Judaism s 21st Century Questions: Let s Pursue Visionary Answers

February2011 2014 December Shevat/ Adar I 5774 Kislev / Tevet 5772 Judaism’s 21st Century Questions: Let’s Pursue Visionary Answers photo by Bob Col...
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February2011 2014 December Shevat/ Adar I 5774 Kislev / Tevet 5772

Judaism’s 21st Century Questions: Let’s Pursue Visionary Answers

photo by Bob Coleman

Tens of thousands of words have been written in comment on the recent study of American Jewish identity by the Pew Research Center. Depending on which analyses you read, you could conclude variously that our Jewish future is a glass half-full, half-empty, dire, promising, hopeful, hopeless, and every shade of contradictory prediction in-between. We Reform Jews can celebrate some statistics; and find reason to despair in others. Our embrace of modernity, our welcome of interfaith families, our affirmation of personal autonomy in religious decisions, all find resonance with American Jews and boost our percentage of affiliates. But those same aspects of our movement give rise to questions about our near and distant future. Our contemporary age is one of personal choice and many of our Reform young people choose “none” when asked about religious identity, even when raised in an affiliated Jewish family. That “none” percentage rises much higher among the children of interfaith families. Personal autonomy always includes the opportunity to opt out, and the diversity in our communities that we love can also diminish cohesion and the “member of the tribe” feeling that has kept prior generations from opting in. However you are feeling about the results, this is not research to debate for a time and then file away. We need to use the Pew statistics to motivate us, quickly and with determination, to envision a thoughtful, innovative future for our synagogue, a future

Temple members Dan Weiss and Emily Blanck with Allen Goodfriend and Jane Copp, at Anshei Isaiah Trivia Night January 11. The fundraiser resulted in $5,000 gross revenue for the Temple Youth Fund.

that begins now. We must ask ourselves hard questions: Are we, adults and children, educated enough about Judaism to sustain our Jewish future? Does our current level of personal commitment to Jewish life and Jewish ritual create in us a broad and deep, an unshakeable Jewish identity capable of being passed on to the next generation? How will we translate and update but not dilute a Judaism built into an intellectual, cultural and social masterpiece over the course of the millennia? This month we have a unique opportunity to begin to look at these and other questions and begin to frame some answers for our community and ourselves. One of the greatest Jewish thinkers and writers of 20th/21st century Judaism, Rabbi Lawrence Hoffman, will be our Scholar in Residence over the weekend of February 28 – March 2. A long-time professor at our Reform seminary and a scholar of Jewish history and liturgy, Rabbi Hoffman is an engaging and dynamic speaker who has devoted much of his work to helping synagogues address contemporary and future needs and transform themselves accordingly. The details of Rabbi Hoffman’s presentations are in this Ruach and on our website. Please give yourselves the gift of participating in this chance to think deeply, to question broadly, and to envision with imagination how we can create our exciting, vibrant and sustainable Judaism of the future. That is the invaluable gift we can give the next generations, starting now. Rabbi Judy Shanks

Rabbi Judy Shanks

We need to use the Pew statistics to motivate us, quickly and with determination, to envision a thoughtful, innovative future for our synagogue, a future that begins now.

TEMPLE ISAIAH 945 Risa Road, Lafayette, CA 94549

Temple Isaiah’s mission is to embody, enhance, and perpetuate our Jewish tradition by providing a welcoming spiritual home where the membership gathers to worship God, study Torah, engage in acts of Tikun Olam, participate in Jewish rituals and life cycle events, and experience the joy of being a part of a caring community.

Robert Goldberg David Douglas Tony Crea David Bressler Steve Lipson Parliamentarian Lisa Hirsch Phone Ext Rabbi Roberto Graetz 308 Rabbi Judy Shanks 308 Associate Rabbi Alissa Miller 308 Rabbi Emeritus Shelley Waldenberg 308 Cantor Leigh Korn 308 Executive Director Michael Liepman 301 Education Director Rabbi Nicki Greninger 313 Gan Ilan Director Liz Kaufman 108 Youth Director Ira Rosenberg 311 Membership Abby Seitelman 306 Facilities Rental Michaela Caughlan 303 Librarian Melissa Gianotti 316 Clergy Secretary Nina Jones 308 Education Asst. Nathan Bellet 315 Communications Dir. Jen Boxerman 310 Hebrew Tutor Joel Siegel 318 Office Staff Sherry Tsai 300 Melissa Gianotti 304 Bookkeeper Tonna Lusareta-Stevens 302 President Vice President Vice President Secretary Treasurer

Office (925) 283-8575 Fax (925) 283-8355 Religious School (925) 284-9191 Gan Ilan Preschool (925) 284-8453 Gift Shop (925) 284-4933 Website www.temple-isaiah.org Ruach Vol. 62, No. 7, February 2014 Ruach is published monthly except in July by Temple Isaiah. Ruach is breath, wind, or spirit. It also means soul. May it be a breeze of fresh Jewish spirit arriving at your home.

