Winter 2023/2024|5784 November, December, January Cheshvan, Kislev, Tevet, Sh'vat
into Temple Israel of Boston We danced together for Simchat Torah on Nessel Way with our visiting Israeli teens the night before the October 7 attacks in Israel. Read more inside about our response to the War in Israel.
INSIGHT Winter 2023/2024|5784
IN THIS ISSUE...
15 SAVE THE DATE: SHABBAT TZEDEK 2024 16 FJECC SEEKS "GRAND FRIENDS" 17 PHOTOS: CELEBRATING RABBI
UPCOMING JEWISH HOLIDAYS
FEATURED STORY
4 A MESSAGE FROM RABBI ZECHER 5 THE WAR IN ISRAEL MEHLMAN'S 60 YEARS IN THE RABBINATE 6 PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NOTES 18 SAVE THE DATE: CHANUKAH 5784 7 PROCESSING THE TERROR ATTACKS IN ISRAEL 8 THE EXPERIENCE OF THE VISITING ISRAELI TEENS 19 SHABBAT SHIRAH CONCERT 10 PHOTOS: CELEBRATING THE HIGH HOLY DAYS 20 NEW MEMBERS & LIFECYCLES 12 INNOVATIVE SIMCHAT TORAH CELEBRATION 22 YAHRZEITS 13 HIGH HOLY DAY CONGREGANT REFLECTIONS 23 CONTRIBUTIONS 14 TORAH TRANSLATION PROJECT
December 7‑15, 2023 | CHANUKAH More about Chanukah on page 18 January 24‑25, 2024 | TU B'SHVAT More about Tu B'Shvat on page 19 March 23‑24, 2024 | PURIM
This year over Sukkot we were visited by a delegation of 11th graders from Kiryat Hayim school in Haifa. We had a wonderful week together, visiting Jewish sites in Boston. Together we danced with the Torah on Simchat Torah, deepening our connections to Judaism and each other. The next morning, we all woke up to calls and texts from family members about the tragedy that was unfolding in Israel. Read the full article on page 8.
2
Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.
It's more than just our tagline. We really are living Judaism together!
TI members joined with Neighborhood Villages and hundreds of others to fill the Gardner Auditorium and share powerful stories about the need for more affordable and accessible childcare. For more information, contact tputerman@tisrael.org.
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. 3
Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR SENIOR RABBI Before we can look toward Chanukah, we turn to face the end of the holiday of Sukkot when the world turned upside down. None of us could have imagined the horror we would awaken to on the morning of Simchat Torah, the end of Sukkot. Hamas’ savagery brutalized Israel by a terrorist attack and murdered more than 1,400 souls and took 229 hostages. I believe it is important to recognize that Hamas’ heinous rampage attacked Israeli citizens made up of Jews, Muslims, and Christians, Arabs, Israelis, Palestinians, Bedouin, Druze, and many others who call Israel home. They have caused suffering of innocent Palestinians of Gaza and put them in harm’s way by forcing civilians to be human shields. I hope by the time you receive this issue of Insight, Hamas will no longer be a threat to peace and the hostages will be in the safe embrace of their families. I hope and pray it will be so. There are those in the ancient world who saw Chanukah as really the holiday of Sukkot - delayed. In that time, the Greco-Syrian Hellenistic forces ravaged the Temple in Jerusalem and prevented the Jewish pilgrimage harvest festival of Sukkot from being celebrated. They declared war on the small Jewish population, but they did not prevail. Months later, after declaring victory, the Maccabees purified and rededicated the Temple and brought forth their offerings. They celebrated how their perseverance and commitment to Jewish existence could overcome their enemies’ attempts to destroy them. They not only survived; they thrived. Years later, the rabbis attached these words of the prophet Zechariah (4:6) to the commemoration of the time when the Maccabees brought light out of the dark moment in their history: Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit, said God of Hosts. ֹלא בחיל ולא בכח כי אם ברוחי אמר יהוה צבאות Their focus and ours in our own day is the spiritual power we share to overcome the devastatingly horrendous assault on Israel and Judaism. We continue because of a belief in the power of our tradition to guide us and inspire us to live lives with meaning. This year as we enter Chanukah, may we find the strength of our spirit to endure and to ensure that Jewish tradition and celebration helps to light the way.
