May 2016 Graduation Issue

JValley news ÂŽ

OF SILICON VALLEY

Jewish newspaper of Silicon Valley...available online at www.jvalley.org/news

May 2016

unprecedented growth at Kehillah H.S.

By Amanda Glincher Located in Palo Alto, Kehillah Jewish High School (KJHS) is distinguished by an exceptional academic program and a supportive environment that pairs rich traditions with the best of the Silicon Valley mindset.

When speaking with Rabbi Darren Kleinberg, Ph.D., the head of school at Kehillah, it was refreshing to hear that in addition to Kehillah’s focus on world-class academics, the school is also committed to providing a supportive environment for students and meeting students where they are, regardless of learning style. continued on page 14

In This Issue...

Alef Bet Judaica store closes after 23 years, P5 Students nationally recognized for charity program, P14 Yavneh Day School presents Hero Rock, P15 SPHDS students travel to Israel and visit alumni, P15

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 May 2016

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content Inside This Issue

Shir Hadash celebrates 36 years........................5

Candlelighting San Jose, CA Friday, May 27................................... 8:01 P.M. Friday, Jun 3...................................... 8:06 P.M. Friday, Jun 10.................................... 8:10 P.M.

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

The end of an era................................................5 Nathanson accepted into 21/64 training..............8

SHAVUOT

Pride Shabbat in South Bay................................8

Friday, Jun 12.................................... 9:40 P.M.

Congregation Emeth celebrates 40 years...........8

Friday, Jun 13.................................... 9:41 P.M.

Jyl Jurman jyl@jvalley.org 408-357-7500

Friday, Jun 17.................................... 8:13 P.M.

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS

PJ Library conference.........................................9 Agencies apply to join Legacy project.................9 Safeguarding our future.......................................9 Abrahamic Alliance opens dialogue..................10 Student finalists for Rube Goldberg machines..13 Graduation Crossword Puzzle...........................13 Unprecedented growth at Kehillah H.S.........1, 14 Students recognized for charity program..........14 Yavneh presents Hero Rock..............................15 SPHDS students travel to Israel........................15

Friday, Jun 24.................................... 8:14 P.M. Friday, Jul 1....................................... 8:14 P.M. Friday, Jul 8....................................... 8:12 P.M. Friday, Jul 15..................................... 8:09 P.M. Friday, Jul 22..................................... 8:05 P.M. Friday, Jul 29..................................... 7:59 P.M. Friday, Aug 5...................................... 7:52 P.M.

Experiential learning at Yavneh.........................16 Hillel is filled with gratitude................................24

JEWISH FEDERATION CEO

Pat Bergman Kay Gatell

SIMCHA & OBITUARY DEPARTMENTS

Andrea Greyber andrea.greyber@gmail.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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

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

In Every Issue Simchas...........................................................3

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

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JValley.news is not responsible for the content of paid advertising.

Community photos..........................................6 Rabbi’s column..............................................14 Datebook.......................................................19 Obituaries......................................................22

Send copy to JValley.news, 14855 Oka Rd., Suite 200, Los Gatos, CA 95032.

Fax: (408) 356-0733.

WP Corner.....................................................26 Professional Directory...................................27

from the desk of the ceo June marks the end of our fiscal year. In the weeks leading up to June 30, we review our finances, our donations, and our programs. The Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley is a fundraising organization. Our main responsibility is to raise and allocate dollars to support Jewish life in Silicon Valley and throughout the world. In addition, we provide resources beyond the financial allocations and commitments that are made to our community.

We own and operate the Levy Family

Campus, which is the hub for so much Jewish life here. The campus is home to our offices, the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center, Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley, Yavneh Day School, and a community mikvah (ritual bath) that we manage. Our community volunteers planned over fifty engagement programs this year, ranging from our JCRC Human Trafficking educational panels to a Power of Women event featuring speaker Jane Weitzman.

I am so proud of our Federation staff. It is a small but mighty group of dedicated, hardworking and truly wonderful individuals who work to provide the programming

to build, strengthen and sustain our community. Our lay leaders work together with our staff to make sure that our community is thriving, through dollars and community resources. Julie Krigel will be stepping down as president on June 22 at our Annual Meeting. Susan Gavens and Joel Rubnitz will be installed as copresidents. Please join me in welcoming them in their new roles and thanking Julie for her incredible commitment and leadership. We are blessed with strong and devoted leaders in this community, and I hope you join us in honoring them at our annual meeting.

Jyl Jurman, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley

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simchas

By Andrea Cohen Greyber

Births Isobel Rose Campeas was born March 8 in Chicago, IL to Dr. Anna Cohen Rosenblum and Rabbi Michael Campeas Cohen (Beth Hillel Congregation, B’nei Emuneh). Isobel Rose is the granddaughter of Eric & Lisa Rosenblum of Congregation Sinai and Hevdah Campeas Cohen. Her uncles are Jonathan Cohen, Gabriel Cohen (Kortney Stump) and Sam Rosenblum. She was named for her paternal great-grandmother.

Rena & Jonathan Mizrahi announce the birth of their son Ayden Paul Mizrahi on March 24, Purim.

Sharing in their joy are first time grandparents, Dafna & Joe Mizrahi, Deborah Kelman and Rabbi Marvin Goodman.

Also welcoming Ayden to the family are aunts and uncles Pearl and Aron Mizrahi and Naomi Goodman. Ayden was named in loving memory of his grandfather Paul Kelman.

Called to the Torah Jayden Simon Zwern, son of Arthur & Kathy Zwern, was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on April 9 at Temple Emanu-El. He is a seventh grader at the Waldorf School of the Peninsula in Mountain View. He excels academically and loves basketball, swimming, reading and camping. Jayden has always been conscious and sensitive about animals and people. For his mitzvah project, he volunteered to care for dogs at NARF. Because he is troubled by the lack of food for the homeless, he asked that the centerpieces at his party be for Tzedakah. Being a typical 13 year old, Jayden celebrated his accomplishment with everything from a water fight, a game truck and laser tag to a chocolate fountain. Jayden is a deep thinker growing into a real mensch and he appreciates all that Temple Emanu-El has done for him since pre-school and to help him

reach the day of his Bar Mitzvah and shine into the future.

Engagements

Lynn Osband Event planner

Lee & Susan Gavens of Congregation Beth David are thrilled to announce the engagement of their son Daniel to Sarah Michaud, daughter of Scott & Debra Michaud of Colorado.

The young couple met at a Shabbat dinner and became engaged the afternoon prior to their th 160 Shabbat together. They graduated from the Denver School of Nursing last month and will be pursuing careers in nursing.

WEDDINGS BAR / BAT MITZVAHS SPECIAL EVENTS AND CONSULTING

408-981-8422

Special Occasions Gene Handloff was born in Oakland on April 14, 1926 and his 90th birthday was celebrated at Game Night, April 9, with friends; champagne and cake were on the menu. He and his wife Marilyn and their children and spouses and seven grandchildren went to Seascape for his “real birthday” on April 14; that dinner was so nice that they continued to have birthday dinners on the 15th and 16th as well. The whole family also enjoyed quiet walks and relaxation and family time. They returned to San Jose on Sunday to a surprise party at Siena Bistro. It was hosted by his three sons, Phil, David and Bruce Handloff, and daughter Susan Hammer and was attended by more family members and good friends. It was a very good week and year #91 is off to an excellent start!

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

Wedding and Bar/Bat Mitzvah Videography

408.206.6505

www.blue-moon-productions.com 408.

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l cal news Shir Hadash celebrates 36 years

By Gordon Gladstone

In 1980 a small group of families met to discuss something somewhat radical: the formation of a new Reform synagogue in the South Bay. From that small seed emerged Congregation Shir Hadash.

The name, meaning “new song,” drawn from a recurring motif in Psalms, was also a reference to the founders’ desire for a more participatory synagogue. They envisioned a synagogue where the congregation sang, volunteered and was deeply involved in the new community.

That small group quickly expanded as word spread from family to family and soon they reached the critical mass needed to hire a Rabbi and later purchase a lot from the school district on Shannon Road in 1986.

In the ensuing years the building was reconfigured twice to expand classroom and office space. A new building was built on the back of the lot with a 4,000 sq. ft. sanctuary and the entire campus was reoriented toward Cherry Blossom Lane in 1998.

Thirty-six years later, Shir Hadash is a community of 600 households with a thriving preschool, religious school and an extraordinary array of adult programming.

On most Shabbat mornings, there is a young

woman or man assuming their adult role in the community, a lay-led service in the chapel, Torah study and family-centered education.

Sundays bustle with religious school, adult education programs and committee meetings.

Weeknights fill the building with Hebrew High, Confirmation classes and more. In short, the founders’ vision has come to fruition tenfold.

On April 15, 300 people joined in a special celebratory erev Shabbat service celebrating this 36th year along with 25 and 20 years of service respectively for both Rabbi Aron and Cantor Felder-Levy. Sharing the bimah were special guests: Rabbi Jerry Levy, the founding Rabbi of the congregation, and Rabbi Martin Weiner, Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Sherith Israel of San Francisco and past president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis. Sherith Israel had loaned Shir Hadash their first Torah scroll.

Rabbi Levy led the blessing of Shabbat candles. Elayne Klasson, Robert Pearl, and Alison Brunner, representing different generations of synagogue members, shared their experiences about the Rabbi, the Cantor, and the community’s special place in their lives.

Rabbi Weiner spoke about the history of synagogues in the Bay Area and highlighted the spirit and values of the formative years

of Sherith Israel and Shir Hadash. He then bestowed the priestly benediction upon Rabbi Aron and Cantor Felder-Levy, while the past presidents of the congregation held a tallit over them. At the emotional high point of the service, in honor of the congregation’s 36th anniversary, large canopies symbolizing talleisim and the tents of our community were opened above the entire sanctuary. The community blessed itself and blessed each other.

Rabbi Aron was presented with a beautiful paper cut and watercolor by local artist Lisa Rauchwerger commissioned by the congregation. The congregation commissioned composer Itaal Shur of Brooklyn, NY, to create a piece of music in honor of Cantor Felder-Levy which was sung by a quartet during the service.

