November 20 , 2018/5779
Pizza and Puzzles in the Library on November 18, 2018
Calendar On the Calendar
16 Kislev, 5779
Torah portion:
Genesis  32:4−36:43

Haftarah portion:

Hosea 11:7-12:12
Friday, November 23
6:00 p.m. Qabbalat Shabbat

Baby namings for  Theo Astor Yikai Chang and Emma Olivia Zi-Ning Chang,  Veronica Opal Weinger, and  Noah Harrison Bloom

(Watch Live Stream)
Saturday, November 24
9:00 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service & Torah Study
Life Cycle Events

Mazel tov! We celebrate the marriage of:
Lindsay Jacobson & Ben Ernstaff
November 17, 2018

We mourn the loss of:
Ruth Traxler
November 12, 2018 (4 Kislev, 5778)
Mother of Jeanne Traxler (Robert Goisman)
Joan Hinrichs 
In the past several months
Mother of  Joan Hinrichs

Are you or is someone you know celebrating a wedding? An engagement? A new baby? Do you know someone who is ill or in need of a friendly, supportive call? Please let Rachel Daniels know.
Being Jewish in the Age of Hate: a Weekend Devoted to the Discussion of Modern Antisemitism
After tweeting an excerpt from an editorial about the rise of fascist tendencies in the US, Jonathan Weisman, deputy Washington editor of The New York Times and author of (((Semitism))): Being Jewish in America in the Age of Trump, found himself the target of the "alt-right." He received a tidal wave of online hate, which forced him to face the startling state of American antisemitism. Read more.

Friday, November 30
  • 6:00 p.m. Qabbalat Shabbat. Join us for our Qabbalat Shabbat service, featuring a presentation by Jonathan Weisman. Festive oneg to follow. Babysitting and children's programming available. Contact Mike Fishbein for more information.
Saturday, December 1
  • 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Shabbat Morning Torah Study. Join us as we learn from the research and personal experiences Jonathan Weisman shares in (((Semitism))).
  • 4:00 p.m. Havdalah, Wine, & Cheese. Join us for a panel conversation with ADL Boston Executive Director Robert Trestan and ADL National Chair Esta Epstein and moderated by Rabbi Elaine Zecher, as we consider our community's recent and current responses to today's antisemitism and the steps we can take going forward.
Bereavement Group at Temple Israel
Monday mornings, 10:30-11:45 a.m.
11/26, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17; final two class dates determined by the group
Have you experienced the loss of a loved one and are looking for a sense of connection and spiritual support as you navigate your grief? Temple Israel is hosting a bereavement loss group facilitated by Barbara Sternfield, M.A. bereavement coordinator for the JF&CS Betty Ann Greenbaum Miller Center for Jewish Healing. This is not a drop-in group; there is an intake process with Rabbi Gubitz to determine if this group is the best fit for your needs. Please email Rabbi Jen Gubitz for questions or to join.
immigrantTIkkun Central
TI Immigrant Support Volunteer Stories: An Evening of Wine, Cheese, and Inspiration
Thursday, November 29 at 7:00 p.m.
While the news can feel overwhelming, small, meaningful acts make a lifetime of difference. Our neighbors are fighting for their right to remain in Boston. Join us for an intimate evening of story-sharing and conversation. Learn about our interfaith partnership, Boston Immigration Justice Accompaniment Network. Find out what TI members are doing, how immigrants are organizing to support each other, and how you can do to help. For more info, contact Alona Weimer.
nicholsA Musical Chanukah Shabbat with Dan Nichols
Dan Nichols is a singular talent in the world of Jewish music. He is one of the most dynamic, influential, and beloved Jewish musicians in North America. Dan's melodies have become an integral part of the spiritual and liturgical experience of countless individuals and Jewish communities. This weekend is made possible by a generous gift from our member Dr. Gabriel Padawer.


