August 2013

JValley news August 2013

community legacy project launched synagogue guide jewish film festival highlights new year volunteer opportunities new jewish theatre at apjcc Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley 14855 Oka Rd. Suite 200 Los Gatos, CA 95032 Change Service Requested

Published by the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley August 2013

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID SAN JOSE, CA PERMIT #553

JValley news JValley.news is published by the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley

JEWISH FEDERATION CEO: Jyl Jurman jyl@jvalley.org 408-357-7500

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Amanda Glincher amanda@jvalley.org 408-357-7503

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS: Pat Bergman Kay Gatell

ADVERTISING: Amanda Glincher amanda@jvalley.org 408-357-7503

SIMCHAS: Andrea Greyber agreyber@yahoo.com

BILLING: Jeri Jensen jeri@jvalley.org 408-357-7507

Published six times a year by the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley.

All articles must be submitted typed, double-spaced. We reserve the right to edit all copy. JValley.news is not responsible for the content of paid advertising.

Send copy to JValley.news, 14855 Oka Rd., Suite 200, Los Gatos, CA 95032. Fax: (408) 356-0733.

CANDLELIGHTING San Jose, CA

Friday, August 23............................7:31 p.m.

Friday, August 30............................7:21 p.m.

Wednesday, September 4 First Night Rosh Hashanah..............................7:13 p.m.

Thursday, September 5 Second Night Rosh Hashanah..............................8:09 p.m.

Friday, September 6........................7:10 p.m.

Friday, September 13 Yom Kippur Eve................................7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, September 18 First Night Sukkot...................................................6:52 p.m.

Thursday, September 19 Second Night Sukkot.................7:47 p.m.

Friday, September 20......................6:49 p.m.

Wednesday, September 25 Shemini Atzeret...............................6:41 p.m.

Thursday, September 26 Simchat Torah................................7:36 p.m.

Friday, September 27......................6:38 p.m.

Friday, October 4...........................6:28 p.m.

Friday, October 11.........................6:18 p.m.

Friday, October 18.........................6:08 p.m.

from the ceo New year brings fresh start The secular New Year on January 1 is well-known for the many promises of new beginnings that a new calendar year brings. Individuals take the opportunity to make resolutions and try to better their worlds over the following 12 months.

Unlike its secular counter-part, the Jewish New Year is all about introspection and examining our pasts so we can move forward with a clearer view. From apologizing for our wrong-doings to cleansing our bodies and minds with the Yom Kippur fast, we move ahead with a reignited spark.

Rosh Hashanah is an opportunity for us to not only grow as individuals, but also as a community. In reviewing this issue ofJValley.news, I was reminded yet again of what a strong, vibrant Jewish community we have. We have outstanding volunteers being honored throughout Silicon Valley, new professionals working in our community, clubs and programs launching, and what I find most inspiring, the infrastructure to create what is needed. To see our community’s legacy program moving forward at full speed; planning for the generations to come is especially exciting.

However you celebrate this Rosh Hashanah, I hope that you find the “spark” that will make this year a sweet one for you and yours.

L’shana tova, jyl jurman, Jewish Federation CEO

content

Local Highlights Media violence and it’s impact New Jewish theatre at APJCC APJCC offers free September classes And they walked...

Save the Date: tribute to Arnie Addison Knitzvah touches so many lives Jewish Film Festival kicks off 22nd season Joshua Toch is student leader Club J to open this Fall Alan Werba to be honored Klezmer and Comedy Hillel of SV welcomes Matthew(s) Sharone Hadassah’s “Healing Hands” event Center for Jewish Life and Learning growing New Year volunteer opportunities Community Legacy Project launches Alison Brunner named Law Foundation CEO Sinai announces new Nursery School director Beth David announces new “Jewel” program

In Every Issue 7 9 9 9 9 10 11 12 12 12 13 13 13 14 16 19 23 23 33

Community photos Recipe column Datebook Rabbi’s column

Obituaries Simchas Professional Directory

4 18 24 27 28 34 35

Shana Tova Specials Silicon Valley Synagogue Guide Take a dip in the Mikvah A Sweet S”tart” to your New Year Ask the Rabbi about forgiveness

17 18 18 20

Friday, October 25.........................5:59 p.m.

www.jvalley.org

2

SHANA TOVA! START THE NEW YEAR WITH THE SILICON VALLEY JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL OPENING NIGHT WITH CHAIM TOPOL

SATURDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 19, 2013 8 p.m. at the OFJCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA 94303 Chaim Topol, famous for his portrayal of Tevye the Milkman in the play and movie, “Fiddler on The Roof,” will be headlining Opening Night. A compilation of scenes from his movies will be offered, and the Israeli actor, a Golden Globe Award winner and Best Actor Oscar® nominee, will speak about his career and take questions from the audience. A catered dessert reception and the opportunity to meet Topol will follow.

I: K S N IR LAMO POME N A LM M FI O R A

HONORARY CHAIRS: Lisa and Douglas Goldman

Chaim Topol

SPONSOR:

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, Special Donor Event at the Netflix Corporate Theater, Los Gatos.

Netflix has generously offered to open its corporate theater for an opportunity to enjoy the classic Israeli film, “Sallah Shabati,” followed by an exclusive brunch and casual reception with Chaim Topol.

Open to donors at the $540 level and above. Call 408.899.6013 or email info@svjff.org for information.

TICKETS & INFORMATION www.svjff.org | 800-838-3006 BECOME A VOLUNTEER! info@svjff.org

W RE D N A

G ER SB N U A BR

O CTO B E R 1 9 N OVE MB E R 1 7, 201 3

KEHILLAH JEWISH HIGH SCHOOL Admission Open House Sundays 2-4:30 p.m.

October 27, 2013 December 15, 2013

RSVP to admissions@kehillah.org | 650.213.9600 x154 3900 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA 94303 | www.kehillah.org

Kehillah means community. Join us.

3

www.jvalley.org

TS EN ES PR

A

F

c mmunity photos

Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley’s inaugural Men’s Kickoff Event at K1 Speed was chaired by Joel Rubnitz. The event was held on July 21.

A Men’s Poker Evening is planned for Sunday, October 27 at 6 PM.

Shana Tova!

Yavneh Day School wishes your family a new year as sweet as honey. May it be filled with learning, laughter and happiness.

Why Your Child Should dent

www.yavnehdayschool.org www.jvalley.org

4

c mmunity photos

Rachel Sabes (second from right), honoree at Hadassah’s Women of Distinction, is a fourth generation Hadassah member.

Keren Hendel (center) participated in the 19th Maccabi Games in Israel representing the United States. She won the gold in the junior women’s division.

Silicon Valley was well-represented at the Games, including Joe Berg who made Aliyah one year ago with his wife Shirat and their three children was honored to be chosen as one of three umpires for high school age baseball at the 2013 Maccabia games. Joe represented Israel along with a Canadian and American umpire. Joe is the son of Janet and David Berg. He was a teacher at Yavneh Day School, Temple Emanu-El Religious School and Willow Glen a high School.

Rabbi Alexander installs new members for 2013-14 Jewish Federation board at the Federation’s Annual Meeting.

Congratulations to Beth David’s Class of 5773 on their Religious School graduation.

Beth David Religious School finished off the 5773 school year with an Israel Culture Fair – featuring the foods and traditions of 7 different cultures of Israel (Yemenite, Iraqi, Moroccan, Russian/Ashkenazi, Persian, Ethiopian, and Arab), and culminating with the JCC personal trainers demonstrating TRX on the JCC’s outdoor fitness 9th annual Zimriya/Rikuidya festival which featured structure. An indoor TRX class will be offered by the end of summer. songs and dances of the various cultures of Israel. www.jvalley.org 5

www.jvalley.org

6

Media violence and the impact on our children

By Aurianne and Adam Dorsay When a megastorm hits, a tree falls or a mass shooting happens, we glue ourselves to the television and our computers waiting for information. All too often the media is too fast on the trigger and reports misinformation that causes significant anxiety. Do we need to be party to this cycle? Can we, should we control our media to manage our information and also our stress levels?

Do we have an obligation not just to ourselves but also to our children to teach them how to use media wisely? It is one thing to make choices for ourselves that can stress us out, but it is another to include our children and grandchildren in our media choices.

According to several studies, watching violence on television is very detrimental. Past research estimates that about 90% of movies, 68% of video games, 60% of TV shows, and 15% of music videos include some depictions of violence. And, for children ages 0-7 who cannot distinguish between reality and fantasy, watching violent television programs and movies, playing violent video games or watching the news is indistinguishable. Children need adults to help them to not only differentiate between reality and make believe, but they also need guidance in working out non-violent solutions to problems. Parenting Editor Caroline Knorr of CommonSenseMedia.org makes the following suggestions to manage violence for children: Explain consequences. What parent hasn’t heard “but there’s no blood” as an excuse for watching a movie or playing a video game? Explain the true consequences of violence. Point out how unrealistic it is for people to get away with violent behavior and how damaging it is to both the victim and the perpetrator.

• Keep an eye on the clock. Don’t let kids spend too long with virtual violence. The more time spent immersed in violent content, the greater its impact and influence (the likelihood that the child may become desensitized to it.)

• Teach conflict resolution. Most kids know that hitting someone on the head isn’t the way to solve a disagreement, but verbal cruelty is also violent. Teach kids how to use their words responsibly to stand up for themselves without throwing a punch. Teach them phrases to use through role-play and provide a menu of alternative options to acting out physically, including walking away from the situation.

• Know your kids’ media. Check out ratings and, when there are none, find out about content. Content in a 1992 R-rated movie is now acceptable for a PG-13. Streaming online videos aren’t rated and can showcase very brutal stuff.

•

While the most important factor is for you to know your child through your observations and discussions, Knorr also offers additional guidelines for watching that may be helpful: • 2 to 4-year-old kids often see cartoon violence. But keep them away from anything that shows physical aggression as a means of conflict resolution, because they’ll imitate what they see.

• For 5 to 7-year-olds, cartoon rough-and-tumble, slapstick, and fantasy violence may be okay, but violence that could result in death or serious injury is too scary and could have adverse consequences.

• 8 to 10-year-olds may be able to handle action-hero sword

c mmentary

fighting or gunplay as long as there’s no gore.

• For 11 to 12-year-olds, historical action is okay, including battles, fantasy clashes, and duels. But close-ups of gore or graphic violence (alone or combined with sexual situations) aren’t recommended.

• Kids ages 13-17 can and will see shoot-’em-ups, blow’em-ups, high-tech violence, accidents with disfigurement or death, anger, and gang fighting. Point out that the violence portrayed hurts and causes suffering. And limit time exposure to violence, especially in video games.

• Most M-rated games aren’t right for kids under 17. The kid down the street may have the latest cop-killer game, but that doesn’t mean it’s good for him. The ultra-violent behavior, often combined with sexual images, isn’t good for developing brains. Just because your child’s friend is allowed to play violent games or watch violent movies doesn’t mean they’re okay for your child.

Regarding children and any kind of media, you might want to prescreen or be your own movie/TV critic and decide for your family what is appropriate. Consider having a television only in common areas so you can control when the television is on and to which channel. One TV in our house has been a battle, but it also promotes sharing and watching together. Granted, our family is very open; but even seemingly harmless shows and advertisements can lead to good teachable moments about what’s ethical, fair play and realistic in normal life. Yes, we all grew up with violent television, but it wasn’t to the extent it is now. Violence is everywhere and when we don’t get a break from the gory, dark images, it can lead to stress and anxiety.

You might also want to consider making a complete break from all media for a complete day once a week which could be called a media “Shabbat.” It can even coincide with Shabbat. We recently attended a family camp and unplugged our phones (and were without computer) for a week and wonders of wonders, nothing horrible happened. We each had colleagues who were acting as emergency points-of-contact during our absence. And while it was initially a bit anxiety-inducing to be without our beloved communication devices, it was a freeing experience.

No one needed us as urgently as we might have thought and the world continued spinning. During that time though, we experienced our time with a different appreciation and were present in each conversation and moment without the distraction of what might be or who could need us.

Some people in the local Jewish community are considering unplugging each week. On March 7-8, 2014, it will be National Day of Unplugging sponsored by the Sabbath Manifesto. The Sabbath Manifesto is a creative project designed to slow down lives in an increasingly hectic world. If you are inspired, you can take their pledge at NationalDayofUnplugging.com.

There is no doubt that there will continue to be violence in the world and that there will be an abundance of it in our media.

Just know that you can control when, where and who watches what — you do not have to be at the media’s mercy. You are the consumer and can dictate access into your life.

Aurianne Dorsay, Ph.D. and Adam Dorsay, Psy.D. are licensed psychologists in private practice in San Jose. Adam Dorsay: (408) 450-1800, Aurianne Dorsay: (408) 496-9800

www.jvalley.org

7

Stimulate Your Brain and Enrich Your Soul Open House with Bounce House Visit Shir Hadash and meet our clergy and members of the congregation. Learn about upcoming events and opportunities for socializing, study, and service, and tour our Religious School and our Early Childhood Center.

Sunday, August 25, 2013, 10:30am Grief During the Holidays In this two-hour gathering you will have the opportunity to share your fears, worries, and the hopes that your grief has inspired, and have these concerns addressed.

Sunday, September 8, 2013, 6:30pm Taste of Judaism This interactive class provides an introduction to Jewish perspectives on ethics and values, study, community, holidays, and spirituality.

Tuesdays, Sept. 17th, 24th and Oct. 1st, 7pm

PICTURE

2000

GLBTQ Family & Allies Dinner in the Succah Thursday, September 19, 6pm Tot Shabbat Breakfast in the Succah September 21, 2013, 9am For more information on services, programs and adult ed please visit shirhadash.org

Temple Beth Sholom High Holy Days Services Led by Rabbi David Dunn Bauer (Reconstructionist Rabbinical College) Erev Rosh Hashanah, 8 pm Wednesday September 4th Rosh Hashanah morning, 10 am Thursday September 5th Kol Nidre, 8 pm Friday September 13th Yom Kippur Morning Service, 10 am Saturday September 14th Yom Kippur Afternoon Discussion, 3 pm Saturday September 14th Yiskor, 4 pm Saturday September 14th Neilah, 5 pm Saturday September 14th All time listings are approximate (except Kol Nidre will begin as close as possible to the announced time).

We will use the Reform movement Gates of Repentance (CCAR) for our prayer book.

Shofar blowers are invited to participate in the shofar services Rosh Hashanah morning and Yom Kippur evening.

We will have a dairy (i.e., no meat) potluck break the fast following the conclusion of Yom Kippur services.

