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November 2013 Kerem Shalom, Concord, Massachusetts
Free Holiday
Preschool Hanukkah
Session!
On November 17th come try out our Holi-
day Preschool program. Abbe Smerling
has been teaching Holiday Preschool and
Kindergarten at Kerem Shalom for 26
years. And new this year, we are offering
this free sample session on November 17th
at 9:45 AM. Space is limited so please register for this free session by calling 978
-369-1223 as soon as possible! On the
17th, students will be treated to Abbe’s
exciting Hanukkah program with a story,
craft and songs all relating to the holiday.
Jewish Book Author
Jane Sutton to visit
Kerem Shalom
Kerem Shalom welcomes author Jane Sut-
ton at 10:45 am November 17th (right after
our free sample session of Holiday Pre-
school). Jane’s new book, Esther’s Hanuk-
kah Disaster will provide the basis for this
program. Jane will read her book, lead a
game and families will be able to partici-pate in a craft activity related to the book.
There is no fee for this special program.
Jane will have her books for sale (and
signing!) as well. Our family educator,
Nancy Kaplan will join Jane for some
Hanukkah songs.
At this year’s KS
Community Chanukah Dinner Party
and Sing-Along
Bring a favorite or unique Chanukiah (Chanukah menorah)
from home, to light
Sunday, December 1st at 5:30 pm We’ll provide Latkes, sour crème, applesauce, dreidels & gelt.
Everyone is invited to bring ...
(in addition to: 1. tuna and whole wheat pasta for JF&CS’s
Family Table,
2. your chanukiah with 5 candles ready to
light for the 4th night,
3. your potluck DAIRY dish to share &
4. your appetite for latkes and song for our
sing-along)
your own home-made or favorite chanukiah (or
Thanksgivukiah :-) for our Chanukiah Showcase
We’ll showcase our chanukiot on a display table for all to enjoy.
For the Home-made chanukiot, your candles don’t have to be candles—
think pencils, pipe-cleaners or pretzels, marshmallows, macaroons or
matchstick cars — this does not have to be a functional menorah.
Questions? And RSVPs for dinner: Help us
determine how many latkes to prepare!
Nancy Kaplan - [email protected]
Page 2 The Grapevine, November 2013
Dear Hevre (Friends),
I recently had the great opportunity to see the wonder-
ful Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit at the Boston Science
Museum. It was a breathtaking display of the oldest
existing versions we have of some of our sacred texts.
One of the things I was particularly aware of as I wan-
dered among the artifacts was the diversity in the Ju-
daism of antiquity. One can’t help but be struck by the
fact that there are slight variations between some of
the versions of our sacred texts in the Dead Sea
Scrolls and the versions we use today.
It is clear that from a historical perspective that Juda-
ism has always evolved and looked a little bit different
in every generation. It is also apparent that even with-
in a single generation there have always been differ-
ences in how people lived out their Judaism. In fact
Mordecai Kaplan, the founder of Reconstructionist
Judaism, defined Judaism as “the evolving religious
civilization of the Jewish people.”
To be sure, there is a continuous thread that runs
throughout Jewish history, but it seems to me that di-
versity of belief, engagement, thought and practice are
in fact the norm of what it means to live in and be a
part of a sacred Jewish community.
One of the things I love about Kerem Shalom is that
within this sacred community we have a range of
thought, belief, practice, and engagement with Jewish
tradition. Too often I encounter the mistaken idea that
Jewish communities ought to create homogeny of be-
lief, thought and practice when actually I believe that
this diversity is inherent to an authentic Jewish experi-
ence.
One of my goals as rabbi of this community is not to
create a homogenous community where we all think,
believe, and do Judaism the same way but rather to
work with you to create a sacred community and a
spiritual home where we all feel comfortable being
where we are, From that place we are able to learn,
stretch, & grow intellectually and spiritually. I contin-
ue to be thrilled to be on this journey together.
Kindness & Shalom,
Rabbi Darby Jared Leigh
From the Rabbi
— Darby Jared Leigh
Passages:
Condolences to Dr. Jeffrey Kraines and his wife
Linda Kaplan on the death of Jeffrey’s mother,
Evelyn Kraines (Elka bat Orish v’Leah.)
Condolences to Kirkland and Morganne on the
death of their grandmother.
Condolences to Boon (Bob) and Carol Leandro on
the death of Boon’s mother, Helena Leando.
Condolences to Emily and Sarah on the death of
their grandmother.
