Temple Beth Avodah
5779 Community Guide & Calendar
Welcome to TBA
I am so grateful to be a part of this diverse, welcoming and engaging synagogue and could not be prouder of the work we do here. I have been a member of Temple Beth Avodah my entire life. From the time I was able to walk and talk, this community has been an integral part of my Jewish identity. I was consecrated, attended Hebrew school and religious school, celebrated my Bat Mitzvah and was vice president of BAYGL – all right here at TBA! I am so fortunate that my three children Sam, Emma and Olivia are also sharing the same milestones here.
Over the years I have had the great opportunity of engaging in various leadership roles. From participating in community organizing, co-chairing our Torah Scribing project, 50th Anniversary and most recently Rabbi Stern’s 20th. I have learned a tremendous amount and have met amazing people. I truly believe there is something for everyone here at TBA. It is a sacred space to worship, socialize, participate in social justice and build community. If you are a prospective member I encourage you to check us out. If you are interested in getting more involved and becoming a part of our leadership, please reach out and we will find the right role for you. TBA welcomes people with all abilities to our programs, events and services. It is our goal that everyone who enters our building may participate as fully as they wish. Our building is wheelchair accessible and hearing assistance devices are available when needed. Please reach out to us with any special need requests. Stacy Schwartz, President
Shalom! I am so gratified that you are taking a moment to peruse this beautiful pamphlet. Our staff has worked diligently to describe what TBA is all about. As you will see, there are extraordinary opportunities here to join a vibrant community, learn more about aspects of Judaism, and explore the deepest mysteries of your heart and soul. TBA is about love and laughter, safety and sanctuary, justice and connectedness.
We’re Here for You! Stacy Schwartz, President stacy@bethavodah.org 617.527.0045 Rabbi Keith Stern kstern@bethavodah.org, x111 Susan Glickman, Cantorial Soloist sglickman@bethavodah.org x106 Elyse Hyman, Executive Director ehyman@bethavodah.org, x104 Marie Calder, Business Manager mcalder@bethavodah.org, x105 Becky Oliver, Director of K - 12 Learning & Engagement boliver@bethavodah.org, x108 Heidi Baker, Director of Early Childhood Education & Engagement hbaker@bethavodah.org, x110 Lori Rosen Director of Congregational Life lrosen@bethavodah.org, x109 Eileen Brooks Director of Communication & Marketing ebrooks@bethavodah.org, x112 Doug Ball, Facilities Manager dball@bethavodah.org, x103 Myriam Rofrano Youth Engagement Coordinator mrofrano@bethavodah.org, x107 Rebecca Baizen Education Executive Assistant rebecca@bethavodah.org, x115 Elsa Rojas, Bookkeeper egrojas@bethavodah.org, x102
The staff and the leadership of Beth Claudia Folkman, Executive Assistant Avodah are committed to preserving the cfolkman@bethavodah.org, x100 fundamental verities of Jewish life. We constantly refer to Jewish values, not in an arcane, disengaged manner, but rather as the guide posts that enable us to live lives of meaning. Simultaneously, we acknowledge the rapid pace of change in the world around us. We embrace change. In fact, one of my favorite aphorisms is, “If the pump ain’t broke – break it!” TBA is a boutique-style synagogue. We are not purveyors of corporate Judaism. Our mission is to work with you to identify and then explore what you desire to make your life more complete, filled with meaning and purpose. Bruchim Haba-im. Welcome to the temple where the light is always on and the door is always open. Rabbi Keith Stern
5779 Community-Wide Events! Welcome to another fantastic year of programming, services and events at TBA. We encourage all of our congregants to participate! Information about programs and services can be found in our weekly email, the “TBA Thursday,” and on our website. TBA Block Party, Ground Breaking & Simchat Torah Celebration September 30, 2:30 p.m. An event for all ages! Our Block Party will include children’s activities, great music, food, and information about getting involved at TBA. At 4:00 p.m. we will gather for the official groundbreaking of our new space and celebrate Simchat Torah! Hanukkah Service, Candle Lighting and Community Dinner December 7 This is one of our most popular celebrations of the year. Don’t forget to bring your family Hanukiyot and candles to join together as