Congregation Shalom is a Reform Jewish community committed to education, spiritual growth,
and Tikkun
Olam (healing the world).
We are proud to be an extended family of
equals - welcoming,
caring, and inclusive.
Together, we engage in religious observance,
enjoy social activities, and
pursue life-long learning.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From our Rabbi
Dear Friends,
It is not yet the end of May and I feel both inspired and exhilarated by the many programs, events and services that have taken place at Congregation Shalom this past month and there are still more to come! Whether it be the amazing Taste of Learning Fair with our friends of the Anjuman e-Ezzi Masjid, hearing the beautiful voices of our youth in Kol Kolot, learning about the heroism of the Albanian Muslim community during the Shoah, discussing the current state of Israel, listening to this year's Confirmation class speak about their Jewish Journey or listening to our Shalomites entertain our members at their first Beit Café, our congregation has been enriched beyond words.
I also feel grateful for the support our congregation has been able to share with one another as we have faced pastoral emergencies and loss. As Ecclesiastes wrote: To everything there is a season and time for every purpose under the heavens: A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.... Our synagogue is a place where we can find purpose and meaning during joyous and difficult times and we can know that our presence and support can and does make a difference in other people's lives. This is the strength of Congregation Shalom.
Rabbi Wayne Dosick writes, "In community, there is shared memory, unity of purpose, mutual commitment, reciprocal responsibility, and common destiny. In community, there is powerful energy that heightens awareness, supports unfolding consciousness, strengthens cosmic connection, enhances prayer, deepens meditation, and affirms transcendent experience. In community there is sharing of tragedy amid triumph - joy enhanced, sorrow eased. In community, there is support for personal healing - the pain and sufferings of physical disease and emotional trauma tempered and soothed. In community there is encouragement and energy for global healing - the task of transforming and perfecting the world advocated and empowered." When I read Rabbi Dosick's words I realize that much of what he envisions community to be is what we strive for in our congregation. I hope that looking back on the year and looking forward to the next, you will appreciate the gift that our Jewish community can be for each and every one of us.
Benjamin Mandelstamm wrote, "A human being is like a letter of the alphabet; to produce a word one must combine with another." For Jewish community to exist, we must share our lives, share out gifts, lend our support and spread our creativity. In doing so we can do so much more than we can when we act alone. It is in this spirit that I want to thank each and every lay person who helped in large and small ways throughout the year. Whether it be by serving on a committee or bringing food for an oneg; whether it be by being a part of a minyan or bringing food to a family that needs support... whatever it may be, your contributions and efforts matter and by acting, contributing and sharing of yourself, you help to create together the Kehillah - community.
And... the year is not yet over! In addition to our services and programs, in particular I hope you will come for Mitzvah Day on June 5th, Chai School Graduation on June 10th, Choir Shabbat on June 17th along with our Installation Shabbat. In addition, we will be honoring our member of the year, Eileen Hirsch, on June 17th. Eileen is a person who has shared her talents, creativity, time and sensitivity over many, many years. She has been a blessing to our Kehillah/Community, and we hope you will come and celebrate with us.
L'shalom,
Rabbi Shoshana M. Perry
|
From our President
Learning Together
Looking back at May, I am amazed. Our education events started with the movie Besa.This event for Yom Yashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, drew members from our synagogue and non-members who are Jewish, as well as Muslim, from surrounding communities. We learned how the mainly Muslim community of Albania welcomed Jews, with the support of the government of Albania. We also witnessed how the Albanian Muslim community demonstrated hospitality, and we in Congregation Shalom honored them, not only by remembering their efforts but also by providing Albanian food. One man of Albanian descent complimented our efforts most sincerely. Not only did we host an event to remember the Holocaust, but we chose one about a Muslim community. Not only did we get attendees who are Jewish, both members and non-members, but we also got attendees who are Muslim. And the Albanian food, which none of us had ever made before was very well received. Audacious and hospitable learning!
In mid-May, we hosted the One Book/One Congregation Event, led by Karen Spira. We met to discuss the controversial book by Ari Shavit, My Promised Land. As Ms. Spira said, given this was the first foray of the current Adult Education Committee into discussing Israel, we were adventurous. Ms. Spira did an outstanding job, teaching and helping us listen to each other, and I hope she joins us again for another learning event. Audacious choice for our first (in recent times) learning event on Israel!
