CHAI-LIGHTS ISSUE 3

CHAI-LIGHTS TEMPLE SHIR TIKVA

SPECIAL ISSUE: Blumberg Birthday Bash

The heart of Jewish living and practice in MetroWest Boston

5785 SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE NO.03 WWW.SHIRTIKVA.ORG

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

This is the second 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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CONTENTS 01

9-10TH GRADE: INSIDE THE NYC TRIP 06

KATI PRESTON LECTURE 08

THANK YOU SUSAN DESELMS 12

RABBI BLUMBERG CELEBRATION 17

CLASS OF 2025 GRADUATION 23

REYIM: A YEAR IN REVIEW 26

MEET THE PRESIDENT 27

IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES

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9-10th Grade New York City Trip

ARTICLE BY JENNA FRIEDMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNA FRIEDMAN

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Our annual youth group trip to New York City for TST’s 9th and 10th grade students is always a highlight of the youth engagement programmatic year. This year, we were lucky enough to have eight 9th graders join us on our trip, as well as to have a very special chaperone- TST graduate Justin Lista, who is himself an alumnus of the NYC trip! (In fact, Justin, who now works in accounting in Boston, was a participant on the very first NYC trip that Jenna led over eight years ago.)

Our adventure began early on Friday morning in Boston’s South Station, where our group gathered and boarded the bus to NYC. Thankfully, the traffic was manageable (not always a given with NYCbound traffic – if you know, you know), and we arrived in New York exactly at our scheduled time.

One of the biggest COVID-keepers that we have embraced in the post-pandemic NYC trips has been ordering food for delivery to our hotel for cozy, convenient, and dietary-restriction-friendly meals together; so, upon arrival at the Heritage Hotel, our NYC home base, our sandwiches were already there waiting for us!

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“From food, to ritual, to history, to culture, our New York City trip offered all of our participants a fullbodied, well-rounded experience of the city that never sleeps, and the Jewish fabric so deeply interwoven into its past, present, and future.”

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After fueling up with a quick lunch, we hopped on the subway for the first time (always a novel experience for our suburbanite teens!) and headed uptown. We spent most of the afternoon exploring the magnificent Metropolitan Museum of Art and strolling through Central Park – an altogether lovely time in great weather. From there, we attended Shabbat services at the stunning Central Synagogue – which, if you’ve never been there, basically gives Shabbat-on-Broadway vibes. After services we stopped by a nearby food hall for dinner and then checked out Rockefeller Center before heading to Times Square for some shopping (yes, the teens did insist on Sephora) and dessert.

Saturday began as every New York morning should – with bagels. (Our personal trip favorite is Brooklyn Bagel and Coffee Company, if you ever happen to be in NYC!) Having carbo-loaded ourselves adequately, we jumped on the downtown train to Battery Park, where we boarded a ferry bound for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The 30-minute film shown at Ellis Island remains a highlight of our experience there, grounding us in the environment of the time and enveloping us in all of the awe, fear, wonder, and more that those of us with ancestors who passed through its hallowed halls must have felt. From the theater room, we headed one floor up to the Great Hall, where all of the immigrants at Ellis Island were processed – quite literally, the room where it happened. Rarely in life do you get the chance to stand in the exact footsteps of history in such a present, direct way, and it made us feel even more connected to our immigrant heritage, and to thinking about modern-day immigration experiences in our country and our own communities.

After sailing to Lady Liberty and snagging some selfies, we grabbed some Starbucks and a quick bit of down time at the hotel before dressing up for our Broadway show. We ate an early dinner at the hotel (world-famous New York pizza from NY Pizza Suprema – which we also highly recommend!) and then jetted back to Times Square, where we saw the incredible SIX on Broadway. Going to a Broadway show is always a highlight of the New York trip, and never have any of us been to a Broadway show that felt more like a pumped-up, girl-power pop concert for queens (a perfect vibe for our group). If you ever get the chance to see SIX, run, don’t walk!

