A quarterly publication from Tifereth Israel
December 2023 - February 2024
Kislev - Adar I 5782
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The Rabbi's Study
Rabbi Raphael Kanter
I have once again been studying Abraham Joshua Herschel’s classic, The Sabbath. Regrettably, few Conservative Jews have read it, even though The Sabbath is the best example of the Conservative approach to keeping the Sabbath. I remember well my daughter Rebecca singing as a young child, “I got that Shabbat feeling deep in my heart, deep in my heart.” I always thought that the song understands what Heschel tried to communicate.
It doesn’t tell all the laws of Shabbat or how you should observe it. It does tell you that the essence of Judaism is to surpass civilization or what passes for Civilization. I am struck though by the language where he refers to Shabbat, The Sabbath, as a palace in time. “On the Shabbat we especially care for the seed of eternity planted in the soul.” This is even more important in these times. We must practice what I continue to encourage, a disciplined approach to social media and news, distancing ourselves from the nonstop news feed. The Sabbath has this built into it. It forces us to set aside one day, 24 hours, of leaving the sad and violent world outside, and meditating on the holy. Seek that palace in time, the silence in the cacophony of noise all around us.
Especially in the midst of the war in Gaza, there may be an urge to read and watch everything about what is going on there. Even in the midst of this historical event and trauma we must set aside time to decompress and absorb holiness as much as we can. When people ask what can they do, there are the positive things, like calling your elected officials and strengthen them to withstand the onslaught of anti-Israel messaging and the pressure to cease its attempts to destroy Hamas. We can donate money and time to organizations that are helping so many Israelis dislocated by the war and traumatized by the rockets that continue to rain down on them from the South and North.
We must find islands of calm and peace in the midst of so much tension and anxiety and that is what the Sabbath teaches over and over again. It has the power to bring us inner peace and balance in a situation where we are continually being emotionally battered by the pain and suffering on both sides of the conflict.
Heschel points out about the Sabbath “It is a day that can soothe all sadness away.” It is described in the afternoon Amidah on Shabbat as “Beauty of Grandeur, a crown of victory, a day of rest and holiness….a rest in love and generosity, a true and genuine rest, rest that yields peace and serenity, tranquility and security, a perfect rest with which thou art pleased. “
We can, and must, aspire to such great heights of the spiritual; and when so much seeks to drag us down, may we all be uplifted. Shabbat Shalom.
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Notes from the Cantor
Cantor Nathaniel Schudrich
It has been 33 years since Chanukah has changed for me. On the 3rd night of Chanukah, 1990, my father passed away. Since then, as much as I enjoy the holiday, Chanukah has been a little bittersweet. After all of these years, it has occurred to me that I should view my father’s yahrzeit through a Torah lens. The portions of the Torah that involve the passing of some of our greatest ancestors use very positive titles. The passing of Sarah is called “Chayey Sarah, The Life of Sarah”, Jacob’s is called “Vayechi, and He Lived”, and Moses’ is titled “V’zot Habracha, and This is the Blessing”. The Torah teaches that we should focus on someone’s life, how they lived and the blessings we received from them. It only took me three decades to realize this!
My father, Rabbi David Schudrich, was my favorite teacher and an amazing father. He is the one who taught me never to be afraid to ask questions. It is because of him that I am not afraid or embarrassed to say that I don’t know something. He applauded everything I did, and through him I learned how to view people in a positive light.
More than anything else, my father was a great listener. He and my mom raised four children. We were always coming to him with our problems, questions and silly stories. I don’t ever remember my father saying that he didn’t have the time to listen. Whatever he was doing, he would stop and make us the focus of his attention. There was something special in the way that he listened; I always knew that he was taking in every word. It made me feel very safe and loved. When I was in my junior year of college, I had an existential crisis. I didn’t know what direction I wanted to go in life. I decided that staying in college would be a waste of time and money. Right before midterms were about to begin, I packed up my things, moved out of my dorm and drove home. I spent the weekend talking to my dad. I talked for what seemed like hours. He didn’t interrupt me, he just listened. When I was finally out of words, he acknowledged my feelings and everything I said. He then suggested that even though I didn’t know what I wanted to do, I might want to go back and finish, get my degree, and then decide. It was so simple yet so profound. And that is exactly what I did.
It took me all of these years to realize that I can use this time of year to reflect on how much I love my father and all of the values that he taught me. I guess we never stop learning.
