High Holiday Guide

Family Guide to High Holidays in Silicon Valley

A program of the 速

Dear PJ Library families, We, at PJ Library of Silicon Valley, are sending you this e-magazine to let you know what is available for you and your children during the Fall holidays this year in our community.

We can say with no hesitation that the five congregations featured are truly looking forward to welcoming you to any aspect of the holiday observance you choose to attend.

These synagogues are partners with PJ Library in offering the best of PJ Library programming throughout the year and their communities may be just right for you as you choose to experience the new year 5764. For information about other local synagogues, please visit www.jvalley.org.

Also in this guide you will find crafts and recipes that are child-friendly. I hope you are able to use these to enrich your family’s holiday experiences.

Shana tova, Rabbi Leslie Alexander Eleanor Dickman Director, PJ Library of Silicon Valley Volunteer, Outreach Coordinator

Rosh Hashanah Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish new year, a fall holiday that calls for both rejoicing and serious introspection. According to Jewish tradition, Rosh Hashanah is the birthday of the world and also the time of divine judgment. Rosh Hashanah is followed, ten days later, by Yom Kippur. Together these two days are called the High Holidays.

Yom Kippur Yom Kippur--the Jewish Day of Atonement--is a fast day that follows Rosh Hashanah. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are often called the High Holidays. The holidays and the time in between them are known as the Ten Days of Repentance.

According to Jewish tradition, at the conclusion of Yom Kippur, God seals the Book of Life and the Book of Death for the coming year. Yom Kippur is, thus, a day of prayer and introspection. It is considered the most solemn day on the Jewish calendar.

The overarching theme of Yom Kippur is repentance. From the beginning to the end of the holiday, we are meant to be thinking about affecting positive change in our lives and making amends with others.

Sukkot The holiday of Sukkot is named after the booths or huts in which Jews are supposed to live during this week-long festival. The huts are supposed to remind us of the flimsy houses our ancestors lived in as they traveled through the desert heading towards Israel.

Eating and living in a temporary structure--called a sukkah--forces you to think about the important things in life, separating you from material possessions. But because Sukkot is also a harvest festival, it is considered an especially happy and festive time.

In ancient times, when the Temple in Jerusalem still stood, Sukkot was one of the three major pilgrimage festivals (along with Passover and Shavuot). Sukkot begins five days after Yom Kippur.

Simchat Torah Simchat Torah (meaning, “Celebration of the Torah�) is a one-day holiday that marks the completion of the annual cycle of the Torah reading. The final portion of Deuteronomy is read and then a new Torah reading cycle is immediately started with the Book of Genesis.

Many synagogues unroll the Torah scroll completely so everyone can see the whole Torah, from start to finish.

Content provided by kveller.com

September Simha for Kids

Happiness at Congregation Beth David Selihot – Sukkot – Simhat Torah

Selihot Sleep Over

Saturday, August 31st 7:30pm Sunday, September 1st 9:30am K-7th kids will absolutely want to feed their souls at our festive Selihot Seudah Shlishit (festive 3rd Shabbat meal) followed by games, havdallah, movie, ice cream and a sleep over (4th grade & up). Pick up younger kids by 10:30pm. Wake up to a hearty breakfast – pick up at 9:30am. Event is FREE but RSVP required by August 29th at Beth-David.org/RSVP

Sukkah Decorating September 15th 11:00am– 1:00pm

We invite all families to 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! Free.

Sukkah Slumber Party

Saturday, September 21st 7:00pm Sunday, September 22nd 12:30pm Ever watched a movie or slept in a Sukkah?

Here’s your chance to do both! K-7th kids invited to join us for Seudah Shlishit, havdallah, movie, and snacks. Lights out at 10:30 for 4th grade & up. Younger kids picked up by 10:00pm. Sunday morning begins with breakfast followed by a day of celebrating Sukkot including waving the lulav & etrog and our special annual Sukkah Snack with our regular JCore (Sunday school) students. Event is FREE but RSVP required by September 15th at BethDavid.org/RSVP.

Simhat Torah

Thursday, September 26th 7:30pm & Friday, September 28th 9:30am Kids of all ages will have a sweet time as we celebrate the completion of the reading of the Torah with song, dance, stuffed Torahs & flags, ongoing apple & honey themed snacks; Erev Simhat Torah also includes a sweet welcome to students new to JYEP – our Youth Education Program. Contact JYEPAdmin@beth-david.org for more information.

