heartfelt prayer that we may not always know what words to say, but from out of the silence we can open ourselves up to express the longing of our hearts. We are not praying to God. Rather, we are in this together as a holy sacred enterprise of spiritual expression. As one theologian surmised, God is the ocean and we are the waves. We are not alone in our desire to access praise and gratitude. We can ask for help. O God, open my lips and let my mouth declare Your praise.

Let us approach this season upon us when the new year of 5785 begins to take these ancient words into our hearts and minds with the intention to pay attention to the words we offer. Let us imagine that everything we say is a prayer to lead us on a path to renew and rediscover our best and purest selves with a steadfast, vigorous, and contrite spirit as a way to enter these sacred days.

L'shanah Tovah!

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Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.

We start preparing for the High Holy Days with S’lichot, which draws us into the Days of Awe. Saturday, September 28, 2024 4:45 - 6:30 p.m. | Family S'lichot and Dinner, onsite Families with children in the Village and elementary age are invited to join us for dinner, a short service, and activities to prepare for the High Holy Days and mark the start of the new school year together.

7:00 p.m. | Community Dinner, onsite Gather with the Temple Israel community for food, drink, and good conversation as we prepare to welcome in the High Holy Day season together.

7:30 p.m. | Spiritual Practice Lab, onsite and online We enter into S'lichot by choosing a spiritual practice that seeks to open our hearts to the profound message of our High Holy Days. Spiritual modalities will include movement (onsite), art making (onsite), and text study (onsite and online).

9:00 p.m. | Candlelit Service, onsite and online We prepare ourselves and our Torah for our season of holiness. With candles, music, and repentant meditation, we dress our Torah in white and ready ourselves for the holy days ahead.

You're invited to our Grand Homecoming Community Schmooze!

Wednesday, October 2 at 8:45 p.m., onsite Come schmooze with friends both new and old as we ring in the new year! Together, we’ll celebrate the start of 5785 with fabulous food, delectable drinks, and, most importantly, the warmth of community.

www.tisrael.org/insight | 617-566-3960

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NOTES TO OUR COMMUNITY

Jessica Greenfield Board President

This past year has reminded us all how important our sacred mishkan, our Tent of Congregation situated on Longwood Avenue, is for us, our families and our fellow Jews. We have sustained ourselves in these challenging times by embracing the diversity of perspectives and the value of authentic dialogue as we unite in prayer, song, learning, and introspection. You are a cherished member of our community, and your presence enriches us, as we live our Judaism together. I invite you to share your voice and your spirit through our engagement together, particularly during this holiday season.

We are in this together. As you plan your high holiday journey, please let us know if you have any questions or need assistance. Please reach out so we can guide you.

During the sacred days ahead, we will come together to seek forgiveness, offer gratitude, and set our intentions for the upcoming year. We will commemorate the events of October 7th, 2024 and the many lives that have been lost as a result. I am even more grateful to our clergy, staff, and lay leaders who have worked diligently to create safe, meaningful and spiritually uplifting experiences, blending tradition and innovation, incorporating the timeless melodies and rituals we hold dear, while responding to the unprecedented events of the past twelve months. Through reflection, renewal, and connection to our history, to our community, and to our world, we enrich each other.

As we approach this sacred and introspective season, I am honored to continue to serve our beloved mishkan. Let us continue to stand together, supporting one another, our jewish homeland of Israel, and jews everywhere as we share in the blessings of the season.

L'Shanah tovah – may our Temple Israel community continue to thrive and flourish and may you be inscribed for a good, peaceful, and healthy new year.

As the Executive Director at Temple Israel, I have a front row seat as our community carries out our mission: Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact. This past year I have marveled at our ability to work together as we navigate the postOctober 7th landscape, sharing perspectives and unpacking how our world has rapidly changed.

