THE VOICETEMPLE BETH ABRAHAM, 1301 WASHINGTON STREET, CANTON, MA 02021

PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY IYAR-TAMMUZ 5770 / MAY-JUNE ISSUE NO. 5

Minyans are Sunday-Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Minyan calendars are enclosed.If you can’t go on your scheduled night, please find someone to cover foryou.

The synagogue would like to be informed about all important events andoccasions, including births, weddings, etc., as well as illnesses and deaths.Please notify the office at (781) 828-5250.

Strategic Planning Update

On Sunday, April 11, morethan 100 of us gathered for thefirst of three strategic planningsessions.

Led by Combined JewishPhilanthropy consultants DavidTreitch and Harvey Greenberg,this first session was designed tocreate a “snapshot” of TempleBeth Abraham as it stands today.For two hours, we shared ourobservations and expressed ourconcerns.

Every demographic at TBAwas represented and heard fromduring this session, as congre-gants were encouraged to askquestions. The energy wascertainly high during the meeting,but the buzz continued well afterthe meeting as friends reconnect-ed and new acquaintances weremet.

We hope to carry this energyover to the next session, theVisioning Workshop on SundayMay 2, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., wherewe will set forth wishes and

goals for how we’d like TBA’sfuture to look.

Attendance at all threeplanning sessions is NOTrequired, so if you were unable tomake it to the Snapshot meeting,please come on Sunday, May 2nd. You can RSVP by visiting theTBA website,www.templebethabraham.org, andclicking on the Strategic PlanningTab. On this page, you will alsofind a copy of the SnapshotReport that Harvey and Davidcreated for us.

If you wish to add to orcontinue the discussion that beganat the Snapshot meeting, pleasefeel free to contact David Trietchdirectly at davidt@cjp.org.

By the way, there’s anothergreat reason for the community tocome together on May 2nd.Following the Visioning Workshopis a Lag B’Omer barbequeprepared by the Religious Schoolin honor and appreciation of our

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The handicap access rampbehind Temple Beth Abraham hasbeen finished.

The ramp was made possiblethrough donations from the CantonRoad Race Committee in honor ofits 20th anniversary. CongregantAmi Kollangi constructed the rampin coordination with George Chism,House Chair, and Alan Freedman.

Signage, lighting, an electricdoor opener and a buzzer will beinstalled within the next few weeks. This handicapped ramp is now upto code with handrails.

The wonderful part of this isthat through a road race, wherepeople have full mobility, we canhelp those who are not as mobile.

Handicap AccessRamp Finished

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Rabbi David’s Message:10 Children, Nine Days

The explanations begin withthe Omer period itself, thoseforty-nine days that are countedoff one by one between the twofestivals of Passover and Shavuot.This is a time of semi-mourning,when weddings and othercelebrations are forbidden, and asa sign of grief, observant Jews donot cut their hair. Anthropologists say that manypeoples have similar periods ofrestraint in the early spring tosymbolize their concerns about thegrowth of their crops. But themost often cited explanation forthe Jewish practice comes fromthe Talmud, which tells us thatduring this season, a plague killedthousands of Rabbi Akiva’sstudents because they did not treatone another respectfully. Themourning behavior is presumablyin memory of those students andtheir severe punishment. According to a medievaltradition, the plague ceased onLag B’Omer, the thirty-third dayof the Omer. (The Hebrew letterslamed and gimel, which make upthe acronym “Lag”, have thecombined numerical value of 33.)As a result, Lag B’Omer becamea happy day, interrupting thesadness of the Omer period fortwenty-four hours. In Israel, on Lag B’Omer,people flock to the site of RabbiSimeon bar Yohai’s tomb in thevillage of Meron in the Galilee,near Safed, where they lightbonfires and sing kabbalistichymns. Hasidic Jews follow thecustom of bringing their three-year-old sons to Meron to havetheir hair cut for the first time.