Chag Sameach.
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Executive Director's Corner
Kate Rose, Executive Director
As we approach Hanukkah, I’ve been reflecting on the holiday’s message of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of community. Just as the menorah illuminates the darkness, our collective spirit has the ability to brighten even the most challenging moments.
I am inspired every day by the unity and strength that our members bring to the TI community. Hanukkah serves as a reminder that, together, the Jewish community can overcome any obstacle and emerge stronger. Some may see these words as simply platitudes, but I disagree. I truly believe that, as a community, we are a source of light for each other, offering compassion, understanding, and support during a time of great uncertainty.
May the warmth of Hanukkah extend beyond the eight nights, influencing our interactions and connections throughout the year. I wish you and your loved ones a joyous and meaningful Hanukkah!
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Educationally Speaking
Melynda Schudrich, Education Director
Who are we at the Ziskind School?
We begin with Nitzanim (Little Seedlings), our preschool program. In the tapestry of early childhood education, the threads of culture, tradition, and identity weave together to create a vibrant foundation for a child's future. For Jewish families, the journey begins with the unique intersection of preschool and Hebrew school—a dynamic duo that plays a pivotal role in shaping a child's understanding of their heritage and fostering a strong sense of Jewish identity. At the Ziskind School the Nitzanim is buzzing with activity this year. Under the tutelage of Karin Taylor, challahs are made, songs are sung, and spice boxes put together, as this group is focusing on Shabbat.
In Gan (Garden), our students are in kindergarten and first grade. Their focus is celebrating Jewish holidays, sharing stories from Jewish traditions, and incorporating basic Hebrew words into daily activities. Through these experiences, these students not only learn about their cultural heritage but also develop a deep connection to their roots. The warmth of lighting Shabbat candles, the joy of spinning the dreidel, and the taste of traditional foods become integral parts of their early memories, creating a positive association with their Jewish identity.
As students progress beyond first grade, Hebrew school becomes a crucial component of their educational journey. Here, they embark on a more structured exploration of Jewish culture, language, and faith. Consecration, celebrating the official beginning of formal Jewish education, was just held for our class of second and third graders, which is taught by the Rabbi. These students shared their knowledge of the Shema prayer with the congregation on their special Shabbat.
Studying Hebrew transcends the realm of academia; it serves as a profound gateway to unraveling the depths of sacred texts and rituals that intricately shape Jewish life. The cantor, affectionately known as Nathaniel, imparts this wisdom to his students not through conventional methods alone, but by weaving a tapestry of narratives and fostering extensive discussions. In his teaching philosophy, he cherishes the unique contributions of each student, recognizing the richness they bring to the collective learning experience.
Jackie is dedicated to guiding the next generation of Bar Mitzvah students in mastering the art of reading and singing the Shabbat prayers, imparting not only the melodies but also the profound meanings behind each prayer. On any given Hebrew School day, a stroll by the chapel will treat you to the harmonious voices of the students earnestly practicing, a testament to Jackie's impactful teaching.
The final component serves as the cornerstone of our mission at the Ziskind School. Our madrichim, comprising post-B'nai Mitzvah students, play a pivotal role in supporting classroom teachers. However, their role extends beyond mere assistance; they are actively engaged in an ongoing journey of personal development. As they support their peers and contribute to the learning environment, these madrichim are not only mastering the art of leadership but are also cultivating virtues such as kindness and compassion.
I take great pride in the mission of the Ziskind School. Our commitment to collective learning and growth remains unwavering, and together, we will continue to evolve and thrive.
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A Presidential Greeting
Martin Levin, President
This year the Chanukah menorah is lit at nightfall on December 7, and it signifies our attempt to illuminate the darkness of this world. Chanukah represents the first fight for religious freedom. We are taught that in our darkest moments, the light of knowledge, peace, and understanding can still shine brightly. Never could this be more true than in Today's World. Let this year's "Festival of Lights" shine a light of Hope, Justice, and Peace for the Jewish People.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, we continue to wish you and your family good health, happiness and safety during the holiday season.
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Supporting Our TI Community |
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We are grateful for your generous and thoughtful contributions |
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The Corners of Our Field Collection was a great success! We collected 64 boxes of food and supplies that were distributed to local organizations.
Yasher Koach!
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Tifereth Israel Congregation
145 Brownell Ave.
New Bedford, MA 02740
(508) 997-3171
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