Dan Deutsch Executive Director

We are a membership-based organization, and this is your congregation; I encourage you, our members, to map out a course to get the most out of all that Temple Israel has to offer during the 5785 Jewish Year. Our sacred community has continued to be a spiritual, educational, and social home for so many – and I hope that includes you. If you are looking to get more involved on any level, I invite you to reach out to me or a member of our staff.

Accomplishing all that we do requires resources, including volunteerism and financial support. We are thrilled to announce that at the end of our fiscal year in June we reached a new milestone as our Friends Annual Fund brought in a record $785,000, allowing us to carry out our mission. We saw record participation and thank those who were able to contribute.

The safety and security of our community remains paramount. The rise in security threats and incidents targeting Jewish people and institutions before and since October 7th has created challenges that we struggle with daily. The protective measures we have taken to provide a safe space to pray, learn, and gather come with significant financial costs. Most of our households have already contributed towards our security fund which we launched this summer, allowing us to adapt our security measures. This contribution will be an essential resource for our ongoing safety and security work in the year ahead.

I look forward to greeting you all when you join us for the High Holy Days this fall. Our staff are already working hard to make sure that we have a meaningful fall together. As always, my door is open to you: ddeutsch@tisrael.org.

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Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.

Elul: A Month of Spiritual Preparation QABBALAT SHABBAT DURING ELUL Fridays, September 6, 13, 20, 27 at 6:00 p.m.

Onsite and online For each week of Elul, we will gather for Qabbalat Shabbat to sing melodies and explore texts that bring us into the themes of the High Holy Days in which we immerse ourselves. Each week will feature a deep dive into one of the chapters of our Congregational Read, The Way of Humanity, as we spiritually prepare ourselves for awakening and renewal; for t’shuvah, t’filah, and tzedakah.

LEARN TO READ HEBREW: PREPARING FOR THE HIGH HOLY DAYS THROUGH THE MACHZOR Thursdays, September 12, 19, 26 at 7:00 p.m.

Online Join us for a 3-part online Hebrew class as we build and practice Hebrew reading skills while exploring the themes and meaning of the prayers of Mishkan HaNefesh in preparation for the High Holy Days. This class is designed for anyone with a familiarity with Hebrew decoding. There is no expectation of fluency, and all reading levels are welcome!

SELF-GUIDED EXPLORATION Online at www.tisrael.org/exploration Throughout the month of Elul, we invite you to explore our interactive High Holy Day materials on our website.

You will be able to journey through the High Holy Days at your own pace through various thematic lenses, or build your own High Holy Day experience based on which materials in the online library are most meaningful to you.

HIGH HOLY DAYS 101 Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur: September 16 at 7:00 p.m.

Sukkot & Simchat Torah: September 23 at 7:00 p.m.

Online The High Holy Days can be a time of incredible spiritual growth and deep personal introspection. Yet, for many of us, the sheer breadth of these holidays might feel confusing or difficult to navigate. Join us for a free, hourlong online session as we break down the origins, symbols, texts, and traditions of these Days of Awe. All are welcome as we discover new meaning in these ancient and modern practices.

Round Challah Making Workshop Sunday, September 29 at 12:30 p.m., onsite

Join us for a festive round challah baking event to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, where we mix tradition with creativity and sweeten the new year ahead.

Participate in our annual Food Drive.

For over two decades, Temple Israel has given the Greater Boston Food Bank their largest single-day delivery of food through our Yom Kippur Food Drive. We invite you to make an onsite food donation between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, or join us with a financial contribution through our website. www.tisrael.org/insight | 617-566-3960

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‫שנה טובה ומתוקה‬

We wish you a happy and sweet New Year!

