DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022 BULLETIN - MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP pages 2,3,4 CONNECTIONS & LEARNING pages 5,6 - Parishes Online
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DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022 BULLETIN
MESSAGE FROM CONNECTIONS & DONATIONS
LEADERSHIP LEARNING
pages 2,3,4 pages 5,6 pages 8,9,10
175 Temple Street, Newton, MA 02465 | 617-332-9550
RABBI ABRASLEY
We are (still) in dark days. The winter holidays are behind us and yet the winter in
New England has really just begun. As you are reading this in mid January, the sun
will rise at around 7:12 am and set at 4:38 pm. On January 20th, it will have been
two years since the CDC confirmed the first U.S. case of COVID-19 in the U.S.
Writing this in early December, I know that we can expect to mark the 800,000th
US death from Covid in late December 2021 and we do not know yet what the
Omicron variant will mean for our Covid preparations and prevention. January
6th will be the first anniversary of the assault on the U.S. Capitol, which shook the
peaceful transition of power and resulted in deaths and injuries.
We have endured great loss: lost friends and family to Covid; lost celebrating at
simchas; lost jobs; lost parties and play-dates; lost opportunity, and maybe even
lost a bit of hope and trust. And while we may have discovered bread-baking, watched a ton of new series on Netflix,
or added a home gym, we may also have lost the parts of ourselves that are created, soar, and expand in face-to-face
community with other people.
Psychologists tell us that we can’t process grief while we are in the midst of it. And, friends, we are still in the midst of this
slow-moving, ever-evolving, multi-faceted crisis. We are doing our best and we will get through it. Let us lean on one
another as we can. Let us extend grace to one another. Let us remember that we WILL be together again, unmasked
and in good health for prayer services, for Purim parties, for choir practice, for shul-ins, and for running into casual
acquaintances in the lobby while reading the paper and sipping a coffee.
This is (still) a hard time. We will find community as we can over zoom, through masks, and after rapid tests. We will lean
in to hear the love and beating hearts of each other when we come together in the ways that are safe. We will extend
patiences, thanks, and understanding to each other, and especially to our Temple Shalom staff, who are working so hard
to make our gatherings safe and to creatively adapt to ever-changing circumstances.
We can extend grace and warmth to each other knowing that the bonds of our community will endure this dark time. We
will return to life and to light again, embracing each other in love and with new appreciation for our Temple Shalom
community.
On January 17th we observe Tu B’shevat, a holiday known in Jewish teaching as the New Year of the Trees. This new
year festival was most likely an agricultural festival because the date often coincides with the very beginning of spring in
the land of Israel. Today we celebrate Tu B’shevat by reconnecting with the land, even when the season still feels dormant
and dark. We hold seders with delicious fruit and nuts (especially those grown in Israel) and plant trees, both at home
and in Israel.
Planting trees has represented hope to the Jewish world since ancient times. We are taught to protect trees in times of war,
plant them when a child is born and share their fruit during every harvest. In modern times, the early Zionest movement
reminded the Jewish world of our connection to the land and the natural world. Through the work of the Jewish National
Fund (known also by its Hebrew name Karen Kayemet Yisrael), the early settlers began planting new trees not only to
restore the ecology of ancient Israel, but as a symbol of renewed growth and hope of the Jewish people.
Let us see through the darkness this year. Plant something, anything, together with family and friends this coming Tu
B’shevat -- in your backyard, your neighborhood or perhaps in the land of Israel. May the planting ground us in the
renewal of community, the power of patience, and the steady growth of hope in our hearts.
Rabbi Laura Abrasley
PAGE 2 D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 / JA N UA RY 2 0 2 2 B U L L E T I N
NEW MEMBERSHIP MODEL
By Carol Berlin and Judy Levin-Charns
One of our congregational values is building community, Kehillah. Although we strive to be inclusive, for some, a
roadblock to being part of this community has been the cost of membership.
In our talk on Kol Nidre we introduced a new annual commitment model to replace our current dues system. For the past few years, we
have asked for membership commitments, but referred to our current dues, which are based on age and family structure. Going forward,
we will provide transparency to our financial picture (see the charts and figures shown elsewhere in this bulletin) so members know what it
costs to operate the Temple and then ask members to give what they are willing and able to contribute.
