Spring 2010 Issue

Peninsula Jewish Community Center Your Center for Life!
Spring 2010 • Adar / Nisan / Iyar 5770
CenterView
PJCC Member Swam for Legendary
Pre-Holocaust Vienna Team
PJCC volunteer Peter Karlton
presents Edith Foyer with a
DVD of Watermarks.
Hakoah-Vienna was Austria’s celebrated Jewish
athletic club, founded in 1909 in response to
the notorious Aryan Paragraph forbidding sports
clubs from accepting Jewish athletes. Hakoah,
(“the Strength” in Hebrew) boasted many
renowned athletes, including the champion
women’s swim team profiled in the 2004
documentary, Watermarks.
Recently, the PJCC showed Watermarks and
discovered that audience and Center Member
Edith Foyer was actually a member of the
Know a
member of our
community with
an interesting
story? Let us
know at
editor@pjcc.com.
legendary swim team. Born in Vienna, Edith was
just 11 years old in 1934 when she joined Hakoah.
“I was too young for the upper division, but
participated in all meets,” she says. “My specialty
was the backstroke.” Edith practiced daily until
her final night in 1938. “Hitler arrived the very
next morning,” she remembers. “Soon afterwards,
my family relocated to Bolivia.”
Today the San Mateo resident remains active
with yoga and hopes to resume swimming. “I still
enjoy it,” she says.
Whether or not you join a legendary swim team like our friend Edith Foyer,
swimming can improve your health. That’s because swimming:
• Improves your cardiovascular system • Burns body fat effectively
• Burns a high number of calories • Relieves stress • Treats your joints gently
• Is fun whether you are 8 or 88!
Learn more about the PJCC’s award-winning swim programs—call 650.378.2782.
Repairing the World (One Shoe at a Time)
by Deborah Pinsky, Executive Director
The PJCC has a passionate social action committee that helps direct our efforts in Tikkun Olam (repairing the world).
I’ve invited Stephanie Levin, PJCC Youth and Family Director, to introduce you to one such endeavor.
ST
Pink Converse® High Tops by guest columnist Stephanie Levin
HANI E
EP
LEVI
N
I was in third grade, and these were the shoes I really wanted. Lucky for me, my parents were able to buy them
and I wore them to school every day. I was fortunate because my parents could provide me with the things I
needed and wanted. But in the state of California, over 40% of children are low-income, the majority with
educated, working parents who are struggling to make ends meet and provide
for their children. Despite their best efforts, these parents might be unable to
purchase even simple things, such as pink Converse® high tops.
The PJCC recently forged a new partnership with My New Red Shoes, a
local non-profit organization. They provide brand new clothing and shoes to
underprivileged children in the Bay Area, enabling thousands of local youth to start
their first day of school with pride. The PJCC will have several opportunities each year for members
and guests to get involved with this important work and I hope you’ll join us. To learn more or get involved, please contact me
at 650.378.2762 or slevin@pjcc.org.
PJCC Guiding Principles
Jewish Life
‫חוויה יהודית‬
Chavaya Yehudit
‫עיקרים‬
Ikkarim
Welcoming All
Our Community of Family and Friends
Wholeness of Body, Mind and Spirit
Repairing the World
Hachnasat Or’chim
Kehilla u’Mishpacha
Shleimut
Tikkun Olam
‫הכנסת אורחים‬
‫קהילה ומשפחה‬
‫שלמות‬
‫תקון עולם‬
Celebrating Freedom: Pesach
(Passover) March 29 – April 6, 2010
Nisan 14 – 22, 5770
The Counting of the Omer:
Lag B’Omer
May 2, 2010 • Iyar 18, 5770
On Passover, Jews recount the Exodus
from Egypt after generations of slavery
through a dramatic communal meal
called a seder. The seder includes
special prayers, foods and stories which
emphasize the importance of freedom.
The Torah teaches that when the Israelites were finally given
permission to leave Egypt, they did not have time to allow their
bread to rise. Therefore, eating unleavened bread, called matzah,
is an important part of the holiday observance. It was expanded
to prohibit any leavened foods during Passover.
Known as the Omer, this
somewhat somber period
commemorates a time of
oppression under Roman rule.
