MusicTwo of my favorite sources of Jewish music are Joey Weisenberg and Nava Tehila. Joey is based in New York; Nava Tehila is a musical collective in Jerusalem. Both have recently released new albums.

Joey Weisenberg, Nigunim, Vol. VI: By the Waters of Babylon. The album is available at online music stores and on YouTube. Check out his setting for “Kol Haneshama.”

Nava Tehila, Havaya. This album is also on YouTube. The title song, “Shiviti

August brings with it both the enthusiasm and the stress of revving up the engine of the “regular” year. While we are enjoying the sweet heat of late summer, I wanted to share a few of the Jewish books, music, and podcasts I’ve been enjoying, and perhaps you will too.

Books (Available in the temple library) David Jaffe, Changing the World from the Inside Out. When I think about Judaism and justice, two questions come to mind. What does Judaism say about justice? And how can Judaism help me pursue justice? In other words, what is the theory and practice of justice in a Jewish context? Rabbi David Jaffe’s book does a wonderful job addressing those questions. He combines teachings from the world of Rebbe Nachman, an early Hasidic master of yearning and ecstatic joy, and the world of Mussar, a movement dedicated to deliberate refinement of one’s soul qualities over time. Not to mention plenty of stories from his personal experience working for social change.

Maggie Anton, Rashi’s Daughters Trilogy. Rashi is perhaps the most beloved commentator on the Hebrew Bible. He lived in France in the 11th century, probably growing grapes and turning them into wine for a living. In his spare time, he devoted himself to learning and teaching Torah, creating a lasting legacy of Jewish scholarship that continues to today. His commentary on the Torah was the very first Jewish book ever printed, coming off the press a few years before the text of the Torah itself. Maggie Anton’s historical fiction immerses us in the world of Rashi, exploring the lives of his three daughters and the difficult choices they must make. A very enjoy-able way to learn. Or a very educational way to enjoy yourself.

December 2011Kislev / Tevet 5772

August 2017Av / Elul 5777

Rabbi LeVine’s Late Summer Lists

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The Torah-passing ceremony at the Shabbat service in June honoring our founders and installing our new board and officers.

(Havaya),” plays with God’s name Y-H-V-H, rearranging the let-ters to spell H-V-Y-H (Being), a way of expressing God’s nature that often appears in Hasidic teachings as well as more con-temporary Renewal prayers.

Podcasts“Stories We Tell.” A weekly, 3-to-5-minute story, produced by the Reform Movement. You might hear me adapt some of them!

“ParshaNut Podcast.” Short, profound Torah commentary from Rabbi David Kasher, a Bay Area local and senior rabbinic edu-cator for Keva, an organization that supports Jewish learning circles.

Rabbi Jay LeVine

Rabbi Jay LeVine

for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org2 Temple Isaiah Ruach, August 2017

High Holy Days PrepJoin our clergy as we prepare for the High Holy Days and turn our hearts, minds, and spirits toward the new year ahead. We’ll meet for three sessions: Tuesday, August 29, at 7 p.m. in the adult lounge and Thursday, September 7 and 14, at 7 p.m. in the Beit Knesset. You are welcome to come to as many sessions as you wish.

High Holy Days ChantersWe are looking for congregants who are interested in chanting a Torah portion at High Holy Days services this year. Even if you have not chanted since your bar or bat mitzvah, this is a wonderful opportunity to rekindle your connection with Torah through public-ly chanting these holiest of words. It’s never too early to start practicing, so please call the temple or email Cantor Korn at cantor.korn@temple-isaiah.org to volunteer. Cantor Korn will provide all of the materials you need to be prepared for the holidays. Priority will be given to those who have not chanted on the High Holy Days previously.

Special Offer for Mussar PractitionersThe Mussar Institute is offering Temple Isaiah members a special discount for a subscription to Middah a Month. Mussar groups and individuals are using this online program in their meeting conversations and personal practice. It contains a variety of sourced information, affirmations, reflective questions and practice activities. Annual sub-scriptions are $120, but the discounted rate for TI members is $85 for new and renewing subscriptions. If you renewed your subscrip-tion in June or July, contact Terri Bookbinder at terrimoss55@gmail.com, to arrange for a partial refund.

For the reduced rate, register online www.mussarinstitute.org and choose to pay by check. Mail a check to The Mussar Institute, 6545 SW 133rd Drive, Pinecrest, FL 33156. Note on the memo line that you are a Temple Isaiah mem-ber.

S’lichot Program and ServiceOur High Holy Days preparation continues with a S’lichot program and service on Saturday, September 16. We will begin at 7 p.m. with a program of learning and discussion in the social hall followed by a dessert reception at 8 p.m. in the oneg room. (Please sign up to bring dessert at http://www.temple-isaiah.org/oneg.)

At 8:30 p.m. we will come together in the sanctuary for a beautiful and moving service that will set us on the path of repentance, forgiveness, and renewal. We will also par-ticipate in the ritual of changing the Torah mantles to white for the High Holy Days season.

Mussar and Meditation Services ResumeOur Mussar and Meditation Shabbat service creates time for personal reflective prayer, meditative chanting of powerful liturgical phrases, guided silences, and group discus-sions of Mussar wisdom. Mussar, a Jewish path toward menschlichkeit, deepens our commitment to ethical behavior. Services are held on the first Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m. in the Beit Knesset.

