Rabbi

Keeping Connected  May 2025

Dear Friends,

This month, for our Keeping Connected, I have two things I would like to write about.

First, in January, our Board of Trustees and committee chairs met for a full-day retreat. Our hope was to engage in strategic thinking about the state of our congregation, as well as to envision ideas that we hoped would strengthen the functionality of our synagogue systems, as well as the sense of community that we cherish. Many positive ideas came out of that day, but one issue in particular seemed particularly resonant. Congregation Shalom, at its inception, was envisioned by our founding members, to be a place where people would find not only a place for Jewish learning, spirituality and religious practice, but also a place where our members would have a true sense of community. For many, the synagogue felt like an “extended family”, so much so that this became the guest password at our congregation.

Over time, however, as the synagogue has grown, many of our members have come to feel that there is a gap between the longer-term members and our newer members and younger synagogue families. I have heard many times the sentiment that I don’t recognize anyone anymore. This sense of not knowing one another was something that was highlighted at our board retreat and we set a goal to create programming and experiences that would begin to build bridges between one another. One of the ideas that was raised was to offer more opportunities for synagogue-wide, intergenerational learning. Together, our adult education, school and beautification committee are sponsoring such an event on the morning of May 18^th.  A special e-mail has already been sent out to all our members; you can find it here. I hope you will come and participate in this experience of learning, sharing and creating. We will have the opportunity to dedicate the Tree of Life arbor during the High Holidays in the fall.

The second thing I would like to highlight is that May is Mental Health Awareness month. I have written about mental health many times in the past, but I continue to feel that this is a critical issue that needs to remain in the forefront on our consciousness. Too many of us and our loved ones are impacted by the challenges and pain when one’s emotional well-being is fragile or shattered. There is no member of our community who either they themselves or a loved one has not been impacted by depression, anxiety, addiction, and other serious mental health struggles.

The National Council for Mental Well-being records that “Despite progress in mental health initiatives, more than 30 million people in the U.S. still lack access to comprehensive, high-quality care. These statistics highlight the ongoing need for Mental Health Awareness Month and the importance of bringing attention to this disparity:

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year.
• 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year.
• 1 in 6 U.S. youth have a mental health condition, but only half receive treatment.
• 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.
• In 2023, 20% of all high school students seriously considered suicide.”

https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/mental-health-awareness-month/

There are many ways to be involved this month, many of which are talked about in the above website. Another is to learn more about how one can help others. Locally, in Westford, there will be an adult mental health first aid training program that is open to the public. Please see the flyer below that details how to sign-up. Most importantly, if you or a loved one need support or help, please reach out to me, your doctor, a mental health professional, a friend and in an emergency the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline.

It is important for all of us to remember that mental health is as important as physical health and that we need to work together to break down stigma.

Warm regards,

Rabbi Shoshana Perry

Keeping Connected April 2025

Dear Friends,

I would like to invite you to learn more about the World Zionist Congress and your ability to participate in an important election. The WZC elections are the ONLY way for American Jews to democratically participate in issues about Israel. Please watch the following video to understand the significance of your vote. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32fxLn_nuM4

You can also find important information from ARZA (the American Reform Zionist Association) which is a branch of the Union for Reform Judaism that promotes religious freedom and pluralism in Israel. You can learn more are ARZA and the work that they do at their website: ARZA https://arza.org. Additionally, below is information from the Union for Reform Judaism that I think can be helpful in understanding the significance of this vote. Please take the time to read the information as well as to look at additional information at the links below.

L’shalom,

Rabbi Shoshana M. PerryMore

Keeping Connected – March 2025

Dear Friends,

Our Jewish values teach that all people are created “B’tselem Elohim” in the Divine image, that each person is precious and deserves kindness and safety. These values have always been a guiding light for Congregation Shalom. Our mission statement is:

Congregation Shalom is a Reform Jewish community committed toВ education, spiritual growth, and Tikkun Olam (healing the world). We are proud to be an extended family of equals, “ welcoming, caring and inclusive. Together, we engage in religious observance, enjoy social activities, and pursue life-long learning.

Today, more than ever, it feels important for us to affirm the commitment to being welcoming, caring and inclusive. That every person, regardless of who they love and how they identify, is a valued member of our congregation. We aspire for our synagogue to be a sanctuary and safe place for every person, child or adult, and we are also committed through our actions to make this mission a reality. As it says in our siddur:

May the door of this synagogue be wide enough
To receive all who hunger for love, all who are lonely for friendship.