Then we hosted an interschool event with the Anjuman-e-Ezzi Masjid of Billerica. As I stood in the entry hall, next to Aamir in his traditional white Muslim garb, complete with gold and white cap on his head, my heart began sinking to my toes. Many Muslims were coming and claiming their name tags, but very few members from Congregation Shalom. But, I should have had faith because by 3:10 pm, Congregation Shalom attendees had matched the Masjid attendees ... and, by the time the event was really underway by 3:30, there was a HUGE turnout with nearly as many from the Masjid as from Congregation Shalom.
Whether you had a child who prepared one of the booths on food or clothing or symbols or just someone who came to interact with adults, there was space and opportunity. To me, it felt like the first weeks of college where everyone was open to talk and interaction, presenting new worlds of perspectives and knowledge. I am very interested in hearing what your experiences were. I hope you are willing to share them. Please send me your thoughts at
president@congregationshalom.org
. It was a welcoming and joyous celebration of learning and exploration of two faiths for children and adults!
Here's what the Lowell Sun had to say about it.
We are living up to our Congregation Shalom mission.That of being committed to education, spiritual growth, and, yes, Tikkun Olam (healing the world).
Taking a risk in learning has presented me (and I hope many of you), with literally awesome payback.
Tamar R. Wexler
|
From our Education Director
All of our students know the song Mitzvah Goreret Mitzvah, Averah Goreret Averah "one mitzvah will bring another mitzvah, one transgression will bring another transgression." Pirkei Avot 4:2
We often sing that song but we do not always reflect on what it may mean. The Hebrew School students will tell you that a Mitzvah is not only a good deed, it also encompasses studying Torah, learning and enriching your life and others lives in meaningful ways. Each of our Bar and Bat Mitzvah students keep a journal of the 13 different mitzvot they are asked to do in the year leading up to their special day. They are asked to reflect on different types of Mitzvot: Torah - Study and Knowledge, Avodah - Observance and G'milut Chasidim - Acts of Loving Kindness.
As I walked into work this morning, I saw the board with the list of events that are happening for Mitzvah day on June 5. Activities like sorting donations for the Wish Project, baking for the Lowell Transitional Living Center, Caring Yarns, children's crafts and repurposing flower arrangements are all happening right here in this building. If you prefer, you can take your young children to Bridges by EPOCH, a memory center where they can perform as part of a talent show, you can work at the Paul Center, or sing at the senior living facility and you can even sign up to serve lunch at the Lowell Transitional Shelter. These hands of Mitzvot offer our families the opportunity to teach about acts of loving kindness in meaningful and tangible ways. I urge every family to attend. It does not matter if you come for an hour or you spend most of the day, the work will be meaningful and will offer us all the possibility to allow for Mitzvah Goreret Mitzvah. I love the idea that one mitzvah will bring another and the concept of positive actions allows all of us to feel connected to one another and the world at large. On Sunday, June 5, our Kehillah (community) can bond and give back simultaneously and this is a real gift we give to our children.
In the realm of gifts we give our children, I want to once again thank my incredible teachers, my dedicated madrichim and each and every student and parent in our school for an incredible year. I feel truly honored to be your Education Director and I feel so proud of the amazing Kehillah we have at Congregation Shalom.
Have a safe, fun, relaxing and meaningful summer!
Yael
|
From our Cantorial Soloist
Modim Anachnu Lach, Shaatah hu Adonai Eloheinu v'Elohei Avoteinu v'imoteinu l'olam va-ed...Baruch Atah Adonai hatov shimcha ul'cha na-eh l'hodot. We acknowledge that You are Adonai, our G-d and the G-d of our ancestors forever.....Blessed are You Adonai, Your Name is goodness, and You are worthy of Thanksgiving.
These words, an excerpt from the Hoda'ah (thanksgiving/acknowledgment) section of our liturgy help us to articulate our gratitude for our numerous blessings.
It is through our soulful music each Shabbat that we are all better able to express our thanks and praise. Sometimes just saying or reading words of prayer is not enough to lift our spirit. Melody resonates within, making prayer more accessible to us and praying with intention or kavana possible for us.
