Celebrating Summer - Temple Beth Abraham
Transcription
Celebrating Summer - Temple Beth Abraham
the Volume 31, Number 10 June 2012 B E T H A B R A H A M Sivan / Tamuz 5772 Celebrating Summer T E M P L E directory Temple Beth Abraham Services Schedule is proud to support the Conservative Movement by affiliating with The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Services/ Time Advertising Policy: Anyone may sponsor an issue of The Omer and receive a dedication for their business or loved one. Contact us for details. We do not accept outside or paid advertising. The Omer is published on paper that is 30% post-consumer fibers. The Omer (USPS 020299) is published monthly except July and August by Congregation Beth Abraham, 336 Euclid Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610. Periodicals Postage Paid at Oakland, CA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Omer, c/o Temple Beth Abraham, 336 Euclid Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610-3232. © 2010. Temple Beth Abraham. The Omer is published by Temple Beth Abraham, a non-profit, located at 336 Euclid Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610; telephone 510-832-0936. It is published monthly except for the months of July and August for a total of ten issues per annum. It is sent as a requester publication and there is no paid distribution. To view The Omer in color, visit www.tbaoakland.org. General INFORMATION All phone numbers use (510) prefix unless otherwise noted. Mailing Address 336 Euclid Ave. Oakland, CA 94610 Hours M-Th: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Fr: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Office Phone 832-0936 Office Fax 832-4930 E-Mail admin@tbaoakland.org Gan Avraham 763-7528 Bet Sefer 663-1683 STAFF Rabbi (ext. 213) Cantor (ext. 218) Gabai Executive Director (ext. 214) Office Coordinator (ext. 210) Bet Sefer Director (ext. 217) Gan Avraham Director (ext. 219) Bookkeeper (ext. 215) Custodian (ext. 211) Kindergym/Toddler Program Volunteers (ext. 229) Mark Bloom Richard Kaplan David Galant & Jay Goldman Rayna Arnold Virginia Tiger Susan Simon Ruth Morris Christine Tripod Joe Lewis Dawn Margolin 547-7726 Herman & Agnes Pencovic OFFICERS President Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President Secretary Treasurer i Bryan Schwartz 847-8079 Mark Fickes 652-8545 Steve Glaser 531-6384 Steve Grossman 834-3937 Laura Wildmann 601-9571 Flo Raskin 653-7947 Dan Finkelstein 428-2849 Location Monday & Thursday Morning Minyan Chapel 8:00 a.m. Friday Evening (Kabbalat Shabbat) Chapel 6:15 p.m. Shabbat Morning Sanctuary 9:30 a.m. Candle Lighting (Friday) June 1 June 8 June 15 June 22 June 29 8:08 p.m. 8:12 p.m. 8:15 p.m. 8:17 p.m. 8:17 p.m. Torah Portions (Saturday) June 2 June 9 June 16 June 23 June 30 Naso B’Ha-alot’kha Sh’lach L’kha Korach Chukkat Committees & organizations If you would like to contact the committee chairs, please contact the synagogue office for phone numbers and e-mail addresses. Adult Education Steve Glaser & Aaron Paul Chesed Warren Gould Development Steve Grossman & Flo Raskin Dues Evaluation Dan Finkelstein Endowment Fund Herman Pencovic Finance Dan Finkelstein Gan Avraham Parents Lauren Kaplan & Mala Johnson Gan Avraham School Committee Jenny Michaelson House Murray Davis Israel Affairs David Marinoff Membership Mark Fickes Men’s Club Phil Hankin Omer Lori Rosenthal Personnel Steve Glaser Public Relations Lisa Fernandez Ritual Eric Friedman Schools Laura Wildmann Social Action Jessica Dell’Era Torah Fund Anne Levine Web Site Jason Swartz Women of TBA Jeanne Korn Youth Steve Fankuchen what’s happening Friday, June 1 6:15 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat Services Marking the Confirmation of TBA’s 10th Graders and the Graduation of the Bet Sefer Zayin Class. Shabbat Mishpacha Saturday, June 2, 10:15 a.m. Kitah Gimmel classroom (across from the Chapel). Dan Engel will play the guitar. This monthly service is geared towards children ages 2-6. We begin with songs, followed by an age appropriate service and a story time inspired by Jewish holidays/themes. We have a light Kiddush following the service. After the Kiddush families play in the yard or children join childcare while parents attend the main service. Many of our TOTS join the Jr. Congregation in Ein Keloheinu, which is a lot of fun to see! Older siblings and grandparents are warmly welcomed! Please contact Angela Engel angengel@gmail. com if you are interested in playing music, telling a story or bringing snack. Upcoming dates: June 30, July 21 (Rabbi Bloom is the Musical Special Guest), August 11 Special Event: Book Talk Sponsored by the Interfaith Lake Merritt Clergy Group Come hear an engaging presentation on Sunday, June 3 by Marty Brounstein, author of Two Among the Righteous Few: A Story of Courage in the Holocaust. It’s a true story of interfaith compassion, courage, and doing the right thing. The story is about a Christian couple in the Netherlands who, despite great risks, help save the lives of at least two dozen Jews from certain death during World War II. There is a personal connection to the author as well, which Marty will explain in his talk. There will be a reception afterwards for this special interfaith event, where books will be available for sale and signing by our guest author. Sunday, June 3, 5:00 p.m. Piedmont Community Church 400 Highland Ave., Piedmont (510) 547-5700 “Jews & Baseball” June 17 & 19 See Men’s Club ad, page 6, for details. See additional WTBA and other Adult Education activities on page 5. 1 from the rabbi Shavuot, Talking to God, & Livingston Taylor Shavuot celebrates the receiving of Torah from God by the Jewish people at Mount Sinai. It’s the seminal moment of connection and communication between the Jewish people and God. In that spirit, I want to present the words of one of my favorite singers, Livingston Taylor, on the subject. But first I have to tell you the story. Livingston is the less famous brother of singer/songwriter James Taylor. I see him every time he comes to play at the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley. He gives a wonderful show. He also happens to be a Professor of Music at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. He teaches a class on stage performance and wrote a book on the subject. Surprisingly, he covers the subject of prayer in his book. Here are the words which I found inspiring enough to share with you, first in a sermon on Parashat Beshalach, and now again in this Omer article. The book is called Stage Performance, and the words can be found on pages 98-99. “When nervousness and fear threaten to drown me as I take my place before some important career event, I love having a conversation with God. But what I enjoy saying is thanks. I thank God for putting me in a position where I can be nervous. If I’m nervous, it’s because it’s important to me. I asked for it. I asked to be in this place. I’m ready for whatever happens. God (like your audience) responds much better to gratitude than to complaints. And it’s much easier to get good results from God when you don’t get too specific (try not to request the color of the new convertible). Also, try to maintain an ongoing conversation with God. It’s much harder to get a hold of somebody when you’re in a panic if you don’t have their phone number memorized. So a regular (read, daily) conversation with a power of your choosing is a bit like money in the bank. Put in those gratitude deposits, then when the heat gets on, you know just where to go for a withdrawal. Try to remember that God is driving the bus. Make the occasional direction suggestion if you must, but don’t forget to enjoy the view.” TBA participants in the April 29 Walk Against Genocide 2 president’s message The Summertime Jews By Bryan Schwartz For me, summer is about baseball, barbecuing, the outdoors, and travel. Being Jewish and a Temple Beth Abraham member will make each of these even better in 2012 – and I hope you will share in the fun. Jewish Baseball Week Starting Sunday, June 17, Fathers’ Day, TBA Men’s Club presents Jewish Baseball Week. What better way to celebrate the day, and honor us dads, than to join us for a private screening of a muchacclaimed recent baseball documentary – Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story. The director, Peter Miller, previously worked with the documentarian Ken Burns, and the film features indepth portrayals of Sandy Koufax and Hank Greenberg, but also treats more recent Jewish baseball stars like Shawn Green and Kevin Youkilis, and has appearances from such proud Jewish celebrities as Dustin Hoffman and Larry King, talking about what baseball has meant to us as a community since the early days of America’s pastime. Whether you have seen the movie before, or will be seeing it for the first time, I hope you will be there for the festivities, which start at 6:15 p.m., before the film screening at the fabulous Clif Bar Theater in Emeryville, and continue after the great film with an opportunity to hear from top baseball agent, Matt Sosnick, and other local Jewish