However, the 33rd day, called Lag B’Omer, was a momentary
respite from Roman oppression. This joyful day is marked with
picnics, bonfires, music, outdoor games and revelry. The Omer
also counts the days between Passover and Shavuot, and thus
reminds us that redemption from slavery was not complete until
the Jewish people received the Torah.
The Feast of Weeks:
Shavuot
May 18 – 20, 2010
Sivan 5 – 7, 5770
Yom HaAtzma’ut • April 20, 2010 / Iyar 20, 5770
Israel’s Independence Day celebrates the formal establishment
of the State in 1948. Today, Jewish communities around the
world celebrate Yom HaAtzma’ut with festivals of Israeli culture,
food, music and dancing.
This holiday simultaneously
commemorates the reaping
of the spring wheat harvest
and the Giving of the Torah to the Jewish people. Shavuot
encourages us to cherish our freedom while also serving as a
reminder that true freedom comes only with responsibility. The
Ten Commandments are read aloud in synagogue services, and
the holiday is observed by eating dairy products, decorating with
flowers and greenery, and holding all-night Torah study sessions.
Celebrate at the Center!
in the
moord
fo
food
(Check www.pjcc.org for additional events)
Passover Family Food Fair
Sunday, March 21, 2010
3:00 – 5:00 pm
Sample charoset (a sweet paste of fruits and nuts) from
around the world, enjoy delicious Passover desserts and more!
Passover in the Lobby • Free!
Monday, March 22, 2010
4:00 – 6:00 pm
Chat with Rabbi Tamar Malino and learn new
ways to enhance your celebration of Passover.
Partially supported by a generous grant from
the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund.
Tikkun Olam: How are You Caring for Our Planet?
Kym Padgett
Sally Reingold
Livia Ondi-Pancholi
Randy Moeckli
Center Member
since 2005
Center Member
since 2009
PJCC
Aquatics instructor
“During summer I
walk the half mile
to work instead of
driving. I enjoy some
fresh air, plus I save
money in gas!”
“I take our expired
medicines and
vitamins to a
pharmaceutical
disposal program so
the pills don’t pollute
our water system.”
“I’ve started using
organic skin and
hair care products.
I also bring my own
bags when shopping,
to avoid using
plastic ones.”
“We bought a drum
composter and
recycle all our kitchen
green waste. We also
avoid buying things
in plastic containers.”
“I reuse my plastic
Ziploc sandwich
bags, and I brought
silverware and dishes
to work so I don’t use
the paper ones.”
“I bought a thermos
to avoid using paper
cups. I go to Starbucks
at least three times a
day, so I’m definitely
saving some trees! “
PJCC
Esthetician
Center Member
since 2004
Center Member
since 2009
Linda Fix
Gina Nappi
The PJCC is getting greener! The Center:
Circle of Life Fund: The Gift That Gives Forever
F
or over 60 years, the PJCC has
supported lifelong friendships, rich
family bonds, thriving children and
seniors, and a strong Jewish community.
Our new Circle of Life Fund seeks to
secure this legacy for generations to
come.
The Fund’s planned giving options
allow you to fulfill philanthropic dreams,
provide a legacy of support for future
generations and achieve tax and financial
planning goals. You can give a gift of
substantial impact—perhaps more than
you’d expect—without impacting your
standard of living. If you choose, your
gift can honor or memorialize a loved
one, enshrining their name for years to
come.
To learn more, please contact
the PJCC Development Office at
650.378.2759 or awolf@pjcc.org.
PJCC Art Gallery presents
Food
• Hosts used clothing drives
• Encourages employee carpooling
• Recycles fluorescent tubes, batteries, paper,
cardboard, cans, glass and plastic
• Provides composting stations
• Uses compostable plates, cups and utensils
• Uses recycled paper products
• Uses green products for cleaning
We’d love to hear your ideas and suggestions to
reduce the Center’s carbon footprint even more.
Email your green tips to editor@pjcc.com.
Mazel Tov!
Nona Miloslavsky and Michael Pevzner are the
proud recipients of the 2009 Dan Cook Award.
The annual award recognizes Jewish athletes
ages 13 – 18 who exemplify admirable traits such
as leadership skills, commitment to their sport,
respect towards others and more.
