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Jewish Community of Amherst
Candle Lighting
Message from Co-President
Guy Wood, 802-387-5676, guynvt@gmail.com
February 6 ~ 4:52 pm
February 13 ~ 5:02 pm
February 20 ~ 5:11 pm
February 27 ~ 5:19 pm
Times shown are 18 minutes
before sunset for Amherst, MA
JCA 2015
Scholar-in-Residence
Associate Professor
of Religion
Mara Benjamin
March 21
see page 11
Special Events
February 1
Project Rehovot Concert
February 4
Tu B'Shevat Celebration
February 7
Shabbat B'Yachad
February 15
Presentation on Syrian
Refugees
February 20/21
Shabbaton with Shir Yaakov
February 24
World Jewish Concerns
Program
February 28
Borscht Belt Comedy Night
Meetings
February 5
Board Meeting
School Committee
February 13
Adult Ed Committee
February 25
Education Committee
In previous monthly co-president’s columns, I’ve not focused on specific issues
regarding the facility or some of our activities. However, in this month’s column I'm
writing you about two issues, the building
steeple and Shabbat kiddushes.
Steeples:
Steeples are not part of Jewish culture.
However, the JCA has preserved the historic
steeple of this former Congregational church
and has maintained it as when we acquired
the building in 1976, including installation
of interior support columns under the leaning steeple in 1989, and repair during major
renovations and additions in 2001.
Maintaining the steeple is part of the
larger issues of taking care of our physical
facility at the JCA. The JCA Board is in
the process of identifying and prioritizing a
number of needed repairs and renovations
to increase the safety, egress and care of the
facility. We are pursuing a refinancing of our
mortgage in order to fund a number of these
needs including maintaining and repairing
the steeple.
Normal ongoing maintenance of the
steeple as well as the entire JCA facility
is a regular component of the annual JCA
budget. Maintaining the steeple is an ongoing issue, as it is old, maintenance is laborintensive, has obvious significant safety and
egress issues involved in working on it, and
it is largely constructed of wood which requires more frequent painting and maintenance than we would like.
We, as a board, have pursued renovating
it and not removing it. Serious consideration
of removing it has not been pursued for several reasons. I believe the most important
reason for renovation is the historic value
of the building and steeple. In addition, the
estimated cost of removing it and disposing
of it properly is far more than continuing to
repair it for a number of years.
Last August, there was a lightning strike
Affiliated with the
Jewish Reconstructionist
Movement
February 2015
Shevat/Adar 5775
Vol. 14, Issue No. 2
during a storm which hit the steeple and
compromised its structural integrity and
opened up the interior to weather. Temporary repairs were made at the time.
To add another layer of complexity about
how to proceed with providing adequate
maintenance and repair, the insurance company we had at the time to cover incidents
such as a lightning strike, has decided to discontinue our policy. It is my understanding
that their issue in discontinuing our policy
was that we have filed two claims, an argument I find odd (another insurance provider
has been found and we are in the process of
setting up a policy with them). We are requesting that those insurance moneys for the
August, 2014 lightning strike be paid soon.
We expect that the payment we receive from
the insurance company will be used as part
of repairing it.
At the same time, a grant through the
Community Preservation Act (CPA) is being pursued through the CPA Committee of
Amherst. A team of people from the JCA
community, with our Administrative Director Karen Bell's oversight, have drawn up a
grant proposal to repair our steeple and belfry, restoring them to their proper original
vertical alignment (an issue that isn’t being
addressed in our periodic maintenance of
the steeple). This straightening of the steeple
is beyond the scope of our current budget,
so we look forward to making this possible
with a CPA grant. We hope that with a CPA
grant, insurance money, and financial help
from individuals and other organizations interested in the proposed restoration, we will
have a more stable steeple structure. There
are a number of other Amherst organizations
competing for these grants, with of course
limited monies available. If we’re fortunate
enough to receive a grant, is it is expected
after those repairs are completed, no further
continued on next page
2
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — February 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
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)
_____________________________
Board of Directors
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:
Josette Henschel: 213-0186
josette.henschel@gmail.com
Rob Okun: 253-9372
raokun@verizon.net
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: Jonathan Shefftz (413-256-1101)
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: Reed Alper
Deadline for the March issue is February 12th
February 2015, Vol. 14, Issue No. 2 Newsletter is published 11 times per year.
Subscription price is included in membership.
Co-President's column
continued from previous page
structural work will be needed far into the
future.
If you have any questions about this,
please feel free to talk to one of your
board members.
