JValley news January 2012
reflections on community heroes concerts benefit camp scholarships new science initiative at yavneh
Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley 14855 Oka Rd. Suite 200 Los Gatos, CA 95032 Change Service Requested
Published by the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley Vol. #81 Issue #1, January 2012
NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID SAN JOSE, CA PERMIT #553
couple celebrates 70 years of marriage
cruisin’ & schmoozin’ jewish federation of silicon valley
annual event at club auto sport saturday, January 28, 2012
6:30 pm club auto sport 521 charcot avenue, san jose ca 95131 cost: early bird special $65 per person; after january 20 $85 per person Minimum family gift $500 to the annual campaign
rsvp at jvalley.org, 408.357.7501 or arielle@jvalley.org
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light din n er • ga mes legen d a ry c a r s & muc h mor e
www.jvalley.org
JValley news JValley.news is published by the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley
JEWISH FEDERATION CEO: Jyl Jurman jyl@jvalley.org 408-357-7500
EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Amanda Orrin amanda@jvalley.org 408-357-7503
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS: Pat Bergman Kay Gatell
ADVERTISING: Elisa Gerston elisa@jvalley.org 408-357-7512
SIMCHAS: Andrea Greyber agreyber@yahoo.com
BILLING: Jeri Jensen jeri@jvalley.org 408-357-7507
Published six times a year by the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley. All articles must be submitted typed, double-spaced. We reserve the right to edit all copy. JValley.news is not responsible for the content of paid advertising. Send copy to JValley.news, 14855 Oka Rd., Suite 200, Los Gatos, CA 95032. Fax: (408) 356-0733.
from the ceo I am writing this on the short side of the year, but you will be reading this as we start 2012. I have high hopes for this coming year. On a personal level, I am hoping for a healthy year for my family. On a local and national level, I am encouraged by some signs that we have started an economic recovery. And, for our local Jewish community I have much optimism. In the first quarter of 2012, Federation will be hosting several events for the community: a mikvah event on January 18 (free); the Annual Event on January 28; Super Sunday on February 12; a Mollie Katzen event on February 16 (free), just to name a few. I hope that you can join us for one or more of these events. You can find more information about these and other programs here in this issue and also on our website, jvalley.org. We produce these events to build community and promote our good work on behalf of our Jewish community. In addition to these Federation events, we are looking forward to celebrating the milestones of our local Jewish community. Temple Emanu-El is celebrating 150 years! Yavneh Day School turns 30! There will be many other community galas, events and celebrations. I also want to ask you to go to our website, jvalley.org, and take the time to create your own personal webpage to see your Federation account history. In addition, I encourage you to take the survey to give your opinion of where our priorities should lie in the future. We are counting on many responses to develop our initiatives in 2012. As we open this New Year, I hope you join me in wishing our community a year of growth and success.
jyl jurman
Federation CEO
content
FRIDAY NIGHT CANDLELIGHTING San Jose, CA
Local Highlights Jeff Rosen Mayim Bialik vists Shir Hadash Eloquent Oven provides kosher desserts Third annual Mah Jongg tournament Barbara Goldstein visits Silicon Valley Music, Magic and Mirth JCRC connects community to coat drive JFS launches immigration law clinic The secret to 70 First Republic Bank sponsors Katzen event Jewish Federation launches personal logins Shoshana Ohriner leads Chevat Chesed A community of heroes
EDUCATION 7 7 9 14 14 15 15 15 18 19 19 24 25
Beyond Silicon Valley Local teen makes Judaism a priority
www.jvalley.org
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Emeth presents new format New CJLL director joins APJCC Yavneh honors past presidents PJ Library partners with Knitzvah New science initiative at Yavneh SPHDS preschoolers collect pjs for charity Emanu-El hosts concert for camperships Hillel: a home away from home PJ Library crossword puzzle
9 11 13 14 16 16 17 17 26
In Every Issue From the CEO Candlelighting Community photos Datebook Ask the Rabbi Rabbi’s column Simchas Obituaries Professional directory
3 3 5 20 23 23 28 30 31
January 6 January 13 January 20 January 27 February 3 February 10 February 17 February 24 March 2 March 9 March 16 March 23
4:47 PM 4:53 PM 5:01 PM 5:08 PM 5:16 PM 5:24 PM 5:31 PM 5:38 PM 5:45 PM 5:52 PM 6:58 PM 7:05 PM
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Live On Stage!
Susan Fagin With over 20 Years of residential real estate experience, I am your Silicon Valley real estate expert!
SFagin@gmail.com
408-357-5767 office
408-316-9894 cell
408-676-0113 efax
MySiliconValleyAgent.com
Photo: Joan Marcus
DRE #: 01068584
NETworks presents ŠDisney
Some people see a child. Yavneh Day School sees a leader.
MAR 6-11
www.broadwaysanjose.com Call 408-792-4111 for tickets Special pricing for groups of 10 more! To book your group TODAY call 408-792-4131 All shows held at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE FOR PROSPECTIVE FAMILIES Wednesday, January 18, 2012 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. For more information or to schedule a personal tour, call 408.357.7474 or email becky@yavnehdayschool.org
www.BeautyAndTheBeastOnTour.com
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www.yavnehdayschool.org www.jvalley.org
c mmunity photos
Los Gatos Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, November 23 with Rabbi Melanie Aron. Members of Congregation Shir Hadash participated in the interfaith choir. Participating faiths included Jewish, Methodist, Lutheran, Episcopal, Presbyterian, Unitarian, Universalist, Catholic, Baha’i, and the hosts, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Active community contributors. Competent and creative cooks. Ladies who take part in many activities to support local Jewish organizations. Who else? Of course! A cadre of comrades-in-arms from Women’s Philanthropy descended upon the new Hillel House on December 1 to cook a Shabbat Dinner for Hillel students. There was glee in Hillel’s elegant kitchen, happy anticipation on the faces of Hillel’s Shabbat “regulars,” smiles of satisfaction on the faces of the cooks and their “guests.” Proving, you can have fun in the bargain, too!
Doris Katz and Howard Gannes of Congregation Beth David’s HAZAK group hand Mindy Berkowitz, Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley executive director, $500 worth of gift cards collected at a HAZAK Hanukah party. These gift cards will be given to needy families that JFS helps.
It’s a Reading Thing Picture this: More than 200 students, parents, teachers and staff lining the Yavneh hallways for fifteen minutes each morning for a week-long community read-in. A seventh grader reads a work of historical fiction, a staff member is engrossed in a mystery novel, and a junior kindergartner thumbs through a picture book. It’s quiet except for the sound of turning pages. From simple chapter books to great works of literature, the Yavneh community enjoyed this time of togetherness and the visual statement it made: “Reading is Fun!” Reading Week is an annual and much-anticipated event at Yavneh, organized in conjunction with the Yavneh Book Fair.
www.jvalley.org
Yavneh’s Middle School Math Olympiads Team celebrates team member, Tomer’s, perfect contest score! Math Olympiads is a national advanced math club that conducts five yearly contests for more than 10,000 mathletes around the country. Only 4-6% of mathletes nationwide receive a perfect score on any given test. Congratulations to Tomer and to Yavneh’s elementary and middle school math olympiad teams!
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Los Gatos Memorial Park Shalom Garden
Serving the Bay Area Jewish community since 1889 Peaceful, park-like setting overlooking Santa Cruz Mountains
*Pre Plan and receive a discount *Graveside Ceremonies in a serene setting *Upright monuments available *Trained funeral professionals *Traditional caskets and ritual services
Schedule a tour of Shalom Garden and receive a
$25
Viva Restaurant Gift Card!
Congregation Beth David Scholar-in-Residence on March 16 – 18 Dr. Peninnah Schram, Master Storyteller
We welcome master storyteller Peninnah Schram, who has received national awards and recognition. All events are open to the community and will be held at Congregation Beth David in Saratoga. Contact adulted@beth-david.org for information.
Friday, March 16th, 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sacred Stories for Shabbat
The Jewish oral tradition has beautiful stories and music centering on Shabbat. Hearing these stories and interweaving singing, we enhance the Shabbat experience as a community. Come for Erev Shabbat dinner, services, songs, and stories. (RSVP and pre-payment are required for the dinner.)
Saturday, March 17th, 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Interweaving Gold, Blue, Purple, and Crimson Threads with Copper Mirrors: A Technicolor Parasha
Explore beautiful and colorful motifs from the Torah reading starting during the service (about 11:00 a.m.) and continuing after the Shabbat Kiddush lunch (about 1:30 p.m.).
2255 Los Gatos-Almaden Rd., San Jose, CA 95124
www.losgatosmemorialpark.com
(408) 356-4151
Saturday, March 17th, 7:30 p.m.
Jewish Stories One Generation Tells Another
After Havdalah, Dr. Schram interweaves folktales of various genres from Sephardic (Middle Eastern) and Ashkenazic (Eastern European) oral traditions. Some are filled with intrigue and clever wit, but all focus on wisdom and values that have been treasured by the Jewish people throughout the generations.
Darling-Fischer Mortuaries Chapel of the Hills 615 N. Santa Cruz Ave. Los Gatos, CA 95030 (408) 354-7740 FD940
Garden Chapel 471 E. Santa Clara St. San Jose, CA 95112 (408) 998-2226 FD557
Campbell Memorial Chapel 231 E. Campbell Ave. Campbell, CA 95008 (408) 379-5010 FD898
www.darlingandfischer.com
Sunday, March 18th, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Humor & Hokhma with a Detour Through Helm
This program, which includes participatory stories that bring young people of all ages directly into the storytelling experience, is filled with Jewish stories of wit and wisdom (with brief commentary), including fool and trickster tales. (Only the rd first half hour is most appropriate for children in kindergarten through 3 grade.).
19700 Prospect Road, Saratoga / 408-257-3333 / www.Beth-David.org
The CoMMuniTy MikvAh of SiLiCon vALLey preSenTS
Ruach Nashim
CeLebrATing JeWiSh WoMen’S SpiriTuALiTy
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 | 7:30-9:30pm Levy Family Campus Adult Lounge 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos Free! An invitation to a relaxing evening for women to come together and enjoy music, sips of wine, an art experience and a chance to share stories of self-discovery. Learn about how Mikvah can offer the opportunity to experience moments of celebration and transition, and come closer to the Source of life. Women just like you will share reasons why they choose to immerse in healing waters. This meaningful and holy tradition, both ancient and new, is a wonderful, spiritual way to relax and be rejuvenated.
Please join us. You are most welcome. RSVP to JValley.org/Mikvah or call Rabbi Leslie Alexander at (408)357-7509 for further information 6
Women’s Philanthropy
www.jvalley.org
How a nice Jewish boy became the DA for Santa Clara County
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n his recent speech at Congregation Shir Hadash, “Tanakh, Talmud, Rebbe Nachman, and Tikkun Olam - How a Nice Jewish Boy Became the District Attorney of Santa Clara County,” Jeff Rosen, a 14year veteran of the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office, discussed how Judaism, Jewish texts and Jewish history are important sources for his public leadership and prosecutorial philosophy. The first Jewish District Attorney in Santa Clara County history, Jeff Rosen is described as a well informed, no-nonsense prosecutor with a proven moral compass and ethical standards. It has been Jeff Rosen his pursuit of justice that has made Jeff “the most respected career prosecutor in the (DA’s) office.” (San Jose Mercury News) Jeff’s beliefs about justice, his passion for prosecution and his desire to protect the rights of all people were forged in the struggles and triumphs of his family. Every member of his father’s family was interned in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. His father, who was just five years old at the time, and his grandmother were among the survivors who were liberated from the Bergen Belsen camp in 1945. His interest in becoming a prosecutor began with his love of criminal law, trial advocacy, and evidence during his studies as a law student at UC Berkeley Boalt Hall School of Law. Jeff’s philosophy of justice is deeply grounded in an extensive knowledge of Jewish texts and can be summed up in Deuteronomy, chapter 16, verses 1820, “Justice, justice shall you pursue so that you may live and enter the land.” Jeff believes that the repetition of the word ‘justice’ is significant and that it refers not just to the result of justice, a conviction, but also to the process. He believes that the judicial process should respect the rights of both victims and defendants and ensure a fair trial that leads to just results. When asked what impact being Jewish had on his successful campaign to become the District Attorney, Jeff said, “I was very upfront about my being Jewish. It really wasn’t an issue. This is a very open-minded, diverse county with people from all over the world who perceive Jews as smart, educated and successful people. Many different people believe that these are valuable traits. In fact, many county residents of different faiths viewed my active role in my synagogue as well as my weekly observance of the Sabbath very favorably. People like it when you are proud of who you are.” Jeff is an active member and past president of Congregation Kol Emeth in Palo Alto. Jeff’s wife Amber is an assistant United States attorney. They have two young daughters who both attend the Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School in Palo Alto.In his speech at Congregation Shir Hadash, Jeff discussed how his being Jewish has influenced both his choice of criminal law and his principles for running the District Attorney’s office for Santa Clara County, the largest prosecutor’s office in Northern California. Jeff is an engaging speaker and everyone who attended enjoyed hearing his views on a wide range of criminal justice topics.