Kerem Shalom
P.O.Box 1646
Concord, MA 01742
Tel: 978-369-1223
Fax: 978-371-8072
http://www.keremshalom.org/
Affiliated with the Synagogue
Council of Massachusetts
The Grapevine is the monthly newsletter of Kerem Shalom
(Vineyard of Peace), distributed to members and friends of the
congregation.
The editor is Batya Olsen, 978-371-3009. Contributions are due
before the 15th of the month preceding publication and may be
sent to the synagogue address. Articles are accepted early.
Facsimiles can be sent to 978-246-5921. Text can be electronically
mailed to [email protected].
Darby Jared Leigh, Rabbi
Michael Luckens, Rabbi Emeritus
Rosalie Gerut, KS Cantor Jan Huber O’Callaghan, President
Miriam Zarchan, President George Peabody, Pres. Emeritus
Pat Lukens, Ed. Director Joan Perlman, Asst. Ed. Dir.
Nancy Kaplan, Fam. Educator Jessie Busiek, Administrator
Issue: 3 Volume: XIV
The Grapevine, November 2013 Page 3
Presidents’ Message — Jan Huber OCallaghan and Miriam Zarchan
Do you remember the joy you might have felt reading a children’s book? Embedded in the sim-
ple prose and illustrations, sometimes a deep reflecting pool of wisdom and beauty might
emerge. At a recent Shabbat service Rabbi Darby used a vision and metaphor to underscore the
meaning of the Hashkeveinu prayer that resonated with that same kind of beauty and simplicity.
As he explained to us, the prayer written approximately two thousand years ago, is said before
retiring to bed and asks God to watch over the sleeper, or more precisely to spread a canopy of
peace over them. The Hashkeveinu can be thought of as a sleeping aid, in the form of a prayer.
But as Rabbi Darby explained, this is not a single pill for a single individual. The prayer uses the
plural form for the word “us”, indicating that this canopy is to be spread over a greater circum-
ference than just one. To help us experience what that might feel like, we said the prayer twice.
Before reciting the prayer a second time, we broke into groups of two and shared with each other
the kinds of concerns that might disturb our sleep at night. When reciting the prayer again we
now had an awareness of another’s concerns, and could pray for them as well. Rabbi Darby un-
derscored the power behind this awareness of “us” by asking us to imagine that over our heads
we had created a canopy of delicate connections, like a spider-web, and that this web had be-
come our canopy of peace.
Over and over in the Community Conversations we heard people express the wish to be part of a
community. Rabbi Darby is gifted at creating a sense of community, but he cannot do it alone.
The Sabbath is a special time, during which Jews, their partners and their friends can congregate.
It is also a busy time in our family and community lives. As we develop the ways to celebrate
and honor the Sabbath at Kerem Shalom, it is important that as many people as possible become
involved. Follow the Sabbath schedule through the Grapevine, on the web-site or through “Next
Week at Kerem Shalom”. Find a service, Friday evening or Saturday morning or Saturday after-
noon, that your own schedule can accommodate. Let us know what your ideal vision of Shabbat
at Kerem Shalom looks like. And give us feedback about your experiences. In addition to speak-
ing with Rabbi Darby and the Co-Presidents, we have a Spiritual Life Committee, chaired by
Marty Plotkin that would welcome your ideas and critiques. This is an exciting time to be build-
ing a rich spiritual life at Kerem Shalom and all are welcomed to participate in this work.
We look forward to welcoming the Sabbath with you!
L'shalom,
Jan and Miriam
Page 4 The Grapevine, November 2013
Social Action News
Please Welcome our New Members
Welcome Kelli Kirshtein and Wendy
Angus and their children Benjamin An-
gus-Kirshtein, 12, and Daniel Angus
Kirshtein, 7. They live in Maynard and
can be reached at
[email protected]. Their
home phone is 978-298-5409.
Sabine Clasen of Acton. You can reach
her at [email protected] or 978-
266-1085.
Rebecca & Barry Lenick of Lincoln.
You can reach them at 781-259-4483 or
Welcome back Sy Friedland of Stow.
You can reach him at 978-897-6051 or
Beverly & William Koenigsberg of Con-
cord. You can reach them at 978-369-
8523 or [email protected].
ברוכים הבאים
2013 Holiday Cheer Project
A huge THANK YOU to all of the KS families who are
sponsoring children through the 2013 Holiday Cheer Project.
HAPPY SHOPPING to you all!!! We greatly appreciate
your generosity in sponsoring children in need.
DROP-OFF
REMINDER: ... there are only a few weeks to shop -- The
Holiday Cheer drop-off deadline is November 21!
