December2011
2016
December
Kislev
/
Tevet
5777
Kislev / Tevet 5772
Be Vocal, Be Visible, Be Vehement
My friends, it seems we are entering a new era. I am in no way delusional to think that the hatred and bigotry we are seeing is newfounded. But I am acutely aware, as we all are, that it has bubbled
to the surface post-election and has already reached boiling point. It
was just last year that I was celebrating the legalization of gay marriage, and now homophobia seems to be on the lips of many who
will be leading and advising the new administration. Anti-Semitism
in the United States seems more real than ever, and xenophobic attitudes toward immigrants and our Muslim brothers and sisters are
running rampant. Embarrassingly, we continue to see misogynistic
comments and attitudes pervade our culture.
I, for one, have gone through a great number of emotions, as I’m
sure many of you have as well. I’ve felt the rush of fear – fear that
our civil liberties and rights may be threatened. I’ve wallowed in
confusion – wonderment that the rhetoric I’m hearing from those
elected to represent me has nothing to do with the democracy I’ve
always believed our country to be. And anger – a combination of
helplessness and frustration.
Through it all though, I have to believe that we can rise above
it. And we should not feel lost because, as Jews, we know how to
overcome adversity. Our history has taught us what it means to
be a stranger, and the Torah reminds us no fewer than 36 times
to welcome and befriend the stranger because we know what it
means to be in their shoes.Those who threaten to compromise our
rights need to know that, as Jews, we are a people of hope, and we
are a people of strength. We have been charged to be “a light to
the nations.” We may be small, but we are mighty. David overcame
Goliath, the Maccabees fought great forces for the name of religious freedom, and we too will overcome. This is a time for unity. I
encourage each of us to take on the charge with what I’m calling
the “Three V’s”: Be vocal, be visible, and be vehement.
Be Vocal
If you hear about things that challenge your sense of what is right
as a Jew, speak up! If you hear about things that are happening
in the community or in your children’s schools, let your voice be
heard. Facebook and Twitter are not the only or best place to air
your grievances. Items on social media simply bounce around in an
echo chamber. It’s important to inform police, local legislators, and
your synagogue when you know of or hear about injustices.
From April 30 to May 2, I will travel to
Washington, DC to attend Consultation
on Conscience, the Religious Action
Center of Reform Judaism’s biennial
social justice leadership conference, culminating with an afternoon of advocacy
on Capitol Hill. I would love to have a
delegation from Temple Isaiah accompany me to grow as social justice leaders,
for network and community building,
and to engage in active dialogue that
leads to advocacy. Will you join me?
Cantor Leigh Korn
www.rac.org/consultation-conscience-2017
Finally, part of being vocal is being curious. Ask questions
when things don’t sound quite right. Ask lots of questions if
you have areas in which you are uninformed or out of touch.
Listen to what others have to say and encourage them to
hear your side as well. The process of learning and healing is
infinite, and through civil discourse, I pray we can all grow.
Be Visible
Go the extra step, and after you’re done talking the talk, walk
the walk.
• On December 12, we will hold a Neighbor to Neighbor
event, “Healing Wounds, Building Trust, Making Change.” Come
and learn how we can strengthen our partnerships with our
Christian and Muslim neighbors.
• We are still looking for more volunteers to help us with
our refugee resettlement program. Contact Jamie Gracer at
[email protected]. for more information.
• On January 22, we will host Dr. Yehuda Kurtzer and
Amanda Quraishi presenting the Mimi Epstein Memorial
Lecture on “Jews and Muslims in America: Debate and Dialogue
in an Age of Fear.”
These are just a few examples of upcoming programs you can
engage in; there are many others available within and outside
Temple Isaiah. The important thing is to make your values visible.
Show your friends and neighbors, your children and the world that
you stand up against injustice and hatred and that you are willing
to put a face, your face, to the fight for justice and civil rights.
(Continued on page 2)
TEMPLE ISAIAH
945 Risa Road, Lafayette, CA 94549
Temple Isaiah’s mission is to embody, enhance, and
perpetuate our Jewish tradition by providing a
welcoming spiritual home where the membership
gathers to worship God, study Torah, engage in acts of
Tikun Olam, participate in Jewish rituals and life cycle
events, and experience the joy of being a part of a
caring community.
David Douglas
Jasmine Tarkoff
Alan Gennis
Dan Myers
Susan Rideout
Steven Zenker
Parliamentarian
Lisa Hirsch
Phone Ext
Rabbi
Judy Shanks 308
Associate Rabbi
Alissa Miller 308
Assistant Rabbi
Jay LeVine 308
Rabbi Emeritus
Roberto Graetz 308
Rabbi Emeritus Shelley Waldenberg 308
Cantor
Leigh Korn 308
Executive Director
Debbie Kirsch 301
Education Director
Rabbi Nicki Greninger 313
Early Childhood Education Director
Rachel Mylan 108
Youth Director
Ian Shore 311
Membership Jeni Markowitz Clancy 306
Facilities Rental Michaela Caughlan 303
Librarian
Melissa Gianotti 316
Clergy Secretary
Nina Jones 308
Education Asst.
Daniella Forney 315
Gan Ilan Asst.
Jenette Woskow 109
Comm. & Dev. Dir.
Jen Boxerman 310
Office Staff
Joanie Zecherle 300
Special Gifts
Sonia Das 304
Bookkeeper
Sherry Tsai 302
President
Executive Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Office Fax
Religious School Gan Ilan Preschool Gift Shop
(Cantor Korn continued from page 1)
Be Vehement
logue in our country from one of hate and
separation to one of love and unity.