Services will be held at the San Jose Masonic Center, 2500 Masonic Drive, San Jose

(near Canoas Garden Avenue south of Curtner--near Curtner Light Rail Station) 10227 S De Anza Blvd, Cupertino, CA 408.446.2900 vardysjewelers.com

These Open to the Community Services are Supported by Donations to Temple Beth Sholom For additional information leave a voicemail message at (408) 978-5566 or send email to wsb3attyca@aol.com

J E W E L E R S

heartsonfire.com

EUROPEAN GOLDSMITH

4135-Vardys_Ad_4.875x6.25.indd 1 8

3/20/13 5:14 PM www.jvalley.org

New Jewish theatre at APJCC Early this year, Rabbi James Greene, program director at the APJCC, approached Doug Brook — a local director, actor, and playwright — about starting a Jewish theatre entity at the JCC. Together with Director of Jewish Life Jenessa Schwartz, they created Theatre Chevruta, a Jewish readers theatre. The theatre launches its initial season — dubbed “A Taste of Yiddish Theatre” — with the play Tevya and His Daughters, which ran off-Broadway in the late 1950s and helped inspire the creation of Fiddler on the Roof.

Why “Theatre Chevruta?” As its mission explains, “Theatre is an exploration of culture, entertainment, and ideas, shared by the audience and performers. Chevruta is an exploration of the Talmud, shared by two people. Theatre Chevruta lets audience and performers explore important, entertaining, and often unfamiliar offerings of Jewish theatre.”

“The goal is to offer entertaining, thought-provoking, and atypical plays that people might otherwise not see,” says Brook, who is Theatre Chevruta’s artistic director. “The first five plays you think of probably aren’t the ones we’d present, but what we do perform will not feel unfamiliar. We won’t neglect the ‘entertaining’ in our mission.”

Future seasons could focus on Israeli plays, new works, obscure classics, classics with pivotal Jewish themes or characters (such as The Merchant of Venice and The Jew of Malta), or eventually concert readings of obscure musicals such as Two by Two or Milk and Honey.

Theatre Chevruta will present staged readings. This increasingly popular form is often used for developing new works and presenting obscure pieces, to focus on the actors and script without all the trappings. “If you’ve been to the New Works Festival at Theatreworks in Palo Alto, or even if you haven’t, it will be rather like that,” says Brook, a member of their New Play Reading Committee. In addition to the readings, there will also be audience talkbacks and a talk related to each play in the weeks prior to the performances.

Tevya and His Daughters was chosen for its relative familiarity, but also to commemorate next year’s fiftieth anniversary of the Broadway premiere of Fiddler on the Roof.

Next March will feature the iconic and controversial Yiddish theatre piece God of Vengeance. The original, by Sholem Asch, had its entire cast arrested during its Broadway opening in 1923. Theatre Chevruta will present the late-1990s adaptation by renowned playwright Donald Margulies.

Brook, whose own plays include What Ever Happened to HanuClaus? which premiered off-off-Broadway, is a familiar presence in our community. He is a longtime Torah Reader and periodic instructor at Congregations Sinai and Beth David, as well as a recent instructor at the APJCC. He is also a vice president of the international Association for Jewish Theatre, and the longtime humor columnist for Southern Jewish Life magazine.

l cal news

APJCC offers free September classes The Addison-Penzak JCC is offering a number of free classes this September. You don’t have to be a JCC member to try the classes.

Classes run the gamut from Judaica to fitness, to teen and children’s programs. Specific classes include Classic Jewish Texts, Hasidic Havurah, Krav Maga, Beginning Mah Jongg, TRX, dance classes, and art history for seniors.

Most classes are one-day classes, but some are offered weekly.

There are also a number of free activities available, including Club J youth lounge drop-in for children in grades K-5, a community service day for teens, a tennis open house, Sukkot barbecue, and a Tashlich Walk.

For dates and more information, visit www.

SiliconValleyJCC.org or see the JCC’s Fall Program Guide, available by mail or at the Levy Family Campus.

And they walked….

Congregation Beth David Social Action committee sponsored a team at this year’s American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Campbell. The team name, Cancer Be Darned, was chosen for many reasons; the acronym is CBD, and the word “darned” showed the frustration that many experience when someone is diagnosed with cancer and the yearning to repair, i.e. darn cancer.

The highlight of the relay event for CBD was the community Havdallah service led by Rabbi Ohriner (coupled to follow the luminaria ceremony and silent lap where we remember those lives lost). During the service participants were able to honor friends and family that fought the fight, are fighting or have lost their battle with cancer. As a result of the team’s efforts, we are now $8,000 closer to ensuring outreach, treatment and research to prevent cancer.

Save the Date: tribute to Arnie Addison November 9 Please save the evening of Saturday, November 9 for a tribute to Arnie Addison, zichro livracha (may his memory be a blessing) at the Addison-Penzak JCC. Dinner, dancing, and live and silent auctions. For tribute and sponsorship information, contact Diana Schnabel at the JCC, diana@ svjcc.org or 408-357-7402.

Arnie was involved in the Jewish community for many years and did much to establish and enhance Jewish life in the South Bay. When the JCC moved to its current location in Los Gatos in 1982, it was a grant from Arnie Tevya and His Daughters will be presented December 7 and 8 , and his wife Cookie (nee Penzak) that helped purchase including an audience talkback after the matinee. the land; hence the Addison-Penzak JCC. The theme of the November 9 tribute will be “Driving Our Dreams,” an For more information about Theatre Chevruta, Tevya and His allusion to Arnie’s passion for classic cars as well as to his Daughters, or auditions, visit http://svjcc.org/jplace and click on crucial role in making the South Bay Jewish community’s Theatre Chevruta. dreams into reality. www.jvalley.org 9

Knitzvah touches so many lives in so many ways

By Lori Cinnamon, Coordinator of Volunteer Engagement, Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley’s Knitzvah volunteers were proud to display their work this summer as part of the APJCC’s Human Loom Exhibit and were honored with an artist reception in late July. Knitzvah is celebrating 7 years of service, and since its founding has contributed over 12,500 handmade items. Knitzvah is a vital part of JFS’s Project N.O.A.H. and creates blankets for preemies in the NICU, caps for cancer patients, toys for kids in shelters and foster care, shawls for seniors and so much more. Each of these beautiful items has a story of giving from the heart, which gives recipients hope for a better future.

These numbers and accomplishments only tell part of the story. The story of JFS Knitzvah is one of talent and great commitment, the desire to do deeds of loving-kindness, and the restoration of hope to those in need. The members of Knitzvah are a dedicated troop that has grown in size and strength over these 7 years. Some are knitters, some like to crochet, and some sew, but all have a loving giving heart.

The July meeting had 45 members attending, 5 of whom were new to the group and these new members were immediately made comfortable. Members shared their stories and it was amazing to see the sheer number items they had completed since the last meeting. Not only were the donations bountiful, they were extraordinarily beautiful and reflected the artistry, creativity and Knitvah Chairwoman Barbara Berlant and JFS SV Executive vision of each member. These wonderful people worked all month long to give Director Mindy Berkowitz stand in front of a special quilt these treasures away. with a treasured story.

Knitzvah always needs donations of yarn. These loving hands will turn it into a gift for a family. New members are always welcome. Upcoming dates are September 22, October 20, and November 17 at 10:30 a..m. For more information contact Lori Cinnamon at (408) 357-7467 or loric@jfssv.org.

Will you heed the call?

Welcome

the

New

Year

5774

with Shir Hadash The following High Holy Day activities and services are free and open to the public.

S’lichot - Saturday, August 31, 2013, Event and service Forgiveness Finding and Offering 8:00 pm Jewish tradition teaches that God doesn’t forgive our sins against others until we ask and receive forgiveness directly from the person we have wronged.

For

most

people,

these

personal

acts

of

forgiveness

are

both

more

difficult

and more pressing than the ritual atonement of Yom Kippur.

High Holidays at Congregation Sinai

Rosh Hashanah, September 4-6 Yom Kippur, September 13-14

Havdalah and S’lichot Service 10:00 pm - 10:50 pm, Congregation Shir Hadash Rosh Hashanah - Thursday, September 5, 2013, Family Service, 3:30 pm at Congregation Shir Hadash Shabbat Shuvah - Saturday, September 7, 2013 10:30 am at Vasona Lake, Circle Group Area. Join us for an informal Shabbat service, followed by Tashlich and Brunch.

Yom Kippur - Saturday, September 14, 2013 Family Service and Yizkor 3:30 pm Family service at Congregation Shir Hadash 5:15 pm Yizkor at Sacred Heart Church of Saratoga; time approximate For more information on High Holy Day services please visit our website. http://www.shirhadash.org/hhd.

Or

call

the

temple

office

at

354-­1751

ext.

5 There’s still time to become a member and sign up for religious school. Contact Nadine

at

408

358-­1751

x5

or

office@shirhadash.org

Join the Sinai community for a spiritual, joyful and life-affirming New Year.

Worship Services

Children’s Activities

1532 Willowbrae Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125 (408) 264 - 8542 office @ sinai-sj.org www.sinai-sj.org

Family Programs

and more…

FREE TICKETS for non-affiliated Bay Area residents who have not previously attended High Holiday services at Congregation Sinai.

Tickets also available for non-members.

Call Joelle at 408-264-8542 for details.

10

www.jvalley.org

LIVE!! Israeli film star Topol is special “Opening Night” guest as Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival kicks off 22nd season – 31 films to be shown Oct. 19-Nov. 17 in Palo Alto, Campbell and San Jose – Chaim TOPOL, the legendary Israeli film star of Fiddler on the Roof and 40 other motion pictures, will be honored and also perform Saturday, October 19 at the Opening Night Gala of the 22nd annual Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival (www.svjff.org).

Topol will be interviewed on stage by Associate Director for Arts & Culture Donny Inbar of the Israel Center.

Topol — an Oscar and Tony award nominee and two-time Golden Globes award winner — will also be a special guest at an invitation-only brunch and film event for major Festival donors on October 20. This is an opportunity for festival patrons at the Assistant Director level and above to visit with Topol, watch a film and learn about Topol’s special efforts working with youth in Israel. To top off the exciting opening weekend of the Fall Festival, Topol will make a guest appearance at a Fiddler on the Roof sing-along movie event tailored especially for families (adults too!).

Following the Topol appearances, the SVJFF will showcase a packed lineup of compelling dramas, intriguing features, thought-provoking documentaries and lighthearted comedies from around the world. The festival has expanded to include three distinct locations during its four-week run. During the first week including opening night, films will be shown at the Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto. Weeks two and three, the festival moves to a brand-new venue, Century 24 on Winchester Boulevard near Santana Row in San Jose. Week four, the SVJFF finishes its 22nd season at Camera 7 in the Pruneyard Shopping Center in Campbell. Films will be shown on Saturday nights, and on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Now is the very best time to sell your home!

Why? Give Me a Call, and I Will Help You.

a p r. c o m | S A R AT O G A

A sampling of documentaries include:  “AKA Doc Pomus”— the tale of a Jewish songwriter stricken with polio who wrote many hit songs of the early rock ‘n roll era for Elvis Presley and many others.

Performance video clips will bring memories for many viewers.  “The Price of Kings” — about the magnificent life of Shimon Peres, a nation builder, Nobel Peace prize winner and president of Israel as he now turns 90.  “Koch” — chronicles of the life of colorful former New York Mayor Ed Koch in the 1970s. Whether loved or hated, his legacy is that he saved the city from imminent financial collapse.

Feature films include:  “Paris Manhattan” — a romantic comedy centered on a Woody Allen-obsessed pharmacist, who reaches out to the director (is he real or imaginary?) in her quest to find the perfect man.  “Wunderkinder/Child Prodigies” — about the deep friendship between three musically talented children — two Jewish and one not — before and during the German invasion of the Ukraine.  “In the Shadow” — an award-winning thriller from the Czech Republic. An honest police detective fights to prove that Jews did not commit a robbery in anti-Semitic circa 1953 Czechoslovakia.

This year in addition to the Teen Screen, the festival will have two family oriented features including the sing -a-long Fiddler on the Roof mentioned above.  Teen Screen — “David” — A Muslim boy and a Jewish boy living in Brooklyn become friends.  Family Film —“ Shalom Sesame” (for children, parents and grandparents) — Sesame Street characters learn about Shabbat and enjoy adventures touring the land of Israel.

For full details on all 31 films, please visit the Festival website at www.svjff.org, and please sign up to support the Festival as a Patron Donor. By doing so, the organization can continue to serve our community with high-quality films and special events that include concerts and visits from film directors. The Festival depends upon donors because ticket sales account for less than 25% of revenues.

Did You Know. . .

Low Inventory!

Low Interest Rates!

Multiple Offer Opportunity!

l cal news

Gloria Melmon Ascher Direct 408.781.8624 Office 408.741.1174 Ext. 604 gascher@apr.com

This year, the Festival is making it possible for Patrons to donate stock in public companies in lieu of cash. By doing so, donors can deduct the full market value of the stock as a charitable donation and receive favorable tax treatment. For more information on stock donations, contact Festival Board Member Richard Namm at richard.namm@ubs.com. to donate stock in publicly held With the continuing expansion of the SVJFF, the organization is anxious to welcome new volunteers to help and also enjoy special benefits. Contact Tzvia Shelef, executive director, for more information at Tzvia@svjff.org.

12988 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road

www.jvalley.org

11

l cal news

New youth lounge to open at the APJCC this Fall

Joshua Toch is student leader par excellence

The JCC is excited to announce that Club J, a new youth lounge for children in grades K-5, is opening this Fall. Club J will have a variety of fun equipment for children to play on, such as:

Joshua Toch, 17, is a leader of the youth group of Congregation Emeth in Morgan Hill and an incoming senior honors student at Live Oak High School where he is the school’s student body vice-president. This summer, he was selected for multiple honors.

Joshua was selected by American Legion Post 217 in Gilroy to be one of its two representatives at the 2013 American Legion California Boys State, where he was elected lieutenant governor by the 1,041 attendees. He was then selected to be one of two senators to represent the State of California at the 68th Annual American Legion Boys Nation in Washington, D.C., which was held July 19-27.

At Boys Nation, Joshua was selected from among 23 candidates to be his party’s nominee for Boys Nation president. The presidential debates, campaign speeches, and presidential election were all streamed live on LegionTV and were closely followed throughout the United States.

Joshua was also honored to have been selected for the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy, which will be held from August 5-9.

The teen is also a past president of Emet Dor Kef (“Emeth’s fun generation”) Teen Group at Congregation Emeth and a madrich (student teaching assistant) in the temple’s Religious and Hebrew Schools for the past three years.

He is four-time alumnus of summer programs run by Camp Tawonga (San Francisco Jewish Federation), including the Northwest/Canada Quest, the California Magical Mystery Quest, and two summer programs at Camp Towanga itself.

He also attended one summer at Camp Newman. In the summer of 2012, Joshua was honored to have been selected as a member of the first class of Young Judaea’s “I Speak Israel” (ISI) program, which was partially underwritten by the David Project, the only California participant on the hand-picked program. As part of ISI, Joshua spent a month in Israel studying speech and debate techniques and advocacy for the State of Israel. While in Israel, the ISI group toured the country extensively and met with stakeholders from all sides of the Arab/Israeli/Palestinian issue.

“Congregation Emeth is like one big family,” said Rabbi Debbie Israel. “We are small enough that we know all of our children and take pride as they go through our school and become menschen (people with admirable qualities) in the community. Josh is a great example of such a student.

