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Calendar Pages 18 & 19
Jewish Community of Amherst
Candle Lighting
June 5 ~ 8:05 pm
June 12 ~ 8:09 pm
June 19 ~ 8:12 pm
June 26 ~ 8:13 pm
July 3 ~ 8:12 pm
July 10 ~ 8:10 pm
July 17 ~ 8:06 pm
July 24 ~ 8:00 pm
July 31 ~ 7:53 pm
Times shown are 18 minutes
before sunset for Amherst, MA
Special Events
June 7
Semi-Annual Meeting
June 11
Senior Luncheon
June 11
Film:
A Life Well Loved
Meetings
June 3
School Committee
June 3
Ritual Life Committee
June 4
Board Meeting
June 12
Adult Ed Committee
July 1
Ritual Life Committee
July 9
Board Meeting
B'nai Mitzvah
June 13
Gabriel Trobaugh
June 20
Caleb Ballantine
June 27
Eli Kayser Hirsh
Message from Co-President
Bill Zimmer, 537-7827, wdzimmer@gmail.com
W
e’re preparing for the Semi-Annual Meeting of the community, and
I want to highlight some of the issues we’ll
be discussing.
First, we want to share with you that effective next July1, we intend to change the
budget year to July-June, while keeping the
dues year and fiscal year January- December
(This requires a formal bylaw change which
we won’t bring to the community until December, so we’ll be transitioning informally
into this model during the next year). This
might seem odd, but it’s driven by a number
of considerations. One is that as currently
set up, the Finance Committee and Board
have a highly condensed time period, from
after the High Holydays until the beginning
of November to develop the budget, and it
doesn’t allow for sufficient analysis and vetting by either the Board or the community.
By shifting the budget year to July- June we
have a 5 month period from January – June
to work on this and solicit feedback about it,
uninterrupted by the summer and the High
Holydays. Second, if the dues year stays as
January-December, we’ll have actual data
about membership and dues pledges when
we develop the budget, whereas now we
make a sometimes less- than- accurate projection about them based on history.
Second, we're struggling with a related,
although separate, dilemma. Many in the
community have not responded in a timely
manner to our membership and dues letters.
Dues commitments were requested by February 15th, and yet 130 member units had
not responded by March 1; after a follow-up
letter, that number came down to 82 by April
15th; as of May 12th, we still have not heard
from 44 members about their status. This is
not a reasonable way for us to plan. We will
do everything we can to outreach to these
44 members, but sometime in June we’ll be
communicating with them and indicating
Affiliated with the
Jewish Reconstructionist
Movement
June/July 2015
Sivan/Tammuz/Av 5775
Vol. 14, Issue No. 6
that based on their lack of response to what
will by that time be three letters and phone
calls, we’ll have to assume, reluctantly, that
they no longer intend to remain members.
The way that’s related to our change in
budget year is that there is an emerging consensus on the Board that next June we will
present a budget to the community based
only on actual data about membership and
dues, even if that means we’ll need to consider reductions in programs and other costs
to accommodate our known revenue. That
seems to us the responsible, albeit, unpleasant way, to proceed. Our Fair Share system
is still a work-in-progress, and our dues projections have been less predictable than in
traditional dues models, and it requires us to
approach our budget in a prudent and conservative manner.
Third, we are pleased to be implementing
our new Educational model, which replaces
a single Director of Life-Long Learning
with a team comprised of a School Principal
(Keren Rhodes) and a Coordinator of Youth
& Family Programs (Cara Silverberg),
working collaboratively with the Rabbi, the
Administrative Director and the Education
Committee to establish a new vision of integrated education at the JCA. The Rabbi will
talk about that vision at the Semi-Annual
Meeting, and we will also have the opportunity to officially welcome Keren Rhodes
into her new role.
Finally, we’ll have an opportunity for
Tobi Sznajderman, chair of the Membership
Committee, to speak briefly about the work
of this very important committee, which is
charged with developing programs for the
orientation, integration, engagement and retention of all our members.
We hope you will consider joining us for
our semi-annual meeting of members.
B’shalom,
Bill
2
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — June/July 2015
Jewish Community of Amherst, Inc.
742 Main Street, Amherst, MA 01002
(413) 256-0160, fax (413) 256-1588
Religious School (413) 256-0160 ext. 203
email: info@j-c-a.org; Online at: www.j-c-a.org
Rabbi Benjamin Weiner
Rabbi David Dunn Bauer (2003-2010)
Rabbi Sheila Peltz Weinberg (1989-2002)
Rabbi Emeritus Yechiael Lander
School Principal: Keren Rhodes (256-0160 ext. 203)
Coordinator of Youth and Family Programs:
Cara Michelle Silverberg (256-0160 ext. 204)
Office Hours:
Tuesday - Friday: 10:30 - 4:00
Wednesday: 4:00 - 6:00 & Sunday 9:00 - 1:00
(When Religious School is in session)
_____________________________
Beit Shalom Committee
The Beit Shalom Committee is available to members of the JCA congregation
wishing assistance in addressing personal
differences that have arisen between individuals, among committees or with those
in leadership positions within the JCA.
The Committee will step in to help facilitate the resolving of conflicts only when
they cannot otherwise be successfully
resolved between the parties themselves
or through other existing JCA structures.
Communications with Beit Shalom members will be kept strictly confidential unless agreed upon differently by the participants.