one congregational family to light and say the blessings over the Hanukkah lights. Hanukkah Simchat Shabbat Service for families with young children begins at 6:00 p.m. We will gather at 6:30 p.m. together for dinner. The Shabbat Service for elementary age children through adults will take place at 7:30 p.m. Challah Bake January 13, 11:30 a.m. Join us as we make challah together. This fun afternoon begins with mixing dough from scratch and allowing the dough to rise. While the dough is rising, we enjoy pizza for lunch. We will braid the loaves and decorate them as desired. Once the challah loaves are decorated, participants will take them home to bake in their own oven. 18 Tables February 9, 6:00 p.m. Back by popular demand! Come one come all - be wined and dined! TBA congregants will host small dinners in their homes. This truly is a fun night for all involved. Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat March 21, 23 & 24 Brought to you by the TBA Arts Troupe, this musical is one of the most enduring shows of all time! Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, eleven brothers and the coat of many colors All congregants are invited to take part in this awesome production. Spring Picnic May 5, 11:30 a.m. Last year’s 20th Anniversary Picnic was such a success we have decided to plan another one. This time we will celebrate the winding down of what is sure to be another successful year at TBA. We promise you will have a blast! Elana Arian Shabbat Service Sponsored by the Bamel Music Fund June 7, 6:15 p.m. Elana inspires communities across the country with her soulful music, and has collaborated with some of the leading voices in contemporary Jewish music, including Dan Nichols, Josh Nelson, Noah Aronson, and Debbie Friedman, z”l. We are honored Elana will join us for our final community-wide event of 5779.
In the Sanctuary The sanctuary is the soul of Temple Beth Avodah. It is simultaneously home and deep, sacred space. So many significant moments are shared that run the gamut from the joy of weddings, b’nai mitzvah, brises and baby namings, to the sadness of funerals and memorial services. Then there are all of the liturgical functions that happen in our sanctuary such as holiday services and Shabbat celebrations. We endeavor to fill our sanctuary space with openheartedness. In every moment we want the sacred not to be imposing, but rather to be accessible. The sanctuary is a place of gratitude, a reminder of God’s presence in our lives. Our sanctuary is a place of beautiful music and prayer and learning and yearning. It is open to all who seek a refuge, a place to find peace of mind. Come surround yourself here with peace in our sacred space, the heart of our home.
We Worship Together... Simchat Shabbat: Grade 1 Students & Younger • Held on the first Friday of the month at 6:00 p.m., Simchat Shabbat is for our youngest congregants and their families. This short service is led by Rabbi Stern and Cantorial Soloist Susan Glickman and is followed by a dinner and entertainment for the children.
Family Shabbat: Kindergarten - Grade 5 • NEW THIS YEAR! • Family Shabbat begins with a pizza dinner served at 5:45 p.m. followed by 6:15 p.m. services. Each service is open to all ages and will feature a different set of grades helping to lead with Rabbi Stern and Susan Glickman. After services, enjoy a special ice cream sundae oneg and connect with other TBA families.
B’nai Mitzvah
Rabbi Stern works with each family to create an individualized, personal and challenging experience. We offer both morning and Havdallah B’nai Mitzvah Services. No two students share a service.
B’nai Mitzvah is not just for kids! Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class We are once again planning to offer a B’nai Mitzvah experience for adults. If you would like to become a B’nai Mitzvah it isn’t too late! If you are interested in joining this group, please email Claudia Folkman at cfolkman@bethavodah.org.
Holidays & Special Services
Teen Shabbat: Grades 6 - 12 • At the start of the year, grade 6 and 7 students are joined by their families as they help lead a Shabbat Service. Students in grades 8 - 12 lead the congregation in a creative service they have planned. Each service includes a community dinner.
Jazz Shabbat Service • Experience Shabbat and familiar Jewish Liturgy through a Jazz Lens. Conductor Jamie Saltman (Keyboard) Todd Baker (Bass) & Jerzy Glod (Drums) and some of Boston’s finest musicians join Rabbi Stern and Cantorial Soloist Susan Glickman in these popular Shabbat Services.
