Tidings
Ohabei Shalom—New England’s First Reform Congregation
What’s Inside: Speaking Truth to Power
At the time I write this, we are reading
President’s Message in the Torah about the exodus from
Egypt. That miraculous departure
could not have occurred if Moses had
Project for the Future
not been prepared to do what a leader
must: speak truth to power. He
Cantor Schloss’ Message confronted Pharaoh with the most
elemental demand for justice: “Let my
Worship people go.” And, against all odds, he
succeeded.
• Shabbat Rishon
• Daily Worship I have just returned from being
reminded of this lesson. In January, I
Social Groups led our Confirmation class to four days
in Washington, D.C., as part of the
• Sisterhood
L’taken seminars conducted by the
• Brotherhood RAC, the Religious Action Center of
Reform Judaism. The word L’taken
Lifelong Learning means “to repair,” as in tikkun olam,
• Storahtelling the repair of the world. Along with 200
other Reform Jewish teenagers from
• Spring semester
around the country, our students
classes learned about both the Jewish
imperatives to repair the world and the
Ansin Religious School things that should be repair in out
•
•
Mark Your Calendar
Snow Cancelation Info
society.
Many of those in attendance
The Western World/The Jewish World
• Shari Churwin understood from their own lives that we
• Special Traffic Alert should help individuals in need. The
seminar emphasized the possibility of
changing the circumstances so that
Yizkor Elohim
fewer individuals will be in need.
Students reviewed Jewish texts and
February Funds policy briefings. They went on mock
interviews and created mock
Nominating Committee demonstrations and television ads. And
they learned what they would need to
know to lobby members of Congress
February Calendar about the legislation that our Reform
Movement has identified as important
to building a better world. Of course,
they also saw the sights in Washington,
including the exciting neighborhood of
Georgetown and the powerful
Holocaust Museum.
On Monday, the final day of the
program, our students lobbied the
offices of their Senators and
Representatives. They brought out
February 2008, Sh’vat/Adar 1 5768
Jewish and policy reasons, as well
as the importance of the issue to
them personally. Their
presentations were exceptionally
professional and reflected well on
them. One Senate aide
commented that he heard many
students, but few had the grasp of
the issues that our young people importance both of idealism and
demonstrated. of realism in their approach to
the world. This is the mixture
Perhaps the most revealing part of that has been at the core of
the trip came at the end, when all Jewish survival. As Hillel said two
the seminar participants shared the millennia ago, “If I am not for
experiences of their visits. Some, myself, who will be for me? But if
such as our students, had a I am for myself alone, what am I?
sympathetic hearing. Others were And if not now, when?” For our
confronted with serious questions, L’taken participants – Kitty
and a few with outright hostility to Alpert, Henry Edelstein, Dan
their positions. It helped our Katz-Zeiger, and Molly Kaufman
students realize the diversity of – the answer was indeed now.
opinion in this nation.
The L’taken seminar allows our
young people to see the
a concert to benefit the Olins Piano Fund &
music at Temple Ohabei Shalom
Featuring the music Art Music and Musical Theater
of Robert Schumann,
selections from European,
Hugo Wolf, Lazaar Weiner,
American & Jewish Traditions
Leos Janacek, Samuel Barber,
Leonard Bernstein, Stephen
Sondheim, Abraham Ellstein, Feb. 2, 2008, 7:30 pm
Sholom Secunda and more. Montague Chapel
Private Dessert
Cantor Randall Schloss, Tenor Reception to
Leah Schloss, Soprano follow
Lucienne Davidson, Piano
Concert Only, 7:30 PM: $18
Concert and Private Dessert Reception: $36
Please contact the synagogue office for tickets
Updates

Date!!
President’s Message
Leonard M. Davidson
e
Save th ay: May 4, 2008 f the
.
There have been many interesting
hD
Mitzva
rs o
experiences that I have enjoyed at
e fo r membe together
is a tim join
Temple Ohabei Shalom. One that is
itz vah Day community to ity. Many
M n
particularly exciting at this time is the
i Shalo
m commu s will
wonderful opportunity that we have to Ohabe to the wider e opportunitie
e ic
build the Project For Our Future. in servic ewarding serv
r
This project accomplishes three fun and le that day.
a b
much-needed purposes in one brilliant design. It enables us be avail
to build a preschool, greatly improves accessibility by
installing an elevator to make our school building accessible
from the basement and Lissner Hall all the way up to the top
floor, and allows us to renovate the school and the chapel,
both of which are in need of such renovations. The Circle of Giving of Ohabei Shalom
Invigorated by the $1 Million dollar challenge gift, I am We thank the following people for their support.
pleased to report that the fundraising activity has picked up Pillar Guardian, cont.
considerably such that this Project is now in the stages where Jane Morningstar David Rogovin & Susan Liberman
Shirley Spero Ita Wiener
it is no longer a question of if we can get it built, but rather a Shelley R. K. Schwartz
Benefactor
question of how soon we can complete the fundraising and Ben Adler
Andrew Sumberg & Mindy Berman
begin to build this project. Our community response has Daniel & Eva Deykin Marc & Denise Casper
been terrific, and representative of the confidence that Robert & Esta Epstein Larry & Denise Green
Steve Kern
congregants have in our future, and in the wisdom of the Martin Shore & Shari Lisann
Don Steinbrecher & Shellee Robbins Margorie Kern
Project. If you have not contributed yet, or made a pledge to David Leifer & Marla Engel
Jesse Cochin & Alice Newton
do so, please contact our co-chairs, Larry Green and Steve Martin & Dianne Newman
Patron
Kern, to discuss how you can become a part of this exciting William & Marcia Harris
Anonymous
project. Larry can be reached at work at 617-345-3216 or Scott & Pollyanna Sidell
David G. Kanter
Mark Zeidel & Susan Freedman
at home at 617-566-0254. Steve may be reached on his cell Gideon Argov & Alexandra Fuchs
Bernard Joan Wasserman Friend
phone at 617-740-8497. You can always contact me as well. Marylin Klickstein
Michael Weintraub & Diane Rosen
My home number is 617-965-7283. Joseph Beck &. Zita Samuels
Marilyn M. Barron
Morris Greenbaum Adi & Gitta Kahn
There is much work to be done yet, but we are already Jonathan Kaufman & Barbara Howard Marcia Levine
Jonathan & Lauren Schloss
moving into the next phases of this Project. We will be Leonard Davidson & Laurie Katzman
Edward & Margie Kahn Cantor Randall & Leah Schloss
seeking advice and the talents of many congregants as we Michael & Shari Churwin
Louise Levingston
move forward. If you have skills that you think would be Barry Lyons & Amy Grossman Alan & Judy Shepro
useful in connection with the Project for our Future, please Joel Sklar & Adrienne Shishko David & Kimberly Chused
let one of us know. From ideas about design, to expertise in Richard & Carol Daynard Kevin Cole
Gertrude Goldberg
the areas of early childhood education, to experience in Guardian
Stanley J. Keizer
construction, we will build not only upon the generosity of Teresa Betit & Howard Lurie
Hilda Lopez-Soto
Arthur & Doris Zich
our community, but upon its knowledge and expertise as Greg & Ilene Mogavero
Daniel Schleifstein
well. It will then truly be a project for our future, and that of Tom & Donna Rubenoff
Jeffrey Macklis & Carol Levin
Howard Koor & Ellen Mosner
generations to come. Samuel Aaronson
Joseph Kriesberg & Dina Brownstein
Hubert & Raynor Caplan
Corinne Gilbert
Louis B. Goldman
Kathy Jonas
Richard & Sonia Ravech