Itaal is the son of composer Bonia Shur (z”l), a favorite composer of the Cantor’s. Amy Asin, vice president of the Union for Reform Judaism, offered words of congratulation on behalf of the Union.

Shir Hadash’s year of celebration continued with their annual Gala on April 30 and several other events into the summer. More information about these events can be found at shirhadash.org/36for36.

The end of an era: Alef Bet Judaica closing

By Amanda Glincher Nearly 23 years ago a Judaica shop opened in Los Gatos and became a hub for our community. On Jewish holidays, people gathered to admire the Seder plates and choose the perfect dreidels. Guests rushed to the store before Shabbat to find the perfect host/hostess presents, and the store was the go-to place for b’nei mitzvah necessities. Alef Bet Judaica opened in November of 1993 and has been a source of delight for our community ever since.

Alef Bet’s owner, Nurit Sabadosh, has brought a special kind of light to the people who visit her shop. She always wears a smile, welcomes wanderers learning more about their religion, and is a source of knowledge for those with specific questions. Over the course of her time running the shop she has seen children grow from infants to adults, later returning to purchase items for their own homes.

With internet shopping ever moreconvenient and rocket high rents, Alef Bet

is no longer able to function as a business.

It is with only good memories that Nurit announced the closing of her shop this summer.

When I entered the store to discuss this article, Nurit was telling another customer of her plans to close. The two of them chatted about the next generation of shoppers and the sad, but true, fact that shopping is not what it once was. Where once people purchased items locally and treasured them, today people shop online and return items by the cartful. While the women had yesteryears in their hearts, the business side of Nurit understood that this was no way for a store to function.

Please join me in thanking Nurit and Alef Bet Judaica for 23 years of devotion and service to our community. When I light my candlesticks and break bread over my challah board, I will think of her and the store often. As Nurit said, “This is not goodbye; I will still see people around.

I am happy to leave with only the good

memories, and time ahead to enjoy life in a new way.”

Nurit also mentioned how essential her friend and employee, Drorit Schwartz, has been in running the store during her absence. These women are a dynamic team and their energy will be well appreciated in other areas of our community.

Alef Bet Judaica is set to close this July and Nurit has periodic sales planned. It’s not too late to grab the mezuzahs and Kiddush cups you’ve been eyeing! The store hours for the remaining time are as follows: Mondays-Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Alef Bet Judaica is located at 14103 Winchesterd Boulevard in Los Gatos.

May you go from strength to strength Nurit and only have reasons to celebrate!

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c mmunity photos

Young adults dress as Minions for Purim Unscrolled

Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley’s Donor Apprection Event, Chai Rollers

Event Chairs Andy and Roni Wolfe & Marc Levitt and Paula Barbarito-Levitt

Lee, Abigail, and Susan Gavens

Federation leadership enjoying the games

Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley’s Super Sunday & Super Monday

Gavriela and Howard Fine train Super Sunday volunteers

Mindy Berkowitz and Heidi Eisips

Laurel Cyrluk, Joelle Pluemer, and Julie Krigel

Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley’s Community Relations Council From the Promised Land to the Golden State: Shifting the Water Paradigm

Stephen Stock, Senior Investigative Reporter from the NBC Bay Area Investigative Unit

Diane Fisher and Marci Gerston

Abraham Tenne, former Head of Israeli Desalination Authority Peter Hoffman, JHTC Board, JCRC Board Andy Feit, Check Point Software Technologies, JHTC Board

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c mmunity photos

Irene Swedroe arranged for JYEP and JET teens to meet with Joe Sorger and Ruth Litwin to hear family survivor stories in preparation for their community presentation about “Ghettos,” at Congregation Sinai on May 4. Joe related his mother’s experience at the Kalimaya ghetto in Poland, and Ruth used her story to help the students imagine being in the shoes of the children who one day were in their homes in Lodz, Hungary and the next confined to only seeing their homes through the Lodz ghetto walls.

Mazel tov to Congregation Beth David’s 7th graders on their moving up to high school program.

Left to right: Barrie Cress, Judy Levin, and Susan The ten contestants in the South Bay Teen Idol Finals Artist Laurie Wohl shows her artwork to students Sweedler playing pickleball on the APJCC tennis pose. This annual singing competition was held at from Yavneh Day School in April. Wohl’s exhibition of courts in April 2016. Pickleball was introduced to the APJCC within the past year and has proved weavings representing interfaith themes was on display the APJCC on April 2. Winners were Emma Gerson (1st place), Devon Schreiner (2nd place), and Caity in the APJCC’s art gallery hallway. The exhibition was popular with all ages, from children to seniors.

Redfern (3rd place). entitled, “Birds of Longing: Exile and Memory.”

Congregation Beth David Purim Carnival

4th-5th graders performed “Hora Medura”, a popular Israeli folk dance, as part of the religious school’s annual ZmiRkudiyah performance.

Thank you to Men’s Club for barbecuing!

Valerie Frankel posed in full costume, as Miriam Marr ran the Lollipop Pull.

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l cal news Pride Shabbat in the South Bay

Nathanson accepted into 21/64 Bronfman training Michelle Nathanson, the chief development officer at the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley, has been accepted into the 21/64 Charles Bronfman multi-generational engagement in philanthropy training program.

21/64 is a non-profit specializing in next generation and multigenerational engagement in philanthropy and family enterprise. As families engage the next generation in their foundations, donor advised funds, and other forms of family enterprise, there is an increasing need for clarity, communication and collaboration.

21/64 means multigenerational ― the name is a symbol of a multigenerational approach to family collaboration. “21” symbolizes the time when young people come of age, and “64” an age typically associated with people thinking about their legacies. The numbers are not meant to be exclusive of people older or younger, rather inclusive of the four generations above the age of 21 in American society today.

For more information on engagement and philanthropic opportunities, contact Michelle at (408) 357-7508 or michellen@jvalley.org.

By Rabbi Melanie Aron, Congregation Shir Hadash CRAGSJ, the Cantor and Rabbis Association of Greater San Jose is proud to be holding its tenth annual South Bay Pride Shabbat service and dinner on June 10. This joyful annual service brings together members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning Jews along with our straight allies, families, and friends in a meaningful Shabbat service. Five South Bay congregations, Congregations Beth David, Emeth, Shir Hadash and Sinai along with Temple Emanu-El, and the JCC will be participating in this years’ service at Shir Hadash which will include the participation of local rabbis and cantors. Congregation Shir Hadash is located at 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, in Los Gatos.

Our speaker this year will be Rabbi Tsipi Gabai, director of Hebrew and Judaic Studies at Tehiyah Day School El Cerrito. Rabbi Gabai’s commitment that all children should be able to receive a Jewish education inspired her in March of 2015 to create a ceremony to mark the transition of Tom Chai Sosnik an eighth

grader at Tehiyah. This service was a cross between a bar mitzvah and a baby naming.

It is believed to be the first time that a Jewish day school has sanctioned and performed such a ceremony. Rabbi Gabai is entering her 26th year at Tehiyah. She received her BA and teaching credential at Haifa University, followed by a master’s degree in Judaic Studies and an administrative certification from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, and in 2003 was ordained as a rabbi at The Academy for Jewish Religion in Los Angeles.

A vegetarian potluck dinner will follow the service that begins at 6:30.

The Bay Area Jewish Community will also be participating in this year’s San Francisco Pride Parade on Sunday, June 26. For the third year in a row, the Union for Reform Judaism San Francisco Bay Area Community will march together in the San Francisco Pride Parade.

Reform Jews from across the Bay Area and Camp Newman will march together as one united group to show our solidarity with the Pride movement, proclaim our support of civil and human rights, and demonstrate our own strength in numbers.

Congregation Shir Hadash is planning on having a contingent; please contact the Congregation at (408) 358-1751 if you would like to participate.

Emeth celebrates 40 years In March, Congregation Emeth celebrated its 40th anniversary. The two-day celebration started with a joyous Friday evening Torah service honoring Emeth’s past, present, and future--all of Emeth’s past presidents, the teen community (Emet Dor Kef), and the religious school parents and families. The festivities continued Saturday evening with a dinner-dance at Old City Hall Restaurant in Gilroy.

Congregants had an opportunity to participate the weekend celebrations.

Our special guest was Ellen Fuchs, Congregation Emeth’s founder. She shared with us, via video and in person, her struggle to form a Jewish community in South County. Patty Baggese, another founding member, presented highlights from our first 40 years, including rabbinical and lay leadership, dedication of a Jewish cemetery, Torah purchases, evolution of our religious school programs, purchase of our first permanent home in 2008, volunteerism, Sisterhood, and social action. The presence of

Past Presidents (L to R): Grant Gordon, Becky Neto, Perry Strongin, Susan Meyers, Michael Oshan, Patty Baggese

Ellen, Patty, and other founding members and leaders reinforced the significance of our 40-year journey and made the evening particularly meaningful and joyful.

Our celebration honored the past and the present. Rabbi Debbie Israel wrote in her Shabbat message, “Siman tov and mazel tov – it is a good and lucky sign for us – and may our beautiful temple go from strength to strength, from one generation to another.”

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.

To enroll, visit www.pjlibrary.org/ signup.php or call (408) 357-7509 for more details.

Congregation Emeth is located in Morgan Hill. For more information visit ww.emeth.net or call (408) 7788200.

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l cal news PJ Library conference For the last eight years, PJ Library professionals have met at Pearlstone Conference Center outside of Baltimore, Maryland to learn from each other, be inspired by nationally recognized speakers and be spiritually lifted by song leaders.

This year, Arielle Hendel, director of community initiatives and Diana Alper, Russian Language PJ Library coordinator represented the Silicon Valley community. In addition to being revitalized and energized by the conference, Hendel and Alper shared presentations with other professionals and funders. Ms. Alper presented on her success with the Russian Language PJ Library program. Ms. Hendel presented twice: on the success of programming in public spaces and on the virtual workshop for young readers through PJ Our Way. Silicon Valley programs are nationally recognized for being innovative, creative and welcoming.

To learn more about PJ Library or volunteer for the committee, contact Arielle Hendel at (408) 357-7501 or arielle@jvalley.org.

