the jewish connection · 10/2/2016 · october/november 2015 issue no. 54 bulletin of the upper...

the jewish connectionOctober/November 2015

Issue No. 54Bulletin of the Upper Valley Jewish Community • 5 Occom Ridge • Hanover, NH 03755

Transformative MomentsRabbi Edward S. Boraz

I write this as I prepare for RoshHashanah and Yom Kippur. I amlate getting to the task, so I gatherhastily some materials that I intendto use, then type today’s date to getstarted, almost without thinking.Mind you, I read the morning news-paper and performed other similarrituals, without noticing a single ar-ticle or reference to the date – Sep-tember 11 – the day in 2001 whenAmerica was attacked for the firsttime on its shores during my life-time.

I will never forget that day. Itwas much like today. I was prepar-ing for the High Holy Days, workingaway at home in the peace andquiet when I suddenly received acall from Dartmouth PresidentWright’s office. He was calling anemergency session of various indi-viduals to be briefed on how weshould respond. The parents ofsome students on the DartmouthOuting Club First-year trips had oneor more parents who worked in theTwin Towers. Student leaders hadbeen dispatched to bring them fromthe woods, share with them thenews, and support their reactions.Other staff members were put oncall at various locations throughoutthe College to serve as support forreturning students.

I called personnel at the RothCenter, asking them to remove our

Torahs from the Ark, to store themin a different location for safe-keep-ing, then to leave for home as a pre-cautionary measure. It was a timeof tragedy for so many. Since then,many have stood up heroically andhave sacrificed their lives, theirwell-being, their future right to pur-sue happiness, in order to fight inwhat has become the war on terror-ism that remains with us today.

What strikes me is how easy itis to forget those hours. It is amaz-ing in some respects that we can soeasily push aside our collective his-tory, not intentionally, but simplybecause of the immediate demandsof so many things that must bedone in the here and now.

One of Judaism’s great contri-butions to the world is its regard forthe sacredness of history. Each dayJews, through our liturgy, are led torecall the exile of our people, the

righteousness of our ancestors, thedesire to return to a land we oncecalled our own, the recognition ofhuman suffering and our obligationto address the problems that afflictthose who are less fortunate. Yet itis still far too easy to forget our his-tory because we have a psychologi-cal need to push it out of ourconsciousness. The mind can trulyhold only thought at time, no mat-ter how rapid in succession morethoughts may flow.

You will read this piece nearly amonth after the Jewish Festivalshave concluded. Still, one of themost significant themes of theTorah reading for Sukkot is thecommandment that precedes ourduty to rejoice in our festivals: thatis, to take care of the poor, the or-phan, the widow – those people inour society who are most vulnerable.

When we remember our collec-tive histories, whether through ourown sacred narrative, or the sacrednarratives of our country, we are re-quired pause and ask ourselves,“What is the purpose of our lives?”Is that purpose it not to connect in-tentionally to those moments of ourhistory that were transformative,even if painful? Let us recognizethat it is only through such recogni-tion, such sensitivity, that we maymove forward to build a better worldfor those whom we love and care for.

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UVJC VOLUNTEERBOARD OF TRUSTEES

OFFICERSNovember 1, 2014

toOctober 31, 2015

PRESIDENTDeb Kaplan

[email protected](H) 802-649-8808PAST-PRESIDENT

Richard [email protected](H) 603-448-5831VICE-PRESIDENTLori Hirshfield

[email protected](H) 802-674-6297VICE-PRESIDENTLaura [email protected](H) 603-277-9828VICE-PRESIDENTRachel Kleinbaum

[email protected](H) 603-277-9358TREASURERRusty Sachs

[email protected](H) 802-649-2956SECRETARYRobyn Jacobs

[email protected](H) 603-643-0189

•ROTH CENTER OFFICES

RABBIEdward Boraz

[email protected]

RABBI’S ASSISTANTClaudia Palmer

[email protected] OFFICE

ADMINISTRATORCarole [email protected]

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATIONMaggie [email protected](W) 603-646-3887

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November marks the beginning of new Board terms, so it offers a naturalopportunity to review what we have accomplished as a Board and Communityover the past year. I would like to thank exiting board member DevoraGronauer for her service and contributions over the past 3 years, and welcomeLynn Schwartz and Bill Brown to the Board.