He is a regular attendee at our services, helps with our audio equipment, and he acts like big brother to the younger students in our schools. We are as proud as if we are all his aunts and uncles. We expect him to continue to achieve great things, with a strong Jewish foundation as his homebase.” Joshua is the son of Emeth members Randy Toch and Katherine Toch.

•

A nebula strip (light-up games and activities that are projected on a wall) which lets kids do everything from painting to games, to math and spelling;

•

An EyePlay which projects games onto the club’s dance floor (for example a giant xylophone or piano that kids can play by walking on it, a hockey game, a “balloon stomping” game and much more);

•

An interactive games corner with an Xbox and a Wii;

•

An art corner with a variety of arts and crafts supplies and an arts sink;

•

A book corner with hundreds of children’s books appropriate for grades K-5;

•

In the early winter, a 16-foot-long horizontal climbing wall will be added.

Club J will offer an afterschool program from 3-6 p.m. each weekday afternoon during the school year. It will also be used as a venue for the JCC’s popular birthday party celebrations, available for children of all ages, on weekends from 11 a.m. onward. In addition to its already popular bounce house, pool, and playground parties, the JCC will be able to offer dance parties at Club J. Club J will also be available for drop-in childcare for families who are attending programs or using the JCC’s fitness center or other facilities from 3-6 p.m. weekdays and 8-11 a.m. on weekends.

For details, visit www.SiliconValleyJCC.org or contact Josh Glincher at josh@svjcc.org or (408) 357-7416.

Alan Werba to be honored at Silicon Valley Philanthropy Day Nominated by Sarita Bronstein, director of Hillel Silicon Valley, Alan Werva will be honored on November 22 for his dedication to Hillel and the Jewish community.

In Sarita’s words, “Alan Werba has been the backbone, heart, and soul of Hillel of Silicon Valley for the last eleven years. Alan is the most generous person — generous with his time, wisdom, and dollars.

His leadership, skill, passion and optimism led a small nonprofit that constantly struggled to survive to grow into a thriving organization.”

For more information on the event, or to place and advertisement in Alan’s honor, please visit afpsiliconvalley.afpnet.org.

12 www.jvalley.org

Klezmer and comedy for a Sunday afternoon Join the Klezmakers and comedian Samson Koletkar for a benefit concert of Music and Comedy in support of the Chai House Kosher Meal Program. The event will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 6, at the APJCC in Los Gatos.

The Klezmakers, the popular Bay Area Klezmer band plays Eastern European dances, Yiddish theater tunes, and traditional Israeli folk songs. They are a melodic ensemble of clarinet, violin, flute/piccolo, and accordion – backed by a solid rhythm section of guitar, keyboard, bass/cello, drums and vocals. They create a joyous and heartfelt sound that echoes the Old World.

Samson Koletkar, who bills himself as the Mahatma Moses, is the world’s only Indian Jewish standup comedian. He has performed his cerebral, witty and thought-provoking humor in India, Canada & the U.S. and has been featured on NBC, CBS & NPR and will have his audience rolling in the aisles with laughter.

Light refreshments will be served. Tickets are $20 in advance and $22 at the door. For further information on the benefit visit the website at http://www. chaihousebenefit.org/ or email info@chaihousebenefit.org.

Chai House is a Jewish-sponsored retirement community for independent seniors located in the Willow Glen neighborhood of San Jose. Chai House is the only senior community between San Francisco and Los Angeles that offers a Kosher meal program for residents.

Welcome Matthew(s) to Hillel of Silicon Valley

By Vanina J. Sandel Mutchnik, Assistant Director Hillel of Silicon Valley is very happy to welcome two new staff members to the organization. Matthew Lorch and Matthew Kramer-Morning will be working with students at the five campuses Hillel of Silicon Valley serves.

The new Program and Engagement Associate Matthew Lorch is originally from Los Angeles. Matthew has attended community college in Southern California and then transferred to the University of Oklahoma where he has been a student leader with his Hillel. Among many different roles, Matthew was the University of Oklahoma Hillel religious chair and was responsible for leading services for the students there. Matthew also had an important role in reaching out to new students to Hillel and was a Taglit-Birthright Israel participant. Since three of the five campuses our Hillel works with are community colleges, our Hillel is thrilled to be able to have someone on our staff who not only understands the community college system but also was part of it for two years.

Matthew is very happy to be part of the Hillel of Silicon Valley team. He looks forward to engaging new students and building new friendships.

The new Israel Program and Engagement Associate Matthew Kramer-Morning is originally from the North woods of Wisconsin. This is Matthew’s first time living in California. He was actively involved with Israel advocacy and education while in college. After completing an internship for AIPAC and graduating from college, he decided to make Aliyah to Israel. Matthew spent the first year in a Kibbutz in the North where he learned Hebrew and worked. After that, Matthew was drafted into service in the Israel Defense Forces where he served for two years, which was eighteen months more than required of him by Israeli law. Everyone at the Hillel of Silicon Valley feels very excited to have a person on the staff who can share his experiences as an American Jew in the Israeli army first hand with the students.

Matthew is looking forward to working with his new coworkers and students here in the Bay Area.

Please feel free to contact Matthew Lorch at matthew@hillelsv.org and Matthew Kramer-Morning at mkmorning@hillelsv.org. For more information about Hillel of Silicon Valley and its events please visit www.hillelsv.org or call (408) 286-6669.

l cal news Sharone Hadassah’s “Healing Hands” event features Dr. Ed Emanuel Sharone Hadassah presents a retrospective on Jewish entertainers by Dr. Ed Emanuel, Sunday, October 13, 10:30 a.m. at Michael’s at Shoreline (2960 N. Shoreline Boulevard, Mountain View). His talk will highlight the chapter’s major fundraising event, “Healing Hands.”

Dr. Edward Emanuel is a professor of Arts and Humanities at California State University, Fresno. Many of his awards include: The John F. Kennedy Center For the Performing Arts Gold Medal for Theatrical Performance; A First Place Award at the Edinburgh International Festival For The Performing Arts for his Play, “Guys Like Me and Bogey;” The Stanley Wang Family Award For Teaching Excellence given to the most distinguished artist in the California State University System; a TV Emmy nomination for his PBS docudrama, “Conquest of My Brother;” a Pulitzer Prize in Drama nomination for his play “Sun Yat Sen In The Mouth of the Dragon” which was named as the best original play in the year 2000 by the Dramatic Play Publish Company and the John F. Kennedy Center.

Dr. Emanuel will speak about Jewish entertainers who have made us laugh, sometimes made us cry, most of all, they made us proud of who we are. Their creative genius and extraordinary talents in film and theater had a great impact on our lives.

A solicitation will be made for donations for the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Tower at Hadassah Hospital, a world-renowned hospital providing state-of-the-art patient care and medical research. There will also be a raffle, a silent auction, and a variety of vendors. “Gently used” jewelry will also be available for sale at this event.

The couvert for the event is $75, of which $40 is tax deductible. RSVP by October 6.

Send checks to Penina Stern, 110 Wood Road, Apt. C-201, Los Gatos, CA 95030.

Forinformation, contact Barb Green at (408) 226-7894 or Bette Emanuel at (408) 264-1861.

www.jvalley.org

13

l cal news

The Center for Jewish Life and Learning at the APJCC is growing

By Eleanor Weber Dickman The goal of the Center for Jewish Life and Learning at the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center is, according to APJCC Program Director Rabbi James Greene, a way to “provide engaging and innovative programming to folks of all ages to help develop Jewish identity and a sense of Jewish Peoplehood.”

This outreach is designed to engage the entire South Bay Jewish community, doing so by “supporting synagogues in their work by partnering with them, providing resources and support, and by encouraging affiliation in all the different parts of the Jewish community.”

A wide variety of classes are offered under the auspices of the Center for Jewish Life and Learning (CJLL): “serial” classes on specific topics which have a beginning and an end, ongoing dropin classes, holiday programs, lectures, and community-wide educational events. Among these classes is a popular Hebrew class, being taught this year by Rabbi Ilana Baird. New this year is an additional class in Hebrew conversation.

Rabbi James ensures that there will be a CJLL learning opportunity each weekday: Monday: Torah study at Chai House with Rabbi James; Tuesday: Classic Jewish Texts with Rabbi Joey Felsen; Wednesday: Hasidic Havurah with Rabbi James; Thursday: Secrets of the Rabbis with Rabbi Leslie Alexander; and on Friday, “Judaism Babayit” (meaning, at home), a class that meets right after Yavneh and APJCC Preschool drop-off.

This year, through a new partnership with Lehrhaus Judaica

[a non-denominational Jewish studies school for adults], CJLL is offering a Bay Area Talmud Circle, taught by Rabbi Leslie Alexander, which meets one Sunday each month, and a class on Jewish/Christian relations throughout history, taught by Rev. Bruce Bramlett, a local retired minister who also teaches courses through San José State’s Jewish Studies program.

CJLL programs engage people of all ages and backgrounds.

The “drop-in” classes attract retired adults. The Friday class is scheduled to reach Yavneh and Preschool parents. Through his personal interest in adding a spiritual perspective to outdoor activities, Rabbi James seeks collaborative educational opportunities with the teen programs (BBYO and APJCC Teen Services).

Other programs attractive to teens and young professionals have included hiking with Wilderness Torah and the Palo Alto JCC as well as a rock-climbing event related to Shavuot. This year, plans include a day-long silent meditation retreat, new hiking opportunities, and a camping trip that are specifically geared to older teens and young adults. And, of course, the popular “Jewbilee” and Music Festival (with well-known David Broza as headliner) will both return this year. An ongoing relationship with “Teva to You” is enjoying creative new activities, including an on-site community garden featuring an “aquaponic” garden bed built by members of the community and featuring edible fish which fertilize the garden bed which promises to produce three times as much food with only 5% of the water used by a typical garden. continued on page 21

Jewish Family Services believes that people facing difficult challenges deserve a good life.

Every day we restore hope for families, seniors, and adults.

L’Shana Tova Tikatevu

from Temple Emanu-El

Come join us for High Holy Days Services and more!

In addition to our wonderful services, we have an array of unique and exciting programs:  

Happy and Healthy Year From Our Family to Yours!

14855 Oka Road, Suite 202, Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 556-0600 www.jfssv.org www.facebook.com/jewishfamilyservicessv

Tashlich at Oak Meadow Park on Rosh Hashanah On Yom Kippur afternoon we will have Torah study, yoga meditation, a teen discussion on “choices,” a healing service, and music from a quartet!

Non-Members are welcome!

For High Holy Days information and tickets call (408) 292-0939 or visit our website at www.templesanjose.org!

1010 University Ave, San Jose, CA 95126 www.templesanjose.org Temple Office (408) 292-0939 Religious School (408)292-3223

14

www.jvalley.org

We put the J in the JCC

Looking for something Jewish to do this fall?

Look at what the JCC has to offer!

Adult Education

Two New Theatre Opportunities

Along with our popular Hebrew Reading courses, we are also proud to announce a new partnership with Lehrhaus Judaica, the Bay Area’s premier adult Jewish education institution. Classes being offered this fall include Rabbinic Judaism and Classical Christianity, Jews and the Wild West, and South Bay Talmud Circle. Find out more at www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/JPlace.

The JCC is proud to announce two new opportunites to engage with Jewish theatre.

The Jewish Circle Theatre will be presenting their entire season at the JCC, featuring original plays, improvisational theatre, and performances for kids. Additionally, we are beginning our own theatre venture, Theatre Chevruta, a Jewish Readers Theatre.

Lectures and Visiting Authors The Distinguished Scholars and Schmooze with the Author series are back for another year of incredible discussions.

Each month, come and hear from some of the most amazing minds of our times. We’ve lined up a season of one-of-a-kind events featuring big names and buzzed-about newcomers.

Programs for Families Come celebrate the holidays at the J! Sukkot and Hanukah are coming up quick, and we are offering several ways to celebrate.

We want to hear from you! If you have questions about any of our programs, you can contact us at 408.357.7411 or at CJLL@svjcc.org. Also check us out online at www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/JPlace.

APJCCCENTERFOR

JEWISHLIFE ANDLEARNING www.jvalley.org

15

Start the New Year by volunteering‌ it does wonders for your soul

l cal news

By Lori Cinnamon, Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley Our volunteers at JFS SV tell a story of how much meaning and purpose they have gained in their lives from giving of their time and energies to others. As we approach this New Year and days of reflection, it is a wonderful and appropriate time to reflect on this and consider enriching your life and the lives of others through volunteering. We are looking for volunteers interested in making a difference.

Current needs: Embrace-A-Family volunteers are needed October through December. Hanukkah is very early this year, and we are in need of volunteers to help us in every aspect of Embrace-A-Family. Now in its sixth year , Embrace-A-Family helps low-income families, homebound seniors, and Holocaust survivors in the community who would otherwise go without gifts. Volunteers are needed to help create and deliver community dreidel boards, help receive gift donors in the JFS office and wrap presents.

Susan Fagin With over 20 Years of residential real estate experience, I am your Silicon Valley real estate expert!

SFagin@gmail.com

408-357-5767 office

408-316-9894 cell

408-676-0113 efax

MySiliconValleyAgent.com DRE #: 01068584

Community Chaplains: Seniors residing in nursing home and assistedliving facilities love to attend onsite (abbreviated) monthly Kabbalat Shabbat services. This position requires people who enjoy being with seniors and can lead (or assist) a Kabbalat Shabbat service.

Friendly Visitors bring the world to isolated seniors. A Friendly Visitor is paired with an appreciative older person. The volunteer visits twice monthly to socialize, discuss current events, sports, exchange recipes and more. This is an extremely meaningful experience for JFS volunteers. Seniors (including Holocaust survivors) who live all over Santa Clara County, particularly in San Jose, Campbell, Cupertino, Evergreen, Sunnyvale, and Los Gatos are looking forward to meeting you.

For more information contact JFS SV Coordinator of Volunteer Engagement Lori Cinnamon at (408) 357-7467 or loric@jfssv.org.

Los Gatos Memorial Park Shalom Garden

Serving the Bay Area Jewish community since 1889 Peaceful, park-like setting overlooking Santa Cruz Mountains

*Pre Plan and receive a discount *Graveside Ceremonies in a serene setting *Upright monuments available *Trained funeral professionals *Traditional caskets and ritual services

Schedule a tour of Shalom Garden and receive a

$25

Viva Restaurant Gift Card!

2255 Los Gatos-Almaden Rd., San Jose, CA 95124

www.losgatosmemorialpark.com

(408) 356-4151 Darling-Fischer Mortuaries Chapel of the Hills 615 N. Santa Cruz Ave. Los Gatos, CA 95030 (408) 354-7740 FD940

Garden Chapel 471 E. Santa Clara St. San Jose, CA 95112 (408) 998-2226 FD557

Campbell Memorial Chapel 231 E. Campbell Ave. Campbell, CA 95008 (408) 379-5010 FD898

www.darlingandfischer.com

Third Saturday of every month. 10:00am-1:00pm

Chantel Building 3880 S. Bascom Avenue, San Jose Visit www.cpcal.org for other locations.hantel Building - 3880 S. Bascom Avenue, San Jos

Questions: CPSVDivorceOptions@gmail.com Sponsored by Collaborative Practice Silicon Valley www.cpsv.us

16

www.jvalley.org

HAPPY N EW Y E AR FROM THE

J EWI SH FE DE R ATION OF SILICON VALLEY As we prepare to greet New Year 5774, we urge each and every person in the Silicon Valley Jewish community to find a congregation which can help you hear the sound of the Shofar.

