NEWSLETTERTOP

June 2018 - 5778

Volume LXVI #9

Member of the Union For Reform Judaism

978-251-8091

www.congregationshalom.org

Congregation Shalom is a Reform Jewish community committed to education, spiritual growth,  and Tikkun
Olam (healing the world).   We are proud to be an extended family of  equals - welcoming,  caring, and inclusive.   Together, we engage in religious observance,  enjoy social activities, and  pursue life-long learning.
Congregation Shalom
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Rabbi From our Rabbi rabbi 

Dear Friends,
 
June is the time of year when we start to think about wrapping up the school year, slow down for the summer and actually gear-up for the High Holidays - ALL at the same time!
 
As we wrap up the year, I always like to offer some words of thanks to all those members who have helped support our community in the last year. It would be impossible to thank all those who have been involved by participating on committees, setting up for events, bringing food for oneg, cooking for the shelter, participating in our social justice/action programs, re-supplying our paper supplies, gardening around our building, organizing events like break-fast and the seder, helping to raise money for our community, and so, so, so much more. If one were to actually count the volunteer efforts, we would be amazed. One particular mission that took a huge amount of effort had to do with updating our kitchen. To all the people who participated in the effort: Jerry Lotto, Susan McHugh, Cayla Maguire, Tamar Wexler, Joanna Myers, Mitch Hyatt, Cris Shuldiner, the graduating class of 2018, Congregation Shalom Sisterhood, past B'nai Mitzvah classes and more.....Thank you for your contributions and generosity of spirit and time.
 
I also would like to thank our amazing staff. Thank you to Joan, Bonnie, Sandy, Phyllis, Larry, Dwight, and Matt who have helped our community to run smoothly this past year. In particular, I would like to thank Joan who is officially retiring at the end of the month. It has been a joy and honor to work with Joan. She has been with the synagogue for many years and in far too many ways, both large and small, she has gone far and above what was required to support our community.   She is dedicated, caring and creative and more importantly has valued the spiritual work of our community. Personally, I am deeply grateful for all that she has done to help me succeed in my work as a rabbi and for all she has done to help nurture Jewish life at Congregation Shalom. Most significantly, Joan cares deeply about the children in our community and has done so much to help them experience our education program in a fun and dynamic way. Finally, we will be saying good-bye to Yael, our amazing education director. There are far too many words that I would want to share about her place in our community so I hope you will join us on June 1st for the service in which she will be honored.
 
Wishing you all a happy and renewing summer,
 
Rabbi Sig
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From our PresidentBarryTop   

Congregant of the Year - Lynne Rothstein

Dear friends,
 
Each year at this time, the president has the honor of announcing who has been named Congregation Shalom's Congregant of the Year. I am pleased to say that this year Lynne Rothstein is being honored as our Congregant of the Year in recognition of her long history of making volunteerism to our community a central part of her life. She is a person who has made significant contributions to the well-being of our community over many years. A list cannot really articulate the level of passion, love, and commitment she has made in our congregation. She is a past President of Congregation Shalom and has continued to be an all-around "go to" person.
 
After serving on the Board of Trustees for many years, Lynne served as President while Rabbi Perry was on her first sabbatical, which made her presidency especially challenging. During that time she spearheaded many initiatives to enhance the beauty of our building and to make it a more welcoming place. She has been a lay leader of Shabbat services in Rabbi Perry's absence and is the leader of the Afternoon Meditation session during the High Holidays. She is co-leader and creator of the Spirituality group. She is now chair of the Ritual Committee, after many years as a member of it. She is a program leader for annual Sisterhood Retreats, has been a teacher for many years, is a member of the Social Justice/Action committee, and was even a singer with Shpiel at one point. The list goes on, but you get the point.
 
Lynne is a warm, welcoming, passionate, energetic supporter of our community. She always displays kindness, enthusiasm, passion, and insight. We have all benefitted because of her involvement and love of the congregation. Thank you, Lynne, from a grateful community.