After the Board retreat and Annual Meeting of 2014, it was clear wherethe board would put its efforts. One of our goals was to re-establish the com-mittee structure within the by-laws. The second goal was to focus on mem-bership; the third, to continue financial stability. The Board was successful inaccomplishing these goals. Revitalization of our committees has increaseddramatically participation by UVJC members. We welcome all communitymembers to participate in ways that are meaningful to them, and are gratefulto those who have stepped forward, giving of their time and energy.

The former Ritual Affairs Committee regrouped and renamed themselvesthe Ruach Committee [Ruach means “wind”, “breath”, “spirit”.]. Already wehave experienced some of the committee’s work such as additional services(including some in the Reform tradition), and all our school’s Shabbat servicesthis past year. The Ruach Committee put together a yearlong calendar of tra-ditional and alternative services for the Community; this summer saw a Fridaynight Shabbat service outdoors at the Dartmouth Bema. Members hostedShabbat dinners in their homes. Havdalah followed by dessert marked notonly the transition from Shabbat to the week, but also from summer vacationto the start of the school year. All of these events were well attended. Kudosand many thanks to the Ruach Committee for their hard work and inspiration.

The Social Action Committee gained many new members, allowing themto continue their work with the UVIP (Upper Valley interfaith Project) and theClaremont Soup Kitchen, and to start new initiatives like the Bimah Baskets.Thank you to Carolyn Gordon and the committee for their commitment totzdekah and tikkun olam.

Education saw the continuation of our Hero Seminars thanks to Rosemaryand Gary Brown. Rabbi Boraz held a class on “Introduction to Judaism.” Torahand Talmud studies meet weekly. Our Hebrew elementary school and highschool programs had another successful year.

On the Social front, thanks to Rusty Sachs, we sponsored a local JewishFilm Festival. Membership on the committee overseeing the NH FederationJewish Film Festival increased, and four wonderful films were shown lastMarch. This past July, a group of members met to plan more social events forthe coming year.

The board continued to discuss the issue of membership. We decided toapproach membership in two ways: retaining our current members, and en-gaging new members. Our membership has remained stable over the year at197 family units. At the board retreat in April, we used the time to examinehow our membership has evolved over the past 8 years.

Utilizing available data, Board member Rob Shumsky put together ananalysis of the years 2006-14. The data showed was that while the numberof member units was relatively stable, the mix of those units has changed sig-

President’s MessageDeborah [email protected]

continued on page 9: President’s Message

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OTHER UVJC TRUSTEES&

COMMITTEE CHAIRSSusan Berg

[email protected](H) 603-863-7327Felixa Eskey

[email protected](H) 603-643-5350Gloria Finkelstein

[email protected](H) 603-643-4311Devora Gronauer


Jeff [email protected](H) 802 649-7230Robert Shumsky

[email protected](H) 603-643-4701.Steven Woloshin


JOINT PLANNING &BUILDING COMMITTEEDeb Kaplan, Rusty Sachs

KIDDUSH COORDINATORYoni Neirman

LIBRARYFred Lerner

RELIGIOUS AFFAIRSRabbi Boraz, Bonnie Kimmelman

Jeff Lubell, Jeff Salloway

EDUCATION COMMITTEELori HirshfieldRosemary BrownFelixa Eskey

Rebecca GottesmanSusan IsraelRob Shumsky

SOCIAL ACTION CHAIRCarolyn Gordon

SOUP GROUPShari Boraz, Lisa Silbert

WEBMASTERMaggie Duford

Maggie Duford,UVJC Director of Education

The changing season brings with it a new schoolyear. As your education director, I could not be moreprivileged to say that I have grown to know each andevery family by more than just names.

We know that each child is unique, but the greatness of a small schoolis that we may shape our environment so that learning can be at an opti-mum for each child.

Most would be surprised to know just how many parents have impor-tant and legitimate requests for their children’s Hebrew education. Eachand every request is carefully considered as I believe that being flexible iscrucial to the children’s successful learning and formation of strong com-munity bonds with their peers. Options, solutions and compromises can befound when parties are dedicated to doing so.

Without customizing our school in this way, children could get lost inthe cracks, with our traditions losing their color, flavor and meaning in thegenerations to follow.

UVJC families juggle much to maintain their commitment to a Jewisheducation for their children; there are so many competing activities. Thosededicated parents who regularly bring children to their school realize thatHebrew School is not just another activity, but is instead a unique and sa-cred space where our traditions are passed, and where community is built.