Rabbi Elaine Zecher
4
Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.
We live in heart wrenching times. On October 7, 2023 we didn’t even get to end Simchat Torah before the terrorist attack by Hamas had begun killing more than 1,400 Israelis. Their attack on Israel is against every citizen: Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Arab, Palestinian, Druze, and many other nationals. We also grieve for the innocent Palestinians in Gaza. We have gathered together some resources on our website, which can be found at www.tisrael.org/ resources-and-information-about-israel or by scanning the code on this page. We hope that you will find them helpful as we try to navigate through the shoals of grief and despair for so many lives lost. "We think the TI site on resources and information about Israel at War was extremely well done and all temples frankly should use it as a model. It means a lot that this extensive content is on the website and we greatly appreciate it as a resource." — Doug and Cheryl Fisher 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. The safety of our community is a top priority. As is most often the case, you may not always see our security efforts, but please know they are always being actively addressed, evaluated, and adjusted. Security is something that we all need to participate in — if you see or hear something unusual around our facility, please report it to the front desk, Dan Deutsch, or one of the clergy.
5
Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.
NOTES TO OUR COMMUNITY I consider it one of my life's greatest gifts to have a home like Temple Israel to return to in times of celebration and mourning, to seek learning, understanding, and community. In recent months, there have been many opportunities to do both. We all experienced moments of transcendence and joy during our High Holy Days, culminating in dancing with our sacred scrolls on Simchat Torah, hand-in-hand with our visiting students from the Haifa exchange. The next morning, we awoke to the terrible news of violence in Israel. The loss of too many innocent lives continues. So many of you have been present onsite and online since then, witnessing the support of our allies Jessica Greenfield from across the city. Our staff have bravely continued their work keeping us informed, engaged, Board President and safe. Our clergy and educators have hosted conversations for members at every age and stage, allowing us to share our fears for ourselves, for our families, and Jews worldwide. As we come together to celebrate Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, we are reminded of the enduring strength of our community and the radiant hope that this holiday represents. Chanukah reminds us of the power of resilience and faith. May this Chanukah bring light into your homes and hearts. Let us reflect on the miracles of the past, look forward to the promise of a brighter future, and experience gratitude for the gift of this place.
It was so wonderful to come together for the High Holy Days, both onsite and online. As your Executive Director, I have a front-row seat and love watching our community come together to mark the passage of another year of vibrant Jewish life. Over 7,000 people entered our building, and several thousand more participated online. Our staff, lay leaders, and clergy worked tirelessly to create an environment to welcome everyone, enabling each person to have their own meaningful experiences. As we look to the future, even with all the uncertainty that has occurred since the events of October 7 in Israel, I know that the thing that brings me comfort is being together with all of you. As Rabbi Oberstein said, now is time to “double down” on being Jewish, and I invite you to connect and find your own connections, meaning, and possibility at TI. Dan Deutsch Executive Director
I also want to be sure you know how seriously we take security at Temple Israel. I am grateful to the Safety and Security Committee, chaired by Frank Friedman, for their important work that ensures we can carry out our mission of living Judaism together. We work closely with community partners and a dedicated security team. This continues to be a top priority of our synagogue and will continue to take much investment from all parts of our community. Thank you in advance for your support and help. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. I look forward to continuing to be your partner in the important work of our TI community.
6
Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.
Processing the Terrorist Attacks in Israel 350 Riverway Project attendees unpacked their feelings about the October 7, 2023 attacks, together in community.
