Kerem Shalom, Concord, Massachusetts April 2015 Kerem Shalom's Annual 2nd Night Passover Seder with Rabbi Darby Leigh & Rosalie Gerut Welcoming people of all ages! Saturday evening, April 4th at 6:30 PM (If you can't arrive when our seder begins, please feel free to join us when you can.) We will have appetizers available during the Seder Dinner is scheduled to begin at approximately 7:30 PM Family Education will provide crafts and activities for children. Cost for full dinner, including kosher wine: $12 * (age 3 and under, no charge) *We welcome all to our Seder table. Cost is never a barrier. Please pay whatever you are comfortable with. For anyone able to help defray the cost of our catered meal, please consider making a donation to our KS Afikomen Fund. RSVP by April 1st to [email protected] kindly include: Number of attendees (children/adults) Ages of children Dietary restrictions/allergies Anything else we need to know . Questions and RSVP: [email protected] Wishing you a "zissen Pesach" -- a sweet Passover! The Grapevine, April 2015 Page 2 Shalom Hevre (friends), From the Rabbi I have just returned from a wonderful experience at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association conference in Toronto. I — Darby Jared Leigh joined approximately 100 other Reconstructionist Rabbis for four days of learning, prayer, song, rejuvenation and celebrative Director of the RRA) and Rabbi Nina Mandel (President tion. It was also a special opportunity to reconnect with old of the RRA) are all currently in leadership for the movement. friends and colleagues and to meet some of the recent graduThis is a beautiful and historical manifestation of an idea and ates of the rabbinical seminary. vision that was put in motion a century ago. The theme for the conference was Tzedek V’Shalom: Justice Of course, the opportunity to spend social time with colleagues and Peace in the 21st Century. Significantly we had the opportunity to learn from and with two extraordinary guests. The and friends was just as important. I was keenly aware of how much joy it gave me to be able to answer questions from colplenary speakers were Rabbi Jill Jacobs who is the Executive leagues about Kerem Shalom and to share with them just how Director of T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights and grateful I am to be serving here and how extraordinary and Yehuda Kurtzer who is the president of the Shalom Hartman wonderful our community is! Institute of North America. I also had the opportunity to reconnect with Rabbi Klein who is one of the Reconstructionist Rabbis who lives and serves in Israel. She works for Rabbis for Human Rights in Israel and has been working with them on developing Israel education materials to stimulate “independent thinking on issues of human rights in contemporary Israeli society.” I participated in one of her workshops and shared with her, with pride, the extraordinary work we have been doing here at Kerem Shalom during our year long conversation series and engagement with Israel. Some of the song and celebration emerged during the final evening’s dinner where the new president of our association was formally “installed.” We surrounded Rabbi Nina Mandel physically and spiritually as we sang her into her new role. There is nothing quite like a room full of 100 Rabbis all singing and chanting at the same time. Many of us were misty-eyed at the experience. With Rabbi Nina Mandel’s induction, this convention also marked a first for any major Jewish denomination. This is the first time that women are leading every component of a Jewish denomination. Rabbi Deborah Waxman (President of the seminary and movement) Rabbi Danielle Leshaw (interim Execu- Passages: We mourn the loss of Dr. Howard Meridy, father of Laura Heidenmen-Dowd, and grandfather of Kayla & Justin. We mourn the passing of Lawrence M. "Larry" Klevans, uncle of Linda Manning. I am so grateful for the gift of being able to attend the RRA, and I continue to be grateful for the experience of serving here at Kerem Shalom. I look forward to continuing our spiritual journey together as we head towards freedom at our Pesach (Passover) second night seder on Saturday evening, April 4th. I look forward to crossing the sea with you. Kindness & Shalom, Rabbi Darby Jared Leigh Volume: XV 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. Issue: 8 Darby Jared Leigh, Rabbi, [email protected] Michael Luckens, Rabbi Emeritus, [email protected] Rosalie Gerut, Cantor, Dir., Adult Programming [email protected] Marty Plotkin, President, [email protected] Jan Huber O’Callaghan, Pres. Emerita, [email protected] Miriam Zarchan, Pres. Emerita, [email protected] Pat Lukens, Ed. Director, [email protected] Joan Perlman, Asst. Ed. Dir., [email protected] Nancy Kaplan, Fam. Educator, [email protected] Jessie Busiek, Administrator, [email protected] 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]. Page 3 The Grapevine, Grapevine April 2015 Presidents’ Message — Marty Plotkin It’s Passover again! The earth spins. The moon circles the earth. The earth circles the sun. The cycles of nature create rhythms that permeate our lives and our culture. They are central to almost every religion, and certainly they are key to understanding Jewish tradition: morning blessings, the weekly Shabbat, the new moon signaling the start of each month, the annual recitation of Torah, and of course the yearly recurrence of festivals and holy days. The Torah and rabbinic texts are punctuated by instructions linked to the calendar. But it’s deeper than that. There is a conscious reciprocity between the Jewish calendar and the rhythms of nature. Not only do the cycles of earth, moon and sun determine the timing of our rituals. The instructions in Torah, the words of our prayers, make it clear that the rituals themselves are intended to reveal that the passage of time has a spiritual dimension. This is quite explicit in the prayers for Shabbat or the High Holy Days. But it’s evident in other festivals as well, and in particular in the Passover Haggadah. At this week’s Shabbat service, Rabbi Darby led a fascinating discussion about the meaning of Freedom in the Haggadah. One of the texts we considered was Ha Lachma Anya, the explanation of the significance of matzah (unleavened bread). You probably know it. It begins, “This is the bread of affliction.” And it ends, “This year we are slaves; next year, free people.” What does it mean to say that we are slaves? And even more mysteriously, in a ritual that we repeat every