Sacred Stories – Ours to TellFamilies in costume fill the bima during the 50’s Rock ‘n Roll- and peace. themed Purimspiel. December 2011 Kislev / Tevet 5772 April 2014 ... delicious

erations. Pharaoh becomes all the named and unnamed oppressors through the millennia. We number as well the untold heroes of faith and resilience that have sustained us to say Shehechyanu, we are here, we are telling the story, our story, once again, in blessed freedom.

Other stories will get told around our seder tables: the sacred stories of our own lives. Every home, every family, every soul is touched daily by events long-anticipated or shocking, hoped for or dreaded, and everything in between. Our personal lives intersect with our communities and our communities, too, shape our lives and our individual narra-tives. Each week on Shabbat when many of us stand to tell a brief bit of a story – who got married, found a job, is tending a sick friend, lost a loved one, is remem-bering a yahrtzeit – those words get woven into the fabric of synagogue life and bring us closer together. Over the past few years in our Kesher-Connect community conversations, we have told longer stories about what brings us great joy, what keeps us up at night with worry, what help and healing we wish our communal strength could bring to our neighborhoods and to those who suffer in our midst. Story by story we learn about and from each other, creat-ing the relationships that make us feel at home and prompt us to add our gifts to the community.

“God created man because he loves stories,” says Wiesel, and I would add that men, women and children all love stories that create bonds across time

My father, an enlightened spirit, believed in man. My grandfather, a fervent Hasid, believed in God. The one taught me to speak, the other to sing. Both loved stories. And when I tell mine, I hear their voices…God created man because He loves stories. (Elie Wiesel)

Around our Passover tables this month we will tell the sacred story of our people’s liberation from Egyptian slavery. The seder is a story within a story within a story, for when our ancestors still stood poised for escape, God already instructed them to repeat the narrative they were yet to live out: “So when the Eternal has brought you into the land of the Canaanites…you shall observe in this month the following practice: seven days unleavened bread shall be eaten…and you shall explain to your child on that day, ‘It is because of what the Eternal did for me when I went free from Egypt.’” (Ex.13:5,8) The Israelite slaves were commanded to be the journalists of their own momentous redemption, the scribes of testimonies that would enthrall future generations of storytellers in their turn to be keepers of the covenant. The Haggadah, the script of the seder, is a conversation across the generations wherein each historical voice tells the particulars of that era’s tribulations and lib-

Rabbi Judy Shanks

(Continued on page 2)

ph

oto

by

Dar

a Fe

ller

Sacred Stories – Ours to Tell

Let us con-

tinue to

tell the old

stories and

make them

our own, and

let today’s

sacred sto-

ries bring

new meaning

to our ideals

of commu-

nity, justice,

redemption,

and peace.Families in costume fill the bima during the 50’s Rock ‘n Roll-themed Purimspiel.

December 2011Kislev / Tevet 5772

April 2014Nissan 5774

for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org2 Temple Isaiah Ruach, April 2014

(Rabbi Shanks continued from page 1)

ph

oto

by

Dar

a Fe

ller

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 Robert Goldberg

Executive Vice President David Douglas

Vice President Dan Myers

Vice President Tony Crea

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 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

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. 9, April 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,

Julie Magilen, Anna Marie Levy,Carol Olmert

The Community-wide Commemoration in Contra Costa for

YOM HASHOAH V’HAGEVURAH

www.jfed.orgwww.facebook.com/JFEDeastbay

EXCERPTS FROM THE OPERA “ANOTHER SUNRISE”

SPONSORS: Beth Chaim CongregationCongregation B’nai ShalomCongregation B’nai TikvahContra Costa Jewish Day SchoolContra Costa MidrashaFestival OperaJCRC/East BayJFCS of the East BayTemple IsaiahTemple Isaiah Teen School

Supported by the Tillie and Rene Molho Endowment for Holocaust Remembrance of The Jewish Community Foundation of the East Bay.

Noted composer Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer based their opera on I Survived Auschwitz by Krystyna Żywulska. With her mother, Krystyna walked out of the Warsaw ghetto in broad daylight in 1942, and joined the Polish resistance. She counterfeited identity cards and other documents. Captured by the Gestapo in 1943, she was eventually sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau. There, she began to write satiric poems that became camp anthems of resistance and exuded life, specifically Żywulska’s own will to live.

SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 4:30 PMTemple Isaiah, 945 Risa Road, Lafayette

Admission is freeFor more information: 510.318.6453

Admission is free. For more information: 510-318-6453

Annual Meeting and Yom Ha’atzmaut CelebrationTemple Isaiah’s bylaws require a quorum of at least ten percent of Temple member households to participate in our annual meeting to approve next year’s budget, new Board members, and other important Temple business. We hope you will save the date Tuesday, May 6, at 6 p.m. in the Oneg Room for our free barbeque dinner with Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration, sponsored by the Israel and World Jewry Committee, followed by the annual meeting in the Social Hall at 7:15 p.m. Please make every effort to attend this important meeting. Your input and your vote are essential if we are to continue pro-viding the excellent services, programs, and educational opportunities that benefit us all. Details and RSVP link will be sent by email.

and speak the truths that stir our hearts. Let us continue to tell the old stories and make them our own, and let today’s sacred stories bring new meaning to our ideals of commu-nity, justice, redemption, and peace.

Hag Sameiach from our family to yours ~ may your Pesach celebrations be joyous and delicious.

Rabbi Judy Shanks

All dressed up for the Purim Carnival!

Tonna Lusareta Stevens has announced her retirement after 21 years of dedicated ser-vice to Temple Isaiah. Her last day is April 4, 2014. Tonna served as an Administrative Assistant for 14 years and Bookkeeper for seven. We thank Tonna and we will miss her!

Temple Isaiah Ruach, April 2014 3www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information

NEWS AND INSPIRATION

We just love this time of the year when we think about Israel and World Jewry Committee programming because we look in two directions: one path almost completed and one path open, clear, and not yet traveled. On the one hand, it is a path of accomplish-ment and on the other, a path of opportunity. At many junctures, these paths meet and clearly focus on our continuing Israel Committee goals, which are to inform, educate, and continue our respectful, but open dialogue about Israel and World Jewry. We invite you to become a member of our committee to help us plan our programs for next year. Having different ideas and fresh perspectives is an opportunity for all of us to create more unique programs as we journey together in 2014-15 on this path not yet traveled.

The 2013-14 year has been truly amazing with many highlights. We listened to Mervyn Danker tell us stories about Jewish com-munities in other parts of the world. He opened up our minds as we engaged in dialogue about Jewish life in the Diaspora. We welcomed back the dynamic Anat Hoffman who reminded us of why we need to build a just society in Israel deeply rooted in Jewish values and why the Women of the Wall continue to matter. We also welcomed Aryeh Green of Media Central who helped us understand Israel’s continuing challenges in the world press and how the media can subconsciously mold Israel’s image. He raised our awareness of how much words really do matter. And Rabbi Doug Kahn was a fantastic addition to our program-ming this year as he addressed the issues of virulent criticism of Israel and the new anti-Semitism. Rabbi Kahn taught us a simple “3D” test to distinguish legitimate criticism of Israel from anti-Semitism. Developed by Natan Sharansky, the 3D test allows us to analyze a news story, op-ed, interview, or even a protest and see if the criticism being made in it crosses the border of at least one of the following Ds: Double Standards, De-legitimization, and Demonization. His entire presentation engaged the audience in a meaningful interactive dialogue. We also had the privilege of hearing from Dr. Rebecca Golbert, the Executive Director of the Institute for Jewish and Israeli Law at U.C. Berkeley. She not only told us about the work of the Institute, but also how we can all become involved. We are looking forward to developing an on-

The Israel and World Jewry Committee: Accomplishment and Opportunitygoing relationship with the Institute and its programming.

On April 1 we welcome Rabbi Adam Naftalin-Kelman from Hillel to speak on the topic: “Jewish Life at UC Berkeley – How Hillel Facilitates Students’ Jewish Journey.” We look forward to an innovative first this year, when we will have our Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration on Tuesday, May 6 as part of Temple Isaiah’s Annual Meeting. This is a not-to-be-missed event.

Fortunately there is no lack of “Good News” (GN) from Israel as our weekly email GN summary enters its sixth year. All the posi-tive comments and suggestions from Temple members are greatly appreciated. We are pleased that a number of other organizations, including the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the East Bay and the Osher-Marin JCC, are adapting and distributing parts of GN. Finally, we want to thank you, the Temple Isaiah community, for supporting us and for coming out in such huge numbers to participate with us in dialogue about Israel, the land we love, and World Jewry.

