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TE goes to Israel 2013

Back in August, as we were coming back from Temple Emanuel trip to Israel, I have asked the participants to write a line or two about their experience, so that I could share their words, their narratives and their emotions with the rest of TE. Below are some of those early impressions, a snapshot of an experience of a life time, surrounded by a few more pictures from the trip. There isn’t much that I can add to the profoundly moving words that Alla, Ron, Monte, Keith, Sandy, Olivia, Sam and Eva had shared with us, except for one thing: going to Israel as part of Temple Emanuel group has made this experience even more special for everyone, myself included, and I am eternally grateful for the incredible sense of community that I got to experience.

“Awe, frustration, hope, and pride are just a few of the feelings that I experienced while on the tour in Israel. The history of the land and people that extends to thousands of years, the achievements (modern architecture, unique design, art, and agriculture), the dedication to human life were frequently overwhelming. The ability to share it with my family, with old friends and new ones was truly priceless. ” —Alla

 “If I took a friend to Israel, the 1st place we’d go is the beach in Tel Aviv. I liked the water temperature and the waves. I liked trying surfing.” —Ava, 9

 “I went to Israel as a tourist. But, after my experience there for two weeks, I had a sense of pride and accomplishment about my journey. I guess I was not a tourist after all. ” —Sam, 12

  “I liked that people in Israel ignored what was going on  around them. The news does not portray the peace that exists. People live in neighborhoods, play with friends and have families just like us. Israel is a great and beautiful place to visit. ” —Olivia, 15

 “I’ve come back from Israel with a bird’s-eye view of a society with many contradictions; the Ultra Orthodox, who live, breathe and “practice” the literal Torah’’’—’’’’with disproportionate political influence, while seemingly oblivious to the practical realities of the general society in which they live; contrasted with the modern, secular Israelis, the young who especially appear confident and outwardly fearless in their hearing—but many of whom, according to the Reform rabbis who spoke to us, lack the type of religious connection we experience in America (and yet who live and breathe the Bible as their history). We saw miracles in agriculture and technology which Israel’s neighbors would do well to emulate; yet these neighbors dismiss all of this in the name of ideology, instead favoring poverty, hunger and ignorance for their common people. We also received some profound insights from non-Jewish Israeli citizens about the “other side of the coin.” As a Jew who was born less than a decade after the holocaust and experienced anti-Semitism directly as a young child, and indirectly through the experiences of my parents, I must say that I never felt in my 60 plus years the same profound sense of safety and belonging anywhere else as I felt during the time of less than two weeks that we spent In Israel. ”  —Monte

 “My father was a doctor in World War II. He served in India, China and Burma—  seeing all these places before he was 35— but he never went to Israel. My mother  always spoke of going to Israel, but got  sick and never went. Yet I made it to Israel. Standing on Mount Scopus overlooking Jerusalem for the first time was an experience I will never forget.

Standing at the Western Wall and placing a prayer at the Wall for my parents was exhilarating. Seeing my son read from the Torah wearing his Bar Mitzvah tallas and me wearing the yarmulke that my father had worn at my Bar Mitzvah 42 years ago was like fulfilling a lifelong dream. If I never take another trip in life, I made it to Israel. It truly was a life altering experience. ” —Ron

 “My favorite place was Ein Gedi!” —Jared, 13

 “In Israel I found family and a piece of myself I didn’t/hadn’t known.” —Keith

 “The only place in the world for a Jew to go, never having been, and feel that they have come home. Beautiful, incredibly diverse, proud, strong, warm, real. It truly is, and always will be, “Tikvatanu”. Nothing else comes close.” —Jen

 

“When the potential for a trip to Israel was announced, I knew we had to go. I also knew I’d need to do some convincing, as the media does not always portray Israel well and therefore has made people afraid to travel. It has been my pleasure to let everyone know what a beautiful and peaceful place it is. ” —Sandy

Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing: Worthwhile or Risky? Sunday, October 20, 10:00 AM

Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing: Worthwhile or Risky? Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) genetic testing companies market genetic tests directly to the public and often claim that testing is for entertainment purposes only. rachel barnettHowever, some information gained from DTC testing may significantly impact medical care. This talk will address some of the controversy around DTC testing and whether results of such testing are clinically accurate and allow us to engage with this very pertinent topic with a help of an expert in the field, Rachel E. Barnett.

Rachel E. Barnett, MS is a Senior Genetic Counselor specializing in cancer genetics at the Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine. She earned her Master of Science at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, is board certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling, and joined Yale in 2004.  She has provided lectures to many professional and public groups in Connecticut and is an author on several articles about hereditary cancer syndromes.

