Author: Rabbi Michael Farbman

Anne and Larry Eisner

TE is a welcoming and supportive community and one that has made important differences in each of our lives.  That’s our strongest reason for deciding to participate in the Leave a Legacy program.  We benefitted from a TE community that was built by members before we joined, and we feel strongly that we want to support future TE members.

When Anne joined TE in 1992 after her divorce, she was looking for a bar mitzvah program for her son Matt.  TE provided a supportive community of guitar-playing Rabbi Jerry Brieger and many attentive teachers who helped meet Matt’s individual needs with caring and compassion.

Larry “joined” TE when he began dating Anne and attending Shabbat services in early 1996.  Larry was taken by how everyone sang at TE and he sang as well, albeit off-key.  Larry started going to Rabbi Brieger’s Torah study group and went to Matt’s bar mitzvah a few months after meeting Anne.  Anne and Larry grew together by getting to know the spiritual in the person they had first met.  Larry officially joined TE when he and Anne were married by Rabbi Brieger in 2000.

Once again the TE community was there when Matt passed in 2001.  TE provided open-hearted support and caring through a very difficult period.  Because Anne believes in the need to reaffirm life, working to beautify the TE grounds and TE cemetery is Anne’s way of expressing gratitude.  Anne has also specified the cemetery as her Leave a Legacy recipient.

Larry is a past TE president and board member and was chair of the rabbi search committee after Rabbi Brieger retired.  As it happens, the search committee received an application from a rabbi who briefly mentioned guitar playing and singing as a vital part of his services.  TE has been most fortunate that Rabbi Farbman, Olga Markus, Sam, and Robert became members of the TE community.

Temple Emanuel is the story of an evolving and growing community.  Leave a Legacy is designed as an investment in the future of TE, and we want this story to keep going.

Diane and Harvey Ruben

We were pleased and honored to participate in the Leave a Legacy program so enthusiastically and skillfully established by our Temple committee.  Members since 1975, we have embraced all that this community has to offer through many stages of our lives.  Our youngest son was named right here in the sanctuary.  Our children studied here, were bar mitzvahed here, and we have the joy now of bringing our six grandchildren here on occasion.  Our parents were buried by Rabbi Brieger.  It is important to us that this synagogue continue for future generations; we are overjoyed to attend services with the hum of little ones in the background.  Rabbi Farbman has energized and enriched Temple Emanuel.

We are aware that the future of many American reform synagogues is imperiled.  We see that younger families often view Temple membership in a different light.  The physical structures of our buildings grow older.  Somehow, we must fulfill the needs of aging families and teenagers; we must support families from diverse backgrounds and keep everything fresh—from the music to the prayerbooks, from the religious school to the Rabbi’s participation in spiritual/religious activities outside TE.

This takes financial resources as well as enthusiasm and shared history.  We want to do our part to be sure that Temple Emanuel will be strong and vibrant long after we are here.

Max and Nancy Case

Twenty-seven years ago we joined Temple Emanuel. We found a warm, joyous, musical, and vibrant community- some things never change!

Over the years, we experienced numerous transitions: from the old building that served as our sanctuary to the new sanctuary constructed in 1991 (Our son Scott’s Bar Mitzvah was the first Bar Mitzvah in the new sanctuary); and the removal of the house and the construction of our new addition.

Despite these changes, the constant at TE remains the sense of community. Years ago, our son Alex was badly injured and ended up as a patient at the Hospital For Special Surgery in New York City. The TE community helped us to get through this difficult time with comforting words, meals, and expressions of friendship. We have never forgotten those expressions of kindness, and we are constantly reminded of them as we respond now to the needs of others.

Both of us attribute our strong ties to TE to Rabbi Jerry Brieger. For Max, Jerry was a breath of fresh air- his joy and enthusiasm for TE was contagious. Max served on the board of directors, as vice-president twice and president for three years. Jerry helped Nancy learn Hebrew and inspired her to participate with three other women in an adult B’nai Mitzvah ceremony. Nancy remains actively involved in supporting TE’s choir, baking, and helping in fundraising events. Together we are the first husband and wife members of the TE band.

Our sense of community is now enhanced by the leadership, energy and wisdom of Rabbi Farbman and Olga Marcus. Their excitement is evident to all of us.

We view our membership and participation at TE as important and worthwhile. By setting aside bequests in our estate plans, we hope to assist this community so that in the future it will continue to remain strong and vibrant.

Philip Pivawer

Charitable contributions have always been part of our family DNA. When I sold my chemical business in 1997, my wife Barbara and I each set up a trust that would provide income for the surviving spouse, while allowing the principal to grow. Upon my death, a portion of the principal will go to a group of charities. Since Temple Emanuel was a major part of our lives, it will be a major beneficiary of our trusts.

When I talk to members as part of the legacy committee, I, of course, encourage them to make a charitable commitment to Temple Emanuel in their estate. I recognize that many members have large families and want to provide for their children and grandchildren, but I feel strongly that every family should leave some part of their estate to charity, if not Temple Emanuel then to some other organization that has had an influence on their life, be it a university, an arts organization, a medical organization, a nature organization. or a food bank. This is a way that all of us can give back something to the society which we have all benefited from.

