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• By CONNIE CONNOLLY cconnolly@chespub.com
• Dec 2, 2018

PHOTO BY CONNIE CONNOLLY

Rabbi Peter Hyman, right of Temple B’nai Israel, reads the illuminated and calligraphed Hebrew scripture the Rev. James Nash of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church gave his neighbor and friend when the new synagogue was dedicated.

EASTON — It’s just a small gesture, really. A tiny flame atop a pillar of wax in same cases, a flick of a switch in others.

But those small gestures, multiplied, carry the freight of centuries of meaning and miracles — of the fulfillment of history, of the struggle for freedom, of the yearning for lasting peace.

Today marks the confluence of two great religious celebrations: the first day of Hanukkah for Jews and the first Sunday of Advent for Christians.

In Easton, those two faith traditions coincide on Sunday, Dec. 2. Rabbi Peter Hyman of Temple B’nai Israel and the Rev. James Nash of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church met recently to share coffee and friendship as they talked about the history and meaning of the religious seasons.

The two men work from their houses of worship on opposite sides of the Easton Parkway in south Easton. Hyman jokes that if the small Mid-Shore Muslim community builds a mosque, he’d like to see it on the lot for sale next to the synagogue.

It’s this kind of camaraderie that characterizes the discussion about lighting candles against the darkness.

Hyman said it’s the job of clergy to explain the meaning of the religious seasons even as Wall Street uses images of Christmas trees, Jewish menorahs and Kwanzaa kinaras to sell products.

“It’s my job to explain to the members of Temple B’nai Israel, and whoever else comes, that Hanukkah is really the holiday of religious freedom,” Hyman said. “It focuses on major issues that we wrestle with today.

“The story of the Maccabees is both interesting but historically informative,” Hyman said. Jewish history and ideals are exemplified in “the struggle of — not just the Maccabees for the Jews — but the whole notion of totalitarianism versus universalism.”

“If you analyze the literature from that time, the Greek Syrians, while they presented a notion of universalism, it wasn’t. It was, ‘You do it our way and everything’s fine. If you don’t, then you have trouble.’ That’s totalitarianism,” Hyman said. “And the whole notion of religious freedom conflicts with that. That’s as modern a reality as we can have.”

“Advent is more theological, but it is about the defeat of darkness,” Nash said.

The interval between the Jesus’ first advent and his second coming, or advent, means that there’s “there’s plenty of darkness out there,” Nash said. “Darkness has been defeated in the death and resurrection of Christ, that’s true, but (the Christian faith) is about bringing about the kingdom (of God). It’s about making that happen, and we’re still a part of that. These moments help us be reinvigorated to do that.”

“When we do work to bring about the kingdom, then we do need to be concerned about the poor and the less fortunate and those who are under totalitarian control and those who are silenced because their opinion doesn’t matter,” Nash said.

“And that’s what we’re trying to preach on weekends,” Nash said. “We’re not trying to preach a feel-good Gospel. It’s hard sometimes here.”

Hyman agreed. “It’s a blessing and a curse,” he said. “We’re fortunate to live in a community that’s embracing and welcoming, supportive, involved, so it may be inappropriate or unnecessary to do fire-and-brimstone sermons.”

“It’s really about getting the message across in a way that people can hear it,” Nash said.

Following two recent well-attended interfaith services at the synagogue, Hyman and the congregation will hold a community Chanukah menorah lighting service on Thursday, Dec. 6 (see related article). Nash plans to attend.

“The more Father Nash and myself and other colleagues can be welcoming to the general community, the more we can demystify who we are and what we do, the more we can show the similarities that are housed by our distinctiveness, the better off we are,” Hyman said.

“I love that. I’m going to steal that,” said Nash, smiling, as Hyman responded, “Please do.”

“On the outside, we’re distinct — we have different ways of seeing the world, different ways of getting there. But when the rubber hits the road, we’re much more similar,” Nash said.

One of those commonalities was expressed in illuminated calligraphed Hebrew scripture of Proverbs 3:18 given by Nash to Hyman when the new Temple was dedicated.

Unbeknownst to Nash, he gave Hyman, an accomplished calligrapher, the same Hebrew scripture that is carved in the front of the wooden bimah, or platform from which the Torah is read.

Proverbs 3:18 states “(Wisdom) is a tree of life to those who grasp her, and whoever holds on to her is happy.”