Summertime = Summer Camp Fun!
of Israel
April 16 – June 15, 2010
Savor these enticing
photographs by
Eilon Paz, selected from
The Book of New Israeli Food:
A Culinary Journey by food
celebrity Janna Gur. The images provide an intimate look at the land
and people of Israel from one of the most telling aspects of a culture—food!
Janna Gur Lecture and Book Signing
Thursday, April 29 • 7:00 pm
Don’t miss this tantalizing talk
about the exquisite cuisine of Israel.
$5 Member / $7 Public
Lecture and book $36
in the
mood
for
food
PJCC Annual Benefit
Sunday, April 25, 2010
3:30 – 6:00 pm
William E. Walker
Recreation Center,
Foster City
Raise your glass of sangria and
Celebrate a Taste of Spain!
Proceeds from this year’s annual
benefit help support Center services and scholarships benefiting at-risk
children, single parent families, people facing special circumstances
and seniors on fixed incomes. The fiesta will feature tasty tapas (Spanish
appetizers), a raffle and exciting silent auction, free childcare and much
more. Help us continue to serve the North Peninsula for years to come.
For donations and ticket information, Contact Cindy Velasquez at
650.212.7522 or cvelasquez@pjcc.org.
“My three children came home each day, speaking
over one another, trying to tell me all that went
on. They learned about different cultures, created
meaningful projects, played games, sang songs
and most important, had TONS of fun.”
—PJCC Camp parent
Exciting one-, two- and three-week sessions
range from preschool and general to specialty
camps. Visit www.pjcc.org/camp or call
650.378.2704.
The PJCC and Blood Centers
of the Pacific Blood Drive
Monday, May 3 • 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Give the gift of life and get a FREE guest pass!
Center
Members
Work out with
a friend free
on these
Bring-a-Friend
Fridays!
April 30
May 28
June 25
Call
650.378.2771.
er
rs
In Appreciation to Our Donors for their Gifts and Contributions
October 1 – December 31, 2009
PJCC Departments
Adult
Susan Kaye
Bob May
in honor of Susan May
Renee Prosen
Paul Smith
Diane White and the Bunco
Group
Cultural Arts
Judy Edelson
Kimberly Gordon and Marc Hertz
Jane and Jon Post
Jane Tan and Kenneth Schwartz
Early Childhood Education
Jewish Community Federation
Preschool Scholarship Fund
Andrew Sabin Family Foundation
Ana Cristina and Scott Brubaker
Katherine and James Egbert
Chris Khostovan and
Michael Ward
Lee Manus-McNutt and
Scott McNutt
Peninsula Temple Beth El
ECE In-Kind Gifts
Karen Alexander
Kimberly Brinson
Egbert Family
Heidi Feinberg
Leslie Kramer
Ruth Krumbein
Sherry Lipson
McNutt Family
Deborah Pinsky
Faina Shpiler
Shelley Smith
Blair Wachtelhausen
Chris Ward
Elissa Whorl
Jewish Education
The Koret-Taube Initiative:
A New Look at Jewish Culture
and Peoplehood
Bonnie and Don Pearlman
Maccabi Games
Evelyn Zelinsky
in honor of Mark Zelinksy
Sports and Recreation
Maggie Kerns
Youth and Family
Jewish Community Federation
for Summer Camp Jewish
Education Program
General Operating
Rita Blau
in honor of Scott Hartley’s
October birthday
Jane Blumberg-Goldberg
in honor of Deborah Pinsky
Sharon and Irwin Kasser
in memory of Nina Braunstein
Sand June Activewear
Anne and David Sipes
General In-Kind Gifts
David Chomsky
Marilyn and Don Salle
Torte Reform
United Way
