THE VOICETEMPLE BETH ABRAHAM, 1301 WASHINGTON STREET, CANTON, MA 02021

PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY TEVET/ADAR JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012 ISSUE NO. 3

Minyans are Sunday-Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Minyan calendars are enclosed.If you can’t go on your scheduled night, please find someone to cover foryou.

The synagogue would like to be informed about all important events andoccasions, including births, engagements, weddings, awards, etc., as wellas illnesses and deaths. Please notify the office at (781) 828-5250.

On November 30th, 2005,Al Burak, a long time TempleBeth Abraham and BoardMember, died suddenly in atragic auto accident. Al had beeninvolved in many organizations,often serving on the Board as avolunteer. Of all the causes towhich he dedicated his time, theTemple was the nearest anddearest to his heart.

When asked which organi-zation his family wanted dona-tions to be sent in his memory,Temple Beth Abraham was theimmediate response. That isabsolutely what Al (of Blessedmemory) would have wanted.There was no question of that. AMemorial Fund was established,and donations began to come inquickly. Soon after, a ratherlarge sum of money was sitting inan account. It was a wonderfultribute to Al’s memory. How tobest direct that money within theTemple in a manner that wouldbenefit the congregation and

honor Al was a decision that wasleft to the family to make.

When Al’s wife Harriet learnedthat the 6th Torah was badly inneed of restoration, she decidedthat this was the best way to makea lasting gift that would benefit all.And so it came to pass.

Rabbi Kevin Hale, a highlyrespected Sofer, was engaged torepair the Torah in work thatrequires time and precision. Whenthe restoration was completed,Rabbi Hale delivered the Torahback to the Congregation and thehome that it will have for genera-tions to come to enjoy.

When the Torah was returned,Harriet was given a gift, themeaning of which she could notanticipate. With the Torah openand placed on the Bima, RabbiHale gave Harriet a quill pen andsome ink. He pointed to a letterthat did not have “quite enough inkon it” and asked her to completethe process and fill in the letter. AsHarriet stood there, saying the

Blessing and completing themitzvah, she truly felt that Al stoodbeside her as they had so manytimes stood together in that sameplace. Memories of the two of themchanting the blessings at their threechildren’s Bar and Bat Mitzvahscame flooding back. Al ‘s spirit wasthere. It would always be there. Inrestoring this Torah and returning itto the place it belonged, Al, in spirit,had returned.

A few days later on SimchatTorah, the Torah was officiallydedicated, and the Congregationgot to hold it, read from it, anddance with it. In death, as in life, AlBurak was once again part ofTemple Beth Abraham. As his wifeHarriet and daughters, Stacey andMichelle, watched, the Congrega- (continued on page 6)

BurBurBurBurBurak Memorial Fund Supporak Memorial Fund Supporak Memorial Fund Supporak Memorial Fund Supporak Memorial Fund Supports Sixth Tts Sixth Tts Sixth Tts Sixth Tts Sixth Torororororah Rah Rah Rah Rah Restorestorestorestorestoraaaaationtiontiontiontion

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RRRRRaaaaabbbbbbi Dabi Dabi Dabi Dabi David: Putting the Carvid: Putting the Carvid: Putting the Carvid: Putting the Carvid: Putting the Cart beft beft beft beft befororororore the Hore the Hore the Hore the Hore the Horsesesesese

I am ritually challenged. Not inthe sense that ritual is difficult forme, but quite the contrary - I’mobsessive compulsive about ritual. I am one of the first to noticewhen there is a bare male head inthe synagogue; a prayer out oforder in our service; atallit worn incorrectly. Ikeep a spare kippah inmy tallit bag, one in mycomputer bag and onein my car just in case Iforget mine at home inthe morning (which Ihave done only acouple of times). I havea tallit at shul and onein my car at all times. Ihave multiple pairs oftzitzit, extra shabbat candles, aprayerbook in my tallit bag and onmy iPhone and more mezuzot thanyou can count. I’m addicted toritual. The problem with my disorderis that very often I find myselfputting the ritual itself ahead of thegoal of ritual - bringing us closer toGod and Torah. I get distractedfrom my prayers when I seepeople walk into shul without akippah; my focus is broken whenthe prayer leader or Torah readermakes the slightest mistake. Whenit comes to ritual, I am my ownand everyone else’s greatest critic. Putting the cart before thehorse is not the most effective wayto move forward in life. AndJudaism is, of course, all aboutmoving forward. The Prophets ofthe Bible call us humans, holchim,movers. The whole purpose of ourexistence is to continually moveforward and grow in our humanityand in our spirituality. Because we

instinctively know this, we veryoften, trot or gallop forward in ourspiritual lives: We meditate, wetalk to God privately, we shareprecious and sacred moments, welight candles. But we also dragalong a cart wherever we go.