year, what does it mean to say that next year we will be free? The discussion ranged widely, over several texts and many interpretations. But one theme that stuck with me is that freedom, like many other qualities to which we aspire, is never absolute. Conversely, we are never entirely rid of enslavement. At each year’s Passover Seder, we are called upon to recognize that we are still enslaved despite last year’s best intentions, and to renew our orientation toward freedom. It is even possible - at least I hope it is - that each year we may in fact become just a bit more free. Hidden within this calendar of cycles is the suggestion that with the passage of time, spiritual progress is possible. We don’t just travel in circles. For sure, we get older. Each year we bring new life experiences to the familiar rituals, new perspectives on the words we’ve heard many times before. The people at the table may change as children grow or move away, parents pass on, circles of friends shift. But we are promised even more. If we maintain our sense of direction, we may actually become better people. May this year’s Seder be an opportunity for each of us recognize the ways in which we have grown, to discern the opportunities in our lives for meaningful change, and to orient ourselves toward a fuller life. Chag Sameach! The Grapevine, April 2015 Page 4 Social Action News Scheduling Times to Meet with Rabbi Darby Leigh Rabbi Darby Leigh is available to meet with congregants oneon-one to discuss any matter that is on their mind (he loves to spend time with people, even if it is just to schmooze!). Israel in the 50’s was the focus of the latest discussion sponsored While Rabbi Darby will work to find a mutually convenient by the Israel Conversations project. Amir Viskin provided readtime to meet in his office, please be aware that weekdays on ing materials, including the Declaration of Independence, as well Wednesdays and Thursdays tend to be his most flexible as links to the popular music of the time, to help give us a feeltimes, while Mondays and Wednesday between 4:30 – 5:30 ing for the flavor and challenges of Israeli life, shortly after are usually the most popular and fill up quickly. Evening achieving independence. hours are also available on Mondays and Wednesdays. If you would like to schedule a meeting, please contact The group began, as do all the sessions in the Israel Conversation Project, with a reading of the specific rules governing these Jessica Busiek at [email protected] or Rabbi Darby at [email protected]. conversations that help reinforce respectful and effective communication. Israel Conversations By painting a vivid picture of the population explosion that occurred shortly after the State of Israel was formed, with an influx of both European Jews and Jews from the Arab countries, Amir provided us with insight into the specific social, economic and psychological forces that were swirling around this young country. Some of the discussion focused on comparisons between Israel and the United States, both originally young countries with histories of massive immigration. We also shared our varied experiences and attachment to the new state of Israel as American youth. Knitting for Project Linus On March 22,10 women came together to knit squares for Project Linus that Pat Lukens then crochets together to make blankets for infants and children in need. We ate, talked, knitted and had a wonderful time. It was so much fun, in fact, that we will do it more frequently. If you knit or would like to learn, join us next time we meet! The March 29th date for Rabbi Darby’s facilitated discussion about Religion in Israel has been cancelled and will be rescheduled for a future date. On May 3rd and May 31st Dan Terris will facilitate the discussion on Israel and the Palestinians: Conflict and Judgment. All members are encouraged to come to these meetings. They are extremely interesting and informative and help create a continuing vehicle for Israel awareness and discussion at Kerem Shalom. Prior attendance at other meetings is not a requirement. Green Tip of the Month – Green your driving! If the U.S. required American automakers to produce cars averaging 45 miles per gallon of gas, the country would save 3.1 million barrels of oil a day. So how are we doing? U.S. cars are required to average 35.5 miles per gallon — by 2016. In the meantime, use these three tricks to up your mpg. • Slow down. Driving 10 mph above 60 is like adding nearly 50 cents to the price of a gallon of gas, since higher speed equals more guzzling. • Get pumped. Once a month, check the pressure of each of the tires against the guidelines listed in your car's manual; add air if needed. Doing this can improve mileage by about 3 percent. • Air out. Replace filters regularly. A new oxygen sensor alone can improve mileage by as much as 15 percent. Page 5 The Grapevine, Grapevine April 2015 From the Education Directors -Pat Lukens & Joan Perlman I am continuing my stroll down memory lane and thinking about handing out our school tote bags. I love walking into the classrooms and meeting all the newest students and giving them their Kerem Shalom tote. Joan and I give students a piece of brightly colored ribbon to identify their bag. It always surprises me that they are so excited to receive their bag. richment program with classes in Jewish art, and with the help of KS member Susan Walker, a bunch of Brownies and Junior Girl Scouts all earned the Jewish Girl Scout award. I remember well when we showed those little Brownies the memorial wall and explained about the stones. They were very concerned that some people had no stones and perhaps were lonely. Before we could blink, those Brownies pushed chairs up to When students complete their K-6 education, we have the wall, scrambled up on them and methodically student presentations in 6th grade that are another one placed a stone in front of every “lonely” plaque. of my favorite memories. All year, our wonderful 6th grade teacher, Susan Stiefel works with her students, When my parents passed away, our family put plaques and on the second to last day of school, they all gather for them on the wall. I remember a dedication service in the sanctuary and chant through the entire Torah for the wall and we all lined up with a couple of stones service for their parents. No matter where they started in our hands and placed the stones in front of our with skills, every single year, the students chant beau- loved ones. I can still see my granddaughters getting tifully. to