In the past, members who have not been able to pay dues have either had to uncomfortably ask for an abatement, or have left the temple.
On the other hand, we are fortunate to have generous members who give well beyond the requested dues, making it possible for us to
welcome all.
Each person who makes an annual commitment, at whatever level, is playing an important part in sustaining our congregation. Your
contribution to Temple Shalom may be your largest philanthropic gift each year. You may not think about it this way, but in fact, your
commitment is a gift.
Annual commitments cover only 44% of our operating costs. We need congregants to give at a meaningful level to sustain our active
congregation. As our charts show, we draw annually from our endowment, in the recent past at higher levels than we would like. We
need generosity from our members in order to provide the community that we know they want and appreciate.
Why are we making this change? REVENUE
$2,812,920
We believe the annual commitment model better reflects and supports Temple Shalom’s
values of being an inclusive and welcoming community to all. It eliminates “sticker
shock” and encourages young families who may be hesitant about temple affiliation
to join our community, and allows existing members to continue even when family
structures, financial realities, or life stages change. Importantly, it reflects our belief that
we are a community where belonging is a personal and shared responsibility.
How do I learn more?
Watch your email. We hope to reach out to the entire congregation through phone
Membership Commitments and
From Endowment to Fund Deficit - $69,761
calls, small gatherings, Zoom meetings, and many conversations. We want you to Security Fees - $1,488,880
understand this change. Tuitions - $776,689 Operating Income - $41,359
Special Covid Grant* - $391,200 Annual Fund Donations - $45,031
How did this come about?
*Funds from U.S. Government Payroll Protection Program (PPP)
The Board of Trustees was introduced to a change in financial model prior to Covid EXPENSES
and decided early this year to investigate further. A committee, chaired by Ed Case $2,812,920
and Elizabeth Newstadt, and made up of congregants and Board of Trustee members
has researched case studies of other congregations that have made a similar change,
interviewed leadership from other congregations and reviewed possible financial
implications. Based on this body of work, the Board of Trustees has voted to move
forward with the annual commitment plan.
What can I do now?
Be on the lookout for more emails and meetings. Reach out to board members and ask
questions. If you want to join us in this important work, please contact us. We are
always happy to talk.
Administrative - $617,335 Early Childhood - $669,955
Carol Berlin & Judy Leivin-Charns
Holiday and Worship - $451,457 Facility and Grounds - $295,411
Learning & Engagement/ Bnei Mitzvah - Construction Loan (Interest Only) - $97,956
Co-Presidents $596,701
Adult Learning & Programming - $84,105
D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 / JA N UA RY 2 0 2 2 B U L L E T I N PAGE 3
Our Evolving Jewish Identity and Creating a Sense of Belonging
By Kim Bodemer
When I talk with families about their hopes for their children’s Jewish experiences. Jewish learning and engagement at the synagogue has
education I often hear the same answer, “I want my child to have an important role to play for children and adults, since our Jewish
a strong Jewish identity, so that they feel a sense of belonging to identities are constantly evolving. Our relationship to our tradition
the Jewish people.” This is indeed a crucial part of our mission as changes over time and our understanding and connection to Jewish
a synagogue. But how does developing identity and a sense of ritual is related to our lived experience. We are not the same people
belonging to a people happen? How can attending a supplementary we were when we were children. Although we read the same Torah
education program for 3 hours a week “create” identity and a feeling stories year after year, we hear them differently based on how we
of belonging? Clearly it can’t, at least not by itself. have grown and changed since the last time we engaged with the
text.
There has been much academic research on the topic of identity
formation. In research conducted at Rutgers University, researchers Even as our Jewish identities continue to evolve, and are somewhat an
asked 6th and 7th grade students to name the greatest influence on individual endeavor, feeling a sense of belonging can sometimes be
their Jewish identity. They listed (in descending frequency): parents, a challenge, especially in our COVID world. Whether to our own
teachers, synagogue officials (e.g., Rabbi), grandparents, and their families, to our Temple Shalom community or to Jews around the
peer group. The same researchers asked the parents of these students world, it is not always easy to feel connected. Our tradition teaches,
to list influences on their children’s Jewish identity. The most frequent “Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh” – all Israel is responsible for one
categories listed (in descending order) were: family members, Jewish another (Talmud, Shevuot 39a), but how can we foster meaningful
school-related experiences, Holiday/Sabbath, peers, Temple/ bonds to fulfill this teaching? Of course there are lots of different
services, youth-groups, and experiences related to Israel. ways this can manifest itself in our lives. Below are three ideas to
help us create opportunities for connection here at Temple Shalom, to
It’s interesting that both parents and students identify the same top two model for our children and for other adult members the importance of
factors related to identity formation: family and Jewish educational belonging and the strength of community.