ROSH HASHANAH 5785 ALL ARE WELCOME: COMMUNITY-WIDE SERVICES

EREV ROSH HASHANAH Wednesday, October 2

0-2ND GRADE: VILLAGE & YOUNG FAMILY SERVICES

7:30 p.m. Community-Wide Service Onsite & Online

5:00 p.m. Young Family Service Onsite & Online

8:45 p.m. Grand Homecoming Community Schmooze Onsite

5:45 p.m. Young Family Schmooze with Dinner Onsite

3RD-7TH GRADE: FAMILY SERVICES

6:30 p.m. Family Schmooze with Dinner before joining together at Community-Wide Service Onsite

20s & 30s: RIVERWAY PROJECT SERVICES

6:15 p.m. Riverway Service Onsite & Online 7:45 p.m. Riverway Dinner Onsite

7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary for the Community-Wide Service Onsite & Online

ROSH HASHANAH Thursday, October 3

9:00 a.m. Community-Wide Service (Early) Onsite & Online

9:15 a.m. Young Family Service Onsite & Online

9:00 a.m. Family Service Onsite & Online

11:30 a.m. Community-Wide Service (Late) Onsite & Online

11:00 a.m. Family Tashlich Muddy River

11:00 a.m. Family Tashlich Muddy River

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1:30 p.m. Community-Wide Tashlich Muddy River

ROSH HASHANAH DAY 2 Friday, October 4

10:00 a.m. Lay-Led Service & Lunch Onsite & Online 2:00 p.m. Reverse Tashlich Muddy River

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Tashlich: Together, we symbolically cast away our transgressions.

Thursday, October 3 at 11:00 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.

We invite you to participate in Tashlich ("to cast away"), a beautiful ritual on Rosh Hashanah that allows us to symbolically cast our wrongdoings into the water. We will meet at the Muddy River on Thursday, October 3 at 11:00 a.m. (after the family and early Rosh Hashanah morning services), and at 1:30 p.m. (after the late Rosh Hashanah morning service). We will have rice to cast into the river, or you can bring your own. We look forward to wishing you a Shanah Tovah, greeting you, and sharing this beautiful, musical experience with you.

Find full High Holy Day details on our website, www.tisrael.org/5785 8

Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.

‫גמר חתימה טובה‬

May you and yours be sealed in the Book of Life!

YOM KIPPUR 5785 ALL ARE WELCOME: COMMUNITY-WIDE SERVICES

KOL NIDRE Friday, October 11

YOM KIPPUR MORNING Saturday, October 12

BETWEEN SERVICES: STAY IN THE DAY Saturday, October 12

5:45 p.m. Community-Wide Service (Early) Onsite & Online

0-2ND GRADE: VILLAGE & YOUNG FAMILY SERVICES

3RD-7TH GRADE: FAMILY SERVICES

20s & 30s: RIVERWAY PROJECT SERVICES

4:30 p.m. Young Family Service Onsite & Online

6:00 p.m. Family Service 7:00 p.m. Riverway Onsite & Online Service Onsite & Online

9:15 a.m. Young Family Service Onsite & Online

9:00 a.m. Family Service Onsite & Online

8:15 p.m. Community-Wide Service (Late) Onsite & Online 9:00 a.m. Community-Wide Service (Early) Onsite & Online

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11:30 a.m. CommunityWide Service (Late) Onsite & Online 1:30 p.m. Meditative Spaces, Teen Gathering, Poetry as Prayer, Gathering with the REDI Team, Ask the Clergy Onsite & Online

3:45 p.m. Torah Service, Afternoon Service, YOM KIPPUR AFTERNOON Yizkor, Neilah, Havdalah Saturday, October 12 Onsite & Online

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Yom Kippur Break Fast: Following Neilah and Havdalah, we will have the chance to gather for a light and delicious break fast to share the end of Yom Kippur together!

Yom Kippur Afternoon: Stay in the Day | Saturday, October 12 at 1:30 p.m.

Between Yom Kippur morning and afternoon services, we invite you to stay in the day and participate in a choice of facilitated conversations, or find one of many spaces inside the Temple Israel building and along the Muddy River for meditative quiet, movement, art making, and family gatherings.

Facilitated Conversations: • • • • •

Meditative Spaces, onsite.

Teen Gathering with Fallon Rubin, onsite.

Poetry as Prayer, Prayer as Poetry with Rabbi Suzie Jacobson, onsite and online.

