The Builder - Congregation Beth El

The
tevet-shevat 5770 / january -february 2010
Builder
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from the rabbi
extended community
At Beth El, we strive to create and be a
community for one another. Through our
membership in the Beth El congregational
community, we also are connected to ever
widening communities of shared interest
and commitment, local, national and international. As a Reform
Jewish synagogue in Berkeley, Beth El’s connection to and
engagement in issues of national concern to us, as citizens and
as a Jewish community, is through our membership in the Union
for Reform Judaism, the North American association of Reform
synagogues. The Union provides resources and consultation; is
the patron of our seminary the Hebrew Union College-Jewish
Institute of Religion; and is the sponsor of the Religious Action
Center in Washington, DC, our national policy and advocacy
office. In Berkeley, Beth El is a member of an interfaith social
justice and community organizing coalition, BOCA (Berkeley
Organizing Congregations for Action). BOCA is a network of
eighteen congregations, representing some 10,000 families,
working together for community needs. While many individuals
have been involved with BOCA projects, I hope that, over time,
we will become more involved as a congregation in BOCA’s work;
if you would like to learn more, please contact Social Action chair
Wilma Rader. Our congregational engagement in and contribution
towards tikkun olam, the core Jewish task of working to “heal
the world,” is largely realized in partnership with our extended
community.
The Jewish Community Federation of the East Bay is the central
address for the organized Jewish community. The Federation
is dedicated to building a vibrant and inclusive local Jewish
community, and to enhancing the well being of Jews in the
East Bay, Israel and throughout the world. Our Federation is
both a philanthropy, raising and distributing funds on behalf
of the needs of the community at home and abroad, and a
sponsor of education and community programs through its
Center for Jewish Life and Learning. Beth El works closely with
the Federation and its agencies whose staff includes Beth El
(continued on page 3)
Congregational Forums on Musical Leadership
President Joanne Backman has appointed a Taskforce on Clergy and Musical Needs to
make a recommendation to the Board about our clergy and musical leadership in the
years ahead. We have been fortunate to have Reuben Zellman as our Rabbinic Intern
this year and have been inspired and moved by his music and teaching; Reuben will be
ordained as a Rabbi in May. We are now discussing what the Congregation’s needs are
and how best to fill a permanent position. Under the leadership of Board Secretary Marv
Pearlstein, the Taskforce invites all Beth El members to offer their ideas, reflections and
goals for musical leadership and rabbinical support at Beth El at one of two upcoming
Community Meetings. The goal of these gatherings is for the Taskforce members to listen
and learn about the needs and wishes of our membership so that its recommendations
to the Board represent as broad a consensus as possible. The Taskforce is charged with
making a report to the Board at its February meeting. Please join us on one of two Sunday
mornings, January 10 or January 24, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm or, if you would like to send the
Taskforce an e-mail, contact the Taskforce at MusicTaskforce@bethelberkeley.org.
Taskforce on Clergy and Musical Needs
Marv Pearlstein, Chair
Sara Sarasohn, Robinn Magid, Lisa Friedman, Paul Steckel, Martin Dodd, Rabbi Yoel Kahn
2
from the president
If you’ve spent some time hanging around
Beth El lately, you have surely noticed a
renewed creative spirit, and an energy that
almost seems… I dare say… like Kee Tov
energy! Can it be? Did we all just catch
that ruach in the dead of winter?
I felt that ruach at the December Board
meeting when our Kee Tov Committee
Chair Paula Price and Camp Director Zach
Schnur came to speak about some amazing new initiatives and
changes for the upcoming camp season. I tasted that ruach at
the Chanukah Bazaar this year with my first bite of a delicious
crispy latke with apple sauce and sour cream, made lovingly
by dedicated volunteers. Latke ruach continued at the annual
Latke Fest later in December, where the famous Men’s Club latke
extravaganza enriched the Chanukah celebrations at Shabbat
Unplugged. I saw that ruach on landscape clean-up day, as
many energetic volunteers snipped, pruned, swept and planted
so we can enjoy the beautiful grounds of our synagogue. I heard
that ruach at the Multi-Faith Thanksgiving event, when people
from across our East Bay community packed our sanctuary to the
rafters, and our newly formed Adult Choir, directed by Reuben
Zelman, belted out some pretty jazzy tunes to make us all proud.
I got that ruach at Movie Night in December, when members of
the group from the 2009 Beth El Israel trip came together to
watch two fabulous Israeli films, share pizza, re-unite with the
group, and strengthen community.
But the ruach comes from other changes too; they may not be
obvious at first but you notice them eventually. For example, the
acoustical tiles on the sanctuary ceiling are one of those “behind
the scenes” changes. The sound quality improved dramatically
once they were installed, and many people commented they could
hear much more clearly. Other changes have been and continue
to be made throughout all of our programs. New staff leadership
has brought innovation and creative energy to our classrooms,
to the b’nai mitzvah experience, to adult learning opportunities,
to music programs, to camp and youth programming, and to the
entire spiritual and community experience of Beth El.
Oh, and our mortgage debt has been restructured. With this
change, as long as we raise enough money each year from
contributions*, the reduced monthly loan payments will allow
us to run our full range of innovative services and programs
and keep the synagogue in full operation. *(You still have
the opportunity to contribute to the annual campaign, and all
donations are gratefully accepted.)
What have you noticed around the synagogue that reflects a
renewed spirit or innovation? Have you noticed a ruach moment
that I neglected to mention here? Do you have ideas for
innovations we can implement at Beth El? I would be pleased to
hear from you at president@bethelberkely.org. Thank you.
Joanne Backman
President
Congregation Beth El, Reverend Dr. Marvis
Peoples & Liberty Hill Baptist Church
warmly invite you to attend a service
celebrating the life and work of the
Reverend Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr.
Sunday,
January 17, 2010
11:00 am
Liberty Hill
Baptist Church
997 University
Avenue • Berkeley
Come enjoy a sermon by
Rabbi Yoel Kahn.
After the service, we will break
bread together as we enjoy a
potluck lunch.
Please bring food to share along
with a list of ingredients and card
explaining what your dish is, where
it is from and its cultural or historical
significance. Everyone is invited.
Bring your friends and family!
For more information
please contact:
lenora@bethelberkeley.org
3
Our Thanks to
Chuck Hansen and Tracy Green!
As you know, we just concluded a twelve month negotiation to
restructure our mortgage debt. The successful resolution of that
negotiation gives the congregation much-needed breathing room and
an opportunity to rebuild financial strength. We are tremendously
grateful to our pro bono legal counsel, Chuck Hansen and Tracy Green of
Wendel, Rosen, Black & Dean, for the guidance they gave us throughout
the entire process. Chuck is a prominent real estate and lending litigator
and he teaches at Boalt Hall. Tracy is well known for her expertise in reorganizations and workouts, and she is a long-time
member of the congregation. Together they were truly a dynamic duo, providing strategic guidance and insight regularly
over the past year. And they were generous beyond all measure...they gave us literally hundreds of hours of expert legal
advice on an entirely pro bono basis. We cannot thank them enough!
CHAI lunch
forums
Second Thursday of each month
• 12:00 to 1:30 pm •
Check out our exciting spring line up:
January 14: Capital Punishment,
a discussion led by Stephen Shatz,
Professor of Law, University of San Francisco
February 11: Genealogy-An Introduction to tracing
your family origins, led by Robinn Magid, Ritual
Committee Chair, Congregation Beth El
March 11: The Rebirth of Judaism in Hungary-an
Interim Report, a discussion led by Rabbi Ferenc Raj,
Rabbi Emeritus, Congregation Beth El
April 8: The Earth and its Renewal, a discussion led
by David Lewis, Executive Director of Save the Bay
May 13: Emma Goldman Lives-Reflections on a Life
of Social Justice, a discussion led by Candace Falk,
Editor and Director of the Emma Goldman Papers
These monthly forums are open to the entire
congregation and community. We provide a
light lunch for our Chai elders and snacks for
everyone else. If you would like to sponsor a lunch
or volunteer to help transport our elders, or pick up
food, please email Jonathan Simon at
jsimon@law.berkeley.edu.
