Volume 70. No. 4. January / February 2026

Israel has been a core part of my Jewish identity since I was a child. I grew up knowing I would spend time studying there in college (what I didn’t know is that it was the place where I would meet my wife!), and living in Jerusalem for three years as I completed a Master’s Degree in Jewish Education helped me deepen my understanding of a modern state of Israel which straddles the ancient past and fast-paced present.

This month, I’ll be returning to Israel after a decade away as I embark on a Rabbinic Leadership Familiarization trip with Makor Journeys (you can see my tentative itinerary here). The trip is geared towards rabbis who intend to lead a congregational trip to Israel in the near future, but haven’t yet had the opportunity. Just before October 7 I had engaged Makor Journeys in hopes that we would travel to Israel as a TBA community this past Spring; I look forward to (please God) planning a trip soon so that we can visit the Holy Land together in the next few years.

At Temple Beth Am, Israel is a core component of our Jewish identity. We feel strongly for our spiritual siblings who make their lives there, many congregants have family and friends who live there, and I have heard from so many of you about how critical a past congregational trip to Israel with Rabbi Splansky and Cantor Schechtman z”l was to your Jewish identity. There is no better way to understand the history, complexity, and current political landscape of Israel than being there on the ground, and I believe that it is incumbent upon every Jewish person to form their own deeply personal relationship with the Land.

I am thrilled that here at TBA we have been meeting to revive our community’s Israel committee, led by congregant Allan Alter and focusing on empathy and enrichment that will help Israelis recover from the war, enrich our lives with Israelis' diverse culture, and help us understand Israelis’ situation (you can see the slides from our December meeting here). I hope you’ll consider joining us on Zoom on January 7 at 7pm as we meet again to discuss future initiatives.

In alignment with the goals of our new Israel committee (and with thanks to congregant Jon Jaffe for the suggestion), this month we’ll begin a monthly series of Friday morning in-person roundtable discussions to enrich our understanding of modern Israel from a variety of viewpoints. Our first meeting will be January 23 at 9:30am, with the topic “Gaza’s Future.” Please RSVP to the temple office by January 11, as materials will be sent out beforehand to participants which will serve as the basis of our discussion (we will limit the number of participants to 15).

I pray that each of us might create a lasting and deep relationship with the Land of Israel as our community works to support its people; I look forward to sharing my reflections when I return from my trip.

L’Shalom— to wholeness, peace, and understanding,

— Rabbi Sam Blumberg

Happy New Year! 

We’re excited to begin this year with a very special milestone for our community. Temple Beth Am is celebrating its 70th Anniversary — our Sapphire Year!  Sapphire represents loyalty and strength through time, and it feels like the perfect symbol for our congregation.

Looking back to when the Articles of Incorporation were signed 70 years ago, we imagine how exciting—and maybe a little daunting—it must have been to launch Temple Beth Am without knowing what the future would hold. We are deeply grateful to the eleven Board of Trustees whose vision made it all possible:


• Ed Wolper
• Caryl Schweitzer
• Spencer Davis
• Arnold Cole
• Theodore Golden
• Myron Coplan
• Jordan Lackman
• Ellis Hades
• Herbert Frede
• Shirley B. Hill
• A David Baskin

May their memories always be for a blessing!

As Jenn Moshe recently shared in her letter to the congregation, this anniversary is not only about honoring our past, but also about building for our future.

In Jewish tradition, sapphire symbolizes clarity, holiness, and divine connection. In the Torah we read:

“Moses and Aaron, Nadav and Avihu, and seventy elders of Israel ascended [Mount Sinai]; and they saw the God of Israel: under God’s feet there was the likeness of a pavement of sapphire, as pure as the heavens…They beheld God, and they ate and drank.” (Exodus 24:9-11)

Inspired by this symbolism, our goal is to raise $150,000 to update our sanctuary by replacing the carpeting and chairs, renovating the bimah, and—most importantly—making the bimah fully accessible. 

Accessibility is not a luxury; it is a reflection of our values. Every congregant deserves to approach the bimah with dignity, ease, and inclusion.

Throughout 5786 / 2026, we’ll be hosting special events at the temple, with all proceeds going directly toward this renovation effort. Our first event is the Cantor’s Concert on January 24—an evening filled with music, community, celebration, and a festive dessert reception. Now is a great time to purchase tickets and submit an ad or tribute message for the evening’s program.