On Friday, October 13, Rabbi Andrew Oberstein and Dr. Caroline C. Kaufman led a processing session following the Riverway Project’s monthly Shabbat service and dinner for 20s & 30s in the wake of the unprecedented October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel. The session was led with the goal of providing a space for Riverway Project attendees to express thoughts and emotions following the attacks, as well as an opportunity for attendees to provide support to one another in a community setting. Dr. Kaufman, a licensed clinical psychologist and member of the Riverway Leadership Team, co-led the session with Rabbi Oberstein. During the session, attendees expressed a variety of emotions, including fear, rage, and despair as well as the need for community, engagement with Jewish values, and a commitment to hope. Individuals from various backgrounds and relationships to Judaism shared their experience and provided others with advice and support. Rabbi Oberstein offered wisdom from the Talmudic tradition, as well as commentary on Jewish values in times of struggle and adversity. Dr. Kaufman offered recommendations for coping with anxiety and other strong feelings related to the attacks in Israel and ongoing events. The attendance and engagement of 350 people during this processing session has led the Riverway Leadership Team to discuss how to provide additional opportunities for the Riverway community to process and receive support during this time of war and increased antisemitism.
Our clergy team are here to support you in whatever way we can. Reach out to us at asherr@tisrael.org.
7
NALANI HAUETER
MCKENZIE JOHNSON
Engagement Associatetogether Education Administrative & Living Judaism through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact. & Riverway Project Coordinator For Adult Coordinator Programming
Israeli Teens Visiting TI During the October 7 Attacks Share Their Experience After many years of Covid-related delays to our Boston-Haifa Connection program, this year over Sukkot we were visited by a delegation of 11th graders from Kiryat Hayim school in Haifa. We had a wonderful week together, visiting Jewish sites in Boston, enjoying tourist activities downtown and introducing our visitors to all aspects of the Temple Israel community. Together we danced with the Torah on Simchat Torah, deepening our connections to Judaism and each other. The next morning, we all woke up to calls and texts from family members about the tragedy that was unfolding in Israel. There were so many different emotions, and it was extremely difficult for our visiting teens and their teachers to be so far from home. As difficult as it was, together we decided to continue spending time together as planned, and both our Israeli friends and our American community members found strength and support in our love for one another. When we said goodbye at the airport, it was hard for everyone — this was not the week any of us expected, and it was heartbreaking to know that our new friends were not returning to the home they had left just one week prior. One of the hosts, Deb Neiman, said, “We loved having Naama and Tohar stay with us. Their moms and I connected before they arrived, which was very special. They loved our Corgis and were thrilled to spend time with them. When the massacre occurred, their parents didn’t want them in front of the tv worrying. We honored their request and took the kids to Café Landwer to get a taste of home. It nourished all our souls. We keep in touch with the kids and their families. They now consider us family and welcome us to stay with them when we visit Israel.” Another parent, Marc Rysman, said, “The events in Israel on October 7 were so shocking, and having the teenagers with us at that time gave another perspective. Their home in Haifa was far from the direct attacks, but was on alert for attacks from Lebanon. Their teachers were being called up to the military, and one of them had an older sibling doing military duty. They were in constant contact with their parents, who seemed to have stopped sleeping, and naturally, we were all worried about the flight home. We tried to make the best of our time with them, but obviously, it was not the trip it should have been for them.”
8
Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.