baseball personalities. On Tuesday, June 19, come out to support our hometown heroes for Jewish Heritage Night with the Oakland A’s. I cannot wait for these great, community fun-raisers! You can sign up today at: http://tbajewishbaseballweek.eventbrite.com/ Gan Annual Picnic and Barbecue On Sunday, June 10, 11 a.m. at Lake Temescal, we are having an event that needs no introduction, the Gan picnic and barbecue, which is a great way to get to know the Gan families and future TBA leaders (and their parents) from every class. This year in particular, I hope you will join us for a strong show of support for the Gan and its incoming Director, Barbara Kanter, and to thank Ruth Morris who has served the last year as Director. All while the kids are having a blast and you’re wolfing down burgers and dogs… Get Outdoors We who live in the most beautiful place in the world (with the high cost of living to prove it) should never take for granted our Divine surroundings. As a youth I first connected with the Almighty in nature, feeling the presence beside a northern California redwood tree – so incomprehensibly huge and majestic, beyond human creativity, but just a speck in Creation. I never stopped feeling my Jewishness come alive in nature. Whether it means joining a Women on the Move hike with the Women of TBA, enjoying Shabbat unplugged outdoors on a Friday evening, or having Havdalah with a group of close TBA friends in your own backyard, I hope you will cherish the gift of a Bay Area summer outdoors, in a Jewish way, these next few months. Travel Jewish I have visited more than 100 Jewish communities in 30 countries on five continents. These opportunities have made me realize what is intrinsically valuable about our faith that it has survived and thrived in every populated patch of the globe for two hundred generations. When you travel this summer, stop into a local Jewish community – our biggest holiday of the year starts every Friday night! Not only will it make you appreciate our extended Jewish family and open your mind to new ways of Jewish practice, but, after your trip, I am sure you will feel as I do - that nothing feels as good as coming home to TBA. 3 editor’s message Giving Thanks…From a Female Perspective By Lori Rosenthal In 1922, a12-year old girl named Judith Kaplan, daughter of Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan, was called to the Torah at her father’s synagogue – becoming the first bat mitzvah in the United States. The event was quite a departure from existing Jewish practice, and eventually, with much debate and many different viewpoints voiced, paved the way for the widespread acceptance of the Bat Mitzvah as we know it today. 46 years later, at the age of 12, I too became a Bat Mitzvah, in a Friday night ceremony at my synagogue. I was not called to the Torah, as our synagogue did not yet let women read from the Torah. I had never heard of Judith Kaplan and did not know that her chutzpah and supportive father’s actions were partly to thank for my big evening. But I did understand that I was valued enough in my Jewish community to be standing on the bimah addressing the entire congregation. And that was a great message for this child, me, to hear. And now a seemingly unrelated item… I was at the gym recently, pedaling away on the exercise bike and reading the May 7 issue of Sports Illustrated. The cover stories focused on Title IX, that landmark legislation that ensured that “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” Title IX was put in place in 1972 to expand educational opportunities for women. It mainly had the effect of revolutionizing the world of women’s athletics. I the Omer was a 16-year-old high school student-athlete at the time Title IX was passed – and thrilled that the groundbreaking piece of legislature made it possible for me to continue competing throughout my college career. I credit my swim team experiences for reinforcing the critical lessons of perseverance, time management, goal setting, and all those other good actions that lead to success. Looking back, I think the real benefit of Title IX was the message it gave me as a young adult - that in our society, opportunities were open to me, and that I would be judged on ability, talent, and character, not just looks, poise, and choice of a mate. Now let’s connect these two items. On April 30, at Temple Beth Abraham, Ellen Kaufman and I chaired, and the Women of TBA hosted the 5th annual East Bay Women’s Torah Study evening, also known as Kolot Nashim. This event continually attracts a roster of rock-star quality female rabbis and academics as well as about 100 eager participants. It offers a wide range of study topics that ensures there is something for everyone. The display of Jewish knowledge on the TBA campus that evening was truly inspiring, and the resumes of the workshop leaders were quite impressive. As I think back to who was “in the room” that night, I realize that most of the seminar leaders were of an age where they had opportunities to both become a Bat Mitzvah and engage in post Title IX sports. More than half the participants however, were of an age where they had likely not had those opportunities. So what is the connection here? Well, basically, it is that without Judith Kaplan’s Bat Mitzvah in 1922, that cracked open a door to women’s increased participation in communal Jewish continued on page 6 No issues published in July or August. We cheerfully accept member submissions. Deadline for articles and letters is the seventh of the month preceding publication. Editor in Chief Managing Editor Layout & Design Calendars B’nai Mitzvah Editor Cover Help From 4 Lori Rosenthal Lisa Fernandez Jessica Sterling Jon Golding Susan Simon Ruth Teitelbaum People like you! Copy Editors Jessica Dell’Era, Charles Feltman, Nadine Joseph, Richard Kauffman, Jan Silverman, Debbie Spangler, James Wakeman Proofreaders June Brott, Jessica Dell’Era, Jeanne Korn, Anne Levine, Stephen Shub, Susan Simon, Debbie Spangler Distribution Fifi Goodfellow, Hennie Hecht, Herman and Agnes Pencovic, Gertrude Veiss Mailing Address 336 Euclid Ave. Oakland, CA 94610 E-Mail omer@tbaoakland.org wtba, our sisterhood Join us for WTBA’s Pirkei Imahot Girls’ Night Out Monday, June 18, 9:30 a.m. Thursday, June 7 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. Subversive Sequels in The Bible The Baum Youth Center, 341 MacArthur How Biblical Stories Mine and Undermine Each Other Join our community of women as we uncover the emotional and intellectual themes that live in Torah and connect to our lives. Our Rosh Chodesh Torah study meets monthly, on the Monday closest to Rosh Chodesh. Meetings are hosted and facilitated by group members. Sponsored jointly by Oakland Ruach Hadassah and the Women of TBA, the group is open to all women. Questions? Contact Debbie Spangler at debspang@ yahoo.com or (510) 531-1105 for the location of our next meeting. TBA People of the Book Club Meeting Monday, June 4, 7:30 p.m. “The Dovekeepers” By Alice Hoffman. Vickie Zatkin’s house, 40 Beechwood Dr. Oakland Please RSVP to Deena Aerenson (daerenson@gmail.com or (510) 225-5107) Girls’ Night Out is a casual, monthly event to gather TBA women together for some relaxed and unstructured social time. Drop in on the first Thursday of each month to chat, laugh, debate, have a glass of wine and some light goodies, and get to know each other better. No need to bring a thing! Meet old friends, and make new friends. There’s a different mix, vibe and conversation every month. Come check it out! Contact Jeanne Korn with questions: jeannekorn@aol.com. THIS EVENT IS FREE, sponsored by WTBA Women on the Move Sunday, June 10 WTBA hikes happen the second Sunday of thevery n o month. We meet at 9:45 and depart promptly at m 10:00. Hikes end by 11:30. his r t on We will meet at the SkylineoGate f Skyline just south of Snake D and hike in RedwoodELLE Regional Park. C Deena For details, contact AN AerensonCat (510) 225-5107 or daerenson@gmail.com. Women – Looking For A Good Time? Look no further than WTBA (Women of TBA). Get involved with WTBA, and help us plan the kind of women’s events YOU have dreamed of. Our monthly Board meetings begin with a potluck, and we always enjoy friendly banter, creative engagement, and fabulous food and wine. Come for the food, but you’ll stay for the feeling of connection and friendship that is the heart and soul of our community. Contact WTBA President Jeanne Korn at jeannekorn@aol.com for details. 