program book 08-09 web version final 8-21 5pmold.shirtikva.org/pdf/publications/program book...

2008-2009 / 5769 Program Book

Professional Team: (Back row) David Passer, Cantor Hollis Schachner, Deena Bloomstone and Adam Smith.

(Front row) Rachel Kest, Rabbi Greg Litcofsky and Rabbi Neal Gold.

Administrative Team: Karen Edwards, Lucy Dube, Linda Goldbaum and Lois Seltzer.

Temple Shir Tikva 2008-2009 / 5769 ram Book

Jewish Explorations Weekend……………………………….4Jewish Explorations Weekend……………………………….4Jewish Explorations Weekend……………………………….4Jewish Explorations Weekend……………………………….4

Introduction to Judaism………………………………………5Introduction to Judaism………………………………………5Introduction to Judaism………………………………………5Introduction to Judaism………………………………………5

Sunday Morning Learning Opportunities…....…………...6Sunday Morning Learning Opportunities…....…………...6Sunday Morning Learning Opportunities…....…………...6Sunday Morning Learning Opportunities…....…………...6----9999

Wednesday Morning Learning Opportunities…...………..10Wednesday Morning Learning Opportunities…...………..10Wednesday Morning Learning Opportunities…...………..10Wednesday Morning Learning Opportunities…...………..10

Wednesday Evening Learning Opportunities...…………11Wednesday Evening Learning Opportunities...…………11Wednesday Evening Learning Opportunities...…………11Wednesday Evening Learning Opportunities...…………11----12121212

Temple Shir Tikva ME’AH Course………….………………13Temple Shir Tikva ME’AH Course………….………………13Temple Shir Tikva ME’AH Course………….………………13Temple Shir Tikva ME’AH Course………….………………13

Families With Young Children…………………………...14Families With Young Children…………………………...14Families With Young Children…………………………...14Families With Young Children…………………………...14----15151515

Religious School…………………………………………..16Religious School…………………………………………..16Religious School…………………………………………..16Religious School…………………………………………..16----17171717

Youth Community………………………………………..18Youth Community………………………………………..18Youth Community………………………………………..18Youth Community………………………………………..18----19191919

Worship/Choirs…………………………………………...20Worship/Choirs…………………………………………...20Worship/Choirs…………………………………………...20Worship/Choirs…………………………………………...20----21212121

Shabbat at Shir Tikva………………………………………...22 Shabbat at Shir Tikva………………………………………...22 Shabbat at Shir Tikva………………………………………...22 Shabbat at Shir Tikva………………………………………...22

Gathering……………………………………………………..23Gathering……………………………………………………..23Gathering……………………………………………………..23Gathering……………………………………………………..23

Brotherhood and Sisterhood……………………………24Brotherhood and Sisterhood……………………………24Brotherhood and Sisterhood……………………………24Brotherhood and Sisterhood……………………………24----25 25 25 25

Tikkun Olam…………. ……………………………………..26Tikkun Olam…………. ……………………………………..26Tikkun Olam…………. ……………………………………..26Tikkun Olam…………. ……………………………………..26

Committees of Temple Shir Tikva………………………….27Committees of Temple Shir Tikva………………………….27Committees of Temple Shir Tikva………………………….27Committees of Temple Shir Tikva………………………….27

Board of Trustees & Committee Chairs……………………28Board of Trustees & Committee Chairs……………………28Board of Trustees & Committee Chairs……………………28Board of Trustees & Committee Chairs……………………28

Professional and

Administrative Teams

Rabbi Neal Gold [email protected]

Rabbi Greg Litcofsky [email protected]

Cantor Hollis Schachner [email protected]

Rabbi Emeritus

Herman Blumberg,

[email protected]

David Passer, ext. 214 Executive Director [email protected]

Deena Bloomstone, ext. 201 Director of Congregational Learning [email protected]

Rachel Kest, ext. 203 Director of Elementary & Family Education [email protected] Adam Smith, ext. 202 Director of Youth and Informal Education [email protected]

Lois Seltzer, ext. 210 Clergy Administrative Assistant [email protected]

Karen Edwards, ext. 200 Office Administrator [email protected]

Linda Goldbaum, ext. 211 Office Administrator [email protected]

Lucy Dube, ext. 215 Bookkeeper [email protected]

Mike Buianowski, Custodian

Julio Machado, Custodian

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsTable of ContentsTable of Contents

Design and layout by Peggi Cohen.

Editing and proofreading by Peggi Cohen, and David Passer.

Cover design by Joel Sadagursky

2008-2009 / 5769 Program Book

Jewish Explorations WeekendJewish Explorations WeekendJewish Explorations WeekendJewish Explorations Weekend March 20, 21, 22

Dr. Neil Gillman Traces of God: Exploring the

Dimensions of Jewish Theology

T his year Shir Tikva welcomes Dr. Neil Gill-man as our Jewish Explorations Scholar-in-Residence. A native of Quebec City, Dr. Gillman gradu-ated from McGill University in 1954, was ordained at Jewish Theological Seminary in 1960, and received his PhD in Philosophy from Columbia University in 1975.

Dr. Gillman is the author of several books and essays, including Sacred Fragments: Recovering Theology for the Modern Jew (winner of the 1991 National Jewish Book Award in Jewish Thought); Conservative Juda-ism: A New Century; The Way Into Encountering God

in Judaism; Gabriel Marcel on Religious Knowledge;

The Death of Death: Resurrection and Immortality in

Jewish Thought; and The Jewish Approach to God: A Brief Introduction for Christians. His most recent book is Traces of God: Seeing God in Torah, History, and Everyday Life.

He has been a regular contributor to the "Sabbath Week" column in the Jewish Week, and is also chair of the Sh'ma Advisory Committee. He was a member of the Commission on the Philosophy of Conservative Ju-daism, which produced Emet Ve'Emunah, the first state-ment of principles for Conservative Judaism.

A popular speaker and teacher, Dr. Gillman has served as scholar in residence in many Conservative and Reform congregations. In the summer of 2002, Dr. Gill-man taught two courses on the philosophies of Mordecai Kaplan and Abraham Joshua Heschel at the Russian State University of the Humanities in Moscow on behalf of Project Judaica. Dr. Gillman is the Aaron Rabinowitz and Simon H. Rifkind Professor of Jewish Philosophy at JTS.

Lag B’Omer Field Day and BBQLag B’Omer Field Day and BBQLag B’Omer Field Day and BBQLag B’Omer Field Day and BBQ Saturday, May 16

late afternoon and early evening

Lag B’Omer, literally the 33rd day of the counting of the Omer, between Passover and Shavout, is a multifac-eted holiday. Traditionally, Lag B’Omer is one of the few days between Passover and Shavout when couples can marry and when a male child, having attained his third birthday, has his hair cut for the first time. Traditions of Lag B’Omer are also centered on Rabbi

Akiva and his disciple Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, one of the few to survive the Bar Kochba revolt. In the Middle Ages, this led some to consider Lag B’Omer a special holiday for students and scholars. In modern Israel, Lag B’Omer is a school holiday.

Students and teachers go outside and play games. Fami-lies gather for picnics outdoors. Bonfires are lit and peo-ple of all ages gather to celebrate. The Shir Tikva community will celebrate Lag B’Omer

and the end of the religious school year (the last day of school is the next day, May 17) late on Shabbat afternoon for outdoor fun and games, to picnic, to celebrate our stu-dents and teachers and end with a bonfire. The celebration will be held at Shir Tikva and on the Camp Chickami property adjacent to the temple.

Adult Purim ExtravaganzaAdult Purim ExtravaganzaAdult Purim ExtravaganzaAdult Purim Extravaganza Saturday, March 7 at 7 p.m.

For years, many at Shir Tikva have dreamed of an adults-only Purim event where we could dress up in cos-tume and come together for food, drink, dancing and the joyousness that is integral to Purim celebration. The time has finally come! The Gathering groups – Reyim, Ku-lam, Sisterhood and Brotherhood – will be working to put together a memorable event and an enchanting eve-ning. Reserve this date on your calendar now. It isn’t too

early to start thinking about the fabulous costume that will amaze your friends. If you’d like to be involved in the planning, contact a chairperson of one of the Gather-ing groups or Elaine Paster, Vice President – Gathering. This will be a night that people will remember for years to come, and could become a Shir Tikva tradition. (Please note that our Purim megillah reading and festive

Purim oneg, an event for the entire family, will be held on

Monday evening, March 9.)


Shir Tikva Players Are Back!Shir Tikva Players Are Back!Shir Tikva Players Are Back!Shir Tikva Players Are Back!

A team of talented performers and

artists will be staging a production of “Fiddler on the Roof” on May 2 and 3 at TST in honor of the 30th Anniversary of Temple Shir Tikva. The TST Players began many years ago performing musical productions of various Purim Spiels and locally written scripts at TST. After a several year hiatus they are coming back to put on a traditional musical production we have all known and loved. Look for an upcoming announcement for the organizing meeting in late September. Tryouts will be held in October and rehearsals will begin in mid January 2009. We need actors, dancers, musicians and behind the scenes creative artists as well as lots of people who just

want to have fun (no experience necessary). If you are interested (or know someone that is interested), email us at [email protected] and let us

know so we can add you to our email list. Get ready to have a lot of fun with your fellow congregants. Mark your calendars for May 2 and 3 for Fiddler

on the Roof (Temple Shir Tikva Style).

INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISMINTRODUCTION TO JUDAISMINTRODUCTION TO JUDAISMINTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM Sunday Mornings at Temple Shir Tikva Beginning September 21, 9:15.-12:15

Rabbi Neal Gold, Rabbi Greg Litcofsky, Rabbi Lev Ba’esh

Who should enroll in our INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM class?

•Jewish People who desire to learn the basic rubrics of Jewish life, history, ritual, and faith

•People who are not Jewish but have Jewish people whom they love in their lives, and want to know “what it’s all about”

•People who are not Jewish but are considering converting to Judaism

•Anybody who is simply curious about Jews and Jewish life

The Union for Reform Judaism’s Introduction to Judaism provides a wonderful opportunity to learn about Jewish history, traditions, holidays, life-cycle ceremonies and some basic Hebrew. Participants will gain comfort and familiarity with the symbols, liturgy, traditions and Hebrew blessings that accompany Jewish celebrations in the home and synagogue. This in-depth, twelve week course is taught by leading area rabbis. This course is designed for individuals and couples wishing to explore Judaism, as well as for those individuals anticipating conversion. Interfaith couples are encouraged to take this course together.

To enroll or to request additional information, contact Beth Kozinn at (781) 449-0404 or [email protected].

Introduction to Judaism is a program of the Union for Reform Judaism - Reform Jewish Outreach

It is supported in part by a grant from Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston.