From the Rabbi (continuted from page 1)
members Federation CEO Rabbi Jim Brandt, Center for Jewish
Life and Learning Director Oren Massey (husband of our Director
of Educatoin Debra Sagan Massey), while Beth El member Adam
Mizock serves on the Federation board. (Beth El member Jennifer
Gorovitz is the Acting CEO of the Jewish Community Federation
of San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma and the Peninsula.)
In response to our challenging economic climate, the Jewish
Community Federation of the Greater East Bay and The Jewish
Community Foundation have distributed $60,000 to East
Bay congregational rabbis to provide economic assistance to
individuals and families in need. This urgent funding initiative
supports the Federation’s mission to help those in need locally
and around the world. Beth El has received a portion of this
allocation. If you are in need of urgent financial assistance, small
grants are now available. These confidential grants have already
made a difference for members of our community and they are
available to help those who are struggling in these difficult times.
Please contact me directly if you could use assistance from this
program; in accordance with the highest values of our tradition,
both giver and receiver remain anonymous to each other.
In the Talmud, we learn “Kol yisrael areuim zeh b’zeh—The entire
community are responsible for one another.” Our synagogue and
its programs are sustained through the generosity and support
of many; our community is only possible with the gifts of your
time, commitment and resources. We create our communal life
at Beth El, each day and each week, when we come together
and share our strengths and gifts; and our wider community, too,
is sustained in the same fashion. May all of our communities of
engagement and commitment continue to grow “from strength
to strength.”
Rabbi Yoel Kahn
4
religious school
Planting Roots
at Beth El
Growing up locally, Tu B’shvat was all about
planting a tree on the synagogue property. I
can remember where the trees were planted,
which grade I planted what tree, then
twenty years later, I chose to get married
near those trees. The planting of trees at
the synagogue was literally a way for me to lay my roots down in
my congregation. The tree metaphor is so rich in Judaism, that
we even relate the Torah to a “tree of life”.
Tu B’shvat is truly one of the best ‘hands-on’ holidays around
We are supposed to get our hands dirty in the earth and eat
delicious fruits and nuts. Its a shame that we don’t celebrate it
as much as we could. When I lived in Ohio, it was pretty obvious
that on a snowy winter morning we were not going to plant a
tree in our yard; but here in Berkeley, we have no excuse. And
so, as we prepare for Tu B’shvat (the New Year for the Trees”, I
invite our Beth El families to plant some seeds together so that
we can nurture their growth throughout the years.
On Saturday, January 30th, please come get your hands dirty at
our multigenerational Tu B’shvat celebration! Beth El’s Shabbat
Family School (Chug Mishpacha) is offering our Delet Petucha
(open house) from 9:15 - 11:45 am. We will be offering a variety
of ways for us to connect to the land, its fruit and to Israel. We
will explore the importance of being ‘guardians of our earth’ and
how we can take an active role in eco-Judaism.
In addtion, we are planning our Congregation Beth El
Multigenerational Trip to Israel! This trip will be over the summer
2011, for around two weeks. Our first Israel trip meeting will be
on Tu B’shvat at noon. We will provide an Israeli lunch and begin
talking about the different places we will see in Israel. Please
RSVP and join us for the planning of this exciting trip!
Looking forward to celebrating Tu B’shvat with you!
Debra Sagan Massey
Director of Education
Rabbi’s College Visits
Rabbi Yoel Kahn will be visiting and hosting
dinners for students from Beth El families at:
UC Davis (January 27)
UC Santa Cruz (February 18)
UCLA/LA campuses (April 28)
If you know someone who should be invited,
please send contact information to
Charlie Radin at: charlie@bethelberkeley.org.
Religious School Calendar
january 2010
Saturday, January 2 - Thursday, January 7
Winter Break - RELIGIOUS SCHOOL CLOSED
Friday, January 8
Shabbat Unplugged Potluck - 6:00 pm
Shabbat Unplugged Service - 6:45 pm
Saturday, January 9
Chug Mishpacha Resumes
Tuesday, January 12
Midweek Religious School Resumes
Saturday, January 16
MLK Weekend - No Chug Mishpacha
Tuesday, January 19
Religious School Committee Meeting - 7:30 pm
Saturday,January 30
Tu B’shevat Multigenerational Celebration
Open to all. RSVP encouraged.
february 2010
Friday, February 12
Shabbat Unplugged Potluck - 6:00 pm
Shabbat Unplugged Service - 6:45 pm
Tuesday, February 16 - Saturday, February 20
President’s Week - RELIGIOUS SCHOOL CLOSED
Saturday,February 27
Delet P’tucha - Open House for our
Shabbat Family School - 9:15 am
Pre-registration Required
Saturday, February 27
Purim Celebration and Megillah Reading
(see page 14 for more information)
camp kee tov
5
that winter ruach!
The good news: We are less than 200 days
away from the first day of Camp Kee Tov 2010!
The not-so-good news: It’s not summer yet!
While we’re still a few months away from
another great Kee Tov summer, we’ve already
been planning to make the 2010 summer one
of the best ever!
Enrollment has already begun, the staff is starting to take shape
and we have an amazing new website: http://www.campkeetov.
org/. Details on registration, employment opportunities and
programming is available online now!
Our marketing and outreach campaign kicked off last month
with events at Beth El and Netivot Shalom and will continue in
the following months with presentations at schools and camp
fairs, an increasing presence online and advertisements in local
publications.
We also had our Camper-Counselor Chanukah Reunion Shabbat
Reunion in December, which was a great opportunity for
campers and counselors to see each other and get excited for
the summer!
It may only be January, but it’s never too early to have that
ruach!
Zach Landres-Schnur
Camp Kee Tov Director
CAMP KEE TOV
REGISTER
TODAY!
SEE PAGE 19
FOR MORE
DETAILS!
Tu B’shevat Celebration
Friday, January 29
Shabbat Services - 6:15 pm
Tu B’shevat Seder & Dinner - 7:15 pm
Saturday, January 30
Come get your hands dirty at our multigenerational
Tu B’shvat celebration from 9:15 - 11:45 am! We will
be offering a variety of ways for us to connect to
the land, its fruit and to Israel. We will explore the
importance of being ‘guardians of our earth’ and
how we can take an active role in eco-Judaism.
Watch the e-update for how to register!
6
member corner
membership
Lots of exciting things are happening at
Congregation Beth El to ensure that synagogue
participation is accessible and fulfilling for
current, new and prospective members.
Please be assured that you do not have to be a Jewish scholar
to be a mentor. As with the Ambassador program, you will be
integrating people into your current activities. Please contact me
(contact info below) for more information.
Almost 50 members/families have completed the Chavurah
Survey, from which six or seven new Chavurot (plural for
Chavurah, or friendship circles) are being formed. Dawn Marlette,
Chavurah Coordinator, has done a tremendous job of creating
groups with similar interests and time availability. She and Alicia
Klein will conduct a training event in early January, after which
Chavurot will begin to meet. It’s not too late to join one. Pick
up a survey at synagogue (near the office or on the Information
table upstairs in the breezeway attached to a bright green
flyer that says “Top 7 Reasons to Join a Chavurah!”) or visit
www.bethelberkeley.org to take the survey online.
The Committee will also be reaching out to historically
underrepresented groups - interfaith and interracial families,
LGBTQ individuals/families, and others. Congregation Beth El
wholeheartedly welcomes its many members who fall into one
or more of these groups – but feedback suggests that we need
to address their specific needs and interests and communicate
our welcome more directly. We’ll announce trainings and other
efforts/programs in the E-update and/or future Builder issues. If
you’re interested in a Chavurah geared toward members of one
of these groups or have ideas for programming you might like
to see, please e-mail me or call me or another member of the
Membership Committee (see below).