Committee members are:
Danielle Barshak: 548-8139
danielle@stobierski.com
Josette Henschel: 213-0186
josette.henschel@gmail.com
Board of Directors
Officers:
Co-Presidents: Guy Wood (802-387-5676)
Bill Zimmer (413-537-7827)
First Vice President: Bob Solosko (413-527-0725)
Second Vice President: Michael Burkart (413-256-8139)
Clerk: To be determined
Treasurer: Michael Burkart (413-256-8139)
Rob Okun: 253-9372
raokun@verizon.net
Kitty Talan: 253-2248
kittytalan@comcast.net
Members:
Normand Berlin, Jaymie Chernoff, Richard Cohen, Robert Friedman,
Hans Herda, Amy Kroin, Eli Kwartler, Andra Rose, Flo Stern
Membership: Tobi Sznajderman (413-549-1795)
Administrative Director:
Karen Bell (256-0160 ext. 207, admindir@j-c-a.org)
Office Manager: Susan Thomas (256-0160, susan@j-c-a.org)
Administrative Assistants:
Misha Heij Mariano, Dan Reynolds (256-0160)
Facility Manager: Santo Alers (256-0160)
For information about using JCA space including
renting the Social Hall, contact:
Karen Bell (256-0160 ext. 207, admindir@j-c-a.org)
For a list of committee chairs and members, go to:
http://www.j-c-a.org/committees.html
Please refer to your Guidebook for contact information.
(If you have not received your Guidebook, call the office.)
_____________________________
NEWSLETTER
Editor/Graphic Designer: Aaron Bousel
(Voice: 253-3544, Voice & Fax: 253-3846; news@j-c-a.org)
Proofreader: Sarah Thomson
Deadline for the August issue is July 12th
June/July 2015, Vol. 14, Issue No. 6. Newsletter is published 11 times per year.
Subscription price is included in membership.
Have you checked out the
JCA Judaica Store lately?
Books by JCA members
and others, siddurim,
chumashim, tallitot, mezzuzot
and many lovely gift items.
You can shop whenever
the office is open.
3
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — June/July 2015
Devarim:
Words from Rabbi Benjamin Weiner
A
bout twenty years ago, as I was about to
graduate from college, I went with my
mother to visit an old friend of our family who was
recovering from open heart surgery. He was back
home, but clearly in the very early stages of recuperation—gaunt and tired, and bearing the kind of
gravity that attends a close brush with mortality.
He was sitting on his sofa, with a bowl of soup in
his lap, but didn’t seem to have much of an appetite. Instead of eating, he wanted to tell us a story—
and I remember the story he told vividly, to this
day. I want to share it with you, as my words this
month, without much in the way of commentary,
simply for your consideration.
“I’ve always wondered why it is we say we
‘practice’ Judaism,” he said to us. “Why that word?
Why ‘practice’?” I can’t remember if he paused
before speaking the next phrase, but it would have
conveyed the appropriate dramatic effect. “Now I
know why,” he said.
He had known for most of his adult life that
he would inevitably have heart surgery, if he were
lucky. His brother had died of an early heart attack—the result of a congenital condition—and so
he was always very conscious of his own health,
both in terms of taking care of himself, and being
attentive to the state of his body. One day, in his
office, he realized something wasn’t right, and the
next thing he knew, emergency surgery had been
scheduled.
Rabbi Liaison Committee
The committee meets monthly with the rabbi.
The purpose of the Rabbi Liaison Committee is to support
and enhance the rabbi-congregational relationship by:
1. Serving as a channel to communicate comments,
issues and/or complaints from congregants who
would prefer not to contact the rabbi directly.
2. Meeting with the rabbi to help with processing and
thinking through issues or concerns that are raised
either by congregants or by the rabbi.
“They got me all ready,” he said, “and then they
wheeled me into the preoperative area. I had to
wait there for a little while, lying there on the gurney. I was nervous. My mind was racing. I didn’t
know what was going to happen.”
He continued, “There, in the corner of the
room, sitting in a chair, was an orthodox woman.
She must have been waiting for someone who was
in there, her husband maybe, or a child. She had a
book in her hand, Tehillim, the Psalms, and she was
reading them.”
“I called over to her, and when I had her attention, I asked her, ‘Excuse me, ma’am. Could
you read a Psalm for me?’ I didn’t know what she
would think, but I had to ask her.”
“She came over, and sat down beside me, close
to my head, and started to read the 23rd Psalm.
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow
of death I will not fear. She read the Psalm and she
gave me a blessing.”
“Pretty soon, they came to wheel me into surgery. I still didn’t know what would happen, but
my heart was calm.”
“And now I know why we say we ‘practice’ Judaism,” he said. “It’s because there might very well
come a time when we need to know how to do it.”
b'shalom,
Rabbi Weiner
All congregants are encouraged to speak to members of
the committee about any concerns they may have that they
would like to be brought to the rabbi’s attention.
All information is shared only with the rabbi and the
committee and will be held in confidence.
Aaron Bousel 253-3544, abousel@comcast.net
Barbara Burkart 256-8139, barbruth@comcast.net
Richard Cohen, 256-6145, ra_cohen@msn.com
Deb Fine 256-1572, zohar01@comcast.net
Amy Mittelman 256-0883, amGU@hampshire.edu
Ted Slovin 253-3518, tslovin@acad.umass.edu
4
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — June/July 2015
Ritual Life Committee
Yossi Bryer-Charette, Co-chair, 860-559-4926, pcharette@lightingaffiliates.com
Aaron Bousel, Co-chair, 413-253-3544, abousel@comcast.net
RELIGION CALENDAR
Shabbat Behalotekha, Numbers 8:1-12:16
Shabbat Balak, Numbers 22:2-25:9
June 5, Friday
July 3, Friday
5:30 PM
5:30 PM
Intergenerational family service and potluck supper
Service Leader: Rabbi Weiner
June 6, Saturday
10:00 AM
Service and Kiddush honoring Jody Rosenbloom
Service Leader: Rabbi Weiner
D'var Torah: Rabbi Weiner

Shabbat Shelaḥ Lekha Numbers 13:1-15:41
June 12, Friday
6:15 PM
Service Leader: Rabbi Weiner
Service will be followed by a community potluck supper
June 13, Saturday
10:00 AM
Bar Mitzvah: Gabriel Trobaugh
Service Leader: Rabbi Weiner
D’var Torah: Gabriel Trobaugh

June 17/18, Wednesday/ThursdayRosh Ḥodesh Tammuz

Shabbat Koraḥ, Numbers 16:1-18:32
June 19, Friday
6:15 PM
Shabbat Ne'imah
Service Leader: Rabbi Weiner
June 20, Saturday
10:00 AM
Intergenerational family service, Tot Shabbat and potluck
supper
Service Leader: To be announced
July 4, Saturday
10:00 AM
Service Leader: To be announced
D'var Torah: To be announced

July 5, Sunday- Shiv'ah Asar B'Tammuz
On this date in 70 C.E. the Roman army broke through the
walls of Jerusalem. Shiv'ah Asar B'Tammuz inaugurates a
three week mourning period, culminating in Tisha B'Av. It is
traditionally a day of fasting from dawn to dusk.

