4BP1 Electronic & Computer Engineering Paul Gildea 04489187 4 th Year Interim Project Presentation.
The Gift of Time – Thank You - Temple Isaiah · Specialtees SpringLoaf Catering & Event Planning...
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a rabbi’s life leading a large, program-rich community like Temple Isaiah. High on the agenda of most synagogues like ours is how to build and sustain innovative interfaces between an ancient faith and a contemporary life that changes more rapidly than ever before. Indeed, during my sabbatical, our clergy and laity began an intensive review of our current b’nai mitzvah process, with the goal of both evaluation and change to keep all of our students and families learning and growing toward life-long Jewish study and commitment. Lofty goals? Always! My prayer and plan would be to begin Six months ago I thanked all of you (and my colleagues) in advance for my upcoming sabbatical, anticipating then the “gift of time” you generously gave me for rest and renewal. And now I thank you, again, as those six months draw to a close and I anticipate my return to Temple Isaiah in mid-June. Every day has been a gift: a time to learn, meditate, reflect, study with remarkable Jewish teachers, read widely and voraciously, write from my experiences and imagination, travel (a wonderful pilgrimage to Israel with the East Bay Federation and 25 Temple Isaiah folks), volunteer, and spend time with family and friends. I look forward, in the months to come, to sharing with you from my learning about the practice of Jewish mindfulness meditation and about mussar, the Jewish spiritual path for cultivating personal moral growth—the “refinement of the soul”—the two foci of my sabbatical studies. I hope also to bring back to Temple Isaiah new perspectives on twenty-first century Judaism in congregational life garnered through visits to other synagogues, discussions with rabbis and cantors throughout the country, and through the kind of personal reflection possible only by stepping outside of the frenetic pace of December 2011 Rabbi Judy Shanks June/July 2013 Sivan / Tammuz / AV 5773 to implement changes for b’nai mitzvah and then use the best practices of that process to address other important arenas of synagogue life. Our rabbis teach us to go always from one strength to the next, never satisfied, never complacent.Temple Isaiah has long been “ahead of the curve,” but the cycles of change move much more quickly now. Our roots will always stay firmly planted in Jewish tradition, but as in all of Jewish history, we need new blossoms to sustain our Jewish tree of life now and in the future. I return to synagogue life eager to continue to build with you the synagogue of our highest dreams and expectations, lend- ing my strength to yours as together we make Temple Isaiah a place where each individual, from infancy to the wisdom of old age, has opportunities to find the Holy One present in the midst of a loving and caring community of friends. Ken Yehi Ratzon – May this be God’s will and our shared commitment to each other. See you soon! Rabbi Judy Shanks As I write this in early May, we are still overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from the Temple Isaiah community in cel- ebration of our daughter Talia’s marriage. The aufruf in her and Todd’s honor was beautiful, and delicious, thanks to the work of the dedicated committee of Ellen (Continued on page 2) Temple Isaiah members with Cantor Korn in front of the foun- tain at Lincoln Center, on his NYC Jewish Heritage and Musical Theater Tour. The Gift of Time – Thank You
Transcript of The Gift of Time – Thank You - Temple Isaiah · Specialtees SpringLoaf Catering & Event Planning...
a rabbi’s life leading a large, program-rich community like Temple Isaiah. High on the agenda of most synagogues like ours is how to build and sustain innovative interfaces between an ancient faith and a contemporary life that changes more rapidly than ever before. Indeed, during my sabbatical, our clergy and laity began an intensive review of our current b’nai mitzvah process, with the goal of both evaluation and change to keep all of our students and families learning and growing toward life-long Jewish study and commitment. Lofty goals? Always! My prayer and plan would be to begin
Six months ago I thanked all of you (and my colleagues) in advance for my upcoming sabbatical, anticipating then the “gift of time” you generously gave me for rest and renewal. And now I thank you, again, as those six months draw to a close and I anticipate my return to Temple Isaiah in mid-June. Every day has been a gift: a time to learn, meditate, reflect, study with remarkable Jewish teachers, read widely and voraciously, write from my experiences and imagination, travel (a wonderful pilgrimage to Israel with the East Bay Federation and 25 Temple Isaiah folks), volunteer, and spend time with family and friends. I look forward, in the months to come, to sharing with you from my learning about the practice of Jewish mindfulness meditation and about mussar, the Jewish spiritual path for cultivating personal moral growth—the “refinement of the soul”—the two foci of my sabbatical studies.
I hope also to bring back to Temple Isaiah new perspectives on twenty-first century Judaism in congregational life garnered through visits to other synagogues, discussions with rabbis and cantors throughout the country, and through the kind of personal reflection possible only by stepping outside of the frenetic pace of
December 2011Kislev / Tevet 5772
Rabbi Judy Shanks
June/July 2013Sivan / Tammuz / AV 5773
to implement changes for b’nai mitzvah and then use the best practices of that process to address other important arenas of synagogue life. Our rabbis teach us to go always from one strength to the next, never satisfied, never complacent. Temple Isaiah has long been “ahead of the curve,” but the cycles of change move much more quickly now. Our roots will always stay firmly planted in Jewish tradition, but as in all of Jewish history, we need new blossoms to sustain our Jewish tree of life now and in the future.
