Monthly Archives: 4 Kislev 5772 (November 30, 2011)

Rabbi’s Message for December: The Meaning of Hanukkah
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We find the following in the Talmud: Mai Hanukkah? What is (the reason for) Hanukkah? Our rabbis taught: On the 25th of Kislev commence the days of Hanukkah—eight days on which lamentation for the dead and fasting are forbidden. For when the Greeks entered the Temple, they defiled all the oils therein, and when the Hasmonean dynasty prevailed against and defeated them, they searched and found only one cruse of oil with the seal of the High Priest, but it contained sufficient oil for one day’s lighting only. Yet a miracle occurred and they lit the lamp that burned for eight days. (BT Shabbat 21) Over the generations Jews have loved to tell this story about the small cruse of oil and the miracle that it lasted for eight days. The rabbis ask, why celebrate for eight days instead of for seven days, since there was in fact in existence one day’s oil, so really only seven days might be seen as miraculous. Rabbi David Hartman teaches that the miracle of the first day was expressed in the community’s willingness to light a small cruse of oil without reasonable assurance that their efforts would be sufficient to complete the rededication … Continue reading

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President’s Message for December
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Deeds of loving-kindness are equal in weight to all the commandments. — Jerusalem Talmud, Pe’ah 1:1 Judaism has always appreciated the relationship between religion and social justice. TBA has a long and proud history of tikkun olam (literally: repairing the world). Our long involvement and support of the Monday Night Suppers at the First Baptist Church and our support of Beverly Bootstraps are perhaps the more noticeable examples. Yet there has always been the feeling we could do more. One of Rabbi Adler’s goals was to re-convene a Social Action Committee, and last month it held its first meeting. Joining the rabbi and me in this committee are TBA members Jim Younger, Arnie Cowan, Lisa Horowitz, Marion Bailey, Jerry Schwartz, Leah Shiro, and David Carnevale. We sincerely invite any of you who share our view that we can do more to better our world outside the walls of TBA to join us. We welcome your ideas, energy and involvement in this very important work. We will be continuing to meet in the weeks and months ahead, to broaden our involvement and perhaps work collaboratively with other congregations in our area. According to our tradition it is not incumbent upon each … Continue reading

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Teen Programming Updates
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Teens and parents, please make note of these upcoming events: Pre-Confirmation Madriach Program (for grades 8 and 9) Teens in our Madriach program will gain leadership skills through training sessions and hands-on experience in our classrooms and office. Next meeting: Sunday, December 11, 10 to 11 a.m. Also scheduled for January 22; February 12; March 18; and April 29. Rosh Hodesh: ‘It’s a Girl Thing’ (for girls, grades 8 and 9) We thank the Myerson family for hosting our introductory meeting in November. Next meeting: Sunday, December 11, 6 to 8 p.m. at the home of Susan and Michael Grant. Also scheduled for January 22; February 12; March 11; April 29; and May 20. ‘The Hub’ for Teens: Gonzo Judaism and the ‘Real Story’ of Hanukkah Monday, December 12, 6 to 8 p.m. at Temple B’nai Abraham. Register for this free discussion series through the North Shore Teen Initiative. Additional sessions are scheduled for March 18 (Temple Ahavat Achim, Gloucester) and April 30 (Cohen Hillel Academy, Marblehead). Confirmation Class (for grades 10, 11, 12) Classes with Rabbi Adler will meet twice a month leading to a Confirmation Graduation service in June. Starts Sunday, January 8, noon to 1:15 p.m. (lunch included). … Continue reading

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TBA Children’s Glee Choir is Back!
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We are pleased to announce that the TBA students will again be working with Lynne Jackson & Mike Palter, the talented musical directors of Neverland Theatre and of the Manchester School of Voice. Lynne and Mike and have kindly consented to continue to vocally coach our “Glee” chorus for this performance at a much reduced rate. Lynne & Mike bring along experience and a caring touch to vocal teaching.The choir was certainly one of the highlights of Rabbi Adler’s installation ceremony and of our Community Learning Day in May of last year. Students in grades 3 and up are invited to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. Lynne and Mike will meet with the choir twice a month from noon-1PM beginning this Sunday, December 4. This program is generously funded by private donations. If you are interested in contributing to the Children’s Glee Choir please contact the temple office.

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Mazel Tov
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The congregation extends a mazel tov to Benjamin Patt, on becoming a bar mitzvah; to Leah Sabino, on becoming a bat mitzvah; to Simon Petersen, on becoming a bar mitzvah; and to Tess Wallerstein, on receiving her Hebrew name.

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Donations and Scrip
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The Congregation Gratefully Acknowledges the Following Contributions (Recorded October 25 through November 20, 2011) Sorry, you must be registered and logged in to view this article and any associated comments.

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Ladies Latkes and Libations
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Monday December 12, 2011 – Monday December 12, 2011 Map and Directions | Register Description: Temple B’nai Abraham Sisterhood invites you to Ladies Latkes and Libations an evening of friendship and celebration Monday, December 12 at 7:00 PM at the home of Elaine Goldberg. Transportation is available for those who need a ride to and from event. Register

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