Anonymous
PJCC Funds
Eva Chernov Lokey
Endowment for Programs
Anonymous
Ellie Rosenberg ECE
Campership Fund
Ellie and Marty Rosenberg
in memory of Lillian Weiner
Fund-A-Need
Rita Blau
in honor of Sharon and Scott
Hartley’s Anniversary
Lesley and Joseph Andrews
Judy and Michael Garb
in memory of Elaine
Gershenson’s mother
Bev Kotlove
in memory of Sherwood Deutch
Lynn Levy and Bob Kahn
Senior Bus Fund
Andrew Sabin Family Foundation
$500 to $999
Joyce and Norm Weil
$250 to $499
Ann and Irwin Bear
Anne and Rodney Pearlman
Lawrence Pelzner
in honor of Justin and
Ashley Pelzner
$100 to $249
Anonymous
Arlene and Philip Bernstein
Fanlan and Yitzik Brenman
Rise and Marty Cherin
in honor of Saul Rudorfer’s
95th birthday
Alice Elms
Adella and Jonathan Feinberg
Edith Foyer
Paula and Simon Goren
Phyllis and Norman Graff
Jonathan and Arlene Horowitz
in memory of Danny Horowitz
Marilyn and Norman Krasner
Dyanne and Michael Krasow
Karen Latina and Evan Susser
in memory of Alvin Susser
Ruth Leddel
Ally and Rick Lenat
Mary and Andy Lesser
Rosanne and Al Levitt
Joan and Howard Mechalovitz
Anita and Jack Popik
Gary and Arline Radine
Leslie and Bob Reisfeld
Babs Schrager
in honor of Dyanne Krasow
Florette and Bill Schwartz
Esther and Barry Sherman
Marian Soss
in honor of Rick and Carole
Soss’s wedding anniversary
Betty and Nat Starr
Bunny Starr
Margaret and Allan Steyer
Cindy and Philip Strause
Michelle and Keith Tandowsky
Wendy Verba
Ellen and Jeffery Wang
Sylvia and Manfred Wildmann
$50 to $99
Floie Ambrunn
Jane and Ed Austin
Susan and Gordon Bardet
Nancy and Howard Bott
Marge and Bernard Chaknova
Rabbi Karen and
Rabbi Micah Citrin
Fran and Murray Cohn
Elsie Dab
Soo Key and Louis Glassman
in memory of Barry Derish
Gloria Goldberg
Sally and Gilbert Gradinger
Jaclyn and John Grant
Ann and Salek Hamer
in memory of Oswald Warren
Randi and Jim Hutchinson
Carol and Rick Kadet
in honor of Arnold Steiner’s
96th birthday
Renee and Leon Kaseff
Jean Kohn
Thea and Sam Leavitt
Lois and Paul Levine
Evelyn Marcus
Diane and Hubert Marcus
David Menke
in memory of John R. Menke
Sylvia Merkadeau
Bobbie and Ed Miller
Barbara Nevins
Lynn and Richard Nightingale
Andrea and Steve Pearlman
Joy and Zack Pearlman
Leone and Stan Pollard
John Rosenberg
Charlotte and Bernie Scheier
Karlyn Schneider
Imro Shair-Ali
in memory of Henriette Jap A Joe
Melissa and Daniel Shefer
Alan Sicherman
Judy and Robert Silverman
in honor of Mr. and Mrs.
Allan Byer
Marilyn Simon
Cecile Winton
Up to $49
Adrienne and Howard Abrams
Ruth Andersen
Anonymous (3)
Dina Artzt and Len Rosenduft
Devren Breaux
Maxine and Ronald Brody
Donald Cahen
Katie and Dave Christie
Harold Cohn
Helen Farkas
Aline and Richard Fox
Bobbi Freedman and Don Belaief
Lolli and Harvey Freedman
in honor of Ceil Winton
Janice and Richard Freeman
Carol and Stuart Gilbert
Cindy Glazer
Herb Golden
Sunny Grotsky
Barbara and Joe Gurkoff
Barbara Hafter
Elana Hornstein
Lynn Levy and Bob Kahn
June and Jeff Kaufman
in memory of Jack Maiman
Gabriele Korn
Judith Lynn
Gail and Matt Mintz
Sandra and David Monasch
Paul Nounou
in honor of Elie J. Nounou’s
79th birthday
Verlayne and Fred Offenbach
in honor of Kurt Goldstrom
Sally Oken
in honor of Sydney Levine’s
13th birthday
Melvin Pincus
Burton Press
Lilly Radcliffe
Bea Rechnitz
