“We need Apple* Synagogues” by Mitchell Shames

Can you write a story for this title? If so, please do so and allow us to use it to motivate our community to become part of the process.

An article that I recently read by Mitchell Shames leads me to ask this question. It is the most paramount question relating to the future of Temple Shalom and the Jewish Community of the Greater Aquidneck County. In part his

article reads as follows:

…Has anyone else ever noticed that more often than not, 90% of the laptops perched on the long communal table at a Starbucks are made by Apple? I often count. It is truly astounding. Dell, Toshiba, Lenovo – all provide similar functionality at much lower costs. And, yet, among the Starbucks cognoscenti, people pay up for Apple laptops.

We need Apple* synagogues.

We need synagogues that so touch the lives of their members that pricing doesn’t become an impediment. We need synagogues which attract members because of their dynamism, excitement, and energy. People should clamor for synagogues the way they do for cellphones, cars, and shoes. Of course, dues should be tailored to

people’s means, but, the real issue is that dues should be an after-thought.

All the ink being spilled on dues vs no dues should instead be directed toward the quality of experiences people have when they encounter synagogues.

What follows are my original thoughts. They have been lined out, not because they are not important or relevant to the future of our Kehillah (Temple Shalom), because those thoughts are very important. However, if we cannot

attract more of our Jewish Community, Jewish, Single, Married, Mixed, LGBTQ and others, to participate with our community then we are failing our faith. We need to be like the Big Tent of Abraham and Sarah – OPEN ON

ALL FOUR SIDES – OR WE FAIL.

Michael S. Mendell, President

Temple Shalom is an embracing, supportive, vibrant community which is committed to observing Conservative Judaism in a contemporary and progressive tradition and which is devoted to the continuation of Jewish values, education and culture. Temple Shalom honors the diversity of its members and is dedicated to their spiritual, intel-lectual and religious growth.

CO N S E RVATO RTheNewsletter of Temple Shalom January - February 2018 — Tevet/Shevat/Adar 5778

Presidents GreetingsWELCOME TO TEMPLE SHALOM

An embracing, supportive, and vibrant Jewish community committed to observing Jewish traditions and promoting Jewish values, education, and

culture, in a progressive and contemporary setting.

Friday evening, January 5th at 7:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat – The Cantor will lead the worship An Oneg Shabbat will follow the services

Saturday morning, January 6th at 10:00 am The Cantor and Rabbi Loel Weiss will lead the worship. Kiddush luncheon and discussion will follow services.

Friday evening, January 12th at 7:30 pm Martin Luther King Community Shabbat The Cantor will lead the worship An Oneg Shabbat will follow the services

Friday evening, January 19th at 7:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat The Cantor will lead the worship An Oneg Shabbat will follow the services

Friday evening, January 26th at 7:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat – The Cantor will lead the worship An Oneg Shabbat will follow the services

Friday evening, February 2nd at 7:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat – The Cantor will lead the worship An Oneg Shabbat will follow the services

Friday evening, February 9th at 7:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat – The Cantor will lead the worship An Oneg Shabbat will follow the services

Saturday morning, February 10th at 10:00 am The Cantor and Rabbi Loel Weiss will lead the worship. Kiddush luncheon and discussion will follow services.

Friday evening, February 16th at 7:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat The Cantor will lead the worship An Oneg Shabbat will follow the services

Friday evening, February 23rd at 7:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat – The Cantor will lead the worship An Oneg Shabbat will follow the services

Schedule of Services at Temple Shalom

January-February 2018

Let us Welcome “SHABBAT” Together

“Let’s go, let’s travel to greet Shabbat, for she is a wellspring of blessing.

