March 2015 JValley.news

JValley news March 2015

sj native receives bbyo award volunteer with jfs learn about the hagaddah a search for spiritual crumbs

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 2015

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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

SIMCHA & OBITUARY DEPARTMENTS Andrea Greyber andrea.greyber@gmail.com

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

from the ceo The freedom to choose When the Jewish people were first presented with the option of leaving Egypt they were scared. Despite living in slavery and lacking religious freedom, many were still more comfortable with this as the known than venturing into the unknown.

Today, we are fortunate to live in an area that allows us to live with the utmost of freedoms. We have religious and economic freedoms, civil liberties, and the ability to educate ourselves and make choices about each and every aspect of our lives.

The freedoms afforded to us are not universal. Throughout the world there are people living in oppressive states, cities where it is unsafe to practice religion, marry the one you love or speak freely. As a Jewish community, as an organized people, we have the opportunity to make these freedoms a reality for all Jews. Through the Federation’s work with our global partners, we aim to support Jewish life and human rights throughout the world. And, when specific areas prove to be in a state of danger, we continue to support those people, offering them humanitarian relief and safe havens elsewhere, including the U.S. and Israel.

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.

No one wants to venture into the unknown or leave behind a place they know as home, but should Jewish people again need to wander, our community will be there to support them along the journey to freedom.

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

Jyl Jurman Federation CEO

CANDLELIGHTING San Jose, CA

Friday, Mar. 20.....................7:01 p.m.

Friday, Mar. 27...............,.....7:08 p.m.

Passover Night 1 Friday, Apr. 3...................,.....7:14 p.m.

Passover Night 2 Saturday, Apr. 4......after 8:12 p.m.

Passover Night 7 Thursday, Apr. 9............,.....7:19 p.m.

Passover Night 8 Friday, Apr. 10..................... 7:20 p.m.

Friday, Apr. 17.......................7:26 p.m.

Friday, Apr. 24.......................7:33 p.m.

Friday, May 1.........................7:39 p.m.

Friday, May 8.........................7:45 p.m.

Friday, May 15.......................7:51 p.m.

content Local Highlights

Santa Cruz JSU encourages dialogue Synagogue Listings Eitan Milgram receives BBYO award Kehillah Senior Internship Project Winning hearts and minds for peace Inna Benjaminson Have guitar, will travel JValley Generator awards granted Theater Chevruta Family Day of Code at Yavneh Passover volunteering with JFS A challenge to the next generation Torah fragment and Ruth Steinfeld BBYO International Convention The new adventure begins The greening of Shir Hadash Keeping equilibrium in a scary world 28

In Every Issue 7 8 9 9 10 11 11 13 15 16 16 17 21 21 23 28

Community photos Simchas Ask the clergy Rabbis’ column Just words Datebook Obituaries Community Relations Column Professional Directory

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Friday, May 22.......................7:57 p.m.

Friday, June 5........................8:07 p.m.

Friday, June 12.....................8:10 p.m.

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c mmunity photos

Thank You

to our Super Sunday volunteers & 2015 Donors!

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c mmunity photos A Night at the Ranch February 8, 2015

Chaired by Susan & Jonathan Sweedler

Cowgirls pose for the camera.

A special thank you to: Royal Liquors (David Tabibian), Austin (Jill Burns), Wine Warehouse (Michter’s), Wet Rubz, Method 42 Productions, Diana Schnabel & Jason Goldstein (APJCC), Continental Caterers, Margaret’s French Bakery, Rabbi Philip Ohriner (Congregation Beth David), Picture 2000 (Kamran Zohoori)

Michael & Marina Salzman, Talia Salzman and Frank Schiff

Bonnie Slavitt Moore

Naomi & Jeff Salowe

Event chairs Jonathan & Susan Sweedler

Jewbilee

January 25, 2015

Klezmer ensemble Open Embrace Photo credit Phil Kipnis

About 500 people attended Jewbilee. The food was a huge hit. We had a sushi bar from L’Chaim Sushi, the Bay Area’s only kosher and sustainable sushi provider. L’Chaim Sushi is under Orthodox supervision and certified by the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch. There was also a grilled cheese bar that was popular with both kids and adults and a separate salad bar provided by House of Bagels.

Learning to make kosher sushi Photo credit Ed Gordon

Some popular classes were Meditation with Rabbi Shalom Mayberg, Ethical Dilemmas of Extending Life with Rabbi Hugh SeidValencia, both sessions with the WZO, and Shmittanomics: Can/Should the Torah’s Economic Ideas Be Applied Today? with Rabbi Ari Hart. The kids’ sessions were a hit, especially sushi rolling with L’Chaim Sushi.

Israeli Dance class Photo credit Phil Kipnis

The keynote presentation was “The Intersection of Food Ethics and Jewish Ethics: A Panel Discussion,” with Rabbi Ari Hart, Rabbi Alex Shandrovsky, and Rabbi Laurie Hahn-Tapper. The rabbis discussed different aspects of the food world, and how Jewish ethics can and should play a part in business and food ethics.

Meditation with Rabbi Shalom Mayberg Photo credit Ed Gordon

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c mmunity photos

Dianne Portnoy and Semyon Nemchonok at JFS Volunteer Appreciation Tea

Claudia Muller at JFS Volunteer Appreciation Tea

Harold Grinspoon (bottom center) and Diane Troderman (bottom right) with the PJ Library committee at the home of Doris and Stan Katz

Bill Pomper and Avital Agam by JFS bulletin board

Baby and Me Yoga

Craig Taubman with Rabbi Debbie Israel (left) and Temple President Susan Meyers (right)

Craig Taubman Friday Night Live Services We had many guests from other Bay Area synagogues who came to Morgan Hill for the service. Pictured here: Craig Taubman with Hana Anderson and baby Talia from Temple Emanu-El.

Congregation Emeth January 23, 2015

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l cal news

Power of Women

Santa Cruz JSU encourages productive dialogue

January 22, 2015

By Anise Goldfarb The Jewish Student Union of UC Santa Cruz condemns the demonstration organized by the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) at McHenry Library, and calls on students, faculty, and all members of the UC Santa Cruz community to speak out against this action.

Left to right: Michael Sabes, Rachel Sabes, Cookie Addison, Honoree Robin Sabes, Elisa Sabes, Nicole Sabes, Aaron Osgood and Ilana Bergstrom

Left to right: Sylvia Metz, Bonnie Slavitt Moore, Renee Fine, Robin Sabes, Ora Gittelson-David

Robin Sabes (right) received the Janet Berg award from the original honoree, Janet Berg.

On March 8, we witnessed members of SJP dressed in mock Israeli Defense Force uniforms blocking the entry of students to the Library until they supplied “proper identification.” In doing so, SJP damaged our educational environment and conflated the security that we receive as students at this university with the constant threats and attacks that innocent Israelis have faced throughout Israel’s existence. We acknowledge that SJP’s demonstration had the intention of bringing awareness to the Israeli military occupation of the West Bank, but believe that the demonstration lacked nuance or any attempt to educate passers by about the reason the separation barrier was constructed: ongoing terrorist attacks on Israelis from the West Bank. It’s critical that while opposing the occupation, SJP acknowledges the harm that terrorist groups like Hamas have done to the cause of Palestinian liberation.

We urge SJP to engage in a productive dialogue that is solution oriented. All communities with a stake in this conflict must critically examine what our role is in bringing about a peaceful future for two peoples living side by side in independent, sovereign states. We hope all members of the UCSC community will work with us to promote mutual respect and understanding between students on this campus.

Left to right: Susie Brenner, Speaker Carol Leifer, Marsha Shain, Linda Fox Mighdoll

We believe that to truly advocate for peace and justice for Israelis and Palestinians, we must avoid actions that promote bias and, instead, work together toward resolving our differences and taking productive action.

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HAPPY PASSOVER FROM THE

JEWISH FEDERATION OF SILICON VALLEY We invite you to contact one of our local synagogues to learn about the many Passover celebrations and happenings in our vibrant Jewish community.

Best wishes from the Federation for a joyous and meaningful Passover.

YOUR GUIDE TO SILICON VALLEY SYNAGOGUES Almaden Valley Torah Center (Orthodox) 1422 Helmond Lane, San Jose, 95118 (408) 445-1770 www.rabbi770.com

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

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

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

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

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

Chabad of S. Jose (Orthodox) 517 Blossom Hill Rd., #A4, Los Gatos, 95032 (408) 358-5530 www.chabadsj.com Chabad of Sunnyvale (Orthodox) (408) 720-0553 www.chabadsunnyvale.com Congregation Am Echad Torah Community (Orthodox) 1504 Meridian Ave., San Jose, 95125 (408) 267-2591 www.amechad.org Congregation Beth David (Conservative) 19700 Prospect Rd., Saratoga, 95070-3352 (408) 257-3333 www.beth-david.org

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

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Eitan Milgram receives BBYO Alumnus of the Year Award B’nai B’rith Youth Organization is proud to announce the recipient of the 2015 BBYO Alumnus of the Year Award.

Eitan Milgram, a native of San Jose, California and alum of BBYO Central Region West, received the AZA Alumnus of the Year Award on February 13, 2015 while addressing more than 2,200 of BBYO’s teen leadership, communal leaders and philanthropists, professional staff, International Advisor Network, and volunteers at the AZA-BBGIC 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Each year, two renowned BBYO alumni are chosen by current BBYO members to receive these awards established in honor of Anita Perlman and Sam Beber, founders of the B’nai B’rith Girls (BBG) and the Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA), BBYO’s renowned leadership development program and high school sorority and fraternity. Elise Eplan, Atlanta resident and founder of The Eplan Group, received the BBG Aluma of the Year Award.

Milgram is the executive vice president of Weiss Asset Management, a Boston-based investment firm where he has worked since 2000. Outside of work, he continues to be active with AIPAC as a member of their National Council.

Milgram has served on the board of 15 public companies.

He is also involved with Chabad at Chestnut Hill, Jewish Family and Children’s Service, and is a past participant in the Combined Jewish Philanthropy Acharai program and the BBYO Board of Directors.

Milgram was chosen for this award because he embodies the qualities that Sam Beber possessed and valued: fraternity, tzedakah (charity), honor and loyalty. An exemplary leader during his time in AZA, Milgram served as Aleph Moreh (vice president of membership) and Aleph Godol (president) of his BBYO chapter, Morris Adler AZA #1855, as well as Regional Aleph Moreh of BBYO Central Region West. Now, as a BBYO alum, he uses the leadership skills he learned then to contribute to and effect change in society.

“I am humbled and honored to accept this recognition by an organization that has had such an impact on my life,” said Milgram. “BBYO plays a critical role for Judaism and its future. The well-rounded programming that is offered inspires, impacts, and trains our youth to be active and passionate leaders who will shape the future of our people and our country.”

For more information on BBYO, please visit www.bbyo.org.

l cal news

Kehillah Senior Internship Project needs help from the Jewish community

In the final weeks of the seniors’ careers at KJHS, students will participate in Senior Internship Projects (SIPs). The main goal of the SIP program is to create a transition for the seniors from the structure of high school to the independence of college. The program is designed to give students a chance to apply their in-school learning to real world internships and service-learning projects.

Could you or someone you know benefit from a Kehillah senior serving as an intern for 3 weeks?

What we are looking for: Internship opportunities for Kehillah Seniors from Wednesday, May 6 to Thursday, May 28.

Types of Senior Internship Projects: • An internship or apprenticeship includes working with a business, artistic, educational, or government organization to learn about a given field or career.

• Service-learning projects allow students to expand their involvement with community service organizations and invest time and energy that is not ordinarily possible during the academic year.

Requirements: • Seniors participating in SIPs will complete 125 hours of work. SIPs take the place of daily academic work. We expect a student’s senior internship project to be as rigorous as academic work (in terms of time and energy).

• Additionally, students must make a presentation on their SIP on May 29.

Additional expectations of SIPs: • SIPs must be supervised by someone who is not related to the student.

• Students may not be paid.

• Students must complete 7 hours of work per day.

Interested in getting involved or connecting us with someone who is interested in mentoring a Kehillah senior?

Please email SIP Coordinator Dr. Nelson at: snelson@kehillah.org.