5 men’s club The Temple Beth Abraham Men’s Club Presents Jewish Baseball Week! Enjoy Father’s Day Evening with the East Bay Screening of the Documentary Feature: “Jews and Baseball – An American Love Story” Sunday, June 17 6:15 p.m. Doors open, (snacks, drinks, schmoozing, trivia contest) 7:00 p.m. Movie screening 8:30 p.m. Q&A with Special Guests from the local Jewish Baseball Community Special appearance by baseball agent Matt Sosnick. Tickets: $10 apiece, all ages welcome. Join us on Tuesday, June 19 Jewish Heritage Night with the A’s vs Dodgers 7:05 p.m. Plaza Infield Seat for only $30 per person. Includes Special Jewish Heritage Food Items, Giveaways, Great Seats! Jewish Baseball Double Play Ticket Pack Available from TBA Men’s Club: 6/17 Movie Night + 6/19 A’s Game for just $35 (what a bargain!) More info at: http://tbajewishbaseballweek.eventbrite.com/ Lori’s column, continued from page 4 prayer, and without Title IX, that dramatically increased opportunities for women in education, sports and other pursuits, events like Kolot Nashim could not have been created. And what a shame that would be. I never before connected the dots to realize how much I personally benefitted from these two revolutionary events, 6 the Bat Mitzvah of Judith Kaplan and the introduction of Title IX, separated in time by half a century. I can’t help but thank those bold people, who took action long ago, and so greatly enhanced my Jewish and secular life. I leave you with this simple question… what actions are you taking to open doors in your life and the lives of those yet to come? drash for parashat naso Thoughts about Parashat Naso By David Lenik As we are in the second year of the triennial cycle of Torah reading, during Shabbat services on June 2 we read Parashat Naso from B’midbar (Numbers) chapters 5 - 7. It covers laws dealing with a woman suspected of adultery, the Nazarene laws of abstinence and the priestly benediction. As it happens, however, my interest is the opening of Parashat Naso, which deals with the census of the Levites and the duties of the various Levite clans. We read in Chapter 4 that each time the Israelites move from place to place in the Wilderness, all the Levites from the ages of 30 to 50 were responsible for dismantling, carrying and reassembling the mishkan – the portable sanctuary that housed the sacrificial altar, the ark of the Ten Commandments, and the presence of God. One family, we are told, was responsible for the cloths, coverings and screens; another carried the planks, posts and pegs; while the third carried the most sacred objects – the ark, the altar and the menorah. The Levites are not depicted as great leaders or guides, but rather, they are physical laborers and security guards; they break down and set up the camp, they pack and unpack, and they load and unload oxcarts. Our Torah portion speaks repeatedly of the “avodah,” labor, and “massa,” porterage, of the Levite clans. I’ve borrowed this summary from a wonderful d’var Torah written by Rabbi Chai Levy of Temple Kol Shofar that was published in the J. in 2009. In that article she draws an analogy between “the labor and porterage of the Levites in the wilderness” and “the daily grind of adulthood.” Just like us in our journey through adulthood, she says, the Levites spent their years in the wilderness working and shlepping. On one level, the labor and porterage of the Levites in the wilderness is the like daily grind of adulthood: We go to work, sit in traffic, drop off the kids, pick up the groceries, pay the bills and do our chores. But amidst the drudgery, she points out, “They carry the mishkan – God’s dwelling place.” The connection between the two, she suggests, is that “Torah is saying that in the middle of our struggles in the wilderness is a holy place, a place where the Divine resides, and we carry that Divine Presence through our work in the world.” The purpose of the Levite’s labor in other words is “to create holiness in the desert and to bring the Presence of God with us wherever we” journey. Finally, Rabbi Levy ascribes to this Torah portion an invitation for us to evaluate the daily labor and porterage that we do. “What is the Divine dimension in the work we do?” she asks. “Are we just toiling away” or “does our work ultimately help to carry and create a place of sacredness?” “Is our work holy work?” I really love Rabbi Levy’s approach to this Torah portion and the lessons she draws from it. It drew a response from me that I thought I could share with you. Rabbi Levy sees Parashat Naso reminding us to find or acknowledge what is holy in the work we do. I see it also suggesting – actually, not just suggesting but coming right out and saying that carrying the Divine Presence as we journey in the wilderness is itself hard work, day labor. Judaism as a lifestyle dedicated to acknowledging God and God’s work in the world has done its best to instill habits of devotion – especially through prayer and ritual – in order to make the effort less burdensome. (Prayers and ritual are ways that eliminate the need to reinvent the wheel.) But let’s face it; each and every day occupied by adult responsibilities and deadlines it takes a conscious effort (i.e. work) to live a life informed by mitzvot let alone to be aware of the presence of God. Being a Jew might be an accident of birth but making Judaism a way of life, making a Jewish home, supporting and participating in Jewish community life, teaching and imbuing our children with Jewish values – all these are ways in which the mishkan can and does continue to be transported to this day; and all require effort. Transporting the mishkan does not happen by some miracle; it’s performed by human hands. And the task is borne not by one person – no Atlas carrying the burden on his shoulders alone – but by the efforts of many – by all of us – through a division of labor, piece by piece, each family with an assignment and a contribution. In Parashat Naso, I think what the Torah presents for our consideration is images of community effort and the Levites as symbolic bearers of the duty to carry the mishkan in our lives, and the work involved in doing so. It would be a mistake however, to think of it as drudgery, because it overlooks the rewards that follow and are inherent in the work. The poet Rainer Maria Rilke wrote in one of his beautiful letters, people think “that play and pleasure” are “more blissful than work; but there is nothing happier than work.” Yes, carrying the mishkan in the Wilderness is an everyday effort, symbolic of adulthood responsibilities and realities. But imagine how poor our lives would be without and how enriched they are by it. 7 schools auction TBA Schools Auction THANKS!!! This year’s Schools Auction was a rousing success, raising an unprecedented $50,000+ and counting. Todah Rabah, Kol Ha Kavod and a big, big round of applause to our auction co-chairs Eric Leve and Rachel Teichman, who put in countless hours and fielded thousands of calls and emails to put the event together. Special thanks to all of the live auction item donors, including: Eric Leve, Casey Baum & Joni Bessler, Sara & Marv Engel, Olga & Gabriel Goldberger, Diane Abt, Rebecca & Will Sparks, Nadine Samuels, Linda & Eric Horodas, Rabbi Mark Bloom, Lauren Kaplan and Armin Brott. Thank you to all of the TBA staff especially Rabbi Bloom, Rayna Arnold, Virginia Tiger and Joe Lewis. Big thanks go to Ruth Morris, Susan Simon and the Gan Avraham & Bet Sefer teachers, The Women of TBA, The Men’s Club, and to the BBYO, BBG & Bet Sefer teens. Doreen Alper Sharon Alva Eric Batzdorff Carol Behr Marcia Benjamin Carolyn Bernstein Karen Bloom Renuka Bornstein Amanda Brown-Stevens Molly Butler Alicia Cernitz-Schwartz Judy Chun Zoe Cohen Debra Coltoff Coline David Danny DeBare Esther Rogers Rachel Dornhelm Angela Engel Greg Estow Jen Ferguson Lisa Fernandez 8 Billy Gentry Lindsay Goldberg Gabriella Gordon Miriam Green Steven Grossman Alice Hale Phil Hankin Rick Heeger Loryn Hudson Jeff Ilfeld Mala Johnson Lauren Kaplan Ellen Kaufman Abby Klein Jeanne Korn Julie Kotovsky Marni Kottle Lynn Langfeld JB Leibovitch Eric Leve Anne Levine Shira Levine Thanks also to Damon Casatico, a professional auctioneer, from Charity Benefit Auctions, who was marvelous at extracting dollars from our wallets. This event would not have been possible without the efforts of the following people: Jill Lindenbaum Eve Maidenberg Stacy Margolin Roberta Masliyah Jenny Michaelson Amy Moscov Doug Moss Donaldo Osorio Aaron Paul Eva Paul Jing Piser Joel Piser Rebecca Posamentier Flo Raskin Victoria Reichenberg Lori Rosenthal Bryna Ross Karen Schoonmaker Anat Shankar Sandra Simon Jennifer Sawle Bruce Sawle Adi Schacker Lori Schnall Tosha Schore Marieka Schotland Bryan Schwartz Rebecca Skiles Rebecca Sparks Jessica Sterling Jeanne Swartz Jesse Teichman Nina & Eli Teichman Rachel Teichman Amy Tessler Steve Tessler Alicia von Kugelgen Debbie Weinstein Treya Weintraub Laura Wildmann Liz Willner Amy Wittenberg schools auction 9 cooking corner Russian Cuisine on Shabbat Shabbat Dinner Project By Faith Kramer All this year I’ll be highlighting our It’s no secret I love to cook, but most of all I enjoy cooking with others. That’s why Friday night traditions. Part of this it’s always so special when TBA members Molli Rothman, Rebecca Skiles, Mala is asking for YOUR stories, recipes, Johnson, Jessica Sterling, Jeanne Swartz and I get together to sample and try out new memories and rituals and maybe Jewish recipes. Lately we have been focusing on recipes from various Jewish cuisines even an invite over to your place to broaden our Friday night Shabbat dinner repertoire. Our most recent get together to see how you welcome Shabbat. featured