Attend one of our Learning & Engagement Events
Whether you are interested in learning something new, socializing with old friends or want to meet other Temple Shalom members, choose an
event that looks interesting to you. Some of these events take place in person and some on zoom. Watch the weekly email and peruse our
website and learn about our diverse programming calendar.
Participate as a member of our Caring Community
Volunteer to make or deliver a meal to a congregant in need, provide a ride to a medical appointment, or write notes of support to others in the
community. Caring for and about one another is critical to creating a sense of belonging. There are times in our lives where we are capable of
giving more and times when we need the support of others. We all have a role to play.
Get to Know Us
Reach out to a member of our staff or member of the Board of Directors and set up a time to talk. Tell us your story and what you care about.
Getting to know you will help us connect you to others who have similar interests and programs and events.
The Temple Shalom community is full of wonderful individuals who care deeply about Judaism and who are committed to Jewish life and
learning. Together we can strengthen one another and create opportunities to widen our circle, deepen our connection to one another and
commit to an enduring relationship with our tradition.
L’shalom
PAGE 4
Kim Bodemer D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 / JA N UA RY 2 0 2 2 B U L L E T I N
JOIN US FOR KIDDUSH, MINYAN AND TORAH STUDY
An intrepid group of Temple Shalom members meets every Saturday morning for worship, Torah study and kiddush with challah and
bagels. Coffee and tea are also provided. Bundle up, all eating is outdoors in the interest of safety.
WHAT IS MINYAN?
Minyan is a group of people who come together at 8:45 on Shabbat morning for a brief service. The service is lay led.
WHAT IS TORAH STUDY?
Each week we take a close look at our Torah portion. People express their diverse understandings, and share their
knowledge and impressions. Some of us just listen and learn. This portion is led by a Rabbi or about once a month and
during the summer by a regular participant. Torah Study starts at 9:45 AM.
WHY KIDDUSH?
One of the things we have enjoyed is having unstructured time to talk to each other. While it may be cold outside, we still
enjoy meeting new people, eating some challah and catching up. This happens in-between our Minyan service and
Torah study.
I AM STILL AVOIDING GROUPS. CAN I STILL PARTICIPATE?
From March of 2020 until November of this year, all services were on Zoom. Now, because of an investment in
technology, we can offer services in person or you can Zoom from the comfort of your home. Log on information is on the
Worship tab under Shabbat on our Temple website. Better yet, bring a mask and join us in the chapel.
WHO CAN COME? IS IT A CLOSED GROUP?
Anyone can come. Consider this an invitation. It is not a closed group. It is an easy place to find a smaller community
within our larger congregation.
CARING COMMUNITY
What is a caring community? At Temple Shalom we provide comfort and support to members in need and celebrate
joyous occasions together. When a temple member is unable to drive to services or to other temple events or to a medical
appointment, we provide rides whenever possible. Sometimes a member needs support when facing illness or surgery. We
can help with meals, visits, and phone calls.
Members who have experienced a visit, a ride or phone call from one of our volunteers have praised our efforts. One
commented that the driver “was always very gracious, never making me feel bad for needing help.” Another congregant
thanked the Caring Community following a loved one’s death saying, “Your offer of Shabbat dinner is lovely, and we
accept. It’s such a hard time to do much of anything, and so I appreciate the thoughtfulness of you and the Temple Shalom
community.” The daughter of a member said, “My sister and I thank you and all of your helpers for looking out for my dad.
We are so grateful that he has such a wonderful, caring, kind community at Temple Shalom.”
We’d like to welcome you to our team of volunteers. You can help one or more times. For each of us, it is true that the giving
of one’s time in service to others is enormously rewarding.
Contact us: caringcommunity@templeshalom.org
“Your offer of Shabbat dinner is lovely, and we accept. It’s such a hard
time to do much of anything, and so I appreciate the thoughtfulness of
you and the Temple Shalom community.”
