Temple Beth Avodah 5778 Program Guide
From the youngest to the most seasoned, we’ve got you covered!
Happy 20th Anniversary Rabbi Stern
Twenty years ago, Rabbi Keith Stern came to Temple Beth Avodah. Together we created a brit, a covenant, based on trust, openheartedness, and an abiding love for our sacred tradition. That dynamic brit has grown stronger and deeper over the Years. We are all thrilled and honored to celebrate our twenty years together. We have a special, beloved rabbi. We’re reminded of this whenever guests and friends and family visit our temple. They regularly remark they find Rabbi Stern so engaging and kind. People of other faiths always mention how grateful they are for the sense of inclusion he creates in the sanctuary. Rabbi Stern has been with us through the worst of times and celebrated with us in the best of times. Rabbi Stern has officiated at several hundred b’nai mitzvah, and each one has been utterly unique. He has literally lifted up hundreds of Early Learning Center (“ELC”) superstars to their mutual delight, and conversed with a talking Challah too many times to count. This list could go on and on. We deeply respect and appreciate Rabbi Stern. What better way to mark his twenty years of service than to celebrate with him!
20th Anniversary Events Story Slam Sunday, November 5
Jazz Shabbat Service November 17
Jazz is one of Rabbi’s great passions, so why not celebrate him at one of our popular Jazz Shabbat Services!
Dining Around the World March 10
As we all know our Rabbi loves food! At this festive celebration you will be able to sample food from many of Rabbi’s favorite local restaurants.
Family Barbeque May 6
At the end of the year, you can always find Rabbi behind the grill. Celebrate the ending of the school year with your whole Temple Family.
Congregational Meeting June 13
A wonderful end of the year celebration where in addition to honoring Rabbi Stern we thank outgoing president Abby Shapiro, welcome new president Stacy Schwartz and honor outgoing and incoming board members.
If you would like to volunteer on a committee, please email 20th Anniverary Co-Chairs Stacy Schwartz or Madelon Kaster staschwartz@gmail
mkaster28@gmail.com
Happy 20th Anniversary Rabbi Stern
Not only does our Rabbi love a good story, he can also tell a great story. Come to Story Slam to hear stories, to tell a story or both! Story Slam: The Final Word ... don’t miss it!
Knitting Group, Monthly Beginning October 23 Join this busy group of knitters on Sunday morning once per month. Among the items they make and donate are: lap blankets for elderly at Hebrew Senior Life facilities, baby hats for our newest members, healing shawls for those who are going through a serious illness or life event, scarves and hats for The Living Center and various homeless shelters. Yarn is provided, bring your own needles or borrow a set from us. 10/23, 11/6, 12/11, 1/22, 2/5, 3/5, 4/2, and 5/7
Community
“We Knead You” Challah Bake, November 16 Congregants and members of the larger community are welcome! (Children must be accompanied by an adult.) This event is sponsored by our Early Learning Center. Includes a pizza lunch. Suggested donation $10 per family. Congregational Israel Trip, December 22 - January 1 Rabbi Stern leads a group of congregants to Israel. Leading up to the trip Rabbi will hold several classes. While in Israel they will tour significant sites, of course eat great food and several of the participants will make their b’nai mitzvah. Choirs at NewBridge, December 17 and March 11 We love the residents of Newbridge and they love our visiting choirs. Hear the sweet voices of our Temple choirs as they fill the room with their spirit! Purim Carnvial, March 4 Our annual Purim Carnival run by BAYGL begins at 11:30 a.m. Teens from our youth group plan and run games, activities, dancing, and a costume contest. The carnival is great for preschoolers through elementary age children.
Community Seder, March 31 Plan to celebrate the second night of Passover with Rabbi Stern, Cantorial Soloist Susan Glickman and fellow congregants at TBA. A delicious dinner will be served and great conversation will be had! Mystery Dinner, April 29 TBA’s Arts Troupe has planned a fun mystery dinner. “Who dun it?” Come and find out!