TEENS IN TIMES SQUARE

Having (barely) recovered from the magic and majesty that was SIX, we spent Sunday, our last day of the trip, exploring the historic Jewish Lower East Side of Manhattan. We began our morning (after another round of bagels at the hotel) at the beautiful Eldridge Street Synagogue, where we learned even more about the Eastern European Jewish immigrant experience at one of the oldest and most impressive synagogue buildings in the U.S. Along with seeing some modern flourishes to the building – including a mosaic installation based on the Jewish zodiac, how cool! -- as well as the results of the synagogue’s 20-year conservation and restoration project between 1986 and 2007, we also got to see and touch first-hand artifacts and edifices dating all the way back to the synagogue’s 1880s origins.

CHAI-LIGHTS After visiting Eldridge Street, we got to immerse ourselves in late 19th/early 20th century Eastern European Jewish immigrant experience even further during our tour at the Tenement Museum in the afternoon. The two tours pair really well together, in that, between synagogue life/communal life and home life, we were able to get a thorough and comprehensive picture for what life might have realistically looked and felt like for our forebearers.

Now, lest you think we missed an opportunity to indulge in the great Jewish foods in the Lower East Side -- in between our two tours, we did a fun historic Jewish food tour, including knishes at an over 100-year-old shop, pickles, more bagels (of course) and a stop to a highlight of every trip, the old-timey Economy Candy.

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From food, to ritual, to history, to culture, our New York City trip offered all of our participants a fullbodied, well-rounded experience of the city that never sleeps, and the Jewish fabric so deeply interwoven into its past, present, and future. We hope you enjoyed this recap, and if you haven’t had the chance to join us for an NYC trip yet, that we can get to share it with you in the future.

SIX MUSICAL ON BROADWAY

ELDRIDGE STREET SYNAGOGUE

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Holocaust Survivor Kati Preston Shares her story at Temple Shir Tikva ARTICLE BY RISA BURGESS

Growing up in Hungary, Kati was an only child.

She was the daughter of a Jewish father and a Catholic mother which was unusual at the time and had an idyllic young childhood. She recalls fond memories of her dear “daddy” who ran a wholesale fish business – he was her hero. Tall, dark and handsome and always laughing. And her mother was a talented dressmaker. Kati distinctly remembers the day her daddy left for the ghetto – her mother and father sobbing together. Although her mother converted to Judaism, she was not considered Jewish, so she was able to stay back.

Her mother decided to hide Kati at home in their apartment thinking they would not miss one little girl. She wasn’t allowed near the windows, she couldn’t bounce her ball or run in the apartment, and she was forbidden to go outside. One day a woman showed up at the apartment – a young, poor pheasant woman who delivered the milk. This woman, Elizabeth, was an orphan and she remembered Kati and her mother. Kati’s mother made Elizabeth her wedding dress, for free, and it was this wedding dress that saved Kati’s life.

On Wednesday, May 14 Holocaust Survivor Kati Preston shared her remarkable story of survival

Elizabeth never forgot that act of kindness and

with a captivated audience of 90+ attendees

offered to hide Kati on her farm. At the tender

both in person and on Live Stream. A resident

age of five years old, Kati lived alone in the attic

of Center Barnstead, New Hampshire, Kati

of a barn, riddled with spiders, for three months

travels to schools, colleges, and organizations

until it was finally safe for her to return to her

all around New England. Kati was never in a

apartment. It was a frightening and traumatic

concentration camp; she was considered a

experience. But, Kati is alive today due to the

hidden child. She lost 28 members of her family

courageous act of this one woman who risked

including her precious father.

her own life to save another.

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TEMPLE SHIR TIKVA STAFF POSE WITH KATI PRESTON AFTER HER PRESENTATION

Kati’s message today is simple – you can save the world from one good deed. Her everlasting message is to never underestimate the power of one and reminded the audience that we cannot go forward with hatred in our hearts, we must go forward with love, hope and optimism.

She especially reminds kids of the power they possess

to

do

the

right

thing

and

the

importance of acting with compassion to fight against hate and prejudice. She encourages her audience to embrace others who are different from ourselves and stand up against bullying.