their plaques, placing their stones and then going back for a handful to place a mound in front of each Many of my favorite memories focus on our amazing great-grandparent. memorial wall. I remember well, sitting in a staff meeting and coming up with the idea of using stones To order a plaque for our memorial wall, go to in front of plaques to remember people. We went www.keremshalom.org and on the right hand side through several designs before our current wall was there is a tab “remembrance”. Click through to downagreed upon. The wall was actually built by Dale load an order form. Fill in as much information as you Walker, the son of one of my closest friends. I have can and send it in with a check for $180. Between the known Dale since his first birthday and watching him rabbi and I, we will figure out the rest of the inforbuild the wall was amazing. Another great memory mation and order the plaque. You will receive an about the wall involves a program called “Wednesday email when the plaque is in place. Depending on how Wings” which Nancy and I ran for a year when we busy the sign makers are, the process takes 3 to 6 stopped having school on Wednesdays. It was an en- weeks. Registration will be Paperless March 31st begins registration. We will be using Family ID online. Your information should be stored in the site from last year. Be sure to update cell phone numbers and medical information. If you are registering for the first time, you’ll just have to fill it all in one time. The site goes live on March 31st. Your registration fee will be collected on the site with a credit or debit card. There will be one difference from previous years, registration will be open for only one week. No registrations will be confirmed until the Education Committee goes over all the registrations to create appropriate class sizes and balanced classes. Your registration will be confirmed in early May. If you have a special circum(Continued on page 6) More School News Page 6 The Grapevine, April 2015 (Continued from page 5) stances that might affect scheduling for Hebrew School, please notify Joan by e-mail at [email protected] and the Education directors will make every effort to meet your needs. If you have questions about what the site looks like, go in and poke around. The Pizza and Practice portion is already up and live. Pizza and Practice will be on Wednesdays for the summer. Holiday Preschool Registration is open for Holiday Preschool, our once a month program for children 3-5. Most children attend this program for the two years before Kindergarten. Registration is also at FamilyID.com Text book returns for reuse If you would like to return your used textbooks at the end of the year, we would love to have them. We can reduce costs for next year by ordering fewer books and do the best kind of recycling - reusing them. The following books can be used for next year: Grade 3 - I Have Some Questions About God Grade 5 - Welcome to Israel, Parshat HaShavua - Exodus Grade 4 - Torah the Growing Gift Grade 6 – Jewish Heroes If the books are torn or have a lot of writing in them, we can’t use them, so please recycle them if you don’t want to keep them. Used Book Sale Thank Yous Thank you to everyone who helped and purchased books at our first used book sale. All the proceeds were added to the Michael Luckens Scholarship Fund. In addition, all the children’s books left after the sale were donated to the Linda Burton Lending Library that is being established at Congregation Beth Elohim. And the remainder of the books were donated to BigHeartedBooks.com. Mr. Krasa In March, we were once again treated to an amazing talk by Mr. Edgar Krasa, a Holocaust survivor. The event was planned and hosted by our 7th grade. As you know, Mr. Krasa will not take money for his speaking engagements. He has a special project and we can honor him by sending a donation to the: Defiant Requiem Foundation Mrs. Louisa Hollman, Exec. Director The Defiant Requiem P. O. Box 6242 Washington DC.20015 If you do, please note that this is in honor of Mr. Krasa. KEEP CALM AND CHANT THE MA NISHTANA Page 7 The Grapevine, Grapevine April 2015 ADULT PURIM PARTY FUN Does Purim conjure up images of boys and girls dressed as their favorite fantasy figures rushing around from one carnival game to another? Well think again. On Saturday night, March 7th Kerem Shalom hosted a most delightful Purim party, for adults only. Rosalie Gerut & Rabbi Darby Leigh, a.k.a. Selma & Damien Rosalie Gerut, Iris Barten & Sue Wolff Elvis & Chicken Cord On Blue The social hall was transformed into a darkened and mysterious ballroom with guests, many of them unrecognizable in their exotic costumes, gyrating to the beat of DJ Phil Cohen's turntable and light show. Tasty food and libations kept spirits upbeat for everyone. As a religious holiday we thought we'd also see our rabbi and cantor. Well, yes and no. To the absolute delight of everyone, they transformed themselves into Damien, Rabbi Darby's clueless and cute younger punk rocker brother and Selma, his kindly, confused and overbearing grandmother. An alternative Megillah was read by this hapless couple, while the partygoers ( Kerem Shalom members new and old) helplessly laughed hysterically from the sidelines. The high jinx, high quality entertainment continued with musical and comedies pieces generously performed by Lisa Marcus Jones, Larry Bernstein, George Peabody, some of our exceptionally talented congregants. Alan Swartz and Ari Lurin, guests of Diana Suskind, also joined in the parade of stars. Rabbi Darby, in the weeks before Purim was exhorting us to change our ideas about Purim, asking us to appreciate it as a holiday not just for children. Six months after the pensive, somber holiday of Yom Kippur comes the joyous, foolhardy celebration of Purim he explained and observing both is the way to lead a spiritually and emotionally stable life. You had to be there to appreciate how much fun we all had. For everyone who was there and everyone who was not, Purim comes every year. Keep your eyes open for next year's gala. You won't be disappointed. Bob Rosenbaum and “Damien” Ray & Susan Phillips The Rebbitsen & the Reb Jill Goldman, Joan Perlman, Lisa Marcus Jones, & Nancy Kaplan Iris and Ted Barten Melissa and “Damien” Lisa Marcus Jones & Rabbi Darby Leigh The Grapevine, April 2015 Page 8 From the Family Educator Nancy Kaplan “Every blade of grass has its angel that bends over it and whispers, ‘Grow, grow.’” —Talmudic commentary, Midrash Rabbah, Bereishit 10:6 Pajama Tot Shabbat Friday May 15th at5:45 PM, followed by Dinner* In honor of Shavuot! The Giving of the Torah & the Ten Commandments Come in your PJ’s & slippers, bring your toothbrush. Cuddly animals & blankeys welcome. Scavenger Hunt in Jewish Boston for Grade 3 Students & Parents Sunday, May 3, 9:45 AM till mid-afternoon Families will gather at 9:45 AM for bagels and orientation. After brief instruction, we’ll carpool to Harvard Street in Brookline, where families will divide into teams. Teams will hunt for clues and solve a puzzle…that will foster an understanding of our wider Jewish world, familiarize families with Jewish landmarks in the greater Boston area, and build a connection between our families and people in Israel.