Tevet/Shevat January 2015
TEMPLE BETH EMUNAH
479 Torrey Street
Brockton, MA 02301
(508) 583-5810
Fax: (708) 778-5801

Ilana Foss, Rabbi
H. David Werb, Rabbi Emeritis
Stu Kirsch, President
Beth Goldstein, B’yachad Educ. Director
Deb Kirsch, Administrator

Bulletin
Aaron Riseman Editor
Tom Robinson, Circulation
February Bulletin
Deadline:
January 21, 2015
Articles must be submitted via e-mail to:
[email protected]

Services
Shabbat
Friday at 6:30 PM
Saturday at 9:30 AM
Daily
Weekdays at 7:30PM
Sundays at 9:00AM
Unless otherwise announced

Visit our website at
www.templebethemunah.org
OFFICE HOURS
Sunday 9 am to 12 pm
Monday closed
Tuesday 1 pm to 6 pm
Wednesday 9 am to 6 pm
Thursday 1 pm 6 pm
Friday 9 am to 12 pm
Saturday closed
From The Rabbi's Desk
#Blacklivesmatter
Whether you have been following this hashtag on social media or reading about
the widespread protests throughout the United States we can confidently say that our
country, in a way not seen since the civil rights movement of the 50s and 60s, is
engaged in a serious conversation about race. Protests have commanded the attention
of many people- government officials, religious leaders and all of us. The peaceful, non
-violent protests are models of how to engage with challenging questions. The tragic
killing of police officers in New York City is horrific and has been rightly denounced as
a detriment to the broader cause of a more just and peaceful society.
When we look at the Eric Garner case it is again hard to know where to begin
exactly. Is it the sight of the video and the police officer putting him in a chokehold
watched by thousands of people on YouTube? Is it the decision of the grand jury not to
indict him so that none of the evidence will be aired in a public courtroom, eliminating
an opportunity for some transparency in the examination of the case? Is it the lists of
black men who’ve been grievously injured or killed in police custody, right here in the
United States?
These questions are overwhelming because they touch on such broad swathes
of our society and our history dating back to the establishment of our country. When
looking at the Garner case, it is criticized as not being a good ‘test case’ to deal with
these issues because Garner was selling loose cigarettes or, as in the Michael Brown
case, some of the protestors were violent.
Charles Blow, a conservative columnist in the New York Times, speaks to how
critics of the protests distract us from the actual problem: “The argument is that this is
not a perfect case, because Brown — and, one would assume, now Garner — isn’t a
perfect victim and the protesters haven’t all been perfectly civil, so therefore any
movement to counter black oppression that flows from the case is inherently flawed.
But this is ridiculous and reductive, because it fails to acknowledge that the whole
system is imperfect and rife with flaws. We don’t need to identify angels and demons to
understand that inequity is hell.” That is what is challenging about the situation today,
it isn’t just one incident, it isn’t just one death, it is fundamentally a system that treat
some people differently than others.
It would be fairly easy for many of us today that this isn’t our problem. Why
should we care or even why should we pay attention to what is going on in New York or
Saint Louis? There are some of us who are scared by what is happening— either scared
for black family members and friends, or scared for police officers or scared because
the country seems so angry right now. We need to pay attention to what is going on
around us. The Martin Luther King luncheon on January 18th is one way we can come
together. But it is only one afternoon. When Cain killed his brother Abel, God
addresses Cain saying: “Listen, your brother’s blood cries out from the ground (Gen.
4:10).” We need to address these issues in impactful ways and at all times. In the
coming months, together with area clergy, I’ll be sharing information about community programs addressing issues of race. There is too much of our brothers’ blood on
the ground.
L’Shalom
Rabbi Ilana Foss
FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT
The Gratitude Attitude
One area that we as an organization and as individuals can get much better at is saying thank you. It is sometimes hard and awkward,
sometime curt and cursory. Thanking people is all the more difficult at times when we realize how people are embarrassed by receiving
thanks. But there is a third party too that is affected by the lack of proper acknowledgement, the community.
The Talmud tells us that three people are killed by gossip: the one who tells it, the one about whom it is told, and the one who hears it
(Talmud Arachin 15b). Isn't the inverse true as well? Are not three people raised up by words of thanks, acknowledgement, graciousness?
