February 2009/Shevat 5769

Tidings Temple Ohabei Shalom—Judaism in Motion

What’s Inside:

Page 2 • Cantor Schloss’ message • February Birthdays

Page 3 Worship • Shabbat Rishon • Tot Shabbat • Adult Choir • Daily Worship

Page 4 • Israel: Prospects for Peace • Lost and Found

Page 5 • Todah Rabah • TOS Wish List • Facilities Manager

Page 6 • URJ Board Report • Bylaws Task Force • Family Table

Page 7 Project For Our Future Brit Tzedek V’shalom report

Page 8 Lifelong Learning

Page 9 Ansin Religious School News

Page 10 Auxiliaries SABAH

Page 11 Tributes

Page 12 Yizkor Elohim

Page 13 Construction Updates Tributes (cont.)

100 Blessings a Day

Rabbi John Franken

The economist Jeffrey Sachs has observed that today’s middle class enjoys a standard of comfort and luxury which far exceeds that known to the royalty of all previous ages. Where our ancestors subsisted on one or two types of grain, a few fruits and vegetables, and perhaps one or two main sources of protein, we enjoy access to dozens of spices, scores of exotic fruits and vegetables, and a panoply of breads, cheeses and meats. Where our ancestors might have journeyed once in a while to the next village, we think little of jetting off to the next state or even the next continent. The acceleration of human knowledge and the abundance it has produced have changed how we interact with the material world very much indeed.

Yet the human spirit has changed little. Although our bodies are healthier, fuller, and more comfortable, our souls remain hungry. They long for wisdom, inspiration and meaning. More than anything else perhaps, that is why religion remains as important now as it ever did. Even in this age of science and philosophy, we moderns have discovered that there is a point at which the rational and the physical come to an end. And precisely at that nexus is where the spiritual and the metaphysical begin.

In my life I have seen some make the mistake of associating material abundance with spiritual happiness. This notion was captured by a playful bumper sticker I once saw that read, “He who dies with the most toys wins.” The Mishna, in its wisdom, has a different view. “Who is rich?” it asks. “The one who is content with his or her lot.” In other words, the number of one’s toys does not determine one’s wealth in life. Instead true wealth is determined by one’s inner sense of contentment, of feeling blessed.

If this is true, what can we gain from our tradition? We can gain wisdom and inspiration, the assurance of our humility, and a sense of gratitude and blessing. Put another way, Judaism can make us rich in the truest sense of the word.

This is all the more so at a time when the current financial crisis has injected an extraordinary stress and anxiety into many of our lives. Workers who once thought their jobs to be secure now brace for layoffs or furloughs. Parents who once thought they could afford tuition at a private college now steer their children toward less expensive institutions. Senior citizens who once looked forward to an annual cruise

A Special Thank You

The TOS community is deeply grateful to those donors whose generosity made possible the bulk purchase of our new siddur (prayer book), Mishkan Tefila:

Ruth Feldstein and Asa Nixon David G. Kantor Adrienne Shishko and Joel Sklar Brotherhood of Temple Ohabei Shalom Penn Trust Lois Nathan

“When one dispenses Tzedakah...it is as if s/he has filled the entire world with lovingkindness.”

—Rabbi Elazar

now fret over diminishing returns from their investment portfolios. The endless barrage of bad economic news only adds to the anxiety.

Yet with anxiety comes opportunity—the opportunity to find spiritual refuge. Temple Ohabei Shalom exists not only to educate our children and sanctify the most important moments in our lives. It exists as a place to get spiritually centered, to raise our spirits, to clarify what matters in our lives, to gain new perspectives, to find comfort and strength, to forge friendships, to encounter God and community, and to engage in acts of caring, kindness and justice for each other and the wider world. It is the one place we come to affirm and appreciate the unique blessing:

.מברך השנים, ברוך אתה יי

Blessed are you, O Eternal God, for bringing both physical and spiritual abundance into our lives. It is the one place where we might feel rich in the truest and deepest, Mishnaic sense of the word.

One final note: As always, but now even more so, we invite you to join us in our efforts to perform acts of hesed (kindness) and tzedek (justice). Should you desire to be on either the receiving or the giving end of such an act, please let us know. We would love to hear from you!

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As Jews, we have the opportunity to observe ritual for specific occasions: birth, death, and many stops along the way. But we also have time-bound ritual, the observance of Shabbat, that can act as a vessel for our daily lives. If you are having difficulties in your life right now, or perhaps joys that you would like to share, consider adding ritual to your life experience. I look forward to seeing you and sharing with you on Shabbat.

The Power of Ritual Cantor Randall Schloss

I have just returned from our Congregational Kallah inspired by the power of ritual. Throughout history, Jews have clung to ritual in the face of difficult, sometimes tragic circumstances. And right now, indeed, life is difficult. Israel is burdened by increasing violence. The worsening economy weighs heavily. Many of us have individual challenges that undercut our efforts to live happy, productive lives. An almost perfect response to our challenging existence is ritual. And ritual serves us equally well in times of celebration and joy. There is a reason why, even if we don’t attend services regularly, we choose to observe Jewish rituals of chupa, breaking the glass, and singing of the sheva brachot at a wedding. If ritual did not enhance our life experiences, then we would all choose to get married at City Hall, entered into marriage by a justice of the peace. Both the civil ceremony and the Jewish ceremony cover the basics, but the ritual aspects of a Jewish wedding service heighten our experience. There is no reason that we need the best of occasions or the worst of occasions to participate in ritual. As Reform Jews, we have the freedom to choose the depth of our participation. That does not mean that we don’t observe Jewish traditional practices, but rather those rituals we do observe, we do so with consciousness and intention and not out of obligation. Larry Hoffman, the preeminent Reform liturgist, gives us the following concepts, highlighting the potential power of ritual in our lives: • Ritual shapes time. It arranges our life into packages of

moments that matter. • “Ritualizations” are empty; “ritual” is not. Ritual is neither

good nor bad, advanced nor primitive. It is human through and through. It can remind us of our humanity, and move us to act humanely.