For next year, stay tuned for more fascinating programming that will both expand some of these ideas and present some other creative and innovative approaches to looking at Israel and World Jewry and continuing the dialogue. We look forward to having you participate with us. For more information contact: [email protected] or call Marlene and Herb Thier at 925-376-6892.

New Temple Isaiah AppMembers with smart phones and tablets can now download our free Temple Isaiah app complete with membership directory, calendar, and Ruach monthly bulletin. In the app store, search for IsaiahLafayette, click to install app, and the Temple Isaiah icon will appear for use. Need your directory login and password? Call the office at (925) 283-8575 or email [email protected].

Cantor Korn, Karen Goldberg as Queen Esther, Steve Zenker as King Ahasuelvis, and Rabbi Shanks at the 50’s Rock ‘n Roll-themed Purimspiel.

ph

oto

by

Larr

y G

old

ber

g


COMMUNITY

■

■

■

■

Yizkor Elohim February 16, 2014

Diana Gabrielson, sister of Lynn Harrington-Golde. In West Covina.

February 28, 2014Judge Marvin Cherner, father of Anne (Stephen) Whitehouse, Amy Roth, Nancy Cherner, and Ellen (Craig) Whittom, grandfather of Claire Whitehouse and Rachel and Grace Whittom. In Birmingham, AL.

March 8, 2014Sandra Cohen, mother of Scott Cohen, grandmother of Mia and Zachary Cohen.

March 13, 2014Wilmette Rudin, mother of Aaron (Reine) Feldman, grandmother of Ava and Ari Feldman. In Las Vegas.

ph

oto

by

Dar

a Fe

ller

Lunch and Learn: Rabbis ‘Round the BayOur rabbis are coming close to your workplace! We invite you to drop in for lunch, see folks from Isaiah, and have an informal conversation with one of our rabbis. This program will feed your body and soul!

Join Rabbi Judy Shanks in San Francisco on Wednesday, April 9, for “A Jewish Ethical Mandate: Stay Healthy!” Pikuach Nefesh (Preserving Life) is one of the highest duties in Jewish tradition. In our study together we will look at traditional and contempo-rary Jewish sources about the Jewish ethical obligation to do all that we can to keep our bodies healthy and our parallel obliga-tion to bring healing to others. Join Rabbi Roberto D. Graetz in downtown Oakland on Wednesday, April 30, for “A Jewish Response to the News of the Week”. Discuss what’s happening in the world with a lunchtime discussion about a hot topic in the news this week, navigating the world and the news through a Jewish lens. All sessions take place from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the cost is $10 per person for lunch. Space is limited – RSVP at www.temple-isaiah.org/rabbisroundthebay.

Sherri Goldsmith and Cynthia Frankel perform in the 50’s Rock ‘n Roll-themed Purimspiel.

www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information Temple Isaiah Ruach, April 2014 5

COMMUNITY

To grandparents, Susan and Bill Epstein, and great-grand-parents, Ruth and Marvin Epstein, on the birth of Mason Samuel Epstein, to parents Joshua and Lorri Epstein, on February 27, 2014.

To Erica Siegel and Jonathan Mello on getting married, Sunday, March 2, 2014.

To Todd and Jayme Feldhammer, on the birth of daugh-ter, Maya Charlotte Feldhammer, on March 10, 2014.

To Sandy and Dave Anderson, on the birth of grandson, Max Joseph Anderson, to Christina and Peter Anderson, on March 13, 2014.

■

■

■

■

Mazal Tov

Volunteer Appreciation ShabbatPlease join us on Friday, May 30, for our annual volunteer appreciation Shabbat when we will honor our volunteer of the year and the many others who donate their time to help make Temple Isaiah a thriving community. This year’s volunteer of the year is Julie Candau. Julie has served as our Ruach Editor since 2002 and will hand over the reins after the June/July issue. We are grateful for the countless hours she has dedicated to produc-ing our monthly bulletin and the training she will provide to Judy Lipson, who will assume the role as Ruach Editor starting with the August issue. Celebrate with us at the Happy Half Hour Oneg at 6 p.m. in the foyer followed by 6:30 p.m. service in the Sanctuary.