Russian food, which for some brought back memories of our mothers’, Please email me at fjkramer@msn. mother-in-laws’ and or grandmothers’ cooking. com or call 510-339-3850 if you’d One of the recipes we shared was a delicious sweet and sour beef borscht from a rec- like to participate in the Shabbat ipe by the late Pola Silver, of blessed memory, which is featured on page 29 of TBA’s Dinner Project. I look forward to Everyday to Holidays cookbook (see below for more info). We also had a version of sharing with you. Pola’s Varenikies, small-filled dumplings similar to pierogis which can be found on page 8 of the TBA cookbook. Both recipes have also been featured in the Omer and you can find them at http://tbaoakland.org/phocadownload/omer_102010.pdf on page 20. Among the other recipes we tried was an easy herring appetizer adapted from Arthur Schwartz’s Jewish Home Cooking: Yiddish Recipes Revisited (Ten Speed Press). Skiles made it and served it with homemade black Russian bread. Johnson made a tasty mushroom-potato soup adapted from one she found at Allrecipes.com. Recipes for both the chopped herring and soup are below. Our other dishes included a mushroom salad, kasha varneshkas (toasted buckwheat groats and bowtie noodles, see the TBA cookbook, page 105, for a similar recipe), a tomato-cucumber salad and a variation on blueberry blintzes for dessert. If you don’t already own a copy of Everyday to Holidays: Favorite Recipes from Temple Beth Abraham, the TBA cookbook, the book is available for $15 from Women of TBA president Jeanne Korn (JeanneKorn@aol.com or (510) 339-3795). Arthur Schwartz’s Chopped Herring Salad Makes about 2 ½ cups Note: Do not substitute herring packed in cream sauce 2 cups well-drained jarred herring pieces in wine sauce, including onions 4 hard cooked eggs, peeled Combine ingredients in a food processor and chop until it resembles a fine paste. Chill and serve with bread or crackers. Russian Mushroom and Potato Soup from AllRecipes.com Serves 6 This could be made meat, dairy or parve depending on your ingredient choice. 5 Tbs. parve margarine OR butter, divided 2 leeks, chopped 2 large carrots, sliced 6 cups chicken OR vegetable broth 2 tsp. dried dill weed 2 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper 1 bay leaf 2 lbs. potatoes, peeled and diced 1 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced 1 cup half and half OR non-dairy creamer 1/4 cup all-purpose flour Fresh dill, for garnish (optional) Melt 3 tablespoons of margarine in a large saucepan over medium heat. Mix in leeks and carrots, and cook 5 minutes. Stir in broth. Add dried dill, salt, pepper, bay leaf and potatoes, cover, and cook 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender but firm. Discard bay leaf. In a small skillet or fry pan over medium heat, melt the rest of the margarine and sauté the mushrooms until lightly browned. Mix into the soup. Combine non-dairy creamer or half and half in a small bowl with flour. Mix until smooth. Slowly stir into soup to thicken, cooking gently and stirring occasionally until soup has thickened as desired. Garnish each bowl of soup with fresh dill to serve. Faith Kramer blogs her food at www.clickblogappetit.blogspot.com. Her food columns appear twice a month in the j. weekly. 10 kolot nashim The East Bay Women’s Torah Study Evening on April 30 was a huge success! Thanks to Event Co-Chairs Lori Rosenthal and Ellen Kaufman, and to WTBA Board members and helpers including Bonnie Burt, Judith Klinger, Jeanne Korn, Lynn Langfeld, Mary Odenheimer, Deb Perrin-Coltoff, Amy Tessler, Flo Raskin, Kay Warren. And to TBA Staff Members Rayna Arnold, Virginia Tiger, and Joe Lewis, and to Bet Sefer Director Susan Simon for their help. Special thanks go to these Rabbis, Cantors, and Jewish Educators who donated their time to make the event possible: Sandra Razieli Sara Heitler Bamberger Barbara Barza Naomi Seidman Rachel Biale Nitzhia Shaked Rabbi Carol Caine Sarai Shapiro Cantor Linda Hirschhorn Rabbi Judy Shanks Rabbi Margie Jacobs Allie Wollner Nell Mahgel-Friedman 11 shabbat Shabbat Shalom, or, Can We Be Excused From the Table NOW??? By Susan Simon Some of us are lucky enough to sit down for a Shabbat meal together with family or friends every week. We schmooze, we say a few brachot before the meal, we enjoy a wonderful meal, we schmooze some more. And then what? We get up from the table and start clearing the dishes and putting away the food and go about our business – or, at least, that’s what I assume many of us do. I started this discussion by talking about how lucky we are – we enjoy our meal in our warm (or cool, depending upon the season) homes where we are dry, relatively safe, and where the ingredients for our meal are readily available and we can afford to buy them. If that doesn’t take the cake in terms of luck, I don’t know what does. Yes, we work very hard to provide for ourselves and our families with these basics and many luxuries. But good fortune (or maybe Divine fortune) has certainly shined down upon us. Have we noticed? In Genesis 1:31 we are told to enjoy God’s creation and appreciate that it is “very good.” And if we are fortunate, we get to do that every Shabbat with people that we love. Should we do something in return? Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote that “In receiving a pleasure, we must return a prayer; in attaining a success, we radiate compassion. We have the right to consume because we have the power to celebrate.” (from Who is Man?) Everything in life feels better, tastes better, is sweeter and more satisfying when we take that mindful moment of appreciation. When I was a child it was mandatory that after eating and before leaving the table, I told my mom, “Delicious din, mom.” Was this my own way of giving thanks, showing appreciation, saying my own Birkat Hamazon? In the Talmud we learn that no one is allowed to enjoy something from this world without reciting a bracha (Talmud Berahot 35A). I don’t think we’d get much argument there – it is polite and good for the soul to say thank you for a gift, and enjoying a good Shabbat meal with others is certainly a gift. But getting people to sit down at the table to chant the whole Birkat HaMazon can be hard because of its length, language and complexity. In the long version we are thanking God not only for food, but also for restoration of the land of Israel and the coming of the messianic age – it’s really a mini-service. Saying thank you, if done mindfully, makes you feel good, knowing you have done the right thing. Saying thank you in a group can expand the feeling. Singing together brings us closer together. All of these elements are encompassed in chanting Birkat HaMazon together. What can you do at your Shabbat tables to express this gratitude and mindfulness? What is your obstacle to chanting the Birkat together? Is it the length? Start out with a shorter version. Is it the melodies? Contact me and I’ll send you sound files. Is it the Hebrew? I can get you transliterated versions, or do it in English. The important thing is acknowledging that we are so fortunate to have experienced the gift of a wonderful Shabbat meal together, to appreciate the food, the people, the safety and love that accompanied the meal. Are you The Omer's next cover artist? We are currently searching for a TBA member who wants to contribute monthly to The Omer in an artistic way. We will need someone for the September issue, due in early August. Contact Lori Rosenthal at omer@tbaoakland.org. 12 gan avraham bet sefer Welcoming the New Gan Director Thank you to Ruth Morris for her tenure as Director of Gan Avraham. We look forward to welcoming her back as a teacher at the Gan this summer when Barbara Kanter takes over as Gan Director. By Ruth Morris When there is change, there is always some uncertainty connected to it, so of course, when there was a search for the new Gan Avraham director, there was concern on my part about my replacement when I move back into the classroom. I was very pleased to hear that the search committee had chosen Barbara Kanter as the new Gan Director. Life has a way of coming full circle! Barbara was my youngest daughter’s Kitah Alef teacher. I taught in the Kitah Alef classroom with Barbara for many years after that. I learned a lot working with Barbara. She is very knowledgeable about child development and has understanding and compassion for the challenges parents of young children face. She is familiar with the Gan and Temple Beth Abraham. Barbara has been the director of Beth El’s preschool for many years. I know that we will benefit from her calm demeanor, organizational skills and her commitment to providing a nurturing, stimulating Jewish preschool experience to all the children and families who are part of Gan. Barbara will become the Director of Gan Avraham in July. If you knew Barbara from her time here at the Gan, please welcome her back. If you haven’t met her, stop in to introduce yourself to her. Shalom, and l’hitraot, Ruth Shabbat Mishpacha Saturday, June 2, 10:15 a.m. Kitah Gimmel classroom (across from the