Many congregants have expressed a desire
for a safe place to process what is happening
in the world. During the month of December,
each Friday night after services, a member of
the clergy team will stay in the sanctuary for
those who want to discuss their concerns
and anxieties, ask questions, and explore
ways to move forward together. Temple
Isaiah will continue to be a safe place for
our community to gather and support one
another and work toward our common mission of justice, love, compassion, and peace.
As we bid the Thanksgiving season goodbye, I continue to offer prayers of gratitude
for this community, a holy and safe sanctuary
of loving souls. I am grateful for our sacred
bond, our solidarity. I pray that we continue
to understand that living Jewishly and acting
Jewishly are irrevocably bound together. May
we be strong and strengthen one another.
Cantor Leigh Korn
The issues I’m discussing are universally
Jewish. It doesn’t matter whom you voted
for; if you are a Jew, by definition you oppose
social injustice. I want to be clear that this
is not about taking political sides; this is
about Jewish values. Whether it’s through
word or deed, do not settle for anything less
than perfect justice for all. We must not back
down when faced with obstacles. We must
bare our opinions and emotions passionately
and with strong conviction. As we pray in
the V’ahavta, “Speak of them when you are
at home and when you are away; when you
lie down and when you rise up.” I am hearing
and reading daily of hate crimes in our very
own community, in our schools. Our Muslim
friends are scared.White supremacy is taking
a prominent role in the administration of this
country. Let your message of love and justice
and unity be on your lips at all times. Let us
work with our neighbors to change the dia-
Second Friday Torah Service
Is it your birthday this month? Are you celebrating an
anniversary?
We want to celebrate your simcha with a special blessing. Join us for Shabbat every second Friday of the month
when we will include a Torah service and invite anyone
celebrating a birthday or an anniversary to bless the
Torah and receive blessings in return.
925-283-8575
925-283-8355
925-284-9191
925-284-8453
925-284-4933
Ruach Vol. 65, No. 05 December 2016
Editor
Judy Lipson
[email protected]
Photographer
Michael Fox
Production
Wes Carlson
2 Temple Isaiah Ruach, December 2016
JQuest
staff
dancing
on
Simchat
Torah.
Welcome New Members
October 19 – November 14, 2016
Michael Fox
Ruach is published monthly except in July by Temple
Isaiah. Ruach is breath, wind, or spirit. It also means
soul. May it be a breeze of fresh Jewish spirit arriving
at your home.
Deborah and Al Medvin
Walnut Creek
Leah and Mark Pike
Oakland
Jacob
for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org
NEWS AND INSPIRATION
Temple Isaiah’s DNA
I know I’ve been here over a year and I should be over the
mushy stuff by now, but time and time again I am amazed
at what a special place we have here at Temple Isaiah.
This is the season of the year when we tend to turn our
minds towards thoughts of gratitude and thanksgiving.
Since Your Jewish Neighborhood seems to do such a good
job of that all year round, I thought as the actual day of
Thanksgiving approached, it would seem anticlimactic.
Alas, I was wrong!
It is just astounding how this community manages to kick it
up another notch, to find an even higher gear. There seems to
be an extra feeling of closeness, support, and community built
into Temple Isaiah’s DNA. Almost without having to set it as an
agenda item, our clergy, leadership, and staff have made sure
that Temple Isaiah becomes and remains a place to heal after a
divisive election season. Being open to all, regardless of one’s
side, reminds us of what we value most. And we extend that
caring and support outwards as well, by opening our doors
and our hearts as a shelter during Winter Nights. Don’t miss out
on this gratifying opportunity.You can still sign up to volunteer
at www.temple-isaiah.org/wn.
Travel to Israel
with Rabbi Shanks
Do you want to be part of a unique pilgrimage to
Israel?
Do you want to be
inspired by the people,
places and history of our
Holy Land?
Do you want to jump-start
or deepen your own vision
of how to live a meaningful
Jewish life in our fast-paced,
ever-changing world?
Rabbi Shanks has created a congregational visit
to Israel that will link our
travel to learning on many
levels – historical, intellectual, personal, Mussar – and
explore Jewish spiritual paths across the centuries.
The dates for the trip are May 15 to 26 (including
travel days). The deadline to register and pay a $300
deposit is January 15. For details and itinerary,visit
www.temple-isaiah.org/israelwithrabbishanks. If you
have questions about the trip, please contact Rabbi
Shanks at 925-283-8575 or [email protected].
www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information
What else have we to be thankful for?
How about a retiring rabbi who was so
instrumental in our past, while also insisting
on helping insure our future? Rabbi Graetz’s
wish for us is to have our mortgage paid off,
and so the Fund for Our Jewish Future was
born. We are hoping during this season of
gratitude (and year-end tax deductions) to
secure the rest of the pledges we need to
meet this goal. If you haven’t participated
Debbie Kirsch
already, or would like to contribute again,
please consider making an end-of-the-year
gift to the Fund for Our Jewish Future at
www.temple-isaiah/donate.
In this season of gratitude, let me thank you for allowing me to
be part of your community!
Debbie Kirsch, Executive Director
Aimee Golant:
Art for Prayer and Peace
Join us on Sunday, January 8, at 4 p.m. in the oneg
room for a reception and trunk show of jewelry,
Judaica, and metal work by acclaimed metal artist
Aimee Golant. Aimee is generously donating 10%
of the afternoon’s sales to Temple Isaiah.