Kiddushes:
We have a kiddush after Shabbat services on Saturdays to celebrate our community coming together. Many of the
kiddushes have been hosted by generous individuals in honor of a person or
an event. In the last decade, we’ve tried
a number of different configurations for
those Shabbats that are not being hosted,
and I think we’re headed in the right direction. Unfortunately, in 2014, we did
not stay within the monies budgeted for
the year. As part of reconfiguring how
staff work, we’re also reconfiguring how
to stay within the budget. We, as a board,
are committed to continuing to have kiddushes with good food, even if they are
not as fancy as some of the meals in 2014.
If you have any questions about this,
please talk to one of your board members.
B’shalom, Guy
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — February 2015
3
Devarim:
Words from Rabbi Benjamin Weiner
Dear JCA,
A number of people have asked me recently what it’s
like to be living on a homestead in winter. I don’t know if
they just think that’s a good way to make conversation with
a homesteading rabbi, or if they are genuinely interested,
but, either way it’s a question that I enjoy responding to.
So, what’s going on at the homestead this winter? The
short answer is: nothing, at least when I consider my current level of activity relative to the labor of the growing
season. But the long answer is just the opposite: a lot,
though it’s mostly the ‘behind the scenes’ work of maintenance, planning, and preparation.
The one real all-year-round constant is animal care. In
addition to my human family, (and my herd of Jews and
fellow travelers!) I am currently responsible for the health
and well-being of six goats (two bucks and four does), ten
chickens (two roosters and eight hens), and three hives of
bees (I haven’t bothered to count through the thousands of
bees that inhabit a hive to determine how many are workers and how many drones, but I’m hoping there is at least
one viable queen in each.)
The goats and chickens need food and water every
morning, and the goats also need to be milked—as of this
moment we are still getting about a quart of milk total per
day. Some of the younger hens have recently begun laying, giving us about a dozen eggs a week. So, not huge
amounts, but we do still have some productivity, and
enough milk for the occasional batch of yoghurt or cheese.
In addition, this is breeding season for the goats. I won’t go
into details, but this requires a certain degree of guesswork
and surveillance, and explains why the bucks have come
calling.
As for the bees, the hives sit out exposed in my field,
so, when the cold weather started, I wrapped them up in
bales of hay, and am just hoping for the best—that some
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.
core of each hive will survive to start anew in the spring.
Cold weather, in general, complicates things. During the
string of frozen days that we’ve been having in early January, water needs to be changed frequently, as it ices fast,
and I find it helpful to bring all of the goats into a single
stall, so that they can warm each other on sub-zero nights.
Inside the house, I’ve begun planning for spring planting, by ordering my seeds (though I don’t think I’m really supposed to have product placements, I will say that
most of my seeds this year—apart from the ones we saved
from last year’s harvest—have come from Seed Savers
Exchange, an organization that makes me feel good, if not
completely hopeful, about humanity), drawing up some
provisional diagrams and plans for planting, and doing a
lot of crop related math. Starting next month, and continuing through May, I’ll get the indoor starts going, including a new experiment in sprouting my own slips from last
year’s sweet potatoes.
Perhaps the greatest winter-time homestead-related
joy comes from eating what I have grown and managed
to store. Increasingly, I have been trying to develop the
capacity not just to grow for summer eating, but to be able
to feed myself and my family in winter. I will admit that it
fills me with a certain amount of pride to have my pantry
modestly brimming with honey, garlic, onions, dried tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and butternut and crookneck squash;
my shelf groaning under its load of pickled cucumbers,
green beans, green tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, tomatillo salsa; and my root cellar holding of a variety of potatoes, beets, turnips, and carrots. Yes, I’m bragging a little.
So, that’s the report. I hope, in whatever way, this is
also a season for you of resting, tending, preparing, and
savoring.
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 — February 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
February 4, Tu B'Shevat
5:45 PM- Community Celebration and Seder
(see page 9 for more information)

Shabbat Yitro, Exodus 18:1-20:22
February 6, Friday
5:30 PM
Intergenerational Family Service and concurrent Tot Shabbat
followed by vegetarian potluck supper.
Service Leader: Rabbi Weiner
February 7, Saturday
Shabbat B'Yachad (see page 7 for details)
9:00 AM
Shabbat Yoga
10:00 AM
Renewal Service in the small sanctuary
Service Leader: Felicia Mednick and Sara Schley
Shabbat B'Yachad in the main sanctuary
Service Leaders: Rabbi Weiner and the Shabbat Band
D'var Torah: Rabbi Weiner

Shabbat Shekalim, Parashat Mishpatim
Exodus 21:1-24:18, Exodus 30:11-16
February 13, Friday
6:15 PM
Farbrengen Friday
Service Leader: To be announced
February 14, Saturday
10:00 AM
Service Leader: Rabbi Weiner
D’var Torah: Robert Friedman

February 19/20, Thursday/Friday
Rosh Ḥodesh Adar

Check the JCA website at:
www.j-c-a.org/services.html
for updated religion calendar information.