Shabbat Pinḥas, Numbers 25:10-30:1
July 10, Friday
6:15 PM
Service Leader: To be announced
July 11, Saturday
10:00 AM
Service Leader: To be announced
D'var Torah: To be announced

July 17, Friday- Rosh Ḥodesh Av

Shabbat Mattot/Masei, Numbers 30:2-36:13
July 17, Friday
6:15 PM
Service Leader: To be announced
Bar Mitzvah: Caleb Ballantine
Service Leader: Rabbi Weiner
D'var Torah: Caleb Ballantine

Shabbat Ḥukkat, Numbers 19:1-22:1
June 26, Friday
6:15 PM
Service Leader: Rabbi Weiner
June 27, Saturday
10:00 AM
Bar Mitzvah: Eli Kayser Hirsh
Service Leader: Rabbi Weiner
D'var Torah: Eli Kayser Hirsh

July 18, Saturday
10:00 AM
Service Leader: To be announced
D'var Torah: To be announced

The process of replacing our chumashim
in the sanctuary continues.
Our only source of revenue for this is from
your donations to the prayerbook fund.
Please consider aiding this effort.
Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted,
however a minimum donation of $65.00 is required
for a book dedication plate.
5
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — June/July 2015
Kiddush and Oneg
Sponsors
May 9The Blain family in honor of
their son, Seth, becoming Bar
Mitzvah
May 15Havurah Reyim in honor of our
congregation
May 16Ruth Love Barer and her sister
Susan Saunders, in memory of
their mother Peppy Barer on the
occasion of her 4th yahrzeit
May 30The Sweeting family in honor of
Rory becoming Bar Mitzvah
June 6The JCA, in honor of Jody
Rosenbloom
June13The Trobaugh family in honor
of their son, Gabriel, becoming
Bar Mitzvah
June 20The Ballantine family in honor
of their son, Caleb, becoming
Bar Mitzvah
June 27Jules and Julianne Hirsh in
honor of their grandson, Eli
Kayser Hirsh, becoming Bar
Mitzvah
If you would like to help
with or sponsor a kiddush,
please contact Karen Bell at:
admindir@j-c-a.org
Weekday Minyanim
Continue Through
The Summer
Tuesday, 7:30 am:
Traditional Shacharit
Minyan
Wednesday, 7:30 am:
Meditation Minyan
Thursday, 5:30 pm:
Traditional Mincha
Minyan
Shabbat Hazon, Parashat Devarim
Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22
July 24, Friday
6:15 PM
Service Leader: To be announced
July 25, Saturday
10:00 AM
Shabbat Naḥamu,
Parashat Va'etḥanan
Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11
July 31, Friday
6:15 PM
Service Leader: To be announced
August 1, Saturday
10:00 AM
Service Leader: To be announced
D'var Torah: To be announced

Tisha B'Av
July 25, Saturday- Erev Tisha B'Av
8:00 PM
Service and Chanting of Lamentations
July 26, Sunday- Tisha B'Av
No services at JCA
Service Leader: To be announced
D'var Torah: To be announced

Check the JCA website at:
www.j-c-a.org/services.html
for updated religion calendar
information.

First Friday Evening Family Service
Please join us on the first Friday of the month at 5:30 pm for a brief child oriented service followed by a potluck supper. Although the service is geared towards young children, it
contains all the elements of a regular Friday evening service, including mourner’s kaddish.
People of all ages are encouraged to attend. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get to know each
other in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Shabbat Ne'imah
This service, held on the third Friday of the month, features a small group of instrumental
and vocal musicians, our "musical daveners" who set the tone for a soul inspiring service
with the congregation joining in the singing and chanting.
Torah Reading Co-ordination
If you are interested in reading Torah and would like
to schedule a time to read, please contact:
Gordon Freed, gofreed@gmail.com, for reading in July
If you would like to learn to read Torah, would like help choosing or preparing a reading,
or would like to schedule a reading for a month when there is no designated coordinator,
please contact Batya Perman, 549-4853, batya1818@gmail.com.
Thank You To Volunteers
The Ritual Life committee would like to thank those who have given their time and expertise in service to the ritual life of the community:
• May Torah readers: Arnie Alper, Seth Blain, Blain family and friends,
Aaron Bousel, Uri Cohen, Marvin Ellin, Ben Hernandez-Kliman,
Aleeza Kropf, Jayne Pearl, Batya Perman, Deliah Rosel, Elissa Rubinstein, Amy
Sweeting, Rory Sweeting, Rabbi Ben Weiner
• D'var Torah givers: Seth Blain, Rory Sweeting
• Lay service leaders: Catherine Madsen, Elyria Little, Felicia Mednick,
Sara Schley
• Musicians: Shabbat Band
• Shavuot teachers: Catherine Madsen, Rabbi Rhonda Shapiro-Rieser, Boris Wolfson
Chemical Sensitivities
A number of our members have allergies to perfumes, colognes and other fragrances.
Please try to minimize the use of these products when coming to the JCA.
Thank you.
6
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — June/July 2015
Education News
Jody Rosenbloom, Director of Lifelong Learning, 256-0160, ext. 203
Dear JCA Community,
It has been my honor to serve the JCA over the last 18 years. I am grateful to each of you who has sent a
note or taken the time for a brief conversation as I finish up this school year. I have had much nachas/pleasure
in sharing the Jewish journeys of each of the households with children in education programs – from toddlers to
teens. And my thanks to the JCA lay leadership and committee volunteers who have supported efforts on behalf
of the school during my tenure. Thank-you to all who had a part in planning such a wonderful send-off both on
the last day of JCA School and on Saturday, June 6. I know education programs are in good hands with Rabbi
Weiner, Karen Bell, Cara Michelle Silverberg, Keren Rhodes and returning teachers. And I can look forward to a
summer of travel and reflection and to being part of the congregation at events and holidays in the coming year.