At 5 p.m., we’ll move to the Sanctuary, where
Aimee will discuss “Art for Prayer and Peace: A
Aimee Golant
Bridge to Oneness,” an interactive exhibit that she
is creating to express the shared links and commonality between
religions and cultures through art and ritual objects. Hailed by the
Dalai Lama as having the “potential for contributing to religious
harmony and peace,” the exhibit will present a collection of spiritual objects in a unified space to impart a deep sense of divinity
revealed. Some of the pieces from the collection will be on display.
Sponsored by the Stanley and Rebecca Harris Memorial Fund, Beth
and Robert Sterns, Bernice Harris, and Temple Isaiah. Free.
Comedy Night
“You’re Funny But You Don’t Look Jewish”
Saturday, December 10 in the Social Hall
7pm Doors Open 7:30pm Show
$36 tickets, plus raffle prizes and more
www.temple-isaiah.org/comedynight
Temple Isaiah Ruach, December 2016 3
COMMUNITY
Shalom Hartman Institute Scholars in
Dialogue
Please plan on joining us on Sunday, January 22, for this year’s
Mimi Epstein Memorial Lecture featuring scholars Yehuda Kurtzer
and Amanda Quraishi on “Jews and Muslims in America: Debate
and Dialogue in an Age of Fear.” There will be a reception in the
oneg room at 4 p.m. followed by the lecture in the Sanctuary at
4:30 p.m.
Dr.Yehuda Kurtzer is president of the Shalom
Hartman Institute of North America and a leading thinker and author on the meaning of Israel
to American Jews, the value of the Jewish past
to the Jewish present, and questions of leadership and change in American Jewish life.
Dr. Kurtzer leads the efforts of the Institute
Dr. Yehuda
Kurtzer
across the North American Jewish communal
landscape, and teaches widely in the Institute’s
many platforms for rabbis, lay leaders, Jewish professionals, and
leaders of other faith communities. He is the author of Shuva:
The Future of the Jewish Past, which offers new thinking to
contemporary Jews on navigating the tensions between history
and memory, and on how we can relate meaningfully to our past
without returning to it.
Amanda Quraishi is a digital media professional and diversity activist living in Austin,
Texas. She is the director of social media at
the Texas Association of School Boards and a
consultant at DarkMatter Digital Media, a marketing firm specializing in digital strategies for
small businesses and nonprofits and serves on
Amanda Quraishi
the board of several nonprofit organizations
that address issues affecting faith communities and diversity in civic life. Ms. Quraishi is an alumna of the
American Muslim Civic Leadership Institute at the University
of Southern California and is a fellow at the Shalom Hartman
Institute.
Fo r m o re i nfo r m at ion a bou t ou r s p eake r s, v i si t
www. t em pl e - i sai ah . org /ed ucation/s ch olar- le c tu res.
Family Caregiver Support Group
Are you caring for your aging parents? Are you taking care of
an ill spouse?
Being a family caregiver can be overwhelming, stressful, and
isolating.This group provides a warm and supportive atmosphere
in which to share experiences and hear stories of others in similar situations. Exchanging ideas, expressing feelings, and finding
common themes can be very helpful in navigating these often
difficult waters.
The group is co-sponsored by Temple Isaiah and Jewish Family
and Community Services of the East Bay and will be facilitated
by Anne Aronov, a geriatric care manager at JFCS East Bay. It will
meet on Sunday, January 22, February 12 and 26, and March 19
and 26, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at CCJDS. It’s free, but registration is
required. For more information contact Anne Aronov at 510-5587800, ext. 254 or [email protected].
Mazal Tov
To Susan and Bill Epstein on the birth of their grandson,
Leonardo Rutigliano Epstein, born October 11 to Heloisa and
David Epstein. Proud great-grandmother is Ruth Epstein.
To Steve Glazer on his re-election to the California State
Senate, representing the 7th District.
To Cara Hoxie and Hillary Weiner on their election to the
Orinda School Board.
To Betty Rothaus who was honored with a retrospective
exhibition and reception by the Rossmoor Art Association
at its Autumn Soiree. In addition to her private work, Betty
directs the art programs at the Reutlinger Community for
Jewish Living in Danville.
W.I.S.E Ones, our popular new social group for
seniors, will meet on Wednesday, December 14,
from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Adult Lounge
for a Chanukah party with Cantor Korn as our
special guest. Join us for festive fun with latkes,
sweets, singing, and sharing. Please bring your
own lunch. Questions? Contact Jan Trzesniewski
at [email protected] or Julie Bell at familybell@gmail.
com.
Next month’s program, on Wednesday, January 11, will feature
Jamie Gracer, chair of ViA Isaiah, who will fill us in on Temple
Isaiah’s many social action and advocacy projects.
4 Temple Isaiah Ruach, December 2016
Michael Fox
W.I.S.E Ones Chanukah Party
Students new to JQuest this year on the bima for a consecration
ceremony marking the beginning of their Jewish education.
for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org
COMMUNITY
Making Connections
Having recently returned from the Women of Reform Judaism
Pacific District convention in Las Vegas, we realize how important it is to communicate in so many ways and for so many
reasons. Connections and communications are what make us a
community.
Six of us from Women of Isaiah’s leadership team attended
the convention with about 200 other women. It was an opportunity for us as representatives of Temple Isaiah to connect with
this larger entity of Jewish women from the Pacific District and
beyond and participate in a weekend of nonstop activities.
We attended an amazing service at a synagogue in Henderson,
Nevada, filled with the energy of song and dance and the voices
and movement of children. Rabbi Joe Black led the service, and
our team truly connected with the other women as we sang and
danced together. We attended Torah study with Rabbi Black and
learned about the meanings of an ark.We also went to all kinds of
sessions about social action and social justice, about connecting
and programming, about awards and, most importantly, about the
Yizkor Elohim
Gloria Aaron, grandmother of Meredith Weiss Friedman, on
October 31.
