March 2012 by Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley

JValley news March 2012

Young Adults launch “Shabbat Hop”

Teen Idol Finalists announced Emeth celebrates 35 years Summer Camp Opportunities Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley 14855 Oka Rd. Suite 200 Los Gatos, CA 95032 Change Service Requested

Published by the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley Vol. #82 Issue #1, March 2012

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

Congregation Beth David There’s a Place for me at CBD

Passover Mishpaha Program: Footsteps to Freedom Explore the Steps of Our Passover Narrative Sunday, March 25th, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

9:30 - 11:45 Family Steps for Kids (3-13)

Hands-On Learning Stations include: The Slave Phase, Path of Plagues, Strides Across the Sea, Seder Steps

10:00 - 11:30 Steps for Adults

10:00 - 10:45 a.m. - Rabbi Ohriner: Leading a Kid-Friendly Friendly Seder Learn how to abridge a Haggadah and infuse your Seder with fun, meaningful, creative components in order to engage your children (or grandchildren) and give them life-long memories. 10:45 - 11:30 a.m. - Rabbi Pressman: Haggadah Means Narrative Explore the importance of narrative and story-telling in Judaism, and engage the master story of the Haggadah with your own, personal narratives.

11:45 - 12:30 The Last Step for Everyone! Sing, Eat & Schmooze!

Sunday, Night Movie: When Do We Eat?

Sunday, April 1st, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

This is a dysfunctional-family comedy about the world's fastest Seder gone horribly awry. On this Seder night, one of the boys slips Dad a dose of hallucinogenic Ecstasy, giving him a new perspective on family and the Seder. * 2005 * MPAA rating R * Discussion of Jewish issues follows.

Whatever you’re looking for - Jewish learning, worship, or community - you can find it as part of the Beth David family. We have a variety of activities for people of all ages including families and empty nesters. For a complete list of services and events, visit our website and check out our calendar.

19700 Prospect Road, Saratoga / 408-257-3333 / www.beth-david.org

Stimulate Your Brain and Enrich Your Soul Exploring the World of Judaism, a free Sunday Morning Speaker series, 9:30 am March 25th, Nechama Tamler on Raising Self-Reliant Children April 1st, Ilona Shechter, Teaching Your Children About The Holocaust April 22nd, Cantor Felder-Levy, new Reform Music in America

Healthy Living Fair, April 29th at St Maria Goretti Church. Providing medical, dental and vision screening services to under-served residents. Medical and non-medical volunteers needed. Anyone can volunteer. Spanish Speakers Especially Appreciated. Celebration ClassicTM Dinner & Golf Tournament May 6 & 7, 2012 at the Golf Club at Boulder Ridge, San Jose, CA. All Are Welcome!

Levine Lecture, Friday, April 13th, Dan Walters, columnist with the Sacramento Bee and California political observer will share his insights into the state’s economic future. For more information on services, programs and adult ed please visit shirhadah.org

Daniel Pressman, Senior Rabbi / Philip Ohriner, Assistant Rabbi

www.jvalley.org

JValley news JValley.news is published by the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley

JEWISH FEDERATION CEO: Jyl Jurman jyl@jvalley.org 408-357-7500

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

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS: Pat Bergman Kay Gatell

ADVERTISING: Elisa Gerston elisa@jvalley.org 408-357-7512

SIMCHAS: Andrea Greyber agreyber@yahoo.com

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

Published six times a year by the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley. All articles must be submitted typed, double-spaced. We reserve the right to edit all copy. JValley.news is not responsible for the content of paid advertising. Send copy to JValley.news, 14855 Oka Rd., Suite 200, Los Gatos, CA 95032. Fax: (408) 356-0733.

At the seder, we are asked to recount the story of the Israelites leaving Egypt. We read in the Haggadah that we should feel as if we had been redeemed from Egypt. Sometimes, I find that transformation difficult. Do I picture myself as a slave? I can imagine−courtesy of “The Ten Commandments” movie−what it might be like to be a slave in Egypt and the massive exodus. I can imagine− courtesy of the house cleaning and food preparation frenzy−what it might have felt like to leave in a hurry. But, I think perhaps the rabbis wanted us to not just think of the physical movement from slavery to freedom. As profound as that may have been, in modern times, I think it is incumbent upon us to find our metaphysical slaveries from which to loosen the bonds. Which thoughts enslave and inform our decisions? How can we break the bonds of old thinking to move to a better, brighter future? How do we know what to keep and what to leave behind? These have been real questions for the Federation, especially in light of our strategic planning process. Much like Passover is both a personal and community holiday, the strategic plan is also both individual and collective. Community is a collective of individuals bound by ideals and goals. The collective hones both the group dynamic and individual identity. We have asked individuals for their ideas and we are now in the process of bringing all those ideas together for a plan for the future. It has been exciting and I want to thank all those who have shepherded and participated in the process. We should have a plan by the end of our fiscal year in June. Stay tuned! With best wishes for a Chag Sameach,

jyl jurman

CANDLELIGHTING San Jose, CA

Local Highlights

www.jvalley.org

Within a few weeks we will be celebrating Passover. Presumably, you have already starting thinking about where you are going to do seder and with whom, what you plan to eat and of course, getting your dose of matzah. If you need to find a seder, please check out our website: www.jvalley.org to find one. I would like to add my voice to wish you a happy holiday from the Board of Directors and the staff of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley.

Federation CEO

content Young Adults come together for Shabbat First graders celebrate the Siddur Teen Idol competition announces finalists Emeth celebrates 35 years Ruach Nashim event Knitzvah and PJ Library partner Scholar-in-Residence weekend APJCC CEO Hal Bordy to retire The Feinstein Foundation Challenge Shir Hadash Mitzvah Day A new face for Santa Cruz Hillel Eighth annual Pillars celebration Hillel sponsors wine tasting Shalom Hadad revives local synagogue Community job board launched Women inspired at local seminar Grandparents Circle promotes connections Knitzvah volunteers honored at celebration Friendship Circle ventures into South Bay

from the ceo

In Every Issue 7 7 9 9 10 10 10 13 14 14 18 19 19 21 23 26 26 29 29

Community Photos Ask the Rabbi Simchas Datebook Obituaries Professional Directory

5 23 24 27 30 31

Special Coverage Passover Food Drive The Oy Way, a book review What’s new at the JCC Camp Camp scholarship opportunities Spring cleaning in the vineyard

7 15 15 16 17

Fri., March 16....................6:58 p.m. Fri., March 23....................7:05 p.m. Fri., March 30....................7:11 p.m. First Seder Fri., April 6...........................7:17 p.m. Second Seder Sat., April 7...........................8:16 p.m. Seventh Night Pesach Thurs., April 12..................7:23 p.m. Shabbat/Eighth Night Pesach Fri., April 13.........................7:23 p.m. Fri., April 20.........................7:30 p.m. Fri., April 27.........................7:36 p.m. Fri., May 4..............................7:42 p.m. Fri., May 11...........................7:48 p.m. Fri., May 18...........................7:54 p.m. Fri., May 25...........................8:00 p.m.

www.jvalley.org

c mmunity photos

On January 29, 2012, Holocaust survivor Jack Tramiel accepted a proclamation from the City Council of San Jose marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Councilwoman Herrera sponsored the acknowledgement together with Mayor Reed, and Mr. Tramiel received a standing ovation in the chambers following his remarks.

Nearly one hundred local community members came to make calls for Super Sunday, February 12. Renee and Howard Fine chaired this year’s telethon with creativity, warmth and diligence. Hillel of Silicon Valley brought the most callers for Super Sunday and won the full page ad award. Super Sunday was very successful, $150,000 of pledges and gifts for the community were closed. This beat the goal and also last year's total of $145,000. Yasher Koach (congratulations) to all who made this happen from the chairs to the callers to the donors! The funds raised are essential to the community: a vibrant Silicon Valley Jewish arena, including half a dozen synagogues, two Hillels, two day schools and a community center. Federation supports agencies, services and programs that ensure Jewish continuity.

On February 16, the Jewish Federation in conjunction with the First Republic Bank brought Mollie Katzen, world acclaimed chef and cookbook author to the Levy Family campus to a sold-out crowd. Mollie Katzen shared moving personal stories which encouraged the audience to elevate food, it’s preparation and sharing to a sanctiﬁed activity. At the event, we honored Karen Guggenheim for her lifetime of service to the Jewish community and also, three women who have generously increased their Annual Campaign giving. Karen Guggenheim was awarded the 2012 Janet Berg Award by Janet Berg for her extraordinary efforts for many community organizations. The Janet Berg Award recipient must embody the values of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), by having an ongoing commitment to the Federation, its beneﬁciary agencies and our Jewish community. In addition to receiving the award, Karen was (surprisely) serenaded by Shannon (daughter-in-law), Lily (granddaughter) and Steve (son) Guggenheim with an original lyrics song for this special occasion. Susan Gavens and Claudia Muller were honored as Shomer donors and Barbara Bleadon was pinned as a Morasha donor.

The entire Yavneh Day School community came together on a Wednesday night in February for Yavneh’s annual math and science night. Families looked at slides through microscopes, learned about magnets, played math games, and enjoyed laughing and learning together.

Yavneh Day School students got their hands dirty on Tu B’Shvat, volunteering and learning at local farms and community gardens. The Tu B’Shvat outings were part of a larger annual “Green Week” during which students learned about a variety of environmental issues.

32nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon, on January 16, 2012.

Jewish teens joined Emmanuel Baptist teens in singing.

www.jvalley.org

Jewish singer Mark Levy had the audience clapping and singing old-time civil rights songs.

From left to right, Savannah Better-Henry, Soﬁa Porush, Josh Albin, Jamie Albin and Noah Fletcher.

H illel of SiliconValley Silicon Valley Requests the Pleasure of your company at the

Supporting Jewish Campus Life at:

De Anza College Foothill College San Jose State University Santa Clara University West Valley College

2012 Community Honorees Rev. Rosemary Schindler LIFetIMe ACHIeVeMent AwARd

Pill ar s Of The Communit y Awards Luncheon 2012

Israel Advocate and Relative of Oskar Schindler Rosemary Schindler, continues in the footsteps of her great‑uncle, Oskar Schindler, caring for and supporting the Jewish people and the land of Israel. In 2002, Rosemary started Schindler’s Ark to provide restitution to victims of terror and survivors of the Holocaust. She is the San Francisco director for Christians United for Israel, the largest pro‑Israel Christian organization with more than half a million American members. Rosemary has led countless trips to Israel to introduce Christians and Jews to their common roots. Her worldwide efforts have resulted in numerous awards and recognitions for her humanitarian work.

Rev. Aimee Moiso Sunday, April 22, 2012 at 11:00 am

Santa Clara University Campus Ministry

Rick and Ann Tavan

Pat Werba

2012 Student Honorees Michelle Fanwick

Marc Wiesner

Dana Margittai

Neusha Zarrabian

Community Members

Computer History Museum 1401 North Shoreline Boulevard Mountain View, CA

de Anza College

RSVP By April 5, 2012

San Jose State University

by website http://www.hillelsv.org

Community Member

Santa Clara University School of Law west Valley College

Ori Shadmon

(click on the Pillars box)

Foothill College

Other Upcoming Events Join Us for a Kosher-for-Passover Wine Tasting Event

Panel: Global Startups in Sustainable Energy: Israel and Silicon Valley

Sunday, March 25, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, Hillel House, 44 South 11th Street, San Jose

tuesday, March 13, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm, SJSU engineering Building, room 189

Gather your friends and join us as we sample a variety of wines perfect for any seder table.

Panelists: dr. Jacques Benkoski, Partner, US Venture Partners Jason wolf, Vice President, BetterPlace erez dolev, CeO, CALIS

The wine tasting will be hosted by the owner of Covenant wines, Jeff Morgan, a former Wine Spectator editor and renowned napa Valley kosher winemaker, author, and educator. Covenant wines will be available at a 15% discount, and for every bottle or case of wine purchased, Covenant will also make a generous donation back to Hillel of Silicon Valley. A sweet finish to the afternoon will be provided by Susan Leitner of The eloquent Oven. Space Limited, $10 per person, RSVP by March 15 by e‑mail to susie@hillelsv.org

Panel moderator: dr. david M. Steele, SJSU College of Business dean with the participation of Akiva tor, Consul General of Israel for the Pacific northwest Region, and Mohammad Qayoumi, San Jose State University President Sponsored by the Israel Consulate for the Pacific northwest Region, SJSU College of Business, SJSU Center for entrepreneurship, and Hillel of Silicon Valley. Reception to follow the event. no RSVP required. Free and Open to the Public.