Gathering with the Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) Team. Our conversation will lead us to build deeper relationships and challenge ourselves to be a community where everyone truly belongs. Onsite and online.

9 Ask the Clergy: Delve into the themes of the holidays, onsite and online. www.tisrael.org/insight | 617-566-3960

The holidays continue!

SUKKOT 5785 Sukkot reminds us of our communal obligation to face outwards with open hearts to ease suffering and heal our fractured world. Join us in our Sukkah of Justice & Compassion for a night of heartfelt prayer, festive food, and music.

5:45 p.m. Schmooze and Festive Meal for All Ages Onsite EREV SUKKOT 6:30 p.m. Festival Service in the Sukkah of Justice & Compassion Wednesday, October 16 Onsite & Online 7:30 p.m. Festival Oneg Onsite 9:00 a.m. Sukkot Festival Service and Torah Study Onsite & Online SUKKOT Thursday, October 17

9:30 a.m. Village (Ages 0-5) Sukkot Celebration Onsite 11:00 a.m. Sukkot Festival Qiddush Onsite

SHABBAT SUKKOT Friday, October 18

6:00 p.m. Qabbalat Shabbat with guest speaker Rebecca Hart Holder, President of Reproductive Equity Now. Onsite & Online

SUKKOT Tuesday, October 22

6:00 p.m. Riverway Sukkot Harvest Festival (20s & 30s) Onsite

SIMCHAT TORAH 5785 We celebrate the conclusion of one cycle of Torah reading, and immediately begin anew! See the Torah with fresh eyes as we unroll our scrolls and go back to the source, reading various familiar passages, and learning some of our clergy’s favorite texts. Stay afterwards for music and dancing with the Torah on Nessel Way! 5:00 p.m. Consecration for Kindergarten and All New Students Onsite

EREV SIMCHAT TORAH Wednesday, October 23

5:00 p.m. Food & Celebration for All Ages Onsite 6:00 p.m. Erev Simchat Torah: An Immersive Torah Experience Onsite & Online: Don't miss our innovative Torah-Cam! 7:15 p.m. Dancing and Dessert Onsite 9:00 a.m. Simchat Torah Festival Service and Yizkor Memorial Service Onsite & Online

SIMCHAT TORAH Thursday, October 24

9:30 a.m. Village (Ages 0-5) Simchat Torah Celebration Onsite 11:00 a.m. Simchat Torah Qiddush Onsite

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Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.

Annual Gathering of the Congregation 2024 Everyone matters. Everyone is counted.

This June, we celebrated the past year of living Judaism together in new and innovative ways, and we honored members of our congregation who have lifted us up and helped define our community.

www.tisrael.org/insight | 617-566-3960

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The Center for Adult Jewish Learning at Temple Israel of Boston is excited to be gearing up for 5785! As you prepare for the High Holy Days, you can join us for classes such as High Holy Days 101, Learn to Read Hebrew for the High Holy Days, a round challah making workshop for Rosh Hashanah, and more.

It has been almost a year since the devastating terrorist attack of October 7, 2023 and the ensuing war against Hamas. This year, we will continue to hold space for each other in our grief, despair, anger, and concern through the pursuit of learning and scholarship, spirituality, social justice, and the arts. Join us for "Brave Space Conversations," where we delve into the nuanced and complex topics of Zionism, Anti-Zionism, and Antisemitism with Temple Israel clergy. We will also be offering a three-part documentary film series, starting with the film, Screams Before Silence, that will conclude with a facilitated discussion, several classes on topics such as Israeli History and Zionism, and book groups, discussions, and events with the Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC).

Whether you are learning about Judaism for the first time, embarking on a new stage in your Jewish life, or a life-long learner looking to connect with local scholars, there is something at the Center for Adult Jewish Learning for you.

Everyone is welcome here.

Save the dates!

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•

Learn to Play Mahjong with Sharon Katz - September 8, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. Onsite.

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Screams Before Silence - September 15, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. Onsite.