“I thought, how cool,” Hyman said.

“You should have seen the look on his face,” Nash said. “I thought, it’s nice but it’s not that nice. I mean, it’s not gold or anything — it kind of gave me chills.”

“He’s a real mensch,” Hyman said.

• By KAYLA RIVAS krivas@stardem.com November 20,2018

Photo by Kayla Rivas

Community members across various religions gather in reading the Litany of Thanksgiving

EASTON — Temple B’Nai Israel held a Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, Nov. 18, at 4:30 p.m., sponsored by the Talbot Association of Clergy and Laity.

Rabbi Peter Hyman’s message, “The Power of Gratitude,” drew from a variety of religious texts and remarks by past American presidents, to emphasize the importance of unity, especially during Thanksgiving.

“Sadly we now observe a disdain for open mindedness, a growing suspicion of ‘the other,’ and tragically the overthrow of respect for the loyal opposition,” Hyman said. “A quest for common ground no longer defines the norm but is now seen in some circles as capitulation, a surrendering to the other side.”

“Yet we are here … gathered in this sacred space … each one of us standing tall and secure in our self-defining uniqueness, linked one to another by a common unity and a shared sense of community.”

Hyman said the room was full of individuals of different backgrounds, origins, and beliefs.

“Yet basic to each of our faith traditions is the imperative to respect, to acknowledge and coexist with those different from ourselves.”

Citing a message from the Holy Quran, Hyman said, “our differences are intentional and God-derived, and God will eventually explain the reason for our differences.”

“In the meantime, worry less about the differences and more about the good we can bring to bear.”

“You want to celebrate a real thanksgiving?” he asked. “Then care for people in need, the weak, the powerless … those most exposed, the immigrant. We are on the same path, we travel the same journey, and we all are children of God.”

Hyman said we must make sure the community food pantry is stocked, and to support Talbot Interfaith Shelter through clothing and food donations, and through contributions.

“Real Thanksgiving comes when we reach out to others and discover in our reaching out that we ourselves are embraced in return.”

Service participants included Rev. Sue Browning of Unitarian Universalist Fellowship; Ellen Barry Grunden on music; Jeanne Halpin of Third Haven Friend’s Meeting; Rev. Dartanyon Hines of Asbury United Methodist Church; Rabbi Naomi Hyman of Talbot Association of Clergy and Laity; Dr. Walid Kamsheh, Mareeya Muneer and Abdul Samad Syed of the Islamic Society of Easton; Rose Potter of Triumph Baptist Church; Estela Vianey Ramirez of ChesMRC; P.E.A.C.E. President Rev. Nancy Sajda; Dr. Gary Schiff of Chestertown Havurah, Edward Simonoff of Temple B’Nai Israel and P.E.A.C.E, and Pastor Walt Wiltschek of Easton Church of the Brethren.

By BRENDA FISHER bfisher@chespub.com

May 21, 2018

PHOTO BY Brenda Fisher

EASTON — The sounds of joy and praise rang out from the Temple B’Nai Israel on May 18 during the first confirmation class in the synagogue’s 65-year history. Corresponding with the celebration of Shavuot, five youth from the congregation completed the two-year confirmation class program and were honored.

Colby Florkewicz, Seth Feldman, Michael Gervis, Sallie Miller, and Michael Mullaney were part of the first ever class of confirmands to complete the two-year program. The students met with Rabbi Peter E. Hyman each Tuesday night to talk about different subjects and issues related to their Jewish faith.

“I didn’t really expect to get that much out of confirmation class,” Colby said. “I went because it was important to my mom and it was important to the rabbi. But I didn’t think I would learn a lot from it. I was completely wrong about that. Confirmation class taught me so much about what it really means to be Jewish.”

The ceremony was filled with spoken words, music and singing. The congregation was asked to stand during parts of it to participate as well.

Over the last two years, the students met with Hyman and other teachers from the synagogue to discuss not only ancient teachings but also about issues regarding their faith today and how that affects them. Sallie Miller shared a story about an anti-Semitic experience she had shortly after moving to the Eastern Shore

“When I went to school, I was exposed to anti-Semitism. People making Jew jokes, saying my religion didn’t matter or coming to class with swastikas on text books. I didn’t feel safe,” she said. “This temple and this confirmation class was my safe haven. It was the only place I felt safe from everyone. I should have stood up to those people, looking back in 20/20 hindsight, but I didn’t. It made me seem like I should be ashamed to be Jewish. Eventually, as the classes went on and I started learning about what happens in the world and all my confirmands sharing their stories of anti-Semitism, I started to not feel ashamed. Eventually, that shamefulness turned into pride about being Jewish.”