Three agencies apply to join SVJC Legacy Project

By Alan Werba, Legacy Chair On February 12 Alan Werba and Michelle Nathanson met with lay and volunteer leaders from the Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival, South Peninsula Hebrew Day School and UC Santa Cruz Hillel to discuss the Silicon Valley Jewish Community Legacy Project. These three agencies expressed an interest in building their agency endowment funding by joining the Legacy Project. The purpose of the meeting was to explain how the project was operating and what would be required of their agency to become an official member of the project.

After the history and progress of the project were reviewed, the agencies are considering the following steps needed for them to join the project.

1. Present a plan to each agency board outlining the requirements for participating in the Silicon Valley Jewish Community Legacy Project. Get approval and support from the board to participate in the Legacy Project.

Safeguarding our future

By Alan Werba

On December 15, 2011 the Bay Area Jewish Community was shocked when a seemingly well-established JCC located in an affluent Bay Area community announced it was closing its doors the next day. For 35 years the Contra Costa JCC was a visible, vibrant institution serving both Jewish and non-Jewish residents.

It all ended abruptly the next day leaving more than 20 staffers without jobs and roughly 80 preschoolers without a classroom. The Millman Center’s adult day care and Alzheimer’s caregiving immediately ceased to serve its highly vulnerable constituents. And all other Jewish cultural, camp and education programs provided by the JCC vanished. How could this possibly happen to one of the most affluent Jewish communities in the United States?

Many of you reading this article were impacted by this tumultuous event while some of you may not even know it took place. More importantly, why nearly five years after this painful episode exploded am I reminding you of it? The answer is, because no community agency is immune to a collapse like this one. In the absence of proper planning, no institution can insure its constituents that it will be there when they need its support. We must always strive to learn from our mistakes and this enormous failure definitely provides lessons for us to study.

2. Form a legacy committee of five or more people with a chairperson devoted to promoting and growing legacy giving to benefit both their agency and the Jewish community at large.

3. Schedule a training meeting for the legacy committee members to learn about legacy giving and the process utilized to secure these commitments.

4. Have 100% of the legacy committee members sign a Declaration of Intent for legacy giving.

5. Compile a target list of 60 people (or couples) who the committee believes would be open to having a legacy conversation.

Once these steps have been completed, each agency will be welcomed into the project and supported by the strength and collective expertise available via the project. We look forward to this time and are delighted these agencies are asking to join. Their desire to join the Legacy Project indicates that the culture of legacy giving we are striving to create is spreading.

When I arrived in San Jose in 1974, the Silicon Valley Jewish community was in many ways a fledgling community very much still a work in progress. The Jewish Community Center was operating on Canoas Garden Road, Yavneh had not yet been established and our synagogues all had significant Capital Campaigns in their future. Forty-two years later I see a well-established set of Jewish institutions making a very positive difference in the lives of Jews living in the South Bay. But no matter how good this picture appears, we must not let complacency or a lack of proper planning disrupt the lives of our children and grandchildren here in Silicon Valley. We must plan and work hard to provide the resources necessary to insure Jewish culture will flourish here forty-two more years from now.

are many ways to do so, but let me help you visualize how it might be done.

The Silicon Valley Jewish Community Legacy Project is leading the effort to plan and provide for an even brighter Jewish future here in Silicon Valley. The project is reaching out today to ask all of our fellow Jews to play a role in these efforts. More than 100 families have signed Declarations of Intent to leave a legacy to one or more of the Jewish agencies of Silicon Valley as part of their estate plan.

While this number is wonderful, it is only the beginning of what needs to be a much greater ultimate effort.

In this example, the legacy gift might simply be a beneficiary designation within a 401(K) plan or an IRA. It also might involve a simple trust amendment. However, the first step in the process begins with you deciding that leaving a Legacy is of vital importance and that you feel compelled to do something. Let’s not let any other Jewish agencies be forced to shut their doors. Become a player in a well-endowed Jewish future.

At this time, I hope you are thinking, “How can I leave a legacy to the community?” There

If you owned a home in this valley for twenty years or more, no doubt you are sitting on a significant amount of equity. If you have been diligently contributing to your company’s 401(K) plan you undoubtedly have accumulated hundreds of thousands toward your retirement.

So let’s assume your net worth has reached $2 million plus. A ten percent legacy would endow $200,000 and these funds would generate an estimated $10,000 every year in perpetuity for your designated agencies to utilize. You will be remembered forever by these agencies as you help them continue to serve the local Jewish community. The power of endowment funds is amazing.

If you need more help evaluating legacy opportunities, please contact Michelle Nathanson at either michellen@jvalley.org or (408) 357-7508 for assistance.

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l cal news What happens when Ahmet and Fatma meet Aaron and Shoshana?

By Iris Bendahan and Irene Swedroe Well it definitely was not the Butter Battle of Dr. Seuss fame; there were no Yooks and Zooks, but rather chatter, laughter, and an exchange of contact info! And it all started by considering that “The Torah states that G-d made man + woman B’tzelem Elohim — in the image of G-d (Gen 1:28) — which means that every human life is holy, unique and worthy of profound respect, compassion and understanding.”

Backing up a bit, lately during our JET Dinner and Learn sessions, (JET is the acronym for Congregation Beth David’s teen program — Jewish Experiences for Teens), which often focuses on Hot Topics, the conversation has turned to anti-Semitism within our country, abroad and our community. Incidents such as the Paris bombing, San Bernardino attack, the presidential debate on immigrants vs refugees have been woven into our class discussions on what it means to be created ‘In G-d’s Image.’

Our teens have shared that within our own schools and community, they have experienced some anti-Semitism and that there are prejudices against other groups, simply because of their faith and customs. Building on this, we felt that our teens should be learning hands-on about not only the different Jewish religious groups but the different faiths in our community. They want to know the differences and commonalties we have with these communities and what are their challenges.

For the past year, Beth David has been actively involved with Muslim-Christian–Jewish encounters through Abrahamic Alliance International . These connections focus on social action events as a way of working together towards a common goal, and are mostly attended by adults. Through this, we were introduced to the Pacifica Institute organization. http://pacificainstitute.org/bayarea/. Unlike a Muslim group associated with a mosque, Pacifica Institute, which is a Turkish Muslim group, has the broader mission of creating positive connections between disparate social networks, and thus is deeply involved with social responsibility projects, dialogue, and conferences while also staying true to Muslim traditions of prayer, dietary laws, and holidays (e.g. their doors are always open for visitors to join in Iftar dinners during Ramadan, which we have had the opportunity to enjoy).

A few months ago, we had the opportunity to meet with Zaynep and Nihal, two educators from the Pacifica Institute, to discuss the idea of seeing if we could create a Muslim-Jewish teen encounter where the teens could have an open, safe dialogue in order to foster friendship

and understanding between our two groups.

Suffice it to say that after a few delightful hours sipping tea and Turkish/Middle Eastern treats, and discussing our similarities (they are substantial) and differences, a teen program developed which came to fruition on March 11.

The 18 teens (about half from each group), had the opportunity to schmooze while eating a sumptuous vegetarian dinner provided by Pacifica, find out a bit about each other’s religion and organization through slideshows presented by the Muslim educator (which included a live call to prayer by one of their lay leaders) and us, a hands-on art activity (called Yad B’Yad — hand in hand in Hebrew), and a trivia contest. Our time was up before we could do all the planned activities, but the teens were happy and fulfilled.

Though it was tough work getting all these teens on board initially, now they are as excited as we are and ready for more. According to CBD senior Molly Ball, “The teen encounter event was such a fun and eyeopening experience. I loved getting to know the teens, learn from them and actually become friends with them. We still talk on Snapchat and text and would never have become friends otherwise.” CBD Junior Samantha Wigon exclaimed, “The teen encounter really opened my eyes to how teenagers with different ethnicities are not that different after all. I really learned a lot."

So Ahmet and Fatma had a great time with Aaron and Shoshana, and they’ve all asked for more time together, and to 6315-Vardys.indd 1

meet other groups. We will be planning the next encounter soon; so if you’re interested in having your teen join in, let us know at JET@ beth-david.org. A warm thanks to Zaynep and Koc for helping us get this long-desired educational track for teens off to a beautiful start. And, if you’re an adult interested in such a dialog, there may be a parallel parent session next time, and Beth David will be joining another Abrahamic Alliance encounter on June 5 (Habitat for Humanity project for ages 16+).

For more information contact Beth Daivd at (408) 257-3333.

10227 De Anza Blvd. Cupertino, CA 408.446.2900 vardysjewelers.com heartsonfire.com

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Friday Nights in the Summertime with Congregation Sinai June 24, 5:30 pm Happy Hour and Kabbalat Shabbat Wine and appetizers (adult and child-friendly) followed by evening services at Sinai

July 8, 5:00 pm Shabbat Mishpacha & Spaghetti Dinner Fun, musical service followed by spaghetti dinner at Sinai For families with young children (6 and under), older siblings welcome. (reservations required for dinner)

Celebrate Americana with fun and mirth in the style of the early 1900’s Bring your own dairy picnic basket dinner plus a dairy dish to share. Ice cream sundae bar provided by CBD.

RSVP by June 3rd for discounted early bird pricing: · Adults & Teens $5.00 · Children (5-12) $3.00 · Tots free

RSVP online www.Beth-David.org/RSVP or call 408-257-3333

At 7:00 enjoy a screening of The Music Man! After June 3rd: Adults & Teens $7.00 Children (5-12) $5.00 Tots free

July 22, 5:30 pm Happy Hour and Kabbalat Shabbat Wine and appetizers (adult and child-friendly) followed by evening services at Sinai

Join us in June @ 10:30am

August 19, 5:30 pm Back-to-Shul Open House, Kabbalat Shabbat and Dinner Wine and appetizers followed by evening services and Shabbat dinner at Sinai (reservations required for dinner)

1532 Willowbrae Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125 | (408) 264 - 8542 | office@sinai-sj.org | w w w.sinai-sj.org

Communal Shavuot Night of Learning @ CBD See page xxx

Saturday 6/4 Mindfulness and Meditation Saturday 6/11 - Praying with Your Body A Jewish Yoga Experience Part of our USCJ Solomon Schechter award winning Netivot Haneshmah Pathways of the Soul program.

Congregation Beth David

19700 Prospect Road ● Saratoga ● 408.257.3333 ● Beth–David.org

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Be a hero to your children and grandchildren.