Congregation Beth David

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

Congregation Beth David Congregation Beth David, embodying the values of Conservative Judaism, seeks to be a catalyst for enriching people's lives through prayer, Jewish learning and communal connection. CBD welcomes all who enter our doors and strives to help its members build meaningful Jewish relationships. CBD creates a sense of caring and supportive community through a diversity of specialized programs and auxiliary groups like our young adult group (Jews' Next Dor), and our Jewish Families Group.

We cordially invite all PJ Library families (and their friends!) to join us for our FREE holiday programming for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot.

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, September 5th, 6th, and 14th @ CBD Tot Experience (11:00-12:00): a fun and interactive service for children ages 0 - 5 and their parents led by Rabbi Shoshana Ohriner. Our service will include singing, storytelling, movement, felt work, and a yummy and sweet snack.

Youth Experience (10:30-12:00): age appropriate holiday youth services for children 6 and up and their families with singing, stories, games, and snack time!

Tashlikh: “Casting Away the Crumbs of Last Year!!”, September 5th 4pm @ Calabazas Park Join the CBD community at Calabazas Park, by the creek next to the BMX park on Rainbow Drive in San Jose as we symbolically cast our misdeeds into the creek! Then join the CBD Jewish families group for snacks and playtime at the playground. Please bring meat-free snacks for your own family or to share.

Getting ready for Sukkot! September 15th 11-1pm @ CBD Help us decorate our community Sukkah with coloring, arts and crafts, snacks, and fun for the entire family.

Let’s Celebrate Sukkot! September 22nd 12:30-3pm, @ The home of Rabbi Ohriner The CBD Jewish Families Group cordially invites all PJ Library families with children 0-5 (and siblings!) to join us for Food and Fun in the Sukkah. Come meet the Ohriners and other families as we enjoy lunch, stories, and hands-on activities in the Sukkah. Please RSVP to pjlibrary@beth-david.org for the address.

19700 Prospect Road Saratoga, CA 95070 (408) 257-3333 www.beth-david.org

Candy Torah Scrolls Looking for a way to keep your “little hands” busy before Simchat Torah or Shabbat? Ask your kids to make these “Torah Scrolls.”

The “covers” can be decorated with sparkles or stickers. Better yet, your kids can turn these Torah treats into place-card holders – ask them to write each guest’s name on the outside, and maybe a sweet message on the inside.

Ingredients: Rolls of “Fizzer” candies Construction or colorful paper Strips of ribbon Directions: 1. Cut paper into strips 4 ½ inches long and 2 inches wide.

2. Roll 2 packs of Fizzers into the paper.

3. Tie with ribbon.

Courtesy of challahcrumbs.com

Rosh Hashanah Napkin Rings To create these Rosh Hashanah Napkin Rings, you will need: Water-based acrylic paint in apple and bee colors – yellow, red and/or green Wooden beads: larger 1-inch size beads and smaller 1/2-inch beads for the bee heads (9 large beads and 3 small beads per napkin ring) Paint brushes Beading wire Needle nosed pliers that can cut wire 1-2 black sharpie pens A few scraps of white and green felt for bee wings and apple leaves Bamboo/wooden skewers Scissors Glue Paper towels or baby wipes for clean up Courtesy of theshiksa.com

Rose Apple Pie Bites Slice apples thinly, soak in ginger ale to prevent browning. Dry slices well. Cut thinly rolled pie crust into strips. Lay apple slices end to end, slightly overlapping w a little extra pie crust at the bottom. Fold extra pie crust over to hold apples in place. Roll into shape. Bake at 425F until browned & centers are cooked through.

Courtesy of excellent-eats.com

Congregation Emeth

We are a Reform synagogue of 80 families serving the South Bay. Our membership ranges from charter members who have belonged to Emeth for 35 years, to families with teens in our active Emeth Dor Kef (Fun Generation) teen program, to families with children enrolled in our B’nai Mitzvah, Religious and Hebrew Schools and Pre-school programs.

Our motto is “Come home to Congregation Emeth” and we think of Emeth as a family. Members greet newcomers with a genuine desire to get to know them. When new members join, their unique talents and passions are embraced and nurtured. Our small community truly creates a sense of family, where we cherish heritage and celebrate tradition, and where members care about one another.

High Holiday Events for Children and Families We offer both children’s programming (pre-school to fourth grade) and child care (for younger children) during both the Rosh Hashanah and the Yom Kippur morning services.