44 South 11th Street • San Jose, CA 95112‒2017 408‒286‒6669  • 408‒278‒1899 FAX http://www.hillelsv.org

HillelSV

@HillelSV

Beneficiary of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley and the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties and a Grantee of the Koret Foundation, Israel Peace Initiative, Hillel: FJCL, The Myra Reinhard Family Foundation, The Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund, and the Grace‑Rosenberg Family Foundation

www.jvalley.org

Jewish young adults come together to celebrate Shabbat “Shabbat Hop,” a new program designed to bring Jews in their 20s and 30s together for Shabbat, launched in January and is off to a great start. The result of collaboration by synagogues and Jewish organizations from across the South Bay and Peninsula, “Shabbat Hop” offers Jewish young adults the opportunity to experience Shabbat in various communities. While the specifics vary from month to month, each “hop” includes a worship service and social opportunity–always featuring free food. The first “hop” was hosted by Congregation Shir Hadash in Los Gatos, and the most recent ones were held by Congregation Kol Emeth and Congregation Eytz Chaim in Palo Alto. Thirty young adults attended services, followed by a kosher dinner. With good food and drink, many new friendships were formed. A number of participants stayed more than two hours after services enjoying one another’s company. Future “Shabbat Hops” are scheduled for April 21 at Beth Jacob in Redwood City, May 5 at Beth David in Saratoga, and June 8 at Beth Am in Los Altos Hills. A fun and meaningful way to spend Shabbat, “Shabbat Hop” is open to all Jewish 20and 30-somethings. To learn more about this program please contact Amanda Orrin at Amanda@jvalley.org or (408) 357-7503.

Passover Food Drive “Let all who are hungry come and eat.” Help Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley collect and distribute Passover food to families and seniors in our community.

l cal news

SPHDS first graders celebrating the Siddur

“I pray that there should be Shalom...I daven for a lot of rain...Ani mitpalel lihiyot tayas (I pray to be a pilot)...”These are the sincere prayers of the Kitah Alef students at South Peninsula Hebrew Day School expressing their personal hopes and prayers on stage at the annual Mesibat Siddur. This exciting event at SPHDS is so meaningful that it is often woven into students’ graduation speeches and recalled as one of the most memorable experiences at the preschool through eighth grade school. First grade teachers Etti Tassa, Yael Gellis and Sarah Felsen, and their core team of musical and choreographic support, prepare students for an evening of dance, music, song and celebration to reinforce the messages that prayer matters and that our Tefilot link us to our past, and ushers in the blessings of the future.

New for 2012: the more food JFS collects, the more the Feinstein Foundation will donate to JFS’ Project N.O.A.H Food Assistance Program. Food barrels will be placed March 12–March 30 at these partnering organizations: Levy Family Campus lobbies (main and school); South Peninsula Hebrew Day School; congregations Beth David, Shir Hadash, Sinai and Emanu-El. We appreciate all contributions of the following wrapped Kosher for Passover 2012 food items: gefilte fish, matzoh ball soup in a jar, horseradish, matzoh, jam, macaroons, candies, cookies, matzoh, soup mix, dried fruit (pre-bagged or pre-boxed), latke mix, matzoh meal, potato starch, cake meal, ✓Fine Furniture grape juice, tea, and Passover ✓Carpet canned goods. ✓Hardwood ✓Laminate Call JFS at (408) 357-7455 f u r n i s h i n g s ✓Linoleum for more info. Family Owned For Over 40 Years ✓Cork & more Every Day Discount Pricing ✓Window Coverings ✓Hunter Douglas (408) 374-7590 LawrenceFurnishings.com

Lawrence

Tues.-Fri. 9-5:30 Sat. 9-5:00

470 Vandell Way, Campbell, CA 95008 A Division of Lawrence Contract Furnishers

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

Head of School Dr. Allen Selis touched upon the unity that is sensed by all Jews when facing Jerusalem in prayer. Parents were welcomed to the stage to bestow a milestone blessing upon their children and sing the traditional HaMalah HaGoel reminiscent of the traditions of Simhat Torah celebrations. This spectacular performance highlighted the strengths of SPHDS and its students, and the entire community is thanked for its support. For information about SPHDS, please call (408) 738-3060.

www.jvalley.org for everything jewish in silicon valley

www.jvalley.org

county of Santa clara HolocauSt remembrance ceremony

Saved by Acts of Righteousness StorieS of ordinary people wHo became extraordinary reScuerS,

Community Yom HaShoah Memorial Service WedneSdaY, april 18, 7:00pM Congregation Sinai 1532 Willowbrae ave., San Jose

and tHoSe of tHe SurvivorS wHo are Here aS a reSult

tueSday, april 17 4:00pm Supervisors’ Chambers Government Building 70 W. Hedding St. San Jose Free parking in county lot Info: diane@jvalley.org

Special gueSt: Sheila Abranches, grand-daughter of Righteous Diplomat Aristides de Sousa Mendes Special Song: “Mademoiselle,” Composed for the 90th birthday of Righteous Teacher Andrée Geulen Reception with viewing of exhibit “These are My People”, chronicling the heroic acts of Aristides de Sousa Mendes

Local Survivors will tell their stories. Mitty High School students will share interviews and research.

Co-sponsored by the Cantors and Rabbis Association of Greater San Jose, APJCC Center for Jewish Life and Learning and the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley

Vardys_JCC_ad2

1/27/06

3:11 PM

Page 1

PEARLS TELL HER SHE’S LOVED.

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

10227 So1655 De Anza Cupertino, CA 95014 •• 408 446-2900• • www.vardysjewelers.com S. DeBlvd. Anza Blvd. at Prospect Cupertino 408 446-2900 Proceeds of sales from this ad will go to Jewish Federation's ISRAEL EMERGENCY CAMPAIGN

www.jvalley.org

South Bay Teen Idol competition announces its ten finalists

Looking back over Congregation Emeth’s 35 years

Teen vocalists are from eight Santa Clara County high schools The Addison-Penzak JCC has announced the ten finalists in its first annual South Bay Teen Idol competition. The finals will be held Saturday, March 31, from 7-10 p.m., in the APJCC Auditorium and are open to the public. South Bay Teen Idol is a three-part amateur vocal competition awarding a $2,500 scholarship to the best teen vocalist in Santa Clara County. Vocalists from all backgrounds are competing for the top 3 scholarships. The finals will be an American-Idolstyle competition held at the APJCC Auditorium in Los Gatos. The finalists earned their places by their standout performances at the semifinals event on February 9. “South Bay Teen Idol is an all-star collective of the greatest talent this side of the Bay…I’ve never seen anything like it,” commented Justin Germond, a recruiter from America’s Got Talent, who was present the Semifinals. The finalists are: • Annie Hunt, Archbishop Mitty High School • Brandon Farmer, homeschooled • Casey Rico, Silver Creek High School • Dana Cullinane, Los Gatos High School • Daniel Stromfeld, Leigh High School • Haley Henson, Presentation High School • Kalpana Chinnappan, Leland High School • Samantha Gorjanc, Sacred Heart Catholic School • Sanjana Shukla, Saratoga High School • Serena Koo, Los Gatos High School

By Michael Oshan (Michael Oshan was president of Congregation Emeth during the years 1991-94, 98-2000, 2007-2009.During his final term of office, the temple purchased, remodeled, and moved into its first permanent facility in Morgan Hill.) Daniel Stromfeld

Kalpana Chinnappan

Serena Koo

Dana Cullinane

Annie Hunt

Brandon Farmer

These ten talented finalists will be competing for a $2,500 scholarship for themselves and a $500 prize for their school. In addition to group and individual performances by the finalists, the up-and-coming teen band “Y I Yell” from Los Angeles will also be performing. Tickets are $15 for children and students, $25 for adults, $40 for reserved seating, and $75 for VIP tickets with reserved seating and after-party. Proceeds benefit the programs and services of the Addison-Penzak JCC.

Casey Rico

The host for the finals will be Scott Budman of NBC Bay Area/KNTV. Scott is an Emmy AwardSanjana Shukla winning reporter and anchor who hosts NBC’s long-running technology program Tech Now! and reports on business and technology for NBC Bay Area.

Samantha Gorjanc

Haley Henson

For more information, contact Diana Schnabel at (408) 357-7402 or diana@svjcc.org, or see www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/idol.

www.jvalley.org

l cal news

I moved to Gilroy in 1974 fully expecting to be living in the area for a year or two. I was visited by the “Welcome Wagon” (that was a pre-internet way of getting oriented to a community) and the representative asked about my religion; when I said that I was Jewish, she happily told me that there was another Jewish person in town who worked at the PG&E office. In those days we used to actually go into the local utility offices to pay our bills and that is where I met our “town Jew”, Pinky Bloom. We made an instant connection and I was happy to have made a new friend who was a member of the tribe! A couple of years later Ellen Fuchs placed a small announcement in the local newspaper saying that there would be a meeting of anyone Jewish that lived in the area; a dozen people showed up and within a year we had organized as the South County Jewish Community. Our initial goal was to have High Holy Day services locally, which we were able to accomplish with a student rabbi. We affiliated with the URJ (UHAC) sometime around 1983. We have used a number of different facilities over the years, most prominently area churches and town halls. We rented from several schools for our religious classes, and were very much the wandering Jews until we were able to make our synagogue a reality almost four years ago. We have always had a greater presence than our numbers and have been lucky enough to have been able to attract terrific teachers, spiritual leaders, gifted cantorial soloists, and most of all, warm and caring members. At a time when most Jewish congregations are shrinking, Emeth continues to grow and thrive, especially attracting families with young children. The history of this congregation is one of active participation and genuine concern and caring for one another, I am sure that is what makes us strong. Our congregation has been a continuing Jewish presence in the South County for three-and-a-half decades and with our mutual commitment we can add programs and activities that meet our cultural and spiritual needs. I see us having a bright future, built on a strong foundation. Congregation Emeth is located at 17835 Monterrey St in Morgan Hill. For more information about Congregation Emeth, visit its webpage at www.emeth.net, or call (408) 778-8200. 9

Knitzvah and PJ Library® partner

l cal news Ruach Nashim In January, the Jewish Community Mikvah of Silicon Valley (a program of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley) hosted its first Ruach NashimWomen Spirit community event. Over 30 women joined together to hear Rabbi Leslie Alexander and Melissa Marfia Roza share personal reflections on their Mikvah experiences while sharing a delightfully relaxing evening of sipping wine and eating snacks, including taste treats dipped in a chocolate fountain. The event included spirited singing, the percussion of tambourines and an opportunity to collage a personal journal. Women talked animatedly around the tables about their own life experiences and considered how Mikvah can offer the opportunity to experience moments of celebration and transition and to come closer to the Source of life. Any Jewish individual in the community may choose to immerse in the Mikvah, for traditional purposes and also at times of life transition, both joyful and challenging. All who attended agreed that this should be the first of many Ruach Nashim events, so those who missed the last evening should look for another announcement in the future. Meanwhile, don’t miss the next Mikvah event May 6, 1-3 p.m., an afternoon with Mayim Bialik [see page 22 for details]. If you would like further information about immersing in the Mikvah call Jan Rose at (408)

For anyone who likes cuddly, colorful yarn, and the idea of a communal knitting circle, the PJ Library event on January 31 provided just that opportunity. For the first time, JFS’ wonderful volunteer group, Knitzvah, that does needle arts on behalf of elderly, newborn and those in need and the PJ Library program of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley weaved themselves together to teach young children about doing Mitzvot. The PJ Library provides high quality, colorful books every month at no cost to families in our area raising Jewish children aged six months to seven years old. The age appropriate children’s books focus on Jewish holidays and Jewish values, such as doing good deeds for others. This made it a natural partnership with Jewish Family Service and Knitzvah. The children heard PJ Library books, sang songs and made two special yarn craft items, one to keep, and one to contribute to Knitzvah for children in need.

Congregation Sinai Scholar-in-Residence Weekend Rabbi Micha Odenheimer, award-winning journalist, rabbi, and social activist, will come to San Jose for a special scholar-in-residence weekend at Congregation Sinai on April 27-28, 2012. In 2007, Micha founded Tevel b'Tzedek, a Jewish Israeli platform for working on social and environmental issues in the developing world and in Israel. Tevel b'Tzedek operates extensive programs aiding and empowering the extreme poor in Nepal and Haiti through agriculture, education, empowerment, and health and sanitation programs. Micha was one of the founders of Elul the first religious-secular "beit midrash" in Israel, and was the founding director of the Israel Association for Ethiopian Jews. Rabbi Odenheimer will speak Friday evening on “Judaism and Social Justice in a Global World,” tracing the Jewish social justice tradition through the Torah, Prophets, and Rabbinic literature and into the 21st century. During Saturday morning’s topic, “Shabbes in Somalia,” he will tell stories of his many adventures while interviewing dictators and dissidents, and mixing it up with militants and mystics as he traveled to the far-flung corners of the world to report on conflicts, war, and poverty.

PICTURE

2000 10

In Saturday afternoon’s session, “Hasidic Storytelling and the Secret of Shabbat,” Micha will weave together Hasidic stories, songs, and "Torah" to reveal a taste of the Jewish mystical tradition. Everyone in the community is welcome. All sessions are free of charge. For more information and to make reservations for a Friday night Shabbat dinner, visit www.sinai-sj.org or contact the Sinai office at (408) 264-8542. www.jvalley.org

N IO

T IS

W O

K-12 LEARNING AND FUN

MORNING ACADEMICS

•

AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES

MATh • LANGUAGE ARTS • SCIENCE • ART • AND MORE!