SUPPORT THE SILICON VALLEY JEWISH COMMUNITY LEGACY PROJECT. CO M M U N I T Y PA R T N E R S Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center Congregation Beth David Congregation Shir Hadash Congregation Sinai Hillel of Silicon Valley Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley Temple Emanu-El Yavneh Day School

Congratulations

Class of 2016! #100 Los Gatos, CA 95032 chool.org (408) 984.6700

Please call 408.357.7508 or go to www.communitylegacyproject.org.

S I L I C O N VA L L E Y J E W I S H C O M M U N I T Y

LEGACY PROJECT

www.yavnehdayschool.org

Congratulations Class of 2016

Think left and think right and think low and think high.

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- Dr. Seuss

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educati n Students recognized as finalists for Pesach-themed Rube Goldberg machines, judged by Technion experts Students from Yavneh Day School entered the Technion Jewish Day School Challenge, created jointly by RAVSAK and Technion— Israel Institute of Technology. Their mission: to build a Rube Goldberg machine in the spirit of Pesach (and inspired by the intricate 2015 Technion Rube Goldberg machine). For the uninitiated, a Rube Goldberg machine is a contraption or device that is deliberately over-engineered to perform a simple task in a complicated fashion, generally including a chain reaction.

“In partnership with Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, they were able to create an amazing new opportunity for students to blend their commitments to Jewish learning with the sciences, foster a connection to post-secondary education, and prompt them to apply their knowledge of Pesach traditions in a completely innovative way,” said Dr. Marc N. Kramer, RAVSAK’s co-executive director.

Graduation Crossword Puzzle Graduation Valedictorian Circumstance Party Cap Parents Field Gifts Gown Flowers Trip Ceremony Tassel Balloons Sitting Pictures Speech Pomp Congratulations Certificate

More than 600 students from 41 Jewish day schools — located in Europe, North America, Australia, and Africa — participated in the Challenge. The Yavneh Day School team was led by Vanina Sandel, STEAM coordinator.

Yavneh students were recognized as finalists in the middle school division.

Students followed a rigorous rubric, which called for the machines to ultimately reveal a Seder plate. In the weeks leading up to the Challenge deadline, students tinkered away, and got insider tips from world-renowned Technion Mechanical Engineering Professor Alon Wolf and other Technion faculty.

“I am delighted to see the Technion’s role in inspiring all of the participants to do such great work,” said Prof. Yoram Halevi, dean of the Technion Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.

“You have inspired us, as well, and we hope to see you grow and succeed in your science paths.”

“Our students thoroughly enjoyed putting together their Rube Goldberg machines, simultaneously designing and building the machine itself, collaborating with their teammates, and enriching their understanding of Pesach,” said Head of School Zvi Weiss.

“The Technion is thrilled to have launched this new initiative together with RAVSAK,” said Technion President Professor Peretz Lavie.

“In an ever-changing world we need to find new and relevant ways to connect younger generations of the Jewish people with Israel.

What better way to do so than a thoughtprovoking, fun competition that has a strong STEM education focus? Congratulations to all who participated. I hope to see you all at the Technion — as students — in a few years,” he concluded.

For more information on Yavneh Day School call (408) 984-6700 or visit www.yavnehdayschool.org.

Graduation!

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Cap Parents

Gown Flowers

Tassel Balloons

Speech Pomp

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educati n Kehillah High School continued from cover

Independent schools struggle with being affordable, accessible, and providing a Rabbi Kleinberg is unique aspect proud of “how strong that public and rich Jewish life schools do in the Bay Area has not. Kehillah become” and thinks is, in so many that much of this ways, the best can be credited to of what an the Jewish education independent we provide for our school can children. His pride in be. Moving Kehillah and the Bay forward Area is apparently each year, well-placed, seeing the school as KJHS has shown promotes unprecedented an inclusive growth over the environment Pictured (Left to Right): Rose Landesman (’16), fourteen years since with open Rabbi Darren Kleinberg, Ph.D. (Head of School), its inception. enrollment Zach Rudin (’18), Sam Wolf (’16), and a diverse Patricia Carbery (Principal), Shir Shelf (’19) student In spite of a national average 13.72% population, both religiously and sociodrop in day school enrollment nationwide economically. As a result, Kehillah embodies since 2009 (RAVSAK, 2016), Kehillah has the very best in Jewish education in the experienced nearly a 60% growth in the 21st century. same time period. This year Kehillah’s enrollment is 190 and they are projecting a minimum of 210 students in the 2016-17 school year.

To learn more about Kehillah, visit www.kehillah.org or call (650) 213-9600.

Students nationally recognized for charity program Two 8th grade students, Ilana Borison and Chaya Greenberg, from South Peninsula Hebrew Day School (SPHDS) were nationally recognized for their charity program, Tree of Life, which won first place in the Yair Leolam Project Shine 2016. The name of the project was inspired by a phrase from the Torah as well as from the meaning of their names in Hebrew. The Torah states, “For the human being is a tree of the field,” “ki ha’adam eitz hasedah,” and, in Hebrew, Ilana means “tree” and Chaya means “life.” Therefore, a broader goal of their project was to instill an appreciation of nature in the heart of Silicon Valley.

One of Ilana’s favorite quotes that has inspired her to make a difference is “The man who moves a mountain must start by moving small stones,” a Chinese proverb. Project Shine offered her the first step in her journey of moving a mountain by providing her with the opportunity to help and learn about other people who face different challenges.

Project Shine is a chessed initiative that aims to motivate middle school students to create innovative charity projects in their

communities. Jewish schools throughout North America participated in a national chessed innovative contest, in which applicants submitted their unique and innovative charity projects for their communities.

Chaim Boruch was born with a serious medical condition and special needs, which resulted in many challenges. Despite this prognosis, Chaim and his family persevered and overcame hurdle after hurdle. Inspired by Chaim Boruch’s journey and positive outlook, Ilana and Chaya created a program that offers children with special needs a chance to grow academically, socially, and emotionally through educational and gardening workshops. Their interactive workshops teach children the values and benefits of planting and sustaining trees. By planting trees, these children are beautifying their community and providing the world with life-sustaining oxygen that the trees provide. These workshops empower these children to make a difference in their community while providing them with a sense of belonging and accomplishment.

For more information on SPHDS call (408) 738-3060 or visit www.sphds.org.

What will you count today?

By Rabbi Laurie Hahn Tapper, Yavneh Day School

As a parent of young children, I often find myself counting down; three, two, one... The counting usually comes immediately after saying something like, “Turn off the ipad” or “Put your shoes on.” What is it about this longstanding parenting technique that is so motivating to children? What is so motivating about counting?

Right now we are in the middle of the Jewish season of counting known as Sefirat Ha-Omer.

Beginning on the second night of Passover the Omer is when we count the 49 days between Passover and Shavuot. The purpose of the Omer has changed throughout Jewish history, but the counting has always remained. In the Torah our agricultural ancestors were commanded to bring an omer’s worth of the new barley crop as an offering to the Temple each day between the two harvest festivals. Later as Shavuot became associated with celebrating Matan Torah (the giving of the Torah), the counting served to make a spiritual connection between the evolution of the Jewish people from an enslaved people at Passover to a people taking on the responsibility of the gift of Torah at Shavuot. As the story of the Jewish people has continued to evolve the Omer became not only a time of counting from one event to another but a period of time in its own right. For some people the Omer is a mourning period in which weddings do not take place, and people don’t shave in memory of various tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people.

Regardless of the symbolism and what we are counting from, or toward or marking within, the Omer is a period in which we make a precise and intentional effort to count each day. So take a moment and think about what you count on a regular basis and why you do it.

Do you count calories on a weight-loss app or the steps on your Fitbit?

Are you counting the years until retirement?

Are you counting the days, weeks or months of a new baby?

Are you counting delegates?

Or maybe you are counting the days until the end of school?

Or the days until the start of a new adventure?

Do you find yourself counting up? Counting down?

Are you counting to make the time go faster?

Or counting to help you savor every moment?

What purpose does counting serve in your life?

Is it a helpful? Or is it an obstacle?

What will you count today?

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educati n Yavneh Day School presents Hero Rock!, an all-school musical

By Jenessa Schwartz, Middle School English Teacher and Performing Arts Coordinator Walk by the Yavneh music room on any given afternoon, and you’ll hear enthusiastic voices singing songs about Golda Meir, Anne Frank, Steven Spielberg, and Ruth Bader-Ginsberg. It is Yavneh students, rehearsing for their spring musical, set to open in just a few short weeks.

The show is Hero Rock! The Jewish Heroes Hall of Fame, an all-singing, all-dancing Academy Awards-style musical. Almost the entire Yavneh student body and members of the faculty will take the stage to honor and celebrate such remarkable Jewish heroes as Albert Einstein, Natan Sharansky, Sandy Koufax, and many more. Set to music from the ‘50s and ‘60s, the honorees will earn their “Hero Rock” awards and show you why they’ve made it into the Jewish Heroes Hall of Fame.

At the helm of this production are Scott and Shannon Guggenheim, pillars of the local arts community. The Guggenheims, already very active members of the Yavneh community, are thrilled to be two of Yavneh’s performing arts teachers. “When the ‘STEM’ train really started to gather steam in schools we were thrilled Yavneh would be offering a comprehensive

science, technology, engineering, and math program, but we were hopeful the ‘A’ would be added,” says Shannon Guggenheim, musical director and choreographer of Hero Rock.

“Frankly, there is no STEM without Arts,” adds the show’s director, Scott Guggenheim. “Our students need the fundamental communication, self-esteem, presentation, and design skills one can only gain from a performing arts program

is truly an all-school musical,” says Yavneh principal Diana Wilmot, “an enormous effort and collaboration.” She continues, “This is the ‘A’ in our STEAM program. Research shows that integrating arts helps our students improve long-term memory, increase language and math scores, and engage in deeper learning.

The performing arts also encourages a strong sense of community.”

The Guggenheims and Dr. Wilmot are particularly excited about this show, Hero Rock, because it is an opportunity for the students to not only practice the performing arts but also to learn about some of the most important modern and historical members of the Jewish community.

to help them as they become future innovators and ‘imagineers’.”

