January 2011

JANUARY 2011

jewish c mmunity news

for everything jewish in silicon valley...in print

Local Jews run to raise money p. 14

IN THIS ISSUE: Hillel groundbreaking..........7 Cancer victim turns to JFS............................................9 Group picks art for JCC halls..........................................9

Published by the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley Vol. #76 Issue #1, JANUARY 2011

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID SAN JOSE, CA PERMIT #553 Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley 14855 Oka Rd. Suite 200 Los Gatos, CA 95032 Change Service Requested

Rabbi Melanie Aron celebrates 20 years at Congregation Shir Hadash p.5

Hanukkah photos...............10 Jewbilee................................12 Woman transforms herself with exercise........................15 A special breakfast with Harold Grinspoon...............17 Simchas.................................18 Upcoming events................23 Obituaries.............................26

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www.jvalley.org • JCN • JANUARY 2011

The Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center Talk to us about membership!

408.356.4973

• Holiday celebrations • Classes for all ages • Art exhibits • Cultural events • Social events • Facility rentals • Birthday parties • Dairy cafe

• Fitness center • Aquatics center • Tennis complex • Indoor basketball • Preschool • Day camps • Sports leagues • Swim lessons

14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032 | 408.358.3636 | info@svjcc.org | www.SiliconValleyJCC.org

You are invited to study and discuss immigration as we read from the Book of Exodus, in a non-partisan, in-depth, Jewish style. Participate in a Synagogue Exodus and Immigration Torah Study, then join together for the

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Small group discussions led by immigrants from Russia, Germany and Mexico.

January 21, 2011 I^WXXWj O_jhe Congregation Emeth 7:45pm

Community Relations Council

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JANUARY 2011 • JCN • www.jvalley.org

from the federation ceo Jewish Community News

Cecily Ruttenberg Executive Editor Pat Bergman and Kay Gatell Editorial Assistants Andrea Greyber Simchas Editor Pat Bergman Calendar Editor

Published six times a year by the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley. Subscription Price: $36 per year*.

All articles must be submitted typed, double-spaced, before the deadline shown on this page. We reserve the right to edit all copy. The JCN is not responsible for the content of paid advertising. Send copy to Jewish Community News, 14855 Oka Rd., Suite 200, Los Gatos, CA 95032. Telephone: (408) 431-0936.

Fax: (408) 356-0733. e-mail: cecily@jvalley.org Billing questions call Michelle Ryder (408) 357-7505 Advertising call Elisa Gerston (408) 357-7512 Circulation call Danelle Rhiner (408) 358-3033 Assoc. Member: American Jewish Press Association

DEADLINES: EDITORIAL: Feb.7 ADVERTISING: Feb.2

CANDLELIGHTING FOR SAN JOSE Fri., January 7.......................4:48 p.m.

Fri., January 14.....................4:55 p.m.

Fri., January 21.....................5:02 p.m.

Fri., January 28.....................5:10 p.m.

Fri., February 4.....................5:17 p.m.

Fri., February 11..................5:25 p.m.

Fri., February 18..................5:32 p.m.

Fri., February 25..................5:39 p.m.

Fri, March 4.........................5:46 p.m.

Fri, March 11.......................5:53 p.m.

Each year, as Jews, we get to do our New Year’s resolutions twice — at Rosh HaShanah and for January 1. This year is no different. After taking stock in this past calendar year’s activities, I think we can share in some successes and also look ahead to continuing success in the year to come.

We continue to work as a staff to be as transparent as possible so that our donors know that we value their contributions and our beneficiaries can depend on our financial and professional support. In this past year we have provided significant professional financial support to several of our agencies. We hope that we can continue to garner the community’s support in order to maintain our level of support, oversight and consulting.

In this past year we have also launched a new website and, more recently, also a blog. This blog is not only a source for information about the Federation, but also its beneficiaries.

In addition, the Board of Directors has appointed a committee to identify a strategy for the Federation in the next several years. This “Blue Ribbon” committee (see page 7) has embarked on an ambitious task of defining the Federation vis-à-vis our community and its needs.

In the new year, we have some exciting new plans. Among them is bringing Disney’s expertise in excellence to our community. Through a generous grant, we will be collaborating with the Disney Foundation. Stay tuned for more information on this program in the new year!

Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy and prosperous secular New Year!

jyl jurman federation ceo

Stimulating Topics, Fascinating Speakers Origins and Meaning of the Shabbat and Daily Prayer Book January 12, 2011, 7:30 pm. Find more meaning in services.

Where Movies and Midrash Intersect January 29, 2011, 7:30-9:30 pm. Rabbi Martin Weiner will ll lead you in a delightful exploration of Midrashic themes that have been found in some of the best known and best loved movies of our time.

Introduction to Hinduism February 6, 13, 2011, 10:45 am. Explore of the world’s third most popular faith with Rabbi Fleekop.

Family Friendly Services Synaplex, January 28, 2011, 8 pm. An evening of multiple activities for all ages.

Tu Bishvat Community Service, January 22, 2011, 10:30 am.

Celebrate Community Supported Agriculture.

Community Activities Mitzvah Day, January 16, 2011, 9:30 am. Get involved in one day projects that help the Jewish and general community.

Grandparents Circle, February 27, March 13, 27, 2011.

G 1-2:30 pm. Explore ways of bringing Judaism to our 1 grandchildren whose parents are intermarried. g For more information on services and programs , please visit www. shirhadash.org or call the temple at 358-1751 x5

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ADDISON-PENZAK JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER AND THE TEITELBAUM CENTER FOR THE ARTS Proudly present its fourth multigenerational community theater production Saturday, January, 22 8:00 PM Sunday, January 23, 1:00 PM Thursday, January 27, 7:30 PM Saturday, January 29, 8:00 PM "Marquee Performance" Sunday, January 30, 1:00 PM McAfee Center for the Performing Arts 20300 Herriman Avenue Saratoga, California

PRODUCTION SPONSOR: ESCHER FAMILY FUND General Admission: $25 for adults, $18 for children under 12 and senior adults 64+. Children under 3 admitted free (Jan. 22, 23, 27, 30, 2011). MARQUEE PERFORMANCE (RESERVED SEATING JAN. 29 ONLY): $54, $36, $25. $18 for children under 12 and senior adults 64+. Children under 3 admitted free.

You can order tickets by calling CHERYL BORDY at (408) 355-5659 Obtain ticket information by visiting www.svjcc.org and clicking on ANNIE TICKET INFORMATION and fax the ticket information form you see on the website to the APJCC at (408) 358-7311.

You can buy your tickets one hour before performance at the McAfee Center for the Performing Arts by Visa or Mastercard, or cash. NO CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED THE DAY OF PERFORMANCE. The McAfee Center has no box office onsite, but we will have a table set up to sell tickets one hour before each performance.

THEATER opens 45 minutes before showtime! For any and all other information please contact Cheryl Bordy at (408) 355-5659

ANNIE is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421West 54th Street, New York, NY10019 Ph: 212-541-4684 / Fx: 212-3974684

Book by Thomas Meehan Lyrics by Martin Charnin Music by Charles Strouse Original Broadway Production Directed by Martin Charnin Presented on Broadway by Mike Nichols Produced by Irwin Meyer Stephen R. Friedman Lewis Allen Alvin Nederlander The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Icarus Associates Inc. Based on “Little Orphan Annie” By permission of The Tribune Media Services, Inc. Originally produced by The Goodspeed Opera House.

Michael P. Price, Executive Director

www.MTIShows.com

APJCC SCHOLARS IN RESIDENCE Prof. Robert Alter Thursday, January 13th, 2011 | 7:30pm at the APJCC “Poetry and Meaning in the Book of Job” Public Lecture | JCC members $5, non-members $7

Sponsored by Max and Carolyn Lettween Prof .Alter earned his bachelor’s degree in English (Columbia University, 1957), and his master’s (1958) and doctorate degrees (1962) from Harvard University in comparative literature. He is a professor of Hebrew language and Comparative literature at the University of California, Berkeley, where he has taught since 1967 and has written over 23 books. Alter has served as a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Council of Scholars of the Library of Congress, and is currently president of the Association of Literary Scholars and Critics. He was a Guggenheim Fellow in 1966 and 1978, a Senior Fellow of the National Endowment for the Humanities, a fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Jerusalem, and an Old Dominion Fellow at Princeton University. Join us as we learn from one of the great Bible scholars of our generation.

Check out the APJCC website for all the details: www.SiliconValleyJCC.org

APJCCCENTERFOR

JEWISHLIFE ANDLEARNING

408.357.7492 14855 Oka Road Los Gatos, CA 95032 www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/jplace

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JANUARY 2011 • JCN • www.jvalley.org

local news Santa Cruz Local Foods comes to Levy Family Campus Santa Cruz Local Foods is coming to the Levy Family Campus, home of the APJCC! Somewhere between a CSA, a farmers market, and a grocery store, Santa Cruz Local Foods is a year-round online marketplace of all local foods, formed to highlight the abundance of foods available locally and to make eating locally simple.

In addition to offering produce from its own farm, products are sourced from other local farms--from ½-acre homesteads to small production farms.

What goes in each box? The consumer chooses.

People shop to create their own box weekly.

There is no membership or sign-up fee--just register, and browse from nearly 40 different farmers and artisan food producers. Find fresh, locally made breads, pasta, and ice cream; local honey, pickles, and preserves; pasture-raised meats and farmstead cheeses; nuts, rice, flour, vinegar, juices, and more... all local, all organic or farmed sustainably.

Santa Cruz Local Foods will be delivering boxes to the Levy Family Campus every Tuesday for pickup between 4 and 5 p.m. For more information, visit the website at www. santacruzlocalfoods.com.

Temple Emanu-El Brotherhood Blood Drive “Sometimes you think you’re only one person and that one unit of blood won’t make a difference, but drop by drop, it all makes a difference.” That’s the sentiment of the mother of a 9-year-old girl who received nine transfusions of fresh frozen plasma and red blood cells.

Temple Emanu-El’s Brotherhood is working in cooperation with the Stanford Blood Center to host its blood drive on Jan. 30 from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Appointments may be made online at http://bloodcenter.stanford.edu (click on “schedule an appointment” and search by zip code “95126”). Drop-ins will be accommodated as spaces are available. The entire procedure takes no more than an hour and includes a mini-physical and information about blood pressure and cholesterol. Donors will also receive juice and bagels to help restore their energy.

For more information, contact the Temple Emanu-El office, (408) 292-0939.

Rabbi Melanie Aron celebrates 20 years

R

abbi Melanie Aron celebrated twenty years with Congregation Shir Hadash this past July. Congregants and colleagues who have known her since the beginning say she filled all of their expectations and more.

“She’s been such an incredible spiritual leader,” said congregant Jan Rose, who was on the board when Rabbi Aron was hired 20 years ago.

“She manages to keep a myriad of balls in the air without appearing to be phased by it. She knows her congregants, she knows who her congregants' friends are and she knows how to get things done.

Nobody says no to her.” Adds Rose, “And she does not let her ego get in the way which can happen with people in that position.”

Congregation Shir Hadash honored Rabbi Aron in November. Rabbi Stanley Chyet from the Hebrew Union College performed an installation, and members made homemade desserts for a special oneg (reception).

“People wrote notes to her privately, and the past Rabbi Melanie Aron (left) reads Torah with congregants presidents put together a really nice oneg,” said Rabbi Lisa Levenberg, the rabbi educator at Shir Hadash. “Rabbi Fleekop and I wrote a special blessing. It was really wonderful.”

Levenberg adds that Aron is not only a great leader for the congregants, but for the staff members, too. “She is a wonderful mentor. She really believes in her staff and treats us all as essential members of the team.”

During Aron’s tenure at Shir Hadash, the congregation has tripled its membership, built a synagogue, completely renovated the religious school building and added a very successful pre-school that is open to the entire community.

In addition to helping grow Shir Hadash, Rabbi Aron has represented her synagogue in the greater South Bay Jewish community and general community. Currently she serves on the boards of The American Leadership Forum–Silicon Valley, the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley, and the Project Advisory Board of the Elder Abuse Initiative of Santa Clara County. She is also the past chair of the Interfaith Council on Religion, Race, Economic, and Social Justice and of the Council of Agency Executives and Rabbis and is involved in various interfaith activities including People Acting in Community Together, Silicon Valley Faces and in interfaith dialogues with the Muslim community.