Editor Julie Candau [email protected] Photographer Michael Fox Copy Editors Ellen Baer, Miriam Cairns, Jeanie Conneran, Beth Hoenninger, Shirley Maccabee, Julie Magilen, Anna Marie Levy, Carol Olmert, Frank Winer 2 Temple Isaiah Ruach, February 2014

Cantor Korn’s Documentary Film Series Cantor Korn’s Documentary Film Series presents The Invisible Men, the untold story of persecuted gay Palestinians who have run away from their families and are now hiding illegally in Tel Aviv. Their stories are told through the film’s heroes: Louie, 32 years old, a gay Palestinian who has been hiding in Tel Aviv for the past eight years; Abdu, who was exposed as gay in Ramallah and then accused of espionage and tortured by Palestinian security forces; Faris, who escaped to Tel Aviv from the West Bank after his family tried to kill him. Their only chance for survival -is to seek asylum outside Israel and Palestine and leave their homelands forever behind. Join Cantor Korn for film and discussion on Sunday, February 9 at 4:00 p.m. in the Adult Lounge. For more information www. temple-isaiah.org/education/documentary-film-series.

Contra Costa Jewish Film Festival Temple Isaiah is proud to present The Wonders: Carole Chaiken Memorial Screening on Saturday, March 8 at 7:00 p.m. at Century 16 Theatres, Pleasant Hill. The film is Israeli (2013) and runs 112 minutes in Hebrew with English subtitles. The Wonders is about an amiable 20-something bartender/graffiti artist, a kidnapped young Rabbi who sees the future, a mysterious red-headed femme fatale, and a gruff and lonely detective embroiled in a conspiracy. The setting is the city of Jerusalem with its serpentine streets and picturesque homes. This “film noir” charmer (with touches of romance and comedy) is directed by Avi Nesher (The Secrets, The Matchmaker) and incorporates the stylish elements of Martin Scorsese, the Coen Brothers and Woody Allen. Although the answers to the mystery are not revealed until the end, the road to the film’s conclusion is original and delightfully entertaining. The score is by the internationally renowned hip-hop group HaDag Nachash.  Admission at the door is $12. This film is part of the 19th Annual East Bay International Film Festival that runs March 8-23. For more information, visit www.eastbayjewishfilm. org

Lunch and Learn Series

At our next Lunch and Learn series, Wednesday, February 5, at 11:45 a.m. in the Oneg Room, Rabbi Andi Berlin, will speak on “Cultivating Gratitude: Jewish Perspectives on the Spiritual Importance of Thankfulness.” Rabbi Andi Berlin is Congregational Network Director URJ West, and published writer, lecturer, teacher, and scholar. No charge to attend. Potluck lunch and carpools can be arranged. Questions? Contact the Temple Office at (925) 283-8575. RSVP online at www.temple-isaiah.org/lunch-and-learnseries.

Harris Memorial Concert The Afro-Semitic Experience Sponsored by the Stanley and Rebecca Harris Memorial Lecture Fund Join us on Sunday, March 23, for a lecture and performance by the Afro-Semtic Experience. A 4:00 p.m. reception precedes the 5:00 p.m. program in the Sancturary. Co-founded by African-American jazz pianist Warren Byrd and Jewish-American jazz bassist David Chevan for an interfaith Martin Luther King memorial service in 1998, the Afro-Semitic Experience has gone on to share its music at concerts, workshops, and worship services across the United States, Canada, and Europe.The music is an intricate tapestry of the distinct cultures and heritages of the members of the group. It weaves stories and music together as it celebrates and explains the Jewish and African-American sacred traditions. With its highly accessible ethnic world music mix and ability to get an audience on its feet, The Afro-Semitic Experience is emerging on the festival scene and redefining the jazz concert.

PurimspieL Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org

NEWS AND INSPIRATION

Temple Isaiah welcomes

Dr. Rebecca Golbert Executive Director of the Institute for Jewish Law & Israeli Studies at the University of California, Berkeley

Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at 7pm in the Social Hall “The Berkeley Institute for Jewish Law & Israel Studies: Putting It In Context.” Free and open to the public Sponsored by the Israel and World Jewry Committee

Mussar and Meditation Services Mussar is a Jewish path to becoming a better person, a “soulcurriculum” guiding us to take small steps toward having more patience, more tolerance, more open-hearted gratitude for the blessings in our lives.   During Shabbat morning services on February 1, 15, and March 29, we will focus on some Mussar teachings through the meditative, repetitive singing or chanting of liturgical phrases and through dialogue and guided and silent meditations.   Kaddish will be recited at the end of the service for those in mourning and those remembering loved ones’? Yahrtzeits. These services will take place beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the Beit Knesset in the Talmud Torah Education building Questions? Contact clergy assistant Nina Jones at (925) 283-8575 or [email protected]

Always in good taste -- The Chosen Ones – Women of Isaiah’s fabulous cookbook featuring over 600 delicious recipes. $36 plus tax/$30 each plus tax for 3 or more. Available in the Gift Shop and Temple Office or order online at www.temple-isaiah.org/ women-isaiah/woi-cookbook/ Proceeds benefit the many wonderful Temple Isaiah and community programs we support. Thank you!