 
L'shalom,
Joanna Myers
Bylaws Meetings
 
On Wednesday, June 20 at 7:00 p.m. we will be holding a special meeting of Congregation Shalom to vote on adopting new bylaws for the congregation.
 
Over the past half dozen years, the Board of Trustees and several committees have been working diligently to rewrite our bylaws. After more reviews and rewrites than anyone can count, last month the Board voted to recommend the new bylaws to the congregation.
 
The new bylaws reflect Congregation Shalom in 2018, they parallel bylaws adopted in other Reform congregations, and they clean up inconsistencies and ambiguities found in our current bylaws. While holding on to our founding traditions, the new bylaws bring our corporate structure into the 21st Century.
 
The current bylaws, the proposed new bylaws, and the brief overview of the differences can be found on our website under "Members Only."
 
We will be holding two sessions, June 6 at 7:30 p.m. and June 10 at 10:30 a.m., to review our new bylaws, explain the key differences, and answer your questions. We urge you to attend and become comfortable with the new bylaws prior to the special meeting.
 
We look forward to seeing you at a review session and at our special meeting.

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From Our Education Director     

Stay tuned for news from our new Ed Director, Dale Norman

Social Action Committee socialaction

Successful First Annual "Social Justice Book of the Year" Book Discussion
On May 7, 2018, over 40 people from both Congregation Shalom and the greater community enjoyed an informative discussion about the book Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. Thanks to Dr. Kaitlyn Clarke, Professor of Criminal Justice at St. Anselm's College, and all who made the evening a success. We hope to continue this tradition next year.
 
June is Mitzvah Month!
This year we are planning several weekend mitzvah events in June.
  • Sunday, June 3: Barbecue at Chelmsford Senior Housing. Help prepare and serve a fun barbecue lunch for residents. Ages 6 and up.
  • Sunday, June 10: Cleanup, carpentry and painting at The Paul Center, a summer camp for children with disabilities. We're looking for adult and teen volunteers to participate in this fun and rewarding day. 
  • Saturday, June 16: Mill City Grows in Lowell. Help transplant squash and other vegetable seedlings at an urban farm that grows local food for residents of Lowell.
To see details and sign up for any of these great opportunities to make a difference, go to SignUp Genius at  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4da4a629a5fd0-mitzvah4.
 
Blood Drive - June 11, 2018
Congregation Shalom will host a blood drive on Monday June 11, from 2-7 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help set up, staff the canteen table, and clean up after the drive.  If you are interested in volunteering, please email socialaction@congregationshalom.org  If you would like to donate blood, please sign up at www.redcrossblood.org and enter in Congregation Shalom's zipcode (01863) to be directed to our location to sign up. 
 
MA Criminal Justice Reform
Like many Reform Congregations in the US and Canada, our Social Action and Justice Committee has been working on Criminal Justice reforms.  We have good news to report in Massachusetts. A landmark criminal justice reform bill has passed the Massachusetts State House and has headed to the Governor's desk.  It cleared the Senate 37-0 and the House by 148-5. 
 
Looking ahead, Reform Congregations expect to be involved in an election year education campaign sponsored by the ACLU.  It's called "What a Difference a DA Makes", and it focuses on educating the public on the critical role District Attorneys play in our courtrooms.  DA's are often low profile, sometimes virtually invisible and rarely face a contested election.  But they are considered the most important person in the criminal justice system.  More details to come!
 
Need for volunteers at Table of Plenty in Chelmsford
Congregation Shalom is part of a team of volunteers at the Table of Plenty in Chelmsford, an organization that serves a free meal to all, no questions asked, every Tuesday from 5-6pm at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in Chelmsford Center.  Our team serves every other month on the third Tuesday, and will next serve on July 17, 2018. If you have time to volunteer during the afternoon on Tuesdays and would like to take part, please contact Sue McDonald at rsmegpat@comcast.net .
 