Please drop off gifts/wrapping paper in the front lobby at
Kerem Shalom on either Monday, November 18 (before
6:00pm) or Thursday,
November 21 (before 6:00 pm). We always need additional
shoppers to help round out our collection, usually during the
last week in November or the first week in December.
Please contact [email protected] or boweshul-
[email protected] to sign up as a last minute shopper for the
Holiday Cheer Project.
THANK YOU to all KS sponsoring families!!
JF&CS Family Table
Turkey Tzedakah
You can help another family enjoy
Thanksgiving this year!
JF&CS Family Table feeds more than 340 families every month. Imag-
ine all of those families sitting down and enjoying a festive Thanksgiv-
ing dinner, complete with a kosher turkey - thanks to you!
You can make this possible by donating today. Each gift of $36 will
cover the cost of one kosher turkey. To donate to the Family Table
Turkey Tzedakah fund please call 781-647-JFCS (5327), donate online
at www.jfcsboston.org/donate, or send a check to: JF&CS Family Ta-
ble, 1430 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02451. Be sure to indicate
"Turkey Tzedakah" when you make your gift.
Thank you for helping those in need at Thanksgiving and throughout
the year!
The Grapevine, November 2013 Page 5
From the Education Director
-Pat Lukens
Rabbi Darby has started a practice of starting our staff meetings with a D’var Torah, words of Torah. And each month a different
staff member is charged with writing one. October was my month and I thought I’d share what I thought about for Lech Lecha. I
cracked open a book that I had been given several years ago – “How to Read the Bible” by Marc Brettler. I looked up Genesis 12
and wondered where Marc put his focus. He says that this section is often called a Patriarchal History and he contends that it is nei-
ther. There are many women who play key roles in this section. And he says that it is not “history” because there is no reason to be-lieve that the stories are an actual depiction of something that actually happened.
So, my thoughts took off in the direction of the importance of women in this section and their relative absence in many other sec-
tions. And I contrasted that with life on the ground as a Jewish educator. Here we are, mostly women teachers, who are charged with
teaching a history where we are largely absent. And, if we look at who is the driving force behind students attending Hebrew school, it is mostly the mothers that contact us (with of course some notable exceptions!) In addition, we also know that it is sometimes the
other than Jewish mother who is bringing the children to Hebrew school.
So to all the parents who bring their children to Kerem Shalom School and make this a priority - mothers and fathers! – Thank you.
Parents of College Students – Hanukkah packages are being packed on Nov. 4th – last call for addresses! And we still need two
parents to schlep to the post office. Please send to [email protected].
Snow (or other reason) Cancellation Policy for Kerem Shalom Sign up for the WHDH cell phone notification system – it’s the quickest way to be notified.
Please make a note of our snow cancellation policy and go over this policy with your children. In general, if the Concord Public
Schools are closed due to weather, Kerem Shalom School will be closed for the afternoon. If the Concord Public Schools are sent
home on early dismissal due to weather, Kerem Shalom School will be closed. If Kerem Shalom needs to close for the afternoon due
to deteriorating weather, an announcement will be made in the Concord Public Schools. If your child normally rides the bus to
Kerem Shalom, they need to know where to go instead of traveling here.
How can you get information about school closings? A decision will be made by 12:00 noon
Have announcements sent directly to your cell-phone by Channel 7 “Storm Force”. To use this free service, go to
www.whdh.com and click on “closing bell on your cell.” Follow the directions and your cell phone will be the first to know that
school has been closed (I’ve used this and it is virtually instantaneous!)
Watch Channel 7 - 12:00 news for closing announcements
Call Kerem Shalom at 369-1223. If school is closed, the outgoing message will say that we are closed.
Room parents will make a round of phone calls, if your child’s class has a room parent. Please be sure that your child’s
room parent has an accurate phone number for you, during the day.
For events on Sunday, listen to WBZ 1030 News Radio
IMPORTANT! – If you call and get the normal message, school is OPEN! When it snows, there are so many phone calls that we
can’t possibly answer all the phone calls. If we close, we will change the outgoing message to say we are closed.
Calendar reminders for November
7th grade Mayyim Chayim Field-trip –
Nov.4th (No 7th grade dinner.) Book Fair – November 4 & 7
Kehillah will be Nov. 4 and 7 at 5:45 PM
No school on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11 Holiday Preschool meets on November 17th.
Free session with RSVP - tell your friends! No school Thanksgiving week, Mon. Nov.