• Ritual culminates in ritual moments that provide the satisfaction, if closure, ands allow us to move on to another activity with a greater sense that life matters.

• Culminating ritual moments vary in emotional tone. They may be happy, sad, poignant, cathartic, or just inwardly satisfying. They may be experienced privately or demonstrated publicly.

• Ritual scripts may be inherited or newly created. They may be open or closed.

• Style matters. Minimalist, rigid, and obligatory worship styles can impede ritual satisfaction.

• Jews treat public prayer as a necessity, not an option. Viewing it as an obligation does not mean that it is meaningless or must be poorly done. Seeing it also as an art—a sacred drama, in particular—allows us to apply considerations of artistry to it, and thereby to do it better.

February Special Birthdays

Sheila A. Elliott Marina Feldman David L. Landay Thomas Plancon Sharon E. Sass Alan Shepro Dorothy Weissberger

Farewell to Marylin Klickstein

On January 30 we bid a fond farewell to our dear friend, Marylin Klickstein, who in her short tenure as receptionist, became a beloved figure at TOS. We thank Marylin for her outstanding service and wish her hatzlachah rabbah (much success) in her new endeavors. We also take heart that, even as Marylin will no longer work at TOS, she will continue to be a cherished member of the TOS community.

Dear Friends,

It has been an honor and a privilege to work at TOS and to get to know so many of you.

I have truly enjoyed working with our wonderful staff and congregation and I want to thank each of you for enriching my life, for welcoming me so warmly and for supporting me, both professionally and personally. I especially want to thank Alan Shepro for bringing me into the TOS family.

While I will be moving on to new endeavors, I will hope to stay in touch, to see you at synagogue events and to share in Temple Ohabei Shalom’s bright future.

I wish you all well in the years ahead.

With warm regards (L’Shalom,)

Marylin Klickstein

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February Shabbat Rishon Shir Appeal Friday, February 6, 7:30 p.m. Dessert Oneg to follow Please join us for a special celebration of Shabbat Shirah (Shabbat of Song). Shir Appeal, Tufts University’s Jewish a cappella group will lead us in song throughout the service, and will present a diverse program, including: traditional Jewish folk songs, Israeli rock, liturgical music, and American songs with Jewish themes. The evening promises to be fun, spiritual and exciting: an embodiment of Shabbat Shirah!

Worship

Tot Shabbat

Friday, February 6, 2009 First Friday of the month, 5:45 pm

Join Rabbi Franken and Cantor Schloss as they bring the Shabbat experience alive for the youngest participants in our community. Activities, music, dancing and optional dinner for all participants! (dinner:$6 kids/$10 adults)

RSVP to Amanda at 617-739-9200

March Shabbat Rishon: GLBT Equality: A Look Ahead Friday, March 6, 7:30 p.m.

Ben Klein, Senior Attorney, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) Ben Klein is a Senior Attorney and has been the AIDS Law Project Director at Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) since 1994. Ben has litigated cases in state and federal trial and appellate courts establishing legal protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and people living with HIV. He was counsel in Kerrigan & Mock v. Department of Public Health, GLAD’s 2008 victory in the Connecticut Supreme Court ruling that the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage is unconstitutional. This event is co-sponsored by Keshet. Please join us.

Come Sing with our Choir! From novices to experienced singers, all are welcome! Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel. Contact Karen Landman (klandman@ohabei.org) if you would like to participate. For more information, contact Cantor Schloss at rschloss@ohabei.org.

Your Synagogue

needs YOU!

Daily Worship Service Evenings at 6:00 and mornings at 8:00 (9:00 Sundays and legal holidays) a member of the congregation leads a very short service. There are openings for new leaders. If this interests you contact Ita N. Wiener at 617-734-7137 or Spencer Gould at 781-329-7439.

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Illness? Hospitalization? Birth? Simcha?

Please let us know...

“The Democratic Jewish State and Prospects for Peace” Sunday, February 8 at 7:30 p.m. Temple Ohabei Shalom is pleased to join the New Israel Fund, Brit Tzedek v’Shalom, the Consulate General of Israel to New England, and the Jewish Community Relations Council in co-sponsoring a talk by Gershom Gorenberg, titled “The Democratic Jewish Stateand Prospects for Peace” The event will take place here at TOS on Sunday, February 8, at 7:30 p.m.

Gershom Gorenberg is a Jerusalem-based historian and journalist. His most recent book, The Accidental Empire: Israel and the Birth of the Settlements, 1967–1977, presents a strikingly new picture of Israel’s post-1967 history, major Israeli leaders, and Israel-U.S. relations. Gorenberg’s previous book, The End of Days: Fundamentalism and the Struggle for the Temple Mount, portrays the role of religious radicalism in the Middle East conflict, and exposes the real reasons for the Christian Right’s support of Israel. He co-authored the Jerusalem Report’s 1996 biography of Yitzhak Rabin, Shalom Friend, winner of the National Jewish Book Award. As a commentator on Middle East affairs and the interface of religion and politics, Gorenberg has appeared on 60 Minutes, Nightline, Dateline, Fresh Air and on CNN and BBC. For many years an associate editor of the Jerusalem Report, he is now a senior correspondent for the American Prospect.

This event will attract a wide cross-section of the Boston Jewish community. Please mark your calendars!

Members of Temple Ohabei Shalom should be very proud of our generous donation of toys for Boston Medical Center's GROW CLINIC . The playpen overflowed with diverse holiday gifts. "Todah Rabah" to all who gave so caringly!

Mazal tov to Shelley Schwartz on the birth of her grandson, Bennett Schwartz, born January 4, 2009.

Lost and Found

Last Call!

The TOS Office has a collected a number of lost and found items including some beautiful tallitot and tefillin. If you feel any of these un-claimed articles are yours, please contact the main office at 617-277-6610 or stop by to look in our bin! Clothing items left un-claimed at the end of the month with will be donated to tzedakah and tallitot will be added to the TOS collection. Thank you!

Community

Join the TOS Group on Facebook!

Search “Temple Ohabei Shalom” and click “Join this group.”

