Chai-Lights

SPECIAL ISSUE: Margaritas & Megillahs THE HEART OF JEWISH LIVING AND PRACTICE IN METROWEST BOSTON

5785 WINTER/SPRING ISSUE NO.02 WWW.SHIRTIKVA.ORG

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From the Editor Welcome to the latest issue of Chai-Lights!

This is the first issue I’ve been able to make my own, and I couldn’t be more excited. My goal is to make this publication more artistic, engaging, and fun for you, while celebrating the incredible people and events that make our community special.

Inside, you’ll find stories of connection, creativity, and inspiration—highlighting the wonderful things happening all around us. But this magazine is meant to be a reflection of all of us, and I’d love your help bringing it to life.

If you have a story to tell, are doing great work in the community, or have photos you’d like to be considered for inclusion, please reach out. Your contributions are what will make this truly a community magazine.

Enjoy reading, and thank you for being part of this journey.

Logan Schulman lschulman@shirtikva.org

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For Hanukkah, Temple Shir Tikva in Wayland has a talking menorah.

PUBLISHED DECEMBER 23, 2024

BY NORMAN MILLER THE METROWEST DAILY NEWS

"What really excites me is that we're taking this ancient tradition and giving it a modern feel," he said.

This year, Hanukkah starts on Christmas Day and runs through Jan. 2. That puts it, Burkeman said, right in the middle of school vacation, and some at the temple were worried there would be no one available to attend the nightly lighting of each candle or to say the daily blessings — three on the first day and two on each following day.

"We were wondering what to do about the blessing just in case someone is not there during the evening to say them," Burkeman said.

In stepped temple member Jon Schwartz and its IT specialist, John Legg, who came up with an idea to ensure daily blessings are said.

Back in October, Legg had to refurbish the existing menorah JOHN LEGG AND JON SCHWARTZ POSE WITH THE AUTOMATED MENORAH

because

it

got

damaged

by

water,

Schwartz said. At that time, they realized when Hanukkah was — it can start anywhere from late November to late December, depending on the Hebrew calendar for a given year — and became concerned about the blessings.

A Jewish temple is combining modern-day technology with ancient religious practices during

"I have a background in robotics, and I've been

Hanukkah.

building robots my whole life; I thought we could Temple Shir Tikva, at 141 Boston Post Road (Route

build the menorah to light itself," Schwartz said. "I

20), has an automated menorah that not only lights

started writing the code to automatically light each

itself for each of Hanukkah's eight nights, but also

night, and I started to think (that) if no one is there to

recites the daily blessings, according to Senior

light the lights, no one is going to be there to say

Rabbi Danny Burkeman.

the prayers, so why not make the robot do that?"

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Schwartz said he contacted Burkeman to see if it

Burkeman hopes the lighting of the menorah can

would be OK to make the menorah be able to speak

bring people joy.

and he gave him the OK. "This is a lovely innovation," he said. "We hope that "A quick Amazon order and six hours of doing

during this time of darkness it brings people some

coding work, and it knows how to say all of the

light."

prayers in Hebrew," Schwartz said. "It can now light itself and take care of itself."

The blessings are actually a recording of Cantor Hollis Suzanne Schachner, Schwartz said.

The menorah is programmed for every Hanukkah through 2043, he added.

Schwartz said the goal was to ensure the blessings were said each day during Hanukkah in case no one was there. However, word has gotten out to other parishioners.

Student Rabbi Sara Klugman and Cantor Hollis Schachner lead the congregation in prayers and candle lighting after shabbat services.

"Now everyone wants to come out to see the talking menorah," he said.

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ZACH SILVERMAN, THEO FINLAYSON, AND BENJI NABLE HANGING OUT IN THE CHADAR OCHEL (DINING HALL)

“Our students often cite the Shabbaton as one of the most memorable experiences of their entire learning journey at TST...”

