We hope you've had a happy Hanukkah filled with family, friends, and brotherhood. At the same time, we’re also thinking of those affected by the recent tragedy in Sydney, Australia that targeted Jews who were gathered in celebration of the holiday. Seeing the support and strength shown by that community following the attack reminds us that Hanukkah represents the power of hope and light in times of darkness. May we all be a light for one another across the New England region – and around the world – this Hanukkah and throughout the year.

Let's Get Together at These Upcoming Events

You're invited to join us for the following programs and activities, and remember, you can always see a full calendar of events on the NER website.

• NER Board Meeting on Sunday, Dec. 28 at 10am via Zoom. NER club presidents (or a club representative) are invited! This is a great opportunity to learn about what's happening at the regional level and also let the board know what's happening at your club. If you would like to represent your club at the meeting, please email NER Executive Vice President Stephen Shrago to RSVP and receive the meeting link. Thank you!

• Temple Israel of Sharon (MA) Brotherhood's Shabbat and Scholar-in-Residence Weekend from Jan. 10-11, 2026. The scholar-in-residence will be Rabbi Elan Babchuck. For those who heard and met Rabbi Babchuck at the regional retreat in June, you will be able to hear him again and reconnect with others who attended. For those who were unable to make it, this will be a wonderful opportunity to hear and engage with this outstanding speaker! You can see more information and register on the TI of Sharon website.

• "Shake It Up," An Evening of Motown and Rock and Roll With D.J. Beato (also) on Jan. 10 from 7-10pm at Beth El Temple Center in Belmont (MA). Admission fee of $18 includes music, dancing, a drink ticket, and light refreshments. You can register on the BETC website.
  
• Club Leadership Training on Sunday, Jan. 25 at noon at Beth El Temple Center in Belmont (MA). Get inspired and informed at this in-person (and free) training provided by NER board members. You'll get tips about producing and promoting programs, engaging new members, and developing your leadership skills. Club presidents, please let David Landman know who from your club (including you!) is interested in this opportunity so that we can get plan accordingly.



• World Wide Wrap on Sunday, Feb. 8. Be part of this global initiative! You can see more information and register your club to participate through the FJMC website. 
  
• NER Health Fair on Sunday, Feb. 22 at 10am at Temple Emanuel in Newton (MA). This event will feature presentations from physical therapists, nutrition experts, and exercise professionals, along with blood pressure screenings and other activities aimed at improving our health. More information will be coming soon. And on another healthy note, FJMC International's Wellness Warriors Challenge has been extended to Jan. 31, 2026. See the program webpage for more information about getting involved.

• B’nai Tikvah Brotherhood/Sisterhood Shabbat in Canton (MA) on Saturday, March 21 at 10am. Visit the congregation's website for more information.



• NER Retreat from June 4-7 at Camp JORI (Wakefield, RI). If you’re been to the retreat before, you know it’s a transformational experience. More details and registration information is coming soon, but here’s what you need to know right now: This year, we’re aiming for 100 attendees! So help us reach this milestone by saving the date...and be sure to invite your friends, too!

NERelationships News

On Nov. 14, a delegation of NER members visited our newest regional club, from Beth El Temple Center in Belmont, MA, as the club hosted its Brotherhood Shabbat Service. It was a great evening of burgeoning brotherhood! The photo above shows BETC's Brotherhood putting up the sukkah. You can learn more about the club on its webpage.

Temple Emmanuel in Newton, MA is grateful for its relationship with Massachusetts Avenue Baptist Church in Cambridge. Men’s Club members Gary Oren and Marty Paley (who is also NER president) helped serve Thanksgiving dinner at the church's soup kitchen, and for many years, Danny Mandeau and the congregation have organized a "Project Manna Turkey Drive" with Reverend Brenda Ann Brown and the church for those in need, and each spring, they host a fundraising Project Manna concert featuring choirs from area synagogues and churches. “Temple Emanuel has been supporting the church for decades ,” Marty shares. “In addition to serving dinner on Thanksgiving and again on Christmas day, we also partner with the church on its annual coat drive.”

Tomorrow evening, Temple Israel of Sharon Brotherhood members will welcome some of their new friends from Peace Islands Institute Boston for a festive gathering. NER members, including Marty Paley, Richard Gray, Howard Kaufman, Bob Braitman, Steve Rafsky, and Arnie Miller, have met with their counterparts from the institute on several previous occasions, in an effort to establish bonds between the two groups.

“It was a pleasure to see four members from your community and four from ours coming together,” Peace Islands’ executive director, Benjamin Aysan, wrote in a thank you note following one of those meetings – which have usually happened at restaurants across the region. “We had wonderful conversations that helped us get to know each other better and deepen our mutual understanding.”

Marty reached out to Peace Island after seeing the organization's presentation at last summer's FJMC International Convention in Chicago. The institute, which was founded by Turkish Americans, aims to build connections – or an “island of peace” – for all peoples. Benjamin and fellow institute members were similarly excited to establish a new connection with NER. We're glad to be gathered around the table, and the menorah, with them!

Mazel Tov Moments

If you were listening this morning to "Chagigah," the WERS radio program that celebrates Jewish culture and music, you heard an original Hanukkah tune created by Paul Davidson. As Paul told host Hal Slifer, the song, "A Small Light Glows," focuses on the miracle and light of Hanukkah, "and how that lights shines brightly when we are together." You can listen to Paul's interview and song on the WERS website. Click on the graphic button for Chagigah, and select the 8am hour for the Dec. 21 show. Paul's segment begins at the 24 minute mark.

Next month, several of our NER members will attend FJMC International's Leadership Development Institute in Maryland. Andy Fandel, Howard Kaufman, Marty Paley, Max Pearlstein, and Stephen Shrago will represent the region, along with David Singer, who is organizing this year's event! We'll have a recap in a future issue of HaNER.