THE GREAT SHOFAR WILL BE SOUNDED...

JOIN WITH US SO THAT IT WILL BE HEARD!

S H A N A T OVA H !

Complete High Holy Day information at www.jvalley.org

YOUR GUIDE TO SILICON VALLEY SYNAGOGUES Ahabat Torah (Sephardic Orthodox) 1537A Meridian Ave., San Jose, 95125-5316 (408) 266-2342 www.ahava.org

Congregation Beth David (Conservative) 19700 Prospect Rd., Saratoga, 95070-3352 (408) 257-3333 www.beth-david.org

Almaden Valley Torah Center (Orthodox) 1422 Helmond Lane, San Jose, 95118 (408) 445-1770 www.rabbi770.com

Congregation Emeth (Reform) 17835 Monterey Street, Morgan Hill, 95037 (408) 778-8200 www.emeth.net

Bar Yohai Sefardic Minyan (Orthodox) 1030 Astoria Dr., c/o SPHDS, Sunnyvale, 94087 (408) 746-0614 www.baryohai.org

Congregation Shir Hadash (Reform) 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos, 95032 (408) 358-1751 www.shirhadash.org

Chabad of Cupertino (Orthodox) (408) 207-3648 www.chabadofcupertino.com

Congregation Sinai (Conservative) 1532 Willowbrae Ave., San Jose, 95125 (408) 264-8542 www.sinai-sj.org

Chabad of S. Jose (Orthodox) 517 Blossom Hill Rd., #A4, Los Gatos, 95032 (408) 358-5530 www.chabadsj.com Chabad of Sunnyvale (Orthodox) (408) 720-0553 www.chabadsunnyvale.com Congregation Am Echad Torah Community (Orthodox) 1504 Meridian Ave., San Jose, 95125 (408) 267-2591 www.amechad.org

Temple Beth Sholom (Reform) P.O. Box 23397, San Jose, 95153 (408) 978-5566 Temple Emanu-El (Reform) 1010 University Ave., San Jose, 95126-1842 (408) 292-0939 www.templesanjose.org

www.jvalley.org www.jvalley.org

17

shana tova Take a dip in the Mikvah this New Year

By Rabbi Leslie Alexander Got a lot of things on your mind getting ready for the High Holy Days? There are the practical issues – where to get that round hallah and honey (try Pars!), who to invite or get invited to for meals, do I send out cards or emails for the New Year and much more.

Then, we get to the other High Holy Day focus – how can I make my synagogue experience even more meaningful, what do I want my New Year to be, what changes do I want to make personally and in my relationships with others and G-d? What new religious and spiritual experiences do I want to add to deepen my sense of Jewishness and my awareness of the importance of life each day?

When preparing for Rosh Hashanah both outwardly and inwardly, we, at the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley Community Mikvah located on the Levy Family Campus want to suggest that before Rosh Hashanah or before Yom Kippur, you add a mikvah immersion to your High Holy Day experience.

Why? Because mikvah is an opportunity to fulfill a totally private mitzvah, focused on you, and giving you a chance to take time for personal reflection during the High Holy Days.

It is a profoundly spiritual Jewish tradition, both ancient and new that provides the space and the support to reconnect with the Source of your being as a new year begins.

Our mikvah is bright and clean, offering you all the things you need to begin to look forward to a New Year of meaning and delight. Our male and female volunteer mikvah guides will prepare readings and reflections geared specifically for you, in order to assure you the very best mikvah experience.

In the midst of all the different kinds of preparations, start the Holy Days with a clean slate.

A Sweet S”tart” to your New Year

By Shoshana Ohriner Although it might seem crazy to be talking about Rosh Hashanah in August, it really is right around the corner. While it might seem a bit premature to start thinking about fall produce when the tomato plants in the garden have just started to produce prolifically, there is something nice about starting to think about fall flavors in connection with what to make for the holidays this year. Many of the simanim, the symbolic foods eaten on Rosh Hashana that represent our hopes for a good and prosperous new year, are foods that ripen in the fall such as squash, pomegranate and of course apples. I always try to include as many symbolic foods in my Rosh Hashanah menu as possible, from appetizers to dessert, because I love the idea that even the food we eat on these special days has elevated meaning. The most familiar of these symbols, the apple dipped in honey, always makes at least two appearances on my holiday table, once at the beginning and once for dessert.

The holidays can be a very busy time so it is always nice to have some quick and easy recipes that are elegant enough to impress company without taking much time to prepare. This is one of my favorite holiday recipes precisely because of its simple elegance. Sweet apples, flaky pastry, and a drizzle of honey are all that it takes to make the perfect holiday dessert.

Be sure to check out www.couldntbeparve.com for more Rosh Hashanahinspired desserts, including apple and honey marshmallows.

Apples and Honey Tart Serves 6-8 Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry (1/2 of a 17 oz. box) 3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, halved, cored and sliced into 1/4 inch slices 3 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon lemon juice pinch of salt cinnamon for sprinkling 2 tablespoons honey Place frozen puff pastry on the counter and let thaw until it is soft enough to unfold without it cracking, approximately 40 minutes. Unfold pastry and cut in half.

Preheat oven to 415 degrees. Place the two puff pastry rectangles onto a baking pan that has been sprayed with nonstick spray or lined with parchment paper. Place apples, sugar, lemon juice and salt in a large bowl.

Stir to combine. Allow to sit for a few minutes, until the juices start to come out of the apples.

Take the time for yourself as the New Year 5774 begins. Feel the warmth, comfort, support and time for personal renewal a mikvah immersion provides.

Arrange apple slices on the pastry rectangles in a straight line, overlapping as you go. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until pastry is puffed and golden brown.

Our mikvah welcomes all Jews, from every stream of Judaism to share in this meaningful mitzvah.

Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with honey, using 1 tablespoon for each tart. Transfer to a serving tray and serve warm or at room temperature.

The Jewish Community Mikvah of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley Levy Family Campus is located at 14855 Oka Road Los Gatos, CA 95032. For appointments and information, contact (408) 3577444 or Mikvah@JValley.org.

Rabbi Shoshana Ohriner is the creator and author of the popular blog Couldn’t Be Parve, specializing in naturally delicious dairy-free desserts.

Her recipes have been published in a variety of publications and websites, including the Jewish Week and Kosher.com. Shoshana is the mother of two young boys, Ari and Eli, and married to Rabbi Philip Ohriner.

18

www.jvalley.org

The Community Legacy Project: a futuristic vision of a unified Jewish community

By Alan Werba

succeed in these efforts.

Hillel of Silicon Valley was invited in 2011 to participate in the San Francisco Community Federation’s Community Legacy Project. The goal for this project was to help all agencies under the San Francisco Federation umbrella develop a culture of legacy giving. As I participated in the project I envisioned a higher calling than simply having Hillel participate in the SF Legacy Project.

The biggest obstacle to securing agency support was a fear that other agencies would somehow use the information gained to lure away key donors from their agency. There was also some doubt that nine Jewish agencies could work together harmoniously. To help overcome these fears, Michelle and I tried to break the process into small steps and persistently work to complete these steps. As we patiently answered questions and accomplished the tasks we promised, the vision became clearer and the walls of resistance gradually disappeared.

Armed with this vision and with the support of Michelle Nathanson (development director for Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley) we presented an ambitious plan to unite nine Alan Werba Silicon Valley Jewish agencies in a concerted effort to develop a long-term culture of legacy giving in Silicon Valley. The meeting was held in September 2012. While some agency representatives expressed skepticism regarding nine Jewish agencies working together, Alan and Michelle assured them that not only was this possible, but the long-term welfare of our Jewish community depended on the project’s success.

At this initial meeting, each agency reported where they stood in endowment funding and what plans were being developed to increase endowment funding to sustain them over the long-term.

What we learned was that every agency either had a legacy program or was in the early stages of launching one.

Michelle and I emphasized our belief that a unified approach would be more efficient and have a far broader outreach. With many questions still to answer, the group agreed to empower Alan and Michelle to push the project forward while they worked to secure the support of their boards, members and staff for the project.

In the months since that first meeting, the agency representatives have met regularly to move the Community Legacy Project forward. Michelle and I have made ourselves available to agency boards, legacy committees and investment committees to help each agency gain confidence that they will

How Can You Leave a Legacy Gift to the Silicon Valley Jewish Community?

There are many ways to leave a legacy gift to your synagogue or the other Jewish agencies that have made a difference in your life and the lives of your family. While some of these legacy strategies will require assistance from your estate planning attorney, many do not. This list may help you identify a strategy that enables you to insure that your children and grandchildren will enjoy the same (or better) support from the institutions that played an important role for you.

• • • • • •

RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS AND TAX-DEFERRED ANNUITIES LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES PAYABLE ON DEATH (POD) DESIGNATIONS WILLS AND TRUSTS CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUSTS AND GIFT ANNUITIES PHILANTHROPIC FUNDS

To further boost everyone’s belief that this project would succeed, Michelle and I showed them the highly successful Legacy Giving programs from Winnipeg, Jacksonville and other communities. Winnipeg’s inspirational website with thousands of Legacy Giving stories documented on video and the well organized marketing and administrative materials being used in Jacksonville helped make the picture easier to visualize. We definitely have several great examples to emulate.

After several months, all nine agencies secured formal approval from their boards of directors to participate in the Community Legacy Project. The project was now officially under way and one-by-one other tasks were identified and completed.

• The Legacy Committee developed a set of operating rules using a template from Jacksonville’s Legacy Project. The entire committee laboriously reviewed and refined this document (with special efforts by Shir Hadash member Rich Pickard) until a written operating agreement was approved.

•

Michelle worked with others (including Amanda Glincher, Federation’s Young Leadership and Marketing director) to develop marketing materials that the committee reviewed and helped to improve and finalize.

• A consolidated Letter of Intent listing all nine agencies was developed and refined with the help of the entire committee.

• Several training sessions on how to conduct a meaningful legacy conversation were led by a consultant with the expense shared by Silicon Valley Federation and San Francisco Community Foundation.

• Prospect lists of the nine agencies were compared to determine which community members appeared on multiple lists so these legacy donor prospects would not be bombarded by multiple agencies.

• A listing of how one can leave a Legacy gift was created to help prospective donors understand all the options available.

• A list of attorneys, CPAs and financial advisors who specialize in estate planning was developed as a resource for community members who need assistance in structuring their legacy gift plan. continued on page 21

www.jvalley.org

19

shana tova Ask the Rabbi about forgiveness

By Rabbi Debbie Israel, Congregation Emeth I know you are supposed to ask for forgiveness from someone you feel you have wronged in some way. But what about the reverse? What if someone who has wronged you does nothing about it, leaving you burning with anger and unjustness. How do you let it go?

This is a tough question. When we have been wronged, it is so easy to succumb to hate and vengeance. But there can be no healing when we hate.

The first thing to consider is: what is the purpose of forgiveness?

Who is it for? One possibility is that forgiveness is for the person who has done wrong. I have smudges on my soul for the wrongs I have committed, and I need to seek forgiveness in order to cleanse them. Put another way, I feel guilty. To regain a sense of peace and wholeness, I need to appease the person I have harmed.

Another possibility is that forgiveness is for the victim. A wrong has been committed against someone. A debt is owed. The word that the Rabbis often use to describe guilt, chayav, is closely related to the word debt, chov. The victim must be made whole again. When I have hurt another person, that person is entitled to have me make it up to them.

The truth is, forgiveness is for both the perpetrator and the victim of a sin. But forgiveness is not just about erasing a debt.

It is a necessary step that enables a broken relationship to move forward. That is why it can be so painful when someone who has wronged us does not seek forgiveness.

In Pirkei Avot, the second century collection of ethical teachings from our Sages, we learn an important lesson about trying to see the best in each other. Hevei dan et kol ha’adam l’khaf z’khut – “judge every person in the scale of merit.” (Avot 1:6) Imagine scales of justice, with one side representing guilt and the other side representing innocence. We are encouraged to do everything possible to declare a defendant innocent, to put that person in the scale of merit. Although this advice was originally meant for judges, our tradition has expanded its implications to include us all. Pirkei Avot would have us do something that does not come naturally to most of us: give each other the benefit of the doubt.

Think of a time when a person you were supposed to meet did not show up and did not call. You probably got annoyed, angry.

“He is irresponsible; he stood me up,” you think to yourself.

But what would it mean to follow the principle of dan l’khaf z’khut – to judge him on the scale of merit? It would mean imagining a good reason for the other person to have not made it to your meeting. Perhaps there was a family crisis. Maybe he was in a car accident (I hope he is okay.). Maybe I am the one who got the meeting time or place wrong, or perhaps there was a miscommunication.

We are encouraged to be creative, but it takes discipline. When we train ourselves to think this way, to try to always find a way to explain others’ behavior in the best possible light, its impact is at least as great on us as on the other person. It helps us, first of all, be less judgmental of others, which means we get angry less often.

Second, we sometimes find that the scenario we have constructed to account for a person’s wrong behavior is spoton. The Talmud teaches that “whoever judges his fellow in the scale of merit will be himself similarly judged by G-d.” Taken figuratively, we are simply happier when we assume the best of each other. It is a nicer way to live our lives. This is not to say that we should be pushovers, or that there are not some crimes and wrongs, which cannot be justified or excused. The lesson is about the damage that is caused when we carry that judgment and anger within us.

The Hassidic Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev once encountered a man eating on Yom Kippur. “Surely you have forgotten that this is a fast day,” he said to the man. “No,” answered the man.

I know today is Yom Kippur.” “Aha! You are not well, and your doctor has instructed you not to fast,” said the rabbi. “No, I am perfectly healthy,” the man replied. Rabbi Levi Yitzchak lifted his eyes toward heaven. “Look how precious your children are, dear G-d. I have provided this man with ample excuses to explain away his behavior, but he refuses to deviate from the truth, even when it incriminates him.”

Like Levi Yitzhak, we can train ourselves to give one another the benefit of the doubt. It will then be easier to move on when someone who we think has wronged us does nothing about it.

Shana Tova!

20

www.jvalley.org

Legacy continued from page 19. These tools will help support an organized effort to teach our community about the power of legacy giving. However, for the committee to lead effectively, it was decided that every committee member would need to sign a letter of intent before they began talking to others about legacy giving. Leading by example, the committee believes it will become the norm for Jews in Silicon Valley to leave a portion of their estates to the organizations that have made a difference in their lives.

