Bath Jewish History

November/December 2018
Heshvan /Kislev/Tevet 5779

Rabbi’s Message

Dear Beth Israel Community Members

I am writing this message to you at a time of turning and change. The leaves are piling up in the yard and the days are getting chillier. As we dig out hats and gloves, we prepare for the shift from the bright colors of autumn to the icy, gray and white of winter.

In public life, as in the natural world, we mark a time of change. We are in the last few days before the 2018 elections, working towards the day when all Americans will turn out and vote, making our voices heard in this critical act of civic responsibility. We pray that the upcoming election ushers in a time of greater love, openness and acceptance of all human beings as created b’tzelem elohim, in the divine image.

A time of change heightens our awareness to our individual lives. We take note of how we’ve changed since last year at this time. For some of us, changes have been positive, for others of us, changes have been painful. As we navigate seasons of change, the wisdom of our Jewish tradition can ground us. Pirkei Avot 2:21 teaches “You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.” This passage reminds us that while at times the weight of the world is on our shoulders, we also must remember that we can’t sacrifice ourselves. We must persevere yet know that we don’t need to solve every problem. We continue to strive, while at the same time feeling that we have done enough.

May we find balance and grounding through our positive actions together, solidarity in community and grounding in Jewish tradition.

L’Shalom,
Rabbi Vinikoor

President’s Message

by Marilyn Weinberg

The fall holiday season is now over, and I am thankful for the lovely memories that all of these celebrations leave with us. I look back and I am amazed at all the absolutely wonderful and meaningful celebrations we enjoyed together. Yet, as the holiday-packed weeks recede, we welcome the holiday-starved month of Heshvan in its place. Heshvan is the only month of the Jewish year completely devoid of holidays or fast days. Some have called it “Sad Heshvan” from its dearth of celebrations, but I prefer to call it “take a deep breath month” to take time to reflect on our pathway ahead.

The board has decided to use this time to concentrate on three different areas that give life to our community. Our first discussion will be about services, programs and activities. What do we need to do to make Beth Israel a community that meets the diverse needs of our members and how do we get there. Finances are always an essential topic and of course our buildings require regular attention. Once we develop new goals and guidelines, we will organize a community wide event to share our information and proposals and get your input.

The board will be participating in a nationwide Leadership Learning program sponsored by the Reform Movement. We hope this gives us the framework to make progress in all of our endeavors. 

 Meanwhile, we still have many lovely Shabbat services and adult learning sessions to participate in and programs to plan. We welcome your thoughts and contributions.

 Part of what we learn every year during the holiday season is how wonderful it is to be together. Let’s hope for a year filled with joy and fulfillment as we celebrate and gather together during the year. 

Kabbalat Shabbat

by Camille Kauffunger

Friday November 2
7:00 p.m.
Synagogue

Join Rabbi Vinikoor and guest prayer leader Gabby Foster for a special Shabbat service incorporating movement, dance and prayer.

 Gabby Foster is a senior at Colby College, double-majoring in Religious Studies and Theater/Dance. This year she is performing a research project that examines the potential of dance and movement practices in Jewish spaces. Gabby believes that dance practices can offer a unique pathway into connecting with Jewish traditions, customs, prayers, and rituals. On Friday, November 2, working with Rabbi Vinikoor, Gabby will bring a workshop to our congregation that integrates her dance practices into the structure of our typical Kabbalat Shabbat service to guide us through a new way of connecting with this weekly service. No previous dance or movement experience is required and the activities will be accessible to all ages and physical abilities. Gabby welcomes all to attend, regardless of whether or not you believe dancing is your "thing"!

Upcoming Adult Learning Series

by Rabbi Vinikoor

Waves of the Mikveh 
Sunday, November 18, 9:30 am, Minnie Brown Center
The mikveh (Jewish ritual pool) has been used for millennia to mark moments of transition and spiritual renewal. Come explore this ritual, learn about the mikveh, and discover ways it can transform moments of our lives today. As this discussion was well received by participants in September, student Rabbi Lily Solochek is offering it again.

Creating Shabbat Family Rituals
Sunday, November 18, 11:00 am, Minnie Brown Center
Join Rabbis Lisa Vinikoor and Lily Solochek for an engaging 3-part learning series for families with children ages 3–12. Children will create Shabbat related ritual objects while parents learn about and deepen their understanding of and fluency with Shabbat rituals and practice. November will be our first session with subsequent sessions happening in February and April. For any questions contact Rabbi Vinikoor at rabbivinikoor@gmail.com. Please RSVP to office@bethisraelbath.com

What are our responsibilities as Jews?
First Session: December 16, 4:00 pm, Synagogue Community Room
In Pirkei Avot we read that Rabbi Hillel taught: “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?” Join Rabbi Vinikoor to explore this and other Jewish texts about individual and communal responsibility. We’ll look together at Biblical, Rabbinic and contemporary texts and share our own experiences in this three part class.  Learning sessions will take place at 4:00 pm in the Synagogue Community room on the following dates: 

December 16 and January 6. A February session date will be announced shortly.