www.jvalley.org
l cal news Mayim Bialik delights crowd with stories about Hollywood and Jewish parenting
M
ayim Bialik, the former star of the TV show “Blossom” and current regular on “The Big Bang Theory,” shared stories about her life as an actor and her favorite role, being a Jewish parent, with a large crowd at Congregation Shir Hadash recently. Mayim has strong ties to the local Jewish community. Both her husband’s family and her aunt and uncle’s family are longtime members of Congregation Shir Hadash. Mayim, who is warm, smart, funny and engaging, said that she feels like an adopted member of Shir Hadash. The crowd that filled the synagogue for Mayim’s talk was treated to amusing anecdotes of her life as an actor as well as some fascinating background on her family history. Mayim grew up in a Reform synagogue and can read and write Hebrew. She said she has always felt strongly Jewish and became an eager and frequent participant in Hillel activities at UCLA. She earned her B.S. from UCLA in 2000 in neuroscience and Hebrew and Jewish studies. Mayim continued her education and earned a Ph. D. in neuroscience in 2007 from UCLA. Rather than pursue a career in research, she decided to stay home with her children. After the birth of her second son she returned to acting as Amy Farrah Fowler, a regular on the CBS sitcom, “The Big Bang Theory.” With the help of her husband who home schools their two boys, she not only continues to work as an actor but also writes for kveller.com and has written a book about attachment parenting “Beyond the Sling: A Real-Life Guide to Raising Confident, Loving Children the Mayim Bialik Attachment Parenting Way.” The book, which will be published by Touchstone, a division of Simon and Schuster, is scheduled to be released on March 6, 2012. It is already listed on Amazon.com. During her talk, Mayim outlined seven universal values of Jewish parenting: an appreciation of complex family values; a sense of routine communicated through the rituals of Shabbat and blessings; joy in life and holidays; building character and a sense of compassion for others; a healthy sense of being other or different; G-d; and Israel. Mayim patiently answered a wide range of questions covering both her showbiz life and her views on a number of parenting issues.
www.jvalley.org 7
start-up nation:
a new voice for israel:
Is the Party Over or Just Beginning?
Fighting for the Survival of the Jewish Nation
Jonathan Medved
Jeremy Ben-ami
Venture Capitalist, founder and GP of Israel Seed Partners; Israel’s unofficial Tech Business Ambassador
Founder and President of J Street; former Deputy Domestic Policy Adviser
tuesday, January 10,
thursday, January 12,
Free and open to the public Light buffet dinner included Registration REQUIRED by Jan. 8 to diane@jvalley.org
Free and open to the public More info at
6:30pm
7:30pm
www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/JPlace
RSVP to 408.357.7411
Fenwick and West 801 California Street, Mountain View
Congregation Shir Hadash 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos
Congregation Beth David There’s a Place for me at CBD
19700 Prospect Road, Saratoga / 408-257-3333 / www.beth-david.org Daniel Pressman, Senior Rabbi / Philip Ohriner, Assistant Rabbi Whatever you’re looking for - Jewish learning, worship, or community - you can find it as part of the Beth David family. We have a variety of activities for people of all ages including families and empty nesters. Below is just a sample of what we offer. For a complete list of services and events, visit our website and check out our calendar.
Hagar: Jewish-Arab Education for Equality Tuesday, January 10th, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Lauren Joseph, Director of Development and Public Relations for Hagar, discusses this unique community of coexistence growing in the capital of the Negev (Israel’s southern desert). Through Hagar’s bilingual, multicultural school and community programming, the Arab and Jewish communities of Beer-Sheva are overcoming thousands of years of conflict. A small donation is requested at this speaker presentation.
Mah Jongg Tournament
Sunday, February 26th, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
A fun day of tournament Mah Jongg at Beth David with prizes and lunch.! Tournament play is 12 games, 4 games per hour, and players rotate tables every hour. All players are welcome so please bring your friends! To sign up visit www.beth-david.org/rsvp
Purim Carnival
Sunday, March 4th, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Join us for carnival games and prizes, sing-a-longs, arts and crafts, library book sale and our famous silent auction! Come in costume.
Co-sponsored by Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley, Congregation Shir Hadash and Jewish High Tech Community
Co-sponsored by Congregation Shir Hadash and the APJCC Center for Jewish Life and Learning
MISHPAHA PROGRAM: Passover Special Sunday, March 25th, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
This family-friendly program has something for everyone! * Adult Learning * Tot/Prek Program * Learning experiences for K-7th
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
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www.jvalley.org
Congregation Emeth presents new formats for Religious School and Friday night services
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hen a Morgan Hill church was looking for space to rent for their Sunday morning services, Congregation Emeth was able to open its doors to them. After more than 30 years of renting space from area churches and schools before finding a permanent home in Morgan Hill, the congregation was pleased to have the opportunity to assist another religious institution in the community. However, using the space for church services on Sunday mornings presented a dilemma: when could it conduct Religious School (Sunday School) classes? After numerous discussions and brainstorming meetings, the Education Committee – comprised of Religious School parents – agreed to try a novel approach. The new format, which began in September, schedules Religious School classes on Friday afternoons. On three of the four Fridays of the month, school is immediately followed by an Emeth Community Shabbat Dinner. After Shabbat dinner, Friday evening services are held. The Shabbat services are uniquely designed as well, following three different formats to compliment the school program.
Night Live is preceded by a potluck dinner with Shabbat rituals, attended by the Religious School students, their families, as well as the entire congregational community. This service is usually held on the second Friday evening of the month. TNT – Torah ‘N T’filah: This monthly Erev Shabbat service is a complete Friday evening service, and includes reading the weekly Torah portion and a sermon, and ends with a dessert Oneg Shabbat (reception). Families are encouraged to enjoy a Shabbat meal at home preceding services, giving them the opportunity to practice the rituals they have learned by attending the synagogue-sponsored Shabbat dinners. “We are encouraged by the enthusiastic support of the parents and students to our new school format and our Friday evening Shabbat services,” said Becky Neto, chair of the Education Committee. “It is a perfect educational model – we teach, then we do, and then we give families the opportunity to practice at home! Having Religious School on Friday afternoon has not only brought Shabbat into our families’ lives in a meaningful way, but has also brought the congregational community together as an extended family.”
All Friday evening Shabbat services share several important elements: every service begins at 7:15 pm, and every service includes prayers Rabbi Israel commented that the challenge of for healing and the Mourners’ Kaddish. The revamping the school in order to accommodate the church renters has greatly enhanced the following is a description of Emeth Services: spiritual life of the temple. “We used to have Friday night services and Sunday morning Friday Night Short N Sweet: religious school only twice a month. Now This is an informal, abbreviated Erev Shabbat we have Erev Shabbat services every Friday (Friday evening) service which immediately night, 7:15 p.m., with congregants of all ages follows the community Shabbat dinner. Styled in attendance. Our Religious School has been as a “learners’ minyan,” students, their parents, expanded and improved. Our students are and all congregants are taught the meaning learning Shabbat rituals and take turns leading of selected prayers during the service, with different parts. While the program is still active student participation. This “Short N new and we are still learning and improving, Sweet” 45-minute service is led by Rabbi I am so proud of Congregation Emeth for its Israel and is appropriate for both children and willingness to adapt to different styles and to adults. It is considered part of the Religious be so supportive of our changes.” Rebecca School curriculum, and students attend with Kaminsky is the Religious School principal, their families, however the entire congregation and Mel Weisblatt chairs Emeth’s Ritual regularly attends as well. Typically, this service Committee. takes place on the first and third Friday evenings of the month. For more information about the temple, call (408) 778-8200 or go to www.emeth.net. Friday Night Live: This Erev Shabbat service highlights the introductory prayers and psalms of the Shabbat service, Kabbalat Shabbat. This is a highenergy, musical, hour-long service appropriate for both children and adults. The service is led by Rabbi Israel and a cantorial soloist, with participation from Emeth’s Chorus. Friday
l cal news An Eloquent Oven understates amazing desserts By Amanda Orrin
I
n Silicon Valley where gourmet restaurants are a dimea-dozen, the Jewish community has waited since the beginning of time for a local kosher baker that (literally) takes the cake. Susan Leitner opened the doors of the Eloquent Oven with little An anniversary masterpiece more than a dream with edible flowers created by and fresh culinary Susan experience. She was hoping to do the baking and design work she loves and provide a niche to our community that had not yet been filled. I think it is safe to say she has succeeded with these goals. The baking takes place in a small shop in Mountain View and when I went to visit Susan I expected the place to be warm, full of baking supplies and most likely cramped. What I found was the exact opposite. The kitchen appears spacious with plenty of room for the bakers working within. The whole space is kept at a cool temperature, so as not to destroy the chocolate or perfectly designed creations. The door to the shop opens to a small waiting area, with examples, scrapbooks, a table to sit at and, since Susan was expecting me, a delightful tray of her samplings. The Eloquent Oven specializes in delicious and beautifully designed pastries. From elegant multi-tier wedding cakes, to dessert buffets to spark your taste buds, Susan’s talents know very few limits. The kashrut supervision is under the Vaad HaKashrut of Northern California. The only disclaimer? These things take time. If you’re looking for a masterpiece, please be sure to contact Susan with plenty of time (there’s no such thing as too much notice!) so she can get your order just right. The Eloquent Oven can be reached at (408) 605-0578 or www.eloquentoven.com.
www.jvalley.org
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Rabbi James Greene to head JCC’s Center for Jewish Life & Learning
l cal news
Rabbi James Greene has been chosen as the new director of the Center for Jewish Life & Learning at the Addison-Penzak JCC. He replaces Rabbi Joshua Fenton, who left to take a position at the Bureau of Jewish Education.
Local teen makes Judaism a priotity
Rabbi Greene hails from Salem, Oregon, where he has been the rabbi of Salem’s only synagogue for the past four years. He received his rabbinical degree from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Philadelphia. He and his wife Jen, a theater lighting professional, have been married for six years and have two daughters, 3-year-old Talyah and 9-month-old Kol, as well as a rescued dog named Wyatt. Rabbi Greene said he is looking forward to his new position at the JCC. He noted that although he enjoyed working as a pulpit rabbi, his first love is Jewish education, and the position as director of the Center for Jewish Life & Learning will allow him to focus on Jewish education full-time. He is interested in Jewish experiences in the outdoors, and one area of Jewish programming that he hopes to expand at the JCC is environmental programming. “I’m looking forward to highlighting the natural resources that are available in the area,” he said. Rabbi Greene is an avid hiker and camper and is interested in the connection between wilderness survival and Jewish spirituality. The Greene Family
Rabbi Greene is well traveled, having grown up as the child of an Air Force officer. Before becoming a rabbi, Rabbi Greene studied music as a saxophonist at the Kansas City Conservatory of Music. After spending a year in Israel, he obtained a degree in Holocaust and Judaic Studies from Florida Atlantic University, and then found himself drawn to the rabbinate. He still enjoys music, especially folk music. In addition to playing the saxophone, he enjoys playing the guitar and singing. Rabbi Greene’s official start date at the JCC is January 3. He can be reached at CJLL@svjcc.org or by calling the JCC at (408) 357-7413.
At one time, you were proud of that old car. Now, you can be proud of it again. Donate your unwanted vehicle to Jewish Family Services and support vital programs for families, children, and older adults in need. Donate Today!
1-877-JFS-4-CAR
By Amanda Orrin
W
hile every Jewish organization is struggling with the question of how to involve and inspire the next generation, BBYO can be credited with doing just that in a miraculous manner. I had the pleasure of speaking with Oz Fishman, BBYO’s Grand Aleph Godol nearly six months into his role. Despite Oz Fishman knowing Oz since he was a BBYO newbie and being very aware of his new position with BBYO, I was still pleasantly surprised at his intense devotion to Jewish community and inspiring words of wisdom at such a young age. Oz has committed to spending one year as a BBYO international president, during which he tours the world for speaking engagements and opportunities to inspire and engage in conversation with other teens. He works with an executive leadership team of other teens from all over the world, who this year have taken on five teen priorities that guide their work: (1) Growth, (2) Program Excellence, (3) Stand UP – BBYO’s Service, Philanthropy, and Advocacy Initiative, (4) Supporting Global Jewry and BBYO’s reach in nearly twenty countries, and (5) Committing to Israel. Over the next five years, BBYO’s embarking on a mission of involving 70,000 Jewish teens, impacting one of out of every five in North America. This year alone, BBYO’s managed to mobilize more teens than ever before to become a part of reaching for Jewish identity in a fun, meaningful, and affordable capacity – most recently, their teenled global Shabbat celebration that touched 70 communities across the globe. With half the year now behind him, he looks forward to the rest of his term with hope, plans and serious commitments to the future. Working on a number of new ideas and initiatives, Oz has deferred college for one year to work with the BBYO teens and adult board of directors. Before starting college in the fall, Oz will have been to six countries and spoken to countless teens.