I return to synagogue life eager to continue to build with you the synagogue of our highest dreams and expectations, lend-ing my strength to yours as together we make Temple Isaiah a place where each individual, from infancy to the wisdom of old age, has opportunities to find the Holy One present in the midst of a loving and caring community of friends.
Ken Yehi Ratzon – May this be God’s will and our shared commitment to each other. See you soon!
Rabbi Judy Shanks
As I write this in early May, we are still overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from the Temple Isaiah community in cel-ebration of our daughter Talia’s marriage. The aufruf in her and Todd’s honor was beautiful, and delicious, thanks to the work of the dedicated committee of Ellen (Continued on page 2)
Temple Isaiah members with Cantor Korn in front of the foun-tain at Lincoln Center, on his NYC Jewish Heritage and Musical Theater Tour.
The Gift of Time – Thank You
for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org2 Temple Isaiah Ruach, June/July 2013
(Rabbi Shanks continued from page 1)TEMPLE ISAIAH
945 Risa Road, Lafayette, CA 94549Temple 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.
President Robert Goldberg
Vice President David Douglas
Vice President Susan Rideout
Secretary David Bressler
Treasurer Steve Lipson
Parliamentarian Lisa Hirsch Phone Ext
Rabbi Roberto Graetz 308
Rabbi Judy Shanks 308
Associate Rabbi Alissa Miller 308
Rabbi Emeritus Shelly 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 Heather Maddox 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
Melissa Gianotti 304
Tonna Lusareta-Stevens 302
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. 61, No. 11 June/July 2013
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, Julie Magilen,
Carol Olmert
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Emold, Lynn Epstein, Sandy Goldberg, Donna Green, Gloria Schiller, and all those many members who baked and cooked and decorated – thank you! There is no greater joy than witnessing one’s child make a life-long commitment to her beloved. Jamie and I feel blessed and grateful for their happiness together and the opportunity to celebrate that happiness in the midst of our Temple community. Talia and Todd join us in saying Todah Rabbah to all!
Rabbi Judy Shanks & James Gracer
Your annual membership commitment remains the primary source of revenue for our synagogue. Standard commitment amounts cover only a percentage of our annual budgeted expenses. Please consider joining the L’dor V’dor Circle, enabling us to sustain our programs and services and investing L’dor V’dor - from generation to generation one year at a time.
Platinum Pillar $11,000+ Silver Supporter $5,500+ Golden Guardian $8,250+ Bronze Benefactor $4,125+
Look for more information in your membership renewal materials coming soon. Questions? Contact Michael Liepman, Executive Director at [email protected] or call the Temple Office at (925) 283-8575.
Friday, July 56:30pm Shabbat Service, followed
by Sha-Bar-B-Q Dinner
Saturday, July 68:45am Torah Study 10:30am Shabbat Morning ServiceJacob Parker and Ethan Wellerstein, B’nai Mitzvah
Num. 30:2-36:13, Matot\Maseh
Friday, July 128:00pm Shabbat Service
followed by Oneg
Saturday, July 138:45am Torah Study 10:30am Shabbat Morning ServiceSarah Zucker, Bat Mitzvah
Deut. 1:1-3:22, Devarim
Friday, July 196:00pm Oneg6:30pm Shabbat Service
Saturday, July 209:15am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Morning Service
Deut. 3:23-7:11, Vaetchanan
Friday, July 268:00pm Shabbat Service, followed
by Oneg
Saturday, July 279:15am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Morning Service
Deut. 7:12-11:25, Ekev
SHAbbAT - JuLyWorSHIP SErvIcES
SINAI MEMORIAL CHAPEL CHEVRA KADISHA (FD #1523) 3415 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Lafayette, 94549 GAN SHALOM CEMETERY 1100 Bear Creek Rd. Briones, 94553 Jay Lewis (FDR#3301) Managing Funeral Director (925) 962-3636 www .s ina i chape l .o rg
The Streets of Jerusalem Gala Co-Chairs: Beryl Silver, Sherry Rowen, Sandy Goldberg, Susana Maron, and Susan Rideout.
Temple Isaiah Ruach, June/July 2013 3www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information
COMMUNITY – GALA SPONSORS
for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org4 Temple Isaiah Ruach, June/July 2013
COMMUNITY – GALA AUCTION DONORS
Thank you to all of our generous silent and live auction donors for our 2013 Gala. Together with our generous spon-sors, we raised a total of $108,000!