Our Shabbaton is always a highlight of our calendar year. Framed by the falling flakes of mid-winter snow, our 6th grade class escapes to Eisner Camp in the Berkshire mountains for a weekend of learning, community, and joy.

This year’s 6th grade class enjoyed many of the classic hallmarks of our Shabbaton weekend, including three cornerstone learning programs exploring their relationships with G-d, Torah, and sacred space, as well as many fun bonding activities like goofy mixer games, active scavenger hunts, and impromptu B. Mitzvah dance floor favorites.

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We also shared in meaningful Shabbat evening, morning, and Havdalah services with Rabbi Danny and our songleader, Noah, in the beautiful library of Manor House. (It’s quite the experience to be praying surrounded by the ornate, gilded paintings and architecture of antiquity!)

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Each year, our students get their own “Shabbaton Mascot,” and this year’s class instantly fell in love with their new friend Percy the Parrot. Our students often cite the Shabbaton as one of the most memorable experiences of their entire learning journey at TST, and we are so grateful to have had another amazing, memorable weekend with this class of our Hineini 6th graders.

RABBI DANNY BURKEMAN TEACHING THE SHABBATON ATTENDEES

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Inside the 12th Grade RAC Trip to Washington D.C.

BY BRIDGET O’DONNELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNA FRIEDMAN

The 12th-grade Religious Action Center L’Taken trip was a fantastic experience for me to combine my Jewish identity with the opportunity to advocate for important political issues that I’m passionate about. During our time on the trip, we spent three days exploring DC and participating in workshops that would prepare us to lobby on Capitol Hill for the first time. Another powerful moment of our trip was visiting the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. This was my first time experiencing a museum like this, and it was moving to see such an important part of Jewish history. One thing that I noticed was how well the museum was able to preserve and display the historic artifacts and exhibits.

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MILES ESTERMAN, ALEX SOBOL, AND GRAHAM HENRICH LOBBY IN THE OFFICE OF REPRESENTATIVE KATHERINE CLARK

Additionally, I enjoyed the service we attended on Saturday morning. My favorite part was the D’var Torah, which talked about the role teenagers play in our country's future. This inspiring speech made me realize how much of a difference I was making for the first time; it showed me that young people caring about the future is something we cannot take for granted. Another aspect of the service I enjoyed was seeing other Jewish teens from all over the country doing the same thing as us—using our voices in such a powerful way. On our last day of the trip, we spent the morning lobbying on Capitol Hill, and I had the chance to speak to Senator Ed Markey’s staffers about legislation regarding assault weapon legislation. It was amazing to see how the Senate functions on a day-to-day basis and feel the change we’re making firsthand. The trip inspired me to get more involved in local politics because I’ve learned how I can use my voice to be the change I want to see in the world!

12TH GRADERS ENJOYING THEIR TIME ON THE PLANE

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Margaritas & Megillahs PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHELDON GOLDER

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ELIZABETH BROSGOL, SUE VAN DYKE, AND LESLIE ROSENBLATT ENJOYING PURIMTHEMED MARGARITAS

On March 8th, close to 200 members of the TST community gathered at the Temple for Margaritas & Megillahs, a Purim-inspired adult-only event that kicked off the community phase of the $7.5 million “Imagine The Possibilities” campaign. The event was well-attended by members of all ages and cohorts, from new members, to ELC parents, to Hineini and AISH parents, to founders, and the party kept going until nearly eleven o’clock at night.

The event, run by TST’s Shanna Gershman and her company The Black Fly Group, featured dynamic and immersive signage with professional photographs of TST and its members, artistic renderings of future capital projects, professional sound and lighting, speeches from TST President Jackie Loren and Rabbi Danny, and hours of music and lively conversation. The event was also highlighted by a signature margarita creation by TST member Jackie Adelson, crafted exclusively for this year’s campaign.