Grades 6-12

Grades K-6

Summer Camp +

OThER PROGRAMS

· Sports Camps

· Swim School

Summer Institute

· English Language Institute for International Students

408.553.0537 l

summer.harker.org

campinfo@harker.org | Held on our beautiful lower and upper school campuses

So your family is growing? Mazal Tov! Your Silicon Valley Jewish Community is so happy about the birth of your child and we want to celebrate with you.

Our Shalom Baby program delivers a special gift bag to you either at the hospital or at home. We want you to know just how valued you and your family are in our community. Just let us know that the baby has arrived by contacting Arielle Hendel at the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley. (408) 3577501 or arielle@jvalley.org. One of our Shalom Baby Ambassadors will contact you to make a delivery. If you are a grandparent, a family member or a friend, you are invited to inform us as well.

www.jvalley.org

Lag B’Omer Creek Cleanup

Sunday, May 20, 2012 9 am - 12 noon

On Lag B’Omer, we celebrate the outdoors. Come do your part to keep our creek clean, and be a true partner in sustaining our environment. new this year! the PJ Library® will offer story time and a craft project for children 2-7. Meet at the BLOSSOM VaLLey PiCniC taBLeS, VaSOna Lake COunty Park, 333 BLOSSOM hiLL rOad, LOS GatOS We will pick up trash and recyclables along the Los Gatos Creek Trail. Gloves, trash and recycle bags will be provided. RSVP to Diane Fisher, (408)357-7504 or diane@jvalley.org

l cal news APJCC CEO Hal Bordy to retire The Board of Directors of the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center of Silicon Valley has announced that Hal Bordy, Chief Executive Officer, will be reducing his responsibilities at the JCC as of March 15, 2012, in preparation for his retirement on June 30, 2012. After March 15, Hal will not be at the JCC on a daily basis but he will remain available in an advisory role until the end of June. Hal has been the Chief Executive of the JCC since July 2004 and is retiring after 43 years of work in the field of Jewish community service. An active search process is underway for a new CEO and his successor is expected to be announced soon with a start date sometime later this spring. Steve Hong, APJCC CFO, will assume the daily CEO responsibilities in the interim.

Community Relations Council

The Board will host a reception in honor of Hal and his wife Cheryl in May and the community will be invited – date to be announced.

Los Gatos Memorial Park Shalom Garden

Serving the Bay Area Jewish community since 1889 Peaceful, park-like setting overlooking Santa Cruz Mountains

*Pre Plan and receive a discount *Graveside Ceremonies in a serene setting *Upright monuments available *Trained funeral professionals *Traditional caskets and ritual services

Schedule a tour of Shalom Garden and receive a

$25

Viva Restaurant Gift Card!

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

www.losgatosmemorialpark.com

(408) 356-4151

Jewish American Heritage Month Flag Raising and Proclamation Ceremony Presented by Councilmember Rose Herrera in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley, Hillel of Silicon Valley and Yavneh Day School

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

San Jose City Hall, 200 E. Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA 95113 Ceremony will begin at 12:00 p.m. Flag Raising Ceremony:

12:00–12:30 p.m. in front of the Rotunda at the City Hall Plaza Reception:

12:30–1:15 p.m. in the Rotunda

Proclamation Ceremony:

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

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

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

www.darlingandfischer.com www.jvalley.org

1:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers Parking located at the City Hall Parking Garage (entrance on 6th Street) Community Relations Council

Join us as we celebrate the history of Jewish contributions to American culture and the Jewish American heritage that has helped shape our San Jose community!

H illel of SiliconValley Silicon Valley

l cal news Help JFS fight hunger in our community: The Feinstein Foundation Challenge Jewish Family Services has joined the Feinstein Foundation annual campaign to fight hunger. For each dollar that Project N.O.A.H. collects and each pound of food that JFS collects in March and April 2012, the Feinstein Foundation will increase their dollar match to our Project N.O.A.H. Food Assistance Program. Your contributions to the Shabbat Meal Program, supermarket gift cards, Project N.O.A.H. cash donations, and Passover Food Drive will be multiplied. In 2012 JFS has projected to feed 1,100 people including unemployed families, Holocaust survivors, disabled adults, isolated seniors, single-parent families and recently arrived refugees. Help JFS make that difference! For more information, please contact Mindy Berkowitz at (408) 357-7455 or mindyb@jfssv.org.

Mitzvah Day: a Shir Hadash tradition of volunteerism and community outreach On January 15, over 300 Congregation Shir Hadash members of all ages participated in the annual Mitzvah Day. As in past years, members participated in a wide variety of activities and projects that will benefit many different individuals in Santa Clara County. “Our goal on Mitzvah Day is to offer our members many opportunities to participate in projects that help those that may be less fortunate than us,” said Social Action board member Stuart Katzman. “We want the activities to be truly beneficial as well as fun.” Some of the projects members took part in included: • Making blankets that will be distributed by Jewish Family services; • Making 56 quarts of soup–enough to feed over 200 people soup–and 300 peanutbutter-and-jelly sandwiches for the residents of the InnVision shelter, a primary gateway for homeless families and individuals seeking shelter and resources that lead to self-sufficiency; • Assembling care packages that included a book and stuffed animal for children who live in area homeless shelters; • Working with Sacred Heart Community Service volunteers to fill 800 grocery bags of food that filled four bins with bagged produce as well as make “Survival Sacks” that included new socks, underwear, wash cloths, soap, and other toiletries; As Sara Ellman, the chairperson for Mitzvah Day said, “One of my favorite things about Mitzvah Day is the number of projects that welcome activity by children of all ages. Children learn both the spirit of and joy of tzedakah by jointly participating in these types of projects with their parents and siblings. We had a great day!”

The Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center Talk to us about membership! 408.356.4973 • Holiday celebrations • Classes for all ages • Art exhibits • Cultural events • Social events • Facility rentals • Birthday parties • Dairy cafe

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

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

www.jvalley.org

l cal news

Book Review: “The Oy Way” By Amanda Orrin

An ideal nod to the Yiddish heritage so many of us treasure, “The Oy Way” manages to combine Jewish history and humor in a manner that brings much delight to the reader. Whether you grew up speaking and hearing Yiddish or the language is completely foreign to you, it is inevitable that chuckles will arise as you discover the phrases and stances proposed in this lovable piece of literature. Gotliffe brings to life such phrases as gey avek (get out of here) and gib a kuk (give a look.) Many of these phrases are ones I’ve heard hundreds of times and thought little of it, but to fully understand the history and meaning behind them has brought great joy to my day and an even more in-depth understanding of the language spoken, even today, by my grandparents. “The Oy Way” is available for purchase at https://www.createspace.com/3782405.

What’s new at JCC Camp this summer About 800 kids enjoy splashing in the pool, going on nature hikes, playing sports, doing arts and crafts, celebrating Shabbat, and doing other traditional JCC day camp activities at APJCC Summer Camp in Los Gatos each summer. If your child is a returning camper, or if you’re thinking about signing up your child for the first time, here’s what’s new at APJCC Summer Camp for 2012. Camp Kadima for 3rd-5th graders has undergone a complete overhaul this year. It’s now focused towards “Tweens” and will include activities that today’s tweens enjoy, such as talent competitions, reality-TV-type games and competitions, singing and dancing, popculture-themed activities, sports tournaments and more. The Culinary Creations specialty camp will be taught by a professional chef this year, namely Chef Abri from the JCC Café. Campers in 3rd grade and up go on field trips, and the camp will be trying out some new field trips this year, including Monterey Bay Aquarium. The APJCC is offering travel camps for the first time this summer. Two options are available. Each camp is one week long. “Soaked and Stoked” campers will travel to a different water-related destination each day, including Raging Waters, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Shadow Cliffs, Great America, and Monterey Bay Aquarium. “San Kadima Campers explore the outdoors. Francisco Adventure” campers will visit San Francisco attractions every day, including the California Academy of Sciences, Pier 39 (Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Mirror Maze, Aquarium), Ocean Beach, the San Francisco Zoo, Zeum, ice skating, bowling in Balboa Gardens, and the Exploratorium and its Tactile Dome. One experience that the APJCC Summer Camp will not be offering is a drop-in option. “Some camps offer a drop-in option, where kids can drop in any day during the summer, and parents only pay for the days they feel like using the camp, but our philosophy is that drop-in defeats the purpose of summer camp,” says Andrew Mendes, APJCC Camp Director. “Kids benefit from forming a bond with the same, stable peer group each day. It allows them to build confidence and develop new friendships. To us, that’s what summer camp is all about. Attending camp with the same group of kids consistently throughout the camp session creates a special camaraderie. It’s good for kids to have the experience of learning to fit in with a group outside of school, a group that can face challenges and try new things together.” Michele Myron, whose children have attended APJCC Summer Camp for a number of years, described it this way: “We’ve been coming to the camp for the last 11 years and the kids look forward to seeing their friends they only see at camp. The come home every day happy and tired, full of stories and songs.” For complete details about APJCC Summer Camp, see www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/camp, or contact the camp office at (408) 357-7416 or camp@svjcc.org.

Rosa Bencuya

408.499.2077 • 408.913.7784 rbencuya@apr.com www.homebyrosa.com Saratoga office 408.741.11111

www.jvalley.org

summer camp Summer camp is for everyone By Arielle Hendel Memories of summer camp for me are rich with images of friends, experiences and a life-long connection to Judaism. Camp was where I learned for myself how to...well, everything from keeping my socks together in the laundry to my Jewish identity. I remember vividly each Friday, a sea of friends all in white to welcome Shabbat. I also recall each morning standing at morning circle, raising flags and pledging my allegiance to the US and Israel – a value that has stayed with me to this day. In short, summer camp cannot be beat to instill a personal connection with Jewish peers, Judaism and Israel. In fact, a recent study conducted by Steven M. Cohen, Ron Miller, Ira M. Sheskin and Berna Torr, entitled Camps Work: The Long-term Impact of Jewish Overnight Camp has found that “The influence of summer camp on the ways in which adult Jews choose to engage with the community and the degree to which they associate with other Jews can be felt long after the last sunset of the summer. The impact is striking, especially when compared to their peers who did not spend their summer months at Jewish camp.” With such strong and compelling reasons to send your children or grandchildren to camp, many Jewish funders have decided to fund Jewish campers as a way to ensure Jewish continuity.

So, now more than ever, summer camps are affordable through local and national grants. There are two funded incentives available to campers and their families. One is JWest which awards financial incentives to returning campers entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grade who received the JWest grant last year. The other is the ‘one happy camper’ grant through the Foundation for Jewish Camps which supplies first-year campers with need-blind financial incentive grants of up to $1,000 for attending a qualified Jewish overnight camp. More information and your eligibility for these grants can be found on their website: www.onehappycamper.org.

Linda Herkes, Camp Registrar at 415-392-7080 ext.11 or Lherkes@URJ.org. Camp Tawonga can be reached by calling 415-543-2267 or visiting their website at www.tawonga.org. For families who have or are affiliated with PJ Library, there are also some grants available through a program called PJ Goes to Camp. More information about these camperships, please go to the PJ Library website at http://pjlibrary.org to the ‘about PJ Library section’ and click through to PJ goes to camp.