Shabbat Terumah Exodus 25:1-27:19
Shabbaton Weekend with Shir Yaakov
February 20, Friday
6:15 PM
Shabbat Ne'eemah
Service Leader: Rabbi Weiner
February 21, Saturday
10:00 AM
Service Leader: Rabbi Weiner
D’var Torah: Rabbi Weiner

Shabbat Zakhor, Parashat Tetzaveh
Exodus 27:20-30:10
February 27, Friday
6:15 PM
Service Leader: Rabbi Weiner
February 28, Saturday
10:00 AM
Service Leader: Rabbi Weiner
D'var Torah: Rhonda Shapiro-Rieser

The Return Of Shir Yaakov!
Last winter, the JCA
was electrified by the visit
of Shir Yaakov Feit, and
some of the musicians he
worked with at Romemu
in New York. Since
then, we our own musical davenners have been
going from strength-to-strength in absorbing his lessons,
and developing a culture of services with instruments at
the JCA.
We are delighted to be welcoming Shir Yaakov back
to the JCA, for a follow-up visit, over Shabbat, February 20th-21st.
The program will include a Friday night Shabbat
Ne’imah, with Rabbi Weiner and the Shabbat Band, and
a special Saturday morning service in a similar style, led
by Shir Yaakov.
In addition, we are planning a Havdallah event on
Saturday night, to be hosted by our friends at Hampshire
College.
Please stay tuned for further details.
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — February 2015
Kiddush and Oneg
Sponsors
January 3Jim Seltzer and Holly Perry
in honor of the B’nai Mitzvah
of their children, Matthew and
Abby
January 17Family of Louis Greenbaum in
honor of his birthday
January 31Joe Laur and Sara Schley in
honor of the B'nai Mitzvah of
their children, Sam and Maya
February 14Robert Friedman, in memory of
his mother, Gale Friedman
February 28Friends of Rabbi Rhonda
Shapiro-Rieser in honor of her
ordination.
If you would like to help
with or sponsor a kiddush,
please contact Karen Bell at:
admindir@j-c-a.org
Ma'ariv (evening)
Minyan
The weekday ma'ariv
minyan meets every
Thursday at
5:30 pm in the small
sanctuary.
Meditation Minyan
The weekday
meditation minyan
meets every
Wednesday at
7:30 am in the small
sanctuary.
Shacharit (morning)
Minyan
The weekday
shacharit minyan
meets every Tuesday
at 7:30 am in the
small sanctuary.
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, February 7,
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:
Randi Stein, 549-0526, randistein@earthlink.net, for reading in February.
Robert Friedman, robertofriedman@hotmail.com, for reading in March.
Gordon Freed, gofreed@gmail.com, for reading in April
Jayne Pearl, jayne@jaynepearl.com, for reading in May
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:
• January Torah readers: Arnie Alper, Aaron Bousel, Devorah Jacobson,
Joe Laur, Maya Laur, Sam Laur, Shira Mednick, Yosef Rumshiskiy,
Abby Seltzer, Matthew Seltzer, Andi Waisman
• Haftarah readers: Maya Laur, Sam Laur, Abby Seltzer, Matthew Seltzer
• D'var Torah givers: Maya Laur, Sam Laur, Abby Seltzer, Matthew Seltzer
• Musicians: Shabbat Band
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.
Service and Kiddush Honoring Rabbi Rhonda Shapiro-Rieser
After twelve years of concerted effort, our own Rhonda Shapiro-Rieser was ordained
as a rabbi by ALEPH: the Alliance for Jewish Renewal, in Colorado on January 11. (A video
of the ceremony is available at: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/57455018) Rhonda has
touched many of us at the JCA, with activities ranging from leading High Holiday services,
Purim spiel writing, leading the In God's Image parent support group, co-leading an adult
b’nai mitzvah group with Rabbi Bauer, to adding her ukulele to our musical events. Join the
whole JCA community on February 28 in a kiddush to honor her accomplishment. Rhonda
will be giving the D’var Torah and having an aliyah, and after services we will party. Donations to support the kiddush are still being accepted--make out a check to the JCA and mark
it Rhonda's kiddush. Kol hakavod, Rhonda!
6
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — February 2015
Education News
Jody Rosenbloom, Director of Life Long Learning, 256-0160, ext. 203
More of Memory Lane
Tefillin? What are they?
This month, more memories and nuggets emerge, less linear and more haphazard. I am aware of being the last of a
staff era, feeling a responsibility as a historian of sorts, as the
new leadership is emerging.
• Every few years, at critical times, I relished working
with a big picture thinker and thus thank Alan Peterfreund, Lisa Perlbinder, Michael Burkart, & Judy
Glazer for their guidance.