In addition to the services above, we also have shabbat services that celebrate new members, guest speakers, honor congregants and more.
9/9-11 9/18 9/19 9/21 9/23 9/30 10/19 12/2 12/7 1/4 3/17 3/20 4/19 4/20 4/26 5/3 5/17 5/31 6/7 6/8
Rosh Hashanah Kol Nidre Yom Kippur New Member Welcome & Board Installation Shabbat Erev Sukkot - Join us in the sukkah for the “TBA Shake Shack” Block Party, Ground Breaking & Simchat Torah Ask the Rabbi Shabbat Service First Hanukkah Candle Hanukkah Celebration Honoring Hineini Participants Shabbat Purim Carnival Erev Purim Passover Begins 2nd Night Community Seder Teacher Appreciation Shabbat Yom Hashoah Shabbat Service Grades 5 & 12 Graduation Shabbat I Care Volunteer Shabbat Bamel Music Shabbat with Elana Arian Erev Shavuot
Arts & Music TBA Arts Troupe
We aim to bring together performance and arts enthusiasts of all ages from our community! Coming in the spring, the Troupe will produce “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”. We hope to engage the entire community! If you love to sing or dance, sew, paint, organize or be a behind-the-scenes player please reach out to Ilona or Amy. We want you to be part of an all around fun loving group of adults and kids. We are also looking for enthusiastic audience members. In addition to the show, we plan to seek out fun, family-friendly cultural adventures inside the walls of TBA as well as in the greater Boston area. Enjoy outings such as attending the Boston Jewish Film Festival, a private MFA tour, and a hands-on mosaic or glass project. Watch for listings in future TBA Thursday emails.
Come Sing With Us!
Check out the TBA website music page to learn about the many opportunities to get involved in music at the temple including: singing with your class at our new family Shabbat services, joining our teens and adult choir at special events and mitzvah programs throughout the year, participate in our new music elective for students in grades 5-8 on Sunday mornings, or join our high school music madrichim leadership program which assists with all music experiences in our religious school. Contact Cantorial Soloist Susan Glickman at sglickman@bethavodah.org for more information.
Jazz Shabbat
Arts Troupe Chairs Ilona Goldfarb itgoldfarb@gmail.com Amy Tonkonogy amytonkonogy@gmail.com
Bamel Shabbat Host Committee
Glenn Barest & Beth Kozinn Bev Cohen Rachel Fisch Mark & Heidi Ingerman Anne Kalis
Musical
Bamel Fund Shabbat
Try Out Dates:
Shabbat Service with Guest Artist Elana Arian June 7
Mark Your Calendars! October 26 at 6:15 p.m. November 30 at 6:15 p.m. January 11 at 6:15 p.m. March 8 at 6:15 p.m. April 5 at 6:00 p.m. Simchat Shabbat “All Jazzed Up” April 5 at 7:30 p.m. with Passover wine tasting
October 16, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. October 21, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Show Dates
March 21, 23 & 24
Youth & Families
From our youngest babies attending the Simchat Shabbat with their families to our grade 12 graduates, our children and families find their second home at Temple Beth Avodah. Our Temple is a gathering place for connecting with each other, exploring Jewish identity, learning about Judaism, caring for our world, and discovering the richness of Jewish experience. Throughout our programs, we utilize interactive learning tools and a holistic approach, focus on social and emotional growth, and incorporate your family and community in the educational process. We welcome you to stop by, call or email us to learn more about our personal approach to Jewish learning and youth engagement.
Early Learning Center
• School-year program open to 18 months-5 years • Warm, nurturing, safe, and stimulating preschool • Low teacher-student ratio to focus on social, intellectual, emotional, and physical needs of each child • Curriculum fosters choice and growth appropriate to each child’s development • Full day options available
Kindergarten - Grade 5
• Focused on Jewish values and integration into every day life • Strong partnership with parents • Integration of variety of methods including science, technology, engineering, arts, math, music, and more! • Inquiry based learning with an emphasis on individualized student needs and choice
Grades 6 & 7
• Focus on essential Jewish questions and engaging personal opinions of students • Project based learning and integration of variety of learning tools • Support for families as they transition from childhood to adolescence • No two students share a Bar/Bat Mitzvah service, each is individualized, personal, and challenging to meet their needs.