Sydell Greenstone, mother of Paul Greenstone, on November 4.
Dorothy Rubsamen, mother of Reid Rubsamen, on October 31.
Lynn Wolff, past president of Temple Isaiah, on November 21.
Battle Oneg Teams Now Forming
Battle Oneg is a friendly, fun-filled competition in which a different team of temple members takes over the oneg after the 8
p.m. Shabbat service on January 13 and 27, February 10 and 24,
and March 10 and 24. Each team chooses a theme (the possibilities are endless), makes delicious treats, and presents them with
imagination and flair.
These special onegs will be scored on
taste, creativity and presentation. The
winning team will receive a special battle oneg prize and unlimited bragging
rights. Teams are encouraged to invite
family members, friends, and neighbors
to join us for Shabbat services and the oneg – and stuff the ballot
box in their favor.
Six teams (of up to 10 families each) can compete for the
title of Battle Oneg Champions. For more information and to
enter or join a team, contact Julie Bell at [email protected]
or 703-582-7487.
www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information
YES Fund, where we learned how our support strengthens Jewish learning worldwide – from sports and science camps for
girls to educating rabbinical students. And
guess what? We brought a lot of ideas back
with us.
You can make connections and learn
more about the YES Fund at our Kugel
Lunch on Sunday, December 4, from 12 to
2 p.m. in the Social Hall or by joining us to
assemble Chanukah bags for Shalom Bayit
on Monday, December 5, from 6 to 7 p.m.
in the Adult Lounge before our monthly
leadership team meeting. We’re also planning some great programs for the coming
months, so watch for more information.
We hope your Thanksgiving was full
of love with lots of time for connections.
Please always feel free to connect with us
so we can get to know you better. Call us
or our membership chairs, Lynn Epstein
and Terri Kravetz, and let us know how we
can be there for you.
Judy Carney and Tricia Zucker,
Women of Isaiah Co-Presidents
Judy Carney
Tricia Zucker
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like...
Chanukah!
Find everything for the holiday —
except the crowds —
at The Gift Shop at Temple Isaiah.
Come in today to find
the perfect gift for
everyone on your list.
Tuesday & Wednesday: 4 - 6pm
Thursday & Friday: 9 - 11am
Sunday: 9am - 1pm
Special holiday hours
Dec 19 - 23: 11am - 1 pm
Or by appointment
(925) 284-1404
Temple Isaiah Ruach, December 2016 5
COMMUNITY
Interfaith Women Help the Homeless
Neighbor to Neighbor:
Healing Wounds, Building Trust,
Making Change
In an effort to counteract the negativity of this campaign season, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim women from a Neighbor to
Neighbor interfaith women’s circle held a community donation
drive on November 6 at the Walnut Creek Islamic Center to benefit shelters in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.
The women asked members of the community to donate toiletries, small items of clothing, wipes, sanitary products, and small
flashlights. One hundred twenty volunteers came to the center
and assembled over 400 individual bags of donated items that are
being distributed to local shelters. This family event was open to
the public, and the response was overwhelming, energizing, and
full of love and connection.
The women who organized this event are part of Neighbor
to Neighbor, a partnership of Temple Isaiah, Lafayette Orinda
Presbyterian Church, and the San Ramon Islamic Center whose
role is to educate and encourage communication and understanding among all people. They meet monthly at their interfaith
women’s circle.
At their August meeting, after lamenting the increasing hatred
and negativity in the news, these women decided to do something positive. They agreed to each donate a purse and simple
items that homeless women would need – lotions, soaps, shampoos, nutrition bars, and inspirational notes – and assemble them
at their next meeting.
One woman notified her workplace colleagues, another posted
on NextDoor. At their next meeting, much to their astonishment,
the group assembled a roomful of donations, resulting in 98
purses filled with supplies. They donated the purses to two local
shelters, and one woman handed out 25 purses on her way to
work in Oakland.
The response was so inspiring that the women decided to
launch the larger community-wide event in November. The
Walnut Creek Islamic Center donated its space for assembling
the bags and offered an opportunity for volunteers to visit a
mosque. This project engaged many neighbors, members of the
participating faith communities, and two elementary schools.
This successful event is a wonderful example of our community partnerships through Neighbor to Neighbor. We hope that
more Temple Isaiah members will join with us in our mission to
promote understanding, respect, and appreciation of all religions
and cultures.
Terri Moss Bookbinder
6 Temple Isaiah Ruach, December 2016
Michael Fox
Beth and
Roger
Goldberg
and crew
celebrating
Simchat
Torah..
We cannot know what changes will come
about when our new president takes office
next month, but we do know how crucial it
will be to build strong ties across religious
boundaries, getting to know Muslims and
Christians in our neighborhoods and helping them get to know us. Jewish tradition
urges us to transform a culture of Us and Them into a unified Us
– we Americans whose faiths call us to cast out fear, bring hope
to those in need, work for justice, and treat one another with
patience, respect, and empathy.
Please join us as we at Temple Isaiah deepen and grow
Neighbor to Neighbor, our unique partnership with LafayetteOrinda Presbyterian Church and the San Ramon Valley Islamic
Center. We want more TI members to participate in our activities
throughout the year, monthly interfaith women’s circles, and
joint social justice programs, and especially to bring new ideas
and strength to the group.