Rabbi Judy Shanks and Jeanette Gross will lead the service on Saturday, August 5, as together we explore the middah (character trait) of sakranut (curiosity). Sakranut underlies many other important middot – patience, judgment, and anger to name just a few. When we replace anger with curiosity we usually increase our empathy and understanding of another person or situation. Let’s explore curiosity with curiosity and discover its power and importance for becoming more menschli-che in our lives.

Next month’s Mussar and Meditation Shabbat service will be on Saturday, September 2.

TEMPLE ISAIAH945 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.

President Jasmine Tarkoff

Executive Vice President Alan Gennis

Vice President Julie Bell

Vice President Jay Sherwin

Vice President Susan Rideout

Treasurer Steven Zenker

Parliamentarian David Douglas Phone Ext

Rabbi Judy Shanks 308

Associate Rabbi Alissa Miller 308

Assistant Rabbi Jay LeVine 308

Rabbi Emeritus Roberto Graetz 308

Rabbi Emeritus Shelley Waldenberg 308

Cantor Leigh Korn 308

Executive Director Debbie Kirsch 301

Education Director Rabbi Nicki Greninger 313

Early Childhood Education Director Heather Posner 108

Youth Director Ian Shore 311

Membership Coordinator Marsha Anderson 306

Facilities Rental Michaela Caughlan 303

Librarian Melissa Gianotti 316

Clergy Assistant Nina Jones 308

Education Asst. Daniella Forney 315

Gan Ilan Assistant Lisa Taylor 109

Comm. & Dev. Dir. Jen Boxerman 310

Office Staff Joanie Zecherle 300

Special Gifts Lisa Taylor 304

Bookkeeper Sherry Tsai 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

Ruach Vol. 66, No. 01 August 2017

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 Judy Lipsoneditor.ruach@temple-isaiah.org

Photographer Michael Fox

Production Wes Carlson Past president Deanne Winer and husband Frank at the Shabbat honoring our founders.

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Debbie Kirsch

ing sizes from small Mussar groups to larger groups like Women of Isaiah and Anshei Isaiah. Each havurah, each com-mittee, each book group, is a network that connects people with something in common. People belong to several networks, all at once or over time, creat-ing this spider web of connectivity.

The umbrella over all our networks is the Temple Isaiah community. It is the one thing we all have in common.

Temple Isaiah Ruach, August 2017 3www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information

NEWS AND INSPIRATION

Community and NetworkI just read a great book by Rabbi Mike Uram called Next Generation Judaism. While it is probably not the light summer reading you are looking for, I was struck by how the concepts of how to revive Hillels on college campuses could be relevant to Temple Isaiah.

One of the main premises of the book is the value of networks versus community. A community is finite and tends to imply you are “in” or you are “out,” while a network tends to be more free-flowing with lots of crossover. (Picture a spider web.) I challenge us that we need both. Rabbi Uram used the network model on the University of Pennsylvania campus with great success to double the number of students that Hillel reached, and we can learn from it.

Temple Isaiah, of course, is not a college campus, and we serve members of all ages throughout their entire lives. However, we do utilize the power of networks. We have lots of networks in vary-

Update: Senior Rabbi TransitionThe rabbinic transition team listening campaign is well under way. We’ve talked to over 250 congregants from all demographics, as well as board members, staff, and clergy. Although we are sad to see Rabbi Shanks retire, we’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback from our members regarding our process and expressions of confidence that our team will have a successful search. We’ve heard many prevailing qualities that our congregants are looking for in a senior rabbi: someone who takes a collaborative approach with the clergy team and congregants, has strong pastoral, sermon and teaching skills, is personable, a mensch, and a visionary, just to name a few. We’ve also asked what a prospective rabbi should know about us. Our members have proudly shared that they want our new rabbi to know that we are innovative and highly educated with an intergenerational and interfaith population. We are pas-sionate about worship, education, community, and are active in our pursuits of social action and social justice.

We are still eager to hear from even more of you and find out what’s important to you. The next opportunity to ask questions and provide input is on Friday, August 4. We will begin the eve-ning with a 6:30 p.m. service followed by dinner in the social hall, then gather in small groups to discuss this important transition. Supervised gaga will be available for the kids so that adult members can fully participate. RSVP at www.temple-isaiah.org/shabbq.

The rabbinic search team is also going strong. We expect to post the job application in August. The team will then review applica-tions, conduct online and phone interviews, and ultimately invite the top candidates to our community for an in-person visit and interview.

We want to express our sincere gratitude to our transition team chairs, Sue Adler-Bressler and Dan Myers, and our search team chairs, Mike Bandler and Jill Douglas. They are working tirelessly to ensure a smooth transition and successful future for our commu-nity. For more information about the senior rabbi transition includ-ing FAQ, visit www.temple-isaiah.org/transition.

High Holy Day Passes

Passes to High Holy Days services at TempleIsaiah are included in your templemembership. If you renewed your membershipcommitment by August 25, your passes willbe mailed to you in early September. If youcannot find your renewal information, pleasecontact the office at 925-283-8575.