Jewish day camp scholarships are awarded through each of the local Bay Area Federations. For residents living in the South Bay, please contact the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley at (408) 358-3033. Like the Jewish overnight In addition, the Jim Joseph Foundation has given camperships, the camps and campers must money to the Bay Area Federations to support be qualified each year for acceptance into the day and overnight Jewish camping. The funds program. Applications can be initiated by calling for overnight camps other than Camp Newman the Federation office. and Tawonga are administered by the Jewish While it might seem cumbersome to apply, it Federation in San Francisco. You can find ensures that community resources are leveraged them on the web on their website http://www. jewishfed.org under the tab ‘see how we help’ and to the best of its ability to enable the maximum then the tab for scholarships for Jewish overnight campers to qualified programs. Do not stop yourself from investigating into making camp camps or contact the JCF Program Manager at affordable for your family. One question can megank@jfsjf.org for more information. Camp Newman and Tawonga both administer their own lead to a lifetime of Jewish involvement and camperships. For Camp Newman, please contact wonderful memories.

apJcc Summer camp 2012 Join us for a summer of traditional day camp activities -- sports, swimming, games, arts & crafts, Jewish programming, nature walks, creek explorations, field trips, friends and fun. Or choose one of our specialty camps in basketball, circus arts, cooking, dance, musical theater, soccer, tennis, or (new this year) travel camp! We have programs for toddlers through teens.

your ADVENTurE bEgiNs hErE 14855 Oka road, Los Gatos, ca 95032 408.357.7416 www.SiliconValleyJcc.org/camp 16

www.jvalley.org

Spring cleaning in the vineyard and in our homes...

pass ver

As we begin another winegrowing year, we continue to be amazed as dormant grape buds burst anew, as the ground and air temperature rises and the daylight increases. Year after year, the same process occurs but I will gladly admit that I remain in awe of it all, as if it were the first time I was observing the rebirth following the winter dormancy. It is a wonder to witness. Late in the winter, the fully dormant grape canopy has been pruned to retain only a few percent of the previous season's growth. This severe pruning has the effect of strengthening the remaining growing points so that when the triggers arrive in the spring, that is, day length increase and temperature rise, the dormant buds pop open and begin to grow again, just like they did the previous year at nearly the same time. It is very typical to see this budbreak proceed throughout ones vineyard uniformly so that we can monitor the growth, the new insects the growth attracts and the predator insects which are also awakening from their winter dormancy, all together in a synchronistic display of nature's balance or lack of. Our job as grapegrowers is to stand aside and let nature do its thing, only interfering if or when the ability of the grapevine to withstand the natural elements is overly challenged and we believe that the grapevine may not survive to produce and ripen its fruit. It is at this same time, same season, that we observe Passover, the celebration of freedom along with the cleaning of the house of chametz. It is a connection between the beginning of spring and our most widely observed celebration. As you may know, Passover, in addition to remembering and commemorating our departure from Egypt and deliverance to the land of Canaan, is also known as the spring holiday, at which we enjoy the spring flowering and the beginning of the barley harvest. Certainly, this beautiful coincidence is not really a coincidence. We celebrate the spring and flowering including grapevines at the same time we enjoy four cups of delicious wine. This recipe will surely bring us much joy and happiness as we observe nature at one of its finest moments and enjoy the wine nature has produced. We hope you will enjoy the spring and consider a visit to Napa Valley. We will be happy to show you budbreak as it happens for us in early April in our vineyard of Cabernet Sauvignon. You can then taste wine produced from the same vineyard from previous vintages. You can actually watch the grapevines grow as you enjoy their wine, in slow motion or normal real time, whichever you prefer. Of course, we also will be happy to offer you tastes of many other white and red wines, each with a unique tale of their growth characteristics along with their specific wine attributes. There is information aplenty balanced by flavors aplenty. Happy spring, ‫חמש ביבא גח‬ Don Ernesto Hagafen, winemaker

www.

jvalley

.org

www.jvalley.org

l cal news A new face for Santa Cruz Hillel Santa Cruz Hillel has recently experienced an impressive “facelift,” both in the way it does business and also in the dynamic new staff directing its activities. Many changes have taken place, beginning this past summer with the arrival of its new Executive Director Samuel Krentzman and his energetic new staff. “After an exhaustive search looking for an exceptional personality to guide Jewish life on a campus as diverse and distinctive as USCS, we found the perfect match for us in Samuel Krentzman,” said Lauren Suhd, president of the UCSC Hillel Board. Sam brings a creative approach to his work, offering innovative solutions and inspired new programs to enhance the lives of Jewish students on campus.” Krentzman studied Chinese language and literature, international relations and history at the University of Massachusetts. Following graduation, he spent eight months in Israel’s Negev desert, writing and performing music. Later he spent three years as the Special Projects Coordinator at New York University’s Bronfman Center for Jewish Life. Krentzman was responsible for Israel and social justice programming, with an emphasis on building innovative initiatives that engaged the wider NYU and New York City communities. Most recently, he served as the assistant director of University of Massachusetts Hillel, just prior to accepting the offer to head UCSC Hillel. “Sam’s innovative approach to reaching students will serve our UCSC Jewish community exceptionally well,” Suhd emphasized. “His experience teaching and researching courses in Jewish music, Judaism and creativity are particular talents that Sam is bringing to our students.”

Sam Krentzman

Krentzman’s programmatic focus at UCSC is on creativity, ethics, and building reciprocal trust with the students and Hillel staff. “If Judaism’s mission is to affect the world, creativity is the means,” the director emphasized. “At Hillel we intend to manifest the imagination of our students. We will create a holistic model that demonstrates the Jewish creative process as we struggle with issues such as ethics and morality.”

As a campus in recent years, UCSC’s Jewish students and faculty have had polarizing experiences, especially during the past year. Santa Cruz Hillel has become a safe environment where students and faculty can openly talk through these issues. “We care about our students and want them to come into the Hillel building knowing they can discuss the issues that are important to them without fear,” Krentzman said. “This is one of the most urgent needs of our students, so our priority has been to establish a positive atmosphere on campus for them, a place where they can be comfortable expressing their Jewish identity and offering a variety of different viewpoints on issues that have bearing on the Jewish world. We already are seeing the impact of open and honest engagement with our students, whatever their views.” To support the “new face” of Hillel, a full staff has been hired, working closely under the direction of the executive director. In addition to seven student interns and a continuing administrator, the staff includes a program director and an Israel Fellow. Lauren Kimmel, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the new program director. Innovative Hillel programs are taking place all over the UCSC campus under her supervision. “We are providing programs and activities that not only bring the students to Hillel but also take Hillel to the dorms and colleges where the students are!” In addition to a wide range of social and educational programs, Friday evening Shabbat meals prepared by the Hillel staff are offered every week. Kimmel will be taking a group of students for a week-long Alternative Spring Break experience in volunteer service. “Our students are going to Birmingham, Alabama where they’ll be working alongside Habitat for Humanity to help recover and rebuild the homes that were lost in the catastrophic 2011 tornadoes,” the program director said. A decision was made this year to bring an Israel Fellow to the UCSC Hillel. Aya Caspi, a native of Ramat HaSharon, Israel, has been actively engaging students in discussions about Israel, ranging from cultural to political. “It is crucial to destroy stereotypes,” She said. “We are aligned with Hillel’s national statement of support for Israel and global Jewish peoplehood, and we also eagerly encourage the exchange of viewpoints.” “This is the most urgent time to be supporting Santa Cruz Hillel, as we are actively working to improve Jewish life on campus. We have the right people, the right programs, and the right time, and we are very grateful to our generous donors who allowed this tremendous growth to go forward,” said Suhd. For further information about Santa Cruz Hillel, call (831) 426-3332, email info@santacruzhillel.org, or go to http://www.santacruzhillel.org.

www.jvalley.org

Eighth annual “Pillars” event celebrates Hillel of Silicon Valley

l cal news

By Eleanor Weber Dickman

Hillel sponsors elegant wine-tasting

This year’s annual “Pillars of the Community” event, sponsored by Hillel of Silicon Valley, will have many innovative touches, but will still have the same goal: to engage the community in celebrating the accomplishments of this important Jewish community organization, and to honor its staunchest supporters, while serving as an attractive fundraiser to strengthen Hillel’s many programs and activities.

The beautiful new Hillel House at 44 S. Eleventh Street in San José becomes an elegant event venue on Sunday afternoon, March 25, from 2 to 4 p.m., when Hillel sponsors a Kosher-for-Passover Wine Tasting.

Co-chaired by Carrie and Bob Zeidman and Barbara Illowsky, the event, which takes place Sunday, April 22, at 11 a.m., will be held at the Computer History Museum (1401 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View) with Larry Gerston as emcee. Highlighting the event will be a “Lifetime Achievement Award,” presented to Rosemary Schindler, grand-niece of Righteous Gentile Oskar Schindler in recognition of her work on behalf of the Jewish people and Israel. Rosemary, the San Francisco director for Christians United for Israel, is also president of “Schindler’s Ark,” an organization which seeks to “promote understanding between Christians and Jews, to speak out against anti-Semitism, and to support the Jewish people and Israel.” A travel agent as well as a leader of Shiloh Church in Oakland, Rosemary has organized numerous trips for Christians to visit Israel each year. Rosemary will speak about her interfaith outreach work. Hillel is proud and pleased to honor longtime volunteer community supporters Rick and Ann Tavan and Pat Werba. The Tavans are well-known to the community for their generosity to the Jewish communities in Silicon Valley and in Tahoe, and were significant underwriters of Hillel’s recent capital campaign on behalf of the new Hillel House. Ann created the compelling and creative donor wall at the new Hillel House, and every year, Rick donates a flight in his private plane to the Pillars event. Pat Werba is always available to help Hillel, whether collecting and packaging items for the Pillars Auctions, or hosting an annual Tu B’Shevat Seder and Shabbat dinner in her home, or contributing her famous kugel to any Hillel event. She was also helpful in designing the look of the new Hillel House, taking special responsibility for outfitting and organizing the kitchen. Hillel will also honor Aimee Moisso, director of Ecumenical and Interfaith Ministries for the Campus Ministry of Santa Clara University. Says Hillel Director Sue Maltiel, “Aimee has been a wonderful partner for Hillel to work with Jewish students at SCU. We appreciate her help in working with students to create respectful programs to deal with difficult issues.” In addition, a student leader from each of the five campus Hillel locations will receive a Pillars Leadership award. Mazel tov to Marc Weisner from Santa Clara University School of Law; Dana Margittai from San José State University; Michelle Fanwick from De Anza College, Ori Shadman from Foothill College, and Neusha Zarrabian from West Valley College. This kosher event catered by Wendy Kleckner is open to the entire community. For more information, please contact Director Sue Maltiel at (408) 286-6669 or director@hillelsv.org or register online at www. hillelsv.org.

Gather with friends and join in sampling a variety of wines perfect for any Seder table. The wine tasting will be hosted by the owner of Covenant Wines, Jeff Morgan, a former Wine Spectator editor and renowned Napa Valley kosher winemaker, author, and educator. Covenant Wines will be available at a 15% discount, and for every bottle or case of wine purchased, Covenant will also make a generous donation back to Hillel of Silicon Valley. Covenant has led the way in creating kosher wines that can compete with the finest non-kosher wines in its quality and taste–consistently garnering 90-94 ratings from wine critic Robert Parker. A sweet finish to the afternoon will be provided by local baker and pastry chef Susan Leitner of The Eloquent Oven. Following this event, you are encouraged to attend a 4:30 p.m. screening of “Footnote,” a film by Joseph Cedar, at Camera 3 (288 S. Second St., SJ), presented by the Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival. Space is limited. $10 per person. RSVP to susie@hillelsv.org or (408) 286-6669.

HouSe PARty WItH StAte ASSeMbLyMAn RICH GoRDon Assemblyman for many local cities including Los Gatos, Monte Sereno and Almaden Valley

Please join us for a Wine & Cheese Reception and a report on the Assemblyman’s recent trip to Israel Sunday, March 25, 4:00 p.m. at a private home Directions given upon RSVP Limited space, rsvp by March 18: marci.gerston@gmail.com

Co-sponsored by the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California, and the Jewish Community Relations Councils of Silicon Valley and the Peninsula.

www.jvalley.org

COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE MEANS: Children at the center, NOT in the middle. Creating happy Jewish moments, one book at a time The PJ Library® program nurtures meaningful experiences for children by sending books to your home on a monthly basis - for free! Jewish children six months to seven years old who live in the South Bay can receive high-quality, age appropriate, colorful Jewish books to keep and enjoy.

Hoge ToFenton enroll, visit www.pjlibrary.org/

Hoge Fenton Jones & Appel signup.php or call (408) 357-7509

ttorneys at Law | Founded in 1952

for more details.

Better

Jewish Community News • 1/4 Page (4.875”x6.5”)

Collaborative Practice: A Different Way to Divorce

OFFICE : 60 SOuth MArkEt StrEEt, SuItE 1400 SAN JOSE, CALIFOrNIA 95113-2396 MAIN: 408.287.9501 FAx: 408.287.2583

www.cpsv.us

Collaborative Practice Silicon Valley

Join us at Temple Emanu‐El

Joyous Passover Wishes

Celebrating 150 Years of Tradition and Innovation! 1010 University Ave, San Jose, CA 95126 Temple Office Phone(408)292-0939 www.templesanjose.org Religious School Phone (408)292-3223

Torah L’dor V’Dor ‐ March 25, 25, 27 Connect with the past and provide of the future by writing a letter and joining our congregation in creating a Torah for generations to come.

Passover Second Night Seder Saturday, April 7 at 5:00 PM We invite you to celebrate Passover with us as a community. Call the office for pricing and to make your reservation.

Philip Hammer State Bar Certified Family Law Specialist

Steven Siner Managing Shareholder Business, Tax & Estate Planning

David Hofmann Real Estate Transactions & Finance

Temple Emanu‐El Gala Event

Saturday, April 21 at 6:30 PM

at the Golf Club at Boulder Ridge. Join us for A Magical Night as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Temple Emanu‐El! Contact the Temple office to receive aninvitation.