Join our circle today. Contact the synagogue office

for more information
Music, Meaning and Community
Cantor Randall Schloss
Abraham Joshua Heschel was nothing if not a man of words.
His philosophy and theology are as much about the poetry of
his language as they are about the ideas he expresses. And
yet, according to Heschel himself, prayer, community, the
Jewish experience all transcend words…. Which leads us to
music.
In his essay, “The Vocation of the Cantor,” Heschel attempts
to capture, in words, the power of music. He writes,
“Listening to great music is a shattering experience, throwing
the soul into an encounter with an aspect of reality to which
the mind can never relate itself adequately.” Because of
music’s lack of literalness, it can be most effective in creating
an expression of the heart. We can describe music as happy,
sad, exhilarating, contemplative, melancholy or spiritual, yet
what makes it so? Even amongst music theorists who can
explain in the greatest detail the specific musical elements at
play, they must at some point make a leap of faith or intuition
as to how the elements create meaning in an individual or a
community. In describing the act of prayer, the transformation
of words into meaningful connection with God and
community, Heschel implores: “It is not enough, therefore, to
articulate a sound. Unless one understands that the word is
stronger than the will; unless one knows how to approach a
word with all the joy, the hope or the grief he owns, prayer
will hardly come to pass. The words must not fall off our lips
like dead leaves in the autumn. They must rise like dead birds
out of the heart into the vast expanse of eternity.” Music gives
life to the liturgy and creates from it prayer.
Come Visit the
Polly Epstein Gift Shop
(Located in the Gallery downstairs)
Come Here First!
Regular Hours:
Sun 9:00 a.m.- Noon
Also by Appointment
Gift Certificates Available!
Such is the power of music. Have
you ever heard Janowski’s “Avinu
Malkeinu” at Rosh Hashanah? Or
perhaps you have joined in singing
the folk setting of the final lines of
the “Avinu Malkeinu” plea just
minutes afterward? In one brief
span you may have experienced an
entire world of emotion, prayer and
connection. The words alone of “Avinu Malkeinu” are quite
powerful. But, according to Heschel, real prayer transcends
the text. “In a sense, prayer begins where expression ends….
In no other act does man experience so often the disparity
between the desire for expression and the means of
expression as in prayer. The inadequacy of the means at our
disposal appears so tangible, so tragic, that one feels it a
grace to be able to give oneself up to music, to a tone, to a
song, to a chant. The wave of a song carries the soul to
heights which utterable meanings can never reach.”
As the temple is a religious institution, a major function of
music in the synagogue is in service of the liturgical word.
Music helps us to pray. But as the synagogue is not only a
house of prayer, but also a place of study and a community
center, so the impact of music is certainly not limited to
prayer. According to Heschel, “[A synagogue] needs an
atmosphere, where the concern for the spirit is shared by a
community…. It is the task of the Cantor to create the
liturgical community, to convert a plurality of praying
individuals into a unity of worship.” I would venture that
music has the ability to bring individuals together as a
community both in worship and in purely musical settings. On
Saturday evening, February 2nd, we have the opportunity to
hear non-liturgical Jewish music outside of a worship service.
One of the featured composers in the concert benefiting the
Olins Piano Fund is Lazaar Weiner, a noted synagogue
composer of the mid-twentieth century. But I will not be
singing his synagogue music. Weiner’s greatest achievements
are his art song settings of Yiddish poetry. These musical
gems are perfect examples of the partnership of voice and
piano, of text and music. As you will hear, this Jewish art
music ably fulfills Heschel’s vision of the expression of the
spirit that only music allows. As Cantor of this congregation, I
heed Heschel’s words. Through prayer and song, it is my goal
to use music to enrich the spirit of this vibrant community.
Worship
Shabbat Rishon:
February 1, 8:00 p.m.
Israel’s Changing Your Synagogue needs
YOU!
Collective Identity
Dr. Fred Lazin Daily Worship Service...
Evenings at 6:00 and mornings
A recent winner of the Israel Political Science Asso- at 8:00 (9:00 on Sundays and
ciation’s award for outstanding English language legal holidays) a member of the
book on politics, Dr. Fred Lazin is the Lynn & Lloyd
Hurst Family Professor of Local Government at Ben-
congregation leads a very short
Gurion University in Israel. An engaging speaker service. There are openings for
who has served as a scholar-in-residence at over two new leaders. If this interests you
dozen American synagogues, he grew up in Massa- contact Ita N. Wiener 617-734-
chusetts. He received his doctorate in Political Sci- 7137 or Spencer Gould 781-
ence from the University of Chicago.
329-7439.
Come join us at our Shabbat Rishon service as we
hear Dr. Fred Lazin speak on “Israel’s Changing
Collective Identity.” He will deal with the place of
Oriental Jews, ultra-Orthodox, Liberal Judaism, Rus-
sians, Israeli Arabs, and McDonalds – among others
– in Israeli society.
Little Hands
Jewish Programming for Young Children
Save the Dates…
Mondays Thursdays
Friday Night Lights:
Story Hour at TOS Playgroup at KI
Conversations to 10:00 am—11:00 am 9:30 am — 10:30 am
Support the formation Join other parents and
Set Your Mind Aglow of your child’s Jewish young children (0-4
identity, the years old) for Jewish
March 14th, May 16th development of pre- books, games, toys and
reading skills and your puzzles. A great
and June 13th child’s social / opportunity for parents
emotional development to make connections
Three Shabbat evenings through exposure to with others in the
highlighting speakers Jewish literature. community.
from our congregation
Locations & Contact Info:
with dinner and Temple Ohabei Shalom
roundtable discussion 1187 Beacon Street, Brookline
(617) 739-9200

