Insight, Winter 2022

AT TEMPLE ISRAEL, WE...

build community and encounter the sacred through relationships

embrace Torah in all its dimensions as our enduring source for inquiry, discovery, and inspiration.

explore spirituality and innovate our traditions of ritual and prayer.

pursue justice, in partnership with others, to realize our vision of what the world ought to be.

are Ohavei Yisrael, Lovers of Israel, committed to the vitality, peace, and well-being of the Jewish people in Israel and throughout the world. draw strength from our diversity and wisdom from all who walk through our open doors.

The TI Scene: Living Judaism Together

Artists-in-Residence Rabbi Micah Lapidus and Melvin Myles at a Malaveh Malka Concert and Havdalah, Saturday, November 12 "The

FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Qabbalat Shabbat services at Temple Israel are a welcome oasis from a busy, harried week. Shabbat offers us a chance to take a breath and exhale. Just as our service concludes, I often provide some announcements. And just as we exhale from the prior week, I am announcing the many opportunities available at Temple Israel from educational programming, age cohort events, music, and social justice, for example. There is so much going on that there is something for everyone. There are people and opportunities to make you feel at home, that you belong here. I invite you to find your micro-community through TI Circles. These are congregant-led, staff-supported groups of people with common interests who meet with the overarching goal of human connection. Learn more at www.tisrael.org/circles.

Laurence Bailen Board President

To make sure we always feel a sense of belonging and that human connection, we want our physical space to match the energy, vibrancy, and awesomeness of the people and activities that constitute our community. This year we are continuing our Inventing Our Future initiative. For nearly five years, our Inventing Our Future team has regularly sought input from our Board of Trustees and Leadership Council as we reflect on how our building can better serve our mission. We have engaged Annum Architects, a Boston-based firm, to help us realize our vision. I invite you to join us as we embark on Inventing Our Future. We will need your involvement to make certain we are always meeting the needs of our clergy, our staff, and our congregation. Please feel free to reach out to me (lbailen@tisrael.org) with your questions, thoughts, and ideas.

B’Shalom, Laurence Bailen

This past month, I was able to gather with over 200 Executive Directors of our partner Reform congregations for the Annual National Association for Temple Administration (NATA) conference. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn and grow together with other committed professionals who are advancing Reform congregations alongside Temple Israel. Together we explored how to operate and run organizations committed to helping Jewish life flourish. I was able to present and share the wonderful work that we are doing through our Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) initiative.

One thing that was clear through talking to other congregations — very few temples have committed to this sacred work with the same fervor, intensity, and commitment of Temple Israel. Only a handful of congregations match our embedded approach to bringing our REDI work throughout the full organization. This all began with a strong commitment from the Board and Clergy and is met by the important grassroots approach from our membership. From bringing our REDI norms to the forefront of how we operate, working on dozens of initiatives, and evaluating our employee handbook and staff compensation through a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens, we are making significant progress on this important work. I want to express my gratitude to our REDI core team for their continued innovative approach towards making sure that all are welcome at Temple Israel. Our REDI work is just one example of how Temple Israel is on the leading edge of the Reform Movement.

Dan Deutsch Executive Director

There is so much going on at Temple Israe; I invite you to be a part of the action. Please join us for Shabbat Tzedek with Tanisha Sullivan, the Boston branch president of the NAACP. We will be together onsite and online for a Qabbalat Shabbat that will fill your soul and position you to take action towards righteous impact. Lastly, I ask you to mark your calendar for Stepping Out, our annual gala, which will take place on Saturday, April 1, 2023. We look forward to you joining us for a fun evening supporting our Friends Annual Fund.

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

Elaine's HHD Article

Thousands of us gathered just a few short months ago. Hundreds sat together online and onsite joining our voices in song and prayer. Dozens studied and experienced creative liturgy while each person, valued for their presence, celebrated Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah as part of the larger Temple Israel community. The energy, vibrancy, and creativity invigorated us all. The expressions of gratitude lifted us even higher. The idea that we return on these holidays as a sacred encounter with the divine brings us deeper into our pursuit of our best selves. This idea in Hebrew: הבושנו ךילא הוהי ונבישה (hashiveinu Adonai elekha v’nashuva) reminds us of the holy work we do as the new year commences. And what is the result? We find renewal in returning to the way we were so that we can create a path forward. This idea in Hebrew: םדקכ ונימי שדח (Hadesh yamenu kekedem) — Renew our days as in the past — helps us to reflect on what has come before so that the future presents a stronger possibility.