May it welcome all who have cares to unburden,
Thanks to express, hopes to nurture.

Recently, in our nation, there have been significant efforts on the national and state level, to diminish the rights of people who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community. This has included legislation that would take away the right to gay marriage, the elimination of gender-affirming care for children who are trans and nonbinary, restrictions on receiving passports, etc. We understand that this has caused tremendous emotional and spiritual distress for some members of our congregation, both young and old. We want to reiterate that we are present with you on this challenging journey and that we will always be here to offer our support and guidance. We are committed to being a caring and inclusive community. We may not always know who is in need of support, so please reach out to us so we can be there for you.

As mentioned earlier, it is important to not only believe in these values, but to live these values. Towards these ends, as a congregation, we have incorporated Seven Jewish Values for an Inclusive Jewish Community into our daily practice. You can see the entire framework of principles below, but they include: Respect, Peace in the Home, In God’s Image, Communal Responsibility, Guarding One’s Use of Language, Love Your Neighbor as Yourself, and Solidarity. Along with the Union for Reform Judaism, the RAC (Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism), and hundreds of other synagogues and Jewish organizations, Congregation Shalom has joined the Thrive Coalition, which is a group of Jewish community institutions that want to protect and advance LGBTQ+ civil rights on both the state and federal levels. If you are interested in becoming a part of Congregation Shalom’s engagement with these efforts or would like to be a part of our Inclusion Committee, please reach out to Tina Kempner, Caryn Navy, or Rabbi Perry. Please see our e-mails below.

With deep care and concern for each and every one of you,

Rabbi Perry
Rob Berkovitz, President Congregation Shalom on behalf of the Board of Trustees
Tina Kempner, Chair Social Action/Social Justice
Caryn Navy, Chair of the Inclusion Committee

Resources:

https://www.keshetonline.org

https://www.keshetonline.org/thrive

Seven Jewish Values

Seven Jewish Values for Littles

Keeping Connected –  February  2025

Dear Friends,

The Torah is filled with passages about the responsibility of helping others in one’s community, in Hebrew, the kehillah. Through history, the Jewish people, whether religious or secular, have taken these responsibilities seriously, especially in times and situations when they were marginalized by the non-Jewish community. Furthermore, the Torah emphasized that the imperative to help others is meant to be applied to those both within and outside the Jewish kehillah. For example, in Deuteronomy 15:7 we read a mitzvah that is an overarching articulation of the duty to help others; “If there be among you a needy person, you shall not harden your heart, but you shall surely open your hand.” The Torah set the foundation for these moral principles of Jewish life; we are responsible for helping the poor, the stranger, the widow, the orphan, the sick, the marginalized in our society and we are responsible for setting up institutions of learning and Jewish ritual life. This commitment was expanded upon through time in every period of Jewish history. Jews have taken it upon themselves to set up schools, orphanages, hospitals, social service agencies, mikvaot (Jewish ritual baths), synagogues and more.

In the modern period, Jewish federations took on the role of helping to establish and fund these institutions. Federations, which are non-profit, secular organizations have helped to provide support and human services to members of the community, through philanthropy, grants, humanitarian aid and more, and although Jewish federations were created to help the Jewish community, they also provide for other communities as well. The earliest burial societies, credit unions, youth societies, immigration support organizations and more were all funded by early versions of Jewish federations. Perhaps you have heard of organizations like Jewish Children and Family Services, The Jewish Vocational Institution, Jewish Big Brothers and Big Sisters, YMHAs, YWHAs, JCCs, and more. These were or are all partially funded by Jewish Federations.

I share this information with you because our community has undergone a change in the way we are connected to the larger federation system and it has real life implications for our congregation and members. Since 1988, our synagogue was in the catchment area of the Merrimack Valley Jewish Federation, but beginning in January 2025, the Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston (CJP) has expanded their borders to include servicing the Merrimack Valley. Now, our local community members and congregations will have equal access to programs and resources as all others within the current CJP catchment area. This change can have an enormous impact for our congregation and members. It would be hard to briefly review all the new resources available to our members, but I wanted to encourage you all to look at the CJP website (https://ma.cjp.org) to familiarize yourselves with these new programs and resources.