Join Temple Isaiah families with children in K-6th grade for our sixth annual Family Retreat at the Union of Reform Judaism’s Camp Newman. Register by March 23 at www.temple-isaiah.org/familyretreat/

www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information

Temple Isaiah Ruach, February 2014 3

COMMUNITY

Library Open House Please join the Temple Isaiah Library Committee in celebrating reading at our annual Library Open House on Sunday, February

23.

If you have not been to the Library recently, visiting during the Library Open House is a wonderful opportunity to see the dramatic changes that have taken place this year.  Our space has cozy new furniture, new paint, an engaging children’s area, and many new books.  The celebration will be ongoing, so stop by any time between 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. to take part in literary crafts, games, a raffle supporting the Library Fund, and snacks. The Library Committee Members and Librarian will be available to answer your questions and help you locate your next great reading adventure.  The Library is also looking for summer volunteers of all ages, and we would love to share some of the opportunities available if you are looking for a volunteer opportunity this summer.  Join fellow readers of all ages as we celebrate our rich literary community! Questions? Contact Librarian Melissa Gianotti at melissag@ temple-isaiah.org or (925) 283-8575. We hope to see you there!

Yizkor Elohim December 20, 2013 ■ Ray Anzman, step-grandfather of Rabbi Nicki (Dan) Greninger, great grandfather of Oren and Lila Greninger, in Denver, CO. December 22, 2013 ■ Edward Berkowitz, father of member Peter (Rachel) Berkowitz, husband of Lois Berkowitz, in Washington, D.C. January 3, 2014 Rae Douglas, mother of Leland (Celia) Douglas, grand■ mother of David (Jill), Steve (Melissa), Sabrina (Mike), great grandmother of Joshua and Sofia, Aislee and Sandler, and Gabriel and Sebastian, in Danville, CA.

Welcome New Members December 17, 2013 to January 16, 2014

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January 6, 2014 ■ Cecile (Cece) Held, mother of Ellen (Matt) Kirmayer and grandmother of Russell and Eli, in New York. January 10, 2014 ■ Ernest H. Weiner, father of Dan (Lynn Gitomer), Lisa (Yaron), Steven (Valerie) and Rebecca, in Walnut Creek.

4 Temple Isaiah Ruach, February 2014

for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org

COMMUNITY

Jewish Book Group

Join Rabbi Shanks on Wednesday, February 12 at 10:30 a.m. in the Adult Lounge to share Searching for Zion: The Quest for Home in the African Diaspora by Emily Raboteau. Emily Raboteau’s Searching for Zion takes listeners around the world on an unexpected adventure of faith. Both one woman’s quest for a place to call “home” and an investigation into a people’s search a the promised land, this landmark work is a trenchant inquiry into contemporary and historical ethnic displacement. On her ten-year journey back in time and across the globe, through the Bush years and into the age of Obama, Raboteau wanders through Jamaica, Ethiopia, Ghana, and the Southern United States to explore the complex and contradictory perspectives of “black Zionists.” She talks to Rastafarians and African Hebrew Israelites, Evangelicals and Ethiopian Jews, and Hurricane Katrina transplants from her own family — people who have risked everything in search of territory that is hard to define and harder to inhabit. In Searching for Zion, Raboteau overturns our ideas of place and patriotism, displacement and dispossession, citizenship and country in a disarmingly honest and refreshingly brave take on the pull of the story of exodus.

www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information

Mazal Tov ■ To Ruth and Dr. Marvin Epstein, on the birth of greatgrandson, Ari Jacob Margolis, to Flora Endelman Margolis and Jon Margolis, on October 15, 2013. ■ To grandparents Nadav and Ziva Rave, and parents Todd and Iris Wedeking, on the birth of daughter, Zahava Wedeking, on December 18, 2013. ■ To Jackie and Darren Bronson, on the birth of daughter, Kyla Renee Bronson, on December 21, 2013.  ■ To Temple Isaiah Membership Coordinator Abby Seitelman and spouse Rob Seitelman on the birth of daughter, Amelia Cydney Seitelman, born on January 5, 2014. ■ To Neal and Cheryl Pincus on the wedding of Yoel Sharasi and Leah Pincus on January 11, 2014.