At one time, you were proud of that old car.

Now, you can be proud of it again.

Donate your unwanted vehicle to Jewish Family Services and support vital programs for families, children, and older adults in need.

Donate Today!

1-877-JFS-4-CAR

1-8 7 7- 5 3 7- 4 2 2 7 www.jfssv.org

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l cal news Winning hearts and minds for peace between Israelis and Palestinians

By Naomi Kalmus How does one generate a better understanding of both sides of the issue surrounding peace between Israel and the Palestinians among our non-Jewish friends in the United States?

Interfaith Partners for Peace is a network of pairings of rabbis and non-Jewish clergy from around the country who share a commitment to two states for two peoples and to speaking in a pastoral voice that lifts up the narratives of the people of the land rather than tearing down either group. Locally, Rabbi Melanie Aron of Congregation Shir Hadash and Reverend Dr. Bryan James Franzen are working together to help promote peace and peaceful coexistence in the Middle East. Rabbi Aron and Reverend Franzen have worked together before on numerous local issues including Immigration, low-wage workers, and housing. Working with Rev. Franzen on a Partners for Peace initiative was a natural outgrowth of their existing strong working relationship and focus on community issues.

As part of its efforts to build a greater understanding of what is happening with Israelis and Palestinians, the Interfaith Partners for Peace program is leading a group of two dozen participating clergy on a tour of Israel this spring. The trip will include stops at Christian and Jewish holy sites as well as meetings with local groups who are actively working with Israelis and Palestinians in a cooperative mode. Rev. Franzen, who will be taking this trip, is looking forward to gaining more perspective on the Mideast issue.

According to Ethan Felson, the VP and General Counsel for the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA), the organization that is helping with the initiative, the Interfaith Partners for Peace program will foster networking among clergy to help them study together, bring their congregations together in learning, and to engage in productive, balanced conversation on the topic of Mideast peace. “These types of activities have been going on informally for some time. This program will help harness that energy and expand upon it by offering resources and materials that propel the dialogue forward,� said Mr. Felson. The program is taking root around the country and is growing steadily with participation from all branches of Judaism and the main Christian denominations.

For more information about the program, you can visit the website at http://www.interfaithpartnersforpeace.org.

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l cal news

Inna Benjaminson, an exemplary artist and more

Have guitar, will travel

By Arielle Hendel

By Eleanor Weber Dickman

The first time I heard about Inna Benjaminson — it was in reverent terms — “Oh, you have to meet her!”

Time and again, I heard from people how much Inna would help our Russian Language programs, how she could be a help for PJ Library and how she would be an asset in Women’s Philanthropy.

So, the first time I met Inna was when we both sat on the committee to help Rabbi Ilana Baird start her Russian Language program in the South Bay. Inna lived up to her reputation and more. Inna has Inna Benjaminson helped launch the South Bay Russian Language programs and she is particularly helpful with our newest program: PJ Library for Russian Speakers.

Rabbis, Jewish educators, family engagement specialists, veteran and new song-leaders, teen leaders, and Jewish camping staff shared one love in common in one weekend in St. Louis in February, giving participants, according to their publicity, “specific skills and strategies to inspire transformative change in their Jewish communities.”

As the director for the Russian program for more than 18 years at Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos, Inna built a vibrant community where émigrés could reclaim their Jewish roots through family programming. This could have been a life’s work; something to rest your laurels on. Even so, when she retired, she wasn’t quite ready to rest. She and other ‘retired’ grandmothers started a club to explore other outlets including artistic past times. In this group, she learned from Marina Saltzman how to do ‘decoupage’.

Inna took to this medium so quickly it even surprised her.

As with all her endeavors, Inna is exemplary in her artistic decoupage plates. Women’s Philanthropy featured her Mah Jongg plate as their first prize in their 2015 Tournament. More impressively, her work has been recognized by Raw Artist Community, a juried show in San Jose in 2014. The Children of Abraham project commissioned 12 plates which have been presented to The Vatican (yes, the one in Italy with The Pope) and to local public officials such as Diane Feinstein. She has also been commissioned by Kstatee (The Bay Area Russian Language newspaper) for their 25th anniversary plate. You can find Inna’s work on Etsy, at Alef Bet Judaica or Arttitud Gallery in San Francisco.

Inna says that she “has found herself in this work”.

She especially enjoys her collaboration with friend Alla Kelman. Inna is also grateful to Marina Salzman for her initial introduction to this medium, and her son’s girlfriend who encouraged her to start to sell her work.

Barbara Biran, ritual director for Congregation Beth David, recently joined peers at a “Song-Leader Boot Camp” workshop in St. Louis to hone her skills as a Jewish song-leader. Barbara received a grant from the national PJ Library® organization to represent Silicon Valley’s PJ Library® program, along with 35 other PJL peers from around the country. She was chosen from a competitive list. Her goal was to refine her skills so she could share them with PJL’s monthly programs for its member families.

Led by well-known children’s songleader Rich Recht (who appeared at PJ Library’s recent Hanukkah at Santana Row event), the event began with a lively songfest and offered, Barbara says, “many invigorating activities,” including songs integrated with tefillot sessions. “It was spiritually uplifting, enhancing everything we did. The music was designed to take you to another level of spiritual engagement.”

Bringing the skills she learned to PJL’s programs, she plans to use music “to take us to another level of spiritual engagement” with Tefillah and PJ Library themes.” Her goal was “to learn how professionals involved with early childhood education and song-leading interact with children and added music to their programming.” Renowned Jewish song-leaders as well as three well-known Rabbis ― Bradley Artson, Micah Greenstein, and Susan Talve ― were on hand to offer welcome perspectives.

Barbara said that the best class included ways to use song parodies, using new words from PJL books that can be tailored for songs children already know. She also learned other ways to “bring in music as a partner” in crafts activities such as making shaker bracelets and homemade drums.

Barbara will be working with PJL director Arielle Hendel to “develop a vision for my participation as a song-leader at PJL events and programs.” “It’s a whole new demographic for me,” she admits,” and I’m looking forward to working with this new age group, families with young children.” One of the things Barbara will focus on, she says, will be ways to “interact effectively with young children, and help the program add more music to the program.” Barbara will also be guided

by Lisa Litman from PJL National, who works with schools to integrate PJ Library books and activities.

The fact that Silicon Valley’s PJ Library Program was invited to participate in this special program is yet another indication of the national PJL organization’s high regard for the initiative, creativity, and effectiveness of our local program’s efforts.

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SIMCHAS

By Andrea Cohen Greyber BIRTHS Eileen Eisenberg & Marc Kashinsky of Palm Desert, formerly of Sunnyvale, are pleased to announce the birth of their second grandchild. Fiona Nat Kashinsky was born to Michelle & Josh Kashinsky on November 28 in Wilmington, DE. His big sister is Rose, 2, and the other grandparents are Susan Fadem and the late Rod Fadem of St. Louis, MO. The great-grandmothers are Frances Eisenberg of Voorhees, NJ and Char Sherman of St. Louis, MO. Barry & Rochelle Alhadeff of Congregation Beth David are pleased to announce the birth of their first grandchild. Charlie Speyer Alhadeff was born to Scott Alhadeff & Rebecca Hetey at Stanford Hospital on December 23; he weighed 7 pounds and was 19 ¾ inches long. Uncle Garrett Alhadeff of Campbell was pleased to welcome his first nephew!

and is a walking GPS system. He is a whiz on the computer, iPhone, iPad and almost any electronic gadget. He enjoyed celebrating his special day with his family and friends. His brother Kyle Powell who lives in London was delighted to be here for this festive occasion.

Michael Alexander Gabbert, son of Matthew & Lorraine Gabbert, was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on January 10 at Temple Emanu-El. He is a seventh grade student at Bernal Intermediate School where he enjoys participating in video, anime and roleplaying clubs as well as school dances.

He is active in year-round swimming and biking and likes learning new skills with Boy Scouts where he participates in metal working, leather working and horseback riding. He hopes to be an Eagle Scout one day. For his mitzvah project, Michael honored fallen servicemen at Golden Gate National Cemetery on Memorial Day, placing flags by their graves. Michael has a kind heart, easy going nature and boundless imagination.

Sela Josephs, daughter of Jerald Josephs & Deborah Ong, and big sister to Emma, 10, was called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on January 17 at Temple Emanu-El. She lives in Santa Clara and is a student at Hyde Middle School where she enjoys creative as well as academic classes. She loves animals, music and photography. For her mitzvah project, Sela and a close friend held a Cupcakes for Cancer bake sale to contribute to a non-profit group which helps children with cancer.

Rambod Jacoby & Jessica Intrator of Congregation Sinai welcomed Jonah Jacoby into their family on January 21.

He weighed 8 pounds 13 ounces and was 20 ½ inches long. The bris was held at the home of his parents on January 29. He joins big sister Eva, 2 ½, a preschooler at Temple Emanu-El, in the nursery. Jonah was named in memory of his maternal great-grandfather, Joseph Bamberger. He is the grandson of Edmund & Eleanor Intrator of San Jose and Mahna Rachel Osband, daughter of Lynn Osband & Steve Dick, was called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah at Congregation Yaghoubi of Los Angeles.

Sinai on January 26. Rachel is in the seventh grade at Dartmouth Middle Michael & Dena Acevedo of Campbell were pleased to School and previously attended Yavneh welcome Caleb Lawrence Acevedo into their family on Day School and Sinai’s Nursery School.

February 11. Their first child weighed 7 pounds 11 ounces She is the older sister of Jonathan, a and was 20 inches long. Proud grandparents are Ron & fifth grader at Yavneh, and Sarah, a first Alison Reubusch of Congregation Beth David! grader at Yavneh. Rachel enjoys playing the trumpet, performing in school CALLED TO THE TORAH plays, reading and spending time at Camp Ramah. She led the Shacharit and Bryce Evan Powell, son of Marc & Joy Powell, was called Torah services, read from the week’s to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on January 3 at Temple Torah portion, Va’era, and chanted the Emanu-El. He is a seventh grade student at Chaboya Middle Haftarah. During the D’var Torah, she School in San Jose. Bryce loves the great outdoors and all explained how she decided to share the creatures it contains, especially gastropods in all of her Bat Mitzvah with Ella Dik, of blessed memory. She was their varied forms. He loves to hike and has probably been matched with Ella after she contacted the Holocaust B’nai to every park in the South Bay. Bryce has a great memory 12

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Mitzvah Project. Ella and her 9 siblings were killed during the Holocaust. Rachel commemorated Ella’s life and symbolically gave Ella what was taken from her: the opportunity to celebrate becoming a Bat Mitzvah. Rachel also shared her special day with her new baby cousin, Nora, who was given her name during services. She donated funds to the ASPCA, and Save the Children Fund. Grandparents Marla & Ron Osband came in from L.A. and Charlene Dick flew in from Chicago; friends and relatives from 12 different states joined to celebrate Rachel’s becoming a Bat Mitzvah.

Zack Marks, son of Ilene & Ted Marks, was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah at Congregation Sinai on February 14. He is in the seventh grade at Almaden Country School and is the younger brother of Eliana, 15, a tenth grader at Presentation High School. Zack likes hockey, watching the Sharks and playing San Jose Youth League hockey.

He enjoys video games and “hanging with his friends.”

Proud grandparents are Erwin & Natalie Fluff of Ocala, FL and Morris & Connie Marks of Princeton, NJ. For his mitzvah project he will be donating money to give supplies to less fortunate hockey players.

Rachel Homayonfar, daughter of Holly & Moshe Homayonfar, was called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah at Congregation Sinai on February 21. She is in the seventh grade at Yavneh Day School.

Outside of school she enjoys art, reading, writing and swimming.

Rachel was very glad that her grandmother, Ashraf Ohebshalom of Oyster Bay, NY was able to join her for this special occasion. She will be donating money to the Wounded Warriors.