• Experimenting with holiday programming gives birth to
e.g.: teen Dreidle Dance, the Purim carnival, matzo brei
breakfast with electives, and the 2nd day Rosh Hashanah
hike.
• A joint effort to work with teens across the synagogues in
the region – guest speakers like Rachel Simmons, Jewish Improv Theater, Jewish Teens of the Valley (JTOV)
collective, field trips to Boston, and workshops like car
care/responsible driving (with John Loeb).
• Life before the renovation and addition: with bursting
pipes in the winter, mildew madness in the summer,
crowded onegs in the old social hall, High Holy Day services at UMass Bowker Auditorium and Purim carnivals
at the Hampshire College Red Barn. The year the school
was held between Fort River School on Sundays and
South Congregational Church on Wednesdays. Working
with architect, Steve Woolf on the elements of design.
Driving with Jean Potash to West Springfield to get
used office furniture for our newly renovated building
and offices on Sept. 11, 2001 and turning on the radio
and learning of the planes crashing into the towers of the
World Trade Center…
• The variety of kitchen mavens and the refining of rentals
and events coordination through the trials and tribulations of Gene Stewart, Linda Cooper, Karen Loeb,
Helena Donovan & Rosemary Spear.
On Sunday, February 1, 5th graders learn about the ritual
connected with morning prayer, the “binding” of phylacteries. Rabbi Weiner and teacher Marlene Rachelle, with
teaching assistant Tavi Wolfwood help lead this session from
10-10:45. Then parents meet to discuss the B’nai Mitzvah
timeline, the steps on their child’s journey over the next two
years. In preparation to become b’nai mitzvah, students are
offered the opportunity to try different rituals, such as to put
on tefillin daily. Participating 5th grade students include Samantha Boutilier, Audrey Davis Brand, Sylvia Goldman,
Ben Kingston, Janna Parrot, Ava & Isabel Polak, Tevah
Rose, Oren Shmerling, Esme Siegel, and Sophie Sweeting.
Thank-You To:
The Sweeting family for donating miscellaneous games
and books.
Marian Wolfsun for her story telling at Ḥannukah tots
programming.
Sarah Schley for her Shabbat book Secrets of the 7th Day
donations.
Calendar
Wed, Feb. 4 Tu B’Shevat – Classes include special
activities with Cara.
Thurs, Feb. 5 School Committee at 7:00 p.m.
Fri, Feb. 6 First Friday Family Services with concurrent Tot
Shabbat at 5:30. Followed by a potluck dinner.
Sat, Feb. 7 Shabbat B’Yachad for all families.
(In place of Sunday)
Sun, Feb. 8 No JCA School
Sat-Thurs, No Classes - President’s Holiday Week
Feb. 14-19
Sat, Feb. 21 7th grade resumes
Sun, Feb. 22 B’Tzelem Elohim/In God’s Image Parent Group
Wed. Feb. 25 Education Committee at 7:00 p.m.
7
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — February 2015
Shabbat B’Yachad/
Shabbat Together
Saturday morning,
February 7, 2015
For students, this is in place of JCA School on Sunday, February 8.
We prefer all children come with their household.
Children under 8 MUST be accompanied by an adult.
Moses’ father-in-law (Yitro) said to him, “The thing you are doing is not right; you will surely wear yourself out,
and these people as well. For the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone. Now listen to me. I will give you counsel,
and God be with you! Make it easier for yourself by letting them share the burden with you.” Exodus 18:17-19, 22
Please join us for the next Shabbat B’Yachad for Parashat Yitro, which tells the story of the giving
of the Ten Commandments and is named for Moses’ father-in-law Yitro, who offers wise advice about
life balance to Moses. This is a great opportunity for families to learn and have fun together!
9:00—10:
Shabbat yoga with Corinne Andrews
10:00—11:15
Musical services led by Rabbi Weiner, with Av Harris, Cara Silverberg, and guest players
(Halacha alert: musical instruments will be used)
11:15—12:00
Traditional Torah service with Rabbi Weiner
—or—
Your choice of alternative Torah study activity:
Boker Tov Tot Shabbat: It’s Tot Shabbat — in the morning! Time to get together with your friends under age 6, rock out on the
shaker to some of your favorite songs from Tot Shabbat, and learn some new ones that are just for singing in the morning.
No Tot Shabbat with Anna Sobel is complete without puppets. For: ages 5 and under with their grownups
A Mountain of Commandments: The Torah tells us that the Ten Commandments were given to the Israelites on Mount Sinai.
Make a mountain, which includes the commandments that are most meaningful to you. For: all ages with art specialist Amy Beth Epstein.