…We’ll sample some great Jewish food along the way! We’ll return to KS by 2:30 PM. *RSVPforcomplementarydinner RSVP by April 27th. byThursday Pictured : Previous Scavenger Hunt participants, (thedaybeforeTotShabbat) Karen Turk and her son Elias, [email protected] Luke Burnham and his son, Noah . “Life imitates art” Families with young children are warmly invited to join Nancy for our monthly Tot THANK YOU TO ALL OUR PURIM VOLUNTEERS! Shabbat service. We’ll celebrate Shabbat together with music, movement and midPurim spiel Actors, Carnival Helpers and Families. rash (stories based on the Torah). And to all for your tzedakah towards our Hamentaschen We’ll celebrate the holiday of Shavuot, gift bags for Open Table. we’ll hear a special story about the giving of the Torah at Mt Sinai and we’ll all march with our own cuddly Torahs around the sanctuary. Afterourserviceandblessingsoverthe candles,grapejuiceandchallah,families areinvitedtostayandenjoyvisiting overdinneranddessert(onegShabbat). Mitzvah Childcareandholiday-themedcrafts& activitieswillbeprovidedforlittleones. Yummy ice cream “Mt Sinai Torah Treats” will be served — in honor of Shavuot. We traditionally enjoy dairy foods to remind us of the study of Torah, which, according to a verse from Shir HaShirim (Song of Songs), is like “honey and milk...under your tongue.” The book of Exodus also calls Israel a “land of milk and honey.” DAY ONE PLANNING HAS BGUN. SUNDAY OCTOBER 18th Please contact me or our Social Action co-chairs, Sally Edwards or JoAnn Simon, [email protected] , [email protected] IF YOU’D LIKE TO TAKE A LEADERSHIP ROLE. We welcome your project ideas for Tikkun Olam, repairing the world. To RSVP for Family programs contact Nancy Kaplan [email protected] ~ Donations of non-perishables for Open Table and SALMON for JF&CS Family Table always welcome ~ The Grapevine, Grapevine April 2015 Page 9 March Board Meeting Minutes Present: Pat Lukens, Joan Perlman, Marcella Pixley, Nancy Kaplan, Marty Plotkin, Sarah Wiener, Roberta Bernstein, Greig Greenwald, Jill Mirman, Jan Huber OCallaghan, Jill Mirman, David Matias, Matt Daniel, Nina Englander, Carol Leandro, Jessie Busiek, Mark Stein, JoAnn Simon We said the blessing for overseeing the business of the synagogue. Greig provided the d'var. Budget Proposal: In preparation for the review of the proposed FY16 budget, David Matias reported on KS's current financial status. We are expected to finish FY15 with a small surplus. This year, membership grew by 20 families (net of resignations); current membership is 280 member units. Membership revenue increased by 18%. Historically capital items have come out of the operating budget. There continues to be a need to develop capital reserves. This year, hardware systems have been significantly upgraded thanks to the volunteer efforts of member, Paul Weber. This provided significant savings from what we would have needed to spend in this area. Family Education: Nancy presented a funding request for Tot Shabbat Dinners/Services, a program she initiated about 3 years ago. These monthly events provide an opportunity for families with toddlers and pre-schoolers to begin to experience Judaism together in a welcoming, supportive environment. Many who participate regularly eventually become KS members. Typically there are now about 40 participants in these monthly events. Youth Programs: Joan presented a proposal for Youth and High School programming, that builds on the success of the Shevat Achim and Rosh Hodesh groups and the initiation of youth events for 4th - 7th graders this past year. The hope is to strengthen post-B'nai mitzvah programming to facilitate continued youth engagement with Judaism. The proposed programming includes the addition of a Shevat Achim group for younger teens, along with a new Rosh Hodesh group to be led by Nancy Kaplan. Also included is co-ed programming led by current Shevat Achim leader, Matthew Lowe, which would be comprised of 6 events for high schoolers. (Note: Matthew also led a successful Purim program for high schoolers this month). In addition, 6 programs for grades 6 and 7, and 6 programs for Grades 4 and 5 are included. Administration: Jan presented a few other changes from FY15 that are included in the FY16 proposed budget including: a small increase in temple administrator hours, a small increase in bookkeeping hours to more accurately reflect the number of hours needed, an increase in insurance rates and a plan to utilize on line banking. A future agenda will include the issue of credit cards and whether to continue to accept them for dues/fees payment and/or how to mitigate the large fees associated with their usage. The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 9PM. Recorded by: Jan Huber OCallaghan The Grapevine, April 2015 Page 10 How KS Connections Helped Us Through a Difficult Time Carolyn Gold One evening my husband Paul was in intense pain, and he wanted to go to the hospital emergency room (usually I have to drag him there). We went to a local hospital where he was diagnosed with a colon problem and given antibiotics. to people at Kerem Shalom, and what you could do. When I called his surgeon, the office person told me he was out for two weeks, and the on call person was booking surgery in three months. I was challenged. From our Me’ah class, and our ongoing classes, I have built many strong relationships. For nine years, we have been studying together most Tuesday mornings. This group is a light in my life. Come join us! Or, look at the Adult Ed listings in the Grapevine: there are multitudes of interesting ways to learn, grow and make connections. When we first joined, I called the office and asked what I could do to help. Someone called me back and asked me to come down right now and help move tables. Someone moving tables asked