Our New Member Ambassador program is also up and running,
thanks to the efforts of Lynne Fingerman and Barbara Segal. There’s never been a better time to recommend Congregation
Ambassadors help new members become integrated into Beth El to a friend who may be on the fence about joining a
congregational life by sharing Shabbat dinners, introducing them synagogue. We’ve got Ambassadors, mentors, a great clergy and
to other members and/or attending activities at Beth El together. staff, and a wonderful congregational family. No one is turned
Lynne is looking for volunteer Ambassadors of all kinds; families (continue on page 9)
with young children or empty nesters who can
introduce younger families to their local children and
grandchildren are in particular demand. This is not
an overly time-consuming job since would be inviting
your new member to join you in your current activities
Returning Members, persuememories@gmail.com
and practices either at home or at the synagogue. Sue Austin
Empty Nesters
This kind of welcome goes a long way in helping our
LGBTQ
alibernstein@gmail.com
new members off to a great start. Please e-mail Lynne Alison Bernstein
at lfingerman@comcast.net if you are interested in Marc Derewetzky Religious School,
MJD@mhdplaw.com
becoming an Ambassador.
Interfaith
Membership Committee 5770
The Membership Committee is looking at a
multi-pronged recruitment campaign to increase
membership. For example, we are exploring future
work with East Bay outreach organizations that
direct unaffiliated Jews and people looking to convert
to Judaism to congregations like Beth El. One such
organization is Jewish Gateways (“JGate”) created by
Rabbi Bridget Wynne who also teaches in our Chug
Mishpacha (Saturday Family Education Program).
These groups work with a large number of people
interested in exploring conversion, and we are starting
a Conversion Mentoring Program so that we can
welcome them as members. Mentors will supplement
the Rabbi’s formal teaching by introducing people to
Jewish rituals, culture, and practices (I’ll be teaching
Jewish Guilt 101!) and answering questions they
have. Rabbi Kahn started a mentoring program in San
Francisco 20 years ago and it’s still going strong. Staff
from URJ (the Union of Reform Judaism) will conduct
a two-hour training on Sunday, February 7th, 2010 at
Beth El (to be finished before the Super Bowl starts!).
Lynne Fingerman
New Members,
Adoptive Parents,
Empty Nesters
lfingerman@comcast.net
Molly Gales
Shabbat celebrations, mgales@mindspring.com
Religious School
Josh Hesslein
Interfaith,
Marketing and
Communications
Alicia Klein
Interfaith, Pre-School aliciafk@sbcglobal.net
Dawn Marlette
Chavurah,
Jews-by-Choice
dawnmarlette@yahoo.com
Jim Offel
Camp Kee Tov,
Marketing and
Communications
jim.offel@gmail.com
Barbara Segal
New Members,
Pre-School
2segals@comcast.net
Ellen Singer-Vine
Program
Implementation
ellenlouisesinger@gmail.com
Nancy Turak
Young Adults
nturak@comcast.net
jhesslein@gmail.com
member corner
7
B’NAI MITZVAH
The congregation is cordially invited to
attend as our son, Jeffrey Orenstein is
called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on
Saturday, January 2, 2010, at 10:15am.
Kiddush will follow.
Joseph Orenstein & Ronnie Spitzer
The congregation is cordially invited
to attend as our son, Bowen Johnson
is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah
on Saturday, February 13, 2010, at
10:15am. Kiddush will follow.
Brian Johnson & Julie Gordon
The congregation is cordially invited to
attend as our daughter, Leah Madden is
called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on
Saturday, January 9, 2010, at 10:15am.
Kiddush will follow.
John & Sheri Madden
The congregation is cordially invited to
attend as our son, Lucas Drummond
is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah
on Saturday, February 20, 2010, at
10:15am. Kiddush will follow.
Scott & Julie Drummond
The congregation is cordially invited
to attend as our daughter, Sofia Peltz
is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah
on Saturday, January 23, 2010, at
10:15am. Kiddush will follow.
Michael Peltz & Maggie Heredia-Peltz
The congregation is cordially invited
to attend as our son, Micah Flamm is
called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah
on Saturday, February 27, 2010, at
10:15am. Kiddush will follow.
Richard & Linda Flamm
The congregation is cordially invited
to attend as our son, Skylar Powell is
called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on
Saturday, January 30, 2010,
at 10:15am. Kiddush will follow.
Kevin Powell & Melanie Goldfeld
WELCOME TO OUR
NEW MEMBERS:
Aaron & Julia Frank
The congregation is cordially invited
to attend as our son, Sam Lombardi is
called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on
Saturday, February 6, 2010, at 10:15am.
Kiddush will follow.
Dante & Jennifer Lombardi
Eran & Dana Schitzer
Heidi & Andy Ross
Assaf Zemach & Vicki Plaks
8
ruach brigade
Opportunities for
Involvement
Are you looking for ways to get involved at Beth El? There are
so many ways to help the congregation and, at the same time,
build your connection to our community. Here are just a few of
our current needs:
- Could you be a Welcome Ambassador to a new member family?
The Membership Committee is seeking to pair new member
families with a family who can help introduce them to Beth El.
We particularly need families with kids in Religious School and
Nursery School.
- Do you have retail experience? Got time when you could be
at Beth El? Odette and Robinn need occasional help in the Gift
Shop.
- Like to cook? Our Pantry Chug gets together to fill Beth El’s
freezer with tasty treats for onegs and special events. Want to
join us?
- Get the word out! Do you have public relations or marketing
experience? We need your help to promote programs and
events.
Mitzvah Committee
Did you know that Beth El has an
active Mitzvah Committee?
Our Mitzvah Committee currently
prepares meals for people who are
sick or bereaved. We send cards,
make phone calls and reach out to
the people in our community that
can use some extra loving care.
There is always room for more
helpers to spread the Mitzvah, so
please contact Lauren Ganes:
lganes@pacbell.net / (510) 525-2244
- Are you good with “house work” (e.g., electrical, carpentry,
painting, sound)? Or a gardener? We’re looking for energetic
folks to help keep up the house.
- Mitzvah volunteer: Can you shop, deliver a meal, help with
one-time errands etc for congregants who are ill or bereaved?
These are some of the many ways that you can help Beth El
- and become more connected to the congregation. If you’d
like more information about any of these opportunities, or are
interested in something different, please contact Debbie Leon at
ruach@bethelberkeley.org.
L’hitraot!
Debbie Leon
Ruach Brigade Chair
Phyllis Zisman,
Laurie Juengert
& Laura Rice-Hall
Invite you to celebrate
As they are called to the Torah as
B’not Mitzvah
Parshat Vayera
January 16, 2010 - 1 Shevat 5770
10:15 am
The entire congregation is invited.
youth groups
9
youth group news!
Membership (continuted from page 6)
way due to financial considerations. Please have anyone you
think might be interested in talking about membership, taking a
tour, or meeting the Rabbi or Religious/Nursery School Directors
contact me. I promise they’ll receive a warm welcome and we’ll
do our best to meet their needs.
The Membership Committee is comprised of the people listed
below. The areas in which they’re most involved are noted so
that you can e-mail them with your ideas. If you’d like to join
the Committee, let me know!
L’shalom, and all the best for a healthy and happy 2010!
Nancy Turak
Membership VP
membership@bethelberkeley.org
510-527-4733
Transgender
Inclusion and the
Jewish Community
Thursday January 21, 7:00 pm
As part of our work to make our synagogue and
community a welcoming and inclusive community for
all, we are pleased to present an educational evening
about transgender people and Judaism. “Transgender”
or “trans” is a broad term that encompasses anyone who
doesn’t identify with the gender that they were assigned
at birth. Our program will include short presentations by
a transgender woman and man, Jaimie Wolfe and
Ali Cannon, and Susan Wehrle, mother of a transgender
person. Rabbi Yoel Kahn will discuss Jewish sources and
teachings; the evening will be facilitated by Beth El
member Judy Appel, Executive Director of Our
Family Coalition.
At Beth El, we strive to put into practice the Jewish
teaching that each person is created and reflective of
the image of God. Many of us have questions and/or
make assumptions about transgender people or we may
feel uncertain about how to treat a person if we are not
sure about their gender. Join us for an open, respectful
and informative evening.
A light dinner will be available for $5.00 before the
program. Please pre-order so that we can buy enough
burritos by contacting Charlie Radin at 510-848-3988 x225
or emailing charlie@bethelberkeley.org.