Bagels and coffee at 9:45 AM; talk and Q&A from 10:00 AM until 11:45 AM.

Weekly Torah study at Temple Emanuel – starting Sept 28 at 10:30 am

Plaut TorahThe Torah is the Tree of Life, the Blueprint for humanity. A most revered book in Judaism. It’s stories are among the best known world over, and yet if you try to read the Torah as a book, from beginning to end, you might find yourself easily confused by the narrative.  For centuries the Jewish people have engaged with the words of Torah every week, one small portion at a time. Studied the narrative, searched for interpretation and deeper understanding of the lessons it teachers us. One generation after the other our ancestors added commentaries to the Torah text, often arguing with each other across time and space, searching for better ways to understand the scripture.

At Temple Emanuel, we have always taken this sacred tradition seriously. Every Shabbat morning a group of TE members comes together to discuss the weekly Torah portion, to learn from our ancestors and to offer our own take on the traditional text. No previous knowledge is required (but always welcome!:) Simply come, enjoy coffee, Torah and conversation in a good company – and your Shabbat morning will never be the same again!

 

This week’s new Torah cycle begins on Saturday, September 28th at 10:30 am in TE library.

(Please check the calendar for this week’s time and details).

President’s Column (Fortified by great support!)

Bruce SpiewakBy Bruce Spiewak, Temple Emanuel President

October, 2013

Since my last column, the Temple Emanuel Community has begun the New Year of 5774 with incredible participation and cooperation in the preparation and carrying out of the High Holiday events, which crept up quickly after the summer hiatus. As I write this column we have received our new TE Calendars and Yahrtzeit Listings, and have also successfully put together our Sukkah, which we will have populated for the Sukkot Service by the time you read this. We had a very successful BBQ, with attendance by new and longer term members.

The enthusiasm and welcoming spirit exhibited at our events continues to be contagious and invigorating. Simchat Torah will have again given us the opportunity to gather, together with the Religious School, and witness the unrolling and re-rolling of the Torah Scroll to start reading at the beginning once more! As we gathered in the Sanctuary to “lend a hand” we reflected again on the concept of how “many hands make light work!” Todah Rabah to all of you, who planned, participated in and picked up afterwards!

October is filled with events and activities including the Cook and Care Walk-a-thon, Adult Education courses, Shabbat Services, the Family Service, Torah Study, Religious School, and more! We have a Joint Sisterhood / Hadassah Program hosted at TE addressing Jewish Music, with our own Rabbi Farbman as the presenter. There is a Sunday morning study session on Genetic Testing as well as a Sisterhood Book Discussion Group. Our Long Term Planning Committee continues to study and evaluate long term options and visions for the Congregation.

The Facilities Planning Committee has made some recommendations for the short to mid-term that encourage creative use and repair of our physical plant facilities. As an integral part of the overall concept of addressing Membership, Governance and Finance issues, it is great to introduce the Community at large to our congregants, congregation and facilities. The LeaveA-Legacy Campaign continues to enlist more and more participants, eager to help ensure the TE Legacy for generations to come.

Once again, comes the opportunity to think about your participation in attending, planning and organizing for these TE events and activities, as well as with the standing Committees, as listed in your TE Directory. Also, think about friends and acquaintances who might appreciate an invitation to attend a TE event with you. Consider having a small group gather at your house to help welcome new members. Again, thank you all for standing up together and shouting “hineini.” Standing together, we are Temple Emanuel!

Happy October!

IMG_6192On Sept 23rd I met with Laurel, our High Holy Day Cantorial Soloist, to go over the recent High Holy Day services while the memory is still fresh in our minds. We reviewed our notes and made some corrections and adjustments to the service to make it run a little smoother and to make sure it doesn’t run longer than it should. At the end of our meeting I pointed out that we just had our post High Holy Day review meeting – and it’s not even the end of September yet! To make it feel even more unusual, we took a look at next year’s dates – and with Rosh Hashanah on September 25, 2014, next year we will not have even started the festival cycle! 🙂 The Jewish calendar works in mysterious ways, as we will all discover once again this year when we gather at Thanksgiving and light a SECOND Chanukah candle!