me to join a comThe next night the pain was much worse, excruciating. mittee, and I did. That was the beginning of a love I suggested we try Mass General Hospital because his story with this community. primary doctor is there. After a scan we were told there the pain was from the hernia, which he had for at I spent time on the Board, and got to know people least a month. He was already scheduled for surgery, there. If you can’t do that, you could join a committee. but they suggested he get the operation as soon as pos- I’m on the Adult Ed committee now, and we would love your help. sible. Then I remembered Jane, a surgeon at Mass General whom I met at Kerem Shalom’s adult bat mitzvah class, about ten years ago. Jane had helped us get to the right doctor at the right time a few years prior. Her administrative assistant told me she was booking surgery in 4 months. Then she asked, “Do you know her?” When I said that I did, I got an appointment the next day. Several years ago I joined the KS Community Support Committee, now called Yad ‘b Yad. We get an e-mail if someone in the congregation needs help, and the choice is ours when to help. Sometimes these e-mails alert me to someone in need that I know. Or, I have Jane gave me a warm hug at our appointment, and af- time on the day where help is needed and I enjoy doing what I can. Several years ago, my husband had ter examining Paul, agreed to do surgery the next Monday. I knew this had to be an imposition on her surgery and we had tremendous support from this schedule, and Paul and I were extremely grateful. group. That afternoon Paul’s pain was much worse. He wanted an ambulance and we were fortunate the ambulance driver agreed to take him to Mass General. I called Jane from my car, and she met us in emergency. She said she would move his surgery to the next day. I thanked G-d, Jane and Kerem Shalom connections. Just the other day, Wendy Taubes, who runs Yad ‘b Yad, called me to ask what help I might need. We were doing well, but I really appreciated the call. When I told her the story of getting our surgeon, she said, “That’s the way Kerem Shalom works.” Of course, Rabbi Darby was with us through our ordeal, which was so helpful. Surgery went well, and Paul is home recuperating. We are both counting our blessings that a contact at I hope to see you at services, Adult Ed events, comKerem Shalom made our life much easier. mittee meetings, book groups or wherever you are comfortable jumping in. Believe me, the rewards of How to connect at KS community are immeasurable. You might be wondering what I did to get connected 5 9:30 am Tai Chi w/ R.Elkind 26 5 pm Torah Study w/ Rabbi Ullman 9:30 am Tai Chi w/ R.Elkind 19 3:30 Music Recital 4 pm Shevet Achim w/ Matthew Lowe 9:30 am Tai Chi w/ R.Elkind 12 Pesach 9:30 am Tai Chi w/ R.Elkind Sunday 6 7 Tuesday 14 Pesach 7 pm Mah Jongg 4 pm בּית ספר 4:30 pm Rituals & Practices of Judaism Rabbi Darby 6:30 pm B’nai Mitzvah Task Force 27 28 29 22 30 23 1 pm NAMI Class 16 Pesach 7 pm Executive Committee 10:30 am Eden, Exodus & 9:45 am Health Moses w/ J. Kotler Challenge Group 10:30 am Me’ah 1 pm NAMI class 7:30 pm Rhythms of Na4 pm בּית ספר ture, Torah w/ Rabbi 6:30 pm B’nai Mitzvah Margalit Task Force 21 בּית ספר 7 pm Art & Ev. of Jewish Liturgy w/ Rabbi Darby 4 pm 15 9:45 am Health Challenge Group Pesach 7 pm Sacred Fragments II R. Langer 1 pm NAMI Class 9 1 pm NAMI class 2 Thursday 9:45 am Health Challenge Group 10:15 am Torah Study w/ Rabbi Ullman 4 pm Mah Jongg - class10:30 am Me’ah 7 pm Art & Evolution of 1 pm NAMI class room 1 Jewish Liturgy w/ 7 pm Mah Jongg Rabbi Darby 7:30 pm Rhythms of Na7:30 pm KS Book Group ture, Torah w/ Rabbi Yom HaAtzma’ut PATRIOTS’ DAY Margalit 20 10:15 am Torah Study w/ Rabbi Ullman 10:30 am Me’ah 4 pm בּית ספר 4:30 pm Jewish Content Book Group 7:15 pm Board Meeting 7:30 pm Rhythms of Na7:30 pm Membership ture, Torah w/ Rabbi Meeting Margalit 13 3:30 pm Faculty Meeting - Adult Library Pesach Jongg (classroom 1) 8 4 pm בּית ספר 7 pm Art & Evolution of Jewish Liturgy w/ Rabbi Darby 9:45 am Health Challenge Group 1 Wednesday 9:45 am Health 9:30 am Rosh Chodesh Challenge Group 10:30 am Eden, Exodus & R. Gerut Moses w/ J. Kotler 10:30 am Me’ah 4 pm Monday Mah Monday April 2015 Erev Pesach 11 בּית ספר KEHILLAH @ 5:45 = בּית ספר 10 am Morning Service Olivia Bowe-Shulman Bat Mitzvah 25 7:30 pm Yom HaShoah Commemoration 10 am Morning Service Zachary Susser Bar Mitzvah 18 10 am Morning Service Elias Turk Bar Mitzvah Pesach 6 pm 2nd Seder at KS 4 Saturday HEBREW SCHOOL = 7:30 pm Shabbat Service D. Leigh & R. Gerut 24 7:30 pm Shabbat Service D. Leigh & R. Gerut 17 Pesach 7:30 pm Mostly Music Shabbat Service R. Gerut, 10 3 Friday Kerem Shalom The Grapevine, Grapevine April 2015 Page 11 Kerem Shalom’s Calendar is also online at http://www.keremshalom.org/. Click on the Calendar tab at the top of the page. 4 Monday 31 Kerem Shalom’s Calendar is also online at http://www.keremshalom.org/. Click on the Calendar tab at the top of the page. 4pm Rosh Hodesh Girls w/ C. Weiner 9:30 am Tai Chi w/ R.Elkind Shavuot 9:30 am Tai Chi w/ R.Elkind 24 Yom Yerushalayim 9:30 am Tai Chi w/ R.Elkind 17 9:30 am Tai Chi w/ R.Elkind 10 3 5 19 25 27 20 9:45 am Health Challenge Group 13 4 pm בּית ספר 7:15 pm Ed/Family Ed Comm. Meeting 9:45 am Health Challenge Group 6 Wednesday 10:30 am Me’ah 9:45 am Health 10:30am Torah’s Path w/ Challenge Group R. Langer 26 7 pm Mah Jongg 10:30am Torah’s Path w/ R. Langer 10:30 am Me’ah 18 4 pm Mah Jongg 4:30 pm Rituals & Practices of Judaism Rabbi Darby 7:15 pm Exec. Session Board Meeting. 12 11 7:30 pm Rhythms of Nature, Torah w/ Rabbi Margalit 7 pm Mah Jongg 10:30 am Me’ah Tuesday 7 1pm NAMI class 28 1pm NAMI class 21 1pm NAMI class 14 Lag B’Omer 1pm NAMI class 7:30 pm Library Executive Meeting Thursday May 2015 4 pm בּית ספר 9:45 am Health Challenge Group 4:30 pm Rosh Chodesh 10:30 am Me’ah 10:30am Torah’s Path w/ 4 pm בּית ספר Women’s Group R. Langer 7:15 pm Board Meetinh 7:30 pm Membership Comm. Meeting 9:30 am Tai Chi w/R.Elkind 9:45 am Gr 3 Family trip 9:30 am Rosh Chodesh to Brookline - R. Gerut 9:45 am Holiday Preschool 4 pm בּית ספר 10 am 6th Israel Conversation 4 pm Mah Jongg 4 pm Rosh Hodesh Girls w. C. Weiner Sunday TENTATIVE SCHEDULE 2 9 10 am Morning Service Julia Stern Bat Mitzvah Saturday The Grapevine, April 2015 בּית ספר בּית ספר 10 am Morning Service Summer Maxwell Bar Mitzvah 30 23 16 KEHILLAH @ 5:45 = HEBREW SCHOOL = 7:30 pm Shabbat Service D. Leigh & R. Gerut 29 22 5:45 pm Tot Shabbat & Dinner 7:30 pm Mostly Music Shabbat Service R. Gerut 15 10 am Morning Service 6 pm Gr ? Families’ Zachary Feinstein Shabbat Dinner Bar Mitzvah 7:30 pm Shabbat Service & Chagigat Torah, D. Leigh & ? 