Chapel). Dan Engel will play the guitar. Upcoming dates: June 30 July 21 (Rabbi Bloom is The Special Guest) August 11 Kol Tuv! Mazel Tov to All of the Bet Sefer Families! Submitted by Susan Simon Six years ago we started participating in the Good Cents for Oakland project. Each year’s Mechina Class learned about hungry people in our own community. They collected pennies and other coins from their family and friends to help feed beneficiaries of the Alameda County Food Bank. We recently finished this year’s penny drive and received our annual acknowledgement. We also found out that over the course of the past six years, we have raised a total of $4,701.50. What a fabulous accomplishment, all made possible by the generosity of our Bet Sefer Families. Thank you and yasher koach! Our Bet Sefer year has come to an end. As we close up shop for the summer, I’d like to acknowledge the many wonderful people who are the backbone of our school. First, Rabbi Bloom for bringing the sounds of music and ruach into every session. Second, to Bella Gordon and Lisa Fernandez for helping me keep the school committee going. Third, to the many parents who drove on field trips and schlepped to evening classes. Fourth, to our amazing custodial staff who transform our facility into a religious school every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. And last, but not least, to all of the parents who make the commitment to a Jewish education for their children and manage to schlep their children here each week – in the face of tremendous competition from dozens of other compelling options – thank you for making our program such a success. Kol tuv! Susan 13 bet sefer How We Feel About Israel By Susan Simon In 7th grade, the last module the students tackle is about Israel. One of our last activities is an exercise where the students and parents think about Israel and how they identify with this small strip of land that evokes so many varied emotions in all of us. Here are some excerpts from their last exercise. One student wrote that when hearing the word “Israel” the first thing she thinks about is her grandparents’ kibbutz. Another thought of falafel and tradition. Many students thought about Judaism as the connection. One student wrote that it is a homeland and she can’t imagine growing up without it. In response to a question about what they wish about Israel, one student wrote that she wished it could be closer to America. Many others wished that it could be peaceful and safe. Several said that they wished Israel could be left alone, could be a safe haven. Another question asked how students felt when they heard others criticize Israel. One student wrote that she pities the person and would want to educate them. Another wrote that he changes the subject when he hears these things. One student says that he gets offended and disagrees. Another just gets annoyed and keeps quiet. Quite a number of students wrote that they get defensive. When asked about their pride in Israel and where that comes from, many students said that Israel’s ability to continue to exist in the face of all of the hatred and struggles brought them pride. Some mentioned the ability to create a thriving country in the middle of the desert. Some mentioned the scientific research and military successes. One student wrote that she takes pride in how Israel is like a miracle to almost every Jew. The most wonderful part of this exercise was the passion that the students put into their responses, the thought and consideration, and the connections with Israel that the students expressed. Clearly Israel is an important part of their Jewish personas, a fact that is heartwarming to experience. Am Yisrael Chai! Have Fun This Summer! 14 our jewish day schools CCJDS Celebrates 4th of July – in JUNE! By Amy Wittenberg Over the past few years a new tradition has developed at the Contra Costa Jewish Day School – celebrating the 4th of July – in June, complete with a parade, yankee doodle marching music and of course, all-American (kosher) apple pie! “Since we are not in school on Independence Day, we wanted to create a way to have our students share their excitement and civic pride! This day focuses on America. Students wear red, white and blue, everyone marches in a parade based on American themes. One year each class represented a period of America’s past, another year they chose a major state, and one time students dressed as American heroes,” said Head of School, 7th grade U.S. History Teacher and the creator of Fourth midrasha of July in June. “We are very good at celebrating Jewish holidays and Israel’s Independence Day in April, we wanted to also give our students a special American experience. This is a great way to capture the spirit of our country, and the spirit of summer too!” It’s not too late to consider CCJDS for this fall – we are still accepting applications! CCJDS is located in Lafayette, only 18 minutes from TBA! Visit our website www.ccjds.org or call Amy Wittenberg, Admissions Director (925) 284-8288 for further information. Summertime for Tehiyah Day School Students and Faculty By Donna Sidel, Tehiyah Director of Communications As we get close to the end of our school year, we see the littlest among us who entered our Bridge-Kindergarten last August looking bigger, more confident, and so much more mature as they get ready to move up to Kindergarten. We see our fifth-graders eagerly awaiting next school year, when they will be part of our exciting middle school program. And, of course, we watch sadly as our eighth-graders walk through our halls for the last times as our students. The poise, maturity, and readiness to move on to the bigger challenges of high school are unmistakable in our eighthgraders, as are the mixed feelings in their glances as they continued on page 16 Remember to check the TBA website and email updates for information about latebreaking TBA events and activities. www.tbaoakland.org Mazel Tov to TBA’s graduations of Oakland Midrasha Evan Kharazzi Julian Ring Danielle Raskin 15 our jewish day schools continued from page15 realize that moving on also means moving out. Having studied, played, and traveled extensively together for nine years, and having just completed a two-week trip together to Israel, they are truly a family. Despite their mixed feelings about leaving this “home,” they are hard at work honing creative presentations in song, dance, poetry, or prose about their feelings for Tehiyah that they will showcase at their graduation. Everyone at Tehiyah eagerly awaits the last day of school in June, when our students symbolically (and physically) move up a grade by repositioning themselves in our courtyard to stand in their new location with their new teachers at our daily morning assembly, Modeh Ani. It is a tradition much loved and much looked forward to by our students, parents, and faculty. It is also quite a sight as many of our students run, proud and cheering, to their new positions. Summer doesn’t mean that the work of running a Jewish Day School ends, or that learning takes a 3-month break. Over the summer, many of Tehiyah’s teachers take part in professional development programs – learning new approaches, honing skills, and gaining new perspectives on how to best reach a variety of learners. Over the past couple of years, teachers have traveled to Harvard University’s Graduate School of Leadership, to Atlanta for a writing workshop, to Boston to study our middle school Hebrew program (NETA), and to many local courses. At the end of the summer, faculty returns a week before our students for four days of intensive workshops on 21st century teaching, including writing programs, math training, educating for learning differences, and other topics. Summer is the time that our campus gets a makeover as well. During the summer months, Tehiyah does much of our work to increase energy efficiency and security on our campus. With grants from PG&E and the Department of Homeland Security, we added upgraded lighting technology, and emergency systems. Summer is also our time to upgrade equipment throughout the school, including in our science lab and installing Smart Boards in our classrooms. We’d love to have you join us at the Tehiyah graduation on June 14 at 6:45 p.m. To learn more about this event, Tehiyah’s strong academic and Judaics program, or how a Tehiyah education can help shape your child’s identity, please contact Jim Gaines at (510) 233-3013, ext. 239 or jgaines@tehiyah.org. Keflanu: Shabbat Fun and Games for 3rd - 6th Graders We would like to invite 3rd – 6th graders to join their friends in the Baum Youth Center following Shabbat services on the 1st and 3rd Shabbat of the month, This months dates: June 2 and 16 After the service join together for lunch in the social hall. About 20 minutes after motzi, the Rabbi will announce the chaperone is ready for check-in at the Baum Youth Center! Have fun with Shabbat appropriate games and activities… • basketball • board games • jump rope • foosball • ping pong • or even just shmooze Parents: we ask that an adult accompany the child/children to