Brotherhood

Click Here for the Wellness Survey

The Temple Emunah Brotherhood is an organization that brings the men of the congregation together for social, religious, service and fund raising activities for the benefit of the Temple and the community. There are approximately 150 members. Social events include movie nights, breakfasts with speakers or other entertainment, annual Brotherhood deli dinner, family Super Bowl Party, spring family barbeque, and other events.

In support of religious life at the Temple, the Brotherhood donated a new sukkah to the Temple, and annually decorates the sukkah. The membership also leads Shabbat services at the annual Brotherhood Shabbat. A major fundraiser is the Yizkor book and book of remembrances which helps enhance the beauty of the High Holiday services. The Brotherhood also sponsors a Passover Wine sale which has over 70 varieties of kosher wine. Fund raising supports the Youth Groups, the Religious School, the Temple Operating Budget, Torah Fund, and Capital Campaign. The Brotherhood donated a new computer and projections system for use by the religious school. In addition, the Brotherhood supports the Tikvah Program for special needs campers at Camp Ramah.

Brotherhood Officers 2008 – 2009

President	Mark Bobrow
Co-Vice-President – Administration	Howard Epstein
Co-Vice-President – Administration	Jack Markuse
Co-Vice-President – Membership	Ed Willins
Co-Vice-President – Membership	Mark Druy
Treasurer	Scott Damsky
Recording Secretary

Brotherhood Calendar 2008 – 2009

Sun	September 14, 2008	Board Meeting	9:45 AM
Sun	October 5, 2008	Sukkah Setup 1	9:45 AM
Sun	October 12, 2008	Sukkah Setup 2	9:45 AM
Sun	October 19, 2008	Board Meeting	9:45 AM
Sun	October 26, 2008	Sukkah Take Down 1	9:45 AM
Sat	November 1, 2008	Brotherhood - Synaplex Shabbat	8:30AM
Sun	November 2, 2008	Brotherhood Breakfast / Adult Ed - Rabbi Lerner Lecture	9:45AM
Sun	November 2, 2008	Sukkah Take Down 2	11:00AM
Sun	November 16, 2008	Board Meeting	9:45 AM
Sat	November 22, 2008	Movie Night - CANCELED	TBD
Sun	November 23, 2008	Brotherhood Breakfast / Adult Ed - Rabbi Lerner Lecture	9:45AM
Sun	December 7, 2008	Board Meeting	9:45 AM
Sat	December 20, 2008	Brotherhood / Israel Action Movie Night - The Band's Visit	8PM
Sun	January 11, 2009	Brotherhood Breakfast / Adult Ed - Rabbi Jacobs Lecture	9:45 AM
Sun	January 18, 2009	Board Meeting	9:45 AM
Sun	February 1, 2009	World Wide Wrap	8:30 AM
Sun	February 1, 2009	Brotherhood Breakfast	10:00 AM
Sun	February 1, 2009	Brotherhood Party	6:00 PM
Sun	February 8, 2009	Board Meeting	9:45 AM
Sun	March 8, 2009	Wine Sale	11:00 AM
Sun	March 8, 2009	Membership Dinner	6:00 PM
Sun	March 15, 2009	Board Meeting	9:45 AM
Tue	April 7, 2009	Board Meeting	8:00 PM
Thurs	May 14, 2009	Board Meeting	8:00 PM
Thurs	June 18, 2009	Board Meeting	8:00 PM

Links

Brotherhood Programming
Brotherhood Shabbat
Brotherhood Man of the Year
Brotherhood Breakfast
Sukkah Building

Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs

Sisterhood

Mission Statement

The mission of the Temple Emunah Sisterhood is to provide educational and social activities to meet the needs of women and their families within our congregation and the community at large; support the congregation, its youth and our religious school; enrich the Jewish education and ties to Israel of its members; and support and unite with Women's League of Conservative Judaism.

Why Should I Join Sisterhood?