Why bring this up now? Chanukah is just around the corner, followed by Tu B’shvat, and then onto Purim. We are a people in whom the past endures, so said Abraham Joshua Heschel. Our High Holy Day experiences fuel us throughout the year and beyond. The Hebrew word, קדם, kedem, from the sentence above, taken from the last verse of Lamentation 5:21, connotes not just the past but also the idea of moving forward. The past allows for the future. As we reflect on our Days of Awe 5783, we are inspired by our community’s dedication and commitment. We share a rich history with one another while at the same time, we enter the future with an enduring belief that we can make it even better.

Rabbi Elaine Zecher Senior Rabbi

Reflecting on the High Holy Days

“We really enjoyed the High Holy Day services at Temple Israel. We both remarked on how well the services flowed in regard to the great emotion surrounding the importance of the moment, but also the warmth of the services.”

— Roger Krakoff

“One of my continuing favorite things about TI is the way everything is always up for review and re-interpretation to find new and deeper meaning.”

— Ellen Steinbaum

“This year, Bob and I were traveling to Australia, and needed to be there over Rosh Hashanah. We found our way to North Shore Temple Emanuel, a progressive congregation just north of Sydney. The temple leaders were able to honor our TI membership, allowing us to join in their services. There, we found ourselves in a congregation that reminded us of Temple Israel in many ways — the warmth, the diversity of the congregation, the teens chanting the Torah... They even used the High Holy Day prayer book that was compiled by Rabbi Zecher and her colleagues — the Australian version!

After the service, we introduced ourselves to their senior rabbi, Rabbi Nicole Roberts, who let us know that she had trained with Cantor Alicia Stillman, participated in a fellowship with her, and wanted to be sure we brought back a warm hello from her!

While being so far from home, it was great to be part of the wider world's Jewish community, and to feel a connection to TI at the same time.”

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

— Karen Victor

at Temple Israel — 5783

“We participated in your Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah services, all by the wonder of Zoom. We were married at Temple Israel nearly 59 years ago, and feel very close to Temple Israel. We were very moved by the services and we thank you for making these days so meaningful and rich.”

— Joseph and Susan (Wise) Miller

“I have never felt such a powerful impact from a Temple service as from Yom Kippur afternoon. The clergy gave so much of themselves to create an atmosphere of self-examination and introspection in a protected communal space. Even today, I can feel an energy from that day that vibrates within me. Thank you very much. I will work to keep this spirit alive”

— Bernie Aserkoff

“

The Greater Boston Food Bank would like to thank Temple Israel and recognize the hard work and dedication in helping fight hunger in Massachusetts. TI is our longest tenured food drive partner and the support you have given over the past 23 plus years has helped us get that much closer to the mission of ending hunger. The food drive you held collected 5682 pounds of food, which is equivalent to 4735 meals for those in need!

On behalf of the families you have helped feed, we thank you for your time, effort, and dedication in these difficult times.”

— Brian Morrill Sr. Manager of Donations

The Greater Boston Food Bank

Temple Israel's Annual Shabbat Tzedek

JANUARY 13-15, 2023

Tanisha M. Sullivan is the president of the Boston branch of the NAACP, leading the organization in its fight for racial, economic, and social justice with a data-driven and solutions-oriented framework. In this volunteer leadership role, Sullivan has led efforts to build a more inclusive democracy and improve quality of life for all Massachusetts residents. She is a seasoned corporate lawyer, has over 25 years experience in the life sciences industry, and served as the inaugural Chief Equity Officer for the Boston Public Schools. Boston-born, Sullivan earned a bachelor’s degree in government from the University of Virginia, and an MBA and JD from Boston College. In 2022, she ran for Secretary of State in Massachusetts.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 13

6:00 p.m. QABBALAT

SHABBAT

This service is open to people of all faiths. Before the service at 5:15 p.m., we will have pizza for all kids and families, as well as a separate space for teens to eat and be together. During Qabbalat Shabbat, young children will have the opportunity to leave the service for a kids-only justice learning program. After services, everyone is invited to come together for a festive oneg.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14

9:00 a.m. TORAH STUDY

We will begin with tefillah in mixed presence, led by TI clergy, followed by an engaging Torah Study steeped in the values embodied by our Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion work.

