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Calendar Page 21
Jewish Community of Amherst
Candle Lighting
Message from Co-President
Bill Zimmer, 582-1810, wdzimmer@gmail.com
November 7 ~ 4:18 pm
November 14 ~ 4:11 pm
November 21 ~ 4:05 pm
November 28 ~ 4:02 pm
Times shown are 18 minutes
before sunset for Amherst, MA
Special Events
November 1
Renewal Service
November 2
Rabin Memorial Lecture
November 7
Kedusha LaTorah
November 13
Senior Luncheon
November 22
Shabbat B'Yachad
November 26
Red Cross Blood Drive
Meetings
November 5
Ritual Life Committee
School Committee
November 6
Board Meeting
November 14
Adult Ed Committee
So, first I was known as the “governance
geek”, and now I’m becoming known as the
“policy geek” (which, of course, is a subset
of the former). And while it’s probably impossible for me to explain to most people
why governance is compelling, I want to try
to explain why policy is.
Formal policy is a way of defining
who we are as a community, and providing clear guidance on how we operationalize our commitments to both the mission of
the JCA which is embedded in our bylaws,
and to the principles and practices of the
Reconstructionist Movement.
The radical inclusivity of our mission
statement and the evolving perspectives of
Reconstructionist Judaism are usually, but
not always, in sync. But when tension exists
between them, the community needs to engage thoughtfully in a dialogue that reconciles the tension in a respectful way.
Let me give an example. One of the difficult policy issues for liberal Jewish communities who are committed to the values of
diversity is developing clear policy about the
role of the non-Jew in membership, leadership and ritual practice. Regarding membership, our bylaws are extremely inclusive –
anyone who “is in agreement with the broad
purpose” of the JCA can be a full member.
Regarding ritual practice, our policy manual
identifies a number of practices that are reserved for Jews. There is nothing inherently
inconsistent about being inclusive and yet establishing boundaries that differentiate what
Jews and non-Jews can do in ritual practice;
boundaries are essential to the integrity of
religious organizations. Whether the particular boundaries we’ve set in this area are too
loose, too strict or just right is a relevant discussion, but the notion of boundaries itself
should not be especially controversial.
What about the role of non-Jews in leadership, an area about which our bylaws and
policy book is silent? Are boundaries in this
Affiliated with the
Jewish Reconstructionist
Movement
November 2014
Ḥeshvan/Kislev 5775
Vol. 13, Issue No. 10
area necessary as well? Can a non-Jew chair
a committee? Chair a Standing Committee?
Chair specific committees, such as Ritual
Life, Education, World Jewish Concerns and
Action? Can a non-Jew be on the Board? Be
an Officer on the Executive Committee? Be
Co-President?
Policy clarity is important in an area as essential as this, because it prevents situations
arising that in the absence of policy can feel,
in the moment, both personal and capricious.
Grappling with policy issues like this is valuable in other ways. It forces us to clarify what
the community stands for, and encourages us
to speak to each other about things we feel
strongly about and about which we may have
legitimate differences of opinion. The process of debating and developing policy is, in
fact, a mechanism for creating community,
including making palpable the challenges –
and benefits - of being a truly diverse, inclusive and engaged community.
I focused on the issue of the role of the
non-Jew partly because I think it’s a genuinely important issue, and partly because the
Reconstructionist movement has developed
comprehensive guidelines for congregations
to use in devising their own policies in this
area. But the guidelines (included in the report Boundaries and Opportunities) suggest
an approach that would be just as relevant as
a guide for approaching any policy issue, or,
for that matter, any community- wide discussion of any kind of potentially controversial
issue.
Reconstructionist Judaism is not for the
faint-hearted; it demands a great deal of us
intellectually, emotionally and spiritually.
That’s why it engages us, and why it provides the rewards that it does. Policy is an
arena in which we get to stretch and define
ourselves as Reconstructionist Jews.
That’s why I find it compelling.
B’shalom, Bill
2
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — November 2014
Beit Shalom Committee
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
Director of Lifelong Learning: Jody Rosenbloom (256-0160 ext. 203)
Office Hours:
Tuesday - Friday: 10:30 - 4:00
Wednesday: 4:00 - 6:00 & Sunday 9:00 - 1:00
(When Religious School is in session)
_____________________________
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:
Josette Henschel: 213-0186
josette.henschel@gmail.com
Rob Okun: 253-9372
raokun@verizon.net
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: To be determined
Clerk: Janis Levy (413-584-6418)
Treasurer: Jonathan Shefftz (413-256-1101)
Kitty Talan: 253-2248
kittytalan@comcast.net
Members:
Donna Baron, 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: Nora Mariano, Dan Reynolds (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 December issue is November 12th
November 2014, Vol. 13, Issue No. 10 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
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — November 2014
3
Devarim:
Words from Rabbi Benjamin Weiner
I
n the past week, a few people have asked me if I
am glad that the High Holidays are over. This is
a question I’ve had to think about a little bit, and, in the
end, I’ve been surprised by the answer that comes up
for me. In one sense, I certainly am—the preparations
for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are involved and
intense, and I do breathe a metaphorical sigh of relief
when they are over and done with. (Maybe it would be
more accurate to say I breathe a snore of relief.)
But, at the same time, the work that I do in preparation is more than rewarded by the richness of experience that this work yields for me. The holidays
become a period of heightened energy and awareness,
whether this comes in deep moments of prayer, or the
chance to share what’s on my heart and mind in the
form of a sermon, or simply the experience of being
joined in purpose with so many other people. Though I
might have less work to do when they are over, there is
a part of me that far prefers this intensity to my mundane, day-to-day responsibilities.