25 or, Thurs., Nov. 28.
Important Parking Lot INFO:
Please– do not park in the circle! The school buses cannot turn around in the circle
if you are in it. If we make this difficult for the school buses, they will stop transport-
ing our kids! Yikes! In addition, for the few minutes that you are blocking the circle,
emergency vehicles have no access to our building. In addition, if you have nannies
or babysitters doing the driving, please be sure that they know not park in the circle,
even for a minute!
Also – reminder, be sure all people who pick up your children understand that
they must come into the building to get them. We cannot let children loose in our
busy parking lot especially since it is now getting darker.
Page 6 The Grapevine, November 2013
Family Ed News Family Educator, Nancy Kaplan
Kabbalat Shabbat Services at
Concord Park with Nancy Fridays, 3:30-4:30PM
Nov 22nd and Dec 13th
Ease into the spirit of Shabbat, learn a
little Torah, and join us for Shabbat ser-
vices, challah and conversation with the wonderful residents at Concord Park. KS
members of all ages are invited. Our
beautiful service booklet was created by
JF&CS. I would be delighted to help you
learn to lead services at Concord Park.
Kindergarteners, 1st Graders
and parents : Join us for the
Parent Connection Kickoff Sunday, December 8 from 10 am–noon.
We will gather to learn about the Parent
Connection reading program in which all
kindergarten families will be participat-
ing this year. We will learn about the
world of Jewish literature for parents and
kids, create some Jewish art, play games
and have some FUN! Bagels and bever-
ages will be served in the middle of the
program. Looking forward to seeing you
all there! RSVP by November 14th.
Pajama TOT SHABBAT! Friday evening, November 22nd at
5:45 PM, followed by Dinner* Come in your PJ’s & slippers, bring
your toothbrush. Cuddly animals & blankeys welcome.
Families with young children are warmly invited to join Family Educator Nancy Kaplan and Rabbi Darby for our monthly PJ Tot Shabbat service and complimentary dinner! (Kindly RSVP to Nancy for dinner). We celebrate Shabbat together with music, move-ment and midrash (stories about Torah and other writings). Our services are joyful, spiritual and meaningful for adults and children alike. After our service and Shabbat bless-ings , families are invited to stay and enjoy visiting over dinner. We’ll have holiday-themed crafts, games and babysitters! during the dinner hour.
Kerem Shalom’s Mitzvah DAY ONE OPEN TABLE PANTRY STOCKING TEAM .
Thank you for your ongoing donations to Open Table & Family Table Food Pantry.
What a wonderful beginning to our Mitzvah Year at KS. Please look for notices for
upcoming Social Action Sundays from committee co-chairs JoAnn Simon and Sally
Edwards. Let’s keep the community spirit and our sacred work of tikkun olam, re-
pairing the world, going throughout the year.
SILK TALLIT-MAKING WORKSHOP for ADULTS & B’NEI MITZVAH
Students—with artists Maxine Sorokin and Henry Altmann. December 8 & 15 (snow
date January 12) 10 am– noon in 2 sessions; Must attend both sessions
to complete silk tallit. RSVP by Nov 20 .
$130 materials fee. Scholarship funding available.
Date for 3rd session with Nancy Kaplan for tying tzitzit, TBD by participants.
Over the past five years, ten women and more than two dozen middle school and high
school students in our KS community have made these beautiful tallitot. No artistic
background is required. The batik process itself creates a beautiful tallit you will be
able to wrap yourself in for a lifetime.
Diana Suskind
(r) with her
friend Lynn
displaying the
tallit Diana made for her
niece in honor
of her becoming
a Bat Mitzvah.
Grades 3 & 4 Family Shabbat dinner Friday, November 15th. Family Friday Service with Rabbi Darby and Nancy Kaplan at 7:30 pm.
Save the date!
The Grapevine, November 2013 Page 7
Kerem Shalom’s Calendar is also online at http://www.keremshalom.org/. Click on the Calendar tab at the top of the page.
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Page 8 The Grapevine, November 2013
Kerem Shalom’s Calendar is also online at http://www.keremshalom.org/. Click on the Calendar tab at the top of the page.
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The Grapevine, November 2013 Page 9
Adult Programs
–From Rosalie Gerut
New Programs
Beginners’ Modern Hebrew - Reading and/or Speaking classes Thursdays 6:30-8:00 PM with Kerem Shalom’s Hebrew School teacher and native speaker, Tikva Eigen.
Classes will begin as soon as we have a sufficient number of students! Tuition will be $45/person for a set of 5 sessions.
