JValley.news March 2014

JValley news March 2014

Recipes for Passover Kosher Cheese Club launches Jewish Disability Awareness Month community members focus on improving the world 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 March 2014

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JValley news JValley.news is published by the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley JEWISH FEDERATION CEO: Jyl Jurman jyl@jvalley.org 408-357-7500

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

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS: Pat Bergman Kay Gatell

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

SIMCHAS: Andrea Greyber agreyber@yahoo.com

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

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

We reserve the right to edit all copy. JValley.news is not responsible for the content of paid advertising.

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

CANDLELIGHTING San Jose, CA

Friday, February 28....................5:43 p.m.

Friday, March 7..........................5:49 p.m.

Friday, March 14........................6:56 p.m.

Friday, March 21........................7:02 p.m.

Friday, March 28........................7:09 p.m.

Friday, April 4..............................7:15 p.m.

Friday, April 11............................7:21 p.m.

Passover, First Nights Monday, April 14........................7:24 p.m.

Tuesday., April 15...........after 8:23 PM Friday, April 18............................7:27 p.m.

Passover, Last Days Sunday, April 20..........................7:29 p.m.

Monday, April 21...........after 8:30 p.m.

Friday, April 25............................7:34 p.m.

Friday, May 2.................................7:40 p.m.

Friday, May 9.................................7:46 p.m.

from the ceo As we prepare for our Annual Event, Long Live the Beatles, on March 16 (the ad is on the back page if you haven’t registered yet!), I am reminded of the importance of leaving a legacy.

When the Beatles recorded their first song over 50 years ago, they had no way of knowing that they were creating a legacy that would live on for generations to come. The Beatles’ music and lives touched so many of us and their lyrics continue to inspire and create questioning minds.

This past year our community came together to create the Silicon Valley Community Legacy Project, focusing on ensuring the future of a Jewish Silicon Valley. Over 32 new individuals have committed to leaving a gift for our local Jewish community this year. These individuals have found a way to leave their legacies and are doing work commanded to us in the Torah, “I was born into a world flourishing with ready pleasures. My ancestors planted for me, and now I plant for my children...”

Regardless of whether your legacy is a financial gift or you choose to dedicate your time to create something tangible, your legacy is more than how you are remembered; it is how you ensure the Jewish tomorrow.

For more information on the Community Legacy Project or with questions about how to get involved with a local organization or board, please don’t hesitate to call us at (408) 358-3033.

B’shalom, jyl jurman Jewish Federation CEO

content Local Highlights

In Every Issue

Calling all Hadassah nurses 5 Jewish in Israel 6 Summer Torah Club begins in June 6 Adapting to life after 50 6 Hillel is “Leading the Way” at Pillars 2014 8 Beyond oneself 8 Centerpieces for Tzedekah 10 JFS assistant director to retire 11 JFS’s “Small Plates Celebrates” 11 The Israeli Kids Connection 13 JFS opportunities this Spring 14 Brett Borah receives life-time service award 14 The Learning Journey 16 Yavneh announces STEM initiative 17 Launch of kosher cheese delivery 19 Local teen elected international USY president 20 Tikkun olam has no limits 22 Jewish Disability Awareness Month 22 Holy significance of toveling 23

Community photos Recipe column Ask the Rabbi Datebook Obituaries Simchas Professional Directory

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Friday, May 16...............................7:52 p.m.

Friday, May 23...............................7:58 p.m.

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c mmunity photos More than 600 people attended Jewbilee, the JCC's annual day of Jewish learning on January 26.

Audience at Joshua Safran’s keynote presentation photo courtesy Ed Gordon

Israeli dancing photo courtesy Ed Gordon

Discussion - photo courtesy Ed Gordon

The Yavneh Dance Team performs during Kabbalat Shabbat.

Beth David students made blankets for the animals at the Humane Society.

Yavneh students visited farms to work in nature during Tu B’shvat.

AXIS workshop in gymnasium AXIS dance performance in APJCC Auditorium

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l cal news Calling all Hadassah nurses

By Toby Adelman In recognition of the 100th anniversary of American nurses Rose Kaplan and Rachel Landy’s mission to Palestine in 1913, the Hadassah National Center for Nurses Councils is planning an exciting mission to Jerusalem, November 2-6, with a focused intent of supporting the Clinical Masters Program at the Hadassah Hebrew University School of Nursing.

A contingent of local members of the Hadassah Nurses Council are planning to Hadassah Medical Organization at Ein Kerem attend the Continuing Education Conference in Israel: From Concept to Cure: A Second Century of Healing. Hadassah’s National Center for Nurses Councils, in collaboration with Hadassah’s National Physicians Council, invites interested nurses and physicians to travel with them to meet with colleagues from across the United States and around the globe. The conference offers exciting interactive sessions in areas such as cardiology, genetics, women’s health, international medicine, HIV/AIDS, and stem cell research.

Formed to establish an international partnership with the Hadassah Medical Organization School of Nursing in Israel, Hadassah Nurses Council members have a long history of partnership with nurses from both Israel and the United States.

To learn more about the November conference with optional extension to Mitzpe Ramon, November 6-8, contact Dianne Gottlieb at dgottlieb@hadassah.org or (305) 661-3935.

Hadassah’s Northern California region has hosted several Nurses Councils in recent years. In honor of the 101st year since Hadassah founder Henrietta Szold sent two nurses to Palestine to assist in dealing with the challenging health issues facing the population at that time, the Nurses Council program within local communities is being reestablished on a regional level in northern California and is offering internet presentations and continuing education units for health professionals.

To become involved with a chapter of the Northern California Hadassah Nurses Council near you, contact Toby Adelman RN, PhD at Toby.Adelman@sjsu.edu or (408) 500-5293.

County of Santa Clara Holocaust RemembRance ceRemony

YOM HAZIKARON/ MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY FOR ISRAELI FALLEN SOLDIERS AND VICTIMS OF TERROR

SUNDAY, MAY 4TH, 7PM

Stanford Memorial Auditorium Free and Open to the Public

Confronting the holoCaust: ameriCan responses Featuring personal tuesday, apRil 29 4:00-5:30pm Supervisors’ Chambers County Government Building 70 W. Hedding St., San Jose

testimony from local survivor Eva Maiden and Mitty High School student presentations.

Free parking in county lot Info: diane@jvalley.org

Free & open to the public.

Reception with refreshments follows the ceremony.

The American and Israeli Silicon Valley Jewish communities join in expressing solidarity at this moving ceremony. We will gather to remember and to affirm our larger Jewish identity as a civilization and cultural community.

Through poems and songs presented by high school students, we will honor those who gave their lives.

Inclusive program with English translation of Hebrew poems.

INFO: yomhazikaron1@gmail.com or Diane (408)357-7504 Community Relations Council

The Consulate General of

ISRAEL S A N F R A N C I S C O

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What to answer when an Israeli asks, “Are you Jewish?”

By Jasmine Granas Whenever someone asks me this question, an exasperation starts to build in my stomach. Sometimes I just want to scream, “I don’t know! Am I the only person in the world who doesn’t know if they are Jewish? Stop asking me this!” To most people, it seems like a simple, black-and-white question with a simple, black-and-white answer. Okay, there is the issue of whether one’s mother is Jewish, and other considerations that can make the answer complicated for some people. But ever since I landed in Israel to participate in Tikkun Olam, a volunteer and study program run by BINA in Tel AvivJaffa, everyone around me in Tikkun Olam and in Israel in general seems so sure that they are Jewish, which I admire and wonder about, yet which also makes me uncomfortable because in my mind I don’t fit in.

If someone were to ask me this question a year ago in the U.S., my answer would be some long-winded explanation of how my father is Israeli, so technically I am half Jewish, but I grew up in a religionless household in Los Gatos (Silicon Valley) and I most closely identify with atheism -- Does that make me Jewish?? This answer is characterized by giving a lot of information without actually committing to a conclusion…and answering a question with another question (clue #1 that I might be Jewish). Vagueness and indecision about self identity is the standard in Silicon Valley, so this answer was perfectly acceptable there and did not require the discomfort of digging deep within my soul.

Since I arrived in Israel, I began to realize that my answers to such heavy questions depend almost equally on two things: my own perceptions of myself and also the societal norms of the place in which I am being asked. Ideas about our personal identity often include information pertaining to the social constructs of the societies we live in. Because of the multitude of cultures, religions, sexual orientations, etc. in Silicon Valley, questioning one’s identity has become somewhat of a norm and is even celebrated. In Israel, though, people seem to know where they stand, at least on the subject of religion. Whether Jewish, Muslim, Christian or ‘Other,’ knowing one’s religious identity seems more important here. It’s a Jewish state, after all.

My vague, non-committal answer doesn’t make as much sense in Israel as it did in Silicon Valley. It looks like I’m going to have to do some soul digging. In a way, I guess that is part of the reason I came to Israel, this place that makes up one half of my origins but which I know very little about. I’m happy that the Tikkun Olam program includes an element of Jewish studies because another thing I’d like to develop during my time here is my relationship (or lack of) with spirituality. My aforementioned claim to relate most closely to atheism is the stock answer I’ve been giving people since high school, but recently I have been learning how to meditate and feel a deeper connection to the world around me -- it’s too early to tell where this notion will take me, but I am open to finding out. The BINA folks tell us wisely, “Don’t expect to find answers during Tikkun Olam, just more questions!” Maybe instead of seeking the answer, I will just learn to be more comfortable with not knowing it. I can always adopt the Israeli answer to everything: ‘It’s complicated!’

Jasmine Granas is 26 years old, grew up in Los Gatos and currently lives in Tel Aviv. She is participating in a 5-10 month volunteer + study program called Tikkun Olam, a program by the BINA center for pluralistic Judaism and social action in Israel. More: http://www.bina.org.il/en/programs/ international/entikkunolam Jasmine is happy to be contacted with questions about Tikkun Olam or anything else, at jasmine.granas@gmail.

l cal news Summer Torah Club begins in June Normally running in August, Summer Torah Club, one of San Jose’s best kept secrets, will begin its day camp on Monday, June 23, and run for three weeks. This year the children will focus on “Nature” as they participate in the many exciting and varied activities and trips. A tour at Emma Prusch Farm Park, a hike and play at the Rancho San Antonio County Park and nature-based crafts are part of the fun-filled summer.

S.T.C. is open for Jewish girls ages 5-12 and boys ages 5-8.

Children enrolled by March 23 will receive a 10% discount on tuition. For more information call Rivkah Vogel at (408) 4451770.

Adapting to life after 50

By Trista Bernstein The PEW study showed that the American Jewish community is aging faster than the community as a whole, with a strong representation in those over 50. As a staggering number of individuals in our community face life after 50, the question of ‘What Next?’ seems ever present.

Marc Freedman is the founder and CEO of ENCORE, a nonprofit organization working to promote encore careers –those that combine personal meaning, continued income and social impact in the second half of life. Mr. Freedman explains, “Midlife can be an intensely unsettling and confusing time, laden with paradox. I call it the oxymoronic years. We’re the young-old, the working retired, the walking dead! And as we approach these so-called ‘bonus years,’ with more health and vitality than earlier generations, we are also keenly aware that time is running out.”

ENCORE provides comprehensive information to assist those transitioning to jobs in the nonprofit and public sectors. In the South Bay there is a plethora of nonprofit organizations.

“So what do to with this gift of time,” Freedman asks. “In Judaism there is a long tradition of elders (not just rabbis, but others in the community) contributing to the community in ways that tap their wisdom and life experience. All of this aligns perfectly with the growing movement around encore careers --later in life work focused on making the world better than we found it.” In Silicon Valley there are many Jewish organizations in need of volunteers to further their missions. The opportunity for engagement extends to lectures, classes, and fitness.

Mr. Freedman will join the Caring Committee at Congregation Shir Hadash on Friday, March 28 to discuss ways to flourish in the second half of life.

For more information contact Congregation Shir Hadash at (408) 358-1751.