Maybe this is also because the High Holidays brim
with the potentialities of change. We have invested the
turning of our year with the notion that it is a time
for bringing newness into our lives—stepping out of
familiarity and habit, even just a bit, to embrace the
possibility of being different, being fuller, and perhaps
more deeply ourselves. This can be scary—there are
very good reasons why human beings are prone to the
reassurances of orderly and predictable behavior. But,
at the same time, it can lead to new vibrancy, and a
rededication to what matters most to us.
The High Holidays in and of themselves, this year,
were a time of particular change at the JCA. We experimented with venues—switching the “Masorti”
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.
service into the social hall and the “Reconstructionist”
service into the main sanctuary. And, of course, we
added the use of musical instruments to the Rosh Hashanah Recon service.
I know there are some for whom these changes
were very welcome, and opened up a new depth of
experience. I know also that there are some for whom
these changes were jarring, and who felt that their holidays, as a result, were a little off-kilter.
As for me, I welcomed the new vibrancy that experimentation of this type brought us, and I recognize
that it raises many questions about who we are and
how we will be moving forward. Both of our tracks
of service carry invaluable spiritual legacies and opportunities for our diverse community, and I am committed to working on the best way to safeguard all of
this, and meet the needs of the JCA in the fullest way
possible.
In the next few weeks, I will be beginning a process with the Ritual Life Committee to analyze the experience of this past year, and chart a way forward. In
the meantime, if there is anything you think I should
know, I would be glad to hear it!
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.
Amy Mittelman 256-0883, amGU@hampshire.edu
Aaron Bousel 253-3544, abousel@comcast.net
Richard Cohen, 256-6145, ra_cohen@msn.com
Barbara Burkart 256-8139, barbruth@comcast.net
Deb Fine 256-1572, zohar01@comcast.net
Ted Slovin 253-3518, tslovin@acad.umass.edu
4
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — November 2014
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 Lekh-lekha, Genesis 12:1-17:27
October 31, Friday
6:15 PM
Service Leader: Rabbi Weiner
Shabbat Toledot, Genesis 25:19-28:9
November 21, Friday
6:15 PM
Shabbat Ne'eemah
Service Leader: Rabbi Weiner
November 1, Saturday
10:00 AM
November 22, Saturday
Shabbat B'Yachad
Renewal Service in the small sanctuary
Service Leaders: Felicia Mednick & Sara Schley
Regular Shabbat Services in the main sanctuary
Service Leader: Rabbi Weiner
D'var Torah: Rabbi Weiner
9:00 AM
Shabbat Yoga
10:00 AM
Service Leader: Rabbi Weiner
D’var Torah: Richard Ellis

Shabbat Vayera, Genesis 18:1-22:24
November 7, Friday
5:30 PM
Kedushah LaTorah (consecration of new students)
Intergenerational Family Service and concurrent Tot Shabbat
followed by vegetarian potluck supper.
Service Leader: Rabbi Weiner
November 8, Saturday
9:15 AM

November 23, Sunday
Rosh Ḥodesh Kislev

Shabbat Vayetzei, Genesis 28:10-32:3
November 28, Friday
6:15 PM
Service Leader: To be announced
November 29, Saturday
10:00 AM
Shabbat Yoga
10:00 AM
Service Leaders: Joseph Boucher & Catherine Madsen
D’var Torah: Joan Saperstan
Service Leader: Rabbi Weiner
D’var Torah: Rabbi Weiner

Shabbat Ḥayei Sarah, Genesis 23:1-25:18
November 14, Friday
6:15 PM

Check the JCA website at:
www.j-c-a.org/services.html
for updated religion calendar information.
Farbrengen Friday
Service Leader: To be announced
November 15, Saturday
10:00 AM
Service Leader: Rabbi Weiner
D’var Torah: Rabbi Weiner

Yahrzeit Reminder
We have been sending yahrzeit reminders to
those who have placed memorial plaques in the
sanctuary, and who have requested the reminders.
Please leave a message in the JCA Office if you
think you should be getting reminders but have not
received them.
Prayerbook Fund
As we had a sufficient number of copies of Maḥzor Lev Shalem for use during
the High Holidays, we are returning the focus of the Prayerbook Fund to the
purchase of the Etz Ḥayim Chumash.
Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted, however a minimum
donation of $65.00 is required for a book dedication plate.
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — November 2014
Kiddush and Oneg
Sponsors
October 11Judy and Allen Davis, in honor
of Judy's birthday
November 29Joan Saperstan, in honor of her
70th birthday
If you would like to help
with or sponsor a kiddush,
please contact Karen Bell at:
admindir@j-c-a.org
Shacharit (morning)
Minyan
The weekday
shacharit minyan
meets every Tuesday
at 7:30 am in the
small sanctuary.
Meditation Minyan
The weekday
meditation
minyan meets
every Wednesday
at 7:30 am in the
small sanctuary.
Ma'ariv (evening)
Minyan
The weekday
ma'ariv minyan
meets every Thursday
at 5:30 pm in the
small sanctuary.
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.
5
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'eemah
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.
Renewal Shabbat
Please join Sara Schley and Felicia Mednick Shabbat morning, Saturday, November 1,
at 10:00 AM in the small sanctuary at the JCA as we co-create a Renewal Shabbat: chanting,
contemplative prayer and Torah service. Though central to the experience, chanting is not
the goal of this practice, but rather a vehicle for accelerating our connection with the Divine.