On Monday, December 12, at 7 p.m. in the Oneg Room, we will
hold an information and brainstorming meeting for Temple Isaiah
members. If you are already involved with Neighbor to Neighbor,
please come to the meeting to share your experiences with TI
members who want to learn more about the program. Together,
we can truly make a difference. All are welcome!
To RSVP, visit www.temple-isaiah.org/get-involved/neighborto-neighbor. Questions? Please contact Rabbi Shanks at 925-2838575 or [email protected].
Heidi Benenson (right) and a friend from Neighbor to Neighbor
at the interfaith women’s donation drive in November.
for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org
Youth AND EDUCATION
Transmitting Our Values
Last month, I attended a symposium at the Hebrew Union
College-Jewish Institute of Religion that addressed the question
of what it means to be a religious liberal in an era of extremism
and fundamentalism and how we create a vigorous progressive
Jewish culture. We learned about the “problem of generations”
(a term coined by Karl Mannheim); namely, how does one generation transmit its cultural content – and especially its values
– to the next generation? It’s a recurring problem because each
generation wants to assure continuity but must also allow for
the change that keeps it interesting and compelling for the next
generation. HUC-JIR Professor David Aaron explained that this
is every generation’s problem, in every culture throughout history, and that it is not unique to Judaism, or Reform Judaism, or
American Jews. Moreover, the transmission of culture does not
happen naturally; it takes effort, and it requires creativity.
As the world changes and we are confronted with daunting
challenges, the imperative to transmit our culture and values is all
the more urgent. Dr. Aaron noted that we religious liberals – we
American Reform Jews – should be zealous for our values, including the values of openness, of critical thinking, of the necessity of
change and innovation as it intersects with tradition. In order to
transmit those values, however, we must use the best of what the
“field of cultural production” has to offer, whether it is food, fashion, technology, the arts, and so forth. A relentless commitment
to inventiveness is the only way to pass our progressive Judaism
to the next generation so that they will love being Jewish and
will be able to draw meaning and value from its texts, traditions,
and teachings.
We currently do this work in JQuest by offering a number of
tracks of learning for students in grades three to six. Kids can
choose to do their Jewish learning through music, art, nature,
and more, thus bringing a variety of options in the “field of cultural production” into the realm of Jewish learning. We also have
begun to incorporate Jewish yoga for third and fourth graders
(with thanks to Kendra Fried) and Jewish cooking for fifth and
sixth graders (with thanks to Karen Goldberg and Stephanie
Snyder).
In addition, I am excited about bringing more opportunities for
dance into our community, as dance can be an important way to
express emotions, values, and ideas. This month we will be join-
www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information
ing together as a Temple Isaiah community to do a flash mob at Broadway Plaza
in Walnut Creek. According to Wikipedia,
a flash mob is “a group of people who
assemble suddenly in a public place, perform an unusual and seemingly pointless
act for a brief time, then quickly disperse,
often for the purposes of entertainment,
satire, and artistic expression.” In our case,
we will be gathering together to perform
a short dance in celebration of Chanukah.
One of the central values of Chanukah
Rabbi Nicki
is the commandment “pirsum ha’nes,” to
Greninger
publicize the miracle. Traditionally this
commandment is fulfilled by placing one’s chanukiyah near a
window so that passersby will see it. This year we will also use
dance to spread the messages of Chanukah – the miracle of the
victory of the Maccabees, the miracle of the oil lasting eight days,
and, most of all, the value of religious freedom. Look for emails
with details, including a practice video, and be sure to join us on
Sunday, December 18, at 11 a.m. It’s time to bring the message of
religious freedom and valuing minority cultures into the public
sphere. Chag chanukah sameach!
Rabbi Nicki Greninger, Director of Education
Volunteer for Winter Nights Today
From December 18 to January 2, Temple Isaiah’s 13th Winter
Nights Shelter will combine the Torah’s first mitzvah – “Let there
be light!” – with the one it mentions most often — “Welcome the
stranger.”
If you’re one of our 400 plus volunteers, you are the “light” that
makes this tikkun olam tradition so special. We’re honored and
inspired by your generosity, empathy, and compassion for people
in need.
The “strangers” you’ll welcome are simply our neighbors —
up to ten local homeless families with children. Our social hall
and oneg area become their home for the holidays, when nights
are long and emotions run deep. You’ll provide delicious meals,
enriching activities, and much-needed cheer.
Please join us – today. All volunteers must register in advance.
Go to www.temple-isaiah.org/wn, where you’ll find a link to
our SignUpGenius form. Choose the dates and roles that work
for you. If you don’t see any, or aren’t sure, register as “Keep Me
Posted.” We’ll do that.
We also need Target and Walmart gift cards, gas cards, and BART
tickets in $5 or $10 denominations. Please deliver them to the
temple office. Or donate money to the Winter Nights Fund via
your online temple account.
Questions? Ideas? We’re here: [email protected].
And thank you!