The 11th Commandment & More! What is a commandment? How can we connect to Adonai through keeping commandments?
How can commandments be a guide for our lives? Explore these questions and then create your own “luchot habrit”
(Tablets of the Covenant) to take home. For: children in grades 1-3 with Keren Rhodes.
What language does God speak? Through storytelling and guided meditation, we will explore what Moses might have felt like atop
Mount Sinai receiving Torah from God. We will then do some writing and drawing to explore what we’d like to ask or say to God.
For: grades 4-adults with Cara Michelle Silverberg.
12:00—12:30
Conclude services together. A potluck follows services.
Share: Please bring a vegetarian side, salad, or entrée to feed 15 people.
Generous funding provided by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s Family Education Initiative.
8
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — February 2015
JCA Teen Programming
Go to jcateens.eventbrite.com for details and to register for
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 leadersin-training program.
Next Event: February 8
At our last event in January, we went on our
annual winter overnight retreat in Vermont!
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
The Jewish Volunteer Corps for Teens
We need volunteers & chaperones!
Next date: February 12
JV Corps has helped at three dinners so far this year. Thank you so much to all the teens and parents
who have volunteered their time. The most recent group of volunteers DUHOLVWHGEHORZ.
The next two dates to sign up for are February 12 and March 12. Feel free to join us in helping out the
Amherst Survival Center serve dinner to those who are in need. You can sign up at our website,
jcateens.eventbrite.com.
As always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the JV Corps Coordinator Keren
Rhodes at jvcorps4teens@gmail.com.
Thanks to the January crew: Teens Noah Madowitz, Nathan
Ellis, George Holt, Amina Mednicoff-Misra, Avi Elkin, Parent
Chaperones, David Mednicoff, Karen Helfer
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9
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — February 2015
Family Friendly Community Tu B’Shevat Potluck and Seder
February 4th, 5:45pm, JCA Social Hall
Come and join us for a fun and meaningful celebration of the New Year of the Trees. We will
eat ceremonial fruits, tell stories, learn Torah, and sing songs, all in the service of reconnecting
ourselves to the abundant flow of natural life.
The event will follow right after Hebrew School. Please bring a dish to eat and to share!
Ceremonial fruits and beverages will be provided.
While this event will be kid friendly, it is also adult friendly! Please come, even if you have
no immediate connection to the Hebrew School
Havurah K’tana will be meeƟng Saturday, February 21 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.
Friday night, February 6, will be a Pajama Tot Shabbat with Anna Sobel.
Wear your favorite PJs! The service is at 5:45, with a potluck dinner to follow at
6:30 (vegetarian, nut-free).
On Saturday morning, February 7, there will be a Boker Tov Tot Shabbat,
with Anna as part of Shabbat B’Yachad.
Shalom Baby Baskets: Know any new babies in the community? The JCA’s Chesed and
Membership CommiƩees have teamed up with Havurah K’tana 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 potenƟal members). We will stop by with a basket, and also a meal and a
plate of goodies! Please contact Ariella Schwell (ariellachef@yahoo.com or 230-3694)
or Reed Alper (reedmangĞůs@comcast.net or 549-0438).
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.
Weȱcanȱhelpȱyouȱmoveȱlifeȱalongȱ
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413-549-1039
THE
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DAVIS
FINANCIAL
GROUP LLC
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
ajdavis@davisfinanicalgrp.com
www.davisfinancialgrp.com
10
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — February 2015
GRAMMY WINNER to PERFORM at JCA CONCERT
Music: Jazz,Sephardic, Jewish, Country & More
Food: Middle Eastern Buffet following the concert
Plates of pita, falafel, humus, grapeleaves, Israeli salads @ $7; pizza slices @ $1; desserts @ $2
Performers: Jeff (Grammy Winner) & Dawning Holmes Jazz
Duo, Mak’hela Jewish Chorus of western MA, Cantor Elise
Barber & Friends, Old Time Band with Rabbi Weiner &
Henry the Juggler
When: Sunday, February 1, 3:30pm
The event will end in plenty of time to watch the Superbowl kickoff.
Tickets: $5 children & students; $10 everyone else
Concert Eenefits Project Rehovot, helping children in Rehovot, Israel
Children in the Project Rehovot program in the Ma’alot Meshulam public
school pose with Vice Principal Esther Ha’Levy & their Teacher Tal Kahan.
11
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — February 2015
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Sunday, March 1, 2015, 2-5 pm
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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
JCA 2015
Scholar-In-Residence
The Scholar-In-Residence
guest this year is
Associate Professor of Religion
Mara Benjamin.
Professor Benjamin teaches at
St. Olaf's College in Minnesota but
is currently on sabbatical in
New York City, having won a
National Endowment for the
Humanities grant.