Each Shabbat it is my goal to inspire with true kavana. At the end of an especially poignant service, I am often reminded of my childhood Hazzan, Cantor Philip Macktaz. He uttered his thanks by singing to G-d with the ultimate sense of intension. In serving as a musical vessel for our congregation, he made the text come alive and helped us to better express our awe and appreciation in prayer.
The building of this kind of connection to prayer through music starts with our children. Last month we reveled in the blessing of celebrating Kol Kolot singing prayer and song with ruach and grace. Coming soon, on Friday June 10th , I feel particularly blessed to have my son, Zachary Blankstein, accompanying me on guitar for our Graduation Shabbat. Our wonderful accompanist, Adam Dehner, has actually been Zach's guitar teacher for almost 13 years. Today, Zach is the NIFTY NE song leader and leads hundreds of teens in song and prayer each month. Together, we will share in a very soulful and festive musical Shabbat. Come to sing and be lifted!!
Lastly, on Friday, June 17th, our sanctuary will be filled with the blended voices of our adult choir. After all, why should the kids have all of the fun? The mixture of the Congregation Shalom voices and ideas on each Shabbat is surely something for which to be grateful!!
I wish you all a sweet month of deep intension and gratitude.
Warmly,
Jodi Blankstein, Cantorial Soloist
|
Social Action Committee
Successful Blood Drive
held on Monday May 16
Congregation Shalom once again hosted a blood drive and collected 33 pints of blood!.Thanks to all who donated and to those who volunteered their time!
Monthly Food Donations for Middlesex Transitional Living Center
Congregation Shalom is collecting food for the Lowell Transitional Living Center. It is easy to help out with this mitzvah. Donations of meatloaf, and/or brownies and/or salad are accepted each month. There will be a cooler chest located by doors of Congregation Shalom. Simply place your donation in the cooler and know that you have done a good deed! The food will be collected and brought to the Lowell Transitional Living Center in Lowell, where our donations are greatly appreciated each month. You can leave your donations in the cooler beginning on Wednesday, June 15 through Thursday, June 16 (until 5pm.) July dates will be July 20-21 - mark your calendar now!
Volunteer at Table of Plenty in Chelmsford
Congregation Shalom is part of a team of volunteers at the Table of Plenty in Chelmsford, an organization that serves a free meal to all, no questions asked, every Tuesday from 5-6pm at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in Chelmsford Center. Our team serves every other month on the third Tuesday, and will next serve on July 19, 2016. If you have time to volunteer during the afternoon on Tuesdays and would like to take part, please contact Linda Newhard at
lsnewhard@comcast.net.
*Please see below for Mitzvah Day Information
|
|
|
Save the Date
6/4 -Torah Study
6/17 - Installation/Choir Shabbat &Congregant of the Year recognition
6/20 - Movie Monday w/ Amy Degen
|
Quick Links
|
Links to Our Website
|
Choir Shabbat
June 17th
7:00 p.m.
Join us for an evening of music!
|
Good and Welfare
Condolences to Alan Fidler and family for passing of our friend and member Laurie Fidler.
Condolences to David Holladay and family on the passing of David's father William L. Holladay.
Condolences to Pat Karpeles and family on the passing of her mother Phyllis Dimond.
|
Thank You
I wanted to thank all our friends and neighbors who have been so helpful to me and my family since Laurie passed away on 4/28/. I also wanted to thank all those who made contributions in her name.
Your generosity and support are greatly appreciated. Love to all, Alan Fidler
|
June Yahrzeits
6/3/1
6
Elaine Cutler Becker
Elaine Hirsch
Gilbert Hite
Louis Kerzner
Sylvia Melnick Laider
Irving Park
Faith Ward
6/10/16
Phyllis Bass
Martin Greenfield
Isadore Hovsha
Lillian Indorff
Frances Sudhalter
6/17/16
Gloria Barkan
Catherine Holladay
Linda Navy
Robert Perry
6/24/16
Jessie Ginsburg
Barbara (Bobbie) Greenfield
Minnie Helfman
William Lasky
Michelle Moarin
David Rosenberg
Robert H.Sohn
Mae Tack
Arthur Weisberger
7/1/16
Wilma Ruth Carrick
Harry Fierverker
Grace Iannini
Leonard Schwartz
|
Our Caring Committee Can Help
The Caring Committee is always available to provide meals or transportation to those members and families who need a little help. Please don't hesitate to email Katie Wolman at
caringchair@congregationshalom.org
or Rabbi Perry at
rabbi@congregationshalom.org
, or feel free to call Katie at home.
|
Newsletter Ads and You!