Temple Isaiah Ruach, February 2014 5

COMMUNITY – WOMEN OF ISAIAH

With Open Hearts At the 2013 URJ Biennial in December, Rabbi Judy Shanks and Women of Isaiah board member Diana MaKieve presented a workshop on “Mental Illness and Our Congregations: Supporting Our Families with Open Hearts.” They described Temple Isaiah’s work to reduce the stigma of mental illness within our synagogue and the Jewish community through our P’tach Libeynu program and discussed how to provide safe, welcoming support groups, information, and referral services to people with mental illness and their families as well as ways to educate the entire congregation about the realities of mental illness. Founded by Diana and co-sponsored by Temple Isaiah and Women of Isaiah, P’tach Libeynu started in January 2009 when we hosted a conference about the stigma of mental illness that attracted 200 people from the Contra Costa Jewish community. Since then the program has received national recognition, including Women of Reform Judaism’s Or Ami award, and has become a model for other congregations. Diana and her close partner in P’tach Libeynu, Rosemarie Frydman, were honored as Temple Isaiah Volunteers of the Year in 2012. At the Biennial, Rabbi Shanks and Diana introduced a pamphlet produced jointly by Temple Isaiah and Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills with a grant from the URJ. “Out of the Shadows:

Visiting People with Mental Illness” provides training for caring committees such as our Angel Network on how to make visits to people with mental illness who are in need of transportation, meals, or some friendly company. Diana and the P’tach Libeynu team also have written a guide for starting mental health support groups in congregations that she shared with workshop attendees interested in starting their own groups. Temple Isaiah has two P’tach Libeynu support groups that meet monthly. A support group for adults with mental illness meets on Sunday afternoons and is facilitated by Valerie Milner, a longtime Temple and Women of Isaiah member who is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Another group for family members affected by a loved one’s mental illness meets on Monday evenings. Please visit the Temple website for information on how to register for these groups. P’tach Libeynu also sponsors informative programs on mental health topics throughout the year that are open to everyone. We encourage you to attend these programs and to contact Diana MaKieve if you would like to know more about P’tach Libeynu or to volunteer to help with events. As Rabbi Shanks reminded us in her moving Yom Kippur sermon, we all must speak out about mental illness and do what we can to enable our family members, friends and fellow congregants to tell their stories and get the help and services that they need. Women of Isaiah is committed to supporting these efforts and the important work of P’tach Libeynu.

Diana MaKieve P’tach Libeynu

Judy Lipson, Women of Isaiah Co-President

Karen Goldberg Women of Isaiah Co-President

Save The Date Annual Women's Intergenerational Seder Monday, April 7 at 6:45pm in the Social Hall Co-Chairs Vivian and Valerie Poettgen Stay tuned for more information

6 Temple Isaiah Ruach, February 2014

for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org

YOUTH AND EDUCATION

LAFTY Makes a Difference

LAFTY, Temple Isaiah’s high school youth group helps prepare food for Winter Nights.

As we’ve just finished our fifth LAFTY event, we find ourselves halfway through what has been an amazing year. LAFTY is not only Temple Isaiah’s high school youth group but also a collection of passionate teenagers who realize the power of their Jewish identity and are close to each other beyond what words can describe. We have monthlyevents where we engage in a variety of programs and activities that range from roller-skating to learning about Israel’s political parties. In addition to its educational and social programs, LAFTY also serves as a vehicle for tikkun olam, offering its participants many opportunities to work for social, political, economic, and environmental justice. As the Social Action Vice President on LAFTY board, my role is to incorporate engaging social action programs into LAFTY’s activities throughout the year. When elected, my main goal was to maximize our direct community service, action through interaction. So far, I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished. At our event in November, we went to Mount Diablo and built a restoration trail using wheelbarrows and shovels to clear land and spread mulch. The event’s theme was “LAFTY B’nai Mitvah,” which reflected ideas of transition and growing up, incorporating the idea of finding your own unique path or “blazing your own trail.” Getting our hands dirty and actually building a trail directly reflected this and was a great way to give back to our local community! At our next event, LAFTY made eight double-layer fleece tie blankets, which were later donated to Project Linus, an organization that took them to a local homeless shelter. Finally, at our most recent event, over 15 LAFTYites gathered at my house where we cooked a huge meal to serve at Isaiah’s Winter Nights. That evening, we played with the kids, served dinner, and performed some of our favorite silly Kefli skits for the families at Winter Nights. This was a great chance for us to learn some valuable cooking skills while giving back to the community that has given so much to us. LAFTY has proven that we have the power to make a difference, and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish through the rest of the year. Carolyn Brager, LAFTY Social Action VP LAFTY, Temple Isaiah’s high school youth group

LAFTYites made eight blankets to be given to the homeless at Project Linus, Berkeley

www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information

Temple Isaiah Ruach, February 2014 7

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

February 2014 Sunday

Shevat — Adar I 5774

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

1

Saturday

8:45am Torah study 10:30am Shabbat Service (Bar Mitzvah: Leo Berckman) 10:30am Alternative Mussar Service