Jean and Jim Silk

Our family moved to Connecticut in 1999.  The adjustment was difficult, especially for our 12-year-old daughter – it was her Bat Mitzvah year.  Finding a synagogue was a priority.  Friends in Washington recommended Temple Emanuel.  We visited for Shabbat services and vividly remember how warmly we were welcomed.  A few years later, Jean attended the celebration of Jerry Brieger’s 25th year as Rabbi of TE.  There was such a strong sense of community and love that night – for the rabbi and among the congregation members – it confirmed Jean’s desire to become an active member.  Since then, she’s served on the board, sang in the choir, led services, given D’Var Torah, chanted for Torah services, helped organize Tikkun Olam and Adult Education programs, and served as President from 2008 to 2010.  We expect to be life-long members of TE, and our Legacy Commitment enables us to contribute to sustaining the synagogue for generations to come.

Steven and Barbara Goldhamer

We joined TE a few years after relocating to Connecticut.  While we both had pretty typical Jewish upbringings, we had never been affiliated with a congregation during our time together.  Just before the High Holidays, Barbara challenged me to find us a synagogue to belong to or at least one where we could observe the holidays. One afternoon I stumbled into Temple Emanuel.  That first encounter was enough to convince me that I had found us a shul.  Even during our then short association, we learned just how remarkable this organization is – unquestioningly welcoming.  There were not any judgements based on position or status.  Just a warm, caring group that steps up for its membership under whatever the circumstances.  In good times, and sometimes not so good, the TE community takes care of its own.  The people of this congregation have become family to us.  While we both come at our faith from different points of view, TE has made it possible for both of us to observe and participate in so many ways.

We learned about the Leave a Legacy program soon after we joined.  While we have not been in a position to make many direct contributions during our time, it seemed like a very appropriate way to make a commitment to the future of Temple Emanuel.  It costs nothing up front to support this program.  In fact, it was this commitment that prompted us this past fall to have our wills prepared with a bequest to the continued success of Temple Emanuel.  I hope that everybody who reads this can reflect on similar experiences of their own and be inspired to make the same commitment that we did.  If there is one thing I have learned about Temple Emanuel, it’s that you will always get back more than you put in.  The only way for that to continue is for all of us to put at least a little something in.

A year of the Mensch

By Olga Markus

Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn. – Benjamin Franklin

 

As a teacher and a member of Temple Emanuel Religious School faculty, I love this quote for it expresses a deep truth: the best education happens when we make it a part of who we are. This year, as we are getting ready to open our doors to our new and returning students and their families, we strive to create meaningful ways to embrace new experiences, to gain valuable lessons, and to acquire new skills and perspectives along the way.

At the end of last year, our faculty decided that in the true spirit of the TE community, ‘Be A Mensch’ would become an overall theme for our 2018-19 school year. “Mensch“ is a Yiddish word meaning “a person of integrity and honor”. Being a “mensch” is not at all related to success, wealth or social status. A mensch is many things and one simple thing.  A mensch does what is right – because it is right – towards family, community, towards strangers, at home and in public.  When people behave with honesty, integrity, consideration and respect, they themselves prosper, as does society at large. By spreading mensch-like behavior we can make our society happier, healthier and more successful. In the framework of our school this year we are planning to have school-wide and grade-specific programs that will encourage all of us to be respectful of ourselves and each other, of our beautiful building that we all share, and of those who put in numerous hours and much effort to keep it clean, safe and welcoming for all of us. We will continue to engage with our Jewish traditions and wisdom, and to learn from them how to be more aware and respectful of each other’s needs and personal spaces. We hope to become mensches who have courage to do the right thing, to stand up for what’s right, and to admit when we are wrong.  We want our students to care about their community, about Am Israel, and about the world.

There are, of course, different recipes for making mensches, but I know together we can come up with a good one!

Ben Zoma (a 2nd century CE Jewish teacher) said: “Who is wise? He who learns from every person.” (Pirkei Avot 4:1). Education comes in all shapes and from all sources. Everyone has something to teach. A key to growth is being open to learning from all different types of people. Our students are blessed to have so many role models among TE members. We call them different names – elves, angels, volunteers – but it all comes down to being true mensches in the deepest meaning of this word.

There is so much to look forward to in the new school year at Temple Emanuel! Our last year’s junior teachers became full members of the faculty, and we are so proud of the four high school seniors serving as true role models. We can’t wait to see all of our students and madrichim, and to welcome new families. Our school year begins on Sunday, September 23rd with a sukkah build at 9:30 am, followed by a community potluck lunch in the sukkah. We will also be celebrating Simchat Torah and welcoming new students to our Hebrew school on September 30th at 6:00 pm – hope to see you all there!

We look forward to new experiences that will involve our students and their families in true learning through doing, being, engaging.