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

Let Us Help you Celebrate

Passover

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Los Gatos, CA 95032 Phone 408-370-1818 Fax 408-370-1896 www.alefbetjudaica.com

We offer a great selection of Haggadot, Seder Plates, Matzah Covers, Books and much more.

l cal news JValley Generator awards granted

By Arielle Hendel This past fall, Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley announced new community initiative funding through the JValley Generator grants. The Board of the Federation wanted to inspire connection and engagement, tikkun olam/social responsibility, pluralism, leadership, and innovation for seniors, young adults/young families and teens. These grants were released to motivate individuals, organizations, congregations and/or agencies to develop and implement new or enhanced programs to meet significant community needs or create new and innovative engagement opportunities in the Silicon Valley Jewish community. Our motto: “We keep the lights on; you keep them bright.” The first round of awards has been announced totaling $36,000.

Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley (JFSSV) was awarded three grants. One grant is for holding a Community Freedom Seder for Russian Speakers which will significantly reduce the cost for attendees; one grant is for HomeCare scholarships for low-income seniors; and, the final grant is for quality-of-life scholarships for low income seniors.

Yavneh Day School was awarded seed money for their Tzedek Garden project which will be a community project to engage families in planting, and the JFSSV Project Noah clients will benefit from the produce gleaned from the garden.

Varda Bashan will be starting a “Shabbat the Queen” program in the fall for families with children ages 5 – 8. They will be able to experience the wonders of welcoming in Shabbat together on Friday afternoons.

Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center was awarded a grant to provide campus fitness and social programming for adults with special needs.

A significant portion of this round of grants was earmarked for teens to attend leadership workshops and conventions, such as those held by NFTY, BBYO and USY. Information for the scholarship eligibility and application process will be available shortly at www.jvalley.org.

There will be another round of JValley Generator grants announced this spring. Check for details on our website: www.jvalley.org.

For questions about Jvalley Generator grants, please contact Arielle Hendel, Director of Community Engagement at arielle@jvalley.org or (408) 357-7501.

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Join these South Bay Jewish community organizations as we remember those who died in the Holocaust.

YOM HASHOAH

HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2015

At Temple Emanu-El, 1010 University Avenue, San Jose 7:00pm Performance of Yours, Anne, a musical version of Anne Frank’s diary, followed by the Yom Hashoah Commemoration Questions? Call Temple Emanu-El, 408.292.0939.

Addison-Penzak JCC of Silicon Valley Levy Family Campus

® OF SILICON VALLEY

Congregation Beth David

SANTA CLARA COUNTY HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY

SOME WERE NEIGHBORS: BETRAYERS, BYSTANDERS AND PROTECTORS Monday, April 13, 2015 | 4:00-5:30 pm • Testimony from local survivors • Presentations from Mitty High School Students • Memorial Candle Lighting County Government Building 70 W Hedding St, San Jose Free parking in the County C lot

For information: diane@jvalley.org or kWisialowski@jcrc.org

Sponsors:

Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors Office of Supervisor Dave Cortese Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley Jewish Community Relations Council, Peninsula Region Silicon Valley Holocaust Survivors Association

Photo: Gestapo officials supervise the deportation of local Jews as citizens look on. photo credit: Credit: Stadtarchiv Lörrach, United States Holocaust memorial museum

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Theatre Chevruta stages Potok’s My Name is Asher Lev Theatre Chevruta — A Jewish Readers Theatre concludes its second season at the APJCC with Aaron Posner’s recent adaptation of Chaim Potok’s modern classic novel, My Name is Asher Lev. Asher Lev will be performed on Saturday, May 2, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 3, at 2 p.m. Once again, the popular audience talkbacks with the cast and staff will occur after each performance.

This one-act play premiered in 2009 and has been performed nationwide ever since.

Theatre Chevruta’s director Doug Brook met both Aaron Posner, the playwright, and Adina Potok, the author’s widow, at the Association for Jewish Theatre’s annual conference in Washington, D.C. last December. Brook is starting his second term as a vice president of the AJT. Potok is best-known for The Chosen, and My Name is Asher Lev is probably a close second. It illustrates the struggles between upbringing and aspiration, between tradition and ambition. It follows a young Jewish painter torn between his Hassidic upbringing and his desperate need to fulfill his artistic promise. When his artistic genius threatens to destroy his relationship with his parents and community, young Asher realizes he must make a difficult choice between art and faith.

“I saw Asher Lev in Marin,” says Brook. “It’s a crisp, 90-minute interpretation that pulls you deep into the story of this young Jewish painter struggling between his artistic potential and his Hassidic upbringing.”

This heartbreaking and triumphant vision of what it means to be an artist is performed by just three actors. One plays Asher Lev, from childhood to adult, and a man and woman play all the other roles, including Asher’s parents, mentor, rabbi, and more.

l cal news together, making their exploration greater than the sum of its parts. With that in mind, in addition to the talkbacks and everpopular lobby boards providing greater context around the play, Theatre Chevruta is reviving its preview talks from the first season. This time, in partnership with Congregation Beth David’s Adult Education program, Doug Brook will lead “Asher Lev: Where Tradition and Ambition Collide” at Beth David on Saturday, April 25, at 1:30 p.m.

Theatre Chevruta continues to present staged readings, a format very popular with audiences for both new works and bringing obscure works to the stage that might not otherwise be performed. “When this theatre was established, we wanted to offer something unique,” reminds Brook. “We didn’t want to be just another place doing the same thing as everyone else.”

Asher Lev is the final production of Theatre Chevruta’s second season, dubbed “Newish Jewish Theatre,” following last fall’s world premiere Original Synergy, the biblical and corporate satire which explained the world’s woes by reimagining the seven days of Creation as being planned by a committee.

Those who missed Synergy will recall Theatre Chevruta’s first season, “A Taste of Yiddish Theatre,” which featured the original 1950s play Tevya and His Daughters — the inspiration for Fiddler on the Roof — and Donald Margulies’s recent adaptation of the iconic, controversial Yiddish Theatre drama God of Vengeance.

Theatre Chevruta will announce its third season this summer.

Numerous exciting and entertaining options are under consideration.

Auditions for the third season will be announced soon after the season is announced, and are open to anyone. The casts of all four Theatre Chevruta productions so far, like the audiences, have been a mix of people from the local Jewish and theatre communities.

For all Theatre Chevruta news, including announcements related to Asher Lev, and for next season, including performance dates and auditions, visit SiliconValleyJCC.org and click on Theatre Chevruta under the Cultural Arts tab. Also, please “like” Theatre Chevruta on Facebook at facebook.com/theatre.chevruta. For more information, contact Jenessa Schwartz, APJCC director of the Center for Jewish Life & Learning.

The cast includes actors new to Theatre Chevruta, from both the local theatre and Jewish communities. The women are played by Rebecca Wallace, a local writer and actor who is the marketing director of City Lights Theatre Company in San Jose.

The men are played by Steve Shapiro, president of the board of Sunnyvale Community Players, and a conductor and actor. Both appeared together in “Crossing Delancey,” and Steve was the title character last fall in “The Immigrant,” both at The Tabard Theatre in San Jose. The casting of Asher Lev himself is still being finalized, as of this writing.

Chevruta is a form of Talmudic study where two people study www.jvalley.org

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l cal news Family Day of Code at Yavneh Day School; a STEAM initiative Written by: Dr. Diana Wilmot and Vanina Sandel Contributors: Miles Bader and Jalen Milrad, eighth graders at Yavneh On Sunday, February 22, Yavneh Day School opened its doors to host more than 250 people for the first annual Family Day of Code. The event was free and open to everyone in the community within and outside of Yavneh, to families with children aged Pre-K to 8th grade. Families had the opportunity to glimpse what the Yavneh students experience regularly; to be encouraged to create new products and not just be a consumer of technology.

“Creating my own games is even more fun than just playing games,” a 2nd grader said.

The Family Day of Code began with a kosher sushi lunch, and we were honored to have Terry Winograd, Stanford University Computer Science Professor Emeritus and Yavneh grandparent, as our keynote speaker. Professor Winograd set the tone for the day. “...coding isn’t a solo sport, but a team effort. By combining ideas from a group of people you can do much more than if you just go it alone. That selfdriving car isn’t being built by some brilliant genius but by teams of people sharing ideas and working together to create something new. So enjoy the day, learn a lot, have fun with your friends, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what you create.”

Families were split into four different coding sessions by grade level to learn Scratch Jr., Scratch, Python and Greenfoot.

Each session lasted for 90 minutes and the instructors were all volunteer experts from the community, who wanted to be part of this special day. Every family was able to create their own project (e.g. a game, story, or animation) and invited to share their product with the entire community in the last hour.

Miles Bader and Jalen Milrad, eighth graders at Yavneh Day School, helped with the organization of the event as part of their middle school Innovation Lab project. They were very impressed that children and adults were able to learn something meaningful even if they had never coded before. “The students [and their families] learned skills that they will most certainly be able to apply throughout the rest of their lives. For us, as older students, it was very fulfilling to watch the children learn a valuable skill, for our developing world. It would not surprise me if one of the next technological entrepreneurs in our world of innovation was in one of those classrooms,” they reflected at the end of the Family Day of Code. We look forward to offering more of these experiences and continuing this important initiative ─ celebrating each other’s achievements STEAMing and coding together.

Passover volunteering with Jewish Family Services

By Lori Cinnamon Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley needs volunteers to assist with their Passover programs. The generous time and helping hands of volunteers 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. Below are the areas where help is needed.

Pick up Passover Food Drive Donation Bins March 25: Deliver the food donation bins to area synagogues and day schools and pick up when drive is over.

Mailing Assistance Late March: Help prepare the JFS SV Passover newsletter mailing Food Drive Sorting Late March and early April: Adults and teens to help sort food from the food drive Food Packing March 15 to March 22 (times to be arranged): Adults and teens to pack food packages for seniors Delivering Food Packages Late March (times to be arranged): Adults and families deliver holiday food packages and friendly visit to local seniors Deliver Holiday Bags to Nursing Homes Late March (times to be arranged): Adults and families deliver small Passover holiday bags to seniors in facilities and nursing homes

If you would like to join the JFS team of volunteers please call Lori Cinnamon at (408) 357-7467 or email her at loric@jfssv.org with your availability and interest.

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l cal news A challenge to the next generation

By Amanda Glincher Coupling the best of the Silicon Valley mindset with rich traditions, Kehillah Jewish High School offers an atmosphere in which students are not only prepared for the years ahead but are also encouraged to take responsibility for themselves and their communities. At Kehillah, students are given the tools to flourish, both academically and socially, and pursue extraordinary futures.

The educational opportunities provided by Kehillah are not confined within the walls of 3900 Fabian Way, in Palo Alto. This past February, Kehillah invited select community leaders to a presentation with renowned scholar Rabbi Dr. Irving (Yitz) Greenberg on the topic of “The American Jewish Community: Past, Present, and Future.”

Rabbi Greenberg did a beautifully eloquent job of explaining the path of American Jews over the last 140 years. He discussed the path we took from poor immigrants to becoming the leaders of so many economically prosperous fields in the country. Our educational and entrepreneurial values gave us the drive to succeed that Rabbi Dr. Irving “Yitz” was necessary for fulfilling the American dream.

Greenberg

Rabbi Greenberg then focused on the concept of the challenge that is now present to our Jewish community and all American communities: inclusion, not exclusion. In a world in which knowledge is readily accessible and we all belong to multiple intersecting communities, we need to develop a new Jewish narrative that addresses and embraces our diversity. We need selling points for our culture that highlight the beauty of being Jewish without alienating non-Jews or reducing the richness of Judaism to just one way of life.

This challenge is one to meet and conquer, like the many challenges faced by our people in the thousands of years before us. Much like Kehillah’s mission of taking responsibility for themselves and their communities, we should challenge one another to strive to work collectively, meeting the needs for all and respecting each other’s differences.

For more information on Kehillah Jewish High School, visit www.kehillah.org or call (650) 213-9600.

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pass ver

Questions: Who wrote the Passover Haggadah, how old is it really, and how many editions are out there?

By Cantor Meeka Simerly The Story of the Haggadah: Authorship, Age, Editions I love the Passover Haggadah. Each time I find a new edition, I get giddy with excitement. I am proud of my collection of Haggadot (plural of Haggadah), gathered from different eras and parts of the world. For example, I have the simple Hebrew Yeynot Karmel Haggadah, a very thin, unimpressive, wine- stained Israeli Haggadah (1960s), which served my ultra-secular family in Israel for four decades. I also have the incredibly beautifully illustrated Haggadah created by the great Polish Jewish artist, Arthur Szyk (1932-34) and reissued in 2008.