Rabbi Aron says the diversity of her work, including involvement in many community organizations, helps keep her job fresh and engaging over the years. “I really enjoy the variety,” said Aron. “One minute I’m a social worker, another minute a public speaker, another minute a teacher. I now have a role mentoring and working with younger staff that I didn’t before. I also participate in the broader community in different ways.”

She adds: “In different periods of my time here I’ve had a variety of different interests, and I think that’s what’s made it fresh for me.”

While congregants acknowledge Rabbi Aron’s tremendous contributions to the community and their synagogue, they are most impacted by her kindness, presence and support during significant life moments.

“I lost my mom this year,” said congregant Lori Chaykin. “Rabbi Aron heard the news while my dad and I were still in the hospital during the period while my mom was dying. I can't begin to express the gratitude we felt for her kind and comforting words. She made an enormous difference.” Another congregant who requested her name not be used recalls how Rabbi Aron supported her while she was fighting cancer. “She visited me almost every week. She was the bright spot of my week.”

“She has been there for me through all kinds of things, the most profound was when John was sick and dying,” said congregant Jan Rose. “She checked in with us all the time, she came to visit us, she made sure we were paid attention to all the time. She was amazing through all of that. And she’s also been there for me at happy times. I’m very privileged to have her in my life.”

Rabbi Daniel Pressman of Congregation Beth David has known Rabbi Aron since she began at Shir Hadash twenty years ago, when he had been with Beth David just nine years. “I think she’s an exemplary rabbi. She is knowledgeable and she is extraordinarily well organized…I envy her that quality. She has brought great stability, creativity, and not just numerical growth but growth in stature to Shir Hadash. continued on page 17

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For details and to buy online visit us at www.b b roadwayss anjose.cc om Call 408-792-4111 for tickets

Gro o ups Ha a ve More e Fun! Discounts, fundraising opportunities, priority seating and other great benefits to groups with as few as 10 members.

Call 408-792-4131 or email groups@Broadwaysanjose.com.

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JANUARY 2011 • JCN • www.jvalley.org

local news Hillel breaks ground on new house

Blue Ribbon Committee seeks to innovate Federation philanthropy When Steve Ellenberg took on the role as president of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley in July, he brought to the table a serious goal for innovation. Thus was born The Blue Ribbon Committee, whose aim is to find ways to reinvigorate the Federation, philanthropy, and community-building in the Silicon Valley.

“The key demographic that we are looking at is folks in the 40-55 age group who are coming into their own philanthropically, but whom we haven’t been able to motivate to actively participate in our community,” Ellenberg explained about the committee.

Members of the the committee include Federation Board Members Linda Fox Migdoll, Sheryl Lewis, Tina Rosenblum, Campaign Chair Jeff Kanel, and President Steve Ellenberg. Other members include Ruth Fletcher, Harold Goldman, Beryl Grace, Howard May, Matt Blecher and Edward Fields. The members span a variety of ages, and bring different types of experience to the table.

“We are currently in the brainstorming portion trying to envision what a successful outcome would look like and will start examining ideas for changes where no idea is too radical or uncomfortable, “ said Ellenberg. “We are also researching other communities and non-profits to find what has worked.”

Also interviewed was Federation CEO Jyl Jurman, who has been intimately involved with this committee since its inception. She states, “I have a lot of confidence in this committee. It is comprised of thoughtful and innovative thinkers interested in the process and a feasible outcome.”

H

illel of Silicon Valley held its official groundbreaking event on November 23 at its new facility at 44 South Eleventh Street. After months of making plans, raising money, obtaining permits and making “zillions of decisions,” the remodel construction is set to begin in earnest.

“We’re so excited, and ready to move into our new home,” said Hillel’s Executive Director Sue Maltiel.

Maltiel estimates the remodel will take about five months: “We’re adding height to a basement, repairing the foundation, doing some ADA upgrades, and also installing new windows, new roof and filling in the pool.”

Al Werba (left), capital campaign chair, In the end, the new Hillel House sits with Eli Reinhard, lead donor, at the will boast a real kitchen, host Hillel groundbreaking. all of the Shabbat dinners, have staff offices, programming space, a student work area, and a place for students to hang out.

“We’ll be able to expand our offerings and have multiple programs happening at the same time,” said Maltiel. “Right now, everything takes place in one room.”

You’re Invited to Join Us!

Maltiel and Hillel’s Board of Directors have been collaborating with the City of San José since November 2009 to obtain permits for renovation and new construction. Led by Capital Campaign Chair Alan Werba, work has been going on even longer to raise the $3 million campaign fund ($1.6 million for construction and $1.4 million for endowment.)

19700 Prospect Road, Saratoga, CA 95070 408-257-3333 www.beth-david.org Daniel Pressman, Senior Rabbi Philip Ohriner, Assistant Rabbi

Service Schedule Daily Minyan Mon-Thurs 7:00 pm Sunday 9:30 am Shabbat Services Friday 6:30 pm Saturday 9:30 am Shir Shabbat 6:30 pm - Every 4th Friday - Jan 28 & Feb 25

Family & Youth HAGIGAT NOAR Shabbat Mishpaha Service Includes SCOUT/SPECIAL NEEDS Shabbat

Friday 6:30 pm - Feb 4 Shabbat Supper at 7:30 (please RSVP)

PJ Shabbat & Dinner 6:00 pm - Friday Jan 14 & Feb 18

Shabbat Morning Tot Shabbat (ages 0-5) 11:00 am – 12 pm - 2nd & 4th Saturday

Haverim Services (ages 5-8) 10:30 – 11:30 am Jan 15 & 29, Feb 12, Mar 12

Youth Congregation (ages 9-12) 10:00 – 10:30 am Jan 15 & 29, Feb 12, Mar 12

Mah Jongg Tournament Sunday, February 27 at 10:00 am Tournament play is 12 games; players rotate tables every hour. Mavens play 4 games per hour and Novices play two/three. All players are welcome so please bring your friends.

The cost to participate is: $30 and includes lunch, door and tournament prizes

“We’re at about $2.5 million out of the $3 million goal and some of that will be made up from the sale of the current property,” said Maltiel. “We’re close.

If anyone would like to be part of our project, we would definitely welcome and appreciate it.” continued on page 17

To RSVP, visit our website www.beth-david.org, find our calendar under life@cbd, click on the event listing and follow the links.

Rabbi Bob Alper - Night of Comedy Saturday, March 5 from 6:00 - 11:00 pm The world is a serious place…. But we have GREAT NEWS!! Join us for a night of comedy with Rabbi Bob Alper - the only clergyman who is INTENTIONALLY funny. Rabbi Bob Alper’s stand-up comedy act is fastpaced, impeccably timed and features sophisticated material that’s definitely sharp yet not hurtful. It is appropriate for everyone in the community regardless of background. To learn more, visit Rabbi Bob’s website: www.bobalper.com Tickets may be purchased at: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/139535 In addition, there is a contest for “The Funniest Jew in Silicon Valley.” If you want to participate, please call Ellen Gold 408-257-9446.

Adult Education Kosher Nation by Sue Fishkoff Thursday, January 27 from 7:30 – 10:00 pm Join us for this informative and entertaining account of the ancient Torah-based practice of kashrut that has grown into a multibillion-dollar industry.

Conversations in Jewish Learning Wilderness Torah Thursday, February 24, 7:30 – 10:00 pm Zelig Golden, Founding Co-Director of Wilderness Torah, discusses how the celebration of Jewish holidays in natural settings can revitalize Judaism.

Shir Hadash to host rabbi from Former Soviet Union On Friday night February 11, Congregation Shir Hadash will be one of nine Bay Area congregations around the Bay Area hosting Shabbat dinner and services for delegates from the International Conference of the Reform movementConnections. The conference, to be held in San Francisco Feb. 8 – 13, represents Reform congregations from around the globe, including the Former Soviet Union, Israel, Singapore, South Africa and Costa Rica.

Rabbi Grisha Abramovich

Shir Hadash has a special relationship with the Jews of the FSU; the congregation financially supports their summer camp program, and has twice hosted workshops for their young leaders.

On February 11, as part of Shir Hadash’s hosting event, the congregation will also be hosting Rabbi Grisha Abramovich (of Belarus).

Rabbi Abramovich is the head rabbi of the Religious Union for Progressive Judaism in the Republic of Belarus. A native of Minsk, he started his Jewish journey 18 years ago as a member of the youth group of the Reform congregation Simcha, which today is widely considered the largest Jewish religious community organization in Belarus. He is involved in 70 percent of all Bar/Bat mitzvah ceremonies in the country, conducted in nine Belarussian cities. The community is welcome to meet Rabbi Abramovich and the other delegates from around the world.

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Join us at Temple EmanuǦEl Celebrating 150 Years of Tradition and Innovation on August 5, 2011!

Jazz Shabbat Shira Service featuring Jose Bowen Friday, January 14 at 7:30 PM PEARLS TELL HER SHE’S LOVED.

A special Shabbat Shira service set to a variety of jazz music written by awardǦwinning composer and musician Jose Bowen!

Congregational Tu B’Shevat Seder Wednesday, January 19 at 7:00 PM $5 for members / $8 for nonǦmembers. RSVP to the Temple Office.

Brotherhood Blood Drive Sunday, January 30 at 9:00 AMǦ12:45 PM WalkǦins welcome. Register at http://bloodcenter.stanford.edu

VARDY’S PEARLS TELL HER SHE’S UNIQUE. For gifts traditional enough to wear forever and unique enough for her—talk to the jewelry maker.

Young Adults Shabbatluck Friday, February 11 at 6:00PM Join other young adults from Temple EmanuǦEl for a festive potluck before the 7:30 PM Erev Shabbat Service. RSVP Requested.

Diaspora Dinner XX: AustroǦHungarian Empire Saturday, February 12 at 6:00 PM Featuring a history presentation and food from the AustroǦHungarian empire. Contact the office for pricing. Your check reserves your spot.

For more information call 408Ǧ292Ǧ0939 or visit www.templesanjose.org!

10227 So1655 De Anza Cupertino, CA 95014 •• 408 446-2900• • www.vardysjewelers.com S. DeBlvd.

Anza Blvd. at Prospect Cupertino 408 446-2900 Proceeds of sales from this ad will go to Jewish Federation's ISRAEL EMERGENCY CAMPAIGN

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

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JANUARY 2011 • JCN • www.jvalley.org

local news Cancer victim turns to JFS in tough times

W

hen 55-year-old Leah (not her real name) first moved to the San Jose area from Dallas to start anew after her divorce, she found an accounting job and settled in. But when she became ill with a brain tumor, her situation quickly became unmanageable.

“I do have a brother here and a son, and they were helpful with just being there for me to talk to, but Jewish Family Services helped with some of my expenses.”

Said Leah, “They helped with some coupons for gas and for food, and they also helped to pay my PG&E and water bill--it was like every second month. And I moved into a studio apartment to save money and they paid for part of the move.”

In addition to direct financial support, JFS helped Leah navigate her medical and disability paperwork, provided counseling and gave her a very discounted membership to the JCC so she could rebuild her strength while recovering from cancer. Today, having recovered from her surgery and presenting as cancerfree, Leah is now participating in the JFS employment program, and actively looking for work. Given that she is still unemployed and recovering financially from her long disability, she still receives JFS’s gift packages and wish-list items through the Embrace a Family program.

“For Pesach and for Rosh Hashanah, they gave us food and gifts appropriate for Pesach and Rosh Hashanah.

There were candles, cereal for Pesach. The other basket that you get, which is a bigger one, comes after you fill out forms of what you need…food, clothes, and groceries. You write the list down, when you go to JFS and they have these driedel trees. They put up each person’s requests on a dreidel, then people buy it and give it back one week before Hanukkah begins.

They also add certain staple foods that are good for Hanukkah, and then they give you all the stuff on your wish list if it was bought.”

Leah said turning to Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley was a natural decision in her time of need. She grew up in South Africa, but made Aliyah to Israel where she lived with her husband for 20 years before moving to the United States. She says she has always been involved with her synagogue and Jewish community center, both in Israel and in the United States. At her previous synagogue in Dallas, Leah volunteered to help seniors with their bills and accounting, and also helped create food packages for others in need.

