May 2012

JValley news May 2012

local organizations experience leadership change

yavneh celebrates 30 years apjcc announces teen idol winners emanu-el students learn from couple married 60 years Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley 14855 Oka Rd. Suite 200 Los Gatos, CA 95032 Change Service Requested

Published by the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley Vol. #83 Issue #1, May 2012

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

Stimulate Your Brain and Enrich Your Soul Services Shavuot Confirmation, May 26th No Shush Shabbat, June 1st Services At Sanborne Park on July 21st - Welcome Rabbi Lobel

Classes Baby is a Blessing. 3 part workshop for expectant parents focusing on Jewish spirituality, starting May 29th 2012 - 2013 Religious School Registration Sign up for religious school now. Registration for Religious School, Hebrew School, Hebrew High, Confirmation, and monthly 11th - 12th grade program is now open.

Grandparents Circle, for Jewish grandparents whose adult children have intermarried, July 15th

Celebrations Farewell party for Rabbi Fleekop, May 20th Jewish heritage night at Oakland A’s baseball, June 19th

For more information on services, programs and adult ed please visit shirhadash.org

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

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

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

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS: Pat Bergman Kay Gatell

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

SIMCHAS: Andrea Greyber agreyber@yahoo.com

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

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

All articles must be submitted typed, double-spaced. We reserve the right to edit all copy. JValley.news is not responsible for the content of paid advertising.

from the ceo Spring is a season where we often see change. As nature bursts to life with plants and flowers and the sun begins to shine, people have forever taken this time to reevaluate life. This spring we are seeing many changes in our local Jewish organizations as the current leaders retire from their postions and new individuals take charge. Our local JCC and Hillel are both welcoming new directors this summer, and Congregation Shir Hadash has hired a new rabbi to handle family programming. In addition, this is also the time of year that the Federation embraces the newest board members.

Steve Ellenberg, our current chairman, will be exiting this role and on June 26 we will welcome a new chair and board.

As you thumb through this issue, read about the changes in our community and think about the changes in your life.

Spring is a beautiful season for renewal and redesign. What in your life would you like to focus on this season? jyl jurman Federation CEO

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

content

CANDLELIGHTING San Jose, CA

Local Highlights Young Adults come together for Shabbat Beth David’s Hamantaschen Ball Hadassah celebrates 100 years APJCC announces teen idol winners Emanu-El Art Exhibit Shir Hadash Rabbi Fleekop moving on Connection with spirituality when expecting Jewish Film Festival welcomes director Students learn from couple married 60 years Free pool parties at APJCC Am Echad honors rabbi and rebbetzin

Special Coverage 7 7 7 7 9 9 12 12 15 15 20

Yavneh celebrates 30 years The Cuban Jewish community Mayim Bialik visits Los Gatos mikvah Change in current leadership Synagogues collaborate for Shavu’ot learning Reflections from a Yom HaShoah experience Emanu-El celebrates 150 years

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Fri., May 18...........................7:54 p.m.

Fri., May 25...........................8:00 p.m.

First Night of Shavuot Sat., May 26..............after 9:04 p.m.

Second Night of Shavuot Sun., May 27............after 9:05 p.m.

Fri., Jun 1...............................8:05 p.m.

Fri., Jun 8...............................8:09 p.m.

Fri., Jun 15............................8:12 p.m.

Fri., Jun 22............................8:14 p.m.

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Fri., Jul 6................................8:13 p.m.

Fri., Jul 13.............................8:11 p.m.

Fri., Jul 20.............................8:07 p.m.

Fri., Jul 27.............................8:01 p.m.

In Every Issue Community Photos Ask the Rabbi Simchas Datebook Obituaries Professional Directory www.jvalley.org

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c mmunity photos

Yavneh’s Kitah Bet assisted the San Jose City Council in proclaiming May as Jewish American Heritage Month. The students led the crowd in singing the National Anthem and Hatikvah. In addition the students entertained the audiance with the presentation of The Hope. Kol HaKavod Kitah Bet.

Jacob and Nathan Fernandez at the APJCC’s Chocolate Seder

Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley

“Small Plates, High Spirits, and All That Jazz” was attended by nearly 200 people and raised $60,000 for Project N.O.A.H.

Bettina Rosenberg, Don Gould and Rhonda Raider enjoy themselves at Small Plates Jim Codik and Ruth Miller

Event chair Daniela Silverstein and JFS President Seth Silverstein

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Seth posing with the classic car.

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

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

Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley

Annual Meeting

Join us on Tuesday, June 26 at 6 p.m. for a poolside BBQ dinner at the Levy Family Campus.