The cost is $275/individual or $360/couple (scholarships are available).

2008-2009 / 5769 Program Book

Adult EducationAdult EducationAdult EducationAdult Education Sunday Morning Learning OpportunitiesSunday Morning Learning OpportunitiesSunday Morning Learning OpportunitiesSunday Morning Learning Opportunities

Unchosen:Unchosen:Unchosen:Unchosen:

Tales of Former ChasidimTales of Former ChasidimTales of Former ChasidimTales of Former Chasidim

October 26, 9 a.m.

Malkie Schwartz

M alkie Schwartz is the Founder and Execu-tive Director of Footsteps, Inc. Footsteps is a non-profit organization that provides educational, vocational, social and emotional support to individuals seeking to enter or explore the world beyond the insu-lar ultra-orthodox communities in which they were raised.

With the understanding that each and every person who comes to the organization has a unique experi-ence, Malkie will describe some of the more common challenges that these brave individuals face and the resources that are available to them. Chasidim are known for their affinity for stories; Malkie will use this technique to illustrate the accomplishments of these individuals and the obstacles they face as native-born immigrants entering a foreign world.

Last, Malkie will talk about the history of the organi-zation and the role that it plays as the only organization in North America to address this need.

Does ‘Israel’ Mean More Than Does ‘Israel’ Mean More Than Does ‘Israel’ Mean More Than Does ‘Israel’ Mean More Than

One Thing?One Thing?One Thing?One Thing? Differing Conceptions of the Meaning

of Jewish“Peoplehood”

November 16, 9 a.m.

Dr. David Starr

DDDD oes 'Israel' mean more than one thing? Jews sometimes mean different things within the idea of "Jewish.” This class will study a correspondence between David Ben Gurion and a professor at Brandeis, Simon Rawidowicz, in the 1950s, in which they argued over the name "Israel." Does the state of Israel own that name? If so, does

that separate and segment the Jewish people into different components, by geographical location, (Israel v. Diaspora)? Are there in fact different catego-ries of Jews? How does the Diaspora relate to Israel? What is the

relationship of rabbis, lay people, ethnic Jews , etc, to Israel. Who has the right to shape the policy of this nation?

Dr. David Starr is Assistant Professor of Jewish His-

tory and Dean of Me'ah at Hebrew College. An expert

on the subjects of modern Jewish history, Jewish educa-

tion and adult Jewish learning in America, he has over-

seen a decade of Me'ah's national growth. Dr. Starr re-

ceived his PhD from Columbia University and rabbini-

cal ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary.



A Divine EnvironmentA Divine EnvironmentA Divine EnvironmentA Divine Environment January 25, 9 a.m.

Dr. Jonah Chanan Steinberg

TTTT orah and cosmos are deeply linked in Jewish sources, from ancient to recent times. In the visions of our forebearers, Torah shaped the world, and there was Torah to be discovered and applied in every nook and cranny of the world. Can it be so for us? How can our Torah be responsive to the state of the world around us, and how can we learn wisdom to survive our times from the sources of our heritage?

Dr. Jonah Chanan Steinberg is an Associate Dean at the Rabbinical School of Hebrew College, where he is also Director of Talmudic Studies. He has also taught at the Jewish Theological Seminary, the Ziegler School of Rab-binic Studies at the University of Judaism, and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College before receiving his PhD and joining the founding faculty of Hebrew College’s trans-denominational rabbinical school. He received the New Scholar Award from the Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion. Dr. Steinberg has taught widely on Judaism and the environment, including leading the ‘Eco-track’ at the Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education conference in 2008.

A Report from Washington In the WakeA Report from Washington In the WakeA Report from Washington In the WakeA Report from Washington In the Wake

Of the November ElectionOf the November ElectionOf the November ElectionOf the November Election

December 14, 9 a.m.

Representative Niki Tsongas, Invited Speaker

N iki Tsongas is currently serving her first term as a Member of the US House of Representatives represent-ing the Fifth Congressional District of Massachusetts. She is the first woman to be elected to Congress from the state of Massachusetts in 25 years. The Fifth Congressional District of Massachusetts includes

the old industrial cities of Haverhill, Methuen, Lawrence and Lowell in the Merrimack Valley as well as the Boston suburbs of Concord, Acton, Wayland and Sudbury. Rep. Tsongas is running for re-election on November 4, 2008. Rep. Tsongas was elected in a special election on October 16, 2007, to succeed Marty Meehan. She currently serves

on the House Armed Services Committee and the Budget Committee. Before her election to Congress, Rep. Tsongas served as the Dean of External Affairs at Middlesex Community College, the largest community college in the Com-monwealth of Massachusetts. Growing up in a military family, Rep. Tsongas has lived across the United States, in post-war Germany, and she

graduated from an American High School in Japan. Congresswoman Tsongas earned her bachelors degree from Smith College and she has a law degree from Boston University. While in college, she spent a summer in Washington, D.C., where she met her future husband, former Fifth District Congressman, US Senator, and Presidential candidate, Paul Tsongas. Sadly, Paul Tsongas passed away in 1997 after a well-known fight with complications from cancer treat-

ments. Inspired by their life together, Niki has continued her dedication to public service, building on what she and Paul had accomplished. Congresswoman Tsongas has three daughters, Ashley, Katina and Molly.

2008-2009 / 5769 Program Book


Abayudaya: The Music and Culture Abayudaya: The Music and Culture Abayudaya: The Music and Culture Abayudaya: The Music and Culture

of the Jews of Ugandaof the Jews of Ugandaof the Jews of Ugandaof the Jews of Uganda

March 1, 9 a.m.

Rabbi Jeffrey Summit

J oin Grammy-nominated ethnomusicologist Rabbi Jeffrey A. Sum-mit as he explores the music and culture of the Abayudaya, a com-munity of practicing Jews living in Eastern Uganda. Many mem-

bers of this community scrupulously follow Jewish ritual, observe the laws of the Sabbath, celebrate Jewish holidays, keep kosher and pray in He-brew. The Abayudaya's compelling music blends the rhythms and harmo-nies of Africa with traditional Jewish prayer. In this class, Rabbi Summit will focus on the Abayudaya’s musical traditions to examine the culture, history and the current situation of this extraordinary Jewish community. The story of the Abayudaya challenges stereotypes of race, religion and

culture. The Abayudaya have endured adversity in the practice of their Judaism, surviving the persecutions of Idi Amin. They have warm, produc-tive relationships with their Christian and Moslem neighbors. At a time when little positive news comes out of Africa, this is a story of hope and faith.

Rabbi Summit, Executive Director of the Hillel Foundation at Tufts Uni-

versity, also serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Music. He

holds rabbinic ordination from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute

of Religion and a Ph.D. from Tufts University where he studied ethnomusi-

cology in Tufts' interdisciplinary doctoral program.

He has worked with the Abayudaya for the past six years. Together with

photojournalist Richard Sobol, he is the author of Abayudaya: The Jews of

Uganda. Rabbi Summit has also recorded, compiled and annotated a CD for

Smithsonian Folkways Recordings entitled Abayudaya: Music from the Jew-

ish People of Uganda. This CD was nominated for a Grammy Award for

best album in the category of Traditional World Music.

In addition to his book and recordings about the Abayudaya, Rabbi Sum-

mit is also the author of The Lord's Song in a Strange Land: Music and

Identity in Contemporary Jewish Worship. His current project is research-

ing and recording the music of the Jewish, Muslim and Christian coffee

farmers who have established the Peace Kawomera Fair Trade Coffee Co-

operative in Uganda.

A Dream of Zion: A Dream of Zion: A Dream of Zion: A Dream of Zion:

American Jews American Jews American Jews American Jews Reflect On Why Reflect On Why Reflect On Why Reflect On Why Israel Matters Israel Matters Israel Matters Israel Matters

To ThemTo ThemTo ThemTo Them

April 5, 9 a.m.

Rabbi Jeff Salkin

Called “intellectually fearless” by his colleagues, Rabbi Salkin is one of American Judaism’s most quoted rab-bis. His books include Being God’s Partner: How to Find the Hidden Link

Between Spirituality and Your Work and A Dream of Zion. His essays and op-ed pieces have appeared in many important publications. In addition, he has contributed numerous articles to scholarly journals and books.

A native of New York, Rabbi Salkin was ordained at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York in 1981. He was one of the first Jews to receive the Doctor of Ministry degree from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1991.

Rabbi Salkin served congregations in Florida, New York, Pennsylvania and Georgia, and has held numerous leader-ship positions in the Jewish world. He is now the rabbi and executive director of Kol Echad: Making Judaism Matter, a trans-denominational adult learning center in Atlanta, Georgia.



!אני רוצה לדבר עברית

I Want to Speak Hebrew!I Want to Speak Hebrew!I Want to Speak Hebrew!I Want to Speak Hebrew!

Study Modern Hebrew on Sunday Mornings

Level 1 for Beginners

Level 2 for People Who Are Beyond Beginners

The Adult Learning Committee, in partnership with the Youth Community, offers two courses in Modern Hebrew on Sunday mornings from 11:15 – 1:15. These classes are open to both teens and adults which will create a unique and enjoyable learning envi-ronment. Level 1 Hebrew will focus on the tools you need to make the

Hebrew language come alive for you while learning to speak and comprehend modern Hebrew. A review of the alphabet will take place. You know this course is for you if you are the slightest bit familiar with the Hebrew alphabet. Level 1 is taught by Rachel Fad-lon. Level 2 Hebrew will focus on dialogue and comprehension of the

Hebrew language. This class is for you if you took Level 1 last year or you would like to brush up on your comprehension and conversa-tional skills. Level 2 is taught by Michael Silbert

Learn to Chant Torah!Learn to Chant Torah!Learn to Chant Torah!Learn to Chant Torah!

Cantor Schachner will teach a class to build up our corps of Torah Chanters, Ba’alei Korei, where we will study the art of cantillation. This class will focus on learning the traditional trope signs and the melodies associated with them, enabling us to “leyn” Torah gracefully and confidently. No singing experience is necessary, just a love of Torah! Please join us.

Trope classes will take place on Sunday mornings from 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

First Semester classes take place on September 14, 21, 28; October 19, 26; and November 2.

Second Semester Trope classes take place on March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and April 5.

Prayerbook HebrewPrayerbook HebrewPrayerbook HebrewPrayerbook Hebrew

From the Very BeginningFrom the Very BeginningFrom the Very BeginningFrom the Very Beginning

Roz Bessell Study Prayerbook Hebrew with Master He-

brew Teacher Roz Bessell on Sunday mornings. You can learn to read Hebrew in order to en-

hance your worship experience, be of assistance to your children as they study Hebrew, or to become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. The class will start from Alef and for those

who have some rudimentary knowledge, the initial review will firm up your foundation. Suc-cess is guaranteed. This Hebrew class is a required part of the

Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah program. The class will take place on Sunday mornings from 10-11 a.m. and 12:30-1:30 p.m.. For those who would like to study with Roz

but are not enrolled in the Adult Bar Mitzvah class, Prayer Hebrew will also be taught from 11:15 a.m.-12:30 pm.

