D'var Silas Graham

Yitzhak Eliyahu ben Shmuel v’Leah יצחק אליהו בן שמואל ולאה

October 25, 2025 / 3 Cheshvan 5786

Parashat Noach

Shabbat Shalom. Raise your hand if you think the current world is corrupt. I think that the world can be considered corrupt in three main ways: one, violence; two, prejudice; three, greed.

Raise your hand if you sometimes believe the world should have a reset. When I think of a reset, I think of being eliminated in a video game and then starting back over. When I reset from a game over, I sometimes feel relieved, but at other times frustrated, because all my progress is lost.

In my parashah, Noach, the world does get reset. God wanted to destroy the earth because of how corrupt it was, so He chose Noah, whom He believed was a righteous man, to build a giant ark to hold him, his family, and various different animals, for God was going to flood the whole earth.

I think that God should not have destroyed the whole earth, since there are surely other innocent people on it. Even though a large majority of the world was corrupt, that does not mean that everyone was corrupt.

I have read through a couple of commentaries that have similar thought processes to mine. In one commentary I read by Rabbi James Jacobson Mizel, the stories of Noach and Sodom and Gomorrah were compared. God and Noah destroyed the world without a second thought.

However, in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, God was approached by Abraham, and they were able to have a debate and come to an agreement that if ten innocent people were found, He would not destroy the cities. Rabbi Jacobson Mizel says, “Noah is obedient, but surprisingly unperturbed by the destruction of all life. His behavior is, of course, a stark contrast to Abraham.”

When Abraham is informed by God of God’s intention to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, he asks, “Will You sweep away the innocent along with the guilty?” bargaining for the opportunity to save the lives of the people of those towns.

When I read this, I thought, is Noah really as righteous as God claims he is? But it also made me think that perhaps Noah was just living in a terrible time, so he was considered the most righteous of that time, aside from the innocent people.

I think that the difference between innocent and righteous people is that righteous people may do what is right because they know to do so, and innocent people do not necessarily do bad things on purpose, or may simply be young children.

At the end of Noach, God promises Noah and humanity that He will never destroy the earth again. I wonder if God would not have flooded the earth had Noah tried debating with God about the innocent people, as Abraham did.

Now I would like to talk about how God is said to have human feelings and behavior, which also connects to the idea that all humans are created in God’s image. For example, God expresses anger toward Moses after the Israelites build the Golden Calf.

In both Noach and the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, God is pretty annoyed or disappointed with the behavior of humanity. In these stories, I think that God demonstrated growth, because at the end of Noach, God says to Noah, “I will maintain My covenant with you. Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.”

God may have realized that the decision made was harsh and vows never to bring destruction upon the whole earth again. This makes me think that maybe God at the beginning of Noach would not have had the debate with Abraham, in contrast with God at the end of Noach and God before the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Well, what about our world now? What if I had the opportunity to speak with God? If I could talk to God, I would ask a lot of questions.

I would ask God why He has not been doing anything about our world right now. I would ask God to lend a helping hand to everyone who would benefit from His guidance. I would also ask how humans, with all the corruption in the world, can still find the light in the world to do what is right.

I would ask God how we can find Him in even small things. Maybe a beautiful sunset could be God. Maybe the small things in life that we often overlook are God.

The reason I think God has not done anything to make His presence clearly known today is because, despite all the corruption in the world, there is still so much good. There are always going to be good people, and maybe not-so-good people.

So I think it is okay to be frustrated with the world, or even frustrated with everything. Nobody is perfect. Everyone still has room to grow.

Even God grew.

What I want for everyone is to always remember to do the right thing, despite all that may be going on, and to never lose hope. The story of Noach taught me that the world is never going to be perfect.

The story of Sodom and Gomorrah taught me that you have to look at the whole picture. In conclusion, despite all the corruption in the world, it is important to seek the beauty in the world and to spread love and not hate. It is also important to put yourself in other people’s shoes and look at the bigger picture.

You are always growing, so do not dwell on your mistakes.

I would like to thank everyone who has been with me all these years. I want to first thank my co-workers. Thank you for all the laughs and memories. I also want to thank my current covering class. You guys are cool.

Thank you to my mom and dad for raising me and helping me become who I am today. Thank you to my grandma and grandpa. I love you guys so much.