While this project is still in its infancy, I have high expectations for its future achievements. This project has the potential to unite and inspire our community. We are already witnessing a new spirit of trust and cooperation among the agency staffs and lay leaders on the Legacy Committee. In just ten months, we have secured more than 30 Letters of Intent to leave legacy gifts. Many of these LOIs name multiple agency benefactors. The power of working together is already reaping rewards for our community. While we do not know the size of these legacy gifts, I expect them to be greater than the endowment funds of all nine agencies combined! If I am correct, this is an amazing start.

Every committee member has a personal story that inspired their desire to leave a legacy. These stories involve moments in their lives where they (or their family) were vulnerable and someone or some agency was there to support them. They understand the important role played by the agency and they want the agency to still be viable when their children and grandchildren may also need help.

To learn more about the Community-Wide Legacy Giving Program, including how you can participate, please contact Michelle Nathanson at (408) 357-7508 or michellen@jvalley.org.

The Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley invites the community to repair our world and gather for blessings.

Guadalupe Creek Cleanup

Sunday, September 22 2:00-4:00pm Register at www.cleanacreek.org Meet at the creek ramp across the street from 696 Palm St. We will clean the Guadalupe Creek between Grant Ave. and Edwards Ave. Supplies will be provided. Families welcome. Street parking available on Palm St. and nearby streets.

l cal news CJLL is growing continued from page 14. Rabbi James wants the APJCC’s Center for Jewish Life and Learning to be “a resource for the community as a whole, an incubator for creative Jewish programming and expression.” He and newly-appointed Director of the Center for Jewish Life and Learning Jenessa Schwartz work in partnership with community scholars as well as area rabbis and educators.

“The nice thing about the JCC,” he says, “is that we have lots of differing program areas. That provides a unique opportunity to work collaboratively internally and externally on a variety of programs.” Jenessa agrees: “The CJLL has been steadily growing over the past six years, in all program areas. This year, I am particularly excited for our lecture series. We are bringing in some big name folks (for example, Anita Diamant, author of “The Red Tent,” and Mike Reiss, a writer for “The Simpsons”), and we are expanding the format to include panel discussions, interviews, and even a catered bake-off.”

Rabbi James has high goals: “to be an educational resource for the community as a whole, to be an incubator for creative Jewish programming and expression, and, with the support of the Koret and Taube Foundations, to proactively build partnerships with Bay area organizations that can bring new and innovative programs to our JCC. For more information visit www.svjcc.org or call (408) 357-7429.

Violinist Hannah Tarley with pianist Libby Kardontchik in a solo recital to benefit the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley

Interfaith Prayer Gathering

Sunday, September 22 5:00-6:00pm Register at www.jvalley.org/jcrc Sacred Heart Community Service 1381 S. First Street, San Jose.

Silicon Valley Interreligious Council and Sacred Heart Community Service invite you to pray for a vibrant community which provides for the common good.

Info: Diane Fisher, diane@jvalley.org, (408)357-7504 or Carol Stephenson, carols@sacredheartcs.org, (408)775-4642

Sunday, September 8

3:00pm, Levy Family Campus, APJCC Auditorium Advance tickets at www.jvalley.org/jcrc $20 general, $10 senior/student Tickets at the Door: $25 general, $15 senior/student Information: diane@jvalley.org (408) 357-7504

Community Relations Council

Community Relations Council

APJCCCENTERFOR

JEWISHLIFE ANDLEARNING

Jewish Family Services of

silicon

www.jvalley.org

valley

21

Happy New Year!

From Congregation Beth David Find Your Place at CBD Put The J In Your Child’s Life

Come Celebrate High Holy Days with Us! Come observe the High Holy Days in traditional ways, with innovative touches, designed to facilitate involvement in and understanding of the services.

Beth-David.org/Tickets Visit our website for ticket information and to see the special services and activities for tots, youth, teens and families.

With These Extraordinary Jewish Education Programs Open To Everyone!

JGan

- Junior Gan Program

Pre-k: This is a wonderful way for your child to begin his or her Jewish education.

Jewel - Jewish Experiential Learning Program 4th – 7th graders: Elective choices in both Hebrew & Jewish studies.

JET - Jewish Experience for Teens 8th – 12th graders: Teens explore the world of social action, Jewish ethics and culture.

JCore - Traditional, Religious School Experience K – 7th graders: Core Jewish learning and experiences in all subjects, includes family education, and Bnei Mitzvah program. Beth David membership required.

For more information about our Jewish education programs, visit beth-david.org/learning/religious-school Also check out our September activities for kids, on our High Holy Days page!

Beth-David.org/tickets

Adult Learning

An Evening of Israeli Music

Beth David Values Learning as a Life-long Process Wherever you are on your personal journey, we welcome and encourage you to explore our wide range of learning opportunities including: 

  

Lectures, seminars, and workshops on contemporary, cultural, historical, political, and social Jewish-related issues Hebrew and Talmud classes Scholar-in-Residence weekends Jewish book group

Visit www.beth-david.org/adult-learning-calendar

with Cantor Andres Levy Tuesday, September 10th at 7:30 pm Cantor Levy received his degree from Rabbinic Seminary in Buenos Aries and is a member of the Cantor Assembly of the United States.   

Adults (18 & over) $15 in advance; $20 at the door Youth (12 – 17) $10 in advance; $15 at the door 11 and under FREE!

Visit www.beth-david.org/RSVP to purchase tickets.

Congregation Beth David

19700 Prospect Rd . Saratoga . CA . 95070 408.257.3333 www.beth-david.org 22

www.jvalley.org

l cal news Local community member becomes Law Foundation CEO

By Amanda Glincher Alison Brunner is the type of person who inspires you to do more. A passionate advocate, hard worker, dedicated parent and giving community member, Alison is a proud result of the Silicon Valley Jewish Community and an inspiration to many.

I was fortunate to meet and get the opportunity to speak with Alison before writing this article and was delighted to hear that her family’s roots in our Jewish community are almost as deep as the community is old. Her parents have been members at Shir Hadash since it was founded and she had her own Bat Miztvah and Confirmation there, as well as her three-and-a-half-yearold twins’ baby namings. A former board member, Alison helped develop Shir Hadash’s fairly new preschool program and is proud to send both her children there for their early educations.

In 1996, Alison joined the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, a non-profit legal services organization dedicated to advancing the rights of under-represented individuals and families in the Silicon Valley community. She worked her way through the ranks of the organization, starting as a staff attorney, and was promoted to CEO this spring. Alison shared with me that her “vision is to lead the Law Foundation forward to continue to make equal access to justice a reality for all of our low-income community members.”

Alison Brunner

While being a female Jewish executive may not be unheard of, it is still something to take deep pride in. Our community should be proud to have been such a strong part in building a fantastic human being, someone dedicated to the Jewish value of tikkun olam and ensuring that it is practiced throughout the community.

Congratulations Alison Brunner on this much-deserved promotion!

Congregation Sinai announces new Nursery School director Congregation Sinai is very happy to announce the hiring of Ifat Kantorovich as its new director of Early Childhood Education. Ifat was hired after a thorough search process, but it turned out that Sinai didn’t have to look very far. Upon hearing of the planned retirement of current Director Miki Gurantz, a committee was formed to find a highly competent replacement.

At the end of the process, it was clear to all members of the committee that Ifat, a teacher in the Sinai Nursery School for several years, was the best candidate to take over the director position. In addition to her years of hands-on experience with the children as a teacher, she also holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Ben Gurion University in the Negev.

Ifat describes Sinai Nursery as a “magical place for families”. Among many ideas she has, she expressed thoughts of how to expand the after-school reading program, as well as involve families in more of the programs.

Other ideas, such as a “Neighborhood Buddy program,” will take time to implement. Ifat is passionate about children and pre-school education, and is excited to take over leading Sinai Nursery School from her friend and mentor.

Ifat and her husband Assaf and two children came to the United States from Israel in 2001. They live in San Jose.

For more information on Sinai’s Nursery School call (408) 264-8486 or visit www.sinainurseryschool.org. www.jvalley.org

23

datebook

All area codes are 408 unless otherwise noted. For High Holy Day services please visit www.jvalley.org.

ONGOING EVENTS

TUESDAYS Current Events (age 55+) APJCC, 10 AM Expand your mind, discuss world events and the daily news. This group of older adults is open and always engaging. The environment is civilized and the people are always friendly. FREE. cherie@svjcc.org, 357-7462 WEDNESDAYS Art History (age 55+) APJCC, 1 PM Each week focuses on a stand-alone topic and is not dependent on prior sessions.

This class is offered in partnership with West Valley College. FREE. cherie@svjcc.org, 357-7462 FRIDAYS Talmud Study with Reuben Levy Beth David, 8:30 AM Discuss Tractate Berakhot (“Benedictions”), which addresses blessings, prayers, ritual, spirituality, and theology. Newcomers are welcome at any time and will be nurtured. No registration fee, donations welcome. 2573333, adulted@beth-david.org

UPCOMING EVENTS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23 Hand to Hand and Heart to Heart: Empowering Communities for Social Change with speaker Ruth Messinger Shir Hadash, 8 PM Ruth Messinger, president of American Jewish World Service, will discuss the role of “Jews as Global Citizens.” Speaking of her own experiences in the developing world, Ruth will propose how American Jews, who enjoy greater affluence and influence than ever before, can do their part to alleviate poverty, hunger, violence, disease and oppression. nadine@shirhadash.org, 3581751 x5 SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 Zip Code Havdalah Emanu-El, 7 PM The hosts will provide the home, the guests will provide an appetizer or dessert, and Emanu-El will provide the wine and ritual! Your assigned location will be provided after we receive RSVPs. Children and non-members are welcome.

292-0939, membership@ templesanjose.org

Beth David. As a Jewish educator, Barbara has been a leader both locally and nationally for over 30 years.

Irene Cheng, RSVP@sphds.org, 738-3060 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28 Marshall’s Honey Sale for Rosh HaShanah APJCC, 9 AM It’s traditional to celebrate Rosh HaShanah, the Jewish New Year, by eating honey to express our hope for a sweet year. Get ready by stocking up on locally sourced Marshall’s Honeys. colinb@svjcc.org, 357-7404 Honey Extravaganza Levy Family Campus, 4 PM Get ready for the Jewish New Year – Rosh HaShanah – with a taste of the sweetness of this holiday with the PJ Library.

Young children will learn about different kinds of honey from Marshall’s Honey Farm representatives. There will be games, a beekeeper’s “show and tell,” a storytime, crafts, snacks, and more. 358-3033, rabbialexander@jvalley.org

by protecting both their human and workplace rights. Immigrant workers have been an integral part of Silicon Valley’s progress from an agricultural region to the center of the technology industry. Now many immigrant workers are subject to exploitation due to misrepresentation of their immigration status. This is a time to express the faith that brings us together as a community by renewing our support for the rights of all, including the immigrant workers who contribute to our community and our local economy. 358-1751 x5, nadine@shirhadash.org SATURDAY, AUGUST 31 An Evening with Bruce Vilanch APJCC, 7 PM Bruce Vilanch, comedy writer, songwriter and six-time Emmy Award-winner takes the stage.

Best known to the public for his four-year stint on Hollywood Squares, he has also performed off-Broadway in his self-penned one-man show “Bruce Vilanch: Almost Famous” as well as on Broadway in “Hairspray.” $15/member, $20/general admission.

Arts@svjcc.org, 357-7492

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30 Shabbat Service – Labor in the Pulpit SUNDAY, AUGUST 25 Shir Hadash, 8 PM SUNDAYS Potential Member Open House Shir Hadash will be Knitzvah Shir Hadash, 10:30 AM Kids Selichot & Sleepover Jewish Family Services, 10:30 See ad on page 8. 358-1751 x5, participating in the Interfaith Beth David, 7:30 PM Council on Economics and AM, 9/22 and 10/20 nadine@shirhadash.org K-7th kids will absolutely Justice’s 15th Annual Labor in Knitzvah is a JFS volunteer want to feed their souls at our the Pulpits program this Labor group of knitters, crocheters New Beginnings – Honoring festive Selihot Seudah Shlishit Day Weekend. Labor in the and seamstresses of all ages.

Barbara Goldstein (festive third Shabbat meal) Pulpits (also known as Labor on They meet monthly to create TBD, 2 PM followed by games, havdallah, the Bimah, Labor in the Minbar, beautiful handmade creations. Join South Peninsula Hebrew movie, ice cream and a sleep or LITP for short) involves Knitzvah distributes these Day School as we honor over (4th grade & up). Pick congregations of different gifts to 18 nonprofits. All ages Barbara Goldstein for 30 up younger kids by 10:30 p.m. religious traditions in over and levels of experience are years of service to the Jewish Wake up to a hearty breakfast – 130 cities across the nation. welcome. Come and be a community following her pick up at 9:30 a.m. 257-3333, In Silicon Valley, Labor in the part of this dynamic group or retirement as director of the RSadmin@beth-david.org Pulpits takes place in over 120 donate yarn to help them meet Gan Aviv Preschool. Barbara’s religious services each year, the needs of our community. service to the Bay Area Study Session & Ice Cream reaching as many as 60,000 loric@jfssv.org, 357-7467 Jewish community includes Social people.

This year, our message an impressive volunteer Beth David, 9 PM will address the important commitment to Hadassah, biran@beth-david.org, role faith communities have the Silicon Valley Jewish 257-3333 played supporting immigrant Federation, and Congregation workers in our community, 24 www.jvalley.org

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 Rosh HaShanah 1st Day Teen Discussion Sinai, Noon A Teen Discussion will be led by our USY advisor.

Office@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 Violin and Piano Benefit Recital Levy Family Campus, 3 PM Violinist Hannah Tarley, with pianist Libby Kardontchik, will perform in a solo recital to benefit the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley, in partnership with APJCC Center for Jewish Life and Learning and Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley.

Hannah Tarley is a remarkable young violinist from the Bay Area, known to the community since she performed her first solo recital at age four and a half. Her youthful talent led her to become the youngest concertmaster in the history of the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra. Hannah has performed solos with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the San Francisco Symphony, and last year she won the Aspen Music Festival’s Concerto Competition. Hannah is currently attending the Royal College of Music in London.

Advance Tickets at www. jvalley.org/jcrc. $20 general, $10 senior/student. Tickets at the door will be $25 general, $15 senior/student. diane@jvalley.org, 358-3033 Grief During the Days of Awe – Coping with Loss at the Holidays Shir Hadash, 6:30 PM See ad on page 8. 358-1751 x5, nadine@shirhadash.org TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 50th Anniversary Concert Beth David, 7:30 PM cosgrave@beth-david.org, 257-3333

Yom Kippur Adult Discussion Group at Sacred Heart Church 13724 Saratoga Ave., Saratoga, 1:30 PM On Yom Kippur afternoon, we read the story of the prophet Jonah, sent not to the people of Israel, but to the residents of a distance and foreign city. This year Shir Hadash led by Rabbi Aron will use our Yom Kippur afternoon study time to look at classical and contemporary Jewish texts dealing with the spiritual challenge of extreme poverty and a religious understanding of the extent of our responsibility. 358-1751 x5, nadine@shirhadash.org Yom Kippur Afternoon Study Break Sinai, 4 PM Office@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542 Break-the-Fast Sinai, 8:20 PM A dairy buffet for Break-theFast immediately following Yom Kippur Havdallah service. $12/person. Children 5 and under are free. Reservations and payments are required.