Community
Grade 5 & 12 Graduation, May 19 Please join us for a special Havdallah service honoring our grade 12 graduates and our grade 5 students on Erev Shavuot. Open to the entire congregation, we welcome you at this special milestone for our TBA students.
Simchat Shabbat, October 6, November 3, December 1, January 5, February 2, March 2, April 6, May 4 and June 1 Our youngest children are invited to celebrate Shabbat together with their families. Held at 6:00 p.m. on the first Friday every month followed by dinner. Ages birth through Grade 3.
Special Shabbat Services
Shabbat with Israeli Guests, October 6 Join us as we welcome our student guests from the Alliance High School in Haifa. This service is open to all ages and is a great way to learn more about our partnerships in Israel and support our high school students. Ask the Rabbi Shabbat Service, October 13 This is your chance to ask Rabbi Stern questions about anything you’ve always wanted to know about Jewish ritual and practice. Actually, you can ask him about anything at all! Go ahead! Grade 6 & 7 students and their families will enjoy a special dinner following. Shabbat Kulanu, October 27, March 23 and June 8 These experiences are targeted at students in Gr. 2-7, but are appropriate for all ages. Our final Shabbat Kulanu of the year features our religious school leaders! Weather permitting we will be outside. Shabbat Service with Social Justice Speaker, November 3 In keeping with our domestic violence outreach, the evening’s Shabbat Service will feature a special guest who will speak on this topic. Come, learn and be inspired to help make changes. Jazz Shabbat Services, November 7, January 26, March 16 and May 4 Our popular Jazz Shabbat Services are under the music direction of Jamie Saltman with guest performers and our TBA house rhythm section Todd baker (bass) and Jerzy Glod (drums). The season kicks off with a 20th Anniversary Shabbat service honoring Rabbi Stern.
Hanukkah Shabbat Service & Dinner, December 15 We will gather together as a community to celebrate Shabbat and Hanukkah. Bring your menorah and we will light candles together and then enjoy a delicious meal with latkes and gelt of course!
Anita Bamel Shabbat Service with Artist-in-Residence Beth Styles, February 9 Beth Styles is a versatile composer, vocalist and performer whose work has become well known for creating community projects that bring people together in the name of love and unity. She will join our clergy and community choirs to celebrate Shabbat. Holocaust Remembrance Shabbat Service, April 13 This service will include some unique readings and musical selections for the service. Additionally, we are presenting a special guest speaker who will lecture about the legacy of the Holocaust 70 years later ICare Shabbat Service, June 1 This service is held to honor all of our Temple members who volunteer throughout the year. We can’t do it without you and we look forward to showing our appreciation at this service.
Special Shabbat Services
Shabbat Service with Guest Speaker Joshua Rubenstein, February 2 Joshua Rubenstein is a recognized scholar of literature, dissent and politics in the former Soviet Union.
Cooking for The Second Step, Oct 15, Nov 19 and Dec 10. Additional Dates TBD. This is an important and fun mitzvah that takes place in the TBA kitchen. Congregants gather together to prepare a meal for residents of The Second Step. The recipients are so appreciative of the delicious food that they receive.
Social Justice
K - Grade 5 Mitzvah Day, November 19 As part of our Taglit program, students in grades K-5 will be participating in a school only Mitzvah day. They will have the opportunity to choose projects and learn about the organizations they are helping. Red Cross Blood Drive, November 5 and TBD TBA congregants are very generous, even with their blood. Each year we hold two blood drives. The fall drive is on November 5. The spring drive date is to be determined. We hope you will continue to support the Red Cross Blood Drives here at TBA. Pancakes After Passover, April 8 A morning of pancakes after a week of matzah. K-5 families will participate in mitzvah projects in place of Taglit. Students must be accompanied by a parent. This event is sponsored by the Education Program Committee. Boston Pride Parade, June 9 We had a huge contingent of congregants marching in the parade this past year and we hope to continue to do so this year. Show your TBA pride as you wear your “Shalom Beth Avodah” tshirt and toss rainbow colored bracelets to the crowd.