RSVP: [email protected]. Any questions? Please contact Tikva Eigen, [email protected]
Kerem Shalom Men's Group
For information contact: George Peabody, [email protected].
Rosh Chodesh (“New Moon”) A Women’s Group – New Morning Class! An invitation to all women at Kerem Shalom
Rosh Chodesh, the time of the new moon, traditionally provides an opportunity for women to come to-
gether for monthly meetings based on themes in the Jewish calendar. We have an ongoing evening
group, but there has been interest in holding a morning Rosh Chodesh group at Kerem Shalom.
We will spend time studying and discussing topics relevant to our lives, relaxing, getting to know each
other and supporting one another’s journeys.
Our first meeting will take place on Monday, November 18th from 9-10:30 AM. Rosalie Gerut will facilitate. If you are interested
or have questions, please contact: [email protected] Thank you!
On-going Programs - new participants welcome
Rosh Chodesh (“New Moon”) A Women’s Group – Continuing evening group. An invitation to all women at Kerem Shalom.
Rosh Chodesh, the time of the new moon, traditionally provides an opportunity for women to come to-
gether for monthly meetings based on themes in the Jewish calendar. We will spend time studying and
discussing topics relevant to our lives, relaxing, getting to know each other and supporting one another’s
journeys. Wednesday evenings: November 20, December 18, January 15, February 19, March 19,
April 16, May 21; 7:00-8:30 PM. Rosalie Gerut will facilitate.
RSVP: [email protected]. For Kerem Shalom members only.
Torah Study with Rabbi Alan Ullman Rabbi Alan Ullman brings Torah to life by facilitating dynamic interaction and questioning of
text, enabling us to view Torah in its ancient context as well as in its relevance to our lives today.
Rabbi Ullman helps us to see the wisdom of Torah as a way to guide our own spiritual journeys
and to find the sacred in our everyday lives. A brief text is introduced at the beginning of each
class and no previous knowledge or experience is required.
and / or
Tuesdays, 6 sessions, 10:15 AM-12:15 PM
January 7, 28, March 25, April 1, 29, & May 27.
$150/KS members, $225/non KS members
Sundays, 5 sessions 5:00 -6:30 PM
January12, February 23, March 30, April 20 and May 25.
$125 for KS members; $185 for non-KS members
Page 10 The Grapevine, November 2013
Kerem Shalom Book Club The title chosen for the December 12 meeting is My Russian Grandmother and Her American Vacuum Cleaner :
A Family Memoir written by Meir Shalev, translated by Evan Fallenberg. This should be a great read for the
Thanksgiving/Chanukah season. A number of copies are available through the Minuteman Library Network. Join
us Thursday, Dec, 12th at 7:30 p.m. at Kerem Shalom. Questions? Contact Pat Sills <[email protected]>.
Support Group for People Facing Health Challenges
Wednesday mornings 9:45-11:15 AM
Baruch Ha’bah Refuat ha Nefesh
Blessed is the one who enters A healing of the soul
This group provides an open, supportive environment where people facing health challenges can make
connections with each other. Here we can be ourselves and be understood and supported. We ex-
change information on resources and find through our conversations that we are nurtured emotionally
and spiritually.
Why go through difficulties alone when you have a pillow of support right here at Kerem Shalom?
If this speaks to you, please contact: Kitty Stein (781) 259-9264 or Rosalie Gerut at [email protected].
Tai Chi at Kerem Shalom Sunday mornings 9:30-10:30 AM Tuition per session: $10 Kerem Shalom members; $15 non-members
For more information contact: Rob Elkind at [email protected]
Tai Chi is a fluid sequence of movements choreographed in a low impact routine. The practice of tai chi
focuses on the mind/body connection. This state of active meditation provides tranquility and is achieved
when movements are coordinated with mental awareness. The traditional Wu Chien-Chuan sequence
taught in this program focuses on smaller circular movements and fluid transitions. All movements are practiced in a relaxed manner.
Contrary to its gentle appearance, Tai Chi at its advanced stages of training becomes an effective martial art. The practice of Tai Chi
has evolved into a self-healing art due to its many health-related benefits. The Wu style abides by the principles of martial arts and
ultimately increases the health benefits through proper training. This program is an effective training method for stress relief, osteo-
arthritis, and provides better concentration, circulation and balance.
Rob Elkind has been studying Tai Chi and Kung Fu in the Fu Hok Tai He Morn system for over 15 years. He has trained under both
Kwong Tit Fu and Calvin Chin and competed in tournaments around the world.