Grades 8 - 12 • • • •
Something for everyone! Multiple entry points into involvement Focus on social emotional health and creating a safe atmosphere All programming is teen led and created based on interests Variety of content, schedules, and commitments in each program
Beth Avodah Youth Group League (BAYGL)
Make friends, participate in fun activities, and develop leadership skills! Check the TBA calendar for more information and dates for each group. Jr & Sr BAYGL are part of NFTY-NE, our regional youth group. Mini BAYGL (grades 2-5): Stay tuned for our favorite events of the year including snow tubing, Shul In (sleepover), and Maccabiah Color War. Jr. BAYGL (grades 6-8): New this year – a focus on student planning and leadership as well as involvement in regional activities. Sr. BAYGL (grades 8-12): Planned by a teen board, events take place once a month along with lounge nights.
School Hours
Early Learning Center Early drop off, M-F, 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Morning program, M-F, 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Lunch bunch, M-Th, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Enrichment, M-Th, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Extended day, M-Th, until 5:00 p.m. Kindergarten - Grade 5 Taglit…Discover (K-5): Sundays 9:30 -11:30 a.m. Na’Or…Enlighten (gr. 3-5, optional gr. 2): Early session classes Tuesday 2:00-4:15 p.m. (optional early drop off 12:30-2:00 p.m.) Late session classes Tuesday 3:45-6:00 p.m. (optional early drop off 3:00-3:45 p.m.) Kehillah…Community: Programs and events for kids & families Grades 6 & 7 Midrasha…Interpret: Mondays 4:30-6:45 p.m. (includes dinner) – weekly classes Kehillah…community: Various programs and events throughout the year including choir, Jr. BAYGL youth group events, overnights, and family Shabbat. B’nai Mitzvah: Individualized tutoring and meetings Grades 8-12 Midrasha…Interpret: Weekly Mondays 6:15-8:30 p.m. (includes dinner) – Discussion based classes Haderech…the Way: Monthly Sundays 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (includes lunch) – interest based groups and activities including gender based programming, cooking club, teen assistants, and leadership courses. Kehillah…Community: BAYGL youth group events, trips, lounge nights, and teen leadership including BAYGL board, Teen Leadership Council and madrichim teen assistants.
ELC Parent Council
Stephany Johnson stephanyjohnson328@gmail.com Stephanie Kessler stephanieshuffain@gmail.com
K- 5 Parent Council
Suzy Rosenthal, swillard@mail.usf.edu Jessica Alpert Silber, jalpertsilber@gmail.com
Education Oversight Chair Joanna Ravina, bravina1@gmail.com
Save These Dates!
Be Kind to Yourself Bein Adam L’atzmo
Between a person and themselves “Teach each child according to their way and when they grow old, they will not turn away from it.” Proverbs 22:6 We believe in nurturing each child, each family as individuals and guiding them in a path that best fits their own needs.
Families with Young Children 10/5 Simchat Shabbat Service & Dinner 11/2 Simchat Shabbat Service & Dinner 11/18 Parenting Through A Jewish Lens & Kochavim Club 12/7 Simchat Shabbat Service & Hanukkah Dinner 12/9 Parenting Through A Jewish Lens & Kochavim Club 12/9 Hanukkah Party at Dedham Community House 1/4 Simchat Shabbat Service & Dinner 1/6 Parenting Through A Jewish Lens & Kochavim Club 1/26 Havdallah Under the Stars 2/1 Simchat Shabbat Service & Dinner 2/10 Parenting Through A Jewish Lens & Kochavim Club 3/1 Simchat Shabbat Service & Dinner 3/17 Parenting Through A Jewish Lens & Kochavim Club 3/31 ELC Social program 4/5 Simchat Shabbat “All Jazzed Up” Service & Dinner 4/8 Parenting Through A Jewish Lens & Kochavim Club 5/3 Simchat Shabbat Service & Dinner Kindergarten - Grade 5 10/14 Parent Coffees led by K-5 Parent Council 11/16 Family Shabbat (featuring K/1 students) 12/7 Hannukah Service and Dinner 12/9 Hanukkah Party at Dedham Community House 1/13 Parent Coffees led by K-5 Parent Council 1/25 Family Shabbat (featuring grades 4/5 students) 3/15 Family Shabbat (featuring grades 2/3 students) 3/16 Learner’s Service for Grades 4-6 and their Parents 4/8 Pancakes Before Passover & Family Mitzvah Day
Be Kind to Others Bein Adam L’chavero
Between a person and their community “Do not separate yourself from the community.” Pirkei Avot 2:5 We believe in coming together as a community to learn from one another, support each other, and celebrate the joy of Jewish life.