We follow the structure of the Shabbat morning service including traditional prayers and
Torah. What is different is the use and experience of chanting, contemplation, and dialogue
to arrive, via a Jewish path, at sacred states of consciousness. We’re delighted to share this
time with you!
Torah Reading Co-ordination
If you are interested in reading Torah and would like
to schedule a time to read, please contact:
Jayne Pearl, 256-1310, jayne@kidsandmoney.com, for reading in November
Eliza Gouverneur, 256-6145, elizagouv@msn.com, for reading in December
If you would like to learn to read Torah, or would like help choosing or preparing a
reading, 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:
• October Torah readers: Aaron Bousel, Diana Brewer, Uri Cohen,
Yosef Rumshiskiy
• Lay service leader: Yossi Charette
• D'var Torah giver: Judy Davis
• Musicians: Shabbat Band
• and special thanks to those who helped put up the Sukkah:
Madeline Berkowitz, Aaron, Patience, and Geisel Bousel, Barbara and Gordon Freed, Robert and Matanyah Friedman, Eliezer Huber, Jean-Paul, Ilana,
Stefan and Jakob Maitinsky, Jayne Pearl, Reina Saperstein, Woody and
Daniella Sherman, Jacob and Jayvah Stuckey, Sarah Thomson and those who
helped take it down: Ruth Love Barer, Andy Berg, Madeline Berkowitz, Aaron
Bousel, Diana Brewer, Ziva Harmatz, Ben Hernandez-Kliman, Aaron Kropf,
Jayne Pearl, Hilary Salk, Sarah Thomson, Rabbi Ben Weiner
Misheberach List
The JCA is joining the tradition of having a list of people in need of healing read by
Rabbi Weiner during the Shabbat service, so that the energy from the whole congregation
will be going out to them. If you would like to have your name placed on this list please
contact Rabbi Weiner, Karen Bell in the office, the Chesed Committee, or send the info to
Mishebarach@comcast.net. Deliah Rosel will be updating the list each week.
For privacy concerns, each person seeking to be included is responsible to add only
their own name, in Hebrew or English. The list will be updated weekly by Deliah Rosel. If
you know that this support from the healing prayers of our community is for a time-limited
situation, please include that information so as to more easily keep the list current.
6
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — November 2014
Education News
Jody Rosenbloom, Director of Life Long Learning, 256-0160, ext. 203
Teacher Training Starts the Year Off Strong
On Sunday, September 14, the Resource Center for Jewish Education hosted a region-wide teacher training day including staff from Temple Sinai, Bethel, the JCC Pre-School,
Beit Ahava, Alma/Congregation B’nai Israel, and Lander
Grinspoon Academy. Special guest instructors introduced
experiential learning through multiple intelligences, learning centers (Martina Sobel), and movement (Dalia Davis).
Attending the workshops from the JCA were teachers Jody
Rosenbloom, Adin Bohmiller, Samantha Kramer, Keren
Rhodes, Marlene Rachelle and teen teaching assistants
Adin Klotz, Aleeza Kropf, and Tavi Wolfwood.
New Students Sweeten the Study of Torah
Kedushah LaTorah (Consecration) – Friday, Nov. 7
Starting formal Jewish education is something to celebrate and we’d love to have the community join us. At the
JCA, we dedicate a Friday night service to this Kedusha
LaTorah. 1st & 2nd grade teacher, Samantha Kramer helps
students prepare songs and a presentation. New 1st & 2nd
graders include: Daniella Sherman, Noah Magnus, Eden
Polak, Aiden Rhodes, Lena Goldman, Cady Reikin, Eli
Perkins, and Leo Inoue. Households with students in Shalom Sunday class and grades 1 & 2 are especially invited to
the community on Friday, Nov. 7 at 5:30pm for this service
followed by a potluck dinner.
JCA Adult Reading Group
JCA Adult Reading Group: The 2nd meeting of
the year of the ARG will be on Thursday December
11, 2014, at 7:30 PM in the JCA library. We will be
discussing a non fiction book that has received very
positive reviews:
The General's Son: Journey of an Israeli in Palestine
This is a follow-up to our last reading and discussion. It is in paperback. Come join us; new participants are always welcome!
Any questions, please call Ken Talan, 253-2248
Camp JRF Rabbi Isaac Saposnik Visits the JCA
on Sunday, November 2
Attending a Jewish summer camp gives a child a large
dose of uninterrupted informal Jewish education. Come hear
Rabbi Isaac share about camp and hear from some of our
JCA campers. This can make a huge difference in the Jewish
journey of children and teens. We have been very fortunate
to have our own day camp, Camp Shemesh and there are
numerous terrific overnight camps in the region. If you are
wondering about the perfect Hannukah or birthday gift, consider underwriting a summer camp experience for a child in
your life.
Thank You to:
Chernoff family for the donation of a miniature Torah
scroll displayed in Lucite.
Calendar
Sun, Nov. 2
Daylight Savings Time Change (Fall back 1
hour) Special Guest: Rabbi Isaac Saposnik
from Camp JRF
Wed, Nov. 5
School Committee at 7pm
Fri, Nov. 7
Family Service & Kedushah LaTorah
(Consecration)
5:30 pm Service followed by a vegetarian
potluck
Special Guests: Households with 1st & 2nd
graders & Shalom Sunday students & tots.
Sun, Nov. 9
Shalom Sunday (4-6 yr olds) 10:30-12 with
concurrent parent discussion group.