Monthly Food Donations for Middlesex Transitional Living Center
Congregation Shalom is collecting food for the Lowell Transitional Living Center. It is easy to help out with this mitzvah. Donations of meatloaf, and/or brownies and/or salad are accepted each month. There will be a cooler chest located by doors of Congregation Shalom. Simply place your donation in the cooler and know that you have done a good deed! You can leave your donations in the cooler beginning on Wednesday, June 13 (starting around noon) through Thursday, June 14 (until 8pm.)  July dates will be July 18-19 - mark your calendar now!
   
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Adult EducationAdultEd
 
Our planned Adult Education events for this year are completed.  We hope you have enjoyed them!  We are welcoming two new committee members and would love to welcome you to join our committee.  Drop us a line if you are inclined!

Our next article will be published in August... once we've finalized events for next year!

As always, if you have suggestions for the Adult Ed committee, please contact us at  adulted@congregationshalom.org

L'hitraot!

Tamar Wexler and t he Adult Education Committee
   

Featured This Issue
Bylaws Meetings
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Save the Date

May 30th - Annual Meeting
June 6th and 10th - Bylaws Review
June 20th - Bylaws Special Meeting


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GroupsBlockGroups
  
  
  



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QuickLinksQuick Links
 

Links to Our Website
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

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June B'nai Mitzvahs

Rylan Chandler - June 2nd
Maggie Lischer - June 9th
Melissa Miller - June 16th
David Shuldiner - June 23rd

Please note that the service is open to all temple members
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Good and Welfare

Condolences to Mark Kaplan and family on the loss of his sister Wendy.

Mazel Tov to Nicole and Joshua Cyker and big brother Jacob on the birth of Nathan Elijah Cyker, born May 5, 2018.  

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Thank you

Thank you to everyone who reached out to us, sent cards, or made a donation during Larry's recent illness. We're grateful to be part of such a caring community. 

Larry & Eileen Hirsch

It is with a bit of sadness that I retire from my position at Congregation Shalom.  For more than nine years, I have served as Administrative Assistant to Rabbi Perry and the school in this interesting and gratifying job. I have been inspired by the commitment of this community and am humbled by the acts of kindness, generosity and compassion performed by so many of you. I've had the privilege of working for and amongst people I have come to call friends.
 
Thank you for the opportunity. Joan LaRochelle

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Welcome New Members

Please extend a warm welcome to new members  Tracy Greenfield and Luann Wong of Chelmsford.

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June Oneg Schedule

Jun 2 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - Lay led Newman E&R*, Nazario, Pitts & Rosenthal, Skolnick, Smith T&L
Jun 9 - 6 pm MOCA Shabbat - Graduation Adult Sunset Music with Jodi and Adam - Moore*, Beningson, Degen, Giniger & Revy, Mackillop & Rabinowitz, Miller M&L, Solomon
Jun 16 - 6 pm Tot Shabbat - Music w/ Jodi and Adam - Ginsberg & Kawashima-Ginsberg, Libby & Shannon, Schertzer & Strizhak
Jun 16 - 7:15 pm Shirah Shabbat - Music w/ Jodi and Adam - Heines*, Andreola, Sohn, Starr, Zeichick
Jun 23 - 7 pm Adult Shabbat - Adult Choir (Music) Board Installation -  Denly*, Bass, Fidler, Haas, Holladay & Navy, Myers, Newlon & Rothstein, Riddick
Jun 30 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Janoschek*, Leonard & Miller, Lydon, Notinger, Rose
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June Yahrzeits
Yahrzeits

Phyllis Bass
Harry Fierverker
Martin Greenfield
Elaine Hirsch
Gilbert Hite
Isadore Hovsha
Sylvia Melnick Laider
Lenard Schwartz
Leta Wttreich

June 15th
Gloria Barkan
Dorothy Brahm
Doris Feldsott
Catherine Holladay
Hyman Indorf
Robert Perry

June 22
Jessie Ginsburg
Simon Kasowitz
Linda Navy
David Rosenberg
Robert H. Sohn
Mae Tack

June 29
Wilma Ruth Carrick
Josephine Dreher
Edie Friedlander
Grace Iannini
Sylvia Katler
William Lasky
Mary Rauch


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Our Caring Committee Can Help

The Caring Committee is always available to provide meals or transportation to those members and families who need a little help. Please don't hesitate to email Katie Wolman at caringchair@congregationshalom.org or Rabbi Perry at rabbi@congregationshalom.org , or feel free to call Katie at home.