2

3

4

Religious School Adult Education Classes 4pm Religious School

12:45pm Kleztones Rehearsal

9 Religious School Adult Education Classes

6:30pm Grief Support Group 7:15pm Rosh Chodesh

7pm Dr. Rebecca Golbert

10

11

6

11:45am Lunch and Learn

12pm Talmud Study

4pm Religious School

1:15pm TEX Torah Study

6:45pm Noar Night 7pm Adult Choir Rehearsal

12

1pm Writing Workshop 4pm Religious School

4pm Religious School

4pm Documentary Film

7pm Knitting and Handiwork

7pm Committee Night

6:45pm Noar Night 6:45pm Engaging Israel 7pm Adult Choir Rehearsal

16

17

18

19

7

8

9:15am Ganeinu

8:45am Torah Study 9:30am Tot Shabbat 10:30am Shabbat Service (Bat Mitzvah: Sarah Forman)

6pm Shabbatarama followed by dinner

13

10:30am Jewish Book Group

10:30pm Women’s Torah Study

3pm P’tach Libeynu

5

14

15

8pm Shabbat Service followed by Oneg

9:15am Torah Study 10:30am Shabbat Mussar Service w/potluck

21

22

9:15am Ganeinu

8:45am Torah Study 10:30am Shabbat Service (B’nai Mitzvah: Benjamin Hogan and Anna Berkowitz) 10:30am Alternative Mussar Service

12pm Talmud Study 1:15pm TEX Torah Study

20

Campus Closed: President’s Day 12pm Talmud Study 1:15pm TEX Torah Study

23

24

6:30pm Grief Support Group 7pm Board Meeting

7pm Adult Choir Rehearsal

25

26

Religious School Adult Ed Courses 11am Library Open House

27

8:15am WOI Hike

12:45pm Kleztones Rehearsal

1pm Writing Workshop

4pm Religious School 1:15pm TEX Torah Study

4pm Religious School 7pm Anshei Isaiah Board Meeting 7pm P’tach Libeynu

8 Temple Isaiah Ruach, February 2014

6:45pm Noar Night 7pm Purimspiel Rehearsal

28 9:15 Ganeinu

12pm Talmud Study 12:30pm Mah Jongg

3pm Voices on Poverty Event

6pm Happy Half Hour Oneg 6:30pm 3rd Shabbat Service with Adult Choir

5:30pm Tot Shabbat service followed by dinner L’dor Vador Circle dinner preceding 8pm Shabbat Service with Larry Hoffman followed by Oneg

for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org

Social Action

Voices on Poverty: A new interfaith initiative It was a chilly December morning,at the Monument Crisis Center. I was shadowing a staff member during client check-in, and I got a little ahead of myself because it is easy to become overly enthusiastic in a place like this. You see so much need that you want to address when you witness the anguish and hope on people’s faces. A kind looking woman came to the desk with two of her four children. I was about to hand Safeway gift cards to her when the staff discovered her file was missing. Had she already been in? Was she even eligible? As her two children looked on, we faced the reality that this woman might not qualify for assistance at this time. I wanted to respond that things would be okay because if she didn’t quality, I would give her my own money. But I remembered what the Reverend Cecil Williams of Glide Memorial in San Francisco said many years ago: giving money individually will not solve a problem that’s the responsibility of a community as a whole. On most days at the Monument Crisis Center, there are hundreds of people and families lined up hoping to receive the benefits they rely on for their survival. There are also people inside and outside our Temple community who struggle to make ends meet every single day. They are not far from the more desperate situation that I witnessed that day.

Temple Isaiah is forming a coalition comprised of faith-based institutions and other nongovernmental organizations to educate, motivate and mobilize citizens of this County around issues of poverty.

ViA Isaiah - Temple Isaiah’s Values in Action Co-Chairs wish to thank all of the volunteers that worked to make this year’s Winter Nights Shelter a success. Please visit www.temple-isaiah.org/wn for more photos and our letter of appreciation

www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information

Now is the time for us at Temple Isaiah to act. We have the opportunity as a congregation to increase awareness of this serious problem and to help the 100,000 people in our county, including 34,000 children, living in poverty. Temple Isaiah is forming a coalition comprised of faith-based institutions and other non-governmental organizations to educate, motivate and mobilize citizens around issues of poverty. Participants of all faiths will be given an opportunity to share what each of our traditions teaches us about poverty and our shared responsibilities in addressing this problem. Please mark your calendar for this important first meeting on Sunday, February 23 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Social Hall. All are encouraged to participate. For more information visit www.temple-isaiah.org/ get-involved/via-isaiah. Jasmine Tarkoff and Casey Sasner ViA Isaiah Co-Chairs

Jasmine Tarkoff

ViA Isaiah Co-Chair

Casey Sasner

ViA Isaiah Co-Chair

Winter Nights Shelter Co-Chair Joanne Peterson with volunteer Noga Elhasid from Gan Ilan Preschool. Temple Isaiah Ruach, February 2014 9

YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE – SPECIAL GIFTS

Special Gifts December 1 - 31, 2013 Angel Network Fund A donation from: Nedda and Joe Katzburg In honor of: The renewal of wedding vows for Marilyn and Shalom Blaj, from Helene Weber Lori Roseman, from Maggie and Daniel Entin Susan Zaret, from Maggie and Daniel Entin For the yahrzeit of: Sarah Olmert, from Carol Olmert Doris Wolf, from Tonna Lusareta-Stevens

Cantor’s Music Fund In appreciation of: Cantor Korn, from Marilyn and Shalom Blaj, Diablo Valley Chapter Hadassah In honor of: The b’not mitzvah of Erin Bloom, Cynthia Frankel, Karen Goldberg, and Rosemary Wheeler, from Michael and Virginia Peiser Ruth Cohen’s bat mitzvah, from Steven Weinzimmer and Karen Maas Ellen Emold’s special birthday, from Elaine Highiet Jordan Sherman’s bar mitzvah, from Vicki and Michael Sherman Karen Goldberg’s bat mitzvah, from Greta and Jerry Frantz, Steven Weinzimmer and Karen Maas Mildred Hauer’s special birthday, from Elaine Highiet, Beverly Kivel, Doris Leiber Rosemary Wheeler’s bat mitzvah, from Herb and Margaret Eder Sarah Zucker’s bat mitzvah, from Jim and Trish Zucker In memory of: Samuel Klash, from Irene Korn Ed Leibson, from Elaine Highiet Adeline Matzkin, from Stephen Ellis and Ellen Bernstein-Ellis Florence Speyer, from Nancy and David Steinberg For the recovery of: Dave Anderson, from Elaine Highiet Len Cohn, from Elaine Highiet For the yahrzeit of: Jerome Adler, from David Bressler and Susan Adler-Bressler Sylvia Adler, from David Bressler and Susan AdlerBressler Hyman Baerson, from Betty and Harold Redsun Sophie Baerson, from Betty and Harold Redsun Lillian Berg, from Judy and Marty Berg Edward Bressler, from David Bressler and Susan Adler-Bressler

10 Temple Isaiah Ruach, February 2014

Cantor’s Music Fund Cont’d Bella Schwartz Brier, from Tina Brier Eva Corper, from Beryl and Ivor Silver Shoshana Maizel Fogel, from Yonina and Barry Bushell Jack Lefkowitz, from Gloria and Bob Schiller Sidney Levy, from Anna Marie Levy Ruth Schiller, from Robert Schiller

Cantor Ted Cotler Library Fund In appreciation of: Our Librarian Melissa Gianotti, from Adam Zoger and Lise Wollenberg In memory of: Sara Fischer, from Lisa Hirsch In honor of: Mildred Hauer’s special birthday, from Shirley Allen For the yahrzeit of: Maurice Melvin, from Lorraine Force Robert Melvin, from Lorraine Force William E. Stevens, from Virginia and Michael Peiser

Daniel Baron Feed the Hungry Fund In memory of: Ed Leibson, from Shirley Nankin Jenny Levy York, from Trudi Gardner For the yahrzeit of: Dorothy Berman, from Shirley Nankin

General Fund A donation from: Alex and Jan Trzesniewski In appreciation of: Temple Isaiah, from Diablo Valley Chapter Hadassah The Temple Board of Directors, from Susana and Steve Maron In honor of: The wonderful b’not mitzvah this December, from Susan Zaret Melinda Krigel’s bat mitzvah, from Rachel and Bradley Kane Lori Roseman, from Kevin and Isabel Wong Susan Zaret, from Kevin and Isabel Wong In memory of: Edward Bressler, from Mark and Kathy Bressler Ruth Graetz, from Linda and Gil Duritz Ed Leibson, from Constance Rogers Adam Paul Kaplan, from Marc and Marilyn Kaplan Robert Katz, from Susan Zaret

General Fund Cont’d In memory of: Anita Schneit, from Andy Schneit For the yahrzeit of: Bessie Fishman, from William Ellis Albert Graddis, from Barbara Cahn Leonard Jacobs, from Gail and Hank Walden Judy McConnell, from David and Diana Obrand Eva Millstein, from David Millstein Morris Millstein, from David Millstein Hyman Rowen, from Harvey and Sherry Rowen Pearl Rowen, from Harvey and Sherry Rowen Sidney Steinberg, from Sandy Sidorsky Phil Sussman, from Elinor and Gordon Berke

Endowment Fund Donations from: Emily Blanck, Miriam Cairns, Anthony and Lucy Di Bianca, Robert and Janiece Nolan, Ivor and Beryl Silver, Frances Singer, Steve Sutton and Jennifer Willen