She will be at the JCA on Saturday,
March 21st. Save the date: more
information to follow.
12
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — February 2015
Summer 2015
Exciting News
and Updates!
Educational Programming Enhancements
In the past we have found that: 1) One week is not long enough
to really develop a program theme and nurture campers’ curiosity
and exploration. 2) One-week sessions limit the extent to which
relationships can grow and blossom. 3) Our youngest campers
have a hard time getting into the routine of camp in just one
week. 4) Despite the above, some families really value the option
of enrolling one week at a time.
Our Solution: We have designed three exciting educational
programs. Each themed program is two weeks long and will
include field trips for all campers, special guests, and other
amazing opportunities. But you can still sign up for single weeks
if that works best for your family.
New Location
Ready for a blast from the past? Camp Shemesh is
returning to Hampshire College! With larger
programming spaces, more access to greenspace
and trails, and amenities like the Yiddish Book
Center and the Eric Carle Museum, we are pleased
to inform you that Hampshire College will (once
again) be the home of Camp Shemesh. We will
continue to have daily free swim in the College pool.
Abundance Farm in Northampton
To get the full camp experience, we recommend that campers
attend an entire two-week program. While each two-week
program will have a specialty theme, all weeks of camp will
include swimming, outdoor games and sports, field trips and, of
course, Gaga. Yes, lunch will still be provided every day!
We are partnering with Abundance Farm to provide
our campers with a unique hands on farming
experience. For week 6 of camp, we will be based
out of Northampton and participate in a special
educational program at Abundance Farm. We will
provide a bus from Amherst to Northampton during
Week 6 free of charge. See details on our website.
JCA Administrative Director Karen Bell
Abundance Farm Website:
http://www.abundancefarm.org
Karen has been working with us to transform camp’s
administrative support systems. She has an extensive background
not only in Jewish non-profit management and administration,
but also in Jewish institutional summer camps. If you have
questions related to registration, campership aid or payments,
you can reach her directly at 413-256-0160 extension 207
Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
or at admindir@j-c-a.org.
Hebrew’s Happening!
We are implementing a new program this year to integrate
Hebrew more into camp. More Hebrew songs and vocabulary of
daily camp items and routines are just the beginning. We will have
daily options of all reading and conversational levels during Quiet
Time including games, story books and more all to help your child
retain and continue their Hebrew learning. A game a day keeps
the summer memory loss at bay!
Special Opportunities for Teen
Leaders (grades 7-10)
Teens will have opportunities to earn first aid, CPR
and/or Red Cross babysitter certifications.
QUESTIONS? CONTACT:
Karen Bell, JCA Administrative Director
admindir@j-c-a.org ~ 413-256-0160 ext 207
regarding registration, campership aid and payments
Cara Michelle Silverberg, Camp Director
shemeshdirector@gmail.com ~ 413-256-0160 ext 204
regarding programming and personnel
Registration is now open for summer 2015!
Program themes, dates, registration and much more available on our website at
www.j-c-a.org/shemesh.html
13
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — February 2015
JCA Hall Gallery
Not Bread Alone
The Visual Art Committee welcomes the work of
Richard Cohen.
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.
Light, Cloud and Shadow:
Pastel Landscapes by Richard Cohen
I am excited to be exhibiting again in the Hall Gallery. I've selected recent paintings of the Pioneer Valley,
Maine and California. I paint landscapes because I love
the outdoors. Being in nature, whether woods, fields or
ocean, I feel nourished, energized, at peace and happy. In
my paintings I try to capture something of those feelings.
Even when I'm inside, I want to be surrounded by natural
beauty, the play of light on hills, trees and water, and the
drama of the sky.
The paintings in this exhibit are exclusively pastel.
Pastels are made from finely ground pigments and a
binder such as gum arabic, and then formed into sticks.
There are hard pastels, soft pastels, oil pastels and pastel
pencils. I primarily use soft pastels which produce rich
and vibrant colors. As a medium, pastels have the benefit
of simplicity, convenience and versatility. There is immediate contact of the pastel stick with the paper, which
makes it seem like an extension of your fingers. There
are many kinds of pastel paper, but I prefer PastelMat or
Wallis Paper, which have plenty of "teeth" to grab and
hold the pigment.
The Deadline for the
March Newsletter
is February 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
I hope you enjoy viewing the paintings as much as I
enjoyed painting them!
Furnished Studio Apartment For Rent
Beautiful sunset view. On top of hill in Pioneer Valley
cohousing community in North Amherst.
Separate entrance and bathroom. Access to
community parking, laundry, recycling, X-country
skiing out your door for miles on conservation land.
Public Bus Transportation.
$635 includes all utilities and broadband internet/TV.
Available immediately.