If you are a member in good standing andhave not received your passes bySeptember 12, please call the temple office.To see the full High Holy Days schedule orpurchase additional passes, please visitwww.temple-isaiah.org/highholydays

Through this great community of ours, we care for one another, support one another, challenge one another’s views, and respect one another. We are blessed to benefit from this community created by our founders, and we are responsible for the wonderful community we have now. We should all be proud. The what we do is through our networks; the why we do it is because of our community.

I look forward to the year ahead, both building our net-works and enhancing our community.

Debbie Kirsch, Executive Director

for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org4 Temple Isaiah Ruach, August 2017

COMMUNITY

At our annual kickoff dinner in May, we voted for the following Anshei Isaiah board members:

Seth Moldoff, president; Bob Weiss, vice president, programming; Bob Coleman, vice president, administration; Stu Kirsch, vice president, communications; Joel Willen, vice president, membership; Rich London, vice president, budget and finance; Michael Swernoff, past president; Alan Jacobson, founding past president; Nadav Rave, co-chair, special projects; Dave Solomon, co-chair, special projects; and Michael Gill, Roger Lamm, Neal Modelevsky, Steve

What’s Happening at Anshei Isaiah

Seth Moldoff

Sutton, and Jim Zucker, members at large.Please join me in thanking each of these individuals for serving

on the Anshei Isaiah board.As many of you already know, Anshei Isaiah is a social club,

open to all men of Temple Isaiah. We hold lots of activities with the goal of building a stronger connection to the Temple Isaiah community. Our programs and social action projects are great opportunities to get together with men of varied backgrounds, ages, and interests.

Here are some of our upcoming programs:A’s Jewish Heritage Night – August 15Giants Jewish Heritage Night – August 21Anshei Isaiah Fantasy Football League Draft – August 31Build the Sukkah – October 1Potluck Dinner in the Sukkah – October 8Mu Shu and a Movie – December 24Trivia Night – January 27Annual Retreat – April 13-15And many more to come!

Seth Moldoff, Anshei Isaiah President

AI Fantasy Football LeagueCalling all football fans! Whether you are a Raiders or Niners supporter, or you root for the team from your ancestral homeland in New York, Chicago, Philly, Dallas, or Boston, pick your players and cheer them on to your own team’s victory. Spots are avail-able for Anshei Isaiah’s Fantasy Football League. New players and fantasy veter-ans welcome. Co-own a team with a child, grandchild, or friend if you wish. Standard scoring rules. $72 entry fee includes $18 donation to AI’s youth fund. Big prizes for winners. Draft is Thursday, August 31, at 7 p.m. in the Beit Knesset. Draft live at the event, log in remotely, or set an autodraft. Questions? Contact Stu Kirsch at 508-821-0479 or stukirschnet@gmail.com.

Welcome New Members May 17 – July 17, 2017Jenny and Allen BrandtOaklandAbby, Walter

Melissa and Justin FossumLafayetteShay

Caitlyn and Arthur ObolskyHerculesIsabelle, Maya, Adam, Eric, Elizabeth

Susan and Andrew ShapiroWalnut CreekDaniel

Rabbi Shelley Waldenberg on the Book of Jonah

All seniors are invited to join us Wednesday, August 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the adult lounge when we’ll discuss “The Book of Jonah and Us” with our special guest, Rabbi Shelley Waldenberg. Perhaps together we can figure out why on Yom Kippur afternoon, when we are exhausted and fam-

ished, we have to read a book of the Hebrew Bible that is so “ironic, ambiguous, inconclusive, and darkly comic.” Bring your lunch, your existential angst, and your sense of humor.

Questions, or need a ride? Contact Jan Trzesniewski at 925-376-0361 or jtrzesniewski@hotmail.com.

Next month: Harriet Harris takes us behind the scenes at the opera. September 13, same time same place.

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Founding member Robert Taines receiving the Torah from Rabbi Miller.

www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information Temple Isaiah Ruach, August 2017 5

COMMUNITY

Reform CA Lobby DayJoin Rabbi LeVine, fellow temple members, and Reform Jews from across the state for Reform CA’s 2017 lobby day on Tuesday, August 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Sacramento. We’ll speak with Senate President ProTem Kevin de Leon, learn about Reform CA’s the World We Want legislative agenda, and lobby our elected representatives. Register at https://racrj.wufoo.com/forms/r1n6w4ig1w7ilns/ and let Rabbi LeVine know you’ll be part of Temple Isaiah’s delega-tion.

Yizkor Elohim Murray Mruvka, father of Pearl Furman

Jack Jeger, father of Helen Loewenstein

Fran Feinberg, our member and mother of Joye Sigelman

Florence Sokoloff, mother of Tilden Sokoloff

Alma Boyer, mother of Dawn Boyer Comer

Martin (Mike) Portnoff, our member and husband of Rosemary Wheeler

Ivan Landes, grandfather of Brian Landes

Did you know that Jewish law prohibits wasteful consumption and in fact wasting resources violates the mitzvah of bal tashchit (do not destroy)? Scholars through the ages have expanded this interpretation to include the wasteful destruction of household goods, clothes, food, and water. And in the creation story, we are told that God made humans in God’s image and endowed us with the responsibility of caring for the rest of creation.