Jeryl & Ron AbelmannDiana AcevedoCarol AltwargAmphora NuevaSandy & Dave AndersonAnshei IsaiahAntwan FamilyAquarium of the BayArtesa Vineyards & WinerySherry Wang-Axelrod & Amir AxelrodBack to the Table Cooking SchoolBay Area Discovery MuseumColette & Greg BeckerBelly Dance! Anne Sandkuhler & Leroy BergesBerkeley Repertory TheatreBespoke CollectionBlackhawk Country ClubSue Adler Bressler & Dave BresslerBroadway PlazaCache Creek Casino ResortCakebread CellarsCal AthleticsCalifornia Academy of SciencesCalifornia Shakespeare TheaterCalifornia’s Great AmericaCarmel Bach FestivalCarrie Dove CateringCash & Carry WarehouseCatherine CohenRobbie & Len CohnCindy ColemanJean & Sandy ColenColor Me Mine, LafayetteCrowded Fire TheaterDennett Familydi Rosa Art Alive!Disneyland Resort Wendy & Bill DorbandDouglas ParkingKim & Mark DruckerDuchess BoutiqueJocelyn Schneider & Robbie Dunbar Stephen Elbert – Elbert AssociatesShoshana & Shalom EliahuHelen ElkaimEllen & Steve EllisEmbassy Suites Downtown PortlandEntourage Day/Night Spa, Salon & CaféEsin Restaurant & BarEskanos, Segol & Skepner FamiliesAlan & Betty FeldmanJennifer Fish
Four Seasons Animal HospitalCynthia FrankelGerhard Michler Fine European DessertsGale GettingerDana GillGilroy Gardens Family Theme ParkGiraux Fine JewelryDenise GlicklinKaren & Larry GoldbergSandy & Robert GoldbergSherri & Howard GoldsmithRabbi Roberto GraetzDiane GravesHall WinesLynn Harrington-GoldeMarilyn & Seymore Hertz High Tech Burrito Wendy HolcenbergHope and GraceHotel Les MarsHotel Shattuck PlazaHugh Groman CateringIndigo RestaurantJ. Hettinger InteriorsJardiniereRobert Kamen – Kamen Estate WinesKara’s CupcakesKaren Cristol – Karen’s Classic TouchBella & Harvey KaufmanCantor Leigh KornLafayette Park Hotel & SpaLavandeElaine LedermanTroy Ledo -Tribez SalonJoAnn LiebermanJudy & Steve LipsonLottie’s CreameryFrancie & Guy LouieLujan Waisberg FamilyDiana & Mike MakieveJoshua Malutta & Alonim AlefMarlene MarcusSusana & Steve MaronMartinez FamilyCarol & Howard MelamedLinda & Malcolm MendelsonMercedes Benz of PleasantonMethany’sAliza & Peter MetznerAlexis & Randy MillerRabbi Alissa MillerMarilyn & Mark MorrisMy GymNoah’s BagelsMagi Berciano & Josh NorekMeryl & Alfred NorekNothing Bundt CakesOakland Kosher Foods
Oregon Shakespeare FestivalOren’s KitchenOy Viv Designs – Vivian PoettgenPanera BreadDan ParnasPave Fine JewelryPaxti’s Pediatric Motor PlaygroundJoanne & Phil PetersonPike FamilyNaomi PockellPocket OperaCraig PollackVivian & Greg PoettgenPowell’s Sweet ShoppeRaging WatersRound Hill Country ClubSherry & Harvey RowenSan Francisco 49ersSasa RestaurantFariba Sasson – Color BundlesScott Valley BankSeaman FamilySF Giants Denah ShaneShanker FamilyJoel SiegelMolly & Michael SiegelAmy & Jason SilverBeryl & Ivor SilverCindy SilverJennifer & Mark SilverSimcha SistersElsa & Joshua SlovikSpecialteesSpringLoaf Catering & Event PlanningSunrise Bistro & CateringSusan Gildea Personalized PrintingSusie CakesTahoe Joe’sThe Claremont Hotel, Club & SpaThe Nut FactoryThe St. Regis San FranciscoSherry Tsai – Gourmet Tea CompanyJan & Alex TrzesniewskiGail WaldenWalnut Creek MarriottPaul WeinbergWeiner FamilyKim WeinsteinMelody & Jerry WeintraubKaren Maas & Steve WeinzimmerWellerstein FamilyWilma Lott CateringWomen of Isaiah Gift ShopAnita & Ron Wornick – Seven Stones WineryCristina & Jonathan WornickFaith Zenker – The Treasured TouchJessica & Ofer Zur
www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information Temple Isaiah Ruach, June/July 2013 5
COMMUNITY
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Yizkor Elohim April 25, 2013
David Zuckerman, Charter member and past president of Temple Isaiah, father of Bernice (Arnold z”l) Green, Shirley (Michael) Issel and Suzanne (Jim) Gullet, grandfa-ther of seven and the great-grandfather of five.
April 28, 2013Murray Hoffinger, husband of Arlene Hoffinger, father of Temple member Scott (Eileen) Hoffinger, grandfather of Laura, Erin, Patrick, and Kevin. April 30, 2013Mimi Graddis, mother of Temple member Barbara (Larry) Cahn and Richard (Enid) Graddis.
May 2, 2013Dr. Stephen Brotman, husband of Charlene, father of Temple member Charles (Cathy) Brotman and Amy Brotman, grandfather of Lauren and Abigail.
May 8, 2013Lawrence Purcell, father of Brian (Kim) Purcell and grandfather of Leahna, Rachael, and Jocelyn Purcell.
May 10, 2013Hadele Groman, wife of Philip Groman, mother of Jay, Eron, Nina and Hugh, grandmother of nine.