For more information on getting involved with BBYO locally, contact Jill Pottel at (408) 357-7426 or jpottel@bbyo.org. www.jvalley.org 11 1-8 7 7- 5 3 7- 4 2 2 7 www.jfssv.org
SOUTH PENINSULA HEBREW DAY SCHOOL
Schools don’t make geniuses. They unlock potential. (Maria Montessori)
Welcome to a school where the journey is just as important as the destination. At South Peninsula Hebrew Day School, we don’t believe in just filling children with facts. Kids learn best when they can experiment and explore in a joyful setting that celebrates their accomplishments. Children who learn this way give us hope for a brighter future. Gan aviv PreScHool for ages 2 through 5. after-care options until 6 p.m. oPen HouSe – January 29, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. rSvP to ece @ sphds.org K-8 applications Deadline – January 30
South Peninsula Hebrew Day School 1030 Astoria Dr., Sunnyvale
www.sphds.org info@sphds.org 408.738.3060
First republic bank presents
Mollie Katzen
New York Times Bestselling Cookbook Author Member of James Beard Cookbook Hall of Fame Consultant to Harvard University and University of California-Berkeley
ac c
l
Mo aime
d ew aut oo ho d Co r oF ok bo the ok
os
Thursday, February 16, 2012
7:00 p.m. Dessert Reception and Presentation
artwork by mollie katzen
Event is underwritten by First Republic Bank Special Presentation of the Janet Berg Award
6:00-7:00 pm: Pre-event donor hors d’ouevres and cocktail reception (open to those who make a gift of $1,000 or more to the 2012 Annual Campaign). No host bar. APJCC Auditorium of the Levy Family Campus, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos Reserved seating. RSVP by January 31st. Register at www.jvalley.org. Madelyn Isaacs, Chair • Committee in formation
Women’s Philanthropy
Mollie Katzen, with over 6 million books in print, is listed by the New York Times as one of the best-selling cookbook authors of all time. A 2007 inductee into the prestigious James Beard Cookbook Hall of Fame, and largely credited with moving healthful vegetarian food from the “fringe” to the center of the American dinner plate, Ms. Katzen has been named by Health Magazine as one of “The Five Women Who Changed the Way We Eat.”
Member FDIC
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jewish educati n Yavneh Day School’s past presidents honored at special torah service
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n December 15, seven past presidents of Yavneh’s Board of Trustees came together in the school’s multi-purpose room for a very special schoolwide Torah Service honoring their dedication and service to the school. Attending were: Cheryl Bader, Mishy Balaban, Susan Ellenberg, Phil Kipnis, Sandy Mayer, Joel Rubnitz, and Cyndi Sherman.
Thirty years ago, Yavneh Day School’s founders shared a vision of a warm and inclusive Jewish day school. Yavneh started out as a one-room school at Congregation Beth David. Through all of the past presidents’ vision and hard work, Yavneh swiftly grew, and has thrived to become the success it is today. Asked what they thought about returning to Yavneh today, the past presidents marveled at how involved the kids were in the Torah service. “I am very proud. Seeing Yavneh today is a dream come true,” said co-founder and Past President Sandy Mayer. “It was so nice to come to Yavneh this morning. The Tefilah service made me feel so connected to the school,” said Mishy Balaban. Yavneh Day School Yavneh honored past presidents of the Board of Trustees at a special Torah Service on December 15. Pictured from left to right: Joel is gearing up for Rubnitz, Sandy Mayer, Cyndi Sherman, Susan Ellenberg, Mishy Balaban, Cheryl Bader, and Phil Kipnis. its totally tubular Thirtieth Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, March 18, at the APJCC, from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Yavneh is honoring all of its past presidents and a very special teacher, Morah Ilana, who has worked at Yavneh for 22 years. There will be cocktails, dinner, dancing, and a stellar line up of tempting auction items. Tickets are just $95. For more information on the Thirtieth Anniversary Celebration, see page 22 in the Datebook.
www.jvalley.org for everything jewish in silicon valley
www.jvalley.org
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l cal news PJ Library® partners with Knitzvah For nearly six years, the Knitzvah group of Jewish Family services has been knitting, crocheting, and sewing beautiful handmade loveys for NICU preemies, lap blankets for seniors, attractive caps for cancer patients, and more. On Tuesday, January 31, from 3:45 to 4:45 at JFS, wonderful Knitzvah volunteers will help our PJ Library kids make special yarn craft projects that they can then donate to less fortunate children in our community. It’s a chance for our children to have fun and perform a welcome Mitzvah at the same time. The hour will also include all the special PJ Library elements: storytime (with an emphasis on books about doing good things for others), songs, fingerplay, and snacks. Sign up soon for this heartwarming program: RSVP at www.jvalley.org/PJLibrary.
Women’s Philanthropy and APJCC hosts third annual Mah Jongg tournament On Sunday, December 4, the APJCC and the Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley (JFSV) hosted its third Annual Mah Jongg Tournament. The event was sold out with over 72 women in attendance! The event was chaired by Doris Katz and Karen Guggenheim. This year, a portion of the proceeds went to a $750 grant from JFSV to Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley’s, Embracea-Family program. With two levels of play, there were many winners! Top winners in the Mavens Category included two ties: first place went to Ruth Judy Levin considers her tiles. Gelbart, second place was a tie between Celeste Catalli and Barbara Silverstein and third place was also a tie between Peggy Heiman and Anne Russo. In the Intermediate Category, first place went to Thalia Greene, second place to Alyssia Berkowitz (who donated her cash prize to Embrace-a-Family) and third place went to Nancy Unger.
Barbara Goldstein visits Silicon Valley Barbara Goldstein, Deputy Executive Director of Hadassah’s Office in Israel, visited the South Bay on Sunday, November 20 for a personal debriefing about her experiences serving Hadassah in Israel. This event was co-sponsored by Sharone Hadassah on behalf of the Central Pacific Coast Region of Hadassah, and by the Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley. (Ginny Baird is co-president of Women’s Philanthropy and is president of the CPC Region.) Barbara spoke about Hadassah’s role in caring for soldiers -- both Israeli and Arab -- who are injured in the ongoing conflict between Israel and her Arab neighbors. She praised Hadassah hospital and its dedicated staff for placing life above politics, saying “We are a bridge to peace.” Hadassah cares for all patients equally, she stresses, whether Muslims, Armenians, or Israelis. She cited one powerful example of Hadassah’s work: “There is a terrorist in one bed in the trauma unit and his victim is in the other bed. One of our plastic surgeons is an expert in burns. He’s a man whose grandfather and father fought for the independence of Israel. He goes around with a gun. He keeps it in his back pocket. He takes it into the operating room. He’s never without it. But, as he says, ‘When a patient is on the table, I don’t look at anything but to save his life.’” She claims that post-traumatic stress was “invented in Israel. We’re a leader in the field with how to deal with it. She is proud of a people that will not let anyone “break our spirit.” Barbara spent several years working for the release of Gilad Shalit, helping to organize visits by his parents to Hadassah conferences throughout the United States. “To see the moment when a son returns to his parents,” she says, is to see “six million Jews saying, ‘This is family.’”
Join us at Temple Emanu‐El
Celebrating 150 Years of Tradition and Innovation!
All events listed below will be held at Temple Emanu-El:
Cantors’ Campership Concert Saturday, January 7 at 7:00pm
Suggested Donation $20 The American Conference of Cantors in conjunction with the URJ present a benefit concert to raise Campership Funds for all URJ Camps and the ACC. Performers include the following Bay‐Area Cantors: Lauren Bandman, Roz Barak, Devorah Felder‐Levy, Kay Greenwald, David Margules, Rachel Michelberg & Meeka Simerly
Shabbat Shira Service Friday, February 3 at 7:30pm A program dedicated to Shirat Naomi—T’filat Ha’Lev (Prayer of the heart). A musical tribute to Naomi Shemer, mother of contemporary Israeli poetry and prayer. This special service will include guest musicians, Temple Emanu‐El Choir and our Renanim (junior choir).
Rock Shabbat Friday, February 17 at 7:30 pm Don’t miss this amped up service where you can rock out to music performed by our amazing Rock Shabbat band and singers. For more information call 408‐292‐0939
or visit www.templesanjose.org!
Women play Mah Jongg at tables of four.
1010 University Ave, San Jose, CA 95126 www.templesanjose.org
Temple Office Phone(408)292-0939 Religious School Phone (408)292-3223
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Music, Magic, and Mirth with Jewish magicians?
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n previous years it was no surprise that Congregation Sinai’s Music, Magic, and Mirth event would have Jewish comedians or musicians. But Jewish magicians? Who Nu? Sure, maybe you knew that Houdini was Jewish. But did you know that so is Teller of Penn and Teller? Or that it’s estimated 18% of American magicians are Jewish? Now in its third year, Congregation Sinai expects to sell out once again for its very popular night of entertainment on Saturday January 7, featuring a full complement of magical performers. This year, you can also enjoy some Carnival spirit, with live Bossa Nova music, a Caipirinha bar, and Brazilian treats, as well as Sinai’s signature “Event-ful” auction. It’s sure to be a festive evening of exceptional entertainment, fabulous food and amazing auction items. Congregation Sinai’s own Seymour Hoff is one of the lead magicians for the event, and an early inspiration for Music, Magic, and Mirth. Hoff became interested in magic 20 years ago, but really started performing about 6 years ago. He has sharpened his craft as many other local magicians have at the ‘Magic Garage’ in Sunnyvale – literally a garage where magicians perform for each other. He recently performed at a Silicon Valley Holocaust Survivor Group, as well as at Chai House in San Jose. Another Jewish magician performing at Music, Magic, and Mirth is Dr. Kim Silverman. By day, he is Principal Research Scientist at Apple, focused on language and speech technologies. But whereas he helps Apple make magical products, as a practicing magician he brings elements and symbols of religion to make magical moments and memories. Ever since his Bar Mitzvah, he was aware of a mystical component to religion. Magic is usually a way of tricking people. But Silverman believes that magic is not about tricks, or a puzzle to be solved. He believes magic is about the experience of mystery. According to Silverman, the major religions revolve around mystery, but we’ve lost that in our daily lives: everything can be Googled. Magic has deeper symbolism. It reminds us of the mystery of religion. When a magician tears a piece of paper apart and restores it, or a woman is cut in half and then put back together, Silverman believes it’s a metaphor for hope and fixing things even when things seem hopeless. Silverman also said he believes that magic is about surprising and delighting people. One of the places we can all experience magic is in our relationships. In his act, he asks people to pause for 10 seconds and think of someone who has been there for them when they needed help. That person is a symbol to you that anyone can perform magic. In one of Silverman’s performances he had a husband and wife of 38 years come on stage and write the dates of their birthdays on two separate cards. He believes that longtime special bonds like these are the true magic of life. He paraphrases part of Genesis as the husband and wife join hands with their cards as he says, “The man shall leave his mother. The woman shall leave her home. And the two shall cleave together, and become one.” And with that, smoke rises from their hands as their two cards have become one. Magic? Yes. But Judaism and Silverman’s magic are also about mystery, spiritualism, a sense of wonder, and a sense that there is more to us than the superficial parts of our lives. Admission for Music, Magic and Mirth is $36 per person in advance, and $45 at the door. Reserved seating is available for $100 per person (advance sales only). Admission includes refreshments and entertainment. Contact office@sinai-sj.org or (408) 264-8542 for tickets.
l cal news JCRC connects Jewish community to downtown Coat Drive
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his is the ninth year that Grace Baptist and Emmanuel Baptist Churches have organized a coat drive with the mission of supporting the homeless and poor in downtown San Jose. The JCRC Poverty Committee, which helped coordinate the Jewish community’s participation worked alongside these organizations to help make the coat drive a success. The JCRC has been involved with this project for the past two years, led by Dorothy Dorsay and Andrea Harris, co-chairs of the JCRC Poverty Committee. The Jewish community contributed not only their coats, but also volunteers. Multiple congregations came together and donated more than 120 coats. Congregation Beth David’s Sisterhood collected coats at their membership tea. Jessica Intrator, the Social Action Chair at Congregation Sinai, put out a request to the whole congregation. Between nursery school parents, religious school families and many other congregants, about 80 coats were contributed. Andrea Harris helped distribute the coats along with hot soup to the needy, and reflected that “community partnerships really make it possible to make a difference in people’s lives.” The 9th Annual Coat and Soup Giveaway served over 294 people and families and received over 700 coats. There were at least 158 volunteers and $2,032 was raised for needed items.