Although it may take time for us to all access these opportunities, both for our synagogue and members, since some of these new resources are time sensitive, I wanted to highlight them in this letter. CJP has wonderful resources to benefit Jewish youth in terms of camping and trips to Israel. In terms of attending Jewish camps, CJP offers both 1^st Time Camper scholarships as well as affordability scholarships. These funds are distributed on a rolling basis and have strict application deadlines. If you are at all interested in learning more about these scholarships I would encourage you to access the links below and to be aware that the funds are limited. The sooner you are to apply, the better.

CJP has also made a significant commitment to helping members of the Jewish community who are faced with mental health challenges. If you or any member of your family needs support I encourage you to explore their mental health programs at

https://www.cjp.org/path-to-well-being

I look forward to this new stage of connection with the larger Boston Jewish community and I am confident that our engagement with CJP will be beneficial to all of us.

L’shalom,

Rabbi Shoshana M. Perry

https://www.cjp.org/our-work/future-generations/campers-and-teens/jewish-overnight-camp?_gl=1*1o3h2i*_gcl_au*ODc4MDQ5MzM2LjE3MzgxMDU3MjA.*_ga*MTg5NTc3NjEwOS4xNzM4MTA1NzIw*_ga_9Q6WWN4GK8*MTczODE2ODc4Mi4yLjEuMTczODE3MDA0OS41My4wLjA

https://www.cjp.org/our-work/future-generations/campers-and-teens/jewish-overnight-camp?_gl=1*1o3h2i*_gcl_au*ODc4MDQ5MzM2LjE3MzgxMDU3MjA.*_ga*MTg5NTc3NjEwOS4xNzM4MTA1NzIw*_ga_9Q6WWN4GK8*MTczODE2ODc4Mi4yLjEuMTczODE3MDA0OS41My4wLjA

Keeping Connected –  January  2025

Dear Friends,

Over the last few weeks my news feed has been filled with an inordinate number of lists: Dave Barry’s Year in Review, the New York Times Best Books/Movies/TV Shows/Music/Podcasts/etc. of the Year. There are even lists of the best inventions, the best memes, the best Tik Tok videos! I am sure you have also been exposed to and perhaps read, many of these lists. Inspired by these lists, on this erev New Year 2025, I spent some time reflecting not on the past but the year ahead. What if I had a top ten list of Jewish wisdom and quotes that I would inspire and guide me in this new year? Would having what I call a “purpose framework” make an impact on my sense of hope and well-being and would I able to manifest them in my actions and perspective over the course of new next year? If so, one year from now, how would I feel about the year that had just passed?

I decided to give it a chance and spent some time reading and thinking about the challenges and opportunities we will be facing in 2025.  Then, I whittled down a list to ten insights from Jewish wisdom that I hope will enrich my life in 2025 and more importantly, help me to be a better person. I invite you to do the same or to borrow a few of mine. I plan on printing mine out and hanging it up so that throughout the year I will be reminded of the sense of purpose I hoped to integrate in my life. I invite you to take such an opportunity for yourself. Come up with your own list, print it out, put it in your phone, write it in a journal, live it! In doing so I believe that in some small way, we will bring more light, kindness and goodness into the New Year.

I love the opportunity we have as Jews to have two New Years! May 2025 be a year of health, joy, love and peace to you and to all of us.

Rabbi Shoshana Perry

1. “Whatever you choose to do, leave tracks. That means don’t do it just for yourself. You will want to leave the world a little better for your having lived .-  Ruth Bader Ginsberg
2. “Let the Good in me connect with the good in others, until the world is transformed through the compelling power of love.” — Rabbi Nachman of Breslov
3. “The highest form of wisdom is kindness.” –  from the Talmud
4. “If I am not for me, who is for me; and if I am (only) for myself, what am I. And if not now, when?” – Hillel, Ethics of the Fathers, 1:14
5. Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning. – Albert Einstein
6. If you are not a better person tomorrow than you are today, what need have you for a tomorrow? – Rabbi Nachman of Breslov
7. “It is not incumbent on you to finish the task, but neither are you free to absolve yourself from it.” – Ethics of the Fathers, 2:21
8. “It was said of Reb Simcha Bunem of Pershyscha that he carried two slips of paper, one in each pocket. On one he wrote: Bishvili nivra ha-olamв “for my sake the world was created.” On the other he wrote: “I am but dust and ashes.” Reb Simcha would take out each slip of paper as necessary, as a reminder to himself.
9. You have been told what is good and what the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God. – Micah 6:8
10. “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” – Anne Frank

Keeping Connected В  December В 2024

Dear Friends,

As Rob mentioned in his newsletter article, Chanukkah is a time when we recall the dedication of our ancestors who fought against forces of hate and prejudice in order to live, believe and worship freely. The dedication required a commitment to stand up against idolatry, discriminating laws and forces of assimilation. At the same time it required the will to standup to those in their own community who were willing to conform by sacrificing the ethics, rituals and traditions that were central to Judaism.