We will honor outgoing board members and welcome incoming board members. $10 Dinner

Please RSVP by June 20 at www.jvalley.org or 408.358.3033

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Congregation Beth David's Hamantaschen Ball a Swinging Success Congregation Beth David members and guests danced the night away on Saturday, March 10, at Beth David's Hamantaschen Ball. A mirrored disco ball hanging over the dance floor and candles flickering on the tables helped transform Beth David's social hall into a makeshift night club.

Wally's Cocktail Combo provided live music from the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, enticing the crowd onto the dance floor to foxtrot and jitterbug. They even threw in a hora for good measure.

Gourmet kosher appetizers and desserts abounded, along with flowing wine and beer. Carol Osofsky created several varieties of delicate mamoul cookies, a traditional Middle Eastern Purim dessert and Rabbi Shoshona Ohriner crafted the Ball's signature hamantaschen.

Raffle drawings dotted the event, with guests winning gift bottles of wine, a picnic basket, and a CD from the band. The grand prize of the evening was a complimentary night's stay at the downtown San Jose Fairmont Hotel.

Over 80 people, representing a wide age range, attended the Hamantaschen Ball. Some dressed up in costume, others dressed up for a night on the town, but they all enjoyed the evening. Susannah Pfalzer, said, "It was a fabulous evening - great music, food, and fun." Wendy Glasser added, "The band was great and the people were fun. I hope we can do this again next year."

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Hadassah celebrates 100 years in style

To celebrate Hadassah's 100th Birthday, Sharone invites you to attend a delicious brunch, including a performance by the Klezmakers and an entertaining lecture by Dr. Ed Emanuel. The event, “The Centennial Cabaret”, will be held on Sunday, June 3, at Michael’s Restaurant at Shoreline in Mountain View, beginning at 10 a.m. The Klezmakers Band will entertain you with joyous and heartfelt Jewish music. You may even want to get up and dance. They have been featured at Jewish events all over the Bay Area.

Dr. Ed Emanuel will be speaking about "A Century of Jewish Celebrities." He will be sharing amazing stories about how a few affected the lives of so many. Dr. Emanuel is a professor in Theater Arts. He was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and a TV Emmy, and was awarded the Gold Metal of Performance by the John F. Kennedy Center of Performing Arts.

An opportunity to "Shop till you Drop" with our jewelry and cosmetic vendors begins at 10 a.m., including a gift card raffle. All funds raised will be supporting the new Sarah Wetsman Davidson Hospital Tower, which just opened to patients last month at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem, Israel.

For additional information about the Cabaret, please contact Bette Emanuel at betteemanuel@att.net or Barb Green at greenbarb45@gmail.com.

APJCC announces Teen Idol winners

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A standing-room only crowd turned out to watch the South Bay Teen Idol finals at the Addison-Penzak JCC on March 31. Ten local teen vocalists competed for the Teen Idol crown in a competition modeled on American Idol. Casey Rico, a junior at Silver Creek High School, won a $2,500 scholarship for herself and $500 for her school with her rendition of the song "Good Morning Baltimore" from the musical Hairspray. The 1st runner-up was Sanjana Shukla, a junior at Saratoga High School ($1,500 scholarship), and the 2nd runner-up was Dana Cullinane, a Dana Cullinane (2nd runner-up), Casey Rico (winner), junior at Los Sanjana Shukla (1st runner-up) Gatos High School ($500 scholarship).

The ten teens were the top performers from a field of 60 youths who auditioned and 20 who participated in the semi-finals. Proceeds from the event benefitted the APJCC. The JCC would like to thank the event’s corporate sponsors, including (in order of sponsorship) Wells Fargo Bank, Arcadia Homes, Coldwell Banker Previews, Bank of the West, Union Bank, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Cypress Ridge Solutions, and Intero Real Estate Services.

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So your family is growing?

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

Our Shalom Baby program delivers a special gift bag to you either at the hospital or at home.

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

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l cal news

Temple Emanu-El Religious School art exhibit honors 150th year

Temple Emanu-El’s Religious School Art Specialist for the past 11 years, Deborah Jacobstein, spearheaded a Student Art Exhibit to honor Temple Emanu-El’s 150th year and the current Torah Project. During Temple Emanu-El’s Torah Project, called Torah L’Dor V’Dor or Torah from Generation to Generation, congregants and others are writing a Torah to honor the 150th year of the oldest Reform Jewish synagogue in Santa Clara County. The new Torah will be presented to Temple Emanu-El congregants as a gift that will last for the next 150 years and beyond.