There’s more... Join us for educational awareness on domestic violence with our speakers on November 3 (Special Shabbat Service) and January 7 (Adult Education).
My Gym, October 28 This off-site event at My Gym is popular with preschool aged children. Parents accompany their child(ren) for this complimentary play date. Mini BAYGL Event, November 18 Grade 2 - 5 students are invited to join us for a fun social event. Stay tuned for more details.
Hanukkah Movie Night, December 17 Children in grades K - 5 will watch a Hanukkah themed movie and celebrate the holiday together. This program is in place of Taglit on this day. Mini BAYGL Snowtubing, January 21 Our youngest youth group is going snowtubing. Embrace the cold and have some winter fun! Open to grades 2 - 5. There is no Taglit on this date. Mini BAYGL Shul-in, April 7 - 8 Grades 4 -5 students are invited to join us for this sleepover event. Color War for K - Grade 5, May 6 Celebrate the end of Taglit and our school year with a special Kindergarten-Grade 5 Color War! Students will be split into teams prior to the last day of school and will participate in some fun activities including art projects, sing downs, and athletic competitions. We’ll end by celebrating at the congregational BBQ.
Children
Kochavim Club, December 10, January 28 & April 29 This drop-off class is designed for children ages 3-5 (not yet in kindergarten), and is led by our Stacey Gabriel and Heidi Baker. Class will include music, movement and a hands-on holiday-themed project. The class is open to Temple members only and is complimentary.
Grade 9 Trip to New York City, November 10 - 11 Students gain a multi-faceted experience about Jewish life in the U.S., historically and today. Grade 8 Washington D.C. Trip, December 3 A day long trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the Holocaust Memorial Museum and other sites in the area. Grade 10 - 12 Israel Trip, February 13 - 25 The high point of our Boston Haifa Exchange program is our Israel trip in which students visit our Israeli high school partners in Haifa as well as travel around Israel. We welcome our Israeli guests in October and learn with them throughout the year prior to the trip.
Teens
BAYGL Shul-in, March 3 BAYGL students in Grades 8 - 12 are invited to stay overnight at TBA. During the evening they will set up for the next day’s Purim Carnvial. Grade 7 Field Trips, TBD Participate in projects together including Cradles to Crayons, Hearth, Newton Community Farm, and learning about Jewish life at Mayyim Hayyim. ADL Session for Parents of Teens & Tweens, TBD Join us for a session with the ADL for parents and teens (geared towards grades 11, 12, and college age). Words to Action: Empowering Students to Address Anti-Semitism is an interactive education program
designed to empower and equip students with constructive and effective responses to combat anti-Semitism and anti-Israel bias. Sponsored by the Women of TBA.
BAYGL, Beth Avodah Youth Group League is our youth group program that ranges from grades 2-12 and emphasizes youth leadership development, community building, and personal connections. Events for each age group happen throughout the year, check your school calendar for more info.
Simchat Torah with Consecration, October 11 We will read the last Torah portion, and then proceed immediately to the first chapter of Genesis, reminding us that the Torah is a never-ending circle. Help us honor our kindergarten and first time students as they start a new chapter in their Jewish education. Morning Learner’s Service, January 20 For 4th and 5th grade students and their families. Rabbi Stern and Susan Glickman will lead this service where you can learn about the shabbat service before you embark on your b’nai mitzvah journey. This is a required program in place of Taglit on 1/21.
Yad Workshop, March 26 Grade 6 students and their parents will create a beautiful and unique yad. They will use this personalized yad to read Torah at their bar/bat mitzvah. Early Learning Center Graduation, June 6 AllStar students are “presented” to the audience and receive their certificates of achievement. It is a happy and proud day for all.
Please note: Parent coffees, programs and meetings can be found on our online calendar. They will also be communicated via email.