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Round Challah Making Workshop for Rosh Hashanah - September 29, 2024 at 12:30 p.m.

Onsite.

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Yotam Ottolenghi at the Emerson Colonial - October 8, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. Offsite.

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Winner of the New American Fiction Prize, Joan Leegant presents Displaced Persons: Stories - November 10, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Onsite & online.

Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.

5784 TIKKUN ZOOM SHAVUOT: 25 HOURS OF ONLINE LEARNING! "Together, with our incredible co-sponsors, we were able to offer 45 sessions with over 40 facilitators, and during the course of 25 hours, we had 2,100 screens and over 710 registrants.

Amidst such a difficult year for the Jewish people, we were able to come together, bringing all of our diversity of perspective, practice, and politics, and engage with such respect and genuine curiosity. What a joyous and meaningful celebration of Jewish learning and community!"

— Lily Kaufman, Director of Programming and Center for Adult Jewish Learning

“Thank you so much for offering this! I was sick and unable to attend my local tikkun, so I was glad to be able to drop into yours, even if just for a little bit. It really helped me feel connected. Chag sameach!” — Sherri Cohen “So special…touching…amazingly beautiful… and peaceful and thank you sincerely watching from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada…….” from the Tiny Desk Chat

www.tisrael.org/insight | 617-566-3960

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Teen JustUs Summer Program

By Fallon Rubin, Director of Teen and Youth Programs

Teen JustUs had an outstanding program this summer, and we are so incredibly proud of our teen fellows who participated! For six weeks this summer, teens from all across the greater Boston area gathered to participate in an internship and cohort-based fellowship. Each teen was paired with a different organization, based on their interests, and tasked with a specific project to help the organization.

At their sites, the teens learned important skills and gained first-hand experience working for a non-profit organization, including working with a mentor at their sites. On nights when the teens were not in the internships, we gathered at Temple Israel and around the city to learn about social justice through a Jewish lens. The cohort met with guest speakers from Dimensions and Common Cathedral to learn more about racial justice and housing justice, made lunches for the Southern Jamaica Plain Health Center, learned about both financial and physical accessibility at Community Rowing, had lunch with a refugee family from Afghanistan to hear more about their story, learned how fencing helps with spacial awareness at The Carroll Center for the Blind, and built beds for children that have never had a bed before at A Bed for Every Child. The program culminated with a Siyyum, closing program, where each teen was able to share with their parents and mentors about the project they worked on and what they had learned from their organizations. It’s safe to say that the teens are walking away feeling confident in their newfound skills and community that they have created throughout this program.

Our 14 teens worked with ten organizations around the city of Boston and beyond. The internship sites were:

Some of the projects included: •

Planning a fundraiser from start to finish

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Boston CASA

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Community Action Works

Creating a website with resources for firsttime voters

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Community Arts Center

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Community Servings

Helping refugees and immigrants tell their story through film

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Doc Wayne

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Enroot

Organizing and facilitating arts programing for kids of all socioeconomic backgrounds

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Discovering Justice

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Hebrew SeniorLife

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International Institute of New England

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Louis D. Brown Peace Institute

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Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.

FROM THE ARCHIVES | SEVENTEEN YEARS AGO...

2007 LEVI AUDITORIUM RENOVATIONS

www.tisrael.org/insight | 617-566-3960

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TI Cirlces is a space where we can....

DEEPEN RELATIONSHIPS & BUILD COMMUNITY "I was looking to deepen my connection to my own Jewish identity through the lived experiences of other women.

What came next was unimaginable in the very best way. We met as a group in person one time at Temple Israel before the pandemic lockdown, and that's all it took. Fourteen women ages 27-90+ convened, connected, chatted, and we were set. We met virtually through the pandemic, and through analysis of text or current events shared our perspectives through a Jewish lens. I would leave our conversations feeling contemplative and buzzing from the lively discussion. New faces have joined us and familiar faces have moved on to new opportunities. Each person leaves a lasting impression on the group.”