D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 / JA N UA RY 2 0 2 2 B U L L E T I N PAGE 5
DEEPEN TEMPLE CONNECTIONS WITH SISTERHOOD
In Sisterhood, women of all ages join together for friendship, mitzvot, socializing, and learning. Temple Shalom
community connections flourish from our broad spectrum of fun and meaningful events. In planning our events, we
aim for quantity, quality, and variety. As a result, we engage a large cross-section of the Temple Community. Whether
you choose to attend a single event or a series, or join the board, we guarantee that you will widen your horizons. More
important, you’ll deepen your Temple Shalom connections.
The first Thursday of each month is Sisterhood Social programs such as a book talk on The Weight of Ink with
time. This evening begins with socializing and ends with author Rachel Kadish, and educational programs on topics
a short meditation. Various evenings have included talks such as mental health and wellness, domestic violence, and
with our rabbis on strong historical Jewish women and reproductive rights. Watch for the return of signature events
the Jewish values imbedded in the inaugural poem The such as Merlot and Midrash with the rabbis, the biannual
Hill We Climb, a lively exchange of favorite books and Women’s Seder, and our annual member dinner.
movies, and a conversation with Lola Hahn, daughter of a
Schindler Holocaust survivor. Perhaps, the closest-knit group is the Sisterhood Board,
the women who make it all happen. The board meets
Speakers and Spices, held on Saturday evenings, is monthly (formerly in members’ homes, currently on Zoom)
designed to engage all members within the Temple Shalom to collaborate on creating an innovative, engaging
Community. The format is a short TED-like talk given by a calendar of programs, plan the events, wrap the Kiddush
Temple member, followed by a Q & A and a community- cups we provide to all B’nai Mitzvah, and discuss funding
wide Havdalah service. and promoting other important causes in the community.
We offer individual fun programs such as a wine tasting We are currently seeking new board members. Please
with a Vino Divino sommelier, a cooking lesson with contact us at freedman.kim@gmail.com or robin.
professional chef Paula Shoyer, and a spiel on Yiddish with krieger16@gmail.com to discuss your interest in joining our
The Word Mavens. We’ve grown intellectually through dynamic and supportive board.
It’s fun. It’s meaningful. It’s Sisterhood. Please join us.
ISRAEL TASK FORCE
The Temple Shalom Israel Engagement Task Force
endeavors to help our congregants connect with and learn
about Israel.
Our web page, which contains our mission statement and our
past and future events, can be found by clicking “community”
from the main TS web page. For those who want to
participate in the programming process, volunteers are
welcome, but you need not join the committee to enjoy the
programming. We also plan to share information about a
wealth of Israel-related events that are available in our larger
Boston community.
If you would like to be on a list to receive such
communications, please send your email to community@
templeshalom.org
PAGE 6 D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 / JA N UA RY 2 0 2 2 B U L L E T I N
Getting to Know You
By Loretta Zack
I am not sure if many of you know that we have a Movie Dottye’s first job was with the Washington School of Medicine
Mavern among our Temple Shalom family. Not just that but this for 2 Nobel Peace Winners – Carl and Gertie Cori, what
man has more jokes up his sleeve than a magician has cards!!! an honor. She then worked as an Admin Assistant in the
Gastroenterology Department of Mass General and she retired
Allow me to introduce you to Dottye and Richard
from Riverside Community after 30 years. She was the
Morrison, members of Temple Shalom for 51
Admin Assistant to the President and there were
years. This lovely couple have been involved
less than 20 people when she joined and now
in all aspects of TS in all those years from the
they are up to 3,000.
time their children came to Hebrew, through
their B’nai Mitzvah, to being Chairs of I could go on forever but more importantly
Committees and Dick introduced a Movie let’s talk about how Dick became the Movie
Club and a Book Club throughout this time. Mavern for Temple Shalom. Dick lived in
Brookline and in the 1940’s he would go
I started off by asking how they met and as
to Coolidge Corner and watch movies, he
usual, it was a funny story with Dick going to
loved them. A friend from another temple
a party where Dottye was the date of the host.