It was an absolute honor for our community to hear Kati share her story. She has persevered in her life despite this incredible trauma. Telling her story of survival is the best way to educate others

on

the

severe

consequences

of

prejudice and hate.

Visit www.katipreston.com to read more about her life.

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Celebrating

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ARTICLE BY CANTOR HOLLIS SCHACHNER AND MARISSA BROCKMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHELDON GOLDER AND LOGAN SCHULMAN

Susan DeSelms For 21 years, Susan DeSelms has been an instrumental part of shaping the music program at TST. From directing the choir to accompanying the Clergy at services, her skill and passion for music have brought so much joy to our community. On June 13, we celebrated Susan’s 21 years at TST, with over 80 members from the choir and congregation joining us for dinner and karaoke. Sue Van Dyke, Talia Hirsh, Jill Abend, Rachel Seliber, and Candy Steingisser organized the celebrations with Cantor Hollis and Marissa Brockman.

With deep gratitude and affection, we wish Susan all the best in this next chapter. While her presence and voice will be missed, the foundation she has built will continue to grow and flourish. Our community celebration was a testament to the legacy she leaves behind and the relationships she has built over the years.

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SUSAN DESELMS LEADS THE CHOIR IN SONG DURING SHABBAT SERVICES

In Cantor Hollis’ words: Suffice it to say that the best gift God could have handed me to launch my career at TST was encountering Susan 22 years ago at the piano of a Boston University voice teacher's studio, where Susan was accompanying lessons as a grad student. Following a lesson, Susan and I walked out together into a conversation that quickly turned deep and lasted several engrossing hours standing by our cars. In Susan, I found a soul sister in sacred music, a partner who would enable me to grow our synagogue music program exponentially beyond my own skillset, and most precious of all, a lifelong treasured friend.

If I have had any enduring success at Shir Tikva, it is in no small part due to Susan, whom I will always honor for all the visible and unseen ways she has left her imprint on our hearts.

SUSAN PLAYING THE PIANO

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In the book of Chronicles 9:33 we learn of the “Meshor’rim” – from the Hebrew word for “song” – shir, as in “Shir Tikva.”

‫ְו ֵ֣אֶּלה ַ֠ה ְמ ֹׁשְר ִ֠רים ָר אֵׁ֨שי ָא ֧בֹות ַל ְל ִוִּ֛ים ַּב ְּל ָׁש ֹ֖כת ְּפ טּוִ֑רים‬ ‫ִּֽכי־יֹוָ֥מם ָוַ֛לְיָל ה ֲעֵליֶ֖הם ַּב ְּמ ָל אָֽכה׃‬ Now these are the “Meshor’rim” – the sacred songsters, the chiefs of Levitical clans who remained in the chambers free of other service, for they were on duty day and night.

We all love that our tradition centers music all the way back to Miriam and King David leading our people in celebration and offering healing songs as a balm to the troubled soul. I love that the korbanim, the sacrificial offerings in the Temple in Jerusalem, had to be accompanied by voices, the harp and the lyre, a joyful noise.

KODA, SUSAN, AND JIM DESELMS WITH CANTOR JEFF STOCK

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MEMBERS OF THE TST CHOIR JOIN TOGETHER IN SONG

The Meshor’rim, the subset of Levites who served as our sacred songsters, had to literally live in the Temple day and night. The Tanach teaches that the Meshor’rim were “free from all other duties” because their holy music was so essential, so core to the mission of our practice of Judaism.

How I wish that we were all free from every other duty but singing. But Susan lives sacred music as if she was indeed free from all other duties – putting every fiber of her being into it, bringing us all up higher than we ever knew we could rise because of her insistence that this holy work is as important, more important, than anything else that could occupy one’s attention.

And yet. As we know, none of us is truly free from other duties, even Susan. I applaud her courage in recognizing that her bandwidth is only so broad, and she knows we all love and support her in taking this step while continuing her life’s journey in song.

We offer Susan abundant hakarat hatov, recognition of all the goodness she has shared so generously and so selflessly with our TST family.