Throughout the generations, the Haggadah has given expression to creative Jewish liturgy and is perhaps the most popular Jewish literary work. Each person can find his or her own story reflected in the Haggadah. Each year we are invited to relate to the ancient story of redemption from exile, from both our collective and personal stories of liberation. We also have the freedom to add our stories to a traditional Haggadah or to develop our own version to express them.

No single Haggadah represents all of our people because Jews are scattered all around the world and the Haggadah reflects the environment we each live in. Even our children have their own Haggadot. Some are accompanied by toys, which stand for the ten plagues or the little baby Moses in the bullrushes.

One of the strangest Haggadot was given to me as a gift. It is the Tza’Hal (IDF) Haggadah, published in the 1970s. It contains some of the traditional references to the Biblical story related in the Book of Exodus of the Israelites’ redemption from slavery to freedom in Egypt. However, the Biblical narrative is combined with photographs of Israeli soldiers in tanks, carrying weapons, expressing the current stories of liberation of our strong and brave Israeli soldiers.

One of my most precious Haggadot, which is old and falling apart, is called Agada De Pesah and was published in 1934 in Istanbul.

It belonged to my grandparents, Regina Nassi and Avraham Hassid, z”l, Sephardic Jews whose families originated from Spain and were exiled to Turkey in the 1400s. When my grandparents left Turkey to escape the Nazis in the early 1940s, they packed two Ladino Haggadot, among the few possessions they carried with them when they fled to Palestine. (Ladino is the Sephardic language that combines Hebrew and Spanish.)

Another unique Haggadah that I have is called, Haggadah for the Liberated Lamb. It is a vegetarian Haggadah that celebrates compassion for all creatures. Published in 1988, in both Hebrew and English, it has no mention of a lamb shank!

Nanette Stahl from Yale University summarizes the role of the Haggadah: “The Haggadah is a timeless book; it has given voice to the hopes and dreams of Jews throughout the generations. And from medieval times to the present, artists have expressed these hopes and dreams in the magnificent illuminations they created.

Text and image maintain an ongoing dialogue.…Many artists have specific agendas, be they religious, political, or social. The lack of women in the Haggadah, for example, has become an issue that many current artists address in their illustrations.” 1 Neither Miriam nor her brothers Aharon and Moses are mentioned in the traditional Haggadah, but their roles are integral to and intertwined in the Passover story. Thus, in recent years, combined within the traditional text, particularly for progressive

Jewish communities, editors have been inserting additional stories to represent our Biblical leaders, especially the role of women in the story. For example, the Story of the Oppression, in the CCAR Revised Edition of The New Union Haggadah, contains reference to the leaders: Moses, Aharon and Miriam: “and G-d brought us forth out of Egypt, with joy and singing, and guided them in the wilderness, as a shepherd cares for his flock.” 2 However, given all of these different versions of the Haggadah, how do we determine how old it really is as a liturgical guide at Passover? Various opinions exist, but the most widely accepted earliest historical reference comes from the 10th century, indicating that the Haggadah was part of a prayer book compiled

by Rabbi Sa’adiah ben Yosef Gaon (c. 892-942 CE). Two early known Haggadot, as separate units from the Siddur, were produced in 14th C Spain: The Illuminated Golden Haggadah, in the British Library in London; and the Sarajevo Haggadah, in the National Museum of Bosnia in Sarajevo.

Another intriguing and well known Haggadah is the Birds’ Head Haggadah, the oldest surviving Ashkenazi (German, c. 1300) illuminated manuscript, currently residing in the Israel Museum, Jerusalem. Its name is derived from the birdlike human figures illustrated in the manuscript’s margins, exemplifying the Biblical prohibition against creating graven images.

In summary, no one knows exactly who wrote the first Haggadah based on the story in our holy scriptures. The Haggadah is ageless and timeless; it is an evolving story that reflects our individual, as well as collective experiences, as a People and as G-d’s Holy Vessels.

We each experience our redemption story from whatever slavery we find ourselves in, from enslavement to our cell phones or social media, to enslavement to our addictions and emotional or physical limitations. Theoretically, we could each illustrate and write our own Haggadah, sharing our journey, building on the examples from the Biblical story of the Israelites, Moses, Miriam and Aharon. They were redeemed from slavery in Egypt, which as a name in Hebrew means: the place of constriction, or constraints, and is symbolic of the birth canal. And so, too, we hope to be redeemed from our narrow places today.

Every journey begins with that one first step as we each write the Haggadah of our lives.

I will end with an excerpt of a poem written by Rabbi Ruth H. Sohn: it captures the process of overcoming fears, and taking a first brave step into redemption, breaking free of enslavement, whatever that may be. “…To take the first step — to sing a new song — to close one’s eyes and dive into unknown waters. For a moment knowing nothing, risking all — But then to discover the waters are friendly.

The ground is firm and the song rises again. Out of my mouth come words lifting the wind, and I hear for the first time the song that has been in my heart, silent, unknown, even to me.”

3

The Passover Haggadah. Yale University, Judaica collection. http://www.library.yale.edu/judaica/site/exhibits/haggadah/haggadahabout.html 1

2

The New Union Haggadah (Revised Edition). CCAR Press, 2014, pp. 31-32.

3 The Song Of Miriam, Rabbi Ruth H. Sohn, director of Rabbinic Mentoring program at Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles. The Torah, a Women’s Commentary, p.

406.

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pass ver Passover and the search for spiritual crumbs

By Rabbi Philip Ohriner, Congregation Beth David For many, Passover is a cherished time of year. It provides an opportunity to focus on the central narrative of the Jewish people—our role in the quest for freedom. Passover affords us the rare opportunity to think deeply with family and friends about freedom and the remaining work necessary in ensuring freedom for all humanity. Yet, there is one specific element of Passover that drives many to the brink of insanity. As we prepare for the holiday, we meticulously empty our pantries, scour our

counters, and investigate every nook and cranny for vestiges of swollen wheat, barley, oats, spelt, and rye products and their admixtures. We go through this routine in the hopes of fulfilling one of the foundational commandments of Passover—the removal of leavening, hametz, from our homes. The Torah tells us in Exodus (12:15) that the removal of hametz is an integral part of our holiday: “seven days you shall eat unleavened bread; on the very first day you shall remove leaven from your houses, for whoever eats leavened bread from the first day to the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel.” In many Jewish homes there is a special fervor and thoroughness devoted to the removal of hametz. On this level, the removal of leavening is a physical and exhausting endeavor.

I often wonder whether our pre-Passover cleaning sprees actually prepare us for Passover. Sure, our homes are ready, but are we ready? Does our physical cleaning bolster us and energize our minds and souls for the journey out of Egypt each year or does it leave us completely exhausted and prepared to just sit the exodus out for a year? In short, how do we contextualize the physical preparation in our minds so that they might add to our spiritual preparedness for Passover?

For millennia Judaism has coupled our concern for physical hametz with a much more insidious and tenacious kind of “leavening.” There is a spiritual dimension to our removal of leavening, as well. The Talmud tells us of the personal meditation recited by Rabbi Alexandri after his private prayers.

Rabbi Alexandri would turn his heart and mind towards heaven

and say the following: “Master of the Universe, You know full well that it is our desire to act according to Your will; but what prevents us from doing so? The leavening in the dough (Babylonian Talmud Berachot 17a).” Rashi explains that this leavening is the evil inclination that inflates our heart. This is the spiritual hametz that requires purging from our souls prior to Passover. In his beautiful work, Preparing Your Heart for Passover, Rabbi Kerry Olitzky explains our task as follows: Just as one removes the leaven by the light of the candle, one should eliminate the evil that dwells within, searching the heart by the light of the soul, which is the “candle of G-d.” Only with Divine light are we even able to see the hametz that is buried in our soul. And only through that same light are we able to incinerate it. Furthermore, who knows what else might be revealed in the light? We might even see the ones we love just a little differently in the special radiance of this phenomenal light!

The pre-Passover spring-cleaning we undertake must be more than just an attempt to purge our homes of leftovers and crumbs. The physical act is meant to trigger an internal process as well—the purifying of our souls. So this year as you scrub and soak and vacuum and wash, grab hold of the opportunity to look more deeply into your own life. What internal “scrubbing” do we require to allow us to be more free? Where have our souls become “inflated” with selfimportance since last Passover in ways that make us unable to witness the slavery of others?

How have we personally become “enslaved” by our urges and temptation over the past year?

What must we do prior to Passover to truly free our own souls so that we can continue to fight for the freedom of others?

These are the kinds of questions we might find answers to in the monotonous motions of cleaning if we begin to view our physical preparations as an entry point into the deeper work we all face with regard to freedom for ourselves, our people, and our world.

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Emeth hears Holocaust survivor and receives Torah fragment On February 11, Congregation Emeth welcomed Ruth Krell Steinfeld, from Houston, Texas, to speak about her experiences as a child survivor of the Holocaust.

Prior to Ruth’s presentation, the congregation received a framed Holocaust Torah fragment, from John Fensterwald, San Jose.

Fensterwald received the fragment from his 91-year-old friend, Karin Fortun Van Strein. This fragment, from Deuteronomy 32:1, is part of Moses’ final poem to the Israelites, the beginning of chapter Ha’Azinu, the last one read in the synagogue on Shabbat morning before Rosh Hashanah.

Karin Fortun Van Strien was born in Thuringen, Germany in 1924. The fragment, apparently part of a Torah which had been torn and partially burned during Kristalnacht, “the Night of the Broken Glass”, was rescued by her father, Fritz Fortun, who served as an officer in the German Army during the war. He preserved the fragment, recognizing its importance, and stored it in the family chest. Karin, who married a Unitarian minister, David van Strien, and moved to Peterborough, New Hampshire after the war, was given the parchment by her father. She says she is “thrilled that the parchment has come back to life.”

Kristalnacht took place in 1939. At that time Emeth’s guest speaker Ruth Steinfeld was only 6-years-old, living in Ladenburg, Germany. Her sister Lea was only a year older. In 1940, Nazi soldiers put her entire family on a train, heading to Drancy, a French concentration camp, where the men and women were separated; she never saw her father again. At the urging of their mother, she and her sister were rescued by the Agency for the Rescue of Children and the French underground, and were taken into France where she lived as a hidden child throughout the remainder of the war. After the war, Ruth and Lea were brought to America where they joined their grandfather and an uncle who had managed to leave Germany before the war.

But the highlight of Ruth’s story begins in 1981, when she went to the Gathering of Holocaust Survivors in Israel. It was there that she went to a dedication of a beautiful monument, which included her parents’ names. For her, it was as if she was finally burying her parents.

Afterwards, she went back to Ladenburg, her little hometown in Germany, and confronted her past in a profound way. “I couldn’t ever forget, but I could forgive. I no longer had to live with the hate and the pain that I lived with all of my life,” she told the standing-room-only audience at Congregation Emeth. “From that moment on, things have been different. I finally found peace.”

A longtime friend of Congregation Emeth’s rabbi, Debbie Israel, Ruth has devoted her adult life to speaking about the Holocaust, especially to schools throughout the greater Houston area. Ruth is a founding member of the Holocaust Museum of Houston.

Congregation Emeth is South Valley’s Jewish community center, located in Morgan Hill, and serving South San Jose, Morgan Hill, Gilroy and Hollister. For information go to www.emeth.net or call (408) 778-8200.

l cal news

Nearly 100 Bay Area teens joined more than 3,000 at BBYO IC 2015 Provided by BBYO

BBYO International Convention (IC) 2015 is an annual event that began 90 years ago as a way for BBYO members to connect once a year, but has now grown to be a setting for individuals across the Jewish community to learn, lead and work together toward ensuring a strong Jewish future, spearheaded by the next generation. This February 92 Bay Area teens joined more than 2,200 Jewish teens (a 24% increase from 2014) and 1,100 Jewish adults in Atlanta. This included some of the community’s top educators, professionals and philanthropists from 20 countries.