The program is free and open to the community.
Congregation Beth El’s youth groups are more exciting and active
than ever! We’ve been to Camp Newman, had a fantastically
successful tzedakah bake sale, celebrated Thanksgiving &
Chanukah together, and even watched the Cal Bears beat the
Iowa State Cyclones at Haas Pavillion!
We are looking forward to an amazing 2010. Ruach, our group
for fourth and fifth graders, will start out the year with a Tu
B’shvat Quest in Beth El’s neighborhood. We will be going to Live
Oak Park, and planting at Congregation Beth El. We are looking
for parent volunteers to help with this event January 30, from
11:00 am to 1:00 pm!
Sababa, our sixth to eighth grade youth group is going on a ski/
snowboard/sno-tube trip to Boreal Mountain Resort in Truckee,
CA on February 7th! We will leave Beth El at 7:00 am and return
at approximately 8:00 pm. RSVP to rebecca@bethelberkeley.
org to come on this exciting trip. Costs vary depending on age,
equipment and lesson needs. We need parent volunteers to drive
and/or help supervise this event. If you are able to help, please
contact Rebecca.
BEY – Beth El Youth –our ninth to twelfth grade youth group has
West Coast Party up at Camp Newman January 15th-18th. This
event brings together Jewish teens from all over the west coast
for a peer-led weekend of fun, friendships and learning. Visit:
http://newman.urjcamps.org/yearround/retreats/west_coast_
party/ to sign up. Scholarships are available for this event! Please
contact Rebecca for more information. BEY’s leadership team
continues to grow. We want to welcome our new Membership
Vice-President Lauren Hoffman. Together Milo, Noah & Lauren
are planning lots of fun activities for the upcoming year. Contact
them with ideas, and be ready to receive your invitations on
Facebook & in your inbox!
As always to get involved with the youth groups or to receive
our e-newsletters, please contact our advisor, Rebecca DePalma
at Congregation Beth El. Join your youth group by visiting
http://www.bethelberkeley.org/youthgroups, and filling out and
returning this form to the youth group office. We look forward to
seeing you at one of our future events!
Rebecca DePalma
Youth Group Advisor
Youth Group Calendar
January 15-18
BEY - West Coast Party @ Camp Newman
January 30
Ruach Tu B’shvat Quest, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
February 7
Sababa Ski Trip, 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
February 27
Sababa Purim Costume Ball Tzedakah Dance-a-thon
10
library
New Books in the Library
Donations to the Aaron Plishner and Rabbi Vida Funds make it
possible to get books for the children’s and adult libraries. Here
are some new books:
Rashi, by Elie Wiesel, a descendant of Rashi, is a short book telling
of the life and circumstances of one of our greatest scholars, and
of his magnificent commentaries on Bible and Talmud. Written
by one of our own great contemporaries, it is a splendid little
book.
The Controversy of Zion, by Geoffrey Wheatcroft, sub-titled
“Jewish Nationalism, the Jewish State, and the Unresolved
Jewish Dilemma,” won the National Jewish Book Award. This
book tells the history of Zionism from 1840 to 1995, of how a
proposed answer has raised many questions.
From the Lower East Side to Hollywood: Jews in American
Popular Culture, by Paul Buhle, investigates the extraordinary
influence of Jews upon the culture of this country, concentrating
upon the people, from Sholem Aleichem to Woody Allen, in all
areas of popular arts.
Stardust Lost: The Triumph, Tragedy, and Mishugas of the
Yiddish Theater in America, by Stefan Kanfer, richly chronicles
the meteoric rise and precipitous fall of Yiddish theater, and its
lasting mark upon American stage, film, and culture in general.
In The Jewish Body, noted anthropologist (and author of
Unsettled: An Anthropology of the Jews) Melvin Konner examines
our views of our bodies, and other’s views, over our history,
considering, inter alia, circumcision, nose jobs, menstruation and
Jewish genes. Many common Yiddish words are about bodies.
“Shiksa,” for example.
The Modern Men’s Torah Commentary, edited by Rabbi Jeffrey
Salkin, presents reflections on 54 Torah portions, by that
number of men, including Rabbis Norman Cohen, Elliot Dorff,
Arthur Green and Harold Kushner. The book is praised by David
Hartman, David Ellenson, Harold Schulweis, and Daniel Boyarin.
The book is in the Torah Study section.
Also in the Torah Study section is The Pentateuch, by Joseph
Blenkinsopp. This is the best historical-critical introduction to
the five books of Torah currently available, part of the Anchor
Bible Reference Library.
Subversive Sequels in the Bible: How Biblical Stories Mine and
Undermine Each Other is by Judy Klitsher, a disciple of the great
Nehama Leibowitz, and a close colleague of Aviva Zornberg.
Here she pairs biblical stories to reveal previously unexcavated
layers of meaning. Examples: Eve and Sarah; Noah and Jonah;
the Tower of Babel and the midwives of Israel.
Also in the Torah Study section is Torah Queeries, ed. by Drinkwater,
Lesser and Schneer, a collection of weekly commentaries on the
Bible, bringing together all gender identities in one book. The
star contributors include Elliot Dorff, Judith Plaskow, Yoel Kahn,
David Ellenson, Jane Litman, Charlotte Fonrobert, and over 50
others.
Scott Spear
Library Chair
Congregation Beth El
Shabbat Retreat
May 21 - 23, 2010 at Walker Creek Ranch in Petaluma
The Weekend Package is All Inclusive:
- 2 Nights Lodging - 6 Healthy Kosher-Style Vegetarian Meals - Innovative Outdoor Services - Singing with Eric Schoen- Art-Nature Programs - Kids & Teens Program - Special farm animal and garden visit for younger kids - Ropes Course for pre-teens/tweens - Workshops - Hiking - Campfires with S’mores - Adult team trivia contest - Study Opportunities with Rabbi Kahn - Bicycles encouraged Watch for further details in the e-update shortly!
Sign up soon at www.bethelberkeley.org.
gift shop
11
From the Gift Shop
COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS...
We wrapped up another successful Chanukah Bazaar thanks to the numerous volunteers who gave their time
generously. Thanks to all the folks who answered a cheerful “Yes” when Odette called to twist your arm. (And
thanks to Odette for leading the arm-twisting and orchestration of this event!) We’d like to thank everyone starting
with our latke mavens who were led by chief-maven Marc Davis: Joel Blumenfeld, Arthur Swisloski, Paul Antonides,
Laurie Juengert, Merle Fajans, Ron Blachman, Alex Bergtraun with sons Asher and Ruben and friend Adam. Nancy
Turak completed the crew running errands and working on the menu. Thanks also to Lisa Cain for her now-famous
delectable fritatta, enjoyed by all.
Thank you to the indefatigable shleppers who trudged up and down from the shop to the social hall where another
group was setting up: Susan Carter, Paul Sugarman, Wendy and Coleman Lukas, Barbara Segal, Marilyn Schneck,
and Ron Blachman. Our social hall looked spectacular thanks to the creative displays led by Robinn aided by Judy
(Reimann) Vered, Emily Marthinsen, Gabbie Blachman, Cara Schiff and Shelley Halperin.
Several nimble-fingered cashiers took turns on Sunday: Bob Goldstein, Anna Mantel, Barbara Blachman, Betty Seaton,
and Stan Schiffman. Keeping track of finances were Andy and Adam Ganes. Additional volunteers helping customers
during the sale were Susan Seeley, Lisa Johnson, Sara Kupor, Shelley Halperin and Barbara Segal. Scott Spear did a
smashing business selling surplus library books.
Our latke cafe was ably managed by Ruth Spear with the assistance of Miriam Schiffman, Sue Austin, Laurie Juengert,
Robin Wenrick and Adele Amodeo. Completing the crew, Jerry Weintraub was the cafe’s cashier during the entire
bazaar. The latkes were so delicious that we ran out at the end, our apologies! More next year.
