WIXLIB

Temple Emanu-El Spring Fundraising GalaIsrael Movie Night - January 19 at 7 PMJoin a Chavurah - Open House, January 22: 9:00 - 10:30 AMWhat is a Chavurah?A Chavurah is a group of friends. In fact, the name of these groups comes from “chaver,” or friend. I’m sure you already have a few groups of friends, but thereis always room for more Jewish friends in your life! A Chavurah group can provide you with connection, community, and intimacy in a Temple that sometimes canseem like a big place. Joining a Chavurah is a way to break apart the “bigness” of our synagogue and give each of us a deeper experience of community withinthe congregation.How is it structured?A Chavurah is made up of about 10 “families”. However you define your family, single, partnered, a couple with kids at home, seniors, or empty nesters, the goalis to gather with other people with similar interests or in similar life stages to celebrate Jewish holidays, attend Temple events or explore the world in any way thatappeals to your group.You choose the design for your group: You can choose the families for your Chavurah, Temple Emanu-El can help choose some of the families, or TempleEmanu-El can place you in a Chavurah. Whichever way it is formed, your group will decide together what activities to undertake and how often you will meet.Many chavurot meet monthly, but you can choose the frequency and events that work for you. You might want to organize a potluck dinner. You might arrange aHanukkah party at someone’s home or attend the Passover Seder at Temple Emanu-El together. You might want to go out for dinner and drinks. You decide whatactivities will be enjoyable for you as a group to experience. Temple Emanu-El is here to provide support arranging the groups and ideas if you need them.We are holding a Chavurah Open House on Sunday morning, January 22nd, from 9:00 to 10:30 am when we will discuss how the program works andhow you can participate.4Email Katy Engel at katysengel@gmail.com if you are interested in joining a Chavurah Group.

Gene and Carol Rosner: Why WeCreated A Jewish LegacyLike so many of you, Temple Emanu-El has been an importantpart of our lives. For the past 43 years Carol and I have sharedthe joy of our simchas with our Temple family and have beenstrengthened by their support as we faced the inevitable timesof sorrow. Some of our most enduring friendships have beenmade and nurtured by our shared Temple experiences.We have prayed and learned together and we strived to do our part for tikkun olam by committingourselves to social action projects. And, like so many of you, we have devoted countless hours helpingto build a vital Jewish community in the greater Westfield area committed to the prophetic vision ofour tradition - a Jewish community that encourages us to live our Jewish lives on our own terms andto explore new and more meaningful ways to worship and study. Simply put, Temple Emanu-El hasenriched our lives beyond measure.Last year Carol and I shared the joy of seeing Mady, our oldest grandchild, become a bat mitzvah onthe same bimah where her parents became b’nai mitzvah - the bimah she now calls her own. And, Godwilling, in May we will again experience that same joy when her sister, Charlotte, declares that she,too, has become a bat mitzvah on that same bimah that has become hers. L’dor v’dor - from generationto generation.When all is said and done, we have allworked as hard as we have to secure astrong Jewish future for our children, ourgrandchildren and the generations to come.Our job is not done. We must continue ourefforts to ensure that Temple Emanu-El is avital part of that strong Jewish future. Caroland I have made a legacy commitment tohelp make that happen. To those for whomthe Temple has likewise nourished yourJewish souls, we encourage you to join usand the many others in the congregation whohave committed to secure Temple Emanu-El’s future by making your own legacy commitment.Please Support Our KolNidre CampaignThank you to everyone who has alreadyelected to take part in this year’s Kol NidreAppeal and for your commitment to TempleEmanu-El.Let’s keep the momentum going. Pleasemake your payment online with a credit cardor you can make payments by sending yourcheck in the mail, or you can be billed.NO GIFT IS TOO SMALL. EVERY DOLLARCOUNTS.Please make your payment online with acredit card or you can make payments bysending your check in the mail, or you can bebilled. To participate in the Kol Nidre Appeal,please fill out the online form atwww.tewnj.org/donate/kol-nidre, or contactBrian Chartock at 908-232-6770, ext. 114 oremail bchartock@tewnj.org.Thank you!-Gene and Carol RosnerFor more information about creating your Jewish legacy contact Brian Chartock in the Temple office at (908)232-6770 ext. 114 or bchartock@tewnj.org.Create a Jewish Legacy is part of a nation-wide program to sustain the future of Jewish organizations byincreasing after-life giving.It is sponsored locally by The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest,I am interested in learning more about how I can assure Jewish tomorrows through the Create aJewish Legacy program at Temple Emanu-El.Please contact me!The best time to reach me:Best way to reach me:Sincerely,(Please print your full name)5