The one who offers thanks, the one who is thanked, and the community that hears the thanks.
Let me now take a moment to offer some words of thanks, not only because I need to say them, and not only because people need to
know they are being thanked, but also because you, our community, should be raised up as well.
Thanks to the Executive Board and the Temple's leaders. Barely a day goes by where your inboxes or voicemail boxes are not filled with
questions, concerns, and issues that come up. Due to your interest, abilities, and wisdom, we have developed a working relationship that
lets us all consider important—and not so important—questions that come up. You respond when you can, but more importantly to me,
you take action when you should. There is so much going on within our organization; through your opinions and actions, much more than
one could ever believe is accomplished.
Thanks to our new members and our families with young children who step up and involve yourselves in activities and work in the synagogue and the school. The value in helping in the office, or helping in the kitchen, or working on a project team, or attending a program,
or even in making sure we are aware of complaints and problems you see, is valuable in two ways. It is valuable on its face: work gets
done; programs and classes are successful; problems are recognized and solved. But your participation is also valuable in that it builds our
community; you bond with other members, our leadership, our staff, and your peers through shared interest and experience. Our community is strengthened by those bonds.
Thanks to our more senior members for your willingness to listen and to advise in addition to your activity. You are actively engaged now
in the community as you have been for many years. You have experiences and insights and connections that you have collected through
those years, and you are willing to share them with our leadership for the continued benefit of our community. Your words and your actions are immensely valuable.
Thanks to those who handle things so regularly that the efforts often seem taken for granted—not wittingly ignored, but not acknowledged because they just become part of the background. Like offensive linemen in football, as the saying goes, your efforts are not properly noticed unless they are not done. Please know that we do notice and we thank you for those efforts. Understanding the risk of mentioning just a few people and not mentioning others, I will mention some. Thank you Bob Greenberg for Kiddush every week and your
help in controlling and managing the kitchen. Thank you Steve Merlin for reading Torah each week. Thank you Dave Kramer for your
omnipresence with keys and leaks and heating and cooling. Thank you Deb Kirsch for handling so much more than would ever be expected. Thank you Reva Stickler and Mike Raphaelson and Roz Nelson and your colleagues on the RitCom who make sure that services
go as smoothly as they do.
Thank you Rabbi Foss for your leadership. You encourage and cajole and negotiate all the best out of people. You bring people together
within our community and you welcome those from outside to join us for the benefit of both. You build programs and build bridges and
build compromises. Your public and personal communications are on target and on message. You have made your desk and your seat at a
table and your home as much a part of your leadership platform as the bimah. You understand your role and the community to know
when to act and when to let others act, or not. You ask questions and listen to opinion as well as you answer questions thoughtfully.
There are more to acknowledge, and I will endeavor to do so appropriately. Please join me in those efforts.
L'Shalom'
Stu Kirsch
Thank you to our entire Custodial Staff for their tireless work all year long!
Our building shines because of their dedication!
Judaism 101
Have you ever wanted to know more about Judaism but were afraid to ask?
The Jewish Discovery Institute is offering a free course to help you learn
some of the basic tenets of Judaism. Topics could include God, Torah,
Israel, Jewish Thought, Jewish History, and the Jewish calendar. Bring
your questions, concerns and curiosity.
Judaism 101 is taught by Rabbinical Student Steven Jablow
January 8, 15 and 22
Temple Beth Emunah - Brockton
7-9PM
This class is free but registration is required. Please contact Rabbi
Foss for instructions on how to register online. The class is open
to all. This class is offered though the Jewish Discovery Institute though a
generous grant from CJP.
B’Yachad South Area Religious School.
2015 marks sixty-seven years since Israel was declared a country. And although sixty-seven years seems
like a long time for many, Israel is just a baby as countries go. As we look back at the last sixty-seven years, what is
it about this small country that still attracts so many people today?