TYLER SUNDET MAKING A TASTY TREAT AT THE SMORES BAR

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In kicking off the evening, Jackie reminded the room that “We do not just imagine the possibilities—we celebrate them! Because this campaign is about more than buildings and projects. It’s about people. It’s about community. It’s about ensuring that our congregation remains a place of meaning, connection, and inspiration for years to come.”

Truer words have never been spoken.

As a reminder, all donors who make a gift of $180 or above to the campaign will be recognized on a personalized brick in the paved walkway in front of the Temple, so make your donation today.

CONGREGANTS SUSAN COHEN AND ROBERT KOSTER

BEAUTIFUL LOBBY SIGNAGE COURTESY OF SHANNA GERSHMAN AND THE BLACK FLY GROUP

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JESS ADANI WITH HER PARENTS, BERNIE AND PHYLLIS FEINGOLD

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DAN BROSGOL WITH MIRIAM GOODMAN AND DANIELLE KEINAN

STEPHANIE LERNER, JENNA FREIDMAN, MARISSA BROCKMAN, RABBI DANNY BURKEMAN, AND CANTOR HOLLIS SCHACHNER LEAD THE COMMUNITY IN HAVDALLAH

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Cantor Hollis exploring the arts - music, pottery and cooking ARTICLE BY MARISSA BROCKMAN AND CANTOR HOLLIS January and February were busy months at TST, but there was something, or rather someone, missing- Cantor Hollis! While we missed her music and energy each Shabbat and around the community, we are so glad she was able to enjoy a two-month sabbatical, learning and recharging. Director of Community Engagement Marissa Brockman sat down with Cantor Hollis to hear all about her time off. In the spirit of Pesach, we asked her four questions: 1. What were the Chai-lights of your sabbatical?

2. What are you most excited to implement and bring back to TST from your time away?

3. What did you miss most about TST? 4. What else do you want to share about your sabbatical with the community?

Two of Cantor Hollis’s highlights of her time away were being able to reconnect with family and explore local Jewish music. She was able to spend time with family locally, and travel to Florida and New York as well.

During the typical flow of life, it can be challenging for her to attend certain gatherings and programs, such as an in-person service at Central Synagogue in NYC. Over MLK weekend, Cantor Hollis was able to attend Shabbat Services there in person. She shared that being in a space with several thousand Jews praying and singing together was a powerful experience in a beautiful setting. Locally, she was able to explore different styles of Jewish music, specifically from artists with Mizrahi backgrounds. Cantor Hollis highlighted attending a performance of Yoni Battat, a musician with Iraqi and Polish ancestry. “His performance opened my ear to a whole new realm of Jewish music that I don’t get to lead. I was able to appreciate the expertise and colorful culture of Jewish music in Boston,” she shared.

“I am blessed to work in a community that gave me the time off to take care of myself [and I am lucky] to have a family to return to.”

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TYLER AND RACHEL SUNDET WITH RACHEL AND ALON MUNZER SPEAKING AT THE B’TEAVON CONFRENCE

For the 2nd year in a row, Cantor Hollis attended the

The morning before returning to Shir Tikva, Cantor

B’teavon food retreat hosted at Ramah Darom in

Hollis thought “Oh yay, I get to go play with my

Clayton, Georgia. This 4-day culinary exploration of

friends tomorrow!” She shared that what she missed

Jewish food culture provided an opportunity to learn

most about TST was the people! Getting to wiggle

with some of the leading chefs, food historians,

with the ELC students each Friday for Shabbat, her

restauranters, and thought leaders around culinary

B. Mitzvah students, congregants, and colleagues. “I

culture in Jewish tradition. The retreat is organized

am blessed to work in a community that gave me

by The Gefilteria, who came to TST about 6 years

the time off to take care of myself [and I am lucky]

ago to offer a session on Ashkenazi food tradition.

to have a family to return to.”