the Baum Youth Center – the chaperone will sign your child in and an adult pick-up at the Baum Youth Center – for the safety of the youth, we ask that they not leave the site on their own. volunteer bulletin board Give a new parent an hour to shower A perfect mitzvah for those with daytime flexibility. Volunteers needed to provide short daytime sits free of charge to our new moms and dads allowing them to shower, get a haircut or just take a walk. Interested sitters should contact us at womenoftba@tbaoakland.org. 16 Welcome a New Member Do you have time to help deliver TBA’s new members baskets? If so, please contact Rebecca Skiles at rebeccaskiles@hotmail.com or (510) 836-7407. la’atid Pool Party Ends Year of Programs for La’atid It has been a fabulous year of La’atid and we want to thank all the families and 4th-7th graders for their participation and support! Look for our dates and plans for upcoming events in your September Omer. Have a wonderful summer everyone. Your trusty advisors, Dina and Phil Hankin 17 B’nai Mitzvah life cycles Daniel Gray Pascal, June 9 I attend Contra Costa Jewish Day School and have learned so much about Judaism in my time, there—historically and religiously. My experience at CCJDS makes me feel very comfortable in my Jewish skin. My favorite classes at CCJDS are science, language arts, and Jewish Studies. Outside of school, I am on a sailing, basketball, and swim team. My Bar Mitzvah means a lot to me because I feel that I am becoming a part of the Jewish community, not only religiously but, also, spiritually. My Torah Portion, Beha’alotecha, deals with faith, and I deal with faith almost everyday—whether it is hoping that someone will come through for me or having faith in myself while I am sailing in the turbulent waters in front of the Golden Gate Bridge. After my Bar Mitzvah I want to, and am excited to, lead different aspects of Shabbat services so I can stay in touch with the Jewish community. Aviva Davis, June 23 As a hard-working seventh grader, it’s difficult to fit all my after school activities into my schedule. I have both violin lessons and Hebrew studies on Wednesday so I have to budget my time wisely. Choir on Tuesdays, Hebrew school on Thursdays, and homework, how do I do it? I must admit, sometimes I have to drop an activity in order to finish my work. Even then, I am up into the late hours of the night. Although homework work is tough, I know it will pay off when I am accepted into Stanford University. My Torah portion, Korach, emphasizes two important concepts in life, honor, and responsibility. Korach and his followers did not honor God, so they were swallowed by the earth into Shaol. God calls Moshe to collect the staffs of the leaders of each tribe of the Jewish people. Aharon’s staff grows almond blossoms, signifying that he is the priest of the tabernacle, weighing him with the responsibility of leadership. Becoming a Bat Mitzvah is important to me because this gives me my own burden of leadership, just like Aharon. Talya Bornstein, June 30 As a 6th grader at the Contra Costa Jewish Day School I enjoy my Judaics class and especially love learning about Israel. I’ve been fortunate to visit Israel; I’ve toured the country, met my relatives who live there and have gone to a summer camp right on the Mediterranean Sea coast. In my free time I like to do things like drama and I’ve enjoyed being in our school play each year. I play on a soccer team and enjoy frequent ski trips to Tahoe with my family. This summer I am going to Camp Solomon Schechter (for the 3rd year) in Tumwater, WA – it’s one of my very favorite places! This is has been my first year at the Bet Sefer, learning the prayers has helped me prepare for my Bat Mitzvah and I’ve made some really great new friends! I want to thank my teachers both at CCJDS and the Bet Sefer for helping me to prepare for my Bat Mitzvah, Rabbi Bloom for working with me on my drash and Tina Eisenman for meeting me weekly to learn my Haftarah, Torah portion and review the prayers. Many things happen in the Torah portion, Chukat, but the part I chose to talk about is when Moses hits the rock with his staff and is punished by G-d and not allowed to go in to Israel. My drash will focus on Moses as a leader and I will talk about our leaders today. I love cats and have two of my own. As a mitzvah project I am going to donate a portion of my Bat Mitzvah money to an organization called Israel’s Cat Lovers Society. They help Israel’s sick, hurt, homeless and abused cats. The organization is run by volunteers who feed about 1,500 cats per day, I am very excited to become a Bat Mitzvah! I look forward to welcoming all our friends and relatives who are coming from far and near! Please join me and my family to celebrate my Bat Mitzvah. 18 life cycles June Birthdays 1 10 17 25 Max Davis Aviel Halem Zachary Piser Caren Sencer Samuel Zapruder Beatrice Aronson Rabbi Arthur Gould Gerald Hertz Ella Sadikman Susan Shub Sophie Govert Larry Reback Jennifer Slavin Helen von Kugelgen 2 11 Leila Bernstein Melissa Diamant Sarah Rothman Jake Wike Walter Chang Alice Hale Rayna Levine Cameron Smith Zakai Avidor Ruth Kline Emma Stone Shira Benau Herbert Bloom Lynn Gerber Jacob Hill Sarah Liron Alexandra Wike 3 12 Emily Miller Daniel Gray Pascal Hannah Rubin Matthew Gochman Toya Hertz David Salk Jessica Siegel 4 13 Steven Aronson Emily Golub June Marinoff Milana Schwartz Louis Teitelbaum Jeannie Haydon Laura Jones Amy Moscov Judith Quittman 5 14 June Brott David Lenik Daphne Albert Alexander Kauffman Randall Kessler 6 Michael Aronson Adhi Bornstein Audrey Kauffman 7 Micah Arons Emma Rosenthal Zachary Schwartz 8 Emily Stumpf 15 Barry Barnes Eddan Katz Tammy Lee Rachel Teichman 16 Adi Schacker Alexander Van Deventer Alicia von Kugelgen Is your birthday information wrong or missing from this list? Please contact the TBA office to make corrections. Welcome New Members Daniel Marcus & Elizabeth Satz 18 19 James Wakeman 20 Rebecca Amy Darling Randy Morris David Reback Talia Shalev Ronald Weller 21 Susan E. Bloch Lisa Fernandez Ellis Noemi Jacob 22 Jane Kramer Benjamin Krefetz Ella Pashmar Isaac Sosebee 23 Daniel Bornstein David Hoffman Zachary Silver David Stein 26 Sam Bookin Talya Bornstein Rose Haag Richard Mills Chanel Patterson Lindsay Spangler Linda Stevens 28 Denise Davis Mona Goldfine Carol Robinson Michael Zielenziger 29 Li Fife Ethan Grossman Zachary Hankin Chris Morgan Zepora Zangwill 30 Rami Albert Larry Bercovich Felix Broach Aaron Paul Richard Rubin 24 Theodor Ferguson Donald Jurow Josiah Larkin Ron Lerner Alan Silver A note to new members: We would like to introduce you to the TBA community in an upcoming newsletter. Please send a short introduction of you and your family, with a digital photo, to omer@tbaoakland.org. Thanks! 19 life cycles July and August Birthdays July 1 Marc Barach Barry Feiner 2 Asher Sam Jaffe 3 Sam Simon 4 Maya Novak Hugo Wildmann 5 Ezra Chabon Eitan Goldfein 7 Samuel Berger Danielle Gerber 8 Shayna Silberzweig 15 Ariel McLean Larry Wayne 27 Kenneth Benau Elaine Gerstler Jacob Kaizer-Salk Sophia Kalamas Rebecca Wasserman Joseph Blumberg Julie Gochman Alex Mezey Cindy Sloan Linh Becker Haydn Garfinkle Kevin Schwartz Aliza Zangwill Camille Birnbaum Elyash Birnbaum Micah Trilling Mor Tzadik Robert Halem Richard Heeger Michael Hyman Peter Mezey Gary Sherne Eva Katz Daniel Mc Lean Mark Mogill Lilah Yarden Sadikman Alexander Schleuning Lori Schnall 16 17 18 28 29 Matthew Disco Adam Lerner Leah Felice Wildmann Alon Wolf Lorri Zimmer Jessica Dell’Era Molli Rothman Leonard Wolf Clara Katsman Lee Nathan Alexis Morgan Kelsi Perttula Levi Chabon Reuven Glick Julie Lerner Talya Brott Jill Lindenbaum Ari Perttula 9 10 Johnny Glick-Scroggins Stacy Month Michael Stevens 11 Ytzhack Heber Ruby Hertz Max Schleuning Michele Silver 12 Max Gerber Booker Holton Elijah Miller Maya Schacker 13 Brandon Bercovich Jennifer Berke Matan Bostick Tamar Breines Bonnie Burt Adam Davis Maya Joseph-Goteiner 14 Glenn Friedman Nicole Friedman Drew Kaplan David Ragones 20 19 20 Joel Goldsmith Rachel Goldstone Jeffrey Quittman Ezra Trost-Goldhammer 21 Bernard Hazens Eitan Schotland 22 Eric Friedman 23 Ronald Gerber Lindsay Goldberg-Kunis Harry O’Neill 24 Aviva Ruth Davis Joshua Feltman Yael Sherne 25 Harriet Bloom Dan Finkelstein Mayer Goldberg Brian Lander Asher Rose 26 Isaac Charlesworth Fiona James 8 Norman Frankel Alan Gellman 9 Zoe Batzdorff David Benjamin Samuel Cohen Adina Goldstein Aaron Stein 10 Michelle Gould Joshua Hill 12 Jennifer Beck Samuel Bernstein Eve Gordon-Ramek Doree Jurow Klein 31 Dean Goldfein 3 Annaliese Kauffman Gregory Korn 5 Evelyn Glick-Scroggins Dara Goldfein Allan Green Jacqueline Shea Dinkin Sophie Souroujon 6 13 14 Mae Goldman Garrett Langfeld Irene Shoikhet 15 Yael Berrol Judy Langberg Talia Young 16 Omni Aflalo Jon Feldhammer Danielle Rehr-Davis 25 26 Hannah Acevedo-Schiesel Jackson Feinstein-Kernar Jeremy Kharrazi Emma Sterling 27 Jennifer Baum Hanna Ben-Zvi Jesse Goldhammer Elaine Teune 28 17 Melissa Bercovich Blythe Hyman Roxanne Moss Bryan Schwartz 18 Rose Hoffman Ezra Maidenberg Douglas Moss