We Jews shleparound a cart full ofJewish ritual on ourjourney. We do sobecause we know thatthere are too manytimes when we are notinspired to connect;when we are down-right frustrated, toobusy, or disinterested. Because we know thatour humanity gets in the

way of living a life of completeawareness and spiritualenlightenment we shlep around thiscart full of ritual to keep us incheck and to put us on the rightpath when we stray. When we aren’t feelingthankful, the Jewish ritual ofprayer reminds us that there ismuch to be thankful for. When weare feeling haughty and full ofourselves, the ritual of kippahreminds us that God is muchgreater than we are. When we arefeeling scared and alone, the ritualof tallit reminds us that we are safeunder God’s wings of peace. Life would be easier if wecould just ride our horse into thesunset without any extra“baggage.” But we do havebaggage - a cartload, in fact. Andthank goodness we do. For whenour trusty steed has run out ofsteam, we know that there isspiritual nourishment to be foundin Jewish ritual.

As it turns out, sometimes youdo have to put the cart before thehorse.

Rabbi David

RRRRReligious Sceligious Sceligious Sceligious Sceligious Schoolhoolhoolhoolhool

It’s hard to believe thatReligious School has been insession for more than three months.Despite the October snowstormand a couple of weeks off fromReligious School, we have manydevelopments to report.

Room parents are in placefor all classes, not only forcommunication within the school,but as part of an initiative from theCommunications/In-reach Commit-tee that was established from theStrategic Planning process.

Kitchen volunteers arescheduled through the end of theyear, and once again, birthdaysponsorships are being offered tohonor students on their special day.

The school-closing policy willbe revised to follow the Town ofCanton’s schedule for weather-related closings/delays only, asopposed to following all schoolclosings (i.e. for public schoolProfessional Development Days).

A parent meeting was heldon December 18 to foster discus-sion of ideas for movingTBA’sReligious School into the future.We will be bringing back themonthly Chadashot newsletter toenhance communication betweenthe staff and Board of Educationand religious school families.

We have two exciting programscoming up in the next few months:

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PrPrPrPrPresidentesidentesidentesidentesident’’’’’s Messas Messas Messas Messas Messaggggge: Ove: Ove: Ove: Ove: Overhearerhearerhearerhearerhearddddd

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I chose this title to get yourattention. “Overheard”: we all wantto overhear something. Maybe it’sa little verbal voyeurism. Maybewe all want to get some “juicy”information. Maybe we all want tofeel better aboutourselves on the backof someone else. Idon’t know, but we alldo it. BUT, just becausewe all do it doesn’tmake it right. Loshan Horacomes in many forms.Dismissing someone’sideas by saying, “Well,it’s just ___ so andso___” or “Well you know __soand so____.”Loshan hora can also be non-verbal. Rolling your eyes or a shrugof the shoulders with a squint of theeyes can have the same effect. The Torah is very mindful of thepower of Loshan Hora. It can teara community apart. It can rob aperson of his/her integrity, espe-cially if that person is not there todefend themselves. Loshan hora violates manycommandments. 1. Honoring G-d. If we are allmade in the image of G-d, how canwe tear someone down with thedisrespect that is present in evilspeech? 2. Taking G-d’s name in vain.The Hebrew word used for ‘take’has the same root as the word “towear”. So how can we wear themantle of being a religious personand talk this way? 3. Prohibition against idolworship. When we put someone

else down, we are praising and“worshipping” ourselves. 4. G-d took us out of Egypt,the land of ‘narrow’ thinking.(Egypt means narrow). 5. Honoring our father and

mother. What kind of aparent raises a child totalk like this? 6. One shall notsteal (another’sintegrity) 7. One shall notmurder (another’sreputation) 8. One shall notbear false witness (theintent of Loshan Horais self-evident).