Congregation Kehilith Israel

384 Harvard Street, Brookline
(617)277-9155

Childcare provided
Social Groups
Brotherhood News
Jonathan Atkins & Ben Adler
Temple Ohabei Shalom Brotherhood is enjoying a banner
year of Jewish programming and events, preceded by
scrumptious dinner s with congenial brothers.
Our next event is scheduled for Thursday, February 21,
2008, at 6:30 PM. It will feature a presentation by noted
historian and author, Brookline native Larry Ruttman, who
will escort us on a trip down memory lane. His book, Voices
of Brookline, recalls the many contributions of many Jewish
citizens to the town. Some you may have known, others you
may have heard about. After a short presentation, to be
followed by a question and answer period, Voices of
Brookline, can be purchased and autographed.
Dinner will be served at 6:30 PM, with reservations a
MUST, by February 17, 2008, by calling Craig at 617-738-
8316. We enocurage the entire Synagogue family to attend
this wonderful event.
Brotherhood has been invited by the Sisterhood to their Pot
Luck Dinner and Movie event on Monday evening, February
25, 2008, at 6:30 PM. We will be viewing the award
winning movie, Left Luggage. (Please see the Sisterhood
article for movie details.) Brotherhood will be hosting
desserts (supplied by Craig and David) and reservations for
dinner MUST be made by February 18, 2008, by calling
Craig at 617-738-8316.
The Brotherhood extends their continued thanks to everyone
who has remembered to bring in or mail in their stamped
Butcherie register tape receipts to us. Please continue to
support this vital program.
Thank you!
Sisterhood News
Betsy Gould
Our January speaker, long-time Sisterhood member and nu-
tritionist Nadine Braunstein, has not as yet, spoken to us
about healthy food choices as of this early January writing.
However, after holiday parties and New Year’s resolutions,
we are sure this will have proven to be a most informative
and helpful discussion.
The Sisterhood is delighted to host our Brotherhood on
Monday, February 25th at 6:30 p.m. for dinner and a power-
ful, thought-provoking movie entitled Left Luggage. A young
secular girl rebels against her holocaust-surviving parents and
Judaism. She becomes a nanny to a strictly Chassidic family
in Antwerp, Belgium during the 1970’s. After a traumatic
event, Chaya, the nanny, finds new respect for Judaism and
her parents. Literally and figuratively, characters find their
“left luggage.”
Ladies, we are responsible for the main course, a dairy pot-
luck dinner. Please contact Betsy Gould (781) 329-7439 by
Feb. 20th to let her know what you are bringing. The
“Brothers” will supply dessert. An interactive evening of
friends, good food, and a touching, profound Jewish film
await us.
The Sisterhood Shabbat will be on Saturday, March 22nd.
This is always a very spiritual and creative Jewish expression
by our talented membership. Please contact Ita N. Wiener
(617) 734-7137, or itanaomi@verizon.net so we all can
participate.

Special February Anniversaries

Mr. & Mrs., Robert S. Epstein
Mr. Steven L. Gold & Ms. Sheila A. Elliott
Mr. & Mrs. Stanley P. Levine

Special February Birthdays

Mrs. Stella Levi Mrs. Gertrude Goldberg
Mr. Scott Friedman Mr. Carl R. Ostroff
Mr. James J. Calmas Mr. Spencer Gould
Mrs. Donna Rubenoff Mrs. Arlene Scherer
Mrs. Carol Levin Mrs. Sarah L. Pearl
Ms. Nancy Lowenstein Ms. Leor Sear-Brent
Mr. Brian Goodwin Mr. Michael Brill
Mr. Robert Levine Mrs. Nancy Comenitz
Lifelong Learning

STORAHTELLING
Scholar-in-Residence Weekend, March 7-9
Made possible by a generous contribution from the estate of Bernice Seigel, z”l
A radical fusion of
• Storytelling
• Torah
• Contemporary performance
• Traditional ritual theatre
In ancient synagogues, a key participant was the m’turgaman, the person who translated the Torah into the
language of the people. We now have books that translate the words, but how can we “translate” the experi-
ence of Torah and bring it into our lives? That is where Storahtelling comes in. Using twenty-first century
performance art techniques, Storahtelling brings personal contemporary meaning to 5,000 years of Jewish
tradition. B’nai Brith Magazine has called it a “trailblazer of the Jewish world,” while the Washington Post
has lauded its “reverence and relevance.”

Join us as STORAHTELLING comes to Temple Ohabei Shalom

for a weekend of fun, inspiration, and learning!
Friday, March 7, Shabbat Rishon , 8:00 p.m. Setting the Stage: A Taste of Storahtelling
An interactive ritual experience that demonstrates the Storahtelling technique with translation, drama, and ceremony.
Saturday, March 8, Shabbat morning service, 10:30 a.m. Maven Torah Reading Ritual
Storahtelling Mavens bring Torah to life through a fresh fusion of Hebrew chanting, dramatized English translation, and interac-
tive commentary. Grade 4 to adult. B’nei Mitzvah Chavurah: Grade 6 & 7 families expected to attend.
“Talkback” (during Kiddush after services) A question-and-answer session to debrief the Storahtelling experience.
Sunday, March 9, 9:30 – 11:00 am Backstage with Storahtelling (For families with children in grades 4-7.)
An engaging and interactive workshop designed to inspire participants to experiment with Torah translation and to
increase comprehension and relevancy of Judaism’s ancient texts.