Since all of the Festivals of Tishrei fell on September this year, October will end up being an ‘empty’ month – no Jewish festivals to celebrate, just ‘regular’ weeks of school, Shabbat, and family time. And while it may sound strange to think of October without the Jewish festivals, the month of Cheshvan is in fact the month that is always free of any festivals or special dates! The traditional name for the month of Cheshvan is Mar-Cheshvan, and according to at least one interpretation it is ‘mar’ (bitter) because it has no festivals to celebrate!  🙂

Be it as it may, although October does not have any Jewish festivals for us to celebrate, there are plenty of opportunities for us to engage with our community and with each other. Whether it is getting together for a Shabbat meal with friends, Shabbat Morning Torah service with discussion of the weekly portion on October 5th, Sisterhood Book Club on Oct 7th, coming to Bnei Mitzvah Class Shabbaton on October 12th, attending the first in the series of Adult Education programs on Shabbat afternoon (also Oct. 12th), coming to a special program on Genetics with Rachel Barnett from Yale, or participating in the Cook and Care Walk-a-Thon (both on October 20th), there is hardly a weekend when you don’t have a chance to engage with your community and with Judaism in a meaningful and powerful way. (Not to mention the regular Shabbat services, Torah study, and Religious school and family programs!) Whatever you choose to do, neither October nor MarCheshvan have to feel empty – or bitter! May it be the month filled with the warmth of the special TE community spirit. Check out the Shofar and our website for more info on all of these programs – and make sure you find something that’s right for YOU!

Happy October, everyone!

Prof. Robert Burt to speak at TE on Friday, Sept 27 during 8pm Shabbat Service

Prof. Robert Burt  to speak at TE on Friday, Sept 27 during 8pm Shabbat Service

“In the Whirlwind: God and Humanity in Conflict”

Robert Burt, law professor at Yale, will discuss his recent book and explores three questions: Is the basis for God’s authority in biblical text anything more than his overwhelming coercive capacity? Is God instead obliged to respect norms of justice in dealing with humanity? If human beings have rights that God must respect, according to biblical text, how can we enforce this obligation?

Temple Emanuel Presents: 'My Sister's Still a Hippie' Saturday November 2, 2013 @ 8 p.m.

My Sister’s Still a Hippiethe_pink_guitar

Revisit the 1960’s and 1970’s through a musical memoir of folk and neo-folk music

When: Saturday November 2, 2013 at 8 p.m.

How much: $18 per person. $20 at the door. No reserved seating.
Players:

Debra Lynn Alt ( Sarah Levine) is a singer/songwriter who lives in Lyme, CT with her husband and daughter. A former member of Temple Emanuel, Deb was once the lead singer in Rolling Stone Magazine’s house band. Deb has recorded two CD’s of mostly original music, including songs for different causes she performs at benefits. Still singing at wineries and local venues, she is thrilled to be returning to the stage after a long hiatus from acting. You can hear her at debrasong.com.

Tedra Schneider (Naomi Levine Cohen) has performed with the Orange Players, Yale Repertory Theater,and the International Festival of Arts and Ideas. She has also done commercials and improvisational theater. Her film credits include two indie films and she appeared in “In Bloom” with Uma Thurman. A member of Temple Emanuel since 1980, Tedra is excited to be performing in front of her family and friends.

Burt and Myra Saxon (writers/producers) live in Milford. Members of Temple Emanuel, they have seven grandchildren. Their previous plays include Condo Complex and Mike Morrison’s Story.

To buy a ticket, please follow this link.

For any questions, please call Temple Emanuel Office: (203)397-3000, T-F 9-2

President’s Column (Maybe short, but well braced)

Bruce SpiewakSummer, 2013 By Bruce Spiewak, Temple Emanuel President

This is a combined summer column / edition of the Shofar, so we need to consolidate space a little.   (That’s the excuse for a shorter than normal column!)

It has been about a year since I began serving our Congregation as President and I have some important observations to share:

We have been making progress on the goals set out for the Board to address issues of Membership, Finance and Governance.  This involves many efforts including:

  • the new Fair Share Dues Structure,
  • the Bylaws changes to allow a Second Vice President and an Assistant Treasurer,
  • events open to the community to draw non- (not yet) members as well as members.
  • reorganization of the administrative functions of the Office and the accounting systems,
  • formation of the Long Term Planning initiative,
  • investigation into the future and maintenance of our physical plant,
  • coordination of the “Leave a Legacy Program,
  • re-evaluation of the way things have been done historically with a fresh outlook towards our method of organizing committees, events and programs,
  • introduction of new children’s programming and educational events,
  • fresh approaches to our religious services and introduction of new ideas,
  • many more efforts that you can add.

I am constantly energized and refreshed by the incredible support and participation provided by our Board and our Congregants, in sharing skills, knowledge, time and resources.  The Community is incredible and continues to amaze me.  That is what gives me the strength to carry on!  Thank you every one and let’s have another outstanding remarkable creative year!  L’Shanah Tovah!!

Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) at Temple Emanuel

Tzedek tirdofTikkun Olam.  For many of us it is the essence of our belief.  Working to make the world a better place is reflected in our prayers and in our acts.  We need your help to make Tikkun Olam alive again at Temple Emanuel.