I could go on and on. Ourforefathers knew the destructivepower of Loshan Hora andclearly stated that it violated theentire Torah. Until I began towrite this article, I didn’t realizehow true this was. It truly does killthree people: the person aboutwhom it is directed, the personwho is talking, and the personlistening. Loshan Hora can tear acommunity apart. Whenever wehear such words, we must activelystop it, or, at least, not encourageit. It takes practice, and we will allfall down sometimes. But life willgive us ample opportunities topractice. If we all practice well, per-haps, just perhaps, we candevelop a caring community thatwill nurture all its members. This is my New Year’sResolution. Join me. Be well. Michael Shain

Adult EducaAdult EducaAdult EducaAdult EducaAdult Educationtiontiontiontion

Hello, friends. I am pleased toshare the schedule for the next fewmonths of adult educationprogramming, some of which isstill in the planning stages at thetime of this writing. Stay tuned forimportant additions and updates toprogram opportunities as theybecome available.

We have three program seriesbeing offered that will help us tofurther explore the meaning ofritual, our theme for this year’sstudy. We are planning for thesesessions to be web simulcast liveand available on-demand.

“Love and Death Beyondin Six Scrolls: Jonah, Song ofSongs, Ruth, Lamentations,Qohelet, Esther.” Using modernliterary criticism and ancientRabbinic Midrash, we will beexploring how these books dealwith birth, death, marriage,repentance, suffering, humor, love,loss, sex, wealth, Jewish identity,and the meaning of life itself.Tuesdays at 8:00-9:30 p.m. onJanuary 10, 24, February 7, 28,March 20, 27, April 10, 24, May8, 22, and 29. Facilitator: Reb HalSchevitz, Rabbinic Intern.

“Lunch n’Learn: WearingRitual.” Discover the history andmeaning of rituals that we wearincluding kippah, tallit and tefillin -and then try them on for size.Tuesdays 12 noon-1 p.m. onJanuary 10, 17, 24, and 31.Facilitator: Rabbi David.“Lifecycle Rituals: Birth, Bar/BatMitzvah, Marriage, Death.” Discover how Jewish ritualhelps us mark these milestones.

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CongCongCongCongCongrrrrreeeeegggggaaaaational Educational Educational Educational Educational Educationtiontiontiontion

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Social Action did a mitzvah.On Sunday, December 11th,members from TBA drove toFamily Table in Waltham to packfood and then distribute it tofamilies in need. Approximately240 families received much wel-comed groceries on this distribu-tion day. We helped to make thispossible. Family Table is alwayslooking for drivers, and if you areinterested, please contact me. Iwish to thank these volunteers fordonating their time today. Pleaseknow that you are very muchappreciated. Thank you to: Sherry Alpert and Larry

Finklestone Ann Hartstein and Cathy Stern Harriet Heyman

Marge Litman Sarah and Ezra Davidson

Elaine and Paul Paisner Mark Russman and Elyse

Levin Russman Jerry and Adrienne Fleishman

Please remember that we havemade the com-mitment todonate 25 cansof Kosher soupand 25 cans ofvegetables everymonth. Let’skeep up thegood work andkeep the dona-

tion box filled. Every time we goshopping and we remember topurchase a can of Kosher soup or/and a can of vegetables, we arehelping families that are really inneed. Every time we remember tobring in these cans, we are helping

(continued on page 7)

Social Action Social Action Social Action Social Action Social Action in Action in Action in Action in Action in Action

It’s that time of year againwhen it feels like we finally have abreak from the holidays. Purimand Pesach are just around thecornerbut fornownothing,right?Wrong! It isactuallya newyearfestival.TuB’Shevatis one of four new year festivals inJewish tradition. The other threenew year festivals are the first dayof the Hebrew month of Nissan,which is for kings when they takestock of their rule. The second isthe first day of the Hebrew monthof Elul, which is an ancient Israeltax day. The third: we all knowabout Rosh Hashanah, thebirthday of the world. Last but notleast brings us back to TuB’Shevat, which is the birthday oftrees. This year the holidaybegins at sunset on February 7th.

So how does one celebratethe birthday of the trees? Todaywe use this holiday to direct ourattention to the earth and how wetreat nature. This is a good time tothink about your recycling habitsand look for ways to improvethem. This is also traditionally atime when trees are bought andplanted in Israel. It is alsocustomary to eat from the SevenSpecies, which are wheat, barely,grapes (vines), figs, pomegran-ates, olives and dates. Manypeople also like to have a Sederfor Tu B’Shevat that is similar tothe Pesach Seder but focuses onthe fruit and Seven Species. If youare looking to have a Seder, letme know, and I will be happy tohelp you plan it.