Blessing for Leo Miller at Shabbatarama in MayWe would like to thank the entire Isaiah community for all the love and support we have received these last few months as we welcomed our son Leo into our lives. We appreciate the meals from the Angel Network, the donations in honor of his birth and the extra effort put forth by the Isaiah staff, clergy and lay leader-ship during my maternity leave. We look forward to welcoming Leo into this community with a special blessing at Shabbatarama on Friday, May 2. We hope you will join us.

Todah Rabah, Rabbi Alissa and Dan Miller

The Forgetting RiverJoin our welcoming book group Wednesday, April 16, 10:30–11:45 a.m. in the Adult Lounge for a live-ly discussion of our next book: The Forgetting River: A Modern Tale of Survival, Identity, and the Inquisition, by Doreen Carvajal. Raised Catholic in California, Doreen Carvajal shares her unexpected and difficult journey in discovering and uncovering her Jewish background. Her family’s buried Jewish history is uncovered as she researches

the history of Inquisition-era Spain. Her search for proof that her family was forced to convert to Christianity six hundred years ago demonstrates that while the truth might be submerged, it is never truly lost.


ph

oto

by

Bo

b C

ole

man

x

COMMUNITY – WOMEN OF ISAIAH

Annual Women's

Intergenerational Seder

A TASTE OF PESACH Monday, April 7 at 6:45pm in the Social Hall

For more information, to RSVP and volunteer

visit www.temple-isaiah.org/womensseder

Questions? Contact Co-Chairs Vivian and Valerie Poettgen at [email protected]

Whether it’s Afikomen prizes you seek, or something to bring a smile to your little ones,

Women of Isaiah Gift Shop has everything you need. Grown-up gifts too!

(925) 284-4933VISA and Mastercard accepted

Get Passover Gifts for the Kinderlach!

Regular hours: 4 - 6pm on Tues and Wed, 9am-1pm on Sunday.Extended hours: 11am - 1pm weekdays beginning April 1. Learn How to Pack For a Trip

Ever wonder how someone can pack for long trip in just a carry on? Wondering how to avoid checking luggage for your next trip? Join Women of Isaiah as we learn from packing maven Katya Bock how to pack light and look great for your next adventure. Katya will be sharing her packing secrets with us on Wednesday, April 9, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the home of Laurel Sgro. RSVP to Laurel Sgro at [email protected] by Monday, April 7.

WOI visited the Szyk Haggadah exhibit at the Contemporary Jewish Museum last March. Front row: Carolyn Hokanson, Gloria Schiller, Carol Mann, Lauri Granoff, Cherri Shiffman; Back row: Cindy Coleman, Karen Maas, Linda Waldroup, Laurie Bronson.

Shabbat Dinner and Kesher Community ConversationsWomen of Isaiah and ViA Isaiah invite you to join us for Shabbat dinner and lively conversation in the Social Hall on Friday, April 18, following the 6:30 p.m. service. Dinner will be appropriate for Passover, and discussions will be informal. We will talk about our interests and talents and how we can share our own passions to help others in our community. Together we will celebrate Shabbat, connect with fellow congregants, and learn about exciting volunteer and social action opportunities. Reservations required. No cost for dinner. RSVP online at www.temple-isaiah.org/kesherdinner. Childcare will be available for children ages five and older.

WOI Membership MeetingAll Women of Isaiah members are invited to join us as we elect and install our new WOI leadership team on Monday, May 5, at 7 p.m. in the Adult Lounge. Our WOI Board has approved the following nominations proposed by our WOI nominating com-mittee:

Co-Presidents: Sandy Anderson, Lynn EpsteinExecutive Vice-President: Judy CarneyTreasurer: Sue ClearfieldRecording Secretary: Linda WaldroupCorresponding Secretary: Phyllis RosenGift Shop Chair: Kim DruckerMembership Chairs: Diana MaKieve, Vivian PoettgenProgramming Chair: Gloria SchillerAvodah Chair: Tricia ZuckerParliamentarians:Karen Goldberg, Judy Lipson


On February 7 friends and admirers filled the Social Hall for a special luncheon honoring the energetic and enthusiastic Nancy Crevin who recently retired as manager of the Women of Isaiah Gift Shop after over 30 years of dedicated service. From the cre-ative table decorations designed by Lynn Epstein to the heartfelt words from Nancy’s successor, Kim Drucker, to the wonderful video tribute put together by Michele Holtz, it was a very special event for a very special woman. Nancy is a long-time supporter of Temple youth programs, and in her honor, Women of Isaiah has made a dona-tion of $1,800 from its Maagal Tzedakah Fund in support of schol-arships to Camp Newman.