Sisterhood provides you with an opportunity to:

• Connect with other women

• Experience stimulating programs and study groups designed to enhance your personal growth, Jewish involvement and sense of community

• Develop your intellect, ability and creativity for personal, educational, and cultural enrichment

• Establish new and lasting friendships

• Become an Informed Jewish woman who can make a difference

• Add your voice to influence public policy concerning the family, synagogue, the Jewish community and Israel

• Enrich your own Jewish identity and that of your family

• Support Torah Fund, the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, the University of Judaism and Temple Emunah

• Connect with members of Temple Emunah, Branch and International organizations through programs, conferences, conventions, workshops and training services

• President: Janet Goldberg
• VP Education: Cheryl Lerner
• Ways & Means: Cheryl Lowenthal
• Financial Secretary: Debbie Sheldon
• Treasurer: Beth Fentin
• Corresponding Secretary: Helen Marcus
• VP Administration: Holly Caira and Karen Evans
• VP Membership: Naomi Keiler

Brochures

o Women's League Conference Flier 5-4-08

55+

The 55+ Group at Temple Emunah promotes friendship and bonding among seniors in the community within the framework of a Jewish temple. Our programs include monthly Sunday morning breakfasts with programs of interest or entertainment, trips to interesting places, a 55+ Shabbat, and services to our members including a Break-the-Fast Meal immediately following the shofar blowing ending Yom Kippur (October 9th, 2008). There is no charge, but please make reservations with Marcia Camac at 781-861-8834..

For membership information, contact Arthur Orenberg at (781) 862-0620 or just come to the next Sunday morning breakfast.

A summary of upcoming events may be seen by clicking here.

The latest bulletin column by Lester Macklin may be seen by clicking here.

You may click on one of the links below for more information on our activities.

Links

o 55+ Programming

Adult Education Committee

The success of the program hinges on the dedication of the Adult Education committee, which has grown from a small committee to a large one of exceptional volunteers, including Golda Dockser, who is the 5765 recipient of the Bureau of Jewish Education (BJE) Keter Torah Award for her work on the Ivrit la-Kol Hebrew Literacy program, and Terri Swarz Russell, who is the Family Educator at a different Conservative synagogue and a past recipient of the BJE Keter Torah Award. Linna Ettinger organizes the committee, plans courses, contacts instructors, writes and designs the Adult Education brochure. Sylvia Schatz has been a member of the Adult Education Committee for the longest period of time, providing our committee with valuable insight and historical background. Other members have been on board for several years, providing stability to the committee, while others, who are new provide energy and renewed commitment to life-long Jewish learning. Each member of the Adult Education Committee and the subcommittees are vital members and are a critical component of the success of the Adult Education Program. If you have any questions at all about any of our programs, please contact an Adult Education Committee member and we will be happy to assist you.

Linna Ettinger: Co-chair,
Terri Swartz Russell: Co-chair, Glatzer
David Abelman: Boston Jewish Film Festival
Rachel Ades: Boston Jewish Film Festival
Paul Chernick: Yiddish Vinkl
Rachel Cole: Women’s Seder
Golda Dockser: Ivrit la-Kol
Bess Ezekiel: Rosh Hodesh, Women’s Seder
Lisa Fishbayn: Women’s Seder
Bob Frankel: Lexington Institute of Jewish Studies
Ana Karchmer: Boston Jewish Film Festival, Glatzer, Web page design
Nancy Lefkowitz: Ivrit la-Kol, Boston Jewish Film Festival
Sharon Levin: Women’s Seder
Helen Marcus: Shuk Emunah
Larry Marin: Perek Yomi
Lou Nidus: Lexington Instute of Jewish Studies, Talmud
Marilyn Paul: Parenting (Post-Ikkarim)
Sylvia Schatz: Glatzer
Leslie Sherman: Women’s Seder
Louis Stuhl: Talmud
Susan Sugarman Kirsch: Women’s Seder
Susan Vernick: Boston Jewish Film Festival
Mark Weiner: Shuk Emunah, Trope Instructor
Jolley-Anne Weinstock: Member at Large
Evelyn Weyl: Member at Large
Judy Zola: Women’s Seder

Family Education

The Family Education Committee seeks to encourage spiritual and religious growth in families as well as assist families in building connections and community within Temple Emunah. Family Education programs strive to enable parents to strengthen themselves as the Jewish educators of their children and to assist families in observing Jewish tradition within the home. The Family Education Committee sponsors and co-sponsors many programs such as:

• Darshan Mentor Program
• Family Shabbat Dinners
• The Lulav Shake
• Tot Shabbat
• Shuk Emunah
• Lag B’Omer Picnic
• K’far Emunah (a Jewish parenting group)

These programs are made possible through a generous grant from the Sh’arim initiative of Combined Jewish Philanthropies.