This Tu B’Shevat eat somefruit and take a moment toappreciate the beauty of the treesand earth around you.

B’Shalom,Melisssa RudmanCongregational Educator

FundrFundrFundrFundrFundraising Updaaising Updaaising Updaaising Updaaising Updatetetetete

We are excited over theprospect of having a majorfundraising event in June2012. We are exploringopportunities for a dinnerdance that might include araffle and auction.

We need your help. Withan energized congregation we

can accomplish great thingsfor TBA.

Interested in helping?Please call me at (781)267-6112 or email me atlarryf1965@hotmail.com.

Larry FinklestoneFundraising Chair

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23r23r23r23r23rd Canton Fd Canton Fd Canton Fd Canton Fd Canton Fall Classic Rall Classic Rall Classic Rall Classic Rall Classic Raises $19,000 faises $19,000 faises $19,000 faises $19,000 faises $19,000 for TBor TBor TBor TBor TBAAAAA

On November 6, 2011Temple Beth Abraham hosted the23rd running of the Canton FallClassic, attracting nearly 600runners for the 10K, 5K and thekid’s 1M Fun Run. This year wasparticularly challenging, as wepostponed the race from the weekbefore due to snow. We thankPolice Chief Ken Berkowitz forhelping us to make a tough deci-sion with respect to public safety. This year was the third largestin terms of attendance and,although race numbers weredown, we still managed to raise$19,000 for TBA.

The race takes more than fourmonths of planning for a one-dayevent. Although we have a greatsupport staff on race day. After 23years, the race really is in need ofhelp that will emerge for the futureand take additional responsibilityfor what is the Temple’s largestannual fundraiser. Hundreds ofhours of volunteerism includingsolicitation for pledges, prizes andfood donations, together withlogistics, communication andadvertising, are what makes thiswork. We can all be proud of thecommunity goodwill created bythe race. WE COULDN’T HAVEDONE IT WITHOUT A GREATSPONSOR and VOLUNTEERNETWORK.

We wish to thank oursponsors and volunteers for theircontributions,

Internal Sponsors: ElliotGrupp and Quin, Rickard, Alfondand Grupp; Rick Kradin andIndustrial Metal Recycling; BruceSchlossberg and StanetskyMemorial Chapels; MarciBernotas and M.S. Walker and

BernotasRealty;SheldonNierman andIndependentPipe; JillCohen andSheldonCohenInsurance; andAlanGoldberg.

ExternalSponsors:Bank ofCanton, Vista-Care Hospice,Industrial Metal Recycling, SheilaDonovan Pilates Studio, Verizon,Canton Police Association,American Auto Transporters,Republic Plumbing, All BusinessCommunications, HarborOneCredit Union, Dedham Savings,Living the Dream Auto, and BlueHill Press.

Donors: Blue Hill MontessoriSchool, Welsh and ParkerInsurance Company, FrankLamparelli Oil, Milton HealthCare, Joe Casey, BeantownDiner, Janet Pratt Realtors, RonMichaelson, Garelick Farms,Runners World, Reebok, DraperLabs, Larabar, 5 Hour Energy,Vita Cocoa water, Pretzel Chips,The Main Course, MarathonSports, Anton’s Cleaners, AlunaSkinCare, Bertucci’s, Big YSupermarket, Canton Sports Pub,The Butcherie, Canton Cleaners,Cheng-Du, Chinatown, CantonWine and Spirits, Canton DiscountLiquors, Centerfields, David’sTire, Dennino’s Pizza, Foley’sBackside Grille, Frank andVinnie’s Barber Shop, Fresh City,

Golden China, Halfway Café,Helen’s Hair Styling, HomeTheater Concepts, Luciano’s,Legal Seafoods, Jags Auto, Jakeand Joes Restaurant, KramerJewelers, Lastoria Restaurant ,Last Shot Sportsbar, Maxie’sDeli, Milano, New EnglandPottery, New England Runner,Not Your Average Joe’s,Mandarin Taste, Paula’s PackageStore, Pastene, Roche Bros.Supermarket, Ron’s Sunglasses,Rocky’s Hardware, Rosario’sRestaurant, Runner’s World,Seasonal Specialties, Shaw’sSupermarket, Stop and Shop,Stoughton Car Wash, Supercuts,Total Auto Parts, Trilogy Salon,United Liquors, Union Grille, Tri-Town Liquors, Town Spa, andVisions.