Celebrating Israel ‐ May 2 at 7:00 PM David Howard Complex Taxation

Eliana Weissman Family Law

408.287.9501 hogefenton.com

An evening with Israel’s Consul General, Akiva Tor

Jennifer Protas Employment Law

This special celebration will feature a discussion of the current Israeli with Consul General Akiva Tor as well as our wonderful Temple Emanu‐El Mahkela (Adult Choir) and Renanim (Junior Choir). We welcome everyone B’nai Mitzvah age and above and refreshments will be served

For more information call 408‐292‐0939 or visit www.templesanjose.org

www.jvalley.org

l cal news Shalom Hadad revives Ahabat Torah By Sarina Roffé Loaded with energy, vitality and charisma, Shalom Hadad has completely turned around Ahabat Torah, a small synagogue in San Jose, California, reviving Jewish life in this San Francisco suburb. “Before he came, we didn’t have a minyan on Friday night for a long time,” said Pat Bergman, a synagogue founder. “Hadad and his wife Revital have gotten Israelis who are in the hi-tech industry in Silicon Valley, to attend services. We had 25 men last Friday night and Saturday morning. It’s amazing.” “Because almost all of the congregation’s original members moved away to get better Jewish education for their children, we were looking for a young Sephardic rabbi who could help us,” said Abe Gindi, synagogue president. “Hadad has been doing a fantastic job. We now have many more minyanim, and Friday evenings are really hopping with many children also attending. We are very happy to be able to host such a dynamic couple.” Hadad was born in Haifa. His Tunisian-born father, a vintner, and Moroccan-born mother, a teacher, moved with him and his two younger brothers and two younger sisters to Tzefat when Shalom was 13 so he and his brothers could attend yeshivas there. The Hadads see great potential for the growth of the congregation and are eager to teach anyone who wishes to come and study Torah. They will arrange private tutoring such as Bar or Bat Mitzvah preparation as well as adult classes or individual learning in most areas of Jewish education. Examples of their abilities abound. During Rosh Hashanah, the congregation was bursting at the seams. A community sukkah was decorated by the children where there was dinner each evening. Revital hosts a Challah Club where each week 25 women gather to make challah at different homes. For Tu B’Shevat there was a special event for women and children. Hadad has even participated in the activities of the local Chevra Kadisha. “Hadad is an amazing example of the rabbis we train at the Shehebar Sephardic Center,” said Rabbi Sam Kassin, Dean. Shalom Hadad can be reached at (408) 466-5448.

[ADVERTORIAL]

IN THE HEIGHTS: “Tradition” with Hip Hop

in-Manuel Miranda wrote the lyrics and music for the Tony Award-winning In the Heights, celebrating life in a barrio of New York City’s Washington Heights. The musical follows a close-knit community of hard-working Latino immigrants as they strive for a better life, search for love, dream the American Dream, and create a home. The central figure is Usnavi, who, like Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, is both leading man and storyteller. “Fiddler is in the DNA of Heights,” says Miranda. “If you look at our opening number, it’s ‘Tradition’ with hip hop. Tevye speaks of ‘the circle of our little village,’ and in Heights, Usnavi starts with the business owners and widens the scope, moving on to the people who are important in his life. Fiddler is about a community where nothing’s changed for hundreds of years. Heights is about a community where everything is changing everyday. And if we all come from different communities with our own traditions, what do we take with us, what do we keep?”

the role,” he says. “And it became clear that I couldn’t write the music, the lyrics, and the book, and be in the show. It was too much. So we started looking for a book writer, and Quiara [Hudes] was recommended. I was blown away by her when we met.” Miranda describes Hudes as family. “We’re both first-generation Puerto Rican kids who went to really good schools and tried to figure out where we were in the interim. She did a great job of making In the Heights her story as well as mine.” In the Heights opened off-Broadway in 2007, and was an instant hit with critics and audiences. A little more than a year later, it opened on Broadway, winning the 2008 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Score, Best Choreography, and Best Orchestrations.

A Valentine to the Barrio

In many ways, the show is a valentine to Washington Heights. It didn’t start out that way. Miranda began writing In the Heights in his sophomore year at Wesleyan “My high school sweetheart was going abroad to study in the Dominican Republic,” he says, “and I was very conflicted about it. I started writing In the Heights the day after she left, and finished it two weeks later. It was all about the angst I had over the relationship. It’s got the same mix of Latin and hip hop music, but only certain chord progressions have survived. And the first version was not about community at all. That came later, when I moved back home, back into my neighborhood, and realized how much material was there.” His college effort was such a success that two Wesleyan seniors, Neil Stewart and John Mailer, who had plans to start a theater company, told Miranda that they wanted to help him bring In the Heights to New York. They were as good as their word. They founded Back House Productions, along with fellow Wesleyan alumni Tommy Kail and Anthony Veneziale, and the week after Miranda graduated in 2002, they began meeting to transform a college musical into a professional theater piece.

An American Dream

“Most of our audience is your typical, theatergoing audience,” says Miranda. “It’s wonderful that we’ve become an event show for Latinos on Broadway, but the overwhelming majority of people who come to see our show – and this was particularly true off-Broadway – don’t speak a word of Spanish. And they come away loving it. They understand it. We’ve taken great care to make sure you get everything in context. We sneak in Spanish little by little at the top of the show, and by the end, we’re giving whole dollops of it. People are with it, they’re nodding their heads. We’ve tried to use Spanish in the way that Jerome Robbins used dance: when we get to a point where English won’t suffice, we break into Spanish.” In the Heights follows a great tradition of giving audiences a peak into the lives and dreams of people from other cultures and walks of life. “The reality about New York is that it’s always changing,” Miranda says. “I think what’s universal about the show is that we’ve all had someone in our lives who wanted us to do better. We’ve all had a place we call home, or we’ve yearned to find home.“

From Off- to On-Broadway

“The credit for this show getting from Wesleyan to Broadway really goes to Tommy Kail,” says Miranda. “He’s an incredible director.” Miranda never planned to star as Usnavi. In He was simply standing in until a “real the Heights plays at actor” was found. The connection he had the San Jose Center for the Performing with the audience was apparent from the very Arts from April 17-22. Call 408-792-4111 start, making it clear that he should be the for tickets. one to create the role on Broadway. “I fell into Photo © John Daughtry, 2011 Nicole Cline, Perry Young

www.jvalley.org

CoMMUNiTy MikvAH of SiLiCoN vALLey PreSeNTS

An Afternoon with

Mayim Bialik, Actress, Author, PhD Please join us for a special afternoon with actress, author and neuroscientist Mayim Bialik. Bialik, a positive, involved, observant Jew, will speak about mikvah, her understanding of its meaning and value, her experiences immersing, and why mikvah is a wonderful Jewish mitzvah. Bialik is currently one of the stars of “The Big Bang Theory,” CBS’s popular sitcom. She starred in the 1990’s NBC sitcom “Blossom” and appeared in the movie “Beaches.” She received her B.S. in Neuroscience and Hebrew and Jewish Studies from UCLA in 2000 and earned a Ph.D. in Neuroscience in 2007 from UCLA. Community Women’s Mikvah of Philanthropy Silicon Valley

SUNDAy, MAy 6, 2012, 1-3 PM Light refreshments Levy family Campus Auditorium 14855 oka road Los Gatos Cost: $18 to benefit the mikvah

Become a sponsor of the event for $360 and have lunch and a personal photo with Mayim before the program. DeDiCATioN of New SCULPTUre for THe MikvAH By JoyCe STeiNfeLD, ACCLAiMeD LoCAL ABSTrACT BroNze SCULPTor.

Tours of the mikvah will be available at the close of Ms. Bialik’s presentation RSVP: JValley.org/Mikvah or 408.358.3033 or rabbialexander@jvalley.org

www.jvalley.org

Ask a Rabbi: Everyone I meet seems to be a “foodie”. What’s the Jewish take on this interest in food? And why is Hamotzi, the blessing for bread, the core Jewish food blessing? By Rabbi Melanie Aron, Shir Hadash In America today, food is really taking center stage. As one commentator expressed it: “restaurants have become our contemporary shrines, and chefs our high priests.” There are lots of television shows about food, and the younger generation is much more interested in cooking, than my friends were at their age. Perhaps this is because in a world that seems more and more beyond our control, making choices about the foods we eat is something that still seems within our reach. The current interest in food may also be influenced by its becoming more and more clear that the diet of the average American is not healthy, neither for the person who consumes it, nor for our planet. As a result some people are making very careful choices about what they choose to eat (kosher, vegetarian, pesticide free, local, free range, etc.) while others lack access even to the minimal fruits and vegetables that would enable them to make the changes in their eating habits that would be life sustaining. This summer, a delegation from Shir Hadash went up to UC Davis to attend part of the Hazon conference. The word Hazon means vision and the organization Hazon is committed to a vision of environmental sustainability created by healthy communities in the Jewish world and beyond. Unlike many other Jewish organizations, Hazon is dominated by young people, well under 40, and includes Jews who are not otherwise involved in the organized Jewish community involved alongside those who consider themselves religious or observant. A major focus of the organization is food, and the conference was an expression of that interest. The Hazon Food Conference described itself as “the only place in the world where farmers and rabbis, nutritionists and chefs, vegans and omnivores, and foodies of every stripe come together to explore the dynamic interplay of food, Jewish tradition and contemporary life.” At the conference every aspect of food was discussed including food justice, Jewish cultural experiences around food, and halachic issues as they relate to food. While Jewish tradition does not take the view that we live to eat, we are all aware that food is an important part of the Jewish religious experience. The special foods associated with the holidays, shape our memories, and a food discipline, kashrut in all its many manifestations, is a core Jewish commitment. One of the best known of Jewish prayers is Hamotzi, the prayer for bread. It is one of the first blessings that children learn, and the most commonly said at Jewish gatherings and celebrations. Why this bread blessing? Most of us, unless we are gluten intolerant, or are allergic to eggs or milk, take bread for granted. But bread was a major advancement in human culture. Bread is not like berries which you pick off bushes, carrots that you pull out of the ground, or even like fish or meat that you hunt and prepare. To eat bread you must first do a lot of work and often need other people to work alongside you. The wheat or barley needs to be grown and harvested, roasted and ground, and then finally baked. To prepare bread we are told, in one ancient text, we must “plant, plow, sow, reap, stack, thresh, winnow, grind, sift, knead and bake.” At first the bread eaten in pre-historic times was a flat cake like a tortilla. This might be the kind of cake that Abraham asked Sarah to prepare for the three angels. The earliest archeological evidence of leaved bread comes from Egypt. It was considered worthy to be offered to the gods. In Jewish culture, bread was so important that it became the definition of a meal. If you ate but didn’t have bread, then you did not have to recite the bircat hamazon, the grace after meals, because what you ate could not properly be considered a meal. Twelve loaves of bread were offered on the altar in the ancient Temple and bread became synonymous with food. It is not coincidental that it is the challah loaves that are the symbol of the Sabbath, and that the consumption of this finer bread was part of the oneg, the joy of the Shabbat. Now with Passover coming, we will return to the flat cakes of yesteryear, at least for the days of the festival. But this matzah will be a significant part of our Passover experience.

rabbis speak Shir Hadash launches online community job board Although hiring has picked up in Silicon Valley, there are still many unemployed people looking for the right job. For friends, neighbors and family, finding the right match between their skills and experience and an open position that they are qualified to fill can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. In addition, most real job openings are not advertised. Companies often ask their own employees for referrals of good candidates and only after they have exhausted that pool, do they post an opening on job boards. Many other jobs are referred to directly to recruiters and don’t ever get publicly posted. According to most experts in the industry and various sources, including CNN, BusinessWeek, and the Harvard Business Review, only 5 to 20 percent of jobs are filled through the method of posting on traditional boards, and the rest are filled through some sort of networking activity. An August article in HBR said,” a rule of thumb across international studies appears to be that on average about one-third of jobs are filled through word-of-mouth connections.” A 2009 article on CNN.com said, “Companies are relying more heavily on their current employee networks, or on local or specialized job pools, to avoid the flood of unqualified candidates that comes with high unemployment.” David Goldstein, a member of Congregation Shir Hadash was aware of this dilemma on a personal basis. After leaving the internet start-up he cofounded, he had been looking for work and looking for additional opportunities to network. In an effort to help so many who faced the same frustrating experience that he was experiencing, David decided to take action and began working with Rabbi Aron and members of the Caring Committee at Congregation Shir Hadash to develop a job board where both employers and job seekers could post what they were looking for and connect. Having been personally acquainted with a number of small, nonpublicized job boards, he knew their effectiveness. The job board is open to anyone in the community, not just members of Shir Hadash. It was modeled after a similar board that Congregation Kol Emeth in Palo Alto has run for years, but with some additional features. These include the ability for members to post that they are looking for work, success stories, and community resources available to those who need additional help. continued on page 30

www.jvalley.org

SIMCHAS By Andrea Cohen Greyber Called to the Torah Brianna Gabriel, daughter of Ira & Deborah Gabriel of Westlake Village, granddaughter of Joseph & Michelle Gabriel and the late Mary Martinis of New York, was called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on October 29, 2011 at Temple Adat Elohim in Thousand Oaks. She is an eighth grade honor student at Media Creek Middle School with interests in soccer, drama, art music and animals. For her mitzvah project, she helped raise money for her local animal shelter. Jonah Kulakofsky, son of Joseph & Ryuko Kulakofsky, was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah at Congregation Sinai on December 17. He is the younger brother of Jacob, a student at Los Gatos High School and the twin brother of Rachel. He is a student at Fisher Middle School and plays guitar and takes Tai Kwon Do and gymnastics. For his mitzvah project he raised money for the Santa Clara Health