I hear many talk about the magic they felt the first time they stepped onto Israeli soil. The image, for many,
of walking off the plane and kissing the ground still moves them to tears. For others it is simply eating in a café
where everyone speaks Hebrew. Still others are moved by standing at the Kotel (Western Wall). On Sunday, January 25th the school will be celebrating Israel through a special Israel Fair for students and parents as we kick off a
campaign to register all B’Yachad students for Passport to Israel! Passport to Israel is a risk free savings account
which allows parents to save money for their children to one day travel to Israel. In addition, the CJP adds money to
the account. To learn more about Passport to Israel join the school on Sunday, January 25th at 10:30am at Temple
Beth Emunah.
On the first Sunday in December, the teaching staff of B’Yachad attended Limmud Boston. Teachers
attended sessions on everything ranging from classes on teaching to the future of American Judaism. It was a great
day and is already making an impact on the teaching at B’Yachad.
In addition, the Hanukkah party was on Tuesday, December 16th. Parents and students gathered to sing, light
the Menorah, and eat. Thank you to all of the parents who volunteered both the Sunday before the party and on the
day of the party to cook, help with the children, set up, clean up and so much more. It would not have been possible
without you! Check out the great pictures!
January is packed with many events and programs, in addition to Hebrew and Judaic learning. On Sunday,
January 4th the Brotherhood will be working with the 5th grade students and their parents to create Tefillin and
prepare for the World Wide Wrap (which is on Sunday, February 1st). On Saturday, January 10th, B’Yachad will
hold its first ever Havdalah event. We will learn about and celebrate Havdalah together, eat dinner and watch
movies/play games. On Sunday, January 11th, the school will have a “late start” and school will begin at 10am. On
Saturday, January 24th, Jr. Congregation will be held at Temple Beth Am at 10:00am. And on Sunday, January 25 th,
the school community will be celebrating Israel with an Israel Fair and Passport to Israel information session at
10:30am at Temple Beth Emunah.
For questions about B’Yachad South Area Religious School, please feel free to email Beth Goldstein at
[email protected].
Hanukkah 2014
5th Grade Letter Presentation
HANUKKAH 2014
How Can YOU Help?
Donate with an impact
When we’ve needed something (heating repairs, painting and new doors, to name but a few) our members have
been there!
The call is going out again for your help. Could you pay a month’s worth of the electric bill? Or perhaps a week’s
worth? Maybe you’d rather pay the Insurance bill?
Below are a few ideas, but all donations welcome!
Electric Bill
$2,400 for a whole month or $600 for a week
Gas Bill
$1,000 for a whole month or $250 for a week
Insurance
$2,000 for a whole month or $500 for a week
Trash Collection $260 for a whole month or $65 for a week
Alarm Monitoring $240 for whole year or $20 for a week
Social Action
Temple Beth Emunah is looking for volunteers to join their Literacy team.
Members of the Literacy Team go into local Brockton Elementary schools and
work with students in their reading and writing skills.
Our Team Leader is Tina Langson. She has been working with the JCRC and members of Temple Beth Emunah to help fill the need
in our local schools. The commitment is for just one hour a week. All volunteers are trained in how to service these special students.
If you are interested in working with children and you enjoy reading please contact Tina Langson at [email protected]
December, for many, is the time for holidays and vacations. Children with serious illnesses, though, do not
take a break from treatment and/or testing. The cooks from Social Action try to brighten their day with a
delicious home cooked meal. This month, we baked chicken with Old Bay Seasoning, Spanish rice, and
mixed vegetables. To top off this repast, were cranberry bars and peppermint chocolate cookies (thank you,
Reva), chocolate chip cookies, a frosted gold cake, and clementines. We would be remiss if we did not thank
the family whose multi Chai donation made this, and next month’s, meal possible.
Please help acutely ill children and their caregivers by donating any amount to TBE. Please write Ronald
McDonald House Dinner Fund on the memo line. From everyone in Social Action, a happy healthy new
year.
Winter St, Boston, circa 1866
RABBI H.DAVID WERB
MEDITATION GARDEN AND
TEMPLE BETH EMUNAH
HONORS WALKWAY
Would you like to commemorate a
special occasion, such as a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, wedding,
anniversary, or birthday; or honor or memorialize your loved
ones?
You can purchase a personalized, laser engraved brick to be
placed in the Rabbi H. David Werb Meditation
Garden or the Temple Beth Emunah Honors Walkway, both
located in the Temple’s Korim Courtyard.