We want to thank all of youfor your continuous longstandingsupport enabling our event tocontinue as one of the area’spremier running events.These folks have been the long (continued on page 7)

Bank of Canton, Road Race sponsor, fielded a team.

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Good and WGood and WGood and WGood and WGood and Welfelfelfelfelfararararareeeee

(continued from page 1)tion embraced this lasting gift. Itwas the right decision and one thatwould impact Temple BethAbraham for many years to come. Al and his family joined theTemple in the early 1970’s. Havinggrown up with “the Shul” being animportant part of his life, Al quicklybecame involved. He and hisyoung family became regulars atFriday night services. Al, alwaysone to be friendly, was the first torise to greet other members asthey entered the building. Al not only attended functionsbut he organized them as well.Many fundraisers came to passbecause of Al. He planned theaterparties, rented a bus and took themembers into Boston. He served“munchies” along the way anddessert back at the Temple at theend of the evening. As Brotherhood President, Alinitiated a Mother’s Day Breakfastat the Temple. He always loved tocook and made his famous “eggs,onions and lox” on many occa-sions. During the Bingo years, ofwhich there were many, Alshopped for the groceries andprepared the famous “pastasuppers” that the Bingo playerslooked forward to so much. He was quick to volunteer totake a part in the annual Purimplay, solicit donations for theAuction, or be on “all fours” cutthe parquet tiles for a new floor inthe social hall. Al served as House Chairmanand oversaw the care and upkeepof the Temple building. During histenure, he completed the renova-tion of the kitchen as well as therestoration of the Hebrew School

classrooms, making sure that theyhad new windows and efficientheat and air conditioning. He was part of Temple BethAbraham in every way. Al was anactive congregant, a member ofthe Board of Directors, and anofficer and volunteer who consis-tently “gave and gave” and foundit VERY difficult to ever say nowhen asked to do something. In October, 2005, Al washonored by his Temple by beingmade the recipient of the HatanTorah Award. He truly caredabout the Temple as he did for hisown home. In fact, the Templewas Al’s home away from home. Now in spirit, Al will alwaysbe part of Temple Beth Abrahamwith this Torah that was dedicatedin his memory. With this everlast-ing gift, the words, “May hismemory be a blessing” have takenon even deeper meaning. May this gift, given in love andmemory of Al Burak, live on andbenefit generations to come.

BurBurBurBurBurak Memorial Fundak Memorial Fundak Memorial Fundak Memorial Fundak Memorial Fund

Condolences:Heather and Rabbi David Paskin on the loss of her father, Milton LevinSusan Miller on the loss of her father, Frank Weiner

Milestones:Cheryl and Ralph Hiltz on the marriage of their daughter, Michelle, to Pat McCloudMarci Bernotas on the engagement of her son, Ben Chapman, to Kelly MenzhuberSherri and Herb Lewis on the marriage of their son, Benja- min, to Lindsey GreeneElaine Matisoff on the marriage of her daughter, Ronni, to Bob ConnellyJoan and Steven Schottenfeld on

the engagement of their daugh-ter, Mariel, to DanielMcGowan

Roxy and Wayne Gray on their son, Jonathan, passing the BarMadeline and Lester Stein on their son, Benjamin, passing the Bar

It is time to order 2012 MahJongg cards. Ordering deadline isJanuary 21st. PLEASENOTE THE EARLIERDEADLINE.

The Templereceives a donationfrom the Mah JonggLeague from each cardordered. The morecards ordered, thelarger the donation.Last year’s donationwas $162.00.

OrOrOrOrOrder Mah Jongder Mah Jongder Mah Jongder Mah Jongder Mah Jongg carg carg carg carg cards bds bds bds bds by Jan. 21y Jan. 21y Jan. 21y Jan. 21y Jan. 21

ANYONE can order a card:Temple Members, Family, General

Public, Entire Mah JonggGroups, etc.:Large Cards - $8.00Regular Cards - $7.00 Make checks pay-able to Temple BethAbraham. Send to:Jill Novick7 Wayside LaneCanton, MA 02021 Any questions, call

Jill at (781) 828-7537.