The children’s programs will include stories, songs, crafts and a snack of apple, honey, graham cracker and apple juice. Programming will start at 10:00 am, with the children entering the sanctuary for the shofar blowing and then joining the congregation for the conclusion of morning services at approximately noon.

Please go to our website, www.emeth.net, for complete details about our High Holiday programming Please pre-register your children by completing and returning the registration forms found there.

We are pleased to offer a special introductory rate of $54 to PJ Library families who are new to Congregation Emeth and wish to attend any or all of our High Holiday programs and services.

Potluck in the Sukkah Join us for a family-friendly Shabbat potluck followed by services in Emeth’s sukkah. Dinner will begin at 6:30 pm, with services at 7:15. Please RSVP to admin@emeth.net.

17835 Monterey St, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 (408) 778-8200 www.emeth.net

CSH

Congregation Shir Hadash Family High Holy Day Services at Shir Hadash in Los Gatos, 20 Cherry Blossom Lane FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Rosh HaShanah

Thursday, Sept. 5, at 3:30 pm

Yom Kippur

Saturday, Sept. 14, at 3:30 pm Children’s stories music and participation at all services See www.shirhadash.org for more information ALSO…  Remember Simchat Torah, Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 7 pm  Special Noah Program for families and children under 5, Oct. 5 at 9:30 am, at Happy Hollow Park, San Jose  Tot Shabbat Services, second Saturday of each month, beginning Oct. 12 at 9:30 am For information contact the Shir Hadash Temple office at (408) 358-1751 or visit www.shirhadash.org

Congregation Shir Hadash

Shir Hadash is a Reform Congregation which emphasizes welcoming and diversity, and strives to maintain a warm sense of community even as the congregation has grown to support a larger staff and wide variety of programs and offerings. Founded in 1980 with the mission of including interfaith families and being a more transparent and democratic institution, it continues to value participation and a willingness to experiment and innovate.

Family Services

“Grandperson & Me” Sukkah Gathering

We encourage you to bring your children to the lively family services on Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur afternoons.

On Rosh HaShanah and on Yom Kippur, the Family Services will be at 3:30 pm at Shir Hadash.

On Rosh HaShanah the service will be led by Rabbi Aron, Rabbi Levenberg, Cantor Felder-Levy, and Early Childhood Center Director Robin Adelman.

On Yom Kippur, the Family Service will be led by Rabbi Lobel, Rabbi Levenberg, and Early Childhood Center Director Robin Adelman.

These services, geared to children ages 2–6 and their families, are free and open to the public, so please feel welcome to bring your friends.

Calling all children ages 0 to 6!

Bring your Grandparent(s) or Grandfriend(s) to join Rabbi Melanie Aron, Cantor Deborah Felder-Levy, & Robin Adelman.

If you don’t have a Grandparent locally, you are still welcome.

Parents can join us too.

• Gather in the Shir Hadash Sukkah • Child-friendly, short Sukkot Service with Lulav & Etrog • Activity time and Snacks Free and open to the community - tell your friends!

Please RSVP to Robin, robin@shirhadash.org or 408358-1751 ext. 115.

Shabbat Shuvah at Vasona Park

Simchat Torah Service

On Saturday morning, September 7, Shir Hadash’s Shabbat service will be held at Vasona Lake, Circle Group Area, our traditional location.

With guitar and spirited singing we will celebrate Shabbat in the beauty of nature.

There will be a special story time for young children paralleling the adult service. The children will rejoin us for the concluding songs and a walk to the water’s edge to “cast our sins into the depths.”

Following the Tashlich (casting off) ceremony, we will all join together in a shady brunch.

Make your reservation with Nadine in the office.

Bring water, something for the potluck brunch, and beach chairs and blankets for more comfortable sitting.

Celebrate with us in Song and Dance as we mark this most joyous festival of the year.

Simchat Torah marks the end of the Fall holidays and the beginning of a new annual cycle of Torah readings.

Joel Nelson and his Band will join us for our lively hakafot as we dance with our Torahs. We’ll learn Israeli dance and kick up our heels!

We will honor our zekeinim (elders) and also welcome all our children under the Torah canopy.