Our clean-up crew was lightning fast and thorough. It included Angela Botelho, Shelley Zell, Leyna Bernstein, Lori
Perlstadt, Caroline and Hannah Lehman, Shelley Halperin and Barbara Segal. A special word about Barbara Segal
who has faithfully tended the shop all year, her loyalty and cheerfulness are much appreciated. Other volunteers who
we could not have done without include Merle Fajans, Lisa Johnson and Barbara Blachman. Wendy Lukas has taken
charge of paying our invoices and making our deposits for the last few years and can always be counted on. Denise
Lapidus helped with publicity. Thank you so much everyone!
The Beth El staff was supportive as ever, including the office staff and the hard-working custodians. Finally, I
want to thank our customers, members and friends, who support us during the year. Since all profits revert to
the congregation, we appreciate your help in this effort. We count on you to keep the Gift Shop the worthwhile
fundraiser that it now is! Thanks for thinking of us first!
Odette Blachman and Robinn Magid
oblachman@sbcglobal.net
Conversational Yiddish
Wednesdays, January 13 and 27 at 7:00 pm
Easy conversation and topical themes, Yiddish music and
culture - as decided by the participants. No knowledge of
Yiddish is required. Newcomers welcome.
If you are interested in attending, please email Evie Groch
at egroch@comcast.net or call 510-235-9771.
12
tzedakah
Tzedakah
ADULTEDUCATION FUND
Nancy & Peter Bickel in loving memory of Madeleine Korb
ARJMAND MEMORIAL FUND
Towfig Arjmand in honor of the birth of Gemma Pakzad,
grandchild of Fara & Jaleh Pakzad
CAMP KEE TOV FUND
Alan Schnur & Julie Landres in honor of their son, Zach
Landres-Schnur being named Director of Camp Kee Tov
COMPLETE THE SANCTUARY FUND
John Hartog & Maggie Hand
Barbara Gordon and Peter Kane in memory of
Sam V. Gordon
Elizabeth Fishel & Bob Houghteling in memory of
Edith Rubin Fishel
Steven & Shelley Simrin in memory of Barry Shapiro
GARDEN LANDSCAPING FUND
Revan & Elsa Tranter in memory of his mother
Esther Tranter
Revan & Elsa Tranter in memory of his father
Gerald Tranter
GENERAL FUND
Anneliese Armstrong
Jahangir & Vadjiheh Yadegar
Monty Garretson
David Zeff in memory of Chester M. Zeff
Helga Tannenbaum in memory of Margo Maier
Helga Tannenbaum in memory of Irving Berger
Jacob Pearlstein in memory of Jacques Suhami
Jahandar & Nilou Yadegar in honor of Rachel Pirnazar
James & Marcia Emery in memory of Naomi Rose
and Wendell Emery
Marion Trentman-Morelli in memory of Melva Klayman
Marv Pearlstein in memory of Jacques Suhami
Odette Blachman in memory of Geoffrey Golner
Odette Blachman in memory of Sami Hassid
Peter & Shohreh Terman in memory of Rachel Pirnazar
Stanley Slaven in memory of Rachel Pirnazar
In memoriam:
We announce with sadness the death of
Sami Hassid z”l, Beth El member and former
President of the Board of Directors on December 17.
We extend our condolences to the family.
May his memory be for blessing.
HOMELESS MEAL PROGRAM
Thom & Betty Seaton
Barbara Fierer & Bob Brandfon in memory of Osna Fierer
Clif Erickson & Ellie Goldstein-Erickson in honor of
Joe Zicherman & Ginny Roemer
George Lavender & Claire Ungar in honor of
Ruth Spear & Adele Amodeo
Steve & Caroline Lehman in honor of their daughter
Hannah being called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah
Steve & Caroline Lehman in appreciation of
Rabbi Yoel Kahn, Reuben Zellman and Bon Singer
MUSIC FUND
Bruce & Susan Carter in appreciation of Reuben Zellman
ONEG/KIDDISH FUND
Karen & Joel Zeldin
Steven Joseph & Corey Hansen-Joseph in memory of
Sol Joseph
RABBI YOEL KAHN’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
Fred Rosenbaum
John Hartog & Maggie Hand
Natalie Baird
The Pirnazar Daughters -- Jaleh, Nasrine, Nilou & Noushin
The Backman-Pollack Family in memory of Barry Shapiro
The Backman-Pollack Family in memory of
Edward Backman
Batya Kalis in memory of Melva Byer Klayman
Harold Lindenthal in memory of Seymour Fromer
Marcel & Margrit Schurman in memory of Mina Turkavka
Mark Aaronson & Margorie Gelb in appreciation of
Rabbi Kahn
Michael & Claudia Berger in memory of Irving Berger
Nancy & Peter Bickel in loving memory of Madeleine Korb
Revan & Elsa Tranter in honor of Jane & Neil Levy’s
40th wedding anniversary
Steve & Caroline Lehman in honor of their daughter
Hannah being called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah
Thom & Betty Seaton in memory of Irving Berger
RABBI EMERITUS’ DISCRETIONARY FUND
Clif Erickson & Ellie Goldstein-Erickson in honor of
Rabbi Ferenc Raj
RABBI VIDA LIBRARY FUND
Nancy & Peter Bickel in loving memory of Madeleine Korb
annual campaign
13
Congregation Beth El Annual Campaign 5770
“Strengthen Our Community”
We want to gratefully acknowledge our members who have generously contributed to our annual appeal. So far, we have received
$190,000 in donations. On behalf of our congregational leadership, we want to thank each of you for your participation in and
support for Beth El - for your involvement, for your ideas and energy, and for your commitment to the future of our synagogue.
Our entire community appreciates your ongoing generosity.
Our goal for the current fiscal year is $300,000. This year’s campaign had three goals.
1. To enable us to fully fund all of our programs.
2. To ensure that members in financial need can continue to be part of our community.
3. To complete Phase II of our “Finish the Sanctuary” goals, including the purchase of new chairs for the sanctuary and other important improvements.
We have completed the 3rd goal and will this spring be able to purchase new chairs for our sanctuary. The fiscal year runs
through June 30, 2010 so there is still plenty of time for you to add your contribution to the many donations we have received so
far. Join us in the mitzvah of tzedakah through your financial contribution and enable us to meet our goals.
Adele Amodeo
Jerry Weintraub
Natalie Baird
Alan & Heidi Shonkoff
Joan Sarnat & David Hoffman
Neil & Jane Levy
Alexander & Izabella Zheleznyak
Joel & Karen Zeldin
Neil Gozan & Gale Antokal
Alfred & Anita Cotton
Joel & Rochelle Blumenfeld
Nila & Gregory Rosen
Amy Katzen & Melody Chan
Joelle Steefel
Norm Schneider & Cecile Isaacs
Ariella Jessel & Emily Geagan
John Hartog & Margaret Hand
Patricia Kates & Henry Brady
Ayelet Waldman & Michael Chabon
Judith Bank
Patrick Kennedy & Julie Matlof-Kennedy
Barbara & Steven Segal
Julia McNeal
Paul Steckel & Mo Morris
Barry & Erica Goode
Katherine Haynes Sanstad & Alan
Phyllis Zisman
Betty Kalis
Sanstad
Polina Eidelman
Beverly & Richard Eigner
Katherine Weinstein
Rebecca & Andy Dale
Brian Parker & Leyna Bernstein
Kathryn Frank & James Blume
Redge & Carole Martin
Bruce & Susan Carter
Leslie Reckler
Rhonda Sarnoff & Clifford Ball
Bruce Linton
Lisa & Matthew Friedman
Richard & Christine Aptaker
Clarke & Maria Daniels
Lloyd Morgan
Richard & Liz Bordow
Dan & Robinn Magid
Mark & Tinsley Cohen
Robert & Elizabeth Sharf
David & Gail Offen-Brown
Marsha Rivkind Raleigh
Robert & Marion Trentman-Morelli
David Lewis & Julia Levin
Martin & Jill Dodd
Robert Epstein & Amy Roth
Debbie & Jeff Leon
Matthew & Sharon Sloan
Robert Lieber & Cheryl Taubenfeld
Debbie Weil Taylor & David Taylor
Mayer & Linda Riff
Ruth & Scott Spear
Debra & Oren Massey
Merle & Michael Fajans
Ruth Schoenbach & Lynn Eden
Edward Vine & Ellen Singer-Vine
Michael & Barbara Liepman
Sharon Caplow Todd
Elizabeth Liner
Michael & Pamela Crane
Stanley & Miriam Schiffman
Ethel Ratner
Michael & Ruth Botchan
Stanley Klein
Harry & Marilyn Margulius
Mick Austin
Steven Joseph & Corey Hansen-Joseph
Isaiah Roter & Trina Ostrander
Mike Harrar & Noushin Pirnazar
Susan Amdur
Jahangir & Vadjiheh Yadegar
Nancy Gordon & Ken Kirsch
Tamara Lerner & Richard Topel
James & Marcia Emery
Nancy Lewin-Offel & Jim Offel
William Falik & Diana Cohen
Jeff & Renee Cohen
Nancy Turak & Marc Davis
14
join us for our celebration!
