What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, April 6, 2025 ???

Sunday, April 6

** Franklin Art Association Art Show and Sale Exhibit (Norfolk Public Library)

10:00am Climate: What will you do? (First Universalist Society Franklin)

11:00am Sunday Brunch (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

11:00am POSTPONED due to weather Franklin Fest (Longley Athletic Complex)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free) 

2:00pm We stand with our Jewish neighbors (Franklin Town Common)

2:00pm Freaky Friday (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

3:00pm LiveARTS: Kingsley Chen (First Universalist Society Franklin)

7:00pm Rehearsal for Distinguished Young Women (Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->  

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

** NO Town Meetings today   **

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What's happening today in Franklin? 

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

We stand with our Jewish neighbors - Sunday, April 6 at 2 PM

Following an incident of vandalism at Temple Etz Chaim on Tuesday night
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/04/franklin-police-report-investigations.html the Franklin Interfaith Council and Franklin Freedom Team invite you to stand in solidarity and support of our Jewish neighbors. 

 

We stand with our Jewish neighbors

Antisemitism is on the rise all over our country, and it’s not OK. We don’t accept it and won’t allow it to spread in Franklin. Franklin stands for love.

Let’s show the Jewish community and the Temple Etz Chaim congregation that they’re not alone; that we people of all faiths stand with them.

THIS Sunday, April 6, 2025
2 PM on Franklin Town Common

For more information contact:

The Rev Kathy McAdams
Vice President, Franklin Interfaith Council
857-237-9428
Rector@StJohnsFranklinMA.or

Franklin Police report investigations underway on 2 incidents of Vandalism / Hate Crimes

FPD report investigations underway

On Wednesday, April 2, 2025 the Franklin Police Department was notified of a vandalized sign at the Temple Etz Chaim located at 900 Washington Street. Red paint had been applied to a small “We Stand With Israel” yard sign. The red paint was also applied to a light and solar panel which illuminated the temple’s sign and the solar panel was partially torn from its mounting bracket. It is believed that this vandalism may have occurred between 8:30 PM on Tuesday, April 1st and 8:00 AM on Wednesday, April 2nd.

On Wednesday, April 2nd the Franklin Police Department was also notified of a second vandalism incident located near the sidewalk of 43 East Central St. where a swastika symbol was spray painted on the ground in black spray paint. It is believed this occurred between 8:00 PM on Tuesday, April 1st to 6:00 AM on Wednesday, April 2nd.

The Franklin Police Department is investigating both incidents. There is no evidence at this time to suggest that these incidents are related but that possibility is not being ruled out. The Franklin Police Department is asking anyone who may have any information regarding these incidents or may have seen something during these times to contact Detective Jack Flynn at 508- 440-2720 or jflynn@franklinma.gov.

Book Talk and Presentation by Miriam Ornstein, Sunday, May 5 - 2 PM at Franklin Public Library

The Temple Etz Chaim Sisterhood (in partnership with the Franklin Public Library) is hosting a Book Event in observance of Yom HaShoah on Sunday, May 5 at 2 PM at the Franklin Public Library, 118 Main Street, Franklin, MA.

Miriam Ornstein will share stories from the book My Mother's Eyes - Holocaust Memories of a Young Girl, written by her mother, Anna Ornstein. 

Anna Ornstein is a psychoanalyst and Hungarian Jewish survivor of the Holocaust. The book event is free and open to the public. 

Those who would like to - may obtain a copy of the book at the event by making a $25 donation via the Temple Etz Chaim website.  https://temple-etzchaim.org 

The event is free and open to the public. 

Friends and community are welcome. 

Please join us.

My Mother's Eyes - Holocaust Memories of a Young Girl

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FpKlAAsGrUvjFl9HxVrSqRuuwl9PxHDw/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin Food Pantry recognized for service to the community with Tree of Life Award by Temple Etz Chaim

From the Franklin Food Pantry Facebook posting: 

"From an idea over 30 years ago, The Pantry has blossomed into a beacon of hope, nourishing over 660 households last year - and Temple Etz Chaim has been there from the beginning. We are humbled by their unwavering support and deeply honored to receive the Tree of Life Award for service to the community.  

Photo: Rachel Flum, Chair, Board of Directors (R) accepts the Tree of Life Award on behalf of the Franklin Food Pantry alongside Isaac Chartoff (L) who was also awarded for his individual service."