B’Shalom,
Jody Rosenbloom
Summer Hours
To contact school principal Keren Rhodes in June & July,
either leave a message on 413-256-0160 X 203 or leave a
message in the office. For day-to-day assistance, contact education administrative assistant, Misha Heij Mariano at 2560160 X208 or edassist@j-c-a.org.
Recruitment and Registration for Next Fall
The sooner we know who will be attending JCA School
in the fall, the better. Lots of planning happens over the summer. We meet new families and consider placement of their
children. We hire teachers, set up rooms and make adjustments to curriculum. We consider class composition; smaller
classes may be combined, larger classes may be split. Registration information was sent to families with students currently enrolled in JCA School in May. If you are interested in
beginning JCA School, call Misha 256-0160 for registration
information. Principal, Keren Rhodes is available by appointment should you have questions or concerns. Registration is
processed only if you are current in fulfilling your financial
obligations to the JCA. So take the time to get your registration in as soon as possible. Encourage any of your friends or
acquaintances that may be interested in starting their children
in JCA School, to contact the office.
Continue The Jewish Journey Over The
Summer!
Families are encouraged to reinforce the lessons of the
school year in experiential ways over the next few months.
Tailor the experience to fit your family. Here are four easy
ways: 1) Pick a Jewish book to read together, 2) When you
travel, visit Jewish sites (a synagogue, museum, Jewish book
store/neighborhood), 3) Create a Hebrew reading reinforcement game by using your child’s Hebrew text or going to
behrmanhouse.com/click-and-pray-free (Please use the site
for the grade your child completed this year - Book 1/grade
4, Book 2/grade 5, Book3/grade 6) and of course, 4) Jewish
summer camp is a great way to blend summer play with enhancing Jewish identity.
Tzedakah: A Group Effort to Share
Justice/tzedakah is one of the Jewish values taught in JCA
School. This year, students donated close to $ 250 – a range
of $15-$50/organization. Recipients were a pair of Jewish &
non-Jewish organizations matched to one of the grade level
mitzvot studied during the course of the year e.g. Mazon (A
Jewish response to hunger) & the Amherst Survival Center,
Hazon (Vision/Environment) & Community Involved in
Sustainable Agriculture (CISA), Israeli Guide Dogs & Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society, Project Rehovot & the
Adult Literacy Project, the Jewish Federation of Western
Massachusetts & Doctors Without Borders. Fifth grade did
a particularly outstanding job of regularly contributing to tzedakah and raised almost half of the school’s total collection!
Thank-You To:
Herb Bernstein for the donation of books and games.
Calendar
Fri, June 5 Tot Shabbat and family services begin at 5:30
followed by a vegetarian potluck.
Sun, June 7 Semi-Annual Meeting at the JCA – Parents are
encouraged to attend to represent the interests
of families with school age children.
Sat, June 13 Gabriel Trobaugh becomes Bar Mitzvah.
Sat, June 20 Caleb Ballentine becomes Bar Mitzvah.
Sat, June 27 Eli Kayser Hirsh becomes Bar Mitzvah.
7
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — June/July 2015
JCA Teen Programming
Go to jcateens.eventbrite.com for details and to register for
Next event: June 7
JV Corps
The Jewish Volunteer Corps for Teens
Prep & Serve a Meal
To register and for more information:
jcateens.eventbrite.com.
Registration and payment are required in
advance of program attendance.
Teva Torah takes place in Wendell, MA. The program
is led by Cara Michelle Silverberg and other qualified
staff. Families receive monthly emails with details and
reminders.
JV Corps had a wonderful year. Thank you to the many
teens and parents who volunteered their time to help out
the Amherst Survival Center.
If you are interested in participating in this amazing
program next year, please email JV Corps Coordinator
Keren Rhodes at JVCorps4teens@gmail.com.
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Havurah K’tana will be meeƟng Saturday, June 13 from 4—6 pm to play, nosh, and
make Havdalah. Contact Rachael Goren-WaƩs at r.gorenwaƩs@gmail.com for more
informaƟon on the Havurah.
The last Tot Shabbat before the summer will be held on June 5. We start
promptly at 5:45, and a vegetarian, nut-free potluck with our school-age
friends follows at 6:30.
Shalom Baby Baskets: Know any new babies in the community? Please contact us if you
would like to receive a basket or know of families who would like one (JCA members or
potenƟal members). We will stop by with a basket, a meal, and a plate of goodies!
To request a basket, email ShalomBaby@j-c-a.org or contact Ariella Schwell at
413-230-3694 or ariellaschwell@gmail.com; or Reed Alper at 413-549-0438
or reedmangels@comcast.net.
Contact Anna Sobel at tots@j-c-a.org with any quesƟons
or if you’d like to be added to the JCA Tots list-serve.
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8
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — June/July 2015
MITZVAH DAY 2015
This year, over 100 volunteers:
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Cleaned up the JCA cemetery
Sang at the Center for Extended Care
Cleaned up the Mount Warner Trail
Decorated welcome baby baskets
Cooked meals for the Chesed Commi ee to distribute
Worked in the garden to encourage pollinators
Cleaned up the JCA grounds
Made blankets for the Care Center
Sorted dona ons for the Survival Center & Craig’s DoorƐ
This program was made possible by:
The collabora on between the JCA Chesed Commi ee, Family Educa on, JCA School staff,
Tikkun Olam, and the Cemetery Commi ee. Generous funding through the
Harold Grinspoon Founda on’s Family Educa on Ini a ve & the JCA Lander Fund.
9
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — June/July 2015
Mitzvah Day 2015 ~ Thank You To All Our Volunteers!