Sun, Nov. 16
B’Tzelem Elohim/In God’s Image
Wed, Nov. 19
Education Committee at 7pm
Sat. Nov. 22
Shabbat B’Yachad. All students attend services
& programming on Saturday from 10-12:30
(followed by a potluck). This program is in place
of class on Sunday, Nov. 23.
Sun, Nov. 23- NO CLASSES – Thanksgiving Holiday
Sun, Nov. 30
7
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — November 2014
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8
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — November 2014
Havurah K’tana will be meeting Saturday, November 15
from 4-6pm to play, nosh, and make havdalah. Contact Rachael
Goren-Watts at r.gorenwatts@g mail.com for more informatio n on
the Havurah and location for this month's gathering.
On Friday, November 7, families with young children are invited to join the school-age
children’s service for Kedusha LaTorah to honor new JCA School 1st graders and new students.
5:30-6:30 and followed by a vegetarian, nut-free potluck.
Newsflash! The JCA is now providing childcare during Shabbat morning services, from 10 to
12:30, in the classroom downstairs. Please do take advantage of it! We suggest that parents take
home envelopes and mail in checks for $6-10/ hr per child.
Contact Anna Sobel at tots@j-c-a.org with any questions or to be added to the JCA Tots listserve.
Teva Torah
Teva means ‘nature’ in Hebrew. Now in
its third year, Teva Torah is a program
for 7th—9th graders that meets once per
month throughout the school year to
build community, practice earth living
skills, and learn about nature-based
Jewish traditions and teachings. 10th
graders may inquire about Harim, our
leaders-in-training program.
Learn about Jewish laws and traditions
through outdoor activities like harvesting
wild edibles, fire-building, and animaltracking!
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.
2014-15 Dates (all Sundays):
October 12, November 9, December 14, January 18-19
(MLK Weekend Overnight Retreat), February 8, March
15, April 12, May 17, June 7 (Closing Community
Celebration)
Teva Torah is a program of the Jewish Community of
Amherst and is open to any teen in the region. This program is
largely funded by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation Teen
Initiative Grant.
Explore how Judaism, the
environment, and social
justice are connected.
Create personal projects that reflect your
own beliefs and values about Judaism and
the Earth.
Next Event:
Sunday, November 9
Register at jcateens.eventbrite.com.
Registration and payment are required
in advance of program attendance.
TheJewishVolunteerCorpsforTeens(JVCorps)
WehadourtrainingsessionduringthecommunitySukkotevent,sonowallour
teensarereadytovolunteerattheSurvivalCenter.ThankstoAmherstSurvival
CenterProgramDirector,TraceyLevy,fortheintroductiontotheprogram.
Tosignupforadatetohelpsetup,cook,andcleanupdinnerforthoseinneed
inourcommunity,justgotojcateens.eventbrite.com (clickonJVCorpsfordetails).
Ifyouwanttohelpout,butwereunabletomakeittothetrainingsession,pleasecontactKerenRhodes,theJVCorps
coordinator:jvcorps4teens@gmail.com.Ifthereisenoughinterest,wewillholdasecondtrainingsessionlaterinthe
fall.Youmustattendatrainingbeforeyoucanvolunteerforadinner.
Wealsoneedparentvolunteers,sopleasetakealookatyourcalendarandseewhenyoucanhelpout.
ThenexttwodatesareNovember13andDecember11.Ifyoucan’tbethereinperson,youcanstillhelpoutby
makingadonationoffoodormoneytohelpussupplythedinner.
TheseprogramsarelargelyfundedbytheHaroldGrinspoonFoundationFamily&TeenEducationInitiatives.
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — November 2014
UPCOMING
ADULT EDUCATION
PROGRAMS
9
10
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — November 2014
THANK YOU!
to the World Jewish Concerns and Action Committee of the JCA, Rabbi
Weiner’s discretionary fund, The Israel Committee of Congregation B’nai
Israel, The Israel Desk of the Jewish Federation of Western Mass., the
Northampton/Amherst Chapter of Hadassah, and several individual donors
for their support of the…
Annual Rabin Memorial Event
in Commemoration of the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin
Topic: Removing obstacles to peace between Israelis and
Arabs: How can hearts and minds be changed?
Sunday, November 2, 2014 at the JCA
1:30pm: Reception
2pm: Lecture and panel discussion with audience dialogue
After this summer's crisis in Israel, and new threats in the Middle East, the
World Jewish Concerns and Action Committee feels it is critical to provide a
program that enlightens and informs us.
Invited specialists in their field:
Guest Speaker: Gershon Baskin
Panel: Howard Sumka, Micha Peleg, David Gurevich
The event is free and open to the public.
11
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — November 2014
Tikkun Olam Committee
5,775 in 5775
The goal has been set for the JCA to collect 5,775 pounds of food during this year 5775. According to the Food Bank of
Western Massachusetts, over 200,000 people in Western Massachusetts struggle with hunger. No one should be hungry. Let us
work as a Community to seriously address this problem by developing an ongoing culture of the giving of
5,775 lbs.
food to those in need.
Some ways that you can help:
 Remember to donate, as often as you are able, non-perishable food when you visit the JCA, placing
it in the permanent box at the entrance.
 Participate in our special collections like the Yom Kippur food collection, the Shavuot fruit collection and December’s collection for Not Bread Alone.
 Volunteer for the JCA’s food collection at the Stop & Shop in the spring.
1,600 lbs.
 Add special meaning to your simchas like B’nai Mitzvot and birthdays by encouraging guests to
bring food donations.