Nancy, a past president of WOI and the very first recipient of our Woman of Valor award, has always been a woman of vision and perseverance, a natural leader whose open-mindedness and willingness to try new things has helped keep Women of Isaiah moving in new directions.

It has been our honor and privilege to have been part of this legacy of innovative women as WOI co-presidents for the past two years. We are truly grateful to all of the women who were part of our leadership team and want to extend a heartfelt thanks to each one of them for sharing with us her gifts and talents and for helping us to envision and create the many new programs and social action opportunities that continue to connect women of our Temple community through caring friendships and mean-ingful work.

We are thrilled to announce that Sandy Anderson and Lynn Epstein have been nominated as WOI co-presidents for 2014-2015. These two dynamic women not only have tremendous leadership experience, but also share a meaningful vision of how WOI can continue to go from strength to strength. We also are excited to launch an innovative new model of leadership for Women of Isaiah, that of staggered terms for co-presidents. This model, with train-ing for the “next in line,” will promote continuity, facilitate easier transitions for new leaders, and help to keep momentum building.

Judy Carney has been nominated to be our WOI executive vice-president and will serve as co-president with Sandy for the 2015-2016 year. Judy has served on the WOI board for a number of years, most recently as Co-Chair for Social Action and one of the moving forces behind the suc-cessful Shelter Dinners program.

Please join us on Monday, May 5, at 7 p.m. in the Adult Lounge when we will introduce our new leadership team, vote them into office and celebrate with a special installation service. Come enjoy light refreshments and meet some of the women who make Women of Isaiah so wonderful. We hope to see you there!

Karen Goldberg, Judy Lipson,

WOI Co-Chairs

Judy Lipson, Women of Isaiah Co-President

Karen GoldbergWomen of Isaiah Co-President

Inspired by Our Past, Excited for Our Future

COMMUNITY – WOMEN OF ISAIAH

Nancy Crevin

WOI Sports DayAll female Temple members are invited to join Women of Isaiah for a day of fun activ-ities at Blackhawk Country Club including tennis (with our very own Rabbi Shanks!), hiking, biking, mah jongg and more. Or just join us for lunch.

Please save the date for Monday, May 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pricing and RSVP details to be announced at www.temple-isaiah.org/women-isaiah/activi-ties. There will also be a silent auction and raffle benefiting Temple funds in need, including tennis social sign-ups and other exciting opportunities. We hope to see you there.

A group of WOI hikers caught spectacular views of the valley on the trails in Las Trampas Wilderness. Join the WOI hikers for a dif-ferent trail the last Wednesday of each month. For information, contact Cheryl Kohleriter at (925) 820-6158 or [email protected].

We also are

excited to

launch an

innovative

new model

of leadership

for Women of

Isaiah, that

of staggered

terms for co-

presidents.

8 Temple Isaiah Ruach, April 2013 for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org

SaturdayFridayThursdayWednesdayTuesdayMondaySunday

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

April 2014 Nissan 5774

28

12:30pm Mah Jongg

7pm Sacred Chant7pm P’tach Libeynu

27Religious SchoolAdult Education Classes

4:30pm Community-Wide Yom HaShoah

26Women’s Retreat8:45am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Service

(B’nai Mitzvah: Mia Mink and Alex Wilson)

