The Blessing of Returning - ShulCloud › 13443 › uploads › uploaded...Bible with Rabbi Josh 10:45 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service Sunday, September 8 10:30 a.m. Service of Faith

September, 201326 Elul 5773 - 26 Tishri 5774Volume 143, Edition 1126 Broad Street, Pittsfield MA 01201 413-442-5910 Fax: 413-442-8315 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ansheamunim.org

1869 - 2013 Celebrating 143 Years of Jewish Life in the Berkshires

Rabbi Josh Breindel

From the Rabbi

The Blessing of ReturningMy wallet was missing.I knew just when it had happened. Having

filled up my car with gas, I had left my wallet on the trunk and drove off. It wasn’t until I got home that I realized my mistake. It was a horrible feeling: alarm (someone might be making purchases with my cards right now) and embarrassment (how could I have done anything so careless) all rolled into one.

I raced back to the gas station, but to no avail. No one had seen my wallet and it was nowhere to be found. I cruised slowly home, pausing to investigate random pieces of litter. As I pulled into the driveway, I started making lists of cards that I had to cancel. I consoled myself with the silver lining that I would have most of the phone calls made before whoever found my wallet started making charges.

I tried to navigate the credit card companies’ bewildering automated menus. As my patience diminished, my call waiting sounded for the second time. Frustrated and upset, I switched lines to hear an unfamiliar voice. Instantly, my heart leapt. “Please tell me that you found something of mine…” And, of course, she had. Ten minutes later, my wallet was safely back in my possession, contents secure and none the worse for wear.

At this time of year, the threshold of the High Holy Days, we often focus on t’shuvah (repentance) to the exclusion of most other character traits. Most times, I welcome this perspective – as I have shared in years past,

modern culture rarely encourages us to reflect on our shortcomings and apologize for our misdeeds. Our liturgy helps us in this difficult, essential work: such classic passages as Avinu Malkeinu guide us through the penitential process.

Today, I’m absorbing a different lesson – one that is not often emphasized in this new month of Tishrei. Although everyone makes mistakes, occasionally letting down others (and even ourselves – and I still feel the sting of my own carelessness), most of us, when put to the test, genuinely try to do the right thing. If we take seriously the biblical narrative that we are “made in the image and the likeness of the Divine” (Genesis 1:26), this affirms our ancient ideal that fulfilling mitzvot (“good deeds” or “commandments”; returning lost property is a case in point) reflects glory upon our Creator.

T’shuvah is important, even essential, work. But it’s good for me to remember that this labor is not a complete overhaul of our selves – it’s more of a tune-up. Sometimes, the most difficult part of this spiritual practice is letting go of worry and shame and allowing ourselves to accept the blessing that those in our lives offer us. Tempting though it may be to think the worse of others (and I blush at how quickly I assumed that anyone finding my wallet would simply steal it), I find myself uplifted by the proof that kindness and

page twoSchedule of ServicesProgram NotesOn the Horizon–Spirits in the SukkahMazel Tovpage threeRites of PassageShaun Beckwith Chasen Campership FundRememberingCondolencespage fourGourmet Break-the-Fastpage fiveEducation UpdateCamp Newspage sixAdult Intro to JudaismYachadAdult Intro to Hebrewpage sevenFeigenbaum Lecturepage eightGot Sukkot?page nineKids Hebrew ClubTot Shabbatpage tenTemple Fundspage elevenConversational Hebrew for Teens & AdultsGanon AmunimTAA Book Clubpage twelveRosh Hashanah Second Day in Nature!page thirteenDirectorypage fourteenHigh Holy Days Servicespage fifteenCalendarpage sixteenDonationspage seventeenSeptember BirthdaysSeptember Yahrtzeitspage eighteenWomen of Reform Judaismback pageHanukkah and ThanksgivingNew Office Clerk for TAA continued on page 2

2 ~ Temple Anshe Amunim ~ September, 2013

Wednesday, September 47:30 p.m. Rosh Hashanah Evening Service. Special Yom Tov Oneg to followThursday, September 59:00 a.m. Rosh Hashanah Morning Family Service10:30 a.m. Rosh Hashanah Congregational ServiceFriday, September 610:30 a.m. Rosh Hashanah in Nature at Pleasant Valley5:30 p.m. Erev Shabbat ServiceSaturday, September 79:30 a.m. Torah Plus – Exploring the Bible with Rabbi Josh10:45 a.m. Shabbat Morning ServiceSunday, September 810:30 a.m. Service of Faith – Pittsfield CemeteryFriday, September 137:30 p.m. Kol Nidre Service – Yom KippurSaturday, September 149:00 a.m. Yom Kippur Family Service10:30 a.m. Yom Kippur Congregational Service1:30 p.m. Yom Kippur Study Session3:00 p.m. Yom Kippur Afternoon Service5:00 p.m. Yizkor and Ne’ilah Closing ServiceFollowed by Break-the-Fast (By RSVP)Wednesday, September 185:30 p.m. Erev Sukkot Service at KI – Dinner Follows at KIThursday, September 1910:30 a.m. Sukkot Morning Festival ServiceFriday, September 205:30 p.m. Erev Shabbat ServiceSaturday, September 219:30 a.m. Torah Plus – Exploring the Bible with Rabbi Josh10:45 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service7:30 p.m. Havdallah and Spirits in the Sukkah (By RSVP)Thursday, September 2610:30 a.m. Shemini Atzeret/Yizkor Memorial ServiceFriday, September 275:30 a.m. Simchat Torah Service, Oneg to FollowSaturday, September 289:30 a.m. Torah Plus – Exploring the Bible with Rabbi Josh10:45 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service

Schedule of Services Program NotesThe sounds of music, the thrill of fine acting, the memories of the “Twice is Nice”

clothing sale, Champagne & Chocolate, lectures, dinners – the summer is barely over and we are already planning for the coming year of 5774. We have enjoyed a plethora of activity, but I need your input. Should we continue moving in this direction? Can YOU suggest a program? Will YOU help in organizing it? Will YOU support a program? I need your HELP PLEASE!!