Thai Dinner in the Sukkah will precede the service, at 6 pm. Please RSVP toNadine@shirhadash.org or (408) 458-1751 x5

CSH

20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 358-1751 www.shirhadash.org

Congregation Sinai Congregation Sinai is an active, friendly Conservative synagogue that loves to welcome people from different backgrounds. We invite you to participate in any of our synagogue activities and enjoy the warmth and special 'ruach' (spirit) of Congregation Sinai! Check us out at www.sinai-sj.org for a full listing of religious services, youth programming, classes and upcoming social events for all ages.

Congregation Sinai welcomes unaffiliated PJLibrary families to attend High Holiday services for the first time at Sinai for FREE. Lots of children’s and family friendly programs throughout the holidays.

Torah for Tots, K-2nd grade, 3rd-5th grade, and 6th-8th children’s services starting at 10:30 am on the following days: Rosh Hashanah I - Thursday, September 5 Rosh Hashanah II - Friday, September 6 Yom Kippur - Saturday, September 14 Tashlich ceremony on Thursday, September 5 is an opportunity for all to come together for singing, storytelling, and a leisurely walk to Los Gatos Creek. Meet in the Sinai parking lot at 5:30 pm. Bring your own crumbs to toss into the water.

Tekiah Gedollah, Shofar “Mass Blast” - Saturday, September 14 at 8 pm. At the end of Yom Kippur, children are invited to join in the Mass Blast followed by Glow-in-the-Dark Havdallah. Feel free to bring a shofar if you have one.

We welcome you to join us for a meaningful High Holiday experience regardless of background or affiliation.

Please contact Synagogue Administrator Joelle Pluemer for more information.

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

Kitchen Crowd’s Challah adapted from Poppy Seeds Too: A Twisted Tale for Shabbat Makes 2 large and 2 small challot 2 cups warm water 3 packages yeast 8-10 cups flour 1/3 cup sugar 1 tablespoon salt 2 sticks (1/2 lb) margarine 4 eggs 1/3 cup honey mixed dried or candied fruit(optional) 1 egg beaten with tablespoon of water for glaze sprinkles (optional, poppy seeds or sesame seeds can be used instead) Mix the water and yeast in a very large bowl. Add sugar and 3 cups of the flour. Stir well with a fork. Cover and let rise in a warm place for one hour.

Put 5 cups of flour and the salt in another bowl. Cut in the margarine as you would for pie crust, until the mixture resembles a coarse meal. (Or melt the margarine, let cool and combine with flour) Add the honey and eggs to the yeast mixture, stir well.

Then add the flour mixture. Work into a ball, adding more flour as needed.

Turn out onto floured board and knead well. Put the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 2 hours.

Divide the dough into four parts, one for each challah. Working with one piece at a time flatten the dough and add the fruit if desired. Fold the dough over the fruit and work the dough into a long rope. Divide the rope into the number pieces needed for the style of braid (3 for a traditional braid, 4 for the woven kind, only 1 if making a spiral) Braid the dough. Place the finished braid on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Cover and let rise for one hour.

Brush tops with beaten egg. Sprinkle with colored sprinkles (or poppy or sesame seeds). Bake in 325 oven for 20-40 minutes.

Note: If making the challah ahead and freezing it the sprinkles will melt in the freezer and make a colored glaze-like coating on the challah. To avoid this do not add sprinkles when baking the challah. After the challah is defrosted from the freezer brush it with egg wash again, add the sprinkles and bake at 350 until the egg wash is set and the challah is warm (approximately 5 minutes).

Courtesy of www.couldntbeparve.com

Temple Emanu-El

At Temple Emanu-El, we join together in a vibrant, diverse community to make our Jewish heritage relevant to our lives in the 21st Century through innovative Shabbat Service worship, joyous Holiday celebrations and enriching Education opportunities for all ages. Our congregation fosters a love and understanding of our Jewish traditions and values while promoting interfaith fellowship, celebrating diversity, and taking action to heal the world.

With more than 150 years of tradition, warmth and caring, Temple Emanu-El is proud to be one of the oldest Reform congregations on the west coast.

Tashlich Service at Oak Meadow Park, Los Gatos Thursday, September 5, at 5:00 PM A wonderful Rosh Hashanah experience is symbolically casting our sins into moving water to carry away our regrets from the past year. Our Tashlich Service will take place at 5:00PM, followed by a picnic. Bring chairs or blankets. If you are staying for the picnic, bring your own dinner and an appetizer or dessert to share. NOTE: We will be in Areas 1&2. Parking is $5.00 per vehicle for non-residents.