Ivy Blum Memorial Fund In memory of: Ivy Blum, from Irwin, C.J., Todd and Leslie Feinberg

Jacob M. Tarkoff Gan Ilan Fund A donation from: John and Kathy Blum In memory of: Faye Tarkoff, from Karen and Mitchell Tarkoff Jacob M. Tarkoff, from Karen and Mitchell Tarkoff For the recovery of: Len Cohn, from Karen and Mitchell Tarkoff

Memorial Plaque Fund In memory of: Pierre L. Hirsch, from Lisa Hirsch Edith F. Zucker, from James and Patricia Zucker Robert J. Zucker, from James and Patricia Zucker

Prayer Book Fund In honor of: Cynthia Frankel’s bat mitzvah, from Nina Aoni In memory of: Meyer H. Weiss, from Jonathan, Kiyo, Kyra, and Michael Weiss For the yahrzeit of: William Goldberg, from Karen and Stewart Kupetz Sidney Kupetz, from Karen and Stewart Kupetz

for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org

YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE – SPECIAL GIFTS

Project Hearth for the Homeless Fund In appreciation of: Roger Emanuel, from Donna Kaulkin In memory of: Ruth Voll, from The Gitomer-Weiner Family For the yahrzeit of: Sara Goldstone, from Marilyn Wolff Goodman Stuart Kaufman, from Arlene and Larry Kaufman Elsye Morgan, from Margery and Myron Bernstein Irving Morgan, from Margery and Myron Bernstein Frederick Paull, from Arlene and Larry Kaufman

P’tach Libeynu Fund For the yahrzeit of: Helmo Trzesniewski, from Alex and Jan Trzesniewski

Rabbi Graetz’ Discretionary Fund Donations from: Helene and Daniel Casella, Phyllis and Harvey Ceaser In appreciation of: Rabbi Graetz, from Steven and Linda Grossman In honor of: Marty Diamond, from David Anderson the wedding of Fern Nemenyi and David Shaw, from Carol and Mark Simons In memory of: Minnie Anderman, from David and Meredith Olson Pierre Hirsch, from Carol and Mark Simons Ed Leibson, from Zida Levy Adolf Neuwald, from George and Bonnie Kennedy Elizabeth Olson, from David and Meredith Olson Ruth Graetz, from The Anshei Isaiah Board, Zakhar Baran and Natalie Smolkin, Sandy and Jean Colen, Beth Harris Hoenninger, Stephanie Kane and Michael Goldberg, George and Bonnie Kennedy, Elise Trumbull Trudy Reizman, from Daniel and Faith Greenberg For the yahrzeit of: Walter Donat, from Dan and Dori Schick Terry Levich, from Mo Levich Harry Hyman, from Allan and Eva Hyman Milton Langert, from Steven Weinzimmer and Karen Maas Sylvia Rothman, from Joel Hassen and Rochelle Freedman Hassen Leon Rudnick, from Sandy Rudnick and Alexandra Morgan Gertie Stolback, from Charlotte Stolback Minnie Tornheim, from Tina and David De Stephen

www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information

Rabbi Greninger’s Discretionary Fund In appreciation of: The baby naming for Mia Robinson, from Carey and Sheryl Robinson The beit din for Coleman Smith’s mikvah, from Susan and Michael Smith In honor of: Cynthia Frankel’s bat mitzvah, from Martin Frankel

Rabbi Miller’s Discretionary Fund In appreciation of: The beit din for Coleman Smith’s mikvah, from Susan and Michael Smith In honor of: Sarah Zucker’s bat mitzvah, from Jim and Trish Zucker

Rabbi Shanks’ Discretionary Fund In appreciation of: Rabbi Shanks, from Gaye Lending Alperin, Andrew Schneit Rabbi Shanks officiating at our 60th anniversary renewal of vows, from Marilyn and Shalom Blaj The beit din for Coleman Smith’s mikvah, from Susan and Michael Smith In honor of: Shalom and Marilyn Blaj’s renewal of vows, from Ernest and Eleanor Glaser, Helene Weber Shalom and Marilyn Blaj’s 60th wedding anniversary, from Betty and Harold Redsun Mildred Hauer’s special birthday, from Zida Levy The wedding of Fern Nemenyi and David Shaw, from Mark and Carol Simons Hailey Rose Zimmerman’s Zeved Habat naming ceremony, from Joy Becker and Leslie Barron In memory of: Carole Chaiken, from Sandy and Jean Colen Harry Maleh, from Linda Maleh, Randi and Warren Schultz For the yahrzeit of: Murray Alter, from Carole and Don Alter Walter Donat, from Dan and Dori Schick Virginia Draggee, from Nancy and Sheldon Nankin Sam Feldman, from Rose Michaels Arline Feyder, from Carolyn Hokanson Sondra Goldberger, from Sheryl and Jim Goldberger Joe Gorelick, from Ronnie Gorelick Janice Nankin Greene, from Nancy and Sheldon Nankin David Jacobson, from Sharon and Howard Noble Barbara Kaplan, from Alan Burckin and Carol Olmert Solomon H. Kaplan, from Roy Kaplan Harry Maleh, from Randi and Warren Schultz