JFS launches Immigration Law Clinic
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ewish Family Services and the American Immigration Lawyers’ Association, Silicon Valley Chapter (AILA) launched a pro bono Immigration Law Clinic in November to serve the needs of immigrants in the South Bay. Attorneys from the law firms of Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP; Byrd & Associates Immigration Law Firm; and Daniel Shanfield – Immigration Defense participated in the clinic. They provided clients with valuable legal advice and assistance relating to all areas of immigration law. Clients who came to this country as asylees or refugees (those who fled their home countries because of persecution) can now receive help to complete green card applications and fee waiver applications to ameliorate the costs of the application fees (totaling well over a thousand dollars). Among those who received help in November applying for citizenship was an elderly woman suffering from Alzheimer’s disease needing to apply for a waiver of the citizenship examination, and a limited Englishspeaking older man who is a long-term permanent resident needing to apply for a waiver of the English language requirement for citizenship. JFS would like to thank Cynthia Lange, the pro bono liaison for AILA, and Merle Kahn, a former JFS board member and a member of AILA for organizing this clinic with JFS. JFS is also grateful for the attorneys who participated in the clinic including Joseph Atkin, Beverly Byrd, Jennifer Chan, Cindy Jen, Merle Kahn, Sarah Kelling, Kathy Khol, Cynthia Lange, Veronica Lodrigueza, Jin Park, and Emilie Yanagi. The next free-of-charge Immigration Legal Clinic is scheduled for January 9. Please contact either Zoya Lazer at (408) 357-7452 or Azita Eshagh at (408) 357-7452 to schedule an appointment to meet with an attorney.
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jewish educati n Yavneh launches a new science initiative “All students should have some appreciation of the beauty and wonder of science, the capacity to discuss and think critically about science-related issues, and the skills to pursue careers in science or engineering if they want to do so,” concluded the National Research Council in a July 19, 2011 report. As schools around the country struggle to re-imagine and fund science curricula that meet 21st-century demands, Yavneh Day School, a JK-8th grade Jewish day school, is charging ahead with a new science education initiative. Yavneh’s new science initiative has three main foci: 1) move towards an inquiry-based science learning model in middle school; 2) prepare lower school students for middle school-level laboratory work and inquiry; and 3) stimulate greater interest in science and scientific careers among girls. The underlying goal of these initiatives is that Yavneh students will have a strong foundation of science learning and thinking, and a love of learning science, that will propel them towards science achievement in high school and beyond. Involve me and I understand Traditional science education utilizes lectures and memorization of science facts. During a traditional science lab, students are given the hypothesis and Yavneh students with science teacher David Oliver procedure and arrive at a known result. In inquiry-based science education, teachers allow students to develop their own questions and design their own investigations. An inquiry-based approach requires that students work collaboratively, raise questions and consider how answers may be found through investigation, suggest how possible explanations can be tested through investigation, plan and carry out self-imagined investigations and then communicate what they’ve done. Recent studies have found that inquiry-based science learning has positive effects on students’ science achievement, cognitive development, laboratory skills, overall science knowledge, and attitudes towards science careers. This mounting evidence gives weight to the old adage, “Tell me and I forget, show me and I remember, involve me and I understand.” Love of learning science Wonder, curiosity, heated discourse and collaborative problem solving are the driving forces of the new Yavneh science classroom, and this is not just limited to the middle school. Mr. David Oliver, Yavneh’s Middle School science teacher, now in his second year, is partnering with the fourth and fifth grade teachers to develop engaging hands-on, inquiry-based labs for these classes. Younger students look forward to being scientists in Yavneh’s fully-equipped middle school lab once a week. Mr. Oliver looks forward to meeting these same students again in sixth grade when they will be well versed in the scientific method, familiar with the lab environment, materials and equipment, and well-practiced in completing lab write-ups. Let the real learning and inquiry begin! At Yavneh, the gradual phasing in of this new inquiry-based model has had an impact. Although mostly impressionistic data exists at this point, students and teachers report liking the change. Mr. Oliver believes increased interest in the county science fair is one indicator. Last year only three students entered the county science fair. This year, Yavneh will have nine entries (one to three students per team), a significant number for a school of its size, and a significant increase over the previous year. Mr. Oliver believes this increase is due to students feeling more experienced, confident, and competent with the type of inquiry and investigation required to drive one’s own science fair project. As the science program begins to integrate female mentors in the classroom, Mr. Oliver expects that he will see a spike in the number of Yavneh girls competing in the county science fair. All middle school students will compete in Yavneh’s Science Fair which is judged by subject matter experts in industry and academia.
SPHDS Gan Aviv collects pajamas for Tzedakah project
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uesday December 6 was Pajama Day at Gan Aviv Preschool. Students and teachers could be seen walking around campus in pajamas, slippers and bathrobes. This wasn’t just any ordinary pajama day but the culmination of The Great Bedtime Story Pajama Drive. Gan Aviv Preschool, an intregal part of South Peninsula Hebrew Day School, led the drive by collecting over 83 pairs of pajamas. The drive was held in coordination with Scholastic Book Clubs and the nonprofit Pajama Drive. The mission of this drive is to provide 125,000 children in need with brand-new pajamas and books. Scholastic adds a book for every pair of pajamas donated. Gan Aviv used this project to put into practical use what they had learned about Tzedekah and Mitzvot. The children learned that Tzedeka is more than just the coins they put into the Tzedakah box. The children had a great sense of pride in helping someone who is in need as they put their new pajamas into the collection box. Everyday during the drive the children used this project as a math lesson counting the pajamas and creating bar graphs to see how many were collected. They also read books about helping others and how this relates to Tzedakah. Barbara Goldstein, Early Childhood director stated, “Each year we find a hands-on Tzedakah project for the children to become involved with. We look for things that the children can relate to and integrate it into other parts of the curriculum. ” For information on SPHDS call (408) 738-3060 or visit sphds.org.
The wider impact of science education is what most compels Mr. Oliver. “Science learning and the scientific method is a discipline, a way of thinking that can be applied to many subjects and is a model for problem solving in life. I believe I’m preparing our students to be more successful in life, not just able scientists.” For information on Yavneh, contact Becky Aidelberg at (408) 984-6700 or visit yavnehdayschool.org. Gan Aviv children with pajamas 16 www.jvalley.org
jewish educati n
Music and Mitzvah Temple Emanu-El will host a Cantors’ Concert for Camperships
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n Saturday, January 7, Temple EmanuEl will have the pleasure of hosting a concert to raise funds for the American Conference of Cantors (ACC) – Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) Campership Fund. This fund provides scholarships for children who might not otherwise be able to experience a Jewish summer camp. The ACC and the URJ established the joint campership fund in early 2009 when the URJ leadership and camp directors expressed concerns that children might not be able to attend camp during the 2010 summer in light of the economic climate. The ACC asked its members to hold concerts to raise funds for a scholarship fund to be divided among the Union’s North American Camping System. Bay area Cantors answered this call to help and joined together to produce an entertaining evening of song, celebration and mitzvot in 2009, when Congregation Shir Hadash hosted. Now it is Temple Emanu-El’s turn to welcome this biennial event. This years’ concert will include performances from the following Bay Area Cantors: Lauren Bandman, Roslyn Barak, Devorah Felder-Levy, Kay Greenwald, David Margules, Rachel Michelberg, and Meeka Simerly. Come spend a lovely, family friendly evening at Temple Emau-El that will raise money for a great cause. In 2009, concerts were held across North America, including performances spanning from Los Gatos, California to Toronto, Ontario. They successfully raised over $60,000 for the fund. This year, from now through May, there are eight concerts scheduled and five pending which will include one in Jerusalem. Together we can help ensure that children have a Jewish camp experience. Cantors’ Campership Concert January 7, 2012 7:00 PM Temple Emanu-El 1010 University Avenue San Jose, CA 95126 (408) 292-0939 $20 Suggested Donation Encore performance on Sunday, December 8 at 4:00 PM Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco 2 Lake Street (at the corner of Lake and Arguello) San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 751-2535
A home away from home By Cailyn Steinhardt
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home away from home is what the Hillel of Silicon Valley has become to the many students who go there. When the students were told a bigger house was to be their new gathering place they were ecstatic.
“Hillel to me is almost like a home away from home. It is a place in which I can relax and enjoy the company of great friends and have amazing Jewish experiences, everyday along side of school,” said Eric Medeiros, a radio, TV and film major at San Jose State University. Hillel of Silicon Valley reaches out to students from San Jose State University, Santa Clara University, Foothill College, De Anza College and West Valley College. The new house is fully stocked with whatever a college student could ever need. There are computers with software on each one on how to learn Hebrew, printers, a full, self-supervised kosher kitchen, a beautiful dinning room and a basement just for the students. “The new house is a bigger and better place to have events. Being president of one of the clubs Hillel sponsors, this part is important for me. The new house is better because the Jewish student community in Silicon Valley was really starting to outgrow the old house,” said Dana Margittai, a Biology Major at San Jose State University. Now that the house is almost three times the size of the old one, there are many more options for events than in the previous years. The events at the new house started in the summer, with weekly barbeques where students could come and enjoy having a backyard for the first time. As the fall semester started the backyard was further utilized with weekly yoga classes every Tuesday. The most attended event of each week is the Shabbat dinner. At these dinners, students can end each week with good friends and great food. Many of the Shabbat dinners are themed, like the Challa-ween dinner which had a comedy show at the end of it. “I like coming to social events, like Shabbat and meeting new people. I am at Hillel very often, like two to three times a week,” said Shani Solomon, a child and adolescent development major at San Jose State University. This year Hillel has started Shabbat dinner cooking classes. These classes start right before Shabbat and students get to learn all about new and exciting cuisines from around the world. Hillel also offers many cooking classes during the week such as: pumpkin challah baking, sushi rolling and sufganyot making. Some of the events at Hillel educate students on new topics and exciting topics. These events include our Lunch and Learn Series, Healthy Relationship Workshop and Hebrew classes. “I like to just chill at Hillel, but the thing I like to do the most is to talk to everyone who works there because they have become part of my second family” said Neusha Zearrabian, a computer engineering major at West Valley college. All the students at Hillel of Silicon Valley agree that the new house has really brought everyone together and they are optimistic about the future of Hillel. For more information on Hillel of Silicon Valley, call (408) 286-6669 or visit hillelsv.org.
www.jvalley.org
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l cal news The secret to 70 By Amanda Orrin
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hen I had the pleasure of speaking to Bob and Seema Jaffee about their seventieth anniversary celebration I prepared a list of questions to ask them and began contemplating what it must be like to spend seventy years with a spouse.
As I imagine most people would wonder, my most pressing inquiry was “What’s the secret to making it through seventy years of marriage?” The Jaffees dismissed this question with a wave of the hand and a quick explanation. Marriage is a partnership; it’s about supporting one another and being the best team you can be, especially in the tough times. Their partnership is strong enough that despite having two vehicles for running errands and attending meetings, they spend the vast majority of time together, socializing, volunteering and Bob and Seema Jaffee at their 70th wedding anniversary enjoying the company of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. celebration.