“Being at IC truly felt like being home – but with more than 2,200 brothers and sisters and so many of my close friends from around the world,” said Josh Leviloff of San Mateo High School “I couldn’t have imagined a more amazing experience, learning from some of the community’s most influential leaders and change agents. Now, back in the Bay Area, I am more inspired than ever to lead my community and make an impact now, and when I’m on a college campus next year.”

For the first time ever, The Jim Joseph Foundation, The Marcus Foundation, The Schusterman Family Foundation and The Paul E. Singer Foundation hosted the Summit on Jewish Teens during the first 24 hours of IC 2015. Two hundred and fifty of the Jewish community’s most influential thought leaders and philanthropists attended to converse with each other, and with teens, about how to engage this age group in Jewish life now and in the future. See the facilitators here.

IC 2015 was also host to the Coalition of Jewish Teens (CJT). Teen leadership from the five major youth movements (BBYO, NCSY, NFTY, USY and Young Judaea) met for 24 hours concurrently to the Summit on Jewish Teens to strategically plan ways Jewish teens everywhere can work across organizational borders to build a stronger, united Jewish community. They drafted a mission statement for their work moving forward: “We, the Coalition of Jewish Teens, stand united to shape the Jewish future through shared Jewish values.”

“BBYO’s leadership, both teen and adult, realize that the future of the Jewish community is brighter when we all come together,” said Matthew Grossman, BBYO Chief Executive Officer.“IC 2015 was an exciting step in making that happen and we’re looking forward to continuing this collaboration.”

For information on BBYO, please visit www.bbyo.org.

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l cal news The new adventure begins!

By Eleanor Weber Dickman The sun was the brightest participant in the festivities that began on the front lawn of Congregation Beth David at 10 a.m. on Sunday, January 25. Turning the atmosphere into a warm spring day, the sun reflected the warmth, sense of community, and excitement of anticipation for the happy turnout of congregants, congregation leaders, political friends, and guests.

It had been a long journey to this day. Fifty years ago, four founding families began to put a vision into action. The Daniels, Dreifus, Kallman, and Postman families put energy, dedication, resourcefulness, and commitment into creating a new spiritual community. Beth David’s congregational homes were many: from a Meeting House in Santa Clara to the West Valley Presbyterian Church in San José, from El Camino Real and McKinley Avenue in Sunnyvale to Stelling Road in Cupertino to 19700 Prospect Road in Saratoga. The congregation grew, with vision and vigor, with loyalty and pride.

Current President David Hoffman opened the proceedings banging (gently) on the podium with his uniquely appropriate “gavel” ― a hammer! With humor, pride, and warmth, the tone of the event was set. David recalled the congregation’s journey to its present home and acknowledged all the past presidents whose leadership and commitment had helped shape and strengthen the synagogue.

Senior Rabbi Philip Ohriner offered an invocation which acknowledged all those who had, over the decades, led the synagogue’s growth and strength. “We gather in joy and gratitude,” he said, “mindful of the blessings that have been bestowed upon us ― knowledge, wisdom, understanding, and the sense of community which has made us a true ‘Kehillah,’ a sacred congregation.” Rabbi Ohriner quoted the proverb which prophesied growth by “build[ing] through wisdom and establish[ing] through understanding.” He cited four important foundations for strengthening the synagogue: understanding, learning, prayer, and community.

Congresswoman Anna Eshoo from California’s 18th Congressional District described the event by quoting, “This is a day the Lord has made,” and acknowledged Rabbi Daniel Pressman for his “33 years of extraordinary leadership.” Saratoga Mayor Howard Miller acknowledged the founders, clergy, staff, and Board members, saying, “Future generations will read and know about the leadership of the visionaries who established this congregation,” and praised all those whose “stewardship of faith and community [led to] a renewed commitment to this holy place.” He concluded, “the expansion of your spiritual home is [an example of] living faith carried out by community.”

Rabbi Pressman praised congregational leaders over the years for being “forward thinking in your vision and faith.” Noting that contributions by members of Beth David have extended throughout the Jewish community of the South Bay, he cited the names of congregants who have served in significant leadership positions with other Jewish organizations throughout Silicon Valley.

Michelle Nathanson, director of Development for The Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley, praised this “visible milestone in our journey,” and recognized Beth David’s role (as an institution and as a source of many of the larger community’s most active and creative leaders) in bringing “leadership, planning, vision, and foresight” to the larger Jewish community.

Dan Skilken, whose leadership of the project has contributed significantly to its success, recalled a meeting two years prior with Sandy Mayer and David Hoffman, who asked him to join a committee to remodel the courtyard. Turning his fellow congregants into visionaries, Dan proposed a remodel of the entire building. The “Next 50 Project” had begun.

Thanks to the energy of Board members and key congregants ― as well as the power of the concept itself ― the project received commitments and donations of $6.2 million in six months!

Fundraising Chair Bonnie Slavitt Moore was acknowledged for her leadership in coordinating the “Jewish Conversations” with congregants that led to the generous support the synagogue quickly received.

The new facility will encompass 6600 square feet, and is described by Dan as “the expansion of our spiritual home and living faith carried out by community.” Some of the exciting new features of the new facility will include a 40-foot high rotunda with a glass roof, and a “kotel” built with Jerusalem stone, as well as prayers submitted by congregants to be embedded in the wall. In addition, plans call for establishing a new endowment to maintain this legacy.

Noting that “it takes good partners” to achieve this dream, Dan acknowledged architect Joel Karr of WK Design, whose remodeling of Congregation Beth Jacob in Redwood City impressed Skilken and the “Next 50” Committee. Karr, along with Bob Burns and Nick Bryson of Bryson Burns Construction, participated in the symbolic “ground-breaking” of a plot of grass near the synagogue entrance, along with the synagogue’s past and present rabbis (including Rabbi Pressman’s predecessor Rabbi Jerry Danzig), with earlier rabbis also acknowledged by name. Sandy Mayer, a member of the Next 50 Committee and the organizer of the groundbreaking event, was praised for her “tireless efforts” in helping shape the project and organizing the event.

Rabbi Ohriner opened the groundbreaking ceremony by acknowledging that “The Jewish people have always understood that a holy community must have a holy place (makom kadosh).

Rabbi Alexander acknowledged “the blessings bestowed upon us by dedicated and generous members.”

Father José Galang, pastor of the neighboring Church of the Ascension (which for many years provided additional worship space for Beth David members during the Jewish High Holy Days), gave the closing benediction, extending “warmest congratulations and prayerful wishes,” and praising the congregation for its commitment, as “a people of peace,” to create “a place for prayer, worship, and peace ― one people together.”

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datebook

All area codes are 408 unless otherwise noted.

ONGOING EVENTS SUNDAYS Knitzvah APJCC, 10:30 AM, 4/12 Knitzvah is a JFS volunteer group of knitters, crocheters and seamstresses of all ages.

They meet monthly to create beautiful handmade creations.

Knitzvah distributes these gifts to 18 nonprofits. All ages and levels of experience are welcome. Come and be a part of this dynamic group or donate yarn to help them meet the needs of our community. loric@jfssv.org, 556-0600 MONDAYS Lean in Circle Beth David, 7:30 PM, 5/13 A women’s career networking and support group inspired

by Sheryl Sandberg’s book “Lean In.” Our mission is to help women lean into their ambitions, whatever they may be. Through a series of education and exploration topics, the group will learn new skills, learn from each other, and provide encouragement to take necessary risks in order to develop personally and/or professionally. adulted@bethdavid.org, 257-3333 TUESDAYS Israeli Folk Dancing Emanu-El, 7:30 PM Beginner folk dancers—no partners needed. 292-0939 WEDNESDAYS Ima & Me Sinai, 9 AM Free program for children up to 2 years of age. Join other moms and bond with your child while exploring their world through play, music and movement! office@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542 Lunch and Learn, Song of Songs Emanu-El, Noon, 4/15 Bring your lunch and join

Cantor Meeka Simerly for an in-depth study of Song of Songs, one of the five Megillot (scrolls). Materials provided; no previous study required. stephanie@templesanjose.org, 292-0939 Lunch and Learn, Torah Study Emanu-El, Noon, 3/25, 4/22 Bring your lunch and share in a discussion of Torah as Rabbi Magat and a dedicated band of students continue to explore the text. No previous study required; new faces welcome! stephanie@templesanjose.org, 292-0939 Lunch and Learn Emanu-El, Noon, 4/8, 5/13 Bring your lunch and join in a stimulating conversation with Rabbi Magat on recent events, political happenings and other relevant topics. 292-0939, stephanie@templesanjose.org THURSDAYS Silicon Valley Beit Midrash Sinai, 9:30-11 AM Join Rabbi Josh Berkenwald for in-depth study of Jewish thought, belief, and practice.

No fee; drop-ins are welcome; no experience necessary.

Schedule subject to change.

Please check the Sinai Silicon Valley Beit Midrash event listing for up-to-date information.

Office@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542 Baby and Me Events Various locations, 10 AM See ad on page 33.

FRIDAYS Talmud Study Beth David, 8:30 AM Join a lively discussion in the exploration of Jewish rituals and rules. Newcomers encouraged to join! Donations welcome. 257-3333, adulted@beth-david.org

Stroller Fitness Emanu-El, 9 AM A stroller-based indoor/ outdoor exercise class using cardio and strength training as well as stretching. $5/class. jmschnitzer@gmail.com, 2920939 Swimming in the Sea of Talmud: Tractate Megillah Beth David, 10 AM The Talmud is a compendium of stories and legal discourse that serve as the foundation of Judaism. 257-3333, adulted@beth-david.org Spiritual Ethics Discussion Group Beth David, 11:15 AM Explore Jewish wisdom dealing with ethics and morals in this participant-led group. Newcomers welcome.

Donations appreciated. 2573333, adulted@beth-david.org Tot Shabbat and Catered Dinner Emanu-El, 6 PM, 3/20, 4/17 Brief services for families with young children, followed by a delicious dinner. Free. membership@templesanjose. org, 292-0939 Shabbatluck Dinner Emanu-El, 6:15 PM, 4/3, 5/1 Share a meal with the congregation before the Family Shabbat Service. Please bring a kosher-style main or side dish to share. 292-0939, stephanie@templesanjose.org SATURDAYS Singing the Siddur Sinai, 9 AM, 3/28, 4/25 Come practice singing the Shabbat prayers. No fee. Open to all. No registration required. limmud@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542 Baby Shabbat Emanu-El, 9 AM, 4/11, 5/9 A Shabbat experience for families with children 0-30 months. Program with songs, stories and play. Oneg sponsored by Sisterhood.

Siblings welcome! 292-0939

Torah Study Shir Hadash, 9:30 AM Study Parashat HaShavuah (weekly Torah portion) and then layer onto our study the commentary of Yehudah Aryeh Leib Alter, known as the Gerrer Rebbe, through a wonderful translation of his work by Arthur Green, one of the foremost contemporary scholars of Jewish mysticism and Neo-Hasidism. Step out of your weekday world and join us for 50 minutes on a different plane. Some of those attending Torah study stay on for Shabbat morning services, but it is not required. Informal dress and drop-ins are welcome.

358-1751 Youth Services Sinai, 10:30 AM, 3/28, 4/25 K-2nd grade families are invited to join for songs, stories and games led by Jamie Zimmer.

3rd-6th graders will have a learner’s minyan where they can practice leading prayers led by Eve Havivi. The 7th grade B’nei Mitzvah students will start with Krispy Kreme donuts and focus on the theme of the month. 264-8542 Torah for Tots Sinai, 11 AM, 5/2 Singing, movement, stories and more for nursery-age children and the adults they bring.