Neal Modelevsky, Jojo Peterson, and Sarah Landes,
Winter Nights Co-Chairs
Temple Isaiah Ruach, December 2016 7
December 2016
Sunday
4
Monday
Tuesday
5
Kislev / Tevet 5777
Wednesday
1
Thursday
2
Friday
3
Saturday
8:30am Tefillah Thursday
10am Neshamah Yoga
12pm History of Yiddish
1:15pm TEXTorah Study
9:15am Ganeinu
5:45pm Shabbatarama
8:45am Torah Study
10:30am Mussar and
Meditation
10:30am Shabbat Service
10
6
7
8
9
JQuest and Adult Ed
12pm WOI Yes Fund
12pm Midrash Monday
Kugel Lunch
3pm Grief Support Group 7pm WOI Leadership
3pm P’tach Libeynu
Team Meeting
10am Neshamah Yoga
1pm JCL Tutor Training
4pm JQuest
6:45pm Noar Night
7pm Ravit Baer
10am Neshamah Yoga
9:15am Ganeinu
1pm Knitting and
Handiwork
1:15pm TEXTorah Study
9:15am Torah Study
9:30am Tot Shabbat
7pm Shabbat Service with 10:30am Shabbat Service
Film and Oneg
7:30pm Comedy Night
11
13
14
15
16
17
10am Neshamah Yoga
11:30am W.I.S.E. Ones
4pm JQuest
6:45pm Noar Night
9:15am Ganeinu
6pm Oneg
6:30pm Shabbat Service
with Mizmor Band
8:45am Torah Study
10:30am Shabbat Service
4pm JQuest
8:30am Tefillah Thursday
10am Neshamah Yoga
1:15pm TEXTorah Study
20
21
22
23
Winter Nights
10:30am Jewish Book
Group
7pm Damon Bruce
Winter Nights
8:30am Tefillah Thursday
Winter Nights
5pm Tot Shabbat Snack
5:30pm Tot Shabbat
Service and Dinner
8pm Shabbat Service and
Oneg
24
Winter Nights
12
JQuest and Adult Ed
11am WOI Kulanu
Chanukah Party
12pm Midrash Monday
18
19
Winter Nights
7pm Neighbor to
Neighbor
Winter Nights
12pm Midrash Monday
7pm Anshei Isaiah Board
Meeting
7pm Sacred Hebrew
Chant and Healing
4pm JQuest
7:15pm Board Meeting
Winter Nights
1st Night Chanukah
9:15am Torah Study
10:30am Shabbat Service
6pm Mu Shu & Movie
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Winter Nights
2nd Night Chanukah
Winter Nights
3rd Night Chanukah
Office closed
Winter Nights
4th Night Chanukah
Winter Nights
5th Night Chanukah
8:30am WOI Hike
Winter Nights
6th Night Chanukah
Winter Nights
7th Night Chanukah
6pm Oneg
6:30pm Chanukah
Shabbat Service
Winter Nights
8th Night Chanukah
9:15am Torah Study
10:30am Shabbat Service
Sports Talk and Beer Tasting
riences and anecdotes of the on-field, off-field, and business
issues in the sports world today. A Calicraft expert will be on
hand to guide our exploration and answer questions.The event is
Wednesday, December 21, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the Adult Lounge.
It’s $5 for Anshei members and $10 for nonmembers. RSVP at
www.temple-isaiah.org/ansheievents.
Anshei Isaiah presents an evening with sports radio talk show
host Damon Bruce and beer tasting with Walnut Creek’s Calicraft
Brewing. Fresh from “The Game,”
his afternoon show on 95.7 FM,
Damon Bruce will share his expe-
Save the Date!
AH
S.S. ISAI
April 29th, 2017
Shalo� Sea�
A Mediterranean Cruise THEMED GALA
8 Temple Isaiah Ruach, December 2016
•Delicious Tapas Dinner
•Casino Gaming with
Great Prizes
•Amazing Entertainment
•Video Horse Racing
Join us Sunday, December 18
11am at Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Choreographed for Temple Isaiah by FUNKMODE
for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org
YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE – SPECIAL GIFTS
Special Gifts October 1 – 31, 2016
Angel Network Fund
In appreciation of:
Angel Network, from Roy Kaplan and Janet
Saunders
Angel Network angels, from Pat and Pedro Reyes
Jill and David Douglas, from Fran Feinberg
Denise Glicklin, from Fran Feinberg
In honor of:
Bill Dorband’s special birthday, from Arlene and
Larry Kaufman
In memory of:
Eleanor Glaser, from Sanford and Martha Ann
Wishnev
For the recovery of:
Lynn Wolff, from Beverly Kivel
Cantor’s Music Fund
A donation from:
Ivor and Beryl Silver
In appreciation of:
The cantor and choir for the High Holy Day services,
from Dan and Faith Greenberg
Faith and Dan Greenberg, from Elaine Highiet,
Marge Sterns
Cantor Korn, from Roxanne and Jonathan Gray
In honor of:
Jason and Morrie’s b’nai mitzvah, from Roxanne
and Jonathan Gray
For the recovery of:
Judy Berg, from Beverly Kivel
Ardeth Dreshfield, from Elaine Highiet, Beverly Kivel
Arthur Korn, from Elaine Highiet
For the yahrzeit of:
William Ansel, from Greta and Jerry Frantz
Harold Langert, from Steven Weinzimmer and
Karen Maas
Millie Levene, from Steven Weinzimmer and Karen
Maas
William Rolnick, from Leah Rolnick-Brunstein
Tudy Routman, from Lois Green
Cantor Ted Cotler Library Fund
For the yahrzeit of:
Anne Black, from Cindy Silver
Carlene Berman Flowers Fund
For the yahrzeit of:
Dorothy Davis, from Judith Cohen
www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information