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CONGREGATION SINAI PRESENTS

MEGILLAH READING

PURIM 2014 Saturday, March 15 at 7:56 pm

Hear the megillah • Live music • Come in costume • Free

CARNIVAL

Sunday, March 16 from 11 am to 2 pm • Carnival begins at 11:30 am • Persian BBQ Lunch and Hot Dogs for sale

Congregation Sinai 1532 Willowbrae Avenue San Jose, CA 95125

Favorites: Crafts * Games * Activities * Food * Entertainment Special Adult Seminar: Mysteries of the Megillah New: Toddlers & Crawlers Area FREE to attend - RSVP at Beth-David.org/RSVP

Sunday, April 6th 9:30 - 12:30

All ages can explore the why to the many Passover questions through do-it-yourself activities. Includes Crypto-Seder for tweens; teen and adult learning sessions; family activities for tots; and Torah Quest for school age kids.

FREE to attend - RSVP at Beth-David.org/RSVP

Come Discuss The Jewish Revolts Against the Romans

Holocaust Museum

April 21st through April 29th Open During Shul Hours

No RSVP required. Open to the entire community

Carnival games & booths

Sunday, March 16th 10:30 – 2:00

Sunday, March 9th 10:30 – 12:30 Dr. Jonathan Roth, a Professor in the History Department at San Jose State University discusses Jewish insurgency and Roman counterinsurgency, focusing on military aspects of revolts.

• Game tickets and wristbands available for purchase

Puppet show & costume parade at 11 am

Carnival

ALL

ARE WEL COM (408) 264 - 8542 office@sinai-sj.org www.sinai-sj.org

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A wide array of books, posters, videos, and art are woven into the exhibit, including a reading corner of books for young children .

Congregation Beth David

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

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Hillel is “Leading the Way” at Pillars 2014

By Eleanor Weber Dickman

l cal news

On Sunday, March 23, at 11 a.m., doors will open for the tenth annual Pillars of the Community Event at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View. This year’s theme, “Leading the Way,” pays tribute to the many ways in which Hillel students, supporters and community volunteers are ensuring a strong Jewish future.

“This is a special Pillars of the Community,” says Sarita Bronstein, executive director of Hillel of Silicon Valley (HSV). “We are celebrating the tenth year anniversary! The event has evolved from its humble beginnings into the major fund-raising event for Hillel. Through the generous support from our volunteers and supporters, along with financial commitments made by our Pillars corporate sponsors The Arcadia Companies, Loring-Ward, and WerbaRubin Wealth Management, we are able to support students and programs that enrich us all.”

In an exciting and engaging program, the Pillars event will recognize the outstanding contributions made by community and student leaders. “We heard from our guests last year that the program was too long, so we’ve found ways to shorten the program without losing the meaning and essence that make Pillars so special,” says Jackie Klein, the Pillars event chair. A unique, new element at the event will be a networking area to match students seeking job/internship opportunities with members of the community looking to hire. The silent and live auctions will still entertain and inspire donors, there will be plenty of schmooze time for all who attend, and guests will enjoy a tasty buffet luncheon while savoring the recognition and honors given to community and student leaders.

HSV is especially delighted to honor long-time board leader and outstanding philanthropic supporter, Alan Werba, with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Says Alan, “Our college students represent the future for our society, our community and for Judaism. So there is no organization better positioned to perpetuate and enhance Jewish culture in Silicon Valley than Hillel of Silicon Valley.” With characteristic thoughtfulness, Alan includes members of the local Jewish community as deserving recognition for “not only being generous with their dollars, but also for supporting students through the Shabbat dinner program, by hosting students on Jewish holidays and by supporting a wide variety of educational programs, including the mentorship program for students.” Acknowledging his appreciation for members of the community who have supported Hillel for many years, Alan notes, “We have watched Hillel grow from an organization struggling to keep its doors open into an organization that is admired by many other non-profit organizations. This amazing transformation was possible only as a team effort – and we have been very fortunate to have so many talented and philanthropic people on the team.”

Student honorees are Allison Abrams, a junior at San José State University majoring in recreational therapy, and Scott Friedman, also a junior at San Jose State University. “Allison is a magician and circus acrobat, as well as a dear family friend,” says Hillel Board President Andrew Katcher. “She has demonstrated her magic and passion for Judaism by leading Shabbat services and Jewish celebrations, both at the Hillel house and on campus. Scott Friedman is the student leader for Spartans for Israel, the only pro-Israel Club at SJSU. He is also on the board of his Jewish fraternity [AEPi]. Scott’s passion for Israel is contagious and he has been a leader in bringing Israel education to SJSU and to student life at Hillel house.

Allison’s and Scott’s leadership talents have been exciting and important contributions for Hillel and our community.”

Also being honored for their dedication to Hillel are community leaders Arye Green, for his outstanding contributions to the Hillel house; Barbara Illowsky, professor of mathematics and statistics at De Anza College and past president of Hillel, for her passion and inspiration in connecting students with the community; and Stanford Professor of Computer Science Jeffrey Ullman and his wife, attorney Holly Ullman for their outstanding contributions to Israel programing.

Sarita Bronstein concludes, “Even after 10 years, the essence of Pillars remains the same: students and members of the community come together.” She is proud of the ways in which HSV works to inspire every student to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning and Israel. “Hillel plays a crucial role in molding future generations of Jews. Hillel, students and the community are the pillars; they lead the way to ensuring a strong Jewish future.”

Beyond oneself

By Amanda Glincher It is a rarity in life to come in contact with humans who see the world beyond their scope of life, but after mere minutes with teen Izzy Ulmann I knew I was fortunate to have sat down with such an individual.

Izzy is a senior at Notre Dame High School, a Yavneh Day School alumni and a caring, considerate human being.

Throughout life we are touched by issues that seem so far removed from our own lives that it is often hard to understand them, much less feel the impact of their weight on the world.

My conversation with Izzy began because of her passion and involvement in educating the community on human trafficking.

Izzy has taught classes at Notre Dame, created forums for students and adults and runs a blog on this issue, http://tostopthetraffick. wordpress.com/. It is clear that Izzy will continue to educate the world and she is fortunate to have the educational background and community support to make all of her endeavors possible.

The City of San Jose features a monthly First Friday Art Walk. One of Izzy’s many efforts to educate and inspire our local community to take action against human trafficking, was her creation of an exhibit for this event. Izzy’s exhibit featured art and a special room, meant to portray a brothel.

The reactions of the patrons were strong and emotional.

As Izzy continues her own education on the world, she is sure to be an inspiration and platform from which the rest of us can learn.

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PICTURE

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J E W E L E R S

heartsonfire.com

EUROPEAN GOLDSMITH

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l cal news

Centerpieces for Tzedakah: a win-win for local families

By Mindy Berkowitz

the Torah portion, Bereshit.”

So often we hear about hunger abroad, but we sometimes forget that locally in our own Jewish community not all people have enough to meet the needs of their own families. Jewish Family Services addresses local food insecurity through its Project N.O.A.H. Food Assistance Program.

David Baird, father of twins Anat and Daniella adds, “We wanted to have centerpieces at our daughters’ b’not mitzvah and we felt it was a way to demonstrate our concern and interest in supporting tzedakah in the community.”

In December 2012, JFS Executive Director Mindy Berkowitz asked Pam Hoffman if she might be interested in joining a new project of renting out food centerpieces called Centerpieces for Tzedakah (“C4T”). Pam’s response: “I’ll chair it!” Pam explains, “I loved the idea of turning monies that would normally go to something that would be thrown out, into fundraising monies used to give back to the community and people in need.”

Pam recruited her dear friend Debbie Friedman to cochair the project.

Debbie loved it, too.

“I thought it was a clever idea to raise money for the food program to help feed 1,300 people,” she says. “I work with foster children and see poverty first hand. It’s devastating. If I could do something to make their lives better, why not?”

In the beginning

Cheryl Weissbart, mom of bar mitzvah Evan says, “Honestly it was Evan’s choice. He saw it and it was something he wanted to do.”

Crystal Ouzillou says, “I made that choice because I love the fact that 100% of the proceeds go to feed hungry people in the community. Flowers would’ve gone to the compost pile,” she says. Her son Jacob thoughtfully adds, “It was really cool. Not everyone is lucky to have food on their table – or enough.

The boxes in the centerpieces represented the empty tables in our community. We’re replacing empty boxes with full boxes.”

Creativity with design

Debbie and Pam among the C4T baskets

The program began in earnest in September 2013, focusing its first year on bar and bat mitzvah families. Since then, there have been 8 “simchas” (i.e. celebrations) scheduled. The parents of b’nai mitzvah kids have loved the program. The Ram family was the first C4T customer. As Judie Ram tells it: “The minute we found out about Centerpieces for Tzedakah, we realized it was a win-win. It made a whole lot of sense. We realized it was a nice and easy way to support food assistance in the Jewish community so we jumped at the chance. Our son Jacob was definitely part of the decision. He was excited because he would now have three different charity projects, and it tied in with his speech for

Pam appreciates “how fun the project is in using our creativity with color and design to make a product that looks beautiful”.

She continues, “Traditionally, centerpieces were decorations and that’s all they were for.

Centerpieces for Tzedakah decorates and gives to people in need.” The b’nai mitzvah families agree.

Judie says, “The baskets were so beautiful. They were stunning!

It looked like decoration but it was obviously different and unique. These were so beautifully put together and so inviting. I could tell it was a labor of love.”

Cheryl thought “they were fabulous. They fit in with our décor really well, and everyone asked about them.”

Crystal appreciated that “they matched our colors.”

Spreading the word When asked what the participants would tell prospective customers, everyone had something to say. Co-chair Hoffman says, “Leave the planning to us! We make it easy for you to have a beautiful centerpiece at your simcha.

We’ll work with your caterer and make sure they look pretty. It’s one less thing you have to think about. You’ll have compliments from your guests and raise awareness that Jewish Family Services provides food to over 1,300 local people.” continued on page 19

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Assistant Executive Director Vlada Gelfond to retire from JFS SV

By Michelle Gabriel Vlada Gelfond, assistant executive director of Jewish Family Services, will be retiring in April after 24 years of service. Hired in 1990 as director of the acculturation program, Gelfond participated in the expansion of JFS émigré programs and outreach services for Jewish Russian émigrés arriving almost daily from the Former Soviet Union. “We wanted to provide social and cultural activities and ongoing individual support for newly arriving émigrés so they would be able to enjoy life here,” she says.

“Vlada took a personal interest in all aspects of her clients, developing close relationships with many of them,” says Avital Agam, JFS SV senior services social worker. “Vlada’s soul is there in everything she does.”

Gelfond’s 24-year career saw the agency grow from providing resettlement, senior assistance and counseling services to a bigger, more widespread organization addressing myriad community needs.

“There was a huge collaboration with local Jewish organizations, including the JCC, Federation, day schools and synagogues,” she says.

Gelfond was an integral part of it all, developing programs for staff training, team building, counseling, case management and support groups. “It was our vision to integrate emergency and crisis-care management in an effort to respond to the immediate needs of the community,” says Gelfond. “The result was Project N.O.A.H. (No One Abandoned Here) which continues to provide emergency safety-net assistance to vulnerable families, adults, and seniors.”

Gelfond believed it was important for the agency to see and identify the need for a service or a solution to a problem before it was too late. “We always tried to be a few steps ahead.”

l cal news JFS’s “Small Plates Celebrates” with bites, sips, entertainment, and auction Indulge your inner foodie and do good at the same time!

Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley (JFS SV) will hold its annual fundraiser, “Small Plates Celebrates,” on Sunday, April 6, 4-7 p.m. The event will be in the JCC Auditorium at the Levy Family Campus in Los Gatos.

“You’ll enjoy delicious food, live music, and some surprises,” said Elaine Blais, the event co-chair.

Sample gourmet food and wine from top local restaurants and wineries. Tap your toes as the Retro Dome’s Sisters of Swing! cast serenades you with Andrews Sisters harmonies. Bid on auction items like gift baskets, vacation packages, catered parties, and more.

“And prepare to be entertained,” Blais said. “The master of ceremonies this year is Sal Pizarro, San Jose Mercury News columnist.”

Event proceeds support Jewish Family Services’ Project N.O.A.H. (No One Abandoned Here), which provides food and other safety-net services for families and seniors in need. In 2014, Project N.O.A.H. expects to feed over 1,300 people in this community.

Agam describes Vlada as being the “professional compass for us at JFS,” adding that “she has the highest professional level of knowledge and integrity.”

Honorees: Guggenheims and Vlada Gelfond The annual JFS SV fundraiser honors community leaders.