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Temple Ohabei Shalom’s Wish List...

Now that our new Facilities Manager is in place, we have a “wish list” of projects to enhance the physical space of

TOS. If you have time, resources, contacts or the financial means to fund a project, please let us know!

Contact Steven Davis or Britta Wierich in the synagogue office at 617-277-6610.

Each member has a unique relationship with TOS...if there is a project you would like to fund that is

particularly meaningful to you, we would love to speak with you!

New Carpeting in the Front Offices

New Carpeting in the Montague Chapel

New Wall Coverings in Penn-Spero Hall

Renovations to the Lissner and Penn-Spero Hall bathrooms

New Carpeting in the Sanctuary and Foyer

New stage curtain in Penn-Spero Hall

Tile for the Administration Building Lobby

Underwriting the renovation of the rabbinic suite (naming opportunity available)

Welcome Britta Weirich, TOS’s New Facilities Manager

We are excited to introduce a new member of the TOS team, Britta Weirich, who has assumed the role of Facilities Manager. Britta comes to us with a wealth of experience through her work as Facilities Manager of the YWCA in Cambridge as well as eight years as the Facilities Manager at Outward Bound in New York City. Britta now oversees our custodial staff, maintenance of our building and grounds, and coordinates internal and external rentals; and anything to ensure the safety and comfort of all those who enter our synagogue.

Please be sure to say “hi” the next time you are in the building and feel free to contact Britta at bwierich@ohabei.org.

“Temple Ohabei Shalom Stands With Israel in Her Quest for Peace.” On January 14 a group from TOS attended a rally of solidarity with Israel at Copley Square. Picture above, bundled up for the frigid weather, are Rabbi Franken and Denise Green.

Todah Rabah

We express our deep appreciation to the following individuals who have recently enriched the life of our community:

• Ellen and Ciro Alfaro, Shellee Robbins and Don Steinbrecher, Beth and John Gamel, and Eddie and Betsy Jacobs for hosting our get-acquainted coffees with Rabbi Franken and Cantor Schloss.

• Danit Ben Ari for overseeing the redesign of Rabbi Franken’s study.

• Tom Rubenoff for his expertise in completing the renovation of Rabbi Franken’s study.

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Jewish Family and Children’s Service Greater Boston’s

Jewish Food Pantry

Please note:Temple Ohabei Shalom’s NEW monthly contribution is:

Canned Tuna, Salmon and Graham Crackers

Donations can be brought to the synagogue and placed in the baskets by the Chapel or near the elevator. You can also write a check to the Sister-hood of Ohabei Shalom with “Family Table” in the memo line or volunteer to drive our contributions to the collection center in Waltham just one Sun-day a year, 9:30am—11:30am If you are interested in helping, Contact Dottie Berman at 617-277-6610 or Dber-man@ohabei.org.

Community

Bylaws Task Force An independent task force has been established to review and revise TOS’s current bylaws. Known as the bylaws task force (or “BLT Force”), it is anticipated that this group will prepare and present the revised bylaws for approval -- first by the Board of Trustees in April and then by a two-thirds vote of the TOS members present at the Annual Meeting which is held in May (or June) -- all in accordance with amendment procedures set forth under the current bylaws. In order to ensure that TOS members are afforded the opportunity to provide input, the BLT Force is encouraging all inter-ested TOS members to share their thoughts and ideas about the bylaws directly with the BLT Force. We invite you to submit your comments, in writing (only) by February 15, by either mailing a letter to the BLT Force in care of TOS or sending an email to bylaws@ohabei.org.

URJ National Board Meeting Report by Len Davidson I have just returned from my first North American board meeting of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) in Tampa, Florida and am filing this report to give you a sense of what I experienced and what is going on. We at TOS are members of the URJ, the organization that represents the Reform movement. First, and not surprisingly, the most-repeated topic over the course of the several days of meetings was the economic situation and the effects that it is hav-ing on all of us. Rabbi Eric Yoffie, president of the URJ, confirmed that there would be a plan developed to respond to the challenges (oh, how I have learned to loathe that euphemistic word) that we are facing. There have been changes made already, such as hiring freezes and reductions in travel expenses. This plan of change/reorganization/restructuring is to be ready for the next North American board meeting in June, 2009. The URJ is aware of the need to look at expenses in the light of the economic situa-tion. Catch-phrases were common, including the ideas that “from a crisis can come an opportunity” and “planes take off against the wind”. The goal and hope is that this can be a chance to make changes that could be beneficial long-term. We shall see….but the indications were good in terms of addressing the situation hon-estly and with new perspective. Not surprisingly, a large portion of the URJ budget is related to the salaries of URJ employees, includ-ing regional office employees as well as the movement’s North American offices. These apparently are to be re-evaluated as part of the overall review of URJ operations. One thing that I did not know until recently is that approximately 44% of what synagogues pay to the URJ is then paid to Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) under a long-standing agreement. HUC-JIR operates four separate campuses to educate rabbis, cantors, and Jewish educators. Rabbi Ellenson, speaking for HUC-JIR, indicated that they, too, will be looking at their expenses, although no commitment was made nor timetable set for this. The board, composed of approximately 250 representatives from all of North America, acts more like Congress than a smaller board of trustees. Much of the more meaningful work is done in commit-tees, and there are people working on a variety of fronts, including programming, congregational assistance, learning at all levels, camps, budget, social action, support of Israel and more. There are a lot of very fine people who devote much volunteer time to these tasks, and I already have a sense that it does make our move-ment stronger. It is an honor to be representing TOS at this level, and to have a voice in shaping our future. I will continue to do my best to represent our synagogue and our movement and to keep you informed in the process. L’shalom, Len Davidson

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Dispute Resolution Expert Discusses Prospects for Peace At services on Friday evening, January 2, Professor David Matz, a partner in The Mediation Group (Brookline) and director of Graduate Programs in Dispute Resolu-tion at UMass/Boston, spoke on behalf of Brit Tzedek v’Shalom about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He spoke mainly about the underlying reasons why it is that, though many people believe they “know the solution,” the conflict is nonetheless so difficult to resolve. He also linked these underlying causes to the current flare-up of rocket attacks and the Israeli military action in Gaza. Professor Matz’s main task was to provide a contrast. On the one hand, the conflict is enormously complex, with eleven major players around the world—including Iran, Saudi Arabia, the European Un-ion, and the United States—all wishing to influence its outcome, but none easily coordinated with the others. On the other hand, at least since1988 there has been a gradual but clearly visible movement by both Israel and the Palestinians toward accepting each other and learning to work together.