-Lecha Dodi, Rabbi Shlomo Halevi Alkabetz

As we look back and see the lights of freedom and rededication, the true gift of Hanukah, we remember their light and warmth. As we look forward to the coming days, I ask you to keep that light and warmth in your hearts. Remember that we are the human manifestation of the light and joy that we celebrated. Without the spirit of HaShem we would be lost in the darkness of our world. Although when we are alone we feel a sense of cold and loneliness, when we gather, we bring our warmth and sense of community

to light our way during these cold, dark days of winter. May the hope of the coming spring and the joys of our celebration of our freedoms in Purim and then Peach, each time we gather to haven, study or plan our future. Come together and feel the warmth of community as we share our time together. All that being said, please keep your eyes and ears open for foul weather that will keep us home and safe as you watch the glow of the Shabbat candles light the way forward. B’Shalom.

Keeping a longstanding tradition, Temple Shalom held its annual Interfaith Service on November 22nd. This years’ service was dedicated to Rabbi Marc Jagolinzer who recently passed away. Rabbi Jagolinzer began the pre-Thanksgiving tradition 43 years ago as one of his many programs on interfaith dialogue. His absence was deeply felt. Words of praise and prayers in his memory were offered.

Cantor Fred Scheff who worked with Rabbi Jagolinzer for many years, led the services. Clergy from many different houses of worship on Aquidneck Island participated: Deacon John Silvia of St. Barnabas Roman Catholic Church,

Deacon Paul St. Laurent of St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, Pastor Jae Gil Lee of St. Paul’s Methodist Church, Jill Robertson of United Church of Christ, Carl Crockett of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Rev. Alvin Riley of Mt. Zion AME Church. Stephen Martorella provided musical accompaniment and interludes. Emily Anthony played a moving violin solo. Choruses from St. Lucy’s Roman Catholic Church and from the Mt. Zion AME Church sang hymns and engaged the congregation in songs.

The service concluded with a moment to honor those who serve in the military and in first responder forces, followed by prayers for peace and for the country.

Such was the celebration at our temple Chanukah Party. Our social hall hasn’t been so festive in quite a while. Decorations filled the tables and there were a multitude of activities for the young celebrants that they had sooo much fun doing. Hats

off to the planners and those who helped in the projects.

The kitchen was very productive with the stoves and ovens working very well. They hadn’t been tested in a long time and our more than capable volunteers put out our delicious supper. The latkes disappeared by the dozens.

And then….a musical hand clapping and foot stomping opportunity was afforded us with a terrific Klezmer group.

Many thanks to all who helped bring the celebration to fulfillment!

How happy we all should be that Temple Shalom is up and running and will be affording our congregants and the community more opportunities, under our roof.

The CanTor’S Corner

TemPle Shalom’S InTerFaITh ServICe ConTInueS annual TradITIon

Chanukah @TemPle ShalomThe pitter pat of little feet,

Games and projects messy and neat,Adults here for some thing to eat.Klezmer music to tap your feet.

mIShaBeIraCh lIST At weekly services a prayer is offered for those who are ill and fighting disease. During this prayer for recovery the names of those in need are mentioned. We request that names to be included on the list be submitted to the Temple prior to Shabbat, and, that the names, which we already have be updated on a regular basis.

SPonSor an oneG We are grateful for all those people who sponsored and prepared the Onegs for Shabbat services and for special occasions. Now is the time to save a date to be one of those who will sponsor or prepare an oneg. It is a warm and special way to share in community and celebrate with fellow congregants. Maybe it’s a birthday or anniversary you want to share. Maybe it is the birth of a new family member. Maybe you want to honor someone. Any excuse or even no excuse to celebrate is reason enough

Please contact Emily Anthony – 401-447-0323 or emilyanth@gmail.com.

helP our SYnaGoGue memBerShIP GroW The temple would like every member to assist them in their goal of increasing the membership of our congregation. In order to accomplish our goal, we ask that you inform the Temple office of all families who have moved into your neighborhood, as we would like to welcome them to our community

To rememBer IS To keeP alIve According to Jewish tradition, we honor our loved one’s memory by reciting Kaddish and by lighting a Yahrzeit candle on the anniversary of their death. Temple Shalom offers opportunities to fulfill this Mitzvah by arranging contributions and dedicating Memorial Plaques to perpetuate the memory of a loved one.

