Summer with Temple Israel

Relationships

SHA-BIKE SHALOM

By Elsie Bernaiche

TEMPLE ISRAEL’S BUCKLE FARM CSA

By Joan Rachlin

June’s Shabike Shalom event was a wonderfully unique experience— indeed, I had a lot of firsts on that day. It was my first major distance bike ride— 27.3 miles later my Fitbit indicated I had hit my step goal and then some—my heart rate averaged 103bpm, most likely due to my efforts trying to keep up with some of the other bikers in the group. It was also my first D’var Torah outside the sanctuary, and my first trip along Jerusalem Road on the South Shore. The route lead us along gorgeous coastal views and we stopped at a beach that was a different kind sanctuary for our D’var Torah. The quiet and crystal clear waves held our thoughts as we digested the tragedy of the Orlando shooting. It was a poignant note to observe the water beating relentlessly on the seawall across from our group, as we reflected on the resilience of the LGBTQ community, both closer to home and across our nation. It was a physical and spiritual comfort to be in that space. We then continued biking on the road to our lunch destination to eat pizzas together, it was a nice meal shared among friends. When we got back to our starting point, I think we would all agree it was an exhilarating and rejuvenating ride, a feeling to be replicated on future rides. I volunteered to plan the next ride, feeling truly inspired by the community to continue to make time to connect to the greater picture. Every Tuesday, Nessel Way is transformed into a farm stand for those who have signed up for our inaugural CSA (community supported agriculture) to pick up their shares of the Buckle Farm harvest.

Jim Buckle, an experienced, environmentally responsible, and affable farmer, can be found helping our congregants (and a few CSA shareholders from Temple Sinai, Ohabei Shalom, and MASCO) gather their just-harvested bounty and learn about what they’re taking home that day. Each week’s offering is picked that same morning at the Buckle Farm in Unity, Maine and includes a fresh and lush rotation based on the growing cycle of the respective vegetables. Jim also sets up a table so that those who work in the area or are just passing by can buy farm fresh veggies, fruit, herbs, and eggs “a la carte.” Jim Buckle has been struck by the friendliness of the TI shareholders and commented that “this is a really nice community.” We feel lucky to have found a farmer who not only raises delicious and nutritious food, but who has great reverence for the land and the environment.

We hope to offer the CSA year after year, so let us know if you’d like to join in 2017 by contacting Joan Rachlin at rachlinj@aol.com.

JEWISH HERITAGE NIGHT AT FENWAY PARK

By Barbara Cevallos

On a gorgeous evening in June, members of TI joined together to share a meal and root for our hometown baseball team. The Red Sox played the Chicago White Sox with over 37,000 fans attending. Our group of TI members, clergy, and staff had a great time watching the game together from the grandstands. We met at TI for dinner, and enjoyed catching up with friends and getting to know new people. At Fenway we were given our terrific T-shirts —Red Sox spelled out in red Hebrew letters on a navy T. At the special pre-game celebration, a Jewish choir sang the national anthem. My family loves going to Sox games—the atmosphere, the game, the weather, and friends and family always make for a good night. It’s better when they win, and we are a little melancholy when they lose. This time, despite the late inning drama and disappointing loss, the experience was special—we got to enjoy the game with our TI family.