10:00 a.m. REDI CONVERSATIONS AND LUNCH

Join us for REDI Conversations (onsite only), an opportunity to learn about yourself and connect to community members on a deeper level. We will have options available for those who will be experiencing their first REDI Conversation and for those who have already experienced a REDI Conversation.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15

BETHEL AME CHURCH SERVICE (TIME TBD)

Join us and our friends and neighbors at Bethel AME Church for their Sunday worship and Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration. Onsite only.

See our website for full details on all Shabbat Tzedek events and services.

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

Join us in mixed presence for an inspirational Shabbat Tzedek, a Sabbath of Justice, to celebrate the values of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with honored guest Tanisha Sullivan.

Invitation, Not Obligation

By Lauren Lapat

My answer is always the same. I met someone who invited me to do something. It was easier to be asked to engage because I had children who attended the FJECC preschool, Religious School, and The Tent. I saw people on a regular basis. Being an extrovert also helped. Requests led to making puppets for the FJECC, organizing a low carbon Sukkot event for the 3rd/4th grade, and introducing the synagogue to the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute. I also said “no” at times. I didn’t have the capacity, interest, or skill to step in.

As my children got older, I branched out at TI and began to explore my own interests. I wasn’t sure how to connect my external expertise, passions, and skills at TI, but luckily, I was invited again to step in. Layleaders and clergy knew I was deeply involved in non-profit work focused on racial justice and community organizing work, and I was asked to take on social justice leadership in Tikkun Central.

Fast forward, I’m now in my second year as a member of the Board of Trustees and I’m chairing the Nominating Committee. The committee is comprised of the past Board President, two Board members, two Leadership Council members, and five congregants. Our task is to identify new board members and leadership council members. However, more importantly our goal is to think about leadership more broadly, get to know people, and explore pathways to leadership. Did you know TI has over 25 active committees?

It is now our time to put out the invitation. Are you interested in exploring leadership opportunities at TI? Do you have professional skills or interests that could be helpful at TI? If so, please reach out to me at laurenlapat@gmail.com.

I’ve been asked many times over the years since joining Temple Israel, “How’d you get so involved?”

Lauren Lapat

Lauren Lapat (far right) with members of the Board and Leadership Council at the Annual Gathering in June 2022

Celebrate Chanukah Together at TI!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10

Village Puppet Show: "Chanukats"

10:00 a.m. Onsite. Join Ziva the cat as she goes back to the time of the first Chanukah to recover the missing letters on her dreidel. Dance, sing, and act out parts of the story in this musical, interactive journey through time.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15

TILLI Chanukah Cooking Demonstration and Party

11:30 a.m. Mixed presence. Rabbis Suzie Jacobson and Elaine Zecher demonstrate their very own gourmet Chanukah latke recipes, followed by a competition open to all onsite participants for the best tasting latke — so bring your own latke creations! Lunch and sing-a-long with Cantor Alicia Stillman follows.

Chanukah: The Festival of Lights at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

5:00 p.m. Enjoy a community candle lighting, performances by musicians from around the world, Judaica gallery talks, make-and-take art projects, and more for all ages. Please register.

Chanukah 101

7:00 p.m. Online. Chanukah is a time for lighting candles, spinning dreidel, and eating latkes. Join Rabbinic Intern Morgan Figa to explore the history, texts, traditions, creativity of the holiday, and its relevance in our lives today. Contact McKenzie Johnson at mjohnson@tisrael. org with questions.

See our website for full details and registration information for all our Chanukah events: www.tisrael.org/chanukah

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16

Chanukah Shabbat Mishpachah

5:15 p.m. Mixed presence. Family dinner before the Qabbalat Shabbat service at 6:00 p.m. Chanukah music themed Shabbat service with dessert (oneg) afterwards.