As we celebrate 70 years, we’re also reflecting on our long-time members, those who have been part of the Temple Beth Am family for so many years. L’dor V’dor, from generation to generation, we are deeply thankful for their membership, service, and ongoing support. These are some families that are still members of this community:

We look forward to celebrating this Sapphire Year together and to building a future that honors everyone in our community.

L’Shalom

— Sharon

I have always felt like a “spiritual” person. I have always felt that love between people, and the many beautiful things in life like art, music, and nature, rise above the “humdrum”, and show us that our world is a special place. Some might call this “G-d”, and I would not disagree. Feeling love for another person – a spouse, child, parent, sibling, or dear friend, feels like evidence of a G-dly universe. Standing at a magnificent vista, beholding something so much bigger than ourselves, feels like more evidence. And the same for beautiful art and music, somehow capturing our emotions and imaginations, evidence of the miracle of human creativity.

Temple Beth Am is a place where we actively invite the presence of G-d. In Exodus 25:8, G-d says to Moses “And let them make Me a sanctuary, so that I may dwell among them - וְעָ֥שׂוּ לִ֖י מִקְדָּ֑שׁ וְשָׁכַנְתִּ֖י בְּתוֹכָֽם – v’asu li mikdash v’shachanti b’tocham”. In this passage, G-d is instructing the Israelites on how to build the Mishkan – the Tabernacle – the portable place of worship for the Israelites to use throughout their wanderings. If they build it properly, G-d says that G-d will dwell amongst the people. Perhaps this verse tells us that any holy place, not just the Tabernacle, invites the presence of G-d. Our beautiful sanctuary, the site of so many holy services, B’nai Mitzvah, and simchas over the years, certainly invites the presence of G-d. But what really makes a “sanctuary”? I want to challenge all of us to “open the box,” and to conceive of every place as a potential sanctuary.

Might a mountaintop be a sanctuary? What about the banks of a serene lake? Perhaps even a humdrum place, like a living room or a parking lot, might feel like a sanctuary, if love exists in those places. Perhaps hearing beautiful music, beholding sounds that, inexplicably, give you the chills, invites the presence of G-d.

Music has always been central to my experience of spirituality. I feel a deep connection to beautiful settings of ancient, holy, Hebrew texts, and this feeling is essential to my work as our Cantor. And I feel a deep connection to so much other beautiful music! This feeling was the starting point for developing my upcoming concert, “Poetry, Prayer, and Protest: Spirituality in the Music of Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, and Leonard Cohen.” The music of each of these artists – each of whom has a connection to Judaism – is suffused with spirituality. Some of their songs even contain direct translations of ancient Hebrew texts! In the concert, I will be sharing settings of Hebrew texts that inspired these amazing artists.



I am so excited to share this evening of music and spirituality with Temple Beth Am. I hope to see you on Saturday, January 24 at 7 PM for “Poetry, Prayer, and Protest”!



– Cantor David Wolff

Dear Congregants,

The Cantor’s concert honoring Cantor Wolff is fast approaching on January 24, and we invite you to take part in celebrating his extraordinary musical contributions to Temple Beth Am.

One meaningful way to show your appreciation is by placing a tribute in the concert program. Tributes will be prominently featured, and the following options are available:

• Single tribute line (up to 60 characters): $18
• Quarter-page ad (vertical only): $36
• Half-page ad: $54
• Full-page ad: $100

If you own a business or would like to promote one to our community, business advertisements are also available:

• Quarter-page ad: $50
• Half-page ad: $75
• Full-page ad: $125

All tributes and advertisements must be submitted no later than January12th to be included in the program.

Please see the attached flyer for additional details and submission information. Thank you for helping us honor Cantor Wolff and for supporting this special event.

All proceeds will be going towards refreshing our sanctuary! Happy 70^th Anniversary, Temple Beth Am!

Warm regards,

Jenn Moshe

VP Fundraising

TBA Volunteers represent the heart of our temple. Your spirit, time, and commitment reflect what makes TBA an inclusive and welcoming place – truly House of the People.

ARE YOU SEARCHING FOR A SMALL TASK THAT WILL ENHANCE OUR SHABBAT EXPERIENCE AT TEMPLE BETH AM?