The Religious School Student Art Exhibit was on display in March at Temple Emanu-El and received rave reviews. This exhibit, highlighting Deborah’s work with the students, was featured in a Resource Area For Teaching (RAFT) blog which is printed below. Also included on this page are some of the comments which answered “What I liked best…” RAFT’s main focus is to inspire, engage and educate children through the power of hands-on teaching. The article was written by Radha Ravi and the pictures were taken by Kevin Tsukii.

“The wonderful variety of projects presented. The elements of art are honored through meaningful topics of Judaism...It’s spectacular....Thank you so much for bringing Judaism alive through art. This is a very special show. Do it every year!” - Lisa Pupkin, 3/25/12 “I so appreciated the diversity, creativity, and heart of this wonderful exhibit. I loved it!!!” - Lorraine Gabbert, 3/25/12

Deborah Jacobstein proudly displays her students’ art works made with RAFT “I am so grateful to all of you, who have - with all your talent, love and devotion, given a new “tomorrow” materials!

to our glorious traditions and our precious TORAH.” “This is Living / Loving Torah. I hope to continue to be worthy of your hopes and dreams. Thank you so much. Love, Sofer Neil” - Neil H. Yerman, Sofer, 3/24/12 “The time and detail and care that went into each art creation are incredible. The information, history, and significance of each piece were clearly explained and very interesting to someone who does not know enough about the Jewish religion. These art displays were incredible.” - Phil Kabour, 3/18/12 ✓Fine Furniture ✓Carpet ✓Hardwood ✓Laminate ✓Linoleum ✓Cork & more ✓Window Coverings ✓Hunter Douglas Tues.-Fri. 9-5:30 Sat. 9-5:00

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Change in the air at Congregation Shir Hadash After seven years as the assistant then associate rabbi for Congregation Shir Hadash, Rabbi Joel Fleekop is moving on to assume his own pulpit in Pensacola, Florida.

During his time at Shir Hadash, Rabbi Fleekop focused on social justice issues and on the development of a greater welcome for 20- and 30-year-olds. He was instrumental in the introduction of Shir Hadash’s New Song membership; this program allows young couples to join the congregation for $36 the first year, moving up to regular fair share dues as they approach 35 years of age.

Rabbi Fleekop also promoted the use of technology as a way to enhance our services.

For example, he suggested that the congregation use a projected service for the No Shush Shabbat as well as the use of video technology to bring members closer in to the Torah reading at such well attended services as Simchat Torah. Rabbi Fleekop and his wife Andrea had two children during their years in Silicon Valley, daughters Yael and Maya.

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Current President of Congregation Shir Hadash Bruce Hartman said, “Rabbi Fleekop has been wonderful for us. He has been instrumental in making our community a warm and welcoming place and forming stronger connections to our youth and younger members. We will dearly miss him as a rabbi, a community leader and a friend.”

Rabbi Aron commented, “Rabbi Fleekop cared deeply about our members and about his service to the community. His sermons often had a unique perspective and he found the most wonderful examples to integrate into his message.”

This July Congregation Shir Hadash will be welcoming a new associate rabbi, Rabbi Josh Lobel.

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mayim bialik

A very enthusiastic and full auditorium of community members at the Levy Family Campus greeted Dr. Mayim Bialik when she spoke on behalf of the Jewish Community Mikvah on May 6. Dr. Bialik turned a curiosity to learn about immersion in the Mikvah before her wedding into a personal commitment to observe the Mitzvah of Mikvah. She described how regular immersion in the Mikvah adds a personal dimension of both holiness and dignity to her life. She also shared how interesting and unusual it has been to seek out Mikvaot in which to immerse all over the world. Dr. Bialik, in a humorous, very personable and warm way, described her path to greater Jewish awareness and observance and spoke of juggling a traditional Jewish life with taping a hit television series. She also attributed her early positive Jewish connections to camps and programs presented by Jewish Federation.

A gorgeous sculpture and art piece for the Mikvah was unveiled during the program. Metal sculptor Joyce Steinfeld contributed the art which was inspired by the spirituality of the Mikvah experience and her visit to the Mikvah at Massada, in Israel.

Dr. Bialik took numerous questions from the attendees who enjoyed taste treats prepared by members of the Mikvah Steering Committee and allowed for time for photos and autographs. Kamran Zohoori of Picture 2000, gave his time and creative expertise to photographing the event.

Before her talk, Dr. Bialik shared lunch with sponsors of the event, Dana and Haim Hellman, Helaine Green, Deborah Zimmer, Jan Rose, Cynthia Levinson, her daughter Rayna, Rabbi Leslie Alexander and Dr. Ken Aitchison. Additonal sponsor Alisa Goldberg could not attend.