EducationECE - Save the DatesJanuaryJanuary 2School Closed- New Year’s DayJanuary 11“How to Talk to Children about Death” with RabbiSagal, Jill Cimafonte, and Mandi Zucker 9:00amJanuary 16School Closed- Martin Luther King DayJanuary 20ECE Shabbat Family Dinner 5:45pmJanuary 21Tiny tot Shabbat 9:30am (Monkeys host)January 25ECEC Meeting 9:05amJanuary 27Friday Me and My Shadow Fall Session EndsJanuary 30Monday Me and My Shadow Fall Session Ends2017-18 ECE RegistrationBelieve it or not, it’s time to think about registration in our Early Childhood Education Programfor the 2017-18 school year. Check out our information on the website and give us a call toset up a tour and come see our nationally accredited school! Registration for the 2017-18school year will begin in the month of January. If you are a temple member, you are eligiblefor priority registration, so please contact our ECE (Early Childhood Education) Office assoon as possible for more information.NEW - for next year we will be offering full-time infant care for children 3-13 months. Thisis a year-round program from 7am-6pm Monday through Friday. The class will be taughtby professionally trained and qualified teachers and will meet the standards of high qualityeducation that we are committed to by being accredited by the National Association for theEducation of the Young Child (NAEYC) and also licensed by the State of NJ.Realizing that there is a need for full day child care, we continue to expand our class structurefor children of all ages by offering early and extended hours. Children ages 2 years throughKindergarten may choose to attend part time or, if preferred, they can also stay from 7am6pm Monday through Friday.Don’t miss out on getting a spot--your Temple membership gives you the priority to register.Contact us today!WorkshopJanuary 11th 9:00am“How to Talk to Children about Death.” This workshop will be co-led by Mandi Zucker, ProgramDirector of Imagine (a center for coping with loss), Rabbi Sagal, and Jill Cimafonte.Free babysitting will be offered. This will be a highly informative and interactive session.FebruaryFebruary 3Friday Me and My Shadow Spring SessionbeginsHavdallah Concert, February 4, 4:30 PMFebruary 4PJ Havdalah Celebration 4:30pmFebruary 6Monday Me and My Shadow Spring SessionbeginsFebruary 11Tiny Tot Shabbat 9:30am (Turtles host)February 17School Closed - Presidents’ DayFebruary 20School Closed - Presidents’ DayFebruary 22ECEC Meeting 9:05amPlease attend a Pajama Havdallah Concert at 4:30pm followed by an optional pizza dinner. Opento the community, for children through ages 8 and their families. Shira Kline, aka ShirLaLa, is anaward winning New York based performer and music educator. She travels across the country andinternationally with her kiddie-rock band, delivering a dynamic, interactive program of joy and spirit,story and song.Raised in the world of music and the tradition of Torah, Shira has worked for over a decade with adiverse array of Jewish communities to enliven rituals, holiday celebrations, and love for Jewish lifeand prayer. Blending words, story and music she creates a rich experience for children and adults alike.Contact the ECE or Religious School offices for tickets and pricing information.6