When I walk about during the hours when school is in session, I oftenwonder which of our kindergarteners one day will serve as president of ourcongregation, or as treasurer of another. Will we have instilled in our chil-dren the values it takes for them to be dedicated to work for our people?Will we have given each child the tools to enter any synagogue with a levelof comfort that allows willing participation? Will these young lives remem-ber that they are Jews first, holding closely all the values we teach through-out the year even as their future takes them on a winding road? Will theyhave connected to that very personal and intimate internal space whereprayer lives?

The UVJC Hebrew school, and I as its director, are confident that theywill. Entering into my 5th year, I, and all who I proudly call our teachers,promise to work hard always to give your children the revered tools theywill need to survive, as Jews have survived, over thousands of years.

Sacred Activity

DO YOU KNOW????. . . where everything Jewish is going on in the Upper Valley?

. . . where you can find the entire TANACH read to you in Hebrew?. . . where there are links to popular local destinations and local weather?

. . . where there is a database of everything Jewish for your region, includinglearning links and candle-lighting times?

Visit the UVJC website OFTEN, for ALL the news!

www.uvjc.org

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KIDDUSH SCHEDULEOctober-November 2015/5776

OCTOBER3

Maggie Duford10

Deb Kaplan17

Sheryl Lerner24

All School Shabbat31

Sharon and Bob Racusin

NOVEMBER7

Jamielynn Garland14

Dianne and Gary Levine21

All School Shabbat28

Yoni and StephenNeirman

Please WelcomeUVJC’s

Newest MembersOmer and Lily Trajman

Adam Weinsteinand

Heather Salon

Responsibility to prepare our weekly Shabbatkiddush is rotated among UVJC volunteers whoattend services.Preparing kiddush for the congre-gation is a great way to celebrate a birthday,graduation, wedding anniversary, or to commem-orate a loved one’s yahrzeit. It’s also an opportu-nity to get together with old friends and makenew ones.For those unfamiliar with the tradition of Shab-

bat morning kiddush, it is the time following theservice when we gather over wine, grape juice,challah and other goodies.But most of all, we come together to enjoy

Shabbat with good fellowship.Wine, grape juice, paper goods and cups are

supplied by the UVJC. The weekly kiddush vol-unteer supplies the challah. One may add to thefare if one wishes. For example, herring, gefiltefish, cheese, cookies, coffee cake, sweet rolls,pretzels, or fruit make nice additions to the kid-dush table.If you have questions, or would like to sponsor

a kiddush, please contact Yoni Neirman who maybe reached evenings at 802-649-3234, or byemail at [email protected].

VOLUNTEER TO SPONSOR A SHABBAT MORNING KIDDUSH

Mohel for Brit MilahRobert E Braitman, M.D., FAAPCertified by the Rabbinical Assembly

UVJC Member and Eastman Resident

TEL I 508.208.1816EMAIL I [email protected] I www.mohelnewengland.com

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RemembranceThe act of remembrance in Jew-

ish tradition is a profound experi-ence. Remembrance brings to presentconsciousness the influence, love,and nurturing the departed broughtto us, our children, and our chil-dren's children.

A yahrzeit board provides a spir-itual means of paying respect andoffering tribute to the memories ofour departed loved ones.

The yahrzeit board in theAlperin Sanctuary at the Roth Centerfor Jewish Life at Dartmouth Collegeprovides each member of our con-gregational family the opportunityto engage in the profound mitzvahof remembrance by acquiring ayahrzeit plaque.

On the anniversary of theyahrzeit (the date of death), a lightis illuminated adjacent to the de-ceased’s name.

If you are interested in acquir-ing a yahrzeit plaque, please con-tact Carole Clarke at 603-646-0460or at [email protected].

YahrzeitMemorial PlaquesHarriet and Rick Fingeroth

in loving memoryof their parents

Samuel and Norma Rifkinand

Grace and Murray FingerothGary Richard Samwick

Beloved husband of Marilyn,beloved dad of Andrew and Terry,Beloved Pop of Aidan and Lili.