in memory of Gary Rechnitz
Sandy Reinin
Lala and Marvin Richards
Marilyn Rosekind
Grace Rosenberg
Jerry Rosenblatt
Marilyn and Nathan Schmidt
in honor of Ilana Schmidt
Barbara and Dolph Shapiro
Naomi Z. Silverstein
Lori Smith
Yash Snider
Susie and Rich Sorkin
Sari Spector
in honor of Andy Pearlman’s
70th birthday; in honor of
Zel Kahn’s 90th birthday;
in honor of Joel Cohen’s
65th birthday
Miriam Suslow
Dafna and Michael Tarle
Robin and Herbert Teitelbaum
George Thomas
Dorothy Wexler
In Appreciation to Our Donors for their Gifts and Contributions
October 1 – December 31, 2009
Annual Appeal
$5,000+
Anonymous
Marian and Allan Byer
Ingrid and Frank Jonas
Jean Zemel
$3,000-$4,999
Sonny and Steve Hurst
$1,800 to $2,999
Renee and Dennis Jermaine
Susan and Scott Maltz
Janet A. Martin
Deborah Pinsky
$1,000 to $1,799
Karen Alexander and Ross
Weiner
Anonymous
Judy Edelson
Debbie and David Goren
Joanne and Skip Green
Joanne Howard
Jane and Jon Post
Jodi and Rob Zwiebach
$500 to $999
Martha and Michael Adler
Luba Abascal and
David Weinstein
Jack Bernstein
in honor of Wendy Sue Polonsky
Abbe Braitman
Richard Braunstein
Milton Jacobs
Jessica Kogan and Cameron
Hughes
in memory of
Sarah Cogan
Yash Snider
Selma and Sandy Tandowsky
$250 to $499
Beverly and Barnet Adelman
Eileen and Ralph Battat
Ann and Irwin Bear
Barbara and Daniel Buttlaire
Linda and Daniel Cooperman
Nancy Evans and Art Wolf
Lenci Farkas
Susan Hamlin
Joe Kane
in memory of
Arlene F. Kane
Susan and Barry Karl
Deborah Kelman and Rabbi
Marvin Goodman
Sheila and George Lederer
Burton Miller
Miriam and Richard Morgan
Frankie and Avner Naggar
Gayle and Allen Notowitz
Jane and Jon Post
Alissa and Danny Rozansky
Jane and Howard Samuel
Reva and John Segall
Sandra Shapiro
Rolly Slatt
Goldie and Marty Sosnick
Eudora and Jimmy Ting
Hillary Weingast and Jeff Hyman
in memory of
Max Hamrol
Linda and Todd Zucker
$100 to $249
Gilah and Mark Abelson
Anonymous (3)
The Aron Family
Roma Auerback
Irina and Boris Auerbuch
Betsy and Randy Baum
Janice and Dennis Berkowitz
Beth El Fifty Plus Club
Maddy and Frank Blumenthal
Janet and Russ Bohne
Joseph Brown
Lynn and Jim Carteris
Dorothy Chafets
Ida Charlip
in honor of
Stephen Charlip
Roxanne and David Cohen
Jane Corning
in memory of
Bertram E. Corning
Ford and Bass Corradini
Rochelle and Mervyn Danker
Sharon and Eric Fomil
Judy and Michael Garb
Sue and Albert Geller
Ellen and Bruce Gellman
in honor of Ceil Winton
Arthur Gilbert
Diane and Manny Goldman
Jenni Hamilton
Carol and Martin Harband
Anita and Bill Hoffman
in honor of Dr. Stephen Hurst;
in honor of
Dr. Andrew Rosenberg;
in honor of Dr. and
Mrs. Harvey Kaplan
Helen and Don Jaffe
Gay and Harvey Kaplan
in honor of
Dr. Andrew Rosenberg
Robin and Ron Karp
Joseph Karp and Rosie Karp
Emily Kenner and Neil Shepherd
David and Arlene Klonoff
Dyanne and Michael Krasow
Julie and Edward Kraus
Arlene Krieger
Marion Lebermuth
Margie and Phil Lerner
Marta Levison
Mr. and Mrs. Lieberman
Basil Meyerowitz
Xuan-Vu Nguyen and Todd
Braman
Sandy and Barry Oberstein
Gail O’Brien
Midge Offel
Ann Opperman
Lynne and Bruce Pasternack
Linda and Michael Podolsky
Carol and Virgil Rose
Linda and Edward Rosen
Wanda Ross
in honor of Judy Ross and Chuck
Ellen and Jerry Saliman
Marilyn and Don Salle
in memory of
Danny Salle