Charles Emold Fund
For the yahrzeit of:
Milton Frantz, from Greta and Jerry Frantz
Daniel Baron Feed the Hungry Fund
In honor of:
Joani deVries, from Werner Gottlieb
Ruth Harris, from Werner Gottlieb
For the yahrzeit of:
Herbert (Bobby) Baron, from Allen and Anna
Baron
Jack York, from Trudi York Gardner
Education and Youth Fund
In honor of:
Benjamin Chinn’s bar mitzvah, from Steven
Weinzimmer and Karen Maas
Isla and Jude Roth’s special birthday, from Alana,
Andrew, Shane and Sloan Kleinberger
Max Shapiro’s special birthday, from Alana,
Andrew, Shane and Sloan Kleinberger
For the yahrzeit of:
Mina Granierer Lackner, from Martin and Anna
Lackner
Fund for Our Jewish Future
Jacob M. Tarkoff Gan Ilan Fund
In honor of:
Bill Dorband’s special birthday, from Karen and
Mitchell Tarkoff
In memory of:
Marvin Epstein, from Karen and Mitchell Tarkoff
Prayer Book Fund
In honor of:
And in gratitude for reaching my 70th birthday,
from Fern Paula Nemenyi
Sam Goldeen Jr. for being a founder of Temple
Isaiah, from Jeanie Goldeen Conneran and
Michael, Ben and David Conneran
In memory of:
Marvin Epstein, from Marlene and Louis Epstein
and Family, Mindy and Richard Epstein
Mildred Hauer, from Elaine Highiet
Warren Sussman, from Sandy Sussman
Howard Weintraub, from his family
For the yahrzeit of:
Max Feldman, from Rose Michaels
P’tach Libeynu Fund
For the yahrzeit of:
Dorothy Davis, from Judith Cohen
Donations from:
Margery and Myron Bernstein, Lucy and Anthony
DiBianca, Rick and Mina Kravitz, Anna Marie Levy,
Leonard and Irene Osias, Catherine Sherman, Lindy
and Bruce Tuttle, Jonathan and Kiyo Weiss
In honor of:
Joani deVries, from Catherine Robinson-Walker
In memory of:
Yehuda Sherman, from Catherine Sherman
In memory of:
Hana Tkach, from Valerie and Mark Milner
General Fund
In appreciation of:
The clergy team, staff and volunteers for the
High Holy Day services, from Dan and Faith
Greenberg
In honor of:
Joani deVries, from Idelle Roth
In memory of:
Eleanor Glaser, from Fleurine Brown
Mildred Hauer, from Robbie Cohn and Family
For the yahrzeit of:
Herman Kaufman, from Arlene and Larry Kaufman
Vera Ratner, from Susan and Maury Stern
Project Hearth for the Homeless Fund
For the yahrzeit of:
Irving “Bud” Leiber, from Doris Leiber
Rabbi LeVine’s Discretionary Fund
In appreciation of:
Rabbi LeVine for his first High Holy Days with
Temple Isaiah, from Steve Weinzimmer and
Karen Maas
In honor of:
Rabbi LeVine as we welcome him to the Temple
Isaiah family, from Pat and Pedro Reyes
Rabbi LeVine’s installation, from Steve Ellis and
Ellen Bernstein-Ellis
Temple Isaiah Ruach, December 2016 9
YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE – SPECIAL GIFTS
Rabbi Shanks’s Discretionary Fund
Rabbi Shanks’s Discretionary Fund Cont’d
In appreciation of:
Rabbi Shanks, from Bill, Susan and Mac Caplan,
Ernie Glaser, Roxanne and Jonathan Gray,
Catherine Sherman
Rabbi Shanks for the honor of opening the ark
at Yom Kippur services, from Ellen Emold
In honor of:
Bill Dorband’s special birthday, from Ellen and
Jay Israel
Jason and Morrie’s b’nai mitzvah, from Roxanne
and Jonathan Gray
The birth of Lev Charlie Ryan, from Larry and
Nancy Crevin, the Rideout Family
In memory of:
Eleanor Glaser, from Ernie Glaser
Yehuda Sherman, from Catherine Sherman
Winter Nights Fund
For the recovery of:
Frances Singer, from Beverly Kivel
A donation from:
K. C. and A. J. Burgess
For the yahrzeit of:
Julius Cohen, from Barbara Knibbe
Dorothy Davis, from Judith Cohen
Fred Katzburg, from Lillian Katzburg
Charlotte Meyer, from Merle Manning
Gail Stolback, from Charlotte Stolback
In appreciation of:
Neal, Jojo and Sarah for their commitment to
Winter Nights, from Julie, Stephen, Sam and
Sydney Bell
ViA Isaiah Social Action Fund
For the yahrzeit of:
Marilyn Franklin, from Mindy and Robert Becker
and Family
Women of Isaiah Fund
In memory of:
Jeremiah Mahoney, from Sandy and Dave
Anderson
For the yahrzeit of:
Marjorie Teller Singer, from Sandy and Dave
Anderson
We Thank Our Generous L’dor Vador Circle
Platinum Pillar ($11,880+)
Celia and Leland Douglas
Linda and Dan Friedman
Fran Greenberg and Donald Chaiken
Bonnie and George Kennedy
Carol and Howard Melamed
Aliza and Peter Metzner
Melba Muscarolas and Steven Glazer
Beryl and Ivor Silver
Jasmine and Rob Tarkoff
Debby and Jeremy Weinstein
Melody Howe Weintraub
and Jerry Weintraub
Golden Guardian ($8,910+)
Linda and Mike Bandler
Sue Adler-Bressler and Dave Bressler
Jill and David Douglas
Jackie and Jeff Mann
Silver Supporter ($5,940+)
Shirley Allen
Shanti and Matt Ariker
Sue and Michael Clearfeld
Robbie Cohn
Lori and Mark Edelstone