Part of what makes this show so special, the Guggenheims say, is that it’s not just the students from the performing arts classes who will be participating. Each class, 2nd through 5th grade, is presenting its own hero. Even the Yavneh faculty and staff are joining in the fun, with a song and dance of their own. “It

Tickets are on sale now! Hero Rock runs on Tuesday, May 24 and Wednesday, May 25 at 7:00 p.m. in the APJCC Auditorium on the Levy Family Campus, presented with a 15-minute intermission. Tickets are $10 presale, $15 at the door. Visit yavnehdayschool.org to purchase tickets.

Need more information? Email performingarts@yavnehdayschool.org or call (408) 984-6700.

SPHDS students travel to Israel and visit aumni One of the highlights of our trip was that it brought together current SPHDS students with our SPHDS alumni in Israel. Spanning 30 years of students, over 60 SPHDS alumni reunited in Jerusalem over a traditional Middle Eastern dinner to reminisce and connect to their SPHDS family. The returning students have created programs and opportunities to share their experiences with the entire SPHDS student body, specifically for Yom Hashoah, Yom Hazikaron, Yom Ha’atzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim.

By Rabbi Shaye Guttenberg Inviting students to actively experience educational material is one of the greatest guarantees for authentic learning. While in the classroom, this takes various forms, such as experimentation and building models.

This April, SPHDS took students out of the classroom, onto an airplane and into the Land of Israel for a hands-on experience of a lifetime, where all of the Biblical, historical and cultural learning they have done over their time at SPHDS intersects. Years of study was transformed into tangible, active experiences.

For ten action-packed days, students toured Israel from top to bottom by hiking, camping, learning and living in our homeland. A snapshot

SPHDS students and chaperones pose for the camera.

of the sites visited include: Caesarea, Syrian and Lebanese borders, Kinneret, Safed, Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea, Sde Boker, Har Hertzl, Yad Vashem, Ammunition Hill, Kotel, Tel Aviv, Jaffa, Independence Hall, Dialogue in the Dark, and much more! Each of these special places ignited new awareness within students of the uniqueness of Israel and the remarkable heritage we share, bringing to life the learning they experience on a daily basis back at school.

For more information on SPHDS visit www. sphds.org or call (408) 738-3060.

SPHDS alumni gather together in Israel.

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educati n Experiential learning at Yavneh Day School

By Dr. Diana Wilmot,

of their actual Gold Rush journey.

Chief Academic Officer/Principal

Going on a journey…a class trip

Experiential learning is “any learning that supports students in applying their knowledge and understanding to real-world problems or situations where the instructor directs and facilitates learning.” (Learning Sciences at UT Austin)

The fourth grade Gold Rush journey is the first of many multi-day journeys that our students experience. This past month our students in fifth through eighth grades were fortunate to experience what learning is like outside of the classroom doors in Yosemite National Park, at Ashland’s Shakespeare Festival, and in the New York/Washington D.C. area. Before they went on these educational trips, students wrote in their digital portfolios about their own personal expectations for learning, and what they hoped to accomplish. The structured learning experience allowed students to learn more deeply about what they have been discussing and learning in class. In addition, these experiences teach our students the skills they need for real-world success, motivate them to learn more, and create self-directed learning.

At Yavneh Day School experiential learning happens in the classroom, in the laboratory, on the Levy Family Campus, in the larger community, and across California and the U.S. Our children engage in guided inquiry, simulations, experiments, and design challenges, and they reflect on the process throughout the experience. This process of engaging in formal real-world experiences gives our students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge, develop skills, support the construction of new knowledge in new situations and extend their learning beyond the classroom and back again.

Authentic learning: school life = real life Experiential learning at Yavneh takes on many different forms. The easiest one to spot is the journey our students take outside of the classroom – our field trips and week-long journeys. In college this could be equated to a “study abroad” concept…a cultural immersion.

Day-to-day experiences Within the daily context of learning at our school, teachers seek simulated and real-life opportunities to add context and relevance to learning. Our first graders sent letters home through their classroom post office and bought gifts at the “equal amounts” store. Our second graders practiced their engineering skills designing parachutes to survive a fall from the top of the slide, and our fourth graders experienced the Gold Rush by assuming the identities of characters from the time period and keeping daily journals chronicling the experiences of those characters in anticipation

The Yavneh eighth graders visited Washington D.C. and New York City.

Reflection is a key element to the learning process. It’s about the road trip, the plane ride, the bus ride, visiting museums, hiking to the mountain summit, whitewater rafting, watching Shakespeare, observing rock climbers, and interacting with nature, geology and history.

This is a week all of our students look forward to each year. It is a time for them to learn with their friends, to learn independence and experience learning in a very hands-on way.

Serving the community: internships, service learning, and student teaching

Yavneh seventh graders journeyed to Ashland, OR and visited the Science Works hands-on museum, saw some plays including The Yeoman of the Guard, visited Lithia Park and went rafting on the Rogue River.

Another way our students engage in experiential learning is through internships, service learning and student teaching in our local community. This year our eighth graders worked with the Downtown Streets Team in San Jose. They worked side-by-side with the program participants (who are homeless themselves) helping to clean the homeless encampments and surrounding areas. They also went to a local elementary school to read with students who needed additional support.

As interns, our eighth graders work in various

positions around the Levy Family Campus supporting our community with a mentor.

They are engaged in working on a mural for the hallway, working with the Facilities Team on campus to keep the campus functioning, and teaching a class in filmmaking to our fifth graders. As a student teacher, one of our eighth graders, Jack, has had the opportunity to teach his passion – filmmaking – every Friday to the fifth grade class. According to fifth grade teacher, Jen Wakefield, “This is the class the students look forward to the most.

Jack is teaching them how to make a movie, set scenes and act. It is amazing to watch Jack follow his passion and instill his love of filmmaking in my class.”

Following your passion in an Innovation Lab Jack is passionate about becoming a filmmaker. At Yavneh, we gave him (as well as all middle school students) an opportunity to study his passion more deeply by enrolling in an Innovation Lab elective. When students enroll in an Innovation Lab at Yavneh, they must write a proposal for their project that reflects four essential elements: it must be rigorous, interdisciplinary, culminate in a product and serve the community. Jack chose to study filmmaking. We connected him with a mentor at Netflix, started his first practice in creating a documentary with some local celebrities, and then he got deep into creating a documentary about ultra-running. Jack says this experience at Yavneh has helped him grow his passion and think about how he may start a career in filmmaking. When Jack first shared snippets of his documentary with Milton Chen during his visit to Yavneh Day School, Milton told Jack the story of George Lucas’s path towards filmmaking and gave Jack great advice on where to take his passion.

Milton Chen, Milton Chen, former executive director at the George Lucas Educational Foundation and current senior fellow at Edutopia, said he wishes more schools were like Yavneh. After touring our school a few months ago, Milton proclaimed to a packed audience of parents and educators, “It is clear that when I walk around schools like Yavneh, students are engaged in solving real-world problems. They are happy to be in school. This is exactly what the product of experiential learning looks like – self-directed, motivated learning.” We look forward to sharing this journey with you as we build authentic leadership for the future of our community.

To find out more about Yavneh Day School’s outstanding programs, see our website at www. yavnehdayschool.org, contact me at diana@ yavnehdayschool.org, or call (408) 984-6700.

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SWIMMING IN THE

SEA OF TORAH

Temple Emanu-El

A COMMUNITY SHAVUOT EVENT AT CONGREGATION BETH DAVID

You’re invited to an ALL NIGHT water-themed celebration and learning for the entire community presented by Addison-Penzak JCC, Congregation Beth David, Temple Emanu-El, and Congregation Shir Hadash.

WHEN: Starts 9:45pm on Saturday, June 11th, and ends 7:00am on Sunday, June 12th WHERE: Congregation Beth David, 19700 Prospect Road, Saratoga WHY: Jewish tradition is to study all night on Shavuot, the day we received the 10 Commandments on Mount Sinai.

Sign up in advance at www.apjcc.org/torah.

Suggested donation $6.

Childcare available with advance reservation only; sign up at www.Beth-David.org/rsvp More info: 408.357.7413 or rabbihugh@apjcc.org

Addison-Penzak JCC of Silicon Valley Levy Family Campus Congregation Beth David

www.jvalley.org

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Silicon Valley Jewish Music Festival June 26th, 2O16

Molly Ringwald Mister G

Lior Ben Hur & Sol Tevél Mostly Kosher

BUY TICKETS online at: apjcc.org/music

purchase tickets by June 17th & get a discount!

ADVANCE TICKETS BEFORE JUNE 17TH: Regular Admission $18 » JCC Members $10 » KIDS, STUDENTS, SENIORS $6

AFTER JUNE 17TH: Regular Admission $20 » JCC Members $18 » KIDS, STUDENTS, SENIORS $8 Kids under age 12 free Bill Lister

14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032

The APJCC is proud to be a part of the Initiative on Jewish Peoplehood, co-funded by the Koret Foundation and the Taube Foundation for Jewish Life & Culture, and supported further by the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley, and donors like you.

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dateb

k

ONGOING EVENTS

No fee; drop-ins are welcome; no experience necessary. office@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542

SUNDAYS Knitzvah Meeting Levy Family Campus, 10:30 AM; 5/22, 6/26 A JFS volunteer group of knitters, crocheters and seamstresses of all ages that meets monthly to create beautiful handmade creations. Knitzvah distributes these gifts to 18 nonprofits. mindy@jfssv.org, 357-7455

FRIDAYS Friday Talmud Study: Tractate Megillah Beth David, 10 AM Join Rabbi Ohriner to study Tractate Megillah, containing laws of Purim, Torah reading, and synagogue practices. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333

All area codes are 408 unless otherwise noted.

Biking Group Meet Up and Ride Beth David, 10 AM; 5/22, 6/26 Join others in the CBD community who love to bike. Ride is about 20 miles long and leaves from the synagogue parking lot. Ride cancelled if it is raining. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333 MONDAYS Lean in Circle Beth David, 7:30 PM; 6/13, 7/11 A women’s networking and support group inspired by Sheryl Sandberg’s book “Lean In.” Our mission is to help women lean into their ambitions, whatever they may be. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333 TUESDAYS Yiddish Conversation Group Beth David, 3 PM; 6/7, 6/21, 7/5, 7/19 Enjoy Yiddish conversation, jokes, and more with Yiddish speakers of all levels. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333 WEDNESDAYS Meditation Group Shir Hadash, 10:30 AM Participants use principles of Jewish meditation as described by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan, as well as mindfulness, traditional, and guided meditation.