After the program, Dr. Bialik took the time to meet and speak specifically with high school and college students from the area.

She both tweeted and posted comments on Facebook about her enjoyment in speaking for the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley Community Mikvah. Everyone was delighted that she had a good time, because those who attended tremendously enjoyed Rabbi Leslie Alexander with sculptor Joyce it as well.

Steinfeld and new Mikvah art

Liz Shivell with Mikvah Steering Committee Chair Deborah Zimmer and Mayim Bialik

Chair of Mikvah Operations, Jan Rose

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summer Temple Emanu-El Religious School sixth-graders learn from couple married 60 years

By Lori Telson Temple Emanu-El’s Religious School sixth graders learn all about Jewish life cycles. The students and teacher Ruth Pangilinan talk about everything from Brit Milah to a Jewish burial. However, when it’s time to learn about a Jewish wedding, the students participate in a real ceremony.

Fifteen years ago Paula Marsh, Temple Emanu-El’s Religious School principal, started a tradition of having a Temple Emanu-El couple married close to 50 years or more renew their vows in a chuppah-holding wedding ceremony. Rabbi Dana Magat and Cantor Meeka Simerly now officiate. The first year this ritual began Temple Emanu-El held a double wedding with couples Henrietta and Sam Mintzer and Betty and Leo Rinsler. Unfortunately, Leo is the only one still with us today. Rabbi Mark Schiftan officiated at that ceremony where the two couples on the bimah represented more than 110 years of wedded bliss. Each year during this ritual students learn the Jewish customs for a wedding but also get answers to questions such as "What's most important in a relationship?" and "What makes a successful marriage?"

This year, on May 6, the couple renewing their vows was Rubin & Arlene Jurman. Rubin Jurman’s answer to “What makes a successful marriage?” is “Learn to keep your mouth shut. It doesn’t mean a darn thing if you are right or wrong.”

The Jurmans have been married 60 years. Arlene was born in San Jose and Rubin moved here when he was 2-years-old. Arlene grew up in the Rose Garden area and attended the neighborhood schools.

Rubin and Arlene met in San Francisco at a kosher restaurant when she was 15 and he was about 22, he said. Rubin calls himself a former "prune picker" who started out poor. He had a scrap metal business for years and has done well. So well in fact that he now collects Rolls Royces. He owns a Rolls that belonged to Bing Crosby and the one that was in the "Great Gatsby" movie driven by Robert Redford.

The Jurmans had two daughters and one son, but sadly lost one daughter to cancer. They have “a lot” of grandkids and great-grandkids. They enjoy their life in the Bay Area and feel fortunate to be able to boast of very close friendships that have lasted for 70 years.

The Jurmans enjoyed meeting with the sixth graders at Temple Emanu-El’s Religious School. In turn, the sixth graders were excited to meet the Jurmans and help plan their wedding.

“It’s a big deal and really the highlight for the school year for our class,” said Pangilinan.

Rosa Bencuya

Save the Date for Free Pool Parties at the JCC Each summer, the Addison-Penzak JCC hosts free “Float Night” pool parties for the community. Nonmembers are admitted free to the pool on Float Nights. Floatation devices are allowed in the pool (such as inner tubes and rafts, but no water wings), all kinds of games and activities are set up on the field, and picnic dinners are available for purchase.

This year’s Float Nights are Wednesday, June 20 and Wednesday, August 1, from 5-8 p.m.

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

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l cal news Connecting with your Jewish spirituality when you are expecting There are so many things to think about when you are expecting or about to adopt, but thinking about your connection with the Jewish community and exploring your spirituality is generally not the first thing expectant parents focus on. Parents who are planning for the addition of a child to their family tend to focus on preparing for the physical part of the birth or the preparing the room where the child will sleep.

However, many expectant parents don’t consider the spiritual side of welcoming their new baby until it is time to pick a name or plan a bris. The larger questions of how they will fit into the surrounding Jewish community may be postponed until the child is in preschool or even older.

Now, a new workshop that will be led by Rabbi Lisa Levenberg of Congregation Shir Hadash will help expectant parents focus on their connection with the Jewish community. The workshop, which is called “Baby is a Blessing,” will take place over 3 sessions in May and June; it will use Jewish text and stories to help participants think about topics such as picking a name for the baby, holding a ceremony to welcome the infant and the benefits of being part of the strong support network that the local Jewish community provides.