Thank you to Gigi for being such a big motivation and teaching me that I have the power. Thank you to Gema and Grandpa Bernard for always taking me to El Golfo and teaching me tennis. Thank you to my Uncle Ben. I always enjoy the times I get to talk to you, even if it is not often.

Thank you to all of my dad’s family who showed up for me today, and thank you to all my mom’s family who showed up. Thank you, Tracy, for helping me learn all I needed for this day. I really enjoyed getting to know you.

Thank you to Rabbi Aliza for giving me a helping hand and pushing me to write this d’var Torah. Thank you, Moreh Jon, for always being such a great teacher and figure in my life.

Thank you, Putnam and Calliope. I love you both very much, even though you guys are rage bait. Thank you to Benita. You are the best, and you are always the highlight of coming to Temple.

Thank you to Rabbi Barbara, and lastly, thank you to the whole congregation and everyone who showed up here today. Thank you.

D'var Ava Nenner-Payton

Chava Yahudit חוה יהודית

Parashat Yitro. Exodus 18:1–27

Shabbat, February 7, 2026/20 Shevat 5786

My Torah portion, Yitro, is about Moses’ father-in-law, Yitro. Yitro was a wise Midianite priest who was a non-Jew who shaped the Jewish religion as we know it today.

After the Israelites had left Egypt, Moses found himself with long lines of people waiting to talk to him so he could settle disputes and give counsel. Yitro, as a mentor to Moses, famously guides Moses to get more support for himself so he will not wear himself out, and the people too, as Yitro says.

Immediately after Yitro guides Moses toward the system of delegation, the Israelites receive the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. One could say Yitro’s advice was what allowed the Jewish people to get their guiding principles. Therefore, as a non-Jew, he is crucial to the Jewish story.

As I was reading about Yitro, I felt this Torah portion was relevant in my life as a kid raised by my Jewish mother and my non-Jewish dad, who was raised Catholic but does not practice that religion. I also felt that this really connected to many of the families at our temple and around the world.

As I have been preparing for my bat mitzvah, I have had to spend time thinking about how I relate to my Torah portion. As I have learned about Yitro, I have found that I took great interest in the fact that Yitro is the father-in-law of one of our biggest prophets and that he is not Jewish. It was interesting to learn about his connection to Judaism.

Although Yitro did not convert according to the Torah, he practiced Judaism and worshiped the God the Jewish community worships. In fact, Yitro’s exclamation of praise for God when he heard about the Israelites’ escape from Egypt became a model in the rabbinic mindset of how to praise God for a communal miracle. The new words of praise he used were Baruch Hashem, meaning “blessed is God,” which is a phrase that is commonly used in prayer currently.

Yitro’s importance in the Torah backs up my thinking, and others’ thinking as well, that one’s relationship to Judaism is more complex than being Jewish or not being Jewish, even if you have not converted. In one d’var Torah I read, it said, “Perhaps calling Yitro a non-Jew is insufficient, for his identity was more meaningful and consequential to us than being our opposite.” According to many, Yitro never became a Jew, but he came close.

Yitro was truly kerav Yisrael, meaning “one who drew near and close to the people of Israel.” I agree with this because it emphasizes that Yitro, who is not thought to have converted, was not seen as our opposite. On the contrary, he was considered part of the Jewish community.

To me, the words kerav Yisrael mean how a person connects to Judaism, Jewish people, and how they connect to the community. For instance, my dad celebrates all of the Jewish holidays with my family. He goes to services with me, my mom, and my brother. He also drives me to Hebrew school on Sundays, and he does many other Jewish communal things too.

I think being raised in an interfaith family can be really meaningful, and it is really important to me. I think it gives me a broader idea of what religion is and what it means to be part of a Jewish community.

To me, the broader idea of religion I am talking about is learning and community, rather than it being centered on worship or God. One example of the learning aspect of Judaism, and for me, being part of an interfaith family that is important to me, is when my dad and I talk about passages in the Torah I learned about in Hebrew school, and what he learned reading the Old Testament in Catholic school as a kid.

As I have read articles about Yitro and other interfaith relationships, I have found that many people do not accept people in interfaith relationships. An article I read talked about how Jewish people typically feel very set on their kids being raised practicing Judaism. The article said that people believed if they did not raise their children Jewish, the Jewish people would die off, and they worried that interfaith relationships would mean parents not raising their children Jewish.