told Dick that his temple was offering Movie
Dick went and sat next to her and said: “Where
Nights and discussion groups and Dick took that
are you from” and she answered “St. Louis” and
idea to Rabbi Rothman and applied to the Revson
he responded with “that’s too bad” obviously she said
Foundation for their Jewish movies and they received 150
“why” to which he made a derogatory remark and she just got
movies. Most of the films have Jewish themes. He wanted to
up and walked away from him. According to Dick this was
show American Jews how it is to be Jewish throughout the world
an eclectic group and they sat in a circle and Dottye brought
and time periods – a sense of being Jewish. His first film shown
round baby hot dogs with separate mustard and one person
in 1949 was Tom Hanks in Israel called Ladino, this was a first
squeezed the mustard and it went all over the whole crowd.
movie for Tom Hanks.
Dick said everyone was laughing but Dottye had such a great
laugh and smile. Finally the host remarked to Dick, “If you like I personally was able to join the Movie Nights last year as the
her so much you can take her home” and he did. day changed from Tuesdays to Wednesdays, and I have not
looked back. Not only to watch these movies but the discussion
Talking to both of them together was such a delight, they have
led by Dick and the views of the participants gives a whole new
been married for 60 years and the banter between them was
meaning to Movie Night.
terrific and for me a joy to watch, the laughter, the odd touch
on the arm and once a blown kiss – beautiful. They have So what are they up to now. Dick has written a children’s book,
three married children with 5 grandchildren, with one son in he is a great story teller and this book is a wonderful story of
Massachusetts and the girls in Maryland Due to Covid they an 8ft giant who – no I’m not saying any more except parents
had not seen them for a long time but happily now they have would love to read this to their children. He is looking to
seen all of them – thank you vaccination! illustrate and publish as we speak.
Both of them have had interesting careers – Dick who was at Dottye is involved in many things too. She loves art, fine art,
the Harvard Business School and received his Masters Degree creative art, as does her daughter Susan who has a degree
and became a Professor of Marketing, has travelled extensively in fine arts. She belongs to 2 book clubs, works out 6 days a
abroad consulting. He and seven other professors were invited week with the JCC and recalls St. Louis with love and pride.
to start a Grad program for Northeastern University. While
Both of them are totally affiliated with Temple Shalom they feel
studying at Harvard, they had to turn in papers by 9am each
a strong sense of belonging and have and continue to be on
morning and Dottye would sit in the back of the car typing while
committees.
Dick dictated to her and if the papers weren’t in by 9am they
would take away the tray. Can’t even imagine typing in the
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them and their commitment to
back of the car!
our Temple Shalom family is exhilarating.
Dick’s list of work and achievements are enormous and he
worked in Pakistan, India and Iran for the Shah and worked
throughout the Middle East for 12 years.
D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 / JA N UA RY 2 0 2 2 B U L L E T I N PAGE 7
Updates from the Board of Directors
Dear members,
In this new feature of The Bulletin, we will be sharing with the congregation some of the important work that is done by the board of directors.
The board consists of elected temple members who volunteer their time to ensure the optimal functioning of our institution.
The Board of Trustees represents you. Feel free to call on any one of us with concerns or suggestions. A listing of board members and officers is
on the Temple Shalom website at: about/officers and board.
Here is a sampling of significant issues discussed at meetings held in the past year.
1 We welcomed our new Executive Director, David Newman. 7 A one-time addition to summer vacation was approved for TS staff
to compensate them for additional work time and stress from the
2 We discussed the budget and the effect of the pandemic on pandemic.
finances. The temple received PPP loans which helped to maintain
staffing levels and programs. We approved a budget for fiscal
year 2022. We continued ongoing discussion of the disposition
8 Our revitalized marketing committee discussed the coordinated
effort that will be needed to attract new membership.
of current and future capital campaign receipts.
3 The rabbis discussed the challenges of delivering pastoral care 9 Lovelynn Jensen spearheaded the logistics of a very complex and
during the pandemic. successful high holiday season.
4 The Board voted to establish an annual financial commitment 10 A charter for the finance committee was written by temple
model for membership beginning next year. The Chairs of the members Karen Korn and finance committee member Meryl
Dues Kessler and approved by the board.