Rabbi Levenberg is very excited to be bringing this course to the Jewish community in the South Bay. She said that the workshop will be very participatory. “In addition to examining Jewish sources, expectant parents will be encouraged to share their own memories, hopes and expectations. They will be discussing what Jewish values they want to have at the center of their parenting experience.”

Becoming a parent can be both exciting and stressful. The goal of the workshop is to show soon-to-be parents how the support they can draw from the Jewish community can help them cope with the stress and enjoy the joy of welcoming a new child into their family.

The workshop, which is open to the community, will be offered May 29, June 5 and June 12 at Congregation Shir Hadash in Los Gatos. Call the temple office, (408) 358-1751, to get more details.

Meet Tzvia Shelef, the Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival's executive director The Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival's new executive director has had an impressive career in television and movie production. Tzvia Shelef produced 600 television commercials for a large advertising agency in Israel and prior to her agency work, Tzvia served as an assistant director for numerous Israeli film productions, as well as Hollywood movies shot in Israel.

The most famous of these American films was the Steven Spielberg film "Schindler's List" in which she was responsible for all coordination and logistics to help bring in the "Schindler survivors" from around the world for the final scene of the movie. She also worked on American "action" films whose stars included Chuck Norris and Jean-Claude Van Damme.

Following her work in film, Tzvia joined Channel 2 in Israel, coordinating and producing drama and comedy television shows.

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Once in the U.S., she was an executive producer for KQED public television in San Francisco, where she was involved in fundraising and sponsorships to pay for the production of shows. Aside from her professional accomplishments, Tzvia is passionate and enthusiastic about film, and she told the audience at the 20th Annual Opening Night that the SVJFF executive director position is her "dream job".

On a personal note, Tzvia was born in Canada before making aliyah with her family when she was six-years-old. She and her husband, Reuven, now live in Sunnyvale with their two children, Ron and Shir.

To contact Tzvia, please send an email to info@svjff.org.

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guest writers Copacabana to cantillation: The Cuban Jewish Community

By Kitty Steinborn Landing in the tiny airport in Havana, Cuba, I was the only one in the group whose luggage customs officials pulled aside to inspect. I had one suitcase packed to bursting, filled with donations headed for Temple Beth Shalom, the largest synagogue in Cuba. What were the officers so concerned about? The baggage x-rays showed what appeared to be a stack of pamphlets. Making sure that I wasn’t bringing in anti-Castro literature, the officers went though the contents: medicines, vitamins, toothbrushes and toothpaste, baseballs, boxes of crayons and pencils and twenty booklets of paper for children to create their own art. Marveling at the quantity of colored pencils, gazing longingly at the baseballs, and having checked every blank page, they reluctantly zipped up the bag and waved me on.

There are Jews in Cuba? You can go legally to Cuba? These are the questions I was repeatedly asked by my friends before I departed with my grown son and daughter on a licensed cultural exchange trip to Cuba this April. Of course! Don’t you know that the Jewish people are everywhere! And humanitarian trips to Cuba by Jewish organizations were some of the first allowed since Fidel Castro came to power in 1959.

Christopher Columbus sailed to Cuba in 1492, the year of the Jewish expulsion from Spain, and it is thought that there were Marranos, Jews forced to convert to Christianity, among his crew. Escaping from persecution and seeking economic opportunity, Jews immigrated to Cuba beginning in the 16th century. Finding good weather and little persecution, many stayed, began businesses and were successful in the sugar cane trade and tobacco farming. The last wave of immigration occurred in the 1940s, as Jews escaping the Holocaust were able to find refuge in Cuba. At its height, the Jewish population in Cuba reached close to 30,000 individuals. After WWII, many Jews left Cuba for the USA, but 12,000 remained.

When Fidel Castro came to power in 1959, most of the Jews left, not because of anti-Semitism, but due to the nationalization of all religious properties and private businesses. The newly built Beth Shalom Synagogue fell into disuse and disrepair. Today, only about 1,500 people claiming Jewish heritage remain throughout the island. It is this tiny community that I came to see.

In Havana, there are Sephardic, Orthodox and Conservative congregations. Temple Beth Shalom is the largest, with 300 members. This community has risen to become a vibrant center of Jewish life since the Cuban government passed a law in 1991 allowing participation in religious associations. I arrived on the second day of Passover, and a handsome young man with bronze skin and gelled jet-black hair gave us a tour. Over 100 people had joined in the Seder the night before in the social hall, he announced proudly. Each year before Passover, a shipping container arrives from Canada, filled with matzot, matzo meal, Pesach wine and all the necessities for celebration by all the Jews in Cuba. Volunteers from Beth Shalom drive the long distances throughout the island to bring supplies to every remote location in need.