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Newsletter Ads and You!

 

We are always looking for advertisers for the Temple newsletter. Ads can be placed at any time with special pricing for members. Ads need not be for a year so if you want to try us, we take ads for 3 months as well as six months. If you decide to continue your ad for a full year, we do pro-rate the price. As the saying goes, "Try us, you'll like us!"


 

Youth Scholarships YthScholar

Throughout the year, there are many enriching Jewish experiences available to our youth through our synagogue or the community. These include, but aren't limited to, summer camps and trips to Washington, New York, and Israel. Fortunately, there is some scholarship money available through the temple to those families in need of financial assistance for these opportunities. Please contact Margie Berenson at scholarship@congregationahalom.org with any questions and/or for an application form.


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Changed Your Address?

Notify us at:  emailchange@congregationshalom.org  and we'll make sure all the right organizations at the Temple are informed. Please include your full name in your request.


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Deadline for the

July Newsletter is 

Thursday, June 21st.

Please send articles to

newsletter@congregationshalom.org.  


 

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Looking at June, July, August
 
The 50/50 Raffle ends on June 3rd so there is still time to get your tickets in! Remember, the more tickets sold, the bigger the prize. No worries about winning something you have no use for or a restaurant you'll never go to again. Money is always good!
 
We are starting to think about this year's auction. From a very generous donor, we are the recipients of more than 20 stuffed animals and teething items. They are all brand new and have never been anyplace but storage. If you think of a new store or restaurant, do let us know - if you'd rather not have your name mentioned when we contact the owner, that's fine. We won't tell a soul. If you have something you want to donate, let us know. Email us at fundraising@congregationshalom.org with any thoughts, ideas or questions.
 
We are always looking for members to join us as we raise money for Congregation Shalom.

The Fundraising Committee 


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Grocery Cards

Shop for Party and Cookout Items and Support the Temple!
 
Hosting friends and family for spring celebrations? Pick a store and an amount and join in to receive grocery store gift cards. I send you the cards, and you write a check to the Temple. That's it! You'll see how easy it is to fundraise for the Temple and get all your party items without spending any extra money or time. You can get in on the monthly mailings or just get cards when you need them.

Contact me to get started with one of our best fundraisers. I have gift cards for Hannaford, Donelan's, Whole Foods and Stop & Shop. Your payment to Congregation Shalom results in 7% cash back for the Temple.
 
Toby Sedgwick 
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Sisterhood Snippets sisterhood

On May 8, more than 30 members gathered for our newly named Spring Social. We enjoyed a lovely dinner with fabulous appetizers and amazing desserts. It was a relaxed evening with time to chat with the Rabbi, get to know new members, and share family news and updates. Special thanks to the set-up and clean-up volunteers and to everyone who brought delicious food to share.
 
We held our annual meeting during the Spring Social and approved a few small changes to our Bylaws regarding the specifics for terms of officers. We also approved the following members as the 2018-2019 Sisterhood Board of officers:
 
President ~ Donna Upson
Treasurer ~ Carol Frampton
Recording Secretary ~ Toby Sedgwick
Fundraising Chair ~ Patti Green
Membership Chair ~ Anne Rosenberg
Trustees ~ Katie Ebersman and Tamar Wexler
 
There are still three open positions: Vice President, Corresponding Secretary, and Programming Chair. We are eager for more members to step up to help us keep Sisterhood running smoothly. It is difficult for our small group of board members to plan and coordinate the numerous quality programs and events without additional assistance. We have a lot of new ideas for 2018-2019 but need your help to make these events happen. Please consider joining the board or volunteering to offer your help for a specific event next year.
 
We express our gratitude to everyone on the 2017-2018 board. Your time, energy, thoughtfulness, enthusiasm, and creativity contribute to the spirit and 'sisterly' connections that make Sisterhood so special.
 
Our End-of-the-Year 'Get Together' will be a dinner on Wednesday, June 13th at 6:00 p.m. at Burton's Grill in Westford. Watch for an evite soon with more details.
 
Mark your calendar so you don't miss our Annual Pool Party at Debbie Arthur's home on Monday, July 16.
 
If you need a birthday, graduation, or wedding present, we have a variety of gifts and Judaica items available in our gift shop. Many beautiful options are on display. Contact us if you would like to make a purchase.
 
Our next board meeting is on Tuesday, June 5 at 7 p.m. We will be brainstorming ideas and the schedule of events for 2018-2019 and welcome input from all members.


 
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Brotherhood News Brotherhood

Once again this May, the Temple Brotherhood made the annual retreat to Cape Cod to enjoy the camaraderie of friends, good food, beverages, and outdoor fun. Also in May we had our annual end-of-year BBQ. Guys Night Out drew a large group together at the "Oasis" Brazilian BBQ in Lowell.
 
The Brotherhood is looking for suggestions for new events for the upcoming year. Suggestions are truly welcome from all.
 
Poker at the temple, the first Sunday of the month. Please contact brotherhood@congregationshalom.org.

 
  Shalomites Shalomites

The Shalomites just had a movie/program event where we watched Monster's University and played a board game relating to the movie. We are so excited to be involved with the happenings during Mitzvah Month! As the year comes to a close, we look forward to choosing a new Shalomite Board for the upcoming year.


Book Group   books

The Congregation Shalom book group invites all who are interested to join us in an evening of book review and discussion. 


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iGiveiGive for Congregation Shalom
Have you ever thought how great it would be to be able to shop online at 783 different well-known stores and still donate money to Congregation Shalom?  Well, you can do that!  It's free and easy so join those of us who have been sending donations to the synagogue for years simply by shopping by first going to the iGive website once you have established the link.  Click here  to register for Congregation Shalom to automatically be the recipient cause.
  
If you make a purchase through iGive within 45 days of signing up, an extra $5.00 will go to Congregation Shalom.  If you have any questions, please contact Laura at fundraising@congregationshalom.org.
  

 

 

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Extended CommunityExtendedCommunity
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MVJF

2018  Merrimack Valley Jewish Film Festival
Sunday, June 3, 2018 @ 1:45 PM
Double Feature $18 per person


HEADING HOME: THE TALE OF TEAM ISRAEL

  
1:45 PM   Visit and bid on unique raffle items (great Father's Day presents!!)
2:00 PM   Enjoy the Film
3:30 PM   Q&A with Jeremy Newberger film Director/Producer via SKYPE
4:00 PM   Join us for a complimentary Hummus Tasting in honor of Israel's 70th Birthday
A David-and-Goliath story of Israel's national baseball team as it competes for the first time in the World Baseball Classic. After years of crushing defeats, Israel finally ranks among the world's best in 2017. Its roster includes many Jewish-American major leaguers, most with a tenuous relationship to Judaism, barely any ever having set foot in Israel. Their odyssey takes them from the Holy Land where they are hailed as modern-day Maccabees to the tournament in South Korea where they must debunk their reputations as has-beens and wannabes. As their "Mensch on a Bench" mascot tags along, the team does much soul-searching, discovering the pride of representing Israel on the world stage. Runtime 94 minutes.