Purim
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH
Purim Family Celebration: 4:30 pm
(for ages 2 - 6)
Dinner: 5:30 pm
Havdalah: 6:15 pm
Megillah Reading: 6:30 pm
Hamantaschen Intermission: 7:15 pm
Purim Shpiel: 7:30 - 8:30 pm
(see below for more information)
Save the Date
A Western Purim
Yee hah! This year we’re havin’ a rootin’ tootin’ Wild West Purim Shpiel.
There will be tough hombres, dancin’ girls, toe tappin’ music, cheap whiskey
and a town at the mercy of owlhoots, varmints, and all around nogoodnicks.
Who will save the day?
Join us at Western Persia’s famous saloon, the Shushan Star, to hear the real story.
Auditions for actors and call for volunteers in January.
No one will be turned away (but you all can’t be Esther).
Watch for more details in the e-update.
15
Join in a “Regifting”
Experiment with the
Ritual Committee
January seems the perfect time to contemplate closets and
winter supplies, and so I thought I’d write a quick article that’s
actually about recycling although “regifting” seems a better term
for items used for ritual purposes!
For several years now, Beth El has upgraded the community
kippot (a “yarmulke” by any other name) by accepting donations
of kippot left over from simchas (like bnei mitzvahs) and from
congregants who have accumulated too many for their drawers
to close. When I discover these donations in the kippah box, I
sort out the white ones to save them for the High Holy Days,
the black ones for shiva minyons, and the colorful ones for
other times, saving the boldest and the brightest for Shabbat
Unplugged. It’s amazing how fast even the purple and pink
ones disappear, so if you have too many kippot in your house, no
matter what the color, please consider dropping them off in the
kippot box that is built into the tallit rack in the gallery at Beth
El. Picking a pretty colored kippah really seems to make a little
girl or boy happy.
Recently, I discovered a modest supply of tin Purim greggors
in my own house which leads me to wonder if the rest of the
congregation is housing these much loved greggors too. I am
putting a “Greggor Return Box” on the brochure table in the
gallery and will be interested in learning how many greggors
might be “regifted” back to us between now and Purim if I
mention it here and there in our community. Think of it as a
little experiment and bring one or two back with you the next
time you come to Beth El!
If you have an idea of other small things like this that the
Ritual Committee might be able to assemble by asking the
congregation to “donate back” these things, please write me at:
RobinnM@aol.com. And if you are about to order kippot for your
next simcha, please think of making a donation of maybe 10 or
20 of them to us. It’s so much fun to read the inscriptions and
remember the happy times in our community! And it saves us
from having to buy those old cheap ones!
Robinn Magid
Ritual Committee Chair
Thank You!
Thank you to the Men’s Club members
who joined us Friday, December 11 at the
Shabbat Unplugged & Latke Extravaganza
and for making this event so successful.
Not only were they able to serve
latkes to over two hundred people
(a much larger turnout than expected),
but they stayed to attend the dinner and
then restored the kitchen to its pristine state.
It was a wonderful reminder of how skilled
and dedicated our members are.
Thanks to:
Joe Schlessinger
Stu Berman
Bob Brandfon
Bruce Carter
Arthur Goldman
Bob Goldstein
Neil Gozan
Jacob Harari
Lloyd Morgan
Stan Schiffman
Steve Segal
Bob Walker
For expert services performed with grace.
16
social action
One Degree of Separation–
a Beth El Story of Social Action
A few years ago, I was able through Beth El to learn of a terrific
organization in our community, YEAH! YEAH! stands for Youth
Engagement Advocacy and Housing! and is a shelter serving
homeless youth aged 18-25 that is located on University Avenue
near MLK Way here in Berkeley. Founded on a shoestring in
2002, YEAH! has over time grown into a vibrant organization
that serves a significant proportion of the homeless youth in
Berkeley.
Beth El has been involved with supporting YEAH! for years and
has helped make it the institution it is in a whole host of ways.
The Social Action Committee led previously by Maxim Schrogin
and now by Wilma Rader work with YEAH! Two years ago, the
Social Action Committee undertook a ‘Sukkot in April’ at YEAH!
by remodeling YEAH!s kitchen. Harry Margulius and Maxim
Schrogin are both on the YEAH! Board. And, Barbara Fierer
and Bob Brandfon, amongst other congregants, are long-time
volunteers at the shelter – they work to help serve dinner to the
up to 30 youth as they gather for the evening during the winter
and spring months, and truly become part of the community at
YEAH! This deep Beth El connection to YEAH! has taken time to
build and I really admire it.
Ever hear about one degree of separation? I saw how my friends
at Beth El who up until then I had mostly (and quite happily)
studied Torah with were involved in such a good organization.
Over time I too became personally involved in supporting YEAH!,
and this year I also took the step to create another connection
in the community between YEAH! and my firm, North Berkeley
Investment Partners. This year, YEAH! and my firm decided
to become community partners much in the way YEAH! and
Beth El have already partnered. My firm was able to introduce
YEAH!s Executive Director, Sharon Hawkins Leyden, to many of
our clients at an annual client dinner, where she shared YEAH!s
mission, vision, goals, and accomplishments. We also organized,
similar to Beth El’s spring day, two afternoons of workgroups in
the fall which were led by North Berkeley staff and clients to help
get the shelter ready for the youth when it opened in November.
We found useful items to donate to the shelter. We have been
able to offer some measure of financial support to YEAH! as well,
and are glad we have had the opportunity to not only support
YEAH! but to broaden YEAH!’s visibility and connections in the
community.
For those of you who own local businesses, it’s a great way to
go. I encourage everyone to consider building yet more links
between our synagogue, the local businesses we are involved
with, and those most in need in our community. We are all, in
some very fundamental ways, only one degree separated from
each other.
Sue Reinhold
Social Action Member
Sue Reinhold, Ph.D. is a Beth El congregant and a founder and Principal of
North Berkeley Investment Partners. YEAH! is at 1744 University Avenue.
For more information on YEAH! please visit: http://yeah-berkeley.org/
MEN’S CLUB
Dinner and Discussion
with Noah Alper
Monday, January 11, 2010 • 7:15 pm
Noah Alper, Berkeley businessman and founder
of Noah’s Bagels, will talk to the Men’s Club on
Monday, January 11 about his new book:
Business Mensch: Timeless Wisdom for
Today’s Entrepreneur
Noah, an orthodox Jew and serial entrepreneur,
has founded two successful food enterprises
and worked extensively on the restoration of
Congregation Beth Israel in Berkeley. Everyone is
invited. The event includes dinner and a talk.
$15 for dinner. To RSVP, please contact
Joe Schlessinger at 510-524-7253
Want to change the world?
The OpEd Project invites you to participate in an
innovative program to expand public debate in our
nation’s key print and online forums.
Sunday, January 31, 2010 • 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Downtown San Francisco
Hosted by the ACLU (39 Drumm Street)
The OpEd Project is an initiative to expand public
debate, with an immediate emphasis on enlarging
the pool of women experts who are accessing (and
accessible to) our nation’s key print and online forums.
Since women currently do not submit op-eds with
anywhere near the frequency that men do, we target
and train women experts in all fields to write for the
op-ed pages of major print and online forums of
public discourse. Our mission is to bring about a sea
change in our national conversation, which is currently
overwhelmingly dominated (85%) by men.