Family
Havdalah Program, January 20 When there are three stars in the night sky, it is time to celebrate Havdalah! Get out of the cold and into our warm sanctuary. A pizza dinner will follow. Ages birth grade 3. This program is in place of Taglit on 1/21.
Judaism 101, October 4, 11 & 18 Everything you wanted to know about Judiasm but were afraid to ask. This is for Jewish and non-Jewish participants alike. Come and find out more about the holidays and customs with Rabbi Stern. What better time to take this course than in the new year?
Adult Education
Torah Class with Rabbi Stern, October 15 (first class) Whether you have an extensive Jewish education, or if you’ve never opened a bible before - you are all equally welcome and will be equally comfortable in Rabbi Stern’s Sunday Torah class. Documentary Screening of The Guys Next Door with Rachel Segall, October 23 Spanning over three years, this lyrical documentary tackles some of the most pertinent issues of our time: gay marriage and parenting, surrogacy as a path to having children, and the extension and redefinition of what it means to be “an American family.” Conversations With... Jennifer Pilalis, October 29 What is it like to travel to the Greek island of Lesbos and help refugees try to put their lives back together? Jennifer Pillias is a local woman who has done just that. She has remarkable stories to tell. Come hear about her experiences. Both Sides Now, November 1, 15, 29 and December 3 There are so many issues that go into understanding the process of aging. Rabbi STern and Nancy Bloom will facilitate four sessions that explore the experience of aging -- from both sides. We will start with dinner, then continue with discussions using a variety of different media: video clips, a guest speaker, some text study, and with it all, lots of conversation. We hope to attract a wide range of congregants of different ages to create a very enriching experience.
Conversations With Domestic Violence Speakers, January 7 Part of our commitment to working on behalf of the victims of domestic violence is to learn more about the various aspects of this modern-day scourge in our world. We will be bringing in 2 different experts on domestic violence who will help us better understand its impact and destructiveness. We hope that, in addition to illuminating this dark and complex subject, we will be inspired to move forward in our social justice work with renewed purpose. iEngage Israel Program, February 6 & 27, March 17 & 27 and April 3 Memory is a central element in defining modern Jewish identity. As we look to Israel’s future, we need to engage anew with our past and explore its meanings and consequences. Through the consideration of major historic moments, this iEngage Project series grapples with the different ideas and values that shape the meaning of modern Israel, Zionism, and Jewish identity today. How We Live, How We Die, April 8 & 25 and May 9 All too often we put off questions about death and dying. It can be frightening and morbid to acknowledge the mortality of loved ones, not to mention our own finitude. This series will focus on traditional and contemporary Jewish traditions having to do with death and dying as well as address questions regarding such issues as immortality of the soul, and what happens after death.
Adult Education
Parenting Tweens Through A Jewish Lens November 6, 13, 20, 27 and December 4 Learn from both ancient and contemporary sources of wisdom that you are not alone in your journey through this complicated life stage. Parenting Your ‘Tween Through a Jewish Lens creates a supportive community of parents where they will explore compelling Jewish texts and traditions and share stories and ideas about raising preteens. This class is generously subsidized by the Women of TBA.
A Night of Giving Back, October 25 Join us at TBA as we volunteer to support victims and other recipients in need. As the evening begins we will enjoy wine and cheese and each other’s company. We are looking forward to a meaningful opening event. Network and Nosh, November 30 & April 24 Come learn what your fellow congregants do and share how you spend your days... If you want, come prepared to give your 2-minute elevator speech.