On-going Programs - new participants welcome
Hebrew for Advanced Beginners Mondays, 4:45 - 6:00 PM Twelve weeks starting September 9, 2013 Remaining classes: . November 4,. November 18,.December 2, .December 9 & December 16. Tuition: pro-rated
This twelve-week class welcomes anyone who already knows the Aleph-Bet, some Hebrew vocabulary, a few verb
conjugations, is interested in a deeper experience of Jewish life and ritual, and wants to build Hebrew skills for future Jewish study
of all kinds. We’ll focus on the three- letter "Divine DNA" found at the roots of most Hebrew words, using examples from the Jew-
ish New Year holidays, Shabbat services, and Torah. We’ll start with a brief review of Chapters 7-9 of the text book (see below).
Throughout the twelve weeks we’ll practice reading Hebrew out loud, small-group learning, systematic progress through the text
book, and using Hebrew dictionaries and other references.
Text Book: The First Hebrew Primer, Third Edition, by Simon, Resnikoff, and Motzkin. Meets in the library at Kerem Shalom.
Become your own translator!
Kerem Shalom Jewish Content Book Club Our last book was Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum. We found it drew us in to its world. This book involves the memories of the Germans as well as the experiences of the Jews during the Holocaust, it looks at the effects of
the war on the past generation and the next generation.
Our next meeting will be on Tuesday Nov. 19 at 12:30 pm in the KS Library to discuss The World to Come: A
Novel by Dara Horn. For more information, contact Jane Appell, [email protected].
The Grapevine, November 2013 Page 11
A meeting of the Board of Directors was held on September 16, 2013. JoAnn Simon presided as facilitator and Matt Daniel as note taker.
Attendees included the following: Rabbi Darby Leigh, David Matias, Nancy Kaplan, George Peabody, Elizabeth Sackton, Caroline
Leandro, Miriam Zarchan, Jonathan Aibel, Rosalie Gerut, Jan Huber O’Callaghan, Drew Hession-Kunz, Wendy Taubes, Pat Lukens, Jes-
sie Busiek, Jill Mirman, Greig Greenwald, and Mark Stein.
Jill presented the D’var which focused on a passage from the Yom Kippur service. Themes that Jill emphasized included the timelessness
of the day, asking oneself to start a new beginning and the need to cut some things back in order to facilitate new growth.
Next, a number of short announcements were made:
Matt discussed KS’s presence at the upcoming Bedford Day celebration;
Nancy mentioned the need for assistance getting corn stalks on the roof of the Sukkah and that the Sukkot party the prior day had
been well attended;
Jan thanked the staff and volunteers for their efforts during the High Holidays.
Miriam next led a robust and open discussion about the meaning of the recently completed High Holiday services, led for the first time by
Rabbi Darby, and well attended by a rejuvenated membership and guests. Common themes and memories shared openly and honestly in-
cluded:
The feeling of inclusiveness that permeated each service, often as recognized by other-than-Jewish family members or those who
hadn’t attended KS in quite a while, and expressions of feeling fully welcomed into the KS community for the first time.
The significant impressions that the stories Rabbi Darby told had on congregants, as well as his use of humor to impart meaning, and
his teaching of the Sh’ma in American Sign Language.
Various (at times) communal feelings of happiness, excitement, energy, joy, deep and powerful spirituality, radiating both within the
temple and outside in the parking lot.
The music that was incorporated into the services, and the emotional resonance it added.
The evolving of the lovely Tot Service as an accompaniment to the Family Service.
The image of Rabbi Darby and his daughter signing together.
The message expressed by Rabbi Darby that there were multiple ways to participate in the High Holidays and the services, and peo-
ple should find the method that is most meaningful and feels right to them.
The deft coordination between Rabbi Darby and Rosalie on the bima.
The large number of congregants who, at Rabbi Darby’s urging, came back at the end Yom Kippur to celebrate N'eila and Havdalah
together.
The cooperation and togetherness witnessed to allow the High Holidays to come together, from the hard work of the staff to the vol-
unteers who took down the social hall walls and tended to a myriad of tasks.
Jan presented a membership update, summarizing that we currently have 255 member units and 12 prospective member units. It was noted
that 4 member units have resigned, with 2 others possibly resigned. Follow up is in process with about 25 families to determine renewal
status. It was decided to table for a future meeting discussion regarding High Holiday tickets for non-members.