Prof. Matz also discussed the conundrum about to be faced by President-elect Obama, who has publicly committed himself to taking on this conflict early and seriously, and yet confronts an enormously difficult task if he does so. There is no easy or obvious path even for the most dedicated of presidents, and every approach carries with it the peril of failure and even of making things worse. The talk was followed by many questions from the congregation and brought to us by Brit Tzedek V’Shalom. Brit Tzedek v'Shalom is a national grassroots Jewish organization dedicated to educating and mobilizing American Jews in support of a negotiated two-state resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Increasingly influential, and now with almost 40,000 members, Brit Tzedek is organized into a national chapter network and vibrant online activist community. The Boston chapter is one of the most active and has more than 3,000 supporters. Chapters hold regular advocacy meetings with their members of Congress; organize edu-cational events in their local Jewish communities, supported by a network of 1,000 rabbinic advisers and supporters; and reach out to local Jewish and non-Jewish media. If you would like more infor-mation about Brit Tzedek v’Shalom, please contact bos-ton@btvshalom.org or call 617-230-6439.

Barry & Faith Abrams Ellen & Ciro Alfaro Anonymous (4) Harold Ansin z”l George Bazer Robert Beal Alan Beggs & Jami Levine Selma J. Bengis Edward Bloom & Ellen Harder Rebecca & David Brendel Marc Casper Michael & Shari Churwin Jesse Cochin & Alice Newton Robert Coopersmith & Amy Tishelman Leonard Davidson & Laurie Katzman Steven Davis Richard & Carol Daynard Daniel & Eva Deykin Rabbi John Franken Steven & Frances Freiman John & Beth Gamel Lillian Garber Louis Goldman Douglas and Toni Gordon Robert Gottlieb & Margo Rosenbach Lawrence & Denise Green Arnold & Tracy Greenfield

William & Marcia Harris Clifton & Ruth Helman Donald Hootstein & Belinda Walters Jeffrey Hurwit & Elizabeth Greenspan Hideaki Ishihara Edward & Elizabeth Jacobs Frederick & Kathy Jonas Edward & Marjorie Kahn David G. Kanter Herman Kaufman Jonathan Kaufman & Barbara Howard Stan Keizer Steven Kern Dov and Sima Kirsztajn Hana Kolton-Patsouris & Peter Patsouris Howard Koor & Ellen Mosner Charles & Sheila Landay Dorothy Lebach Richard Leibovitch Marcia Levine Louise Levingston Rabbi Emily Lipof Mark Lipof Alan Litchman & Laura Trust Karen Livingston Robert Loeb & Tammy Gooler Loeb Jeffrey Macklis & Carol Levin

Thomas Martin & Danit Ben-Ari Laura Moskowitz & Robin Shore Robert Pierson David Rogovin & Susan Liberman Tom & Donna Rubenoff Zita Samuels Cantor Randall & Leah Schloss R.K. (Shelley) Schwartz Martin Shore & Shari Lisann Joel Sklar & Adrienne Shishko Shirley Spero Donald Steinbrecher & Shellee Robbins Glenn Stevens & Shelly Tenenbaum Andrew Sumberg & Mindy Berman Ronny Sydney The Trust Family Foundation Michael Weintraub & Diane Rosen Ita N. Wiener Spencer Wootton & Ellen Fox Maurice Zabarsky

The Project For Our Future Thank you to all who have given so generously to date. We are seeking one hundred percent involvement from our congregation for this important project to ensure the future of Temple Ohabei Shalom. Please contact our main office at 617-277-6610 or contact Mark Lipof (markl@campmicah.com) and Ellen Harder (ricesrping@aol.com), Chairs of CongregationalGifts.

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School Cancellation Policy In Case of Inclement Weather The Ansin Religious School will close

if the Brookline Public schools close for a snow day.

Please tune in to WBZ (channel 4),

WCVB (channel 5), WHDH (channel 7), or WRKO (680 on the AM dial) for school cancellations.

We will also leave a

message on the school answering machine: (617) 739-9200.

Lifelong Learning

The Book of Esther: Farce? Drama? Comedy? Legend?

Come and explore the artistry of this biblical masterpiece with Rabbi Franken and Cantor Schloss. Delve into the text in order to consider its implications for contemporary morality, theology and politics.

Sunday mornings, March 1, 8 & 15: 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Save the Date! Annual TOS Scholar-in-Residence Weekend Entering Mishkan T’filah: An In-depth look at the Structure and Rationale Behind Our New Siddur (prayerbook) Come and study with Rabbi Franken. Friday March 20 thru Sunday, March 22. Watch your mailbox for more information coming soon. Ask the Clergy . . . Monday Night Roundtable, 7:00 – 8:30 pm

Bring your questions and join our clergy for an evening of lively discussion. • February 9 “From Dan to Beersheva: Let’s Talk About Israel” with Rabbi Franken • March 16 “Let's sing the TRADITIONAL tune!" How do we make decisions about music and ritual practice?”

with Cantor Schloss • April 6 “Ha-olam Hazeh: The World Today” with Rabbi Franken.

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Ansin Religious School News

Mark

You

r Cale

ndar

s! No School Dates

Please mark your calendars . . . Sunday, February 15 – Sunday February 22 February Break

Family Education Grade 6 B’nei Mitzvah Havurah Sunday, February 8, 9:15 am Informational Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation workshops with our clergy and educators.