May 19, 2013David Fanger, brother of Henry (Lynn) Fanger, uncle of Erin and Gwen Fanger. In Philadelphia
Summer Party Under the Stars
White Hot Summer Night FundraiserJoin your Temple Isaiah friends for a very special evening, Saturday, July 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the garden at Jerry and Melody Weintraub’s home in Lafayette. $75 per person includes a catered dinner, drinks and music. Party is limited to the first 100 guests. Wear something white and be ready for a great night! Sign up on line at www.temple-isaiah.org/groups-activities/summer-party.
for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org6 Temple Isaiah Ruach, June/July 2013
COMMUNITY
To Rabbi Judy Shanks and James Gracer, on the marriage of their daughter, Talia Shanks Gracer, to Todd Michael Ryan, on May 5, 2013.
To David Bressler and Susan Adler-Bressler on the birth of grandson Holden Charles Bressler, to parents Jason and Stephanie Bressler, on May 6, 2013.
To Robin and Joe Bauman on the birth of grandson, Austin Gilbert Acree, to parents Marissa and Cory Acree, on May 6, 2013.
To Carol and Kenneth Ogren on the birth of granddaughter, Danielle Liv Ogren, to parents Brian and Sharon Ogren, on May 10, 2013.
To Aaron Kirschenbaum, a 12th grader in LAFTY, for receiving the National Federation of Temple Youth – Central West Region’s (NFTY-CWR) Outstanding Senior Ruach Award.
To Mandy Bach and Daniel Zur for being installed to NFTY-CWR’s regional board (Mandy as Communications Vice President and Daniel as Treasurer).
Mazal Tov
Project Hearth HonoredProject Hearth members received the Women of Distinction award by the Diablo Vista Soroptimist Organization at a recent Awards Luncheon. They were honored for ‘Making a Difference for Homeless and At-risk Families.’
This group of women began in 1990 with six Temple Isaiah friends concerned about homelessness in our community. Over the past 23 years, it has grown to include 14 Jewish women who have raised over $1.2 million and have enabled over 500 families to stay in their homes and off the streets. Their fundraising efforts are primarily from one annual appeal letter. Partnering with Shelter Inc., they meet every two months with Case Managers and review profiles of families in need. They evaluate the family situation, income, expenses, housing, employment, and health to determine which families qualify for assistance. Their goal is for each family to move into a stable housing situation and on a path to self-sufficiency.
If you would like to make a donation in honor of this award or to further their work, you can do so through Temple Isaiah’s “Project Hearth for the Homeless Fund” or through The Shelter Inc. website, www.shelterincofccc.org.
Project Hearth Members: Lynn Gitomer, Jill Singer Douglas, Sandra Wolfe, Arlene Kaufman, Elsa Zavala and Beverly Hillman. Not pictured: Adrian Blumberg, Bernice Green, Stephanie Kane, Debra Kirschenbaum, Carol Lowitz, Julie Ovadia, Frances Singer, Beth Trafton, and Melody Howe Weintraub.
Come Play the Music of Our PeopleThe Mighty KlezTones are looking for a few good musicians to join Temple Isaiah’s Klezmer band this fall. If a musician in your family is in middle school or above, can read music, and has at least two years experience playing in a school band or orchestra, come join us. We are looking for string bass and/or electric bass, tuba, trombone, mandolin, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, xylophone, and clarinet. For more info, contact Cary Nasatir at: [email protected] (put “Klezmer” as subject) or 510-612-5527.
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Welcome New MembersApril 16 — May 14, 2013
Rachel and Ben AgronWalnut Creek, CA 94598310-562-5245
Victoria and Steven DeCoiteAlamo, CA 94507 • 415-730-1117Colton James DecoiteNoah Bradley Decoite
www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information Temple Isaiah Ruach, June/July 2013 7
COMMUNITY – WOMEN OF ISAIAH
Ma’agal Tzedakah (Circles of Giving) is the name of Women of Isaiah’s signature philanthropy program. It was developed in 2007-2008 under the leadership of then co-presidents, Kim Drucker and Jan Trzesniewski, as a systematic and meaningful way to make charitable donations with money raised through dues, donations, Gift Shop sales, and other fundraising activi-ties. The task force of Ellen Bernstein-Ellis, Greta Frantz, Denise Glicklin, and Diana MaKieve explored various approaches for managing a charitable fund and ultimately recommended creat-ing our own version of “Women’s Giving Circles,” a model that brings women who share common philanthropic goals together to pool their resources and maximize the impact of their dona-tions. Women of Isaiah’s Circles of Giving represent concentric rings of community: Temple Isaiah, the greater Jewish commu-nity, and the community at large.
Since 2008 Women of Isaiah has made Ma’agal Tzedakah Fund donations to Jewish and other community organizations such as Shalom Bayit, MAZON, World Union for Progressive Judaism, Jewish Coalition for Literacy, Contra Costa Interfaith
Housing, Lighthouse for the Blind, and Women of Reform Judaism’s YES Fund. Temple Isaiah is the main focus of our giving, with standing annual donations to Gan Ilan, Youth Leadership, and other synagogue programs, as well as grants for synagogue needs and special projects and initiatives requested by our clergy, staff, and lay leaders. Our current Ma’agal Tzedakah Committee members, Ellen Bernstein-Ellis, Greta Frantz and Gloria Schiller, do an excellent job of managing the process, which includes evaluating grant applications based on a set of criteria relating to the mission of Women of Isaiah, and presenting their recommendations to our board for review and approval.