Foundation in order to help sick families get better. He is the grandson of Michael & Carolyn Kulakofsky. Rachel Kulakofsky, daughter of Joseph & Ryuko Kulakofsky, was called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on December 17 at Congregation Sinai. She is the twin sister of Jonah and the younger sister of Jacob and a seventh grade student at Fisher Middle School. She enjoys playing the guitar and hanging out with her friends. Rachel is the granddaughter of Carolyn & Michael Kulakofsky who live in the Villages. For her mitzvah project, she is visiting the San Jose Family Homeless Shelter. She was delighted that her Uncle Daniel from CT and Uncle David from TX were able to join the family for this special simcha. Dylan Goldstein, son of Martin & Julia Goldstein, was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on January 14 at Temple Emanu-El. He is in the 8th grade at Rolling Hills Middle School and is the younger brother of Alex, 16, who is a student at Westmont High School. Dylan loves computers and wants to be a computer programmer or video game designer when he grows

up. For his mitzvah project Dylan held drives to collect cat food, supplies and cash for the Humane Society of Silicon Valley and will donate a portion of his Bar Mitzvah gift money to the Humane Society. He was pleased to have his grandparents, Ed & Shirley Goldstein of Bellevue, WA and Steve & Sofia Freer of Half Moon Bay with him for this special occasion. Daniel Tabibian, son of David & Rozita Tabibian, was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah at Congregation Sinai on January 14. He is in the seventh grade at Yavneh Day School; his younger sister, Dalia also attends Yavneh. Daniel enjoys playing hockey and basketball and also plays the drums. Through Yavneh he is participating in Jewish Heart for Africa, an organization which sends technology to Africa; at Sinai he is donating money to support the Red Cross. His grandparents, Dr. & Mrs. Bahran Refah of Orange County and Mahin Hakiman of Los Angeles were delighted to be on hand for this wonderful occasion. Naava Ellenberg, daughter of Steve & Susan Ellenberg, was called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on January 21 at Congregation Sinai. She is in the seventh grade at Yavneh Day School. She is the younger sister of Molly, 16, a student at Harker

School and Zachary, 18, a senior at Harker. Naava was very excited to celebrate her Bat Mitzvah at Sinai where her family is so active; her father had his Bar Mitzvah there as did her siblings. She loves dancing and reading and really enjoyed learning her Torah and Haftarah. She was pleased that so many family members and friends could join her from around the country and that her “local” grandparents, Maureen Ellenberg and Harvey Slater were there to help her celebrate. Naava’s Jewish journey toward her Jewish milestone began at Sinai Nursery School and continues at Yavneh Day School. An important component of the preparation for assuming responsibility for Jewish rituals and commandments is an engagement with issues of social injustice. Through her social justice class at Yavneh, her bat mitzvah class at Sinai and her preparation in the National Charity League, Naava has taken seriously the Jewish mandate to do her part to repair the world. She volunteers at InnVision and will give tzedakah (a monetary contribution) to a number of organizations that provide assistance for the most vulnerable members of our community. Erin Healey, daughter of Michele Healey & Chris Eaton of San Jose and granddaughter of Marcia & Joe Riggio of Los Gatos, was called to the Torah as a Bat

www.jvalley.org

Mitzvah on January 21 at Temple EmanuEl. She is a seventh grade honors student at Holy Spirit School where she plays basketball in addition to club soccer. Her older sister Alexandra is a student at Presentation High School and her two other sisters, Madison, 15, and Cara, 12, attend school in Portland OR. Erin enjoys spending time with her friends and families, seeing movies and playing with her dog Charlie. She recently completed her Girl Scout Bronze Award. For her Bat Mitzvah project she made and donated animal toys for the Humane Society of Silicon Valley to bring comfort to the animals during the winter months. Erin was delighted to share this special day with her aunt and uncle Lori & Ted Moorhead of San Jose and cousins Brooke and Lola. She was thrilled to have her closest friend and extended family in attendance. Josh Michelberg, son of Rachel Michelberg and David Michelberg, was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on January 28 at Temple Emanu-El. He is in the seventh grade at John Muir Middle School. He lives in Willow Glen with his mom Rachel and his sister Hannah, a student at Lincoln High School and of course his labradoodle

Nala. Josh loves break dancing: his favorite crews are Jabbawockeez, Quest Crew and Team Illuminate. He also enjoys doing theater: his favorite shows have been Schoolhouse Rock, Suessical and Honk! For his mitzvah project Josh collects old blankets, towels and newspapers for the Humane Society of Silicon Valley as well as volunteering at the shelter. Josh was so glad that his Dad, David, was able to travel from Israel to be with him at his Bar Mitzvah. His grandfather, George Hettler of Thousand Oaks, CA came up as well as his Uncle Sigi and his son, Joel, 12, of Munich, Germany. Billy Braker, son of Matthew & Cyd Braker, was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on February 11 at Congregation Sinai. He is a seventh grade student at Yavneh Day School where he has participated on the crosscountry team. He also plays baseball and basketball and enjoys playing the guitar. Billy participated in two theater productions at the APJCC, including “Annie” and “The Music Man.” He is the older brother of Maxwell, also a student at Yavneh. On hand for this special occasion were his grandparents Ona & Joseph Rotenberg from Tiburon and Martin & Jacqueline Braker of Walnut Creek and aunt and uncle Audrey& Larry and cousins Hannah and Carter Fox of Los Altos and aunt and uncle Jill & Mitch and cousins Allie, Robbie and Danielle Lustig of Issaquah, WA.

Sammy Arshop, son of Steven & Julie Arshop, was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah at Congregation Sinai on February 18. He is a seventh grade student at Martin Murphy School. He enjoys hanging out with his friends from Camp Newman and dance. His grandparents Morris & Dorothy Yellen of Chicago were thrilled to be with him for this special occasion. For his mitzvah project he worked with Congregation Sinai to donate to the food bank and to work in the soup kitchen. Weddings

Please send announcements and photos to Andrea Greyber, agreyber@yahoo.com or phone her at (408) 377-6224.

w w w .

j v a l l e y

. o r g

Sarah Rose Monir Tofig and Scott Edward Graafsma were married January 1 at the Boulder Ridge Country Club by Rabbi Jerry Levy who has known the bride since she was a little girl. The bride and groom met in Chicago. She is the daughter of Lainey & Maurice Tofig of Congregation Beth David. He is the son of Gina & Edward Graafsma of Chicago. Members of the wedding party included his sister Gina Leigh Graafsma, Keight Tofig and Sarah’s brothers David and Joshua Tofig; her nieces Siena and Wren Tofig were flower girls.

Wedding and Bar/Bat Mitzvah Videography

408.206.6505

www.blue-moon-productions.com 408.

www.jvalley.org

l cal news

Jewish Women of the Bay get inspired with the JSN For Jewish women in the Bay Area of California, January 15, 2012 was far with the diversity and enthusiasm of the participants, and said, “The warm, from an ordinary Sunday. For more than 100 women, the Jewish Study Network inviting environment allowed for a very rich experience. In ‘Envision Your turned Sunday the 15th into a day of education, inspiration, and connection. Jewish Future,’ there was a coming together of all levels of Jewish women – sharing support for future Jewish growth. As the women dreamed, stretched and At the JSN Women’s Seminar, a day to ‘nourish the mind, body, and soul,’ declared enrichment and vision, in quick fashion they discovered their unique women were treated to a day of learning, featuring keynote speaker Debbie inner essence as well as their common hopes and dreams.” Greenblatt. Ms. Greenblatt has been giving popular classes in the New York Metropolitan area as well as across the country for more than twenty years. Having just completed its second successful year, JSN Women’s Seminar 2012 She is a frequent lecturer at the Jewish Renaissance Center in addition to being Chair Laura Marder summed up the day’s experience, “We had a tremendous a founder of the women’s division of Gateways. Her classes are said to have diversity in sessions and workshops as well as in the women who attended them changed the lives of many of those who have attended. – the seminar truly had something for everyone. There was a positive energy throughout the day and women walked away feeling enriched and energized by Well-known for her area of expertise in self-awareness, Ms. Greenblatt spoke what they had gained.” about how women can excel through searching for the essence of who they are. Her keynote address “I am … or am I?,” focused on understanding oneself and Participant Heidi Trilling wished “sincere congratulations to the Jewish Study thereby enhancing our relationship with others. Network (JSN) Women’s Division for presenting the Women’s Seminar: Nourish Your Mind, Body, and Soul. As its title promised, the day was a thoughtLena Giderman, a young professional from San Francisco, commented, “The provoking, rejuvenating, and inspirational series of well planned and beautifully keynote speaker has significantly impacted the way that I look at myself and at presented seminars and activities. Women from all over the Bay area came the world. Her emphasis on the Jewish soul as being of paramount importance together to celebrate Jewish history and culture, to honor womanhood … and to in our self-perception is a message we don’t hear often enough in our everyday appreciate one another. It was a spiritual vitamin for all attendees: enriching and lives.” strengthening everyone. Not only did the JSN create a welcoming event, but it created a community. What a mitzvah! We all left feeling like a family of sisters, In addition to the keynote address, women were treated to additional highwith renewed spirituality and a deeper awareness of the blessings that shine in impact learning sessions and workshops, before and after the delicious kosher our lives. Thank you, JSN, for such a gift.” lunch. The sessions ranged from a panel on Jewish prophetesses, to raising children Lena Giderman, added “I have been to many Jewish events in the Bay Area, with Jewish values, to women’s connection with the moon, to an exploration of and I can say with confidence, that this has been one of the best. Organized in Jewish women at the inception of our nation. Additionally, workshops featured the most professional manner possible, this seminar taught me so much. I found a healthy eating specialist and a salad-making demonstration from a Whole the interaction with Jewish women from the area to be one of the highlights. Foods culinary artist, a Zumba class, and building one’s personal goal-oriented The keynote speaker likened a Jewish person to a candle−a combination of the “vision board” with a certified performance coach. The presenters were as varied physical and the spiritual. She beautifully portrayed a candle as an individual as the topics of the sessions and were very well received. force that can light an infinite number of candles. I think this seminar had a similar effect. I can’t wait until next year’s!” Randa Marder, a performance life coach from the Miami area, was pleased

Grandparents Circle promotes Jewish connections across generations Figuring out how to engage Jewishly with your grandchildren when one of their program is encouraging each grandparent to understand better their own Jewish connections. parents isn’t Jewish can feel like navigating a chasm on a very thin tightrope. You want to share your values without alienating your child and their spouse, but The program also teaches concrete skills relating to sharing Judaism with aren’t sure what is the best way to do this. grandchildren in a variety of ways and at all different ages. It deals with the challenges of being long-distance grandparents and strategies for overcoming Learning the behaviors that will let grandparents successfully traverse this one’s inability to be physically present for holidays and other important dangerous territory is the goal of the Grandparents Circle that is facilitated by moments. Grandparents go home from each session with suggestions to try, Rabbi Melanie Aron and Jean Bronstein of Congregation Shir Hadash in Los ranging from new ways to use stories to special holiday activities., how to use Gatos. The program which consists of threeone-and-one-half-hour interactive the telephone and computer to be more a part of your grandchildren’s lives, sessions emphasizes communication and respect as the keys to helping grandparents comfortably share their Jewishness and hopefully kindle a love of giving gifts that matter, transforming activities like going to the movies or to a museum into a Jewish activity, including your grandchildren in your charitable Judaism and Jewish practices in their grandchildren. giving, using presents effectively, learning to put yourself in your son or daughter-in-law’s shoes, and communicating in a way that is honest but open. One of the most beneficial aspects of the program for participants is learning a framework that lets them open a dialogue with their children about sharing Jean Bronstein who co-facilitates the group with Rabbi Aron said, “I really their personal Jewish identity. In addition to coaching grandparents to always enjoy working with the other grandparents and swapping stories about Jewish talk with their adult children before involving the grandchildren in any Jewish experience, the course also coaches participants to recognize and thank the non- activities that we are sharing with our grandchildren. We all learn new ideas Jewish parent for engaging in any Jewish activities such as sending the child to a and techniques from each other when we meet.” The group also holds alumni meetings for people who have already gone through the course and want to keep JCC preschool or Jewish camp. exchanging experiences and ideas. The program at Shir Hadash was started by Rabbi Aron and Jean Bronstein, a mental health professional. Jean is the grandparent of two young children being As a congregation that welcomes interfaith families, Shir Hadash wants to provide its members and others from the community with a constructive way raised by her son and her non-Jewish daughter-in-law. One of the things Jean to pass on their Jewish legacy with interfaith grandchildren and enhance family found most moving about the program was the way it focused on expressing appreciation to our sons and daughters-in-law for what they are doing for our harmony. Shir Hadash can be reached at (408) 358-1751. children and grandchildren. According to Rabbi Aron, an important part of the