For more information please contact:
Family Educator Rabbi Marci Jacobs.

Family Education Committee Co Chair Wendy Damsky
Family Education Committee Co Chair Debbie Cohen

Hineni

Hineni (translated here I am) is a program established to care for our Emunah family. Those who need us to prepare and deliver meals in time of sickness, offer transportation for medical needs and contact those in our congregation who are housebound. The committee is dedicated to help our fellow congregants and be there when the need arises.

Hineni needs both monthly sub-chairpeople and volunteers ("helping hands"). The volunteers form the foundation of the Hineni organization and are part of a list of "Helping Hands" who can be called upon for help by the chairperson of the month. Some volunteers are available to make and deliver a meal in time of need. Other volunteers are available to provide transport to a medical facility if the need arises.

Hineni is composed of 12-sub-chairpeople (rotating monthly chair) as well as two co-chairs- Barbara Palant and Joyce Nelson. The sub-chairs are responsible for coordinating the volunteers during the month.

Hineni is an outreach program for our own Emunah family. We will be there for you when you need us.

Israel Action Committee

The goal of the Israel Action Committee is to educate our congregants about Israel; to connect personally with individuals and groups of Israelis; to support appropriate Israeli organizations; to support travel to Israel programs; and to engage in local pro-Israel political activities.

Examples of Recent Activities:

-support of and interaction with an Israeli family that was a victim of terror during the recent Intifada; a march through Lexington in support of all such victims

-local lectures and discussion groups re the situation in Israel and its repercussions and presentation abroad

-program with Bar /Bat Mitzvah youth to support a food pantry in Israel and books presented to them

- program with Tufts students and high school at Emunah in preparation for the political environment on campus

-rallies with our Congressman at the height of the Intifada and during the recent Lebanon war

-AIPAC membership drive

-“Israel at Heart” – groups of youmg adult Israelis who visit our community

-Israeli movies

-Israel Action Shabbat

-February ’06 congregational trip to Israel with touring and interaction with Conservative communities in Jerusalem and Haifa

Upcoming Programs:

-Upcoming. Feb. ’07 congregational trip to Israel with Rabbi Lerner

-Fall ’06 Interfaith Forum in Lexington re Modern Mideast History

CONTACT: Richard and Esther Hochman at 781-861-0183 or E-Mail the Israel Action Committee.

Keruv (Outreach)

The Jewish concept of hospitality is the guiding principle behind Keruv. Temple Emunah strives to provide an environment in which all members of the community, including interfaith families, non-traditional families, and marginally affiliated Jews, can feel welcome to participate. The Keruv Committee creates numerous programs in support of these ideals.

The Hebrew word keruv means draw near, and in keeping with the meaning of the word, Temple Emunah strives to be open, welcoming and affirming. At Temple Emunah, we welcome all Jewish men and women, their Jewish partners, and their children as members of our congregation, regardless of their sexual orientation, race, or national or ethnic origin. Likewise, we welcome non-Jewish partners or children as reyim ahuvim (beloved friends), in the same manner in which we welcome and recognize any individual of another faith at Temple Emunah. We are committed to affording them every opportunity to access our faith, its traditions and teachings. The fabric of our Emunah life is enhanced and enriched by its diversity. To learn more about Keruv, contact Barbara Palant, Chairperson.

Temple Emunah affords all opportunities for non-Jewish family members to study at the Gerim Institute of Boston, our local/regional body that handles conversion and related study.

Mak'Haylah (Temple Emunah Chorus)

Click on the icon to hear the Mak'haylah.