As I write this to you, it is theeve of Yom Ha’atzmaut – Israel’sIndependence Day. As I thinkabout all there is to celebrate inthe State of Israel’s short history, Ican’t help butremember just twomonths ago when I hadthe honor ofaccompanying, alongwith Melissa Rudman,ten of our children toIsrael for nine days. Many of you haveheard this shpiel before,but it’s worth hearingagain – every Jewshould visit Israel! In only ninedays, these ten children hadtransformative experiences. Theymade connections with each other,with the Jewish people, and withGod. And I, who have been manytimes, was transformed as well. What an amazing gift we giveourselves when we visit ourJewish homeland. We can followIsrael in the news, hear thepolitical debates, worry aboutsecurity from afar, and appreciatethe technological and cultural giftsthat Israel offers. We can do all ofthis, but until you walk down astreet that another Jew walkedalong 3,000 years ago; until youpray at the same stones Jews haveprayed at since the time of KingHerod; until you sit on the shoresthat have welcomed refugees fromevery corner of the world; untilyou hear Hebrew washing overyou from every direction; until yousee the Hasidim dancing and thesoldiers crying; until you FEELIsrael for yourself – you cannotappreciate the power, the awe and

the sanctity that she holds. And what an amazing gift weas a community have given tothese ten children. It is soimportant that we recognize and

seize opportunities likethis. When CombinedJewish Philanthropies(CJP) approached measking what would makea difference in ourcommunity’s connectionto Israel, the answer wassimple – send us there.And they did. Thanks to thegenerosity of Combined

Jewish Philanthropies and of ourown community, ten children spentnine days FEELING Israel. If youhave not recently taken a look atall of the important andtransformative work that CJPdoes, I want to encourage you totake a look at the organization’swebpage (www.cjp.org.) Becauseof the generosity of you, me, andso many others who support thework of CJP, they are able togrant millions of dollars tocommunity programming,international aid, Israel activismand sending ten children to Israelfor nine days. If you haven’t yet had theopportunity to read the blog poststhat the students wrote while inIsrael I want to encourage you tofind our last bulletin and hearabout the experiences they had intheir own words. I also encourageyou to take a few minutes towatch some of our videos fromour trip. All of our videos and pastbulletins are available on thetemple website.

Why CelebrateL’ag B’Omer?

President’s Message

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Next bulletin is September-October. Deadline isAugust 1.

Email articles and photosto sherry@alpert-publicrelations.com.

Have a great summer.

MILESTONES:Mazel tov to Marcia and JerryConnors on the birth of theirgranddaughter, Vivian Grace.

Mazel Tov to Lori Novick Carson.Lori is one of 15 educators chosenby Facing History to travel to theDiaspora Museum’s InternationalSchool for Jewish PeoplehoodStudies in Tel Aviv this summer forthe second time in two years. Theeducators were chosen from allover the United States.

GET WELL:Phyllis MooreIzzie GellerAlvin Pearlmutter

CONDOLENCES:Elaine Matisoff on the loss of herfirst husband, Herbert S. Levine

Once again, it’s spring. Italways amazes me how good thistime of year makes me feel. Whilethe Jewish calendarmarks the New Year inthe fall and the secularcalendar in the dead ofwinter, we all know thatspring is the true NewYear. It’s the time ofrenewal, the time whenanything and everythingseems possible. It’s nodifferent here at TBA.When I look around atall that has been accomplished thisyear – a new handicap accessramp, a new library, a renewedinterest in our adult ed programsand our children’s education, toname a few, I can’t help but beproud of what we haveaccomplished and the level ofcommitment that is being shownby our membership.

Now we are about to embarkon a project that has the potentialto make our synagogue evenbetter and stronger than it alreadyis. With the help of CJP’sLeadership Development Institute,we are going to take a look atwhat we, as a congregation, seeas our future. What kind of templewe want to be and how we getthere. Have the needs of ourmembership changed over theyears and have we as an institutionbeen able to meet those needs?The most exciting part of thisprocess is that everyone, from thenewest member to those that havebeen with us for over 40 years,can be a part of learning andcreating who we are. This issomething that I personally feel soexcited to be a part of. Whensomeone outside of TBA asks,

“what kind of a synagogue areyou?”, we need to be able to tellthem something more than “a

Conservative shul”.We need to be ableto express what ourvision is. In essence,we need to have amore defined missionstatement and I’mconfident that thisprocess will help usachieve that goal.