Over the years, we at TE have engaged in a wide variety of activities:

  • Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen

  • Yom Kippur food drives

  • Delivered and prepared meals for the homeless and needy at Thanksgiving

  • Participated in Abraham’s Tent

  • Walked in the Cook and Care Walk-a-thon

  • Been part of Habitat for Humanity

  • Travelled to Nicaragua with the New Haven/Leon Sister City Program

  • Rallied on behalf of Darfur in Washington, D.C.

  • Read to New Haven school children

  • Gathered clothes for the needy

The list goes on and on.

We have hosted speakers and discussions on issues of interest in our society:

  • Eliminating the Death Penalty

  • Israeli – Palestinian relations

  • I.D. program in New Haven

  • Soap box forums for congregants

None of this can happen without dedicated, interested and committed people.  None of this can happen without YOU.

The Social Action/Community Service (SACS) committee is being restructured.  It will change from a group creating projects to one that serves to coordinate them.   The membership of TE is invited to create your own projects and TE will attempt to broadcast for help and to publicize what you are proposing.  Please e-mail us with your ideas of what YOU would like to do.  The membership will be informed and invited to assist and get involved in your project.  In this way the Temple’s involvement will grow, individuals will work on projects that interest them and the energy of many people will be more directed.

Thus far we have individuals who wish to work on the High Holiday Food Drive and others who are interested in Thanksgiving.  Let us know where you fit in so we can move forward together.

We will coordinate this activity while the restructuring continues to take place.

Peter Stolzman & Nancy Weber

TikkunOlam@TempleEmanuel-GNH.org

President’s Column (Repair, Renew, Restore, Reconstruct, Reconsider, Review, Revise, Reevaluate)

Bruce Spiewak Definition:  “REPAIR. The reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building for the purpose of its maintenance.”  This is a technical definition as it applies to buildings under the CT State Building Code.

Tikkun olam (Hebrew: (תיקון עולם or תקון עולם‎) is a Hebrew phrase that means “repairing the world” (or “healing the world”) which suggests humanity’s shared responsibility to heal, repair and transform the world. In Judaism, the concept of tikkun olam originated in the early rabbinic period. The concept was given new meanings in the kabbalah of the medieval period and has come to possess further connotations in modern Judaism.  This is a definition from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

So, why are these two terms relevant?  We are at a period in the evolution of Temple Emanuel where we find ourselves reevaluating and reconsidering many of the policies and procedures that we have historically kept and used for guidance during the last 50 or so years of our existence.  During this period of review we discover the need to revise and reconstruct some procedures, methods of operation, bylaw provisions, committee organization, Board structure and mission, etc.  Also there is an element of renewal and revitalization.

Members of TE have gotten together with members of other Synagogues and Jewish Organizations to start a dialogue about how we can work together in a symbiotic way to benefit us all.  We have had follow up meetings to our initial ones and I am gratified to see that there is continuing dialogue and progress on several fronts.

We have investigated and have begun a restructuring of some TE Committees in order to revitalize and reinvigorate the process and participation.  There is a focus on Membership and Social Action/Community Service as specific Committees being reviewed.  Last month I asked you to think about your own involvement and where you would like to become more active.  To those who contacted me directly, todah rabah!  To those who have not yet done so, but are thinking about it, please do so at president@templeemanuel-gnh.org and we can take it further.

By the time you read this we will have had our special meeting on April 28 to vote on the proposed revisions to our bylaws to allow an Assistant Treasurer to serve on our congregation Board of Directors.  Also, the new system of organizing our membership commitments will have been rolled out for your review and understanding.  Our Erev Cinco de Mayo “funraiser” will have successfully completed and will set a great example of how TE works cooperatively for both fun and fundraising.  In addition I will have announced the appointment of a new, reinvented committee, which will be following up on some of the overall reevaluation and renewal concepts mentioned in this column.

Hopefully, by now you have had the opportunity to interact with our new Office Manager, Miriam Cheng, who has now completed the baton pass from Nancy Weber.  Contact Miriam at office@templeemanuel-gnh.org or 203-397-3000 if you have questions or if you need to contact the office.

We look forward to the May 17th Friday night service at which Maya Levine-Ritterman will be awarded the Susan Bleeks Scholarship.  Also, please sign up for the May 31 Shabbat dinner and tribute to Gloria Levine, second TE President, featuring our TE Band.  By now you have probably been contacted to help prepare and participate.  If not, shout “hineini!”  Contact me directly at president@templeemanuel-gnh.org  or contact any Board Member – perhaps your “Board Buddy!”  (You’ve heard that before!)   Chodesh Tov!