Office@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 Habitat for Jewmanity TBA, 11 AM The Jewish Study Network is bringing together Young Adults from across the Bay Area to build Sukkahs for those who can’t built their own! Please contact the JSN if you are interested in voluntering or you know of a family or organization in need. info@jsn.info, (650) 493-5764 Sukkah Decorating Beth David, 11 AM Bring your kids to help make decorations for the Beth David Sukkah. Parents are welcome to stay and help kids and help hang their works of art!

Plenty of projects, snacks and space for all. Story time for the younger ones! 257-3333, RSadmin@beth-david.org

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Erev Sukkot & Consecration Service Shir Hadash, 6:30 PM On the first eve of the holiday, our new Religious School students are consecrated.

This is a short ceremony that marks the formal beginning of their Jewish education. They are given gifts so that the beginning of their education will be marked by sweetness. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 GLBT Dinner in the Sukkah Shir Hadash, 6 PM See ad on page 8. 358-1751 x5, nadine@shirhadash.org SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 Singles Sukkarama – Singles 40-70 Shir Hadash, 6:30 PM 6:30-8:30 p.m. mixer & wine, havdalah and hors d’oeuvres; 8:30 p.m. hit Israeli comedy – Ushpizin (Visitors to the Sukkah). FREE! Come and bring your friends! 358-1751 x5, nadine@shirhadash.org Sukkah Slumber Party Beth David, 7:30 PM Ever watched a movie or slept in a Sukkah? Here’s your chance to do both! K-7th kids are invited to join us for seudah shlishit, havdallah, movie, and snacks. Lights out at 10:30 for 4th grade & up.

Picked up younger kids by 10 p.m. Sunday morning begins with breakfast followed by a day of celebrating Sukkot including waving the lulav and etrog and our special annual Sukkah Snack with our regular JCore (Sunday school) students. 257-3333, RSadmin@beth-david.org SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 Book Group – “Cross and the Pear Tree” by Victor Perera Shir Hadash, 10:45 AM Many readers are familiar with the stories of Ashkenazi families and their travels from the Old World to New. Perera, who taught at UC Berkeley, was born in Guatemala City to Sephardic émigrés from Jerusalem. Through the lens

of his own family, he tells of Sephardic wanderings from the time of the Expulsion from Spain in 1492, linking Pereras across generations and continents. 358-1751 x5, nadine@shirhadash.org Community Service and Interfaith Prayer Gathering San Jose, 2 PM See ad on page 21. diane@jvalley.org, 358-3033 Kosher BBQ Cook-off in the Sukkah Sinai, 3 PM Who will be crowned Sinai Grillmaster Champion?

Competing for the title are: Roger “The Trumpet Man” Levinson, Eric “Tex” Rosenblum, Josh “I can BBQ anything” Roza, Shahrokh “King Rock” Talmoud. The competition will be sizzling.

Come vote for the best smoked brisket this side of the Valley!

Enjoy an afternoon poolside with hot BBQ and live music by the 18-piece Full Spectrum Jazz Band. RSVP to the Sinai office: $36/adult; $18/10-18 years old; $12/child over 4.

Office@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542 New Member Dinner in the Sukkah Shir Hadash, 5 PM nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 Torah & Thai Dinner in the Sukkah Shir Hadash, 6 PM $14/adult; $8/child 5-11 yrs. RSVP by Friday, Sept 20. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 Israel Trip Preparation Class Shir Hadash, 7:30 PM Rabbi Aron and Jehon Grist will lead two sessions (see Oct. 7) for those traveling with Rabbi Aron. There will be a slide presentation. Whether you’re going on the trip to Israel in the Fall or just thinking about visiting Israel, this course offers a comprehensive introduction to the land of our people. 358-1751 x4, rabbiaron@shirhadash.org

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Yom Kippur Teen Discussion Sinai, Noon A Teen Discussion will be led by our USY advisor.

Office@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542 www.jvalley.org

25

OCTOBER 1-14 Jewish Heritage Journey through Italy Space still available! Contact Arielle Hendel for itinerary and details. arielle@jvalley.org, 357-7501 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 Shabbat Noah at Happy Hollow Shir Hadash, 9:30 AM Enjoy a light breakfast and short kid-friendly outdoor service. Following the service we will go to Happy Hollow together. Breakfast at 9:30, service begins at 10. For location and details: 358-1751 x2, Shanda@shirhadash.org SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6 Celebration of the Animals and Petting Zoo Sinai, 11:30 AM Congregation Sinai and PJ Library Program present the Celebration of the Animals.

A family and animal-friendly service will take place outdoors in the courtyard at Sinai with our pets. All pets are invited in carriers, cages, on leashes, and in bowls. Playpens

for large and small dogs will be provided. The service will be followed by catered luncheon.

The event will feature a petting zoo and delightful tame animals (ducks, bunnies, piggies, goats and ponies) to pet, play with and enjoy. All are welcome to attend this free event. The Celebration of the Animals weekend is generously sponsored and hosted by Bert & Suzanne Peters. Office@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542 Klezmer and Comedy: A Chai House Fundraiser APJCC, 2 PM Join the Klezmakers and comedian Samson Koletkar for a Benefit Concert of Music and Comedy in support of the Chai House Kosher Meal Program.

Samson Koletkar who bills himself as the Mahatma Moses, is world’s only Indian Jewish standup comedian. He has performed his cerebral, witty and thought-provoking humor in India, Canada & U.S. and has been featured on NBC, CBS & NPR and will have you rolling in the aisles with laughter. Light

INFUSING

Chanukah

WITH THANKS Women’s Philanthropy Fall Outreach Event THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2013

7 -9 pm $18/$25 at the door Design Matters, 430 N. Santa Cruz Ave. Los Gatos, CA 95030 RSVP by November 1 at www.jvalley.org Info: arielle@jvalley.org, 408.357.7501 Every can of food brought to the event will earn a raffle ticket!

All food will be donated to local food banks.

Chef Rachel Wilson will demonstrate some tasty treats to combine Chanukah and Thanksgiving traditions; there will also be some recipes and menu suggestions.

Wine and light refreshments served.

refreshments will be served.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $22 at the door. 947-1818, info@chaihousebenefit.org MONDAY, OCTOBER 7 Israel Trip Preparation Class Shir Hadash, 7:30 PM Rabbi Aron and Jehon Grist will lead this session for those traveling to Israel with Rabbi Aron. There will be a slide presentation. Whether you’re going on the trip to Israel in the Fall, or just thinking about visiting Israel, this course offers a comprehensive introduction to the land of our people. 358-1751 x4, rabbiaron@shirhadash.org TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8 Conversations in Jewish Learning Beth David, 7:30 PM Informative speakers about contemporary, cultural, historical, political, and social Jewish-related issues presented by book authors, educators, experts, and leaders in various Jewish fields. A small donation to Adult Education is requested at each CJL event.

See website for details. 2573333, adulted@beth-david.org SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 Book Discussion Group Beth David, 1:30 PM Discussing “The Golem and the Jinni” by Helene Wecker, led by Harry Cornbleet. See website for details. 257-3333, adulted@beth-david.org Celebration Classic Dinner San Jose, 6 PM Join for a night of dinner, entertainment, and dancing.

Honor Carolyn & Max Lettween, founding members of Congregation Shir Hadash and long-time benefactors of our community. Dinner is included in the fee for all golfers registered for the tournament. Additional guests: $175/person ($150 for early registration; by September 3).

358-1751 x5, nadine@shirhadash.org

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13 Sharone Hadassah Presents Healing Hands with Dr. Ed Emanuel Mountain View, 10:30 AM See article on page 13.

Barb Green, 226-7894 or Bette Emanuel, 264-1861, betteemanuel@att.net Sunday Seminar Beth David, 10:30 AM Adult-oriented program of informative speakers about contemporary, cultural, historical, political, and social Jewish-related issues presented by book authors, educators, experts, and leaders in various Jewish fields. See website for details, www.beth-david.org. 257-3333 MONDAY, OCTOBER 14 Celebration Classic Golf Tournament Pleasanton, 9 AM This year’s tournament is at the beautiful Castlewood Country Club in Pleasanton.

The tournament will be a funfilled scramble format. There will also be a putting contest, contests on several holes, and a Million Dollar Shootout.

Dinner and golf is $450/ golfer. ($400/golfer for early registration; payment must be received by September 3).

Registration is quick and easy: www.celebrationclassic.org.

358-1751 x5, nadine@shirhadash.org FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 Welcome Shabbat! Annual Wine & Cheese Reception Emanu-El, 6:30 PM Visit our warm and caring community, tour our synagogue, and enjoy the company of members and friends. Visit our website for more information. 292-0939, pjhrocks2@gmail.com SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 Men’s Poker Night Levy Family Campus, 6 PM Save the Date! 357-7508, michellen@jvalley.org

®

Have an event to add to the calendar? Submit it at www.jvalley.org!

Questions about upcoming events? Contact amanda@jvalley.org or 357-7503.

26

www.jvalley.org

from the rabbi Rabbi’s Column

By Rabbi Debbie Israel, Congregation Emeth, Morgan Hill THE VALUE OF TIME To realize the value of one year, ask a student who has failed his final exam.

To realize the value of one month, ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby.

To realize the value of one week, ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize the value of one day, ask a daily wage laborer who has ten kids to feed.

To realize the value of one hour, ask a couple waiting for the wedding ceremony.

To realize the value of one minute, ask a person who has missed the train.

To realize the value of one second, ask a person who has survived an accident.

To realize the value of one millisecond, ask the person who has won a silver medal in the Olympics (The Value of Time, Anonymous)

Time is the one thing we all share. Everyone has the same 24 hours in our day and every one of us makes choices on the quality of each day’s passing of time. The Rabbis of the Talmud understood the preciousness of time and made it one of the central focal points for this Holy Season. We learn from our Sages that time is a concept that is considered holy, and Rosh Hashanah is the holiday that celebrates time. According to the Talmud, Rosh Hashanah celebrates the birthday of the world, and with creation comes the beginning of time.

In the beginning of time, as our Torah begins in Genesis, G-d creates the world and calls it good. However, good was not enough for the Almighty. So on the seventh day G-d sanctified time, making time holy, through the creation of the Shabbat, the Sabbath day. There is no reference in the record of creation to any other object that would be endowed with the quality of holiness, just the Sabbath, time.

The Talmud also records a myth that the original creation of the world was only supposed to last six days and then it would be over, but because of the holiness of the Sabbath, the world was renewed and was given another six days — then the next Shabbat renewed it again! Therefore, every Sabbath causes the world to be renewed ever since. More time.

Time shapes our lives, though few of us consider how we use it.

In the western world we waste a massive amount of time. The average American child spends more time on TV than on anything including school. We waste time recklessly on the one hand, but we try to hoard time on the other. We multi task, invent new ways to save time, but for what purpose?

How do you use time not just efficiently but meaningfully, purposefully, to elevate time to holiness, as a regular practice in your life. Talmud Bracha says time is the same for the poor man as the priest. No matter our success, no matter our wealth, no one gets more than 24 hours a day.

People consistently expect more time and more money — and are always wrong. But we are even more off the mark about having more time in the future than we are about money. Time, like an empty house, fills up fast.

Most of us say, “I’ll do it tomorrow when I have more time – next year, when I have more time.” Understanding human nature when it comes to time, our sage Hillel taught: Don’t say when I have time I will study Torah because you won’t have time. And our sage Shammai taught: make Torah a fixed practice, meaning don’t leave study to chance — set a time for it and put it on your calendar. These teachings illustrate that we have a choice – one can let time pass meaningfully – or fleetingly.

Rosh Hashanah is our time to reset our clocks, to set time over again, this time with a sense of purpose, a determination to respond to what’s important, an answer to the question: what should we do with our time? Rosh Hashanah is not about efficiency but about a pause that’s long enough and deep enough to lead us to ask the right questions: how do I make my time holy, how do I make the remainder of my life meaningful, what do I really believe in that I must dedicate time to, how do I use the gift of each day to the fullest? Then we can start to integrate these insights into our lives.

That is not to say that everything we do must be productive and change the world. It’s okay to veg out in front of the television.

But so often we claim we have no time without considering how much of it we willingly give away as if it has no value. We text, twitter and tweet, and then say remorsefully, “I’d love to have a family meal but everyone’s so busy.” We search the internet for the latest jokes and then say with regret that there’s no time to sign up for Adult Learning classes. How you spend your time is just as personal as how you spend your money.

To paraphrase the song from Rent, may you be blessed with fivehundred-twenty-five-thousand-six-hundred minutes in this new year of 5774 — minutes that are filled with meaning, pleasure, success, health and, yes, even time for a little rest.

Shana Tovah!

www.jvalley.org

27

obituaries ALEX S. BAUER

ROSA COHN

Alex S. Bauer, 91, resident of Sunnyvale, CA passed away at his home of natural causes. He touched many people with his kind compassionate nature and through his dedication to Holocaust education as a survivor.

Rosa, daughter of Karl and Adele Katz, was born in Vienna, Austria. She enjoyed piano lessons and attended a school where she had many friends. Things changed in March of 1938. She was forced to go to a separate Jewish school and children began to disappear from her classes. Rosa’s parents arranged for her to be put on a Kindertransport train to Denmark. She never saw her parents or her younger brother again.

May 25, 1922 – May 31, 2013

He was born in Komadi, Hungary, the son of Joseph and Sarah Bauer, one of seven children. He graduated from the Technical University of Munich and Santa Clara University. Alex married Rita Markowitz in Chicago on June 6, 1956. In 1962, they moved to the Bay Area where Alex worked as an electronics engineer for several microwave companies, including Sylvania and Loral.

Alex dedicated more than 30 years to Holocaust education, speaking to hundreds of high school and college students about his experience. On June 6, 1944, as the Allies were invading Normandy, he was drafted into forced labor with the Hungarian army. Later that year, the German government which had seized control of Hungary, sent Alex to the Dachau concentration camp and later to smaller work camps in southern Germany. He was liberated in 1945 and emigrated to the U.S. in 1949. Alex was invited to speak about the Holocaust to both the California State Assembly and the Santa Clara Board of Supervisors. He was an active volunteer at Congregation Beth David and at the Stanford Health Library. He also enjoyed listening to lectures on astronomy and science.

Alex is survived by his sister Magda, who lives in Israel, his sons Ken and Steve, his daughter-in-law Lyn and his grandchildren, Benjamin and Leigh (Ken) and Lauren and Xan (Steve). Alex was predeceased by his wife Rita who passed away on April 5, 2006.

Memorial donations may be made to the Holocaust Memorial Education Fund at Congregation Beth David.