Join TBA's Usher Volunteers! The commitment is just once a month, giving you the opportunity to greet and welcome TBA members and guests attending services, assist guests with completing their name tag, and reset seats and books following services. This is a great way to reconnect with TBA friends and to meet our newer members.


Offer your help in any of these ways that will help enhance our Oneg Shabbat experience:


• Bake or bring a baked item to serve at the Oneg
• Come to TBA on Friday morning to help wrap the baked items
• Sponsor a Shabbat Oneg by making a contribution to cover Oneg expenses
• Set-up and preparation of the Social Hall for the Oneg
• Clean-up after the Oneg in the Social Hall
  

We would appreciate your help in performing one or more of these

tasks on the Shabbat(s) of your choice. 


Our Friday night Technology Team needs volunteers to help with the Zoom of our Shabbat services. Bill Rabkin, our expert extraordinaire, is ready, waiting and excited to train anyone who is interested to perform this (and easy to learn) task.

The Technology team alternates Shabbat responsibilities so the more volunteers we have, the more flexibility in scheduling we have. Please consider helping Bill and his team with this important function— it is both fun and rewarding.

If you haven't already done so, please click here to view the TBA volunteer sign-up list.

Click here to view the volunteer sign-up list for TBA religious school families.

Friday Shabbat Services are in person and livestreamed on Zoom.

Check Temple Beth Am weekly email for any changes to the schedule.

Friday January 2, 2026 / 14 Tevet 5786

EREV SHABBAT SERVICE at 7:15 PM

Saturday January 3, 2026 / 14 Tevet 5786

SHABBAT MORNING MINYAN AND TORAH STUDY at 9:00 AM

Weekly Portion Vayechi Genesis Genesis 47:28-50:26

Haftarah Hosea Amos 5:4-15

Friday January 9, 2025 / 21 Tevet 5786

TOT SHABBAT SERVICE at 5:15PM

EREV SHABBAT & TORAH SERVICE at 7:15 PM

Saturday January 10, 2026 / 21 Tevet 5786

SHABBAT MORNING MINYAN AND TORAH STUDY at 9:00 AM

Weekly Portion Shemot Exodus 1:1-6:1

Haftarah Isaiah 27:6-13, 29:22-23

Friday January 16, 2026 / 28 Tevet 5786

EREV SHABBAT HALL'LU SERVICE at 7:15 PM

Saturday January 17, 2026 / 28 Tevet 5786

SHABBAT MORNING MINYAN AND TORAH STUDY at 9:00 AM

Weekly Portion Vaera Exodus 6:2-9:35

Haftarah Ezekiel 28:25-29:21

Friday January 23, 2026 / 6 Shevat 5786

EREV SHABBAT SERVICE at 7:15 PM

Adrian Rybalnik, son of Aleksey and Bella Rybalnik will receive his Hebrew name

Saturday January 24, 2026 / 6 Shevat 5786

SHABBAT MORNING MINYAN AND TORAH STUDY at 9:00 AM

Weekly Portion Bo Exodus 10:1-13:16

Haftarah Jeremiah 46:13-28

Friday January 30, 2026 / 13 Shevat 5786

SHABBAT PIZZA SUPPER at 5:30 PM (reservations are necessary)

EREV SHABBAT SERVICE at 6:30 PM

Grades 3 and 4 will participate in the service

Saturday January 31, 2026 / 13 Shevat 5786

SHABBAT SHIRA

SHABBAT MORNING MINYAN AND TORAH STUDY at 9:00 AM

Weekly Portion Beshalach Exodus 13:17-17:16

Haftarah Judges 4:4-5:31

Friday February 6, 2026 / 20 Shevat 5786

SOUPER SHABBAT Come and taste some delicious soups on a winter evening!

EREV SHABBAT HALL'LU SERVICE at 7:15 PM

Saturday February 7, 2026 / 20 Shevat 5786

SHABBAT MORNING MINYAN AND TORAH STUDY at 9:00 AM

Weekly Portion Yitro Exodus 18:1-20:23

Haftarah Isaiah 6:1-7:6, 9:5-6

Friday February 13, 2026 / 27 Shevat 5786

EREV SHABBAT SERVICE at 7:15 PM

Saturday February 14, 2026 / 27 Shevat 5786

SHABBAT SHEKALIM

SHABBAT MORNING MINYAN AND TORAH STUDY at 9:00 AM

Weekly Portion Mishpatim Exodus 21:1-24:18

Haftarah II Kings 12:1-17

Friday February 20, 2026 / 4 Adar 5786

EREV SHABBAT SERVICE at 7:15 PM

Saturday February 21, 2026 / 4 Adar 5786

SHABBAT MORNING MINYAN AND TORAH STUDY at 9:00 AM

Weekly Portion Terumah Exodus 25:1-27:19

Haftarah I Kings 5:26-6:13

Friday February 27, 2026 / 11 Adar 5786

EREV SHABBAT SERVICE at 7:15 PM

Isabella Rose Friedman, daughter of Ben and Morgan Friedman, will receive her Hebrew name