One of our host families recalls an unpleasant interaction the teens had earlier in the week and how this brought them even closer with the teens. Sandrine Vanderlinden said, “Ariel and Emi are two loving ballerinas from Haifa who came to our place with their curious minds: hungry to learn about the U.S.A. and understand the life of Jewish families in the U.S. On their first day in Boston they went shopping at Assembly Row. They met another teenager and told him they were from Israel. His answer was unequivocal: “we cannot talk, and you are not welcome here.” That was before October 7. We were surprised by that incident and assured the two of them that this is unusual in and around Boston. They went to sleep reassured and tired after a full day of otherwise very exciting and positive group programs. On the morning of October 7, their change of mood was evident. The tension was very palpable. Their parents called from Haifa, worried about their daughters’ reaction to the horrific news. The girls remained strong and showed lots of courage. We tried to make them feel safe and united with them in hope as we reached out to our respective Israeli family members. We made sure they knew that we will never let them and their family down. We were happy to host them as long as they wished. We quickly realized this would not be a short lived episode. We let them know that they would never be left alone and that they would always have a place in our heart and our home as we stand in solidarity with them, their families, and the citizens of Israel.” One of our host teens, Theo, bonded instantly with Shahar, the Israeli teen he was paired with. Theo said, “Shahar was a super friendly and outgoing kid, and we bonded instantly and goofed off. He went from not knowing which host family he would have upon arrival to having in his own words 'the best week of his life.' Then after dancing in the streets on Simchat Torah, the next morning his country was at war. Yet here we are, weeks later playing Minecraft halfway across the world from each other.” We have all been changed by this experience. The teens and teachers from Kiryat Hayim are always on our minds, and we have all stayed in communication with them. As this crisis unfolds, our personal connection to our friends in Haifa is a blessing that we are grateful for.
9
Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.
A LOOK BACK: CELEBRATING THE
10
Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.
5784 HIGH HOLY DAYS TOGETHER
11
Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.
O
io t a r b le novative 5784 Sim e n I C r h u chat Tora
n
Simchat Torah, heralding the end of the High Holy Day season, is celebrated by dancing with the Torah and seeing a Torah scroll completely unrolled and held aloft by careful fingers, as we review the stories and songs as told through our cycle of Torah readings. Born out of the 2020 pandemic, and the need to reinvent our rituals for online worship — we’ve engaged with Torah in exciting new ways, and thus Simchat Torah: An Immersive Experience was created. Our largest celebration yet, filled to the brim with congregants, clergy, newly consecrated students and families, and Israeli exchange students, all focused their attention on the five tables positioned in the middle of Levi Auditorium. Each of these tables held a Torah scroll, rolled open to one of the books of the Torah - from which our five clergy and popular roving Torah-cam brought liturgy and Torah to life.
"Simchat Torah was significant for our family this year because my son also celebrated his B’Mitzvah. We held the rehearsal the Tuesday before it, which had been scheduled months before the day. With the rush of September school and sports, B’Mitzvah party planning, and the general busyness of work, I hadn’t given the rehearsal much thought. Then we stepped onto the bima. The Cantor laid out the two scrolls and my son began chanting. I became present, with the felt sense of being surrounded by generations holding us in sanctity and love. In that moment, and later when my son became a B’Mitzvah with the kind guidance of the clergy, all the other busyness melted away. I felt joyful and grateful." — Jodi Anthony
When we lit the Shabbat candles, Rabbi Oberstein chanted ‘vay’hi or’ from Genesis: Let there be light. When we chanted the Shema, Cantor Stillman and the congregation chanted from the book of Deuteronomy. We sang Mi Chamocha and V’shamru directly out of the book of Exodus, Rabbi Jacobson’s yad serving as a communal pointer. Rabbi Slipakoff led us through the holiness code of Leviticus. Rabbi Zecher both opened our evening service as the story of our lives told through Torah, and closed the service, using Moses’ death at the end of Deuteronomy as a way to consider our own mortality while remembering our loved ones and the role they played in our lives. For those who do not often find themselves in close proximity to our sacred texts, this is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity, and at Temple Israel it’s offered once every year! Adults and children alike come close to and examine the Torah, its script, its parchment, the wooden scrolls that hold it, as have the many thousands of people who have carried it through the years. As is our custom, the service and celebration spilled out onto Nessel Way for dessert and dancing with the Torah scrolls to the Klezmer music of Shirim.
12
Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.
High Holy Day 5784 Congregant Reflections
"
I had such a wonderful experience livestreaming the High Holy Days, particularly on Yom Kippur! Could feel the powerful and joyful energy between you all even through the screen. The music was also so beautiful."
