Tidings

Temple Ohabei Shalom—Judaism in Motion

February 2009/Shevat 5769
What’s Inside: 100 Blessings a Day now fret over diminishing
Page 2 Rabbi John Franken returns from their
investment portfolios. The
• Cantor Schloss’ message The economist Jeffrey Sachs has observed that endless barrage of bad
• February Birthdays today’s middle class enjoys a standard of comfort and economic news only adds
luxury which far exceeds that known to the royalty of to the anxiety.
Page 3
all previous ages. Where our ancestors subsisted on
Worship one or two types of grain, a few fruits and vegetables, Yet with anxiety comes
• Shabbat Rishon and perhaps one or two main sources of protein, we opportunity—the
• Tot Shabbat enjoy access to dozens of spices, scores of exotic opportunity to find spiritual
• Adult Choir fruits and vegetables, and a panoply of breads, refuge. Temple Ohabei
• Daily Worship cheeses and meats. Where our ancestors might have Shalom exists not only to educate our children and
journeyed once in a while to the next village, we think sanctify the most important moments in our lives. It
Page 4 little of jetting off to the next state or even the next exists as a place to get spiritually centered, to raise
• Israel: Prospects for Peace continent. The acceleration of human knowledge and our spirits, to clarify what matters in our lives, to gain
• Lost and Found the abundance it has produced have changed how we new perspectives, to find comfort and strength, to
interact with the material world very much indeed. forge friendships, to encounter God and community,
Page 5 and to engage in acts of caring, kindness and justice
• Todah Rabah Yet the human spirit has changed little. Although our for each other and the wider world. It is the one place
• TOS Wish List bodies are healthier, fuller, and more comfortable, we come to affirm and appreciate the unique blessing:
• Facilities Manager our souls remain hungry. They long for wisdom,

Page 6
inspiration and meaning. More than anything else
perhaps, that is why religion remains as important
.‫ַשּׁנִים‬
ָ ‫ ְמ ָב ֵר ְך ה‬,ָ‫בָּרוּ ְך אַתָּה יְי‬
• URJ Board Report now as it ever did. Even in this age of science and Blessed are you, O Eternal God, for bringing both
• Bylaws Task Force philosophy, we moderns have discovered that there is physical and spiritual abundance into our lives. It is
• Family Table a point at which the rational and the physical come to the one place where we might feel rich in the truest
an end. And precisely at that nexus is where the and deepest, Mishnaic sense of the word.
Page 7 spiritual and the metaphysical begin.
One final note: As always, but now even more so, we
Project For Our Future
In my life I have seen some make the mistake of invite you to join us in our efforts to perform acts of
Brit Tzedek V’shalom report associating material abundance with spiritual hesed (kindness) and tzedek (justice). Should you
Page 8 happiness. This notion was captured by a playful desire to be on either the receiving or the giving end
Lifelong Learning bumper sticker I once saw that read, “He who dies of such an act, please let us know. We would love to
with the most toys wins.” The Mishna, in its wisdom, hear from you!
Page 9 has a different view. “Who is rich?” it asks. “The one
Ansin Religious School News who is content with his or her lot.” In other words,
the number of one’s toys does not determine one’s
Page 10 wealth in life. Instead true wealth is determined by
Auxiliaries one’s inner sense of contentment, of feeling blessed. A Special Thank You
SABAH The TOS community is deeply grateful to those
If this is true, what can we gain from our tradition?
We can gain wisdom and inspiration, the assurance of donors whose generosity made possible the bulk
Page 11
our humility, and a sense of gratitude and blessing. purchase of our new siddur (prayer book), Mishkan
Tributes Tefila:
Put another way, Judaism can make us rich in the
Page 12 truest sense of the word. Ruth Feldstein and Asa Nixon
Yizkor Elohim David G. Kantor
This is all the more so at a time when the current
Adrienne Shishko and Joel Sklar
Page 13 financial crisis has injected an extraordinary stress and
Brotherhood of Temple Ohabei Shalom
Construction Updates anxiety into many of our lives. Workers who once
Penn Trust
Tributes (cont.) thought their jobs to be secure now brace for layoffs
Lois Nathan
or furloughs. Parents who once thought they could
afford tuition at a private college now steer their “When one dispenses Tzedakah...it is as if s/he has
children toward less expensive institutions. Senior filled the entire world with lovingkindness.”
citizens who once looked forward to an annual cruise —Rabbi Elazar
The Power of Ritual As Jews, we have the opportunity to observe ritual for specific
occasions: birth, death, and many stops along the way. But we
Cantor Randall Schloss also have time-bound ritual, the observance of Shabbat, that
I have just returned from our can act as a vessel for our daily lives. If you are having
Congregational Kallah inspired by the difficulties in your life right now, or perhaps joys that you would
power of ritual. Throughout history, Jews like to share, consider adding ritual to your life experience. I
have clung to ritual in the face of difficult, look forward to seeing you and sharing with you on Shabbat.
sometimes tragic circumstances. And right
now, indeed, life is difficult. Israel is
burdened by increasing violence. The
worsening economy weighs heavily. Many
of us have individual challenges that undercut our efforts to live
happy, productive lives. An almost perfect response to our
challenging existence is ritual.

And ritual serves us equally well in times of celebration and joy.