This year, one set of honorees is Scott, Shannon, and Stephen Guggenheim, founders of The Retro Dome performing arts center. “The Guggenheims and the Retro Dome are strong Jewish community supporters,” said Mindy Berkowitz, executive director of JFS SV. “They’ve donated their time and talent to JFS events from the Silicon Valley Duck Race to Small Plates—and they always bring the fun!”

As Gelfond steps down as assistant executive director at JFS SV, what’s next? “I plan to spend time with my family, perhaps travel and enjoy different aspects of life, and volunteer,” she says. She will also continue to write, edit and oversee all copy for the Russian Newsletter she and Natalia Pogrebinsky started twenty years ago and which is still going strong in the Russian-speaking community.

The other honoree is Vlada Gelfond, retiring assistant executive director of JFS SV. “Vlada has been a true visionary in her 23 years with JFS, and leaves a wonderful legacy. She changed the face of JFS by creating programs that our community needs,” Berkowitz said.

Gelfond credits JFS staff for making the agency what it is now.

“Without the strong, wonderful and dedicated JFS staff, we wouldn’t be in the place we are today.” Also acknowledging the many individuals served by the agency, she offers admiration and respect for “people who wanted to look deeper at themselves, who were capable of asking for help in order to make positive changes in their lives. My respect and appreciation for the families that we served is endless.”

To order tickets ($136 each): visit www.tinyURL.com/ smallplates2014; email smallplates@jfssv.org; or call (408) 556-0600. To be listed as an event sponsor or donate goods and services for the auction, please contact sponsors@jfssv.org.

Executive Director of JFS SV Mindy Berkowitz calls Vlada “a visionary leader, with the ability to remember the past and anticipate the future.”

“She will be missed,” says Agam. “It will be hard to fill her shoes.

She has small feet, but she is a giant!”

“It’ll be a fun night to remember,” said Karen Guggenheim, event co-chair. “Don’t miss it if you like food, wine, music, auctions, or just getting to spend time with your friends. And you’ll be raising money for Project N.O.A.H. at the same time!”

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Temple Emanu-El

Over 150 Years of Tradition and Innovation!

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

Passover Second Night Seder Tuesday, April 15 at 6:00 PM

We invite you to celebrate Passover with us as a community. Visit our website or call the office for more information and to make your reservation.

Camp Shalom

2014 | All Ages | All Summer APJCC Summer Camp is now Camp Shalom!

Join us for a summer of day camp fun--swimming, sports, arts and crafts, science and nature, Jewish programming, field trips and more. Or choose one of our specialty programs in circus arts, cooking, dance, LEGO®, musical theater, soccer, tennis, or travel.

14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032 408.357.7416 | camp@svjcc.org

www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/camp

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The Israeli Kids Connections at Shir Hadash

l cal news

By Trista Bernstein During their three-year relationship with their contemporaries at the Hofim School in Israel, the fifth-grade students at Shir Hadash have learned that despite some differences in their local situations, they have a lot in common with each other. For example, they all love sports, music, and pets. “When we got letters back from our pen pals, I picked one out, and it turns out that she and I have a LOT in common. We did a chart of similarities and differences and mine was almost all the same! I’m going to write to her again,” a fifth-grade girl explains.

This student-to-student cross-cultural exchange began three years ago through a project of the Israeli Movement for Progressive Judaism. Since becoming a Yachdav partner, the relationship between Shir Hadash and the Hofim School has blossomed. “The partnership project has been one of the most engaging things my daughter has done in religious school. It has captured her imagination in a way that a lot of activities haven’t been able to.”

Under the direction of Yachdav coordinator Maayan Glaser-Koren, the students exchange letters and artifacts and study shared lesson plans. The highlight of the year is the Spring video-conference.

The California students arrive here early in the morning, and the Israeli kids stay late after school to find a time they can all get together. The students wave into the camera, talk about their pets and hobbies, sing songs and recite poetry to each other, and enjoy getting to know each other. One of the sixth-grade boys said of the experience, “The video conference last year was awesome. We got dressed up and came early. We all said our names, and I also got to do the introduction to the program. Some of the parents stayed, too. My dad travels to Israel for work and even so, he said he learned new things.”

The Hofim School is located on Kibbutz Yad Mordechai in the rural community of Hof Ashkelon and adjacent to the Silicon Valley Federation sister city of Kiryat Malachi. Kiryat Malachi is an immigrant town of 23,000 people. More than 25% of the town’s population is Ethiopian. Parts of the Hof Ashkelon rural district are quite close to the Gaza Strip and have been targets of mortars, missiles and even land attacks.

In November 2012, when the Ashkelon coast was under fire during Operation Pillar of Defense, Shir Hadash students recorded a video of support for their friends at the Hofim School, which was then highlighted by the Jewish Agency. The students’ collaborations are frequently featured on the central Yachdav facebook page and shared with other educators in the partnership program.

Visit www.templesanjose.org or call (408) 292‐0939 for more informa�on and to purchase �ckets.

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

THE TIME IS NOW.

Gun Violence Prevention PROTECT OUR CHILDREN AND OUR COMMUNITIES

Come learn how gun violence is a public health issue.

SPEAKERS: MINDY FINKELSTEIN, survivor of the shooting at the JCC in Granada Hills, CA in 1999 SHIKHA HAMILTON, attorney and California campaign

SUNDAY, MARCH 23

2:00 - 3:30 pm Cong. Shir Hadash 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos

manager for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence

AARON NAYFACK, MD, MPH, Developmental Behavior

Pediatrician at SC Valley Medical Center

FILM: LIVING FOR 32 is an inspirational story about a survivor

of the Virginia Tech massacre and his optimism and personal crusade to address the issue of gun safety in our nation.

This fall, a delegation of adults from Shir Hadash visited the Hofim School and presented a recycled-art mobile from the fifth-grade class. The Hofim students welcomed the Shir Hadash visitors with a special assembly and performance.”

The adults at Shir Hadash are also intensely interested in learning more about what is happening in Israel and in getting a perspective from outside the media. On Sunday, March 23, Israeli Consul General Andy David will be speaking on “Israeli PR: Myths and Realities.” The program is open to the community and will take place at Shir Hadash at 9:30 a.m. in the Oneg room.

Refreshments and Advocacy information will follow the program.

INFO AND RSVP: diane@jvalley.org, (408) 357-7504. RSVP for babysitting to Nadine@shirhadash.org

www.jvalley.org

Community Relations Council

Shir Hadash Organizing Committee (SHOC)

13

l cal news Help JFS SV this Spring through volunteering

By Lori CInnamon Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley needs volunteers to assist with our Passover program. Your generous time and helping hands help make the celebration of Passover possible for families and seniors in need. Your help to make this happen again is needed. Whether you can give one hour or twenty, your donation of time and caring will make a difference. Here are the areas where that help is needed: Make food drive collection bins Now through March 15. Help get food distribution bins decorated and ready.

Deliver food donation bins Deliver food donation bins to area temples and day schools and pick up when drive is over. Food drive begins Wednesday, March 19 and ends on Monday, April 7.

Office assistance Late February and March. Help with mailings in March.

Friday, February 28 mailing date is one firm date.

Food drive sorters Late March and early April. Adults and teens to help sort food from the food drive.

Food packing Thursday, March 20 to Tuesday, March 25 (times to be arranged). Adults and teens to pack food packages for seniors.

Delivering food packages Friday, March 21 until Friday, March 28 (times to be arranged). Deliver Passover food packages to local seniors.

Deliver Passover bags to nursing homes Sunday, March 23 until early April (times to be arranged).

Deliver small Passover holiday bags to seniors in facilities and nursing homes.

Help at the Small Plates Fundraiser Sunday, April 6. Help set up, volunteering during the event and clean up. Shifts available from 10 a.m. through 8 p.m. Great activity for teens over 16 and young adults.

If you would like to join the team of volunteers please email Lori Cinnamon at loric@jfssv.org or call (408) 3577467 with your availability and interest.

Local attorney receives “Victor Beauzay Life-Time Service Award”

By Amanda Glincher Local attorney and past-president of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley Brett Borah received the Victor Beauzay Life-Time Service Award this December. Borah is a valued member of our Jewish community, a partner at Borah & Shaffer and only the sixth attorney to ever receive this award.

The Beauzay award was created in honor of Victor Beauzay the third president of the California Applicant Attorney’s Association (CAAA), founded in 1966. Mr. Beauzay was a mentor to workers compensation attorneys. When the Santa Clara County chapter of CAAA was founded, there were only two chapters. Brett Borah was the founding president of the Santa Clara County Chapter. In the early 1990s, the Beauzay Award was established and first awarded to its namesake.

An award that is peer-awarded and not given every year but only when it is truly deserved is an honor not to be taken lightly. Borah has dedicated his career to representing injured workers in Santa Clara County.

Prior to his career as an attorney, Borah taught elementary school.

When he began practicing in 1980, he was proud to follow in his father’s footsteps as an attorney.

Director of Social Services Position Opening Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley (JFS SV) is seeking a Full-Time Director of Social Services to manage agency programs for a diverse group of clientele that includes families, seniors, émigrés, Holocaust survivors, volunteers, and others. We are seeking a visionary team player and multi-tasker who enjoys supervising staff, and who can build and sustain strong programs.

You will manage and oversee programs and services for adults, families, and seniors.

Your job responsibilities assuring effective client services, carrying a small caseload, supervising departmental staff, assuring grant and contract compliance, and promoting JFS SV throughout the community.

You must be outgoing, friendly, positive, and highly organized. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office are required.

Salary is commensurate with experience.

Requirements: -Master Degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work -Three years post graduate work (including supervision of staff and direct counseling/ case management work with clients) in a non-profit agency.

-Understanding of Jewish community, religion and the unique issues Jews face -Ability to work well with others in community including volunteers, clergy, educators, JCC, Federation and other professionals Résumés to: mindyb@jfssv.org Our Mission: Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley empowers individuals and families facing life’s challenges by providing quality human services inspired by Jewish values.

Our Vision: Jewish Family Services will ensure that children, adults, and families in our community have access to affordable and meaningful professional services. Everyone will be treated with dignity and respect. JFS will provide a broad range of social services to help people thrive.

14

www.jvalley.org

OF

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS SPRING AT THE APJCC?

14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032 www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/JPlace CJLL@svjcc.org | 408.357.7411

The JCC’s Theatre Chevruta Presents a Staged Reading of God of Vengeance

Two Religions, One Family, A Million Questions: A Panel Discussion at Temple Emanu-El

By Donald Margulies. an English-language adaptation of the iconic Yiddish play by Sholem Asch. Appropriate for ages 13 and up, parental discretion advised.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19TH 7:00PM $5 JCC members, $7 non-members

SATURDAY, MARCH 8TH | 8:00PM SUNDAY, MARCH 9TH | 2:00PM

$10 JCC members, $8 students and seniors, $15 general admission

As interfaith marriage becomes more and more common, the Jewish community as a whole has been faced with some tough questions. Join us for an extremely interesting and timely panel discussion on this sensitive subject. Panel will include the authors of Being Both and Mixed-Up Love as well as Rabbis from our local Jewish community.

Film Screening and Discussion: Making Light in Terezin by Richard Krevolin

Renowned Journalist Harry Rosenfeld

SATURDAY, APRIL 19TH 7:00PM $5 JCC members, $7 non-members

THURSDAY, MAY 22ND 7:00PM $5 JCC members, $7 non-members

If you have ever been touched, or had your life changed, by a song, film, book or performance, you inherently understand the transformative power of the arts. In Making Light in Terezin, a new film and book, Richard Krevolin reveals the true story of how, in WWII’s darkest days, prisoners in the Terezin ghetto (outside of Prague) maintained their humanity, made light, and found a mechanism for survival through theater, song, dance and laughter.

How does one boy from a Polish family of furriers and tailors become an editor at two of the greatest American newspapers in the twentieth century and a key figure in overseeing the breaking of the Watergate scandal?

Hear Harry Rosenfeld speak about his life and his role in the media coverage of the Watergate scandal.

APJCCCENTERFOR

JEWISHLIFE ANDLEARNING www.jvalley.org

15

l cal news The Learning Journey: an introduction to thoughtful educational development

By Eleanor Weber Dickman

volunteers.

Every weekday morning during the school year, the driveway in front of the school building on the Levy Family Campus is crowded with red safety cones, purposeful parents, eager toddlers with lunch sacks and happy faces ― everyone looking forward to another exciting and productive morning of learning, sharing, and growing with peers. This is the start of another school day at the JCC Early Childhood Education program, a preschool that has served young children for over 20 years.