Franklin Food Pantry recognized for service to the community with Tree of Life Award by Temple Etz Chaim

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/5wYPW4Cdx1tjYVen/

Artisan Fair at Birchwood Bakery Thursday, Apr 20 from 4 to 7 PM

"Thursday, April 20 from 4-7 PM

Join us at Birchwood Bakery & Kitchen in Franklin for an Artisan Fair featuring Temple Etz Chaim artists!"

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CrITiwCNWmK/

Artesian Fair at Birchwood Bakery Thursday, Apr 20 from 4 to 7 PM

Watch "Conversation of Hope: Black & Jewish Voices in Harmony" on YouTube

A Conversation of Hope: Black & Jewish Voices in Harmony was held at the Temple Etz Chaim on Sunday, Dec 11, 2022. 

Hosted by Rabbi Tom Alpert, moderated by Rabbi Elise Winick, and instigated by jamele adams with less than 20 people participating in person. Due to technical difficulty it was not available via live stream as planned. The video was recorded by Franklin TV for future broadcast and replay. The video replay is now available on YouTube.

Video replay -> https://youtu.be/G0MQ2tNUNpM

The audio recording runs 1 hour and 20 minutes, so let’s listen to the Conversation of Hope Dec 11, 2022. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-896-a-conversation-of-hope-12-11-22

L-R: Jamele Adams, Rabbi Elise Winick, Rabbi Tom Alpert

"A Conversation of Hope: Black & Jewish Voices in Harmony" - Franklin TV schedule for week of 12/19/22

A Conversation of Hope: Black & Jewish Voices in Harmony was held at the Temple Etz Chaim on Sunday, Dec 11, 2022. 

Hosted by Rabbi Tom Alpert, moderated by Rabbi Elise Winick, and instigated by jamele adams and less than 20 people participated in person. Due to technical difficulty it was not available via live stream as planned. The video was recorded by Franklin TV for future broadcast and replay.

The audio recording runs 1 hour and 20 minutes, so let’s listen to the Conversation of Hope Dec 11, 2022. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-896-a-conversation-of-hope-12-11-22

The replay is available this week

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26)

TUESDAY = 7:00 am Conversation of Hope: Black & Jewish Voices in Harmony WEDNESDAY = 6:00 pm Conversation of Hope: Black & Jewish Voices in Harmony FRIDAY = 7:30 am Conversation of Hope: Black & Jewish Voices in Harmony

L-R: jamele adams, Rabbi Elise Winick, Rabbi Tom Alpert

A Conversation of Hope: Black & Jewish Voices in Harmony - Dec 11. 2022 (audio)

FM #896 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 896 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares A Conversation of Hope: Black & Jewish Voices in Harmony conducted at the Temple Etz Chaim on Sunday, Dec 11, 2022. 

Hosted by Rabbi Tom Alpert, moderated by Rabbi Elise Winick, and instigated by jamele adams and less than 20 people participated in person. Due to technical difficulty it was not available via live stream as planned. The video was recorded by Franklin TV for future broadcast and replay.

The meeting audio recording runs 1 hour and 20 minutes, so let’s listen to the Conversation of Hope Dec 11, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-896-a-conversation-of-hope-12-11-22

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Conversation notification -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/reminder-conversation-of-hope-black.html 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

L-R: Jamele Adams, Rabbi Elise Winick, Rabbi Tom Alpert

Reminder: A Conversation of Hope: Black & Jewish Voices in Harmony - Dec 11 at 7 PM

Seating in the Temple is limited so Franklin.TV will broadcast and live stream the event. 

• You should be able to find it on your "All Access" channel either Comcast 8 or Verizon 26
• You can also find it on All Access YouTube Channel as "Live"  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCahhxS6rENnYA3iH0pgf0jA

Via Temple Etz Chaim: 

"December 11, 2022 at 7:00 PM. Come attend a special presentation at 900 Washington St in Franklin. 

Rabbi Alpert will be among those presenting."

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/ClkUpqvoKBf/

A Conversation of Hope: Black & Jewish Voices in Harmony - Dec 11 at 7 PM

A Conversation of Hope: Black & Jewish Voices in Harmony - Dec 11 at 7 PM

Via Temple Etz Chaim: 

"December 11, 2022 at 7:00 pm. Come attend a special presentation at 900 Washington St in Franklin. 

Rabbi Alpert will be among those presenting."