Call Bob and Amy at 413-549-0144.
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 — February 2015
5th Annual Borscht
Belt Comedy Night!!
Saturday, February 28th, 2015
7:30 at Jewish Community of Amherst
What’s this?
A Joke?
Eat Borscht, Bring your jokes and your potty mouth, No kids under 18
but you can act like one....Suggested donation $10
All jokes under 3 minutes. If you are particularly sensitive to being
offended - this may not be for you
For more information contact Oran Kaufman at 413-256-1575 or oran@orankaufman.com
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — February 2015
~Membership Committee Corner~
The JCA Outing Club’s Inaugural Event was a Great Success!
Thank you to everyone who came on the
New Years Day Hike at Mt. Warner Reservation!
Thank you to Dan Price for initiating!
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 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!
15
16
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — February 2015
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Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — February 2015
17
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 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 Robin Diamond, Hans Herda, and Ellen Middleton 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).
18
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — February 2015
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Humanitarian Relief
Jewish Community of Atlantic
Amherst Newsletter — February 2015
Humanitarian
Relief
Tikkun Olam Committee
Providing
emergency
aid to
A
c
displaced
Hum
m anitarian Relief
ef
Syrians
SYRIAN REFUGEES
ARE IN CRISIS &
NEED OUR HELP
19
SYRIAN REFUGEES
ARE IN CRISIS &
The Tikkun Olam Committee Invites
You to a Presentation on
NEED OUR HELP
The Syrian Refugee Crisis
Sunday, February 15th at 4:oo pm in the
JCA Library
Gina Panzieri has been a volunteer in Syrian
refugee camps in Jordan and runs an organization
that sends supplies and funds for Syrian refugees.
Using a photographic presentation she will explian
Atlantic Hum anitaria n Rel ief
what has been happening
in Syria and also talk
about her own experiences. Two other members of
Congregation B'nai Israel's Tikkun Olam Committee will also participate and lead a question and
answer period.
Craig's Place Shelter
Film: The Harvest/ La Cosecha
The Tikkun Olam Committee would like to send out a BIG
thank you to all who volunteered
to work at Craig's Place Shelter!
Because of our wonderful JCA
community, we were able to fill
almost every shift during the
JCA's three week winter break
coverage. Mazel tov!
On March 12, 2015 at 7 p.m. the Tikun Olam Committee is pleased to be showing
The Harvest/La Cosecha. Every year there are more than 400,000 American children
who are torn away from their friends, schools and homes to pick the food we all
eat. Zulema, Perla and Victor labor as migrant farm workers, sacrificing their own
childhoods to help their families survive. THE HARVEST/LA COSECHA profiles
these three as they journey from the scorching heat of Texas onion fields to the winter
snows of the Michigan apple orchards and back south to the humidity of Florida's
tomato fields to follow the harvest. This award-winning documentary provides an
intimate glimpse into the lives of these children who struggle to dream while working
12 14 hours a day, 7 days a week to feed America. There will be a panel discussion
following the film. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Survival Center.
Mazel tov to our State Senator - Stan Rosenberg
State Senator (and JCA member) Stan Rosenberg was chosen recently by his fellow Senators to lead them as Senate President. It's been
forty years since someone from Western Massachusetts has held that
powerful position. We wish him a rewarding and successful tenure.
(413) 253-5384
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20
Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — February 2015
Contact Karen Bell at 413-256-0160 ext. 207 or at admindir@j-c-a.org for reservations and more information.