All experience levels are welcome. There is no cost to attend. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 Ima & Me Playgroup Sinai, 9 AM Join other moms and bond with your child while exploring their world through play, music, and movement! For children aged two and under. office@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542 Lunch and Learn Emanu-El, Noon; 5/25, 6/8, 6/22 Join the Rabbi for lunch, and bring your opinion! Bring a sack lunch to share in a stimulating discussion of recent events, political happenings, and other relevant topics related to current events. This event is open to the community. admin@templesanjose.org, 292-0939 THURSDAYS Silicon Valley Beit Midrash Sinai, 9:30 AM Join Rabbi Josh Berkenwald for in-depth study of Jewish thought, belief, and practice.

Jewish Ethics Discussion Beth David, 11:15 AM Explore the wisdom of Jewish ethical teachings in this participant-led group. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Alzheimers Caregivers Support Group Shir Hadash, 10 AM; 6/10, 7/8 A Support Group for anyone trying to navigate the day-to-day difficulties of caregiving. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 Happy Hour and Kabbalat Shabbat Sinai, 5:30 PM; 6/24, 7/22 Welcome Shabbat in a relaxed, informal, summertime atmosphere. Come as you are, when you can. Appetizers (adult and childfriendly) and wine followed by evening services. office@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542 PJ Shabbat Beth David, 6 PM; 5/20, 6/17, 7/15 The program is geared for children 6 and under. Older siblings welcome. Service and crafts are free! Dinner for adults $10/person, $2/child 3-12, under 3 free. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333

Netivot Haneshamah: Approachable Torah Beth David, 10:30 AM; 5/21, 6/18 Rabbi Berkowitz makes the Torah accessible to all and helps learners connect Torah lessons to their lives. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Babies and Bagels: Baby Shabbat Emanu-El, 9 AM; 6/11, 7/9 A Shabbat experience geared towards families with children ages 0-30 months. admin@templesanjose.org, 292-0939 Tot Shabbat Beth David, 11:15 AM; 5/28, 6/11, 6/25 For ages 5 and under. Relaxing, lighthearted, interactive, Shabbat program for tots. Includes songs, stories, puppets and more. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333

UPCOMING EVENTS

All area codes are 408 unless otherwise noted.

Annieglass Factory Tour Friday, May 20 Watsonville, 10 AM A trip to Watsonville to visit the Annieglass studio as well as the Watsonville farmer’s market. Transportation will be provided. $54/person. Lions are women who donate $5,000 or more to the Federation’s annual campaign. michellen@jvalley.org, 357-7508 Register online at www.jvalley.org!

Kabbalat Shabbat Patio Service Emanu-El, 6:30 PM; 6/17, all July and August In the summer months, our Kabbalat Shabbat services are held in our beautiful courtyard to enjoy the amazing California weather. admin@templesanjose.org, 292-0939

Friday, May 20 Senior Shabbat Lunch APJCC, Noon Enjoy a catered hot lunch followed by entertainment. $6/JCC member; $8.50/nonmember; $10/person at the door. jenny@apjcc.org, 358-3636

SATURDAYS Netivot Haneshama – A Learning Minyan Beth David, 10:30 AM; 5/28, 6/25 For those who want to understand the prayers, psalms and choreography of the Shabbat service so that it can deepen a meaningful personal and communal experience. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333

Shir Hadash Adult Ed Retreat at Asilomar Shir Hadash, 2 PM Get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy a special weekend with your Shir Hadash friends at Asilomar Conference Center in Pacific Grove. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751

Jewish Artists Group Beth David, 1:30 PM; 5/21, 6/18, 7/16 Presentations and discussions on Judaica.

This month, Jessica Leash will present on the history of Chasidic Niggunim. Meetings begin immediately after Kiddush Lunch, approximately 1:30 pm. Everyone is welcome. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333

Tot Shabbat with Catered Dinner Emanu-El, 6 PM Led by Rabbi Magat and Cantor Meeka Simerly, families with young children will enjoy upbeat songs, a short story, and a talk with the Rabbi on the bimah. admin@templesanjose.org, 292-0939

www.jvalley.org

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dateb Sunday, May 22 Tammi Rossman-Benjamin on Combating Antisemitism in America Emanu-El, BFR Room, 10:30 AM Tammi Rossman-Benjamin will discuss her work as a co-founder and director or the AMCHA-Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to investigating, documenting, educating about, and combating antiSemitism at college campuses. She is also a faculty member of U.C. Santa Cruz and was nominated by the Jewish Federation of North America for Jewish Hero of the Year in 2011.

Tammi is a champion of addressing campus anti-Semitism through her speeches, research, seminars and in the press. Far beyond her academic work, she is a beacon who uses her knowledge and ability to go beyond.

Tammi has set the bar higher and is a model of how to make the system responsible for addressing anti-Semitism. In 2009 she filed a complaint with the U.S. Dept. of Education of Civil Rights alleging a hostile environment for Jewish students on campus. In 2011 a federal investigation of her complaint was launched. admin@templesanjose.org, 292-0939 Guadalupe Creek Clean-up Guadalupe Creek, 1:30 PM Do an environmental mitzvah! Help remove litter from Guadalupe Creek. All ages welcome!

257-3333 Sisterhood Family Game Night Emanu-El, 6:30 PM Lots of board games available to play, and occasionally get a game of poker or mah jongg together. $3/member, $5/member couple, $10/ member family; $5/non-member, $10/nonmember couple, $15/non-member family. Bring a snack to share! admin@templesanjose.org, 292-0939 Tuesday, May 31 Israeli Dancing Emanu-El, 7:30 PM Put on your dancin’ shoes and join our free dancing class taught by our very own Loui Tucker. No dance experience necessary and everyone from the communityis welcome to join. admin@templesanjose.org, 292-0939 Friday, June 3 Wine and Cheese Reception Emanu-El, 6:30 PM Wine and cheese reception before the Rock Shabbat Service. Free and open to all. admin@templesanjose.org, 292-0939 Emanu-El Rock Shabbat Service Emanu-El, 7 PM An innovative and joyous worship experience with musicians (piano, percussion, guitars, trombone, etc.) and singers joining Cantor Meeka Simerly and Rabbi Dana Magat. admin@templesanjose.org, 292-0939

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Saturday, June 4 Teen Shabbat and Recognition Ceremony Beth David, 9:30 AM At this special Shabbat, our teens will be leading services which includes recognizing graduating seniors and 7th graders moving up to JET. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Netivot Haneshmah: Mindfulness and Meditation Beth David, 10:30 AM Using Hassidic texts and stories, participants will have the opportunity to find personal meaning in Jewish prayer and discover that these current spiritual tools are rooted in the Jewish experience. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Sunday, June 5 Shir Fun & Shir Kids – Park & Picnic Bel Gatos Park, 10 AM Join us at the park with your Shir Fun and Shir Kids friends. This unique event brings together young family programming at Shir Hadash for children aged 0-5 and in grades K-2. BIZZY BODIES will be guiding us through some fun activities, including an obstacle course for the youth and some lively dancing and aerobics for the whole family. Bring a picnic lunch and blanket, appropriate shoes, and any friends from the community who would like to learn more about Shir Fun and Shir Kids events.

RSVP by June 1. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 Book Group Shir Hadash, 10:45 AM “All I Know and Love” by Judith Frank: When domestic partners Matthew Greene and Daniel Rosen learn that Daniel’s twin brother and sister-in-law have been killed in a bombing in Jerusalem, and that they have been designated to raise the deceased couple’s children in Massachusetts, their relationship faces major challenges. For more info and to be added to the Book Group email list, contact Diane Goldman at 358-1751 or bookgroup-coordinator@shirhadash.org.

Continuing the Conversation on Clutter Shir Hadash, Noon Quarterly meeting to discuss ways to clear clutter out of our lives. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 Secular Jewish Salon Shir Hadash, 7 PM The Secular Jewish Salon is a new forum for secular members of Shir Hadash. The Salon is a forum to discuss topics of relevance for secular Jews. Topics will be selected by participants. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751

Tuesday, June 7 Conversations in Jewish Learning Beth David, 7:30 PM Bryan Schwartz will review his new book, “Scattered Among the Nations,” which documents some of the most isolated Jewish communities in the world at the dawn of the new millennium. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Thursday, June 9 Freilache Menschen Retirees Group Luncheon Shir Hadash, 11:30 AM A monthly lecture, discussion, performance or film. Program and a light lunch for a donation of $5/person. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 Friday, June 10 Pride Shabbat Service Shir Hadash, 6:30 PM See article on page 8.

Saturday, June 11 Netivot Haneshmah – Praying with Your Body: A Jewish Yoga Experience Beth David, 10:30 AM Jenessa Schwartz, a lay person who loves yoga and a spiritual connection with Judaism will guide both yoga lovers and those that want to experiment with the mind, body, spirit connection. Jenessa will be using the book “Yoga Shalom.” info@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Shabbat Service in the Memorial Garden Shir Hadash, 10:30 AM Share your stories about your loved ones whose names are inscribed on the wall, those that inspired your life. The service, with participation from our Memorial Garden committee, will be followed by a special Kiddush. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 Jewish Book Discussion Group Beth David, 1:30 PM “The Betrayers” by David Bezmozgis is a taut, vigorous, and fast-flowing tale of an unexpected encounter between two old enemies in Crimea. Led by Lee Gavens. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Thursday, June 16 Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley Annual Meeting Levy Family Campus, 7 PM Event will include inspirational stories from the people JFS helps, honoring volunteers for outstanding community service, installation of new slate of Board of Directors, and festive dessert reception. mindy@jfssv.org, 357-7455 Wednesday, June 22 Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley’s Annual Meeting Levy Family Campus, 6 PM See ad on back cover.