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(continued from page 5)term supporters of initial seedmoney to fund the race. We aredeeply grateful for all thebusinesses that support the race.We can never have a shortage ofbusiness support.

Thanks to people taking onpre-race tasks like solicitation, theapplication, mailing, obtainingrefreshments, advertising andcomputer work: David Wolicki,Janice and Dan Levenson, PhyllisLerner, Judy Steinberg, MargieZides, Pam Zides, Harvey Malin,Adrienne Jacobsen, Ellen Orkinand Steve Shuman.

Race day volunteers of thisevent are many, approximately 60in number. In case we forgetsomeone we’re sorry, but thanksto the following registration, andfood set-up people: Margie, Pam,Andy and Kristin Zides, EllenOrkin, Steve Schottenfeld, AmyFreedman, Gayle Feldman,Audrey Kradin, Renee Tepper,Shelley Keimach, Cheryl Hiltz,Leslie Pearlstein, Phyllis Moore,Janice Levenson, SharonSagotsky, Barbara Freedman,Brenda Kessel, David Jacobsen,Shawna Lemelman, Steve Wolfe,

RRRRRoad Road Road Road Road Race Race Race Race Race Raises $19,000 faises $19,000 faises $19,000 faises $19,000 faises $19,000 for TBor TBor TBor TBor TBAAAAA

Marci Bernotas, Sherri Godlin andShelley Shuman.

Thanks to outdoor courseset up and marshals: MarcRussman, Alan Goldberg, JerryFleishman, Marv Feldman, JimDalton, Steven Bausemer, Judyand Ben Steinberg, Herb Lewis,Mel Brockman, Harry Castleman,Ron Michaelson, Ralph Halpern,Bob Sokolove, Steve Shuman,Gary Keimach, Jonathan Cohen,Rose Ann Berwald, Bill Mayer,Keith Moore, Dick Shmishkiss,Sam Solomon, Cameron Boyce,Andrew and Jason Lerner, PeterLurie, David Marglous, studentsand parents from the Blue HillMontessori school and coachHarvey Blonder and his Stoughtoncross country team. To those of you that havenever been involved, we wouldlove to see you next year as ahelper, contributor or a runner.We’re sure that once you attendthe event, you will be convinced itis a great day for TBA. Many ofour volunteers have helpedcontinuously over the years. Check us out atwww.cantonfallclassic.com

Co-Directors, Road RaceRich ZidesHarvey BlonderMelissa Mayer

Adult EducaAdult EducaAdult EducaAdult EducaAdult Educationtiontiontiontion

Next bulletin is March-April. Deadline is Febru-ary 1.

Email articles and photosto sherry@alpert-publicrelations.com.

(continued from page 3)Thursday at 8:00-9:00 p.m. onMay 3, 10, 17, and 24.Facilitator: Rabbi David.

Our standing Adult Educationgroups are continuing, and wewelcome new participants.

Bible Babble - Rabbi Davidwill continue to lead a livelydiscussion of the Bible everyWednesday at 12 noon. Thesesessions are also web simulcastlive and available on-demand.

Parsing the Parsha – Thursdaymornings at 9:30 a.m.

For additional off-siteprogramming, I encourage you tocheck out www.jewishboston.comand www.saje.co (South AreJewish Education Collaborative).

If you have any questionsabout the above mentionedplanned programs or any ideas forthe future, please contact me atmichael@bloomforcoach.com or774-226-0755.

Michael BloomAdult Education Chair

Social ActionSocial ActionSocial ActionSocial ActionSocial Actionin Actionin Actionin Actionin Actionin Action

(continued from page 4)a community that goes beyondourselves. Thank you for helping memake this a better world.

Lesley Shain, ChairSocial Action

AfghansAfghansAfghansAfghansAfghans

December found me at the VAin West Roxbury deliveringAfghans and transporting scarves.I was able to meet the nurse incharge of the department and shewas most appreciative of ourefforts. At this time, their scarfquota is filled but more Afghansare needed.

Thank you to all who havehelped. Please leave your dona-tions in the temple office orcontact me atHHL1000@Comcast.net.

Harriet Lavine

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Our many activitiesOur many activitiesOur many activitiesOur many activitiesOur many activities

Novelist Chuck Hogan (left), whose novel“Prince of Thieves” was made into the movie“The Town”, talks to Larry Finklestone at theTBA Brotherhood-sponsored breakfast.