As I said, I believe that being raised having conversations about more than one religion gives you a broader idea of what Judaism is. In fact, a midrash I read stated that it was because Yitro had explored all the religions out there that he was most qualified to decide whether or not the God the Jewish people praise is worthy of his or their devotion.

The midrash said that if another person had said, “Now I know the Lord is greater than all gods,” people would question it. But Yitro, who had explored all the houses of idol worship and did not find substance in them, was the one for whom it was appropriate to say, “Now I know.”

It is clear the rabbis see the enormous benefit of exploring what different faiths have to offer. They believe that without understanding and practicing all religions, it is not fair to say one religion is superior to all the others.

Overall, it personally does not make sense to me that it is thought to be controversial to marry or be in a relationship with whoever you want, no matter their religion. I have seen that some people believe being in a relationship with a person of another faith will shift their beliefs. However, I believe that if someone is grounded in their faith, it would take more than just a person with a different belief system coexisting with them to change their own beliefs.

Throughout time, people of diverse religious backgrounds have been an essential part of our community, especially Yitro. It was a non-Jew who guided and mentored Moses through the process of delegating tasks, perhaps what made it possible for the Israelites to follow the Ten Commandments and our legal system that they received immediately afterward in the Torah.

That is why it is crucial to listen and value the input and wisdom of people from other religious and ethnic backgrounds. Such an essential character in our people’s story being a non-Jew demonstrates that people from all religious backgrounds have something important we can learn from them.

Now, I would like to say thank you to many people that have helped me prepare for today. Firstly, to my parents, thank you for supporting me throughout this process, and to my brother who encouraged me and gave me advice leading up to today.

Thank you to my Torah tutor, who helped me prepare for my bat mitzvah and has been very patient with me during this process. To my Haverim class, I really appreciate you for making classes fun. Thank you to my teachers who have helped me and supported me throughout my Jewish learning and prepared me for today.

I am really grateful to Rabbi Aliza for helping me write my Torah and for having good conversations with me. Thank you to those who helped me practice my public speaking.

There are so many things that are amazing that I could say about our community, but I will just say thank you. And lastly, I would like to thank all of the people here and on Zoom for coming to support me today. Thank you.

When We Ask for an RSVP – Here’s Why It Matters

Everyone is always welcome at HBT—no RSVP is ever needed to attend services. Whether your visit is planned or spontaneous, we’re so glad you’re here.

 That said, if you plan to stay for a meal or attend a special event, we kindly ask that you RSVP. This helps us prepare enough food and seating, ensures we have the right level of staff and volunteers, and allows our security team to plan appropriately. Your RSVP helps us create gatherings that are safe, smooth, and welcoming for everyone.

 Thank you for helping us build joyful and well-run community experiences.

 With much appreciation

Honoring Our Spaces, Embracing Our Future

TEMPLE HILLEL B’NAI TORAH

Honoring Our Spaces, Embracing Our Future

Celebrating growth, memory, and possibility as we expand our Chaverim School and make room for what’s next.

Support HBT’s Next Chapter Explore Chaverim School

Our Update

This summer has been a season of growth and transformation for our building. To meet the needs of our expanding Chaverim School, the Board created a Chaverim Space Task Force to explore how best to accommodate the year ahead. After thoughtful review of several options, the Task Force recommended—and we implemented—an exciting plan that adds two new classrooms by dividing the Chapel and re-imagining the John Cotton Kiddush Room as a flexible, fully enclosed learning space.

In a masterful design led by Moreno Guzman, Facilities Manager, the original ramp was moved behind a new wall and a new door to the lobby was added. The room now has three separate doors—one to the lobby and two to the interior hallway— allowing it to function as a single large classroom or, by closing the folding wall, as two independent classrooms. This smart reconfiguration gives our children, teachers, and programs the flexibility they need to thrive.

We also know that every space in our building carries meaning and memory. The Chapel and Kiddush Room have hosted countless services, celebrations, and moments of community. Even as we embrace change, we honor those connections and the stories they hold. As we move forward, we hold two truths together: the importance of honoring our past and the necessity of making room for our future.

“These changes reflect a vibrant, growing community—we look forward to the new memories we’ll create together.”

— HBT Leadership

Take a Look Inside Our New Classrooms

Bright, flexible spaces designed for learning, creativity, and connection. These new classrooms reflect the heart of our Chaverim School, where children grow, explore, and build Jewish community together.

Who Was John Cotton?