SUSAN AND CANTOR HOLLIS EMBRACING EACH OTHER

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Celebrating 90 Remarkable Years: Honoring Rabbi Emeritus Herman Blumberg at Temple Shir Tikva ARTICLE BY DAN BROSGOL PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOGAN SCHULMAN

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L’DOR VADOR : RABBI BLUMBERG SHARING THE FIRST SLICE OF CAKE WITH BENNY BURKEMAN

On May 16, the Shir Tikva community was filled with light, music, and joy as we came together to celebrate a milestone of extraordinary significance: the 90th birthday of Rabbi Emeritus Herman Blumberg.

The sanctuary was filled with warmth and reverence as congregants, family, and friends from across generations gathered for a Friday night service honoring Rabbi Blumberg, who has served as a guiding light in our community for over three decades.

The evening opened with a service full of beautiful liturgy and music that also included a sermon from Rabbi Blumberg and was followed by a celebratory dinner for over 175 people, featuring personal reflections and tributes that highlighted Rabbi Blumberg’s profound impact.

One of the most meaningful moments came from Rabbi Danny Burkeman, who offered a heartfelt message of both admiration and friendship: “I feel so blessed to have Rabbi Blumberg as our rabbi emeritus,” Rabbi Burkeman shared. “He is my teacher, my mentor, my colleague, but also most importantly, my friend. He welcomed me and my family from the first day that we arrived, and I feel so lucky to have him and Paula as part of my life.”

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These words captured what so many in the community feel: deep appreciation for a man whose wisdom, kindness, and integrity have shaped the very soul of Shir Tikva.

Rabbi Blumberg began his tenure at Temple Shir Tikva in 1986, stepping into the role of senior rabbi during a pivotal time in the congregation’s growth.

From the moment he arrived, he led with compassion, intellect, and an unwavering commitment to Jewish life. Under his leadership, Shir Tikva deepened its spiritual roots, expanded its educational programs, and became a model of inclusivity and community.

Throughout his rabbinate, Rabbi Blumberg was known for his thoughtful sermons, his comforting presence during times of need, and his ability to meet people wherever they were on their Jewish journeys. Whether officiating at life-cycle events, teaching adult learners, or guiding young families, he always led with empathy and purpose.

RABBI HERMAN BLUMBERG DELIVERS A SERMON TO THE CONGREGATION

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Today, he continues to serve as a trusted advisor, a valued teacher, and a beloved friend — not only to our clergy, but to the entire congregation.

The celebration was made even more special by the presence of many of the founding members of Temple Shir Tikva, who came to honor the rabbi who shepherded the community through critical years of development. Their attendance was a powerful reminder of our congregation’s rich history — and of Rabbi Blumberg’s enduring role in helping us evolve and thrive.

For many in the room, the evening was not just about Rabbi Blumberg’s birthday — it was about honoring a legacy that has touched thousands of lives and continues to shape our sacred community.

The social halls came alive with conversation, laughter, and memories, as guests enjoyed a festive meal and a moving program filled with tributes, stories, and gratitude.

The celebration of Rabbi Blumberg’s 90th birthday was more than a party — it was a sacred moment of reflection, gratitude, and community. It was a night to honor a rabbi, a teacher, a builder, and a friend.

And it was a chance to say, in one collective voice: thank you.

As one congregant said that evening, “Rabbi Blumberg didn’t just serve this congregation — he nurtured it. He gave it a soul.”

With endless appreciation, we offer our deepest thanks to Rabbi Blumberg for his lifetime of service, his moral clarity, and his unwavering love for this community. May he continue to be blessed with health, joy, and the knowledge that his legacy lives on in the hearts and lives of all he has touched.

Yom Huledet Sameach (Happy Birthday), Rabbi Blumberg — and thank you for everything.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Diane Black and Nancy Rossman, whose thoughtful planning and loving attention to detail made the evening a beautiful success. From décor and dinner to speeches and surprises, every element reflected the deep admiration we all feel for Rabbi Blumberg and his wife, Paula. Together, they have modeled what it means to live a life of meaning, purpose, and shared values.