Among the presenters were TST members Rachel and Tyler Sundet and their Co-Founders Rachel

Judaism

Miller Munzer and Alon Munzer. Tyler led sessions in

through the principle of Pikuach Nefesh, the Jewish

curing your own nova and smoking your own

law that mandates prioritizing the preservation of

whitefish, and Rachel on Rugelach making and black

human

and white cookies. We are fortunate to already have

obligations. Cantor Hollis shared it can be difficult to

an amazing partnership with the Mamaleh’s team

commit to this practice during the regular pace of

and offer programs such as TST in the City. Cantor

life, and a sabbatical provides dedicated time to

Hollis would like to be able to bring in other culinary

focus on physical and mental health by spending as

scholars for hands-on workshops. Her vision for the

much time as possible in the pottery studio and

future is to build a Shabbat dinner tradition and

frequently attending hot vinyasa flow yoga. We are

cultivate a cohort of TST volunteers to cook and

grateful that the community provided Cantor Hollis

bring a taste of Shabbat out of the sanctuary and

with well-deserved time off, and even more grateful

into the social hall for our community.

that she remains a pillar of the community since 2001.

teaches

life

about

above

health

almost

all

and

other

well-being

religious

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RACHEL BARITZ NEW TST MEMBER

Meet Rachel Baritz Rachel Baritz recently joined our Temple community, bringing with her a diverse background in work, travel, and personal interests. Originally from Massachusetts, Rachel spent the past few years traveling for work in South Dakota and Northern California before ultimately deciding that it was time to return home. The process of readjusting has been challenging at times, but she now feels that she is beginning to settle in.

Professionally, Rachel is a Physician Assistant who recently transitioned from clinical practice to a teaching role. This change reflects her interest in education and a desire to share her expertise with others. Despite the demands of her career, Rachel maintains a balanced lifestyle by engaging in various hobbies. She enjoys cooking, reading, and running, and she makes it a point to attend the gym regularly.

“From day one, TST’s open and inviting environment helped me feel at home.

I’ve connected with a diverse group of individuals in no time.”

Additionally, she spends time at a local art studio, where she works on multimedia and painting projects. Her interests are not limited to indoor activities; she also appreciates seasonal pursuits such as visiting the beach during the summer and skiing in the winter.

Family also plays an important role in Rachel’s life.

She is close to her sister, brother-in-law, and young nephew, who live on the South Shore, and her father who lives in Natick. Although she experienced the loss of her mother during her college years—a loss she still feels deeply—Rachel continues to build meaningful relationships within her family and community.

Looking ahead, Rachel is primarily focused on attending Shabbat services and exploring other social groups offered by the Temple.

Chai-Lights OUR TEAM Dan Brosgol

Executive Director dbrosgol@shirtikva.org

Christina Loftus Office Manager cloftus@shirtikva.org

Marissa Brockman

Director of Community Engagement mbrockman@shirtikva.org

John Legg

IT Specialist jlegg@shirtikva.org

Logan Schulman

Events and Communications Associate lschulman@shirtikva.org

Rabbi Danny Burkeman rabbidanny@shirtikva.org

Cantor Hollis Schachner cantor@shirtikva.org

Rabbi Lisa Eiduson rabbilisa@shirtikva.org

Karen Edwards

Assistant to the Clergy kedwards@shirtikva.org

Sara Klugman

Student Rabbi sklugman@shirtikva.org

Talia Hirsh Development Coordinator

thirsh@shirtikva.org

Alison Weikel

Director of Education aweikel@shirtikva.org

Jenna Friedman

Director of Youth Engagement jfriedman@shirtikva.org

Emma Lurie

Education Administrator edadmin@shirtikva.org

Thanks to our additional contributors

Jacquelyn Loren

President, Board of Trustees jloren@shirtikva.org

Stephanie Lerner Director of ELC slerner@shirtikva.org

Marissa Kaye

ELC Administrator mkaye@shirtikva.org

SHELDON GOLDER BRIDGET O’DONNELL RACHEL BARITZ

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THANK YOU FOR READING