25Women’s Retreat9:15 Ganeinu

5:30pm Tot Shabbat service followed by dinner

8pm Shabbat Service followed by Oneg

24

12pm Talmud Study1:15pm TEX Torah Study

30

11:45am Rabbis ‘Round the Bay

4pm Religious School6:45pm Noar Night7pm Adult Choir

Rehearsal

23

4pm Religious School6:45pm Noar Night6:45pm Engaging Israel7pm Adult Choir

Rehearsal

29

4pm Religious School

7:15pm Al Anon

22

1pm Writing Workshop


7pm Board Meeting

21Passover: Office Closed 9am Passover Service

with Yizkor

6:30pm Grief Support Group

7pm Anshei Isaiah Board Meeting

7pm WOI Knitting and Handiwork

20Passover

19Passover9:15am Torah Study 10:30am Shabbat Service

with potluck

18Passover

6pm Happy Half Hour Oneg

6:30pm 3rd Shabbat Service with Mizmor Band

7:30pm WOI-ViA Isaiah Community Dinner

17Passover

16Passover

12:30pm Jewish Book Group

7pm Adult Choir Rehearsal

15Passover: Office closed9am Passover Service

1413Family RetreatReligious SchoolAdult Education Classes

12Family Retreat8:45am Torah Study 9:30am Tot Shabbat10:30am Shabbat Service

(Bar Mitzvah: Leon Wagner)

11Family Retreat9:15am Ganeinu

8pm Shabbat Service with Kleztones followed by Oneg

10

12pm Talmud Study

1:15pm TEX Torah Study

99:30am Neshamah Yoga10am WOI How to Pack11:45am Rabbis ‘Round

the Bay


6:45pm Noar Night7pm Adult Choir

Rehearsal

8

1pm Writing Workshop


7pm WOI Board Meeting7:15pm Al Anon

7

6:45pm Women’s Seder

6Religious SchoolAdult Education Classes

12:45pm Kleztones Rehearsal

3pm P’tach Libeynu4pm Documentary Film

58:45am Torah Study 10:30am Shabbat Service

(Bar Mitzvah: Jeremy Gunderson)

49:15am Ganeinu

6pm Shabbatarama followed by dinner

3

12pm Talmud Study1:15pm TEX Torah Study

29:30am Neshamah Yoga11:45am Lunch and

Learn

7pm Adult Choir Rehearsal

1

7pm Hillel Lecture7:15pm Al Anon

Adorable pair at the Purim Carnival.

ph

oto

by

Dar

a Fe

ller


Rabbi Nicki Greninger,Education Director

YOUTH AND EDUCATION

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

gram. Children will spend 30 minutes each week learning Modern Hebrew through interactive games, music, art, hands-on activities, and short conversations. Students in Hebrew Enrichment will also learn to read and write the Aleph Bet and simple Hebrew words.

Religious School Courses and RegistrationFor more information about our award-winning “track” system of Jewish education, visit www.temple-isaiah.org/education/3-6-curriculum/.

For more information about our pio-neering new Hebrew/prayer curriculum, visit www.temple-isaiah.org/education/hebrew/.

Registration for Religious School for 2014-2015 opens on April 8. Visit www.temple-isaiah.org/education/religious-school/ for the link to our online registra-tion form.

Rabbi Nicki Greninger, Education Director

In the Mishnah, Rabbi Tarfon teaches, “It is not [incumbent] upon you to finish the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.” (Pirkei Avot 2:15-16) A modern spin on this teaching is that our work is never truly done, as we continually reform, renew, innovate, and grow from one year to the next. In the last several years we have made significant strides in creating excit-ing new approaches to Jewish education. We have implemented a unique “track” system of learning for children in grades 3-6, whereby students choose which type of Jewish learning they would like to do. We have created an innovative curriculum for learning Hebrew and prayer, taking into consideration the ways that children learn language naturally. And we are now starting to explore novel approaches to adult education (including “Rabbis ‘Round the Bay” and a series of “How Do You Jew?” videos – be on the lookout for details via email!).

Yet our work is not complete. Each year we add new programs and new forms of education to inspire all our students and instill in them a love of the Jewish tradition. New for the 2014-2015 school year:

Bonim – BuildersBonim (boh-neem) is a Religious School track for 3rd and 4th graders who like to build things. In this track students will have the opportunity to learn about God, Torah, and Israel through the experience of construction and building projects both big and small. Activities may include model projects such as building a “mini Israel” as well as full-size projects such as building a suk-kah. A wide variety of materials will be used – everything from Legos to clay to wood and more. (Note: We are currently looking for an outstanding teacher to develop and teach this program – if you know of anyone, please put him or her in touch with Rabbi Greninger.)