Richard Charlesworth James Govert Avi Paulson Noah Jacobs Rachel Kuperman Sarah Weintraub 19 Janet King Miriam Benjamin Barbara Gross Benjamin Katsman Florence Raskin Barry Rotman Shirley Silver Joel Biatch Anita Bloch Elan Halperin Benjamin Rego Brent Kauffman Gabriel Levin Patricia Eliahu Linda Horodas 7 24 11 James Johnson Evan Kharrazi Naomi Liron Jody London 30 Zoe Cohen Eliana Goldstein Jonas Hagan Brett Hodess Robyn Hodess Eric Horodas Lila Hudson 23 Joshua Hyman Sydney Hyman Lori Jaffe Willa Miller Armin Brott Judy Chun William Gentry Daryl Ross Jacob Young Elliott Joseph Zatkin august 1 Daniel Jaffe Darren Kottle Eli Persin Joel Piser David Rapson Scott Tessler 20 22 29 30 Marcia Benjamin Benjamin Brinner Sabra Rachel Jaffe Jan Leuin James Leventhal 31 Brad Becker Shara Coltoff Rebecca Sparks life cycles June, July and August Yahrzeits May God comfort you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem Sivan 11 June 1 Edythe Cohen Max Eckstein Irene Lasar Phillip Weinstein Sivan 12-18 June 2-8 Abraham Blumberg Zelda Jacobs Diana Bereskin Jack Gerber Hyman Gurman Sy Harris Nathan Brody Fanny Naggar Sanford Ziegler Coleman Bloomfield Haja Blymenkrantz Albert Gould Sivan 19-25 June 9-15 Lee Aerenson Raymond Mogill Ann Frankel Rose Londa Heyman Ariyeh Heber Sylvia Strub Goldman Rose Polse Max Goldman Irving Reback Renee Zuckerman Sivan 26-Tammuz 2 June 16-22 Aron Gordon Steven Ross David Heskin Joseph Pencovic Kenneth Katz Sam Nathan Mark Siegel Howard Silberman Ida Brasch Isidore Lander Dodi Aron Horst-Arnold Aron Miriam Heirshsberg Ethel Liss Nathan Turchin Ethel Gold Heskin Tammuz 3-9 June 23-29 Ida Carasick Barber Marie Marcus Sidney Steckel Laura White Oscar Ehrenberg Bert Simon Belle Bercovich Alvin Strom Tammuz 10-16 June 30-July 6 Moritz Wolff Yitzchak Gottlieb Sara Wolff Vera Jennigs Victoria Naggar Melba Dattner Klein Violet Burge Tammuz 17-23 July 7-13 Samuel Applebaum Al Bunin Raymond Epstein Rebecca Berrol Jean Green Anna Lea Greenstein Sam Moss Tammuz 24-Av 1 July 14-20 Abraham Goldstein Frances Lander Ira Glasser Robert Abraham Moses Kenneth Tessler Irene Feinberg Lawrence W. Stone Flora Pencovic Av 2-8 July 21-27 Louis Rosenberg Edith Moss Anna Polse Morris Rothblatt Thomas Saunders Doreen Wolf Naomi Drapkin Shirley Horodas Shelley Rotman Francine Weil David Berman Av 9-15 July 28-August 3 Peter Lisker Julius Michael Fagin George Isaacs Sam King Darlene Scott Amy Galas Lea Gold Ina Nathan Av 16-22 August 4-10 Robert Fierstein Frieda Nemon Larry Pencovic Alan J. Fixler Morris Polse David Rohold Alex Galas Johnnie Holton Leah Levine Gertrude Bleiberg Michael Fass Irving Mayer Burt Marshall Denenberg Dorothy Levien Hannah Ethel Roth Av 23-29 August 11-17 Daniel Goldfein Sadye Baer Edith Polon Emanuel Starr Judi Teichman Eileen Grossman Arthur Roth Donald Paulson Arthur Michael Ross Bessie Gerber Jacqueline Helfend Max Kushman Av 30-Elul 6 August 18-24 Sylvia Davis Fannie Kessler Harry Levitch Renee Berman Zachary Alexander Kalamas Matilda Kramer Charles Levine Jonathan Lisker Bill Hale Eva Klein David Bertha Sutz Joseph Dienstag Robert Sr. Edesess Cecil Meltz Jacob Miron Sol Quittman Ernest Rosenthal Sam Silver Haim Rom elul 7-13 August 25-31 David Davis Keneth Goodwin Albert Jacobs Barry Stephen Kramer Abraham Schaefer Phillip Davis Larry Frankel Kenneth Brasch Arthur Casson Saul Handlers Tsilya Kobuzyatskaya Girsha Uretski Frances Hochman Jerry Kopp Carol Bonar Joy Kauffman Yehudit Eliahu Rachel Gordon Gowher Saidan Milton Berman Herman Budman Joel Oseroff Francis Turchin Hilda Brauer Recent Deaths in Our Community Saadia David, father of Dvora (Kirk) McLean Joseph M. Kramer, father of Jane Kramer Viet Pham, father of Lily Pham (Bruce Levitch) Gayle Raskin, sister of Paul (Flo) Raskin Morris Dmitrovsky, father of Lisa (Martin) Kharrazi Samuel Lenik, father of David Lenik Seth Coltoff, Father of David Coltoff James Craft, the Step Father of Mark Fickes Jessie Ludwig, longtime member of our community Ann Diamond, mother of our former rabbi, Rabbi Mark Diamond 21 donations Charity is equal in importance to all the other commandments combined. Centennial Project Fund Cynthia Berrol Randall & Jan Kessler, In memory of Alice Kessler Reba Schechtman Stephen & Susan Shub Michael & Deborah Sosebee, In memory of Pola Silver Neil & Madeline Weinstein, In memory of Pearl Weinstein Centennial Match Fund Mark Fickes & William Gentry Jay Goldman & Mona Goldfine Philip & Dina Hankin Sandy & Dawn Margolin Paul & Florence Raskin Mark & Lori Spiegel, In memory of Pola Silver Piser/Davis Challenge Fund Leon & Judy Bloomfield Murray & Virginia Davis Dean Goldfein & Tamira Elul JB Leibovitch & Judy Chun David Paulson & Debra Weinstein Sheldon & Barbara Rothblatt, In honor of Schacker Bat Mitzvah Sheldon & Barbara Rothblatt, In memory of Pola Silver Jesse & Rachel Teichman Steven & Victoria Zatkin Jeanette Jeger Kitchen Fund Norman & Jo Budman, In memory of Pola Silver Jack Coulter, In memory of Cora Coulter, Dorothy & Irving Dronsick, Arthur and Gertrude Yarman Dr. Booker Holton & Elaine Gerstler, In memory of Jocelyn Holton Anna Mandel, In honor of Jack Jeger’s 90th birthday Misia Nudler, In memory of Aron Nudler General Fund Dr. Walter Chang & Miriam Gould Denise Davis, In memory of Grace Gill Murray & Virginia Davis Dan Finkelstein & Joanna Berg Leonard & Helen Fixler, In memory of Esther Rosen Robert Gammon & Lisa Fernandez Steven Glaser & Deena Aerenson, In 22 recognition of Nissan Saidian’s service in the Golan Division of the IDF during the 6 Day War Fifi Goodfellow, In memory of Herb Goodfellow Fifi Goodfellow, In memory of Pola Silver Allan & Gabriella Gordon Murray & Janet Gordon, In memory of Pola Silver Rabbi Arthur Gould & Carol Robinson Stephen & Arlene Greenberg, In memory of Ben Weiss Steven Grossman & Jill Rosenthal, In memory of Abraham Grossman Ward Hagar & Caroline Hastings Bernard & Alison Hazens Dr. Booker Holton & Elaine Gerstler Alfred & Anne Hyman, In memory of Rose Gelfand Keith Hyman & Roberta Powell Jeff & Johanna Ilfeld Jonathan & Joy Jacobs Abraham Javaheri, Brit Milah of Mason Javaheri Irwin Keinon & Adele MendelsohnKeinon, Best Wishes to Elinor DeKoven Irwin Keinon & Adele MendelsohnKeinon, For a lovely Yom Hashoa luncheon Martin & Lisa Kharrazi David Lenik Marshall & Debra Levin, Brit Milah Benjamin Kaplan Sandy & Dawn Margolin David & June Marinoff David & Stephanie Mendelsohn Misia Nudler Dick & Mary Odenheimer Kelsi & Drew Perttula Shoshanna Raiber-Kornfeld Paul & Florence Raskin John Rego & Deborah Kahane Rego David & Lori Rosenthal, In honor of Ken Cohen’s latest class Steven Rosenthal & Ailsa Steckel Lawrence & Sharyn Rossi, In memory of David Klein Sheldon & Barbara Rothblatt, In memory of Gittel Rothblatt Ori & Susan Sasson Daniel B. & Marieka Schotland Bryan Schwartz & Alicia Cernitz-Schwartz Gary Sherne & Sandra Frucht Cindy Sloan Annie J. Schwartz Strom, In memory of Ida Jaffe Jesse & Rachel Teichman Bruce & Alicia von Kugelgen Neil & Madeline Weinstein Britt S. Wolven, Edwin Wolmark’s Brit Milah Steven & Victoria Zatkin, In memory of Donald Bleiberg Kiddush Fund Leonard & Helen Fixler, In memory of Aaron Nudler and Shlomo Fixler Dr. Booker Holton & Elaine Gerstler, in memory of Florence and Morris Gerstler Minyan Fund Allan Green, In memory of Walter Green Joan & Hershel Solomon, In memory of Samuel Neuman Yom Ha Shoa Fund Sally & Victor Aelion, In memory of Pola Silver Bob Altbaier & Cathy Kobel, In memory of Pola Silver Sam & Ellen Bercovich, In memory of Pola Silver Steven Berl & Anita Bloch Michael & Kathryn Burge, In memory of Pola Silver Jack Coulter, In memory of Pola Silver Dan Finkelstein & Joanna Berg, In memory of Pola Silver Leonard & Helen Fixler, In memory of Pola Silver Rita Frankel, In memory of Pola Silver Martin & Evelyn Hertz Jack Jeger, In memory of Pola Silver Lawrence & Arlene Kaufman, In memory of Pola Silver Irwin Keinon & Adele MendelsohnKeinon, In memory of Pola Silver Randall & Jan Kessler, In memory of Pola Silver Svetlana Leykin, In memory of Pola Silver Mark Liss & Bonnie Burt, In memory of Pola Silver Anna Mandel, In memory of Pola Silver Richard & Edie Mills, In memory of Pola Silver donations continued from page 22 Misia Nudler, Get well Hennie Hecht Barbara Oseroff, In memory of Pola Silver Herman & Agnes Pencovic, In memory of Pola Silver John Rego & Deborah Kahane Rego, In memory of Pola Silver John Rego & Deborah Kahane Rego, In memory of Sidney S Kahane Sidney & Ethel Shaffer, In memory of Mary Simon Shirley Silver, In memory of Pola Silver Ruth Siver, In memory of Pola Silver Wendy & Marvin Siver, In memory of Pola Silver Camper/Scholarship Fund Elinor DeKoven, In memory of Pola Silver and Esther Rosen Rabbi Discretionary Fund Endowment Fund Murray & Virginia Davis, In memory of Leslie Davis Bruce Levitch & Lily Pham Eugene & Marjorie Myers, In memory of Pearl Myers Misia Nudler, Special birthday to Jack Coulter, in memory of Pola Silver, in memory of Shirley Langfeld, in memory of Shirlee Pearl Jeffrey & Judith Quittman, In memory of Nancy Quittman Shirley Bolton, In memory of Raymond Bolton