Our climate change team is one of several Tzedek Teams (social justice initiatives) at Temple Isaiah. We are setting priorities and creating opportunities for TI and its members to reduce our carbon footprint and to advocate for governmental policy to promote the same. Our mission is to act locally by offering edu-cational programming and suggesting ways all of us can have an impact on improving our planet’s health.

For example, did you know that a University of Michigan study found the single most impactful thing we can do to reduce car-bon emissions by far is to drive highly fuel efficient cars? Yes, more than recycling, eating less meat, efficiently using heat and air conditioning, and using LED lights, although these efforts all contribute. While such vehicles aren’t that prevalent yet, if every American household drove a vehicle getting 56 miles per gallon,

Jews as the Original Tree Huggers? Be a Climate Team Supporterit would reduce U.S. emissions by 10 percent. Driving a vehicle averaging 31 miles per gallon could reduce U.S. emissions by 5 percent. Even if you don’t drive a car with this kind of gas mile-age, you might consider not sitting with your car idling while waiting to pick up kids at JQuest, Noar Night or Camp Kefli or at any other time for that matter. It’s one small thing that adds up and can make a difference.

How can TI members help? First, email Terri Bookbinder at terrimoss55@gmail.com to become a climate team supporter and look for upcoming announcements of our events. As a supporter there’s no obligation, just an interest and a willingness to make a difference in our world. We will contact you when we need help running events, participating in marches, or organizing other activities. We hope you’ll join us.

If you aren’t ready to join our team, please be mindful of the resources you consume and find ways to support our planet’s health.

Terri Moss Bookbinder and Rich London,Climate Change Team Co-Chairs

Women of Isaiah Kickoff 2017

Not Your Bubbie’s KugelEATING FOR HEALTH AT THE JEWISH TABLE

Featuring chef Tal Sendrovitz and holistic nutritionist Stephanie Snyder

Monday, August 28, 6-9 p.m.Temple Isaiah Social Hall

Schmoozing, dinner, raffle, and moreSpecial tribute to Rabbi Judy Shanks

$50 WOI members/$70 non-WOI members$36 Gan Ilan/Ganeinu moms and women under 36

Register at www.temple-isaiah.org/woikickoff

for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org6 Temple Isaiah Ruach, August 2017

COMMUNITY

Heather Mendelsohn Posner

It is a sincere honor and blessing to join the sweet world of Gan Ilan preschool. Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I have been working in the field of early childhood education for nearly 15 years. I spent much of that time developing and managing pro-grams at the Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito, including founding the first muse-um preschool in California. Most recently I served as the director of Temple Emanu-El Preschool in San Francisco where I fell in love with Jewish education. In 2015 I com-pleted an MA in education and wrote my field study about the powerful role values

Greetings from Our New Early Childhood Education Director

and beliefs play in the work of teachers and administrators.Working in Jewish early childhood education offers many

meaningful ways for me to uphold my values every day. I believe that high quality early childhood education is vital to cultivating the next generation of compassionate, engaged citizens. Essential to this mission is ensuring that teachers are empowered as experts and researchers in their field. My work has been inspired by friends and colleagues whose knowledge of reflective prac-tice and inquiry-based teaching guides my thinking about how teachers and children learn best together. I believe that asking questions, wondering about the world and how it works, devel-oping theories, and testing hypotheses are essential skills for our children in the 21st century. These themes resonate with Jewish experiences, where we are often seeking answers to deep ques-tions that may not have any one solution. Developing kindness and respect, valuing membership in community and empathy for the natural world and the people we share it with are the gifts that a Jewish preschool offers children and families. My vision is to develop programs in which these gifts overlap with meaning-ful learning experiences, leading to lifelong connections for all generations.

As you may notice I’m pretty passionate about the work I do and the philosophy behind it. I welcome you to connect with me to chat or ask questions; please don’t hesitate to reach out by phone or email any time.

Heather Mendelsohn Posner, Director of Early Childhood Education 20% off invitation orders

all summer long

Please call our invitation experts for an appointment:Robin Bateman (925) 926-0445Lauri Granoff (925) 376-2029

Now playing at the WOI Gift Shop!30% Off Most Judaica ItemsJune, July and August

Call Kim Drucker for an appointment(925) 284-1404

SUMMER STOCK

Jewish Book GroupOur Jewish Book Group with Rabbi Shanks will meet Wednesday, September 6, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the adult lounge to discuss The Best Place on Earth, stories by Ayelet Tsabari (Book-in-a-Box). Confident, original and humane, these stories are peopled with characters at the crossroads of nationalities, religions, and communities: expatriates, trav-elers, immigrants and locals, poets, soldiers, siblings and dissenters. The protagonists are mostly Israelis of Middle Eastern and North African descent whose stories have rarely been told in literature.

Everyone is welcome. This is not a “club,” but a group of friend-ly TI members who love reading and discussing Jewish books. Here are the books and meeting dates for the rest of the year:

November 1: Notorious RBG by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik

December 6: Waking Lions by Ayelet Gundar-Goshen January 3: A Backpack, a Bear, and Eight Crates of Vodka by

Lev GolinkinFebruary 7: The Gustav Sonata by Rose TremainApril 4: The Family: Three Journeys into the Heart of the

Twentieth Century by David LaskinVisit www.temple-isaiah.org/education/jewish-book-group

for more information about these titles..