Riverway Shabbat (20s/30s)

7:00 p.m. Join us onsite or online for a relaxed, musical, Qabbalat Shabbat service led by Rabbi Andrew Oberstein and our incredible Riverway musicians. For those joining us onsite, we'll enjoy a schmooze and a nosh before services, and dinner, drinks, and more schmooze afterwards. Our evening ends at 10:00 p.m.

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

SUNDAY,

DECEMBER 18: 1st candle

Chanukah Party for Families with Young Children

10:00 a.m. Come enjoy local performer Vanessa Trien and Friends, games, crafts, doughnuts, dreidel hunts, chocolate gelt, and more! Onsite. Please register.

Community Candle Lighting

6:00 p.m. Join us online.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19: 2nd candle

Chanukah @ The Tent

5:45 p.m. All teens are welcome for a night of friends, food, and fun. Onsite.

Community Candle Lighting

6:00 p.m. Join us online.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20: 3rd candle

Religious School Candle Lighting

5:45 p.m. Onsite Family candle lighting and music

Riverway Chanukah Party (20s/30s)

8:00 p.m. Onsite. Enjoy the best sufganiyot in town and light the menorah with your fellow Riverway Project members for our second annual Chanukah celebration!

Community Candle Lighting

6:00 p.m. Join us online.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21: 4th candle

Community Candle Lighting

6:00 p.m. Join us online.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22: 5th candle

Religious School Candle Lighting

5:45 p.m. Onsite. Family candle lighting and music.

Community Candle Lighting

6:00 p.m. Join us online.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23: 6th candle

Chanukah Qabbalat Shabbat

6:00 p.m. Join us onsite or online for a festive Chanukah Shabbat! We invite those attending onsite to stay for a community dinner of Chinese food and celebrate Chanukah together. RSVP to McKenzie Johnson at mjohnson@tisrael.org if you plan to attend the dinner.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24: 7th candle

Riverway Chanukah Cookie Decorating (20s/30s)

5:00 p.m. Join the Riverway Project community for an evening of Chanukah cookie decoration (and eating) in Belmont.

Musical Chanukah Havdalah

6:00 p.m. Gather online for a joyful and musical celebration led by Temple Israel clergy. We will sing, light the chanukiah, and close with Havdalah as we say goodbye to Shabbat and welcome the new week.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25: 8th candle

Community Candle Lighting

6:00 p.m. Join us online.

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

TI's REDI Norms: How We Engage

Our Temple Israel REDI (Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) team created these REDI Norms in an effort to help center us as we gather throughout Temple Israel life. Each of the seven NORMS, drawn from our Jewish tradition, represents a VALUE that we hope to embody in our communal interactions. Sometimes at the beginning of a gathering, we will identify a norm we feel guided by; other times we will recognize an area that needs more attention. We are excited to continue using this guide as a tool to call each other in, and hold ourselves accountable in our interactions as we live Judaism together.

How We Engage

Temple Israel embraces these NORMS, drawn from Jewish VALUES, for conversations and other interactions at our synagogue. We call on everyone in our community to take individual responsibility for upholding these norms.

I am here

יננה Hineini

We give our full attention to the conversation Go

Forth

ךל‐ךל

Lech Lecha

We embrace the unknown, turning discomfort into inquiry

My Truth

ילש תמאה

HaEmet Sheli

We use “I” statements, speaking from our own experiences

Responsibility

תוירחא

Achrayut

We assume the best intent in others and take responsibility for any unintended impact of our words and actions

Respect

דובכ

Kavod

We engage in respectful communication because everyone’s story is sacred

Listen עמש Shema

We listen actively with an open heart and a curious mind

Humility

הונﬠ Anavah

We create an environment in which everyone has the opportunity to contribute to the conversation

*These norms were created by Temple Israel’s Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) Team

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

Welcome to our newest members!