Cleaning up the JCA cemetery: Linda Sinapi, Devorah
Jacobson, Elaine Walsh, Ken Talan, Karen Hoffman, Jill
Roberts, Rich Pivriotto, Anna Sobel, Brian Bender, Milo
Bender, Amy Mittelman, Aaron Berman, Jackie Katz, Sam
Gladstone.
Cleaning up Mount Warner trail: Judith Souweine,
Nina Sossen, Nina Pollard, Elliot Lindsay, Oliver Lindsay,
Phyllis Herda, Ezekiel Flint, Ethan Flint, Joanna Ballantine,
Caleb Ballantine, Gabe Trobaugh, Pearl Strong, Barbara
Goldstein, Kevin Lake, Sallie Deans Lake, Josh Knox of the
Trustees for Reservations.
Singing at Center for Extended Care: Diana Brewer,
Camilla Brewer, Jaymie Chernoff, Lisa Pack, Danielle Kadinoff, Anne Hartheimer.
B’Siman Tov U’Mazel Tov/ decorating welcome baby
baskets: Audrey Davis-Brand, Sophie Sweeting, Esme
Seigel, Eden Hahn, Harry Hahn, Levi Hahn, Mara Hahn,
Samantha Kramer, Aleeza Kropf.
Making meals: Aza Wolfwood, Nora Klotz, David
Greenbaum, Ava Greenbaum, Tal Schmerling, Amelia
Beigel, Ben Schwab Rehorka, Gary Rehorka, Levi Hahn,
Mara Hahn, Bonnie Diamond, Reed Alper, Kitty Talan,
Susan Reisman
Working in the JCA garden: Sage Aronson, Michael
Aronson, Rebecca Aronson, Cady Reiken, Miranda Reiken,
Cailin Reiken, Woody Sherman, Daniella Sherman, Laura
Ginsberg Peltz, Ezra Ginsberg, Ariel Ginsberg, Asher Ginsberg, Dana Parrot, Jana Parrot, Lena Goldman, Sylvia Gold-
man, Ariella Schwell, Noah Magnus, Sophie Magnus, Josh
Polak, Sarah Polak, Ava Polak, Eden Polak, Isabel Polak,
Nora Klotz, Adin Klotz, Tavi Wolfwood, Bob Winston, Cara
Michelle Silverberg.
Cleaning up JCA grounds: Sophie Lindsey, Jessica
Moore, Julia Edgerly, Chery Edgerly, Nick Rhodes, Noa
Rhodes, Nina Hernandez-Kliman, Jonathan Kliman-Hernandez, Woody Sherman, Beth Ross, Calem Ross, Nathaniel Ross, Bruce Klotz, Eli Perkins, Shari McDonald, Ian
McDonald, Tyler McDonald.
Making blankets for Care Center: Sophie Lindsey,
Jessica Moore, Julia Edgerly, Cheryl Edgerly, Nick Rhodes,
Noa Rhodes, Nina Hernandez-Kliman, Jonathan KlimanHernandez, Isabelle Mondschein, Linda Mondschein, Talya
Kingston, Cara Kingston, Jacqi Mosselson, Natasha Ardizzone, Keren Rhodes.
Making cards for JCA Chesed Committee: Emily Boutilier, Samantha Boutilier, Oren Schmerling, Ruby
Schmerling, Ben Kingston, Aiden Rhodes, Sophie Sweeting,
Jamie Sweeting, Amy Sweeting, Audrey Davis-Brand, Esme
Siegel, Rosalie Shays.
Sorting donations for the Survival Center & Craig’s
Doors: Cheryl Campbell, Maya Campbell Levine, Tavi
Wolfwood.
Coordination by Marlene Rachelle, Jody Rosenbloom,
& Misha Heij Mariano.
Thank you to Rabbi Weiner for teaching and starting out
our day.
JCA Adult Reading Group
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THE
The next meeting of the ARG will be on Thursday June 11,
2015, at 7:30 PM in the JCA library. We will be discussing a fiction
book, The Story of Jonah: a novel by Joshua Max Feldman, of
Amherst and the JCA. This book has received positive reviews. It
is in paperback. Come join us for the last meeting until September/
October; new participants are always welcome!
Any questions, please call Ken Talan, 253-2248.
DAVIS
FINANCIAL
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Allen Davis, CFP®
Financial Planner
10 Bay Road,
Hadley, MA 01035
tel 413.584.3098
Allen Davis is a Registered Representative of and offers securities, investment
advisory and fee-based financial planning services through MML Investors
Services, Inc. Member SIPC. 330 Whitney Avenue, Suite 600, Holyoke, MA
01040, Tel:413-539-2000.
fax 413.584.0160
cell 413.427.2782
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www.davisfinancialgrp.com
10
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — June/July 2015
Bar Mitzvah Highlight
Bar Mitzvah Highlight
Gabriel Trobaugh
Caleb Ballantine
Son of Ted & Elizabeth Trobaugh, Gabriel will
be called to the Torah on the occasion of his bar
mitzvah on Saturday, June 13,
2015/26 Sivan 5775 reading
from parshat Shelach.
Gabriel is the brother of
Hannah and Tess. He is the
grandson of Roberta Berger
and Irwin Berger z’l and
Frank & Marjorie Trobaugh
(deceased). Gabriel has been
in JCA School for 8 years since Shabbat Shalom.
Gabriel attended Camp Shemesh for 2 years.
He currently attends Amherst Regional Middle
School. He enjoys music and dancing.
For projects, Gabriel made a tzedakah box for
the community, directed traffic on High Holidays,
played trumpet with the Klezmer band on Simchat Torah & Hannukah, ran a booth at the Purim
carnival and helped clear trail on Mount Warner
for Mitzvah Day.
Mazel Tov to Gabriel & his family
Son of Joanna and Clay Ballantine, Caleb will be called to the
Torah on the occasion of his bar mitzvah on Saturday June 20,
2015/3 Tammuz 5775 reading from
parshat Korah.