“I’ve always been very involved in my community and been conscious of my religion and upbringing, I never even thought to turn to anybody else,” said Leah. “My immediate thought when I needed help was Jewish Family Services. They really helped a lot. They’re a good thing for the community. I think they’re a very good thing.”

In attempting to give back for all that she has received, Leah volunteers at APJCC and JFS events when possible. She recently helped cook and serve spaghetti at the APJCC Spaghetti night. “Whenever they need a volunteer they know they can call me,” said Leah.

APJCC Arts Council creates inspiring hallways

By Eleanor Dickman

O

nce the new Levy Family Campus building was open, it was obvious that the vast public space would be the logical site for art. Initially suggested by the Federation, the project was furthered by the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center when it installed a hanging system throughout the facility, including in the stairwells and hallways.

The creative displays are the work of an APJCC Arts Council, led by Julie Krigel, with the support of Linda Franklin, Dana Lowy, Rosemarie Mirkin, April Tilles, Eileen Turner and Marsha Witkin and the assistance of APJCC Cultural Arts Coordinator Lisa Ceile.

Says Krigel, “When the building was built, it was obvious to folks with a visual sense that something creative needed to be done. The walls are huge, so having something there is really important. We’ve done a good job in finding works that utilize the space in an enticing way.”

APJCC Art Council members: Eileen Turner, Julie Krigel, Marsha Witkin and Linda Franklin

Eileen Turner agrees, “It’s so nice for people to have something to look at they are walking along the hallway. [Our exhibits give] them something to think about, a sense of community. With the Center’s other kinds of artistic performances, it rounds things out to have the visual arts as well.”

Rosemarie Mirkin feels that “it is important to be able to expose art―and especially art by Jewish artists or art with a Jewish theme―to members and visitors to the Levy Campus. I find that all of the exhibits we have hung have value and I have enjoyed all of them.”

Turner also feels that the receptions held for the various artists are “a way for people to get together, learn more about the artist and what the work signifies.” She likes the Jewish component, but she appreciates even more the art program’s ability to “round out the programs at the APJCC and build a stronger sense of community.”

Each of the committee members has a background and keen interest in art. Julie Krigel is a graphic designer and has a background in the arts. Linda Franklin is a curator; Dana Lowy has a curating background. Eileen Turner is a graphic designer; Rosemarie Mirkin a serious art collector. Marsha Witkin, on the committee for many years, is an artist and art collector. For Krigel, the most important qualification for membership on the Arts Council is to “have an artistic eye,” to be able to see what works, what is interesting and well done, what is appealing and thought-provoking.”

In the beginning, donations from collectors such as Krigel’s aunt Maureen Ellenberg, formed the basis for art exhibits, but the program has gone far beyond its early days. Local artists Bonnie Stone, Carrie Zeidman, Cookie Addison, Bilha Sperling and Joyce Steinfeld share center stage with wellknown artists such as israeli sculptor Gadi Fraiman, whose sculptures (available for sale) are visible throughout the APJCC. Other well-known artists whose work has been displayed include portraitist and designer Jules Halfant, photojournalist Janet Macoska, and Carol Buchman, a Memphis artist who has been published in Hadassah magazine. Other exhibits included Israeli aerial photographer Ofir Ben-Tov, the Museum on the Seam’s COEXISTENCE project and Central Europe Center for Research and Documentation’s CENTROPA. The committee plans exhibits a year ahead, and tries to relate exhibits to the Jewish calendar and history. For example, Carrie Zeidman’s Holocaust photos were shown around Yom HaShoah and an exhibit of animals of the Bible is being scheduled in the summer when JCC camps bring many children to campus. The committee also facilitated a show in collaboration with the Los Gatos Museum of Art, and mounted a photography exhibit borrowed from the Skirball Museum in Los Angeles.

Working with an “almost non-existent” budget, finding artists willing to manage their own shipping expenses, and benefiting from creative planning by the Arts Council, the Levy Family Campus can look forward to many more engaging, informative, and high-quality exhibits in the months and years to come.

10

www.jvalley.org • JCN • JANUARY 2011

hanukkah photos

PJ Library lights the Menorah at Santana Row every night of Hanukkah with local organizations.

Congregation Emeth celebrated Chanukah with a festival (on the fourth day of the holiday). The events included a deli lunch, candlelighting, face painting and children's booths, and a headliner performance by the Congregation Emeth band, Klezmerology. The event was planned and coordinated by Becky Neto, board member and Education Committee chairperson. Photography by Rick Coencas

Joel Ben Izzy performed at Congregation Sinai.

People of all ages enjoy a fun-filled afternoon at the APJCC's Chanukah Palooza!

11

JANUARY 2011 • JCN • www.jvalley.org

community photos

Congregation Sinai in San Jose hosted the New Frontier United Synagogue Youth Fall Kinnus 2010 regional event on November 12-14. The weekendlong convention for high school teens addressed the magic and mystery of Jewish Mysticism. Over 70 teens from Northern California and Reno, Nevada attended this fun-filled weekend packed with both educational and social activities including a show by ComedySportz.

Yavneh Day School's fourth and first grade classes held a bake sale to raise money to benefit the victims of the Israel Fire. They raised over $300 in one day, and plan to continue their fundraising efforts in the coming weeks.

Klezmerology, Congregation Emeth's own klezmer band, performed Chanukah songs at Emeth's recent Chanukah festival. The band will next perform at the temple's Purim carnival on March 20, 2011. Directed by jazz musician and music teacher David Schnittman, the band members include (left to right:) Zac Jenkins, keyboard; Hana Cidon, vocalist and accordianist; Michael Cloutier, drums; Debbie Zajac, flute; and (not pictured) David Schnittman and Joe Cloutier, guitarists.

Yavneh students pack food packages with Jewish Family Servuices to help needy families in Silicon Valley.

Doris Katz and Karen Guggenheim enjoy lunch and a mah jongg tournament with fellow players on December 12. Winners included: Shelley Luskey First-Maven, Cookie Addison Tied-Second-Maven, Sandy Epstein Tied–Second-Maven, Rochelle Alhadeff Third-Maven, Cherie Ravel First-Novice, Wendie Weisman Second-Novice, Teri Kane Third-Novice

The giant Menorah of Giving, a project of Chabad of Sunnyvale, was displayed in the APJCC preschool/Yavneh lobby in November, and in the campus main lobby throughout December.

All money received in “The Menorah of Giving” benefited Jewish Family Services’ Embrace-A-Family, which helps families in need in the community. Jeff Warwick is the artist who created the Menorah.

General Assembly delegates (from left: Sheryl Lewis, Karen and Al Guggenheim, Steve Ellenberg, Jyl Jurman and Julian Lewis) from the Silicon Valley meet with JAFI Executive Director Natan Sharansky (center).

12

www.jvalley.org • JCN • JANUARY 2011

local news Jewbilee: A day of Jewish food, learning, performances and art to celebrate the diversity of Silicon Valley’s Jewish Community on January 23

J

ewbilee, an annual celebration of Jewish life in the South Bay, returns to the Addison-Penzak JCC in Los Gatos on Sunday, January 23 from 1-8 p.m.

An estimated 600 people are expected to attend the event, which is organized by the APJCC’s Center for Jewish Life and Learning.

Speakers, teachers, singers, and entertainers will offer lectures, discussions, and performances.

Jewbilee is divided into 1-hour sessions, with multiple Rabbi Dana Magat (right) meets with Jewbilee activities offered during attendees at the 2010 event. each session, so participants can choose what interests them. Jewish agencies and organizations from across the South Bay will be participating and sending speakers and teachers. Programs for all ages will be offered, including children’s programming and a “teen track” with programs appropriate for teens.

Jewbilee attendees can also simply mingle with other members of the Jewish community in the JCC lobby while enjoying an ample buffet of kosher delicacies, available all afternoon.

Here are some of the highlights: • A Silicon Valley Film Festival screening of the film Half Ton of Bronze • Israeli dancing and instruction • Jimena (Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and Africa) will screen the film Forgotten Refugees and lead a discussion afterwards • A discussion of common values shared by Judaism and Buddhism, with Rabbi Joel Fleekop and Jianhu Shifu, the leader of the Chung Tai Zen community • Hazon and The Jewish Farm School will both lead discussions of social action and environmentalism as forms of Jewish expression • Performances by Papa Hugs, Stella the Kosher Mime, and Mark Levy • Tu B’Shevat programming for the whole family, led by specialists in Jewish early childhood education • A panel discussion with college Hillel directors about Jewish life on campus (teen track but for parents as well), with the directors of Hillel Silicon Valley, UCSC Hillel, and UC Berkeley Hillel • Learning with Shani Wasserman, head of school at the Meira Academy • A presentation by Elana Naftalin Kelman, director of the Tikvah program at Camp Ramah summer camp in Ojai Children ages 10 and under can participate in Camp Jewbilee, run by the APJCC’s Childcare Department. Space in Camp Jewbilee is limited and advance reservations are suggested. In addition to Camp Jewbilee, some of the programs aimed at the younger set or appropriate for them include a concert by Papa Hugs, a performance by Stella the Kosher Mime, Israeli dancing and instruction, a Tu B’Shevat program and more.

Jewbilee is a program of the Koret-Taube Initiative on Jewish Peoplehood, made possible in part by generous grants from the Koret and Taube Foundations.

Participating organizations include all of the South Bay synagogues, the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley, Bay Area Hillels, the Judaic Studies departments of universities across the Bay Area, Lehrhaus Judaica, Hazon and the Jewish Farm School, and many more.

Tickets for Jewbilee are $8 for adults, $5 students/seniors, children 4 and under free.

For more information and to register, visit www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/jewbilee, or contact the APJCC’s Center for Jewish Life & Learning at (408) 357-7492 or CJLL@svjcc.org.

New group formed to protect and oversee California Jewish cemeteries

W

ith the recent reorganization of The Judah M. Magnes Museum joining the University of California, Berkeley, the job of overseeing California’s Jewish cemeteries has been passed to an independent committee.

The Commission for Pioneer Jewish Cemeteries and Landmarks in the West was founded in 1962 to care for and continue research on the six California Jewish cemeteries, which date back to the 1850s. These cemeteries, although mostly small in size, were significant to both the early general local and Jewish communities in Sonora, Jackson, Mokelemne Hill, Placerville, Grass Valley, and Nevada City. Since then the Jewish cemetery in Marysville has come under its care.

The need to continue the support and care of the cemeteries has now fallen to an independent committee consisting of Stephen Kinsey, chairman; Arnie Zeiderman, vice-chairman; and Fay Levinson, secretary/treasurer.

The group meets by regular phone conference, and once or twice yearly in person near the cemeteries. Chairman & historian Stephen Kinsey and other commission members often talk to groups before they go or accompany them to discuss the history and significance of that Jewish community, so the group can be aware of the context in which the cemetery existed.

Synagogue and youth groups schedule trips to do cemetery clean-ups and learn about the early Jewish communities in the areas. Any group desiring to arrange such a trip or a talk can contact Stephen Kinsey at pioneerjewishcemeteries@gmail.com.

The group’s website is still under construction, but it will be on the Jewish Community Foundation of the West’s website. Donations to help support this important work can be made to the Commission for Pioneer Jewish Cemeteries and Landmarks in the West, P.O. Box 433, Aptos, CA 95001.

13

JANUARY 2011 • JCN • www.jvalley.org

A CALL TO ACTION On Sunday, March 6, 2011, you can change the future just by answering the phone. Funds raised through the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley on Super Sunday support humanitarian, social and educational programs in Silicon Valley, Israel and around the world. Your gift will help change our Jewish world for the better.

SAVE US A CALL, MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY: CALL 408-358-3033 OR VISIT WWW.JVALLEY.ORG

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9:00 am–8:00 pm The Gloria & Ken Levy Family Campus E-mail

â?? Check enclosed (payable to Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley) â?? Visa â?? MC â?? Amex â?? Discover â?? Please bill me â?? Acct # Exp. Signature PLEASE DETACH AND MAIL TO: Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032 or fax to 408.356.0733 SS11

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14

www.jvalley.org • JCN • JANUARY 2011

health & fitness Local Jews get fit, and raise money for charity

By Cecily Ruttenberg

H

elping others is a mitzvah in Judaism, and so is treating one’s own body kindly, by staying healthy and in-shape. Several people in the South Bay Jewish community have rolled these mitzvoth into one, by participating in charity fundraising marathons.