“Grandpals Shabbat,” is an award-winning program in which Pre-K children have the opportunity to form ongoing relationships with senior adults in the community. This includes interactive projects and a shared Kabbalat Shabbat experience. “Project Cornerstone” has been adapted from a YMCA program that fosters the joy of learning through reading. Books chosen often include those offered through the PJ Library Program (sponsored in our community through the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley), creating another sense of collaboration on behalf of all our children.

From 18-month-old toddlers to 5-year-old preschoolers, children who attend the APJCC Preschool encounter “a quality developmental preschool program,” engaging teachers and parents in “developing the skills, values, and attitudes that help children grow to their fullest potential.” The school welcomes families from all backgrounds and promises “a sense of community, based on respect for others,” cultivating a connection to Jewish values and tradition and welcoming families from all backgrounds.

Long-time Preschool Director Cyndi Sherman praises the school’s teachers and staff for the school’s success, noting that “our teachers and staff really care about each child and take seriously the trust that parents have placed in us.” She is proud of the fact that her staff is “eager to learn, to stay current, and to embrace new and innovative programs.”

Just as their students do, the Preschool teachers are also continually learning. Models of excellence in preschool education came from the research of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), as well as the teachers’ own classroom experiences. “We know,” says Cyndi, “that children learn best through play and hands-on experiences in an environment that is based on respectful relationships.”

The Preschool faculty is characterized by stability and dedication. Most of the teachers have been with the school for more than five years, with some 20-year veterans on staff. Teachers participate enthusiastically in strengthening the school’s educational experiences. It was a committee of interested teachers who helped craft the school’s “developmental philosophy statement,” which states: “The APJCC Preschool is a developmental program with a play-based curriculum. We believe that play is the work of children. Through play, children explore the world and form connections and relationships between people and objects in their environment.

These connections and relationships are the basis of more formal education and learning in the future.”

An Early Childhood Education Committee has been established which includes chairs of the school’s subcommittees, room parents, and other interested parent volunteers as a way, Cyndi says, “of getting feedback and help with various projects.”

For many Jewish families, the Preschool is often “that safe place to step back in” to exploring their own Jewish identity, their level of observance, and their connection to Jewish community.”

Equally important, Cyndi believes, is the fact that the school has created “a safe, welcoming, learning and caring community for our families, both Jewish and non-Jewish.”

Between 30%-40% of the children attending the APJCC Preschool are not Jewish, but all families participate in helping out in the classrooms. Cyndi praises these parents who are “active on committees, act as room parents and volunteer for helping out in the classrooms. For some, the first time they are challah helper (helping the class bake challah) is the first time they are exposed to concepts of Shabbat. Many seem interested in the holidays and we provide information on an adult level for them.

All support their children learning the Jewish values taught in our preschool.” Whether families are Jewish or not, Cyndi is delighted that they “have a deeper appreciation of the traditions and values that their children are learning while they are here.”

Cyndi is proud of the “feeling of community that embraces the whole school.”

Being one of the organizations that is housed at the Levy Family Campus is a special joy for Cyndi, who delights in “the connection our families and teachers make to the broader community. There is always so much going on here that our families can feel a part of. There are resources when there are issues and support when needed. This campus is a great example to the children of expanding circles of community—their classroom, the preschool, the whole JCC, and the campus with its other agencies. It helps them understand that there is a wide community of people supporting them.”

Cyndi is proud that teachers and parents are, together, The goal of the APJCC Preschool, says Cyndi, is “to provide a “dedicated to providing an engaging and stimulating handssafe, nurturing and stimulating environment for all our preschool on experience for the children of the APJCC Preschool. In all children while recognizing and appreciating their individuality.” activities, we emphasize the process of discovery.” Parent participation is welcomed. Parents can help in their child’s class, Parents interested in learning more about the preschool are drive students on a field trip, help with projects, and planning encouraged to contact Cyndi at (408) 357-7417. school-wide activities. There are ongoing parent/volunteer-led programs, chaired by parents and run by a committee of parent 16 www.jvalley.org

pass ver recipe

Yavneh announces STEM initiative

Passover Granola Bars

By Joy Null

By Shoshana Ohriner

There are big changes ahead for Yavneh Day School. The school has just announced a new Science and Technology Initiative which will significantly expand the current curriculum and create a new science and technology laboratory. The goal of the initiative is to build upon Yavneh’s challenging science curriculum and foster in students a lifelong appreciation for curiosity, exploration and discovery.

It still seems like a long way off but Passover will be here before we know it.

One of the challenges on Passover is coming up with good portable snacks. Sure, there are always nuts, fruit, and string cheese to bring in our bags as we go through the day, but by the end of the week-long holiday the kids (and let’s face it, the grownups, too) get pretty tired of those and want something different. These granola bars are the perfect solution. They are easy to pack in a bag as a portable snack, but they are also great to have around the house for whenever people get hungry. I don’t tend to make things like granola bars during the year, and I certainly never buy them, so these feel like a huge treat to all of us.

I try to make things on Pesach that feel like a treat to help keep everyone from getting frustrated with their food options and these are always a big success. While there are plenty of packaged Pesach snacks available the beauty of making your own is that you can customize them however you like. I added chocolate chips to these, which of course adds to their appeal, but any combination of nuts and dried fruits are great. The granola bars can even be made gluten-free!

Over the next 18 months, Yavneh will implement the Science and Technology Initiative with an innovative curriculum from pre-K through eighth grade in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Learning will be collaborative and experiential and students will gain proficiency in problem-solving skills, employ creative approaches to real-world challenges and become confident, critical thinkers. Highlights of the initiative include: • Creation of a state-of-theart science and technology laboratory to support the expanded STEM curriculum; • Investment in our educators with supplemental training; • Expansion of partnerships and collaboration with Silicon Valley tech companies, businesses, and museums to provide innovative programs, instructional opportunities and access to the latest technologies for both educators and students.

Yavneh Day School recognizes the importance of being at the forefront of science and technology education.

With this new initiative, we will build an amazing program for our students and leave a lasting legacy for our community. If you would like more information about this initiative or about Yavneh Day School, please contact (408) 984-6700 or visit www.yavnehdayschool.org.

Passover Granola Bars Ingredients 1 cup (120 g) matzah farfel* 1/2 cup (60g) matzah cake meal* 1 cup (120 g) slivered almonds 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup (120 g) dried cranberries 2/3 cup (120 g) chocolate chips 1/4 cup (56 g) unrefined coconut oil 6 tablespoons (84 g) brown sugar 1/4 cup (64 g) coconut butter (see below for recipe) [*to make these gluten-free and nongebrotz, substitute coarsely chopped gluten-free matzah style squares for the farfel and gluten-free cake meal for the matzah meal.]

Preparation Preheat the oven to 350. Grease an 8 x 8 baking pan and line it with parchment paper, overhanging two inches on each side.

Place the first seven ingredients (the

matzah farfel through the chocolate chips) in a large bowl and mix well. Combine the rest of the ingredients in a microwavesafe bowl and heat until the sugar is melted.

Whisk well to combine.

Pour the liquid ingredients over the farfel mixture and stir until well combined. (It may help to finish the stirring with your hands). Transfer the mixture to the baking pan and press it into an even layer. Using the back of a measuring cup press down firmly on the mixture to ensure it is well packed in the pan.

Bake the granola bars for 20-25 minutes or until they are beginning to darken. Remove from the oven and cool completely before cutting.

Coconut Butter Makes one cup, which is substantially more than needed for this recipe. It is difficult to make smaller amounts effectively in most regular-sized food processors so store the excess in the refrigerator for other uses (such as these cookies, or simply spread it on matzah for a snack).

4 cups (128g) ground coconut (if using shredded coconut measure by weight; you will need slightly more than 4 cups).

Place the coconut in a food processor fit with a metal blade. Process, scraping down the sides every minute or so, until the mixture liquifies and takes on the texture of coconut butter. This will take several minutes and at first will look like it will never come together, but keep scraping down the sides and it will liquify.

Coconut butter can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Warm slightly to re-liquify it before measuring.

Rabbi Shoshana Ohriner is the creator and author of the popular blog Couldn’t Be Parve, specializing in naturally delicious dairy-free desserts. Her recipes have been published in a variety of publications and websites, including the Jewish Week and Kosher.com. Shoshana is the mother of two young boys, Ari and Eli, and married to Rabbi Philip Ohriner.

www.jvalley.org

17

Are you hoping to spiritually prepare for Passover?

Find the quiet, the holiness and the support in seeking renewal by immersing in the

mikvah

Call (408) 357-7444 or email Mikvah@JValley.org and our Mikvah guides will help you design an experience of immersion that will help you move into the High Holy Days with a refreshed soul.

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

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

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

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www.jvalley.org

l cal news

Centerpieces continued from page 10 Judie sees it as “a no-brainer. Go for it! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. It’s a write off, they’ll deliver it, and you can incorporate it into your simcha. It’s so easy and an easy way to supplement a bigger project your child may be doing.”

Cheryl chimed in, “Why not? Why get flowers that are going to die? Why get useless things that aren’t going to do anything for anybody? It’s a good lesson for the kids, too.”

David appreciated the convenience and purpose of it. “It’s very well handled,” he says. “You don’t have to worry about it. It’s convenient and you’re doing a mitzvah.”

Crystal “would definitely tell families, ‘absolutely do this.’ It felt really good to help feed the families that JFS is helping. Food is the most fundamental need families have.”

Other ways to get involved – for teens, too!

Co-chair Pam points out the need for more volunteers – and the fact that it’s not a huge commitment. “On occasion we need to plan more marketing and publicity, and decorate and transport baskets. The volunteer work is not constant. We have a fabulous core of people to oversee the work – and occasionally we need others to help as needed. It is such a satisfying volunteer job knowing that you’ll ultimately help an unfortunate family.”

Bar and bat mitzvah students can help out, too.

According to Pam, “We love incorporating this as a learning opportunity for b’nai mitzvah students. They can come and help with the centerpieces, and deliver food to needy families. They can learn where the need is and help provide for that need. They can do their own food drive and collect supermarket gift cards. They can also raise awareness about local food insecurity by speaking about it from the bimah.”

What’s next for C4T? Looking forward, the committee will continue to focus on b’nai mitzvah families – but is also branching out to other celebrations. In February, the San Jose Opera Guild and APJCC hosted an event – and Centerpieces for Tzedakah helped make it beautiful. Centerpieces for Tzedakah has graced the tables of the Jewish Federation’s Mah Jongg tournament, and will be featured at JFS’ Small Plates Celebrates later this month. Co-chair Debbie says that “we really continue to get the word out and let people know what it’s all about. We’re raising money to help feed individuals who are having hard times. There’s a big need for this. People need to be aware that JFS is making a difference for people who are struggling.”

For information on renting or volunteering for Centerpieces for Tzedakah, please contact Jewish Family Services at (408) 556-0600, email centerpieces@jfssv. org, or go to http://jfssv.org/donate. html#centerpieces.

Local catering company launches kosher cheese delivery program Beginning April 2 and continuing the first Wednesday of each month, the “Cheese Share Program” will provide subscribers with three kosher cheeses: one hard, one semi-soft and one sandwich cheese — all of them “high-end cheeses,” said Jonathan Mizrahi, 34, the owner of Milk & Honey.

“Stuff you can’t buy around here.”

At the outset, the cheeses will be available for pickup at four locations: the Milk & Honey shop in Foster City, Congregation Beth Sholom in San Francisco, the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center in Los Gatos and Oakland Kosher Foods.

Some 65 families have signed up for the minimum six-month commitment, but the goal is to hit 200 by the end of February, Mizrahi said.

For the past year or so, he has been scouring the world for the best kosher cheeses. Selections will come from Italy, France, Spain, Norway, Argentina, Australia and elsewhere. “We’re sourcing from 12 countries so far,” Mizrahi said, “and seeking approval on nine more.”

Sunrise Kosher, Northern California’s kosher certification agency, and the OU have approved the heckshers (kosher seals) “of all the suppliers we’re working with,” Mizrahi said. And for people who prefer even more stringent standards, Chalav Yisrael cheeses (overseen by a rabbi from udder to packaging) will be available every three months.

Milk & Honey’s kosher division, Manna Catering, will serve as a cutting facility, and all products will be vacuum-sealed for freshness.