"
My family were members about 60+ years ago when I lived in the Boston area. After living in a number of places feel I’ve come home. Loved the services and will keep on with them as long as I can. Thank you."
"
Thank you so much for opening the service to the broader community. As a west coast resident, the livestream allowed me to share in the service with my Boston based daughter. Truly a deeply meaningful and loving, inclusive experience."
13
Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.
We Are Part of the Translation of Torah for a New Generation! The Central Conference of American Rabbis has embarked on a new translation project. Temple Israel took part in three pilot study sessions, where we examined the text and the accompanying notes and engaged in a lively discussion. "A refrain I have heard often at Temple Israel is that "all translation is interpretation." This is what drew me to this project — to see how that comes to be in a more holistic way, beyond the single word choice translators make, but instead to see how a system of beliefs, at a particular moment in time, can influence the overall point of view, tone, and meaning of a translation. I was also drawn to the opportunity to learn in community, to hear other voices, to know what and why certain elements resonate with individuals, and to be pushed to think about questions I would have otherwise not considered. Seeing the principles of the translation come to life in our first session was edifying, as was seeing how our own personal identities and beliefs shape our relationship to a translation." — Sharon Liszanckie
"When I first heard about the Torah Translation Project I knew that I wanted to participate, though I was taken by surprise. What does it even mean to ‘translate’ the Torah? Isn’t the Torah a fixed and sacred text? And what is it about this moment in time that calls for a new translation? When we gathered with Rabbi Zecher last Saturday morning at Torah Study for our first ‘translation conversation,’ I remembered my grandfather going to Shul on Saturday mornings to study Torah and how inaccessible that experience seemed to me. Now I realize that my interest in this project has to do with time, of intergenerational links in Judaism, of family and personal history, and of my Temple Israel community and all the words and stories in Torah that bind us together and carry us into the future." — Marcy Bienen
Save the Date: Shabbat Tzedek & MLK Weekend JANUARY 12 - 14, 2024 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.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 12 • 6:00 P.M. QABBALAT SHABBAT Join us in welcoming our honored guest Imari Paris Jeffries, PhD, CEO and President of Embrace Boston. This service is open to people of all faiths. Before the service, at 5:15 p.m., we will have Shabbat Mishpachah with pizza for all kids, teens, and families. During Qabbalat Shabbat, young children will have the opportunity to leave the service for a kidsonly justice learning program. After the service, everyone is invited to an onsite festive oneg catered by local Black-owned restaurants and featuring the opportunity to join in Israeli dancing.
14
Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.
Temple Israel's Annual Shabbat Tzedek & MLK Weekend OUR GUEST SPEAKER: Imari Paris Jeffries, PhD, is CEO and President of Embrace Boston, where he is leading a citywide racial equity movement through The Embrace memorial, the National Embrace Center, and arts and culture-centered community organizing efforts. In 2020, Paris Jeffries joined Embrace Boston, a privately funded nonprofit that works closely with the City of Boston and The Boston Foundation to dismantle structural racism through their work at the intersection of arts and culture, community, and research and policy. By “reimagining what’s possible,” Embrace Boston cultivates the conditions necessary to effect positive, meaningful change to forge a city that leads in empathy, equity, and opportunity. One of Embrace Boston’s initiatives includes the creation of a living memorial honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King and their life in Boston. Paris Jeffries successfully raised $20 million to build The Embrace memorial, which was unveiled in January 2023 ahead of the national holiday honoring the civil rights icon and his wife. The Embrace is the first major monument built on Boston Common in more than 30 years. Paris Jeffries currently serves as a trustee of the University of Massachusetts system, in addition to serving on their Global Board of Regents. Previously, he was the executive director of Parenting Journey, CEO of the Italian Home for Children, COO of Jumpstart, interim CEO of Boston Rising, and Executive Director of Friends of the Children-Boston. Jeffries has supplemented his work with volunteer service on several boards, including the Huntington Theatre, Boston Ballet, Mass Budget and Policy, and Mass Humanities. In 2023, Paris Jeffries was named to Boston magazine’s list of 150 most influential Bostonians, and to Boston Business Journal’s Power 50. A three-time graduate of UMass Boston, he recently received his PhD through UMass Boston’s Higher Education Program. He is an Army veteran, serving from 1991 to 1996.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 13
SATURDAY EVENING
SUNDAY, JANUARY 14
TORAH STUDY & REDI GATHERING
RIVERWAY HAVDALAH GATHERING
SERVICE WITH BETHEL AME CHURCH HONORING MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
9:00 a.m.