See the New Sufism CenterTour Sufism Reoriented’s beautiful new compound with WOI on Sunday, August 20, 2-3:30 p.m. We’ll meet outside the building at 11 White Horse Court in Walnut Creek. RSVP to Ziva Rave at zivarave@comcast.net by August 15.

www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information Temple Isaiah Ruach, August 2017 7

YOUTH AND EDUCATION

Rabbi Alissa Miller

Looking to the Future: Our Teen Programs

Freebirds and the Chocolate FactoryFreebirds: Sign up now for a hands-on chocolate mak-ing workshop at Rachel Dunn Chocolates in Concord on Saturday, November 4 at 1:30 p.m. We’re sure to have a lot of fun as we make a delicious assortment of American and French chocolates under the guidance of chocolatier Rachel Dunn. Learn to dip and decorate your own creations to take home. The cost is $27.50 per person. Reserve your place by calling 925-798-4321, ext 12 by August 31.

Questions? Contact Miriam Swernoff at miriam.swernoff@gmail.com or Julie Bell at familybell@gmail.com.

for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.orgTo Debbie and Darren Bourne on the birth of their daughter, Rilyn Genevieve Bourne, on March 26.

To Emily and Brian Altwarg on the birth of their daughter, Goldie Mabel Altwarg, on May 25. Proud grandparents are Carol and Dan Altwarg.

To Jackie and Darren Bronson on the birth of their daughter, Callie Ruth Bronson, on May 25.

To Kylie Gordon and Seth Krubiner on the birth of their daughter, Annalisa Lou Krubiner, on June 4.

To Ruth and Charlie Pettler on the birth of their granddaugh-ter, Parker Josephine Pettler, born on June 27 to Maggie and Joshua Pettler.

To former Gan Ilan assistant Jenette Woskow and her hus-band Ben on the birth of their son, Xavier Avraham Woskow, on July 20.

To Lynn Gitomer and Dan Weiner on the engagement of their son, Jesse Weiner, to Krystal Marrone.

Mazal Tov

It is hard to believe that I just finished my 10th year being a rabbi at Temple Isaiah. One of the first things I did as I settled into this newly formed position was create a Facebook account and learn how to text quickly. This would be the new way of connecting with teens. I still text with them all, but now it’s Snapchat, Instagram, and our own Temple Isaiah Teen App called Tizzy (Teens of Isaiah) that we’re launching this month. (Sorry, it’s only for the high schoolers.) They’ll be able to sign up for LAFTY events, find out what’s for dinner at Noar Night, share pictures, and connect with each other.

As I hit this milestone and reflected on all the changes that have taken place and those still to come, the perfect opportu-nity arose. We were selected as one of 10 Reform congregations in North America to participate in the newly formed Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) Community of Practice dedicated to Post-B’nai Mitzvah Innovators. This URJ Community of Practice

Mitzvah Innovators Community of Practice will work together formally for 20 months to push the boundaries of existing con-gregational efforts to engage their teens. We will receive guid-ance from peers and advisors to experiment in our community, create congregational innovations, and garner skills that will benefit all areas of Temple Isaiah life.

Sarah Langbein, a past co-chair of Kulanu and current parent of teens, will co-chair this initiative with me. We are excited to begin this process in September and see where it takes us.

Rabbi Alissa Miller

is a congregational networking group for Reform congregations that are seeking to discover new ways to engage teens and families in the years after celebrating a bar or bat mitzvah.

By participating in this initiative, we will have the opportunity to meet with leaders from congregations with common interests to share ideas and experiment together with new strategies. We will also have access to the URJ’s professional staff and expert consultants, some of the most renowned thought leaders in their fields.

The 10 congregations in the Post-B’nai

Family trip to Israel in June.