Miriam provided an update of the Membership Committee, noting that the committee had recently expanded. Processes for new members
were being formalized and memorialized, and there is a focus on developing a sub-committee “Welcoming Committee” led by Greig,
Wendy and Jill to work with Rabbi Darby on how to best get new members off to a strong start. Wendy and Greig noted their post-High
Holidays focus will be on reaching out to the numerous prospective members who have been identified.
Drew provided a brief finance report, noting that a more fulsome report would be made at the next Board meeting following the close of
the first fiscal quarter. However, he noted that there remained about $25,000 of open FY 2013 membership dues from approximately 20
families, and he outlined the anticipated steps to collect or write-off these amounts. Due to improvements with the invoicing and reminders
systems, and emphasis on credit card payments and on-line banking, he was optimistic our collection efforts in FY 2014 will be more
timely and effective. He also noted that, while early, abatement requests seemed to be slightly lower than last year.
Jan introduced a discussion regarding the social hall, asking the Board and staff to contemplate how it should be configured now that the
Montessori school no longer is renting the space. Issues included whether to leave it open or add walls for storage and/or meeting spaces.
The plan is for Classrooms 1 and 3 to be restored after Mitzvah Day.
Carol briefly noted that the first couple weeks of Hebrew School have gone smoothly, especially given the early arrival of High Holidays.
September Board Meeting Minutes
Page 12 The Grapevine, November 2013
5774’s Mitzvah DAY ONE – a heartfelt THANK YOU! to all our volunteers
"Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed citizens to change the world.
Indeed, it has never been done otherwise." - Margaret Mead.
In its twelfth year Mitzvah DAY ONE is now a well-subscribed, much anticipated, highly populated, volunteer-run event that our
membership is proud of: a day on which we experience the power of a community effort towards Tikkun Olam, healing the world.
Tzedakah, righteous giving, Gimilut Chasadim, acts of loving kindness, and social action, all are aspects of Tikkun Olam.
With more than 200 members participating in projects on- or offsite as volunteers or donors, and some 30 volunteers either running
projects or assisting at Mitzvah Day, your commitment made all the difference. Thank you to everyone!
Here’s a look at what OUR small group of committed citizens accomplished:
Fully restocked the Open Table Food Pantry with 6 dozen bags of groceries brought by Mitzvah Day participants, with 14 peo-
ple restocking the pantry
Raised over $500 for Open Table Food Pantry through the Big Tsimmes lunch concession...and $230 from the
breakfast/coffee concession, part of which paid for the groceries…that our cooking team used on Mitzvah Day to prepare
apple crisp for 100 Open Table clients — and six more volunteers helped at Open Table in Maynard the next evening
serving dinner and dessert and giving out groceries from the food pantry
Gave 12 units of blood to Emerson Hospital’s blood drive. BLOOD donors are welcome year-round at Emerson’s Blood
Donor Center. Save Emerson $100’s per unit of blood and save lives locally when you donate here.
Made 37 pumpkin centerpieces for the families attending Open Table’s dinner to enjoy and take home
Collected and donated winter outerwear for adults and children living in Somerville Homeless Coalition’s shelters.
Supported student Tzedakah projects: COLLECTING pet supplies for Arlington Animal Clinic, toiletries for patients at Shattuck
Hospital, and mothers in Boston Medical Center’s Child Witness to Violence Program, books for Maynard’s Green Meadow
School, and Concord Prison Outreach, ...CONTRIBUTING to
AJWS’s “Reverse Hunger” campaign through Equal Exchange Fair Trade chocolate sales, Angiosarcoma Awareness, Inc,
Buddy Dog, Community Boating of Boston, Lovelane Stables and Nevins Farm with purchases of hemp and duct tape
bracelets, t-shirts, crafts, and baked goods...
Supported the Women’s Craft Cooperative at Rosie’s Place and Uganda’s Clover Foundation and Project Have Hope with
our purchases of handmade jewelry and crafts
Supported artisans from Safed, Israel and KS’s school with purchases of Chanukah, Havdallah and Shabbat candles
Learned about fosterin Blanding’s Turtles at home and about The Nature Connection, a Concord non-profit organization that
brings educational and therapeutic nature-based programs to people whose access to the natural world is limited.
Three Kerem Shalom members signed up on Mitzvah Day to volunteer for TNC, and two have already participated in
the volunteer orientation and training day. See Nancy K. if you’d like to learn more about volunteering for TNC.