Youth Group Events MOSTY & TOSTY Youth Event, Grades 1 – 4 Sunday, February 1, 12:30 – 3:00 pm

JOSTY Pizza Party & Shul-in Prep Tuesday, February 3, 2009, 5:30 – 6:30 pm

JOSTY Regional Shul-In Saturday, February 7 – Sunday, February 8 For students in Grades 7 /8. Applications were due, please c ontact Kate if you would still like to attend the shul-in.

Tot Shabbat Friday, February 6, 2008 First Friday of the month, 5:45 pm Join Rabbi Franken and Cantor Schloss as they bring the Shabbat experience alive for the youngest participants in our community. The evening will include activities, music, dancing and dinner for all participants.

Mark your Calendars: TOSTY Shul-In Family Prep Sunday, March 1, 9:15 am

Purim Carnival Sunday, March 8, 10:30 am – 12:15 pm

The Fund for Lifelong Learning Did you know that Ohabei Shalom has a scholarship fund available for adults and children to take advantage of local, regional, national and international Jewish programming? Recently our TOS Fund For Lifelong Learning (FFLL) has been able to sponsor a teacher for an online course with Facing History and Ourselves, provided tuition assistance for several adults who recently attended the TOS Kallah in Plymouth and helped to send two students to Washington DC in December as a part of our Confirmation program. Below is an excerpt from a note that we received when one of these participants returned from Washington:

Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,

Thank you so much for your generosity in awarding me this scholarship. This was a wonderful opportunity, and I appreciate the chance to take part in it. This was an important experience for me because, as a Jew, I wanted to walk through the Holocaust Museum and gain a deeper understanding of what really happened. I also wanted to go to Capitol Hill in order to see where change happens.

While in Washington, I gained a lot of new knowledge that I would never have gotten by just picking up a book and reading it. I learned how to lobby. Even though writing my platform was difficult and frustrating at times, I got through it and realized that it can be quite effective. I even had the opportunity to read my platform to one of Barney Frank’s assistants. I also got the chance to listen to one of Ted Kennedy’s assistants talk about health care issues and his plan to help everyone get affordable healthcare.

The Holocaust Memorial and Museum were the important places that I wanted to see in person. It was a lot to take in, but I really enjoyed it. I remember the long wall of photographs taken of the victim’s forearms, showing their identification numbers. There was also an entire room of just shoes. They belonged to the victims and they were all burnt. Some were so small. There was also a section of a train that was used to carry the Jews to concentration camps. Having the opportunity to get to see all of these things in person really impacted me, and helped me get a better understanding the Holocaust itself.

Finally, it was not only great to be able to experience all of these things with the teens from my temple, but also to meet and share the experience with teens from across the country. I want to take this time to thank you for making this memorable trip possible. It couldn’t have happened without you.

It is abundantly clear from this note that the Ohabei Shalom community is enhanced by this student’s (and all of her classmates’) participation in the L’taken Washington Experience. Scholarship funds are also available from the FFLL to help children attend Jewish summer camps as well as specific Israel programs and trips. For more information, please contact Mindy Berman, Chair of the FFLL, or Shari Churwin, Education Director, in the synagogue office.

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Sisterhood News

Auxiliaries Brotherhood News Jonathan Atkins & Louis Goldman

Betsy Gould

At this early January writing we anxiously anticipate our evening with humorist Beth Teitell, author of “Drinking Problems at the Fountain of Youth,” about our country’s obsession with looking forever young. Locally, Beth has been featured on television with Emily Rooney.

We are most grateful to three of our “sisters” for offering to lead new groups in the following areas: • Amy Hozid wants to start a book club. Those interested can contact her at amyhozid@gmail.com or (617) 566-1939. • Ita N. Wiener would like to conduct a class in post-Moses Torah study. Reach her at itanaomi@verizon.net or (617) 734-7137. • Judy Mabel would like to begin a meditation group. You may reach her at judymabel02@gmail.com or (617) 232-7049.

We are also grateful to two other “sisters” for continuing ongoing successful groups: • The Mahjong group meets monthly, and is in its second year. If interested, contact Diane Rosen at msw94@aol.com or ( 617) 566-5382. • Zita Samuels continues to offer her home and expertise for “Knitting & Noshing,” The next meeting will be Thursday, Feb. 12th at 7 p.m. Zita requests that you call or e-mail her about attending at zitasamuels@aol.com or (617) 277-3653.

We appreciate these diverse and stimulating opportunities, and hope that many newcomers from other facets of our synagogue and Hebrew School, as well as the community, will want to be a part of one of these groups.

Thank you to ALL the dedicated and talented Sisterhood members for knitting beautiful shawls and baby hats. Boston Medical Center’s Grow Clinic staff was delighted with the hats, and our Mitzvah congregant shawl recipients will feel very cared for and comforted.

We all become jewelry artists as we mix and blend beautiful beads with Ellen Mosner’s guidance at our February event on Wednesday, February 25th at 7 p.m. Ellen promises that everyone will go home with at least one finished product. This can be a great time socializing with friends while appreciating the beauty of your work! Dessert and coffee will be served. Please RSVP to Betsy Gould at buppygould@aol.com or (781) 329-7439 by Feb. 20th. Please note that our Jan. TIDINGS listed the supplies price as $5/person, but the price will actually be $10 per person for the evening.

Hilda Lopez is currently creating a very spiritual Sisterhood celebration of Shabbat for Saturday, March 28th. Sisters, please contact Hilda to let her know that you’d like to participate in English or Hebrew in this service, at hlopezso@yahoo.com or (617) 734-7525.

Marcia Levine’s coupon project continues. Remember, you do not have to cut them out. Please leave the whole flyer in the coupon box in our Temple office foyer.

We look forward to seeing you at our Sisterhood events through the coming year!

In our first Dinner/Meeting for 2009, the Brotherhood, and its guests, had their spirits raised to the roof, as Cantor Randall Schloss inspired all in attendance with his depth of musical talents and knowledge. In addition to singing with us, Cantor Schloss discussed the importance of music in Jewish life. On behalf of the Officers and Board of the Brotherhood, we extend are warmest thanks to the Cantor for making this night a huge success.