What activities are in the works? We have already begun talking about the Lower Eastside Experience: deli, knishes, egg creams, Klezmer music. What a treat! There is a suggestion for a Yoga/ Meditation class and, of course, we will continue with Rabbi Josh’s fascinating Lunch & Learn series. Finally, I am excited to share that there is a possibility of a bus trip to the Yiddish Book Center. Will you join us? Should we start planning?

It sounds like an ambitious undertaking, but the success of our programs this past year has brought us new members as well so many fine programs. We need your suggestions, your participation and, of course, your support. This is a team effort. Will you be a part of the team?

Thanks for taking the time to be in touch. ([email protected]) Alyce

On the HORIZON–Spirits in the Sukkah!Come join us for a new program to celebrate Sukkot: “Spirits in the Sukkah”. As we observe our harvest festival by inviting our biblical ancestors into the sukkah, Spirited of Lenox will join us for a guided wine tasting! The event, on Saturday, September 21, will begin with Havdallah at 7:30 PM and continue with song, stories and spirits. Together, we will also celebrate the new members of our Temple family with a special blessing and much joy! Hope and Warren Hagler will host this uniquely festive and engaging evening. Watch the announcements for further information. RSVP by Wednesday, September 18th to the Temple Office (there will be a fee of $15 for TAA members, $25 for non-members).

Please mark your calendars!

Mazel Tovto Erin Madden and Michael Duffy on their recent wedding.to Alicia Stevenson and Dan Proskin on their recent wedding.to Michael Wasserman, upon his appointment to be the President of the Massachusetts Dental Association.to Cherie Drayman on her new position at Drury High School in North Adams.

thoughtfulness remain a part of our world.In this season of transition, in this time of

self-reflection and change, may we acknowledge the everyday wonders shared by our fellow people. As we strive to improve ourselves, may we be grateful for the manifold gifts that we are offered when we least expect them. And may our deeds merit to bring new healing and blessing to our community and our world.

Shanah tovah u-m’tukah – a sweet and joyous New Year to you and yours!

From the Rabbi continued from front

Temple Anshe Amunim ~ September, 2013 ~ 3

SAVE THE DATE

October 20, 2013, 2:00 pm Rites of Passage:an afternoon of (mostly) comic short playsdirected by Dr. Barbara WaldingerPlaywrights tackle pivotal events in Jewish life: parents meeting their prospective daughter-in-law, a Rabbi coming to grips with a friend’s anti-Semitism, an intermarried couple coping with Christmas complications, a Jewish mother opting for immortality through cryogenics, mourners surviving a botched unveiling.

At 2:00 on Sunday afternoon October 20th, Temple Anshe Amunim will present staged readings of six short plays, featuring a cast of experienced actors, with special guest star Rabbi Josh Breindel.

Come join us for an afternoon of laughter, drama, discussion, and refreshments.

Donation: TAA Members–$18 Guests–$20, Students–$5

As we enter this season of reflection and memory we offer a poem on the experience of illuminating the names on our memorial wall.

RememberingBy Keren Weiner

The Temple secretary, the office person, is so often alone in the building…alone in between all those who will come to the next service and all those who came before. In particular, Friday afternoons are the quiet time to get ready for Shabbat.

When Monday comes, I’m still alone. In the early morning light, with my printout of this week’s yahrtzeits, I walk to the Memorial Board to the names I have come to know so well, to names I have studied and learned about. For some, I have seen photos, archived with care. For a few, I have known them, hugged them.

There is a new group of yahrtzeits to remember this week. I turn the red bulbs and touch the names – thinking of them, wondering about their lives. Sometimes I find myself saying a name softly. They are beautiful names…Priscilla, Pauline, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Isabella and Rae Lila. But my favorites are the surnames. These lead to the origins of Jews, each one with an immigration saga and a legacy. Of all the steps I take in the office of the Temple, all tasks, all duties – this is the holiest one, my favorite one.

OCT

Shaun Beckwith Chasen Campership Fund

As written by Shaun’s mother, Barbara Chasen in our July Bulletin, this is the 20th anniversary of Shaun’s death due to an accident. As Barbara indicated she wished to remember Shaun at this time with a special fundraiser to support the campership fund established in his name. To date we have raised just over $6,500. We are grateful to Barbara for writing to all her friends, family and colleagues who provided this support and to all the donors for their contributions.

It is never too late; if you would like to make a contribution to this fund that supports our children in their summer campership experience at Eisner or Crane Lake Camp. And, if you would like to be in touch with Barbara, you can reach her through email at [email protected]. She would be most happy to hear from you.

CondolencesCondolences to Joan Kagan Levine and Andrew Kagan on the passing of their mother, Irene Kagan, on July 3, 2013.

Condolences to Bruce Evenchik on the death of his mother, Barbara Evenchik on July 27, 2013.


Join the Temple community for a

GourmetBreak-the-FastSaturday, September 14, 2013Immediately following the Ne’ilah Service

(Approximately 6:45 p.m.)

Bagels and lox (of course) and a sumptuous assortment of salads, entrees and desserts for your dining pleasure.