EducationSummer CampWe are in the process of accepting registration for our Summer Fun camp program, which will beoffered June 12th-August 4th. Register by February 1st to be guaranteed a space!--6-8 weeks camp option (choose any weeks)--for children as young as 20 months old--2, 3, 4, and 5 day options availableNew 2-week Nature Camp Option for children Kindergarten through 2nd grade to be held in TEVA(our fabulous outdoor classroom!). Camp options include:*Mad Science (June 26-July7)*The Magic of the Forest (July 10-July 21)*Bugs and Butterflies (July 24-August 4)Please call our ECE office at 908-232-7663 or email JCimafonte@tewnj.org for more information.Camp Scholarship InformationApplications are due no later than February 1st, 2017.Temple Emanu-El knows that Jewish summer camp andIsrael experiences have a lasting impact on our youth, andwe want to be able to help send our students to Camp and to Israel! Each year we are able tooffer limited needs-based scholarships for Temple members to attend Jewish summer campas well as scholarships for Israel programs. Please contact Emily Halpern or Rabbi EthanProsnit for a scholarship application.Attention first-time campers! The Foundation for Jewish Camp (in partnership with the JewishFederation of Greater MetroWest) is offering incentive grants for families to try Jewish campfor the first time. It is not a scholarship fund; it is not needs-based at all. More info is availableat www.onehappycamper.org.Youth Group EventsSave these dates and look for more information coming soon on thefollowing events:Extreme BonimExtreme Yeladim(For 5th & 6th graders)(For 3rd & 4th graders)Sunday, January 29thPool partySunday, February 12thTBDSunday, January 8thIce SkatingSunday, February 5thTBDReligious School - Save the DatesSave these dates for upcoming Religious Schoolevents or subscribe to the Youth Learning andEngagement calendar to upload and receiveupdates throughout the year.JanuaryJanuary 3Religious School ResumesJanuary 86:00 – 7:30 pm, Café Torah, Westfield DinerJanuary 117:45 – 9:00 pm, Youth Learning and EngagementCommittee MeetingJanuary 12 – 1611th & 12th Grade Social Justice trip to NOLAJanuary 15No Sunday Religious School classes, MLK, Jr.WeekendJanuary 15 –167th Gr trip to NYCJanuary 20-216th Gr Nisayon Retreat to URJ Camp HarlamJanuary 226:00 – 7:30 pm, Café Torah, Westfield DinerJanuary 24No HaMakom – HS midtermsJanuary 288th & 9th Gr Mitzvah Corps social justice eventJanuary 298:45 – 10:45 am, Kgn/1st Gr Family Program:Havdallah9:00 – 11:00 am, 6th Gr Nisayon event: Mitzvot ofGreater MetrowestJanuary 31Madrichim seminarFebruaryFebruary 44:30 pm, Kgn – 2nd Gr Families: ShirLaLa PajamaHavdallah Concert with Artist in Residence, ShiraKline, followed by optional pizza dinnerFebruary 58:45 – 10:45 am, Kgn – 3rd Gr Tu B’Shevat programand 4th & 5th Gr special tefilahwith Artist in Residence, Shira Kline6:00 – 7:30 pm, Café Torah, Westfield DinerFebruary 7 – 94th & 5th Gr Tu B’Shevat CelebrationFebruary 87:45 – 9:00 pm, Youth Learning and EngagementCommittee MeetingFebruary 1210:45am to 12 pm, 8th & 9th Gr Mitzvah Corps1:30 – 3:30pm, 6th Gr Nisayon: Ometz Lev, Courageof the HeartFebruary 19No Sunday Classes – Presidents’ WeekendFebruary 24 – 255th Gr. Retreat to URJ Camp Harlam for ReformJudaism, Washington, D.C.7

Social ActionConsultation on ConscienceBe Part of the Temple Emanu-El Delegationat the Consultation on ConscienceApril 30 – May 2nd in Washington DCThe Consultation on Conscience is theReligious Action Center of Reform Judaism’sbiennial social justice leadership conference.Held over three days in Washington, D.C., theConsultation empowers the Reform JewishMovement through leadership development;opportunities for network and communitybuilding; and active dialogue culminating in anafternoon of advocacy on Capitol Hill.We are hoping to have a great turnout fromTemple Emanu-El. Use the code “Delegation”to save 120 on the registration fee. If you havequestions or plan on attending please contactRabbi Prosnit.Housing the HomelessThank you!During the week of December 25-January 1Temple Emanu-El hosted several homelessfamilies at our synagogue. It was a wonderfulopportunity for Temple members to volunteer,make meals, sleep over and hang out with ourguests. We wanted to thank everyone whovolunteered and donated items that ensured amemorable week for these families.We will be hosting families again during thesummer. Please look for information andvolunteer opportunities, as the date gets closer.New volunteers are always welcome! (It is agreat experience for kids too!)To volunteer, please contact us at:Housing4homelesstewnj@gmail.com.Thank you for helping with this incrediblemitzvah.Lauren GottliebLynda WaldDid you know In New Jersey, a minimum wage worker earns 8.25 perhour? To afford the fair market rent for a two-bedroomapartment, a minimum wage worker must work 121 hoursper week, 52 weeks a year.-National Low Income Housing Coalition/Out for reach 20148Tikkun OlamSocial Justice Shabbat, January 20 at 7:45 PM at Shabbat ServicesJoin us for an evening to thank our social action volunteers in ourcongregation and also get an update on the work we are doing with theSyrian refugee families. Please bring kitchen cleaning supplies (papertowels, sponges, soap, etc) to Services which we will donate to the Syrianrefugee family in our midst. The Harris and Sally Gilbert Award for SocialJustice will also be presented at this Shabbat Service.Meeting, Second Wednesday of each Month, 7:30 – 9:00 PMJoin us for our Tikkun Olam Meeting the second Wednesday of every month to help us plan upcomingSocial Action programs and create a vision for the future.Questions? Contact the Tikkun Olam Co-Chairs Marli Gelfand (mjgelfand@verizon.net) and Mandi Zucker(Mandi.zucker@gmail.com).Mandy Reichman Feeding ProgramBagged with Love 2016 Thanksgiving Turkey DriveWe would like to thank all of you who participated, donated and supported the 16th Annual TurkeyDrive. Through your generosity we were able to feed 150 families in Union County who, without ourhelp, might not have been able to have turkey and “fixin’s’” for Thanksgiving. It’s a sad reality that lessthan 10 miles away from the Temple there are people wearing ripped clothing, have duct tape on theirsneakers and holes in their gloves. We have a lot to be thankful for.With our gratitude,Meryl, Barry and Jeffrey Reichman