All-Community Chanukah Shabbat with Dan Nichols
Friday, December 7 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Celebrate Chanukah and Shabbat with us! This family friendly Chanukah Shabbat is open to the entire Greater Boston community! Beginning with Shabbat Mishpachah at 5:00 p.m., followed by Qabbalat Shabbat with musical guest Dan Nichols at 6:00 p.m.  Read more.

Chanukah Havdalah & Coffeehouse with Dan Nichols
Saturday, December 8
4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Spiritual Practice Lab  Meditative Chanukah Gathering with Rabbis Zecher and Jacobson
6:15 p.m. Communal Havdalah 
We know Chanukah as a time of family and lights, dreidels and delicious fried foods. But have you considered the spirituality of Chanukah?  As the sun sets, we will gather around the lights of the Chanukiah and the Havdalah candle and explore the spiritual practices of Chanukah, followed by a "coffeehouse" musical program with Dan Nichols.
chanukahCelebrate Chanukah with Temple Israel!

How will  you  spread the light?
Lighting candles at home? Share your photos with us on social media any night during Chanukah using #TISparks! Read more about Chanukah with Temple Israel. Stay tuned to daily Chanukah lighting with the clergy.

Lighting opportunities with TI
Giving Suggestion
Candle 1
Sunday, December 2
11:30 a.m. Chanukah Warm-Up with the Religious School
Candle 2
Monday, December 3
Lighting with the Tent, a Jewish learning community for greater Boston teens at Temple Israel of Boston
6:30 p.m. Riverway Project's Mid 30s-40s Chanukah Party. Register.  For more information, contact  Rachel Daniels .
Giving Suggestion:
Candle 3
Tuesday, December 4
5:30 p.m. Lighting with the Religious School
6:45 p.m. Lighting with the Board of Trustees
6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Riverway Project (20s & 30s) Olive Oil Tasting, Lighting and Celebration! Register.  For more information, contact  Nikk Modell-Wasserman .
Giving Suggestion:

Candle 4
Wednesday, December 5
3:00 p.m. Lighting with the FJECC Preschool
6:00-8:00 p.m. Riverway Project (20s & 30s) Neighborhood Lighting in Jamaica Plain.  For more information, contact  Nikk Modell-Wasserman .
6:15 p.m.  Lighting with Evening Minyan
Giving Suggestion:
Candle 5
Thursday, December 6

5:30 p.m. Lighting with the Religious School and musical guest Dan Nichols
7:00 p.m. Lighting with Intro to Judaism class
Giving Suggestion:


  A Musical Chanukah Shabbat and 
Weekend with Dan Nichols
Dan Nichols is a singular talent in the world of Jewish music. He is one of the most dynamic, influential, and beloved Jewish musicians in North America. Dan's melodies have become an integral part of the spiritual and liturgical experience of countless individuals and Jewish communities. This weekend is made possible by a generous gift from our member Dr. Gabriel Padawer.

Candle 6
Friday, December 7
5:00 p.m. Shabbat Mishpachah
6:00 p.m.  All-Community Chanukah Shabbat with musical guest Dan Nichols. 
Giving Suggestion:
Candle 7
Saturday, December 8
4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Spiritual Practice Lab  Meditative Chanukah gathering with Rabbis Zecher and Jacobson
6:15 p.m. Communal Havdalah 
Giving Suggestion:
Candle 8
Sunday, December 9
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Family Chanukah Party with musical guest Dan Nichols for Religious School, FJECC preschool, and the Village for Families with Young Children (kids age 0-1st grade). Please contact  Roberta Bergstein for more information.
5:00  - 7:00 p.m. 50s & 60s Chanukah Party at a congregant's home.  Register.
6:00-8:00 p.m. Riverway Project (20s & 30s) Neighborhood Lighting in Cambridge.  For more information, contact  Nikk Modell-Wasserman .
Giving Suggestion:

Mitzvah Lights
Chanukah commemorates the purification of the Temple following the defilement caused by a powerful enemy. You know the story - when the Jews re-entered the Temple, they found only one jar of oil, sufficient only for one day. Yet that jar of oil burned for eight days. That jar of oil sounds like the ancient equivalent of an LED light bulb! LED bulbs use 1/8 the electricity of standard bulbs and can last much more than 8 times as long--a modern-day Chanukah miracle. 