Livia Davis and Sophie Wolfe

Anabelle Keimach and her mother Shelley

Jesse Cook

Please join us as we welcome ourguest speaker, Gerald “Sal” Salvatori, amember and former chairman of theCanton Board of Selectman. He will bespeaking about the major issues in Cantonand other South Shore towns. Come have breakfast with friends, anddiscuss such topics as traffic in CantonCenter, the rising cost of town employeehealth insurance, or what we might expectin the future about our property taxes. This event is open to all Templemembers and visitors. We ask for a $5donation to cover the cost of food.Reservations are requested tooffice@templebethabraham.org, but notrequired. We look forward to seeing youon Feb. 12th.

Brotherhood Breakfast Sunday, February 12 9:15 a.m.

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Book GrBook GrBook GrBook GrBook Groupoupoupoupoup

FFFFFrrrrrom the Librom the Librom the Librom the Librom the Libraryaryaryaryary

A free seder plate isavailable for the asking. CallSherry Alpert, (781) 828-9415, orsherry@alpert-publicrelations.com.

MemberMemberMemberMemberMembershipshipshipshipship DirDirDirDirDirectoryectoryectoryectoryectory

Our new MembershipDirectory has been mailed toyou.

Thanks you to all of ouradvertisers for supportingTemple Beth Abraham in thismajor new fundraising effort.

If you want to make anychanges in your listing in nextyear’s Directory, just log ontothe Temple Beth Abraham website, where all your informationis available, and make thechanges.

Larry FinklestoneFundraising Chair

Our newest additions to theTBA library are:

Little Bride by AnnaSolomon: the story of a young mailorder bride from Odessa sent tothe Midwest to marry a mucholder man with two sons. Hertrials of travel, living conditionsand relationships keeps the bookmoving at a fast, interesting pace.

Nemesis by Philip Roth is thestory of a man caught up in thepolio epidemic of 1944 in New-ark, New Jersey. He leads usthrough every emotion..love, fear,anger, bewilderment and pain andthe question of why.

The Dovekeepers by AliceHoffman fictionalizes the story ofthe five women and two childrenwho survived the attack onMasada in 70 C.E. It is a book ofsecrets about these womenrevealed as the attack ensues.

A Train in Winter by CarolineMoorehead is a Holocaust storyof a different nature. It centers onover 200 French women whowere involved in the Resistance...their dedication to their countryand humanity ad how they sur-vived the atrocities of their time.

Thank you for your donationsto the library. It is keeping ourlibrary growing. We currently havecatalogued over 1500 books andare two shelvesaway fromcompleting thosebooks from our“old” collection.

Our ReligiousSchool studentshave been intro-duced to thelibrary and spendtime on Sundays

choosing a book to read. Asalways, our newest book can befound in the Chapel.

Harriet Lavine

On Monday, January 16 wewill discuss Spies of the Balkansby Alan Furst hosted by SusanLipsitt at Temple Beth Abraham.

On Monday, February 20, wewill discuss Who By Fire by DianaSpechler hosted by Ellen Kollangiat a place to be determined.

Harriet Lavine

(continued from page 3)A schoolwide Havdalah/Potluck Dinner in January.A fundraiser, which will beopen to the community, theweekend of March 17-18. If youare a fan of Legos and want to seethe Old City of Jerusalem builtentirely from Legos – 60,000 ofthem – then you’re in luck. Staytuned for more details about thisinteractive program that will appealto ALL ages. There are many other initia-tives that we’re working on withrespect to community-building,community service and going green. Our next meeting is scheduledfor Sunday, January 8, at 9:15 a.m.If you have any questions orcomments in the meantime, pleasecontact us. We look forward tocontinuing our momentum into thesecond half of the school year.

Amy Litwack andEllen Orken, Co-chairsReligious School

RRRRReligious Sceligious Sceligious Sceligious Sceligious Schoolhoolhoolhoolhool

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Temple Beth Abraham Staff

Spiritual Leader...............Rabbi David PaskinCongregational Educator......Melissa RudmanPresident.................................Michael ShainOffice Manager......................Judy SteinbergThe Voice Editor......................Sherry Alpert

Temple Beth Abraham1301 Washington StreetCanton, MA 02021(781) 828-5250www.templebethabraham.orgtheoffice@templebethabraham.org