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/ClkUpqvoKBf/

Franklin Observer provides updates on the event, including that while setting is limited, Franklin.TV will broadcast and live stream the event (12/03/22) ->   https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/133668/conversation-hope-planned-temple-etz-chaim

A Conversation of Hope: Black & Jewish Voices in Harmony - Dec 11 at 7 PM

Temple Etz Chaim: 3K Family Walk Run or Ride FUNdRaiser

Temple Etz Chaim of Franklin, MA is pleased to announce our Virtual 3K Walk, Run or Ride FUNdraiser. This year, we're welcoming walkers, runners and bicyclists from near and far to join us in our social distancing 3K. All proceeds from this event will help support Temple Etz Chaim as we support our local community.

Join us Thursday, March 11th through Sunday, March 14th to get out and get in your steps. Use your iphone, fitbit, pedometer, google maps, or any other tracking device to measure your distance.  Walk, run or bike as an individual, with your family, or join a larger team remotely, and submit your results here.  

 

We're also encouraging participants to get on Facebook and tag us @TempleEtzChaimMA (https://www.facebook.com/TempleEtzChaimMA) showing us your favorite way to get active and healthy while staying safe.

For race questions or for more info, please contact Cindy Heilweil at sisterhood@temple-etzchaim.org or Margot Rivelis at boarddirector3@temple-etzchaim.org

 

 

For additional info and to register:

https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Franklin/TempleEtzChaim3KFunRunFUNdraiser

 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TECFranklin/status/1366029165204566020

Temple Etz Chaim: 3K Family Walk Run or Ride FUNdRaiser

Temple Etz Chaim: Virtual 3K Walk, Run or Ride FUNdraiser - March 11 - 14

Temple Etz Chaim of Franklin, MA is pleased to announce our Virtual 3K Walk, Run or Ride FUNdraiser. This year, we're welcoming walkers, runners and bicyclists from near and far to join us in our social distancing 3K. All proceeds from this event will help support Temple Etz Chaim as we support our local community.

Join us Thursday, March 11th through Sunday, March 14th to get out and get in your steps. Use your iphone, fitbit, pedometer, google maps, or any other tracking device to measure your distance.  Walk, run or bike as an individual, with your family, or join a larger team remotely, and submit your results here.  

 

We're also encouraging participants to get on Facebook and tag us @TempleEtzChaimMA (https://www.facebook.com/TempleEtzChaimMA) showing us your favorite way to get active and healthy while staying safe.

For race questions or for more info, please contact Cindy Heilweil at sisterhood@temple-etzchaim.org or Margot Rivelis at boarddirector3@temple-etzchaim.org

 

 

For additional info and to register:

https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Franklin/TempleEtzChaim3KFunRunFUNdraiser

 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TECFranklin/status/1358419028973412352

Temple Etz Chaim: Virtual 3K Walk, Run or Ride FUNdraiser - March 11 - 14

"A Priest, a Rabbi and a Minister walk into a Radio Station…"

Temple Etz Chaim (@TECFranklin) tweeted at 11:58 AM on Wed, Aug 26, 2020:

Looking for something to listen to or watch that is Temple Etz Chaim related?  Check out our new page with great content and see what Rabbi Alpert has been up to!  

"A Priest, a Rabbi and a Minister walk into a Radio Station…" The wfpr.fm radio show archive is found online here https://t.co/rpjpRaPcQH

Picked by the Franklin radar via Twitter https://t.co/6Wj7SVZZ3y

"A Priest, a Rabbi and a Minister walk into a Radio Station…"

Franklin Matters Radio schedule for Wednesday 8/19/20

You can listen to my recent interviews on Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm - from any browser) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. If you can't catch the schedule, you can follow the links below to listen to the audio whenever you want online or via your podcast app.

Wednesday, August 19, 2020:

9:00 AM/ 12:00 PM /6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio 

Conversation with Rabbi Tom  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/fm-330-conversation-with-rabbi-tom.html

Conversation with Supt Sara Ahern  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/fm-325-superintendent-sara-ahern.html

11:00 AM/ 2:00 PM /8:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio 

Talk  Franklin with Jamie Hellen and Anne Marie Tracy  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/talk-franklin-with-town-administrator.html

Franklin Matters Radio schedule for Wednesday 8/19/20

FM #330 Conversation with Rabbi Tom - 8/11/20 (audio)

FM #330 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 330 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Rabbi Tom Alpert of Temple Etz Chaim here in Franklin. Our conversation was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

In this introductory conversation, I learn from Rabbi Tom of the history of the Temple and of his different path to this role. Did you know Rabbi Tom was a lawyer? Along the way, we talk of the shift from in person to virtual during this pandemic and yet still being present in spirit and community. I found the conversation easy going, informative and insightful. I hope you do too.