All Hebrew classes begin on Sunday, September 14.

To register for these classes please call

Linda Goldbaum in the Temple Office at 508-358-9992 x211.

2008-2009 / 5769 Program Book

Adult EducationAdult EducationAdult EducationAdult Education Weekday Morning Learning OpportunitiesWeekday Morning Learning OpportunitiesWeekday Morning Learning OpportunitiesWeekday Morning Learning Opportunities

Hasidic Parables for the SoulHasidic Parables for the SoulHasidic Parables for the SoulHasidic Parables for the Soul by Rabbi Alan Ullman

In the extraordinarily rich and luminous tradition of Hasidic parables and stories resides a great reservoir of wisdom for our lives today. These stories often go to the heart of the human condition and shed light on the challenges that confront us. We will study these stories to unlock their inner teachings, illuminating the path of our daily lives.

Fall semester dates for Rabbi Ullman’s course are: September 8, 15, 22; October 6; November 17, 24; and December 1, 8

Sacred Fire, Sacred CloudSacred Fire, Sacred CloudSacred Fire, Sacred CloudSacred Fire, Sacred Cloud

As the Israelites leave Egypt and wander through the wilderness to the Promised Land, they follow the cloud by day and the fire by night. The conjunction of fire and cloud is one of the central ideas of the spiritual odyssey as outlined in Torah. We will explore what it means to be led by these two sacred symbols through our spiritual lives today; how to recognize the cloud and not fear the fire.

Spring semester dates for Rabbi Ullman’s course are: March 30; April 6, 13, 27; May 4, 11, 18; and June 1

Rabbi Alan Ullman travels around New England teach-

ing Torah as a spiritual path. He studies with people who

share in the desire to study Torah as a way to guide and

inform the spiritual journey that is our lives today.

Through the wisdom of Torah, Alan helps us see the

sacred aspects of our daily lives and how to unite the

breath of life that resides within each of us with the wind-

spirit of God that moves through all of creation.

Alan was ordained by the Hebrew Union College in

Cincinnati in 1985. In 1988, he founded the School for

Jewish Studies, dedicated to teaching Torah to adults,

which served as the foundation for his current work. His

wife, Melanie, is the librarian at Worcester's Temple

Emanuel, and Temple Shalom of Newton. They have two

children, Lara, age 21 and Noah, age 16.

Preparing Our Selves for Preparing Our Selves for Preparing Our Selves for Preparing Our Selves for

the High Holidaysthe High Holidaysthe High Holidaysthe High Holidays

Tuesday mornings, approx. 7:30 a.m.,

following Minyan

September 2, 9, 16, 23

Facilitated by Deena Bloomstone

M odern life discourages introspection. Most of us scrutinize ourselves only in the most extreme conditions. We rarely take the opportunity to hold a mirror to our lives, to stop a moment and give thought to who we are, how we are and why we are.

Judaism provides us with an annual opportunity to reflect on our lives, our “selves.” Elul, the month that precedes Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is the im-portant time in the Jewish year to engage in self-examination.

With the use of two texts, Sixty Days: A Spiritual Guide to the High Holy Days, by Simon Jacobson and Preparing Our Hearts for the High Holy Days, by Kerry Olitzky and Rachel Sabath, we will study to-gether and learn from each other how best to prepare ourselves to engage in the process of Teshuvah, re-turn, so that we find new ways to engage with the High Holy Days and enter into a new year.

Wednesday Morning Torah StudyWednesday Morning Torah StudyWednesday Morning Torah StudyWednesday Morning Torah Study

beginning October 15

10:00—11:30 a.m.

Rabbi Neal Gold, Rabbi Greg Litcofsky

Cantor Hollis Schachner For years now, an inspired group of students gath-ers on Wednesday mornings for friendship, commu-nity, and the study of the great books of the Jewish people (both ancient and contemporary.) Newcomers are always invited to join this very warm and special community within the Temple for mid-week spiritual insights from our tradition.

Rabbi Ullman’s classes take place

on Monday mornings from 9:30 – 11

in the Beit Midrash.

There is a $225 fee for each course.


Adult EducationAdult EducationAdult EducationAdult Education Wednesday Evening Learning OpportunitiesWednesday Evening Learning OpportunitiesWednesday Evening Learning OpportunitiesWednesday Evening Learning Opportunities

A View of Israel, A View of Israel, A View of Israel, A View of Israel,

Yesterday and Today Yesterday and Today Yesterday and Today Yesterday and Today

Through Short StoriesThrough Short StoriesThrough Short StoriesThrough Short Stories

October 15, 22, 29, 6:30-8 p.m.

Rabbi Herman J. Blumberg

Join us and begin your year with learning when our very own Rabbi Emeritus Herman J. Blumberg leads us in study. We will discuss short stories that offer

insight into the development of the modern Jewish State, its struggles and successes, past and present. Readings, manageable in volume, will be provided to those who pre-register by calling Linda Goldbaum in the Temple office.

Mashiach ben David Mashiach ben David Mashiach ben David Mashiach ben David –––– Who’s That? Who’s That? Who’s That? Who’s That?

Redemption Redemption Redemption Redemption –––– What’s That? What’s That? What’s That? What’s That?

November 5, 12, 19, December 3, 6:30-8 p.m.

Rabbi Greg Litcofsky

Every week as Shabbat draws to a close, as Jews, we sing a song that expresses our hopes and dreams of a world redeemed, “Eliyahu Hanavei, Eliyahu Hatishibi – im Mashiach

Ben David...” (Elijah the prophet, Elijah the Tishbite – with the Messiah Son of David). The desire for a world redeemed and a messianic future play such an integral role throughout Jewish history. This vision has an im-pact on our theology, on our relationship with others and on how we act in the world. Yet, what exactly is “the Jewish vision” for the messianic future? We

often think about the Messiah in the context of Christianity and other relig-ions – but how does the Jewish tradition understand the Messiah? To-gether we will explore the historical development of the Messianic ideal in Judaism – starting with the Prophets Malachi and Elijah moving through the rabbinic period and into the early to late middle ages and finishing with modernity. As we learn together the various ways in which the Jewish tradition

understands the Messiah and Redemption, we will also ask the question, “What is our modern/Reform Jewish vision of the Messianic age?” and “Who brings it about – God – humanity or both?”

Interfaith Studies: Interfaith Studies: Interfaith Studies: Interfaith Studies: The Shared Texts of Judaism, The Shared Texts of Judaism, The Shared Texts of Judaism, The Shared Texts of Judaism,

Islam and ChristianityIslam and ChristianityIslam and ChristianityIslam and Christianity

Rabbi Neal Gold and leaders from

the Wayland Interfaith Clergy Council

January 7, 14, and 21, 6:30-8 p.m.

In the continuing conversation among the communi-ties of faith in Wayland, we invite our entire community to join area teachers in a discussion of the sacred texts that we all share – and the unique lens through which they are seen by Jewish, Islamic, and Christian readers.

Money, Sex, and Power Money, Sex, and Power Money, Sex, and Power Money, Sex, and Power

In Jewish ThoughtIn Jewish ThoughtIn Jewish ThoughtIn Jewish Thought

March 4, 11, 18, 6:30-8 p.m.

Rabbi Neal Gold

These are the topics you’re not supposed to discuss in polite company. And yet, the Rabbis of old taught remark-able spiritual wisdom about the topics that are on everyone’s minds. Join Rabbi Gold for a guided tour through some of the

most controversial teachings of the Midrash, Halacha, and Kabbalah that open a unique window to the spiritual paths upon which we travel today.

2008-2009 / 5769 Program Book

Adult EducationAdult EducationAdult EducationAdult Education Wednesday Evening Learning OpportunitiesWednesday Evening Learning OpportunitiesWednesday Evening Learning OpportunitiesWednesday Evening Learning Opportunities

The Holocaust in Fiction and FactThe Holocaust in Fiction and FactThe Holocaust in Fiction and FactThe Holocaust in Fiction and Fact March 25, 6:30-8 p.m.

Dr. Lawrence Langer

Dr. Langer will explore the qualities of imaginative literature that enable us to enter into the Holocaust experi-ence in ways different from what history and testimony provoke. Fictional truth and historical truth complement each other, especially when we are dealing with the Holo-caust, though far more attention has been paid to the latter than the former. We will explore the dimensions that lit-erature can reach that history can't. Our session will try to redress that imbalance.

Lawrence L. Langer, Professor of English emeritus at Sim-

mons College in Boston will speak on “The Legacy of Holo-

caust Testimonies." He is the author of “Holocaust Testimo-

nies: The Ruins of Memory” and many other books and es-

says on the subject of Holocaust literature and the survivor

experience. He will show excerpts from videotaped testimo-

nies of Holocaust survivors and discuss the impact of their

experience on traditional views of family bonding, moral

choices, guilt, hope and reconciliation.

Holocaust Experience as Presented Holocaust Experience as Presented Holocaust Experience as Presented Holocaust Experience as Presented

In Literature and FilmIn Literature and FilmIn Literature and FilmIn Literature and Film March 25 and April 1, 6:30-8 p.m.

Two experts will present their understanding of the vast creative efforts over the last 60 years to represent the Holocaust in literature and film. Professor Langer has writ-

ten many books on the subject and Sara Rubin, Director of the Boston Jewish Film Festival, has selected and re-viewed Holocaust films. Literature and film can cre-ate experiences of the Holocaust that enable us to under-stand its emotional and intellectual impact. Dr. Langer states that the challenge of the literary imagination is to find a way of making the reality of the Holocaust accessi-ble to the mind and emotion of the reader.

Trends in Holocaust FilmsTrends in Holocaust FilmsTrends in Holocaust FilmsTrends in Holocaust Films April 1, 6:30-8 p.m.

Sara L. Rubin

As Executive Director of the Boston Jewish Film Festi-val, Sara is in a unique position to discuss films about the Holocaust. She has selected excerpts from several films that show types of approaches to the Holocaust. This dis-cussion will illustrate how film approaches to the Holo-caust have evolved over the past 60 years.

Sara joined the independent nonprofit arts organization in

1997 after a career in marketing communications and project

management, including a marketing vice-presidency at what

was then Bank of Boston. As Executive Director, Sara Rubin

is responsible for the overall management of the organiza-

tion, financial support, public relations, and Board leader-

ship. Among recent Festival accomplishments are the adop-

tion of a brand image, expansion of year-round offerings, and

Board-led trips to the Haifa International Film Festival

(2005) and the Berlin Jewish Film Festival (2007).