– Lindsay Pike

TI CIRCLES! TI Circles have been inspiring people in our community to engage and connect with each other. These small lay-led groups facilitate meaningful connections within the TI orbit around shared interests, passions, identities and geographies.

With new Circles forming all the time, there are so many opportunities to lead or participate! Come find your place within this vibrant and diverse community!

SHARE & EXPLORE "The Riverway Runner’s Circle started after conversations with some fellow runners I met at Temple Israel - we were just all looking for more ways to connect and make new friends, and there’s little I love more than a social run, so it felt like a natural opportunity.

We take turns choosing the route and leading navigation, so everyone has a bit of involvement in each run.…it’s nice to walk into a room knowing you’ll see some friendly faces! All runs start at Temple Israel as of right now, and newcomers are always welcome!"

– Haley Mcclellan

LEARN FROM ONE ANOTHER "The Jewish Cooking Circle gathers at the intersection of food and community.

Working together in the kitchen and sharing a meal around a communal table allows us to learn deeply about ourselves and each other."

– Perri Lomberg "The LGBTQ+ Circle is an intergenerational community that gathers for discussions and events at the intersection of Judaism and the LGBTQ+ community. All members of TI are welcome to join our sessions."

– Amanda McFarland

For more information about TI Circles and how you can participate, email Nalani Haueter at nhaueter@tisrael.org.

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Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.

FJECC Alumni Staff at Summer Camp @ TI With TI Camp in full swing for ten weeks this summer, the voices of children playing fill the hallways of Temple Israel and the FJECC Preschool classrooms with joyful noise. We took a minute to ask two FJECC alum, Violet Linas and Jeremy Doughty, some questions about their summer as counselors at TI Camp: What do you remember about being at FJECC when you were younger?

Jeremy: I vividly remember the outside play area, Shabbat on Fridays, growing and experiencing the school with the same group of kids, looking up to the bigger kids and most importantly - legos!

What do you like about being a camp counselor?

Violet: I love playing with the kids, and getting to be a part of their lives, even for just the smallest amount of time. I also like spending time with the other junior counselors and getting to laugh and talk and all their experiences they are having while being a counselor too.

What is different about being here as a grown-up person?

Violet: I love knowing that some of the friends they are making today are going to last them all throughout religious school and beyond!

Jeremy: The camaraderie between the teachers is definitely the coolest part.

We're thrilled to welcome back six FJECC alumni as camp counselors: Jeremy Doughty Eva Kravetz Violet Linas Lou Lipson Poppy Morrison Amalia Rysman

What do you do during the rest of the year?

Violet: I’m going to my freshman year of high school!

Jeremy: I work as a paraprofessional in a 1st grade special education classroom. I have worked in special ed for four years and I find it to be super engaging and rewarding.

Any particular memories come back to you once you were in the school this summer?

Violet: I remember how long my friends and I from preschool have been close, and how much we’ve grown up together!

Jeremy: Seeing the famous colored doors and archways brought me all the way back! It reminded me of all the friends I made here at the FJECC.

www.tisrael.org/insight | 617-566-3960

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The Riverway Project is an inclusive, collaborative community for those in their 20s and 30s who want to connect with others grounded in Judaism, social justice, spirituality, and learning.

No matter where you are on your Jewish journey, we’re excited to get to know you!

"

After October 7th, as was the case for many Jews around the world, I was in desperate need to be around my people: a need I hadn’t ever felt that strongly until that day. My cousin, Kiana Beckmen, invited me to a Riverway Shabbat dinner and service.

There, I met equally shaken Jews looking for comfort and support through community. Through Riverway, I have built a community for myself in ways I didn’t think possible. From going on hikes in the Fells, to going on day trips, traveling to Israel, playing pickleball, getting dinners and brunches, the Riverway Project fostered the environment that made all of this possible. Each month, I look forward to the next Shabbat, the next opportunity to meet and connect with the wonderful members of the Riverway community, every one of us in need of each other.