As part of the service, each of the confirmands were asked to write an essay addressing why they decided to be a part of the confirmation class.

“Not only did it (confirmation class) give me something to do, but it’s something I enjoyed. I was glad to be a part of it. It helped me feel more connected to the congregation, my classmates and the rabbi,” Michael Gervis said.

Hyman said this confirmation class was a milestone for the congregation and a pushpin moment for the rabbi, congregation and the confirmands.

“It was about my responsibility as a rabbi to look at the next generation and recognize how smart each of these young people are,” Hyman said. “How smart and how strong and how important they are. To help in creating within them, as part of their identify, a sense of their Jewishness. They come from good homes, homes that allow them a good foundation.”

By JACK RODGERS jrodgers@chespub.com

Nov 1, 2018

Members of the clergy from assorted faiths join together in lighting the memorial candles during the Temple B’nai vigil Thursday, Nov. 1. Photo by Jack Rodgers

EASTON — More than 500 people attended the Temple B’nai Israel vigil Thursday, Nov. 1, which honored victims of the shooting at the Tree of Life Jewish congregation in Pittsburgh. The vigil also honored the Jeffersontown two, victims in another shooting earlier this week.

The standing-room-only crowd came together in song and in support of one another during the vigil, as an assortment of clergy also gave blessings and offered prayers throughout the service.

Clergymen and women from a multitude of faiths attended the vigil, including representatives from the Muslim, Christian and African American communities. 

Rabbi Peter Hyman led the group throughout the night, extending prayers to the victims’ families, along with the families of first responders and others wounded in the attack.

“May we, as a community, model unity in the midst of our remarkable diversity,” Hyman said. “May we model and embrace inclusion, compassion and love. … These senseless acts of violence, hatred and bigotry are yet another reminder of how much work still lies ahead of us.”

Hyman said a new day is dawning in the efforts of peace and compassion throughout the nation, evidenced by the outpouring of support he has received not only from the local community, but from communities around the world.

Hyman said many members of congregations of varying faiths had outstretched their arms to the Jewish community in Eason since the Pittsburgh attack.

“I’ve received calls from Germany, England and Saudi Arabia. I’ve received calls from California, Connecticut, Pittsburgh and Texas. Most of the flowers … were from people in this community who felt connected,” Hyman said. “That’s what makes us the community we are.”

Hyman quoted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who said he refused to accept the view that man is “I would submit to you that it is a reality. We have work to do, there’s no question, but it is a reality,” Hyman said. “Person after person, child after child, the cards and the letters are out there.”

Hyman said it was important to take note of the togetherness of the community in moments of tragedy because undoubtably, there will be more moments of mourning in the future.

“Truth of the matter is, unfortunately, the template to this service is in my computer. I didn’t have to create it; we’ve been doing this far too long,” Hyman said. “What the truth of the matter is, the phone calls, the flowers, the visits, the cards, point to the possibility and the reality of a new day.”

After Psalms were sung and prayers given for victims, 13 candles were lit for the 11 victims of the Tree of Life congregation, along with two for the victims of the Jeffersontown shooting.

Hyman said he was greatly appreciative of the support from all faiths and from all community members. He blessed the group for attending the vigil.

“Your presence here makes a statement that transcends the horrific, that transcends the insanity, that brings us together,” Hyman said. “For those whose perception of the world is such that it doesn’t see the unity in our diversity — it’s time for the world to grow up.”

LESLEY AND FRED ISRAEL

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

ROYAL OAK — Fred and Lesley Israel of Royal Oak are the recipients of the first Temple B’nai Israel Humanitarian Award. The award was given at a gala dinner held at the Temple’s new home on Saturday, Oct. 27, attended by the couple’s many friends and local dignitaries.

The Israels, who have lived in Talbot County for many years, have been active in public service not only locally, but in the Washington, D.C., area, their former home, as well.

Here on the Shore, Fred Israel has served on the board of governors of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, where he is a life member. For several years he was active on the board of the Talbot Association of Clergy and Laity, and he has appeared as a guest lecturer at the Institute for the Study of Religion, Politics and Culture at Washington College in Chestertown.