We are always looking for advertisers for the Temple newsletter. Ads can be placed at any time with special pricing for members. Ads need not be for a year so if you want to try us, we take ads for 3 months as well as six months. If you decide to continue your ad for a full year, we do pro-rate the price. As the saying goes, "Try us, you'll like us!"
|
Youth Scholarships
Throughout the year, there are many enriching Jewish experiences available to our youth through our synagogue or the community. These include, but aren't limited to, summer camps and trips to Washington, New York, and Israel. Fortunately, there is some scholarship money available through the temple to those families in need of financial assistance for these opportunities. Please contact Margie Berenson at scholarship@concgregationahalom.org with any questions and/or for an application form.
|
Changed Your Address?
Notify us at: emailchange@congregationshalom.org
and we'll make sure all the right organizations at the Temple are informed. Please include your full name in your request.
|
|
|
|
Sign up for
Mitzvah Day
!
Sunday June 5, 2016, 8:30AM -3PM
Come join your temple family for a fun and meaningful day!
Onsite projects
:
|
Offsite projects:
|
Crafts, Power of Flowers, Baking for Lowell Shelter
- Goods sorting for the Lowell Wish Project
|
- Paul Center cleanup Chelmsford
- Children's talent show at Bridges by
- EPOCH in Westford memory care facility
- Prepare or serve barbecue lunch at Senior Housing, Chelmsford
- Serve lunch at Middlesex Transitional Living Center, Lowell
- Sing at Atrium senior living center
|
Collections:
|
|
- Household goods for a "Move in Bin"*for refugees resettling through International Institute of Lowell
*(see below for list of desired items)
|
|
______________________________________________________________________________________
We're collecting:
Household goods for a "Move in Bin" for refugees resettling through International Institute of Lowell
Help set up a household for a refugee family. Items can be purchased or high quality donations.
Requested items:
Place settings of dishes
|
Cutting board
|
Dish soap
|
Toilet paper
|
Sets of pots and pans
|
Colander/strainer
|
Kitchen/bathroom cleaner
|
Toothbrushes
|
Mixing/serving bowls
|
Food storage containers
|
Sponges/paper towels
|
Toothpaste
|
Cooking & eating utensils
|
Alarm clock
|
Laundry detergent
|
Bar soap
|
Can opener
|
Pens, pencils, paper, etc.
|
Waste baskets
|
Generic shampoo
|
Rice cooker
|
Light bulbs
|
Trash bags
|
|
Electronics Recycling
Northeast Material Handling will have a truck at Congregation Shalom from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm on Mitzvah Day to collect old electronics and dispose of them in an environmentally friendly way. Most everything is taken, including old appliances, computer parts, lawn tools and snow blowers. There will be a $.55 charge per pound for TV's and alkaline batteries, $15 per monitor, and optional monetary donations will be accepted for all other items.
A
cceptable items to donate include:
A/C units
|
Appliances
|
Ballasts
|
Batteries
|
Battery operated tools
|
Coffee Pots
|
Copiers
|
CPU's
|
DVD's
|
Electrical equipment
|
Fax machines
|
Fire alarm equipment
|
Laptops
|
Lawn mowers
|
Light Fixtures
|
Metal furniture
|
Microwaves
|
Modems
|
Monitors
|
Phones
|
Printed circuit boards
|
Printers
|
Radios
|
Refrigerators
|
Routers
|
Scanners
|
Servers
|
Snow blowers
|
Speakers
|
Switches
|
Toaster ovens
|
Towers
|
TV's
|
VCR's
|
Wires
|
|
Thank you for participating in these mitzvah programs!
|
Fundraising
Raffle 50/50
And it keeps on growing. Right now the winner will receive a check for over $400 - that's more than the minimum $250 promised. The more tickets sold, the more the winner gets so...if you haven't bought your tickets yet, please do so now - The winner will be announced on Mitzvah Day which is June 5th!!