Ellen Bernstein-Ellis and Stephen Ellis
Elaine Highiet
Sali and Paul Johnson
Penny Kermit
Judy and Maynard Lichterman
Judy and Steve Lipson
Karen Maas and Steven Weinzimmer
Meryl and Alfred Norek
Laura and Gregg Perloff
Meredith and Dan Rosenthal
10 Temple Isaiah Ruach, December 2016
Janet Saunders and Roy Kaplan
Carol and Mark Simons
Bronze Benefactor ($4,455+)
Lynn Abramson and Robert Berg
Carol and Dan Altwarg
Sandy and Dave Anderson
Julie and Stephen Bell
Elinor and Gordon Berke
Emily Blanck and Dan Weiss
Judy and Stephen Carney
Cindy and Robert Coleman
Wendy and Bill Dorband
Michele and Larry Downes
Kim and Mark Drucker
Linda Drucker and Larry Prozan
Susan and Bill Epstein
Amy Faltz and Tony Crea
Laurette and Alan Gennis
Lynn Gitomer and Daniel Weiner
Ernie Glaser
Sandy and Robert Goldberg
Julie and Jason Hammerman
Phyllis Harford and Steven Hallert
Cara and Timothy Hoxie
Melissa and Larry Jakubowitz
Cheryl and Eric Kohleriter
Karen and Stewart Kupetz
Sheryl and Ari Lauer
Terry and Irwin Lichtblau
Julie Magilen
Arlee Maier
Susana and Steve Maron
Sheila and David Matz
Susan and Willy Mautner
Dorotea Nathan
Susan and Jeffrey Rideout
Marion and Stanley Robboy
Dayle and Philip Ross
Bette and Stewart Schuster
Wendy and Richard Segol
Barbara and Kenneth Serwin
Frances Singer
Meredith and Jim Suffoletta
Karen and Mitch Tarkoff
Jennifer Willen and Steve Sutton
Marla and Thomas Williams
Mary Anne and Hugh Winig
Sandra and Steven Wolfe
Lise Wollenberg and Adam Zoger
Karen and Rob Wyle
Melanie and Jahan Yadegar
Marci and Ted Yura
Faith and Steve Zenker
Tricia and James Zucker
Total contributions were pledged
and received between June 1, 2016
and November 18, 2016.
For more information about our L’dor
Vador Circle, please visit our website at
www.temple-isaiah.org/donate
or contact Jen Boxerman, Director of
Communications and Development, at
[email protected] or (925) 283-8575.
for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org
SCOTT LASKY
PHOTOGRAPHY
Bar/Bat Mitzvahs - Weddings
(408)807-4770
www.laskyphoto.com
[email protected]
Multiple Past Winner of the J Weekly’s Photographer of the Year Award
Over 900 Mitzvahs Photographed and Counting.....Go for Experience
Welcome to Reutlinger
Experience Outstanding Senior Living
Assisted Living • Memory Care • Skilled Nursing
Short-Term Rehabilitation
Call 925-964-2062 today for a tour.
4000 Camino Tassajara, Danville, CA 94506
925-964-2062 www.rcjl.org License # 075600335
www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information
Temple Isaiah Ruach, December 2016 11
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE
Shabbat
Worship Services
Friday, December 2
5:45pm Shabbatarama Dinner
6:30pm Shabbatarama Family
Service and Oneg
Saturday, December 3
Paid
Lafayette, CA
94549
Permit No. 30
945 Risa Road
Lafayette, CA 94549
(925) 283-8575
Address Service Requested
8:45am Torah Study
10:30am Mussar and Meditation
Service
10:30am Shabbat Morning Service
Noah and Ari Bloch, B’nai Mitzvah
Gen. 25:19-28:9, Tol’dot
Friday, December 9
7:00pm Shabbat Service with Film
and Oneg
Ti m e ly i n fo r matio n EN C LOS ED: P lea se d eliv er b y De c em b er 1
Saturday, December 10
9:15am Torah Study
9:30am Tot Shabbat
10:30am Shabbat Morning Service
Gen. 28:10-32:3, Vayeitzei
Kulanu, Women of Isaiah and the Gift Shop are teaming up for a
Family Chanukah Party
Sunday, December 11
Friday, December 16
6:00pm Happy Half Hour Oneg
6:30pm Shabbat Service
Saturday, December 17
8:45am Torah Study
10:30am Shabbat Morning Service
Ariel Langman, Bat Mitzvah
Gen. 32:4-36:43, Vayishlach
Food, fun and fond memories! Kulanu and Women
of Isaiah invite families with young children to
join us for a Chanukah party starting at
11 a.m. in the Social Hall
JQuest families, please attend after
your scheduled class.
Preschool and non-JQuest families are welcome any time.
Cost is $5 per person.
Friday, December 23
5:00pm Tot Shabbat Snack
5:30pm Tot Shabbat Service
8:00pm Shabbat Service and Oneg
Saturday, December 24
9:15am Torah Study
10:30am Shabbat Morning Service
Gen. 37:1-40:23, Vayeishev
Friday, December 30
6:00pm Happy Half Hour Oneg
6:30pm Chanukah Shabbat Service
Saturday, December 31
9:15am Torah Study
10:30am Shabbat Morning Service
Gen. 41:1-44:17, Mikeitz
Please bring a new or gently used book
to donate to the Jewish Coalition for Literacy
RSVP to guarantee enough food at www.temple-isaiah.org/kulanuchanukah
Shabbat
Chanukah Service
Friday, December 30
6 p.m. Oneg
6:30 p.m. Service
Join us for a special Shabbat
service with Chanukah
celebration, and sing along.
Remember to bring your
chanukiyah to light!