The net proceeds go towards the
Temple’s Endowment Fund, which helps our Temple and
Religious School. Your purchases will keep Temple Beth
Emunah strong for many years to come, and also add to the
beauty of the garden - an area for reflection, relaxation and
enjoyment. Please be sure to visit it when you’re at the
Temple.
4” x 8” and 8” x 8” bricks are available, and are permanently
laser engraved with your special inscription.
Please pick up an order form at the Temple office, or call for
more details.
Do you know
someone who has an upcoming
Birthday or
Anniversary?
Who just got a
new job?
Could use some
well wishes during an illness?
Consider sending a Nedorim card!
(Cards start at $5)
Contact the Temple
Office for more details.
Come learn about Camp Ramah in New England without leaving your home! Please join us for an online virtual parlor
meeting on Wednesday, January 14th at 7pm EST with our Assistant Director, Josh Edelglass. By using our online web
conferencing site, you will be able to meet with and interact with Josh on your computer screen! You will be able to watch live
video to see Josh’s short presentation about the magic of Camp Ramah, and you will be able to ask and have answered any
questions you may have about Camp Ramah! Please RSVP to [email protected].
Electric Wire Recycling Fundraiser
We can turn
obsolete, no longer
used electric wire
of all types and in
any condition into
cash.
$$$ $$$ $$$ $$$
Do you have a smartphone or a
cell phone that you no longer
use? Please donate any
unneeded phones to Temple Beth
Emunah as we can recycle these
items for C$SH.
Old, cracked, or no longer used or needed electric wire
can be recycled for ca$h. Check your cabinets, closets
and basements…time to clean up, recycle and Temple
Beth Emunah will benefit!
Bring your phones and leave
them in the main office. If the
office is closed just place them in
the open window.
Please bring to the Temple any and all electric wire that
you no longer use:
 Computer, audio and TV cables
 Equipment power cords and chargers
 Appliance and lamp power cords (cords only)
 Telephone and speaker wire
 Cell phone chargers and wire
 House and building wire
 Extension cords
Temple Beth Emunah
479 Torrey Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Phone: 508.583.5810
All types of electrical wire accepted. Place in basket
located on main floor in the school hallway.
Electrical wire can be recycled for ca$h.
Please send any questions to Alan Castaline at
[email protected]
The letter ‘shin’ is based on a pictogram of teeth
‫ש‬
We know Orthodontics from aleph to
tav.
See us for AMAZING SMILES, INCREASED CONFIDENCE,
NEWFOUND HAPPINESS.
Dr. Robert Chavez Dr. Andrew Chase
ARCH Orthodontics
FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
1 (800) 28- SMILE
www.archorthodontics.com
Sisterhood Judaica Shop
Do you need that special Gift ?
Start your shopping at the Sisterhood Judaica Shop. Come in and
see all of the new merchandise.
We have everything for that special Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Bride- tobe, & Housewares for the new home owner and, we are in the
process of restocking the gift shop with all new merchandise.
From tzedakah boxes to beautiful Shabbat candle sticks. Our
prices are very reasonable. Don’t miss out on the beautiful
selections.
Don’t forget all of your
Bar/Bat Mitzvah needs
Yarmulkahs can be ordered in your
special colors
Hours: Sunday 9-11am & by appointment:
Heidi Bourque 508-828-9515
Robin Ekpunobi 781-424-3276
Sharon Wolf 508-238-1507
Recycle for a Profit!
Bring in your used printer and toner cartridges and the
Temple earns from $2-$4 per cartridge!
Don’t have curbside recycling? Bring your paper to the
Temple and earn us even more $$...and save a tree and
landfill space while you’re at it!
☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺
Did you know…….?
That many of the things you do every day can earn the Temple money?
Use www.goodsearch.com for every internet search and
earn a penny a search for the Temple.
Use www.goodshop.com before you go to websites such as
Amazon or Ebay (and dozens of others) and the Temple
earns up to 37.5% of what you spend.
Think it doesn’t add up?
Last quarter we earned over $200!
Use a Gift Card and increase our profit!
SISTERHOOD
Remember:
It’s not hard, To Send a Card
Just give us a Call, And we will help you all.