Adon Olam

One can have religious experiences in various ways including words, meditation, righteous deeds, and music. The Temple Emunah chorus, the Mak'haylah, enhances the spiritual and religious experience of its members through song. At the same time, the Mak'haylah provides a service to the community at Temple functions and some of its religious Services, as well as to the outside community.

The word Mak’haylah is Hebrew for chorus and etymologically means “something that creates community.” In this spirit, the Mak’haylah has as its goal the freeing of the inner soul of its audiences through song, souls that are often bound up in the tight straits of modern existence.

The Temple Emunah Mak’haylah was founded by Leon Gunther in 1994. The chorus began as a modest group of Temple members who wanted to get together casually to sing songs just for simple enjoyment. However, owing to the increase in the quality of its performance, singing together became a more profound and serious endeavor and its repertoire grew rapidly in many ways and now includes liturgical, Zionist, Yiddish, Holocaust, and Jewish celebrational songs.

Since its founding, the Mak'haylah has provided the musical component of the Temple’s annual Holocaust Memorial Service. The chorus also presents an annual concert at the Hebrew Rehabilitation Center in Newton and sings at various community events. In June, 1996, the Mak’haylah presented its first full length concert, which was recorded as a tape entitled “Emunah Sings”. In November, 1997, the Mak'haylah joined Cantor Rabbi Yehuda Berdugo and l'Ensemble Philharmonia of Grenoble, France, in a major concert at the Jewish Community Center in Newton. On January 30, 2000, the Mak'haylah, along with the New England Klezmer Conservatory Band and the Chorus of Temple Isaiah of Lexington, presented a grand concert of Jewish music as one of the annual Lexington Cary Lecture Series.

New members are always welcome. There are no auditions and the ability to read or sight-read music is not required, though such abilities are extremely helpful.

Click here to contact the Mak'haylah for more information.

Membership Committee

Co-Chairs: Elise Richman Ezekiel, Marcy Lidman

The Membership Committee plays a critical role as the “gateway” into Temple Emunah for all prospective and new members, who represent the present and the future of Temple Emunah. The Committee’s mission is to attract and encourage unaffiliated individuals to join the Congregation, and once they join, to welcome those members through programs for orientation and integration into our community. In addition, the Membership Committee is involved in the ongoing retention of all Temple members.

More specifically, the Membership Committee sponsors two to three open houses each year to provide an opportunity for prospective members to come and learn more about the Temple, and for current members to welcome them. In addition, the Membership Committee delivers welcome gifts to new members and coordinates a new member “buddy” program to help new members become integrated into the Temple community.

The Membership Committee is proud of its achievements in helping to maintain and grow the base of Temple Emunah member families.

Committee members include:

• Elise Richman Ezekiel, co-chair
• Marcy Lidman, co-chair
• Alison Dick
• Naomi Kielar
• Sharon Levin
• Amy Rubin
• Alan Sherman
• Sue Wilner

Membership Information

Temple Emunah is a warm, welcoming, egalitarian Conservative synagogue serving the Jewish communities of Lexington, Arlington, Bedford and more than 25 other towns in Boston’s northwest suburbs. Temple Emunah offers a wide variety of religious, educational, and social opportunities for its members. From traditional and alternative worship opportunities to a vibrant preschool, religious school and adult education program, to a myriad of social and social action activities, Temple Emunah meets a broad range of congregants’ needs, from toddlers to seniors.

Dues are based upon membership category, and are available in our Membership Application Form. Although we expect that all members will pay full dues within their respective category, it is Temple Emunah’s firm commitment that membership will not be denied any individual or family due to financial hardship. Special arrangements will be made in a sensitive and confidential manner. For more information please contact the Executive Director.

We have special programs throughout the year for new members, to help integrate families into the life of our congregation, to introduce them to our professional and lay leadership, and to teach them about opportunities for participating in and contributing to all of our programs. For further details, please visit the calendar or contact the Membership Chairperson.

Seats at services for the High Holidays are included with the cost of membership. Non-members may also purchase High Holiday tickets, through the Temple Office. Any payment for High Holiday tickets will be credited towards the membership dues if you decide to join during the subsequent year.

We invite you to learn more about Temple Emunah. Please explore our website, read a letter from our President, or contact the Executive Director.

We also welcome you to visit us.