Volunteer Profile:Melinda Stucker

By Liza [email protected] • 603-477-4753

An old adage states, “If you want to get something done, ask abusy person.” We know it’s true, because one of the Upper Valley’sbusiest residents agreed to undertake a Herculean task for our His-tory Project. Melinda Stucker has served on the board of the Norwich Historical

Society for six years. She is a member of OSHER@Dartmouth’s Cur-riculum and Study Leader Support Subcommittees, has co-taught acourse for OSHER, volunteers for the Norwich Women’s Club’s an-nual “Nearly New Sale”, and has spent four years working on VTand NH Court Diversion panels. A member also of the Hanover Gar-den Club, Melinda works in their greenhouse, and has opened hergardens several times to visitors. To complete the picture, she isalso a gym rat, kayaker, and grandmother of two!Despite this lengthy list of commitments Melinda attended an

early meeting of our Committee, intent on making a contribution.Drawing on her expertise as a writer, former educator, and librarian,Melinda assumed responsibility for the enormous cataloging effortinitiated by Nancie Severs. Over the last several months, Melindahas spent hundreds of hours reading and re-reading the collectionof UVJC newsletters that Sylvia Scherr has saved for decades.First, Melinda helped the committee define topics central to de-

velopment of the Upper Valley Jewish Community. She then beganthe research required to map the contents of all newsletters to thatlist of topics. Each back issue from the Scherrs’ stacks was scannedand analyzed, with special attention given to the Rabbi’s and Pres-ident’s letters to determine whether they touched on a particularcategory of interest. So far, Melinda has reviewed several years of back issues, and she’s

still at it. In fact, if anyone has Connection issues prior to June 1980,we would love the chance to scan them and add even more files toMelinda’s pile!This volunteer effort to unearth significant elements of the Com-

munity’s development is enabling the History Committee to estab-lish a more accurate chronology, while we flesh out memories thatothers have shared with us during their interviews. Nancie andMelinda’s work will become an important part of the final projectas it continues to take shape. All we can say at this point is: Thank you – we so appreciate your

time and talent! Please let us know if there’s some way you would like to become

involved in the History Project. We seek help to enter data Melindahas uncovered so the archive can be fully searchable. We are alsostill hoping for folks to step forward with information on Jewish-owned businesses in the local area. Think back: What do you re-member about the Upper Valley’s Jewish commercial landscape?

YahrzeitBoard

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Colorful and elegantly-arranged baskets of food provide the festive beautyof flowers and infuse your occasion with the spirit of tikkun olam. After-wards, the contents are donated to food pantries. Perfect for B’nai mitzvah, Kiddushes and other occasions.The Social Action Committee is delighted to prepare the baskets. You pay

only for the contents. For further info, contact [email protected]

Adult Education Fund:To support guest speakers and other

special adult programsBeautification Fund:

To be used toward furnishings, decorations,and ornamentation to enhance the

Roth Center for Jewish Life.Cemetery Fund:

To help with landscaping and maintenanceof the UVJC cemetery.

Endowment:Contributions of cash or securities, payable to theUVJC Endowment Fund. Interest will be used to

support the activities of the community.

Library Fund:For purchase of books and/or other library materials.

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund:For charitable purposes as determined by the Rabbi.

Religious School Scholarship Fund:To provide scholarships

for deserving religious school students.School Programming Fund:To support special programsover and above the curriculum.

Teen Programming:To provide support for young adults in

our community to participate in Jewish programs.

There are many opportunities for donors to designate a gift to the UVJC.

A Beautiful Alternative to Flowers

Please give generously throughout the year.Please make your check payable to either “UVJC” or

“Upper Valley Jewish Community,”noting the name of the fund on the memo line.

Donations may be directed to the UVJC General Fundor specifically to one of the following funds:

Keep up with what is happening at the UVJCtoday, next week and into the future,

on Facebook.Please request to join the UVJC page today atwww.facebook.com/groups/359003357910

THE JEWISH CONNECTIONis published bi-monthly by the

Upper Valley Jewish Community.Subscription is free to members of thethe Upper Valley Jewish Community.

Postmasters:Send change of addresses toUpper Valley Jewish Community

5 Occom Ridge • Hanover, NH 03755

UVJCFACEBOOK

PAGE!

