Keeping Connected   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, 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.

Keeping Connected    June 2024

Dear Friends,

Shavuot is the festival which marks the anniversary of the receiving of Torah at Sinai; the Torah being the foundation of our people’s spiritual, ethical and cultural heritage. Shavuot has many traditions, amongst them studying of the Ten Commandments, eating dairy foods and saying Yizkor for our loved ones. This year, at Congregation Shalom, we plan on the keeping each of these three traditions. On Erev Shavuot, June 11^th, we will have a wonderful evening of singing, prayer, celebration, study and engagement: a Zoom service with music by Sue Horowitz and a program of text study, storytelling and more with guest teacher Marge Eiseman. The following morning at 9:00 am there will be Zoom Yizkor service with Ari Strasser leading the music. More

Keeping Connected    May 2024

Dear Friends,

Each shabbat, when we pray the Mi Sheberach, we include the lyrics written by Debbie Friedman, “Bless those in need of healing with r’fuah sh’leimah: the renewal of body, the renewal of spirit, and let us say, Amen.” Debbie Friedman’s updated version of the traditional Jewish healing prayer highlighted that health and well-being is not just about physical health. By giving equal status to the renewal of spirit, Friedman helped to open the door to conversation about emotional well-being and mental health. I think talking about mental health is always important, but in particular I want to highlight that May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

I think it is important to raise awareness about the mental health concerns people face and I wanted to share with you information about one organization that I have recently become aware of, The Blue Dove Foundation. This is a description from the organization’s website that talks about what the foundation does: “In the Jewish community, discussions about mental illness and substance abuse tend to be rare, if they happen at all. As a result, many individuals and their families suffer in private and lack the information necessary to address their issues. The Blue Dove Foundation is working toward advancing these conversations, eradicating shame and educating the community.” Whether you, a family member or a friend needs to access to mental health supports, the Blue Dove Foundation can help with a wide variety of resources. I hope you will take the time to look at the Blue Dove programs and resources whether for yourself or others. The link is https://thebluedovefoundation.org.More

Keeping Connected April 2024

Dear Friends,

It has been a hectic two weeks since being back in the country. First let me say how touched I was to see the welcome on my door in the synagogue. The “Keeping Me in the Loop” was a wonderful project and I so enjoyed reading all the links on the chain. It also made me smile to see the welcome back poster from the students in the school. I am deeply grateful to everyone who helped support our community while I was away, Sandy, Bonnie and Liz in the office, Rob, Lynne, Valarie, Norman, and Ari for helping to lead services, Becky Abrams, and the board of trustees and especially Deborah who carried much of the responsibilities. I feel blessed to be a part of a congregation who supports the importance of renewal for their clergy and I hope that I will be able to share some of what I learned with all of you. In particular, while I was on sabbatical and posting on Facebook and Instagram, it was wonderful to feel connected to my Congregation Shalom community.

In recent days, while catching up with people, the first question I am asked is “How was it????” It is hard to get my head around that question. I am not sure it is possible to synthesize the seven weeks of my sabbatical. I would start by saying that the whole experience was meaningful, complicated, enriching, provocative, sad, happy, diverse, and more! Obviously each of the “stages” of my trip were unique and because they were so varied and emotional, especially my time in Israel, it is hard to articulate a quick response. I am still absorbing some of what I experienced and learned. I hope to put together a spring program about my experiences in Portugal, Spain, and Prague to share some photos and insights. Please keep a look-out for information.

My trip in Israel seems so long ago at this point. I was in Israel from January 27^th to February 4^th, which feels like a lifetime ago. As you know from reading and listening to the news, much has evolved in the two months since I was there. Just in the last week the Supreme Court has ruled that the government cannot continue to fund Orthodox yeshivot if the students are not willing to serve in the IDF. This will likely cause huge shifts in the political world of the Israeli government. Each week, bigger and bigger demonstrations have been taking place, led by the families of hostages and those wanting change in the political leadership of the country. Clearly the world is also waiting to see if the renewed hostage release and cease-fire conversations will bear fruit. Someone at Shabbat services this past week asked if I would be willing to facilitate another conversation about what is happening in Israel and Gaza, as I did after the terrorist attack on October 7. If this is something you would be interested in please rsvp to rabbiassistant@congregationshalom.org. I want to gauge the level of interest before I schedule something.

Finally, people in our community were very generous before I left and sent money for me to donate to organizations in Israel. I wanted to share with you the places where the money was given.

• Beit Hagefen: a non-profit Arab-Jewish cultural center in Haifa that promotes dialogue and co-existence programs.
• To the Shamir Hospital whose pioneering work with hyperbaric chambers is at the cutting edge for treatment of PTSD both for soldiers and civilians.
• Congregation Shirat Hayam, let by Rabbi Miriam Klimova. Rabbi Klimova is from Ukraine and leads a new Reform congregation near Haifa. The community includes new olim from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, often mixed families. Many of the members of this community are refugees from Odessa and traumatized by the Ukrainian war.
• Congregation Shaar HaNegev, led by Rabbi Yael Vurgan. Shaar HaNegev is a regional Reform synagogue in the region that was attacked on October 7^th. It is made up of 10 kibbutzim and 1 moshav. Between two of the synagogues in this congregational community, Kfar Aza and Nachal Oz, had 79 people murdered. Almost all of the people have been relocated to other kibbutzim in Israel and the Shaar HaNegev congregation is trying to support these members and help them to cope with significant trauma.
• Reform congregation In Modi’in. Rabbi David Azouli, who grew up ultra-Orthodox, helps to serve the congregation in Modi’in and works as an army coordinator for funerals for soldiers. He is the first non-Orthodox rabbi to be allowed to officiate at military funerals. This was important in the aftermath of the attack when many of the families did not want Orthodox funerals. He uses donations to help support the congregation as well as some of the families who have lost loved ones.
• Israeli Religious Action Center – a branch of MARAM, the Reform movement in Israel. IRAC has been the lead in some of the most important cases before the Israeli Supreme court including cases about the rights of progressive Jewish in Israel: marriage, divorce, burial, conversion, prayer privileges, support of synagogues and more. They have also helped to lead some of the cases defending women’s rights, especially with the surging power of the ultra-Orthodox in the public sphere. They also address issues of LGBTQ+ rights, racism, divorce and more. They have also helped to galvanize the demonstrations last spring and summer in regard to saving the independence of the judicial system.

I look forward to seeing you in the days ahead and wish you and your family a joy-filled Pesach season.

L’shalom,

Rabbi Shoshana M. Perry

 

Keeping Connected January 2024

Dear Friends,

As many of you know, last winter I took the first part of a four-month sabbatical. I spent two months living in Argentina, Uruguay, and Mexico, during which time I was able to learn a great deal about the history and culture of the Jewish communities in each of those countries. My plan for the remaining months of the sabbatical was to go on a rabbinic mission to Israel at the end of January, 2024 for a culture and innovation tour, followed by a return to Argentina. However, so much has changed in the world since I originally made those plans.

After the terrorist attack in Israel in October, the Central Conference of American Rabbis’ trip quickly evolved into a solidarity and fact-finding mission. I wrestled with whether or not I would participate given the war and security issues, but have recently decided to go forward with my plans. More

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