Our most recent Ma’agal Tzedakah Fund activity includes substantial support for such innovative and exciting youth and religious school programs as Rosh Chodesh – It’s a Girl Thing!, the Religious School Track Program for Grades 3-6, and the Yad b’Yad Family Education Track, as well as a grant to help develop and enhance the collection of Temple Isaiah’s Ted Cotler Memorial Library through the purchase of new books. We are also thrilled to be the “angels” backing the production of an eagerly awaited CD of music for Shabbat performed by Cantor Leigh Korn and the
Judy Lipson, Women of Isaiah Co-President
Karen GoldbergWomen of Isaiah Co-President
Focus on Philanthropy
Adult Mizmor Band. To quote Cantor Korn, the CD “is going to be a wonderful gift to the congregation and will be yet another way that music brings our community together.”
We are grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on our synagogue and community through the Ma’agal Tzedakah Fund, and we appreciate your support. Joining Women of Isaiah, patronizing our beautiful Gift Shop and purchasing our fabulous cookbook are all ways in which you help us expand our Circles of Giving. Thank you!
Judy Lipson, Karen Goldman, WOI Co-Presidents
Planning a Bar/Bat Mitzvah during June, July, August or September?
Call for invitation assistance: Robin Bateman at 926-0445 Lauri Granoff at 376-2029 or
Nancy Crevin at 254-2234
For help with tallit call Kim Drucker 284-1404 or Nancy Crevin 254-2234
The gift shop is closed during the summer months
and will reopen September 22.
Save the Date
Annual Kick-Off Dinner
Monday, August 26
8 Temple Isaiah Ruach, June/July 2013 for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org
YOUTH AND EDUCATION
This past December I had the opportunity to stand on stage in front of over 5,000 reform Jews at the URJ Biennial as a select-ed member of the Campaign for Youth Engagement. A little over a year ago, the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) looked critically at its over 900 congregations and exclaimed: We are at a crossroads. At many synagogues around the country, less than 50% continue after they become b’nai mitzvah. Research tells us that if cur-rent trends continue in our congregations, approximately 80% of the children who become b’nai mitzvah will have no con-nection of any kind to their synagogue by the time they reach 12th grade. And, even
Empowering Each Generation
fewer will live their lives as actively engaged Jews.I was asked to serve on this campaign because Temple Isaiah is
not part of this trend. Here are some of our statistics:Over 75% of last year’s 7 th graders continued into 8th grade Noar Night (Wednesday night teen program)Over 75% of last year’s Confirmation students continued into our recently created 11th grade programOver 160 campers attended Camp Kefli last summer and over 50 of our teens served as counselorsOver 60% of this year’s 6 th grade girls participated in our monthly Rosh Chodesh: it’s a girl thing! program. Every girl who participated in our first cohort (2008-2009) signed up for 8th grade Noar Night this year.An average of 30 families attend the Kulanu Family Retreat each yearOver 80% of this year’s 7 th grade class went on the Anachnu LA Trip and 75% of the 10th grade class went to the Religious Action Center’s program in Washington D.C.
I believe the key to our success is building meaningful relationships, creating relevant programming, and establishing strong partnerships. Our clergy and teen staff are immersed in all aspects of our youth programs. We hang out with the teens while camping on LAFTY Spring Adventure or standing in line at Disneyland, guide them as religious school teaching assistants and Camp Kefli counselors, and engage them in meaningful classroom conversations. Kulanu has created programming that is strengthening the connections between Isaiah families, and the Teen Advisory Group is reaching out to parents of teens to cre-ate their own connections through programs such as “Schmooze at Yu’s” while their kids attend Noar Night. None of this could happen without the amazing support of our congregation. We have a sacred covenant – a brit – with our youth and families to empower each generation of Jews to find joy and meaning in Jewish life, so that they will do the same for future generations.
As we end one year of learning, we begin to prepare for the next. If you haven’t already done so, sign up your 8th-12th graders for Noar Night at www.temple-isaiah.org/noarnight and your K-8th graders for Camp Kefli at www.temple-isaiah.org/kefli.
Rabbi Alissa Forrest, Director of Noar Night
Rabbi Alissa Forrest Miller
7th Grade Fund Selects GranteesThe Temple Isaiah Seventh Grade Fund, a youth foundation comprised of the seventh grade class at Temple Isaiah Religious School, is thrilled to announce its 2012–2013 grant recipients. Their granting theme for the year was bullying. A total of $23,500 was granted to the following organizations:
The Jaffa Institute: A $5,000 grant will support their Building Better Bridge program, established to give Jewish and Arab chil-dren a safe space in which they can learn about their communi-ty’s culture and history, and in doing so reducing racial tensions.
The Israeli Religious Action Center (IRAC): A $5,000 grant will support IRAC’s “Freedom Riders” campaign to bring equality and awareness to “Mehadrim” Israeli bus companies, in which women often are forced to dress modestly and sit in the back.