Bimah Baskets and Centerpiecesfor B’nai Mitzvah

and other special occasions

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October 2015 18 Tishre 5776 - 18 Cheshvan 5776

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

118 TISHRE

219 TISHRE

320 TISHRE

421 TISHRE

522 TISHRE

623 TISHRE

724 TISHRE

825 TISHRE

926 TISHRE

1027 TISHRE

1128 TISHRE

1229 TISHRE

1330 TISHRE

141 CHESHVAN

152 CHESHVAN

163 CHESHVAN

174 CHESHVAN

185 CHESHVAN

196 CHESHVAN

207 CHESHVAN

218 CHESHVAN

229 CHESHVAN

2310 CHESHVAN

2411 CHESHVAN

2512 CHESHVAN

2613 CHESHVAN

2714 CHESHVAN

2815 CHESHVAN

2916 CHESHVAN

3017 CHESHVAN

3118 CHESHVAN

Succot - Second Intermediate Day

Succot - Third Intermediate Day

Succot - Fourth Intermediate Day

Succot - Fifth Intermediate DayHoshanah Rabbah

Shemini Atzeret Simchat Torah

Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan - Day 1

Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan - Day 2

Bereshit

Noach

Lech Lecha

Vayera

6:05

6:01

5:53

5:41

5:31

5:21

12:00 p.m. Guide for the Perplexed

6:00 p.m. Hillel Shabbat Service - Dinner to follow - All are welcome

10:00 a.m. Reform Shabbat ServiceKiddush: Deb Kaplan

NO HEBREW SUNDAY SCHOOL6:00 p.m. Sukkot - Shmini Atzeret and Yizkor Evening Reform Service

10:00 a.. Sukkot - Shmini Atzeret and Yizkor6:00 p.m. Simchat TorahCommunity Celebration

10:00 a.m. Simchat Torah Morning ServiceNO HEBREW SCHOOL

7:00 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting



10:00 a.m. Shabbat ServiceKiddush: Maggie Duford

10:00: Hebrew School - All Grades

12:00 p.m. Torah Study with Rabbi Boraz1:30 p.m.. Torah Study4:00 p.m. Hebrew School - Grades 3-7



10:00 a.m. Shabbat Service��


12:00 p.m. Torah Study with Rabbi Boraz1:30 p.m. Torah Study4:00 p.m. Hebrew School - Grades 3-7



10:00 a.m. All School Shabbat ServiceKiddush:

NO HEBREW SUNDAY SCHOOL

12:00 p.m. Torah Study with Rabbi Boraz1:30 p.m. Torah Study4:00 p.m. Hebrew School - Grades 3-7



10:00 a.m. Shabbat ServiceKiddush: Sharon and Bob Racusin

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November 2015 19 Cheshvan 5776 - 18 Kislev 5776

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

119 CHESHVAN

220 CHESHVAN

321 CHESHVAN

422 CHESHVAN

523 CHESHVAN

624 CHESHVAN

725 CHESHVAN

826 CHESHVAN

927 CHESHVAN

1028 CHESHVAN

1129 CHESHVAN

1230 CHESHVAN

131 KISLEV

142 KISLEV

153 KISLEV

164 KISLEV

175 KISLEV

186 KISLEV

197 KISLEV

208 KISLEV

219 KISLEV

2210 KISLEV

2311 KISLEV

2412 KISLEV

2513 KISLEV

2614 KISLEV

2715 KISLEV

2816 KISLEV

2917 KISLEV

3018 KISLEV

Rosh Chodesh Kislev - Day 1

Rosh Chodesh Kislev - Day 2

Chaye Sarah

Toldot

Vayetze

Vayishlach

4:12

4:05

3:59

3:55


12:00 p.m. Torah Study with Rabbi Boraz1:30 p.m.. Torah Study4:00 p.m. Hebrew School - Grades 3-77:00 p.m. Board of Trustees Meeting



10:00 a.m. Reform Shabbat ServiceKiddush: Jamielynn Garland





10:00 a.m. Shabbat ServiceKiddush: Dianne and Gary Levine





10:00 a.m. All School Shabbat ServiceKiddush:




6:00 p.m. Shabbat Service

10:00 a.m. Shabbat ServiceKiddush: Yoni and Stephen Neirman


~ 9 ~

We are an enthusiastic reading group who love to discuss books proposedby group members. We welcome new participants. Literature Lovers usuallymeets at 7:00 PM the last Sunday of the month, unless otherwise noted.

For location or information, contact Susan Cohen at 603-643-3611, [email protected].

The Golem and The Jinniby Helen Wecker

An immigrant tale that combines elements of Jewish andArab folk mythology, The Golem and the Jinni by HeleneWecker, tells the story of two supernatural creatures who ar-rive separately in New York in 1899. One is a golem, createdout of clay to be her master's wife, but he dies at sea, leavingher disoriented and overwhelmed as their ship arrives in NewYork Harbor. The other is a jinni, a being of fire, trapped for athousand years in a copper flask, before a tinsmith in Manhat-tan's Little Syria releases him.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25

Literature Lovers

From page 2

President’s Message

nificantly, in particular with non-senior families down by 31% from over the most recent 4 years. This situation is notunique to the UVJC, but is a local reflection of a trend in Jewish Communities all over this country.