Social Action

HELP WANTED!
TEMPLE EMUNAH'S SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE NEEDS YOU

Join Temple Emunah members as we, with our community, contribute to Tikkun Olam, the repair and completion of the world. We encourage members to develop and lead projects.

To learn more about the Tikkun Mitzvah Pledge Program and the specific ways you may volunteer during the course of the year, please click here

Community Outreach

There are many hungry people in the world; the problem appears so immense that we often feel that we can do nothing. But you can bring a spark to your life and to others by preparing or serving a meal at a shelter through Project Sarah, collecting and distributing food for hungry families through Family Table, or serving a meal on Christmas Day through Project Ezra. Bar and Bat Mitzvah and wedding families are encouraged to contribute to Project Mazon.

Family Table

Family Table began in 1993 as a community response to the rising number of Jewish families and individuals who could not afford the necessities of life. It is a program sponsored by the Jewish Family & Children’s Services (JF&CS) working collaboratively with the Synagogue Council Of Mass, Jewish Community Relations Council and Hillell Council to bring this needed serve to families throughout Greater Boston to increase hunger awareness in our community. Family Table is a member of the Greater Boston Food Bank. The number of families receiving assistance is greater than 150. Many of these families are new to the United States. Some families have breadwinners who unfortunately have lost their jobs or are unable to work due to illness. Synagogues throughout Boston contribute a variety of different food items as well as paper goods and toiletries monthly.

On a monthly basis, our congregation collects 100 boxes of rice (no larger than a two pound bag) and 100 boxes of crackers. The food is placed in the baskets in the front entrance of the temple. The food is collected and brought to JF&CS once monthly by volunteers from our congregation. Temple Emunah also participates in special holiday food drives at Yom Kippur, Purim and Passover. In addition, we also provide Hanukah gifts to children of Family Table recipients. Once yearly, we not only bring our collected food to JF&CS, but we also pack up the groceries at the Waltham site and deliver the food directly to families.

Food and Flowers

After Shabbat, deliver Temple flowers to area nursing homes and leftover food from Temple functions to Sandra's Lodge in Waltham.

Hineni

Hineni provides outreach to our congregation when special assistance is needed due to illness. Volunteers provide transportation, meals, friendly visits, and assistance with household tasks that may be difficult. Hineni also maintains a list of community resources for seniors in need of assistance.

International Humanitarian Relief

Temple Emunah has led nationally recognized efforts on behalf of civilians in war-torn areas; sending aid to Bosnia and resettling refugees locally; collecting funds to aid international humanitarian organizations in Kosovo. Help the Emunah community respond to international crises.

The genocide in Darfur continues unabated. Most recently, China and the Sudan government have signed new agreements of cooperation, without any concern on China's part for human rights. China supports the genocide not only monetarily by being one of the largest purchasers of Sudanese oil, but also by having a vote on the UN Security Council - and that vote is never in favor of helping the people of Darfur (www.savedarfurma.org). Temple Emunah has made a commitment not to stand idly by while the people of the western Sudan, the Darfurians, are suffering. Temple Emunah maintains a project whereby donations can be made to "Temple Emunah/Darfur" for the purchase of solar cookers to be sent into the refugee camps. The lives of women and children can be saved if they don't have to leave the camps in search of firewood and become targets of the Arab militia (Janjaweed). The policy of the Social Action Committee is to not stand idly by but to be as engaged as possible in working to stop the genocide.

K'sharim : Connecting People with Disabilities to Jewish Life

The Havdalah Happening is an annual Havdalah service and dinner for people with disabilities. Volunteers are needed to help with publicity and dinner preparations. Be a part of a welcoming community. K'sharim is now shared by six other congregations, based on the model created at Temple Emunah.

Red Cross Blood Drives

Twice a year, Temple Emunah sponsors a blood drive with the American Red Cross. Volunteers are needed to place telephone calls to donors, to help register people, to serve refreshments, and of course, to donate blood. Tired of giving gifts that aren't really needed? Give a gift that can be a lifesaver To volunteer please call Gila Appleby at 781-863-1326.