Andy Katcher, a longtime member of Temple EmanuEl, learned about the AIDS Marathon-training when he saw a flyer at a pizza parlor one night. He was doubly inspired. Running a marathon was a personal ambition, and Katcher saw the fundraising as an opportunity to honor and remember a friend who had died of AIDS in the 1980s.

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Brandy Ivener enjoys an evening run.

“I came back from the pizza parlor and I said to my wife, ‘I’m going to do a marathon’ and six months later we were in Honolulu and she was cheering me on at 6 a.m. in the morning.”

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“I had both a brother and a cousin that passed away due to cancer, “said Katcher.

“It seemed like the right charity to raise money for. I stayed involved with them ever since.”

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“Over the years I’ve come to think it would be a much more hollow experience to be out there running to run, rather than have a cause behind it,” said Katcher. “When it gets hard, I literally start having conversations with the person I’m doing this in memory of and it gives me strength.”

Katcher believes strongly in The Luekemia and Lymphoma Society, and says he has seen first-hand how their research is making a difference. He tells of meeting a man at a Team in Training event who had stage IV cancer. “He was literally on death’s door, and they brought in this new drug from Germany, and six months later he was cleared up,” said Katcher.

From a personal training perspective, Katcher said he greatly enjoys the camaraderie of training with a group. “I think that the first group was the one I enjoyed the most.

You’d go out there to catch up with everyone and before you knew it the miles were gone. I’m still in touch with everyone from that group. You really bond.”

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To participate, Katcher had to raise $3,000 for AIDS and participate in a weekly marathon training regimen that culminated with an airplane flight to Honolulu where the marathon took place. After the experience, Katcher decided to do it again, this time for Team in Training, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

After many seasons and athletic events including marathons, triathlons and one Iron Man, Katcher said he has raised well over $50,000 for Team in Training.

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Brandy Ivener, who currently serves as the president of the Silicon Valley Young Adult’s Division, is also a die-hard volunteer for Team in Training. She first got involved, similar to Katcher, out of complimentary desires to complete a marathon as a personal fitness goal and the desire to support cancer research.

“I’ve always been very active but it definitely was an additional push,” said Ivener.

Also, I have too many people in my family who have had to deal with cancer, and I thought it was a very good way to make a change and make a little difference.”

Ivener liked Team in Training so much that she applied to be a “team leader” and now she coaches others through the organization. She says this is rewarding on a whole new level. “I’m helping people attain a physical goal that they never thought they could ever do,” Ivener said. “Watching somebody on their first day of training do a mile-timed training and seeing the fear in their face, and then a month later seeing them not batting an eye at a 10-mile run. Not only are you fighting a cause but you see people develop as individuals and become more confident and stronger.

It’s amazing that that can happen at any age of one’s life.”

Other local Team in Training members include Elizabeth (Lichy) Greyber who has run in races for the Lukemia & Lymphoma Society.

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JANUARY 2011 • JCN • www.jvalley.org

health & fitness Local woman uses exercise to transform her life

By Lara Willing

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hen I joined the APJCC in August of 2008, I weighed 435 lbs., was in pain every day, had pre-diabetes and then diabetes like every adult in my very sedentary family, and was clinically depressed.

It is hard for people who have never been that big and immobile to understand how hopeless I felt and how low my self esteem was. Doing anything that included meeting new people, walking, or even being on my feet was really difficult. Even walking from a parking lot into a building could be prohibitive. I rarely smiled, and I frequently assumed people were thinking the worst of me. I was resistant to going back to school because I was afraid of how much walking it would entail, not to mention the small desks and classes full of young students. The idea of joining or even walking into a gym was terrifying.

I found the courage after my sister joined Lara in 2010 the APJCC and I was given a free trial for a week. I had special feelings for the APJCC because it was on the same site as my elementary school, Berry Elementary. I started with water aerobics classes, where I felt instantly welcomed and comfortable. My knees felt better within a month, which thrilled me. I looked forward to the socializing and the movement. As the months passed, I started venturing out to inside classes as well, despite my skepticism.

Every teacher I encountered was supportive and helpful. I modified some exercises to keep them lower impact, but I amazed myself at what I was able to do. I sought out bigger and bigger challenges.

In June of 2009, I started working out with Aaron, a well-respected personal trainer who is known for specializing in working with people with special needs and injuries. He pushed me and encouraged me just the right amount. I thrived with strength training and improved my cardiovascular fitness enormously. My workouts are now almost exclusively doing circuits, intervals, and strength training on my Lara in 2008 own in the gym. Amazingly, I have almost no resistance to working out. I absolutely love it. I never thought I would ever be a gym rat, but here I am!

My confidence and self esteem have soared! There are dozens of people at the gym I look forward to seeing, and it is so nice to feel known there. I have a life again. Shopping, cleaning my house, walking my dog, going to parties or social events are not the obstacles they used to be. I love being a full-time student, and I am looking forward to graduate school next year. I smile a lot, and all the faces smiling back at me make the world a much brighter place!

My goal and vision for myself is to keep working out for the rest of my life. I am no longer depressed, and I metabolize glucose like a normal person! I am not on any medication, and I am mostly pain free. As a bonus, I have shed 160 lbs., and I weigh less than my driver’s license says I do for the first time in about 15 years.

I am proud of my strength and fitness and am committed to a healthy lifestyle.

I love my life again, and I owe a lot of that to finding a wonderful, supportive, challenging gym and personal trainer!

16

www.jvalley.org • JCN • JANUARY 2011

local news Congregation Beth David’s new assistant rabbi officially installed Rabbi Philip Ohriner, who has already become an active and positive presence at Congregation Beth David, was formally and officially installed as the new Assistant Rabbi on Saturday, November 13.

“For a synagogue, the arrival of a new rabbi is both an occasion and a transition,” said Beth David’s Senior Rabbi Daniel Pressman.

“Rabbi Ohriner started his work with us over three months ago. Today we formally mark his arrival and celebrate his new status as our Assistant Rabbi. Today we demonstrate that he is important to us, that rabbis are a vital part of congregational life, and that the transition to a new rabbi is a consequential event in the life of a congregation.”

Rabbi Pressman and Rabbi Ohriner shake hands at the Michael Leitner, chair of Beth David’s Rabbinical Search Committee, asked the congregation, “How does a nice Jewish boy from Knoxville, Tennessee, end up as a rabbi at Congregation Beth David in Saratoga, California?" He answered his own question by installation. tracing Rabbi Ohriner’s career from the Jacobs School of Music at the University of Indiana to the H. L. Miller Cantorial School in New York.

Ohriner’s first career path was as a Cantor, but he soon realized “that his love for Jewish texts and teaching would not be fully satisfied as a Cantor and that his passion would really only be satisfied if he were ordained as a rabbi and pursued a rabbinic career.” After four years of cantorial school, Rabbi Ohriner entered the Rabbinical School at the Jewish Theological Seminary, where, noted Leitner, “he distinguished himself academically and pastorally.”

Once formally installed, Rabbi Ohriner shared with the congregation the religious and liturgical sources of his commitment. “It is with thanksgiving to G-d, a sense of humility, and great expectations,” he began, “that I stand before you here today as the new assistant rabbi of Congregation Beth David. Even though my duties here began three months ago, today marks an important milestone not only for me, but for all of us.” He noted that he shares with the congregation “an intense desire to build and live in community,” which he defined as “an opportunity to emulate G-d by doing holy work.”

Rabbi Ohriner discussed the importance of the morning prayer, Eilu Devarim, in shaping his perceptions of what it means to be a rabbi. “It is my “favorite teaching from our tradition, the teaching that defines who I am as a Jew,” he said, citing “the unifying factor for all of the mitzvot in this list [as] mitzvot bein adam l'havero, commandments that are actualized through the way in which we interact with other people, not G-d.”

Committed to fulfilling Congregation Beth David’s belief in community as a Kehillah Kedosha, [holy community], Rabbi Ohriner concluded, “We all have an obligation to be present with one another. [This is] what led me to be a rabbi not because these mitzvot are the job of a rabbi exclusively, but because as a rabbi, I have more time to fulfill my obligation as a Jew to these deeds than I would have otherwise.”

Following services, the entire congregation, feeling the joy and camaraderie of this special occasion, joined together for a celebratory Kiddush luncheon.

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JANUARY 2011 • JCN • www.jvalley.org

local news

A special breakfast with PJ Library® philanthropist Hillel breaks ground- continued from page 7 Harold Grinspoon Attendees at the groundbreaking Every month, a big white and blue envelope arrives in the mailboxes of nearly 900 Jewish children, specially addressed to them. Inside, are the colorful, ageappropriate, high-quality Jewish children’s books sent for free each month by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation of Boston, the Jim Joseph Foundation locally, and the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley.

The books, now being sent to over 40,000 children nationwide each month are the product of the vision of Harold Grinspoon himself. He saw the power of books Harold Grinspoon in the life of children and families. He had learned of Dolly Parton’s effort to assist child literacy in Appalachia, and knew that while Jewish children are certainly literate in a classical sense, he could help those children and their parents expand their Jewish literacy and feelings of closeness to Jewish life.

ceremony included Hillel Board President Barbara Illowsky, San José Councilmember Sam Liccardo, Capital Campaign Chair Vice-President Alan Werba, and Jewish philanthropist Eli Reinhard, who made the lead gift to name the new Hillel House in memory of his parents and uncle. Architect David Fenster and Project Leader John Nadler were also recognized at the event for their involvement in the project.

Eli Reinhard, David Fenster, and John Nadler will be honored for their pivotal roles in helping create Hillel’s new home at Hillel’s Pillars of the Community Lunch on Sunday, April 3, 2011.

Barbara Illowsky, Hillel President, Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley CEO Jyl Jurman and Hillel Board member Bonnie Slavitt Moore at the new Hillel House.

On January 14, Harold Grinspoon, creator and major funder of the PJ Library program in North America and Israel will be in the Bay Area to meet with community members who may be interested in joining him in his dream made into reality by partnering with his foundation in becoming local donors to the program into the future.

A local Jewish organization and local donors who share a passion for vibrant Jewish life sponsor each community’s program. For the last three years, the Harold Grinspoon Foundation has been joined by the Jim Joseph Foundation in bringing the PJ Library to the Silicon Valley's Jewish children through the Federation.

This spring, the Jim Joseph Foundation funding will conclude. The goal of the program is to make it possible for young Jewish families to build Jewish libraries with their children and to be able to encounter Judaism in the most positive and welcoming way — with no pressure and with openness to the wide spectrum of Jewish identities and connections.

Those who are involved in the PJ Library know that it is the most wonderful way to touch Jewish lives and let young Jews know that they appreciated and valued in our community.

Anyone interested in the opportunity to join in being a part of ensuring that this exceptional program continues in our area in the years to come, please call Elisa Gerston at (408) 357-7512.

Local rabbi celebrates 20 years-continued from page 17 She is a very good colleague and a good friend for me and my family. And she’s also a great leader in the larger and general community. I think she is exemplary.” Rabbi Aron says she has formed incredible relationships in her 20 years at Congregation Shir Hadash and continues to be engaged and fulfilled by her work.

“I was very attached to my congregation in Brooklyn; it was a small, struggling congregation. I was very worried when I left them that I wouldn’t get attached to a new community. I think my being here for 20 years is a testament that I did.”

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simchas BIRTHS Lori Gitin & Leslie P. Garcia announce the birth of their son Benjamin Joseph Garcia who was born on October 25.

He weighed 5 pounds 6 ounces and was 19 ½ inches long.

Grandparents are Dave & Eileen Gitin Benjamin Garcia who now reside in Arizona and the late Idelle & Benjamin Garcia. The greatgrandparents were the late Rabbi Joseph & Rosalie Gitin. The bris took place at the home of Lori & Leslie on November 1 and Dr. Julie Kohl did the brit milah.

Barry & Rosemarie Mirkin of Congregation Sinai announce the birth of twin grandsons, Adam Dylan Peterson and Benjamin Rhys Peterson, who were born to Rachelle & Rob Peterson of Los Altos Hills Adam Peterson on October 26.