Lesley Israel has served as chairman of the board of both the Talbot Humane Society and the Avalon Foundation. For many years, she has been active in the Talbot Democratic Forum.

In 2016, President Obama appointed Lesley Israel as a member of the Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad. In addition, she has worked in democracy and humanitarian development in more than 40 nations across the globe.

In a citation recognizing the Israels, U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., expressed his appreciation to them for their “visionary leadership and engagement in our community,” and his gratitude “for all that they do to touch the lives of others.”

The Israels are longtime members of Temple B’nai Israel, the Satell Center for Jewish Life on the Eastern Shore.

Rabbi Peter Hyman gives a message during the Martin Luther King Jr. Interfaith Service on Monday, Jan. 18, at the Temple B’nai Israel.

By SARAH DRURY sdrury@chespub.com

http://www.stardem.com/

Posted: Tuesday, January 19, 2016 3:00 pm | Updated: 10:04 am, Wed Jan 20, 2016.

EASTON — The Temple B’nai Israel held a special “Worshipping with Martin: A Community Interfaith Service” on Monday, Jan. 18, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which included music from local congregations, readings from Scripture and readings of some of King’s speeches.

The celebration took place at 7 p.m. and featured numerous speakers such as Rabbi Peter Hyman, President of NAACP Talbot County Branch Richard Potter, President of the Talbot County Association of Clergy and Laity Bishop Joel Marcus Johnson and more.

Members of the Union Baptist Church were also present to perform numerous musical selections. “It is no small task to speak with the community on this day,” said Rabbi Hyman. “We celebrate the birth, the life and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. For this is a day of conscience and memory and on this day history and hope converge.”

Many of the speakers chose to recite portions from some of King’s speeches and quotes from publications like “Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution,””The Drum Major Instinct” and “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?”

Johnson also read aloud the poem “Human Family,” written by Maya Angelou, as a reminder of how people are more alike than they are different. “Today our pain-filled past is measured against the promise of our progress,” Hyman said The rabbi said the challenge and burden of Martin Luther King Jr. Day remains pressing and present in everyone’s lives because of those who cling to prejudices from the past. He said eventually they will be overtaken and defeated.

In the middle of the program Hyman discussed King’s vision and dream. He brought up the book of Genesis, chapter 28 which is a story about the patriarch Jacob. The story of Jacob revolves him setting out for Haran, stopping for the night on his way to sleep and making a pillow of rocks. There he had a dream about angels climbing a ladder that connected heaven to Earth and when he woke up he called the place holy. Hyman compared Jacob waking up on a pile of rocks and still believing that God was present to King waking up in an Alabama prison and still wanting to work to make his dream come to life. “How do you go to sleep sweltering with the heat of injustice and wake up believing that some day our nation will judge us not by the color of our skin but by the content of our character?” Rabbi Hyman said. His answer was that it does not matter where you place your head, but where you place your heart.

Toward the end of the program the Rev. Dr. William Wallace Sr. presented a list of quotes from other voices like Muhammad Ali, H.G. Wells, Mother Teresa and more. The program concluded with the reading of the “Birmingham Pledge,” a closing hymn and closing benediction. All attendees were then invited down to the social hall for fellowship and refreshments.

From the Star Democrat, Easton, April 3, 2015

By KATIE WILLIS

http://www.stardem.com/

PHOTO BY KATIE WILLIS Hyman, Johnson

Rabbi Peter E. Hyman, right, of Temple B’Nai Israel in Easton, prepares for Passover by selling chametz to Bishop Joel M. Johnson of the Anglican Diocese of the Chesapeake.

EASTON — Rabbi Peter E. Hyman of Temple B’Nai Israel in Easton, on behalf of the entire Jewish community in Easton and Talbot County, prepared for Passover by selling to Bishop Joel M. Johnson, leader, of the Anglican Diocese of the Chesapeake food items known as chametz on Wednesday, April 1.

Passover begins Friday, April 3, and according to Hyman, members of the Jewish community should not have or possess in their households any leavening based on the laws of the holiday. A leavening agent, or raising agent, is a substance used to produce fermentation in dough or batter.

It is customary in the Jewish tradition for the rabbi, as head of the Jewish community in an area or region, to sell the chametz to one of the leading representatives of the general community. The transaction is a legal transaction, with the rabbi and the representative of the other party signing an official document authenticating the sale and exchanging currency, in this case $1.