Newsletter Advertising Rates
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Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — February 2015
Donations
Annual Giving
In honor of Joan Saperstan’s birthday
(Andrew Janiak & Rebecca Stein)
Evelyn Goldenberg
Joanna & Clay Ballantine
Judy & Kip Fonsh
Andra Rose & Joshua Goldstein
Pearlanne & Nathan Margalit
Jody Rosenbloom & Joel Kaminsky
Rabbi Joyce Galaski & Philippe Galaski
Ruth Kane-Levit & David Levit
Hilda & Louis Greenbaum
Ellen & John Middleton
In honor of my daughter, Alexandra (Karen Hoffman)
Joan Epstein & Burton Franzman
Robert Brainin
Christine Denison Bloom & Frederick Bloom
Marina & Josh Goldman
Rhonda Shapiro-Rieser
Mara & Harry Hahn
Katherine & Robert Feldman
Sue & Peter Cinner
Ruth & Howard Smith
IL Cohen Foundation
Barbara Jenkins & Eli Kwartler
Stacy & David Tobin
Catherine Madsen & Sarah Thomson
In memory of Anya Newman, Leslie Arriola, Hannah
Zuckerman & Judy Young (Jayne Pearl)
In honor of the rabbi, Diana & all the musicians stepping
forward to enrich our services & events
(Barbara Schaffer Bacon & Roger Bacon)
Sandra Sulsky & Eric Bittman
Jessica Wolff & Kevin Landau
In honor of the JCA Board of Directors
(Maital & Pedro Levy)
Janis Levy
Eleanor Quint
Diane Chajes
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Terran Melconian
Donna Baron & Steven Silvern
Emily Bloch
In memory of Harry Harmatz on the occasion of his
yahrtzeit (Robin Harmatz)
Sallie Deans Lake & Kevin Lake
Debra Jacobson & Gerald Friedman
Madeleine Charney
Chesed Committee
Natalie Jarmon
General Fund
In memory of my father, Charles Lubinsky
(Leonard Lubinsky)
Thank you for warmly welcoming me to Shabbat Services
& Dinner. Chag Sameach (Jackie Rosenbloom)
Bonnie Diamond & Daniel Price
Sara Schley & Joe Laur
In memory of Frances Kates (William Kates)
High Holiday Fund
Amy & Michael Woolf
Donna Baron & Steven Silvern
Thank you for hosting the Eaglebrook Boys
(Catherine Mehl Trust)
Rabbi Discretionary Fund
In honor of Rabbi Benjamin Weiner
(Brenda & Martin Miller)
In honor of Judith Souweine’s birthday for the new Music
Fund (Devorah Jacobson & Margaret Mastrangelo)
In memory of May Baum (Linda & Irving Seidman)
In honor of author Irv Seidman (Reed & Arnie Alper)
In appreciation of the Rabbi’s contribution to So You Might
Know written by Irv Seidman (Helene & Aaron Paris)
For The New Music Fund In Honor Of Joan Saperstan’s
Birthday:
Renee Moss & Eric Bachrach
Adi Bemak & Rob Okun
Karen Moodie-Gallagher & Donald Gallagher
Lisa Pack
Condolences
We offer our sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the
families and friends of those who have recently died:
June Gordon, mother of Marilyn Gundersheim, motherin-law of Julius Gundersheim, and grandmother of Marc,
Stephen, and Adam
New Members
We warmly welcome the following people to the JCA
community:
Gail & Michael Perlman
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.
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Jewish Community of Amherst Newsletter — February 2015
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Community
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 affirma-
tion 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
Room Needed by Retired Woman
Professor/Psychotherapist, JCA
Member's Mother.
My mother is planning to relocate to
the Amherst area on, or soon as possible
after July 1, 2015. She plays Bridge, is
highly active in the community, and has
volunteered as a teacher at the Amherst
Senior Center. She is a noted public
speaker and educator, and published author. For the last few years, she has been
spending summers here, and has local
references. She is on the waiting list
for the Clark House in Amherst. Until
it becomes available, she is in need of a
room to rent, private bath preferred, in
a house or condo in the Amherst area,
with kitchen and living room privileges,
use of washer/dryer, parking space for
car, no pets, no smoking. My mom does
not require Kosher, but she is comfort-
able with it, having been brought up
Orthodox in Bangor, Maine, and attending Cheder for all her school years. She
was a guest faculty at Hebrew Union
College, and gave the graduating class
Keynote Address one year there. She
also gave a Seminar at Jewish Theological Seminary called “Ethics for
Rabbis.” My mom was a “lay rabbi”
in Manhattan, leading a Chavurah for
several years, formed at a liberal Conservative congregation. Her Chavurah
raised funds for the synagogue through
Musicales and Art shows which she
organized. My mom is a spiritual, caring, outgoing, quiet, friendly, helpful
woman, beloved by us and our son. We
live in a small two bedroom, one bathroom home with our young son. Please
call Rachel at home: 413-253-1295 evenings or weekends, leave a message, or
email:rasr86@mac.com. You can call
my mother directly at: (954) 426-6612,
or e-mail her at_DrSchwab@bellsouth.
net. Her name is Charlotte Schwab.
Thank you very much. Rachel Schwab
Rehorka and Gary Rehorka, JCA Members
Community announcements should be brief and
of interest to the local Jewish community. Announcements will be listed as
space permits.
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
Jewish Community of Amherst
742 Main Street
Amherst, MA 01002
Return Service Requested
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Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Amherst, MA
Permit No. 90
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February 1
Concert for Project Rehovot (see page 10)
February 4
Tu B'Shevat Celebration (see page 9)
February 7
Shabbat B'Yachad (see page 7)
February 15
Presentation on the Syrian Refugee Crisis (see page 19)
February 20/21
Shabbaton with Shir Yaakov (see page 4)
February 22
Israeli Film (see page 11)
February 24
World Jewish Concerns program (see page 18)
February 28
Borscht Belt Comedy Night (see page 14)