— Sam Ewenczyk

"

I had an amazing time joining Rabbi Oberstein and the Riverway Project for the “Spiritual Practice for Real Life” class earlier this year. I am someone who, not too long ago, didn’t even really consider himself that Jewish. This class was key in developing an understanding of how my conception of my own spirituality - even if it is in something as simple as appreciating a sunset - is actually very compatible with ancient/traditional texts and traditions. It really inspired me to see how I could view my Jewishness and other parts of my identity as related. It is exciting to be able to really spend time at the intersection of the Jewish community and that of running, one of my favorite activities!

—Danny Gorelik

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Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.

It's more than just our tagline.

We really are living Judaism together!

LIVING JUDAISM TOGETHER. R E L AT I O N S H I P S . T O R A H . S P I R I T U A L I T Y. J U S T I C E . I S R A E L . D I V E R S I T Y.

www.tisrael.org/insight | 617-566-3960

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Temple Israel of Boston's Ner Tamid Society For more than 165 years, Temple Israel has provided a home to the Boston Jewish community. We are proud to uplift our spirits in song, to unite in our commitment to justice, and to serve as a refuge in times of joy and in times of sorrow.

The Ner Tamid is the light that shines above the ark in every synagogue of the world, a symbol of our presence and determination to sustain our traditions, even as we respond to change. The Ner Tamid Society honors supporters who perpetuate the legacy of Temple Israel. By including Temple Israel in your estate plans, you ensure that the eternal light continues to burn strongly for generations to come.

With your bequest or other planned gift to Temple Israel, you become a member of the Ner Tamid Society. You name will be inscribed in the Ner Tamid Society honor roll, and you will be invited to events exclusively for Ner Tamid Society members. Join us, and be part of a legacy that lives on in every generation of Temple Israel.

For more information, please contact Shoshanna Goldberg, Director of Development, at sgoldberg@tisrael.org or 617-566-3960. You can also find more details online at nertamid.tisrael.org.

USPS 50648 Founded in 1854 Affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism Issued 4 times/year Printed on recycled paper Rabbi Elaine S. Zecher Cantor Alicia Stillman Rabbi Suzie Jacobson Rabbi Dan Slipakoff Rabbi Andrew Oberstein

Temple Israel of Boston

INSIGHT Temple Israel 477 Longwood Avenue Boston, MA 02215-5396

Rabbi Ronne Friedman, Rabbi Emeritus Rabbi Bernard H. Mehlman, Senior Scholar Cantor Roy B. Einhorn, Cantor Emeritus

Non Profit US Postage PAID Permit 50648 Boston, MA

Jessica Greenfield, President Shawn Kravetz, Vice President Karin Freed, Treasurer Dan Deutsch, Executive Director Amy Bolotin, FJECC Preschool Director Emma Koblick, Director of Communications 617-566-3960 | www.tisrael.org facebook.com/TempleIsraelBoston instagram.com/tisrael_boston

5785 Congregational Read The Way of Humanity, by Martin Buber, translated by Rabbi Bernard H. Mehlman and Dr. Gabriel E. Padawer (z"l) Our congregational read this year is The Way of Humanity: According to Chasidic Teaching by Martin Buber, translated by our Senior Scholar Rabbi Bernard H. Mehlman and Gabriel E. Padawer (z”l). This powerful book of meaningful Chasidic stories and Buber's original philosophical interpretations is a translation of the German transcription of a six-part lecture Buber gave to the Woodbrookers Association in 1947. Each chapter presents a clear path for living what Buber called "real life," - a life of meaning defined by a clear purpose and deep connections to the self, to others, and to God. As we prepare for the High Holy Days, The Way of Humanity provides us with much food for thought and inspiration as we individually strive to live our most meaningful, purposeful life.

We will be studying this book as a community at Qabbalat Shabbat throughout Elul, and will also have an event with Rabbi Mehlman this fall.

www.tisrael.org/insight | 617-566-3960

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