Hair Care Donations
This month we are featuring two brands that are expensive in stores but not for you!!
Obviously, our prices to you are in the last column for both Goldwell Kerasilk and Phyto Paris.
Goldwell Kerasilk
Goldwell created a new treatment called Kerasilk, which is not only non-toxic (no formaldehyde or anything close to it), but also (and more amazingly) totally customizable.
Basically Kerasilk allows you to maintain your natural texture-from pin-straight to totally curly to make your everyday style a little less frizzy and whole lot easier. We have, in stock:
Rich Keratin Care Daily Mask
|
33.8 oz
|
$46.99
|
$10.00
|
Rich Keratin Care Daily Mask
|
16.9 oz
|
$39.49
|
$7.00
|
Rich Keratin Care Shampoo
|
33.8 oz
|
34.99
|
$7.00
|
Rich Keratin Care Shampoo
|
16.9 oz
|
20.99
|
$5.00
|
Ultra Rich Keratin Care Shampoo
|
33.8 oz
|
$35.99
|
$7.00
|
Ultra Rich Keratin Care Shampoo
|
16.9 oz
|
$24.99
|
$5.00
|
Ultra Rich Keratin Care Shampoo
|
8.5 oz
|
$13.99
|
$4.00
|
Ultra Rich Keratin Care Shampoo
|
1.7 oz
|
$6.99
|
$2.00
|
Ultra Rich Keratin Care Daily Intensive Mask
|
33.8 oz
|
$49.99
|
$10.00
|
Ultra Rich Keratin Care Daily Intensive Mask
|
16.9 oz
|
$34.99
|
$7.00
|
Rich Keratin Care Conditioning Spray
|
5 oz
|
$13.99
|
$4.00
|
Ultra Rich Keratin Care Oil
|
3.4 oz
|
$17.99
|
$4.00
|
Ultra Rich Keratin Care Deep Smoothing Mask
|
6.4 oz
|
$20.99
|
$5.00
|
Phyto Paris
Pioneer in botanical hair care, PHYTO products are highly concentrated in pure plant extracts. Our entire line contains over 500 active botanical ingredients and is 95% natural. With 50 years of research and expertise, PHYTO has conducted thousands of clinical studies and scientific tests. It is with this respect of science and nature that PHYTO has the know-how to reveal and restore hair's natural beauty.
Express Conditioner-normal to dry hydration
|
5.1 oz
|
$9.00
|
$3.00
|
Express Conditioner-weaken,damagedRepair
|
5.2 oz
|
$9.00
|
$3.00
|
Straightening Shampoo
|
6.7 oz
|
$19.00
|
$4.00
|
Phyto Plage - after sun masque
|
4.2 oz
|
$26.00
|
$5.00
|
Phyto 7 day cream for dry hair
|
5.1 oz
|
$29.00
|
$5.00
|
Rich soothing oil
|
3.4 oz
|
$15.00
|
$4.00
|
Glossing cream
|
3.3 oz
|
$15.99
|
$4.00
|
Intense nutrition shine oil - pre shampoo
|
2.5 oz
|
$40.00
|
$10.00
|
Revitalizing Serum for thinning hair 12 amp.
|
.25 oz
|
$44.99
|
$10.00
|
Color Protect Radient Masque 2/500 ml-set
|
16.5 oz
|
$90.00
|
$15.00
|
Express Soothing Masque 2/500 ml-set
|
16.5 oz
|
$90.00
|
$15.00
|
|
Sisterhood Snippets
On May 3, over 30 members attended Dinner with the Rabbi. Shoshana shared some fascinating facts about women's health issues which triggered an interesting discussion. We also learned about an organization called Days for Girls. Here is the link http://www.daysforgirls.org
During the dinner, we also held our annual meeting. We approved the amended by-laws and voted in the 2016-2017 board. Janet Dubner told us how the volunteers at Power of Flowers collect, reuse, and then distribute beautiful bouquets to a variety of facilities. Learn more about this organization at http://powerofflowersproject.org
There are three events coming up. Watch for details for the End of the Year Dinner on Wednesday, June 8. On Sunday, June 12, we are planning a day trip to Portsmouth. Save the date for our annual pool party on July 11.