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dateb Friday, June 24 Meeka Shabbat Emanu-El, 6:30 PM Please join us in saying goodbye to Cantor Meeka Simerly at her final service at Emanu-El. admin@templesanjose.org, 292-0939 Sunday, June 26 Hiking Meet-Up – Sunday Stroll Beth David, 10 AM Join with others who love to walk. The walk will be a 5-mile loop around Saratoga starting at the synagogue. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Bike and Hike Potluck Lunch Beth David, Noon Join together in Beth David’s new Sukkah garden for a summertime pot luck lunch following their respective rides and walks. Bring a dairy or parve luncheon item to share. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Silicon Valley Jewish Music Festival 2016 APJCC, 2 PM See ad on page 18.

Sunday, July 3 CBD Celebrates Americana Beth David, 5:30 PM Celebrate Americana with fun and mirth in the style of the early 1900s. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333

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Friday, July 8 Shabbat Mishpacha and Spaghetti Dinner at Sinai Sinai, 5 PM A fun, musical service for families with young children with Rabbi Berkenwald and Morah Jamie. Welcome Shabbat with songs and laughter and join us afterward for a delicious kosher dairy spaghetti dinner. RSVP by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5 for the early bird pricing: $7/adult, $5/child (2-12 years).

Standard pricing: $10/adult, $8/child (2-12 years). office@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542 Saturday, July 9 Jewish Book Discussion Group Beth David, 1:30 PM A discussion of “The Family: Three Journeys into the Heart of the Twentieth Century” will be led by Miriam Marr.With cinematic power and beauty, best-selling author David Laskin brings to life the upheavals of the twentieth century through the story of one family [his], three continents,and two world wars, and the rise and fall of nations. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Thursday, July 14 Ladies Who Lunch Beth David , 11 AM An informal social and dining group. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333

Friday, July 15 Shir Hadash Goes Camping!

Shir Hadash, 2 PM Celebrate Shabbat under the redwoods!

Couples, singles, and families of all ages are welcome for this friendly, laid-back weekend.

Volunteers lead hikes, kids programs, and adult or family activities. Experience Shabbat services, Havdalah, and singing around the campfire with a wonderful community. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 Wednesday, July 20 Float Night Pool Party and BBQ APJCC, 4 PM Free and open to the public, so bring friends!

The entire community is welcome. Flotation devices of all kinds are allowed in the pool at this event (with the exception of water wings). jenny@apjcc.org, 358-3636

Want to share your events in the paper?

Submit them online at www.jvalley.org or contact Amanda at amanda@jvalley.org or (408) 357-7503 with any questions.

Experience it all at the JCC! Join us for Jewish education, enrichment classes, fitness, aquatics, camp, preschool,cultural programs, and much more.

Addison-Penzak JCC of Silicon Valley Levy Family Campus

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

www.jvalley.org

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obituaries MORRIS DOLMATCH January 16, 1921 – February 14, 2016

HARRIET FRANKEL September 27, 1922 – March 30, 2016

Morris “Murray” Dolmatch died at the Saratoga Retirement Center. He was born on board the RMS Saxonia in British waters as his parents, David and Bertha emigrated from the Ukraine.

He spent his childhood in Brooklyn and after graduation from Brooklyn College in 1941, he proudly joined the United States Army in 1942.

He served as an Army/Air Force weatherman during WWII; he landed on Utah Beach on D5, and then joined the land troops who fought their way to Berlin. He helped to set up the first weather station at Templehof Airport. He served 26 months and was honorably discharged and returned to Brooklyn. He married and raised his family in Peekskill, NY.

Harriet Frankel was born into a loving family of Jewish Russian immigrants, she was raised with her brother Jack in the Catskill Mountains of New York on a small dairy farm. Surrounded by equally adoring relatives, she developed an intense belief in the importance of family. In 1942 she married Harold Alter and proudly supported his path through the U.S. military during WWII. Sadly, he lost his life in France and she was left with their young son.

Murray worked as an advertising executive at the firm Daniel and Charles during the heyday of the “Mad Men.” He commuted to NYC daily.

Along with colleague Paula Green, he created the firm Green Dolmatch Advertising Agency, Inc., serving such clients as the New York Times, Cargill, Seventeen Magazine, ILGWU, Hathaway Shirts, and the American Cancer Society. He brought Subaru to America and from 1969-1978, he was a member and former president of IAA, AMA. His career path led him to create The Dolmatch Group, Ltd. Group, Ltd. in 1979. With his wife Sandra, he distributed television and video programs around the world representing U.S. as well as European programming. Clients included Westinghouse, Discovery Channel, BBC, Rocky and Bullwinkle, Western Publishing, Bill Burrud’s Wild Kingdom for Mutual of Omaha, The Beatles, Ken Burns and Warner Brothers Pictures to name just a few.

Murray met Sandra Sofris in Paris and moved to Saratoga in 1985. Together they traveled the world until he was 92. He enjoyed the arts, made many friends and saved time to be with his family. He was a life-long learner and enjoyed history, biography and current events.

A man of letters and wit, he wrote poetry and short stories about people, places and lessons from his life. He enjoyed meeting once a month for lunch with the ROMEOS. At 90 he created a “meet-up” group Coterie for those who enjoyed travel, books and history.

He is survived by his loving wife Sandra, his sister Peggy Rabin, children Hank, Judy and Bart, stepsons Michael and Jordan Sofris, grandchildren David, Morgan, Tucker, August and Joshua.

Murray and Sandi were members of Congregation Beth David. Services were held at Beth David with a Military interment at Skylawn Memorial Park in San Mateo.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Congregation Beth David, Brooklyn College or InnVision, Georgia Travis Center in San Jose.

After she met her second true love, Milt, they married and had two children and moved to San Jose. Harriet’s home was a favorite destination; the cookie jar was kept full for visitors and everyone was well fed. She was a warm and generous person, a good listener and a true friend to many. Her love of food, music, books, friends and her family helped to sustain her for 25 years after Milt’s death. Her passing leaves a void in our lives.

Harriet is survived by her children Edward (Joann), Robert (Vivienne) and Martha (Tom) and her grandchildren David, Jason and Rebecca and her great-grandchildren Brandon, Meagan, Alex, Olivia, Cole and Emerson.

Please consider a donation in her memory to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum or another organization that Harriet would support.

DOROTHY GREEN March 10, 1925 – February 29, 2016 Dorothy Green was born in Louisville, KY and died in San Jose. She was preceded by her loving husband of sixty-three years, Harold.

She was the loving mother of Max, Steve and Helaine.

Dorothy was the grandmother of Adam (Tricia) Green, Meredith (David) Powell, Alece (Matthew) Gallop and Eliana Green. She was also the great-grandmother of four.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the City of Hope in Pasadena.

ROSETTA SOLOMON July 5, 1930 – April 20, 2016 Rosetta Solomon was born in St. Louis, MO to Morris and Selma Steinhauer. She met and married Phillip Barovsky in 1951 and moved to San Jose in August of 1966. They had a dry cleaning business together and later she worked as a medical assistant to ophthalmologist Michael Kroll. After the death of her first husband she married Jerry Solomon.

Burke of Santa Clara and daughter Rhonda Barovsky (Michael Freund) of Oakland, grandsons Seth (Phi) and Noah Kagan and Joshua and Gabriel Freund and great grandson Atlas Kagan.

She lived in the Villages for many years and was an active member of Hadassah. Donations in her memory may be made to Villages Hadassah.

MELVIN RONALD SOMMER December 3, 1935 – April 25, 2016 Melvin Ronald Sommer was born in San Francisco and passed away peacefully in Los Gatos. He was the second son of Edward and Anita Sommer. He met Sybil Anne Markus on August 7, 1953 at an AZA/ BBG Convention in San Jose and they were married on June 16, 1957 at Temple Emanu-El, San Jose.

Mel graduated from UC Berkeley– GO BEARS! – in 1957. He was president of his fraternity, AEPi, treasurer of Chai House, the Boy Scouts, and B’nai B’rith. He also earned an MBA from UTexas. He was a man of uniform: Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America) and retired as a Navy Commander after 22 years of service. After the Navy, he worked as an executive at GE. Mel was loyal and loving to his family and friends, friendly and active in his community.

He was dedicated and involved with Temple Emanu-El, Cal Alumni Association, Boy Scouts, Chai House and B’nai B’rith. He loved travel and food and volunteered with Second Harvest Food Bank.

He is survived by his loving with Sybil; children Steven, Debbie, Scott and Bruce; grandchildren Erika, Daniel, Eli and Josef. He was predeceased by his brother Raymond and his son David.

Donations in Mel’s memory may be made to Temple Emanu-El or Chai House.

She is survived by her son Ken Barovsky (Elva) of San Diego, her daughter Debra (Norman)

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obituaries CANTOR DAVID UNTERMAN October 23, 1929 – March 26, 2016 Congregation Beth Am’s beloved Cantor emeritus, Dave Unterman, passed away peacefully at home in San Jose. He had been in declining health in recent years from multiple conditions, complicated by post-polio fatigue syndrome.

Born in Brooklyn to Max and Sarah Unterman the week of the stock market crash, he had been “conceived in prosperity and born in depression.” Shortly before his second birthday, he contracted polio and spent much of his early childhood in hospitals. His earliest memory was of singing in a hospital crib, surrounded by nurses. Eventually returning to his family and gradually becoming ambulatory, he sang with his older brother and sister on a weekly children’s show on WEVD, a Yiddish radio station in New York. As a teen, Dave attended Brooklyn Technical High School and Lincoln High and then CCNY-Uptown for a couple of years.

He dropped out when an opportunity arose to travel west to Berkeley with a good friend.

Arriving in the Bay Area, he found himself singing in various productions and venues including a small company’s production of Aida in the East Bay that was his first experience of opera.

He went on to become a founding member of the Lamplighters in San Francisco, performing with the company from 1952 to 1955, using the stage name Dave Manning and originating several of the lead bass-baritone Gilbert and Sullivan roles. His rich voice opened many door and he made a living singing in churches, synagogues, the Children’s Opera and even North Beach night clubs as well as in 1955, the San Francisco Opera chorus. His local successes took him back to New York where he performed with the American Savoyards as Don Manning and sang in the secondary chorus at the Metropolitan Opera.