Restructuring Committee, Ed Case and Liz Newstadt, laid out a
timeline for introduction of this plan to the congregation and its
implementation. 11 We discussed different ways to manage pastoral duties, cantorial
duties, musical and educational programs after the departure
5 A much-needed revision to the temple’s bylaws was reviewed, of Cantor Shafritz. After an interim plan with part-time staff in
discussed and approved by the Board, (later approved by the place since her departure, a subcommittee has been formed to
congregation at the annual meeting.) Thank you to Ed Case, and investigate future avenues of music engagement. More to follow.
special thanks to Anne Rosenthal for lending us her expertise in
this process.
12 A motion was passed to publish this and future Board meeting
summaries in the Bulletin.
6 A motion was passed establishing a sabbatical policy for the
clergy. Rabbi Berry shared with us her plans for her upcoming
three-month sabbatical beginning February 2022.
Will Korn
Recording Secretary, Board of Trustees
Donations as of 12/15/2021. We apologize if we missed a dedication; please let us know and we’ll publish it in our next issue.
Donations
ADULT KALLAH Marion Pollock Franny Saft, grandaughter to Susan & Michael
in memory of from Allison Berry & Mark Feldman Epstein
from Janet & Mark Gottesman
Norman Zimbe Mark Gottesman, for his ongoing dedication to
from Anita Levin Temple Shalom Avery Meltz, grandson to Barbara & Norm
from Carol & Charles Berlin Meltz
Esther Wilker from Janet & Mark Gottesman
from Fred Cohen The Birth of Avery Samuel Meltz
from David & Marion and David Pollock The Temple Shalom Clergy for the beautiful
Anne Gottesman and meaningful High Holiday services
from Janet & Mark Gottesman Ethel Furst’s special birthday from Karen Siegel
from Edmund & Wendy Case
Rozaliya Zaydenberg Billie Rosoff
from Mikhail & Lyudmila Margul Susan and Jim Shulman’s first grandchild from Leslie Kenney
from Janet & Mark Gottesman
AFGHAN RESETTLEMENT PROJECT Carol Berlin
in honor of from Marcia Allar
PAGE 8 D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 / JA N UA RY 2 0 2 2 B U L L E T I N
Donations
The Marriage of Adam Phillips and Adriane Loretta Zack - for all of your care and Audrey Cooper
Levin compassion this past year from Peter & Marsha and Peter Berenson
from Norman & Barbara Meltz from Ellen & David Rosenblatt
GENERAL FUND
Abby Fierman Loretta Zack in honor of
from Robert & Barbara Fierman from Fred Weissman & Susan Pasternack
Eliana Zaff’s Bat Mitzvah, the Zaff family, and
Our immigrant parents and grandparents The birth of Sophie Jo Lazan the clergy and support staff that made that day
from Roman & Abby Yelensky from Paul & Pamela Platten so special
from Dale Zaff
in memory of Marriage of Andrew Dansker to Paige
Neugarten David Newman, for his gracious and generous
Jerome Blumenthal from Susan Dansker welcoming of Heritage Chorale to Temple
from Daniel Blumenthal & Carolyn Rabin Shalom
in memory of from DeborahSilen
Alvin Oster
from Ellen Kaplan Alvin Herbert Greenwald, Shirley Friedman Dorothy Strom, Vince and Joan Mullen
Greenwald, Erik Smith Mazmanian from James & Margaret Strom
Susan Rubenstein from Carol & BrianMazmanian
from Emily Rubenstein Judy Levin-Charns and Marty Charns for
Ruth Kaplan friendship and good cheer
Charles R. Lorant from Ellen Kaplan from James & Michele Banker
from Ena Lorant
Beatrice Karukin Carol Berlin
Sarah Resnick from Harry Meade & Erica Schwartz from John Miles & Sheryl Cohen
from Ernest & Robin Krieger
Norman Zimbel Jerry Briskin’s 90th Birthday
Helen Cort and Barbara Walker from Jerry & Phyllis Briskin from Linda Goldberg
from Katherine Walker
Lois Karp Jerry Briskin’s 90th Birthday