8 Temple Isaiah Ruach, August 2017 for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org

SaturdayFridayThursdayWednesdayTuesdayMondaySunday

268:45 Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Service

259:15am Ganeinu 5pm Tot Shabbat Snack5:30pm Tot Shabbat and

Dinner7:30pm Shabbat Service

and Oneg

2410am Neshamah Yoga

7pm Gan Ilan Parent Orientation

3110am Neshamah Yoga

7pm AI Fantasy Football Draft

23

7pm Adult Choir Rehearsal

30

7pm Adult Choir Rehearsal

2210am Neshamah Yoga10am Reform CA Lobby

Day

2910am Neshamah Yoga

7pm High Holy Days Prep Course

215pm AI at SF Giant’s

Jewish Heritage Night7pm Sacred Hebrew

Chant

2812:45pm Mahj Monday

6pm WOI Kickoff7pm P’tach Libeynu

202pm WOI Sufism

Reoriented Tour4pm Rachel Poetry

Workshop7pm Adult Choir Rehearsal

27Board Retreat

7pm Adult Choir Rehearsal

129:15am Torah Study9:30am Tot Shabbat10:30am Shabbat Service

198:45am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Service

11Camp Kefli9:15am Ganeinu8pm Shabbat Service

and Oneg

189:15am Ganeinu6pm Happy Half Hour

Oneg6:30pm Shabbat Service

10Camp Kefli

17

9Camp Kefli11:30am WISE Ones

7pm Wise Aging

16

8Camp Kefli

15

7:05pm AI at A’s Jewish Heritage Night

7Camp Kefli

14

7pm Anshei Isaiah Board Meeting

6

3pm P’tach Libeynu

139:30am WOI Leadership

Retreat

58:45am Torah Study10:30am Mussar and

Meditation10:30am Shabbat Service

4Camp Kefli9:15am Ganeinu 6:30pm Shabarbecue and

Senior Rabbi Transition Discussion

3Camp Kefli

2Camp Kefli11am WOI Reutlinger Tour

1Camp Kefli

7pm Israel and World Jewry Committee Meeting

August 2017 Av / Elul 5777

Show Celebrates Israeli PoetTemple Isaiah will host “Rachel: Israel’s National Poet, a Musical Celebration of Her Life and Poetry,” on Sunday, August 20, at 4 p.m. in the social hall. (Doors open at 3:30 p.m.) The show is written, produced, and directed by Efi Lubliner and Rivka Amado who tell Rachel’s story in words and song. Musicians Gordon Lustig, Doron Rotem, and our temple member Michael Gill are featured..

The Hebrew poet known as Rachel was born Rachel Bluwstein in northern Russia in 1890 and emigrated to Palestine in 1909; she died of tuberculosis the age of 40 in Tel Aviv. Rachel was the first woman poet in Israel to receive recognition in a genre that was dominated by men. Many of her lyrical and moving poems have been set to music and have become fixtures of Israeli popular culture.

The performance is free and open to the public. Co-sponsored by Temple Isaiah, Congregation B’nai Shalom, and the Contra Costa JCC.

Sandy and Bob Goldberg just after signing their page in the Jewish Federation of the East Bay’s Book of Life in June. The Goldbergs are members of our Legacy Society, congregants who have included Temple Isaiah in their estate plans to help ensure the future of our vibrant temple community. To find out how you can create a Jewish legacy, contact Mike Bandler at 925-831-1320 or Maynard Lichterman at 925-283-6608.

Create a Jewish Legacy

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www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information Temple Isaiah Ruach, August 2017 9

Cantor’s Music Fund Cont’d General Fund

YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE – SPECIAL GIFTS

In memory of cont’d:Greg Murai, from Dale MuraiHal Wolf, from Bernie and Steve Wolf and Becky

Wolf-Prusan

For the yahrzeit of:Cyril Bowden, from Margaret and Herbert EderShayne Marie Coppedge, from Julie MagilenIda Feldman, from Rose MichaelsMildred Goldberg, from Karen and Stewart KupetzBeatrice Gross, from Margaret and Herbert EderMartin Aaron Gross, from Margaret and Herbert

EderMorey Langert, from Karen Maas and Steven

WeinzimmerAl Ratner, from Margaret and Herbert EderMarc Ratner, from Margaret and Herbert EderMorris Redsun, from Betty and Harold RedsunPearl Redsun, from Betty and Harold RedsunEvelyn V. Stevens, from Virginia and Michael PeiserFred Weinzimmer, from Karen Maas and Steven

Weinzimmer

Cantor Ted Cotler Library Fund

A donation from:Sara and Albert Wallach

Daniel Baron Feed the Hungry Fund

A donation from:Candace and Rick Medress

For the yahrzeit of:Marvin Baron, from Bobbi Baron

Education & Youth Fund

In honor of:Ian Shore, from Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman and Roger

Morris

In memory of:James Green, from Marty and Judy BergIrvin Salky, from Robbie Cohn

For the yahrzeit of:Magda Gabor Gyongyosi, from Anna and Martin

LacknerElaine Kravitz, from Mina and Richard Kravitz

Fund for Our Jewish Future

In memory of:James Green; may his memory be for a blessing,

from Carol Olmert and Alan Burckin

Angel Network Fund

In appreciation of:Temple Isaiah’s caring community, from Anna

Marie Levy

In memory of:Harvey S. Ehrlich, from Bridget and David

WellersteinMarvin Epstein, whose birthday was June 14,

1923, from Ruth EpsteinJames Green, from Ellen and Aron RolnitzkyHal Wolf, from Lillian Katzburg, Debbie Katzburg,

Bill Jacob

Anshei Isaiah Fund

For the yahrzeit of:Solomon H. Kaplan, from Janet Saunders and Roy

Kaplan

Cantor’s Music Fund

A donation from:William Manheim and Meagan Van Zak

In appreciation of:Cantor Korn, from Donna Green, Harriet Harris,

Shirley MaccabeeOur wonderful clergy, from Anna Marie Levy

In honor of:Garrett Candau’s college graduation, from Jeanie

Goldeen Conneran and Michael ConneranJoshua Candau’s high school graduation,

from Jeanie Goldeen Conneran and Michael Conneran

Roberta Cohn, from Arlene and Yale DownesTalia Garson’s bat mitzvah, from Jamie and

Jonathan GarsonJack Goodman, from Steve GoodmanFrances Singer’s special birthday, from Doris