Gesher Program for Kindergarten through Grade 4 9:45 AM on Thursday, September 5 and Saturday, September 14 Free to Members/Donation Requested from Non-Members Our younger congregants will have the opportunity to explore High Holy Days themes during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services again this year. The wide scope of programming includes T’fillah, song, and experiential activities that allow for learning, meaningful reflection, and of course, fun. Children will participate in the act of Tzedakah and performing Mitzvot through many hands-on activities. They will walk away from their High Holy Days program with a wealth of stories, treasures, and experiences to share.

High Holy Days Family Alternative Services for Grade 1 and up at the Campbell Heritage Theater Wednesday, September 4 and Friday, September 13 At 6:00 PM on Erev Rosh Hashanah and Erev Yom Kippur, these services offer families with young children the opportunity to pray together on the High Holy Days while still being home by bed time.

High Holy Days Children’s Services - Preschool through Kindergarten at the Campbell Heritage Theater Thursday, September 5 and Saturday, September 14 The Children’s Services at 9:00 AM on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Day are designed for the youngest of the Temple Emanu-El family. There will be music and explanations of the High Holy Days that they can understand and enjoy with their families without the worry of keeping quiet and sitting still. Older siblings are welcome but are encouraged to stay for the Congregational Services.

Sukkot Experience Wednesday, September 18 at 6:00 PM Bring your dinner, a dessert to share, and your artistic flare! At 6:00 PM we will join together to decorate our beautiful sukkah while noshing on dinner followed by a special Sukkot experience under the stars. Art supplies will be provided.

1010 University Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126 (408) 292-0939 www.templesanjose.org

and the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley invite you to enjoy

A Honey Extravaganza! anah h S a sh H o R e t n ey — a o r H b and Cele s e l p Ap joy! h t i with and w

Wednesday, August 28, 2013 4:00 to 5:15 pm Levy Family Campus Lobby 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos

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Special Thanks To Marshall’s Honey Farm!

RSVP to www.jvalley.org/pjlibrary by August 24 — REQUIRED! Space is limited.

Warm appreciation to all our community supporters.

The PJ Library® 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032 408.357.7509 ~ pjlibrary@jvalley.org http://www.jvalley.org/pjlibrary

"PJ Library" and "PJ Library logo" are registered trademarks of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. All rights reserved.

Congregation Sinai and PJ Library Program present

the Celebration

of the Animals Sunday, October 6, 2013 - 11:30 am at Congregation Sinai

Whether you fly, swim, slither or walk on two, four or more legs, Come in carriers, cages, on leashes, in bowls….

All pets are welcome.

Family and animal-friendly service at 11:30 am followed by catered lunch at 12:00 noon in the Social Hall at Congregation Sinai, 1532 Willowbrae Avenue in San Jose.

Petting Zoo

Children’s activities.

The Celebration of the Animals weekend is generously sponsored and hosted by Bert & Suzanne Peters, with petting zoo co-sponsorship by PJ Library.

Free. Members and non-members welcome.

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

The PJ Library® 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032 408.357.7509 pjlibrary@jvalley.org www.jvalley.org/pjlibrary

Caramel Apple Bar This idea is a great way to celebrate Rosh Hashanah at school, with multiple families or with just your kiddos for a great treat! Gather apples, melted caramel and the toppings of your choice and setup a Caramel Apple Bar for all to enjoy. The perfect start to a sweet new year.

You will need: Popsicle sticks Apples (sliced or whole) Caramel (or a dipping sauce of your choice) Toppings (some suggestions include: chopped or sliced nuts, sprinkles, chocolate chips, small candy pieces, raisins)

What is PJ Library?

PJ Library is a Jewish family engagement program implemented on a local level throughout North America. We mail free, high-quality Jewish children's literature and music to families across the continent on a monthly basis.

PJ Library is a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, made possible through partnerships with philanthropists and local Jewish organizations. Today, families in hundreds of communities across the United States and Canada are able to explore the timeless core values of Judaism through books and music.

All families raising Jewish children from age six months of age through five, six, seven or eight years (depending on the community) are welcome to sign up.

PJ Library of Silicon Valley is a program of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley and is supported by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, the Jim Joseph Foundation and generous donors in our community.

To learn more about PJ Library or the Jewish Federation, contact: Rabbi Leslie Alexander rabbialexander@jvalley.org (408) 357-7509 www.jvalley.org 14855 Oka Road Suite 200 Los Gatos, CA 95032

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