Caleb is the brother of Hannah
and the grandson of Peggy and Murray Schwartz and Jeanne and Harden
Ballantine. Caleb attended LanderGrinspoon Academy, JCA school and
Eden Village Camp. He currently
attends Hartsbrook School. Caleb's favorite activities are dancing, including
ballet and hip hop, ultimate frisbee and
exploring the outdoors with friends, cousins and family.
For his mitzvah projects, Caleb volunteered doing trail work and
learning about invasive species and climate change at Mount Warner
in Hadley and visited Israel with his family, giving tzedekah as he
traveled while learning about social issues in Israel.
As part of Caleb's Torah studies he choreographed an interpretive dance of his haftorah with Professor Paul Dennis of UMASS,
Amherst.
Mazel Tov to Caleb and his family
Bar Mitzvah Highlight
Eli Kayser-Hirsh
Son of Jonathan Hirsh and Karin Kayser,Eli will be called to the Torah
on the occasion of his bar mitzvah on Saturday,
June 27, 2015/10 Tammuz 5775 reading from
parshat Chukat.
Eli is the brother of Alyssa, Katherine and
Noah. He is the grandson of Jules & Julianne
Hirsh and John & Joanne Kayser. Eli has been
in JCA School for 7 years. Eli attends Amherst
Regional Middle School. He enjoys music,
English, Social Studies, basketball, baseball
and golf.
For one of his mitzvah projects, Eli collected sports equipment for
children in need.
Mazel Tov to Eli & his family
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — June/July 2015
Contact Karen Bell at 413-256-0160 ext. 207 or at admindir@j-c-a.org for reservations and more information.
The Black Sheep
79 Main St Amherst, MA
413-253-3442 blacksheepdeli@gmail.com
blacksheepdeli.com
delicatessen, bakery, cafe
Fresh baked challah every Friday
Holiday Menus
New York Nova Lox N.Y. Bagels Baked Daily
House-Made Whitefish Salad & Corned Beef
Full Service Catering at the JCA
or other locations
Having fun with food since 1986
11
12
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — June/July 2015
A Life Well Loved
A film about Felice Yeskel, the
founder and director for 20 years of
the UMass Stonewall Center
Thursday,
June
Tuesday,
March
3, 711,
p.m.
168 UMass
Campus
7:00
pm Center
A Life Well Loved chronicles the life of Felice Yeskel, from her early feminist roots, to her LGBT
activism, to taking on classism in the U.S. The film moves through Felice’s life chronologically,
quilting together various interviews of Felice, as well as others’ perspectives of Felice and her
work.
Free, open to the public,
and wheelchair accessible.
Sponsored by the UMass Stonewall
Center
For more information:
Presented
by the
(413) 545-4824
stonewall@stuaf.umass.edu
JCA Tikkun Olam
Committee
13
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — June/July 2015
JCA Hall Gallery
The Visual Art Committee welcomes the work
of Paula Gottlieb, May 4 through July 31.
Paula Gottlieb will be showing a series of oil paintings which she has interpreted from old photos taken in the
1940's and 1950's of her family's New Jersey poultry farm.
The paintings are documentation and memoir of a thriving
community which virtually disappeared by the 1970's. From
a personal perspective they honor the importance and uniqueness of this community and dispel the myth that Eastern European immigrant Jews were strictly urban while recognizing
their contribution to early poultry farming in America. Paula
has transformed the black and white photos into paint and
color and in the process has recreated a period of time which
is informed by her memory and intuition.
Paula was born in 1947 in Neptune, New Jersey. She received a BFA degree from Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia
and Rome and graduated from Indiana University, Bloomington with an MFA degree. She has lived in the hills of western
Massachusetts since 1979. Paula teaches workshops, classes
and retreats in painting and drawing at Greenfield Communi-
ty College, IS183 Art School of the Berkshires, Snow Farm,
the Deerfield Arts Bank and other schools and venues around
New England. Her work is in many collections around the
world. Her paintings can also be seen at R. Michelson Galleries in Northampton MA, at her Cummington studio and at
www.paulagottlieb.com.
The Deadline for the
August Newsletter
is July 12th
All submissions MUST be made either by e-mail
or e-mail with a file attached.
If you do not have access to a computer or email,
please contact the editor.
PLEASE RESPECT THE DEADLINE!
Thank you, Aaron Bousel,
news@j-c-a.org 253-3544
Stop and Shop Food Collection
Shavuot Fruit Collection
In late May and in June, in the spirit of bringing
Bikkurim (First Fruits) on Shavuot, we ask for your
donations to the annual JCA Shavuot Fruit Collection. The items collected, greatly appreciated but
rarely contributed in food collections, will be distributed by the Survival Center to those in need in our
community. Please place your non-perishable donations in the boxes as you enter the JCA. Even though
Shavuot will have passed by the time you read this,
we will still be collecting these items. Thank you!
Suggestions: cans & jars of fruit, fruit juice,
dried fruit, jam, jelly & fruit snacks
CONGRATULATIONS!!! to those who helped
make our April 23, 24 and 26 JCA food/money collection at the Stop & Shop the most productive in 10
years! 3,231 pounds of food and personal care items
and $557 were collected and delivered to the Amherst
Survival Center to help stock the Food Pantry for
distribution to those in need.
Many thanks to volunteers Aaron and Patience
Bousel, Danielle Kadinoff, Hill Boss, Barbara Berlin,
Irene Eigner, Esther Mercer, Kitty and Ken Talan,
Elaine Walsh, Judith Souweine, Judi Fonsh, Ann
Armon, Flo Stern, Nancy deProsse, Xander Smith,
Michael Chernoff, Emily Mortimer, Hadar Grabel,
Hollie Kalkstein, Harry, Levi and Eden Hahn, Fay
Zipkowitz and Arnie Alper.
JL Geriatric Services
Full Scope Nursing and Life Enhancement
Care
Judith Loischild RN, MSN
Director
Home Care Services
Nursing Facility Care
jloischildRN@Gmail.com
413 303 9434
14
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — June/July 2015
~Membership Committee Corner~
~HAPPY SUMMER from The Membership Committee!~
Now is a great time to join the JCA Outing Club!