Our next meeting will take place on Monday, February 9, 2009 at 6:30 p.m., in Lissner Hall. This dinner/meeting will be devoted to planning our Brotherhood Shabbat, which will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2009. Cantor Schloss has offered to train any of our members who wish to chant one of the Torah portions that are contained in that week’s Sidrah, Shemini (Leviticus 9:1 to 11:47). We strongly encourage all brothers to attend this meeting so that we can make this year’s Brotherhood Shabbat a smashing success!

Reservations are required by calling Jerry at 617-731-5736 no later than February 4, 2009.

We wish to thank all those who remember to bring in, or mail in, their stamped cash register receipts from the Butcherie, to be placed in the Brotherhood mail bin in the Synagogue Office!

SABAH: Seeking to help

Nearly three years ago, the rabbis of three Brookline synagogues: Congregation Kehillath Israel, Temple Ohabei Shalom and Young Israel, approached CJP and Jewish Family & Children's Service. Their idea: Why not create a program that would keep their elderly members engaged with their synagogue, their community - and life outside of their own four walls? Now SABAH - Synagogue Alliance Connecting Brookline Elders Living at Home offers a lifeline for dozens of Brookline seniors.

Some examples of how SABAH can help: • Replacing blown light bulbs • Lowering storm windows • Exchanging stored winter and summer clothes and

bedding • Removing air conditioners • Driving you to a Brookline flu shot clinic • Helping locate seasonal service companies for home

owners or renters (i.e., gutter cleaning and snow removal)

If you know of any Brookline Residents in our congregation who can benefit from this wonderful (and free!) program, please contact Steven Davis, Executive Director, at 617-277-6610 or sdavis@ohabei.org.

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Tributes General Fund In Memory of Barbara Rabinovitz Miriam Oshry Louise Levingston Bette Brown Spencer & Betsy Gould Miriam Oshry Jayme Lynn Winnick David & Rose Winnick R. K. (Shelley) Schwartz Celia Yaffa In Honor of Doris R. Zich Samuel Leibowitz David Rogovin Edward Bloom & Ellen Harder David Rogovin In Appreciation 0f Larry & Denise Green David Seldin & Cathryn Stein Griffin’s Friend’s Cancer Fund Temple Ohabei Shalom For The Health & Well-Being of Helen & Robert Sawyer Matthew Sawyer Stephen Ardizzoni Bob Wolf Sophia Solow

Temple Ohabei Shalom Music Fund In Appreciation of R. K. (Shelley) Schwartz Cantor Randall M. Schloss

Building Fund Stella C. Levi

Minyan Fund In Memory of Elinor R. Goldman Pauline Cohen Anita Lang Leibowitz Lena Drucker George E. Bazer Evelyn Bazer Lois S. Platt Juliette A. Sobell Maya R. Krigsgaber Dora Feinsteyn Bruce A. Beal Adelaide Beal Robert L. Beal Adelaide Beal Irving J. & Louise G. Dublin Bertha Dublin Marjorie & Edward Kahn Anna Lillian Zitter Samuel H. Zitter Carol Bernstein Finn Maurice Jacob Bernstein Roberta & Stephen Paris Benjamin Bernstein Ida Bernstein Bencion M. Moskow Esther G. Moskow Rimma Kofman Michael Kofman Phyllis Kaplan Eugene Juster Celia Kaplan Alexander M. & Brenda R. Tanger Herman C. Tanger June Hurwitz Augusta Benson Peter D. L. Stansky Louis Abrahams William Abrahams Jerry Kravitz Albert Kravitz Rabbi Emily Lipof Michael Lipof Annette L. Miller Murray Liberman Dolly Koffman Samuel Foster Judith L. Palefsky Harry Rideman Sumner R. Kates Max Lewis Kates Doris R. Zich Philip E. Zich Sy Gottlieb Selma Gottlieb Joel D. Katz Ruth S. Goldstein Joanne G. Katz Miriam Katz Elizabeth & Aron Rivin David Tanfilyev Avraam Rivin Bernard & Phyllis Kliman Myrna Rice Stein George Rabinowitz Abraham Rabinowitz Audrey Goldberg David L. Rosenberg Corinne E. Gilbert Sarah G. Ellis Seymour Saslaw & Jacquelynn Abraham-Saslaw

Sarah Saslaw

Minyan Fund, cont. In Memory of Barbara Hillson Abramowitz Esther Hillson Isaak & Khaia Shifrin Itskhak Pisecki Shmuel Pisecki Hersh Leyb Shifrin Milton Namiot & Margaret Trezza Ruth Namiot Richard & Sarah Frederics Rosalind Frederics Hubert & Raynord Caplan Dr. Abraham Nathan Caplan Goldie Pantell Caplan Joseph Pantell Robert N. Fireman Harry Fireman Betty Morningstar & Jeanette Kruger

Otto Morningstar

Paul & Marcia Merlin Helen Merlin Larry & Denise Green Beatrice Berson Illona A. Roll Theodore T. Schoenfeld Evelyn Ruby Lillian Festinger George Rabinowitz Andrew C. Rabinowitz Selma Gordon Dora K. Gordon Irving J. Dublin Nathan Dublin Herbert S. Stern Gabriel M. Stern

Prayer Book Fund Asa J. Nixon & Ruth S. Feldstein David G. Kanter AdrienneShishko & Joel Sklar Brotherhood of Temple Ohabei Shalom Penn Trust Lois Nathan In Memory of Marcia Evelyn Levine Rabbi Albert S. Goldstein Maya R. Krigsgaber Roman S. Krigsgaber &

Dora A. Feinsteyn

Ansin Religious School – Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing!