RABBI BLUMBERG WITH PAST PRESIDENTS OF TEMPLE SHIR TIKVA

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RABBI HERMAN J BLUMBERG PERFORMING B. MITZVAH CEREMONIES OF NEIL ROSENBLATT AND MICHEAL KOSTER

I feel so blessed to have Rabbi Blumberg as our rabbi emeritus. He is my teacher, my mentor, my colleague, but also most importantly, my friend. He welcomed me and my family from the first day that we arrived and I feel so lucky to have him and Paula as part of my life.

- Rabbi Danny Burkeman

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Class of 2025 Graduation and Confirmation

BY JENNA FRIEDMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOGAN SCHULMAN

On May 7th, we celebrated our Class of 2025 graduates at their Confirmation-Graduation Shabbat. This year’s graduating class is not only the largest we’ve seen in over ten years, with fifteen teenagers graduating our learning program and teen community, but also one of the closest-knit – they organized a celebratory dinner potluck for their families after the service, attended by almost the entire group. (There may or may not have been a surprise retrospective slideshow, created by Jenna, which elicited many strong reactions from the graduates. “I looked like that?!”) Our group of graduating seniors also honored their teacher-mentors, Rabbi Danny, Alison, and Jenna, by dedicating a brick in the Temple Shir Tikva walkway in their honor. To commemorate their time at Shir Tikva, each of our graduating seniors wrote a reflection on their Jewish Journey for a beautiful booklet that includes a pair of photos of each child: one of them when they began TST, and one of them now. (You can find a few of these written pieces below and the whole booklet on our Issuu page!)

We couldn’t be more proud of this group of graduates and all that they have given to our community over their many years here.

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Their leadership, their love for Judaism and for each other, and their vibrance have enriched us all, and will be cherished and missed. We are eager to see all that they accomplish in these next chapters of their journeys. To our graduates – thank you for everything, visit often, and remember that you’ll always have a home here at TST.

SCENES FROM THE BIMAH ON GRADUATION SHABBAT

GRADUATING 12TH GRADERS LEAD THE CONGREGATION IN KIDDUSH BLESSINGS

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MAYA NOYES I've never not known Shir Tikva. My journey

It's funny how the things that are most

at this temple started when I was attending

foundational to your life you can take so

the JCC early learning program and has

easily for granted, and you assume that

continued into religious school on Sundays,

they will always be there. I didn't realize

then AISH on Wednesdays, and now to just

how much this community has shaped

having completed my 6th and final year as

either

a madricha.

services with my family every week, which

through

attending

Friday

night

if I'm being honest I would always make a planned escape to the lobby, or all the people that I have met and grown up with.

This community has supported me through every stage of life, it has seen me at my happiest moments, and seen me at my worst. But despite what stage of life I am in, or whatever may be happening outside of these walls, I always come back to this place and these people and I immediately know that I am home.

So when I'm packing up all my stuff and loading my things into the car to head up to college I will also pack these three things that I have taken with me from Shir Tikva: first, some songs can become part of the soundtrack of your life and even when you don't understand the words you can still be touched by their meaning; second, don't be a

bystander

to

difficult

things

and

conversations because you always have an important part to play in making this world better;

and

third

and

probably

most

importantly, I will always remember that home is always waiting for me at Shir Tikva.

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BRIDGET O’DONNELL For me, Judaism has always been about the community. When I think of myself in a Jewish setting, whether it be my Jewish Club at school, NFTY, or AISH, the first thing that comes to mind are the people I share it with.

I come from a large family, so community has always been an integral value that I hold above most other things. I’ve watched the way my grandparents, parents, and siblings have all put their time and love into every community they’re a part of and I’ve been inspired to do the same.

Every Wednesday I rush to AISH, usually a couple minutes late coming from a game.

The friends I have found here have made Wednesday nights the best night of my week. It has taught me three important lessons; to slow down and enjoy the people, how to have a Jewish connection outside of prayer, and cucumbers taste better when they are picked out of the AISH salad.