Adam weighed 5 pounds 14 ounces and was 17 inches long and Benjamin weighed 5 pounds 9 ounces and was Benjamin Peterson 19 inches long.

Grandmother Wendy Peterson lives in Ponty Pridd, Wales.

Arielle & Jerry Kurtze of Congregation Sinai announce the birth of their d a u g h t e r Madalyn Taylor Kurtze on November 15.

She was named in memory of her father’s g r a n d f a t h e r, Madalyn Kurtze

Milton Kurtze; her middle name, Taylor, is in memory of her maternal great-grandmother, Taube Grischkan, a Holocaust survivor who was originally from Lithuania. Madalyn is the younger sister of Sabrina, 2 ½, who attends Sinai Nursery School.

Madalyn weighed 7 pounds 10 ounces and was 18 ½ inches long. She is the granddaughter of Ira & Lorraine Kurtze of Las Vegas, NV and Rachel and Jack Stark of Los Angeles. Her uncle Josh Stark lives in Mevasseret, Israel is happy to welcome her to the family as are her aunt and uncle Franni & Danny Segal of Queens, NY.

CALLED TO THE TORAH Adina Greene was called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on October 30 at Congregation Shir Hadash. She is the daughter of Thalia & Bruce Greene of San Jose and the younger sister of Ariella, a sophomore at Adina Greene Kehillah Jewish High School in Palo Alto. She is the granddaughter of Josephine & Asher Engler of San Jose and the late Renee & Stanley Greene of Spring Valley, NY. Adina is in the seventh grade at Dartmouth Middle School. She plays the flute, and soccer, loves cheerleading, is an avid reader and loves going to the movies and shopping with her friends. Her Torah portion, Haye Sarah, concerns Abraham’s sending of his trustworthy servant back to his homeland to find a wife for Isaac, to ensure that his family legacy will live on. Adina’s bat mitzvah project was to collect and deliver school supplies and backpacks for a children and women’s shelter in Santa Clara. Relatives who attended this special simcha included Aunt Orlee, Uncle Jeff, Ben and Danny Kahn from Minneapolis, Uncle Aylon, Aunt Barbara, Maya, Jacob and Evan Engler from San Mateo, Aunt Rona, Uncle Neal and Adam Orenstein from Los Gatos, Great-uncle Howard & Great-aunt Dorothy Handler from Colorado. Adina was very excited

www.jvalley.org • JCN • JANUARY 2011

to share this special day in her life with her twin brother David and her family and friends.

David Greene, son of Thalia & Bruce Greene, of San Jose, twin brother of Adina Green and younger brother of Ariella Greene, was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on October 30 at Congregation Shir Hadash. David David Greene is in the seventh grade at Dartmouth Middle School.

He plays the trombone and is on competitive soccer and baseball teams. He also loves to golf, plays video games and hangs out with his friends. David’s Haftorah portion, 1 Kings 1:1:31 takes place when King David is old and unable to care for himself. One of his sons, Adonijah, attempts to have himself declared king even though his brother Solomon has been promised the throne.

David’s bar mitzvah project was to collect and deliver school supplies and backpacks for a children and women’s shelter in Santa Clara. He was very happy to share this profound day in life with his twin sister Adina, his family and friends.

Sarah Kaufman, daughter of James Kaufman & Gina Dimino, was called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on November 30 at Temple Emanu-El. She is the younger sister of Annie Kaufman who came in for this special occasion Sarah Kaufman from the University

of Vermont where she is a student.

Sarah is in the eighth grade at Willow Glen Middle School where she enjoys band, show choir and drama.

Sarah loves music and plays many instruments including the piano, French horn, ukulele and even the Shofar. She also composes music and writes her own songs. For her mitzvah project, Sarah participated in a Relay for Life for the second year in a row and raised over $600.

Her grandparents, Lloyd & Elaine Kaufman of New York City and Carl & Jean Dimino of LaPaz, Mexico, were on hand for this special occasion.

Arianna Kotlier, daughter of Stephanie Croce & Bernie Kotlier of San Jose, was called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on December 11 at Temple EmanuEl. She is in the seventh grade this year at University P r e p a r a t o r y Arianna Kotlier Academy.

Prior to this year, she had seven years of Spanish-English immersion. Arianna is the older sister of Adam, 10, a student at Adelante Academy. She is enjoying new friends at her new school and is excited to be on the basketball team where she was appointed “point guard”. She also likes swimming in the summer, running, baking and reading. Arianna has found it rewarding to volunteer for worthy causes such as the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. For her mitzvah project, she held bake sales at the Temple to benefit the LevlaLev Fund which enables orphans in Israel to celebrate their own Bat/Bar Mitzvahs. Grandmother Audrey Croce and aunts Tracey and Heidi Croce came in for this special day along with cousins Judy and Yayir Argon of PA and Jesse Argon of NY.

ENGAGEMENTS Lisa & Eric Rosenblum, of Congregation Sinai, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Anna Rebecca to Michael

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JANUARY 2011 • JCN • www.jvalley.org

Campeas Cohen. Michael is the son of Hedvah Campeas-Cohen & Rabbi Kenneth Cohen of Morton Grove, IL, grandson of Hyman Campeas of Queens, NY, brother of Jonathan & Anna Cohen of Haifa, Israel and Gabriel & Kourtney Cohen of Richmond, VA; he is the nephew of Dr. Raphael & Ellen Campeas of Teaneck, NJ and Dr. David Campeas & Dr. Lynn Reyman of Maplewood, NJ. Michael is a graduate of Columbia University and the List College of Jewish Studies and is currently studying for the rabbinate at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City. Anna is the granddaughter of Dora Ginsberg of Reston, VA, the sister of Sam Rosenblum of Kitsuki, Japan, and the niece of David Wasserman & Susan Ginsberg of Hyattsville, MD, Jo & Steve King and Niki Demaio of Houston, TX and Debra Rosenblum of Philadelphia, PA, and the late Dr. Richard Ginsberg. She is a graduate of San Jose High Academy, Harvard College, Hayward College of Cosmetology and University College London and is currently studying medicine at Albany College of Medicine in Albany,

simchas

NY. The happy couple met in London where Michael served as a shaliach (emissary) for Marom, UK, teaching Conservative congregations and Anna was working on her Masters degree in skeletal and dental bioarcheology with a research focus on detecting evidence of cannibalism. Was it love at first bite??

WEDDINGS Denise & Adan Moreno were married at Temple Emanu-El on October 10.

She is the daughter of Carol Hoffman & John Fernandez; her grandparents

are Robert & Linda Hoffman and Marie & John Fernandez. The groom is the son of Adan & Rosario Moreno and Esperanza Ramirez. His grandparents are Ampara Valencia and Alejandro Perez and Patricio Orozco.

Siblings who attended the wedding included J o h n n y , Denise & Adan Moreno Robbie and Kristina Fernandez and Johnny, Veronica, Iraiz, Lizette, Itzel and

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Aliyah Moreno. After the wedding, the couple went to Maui for a honeymoon. They now reside in San Jose. Denise is an internet marketer at Facebook and Adan is a Supervisor for Mel Cotton’s.

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www.jvalley.org • JCN • JANUARY 2011

JANUARY 2011 • JCN • www.jvalley.org

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rabbi's column

Rabbi’s Column: Most Jews want to connect

By Rabbi Leslie Alexander, Jewish Community Chaplain

school environments, or sports activities and cultural programs.

It happened again a few weeks ago. I went into a hospital room where a woman had just given birth. I introduced myself as the Jewish Community Chaplain and told her I was bringing a Shalom Baby gift bag from Women’s Philanthropy of the Federation to say Mazal Tov. I had in my bag an application for the PJ Library, to offer her new child a free Jewish book each month, on behalf of our two funders and our Federation. Since it was Hanukkah, I also came in with a card, a Hanukkiah and a dreidel.

You can be the special person who notices someone who is expecting a baby and lets them know that we have a community gift from Shalom Baby to say Mazel Tov. You can be aware when you encounter someone with a small child and let them know that they can receive Jewish children’s books for free through the PJ Library.

You can notice a person grieving in the community and make sure they know that they don’t have to be alone in their loss, that the Community Chaplain or any congregation Rabbi would be honored to support them at a difficult time.

The woman was nice, but made it clear at the outset that she was not observant or connected Jewishly. Her parents had not been affiliated, and her Jewish youth experiences had been limited to a few years of camp and holidays at her grandparent’s home.

I immediately said that I understood, and that I was not there to foist a religious agenda on her. I simply wanted to provide supportive community for her, her spouse and her new baby. I wanted to say “Mazal Tov!” and “Happy Hanukkah!” and let her know that we rejoice with her.

It was at that moment that she began to cry. Her emotional reaction was not all post-partum hormones; it was also an outpouring of yearning.

In doing this, you can send the message that our Jewish Community cares deeply about them.

Even more, if they agree, you can help them take the first step toward making a place for themselves in our community.

This is not being presumptuous, this is being caring. The people with whom you speak will be happy that you have broached the subject.

Those of us who work in the Jewish community know it is true and know how good it feels to reach out and find someone waiting. You might be the first open doorway through which they will pass as they begin to connect. You might be just the person to help them begin to feel confident that they are wanted.

Think about the times when supportive Jewish community has made a difference for you and take a step to make that same warmth available to others.

She told me that the outreach meant the world to her, that she wants to be Jewish and wants her child to have Jewish community, but after she moved to the Silicon Valley she didn’t feel comfortable enough to just go alone to You really can change a life! a synagogue or community activity. As time went by, she felt more and more disconnected with less confidence in how to do anything about it. She did say that she believed that if she were involved in Jewish life, that it would be a supportive, warm experience.

I had walked into the room at just the right time. I was able to be with her, welcome her, arrange for her new child to get Jewish books, let her know about a young mom’s group through Federation and also make phone calls to colleagues that would ensure that someone else in our community would reach out to her in the days ahead.

There are so many Jews in the Silicon Valley like this wonderful young woman.

They span every generation, are from every geographical area (including being native to our area) and are living a spectrum of life experiences.

My firm belief is that most Jews do want to connect. What they want to find in Jewish life can be as individual as each of them is, but most want to be Jews and want to be included. Yet, the problem for this woman, and for so many other folks, is that they just have no idea how to take the steps to enter the community. It is scary and off-putting. Often, people feel that they don’t have the skills or the background to enter a synagogue. In today’s society they also may feel that they lack the knowledge, skills or background to enter ANY structured Jewish environment.

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These are the people who go to a Hanukkah candle lighting at their company when someone has arranged it (such as Hanukkah observances at Facebook and Google) or to come to the candle lighting at Santana Row and stand at the periphery.

But then what?

I am fortunate, as the Jewish Community Chaplain, to interact with lots of people. I share this special privilege with other Jewish professionals in our community. Our antennae are up all the time. We are looking for Jews in order to help them realize how open and warm our Jewish community is. We work hard in Federation programs, synagogues, community agencies, and The PJ Library to find ways to touch as many people as we can.

But we can’t possibly do it as well as you.

Think of the people you meet every day in your work, in social networks, in

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www.jvalley.org • JCN • JANUARY 2011

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ONGOING PROGRAMS: MONDAYS Explore the Valley by Foot 9 AM, Levy Family Campus Discover the beauty of our valley.

Meet other women on the paths of Vasona, Rancho San Antonio, the Stanford Dish and other local trails. Bring your own water and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Arielle@jvalley.org, (408) 357-7501 (Jan. 31, Feb. 28) Bereavement Support Group 7:30 PM, Beth David Support group for adults experiencing grief in response to death of a loved one. This is an open-ended group. Pre-registration is required. rebeccar@jfssv.org, (408) 357-7487 (Jan. 17, Feb. 7 & 21) TUESDAYS Pirkei Avot: Sayings (Ethics) of the Fathers 10:30 AM, Beth David Pirkei Avot, unlike the rest of the Mishnah, contains no halachah and deals solely with ethical and moral principles. Explore this ancient Jewish wisdom in the continuation of this participant-led discussion group. No fee, but donations are welcome! AdultEd@beth-david.org, (408) 257-3333 (Weekly) Chanting Esther with Cantor Felder-Levy 7:30 PM, Shir Hadash Both members and non-members who have some familiarity with the chanting of the Torah or Haftarah portions and would like to develop their skills further are welcome.