In Memory of

Dorothy Julia Lebach Martin Weilheimer

Pulpit Flowers Fund In Memory of George Rabinowitz James I. Roberts

David E. & Bruna H. Rosengard Fund

In Memory of

Sarah Mangoubi Vita Saleh The Mangoubi Family Bruna Rosengard Robert S. Rosengard Bruna Hazan Sondra Hazan Rose Hazan Rose Bloom Rosengard Rose Rosengard Subotnik Bruna H. Rosengard

Olins Piano Fund In Memory of Marcia E. Levine Miriam Oshry

Project for Our Future Edward M. Bloom & Ellen O. Harder

Ciro & Ellen Alfaro Edward & Marjorie Kahn Ronny Sydney Peter & Hana Patsouris Rabbi John A. Franken Donald R. Hootstein & Belinda Walters

Robert Pierson & Ellen Meyers Marc & Denise Casper Marcia E. Levine Dorothy Julia Lebach

Continued on page 13

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Yizkor Elohim - May God Remember

Bessie R. Levine Gertrude Emma Mintz * Charles E. Smith * Ellis C. Tallen * Henrietta R. Yusen * William Alpert Zelda Aronson Donald L. Daniels * Stella Feuer Richard Hootstein Benjamin Isenberg Louis Rosenberg * Louis S. Rothenberg * Minnie Sagoff * Mary Alman * Julia Barnard Gertrude Brown * Harry Levinson Franklin Lewenberg Esther K. Lilienthal * Eli Lurier Rosa Mashal William Packer Sidney H. Ross * David Bloom * February 8-15 Sidney Freedman Max Goldforb Louis S. Levi * Fannie Levine Joseph Rome Hyman L. Rosengard * Esther Israel Rosenthal Jacob Weisberger * Edward J. Ginsburg Herman Katz Bertha Klous Jean Lebow David Mickelson Julius Rosenthal Louis Sherman Fred Shuman Elizabeth C. Slosberg * William Small Saul Weiss * Jennie H. Barron * Theodore W. Berenson * Philip Forman William Goldberg Shirley M. Rodman * Solomon Slotnick * Isabel Roberts Towbin Rose Berger Alvina Cohen Judy Dubbs Helen Spero Greenfield * Herman J. Haskell * Norman Howard

Norman Howard Murray W. Neitlich * Jacob Pearl * Reba Raphael Samuel L. Slosberg * Louis Bahn * Robert V. Crossman * Rose Raphael Daniels * Kenneth Ellengold Morris Fishel Judith Greenfield Rebekah Landay * Alexander R. Robbins June Serper Rosenfeld Isaac Rosnosky Louis Striar Mikhail Tanfilyev Yetta Abrams Rebecca R. Cloudman Archie Goldberg Priscilla Greenbaum * Harry Levine Abe Montague * Jennie Rosenfield * Louis Sager Sylvia Scheinfeld Edythe June Segal * Abraham Willis * Ethel Levine Cobe * Edward A. Davidson Ida Gerratt Howard Goldberg Bernard L. Gorfinkle * Sydney Grace * Gordon Hurwitz Bessie Kravitz Solomon A. Rosenbush Albert Sanger Fanny Sanger Leo Olstein Wolkowich Arnon Ben-Ari Dorothy Julia Burke Max Chapman Barney Comenitz Charles Ficksman * Bessie Gordon * Evelyn K. Macey * James Meads Anne R. Miller * Rose Miller Hannah Sanger Mode Jeannete Peyser Helen Rose Quigley Joseph Rosenberg * Dorothy Rothstein Frances Wheeler Silin * Isadore Stein *

February 16-23 Henry Anthony Hazel M. Benjamin Susanna Katz Abram Levi Leo V. Levins Ronald F. Braunstein Joseph Friedman Morris Gorfine * Sarah Levine Carolyn Sharlet Nachman Irving Paul Bernice Silin Harry Spiel Esther Brown Mark H. Cobe Bella A. Ginsburg * Belle Kahn * June Leacock Abraham I. Passman Alice Price Samuel Shapiro * Rebecca Berstein Ann Flanzbaum Bornstein Samuel Daniels Saul Goldfarb Anna Hark Reuben David Hubar Ada Milder Leah Sydeman Jacob Vigor Helen Antupit Anna Chapsky George J. Frank Samuel Marzynski * Bessie Steuer Daisy Berler * Edith G. Bernstein * Frank Brooks * David Caro Howard Lester Medlinsky Dina Penn Julius Price Mae Selig Frank Sher Martin Stein Gelina Toochinsky Sophie Burke Norma Lazarus Gould Naomi Beal Harris * Mark Jackson Vivian Levine * Edgar Helmut Meister Joseph Pearlman Albert S. Resnick * Israil Rivin Louis J. Roazen * Benjamin Weiner Albert Copeland *

We extend our deepest sympathy to their families. Those listed below are recorded in our Book of Remembrance, Windows or on Memorial Plaques. An asterisk indicates that the plaque will be illuminated during the week of yahrzeit.

February 1-7 Philip Caplan Louis Cohen Irving Cohn Frances Davis Isaac H. Dinner Helen R. Haskell * Abraham B. Kamine Frieda Korman Helen K. Lader * Jay I. Moskow * Harry Palefsky Charles Solomon Raskind Rachael Rosenberg Pauline Cohen Sawyer * George Traster Elaine Wiensenfeld Benjamin A. Albert * Johanna Basch Bertram W. Bernhardt Dorothy B. Gordon * Irving Heller * Sumner Mayburg Nehamah Glick Medlinsky Meyer Segan Stella Simon * Gussie Scheinfeldt Wingersky Mark Chados * Edward J. Endler * Victor T. Goldberg * Lillian Greenberg Philip Grusby Bertha Passman Nathan Rabinowitz * Fannie B. Rottenberg Nathan Sable Harry Shapiro Norton Shapiro Irving Willis Bernard Witten Esther Miller Wyzanski Issac Yaffa Gertrude Baker * Sophie M. Borenstein * Jacob Joseph Davis Samuel H. Joski Hyman B. Miller * Aaron Raphael Philip Raphael Marian S. Rosen * Joseph K. Shankman * Rebecca Shapiro Abraham Sobel Henry L. Cabitt Roselyn Gelb Max S. Ginsberg * Edward B. Ginsburg Lillian Katz Gertrude Kravitz