According to Hyman, the food category of chametz, in the tradition of the European Jewish community called the Ashkenazi community, consists of items like crackers, cake and legumes, including garbanzo beans and peas.

Johnson said with the addition of new grains like quinoa, questions arise as to whether or not the grain is kosher for Passover. Hyman said the answers lie in how the grain is processed, boxed and shipped. If the grain is harvested or processed in a plant with wheat, the grain is not kosher for Passover. If it is harvested by itself, it remains consumable.

Hyman said an interesting question he received was whether gluten – free matzo balls are kosher. After some research, Hyman said gluten – free matzo balls are typically made with tapioca, which would render them technically not real matzo. The officially sanctioned grains contained in traditional matzo are wheat, spelt, barley, oats and rye.

From the Star Democrat, Easton, February 12, 2015

Temple discusses anti-Jewish sentiment

PHOTO BY HENLEY MOORE

Mark Levin, executive director of the National Coalition Supporting Eurasian Jewry, addresses what he calls a rise in anti-Semitism as the first speaker in a lecture series hosted by Temple B’nai Israel, Wednesday, Feb. 4.

By HENLEY MOORE http://www.stardem.com./

EASTON — Temple B’nai Israel hosted Mark Levin, executive director of the National Coalition Supporting Eurasian Jewry, as the first speaker in a lecture series entitled “The Rise in Anti-Semitism and our Response,” Wednesday, Feb. 4.

The lecture series is part of an effort to educate and engage the community about the importance of global events and issues, as well as address a rise in hostility and prejudice against Jews around the world, said Temple B’nai Israel’s Rabbi Peter Hyman.

The coalition is a voluntary, nonprofit agency created in 1971 that advocates on behalf of Jews in Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic States and Eurasia.

Levin has been with the coalition since the 1980s and has served three times as a public member of the U.S. delegation to the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe.

“As the world pays tribute to the end of a Nazi regime, there is also a growing sense of anxiety over the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe and the Middle East,” Levin said as he began his lecture, referring to the recent anniversary of the liberation of Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz.

Levin addressed anti-Semitism throughout eastern and western Europe including France, Ukraine, the Baltic states and Russia. He explained to those in attendance what he sees as the different types of anti-Semitism and their origins in each region. He said he and his colleagues are seeing not only traditional anti-Semitism ingrained in some cultures, but there are also anti-Jewish sentiments from Islamic groups and from far right and far left political groups, depending on the region.

“The latest terrorist attacks in Paris were committed by the marginalized members of France’s Muslim population. These are unfortunately disenfranchised young people, jobless and alienated by the mainstream culture, who in search of identity have dogmatically embraced a particular interpretation of Islam,” Levin said. “In western Europe in particular we see the rise of the so called new anti-Semitism, demonization … of the state of Israel.”

It is not only violent attacks like those in France Levin said, that are cause for concern, but anti-Semitic media as well. He pointed to Russian media as an example. “That doesn’t happen by accident, given that the Russian government controls almost the entire breadth of media in Russia. When messages are sent they are sent because the government wants those messages to be received by the larger public.”

Levin also said that anti-Semitism is not only a problem for Jewish communities, but for everyone. He called anti-Semitism a canary in the coal mine.

“It’s not just fighting anti-Semitism, it’s fighting ultra-nationalism, extremism, bigotry. It’s going after those that want to determine someone’s worth by their sex, their sexual preference, their race, their religion,” Levin said.

That sentiment was shared by Hyman, who explained why the rise of anti-Semitism was chosen as the subject for this year’s lecture series.

“We live in a global society. We are no longer isolated. We are no longer in a position that allows us to be unaware of what’s happening down the street, let alone on the other side of the world. What happens there affects us,” Hyman said. “When I say us, I don’t just think it’s in terms of the Jewish community. I think what happens in one side of the world affects us as Americans.”

Three more installments are scheduled in the series. Rabbi Steve Gutow, president and CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, was slated to speak Wednesday, Feb. 11. Oren Marmorstein, head of regional affairs at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., where he also serves as counselor for public and academic affairs, will speak Feb. 18. On Feb. 25, an official from the Anti-Defamation League will speak. Each lecture will be held at Temple B’nai Israel at 9 p.m. and is free to the community.