Congregational Shabbat Dinner - 6:00 p.m., Fri, March 7
From: ____________________ ______ Adults @ $18.00 = $______
___Children under 10 @ $12.00 = $______
Donation for those who would otherwise be unable to join us $ ______
Total: $ ______
__ Enclosed find my check.
Please charge my __ MasterCard __ Visa
______ - _______ - _______ - _______ Exp. ____/____
Signature ____________________________
Salad, Marinated Italian Chicken Breast, Vegetable, Rice Pilaf – Vegetarian
Entrée Available. RSVP by February 29, 2008
Come to Storahtelling – You’ll Never Think of Torah
the Same Way Again
Give yourself a Jewish gift this year–the gift of Storahtelling. I
have seen this program twice, and I can tell you that if you
come to services Saturday morning, March 8, you’ll never
think of Torah the same way again. Building on the ancient
traditions of the m’turgaman, or “translator,” Storahtelling
“translates” Torah from a text to a living experience. Join us
Friday night, March 7, as we welcome Shabbat with a dinner
and “setting the stage,” and then come on Saturday morning
for the actual presentation of Storahtelling (followed by a Kid-
dush luncheon and discussion). You’ll be glad you did!
Rabbi Tom Alpert
Lifelong Learning
Sunday Mornings Learning Mondays
The Music of the Jewish Life Cycle Tu B'Shvat: Trees and Tree-Hugging in Jewish
with Cantor Randall Schloss
Tradition
Sunday Mornings, 9:30 – 11:00 am
with Navah Levine, Rabbinic Intern
February 3 & 10
Monday evenings, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Music often has a way of inspiring us and enriching us be-
Feb 4 & 11
yond what literal words can do. Jewish ritual tradition under-
The holiday of Tu bish’vat (the 15th day of the month of
stands this: from the most ancient of our rituals through the
Sh’vat, which begins this year on Monday evening January
most modern Reform traditions, music helps to bring the
21st) celebrates the New Year for Trees. Over the centuries,
lifecycle to life! During these two sessions, Cantor Schloss
it has taken on multiple layers of meaning and evolved into a
will explore the way we experience Jewish milestones through
Jewish environmental holiday. In this two-part class, we will
music: birth, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Confirmation, marriage and
study traditional and modern Jewish texts on Tu bish’vat, the
celebration, and death and mourning.
importance of the environment, and our role as stewards of
the natural world.
My People’s Prayer book
with Rabbi Tom Alpert & Cantor Randall Schloss
The Death of Death
Sunday Mornings, 9:30 – 11:00 am
with Rabbi Tom Alpert
March 16, 23, 30; April 6 and 13.
Four sessions on Monday evenings 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Have you ever wondered about the prayers that we say as
March 3, 10, 17 and 24
Jews? Come join Rabbi Alpert and Cantor Schloss as they
Do you know what does Judaism teaches about what hap-
seek to open up the Jewish prayer book, the siddur, as a
pens after we die? It may not be what you think. Does Juda-
spiritual resource. Together we shall explore the riches that
ism believe in the immortality of the soul, the resurrection of
the heritage of prayer has to offer us in our worship and in
the body, or reincarnation – or is there more than just one
our lives. In addition to a general survey, we shall focus in
answer? Have those answers changed over time? Come learn
depth on the Sh’ma and its blessings. They are the affirma-
with Rabbi Alpert about what Judaism has had to say about
tion of the faith of the Jewish people and a familiar and loving
the afterlife – or afterlives. After we’ve learned, we’ll have an
entryway into the prayer book.
opportunity to write our own statements of what we believe
March 16: Jewish Prayer Through the Ages: A Whirlwind will happen.
Tour
March 23, 30 & April 6: An In-Depth Examination of the Our text for this class will be The Death of Death, by the
Sh’ma and the Blessings that Surround It leading Jewish theologian Dr. Neil Gillman of the Jewish
April 13: Now and Beyond: New Directions in Jewish Prayer Theological Seminary. (Jewish Light Publishing)

Why is this Passover Different From All Other

A wonderful addition to your Passovers?
Jewish Music Collection: with Cantor Randall Schloss
Monday evenings 7:00 – 8:30 pm
March 31 and April 7
Sh’ma Koleinu In two sessions, Cantor Schloss will lead us through the sto-
Cantor Randall Schloss ries of Passover. Not the Maggid, the story of the exodus
from Egypt, but the stories of the Jewish people’s celebration
An inspiring and diverse selection of the festival of Pesach. We will explore the wealth of tradi-
of Jewish Liturgical music tions from around the Jewish world, covering all aspects of
the holiday: seder ritual, haggadah, food and music. When
we are done, we will have something new and different to
$18.00—available in the Polly Epstein bring to our seders.
Gift Shop, or from Cantor Schloss
Ansin Religious School News
No School
Mark Your Calendars! Please mark your calendars . . .
Sunday February 17 – Sunday February 24
Family Education Programs:
TOSTY- Air: Trip to Israel: Grades 1 & 2 Students and Parents
Sunday, February 3, 11:00 am
Pack your bags . . . Join your TOSTY friends for a quick trip to Israel in preparation for your upcoming Shul-In.
Don’t forget your hat and sunglasses!

Youth Group Events:

Grade 7 & 8 JOSTY Shul – in Prep Pizza Party
Tuesday, February 5, 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
JOSTY Who am I.com? Regional Shul- in: For students in grades 7 & 8
Saturday, February 9 – Sunday, February 10
Applications were due Friday, January 25, 2008. Contact Kate if you have not yet registered.

For the Whole Family:

Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten “Shabbat Gan Yeladim” ervice and dinner
February 1, 6:00 PM
Join us for a family Shabbat service geared especially towards families with younger children. Dinner to follow.
RSVP required
MOSTY Shabbat & Dinner (Grades 3 & 4)
February 8, 6:00 PM
Join us for February’s Shabbat Mishpacha, led by our MOSTY students.
Dinner to follow, RSVP required.