Donated 300 books to the Green Meadow Elementary School library in Maynard – and members learned that we have a
team of volunteer readers who tutor children at Green Meadow for an hour a week through Jewish Coalition for Literacy
Collected signatures for RAISE UP MASSACHUSETTS and Amnesty International’s letter writing campaigns
Sewed 40 polar fleece hats for sick and needy children at the Grow Clinic
Sponsored 55 needy children for the Holiday Cheer Project, Voices against Violence /South Middlesex Opportunity Council
Donated a carload of household goods to HGRM (Household Goods Recycling Ministry) and members learned that we have a
team of volunteers that work at HGRM every third Sunday of the month- ALWAYS looking for more volunteers/ A great way
to log in high school or b’nai mitzvah volunteer hours.
Made 50 holiday cards for inmates in Concord’s prison and collected $100 for Concord Prison Outreach
Raised $761 on pie sales and donations for Community Servings’ Pie in the Sky fundraiser, enough to provide a week’s worth of
free, hot nutritious meals to 30 seriously ill, home-bound individuals.
People who would like to order Thanksgiving pies but did not have a chance to do so on Mitzvah Day can order on-line, through November 23rd. Pick up your pies at convenient commercial locations in and around Concord. Here’s the
link: www.pieinthesky.org. KS member Sam Nagler is a pie seller- enter his name!
Donated cell phones to Kol Isha - to enable victims of domestic violence to be able to dial 911- a lifeline to help they need
Decorated and assembled 24 terra cotta pots containing healing teas, lotions, spring bulbs for forcing, made cards for Healing
(Continued on page 13)
The Grapevine, November 2013 Page 13
I N T H E C O M M U N I T Y
Taking Charge, Making Changes – FREE 3 session Money management and budgeting for Women.
Do you ever wonder? * Where your money goes? *How to set financial goals?
*What to do about unexpected expenses? This free workshop series will help you
gain control over your personal finances in a confidential & supportive group.
Meeting Tuesdays, December 3, 10, 13th from 9:30 to 11:00AM, JEWISH Family
Service, 475 Franklin Street, Framingham. $25 Gas Card for each participant and
child care supplement available. Contact Diana at 508-875-3100x300 or dobri-
[email protected] for more information - Space is limited. This program is supported
by the Metrowest Jewish Community Fund of Combined Jewish Philanthropies.
Starting your holiday
shopping?
Please remember that Kerem Shalom gets
a percentage of purchase dollars spent on
amazon.com if you start at our website:
www.keremshalom.org.
Click on "Shop" at the top of the screen
and then on the amazon
icon to make your
amazon purchases.
It is that easy to help KS with a donation
from amazon through your purchase!
Please spread the word to your friends and
family :)
- Jan Huber OCallaghan
Garden cancer patients
Provided 13 Thanksgiving turkeys to needy Jewish families with donations to the Turkey Tzedakah fund for JF&CS
Donated eyeglasses for distribution to needy individuals through the Concord Lions
8 KS members walked in the CROPWalk and raised over $600 for Hunger Relief
contributed to Dana Farber’s cancer research to support David Hoffman next year in the Boston Marathon.
contributed towards the purchase of an ambulance for Magen David Adom
contributed to Open House in Ramle Israel, working towards peace between Arabs and Jews.
Learned about JNF's "Waterworks" program for conservation in Israel
Stuffed breast and testicular cancer awareness packets for Hadassah's Check It Out high school program
Mitzvah Day ONE was a great start to a Mitzvah Year! Let’s keep it going!
THANK YOU - TODAH RABAH!
(Mitzvah DAY ONE Thank Yous continued from page 12)
COMING SOON
NOVEMBER 28, 2013
This site is brought to you by JewishBoston.com
http://thanksgivukkahboston.com/
Kerem Shalom Retreat Weekend
for a weekend of respite, rejuvenation, community and fun....
something for everyone!
Friday, June 13 - Sunday, June 15 , 2014 at Toah Nipi Retreat Center,
Rindge, New Hampshire.
Mark your calendars now!
In This Issue:
Hanukkah Holiday Preschool 1
Jewish Book Author visits 1
Chanukah Dinner & Sing-
Along
1
Rabbi’s Message 2
Passages 2
Presidents’ Message 3
Social Action News 4
Welcome New Members 4
School News 5
Family Education 6
November Calendar 7
December Calendar 8
Adult Programs 9, 10
Sept. Board Meeting
Minutes
11
Mitzvah DAY ONE Thank
Yous
12
In The Community 13
Shopping for KS 13
In this Issue 14
The Grapevine
Kerem Shalom
P.O.Box 1646
Concord, Massachusetts 01742
Change Service Requested
Happy Festival
of Lights