Followed by lunch with the congregation. office@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542 Hot Topics in Halakhah Today Beth David, 1:30 PM, 5/2 Join Rabbi Ohriner to discuss the hottest halakhic issues facing our community, the Conservative movement and the Jewish world. adulted@ beth-david.org, 257-3333 UPCOMING EVENTS FRIDAY, MARCH 20 Kabbalat Shabbat Services and Dinner Sinai, 6 PM Bring in Shabbat with a lively service followed by a delectable dinner. Reservations required for dinner. office@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542

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“G-d’s To-Do List”: G-d Is Looking for Us to Be G-d’s Partner on Earth Beth David, 8 PM In his book, scholar-inresidence Dr. Ron Wolfson suggests we look at how G-d acts in Torah as our guide, leading us to a life of meaning and purpose. 257-3333, adulted@beth-david.org SATURDAY, MARCH 21 Relational Judaism-Forming Communities Beth David, 11 AM |An approach to Jewish engagement that emphasizes a warm welcome. With scholarin-residence Dr. Ron Wolfson. adulted@beth-david.org, 257-3333 SUNDAY, MARCH 22 Walkathon SPHDS, 10 AM Open to the public. Raise money for education while raising the fitness bar. 7383060, Maya.yaniv@sphds.org Continuing the Conversation on Clutter Shir Hadash, Noon Join in the quarterly meeting to discuss ways of clearing clutter out of our lives.

358-1751 TUESDAY, MARCH 24 Equitable Transportation Meeting Shir Hadash, 7:30 PM The Social Justice Committee (SHOC) and our PACT (People Acting in Community Together) associates will be hosting a meeting to inform our community about our work toward accessible transportation in Santa Clara County. 358-1751, nadine@shirhadash.org WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 Charoset Contest APJCC, 3:30 PM Charoset is a traditional Passover food, symbolizing the mortar that the Jewish slaves used to build cities for Pharaoh in ancient Egypt.

There are many ways to make it, and each family has its own favorite recipe. Think yours is best? Bring a bowl of your

charoset to out 5th annual Charoset Contest in the JCC lobby. Or just stop by to taste and vote. 357-7413, rabbijames@svjcc.org Conversation Starters: Yavneh Day School Head of School Installation Levy Family Campus, 6 PM An evening panel discussion about the future of education and celebrate the installation of the new Head of School, Zvi Weiss. 984-6700, daniele@yavnehdayschool.org THURSDAY, MARCH 26 Mitzvah and a Meal Levy Family Campus, 6:30 PM Join NextGen for an evening of fun and doing good. Start with dinner and drinks and then spend the evening creating Passover food packages with Jewish Family Services for those in need. NextGen Silicon Valley is geared for Jewish adults ages in their 20s and 30s. becka@jvalley.org, 357-7502 SATURDAY, MARCH 28 Shabbat Service and Adult B’nai Mitzvah Reunion Shir Hadash, 10:30 AM Join Rabbi Aron, Cantor FelderLevy, and our many past Adult B’nai Mitzvah students for this special reunion. 358-1751, nadine@shirhadash.org Tot Shabbat Beth David, 11:15 AM Relaxing, lighthearted, interactive Shabbat program for tots. Includes songs, stories, puppets and more. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Jewish Artists Group — Noah’s Ark Beth David, 1:30 PM Presentation and discussion

by Paul Freudenthal on Noah’s Ark, as described in the Torah, and in art. The CBD Jewish Artists Group meets monthly.

Meetings begin after Kiddush Lunch. Everyone is welcome.

257-333 Community Havdalah and Book Reading Emanu-El, 7 PM See ad on page 20.

SUNDAY, MARCH 29 Brotherhood Blood Drive Emanu-El, 8 AM See ad on page 33.

Sinai Lunch Team for San Jose Family Supportive Housing Sinai, 10 AM Volunteers needed to prepare and serve lunch to young families temporarily in need at the SJ Family Supportive Housing. 264-8542, socialaction@sinai-sj.org Fun and Sports with Friends — For Children with Special Needs APJCC, 11 AM This is an outdoor fun day for children ages 4-18 who have special needs. Participants will enjoy baseball, basketball, tennis and soccer on the JCC’s athletic field. Each child will be paired with a volunteer and will rotate among the activities. Parents and siblings (ages 4-18) are welcome to attend. There will be special activities for siblings, including bounce houses and games.

Lunch will be served. FREE. jenny@svjcc.org, 357-7414 Women’s Seder Shir Hadash, 2 PM Come and explore the feminist side of the seder. 358-1751, nadine@shirhadash.org Faith: What do you believe?

Beth David, 7:30 PM Victoria Zackheim discusses her new anthology “Faith: Essays from Believers, Agnostics, and Atheists”, which contains essays about faith (or the lack thereof). Twenty-four authors — from international bestsellers to CNN journalists, political activists to rabbis, the reverent to the devout — explore thoughts and feelings about faith, discover answers to questions many had long ignored, and discuss how they came to their beliefs. They explore questions such as: What do you believe? What does “faith” mean? Is it a guiding force or a concept you reject? 257-3333, adulted@beth-david.org

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 Film Screening & Discussion: “50 Children” APJCC, 7 PM See ad on page 35.

THURSDAY, APRIL 9 Freilache Menschen Retirees Group Luncheon — We Were Slaves Shir Hadash, 11:30 AM Join for a light lunch and program. $5/person. 358-1751, shanda@shirhadash.org Passover 7th Night Seder Shir Hadash, 6-9 PM Enjoy the rituals of Passover Seder with your Shir Hadash extended family at this special Seventh Night Seder. The seder will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. and conclude around 9:00 p.m. Children are welcome and there will be some special activities for them during the Magid/study portion of the evening. $27/each, $10/5 and under, plus a potluck vegetarian Passover dish to share. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 SATURDAY, APRIL 11 Book Discussion Group — “The Inextinguishable Symphony” Beth David, 1:30 PM A discussion of “The Inextinguishable Symphony: A True Story of Music and Love in Nazi Germany” by Martin Goldstein will be led by Paul Freudenthal in Portable 3 in the parking lot. 257-3333, adulted@beth-david.org SUNDAY, APRIL 12 Toledo: After Rome and Between Christianity & Islam Beth David, 10:30 AM Dr. Fred Astren, Chair of the Department of Jewish Studies at San Francisco State University, examines the far western end of the Mediterranean, where the Roman Empire seemed to dissolve away. 257-3333, adulted@beth-david.org Grandparent’s Circle Reunion Shir Hadash, 7 PM A reunion for all who have participated in a Grandparent’s Circle workshop. 358-1751, nadine@shirhadash.org

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MONDAY, APRIL 13 Some Were Neighbors: Betrayers, Bystanders and Protectors 70 W Hedding St, San Jose, 4 PM See ad on page 14.

FRIDAY, APRIL 17 PJ Shabbat Beth David, 6 PM Kid-friendly Shabbat service, followed by dinner. For families with children 5 and under. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333 SATURDAY, APRIL 18 Jewish Artists Group April Meeting Beth David, 1:30 PM Presentations and discussion

by Jack Goodman on Fine Woodcraft, and Rabbi Ohriner on Making Coffins. The CBD Jewish Artists Group meets monthly. Meetings begin after Kiddush Lunch. Everyone is welcome. Cbd. 257-3333, artists@beth-david.org SUNDAY, APRIL 19 10th Annual Healthy Living Fair Shir Hadash, 9 AM The Healthy Living Fair provides free health screening tests to a large medically under-served community. As in past years, we expect hundreds of community members seeking medical screening by our volunteer congregants, physicians and nurses for diabetes, high cholesterol, elevated blood pressure and obesity. Dental screening and treatment will be offered to adults and children on site at no cost. 358-1751, nadine@shirhadash.org Exploring the World of Judaism — Budapest: An American Quest Shir Hadash, 9:30 AM Join Lynn Schneider, the director of Budapest: An American Quest, a Family’s Journey to 1920s Hungary, for a discussion of her discoveries and a look at her short film covering one hundred years of her family history from World War I to the present day. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751

FRIDAY, APRIL 24 NextGen Shabbat Shir Hadash, TBA See ad on page 33.

SATURDAY, APRIL 25 Shir Fun Tot Shabbat with DRUMMM Shir Hadash, 10 AM Shir Hadash’s Shir Fun invites families with kids 5 and under to DRUMMM with us! Join us for a very special Tot Shabbat with DRUMMM. We will watch a performance and then get hands on with the drums to learn and connect to our service in a whole new way.

Enjoy a toddler-friendly brief Shabbat service, snacks, all of your friends, and drumming!

Free and open to the community. 358-1751, shanda@shirhadash.org Asher Lev: Where Tradition and Ambition Collide Beth David, 1:30 PM Doug Brook, the artistic director of Theatre Chevruta, leads a discussion about ambition, change, and tradition. 257-3333, adulted@beth-david.org South Bay Teen Idol Finals APJCC, 7 PM diana@svjcc.org, 357-7429 SUNDAY, APRIL 26 Bring Out Your Clutter and Help the ECC Shir Hadash, 9 AM Spring cleaning? Here’s your chance to donate your unwanted items and help the Early Childhood Center. Help us fill a 27-foot truck and the school will earn $1500.00! robin@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 The Panic of Parenthood: How We Got Here and What to Do About It Yavneh, 10 AM Please join Yavneh Day School, the APJCC and Jewish Family Services for a Sunday brunch with parenting experts Carla Naumburg, Ph.D., author of “Parenting in the Present Moment: How to Stay Focused on What Really Matters” and Jennifer Senior, author of “All

Joy and No Fun: The Paradox of Modern Parenthood.” Jennifer and Carla will discuss how child-rearing became a source of unease for so many parents, and what we can do about it.

This talk is appropriate for parents, grandparents, and educators and clinicians who work with parents and their children. Admission is $36 and includes brunch and a copy of both books. 984-6700, daniela@yavnehdayschool.org SATURDAY, MAY 2 Yoga Shabbat Emanu-El, 10 AM See ad on page 33.

10th Anniversary Commemoration of Outdoor Service in the Memorial Garden Shir Hadash, 10:30 AM An outdoor service in the garden. 358-1751, nadine@shirhadash.org Torah for Tots Sinai, 11 AM 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 Happy Hour & Havdalah Shir Hadash, 6 PM| An evening of food, friends and fun. Babysitting available. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 Readers Theatre: “My Name is Asher Lev” APJCC, 7 PM See article on page 15.

SUNDAY, MAY 3 Exploring the World of Judaism — Jewish Women in STEM Shir Hadash, 9:30 AM The lack of gender diversity in the software engineering field is a hot topic right now, and we have a lot of information about the ways in which the playing field is not level for women. Jocelyn Goldfein has

a successful career as a leader in the tech industry. Join her as she describes the barriers she has faced in her life as well as the ways that her Jewish identity has been a source of strength in helping her break through those barriers along the way. 358-1751, nadine@shirhadash.org Kehillah Jewish High School Annual Gala Beth Jacob, RWC, 3 PM (650) 213-9600 TUESDAY, MAY 5 SVGives with the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley Multiple Locations, All Day Join the Silicon Valley community for this annual day of giving. More details coming soon at www.jvalley.org.

Conversations in Jewish Learning — Roots of the Holocaust Beth David, 7:30 PM Dr. Salvatore Tagliareni recounts the journey that drew him to research and write about the Holocaust.

He will review factors that led to genocide, explain the responses of countries and the Catholic Church to violence against Jews, and tell how the current Pope Francis might improve the relationship between Catholics and Jews.

Dr. Tagliareni is a lecturer, author, business consultant, and former Catholic priest.

His desire to humanize those that perished motivated him to lecture about the Holocaust and to write the thriller “Hitler’s Priest.” 257-3333 FRIDAY, MAY 8 Backyard Shabbat — New & Potential Members Shir Hadash, 6 PM Join fellow new members and Shir Hadash friends for a casual backyard Shabbat potluck at the home of a Shir Hadash member. Children welcome.

Please contact boardmembership@shirhadash.org for additional details. 358-1751 NextGen Shabbat Beth David, TBA See ad on page 33.