Women of TBA
Hanukkah Party, December 20 Meet old friends, make new friends all while enjoying appetizers, desserts and a lively Yankee swap! Location to be determined. Overnight Retreat, January 12 - 13 The TBA women’s retreat is one of the highlights of the year. Join friends and make friends at a new destination Leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Kallah, February 10 An uplifting gathering of women on-site at TBA where we come together to pray, sing, learn, connect and of course eat! Shabbat morning service will be led by our Cantorial Soloist Susan Glickman and artist-in-residence Beth Styles. BINGO-Ritas, March 7 Our first BingoRitas event was a big hit and folks have been suggesting we enjoy laughing, schmoozing and margharitas while we play Bingo. Closing Event, May16 Plans are underway for an exciting evening. Mark your calendars. Women Strong, October 17, November 28, January 23, March 6, April 10 and May 1 Come join us for a wonderful experience of conversation, connection, music and spiritual awakening with other inspirational TBA women who enjoy connecting heart to heart. This group will be facilitated by Cantorial Soloist Susan Glickman and TBA member Rachel Segall, LICSW.
Sukkah Building, October 1 Come one, come all! We need your help raising and decorating our sukkah. Coffee and doughnuts will be provided. It’s a fun mitzvah activity for everyone. Sponsored by Brotherhood. Social Event, November 8 Plans are underway for an evening of dinner and brotherhood. More information to follow.
Overnight Retreat, February 10 - 11 We had a great group of men last year in Hyannis for our overnight retreat and we are looking to boost our attendance! Mark your calendars for a fantastic weekend away. Closing Event, April 11 We will join together to tip our hats to another great year of Brotherhood. Don’t miss our fun closing event.
Pre-Passover Wine & Dine, March 21 Come sample delicious Passover food and wine at this event sponsored jointly by the Women of TBA and Brotherhood. We will sample traditional and nontraditional dishes along with unexpectedly delicious wine that is Kosher for Passover. There is more to wine for this holiday than Manischewitz! Cohosted by Women of TBA & Brotherhood.
Brotherhood
Monday Night Football, December 11 Patriot Nation meets at TBA. Cheer the GOAT, Gronk, Butler and the rest of the squad as they Squish the Fish. Great food, great fun!
Calendar of Events
October 1 Sukkah Building & Decorating 4 Judaism 101 (1st of 3) 6 Simchat Shabbat Service and Dinner 6 - 13 Boston-Haifa Connection Israeli Students at TBA 11 Judaism 101 (2nd of 3) 11 Erev Simchat Torah with Consecration 13 Ask the Rabbi Shabbat Service 13 Gr. 6 & 7 Shabbat Dinner 15 Knitting Group (opening session) 15 Torah Class (opening session) 15 Cooking for The Second Step 17 Women Strong 18 Judaism 101 (erd of 3) 21 BAYGL Kick-off Event (Gr. 9 - 12) 22 Torah Class 22 Breast Cancer Discussion Panel (off-site) 22 Mayoral Forum co-hosted with Temple Shalom (offsite) 23 Screening of The Guys Next Door with Rachel Segall 25 Women of TBA Kick-off Event 27 Shabbat Kulanu Service and Dinner 28 My Gym Event 29 Torah Class 29 Conversations With... Rabbi and Jennifer Pilalas
November 1 Both Sides Now, Adult Education Series (1st of 4) 3 Simchat Shabbat & Dinner 3 Shabbat Service with Social Justice Speaker 4 BAYGL Kick-off Event Gr. 8 “Sleep Under” 5 Torah Class 5 Red Cross Blood Drive 5 Story Slam, a 20th Anniversary Event 6 Parenting Tweens Through A Jewish Lens (1st of 5) 8 Brotherhood Kickoff Event 10 - 12 Grade 9 Trip to New York City 13 Parenting Tweens Through A Jewish Lens (2ndof 5) 15 Both Sides Now, Adult Education Series (2ndof 4) 16 Women of TBA Networking Event 17 Jazz Shabbat, a 20th Anniversary Event