A reading knowledge of Hebrew is required. cantor@shirhadash.org, (408) 358-1751, x8 (Jan. 25, Feb. 1 & 22, Mar. 1)

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upcoming events

WEDNESDAYS Ima and Me (Mommy and Me) Playgroup 9 AM, Sinai Abba, Savta, Saba, and Nanny are all welcome, too (daddy and grandparents). Children three and under are invited to come and play.

FREE. imaandme@sinai-sj.org, (408) 264-8542 (Weekly) Torah Study 11AM, Levy Family Campus Join Women's Philanthropy for a Torah Study on the first Wednesday of each month, led by Rabbi Leslie Alexander. arielle@jvalley.org or (408) 357-7503 (Jan. 5, Feb. 2, Mar. 2) Origins & Meaning of the Shabbat and Daily Prayer Books 7:30 PM, Shir Hadash How many times does one sit in services and wonder, "What does this prayer really mean?" or "Why do we repeat these meditations over and over again in such a precise order?" (408) 358-1751 x7, patty@shirhadash.org (Jan. 12 & 26, Feb. 9) Musar Shmooze with Rabbi Fenton 11 AM, Levy Family Campus Jewish Ethical Literature (Mussar), has been a guiding light to the Jewish people for centuries. All texts provided in Hebrew and English. All levels welcome. lisacg@ svjcc.org, (408) 357-7492 (Weekly) THURSDAYS Freilache Menschen Lunch and Program 11:30 AM, Shir Hadash Join this seniors’ group for a program and a light lunch. $5/ person. RSVP: (408) 358-1751 x2 or shanda@shirhadash.org (Jan. 13, Feb. 10)

Torah Study 12:30 PM, Levy Family Campus Study the weekly Torah portion, using Nechama Leibowitz's study guides. Participants are asked to bring a Bible. All texts provided in English and Hebrew. Everyone is welcome. lisacg@svjcc.org, (408) 357-7492 (Weekly) FRIDAYS Talmud Study with Daniel Pressman 8:30 AM, Beth David This ongoing Talmud study group will discuss Tractate Berakhot (Benedictions), which addresses blessings, prayers, and sanctification ceremonies. New students are welcome. (408) 2523333 (Weekly) Shabbat Mishpaha 6:30 PM, Beth David Join in a fun, energetic Shabbat experience geared towards families with kids. (408) 252-3333 (Jan. 7, Feb. 4, Mar. 4) No Shush Shabbat Service 6:30 PM, Shir Hadash Special opportunity for elementary school-aged children. Filled with camp-style music and hand motions, the No Shush Shabbat features a 'hands-free siddur.'

Preceded by a family-friendly dinner at 5:45 p.m. (408) 358-1751 (Jan. 7, Feb. 4, Mar. 4) Shabbat 2.0 Service 8 PM, Shir Hadash A lively, interactive, musical service. Fresh music from established and emerging Jewish composers introduced each month.

Guitar, bass and drums add to the experience. This service lasts about an hour and is often preceded by a catered dinner. nadine@shirhadash. org, (408) 358-1751 x5 (Jan. 15, Feb. 11) SATURDAYS Tot Shabbat 9:30 AM, Shir Hadash Join Rabbi Levenberg and other families with young children for Tot Shabbat. Free and is open to the community--tell friends!

(408) 358-1751 (Jan. 8, Feb. 12) Torah Study 9:30 AM, Shir Hadash Deuteronomy is a fascinating combination of narrative and laws.

It is a book with a point of view, one which has played a significant role in the formation of Judaism, and one which may create certain philosophical and theological challenges for the modern reader.

(408) 358-1751 (Weekly)

Haverim Services 10:30 AM, Beth David This child-friendly Shabbat service for Kindergarten–3rd graders includes songs, lots of movement, discussion of traditions and values gleaned from weekly Torah portion or holiday, stories and Kiddush with treats. Parents always welcome to join. bendahan@beth-david.org, (408) 257-3333 (Jan. 15 & 29, Feb. 12) Torah for Tots 11 AM-Noon, Sinai This delightful children’s service is parent-led and designed specifically to accommodate children ages 0-5.

Singing, movement, and stories. torahfortots@sinai-sj.org, (408) 264-8542 (Jan. 15, Feb. 5 & 19, Mar. 5) Tot Shabbat 11 AM, Beth David Parent-led service includes singing, storytelling, and a snack! (408) 2523333, lori.kahn@sbcglobal.net (Jan. 8 & 22, Feb. 12 & 26, Mar. 12 & 26) Laugh and Learn with Doug Brook 1:30 PM, Beth David Based on his humor column in Southern Jewish Life, Doug Brook will guide one through the lighter side of Judaism and the substance underneath it. Brook is a synagogue instructor, actor and playwright.

Follows Shabbat services (9:30 a.m.) and Shabbat Kiddush lunch.

Adult-ed@bethdavid.org, (408) 2573333 (Jan. 22, Feb. 26) Book Discussion 1:30PM, Beth David miriam.marr@stanfordalumni.org or (650) 968-7138 (Jan. 8, Feb. 12, Mar. 12) Feeding the Homeless at the Shelter 6:30 PM, Shir Hadash nadine@shirhadash.org, (408) 3581751 x5 (Jan. 15, Feb. 13)

SPECIAL EVENTS: FRIDAY, JANUARY 7 Jews’ Next Dor First Shabbat Potluck 7-11 PM, Private Home The host will provide challah, wine, the main dishes, cutlery and plates.

Please bring a vegetarian/dairy appetizer, side, dessert, and/or drink to share. jewsnextdor@beth-david.org SATURDAY, JANUARY 8 Book Dating: Getting to Know New Covers 3 PM, Shir Hadash Looking for a new concept in a

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upcoming events book group? Interested in discussing more than one book? Then come to this Sisterhood program. (408) 3581751 x5, nadine@shirhadash.org

new book, “2048,” and how this methodology deduces specific global conflicts. diane@jvalley.org, (408) 257-7504

Jewish Girl Scouts Sleepover 6 PM, Sinai Jewish Girl Scouts will play games, learn Jewish trivia and have loads of fun "camping" at Sinai.

(408) 264-8542 , office@sinai-sj.org

MONDAY, JANUARY 10 Brandeis University on Wheels 11:30 AM, The Villages Andreas Teuber, Ph.D., chair of Brandeis University Department of Philosophy, will speak on “Making Tough Moral Choices: What is the Right Thing to Do?” Contribution: (includes lunch) $25/person. (408) 270-0726, Artform1@pacbell.net

SUNDAY, JANUARY 9 Jewish Book Group 10:30 AM, Shir Hadash “36 Arguments for the Existence of G-d” by Rebecca Newberger Goldstein. patty@shirhadash.org, (408) 358-1751 The Art of Jewish Cooking: Shabbat 10:30 AM, Emanu-El Come learn the how to make traditional and non-traditional Jewish food and learn the history and traditions surrounding each dish. Taught by Lisa Sobel, writer of Emanu-El’s monthly “Taste of Torah” column. Please wear closedtoe shoes and long pants and bring an apron to class. $140/member; $180/non-member. (408) 292-0939, admin@templesanjose.org Early Childhood Center Open House 1 PM, Shir Hadash Meet the teachers, visit the classrooms and explore the innovative play yard. An RSVP is appreciated but not mandatory. robin@shirhadash.org, (408) 358-1751 Admissions Open House 2 PM, Kehillah Jewish High School All middle-school families are invited to discover Kehillah Jewish High School, a community Jewish high school for boys and girls in grades 9-12.

RSVP: mlerner@kehillah.org Men’s Club Poker Night 7 PM, Sinai Have a poker face? Join the Sinai Men's Club for an evening of bluffing, calling and plain old good fun. mensclub@sinai-sj.org, (408) 264-8542 Geopolitical Future Theory: The 21st Century Middle East 7:30 PM, Levy Family Campus Special lecture by Professor David Passig, Futurist, Bar-Ilan University, Israel. Which nations will engage in war, and which will sign peace treaties in the 21st century? Prof.

Passig will explain the geographical future theory at the heart of his

Robert Alter as Scholar-inResidence 7:30 PM, Sinai A Guggenheim Fellow in 1966 and 1978, a Senior Fellow of the National Endowment for the Humanities, a fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Jerusalem, and an Old Dominion Fellow at Princeton University, Prof Alter is one of the gems of the Bay Area. He will be speaking about his new book, “The Wisdom Books: Job, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.” lisacg@svjcc.org, (408) 357-7492 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12 Torah Trope Class with Cantor Felder-Levy 10:30 AM, Shir Hadash Interested in learning to chant from the Torah? RSVP to Cantor FelderLevy. Cost of the book, “The Art of Torah Cantillation” is $16. (408) 358-1751 x8, cantor@shirhadash.org THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 Robert Alter as Scholar-inResidence 7:30 PM, Levy Family Campus Professor Robert Alter is one of the great Bible scholars of this generation: a Guggenheim Fellow in 1966 and 1978, a Senior Fellow of the National Endowment for the Humanities, a fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Jerusalem, and an Old Dominion Fellow at Princeton University, Prof Alter is one of the gems of the Bay Area. He will be speaking about his new book, “The Wisdom Books: Job, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes,” speaking on the Poetry and Meaning in the Book of Job. All are welcome. lisacg@svjcc.org, (408) 357-7492 SATURDAY, JANUARY 15 Jr. Kadima Sleepover/Talent Show 7 PM, Sinai Calling 5th and 6th Graders. Join in a fun-filled evening of talent demonstrations followed by a sleepover. office@sinai-sj.org, (408) 264-8542

www.jvalley.org • JCN • JANUARY 2011

SUNDAY, JANUARY 16 Mitzvah Day 9 AM, Shir Hadash This annual Mitzvah Day, a day where a number of different service or “mitzvah” projects are offered to members. The idea is that all of the projects are going on at approximately the same time so that everyone can find a project near and dear to their hearts and come together to help our community and world. boardsocialaction@shirhadash.org, (408) 358-1751 Community Immigration Education Forum (see ad p.2) 7 PM, Levy Family Campus Come participate in a non-partisan, educational forum on immigration.

Keynote speakers: Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, ranking member of the House Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security and International Law, and Gideon Aronoff, president and CEO of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society. Small group discussions will be led by immigrants from Russia, Germany and Mexico. diane@jvalley.org, (408) 357-7504 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19 Tu B'Shevat Seder 7 PM, Emanu-El Know the story and the order for Tu B'Shevat? Come experience all the wonderful foods at a seder led

by Rabbi Magat and Cantor Simerly. $8/adult; $5/child. RSVP with payment requested by January 14. admin@templesanjose.org, (408) 292-0939 THURSDAY, JANUARY 20 Banana Slug String Band Concert and Tu B'Shevat Celebration 4 PM, Levy Family Campus A celebration for the whole family.