By the time youread this bulletin, we

will have already had our firstcommunity wide session – the“snapshot” session where welearn where we are today. Pleasemake every effort to attend thenext two sessions, on Sunday,May 2 for our “Visioning” session(where we want to go), and onJune 6th for our “Action Planning”session, which will put plans inplace to move us towards ourvision. As an involved member ofTBA, I can’t wait to see what therest of you see as our future.

Springtime is the renewal ofour Earth and I hope that thisinitiative will result in the renewalof our TBA community.

B’ShalomMarci

Good andWelfare

Our bookcases are beingmade, and we are about to startgetting our library in order. Youwill soon be able to go online andsee the books that are in ourlibrary. Please return any librarybooks you might have borrowedso that we can begin entering theminto our system. There is a box inthe TBA office for your returnedbooks.

Harriet Lavine

From the Library

Congregational Education

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Less than a year ago, I wasinvited to a meeting with RabbiDavid and Combined JewishPhilanthropies to discuss thepossibility of sending our seventhgraders to Israel. It is hard tobelieve that the trip has alreadycome and gone in the blink of aneye. I will admit that in thebeginning, I was a bit hesitantabout the trip. Not in terms ofsafety or not loving Israel, but theresponsibility of watching tenchildren for a week and beingaway from my own family. I knewthat the kids would have a greattime, but in my wildest dreams Inever thought that I would get asmuch out of the trip myself as Idid.

The trip was powerful onmany levels. First of all, watchingsomeone see this beautiful countryfor the first time through their eyesmakes you see it as if for the firsttime all over again. Trying newthings like riding a camel, hikingMasada, and tasting new foodspushed everyone a bit out of theircomfort zone but in the end intothis amazing place both physicallyand spiritually. Just talk to anyonewho went on the trip, and they willlight up when they share theirexperiences with you.

(continued from page 1)teachers.

We look forward to seeingyou then.

The Strategic PlanningCommitteeRabbi David Paskin

Marci Bernotas

Strategic Planning Update

Michael ShainMichelle PalterMelissa Mayer Jon SnydermanEllen Orkin Kimberly LurieWayne Gray

This time in Israel remindedme again of the importance for all

Jewstoexper-ienceIsraelin theirlife-time.I be-lievethatyoucan

never go back too many times.That said, my trip in Februaryinspired me to want to go again,but this time with the amazingwomen in our community. So I ambeginning the process of puttingtogether Temple Beth Abraham’sfirst all women’s trip. I am lookingfor all women 18 and older to joinme on this exciting journey. More information will follow inthe months to come. If you areinterested, please let me know sothat you can be a part of theplanning for this adventure.

Melissa Rudman Congregational Educator

Our first Vice-President,Michael Shain, is in desperate needof a haircut! In order to help those memberswho might need financial assistance,our 1st Vice President, MichaelShain, has volunteered to cut hisbeautiful ponytail on Lag B’Omer,Sunday, May 2, if enough membersdonate to Temple Beth Abraham. Michael’s follicle sacrifice willhelp us to continue offering finan-cial aid to anyone who needs ourassistance. Michael has also saidthat anyone who donates $500 ormore can do the actual cutting. And, as an extra added bonus, ifwe raise more than $1000,Michael’s son Daniel will cut hishair as well (which will make hisMom and Dad very happy). We are asking a minimum$36 donation, but if that is toomuch, please donate what youcan. Our President, MarciBernotas, has already pledged$100 (she doesn’t think that theperson who is next in line for thePresidency should have longer hairthan she does!) Click on the TBAweb site,www.templebethabraham.org.

Make a Pledgeto cut MichaelShain’s hair!

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Book Group

Soup andVegetables forFamily table

Religious School Happenings

Afghans for Veterans

As the school year windsdown, we continue to have manythings going on. The entireReligious school community,during our Family LearningSunday, made a beautiful“question quilt” that will be ondisplay in the back hall foreveryone to enjoy. You will beamazed at the thought provokingquestions that the children asked.