During the week, and even often on weekends, I’m running from class to class, practice to practice, thing to thing. But on Wednesday nights, when I get to the temple, I simply allow myself to slow down and be around the people I love. Whether unsuccessfully building a Rube Goldberg Machine, or spending an entire 45 minute class just doing a “check-in”, AISH feels like a breath of fresh air during a hectic week. AISH has also brought me a better sense of myself. I love going to services on Fridays when I have the chance, but the thing I love about the services is being with the people there. I have valued Jewish prayer since first memorizing the Ve’ahavta in third grade, but through AISH I have learned that prayer to me is nothing without people to share it with. I don’t need to go to services every Friday night to feel like Judaism is a key part of my identity.

And now, looking forward, I’m excited to go to college and experience finding even more Jewish communities. My family, my friends, and Shir Tikva have given me confidence in my ability to find a home wherever I go, and that I’ll always have one to return to.

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ALEX SOBOL

I became a member of Temple Shir Tikva when I was just two years old, starting at the JCC Preschool in 2009. My family officially joined the Temple in 2011, and since then, it has felt like a second home.

Some of my earliest and fondest memories

But what stands out most from my time at

are of simply being in the building—sitting

Hebrew School are the friendships I made.

in the office, saying hi to The Ladies, and

Whether we were traveling to New York

sharing split pea soup with David Passer.

City or, more recently, going on the

These

feel

incredible Washington, DC trip in 2025,

welcomed, loved, and part of a larger

every shared experience brought us closer

community.

together. The friendships I formed here are

little

moments

made

me

some of the most important in my life, and I Throughout my years in Hebrew School,

feel so lucky to have grown up alongside

I’ve

this amazing group of people.

collected

countless

meaningful

experiences. Some of the highlights were our Shabbaton trips to Eisner Camp, as well

Now, as my friends and I stand here

as eye-opening field trips to places like the

graduating,

Mikvah and the Islamic Center of Boston. I

gratitude. Temple Shir Tikva has been a

remember singing songs with Jonathan and

constant in my life, a place that has

creating projects about inspiring Jewish

supported me, inspired me, and helped me

heroes and heroines. These activities not

grow. I will deeply miss coming here every

only taught me about Jewish traditions and

week, but I know this community will

values, but they also helped shape my

always be a part of me. Temple Shir Tikva is

identity.

in my heart—24/7, 365 days a year.

I’m

filled

with

pride

and

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RACHEL GOLDSTONE I’ve been a part of the TST community for as long as I can remember: from being a student in the K-6 Hineni program, to spending countless Sunday mornings over the past six years as a madricha, to “doing” STEM

with

Jacob

during

Aish

each

Wednesday night–I’ve definitely had my fair share of Shir Tikva.

As a kid, I wouldn’t say that I was the biggest fan of coming to Temple every Sunday morning to learn about Judaism and learn how to read Hebrew, but after working as a madricha and coming to Aish as a teenager (both things I wasn’t required to do by my parents), I discovered just how much of a great time I had here.

I wasn’t super connected to my Judaism before I was a teenager, but now that I’ve gone through my years here, I’ve found that being Jewish is a big part of my identity.

Judaism has brought a lot into my life that I’m passionate about, including creating the Jewish

Student

Union

at

my

school,

advocating against antisemitism in the community, and joining the youth group I’ve been a part of for the last 4+ years (NFTY Northeast).

As I leave Shir Tikva and head off to WashU, I can confidently say that I’m going

I’m grateful for all of the friendships and

to get involved in my Judaism there–

memories I’ve made here, as well as all of

whether that be going to Hillel, working at

the experiences I’ve had because of TST,

local synagogues, or simply bonding with

and I am excited to take what I’ve learned

other people through Jewish geography.

into the next chapter of my life.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHELDON GOLDER ARTICLE BY MARISSA BROCKMAN

Reyim: A Year In Review

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Reyim was one of the most popular regular TST programs during the 2024-25 year. Included under the ACE (Adult Community Engagement) umbrella, the Reyim dinner series typically attracts Shir Tikva's empty nesters but is open to the entire Shir Tikva community. The programs occur at least four times a year, following Shabbat services. Originally organized by Diane Black and Nancy Rossman, many congregants have been Reyim chairs and co-chairs since the start. Currently, Karen Langweber serves as the chair. Karen shares her remarks below:

PAULA APSELL

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DAN BROSGOL

“I have been honored to have co-chaired the Reyim group. There have been many co-chairs over the years, and each one has brought their own touch and fabulous ideas to the group. During the pandemic, we tried to keep in touch with everyone, especially the most vulnerable. Post-COVID, Reyim was one of the first groups to want to gather again despite being nervous about in-person events. Unsure of what that might look like, we held small focus groups outside and kept a very respectful distance between us. One definite thing was that people did not want to lose the connections they had formed over the years.