Cuban synagogue Inside the spacious sanctuary, a Bar Mitzvah was practicing his Torah portion as light poured in from high windows. Recently beautifully restored with generous donations from the U.S., the upstairs former women’s balcony was converted into a religious school and a pharmacy where Jewish doctors dispense free medicines donated by individuals and the Joint Distribution Committee. I delivered my medical supplies at the door.

In the lobby Raul Castro is depicted lighting a Hanukkia with a young girl in a photo. Israeli folk dancing, a popular activity at Beth Shalom, plays on a video, showing the enthusiasm of the dancers. The center also sponsors a football (soccer) team. “We play to win against the Christian team, but off the field, we are all friends,” says our guide. Downstairs, adjacent to the social hall, is a large Judaic library where I met the dynamic young woman who runs the religious program. Paper and any imported goods are hard to get and expensive, so I gave her the supplies I brought.

Why go to Cuba? Great music and arts, friendly people and warm weather to chase the winter blues! There are many tours licensed by the U.S. government: cultural exchange trips that can feature arts, culture or Jewish life and history. While you are enjoying a sunny holiday, you can also perform a great mitzvah. Communist economic policies combined with the U.S. embargo have made Cuba very poor. Beth Shalom provides weekly meals for the elderly who scrape by on $12 per month. The Cuban peso will not buy chicken or beef, so foreign currency is required to purchase food items needed to provide basic nutrition for seniors. Despite being a nation that boasts of its socialized medicine, it is extremely difficult for Cuba’s citizens to obtain clothing and medicine.

As you pack your bags with your salsa dancing shoes and your digital camera to capture the fascinating sights of a country in a 1950s time capsule — Chevrolets plying the streets as taxis, horse drawn wagons bringing fresh organic produce to every corner, practitioners of Santeria dressed in white, kids everywhere playing soccer and baseball in parks and alleys — remember our Havarim marooned on a green tropical island in a sparkling blue sea. Witness this remarkable community insistent on preserving this small outpost of Jewish life, enriching their lives and your own.

Questions? Contact Catherine Steinborn at csdds@cathrinesteinborn.com 13

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To the next 30 years: Yavneh Day School celebrates momentous anniversary This year marks Yavneh Day School’s 30th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, celebrations have been taking place within the school and the Jewish community. Students create moving presentations to commemorate the 30th anniversary.

On Friday, March 16, the entire Yavneh student body and faculty gathered for a special Kabbalat Shabbat. Each class composed a unique tribute dedicated to the school’s 30 years. Students, employing their creativity, skill, and heart, put forth amazing presentations that told of what Yavneh means to them. For example, the second grade class created a 30-page, accordion-style book entitled “We Are Yavneh.” Filling the pages were students’ own sentiments about the school such as “We believe in each other.”

Yavneh’s Most Excellent Adventure The anniversary celebration continued on the following Sunday with an ‘80s theme party and fundraiser, “Yavneh’s Most Excellent Adventure.” RSVPs returned at an overwhelming rate and the tickets sold out more than two weeks before the party with a far greater number of attendees than anticipated. Organizing the party incorporated a remarkable show of community support which Kitah Alef--Why We Love Yavneh helped make the event one of the most well attended and successful events, not just of the school, but of the local Jewish community.

Commenting on the party atmosphere, Head of School for Yavneh Steve Bogad said, “There is a special feeling here tonight, one of energy and excitement, community and Kitah Bet--We are Yavneh belonging, and pride. It is wonderful to see a convergence of Yavneh communities from past and present. This energy is something that comes from the students who display this feeling all year long, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

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The event drew decades of Yavneh supporters, from current and former board members, current and former school parents, staff, teachers, and many

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l cal news

others in the Jewish community. This group included: Rabbi Jerry Danzig, a Yavneh founding member; Bonnie Slavitt Moore, Yavneh’s first head of school; Jyl Jurman, the CEO of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley; Hal Bordy, the CEO of the APJCC; Steve Ellenberg, president of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley; Judy Levin, president of the JCC Board of Directors; Cyndi Sherman, director of the JCC Early Childhood Center; Jeff Rosen, the district attorney of Santa Clara County; and Rabbis Leslie Alexander, Josh Berkenwald, and Adam Rosenwasser.

The party kicked off with a lively and popular silent auction which included items such as a trip to Cabo, a hand-crafted copper Hannukiah, and aquarium passes. Crowds gathered around each auction item bidding and showing their support for Yavneh as well as their interest in the many wonderful items from generous donors.