Hebrew Enrichment for Grades K-2For parents who would like their children to learn more Hebrew than is feasible in the time we have allotted during Religious School, we have created a brand new Hebrew Enrichment pro-

Ongoing Innovation in Religious School

Ayzeh Kef Li—“I’m having a great time!” The name Kefli reflects our spirit of informal, well-structured summer fun infused with a strong sense of Jewish community.

Jewish Summer Camp For Kids In Grades K-8! Session 1: Aug. 11-15 and Session 2: Aug.18-22

www.temple-isaiah.org/kefli

Rabbi Graetz’ Discretionary Fund Cont’d


YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE – SPECIAL GIFTS

General Fund

In honor of:Mildred Hauer’s special birthday, from Ruth and

Dr. Marvin EpsteinThe birth of Leo Samuel Miller, from Denise and

Roy GlicklinYvonne LaLanne and Mark Rubenstein, from

Blessing Kobey

In memory of:Jack LaLanne, from Blessing Kobey Donald Solomon, from Terry Solomon

For the recovery of:Len Cohn, from Ruth and Dr. Marvin Epstein, Aliza

and Peter Metzner

For the yahrzeit of:Ralph Anderson, from Sandra and David AndersonGerald Burke, from Susan and Jean-Pierre AgliettiBrad Chinn, from Judy Chinn

Ivy Blum Memorial Fund

For the yahrzeit of:Julius Feldman, from Linda, Gilbert, Nicole, and

Adam Duritz

Jacob M. Tarkoff Gan Ilan Fund

A donation from:Jerry and Judy Paddack

Project Hearth for the Homeless Fund

In honor of:Nancy Crevin, from Lynn Gitomer and Daniel

Weiner Arlene Kaufman’s special birthday, from Ellen

Emold

In memory of:Cecile Held, from Lynn Gitomer and Daniel WeinerAlfred C. Williams, from Lynn Gitomer and Daniel

Weiner

For the yahrzeit of:Evelyn Kennedy, from George and Bonnie Kennedy

Rabbi Graetz’ Discretionary Fund

Donations from:Sherry and Ike Berkman, Donald Chaiken, Abbi

Hattem

In appreciation of:Rabbi Graetz and in memory of Rae Douglas,

from Leland and Celia Douglas

In honor of:Leo Berkman’s bar mitzvah, from Sherry and Ike

Berkman

The Angel Network

In appreciation of:The Angel Network, from Lorraine Force

In memory of:Rae Douglas, from Aliza and Peter Metzner

For the recovery of:Hope Blyth, from Aliza and Peter Metzner

For the yahrzeit of:Lisa Mascorro, from Greta and Jerry Frantz

Carlene Berman Flowers Fund

In memory of:Ruth Graetz, from Celia and Leland Douglas

Cantor’s Music Fund

A donation from:Ruth and Dr. Marvin Epstein

In appreciation of:Cantor Korn, from Marge Sterns


BerkmanNancy Crevin, from Herbert and Margaret EderJustin Feldman’s bar mitzvah, from Len and

Robbie Cohn

In memory of:Stephanie Goodman, from Steve GoodmanBarbara Searles, from Steve Goodman

For the yahrzeit of:Ruby Domnitch, from Arlene and Yale DownesFrances Gross, from Herbert and Margaret EderSuzanne Peterman, from Herbert and Margaret

EderRosalie Snyder, from Herbert and Margaret EderDonald Sterns, from Marge Sterns

Cantor Ted Cotler Library Fund

For the yahrzeit of:Rose Deutsch, from Allen and Anna Baron

Charles Emold Fund

In honor of:Ellen Emold’s special birthday, from Aliza and

Peter Metzner, Denise and Edward Silicani

Daniel Baron Feed the Hungry Fund

For the yahrzeit of:Simon Gevurtz, from Trudi GardnerMyrna Pollock, from Beth and Stan Pollock

In honor of cont’d:Justin Feldman’s bar mitzvah, from Len and

Robbie CohnRabbi Graetz being awarded the Children’s

Choice Award from CCIH, from Mark and Kim Drucker, Greta and Jerry Frantz, Marilyn and Carl Hirsch, Robert Taines


For the yahrzeit of:Gerhard Danziger, from Deborah McCabeRita Danziger, from Deborah McCabeLeonard Farkas, from Cecile FarkasJeane Maas, from Steven Weinzimmer and Karen