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SATURDAY, MAY 9 Book Discussion Group — “MY Promised Land” Beth David, 1:30 PM From the cover: “An authoritative and deeply personal narrative history of the State of Israel, by one of the most influential journalists writing about the Middle East today…Not since Thomas L. Friedman’s groundbreaking “From Beirut to Jerusalem” has a book captured the essence and the beating heart of the Middle East as keenly and dynamically as ‘My Promised Land.’” Discussion will be led

by Lee Gavens in Portable 3 in the parking lot. 257-3333, adulted@beth-david.org Opera for Families APJCC, 7 PM Ravel’s richly-scored opera “L’Enfant et les sortileges” (The Child and the Spells) is based on a lyric fantasy by Colette. The cast includes fairy tale characters, singing grandfather clocks, sparring tea cup and saucer, dancing frogs and furniture, even plants and

little animals come to life to chastise the child who has been tormenting them. However, all ends happily when the child learns compassion. This opera can be enjoyed by people of all ages, including school-age children. emily@svjcc.org, 3577492 TUESDAY, MAY 12 WP @ Night TBA, 7 PM A glass class with master artist, Crystal Ouzillou in her studio. $36 (space limited to the first 15 women.) RSVP to arielle@jvalley.org to get the address for the event. 357-7501 THURSDAY, MAY 14 Freilache Menschen Retirees Group Luncheon — The Book of Ruth Shir Hadash, 11:30 AM Light lunch and program. $5/ person shanda@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 Events may be submitted online at www.jvalley.org. Please contact amanda@jvalley.org with any questions.

Congregation Beth David 19700 Prospect Road ● Saratoga ● 408.257.3333 ● Beth-David.org

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l cal news

The greening of Shir Hadash

By Gail Schwartz In November 2002, Congregation Shir Hadash became the first solar-powered synagogue in the western United States. At the time, Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie said, “We’re extremely proud of CSH—through its new solar energy system it demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship, a vital and necessary component of tikkun olam, a cornerstone of our Jewish tradition.”

Last May, I participated in the Shir Hadash Adult B’nai Mitzvah. As part of the lunch committee, I volunteered to design the tablescapes, something I had done many times over the years. As I planned for the nearly three hundred guests we expected, I realized I did not want to be responsible for adding to the landfills and introduced a plan to reduce, reuse, recycle and compost as best we could. And we did.

The tables were all covered with reusable brightly colored, floral oilcloth, the paper plates were made from recycled materials and were 100% compostable, and the eating utensils, napkins and drinking cups were also compostable. Table decorations consisted of potted plants of herbs and vegetables, to be taken home by the class members. The custodial staff helped guests and congregants appropriately separate their compostables and recyclables for processing.

Recently, the Food Justice Committee at Shir Hadash is focused on trying to reduce our waste stream. We have interviewed leaders of several congregations to learn about their efforts, successes and failures, to go green.

The list of ideas is long, but most are easy and budgetfriendly. For example, one congregation hosts Shabbat dinners where everyone brings their own dishes and utensils, including cloth napkins. The staff of another congregation keeps their own plates, utensils and mugs, bought by the Sisterhood, to use while at work.

Today at CSH, we have new green bins to aid us in composting all food related waste. We are part of the free composting program available through the town.

We have enough reusable dessert plates for an oneg. In keeping with this theme of conservation of resources, we have installed light sensors and low-flow toilets in the restrooms. We are investigating the use of a software program to facilitate carpooling. Equitable Transportation is a current discussion topic. The Social Action Committee (SHOC) is hosting a meeting on accessible transportation on Tuesday, March 24, at 7:30 p.m., at Shir Hadash.

On March 15, Congregation Shir Hadash is hosting Betsey Rosenberg, the creator of Trash Talk on KCBS. Her lively presentation, Exploring the World of Judasim—Tikkun Olam and the Ticking Clock: Why We’re running Out of Time to Make an Eco-U-Turn and What We’re Called to Do! begins at 9:30 a.m. Bagels will be served. Everyone is welcome to join in the discussion.

Friedberg discusses keeping equilibrium in a scary world The world of the 21st century is a harsh place. Recent news headlines include the Ebola outbreak, Flight 370, ISIS, Ferguson, the vaccination debate, Ukraine conflicts, North Korea, Libya, Hamas, and hate crimes against Jews in Paris and greater Europe. It should be no surprise that the general level of stress seems to be rising in North America, states Dr. Robert Friedberg, a leading expert in the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with children, adolescents, and families. Other factors contributing to stress include our fastpaced lifestyles brought on by the digital age, where we are always connected, always “on,” and news, especially bad news, comes to us in sound and picture almost instantaneously as events unfold.

Dr. Friedberg, a professor at Palo Alto University, has been working in the field of child psychiatry for over 20 years. In those years he has witnessed that anxiety is the most prevalent psych disorder seen in children, which has led him to an in-depth study and research into anxiety disorders and care. He now directs a research group at the Center for the Study and Treatment of Anxious Youth.

While in the past debate regarding psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, centered around the question of nature vs. nurture, Dr. Friedberg sees that the issue of anxiety disorders speaks more to the balance between mind and brain, and the interaction of genetics and the environment. Genetics can prime an individual such that the addition of environmental stressors can lead to serious issues. “We can be pretty certain that anxiety runs in families as a function of genetics and environmental stressors,” says Friedberg.

Are Jews more anxious than other ethnic groups? Is there something in our history or culture that influences our own personalities? Dr. Friedberg states that anxiety does not discriminate between groups.

It may seem to some Jews that they experience more anxiety than other groups due to shared cultural history and an exquisite psychological alertness.

Dr. Friedberg reminds us that not all stress is bad. Sometimes stress can protect us, kicking in our survival instinct. But when it becomes a clinical problem, there are now modern treatments that work, especially for children where early detection is key for a positive clinical outcome.

If you would like to learn more, Dr, Friedberg will be speaking at Congregation Shir Hadash at a special Caring Shabbat on Friday, March 13, at 7:30 p.m. He will address “Anxiety as a Jewish Disease — Keeping Equilibrium in a Scary World.”

Following the service, there will be a sit-down oneg. Each table with have a conversation facilitator on a topic related to the theme.

Topics will include using various ways to cope with stress including movement and meditation (Ellen Blumenfeld, Marty and Wendy Lazar, Bob Chortek and Marilyn Katz), and humor (Jerry Salzman and Art Scher). There will also be tables focusing on youth (Bob Friedberg), food issues (David Ginsborg) and Jewish culture and family history (Beni Wajnberg, Julee Ogawa and Linda Wolf).

Both Dr. Friedberg’s talk and the small discussions will offer new insights into the challenges each of us face in our daily lives. There is no charge to attend.

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HELEN DILLER

March 18, 1929 – January 9, 2015 Helen Diller was born and raised in San Francisco, the only daughter of Dora and William Samuels. Her loving brothers, Harry and Saul both predeceased her. She is survived by her husband and her loving children, Brad Diller, Ron (Manu) Diller, Jackie (Dan) Safier and her beloved grandchildren: Ben, Danielle, Joseph, Roy and Yoni Diller and Joshua and Lauren Safier.

Helen met Sanford Diller when they were undergraduates at the University of California at Berkeley. They married in 1951 and started their family. Helen became a community leader and a philanthropist with a primary focus on education, science and the arts.

She served as the northwest president of the American Friends of Hebrew University and as chair of the Bay Area Friends of the Weizmann Institute of Science. She received the Scopus Award from Hebrew University, the Visionary Leader Award from the San Francisco-based Jewish Community Federation and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Society of Fundraising Professionals, among many others.

Drawing upon the past and investing in a brighter future, Helen made philanthropy her life’s work. In her own words: “It’s never too late, too early or too often to give back and make the world a better place.” In her role as president of the Helen Diller Family Foundation, Helen was imaginative, consistent and extremely generous. She created an international leadership program for Jewish teens that continues to expand throughout the world. She also initiated a national award program to recognize Jewish teens for outstanding leadership, volunteerism and their contributions toward improving the world. Further, she created an award for educators, to recognize excellence in Jewish education. Helen valued the power of education as evidenced by the Helen Diller Family Foundation’s support of Jewish Studies at UC Berkeley and UC Santa Cruz; a leadership program for young adults administered by the Wexner Heritage Foundation; the School of Education at Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel; the San Francisco Jewish Community Center Pre-School; Brandeis Hillel Day School and many others.

In recent years supporting groundbreaking medical research rose to the top of her “to-do” list. In June, 2009, UCSF inaugurated the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center at Mission Bay specializing in leading-edge research to detect, treat and prevent cancer; Helen was an early catalyst of UCSF’s flagship Mission Bay Campus with the addition of the Helen Diller Family cancer research building.

Helen also valued the way that arts and culture enriched human lives. She led the Foundation in funding the DeYoung Museum Entrance Courtyard, new galleries in the expanding SF Museum of Modern Art and an annual Israeli Antiquities Series at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco.

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She sought to ensure that children and families in San Francisco benefitted from new, artistic and imaginative playgrounds by creating the Helen Diller Playground at Dolores Park, the Helen Diller Play Area at Julius Kahn Park and now the Helen Diller Civic Center Playground which is in its planning phase.

A public memorial service was held at Temple Emanu-El in San Francisco on February 22.

LARRY GOLDBERG

November 18, 1925 – January 23, 2015 Larry Goldberg, a resident of Campbell, passed away peacefully at home on January 23. He was born in Sioux City, IA and was preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Alene. He is survived by his children, Michael (Kristine) Goldberg and Wendy Goldberg Cohn (Fred), his beloved grandchildren Megan and Ross Goldberg and his spry granddogs, Sara and Rosie.

Larry served in the Army during World War II, went on to graduate from the University of Washington, where he met Alene. He was an early owner of the Duchess Tavern in Seattle and went on to own home furnishings and floor covering businesses in the area, the last of which is Lawrence Furnishings which he managed with his son, Michael.

Larry had an enormous heart and loved to spend time with his family and many friends; he enjoyed travel, golf, poker and watching the 49ers and the Giants. Without question, however, the brightest lights in his life were his two grandchildren. He always had a joke at the ready and lived every day until the very end with enthusiasm and a positive attitude. He truly will be missed by all who knew him. The family extends special appreciation to Sylvia and Ursula, the caregivers who so wonderfully supported him over his last few months.

There was a celebration of his life on February 15 at Congregation Shir Hadash. The family asks that donations in his memory be made to the American Heart Association, the American Stroke Association or Temple Emanu-El.

DR. ARTHUR MESSINGER August 9, 1925 – December 8, 2014

He was known as Art, Papa and Dad and he passed away in his home of natural causes. Arthur Messinger grew up in the midst of the Great Depression. He did not come from a wealthy family and learned the importance of a strong work ethic and persistence early in his life. His parents owned a gas station in Chicago and raised their three children in a simple, loving home.

Art was always ahead of the curve; he graduated high

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obituaries school at the age of 16, went on to Duke University for his undergraduate work. He graduated from Duke in three years.

He graduated from the University of Illinois Medical School at Chicago and had residencies in Lincoln, Nebraska and Portland, Oregon.

He had a passion for helping people and a love of medicine. That love was the driving force behind everything he did and so much of what he left behind in the world. He served in World War II in the Marines as a corpsman and in the Korean War as a MASH unit physician. After his military service, he returned to the United States and became one of the first orthopedic surgeons in Santa Clara Valley. He eventually became chief surgeon for all the kids in the county with cerebral palsy. For thirty years, Art provided free surgery once a week for cerebral palsy children for over thirty years. He also ran a rehabilitation center out of the Los Gatos Community Health Center which catered to patients recovering from surgery or strokes. He was the essence of a doctor. He chose that career, not for the money or the recognition, but to genuinely help people and save lives. Dr. Messinger practiced medicine for 55 years, retiring at the age of 85.

While giving so much of himself to the community, Art was also a loving husband, father and grandfather to his family. He met his beloved wife, Harriet Phyllis Messinger, in Portland, Oregon. The two were set up on a blind date on Valentine’s Day and instantly connected. They were engaged in a month and married a month after that. They were married for a total of 53 years, until Phyllis’ passing in 2008. Together, they traveled the world, enjoyed the arts and were active members of the Jewish community.

Dr. Messinger is survived by his three children Johanna (Bob) Gelb, Michael (Danielle) Messinger, and Patricia Messinger and five grandchildren.

Donations in his memory are welcome at the Easter Seal Society of the Bay Area, 391 Taylor Blvd., Suite 250, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523.