www.jvalley.org

datebook

All area codes are 408 unless otherwise noted. Pesah Workshops for Adults Beth David, 10 AM Learn how to abridge a Haggadah SUNDAYS and infuse your Seder with fun, Knitzvah meaningful, creative components Levy Family Campus, 10:30 AM, in order to engage your children 4/15 (or grandchildren) and give them Volunteer knitters and crocheters life-long memories. Explore the PJ Shabbat take donated yarn and turn it into Torah for Tots importance of narrative and storyhats, scarves and other usable items Beth David, 6 PM, 3/23, 4/20 Sinai, 11 AM, 5/5 telling in Judaism, and engage for needy organizations. ALL skill This mini Kabbalat Shabbat service A fun, interactive, educational and the master story of the Haggadah is for ages 0-5 and feature songs, levels are welcome. Donations inspirational children’s service. with your own personal narratives. are greatly appreciated. 556-0600, puppets, story time and dinner. torahfortots@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542 adulted@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Come with kids in PJ’s. A casual cherier@jfssv.org night for all. $10/adult; $2/child (over 3). RSVP Wednesday before Shabbat Storytime Grandparent’s Circle Group Hands-on Haroset Workshop with Sinai, 11 AM, 4/21 the event. 257-3333, Shir Hadash, 7 PM, 3/25, 4/29 A fun, educational session of Jewish Rabbi Levenberg Parents of adult children who have crocker@beth-david.org Shir Hadash, 1 PM storytelling for ages 0-5. partnered with someone of another Make and taste haroset recipes from office@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542 faith are welcome to join. 358-1751 No Shush Shabbat Service around the world! Explore diverse Shir Hadash, 6:30 PM, 5/4 x5, nadine@shirhadash.org Jewish communities, talking both Tot Shabbat Join for a child-friendly service. Beth David, 11:15 AM, 3/24, 4/14, about what makes them distinctive 358-1751x3, WEDNESDAYS as well as what brings us together. 4/28, 5/12 rabbilevenberg@shirhadash.org Ima and Me Playgroup Ages 0-5. A fun, interactive parent- Take home favorite recipes! Allergy Sinai, 9 AM note: prevalent nuts. $25/person. led service. Open to the whole Abba, Savta, Saba, and Nanny Please RSVP to Rabbi Lisa SATURDAYS community. are all welcome, too (daddy and Torah Study crocker@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Levenberg at 358-1751 x5, grandparents). Children three rabbilevenberg@shirhadash.org Shir Hadash, 9:30 AM and under. Open to the entire Rabbi Aron, and occasionally Rabbi Ask the Rabbi community. FREE. 264-8542, Passover with the Prince Egypt; Fleekop, will lead a discussion each Beth David, 1:30 PM, 5/5 director@sinainurseryschool.org Saturday morning. Join Rabbis Pressman and Ohriner Dinner and a Movie JCC, 4 PM 358-1751 x5 after Shabbat Kiddush lunch for THURSDAYS This epic drama of heritage and dessert and an informal session Silicon Valley Beit Midrash destiny is the story of Moses and Youth Congregation of “Ask the Rabbi.” This will Sinai, 9:30 AM his passage from slave to prince to Beth David, 10 AM, 3/24, 3/31, be an opportunity to ask any No fee; drop-ins are welcome; no 4/21, 4/28 questions about Jewish issues, life, deliverer and is one that has endured experience necessary. 264-8542, A learning service for 4th-7th philosophy, and practice in a relaxed for thousands of years, inspiring office@sinai-sj.org generation after generation with graders; great for adults, too. atmosphere. 257-3333 its timeless themes of faith, hope, Students lead prayers, read from the FRIDAYS and freedom. Please RSVP, APJCC Torah and play trivia games. Treats Talmud Study with Rabbi UPCOMING EVENTS Members $5/family, $7/Nonand Kiddush. Pressman Members. 357-7492 crocker@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Beth David, 8:30 AM House Party with Assemblyman Discuss Tractate Berakhot Torah ‘N Tefillah for 3rd-7th SUNDAY, MARCH 25 Rich Gordon (Benedictions). No registration fee, Graders “The Blessing of A Skinned Los Altos, 4 PM donations are welcome. 257-3333, Sinai, 10:30 AM, 4/28 Knee” with Nechama Tamler – Adulted@Beth-David.org Learn new melodies, explore Exploring the World of Judaism Assemblyman Rich Gordon, representative of the 21st District Shabbat teachings, and hear Shir Hadash, 9:30 AM which includes Los Gatos and Pirkei Avot: Sayings (Ethics) of the engaging stories in this student-led Begin the discovery process on junior congregation service. what Judaism has to offer in the way Almaden Valley, visited Israel Fathers office@sinai-sj.org, (408) 264-8542 of parenting guidance. 358-1751 x5, as a guest of the Jewish Public Beth David, 9:45 AM Affairs Committee of California. nadine@shirhadash.org Explore ancient Jewish wisdom An intimate opportunity to hear Family Service for K-2nd Graders dealing with ethics and morals about his experience in Israel. Mishpaha Program: Passover Sinai, 10:30 AM, 4/21 in this participant-led discussion Refreshments served. RSVP Beth David, 9:30 AM Participatory, friendly service for group. No registration fee. 257required to diane@jvalley.org or families designed to introduce kids religiousschool@beth-david.org, 3333, Adulted@Beth-David.org 358-3033. 257-3333 and their parents to the Shabbat service and the siddur. Hebrew knowledge not required. office@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542 www.jvalley.org 27

ONGOING PROGRAMS

Shabbat Mishpaha (Family Services) Beth David, 4 PM, 5/4 Welcome the Shabbat Bride with song, story and dance. crocker@ beth-david.org, 257-3333

Haverim Services Beth David, 10:30 AM, 4/21, 5/12 Haverim means “friends” in Hebrew. For K-3rd graders to celebrate Shabbat. Treat-filled Kiddush. Parents welcome. crocker@beth-david.org, 257-3333

“Footnote” Israeli Oscar® nominee for Best Foreign Language Film Camera 3, San Jose, 4:30 PM FOOTNOTE is the story of a great rivalry between a father and son. Both eccentric talmudic professors, they have dedicated their lives to their work. the father seems a stubborn purist who fears the establishment. His son, Uriel, appears to strive on accolades, endlessly seeking recognition. But one day, the tables turn: the two men switch places when the father learns he is to be awarded the most valuable honor one can receive. His desperate need for recognition is betrayed, his vanity exposed. Uriel is torn between pride and envy. Will he sabotage his father’s glory? tzvia@svjff.org

service. Sponsored by Linda Allen Celebrating Israel! and Gail Long. Please RSVP to Nadine Toby by Wednesday, March Connecting our community to the Holy Land 28. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358In honor of their 150th anniversary, Temple Emanu-El will have a 1751 x5 special evening of Celebrating Israel. This program will APJCC Benefit Casino Night include music from the Mahkela (adult choir) and the JCC, 7 PM Renanim (junior choir) and will feature special guest Please contact Diana Schnabel speaker Israel Consul General for the Pacific Northwest at diana@svjcc.org with any Akiva Tor. questions or concerns. 357-7429 Come and learn about the current state of affairs in Israel SUNDAY, APRIL 1 and explore how one can strengthen his/her relationship “Teaching Your Children About to modern Israel. This evening is appropriate for everyone B’nai Mitzvah the Holocaust” with Ilona age and above. For those in attendance who speak Hebrew, there will Shechter – Exploring the World be a special question and answer opportunity with the Consul General of Judaism completely in Hebrew. Refreshments will be provided. Shir Hadash, 9:30 AM How do we answer the questions May 2 at 7 PM that our children ask us about Temple Emanu-El the Holocaust? How can we help 1010 University Avenue them begin to understand the San Jose, CA 95126 incomprehensible when we do water on the floor, lift up their long THURSDAY, APRIL 19 not understand it ourselves? And WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28 Women’s Study Group ~ “The cloaks, and “cross the sea”. Join how do we avoid the true horrors Piloting the New Machzor while allowing our children to ask us for a short holiday service and a Modern Jewish Girl’s Guide to Shir Hadash, 7:30 PM Guilt” by Ruth Ellenson celebration of water in the Jewish these difficult questions? Join 358-1751 x5, Shir Hadash, 10:30 AM tradition. 358-1751 x5, Ilona Schecter as she presents nadine@shirhadash.org Join this intergenerational group of nadine@shirhadash.org a framework for conversation Jewish women to talk about Jewish THURSDAY, MARCH 29 about the Holocaust with children, identity and the tension inherent FRIDAY, APRIL 13 A Brief History of Heaven Taught sharing suitable literature and in contemporary life. 358-1758, The Levine Lecture Dan Walters by Rabbi Ohriner documentaries for various age patty@shirhadash.org Shir Hadash, 8 PM Beth David, 7:45 PM groups, and providing tools, Free and open to the public. The Join Rabbi Ohriner in exploring context and materials for teaching FRIDAY, APRIL 20 Levine Lecture was established what Judaism teaches regarding our children, and answering their Tot Shabbat and Potluck heaven. This class traces the questions. nadine@shirhadash.org, by the Levine family in memory Emanu-El, 6 PM of Dr. Morris and Frances development of thought regarding 358-1751 x5 A warm and friendly service geared Levine, cherished members of heaven from the Torah to Sunday Night Movie: When Do toward children between the ages the congregation. 358-1751 x5, contemporary Jewish views. The We Eat? of 2 and 6. Sing, pray, and listen to nadine@shirhadash.org registration fee is $18/Beth David Beth David, 7 PM kid-friendly stories! Potluck Dinner member and $36/non-member. When Do We Eat? is a immediately following at 6:30 PM. SATURDAY, APRIL 14 adulted@beth-david.org, 257-3333 dysfunctional-family comedy about Minyan, Tea and Torah 292-0939, admin@templesanjose FRIDAY, MARCH 30 the world’s fastest Seder gone Emanu-El, 9 AM Board Game Mingle horribly awry. An old-school dad An egalitarian Torah Study program SATURDAY, APRIL 21 Beth David, 7:15 PM is as tough on his sons as his father following Shabbat Morning Shabbat Afternoon Torah Bring favorite board games and is on him. On this Seder night, Discussion Minyan. Come learn about the come following Shabbat evening however, one of the boys slips Dad history, thought process, and Beth David, 1:30 PM services for a fun evening for all a dose of hallucinogenic Ecstasy, Join Rabbis Pressman and Ohriner the fast evolving “freedom of ages. Play games with Beth David giving him a new perspective on expression” of Jewish women. Open after Shabbat Kiddush lunch for friends and meet some new ones, family and the Seder. * 2005 * dessert and informal discussion of and welcoming to all in the too. Light (and sweet!) refreshments MPAA rating R * Discussion of community. 292-0939, stephanie@ the major themes and interesting will be provided. Please be sure Jewish issues follows. aspects of the weekly reading. 257templesanjose.org not to bring any games that require adulted@beth-david.org, 257-3333 3333, Adulted@beth-david.org WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18 electronics or writing to play. 257Commuunity Yom HaShoah 3333, THURSDAY, APRIL 12 150th Gala Celebration membershipVP@beth-david.org Seventh Night of Passover Service Service Sinai, 7 PM Emanu-El, 7 PM Yom HaShoah, Holocaust and Program The event will be “A Magical SATURDAY, MARCH 31 Remembrance Day, commemorates Night” at The Golf Club at Boulder Shir Hadash, 7:30 PM Shir Hadash Community Jewish The Gerer Hasidim would gather the lives and heroism of Jewish Ridge, San Jose. 292-0939, Music Shabbat with Choir in their shtibl [small synagogue] on people who suffered, fought, and pjhrocks2@gmail.com Shir Hadash, 10:30 AM died in the Holocaust between the seventh night of Pesach; drink Join Rabbi Aron and Cantor Felder- wine and dance. Since the holiday 1933 and 1945. Join the South Bay SUNDAY, APRIL 22 Levy and the Choir for this service celebrates the ancient Israelites community for a community-wide “The Lifeguard Who celebrating Jewish music. A light being delivered at the shores of the memorial service. 358-1751 x5, Revolutionized Worship” with Kiddush lunch will follow the nadine@shirhadash.org sea, they would pour a barrel of Cantor Devorah Felder-Levy – 28 www.jvalley.org

Exploring the World of Judaism Shir Hadash, 9:30 AM Join Cantor Devorah Felder-Levy as she uses musical examples to explore the evolution of music in Reform worship from the 1950s to the 1970s. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5 Hillel Pillars of the Community Los Gatos, 11 AM director@hillelsv.org, 286-6669 See page 6 for details.