There is a reason why, even if we don’t attend services regularly,
we choose to observe Jewish rituals of chupa, breaking the glass, Farewell to Marylin Klickstein
and singing of the sheva brachot at a wedding. If ritual did not
On January 30 we bid a fond farewell to our dear friend,
enhance our life experiences, then we would all choose to get
Marylin Klickstein, who in her short tenure as receptionist,
married at City Hall, entered into marriage by a justice of the
became a beloved figure at TOS. We thank Marylin for her
peace. Both the civil ceremony and the Jewish ceremony cover the
outstanding service and wish her hatzlachah rabbah (much
basics, but the ritual aspects of a Jewish wedding service heighten
success) in her new endeavors. We also take heart that, even as
our experience.
Marylin will no longer work at TOS, she will continue to be a
cherished member of the TOS community.
There is no reason that we need the best of occasions or the worst
of occasions to participate in ritual. As Reform Jews, we have the
freedom to choose the depth of our participation. That does not Dear Friends,
mean that we don’t observe Jewish traditional practices, but rather
those rituals we do observe, we do so with consciousness and It has been an honor and a privilege to work at TOS
intention and not out of obligation. and to get to know so many of you.
I have truly enjoyed working with our wonderful
Larry Hoffman, the preeminent Reform liturgist, gives us the
following concepts, highlighting the potential power of ritual in our
staff and congregation and I want to thank each of
lives: you for enriching my life, for welcoming me so
• Ritual shapes time. It arranges our life into packages of warmly and for supporting me, both professionally
moments that matter. and personally. I especially want to thank Alan
• “Ritualizations” are empty; “ritual” is not. Ritual is neither Shepro for bringing me into the TOS family.
good nor bad, advanced nor primitive. It is human through While I will be moving on to new endeavors, I will
and through. It can remind us of our humanity, and move us
hope to stay in touch, to see you at synagogue
to act humanely.
events and to share in Temple Ohabei Shalom’s
• Ritual culminates in ritual moments that provide the
satisfaction, if closure, ands allow us to move on to another bright future.
activity with a greater sense that life matters. I wish you all well in the years ahead.
• Culminating ritual moments vary in emotional tone. They may
be happy, sad, poignant, cathartic, or just inwardly satisfying. With warm regards (L’Shalom,)
They may be experienced privately or demonstrated publicly. Marylin Klickstein
• Ritual scripts may be inherited or newly created. They may be
open or closed.
• Style matters. Minimalist, rigid, and obligatory worship styles
can impede ritual satisfaction.
• Jews treat public prayer as a necessity, not an option. Viewing February Special Birthdays
it as an obligation does not mean that it is meaningless or Sheila A. Elliott Marina Feldman
must be poorly done. Seeing it also as an art—a sacred David L. Landay Thomas Plancon
drama, in particular—allows us to apply considerations of Sharon E. Sass Alan Shepro
artistry to it, and thereby to do it better. Dorothy Weissberger

2
Worship

February Shabbat Rishon March Shabbat Rishon:

Shir Appeal GLBT Equality:
Friday, February 6, 7:30 p.m. A Look Ahead
Dessert Oneg to follow Friday, March 6,
7:30 p.m.
Please join us for a special celebration of Shabbat
Shirah (Shabbat of Song). Shir Appeal, Tufts Ben Klein, Senior Attorney,
University’s Jewish a cappella group will lead us in song Gay & Lesbian Advocates &
throughout the service, and will present a diverse Defenders (GLAD)
program, including: traditional Jewish folk songs, Israeli
rock, liturgical music, and American songs with Jewish
themes. The evening promises to be fun, spiritual and Ben Klein is a Senior Attorney
exciting: an embodiment of Shabbat Shirah! and has been the AIDS Law
Project Director at Gay & Lesbian Advocates &
Come Sing with our Choir! Defenders (GLAD) since 1994. Ben has litigated cases
in state and federal trial and appellate courts
From novices to experienced singers, all are
establishing legal protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual
welcome! Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings
and transgender people and people living with HIV. He
at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel. was counsel in Kerrigan & Mock v. Department of
Public Health, GLAD’s 2008 victory in the Connecticut
Contact Karen Landman ([email protected]) if Supreme Court ruling that the exclusion of same-sex
you would like to participate. For more information, couples from marriage is unconstitutional.
contact Cantor Schloss at [email protected].
This event is co-sponsored by Keshet. Please join us.

Tot Your Synagogue

Shabbat needs YOU!
Daily Worship Service
Friday, February 6, 2009 Evenings at 6:00 and mornings at
8:00 (9:00 Sundays and legal
First Friday of the month, 5:45 pm holidays) a member of the
Join Rabbi Franken and Cantor Schloss as they bring the congregation leads a very short
Shabbat experience alive for the youngest participants in service. There are openings for new
our community. Activities, music, dancing and optional leaders. If this interests you contact
dinner for all participants! (dinner:$6 kids/$10 adults) Ita N. Wiener at 617-734-7137 or
Spencer Gould at 781-329-7439.
RSVP to Amanda at 617-739-9200
3
Community
“The Democratic Jewish State Members of Temple Ohabei Shalom
and Prospects for Peace” should be very proud of our generous
Sunday, February 8 at 7:30 p.m. donation of toys for Boston Medical
Temple Ohabei Shalom is pleased to join the Center's GROW CLINIC . The
New Israel Fund, Brit Tzedek v’Shalom, the playpen overflowed with diverse
Consulate General of Israel to New England, holiday gifts. "Todah Rabah" to all
and the Jewish Community Relations Council who gave so caringly!
in co-sponsoring a talk by Gershom
Gorenberg, titled “The Democratic Jewish Stateand Prospects for
Peace” The event will take place here at TOS on Sunday, February
8, at 7:30 p.m.

Gershom Gorenberg is a Jerusalem-based historian and journalist.

His most recent book, The Accidental Empire: Israel and the Birth
Lost and Found
of the Settlements, 1967–1977, presents a strikingly new picture
of Israel’s post-1967 history, major Israeli leaders, and Israel-U.S.
relations. Gorenberg’s previous book, The End of Days:
Fundamentalism and the Struggle for the Temple Mount, portrays
Last Call!
the role of religious radicalism in the Middle East conflict, and
exposes the real reasons for the Christian Right’s support of Israel. The TOS Office has a collected a number of
He co-authored the Jerusalem Report’s 1996 biography of Yitzhak lost and found items including some beautiful
Rabin, Shalom Friend, winner of the National Jewish Book Award.
As a commentator on Middle East affairs and the interface of
tallitot and tefillin. If you feel any of these un-
religion and politics, Gorenberg has appeared on 60 Minutes, claimed articles are yours, please contact the
Nightline, Dateline, Fresh Air and on CNN and BBC. For many main office at 617-277-6610 or stop by to
years an associate editor of the Jerusalem Report, he is now a
senior correspondent for the American Prospect. look in our bin!
This event will attract a wide cross-section of the Boston Jewish
community. Please mark your calendars! Clothing items left un-
claimed at the end of the
Mazal tov to Shelley Schwartz on the birth of month with will be
her grandson, Bennett Schwartz, born January donated to tzedakah
4, 2009. and tallitot will be
added to the TOS
collection. Thank you!