Mark your Calendars:

TOSTY Time Machine Shul – in: For Students in Grades 1 & 2 and their parents
Saturday, March 1 – Sunday, March 2
Watch your mail for more information.
MOSTY & BOSTY youth group events
Sunday, March 16

School Cancellation
Policy Pre-K &
The Ansin Religious Kindergarten Shabbat Gan Yeladim
School will close if
the Brookline Public Join us on Shabbat Services 6:00 pm
schools close for a Montague Chapel
Friday, Feb., 1
snow day.
Please tune in to at 6:00 pm for Shabbat Dinner 6:40 pm
WBZ (channel 4), a special $10, Adults/$7, Child
WCVB (channel 5), Shabbat
Please bring a dessert
WHDH (channel 7), service geared
or WRKO (680 on to share
towards our
the AM dial) for
families with Due to food allergies, please
school cancellations.
make sure that all desserts
We will also leave a young children.
are nut free!
message on the
School answering
machine: (617) RSVP to the ARS Office If you have any questions, please call (617) 739-9200.
739-9200
 Traffic Alert!
Winter is here. It is dark during pick-up time, so
take a moment to look at the following traffic pat-
tern that is to be used during school drop off and
pick up times (Sundays, 9-9:30 am and 12:00–
12:30 pm; Tuesdays 3:15–3:45 and 5:15–5:45
pm) by all members of the congregation.
These procedures are in place to help keep all of
our students and families safe.
Wish List
Trying to think of a way to give back to the ARS? How
about donating any of the following items to our facility?
• Used desktop computer for the Gopen Family Library
• Gently used furniture for the new OSTY Lounge:
Couches/Loveseats TV
Beanbag chairs DVD player
Rugs
What is a hero?
Shari Churwin
A hero is a person who is admired or ideal-
ized for courage, outstanding achievement or
noble qualities. Our grade 6 students, who
are in the beginning stages of their own B’nei
Mitzvah journey, learn about Jewish heroes
and the values they exemplify during the first semester of
grade 6. Over the course of the semester, they uncover the
inspiring stories of heroic men and women in the world of
science, sports, film, and politics — people such as Sandy
Koufax, Albert Einstein, and Steven Spielberg — whose lives
serve as models to help students link Jewish values and ideals
to their personal actions and lives. The culminating project
for their semester-long studies is an opportunity for each stu-
dent to share a personal Jewish hero with the class.
Our students’ heroes come in many shapes and forms,
whether biblical or historical figures, family members, celebri-
ties or even next-door neighbors. Bob Dylan, Kevin Youkilis,
Estee Lauder, Ilan Ramon and Levi Strauss are just a few of
the interesting people we had a chance to meet during these
presentations. For example, one student, Alberto (Bertie)
Ancona, researched the many accomplishments of Jonas Salk.
It was so interesting to hear the questions that the other stu-
dents asked during his report. It is amazing that, due to the
work of Dr. Salk, just a few decades ago polio was something
that children feared and today our students read about it in
books, as if it were ancient history. Bertie spoke about the
mitzvah of Pikuakh Nefesh, saving a life, as a value that he
admires. Another student, Tova Rubenoff, talked about the
short, but very exciting, life of Hannah Senesh, a World War
2 paratrooper and poet. Tova told the story of Hannah’s cap-
ture and outstanding bravery which exemplified the mitzvah of
Ometz Lev, courage. She spoke about the importance of be-
ing courageous and standing up for what you believe in. I
wish that there was enough space in this issue of Tidings for
me to write about each students’ presentation as their teach-
ers Kate and Jason and l learned so much from them.
So, you may be wondering why we emphasize Jewish heroes
and values in the pre-B’nei Mitzvah year. It is our hope that
students understand that becoming a B’nei Mitzvah is much
more than just leading our congregation in worship or read-
ing from the Torah. It is also about the Content of their Char-
acter* (which was the theme of the BOSTY shul-in in Decem-
ber) and the choices that they make along their Jewish Jour-
ney. More importantly, we understand, and need our students
to embrace, the idea that they have the capability and knowl-
edge to be Jewish heroes for the next generation.
*This phrase was made famous by Dr. Martin Luther King in his
“I have a Dream” Speech.
Yizkor Elohim - May God Remember
Eleanor Katz, treasured member
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 1-9 (25 Shevat-3 Sumner Mayburg Melech Yosef Ben Yaakov Jeanie Pinkerton *
Adar 1) Nehamah Glick Medlinsky Bertram W. Bernhardt Mary Polak
Benjamin A. Albert * David Mickelson Rebecca Berstein Aaron Raphael