Mini BAYGL Kick-off Event, Grades 2 - 5 Challah Bake Torah Class Knitting Group Cooking for The Second Step Parenting Tweens Through A Jewish Lens (3rd of 5) Parenting Tweens Through A Jewish Lens (4th of 5) Women Strong Both Sides Now, Adult Education Series (3rd of 4)
December 1 Simchat Shabbat and Dinner 3 Torah Class 3 Grade 8 Trip to Washington, D.C. 4 Parenting Tweens Through A Jewish Lens (5th of 5) 6 URJ Bienniel in Boston through December 10 10 Kochavim Club: Hanukkah (1st of 3) 10 K - 5 Mitzvah Day 10 Cooking for The Second Step 11 Brotherhood Monday Night Football 13 Both Sides Now, Adult Education Series (4th of 4) 15 Hanukkah Shabbat & Dinner 17 Torah Class 17 Knitting Group 17 Intergenerational Choir at NewBridge 17 Hanukkah Movie Night 20 Women of TBA Hanukkah Party 22 Congregational Israel Trip departs January 5 Simchat Shbbat and Dinner 7 Torah Class 7 Conversations With... Domestic Violence Speaker 12 - 13 Women’s Overnight Retreat 20 Morning Learners Service 20 Havdallah for Families with Young Children 21 Torah Class 21 Mini BAYGL Snow Tubing, Grades 2 - 5 21 Knitting Group
Calendar of Events
18 19 19 19 19 20 27 28 29
Calendar of Events
23 26 27 28 28
Women Strong Jazz Shabbat Service BAYGL Event, Grades 8 - 12 Torah Class Kochavim Club: Tu B’shevat (2nd of 3)
February 2 Simchat Shabbat Service & Dinner 2 Shabbat Service w/ Guest Speaker Josh Rubenstein 4 Torah Class 6 iEngage Israel Series (1st of 5) 9 Anita Bamel Musical Shabbat featuring Beth Styles 10 Women’s Kallah with Beth Styles 10 - 11 Men’s Overnight Retreat 11 Knitting Group 13 - 25 Boston-Haifa Connection Israel Trip 27 iEngage Israel Series (2nd of 5) March 2 3 -4 4 6 7 9 10 11 11 13 16 18 21 23 25 26 27 31
Simchat Shabbat Service & Dinner BAYGL Shul In, Grades 8 - 12 Purim Carnival Women Strong Women of TBA BINGO-Ritas Shabbat Potluck, Grade 9 Dine Around the World, a 20th Anniversary Event Knitting Group Intergenerational Choir at NewBridge iEngage Israel Series (3rd of 5) Jazz Shabbat Service Torah Class Passover Wine & Dine with Women of TBA and Brotherhood Shabbat Kulanu Service & Dinner Early Learning Center Social Event Yad Workshop, Grade 6 iEngage Israel Series (4th of 5) Community 2nd Seder
Torah Class Grade 7 Step Up Day iEngage Israel Series (5th of 5) Simchat Shabbat Service & Dinner Mini BAYGl Shul In, Grades 4 & 5 Torah Class Knitting Group Pancakes After Passover Family Mitzvah Day, Grades K - 5 How We Live, How We Die (1st of 3) Women Strong Brotherhood Closing Event Yom Hashoah Service with Guest Speaker Women’s Networking Event How We Live, How We Die (2nd of 3) Grade 6 Overnight Retreat Torah Class Kochavim Club: Tzedakah (3rd of 3) Mystery Dinner
May 1 4 4 5 6 6 6 7 9 13 19
Women Strong Simchat Shabbat Service & Dinner Jazz Shabbat Service BAYGL Event, Grades 8 - 12 Torah Class Knitting Group Family BBQ, a 20th Anniversary Event Jr. BAYGL Bowling, Grades 6 & 7 How We Live, How We Die (3rd of 3) Torah Class Gr. 5 & 12 Graduation
June 1 1 6 8 9 13
Simchat Shabbat Service & Dinner I Care Shabbat Service honoring Volunteers Early Learning Center Graduation Shabbat Kulanu Service and Dinner Pride Parade Annual Congregational Meeting
Calendar of Events
April 1 2 3 6 7 - 8 8 8 8 8 8 10 11 13 24 25 27 29 29 29
Temple Beth Avodah 45 Puddingstone Lane Newton Centre, MA 02459 617.527.0045 bethavodah.org