Seminar cost: $300.00 early registration (10 days prior to
seminar) and $395.00 regular registration.
For more information, please contact Beth El Member
Alison Brantley at alison@theopedproject.org
or visit www.theopedproject.org
ritual committee
17
THE SECOND SEMESTER
The first semester at Midrasha really flew by,
especially because so many of the holidays
were on Sundays, and now it’s time to start
fresh with a new semester. The highlights of
the fall were: our annual student/parent study
brunch and silent auction, a special 8th grade
program on disabilities awareness, a special
9th grade family program presented by Shalom Bayit on healthy
relationships. There were three separate retreats for students
in different grades, plus one day trip. There was a program
for 11th and 12th graders and their parents on putting their
Jewish values into the college process and information sessions
on two different Israel trips (Lets Go Israel in the summer for
10th graders and Shalhevet, for 11th and 12th graders in spring,
which includes a large pre-trip educational component and a
week in Poland as well as one in Israel.) Oh yes, and besides all
that we had GREAT weekly classes.
So, what’s new on the horizon for second semester? First thing
to know is that a lot of students enter Midrasha in the second
semester so just because you or your teen or your friend’s teen
wasn’t here in the fall, it’s never too late to enroll now. Phone
the Midrasha office 843-4667 or e-mail diane@midrasha.org with
your questions.
All grades have two (or for 8th graders – one) retreats yet to
come. Eighth grade families can look forward to the January
31 workshop in parent – teen communication put on by Jewish
Family Service. The entire community (YOU INCLUDED) will be
in for a treat on March 7th when Beit T’Shuvah from Los Angeles
brings their production of “Freedom Song,” an original musical
which juxtaposes personal stories of internal conflict with the
story of Passover. The performance will be at 10:30 I’ll send
you more details in next month’s column but if you would like to
learn more about the program, go to http://www.beittshuvahla.
org/programs-freedom.php
The new classes for the semester sound fabulous: “BioMedical Ethics,” “Diary of Anne Frank” (with newly found film
footage of Anne), “Meditation with Clay,” “Not Just Bagel
Eaters: Jews Around the World,” “Lenses into the Holocaust.”
“Talmud,” “Israeli Dance,” “Jews and Muslims,” “Jews in the
News,” “Food and Justice for All,” “Animating Jewish Folk Tales,”
“Confirmation,” “Power, Prejudice and Privilege,” And “Jews and
the Civil Rights Movement, Then and Now” are just some of the
classes being offered. Every time I type a list like this, I wish I
were 16 again.
Diane Bernbaum
Director
TORAH STUDY
Meets Shabbat Morning (Saturday)
in the Beit Midrash at 9:15am
January 2, 2010
Parashat Vayechi - Genesis 47:28 - 50:26
Led by Alan Statman
January 9, 2010
Parashat Shemot - Exodus 1:1 - 6:1
Led by Rabbi Yoel Kahn
January 16, 2010
Parashat Vaera - Exodus 6:2 - 9:35
Led by Dan Magid
January 23, 2010
Parashat Bo - Exodus 10:1 - 13:16
Led by Sue Reinhold
January 30, 2010
Parashat Beshalach - Exodus 13:17 - 17:16
Led by Stu Berman
February 6, 2010
Parashat Yitro - Exodus 18:1 - 20:23
Led by Stu Berman
February 13, 2010
Parashat Mishpatim - Exodus 21:1 - 24:18
Led by Norm Frankel
February 20, 2010
Parashat Terumah - Exodus 25:1 - 27:19
Led by Barry Levine
February 27, 2010
Parashat Tetzaveh - Exodus 27:20 - 30:10
Led by Rabbi James Brandt
A School. A Home. A Promise.
18
At Oakland Hebrew
Day School our focus
is on the needs of the
whole child, fostering a
love of learning and a
strong sense of Jewish
identity.
Preschool Family
Sukkah Celebration
Wednesday, October 7th
4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Kindergarten
Kindergarten
Information
Night
Information Night
Tuesday, December 8th
Thursday,
January
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. 7th
7:00
- 9:00 p.m.
Kindergarten
Information Night
Thursday, January 7th
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
5500 Redwood Road, Oakland CA
(510) 531-8600 • www.ohds.org
FULL SERVICE…
THE WHOLE
-EGILLAH
FOR
4%
COMMISSION TO
SELL YOUR HOME!
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Broker Hal Feiger
“To Many a Cemetery is a Business. . .
To Us, It’s a Mitzvah”
Tel Shalom Burial Association, Inc.
Honoring and Respecting the Deceased
Since 1967
“Kevod Ha-Meit” - Honoring the Deceased
Sharon Mittleman • 510-245-7401
Richard Aptaker • 510-236-4857
Fran Welstand • 510-758-2873
Serving Berkeley, Albany, Oakland & All of the East Bay Since 1986
realtyadvocates.com • 510 428-0757
19
CAMP KEE TOV
REGISTRATION
IS GOING ON NOW!
VISIT WWW.CAMPKEETOV.ORG
AND REGISTER TODAY!
Camp Kee Tov continues its tradition of over 40 years of excellence
in day-camping with a special ruach (Kee Tov spirit) all its own.
Our programming and traditions have inspired thousands of campers
from a diverse cross-section of our community, welcoming a wide
variety of cultural backgrounds, families and faiths. We look forward
to seeing you at one (or both!) of the following 2010 sessions:
Summer 2010 dates:
Session 1: June 28 – July 23
Session 2: August 2 – August 27
Food, Conservation
and Ecology
Exploration Camp:
Camp I: August 2 – August 13
Camp II: August 16 – August 27
ch?
ot
ou g
y
e
Hav
a
t ru
tha
You
bet!
20
I
t is a Jewish tradition to give Tzedakah to commemorate life cycle events and other occasions. Are you celebrating
a birthday, engagement, anniversary, baby naming, Bat/Bar Mitzvah or a recovery from illness? These are just a
few ideas of appropriate times to commemorate with a donation to Beth El. 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 at Congregation Beth El. Thank you for your support.
CONGREGATION BETH EL Fund Contributions
This contribution of $_________ is □ in Memory of* □ in Honor of*
*
Please credit the fund checked below:
Contribution
Acknowledge
From:
To:
Address Address
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
General Fund - Use Where Most Needed
Aaron Plishner Children Library
Adult Education Fund
Arjmand Memorial Fund
Blachman Emergency Fund
Building Fund
Camp Kee Tov Scholarships
Chevra Kadisha
David Cotton Memorial Swig Fund
Ellen Meyer Childcare Fund
Endowment Fund
Freed Flower Fund
Homeless Meal Program
Humanitarian Aid Fund
Israel Scholarship Fund
Landscape Fund
□ Marian Magid Memorial Fund
□ Men’s Club
□ Mitzvah Committee
□ Music Fund
□ Nursery School Fund
□ Oneg/Kiddush Fund
□ Outreach Fund
□ Prayerbook Fund
□ Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
□ Rabbi Emeritus’ Discretionary Fund
□ Rabbi Vida Library Fund
□ Religious School Fund
□ Ruth Fischer Trustees Discretionary Fund
□ Social Action Fund
□ YOZMA Fund – Israel Sister Congregation
□ _________________________________________
Thank you for your generosity. Please make checks payable to Congregation Beth El
and mail to 1301 Oxford Street, Berkeley, CA 94709
The Builder is now electronic!
Members will be able to view and download their Builder from the
e-update and website. Print copies will be available for pick up at
Beth El or upon request. To request your copy of the Builder
be mailed to you, please complete the form below and mail to:
Congregation Beth El - Builder Mail Request
1301 Oxford Street - Berkeley, CA 94709
You may also respond by emailing builder@bethelberkeley.org
with “Please send my Builder by mail” in the Subject line or
calling the Beth El main office at 510.848.3988.
YES! I/We would like to continue to receive the
Builder in the mail.