BOSTON

Adam Lipworth & Annie Weiss (Jacob, Miles, Zoe)

Aela Hebert

Betsy Banks Epstein & David Epstein

Diana Singer

Hannah Bender & Bradley Bousquet

Helaine Bach

Jenna Isaacson

Joel & Brittany Webb (Caleb, Oren)

Kate Greene

Laurel Sgan & Adam Kibel

Leah Goldman & Justin Manjourides (Ada)

Michael & Rachael Licker (Eli, Jake)

Michelle Gaudet

Mrs. Rachelle Cohen

Rachel Widom

Sofia Berman Rodriguez

Stuart Isaacs

Mr. Ira Jackson

BRIGHTON

Eryn & Rae'e Yamin (Ronen)

Rebecca Noymer & Joshua Matulsky

BROOKLINE

Ben Hellerstein

Cammy Brothers & Abhi Shelat (Aadi, Liela, Zuriel)

Jared Mayers

Jerome Pomeranz

Joshua & Tatyana Lessing (Ronen, Sophia)

Lauren & Eliezer Van Allen (Asher, Estee)

Lindsay Silverman

Lisa Cameron

CAMBRIDGE

Christopher Wetmore

Daniele Turken & Charles Mackel (Jesse)

Jeffrey Hodess & Michelle Goldman (Bennett, Elliot Hodess)

Miryam Segal & Wolfgang Mueller (Ethan Rossi)

Ronnie Hellman

Mutaamba Maasha

Natalie Labossier

Samantha & Andrew Miller (Austin, Bianca, Leila)

Sharon Novie-Greenberg & David Greenberg (Beau, Caleb Greenberg)

Sophia Pellis & Sarah Pomeranz

Alex Semendinger & Perri Lomberg

CHARLESTOWN

Jennifer Schulte (Henry, Jacob, Rebecca Burak)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

Beth Weisbach

CONCORD

Michaela Romano-Meade

DEDHAM

Michelle & Andrew Gilhooly (Samuel, William)

JAMAICA PLAIN

Amy Lederman

Chloe Bird

Joshua & Miriam Ozer (Eli, Joel)

Karima Ridgley

Lillia Lara Sanchez & Zachary Berkowitz (Tessa)

Martha Merson

Rachel & Asher Page (Avi, Gideon)

KENSINGTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE Eric Miller

MILTON

Anne Fallon

Audrey Fallon

NEWTON

Daniel Cohen & Rachel Spadaro

Adam Falk

Mrs. Beth Davis

Fred Wilcon & Susan Kaswell-Wilcon Michael Simon

PEABODY

Jeannie Bass

REVERE

Leah Ben-Ami

SHARON

Daniel & Lisa Azrin (Eli, Lilly, Sandy, Willow)

SOMERVILLE Hilary Moss Rachel Tessler

SUDBURY Janice Corkin Rudolf

WALTHAM Emma Novins

Luke Haberman & Heather Alper

WATERTOWN Emily Conrad

WEST ROXBURY

Rachel Katzmann (Jeremy, Jessica)

WESTWOOD

Janie Lorber & Susan Lorber

WOBURN Molly Jones & Sara Saltzer

NALANI

McKENZIE JOHNSON

EMILY ROSS Archivist

SANISA SAVANE Receptionist

How Awesome Is This Place!

We lift up how amazing and wonderful Temple Israel is for all of us by showcasing our members who have experienced just how awesome this place is in a series of exhibits in the Wyner Museum and on our website: www.tisrael.org/awesome#exhibit. Here are excerpts from the current exhibit.

Though I grew up with a very strong cultural Jewish identity, I never felt “at home” in a synagogue because I didn’t grow up with a solid foundation in Torah, synagogue life, or Jewish traditions and prayers – until I found Temple Israel. TI quickly became a home for my husband and me, and eventually, our three children. It was the place where I discovered MY Judaism and where I learned to LIVE my Judaism in the world. To me, Temple Israel has always felt like an embrace… a source of strength, wisdom, comfort, growth, and love.

— Remi Dansinger

During the service for our daughter Hannah’s Bat Mitzvah last year, Rabbi Zecher asked those in attendance who have been affiliated with Temple Israel in any way, at any point in their lives, to join us on the bimah. What happened next took our breath away – 80% of our guests got up and surrounded us with tremendous love and warmth. There must have been almost 100 people up there! This experience made us realize more than ever how the TI community has become like family.