Monthly menus through December have been drawn up, and they include Fenugreek Gouda, Manchego, Camerbert Royal, Roquefort and much, much more. All of them are a far cry from the droll, domestically produced cheeses, like cheddar and Swiss that one usually finds in West Coast kosher markets.

Milk & Honey’s Cheese Share Program $29-$35 per month for half-pound portions; $55-$64 for pound portions; Passover samplers available www.milkandhoneycatering.com; MilkandHoneyCateringllc on Facebook; @MilknHoneyCater on Twitter; milkandhoneycaterinfo@gmail.com; (650) 212-6455.

www.jvalley.org

19

SIMCHAS

By Andrea Cohen Greyber

BIRTHS Joshua Roza & Melissa Marfia-Roza and their daughter Mayah, 20 months, were excited to welcome Elis Gavriel on December 26. He weighed 7 pounds eleven ounces and was 20 inches long. The brit was officiated by Rabbi Moshe Trager and Rabbi Josh Berkenwald at Congregation Sinai on January 2. Elis was named in memory of his paternal grandfather Gerald Roza. His Uncle Samuel Roza held the baby. In attendance were his grandparents Jeanne & Gerry Foisy, greatgrandmothers Virginia Grewohl and Pinky Bloom.

CALLED TO THE TORAH Zachary Alan Naillon, son of Stephanie Berg Naillon & Gary Naillon celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in Jerusalem at Robinson Arch at the Western Wall on November 7. Accompanying him were his parents, sister Alexis, and grandparents Janet & David Berg, members of Temple Emanu-El. They journeyed to Israel to also visit with Stephanie’s brother, Joey, who made Aliyah with Shirat and their three children in August 2012. Stephen Guggenheim officiated at the ceremony which was witnessed by the Berg’s California friends, Jyl Jurman, Karen & Al Guggenheim, Gail & Dr. Ron Joseph, Pat & Alan Werba, Sheila & Art Braufman and Scott Jackson.

Zachary is a student at Yavneh Day School. He was a leader-intraining at the Oshman Jewish Community Center in Palo Alto last summer and he is donating a part of his Bar Mitzvah gifts to Paws for Purple Pets.

Please send announcements and photos to Andrea Greyber at andrea.greyber@gmail.com or phone her at (408) 377-6224.

Wedding and Bar/Bat Mitzvah Videography

408.206.6505

www.blue-moon-productions.com 408.

Local teen, Aaron Pluemer, elected international president of USY

By Alisa Israel Goldberg Aaron Pluemer, who was recently elected international president of United Synagogue Youth (USY), may be uniquely suited to his prestigious new role. He is passionate about Jewish life; he has demonstrated tremendous leadership skills; and his background is truly international.

Aaron is a competitive swimmer and a 17-year-old senior at Kehillah Jewish High School (KJHS) in Palo Alto, where he is a top student. KJHS’s Head of School Rabbi Darren Kleinberg characterizes him as a “force of positive energy and leadership,” and notes that Aaron’s “smile, demeanor, and sense of humor bring joy to the hallways and classrooms of our school.” Aaron attended South Peninsula Hebrew Day School through eighth grade.

He is currently the regional president of the New Frontier Region (Northern California and Reno) and has also served as the regional religion-education vice president and president of the USY chapter at Congregation Sinai, his synagogue in Willow Glen. Aaron is well known at the synagogue, where, according to Sinai’s Rabbi Josh Berkenwald, he serves as the USY representative to the board of directors, and is a regular Shabbat prayer leader, Torah and Haftarah chanter, and gabbai.

Aaron was elected to lead the 20,000-member youth organization of the Conservative movement at USY’s International Convention in New Orleans in December. He is only the second member of the New Frontier Region to be elected international president since the organization’s founding in 1950. At the convention, he and a delegation of 30 “New Fro” USYers joined the group of nearly 700 North American teens who spent their winter break at the event, where they celebrated, studied, met with prominent USY alumni, and worked on the continuing effort to rebuild New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

Lorri Lewis, youth and education vice president of the United Synagogue’s Northern Pacific Region, describes Aaron as “a Jewishly knowledgeable and committed young man. He is bright, thoughtful, warm, non-judgmental, caring, and friendly. He is the kind of teen who helps create the solutions for the future for his communities.”

One of the things that has helped Aaron to go so far has been his amazing family. His father, Andy, his mother, Joelle, and his older brother Adam have been models of involvement in the Jewish community. Aaron’s family is very close and has been behind him 100%. While Aaron is a Sunnyvale native, most of his large extended family claims its origins elsewhere, having come from France, Germany, Egypt, Israel, Italy, Brazil, and West Africa. Aaron has been raised in an atmosphere that has certainly encouraged hard work and accomplishment, but has also been filled with great warmth, compassion, charm, sophistication, fun, and a true celebration of life.

As the president of USY, Aaron works with an executive board whose members are from all over the U.S.

20

www.jvalley.org

Stimulate Your Mind and Enrich Your Soul Havdalah and Movie Night Liberty Heights (1999), the capstone of director Barry Levenson’s movie career. deals with Jewish identity in America in

the

1950’s.

Join

film

buffs

Steve

Jackson

and

Art

Scher

for

discussion

following

the

film.

Saturday,

March

1,

8-­9:30pm

A Taste of Jerusalem: Beyond Hummus and Pita Food

Writers,

Beth

Lee

and

Sarene

Wallace,

lead

this

exciting

demo

and

tasting!

Israeli

cuisine

is

in

the

news

these

day-­learn

about

the

ingredients

and

dishes

that

make

it

so

captivating

and

delicious.

Sunday,

March

9,

9:30-­11:30am

Israeli PR: Myths and Realities Dr.

Andy

David,

Israel

Consul

General

to

the

Pacific

Northwest

Learn

about

new

ways

to

look

at

Israel’s

PR

efforts

and

examine

the

research

that

was

used

to

assess

challenges,

opportunities

and

effective strategies.

Sunday,

March

23,

9:30-­11:30am Purim at Shir Hadash Join

us

for

a

weekend

of

fun!

5pm

–

Family

Service

for

children

under

8

and

their

families.

5:45pm

–

Persian

Dinner

7pm

–

Service

and

Megillah

reading

8pm

–

Grease,

The

Purim

Shpiel

Saturday

March

15,

2014

Now is the very best time to sell your home!

Why? Low Inventory!

Low Interest Rates!

Multiple Offer Opportunity!

Give Me a Call, and I Will Help You.

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

Sunday March 16, 2014, 11:00 am Preschool, 12 - 2 pm All – Purim Carnival For more information on services, programs and adult ed please

visit

shirhadash.org,

or

call

the

temple

office

at

354-­1751

VOTING RIGHTS 1964-2014 An African American–Jewish Collaboration for Black History Month You are invited to a screening of this Oscarwinning 1988 film based on the real life murder of Goodman, Schwerner and Chaney--Jewish and African American civil rights workers who were registering African American voters.

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 7-9 PM

at the African American Community Service Agency 304 N 6th St, San Jose Tickets: 1964 movie price of $1.25

RSVP/Info: www.sjaacsa.org diane@jvalley.org

Did You Know. . .

Community Relations Council

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

12988 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road

www.jvalley.org

VOTING RIGHTS

FREEDOM

SEDER

SUNDAY, APRIL 6

2:30-4:30PM AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY SERVICE AGENCY 304 N 6TH ST, SAN JOSE $10 general admission $5 students, children under 12 free Tickets: www.jvalley.org/JCRC or at the AACSA office.

Info: diane@jvalley.org, (408)357-7504

Join the African American Community Service Agency and the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley for a special service dedicated to voting rights 50 years ago, during the Freedom Summer of 1964, Blacks and Jews worked side by side to register voters.In 2014 we are called upon to rejoin forces to ensure that more young people register, and that access to the polls is enhanced. Speakers include Judge LaDoris Cordell and Rabbi Shelly Lewis. Rev. Michael-Ray Mathews and Rabbi Melanie Aron will lead the seder.

Dinner included.

Community Relations Council

www.jvalley.org

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l cal news Tikkun Olam has no limits

By Amanda Glincher Picture yourself in a wet climate, clinging to the edges of mountains as you struggle to make it through a days’ hike to your next location. You are tired, wet and have only enough food to allow your body to make it through. As you walk, you are aware that there are still weeks ahead of you and the people in the village ahead require your services if they are to live.

This situation is one in which few have been and even fewer would ever choose to be. Yet, local dentist Howard May, chose to make this trek in October 2013. That’s right, he chose this. Not only did he choose to spend a month navigating the dangerous climate and mountains of Nepal, but he paid thousands of dollars to make his way there and ensure that others would have a better chance at health.

Dr. May’s mission was through Upaya.org. On his trip were 13 medical professionals dedicated to this mission and he was the only dentist among them. The climate was constantly rough and every moment was hands-on. As the sherpas led the group through the range, exhaustion was not an option. The dangerous cliffs presented an atmosphere that required all participants be alert and careful at all times.

When the group would settle in a village they would set up camp where locals travelled for days to reach them.

The doctors worked from morning until night, completing surgeries without running water or the technologies and medications we are so accustomed to in the U.S. This great mission allowed hundreds of people to get the medical care that they otherwise would not have received, much of which was essential to life. Dr. May spoke of his time on the mission as a moment at a time. “You could only think about the next step, because even the next hour was too far off to try to consider,” said Dr. May. Hearing the stories of the mission had me mesmerized, but above all I was truly touched by the level of commitment demonstrated by Dr. May and his peers. They used their own resources, money, time, sweat and blood, to give all they could to others. This level of bettering the world, or tikkun olam, is owed the utmost respect.

And, while they all volunteered and went of their own choosing, not all make it back. On the final day an obstetrician volunteering with the group fell into the river below. As she struggled to make it out, a young Sherpa of only 22 who was helping to lead the group home, jumped in in an attempt to save her life. The obstetrician made it out, but the Sherpa did not.

The value of life is not based on the quantity of years we live, but rather on the quality of work we do during our time on earth.

Jewish Disabilities Awareness Month

By Nancy Gerston, retired special educator How many of us have friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, who have some kind of difficulty physically, developmentally, or emotionally? Given that this is a month to give special thought to people with disabilities in our larger community, and in particular, our Jewish community, we can explore how we are meeting their needs, integrating them in our community, and we can all increase our awareness. After all, this is a part of our Jewish responsibility of tikkun olam, repairing the world.

Both civil and religious organizations have set standards to meet the needs of those with disabilities. The United Nations has created the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The preamble includes the rights of all people with disablilities to be guaranteed full enjoyment of life without discrimination. It goes on to list 50 articles, such as those recommending mobility aids, devices and assistive services and facilities. Other articles suggest that those with disabilities have access to community, education, political process, work, living/housing, healthcare, legal support, and cultural life.

The Jewish Council for Public Affairs has drafted resolutions regarding disabilities and inclusion for consideration at the 2014 JCPA Plenum. The goal is to ensure inclusion for individuals with disabilities and special needs in Jewish communities. The draft expands on the current JCPA policy. All members of the Jewish communities are urged to include those with disabilities in the work arena, educational settings and leadership roles. It is recommended that the Jewish community encourage disability awareness campaigns.

Within the past 5 to 10 years, Jewish day schools have been working with students with diverse learning needs. Inclusion and integration in the schools and classes can be complicated for administrators, educators and parents. Schools with a whole-school approach for inclusion as a school-wide expectation with the support of professional development would be the most successful. This takes time to develop and continues to be studied.

At Temple Emanu-El, efforts have been made to integrate children and adults with special needs into the synagogue community.

Currently, the preschool accepts children with all disabilities, including those with physical and developmental needs. There are children in the religious school with different disabilities who are mainstreamed. Some receive one-on-one support, as needed. The educators receive support from the administration, as well. Special needs students working towards becoming a bar-mitzva/bat-mitzva have received one-on-one teaching, when the classroom setting was not appropriate to meet their needs. In the future the temple is planning to improve wheelchair access in the religious school, and in the sanctuary. At services, a prayer book with large print was developed ten years ago to assist seniors and those with difficulty seeing. Headsets are also available during services to help those with hearing difficulty. The Tikkun Olum committee, along with the Caring Committee, are working to provide seniors with rides to services, and perhaps to other Jewish activities in the community.