Be Kind to the Space Around Us Bein Adam L’makom
Between a person and sacred space “God was in this place and I, I did not know.” Genesis 28:16 We believe in creating holy spaces and moments to experience the richness of spirituality and connection.
Grades 6 - 7 9/28 Shabbat Service for Students & Families 3/3 Grade 7 & 8 Trip to Washington, D.C. 3/16 Learner’s Service for Grades 4-6 and their Parents 3/25 Grade 6 B’nai Mitzvah Yad Workshop 4/8 Grade 7 Step Up Day 4/27-28 Grade 6 Overnight Grades 8 - 12 11/9-11 Grade 9 NYC Trip 1/18-20 Grades 11 & 12 Trip 2/1 Shabbat Service led by TBA Teens 2/14-24 Grade 10 Israel trip 3/3 Gr. 7 & 8 Trip to Washington, D.C. 3/16-17 Purim Shul-in & Carnival Setup, a BAYGL Event Education Events for All Ages 1/13 Challah Bake 3/17 Purim Carnival 4/26 Teacher Appreciation Shabbat 5/5 Spring Picnic For additional programming please refer to Education calendar mailed at the beginning of the school year.
Parents With Young Children
Drop your child off to our Kochavim Club and head over to the Parenting Through A Jewish Lens class. The class will meet monthly on Sunday mornings 9:30 -11:30 a.m.
Adult Engagement The Jewish tradition can be interpreted in different and divergent ways. But one thing we can all agree on: Jews are committed to learning – about everything. At Beth Avodah, we offer to engage Jewish adults on many different fronts, from studying Torah, to watching a movie, to going to Israel, to tasting kosher wines, and on and on. We offer opportunities for adults to learn the basics of Jewish life. We train adults for a bar/bat mitzvah. We have a leadership development program. We read great literature together. We tackle the complexities of Israel in the 21st century. In fact, if you want to learn something at TBA, just ask. We’ll make it happen! Programs to look for: • A Priest and a Rabbi Walk into a Bar. Rabbi Stern and Fr. Ron Coyne (St. Anne’s Readville/Dedham) will be offsite at a drinking establishment (date and location TBD) for a beverage and conversation. Join in and ask questions. It is sure to be a fascinating evening! • Aly Raisman is coming to TBA on December 5. Aly will be stopping by to discuss the #metoo movement and will have copies of her new book on hand. • Jane Eisner, the Editor-in-Chief of The Forward will speak about Jewish women in the corporate world. Date TBD. • Coming to the End... Perspectives on Death and Dying. The topics include: 1. How to prepare when a loved one is dying, 2. End of life decisions and euthanasia and 3. Is death the end? Judaism in the afterlife. November 6, 27 and December 11. • Weekly Torah Class with Rabbi Stern. First date is Sunday, November 4.
A Trip of a Lifetime
The Danube Jewish Heritage River Cruise is led by Rabbi Keith Stern and features Professor Natan Meir. The trip takes place June 23-30. Travel from Budapest to Nuremberg (Hungary, Austria & Germany) aboard a luxury Viking Longship. It will be the trip of a lifetime! Additional information and a signup link will be in our TBA Thursday emails. A $100 off early bird rate is in effect through September 14.