–Sharon Forman & Craig Sender

In 1979, looking for a way to help with the resettlement of Vietnamese refugees, we discovered Temple Israel. We became the sponsoring family for the first group of refugees from Vietnam. That was the beginning of a life-long connection with congregants and clergy at Temple Israel: Rabbi Mehlman at Ariadne’s Bat Mitzvah, and Rabbi Friedman at her wedding to Tina; working with Rabbi Zecher and TI members to re-envision the liturgy for the Days of Awe; learning to chant with Cantor Einhorn; creating haggadot with Fran Godine for the Second Seder; and working with many congregants to create more than ten years of The Women’s Kallah. My life, and the life of my family, has been enriched, nourished, and blessed by our connection to Temple Israel. God is in this place.

— Em Mueller and Family

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

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: Ann Abrams, Curator & Librarian; Linda Okun, Proofreader; Michael Sandman, Photography Consultant; Naomi Ribner, Installation Assistant; Harriet Greenfield & Pam Goodman, Museum Committee; Rabbi Elaine Zecher, Senior Rabbi

We came, so many years ago, because of the carpools; we stayed, for what seems like many lifetimes, for so much more. Reform Judaism was a choice, building a community was a must, and sharing the driving for rush hour Hebrew School pickups was a dream. Somewhere in the 1980s, we first entered Temple Israel and were immediately enmeshed into the Sunday School/ Hebrew School journey; here we cultivated relationships with old friends, developed many new ones and built our own form of an observant Jewish home. We have celebrated the entire life cycle of family events and celebrations (from baby namings to b’nei mitzvah, to conversions to funerals) within the walls and under the umbrella of Temple Israel’s community of love and learning.

I have recently moved back to Temple Israel after a few years in California and I am once again finding comfort and learning within our sacred walls, learning each day how relevant our traditions and rituals and teachings are to my life and my place within. Our clergy and staff continue to offer incredible opportunities for study, for action, for growth, and I continue to be grateful for it all. Thank you.

— The Noe Family

I joined Temple Israel in 2003. At last, I was on the inside looking out, instead of always on the outside looking in. Two years later, being on the inside helped me get through the demise of my beloved daughter, Marcia Zoe Martin. TI was a place for me to come and share my grief together with a group of people who lost close family members. Fast forward, I was happy to hear that there would soon be a learning program for the seasoned community of TI (TILLI), and I wrote an article for Insight stating how pleased I was! A few years later, I was called to the bimah and given my Hebrew name, Ahuvah. When I was hospitalized, members of the TI community visited me. I am grateful to my friend and TI member, Elsa Galdston, for encouraging me to volunteer to meet and greet members and visitors on Qabbalat Shabbat. On my 85th birthday, I was humbled when Rabbi Zecher invited me to the bimah and gave me a special blessing. Over the years, it has been very meaningful for me to participate in Qabbalat Shabbat, all the holiday services, and the daily minyan. Let me say thank you to clergy, members, and staff for 17 meaningful years of welcoming me and encouraging my full participation in Temple Israel life. I am grateful to be on the inside looking out.

— Adele Sheinfield

The B’Mitzvah Experience at Temple Israel

By Cantor Alicia Stillman

4th grade

Parties were canceled; Zoom was downloaded; masks and plexiglas screens ordered — kids smiled; we all logged on; and filled with Torah, we soldiered forward. But what was so stunning about every single one of these ceremonies was how the meaning of the ceremony, and the deep connection to the Jewish journey of the family, guided all of the adaptive choices we made — think Zoom, social distancing, and limited guests. As I immersed myself in our B’Mitzvah program that first year and experienced the unfolding of all its elements, it soon became clear to me why our program is so special and so meaningful to our kids. I invite you to walk with me in the footsteps of a B'Mitzvah family at Temple Israel through those precious preparatory years.

In fourth grade, our initial outreach begins — after our spectacular Religious School education team supports, celebrates, and educates, truly creating community for all the years leading up to this moment — when we invite surprised parents of 9- and 10-year olds to request a ceremony date that is close to their child’s 13th birthday. This is one of the first, but it’s certainly not the last time we meet, as there are countless opportunities to grow together as a family, a class, a school, and one-on-one with all five members of the clergy. Once families receive their date, they celebrate together with a blessing at one of our spring Shabbat Mishpachah services.