8 7:30 pm Shabbat Service D. Leigh & R. Gerut 1 Friday Kerem Shalom Page 12 The Grapevine, Grapevine April 2015 Adult Programs –From Rosalie Gerut New Adult Programs Page 13 In appreciation for your continued participation in Adult Education, this year Kerem Shalom members who have taken 2 courses since September 2014 will receive a $36 credit toward their next class. Also, Financial Assistance is available if needed - please don't hesitate to contact [email protected] The Artistry and Evolution of Jewish Liturgy with Rabbi Darby Leigh Wednesday evenings; 7-8:30 PM; April 1, 15, 22 The impulse to reach out into the Universe with our expressions of hope, longing, fear and despair are a part of what it means to be a human being. While the “essence” of this reaching out, (“prayer”) has no pattern or structure, it is likely as ancient as the early human experience. Even in the Torah there are no fixed prayers. We only find examples of individuals’ personal prayers. At the same time, we have inherited volumes of gorgeous texts that we refer to as “traditional Jewish prayer.” What are these texts in our prayer books? Where do they come from, and when were they composed? Who wrote them? How have they changed over the centuries? How do we relate to these texts today, if in fact we do at all? This three-session course will give us an introduction to the history of the siddur (Jewish prayer book) and an opportunity to examine the artistry and evolution of Jewish liturgy. We will also take the opportunity to compare different versions of some Jewish prayers found in different siddurim (prayer books) and explore the question of what motivated some of these variations. RSVP: [email protected] The Rhythms of Nature, Rhythms of Torah with Rabbi Natan Margalit DATES: Four sessions on Tuesday Evenings: April 14, 21, 28 and May 5th, 7:30-9:00 PM Tuition: KS members: $120 , non-members: $180. RSVP: [email protected] What are the connections between the natural world and Judaism? What does Judaism have to say about our responsibility to the planet? What contribution can Judaism make to the struggle against Climate change, loss of bio-diversity, the ills of factory farming? Many environmentalists have said that if we are to heal our environment, it won’t be through technical fixes alone – it takes a deep re-orientation of how we look at the world and our place in it. Can Judaism provide that deep shift in world view? (Yes. Come find out how.) Natan Margalit was raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, studied Anthro- Congregation Adas Yoshuron in Rockland, Maine. Natan copology at Reed College in Portland, Oregon, made aliya, and founded LoKo, a co-op for bringing local, kosher free range studied for many years in Israeli yeshivot. He received rabbinic poultry meat to the Boston area. He has written and taught for ordination at The Jerusalem Seminary in 1990 and earned a Ph.D. many years on Judaism and the environment, innovative apin Talmud from U.C. Berkeley in 2001. He has held teaching proaches to Jewish texts, Jewish spirituality, and gender and Jupositions at Bard College, the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Col- daism. With Organic Torah, Natan is bringing together his interlege and the Rabbinical School of Hebrew College in Boston. ests in Jewish texts, the environment and paradigm shift. He lives Natan is spiritual leader of The Greater Washington Coalition for in Newton, MA with his wife Ilana and sons, Nadav and Eiden. Jewish Life, in Western Connecticut as well as Visiting Rabbi at Beginners’ Hebrew Literacy with Kerem Shalom Hebrew School teacher, Tikva Eigen, Spring 2015 This class is offered to adults who have little or no knowledge of Hebrew. We will concentrate on decoding the language so that you will be able to follow the Shabbat service and learn more about Judaism along the way. Classes begin as soon as we have a group and will run for 12 weeks. Tuition: $15/class for KS Members ($180); $20/class for non-members ($240) RSVP: [email protected] Questions? contact Tikva Eigen [email protected] New & Ongoing Adult Programs Page 14 The Grapevine, April 2015 Conversational Hebrew with Kerem Shalom Hebrew School teacher, Tikva Eigen. Tuesdays 7-8:30 PM in the Spring This will be an intermediate level class - the ability to read Hebrew is required. Tuition: $15/class for KS Members ($90); $20/class for non-members ($120.) Classes will begin when we form a group. Come join us! RSVP: [email protected] Questions? contact Tikva Eigen [email protected] Rosh Chodesh (“New Moon”) A Women’s Group - Mondays during Hebrew School AnInvitationtoallwomenatKeremShalom Would you like an opportunity to get to know other women in the Congregation? Would you like to reserve an evening or morning once every month to connect with yourself and with a friendly and supportive group of women? Would you like to explore some topics that may be relevant to your life as a Jewish woman (or the partner/ spouse of a Jewish individual)? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions (or if you would just like to try something new) you are most warmly invited to participate in the Kerem Shalom Rosh Chodesh Women's Groups. We are a great group of women - come join us and help us become even greater! New Group Rosalie Gerut will facilitate. RSVP: [email protected] For Kerem Shalom members only. Bereavement Group Rosalie Gerut, an educational psychologist who has facilitated groups for those who have lost loved ones and those who have suffered from the fallout of war and genocide, welcomes anyone who is carrying the pain of loss to join with others to share stories and lighten the burden. Contact [email protected] Ongoing Adult Programs Eden, Exodus And Moses with Rabbinic Student Jamie Kotler, Tuesday mornings 10:30-12:30 DATES: 6 sessions: March 10, 17, 24, 31 and April 7, 28 Tuition: $125 for Kerem Shalom Members; $180 for non-members. RSVP: [email protected] A Study of Adam, Eve and the Garden of Eden: Adam and Eve are the parents of all humankind. Who were they? What can we learn from their relationship to each other, to God and to the snake? Who was that snake, anyway? Why were Adam and Eve expelled from Eden, and how does this relate to us today? (2 sessions) Artwork by Yoram Raanan A Hasidic View of Exodus: As part of our spiritual preparation for Passover, we will study Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus from Egypt) from the perspective of the Hasidic Masters. What does it mean to leave Egypt, how do we go about this, and what are the pitfalls along the way. (1 session) A Study of Moses: We will study Moses to gain insight into his character, often hidden between the lines in Torah. What was it about Moses - a man who was "heavy of tongue", who did not grow up among the Jewish people - that enabled him to be our greatest leader? (3 sessions.) Jamie Kotler – Searching for a “Unitary Theory of Life” started me down the path of Torah study in my middle years. Having studied biology (Brown Univ., BA, 1979) and finance (Stanford Univ., MBA 1985), I have glimpsed the scaffolding upon which all else rests through the wisdom of Torah. All roads have led me here: lessons learned in marriage, motherhood (three sons, all fledged) and prior careers, of course. But my path to the rabbinate was significantly defined by secondary interests, which turned out to be equally important: dedicated volunteer in Boston’s Jewish community; lover of Israel; enthusiast of the outdoors; ardent genealogist, with once small and now large family trees of my Polish and Romanian families; passionate cook, gardener, and knitter; a knower of “exile”, having grown up in Brazil and Mexico as the daughter of Holocaust sur(Continued on page 15) Page 15 The Grapevine, Grapevine April 2015 I am energized by the prospect of being able to weave all these vivors. I am deeply grateful to be a “returnee”, to be on this path, into a future rabbinate, devoted to helping others find a meaningful entry point to Judaism, and re-envisioning tradition in a way which contains all the others. that speaks to today’s world. (Continued from page 14) Introduction to the Rituals and Practices of Judaism with Rabbi Darby Leigh 8 Sessions: Mondays 4:30-5:30 P.M. Remainingdates: April 27, and May 18. It is often said that Judaism is not a religion, it is a way of life. In fact, Judaism has fixed rituals and practices for all aspects of how we live our lives from the mundane to the "sacred." This monthly course will give us an opportunity to explore some of the major rituals and practices of a Jewish spiritual path. Our topics of study will include Jewish texts, Shabbat, prayer, Jewish life-cycle rituals, and Jewish ethics. Participants will be offered the opportunity to experiment with various Jewish practices and to reflect on their experiences, if they wish. Please note, people who are thinking about, or have questions about possible conversion to Judaism should feel free to be in touch with Rabbi Darby. [email protected] Rabbi Ullman will be going on Sabbatical this summer and we don’t yet know if he will return to teach in the future. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO DROP IN FOR ONE OR MORE OF HIS UPCOMING CLASSES. Do not let finances get in the way! Contact Rosalie for details [email protected] Torah Study with Rabbi Alan Ullman Rabbi Alan Ullman brings Torah to life by facilitating dynamic interaction and questioning of text, enabling us t o 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. RSVP: Rosalie Gerut, [email protected] If you would like to join the class, please do. We will pro-rate the cost. Don't miss these sessions! Tuesday Mornings, 10:15 AM - 12:15 PM Sunday Afternoons, 5:00-6:30 PM, 6 sessions through 8 sessions through 2015: 2015: and / or 10-7, 11-4, 12-16; 1-20, 2-17, 3-3, 4-14, 4-21 12-7; 1-18, 2-15, 3-8, 3-29, 4-19 $200 for KS Members; $300 for non-KS Members $150 for KS Members; $225 for KS Members Rosh Chodesh (“New Moon”) the first Monday of the month, 9:30 – 11 A.M. Remainingdates:Apr. 6, May 4, & June 1 Would you like an opportunity to get to know other women in the Congregation? Would you like to reserve an evening or morning once every month to connect with yourself and with a friendly and supportive group of women? Would you like to explore some topics that may be relevant to your life as a Jewish woman (or the partner/ spouse of a Jewish individual)? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions (or if you would just like to try something new) you are most warmly invited to participate in the Kerem Shalom Rosh Chodesh Women's Groups. We are a great group of women - come join us and help us become even greater! Support Group for People Facing Health Challenges Wednesday mornings 9:45-11:15 AM Baruch Ha’bah Blessed is the one who enters Refuat ha Nefesh 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 exchange 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]. Ongoing Adult Programs Page 16 The Grapevine, April 2015 Mah Jongg Club Mondays at 4 p.m.; Tuesdays, at 7 p.m. Check the KS Calendar for exact dates. We have started a Mah Jongg group at Kerem Shalom and we want you to play with us! All are welcome--whether you are an experienced player or whether you've never played before. We will teach you to play! Mah Jongg is a fun tile game that originated in China but over the years has been adapted and popularized in America. We have already begun learning and playing but you are welcome to join in any time. We will meet every other week going forward. If you're interested in learning more about this group, please email [email protected] or call Amanda at 617-448-5986. Our next games are Monday, April 6th and Tuesday, April 7th. Writers’ Group Thursday mornings/lunch time at Kerem Shalom Are you a serious writer who needs to focus on your work but is having trouble finding the time? Come to our Thursday morning gatherings and overcome procrastination. Want to join? Contact: [email protected] for times. Kerem Shalom Men's Group For information contact: George Peabody, [email protected]. Sacred Fragments II Continuing Explorations and Conversations of Jewish Belief with Judaic Scholar, Rachmiel Langer. 