Seating is limited:RSVP no later than September 6, 2013

Members $30.00Non-members $40.00

Children 12 and under $8.00

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -TAA’s Gourmet Break-the-Fast is Saturday, September 14, 2013

Name(s): _________________________________________________________________________

Number of adults ______Number of children under 12_____ Total Amount Enclosed:________Please send checks (payable to Temple Anshe Amunim) to:

Temple Anshe Amunim, 26 Broad Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 Phone: (413) 442-5910 Email: [email protected]


Dear friends,

It has been a year since I assumed the position of Director of Education at TAA.

Our religious school has grown tremendously this year. It is a place where students from kindergarten to grade 10 can get a solid education that instills love and appreciation of the Jewish tradition and its values.

Our teachers are committed to making sure that the needs of our students are met and that our nurturing and loving environment brings out the full potential of each and every student.

The future of TAA is in our hands! It is our responsibility to make sure that we provide the best education in the Berkshires. TAA is not only the present but also the future of the Jewish education and the Jewish identity for future generations to come. With our new initiative to open our Jewish preschool, the only one in the Berkshires, we will be able to reach out to preschoolers and engage them in Jewish learning and heritage.

With the coming of the New Year 5774, we are all filled with hopes for our school to grow and continue to flourish. Each of you can help us by spreading the word about TAA, donating money or volunteering your time. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Let us all be engaged in the mitzvah of educating our children and the words of the Shema prayer “Veshinantam Levaneicha…” become our motto for this year.

On behalf of my family and myself, I would like to wish you a happy and sweet New Year.

Shana Tova,Esther Benari-AltmannDirector of Education

Education Update Camp NewsRachel Alemany

On August 3rd, Jake and I were honored to represent Temple at the 4th Annual Assembly for Eisner and Crane Lake Camps, held at Crane Lake. We started off with a lovely Shabbat Service featuring Dan Nichols as Artist in Residence. The ruach was contagious! Lunch followed and the Camps’ Board of Directors honored a variety of Congregations that have committed to sending their children to URJ Camps Eisner and Crane Lake. Temple Anshe Amunim was honored as one of 16 (out of 137) Reform Congregations that send more than 10% of our Religious School students to camp.

Jewish Camping has a transformative effect on our Youth, with expanded knowledge of Torah and exposure to Hebrew and prayer being just two of the outcomes. The experience of being part of a vibrant Jewish Community is invaluable. Oh, and it’s so much fun!! Our kids come back more confident, self aware, and have a greater ability to navigate life situations on their own. They come back loving camp, having made connections between Torah and baseball or dance. They work with animals, hike the Appalachian Train and climb Ropes Courses. They work on Tikkun Olam and Anti Bullying initiatives, while creating personal connections to prayer. Most importantly, they find their own connection to Judaism and this gives them a framework through which they can explore their faith for years to come.

Mazel Tov to the Temple leadership and the generous contributors to the Scholarship funds that enable these kids to go to Eisner and Crane Lake. It truly does make for the “summer of a lifetime!”

❧


SAVE THE DATES YachadSeptember is an incredibly busy time

for Yachad! We will be running our Annual High Holiday Food Drive, so please remember to bring food for donation to the local Food Pantry at the Methodist Church in Pittsfield. We will be accepting donations throughout the High Holidays and will carry in all donations on Yom Kippur. Please note that monetary donations are accepted as well. We will use them to get specific food items that the food pantry needs.

We will lead the Yom Kippur Afternoon Service, as is our tradition, on Saturday, September 14th. We will deliver the food donations to the Food Pantry on Tuesday, September 17th at 3:00 p.m. Rain date for Sukkah raising and decoration will be September 17th at 5:00 p.m. We will participate in the Religious School Service on Simchat Torah on Friday, September 27th and will then be going to the NFTY NE Leadership Training Initiative on Sunday, September 29th.

Happy New Year to all!!!

Adult Intro to JudaismNoon on Friday afternoons

Join Rabbi Josh and Esther Benari-Altmann in an ongoing exploration of the mysteries and joys of Jewish life and culture. Participants from all backgrounds and of all levels of knowledge are welcome! Together, we will discuss a wide variety of topics including: Shabbat and Jewish holidays Jewish history and spirituality, Lifecycle events

And much more!

For more information, contact Esther at 442-5910 x12

Join Esther Benari-Altmann for an

introductory Hebrew class for adults on

Monday evenings 6:45 PM at Temple Anshe Amunim

Tuition: FREE for members, $50/non-member(checks payable to TAA)

Please register for Adult Intro to Hebrew by contacting

Esther Benari-Altmann, Education Director(413) 442-5910 x12 or

[email protected]

Adult Introto Hebrew

Easy way to help TAANancy Shulman, Owner and Broker of Bloomberg Realty, Inc. and a TAA member, will contribute 3% of her commission from the purchase or sale of any property of a member of the community or a referral from a member. The money will be applied to the fund of your choice. Nancy, a native of Pittsfield, has been a licensed broker since 1988 and practicing residential and commercial real estate for 23 years.

413 298-0030 • www.bloombergrealty.com • [email protected]


The Feigenbaum Lecture Committee is pleased to announce that FOREIGN POLICY CHALLENGES: Anticipating the Unexpected will be the topic of the 46th annual Hilda Vallin Feigenbaum Memorial Foundation Lecture on Sunday, September 29, 2013 at 7:30pm. The lecture, sponsored by Dr. Armand V. Feigenbaum and the late Dr. Donald S. Feigenbaum, will be held at our Temple and is free and open to the public.

This year’s speaker, Elliott Abrams, is a Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies at the Washington D.C. based Council on Foreign Relations, teaches U.S. Foreign Policy at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and is a member of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, which directs the activities of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.