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

Seemingly long-ago history, my pandemic arrival in the summer of 2020 brought me a class-full of B’Mitzvah heroes — those spring/summer 13-year-olds who had their ceremonies altered in the most fundamental ways.

Rosh Hashanah morning family service: Hava Meyers, 8th grade, chanting Torah with Eliza Decaneas and Al Ptaszek. Our B'Mitzvah 'heroes'—students who celebrated their B'Mitzvah during the pandemic—were called for an aliyah.

5th grade

In fifth grade, our kids are introduced to their Torah portion at our grade-wide Torah celebration — a day of bonding with each other, learning about where their Torah portion falls in the annual cycle, the methodology behind writing a d’var Torah, how they can participate in our social justice initiatives, and the Justice League. It’s a very rich day.

6th grade

Sixth grade is no less significant — individual family meetings with clergy members to discuss their Torah portion in depth and the 10-15 verses most interesting to them; these chosen verses will be the foundation from which their d’var Torah will grow the following year when they work with the Rabbi who will stand with them on the bima for their service. B’Mitzvah 101 is our family program for sixth grade families — we speak about the components of the Shabbat morning service, places to honor family and friends, expectations for what the students themselves will learn; we have deeper discussions regarding their Justice League interests. Then finally, without the kids, parents have an opportunity to have a meaningful conversation with other parents about what it means to be approaching this moment in time, in Jewish time — our love, our pride, our challenges, and our joy for these babies who are no longer babies…how in the world has 13 years gone by?

7th grade

As our students move into seventh grade, the focus of their learning is centered on their B’Mitzvah service: they’ve begun individualized tutoring, learning to lead prayers and chant Torah and Haftarah, and writing their d’vrei Torah and Haftarah with the rabbis. Their home life also grows Jewishly as they see and hear the liturgy they are learning come to life during Shabbat services. It is a remarkable evolution as they stand taller and prouder, readying themselves to lead Qiddush at Qabbalat Shabbat and chant with their community.

I see Rabbis on the bima tell students how much they care about them, and I know they mean it. I hear our team speak about “celebrating” the kids and families, and I know they mean it. When candy showers our B’Mitzvah kids with sweetness on the bima after they finish chanting and they laugh with joy and pride, I know they mean it.

What an honor to see the kids stand with their Temple Israel friends saying, “Hineini, I am here!”

Risa Goldfeld leading Qiddush at the Qabbalat Shabbat before her Bat Mitzvah.

Rachel Goldberg holding the Torah at her Bat Mitzvah, with Cantor Stillman and Rabbi Zecher.

27 JAN 2023

SCIENTISTS IN SYNAGOGUES:

Caring for the Body, Caring for the Soul, with Stephanie Meyers and Rabbi Elaine Zecher

6:00 p.m., Friday, January 27 at Qabbalat Shabbat

Join Stephanie Meyers, TI member and registered dietitian and nutritionist, and Rabbi Elaine Zecher for an interactive discussion about what the science of eating can teach us about mindfulness, self-compassion, and fostering healthier behaviors for our bodies and minds.

This project is part of an international program entitled "Scientists in Synagogues," a grass-roots initiative run by Sinai and Synapses in consultation with the American Association for the Advancement of Science Dialogue on Science, Ethics and Religion, and funded by the John Templeton Foundation, along with other individual donors.

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

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

Rabbi Ronne Friedman, Rabbi Emeritus

Rabbi Bernard H. Mehlman, Senior Scholar

Cantor Roy B. Einhorn, Cantor Emeritus

Laurence Bailen, President

Jessica Greenfield, Vice President Chris Noe, Treasurer

Dan Deutsch, Executive Director

Amy Bolotin, FJECC Preschool Director Emma Koblick, Director of Communications 617-566-3960 | www.tisrael.org facebook.com/TempleIsraelBoston twitter.com/TI_Boston

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Temple Israel of Boston

Non Profit US Postage PAID Permit 50648 Boston, MA SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2023

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