Joel Siegel from Marcia Allar from Miriam Cole
from Kurt & Arlene and Kurt Pressman
Marge Rezendes in memory of
Joan Di Leo from Paul Rezendes & Joy Elbaum + Paul Rezendes
from Martin Kretsch & Judith Di Leo Towards a leaf on the tree of life in memory of
Murray M. Freed Stephanie Cohen
In memory of from Phyllis Freed from Barry & Stephanie Siroka
Elizabeth Centolella COMMUNITY FREEDGE FUND Donald M. Rosenthal
from Paul & Diane Centolella in memory of from Bob & Anne Rosenthal
Felicia Icken Allan Margolis Charlotte Sargeant
from Sylvia & Sylvia Hammerman from Carol & Charles Berlin from Bob & Anne Rosenthal
ANITA WINER OPEN YOUR EYES Allan Margolis Stephanie Cohen
FUND FOR THE ARTS from David & Marion and David Pollock from Carol Steinburg
in honor of
Allan Margolis Norman Zimbel
The birth of Franny Nora Saf from Karen Siegel from Carol & Charles Berlin
from David & Marion and David Pollock
Allan Margolis, stepfather of Barbara Fierman Harry Carleton
The birth of Franny Nora Saft from Martin Charns & Judy Levin-Charns from Donna & William Carleton
from Fred Cohen
Stephanie Cohen Charles Broner
The birth of Ranny Nora Saft, granddaughter of from Norman & Barbara Meltz from Emily Rubenstein
Susan and Michael Epstein
from Kurt & Arlene and KurtPressman EDUCATOR’S DISC FUND Judith Scott
in memory of from Fred Cohen
in memory of
Stephanie Cohen Michael Shulman
Arthur Kaplan from Betty and Peter Shapiro from James & Susan Shulman
from Ellen Kaplan
Anne T. Carleton Stephanie Cohen
Stephanie Cohen from Donna & William Carleton from James Moses
from Henry Lerner & Phyllis Scherr
Minerva Schwartz Lester Karelis
CARING COMMUNITY FUND from Harry Meade & Erica Schwartz from Jeffrey & Joan Karelis
in honor of
GARDEN CLUB FLOWER FUND Irving Kahn
Michelle Alkon and Mark Finklestein on the in memory of from Jerry & Phyllis Briskin
arrival of their grand-daughter, Ruth
from David & Marion and David Pollock Blanche Rubenstein Sussman Edith Briskin
from Emily Rubenstein from Jerry & Phyllis Briskin
Loretta Zack, with thanks for all her kindness
and service to Temple Shalom Stephanie Cohen Charles Kahn
from David & Marion and DavidPollock from Peter & Marsha and Peter Berenson from Jerry & Phyllis Briskin
D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 / JA N UA RY 2 0 2 2 B U L L E T I N PAGE 9
Donations
David H. Pava in memory of YAHRZEIT & REMEMBRANCE FUND
from Joel & Judi Pava in memory of
Charles Parker
Janet Hill from Stephen & Ellen Parker Blanche Paul
from John & Lynda and Jay Schwartz from Barbara Holzman
RABBI ABRASLEY SERVICE FUND
Stephanie B. Cohen in memory of Mollie Holzman
from Barbara Holzman
from Katherine Garrahan
With thanks for her kindness during the loss of Milton Holzman
Robert Garber Stephanie from Barbara Holzman
from Ken & Nancy Leeser from Fred Cohen
Stephanie Cohen
Marion Steinberg RABBI BERRY SERVICE FUND from Brandeis National Committee
from Mark & Andrea Trachtenberg in honor of
Dr. Howard A. Parven
Frieda Barnett Max Black’s Bar Mitzvah from Carol Hutter
from Mark & Andrea Trachtenberg from Jane Salk David Cooper
from David & Marion and David Pollock
Sherrie Lookner in memory of
from Roberta Cohen Rose Silen
David E. Frieze from Deborah Silen
Norman B. Asher from Andrew & Nancy Frieze
from Steven Asher & Rebecca Warner Jim Means, beloved friend of Bert Martinson
Myra Fineman and Ellie Shuman
GURVIS ADULT EDUCATION FUND from David & Peggy Fineman from Ellie Shuman
in memory of
Elvis G. Goldsmith Stephanie Cohen
My husband, Jerry Solomon; my mother, Jean from David & Peggy Fineman from Frederick & Ruth Stavis
Gertel Lester Karelis
from Judith Solomon ROTHMAN CLERGY INSTITUTE from Jeffrey & Joan Karelis
in memory of