Saturday February 28, 2026 / 11 Adar 5786

SHABBAT ZACHOR

SHABBAT MORNING MINYAN AND TORAH STUDY at 9:00 AM

Weekly Portion Tetzaveh Exodus 27:20-30:10

Haftarah I Samuel 15:2-34

Partial List of Upcoming TBA Events

Check TBA Weekly and our calendar on the TBA website for more details and updates.

Brotherhood

Sunday, December 21 the TBA BH had another amazing speaker. This month's speaker was Donna Dellasanta, director of the Framingham Library. Her love for the library is not only evident but was shown in her vast knowledge and stories about the Framingham Library and the many resources it offers to the public.

About 75 members and guests join us for our delicious buffet breakfast, including our own Framingham Mayor and his wife, Charlie and Robin Sistisky. We were entertained and educated with an hour long talk from Ms. Dellasanta followed by a Q and A session. For those that have not been able to visit the library or are not familiar with the many lunch and learn programs, resource materials, help desks and educational programs it is time to make a stop and see that there is so much more than books available.

Our next breakfast will be Sunday, January 11 and all are welcome to join us - new TBA members have their first year of membership at no additional cost! Give us a try!!

Steven J. Schneider

President

Sisterhood

TBA Sisterhood & Friends Book Club

Upcoming meeting dates and selections:

BONUS TUESDAY NIGHT meeting

January 6 at 7:00pm at Panera Bread on Route 30 

A few short pieces on Exile and Self-Exile

Prompted by Miriam Elder’s New York Times editorial from November 28, 2024 on “...Internal Exile”

SUNDAYS 9:30 am - 11:30 am


• January 25: at the home of Andrea Geller, Marjorie Morningstar by Herman Wouk

• March 29: The Goddess of Warsaw by Lisa Barr



• April 26: The Heart of a Stranger by Angela Buchdahl

• June 14: details to be decided

Thank you to our meeting hosts!



Please contact Merle Kushner,

boardcoordinator@tempbetham.org for further information and RSVPs. 

Join a TBA Committee....

To contact any of the committee leads, please log in to the ShulCloud member directory or contact the temple office.

In Memory

We record with deep sorrow the names of those who have passed

since our last Tebeam.

THE CONGREGATION MOURNS WITH

Alan and Merle Cohen and Mike and Rachel Sudikoff, on the loss of Alan's brother and Rachel's uncle, Richard Cohen

We love celebrating life’s joyful moments together! If there's something special going on with you or your family, let us know so we can celebrate together as a community!

SPECIAL ANNIVERSARIES

Special anniversaries in January and February(multiple of 5).

WEBSITE DONATION

Just a click away to access our donation page on TBA website

Please take advantage of this opportunity to acknowledge the memory or honor an accomplishment of a friend or a loved one. 

TREE OF LIFE

The TREE OF LIFE mounted on the wall of the temple lobby is a favorite way for members to commemorate “simchas” and honor family members and friends. Your gift of leaves ($300) and stones ($1,000) will support continuing growth projects in the future. Pledge cards are available in the temple office.

SPONSOR FUTURE ONEGS

This is a great opportunity for your family to honor any type of special occasion or Kiddush. Sponsorship is a $100 donation.

Gifts to Temple Funds

RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND

CANTOR'S DISCRETIONARY FUND

GENERAL FUND

LEVINE LIBRARY FUND

LLOYD MARTIN YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP

RABBI EMERITUS GOOD WORKS FUND

TECHNOLOGY FUND

Temple Beth Am / 300 Pleasant Street / Framingham, MA 01701

Tebeam is published 9 times annually by Temple Beth Am

Questions, comments, or ideas for TeBeAm?

Please email the temple office at shalom@tempbetham.org