Larry Miller & Mary Kelly, In memory of Pola Silver Celia & Morris Davis Hunger Fund Irwin Keinon & Adele MendelsohnKeinon, In memory of Esther Rosen Harold Rubel Fund Ronald & Gloria Gruber, In memory of Edith Gruber Hertz Fund Gerald & Ruby Hertz, In memory of Herman Hertz Hertz Interfaith Fund Gerald & Ruby Hertz, In memory of Esther Morofsky Wasserman Fund Dr. Booker Holton & Elaine Gerstler, In memory of Florence and Morris Gerstler H E Goldstein Fund Joseph & Judith Epstein, In memory of Joseph Epstein It is a Jewish tradition to give contributions to commemorate life cycle events and other occasions. Are you celebrating a birthday, engagement, anniversary, baby naming, Bat/Bar Mitzvah or recovery from illness? Or perhaps remembering a yahrzeit? These are just a few ideas of appropriate times to commemorate with a donation to Temple Beth Abraham. These tax-deductible donations are greatly appreciated and are a vital financial supplement to support the wonderful variety of programs and activities that we offer. Thanks again for your support! We could not do it without you! TEMPLE BETH ABRAHAM FUND CONTRIBUTION FORM This contribution of $ ___________ is (check one) ___in Memory of ___ in Honor of: (name) ________________________________________________________________ Contribution _______________________________ Acknowledge________________________________ From: _____________________________________ To: ________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________ Address: ___________________________________ Please credit the fund checked below: mGeneral Fund–Use where most needed mCelia and Morris Davis Hunger Fund mCentennial Building Fund mDanielle and Deren Rehr-Davis Teen Fund mLeonard Quittman Endowment Fund mHarold Rubel Memorial Music Fund mRabbi Mark S. Bloom Discretionary Fund mHerb and Ellen Goldstein Memorial Jewish Education Fund mLeo and Helen Wasserman Fund–Funds guest speakers at TBA mHerman Hertz Israel Scholarship Fund mKiddush Fund mJack and Mary Berger Fund mMinyan Fund mJeanette Jeger Kitchen Fund mPrayer Book Fund mMollie Hertz Interfaith and Outreach Fund mWomen of TBA (WTBA) mRose Bud Silver Library Fund mTBA Men’s Club mSam Silver Playground Fund mCantor Kaplan’s Discretionary Fund mYom Hashoah Fund mCampership/Scholarship Fund mOther: __________________________________ Thank you for your generosity. Please make checks payable to Temple Beth Abraham and mail to: 336 Euclid Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610 23 24 3 10 17 4 Tammuz 18 25 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 5 Tammuz 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 9:30a Rosh Chodesh– Wisdom of out Mothers 28 Sivan 4 11 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 21 Sivan 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 14 Sivan 5 19 12 26 7:30p Monthly Board Meeting 6 Tammuz Jewish Heritage Night at the A’s Game G.A.S.P. Session #1 Begins! 29 Sivan 22 Sivan 9:30-11am New Job Search /Career Coaching 15 Sivan 6 13 20 27 7:30p BBYO-AZA and BBG 9a Weekly Text Study (Woodminster Cafe) 7 Tammuz 7:30p BBYO-AZA and BBG 9a Weekly Text Study (Woodminster Cafe) Rosh Chodesh 30 Sivan 7:30p BBYO-AZA and BBG 9a Weekly Text Study (Woodminster Cafe) 23 Sivan 7:30p BBYO-AZA and BBG 9a Weekly Text Study (Woodminster Cafe) 16 Sivan 21 28 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8 Tammuz 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) Rosh Chodesh 1 Tammuz 7 14 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 24 Sivan 7:30p Girl’s Night Out 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 17 Sivan 1 8 15 22 29 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat 9 '' 8:17p Tammuz 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat 2 '' 8:17p Tammuz 12p Gan Graduation GAN Closes at 1p 6:15p East Bay Minyan 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat 25 '' 8:15p Sivan 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat 18 '' 8:12p Sivan 9:30-10:30a & 10:45-11:45a Kindergym 6:15p-7:15p Confirmation Kabbalat Shabbat B.S. Zayin Graduation & Confirmation services 11 '' 8:08p Sivan Always check the Congregational E-mail or the Weekly Shabbat Bulletin for more up-to-date information. Please note any corrections care of Rayna Arnold at the TBA office. Naso 2 9 23 30 9:17p Havdalah (42 min) 9:30a-12p Shabbat Services Bat Mitzvah of Talya Bornstein Chukkat 10 Tammuz 9:17p Havdalah (42 min) 9:30a-12p Shabbat Services Bat Mitzvah of Aviva Davis Korach 3 Tammuz 12:15p-1:15p Keflanu – Shabbat Fun & Games 9:15p Havdalah (42 min) 9:30a-12p Shabbat Services 16 26 Sh’lach L’kha Sivan 9:12p Havdalah (42 min) 9:30a-12p Shabbat Services Bar Mitzvah of Daniel Pascal 19 B’Ha• alot’kha Sivan 9:30a-12p Shabbat Services Siddur Launch 10:15a Shabbat Mishpacha 12:15p-1:15p Keflanu – Shabbat Fun & Games 9:08p Havdalah (42 min) 12 Sivan June 2012 Calendars in The Omer are produced 30-60 days in advance using the best data available from the TBA Administration Staff. This calendar is also available at our website www.tbaoakland.org 24 10a-12p Ken Cohen class 6:15p Men’s Club “Jews & Baseball” 27 Sivan 10a-12p Ken Cohen class 11a Gan End of Year Picnic (Lake Temescal) 20 Sivan 10a-12p Ken Cohen class 5-7p Interfaith Lake Merritt Clergy presents Book Talk-Special Event (Piedmont Community Church) 6-7:30p Teen Scene (Baum YC) 13 Sivan Sivan / Tammuz 5772 25 8 18 Tammuz 29 10 Av 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 30 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 23 12 Av 5 Av 27 Tammuz 20 Tammuz 13 Tammuz 31 24 17 10 3 4 11 18 9a Weekly Text Study (Woodminster Cafe) 25 7:30p BBYO-AZA and BBG 6 Av 7:30p BBYO-AZA and BBG 9a Weekly Text Study (Woodminster Cafe) 28 Tammuz 7:30p BBYO-AZA and BBG 9a Weekly Text Study (Woodminster Cafe) 21 Tammuz (Office closed) 9a Weekly Text Study (Woodminster Cafe) 7:30p BBYO-AZA and BBG IndependanCe day U.s.a. 14 Tammuz 7 Av 19 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 26 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 29 Tammuz 5 12 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 22 Tammuz 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 15 Tammuz 6 13 Rosh Chodesh '' 8:10p 20 '' 8:04p 27 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat 8 Av 6:15p East Bay Minyan 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat 1 Av 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat 23 '' 8:14p Tammuz 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat with BBQ Dinner 16 '' 8:16p Tammuz Always check the Congregational E-mail or the Weekly Shabbat Bulletin for more up-to-date information. Please note any corrections care of Rayna Arnold at the TBA office. 11 Av 4 Av 9 2 16 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 26 Tammuz 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 19 Tammuz 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 12 Tammuz 7 14 21 Mattot/Mas’ei D’Varim 28 9:03p Havdalah (42 min) 9:30a-12p Shabbat Services 9 Av 9:09p Havdalah (42 min) 9:30a-12p Shabbat Services 10:15a Shabbat Mishpacha 2 Av 9:13p Havdalah (42 min) 9:30a-12p Shabbat Services Pinchas 24 Tammuz 9:16p Havdalah (42 min) 9:30a-12p Shabbat Services 17 Balak Tammuz July 2012 Calendars in The Omer are produced 30-60 days in advance using the best data available from the TBA Administration Staff. This calendar is also available at our website www.tbaoakland.org 22 3 Av tIsha B’av 15 25 Tammuz Fast oF the 17th oF tammUz 1 11 Tammuz Tammuz / Av 5772 Temple Beth Abraham 327 MacArthur Boulevard Oakland, CA 94610 Periodicals Postage PAID Oakland, CA Permit No. 020299 Are you The Omer's next cover artist? We are currently searching for a TBA member who wants to contribute monthly to The Omer in an artistic way. We will need someone for the September issue, due in early August. Contact Lori Rosenthal at omer@tbaoakland.org. This Summer- Please Join Us for Morning Minyan Mondays and Thursdays in the Chapel Join the regulars at our Minyan service, each Monday and Thursday starting at 8:00 a.m. The service lasts about an hour, and is really a great way to start the day. As an added bonus, breakfast is served immediately afterwards. To use the old expression – try it, you’ll like it. If not as a regular, just stop in once or twice and see what it’s all about. what’s inside TBA Directory..........................i Drash for Parashat Naso...........7 Jewish Day Schools...............15 What’s Happening...................1 Schools Auction.......................8 Midrasha...............................15 From the Rabbi........................2 Cooking Corner.....................10 La’atid...................................17 President’s Message.................3 Kolot Nashim........................11 Life Cycles.............................18 Editor’s Message......................4 Shabbat ..................................12 Donations..............................22 Women of TBA........................5 Gan Avraham News..............13 Calendar................................24 Men’s Club..............................6 Bet Sefer News......................13