Name:
Address:
_________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
City, State, Zip: __________________________________________________
calendar
21
January 2010/ Tevet - Shevat 5770
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
1
2
NS Nursery School
Offices & Schools
Closed
9:15a Torah Study
RS Religious School
8:00p Shabbat
Evening Service
NEW YEARS DAY
3
4
9:30a Baby
Playgroup
5
RS CLOSED
6
RS CLOSED
3:00p RS Camp
7
RS CLOSED
3:00p RS Camp
7:00p Board Meeting
8
6:00p Shabbat
Unplugged Dinner
6:15p Shabbat
Evening Service
6:45p Shabbat
Unplugged Service
10
11
9:30a Baby
Playgroup
12
13
7:00p Lehrhaus/Beg.
Modern Hebrew
7:30p Nursery
School Information
Night
7:00p Nursery
School Committee
7:30p Ritual
Committee
5:00p RS Parent/
Child Hebrew
14
12:00p Chai Group
Luncheon
15
6:15p Shabbat
Evening Service
17
5:00p Homeless
Meal
18
19
Offices & Schools
Closed
7:00p Lehrhaus/Beg.
Modern Hebrew
MARTIN LUTHER
KING JR. DAY
6:30p Program
Council Meeting
9:30a Baby
Playgroup
20
5:00p RS Parent/
Child Hebrew
21
6:00p Transgender
Panel Dinner
22
6:15p Shabbat
Evening Service
7:00p Transgender
Panel
31
9
8:30a Early Minyan
9:15a Torah Study
10:15a Shabbat
Morning Service
Bat Mitzvah Leah Madden
16
RS CLOSED
8:30a Early Minyan
23
8:30a Early Minyan
9:15a Torah Study
10:15a Shabbat
Morning Service
Bat Mitzvah Sofia Peltz
26
27
8:25p Lehrhaus/Int.
Modern Hebrew
7:00p Chorus
Potluck & Meeting
7:00p Lehrhaus/Beg.
Modern Hebrew
Bar Mitzvah Jeffrey Orenstein
6:00p GALA
8:25p Lehrhaus/Int.
Modern Hebrew
25
10:15a Shabbat
Morning Service
10:15a Shabbat
Morning Service Adult B’not Mitzvah
8:00p Religious
School Committee
24
8:30a Early Minyan
9:15a Torah Study
8:25p Lehrhaus/Int.
Modern Hebrew
Saturday
5:00p RS Parent/
Child Hebrew
28
29
30
6:15p Shabbat
Evening Service
9:15a Torah Study
NS CLOSED
8:30a Early Minyan
9:15a Tu B’shevat
Celebration
(see page 5)
10:15a Shabbat
Morning Service
Bar Mitzvah Skylar Powell
22
directory
Congregation Beth El
1301 Oxford St • Berkeley, CA 94709-1424
Main Phone Number (510) 848-3988 *** Fax (510) 848-2707
Religious School Office Direct Line (510) 848-2122
Nursery School Office Direct Line (510) 848-9428
Camp Kee Tov Office Direct Line (510) 848-2372
Midrasha Direct Line (510) 843-4667
Clergy & Staff
Ext. Rabbi Yoel H. Kahn 215 rabbikahn@bethelberkeley.org
Norm Frankel, Executive Director
212
norm@bethelberkeley.org
Debra Sagan Massey, Director of Education
213
848-2122
debra@bethelberkeley.org
Barbara Kanter, Nursery School Director 219 848-9428 barbara@bethelberkeley.org
Zach Landres-Schnur, Camp Kee Tov Director
217
848-2372
zach@bethelberkeley.org
Suzanne Alexander, Accounting 210 Diane Bernbaum, Midrasha Director Direct Line 843-4667 Email Address
suzanne@bethelberkeley.org
diane@midrasha.org
Odette Blachman, Gift Shop 240 oblachman@sbcglobal.net
Rebecca DePalma, RS Admin. Coordinator 214 rebecca@bethelberkeley.org
Lenora O’Keith, Main Office
211 lenora@bethelberkeley.org
Charlie Radin, Admin. Coordinator
225
charlie@bethelberkeley.org
Rabbi Ferenc Raj, Rabbi Emeritus ferenc@bethelberkeley.org
Bon Singer, Cantorial Soloist
216
bon@bethelberkeley.org
Reuben Zellman, Rabbinic Intern
228
reuben@bethelberkeley.org
848-2122 Advertise in the Builder!
Email builder@bethelberkeley.org
for more infomation.
The Builder
Issue No. 119
Congregation Beth El is a member of
The Union for Reform Judaism
1301 Oxford Street, Berkeley CA 94709-1424
510-848-3988
www.bethelberkeley.org
calendar
23
February 2010/ Shevat - Adar 5770
Sunday
Monday
1
NS Nursery School
9:30a Baby
Playgroup
RS Religious School
7
9:00a Conversion
Traning
Tuesday
2
7:00p Board Meeting
7:00p Lehrhaus/Beg.
Modern Hebrew
8:25p Lehrhaus/Int.
Modern Hebrew
8
9:30a Baby
Playgroup
9
7:00p Nursery
School Committee
7:30p Ritual
Committee
Wednesday
3
7:00p Chorus
Rehearsal
Thursday
4
7:00p NS Parent
Workshop
10
NS CLOSED
7:00p Chorus
Rehearsal
Friday
5
5:30p NS Potluck
Dinner
6:15p NS Shabbat
8:00p Shabbat
Evening Service
11
12:00p Chai Group
Luncheon
12
6:00p Shabbat
Unplugged Dinner
6:15p Shabbat
Evening Service
6:45p Shabbat
Unplugged Service
14
15
16
17
Offices & Schools
Closed
6:30p Program
Council
7:00p Chorus
Rehearsal
PRESIDENT’S DAY
RS CLOSED
RS CLOSED
18
RS CLOSED
19
6:15p Shabbat
Evening Service
9:30a Baby
Playgroup
23
7:00p Lehrhaus/Beg.
Modern Hebrew
8:25p Lehrhaus/Int.
Modern Hebrew
9:15a Torah Study
10:15a Shabbat
Morning Service
Bar Mitzvah Sam Lombardi
13
8:30a Early Minyan
9:15a Torah Study
10:15a Shabbat
Morning Service
Bar Mitzvah Bowen Johnson
20
RS CLOSED
8:30a Early Minyan
Bar Mitzvah Lucas Drumond
8:25p Lehrhaus/Int.
Modern Hebrew
22
8:30a Early Minyan
10:15a Shabbat
Morning Service
8:00p Religious
School Committee
5:00p Homeless
Meal
6
9:15a Torah Study
7:00p Lehrhaus/Beg.
Modern Hebrew
21
Saturday
24
7:00p Chorus
Rehearsal
25
26
6:15p Shabbat
Evening Service
27
8:30a Early Minyan
9:15a Torah Study
10:15a Shabbat
Morning Service
Bar Mitzvah Micah Flamm
PURIM ACTIVITES
(see page 14)
28
PURIM
congregation beth el
1301 Oxford Street
Berkeley, CA 94709-1424
A N O T-T O - B E - M I S S E D D A Z Z L I N G N I G H T ! • R S V P T O D AY !
Y OUTH
BETH EL
PROGRAM BENEFI T
NURSERY SCHOOL CAMP KEE TOV
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL YOUTH GROUPS
6th Annual Beth El Gala
some
encHAnted
evening
— SOME ENCHANTED EVENING —
SATURDAY, JANUARY 16
6:30-10 PM
BISTRO DINING & cocktAils
LIVE MUSIC FROM THE ISLANDS
DANCING • LIVE & SILENT AUCTIONS
Friends and family welcome • Adults only event
— F E ST I V E AT T I R E —
Please purchase your tickets before Wednesday, January 6.
— ADMISSION PER PERSON —
BETH EL GALA 2 0 10
A BENEFIT FOR THE BETH EL YOUTH PROGRAMS
WITH
SOUNDS
FROM
THE
ISLANDS
Tropical, $60 • Sea Breeze, $125
Paradise, $ 500 • Enchanted, $1000
Teacher Sponsor, additional $60
ORDER ONLINE AT
WWW.BETHELGALA.COM
No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
v o l u n t e e r f o r t h e g a l a • w w w. b e t h e l g a l a . c o m