 Request “suggested donations” of food when your JCA Committee or group is having an event or
large gathering.
 Take the opportunity for a teaching moment by encouraging food donations at school or teen events.
With your help we can do it - 5,775 in 5775!
THANK YOU! to all who contributed to the JCA's Yom Kippur food collection. Over 1,600 pounds!!!
of food were brought to the Amherst Survival Center for our friends and neighbors in need. Special thanks
to Randi Stein, Danielle Kadinoff, Harry Hahn, Jean Paul, Stefan and Kobi Maitinsky, Ilana Polyak, Dave Schimmel,
Sarah Thomson, Irv Seidman, Reed and Arnie Alper who helped sort, load and transport the food to the Center. This is a
great start toward our goal of 5,775 in 5775!
Source To Sea
Source to Sea Cleanup - For the third year in a row a
team of JCA members and friends joined hundreds of volunteers along the length of the Connecticut River on September 27th. We pulled lots of trash, tires, a water ski and
a box spring and mattress from our spot near the Oxbow in
Easthampton. We were joined by members of the Amherst
CERT. Thanks to Harry, Mara, Levi and Eden Hahn,
Danielle Kadinoff, Judith Souweine, Tamar Shadur and
Bruce Mills for participating.
Craig's Doors
Craig's Doors needs JCA volunteers to help prepare dinner, serve and clean up from 7-9 pm on Sunday through
Thursday for the following dates :
December 21-25, January 4-8, January 11-15
Please contact Elaine Walsh at ewacupuncture@gmail.com
Tikkun Olam Committee Needs Suggestions For Distribution Of Funds.
Did you know that there is a line item allotment in the JCA budget for distribution of funds to various organizations? This
includes local, regional, national and international organizations. The guidelines address critical issues such as food, shelter
and medical assistance. The JCA Tikkun Olam committee is responsible for allocating these funds. Each year we sift through
the many worthy organizations that are requesting funds and attempt to find the ones that best fit our community’s ideals. Last
year we made a special effort to support organizations that our community members were involved with as volunteers or in
other ways.
If you have an idea for an organization in need that is in the Amherst area or a Jewish organization that is national or international we invite you to present your suggestion before the committee. Last year we donated funds to the Literacy Project,
Amherst Survival Center, Family Outreach of Amherst, Craig’s doors, Arise for Social Justice, Safe Passage, Bend the Arc: A
Jewish Partnership for Justice, 350.org, Combatants for Peace, and The American Jewish World Service.
Please contact Judith Souweine, Chair of the Tikkun Olam, (souweine @comcast.net or 256-0493) with your ideas.
12
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — November 2014
PROJECT REHOVOT, Working With Children Since 1991
Dear Friends,
A belated Happy New Year from the Project Rehovot Committee! As I write this letter, I realize that
continuity has played an important role in our Project Rehovot program at the Ma’alot Meshulam Elementary School in Rehovot, Israel. We have been helping the children of Rehovot since 1991! Whether
we agreed or disagreed with the policies of the governments over the years, we continued to care for
the children.
Despite turmoil in Israel, our Project Rehovot is happening. Teacher/therapist Tal Kahan, now in
her second year, continues to help the children by using cameras. Her program, similar to those at the
International Photography Center in New York City and Girls, Inc. in Holyoke, provides children with
a vehicle through which they can work on their difficult issues.
In August, Tal met with classroom teachers, the school psychologist and the assistant principal,
choosing children who could benefit the most by working in small groups to address low grades and
poor Hebrew speaking/writing skills, lack of class participation and confidence, and the inability to
make friends or relate to the teacher. Project Rehovot serves children of immigrants and others; almost
all are from very poor families that are unable to help them—some are of Israeli heritage, some Russian,
most Ethiopian. While Ma’alot Meshulam receives other funding, our program is the only one designed
to address children’s specific needs.
Your donations to Project Rehovot help provide the funds for Tal’s part-time salary. With your support we will be able to continue helping the children.
I see us making a small but significant mark on the children’s lives. While Project Rehovot cannot
solve the problems, we can continue to move the students in the right direction, give them a little selfconfidence, a better grasp of the language and better social skills—the basic tools for success in school
and in life.
Please send your contribution in the enclosed return envelope. Or go to www.j-c-a.org/project-rehovot.html. Click on the Yellow/Orange Donation button on the right side (not the blue one on top that
says Make a Donation). You may pay with a credit card or through PayPal. Thank you in advance for
your support!
Sincerely,
Marilyn Kushick, Chair, Project Rehovot Committee
Members: Yaffa Gunner, Karen Loeb, Neta Bolzosky, Libby Arny, Moira Clingman, Helena Donovan, Allison Ellis, Joan Epstein, Rebecca Fisher, Barbara Goldstein, Hadar Grabel, Zahava Koren, Carol
May, Naomi Peleg, Tamar Shadur, Jody Wax
Planning a Wedding, Party or Bar/Bat Mitzvah Kiddush? Please hire the Project
Rehovot Catering Committee. The food is delicious, as many JCA members will tell
you, and proceeds go to Project Rehovot. For information: Karen Loeb, 413 253 0336
or kloeb@comcast.net. References are available.
Donations to Project Rehovot
Yaffa and Haim Gunner for a refuah shlema for
Noa Bolozky, daughter of Shmuel and Neta
Yaffa and Haim Gunner for a refuah shlema for
Allen Kropf
Yaffa and Haim Gunner in honor of Judy Davis's
70th birthday
Paulina Stark
13
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — November 2014
Attention JCA Seniors!!