Shoah StudiesShoah StudiesShoah StudiesShoah Studies

Reform JudaismReform JudaismReform JudaismReform Judaism----Past, Present and FuturePast, Present and FuturePast, Present and FuturePast, Present and Future

January 28, February 4,11, 25, 6:30-8 p.m.

Sessions 1-3 Rabbi Greg Litcofsky and Dan Schneider:

Starting from its roots in 17th century Germany through today, the class will explore the historical development of the Reform movement touching upon major milestones and developments. The goal will be to learn together the rich and diverse history of our movement to better under-stand where the Reform movement is today and perhaps where we are going in the future. The key question to be discussed is what does it mean to be a Reform Jew in the 21st century? Together we will explore how the movement has reacted to, and taken stances on, various issues throughout its history ranging from conversion to circum-cision to kashrut.

Session 4 - Motti Inbari: Reform Judaism in Israel –

Achievements and Challenges: The Jewish character of the State of Israel is mostly divided between secular and Orthodox. From the 60's a small Reform movement is be-ing built in the Jewish state. This talk will review the role of non-Orthodoxy in Israel, and the modalities in which Israeli society responds to the Reform challenge.

Motti Inbari earned his doctorate in Jewish Studies and Sociol-

ogy from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He is the first

post-doctoral fellow at the newly created Schusterman Center for

Israel Studies at Brandeis University. Mr. Inbari is also one of

the leaders of the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism, as

he served for seven years to support the ideals of this movement.


Temple Shir Tikva Me’ah Course

Begins on Monday evening, September 8, from 7-9 p.m.

M e’ah is a nationally renowned, high-level, accessible educational opportunity. As a Me’ah stu-dent, you'll be immersed in reading core Jewish texts, grappling with concepts representing the historical, cul-tural and political movements from four eras—biblical, rabbinic, medieval and modern. For approximately 100 hours of class time (Me'ah means "100" in Hebrew) over a two-year period, you'll have a chance to read, think and open your mind to the richness of our Jewish heritage. An invigorating journey, Me'ah offers not only an opportunity to grow as a literate student of Jewish life but

also a powerful means to join a growing community of learners—bringing knowledge and insight into your personal life and community as you build your understanding of what Jewish texts and ideas meant historically and what they mean for Jews today.

Me’ah Course Structure

The Me’ah program is structured chronologically. In Year One, the course covers Hebrew Bible and rabbinics—delving into the core texts that form the basis

of Jewish beliefs, behaviors and community. Year Two focuses on the medieval and modern Jewish experience, drawing from primary sources and ex-

ploring the distinguishing social and cultural themes of those eras. You'll study the major works and ideas of each period within their unique historical context and discover their interrelationships.

Become a Me’ah Student

Learn more about the Me’ah program at www.hebrewcollege.edu/meah or speak with Rabbi Gold or Deena Bloomstone at 508-358-9992. Call Linda Goldbaum to register.

Adult EducationAdult EducationAdult EducationAdult Education More Learning OpportunitiesMore Learning OpportunitiesMore Learning OpportunitiesMore Learning Opportunities

2008-2009 / 5769 Program Book

Shabbat Dinners with Shabbat Dinners with Shabbat Dinners with Shabbat Dinners with Mishpacha B’yachadMishpacha B’yachadMishpacha B’yachadMishpacha B’yachad

Celebrate Shabbat with dinner joining other fami-lies at the synagogue, then join us for Shabbat dinner and services: November 7 and April 17.

Tot ShabbatTot ShabbatTot ShabbatTot Shabbat

September 6, October 4, November 1, December 6,

February 7, March 7, April 4, May 2, and June 6

9:30 a. m.

Young children, their parents, grandparents and friends are invited to our joyful Tot Shabbat celebra-tion! On the first Shabbat of each month the rabbis and cantor lead us in prayer and songs, and tell fun Shabbat stories, immediately followed by an arts and crafts project. Stick around after clean-up and schmooze with other families at our pot-luck Shabbat brunch.

Families With Young ChildrenFamilies With Young ChildrenFamilies With Young ChildrenFamilies With Young Children

Mishpacha B’yachadMishpacha B’yachadMishpacha B’yachadMishpacha B’yachad – Families TogetherFamilies TogetherFamilies TogetherFamilies Together

(Families with at least one child under 8)

Two years ago, the Families with Young Children Task Force was formed to understand and explore how Temple Shir Tikva can better integrate families with children under eight into all aspects of the commu-nity. The task force created a web of relationships by meeting one-on-one with over 40 young families. Con- versations centered on what families with young chil-dren felt comfortable with at Shir Tikva, what spiritual and religious needs were being met for each family, and what areas may need attention to better integrate families with young children into the community.

Mishpacha B’yachad - Families Together was a re-sult of these conversations and the recommendations of the task force. Events, programs and gatherings listed are meant just for you – families with young chil-dren. Our goal is to offer opportunities to come to-gether and build meaningful relationships with other families and with one another – as we gather to cele-brate Shabbat, the holidays, learn and have fun! From celebrating Havdallah, to sharing Shabbat dinner with one another, to learning about how to speak to our chil-dren about God – Mishpacha B’yachad is focused on bringing families with young children together at Tem-ple Shir Tikva to help create a more vibrant & con-nected community.

Havdallah with Havdallah with Havdallah with Havdallah with Mishpacha B’yachadMishpacha B’yachadMishpacha B’yachadMishpacha B’yachad Join other TST families at these 4 programs to cele-

brate the end of Shabbat and the beginning of the new week. Each program will be followed by a havdallah celebration and a potluck meal.

Decorate the TST SukkahDecorate the TST SukkahDecorate the TST SukkahDecorate the TST Sukkah October 11, 3-5 p.m.

Bring your entire family to help make our Sukkah as beautiful as possible with arts and crafts, pictures, fruit, and other wonderful creations! After we are finished decorating, we will celebrate havdallah and enjoy a pot luck meal together.

LEGO Building Block Shabbat/LEGO Building Block Shabbat/LEGO Building Block Shabbat/LEGO Building Block Shabbat/HavdallahHavdallahHavdallahHavdallah January 10 3-5pm

Join us as we work together as a team and commu-nity to build famous Jewish cities and monuments out of Lego building blocks. The workshop will be led by ar-chitect Stephen W. Schwartz and includes projects like building a model of Jerusalem, The Temple, a menorah and more. Our goal is to build “whimsical models that have an architectural character worthy of the history they represent.”

You, Me, God and Our FamilyYou, Me, God and Our FamilyYou, Me, God and Our FamilyYou, Me, God and Our Family

March 21 3-5 p.m.

Join Rabbi Litcofsky during our Jewish Explorations Weekend. Through hands-on activities and projects we’ll work to begin a conversation about God with our children.

Lag B’Omer Field Day and BBQLag B’Omer Field Day and BBQLag B’Omer Field Day and BBQLag B’Omer Field Day and BBQ

May 16

The entire Shir Tikva community will come together to celebrate Lag B’Omer. Take Shabbat outside to re-lax, visit with friends, play a game of catch, participate in relay races and other such fun. Our communal cele-bration will end with supper and a bonfire.


Families With Young ChildrenFamilies With Young ChildrenFamilies With Young ChildrenFamilies With Young Children

High Holy Days:High Holy Days:High Holy Days:High Holy Days: Our program for children ages 0-8 is built upon this the mission that every member of the family, adult and child alike, have the opportunity to have a meaningful High Holiday experience at Temple Shir Tikva. On the days of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur we will offer a special High Holiday experience for children in a safe and fun environment that runs concurrently with the services go-ing on in the main sanctuary. The programs will be led and taught by knowledgeable and trained professionals. The program will include age appropriate learning activi-ties about the holidays including hands on projects, prayer and music.

Programs for first day Rosh Hashana and Yom Kip-

pur will take place during both services - 8:30-10:15

and 11:30-1:30

1. Infant and Toddler childcare 2. Pre kindergarten 3. Kindergarten 4. First and Second Grade

PrePrePrePre----Registration RequiredRegistration RequiredRegistration RequiredRegistration Required

These programs require pre-registration by September 3 to allow appropriate planning and ensure their success. Please note that there will be a fee for each program to offset the cost of staffing and supplies. For more information, contact Rabbi Greg Litcofsky at [email protected] or by calling the temple office. Program groups Ages 10 months -2 (Babysitting); Ages

3-4 (Pre-kindergarten); Kindergarten; and First and Second Grades.

GaneinuGaneinuGaneinuGaneinu, Our Garden, Our Garden, Our Garden, Our Garden

A Monthly Program for

Pre-Kindergarten Children and Their Parents

Sundays, 9 - 10:30 a.m.

There is a reason that the Hebrew word for Garden is also the word for pre-school. Just as the gardens outside are places in which flowers and plants grow, bloom and flourish, so, too, is the class or center which, with love and education, helps young minds to grow, bloom and flourish. Ganeinu means Our Garden, the place at Shir Tikva where parents come with their children, who are in the transition year before Kindergarten, to learn about and celebrate Jewish life and learning. Ganeinu takes place on nine Sundays throughout the year from 9 to10:30 a.m. The focus of each session will be Jewish Holidays.

2008-2009 / 5769 Program Book

Religious School (Grades KReligious School (Grades KReligious School (Grades KReligious School (Grades K----6)6)6)6)

Meeting Dates for 2008Meeting Dates for 2008Meeting Dates for 2008Meeting Dates for 2008----2009200920092009 Groups: Grade 6, Grade 7 and Grade 9Groups: Grade 6, Grade 7 and Grade 9Groups: Grade 6, Grade 7 and Grade 9Groups: Grade 6, Grade 7 and Grade 9

Date Time Location

October 5 4-6 PM Temple Shir Tikva

November 2 4-6 PM Temple Shir Tikva

December 7 4-6 PM Temple Shir Tikva

January 11 4-6 PM Temple Shir Tikva

February 8 4-6 PM Temple Shir Tikva

March 1 4-6 PM Temple Shir Tikva

April 5 4-6 PM Temple Shir Tikva

May 9 (Grades 7, 9 only)

6-8 PM Temple Shir Tikva

May 17 (Grade 6 only)

4-6 PM Mayyim Hayyim

June 7 4-6 PM Temple Shir Tikva

For Girls Entering Grade 6

Come learn about the program at a get-acquainted session on Sunday, September 14, 4 -6 p.m. at the home of Ellen and Rachel Frank

This initial program is geared for

daughters and parents to learn about the program.

All subsequent meetings are for girls only.