Social ActionJewish Perspective on Current SocialIssuesDeath with DignityThursday, February 2nd - 7:30 PMAcross the nation, Compassion and Choices works to protect and expand end-of-life options — and toensure healthcare providers honor and enable patients’ decisions about their care. To make this visiona reality, Compassion & Choices works nationwide in state legislatures, Congress, courts, medicalsettings and communities to empower people with information and tools, advance policies that allowpeople to make fully informed decisions about their healthcare, and authorize and implement medicalaid in dying to allow mentally capable adults in their final weeks or months of a terminal disease toadvance the time of death and end unbearable suffering. Join us as we discuss this issue and theJewish views on it.For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you,‘Youshall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in yourland.’ Deuteronomy 15:11For over 2000 years, Jews have known the hardships of exile, the sufferings of persecution. Yetdespite our own historic struggles, we continue to follow the words in the Torah and extend a handto those in need. Today, there are those who are in need: just a few miles down the road, Syrianrefugees who have escaped the devastation of their countries on-going Civil War and endured a bitterjourney from their homeland with little more than the clothes on their back. Many are now settledhere in Elizabeth, but their struggle is far from over. They are living in mice- and cockroach-infestedapartments; heating can, at times, be spotty. Their appliances don’t work, their roofs leak, and thereare holes in their walls. These families struggle daily -- to navigate American school systems, tounderstand American healthcare, to find jobs.So we practice the words of the Torah and open our hand to “the needy and the poor”. This pastsummer, Temple Emanu-El joined an Interfaith Coalition with The First Methodist Church and the FirstCongregational Church to address the refugee crisis in our area. Together, we have begun to raiseawareness and necessary funds that is administered by the United Fund of Westfield and go directly torefugee families in need. In addition, our Congregation has “adopted” a family in Elizabeth that urgentlyneeds our help.They are the Nabilsi family: Hassan and Kholood and their three children, Wael, Halaand Haya. Over the past several months, with the help of congregants and community members,we have created a network of tutors who visits the family 3-4 times a week to help with homeworkand English, collected bags of winter clothing and furniture donations, and established a network ofindividuals and resources to assist the family.But our work is not finished. And we need your help. There are 2 ways you can get involved:1. Monetary Assistance: Temple Emanu-el is raising money to help pay for the plane tickets thatbrought the Nabilsi family here to America – a debt they are required by the US Government to payoff. A portion of the money raised will also go to the United Fund so we can continue to help the SyrianRefugee community at large. Please make checks out to Temple Emanu-El and put “Syrian RefugeeSupport” in the memo line.2. Hands-On Assistance. Both the Nabilsi family and the entire refugee community needs hands-onassistance, including legal and housing advice, job placement, and tutors. We often need clothing,furniture and household goods.Finally, we invite you and your families to join us on Friday, January 20th, for a Social ActionShabbat. The Temple will be honoring community service volunteers, including those helping with theSyrian Refugee crisis, as well as highlighting many of the outreach programs offered through TempleEmau-El.If you have any questions about donations or volunteering, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We lookforward to seeing you on January 20, 2017.Alissa Bergeralissagberger@gmail.comJenny Tan

2 TEMPLE EMANU-EL Bulletin 756 East Broad Street, Westfield, NJ 07090 (908) 232-6770 Fax (908) 233-3959 www.tewnj.org Douglas B. Sagal Senior Rabbi