Join the TOS Group on

Facebook! Illness?
Hospitalization?
Search “Temple Ohabei Birth? Simcha?
Shalom” and click “Join Please let us know...
this group.”
4
 Welcome Britta Weirich,
Todah Rabah TOS’s New Facilities Manager
We express our deep We are excited to introduce a new
member of the TOS team, Britta
appreciation to the following Weirich, who has assumed the role of
individuals who have recently Facilities Manager. Britta comes to us
with a wealth of experience through
enriched the life of our her work as Facilities Manager of the
community: YWCA in Cambridge as well as eight
years as the Facilities Manager at
Outward Bound in New York City.
• Ellen and Ciro Alfaro, Shellee Britta now oversees our custodial
Robbins and Don Steinbrecher, staff, maintenance of our building and
Beth and John Gamel, and Eddie grounds, and coordinates internal and
external rentals; and anything to ensure the safety and comfort of
and Betsy Jacobs for hosting our all those who enter our synagogue.
get-acquainted coffees with Rabbi Please be sure to say “hi” the next time you are in the building and
Franken and Cantor Schloss. feel free to contact Britta at [email protected].

• Danit Ben Ari for overseeing

the redesign of Rabbi Franken’s Temple Ohabei Shalom’s
study.
Wish List...
• Tom Rubenoff for his expertise
Now that our new Facilities Manager is in place, we have
in completing the renovation of a “wish list” of projects to enhance the physical space of
Rabbi Franken’s study. TOS. If you have time, resources, contacts or the
financial means to fund a project, please let us know!
Contact Steven Davis or Britta Wierich in the synagogue
office at 617-277-6610.
Each member has a unique relationship with TOS...if
there is a project you would like to fund that is
particularly meaningful to you, we would love to speak
with you!
New Carpeting in the Front Offices
New Carpeting in the Montague Chapel
New Wall Coverings in Penn-Spero Hall
Renovations to the Lissner and
Penn-Spero Hall bathrooms
“Temple Ohabei Shalom Stands With Israel in Her New Carpeting in the Sanctuary and Foyer
Quest for Peace.” On January 14 a group from TOS
attended a rally of solidarity with Israel at Copley New stage curtain in Penn-Spero Hall
Square. Picture above, bundled up for the frigid
weather, are Rabbi Franken and Denise Green.
Tile for the Administration Building Lobby
Underwriting the renovation of the rabbinic suite
(naming opportunity available)
5
Community
URJ National Board Meeting Report Bylaws Task Force
by Len Davidson

I have just returned from my first North American board meeting of An independent task force has been established to
the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) in Tampa, Florida and am review and revise TOS’s current bylaws. Known as the
filing this report to give you a sense of what I experienced and what bylaws task force (or “BLT Force”), it is anticipated that
is going on. We at TOS are members of the URJ, the organization
that represents the Reform movement. First, and not surprisingly,
this group will prepare and present the revised bylaws
the most-repeated topic over the course of the several days of for approval -- first by the Board of Trustees in April
meetings was the economic situation and the effects that it is hav- and then by a two-thirds vote of the TOS members
ing on all of us. Rabbi Eric Yoffie, president of the URJ, confirmed present at the Annual Meeting which is held in May (or
that there would be a plan developed to respond to the challenges June) -- all in accordance with amendment procedures
(oh, how I have learned to loathe that euphemistic word) that we
are facing. There have been changes made already, such as hiring
set forth under the current bylaws. In order to ensure
freezes and reductions in travel expenses. This plan of that TOS members are afforded the opportunity to
change/reorganization/restructuring is to be ready for the next provide input, the BLT Force is encouraging all inter-
North American board meeting in June, 2009. The URJ is aware ested TOS members to share their thoughts and ideas
of the need to look at expenses in the light of the economic situa- about the bylaws directly with the BLT Force. We invite
tion. Catch-phrases were common, including the ideas that “from
a crisis can come an opportunity” and “planes take off against the
you to submit your comments, in writing (only) by
wind”. The goal and hope is that this can be a chance to make February 15, by either mailing a letter to the BLT Force
changes that could be beneficial long-term. We shall see….but in care of TOS or sending an email to [email protected].
the indications were good in terms of addressing the situation hon-
estly and with new perspective. Not surprisingly, a large portion of
the URJ budget is related to the salaries of URJ employees, includ- Jewish Family and Children’s
ing regional office employees as well as the movement’s North
American offices. These apparently are to be re-evaluated as part Service Greater Boston’s
of the overall review of URJ operations.
Jewish Food Pantry
One thing that I did not know until recently is that approximately
44% of what synagogues pay to the URJ is then paid to Hebrew
Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) under a long- Please note:Temple Ohabei Shalom’s
standing agreement. HUC-JIR operates four separate campuses to NEW monthly contribution is:

Canned Tuna, Salmon

educate rabbis, cantors, and Jewish educators. Rabbi Ellenson,
speaking for HUC-JIR, indicated that they, too, will be looking at
their expenses, although no commitment was made nor timetable
set for this.
and Graham Crackers
The board, composed of approximately 250 representatives from Donations can be brought to the synagogue and
all of North America, acts more like Congress than a smaller board placed in the baskets by the Chapel or near the
of trustees. Much of the more meaningful work is done in commit- elevator. You can also write a check to the Sister-
tees, and there are people working on a variety of fronts, including hood of Ohabei Shalom with “Family Table” in the
programming, congregational assistance, learning at all levels, memo line or volunteer to drive our contributions
camps, budget, social action, support of Israel and more. There to the collection center in Waltham just one Sun-
are a lot of very fine people who devote much volunteer time to
day a year, 9:30am—
these tasks, and I already have a sense that it does make our move-
11:30am
ment stronger. It is an honor to be representing TOS at this level,
and to have a voice in shaping our future. I will continue to do my
best to represent our synagogue and our movement and to keep If you are interested in
you informed in the process. helping, Contact Dottie
Berman at 617-277-
L’shalom, 6610 or Dber-
Len Davidson [email protected].

6
 The Project For Our Future
Thank you to all who have given so generously to date. We are seeking one hundred percent
involvement from our congregation for this important project to ensure the future of Temple
Ohabei Shalom. Please contact our main office at 617-277-6610 or contact Mark Lipof
([email protected]) and Ellen Harder ([email protected]), Chairs of CongregationalGifts.