There has never been a time in my life when I have not been able to find a relevancy in the themes of our holidays, but this year, I feel a particular resonance with the history and message of Chanukkah. Perhaps it is because I feel the Jewish community is especially vulnerable right now to discrimination and prejudice. Perhaps it is because I know that many Jews feel this fear so acutely that they are even afraid to wear identifying clothing or jewelry in public. Perhaps it is because as a community we need to remain viligent to maintain safety and security. Perhaps it is because I see the rapid erosion of the separation of church and state in America, as indicated by such things as the  posting of Christian interpretations of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms in states like Oklahoma as well as the approval of a bible-based curriculum in Texas for grades K-5. Almost all of the stories and translations are from the Christian tradition. It is true that school districts are not “required” to integrate this curriculum, but if they don’t they will probably lose state educational funding. Perhaps it is because white nationalist hate groups have started to feel more emboldened.

In light of these trends, what can we do to rededicate ourselves to Jewish life in a meaningful way? I do not have one answer, because there are so many ways for us to express our Judaism; culturally, spiritually, ethically and more.В  I do believe, however, that it is essential for us to support and preserve the Jewish institutions in our lives, whether they be the synagogue, the Federation, Jewish schools, Jewish social service agencies, Jewish human rights organizations, and more. In the time of the Maccabees, King Antiochus realized that in order to assimilate the Israelite population, he had to undermine the institutions of Jewish life; the Temple, the schools, the rabbinic centers, Jewish charities of that time period. So too with us, without these communities and organizations, we lose the supports and community we need to insure a vibrant, secure Jewish life for all of us.

This year, as we all think about how we might give tzedakah before the end of the year, I urge you to consider including some of the institutions of Jewish life.

Wishing you and your loved ones light in the winter darkness and may you always remember that you have the power to bring light into the world.

Chag Chanukkah Sameach,

Rabbi Shoshana M. Perry

Keeping Connected В  November 202

Dear Friends,

As many of you heard in my remarks during the High Holidays, I raised concerns about the impact of climate change on our planet and how our faith commands us to take the mitzvah of Shomrei Adamah/Protecting the Earth as an imperative. In the Torah itself there are countless texts and mitzvot that underly this religious principle. I also shared this text from the Midrash, Kohelet Rabbah:

“Then the Blessed Holy One created the first human, God took Adam around to all the trees of the Garden of Eden and said: “Look at My works, how beautiful and praiseworthy they are! And all that I have created, it was for you that I created it. Pay attention that you do not corrupt and destroy My world: if you corrupt it, there is no one to repair and mend it after you. (Kohelet Rabbah 7:13:1)”.

In my Kol Nidre sermon I explained that I had felt personally impacted by two climate disasters this year; the wildfires in Northen California outside of Chico and in Asheville, North Carolina and its environs, the impact of Hurricane Helene. For those of you who did not hear the sermon, I was the rabbi in Chico, California and have maintained strong connections to that community. I have also visited Asheville and the surrounding communities. It is a beautiful part of the world. Ironically I know several people from Northern California who have relocated to Asheville to escape the horrible dangers of the out-of-control wildfires that California now experiences. The devastation of Asheville feels more personal because during my recent trip to Israel this winter, I got to know the rabbi of the Reform congregation, Rabbi Batsheva Meiri. Her congregation, as was the entire area, was profoundly impacted by the hurricane. A colleague of ours Rabbi Asher Gottesfeld Knight, the Reform rabbi in Charlotte, NC, has been keeping colleagues in the loop about the status of the Reform synagogue community in Asheville. If you feel motivated to contribute to help them, you can do so through a special fund that was set up through the Charlotte synagogue. I provided Rabbi Gottesfeld Knight’s letter below.

Tonight we will be celebrating the end of Sukkot with the festival of Simchat Torah. As we mark this season of harvest and plenty, let us remember that the bounty of our earth is dependent upon all of us being good stewards of our planet.

L’shalom,

Rabbi Shoshana M. Perry

————————————-

Rabbi Gottesfeld Knight’s letter:

I have received numerous requests for an update about how to support our colleagueВ Batsheva MeiriВ and Congregation Beth HaTephila in Asheville. I connected with Batsheva today. She has asked me to provide you with an update as they continue to weather the aftermath of the devastating hurricane.