Please RSVP to Rachel Kest at [email protected] if you plan to attend.

Attention All Grade 5 Parents:Attention All Grade 5 Parents:Attention All Grade 5 Parents:Attention All Grade 5 Parents:

Mark Your Calendars

For Sunday, March 8, 9 -11 a.m.

For a NEW PROGRAM which introduces the B’nai Mitzvah process to the entire family.

This program replaces the 5th grade parents’

meeting in the evening.

At this Family Education Program you and your 5th grade child will study together, learn about the B’nai Mitzvah process at Shir Tikva and collaborate on a special art project .

Please plan to attend.

New Program

Temple Shir Tikva’s Religious School Temple Shir Tikva’s Religious School Temple Shir Tikva’s Religious School Temple Shir Tikva’s Religious School Back to School NightBack to School NightBack to School NightBack to School Night

Thursday, October 30

7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

•Meet Your Child’s Teacher •Learn About The School Curriculum

•Understand The Goals And Expectations Of Your Child’s Class

6th Grade Shabbaton at Eisner Camp6th Grade Shabbaton at Eisner Camp6th Grade Shabbaton at Eisner Camp6th Grade Shabbaton at Eisner Camp

Please mark your calendar today for this exciting event. All of Temple Shir Tikva’s Professional Team will attend the Shabbaton and we are looking for 100% participation from the 6th Grade! More information to follow in the coming months. If you have any questions, please contact Rachel Kest, Director of Elementary & Family Education at 508-358-9992 or e-mail her at [email protected]

Friday, January 30 Friday, January 30 Friday, January 30 Friday, January 30 ---- Sunday, February 1 Sunday, February 1 Sunday, February 1 Sunday, February 1


Religious School (Grades KReligious School (Grades KReligious School (Grades KReligious School (Grades K----6)6)6)6)

Save the DateSave the DateSave the DateSave the Date

For Shir Tikva’s For Shir Tikva’s For Shir Tikva’s For Shir Tikva’s

Annual Purim CarnivalAnnual Purim CarnivalAnnual Purim CarnivalAnnual Purim Carnival March 15, 2009March 15, 2009March 15, 2009March 15, 2009

Temple Shir Tikva’s Annual

Chanukah Book Fair

Sunday, December 7

From 9 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Temple Shir Tikva’s Annual

Passover Book Fair

Sunday, March 22

From 9 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Grandparents, Parents and Children...Grandparents, Parents and Children...Grandparents, Parents and Children...Grandparents, Parents and Children...

Come Explore Jewish History by Building Come Explore Jewish History by Building Come Explore Jewish History by Building Come Explore Jewish History by Building

A Model of Jerusalem with LegosA Model of Jerusalem with LegosA Model of Jerusalem with LegosA Model of Jerusalem with Legos

Saturday, January 10, 3Saturday, January 10, 3Saturday, January 10, 3Saturday, January 10, 3----5 p.m.5 p.m.5 p.m.5 p.m.

Program concludes with HavdallahProgram concludes with HavdallahProgram concludes with HavdallahProgram concludes with Havdallah

For more information about this event check out

www.buildingblocksworkshops.com

Date Program Audience Time

September 21 Lunch and Fun: Co-Co Key Water Park Grades 3-6 1:15-5 p.m.

September 21 Brunch at the Temple Grades K-2 10:45-11:30 a.m.

November 1, 2 Grade 5 Shul-In Grade 5 6 p.m.–9 a.m.

November 16 Lunch and Option of: Chanukah-focused Art Program with Henry Altman Sports/games

Grades 3-6 1:15-3 p.m.

November 23 Chanukah-focused art project with Henry Altman Grades K-2 1:15-3 p.m.

December 14 Lunch and Chanukah Cooking/Preparing a Celebratory Meal for our Parents

Grades 3-6 1:15-3:30 p.m.

January 25 Lunch and Scavenger Hunt/Tour of Jewish Boston to Con-clude at JP Licks

Grades 3-6 1:15-4 p.m.

January 30-February 1 Grade 6 Shabbaton at URJ Eisner Camp Grade 6 N/A

March 8

Preparing for Purim: Making Hamentaschen and Masks Grades K-2 1:15-3 p.m.

March 15 Purim Carnival Everyone 1:15-3 p.m.

March 29 Matzah Making with Rabbi Gold Grades 3-6 1:15-3 p.m.

April 4 Pajama Party Grade 3-4 6-10 p.m.

2008200820082008----2009 Social Programming for Kindergarten 2009 Social Programming for Kindergarten 2009 Social Programming for Kindergarten 2009 Social Programming for Kindergarten ---- Grade 6 Grade 6 Grade 6 Grade 6

2008-2009 / 5769 Program Book

Youth Community (Grades 7Youth Community (Grades 7Youth Community (Grades 7Youth Community (Grades 7----12)12)12)12)

Every seventh to twelfth grade student is automaticallyautomaticallyautomaticallyautomatically a member

of our Youth Community. Whether you’re interested in: dinner

with friends, social action, innovative learning programs, student

teaching, trips and retreats or youth group activities, there is a

place for you here!

Some components of the program require advance registration, but we make

every effort to have an open door policy throughout the year. We invite you to

explore all of the opportunities available to you. Come and join in!

Grades 7Grades 7Grades 7Grades 7----12 12 12 12 -------- Wednesday Night Dinner and Classes, 6 Wednesday Night Dinner and Classes, 6 Wednesday Night Dinner and Classes, 6 Wednesday Night Dinner and Classes, 6 –––– 8 8 8 8

Whether we are learning about Israel through an arts seminar, grappling with issues around Jewish history, dis-cussing environmental concerns, studying and lobbying around the situation in Sudan, or approaching issues of hunger and homelessness -- our Wednesday night program offers interesting and challenging topics for every-one. We are excited about building on our current format, with some new and excellent program opportunities for the coming year.

Communal Dinner Communal Dinner Communal Dinner Communal Dinner (6 – 6:30 p.m.)

Every Wednesday our program begins by eating din-ner together. Every student in grades 7 -12 is invited to join us for a casual dining experience with a rotat-ing menu.

Innovative Learning Innovative Learning Innovative Learning Innovative Learning (6:30 – 8 p.m.) After dinner, we turn toward study. Our program is designed to include a variety of learning styles and formats. Our goal is to provide a substantive program that truly integrates formal and informal teaching styles. On any given Wednesday, students are either in class by grade, or are participating in a larger-scale program that incorporates several grades.

General Overview of GradeGeneral Overview of GradeGeneral Overview of GradeGeneral Overview of Grade----Specific Learning:Specific Learning:Specific Learning:Specific Learning:

Grade 7 — How Mitzvot Affect Our Identity. We build on the grade 6 mitzvah awareness curriculum and bring the discussion a step further. How does our knowledge and understanding of commandments instruct who we are? We begin the year with an overnight team build-

ing retreat at Thompson's Island, October 25 - 26.

Grades 8 & 9 — The first part of the year for grades 8 & 9 is spent in core grade level study. The grade 8 core course is the History of Modern Israel. The grade 9 core course is Witness to History: a Study of Shoah. The sec-ond half of the year offers students elective classes from which to choose. Additionally, we plan an overnight

“Shabbat in New York” trip November 7 - 8 for our grade 9 students.

Grade 10, Confirmation — This is a special year of study with our Rabbis and Director of Congregational Learn-ing.

Friday, December 5 through Monday, December 8,

The class will travel to the Religious Action Center in

Washington, DC to study social justice and lobby at Capitol Hill. The year culminates as students affirm their commitment to Judaism in a Confirmation ceremony held on the Shabbat nearest Shavuot.

Grades 11 & 12 — We offer a year-long course of study on a variety of topics. The faculty of our eleventh and twelfth grade program includes our Cantor, Rabbis and master educators from the Boston Jewish community. The topics range from Social Justice in Our World, Eth-

ics of the Internet, Jewish Tales of the Supernatural,

Packing for College and more. We also plan a week-

long Habitat for Humanity volunteer experience over

February break.

Additional Learning Opportunities — In addition to Wednesday evening classes, we offer conversational He-brew for both beginners and continuing learners on Sun-day mornings. This is a collaborative class with the Adult Learning Committee.


Youth Community (Grades 7Youth Community (Grades 7Youth Community (Grades 7Youth Community (Grades 7----12)12)12)12)

Be a Student Teacher (8Be a Student Teacher (8Be a Student Teacher (8Be a Student Teacher (8thththth –––– 12 12 12 12thththth grade) grade) grade) grade)

Our student teacher program at TST offers invaluable aid to our lower grade classes. In addition to the aid in the class-room, this program provides a unique and powerful learning opportunity for our teens.

• Choose from Sunday or weekday class options.

• Take part in our full orientation and continued learning opportunities.

• Be a positive Jewish role model for younger students.

• Deepen your awareness of the significance of Jewish education and community in your own lives and in the lives of the students.

• Student teacher rates start at $5.50 an hour for your first year.

Social Action / Tikkun Olam OpportunitiesSocial Action / Tikkun Olam OpportunitiesSocial Action / Tikkun Olam OpportunitiesSocial Action / Tikkun Olam Opportunities

Participate in some of our one-day opportunities run by the teen leaders of our Youth Community:

• Tzedakah projects (Walk for Hunger, fundraising basketball tournament, etc.)

• Service projects (working with food banks and soup kitchens, community work for the elderly, and more)

Join us for ongoing Tikkun Olam projects: • 9th - 12th grade teens partner with a local elementary school, conducting literacy tutoring with some of their first and

second grade students. The tutoring program is part of a larger initiative through TELEM and the Jewish Community Relations Council.

• Our 7th and 8th grade students will take part in “Heart Action”, a Boston based initiative. The program connects our students with an assisted living facility in the area, and involves learning as well as working directly with the people living in the facility

• Commit to a series of visits to the Greater Boston Food Bank as we sort and package food donations.

7th/8th Grade Youth Group7th/8th Grade Youth Group7th/8th Grade Youth Group7th/8th Grade Youth Group Throughout the year, a variety of both local and regional programs are available to grades 7 & 8.

• We begin the year with an overnight team-building retreat at Thompson's Island October 25 - 26.

• February 7 & 8, there is a regional overnight at Temple Ohabei Shalom in Brookline.

• Join us for the middle school division of our annual 3-on-3 charity basketball tournament in the spring.

• Other local events include seeing a show in Boston, going to a professional sporting event, watching movies, snow tubing, indoor rock climbing, or something new!

Creative Arts Learning Eleventh & Twelfth Grade Israel Trip Literacy Tutoring program

STIFTY / Youth Community Board (Grades 9STIFTY / Youth Community Board (Grades 9STIFTY / Youth Community Board (Grades 9STIFTY / Youth Community Board (Grades 9----12)12)12)12) In grades 9 - 12, we welcome participation in STIFTY (our senior youth group). Our board of outstanding youth leaders oversee and coordinate the various activities for high school grades.