Mary Alman * Hyman B. Miller * David Bloom * Philip Raphael
Zelda Aronson Gertrude Emma Mintz * Sophie M. Borenstein * Charles Solomon Raskind
Gertrude Baker * Jay I. Moskow * Frank Brooks * Albert S. Resnick *
Julia Barnard William Packer Gertrude Brown * Louis J. Roazen *
Johanna Basch Harry Palefsky Mark Chados * Joseph Rome
Melech Yosef Ben Yaakov Jeanie Pinkerton * Louis Cohen Marian S. Rosen *
Bertram W. Bernhardt Mary Polak Irving Cohn Louis Rosenberg *
Rebecca Berstein Aaron Raphael Donald L. Daniels * Rachael Rosenberg
David Bloom * Philip Raphael Frances Davis Julius Rosenthal
Sophie M. Borenstein * Charles Solomon Raskind Jacob Joseph Davis Louis S. Rothenberg *
Frank Brooks * Albert S. Resnick * Isaac H. Dinner Fannie B. Rottenberg
Gertrude Brown * Louis J. Roazen * Edward J. Endler * Nathan Sable
Mark Chados * Joseph Rome Stella Feuer Minnie Sagoff *
Louis Cohen Marian S. Rosen * Sidney Freedman Pauline Cohen Sawyer *
Irving Cohn Louis Rosenberg * Roselyn Gelb Meyer Segan
Donald L. Daniels * Rachael Rosenberg Max S. Ginsberg * Norton Shapiro
Frances Davis Julius Rosenthal Edward B. Ginsburg Rebecca Shapiro
Jacob Joseph Davis Louis S. Rothenberg * Edward J. Ginsburg Louis Sherman
Isaac H. Dinner Fannie B. Rottenberg Victor T. Goldberg * Fred Shuman
Edward J. Endler * Nathan Sable Dorothy B. Gordon * Stella Simon *
Stella Feuer Minnie Sagoff * Helen R. Haskell * Elizabeth C. Slosberg *
Sidney Freedman Pauline Cohen Sawyer * Irving Heller * William Small
Roselyn Gelb Meyer Segan Richard Hootstein Abraham Sobel
Max S. Ginsberg * Norton Shapiro Benjamin Isenberg Ellis C. Tallen *
Edward B. Ginsburg Rebecca Shapiro Samuel H. Joski Jacob Vigor
Edward J. Ginsburg Louis Sherman Herman Katz Jacob Weisberger *
Victor T. Goldberg * Fred Shuman Lillian Katz Saul Weiss *
Dorothy B. Gordon * Stella Simon * Shmere Katz Elaine Wiensenfeld
Helen R. Haskell * Elizabeth C. Slosberg * Bertha Klous Gussie Scheinfeldt Wingersky
Irving Heller * William Small Frieda Korman Bernard Witten
Richard Hootstein Abraham Sobel Helen K. Lader * Issac Yaffa
Benjamin Isenberg Ellis C. Tallen * Sarah Lasovick Henrietta R. Yusen *
Samuel H. Joski Jacob Vigor Louis S. Levi *
Herman Katz Jacob Weisberger * Bessie R. Levine * February 17-23 (11-17 Adar
Lillian Katz Saul Weiss * Hyman Levine 1)
Shmere Katz Elaine Wiensenfeld Harry Levinson Helen Antupit
Bertha Klous Gussie Scheinfeldt Wingersky Franklin Lewenberg Daisy Berler *
Frieda Korman Bernard Witten Esther K. Lilienthal * Edith G. Bernstein *
Helen K. Lader * Issac Yaffa Eli Lurier Ann Flanzbaum Bornstein
Sarah Lasovick Henrietta R. Yusen * Rosa Mashal Ronald F. Braunstein
Louis S. Levi * Sumner Mayburg Esther Brown
Bessie R. Levine * February 10-16 (4-10 Adar 1) Nehamah Glick Medlinsky Sophie Burke
Hyman Levine Benjamin A. Albert * David Mickelson David Caro
Harry Levinson Mary Alman * Hyman B. Miller * Anna Chapsky
Franklin Lewenberg Zelda Aronson Gertrude Emma Mintz * Mark H. Cobe
Esther K. Lilienthal * Gertrude Baker * Jay I. Moskow * Albert Copeland *
Eli Lurier Julia Barnard William Packer Samuel Daniels
Rosa Mashal Johanna Basch Harry Palefsky Louis Drevitch *
Yahrzeits, continued
Sidney Ellis Irving Paul Grover C. Burkhardt Philip B. Marks
Aaron Feinberg * Joseph Pearlman Adolphus M. Burroughs * Mary E. Maze
George J. Frank Morris Pearlman Joseph Casper * Robert Miller
Reuven Gersh Dina Penn Simon M. Daniels * Emanuel Nathan *
Bella A. Ginsburg * Goldi Portman Jeanette E. DeHaan * David Nemser
Saul Goldfarb Alice Price Nathan Finer Harry Newman *
Morris Gorfine * Julius Price Samuel J. Freedman * Louis Nizel *
Norma Lazarus Gould Israil Rivin Clara Friedman Henry Polak
David H. Greenhood * Carol Rosengard Frank Gershon * I. Harvey Roazen *
Anna Hark George Ross Samuel Gore Fred J. Schlesinger
Naomi Beal Harris * Mae Selig Edna E. Greenhood Sarah Schlesinger
Reuben David Hubar Samuel Shapiro * Isabel H. Greenhood * Annie Sedar *
Mark Jackson Frank Sher Louis Grolnic * Joseph Nathaniel Segal *
Belle Kahn * Harry Spiel Lena Helman William Segal *
Jennette Katz Bessie Steuer Bessie A. Hoffstadt Jacob W. Shinberg *
June Leacock Leah Sydeman Rose Isenberg * Samuel Siegal
Dora R. Levenson * Gelina Toochinsky Pincus Jacobs * Enna Spivak *
Sarah Levine Benjamin Weiner Francoise M. Kaplan Julia Stern
Miriam Levinson Samuel White Dvase Katz Sarah H. Strauss
Joesph Marder Ada F. York * Paul Katz Willa Malcow Ullmann
Samuel Marzynski * Victor Khiat * Barnet Weiner *
Howard Lester Medlinsky February 24-29 (18-23 Adar Sidney A. Lang * Joseph H. Weinerman *
Edgar Helmut Meister 1) Miriam Lebach Daniel Zabarsky
Ada Milder Claire Beck-Barret Sally Leibowitz Anna Zwick *
Sadie F. Miller Dorothy Boraks * Abraham Levine *
Helen Mover Abraham Burack * Mildred B. Levine *