As we continue to grow in our awareness of those with disabilities, we can consider how to more fully integrate and include all members into each of our synagogues, Jewish Community Centers and Jewish day schools, which will benefit all members of the community.

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www.jvalley.org

The holy significance of toveling

By Rabbi Leslie Alexander Around the corner of the Levy Family Campus Building, just across from the tennis courts, is a secret holy space--until now known only to a select few.

But this month, we want to let you in on the secret as well. The secret place is a small Mikvah, ritual bath, not for people, but for objects. It is a place to Tovel items used in preparing or eating food. Tovel or Tevilah simply translates to immersion in English.

Many of you know that people immerse in the Mikvah inside a lovely room, also a bit hidden, in between the men’s and women’s dressing rooms near the pool.

Individuals immerse to have a profoundly personal opportunity to reclaim a Biblical tradition. Using the Mikvah, filled with rain water ( warmed up and cleaned, of course) brings them closer to their Creator and helps them find the time in solitude to think about life transitions and who they are as a unique and holy being, imbued with G-d’s spark of creation. But why immerse an object--a pot or pan, a set of dishes or cutlery?

Almost all of the items we use to make food in today’s world are made in factories in all the corners of the earth. They are not generally made with any kind of conscious effort or spiritual intention, but actually, in Jewish life, they should be.

The reason for this is that each Jewish home is an extension of the Mishkan, the travelling altar carried through the days of Biblical wandering in the desert and later, the Temple in Jerusalem, where people would bring their animals, fruits, grains, oil and wine and give a part of these things willingly as an offering of thanks or atonement to G-d.

When the Temple stood in Jerusalem, 12 loaves of bread, referred to as the Lechem HaPanim (Bread of the Presence) were placed on a special table. These loaves were baked by the priests and replaced each week, just before the Shabbat.

In Jewish homes, this custom of preparing fresh loaves in the Temple was combined with the Torah description of receiving two portions of Mannah for Shabbat in the desert during our time of wandering. In receiving a double portion, we would not be forced to work on Shabbat to secure food. To this day, observant Jews set two fresh challot on the table covered with a cloth to be used in the blessings before dinner and the next day at lunch.

After the fall of the Temple, our homes became our altars and the food we prepare and eat is supposed to have holy significance as though our homes were the Mishkan itself.

Due to this, the pots, pans, dishes, cutlery and all else we use to prepare food that was mass produced, particularly in places very far afield from an understanding of monotheism, are not simply purchased, run through the dishwasher and used. People bring their items to immerse--“tovel”--them in the small Mikvah at the side of the building to add an element of connection to G-d and holiness to the object that will be used in their home, a special and unique place for every family, filled with Jewishness and awareness of both G-d’s blessings and our human responsibilities to live out that holiness through the deeds we do when we exit ‘our’ Mishkan and enter the world.

So, arrange to check out our little, secret, Mikvah on the side of the building, bring that special Shabbat soup pot and give it a try. Speak to Len Connolly, our director of facilities at facilities@JValley.org or Jan Rose, our chair of Mikvah operations at (408) 357-7444 or mikvah@JValley.org. They would be glad to help you add this extra dimension of holiness to your life--and come on, don’t we need all the holiness we can arrange?

rabbis speak Ask the Rabbi

By Rabbi Josh Lobel, Congregation Shir Hadash Question – My child has been diagnosed as on the autistic spectrum. He has had trouble learning Hebrew and has difficulty in the classroom environment. Can he have a Bar Mitzvah?

Thank you for your question. Yes, your son can most definitely take part in the sacred Jewish rite of passage that is Bar Mitzvah. We read in the book of Isaiah, “All your children shall be taught of the Eternal and great will be the peace of your children.” (54:13). Every single Jewish child is entitled to a Jewish education, regardless of his or her learning challenges or differences. Today’s synagogues often have a variety of options to assist families with children who have unique needs create a meaningful and joyous simcha.

This is in keeping with a teaching from the Book of Proverbs, which reads “Teach a child according to his way.” (22:6) To me, this precept indicates that we have a responsibility to educate every child according to his or her needs and abilities. If this means modifying what a synagogue views as the “traditional” Bar or Bat Mitzvah-training program and its expectations of its students, that is OK. The essence of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony is not how many verses of Torah a child learns. It is about a child feeling successful and being embraced by his/her community. And this is the birthright of every single Jewish child.

This February is Jewish Disability Awareness Month and it is a time for us all to remember to take to heart our tradition’s emphasis on inclusiveness. The Torah teaches us that we are all created in the image of G-d. G-d implants within each of us a sacred spark, a little piece of the divine. Every human being thus has intrinsic value and deserves respect, compassion, and love.

Let us remember to always show love and consideration to every member of our community. For then, truly, will our synagogue be a place that the prophet Isaiah envisioned, as in the name of G-d he proclaimed, “My house shall be a house of prayer for all peoples.” (56:7)

www.jvalley.org

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datebook

All area codes are 408 unless otherwise noted.

ONGOING EVENTS TUESDAYS Babies & Bagels: Stroller Fitness!

Emanu-El, 8:40 AM Tone your tuchis while connecting with friends! Whole body workout, incorporating cardio & strength training as well as stretching. ALL are welcome. Strollers/Babies not required! $5/week payable each class or $25 punch card for 6 sessions. Stephanie Pollock: 292-0939, stephanie@templesanjose.org Engaging Israel: Foundations for a New Relationship Beth David, 7:30 PM Each session includes text study and discussion led by Rabbi Ohriner, a video lecture

by Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman, and a video dialogue between Rabbi Hartman and other top scholars and experts. adulted@ beth-david.org, 257-3333 Free Israeli Dancing Emanu-El, 7:30 PM, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays Learn the steps and moves of basic Israeli Dance! All are welcome, so bring a friend--no prior experience needed. Free! stephanie@templesanjose.org, 292-0939

dealing with ethics and morals in this participant-led discussion group. Pirkei Avot, which has been reprinted more than any other rabbinic text, is a Mishnah tractate dealing solely with ethics and morals.

Newcomers are welcome to join at any time and will be nurtured in learning. adulted@ beth-david.org, 257-3333 Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group Shir Hadash, 10 AM, 3/14, 4/11 The Alzheimer’s Association, in conjunction with Congregation Shir Hadash’s Caring Committee, is offering a Support Group for anyone trying to navigate the day-today difficulties of care giving. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5 Hot Button Issues in Law and Judaism Offices of McManis Faulkner, 50 West San Fernando St., San Jose, Noon, 1st Fridays Each month a theme is chosen and discussed, i.e. the current state of American law and how the Jewish texts address similar issues. Bring a brown bag lunch. 358-1751 x5, nadine@shirhadash.org

a chance to participate. No outside reading is required and each class is self-contained so you are welcome to come when you can. nadine@shirhadash. org, 358-1751 x5 Tot Shabbat Shir Hadash, 9:30 AM, 3/8 Join Rabbi Levenberg and other families with young children for Tot Shabbat. Free and open to the community--tell friends! nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5 Torah for Tots Sinai, 11 AM, 3/1, 4/5 For nursery school age children and their parents (or grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, etc...). Torah for Tots includes singing, movement, stories and more, and is open to members and nonmembers.

In fact, it is a great way for nonmembers to get to know the Sinai community. Feel free to bring friends. Afterwards, all participants are invited to join the congregation for lunch.

Office@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542 Heschel Havurah with Rabbi Ohriner Beth David, 1:30 PM, 1st Saturdays Join Rabbi Ohriner after Kiddush lunch on the first Shabbat of each month in a guided reading and discussion of some of Rabbi Heschel’s most important passages. adulted@beth-david.org, 257-3333

MONDAYS Israeli Dance Class for Kids Sinai, 4 PM $5/class or $20/five classes; free for Nursery School students. Space is limited, so RSVP to Ifat Kantorovich, SinaiNurserySchool@Sinai-SJ. org, 264-8542

UPCOMING EVENTS SATURDAY, MARCH 1 Community Shabbat with Guest Speaker Amy Everitt Shir Hadash, 10:30 AM Amy Everitt is the state director of NARAL Pro-Choice California and NARAL ProChoice California Foundation.

Previously, she was the political director at EdVoice, a statewide education advocacy organization which works to make schools better for kids. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5 Guest Speaker Mark Raider, PhD Sinai, 11 AM This talk examines the conflation of the American and Jewish themes of exceptionalism in the worldview of Hayim Greenberg (1889-1953), a significant Jewish public intellectual who played a critical role in American Jewish life and the Zionist movement in the 1930s and 1940s. Office@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542

SATURDAYS Torah Study: Exodus WEDNESDAYS New Members Dinner Shir Hadash, 9:30 AM Ima & Me Playgroup Emanu-El, 5 PM To enhance study, we will Sinai, 9 AM Mussar Matters The opportunity to meet fellow Join other moms and bond with draw as appropriate from the Beth David, 1:30 PM, 3/15, new members and learn more your child while exploring their new translation of “Mikraot 4/19 about the ritual services, world through play, music, and Gedolot, The Commentators’ In recent years, the Mussar educational programs and Bible,” the classic version movement!

Movement, with its emphasis special events Temple Emanuof the Biblical text and Office@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542 on building character and El offers throughout the year. commentaries, which now ethical responsiveness stephanie@templesanjose.org, exists for Exodus as well as Meditation Group through Jewish texts, has 292-0939 Aviva Gottlieb Zornberg’s Shir Hadash, 10:30 AM been rediscovered by the relatively recent book, Bring a water bottle and wider Jewish world. Explore a Havdalah and Movie Night “The Particulars of Rapture: dress comfortably. nadine@ different character trait each Shir Hadash, 8 PM Reflections on Exodus” which shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5 month, such as: gratitude, See ad on page 21. has great material with equanimity, simplicity, and a more psychological and FRIDAYS literary orientation. The rabbis loving-kindness. 257-3333, Pirkei Avot Discussion Group adulted@beth-david.org prepare for each session but Beth David, 9:45 AM Explore ancient Jewish wisdom the discussions tend to be freewheeling and everyone has 24 www.jvalley.org

SUNDAY, MARCH 2 Hitbodedut: Solitude in the Wilderness APJCC, 8 AM Join Rabbi James Greene, a TorahTrek Wilderness Guide, at Ano Nuevo State Park for a day of hitbodedut--spiritual practice in nature. Spend the first part of the day engaged in movement and spiritual practices as a group, and then continue with some time on your own to engage with the world around us. Participants in this program should be comfortable being alone and should be able to walk on uneven terrain for moderate distances. This program is free, but RSVP is required: 357-7411, CJLL@svjcc.org.

Israeli Author’s Book Club Sinai, 10:30 AM Led by Malka Doron, this group explores Israeli literature that is available both in the original Hebrew and in English translation. Read in your preferred language and then join Malka, who will share her insights on the readings and facilitate the group’s discussion in English. Bring your own coffee, and enjoy some engaging literary reflection in a relaxed and respectful environment. This month’s reading: “Our Holocaust” by Amir Guttfreund. The English version of the book is available on Amazon and other online booksellers; some are also available at local libraries.

Office@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542 Book Discussion Group: “Suddenly, a Knock on the Door” by Etgar Keret Shir Hadash, 10:45 AM Keret is the most popular Israeli writer of his generation, with a style and focus that mark a new direction in the nation’s literature. The 35 brief stories in this new collection focus on everyday life, leavened with the author’s legendary taste for the absurd and the impossible. nadine@ shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5

Spring Grandparents Circle Reunion Shir Hadash, 7 PM Sometimes it is hard to talk with our children and children-in-law but we can gain insight by talking with others in their generation in the same position who are not our children. At the Spring Reunion there will be a panel of young intermarried couples willing to share what they would find most helpful in their parents and in-laws. nadine@ shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5 SATURDAY, MARCH 8 Babies & Bagels Shabbat!

Emanu-El, 9 AM Parents will enjoy a brief Shabbat experience. Little ones will enjoy a program of Shabbat songs, Torah stories, Parachute and Tunnel play held in the Bickur Cholim Chapel.