While progress is being made, the challenges are still immense, and the road ahead feels long and uncertain. There are moments of light, but the weight of what remains to be done is heavy on the entire community.

Most of the city has power again, but the basic need for clean, potable water remains unmet. For now, families are still trekking to neighborhood water stations every day to refill jugs just to drink, shower, or do dishes. There is no set date for when this will change. Internet access is still unreliable, with many, including Batsheva, relying on sporadic hotspots. After a month-long break, schools are reopening, but teachers and students will return to buildings stocked with bottled water. The strain on families, especially those who couldn’t leave the city, is overwhelming.

At Congregation Beth HaTephila, four families have lost everything. Imagine what that means—not just losing a home, but facing a future of uncertainty and bureaucracy as FEMA and insurance move slowly, leaving these families hanging. Batsheva herself has been denied insurance coverage. It’s impossible to go anywhere in Asheville without seeing the destruction—piles of debris everywhere, with estimates suggesting it will take 70,000 trucks to clear the waste from the city. Major areas, like the River Arts District and Biltmore Village, were decimated. Congregation Beth HaTephila has it’s own repairs to make and yet is also offering space to the historic All Souls Episcopal Church, which is still so deeply mired in storm mud that it requires Hazmat suits to enter.

But through the wreckage, there’s been remarkable kindness. Relief workers from all over North Carolina and beyond have stepped in, and organizations like World Central Kitchen have provided meals to families. People from as far away as Israel have reached out to offer support. Schools reopening is a critical lifeline for many families who didn’t have the option to evacuate. And yet, the emotional toll is heavy. The constant state of crisis has worn everyone down. Executive functioning feels frayed for so many.

And the challenges are not just emotional. Congregation Beth HaTephila is facing a significant financial crisis. They are down by at least $125,000 from expected revenues. This isn’t just a line in a budget—this shortfall is putting the future of the community at risk. To help bridge this gap, Congregation Beth HaTephila is launching a dues relief fund to help families stay connected to temple life, instead of having to choose between meeting immediate needs and maintaining their Jewish communal ties. Every dollar helps both families and the congregation itself.

This is where your support can make a difference. If you are looking for a way to make a tangible impact, you can donate directly to Rabbi Batsheva Meiri and Congregation Beth HaTephila. 100% of the funds will go toward helping the congregation stay afloat during this crisis.

Donate to Rabbi Batsheva Meiri and Congregation Beth HaTephila

Additionally, Jewish Family Services of Western North Carolina has been leading many of the relief efforts in the region. They have set up a fund to support recovery in Western North Carolina, and you can donate to this crucial work here:

Donate to Jewish Family Services of Western North Carolina

This is more than just helping a congregation and a colleague recover from a disaster. It’s about giving families hope that they can rebuild. It’s about restoring the sacred spaces where people find connection, comfort, and meaning. The storm may have hit Asheville, but its impact is felt across our community.

Thank you for standing with Batsheva and Congregation Beth HaTephila during this time of need. Your support is the reminder they need—that they are not alone, that we, as colleagues and as a Jewish community, stand together, and that hope is not lost. Together, we can help them rebuild their lives, one act of generosity at a time.

With gratitude and hope. Moadim L’simcha.

Asher

https://tbe.shulcloud.com/form/rbm-discretionary-fund.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawGIrmFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHfZnZnwUPHIRv-rZ3Mv3EPxjiQ9qerWriyufvOeVrhsJ6d_KHUQXmAPgaw_aem_RjZYzsoFHEMQXbLtfhnHmw

Keeping Connected В  October 2024

Dear Friends,

Yesterday, although it was 3 days and counting until Erev Rosh Hashanah, I decided to put my to-do list on pause and seize the day by taking Lucca for a walk at the cranberry bog in Carlisle. It was a glorious day filled with light, color and crispness. At this time of year I feel like the liturgy, themes, music, memories, and logistics of the Days of Awe course through my brain and body, almost like a parallel circuitry and I am not exaggerating when I say that almost everything I do seems steeped in meaning or potential for a spiritual connection to the holidays.More

Keeping Connected В  September 2024

Dear Friends,

Sunset tonight marks the beginning of the month of Elul; the month leading up to the High Holidays. It has become customary to use this time as a period for reflection, conversation and action. Jews do not mark Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as separate days in time, but rather as a part of a process. Elul is the beginning of this process. It is possible to celebrate the New Year without seizing this opportunity, but doing so is sure to add to the richness and depth of experience that these Days of Awe can afford us. I have offered a diverse list of suggestions below for you to consider as you think about how you want to prepare for this coming New Year.