Snacks, art projects, activities and a concert by the Banana Slug String Band will help celebrate this exciting holiday, the New Year for Trees, the Jewish Arbor Day. lisacg@svjcc.org, (408) 357-7492 Ballroom Dance Party 7:30 PM, Levy Family Campus Put on dancing shoes and join APJCC Dance Academy Director Kim Delli Santi and instructor Kristen Ryder for some ballroom dancing, wine and hors d'oeuvres. No partner needed! Tickets $20 in advance (buy them at the JCC Service Desk) or $25 at the door. Open to JCC members and non-members. Kim Delli Santi, kim@svjcc.org, (408) 357-7534

Women's Study: Israeli Women's Short Stories 10:30 AM, Shir Hadash For many years a group of women of diverse ages have gathered monthly to study and discuss topics relating to women and Judaism. Several years ago the theme was Yiddish Women’s Short Stories, which was a wonderfully rich experience. This year Israeli Women’s Short Stories, written by women born in the 1930s-60s in Israel and in the Diaspora, will be read and discussed. Most of these stories were written originally in Hebrew, several in Russian, and one in Arabic. patty@shirhadash.org, (408) 358-1751 FRIDAY, JANUARY 21 Men's Club Shabbat Service with Choir 8 PM, Shir Hadash nadine@shirhadash.org, (408) 358-1751 x5 SUNDAY, JANUARY 23 Gan Aviv Preschool Family Open House 10 AM, South Peninsula Hebrew Day School We are a play-based school with bilingual teachers (Hebrew/English) in every classroom. Children play and learn in a warm, caring Jewish environment. The program starts with two-year-old classes and goes through the Pre-Kindergarten age group. Three- and five-day options for two- and three-year-old children. ece@sphds.org, (408) 738-3060 Muslim Christian Jewish Women's Dialogue 1 PM, Congregation Shir Hadash nadine@shirhadash.org, (408) 358-1751 x5 Jewbilee (see article p.12) 1 PM, Levy Family Campus Jewbilee is an idea, an experience, and the embodiment of the belief that for at least a day, the larger Jewish Community can come together under one roof, despite the many differences, and celebrate being Jewish and what that means to each one. rabbifenton@svjcc.org, (408) 357-7413 Sisterhood Book Club 7:30 PM, Sinai Join in discussing the book “Black Dahlia" by James Ellroy, a novel of a notorious unsolved murder. sisterhood@sj-sinai.org, (408) 264-8542

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JANUARY 2011 • JCN • www.jvalley.org

upcoming events WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26 Larry Gerston on The 2010 Elections: Past, Present and Future 7 PM, Shir Hadash San Jose State University Political Scientist and well-known political commentator, Larry Gerston. Free, all are welcome. Steve Jackson, hojacks@gmail.com Jews' Next Dor Volunteers Meeting 7:30 PM, Private Home The ticket to the inside scoop of what's coming up and a chance to give back to the Jews' Next Dor community. Of course, meetings are open to all, and showing up is not committing to anything further.

All Jewish 20 & 30 somethings are encouraged to get involved with the Jews’ Next Dor community! jewsnextdor@beth-david.org SATURDAY, JANUARY 29 Rabbi Weiner: Where Movies and the Midrash Intersect 7:30 PM, Shir Hadash Combining the world of classical Biblical explication, Midrash, and contemporary Hollywood films might seem like a tall order, but Rabbi Martin Weiner has found that many of the exciting themes of the Midrash are found in some of the best known and best loved movies of these times. This program will be a chance to enjoy inspiring rabbinic texts and scenes from classic movies. Rabbi Weiner has presented this program in Boston, New Zealand, Australia, and, of course, his own community of San Francisco. nadine@shirhadash.org, (408) 358-1751 x5 SUNDAY, JANUARY 30 Jewish Girl Scouts Meeting 1-2:30 PM, Sinai Jewish Girl Scout Troops for girls in grades 1-5. girlscouts@sinai-sj.org, (408) 264-8542 Jews' Next Dor Board Games 7 PM, Private Home Good games, good company, and good times are guaranteed. Have what it takes to win?!? Bring smarts, wits, a crazy sense of humor and a splash of luck to a night of laughter and excitement.

Up to the challenge? jewsnextdor@ beth-david.org SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6 Intro to Hinduism: Comparative Religion 10:45 AM, Shir Hadash Silicon Valley’s connections to India are deep and varied. But what is

known about the subcontinent’s dominant faith and that practiced by many of its neighbors? Join Rabbi Fleekop in exploring the world’s oldest living religion, Hinduism. Learn about the world's third-most-popular faith, a rich and diverse religious tradition practiced by a billion people around the globe. nadine@shirhadash.org, (408) 358-1751 x5

maximum class size of 20, so be sure to sign up in advance. nadine@ shirhadash.org, (408) 358-1751 x5 Sages and Teachers Speaker Series with Rebecca Newberger Goldstein 7:30 PM, Levy Family Campus Rebecca is a Koret International Book Award winner, a National Jewish Book Award winner multiple

Comedian Rabbi Bob Alper and comedy contest at Beth David on March 5 Rabbi Bob Alper will perform a stand-up comedy act at Congregation Beth David on Saturday March 5, at 7:30 p.m. His performance is fast-paced, with impeccable timing and sophisticated material that’s definitely sharp yet not hurtful.

Rabbi Bob is the only clergyman who is intentionally funny. Be prepared to laugh!

Following Alper’s performance, community members are invited to participate in a contest of “The Funniest Jew in Silicon Valley.” Participants will have a maximum of two minutes on stage and should contact Ellen Gold at (408) 257-9446 to reserve a spot.

Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/139535 or call Dorothy Dorsay at (408) 996-2282.

Sinai Men's Club Super Bowl Party 3 PM, Sinai Sinai Men's Club takes the Super Bowl seriously. Join in to watching a great game, memorable commercials, and more. (408) 2648542, mensclub@sinai-sj.org MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7 Mesibah Family Fun Day 3 PM, Levy Family Campus Mesibah is the Hebrew word for party! Children ages 2-10 years and their parents or caregivers are invited to join us for a party to celebrate the start of the Jewish month of Adar I. We’ll sing and dance, make art projects and play games, bounce and run with our friends, and enjoy some healthy snacks. FREE. elizabeth@svjcc.org, (408) 357-7417 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13 Infant, Child, and Adult CPR with Certification 10 AM, Shir Hadash Be prepared for any emergency by participating in the CPR Training class sponsored by the Temple's Caring Committee. $50/person will include certification. In order to run this class 8 students minimum are required, so an RSVP by January 14 is appreciated. There is a

times over, a MacArthur Fellow, and a Whiting Foundation Writer's Award winner. Her books include “Finding Spinoza,” “36 Arguments for the Existence of G-d,” “Incompleteness,” “Mazel,” and “The Mind Body Problem.” cjll@svjcc.org, (408) 357-7492 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Jews in America: Insiders and Outsiders 9:30 AM, Levy Family Campus This Scholars course gives students the opportunity to consider the challenges of Jewish acculturation to American life, and the sacrifices as well as the contributions that have been made over the past 200 years. Lessons will explore such topics as the role of education, The Three Generation Hypothesis, Anti-Semitism and the Holocaust, the changing place of Zionism and the State of Israel, The Civil Rights Movement as a case study of distinctiveness and involvement, and other issues that address American and Jewish culture and identity. This 10-lesson course asks the question, “Is the cup halfempty or half-full?” Instructor: Rabbi Leslie Alexander. lisacg@ svjcc.org, (408) 357-7492

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17 Ballroom Dance Party 7:30 PM, Levy Family Campus Put on dancing shoes and join APJCC Dance Academy Director Kim Delli Santi and instructor Kristen Ryder for some ballroom dancing, wine and hors d'oeuvres. No partner needed! Tickets $20 in advance (buy them at the JCC Service Desk) or $25 at the door. kim@svjcc.org, (408) 357-7534 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Sinai Jr. Kadima at Sky High 2 PM, Sky High Sports Come jump, play, laugh and have fun with fellow 6th-7th graders. office@sinai-sj.org, (408) 264-8542 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27 Grandparents' Circle Group 1 PM, Shir Hadash Looking for a way to transmit your Jewish values to your grandchildren who are children of parents in an interfaith marriage? This is an educational and support program for Jewish grandparents. (408) 3581751 x5, nadine@shirhadash.org Sisterhood Vashti's Banquet 1 PM, Sinai Feast and fun for all. sisterhood@ sinai-sj.org, (408) 264-8542 Camp Sneak Peek, a Classic Cartoon, & the CEO Cooks!

4 PM, Levy Family Campus Enjoy a preview of APJCC Summer Camp! Counselors will lead art activities and games. Enjoy a free spaghetti dinner prepared by JCC CEO, Hal Bordy. After dinner enjoy the film, “Toy Story 3.” All ages welcome, from 3 to 103! Shhh…it’s a secret--you get a special discount on camp registration when you attend. It's all FREE, but please RSVP so there will be enough food. natalie@svjcc.org, (408) 357-7416 SUNDAY, MARCH 6 SUPER SUNDAY 9 AM, Levy Family Campus Volunteer with the Federation to make calls this annual event. (408) 357-7503 or amanda@jvalley.org How to Get Your Organization’s Events Listed in the JCN: Submit the event online at www.jvalley.org before December 6. Include name of the event; date and time; place, address and street, city; sponsoring organization and description; cost, if any; contact name, phone number (required) and e-mail address, and the last day your organization will accept reservations or RSVPs. Photos related to the event are encouraged.

26

www.jvalley.org • JCN • JANUARY 2011

obituaries LARRY L. GOSSACK, M.D.

MAXINE ROSS PURWIN

Larry L. Gossack, of San Jose, died of complications from heart disease. He was an obstetrician/gynecologist in San Jose from 1957 until his retirement in 1988. During his retirement he enjoyed travels to Europe, Asia and Latin America, spending time with his family, exercising and gardening.

Family and friends mourn the loss of Maxine Purwin who died after a long battle with cancer. She is survived by her two loving sons, Brian Ross of Los Gatos and Daniel Ross of Los Angeles, and granddaughter Dina Ross of Los Angeles.

11-4-20 to 11-17-10

Larry was born and grew up in Montreal, Canada in a family of five brothers. An academic standout at Baron Byng High School, he also excelled in ice hockey and baseball; he received a tryout in the farm system of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Larry graduated from Queen’s University and the Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. He interned at Vancouver General Hospital in Vancouver, B.C. and then moved to the United States in 1949 where he completed his residency at Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago and where he spent a year at the famed Chicago Maternity Center.

Later, he was a medical instructor at Northwestern.

Larry was proud to serve as a doctor in the United States Air Force; he was stationed at Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka, KS from 1955-57. In 1957, he moved to Santa Clara Valley where he resided for 53 years. He began his California medical practice here and throughout the course of his career, he delivered more than 5,000 babies to joyous parents. Larry was also on the founding medical staff of Good Samaritan Hospital in 1965. Committed throughout his life to caring for his family, patients and the community, Larry is lovingly remembered for his dedication to doing his utmost for all of those who knew him.

Larry is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Pearl, his two children, David Gossack of San Jose and Linda Astor (Richard) and two adored granddaughters, Marissa and Natalie Astor of Potomac, MD, as well as three brothers in Montreal.

Please consider donations to the American Heart Association and Hospice of the Valley. Condolences may be sent to P.O. Box 6882, San Jose, CA 95150.

ROSALINE “ROZ” FRANTZ PEPPER 7-7-21 to 11-14-10

Roz Pepper was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She had endless energy to pursue her many talents and interests, but her main joy and love was her family. While encouraging her children and grandchildren to achieve their dreams, she was always there to provide support and counsel. She loved sunny days, dancing, photography and travel. In her later years she struggled with many health issues. She gave her best effort to overcome her physical challenges and seemed invincible.

Roz was born in San Francisco; she was a first generation American. She graduated from Washington High School and attended both Stanford University and the University of California at Berkeley. She worked in numerous fields including bookkeeping, retail shoes sales with her husband, real estate and travel.

She and her husband Alfred celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on November 7. Rosaline leaves behind her loving family including her husband Alfred, son Donald Pepper (Giulie) and daughter and best friend, Janis Pepper.

She was the devoted grandmother of Daniel and Jennifer Slate, Andrea Pepper, and Guilene Moller (James), dear sister of the Geri Shimoff (Robert) and the late William Frantz and beloved aunt to numerous nephews and nieces.

Donations can be made in her memory to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, www.pdf.org.

3-8-33 to 10-26-10

Maxine was born in Texarkana, TX and moved to San Jose/ Los Gatos in 1961. After raising her sons, she earned a degree in accounting from San Jose State. She then began a very successful career as a CPA, first working for local firms and then establishing her own practice which she ran for nearly thirty years. She was very active the local Jewish community, serving as president of the Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation. She was also a longtime member of Temple Emanu-El and Congregation Beth David.

Maxine loved life with a passion and lived that life to the fullest. She enjoyed art, music, gardening and world travel. She leaves behind a legacy of generosity and compassion that will never be forgotten by her family and friends. She will be deeply missed.

Please consider a donation to the Cancer Society in her memory.

NORMAN TAVAN 1-8-28 to 11-19-10

Norman Tavan was born in Washington, DC and passed away in Saratoga. In high school he developed interests in photography, aviation and the love of his life, Evelyn. He and Evelyn were married November 24, 1946 and lived near Washington, DC until 2008 when they moved to the Saratoga Retirement Community. In Silver Spring, MD they were members of Congregation Shaare Tefila.