A Memorial Plaque is a constant reminder and a timely symbol of a cherished devotion to those we wish to remember. On the anniversary date of the Yahrzeit a light

is kindled next to the nameplate. In accordance with Jewish tradition, whenever Yizkor is observed, a light should be kindled and Kaddish recited.

The present contribution for a Memorial Plaque is $550.00. For additional information please contact the Temple. Contributions of many meaningful and needed items can be dedicated at the Temple.

Ways of Givinglong term — The Temple needs to plan for the long term. One way in which you can help us is to make Temple Shalom a Beneficiary in your life Insurance Policy. Your insurance agent can help in that regard.

Another way to help for the long haul is to remember Temple Shalom in your Will or Trust. This is something with which your attorney can assist you.

Community newsPlease inform the Temple of any community news you wish to share

mazal Tov to:Lynn & Steve Freedman on the engagement of their daughter, Samantha

Robert Hembrecht on the Bar Mitzvah of his grandson, Benjamin Moyer

Get Well to:

Joshua Nemtzow Frieda Nemtzow Forest Golden

Condolences to:

The Lasky Family on the passing of their father, Charles Lasky

The Aquidneck Jewish Film Festival will be celebrating their 14th year, led by Jeffrey Martin, with the following films: Always a fun afternoon or evening. Mark your calendars.

Sunday, January 28th @ 1:00 PM sponsored by The Newport Havurah at the Newport Historical Society - They Won’t Forget starring Claude Raines and Gloria Dickson.

Sunday, February 18th @ 1:00 PM sponsored by Touro Synagogue at the Levi Gale House – a matter of Size – directed by Sharon Maymon

Saturday, March 24th @ 7:00 PM sponsored by Temple Shalom at the Temple – dough - with Jonathan Pryce and Jerome Holder.

aquIdneCk JeWISh FIlm FeSTIval

Mazal Tov to lynn & Steve Freedman on the engagement of their daughter, Samantha By Ruth Ziegler Fran & Mike Mendell Lois & Steve Schneller

Mazal Tov to robert helmbrecht on the Bar Mitzvah of his grandson, Benjamin Moyer

Memory of rabbi marc JagolinzerBy Suzette & Gerald Seigel

Memory of Charles lasky By Karen Dannin Ruth Ziegler Fran & Mike Mendell Lois & Steve Schneller

For information about participating in the Shalom Fund call ruth Ziegler – 846-5858 or email – ruthziegler@cox.net.

Shalom Fund

donaTIonSThe Temple gratefully acknowledges the donations received in memory of:

rabbi marc S. Jagolinzer by: Doris Fischer Phyllis Curran Paula Wallace Stewart Abramson Michael & Margo Vale Marilyn Cohen Jill Romanelli

YAHRZEITSWithin the Jewish world there is an annual opportunity specially made for remembrance of those who are no longer with us in life. On the anniversary of their departure, family and friends recite the Kaddish.

The following Yahrzeits will be observed at Temple Shalom on the Friday closest to this date.

According to the Hebrew calendar the following Yahrzeits will begin at Sunset and continue thru the following day.

May the observance of this day and the memories of your loved one be a source of comfort, strength, and inspiration.

January 2018

Jan. 7 Sadie Adelman Jan. 8 Lewis Abramson Bonnie Nichols Jan. 9 Fred Jurmann Jan. 17 Howard Kay Jan. 20 Saul Goldberg Jan. 21 Fannie Nemtzow Jan. 23 Harold Rogers Jan. 27 Fannie Karp Jan. 28 Eva Seigel Jan. 31 Leon Siletchnik

February 2018

Feb. 4 Max Rubin Feb. 12 Edward Martin Gertrude Rogers Harry Wilfand Feb. 15 Murray Kuperinsky Feb. 16 Louis Gold Feb. 20 Paul Zatz Feb. 21 Susan Reidy Feb. 23 Joan Sue Botvin Feb. 25 David Cohen Feb. 26 Ray Kahn

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January/February

FIRST CLASS

ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMUNITY SERVICE

Friday, January 12th7:30 PM

At Temple ShalomValley Road, Middletown

Please join us and our fellow community clergy at this meaningful service

SH A L O M