Urban Affairs

Help a Child Advance in School

Do you enjoy working with school age kids? Would you like to help urban youngsters who are having trouble academically? If so, here are some great opportunities for you to consider.

Tutoring in a Lowell Middle School

Temple Emunah has been providing tutoring support to youngsters in several locations since 1997. We are now helping at the Sullivan School, a middle school (grades 5 to 8) located in Lowell. Our volunteers are there on Monday afternoons from 1:10 to 3:10 where each works with one youngster during the school day and then as part of an after school program. We have been helping fifth to seventh graders in math and English. Our pay, of course, consists of the satisfaction of seeing youngsters who are having academic trouble move on. You must be available at least twice a month to participate. Teaching experience is not necessary.
Larry Marin (781)861-7855, coordinator

Literacy Tutoring in a Cambridge Elementary School

If you would prefer to work with children younger than middle school age you might enjoy joining the literacy tutors from Temple Isaiah. They work with children from kindergarten through third grade, in a Cambridge Public School, to provide support or enrichment, primarily in reading. You do not need any teaching experience; training and support are provided through the Jewish Community Relations Council. You would be joining over 700 volunteers in the Greater Boston area who participate in the Greater Boston Jewish Coalition for Literacy. You need to commit to one morning hour each week, but the scheduling is flexible.
Elaine Wiesen (781)862-7078, coordinator

The Social Action Committee facilitates and supports all of these activities. For further information please contact either of our Social Action Cochairs.

Barbara Posnick, E-Mail or call at 508-358-0812.

Bob Russman-Halperin, E-Mail or call at 781-863-8164.

Sherry Hahn, E-Mail or call at 781-641-0872.

Links

o Social Action Programming

o Tikkun Mitzvah Pledge Program

Technology

This is the web page for the Temple Emunah technology committee. The technology committe provides lay support for the Temple's IT infrastructure.

Projects

• Oversight of capital planning for IT.
• Assistance to the professional staff
• The Web Site
• Wireless Access in the Temple Facility

News

Click here for Technology News

Ways and Means Committee

The Ways and Means Committee is responsible for planning and implementing fund raising events and programs which help to supplement the overall Temple Emunah operating budget. Whether a specific event, like our Annual Purim Casino Night, or ongoing programs, like our Scrip Program, the goal of Ways & Means is to create opportunities through innovative and community-building programs for our congregants to contribute to Temple Emunah.

Because member dues do not fully cover the costs of all of the wonderful programs and services at Temple Emunah, our community relies on the generous support of our congregants and friends. The future of Temple Emunah is dependent on raising funds to provide for the continuation of our rich tradition and to create and fund new programs and projects.

Should you have suggestions on fund raising opportunities or wish to become involved in Temple Emunah’s fundraising efforts, please contact Steve Wilner.

Youth Committee

Temple Emunah’s Youth programs provide multiple opportunities for the synagogue’s youth to experience Conservative Judaism, to connect with other Jewish youth (both within and outside of Temple Emunah), and to participate in the larger synagogue community. Activities for meeting these goals are designed, implemented, and supervised by a creative and energetic full-time youth staff, consisting of the Youth Director and two Youth Educators; each of whom also teaches in the more formal setting of the Hebrew School.

Supporting the efforts of these Jewish professionals is the Youth Committee, comprising volunteers from the Temple Emunah community. Most, but not all, members of this enthusiastic, active, and dedicated Committee are parents of children currently participating in the Youth programs. Indeed, many volunteers are parents whose children have graduated yet choose to participate on the Committee because they recognize the impact the Youth programs had on their own children.

Typical activities of the Youth Committee include deciding youth-related policies, chaperoning youth events, advocating for youth priorities, offering a parental perspective, and raising funds for youth activities and scholarships. Some of the major events sponsored by the Committee include the annual congregation-wide Purim Carnival and out-reach mailings before Chanukah and Pesach to college students who were members of Temple Emunah. Additional activities are listed on the Youth Programming page.

The Youth Committee meets once per month and welcomes any Temple Emunah member who wants to help develop strong Jewish identities among the Youth of our synagogue. For more information, please contact our Youth Director.

Click here to go to the Lexington USY web site.