• Take part in social action, both long-running programs and individual projects.

• Participate in local social activities that have included ice skating on the Boston Common, disco bowling, pool tour-naments, charity basketball events, and much more.

• Engage in ongoing leadership training. Attend a variety of regional events including dances, shul-ins, conclavettes, week-long retreats, and board training.

2008-2009 / 5769 Program Book

WorshipWorshipWorshipWorship

Torah StudyTorah StudyTorah StudyTorah Study Rabbi Neal Gold

Rabbi Greg Litcofsky

Cantor Hollis Schachner

Shabbat Morning Shabbat Morning Shabbat Morning Shabbat Morning

Every Saturday, 9:15 a.m.

We gather every Shabbat morning at Temple Shir Tikva for study of the weekly Torah portion. The conversation is always high-spirited, insightful, and fun as we take the insights of our ancient texts and mine them for contemporary mean-ing. We used to say “No Experience Necessary”; but now we say “Your ex-perience is necessary!” as we join our Rabbis and Rashi, Ramban, Ibn-Ezra, the Sages of the Midrash, and millennia of Jewish teachers in uncovering the wisdom of the Torah.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Bar/Bat Mitzvah Bar/Bat Mitzvah Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Second Saturday of every month

9:15 a.m.

Our pre-Bar/Bat Mitzvah students and their families join together as a learning community once a month, as they study the weekly Torah portion. Students, par-ents, siblings, and everyone else are al-ways invited to join our teachers for a freewheeling conversation about the foun-dation texts of Jewish life.

Wednesday Morning Wednesday Morning Wednesday Morning Wednesday Morning

Every Wednesday, 10 a.m.

beginning October 15

For years now, an inspired group of stu-dents gathers on Wednesday mornings for friendship, community, and the study of the great books of the Jewish people (both ancient and contemporary). Newcomers are always invited to join this very warm and special community within the Temple for mid-week spiritual insights from our tradition.

5769 Jewish Holidays

2008–2009 Selichot Program and Service Saturday, September 20

Erev Rosh HaShanah Monday, September 29

Rosh HaShanah (Day 1) Tuesday, September 30

Rosh HaShanah (Day 2) Wednesday, October 1

Erev Yom Kippur Wednesday, October 8

Yom Kippur Thursday, October 9

Erev Sukkot Monday, October 13

Sukkot (Day 1) Tuesday, October 14

Sukkot Celebration for All Friday, October 17

Shemini Atzeret (Yizkor Service) Tuesday, October 21

Simchat Torah Celebration for All Tuesday, October 21

Chanukah (1st candle) Sunday, December 21

Chanukah Celebration for All Friday, December 26

Chanukah (8th candle) Sunday, December 28

Tu B’Shevat Monday, February 9

Adult Purim Extravaganza Saturday, March 7

Megillah Reading & Purim Celebra-tion

Monday, March 9

Purim Carnival Sunday, March 15

Pesach (1st Seder) Wednesday, April 8

Pesach (Day 1) Thursday, April 9

Pesach (2nd Seder) Thursday, April 9

Pesach Celebration for All Friday, April 10

Pesach (Day 7) (Yizkor Service) Wednesday, April 15

Yom Hashoah Memorial Observance Monday, April 20

Yom HaShoah Tuesday, April 21

Yom Ha’Atzmaut Wednesday, April 29

Lag B’Omer Tuesday, May 12

Community Lag B’Omer Celebration Saturday, May 16

Tikkun Leil Shavuot Thursday, May 28

Shavuot (Yizkor Service) Friday, May 29

Tisha B’Av Commemoration Wednesday, July 29

For holiday happenings at Shir Tikva . . .

Visit our events page often at www.shirtikva.org

CLICK ON “CURRENT HOLIDAY INFORMATION”

Watch Vats Nu each week for the latest holiday announcements


WorshipWorshipWorshipWorship

Yom Tov Morning Services 2008–2009

PLEASE NOTE YIZKOR TIMES

Sukkot Tuesday, October 14

10 a.m. Yom Tov Shacharit Service

Shemini Atzeret Tuesday, October 21

10 a.m. Yom Tov Shacharit Service with YIZKOR

Pesach Thursday, April 9


Pesach Wednesday, April 15

10 a.m. Yom Tov Shacharit Service with YIZKOR

Shavuot Friday, May 29


with YIZKOR

Adult Choir Adult Choir Adult Choir Adult Choir

Temple Shir Tikva is blessed to have had a dynamic adult volunteer choir enriching us through song since the earliest days of our community. The choir is an anchor of our High Holidays worship experience, and participates in Shabbat and holiday ser-vices, as well as special programs all year long. It is a musical adult-education group, as well as a performance ensemble. Becoming a choir member provides a unique opportu-

nity to study our rich Jewish heritage through singing a colorful and varied repertoire from our musical history. From Israel to Odessa, from Spain to Baghdad, our an-cestors expressed their joy and woe through everything from Ladino lullabies to Yiddish art songs and Hebrew liturgical poems, and so do we! If you are a song-loving novice or a trained voice, come and take your rightful place among the sweet singers of Israel! Rehearsals are directed by Cantor Hollis Schachner,

and are generally held in the Sanctuary at 7:30 pm on the Wednesday evenings leading up to our performances.

We begin the year with our High Holiday rehears-

als, held on the four Wednesday evenings in Septem-

ber at 7:30. A rehearsal is also scheduled for Sun-

day, Oct. 5. For more information, contact Sharon Kivnik or Can-

tor Hollis Schachner.

Teen ChoirTeen ChoirTeen ChoirTeen Choir

If you are a seventh to twelfth grader who loves to sing, the Teen choir is a great way for you to enrich the Temple with your voice and have fun with other musical friends. All members of the Youth Community are welcome to join us, whether you are a graduate of Shirei Yeladim, our Youth Choir, or a newcomer to singing at Shir Tikva. The choir is an opportunity to learn and perform Jew-ish music of all kinds, ranging from traditional worship music to Jewish contemporary, folk, pop, and world music. We will perform regularly at holiday celebrations and Shabbat ser-vices throughout the year, as well as singing in featured per-formances at special events and concerts. All voices are wel-come! We are also looking for talented musicians to play as an

ensemble for some choir performances. The Teen Choir, led by Cantor Hollis Schachner, rehearses

on Wednesdays from 5:30-6. Choir will be held on any Wednesday evening that Youth Community meets, and fol-lows the school schedule for vacations.

Join us for our first rehearsal of the year on

Wednesday, September 17, 5:30 p.m.

in the Beit Midrash.

For more information, contact Cantor Schachner at [email protected].

Youth Choir If you are in third to sixth grade, and like to sing , than the Youth Choir is for you! Shirei

Yeladim—Songs of Children, Temple Shir Tikva’s Youth Choir, is a group of talented kids who come together to have fun learning and performing Jewish music.

Shirei Yeladim helps Temple Shir Tikva by lifting our spirits in song during holidays, Shabbats, and special occa-sions throughout the year. We rehearse every Sunday dur-ing Religious School from 10:50 to 11:20, led by Cantor Hollis Schachner and accompanied by Jonathan Zarkower. Students in the first session of Religious School are ex-

cused for the last few minutes of class, and students in the second session are excused for the first few minutes. All voices are unique gifts and all are welcome, so come

and sing! The Youth Choir will be singing for the Family Services of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Mornings,

this year, so be sure to come to our first rehearsal in Sep-tember, which will be held on the first Sunday of Reli-gious School: September 14, 10:50 a.m., in the Sanctu-ary.

2008-2009 / 5769 Program Book

Shabbat at Shir TikvaShabbat at Shir TikvaShabbat at Shir TikvaShabbat at Shir Tikva

Shabbat Morning at Temple Shir

Tikva: Our goal is to continue to build a

Shabbat Morning where our Temple

Shir Tikva community can walk together

down a path that allows every person –

no matter their age, stage of life or Jew-

ish journey – to engage Shabbat through prayer, rit-

ual, and study. Our hope is that Shabbat at Shir Tikva

will be a place where we gather together as a sacred

community to relate to another and Shabbat in a deep

and meaningful way.

First Shabbat of the MonthFirst Shabbat of the MonthFirst Shabbat of the MonthFirst Shabbat of the Month

Tot Shabbat :(Ages 0 through Kindergarten) – Young children, their parents, grandparents and friends are invited to our joyful Tot Shabbat celebration! Join the TST com-munity on the first Shabbat of each month as the rabbis and cantor lead us in prayer, songs and tell fun Shabbat stories immediately followed by an arts and crafts project. Stick around after clean up and schmooze with other families at our pot-luck Shabbat brunch. 9:30 - Prayer and story in the sanctuary; 9:45 - Craft project in classroom 2;11 - Pot Luck Shabbat brunch Dates: October 4, November 1, December 6, February 7, March 7, April 4, May 2, June 6

Second Shabbat of the MonthSecond Shabbat of the MonthSecond Shabbat of the MonthSecond Shabbat of the Month

6th and 7th Grade Family Shabbat Prayer and Study: Our 6th and 7th grade students and their parents, as they pre-pare for their bar and bat mitzvah, join our community for Tefila followed by Torah study with Rabbi Gold and Rabbi Litcofsky.

Tefila and Torah reading 8:30-9:30; Torah Study 9:30-10:30 Dates: September 13, October 11, November 8, December 13, January 10, February 14

Third Shabbat of the MonthThird Shabbat of the MonthThird Shabbat of the MonthThird Shabbat of the Month Family Shabbat Tefila (1st – 6th grade): Our religious school families will have the opportunity to come together as families in order to experience the beauty of Shabbat morning at Temple Shir Tikva. The service will be led by Cantor Schachner, Rabbi Litcofsky and Rabbi Gold and will be followed by a pot luck oneg. Throughout the year the families of each class will be called upon to take on a lead-ership role for the tefila. The religious school students will take an active participatory role during each Shabbat ser-vice, putting into action what they are learning in the class-room. Tefila: 9-10, Pot luck Oneg: 10-10:30 Dates: September 20, October 18, November 15 – 6th Grade, December 20 – 5th Grade, January 17, February 21, March 21 – 3rd Grade and Siyyum HaSefer, April 18, May 16 – 4th Grade

Fourth Shabbat of the MonthFourth Shabbat of the MonthFourth Shabbat of the MonthFourth Shabbat of the Month Teen Shabbat Service (8th grade – 12th grade): Teens of the Temple Shir Tikva community will gather to cele-brate Shabbat. In conjunction with Rabbi Litcofsky teens of TST will help lead and run their own Shabbat morning ser-vice and Torah study. We invite all of our teens to come and be part of this exciting new Shabbat service. Tefila and Torah Study: 10:45 Lunch: Noon Dates: October 25, November 22, December 20, January 24, February 28, March 28, April 25, May 23

TST has recently substantially upgraded the bandwidth of its Internet connection, and this enables us to open up accessibility of our live Internet video transmission of TST worship services to general member, and member family, use in special circumstances when you are unable to be physically present at our Shabbat services. Full instructions and technical requirements can be

found at www.shirtikva.org/video. That web page mentions that the user id and password will be periodically pub- lished in the e-mail VatsNu and the printed Hineni, so you must refer to those publications; they do not appear in this

on-line copy of the Program Book. . This access has benefitted hospitalized congregants and

those who are away from home for the winter. Many rela-tives of b’nai mitzvah families who are unable to travel or are living abroad have used this service to share special times with loved ones. If you, or those you love, are in similar situations, have an Internet connection and would like to join us for Shabbat services, give this a try!