Ladies' Dinner Club

by Peggy Brown

Beth Israel Ladies' Dinner Club meets the second Tuesday of each month.  
All are welcome to join!

This month we are meeting on Tuesday, November 13 at 6:00 p.m. at Frontier Restaurant in Brunswick.  
RSVP by November 9 to Peggy Brown 

Get yourself on the email list even if you can't make it this month!

Spindel Lecture

Wednesday, November 7
"Crypto-Jews: To Be and Not to Be"
Professor Ilan Stavans
7:30 pm
Kanbar Auditorium, Studzinski Recital Hall, Bowdoin College
Open to the public free of charge. 
Sponsored by The Harry Spindel Memorial Lecture Fund.

 An internationally renowned essayist, translator, and literary critic, Ilan Stavans is the Lewis-Sebring Professor of Humanities and Latin American and Latino Culture at Amherst College, the publisher of Restless Books, the host of NRP's podcast In Contrast, the editor of The Norton Anthology of Latino Literature, and a columnist for The New York Times en Espanol. His books include On Borrowed Words, Dictionary Days, El Iluminado, and a graphic novel adaptation of Don Quixote. Contact dzavitz@bowdoin.edu for more information.

Hebrew School Shabbat 

by Camille Kaufunger

Friday, November 30
5:15 p.m. – Healthy Snack
5:30 p.m. - Service
6:15 p.m. – Pizza Dinner with potluck sides and dessert
Synagogue

 Beth Israel is enjoying the growing number of children attending our Hebrew school and family friendly programming! Cast a vote for Jewish education and a vibrant Beth Israel community by attending our next student-led Shabbat service on November 30. 

 You’ll be impressed by what this joyful group of dedicated learners has accomplished, and your participation will reinforce the feelings of community and connection that are possible when studying and celebrating Judaism. Let's fill the sanctuary!

 This will be an early service followed by a meal we can share together. Hope you can make it. 

Community Chanukah Party

by Marilyn Weinberg

Sunday December 9
3:00 p.m.
Minnie Brown Center

 It’s hard to believe that Chanukah is not that far away. Chanukah begins Sun. night, December 2, 2018 and continues through Monday, December 10, 2018. Please join us for latkes, games, music and candle lighting as we celebrate Chanukah together. We look forward to our second annual dreidel-spinning contest.

 And it wouldn’t be Chanukah without the delicious potato latkes made by Donnie Spiegelman Boyd and her frying team. You can bring a salad to go along. 

 The celebration will be on the 7th day of Chanukah so we will be lighting the seven candles together. Bring your menorah and candles. The stage will be glowing bright! We look forward to seeing you.

Meet our Student-Rabbi Lily Solochek

Hello! 

I'm Lily Solochek (they/them) and I am so excited to be joining the Bath community this year! I am a 4th year student at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, and live in NYC with my wife, Lanni. I'm an avid baker and knitter, and a lifelong science fiction nerd. I have degrees in Jewish Studies and Theatre, and believe road trips are the perfect time for a Broadway sing-a-long. 

I first came to Maine in June 2015 for the Small Town Jewish Conference and fell in in love with Maine's Jewish communities. In my subsequent trips to Maine I've gotten a chance to know and admire the creativity, vibrancy, and camaraderie of Jewish Maine. I am thrilled to be spending the year as a rabbinic fellow with the Center for Small Town Jewish Life and working in the Bath/Bowdoin community. I am excited to be helping Rabbi Vinikoor with family programming, adult education, and Bowdoin Jewish life during my visits. Additionally, I will be traveling around Maine teaching about the mikveh (the Jewish ritual pool). I'm excited to guide individuals and groups to create their own rituals and mark meaningful life moments using Jewish tradition. I hope to bring my love of nature, Judaism, and ritual into these sessions. 

I look forward to meeting you at Beth Israel programs and am always up for a cup of coffee and conversation.

Social Action Committee Update

by Joanne Rosenthal

The committee is preparing to move towards taking the lead in community activities related to immigrant justice. Several members of the committee have participated in HIAS <https://www.hias.org> and URJ <https://urj.org> webinars and calls to action, as well as joining the Midcoast New Mainers Support Group in supporting refugees and asylum seekers living in Bath. The committee is open to any Beth Israel congregants interested in working on this issue. The next meeting will be Nov. 12 from 4:00-5:30 pm., location TBD. For more information, please contact Joanne Rosenthal.