Call Selma at (508)587-4278 or
Marge at (508)588-5516 at any time except Shabbat.
We are at your service to send the Simcha. New Baby,
Mazel Tov and Get Well Torah Fund Cards.
new new new new new new new new new new
Go to www.gooddining.com and register whatever credit
card you typically use when you go out to eat. Then enjoy a
night out at one of the restaurants listed on the GoodDining
website, use your registered credit card to pay, and the
Temple gets a percentage!
The Temple Beth Emunah section of Plymouth
Rock Cemetery offers families an affordable, wellmaintained location as a final resting place.
We offer our community two options: the Temple
Beth Emunah section and Shaarei Emunah: the
Gates of Faith Interfaith section.
The cemetery is located on Pearl Street (west side)
just south of Belmont Street (route 123) in Brockton.
For more information please contact Mort Saftler
(508) 587-2470
PRIDE OF BROCKTON CEMETERY
L’DOR V’DOR (From Generation to Generation)
A Temple Beth Emunah Cemetery, located
On South Street, Stoughton,Ma.
Plots are available for purchase, to anyone of
the Jewish Faith.
Directions to the cemetery from Brockton:
Take Pearl Street north into Stoughton (Route
27),
After the T.J. Maxx Plaza, take your next right,
this is South Street. The cemetery is 1/2mile
down
on the left side, it has a white stone wall in the
front.
For more information please contact:Harriet
Robie
508-587-3250
Thank, You!!
To all you Gift Card & Benefit
Mobile shoppers!
Together, we purchased, for the Holidays alone,
over $20,000 in Gift Cards, making your Holiday
shopping easier and making
$650 for the Temple!
Don’t Forget!
We have Gift Cards year round!
These stores and a whole lot more!
Temple Beth Emunah Grilled Cheese Festival
A family lunch following Hebrew School.
The whole community is invited. Sunday January 25th
at noon.
$3 per person or $10 per family.
Reserve online at bit.ly/tbeprograms, or
at the Temple office at 508-583-5810
Nedorim
RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
THE SAFTLER FAMILY FUND
In Honor of:
In Memory of:
Mazel Tov to Steve & Barbara
Stanley Rabinovitz
Merlin on the birth of their
Morton Saftler
grandson
Toby Saftler
Howard & Sharon Shore
Harvey & Estelle Blackman
Rabbi Foss’ HH participation
Suzanne & Robert Wyman
Roz Nelson
Roz Nelson
Susan Shwom
NEDORIM FUND
Morton Saftler
In Honor of:
Ellis Joseph Merlin’s Birth
In Honor of:
Steve & Barbara Merlin
Ilene Belinsky’s marriage
Mazel Tov to Joelle & Ethan
Ed & Debby Baron
on the birth of their son
Mazel Tov to Joelle & Ethan
Reva & Alan Castaline
on the birth of their son
Reva Stickler
Ed & Debby Baron
Mazel Tov to Steve & Barbara
Mazel Tov to Steve & Barbara
on the birth of their grandson
on the birth of their grandson
Reva & Alan Castaline
Ed & Debby Baron
Rabbi Kamens’ HH participation
Roz Nelson For the Recovery of:
Rabbi Werb’s HH participation
Dina Marcus
Roz Nelson
Marilyn Geller
Rina Kirsch’s HH participation
Ed & Debby Baron
Roz Nelson
Steve Merlin’s HH participation
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE FUND
Roz Nelson In Memory of:
Judy & Bob Fishman’s HH
Stanley Rabinovitz
participation
Toby Saftler
Roz Nelson
Claire Finstein
Joel & Marilyn Geller
In Memory of:
In Memory of:
Stanley Rabinovitz
William Pockar
Alan Gerofsky
Jill Skerker
Steve & Julie Deak
Cheryl Lesser
Rena Hurwitz THE ADAM SLOTNICK FUND
Sherry Malone In Honor of:
Richard Kean
Bob & Judy Fishman’s
Brother of Jack Baron
new home
The Bingo Committee
Barbara & Stan Ashman
Bernie Potischman
Selma & Bill Kracoff In Memory of:
Martin Wolf
Bernie Tack
Claire Finstein
Eleanor & Bill Kopp
Pearl Anapolsky
Irving Young
Roz Nelson
Barbara & Stan Ashman
THE RABBI H. DAVID WERB YOUTH
ENDOWMENT FUND
In Honor of:
My children, for a Happy &
Healthy New Year
Elliot & Leslie Schwartz
CRAIG MENDELSON H.S. SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In Memory of:
Norton Mendelson
Roz Nelson
The Temple thanks you for
your support
Nedorim donation –
$5.00
Minyan Circle Donation - $10.00
Chai Circle Donation $18.00
Silver Circle Donation - $25.00
Special Gifts Donation - $50.00+
Please help us expedite matters by
making all requests in writing, with
complete names and addresses,
including zip codes.