While most seniors experience a more relaxed schedule in retirement, it doesn’t seem that this dynamic duo ever slowed down. Seema worked for the Cupertino Union School District for twenty years while Bob spent his 32 years of his career at Lockheed Martin. Seema retired in 1983 and Bob quickly followed in 1984. Following their retirements, they both quickly jumped into volunteer projects that could easily claim a fulltime schedule. Both have a long history of being involved with Jewish Community Centers (JCC). As a young child, Bob was a part of the Boy’s Club at the first JCC in California, in Boyle Heights. It was as a part of the club that he attended a Casino Gardens teen party and met Seema. Seema remembers Bob’s jitterbug dance days with fondness and mentioned that he taught their grandaughter to dance and she was recently a dance instructor at San Jose State University. After having such a positive experience at the Boyle Heights JCC, the Jaffees were one of the families (by this time they had a young daughter) who helped found the first North Hollywood JCC in the early 1950s. The small Jewish community at the time began gathering in the Jaffee’s yard to sing Jewish songs with their young children, and soon the group was so large that a larger space was needed. From there grew the roots of what is now a thriving Jewish community in the San Fernando Valley. continued on page 29
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l cal news First Republic Bank to sponsor Mollie Katzen event
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n Thursday, February 16, Mollie Katzen will speak at the Levy Family Campus. Her visit is sponsored by the First Republic Bank on behalf of the Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley. Madelyn Isaacs, the event chair noted, “Every Jewish woman I know has at least one of her cookbooks in her home. And, I have very fond memories of going to the Moosewood Café when I was at Cornell University. Really, Mollie is an institution.” The Federation is very excited to bring this event gratis to the community through the generosity of the First Republic Bank. Registration for the event is required to ensure a seat at this event. Please register online at www.jvalley.org or contact Arielle Hendel at (408) 357-7501 or arielle@jvalley.org. Mollie Katzen, with over 6 million books in print, is listed by the New York Times as one of the best-selling cookbook authors of all time. A 2007 inductee into the prestigious James Beard Cookbook Hall of Fame, and largely credited with moving healthful vegetarian food from the “fringe” to the center of the American dinner plate, Ms. Katzen has been named by Health Magazine as one of “The Five Women Who Changed the Way We Eat.” In addition she is a charter member of the Harvard School of Public Health Nutrition Roundtable and an Mollie Katzen inaugural honoree of the Natural Health Hall of Fame. An award-winning illustrator and designer as well as best-selling cookbook author and popular public speaker, Mollie Katzen is best known as the creator of the groundbreaking classics Moosewood Cookbook, and The Enchanted Broccoli Forest. Her other books include the award-winning children’s cookbook trilogy, Pretend Soup, Honest Pretzels, and Salad People; Vegetable Heaven (winner of the International Cookbook Review Best in Category award); Sunlight Café; Eat, Drink, & Weigh Less (with Walter Willett, MD of Harvard), and the best-selling The Vegetable Dishes I Can’t Live Without. Since 2003, Ms. Katzen has been a consultant to Harvard University Dining Services and a culinary advisor to the University of California at Berkeley. Ms. Katzen’s company, Mollie Katzen Designs, provides creative menu designs for conferences and personal celebrations, and customized original Mollie Katzen artwork for collectors. See ad on page 12 for more information.
Jewish Federation launches personal sites for users Beginning in January, the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley will offer a new function on their website, www.jvalley.org. This function is personalized web pages and accounts for any individual who wishes to sign up. The individual pages will include a place to update contact information and interests, as well as a full history of your personal donation records. Use the site to have easy access to all of your Federation information. As you use the personal pages, expect to see more personalized information from Federation, such as more informative emails and direct messages. Questions about how to use the new program? Contact Amanda Orrin at (408) 357-7503 or amanda@jvalley.org.
www.jvalley.org
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datebook
All area codes are 408 unless otherwise noted. ONGOING PROGRAMS SUNDAYS Social Action Volunteering Day Full Circle Farm, 10 AM, 1/15, 2/26 socialaction@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542 Knitzvah Levy Family Campus, 10:30 AM, 2/19, 3/18 Volunteers take donated yarn and turn it into usable items for organizations. All levels welcome. cherier@jfssv.org, 556-0600 Ganon Beth David, 11 AM Religious School for 3-4 year olds. Must be toilet trained. Crocker@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Grandparent’s Circle Group Shir Hadash, 4 PM, 2/12, 3/4, 3/25 See ad on page 28 for details. Introduction to Doumbek - Middle Eastern Drumming Beth David, 7:30 PM, 1/10, 1/17, 1/24 Learn how to play the Doumbek. $15 per lesson. 257-3333
TUESDAYS David’s Poems and Prayers with Rabbi Ronnie Weiss Shir Hadash, 10:30 AM, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21 A class on Psalms. 358-1751 x5, nadine@shirhadash.org WEDNESDAYS Ima and Me Playgroup Sinai, 9 AM Daddy and grandparents welcome. 0-3, FREE. 264-8542, director@sinainurseryschool.org THURSDAYS Silicon Valley Beit Midrash Sinai, 9:30 AM Join Rabbi Josh Berkenwald for in-depth study. Explore the Book of Samuel. No fee; no experience necessary. office@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542 Women’s Study Group ~ “The Modern Jewish Girl’s Guide to Guilt” Shir Hadash, 10:30 AM Meets the third Thursday of each month. patty@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 Feed the Needy Sunnyvale Armory, 6 PM, 1/29, 3/1 mark.goldman@yahoo.com, 358-1751
Jewish Legends Discussion Group Beth David, 7:30 PM, 1/19, 3/12 Each session is self-contained. FREE. crocker@beth-david.org, 257-3333 FRIDAYS Talmud Study with Rabbi Pressman Beth David, 8:30 AM No registration fee. Adulted@Beth-David.org, 257-3333 Pirkei Avot: Sayings (Ethics) of the Fathers Beth David, 9:45 AM No registration fee. adulted@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Shabbat Mishpaha (Family Services) Beth David, 4 PM, 2/3, 3/2 Song, story and dance. crocker@beth-david.org, 257-3333 PJ Shabbat Beth David, 6 PM, 1/20, 2/24, 3/23 Ages 0-5, features songs, puppets, story time and dinner! $10/adult; $2/ child (over 3). RSVP Wednesday before. crocker@beth-david.org, 257-3333 No Shush Shabbat Service Shir Hadash, 6:30 PM, 2/3, 3/2 Child-friendly service. 358-1751 x3, rabbilevenberg@shirhadash.org Shir Shabbat Service Beth David, 6:30 PM, 1/27, 2/24, 3/23 crocker@beth-david.org, 257-3333 SATURDAYS Torah Study Shir Hadash, 9:30 AM 358-1751 x5 Youth Congregation Beth David, 10 AM, 1/21, 1/28, 2/11, 3/10, 3/17 A service for 4th-7th graders. Students lead prayers, read from the Torah and play trivia games. crocker@beth-david.org, 257-3333
Wedding and Bar/Bat Mitzvah Videography
Torah N’ Tefillah for 3rd-7th Graders Sinai, 10:30 AM, 1/28, 2/25, 3/17 Student-led junior congregation service. office@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542 Family Service for K-2nd Graders Sinai, 10:30 AM, 1/14, 2/11, 3/10 Designed to introduce kids and their parents to the Shabbat service. office@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542
408.206.6505
www.blue-moon-productions.com 408.
Haverim Services Beth David, 10:30 AM, 1/21, 2/11, 3/17 Haverim means “friends” in Hebrew. For K-3rd graders. crocker@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Torah for Tots Sinai, 11 AM, 1/7, 2/4, 3/3 Children’s service. torahfortots@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542 Shabbat Storytime Sinai, 11 AM, 1/21, 2/18, 3/17 Ages 0 - 5. office@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542 Tot Shabbat Beth David, 11:15 AM, 1/14, 1/28, 2/11, 2/25, 3/10 Ages 0-5. Parent-led service. crocker@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Ask the Rabbi Beth David, 1:30 PM Dessert and an informal session. 257-3333
UPCOMING EVENTS SATURDAY, JANUARY 7 Ballroom Dance Party Mountain View, 8:00 PM Lessons in ballroom dance, and then an all-night party. No partners required. FREE. 257-3333, JewsNextDor@beth-david.org SUNDAY, JANUARY 8 Stanford Blood Bank Drive Sinai, 9 AM FREE. office@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542 One People Many Voices: How Israelis Navigate Multiple Cultural, Political, and Spiritual Divides with Ilan Vitemberg – Exploring the World of Judaism Shir Hadash, 9:30 AM See ad on page 28 for details. Kehillah Jewish High School Open House Kehillah, 2 PM mlerner@kehillah.org, (650) 213-9600 x154 Men’s Club Fifth Annual Poker Night Sinai, 7 PM $50 per person. 21 participants. mensclub@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542 TUESDAY, JANUARY 10 Adult Beginning Hebrew B Shir Hadash, 5 PM Concentration on reading words and phrases. $26.00 for the book. patty@shirhadash.org, 358-1751
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www.jvalley.org
Start-Up Nation: Is the Party Over or Just Beginnging? Mountain View, 6:30 PM See ad on page 8 for details. Schmooze with the Author: Joseph Skibell Levy Family Campus, 7 PM FREE. 357-7411 THURSDAY, JANUARY 12 Jeremy Ben-Ami lecture Shir Hadash, 7:30 PM See ad on page 8 for details. SUNDAY, JANUARY 15 Mitzvah Day Shir Hadash, 9:30 AM See ad on page 28 for details. JSN Women’s Seminar OFJCC, 10 AM $36/JCC Member, $40/Non-JCC members, lunch included. info@jsn.info, (650) 493-5764 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18 Middle School Open House Yavneh, 9 AM 357-7474, becky@yavnehdayschool Jewish Community Mikvah of Silicon Valley Levy Family Campus, 7:30 PM For women. See ad on page 6. THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 Congregation Beth David and PJ Library Offer “Parent and Me” Beth David, 10 AM See ad on page 22 for details. SUNDAY, JANUARY 22 CPR Training by Heartshare Shir Hadash, 10 AM nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5 Jewbilee Levy Family Campus, 1 PM Jewbilee is a day to try on a different Jewish hat. jenessa@svjcc.org, 357-7411 MONDAY, JANUARY 23 Deborah Lipstadt lecture: The Eichmann Trial Levy Family Campus, 7 PM Author will be available for book signings. $5/JCC member, $7/nonmember. jenessa@svjcc.org, 357-7411 SATURDAY, JANUARY 28 Cruisin’ & Schmoozin’: Federation Annual Event Club Auto Sport, 6:30 PM See ad on page 2 for details.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 29 The Jewish Partisans of World War II with Mitch Braff – Exploring the World of Judaism Shir Hadash, 9:30 AM See ad on page 28 for details. Sinai Lunch Team San Jose Family Shelter, 10 AM socialaction@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542. Nursery School Open House Sinai, 10 AM director@sinainurseryschool.org, 265-8542 Continuing the Conversation on Clutter Shir Hadash, 10:30 AM nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 APJCC Preschool Open House Levy Family Campus, 2 PM Preschool for 18-month-old to 5-yearold children. Children are welcome to attend. cyndi@svjcc.org, 357-7417 Sisterhood Book Club Sinai, 7:30 PM Discussing the book Mr. Rosenblum Dreams by Natasha Solomons. sisterhood@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542 MONDAY, JANUARY 30 “Miriam the Prophetess - The role of women in Exodus” Sinai, 7:30 PM Lecture by Rabbi Gail Diamond on the role of women in the Exodus. office@sinai-sj.org, 265-8542 TUESDAY, JANUARY 31 Shir Hadash Men’s Club Shark Night HP Pavilion, 7 PM Against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Includes a buffet dinner which will include two beverages. $71/person. Rich.Zbriger@earthlink.net, 358-1751 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2 The Sacred Table: Creating a Jewish Food Ethic MLK Library, 7:30 PM Rabbi Zamore will lead a dialogue about Judaism and food. $5 suggested donation. CJLL@svjcc.org, 357-7411
✓Fine Furniture ✓Carpet ✓Hardwood ✓Laminate ✓Linoleum ✓Cork & more ✓Window Coverings ✓Hunter Douglas Tues.-Fri. 9-5:30 Sat. 9-5:00
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4 Sisterhood Shabbat Sinai, 9 AM sisterhood@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542 Sisterhood Shabbat Luncheon and Program Sinai, 12:30 PM Multi-generational women’s program. RSVP by February 7. sisterhood@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542 2nd Annual Talent Show Benefit for Jews’ Next Dor Beth David, 7 PM Benefits Jews’ Next Dor programs. $10/person ($5/under 12 years) JewsNextDor@beth-david.org, 257-3333
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Mini Course with the Rabbi - The Shabbat Service Revealed Sinai, 7:30 PM No experience necessary. office@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Super Sunday Levy Family Campus, 9 AM See ad on back page for details. “How Different Can Jews Be?” with Ken Blady – Exploring the World of Judaism Shir Hadash, 9:30 AM See ad on page 28 for details.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5 World Wide Wrap Sinai, 10 AM Fulfill the mitvzah of tefillin. Free. office@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542 Petropolis by Anya Ulinich Shir Hadash, 10:45 AM bookgroup-coordinator@shirhadash. org, 358-1751 Men’s Club Superbowl Party Sinai, 2PM Adults only, please. office@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542 Tu B’Shevat Family Seder Levy Family Campus, 3 PM Geared toward preschool and elementary school aged children. JCC members: $10/family up to five people, $2/additional person. Nonmembers: $15/family up to 5 people, $2/additional person. RSVP by 2/2. cjll@svjcc.org, 357-7411 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7 Sinai Tu B’Shvat Seder Sinai, 6:30 PM Read from Sinai’s Tu B’Shvat Hagaddah. Goodies provided. Participatory service oriented towards adults. RSVP by 2/3: $5/adult. RSVP after 2/3: $8/adult. office@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542
Lawrence f u r n i s h i n g s
Family Owned For Over 40 Years
Every Day Discount Pricing (408) 374-7590 LawrenceFurnishings.com
470 Vandell Way, Campbell, CA 95008 A Division of Lawrence Contract Furnishers
www.jvalley.org
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THURSDAY, FEBURARY 16 First Republic Bank presents Mollie Katzen Levy Family Campus, 6 PM See ad on page 12 for more details. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Synaplex Shabbat Service with Klezer Shabbes ensemble Shir Hadash, 8 PM See ad on page 28 for details. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Spiritual Envy: An Agnostic’s Quest” with Michael Krasny – Exploring the World of Judaism Shir Hadash, 9:30 AM See ad on page 28 for details. SUNDAY, MARCH 4 Purim Puppet Show and Costume Parade Sinai, 11 AM Followed by Purim Carnival and Persian Barbecue Lunch. office@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542 MONDAY, MACRH 5 Mesibah! Family Fun Day Levy Family Campus, 3 PM Children ages 2-10 years old and their parents or caregivers are invited to a party to celebrate Purim! Free. cjll@svjcc.org, 357-7411
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7 5772/2012 Purim Extravaganza and Megillah Reading Sinai, 6 PM No cover charge. Wanna-be Mordechais and Esthers encouraged. office@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542 Erev Purim Service and Megillah Reading Shir Hadash, 7 PM nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5 SUNDAY, MARCH 11 Israeli Food from Past to Present with Rebecca Ets-Hokin - Exploring the World of Judaism Shir Hadash, 9:30 AM nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 Tough Questions Kids Ask: “Are the stories in the Torah real?” Sinai, 11 AM Just for Parents Workshop. Instructor: Rabbi Josh Berkenwald. FREE. office@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542 THURSDAY, MARCH 15 Engaging Children in Your Passover Seder - Mini-Course with Rabbi Berkenwald Sinai, 7:30 PM Create lifelong memories for participants of all ages. For adults only. office@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542
SUNDAY, MARCH 18
Yavneh Day School 30th Anniversary Celebration Levy Family Campus, 6:30 PM steve@yavnehdayschool.org, (408) 984-6700
“Yavneh’s Most Excellent Adventure” is an 80’s themed dinner, dance and fundraiser featuring all your favorite 80’s music by Joel Nelson Productions. Honoring Ilana Friedlander for her 22 years of service to Yavneh and all of the Past Presidents of the Board of Trustees. To become a sponsor or place an ad in the Tribute Book go to www.Yavnehdayschool.org and click on the 30th logo. Tickets will go on sale February 1st. Be there or be square! FRIDAY-SUNDAY, MARCH 16-18 Scholar-in-Residence Beth David See ad on page 6. TUESDAY, MARCH 20 Adult Beginning Hebrew C Shir Hadash, 5 PM Learn to read some of the basic prayers. $26.00 for the book patty@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 Cokie and Steve Roberts lecture Levy Family Campus, 7:30 PM Interfaith marriage is on the rise in America. Cokie and Steve Roberts
Pa P aren and Me Clas ss s Co-sponsored by PJ Library and Congregation Beth David
chronicle their lives as an interfaith couple and offer their own ideas for conducting a seder open to all faiths. $5/JCC member; $7/non-member. jenessa@svjcc.org, 357-7411 SUNDAY, MARCH 25 Mishpaha Program: Passover Special Beth David, 9:30 AM This family-friendly program has something for everyone! crocker@beth-david.org, 257-3333
NE W!