“We are delighted to host Mr. Abrams, an expert on foreign policy, at a time when there are so many challenges facing our nation,” said Andy Hochberg, lecture committee co-chairman. “This year marks the 46th anniversary of the Hilda Vallin Feigenbaum Memorial Foundation Lecture series and this presents an opportunity to emphasize the civic and spiritual legacy of this outstanding woman. It is also an occasion to pay a special tribute to her sons Dr. Armand Feigenbaum and Dr. Donald Feigenbaum, who established this event as a living memorial to their mother’s spirit.”

Mr. Abrams received a B.A. from Harvard College, a M.Sc. from the London School of Economics and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. His early career was spent working in Washington where he acted as Special Counsel to Democratic Senators Henry M. Jackson and Daniel P. Moynihan. He also served as Chief of Staff to Senator Moynihan. He joined the State Department in 1981, serving the two-term President Ronald Reagan in several capacities, including Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs and Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs supervising U.S. Foreign Policy in Latin American and the Caribbean. In 1988, Mr. Abrams received the Secretary of State Distinguished Service Award from Secretary of State George P. Schultz.

In 2001, Mr. Abrams joined President George W. Bush’s administration as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director of the National Security Council for Democracy, Human Rights and International Organizations. In addition, during the years of that administration, he served in other roles: Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director of the National Security Council for Near East and North African Affairs and Deputy National Security Advisor for Global Democracy Strategy.

Mr. Abrams has authored numerous articles and book reviews that have appeared in Commentary, The Weekly Standard, The National Interest, The Public Interest, and National Review. He is the author of three books, Undue Process (1993), Security and Sacrifice (1995), and Faith or Fear: How Jews Can Survive in a Christian America (1997), and is the editor of three more, Close Calls: Intervention, Terrorism, Missile Defense and “Just War” Today; Honor Among Nations: Intangible Interests and Foreign Policy; and The Influence of Faith: Religion and American Foreign Policy. He appears regularly on major television news networks. Mr. Abrams’ new book, Tested by Zion: the Bush Administration and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, was published in January 2013.

The Hilda Vallin Feigenbaum Memorial Foundation continues to enhance the spiritual and intellectual life of Temple Anshe Amunim and the larger community. The Foundation has sponsored leaders in American government, literature, theology, and journalism including such personalities as Julian Bond, Representative Barney Frank, Isaac Bashevis Singer, Bernard Kalb, Stephen Roberts, Steven Emerson, Mara Liasson, and Ambassador Martin Indyk.

Refreshments will be served after the lecture. For more information, please call the Temple office: (413) 442-5910 or check the website: www.ansheamunim.org.

Elliott Abrams to Speak at 46th Annual Feigenbaum Lecture

September 29, 7:30 pm

Hilda Vallin Feigenbaum Memorial Foundation Lecture

SAVE THE DATE29

Elliott Abrams, Foreign Policy and National Security Advisor To Presidents

The lecture is free and open to the public.Reception to follow.For more information, please call the Temple Office: (413) 442-5910.



AANSHENSHE T TOTOT H HEBREWEBREW C CLUBLUB!!

Conversational

Hebrew lessons for

children (aged 2-5)

enhanced with music,

art and drama.

Tuesdays fromSeptember 10-June 3

4:00-5:00 PM

Tuition: $50/members, $100/non-members(checks should be payable to Temple Anshe Amunim)

Classes will be held at Temple Anshe Amunim(26 Broad Street, Pittsfield)

Please contact Esther Benari-Altmann,(Education Director) for more information at (413) 442-5910 or [email protected]

At Temple Anshe Amunim

every Friday from 3:45-4:30!

Join us for a joyous Tot Kabbalat Shabbat with song and dance,

arts and play for Children (2-5 years) with a guardian.

Free for members

Non-members: full year $50 or $5/session

Please contact Esther Benari-Altmann, (Education Director) to register

at (413) 442-5910 or [email protected]

Kids Hebrew Club!

at TAAConversational Hebrew

lessons for children (aged 2-5) enhanced with

music, art and drama.

Tuesdays September 17–June 3

3:45-4:45 PM

Tuition: $50/members, $100/non-members

(checks should be payable to Temple Anshe Amunim)


TEMPLE ANSHE AMUNIM CONTRIBUTIONS FORM

Donor Name(s): __________________________________________________________________________________________________

To Fund: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

1. In honor of or in memory of _________________________________________________ $(Amount)_ (Amount) ____________________________ (Circle one)

To Fund: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________


To Fund: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________


Please use separate form for additional contributions.

Your contribution has significant impact on our ability to offer a variety of programs and services to our congregation.

Here is how you can make a difference at Temple Anshe Amunim:Mitzvah Fund: Donations to the Mitzvah Fund provide support for:

Commemoration of happy events both large and small.

Expenses related to Temple music and the choir.

Remembrances at services (yahrtzeits) and in the bulletin for loved ones who have passed away.

Basic religious school expenses.

Purchasing new books for the library.

The purchase, repair, and maintenance of Temple art.

Capital maintenance and repair of the Temple building and memorial boards.

Dedicated Prayer book, Tanakh (Bible), or Women’s Torah Commentary Fund:Purchases new books with a dedication plate. (Please note: for Prayer book or Tanakh, minimum donation is $(Amount)_36; and for Women’s Torah Commentary, minimum donation is $(Amount)_50).

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund: For use by Rabbi Breindel or Rabbi Salzmann, as designated, for the benefit of the Temple.

TEMPLE ANSHE AMUNIM FUNDSEndowment & Restricted Fund DescriptionsRabbi Harold & Audrey Salzmann Religious School Endowment: To support Religious School programming, retreats and trips.

Lynn Denmark/Faith Newmark Endowment: To support the Religious School, as determined by Women of Reform Judaism.