Barry & Faith Abrams William & Marcia Harris Thomas Martin & Danit Ben-Ari
Ellen & Ciro Alfaro Clifton & Ruth Helman Laura Moskowitz & Robin Shore
Anonymous (4) Donald Hootstein & Belinda Walters Robert Pierson
Harold Ansin z”l Jeffrey Hurwit & Elizabeth Greenspan David Rogovin & Susan Liberman
George Bazer Hideaki Ishihara Tom & Donna Rubenoff
Robert Beal Edward & Elizabeth Jacobs Zita Samuels
Alan Beggs & Jami Levine Frederick & Kathy Jonas Cantor Randall & Leah Schloss
Selma J. Bengis Edward & Marjorie Kahn R.K. (Shelley) Schwartz
Edward Bloom & Ellen Harder David G. Kanter Martin Shore & Shari Lisann
Rebecca & David Brendel Herman Kaufman Joel Sklar & Adrienne Shishko
Marc Casper Jonathan Kaufman & Barbara Howard Shirley Spero
Michael & Shari Churwin Stan Keizer Donald Steinbrecher &
Jesse Cochin & Alice Newton Steven Kern Shellee Robbins
Robert Coopersmith & Amy Tishelman Dov and Sima Kirsztajn Glenn Stevens & Shelly Tenenbaum
Leonard Davidson & Laurie Katzman Hana Kolton-Patsouris & Peter Patsouris Andrew Sumberg & Mindy Berman
Steven Davis Howard Koor & Ellen Mosner Ronny Sydney
Richard & Carol Daynard Charles & Sheila Landay The Trust Family Foundation
Daniel & Eva Deykin Dorothy Lebach Michael Weintraub & Diane Rosen
Rabbi John Franken Richard Leibovitch Ita N. Wiener
Steven & Frances Freiman Marcia Levine Spencer Wootton & Ellen Fox
John & Beth Gamel Louise Levingston Maurice Zabarsky
Lillian Garber Rabbi Emily Lipof
Louis Goldman Mark Lipof
Douglas and Toni Gordon Alan Litchman & Laura Trust
Robert Gottlieb & Margo Rosenbach Karen Livingston
Lawrence & Denise Green Robert Loeb & Tammy Gooler Loeb
Arnold & Tracy Greenfield Jeffrey Macklis & Carol Levin

Dispute Resolution Expert

Discusses Prospects for Peace Prof. Matz also discussed the conundrum about to be faced by
President-elect Obama, who has publicly committed himself to
At services on Friday evening, January 2, taking on this conflict early and seriously, and yet confronts an
Professor David Matz, a partner in The enormously difficult task if he does so. There is no easy or obvious
Mediation Group (Brookline) and director path even for the most dedicated of presidents, and every approach
of Graduate Programs in Dispute Resolu- carries with it the peril of failure and even of making things worse.
tion at UMass/Boston, spoke on behalf of
Brit Tzedek v’Shalom about the Israeli- The talk was followed by many questions from the congregation
Palestinian conflict. He spoke mainly about and brought to us by Brit Tzedek V’Shalom. Brit Tzedek v'Shalom
the underlying reasons why it is that, is a national grassroots Jewish organization dedicated to educating
though many people believe they “know the solution,” the conflict is and mobilizing American Jews in support of a negotiated two-state
nonetheless so difficult to resolve. He also linked these underlying resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
causes to the current flare-up of rocket attacks and the Israeli military Increasingly influential, and now with almost 40,000 members, Brit
action in Gaza. Tzedek is organized into a national chapter network and vibrant
online activist community. The Boston chapter is one of the most
Professor Matz’s main task was to provide a contrast. On the one active and has more than 3,000 supporters. Chapters hold regular
hand, the conflict is enormously complex, with eleven major players advocacy meetings with their members of Congress; organize edu-
around the world—including Iran, Saudi Arabia, the European Un- cational events in their local Jewish communities, supported by a
ion, and the United States—all wishing to influence its outcome, but network of 1,000 rabbinic advisers and supporters; and reach out
none easily coordinated with the others. On the other hand, at least to local Jewish and non-Jewish media. If you would like more infor-
since1988 there has been a gradual but clearly visible movement by mation about Brit Tzedek v’Shalom, please contact bos-
both Israel and the Palestinians toward accepting each other and [email protected] or call 617-230-6439.
learning to work together.
7
Lifelong Learning
The Book of Esther: Farce? Drama? Comedy? Legend?
Come and explore the artistry of this biblical masterpiece with Rabbi Franken and Cantor Schloss. Delve into the text
in order to consider its implications for contemporary morality, theology and politics.
Sunday mornings, March 1, 8 & 15: 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Save the Date!

Annual TOS Scholar-in-Residence Weekend
Entering Mishkan T’filah: An In-depth look at the Structure and Rationale Behind Our New Siddur (prayerbook)
Come and study with Rabbi Franken.
Friday March 20 thru Sunday, March 22.
Watch your mailbox for more information coming soon.

Ask the Clergy . . . Monday Night Roundtable, 7:00 – 8:30 pm

Bring your questions and join our clergy for an evening of lively discussion.
• February 9 “From Dan to Beersheva: Let’s Talk About Israel” with Rabbi Franken
• March 16 “Let's sing the TRADITIONAL tune!" How do we make decisions about music and ritual practice?”
with Cantor Schloss
• April 6 “Ha-olam Hazeh: The World Today” with Rabbi Franken.

School Cancellation Policy

In Case of Inclement Weather
The Ansin Religious School will close
if the Brookline Public schools close
for a snow day.

Please tune in to WBZ (channel 4),

WCVB (channel 5), WHDH (channel
7), or WRKO (680 on the AM dial) for
school cancellations.

We will also leave a

message on the
school answering
machine: (617)
739-9200.