Ronald Scheinbach
Larry Schlenoff
Barry Schnur
Florette and Bill Schwartz
Marianne and Herman Shine
in memory of
Mr. Francis Cappel
Sharyn Siegel
in honor of George and Bernice
Solish
Lorna Siepser and Steve Klebe
Mindy Slatt-Friedeberg and Dan
Friedeberg
Amy and Wayne Sosnick
Alice Stern
Marcie and Artie Storch
Marilyn Taubman
Judy Thalheimer and Brian
Kirshner
Ellen Weinstein and Fred Weiner
in memory of
Rosalie Abrams
Rita Weisman
Annette Weiss
$50 to $99
Dottie and Andy Anderson
Wendy and Irving Benveniste
in memory of
Mori Benveniste
Corey and Rod Cherkas
Kim Ettlinger
Leslee and Wayne Feinstein
Ann and Stan Forman
in memory of
Elaine Gershenson
Joan and Michael Fox
in memory of
Sylvia Segal
Marilyn Frank and Martin
Goldstein
Angie and Steve Hollman
Georgia and Michael Jack
Melanie Karsen and Perry Karsen
Srinivas Kotipalli
Keren and Jeff Kotowitz
in honor/memory of Mark
Shuster
Rita Redberg and David Larson
Ralph Levin
Sarena Lubarsky
in memory of
Suzanne Roussille
Sharon and Gregory Miller
Bessie Mintz
Inna Polissky
in honor of Mikael and Faina
Krayzbukh
Rhonda Press and Larry Ragent
Davida and Michael Rabbino
Dorothy and Boris Ragent
Andrew Rosenberg
Sarah and Adam Rosenthal
in honor of Nancy and Herschel
Feigelson
Marina Sedova
Marcyl Seidscher
Cheryl and Jeffrey Selman
Judith and Steven Shmueli
Lorraine and Alon Sobol
Cindy and Phil Strause
Ronald Wilk
Up to $49
Anonymous (2)
Felicia and Ken Aron
Sheryl Blumenthal
Herta Breslof
Eva Dyson
Shelley Eisenman
Kathy and Mike Glass
Joan Goldenberg
Barbara and Michael Harris
Judy Kaine
Margret Kanner
Janice and Irving Katz
June and Jeff Kaufman
in memory of Louis Cherin; in
memory of Morris Slayen
Deborah and Robert Kessler
Joan Kris
Pearl and Charles Ledwith
Shirley Lerner
Martha and Curtis Leviant
Stephanie Levin
in honor of Miles Nguyen
Braman
Marjory Luxenberg
Wendy and Jeff Polonsky
in honor of Beth Resnick
Karin and Marlin Segal
Eunice Shephard
Denise Silverman
Donna and Peter Taglia
Rose and Ed Tamler
Sofia Yofin
Michael Yurovitsky
Ch
‫ת‬
Peninsula Jewish
Community Center
Nonprofit
Organization
U.S. Postage PAID
San Mateo, CA
Permit No. 822
800 Foster City Blvd.
Foster City, CA 94404
BAC Holiday Hours April/May/June 2010
FREE
Byer Athletic Center
Monday, May 31
Memorial Day
8:00 am – 5:00* pm
*Note: Pools close 30 minutes prior to the close of the Byer Athletic Center.
Find us on
Follow us on
and become a fan!
Twitter.com/peninsulajcc
The PJCC,
Kaiser Permanente
and Foster City
Parks and Recreation
present the
Second Annual
Family Health & Fitness Day
and Farmers’ Market!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Family Favorites! Fitness Center and Swim School
CenterView is published by:
Peninsula Jewish Community Center
Health & Fitness Day 1:00 – 4:30 pm
Farmers’ Market
12:30 – 4:30 pm
•
•
•
•
Fresh local produce
Kaiser Permanente kids’ giant obstacle course
Exciting fitness-themed games, contests and classes
Jump House, Family Gym, teddy Bear Clinic … and more
800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City, CA 94404
650.212.PJCC (7522) • www.pjcc.org
A beneficiary agency of the Jewish Community Federation of
San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties.
To learn more or reserve your space, call 650.212.PJCC (7522).