We will begin with t’filah 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 (REDI) work. Torah study will be followed by a REDI activity.
15
7:00 p.m.
Join the Riverway Project as we honor the end of Shabbat Tzedek and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with Havdalah.
9:00 a.m.
Join us and our neighbors at Bethel AME Church, 38 Walk Hill Street, Jamaica Plain, for a Sunday worship service and Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration, with a joint sermon by TI and Bethel AME clergy.
Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.
The FJECC Preschool Seeks “Grand Friends"! Since its inception in 1994, FJECC has welcomed older members of the Temple Israel community into our classrooms. The relationships that develop between grand friends and children are intentional, long-lasting, and have deep impact in the lives of everyone they touch.
What do you need to do? Commit to one morning each week (1 - 2 hours) to be in one of our early childhood classrooms and be with children. You will be in the same classroom with the same teachers and group of children every time you visit.
Hear what last year’s Grand Friends have to say about their experience:
"
"
"
Being at FJECC has enriched my life and offered other opportunities; I joined TILLI two years ago online and now in person. During Covid and continuing to this day, I joined a short story group that meets once a week. I also joined a Shabbat dinner group where we eat and talk about everything. I have participated in postcard writing for a political campaign. I am very grateful for the opportunities being a part of FJECC and Temple Israel has given me.
"
Want to learn more? 16
"
FJECC was the entry point to Temple Israel for me. Not having grown up in Temple Israel, and not having children of my own, this has created an extended family for me. I know lots of kids and families and have seen them not only at Temple, but also at Trader Joe’s, the Farmer’s market, Huntington Theater.
Being with the children is not work. I loved my job and my business and I miss it a lot. And I miss my grandchildren. Being in the classroom has helped fill the time in between my visits to my family that makes the distance less hard. It has meant the world to me to come to FJECC. It is good for me and good for the children.
• Contact Amy Bolotin, FJECC Director at 617-739-6455, •
"
or email abolotin@tisrael.org. You are also welcome to stop by the preschool, located on the lower level of Temple Israel.
Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.
Celebrating Rabbi Bernard Mehlman's 60 Years in the Rabbinate!
On October 27, 2023, we came together for a service full of prayer, meditation, music, and a special conversation with Senior Scholar Rabbi Bernard H. Mehlman in honor of the newest edition of The Way of Humanity: According to Chasidic Teaching by Martin Buber, which he translated with Gabriel E. Padawer (z”l). During the service, we heard inspiring words from the book integrated into our prayer. Following the service, we enjoyed a celebratory light dinner oneg with joyful stories honoring Rabbi Mehlman’s 60 years in the rabbinate.
17
Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.
In the face of darkness, together we shine our Jewish light.
Happy Chanukah from Temple Israel of Boston! DECEMBER 7 - 15, 2023
Join us for a
COMMUNITY-WIDE SHABBAT CHANUKAH CELEBRATION Friday, December 8
5:15 p.m. Shabbat Mishpachah Family Dinner 6:00 p.m. Qabbalat Shabbat 7:00 p.m. Riverway Shabbat: Chanukah Edition (20s & 30s)
Chanukah programming for everyone! Mark your calendar: Online Chanukah 101 November 20, 7:00 p.m. Religious School Candle Lighting December 7, 12, 14, 5:30 p.m. RYFTI Chanukah Social Action Project December 9, offsite, contact Fallon Rubin at frubin@tisrael.org
Chanukah Party for FJECC Preschool, Village, and Religious School December 10, 10:00 a.m. Teen Chanukah Celebration December 11, 5:45 p.m. Riverway Project Chanukah Cookie Decorating (20s & 30s) December 13, 7:00 p.m. TILLI Chanukah Party December 14, 11:00 a.m.