Shaun Beckwith-Chasen Campership Fund: To provide scholarships for attendance at Eisner/Crane Lake Camp.

England Youth Fund: To support youth activities.

Henry & Dorothy Halperin Fund: For children’s Simchat Torah celebration.

Jeff Stolzberg Campership Fund: To provide scholarships for attendance at Eisner/Crane Lake Camp.

Dan & Edna Miller Building Fund: For maintenance, renovations and improvements to the Temple.

Individual Endowments: Set up by individuals, these funds are part of the main endowment and support ongoing operations and programs at Temple as determined by the Board of Trustees.

Tree of Life–in honor or memory of:Inscribed leaf on the Temple’s Tree of Life(minimum contribution is $(Amount)_125)Please complete form and submit with your contribution.All donations will be acknowledged in the Bulletin. We will also send acknowledgements to the Honoree or the Family remembered.


On September 19, 2013 we will be discussing The Middlesteins by Jami Attenberg.

“Life is fraught with disappointment, Attenberg tells us, and in our efforts to ease our pain we often make decisions that have the opposite effect. We leave marriages that have become difficult, and later experience loneliness and terrible searing regret. We wall ourselves off from negative emotion, and end up blocking out love. We fear the loss of control, and end up bound too tightly by self-restraint. We allow ourselves to fall prey to the bad habits that provide momentary comfort, and end up paying with our lives. If the message sounds dark, it is; if it sounds hopeless, it’s not meant to be. In the near term, the tragedies that befall this suburban Jewish family break it apart, but the longer-term effects are different: parents and children find mutual understanding, siblings comfort each other, warring parties find common ground in grief, and those who approach the world with an open heart receive love in return — even if it’s the last thing they do”.

– Julie Orringer

For September only, The TAA Book Club will meet at 11:30 AM at Sue Colker’s house.

Stuffed by Patricia Volk will be on the agenda for October 17th, when the meeting will again take place in the Temple Anshe Amunim library at 11:45 AM.

“…after reading Stuffed – snarfing it down would be more accurate – it occurs to me that Volk’s book speaks to our frazzled times in a deeper way. From 1888 to 1988, Volk’s family ran a bunch of restaurants called Morgen’s, and her book is ostensibly about the family “store” and those who built and ran it. But as you make your way through these shortish, highly flavored chapters – each named after some treat (“Fricassee,” “Hersheyettes”) that triggers a memory of this or that relative – you realize that what the book really memorializes so beautifully isn’t just a restaurant, or a now-vanished style of eating, but a city in its rich and juicy prime: New York. It’s just the thing for those who think of this city as a place with a soul, rather than a collection of buildings.”

– Daniel Mendelsohn

Ganon AmunimA new Jewish preschool at Temple Anshe Amunim

ENROLLMENT IS NOW OPEN

Temple Anshe Amunim 26 Broad Street Pittsfield, MAwww.ansheamunim.org 413.442.5910

Learning is fun at Ganon Amunim, the new preschool for children aged 2 years 9 months to pre-kindergarten.

Ganon Amunim offers a safe, warm, and loving environment for educational play, creativity, and growth.

Children of all faiths are welcome!Five-day and three-day schedules available.

For more information or to register for Ganon Amunim preschool, call 413.442.5910 ext. 12 or by e-mail at [email protected]

Conversational Hebrew for Teens and Adults

Thursdays at 5:00 pm- 6:30pm starting October 3rd at Knesset Israel.

Come and learn new words

in Hebrew and make your next trip to Israel more meaningful.

This course requires basic Hebrew reading skills.

The class will be taught by Esther Benari-AltmannEmail Esther for more information

[email protected]


Celebrate Rosh Hashanah’s Second Day in Nature!

Friday, September 6th

10:30 AM – 1:00 PM Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary(472 West Mountain Road, Lenox)

OPEN TO EVERYONE!

On the Jewish New Year, we celebrate the beauty of the world and renew our roots in nature.

Join Rabbi Josh for a reflective and refreshing New Year’s service! After worship and stories at the lecture hall,

we’ll join in a guided nature walk (weather permitting). We’ll conclude with a picnic and blessings at the hall.

Bring lunch – we’ll bring beverages, apples and honey. L’shanah tovah from Temple Anshe Amunim!

26 Broad Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 Office: (413) 442-5910 [email protected]: www.ansheamunim.org / Facebook: ansheamunim


Management TeamOffice Name Phone E-mail

President Howard Shapiro H: 413- 637-3342; C: 413-212-9948 [email protected]

Vice President Robyn Rosen H: 413 499-1514; C: 413 822-5104 [email protected]

Vice President Marty Feit H: 413-623-6132 [email protected]

Ex-Officio Alyce Bernstein H: 413-499-3647 May to Oct. or [email protected] yr.round

Ex-Officio Nancy Gagnon H: 413-655-3545 [email protected]

Auditor and Ex-Officio Debora Cole-Duffy H: 413-684-1202; C: 413-441-1254 [email protected]

Treasurer Andy Hochberg H: 413-698-3883; C: 413-822-6913 [email protected]

Temple Committee ChairsOffice Name Phone E-mail

Berkshire Bounty Phil Kaminstein H: 413-442-6758 [email protected]

By-Laws Howard Shapiro H: 413- 637-3342; C: 413-212-9948 [email protected] Andy Hochberg H: 413-698-3883; C: 413-822-6913 [email protected]

Caring Margie Shulman 413-394-4147 [email protected]

Cemetery Andy Hochberg H: 413-698-3883; C: 413-822-6913 [email protected]

Congregational Dinners Robyn Rosen H: 413 499-1514; C: 413 822-5104 [email protected]

Endowment Arthur Henle 413-637-7136 [email protected]