Kiddush, Motzi, and a bagel oneg will follow this fun-filled program, generously hosted by our Sisterhood. Siblings are welcome. Open to the community. A wonderful way to come together as a family and meet new friends! stephanie@ templesanjose.org, 292-0939 Book Discussion Beth David, 1:30 PM “The Great Partnership: Science, Religion, and the Search for Meaning” by Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (Finalist, National Jewish Book Awards 2012; Dorot Foundation Award for Modern Jewish Thought and Experience). An impassioned, erudite, thoroughly researched, and beautifully reasoned book from the former Chief Rabbi of Great Britain one of the most admired religious thinkers of our time that argues not only that science and religion are compatible, but that they complement each other—and that the world needs both.

Discussion led by Lee Gavens. adulted@beth-david.org, 257-3333

Purim Ball: A Royal Affair OFJCC, 9 PM Join hundreds of young adults at the 2014 Young Adults Purim Ball! Don your royal costume: kings, queens and jesters welcome! Purim is a Royal Affair for young adults (21+) this year. amanda@jvalley.org, 357-7503 SUNDAY, MARCH 9 “Beyond Hummus & Pita”-Exploring the World of Judaism with Beth Lee and Sarene Wallace Shir Hadash, 9:30 AM See ad on page 21.

Beyond Hamantaschen: The Sweets of Purim Sinai, 10 AM Taste and make Purim delectables other than the ubiquitous hamantaschen.

Participants will explore the tradition of Purim gift-giving (Mishloach Manot) as they learn how to prepare tasty treats from around the world.

Office@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542 The Jewish Revolts Against the Romans Beth David, 10:30 AM See ad on page 7.

Continuing the Conversation on Clutter Shir Hadash, Noon We share our clutter problems, help each other find solutions, and celebrate our progress in a supportive environment.

Pair up with a “clutter buddy” and/or become a part of our online “Caring Community of Clutter-Busters.” 358-1751 x5, nadine@shirhadash.org Sisterhood Mani/Pedi Day 956 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose, 4 PM Meet the Sisterhood at Luxury Nails in Blossom Valley for manicures and pedicures.

Office@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542 THURSDAY, MARCH 13 Conversations in Jewish Learning—“Masa: Stories of a Lone Soldier” Beth David, 7:30 PM Ilan Benjamin will read from his book and present a documentary short film about

his IDF military experience.

Book sales and signing will follow the presentation. A small donation is requested. adulted@beth-david.org, 257-3333 FRIDAY, MARCH 14 PJ Shabbat and Kid-Friendly Dinner Beth David, 6 PM This mini Kabbalat Shabbat service is geared towards tots (ages 0-5) and will feature songs, puppets, felt, story time, plus a kid-friendly Shabbat dinner! Come as you are with kids in PJs! A casual night for all! Cost for dinner is: $10/adult; $ 2/child (3 and up); kids under 3 eat free!

RSVPs are requested: 257-3333, www.beth-david.org/rsvp.

SATURDAY, MARCH 15 Purim at Shir Hadash Shir Hadash, 5 PM See ad on page 21.

Discotikki Purim Ball!

Emanu-El, 6 PM See ad on page 12.

Purim Service & Megillah Reading Shir Hadash, 7 PM See ad on page 21.

5774/2014 Purim Extravaganza Sinai, 7:56 PM See ad on page 7.

Purim Shpiel ~ Grease Shir Hadash, 8 PM See ad on page 21.

Erev Purim: Megillah Reading Beth David, 8:30 PM A full reading of the Megillah, with a few surprises. 257-3333, Biran@beth-david.org SUNDAY, MARCH 16 Morning Service and Purim Megillah Reading Sinai, 9 AM See ad on page 7.

Family Megillah Reading Beth David, 9:30 AM This includes Kitah Zayin Purimspeil and an abridged version of the Megillah reading.

Biran@beth-david.org, 257-3333

www.jvalley.org

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Purim Carnival Beth David, 10:30 AM See ad on page 7.

Purim Carnival Sinai, 11 AM See ad on page 7.

Purim Shpiel & Carnival!

Beth David, 11:30 AM See ad on page 7.

Purim Carnival Shir Hadash, Noon See ad on page 21.

Annual Event: Long Live the Beatles Levy Family Campus, 6 PM See ad on page 32.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19 Interfaith Panel: Two Religions, One Family, A Million Questions Emanu-El, 7 PM See APJCC ad on page 15.

THURSDAY, MARCH 20 Jewish Women’s Literature for Latin America Shir Hadash, 10:30 AM This year we will be looking south of the border as we read and discuss stories from the anthology: “The House of Memory,” edited by Marjorie Agosin. patty@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 Mitzvah Mixer: Passover Food Packages Levy Family Campus, 5:30 PM Join the Federation’s 21+ crowd to make a difference this Passover. Come help package the Passover Grocery Bags distributed by Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley and enjoy a casual dinner and drinks on us!

Free. RSVPs kindly requested. amanda@jvalley.org, 357-7503 SATURDAY, MARCH 22 Shabbat Schmooze: Why JFS? Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley Beth David, 1:30 PM Mindy Berkowitz, executive director of Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley, explains why JFS is needed and what it does by looking at past accomplishments, present needs and programs, and future challenges and direction

of JFS. Since 1978 Jewish Family Services has served a diverse community with social, vocational, senior, counseling, refugee, and volunteer services. JFS is committed to improving lives with Jewish values. 257-3333, adulted@beth-david.org SUNDAY, MARCH 23 “Israeli PR: Myths and Realities”--Exploring the World of Judaism with Andy David Shir Hadash, 9:30 AM See ad on page 21.

Hillel of Silicon Valley’s 10th Annual Pillars Event Computer History Museum, Mtn. View, 11:30 AM Hillel’s Pillars honors community and student volunteers and leaders. This year, Alan Werba, a longtime Hillel Board member, will receive Hillel’s “Lifetime Achievement Award.” Also receiving Pillars awards are: Barbara Illowsky, Hillel’s immediate past president and a professor of mathematics and statistics at De Anza College; Stanford University Professor Jeffrey Ullman and his wife, attorney Holly Ullman; and retired senior application engineer Arye Green. The event will include both a silent and live auction. sarita@hillelsv.org, 775-7531 “The Time is Now--Gun Violence Prevention” with Speakers Mindy Finkelstein, Shikha Hamilton and Aaron Nayfack and a Film Shir Hadash, 2 PM The film is an inspirational story of a survivor of the Virgina Tech massacre and his optimism and personal crusade to address the issue of gun safety in our nation. We will also speak about steps that can be taken to protect our children and communities.

Refreshments and advocacy information will follow the program. Babysitting will be provided. Please RSVP for babysitting: 358-1751 x5, nadine@shirhadash.org

TUESDAY, MARCH 25 Cell Phone Photography Class APJCC, 3 PM Ken Wirt shows you how to take better pictures with the camera in your smartphone (iPhone and Android). This class is free. To reserve your spot, contact Cherie Ravel at cherie@svjcc.org or 357-7462 FRIDAY, MARCH 28 Musician-in-Residence Weekend Kabbalat Shabbat Service and Shabbat Dinner Sinai, 5:45 PM A Shabbat weekend of teaching, singing, performing, and community building with this highly regarded educator.

An accomplished musician, ba’al tefillah, and author of the recently released book, “Building Singing Communities,” Weisenberg brings people together to make music a lasting and joy-filled force in shul and Jewish life.

For reservations, contact the Sinai office: 264-8542, Office@Sinai-SJ.org Caring Committee Shabbat Service, “Flourishing in the Second Half of Life” Shir Hadash, 7:30 PM Our guest speaker, Marc Freedman, is the founder and CEO of ENCORE.org, a nonprofit organization working to promote encore careers–second acts for the greater good.

Service and speaker begins at 7:30 p.m.; Sit-down Oneg for conversations on various topics at 8:30 p.m. Please RSVP: nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5 SATURDAY, MARCH 29 Musician-in-Residence Shabbat Services and Kiddush Luncheon with Joey Weisenberg Sinai, 9 AM Start Shabbat morning off with services beginning at 9 a.m.

Then, at 11 am, hear the D’var Torah from Joey Weisenberg about the Architecture of Listening, exploring the interaction between physical space and spiritual music. 2648542, Office@Sinai-SJ.org

Musician-in-Residence Seudah Shlishit/Havdallah/Melave Malka Sinai, 6:45 PM Delight in taking “slow leave” of the Shabbat with songs, words of Torah, and a light dinner. Havdallah at 8:09 will be followed by a Jewish Instrumental Workshop.

Musicians are invited to bring their instruments.

Office@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542 SUNDAY, MARCH 30 Creating a Kid-Friendly Seder Shir Hadash, 9:30 AM Parents and grandparents of students in K - grade 3, join our rabbis for an interactive workshop on how to create a lively, meaningful, kidfriendly Seder in your home, or to incorporate kid-friendly elements into another Seder. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5 Shadow Day--Check out CBD’s Religious School Program Beth David, 9:30 AM We’re having our annual Shadow Day! This is a great opportunity for your child to come and be part of our Religious School. Your student would attend (Shadow) our Religious School. Parents are welcome to join their student in the classroom and observe our Jewish Education Program in action. 257-3333, RSAdmin@beth-david.org Walt Disney Museum in SF Trip!

San Francisco, 12:45 PM Join in an afternoon trip to the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco on a docent-led tour of the current exhibits. Transportation will be provided on a private bus.

No-host dinner not included.

RSVP by March 15 online at www.templesanjose.org, under ‘Register for Programs Here.’ stephanie@templesanjose.org, 292-0939 An Evening with Kehillah OFJCC, 6 PM Celebrate with Jewish High School as we install our new Head of School Rabbi Kleinberg. Guest speakers

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www.jvalley.org

are Dr. Lee Shulman, president emeritus of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and Dr. Bruce Powell, founding head of school of New Community Jewish High School. debra@kehillah.org, (650) 213-9600 SATURDAY, APRIL 5 Book Discussion Beth David, 1:30 PM Isaiah (Biblical book), led

by Rabbi Phillip Ohriner.

First of the major (latter) prophets, he preached against the evils, social and political, of his people, and against entanglements with expansionist foreign nations. His style, strong and impassioned, is marked by lyrical rhythm and impressive refrains. 257-3333, adulted@beth-david.org SUNDAY, APRIL 6 DI “Why” Passover Mishpaha Beth David, 9:30 AM See ad on page 7.

Congregation Sinai Hike with Rabbi Berkenwald Sinai, 10 AM All Sinai teens in grades 9-12 are invited on a hike leaving from the Sinai parking lot at 10 a.m. Location to be determined.

Office@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542 Patio Picnic! A Prospective Members Event Emanu-El, 10:30 AM Singles, couples, and families who are interested in learning more about the warm and inviting community at our Synagogue are welcome. Our diverse community of members would like to meet and greet you with our Bagel & Lox Picnic. pjhrocks2@gmail.com, 292-0939 Israeli Authors Book Club— “Our Holocaust” Sinai, 10:30 AM Led by Malka Doron, this group explores Israeli literature that is available both in the original Hebrew and in English translation. Read in your preferred language and then join Malka, who will share her

insights on the readings and facilitate the group’s discussion in English. Bring your own coffee, and enjoy some engaging literary reflection in a relaxed and respectful environment.

Office@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542 Small Plates, High Spirits, and All that Jazz Levy Family Campus, 4 PM See article on page 11.

FRIDAY, APRIL 11 Me’sho’re’rim Shabbat Service Emanu-El, 7:30 PM A musical service with contemporary and traditional music arrangements featuring Me’sho’re’rim (our Chamber choir), pianist Misato Weber, and a guest violinist. stephanie@templesanjose.org, 292-0939 MONDAY, APRIL 14 Shacharit Siyyum--Erev Pesah Beth David, 8 AM Biran@beth-david.org, 257-3333 TUESDAY, APRIL 15 Pesah I Beth David, 9:30 AM Biran@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Second Night Community Seder Sinai, 7 PM Subsidized cost: $44/adult, $20/child 5 to 12, free for children age 4 and under.

Reservations: Office@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16 Pesah II Beth David, 9:30 AM Biran@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Third Night Congregational Seder Shir Hadash, 6 PM $27/adult, $10/child under 5, PLUS an item for the seder.

Register by April 10 to be included, specifying your choice of contribution to the meal. (Early sign-ups will have their choice of food items, later sign-ups will fill in what’s missing.) 358-1751 x5, Nadine@ShirHadash.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 19 “Making Light in Terezin”: Film Screening and Discussion APJCC, 7 PM See ad on page 15.