PHYLLIS BERKOWITZ

July 19, 1931 – July 14, 2013 Phyllis Berkowitz was a native New Yorker and resident of San Jose. She was the beloved wife of the late Norman Berkowitz, the loving mother of Jaclyn Orlan (Peter), and Rabbi Allan Berkowitz (Mindy); the devoted grandmother of Abby Yelensky (Roman), Elie and Eitan Berkowitz, step-grandmother to Rebecca Goodman and Abigail Feria (Nico) and great-grandmother of Simon, Nora and Melena Yelensky. She was the dear sister of Thelma Ramm (Hy), Sheldon Rokofsky (Judy) and the late Herb Karp (Lillian). She was the beloved aunt of Andrew (Jennifer) Ramm, Laura (Warren) Mazer, Sharon Karp-Lewis (Mark Leonard) and many nieces, nephews and cousins on the east coast.

September 3, 1925 – June 5, 2013

She escaped from Denmark and went to Sweden for the duration of the war and then settled in Denmark. She met her future husband through a classmate while she was in Sweden. They were married in 1951.

She is survived by her loving husband of almost 62 years, Werner Cohn, her daughter Irene (Dr. Steven) Weiss, son Peter Cohn, granddaughters Dr. Leah (Ethan) Chernin, Julia (Brett) Taxin, Dr. Mara Weiss and grandson Dr. Max (Dr. Marissa) Weiss and greatgrandson Noah Chernin.

The family moved to the Almaden Valley in 1968 and Rosa served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Opera San Jose as well as a board member and chair of the Docent Council of the San Jose Museum of Art. Donations in her memory may be made to Opera San Jose, The San Jose Museum of Art or the charity of your choice.

ROBERT GLUCK

May 30, 1931 – July 2, 2013 Robert Gluck was born in the Bronx and attended the Bronx High School of Science. He went on to the New York State Maritime School and after that served in the United State Navy for two years. He and his wife Myrna were married in 1954 and moved to the Bay Area in 1973. He worked for General Electric and utilized his degree in mechanical engineering for nuclear projects as well as designing the heat shield for the Apollo project – it was a success! After years at GE, he retired to “golf.”

Robert is survived by his wife Myrna, sons Randy (Carol) and Rodney (Sandra), and grandchildren, Shaina, Jason and Isabella.

His son Richard predeceased him.

Please make donations in his memory to the Jewish Family Service of Silicon Valley.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Environmental Volunteers of Palo Alto or the Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley.

28

www.jvalley.org

ELSA GORDON

MARTHA ELIZABETH GRAPA

Elsa Leiter Gordon of Los Gatos, a retired child and adolescent psychiatrist, died after a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer’s.

She was born in Chicago to Dr. Louis and Rachel Leiter. Her father was a professor of medicine at the U. of Chicago. She attended the Lab School there and then moved to NYC where her father taught medicine at Montefiore. She returned to Chicago for her undergraduate work at the U. of Chicago and then continued her medical studies there as well. She and her husband, Dr. Leon Gordon, met in medical school and were married in 1951. After graduation in 1952, she began an internship in Philadelphia, and they later moved to New York City where she continued her training at Bellevue. She and her husband moved to California in the mid-fifties; he completed his residency in surgery and she changed her studies from pediatrics to child psychiatry.

Martha passed to eternal life at her home, surrounded by her loving and devoted family. Born in Mexico City, daughter of Elodia Perez and Javier Ysunza, Martha was a devoted wife, companion and soul mate, dedicated mother, homemaker, teacher and friend. She was passionate about many things.

She traveled the world and lived in Mexico, France, USA and China. She was fearless and taught her sons to be brave and independent, to treat all with respect and love and to value family. She was happy, friendly, joyful, radiant and the spirit of the party. A friend to many, she was an essential part of the life of her family. She defended the less fortunate, helped the Huichole Community in Guadalajara, drove for a halfway house, helped protect battered women and actively supported justice for all around her. As a teacher, she taught biology and ESL as well as being a selfless substitute teacher who was always loved by her students.

May 26, 1928 – June 28, 2013

Dr. Gordon continued her education at Stanford, interrupting her training as the family grew. Eventually the Gordons settled in San Jose and Dr. Gordon began her practice. She opened a mental health clinic with a few other physicians in the converted family house when the family moved to Los Gatos in 1962. This was one of the first private mental health facilities devoted to children in northern California.

Over her long career, she was influential in training and mentoring many mental health professionals in the Santa Clara County area. She also devoted much of her time to Acknowledge Alliance (formerly the Cleo Eulau Center), a nonprofit children’s agency, where she was a founder and board member.

Aside from taking care of her four children and her busy practice, Dr. Gordon enjoyed skiing, water skiing, golf, sailing, and traveling. After her retirement, she spent much of her time with her eleven grandchildren. She became a bat mitzvah at 70 and served as president of Temple Emanu-El. Elsa Gordon was known for her graciousness and her kindness, as well as her unending interest in helping others. Even in her diminished capacity at the end of her life, she was still observed trying to comfort other residents in the memory care facility where she spent the last few months of her life.

Dr. Gordon was a scientist who reasoned that with enough effort, she could beat Alzheimer’s. She traveled, read poetry, studied Hebrew, wrote stories, gave speeches, solved puzzles, played bridge, did brain exercises on the computer, did needlepoint, played the piano, golfed, swam, and faithfully did her exercises.

She kept up with her friends and colleagues from her clinic and her relatives near and far. She continued going to temple and volunteering her time.

Dr. Gordon is survived by her daughters Dr. Jo Carol Hiatt (Dr. Jonathan) and Jennifer Gordon Cohen (Robert), sons Dr. Joseph Gordon (Nancy) and Marc Gordon (Sherri), and 11 grandchildren.

Her husband predeceased her in 2000.

Donations in her name may be made to Temple Emanu-El or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

May 25, 1938 – May 24, 2013

The memory of Martha will be kept alive by her devoted husband Joseph, a member of Congregation Beth David, her sons Eugenio, Arturo and Julio Javier along with her daughters-in-law, brothers, nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. To her granddaughters, she was not only a grandmother but also a friend and counselor; she had a deep and passionate love for her family, near and far.

SAUL HOFFMAN

May 4, 1935 – July 3, 2013 Saul Hoffman was the youngest of three children who were born to Morris and Freda Hoffman in Philadelphia, PA. His bar mitzvah occurred on May 15, 1948 and he always felt a strong connection to Israel as a result thereof. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in chemical engineering but always was a natural salesman. He lived by the motto that any deal had to be a winwin for all participants.

Saul met Yvonne (“Taffy”), the love of his life, at a Hillel social and they married in June, 1957. He was active in the National Feed Ingredient Assn. in the 1960s and 70s. He was active as a CPR instructor with the Santa Cruz County Red Cross chapter and with his wife was the “go to” couple for national disasters.

He taught the Hoffman Torah trope at Kol Emeth in the 1970s during the family’s temporary move to California from Cleveland and again the late 70s when the family permanently moved back to Northern California in 1978. As regional youth commissioner, he led the fight for egalitarian services at the USY International convention which was held in San Jose in 1986.

He is survived by Taffy and his sons David (Debby), Dan (Catherine), Doug (Atsu) and Deborah (Louis) and eight grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son Dean in 1985.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Dean Hoffman Memorial Israel scholarship fund at Kol Emeth.

www.jvalley.org

29

TERESA KLEIN

June 30, 1933 – July10, 2013 Teresa Rosenblatt was born to Pinchas and Chava Malka Rosenblatt in Lodz, Poland. She lost her entire family in the Holocaust but survived Auschwitz and it was there that she met her future husband, Erwin Klein. They made their way to a DP camp in Feldafing, Germany. From there, she attended and graduated from Ludwig Maximillian University; she graduated summa cum laude with a degree in dentistry.

The family moved to Chicago in 1950 where she made a home for her husband and three sons. In Evanston, IL she was active at the Sisterhood of Mikdosh el Hagro.

Teresa moved to Los Gatos in 1989. A month after her move, the earthquake struck and an eight-foot hutch fell and just missed her. She was a survivor!

She was a member at Shir Hadash and enjoyed participating in the retirees’ lunch, adult education classes and Saturday morning services. She also enjoyed the current events class at the JCC. She was extremely independent, enjoyed living on her own and getting around town despite her limited vision.

She passed away peacefully at home. She is survived by her three sons, Paul (Gabriela), Marc (Lynn) and Scott (Karen) and her two granddaughters, Madeleine and Talia.

Please make donations in her memory to the charity of your choice.

MATTHEW LANDERS

December 19, 1956 – May 12, 2013 Matt Landers was the son of long-time Congregation Sinai members, Laura and Al Sanders of San Jose. He was the owner of Anchor Forge & Iron, Inc. steelworks.

Matt fought a brain tumor with grace and courage over the past nineteen months. He was a very smart and wonderful father to his three sons, Seth, Ben and Josh Landers. He is survived by his sons and his wife Allyson, his sisters Miriam Morgan and Dr. Leona Landers, his brother Dr. Milton Landers, and six nieces and nephews.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Brain Tumor Association.

JACK SLOAN

December 24, 1919 – July 28, 2013 Jack Sloan was born in Ruzhana, a small village, in Poland to Abraham and Rosa Slonimski. Abraham immigrated to the United States but was unable to secure a visa for his wife and children. Jack grew up with his mother and uncle and was out of town the day the Nazis massacred the inhabitants of the town including his mother and uncle. Jack was a partisan in Poland and was part of the Russian Army for a while. He met his first wife, Rachela, in Stavropol, Russia where he went in search of an aunt from Lithuania. He and Rachela made their

way to a British DP camp in occupied Austria.

With the initiative of his wife and with the help of relatives from his mother’s side of the family who were living in Oklahoma, they were able to come to this country in 1949. He landed in New Orleans on Labor Day and was stuck on the ship because of the holiday. He was able to reconnect with his father who was living in Los Angeles at the time.

Jack worked first candling eggs in L.A.; he acquired the skills necessary to be a kosher butcher and had a shop in the PicoRobertson area of Los Angeles. In 1966 an opportunity arose to move to San Jose and to buy the Willow Glen Kosher Meat Market on Lincoln Avenue in Willow Glen.

Jack always tried to better himself; he loved learning and he was always concerned with making sure that others had enough. For years, even after he retired, he provided the Sunday morning minyan at Congregation Sinai with lox and bagels. He was an active member at Sinai and of the San Jose Lodge 522 of the BPO of Elks.

His wife Sally Sloan died in 2002. He is survived by his wife Klara Polin; he is lovingly remembered by his daughters Rose (Roger Bellon) Sloan and Marian Sloan of Los Angeles and his much beloved grandson Benjamin Bellon.

Memorial contributions may be made to Congregation Sinai at 1532 Willowbrae Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125.

DR. SIDNEY SOGOLOW

December 30, 1938 – June 5, 2013 Long-time Saratoga resident Dr. Sidney Sogolow passed away in Irvine after suffering a stroke. He was born and raised in Chicago and met his wife Rosalie (“Cookie”) there when they were 13 years old.

Sid was an obstetrician/gynecologist in Los Gatos for forty years. He left Chicago in 1967 and served as a Naval Lieutenant Commander at 29 Palms Marine Corp Base during the Vietnam War and moved to the Bay Area in 1969.

Dr. Sogolow had many interests. He was a founding partner and director of Pacific Valley Bank which later became Pacific Western Bank and then ComericA Bank. He also served as director of Enterprise Trust. He enjoyed golfing, playing bridge, following the Chicago Bulls, traveling and being with his family and friends.

He retired in 2011 when he and his wife moved to southern California to be close to their children and grandchildren whom he dearly loved. He is remembered as a generous, caring, gentle man with a great sense of humor and a smile for everyone; he touched the lives of all who knew hm. It is estimated that he and his partner delivered about 10,000 babies over the years of their practice together.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 53 years, his daughter Wendi (Barry) Fast and son Larry (Debbie) Sogolow and grandchildren Joey, Jacob and Becca Fast and Ben and Sarah Libben.

30

www.jvalley.org

Sid was a member of Temple Emanu-El in San Jose, a supporter of Jewish Federation, the JCC, Chai House and the Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley where his wife served on the Board and was a past president.

Services were held in Irvine, CA at the time of his death and an additional service was held on July 23 at the Los Gatos Hospital.

SHIRLEY RISKIN

June 7, 1927 – April 12, 2013 Shirley Riskin died of cancer at her home in Scotts Valley.

Devoted to her family, she is survived by her husband of 53 years Jules, her son Paul (Orit) members of Congregation Beth David, her daughter Sarah and her grandchildren Liana and Michael and her brother Ed. She loved music and singing.

HAROLD MARTIN ZEITMAN July 10, 1925 – June 2, 2013

Harold Zeitman, a congregant of Beth David, was born in San Francisco, raised in Redwood City and died in San Jose. He was known as the basket man and as a hardware store owner. He was an avid gardener and a lover of trains. He loved to fish and to hike and to collect stamps. He is survived by his wife Jeannette, daughters Sandra and Barbara Zeitman, sons Allen and Paul Zeitman and grandchildren Lea and Lukas Zeitman.

Send funeral announcements and photos to Andrea Greyber at (408) 377-6224 or agreyber@yahoo.com.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Mid-County Senior Center, 829 Bay Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010.

REBECCA PAPO WEINBERG WILLHEIM

Home of Peace

December 17, 1920 – July 8, 2013

Rebecca Papo Weinberg Willheim passed away peacefully at Drake Terrace in San Rafael. Beloved wife of the late Alex Weinberg and Edward G. Willheim, loving mother of Louise (Larry) Jacobsen, David (Debra) Willheim and Ruth W. Rosenthal; adored and cherished grandmother of Annie and Sara Jacobsen, Katie, Andrew and Janie Willheim and Joel and David Abramovitz, devoted sister of the late Marie Papo Walton, Joseph (Beatrice) Papo, Elisha (Sara) Papo and Naomi Roman; sisterin-law of Judith Stonefield, Ruth Weinberg, the late Florence (Joe) Lane and Harold Weinberg; treasured aunt, great-aunt and cousin to many.

Cemetery and Mausoleum Founded 1853

Owned and Operated by Temple Emanu-El South Bay Area’s only Jewish-owned Cemetery, Mausoleum and Columbarium Pre-Need Terms

Bob Basuino, Administrator

Rebecca was the daughter of Michael and Cecilia Papo who were early pioneers in the land of Israel. Born in 1919 in Mansourah, Egypt, Rebecca and her family immigrated to Cleveland, OH when she was six and moved to San Francisco at the age of sixteen. During WWII, she worked for the American Red Cross at Long Beach Hospital. She lived in LA from 1945-1964 when she moved to Northern California; she lived in San Jose for forty-three years and was a member of Temple Emanu-El. She moved to San Rafael in 2007. She maintained a lifelong love of and commitment to the land of Israel, its people and all things Israeli. She was a dedicated and active member of Hadassah, B’nai B’rith, ORT, Pioneer Women, ZOA, Technion Society, the Jewish Welfare Federation, the Sisterhood of Temple Emanu-El in San Jose and AIPAC. Rebecca’s unfailing generosity, compassion and kindness were enhanced by her high moral standards, personal integrity and strength of character. She made friends wherever she went and saw the best in everyone and every situation. She was greatly loved and is already deeply missed by her family and friends.