Adult Learning Think Tank
Interested in talking about adult learning at TBA? Contact Claudia Folkman at cfolkman@bethavodah.org to participate.
Women of TBA We welcome you to join us for social, spiritual and social justice programs throughout the year. If you are interested in helping us plan any of these events, we welcome your involvement. There is something for everyone! Please mark your calendars for the following upcoming events and programs and don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or comments.
Women of TBA Chairs
Bonnie Brodowski, bonnie.brodowski@gmail.com Madelon Kaster, mkaster28@gmail.com Ali Newman, newmanyoga@hotmail.com
Save These Dates! 10/9 Trivia Schmivia 11/14 A Night of Giving Back 11/28 Women’s Drumming Circle 12/12 Hanukkah Party 1/18 - 19 Overnight Retreat 2/13 Yoga Nidra 3/2 Women’s Kallah 4/10 Bingo-Ritas 5/8 Closing Event
Don’t Miss These Programs! Trivia Schmivia
Sukkah Building
October 9 Join your Women of TBA friends and meet new friends as we get together for a nosh, schmoozing, connecting and trivia. We will enjoy all sorts of trivia topics including, current events, history, culture and entertainment. The evening is sure to be lots of fun and we don’t want you to miss out.
September 23 This annual Brotherhood tradition will serve as our kickoff event this year. It is a blast and a great way to reconnect with people after summer and to meet new folks as well. No experience necessary.
November 14 We have invited several local non-profit organizations to speak with us about their mission and program. We have an opportunity to learn about other organizations and give back to our community. There will be a hands-on project aimed at helping the presenting organizations.
October 20 - 21 While the Brotherhood retreat had traditionally been held in February, we were so impressed with the bond that was forged over the weekend that we wanted to move it earlier in the year. We were astounded by how powerful last year’s experience was, how we bonded with Rabbi and the other participants. Join us this year!
A Night of Giving Back
Overnight Men’s Retreat
Programming About Israel
A Conversation About Israel with Mike Makovsky, President and CEO of the Jewish Institute of National Security of America, and Jeremy Ben-Ami, President of J Street. Jeremy and Mike are on a speaking tour, modeling civil discourse and respect for each other’s commitment to the same goal - a secure, democratic homeland for the Jewish people in the State of Israel - while discussing their different approaches. This program takes place on October 23 at 7:00 p.m. Contemporary Issues in Israel takes place on March 26, April 9 and 30.
Brotherhood The Temple Brotherhood is an informal organization of the men of TBA. For this year, we are working to continue our exploration of friendship and camaraderie between men in the 21st century, while trying to define our role in acting as good mentors, partners, and fathers in our community. We try to make our events broad-reaching so that there is something for all folks in TBA. If you have suggestions or comments, please reach out to us.
Brotherhood Chairs
Bruce Blakely, brucetblakely@gmail.com Jeremy Goldfarb, jwgoldfarb@gmail.com
Save These Dates! 9/23 Sukkah Building 9/30 Sukkah Breakdown 10/21 - 21 Overnight Retreat 11/18 Cooking for The Second Step 12/16 Patriots Sunday Football 3/3 Cornhole Tournament 5/15 Poker Night
Tikkun Olam - Repairing the World Network Each of us has a part to play in Tikkun Olam, or repairing the world. We can help heal the world in ways small and large. At TBA, we have several ongoing projects that we are committed to sustainingas well as defining a new social justice theme every couple of years that allows us to delve deeply and make an impact on an issue. Each of the groups below has committed to doing their part. Tikkun Olam doesn’t always have to be big actions, it can be as simple as holding the door for someone who is having a hard day. Hopefully, when you see this list, something will call out to you and you, too, can play a part in making the world better.
Community Gathering & Conversation As we enter our 3rd year focusing on domestic violence awareness, we begin to think toward a future cause to dedicate our congregational social justice efforts. Join in on the conversation! We will meet on October 28 at 11:30 a.m. to share our ideas.