You can also develop your own plan by taking the three components – reflection, conversation and action – and commit to one thing in each area.

В For instance, you can

1. Choose to spend the month reflecting on one aspect of your life (goals, beliefs, career, roadblocks, etc.)
2. Think of a few people or even one person, that you have been hoping or needing to have a meaningful conversation with and then make it happen.
3. Think of an area in your life or in someone else’s life that you can impact by doing something and then do it!

This has been a challenging year for so many and my hope is that these upcoming holidays will be a time for meaningful change and renewal. Please keep a look out for upcoming information about how we will celebrate and mark the Days of Awe at Congregation Shalom.

Warm regards,

Rabbi Shoshana Perry

Offerings from Hebrew College:

https://hebrewcollege.edu/elultogether/

Resources compiled by Rabbi Jill Berkson Zimmerman:

Books

This is Real and You Are Completely Unprepared by Alan Lew (z’’l) Absolutely my favorite book of all time about the High Holy Days – profound and wise, Can’t recommend it enough. (Also available as eBook)  http://www.amazon.com/This-Real-Completely-Unprepared-Transformation/dp/0316739081

60 DAYS: A Spiritual Guide to the High HolidaysВ by Rabbi Simon Jacobson В https://shop.meaningfullife.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=60D

Websites and Email subscriptions

Rabbi Rachel Barenblat (The Velveteen Rabbi) has a blog you can subscribe to. She is quite talented and insightful and always refreshing:В В http://velveteenrabbi.blogs.com/blog/2013/08/blogelul-1-prepare.html

Rabbi Yael Levy is posting weekly and daily inspirations.В  You can subscribe to her blog here and also follow her on Facebook and Twitter:В В http://mishkan.org/a-way-in

Rabbi Phyllis Sommer is blogging and tweeting Elul.В  Check out her website to subscribe: В http://imabima.blogspot.com

Journey into the High Holy Days with Amichai Lau-Lavie, the incredibly talented founder of Storahtelling has a daily email you can subscribe to.В  For the options on receiving his insights:В В http://labshul.org/?p=472

Meditation Preparing for Rosh Hashanah (podcast) by the amazing artist, singer and meditation teacher, Laura Hegfield:http://www.shinethedivine.com/podcasts/meditations/minuchablev/minuchablevrh.mp3?utm_source=Eluletter&utm_campaign=July+Newsletter&utm_medium=email

Rabbi Simon Jacobson has a daily email you can subscribe to, as well as a book called 60 Days, A Spiritual Guide to the High Holidays, Sign up for the daily newsletter here:В http://www.meaningfullife.com/subscribe/index_60days_subscribe.php

Jewels of Elul – a daily email by different Jewish author, thinker or artist put together by Craig Taubman.  This year, the topic is Welcoming.  Subscribe here:  http://www.letmypeoplesing.com/jewels/

Rabbi Mark Hurvitz:  funny Tom Lehrer video about “being prepared” (Mark you are dating yourself) and APPS (yes)  that include a daily shofar alarm: http://www.davka.org/2013/08/07/prepare/

Daily Meditations and Writing Exercises on Repentance by Rabbi Debra Orenstein В http://www.rabbidebra.com/elul-meditations.html?utm_source=Eluletter&utm_campaign=July+Newsletter&utm_medium=email

Preparing for the New You from Reform Judaism Magazine (reflections from 9 Jewish thinkers)В http://reformjudaismmag.org/Articles/index.cfm?id=3080&utm_source=Eluletter&utm_campaign=July+Newsletter&utm_medium=email

Ted Talks:В  Try Something New for 30 Days by Matt Cutts:В http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnfBXjWm7hc

Landlord (Forgiveness)  – Jewish Food for Thought (animated series)  http://jewishfoodforthought.com/?page_id=20&utm_source=Eluletter&utm_campaign=July+Newsletter&utm_medium=email

Beautiful translation and Hebrew of Psalm 27 by Rabbi Yael Levy, traditionally recited daily during the month of Elul: В http://mishkan.org/sites/default/files/Ps27_yael_levy_translation.pdf

(Thank you to the Institute for Jewish Spirituality for sharing the some of these resources. To learn more about IJS and to subscribe to their newsletter:В http://jewishspirituality.org/?utm_source=Eluletter&utm_campaign=July+Newsletter&utm_medium=email

Keeping Connected В  July 2024

Dear Friend,

When I was a rabbi at Temple Isaiah in Lexington, my position required me to have titles for all sermons and newsletter articles. After doing that for four years, I can honestly say I was ready to leave that job responsibility behind. I am simply not good at coming up with titles. That is why I find it so ironic that I immediately thought of a title for my newsletter article this month: “True Confessions of a Rabbi at the End of June”!