Our Kitah Hay families wenton our annual Jewish New Yorktrip. This was our largest group togo. The day was long, but

everyone had a good time. Thankyou, Kimberly Lurie, for leadingthe trip this year. We will be havinga BBQ on Sunday, May 2 for LagB’Omer and to celebrate andthank the outstanding teachers forall of their hard work anddedication.

On May 15 will be having ourAliyah for Kitah Zayin. We hopeeveryone will join us that Shabbatmorning.

We want to wish the followingstudents and their families a mazeltov on their upcoming BatMitzvah: Hayley Rosenblatt on

May 22 Rachel Goffin on

May 29 Samantha Langmead on

June 12 Do not forget to get your

2010-2011-school registration tothe temple. Wishing you all awonderful summer.

B’Shalom,Melissa RudmanCongregational Educator

Afghans for VeteransI will be bringingour Afghans to theVeteran’s Admin-istration onJune 22nd. If you plan todonate an afghan,please contact meat HHL1000@comcast.net or781-821-1202.Thanks to everyonewho has helped. Harriet Lavine

The TBA Book Group willhold its annual Joke Night onMonday, May 17, 6:30 p.m., atVinny T’s in Dedham. PleaseRSVP by Tuesday, May 12.P On Monday, June 21, theTBA Book group will discuss Firein the Blood by Irena Nemirov-sky at the home of Susan Lipsitt. During the summer, the bookgroup goes on hiatus. Enjoy yoursummer reading. We will resumemeeting in September, meeting onthe third Monday of the month(except April, because of Pass-over). Book Group will now be heldat Temple Beth Abraham, begin-ning with minyan. When you signup at the High Holidays forminyan, change your night to thethird Monday of the month. Ofcourse, if you would like to keepthe night you are currently doing,that is fine, but Book Group willnow be responsible for making theminyan on the third Monday of themonth. A member of Book groupprovides refreshments.

Temple Beth Abraham hascommitted to collect 20 cans eachof KOSHER SOUP ANDKOSHER VEGETABLES eachmonth for the Jewish Family andChildren’s Services, Family

Table. Pleasebring in yourdonation whenyou come toTemple. FamilyTable is inconstant need ofthese items. Even

though summer vacations will behere, Family Table does not take avacation and continues to needfood. Thank you for both yourpast and future contributions. Next time you’re shoppingwhy not grab an extra can anddrop it off in the temple lobby? Let’s come together and freeJewish Families from hunger.

Lesley Shain, Chair Social Action

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Special Gifts 2010

In January 2010, you eachreceived a letter regarding thespecial gifts needs for the temple. Iwould like to update you andcontinue to encourage yoursupport.

HANDICAP ACCESS RAMP

Thanks to the support of thewonderful Road Race Committeeheaded by Rich Zides, andsupport and work by AlanFreedman, George Chism andAmi Kollangi, the handicap accessramp has been constructed. At thepresent time, work continues toupdate the lighting, signage andaccess to communications withinthe building.

TORAH REPAIRThanks to the many contri-

butions to the Torah RestorationFund to date, we have restoredfive of our six torahs. Specialgratitude goes to Sam Evans andDena Kaufman for coordinatingthis project.

TORAH COVERSAs you may know, several of

the High Holiday Torah coverswere damaged. Three have beenreplaced through contributionsfrom the Segal family in memoryof Annette and the Connors familyin honor of Vivian Grace, theirnew granddaughter. They willmake a significant difference forthe high holidays.

LIBRARYThanks to the guidance of

Harriet Lavine, Wendy Lustbader,Dena Kaufman, and others, thelibrary is undergoing renewal. Astime progresses, you will hearmore about this exciting opportu-nity. Everyone can look forwardto the library dedication.

RENEW A LIGHTRenew a Light is a very

important project that we hope toachieve before the High Holidays.

The lights on two yahrzeitboards are in need of replace-ment. Renew one or more of the240 lights by making acontribution.

I want to thank you all foryour continued support of thetemple. Consider a special giftcontribution in the future. If youhave any questions, please me at(781) 828-8258.