Mindful Life Project: A $5,000 grant will help Nystrom Elementary school in Richmond, CA. The school has long had issues of generational poverty and violence. The Mindful Life program helps bring mindfulness, positive thinking, and reduced violence both in the school and at home.
Kidpower: A $5,000 grant will help fund Kidpower’s “Vaccine Against Bullying” campaign, to provide 100 high-risk children and youth with the opportunity to apply simple, age- and ability-appropriate bullying prevention concepts and turn them into skills through a series of four sessions.
Bay Kids Studios: A $3,500 grant will fund the post-produc-tion work and powerful filmmaking sessions with and for youth at Children’s Hospital Oakland and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. These sessions with professional filmmakers give youth a way to communicate about their illness or medical situation.
www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information Temple Isaiah Ruach, June/July 2013 9
YOUTH AND EDUCATION
Graduation Class of 5773 – Congratulations to the following seniors that have actively stayed involved at Temple Isaiah either as students at Noar Night, Avodah Teaching Assistants in the Religious School, Camp Kefli counselors, and/or members of our LAFTY youth group. We wish each of them well as they move on to the next stage of their lives. May their friendships endure as they spread around the country to study, to work and to continue spreading their blessings. Top row: Rabbi Graetz, Chessa Mehlman, Noah Elder, Adam Brager, Jake Hirsch, Mikaela Maron, Aaron Kirschenbaum, Jack Ginsburg, Kennedy Bloom, Andy Tripp, Garrett Candau, Youth Director Ira Rosenberg, Teachers Suzan Kotch and Ben Washofsky. Bottom row: Rabbi Miller, Danielle Jacobson, Jordon Dong, Sophie Grossman, Jared Widenbaum, and Teacher Julie Bressler. Not pictured: Hannah Brezack, Dana Conley, Joe Dresser, Scott Dresser, Risa Dunbar, Ari Feldman, Maya Harlev, Philip Hoxie, Emily Rogers, Lauren Zoger.
Small Class Sizes State-of -the Art Science Lab Drama/Music/Art/Sports Hebrew/Judaics Financial Assistance
CCJDS is a beneficiary of the Koret Foundation, Jim Joseph Foundation, and the Jewish Federation of the East Bay.
Lafayette, CA 925-284-8288 www.ccjds.org
CONTRA COSTA JEWISH DAY SCHOOL
DISCOVERTHE
DIFFERENCECCJDS
AT
CAIS and WASC accreditations
Summer Classes for AdultsJumpstart your Jewish learning this summer! To sign up for these free classes, contact Nathan Bellet at 925-284-9191 or [email protected]. Questions? E-mail [email protected].
Embodied Judaism: Mikvah, Tefillin, Tefillah Wednesdays, 7 p.m. – July 3, 10, 17 – Rabbi Nicki Grenginer
A number of important Jewish rituals help us connect to God, Judaism, and spirituality through our bodies. In this course we will explore three of those rituals: mikvah, tefillin, and tefillah. Learn about the ancient tradition of immersion in the mikvah, the ritual of laying tefillin – what it symbolizes, how it’s done, and why it can be meaningful for liberal Jews, and the physicality of tefillah, discovering which body movements cor-relate with certain prayers.
Jewish Encounters with Hellenism, Christianity & ModernityWednesdays, 7 p.m. – July 24, 31, Aug 7 – Rabbi GraetzIn this class we will learn how Jews reacted, interacted, or reject-ed cultures they encountered along the way. In the process of discovering how Judaism was affected by these cultures, we will come to understand better who we are as Jews today.
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Confirmation Class of 7773On Friday, May 17, 26 members of the 10th grade class led us in the ceremony of Confirmation: Paris Arditti, Jake Crumpler, Daniel Erenstein, Sam Gershik, Jasper Gill, Jackie Golub, Bekah Goodman, Chloe Grossman, Olivia Hauer-Richard, Noah Kravitz,
Jeremy Levine, Juliana Matz, Juliet Miller, Elise Nagy, Jessica Neuman, Savannah Ottobre, Ben Pollak, Daniel Pollak, Jason Pollack, Kyle Rechnitz, Natalie Rich, Kayla Samuels, Conor Sasner, Michael Smolkin, Julia Suffoletta, Megan Widenbaum, Arielle Zur.