LIBRARY FUND John Marcus
in memory of Ephraim A. Brest from Jeffrey & Joan Karelis
from Lois Liss
Frances Popkins Jacobs Roslyn Karelis
from Steven Canter & Vicki Jacobs SISTERHOOD FUND from Jeffrey & Joan Karelis
in memory of
MUSIC FUND Shirley Marcus
in honor of Stephanie Cohen from Jeffrey & Joan Karelis
from Ernest & Robin Krieger Stephanie Cohen
David Carrier from Jeffrey Eisen & Melanie Henriques
from Janet & Mark Gottesman Al Margolis
from Kurt & Arlene and Kurt Pressman John Druker
in memory of from Joan Druker
Eleanor M. Leventhal
Herbert Schwartz from Patricia Rogers Rita Lerner
from Harry Meade & Erica Schwartz from Joan, Michael, and Sienna Weinstein
SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND Stephanie Cohen
Betty Kahn in honor of from Joseph & Judith Leader
from Jerry & Phyllis Briskin
Michelle Alkon and Mark Finkelstein’s new Joel Siegel
Steven T. Platten granddaughter, Ruth from Kurt & Arlene and Kurt Pressman
from Paul & Pamela Platten from Janet & Mark Gottesman
Stephanie Cohen
Manuel Rezendes Carol Berlin and Judy Levin-Charns Thank you from Larry Marion & Leslie Eisenberg
from Paul Rezendes & Joy Elbaum + Paul Rezendes for being two wonderful leaders and mentsches
from Kevin & Elizabeth Connolly Harriet Zarkower
Stephanie Cohen from Lori and Bill Seuch
from Sharon & Howard Sholkin in memory of Arthur Maislen
from Michael & Linda Frieze
Stephanie Cohen David Morningstar
from Susie & Marc Gudema from Betty I Morningstar & Jeanette Kruger Helen Maislen
from Michael & Linda Frieze
NURSERY SCHOOL ENHANCEMENT FUND Allan Margolis
in memory of from David Bindman & Janet Altman Alexander Kucher
from Mikhail & Lyudmila Margul
Marcia Parven Robert R. Richmond
from Carol Hutter from Donna & William Carleton Edward Lionel Scherl
from Richard & Dottye Morrison
Helen Askin Caplan Norman Zimbel Elaine Kadets
from Linda Mills from Erica Fischer Hong & Christopher Hong from Steven Boraks
PEAH GARDEN FUND Richard Yale Lieff Stephanie Cohen
in honor of from Robert & Barbara Fierman from Virginia Nadel
Jerry Briskin’s special birthday Enid Paul Jerome Yaguda
from Barbara Holzman from Steven & Lee Paul from Mona Yaguda-Ross
PAGE 10 D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 / JA N UA RY 2 0 2 2 B U L L E T I NCONTACT LIST
Dial (617) 332-9550 and extension.
Rabbi Ellen Allard Lucy Banerji Rabbi
Laura J. Abrasley Musician in Residence Nursery School Director Allison L. Berry
ext. 113 ext. 119 ext. 105
Kim Bodemer Erin Borras Rabbi Jen Gubitz Wendy Gross
Sr Director of Congregational Assistant to the Clergy Director of Jewish Marketing and Administration
Learning and Engagement ext. 109 Experience Assistant
ext. 110 ext. 116
David Newman Alison Lobron Becca MacKillop Cantor
Executive Director Director of Inclusion and Youth Engagement Rachel Reef-Simpson
ext. 102 Program Development Specialist Musician in Residence
ext. 115 ext. 108
Liz Shiro Marriah Vengroff Becca Yudkoff
Director of Hebrew Curriculum Director of Experiential Director of Early
and Administration Learning Childhood Engagement &
ext. 112 ext. 111 Summer Camp Director
ext. 118Ad info. 1-800-477-4574 • Publication Support 1-800-888-4574 • www.lpicommunities.com Temple Shalom, Newton, MA 04-0548
Ad info. 1-800-477-4574 • Publication Support 1-800-888-4574 • www.lpicommunities.com Temple Shalom, Newton, MA 04-0548
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ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Senior Rabbi
Allison L. Berry
Senior Rabbi
David Newman
Executive Director
Kim Bodemer
Senior Director for Congregational Learning and Engagement
Lucy Banerji
Nursery School Director
Carol Berlin and Judy Levin-Charns
Temple Co-PresidentsYou can also read