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Yahrzeits, continued

Aaron Feinberg * David H. Greenhood * Sadie F. Miller Helen Mover Goldi Portman Ada F. York * February 24-28 Adolphus M. Burroughs * Clara Friedman Edna E. Greenhood Sidney A. Lang * Sally Leibowitz Mary E. Maze David Nemser Harry Newman * Louis Nizel * Jeanie Pinkerton * Mary Polak Abraham Burack Grover C. Burkhardt Lenore Cohn Pincus Jacobs Shmere Katz Abraham Levine * Annie Sedar * Barnet Weiner * Dorothy Boraks * Joseph Casper * Jeanette E. DeHaan * Frank Gershon * Samuel Gore Bessie A. Hoffstadt

Dvase Katz Paul Katz Sarah Lasovick Mildred B. Levine * Philip B. Marks Emanuel Nathan * Joseph Nathaniel Segal * Enna Spivak * Julia Stern Sarah H. Strauss Joseph H. Weinerman * Daniel Zabarsky Claire Beck-Barret Melech Yosef Ben Yaakov Francoise M. Kaplan Hyman Levine Robert Miller William Segal * Gloria Cohen * Rebecca Cohen Simon M. Daniels * Maurice Epstein Samuel J. Freedman * Isabel H. Greenhood * Louis Grolnic * Lena R. Helman Victor Khiat * Miriam Lebach Joseph Mandell * Fred J. Schlesinger Sarah Schlesinger Frank Sher Anna Zwick *

Say Cheese!

Help Rabbi Franken, Cantor Schloss and the rest of the TOS staff to know you and your family. Please send digital photos of yourselves, properly labeled and in jpg or pdf format to office@ohabei.org or mail hard copy to the TOS office.

Project for Our Future, cont. Marylin Klickstein Rebecca & David Brendel Selma J. Bengis In Honor of Marcia E. Levine Mark Lipof & Shari Churwin In Honor and Appreciation of Eric & Allison Rimm Rabbi John Franken Shari Churwin Kate Mikesh Amanda Singer Gopen Library In Memory of Herbert & Hanna Zeiger Isidore Zeiger Golda Zeiger Pauline Bloom In Honor of Mindy Berman Cantor Schloss Kate Mikesh Jonah Seiger Ronit Ben-Shir Cherise Bransfield Melissa Rubin R. K. (Shelley) Schwartz Center for Early Education at

TOS Cassandra Warshowsky Jeff & Max Colt Stephen Sugarman Margo Sugarman Andy O’Connell Temple Israel Judith Liberman Cassandra Warshowsky Dina Brownstein Spencer Gould

Tibutes, continued

DID YOU KNOW? In 2009, taxpayers age 70.5 and older can give away up to $100,000 from their IRA's directly to charities, TAX FREE! Please consult your financial advisor.

Construction Update We are excited to announce that plans to renovate the second floor of our school building are now in place! Work to create our new Early Education Center will begin in April and be finished in early summer. The renovations will add moveable walls, bathrooms, new windows and much more to create an ideal space to educate our youngest TOS members. In anticipation of the work, the Ansin Religious School will be packing up the classrooms....and they will need your help! To volunteer your time or provide packing materials (boxes and packing tape), please contact Shari Churwin (schurwin@ohabei.org) for more information. We hope that you share our excitement as phase one of the Project For Our Future gets underway!

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Tell Your Friends!

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PRSRTD STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID PERMIT NO. 3465

BOSTON, MA.

February at Temple Ohabei Shalom February 1 9:15am ARS: PreK-7 2 6:00pm ARS High School 3 3:30pm ARS: Grades 3-7 6 5:45pm Tot Shabbat 7:30pm Shabbat Rishon: Shir Appeal 7 10:30am Shabbat Morning Service 1:00 pm JOSTY Regional Shul-In 8 9:15am ARS: PreK-7 9:30am B’nei Mitzvah Chavurah (6th gr. students & parents) 10 6:00pm ARS High School 6:30pm Brotherhood meeting 11 3;30pm ARS Grades 3-7 13 6:00pm Erev Shabbat Service 14 10:30am Shabbat Service 15 No ARS: February Break 16 Presidents’ Day, TOS office closed No ARS: High School 17 No ARS 19 7:00pm TOS Committee Night 20 6:00pm Erev Shabbat Service 21 10:30am Shabbat Service 22 No ARS: February Break 23 6:00pm ARS High School

24 3:30pm ARS: Grades 3-7 5:30pm Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing! 27 6:00pm Shabbat Service: Shabbat Mishpacha (MOSTY) 28 10:30am Shabbat Service March 1 9:15am ARS: grades K-7 2 6:00pm ARS: High School 6:30pm Brotherhood meeting 3 3:30pm ARS: Grades 3-7 6 5:45pm Tot Shabbat 7:30pm Shabbat Rishon with speaker Ben Klein, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD). Cosponsored by Keshet 7 10:30am Shabbat Service: Bat Mitzvah of Sara Feldstein-Nixon

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Mon.—Thurs. 8:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. Friday 8:00 a.m.. Saturday 6:00 p.m. Sun./Holidays 9:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

Temple Ohabei Shalom is the area’s only Reform synagogue providing daily prayer for those in need of solace or a quiet moment of introspection.

Each daily worship leader commits to one 20-minute weekly service. To become a leader, please call the synagogue office (617) 277-6610.

February Candle Lighting Times

6 - 4:59 p.m. 13 - 5:08 p.m.

20 - 5:16 p.m. 27 - 5:25 p.m.

Leadership Staff and Executive Board John A. Franken, Rabbi Randall M. Schloss, Cantor Emily G. Lipof, Rabbi Emerita Steven Davis, Executive Director Shari A. Churwin, Education Director Kim Singer, B’nei Mitzvah Educator Kate Mikesh, Dir. Informal Education David Sparr, Music Director

Jesse Cochin, President Arnie Greenfield, Vice President Edward Jacobs, Vice President Kathy Jonas, Vice President Cathryn Stein, Vice President Bob Loeb, Treasurer Martin Shore, Assistant Treasurer

We need ALL of your magazines, catalogues, newspapers, office & school papers and mail.

Please do NOT include trash, plastic, glass, metal and cardboard.