For full program details, scan this code with your phone or visit www.tisrael.org/chanukah And...watch your inbox for daily Chanukah emails!
18
Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.
Join us on Shabbat Shirah for a Jacob's Ladder Concert at Temple Israel
Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 6:45 p.m. A long-time friend of music lovers at Temple Israel of Boston, Jacob's Ladder is returning home to help us celebrate Shabbat Shirah, the Shabbat of Song, on Saturday, January 27, 2024. Formed in 2019, Jacob's Ladder seeks to push the boundaries of contemporary Jewish music and traditional American Roots music within the context of Jewish communal singing and prayer. They tell their Jewish stories through music, combining their two musical identities to influence their lives and musical style. In doing so, Jacob’s Ladder offers a unique spiritual and musical experience to those who are wrestling with their own identity, particularly regarding what it means to be an American Jew. Jacob's Ladder’s music is rooted in traditional liturgy but the band believes that Jewish liturgical music can expand beyond traditional melodies while maintaining its essence in a traditional prayer structure. You’ll hear that the power of these texts and lyrics can have meaning and purpose outside of a prayer setting. Age-old lyrics are at the heart of what makes up their music, and have been at the forefront of our Jewish stories for centuries. Jacob’s Ladder instrumentalists are all bluegrass musicians at heart, and center themselves and their music in its natural groove and language. We are excited that Jacob’s Ladder will be joined by BerKalit – Berklee College of Music’s Jewish a cappella group – whose beautiful close harmonies will add additional dimension and spiritual scope to a wonderful evening. We look forward to celebrating Shabbat Shirah with you!
FOR THOSE IN THEIR 20S & 30S... Join the Riverway Project at Temple Israel on Saturday, January 27, before the Jacob's Ladder Concert, from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. (with a nosh before the concert) to make succulent gardens and engage in environmental justice learning for Tu B'Shvat! For more information, contact Nalani Haueter at nhaueter@tisrael.org.
19
Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.
Come spend summer with us at Temple Israel! Temple Israel Summer Camp was created in 2023 and continues to grow! Through activities, games, and creative play, our campers learn, explore, and dive into play. We create a summer camp program that complements the typical preschool program and schedule, and provides parents and caregivers who are part of our greater Temple Israel community an affordable, full day of summertime childcare.
2024 Dates Gap Week One: June 17- 21 (no camp June 19) Session 1: June 24 - July 5 (no camp July 4) Session 2: July 8 - July 19 Session 3: July 22 - August 2 Session 4: August 5 - August 16 Gap Week Two: August 19 - August 23
More About Summer Camp Our Camp Directors craft a fun weekly theme that will include a special weekly curriculum as we follow our daily routine. Each week children will explore various activities in art, music, nature exploration, science experiments, literature, cooking, and so much more. We will also make sure to have lots of rainy day plans for fun indoor play. We are excited to offer camp to children 2.5 - 6 years old.
Tuition and Hours The Temple Israel Summer camp will run ten weeks – the eight traditional weeks of summer camp and two gap weeks (one before and one after). Our hours will be 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with an optional 8:30 a.m. drop off (additional $50 per week). Tuition per week is set at $500/ week.
20
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
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 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
Save the Date: January 12 -14, 2024 An inspirational Shabbat Tzedek, a Sabbath of Justice, to celebrate the values of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. With Imari Paris Jeffries, CEO and President of Embrace Boston Details on page 14 & 15. 31
Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.
Non Profit US Postage PAID Permit 50648 Boston, MA