Volunteer Opportunities We are looking for volunteers. If you are interested in any of the causes below, please sign up via our TBA Thursday or contact Mindy Blatchford. 9/19 High Holy Day Food Collection TBD High Holy Day Food Sorting 9/23 Cooking for The Second Step 10/14 Cooking for The Second Step 11/4 Red Cross Blood Drive 11/18 Cooking for The Second Step with Brotherhood 12/9 Cooking for REACH Beyond Domestic Violence 12/16 Cooking for The Second Step 12/25 Christmas at Ruggles 4/7 Kindergarten - Grade 5 Family Mitzvah Day 4/28 Red Cross Blood Drive 6/8 Pride Parade
Committee Chair Mindy Blatchford otlawyer@aol.com
Family Table Help us with our ongoing monthly collection of raisins and salmon for Family Table! Bins are located in the office lobby and the coat room. You can also order raisins and salmon online and have them delivered directly to TBA. Shopping links are in our weekly email throughout the fall.
A Caring Community The Caring Community of Temple Beth Avodah supports the larger TBA Family during times of joy and sadness. We provide compassionate outreach to our congregants for a wide variety of life cycle events and connect members to each other and to our temple in a meaningful way, including: • Helping those with Illness by providing, preparing, or delivering meals, providing rides as needed, knitting and delivering healing shawls and blankets • Consoling the bereaved with resources, visits, calls and food, training people to be Shiva Minyan leaders • Celebrating with members by welcoming new babies with TBA bibs and gifts, mezuzot for housewarmings • Outreach to our college students with holiday gift packages Our Caring Community is made up of members from across our congregation and is multi-generational! We welcome all members who are interested in participating in these mitzvot with us at any time during the year.
Knitting Group
We make baby blankets, scarves, hats and more. No experience necessary. Our first gathering is October 21 at 10:00 a.m.
Need Help or Support? If you or someone you know is having a simcha or is in need of support, please email Claudia Folkman or call the temple office 617.527.0045. Your privacy will always be respected.
Committee Chairs Ilona Goldfarb itgoldfarb@gmail.com
Beth Hicks bethhicks71@gmail.com
Let’s Engage...
We want to get to know you. We want to hear your stories and about your interests. Have a special talent? We want to know! Ideas for TBA? We want to know that too. Need to get out of the office or house for an hour? Lori Rosen, Director of Congregational Life wants to treat you to breakfast or lunch. Contact Lori at lrosen@bethavodah.org or (617)527-0045 to make plans!
New Member Events
We are asking new members to save the following dates. These events are just for you! Sunday, October 21, 4:00-6:00 p.m. Pizza Dinner Sunday, March 10, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Coffee & Bagels Our Welcome & Outreach Chairs will reach out to you with an invite!
Welcoming & Outreach
When new members join TBA the W&O committee is there to help them get to know the community. New families will be matched with a host family. The host family will accompany new members to events and programs and answer any questions. We will also have events for new members to meet others and learn about areas where they would like to become involved at TBA! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our W&O Chairs with any questions or to volunteer to help welcome new members. Janna Sneider jannasneider@gmail.com Michelle Spitzkoff michelle@spitzkoff.com
We Are Not Bound By Walls!
Join us at these off-site events and help us spread the word about the benefits and value of belonging to TBA! 9/11, Tashlich, 4:00 p.m. Dolan Recreation Center 269 Common Street, Dedham Meet us on the banks of the Charles! 12/9, Hanukkah Celebration Dedham Community House 671 High Street, Dedham A Priest and a Rabbi Walk into a Bar Date & Location: TBD Play Date at My Gym Date & Location: TBD 6/8, Pride Parade March behind the TBA banner and show your pride! 6/23-30, Danube Jewish Heritage River Cruise led by Rabbi Stern, featuring Scholar-in-Residence, Prof. Natan Meir. Note there is a $100 early bird special if you sign up by 9/14/18.
Get Social!
In addition to all of the great stuff on our website, we post a lot on social media. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter. Links can be found on our homepage and in TBA Thursday.
Temple Beth Avodah • 45 Puddingstone Lane, Newton, MA 02459 • 617.527.0045 • bethavodah.org