Jewish Family and Children’s

Oha-BUY when you shop online! Service Greater Boston’s
When you use our website (www.ohabei.org) to do
your internet shopping, our Temple receives a com- Jewish Food Pantry
mission on almost every item purchased...all at no ad- Temple Ohabei Shalom’s
ditional cost to you. For any of our merchants, just monthly contribution is:
click on their logo and you’ll arrive at their website as
usual. But when you make a purchase, we get a little a Tuna and Shampoo
“piece of the action” paid by the merchant.
We especially need shampoo!
To make this work, all you
have to do is always go to the
merchants using one of our Donations can be brought to the synagogue and
special links. Just come here placed in the baskets by the Chapel or near the eleva-
and then go there...it’s that tor. You can also write a check to the Sisterhood of
Ohabei Shalom with “Family Table” in the memo line
easy. Please bookmark our
or volunteer to drive our contributions to the collec-
homepage so you don’t forget
tion center in Waltham just one Sunday a year,
how to find your way back. 9:30am—11:30am
Going through us has no im-
pact on what you see at the If you are interested in
merchant...it all looks the helping, Contact Dottie
same except we benefit. Berman at 617-277-6610
Try it...it’s easy...and thanks for all your support! or Dberman@ohabei.org.
 February Funds
General Fund Philip Sorkin Eva Sorkin
Deena Schnitman Joel D. Katz Joanne Katz
For Health and Wellbeing Of Robert H. Willis Celia Segal Willis
Helen Sawyer Stephen Ardizzoni Abraham Willis
Matthew Sawyer Ellen S. Porter Harry Fireman
In Memory Of Theodore & Cynthia Berenson Evelyn Berenson
Illona A. Roll Anna Schoenfeld Jay & Carol Marlin Herman L. Marlin
Dottie Berman Evie Bazer Audrey Goldberg David L. Rosenberg
Benet S. Kolman Rebecca Sosnik Kolman George H. Oshry Harry Oshry
Nancy Shear Adelle Robinson Irving & Louise Dublin Nathan Dublin
Jane Morningstar Evie Bazer Arthur & Doris Zich Philip E. Zich
Dottie Berman Eleanor Katz Bernard & Phyllis Kliman Myrna Rice Stern
Michael Weintraub & Diane Rosen Evie Bazer Richard & Sarah Frederics Rosalind Frederics
Betsy & Spencer Gould Melvin F. Levine Edith Tarlin Brodney Leonard Tarlin
Robert & Jane Willis Celia Willis Shirley Brown Harold Brown
Abraham Willis
Family Table In Memory Of
Jayme Lynn Winnick David Winnick
Spencer & Betsy Gould Evie Bazer
Rose Winnick
R. K. (Shelley) Schwartz Celia Yaffa Gloucester Synagogue Rebuilding
In Appreciation Of Fund
Leo & Stella Levi Temple Ohabei Shalom Spencer & Betsy Gould
Ben Adler
Minyan Fund In Memory Of
R. K. (Shelley) Schwartz
Anne Caplan Frank Miller
Hank Abbott
Osa Kamp Richard Von Bargen
William & Ita Wiener
Edward & Marjorie Kahn Anna Lillian Zitter
In Memory Of
Phyllis Nussman Mitchell E. Nussman
Dorothy Julia Lebach Martin Weilheimer
John & Beth Gamel Myra Merrill
Myron L. Wasserman Harry I. Wasserman Rosengard Lecture Fund In Memory Of
Phyllis Kaplan Eugene Juster Robert S. Rosengard Sondra Hazan
Helen B. Fuchs Robert S. Fuchs Sarah Y. Mangoubi Vita Y. Saleh
Richard & Vivian Marson Fanny Marzynski Sarah Y. Mangoubi Bruna H. Rosengard
Judith Andelman Fred Andelman Daniel, Rose, Eva & Joey Subotnik Bruna H. Rosengard
Shirley Spero Hyman Gold Robert S. Rosengard Bruna H. Rosengard
George & Miriam Oshry Mark Mason Robert S. Rosengard Max Rosengard
George Bazer Ruth B. Shankman
Rabbi Alpert Discretionary Fund In Memory Of
Bertram Miller Abraham H. Miller
Marcia Levin Sig Adler
Kae Ellen Englander George Small
Stanley Band
Carol B. Finn Maurice Jacob Bernstein
Sana Gould
Maya R. Krigsgaber Dora Feinsteyn
Estelle Katz Evie Bazer
Stephen & Roberta Paris Samuel Paris
George Bazer Evie Bazer
Milton Namiot Ruth Namiot
Cantor Schloss Discretionary Fund In Memory Of
Selma Gordon Dora Gordon
Janice Adler Sidney ‘Sig’ Adler
Robert S. Rosengard Rose Bloom Rosengard
Shelley Schwartz Evie Bazer
Rose Hazan
In Honor Of
Rabbi & Mrs A.N. Abramowitz Esther Hillson
Bernard Edelstein & Anne Epstein Charlotte’s Bat Mitzvah
Corinne E. Gilbert Sarah G. Ellis
Andrew Schloss his brother, Randall
Rimma Kofman Michael Kofman
Peter Stansky Louis Abrahams Pulpit Flowers Fund In Memory Of
George Rabinowitz James I. Roberts George Rabinowitz Abraham Rabinowitz
Aron Rivin David Tanfilyev
ARS: B’yachad Sponsors
Stanley & Adele Brown Bertha Rosenblatt
Betsy and Ed Jacobs.
Evelyn Ruby Lilian Festinger
Steve Kern
Alexander & Brenda Tanger Herman C. Tanger
Hana Kolton-Patsouris and Peter
Dolly Koffman Samuel Foster
Patsouris
June Hurwitz Benjamin Alberg
Mia Klinger-Powell and Andrew
Augusta Benson
Powell
Sy Gottlieb Selma R. Gottlieb
Scott and Pollyanna Sidell
Lois R. W. Nathan Bertha Waldman
In Honor Of
Lois R. W. Nathan Melvin F. Levine
Priscilla and Daniel Karnovsky Nicholas Karnovsky
Thomas & Amy Plancon Edith Plancon
Shelly Tenenbaum and Glenn Jonaton Steven’s 16th birthday
Judith L. Palefsky Harry Rideman
Stevens
Bernard & Marjorie Birnbaum Edith Birnbaum
Robert and Cherise Brandsfield Grades 1 & 5 teachers
Susan Copeland & Nikolaus R. Mary Feldman
Gitta and Adi Kahn Matan & Lior Kahn
Pichler
Anonymous Ansin School Staff
Jacob Feldman
Robert and Susan Kaim Kate Mikesh
Isaak & Khaia Shifrin Herb Leyb Shifrin
Ilene and Greg Mogavero the teaching assistants
Shmuel Pisecki
In Memory of
Aron & Elizabeth Rivin Avraam Rivin
Mark Lipof Evie Bazer
Irene Shapiro Bertha Baron
Don and Nina Berk Evie Bazer
Paul & Marcia Merlin Helen Merlin
Dorothy Lebach Martin Weilheimer
Jack & Annabelle Sheppard Esther Shwartz Tofias
TOS LEADERSHIP
Nominations are now being accepted for Temple TRUSTEES and OFFICERS!
Ohabei Shalom is blessed to have fantastic members, dynamic and committed lay and professional leaders, a won-
derful building, a great school, and a spirited and spiritual community. We also have many opportunities as we face
transitions in our rabbinic leadership.