Rabbi Shanks’ Discretionary Fund Cont’d Yakov Slavoutski, from Sergei & Susan Slavoutski Abraham Snider, from Carole and Don Alter Howard Evan Weintraub, from Deeni and Howie Schoenfeld

Religious School and Youth Fund Donations from: The Liatis Foundation, The Louis L. Borick Foundation In honor of: Mildred Hauer’s special birthday, from Len and Robbie Cohn Joel Siegel in honor of Sarah Zucker’s bat mitzvah, from Jim and Trish Zucker For the yahrzeit of: Robert Kirayer, from Ellen and Matt Kirmayer David D. Lederman, from Herbert and Elaine Lederman

Social Action Fund In appreciation of: Judy and Terry Matzkin, from Thom McDannel and Susan Lieber and Ashley and George Rafal In honor of: Karen Goldberg’s bat mitzvah, from Lynn Epstein In memory of: Ruth Graetz, from Stephen Ellis and Ellen Bernstein-Ellis For the yahrzeit of: Eleanor Leo, from Karen Fiske Joe Singer, from Sandra and David Anderson

Stanley and Rebecca Harris Memorial Lecture Fund For the yahrzeit of: Rebecca Bruck Harris, from Beth Harris Hoenninger, Tonna Lusareta-Stevens

Waldenberg-Zwerling Youth Fund In memory of: Gail Zwerling Lerner, from Susan & Robert Wolfe

Winter Nights Project Fund Donations from: Nora and Ken Fishbach, Sanna and Ben Horenstein, Penny Kermit, Judy and Maynard Lichterman, D.P. and Steven Slotsky, Jan and Alex Trzesniewski, Maxine Weinberg For the yahrzeit of: Bess Harris, from Jean-Pierre and Susan Aglietti Vivian Israel, from Jay and Ellen Israel Jacob Schwartz, from Miriam Swernoff

Women of Isaiah Fund In honor of: Karen Goldberg’s bat mitzvah, from Diana and Michael MaKieve

Temple Isaiah Ruach, February 2014 11

Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE

Shabbat Worship Services Saturday, February 1

8:45am Torah Study 10:30am Shabbat Morning Service Leo Berkman, Bar Mitzvah

Paid

Lafayette, CA 94549 Permit No. 30

945 Risa Road Lafayette, CA 94549 (925) 283-8575

Address Service Requested

Exodus 25:1-27:19, Terumah 10:30am Alternative Mussar Service Friday, February 7

6:00pm Shabbatarama Service Followed by Dinner and Oneg Saturday, February 8

8:45am Torah Study 10:30am Shabbat Morning Service Sarah Forman, Bat Mitzvah Exodus 27:20-30:10, Tetzaveh Friday, February 14

8:00pm Shabbat Service Followed by Oneg Saturday, February 15

9:15am Torah Study 10:30am Shabbat Morning Mussar Service followed by Potluck Exodus, 30:11-34:35, Ki Tissa Friday, February 21

6:00pm Happy Half Hour Oneg 6:30pm 3rd Shabbat Service with Adult Choir Saturday, February 22

8:45am Torah Study 10:30am Shabbat Morning Service Benjamin Hogan and Anna Berkowitz, B’nai Mitzvah Exodus 35:1-38:20, Vayakhel Friday, February 28

5:30pm Tot Shabbat 8:00pm Shabbat Service with Larry Hoffman, Followed by Oneg

Ti m e ly i n fo r matio n EN C LOS ED: P lea se d eliv er b y feb ru a ry 1

When All Bets Are Off: American Judaism, Past Present and Future scholar weekend with

Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman

Sponsored by the Miriam Epstein Endowment Fund Rabbi Hoffman is author or editor of over forty books and two-time winner of the National Jewish Book Award. He serves on the faculty of HUC-JIR, lectures widely across North America and is co-founder of the Synagogue 3000 Institute dedicated to reviving American Synagogues. Join us for a weekend dedicated to “Synagogues in the 21st Century” Friday, February 28 to Sunday, March 2 “Founders, Baby Boomers, and Beyond: The Jewish Project For Our Time” at Shabbat services on Friday, February 28 at 8:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary “Authentic Jewish Spirituality—Even For Skeptics Who Think There Isn’t Any” at Torah Study on Saturday, March 1 at 8:45 a.m. in the Beit Knesset “Why Tomorrow’s Generation Will Be Jewish: Judaism and our Anxious Search for Meaning” Saturday, March 1 at 4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary “Community Identity Day: A Dialogue Across the Generations” March 2 at 9:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary Details at www.temple-isaiah.org/education/scholar-lectures/