Contributions in her memory may be made to Jewish National Fund Trees for Israel, AIPAC or Hospice by the Bay.

(408) 292-0939 cemetery@templesanjose.org

FD262

Serving the entire Jewish Community for over 110 years Honoring the dignity of the deceased and providing compassion and support for the living    

Advanced planning counseling At-need arrangements Bereavement support and services Burial at all Jewish cemeteries locally and globally

Peninsula Office (FD1830) 777 Woodside Road, Suite C, Redwood City Robert L. Malinow (FDR894) Managing Funeral Director rmalinow@sinaichapel.org

(408) 297-3636 Wayne A. Rose (FDR979) Funeral Director wrose@sinaichapel.org

FDIC insured Pre-need funeral arrangements available.

www.jvalley.org

31

32

www.jvalley.org

A “Gem” of an idea: Beth David’s new Youth Education “Jewel” Program

By Eleanor Weber Dickman An new educational adventure is being offered through Congregation Beth David’s Youth Education Program ― which is open to the entire Jewish community! It’s called JEWEL (Jewish Experiential Learning). JEWEL is a creative initiative developed

by Religious School principal Iris Bendahan and faculty. Iris describes the new curricular as “community and identity building while being immersed in a Jewish learning environment.”

Based on experiential learning strategies, the program allows parents and their children to “devise their own curriculum” in five five-week sessions throughout the academic year. The program will be offered to fourth through seventh grade students who meet on Wednesdays. Third graders can also request to participate in the program on an individual basis.

l cal news Says Rabbi Philip Ohriner: “The new educational experiences at Congregation Beth David accentuate so many of the best practices in Jewish education today. It takes experiential learning in the context of a synagogue school to a new level and provides a merit-based achievement tracking system to encourage children and excite them about their learning. Most importantly, JEWEL provides an entry point for any child and their family, whether a member of our congregation or not, to experience the joy of Jewish life and top-notch learning in a flexible, warm, and welcoming environment.”

To learn more about JEWEL or Congregation Beth David, please call (408) 257-3333 or visit www.beth-david.org.

Align your values with your Investment Portfolio

Focusing on “Jewish experiential learning and social interaction,” the schedule offers three time slots ― Hebrew, Spirit, and Judaica (culture, history and values, with specific educational activities based on different themes. Students choose and complete “JEMs” ― Jewish Educational Modules (fiveweek mini-courses) from a broad range of categories, including: • Hebrew language (beginner to advanced activities) • Cultural choices (such as art, music, dance, cooking)

Mike Krigel Financial Advisor

• Torah study (applied to today’s life)

For a complimentary consultation, call: 650-234-5177 2882 Sand Hill Road Menlo Park, CA 94025 mike.krigel@morganstanley.com www.morganstanleyfa.com/mikekrigel

• Values (including ethics and social action projects) • Israel (geography, environment, political, social issues) • History (broad history of the Jewish people including the Holocaust with lessons learned)

© 2012 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.

• Tradition (holidays, the Jewish calendar and life cycle) • Spirituality (prayer, Kashrut, Kabbala)

COMP

JOB INFORMATION 7348190

PROJ. NO.:

JOB NAME:

TRIM SIZE: FINISHED SIZE: BLEED:

SPECIFICATIONS 2.292" × 3.833"

NOTES

2.292” × 3.833” N/A

BINDERY:

CREATIVE SERVICES 1221 Avenue of the Americas, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10020

DESCRIPTION:

COST CENTER:

r1 FILENAME:

DUE DATE:

7348190 Krigel RB r1

INK:

CMYK APPROVALS

PANTONE #: CREATIVE DIR.:

CLIENT NAME: PROJECT MGR.:

• Prayer (Hebrew, recitation, and the emotional impact of why and how to pray)

MSSB Chin Krigel Ad

NY CS 7348190 10/12

MODIFIED BY PROJECT MGR.: PROOFREADER: CLIENT: LAST MODIFIED: October

23, 2012 2:33 PM

• Independent Study of themes offered on the school’s colorful and varied bulletin boards.

Achievement is based on “smart goals” established by the teachers of the various JEWEL courses. These goals identify what else is hoped a student should be able to do or articulate about the subjects they have studied. Students earn JEM cards for successful completion of each course, which they can collect and trade. Students earning 12 “Jewels” receive an award (Hoshen — reminiscent of the High Priest’s chest plate).

Board president David Hoffman notes, ““The JEWEL program is a creative re-imagining of religious school, designed to provide quality education, as Beth David always has, for today’s active and modern families.”

Rabbi Pressman believes, “In the rapidly changing landscape of American Jewish life, it is essential for synagogues to be creative and innovative. Iris and her team have been bold and forward thinking in developing this new program. I look forward to teaching my JEMs and to the engagement and spirit that will shine from our new JEWEL.” www.jvalley.org

33

SIMCHAS

By Andrea Cohen Greyber

Births Lilah Alia Salzman was born on March 12 to Erica Salzman, daughter of Beth David congregants Michael & Marina Salzman of Saratoga.

Lilah lives in Pasadena and will be named at Beth David on August 10. Her other grandmother is Lena Grossman of Cupertino.

Greyson H. Gallop was born on May 2 at Good Samaritan Hospital to Alece & Matthew Gallop. He weighed in at 5 pounds 15 ounces and was 19 inches long. Proud grandparents are Fred & Pupa Gallop and Congregation Beth David members Helaine & Steve Green. His two greatgrandmothers are Dorothy Green and Ida Strangis. His

deceased great-grandparents are Harold Green, for whom he was named, David & Gloria Mueller, Marvin & Beatrice Gallop and Anthony Strangis.

Jackson (Jack) Miles Burak was born on June 6 in Reno, NV to Lainie & Matthew Burak. He weighed 7 pounds 2 ounces and was 20 inches long. Jack has an older sister Madeline who lives in Reno also. The proud grandparents are Beth David members Marshall & Marlene Burak of Los Gatos and Joel & Christine Rubenstein of Portland, OR. Aunts and uncles Melissa & Ken Toren and Mallorie Burak & Mark Davis joined others for the bris which was performed by Rabbi Moishe Trager of Los Gatos at the Burak home in Reno. The baby was named in memory of his great-grandfather Reuven Rubenstein.

Called to the Torah Jacob and Nathan Ferandez, sons of Lori Krauss & David Fernandez, were called to the Torah at Congregation Sinai on June 22. They are both Jacob Fernandez students at John F. Kennedy Middle School

in Cupertino and the younger brothers of Daniel who read from the Torah as well.

Jacob enjoys reading, magic cards and playing the bassoon. The Nathan Fernandez bassoon was his grandfather’s for many years and he enjoys the family connection and the music.

Nathan enjoys mind craft, building things and playing guitar. The twins remembered their grandmother Sheila Fernandez on this special occasion in their lives and were pleased to have their grandparents Don & Harriet Fernandez of San Jose and Edwin & Etta Krauss from Philadelphia join them for their b’nei mitzvah.

Engagements Katherine Mueller, director of education at Congregation Sinai and Richard Goldman, PhD, founder of LegIT Systems are to be married. She is the ✓Fine Furniture ✓Carpet ✓Hardwood ✓Laminate ✓Linoleum ✓Cork & more ✓Window Coverings ✓Hunter Douglas Tues.-Fri. 9-5:30 Sat. 9-5:00

SHANAH TOVAH & G’MAR CHATIMAH TOVAH

www.alefbetjudaica.com

daughter of Joe Mueller of Morgan Hill and the late Cheryl Mueller. He is the son of Myron & Louise Goldman of Elkins Park, PA. Kate attended the University of Judaism (now American Jewish University) and Rich attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus.

They met on JWed.

Anniversaries Elena & David Weinberg of Congregation Sinai were married in Mexico City on May 26, 1963. They celebrated this spring with a trip to Spain and were fortunate to visit Barcelona and Madrid. They also celebrated their 50th anniversary with their Sinai family at a Kiddish luncheon on July 13! Mazel tov!

Send announcements and photos to Andrea Greyber at 408-377-6224 or agreyber@ yahoo.com

Lawrence f u r n i s h i n g s

Family Owned For Over 40 Years

Every Day Discount Pricing (408) 374-7590 LawrenceFurnishings.com

470 Vandell Way, Campbell, CA 95008 A Division of Lawrence Contract Furnishers

Wedding and Bar/Bat Mitzvah Videography

408.206.6505

www.blue-moon-productions.com 408.

34

www.jvalley.org

Jewish Professional Directory Attorneys Peter D. Feinberg

Hoge Fenton Jones & Appel 60 S. Market St., Ste 1400 San Jose, CA 95113 (408) 287-9501 pdf@hogefenton.com

www.hogefenton.com/our-people/attorneys/ Feinberg-Peter-D

Practice focused on corporate, M & A and business transactions.

Philip L. Hammer

Hoge Fenton Jones & Appel 60 S. Market St., Ste. 1400 San Jose, CA 95113 (408) 287-9501 plh@hogefenton.com www.hogefenton.com/hammer.html Specializing in complex family law matters. Certified Specialist in Family Law, State Bar of CA; Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

David J. Hofmann

Hoge Fenton Jones & Appel 60 S. Market St., Ste. 1400 San Jose, CA 95113 (408) 287-9501 djh@hogefenton.com www.hogefenton.com/hofmann.html Practice focused on commercial and residential real estate transactions & finance.

David S. Howard

Hoge Fenton Jones & Appel 60 S. Market St., Ste. 1400 San Jose, CA 95113 (408) 287-9501 dsh@hogefenton.com www.hogefenton.com/howard.html Practice focused on complex taxation, corporate strategy, and business succession planning..

Steven D. Siner

Hoge Fenton Jones & Appel 60 S. Market St., Ste. 1400 San Jose, CA 95113 (408) 287-9501 sds@hogefenton.com www.hogefenton.com/siner.html Practice focused on complex business transactions, estate planning, and family business succession planning.

Attorneys Minda B. Parrish

14500 Big Basin Way, Suite D, Saratoga, CA 95070 (408) 741-3500 minda@parrishlaw.net Estate Planning, Probate, Elder Law

Lynne R. Snyder

101 Church St., Suite 7, Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 354-5590 Adoption, Custody, Dissolutions, Guardianship, Juvenile Court, Paternity

Shannon Stein

Law Offices of Shannon Stein 438 South Murphy Avenue Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (408) 774-9097 shannon@shannonsteinlaw.com www.shannonsteinlaw.com Family Law Attorney, specializing in dissolutions, child custody, child support, mediation, restraining orders, limited scope representation, post-judgement issues.

Carol Elias Zolla

16450 Los Gatos Boulevard, Suite 208, Los Gatos, CA 95032 Tel: 408-358-6900 carol@zollalawfirm.com www.zollalawfirm.com Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law. The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.

Real Estate Orna & Ruben Yomtoubian

408-253-2250 or 408-887-8239 888-Do0-Fees 888-360-3337 (Toll Free) Orna@ORNA.com www.ORNA.com Full Service Discount Commission Realty Broker/Owner BS, MS, MIS, Finance www.aDiscountRealty.com • 1% Listing Broker Commission • I pay all my Buyer’s Closing Costs* • Free Service to Jewish Organizations (Bet Kenesets) www.aDiscountMortgage.com • 30 Years Fixed Conforming No Fee Loan 3.5% APR • No Upfront Fees, No Fee Loans, $417K> Loan>$250K Real Estate #01098186, Mortgage #NMLS31413, Appraisal #AL029181

27 Eucalyptus Lane San Rafael, CA 94901 Phone/Fax (415) 453-3899 Cell (415) 218-1295 All Life cycle ceremonies-special events, Spiritual Leadership; Cantorial-Liturgical skills; Hebrew-Jewish studies

Commercial Real Estate Senior Services Guggenheim Realty Group, Inc

Law Office of Derryl H. Molina

AMB Designs

Binder & Malter, LLP 2775 Park Avenue Santa Clara, CA 95050 (408) 295-1700 Michael@bindermalter.com www.bindermalter.com Certified Specialist, Bankruptcy Law The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization Specializing in all aspects of bankruptcy representation, issues re distressed real estate and asset protection.

Financial Advocacy for Seniors 408-279-3269 (o) 408-318-0828 (c) www.mindacutcher.com minda@mindacutcher.com Helping families create and manage strategies to reduce healthcare costs, access benefits, decrease household expenses, pay bills and process mail.

Dr. Itzhak Emanuel

“Helping you plan for your family’s tomorrow at every stage of your life.”

1743 Pilgrim Avenue Mountain View, CA 94040 (650) 336-5185 Christl@DeneckePlanning.com www.DeneckePlanning.com Family Wealth Planning • Living Trusts • Special Needs Trusts • Estate Planning for Young Families Estate Planning for Non-Traditional Families

Michael W. Malter

Minda Cutcher, MBA, Inc.

Cantor-Educator

Christl Denecke

“Trust Your Trust to Us!” 1142 S. Winchester Blvd., Ste. B San Jose, CA 95128 (408) 244-4992 attderryl@comcast.net www.fulllifecareplanner.net Estate Planning, Probate, and Elder Law. Mediation Facilitor.

Financial Services

595 Millich Drive, Suite 101, Campbell, CA 95008 (408) 871-8722 x222 Fax (408) 834-4959 www.guggenheimrgi.com Commercial Real Estate Management, Investments, and Leasing. Call us for your property management, leasing and sales needs. Allen Guggenheim & Gary Naillon

Events (408) 942-0852 ambdsgn@pacbell.net www.ambdesigns.com Balloon & Event Décor. Any Occasion, we do it all!

Call Amy Blach, your Event Designer

Financial Services

Lyn Pasqua DELIVERED BY GRACE

Transportation and Shopping Service 408-590-5898 Personalized transportation service, serving seniors throughout Santa Clara and most cities in San Mateo County. Our service is tailored to meet your needs.

Tax Preparation & Representation Philip S. Levine EA, MBA Padgett Business Services Silicon Valley West Inc.

501 N. Santa Cruz Blvd. Ste. A Los Gatos CA 95030 (408) 402-3725 p_levine@smallbizpros.com www.siliconvalleywest.com Tax Preparation and Professional Representation before the IRS and CA FTB. A small business focus including corporations and partnerships as well as their owners and other professionals. We also welcome CA Registered Domestic Partner (RDP) returns as well as clients with international tax issues.

Leonard W. Williams, CPA

A Professional Corporation 455 S. Mathilda, Sunnyvale 94086 (408) 736-1566 www.LWWilliamsCPA.com Leonard W. Williams, CPA Elaine Raitt, CPA, Y. Mary King, CPA, Brenda L. George, EA, T. Patricia Cohen, EA, Keith Kreider, EA, Sue Conners, EA Tax Planning & Return Preparation for Individuals, Trusts & Estates.

www.jvalley.org

35

WAKE UP TO A SOUND THAT CAN CHANGE LIVES. This New Year, bring hope to people in despair. Nurture and sustain our Jewish community. Your gift to Federation makes it possible, all year long. Donate at www.jvalley.org.