Now, more than ever, you can make a difference and impact the future of TOS – and you don’t even have to volun-
teer for a committee! Instead, let us know who you think might make a good Trustee or Officer of the Temple. You
can even nominate yourself!

TRUSTEE (7 new Trustees required for 3 year terms; additional one-year vacancies are open)
• Description: Member of the Board of Trustees, considering and voting on matters of policy and finance.
• Time commitment: Board meetings one evening each month (except July); additional committee work as appro-
priate to one’s interests and schedule.
• Benefits: Service to the community and the “greater good.” Opportunity to make a positive influence on cur-
rent operations and the future of the Temple.
• Qualifications: Open-minded and amiable, committed to TOS as an institution. Special skills (marketing, fi-
nance, etc.) are always welcome.

OFFICERS
President (1): Chairman of the Board of Trustees, representative of the congregation to the community, and leader
of the synagogue in temporal matters.

Vice President (5): General oversight of committees, key input with President on framing issues presented to the
Board and community.

Recording Secretary (1): Take minutes at the monthly Board meetings and assist in communications with Board
members and the congregation.

Treasurer (1): Oversee financial management of the Temple’s Executive Director, help to set policy and budgets.

Assistant Treasurer (1): Work with the Treasurer to review the financial business of the Temple as overseen by the
Executive Director. Assist in preparation of budgets and financial management.

Send in your suggestions – including your own name if you would like to serve – so that the Nominating Committee
can assemble the best slate possible:

Phone: to Synagogue Office 617-277-6610

Fax: to Synagogue Office 617-277-7881
Email: dberman@ohabei.org
Mail: to Nominating Committee
c/o TOS
1187 Beacon Street
Brookline, MA 02146

Nominations Due: 15 February 2008

Join your TOS friends for an
Purim
Thursday March 21
6:00 pm P izza Dinner
6:30 pm Purim Service/Schpiel
if you want to help “create the magic,”
Please contact Cantor “Mickey” Schloss
617-277-6610 or rschloss@ohabei.org
Why? Because we like you....
All ages are welcome to participate!
Save
The
Date!
(and remind your Temple friends!)
For a purely social adult night at TOS
Saturday, March 29, 2008 7–11pm
It will be a great night out!
Watch your email for details!
Volunteers needed.
Contact: Adrienne Shishko:
ashishko@comcast.net
 NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 3465
BOSTON, MA.

February Shabbat Celebrations & Events

February
Fri 1 6:00 pm Shabbat Gan Yeladim (children through age 7) Mon 18 President’s Day—TOS office closed
6:40 pm Gan Yeladim dinner, RSVP to ARS: 617-739-9200 ARS: No School
8:00 pm Shabbat Rishon: Dr. Fred Lazin Tues 19 ARS: No School
Sat 2 9:00 am Torah Study Thurs 21 6:30 pm Brotherhood dinner with speaker Larry Rutman
10:30 am Shabbat service Fri 22 6:00 pm Erev Shabbat
7:30 pm Olins Piano Benefit Concert Sat 23 9:00 am Torah Study
Sun 3 9:15 am ARS: K-7 10:30 am Shabbat service
9:30 am Jewish Life Cycle class: Cantor Schloss Sun 24 ARS: No School
11:00 am TOSTY Family Education (grades 1 & 2) Mon 25 6:00 pm ARS: High School
Mon 4 6:00 pm ARS: High School 6:30 pm Sisterhood/Brotherhood Movie Night
7:00 pm Tu Bish’vat class: Rabbinic Intern Nava Levine Tues 26 3:30 pm ARS: Grades 3-7
Tues 5 3:30 pm ARS: Grades 3-7 Fri 29 6:00 pm Erev Shabbat
Fri 8 6:00 pm Shabbat Mishpacha, MOSTY Shabbat (grades 3 & 4)
Sat 9 9:00 am Torah Study March
10:30 am Shabbat service Sat 1 9:00 am Torah Study
1:00 pm JOSTY Regiional Shut-In (grades 7 & 8) 10:30 am Shabbat service
Sun 10 9:15 am ARS: K-7 TOSTY Shul-In (grades 1 & 2 and parents)
9:30 am Jewish Life Cycle Class: Cantor Schloss Sun 2 9:15 am ARS: grades K-7
Mon 11 6:00 pm ARS: High School
7:00 pm Tu Bish’vat class: Rabbinic Intern Nava Levine
Tues 12 3:30 pm ARS: Grades 3-7
February Candle Lighting Times
Fri 15 6:00 pm Erev Shabbat 1- 4:40 P.M. 22 - 5:07 P.M.
Sat 16 9:00 am Torah Study 8 - 4:49 P.M. 29 - 5:16 P.M.
10:30 am Shabbat service
15 - 4:58 P.M.
Sun 17 ARS: No School

Thomas M. Alpert Rabbi

Randall Schloss Cantor Monday—Thursday 8:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m..
Daily Worship

Emily Gopen Lipof Rabbi Emerita

Leonard Davidson President Saturday 6:00 p.m.
Shari A. Churwin Education Director Sundays & Holidays 9:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.
Kate Mikesh Director of Informal Education Ohabei Shalom is the area’s only Reform
Amanda Singer Education Programs Coordinator
synagogue providing daily prayer for those in need
Dottie Berman Interim Executive Director
Karen Landman Executive Assistant to the Clergy of solace or a quiet moment of introspection.
Alan Shepro Office Manager / Bookkeeper
Marylin Klickstein Administrative Assistant Each Daily Worship leader commits to one
Kim Singer B’nei Mitzvah Educator 20-minute weekly service. To become a leader,
David Sparr Music Director please call the synagogue office (617)277-6610.
Tidings is a monthly publication of Temple Ohabei Shalom
1187 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA 02446
(617)277-6610 www.ohabei.org