MaasLeo Maas Jr., from Steven Weinzimmer and Karen

MaasRosalyn Naughton, from Tina and David De

Stephen

Rabbi Greninger’s Discretionary Fund

In memory of:Edward Bronstien, Jr., from Aliza and Peter

MetznerStephanie Goodman, from Steve GoodmanBarbara Searles, from Steve Goodman

Rabbi Miller’s Discretionary Fund


BerkmanThe birth of Leo Samuel Miller, from Robert and

Sandy Goldberg, Lauren and Allen Goldstein, Sherry and Harvey Rowen


Rabbi Shanks’ Discretionary Fund

In appreciation of:Rabbi Shanks, from Greta FrantzRabbi Shanks and in memory of Al Hyman, from

Anne Hyman

In honor of:Justin Feldman’s bar mitzvah, from Len and

Robbie CohnLen Feldman’s special birthday, from Andy Adler

and Jo Cohen-Adler

Special Gifts February 1 - 28, 2014


YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE – SPECIAL GIFTS

Rabbi Shanks’ Discretionary Fund Cont’dIn memory of:Rose Bauman, from Dan and Linda FriedmanStephanie Goodman, from Steve GoodmanBarbara Searles, from Steve GoodmanVictor Trigger, from Ken and Esther Trigger

For the yahrzeit of:Sylvia Feldman, from Rose Michaels Gail Freedman, from Rochelle Freedman HassenDora Leiber, from Doris Leiber

Religious School and Youth Fund

In honor of:The birth of Leo Samuel Miller, from Len and

Robbie Cohn, Nancy and Larry Crevin, Mark and Kim Drucker, Ruth and Dr. Marvin Epstein, Lori Feller, Greta and Jerry Frantz, Patricia and Pedro Reyes, Dan, Courtney, and Zoey Wasserman, Steven Weinzimmer and Karen Maas, Adrienne and Jake Yarnold

Social Action Fund

In memory of:Diana Gabrielson, from Mark and Kim Drucker

For the yahrzeit of:John Wild, from Linda, Aletha and Kara Wild

Stanley and Rebecca Harris Memorial Fund

A donation from:Denise and Edward Silicani

Women of Isaiah Fund

In appreciation of:Nancy Crevin, from Nancy and Bruce Kaufman,

Barbara Morris

In honor of:Nancy Crevin, from Arlene and Yale Downes,

Ellen Emold, Marilyn and Carl Hirsch, Gloria and Robert Schiller, Michel and Bobbie Stern, Sandra and Steven Wolfe

In memory of:Diana Gabrielson, from Gail and Hank Walden

Sandy Anderson, ViA Shelter Dinners Co-Chair, helps prepare dinner at the Mountain View House Family Shelter in Martinez.

Friday, April 46:00pm Shabbatarama Service,

followed by Dinner and Oneg

Saturday, April 58:45am Torah Study 10:30am Shabbat Morning Service

Jeremy Gunderson, Bar MitzvahLeviticus 14:1-15:33, Metzora

Friday, April 118:00pm Shabbat Service with

Kleztones, followed by Oneg

Saturday, April 128:45am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Morning Service

Leon Wagner, Bar MitzvahLeviticus 16:1-18:30, Achare Mot

Friday, April 18 - Pesach6:00pm Happy Half-Hour Oneg 6:30pm Third Shabbat Service with

Mizmor Band, followed by WOI-ViA Isaiah Community Dinner

Saturday, April 19 - Pesach9:15am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Morning Service

Followed by PotluckChol Hamoed Pesach

Friday, April 255:00pm Tot Shabbat Snack5:30pm Tot Shabbat 8:00pm Shabbat Service, followed

by Oneg

Saturday, April 268:45am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Morning ServiceMia Mink and Alex Wilson, B’nai Mitzvah

Leviticus 19:1-20:27, Kedoshim

SHAbbATWorSHIP SErvIcES

Non-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE

PaidLafayette, CA

94549 Permit No. 30

Timely informaTion enCloSed: PleaSe deliver by aPril 1

Address Service Requested

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

Documents

Sacred Stories – Ours to TellFamilies in costume fill the bima during the 50’s Rock ‘n Roll- and peace. themed Purimspiel. December 2011 Kislev / Tevet 5772 April 2014 ... delicious