INGE RUDMAN

August 27, 1927 – December 28, 2014 Inge Alice Weinberg Rudman was born in Cologne, Germany and died peacefully at her home in San Jose at the age of 87. The beloved wife of the late Daniel Rudman, M.D., and devoted daughter of Alphonse and Hedy Weinberg, Inge escaped to Switzerland from Nazi Germany with her mother and younger sister on September 1, 1939, the day on which Germany invaded Poland and the Second World War began.

The family was reunited with her father in New York City and she attended Hunter College High School and Hunter College.

She went on to earn a degree in Physical Therapy from Columbia University.

After marrying Dan, a research physician and medial educator, Inge gave up her career to raise her son Richard and daughter

Nancy in New York and then in Atlanta, GA. Later in life, she returned to work with Dan in the field of geriatric medicine, including path-breaking research on the effects of growth hormones in the elderly. Ingo’s last years were spent in the Atria, Willow Glen senior living center where she lived with many friends and served as the president of the Resident Council for many years. She was an avid writer and as a member of the Atria Willow Glen Creative Writing Group, she wrote a memoir about her life in Germany and escape from the Nazis which will be privately published.

Inge is survived by her sister Ursel Staal of Scarsdale, NY, daughter Nancy Rudman Young (Mark) of San Jose, and son Richard Rudman (Dr. Karen Greenberg) of Brookline, MA. The family requests that contributions in her memory be made to The Hunger Project, 5 Union Square West, New York, NY 10003 or on the internet at thp.org.

IRENE SILVERMAN

March 31, 1931 – December 13, 2014 Irene Ruth Silverman passed away peacefully in the presence of her family and friends at O’Connor Hospital in San Jose. The cause was an aggressive infection that she was not able to fight.

She was born in Morris, Manitoba, Canada and came to the United States in 1952. Irene lived and worked most of her life in Oak Park, MI as a nurse and later president of Volunteers at Providence Hospital in Southfield until retiring and moving to San Jose in 2000. She will always be remembered for her caring and compassionate nature and love of family, the outdoors, gardening and pets.

Survivors include her sister, Diana Kummer, daughters Bunny Fisher and Shelly and son Randy and seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild on the way.

A memorial service was held on December 16 at Temple EmanuEl. Donations in her memory may be made to the Silicon Valley Humane Society or the charity of your choice.

DAVID BENJAMIN SOMMER April 17, 1964 –January 29, 2015

David Sommer was born in Concord, CA to Sybil and Melvin Sommer. He is survived by his brother, Steven Sommer of Irvine and his sister Debbie Sommer of San Francisco. David was a triplet and is survived by his brothers Scott and Bruce Sommer.

He is also survived by his son Josef Sommer of Sao Paolo and his niece Erika and nephews Daniel and Eli. David grew up in San Jose and graduated Willow Glen High School. He celebrated his Bar Mitzvah at Temple Emanu-El where his parents are long-time members. David earned a Bachelor of Science at the University of California at Berkeley and a

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Master of Science from the University of California at San Diego.

He moved to Brazil 15 years ago and was working for Zurich Insurance as the actuarial director for Latin America at the time of his death. He introduced many new methods for actuaries during his tenure in Brazil.

David was an accomplished musician who played trumpet, trombone and especially saxophone. When he lived in the States, he played with Dizzy Gillespie, Richie Cole, and Ed Shaughnessy and even toured with the Glen Miller Band where he opened with “In the Mood” and closed with “Moonlight Serenade.” David was in many bands and enjoyed playing jazz, blues, soul and disco. One of the bands in which he played was “Blues and Beer.” David enjoyed the human warmth in Brazil and had hoped to be a full-time musician when he retired.

obituaries

France.

In 1970, Art and his family moved to California, where he was one of eight doctors who developed Kaiser Permanente Medical Center. He was known as the pediatrician with the bowtie and glasses. When he retired, he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from San Jose State, where he volunteered teaching in the photographic department for 13 years.

He is survived by Judy, his wife of 59 years; children Sue, Jeff and Beth, Ben and Merla; granddaughters Michelle and Stephanie; brother Barry; brother and sister-in-law Dr. Harvey and Sara Hurwitz and their children and grandchildren; and uncle andaunt Lester and Marilyn Bornstein along with his many other relatives. Family, friends and all who shared Art’s life were invited to attend his service at Darling Fischer Mortuaries, Chapel of the Hills, February 12, followed by his interment at Los Gatos Memorial Park where he had a military service.

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

His funeral was held at Temple Emanu-El on March 6.

Donations in his memory may be made to Temple Emanu-El. Please send obituaries and photos to Andrea Greyber; email her at andrea.greyber@gmail.com or phone her at (408) 377-6224.

DR. ARTHUR O. STEIN April 3, 1932 – February 9, 2015

Dr. Arthur O. Stein, resident of The Villages, passed away peacefully at home on February 9, having been lovingly cared for by his family and Kaiser Permanente Hospice. Art was born in Brooklyn, New York to Sadie and Irving Stein. At age 11, he moved to Plainfield, New Jersey and graduated as valedictorian from Plainfield High School. He then attended Harvard, followed

by Tufts Medical School, majoring in pediatrics. He trained at the New York Hospital and the University of Chicago where he had a postdoctoral fellowship in biochemistry and served as a professor of pediatrics. His army tour of duty was in La Rochelle,

Home of Peace

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FDIC insured Pre-need funeral arrangements available.

www.jvalley.org

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community relations We heard from two rabbis who rocked our world

By Diane Fisher, CRC Director The modern rabbinate embodies an amazing mix of roles— traditional scholar, counselor, chaplain, shepherd, activist— among others. Many rabbis have found themselves in a place and time that focused their core work on social change. These days, when Newsweek publishes its annual list of America’s Top 50 Rabbis, a significant number of them are making notable contributions to civil rights and interfaith dialogue. Recently our local community was inspired by two rabbis whose social change roles are not widely known, but whose story made all of us think— why didn’t I know about this?

On February 26, over 100 people braved the evening traffic in downtown San Jose to be guests at the AfricanAmerican Rabbi Prinz and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Agency, where as part of Black History Month we learned about the amazing civil rights work of Rabbi Joachim Prinz. The newly released documentary titled “Joachim Prinz: I Shall Not Be Silent” has been screened at a number of synagogues, but in San Jose we honored his civil rights legacy by joining Blacks and Jews together to learn and discuss.

It is both astonishing and yet unsurprising that a rabbi could survive Hitler, and go on to become a major civil rights leader in America. His work was controversial, yet he was also beloved as a “rock star” among rabbis. The highlight was his speech to the crowd at the 1963 March on Washington, delivered just before Martin Luther King, Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech. His oratory and his message were powerful. Having experienced horrific bigotry in Europe, he declared, “Bigotry and hatred are not the most urgent problem. The most urgent, the most disgraceful, the most shameful and the most tragic problem is silence.”

Following the film, the audience broke into small discussion groups, and the room buzzed with conversation. Yavneh students, Chai House residents, Black and Jewish leaders from across the community—all were clearly inspired by Rabbi Prinz, and the powerful collaboration of Blacks and Jews in the civil rights movement. Current issues around law enforcement and equality were also discussed, and each person had a chance to answer the question—is there a difference between what you know in your heart and what you’re willing to stand up for publicly?

On February 10, the St. Clare Room at Santa Clara University Library was packed, as was the overflow room, as the Ignation Center’s Bannan Institutes hosted Rabbi Abraham Skorka.

Known as “the Pope’s Rabbi”, he traveled from Buenos Aires to speak about interreligious dialogue and leadership, as a path away from fanatic expressions and toward interpersonal understanding. He has amazing experiences to draw on, from his personal friendship with then-Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Pope Francis). The two recently traveled to Israel together with an Argentinean Imam, and Rabbi Skorka also coordinated a meeting of Mahmoud Abbas, Shimon Peres and Pope Francis.

Rabbi Skorka concluded that dialogue is an attitude toward life—even G-d requires a dialogical relationship with man. His dialogue with Bergoglio was based on trust, empathy, and also a willingness to face the past anti-Semitism of the church. The two held a series of 31 inter-religious conversations on topics such as G-d, fundamentalism, atheists, death, Holocaust, homosexuality and capitalism. The conversations have been published in a book titled “On Heaven and Earth.” Through these discussions they created a sense of mutual obligation across faith differences to repair the world.

Bishop P.J. McGrath and Rabbi Dana Magat, who similarly have a longstanding and trusting relationship in our local community, honored the spirit of the Santa Clara University session by joining Rabbi Skorka Rabbi Skorka and Pope Francis in the discussion.

Rabbi Skorka also had dinner with our Catholic Jewish Clergy Dialogue Group, met with students on campus and studied with local rabbis. The desire to know and understand others exists in Silicon Valley, but Rabbi Skorka’s visit increased our enthusiasm, and deeply touched us with his heartfelt and dedicated example.

Check out #WhatRabbisDo on Twitter and Facebook, or go to a Silicon Valley synagogue, and you will undoubtedly find that these are not your grandparents’ rabbis. For our work at the JCRC, we are grateful to the modern rabbinate and its inspiring representatives.

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Baby and Me A free weekly program for all Jewish families with babies ages 0-2.

Join Baby and Me for a different activity every Thursday from 10–11 am.

1st Thursdays of the month: “Baby and Me Hits the Road”

3rd Thursdays of the month: Stroller Fitness Walk

2nd Thursdays of the month: Baby and Me Yoga

4th Thursdays of the month: Snories (Snacks and Stories) 5th Thursdays of the month: Boogie Babies

For more information go to www.jvalley.org/babyandme or contact Becka Ross at becka@jvalley.org | 408-357-7502 ® OF SILICON VALLEY

Temple Emanu-El

Brotherhood Blood Drive Sunday, March 29 Did you know...? About every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. Be a light in someone’s life. Sign up to donate blood today!

Our Brotherhood group is hosting the Stanford Blood Center for a drive. Sign up at www.templesanjose.org. Bagels are lox and provided to all donors!

Passover Second Night Seder Saturday, April 4 at 5:00 PM It’s time to read from the Haggadah, enjoy a warm seder and have a joyous time with your friends, family and loved ones at Temple Emanu-El. Passover dinner served; bring your own wine.

Reserve your seat(s) online at www.templesanjose.org Yoga Shabbat Saturday, May 2 at 10:00 AM A ritual experience to deepen your connection to yourself and your community.Explore themes for the week’s Torah portion while moving to prayers and meditations set to world beat music. Accessible to yogi’s of all ages, new and experiences.

Underwritten by Temple Emanu-El Sisterhood.

End of School Open House and BBQ Lunch for Prospective Members Sunday, May 3 All prospective members and religious school families are welcome. Come enjoy a wonderful lunch and get to know Temple Emanu-El and its vibrant member community.

NEXTGEN SHABBAT A monthly rotating Shabbat experience open to all young adults in their 20s/30s

march 6: Hillel of Silicon Valley April 24: Congregation Shir Hadash May 8: Congregation Beth David

INFORMATION/RSVP:

www.jvalley.org/nextgenshabbat Contact Becka Ross at 408.357.7502 becka@jvalley.org

®

Congregation Beth David

Hillel of Silicon Valley

www.jvalley.org

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Jewish Professional Directory Attorneys 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

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.

Audiology Marni Novick, AuD

“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.

Commercial Real Estate

“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.

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

Financial Services

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.

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, postjudgement 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.

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Financial Services

Orna & Ruben Yomtoubian

408-253-2250 or 408-887-8239 888-Do0-Fees 888-360-3337 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

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 Leonard W. Williams, CPA

A Professional Corporation 1307 S. Mary Ave., Suite 250; Sunnyvale (408) 736-1566 www.LWWilliamsCPA.com Leonard W. Williams, CPA, James Park, CPA, Bruce Pajak, CPA, Brenda L. George, EA, T. Patricia Cohen, EA, Sue Conners, EA, Jenny Barnes EA Tax Planning & Return Preparation for Individuals, Trusts & Estates.

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS OR SERVICE IN THE

JEWISH PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY! CONTACT: Amanda Glincher: amanda@jvalley.org (408) 357-7503

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www.jvalley.org

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Passover Greetings May Passover bring joy and fulfillment, inspiring us to repair the world together and enhance the lives of people in Silicon Valley, Israel and around the world.

Chag Sameach!

From the Board of Directors and Staff of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley

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