Feigenbaum Lecture Series Jackie Browner 413-445-6863 [email protected] Andy Hochberg H: 413-698-3883; C: 413-822-6913 [email protected]

Finance Andy Hochberg H: 413-698-3883; C: 413-822-6913 [email protected]

House Rob Proskin C: 413-358-1368; W: 413-442-8217 x14 [email protected]

Leadership Debora Cole-Duffy H: 413-684-1202; C: 413-441-1254 [email protected] Josh Cutler [email protected]

Library Marilyn Margolis H: 413- 499 3439 [email protected]

Membership Judy Stolzberg 443-9481; Suzy Chung [email protected] Nancy Gagnon H: 413-655-3545 [email protected]

Music/Choir Alan Gold C: 413-447-0526; W: 413-443-3144 [email protected] [email protected]

Press Releases

Programming Alyce Bernstein H: 413-499-3647 May to Oct. or [email protected] yr.round

Religious Education Esther Benari-Altmann W: 413-442-5910 Ext. 12 [email protected] Robyn Rosen H: 413 499-1514; C: 413 822-5104 [email protected]

Social Action Martin Feit C:203-253-003 [email protected]

Soup Kitchen Joel and Sue Colker [email protected]

Technology Howard Shapiro H: 413- 637-3342; C: 413-212-9948 [email protected] Josh Cutler C: 413-464-2541 [email protected]

Women of Reform Judaism Paula Pomerantz H:413-447-7429 (before 9P.M.) [email protected]

Worship June Waldman H:413-499-0548 [email protected]

Youth Group Rachel Alemany 413-822-2293 [email protected]

If you are interested in participating on a committee please contact the Committee Chairperson


Temple Anshe Amunim

High Holy Day Services 2013 / 5774service DATe Time

Rosh Hashanah Evening Service Special Yom Tov Oneg to follow

Wednesday, 9/4 7:30 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Morning Family Service Thursday, 9/5 9:00 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah Congregational Service Thursday, 9/5 10:30 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah in Nature at Pleasant Valley Friday, 9/6 10:30 a.m.

Service of Faith – Pittsfield Cemetery Sunday, 9/8 10:30 a.m.

Kol Nidre Service – Yom Kippur Friday, 9/13 7:30 p.m.

Yom Kippur Family Service Saturday, 9/14 9:00 a.m.

Yom Kippur Congregational Service Saturday, 9/14 10:30 a.m.

Yom Kippur Study Session Saturday, 9/14 1:30 p.m.

Yom Kippur Afternoon Service Saturday, 9/14 3:00 p.m.

Yizkor and Ne’ilah Closing Service Followed by Break-the-Fast (R.S.V.P. required)

Saturday, 9/14 5:00 p.m.

Erev Sukkot Service at KI – Dinner Follows at KI Wednesday, 9/18 5:30 p.m.

Sukkot Morning Festival Service Thursday, 9/19 10:30 a.m.

Spirits in the Sukkah Saturday, 9/21 7:30 p.m.

Shemini Atzeret / Yizkor Memorial Service Thursday, 9/26 10:30 a.m.

Simchat Torah Service Oneg to Follow Friday, 9/27 5:30 p.m.

DirecTions from pArk squAre piTTsfielD:Take Rte. 7 south (South St.). Broad Street is the second left turn. TAA is on the right at the end of

the first block. 26 Broad St. is at the corner of Broad St. and Wendell Ave. On-street parking available.

For more detailed directions, please visit the “Welcome” section of our website: www.ansheamunim.orgTemple Anshe Amunim, 26 Broad Street, Pittsfield MA 01201

Phone: 413-442-5910 Email: [email protected]


September 2013 26 Elul 5773 - 26 Tishre 5774

Rev'd 8/27/2013

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

126 ELUL

227 ELUL

328 ELUL

429 ELUL

51 TISHRE

62 TISHRE

73 TISHRE

84 TISHRE

95 TISHRE

106 TISHRE

117 TISHRE

128 TISHRE

139 TISHRE

1410 TISHRE

1511 TISHRE

1612 TISHRE

1713 TISHRE

1814 TISHRE

1915 TISHRE

2016 TISHRE

2117 TISHRE

2218 TISHRE

2319 TISHRE

2420 TISHRE

2521 TISHRE

2622 TISHRE

2723 TISHRE

2824 TISHRE

2925 TISHRE

3026 TISHRE

Selichot Begin Labor Day Erev Rosh Hashanah Rosh Hashanah - Day 1

Rosh Hashanah - Day 2

Fast of Gedalyah Erev Yom Kippur Yom Kippur

Succot - Day 1 Succot - Day 2 Succot - First Intermediate Day

Succot - Second Intermediate Day

Succot - Third Intermediate Day

Succot - Fourth Intermediate Day

Succot - Fifth Intermediate DayHoshanah Rabbah

Shemini Atzeret Simchat Torah

Ha'azinu

Bereshit

OFFICE CLOSED 7:30 PMRosh Hashanah Evening ServiceSpecial Yom Tov Oneg to Follow

OFFICE CLOSED

9:00 AMRosh Hashanah Morning Family

Service10:30 AM

Rosh Hashanah Congregational

Service

OFFICE CLOSED10:30 AM

Rosh Hashanah 2nd Day Service

in Nature at Pleasant Valley

5:30 PMErev Shabbat

Service

9:30 AMTorah Plus -

Exploring the Bible with Rabbi

Josh10:45 AM

Shabbat Morning Service

10:30 AMService of Faith

Pittsfield Cemetery

4:00 PMCHAI at Temple

10:30 AMHalacha

7:00 PMBoard Meeting

7:30 PMKol Nidre Service

- Yom Kippur

9 AM Family Service10:30 AM Congreg'l

Service1:30 PM Study

3:00 PM Afternoon Service

5 PM Yizkor & Ne'ilahBreak Fast (by

RSVP)