Join us for art, music, and play for infants and toddlers as well as an intoduction to the Jewish holidays. Taught by experienced and vibrant early childhood educator Jodi Tanowitz Weisman. THURSDAY CRAWLERS (0-11 mo.) Watch your babies discover the world around them. Explore the emotions of parenthood while forming new friendships. THURSDAY ROMPERS (12-24 mo.) Enjoy art, music, cooking, stories, and more while promoting self-esteem in your child.
Starts Jan. 5. 6 Sessions $100. Register at beth-david.org/RSVP
®
Congregation Beth David
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rabbis speak
Ask the Rabbi By Rabbi Daniel Pressman, Congregation Beth David
Rabbi’s column
What does it mean that we are called the Chosen People? Q: A Christian friend of mine asked me why we call ourselves the Chosen People? Does this mean we think we are better than anyone else? A: This can be a difficult concept to get across, especially in an egalitarian culture like today’s America. Modern Jews have struggled with this idea. Reconstructionism rejected it. The Reform movement originally did, too, but now affirms chosenness, expressed in covenant terms, much like Conservative Judaism. The Chosen People idea goes back to the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. In chapter 19 of Exodus G-d says, “Now then, if you will obey Me faithfully and keep My covenant, you shall be My treasured possession among all the peoples. Indeed, all the earth is Mine, but you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Right away we see that this is conditional, covenantal language. If you keep the covenant, then you will have a special relationship with G-d.
By Rabbi Laurie Hahn Tapper, Yavneh Day School
T
hanks to the Northern California Board of Rabbis and the Shalom Hartman Institute, I had the opportunity last month to study with some of my rabbinic colleagues in San Francisco. We had the pleasure of learning with Hartman’s master teacher Noam Zion. My thoughts here are inspired by the discussion that emerged from this learning. Mommy, if it’s morning why is it still dark outside? Mommy, if it’s dark how come I don’t have to go to bed yet?
Rabbi Daniel Pressman
Apparently, some Jews came to believe that this gave them special status, even immunity, so the prophets made it clear that this is not so. In the Book of Amos, G-d says, “You alone have I singled out/Of all the families of the earth — That is why I will call you to account/ for all your iniquities.” (Amos 3:1) Here we can see chosenness as a vocation, a special calling to a way of living and being in the world (by the way, using the terms “calling” and “vocation” will be meaningful to your Christian friend). The aspirational words in Exodus, “You shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation,” are explained well by Professor Jeffrey Tigay in the Jewish Study Bible, “Deuteronomy and later Jewish tradition converted this from a promise to a responsibility (noblesse oblige) requiring the entire Jewish people, not just the priests, to live by a code of holiness—G-d’s commandments— and to serve as priests, bringing knowledge of Him to the world.” It is not about superiority, but rather responsibility. In our day, living in a pluralistic society, it is probably better to emphasize ideas of covenant, distinctiveness, and purpose in explaining chosenness. We do this not in order to fit in, or to evade the traditional language, but to best express what chosenness came to mean. Finally, in dialogue with non-Jews, alongside the first verse from Amos and modern interpretations and applications, we can mention another passage at the end of the Book of Amos: “To Me, O Israelites, you are just like the Ethiopians — declares the Lord. True, I brought Israel up from the land of Egypt, but also the Philistines from Caphtor and the Arameans from Kir.” Ethiopia in the Bible represents a really faraway place. G-d emphasizes again to Israel that they are not the only people G-d cares about. This fits nicely with the Talmudic teaching, “Righteous people of all nations have a share in the World to come.”
Since we changed the clocks in November, like clockwork I get these questions every morning and every evening from my 4-year-old son as he tries to make sense of the passage of time and the natural cycle of the solar system. So even though the last of the Hanukah lights have since faded away, the power of light and the message it conveys is still very present in my life and it has me thinking… What are the lights that illuminate your home? Literally. What appliances and devices beam light into your home? Do you have a mental list? I’m sure your list goes far beyond the fluorescent or CFL light bulbs in your lamps. Maybe you’ve thought of your iphone or ipad, or perhaps your Kindle, computer, or TV. We are not in short supply for glowing light-filled devices these days. And it is through these many devices, at all hours of the day and night, that the light of the public realm is broadcast into the privacy of our own home. Along with this light comes the culture and values of the public sphere. Hanukah comes at the darkest time of the year. So viscerally are we aware of the lack of light that we are moved to find ways to create it. So we are presented with a chance to choose how to make light in our lives. continue on page 24
G-d loves all humanity. Jews relate to G-d through a unique history and a special relationship—the covenant—but only when they choose to follow its precepts and live by its demands. As the “Statement of Principles of Conservative Judaism” puts it, “For the modern traditional Jew, the doctrine of the election and the covenant of Israel offers a purpose for Jewish existence which transcends its own self interests. It suggests that because of our special history and unique heritage we are in a position to demonstrate that a people that takes seriously the idea of being covenanted with G-d can not only thrive in the face of oppression, but can be a source of blessing to its children and its neighbors. It obligates us to build a just and compassionate society throughout the world and especially in the land of Israel where we may teach by example what it means to be a ‘covenant people, a light unto the nations.’” That is our mission, if we choose to accept it: to be a blessing to ourselves, our community, and to the world.
Rabbi Laurie Hahn Tapper with Yavneh students
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l cal news Rabbi Shoshana Ohriner leads “Chevrat Chesed” at Beth David By Eleanor Weber Dickman
L
ate in the last century, Congregation Beth David participated in a landmark program for Jewish renewal called “Synagogue 2000.” The group’s focus was on the synagogue as a force for healing. Out of that effort was born a volunteer service initiative known as “Chevrat Chesed.”
Chevrat Chesed is a volunteer organization serving members of the synagogue who are ill and need meals brought to them or need to be driven to doctors’ appointments, for families in mourning needing food during the week of shiva, as well as families with new babies. Rabbi Shoshana Ohriner, a busy mother of two little boys, with a passion for serving the community has recently accepted leadership of Chevrat Chesed. A graduate of Brown University and the Jewish Theological Seminary, Shoshana trained as a chaplaincy intern at North Shore University Hospital when she and husband Rabbi Philip Ohriner lived in Roslyn, NY. Returning to the Bay Area was a special joy for Shoshana, as she grew up in Palo Alto where her parents still reside. During her years of rabbinic training, Shoshana focused on Pastoral Care, serving in hospital settings. “Since college,” she reflects, “I wanted to be a rabbi working in a hospital. I value encountering people where they are, hearing their stories, processing whatever they are going through in luminal moments.” Rabbi Shoshana Ohriner
It is important, she feels, to “sense what people might need even if they don’t know how to ask for it for themselves.”
Shoshana is also serving as the rabbinical advisor to the “Grandpals” program at the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center. She feels very strongly that “I don’t do these things because I’m a rabbi, but because I’m a Jew. These are values that many of us share, and anyone can help for any time commitment. You don’t need special training, just the desire to help another human being.” Shoshana believes that “the most important function of Chevrat Chesed is to build a caring community. By helping others in our community who are in need, and accepting help ourselves when we need the extra support, we are working to build a kehillah kedosha, a holy community. It is not only about filling needs; it is also about making people feel like they are part of a community that will support them, no matter what.” Even as Chevrat Chesed volunteers help others, they themselves are rewarded. “It’s a mitzvah,” says Shoshana. “We do not do mitzvot for our own benefit. We do a mitzvah because it is the right thing to do. There may be times when you will feel spiritually uplifted, but the knowledge that you’re building a holy community is the real benefit.”
Rabbi’s column continue from page 23 Which public lights do we let into our private home? Which lights would we rather keep out? What is the quality of the light we choose to shine back out into the rest of the world? Halachah (Jewish law) instructs us to light our Hanukah menorahs in the liminal space of our doorways and windows, a space that is not completely private nor completely public. It is here at the meeting place between the personal and the communal that we have an opportunity to reflect on how we engage with the outside world. Hanukah is the week to reflect on how the public light that seeps into our homes reflects our values. In turn we use the Hanukah lights to reflect the inner values of our home back out into the public sphere. So take a moment again and think about those appliances and devices. Does the light they broadcast into your home embody your personal values? Do they enlighten your family’s life? How might you use these devices differently if your intention was rooted in your core values? Clarifying one’s personal ethos and identity is a core component of the work I do at Yavneh Day School. Through our social-emotional curricula and heart-felt tefillot (prayers) we work with students to understand the connection between what’s inside of them and how they choose to broadcast this light and these values to others. We ask our students to think deeply about their core values and how they illuminate the world by putting those values into action. May we all be blessed in this time of darkness to find a light within us that merits the task of illuminating the world.