Leiber, Betty and Harold RedsunMilford Waldroup’s special birthday, from Gloria

and Bob SchillerYour loving service in memory of James Green,

from Gloria and Bob Schiller

In memory of:Frances Dobin, from Karen and Larry GoldbergHarvey Ehrlich, from Jill, David, Josh and Sophia

DouglasFran Feinberg, from Beryl and Ivor SilverPearl Furman’s father, from Beryl and Ivor SilverJames Green, from Susan and Bill Caplan, Kay

and Rich Hansen, Karen and Stewart Kupetz, Diana and Michael Makieve, Linda and Milford Waldroup, Sandy and Steven Wolfe

A donation from:Gloria and Maurice Sandler

In appreciation of:David Douglas’ tenure as president, from Sheila

and David Matz

In honor of:Jasmine Tarkoff’s installation as president, from

Nicki and Ryan Gilbert

In memory of:Frances Dobin, from Diane and Luigi DelucchiHarvey Ehrlich, from Dorothy GetzenbergJames Warren Green, from Judith KlassRobert Morris, from Helen Ann and Norman LichtHarry Wolf, from Helen Ann and Norman Licht

For the yahrzeit of:Linda Schneit, from Andrew SchneitLouis Tuchman, from Andrew Schneit

Ivy Blum Memorial Fund

In memory of:Irvin Salky, from Marilyn and Seymore Hertz

For the yahrzeit of:Irving Bacher, from Barbie BacherMel Bacher, from Barbie Bacher

Jacob M. Tarkoff Scholarship Fund

In honor of:Jasmine Tarkoff’s presidency, from Anna Marie

Levy

In memory of:Miriam Simon, from Belinda Harris

Memorial Plaques

In memory of:David Pelsner Jacobson, from Jill and Alan

JacobsonSally Rubinstein, from Cara and Timothy Hoxie

Prayer Book Fund

In honor of:Albert Lepawsky, from Lucy and Anthony DiBianca

In memory of:James Green, from the Matzkin familyAlfred M. Kerzner, from Jane and Mark RabinovitzRowena Levin Kerzner, from Jane and Mark

Rabinovitz

Special Gifts May 1 – June 30, 2017

Prayer Book Fund Cont’d

for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org10 Temple Isaiah Ruach, August 2017

YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE – SPECIAL GIFTS

Rabbi Shanks’s Discretionary Fund Cont’dIn appreciation of:Rabbi Shanks, from Ernest Glaser, Steve Rodman,

Waterford Living Center, Bernard WolfRabbi Shanks’s comfort and caring, from Marilyn

Wolff Goodman and Peter GoodmanRabbi Shanks’s hospital visit, from Alma BoyerRabbi Shanks officiating at Frances Dobin’s

funeral, from Deborah Dobin and Scott Robinson

In honor of:Talia Garson’s bat mitzvah, from Jamie and

Jonathan GarsonAndrea Harris, from Dawn Block and Michael

HarrisSeth Kline’s bar mitzvah, from Barbara MorrisRabbi Shanks conducting the seder at Waterford,

from Arlee and Paul MaierPerforming Jonathan Glidden and Gabi

Fragiadakis’s wedding ceremony, from Erica Zeidenberg and Robert Glidden

The birth of Judy and Steve Lipson’s grandson, from Gloria and Bob Schiller

In memory of:Isabella Acevedo, from Robert LeibowitzFran Feinberg, from Estelle GracerElly Glaser, from Ernest GlaserJames Green, from Sandy and Dave Anderson,

Linda, Dan, Kevin and Le Friedman, Donna Green, Katie and Andrew Solomon

Bernie Klein, from Arlene and Marvin KaplanRobert Morris, from Diane and Jack Hecht, Beryl

and Ivor SilverJack Pinsler, from Lorraine and Leonard MarshallIrwin Salky, from Linda and Dan FriedmanHarry Wolf, from Bernard Wolf

For the recovery of:Marilyn Goodman, from Diane and Jack Hecht

For the yahrzeit of:Helen Castle, from Irene and Leonard OsiasBernard M. Freedman, from Rochelle and Joel

HassenDianne Dillen Hallert, from the Steven D. Hallert

familyJess Hallert, from the Steven D. Hallert familyReuven Hasson, from Shoshana and Shalom

EliahuRose Hyman, from Eva and Allan HymanRuth Osias Moss, from Irene and Leonard OsiasCarl Jonas Naden, from Robin and Bruce WhitleyJames B. Rabinovitz, from Jane and Mark

Rabinovitz

Rabbi Shanks’s Discretionary FundIn memory of cont’d:James B. Rabinovitz, from Jane and Mark

RabinovitzDorothy Rabinovitz Sinsheimer, from Jane and

Mark Rabinovitz

For the yahrzeit of:Lou Weitzman, from Julie Magilen

Project Hearth for the Homeless

In honor of:Milford Waldroup’s special birthday, from the

Matzkin family

In memory of:Judy Millman Aufhauser, from Janet Saunders and

Roy KaplanJames Green, from Susan and Jean-Pierre Aglietti,

Arlene and Larry KaufmanPaula Rudnick, mother of Sandy Rudnick, from

Valerie and Mark Milner

For the yahrzeit of:Miriam Snider, from Julie Magilen

Rabbi LeVine’s Discretionary Fund

In appreciation of:Rabbi LeVine’s leadership at AI retreat, from

Janet Saunders and Roy KaplanTeaching our Midrash Mondays class, from Julie

and Stephen BellYour first confirmation class, from Julie and

Stephen Bell

In honor of:Talia Garson’s bat mitzvah, from Jamie and

Jonathan Garson

In memory of:Fran Feinberg, from Elaine HighietJames Green, from Donna Green

For the yahrzeit of:David Stern, from Susan and Maury SternHoward Swernoff, from Miriam and Michael