11:00 AMCommunity

Sukkah Raising and Decoration

6:45 PMAdult Intro to

Hebrew3:00 PM

Yachad Food Pantry Delivery

3:45 PMKids Hebrew Club

4:00 PMCHAI at KI5:30 PM

Erev Sukkot Service at KI

Dinner to Follow at KI

OFFICE CLOSED

10:30 AMSukkot Morning Festival Service

11:30 AMBook Club

at the Colker's

12:00 PMIntro to Judaism

3:45 PMTot Kabbalat

Shabbat5:30 PM

Erev Shabbat Service

9:30 AM Torah Plus-Sukkot Study

10:45 Shabbat Morning Service

3:30 PM Religious School

7:30 PM Spirits in the Sukkah (by

RSVP)


Hebrew

3:45 PMKids Hebrew Club

6:30 PMLeadership Circle

OFFICE CLOSED

10:30 a.m.Shemini Atzeret/Yizkor Memorial

Service

12:00 PMIntro to Judaism

5:30 PMSimchat Torah

ServiceOneg to Follow

9:30 AMTorah Plus -

Exploring the Bible with Rabbi

Josh10:45 AM

Shabbat Morning Service

NFTY NE Leadership

Training Initiative

7:30 PMFeigenbaum

LectureElliott Abrams


Hebrew


DonationsDan and Edna Miller Building FundIn honor of Alyce Bernstein, Member of the YearEdna Miller

Jeff Stolzberg Campership FundIn honor of Pailey Feakes, on her becoming a Bat MitzvahEdna MillerMarilyn and Michael MargolisNathan Doctrow

In honor of the marriage of Michael Duffy and Erin MaddenEdna Miller

In loving memory of Irene KaganNathan Doctrow

Mitzvah FundTo Temple Anshe Amunim with appreciationDavid and Roslyn Citrin

In loving memory of Ruth KlempererHelaine Rose

In loving memory of Donald FeigenbaumHelaine Rose

In loving memory of Lee CoopermanHelaine Rose

In honor of Alyce Bernstein, Member of the YearHelaine Rose

In honor of Deb Cole-DuffyHelaine Rose

In honor of Uri Benari - with wishes for speedy healing - Refuah Sh’leimaHelaine Rose

In loving memory of Esther GreenbergHelaine Rose

In loving memory of Ken GreenbergHelaine Rose

In loving memory of Elinor BakerHelaine RoseEdna Miller

In loving memory of Irene KaganHelaine RoseBarbara, Sue and Alan CoopermanDianne DastoliKathleen and Mark DastoliBerkshire PlaceFrancine VecchiollaMartin and Ethel BlackEdna MillerHoward and Deborah Wineberg

Mazel Tov to Paul and Piper WessonHelaine Rose

Mazel Tov to Mike Duffy and Erin MaddenHelaine RoseAlyce and Paul BernsteinEdna Miller

In loving memory of Sarah KaminsteinRhoda and Phil Kaminstein

In loving memory of Ann PomerantzPhil and Paula Pomerantz

In loving memory of Max WeidenEllen Weiden and Jim Overmyer

In loving memory of Elizabeth PasternakRichard Sussman

In loving memory of Sol SussmanRichard Sussman

In loving memory of Mr. Arnold LentJoe and Mary Jane Handler

In loving memory of Irving GlocknerJudy Glockner

In loving memory of Nathan ZorfasHarvey Zorfas and Cynthia Kadel

In honor of Arlene SchiffHelaine Rose

In honor of Pailey Feakes, Bat MitzvahAlyce and Paul BernsteinEdna Miller

In honor of Mike and Marilyn Margolis new granddaughterRhoda and Phil Kaminstein

Mazel Tov to grandparents Mike and Marilyn MargolisAlyce and Paul Bernstein

In honor of Rabbi Josh’s BirthdayBev and Gerry Nacheman

In loving memory of Gerry’s Dad and Bev’s MomBev and Gerry Nacheman

In honor of Howard and Shirley Shapiro’s special anniversaryEdna Miller

In loving memory of Morris and Ethel MotlinLinda and Richard Bonito

In loving memory of Howard BeckLesley Beck and Albert Leu

In honor of Rabbi Salzmann’s special birthdayAudrey Salzmann

In loving memory of Barbara EvenchikDavid and Roslyn Citrin

In loving memory of Sarah Miller GreensteinDavid and Roslyn Citrin

Rabbi Breindel’s Discretionary FundIn loving memory of Irene KaganCarolyn (Cookie) LevinsonAlba Passerini and Charles and Hannah WohlDr. and Mrs. Leonard Posner

In honor of Pailey Feakes, Bat MitzvahMarlene Chautin

In loving memory of Robert AvnetNorman Avnet and Selma Williams

In loving memory of Barbara EvenchikAlba Passerini and Charles and Hannah Wohl

In honor of Rabbi Josh, with great appreciation for all he doesLinda and Richard BonitoDavid and Roslyn Citrin


September 1 Roy D. Pastor Elul 26

September 2 Bennett Moskowitz Harry Meyer

September 3 Benjamin M. Orenstein Elul 28Joan Bartwink Joseph Handler

September 4 Harriet Kelm Joseph Blieberg Martha Renee Salzmann Elul 29

September 5 Belle Holzberg Tishrei 1Lawrence Laine Selkowitz Tishrei 1Morris Lederer Stanley Meyerson