for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org10 Temple Isaiah Ruach, June/July 2013
SaturdayFridayThursdayWednesdayTuesdayMondaySunday
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
June/July 2013 Sivan / Tammuz / Av 5773
228:45am Torah Study 10:30am Shabbat Service
(B’nai Mitzvah: Rachel Goldberg and Jacob Baum)
208:45am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Service
298:45am Torah Study10:30am (Bar Mitzvah:
Joshua Farrell)
27 8:45am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Service 6:30pm Summer Party at
Weintraubs
219:15am Ganeinu 6pm Oneg 6:30pm Shabbat Service
19 9:15am Ganeinu 6pm Oneg 6:30pm Shabbat Service
28 9:15am Ganeinu8pm Shabbat Service
followed by Oneg
26 9:15am Ganeinu
8pm Shabbat Service followed by Oneg
20
18
27
25
19
17
7pm Clergy Course
268:15am WOI Hike
24
7pm Clergy Course
18 Perpetual Food Drive
Collection
6:45pm Board Meeting
16
25
23
177pm Anshei Isaiah Board
Meeting 7pm WOI Knitting and
Handiwork
15
7pm WOI Knitting 7:30pm Tisha B’Av
24
7pm P’tach Libeynu
22
16
14
23
21
88:45am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Service
(Bat Mitzvah: Hannah Skepner)
68:45am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Service
(B’nai Mitzvah: Jacob Parker and Ethan Wellerstein)
158:45am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Service
(Bat Mitzvah: Alexandra Hodder)
13 8:45 Torah Study10:30am (Bat Mitzvah:
Sarah Zucker)
76:30pm Shabbat Service 7:30pm Sha-Bar-B-Q with
Board installation & vol-unteer appreciation
59:15am Ganeinu 6:30pm Shabbat Service 7:30pm Sha-Bar-B-Q
14
8pm Shabbat Service fol-lowed by Oneg
129:15am Ganeinu
8pm Shabbat Service followed by Oneg
6
4Office Closed
13
11
5
3
7pm Clergy Course
12
10
7pm Clergy Course
4
2
11
9
3
6pm Anshei Isaiah Kick-Off Dinner
7pm WOI Board Meeting
1
July
107pm Rosh Chodesh
Tammuz with Sacred Chanting
8
2 10am Anshei Isaiah Bike
Ride
3pm P’tach Libeynu
30
9
4pm Documentary Film: Promises
7
1 8:45am Torah Study 10:30am Shabbat Service
(Bar Mitzvah: Adam Kessler)
28 29 30 318:15am WOI Hike
7pm Clergy Course
www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information Temple Isaiah Ruach, June/July 2013 11
YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE – SPECIAL GIFTS
Alex Gilbert, from Robin and Joe BaumanJack Goldenhar, from Zida LevyBess Rubinstein, from Michael RubinsteinEtta Wolf, from Raedell Warren
Ivy Blum Memorial FundIn memory of:Pierre Hirsch, from Marty and Cookie JavinskyFor the yahrzeit of:Dianne D. Hallert, from Steven Hallert and Family
Jacob M. Tarkoff Gan Ilan Fund
For the yahrzeit of: Lynn Lehmann, from Bill and Wendy Dorband
Memorial Plaque FundA donation from:Ronnie Gorelick
In memory of:Anne Goodman, from Steve GoodmanJack Goodman, from Steve GoodmanNancy Pollock Goodman, from Steve Goodman
Prayer Book Fund
For the yahrzeit of:Gretl Neuwald, from George and Bonnie KennedyIrving Gross, from Jeanette and Steve Gross
Project Hearth for the Homeless FundIn memory of:Harold Gitomer, from The Gitomer-Weiner FamilyFor the yahrzeit of:Betty Gitomer, from The Gitomer-Weiner Family Irving Shevin, from The Gitomer-Weiner Family
Rabbi Graetz’ Discretionary Fund
In appreciation of:Sophia Douglas’ bat mitzvah, from Jill and David
DouglasRabbi Graetz, from Ellen MontagueIn honor of:Hyron and Bette Spinrad’s grandson’s marriage,
from Havurah NeshomaAlex Trzesniewski’s birthday, from Steven
Weinzimmer and Karen MaasIn memory of:Leonard Farkas, from Cecile Farkas, children and
grandchildrenRose Freedman, from Kenneth and Arlene Douglas,
Havurah NeshomaPierre Hirsch, from Larry and Nancy CrevinLinda Schneit, from Larry and Nancy CrevinFor the yahrzeit of:Helen Castle, from Leonard and Irene Osias Louise Davidson, from David De StephenEdward Glickman, from Joel Hassen and Rochelle
Freedman HassenMinna Glickman, from Hassen and Rochelle
Freedman HassenLouis Lowenthal, from Terry LowenthalRuth Moss, from Leonard and Irene OsiasLilly Murad, from Shalom and Shoshana EliahuSophie Silberberg, from Howard & Carol MelamedLee S. Trafton, from Frank Trafton
Angel Network FundIn memory of:Linda Schneit, from Robin and Don JonesFor the yahrzeit of:Ben Levy, from Zida Levy
Cantor’s Music FundIn appreciation of:Sophia Douglas’ Bat Mitzvah guidance, from Jill
and David DouglasIn honor of:Ally Elizabeth Felson’s naming, from Harvey and
Sherry RowenRabbi Miller, and Ally Felson’s naming, from
Adam and Leah FelsonIn memory of:Leonard Farkas, from Cecile Farkas, and children