Number 1: After a long year, it always feels difficult to decide what to write about for my July newsletter. Honestly, just as kids get “summeritis”, so do rabbis.

Number 2: Although I am already thinking about the High Holidays and planning for the new year, I am also thinking about the list of guilt-free “summer beach reads” that I have been anticipating with excitement for months.

Number 3: I suspect that most members of the community have similar feelings to #1 and #2.

In light of my confession, I decided to do something silly and Google the purpose of summer beach reading. I found this written at the CNN website: “In other words, a beach read doesn’t ask the reader to ponder the grim realities of the modern world or plunge into the depths of the human experience. Rather,В it offers a break from the slog of daily life and the constant drumbeat of depressing news stories.” Hmmmm, this actually resonated for me and I wonder if others are feeling the same way. Right now, with the war in Israel, Gaza and perhaps Lebanon, the rising concern regarding anti-Semitism, the challenging political environment in the United States, the emerging threat of right-wing governments in Europe and more, most of us are feeling a sense of uncertainty and at times overwhelmed. Summer, like Shabbat, is a built-in opportunity to find renewal and healing and most of us feel drawn to the break like a moth to a flame!

But what exactly is a beach read? Amanda Bergeron, who selects fiction for Penguin Random House’s “beach read” list writes, “When looking for the next big summer read….she’s drawn to fast-paced stories with compelling characters. If it transports the reader to another location, all the better. Readers want to be transported. When you think of an) escape often you think light, but I think it’s the ability to inhabit another world or another set of shoes and just spend time in those pages.”

This all got me thinking about the theme of Jewish summer experiences and Jewish summer reads. Are there things we can do to feel transported to another time and place, things we can do to feel renewed and alive, things we can do to nurture our sense of hope and possibility? I would say there are and in times that feel so difficult, it is okay to not “escape” from the realities we face, but to create little islands of uplift and a spiritual and emotional vacation. In this regard, I decided to share with you some ideas to take into the summer. I hope you choose at least one thing to do or read from the lists below and hopefully more.

Happy Summer,

Rabbi Shoshana Perry

PS – Confession number 4 – I used Chat GPT to come up with the lists below!

Activities that will blend summer fun and weather with Jewish culture, prayer and traditions.

• Outdoor Shabbat Dinners: Host or attend Shabbat dinners in a park, on the beach, or in your backyard. Enjoying Shabbat meals outdoors can be a refreshing change.
• Jewish Summer Camps: Enroll kids in Jewish summer camps, which offer a mix of fun activities and Jewish learning in a beautiful outdoor setting.
• Festivals and Cultural Events: Look for Jewish festivals, fairs, and cultural events happening in your area. These can include music, food, crafts, and performances.
• Community Service: Participate in Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) projects, such as community clean-ups, volunteering at shelters, or organizing charity drives.
• Nature Walks and Hikes: Organize or join hikes and nature walks that incorporate Jewish teachings about nature and the environment. Consider doing a study session or meditation in a natural setting.
• Cooking and Picnicking: Prepare traditional Jewish foods and have picnics with family and friends. Try out summer-friendly Jewish recipes like cold soups, salads, and grilled dishes.
• Outdoor Havdalah: Celebrate Havdalah outdoors with a bonfire, singing, and storytelling. It’s a wonderful way to mark the end of Shabbat under the stars.
• Learning and Reading: Use the longer days to catch up on Jewish reading, whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or studying Jewish texts. Join or start a summer reading group or book club.
• Music and Arts: Attend concerts, theater performances, or art exhibitions that feature Jewish artists or themes. Explore Jewish music and dance.