MONDAY, APRIL 21 Pesah VII Beth David, 9:30 AM Biran@beth-david.org, 257-3333 TUESDAY, APRIL 22 Pesah VIII–Yizkor Beth David, 9:30 AM Biran@beth-david.org, 257-3333 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23 Catalysts for Change: Exploring Jewish Contributions Past and Present Emanu-El, 7 PM A series of five lectures cosponsored by Temple Emanu-El and Lehrhaus Judaica. This lecture: Understanding Our Differences and Celebrating Our Similarities. Join us for a multi-cultural panel that will discuss living in peace and harmony, as we remember Yom Hashoah. Speakers to be announced in March. The panel will be led and moderated by Rabbi Dana Magat of Temple Emanu-El, San Jose. For more information and to register, visit Lehrhaus Judaica at www.lehrhaus.org. 292-0939, membership@templesanjose. org

cousins to the south and through that also a bridge that will provide further connection to and understanding of our Latina neighbors. 358-1751, patty@shirhadash.org

The Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley- PJ Library Program conveys its deepest thanks to: Dan and Aaron Winklebleck of Cornerstone LimitedRemodeling Design Professionals Inc www.cornerstonelimited.com (408) 370-3366 Helena Barrios Vincent of hbv architecture www.hbvarchitecture.com (650) 996-3669 Carol Jeans of Sereno Group Real Estate Los Gatos carol@serenogroup.com (408) 313-0067 For their valued and outstanding support of the Yellow Comforter Project Community Wide Philanthropy/Tsedakah Effort

THURSDAY, APRIL 24 Jewish Women’s Literature for Latin America Shir Hadash, 10:30 AM We live in a part of the country with such a significant Latino community, but few of us are familiar with the experience of Jews in Latin America.

Through these stories and guest speakers, we will gain a familiarity with the history and challenges of our Jewish

Have an event to add to the calendar?

Submit it at www.jvalley.org!

Questions about upcoming events?

Contact amanda@jvalley.org or 357-7503.

www.jvalley.org

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“The greatest menace to freedom is an inert people....”

Louis Brandeis

freedom

celebrate

purim tells the story of Esther (Hadassah),

who overcame her fears, spoke up and saved our people. passover recounts the dramatic escape

from Egypt that led to our perilous 40-year journey through the desert to the Promised Land.

HadassaH celebrates freedom, and advocates for women, Israel, and tHe worldwIde JewIsH communIty. For information about membership or upcoming programs: 415.771.5900 • cpcr@hadassah.org • www.hadassah.org/cpcr ©2014 Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. Hadassah is a registered trademark of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc.

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

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Viva Restaurant Gift Card!

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

www.losgatosmemorialpark.com

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

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

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

www.darlingandfischer.com 28

www.jvalley.org

Attorneys Peter D. Feinberg

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

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

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

Philip L. Hammer

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

David J. Hofmann

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

David S. Howard

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

Steven D. Siner

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

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

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.net Estate Planning, Probate, and Elder Law. Mediation Facilitor.

Michael W. Malter

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

Minda B. Parrish

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

Attorneys Lynne R. Snyder

101 Church St., Suite 13, Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 354-5590 Adoption, Custody, Dissolutions, Guardianship, Juvenile Court, Paternity

Shannon Stein

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

Carol Elias Zolla

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

Audiology Marni Novick, AuD

Financial Services 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.

Real Estate Orna & Ruben Yomtoubian

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

“Open your ears to a new world of sound.”

Silicon Valley Hearing, Inc. 340 Dardanelli Lane, Suite 22 Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 540-7128 info@siliconvalleyhearing.com; siliconvalleyhearing.com Our Doctor of Audiology, whose own experience with hearing loss led her to help others with theirs, has 13 years’ experience fitting hearing aids and wireless assistive listening devices. Our services include comprehensive diagnostic hearing evaluations, hearing aid consultations, balance assessments, and tinnitus evaluations and management.

Cantor-Educator 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

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

Financial Services

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.

Leonard W. Williams, CPA

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

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS OR SERVICE IN THE JEWISH PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY! Contact Amanda Glimcher: amanda@jvalley.org, (408) 357-7503

www.jvalley.org

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obituaries JULIE ANN SELTZER FIRSTY

ARNOLD JACOBS

March 12, 1965 – January 6, 2014

March 20, 1917 – January 16, 2014

Julie was born in Manhattan to Jason and Helen Seltzer and was raised in northern New Jersey where she celebrated her Bat Mitzvah and was active in BBG. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude from Tufts University in Boston, majoring in international marketing and business. After graduating, she worked at Met Life in Manhattan focusing on their marketing programs for Central and South America. She even did a project in Mexico for six months.

Arnold Jacobs was the beloved father of Dr. Allan (Pam) Jacobs of NY and the Honorable Jamie Jacobs-May of Los Gatos, the doting grandfather of Ethan (Shirin), Sarah, Tamara (Simon) and Josh, Ben (Ali), Jeremy (Anna) and Becky (Andrew). Pauline Jacobs, his wife of 55 years passed away in 2001.

Julie met her future husband at Club Getaway in CT. They married in 1998 and moved to San Jose in 1999. They joined a couples group, had children, were active at Congregation Sinai and made lots of friends. Julie served on the Board of Directors at Sinai for several years. Although she was ill during the past five years, she lived life to the fullest, never slowing down – not for one minute.

Julie is survived by her loving husband Wayne, her children Shay and Alana, her twin sister Judy (Steven) and her older sister Pam (Scott), her parents and in laws and a large group of friends.

Donations in her memory may be made to Congregation Sinai.

Born in Ungvar, Hungary, Arnie immigrated to America when he was 10 years old with his mother and 7 siblings. They lived in poverty in the South Bronx. He worked hard from the time he was a small boy helping to support the family and had many jobs including short-order cook, baker, jeweler and watchmaker and finally builder. He spent one year in Israel when he was 20 working on a kibbutz and served in the Air Corps during WWII attaining the rank of sergeant.

Arnie could fix just about anything and most recently was very proud that he souped up his electric scooter with a plastic device that he designed, manufactured and installed. He loved music and sang in the Temple choirs wherever he lived: NY, LA and finally at Shir Hadash. He also sang gospel music and barber shop quartet at the Terraces where he lived for the last 7 years. He loved dancing and danced with as many partners as possible.

“I am a lover, not a fighter” was his favorite refrain. He lived life valuing the importance of being loving and inclusive, getting along with others and treating people fairly and kindly. He had a long line of employees, customers and business associates who trusted, admired and respected him.

FD262

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

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

Donations in his memory may be made to Congregation Shir Hadash.

Peninsula Office (FD1830) 777 Woodside Road, Suite C, Redwood City

His family idolized him and he joyfully shared everything he had with them from material goods, his time and hard work, to health advice and spiritual insights. He pushed kale before anyone ever heard of that leafy green miracle plant. He admonished his children and grandchildren to lead balanced lives and to do everything in moderation. He practiced meditation and deep breathing as a way to handle the stresses of life. He was extraordinarily loving, affectionate and accepting. The icing on the cake was his sense of humor. He enjoyed joking and sharing a laugh. He never met a pun he didn’t like. All who knew him will miss his warmth, love, playfulness and sparkle.

(408) 297-3636

Home of Peace Cemetery and Mausoleum Founded 1853

Robert L. Malinow (FDR894) Managing Funeral Director rmalinow@sinaichapel.org

Wayne A. Rose (FDR979) Funeral Director wrose@sinaichapel.org

FDIC insured Pre-need funeral arrangements available.

Owned and perated by Temple Emanu-El South Bay Area’s only Jewish-owned Cemetery, Mausoleum, and Columbarium.

Pre-Need Terms Wayne Rose, Administrator

(408) 674-5867 cemetery@templesanjose.org

30

www.jvalley.org

LILLIAN PAREES

president of Hadassah and B’nai B’rith chapters in Detroit and the Hadassah chapter in the Villages.

Lillian Parees was born in Manhattan to Morris and Bella (Klein) Schwartz. She was pre-deceased by her parents and Nathan, her husband of 61 years. She is survived by her children Jack (Barbra), David (Stanley Tannenbaum) and Barbara Katz (Ed Moran). She is also survived by her grandsons, Marc Parees (Andrew Uriarte), Jordan Katz (Shawnee McCarty), Joshua Parees (Sabrina PorterParees), Benjamin Parees, Aaron Parees and her foster daughter Ann Korngreen (Fred). She is also survived by her great-grandson Liam Jacob Katz.

Because she graduated high school only 2 months after her 16th birthday and was unable to attend college because of the Depression, she stressed education to her children and was very proud because “they all chose professions that help other people.”

Lillian worked very hard to keep her family together through hard times in the 1950s and ‘60s. She and Nathan moved to California, settling in San Jose in 1974 after their children were grown.

Happily, Jack and Barbra moved nearby with their families and soon after their children, Jordan, Joshua and Aaron grew up with their very devoted grandparents close by. Lillian was employed at and later was a dedicated volunteer at the Jewish Federation where her office skills made a valuable contribution. She had worked earlier in her life for many years in industry having a high government security clearance to support work on government programs.

Milton was born in Brooklyn to Anna (Goldfarb) and Max Shuck. He attended a Hebrew academy in Brooklyn and went on to graduate from the University of Miami in Florida. He met his wife Phyllis in Florida and they raised their children in Florida and in San Jose.

Milton Shuck taught Hebrew and religious school at Temple EmanuEl for many years and was also a technical writer.

August 29, 1920 – January 24, 2014

She and Nat enjoyed many cruises, trips abroad, sightseeing in the western states and visits to casinos. In later years Lillian lived a quiet life; always paying attention to the little things she could to do to help someone else. She died at peace with family by her side.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the Jewish Family Services.

SYLVIA TINA SEGALL

November 15, 1921 – January 22, 2014 Sylvia Segall a longtime South Bay resident died following a stroke.

Predeceased by Solomon Kief Segall, her husband of 79 years, and daughter Marcia Goldberg, she is survived by her children Dr. Mark (Nikki) of Los Gatos, Dr. Neil (Laurie) of Denver, Steven (Sarah) of Olympia, WA and Ronald (Joan) Segall of Farmington Hills, MI, 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Sylvia was born in Brooklyn to Joseph and Bella Stargel, European immigrants. She and her brother Harold grew up in Brooklyn, and Sylvia met Sol, a Detroit native, at a Chanukah party. They were married when she was 18 and moved around the country for several years as Sol, an US Army sergeant, was transferred to various military bases during WWII. They eventually settled in Detroit where they raised their family. In retirement, they moved to the Villages in 1994. They enjoyed making new friends, playing golf, swimming, joining clubs and Congregation Shir Hadash. Sylvia loved to cook and bake for her family as well as read, sew, and travel with Sol in their motor home. They took the grandchildren “camping” for a special treat and enjoyed visiting their children in their motor home.

Sylvia worked as an administrative assistant at a Detroit area synagogue and valued her family and Jewish heritage. She was very proud that all five of her children completed their religious education by graduating from Hebrew High School. She was

Donations in her memory may be made to Hadassah.

MILTON SHUCK

October 12, 1922 – January 21, 2014

He was pre-deceased by his parents and his daughter Robin (Edward Burke) of Colfax. He is survived by Phyllis, his wife of fifty-five years, his son H. Paul Shuck of PA, his daughters Terry Meiselman (Neal) of Chevy Chase, MD, and Nancy Kovacs (Haim Moshe) of Miami Beach, FL, 13 grandchildren and 25 greatgrandchildren.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Congregation Shir Hadash.

ELLEN TANNENBAUM TERRELL October 6, 1917 – December 5, 2013

Ellen Tannenbaum Terrell was the wife of the late Joseph Tannenbaum and the late Herbert Terrell. She was the mother of Mark (Lynette) Tannen and Dan (Jan) Tannen. She was the grandmother of three, great-grandmother of 4, step-mother of 4.

She is the sister of David Rosenthal. Ellen was a long-time member of Temple Emanu-El. Contributions in her memory may be made to Temple Emanu-El.

Please send obituaries and photos to Andrea Greyber at andrea.greyber@gmail.com or phone her at (408) 377-6224.

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jewish federation of silicon valley presents

“LONG LIVE THE BEATLES,” starring the Mahoney Brothers, is the world’s longest running Beatles tribute show. February, 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the Beatles' first appearance in America. This live musical impersonation show pays tribute to the music, careers and legacy of John, Paul, George and Ringo. ®