Following the retreat, the board, with help from Tuck Student Jacob Crandall, undertook a community-wide survey.We received 130 completed responses, representing a very large percentage of our membership of 197 [66%]. One ofthe most important themes with regard to what and why people value the UVJC came down to one word: COMMU-NITY. Throughout the survey, members emphasized their desire to be affiliated with and connected to a Jewish com-munity, and to have the opportunity to share life events, social events, education, and religious celebrations togetheras a community. Happily, the mission of the UVJC reflects what we learned from the survey:

The Upper Valley Jewish Community (UVJC) is a welcoming, egalitarian congregation providing Jewish spiritual,educational, social and cultural opportunities to the Upper Connecticut River Valley.

The board found the survey to be helpful in confirming some of our thoughts about the community, and helpedus to prioritize where we should put our efforts. We are also working on ways to get information from non-membersabout perceived barriers to membership.

For more information on how the board will be following up on the survey results, visit our website at uvjc.org.Our goal of financial stability was accomplished by staying within our budget guidelines, which could not have

happened without the generosity of our membership. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to theUVJC, as we look forward to another year of Jewish life in the Upper Valley.

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Yahrzeit ContributionsAila Conarck and her grandson Ben, in remembrance of

the Kadish/Fryer family's loss of their mother, grandmother, Allyne Cohen KadishJanet Goldberger in memory of her father, Milton Goldberger

Rusty Sachs in memory of his mother, Jeanne SachsSyd and Gloria Finkelstein in memory of Syd's father, Joseph Finkelstein

Bruce Pacht in memory of his father, Harold R. PachtRusty Sachs in memory of his friend, Walter Simmenauer

Jerome and Sharon Smith in memory of Jerome's mother, Eve SmithBruce Pacht in memory of his friend and mentor, Joseph F. DaschbachMichael Humphrey in memory of his brother, Thomas Humphrey

Rusty Sachs in memory of his brother, Jim SachsSam Zucker in memory of his mother Eva Zucker and his sister, Susanne Sucker

Susan and Mark Israel in memory of Mark's mother, Hannah IsraelSharon and Jerome Smith in memory of Jerome's father, Israel Smith

Bruce Pacht in memory of his friend and colleague, Ed LevinJerome and Sharon Smith in memory of their son, David Howard Smith

Judy Rocchio in memory of her stepfather, Raphael R. GamsoBruce Pacht in memory of his mother, Jeanette Pacht

UVJC General FundBill and Edna Silverman

Aila Conarck in memory of her aunt, Harriet LevyCharles Hacker in honor of his son, Ivan becoming a Bar Mitzvah

Rob Schertzer and Laura Rosenthalin memory of Michael Zegans' father, Dr. Leonard Zegans

Rusty Sachs in memory of Michael Zegans' father, Dr. Leonard ZegansDeb and Aaron Kaplan in memory of Judy Bernat's mother, Jean Lenzner

Deb and Aaron Kaplan in memory of Michael Zegans' father, Dr. Leonard ZegansRuth Margolis

Tom and Judy OxmanSheryl and Mitch Stotland in honor of their son, Jackson becoming a Bar Mitzvah

Jeff and Lisa Silbert in honor of Jackson Stotland becoming a Bar Mitzvah

UVJC Endowment FundJeremy Katz

Hebrew High SchoolNathan Margolisand Lori Jannen

Cemetery FundArline Rotman

in memory of her father,Milton Schwartz.Soup Group

Sheryl and Fred Lernerin memory of Sheryl's parents,Frank and Sarah Rubin.

Mimi Weinstein

Rabbi’sDiscretionary FundJane Lipson in memory ofher mother, Phyllis Gotlieb

on the occasion of her yahrzeit.Paul and Sue Etkind in honor of

Rabbi Boraz and Bonnie Kimmelmanfor providing a beautiful

and meaningful Shabbat service atEastman in July.

Gene Kadish and Karen Fryerin memory of Gene's mother,

Allyne "P.j" Kadish.Paul and Sue Etkind

to thank Rabbi Boraz for thebeautiful and moving serviceat Eastman in August.