After the auction and an elegant dinner, presentations were made to the evening’s honorees which included Yavneh’s past presidents of the board of trustees: Cheryl Bader, Joel Rubnitz, Susan Ellenberg, Mishy Balaban, Karen Ceppos, Barb Tobias-Chappell, Phil Kipnis, Michael Leitner, Art Brodie, Cyndi Sherman, Howard Klein, Sandy Mayer, Lynda Kleinman and Ted Stengel. The group was recognized for their support, guidance, and leadership over Yavneh’s 30-year history.

Rabbi Laurie Hahn Tapper, Yavneh’s director of Jewish Studies and school rabbi, Past presidents of the Board of Trustees addressed the honorees as they came up to light a candle: “For Yavneh to have reached our 30th year, and us to continue for another 30, it has required and will continue to require the heart-inspired involvement of all of its members, as well as all of our skillful and inspired leaders. They have given us true gifts from their hearts and played a major role in building our community. In your work as presidents of the Yavneh Board of Trustees, you have helped to illuminate the souls of our students, the words of Torah, and the performance of mitzvot and good deeds in our community.”

Also being honored was Ilana Friedlander, Yavneh’s much-loved Hebrew and Jewish Studies teacher for the past 22 years. Morah Ilana joined the Yavneh faculty in 1991 as a part-time Jewish Studies teacher in first grade.

Currently, she is the Hebrew Language coordinator for the school as well as a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade Hebrew and Jewish studies teacher. After a touching tribute, Ilana addressed the audience, “Yavneh has always been my home away from Israel. This honor isn’t just for me. It’s an expression of your appreciation and gratitude for every Yavneh teacher’s hard work. I’m grateful for reaching this moment, and I’m looking forward to many more years of teaching, maybe another 22??” Steve Bogad noted, “Hundreds of children have passed through Ilana’s classroom. She is a gifted teacher and a wonderful colleague, and I honor her.”

Helping to make the evening a rare and special occasion was the tremendous work of Yavneh parents Andrea Rubnitz and Sandi Gaertner along with the “Totally Tubular 30th Team.” They worked hard orchestrating all the Michele Myron with honoree Ilana Friedlander party details from the auction to the decor to themed cocktails with names like “The Miami Vice” and “The Valley Girl.”

Looking to the future Yavneh Day School has covered a lot of ground in the past three decades. They offer rich programming that incorporates art, music, technology, Hebrew language, physical education and science lab into the daily and weekly schedule. Recently, Yavneh adopted the highly acclaimed Singapore Math curriculum, setting it apart from other schools in the area.

Israeli dancing

Speaking of the school’s 30-year history, Steve Bogad comments, “Yavneh was founded with the belief that this school would embody the best of general education with the richness of our Tradition. Thirty years later the message of Think, Care, Belong is a strong legacy that we carry and that guides us.”

Here’s to the next 30 years! *Photos by Kamram Zohoori www.jvalley.org

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l cal news Fond farewell or we farewell from them

By Arielle Hendel In June, two major, valued members of our Jewish communal professional community retire. Hal Bordy is retiring from his position as the Chief Executive Officer of Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center and Sue Maltiel, the Executive Director of the Hillel of Silicon Valley is also retiring. Our community thanks both Hal and Sue for their extraordinary contributions to building our local Jewish community.

Recently, I spoke with both Hal and Sue to talk to them about their tenure and legacy. Interestingly enough, both of them have been working in their current positions for the same amount of time. Neither of them will stray far from the passion of Jewish communal life which drove them to achieve so much in our community. Both agencies have hired people to work in these vacated positions.

Hal Bordy Hal Bordy came eight years ago to the APJCC from Winnipeg, Canada. In Winnipeg, Hal was instrumental in building the Jewish community center there. Accordingly, he is proud that his professional focus has been on developing the infrastructure and programming to establish JCC’s. Under his watch, the APJCC has grown from about 800 members to over 4,200 and from an annual budget of $1.5MM to an annual budget of $7.5MM which underscores the significant growth the center has experienced. In addition to the growth of the membership, Hal is proud of his development of the Center for Jewish Life and Learning at the APJCC. He values the CJLL for its ability to educate the community in Jewish literature, cultural and heritage. Hal is also excited that the APJCC is looking at expanding its programs “beyond its walls.” He hopes that the warmth exuded in the APJCC can carry to expanded programs in the community. “When you come into the building, we are distinguished by our welcoming and warmth – I value that we are not just a place people come to work out but a place for families and friends to meet and ‘do’ together. It is very satisfying to me,” says Bordy.