Despite a slow start and a few bumps in the road, our post-COVID programs have had tremendous success. The most successful formula of the post-Shabbat service dinner and speaker series has brought members back together in the building. Finding interesting speakers is always a challenge, but with the wonderful guidance of our professional staff and Clergy, along with our amazing, accomplished, and knowledgeable congregants, we have been able to provide varied and highly received programs. This year, we even had a Jewish Jeopardy night, which included lots of trivia and even more laughs. For this coming year, I have been working closely with Marissa Brockman, TST’s Director of Community Engagement, and we are going to try two lunch programs.”

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CHAI-LIGHTS This past year Reyim hosted four successful dinner programs in September, December, February, and May. Attendance increased at each event.

The final program in May attracted over 100 congregants. Speakers and programs included TST Executive Director, Dan Brosgol, Paula Apsell, award-winning filmmaker, Jewish Jeopardy, and Wendy Mishara, immigration policy consultant.

The team is always open to your ideas and suggestions! Please reach out to Marissa Brockman or Karen Langweber with your program and speaker ideas.

CONGREGANTS KAREN AND MATT LANGWEBER AT JEWISH JEOPARDY

WENDY MISHARA

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She brings years of experience managing large teams and scientific projects, and she sees the parallels clearly. “It’s all about listening, juggling a lot at once, and caring about the outcomes. I have a lot of weaknesses,” she adds with a grin, “but this is a challenge that I’m excited to tackle.”

She’s grounded but focused, and her priorities are clear.

One of the tasks Amy is looking forward to most is making good on the Imagine the Possibilities campaign. From installing solar panels to building a pavilion and refreshing classrooms, she’s committed to progress that’s thoughtful, responsible, and lasting. “We’re not just talking about these upgrades,” she says. “We’re doing them. Not all at once—but with care and community input every step of the way.”

Meet the President: Amy O’Donnell

By Logan Schulman

She’s also focused on tone—how we treat each other. “The staff, the clergy, the board—we’re a team. I want to model kindness, gratitude and presence. That starts with how we show up for one another.”

There’s something pretty special about a president who grew up in the very community she now leads.

And in a world that often feels heavy, she wants Shir Tikva to be a refuge. “It’s scary to be Jewish right now. But this is a place where we breathe.

Where we’re not alone. Where we can be together, fully.”

Amy O’Donnell first came to Temple Shir Tikva at three years old, walking with her family from the Unitarian Church in Wayland Center. “It felt like this epic journey,” she says, laughing. “But it was maybe half a mile.” Still, what stuck with her wasn’t the distance—it was the people. “The energy, the flags, the joy. That early sense of community stayed with me.”

As for where she gets her energy, it isn’t artificial: she’s never had a cup of coffee in her life. Her favorite family activity is hiking the 4,000-foot peaks in New Hampshire (Amy is a proud member of the Four Thousand Footer Club). She has a “phone jail” at the house to keep tech at bay during game nights. And her go-to strategy for navigating tough decisions? The “four out of seven O’Donnells rule.”

Now, decades later, she’s leading that same community into its next chapter.

“If I can get three people in my family to agree on a plan, we’re good. Same goes for temple life.

We’re not all going to get our way every time. But we can speak kindly and keep moving forward.”

She and her husband Nick joined Shir Tikva 20 years ago, before they had kids. They now have five, all raised here. Running through the halls, learning, praying, and growing up under the care of clergy, teachers and congregants. “This place has held my kids,” she says. “And me. When life is good, I want to be here. When it’s hard, I need to be here.”