Please save the date for our next “Seniors Luncheon”
Thursday, November 13, 2014
12-2pm, Social Hall
Thanksgiving: An American Ritual
Please join us as we share stories with the rabbi and with each other about
—how our families (when we were children) celebrated Thanksgiving
—how it has evolved in our own lives as adults
—and what meaning we make of it all.
We will begin (after a great luncheon, of course) by watching some excerpts from the movie, Avelon, a wonderful portrait of an immigrant family’s
evolution through many years of Thanksgivings.
JCA Hall Gallery
The Visual Art Committee welcomes the work of
Randi Stein for the months of November, December
and January. This will be her second exhibit at the JCA.
She will be participating in the November 6th Art Walk.
Please join us in the Hall Gallery to meet with her and to
see her exciting new collages.
THE LETTERS SPEAK:
Collages and Photographs by Randi Stein
Natalie Goldberg once said: "Painting is an underground river that feeds my writing life. " I seem to have
twin rivers--writing and painting-- each of which nourishes the other. And perhaps I can also say I have in me
a third river, perhaps the most important-- the well-- that
feeds the two: Judaism. This exhibit is one result of this
rich and deep well. During the last year I have been investigating the life of the Hebrew letters-- letters, which
according to Jewish legend, called the universe into being. I have invited the letters to speak to me, and have
let my hands respond to their speech with the media of
paper and paint. These collages are the result. I have also
included in the exhibit some images from the "Narcissus" series which preceded-- and brought into being-- the
first of the letters: Bet (Bereshit). As well, I have included
some photographs which may be the beginning of another series: Genesis. I hope you enjoy them!
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
JCA Annual Thanksgiving Blood Drive
BLOOD DRIVE: The Chesed Committee and Tikkun
Olam will be sponsoring our annual Thanksgiving Blood
Drive on Wed. Nov. 26th from 8:30 AM until 2 PM. This
Blood Drive was started in 2005 in honor of Jonathan
Souweine, and continues to be one of the area's most important Drives. For many donors and volunteers it has
become an integral way of offering gratitude at Thanksgiving. We hope you will consider donating blood this
year. Please call 1-800-RED CROSS if you'd like to
schedule your appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome.
Thank you!
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 — November 2014
~Membership Committee Corner~
~We would like to express our appreciation for our
WONDERFUL RABBI!
Thank you Rabbi Weiner for leading so many BEAUTIFUL services on
Rosh Hashanah, Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur. Thank you to our Cantors
and all the volunteers who helped the services run so smoothly!
~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 perfect opportunity for you to connect with like-minded
volunteers: 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!
~JCA Outing Club~
Our list serve is up and running!!
-- If you are a lover of the outdoors, and would like to connect with
other nature lovers for hiking, biking, kayaking, etc, we have created an
email list-serve that all interested members can use to announce outings
and to know when other members are hitting the trail!
Subscribe by emailing: jcaoutingclub-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
For more info, email Oran Kaufman: orankaufman@verizon.net
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — November 2014
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
Eva Brown
256-8066
Hans Herda
549-1010
Judy Davis
549-0128
Kitty Talan
253-2248
Reed Alper
549-0438
Robin Diamond
253-0660
Susan Myers
532-5839
Susan Zarchin
256-0667
Celebrating Babies: Shalom Baby Baskets
Know any new babies in the community? The JCA’s
Chesed and Membership Committees have teamed up with
Havurah K'tana (Little Friends Circle) to welcome new
babies into our community with a "Shalom Baby Basket."
Please contact us when you learn of families with a new baby
(JCA members or potential members). We will stop by with
a decorated basket containing a menorah, a PJ Library book,
a card made by children in the JCA Religious School, and, as
well, information about area Jewish resources for families.
We’ll also bring a meal and a plate of goodies! Please contact
Ariella Schwell (ariellachef@yahoo.com or 230-3694) or
Reed Alper (reedmangels@comcast.net or 549-0438).
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 Amy Mittelman for preparing
and delivering meals to members in need; to Hans Herda,
Ann Armon, Eliezer Huber, Ellen Middleton, and Judy
Davis for visits; and to Robin Diamond for providing rides.
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 — November 2014
Shekel Talk: From Your Treasurer, Jonathan Shefftz
My Shekel Talk column for September focused on the budget development process, which is now in progress
under the direction of Finance Committee Chair, Josh Goldman. This month’s
column will explain just why we have
a budget, or rather what exactly is the
role of our budget.
Overall, the JCA budget can be
viewed as an exercise in self-restraint.
The potential activities, functions, staff,
purchases, etc. that could enhance the
Jewish experience of our members and
guests are almost unlimited. By contrast, our financial resources are most
definitely limited!
The budget development process
on the revenue side is for the most
part merely predictive based upon
those existing financial resource limitations. Looking further into the future, we could certainly do a better
job at fundraising. (I noticed recently
that our neighbor across the river has
implemented a High Holiday Appeal
Donation Board – I suggest we explore
this as a substitute for our traditional
Annual Campaign, which is financially successful, yet highly burdensome
on the volunteer efforts of our Board
Members.) And we face continuing
questions about the effectiveness of our
Fair Share system, especially about the
recently restructuring of our brackets
for income and dues. On the plus side,
last year we revisited and revised our
fee structure for building revenues.
However, all of that is essentially a
“given” when the time comes for developing a budget right here and now.
So based upon our recent historical experience for revenues, combined with
any recently implemented changes, the
budget development process entails
predicting just what level of revenues
the JCA will take in for the following
calendar year.