8
Ansin Religious School News
No School Dates
Mark Your Calendars! Please mark your calendars . . .
Sunday, February 15 – Sunday February 22 February Break
Family Education
Grade 6 B’nei Mitzvah Havurah Sunday, February 8, 9:15 am
Informational Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation workshops with
our clergy and educators.
Youth Group Events
MOSTY & TOSTY Youth Event, Grades 1 – 4 Sunday, February 1, 12:30 – 3:00 pm
JOSTY Pizza Party & Shul-in Prep Tuesday, February 3, 2009, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
JOSTY Regional Shul-In Saturday, February 7 – Sunday, February 8
For students in Grades 7 /8. Applications were due, please c
ontact Kate if you would still like to attend the shul-in.
Tot Shabbat
Friday, February 6, 2008 First Friday of the month, 5:45 pm
Join Rabbi Franken and Cantor Schloss as they bring the
Shabbat experience alive for the youngest participants in our
community. The evening will include activities, music,
dancing and dinner for all participants.
Mark your Calendars:
TOSTY Shul-In Family Prep Sunday, March 1, 9:15 am
Purim Carnival Sunday, March 8, 10:30 am – 12:15 pm

The Fund for Lifelong Learning

Did you know that Ohabei Shalom has a scholarship fund available for adults and children to take advantage of local, regional, national and
international Jewish programming? Recently our TOS Fund For Lifelong Learning (FFLL) has been able to sponsor a teacher for an online
course with Facing History and Ourselves, provided tuition assistance for several adults who recently attended the TOS Kallah in Plymouth and
helped to send two students to Washington DC in December as a part of our Confirmation program. Below is an excerpt from a note that we
received when one of these participants returned from Washington:
Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,
Thank you so much for your generosity in awarding me this scholarship. This was a wonderful opportunity, and I appreciate the chance
to take part in it. This was an important experience for me because, as a Jew, I wanted to walk through the Holocaust Museum and gain
a deeper understanding of what really happened. I also wanted to go to Capitol Hill in order to see where change happens.
While in Washington, I gained a lot of new knowledge that I would never have gotten by just picking up a book and reading it. I learned
how to lobby. Even though writing my platform was difficult and frustrating at times, I got through it and realized that it can be quite
effective. I even had the opportunity to read my platform to one of Barney Frank’s assistants. I also got the chance to listen to one of
Ted Kennedy’s assistants talk about health care issues and his plan to help everyone get affordable healthcare.
The Holocaust Memorial and Museum were the important places that I wanted to see in person. It was a lot to take in, but I really
enjoyed it. I remember the long wall of photographs taken of the victim’s forearms, showing their identification numbers. There was also
an entire room of just shoes. They belonged to the victims and they were all burnt. Some were so small. There was also a section of a
train that was used to carry the Jews to concentration camps. Having the opportunity to get to see all of these things in person really
impacted me, and helped me get a better understanding the Holocaust itself.
Finally, it was not only great to be able to experience all of these things with the teens from my temple, but also to meet and share the
experience with teens from across the country. I want to take this time to thank you for making this memorable trip possible. It couldn’t
have happened without you.
It is abundantly clear from this note that the Ohabei Shalom community is enhanced by this student’s (and all of her classmates’) participation
in the L’taken Washington Experience. Scholarship funds are also available from the FFLL to help children attend Jewish summer camps as well
as specific Israel programs and trips. For more information, please contact Mindy Berman, Chair of the FFLL, or Shari Churwin, Education
Director, in the synagogue office.

9
Auxiliaries
Brotherhood News Sisterhood News
Jonathan Atkins & Louis Goldman Betsy Gould
In our first Dinner/Meeting for 2009, the Brotherhood, and its At this early January writing we anxiously anticipate our evening with
guests, had their spirits raised to the roof, as Cantor Randall Schloss humorist Beth Teitell, author of “Drinking Problems at the Fountain
inspired all in attendance with his depth of musical talents and of Youth,” about our country’s obsession with looking forever young.
knowledge. In addition to singing with us, Cantor Schloss discussed Locally, Beth has been featured on television with Emily Rooney.
the importance of music in Jewish life. On behalf of the Officers and
Board of the Brotherhood, we extend are warmest thanks to the We are most grateful to three of our “sisters” for offering to lead new
Cantor for making this night a huge success. groups in the following areas:
• Amy Hozid wants to start a book club. Those interested can contact
Our next meeting will take place on Monday, February 9, 2009 at her at [email protected] or (617) 566-1939.
6:30 p.m., in Lissner Hall. This dinner/meeting will be devoted to • Ita N. Wiener would like to conduct a class in post-Moses Torah study.
planning our Brotherhood Shabbat, which will take place on Saturday, Reach her at [email protected] or (617) 734-7137.
April 18, 2009. Cantor Schloss has offered to train any of our • Judy Mabel would like to begin a meditation group. You may reach her
members who wish to chant one of the Torah portions that are at [email protected] or (617) 232-7049.
contained in that week’s Sidrah, Shemini (Leviticus 9:1 to 11:47).
We strongly encourage all brothers to attend this meeting so that we We are also grateful to two other “sisters” for continuing ongoing successful
can make this year’s Brotherhood Shabbat a smashing success! groups:
• The Mahjong group meets monthly, and is in its second year. If
Reservations are required by calling Jerry at 617-731-5736 no later interested, contact Diane Rosen at [email protected] or ( 617) 566-5382.
than February 4, 2009. • Zita Samuels continues to offer her home and expertise for
We wish to thank all those who remember to bring in, or mail in, their “Knitting & Noshing,” The next meeting will be Thursday, Feb. 12th at 7
stamped cash register receipts from the Butcherie, to be placed in the p.m. Zita requests that you call or e-mail her about attending at
Brotherhood mail bin in the Synagogue Office! [email protected] or (617) 277-3653.
We appreciate these diverse and stimulating opportunities, and hope
that many newcomers from other facets of our synagogue and
SABAH: Seeking to help Hebrew School, as well as the community, will want to be a part of
one of these groups.
Nearly three years ago, the rabbis of three Brookline Thank you to ALL the dedicated and talented Sisterhood members
synagogues: Congregation Kehillath Israel, Temple Ohabei for knitting beautiful shawls and baby hats. Boston Medical Center’s
Shalom and Young Israel, approached CJP and Jewish Family Grow Clinic staff was delighted with the hats, and our Mitzvah
& Children's Service. Their idea: Why not create a program congregant shawl recipients will feel very cared for and comforted.
that would keep their elderly members engaged with their We all become jewelry artists as we mix and blend beautiful beads
synagogue, their community - and life outside of their own with Ellen Mosner’s guidance at our February event on Wednesday,
four walls? Now SABAH - Synagogue Alliance Connecting February 25th at 7 p.m. Ellen promises that everyone will go home
Brookline Elders Living at Home offers a lifeline for dozens with at least one finished product. This can be a great time
of Brookline seniors. socializing with friends while appreciating the beauty of your work!
Dessert and coffee will be served. Please RSVP to Betsy Gould at
Some examples of how SABAH can help:
[email protected] or (781) 329-7439 by Feb. 20th. Please note
• Replacing blown light bulbs that our Jan. TIDINGS listed the supplies price as $5/person, but the
• Lowering storm windows price will actually be $10 per person for the evening.
• Exchanging stored winter and summer clothes and
bedding Hilda Lopez is currently creating a very spiritual Sisterhood
• Removing air conditioners celebration of Shabbat for Saturday, March 28th. Sisters, please
contact Hilda to let her know that you’d like to participate in English or
• Driving you to a Brookline flu shot clinic
Hebrew in this service, at [email protected] or (617) 734-7525.
• Helping locate seasonal service companies for home
owners or renters (i.e., gutter cleaning and snow removal) Marcia Levine’s coupon project continues. Remember, you do not
have to cut them out. Please leave the whole flyer in the coupon box
If you know of any Brookline Residents in our congregation in our Temple office foyer.
who can benefit from this wonderful (and free!) program,
please contact Steven Davis, Executive Director, at 617- We look forward to seeing you at our Sisterhood events through the
coming year!
277-6610 or [email protected].