That deep connection made it easy to say yes when asked to serve as president. “I didn’t plan on it. But I realized… this is something I can do!”

Amy closed her speech at the annual meeting by saying: “We didn’t just inherit a congregation. We inherited a legacy. Now it’s our turn.”

And she’s ready to lead the way.

CHAI-LIGHTS

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We’re thrilled to share some amazing news: our “Imagine the Possibilities” Capital Campaign has officially crossed the finish line and we met our $7.5 million goal. This is a moment to celebrate years of dreaming, planning, and the incredible generosity of our community.

When we launched this campaign, it was about more than raising money. It was about creating a synagogue that reflects who we are, a community that’s warm, welcoming, vibrant, and ready for the future. And thanks to you, we’ve done exactly that.

Our HVAC Loan is Gone! No more debt from the heating and cooling upgrade meaning more financial stability and year-round comfort.

A New Parking Lot (Coming Soon!): Safer, more accessible, and more welcoming. Paving happens in August.

An Outdoor Classroom for Our Youngest Learners: A joyful space for kids to learn, explore, and connect with nature- coming this fall!

A Renovated Kitchen: A refreshed, modern kitchen ready to support everything from kiddush to community events.

A New Pavilion in the Courtyard: Imagine outdoor services, celebrations, and gatherings under a beautiful, flexible structure.

The Community Pathway: Built Brick by Brick: Close to 400 engraved bricks are coming together to form a pathway filled with memories, dedications, and love.

Nearly 400 households said “yes” to this campaign, from major leadership gifts to first-time donations. Every single contribution mattered; every single gift brought us closer to this moment.

A huge thank you to the amazing team who helped make this possible: Rabbi Danny Burkeman, Cantor Hollis Schachner, Jackie Loren, Ginny MacDowell, Dan Brosgol, Talia Hirsh, Jess Adani, Scott Cohen, Shanna Gershman, Amanda Glynn, Jayne Lampert, Harry Merkin, Audrey Perkins, Trudy Sonis, Laurene Sperling, and Jenny Sperling. This group gave their time, energy, and heart to lead us through every step of the way.

Because of this campaign, our synagogue is more ready than ever to support Jewish life today, and for generations to come. But the real impact? It’s what happens inside: Children laughing, learning, and growing Elders and new members finding connection and belonging Families celebrating milestones in beautiful, sacred spaces All of us deepening our spiritual lives, our learning, and our sense of community This is what we dreamed of. And now it’s real.

To everyone who gave, volunteered, supported, or simply cheered us on: Todah Rabbah (Thank You). Your generosity, whether captured in an engraved brick or held quietly in your heart, has shaped the future of our community.

You didn’t just help us imagine the possibilities… you helped us live them.

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Chai-Lights OUR TEAM

Dan Brosgol

Executive Director dbrosgol@shirtikva.org

Christina Loftus

Rabbi Danny Burkeman rabbidanny@shirtikva.org

Cantor Hollis Schachner cantor@shirtikva.org

Office Manager cloftus@shirtikva.org

Rabbi Lisa Eiduson

Marissa Brockman

Karen Edwards

Director of Community Engagement mbrockman@shirtikva.org

rabbilisa@shirtikva.org

Assistant to the Clergy kedwards@shirtikva.org

John Legg

Building Manager jlegg@shirtikva.org

Logan Schulman

Events and Communications Associate lschulman@shirtikva.org

Talia Hirsh

Director of Development

thirsh@shirtikva.org

Amy O’Donnell Alison Weikel

President, Board of Trustees aodonnell@shirtikva.org

Director of Education aweikel@shirtikva.org

Jenna Friedman

Assistant Director of Education jfriedman@shirtikva.org

Stephanie Lerner Director of ELC slerner@shirtikva.org

Emma Lurie

Janice Wood

Thanks to our

BOB KOSTER

additional

LESLIE ROSENBLATT

contributors

AMY O’DONNELL

Education Administrator edadmin@shirtikva.org

ELC Administrator jwood@shirtikva.org

RISA BURGESS

CHAI-LIGHTS

THANK YOU FOR READING