Norman worked at a variety of jobs but always returned to his passion, photography. He worked at Health, Education and Welfare which is now Health and Human Services. He particularly enjoyed opportunities to photograph celebrities.

His photography inspired his son, Steve Tavan and grandson, Jeremy Tavan to become accomplished photographers. With his son, Rick Tavan, of Saratoga, who with his wife Ann, belong to Congregation Beth David, Norman developed an interest in amateur radio which became a life-long hobby. He developed a large circle of radio friends with whom he chatted on the air weekly while he was working and daily after retirement, until he could no longer follow the conversations.

Norman didn’t pursue aviation after marriage and a career interrupted it, but he did take his sons along when he flew occasionally with friends. His son Steve still works in the aerospace industry and his son Rick earned his private pilot’s license in 1996. Rick’s proudest moments as a pilot were the times when he was able to take his Dad flying. Norman’s grandson Dan Tavan is also a licensed pilot making aviation another three-generation family affair.

Norman and Evelyn Tavan loved their hometown, Washington, DC and were avid Redskin fans. They enjoyed a beautiful home in Silver Spring, MD where they were surrounded by friends. Norman swam daily at a county pool during his retirement.

He loved his family and did not want much else. He met his responsibilities without a whimper. When his sons pursued careers out of town, he did not complain or nag them to return to DC, but basked in their presence on every visit. He set an example of persistence and dedication that his family still tries to follow. He leaves behind his wife, Evelyn, sons Steve (Ellen Laderman) and Rick (Ann), grandchildren, Ethan, Daniel, Jordan, Davida, Jeremy (Laurie) Tavan and Ilana Rei Goss and great-grandson, Corwin Charles Tavan.

In ham radio parlance, Norman is now a “silent key." In aviation circles, they say he has “gone west.” He will live forever in hearts of those who loved him.

27

JANUARY 2011 • JCN • www.jvalley.org

Jewish Professional Directory Attorneys

Attorneys

Financial Services

Brooke A. Blecher

Minda B. Parrish

Alan Werba, CPA, CFP

Blecher & Hubbell 1500 E. Hamilton Ave., Ste., 201 Campbell, CA 95008 (408) 369-1010 brooke@blecherhubbell.com www.blecherhubbell.com 9[hj_Ă&#x201C;[Z <Wc_bo BWm If[Y_Wb_ij IjWj[ 8Wh e\ 9Wb_\ehd_W 8eWhZ e\ B[]Wb If[Y_Wb_pWj_ed $ If[Y_Wb_p_d] _d j^[ fhWYj_Y[ e\ \Wc_bo bWm" Z_lehY[" YkijeZo Z_ifkj[i" WdZ Y^_bZ WdZ ifekiWb ikffehj$

14500 Big Basin Way, Suite D, Saratoga, CA 95070 (408) 741-3500 minda@parrishlaw.net ;ijWj[ FbWdd_d]" FheXWj[" ;bZ[h BWm

Werba & Davis Advisory Services, LLC 3055 Olin Ave., Suite 2000 San Jose, CA 95128 (408) 260-3109 (408) 423-0209 <[[#8Wi[Z Fehj\eb_e CWdW][c[dj i_dY[ '//&$ I[Ykh_j_[i e\\[h[Z j^hek]^ Beh_d] MWhZ I[Ykh_j_[i ?dY$" c[cX[h <?DH7%I?F9

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 If[Y_Wb_p_d] _d Yecfb[n Xki_d[ii jhWdiWYj_edi" [ijWj[ fbWdd_d]" WdZ \Wc_bo Xki_d[ii ikYY[ii_ed fbWdd_d]$

16450 Los Gatos Boulevard, Suite 208, Los Gatos, CA 95032 Tel: 408-358-6900 carol@zollalawďŹ rm.com www.zollalawďŹ rm.com 9[hj_Ă&#x201C;[Z If[Y_Wb_ij _d ;ijWj[ FbWdd_d]" Jhkij FheXWj[ BWm$ J^[ IjWj[ 8Wh e\ 9Wb_\ehd_W 8eWhZ e\ B[]Wb If[Y_Wb_pWj_ed$

Cantor-Educator 27 Eucalyptus Lane San Rafael, CA 94901 Phone/Fax (415) 453-3899 Cell (415) 218-1295 7bb B_\[ YoYb[ Y[h[ced_[i#if[Y_Wb [l[dji" If_h_jkWb B[WZ[hi^_f1 9Wdjeh_Wb#B_jkh]_YWb ia_bbi1 >[Xh[m#@[m_i^ ijkZ_[i

Commercial Real Estate

Law Office of Derryl H. Molina â&#x20AC;&#x153;Trust Your Trust to Us!â&#x20AC;?

1142 S. Winchester Blvd., Ste. B San Jose, CA 95128 (408) 244-4992 attderryl@comcast.net www.fulllifecareplanner.com ;ijWj[ FbWdd_d]" FheXWj[" WdZ ;bZ[h BWm$ C[Z_Wj_ed <WY_b_jeh$

Soul Mates Unlimited ÂŽ Personalized Matchmaking

Experienced, successful matchmaker

Judith Gottesman, MSW

(510)418-8813, cell info@soulmatesunlimited.com www.SoulMatesUnlimited.com

Senior Services Lyn Pasqua DELIVERED BY GRACE Guggenheim Realty Group, Inc 1671 Dell Avenue, Suite 218, Campbell, CA 95008 (408) 871-8722 x222 Fax (408) 834-4959 www.guggenheimrgi.com 9ecc[hY_Wb H[Wb ;ijWj[ CWdW][c[dj" ?dl[ijc[dji" WdZ B[Wi_d]$ 9Wbb ki \eh oekh fhef[hjo cWdW][c[dj" b[Wi_d] WdZ iWb[i d[[Zi$ 7bb[d =k]][d^[_c =Who DW_bbed

Dentist

Joyce W. Levy 400 Cambridge Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94306 (408) 287-1644 (650) 248-0888 jlevyesq@gmail.com www.jlevyesq.com 9[hj_Ă&#x201C;[Z if[Y_Wb_ij _d [ijWj[ fbWdd_d]" jhkij fheXWj[ bWm" 9Wb_\ehd_W IjWj[ 8Wh 8eWhZ e\ B[]Wb If[Y_Wb_pWj_ed$

Matchmaking

Dr. Itzhak Emanuel

Eliana B. Weissman Hoge, Fenton, Jones & Appel 60 S. Market St., Ste. 1400 San Jose, CA 95113 (408) 287-9501 ebw@hogefenton.com www.hogefenton.com/weissman.html If[Y_Wb_p_d] _d \Wc_bo bWm cWjj[hi$

285 E. Main Street, Los Gatos, CA (408) 887-7107 healingthroughtouchmassage.com CedZWo # IWjkhZWo /Wc # .fc 9Wbb \eh Wd 7ffe_djc[dj :[[f J_iik[ m_j^ekj FW_d" Ifehji J^[hWfo CWiiW][ \eh Jh_#7j^b[j[i" 9oYb_iji" J[dd_i" Hkdd[hi" =eb\ If[Y_Wbjo" >ej Ijed[$ (& e\\ D[m 9b_[dji

Dr. Zuri Barniv, DDS 1210 E. Arques Ave., Suite 200 Sunnyvale, CA 94085 (408) 733-1124 Barniv_Dental@yahoo.com www.Barniv-Dental.com :h$ 8Whd_l _i W kd_l[hi_jo \WYkbjo c[cX[h" fhWYj_Y_d] ^_]^#gkWb_jo Z[dj_ijho _d W c[hYkho#\h[[ e\Ă&#x201C;Y[ m_j^ Z_]_jWb N#hWoi$ :[dj_ij if[Wai >[Xh[m$

Events AMB Designs (408) 942-0852 ambdsgn@pacbell.net www.ambdesigns.com 8Wbbeed ;l[dj :Â&#x192;Yeh Â&#x161; 7do EYYWi_ed" m[ Ze _j Wbb 9Wbb 7co 8bWY^" oekh ;l[dj :[i_]d[h

Transportation and Shopping Service 408-590-5898 F[hiedWb_p[Z jhWdifehjWj_ed i[hl_Y[" i[hl_d] i[d_ehi j^hek]^ekj IWdjW 9bWhW WdZ ceij Y_j_[i _d IWd CWj[e 9ekdjo$ Ekh i[hl_Y[ _i jW_beh[Z je c[[j oekh d[[Zi$

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Steven D. Siner

Carol Elias Zolla

for everything jewish in silicon valley...in print

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Law OfďŹ ces of Shannon Stein 438 South Murphy Avenue Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (408) 774-9097 shannon@shannonsteinlaw.com www.shannonsteinlaw.com <Wc_bo BWm 7jjehd[o" if[Y_Wb_p_d] _d Z_iiebkj_edi" Y^_bZ YkijeZo" Y^_bZ ikffehj" c[Z_Wj_ed" h[ijhW_d_d] ehZ[hi" b_c_j[Z iYef[ h[fh[i[djWj_ed" feij#`kZ][c[dj _iik[i$

Robert Chaykin Vice President / Branch Manager 16000 Los Gatos Blvd.

Los Gatos, CA. 95032 (408) 358-0988 robert.chaykin@morganstanley.com M[ e\\[h Yecfh[^[di_l[ Ă&#x201C;dWdY_Wb fbWdd_d]" Wii[j WbbeYWj_ed ijhWj[]_[i" Yebb[][ iWl_d]i fbWdi" WdZ h[j_h[c[dj fbWdd_d]$ ?dl[ijc[dji WdZ i[hl_Y[i Wh[ e\\[h[Z j^hek]^ Ceh]Wd IjWdb[o Ic_j^ 8Whd[o" c[cX[h I?F9$

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

David J. Hofmann

Shannon Stein

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

Bake sale for Haiti p. 13

IN THIS ISSUE: Teens bake "Challahs for Dallahs"...............p.5

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Silicon Valley celebrates Israel p. 9

Beth David receives national awards.......p.6

Shir Hadash celebrates 30 years.....................p.7 Over 500 people attend Jewbilee.....p.10 Federation Annual Event photos..........p.15 Local Summer Camp Guide......................p.16

Passover Section...p.21

Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley 14855 Oka Rd. Suite 200 Los Gatos, CA 95032 Change Service Requested

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 If[Y_Wb_p_d] _d Yecfb[n \Wc_bo bWm cWjj[hi$ 9[hj_Ă&#x201C;[Z If[Y_Wb_ij _d <Wc_bo BWm" IjWj[ 8Wh e\ 971 <[bbem" 7c[h_YWd 7YWZ[co e\ CWjh_ced_Wb BWmo[hi$

101 Church St., Suite 7, Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 354-5590 7Zefj_ed" 9kijeZo" :_iiebkj_edi" =kWhZ_Wdi^_f" @kl[d_b[ 9ekhj" FWj[hd_jo

Published by the Jewish Federation of Silicon valley Vol. #72, Issue #1, MARCH 2010

Philip L. Hammer

Lynne R. Snyder

THE SECOND ANNUAL

JEWBILEE Celebrating SAVE THE DATE: SUNDAY, JAN. 23 1:00PM-8:00PM

JEWISH LIFE

CELEBRATE JEWISH LIFE AND LEARNING AND BE A PART OF THE SECOND ANNUAL â&#x20AC;&#x153;JEWBILEEâ&#x20AC;?.

Join Bay Area Rabbis, Scholars, Artists, and Educators for a full afternoon of classes, programs and performances.

There will also be an Open Kosher Buffet, Jewish Film Festival Screenings, programming for families, complimentary daycare, an afternoon of Judaic Studies courses and much more!!!

SUNDAY, JANUARY 23RD FROM 1:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8:00 PM AT THE APJCC /%'' X[lckj Â&#x203A; ,%'' j\e`fij&jkl[\ekj Under 4 yrs Free For more information, a full calendar of events and to reserve your spot today visit the Jewbilee website:

nnn%J`c`ZfeMXcc\pA::%fi^&a\nY`c\\

Jewbilee will be held at the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center, Levy Family Campus, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032.

Food service under Orthodox Supervision.

Direct all questions to the APJCC Center for Jewish Life and Learning at CJLL@svjcc.org or 408.357.7492.

ÂŽ

Stanford University Taube Center for Jewish Studies