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Tributes
General Fund In Memory of Minyan Fund, cont. In Memory of
Barbara Rabinovitz Miriam Oshry Barbara Hillson Abramowitz Esther Hillson
Louise Levingston Bette Brown Isaak & Khaia Shifrin Itskhak Pisecki
Spencer & Betsy Gould Miriam Oshry Shmuel Pisecki
Jayme Lynn Winnick David & Rose Winnick Hersh Leyb Shifrin
R. K. (Shelley) Schwartz Celia Yaffa Milton Namiot & Margaret Trezza Ruth Namiot
In Honor of Richard & Sarah Frederics Rosalind Frederics
Doris R. Zich Samuel Leibowitz Hubert & Raynord Caplan Dr. Abraham Nathan Caplan
David Rogovin Goldie Pantell Caplan
Edward Bloom & Ellen Harder David Rogovin Joseph Pantell
In Appreciation 0f Robert N. Fireman Harry Fireman
Larry & Denise Green David Seldin & Cathryn Stein Betty Morningstar & Jeanette Otto Morningstar
Griffin’s Friend’s Cancer Fund Temple Ohabei Shalom Kruger
For The Health & Well-Being of Paul & Marcia Merlin Helen Merlin
Helen & Robert Sawyer Matthew Sawyer Larry & Denise Green Beatrice Berson
Stephen Ardizzoni Illona A. Roll Theodore T. Schoenfeld
Bob Wolf Evelyn Ruby Lillian Festinger
Sophia Solow George Rabinowitz Andrew C. Rabinowitz
Selma Gordon Dora K. Gordon
Temple Ohabei Shalom Music Fund In Appreciation of Irving J. Dublin Nathan Dublin
R. K. (Shelley) Schwartz Cantor Randall M. Schloss Herbert S. Stern Gabriel M. Stern
Building Fund Prayer Book Fund
Stella C. Levi Asa J. Nixon & Ruth S. Feldstein
Minyan Fund In Memory of David G. Kanter
Elinor R. Goldman Pauline Cohen AdrienneShishko & Joel Sklar
Anita Lang Leibowitz Lena Drucker Brotherhood of Temple Ohabei Shalom
George E. Bazer Evelyn Bazer Penn Trust
Lois S. Platt Juliette A. Sobell Lois Nathan
Maya R. Krigsgaber Dora Feinsteyn In Memory of
Bruce A. Beal Adelaide Beal Marcia Evelyn Levine Rabbi Albert S. Goldstein
Robert L. Beal Adelaide Beal Maya R. Krigsgaber Roman S. Krigsgaber &
Irving J. & Louise G. Dublin Bertha Dublin Dora A. Feinsteyn
Marjorie & Edward Kahn Anna Lillian Zitter Ansin Religious School – Rosh In Memory of
Samuel H. Zitter Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing!
Carol Bernstein Finn Maurice Jacob Bernstein Dorothy Julia Lebach Martin Weilheimer
Roberta & Stephen Paris Benjamin Bernstein
Ida Bernstein Pulpit Flowers Fund In Memory of
Bencion M. Moskow Esther G. Moskow George Rabinowitz James I. Roberts
Rimma Kofman Michael Kofman
Phyllis Kaplan Eugene Juster David E. & Bruna H. Rosengard In Memory of
Celia Kaplan Fund
Alexander M. & Brenda R. Tanger Herman C. Tanger Sarah Mangoubi Vita Saleh
June Hurwitz Augusta Benson The Mangoubi Family Bruna Rosengard
Peter D. L. Stansky Louis Abrahams Robert S. Rosengard Bruna Hazan
William Abrahams Sondra Hazan
Jerry Kravitz Albert Kravitz Rose Hazan
Rabbi Emily Lipof Michael Lipof Rose Bloom Rosengard
Annette L. Miller Murray Liberman Rose Rosengard Subotnik Bruna H. Rosengard
Dolly Koffman Samuel Foster Olins Piano Fund In Memory of
Judith L. Palefsky Harry Rideman Marcia E. Levine Miriam Oshry
Sumner R. Kates Max Lewis Kates
Doris R. Zich Philip E. Zich Project for Our Future
Sy Gottlieb Selma Gottlieb Edward M. Bloom & Ellen O.
Joel D. Katz Ruth S. Goldstein Harder
Joanne G. Katz Ciro & Ellen Alfaro
Miriam Katz Edward & Marjorie Kahn
Elizabeth & Aron Rivin David Tanfilyev Ronny Sydney
Avraam Rivin Peter & Hana Patsouris
Bernard & Phyllis Kliman Myrna Rice Stein Rabbi John A. Franken
George Rabinowitz Abraham Rabinowitz Donald R. Hootstein & Belinda
Audrey Goldberg David L. Rosenberg Walters
Corinne E. Gilbert Sarah G. Ellis Robert Pierson & Ellen Meyers
Seymour Saslaw & Jacquelynn Sarah Saslaw Marc & Denise Casper
Abraham-Saslaw Marcia E. Levine Continued on page 13
Dorothy Julia Lebach
11
Yizkor Elohim - May God Remember
We extend our deepest sympathy to their families. Those listed below are recorded in our Book of Remembrance, Windows or on Memorial
Plaques. An asterisk indicates that the plaque will be illuminated during the week of yahrzeit.
February 1-7 Bessie R. Levine Norman Howard February 16-23
Philip Caplan Gertrude Emma Mintz * Murray W. Neitlich * Henry Anthony
Louis Cohen Charles E. Smith * Jacob Pearl * Hazel M. Benjamin
Irving Cohn Ellis C. Tallen * Reba Raphael Susanna Katz
Frances Davis Henrietta R. Yusen * Samuel L. Slosberg * Abram Levi
Isaac H. Dinner William Alpert Louis Bahn * Leo V. Levins
Helen R. Haskell * Zelda Aronson Robert V. Crossman * Ronald F. Braunstein
Abraham B. Kamine Donald L. Daniels * Rose Raphael Daniels * Joseph Friedman
Frieda Korman Stella Feuer Kenneth Ellengold Morris Gorfine *
Helen K. Lader * Richard Hootstein Morris Fishel Sarah Levine
Jay I. Moskow * Benjamin Isenberg Judith Greenfield Carolyn Sharlet Nachman
Harry Palefsky Louis Rosenberg * Rebekah Landay * Irving Paul
Charles Solomon Raskind Louis S. Rothenberg * Alexander R. Robbins Bernice Silin
Rachael Rosenberg Minnie Sagoff * June Serper Rosenfeld Harry Spiel
Pauline Cohen Sawyer * Mary Alman * Isaac Rosnosky Esther Brown
George Traster Julia Barnard Louis Striar Mark H. Cobe
Elaine Wiensenfeld Gertrude Brown * Mikhail Tanfilyev Bella A. Ginsburg *
Benjamin A. Albert * Harry Levinson Yetta Abrams Belle Kahn *
Johanna Basch Franklin Lewenberg Rebecca R. Cloudman June Leacock
Bertram W. Bernhardt Esther K. Lilienthal * Archie Goldberg Abraham I. Passman
Dorothy B. Gordon * Eli Lurier Priscilla Greenbaum * Alice Price
Irving Heller * Rosa Mashal Harry Levine Samuel Shapiro *
Sumner Mayburg William Packer Abe Montague * Rebecca Berstein
Nehamah Glick Medlinsky Sidney H. Ross * Jennie Rosenfield * Ann Flanzbaum Bornstein
Meyer Segan David Bloom * Louis Sager Samuel Daniels
Stella Simon * Sylvia Scheinfeld Saul Goldfarb
Gussie Scheinfeldt Wingersky February 8-15 Edythe June Segal * Anna Hark
Mark Chados * Sidney Freedman Abraham Willis * Reuben David Hubar
Edward J. Endler * Max Goldforb Ethel Levine Cobe * Ada Milder
Victor T. Goldberg * Louis S. Levi * Edward A. Davidson Leah Sydeman
Lillian Greenberg Fannie Levine Ida Gerratt Jacob Vigor
Philip Grusby Joseph Rome Howard Goldberg Helen Antupit
Bertha Passman Hyman L. Rosengard * Bernard L. Gorfinkle * Anna Chapsky
Nathan Rabinowitz * Esther Israel Rosenthal Sydney Grace * George J. Frank
Fannie B. Rottenberg Jacob Weisberger * Gordon Hurwitz Samuel Marzynski *
Nathan Sable Edward J. Ginsburg Bessie Kravitz Bessie Steuer
Harry Shapiro Herman Katz Solomon A. Rosenbush Daisy Berler *
Norton Shapiro Bertha Klous Albert Sanger Edith G. Bernstein *
Irving Willis Jean Lebow Fanny Sanger Frank Brooks *
Bernard Witten David Mickelson Leo Olstein Wolkowich David Caro
Esther Miller Wyzanski Julius Rosenthal Arnon Ben-Ari Howard Lester Medlinsky
Issac Yaffa Louis Sherman Dorothy Julia Burke Dina Penn
Gertrude Baker * Fred Shuman Max Chapman Julius Price
Sophie M. Borenstein * Elizabeth C. Slosberg * Barney Comenitz Mae Selig
Jacob Joseph Davis William Small Charles Ficksman * Frank Sher
Samuel H. Joski Saul Weiss * Bessie Gordon * Martin Stein
Hyman B. Miller * Jennie H. Barron * Evelyn K. Macey * Gelina Toochinsky
Aaron Raphael Theodore W. Berenson * James Meads Sophie Burke
Philip Raphael Philip Forman Anne R. Miller * Norma Lazarus Gould
Marian S. Rosen * William Goldberg Rose Miller Naomi Beal Harris *
Joseph K. Shankman * Shirley M. Rodman * Hannah Sanger Mode Mark Jackson
Rebecca Shapiro Solomon Slotnick * Jeannete Peyser Vivian Levine *
Abraham Sobel Isabel Roberts Towbin Helen Rose Quigley Edgar Helmut Meister
Henry L. Cabitt Rose Berger Joseph Rosenberg * Joseph Pearlman
Roselyn Gelb Alvina Cohen Dorothy Rothstein Albert S. Resnick *
Max S. Ginsberg * Judy Dubbs Frances Wheeler Silin * Israil Rivin
Edward B. Ginsburg Helen Spero Greenfield * Isadore Stein * Louis J. Roazen *
Lillian Katz Herman J. Haskell * Benjamin Weiner
Gertrude Kravitz Norman Howard Albert Copeland *