Live Video Streaming of Services Now More Widely Available Live Video Streaming of Services Now More Widely Available Live Video Streaming of Services Now More Widely Available Live Video Streaming of Services Now More Widely Available


GatheringGatheringGatheringGathering

KULAMKULAMKULAMKULAM – The Kof is for 20, the Lamed is for 30 - KULAM means all of us. Temple Shir Tikva is a vibrant and dynamic synagogue, a place where Jews from through-out the Metrowest area come together to connect with one another through our shared values and stories.

KULAMKULAMKULAMKULAM was created for Jews in their 20s and 30s to

gather with old and new friends to make deep and meaning-

ful connections. KULAM brings people in this age group (children or not) together to celebrate Shabbat and the holi-days, study Torah, socialize and enrich our lives as we ex-

plore our Jewish journey with one another.

KULAMKULAMKULAMKULAM is not about programs, it’s about people – it’s about you! We need you to help KULAM measure its suc-cess by building and fostering deep and meaningful connec-tions among those who choose to be part of this vibrant group. If you are interested in taking a leadership role or have any questions or ideas, please contact Rabbi Greg Lit-cofsky at [email protected].

Events:Events:Events:Events:

Saturday, October 18 Sukkah Under the Stars 7-10 p.m. Join us as we celebrate the holiday of Sukkot in the Shir Tikva Sukkah with dinner and salsa dancing under the stars. No dance experience necessary - come dance the night away and meet and hang out with other 20’s and 30’s from

Shir Tikva and the Metrowest community.

Saturday, March 7 Temple Shir Tikva Adults-Only Purim Party Join the adults of Temple Shir Tikva as we celebrate Purim together as a community. Make sure to come in costume!

April 16 End of Passover Party Celebrate the end of Passover with friends, pizza and beer.

Saturday, May 16 30th Anniversary Lag B’omer Celebration Join the entire Temple Shir Tikva community as we cele-brate the holiday of Lag B’omer with field day. Take Shab-bat outside to relax, play a game of catch, or participate in the relay races. We’ll eat, we’ll play, we’ll celebrate to-gether. Our communal Shabbat celebration will end with a bonfire and dinner.

REYIMREYIMREYIMREYIM**** invites all “empty nesters”invites all “empty nesters”invites all “empty nesters”invites all “empty nesters”

to enjoy the companionship to enjoy the companionship to enjoy the companionship to enjoy the companionship

of friends old and new!of friends old and new!of friends old and new!of friends old and new!

Here’s what we’re planning . . .

Saturday, September 20, 7:30 p.m. Pre-Selichot Dinner Our Pre-Selichot Dinner has become a much-loved tradition at Shir Tikva. Don’t be left out. RSVP in advance to Selma Liebnick ([email protected]). Dinner is $18 per person.

Friday, December 19, 6:15 p.m. Shabbat Service and Dinner

Sunday, January 11, 6 p.m. Film and Dinner

Friday, March 27, 6:15 p.m. Shabbat Service and Dinner

Sunday, May 31, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Day Trip to Newport Rhode Island Explore the history of the Colonial Jews of Newport. Visit Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in America and a National Historic Site.

Mark your calendar now and watch

for details in Hineni and Vats Nu.

*Reyim develops and oversees programs that bring "empty

nesters" together to build community and to engage in adult

social, educational, and religious programming.

2008-2009 / 5769 Program Book

Gathering: Gathering: Gathering: Gathering: BrotherhoodBrotherhoodBrotherhoodBrotherhood

Mission StatementMission StatementMission StatementMission Statement

The Brotherhood at Temple Shir Tikva is much more than a

group of guys from the temple community gathering occa-

sionally to play poker, hold a golf tournament, host a com-

edy night or compete against other temples in softball.

While we do these things – and many other engaging, fun

activities and events – the Brotherhood at its core is a vital

part of the larger Shir Tikva mission of helping to create a

sacred community for its members and the world beyond.

For example, our social justice and action agenda includes

the management of our annual blood drive, gathering of

food and clothing for those in need and participation in the

temple’s major other Tikkun Olam projects. The Brother-

hood is also central to the temple’s ritual, religious and

educational focus in which members volunteer to usher on

the High Holidays, build our Sukkah and help plan and run

informative, interactive Sunday breakfasts with interesting

guest speakers.

If you are interested in learning more about the Brother-

hood or participating in any of these existing programs –

and helping us envision and plan new ones – then please

contact either of the Brotherhood Co-Chairs: Rich Dorf-

man, [email protected], 508-651-2426

or Rob Brockman, [email protected], 978-443-3134

To receive the Brotherhood email newsletter, please send

your email address to Rich Dorfman.

2008/2009 Programs2008/2009 Programs2008/2009 Programs2008/2009 Programs

Join Us for Lunch on September 14Join Us for Lunch on September 14Join Us for Lunch on September 14Join Us for Lunch on September 14 Reunite with all your friends and family, meet new families, learn more about this year’s TST activities, and enjoy a fun, free BBQ lunch on Sunday, September 14.

Sukkah Build/TakeSukkah Build/TakeSukkah Build/TakeSukkah Build/Take----Down October 5/26Down October 5/26Down October 5/26Down October 5/26

Brotherhood volunteers gather on Sunday morning, October 5, to help build our new Sukkah in front of the temple, then come together again on Sunday, October 26, to take it down following the holiday. Lots of fun for all!

Dick Zisson Memorial Red Cross Dick Zisson Memorial Red Cross Dick Zisson Memorial Red Cross Dick Zisson Memorial Red Cross

Blood Drive: January 11Blood Drive: January 11Blood Drive: January 11Blood Drive: January 11

The Brotherhood will sponsor our annual blood drive again this year. Last year, over 100 donors participated in this life-giving gift, so please join us again or come for the first time. The Red Cross will be on-site at the Temple. Look for an online registration in December.

Comedy Night: January 24Comedy Night: January 24Comedy Night: January 24Comedy Night: January 24 This event has become an annual tradition at the temple and includes dinner followed by comedians imported from the Comedy Connection in Boston. This is a great night out at the temple…come with friends or meet new folks from the synagogue.

MSSL Men’s 25 and OverMSSL Men’s 25 and OverMSSL Men’s 25 and OverMSSL Men’s 25 and Over

SlowSlowSlowSlow----Pitch Softball LeaguePitch Softball LeaguePitch Softball LeaguePitch Softball League Last year was our fourth year playing in the Men’s Shul Softball League (MSSL) against Brotherhood teams from Brookline, Newton, and other metro-west towns. We al-ready have a full 20-player squad but if we get 15 to 20 other men interested we can create a second temple team. The games are on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. April through July. If you are interested in playing, contact Joe Libbin at [email protected] or Ben Robin at brobin@ nesren-

tals.com, no later than January 15.

Sunday Morning Speaker BreakfastsSunday Morning Speaker BreakfastsSunday Morning Speaker BreakfastsSunday Morning Speaker Breakfasts

The Brotherhood will be holding two Sunday Morning breakfast speaker events. Breakfast will be prepared by the Brotherhood for your culinary delight! November 2: Jewish Dimensions of the Upcoming Elec-

tion. With the presidential election just two days away, join us for engaging conversation that will focus on what the new administration will be facing with issues directly relat-ing to Israel and the Middle East and what America’s role will need to be. March 29: Boston is certainly the new “Title Town” of professional sports with the Celtics now joining the Red Sox and Patriots as recent world champions. Hear a speaker close to the action of our local sports franchises with a little Jewish perspective thrown in for good measure.

Monthly Brotherhood NightsMonthly Brotherhood NightsMonthly Brotherhood NightsMonthly Brotherhood Nights

Meet at the Temple with men from the congregation for a Texas Hold ‘em poker tournament (a donation will cover food, beverages and prizes for top winners – beginners are always welcome and encouraged to join in). Not into poker? No problem. Brotherhood Night is there for the guys to play other games of their choosing or to just kibbitz, nosh or watch a ball game together. Take a break from the hectic work week and join us starting Tuesday, October 28 at 7:30. All other Brotherhood Nights are on Mondays: November 18, December 16, February 10, March 17, April 14 and May 19.


Gathering: Gathering: Gathering: Gathering: Sisterhood Sisterhood Sisterhood Sisterhood

Learn, Schmooze, Connect, Help Learn, Schmooze, Connect, Help Learn, Schmooze, Connect, Help Learn, Schmooze, Connect, Help

Temple Shir Tikva’s Sisterhood offers women the opportu-nity to engage in a wide variety of activities and events. Every adult woman in the congregation is automatically a member of Sisterhood. We have great activities planned for the coming year and we encourage you to bring forward your ideas for events you would like to see implemented. Please join us…it is a great way to connect and build com-munity. If you are interested in participating in any of these events, please contact: Sisterhood Chair: Leticia Safran, at [email protected].

Mayyim Hayyim EventMayyim Hayyim EventMayyim Hayyim EventMayyim Hayyim Event Sunday, September 7, 3-4:30 p.m.

1838 Washington Street (Route 16), Newton, 617-244-1836

Founded by acclaimed Boston-area author Anita Diamant, Mayyim Hayyim is a mikveh where age-old Jewish tradi-tions and contemporary Jewish life coverage. Open to all, Mayyim Hayyim offers a welcoming, inviting and spiritu-ally rich environment for marking important milestones or moments. It is a place for laughter and mazel tovs, a center for study and a place for celebration.

Join us to learn more about the ritual of mikveh and our “community jewel” by visiting Mayyim Hayyim for a tour and Education Program on Sunday, September 7th, 3:00-4:30pm. The program will be followed by coffee and re-freshments from 4:30-5:15pm.