Three Different Book Lists:

For light, enjoyable Jewish reads that are perfect for summer, here are ten recommendations:

1. “The Ladies Auxiliary” by Tova Mirvis: A charming novel about a group of women in a tight-knit Orthodox Jewish community in Memphis, Tennessee.
2. “The Unorthodox Match” by Naomi Ragen: A heartwarming story about a modern woman returning to her Orthodox Jewish roots in search of love and belonging.
3. “The Saturday Wife” by Naomi Ragen: A humorous and satirical novel about the life of a rabbi’s wife struggling with her role and identity.
4. “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay” by Michael Chabon: An engaging and adventurous story of two Jewish cousins in the comic book industry during the 1930s and 1940s.
5. “The Family Man” by Elinor Lipman: A witty and light-hearted novel about a middle-aged man who reconnects with his long-lost daughter and finds new purpose in life.
6. “Goodbye, Columbus” by Philip Roth: A collection of short stories that offer humorous and poignant insights into the lives of Jewish Americans.
7. “The Matzah Ball” by Jean Meltzer: A delightful rom-com about a Jewish woman who secretly loves Christmas but ends up organizing a major Hanukkah event.
8. “Modern Girls” by Jennifer S. Brown: A historical novel set in 1935 New York City, following the lives of a Jewish mother and daughter navigating unexpected challenges.
9. “The Frozen Rabbi” by Steve Stern: A whimsical tale about a rabbi who has been frozen in ice for a century and is discovered by a modern-day teenager.
10. “The Last Watchman of Old Cairo” by Michael David Lukas: A captivating novel that weaves together stories of different generations connected by a famous Cairo synagogue.

These books offer a mix of humor, romance, and light-hearted storytelling, perfect for a relaxing summer read.

Here are ten great books to read over the summer that reflect various aspects of Jewish life, history, and spirituality:

1. “As a Driven Leaf” by Milton Steinberg: A historical novel about Elisha ben Abuyah, a rabbi who struggles with faith and doubt in ancient times.
2. “My Name Is Asher Lev” by Chaim Potok: The story of a young Hasidic artist torn between his religious upbringing and his artistic passion.
3. “The Sabbath” by Abraham Joshua Heschel: A profound exploration of the meaning and significance of the Sabbath in Jewish life.
4. “Night” by Elie Wiesel: A powerful memoir of Wiesel’s experiences during the Holocaust.
5. “The Chosen” by Chaim Potok: A compelling narrative about two boys from different Jewish backgrounds growing up in Brooklyn during the 1940s.
6. “Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life—in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There)” by Sarah Hurwitz: An accessible and engaging exploration of Jewish spirituality and tradition.
7. “Jewish Literacy” by Joseph Telushkin: An essential guide to Jewish history, culture, and religious practice.
8. “People Love Dead Jews: Reports from a Haunted Present” by Dara Horn: A thought-provoking collection of essays on how the world views Jewish history and identity.
9. “Maus” by Art Spiegelman: A Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel depicting the Holocaust through the author’s father’s experiences.
10. “Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor” by Yossi Klein Halevi: A heartfelt attempt to bridge understanding between Jews and Palestinians, offering a personal and historical perspective.

Here are ten good Jewish summer reads that offer a mix of fiction, memoirs, and thought-provoking non-fiction:

1. “The World That We Knew” by Alice Hoffman: A mystical tale set during World War II, combining historical fiction with elements of Jewish folklore.
2. “Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love” by Dani Shapiro: A memoir exploring identity and family secrets through the lens of Jewish heritage.
3. “Kaddish.com” by Nathan Englander: A darkly humorous novel about a secular Jew navigating the complexities of modern religious obligations.
4. “The Weight of Ink” by Rachel Kadish: A historical novel that spans centuries, focusing on two women—a 17th-century scribe and a modern-day historian—connected by a series of mysterious documents.
5. “Here I Am” by Jonathan Safran Foer: A novel that delves into Jewish identity, family dynamics, and the complexities of modern life.
6. “Jewish Noir” edited by Kenneth Wishnia: A collection of dark, gritty short stories by contemporary Jewish authors, exploring themes of crime, guilt, and justice.
7. “The Golem and the Jinni” by Helene Wecker: A captivating blend of historical fiction and fantasy, featuring Jewish and Middle Eastern folklore.
8. “The Aleppo Codex: A True Story of Obsession, Faith, and the Pursuit of an Ancient Bible” by Matti Friedman: A gripping non-fiction account of the journey of an ancient Hebrew manuscript.
9. “Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots” by Deborah Feldman: A memoir about leaving the Hasidic community and forging a new identity.
10. “The Lost Shtetl” by Max Gross: A novel imagining a small Jewish village in Poland that has remained untouched by the modern world and its sudden encounter with contemporary society.