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Yahrzeits, continued Tibutes, continued
Aaron Feinberg * Dvase Katz
Project for Our Future, cont.
David H. Greenhood * Paul Katz
Marylin Klickstein
Sadie F. Miller Sarah Lasovick
Rebecca & David Brendel
Helen Mover Mildred B. Levine *
Selma J. Bengis
Goldi Portman Philip B. Marks
In Honor of
Ada F. York * Emanuel Nathan *
Marcia E. Levine Mark Lipof & Shari Churwin
Joseph Nathaniel Segal *
In Honor and Appreciation of
February 24-28 Enna Spivak *
Eric & Allison Rimm Rabbi John Franken
Adolphus M. Burroughs * Julia Stern
Shari Churwin
Clara Friedman Sarah H. Strauss
Kate Mikesh
Edna E. Greenhood Joseph H. Weinerman *
Amanda Singer
Sidney A. Lang * Daniel Zabarsky
Sally Leibowitz Claire Beck-Barret
Gopen Library In Memory of
Mary E. Maze Melech Yosef Ben Yaakov
Herbert & Hanna Zeiger Isidore Zeiger
David Nemser Francoise M. Kaplan
Golda Zeiger
Harry Newman * Hyman Levine
Pauline Bloom
Louis Nizel * Robert Miller
In Honor of
Jeanie Pinkerton * William Segal *
Mindy Berman Cantor Schloss
Mary Polak Gloria Cohen *
Kate Mikesh
Abraham Burack Rebecca Cohen
Jonah Seiger Ronit Ben-Shir
Grover C. Burkhardt Simon M. Daniels *
Cherise Bransfield Melissa Rubin
Lenore Cohn Maurice Epstein
R. K. (Shelley) Schwartz Center for Early Education at
Pincus Jacobs Samuel J. Freedman *
TOS
Shmere Katz Isabel H. Greenhood *
Cassandra Warshowsky Jeff & Max Colt
Abraham Levine * Louis Grolnic *
Stephen Sugarman Margo Sugarman
Annie Sedar * Lena R. Helman
Andy O’Connell
Barnet Weiner * Victor Khiat *
Temple Israel
Dorothy Boraks * Miriam Lebach
Judith Liberman
Joseph Casper * Joseph Mandell *
Cassandra Warshowsky
Jeanette E. DeHaan * Fred J. Schlesinger
Dina Brownstein
Frank Gershon * Sarah Schlesinger
Spencer Gould
Samuel Gore Frank Sher
Bessie A. Hoffstadt Anna Zwick *
DID YOU KNOW? In 2009, taxpayers
age 70.5 and older can give away up to
$100,000 from their IRA's directly to
Construction Update charities, TAX FREE! Please consult your
financial advisor.
We are excited to announce that plans to renovate the
second floor of our school building are now in place!
Work to create our new Early Education Center will
begin in April and be finished in early summer. The
renovations will add moveable walls, bathrooms, new
windows and much more to create an ideal space to
educate our youngest TOS members. In anticipation of
Say
Cheese!
the work, the Ansin Religious School will be packing
up the classrooms....and they will need your
help! To volunteer your time or provide packing
materials (boxes and packing tape), please contact Help Rabbi Franken,
Shari Churwin ([email protected]) for more Cantor Schloss and the rest of the TOS staff to
information. We hope that you share our excitement as know you and your family. Please send digital
phase one of the Project For Our Future gets photos of yourselves, properly labeled and in
underway! jpg or pdf format to [email protected] or mail
hard copy to the TOS office.