The recording runs just about 28 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Rabbi Tom. Audio file = https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-330-conversation-with-rabbi-tom-8-11-20

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Temple Etz Chaim  https://temple-etzchaim.org/

InterFaith Council  http://franklininterfaith.org/

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #330 Conversation with Rabbi Tom - 8/11/20 (audio)

Temple Etz Chaim: Virtual 3K Fun Run FUNdraiser - July 23-26

Super fancy but Margot made a QR code for the 3K Fun Run July 23-26!
Use your phone's camera and try it!

https://twitter.com/TECFranklin/status/1283719342270676992/photo/1

* If the QR code doesn't work, the info was posted here previously

Temple Etz Chaim of Franklin, MA is pleased to announce our first Virtual 3K Fun Run FUNdraiser. This year, we're welcoming walkers and runners from near and far to join us in our social distancing 3K. All proceeds from this event will help support Temple Etz Chaim as we support our local community. 

Join us Thursday, July 23rd through Sunday, July 26th to get out and get in your steps. You may complete the full 3K (1.8 miles) at one time or across multiple walks/run. Use your iPhone, Fitbit, pedometer, Google maps, or any other tracking device to measure your distance. Walk or run as individual, with your family, or join a larger team remotely, and submit your results here. We're also encouraging participants to get on Facebook and tag us @TempleEtzChaimMA showing us your favorite way to get active and healthy while staying safe. 

Participants may also opt to purchase a customized Temple Etz Chaim 3K medal at an additional by clicking here  https://www.etsy.com/EngraveGuys/listing/814937628/custom-temple-3k-medal-with-blue-ribbon 

We look forward to sharing this great community-building 3K experience with all of you! 

For race questions or for more info, please contact Cindy Heilweil at sisterhood@temple-etzchaim.org or Margot Rivelis at boardofdirector3@temple-etzchaim.org 

Register onlinehttps://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Franklin/TempleEtzChaim3KFunRunFUNdraiser

Franklin radar picked up the QR code via Twitter
https://twitter.com/TECFranklin/status/1283719342270676992?s=09

Temple Etz Chaim: Virtual 3K Fun Run FUNdraiser

Temple Etz Chaim of Franklin, MA is pleased to announce our first Virtual 3K Fun Run FUNdraiser. This year, we're welcoming walkers and runners from near and far to join us in our social distancing 3K. All proceeds from this event will help support Temple Etz Chaim as we support our local community.

Join us Thursday, July 23rd through Sunday, July 26th to get out and get in your steps. You may complete the full 3K (1.8 miles) at one time or across multiple walks/run. Use your iPhone, Fitbit, pedometer, Google maps, or any other tracking device to measure your distance. Walk or run as individual, with your family, or join a larger team remotely, and submit your results here. We're also encouraging participants to get on Facebook and tag us @TempleEtzChaimMA showing us your favorite way to get active and healthy while staying safe.

Participants may also opt to purchase a customized Temple Etz Chaim 3K medal at an additional by clicking here  https://www.etsy.com/EngraveGuys/listing/814937628/custom-temple-3k-medal-with-blue-ribbon

We look forward to sharing this great community-building 3K experience with all of you!

For race questions or for more info, please contact Cindy Heilweil at sisterhood@temple-etzchaim.org or Margot Rivelis at boardofdirector3@temple-etzchaim.org

Register online
https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Franklin/TempleEtzChaim3KFunRunFUNdraiser

Temple Etz Chaim: Virtual 3K Fun Run FUNdraiser

Discovered by the Franklin radar via Twitter
https://twitter.com/TECFranklin/status/1276592394583060480?s=09

A Minister, a Priest, and a Rabbi walk into a Radio Station ...

And a scintillating discussion ensues. 

FM #291 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 291 in the series. 

This special edition shares the audio of the new Franklin Public Radio show that was broadcast for the first time Sunday morning, June 7:  “A Minister, a Priest and a Rabbi walk into a Radio Station”

This new program is an interview format with Rabbi Tom Alpert (Temple Etz Chaim), Rev. Kathy McAdams (St. John's Episcopal Church) and Rev Eric Cherry (First Universalist Society of Franklin).  Jay Horrigan and Pandora Carlucci co-facilitate the discussion. Pete Fasciano and Keith Palmieri handle the technical details.

This first conversation covers the following questions:

• What’s the latest on how your congregation is facing the COVID pandemic? 
• What are your thoughts on the social and religious response to George Floyd’s murder?

The recording runs about 28 minutes, so let’s listen to the first of this new show: https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HWRz6hF7

A Priest, A Rabbi and A Minister Walk Into A Radio Station ...