MONDAY, MAY 7 Celebration Classic Golf Tournament San Jose, 9 AM $360/person to participate in the entire Celebration Classic, including the dinner the night before, the golf tournament, a barbecue lunch the day of the tournament, and cocktails and appetizers after the tournament. 358-1751 x5, nadine@shirhadash.org

SUNDAY, APRIL 29 Spring Circus Fundraiser for Early Childhood Center Shir Hadash, 3 PM nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5

SATURDAY, MAY 12 Mincha, Tea and Torah Emanu-El, 1 PM An egalitarian Torah Study program following a Saturday Mincha Service. Study the week’s Torah portion over SUNDAY, MAY 6 tea and noshes, utilizing “The Worlds of Contemporary commentaries from a female Judaism” with Nathaniel Deutsch perspective, including the – Exploring the World of Judaism URJ Torah: A Women’s Shir Hadash, 9:30 AM Commentary. 292-0939, What are the differences between stephanie@templesanjose.org the various types of contemporary Judaism and what do they have in TUESDAY, MAY 15 common, besides their common Schmooze with the Author: claim to the title of Judaism? 358- Haley Tanner 1751 x5, nadine@shirhadash.org JCC, 7 PM Mah Jongg Tournament Emeth, 9:30 AM $40. Send checks to Susan Meyers, Congregation Emeth, 17835 Monterey St., Morgan Hill. 7788200, s.meyers.sjsu@gmail.com An Afternoon with Mayim Bialik Levy Family Campus, 1 PM See ad on page22. 358-3033, RabbiAlexander@jvalley.org Small Plates, High Spirits and All That Jazz San Jose, 5 PM We are pleased to be celebrating Knitzvah’s amazing contributions to our community. 556-0600, dlsilverstein@yahoo.com Celebration Classic Dinner San Jose, 6 PM Dinner, entertainment, and live auction at The Golf Club at Boulder Ridge hope that you will do all that you can to support these fundraising efforts and to join us in having a great time. The dinner is open to non-golfers. 358-1751 x5, nadine@ shirhadash.org

357-7411, jenessa@svjcc.org

Honoring our unsung heroes: the “fabulous and amazing members of Knitzvah” By Sheila Monheit, JFS SV Board Member Jewish Family Services of Silicon valley is proud to host Small Plates, High Spirits, and All that Jazz, a fun evening of gourmet treats and great music. The event will take place on May 6 at Club Auto Sport in San Jose. Jewish tradition revolves around Menschlichkeit (decency) and the performance of Mitzvot (Good deeds). In keeping with that tradition, JFS (Jewish Family Services) of Silicon Valley has a long history of identifying and providing support where needed. Between July 2010 and June 2011, JFS changed the lives of over 10,000 people. One of the groups that made those changes possible was the appropriately named Knitzvah community, a name that honors the mitzvah of giving. In turn, we honor them, the knitters, for their handmade kindnesses: the knit doll in a baby’s hands, the protective hat on the cancer patient’s head, the blanket that protects the young and the old. Too often, charity has become synonymous with handing over sums of money, or with the sort of help that can only be provided by trained professionals. But the Knitzvah program has shown that one doesn’t need to be a doctor, lawyer, social worker, psychologist, or educator to be a source of warmth and comfort for any person in need. Anyone with a love of knitting, or a desire to develop a love of knitting, can become a Knitzvah volunteer. At this year’s Small Plates, High Spirits and All that Jazz, the JFS is honoring the unsung heroes of this successful program who have created over 1500 handmade blankets, caps, scarves, toys and more, and presented them to homebound seniors, children in hospitals, families in shelters, newborns, cancer patients, migrant farm workers, newly arrived refugees, and soldiers across the world. Join in the celebration. Honor and celebrate the causes that are cared care about and the people who are admired. And, while dining, support the vital agency services. Great food, fine music, good company and a good cause– does it get any better than that? For more information, call (408) 357-7455.

Friendship Circle ventures to the South Bay The Friendship Circle (FC), a program that provides programming for children with special needs, is having their first info session in the South Bay. Partnering with the APJCC, the program will be held in the Yavneh Dance Studio on the Levy Family Campus in Los Gatos. It’s a chance for local families to learn about the FC program and experience a condensed version of a Sunday Circle (a program where children are paired with buddies for age-appropriate activities.) The session will be held on Sunday, April 29 from 10:30-11:30. For more information on the Open House or on the Friendship Circle program, contact (650) 8586990 or ezzy@bayareafc.org.

Happy Passover!

‫חג פסח שמח‬

Susan Fagin SFagin@gmail.com

408-316-9894 cell

408-357-5767 office

408-676-0113 efax

www.facebook.com /susanfaginrealtor

www.jvalley.org

obituaries JOYCE ANN BARMAN

September 20, 1949 – January 19, 2012 Joyce Barman, who was born in Des Moines, IA, passed away after a long battle with lung cancer. She was the loving mother of two and a caring friend to many. A talented singer with a vibrant soprano voice, she performed in several productions with West Valley Light Opera and several other area choirs. Her stunning wit, quick sense of humor and energetic smile endeared her to everyone she met. Well organized with a steadfast work ethic, Joyce will be greatly missed by her co-workers at the Campbell Union School District. Joyce was predeceased by her mother and father, Mildred and Nathan Bernstein, and is survived by her children (with Marc Barman) Julie and Daniel, her brother Edward (Madelyn) Bernstein, her significant other Robert O’Hagan and his children, Greg and Traci. Funeral services were held at Congregation Beth David. The family requests that donations be made to fight lung cancer at the American Cancer Society.

MARTIN (MARTY) SELDON September 10, 1928 – December 28, 2011

Marty Seldon passed away with his loving family by his side. He was born in New York to Abe and Yetta Seldon and raised in Bayonne, NJ. Marty served overseas in the US Army from 1946-1948. He married Rita (Goldstein) in 1952 and they moved to California in 1955 and to Sunnyvale in 1960. Marty was an avid conservationist and was a leader in organizations such as the Federation of Fly Fishers, the Flycasters of San Jose, Wild Trout Symposiums and others. In 2005 Marty was inducted into the Fly Fishing Hall of Fame. He is survived by his wife Rita, two children, Jeff and Janet, and three grandchildren, Tevah, Jamil and Jordon.

Shir Hadash launches online community job board continued from page 23

The idea has taken off so well that Goldstein is also participating with the Jewish Employment Network to expand this board to a regional job board for the Bay Area Jewish community. “We are really excited about the launch of the job board,” he said. “People like to hire people who are referred to them by someone they know. Therefore, providing a forum that facilitates these connections on a very personal level will increase people’s chances of finding a new job.” The job board as well as other job-seeking resources can be found at ttp://shirhadash.org/jobs/index.html. Anyone who has a job opening or is looking for work is invited to post the position or desired job description on the site.

Home of Peace Cemetery and Mausoleum Founded 1853

Owned and Operated by Temple Emanu-El South Bay Area’s only Jewish-owned Cemetery, Mausoleum and Columbarium Pre-Need Terms

Bob Basuino, Administrator

(408) 292-0939 cemetery@templesanjose.org

We don’t make a profit. We make a difference. Our non-profit status has its benefits. Particularly for the dozens of community organizations we support: local synagogues and their education programs, a camp to help families deal with grief, seniors’ programs and many, many others. At the end of the day, it’s a bottom line we’re proud of. So we ask that you consider Sinai Memorial Chapel – Chevra Kadisha in times of grief, as a way of honoring life.

A memorial service was held at Temple Emanu-El where he and his family were members. The family wishes to thank the members of the community who filled the synagogue to overflowing and the many people who contributed to the Flycasters of San Jose and to Temple Emanu-El in his memory.

Peninsula Office 777 Woodside Road, Suite C Redwood City (408) 297-3636 FD 1830

Wayne A. Rose Have you recently lost a loved one? Please send obituaries and pictures (in JPEG or PDF format) to Andrea Greyber, agreyber@yahoo.com or phone her at (408) 377-6224.

FDIC insured Pre-need funeral arrangements available.

Peninsula-South Bay Director wrose@sinaichapel.org FDR 979

Samuel J. Salkin, Executive Director, FDR 3371

www.jvalley.org

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

David J. Hofmann

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

David S. Howard

Hoge, Fenton, Jones & Appel 60 S. Market St., Ste. 1400 San Jose, CA 95113 (408) 287-9501 dsh@hogefenton.com www.hogefenton.com/howard.html Specializing in complex taxation, corporate strategy, and business succession planning; Jewish Federation Silicon Valley Financial Advisory Board.

Steven D. Siner

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

Eliana B. Weissman

Hoge, Fenton, Jones & Appel 60 S. Market St., Ste. 1400 San Jose, CA 95113 (408) 287-9501 ebw@hogefenton.com www.hogefenton.com/weissman.html Specializing in family law matters.

Lynne R. Snyder

101 Church St., Suite 7, Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 354-5590 Adoption, Custody, Dissolutions, Guardianship, Juvenile Court, Paternity

Shannon Stein

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

Timothy D. Widman

Carol Elias Zolla

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

Dr. Itzhak Emanuel

27 Eucalyptus Lane San Rafael, CA 94901 Phone/Fax (415) 453-3899 Cell (415) 218-1295 All Life cycle ceremonies-special events, Spiritual Leadership; Cantorial-Liturgical skills; Hebrew-Jewish studies

Commercial Real Estate

Guggenheim Realty Group, Inc

595 Millich Drive, Suite 101, Campbell, CA 95008 (408) 871-8722 x222 Fax (408) 834-4959 www.guggenheimrgi.com Commercial Real Estate Management, Investments, and Leasing. Call us for your property management, leasing and sales needs. Allen Guggenheim & Gary Naillon

Dentist Dr. Zuri Barniv, DDS

1210 E. Arques Ave., Suite 200 Sunnyvale, CA 94085 (408) 733-1124 Barniv_Dental@yahoo.com www.Barniv-Dental.com Dr. Barniv is a university faculty member, practicing high-quality dentistry in a mercuryfree office with digital X-rays. Dentist speaks Hebrew.

Minda B. Parrish

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

Events AMB Designs

(408) 942-0852 ambdsgn@pacbell.net www.ambdesigns.com Balloon & Event Décor • Any Occasion, we do it all! Call Amy Blach, your Event Designer

Promote your business or service in the Jewish Professional Directory! Call (408) 357-7512 or email elisa@jvalley.org.

www.jvalley.org

Werba & Davis Advisory Services, LLC 3055 Olin Ave., Suite 2000 San Jose, CA 95128 (408) 260-3109 (408) 423-0209 Fee-Based Portfolio Management since 1990. Securities offered through Loring Ward Securities Inc., member FINRA/SIPC

Minda Cutcher, MBA, Inc.

Financial Advocacy for Seniors 408-279-3269 (o) 408-318-0828 (c) www.mindacutcher.com minda@mindacutcher.com Helping families create and manage strategies to reduce healthcare costs, access benefits, decrease household expenses, pay bills and process mail.

Matchmaking Soul Mates Unlimited ® Personalized Matchmaking

Experienced, successful matchmaker

Judith Gottesman, MSW

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

Real Estate

Cantor-Educator

Law Office of Derryl H. Molina

“Trust Your Trust to Us!” 1142 S. Winchester Blvd., Ste. B San Jose, CA 95128 (408) 244-4992 attderryl@comcast.net www.fulllifecareplanner.com Estate Planning, Probate, and Elder Law. Mediation Facilitor.

Alan Werba, CPA, CFP

Law Offices of Timothy D. Widman 101 Race St., Ste. 100 San Jose, CA 95126 (408) 288-6777 timothy@widmanlaw.com www.widmanlaw.com Immigration and Nationality Law

Christl Denecke

“Helping you plan for your family’s tomorrow at every stage of your life.” 1743 Pilgrim Avenue Mountain View, CA 94040 (650) 336-5185 Christl@DeneckePlanning.com www.DeneckePlanning.com Family Wealth Planning • Living Trusts • Special Needs Trusts • Estate Planning for Young Families Estate Planning for Non-Traditional Families

Financial Services

MATCHMAKER

Philip L. Hammer

Attorneys

Orna & Ruben Yomtoubian

408-253-2250 or 408-887-8239 888-Do0-Fees 888-360-3337 (Toll Free) Orna@ORNA.com www.ORNA.com Full Service Discount Commission Realty Broker/Owner BS, MS, MIS, Finance www.aDiscountRealty.com • 1% Listing Broker Commission • I pay all my Buyer’s Closing Costs* • Free Service to Jewish Organizations (Bet Kenesets) www.aDiscountMortgage.com • 30 Years Fixed Conforming No Fee Loan 3.875% APR • No Upfront Fees, No Fee Loans, $417K> Loan>$250K Real Estate #01098186, Mortgage #NMLS31413, Appraisal #AL029181

Senior Services Lyn Pasqua DELIVERED BY GRACE

Transportation and Shopping Service 408-590-5898 Personalized transportation service, serving seniors throughout Santa Clara and most cities in San Mateo County. Our service is tailored to meet your needs.

Tax Preparation & Representation Philip S. Levine EA, MBA Padgett Business Services Silicon Valley West Inc.

501 N. Santa Cruz Blvd. Ste. A Los Gatos CA 95030 (408) 402-3725 p_levine@smallbizpros.com www.siliconvalleywest.com Tax Preparation and Professional Representation before the IRS and CA FTB. A small business focus including corporations and partnerships as well as their owners and other professionals. We also welcome CA Registered Domestic Partner (RDP) returns as well as clients with international tax issues.

Jewish Ad Set-Up.indd 1

2/22/12 8:28:26 AM