Rosa Bencuya
408.499.2077 • 408.913.7784 rbencuya@apr.com www.homebyrosa.com
I leave you with a powerful text from Rav Kook, the first Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of British Occupied Palestine: “Everyone must know and understand that within burns a candle. There is no one’s candle like a fellow’s and no one Saratoga office lacks her/his own candle. Everyone must know and understand that it is their task to work to reveal the light of that 408.741.11111 candle in the public realm. And to ignite it until it is a great flame, and to illuminate the whole world.” 24 www.jvalley.org
A Community of Heroes
reflecti ns
By Eleanor Weber Dickman The day I learned that I had been nominated by Rabbi Leslie Alexander as a “Jewish Community Hero,” I immediately knew that, no matter what the outcome, I had “won.” Conducted by The Jewish Federations of North America, the contest ran for several months to highlight volunteers and Jewish professionals all over the United States whose dedication, energy, and talents have accomplished amazing things for their local communities. Hundreds of thousands of votes were cast, and all of the nominees were of exceptional character. The outpouring of friendship and support I received ― through Facebook, Beth David’s newsletter, the Federation’s eNewsletter, and complimentary emails ― expanded my joy into the stratosphere! Our Jewish communities across the United States are truly blessed by the numbers of people who do incredible things to enrich and support local Jewish life. In California alone, there were dozens of people whose skills and initiative strengthened their communities. On the Heroes website, I discovered a founder of a non-profit charity that helps over 1000 Holocaust survivors in seven countries; a physician who trains UCSD medical students to help medically underserved populations; a woman whose efforts led to an initiative requiring administrators of the University of California to combat anti-Israel activities against Jewish college and university students. In the light of these “heroes,” my own nomination seems very ordinary. Many were nominated for their focus on a specific cause. I think I was nominated because of my commitment to a wide variety of local agencies. I truly love what I do, and what motivates me to choose the organizations I work with are the special leaders who are the true heroes. It is they who are responsible for keeping our Jewish community healthy, vibrant, responsive and strong. I get tremendous pleasure from my work for The PJ Library®. Rabbi Alexander is a powerhouse of creative ideas, spiritual energy, and commitment to community. Hadassah was the first organization for which I volunteered, and doing websites and eNewsletters is a wonderful way to maintain friendships with Bette Emanuel, Ginny Baird, and Jane Jacobson. I enjoy working with Mindy Berkowitz and the staff of Jewish Family Service who give time and talent to helping people in need. It’s inspiring to work with Hillel’s Sue Maltiel as she enriches the lives of tomorrow’s Jewish Vardys_JCC_ad2 1/27/06 3:11 PM Page 1 leaders while engaging today’s Jewish leaders in supporting a strong and proactive Jewish community. I care about the Center for Jewish Life and Learning, and have been much motivated by the dedication and creativity of Rabbi Yoshi Fenton, Jenessa Schwartz and Lisa Ciele. Beth David is my congregation, and it is a delight to contribute to their monthly newsletter and to help promote special projects such as Rabbi Philip Ohriner’s new Parents and Me initiative. I applaud Vicki Harrison’s persistence in maintaining the Jewish Studies Program at San José State University and for providing special outreach programs for the general community, so helping to publicize these important activities is a serious commitment. I am truly honored to have been nominated as a “Jewish Community Hero.” But almost immediately, I am inspired to acknowledge the myriad members of the community whose steady leadership continually strengthens and revitalizes our community institutions: Mishy Balaban, Rebecca Geshuri, Helaine Green, Doris Katz, Julie Krigel, Judy Levin, Carrie McCarthy, Jan Rose, Bonnie Slavitt Moore.
PEARLS TELL HER SHE’S LOVED.
And these are only a few of the many wonderful volunteers I have personally worked with over the years. What I’ve learned during this “contest” is that here in Silicon Valley, we are a wonderful, special, outgoing, dedicated, creative community. In the decades that I have lived here, I have seen us go from separate organizations to a united and dedicated Jewish presence in Silicon Valley. I have gleaned profound and meaningful insights from all the Rabbis, both at their synagogues, and at the community’s Levy Family Campus. Many of my friends have served the community for years, have inspired their dedication with intelligence and passion, have gone beyond the boundaries of a single organization, and have worked together to give vitality and permanence to our Jewish community. When I moved here in 1981, I quickly learned that I would find my Jewish community institutionally rather than geographically. What I did not know then was how engaging and meaningful I would find this new world. So thank you all for voting for me as a Jewish community hero. Come under the banner with me, and celebrate what YOU, too, do to sustain a community of learning, liveliness, and profound joy. www.jvalley.org
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puzzles
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All about PJ Library® A PJ Library® Program crossword puzzle
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Ari Ohriner at a Hanukah event
EclipseCrossword.com
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Answer key on page 29.
Across 5. 7.
Something to eat at a PJ program. This breakfast food has been found at PJ events occuring in the evening. 9. What does PJ stand for? 12. Parents and grandparents who help out at PJ Library programs. 13. A pre-historic character in a PJ Library book written by local author Diane Rauchwerger. 14. To receive PJ Library books, families must be raising ____ children.
Down
PICTURE
2000
1. This holiday was celebrated by PJ at Hicklebee’s and Santana Row. 2. What PJ Library did at Santana Row on December 20. 3. Until this age your child can receive PJ books. 4. What you might find on the heads of little children in PJ Library books. 5. One type of PJ Library partner in presenting programs. 6. Where you will find the PJ Library Program “Sifryat Pijama.” 8. Children always do art & _____ at PJ activities. 10. At every PJ Program we do a ____ with PJ books. 11. What is the cost of a PJ book? 15. At ___ months of age, your child can begin receiving PJ books.
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www.jvalley.org
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SIMCHAS By Andrea Cohen Greyber Births December 1 was the day that Shachar Dawn & Avner Daabul welcomed their son Elai (5.5 pounds) and daughter Shira (5.5 pounds) into their family. Grandparents and great grandparents who live in San Jose, San Diego and Israel are ecstatic. Called to the Torah Jonathan Hochberg, son of Avishai Hochberg &Marcia Klein, was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah at Congregation Sinai on September 17. He is a student at Yavneh. In addition to school, Jonathan Jonathan Hochberg enjoys Black OPPs, a video game, collecting Magic The Gathering Cards and playing the guitar. For his mitzvah project, he donated money to Heifer International which donates livestock to the poor in order help the poor become more independent. For his Bar Mitzvah celebration his grandfather Michael Klein came in from Kensington, MD and his grandmother Rina Hochberg flew in from Jerusalem. Aunt Tirtza & Uncle Yoav Hochberg came from Haifa and Aunt Nina & Uncle Steve Unger flew from Baltimore, MD. At the ceremony Jonathan’s grandmother Linda Klein was remembered. Raya Shimon Magat, son of Cheriel & Rabbi Dana Magat, was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on November 5. He is the younger brother of Shira Raya Magat Magat, a student at California State University at Northridge. Raya is an 8th grade honor student
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at Bret Harte Middle School; he is passionate about oceanography and physical science and enjoys tennis and bicycle riding. He volunteers at Temple Emanu-El Religious and Hebrew schools as a Madrich (teaching assistant). He loves listening to music, especially Daft Punk, Maroon 5 and U2. He will conduct a spring food drive through Second Harvest for his Mitzvah project to assist families in need. Raya felt honored to be able to write a letter in the first line of the new Torah at Temple Emanu-El and he will be donating a portion of his Bar Mitzvah money toward L’Dor Vador project. He was pleased to share his Bar Mitzvah celebration with his grandmother Judith Foxman of Camarillo twelve aunts and uncles who came from as far away as Boston and southern California and as close as Oakland and other cities in northern California. Joshua Benjamin Mendel, son of David & Holly Mendel, of Sunnyvale, was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on November 12 at Congregation Beth David. He is in the Joshua 7th grade at South Mendel Peninsula Hebrew Day School as is his younger brother, Derron, 10.
Stimulate Your Brain and Enrich Your Soul Exploring the World of Judaism, a free Sunday Morning Speaker series, 9:30 am January 8th - Ilan Vitemberg: How Israelis Navigate Multiple Cultural, Political and Spiritual Divides January 29th - Mitch Braff: Jews Who Fought the Germans and Their Collaborators February 12th - Ken Blady: The Fascinating Life of Jews from Afghanistan to Yemen February 26th - Michael Krasny: Spritual Envy: An Agnostic’s Quest
Annual Mitzvah Day, January 15th. Projects for all ages and abilities. For Interfaith families Grandparents Group, introductory sessions February 12th, March 4th and 25th from 4-5:30 pm in the Chapel major.
New Mother’s Circle for non-Jewish women raising Jewish children. Check the website for more details Community Shabbats at 10:30 am. January 14th will focus on Community Service , February 11th will be about Tu Bishvat Our winter intergenerational Synaplex will be held on February 24th and will feature the Klezmer Shabbes ensemble. For the full schedule of adult education lectures and classes, please check the Shir Hadash website at http://shirhadash.org/adulted
COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE MEANS: Children at the center, NOT in the middle.
Josh loves Lego and more Lego. He also plays the piano. For his mitzvah project, Josh is collecting books for the Jewish Coalition for Literacy; he also serves as a trope tutor at Congregation Beth David. He was pleased to share his Bar Mitzvah with his grandmother Stephanie Mendel of Belvedere and his grandparents Eugene & Eleanor Tavris of Orange County. Other relatives came in from around the country. Please send announcements and photos to Andrea Greyber, agreyber@yahoo.com or phone her at (408) 377-6224.
Better
Collaborative Practice: A Different Way to Divorce
www.cpsv.us
Collaborative Practice Silicon Valley
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l cal news
The secret to seventy continued from page 18
Despite having a thriving community in Southern California, the Jaffees couldn’t resist the option to move to Silicon Valley when the opportunity arose with Lockheed Martin in 1959. The couple visited San Jose one weekend and found the house that has been their home for the last 53 years. The Jaffee’s home is warm and welcoming, much like they themselves are, and is filled with pictures of their beautiful family and the many awards and recognitions they have received over the last five decades of serving the local community. Temple Emanu-El was one of only two synagogues at the time that the Jaffees settled in San Jose. They joined the temple and quickly became known as the 2-for-1 couple, always willing to lend a hand, and often volunteering as a team. They remained active in the Jewish community through their professional years and multiplied their volunteer time once they were both retired. Over the last 30 years, both have contributed thousands of hours and much enthusiasm and love to our local programs and organizations. One project that both Seema and Bob are passionate about is the moblity of seniors. They were initiators in the purchasing of a van to help mobilize seniors to and from the JCC in Los Gatos. Bob, together with Jan Rose, wrote a grant and received funding to make the purchase of the van a possibility. While a great idea, the cost of maintanence and insurance made the program a short-lived effort. These small road-bumps haven’t stopped the pair. Bob volunteered to serve as a liasion to seniors at the JCC and was given space to work and make sure that information was dispensed as needed.
Seema and Bob at a Temple Emanu-El event in 2009
Bob has spent his retirement as a senior senator for the California Senior Legislature. Now the most senior member of the group, Bob advocates for legislation that will improve the lives of seniors living in California. Within this role he publishes a newsletter with updates on legislation that affects senior citizens. As a member of the legislature for over 20 years, Bob has been instrumental in the passing of several bills, including legislation to improve over-thecounter medication containers so they are more legible to seniors and a bill requiring physicians to provide additional information on prostate cancer. Bob takes his role as a senior senator very seriously and works diligently to ensure that seniors are represented at the state level. Since retiring, Seema has focused on caring for seniors, becoming certified as a Medicare Counselor. Seema now serves as a HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program) Volunteer for the Council on Aging in Silicon Valley. The council aims to provide leadership in addressing issues that relate to older Californians: to develop community-based systems of care that provide services which support independence within California’s interdependent societies, and which protect the quality of life for older persons and persons with functional impairments; and to promote citizen involvement in the planning and delivery of services. Despite their many activities and passions, it is clear that what the Jaffees value most is their loving family. From their daughters, who settled just minutes away after marriage, to their great-grandchildren, most of whom are still in Silicon Valley, it is clear that Bob and Seema are well-loved by their family. The Jaffees are delighted to have so much of their family so close to home and spend as much time as possible with each of them. In celebration of their parents seventieth wedding anniversary, the Jaffee’s daughters and sons-in-law, Harli & Frank Rabow and Janel & Arthur Pofanelli, hosted a dinner in their honor at the California Cafe in Los Gatos.
Answer key for PJ Library® crossword, page 26
Across 5. SNACK—Something to eat at a PJ program. 7. PANCAKES—This breakfast food has been found at PJ events occuring in the evening. 9. PAJAMAS—What does PJ stand for? 12. VOLUNTEERS—Parents and grandparents who help out at PJ Library programs. 13. DINOSAUR—A pre-historic character in a PJ Library book written by local author Diane Rauchwerger. 14. JEWISH—To receive PJ Library books, families must be raising ____ children.