To RSVP, please contact Karen Edwards in the Temple office at 508-358-9992 or at [email protected] . If you have questions about the event, contact Sharon Bially at [email protected]. Space is limited to the first 45 respondents. The registration fee is $20.

Brotherhood/Sisterhood EventBrotherhood/Sisterhood EventBrotherhood/Sisterhood EventBrotherhood/Sisterhood Event “Back to Shul” Congregational BBQ Sunday, September 14, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Reunite with friends and families, learn about this year’s TST activities and enjoy a fun BBQ lunch. Contact Mona Dolgov, Chairperson, [email protected], 508-651-2608 or Leticia Safran at [email protected].

Sunday Morning Breakfast SpeakerSunday Morning Breakfast SpeakerSunday Morning Breakfast SpeakerSunday Morning Breakfast Speaker Rony Yedidia,

Consul at Consulate General of Israel

in New England Sunday, December 7, 9:15 a.m.

Rony Yedidia, Consul at Consulate General of Israel in New England, will be our guest speaker. This event is open to the entire congregation at Temple Shir Tikva and prom-ises to be an exciting morning and a special opportunity to meet and hear from Ms. Yedidia. Contact: Leticia Safran@

LSafran@ comcast.net.

Sisterhood SederSisterhood SederSisterhood SederSisterhood Seder Thursday, March 26, 6:30 p.m.

What a perfect way to get into the spirit of Pesach: We will use an original Haggadah and share a delicious meal. This is a very special way to connect with other women in the community. Contact Leticia Safran at LSafran@ com-

cast.net.

Annual Sisterhood Dinner Annual Sisterhood Dinner Annual Sisterhood Dinner Annual Sisterhood Dinner Thursday, April 30, 6-9 p.m.

Join us for this annual favorite: a night to meet with friends at the Temple, shop for unique handcrafted items at the boutiques, share a wonderful meal with community of women. Contact Leticia Safran at [email protected].

2008-2009 / 5769 Program Book

Tikkun OlamTikkun OlamTikkun OlamTikkun Olam

Join Rabbi Gold and Shir Tikva’s Social Action team leaders for a remarkable three days of activism in our nation’s Capitol. The Consultation on Conscience is the bi-annual conference of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, the Reform Jewish movement’s voice in Washington. Come and be thrust into the midst of Jew-ish conversation on the most pressing is-sues of our time: war and peace, environ-mental protection, safeguarding civil liber-ties, fighting genocide, keeping Israel safe

and free, and ensuring social justice in America and around the world. The Consultation on Conscience attracts

thousands of Jews from Reform syna-gogues around the country to engage in a dialogue with remarkable leaders and one another. Past keynote speakers at the Con-sultation have included: the Dalai Lama, Elie Wiesel, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Sen. Joe Lieberman, Sen. John McCain, Presi-dent Bill Clinton, Ben Cohen (of Ben & Jerry’s), and many more. Speakers at the 2007 Consultation included: former Secre-

tary of State Madeline Albright, Sen. Hillary Clinton, Israel’s Ambassador to the US Sallai Meridor, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, and a wide array of elected officials from both sides of the political aisle. Join us for three amazing days articulat-

ing a Jewish voice to the most crucial is-sues facing our world.

For more information about the Consul-

tation on Conscience, please visit www.rac. org, or contact Rabbi Gold or Julie Kniznik, Vice President-Tikkun Olam.

TEKIAHTEKIAHTEKIAHTEKIAH

Our Tekiah initiative is underway, and there are many oppor-tunities to get involved. Last year TST identified three major areas of concern where congregants want to take action to improve our world. Those areas include our STEAM Team (Shir Tikva Elder Action Mensches); our Environmental Green Team, and our Helping Youth team. Within each team there are groups working on specific aspects of these issues. For more information, email the following team leaders: STEAM Team: Karen Margolis, Karen.margolis@ rcn.com or Mike Kramer [email protected] Volunteer opportunities: Robin Tapper, rtapper@comcast. net or Amy Podolsky, [email protected] Eldercare Info: Mike Kramer, [email protected] or Mike Suvalle, [email protected] Advocacy: Susan Kasle, [email protected] or Beth Sack-stein, [email protected] Green Team: Amy O’Donnell or Doug Dolgov, dolgov@ comcast.net Helping Youth: Liz Fineberg, [email protected] or Julie Kniznik, [email protected]

Ongoing ProgramsOngoing ProgramsOngoing ProgramsOngoing Programs

Food DriveFood DriveFood DriveFood Drive Every year during the High Holidays TST has done an amaz-ing job of collecting food to benefit the Boston Medical Cen-ter’s Grow Clinic. This year we hope to collect more than ever given the difficult economic conditions. Pick up your paper bags with the list of items needed and bring them to the temple parking lot where our truck will be waiting. Contact Sara Zirkel with any questions at zirkelhouse@ yahoo.com

Yad B’Yad (Hand to Hand)Yad B’Yad (Hand to Hand)Yad B’Yad (Hand to Hand)Yad B’Yad (Hand to Hand) Our ongoing food collections have been benefiting Family Table, a communal response to Jewish individuals and families who cannot afford the basic necessities of life. Food is

collected from more than 45 collection sites at synagogues and day schools and distributed monthly to Jewish families in need. TST has been assigned tuna fish and pasta so please bring these items (marked Kosher or Pareve) and place them in the Family Table receptacle near the Temple office. We also need volunteers to deliver contributions to Family Table’s Waltham distribution point and, next April, to bag, label and deliver food from Waltham to more than 150 local house-holds. Contact Robin Tapper at [email protected].

Coat DriveCoat DriveCoat DriveCoat Drive Estie Rappaport at [email protected] has again volunteered to collect clean coats in good condition later this fall, so look for the collection bin during November and December. Re-cipients will feel warm this winter, and so will you.

Focus: Darfur Task ForceFocus: Darfur Task ForceFocus: Darfur Task ForceFocus: Darfur Task Force Roz Rosenthal has led our congregation by creating educa-tional opportunities for members to learn about the genocide in Western Sudan. In addition to informational seminars on genocide-free investing, TST has collected shoes for refugees in a program called Soles 4 Souls. Learn more and get in-volved! Contact Roz Rosenthal at [email protected].

Literacy TutoringLiteracy TutoringLiteracy TutoringLiteracy Tutoring Temple Shir Tikva has been an active participant in the

Greater Boston Jewish Coalition for Literacy since 2001. The program is sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) in conjunction with Combined Jewish Philan-thropies and United Way.

Volunteers who are interested in working with at-risk chil-dren in first through third grades tutor students at our partner school, the Barbieri School in Framingham. Tutors receive training from the Coalition and typically commit to helping one or more students on a weekly basis. The relationships created through this program are precious.

If you are interested in helping a child learn to read, contact

Ellen Blocker, Team Leader, at [email protected] or call her at 508-653-6319.

The Consultation on Conscience: The Consultation on Conscience: The Consultation on Conscience: The Consultation on Conscience: A 3A 3A 3A 3----Day Immersion in Jewish Social JusticeDay Immersion in Jewish Social JusticeDay Immersion in Jewish Social JusticeDay Immersion in Jewish Social Justice April 19-21, L’Enfant Plaza Hotel, Washington, DC


BEIT TEFILLAH COMMITTEES (House of Worship) Ritual - Formulates policy regarding religious practices and use of synagogue facilities; works with clergy to recommend worship innovations and changes; supports congregants’ needs to deepen communal and personal spiritual experiences. B’nai Mitzvah - Formulates policy related to B’nai Mitzvah practice and assumes responsibility for the assigning of dates. Holiday Celebrations - Plans and implements holiday celebrations and observances; seeks to engage all congregation mem-bers in rich holiday experiences that embrace the dimensions of spirituality, learning, and joy. Music/Choir - Formulates policy related to the musical content of the synagogue’s programs and arranges special musical and Choir programs.

BEIT MIDRASH COMMITTEES (House of Study) Library - Develops and maintains our Library, insuring that books, resources and materials are available to the community. School - Formulates policy for Grades K-6, reviews and evaluates educational and social activities and school climate, and provides guidance and support to the Director of Elementary and Family Education. Youth - Formulates policy for Grades 7-12, reviews and evaluates educational and social activities, and provides guidance and support to the Director of Youth and Informal Education.

Adult Education - Develops and administers learning opportunities for adults. Provides guidance and support to the Director of Congregational Learning.

Cultural Arts - Plans programs that bring music, theatre, film, visual art, dance and literature of the dynamic Jewish cultural scene within the Greater Boston area to our temple community.

BEIT KNESSET COMMITTEES (House of Gathering) Brotherhood - Develops and oversees programs which bring men together for social, religious, cultural, and other activities. Programs include Sunday morning breakfasts with speakers and an annual golf tournament.

Sisterhood - Develops and oversees programs which bring women together for social, religious, cultural, and other activities. Programs include speakers, shared meals, study sessions and an annual fundraising event. Member Services - Reaches out to prospective members, welcomes and helps to integrate new members, and supports net-working with all members. Reyim - Develops and oversees programs to bring “empty-nesters” together for social, religious, cultural, and other activities.

TIKKUN OLAM COMMITTEES Social Action - Educates congregation on issues of social justice and organizes congregational action in community tzedakah projects, including food/clothing drives, literacy tutoring, and fundraising events to help fight disease. Israel Connection - Develops and oversees programs providing a link to Israel via social, educational, and cultural programs. Kesher - Provides a mutual help and support network to congregants facing illness and crises and reaches out to congregants to celebrate joyful occasions. Jewish Communal Affairs - Serves as a vehicle to strengthen the relationship between Temple Shir Tikva and its congregants with organizations in the broader Jewish and interfaith community.

GOVERNANCE COMMITTEES Communications - Communicates activities and events at Shir Tikva to the temple and external communities. Communi- cation vehicles include the monthly bulletin, Hineni; the e-bulletin, Vats Nu; and the temple web site.

Human Resources - Oversees relationships and contracts with staff. Ensures employees’ and synagogue's needs are met. En-sures synagogue is in compliance with federal and state employment laws. Leadership Development - Responsible for the identification, training, and support of new leaders. Provides support to the Board and other committees on group processes. Strategic Planning - Focuses on key, long-term planning issues as identified by the Board of Trustees.

FINANCE COMMITTEES Development - Formulates fundraising policies and oversees long- and short-term fundraising efforts.

Art and Acquisition - Coordinates the acquisition and display of Judaic art objects for the synagogue. Facilities - Formulates policy for maintenance, use and improvement of synagogues facilities, including building and grounds. Information Technology - Oversees the operation and security of information systems.

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Committees of Temple Shir Tikva Committees of Temple Shir Tikva Committees of Temple Shir Tikva Committees of Temple Shir Tikva Contact the chairperson listed on the back cover to join a committee.

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