Get in on the FUN!
Join our JCA Outing Club List Serve.
Invite others to join in on an outdoor activity via the list serve.
This is a great way to be in touch with other JCA Nature Lovers!
Subscribe by emailing: jcaoutingclub-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
For more info, email Oran Kaufman: orankaufman@verizon.net
~What is the best way to find community at our Shul?
VOLUNTEER!
This is what makes the JCA such an amazing place, and it’s fun!
There are committees and tasks to fit every personality.
You can volunteer once a year, monthly or more!
Email volunteer coordinator, Jaymie Chernoff, and she can help you
find the volunteer opportunity to fit your schedule and interests:
jaymiechernoff@yahoo.com
~New Member Shabbat and Havdalah Matchmaking!
Would you like to host a new member for Shabbat dinner or Havdalah?
Are you a new JCA member who would like to meet other members over
Challah and wine?
Email Ruth Kane-Levit: dblevit@crocker.com and let us know if you
would like to host or be a guest. We will be the Shabbat Matchmakers!
PLEASE HOLD THIS DATE
for the next
SENIOR LUNCHEON: Thursday, June 11, 2015
Please join the rabbi and members of the Chesed Committee for a fabulous meal and an entertaining and
informative look at the earliest Jewish presence in Amherst.
Some years ago, our own Frieda Howards and Hannah Zuckerman (May her memory be for a blessing)
made a half hour “pseudo-documentary” entitled, “From Immigrant to Academic: The Jewish Experience in
Amherst, 1900-1988.” Come see how our community began with a handful of Jews, and how it grew into the
JCA. We are expecting that this will stir many memories and many stories that we can share with the rabbi
and with each other about what Amherst was like when each of us arrived (and how it has changed from your
perspective).
If you’ve come to earlier luncheons, you know how delightful these gatherings have been. If you haven’t
come yet, come and see for yourself. Whether you consider yourself a “senior,” or not, you are invited.
To RSVP or for more information, call Judy Davis, 413 549 0128 or email judavis@acad.umass.edu
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — June/July 2015
15
Compassionate Community
Monthly Notes From The Chesed Committee
Bikur Cholim – Visiting the Sick
According to the rabbis, the three most important Jewish mitzvot are caring for the corpse, helping a poor couple
marry, and visiting the sick. This last mitzvah is called Bikur
Cholim. It is said that God was the first to have performed
this mitzvah when he visited Abraham who was recovering
from his (adult) circumcision. Therefore, we are told, that
when we visit the sick, we are not only visiting as ourselves
and as representatives of the community, but in fact, acting
“in the image of God." Visiting the sick, the rabbis say, “adds
life” to the one who is ill.
Rabbi Weiner and the Chesed Committee are hoping that,
as a community, we can increase our capacity for this compassionate practice of Bikur Cholim.
Here are a few things we can all do:
Check in with our neighbors and friends when they don’t
show up in the usual places. Call and see if they are okay. Ask
if they need help of some kind, and if they are sick, ask if they
would like the rabbi to include them in his weekly prayer for
health (the misheberach).
Or call the JCA office to register concern, and someone
from the Chesed Committee will call and check in on them.
If we, ourselves, are in need of some help—a visit when
we are homebound, a meal, a ride to a doctor, someone to
pick up groceries, etc., call the office or a Chesed Committee
member. Remember: It is a mitzvah to give another person
the opportunity to do a mitzvah.
Finally, if we are able, we should volunteer to be added to
the Chesed Committee’s list of people who can be called on
to make a visit, cook a meal, offer a ride, etc.
Below Is A Description Of The Chesed
Committee’s Role, And The Names Of Current
Members.
We meet at 7:15 p.m. on the first Monday of the month,
usually. Please check with the JCA office to confirm our
meeting time.
Chesed Committee
The Chesed Committee assists JCA members in times of
joy, sorrow, and need, coordinating volunteers to help with
meals, rides, errands, visits, shiva minyanim, etc. We also
welcome babies to the community (see below).
If you, someone in your family, or someone in the community is ill, hospitalized, or in need of assistance, please let
us know right away. Even if no help is needed, it is important
for us as a community to be aware of each other’s health and
wellbeing. Although it sometimes feels awkward to share this
kind of information, it is an important part of being “in community.” We can’t help if we don’t know.
Please be part of the JCA’s growth as a “compassionate
community.”
Contact the office at 256-0160 or any of our current members:
Amy Mittelman
256-0883
David Piech
253-7586
Ellen Middleton
253-3059
Hans Herda
549-1010
Judy Davis
549-0128
Kitty Talan
253-2248
Reed Alper
549-0438
Robin Diamond
253-0660
Susan Zarchin
256-0667
Celebrating Babies: Shalom Baby Baskets
Know any new babies in the community? The JCA’s
Chesed Committee and jcaTOTS have teamed up to welcome
new babies into our community with a Shalom Baby Basket.
Please contact us if you would like to receive a basket or
know of families who would like one (JCA members or potential members). We will stop by with a basket, a meal, and
a plate of goodies! To request a basket email ShalomBaby@jc-a.org or contact Ariella Schwell at 230-3694 or ariellaschwell@gmail.com or Reed Alper at 549-0438 or reedmangels@comcast.net.
Celebrating Marriages
The Chesed Committee commemorates weddings in the
JCA community with a card and something sweet. Please
contact us through the JCA office if you know of a wedding
in our community.
Thank You, Volunteers!
The Chesed Committee thanks all who have recently provided compassionate support to others in the community.
In particular, thank you to Anna Robbins, Jill Kaufman,
and Ariella Schwell, for preparing and delivering meals
to members in need; to everyone who helped make meals,
cards, and baby boxes on Mitzvah Day; and to Robin Diamond, Hans Herda, Diana Brewer, Esther Mercer, Aaron
Bousel, Ruth Love Barer and many others for visits.
And thanks, again, to everyone who has made a meal,
provided a ride, lent a sympathetic ear, visited a person in
need of companionship, or performed other acts of chesed
(loving kindness).