TheUpper Valley

Jewish CommunityCemetery

The Upper Valley Jewish Commu-nity owns and maintains its owncemetery for your comfort and serv-ice in times of need. We encourage you to think today

about your future needs.Plot locations may be selected,

and information you want familymembers to have may be recordedinformally, at a time when there isnot a present need.Inquiries about the cemetery or

individual plot acquisition may bedirected to Carole Clarke at603/646-0460.

The UVJC gratefully acknowledges the following peoplefor gifts to our High Holiday Appeal

Gershen and Sally AbrahamIris Berezin

Henry and Sophie BernsteinDebra BirenbaumRobert Braitmanand Bonnie Gordon

Bayle and Richard DrubelPaul and Sue Etkind

Rick and Harriet FingerothAndy and Katie Friedland

Carolyn Gordonand David WebbRobert Greene

and Susan Presberg-GreeneMichael HumphreyGeraldine JacobsonNorma Kimmelman

Betty Lauer

Jane LipsonBernice MillerAllison MoskowBruce PachtMarvin Platt

Jeanne and Michael PrinceBob and Sharon RacusinEllis and Ginny Rolett

Hilary Ryderand Matthew Henken

Rusty SachsBarry Smith

Norman and Renee SnowRobert Sprafkin

Jerry and Clare StrochlicJack and Elizabeth Weingarten

Mort Wise

~ 11 ~

On July 24, the Upper Valley Jewish Community(UVJC) organized five pot-luck Shabbat dinners hostedin private homes throughout the area in an effort tobring Jewish people together for an evening of intro-ductions, conversations fellowship and, of course, goodfood!

The evening developed from ideas discussed by theUVJC’s Ruach Committee, a group organized by RabbiEdward Boraz. The committee comprises has sevenmembers, with diverse representation from the obser-vant to the secular.

The Committee’s objective is to enhance the com-munity by developing ways to 1) bring people into thecommunity, 2) try different strategies to encourage peo-ple to participate in the community, 3) create ways tobroaden the extent of ritual practice, 4) create oppor-tunities in which people can become comfortable witha wider spectrum of Jewish traditions, and, 5) createsocial opportunities not necessarily centered around re-ligious observance.

The dinners were seen as a way to bring people to-gether in a non-religious setting. The organizers beganwith an email to UVJC members asking for volunteersto host dinners.

Eight persons stepped forward; five were able tofollow through on the selected date. A second email

My Dinner With Jews: A Hit in the Upper ValleyBy UVJC member, Paul Etkind

UPPER VALLEY JEWISH COMMUNITY/HILLEL HIGH HOLIDAY SERVICES FOR 5776SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4

6:00 pmSukkot –

Shmini Atzeret and Yizkorevening Reform Service

Roth Center

was sent to the UVJC membership as well as to an emaillist of non-members who, over time and circumstances,had expressed a desire to be informed of UVJC activi-ties.

Fifty-three people met, many for the first time, inthe five homes. Feedback showed that participants en-joyed the evening, and that it was great to meet newpeople. Most indicated that they would like to repeatthe experience.

“There is a special connection between Jews thatdoesn’t necessarily have to happen in synagogues,” saidLynn Schwartz, one of the Ruach Committee organiz-ers. “What could be more basic than Jews eating withJews?”

The next set of dinners is scheduled for October 16.If persons who are not members of the UVJC would liketo be informed of these dinner, or of other activitiesbeing planned and scheduled, please indicate your in-terest with an email or call to Carole Clarke, UVJC Of-fice Administrator ([email protected]; 603-646-0460).Please include your email address and other contact in-formation.

The Upper Valley Jewish Community (UVJC) is awelcoming, egalitarian congregation providing Jewishspiritual, educational, social and cultural opportunitiesto the Upper Connecticut River Valley.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 510:00 amSukkot –

Shmini Atzeret and YizkorRoth Center

MONDAY, OCTOBER 56:00 pm

Simchat TorahCommunity Celebration

Roth Center

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 610:00 am

Simchat Torah morning serviceRoth Center

Upper ValleyJewish CommunityRoth Center for Jewish Life5 Occom RidgeHanover, NH 03755

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTEDOctober and November 2015Issue No. 54

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDWHT RIV JCT, VTPERMIT NO. 45

the jewish connection · 10/2/2016 · october/november 2015 issue no. 54 bulletin of the upper...

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