and grandchildrenFor the yahrzeit of:Harry Burstein, from Marvin BernsteinGertrude S. Eder, from Herbert and Margaret EderMurray Maltin, from Herbert and Margaret Eder Bertha Marks, from Beryl and Ivor Silver Ellie Marks, from Beryl and Ivor SilverMartin Michaels, from Peter and Aliza MetznerAaron “Archie” Meyers, from Howard and Sherri
GoldsmithAlex Singer, from Dave and Sandy AndersonJack Solomon, from The Solomon Family
Cantor Ted Cotler Memorial Library FundA donation from:Women of Isaiah’s Ma’agal Tzedakah FundFor the yahrzeit of:May Singer, from Dave and Sandy Anderson
Charles Emold FundIn honor of:Nina Jones’ new baby grandson, from Anthony and
Lucy Di BiancaIn memory of:Pierre Hirsch, from Anthony and Lucy Di BiancaBarbara Kaplan, from Anthony and Lucy Di Bianca
Daniel Baron Feed the Hungry FundA donation from:Victor and Cindy MatarasoFor the yahrzeit of:Daniel Baron, from Bobbi and Michael BaronBeula Goldfein, from Harvey and Phyllis CeaserHarry York, from Trudi and Alan GardnerMartha Gevurtz York, from Trudi and Alan Gardner
General FundIn honor of:Noah Goldstein’s bar mitzvah, from Mel and
Bonnie GoldmanIn memory of:Shelly Blum, from Stan and Beth PollockEsther Indictor, from Adam and Rachelle PortnerLinda Schneit, from Gail, Arne and Lindsay ArnoldFor the yahrzeit of:Alvin Arkin, from Ilene BernsteinMatthew Brunstein, from Leah Rolnick-Brunstein
Rabbi Greninger’s Discretionary FundIn appreciation of:Rabbi Greninger, from Larry and Karen GoldbergRabbi Greninger’s enthusiastic education leader-
ship and Sophia’s bat mitzvah preparation, from Jill and David Douglas
Rabbi Miller’s Discretionary FundA donation from:Victor and Cindy MatarasoIn appreciation of:Rabbi Miller’s guidance and teaching for Sophia
Douglas’ bat mitzvah, from Jill & David DouglasIn honor of:Ally Elizabeth Felson’s naming, from Harvey and
Sherry RowenRabbi Miller and Ally Felson’s naming, from Adam
and Leah FelsonFor the yahrzeit of:Carol Forscher Schiller, from Robert Schiller
Rabbi Shanks’ Discretionary FundIn appreciation of:Sophia Douglas’ bat mitzvah, from Jill and David
Douglas
In honor of:The wedding of Talia Gracer and Todd Ryan, from
Steven Weinzimmer and Karen MaasFor the yahrzeit of:Joan-Harvey Bentson, from Johanna H. CohenHelen Castle, from Leonard and Irene Osias Stewart Feinberg, from Fran FeinbergMorris Glaser, from Ernest GlaserHenry Goldman, from Steve and Gayle GoldmanMaybelle D. Jaffe, from Carol OlmertBill Levin, from Carol LevinRuth Moss, from Leonard and Irene OsiasJanet Resnick, from Jim and Sheryl GoldbergerEdwin Stern, from Arlene and Jerry KaplanYaakov Tzur, from Cassie Tzur
Religious School and Youth Fund
In memory of:Rose Kaufman Freedman, from Len and Robbie
CohnFor the yahrzeit of:Louis Berg, from Judy and Marty BergBernard Goodman, from Elaine and Herb
LedermanJeff Greene, from Jerry and Greta Frantz
Social Action FundIn memory of:Rae Jacobs, from Mel and Barbie BacherFor the yahrzeit of:Hymen Tepper, from Barry Tepper
Stanley and Rebecca Harris Memorial FundA donation from:Lon Williams and Cynthia LawrenceFor the yahrzeit of:Arthur Scharlach, from Alan Scharlach
Waldenberg-Zwerling Youth FundIn honor of:Chavurah Aviva, from Daniel & Faith Greenberg
Special Gifts April 1 - 30, 2013General Fund Cont’d
Saturday, June 1
8:45am Torah Study 10:30am Shabbat Morning Service
Adam Kessler, Bar Mitzvah
Num. 13:1-15:41, Shelach L’cha
Friday, June 7
6:30pm Shabbat Service, followed by Sha-Bar-B-Q Dinner with Board and Volunteers
Saturday, June 8
8:45am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Morning
Service,
Hannah Skepner, Bat Mitzvah
Num. 16:1-18:32, Korach
Friday, June 14
8:00pm Shabbat Service, followed by Oneg
Saturday, June 15
8:45am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Morning Service
Alexandra Hodder, Bat Mitzvah
Num. 19:1-22:1, Chukat
Friday, June 21
6:00pm Oneg6:30pm Shabbat Service
Saturday, June 22
8:45am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Morning Service
Rachel Goldberg and Jacob Baum, B’nai Mitzvah
Num. 22:2-25:9, Balak
Friday, June 28
8:00pm Shabbat Service Followed by Oneg
Saturday, June 29
8:45am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Morning Service
Joshua Farrell, Bar Mitzvah
Num. 25:10-30:1, Pinchas
see page 2 for July Worship schedule
SHAbbATWorSHIP SErvIcES
Non-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE
PaidLafayette, CA
94549 Permit No. 30
Timely informaTion enCloSed: PleaSe deliver by June 1
Address Service Requested
945 Risa RoadLafayette, CA 94549(925) 283-8575