The forecasted revenues then have
to be sufficient to cover whatever we
need to spend – or want to spend, or
hope to spend. For any given year, we
have enough cash on hand that we can
cover small annual shortfalls. But not
for long: more than a year or two of
significant shortfalls would trigger a
financial crisis.
Furthermore, if we can run a surplus, then that money can be used for
some special purpose – whether to enhance the Jewish life of our community, or to address some extraordinary
expense that arises unexpectedly (as I
discussed in my Shekel Talk column in
October regarding the lightning damage to the steeple). In fact, the unexpected surplus that developed toward
the end of 2013 is precisely why we
can breathe a little easier now regarding some future expenses.
And ideally, if we consistently run
a surplus, then we can potentially think
more expensively about the services
we provide to our Jewish community.
For the moment though, we have to
live within the means of realistic revenue projections. So we start with the
current year’s budgeted expenses, examine our actual expenses to date, and
investigate what changes are anticipated for next year. Given the constraints
of our limited revenues, the focus of
our budgeted expenses is pretty much
just maintaining the status quo.
But once we develop a budget, and
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the community approves it at the annual meeting in December, then what
do we do with it? On the revenue side,
the budget shows us throughout the
year whether we’re on track to bring in
the amount of money that we thought
we would bring in – yet there’s really not anything we can do about it,
if, say, membership dues fall short of
expectations, or school tuition is lower
because of diminished enrollment, etc.
(And more optimistically, if we bring
in more money than budgeted, then we
can simply thank our good fortunes!)
On the expense side, the budget essentially functions as a cap – a somewhat “soft” cap, but a cap nevertheless.
Various professional staff and volunteer committee chairs are expected
to maintain their spending within the
budgeted amounts. Keeping track of all
this is somewhat complicated since we
have over two dozen separate people
responsible for various expenditures.
To assist with this process, I had originally initiated a quarterly reporting processing, distributing financial results to
all the key people. I hope that our new
Administrative Director, Karen Bell,
can pick this up where I left off. I do
often receive individual requests from
various Chairs and other for volunteers
for Committee finances updates – these
are always most welcome, so whenever
you have such questions, please feel
free to contact me.
So far I’ve been discussing revenues and expenses as if they were entirely unrelated. For the most part, that
is indeed the case: the vast majority of
our revenues come from membership
continued on next page
17
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — November 2014
continued from previous page
dues, but those are not directly tied to
the provision of any goods or services.
However, we do have some revenues
and expenses that are both very tightly
related to each other and also self-balancing/self-supporting, or at least very
close to being so. The following are essentially the equivalent of “Enterprise
Funds” in municipal fund accounting,
even though our accounting system is
not formally set up that way:
• Camp Shemesh has generated a
notable “profit” for us in the recent
past before 2012, but since then
seems to be staying at a breakeven
basis for the foreseeable future.
Camp receives some outside grant
money, but its main source of revenue (about 90 percent) is camper
tuition and fees. And the more
campers who enroll, the more staff
we have to hire, etc.
• Teen initiative is almost entirely
covered by outside grants.
• Adult and family education is almost entirely covered by outside
grants and attendee fees.
From a budget perspective, these
are much easier, since we simply have
to budget for the effective subsidy these
program areas receive from the JCA.
So from a budget perspective, Camp,
for example, is simply zero. Certainly
not zero in what Camp provides to
both its campers and counselors! But
if Camp can break even financially,
on average, then that is all we need
to know for the JCA budget, with no
further worries. Camp staff certainly
need to worry about staffing and other
expenses that will ensure Camp does in
fact break even. Yet the overall level of
Camp revenues and expenses is not a
concern for the JCA budget, as long as
the revenues and expenses are equal to
each other.
School also sort of falls into this
category. I say “sort of” because School
charges tuition for its enrollment, yet it
recovers less than half of its expenses
from tuition and other revenue sources.
Given the extent of that shortfall, we do
account for School’s detailed revenues
and expenses in our budget, instead of
just focusing on the effective net subsidy.
Okay, that’s more than enough on
the budget, even for me! Plus I still
haven’t thought of a single reference
to my boss, our Chief Financial Officer Micayla Shefftz. So until my next
column – or at any other time too – you
can always reach me with any questions or concerns at Treasurer@J-C-A.
org and also download past columns
at my http://tinyurl.com/ShekelTalk
documents folder (which includes the
2014 budget, and will eventually host
the 2015 draft budget).
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delicatessen, bakery, cafe
Fresh baked challah every Friday
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New York Nova Lox N.Y. Bagels Baked Daily
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18
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — November 2014
Not Bread Alone
The Deadline for the
December Newsletter
is November 12th
We are seeking JCA volunteers to work at Not Bread Alone, our
Amherst soup kitchen, where JCA has provided volunteers for over
20 years.
Regular volunteers are needed : once a month, second Sunday
of the month, for either the cooking/prep shift (9:30 a.m. – Noon) or
the clean-up shift (Noon – 2 p.m.).
If you are unable to make a regular monthly commitment, you
can also serve as a sub, for those months when you might be available.
If you are interested and/or would like more information, please
contact JCA coordinator at NBA, Devorah Jacobson devorahj@
gmail.com
It’s a great opportunity for families to do together, Bar / Bat
Mitzvah students, seniors, singles, and everyone in our community.