7 - 8:30 p.m., Remaining date of four Wednesday evenings: April 8 – Listening for the Sacred / Meditation (please note new change of date.) Tuition: $100/Kerem Shalom Members; $150/Non-KS members. RSVP: [email protected] Come join continuing explorations of Jewish understandings of being in direct relationship with the sacred. Midrash is the rabbinic process of approaching traditional texts through fresh eyes. We engage in that process as we read excerpts from various modern Jewish thinkers as they struggle with placing their experience in relation to Jewish belief. In discussion, we look at their views and our own as we wrestle with our beliefs and the issues that might lead us toward building a personal theology. You're welcome to attend any or all of the sessions. There are preparatory readings for each class, so please register in advance to receive the texts. Midrashim by Women About Women (missed class rescheduled) With Tamar Biala Tuesday morning, May 5th, 10:30-12:30; RSVP: [email protected] This mini-series focuses on Midrash written by Israeli women about relationships between women. Midrash literally, “searching out,” is the classical form of Jewish Bible interpretation pioneered by ancient rabbis, creating a moral and existential connection between the original text and its readers in their day. Tamar Biala co-edited the first ever volume of midrash written by Israeli women. This collection, titled “Dirshuni”, is being cited, taught and argued over in yeshivot, high schools, synagogues, the press alternative batei midrash, universities and even Army educational programs. It is a precious fruit of the revolution in women's Torah learning. The Midrashim deal head on with issues of social justice and the treatment of women by Jewish law and rabbinic authority, and offer deep and wide-ranging discussions of Biblical personalities, women's religious roles, sexuality and fertility, prayer, the meaning of Torah study, and more. Page 17 The Grapevine, Grapevine April 2015 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, 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. This program is an effective training method for stress relief, osteoarthritis, and provides better concentration, circulation and balance. KS Jewish Content Book Group On April 14 we will for dinner in Boston near the Vilna Shul. We will discuss Rav Kook: Mystic in a Time of Revolution by Yehudah Mirsky. After dinner we will all attend a lecture by Anita Diamant. We plan to meet at the synagogue in the late afternoon and go together. More details to follow. Questions: Jane Appell, [email protected] . Kerem Shalom Book Group Our next meeting will be on Thursday evening, April 23, at 7:30 p.m. at Kerem Shalom. We will discuss Second Person Singular by Sayed Kashua. The novel is available through the Minuteman Library. Contact Pat Sills, [email protected] , for more information. In honor of Yom Ha-Shoah, Kerem Shalom will present the PBS award-winning film: Conspiracy of Kindness Saturday evening, April 18th at 7:30 PM In the fall of 1939, Hitler's murderous wave was sweeping through Eastern Europe. In the face of the Nazi onslaught, Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara set about saving thousands of lives. But his struggle was not fought on the battlefields or in war rooms. He used his power as a diplomat to rescue fleeing Jewish refugees. A 90-minute historical documentary that tells the remarkable story of Chiune Sugihara and the Jewish refugees that he helped to save. A co-production of Dentsu Inc., in association with David Rubinson and CPG LLC. For more information please contact: Bob Rosenbaum [email protected] The Grapevine, April 2015 Page 18 בְּרוּכִים ַהבַּאִ ים (Bruchim Habayim) MOSTLY MUSIC SHABBATS Welcome New Members Melinda Kulish and Robert Sodergren and their twin girls Casey and Gwyneth Sodergren of Concord. You can reach them at [email protected] or [email protected] or 978-341-8388. תּוֹדָ ה ַר ָבּה (Todah Rabah) We Thank Shalom! You for your generosity to Kerem Jeffrey & Ellen Hutt In memory of Stan Risner Meridy Family In appreciation of the kindness extended to Laura Heideman-Dowd in memory of her dad, Rabbi Howard. W. Meridy, MD. Dan & Maggie Terris In honor of the yahrzeit of David Terris APRIL 10, May 15 and June 19, 2015 Many thanks to Phil Cohen Productions for donating the services of Russ, our terrific PURIM PARTY D.J. You can visit Phil Cohen Productions’website at http://www.cohenproductions.com/ Happy Passover! Page 19 The Grapevine, Grapevine April 2015 IN THE C OMMUNITY Please join us in the celebration of Zach Susser's Bar Mitzvah on Saturday April 18, 2015 at 10 o’clock in the morning. Adam and Sherri Susser Jewish Family Service Patient Navigator The next Jewish Family Service Patient Navigator training is being held on Monday, March 23 at the JFS office, 475 Franklin Street, Framingham. The Patient Navigator program is growing very quickly and volunteers are always needed. New clients are welcomed as well. The beauty of being a PN volunteer is not only the satisfaction one gets from knowing how much their help means to our elders and their families, but also knowing you can choose where and when you want to go. There is no minimum commitment. If anyone wants more information on the program, please call us at 508-875-3100 x110. Concert: For You the Sun Will Shine Songs of Women in the Shoah Save the Date! Friday Shabbat Service and Special Oneg in honor of Pat Lukens’ Retirement from 16 years as Education Director at Kerem Shalom. ~ All are welcome, all ages! ~ Friday, June 5, 2015 Service 7:30 pm, with festive oneg to follow ~Please join us for a Community Dinner before the service 6:006:00- 7:20 pm Any questions, contact Joan Perlman at [email protected] Thursday, April 2, 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Lieberman-Miller Lecture Hall Brandeis University | 515 South Street | Waltham Lullabies, songs of longing, loss, rage and hope written by women musicians in the camps. The original musical arrangements of Frank London and Shai Bashar as well as Shula it's vocal interpretation of the unspeakable experience of the Shoah from a feminine point of view. Charlette Shulamit Ottolenghi, Singer Free and open to the public. For more information, email [email protected] www.brandeis.edu/hbi | 781-736-2064 The Grapevine Kerem Shalom P.O.Box 1646 Concord, Massachusetts 01742 Change Service Requested SAVE THE DATE! April 24, 7:30 pm Shabbat service (and 6 p.m. Community Dinner) with Dan Terris and Rabbi Darby Leigh Dan Terris, Director of the International Center for Ethics, Justice and Public Life at Brandeis University. Speaking on Tzedek v’Shalom, Justice and Peace. What happens when Justice cannot be achieved peacefully, and when peace cannot be achieved without justice? In This Issue: SECOND NIGHT PASSOVER SEDER 1 Rabbi’s Message 2 Passages 2 President’s Message 3 Social Action News KS Connections Help 10 April Calendar 11 May Calendar 12 Adult Programs 1317 4 KS Film Program 17 School News 5-6 18 Purim Party Photos 7 Welcomes and Thank Yous Family Education 8 In the Community 19 March Board Minutes 9 In This Issue 20
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