Phyllis Moore, ChairSpecial Gifts

Temple Beth Abraham BJ’s Group Membership - Save $15

You can now purchase your BJ membership (normally $45) through TBAand save $15. A portion of what you pay will be a $10 donation to thetemple. This membership includes only one card. If you are interested,select one of the following options: (Check one).

1. I want to be part of the open enrollment with the TBA Group and mymembership will beginning 6/1/10. ______ Enclosed is a check for $30made out to TBA. ______ Bill me for $30.

I am currently a member through the TBA Group and my membershipwill expire 5/31/10. Continue my membership - no interruption in mymembership. ______ Enclosed is a check for $30 made out to TBA.______ Bill me for $30.

2. I am currently a non temple BJ’s member, but want to join the TBAGroup when my individual membership expires. I will receive a letterfrom TBA that I can present to BJ’s (any BJ’s store) authorizing mybeing added to the TBA group. Depending on when you are added, aprorated rate will be charged by BJ’s (If the letter is presented inNovember, they would charge you $10 to cover you until the next openenrollment). ______ Enclosed is a check for $10 made out to TBA.______ Bill me for $10.

This is a fundraising program and can be open to family and friends.

Signature______________________________ Date___________

Print Name_____________________________

BJ’s Group Membership

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Reflections from the 2010 Israel Trip

Ten seventh and eighth gradestudents from our templecommunity went to Israel inFebruary, with the support ofCombined Jewish Philanthropies,and had an adventure that they willremember forever. Upon theirreturn, we asked all the childrenand their parents several questionsregarding their experiences on thistrip.

The first question was basedon the night we stayed in aBedouin tent and went for a nightwalk in the desert. We asked thechildren if they heard God’s voicethat evening.

Jake Thornton wrote: “Thatnight I found the light at the end ofthe tunnel. Before that night, I hada lot of questions, but now I thinkI know them. I am definite that Ifound God.”

Eva Snyderman wrote: “Yes, Iheard God’s voice through myself.I heard it in my mind, not verbally.I heard him giving me therealization of being in Israel andbeing where I belong as a Jew. Ifelt like I was protected.”

We asked the children whatsurprised them the most about thetrip.

Samantha Conley wrote: “Thething that surprised me the mostwas how good I felt being there.” Jamie Pozner wrote: “I wassurprised that I liked the Israelifood and that I rode a camel.”

Children were asked to writeabout one thing they learned inIsrael.

Lily Shapiro wrote: “I learnedthat I really belong in this place,and really felt connected to myJudaism.

Spencer Aubin wrote: “I

learned that I love Israel.”The children were not the only

ones with something to say afterreflecting on the trip. Parents hadmany things to share as well.

When asked about thechanges in their child since theirreturn, Amy Freedman wrote thather daughter Jill “now feels aconnection with her classmates.” Michelle Langmead wrote thather daughter Samantha “feels moreconnected with Israel and can’twait to return.”

Parents were asked if theirchild’s experience changed the

way they view Israel and youthexperiences in Israel.

Sharon Frank wrote: “A tripto Israel during a student’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah year really seems tobe a potential turning point in theircloseness to Israel and theirJewish identity and heritage.”

The trip was truly magical. Ifyou would like to read morereflections on the trip, please letme know.

Melissa RudmanCongregational EducatorTemple Beth Abraham

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Shalom Chaverim. Well we’re winding down onanother successful year. TheRabbi taught two mini-mesters,one during the summer and oneduring the winter. On Thurdaymornings we started a Parshaclass, and on Sunday morning wehad several breakfasts talkingabout Rabbi David Coopersbook, “God is a Verb”. We alsohelped present two speakerssponsored by the South ShoreCollaborative.

Adult Education and Special Events

Along with this, the SpecialEvents Committee sponsored athree-film, Israeli Film Festival,series and a games night. Every-one who attended had a great time. Thank you to everyone whoworked on the committees and allthose who attended. Hope to see you at ourShavuot program. Be well.