Eventually, in 1960, the stresses on his body from stage performing caused his polio-weakened ankles to disintegrate into chips. After botched surgeries, it became clear that his theatrical career was over. What came next was a remarkable opportunity and new career path: becoming a Reform Jewish cantor after a five-year course of study at Hebrew Union College in New York. Returning eventually to the Bay Area, Dave served Temple Sinai in Oakland and Congregation Beth David in Saratoga and was the Jewish Chaplain for a year at San Quentin and many years later taught and sang at Temple Emanu-El in San Jose. In 1981 he came to Congregation Beth Am in Los

Altos Hills, becoming Cantor Emeritus in 1997 but continuing teaching a weekly adult class on Jewish Spirituality until his final month of life.

His engaging teaching style, warmth and openness were legendary as recalled by countless congregants whose lives he touched, matching the impact of his expressive and resonant singing voice. He will be missed by many including his wife Carol Carter who survives him.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Susan Gaskill Adult Jewish Learning Fund or any Beth Am fund at www.betham.org/give.

Please send obituaries and photos to andrea. greyber@gmail.com or phone her at (408) 3776224.

To reach a volunteer chaplain to visit a patient in the hospital, the new number is (408) 357-7479.

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educati n Hillel of Silicon Valley is filled with gratitude for the community’s support

By Sarita Bronstein, Executive Director L’Dor V’Dor, Hillel of Silicon Valley’s annual event, took place on Sunday, April 17, at the 4th Street Garage, San Jose. We were very excited to have over 150 community members come together to celebrate with over 30 Hillel of Silicon Valley students in attendance. We are happy to announce that L’Dor V’Dor was a successful fundraising event as well as an opportunity for us to make many new friends!

This year, 30% of the guests were new to our Hillel. We welcomed parents, faculty, and our caring community of supporters, students, and alumni who all showed their support in numerous ways, from bidding on silent and live auction items, participating in our Fund-ANeed, and volunteering their time and creativity to make the event successful.

Our community honorees this year were Rick and Doris Davis for their outstanding philanthropic support over time. They have always been friends Hillel could call on in good times and, when faced with challenges, for counsel and support. Our student honorees included Karen Manor of Foothill College, Gabriel Golden of San Jose State University, and San Jose State University recent alumna, Dana Margitta. Qi Li, our fourth student honoree and graduate of San Jose State University, traveled all the way from Shanghai, China to receive her award! Hillel of Silicon Valley strives to be a thriving community for Jewish students and each of our honorees has contributed to those efforts.

Our Keynote speaker, Tammi RossmanBenjamin, co-founder and director of the AMCHA Initiative, was very well received by our assembled guests. Her mission, to fight anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism where it appears on college campuses, supported by in-depth research on the topic, was eyeopening to many in attendance. Many people in our community are not aware of the extent to which Jewish students feel fearful of showing their Judaism or support of Israel freely on their campuses. Tammi was a key player in providing our Hillel with information and guidance during our own campaign to

defeat divestment at San Jose State University this past fall. Her powerful testimony during the hearing in front of the Tower Foundation (San Jose State University’s investing board) provided crucial information for voting board members.

L’Dor V’Dor’s focus is not only to make sure Hillel of Silicon Valley has enough funding to keep supporting our students on their Jewish journeys, it is also a great opportunity for the community to interact directly with students and learn more about the programs on and off our five campuses. Guests were able to hear from students about their thoughts and concerns for our campus communities. As students are what Hillel exists for, so too were they front and center of L’Dor V’Dor 2016. During the luncheon guests viewed a student-made video about life at Hillel and pre-recorded interviews of the honorees. The central message throughout the videos was the role Hillel of Silicon Valley has played in strengthening their Jewish identity, providing them with a welcoming place to meet like-minded students, enjoy holiday celebrations and informal gettogethers, and develop a lifelong interest in supporting the Jewish community and Israel.

Distinguished alumnus Elliot Fine made a wonderful and passionate case for Hillel’s Fund-A-Need campaign that was a significant part of the day’s fundraising efforts. We extend a hearty and grateful thank you to Elliot and those who contributed.

In addition to the auctions and luncheon our guests were treated to a scrumptious challah tasting courtesy of expert challah baker Teri Baron. Choices included classic, chocolate chip, cinnamon, and more! We also enjoyed wine tasting by Dragisa Milivojevic, Miura & Clos Pissarra, to complete the feeling of Shabbat/holiday delight! The event kicked off with the usual joyful schmoozing, enjoying of mimosas, and bidding on silent auction items.

Our generous donors provided packages such as a private venue movie-viewing party at Netflix, beautiful Judaica designed by Michael Aram, Roman glass jewelry, and many more exciting items. Master of ceremonies Robert Strong entertained guests with magic tricks and rallied them to support Hillel during our live auction and Fund-A-Need. We are deeply grateful for all the community support during the time leading up to and during the event.

It is always a blessing to do the work of the community and it is so heartening when our own alumni come back to bid and win items to support Hillel. Our event grows each year due to a myriad of factors; our devoted staff and students are no small part of that equation.

Last but never ever least, Hillel of Silicon Valley would like to thank Mishy Balaban and Jackie Levinson, our event co-chairs, who really put their hearts and tireless effort into making L’Dor V’Dor 2016 a success. From the artisanal kosher candy bar to the fabulous auction items and all the big and little details that make an event run smoothly and with love, we thank them for all they have done for Hillel SV over the years: Jackie, as an alumna, and Mishy as one of the architects of Hillel of Silicon Valley’s rebirth. Toda raba! Our gratitude knows no bounds!

For more information on Hillel, please contact (408) 286-6669 or visit www.hillelsv.org.

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p wer of women On April 14, over 200 women came together to hear Jane Weitzman speak and learn about the impact their gifts have on our community. The Power of Women event was chaired by Susie Brenner and Ruth Litwin and featured beautiful speeches, delectable desserts, and good company.

In coordination with the event, Women’s Philanthopy (WP) Social Action Chair Marcia Klein organized a shoe drive to benefit local children. The goal was to raise enough money to purchase 101 pairs of shoes. The generosity of the community exceeded expectations and enough funds were raised for nearly 200 pairs of shoes!

The shoes were distributed to elementary-age children in a Campbell and San Jose school, and the remaining funds were donated to Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley to provide footwear for their young clients. Mazel tov on a job well done!

Women’s Philanthropy (WP) is a division of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley. WP holds social, educational and cultural events, and offers a place for all women interested in Jewish community and Jewish philanthropy. Women’s Philanthropy works to strengthen, repair and promote the vibrancy of the Jewish community in Silicon Valley, Israel and around the world. For more information on events or ways to get involved, contact Michelle Nathanson at (408) 357-7508.

WP President Alyssia Berkowitz with Campaign VP Susan Gavens

Sylvia Metz and Guest Speaker Jane Weitzman

Janet Berg Award winner Rita Jacobson with Janet Berg

Event Chairs Susie Brenner and Ruth Litwin

Rachael Berman-Huck, Lottie Monarch, and Eric Goncharoff

Event Co-Chair Ruth Litwin with Social Action Chair Marcia Klein

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Jewish Professional Directory Attorneys

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Judith Navi Douglass

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Michael W. Malter

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

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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist 3880 S.3880 Bascom Ave., Suite S. Bascom Ave., 216 Suite 216 San Jose, 95124 SanCA Jose, CA 95124 408 596-4810 408 596-4810 Web: janiceleeshapiro.com Web: janiceleeshapiro.com Welcomes individuals, couples and families Welcomes individuals, couples and families No. LMFT86051 LicenseLicense No. LMFT86051 j

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Carol Elias Zolla

16450 Los Gatos Boulevard, Suite 209, Los Gatos, CA 95032 Tel: 408-358-6900 carol@zollalawfirm.com www.zollalawfirm.com Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law. The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.

Audiology Marni Novick, AuD

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Silicon Valley Hearing, Inc. 340 Dardanelli Lane, Suite 22 Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 540-7128 drnovick@siliconvalleyhearing.com siliconvalleyhearing.com Our Doctor of Audiology’s own experience with hearing loss led her to help others improve their hearing and well-being. Our services include comprehensive diagnostic hearing evaluations, hearing aid consultations, and tinnitus evaluations and management.

Miri Bialik BRE:01164715

Real Estate Broker Associate at Intero Real Estate Services A Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate Eco Broker,*Senior Residents Specialist* Zillow Premier Agent* Top Producer.

Office: 650-947-4672 Cell: 408-315-6555 Always at your service

Financial Services Orna & Ruben Yomtoubian

Shannon Stein

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

Real Estate & Financial Services

10 Almaden Blvd., 15th Floor, San Jose, CA 95113

www.werbarubin.com

Buying or Selling a Home shouldn't be like finding your way through a Maze

Let the Urban Team show YOU the way!

Call today 650.305.1111 &/or join Avi’s real estate seminar

650and408homes.com

Avi Urban | CalBRE# 01485729 | EE, Real Estate Consultant

888-360-3337 Orna@ORNA.com www.ORNA.com Full Service Discount Commission Realty Broker/Owner BS, MS, MIS, Finance www.aDiscountRealty.com • 1% Listing Broker Commission • I pay all my Buyer’s Closing Costs* • Free Appraisal & Home Warranty • JCC Donation per Transaction www.aDiscountMortgage.com • 30 Years Fixed Conforming No Fee Loan 3.5% APR • No Upfront Fees, No Fee Loans, $417K> Loan>$250K Real Estate #01098186, Mortgage #NMLS31413, Appraisal #AL029181

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 Leonard W. Williams, CPA

A Professional Corporation 1307 S. Mary Ave., Suite 250; Sunnyvale (408) 736-1566 www.LWWilliamsCPA.com Leonard W. Williams, CPA; Bruce Pajak, CPA; Amy Chou, CPA; Brenda L. George, EA; Sue Conners, EA; Joanne Westendorf, EA; Daisy Blake, EA Tax Planning & Return Preparation for Individuals, Trusts & Estates.

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

www.jvalley.org

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Plea se jo in u s!

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Annual Meeting Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley Wednesday, June 22, 2016 6 PM $10/person (includes dinner) APJCC Auditorium @ the Levy Family Campus 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos

Leadership Awards Welcome 2017 board Giving Circle Awards Learn about the impact of your dollar

RSVP at www.jvalley.org/2016 Info: (408) 358-3033

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