FRANKLIN TEMPLE CELEBRATES A BIG BIRTHDAY  (photos below)
By Shawn Peters

Most 18th birthday parties are all about a bunch of young people coming together, celebrating a milestone, and getting a little rowdy. But on a recent Sunday in Franklin, when the volume got turned up and 18 candles were lit, the partiers were a bit younger than one might expect. With more than 20 toddlers, pre-schoolers and elementary-aged kids in attendance, Temple Etz Chaim, a reform Jewish synagogue located at 900 Washington St. in Franklin, celebrated its congregation's landmark 18th birthday in style on February 15th. In the Jewish faith, the number 18 is has special meaning, represented by the word "Chai" which also means "life," and so it was truly an appropriate opportunity to celebrate the temple's growing vitality now, nearly two decades later.

Offering cupcakes, pizza, and a Snow Princess storyteller who turned the community room into a snowstorm of cotton balls, the event was attended by dozens of families from all over the Metrowest area. Although most of those present weren't members when Temple Etz Chaim was formed in 1991, the group certainly represented a snapshot at the synagogue's burgeoning membership. New members Jennifer and Jon Glazer, who watched their sons, Matthew and Sam, participate in songs, stories and blessings, were impressed with the spirit of the occasion. " I loved the multigenerational aspect of it," said Jennifer, "And was glad to see that some founding members were there to witness a special anniversary of their hard work"

Temple Etz Chaim's rabbi, David Widzer, was in attendance in the dual role of the congregation's leader and the father of two of the younger revelers at the party, and he wasn't shy about how much he was enjoying the scene from both points of view. "It was wonderful to see so many of our littlest members and their families celebrating together" said the Rabbi, "It was like watching the future of our congregation celebrate our past."

Perhaps no one in the assembled group had more perspective than Richard and Connie Shulman, founding members of Temple Etz Chaim who watched the seeds of what they'd sown blooming with gusto. Even though none of the boisterous boys and girls at the party were their descendants, they couldn't help beaming like proud parents.

But as the saying goes, it wasn't all "fun and games" as families were asked to bring gifts and party supplies to the event as a contribution to Birthday Wishes, a non-profit organization that provides birthday parties to homeless children whose families cannot afford to do so. From festive paper plates to noise-makers to neatly wrapped toys and clothes, the congregation assembled a birthday box that gave everyone else one more reason to rejoice. It was only fitting, according to Rabbi Widzer. " Putting our Jewish values into action is a great way to mark our birthday."