In the spirit of Chanukah, consider joining Temple Israel's Mitzvah Lights campaign! Between now and Chanukah:
  1. Go through your house identifying all the light bulbs that are on for over one hour per day
  2. Replace those bulbs with LEDs
  3. Let the Green Team know what you've done, so we can tally up and celebrate our impact!
Put Racial Justice on your Chanukah Shopping List
This year for Chanukah and all your holiday giving, put racial justice on your shopping list. Quite literally, when you choose to buy from a Black-owned business in the Boston area, you contribute to the wider effort to address a scandalous wealth and opportunity gap in our city and country. Temple Israel and a growing number of congregants as well as the businesses and organizations where we have a voice are buying more and more from Black-owned businesses. These businesses are proven to be far more likely to hire people of color and that creates a second level of impact for individuals and households in and around our city. Some of these businesses could be catering your holiday gatherings - home or work - and adding meaning to your celebration of the season. Check out TI member Andy Tarsy's Gift Giving and Party Catering Guide.
cajl
Registration for the Fall semester of the Center for Adult Jewish Learning is open! Be sure to see the full list of courses, register, and follow CAJL on Facebook!
Exploring the Ethics of Touch through Dance
with Ilya Vidrin of Reciprocity Collaborative
Sundays, 10:00-11:30 a.m., January 6, 13, 27; Cost: $75 (members)/$105 (non-members)
What can we learn about ethical, social practice from movement? Inspired by movement practices such as the Tango, Swing, and Latin/Ballroom, we will investigate what it means to partner. This workshop will focus on basic weight-shifting patterns to practice leaning, gliding, and supporting each other through movement. Comfortable clothing recommended, no previous dance experience necessary. Register.
Travel to Charleston & Savannah with Dr. Hasia Diner and Rabbi Zecher
May 26 - 31, 2019
Travel with us to the South. Join Professor Hasia Diner and Rabbi Elaine Zecher for "Jews of the American South: Charleston and Savannah," a study tour with Professor Hasia Diner, Steinberg Professor of American Jewish History at New York University. See full trip details and register by Thanksgiving.
insightLatest Issue of Insight Is Here!
The next issue of Insight has hit the mail! Special thanks to guest authors Andrea Rosenthal, Fred Monaco, Carol Michael, Rabbi Matthew Soffer, and Roberta Bergstein!

Can't wait for it to reach your mailbox? Read it online now.
SOStepping Out 2019
Saturday, April 27
Save the date to celebrate Temple Israel's 165th Anniversary!
If you would like to be involved with the host committee or if you have auction items that you would like to contribute, please email Shoshanna Goldberg or call her 617-566-3960 x182.
libraryDr. Arnold L. Segel Library Center
Last Tuesday Book Group
November 27 at 12:00 p.m.
The Last Tuesday  Book   Group  will meet to discuss  Dirty Wars and Polished Silver: the life and times of a war correspondent turned ambassatrix . We're delighted to welcome author Lynda Schuster, via Skype, who will talk about her autobiography. For more information, please contact  Ann Abrams Librarian . This event is free but an RSVP the Friday before is appreciated.
newsTemple Israel's Making Headlines
November 14, 2018
Dividends of Meaning: Jewish Rituals for the Financial Lifecycle
CCAR Blog - written by Rabbi Jen Gubitz
November 14, 2018
5 Ways to Spend Money With Impact, If Racial Justice is on Your Holiday List
Medium - written by TI member Andy Tarsy
Living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact.