NEWSLETTERTOP

October 2016 - 5777

Volume LXV #1

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.
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Rabbi From our Rabbirabbi    
 
Shalom!  The month of Elul has officially ushered in the High Holiday season of 5777! The month of Elul is the 29 day period of preparation before the Yamim Noraim - the Ten Days of Awe. Some see the name ELUL as an acronym representing the text from Song of Songs "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine...", a text that speaks of the importance of relationships.
 
In the hope of enriching your holiday season I wanted to let you know about opportunities for reflection and conversation -  spiritual growth and community building - renewal and transformation - all in the next several weeks! 

Some of the services and programs will be familiar to you and some are new to our community. We hope that for every person in our congregation, one or more of these opportunities will provide a meaningful way to approach these Days of Awe. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] .  

The Month Of Elul - Elul is a time for daily reflection and preparation.  It is a time to think about relationships and begin the process of Teshuvah - Atonement.  There are many ways to engage in this period. I encourage you to do some reading about the themes of the holidays and search the internet for Elul readings. See if you can carve out some time to take a spiritual inventory. Click here to see my suggested list of holiday books, articles and music.

L'Shanah Tovah,
Rabbi Sig
  Rabbi Shoshana M. Perry


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From our PresidentBarryTop     

Learning from Losing
When my mother passed away, I thought I had reached an understanding on how to accept death. I just needed to make sure that I had done everything I could, that when things ended, I had been as present as I could and as supportive as I could. By making sure I could look back on my actions with acceptance, I would march toward peace and acceptance in my heart.
 
Then, this year, a very dear friend passed away and I realized that just as each friend in life provides a different filter, a different way of looking at the world, so, too, dealing with each death requires new ways of coping for each loss.
 
This time, it wasn't enough that I had done my best, been present and supportive. I realized that perhaps, if I had looked, yes, with love, but, also, critically at my friend, I might have helped her face her demons, and she might yet be alive. In her memory, I promise to do my best to open my eyes to look at my relationships honestly, yet with compassion, to see if there is something more, even if not easy, that I can contribute.
 
As I look back on this year filled with living memories, colored as well with memories of past years, I will use all of them as a filter on how I could be better.  Each person and each interaction reverberates. As William Faulkner wrote, "The past is never dead. It's not even past."
 
May we, and all our pasts, come together with greater sweetness and joy this year.

Tamar R. Wexler
    Tamar's signature  
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From our Education Director     

Every Wednesday I walk around the school and I listen to the students as they learn to read and chant the prayers that will be the foundation of their Jewish journey, not just for their Bar or Bat Mitzvahs, but wherever in the world their Jewish paths may lead. This is also true of our younger children who come early on a Sunday morning, and through their amazing teachers, get infused with a love of Judaism and our Jewish traditions that will be with them forever.

The more I watch the students in Hebrew School wrestle with this new and exciting Hebrew language, the more I want to teach them that we are not learning prayers to simply chant in isolation at one special event, but rather, these prayers are part of a rich tapestry of Jewish life that can be seen not just in the classroom but in our weekly Shabbat services, our Ma'ariv services and of course our Holiday services as well. To this end, I encourage all families to come to our community Temple services. It need not be every week, but we have wonderful Family Services and other wonderful Shabbat services that will allow your children to see their studying as part of the bigger community and not just a moment in a classroom. It is an understanding of how Hebrew and Religious School fits into their greater Jewish life that is often hard for our students to conceptualize within the classroom walls but can be lived and experienced at services every week.

I do not wish to suggest that it is just the older kids that would learn from attending services, it is the tot shabbat services, the family shabbat services, bar and bat mitzvah services and all the high holidays services that offer our students the rich perspective of our Jewish heritage. Life is busy for everyone, but I encourage all families to take an hour or 2 out of their week to come and share with your children why they are studying so hard. I know it will be a relaxing and enriching experience for the whole family.

I want to wish everyone a L'Shanah Tovah U'Metukah - a happy healthy and sweet new year.

Yael Signature
Yael 

From our Cantorial Soloist     

Adam and I are looking forward to sharing in many rich Shabbat experiences with all of you in 5777. Please click here to view and to listen to our latest Shabbat message through song.  

May this be a year of good health, happiness and soulful music for the Congregation Shalom community. May "This Place" continue to be filled with the strength of this very special group. 
  
L'Shana Tova Oom'tooka ( To a  Good and Sweet Year). 

Jodi Blankstein (and Adam too)
 
Onegs
 
Oneg Scheduling is Complete!

The Oneg committee has done it's best to accommodate all requests, and has completed the Oneg Scheduling for the entire year. PLEASE take a look at this list and find your name, and make a note of the date you are assigned.

If you have any issues, it is your responsibility to find someone to switch with you. If you are new to the Congregation and want help in contacting someone, you can ask the Oneg Committee for some assistance.The email is  
[email protected]

Once again, we did our best, but if we made a mistake with your request, please let us know quickly, and we will try to fix our mistake.

Sep 9 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - Kempner*, Chandler W&E, Menaker, Rodman S&I, Sevigny
Sep 16 - 6 pm MOCA Shabbat - Adult Sunset Jodi w/Adam Music Segal L&H*, Gilmore, Kamien, Kurland
Sep 23 - 6 pm Tot Shabbat - Jodi w/Adam Music Berman, Danzig A&K, Maltby
Sep 23 - 7:15 pm Shabbat Shirah Shabbat - Jodi w/Adam Music Shapiro*, Linden, Mizen, Sedgwick, Thomas
Sep 30 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Shpiel Worden*, Hyatt, McHugh, Michaud & Capland, Rosenberg
Oct 2 - 7 pm Adult Shabbat - Rosh Hashanah Frank*, Danzig B&L, Hirschel D&F, Hyatt, Kallus, Levi, Pignatelli, Schutzman
Oct 3 - 2:45 pm Family Shabbat - Children's Service Rosh Hashanah Matson*, Newman D&E, Wahlberg & Gilmore
Oct 7 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Rosenberg & Katler*, McBride, Michaud, Moskowitz, Sevigny
Oct 12 - 6:30 pm Adult Shabbat - BREAK FAST Friedlander*, Lotto*, Miller G&J*, Weitzen & Epstein*, Wikander*
Oct 14 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Lay led? Lerman*, Notinger, Sherer, Valleley
Oct 21 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - Consecration/Simchat Torah Grade 1 Jodi w/Adam Music Morrissey J&D*, Anthony, Miranda & Stewart-Miranda, Newell, Rosen, Schertzer & Strizhak
Oct 28 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Jodi Burton*, Bass, Boerman & Shaponick, Raichek, Zehngut & Frampton
Nov 4 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - Grade 3 Jodi w/Adam Music Libby & Gallagher*, Barter, Dangel & Gordon, Feuerstein, Miller B&L
Nov 11 - 6 pm MOCA Shabbat - Adult Sunset Shpiel Upson & Correia*, Blumstein, Epstein, Myers, Rosenberg
Nov 18 - 6 pm Tot Shabbat - Jodi w/Adam Music Ginsberg & Kawashima-Ginsberg, Jegasothy, Lazar, Libby & Shannon
Nov 18 - 7:15 pm Shabbat Shirah Shabbat - Jodi w/Adam Music Lischer*, Ablove, Eskenas, Kreithen & Goldman-Kreithen, Nazario, Silton, Zehngut & Frampton
Dec 2 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - Grade 4 Jodi w/Adam Music Cole & Evans*, Berman, Burke, Ebersman, Heater
Dec 9 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Jodi w/Adam Music Laider & Myers*, Beningson, Giniger & Revy, Muhlfelder, Orlinsky
Dec 16 - 6 pm MOCA Shabbat - Shalomite Creative Service Karp*, Curry, Degen, Landress, Maguire, Penn, Solomon
Jan 6 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - Grade 2 Jodi w/Adam Music Shuldiner*, Anthony, DiGiovanni, Traverse, Wolman
Jan 13 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Boyer*, Friedman, Kurland, Smith R&L, Verbun
Jan 20 - 6 pm Tot Shabbat - Jodi w/Adam Music Arrington, Danzig A&K, Maltby, Matson
Jan 20 - 7:15 pm Shabbat Shirah Shabbat - Jodi w/Adam Music Rainen*, Cohen D&L, Lathrop, Lydon, Peisach & Wyshogrod, Weinberg & Fox-Weinberg
Jan 27 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Miller C&S*, Cohn, Gertz, Newlon & Rothstein, Rose
Feb 3 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - Grade 5 Jodi w/Adam Music Kaplan*, Dangel & Gordon, Kiloski, Klamka, Schwartz, Silton
Feb 10 - 6 pm MOCA Shabbat - Atid graduation? Adult Sunset Jodi w/Adam Music Rodman P&L*, Holladay & Navy, Hurd, Sedgwick, Sevici
Feb 17 - 7:15 pm Shabbat Shirah Shabbat - Shpiel Desrochers*, Brother, Cohen & Evans, Goss & Beck-Goss, Sullivan
Feb 24 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Green*, Arthur, Galvin & Blume, Toomey
Mar 3 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - Jodi w/Adam Music Hunt*, Himelfarb, Lazar, Leonard & Miller, Maguire, Rodman L&A
Mar 10 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Harmoniyah Howard*, DesLauriers, Nahabedian, Riddick, Valleley
Mar 17 - 6 pm Tot Shabbat - Jodi w/Adam Music Arrington, Jegasothy, Newman D&E, Wahlberg & Gilmore
Mar 17 - 7:15 pm Shabbat Shirah Shabbat - Jodi w/Adam Music Waxman*, Heater, Linden, Miller B&L, Pitts & Rosenthal
Mar 24 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Shpiel Cohen D*, Dubner, McHugh, Michaud & Capland, Peisach & Wyshogrod
Mar 31 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Hirsch*, Gross, Schneider, Snyder
Apr 7 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - Grade 6 Jodi w/Adam Music Katz*, Ablove, Blumstein, Brother, Cohen D&L, DiGiovanni
Apr 14 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Berenson*, Andreola, Moskowitz, Nahabedian
Apr 21 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Brown, Curry, Levine, Raichek
Apr 28 - 7:15 pm Shabbat Shirah Shabbat - Jodi w/Adam Music McKeon*, Boerman & Shaponick, Burke, Ebersman, Rodman S&I
May 5 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - Childrens Choir Jodi w/Adam Music Teacher Recognition Berkovitz*, Barter, Chandler W&E, Krigman, Myerson, Rosen, Weinberg & Fox-Weinberg
May 12 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Shpiel Hantman*, Hurd, McBride, Szabo & Wexler, Weintraub & Spiro
May 19 - 7 pm Family Shabbat - Confirmation Jodi w/Adam Music Segal J&W*, Boroshok, Kaufman, Landress, Mayer, Penn, Rosenstein
May 26 - 6 pm Sunset Shabbat - Grier*, Eskenas, Keller, Miller D, Rubinstein
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 Jodi w/Adam Music Moore*, Beningson, Degen, Giniger & Revy, Mackillop & Rabinowitz, Miller M&L, Solomon
Jun 16 - 6 pm Tot Shabbat - Jodi w/Adam Music Ginsberg & Kawashima-Ginsberg, Libby & Shannon, Schertzer & Strizhak
Jun 16 - 7:15 pm Shabbat Shirah Shabbat - Jodi w/Adam Music 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

 
The Oneg Committee:
Caren Boroshok, Scheduler
Pat & Rick Karpeles, Letter Senders

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Social Action Committeesocialaction

Happy New Year from the Social Action Committee. We always welcome new members, and invite you to join us in working to make the world a better place. If you would like to join us or be a part of the committee's email list, please email [email protected] and you will be added to the list for communication.
 
As we approach the New Year, there are many opportunities for our members to take action to help heal the world.  
 
High Holiday Food Drive
Once again this year we will be holding a food drive on Yom Kippur. Please bring non-perishable food items to donate to food pantries in several of our congregation's communities.
 
Alternatively, you can purchase a Hannaford gift card through Congregation Shalom that will also be donated for food pantry clients to use. This donation is a double mitzvah, as the food pantry gets 100% of your card purchases to buy what is most needed at the pantry and Congregation Shalom gets an additional 7% of all donations made. Last Yom Kippur, our congregation donated over $2,000 in gift cards to food pantries in addition to all the bags of groceries collected.  Hannaford gift cards for the pantry are tax deductible and will show up on your end of the year end summary from Congregation Shalom.
 
Cards will be available for purchase during food collection times before and after high holiday services, or in advance by emailing [email protected] and specifying purchase is intended for the food drive.
 
Cleaning Supply Drive to help newly resettled refugees
Congregation Shalom is a partner with International Institute of New England (IINE), a refugee resettlement agency in Lowell. IINE is settling a record number of refugees this fall and has many needs for household cleaning items including:
  • Liquid hand soap
  • Fragrance free body soaps
  • Laundry detergent and other laundry supplies (stain remover, dryer sheets etc)
  • Toilet bowl cleaner, toilet brush, and other bathroom cleaning supplies
  • Dishwashing soap
  • Sponges, dishcloths and other kitchen cleaning supplies
 
We will be collecting cleaning supplies throughout the month of October, including both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services.
 
Need for more 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 5-6 p.m. at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in Chelmsford Center. We have had some turnover and now need more volunteers to help serve! Our team serves every other month on the third Tuesday, and will next serve on October 18th. If you have time to volunteer during the afternoon on Tuesdays and would like to take part, please contact Linda Newhard at [email protected] .
 
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 the doors of Congregation Shalom. Simply place your donation in the cooler and know that you have done a good deed! The food will be collected and brought to the Lowell Transitional Living Center in Lowell, where our donations are greatly appreciated each month. You can leave your donations in the cooler beginning on Wednesday, October 19th through Thursday, October 20th (until 5 p.m.) November dates will be November 16th-17th - mark your calendar now!

Featured This Issue
Oneg Schedule
High Holiday Schedule
High Holiday Prayer Books
Special Programs and Services
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Save the Date

October 6th- Spirituality Group
October 15th- Torah Study
October 16th- Beginning Hebrew Class
October 17th - Movie Monday
                                 

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GroupsBlockGroups
  
  
  


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QuickLinksQuick Links
 
    

Links to Our Website
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

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High Holiday Service Schedule

Selichot - September 24th at 7:00 p.m.
Erev Rosh HaShanah - October 2nd at 8:00 p.m.
1st Day Rosh HaShanah - October 3rd
     Family Services - 9:00 a.m.
     Adult Services - 11:00 a.m.
     Children's Services - 3:00 p.m.
     Tashlich - 4:00 p.m.
2nd Day Rosh HaShanah - October 4th at 
10:00 a.m.
The Days Between Program - October 6th at 7:30 p.m.
Kol Nidre - October 11th at 7:30 p.m.
Yom Kippur - October 12th
     Family Services - 9:00 a.m.
     Adult Services - 11:00 a.m.
     Children's Services - 1:45 p.m.
     Program on Privilege led by Shalomites - 
2:45 p.m.
     Renewal Through Music and Contemplation - 4:00 p.m.
     Yizkor/Neilah/Havdallah - 5:00 p.m.
     Breakfast

*If you or someone you are bringing to services has a disability and needs special seating, please email Marilyn at  
[email protected]

Please note we have several infrared hearing devices. Please contact Marilyn if you would like to use one. If you will need handicapped parking, please contact Janet at 

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High Holiday Prayer Books

This year, as always we will have a full range of services and programs throughout the Ten Days of Teshuvah.  Last year we started using the new Reform Machzor (High Holiday Prayerbooks) and we received positive feedback about how they enhanced and enriched people's experiences of the holidays.  We have been fortunate to buy enough of the prayerbooks so that people can come and use the synagogue copies.   Some of the books remain un-plated, however, and you can still make donations to the prayerbook fund to have one or more copies plated in honor or memory of loved ones.
 
For the Family High Holiday services, we still ask people to bring their own Machzorim. We use Gates of Repentance for Young People. We have a limited amount of the books at the synagogue.  You can purchase copies at Amazon or the Israel Book Store. If you have copies you are no longer using and would like to donate them to the synagogue, we would gladly accept them.
 

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Special Programs and Services

In addition to a wealth of prayer experiences during the Days of Awe, I wanted to  highlight other programs, service and experiences that can help to enrich your experience of the holidays. 
 
Tashlich Services at Freeman Lake Rosh HaShanah afternoon at 4:00 pm
  • Second day Rosh HaShanah services at 10:00 am  October 4th
  • Renewal Through Music and Contemplation - Yom Kippur afternoon 4:00 pm  - During this service members of our community will have the opportunity to explore the spiritual themes of the holidays through beautiful music, prayer, contemplation, silence and meditation. 
  • Exploring Privilege in Light of the High Holidays - Yom Kippur afternoon 2:45 pm - During this program, that is open to the entire community, the Shalomites will lead a provocative program exploring issues of privilege, identity and high holiday themes.  
  The Days Between : An Exploration of the Potential for Personal Change and Forgiveness
 
On Thursday night, October 6th, starting at 7:30 p.m., you are invited to join us for an evening of thought and conversation to further enrich your experiences of the High Holidays. We will be delving into two different areas. The first involves the question, "Can we change human nature?" and the second will be about "Forgiveness: What It Is and What It Is Not". All are welcome.


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October Yahrzeits Yahrzeits
   
10/7/16
Leslie Birnbaum
Nathan Brown
Phillip Elkins
Mary (Strolovsky) Friedlander
Lewis Ginsberg
BettyLou Gordon
Darrel Landress
Marge Landress
Samuel Levi
Lois Levy
George Smith
Palma Speigel

10/14/16
Frieda Fidler
Doris Friedman
Murray Niedergang
Steven Rothstein
Bebe Steinberg

10/21/16
Louis Feldsott
William Grier
Gloria Levitz
Paul Mayer
Myer Martin Shapiro
Harry Starr
Lena Starr
Zoltan Szabo

10/28/16
Albert Edelstein
Gerald M. Freedland
Henry Hirshman
Ida Kamien
Madeline Richards

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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 [email protected] or Rabbi Perry at [email protected] , or feel free to call Katie at home.

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 ScholarshipsYthScholar

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 [email protected] with any questions and/or for an application form. 

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Changed Your Address?

Notify us at:  [email protected]  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

November Newsletter is

Thursday, October 20th

 

Please send articles to

newsletter@congregationshalom.org.  

 

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Books, Articles and Music for the High Holy DaysHolidays


Preparing Your Heart for the High Holy Days by Rabbi Kerri Olitsky

Entering the High Holy Days: A Complete Guide to the History, Prayers, and Themes
 by Rabbi Reuven Hammer

Days of Awe: A Treasury of Jewish Wisdom for Reflection, Repentance, and Renewal on the High Holy Days by Agnon

This is Real and You are Completely Unprepared: The Days of Awe as a Journey of Transformation by Allen Lew

The Days Between: Blesssings, Poems, and Directions of the Heart for the Jewish High Holiday Season (HBI Series on Jewish Women) by Marcia Falk

www.myjewishlearning.com - the month of Elul

www.reformjudaism.org - preparing for the holidays

www.jweekly.com - Parashat Bemidbar

Also, in preparation for the High Holidays, I have been reading the book  Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging  by Sebastian Junger. I feel that this book has many important insights for us as members of a Jewish community as well as for humanity as a whole. Some of my reflections will be inspired by Junger's book and other members of the community will be sharing their insights on the same theme. I encourage you to read this short, fascinating book before or during the holiday season and see how you can find meaning and relevance in your own life about what it means to be a part of community.

Listen to Music - Music is a wonderful way to nurture one's soul so take the time to listen to music as you prepare for the Days of Awe.  Here is a small selection of Jewish music that you can listen to.  Enjoy!  

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Adult EducationAdultEd

 

ADULT EDUCATION EVENT PLANNER

Event

Date/Time

Location

Information

Spirituality Group

Thursday 

Oct 6  

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Congregation Shalom

Together we will explore the themes of the High Holidays in more depth

Torah Study

 Saturday 

Oct 15

9:00 a.m.-

10:30 a.m.

Congregation Shalom

Led by Rabbi Perry

Adult Beginning Hebrew Class

Sunday  

 Oct 16   

 9:00 a.m-10:00 a.m.

CongregationShalom

Led by Cantor Sheldon Chandler: Seven Sundays on the following dates: 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/20, 12/4, 12/11

Monday Movie w/Amy Degen

Oct 17

   7:00 p.m.

Congregation Shalom

The Aftermath (in Polish with subtitles)

MVJF program

Sunday

Oct 30

   7:00 p.m.-

9:00 p.m.

TBD

The Israel Trail - Israel's own Appalachian Trail as seen through the camera lens

Great Decisions 

 

  Cost $10/pp or $18/couple for booklet that includes all four articles that will be discussed

Thursday 

Nov 10

7:00 p.m.

Congregation Shalom

Facilitator led discussion about topical current events 1st of 4   http://www.fpa.org/great_decisions/?act=gd_topics

 

Other dates: Jan 12, March 9, and May 11

 

Topics: Shifting Alliances in the Middle East; The Rise of ISIS; International Migration; Cuba and the U.S.

Torah Study

Saturday 

Nov 19  

9:00 a.m.- 10:30 a.m.

Congregation Shalom

Led by Rabbi Perry

Monday Movie w/Amy Degen

Nov 21

    7:00 p.m.

Congregation Shalom

TBD

 

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Fundraisingfundraising  
 
October Fundraising News
 
The time for collecting Auction items has come. Products and gift certificates have been arriving on a daily basis. Just to whet your appetite: 18" Webber Grill, admission to Southwick Zoo, new to us is the North Shore Music Theatre. Dining in restaurants such as Karma, Seoul Kitchen or Panera. How about picking up a few things at Wegmans with your gift certificate? Do you want to stop in at Izzy's Boutique in Andover with your gift certificate?  For those in the know, we have a brand new, unopened black Fitbit, one to track your everyday activities plus your sleep activity.
 
Do you have a new gift sitting in its wrapping paper that does not fit into your lifestyle?  It may be perfect for someone else. Think about donating (re-gifting to the Temple) it to the Auction.  If you have any questions about a donation, please email: [email protected]
 
From all of us at Fundraising, may you have a sweet and healthy New Year.
 
La Shana Tova

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Sisterhood Snippetssisterhood

 
Our fall events are underway so please send in your dues for 2016-2017 and plan to come to at least one activity in October. Here is a list of what's coming up on our calendar. Watch for an evite for each event with more information.
 
~ On Saturday, October 15 we will meet at Great Brook Park in Carlisle for a Shabbat walk at 10:30 a.m.
~ On Thursday, October 27 join in for the fun at Trivia Night beginning at 7 p.m. at Angela's in Tyngsboro.
~ There is still time to register to participate or donate to the Making Strides for Breast Cancer Walk. The walk begins at 10 a.m. at Greeley Park in Nashua. Please see more details below.
 
We are co-sponsoring four sessions of the Great Decisions Workshop with the Adult Education Committee. Save the date for the first session on Thursday, November 10 at 7 p.m. Pre-registration will be required.
 
Thank you to everyone for contributing to the New Year's Greeting and Memory Book. We are very grateful to Laura Rodman and Sara Epstein for all of their time and effort that makes this important project such a success.
 
Everyone is welcome to our next board meeting at the Temple on Wednesday, October 5 at 7 p.m.
 
Wishing you all the best for the New Year!


____________________________________________________________________


Sisterhood Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk
 
What if you could make a commitment to support the health of the women in our Congregation?  Would you do it?  Well, anyone at Congregation Shalom can, by joining the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk .  Last year, Making Strides events united more than one million people in nearly 300 communities nationwide with a shared determination to finish the fight against breast cancer. When you support our team with a donation or by joining the team, the American Cancer Society will be able to help more people in our community touched by breast cancer. 

This non competitive walk to save lives, will take place on Sunday, October 30, 2016.  The walk starts at 10:00AM at beautiful Greeley Park in Nashua, New Hampshire We will meet  and walk together as the Congregation Shalom Sisterhood team in a scenic Fall neighborhood. Non-Sisterhood members are also welcome. Pre-registration is required. Walkers who register and raise $100 by September 7 will also receive a Sisterhood team t-shirt!

For information, questions or assistance in registration, please contact Annette Skolnick at  [email protected]  or visit our TEAM's Home page by going to  makingstrideswalk.org  website and scroll to "support a walker or team". Under team, type in: Congregation Shalom Sisterhood, click on: Join our team or donate. Follow the instructions.

Thank you for your participation!

 
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Brotherhood NewsBrotherhood

Brotherhood's year long calendar officially "kicked off" September 11th with fun for all members new and old, with the award winning Bar-B-Q made by Brotherhood President Chris Shuldiner. We enjoyed good beer, camaraderie, and music courtesy of the "Usual Suspects" cover band. What more could one ask for? On September 14th, a number of guys enjoyed a meal together at a restaurant in Chelmsford. 

Next month we are looking for all able hands to help with Sukkah set-up on October 9th. If you can help, contact us at [email protected]  Bob Blumstein is lead dog for this event. On Sunday October 16th we are planning to take a hike with Jerry Bass heading up the event. Look for specifics in your e-mail or contact Jerry.

For more information, contact  [email protected]  

David Brother


Junior Youth Group

We have our first Jr Youth Group event planned for 
Sunday October 30th at Boda Borg in Malden!

 We will meet at 12:30 p.m. on October 30 (right after Religious School) for pizza and drinks  in the temple kitchen and then off to Malden, MA  for Boda Borg.

The cost per person is  $22 and includes lunch (pizza & water) and admission to Boda Borg. We will be back for pick up at temple by 4:45p.m. (will update if running early/late).

We will definitely need at least one chaperone (maybe 2 depending on numbers) in addition to myself, to help drive.

We need to place a reservation so  please RSVP by October 23rd if you want to join in on the fun. When you  RSVP,  I will send out the permission form. I will be at the temple at 10:30a.m. on October 30th to collect the forms and money from parents.   

Please note that children do need to have both of these handed in to me in order to attend the event. I will also send a link for the Boda Borg waiver (this needs to be filled out in order to participate).  Thanks in advance!

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I can be reached at  [email protected].  

Hope to see you at an event soon and hope you all have a wonderful start to the school year!

L'Shalom
Deborah Cohen

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Grocery Store Cards  

BACK TO SCHOOL (GROCERY) SHOPPING?

Are you spending more grocery time at Stop & Shop, Donelan's, or Hannaford recently?  You can help Congregation Shalom at the same time. We are looking for 10 more families to join our monthly grocery card program (joining the many families participating already). 
 
Once a month, you get a grocery card for Hannaford, Stop & Shop or Donelan's  in whatever amount you want ($25-$500), and the temple gets cashback 7% for free! 

Just email Judy Beningson at  [email protected]  and I will get you a card in whatever denomination you need: $25-$500! 

THANK YOU.


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BGBook Group

The Congregation Shalom book group welcomes all who would like to spend an interesting evening of book review, discussion and socializing.

The following is our schedule for the fall:

Monday , October 17th at 7:30 p.m. at the home of Judy and Mel Starr
Book selection " The Boys in the Boat" by Daniel James Brown

Monday, November 14th at 7:30 p.m. at the home Esther and Fred Wikander
Book selection  " My Japanese Lover" by Isabel Allende

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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 [email protected].
  

 

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ExtendedCommunity

Extended Community

 

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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:

[email protected]

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 [email protected].

  


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.

 

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