“Shir Magic” weekend with Jacob “Spike” Kraus, Nov 2-4, tickets now on sale!

An annual musical weekend in memory of Rabbi Jerry Brieger z”l

November 2-4, 2018

Jacob ‘Spike’ Kraus returns to TE with his new album “Cornerstones”!

Friday, November 2

  • 6:30pm – Family Shabbat Service

Saturday, November 3

Sunday, November 4

  • 11:30 am – mini concert featuring TE religious school students.

All services are open to the public (and always free!)

Saturday night concert tickets AVAILABLE NOW!

Jacob “Spike” Kraus is a singer/songwriter hailing from Boston, Ma. He has three studio releases: ‘The King’s Beanie EP,’ “Shake Off The Dust,” and he released his second studio album ‘Cornerstones’ in May 2017. His music has been included in the cantorial curriculum of Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion, and is featured on Jewish Rock Radio & PJ Library. A member of the Jewish A Cappella group Six13, JSK believes in music’s power as a community-builder. He tours the country singing with multi-generational communities and using Jewish music as a tool to educate and engage the next generation of Jews. Find out more about Jacob and his music at www.jacobspikekraus.com.

iEngage at Temple Emanuel: Jewish Values and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

A Shalom Hartman Institute Lecture and Study Series led by Rabbi Michael Farbman

Through video lectures, text study, and lively group discussion, we are pleased to bring the world-renowned faculty of the Shalom Hartman Institute into the Temple Emanuel community this fall.

The Video Lecture Series Jewish Values and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict explores one of the most divisive issues affecting the Jewish people today. Through the study of Jewish narratives about Israel and the unpacking of the complex meanings of peace in Jewish tradition, participants are invited to explore the ideas and values that animate different attitudes toward the conflict and how these values shape their own political understandings. Though a common political platform may not be attainable, this course strives to achieve a shared respect for our differences.

Each session includes text study and discussion led by Rabbi Michael Farbman, and video lectures and roundtable discussions with leading Hartman scholars.

Sundays | 10:15 – 11:45 am

Nov 11 & 18, Dec 2 & 9, Jan 6, Feb 3, 10 & 24, Mar 3 & 31, April 28, May 5 

 $36.00 per person. Registration is required. To register for class, please follow this link.

It is Temple Emanuel policy not to prevent any of our members from participating for financial reasons. Please speak to Rabbi Farbman confidentially.

 

President’s column (September)

A small but hearty group of TE members, along with Rabbi Michael Farbman, visited Israel in July. Our guide was an Israeli kibbutznick, originally from South Africa, who immigrated to Israel in the Apartheid era to seek a more morally balanced Jewish life. Julian Resnick took us to many common tourist sites in Israel, and also to several West Bank locations, where we met and spoke with several Palestinians of various backgrounds – including a reporter for Time magazine, a Palestinian policeman, and a Palestinian billionaire developer. This remarkable man has built a city near Ramallah for upper middle class living, which looks like planned cities in the US including modern apartments, shopping areas, playgrounds, pools, theater. There are already 4,000 people living there, and clearly a growing market for this life. His vision is to help resolve Palestine’s current dilemma of victimhood by looking forward with more jobs, more financial success and more stability for Palestinians and Israelis.

It became clear to us that nobody wants continued Occupation – -often victimizing Palestinians and forcing Israelis into uncomfortable moral positions. However we learned that the situation is very complex – – Israel must defend itself, as Hamas encourages destitute Palestinians to confront and attack Israel. It is in Hamas’ interest to maintain the desperate condition of many destitute, displaced Palestinians, who blame not Hamas, but Israel.    What is the way out? Helping develop a Palestinian infrastructure, and a vision of hope as the developer is doing, may be one such creative solution.

We then all heard of the Palestinian teen Ahed Tamimi, who as AP reported “became an international symbol of resistance to Israeli occupation after slapping two soldiers.” The soldiers initially walked away, not causing an incident. However after a video of the encounter “went viral,” and strong voices in Israel, like Cabinet minister Uri Ariel said “I think Israel acts too mercifully with these types of terrorists,” the girl and her mother were arrested and jailed. After an international outcry, they were released, and hailed as heroes in their West Bank home.

Such a complex problem – each day the IDF and Israeli leadership make decisions that are based on Jewish morality and law, and also on a commitment to preserve the safety of Israel. Israel provides electricity to Gaza, even as their citizens send flaming balloons and kites into Israeli lands to burn their crops and possibly their homes. Israel sends humanitarian supplies across to Gaza, even as Hamas will not recognize that these life-saving supplies come from Israel.

It seems to me that the more secure and successful Palestinians can be in creating a successful Palestine, the more secure Israel can be with their neighbors in the West Bank. As long as people look back and maintain the cycle of domination and victimhood, there will be only anger, violence and sympathetic figures like the teenage Ahed Tamini. When Palestinians and Israelis look to the future and not the past, with efforts to support Palestinian autonomy, security and economic success, the space for a way out of this longtime tragedy may appear.