 
ACROSS THE WATERS    4:30 PM

Enjoying the nightlife of 1943 Copenhagen, Jewish jazz guitarist Arne Itkin is seemingly immune to the hardships of war, as the Danish government opts for a compliant relationship with Nazi Germany. He is skeptical when his terrified wife Miriam hears rumors of the round-up and deportation. An overnight raid however, forces the couple to flee their home with five-year-old son and on the advice of sympathetic strangers they set out on a journey for a fishing village where refugees await passage to Sweden. Amidst lurking danger from the Gestapo and their collaborators, the family puts its fate in the hands of strangers whose motives are not always clear. Based on true events, this film is directed and co-written by Nicolo Donato, whose own grandfather was among the courageous Danish fisherman to ferry war refugees to safety. In Danish with subtitles. Runtime 95 Minutes.
 
Purchase tickets www.mvjf.org
 
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ADULT EDUCATION SERIES "THE MUSIC OF JEWISH LIFE"

Final Spring event
Sunday, June 10, 2018   3:00 PM
Jewish Music and Social Justice
Congregation Shalom
87 Richardson Road, North Chelmsford
Come listen and learn as we explore the intersection of Music and Social Justice. This presentation will include: the music of our heritage - Israeli pioneer songs, songs of early Jewish Day camps and current compositions; as well as secular music by Jewish composers that addresses issues of social justice. There will be a chance to ask questions and share our own experiences as they relate to social action.
Purchase tickets
 
www.mvjf.org
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Reform Jewish Outreach Boston (RJOB) offers classes and workshops supporting interfaith couples and individuals exploring Judaism:
 
Yours, Mine & Ours for Interfaith Couples
Interfaith couples who are seriously dating, engaged, or newly married strengthen their communication around faith, family, and culture, in a short-term, small group setting.  Held October and March.
 
Introduction to Judaism
Explore a modern take on Jewish life. Engage with Jewish values, celebrations, and spirituality. Introduction to Judaism is an engaging 16-session course for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish life through a Reform lens. Courses starting in Brookline, Boston, and Sharon/Westwood. 
 
Planning a Jewish Wedding
For Interfaith and Jewish couples. Explore the symbols of the Jewish wedding ceremony, ways to honor family traditions, and how to personalize your ceremony.  Workshops in Boston and Cambridge.
 
www.reformjudaism.org/boston   617-928-0012 RJOB@urj.org   RJOB is a program of the Union for Reform Judaism, working in partnership with URJ congregations and with the support of Combined Jewish Philanthropies. 



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Table of Plenty in Chelmsford

Free Dinner Served

Every Tuesday from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.


 

at First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in Chelmsford Center

 

All are welcome. No questions asked.

Also, if you know of someone who cannot get out,

but would benefit from a dinner being delivered to them, please contact us.

 

For more information contact:

tableofplentyinchelmsford@gmail.com

www.tableofplentyinchelmsford.org

978-710-8328

 

 Return to Quick Links 

 
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From the Visiting Nurse Association of Boston & Affiliates...

 

VNA Hospice Care needs volunteers! Hospice volunteers play a key role in helping to provide caring and compassion to patients and families facing life-limiting illness and loss. A volunteer may provide patients with company and emotional support, give the spouse, partner or other caregiver a needed break from care giving, and/or help caregivers run errands or get to and from appointments. A strong need exists for volunteers who can visit on weekdays. We also seek: musicians who would like to sing or play music quietly at the bedside of nursing home residents; Reiki practitioners who would like to offer Reiki to patients and/or caregivers; and people interested in visiting with their therapy dog. Volunteers who speak both English and a second language are also helpful. We provide volunteer training and ongoing support. Call 781-569-2888 and ask to speak to a Volunteer Coordinator for more information. Or email LPalais@vnab.org.

  


Spiritual Poetry Journal

 

"Soul-Lit" is a new on-line spiritual poetry journal. A number of entries have been from Jews and have Jewish content. Writers are encouraged to submit their own poems which have a level of spiritual content to them. Two volumes have already been published.

 

 

To check out the website, please click here.

 

Please spread the word to members of the community who are writers / poets, and who may wish to submit their own writings.

 

Advertisers

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Please support our Congregation Shalom advertisers

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  new QPL ad Nov 2012
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Dan Dubner new business card double
BethEl Cemetery
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Westford Regency ad