The John Cotton Kiddush Room honors John H. Cotton ז״ל (1948–2009), a beloved leader of Temple Hillel B’nai Torah and a pillar of its growth in the 1990s.

John served first as Vice President and then as President, guiding the challenging early years of our Hebrew School. His steady leadership and gift for collaboration helped transform a fledgling idea into a thriving program that continues today.

John and his wife Vicky Cotton were active members of the West Roxbury Chavurah, and their daughter Rachel grew up in our congregation.

Professionally, John was Senior Vice President and a Board member of the Segal Company, renowned for his clear analysis and candid advice. A lifelong Yankees fan and avid runner, he was admired for his humor, warmth, and dedication to friends and colleagues alike.

John’s sudden passing in 2009 was felt deeply by all who knew him, but his legacy endures. Every gathering in the Kiddush Room honors a man whose vision and devotion helped lay the foundation for our congregation’s future.

It is with בְּכָבוֹד וּבְהַכָּרַת הַטּוֹב — B’kavod u’v’hakarat hatov (“with honor and gratitude”) that we rededicate these rooms in his memory.

1996 Was His Moment

Every generation at HBT reaches a turning point, a moment when the future calls and someone steps forward to lead. In 1996, that moment belonged to John Cotton. Ten years after the West Roxbury Chavurah joined HBT and helped spark a quiet renewal, the congregation was again poised for change.

Membership was growing. We had just hired Rabbi Barbara Penzner, whose leadership brought an entirely new way of doing things. There was energy and excitement, but also the real work of figuring out how to sustain it, how to pay for what we were building, and how to grow responsibly. As president, John met that moment with steadiness and care. He supported the families who were creating the new Hebrew school, adding his own expertise in organization and leadership to help turn their ideas into action while guiding the congregation through a time of transformation.

Under his leadership, what began as an idea became a cornerstone of HBT’s identity: a place where children learn, families gather, and generations grow together. 1996 was John’s time. And now, as we dedicate new classrooms within the John Cotton Kiddush Room, this is our time to carry that same spirit of commitment and renewal forward, honoring John and the circle of leaders, teachers, and families who shared his vision.

Project Milestones

• Spring 2025: Chaverim Space Task Force formed; options study begins.
• Summer 2025: Plan approved by Board; construction scheduled.
• August 2025: Chapel divided; wall added to Kiddush Room creating enclosed learning space.
• September 2025: New classrooms opened for Chaverim School and community programs.

Make a Gift

With Gratitude

Chaverim Space Task Force: Jason Silver (Lead), Andi Lipman, Becky Shapiro, David Goldberg, Matthew Smith, Rachel Young, and Sarah Bob

Hillary Engler — Education Director
Julie Tishler — VP of Education
Aaron Schleifer — VP of Operations
Moreno Guzman — Facilities Manager
Benita Block — Director of Administration and Communications

With support from the Board of Directors • Posted September 9, 2025

HBT Pesach Observance

Shabbat Hagadol - Saturday, April 12 - 10:00am – 12:30pm

Erev Pesach begins Saturday night April 12 with the first seder

Pesach Day 1 Service - Sunday April 13 - 10:00am – 12:30pm

Welcome spring and liberation with song and inspiration.

Pesach Day 2 - Monday, April 14 - Office Closed

Pesach Day 4 - Wednesday, April 16 - Chaverim School 4:30 - 6:00pm

Pesach Day 7 - Shabbat- Saturday, April 19 - 10:00am – 12:30pm

Join Rabbi Aliza and the HBT Band Sing Hallel together and comfort one another as we remember our loved ones at Yizkor.

Pesach Day 8 - Sunday, April 20 - No Chaverim School- Office Closed

Clothing Donations for Immigrants

HBT is collecting donations of spring clothing for adults and children plus toiletries and standard baby clothing and supplies for the Brazilian Welcome Center (Allston) (BWC). Non clothing Items Include:

Menstrual Pads, Body Wipes, mosquito repellent, NIDO powdered milk, Diapers, size 4 and 5, Baby wipes and Boxes of chocolate milk and whole milk. Leave donations in HBT Lobby. Also options to order online and Send to: Brazilian Workers Center: 14 Harvard Ave, Floor 2, Allston, MA 02134. Also check donations can be sent; put FWC in memo line.  For more info on donations go to https://Brazilian center.org/way-to-give/. 

BWC is a clearinghouse for new immigrants providing crucial information and referral services.  

 For questions email sflashman@gmail.com