Swernoff

Rabbi Miller’s Discretionary Fund

A donation from:Beth and Frank Trafton

In appreciation of:Being a wonderful confirmation teacher, from

Julie and Stephen BellThe wonderful Senior Sendoff, from Julie and

Stephen Bell

For the yahrzeit of cont’d:Sima Redsun-Bernzweig, from Betty and Harold

RedsunSally Rubinstein, from Michael RubinsteinMark Torban, from Regina and Simon YanovskyKatherine van Broek, from Marsha and Alexander

Van Broek

Holiday Turkey Drive

For the yahrzeit of:Lorraine Grossman Wollenberg Brewer, from Jane

and Nicholas Hyde

ViA Isaiah: Values in Action Fund

A donation from: William Manheim and Meagan Van Zak

In appreciation of:Ellen Bernstein Ellis, from Diana, Risa, Shelly,

Joan and Nikki Baumrind

In memory of:Irvin Salky, from Judy and Marty Berg

For the yahrzeit of:Lian Moses-Hogan, from Cheryl and Eric Kohleriter

Winter Nights

For the yahrzeit of:Sam Lowitz, from Carol and Robert Lowitz

Women of Isaiah Fund

In appreciation of:Ellen Bernstein Ellis, from Diana, Risa, Shelly,

Joan and Nikki BaumrindJudy Carney, from Karen and Larry GoldbergTricia Zucker, from Karen and Larry Goldberg

In memory of:James Green, from Sandy and Dave Anderson,

Lynn Harrington-Golde

For the yahrzeit of:Julius Ratner, from Susan and Maury SternEllen Hope Singer, always in our hearts, from

Sandy and Dave Anderson

www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information Temple Isaiah Ruach, August 2017 11

PHOTOGRAPHY(408)807-4770www.laskyphoto.com

scott@laskyphoto.comMultiple Past Winner of the J Weekly’s Photographer of the Year Award

Over 900 Mitzvahs Photographed and Counting.....Go for Experience

Bar/Bat Mitzvahs - Weddings

SCOTT LASKY

Welcome to ReutlingerExperience Outstanding Senior Living

Assisted Living • Memory Care • Skilled Nursing Short-Term Rehabilitation

4000 Camino Tassajara, Danville, CA 94506 925-964-2062 www.rcjl.org License # 075600335

Call 925-964-2062 today for a tour.

Friday, August 4

6:30pm Shabbat Service in Amphitheater and Shabarbecue Dinner with Senior Rabbi Transition Discussion

Saturday, August 5

8:45am Torah Study10:30am Mussar and Meditation

Service10:30am Shabbat Morning Service

Kira Piggot and Ella Lipton, B’not Mitzvah

Deut. 3:23-7:11, Va-et’chanan

Friday, August 11

8:00pm Shabbat Service and Oneg

Saturday, August 12

9:15am Torah Study9:30am Tot Shabbat10:30am Shabbat Morning Service

Deut. 7:12-11:25, Eikev

Friday, August 18

6:00pm Happy Half Hour Oneg6:30pm Shabbat Service in

Amphitheater

Saturday, August 19

8:45am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Morning Service

Daniel Adri, Bar MitzvahDeut. 11:26-16:17, R’eih

Friday, August 25

5:30pm Tot Shabbat in Amphitheater

6:00pm Tot Shabbat Dinner7:30pm Shabbat Service with

Israel B’nai Mitzvah Teens and Oneg

Saturday, August 26

8:45am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Morning Service

Jordan Smith, Bat Mitzvah

Deut. 16:18-21:9, Shof’tim

SHAbbATWorSHIP SErvIcES

Non-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE

PaidLafayette, CA

94549 Permit No. 30

Timely informaTion enCloSed: PleaSe deliver by auguST 1

Address Service Requested

945 Risa RoadLafayette, CA 94549(925) 283-8575

Bookplates for Our High Holy Days Prayer Books! Our congregation is using a wonderful new set of prayer books. This High Holy Days machzor comes in two volumes, one for Rosh Hashanah and one for Yom Kippur. Show gratitude for someone in your life, or pay tribute to a loved one's memory by honoring them on a bookplate. This is a once in a generation opportunity to make such a gift. These bookplates are beautifully designed and will be placed in each of the volumes.

Prayer Book Fund Sponsorship Levels (includes bookplates): 25 (twenty-five) sets: $ 1,000

12 (twelve) sets: $540

8 (eight) sets: $360

4 (four) sets: $180

1 (one) set: $54 Sponsor the new prayer books today at www.temple-isaiah.org/bookplates Or make a donation to the Prayer Book Fund with your quantity and tribute request.

Questions? Contact the temple at (925) 283-8575 and thank you for your support.