16
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — June/July 2015
Donations
Condolences
Adult Ed
Martina Ravangan
Madeline Berkowitz
Patience Bousel
Moira Clingman
Judy Davis
Alison Ellis
Alan Goodman
Phyllis Herda
Jacqueline Katz
Tamara Kupfer
Patricia Levine
Janice Levy
Dorothy Pam
David Piech
Irving Seidman
Susan Sherman
Connie Songer
Sarah Thomson
James Wald
Amanda Walling
Jacqueline Levy
We offer our sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the
families and friends of those who have recently died:
David A. Brooks, father of Betsy Brooks, father-in-law of
Jon Machta, and grandfather of Rachel and Ben Machta
New Members
We warmly welcome the following people to the JCA
community:
Janet and Leonard Strauss
General Fund
In memory of Ruth Hecht and Lewis Hecht
(Marilyn & Jeff Blaustein)
In Memory of Ruth Lubinsky (Marian & Leonard Lubinsky)
In memory of Rose Solomon (Marian & Leonard Lubinsky)
In celebration of the marriage of Amelia Clingman &
Darren Torres in Amherst on June 14, 2015
(Jackie Wolf & Barry Levy)
Prayerbook Fund
In memory of Irving Feldman (Alan Feldman)
Rabbi Weiner wants to
make sure the community
knows he is available and eager to visit at home, or in the
hospital, with people who are
unwell or otherwise in need of
some spiritual support. The
important step is to make sure
he knows you are in need!
Please don't hesitate to contact him directly, or through
the JCA office, if you would
like a visit.
Visual Arts Committee
Randi Stein
World Jewish Concerns
In memory of David Brooks, father of Betsy Brooks
and Father-in-law of Jonathan Machta
(Alison & Richard Ellis)
In memory of Ruth Slovin (Barbara & Ted Slovin)
Choose our catering team
to create a mitzvah!
Our team of experienced caterers
has a different take on special
events!
We donate 80% of our fee to
Project Rehovot and 20% to the JCA
We excel in Middle Eastern,
Mediterranean and Jewish
Cuisine!
•we use high quality food for weddings, Bar
and Bat mitzvahs, Garden Parties, Banquets
and other events in your home or another
location; attractive floral arrangments on
every table
For sample menus and price quotes
contact Karen Loeb at:
phone: 413-253-0336
Email: kloeb@comcast.net
Pelham Auto Service
Div. of Pelham Industrial Group Ltd.
1315 Federal St.
Belchertown, Ma. 01007
413-253-9302
413-253-9811 FAX
Foreign Car Repairs Since 1972
17
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — June/July 2015
ts
men
e
c
n
u
o
n
n
A
y
t
i
Commun
Mak'hela
at The Yiddish Book Center
Sunday May 31, 2:00 pm
The program will feature a diverse
selection of Jewish choral music, including the third movement of Ernest
Bloch’s Sacred Service (Avodath Hakodesh). In addition to the excerpts
from Bloch’s Sacred Service, the concert program will include Eftakh Na
Sefatay, a liturgical work by the 17th
century Jewish-Italian composer Salamone Rossi (arranged by Joshua Jacobson); Adon Haselikhot, a traditional
Sephardic hymn (also arranged by Jacobson); Oori, a new composition by
Mak’hela member Rebecca Fisher; and
several Hebrew and Yiddish melodies
arranged by Dr. Ginsberg.
Mature Couple Seeks
July Housing In Amherst
Responsible, neat and respectful
couple seeks private Amherst apartment
or home for July (all or part). Open to
house/plant/pet sitting (can cover utili-
ties). Renting a possibility too.
Contact JCA member Madeleine
Charney at greenzinnia@hotmail.com
or 549-5707.
Gan Keshet (Rainbow Garden)
Preschool
Gan Keshet Jewish Community Preschool is accepting applications for the
2015-16 school year. Schedule a visit;
see our classrooms in action and meet
our experienced staff. We offer: Part/
Full Day Options; flexible scheduling,
Abundance Farm/Garden Based Activities, and a Summer Program. Ask about
the HGF Right Start Grant- your family
could be eligible to receive $1000-2000
towards your child’s tuition! We value
diversity and welcome all families in
the community. Contact our Director,
Wendy Stein at 413-584-3593 ext. 204
or at gan.keshet@cbi.northampton.org.
For additional details, visit our webpage at www.cbinorthampton.org or
our Facebook page at: www.facebook.
com/Gan.Keshet.Jewish.Community.
Preschool.
Meditation Group
Thursday Morning “Lecha Dumiyah
Tehillah”* Meditation Group
Every Thursday in the CBI Library,
from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m.
Led by Rabbi Nancy Flam
Please know this is not an instructional group. Rather, each of us comes
with our own silent meditation or prayer
practice and draws strength and affirmation for our deep, inner work by being
together in community.
• Arrive & Settling In:
8:00 – 8:15 a.m.
• Setting of Kavvanah/Teaching:
8:15 – 8:25 a.m.
• Bell to begin silent meditation:
8:25 a.m.
• Bell to end silent meditation:
8:55 a.m.
* “To You silence is praise.”
Psalm 65:2
(413) 253-5384
Patience Meigs Bousel, CTP, CSE, LMT
Certi¿ed Trager® Practitioner, Clinical Somatic Educator, Licensed Massage Therapist
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PO BOX 506
AMHERST, MA 01004
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through deeply relaxing touch.
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with freedom and ease.
413-218-7815
800 Main St., Amherst, MA
pmbousel@comcast.net
Jewish Community of Amherst
742 Main Street
Amherst, MA 01002
Return Service Requested
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o
-D
lay
De
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ia
ter
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ush
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Non-Profit Organization
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Amherst, MA
Permit No. 90
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Da
June 6
Service and Kiddush Honoring Jody Rosenbloom
June 7
Semi-Annual Meeting
June 11
Senior Luncheon (see page 14)
June 11
Film: A Life Well Loved (see page 12)
July 25
Erev Tisha B'Av
Service and Chanting of Lamentations