THE YAHRZEIT FUND
In Memory of:
Bernard Saftler
Morton Saftler
Morris Director
Marge Goldberg
Atty. & Mrs. Samuel Saber
Mr. & Mrs. James Saber
Henry & Esther Cohen
Melvyn & Lorna Cohen
Joseph & Dorothy Cohen
Melvyn & Lorna Cohen
OTHER FUNDS YOU MAY
DONATE TO:
Hachnasat Orchim
Aliyah Fund
Herbert Cohen Fund
Teen Aide Scholarship Fund
Rabbi H. David Werb
Meditation Garden
Harry Belinsky Fund
Dr. Stuart Birnbaum
Defibrillator Fund
David Licter Scholarship Fund
Lawrence Liberman Fund
Stuart Koretz Fund
Bella Kovick Fund
Richard Rosen Learning Series
Schair Memorial Lecture Fund
Hilary Schutt Fund
Edward Teller Fund
Louis and Ruth Zax Fund
Jacob N. Lipman Religious School
Michelle Goldstein Bornstein Fund
Harry and Bessie Lemelman
January 2015
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
Kabbalat Shabbat
6:30 pm
Candle light 4:05pm
4
5
B’Yachad 9 AM
Build a pair workshop 9:45 AM
Membership 11 AM
11
6
7
B’Yachad 3:45 PM
Brotherhood Meeting BINGO 6:30 PM
12
13
14
B’Yachad 3:45 PM
TELEM onsite 6 to 8
B’Yachad 10 AM
BINGO 6:30 PM
8
9
Judiasm 101 7-9
Ritual 7 PM
Kabbalat Shabbat
6:30 pm
Candle light 2:12pm
15
16
17
Judiasm 101 7-9
Kabbalat Shabbat
6:30 pm
Candle light 4:19pm
Shabbat Services
9:30 AM
Battle Kiddush
USY Snow Tubing
22
23
24
Shabbat Services
9:30 AM
Battle Kiddush
B’nai Mitzvah 12:30
Executive Bd 7 PM
18
19
No B’Yachad
MLK Luncheon 1:15 PM
25
B’Yachad 9 AM
Israel Program
10:30 AM
PJ Library 9:30 AM
FUN lunch 12
26
20
21
B’Yachad 3:45 PM
TELEM offsite 6 to 8
Bd of Directors 7 PM
27
B’Yachad 3:45 PM
TELEM offsite 6 to 8
Book of Daniel 7 PM
Shabbat Services
9:30 AM
Observant Life Book
Discussion 12:30
10
Shabbat Services
9:30 AM
B’Yachad Havdalah
4:45 PM
USY Turkey Dance 7 PM
BINGO 6:30 PM
Judiasm 101 7-9
Ritual 7 PM
Kabbalat Shabbat
6:30 pm
Candle light 4:28pm
28
29
30
31
Shabbat Sampler &
dinner 6:30 pm
Candle light 4:37pm
Shabbat Sampler
9:30 AM
Jr Cong 10 AM
Battle Kiddush
BINGO 6:30 PM
THE LAW OFFICES OF ILENE B. BELINSKY, P. C.
Providing legal services to and for
Individuals, Families and Small Businesses
Concentrating in Family Law, Business Matters and Organization,
Wills, and Estate Administration
Metro South Executive Park // 1115 West Chestnut Street, Suite 206
Brockton, Massachusetts 02301-7501
(508) 587-2929 // www.belinskylaw.com