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
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Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — November 2014
Donations
Adult Ed
Chesed Committee
Robin & Ted Diamond
Children's Scholarship Fund
Andrea Newman & Jonathan Shefftz
General Fund
In honor of their 67th birthdays (Judy & Kip Fonsh)
On the occasion of the birth to Rachel & Aaron Levy’s son
& our grandson (Jackie Wolf & Barry Levy)
In honor of Judy Davis (Judy Glaser & Robert Stern)
Guidebook
Judy & Kip Fonsh
Frieda Howards
High Holiday Donation
Ariella Schwell & Roger Magnus
Elaine & Arnold Trehub
Alan Peterfreund
Catherine Nagel & Robert Horowitz
Anne Hartheimer
In honor of Andrea, Jonathan & Micayla Shefftz
(Sally & George Newman)
In honor of Melissa & Beth Ross (Marilyn & Mitchell Ross)
Dorothy Madowitz & Leon Madowitz, MD
Randi Stein
On the occasion of attending Rosh Hashanah services &
in honor of Martin & Brenda Miller & grandchildren
(Goldie & Stanley Miller)
On the occasion of the High Holy Days
(Marjory Ackerman & Jeanne Ryan)
Susan & Seth Garber
Jennifer & Steven Markow
Carol & Marc Silver
19
In memory of Casimir Mardeusz & Vivian Mardeusz
Ellen & Jerry Rosenberg
Marcia Guzy
W.Sydney Stern
Pearlanne & Nathan Margalit
Joel Wolff
Julia & Benjamin Rueschemeyer
Marcia & Stan Abrahamson
Carol Drexler
In honor of the Hahn Family (Chaya & Gerson Kaplan)
In memory of Moritz & Linda Kahn and Benno & Kate
Freudenthal (Jeffrey Kahn)
Mary & Herbert Bernstein
Rabbi Discretionary Fund
Sherry Mckinney for the new Music Fund
Robin & Ted Diamond for the new Music Fund
In honor of Elsie Fetterman’s many accomplishments
(Vera & Laurie Wishnow)
Daniel Berlin
To celebrate our granddaughter Gali, being called to Torah
(Barbara & Normand Berlin)
In honor of Judy Davis’ milestone birthday, for the New
Music Fund (Your Friends on the Chesed Committee)
Hadar Grabel
Marcie & Richard Sclove
Tzedakah
Yahrzeit of my mother Helen Rabin (Monroe Rabin)
World Jewish Concerns & Action Committee for the
Rabin Memorial Event
Meira Penchina
Neta Bolozky
Carol & Leslie May
Daniel & Michal Katcher
New Members
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.
We warmly welcome the following people to the JCA
community:
Ruby & Rinat Schmerling
Ross Midler & Linda Haney
Anne Hartheimer
Emily Mortimer & Andy Berg
Condolences
We offer our sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the
families and friends of those who have recently died:
Joseph Pistrang, father of Jim Pistrang, father-in-law of
Barbara Pistrang and grandfather of David and Michael
Pistrang.
Rita Goldberg, mother of Karen Lowing and Barbara
Silver, mother-in-law of Douglas Lowing and Gary Silver,
grandmother of Douglas M, Joshua and Heather Lowing
and Jennifer and Benji Silver.
20
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — November 2014
nnouncements
Community A
Seeking "Dinner Buddy" For
6-Year Old Boy (Wednesdays)
We need someone to come to our
North Amherst home every Wednesdays (5:30-7:00pm) -- to serve dinner
and have fun with our son.
You might be a teenager seeking
some extra money. Or an elder seeking
some company.
Contact JCA member, Madeleine
Charney greenzinnia@hotmail.com or
549-5707
Gan Keshet (Rainbow Garden)
Preschool
Gan Keshet Jewish Community
Preschool OPEN HOUSE- MONDAY,
DECEMBER 1st, FROM 9:30-11:30
a.m. (Snow date, Mon. Dec. 8th) 253
Prospect St., Northampton. Come visit
with your child and meet our experienced staff. We offer: Part/Full Day Options; flexible scheduling, Abundance
Farm/Garden Based Activities, and
a Summer Program. Ask about 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
Israeli Democracy:
How It Broke and How to Fix It
A conversation over lunch with renowned Israeli author and journalist
Gershom Gorenberg
Based on his provocative book, The
Unmaking of Israel, this talk will provide a guided journey through littleknown parts of Israel's past and present
a liberal vision for its future.
Sunday, November 9,
11:45 am – 1:45 pm
Congregation B'nai Israel
253 Prospect St,
Northampton, MA 01060
Light Lunch Will Be Provided
RSVP with the synagogue office:
office@cbinorthampton.org or
(413) 584-3593
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
Community announcements
should be brief and of interest
to the local Jewish community.
Announcements will be listed
as space permits.
(413) 253-5384
Patience Meigs Bousel, CTP, CSE, LMT
Certi¿ed Trager® Practitioner, Clinical Somatic Educator, Licensed Massage Therapist
PURVEYORS OF FINE WINE,
LIQUORS, MICRO & SPECIALTY BEERS
42 Years of Service
338 COLLEGE ST.
PO BOX 506
AMHERST, MA 01004
Experience peace and calm
through deeply relaxing touch.
Discover the joy of moving
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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November 1
Renewal Service (see page 5)
November 2
Rabin Memorial Lecture (see page 10)
November 7
Kedushah LaTorah (see page 6)
November 13
Senior Luncheon (see page 13)
November 22
Shabbat B'Yachad (see page 7)
.
November 26
JCA Red Cross Blood Drive (see page 13)
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Amherst, MA
Permit No. 90