A few additional dates to save include: 

• ELECTION DAY! Tuesday, Nov. 6. Everyone over 18 should get out and VOTE! Reach out if you need a ride to the polls.

• Nov. 29: The Midcoast New Mainers Support Group: 6:30–8:00 pm at the UUCB church in Brunswick, 1 Middle St. (across from the Curtis Library)

• Making Migration Visible: Traces, Tracks & Pathways. A collaboration of artists and community groups will hold more than 70 events on migration across the state. For more information visit the Maine College of Art website: https://www.meca.edu/article/making-migration-visible-launch/

• "Refuge Malja" by Bess Welden. Portland Stage Company from Oct. 30 – Nov. 18. "When a Jewish-American war photographer feels compelled to assist a young refugee who steps in front of her camera…" For more information: https://www.portlandstage.org/show/refuge-malja/

And lastly, watch for the annual sign-up to contribute a menu item for Christmas dinner at the Tedford Shelter.

Hebrew School Update

by Rabbi Vinikoor 

Our Hebrew School year is off to a great start. Our fabulous learners are curious and excited to learn about and share Jewish life and tradition together. I am so pleased that Beth Israel member and parent, Anita Lichman has joined our teaching staff this year. Anita is teaching a brand new curriculum for our students called Hebrew Through Movement. Here is what Anita has to say about this exciting learning opportunity: 

From Anita:

This year Beth Israel is introducing the Hebrew Through Movement(HTM). HTM is based off of James J. Asher's Total Physical Response (TPR) which was designed as the foundation of a full language program making it a key part of the sound-to-print learning that is the foundation of the #OnwardHebrew movement. HTM was developed by faculty at the Siegal College of Judaic Studies and then spread nationally. The curriculum is based upon the idea that children learn through moving and doing and in environments that provide positive emotional support. 

Following the flow of language acquisition in young learners, there is no expectation that students produce language during HTM lessons. Instead, curriculum designers and teachers find that students spontaneously learn language much like babies learn to wave through repetitive actions paired with verbalizations (think of how a baby learns to wave even though there is no expectation that they say "wave" as they do the motion of waving). Comprehension comes first and verbalization comes second, through play and repetition and encouragement. To learn more about the Hebrew Through Movement curriculum go to https://www.onwardhebrew.org

In addition to this new curriculum, returning teachers Alina Shumsky and Susan Horowitz continue to create a warm and welcoming Jewish environment that engages our students.

We look forward to our Hebrew School Shabbat on November 30 and hope that the entire community will join us for a potluck Shabbat dinner beforehand at 5:30 pm. Stay tuned for sign-up details.

Maine + Jewish - Two Centuries

Both the City of Bath and Beth Israel Congregation, in particular, are featured in Maine + Jewish: Two Centuriesat the Maine State Museum in Augusta. The exhibition explores the ways in which Jewish life has become an essential part of Maine’s rhythms and character. It employs approximately 200 artifacts and documents, from ritual objects to memorabilia to tools of various trades, and nearly the same number of photographs, to explore 200 years of history – and lots of geographic ground as well.

Among the topics represented: where and why Jews settled in Maine; religious traditions; working lives; obstacles to full integration in Maine and barriers overcome; Jewish summer camps and tourism; agencies that have served Jewish citizens or which facilitated Jewish outreach to neighbors locally and across the globe.

One of the exhibit’s most dramatic and unique artifacts is a majestic, Art Deco-style Torah ark, dating from the 1930s. The museum acquired the ark from the former Beth Abraham Synagogue in Auburn, then meticulously dismantled, moved, stored, and finally reassembled it in the exhibition gallery. Maine + Jewishalso integrates short videos, a thematically linked art installation (relating to immigration to Portland in the 1920s), and two interactive experiences.

The large, complex show was organized by guest curator Amy E. Waterman of Brunswick, supported by museum staff, an advisory committee of scholars and community members (Marilyn Weinberg among them!), and a partnership with Colby College’s Center for Small Town Jewish Life.

Maine + Jewish: Two Centuries remains on view through October 25, 2019. Visit mainestatemuseum.org for more information or to plan a visit.

REMEMBRANCES FOR november-december 2018

May their memories be for a blessing.

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES

Listing the birthdays and anniversaries of those in our immediate family creates a wonderful opportunity for our community/shul family to have an excuse to celebrate with each other.