Michael Shain, ChairAdult Education

The New England Region ofthe Federation of Jewish Men’sClubs is holding its 64th annualLayman’s Institute June 10-13. Itis a great weekend retreat.

I have gone several times andhave loved it each time. It startsthis year on Thursday afternoon,June 10 (many people come onFriday) and ends after breakfaston Sunday, June 13. It is a men’sand their sons’ only retreat. Thereare games, boating, softball,hiking, biking swimming, tennisand just lounging around. Thereare classes by fantastic teachers,food by world renowned chefs,singing and new friendships to bemade and renewed.

There is a learners minyan andthe famed “Minyan in the Grove”.There are also “Hearing Men’sVoices” programs, where menhave the opportunity to talk aboutmany key personal issues that weare facing today.

This year’s speakers areRabbi Robert Harris of the JewishTheological Seminary and RabbiCarl Perkins of Temple Aliyah inNeedham.

If we could get a smallcontingent from TBA, it could beeven more enjoyable. We couldtravel together and do some goodold-fashioned male bonding, whileenjoying a Shabbat in the countryat Camp Ramah.

Anyone interested or who hasany questions, please call me at(781) 828-0531.

Thanks and be well.Michael Shain

Layman’sInstitute

June 10-13

Imagine your child winging tothe land of Israel and enjoying theexperiences and making newfriends. All this subsidized byCombined Jewish Philanthropies. It can and will happen if youparticipate in the Passport toIsrael program. It is open to allchildren in the 3rd and 7th grades (Ihave been able to gain exceptionsfor catch up years, if you missedthe deadlines). It is really a no-brainer. If youdecide not to actually take thetrip, all your money will berefunded. My children went, and itchanged their lives. I have requested that theprogram remain open for a bitlonger, so please do not hesitate.You have nothing to lose and yourchildren and families have every-thing to gain. Please call for details or to signup. For more information, call meat (781) 828-0531, or email meat Shalom1947@aol.com.

Michael Shain

Passport toIsrael 2010

The GreatThe GreatThe GreatThe GreatThe GreatDebate:Debate:Debate:Debate:Debate:ShavuotShavuotShavuotShavuotShavuotMay 18May 18May 18May 18May 18

Are womenreally equal tomen?

Rabbi David takes on RebEric in a Talmudic-style debateon the intersection of obligationand egalitarianism. This debatewill kick off an evening ofexploration into a woman’srights and obligations wtihinJudaism and what they meansfor us as an “egalitarian”congregation and movement.

In honor of Shavuot, ourlearning continues with DenaKaufman, Ruthy Gomolka,Cheryl Okun and MelissaRudman.

Join us on Tuesday, May18, 7:30 p.m., at TBA.

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A prayerful, joyful, musical, moving spiritual Shabbatexperience for the whole community. And Shabbat dinner.

Our last Unplugged of the school year.RSVP for dinner online at www.TempleBethAbraham.org

or by calling the temple office at (781) 828-5250.

Camp West Woods

Enroll Now for Summer! Contact Us for More Information

808 West Street, Stoughton 781.341.4424 www.campwestwoods.com

Day Camp, ages 3-15

Gymnastics Camp, grades 2-10

Adventure BoundTravel Camp, grades 5-10

•Swimming•Ropes Course•Sports and Games•Dance, Drama and Music•Archery•Arts and Crafts

•Day Trips and Overnights •Canoeing and Kayaking•Hiking•Rock Climbing•Ziplines•New Challenges

Shabbat UnpluggedShabbat UnpluggedShabbat UnpluggedShabbat UnpluggedShabbat Unplugged

Friday, May 14 Friday, May 14 Friday, May 14 Friday, May 14 Friday, May 14

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Temple Beth Abraham Staff

Spiritual Leader..............Rabbi David PaskinCongregational Educator......Melissa RudmanPresident..............................Marci BernotasOffice Manager......................Judy SteinbergRabbinic Intern............................Eric CohenThe Voice Editor......................Sherry Alpert

Temple Beth Abraham1301 Washington StreetCanton, MA 02021(781) 828-5250www.templebethabraham.orgtheoffice@templebethabraham.org