13
Tell Your Friends!

14
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 PRSRTD STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 3465
BOSTON, MA.

February at Temple Ohabei Shalom

February 24 3:30pm ARS: Grades 3-7
1 9:15am ARS: PreK-7 5:30pm Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing!
2 6:00pm ARS High School 27 6:00pm Shabbat Service: Shabbat Mishpacha (MOSTY)
3 3:30pm ARS: Grades 3-7 28 10:30am Shabbat Service
6 5:45pm Tot Shabbat
7:30pm Shabbat Rishon: Shir Appeal March
7 10:30am Shabbat Morning Service 1 9:15am ARS: grades K-7
1:00 pm JOSTY Regional Shul-In 2 6:00pm ARS: High School
8 9:15am ARS: PreK-7 6:30pm Brotherhood meeting
9:30am B’nei Mitzvah Chavurah (6th gr. students & parents) 3 3:30pm ARS: Grades 3-7
10 6:00pm ARS High School 6 5:45pm Tot Shabbat
6:30pm Brotherhood meeting 7:30pm Shabbat Rishon with speaker Ben Klein, Gay and
11 3;30pm ARS Grades 3-7 Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD).
13 6:00pm Erev Shabbat Service Cosponsored by Keshet
14 10:30am Shabbat Service 7 10:30am Shabbat Service: Bat Mitzvah of Sara Feldstein-Nixon
15 No ARS: February Break
16 Presidents’ Day, TOS office closed
No ARS: High School
17 No ARS
19 7:00pm TOS Committee Night
20 6:00pm Erev Shabbat Service We need ALL of your Please do NOT include
21 10:30am Shabbat Service magazines, catalogues, trash, plastic, glass,
22 No ARS: February Break newspapers, office & school metal and cardboard.
23 6:00pm ARS High School papers and mail.

Leadership Staff and Executive Board Mon.—Thurs. 8:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.
John A. Franken, Rabbi Jesse Cochin, President Friday 8:00 a.m..
Randall M. Schloss, Cantor Arnie Greenfield, Vice President Saturday 6:00 p.m.
Emily G. Lipof, Rabbi Emerita Edward Jacobs, Vice President
Steven Davis, Executive Director Kathy Jonas, Vice President Sun./Holidays 9:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.
Daily Worship

Shari A. Churwin, Education Director Cathryn Stein, Vice President

Kim Singer, B’nei Mitzvah Educator Bob Loeb, Treasurer Temple Ohabei Shalom is the area’s
Kate Mikesh, Dir. Informal Education Martin Shore, Assistant Treasurer only Reform synagogue providing daily
David Sparr, Music Director
prayer for those in need of solace or a
quiet moment of introspection.

February Candle Lighting Times Each daily worship leader commits to

6 - 4:59 p.m. 20 - 5:16 p.m. one 20-minute weekly service. To
13 - 5:08 p.m. 27 - 5:25 p.m. become a leader, please call the
synagogue office (617) 277-6610.

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