Our next board meeting is on Tuesday, June 7 at 7:00p.m. We will be discussing the calendar and planning events for next year. Please consider joining us to share ideas, or contact us with any suggestions you have for speakers or activities.
Toby Sedgwick and the Sisterhood Board
|
Brotherhood News
Brotherhood kicked off May with our Annual Meeting where our membership approved a new slate of leaders, including a welcomed nominee from the floor (Rick Karpales).
As I write this, Brotherhood members are having lots of laughs and a few drinks at our annual retreat on Cape Cod! As always, the food is carefully planned and the fellowship is second to none. This year there was a late change of venue and it is taking place in the beautiful historic town of Orleans.
David Ebersman
|
Grocery Store Cards
END OF FISCAL YEAR PUSH
We've done a great job with the grocery cashback cards, raising almost $2000 for the temple so far this year. Please order a card via the email below or purchase one during Sunday school in the lobby to get us over the $2000 mark. Thanks!
Just email Judy Beningson at
giftcards@congregationshalom.org
and I will get you a card in whatever denomination you need: $25-$500!
THANK YOU.
|
Book Group
The Congregation Shalom book group invites anyone who is interested to attend our meetings. We enjoy reviewing and discussing a variety of book selections each month.
Our next meeting will be on June 6th and will be a dinner meeting. Please contact Jean Rubinstein if you are interested in attending. We will be discussing the book,
Saving Sophie by Ronald H. Balson.
|
Adult Education - Community Events Listing
ADULT EDUCATION EVENT PLANNER |
Event |
Date/Time |
Location |
Information |
Torah Study |
June 4 9-10:30 a.m. |
Congregation Shalom |
Rabbi Perry |
Monday Movie w/Amy Degen |
June 20 7:00 p.m. |
Congregation Shalom |
Starting up of Monthly movies on varying topics |
|
|
|
|
Return to top. |
iGive for Congregation Shalom
Have you ever thought how great it would be to be able to shop online at 783 different well-known stores and still donate money to Congregation Shalom? Well, you can do that! It's free and easy so join those of us who have been sending donations to the synagogue for years simply by shopping by first going to the iGive website once you have established the link.
Click here
to register for Congregation Shalom to automatically be the recipient cause.
If you make a purchase through iGive within 45 days of signing up, an extra $5.00 will go to Congregation Shalom. If you have any questions, please contact Laura at
fundraising@congregationshalom.org.
|
Extended Community |
Table of Plenty in Chelmsford
Free Dinner Served
Every Tuesday from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
at First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in Chelmsford Center
All are welcome. No questions asked.
Also, if you know of someone who cannot get out,
but would benefit from a dinner being delivered to them, please contact us.
For more information contact:
tableofplentyinchelmsford@gmail.com
www.tableofplentyinchelmsford.org
978-710-8328
Return to Quick Links
|
From the Visiting Nurse Association of Boston & Affiliates...
VNA Hospice Care needs volunteers! Hospice volunteers play a key role in helping to provide caring and compassion to patients and families facing life-limiting illness and loss. A volunteer may provide patients with company and emotional support, give the spouse, partner or other caregiver a needed break from care giving, and/or help caregivers run errands or get to and from appointments. A strong need exists for volunteers who can visit on weekdays. We also seek: musicians who would like to sing or play music quietly at the bedside of nursing home residents; Reiki practitioners who would like to offer Reiki to patients and/or caregivers; and people interested in visiting with their therapy dog. Volunteers who speak both English and a second language are also helpful. We provide volunteer training and ongoing support. Call 781-569-2888 and ask to speak to a Volunteer Coordinator for more information. Or email LPalais@vnab.org.
|
Spiritual Poetry Journal
"Soul-Lit" is a new on-line spiritual poetry journal. A number of entries have been from Jews and have Jewish content. Writers are encouraged to submit their own poems which have a level of spiritual content to them. Two volumes have already been published. To check out the website, please click here. Please spread the word to members of the community who are writers / poets, and who may wish to submit their own writings.
|
Please support our Congregation Shalom advertisers |
|
|