September 6 Shaun Beckwith-Chasen Susan Moskowitz Grand

September 7 Molly Levitte Selkowitz Stephen Michael Epstein

September 10 Abraham A. Greenhoot

September 11 Suzanne Cimini

September 12 Gail Baron Kaplan Samuel Katz

September 13 Donald J. Taylor Leo Golden Martin Stapleton

September 14 Alan A. Solin Ethel Shapiro

September 14 Israel Alpert Tishrei 10

September 16 Bernard Kaplan Dr. Joseph Tulgan Milton Gordon Sophie S. Honig

September 17 Anna Jacoff Lipshitz Tishrei 13

September 18 Gabriel Smilkstein Henry Gold Tishrei 14

September 19 Bernard Olenberg Charles L. Pincu Evelyn Berger Harry B. Baker Sylvia Krantz Tishrei 15

September 20 Lazer Shapiro Samuel Rothkopf

September 21 Ethel Wesson Hyman Meyerson Victor Wesson

September 22 Clarence I. Lederer Zelda Cutler Tishrei 18

September 23 Esther Malka Katz Tishrei 19

September 24 Albert D. Curry

September 25 Karpel Halperin

September 26 William E. Hedler

September 27 Isaac Bartfield

September 28 Betty Sandler Doris Gershoff Dr. David Bernard Kagan Greta Hochhauser Maurice R. Colker

September 29 Linnie Nora Franklin Mollie Schaffer Tishrei 25

September 30 Harry Levitt Lena Hannah Schreck Nathan Seiler

September Yahrtzeits We hold in loving memory:

Yahrtzeit donations – It is customary to make a donation on the occasion of your loved one’s Yahrtzeit.

Yahrtzeit dates – Yahrtzeits are based on the Hebrew or Gregorian (English) date, depending on family preference. If there are any omissions or errors, please call the Temple office, 413-442-5910.

Yahrtzeit Plaques

Yahrtzeit Plaques honor the memory of an ancestor or other family member. Each plaque is $375.

For more information or to request an order form, please call the office at 413-442-5910.

BirthdaysYom Holedet Sameach!

Happy Birthday to our members and friends with September birthdays:

September 2

Denise Cherry

September 8

Hanul Chung

September 9

Larry Newmark

September 12

Howard Cherry

Selma Rosen

September 18

Paula Pomerantz

September 20

Norman Atkin

William S. Molner

September 21

James Duffy

September 22

Barry Wesson

September 27

Arthur Nix

September 28

Aaron Besnoff

September 29

George Frenkel

September 30

Paulette Feit

Faith Newmark

Jeffrey Ross


WOMEN OF REFORM JUDAISM

WRJ invites you to join us with your creativity, caring and talent in our 126th

year of service to Temple Anshe Amunim. Help us support our religious school and develop projects that enrich the entire temple community. Welcome to the camaraderie and friendship found in our sisterhood.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------How can I join?

Make your check payable to Women of Reform Judaism for $36. Leave your check in the temple office. Please enclose this information:

NAME ____________________________________ ADDRESS__________________________________TELEPHONE #____________________________ EMAIL ADDRESS__________________________

I can offer my talents as: Artist ___________________ Poet ___________________ Crafter___________________Speaker__________________Baker ___________________ Cook ___________________ Musician_________________ Other ___________________

I can offer my skills to create flyers and communicate with others ______________

I can host a potluck brunch or supper ____________________

I can organize programs or special events _________________

New Office Clerk for TAAIn late August, we added an office clerk to our Temple staff. Cheryl Ames is joining us on a part-time basis to work with Keren Weiner in the office. With the growth of our Temple, the activity in the office is also increasing and this will allow Keren to assume some new responsibilities.

Cheryl is a native of Pittsfield who is returning from 25 years in Virginia. She has worked for the U.S. government and also spent nine years working at Temple Rodef Shalom in Falls Church as secretary to the temple administrator. She will be working at TAA on our busiest days, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 10 AM until 2 PM. So don’t be surprised if you hear a new voice answering the phone or greeting you at the door.

Welcome Cheryl! We look forward to your joining our Temple family.

Hanukkah and Thanksgiving: A once-in-eternity overlap

This year features an anomaly for American Jews – the first day of Hanukkah coincides with Thanksgiving, on 11/28/2013. It turns out that it has never happened before... and it will never happen again.

Thanksgiving is set as the fourth Thursday in November; this means that the latest it can be is 11/28. November 28 is also the earliest Hanukkah can begin. The Jewish calendar repeats on a 19-year cycle, and Thanksgiving repeats on a 7-year cycle. You would therefore expect them to coincide roughly every 19x7 = 133 years. Looking back, this is approximately correct – the last time it would have happened is 1861. However, Thanksgiving was only formally established by President Lincoln in 1863, so, it has never happened before. Why won’t it ever happen again?

The reason is that the Jewish calendar is very slowly getting out of sync with the solar calendar, at a rate of 4 days per 1000 years (not bad for a many-centuries old calendar!) This means that while, presently, Hanukkah can be as early as 11/28, over the years the calendar will drift forward such that the earliest Hanukkah can be is 11/29. The last time Hanukkah falls on 11/28 is 2146 (which happens to be a Monday). Therefore, 2013 is the only time Hanukkah will ever overlap with Thanksgiving.

Of course, if the Jewish calendar is never modified in any way, then it will slowly move forward through the Gregorian calendar, until it loops all the way back to where it is now. So, Hanukkah will again fall on Thursday, 11/28... in the year 79,811. ❧

Documents

The Blessing of Returning - ShulCloud › 13443 › uploads › uploaded...Bible with Rabbi Josh 10:45 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service Sunday, September 8 10:30 a.m. Service of Faith