Down 1. HANUKKAH—This holiday was celebrated by PJ at Hicklebee’s and Santana Row. 2. CANDLELIGHTING—What PJ Library did at Santana Row on December 20. 3. SEVEN—Until this age your child can receive PJ books. 4. KIPPAH—What you might find on the heads of little children in PJ Library books. 5. SYNAGOGUES—One type of PJ Library partner in presenting programs. 6. ISRAEL—Where you will find the PJ Library Program “Sifryat Pijama.” 8. CRAFTS—Children always do art & _____ at PJ activities. 10. STORYTIME—At every PJ Program we do a ____ with PJ books. 11. FREE—What is the cost of a PJ book? 15. SIX—At ___ months of age, your child can begin receiving PJ books.
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obituaries ALEXANDER BARKAS
ROBERT ROTHSCHILD
Alex Barkas passed away unexpectedly. He is survived by his loving wife Lynda, daughters Alina and Johanna, his sister, Stella Royce (Dan) and their children, Dan Jr., Jackie and Carolyn and his brother Peter (Jodi) and their children, Galia (Kfir) and Aleeza.
Robert Rothschild was born in Baltimore, MD and died in San Jose. He was the beloved husband of the late Molly Rothschild and the loving father of Eileen Rothschild (Norval Nelson), Robert A. Rothschild, Susan Mellars (Robert), Marjorie Rothschild (Lewis Coons) and Peggy Rothschild (Pat Ford); he was the devoted grandfather of Marc Shapiro (Hope), Alan Shapiro (Celeste), William Rothschild (Carey), Jesse Rothschild and Joshua Mellars and great-grandfather of seven. Robert Rothschild graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in chemical engineering; he also held a Masters of Business Administration from Florida State University. He had a career in the United States Air Force. He served in the 8th Air Force, Second Division, and 467th Group during World War II and flew 34 missions from Rackheath in England over enemy territory. He was highly decorated and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. He was a flight engineer, gunner and crew chief. In addition to his service during World War II, he also flew behind enemy lines during the Korean Conflict when he was called upon to evacuate the wounded.
July 17, 1947 – November 21, 2011
March 29, 1918 – November 27, 2011
Alex was born in Munich, Germany and came to the United States when he was two years old. He attended high school in Bayside, Queens in New York. He graduated from Brandeis University in 1968 and received his Ph.D at New York University while working at Memorial Sloan Kettering; he did post-doctoral work at the Whitehead Institute at Boston. Alex’s research experience was gained at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the Genetics Dept. of the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children, the Whitehead Institute at MIT and Duke University. He moved from research to the business side of science, beginning his career with Arthur D. Little and then starting his own consulting business Bio Bridge Associates. Alex identified his career love as venture capital; he started as a partner with Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and then co-founded Prospect Venture Partners in 1997, a firm dedicated to investing in biomedical innovation. He was widely acclaimed for his exceptional skill and talent in identifying new areas of scientific discovery and then founding companies to develop and commercialize those discoveries.
Robert had a brilliant mind and a generous heart. He and his wife were members at Congregation Beth David and Congregation Sinai; he was a past president of the Jewish War Veterans and was a member of B’nai B’rith and an Associate of Hadassah. Contributions in his memory may be made to the charity of your choice.
He also served on the Brandeis University Science Advisory Board. He is remembered as a loving husband and father and will be deeply missed by his family, friends and many business associates. A memorial service, officiated by Rabbi John Fishman, was celebrated on November 29. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Alex Barkas Innovation Fund of Brandeis University to recognize his love of start-up companies or to the WMV (West Valley College) Preschool Association to acknowledge his love of family.
BERNARD GORDON 1929 – October 9, 2011
Bernard Gordon was born in the Bronx, NY and died at his home in San Jose. He was a first-generation American. Before he went to City College of New York, he was a hat maker with his father. He went on to earn a degree in physics and was a talented mechanical engineer. There was nothing he could not fix or figure out. He moved his family to San Jose in 1972 when he was transferred by IBM. He loved ballroom dancing and the music of the 1920s and he enjoyed a good political discussion. He is survived by his wife of sixty years Dorothy, his sons David (Shelley), Mark (Lynn) and Joel. Grandchildren include Jason and Jenna.
If you’ve recently lost a loved one, please contact Andrea Greyber, agreyber@yahoo.com, to have an obituary printed in JValley.news.
We don’t make a profit. We make a difference. Our non-profit status has its benefits. Particularly for the dozens of community organizations we support: local synagogues and their education programs, a camp to help families deal with grief, seniors’ programs and many, many others. At the end of the day, it’s a bottom line we’re proud of. So we ask that you consider Sinai Memorial Chapel – Chevra Kadisha in times of grief, as a way of honoring life.
Peninsula Office
He was diagnosed with cancer in June and was very pleased with the care he received at Kaiser Hospital in San Jose.
Home of Peace
777 Woodside Road, Suite C Redwood City (408) 297-3636 FD 1830
He asked that donations in his memory be made to the American Cancer Society.
Cemetery and Mausoleum Founded 1853
Owned and Operated by Temple Emanu-El South Bay Area’s only Jewish-owned Cemetery, Mausoleum and Columbarium Pre-Need Terms
Bob Basuino, Administrator 30
(408) 292-0939 cemetery@templesanjose.org
Wayne A. Rose FDIC insured Pre-need funeral arrangements available.
Peninsula-South Bay Director wrose@sinaichapel.org FDR 979
Samuel J. Salkin, Executive Director, FDR 3371 www.jvalley.org
Jewish Professional Directory Attorneys Hoge, Fenton, Jones & Appel 60 S. Market St., Ste. 1400 San Jose, CA 95113 (408) 287-9501 plh@hogefenton.com www.hogefenton.com/hammer.html Specializing in complex family law matters. Certified Specialist in Family Law, State Bar of CA; Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
David J. Hofmann
Hoge, Fenton, Jones & Appel 60 S. Market St., Ste. 1400 San Jose, CA 95113 (408) 287-9501 djh@hogefenton.com www.hogefenton.com/hofmann.html Specializing in commercial and residential real estate transactions & finance
David S. Howard
Hoge, Fenton, Jones & Appel 60 S. Market St., Ste. 1400 San Jose, CA 95113 (408) 287-9501 dsh@hogefenton.com www.hogefenton.com/howard.html Specializing in complex taxation, corporate strategy, and business succession planning; Jewish Federation Silicon Valley Financial Advisory Board.
Steven D. Siner
Hoge, Fenton, Jones & Appel 60 S. Market St., Ste. 1400 San Jose, CA 95113 (408) 287-9501 sds@hogefenton.com www.hogefenton.com/siner.html Specializing in complex business transactions, estate planning, and family business succession planning.
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 Specializing in family law matters.
Lynne R. Snyder
101 Church St., Suite 7, Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 354-5590 Adoption, Custody, Dissolutions, Guardianship, Juvenile Court, Paternity
Shannon Stein
Law Offices of Shannon Stein 438 South Murphy Avenue Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (408) 774-9097 shannon@shannonsteinlaw.com www.shannonsteinlaw.com Family Law Attorney, specializing in dissolutions, child custody, child support, mediation, restraining orders, limited scope representation, post-judgement issues.
Timothy D. Widman
Law Offices of Timothy D. Widman 101 Race St., Ste. 100 San Jose, CA 95126 (408) 288-6777 timothy@widmanlaw.com www.widmanlaw.com Immigration and Nationality Law
Carol Elias Zolla
16450 Los Gatos Boulevard, Suite 208, Los Gatos, CA 95032 Tel: 408-358-6900 carol@zollalawfirm.com www.zollalawfirm.com Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law. The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.
Dr. Itzhak Emanuel
27 Eucalyptus Lane San Rafael, CA 94901 Phone/Fax (415) 453-3899 Cell (415) 218-1295 All Life cycle ceremonies-special events, Spiritual Leadership; Cantorial-Liturgical skills; Hebrew-Jewish studies
Commercial Real Estate
Guggenheim Realty Group, Inc
595 Millich Drive, Suite 101, Campbell, CA 95008 (408) 871-8722 x222 Fax (408) 834-4959 www.guggenheimrgi.com Commercial Real Estate Management, Investments, and Leasing. Call us for your property management, leasing and sales needs. Allen Guggenheim & Gary Naillon
Dentist
Law Office of Derryl H. Molina
“Trust Your Trust to Us!” 1142 S. Winchester Blvd., Ste. B San Jose, CA 95128 (408) 244-4992 attderryl@comcast.net www.fulllifecareplanner.com Estate Planning, Probate, and Elder Law. Mediation Facilitor.
Dr. Zuri Barniv, DDS
1210 E. Arques Ave., Suite 200 Sunnyvale, CA 94085 (408) 733-1124 Barniv_Dental@yahoo.com www.Barniv-Dental.com Dr. Barniv is a university faculty member, practicing high-quality dentistry in a mercuryfree office with digital X-rays. Dentist speaks Hebrew.
Minda B. Parrish
14500 Big Basin Way, Suite D, Saratoga, CA 95070 (408) 741-3500 minda@parrishlaw.net Estate Planning, Probate, Elder Law
Events AMB Designs
(408) 942-0852 ambdsgn@pacbell.net www.ambdesigns.com Balloon & Event Décor • Any Occasion, we do it all! Call Amy Blach, your Event Designer
Promote your business or service in the Jewish Professional Directory! Call (408) 357-7512 or email elisa@jvalley.org.
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Alan Werba, CPA, CFP
Werba & Davis Advisory Services, LLC 3055 Olin Ave., Suite 2000 San Jose, CA 95128 (408) 260-3109 (408) 423-0209 Fee-Based Portfolio Management since 1990. Securities offered through Loring Ward Securities Inc., member FINRA/SIPC
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Robert Chaykin Vice President / Branch Manager 16000 Los Gatos Blvd. Los Gatos, CA. 95032 (408) 358-0988 robert.chaykin@morganstanley.com We offer comprehensive financial planning, asset allocation strategies, college savings plans, and retirement planning. Investments and services are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, member SIPC.
Minda Cutcher, MBA, Inc.
Financial Advocacy for Seniors 408-279-3269 (o) 408-318-0828 (c) www.mindacutcher.com minda@mindacutcher.com Helping families create and manage strategies to reduce healthcare costs, access benefits, decrease household expenses, pay bills and process mail.
Matchmaking Soul Mates Unlimited ® Personalized Matchmaking
Cantor-Educator
Christl Denecke
“Helping you plan for your family’s tomorrow at every stage of your life.” 1743 Pilgrim Avenue Mountain View, CA 94040 (650) 336-5185 Christl@DeneckePlanning.com www.DeneckePlanning.com Family Wealth Planning • Living Trusts • Special Needs Trusts • Estate Planning for Young Families Estate Planning for Non-Traditional Families
Financial Services
Experienced, successful matchmaker
Judith Gottesman, MSW
MATCHMAKER
Philip L. Hammer
Attorneys
(510)418-8813, cell info@soulmatesunlimited.com www.SoulMatesUnlimited.com
Real Estate Orna Yomtoubian
408-253-2250 888-Do0-Fees 888-360-3337 (Toll Free) Orna@ORNA.com ORNA.com No Fee Loan, Free Appraisal, Free Notary. aDiscountMortgage.com. No Upfront Fees. MercuryNews.InfoTrak.com. Lowest Mortgage Rates. LowFeeHomes.com. We Pay Your Closing Cost!
Senior Services Lyn Pasqua DELIVERED BY GRACE
Transportation and Shopping Service 408-590-5898 Personalized transportation service, serving seniors throughout Santa Clara and most cities in San Mateo County. Our service is tailored to meet your needs.
Tax Preparation & Representation Philip S. Levine EA, MBA Padgett Business Services Silicon Valley West Inc.
501 N. Santa Cruz Blvd. Ste. A Los Gatos CA 95030 (408) 402-3725 p_levine@smallbizpros.com www.siliconvalleywest.com Tax Preparation and Professional Representation before the IRS and CA FTB. A small business focus including corporations and partnerships as well as their owners and other professionals. We also welcome CA Registered Domestic Partner (RDP) returns as well as clients with international tax issues.
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change the world with just one call Each year, the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley holds a phon-a-thon to raise money for local and overseas programs. It is an effective way for us to bring everyone together for one purpose: raising funds to support our Jewish community around the world.
Super Sunday is still the most effective way for the Federation to reach the majority of our donors. On average, over 700 donors make gifts on a Super Sunday call. So, when you get the call, please answer it. To volunteer for Super Sunday please call 408-358-3033 or visit jvalley.org.
Super Sunday February 12 9:00 am–6:00 pm
The Gloria & Ken Levy Family Campus
Super Sunday Chairs: Howard and renee Fine
SUPER SUNDAY www.jvalley.org