Prior to coming to Los Gatos, Hal spent over 35 years as a Jewish communal professional in a variety of leadership roles with BBYO, Hillel and JCC’s. He explains he came ‘accidentally’ to his calling as a Jewish communal professional. Originally he studied to be in the Foreign Service and holds a Masters in Slavic Studies from the Iowa State University. He was doing a stint as a youth advisor in Kansas City where his career took off and where he met his wife, Cheryl. Hal has held leadership roles in Kansas City, Missouri, Cleveland, Ohio (twice), San Francisco, California, Chicago, Illinois, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Miami,Florida, Winnipeg, Canada and Los Gatos, California.

Hal and Cheryl will be moving back to where they met, Kansas City to be closer to family and friends. It will also be a closer plane ride for them to New York where their daughter, Dr. Lana Bordy lives with her husband, Zalmy Schapiro.

Sue Maltiel Sue Maltiel came to her career at Hillel through her many and myriad ‘professional’ volunteer jobs.

Before she married her husband, Ron and chose to stay home with their children, Rachael, Tamara and Eric, Sue worked in the corporate world in finance, mergers and acquisitions and accounting. When the children were young, Sue worked part-time in a variety of jobs. Just to name a few, Sue taught at the MBA program at Golden Gate University; was the winter administrator for Camp Swig; volunteered to organize the Federation’s Yom HaAtzmeut celebrations; and, volunteered with the Jewish Community Relations Council by organized the Israel 101 class for the community. While she was busy with all these roles, Sue also earned a designation as a Jewish Family Educator from the Bureau of Jewish Education and, as a spokesperson for Israel through a program of the Israel Interior Ministry. Sue describes herself as an ‘avid Zionist’. She says all of these jobs and passions prepared her for the role of Hillel Executive Director.

When asked what she was most proud of, Maltiel says,” I am most proud of bringing Hillel to the next level. We have a beautiful new facility and home and have become a fiscally responsible organization. All this makes us so much stronger as an organization to reach and serve more of the local Jewish college students. They truly are the future of our Jewish community.” She thoroughly credits her team of staff and volunteers who worked to achieve this goal. Sue says she will miss the students, staff, and volunteers the most on a daily basis. She thoroughly enjoyed shepherding the college students and watching them connect to Judaism and Israel on their own terms and through their own experiences. She cautions, with a smile, that she will not be completely disengaging. Sue wants to continue to be involved ---as a volunteer.

Sue looks forward to spending more time traveling, including trips to Israel where her daughter Tamara lives. She expects to become a regular at the APJCC as she just won a membership in Hillel’s silent auction as well as becoming proficient at Mah Jongg – which she is just learning how to play.

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Local synagogues collaborate for Shavu’ot learning

By Rabbi James Greene

Shavu’ot powerful experience. It is said that at midnight, the heavens open, and one can get a glimpse of the heavenly court. Something really special happens when you learn all the way to midnight or beyond. If you have never participated in a Tikkun Leyl Shavu’ot, I really want to encourage you to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity. Plus, the cheesecake calories don’t count.”

In case you think studying on Shavu’ot is boring, check out some of these Learners who come to the study sessions will have the opportunity to offerings: engage in many different styles of learning: active sessions and more intense study sessions, large group learning and more intimate pairings • “Revelation and the Grateful Dead” where participants will be able to get to know one another. Rabbi • “The Power of Words” Melanie Aron of Congregation Shir Hadash reflected on the depth of • “Torah Tai-Chi” learning, saying that “studying with someone in hevrutah, pairs of two, or • “Memories of Revelation on Memorial Day” in a small group, is a great way to get to know another person. Too often we are segregated into different silos, Reform Jews here, Conservative Shavu’ot is a holiday often associated with dairy foods and late-night study. But, as Rabbi James Greene, a rabbi at the Addison-Penzak Jewish Jews there. The Tikkun Leyl Shavu’ot community study events are Community Center notes, it has often been a holiday that each synagogue opportunities to broaden one’s horizons, and really talk with someone who comes to their Judaism from a different perspective.” observed individually. “When I was growing up every shul had their own Shavu’ot program and we rarely found non-members attending. It is lovely to see all the congregations in the Silicon Valley working together This year, Congregations Beth David and Shir Hadash will host one Tikkun Leyl Shavu’ot session at Congregation Beth David. Congregation to build a community-wide study program!”

Sinai and Temple Emanu-El will partner on a second site at Congregation Sinai. By hosting two different sites throughout the evening participants As the moment in the Jewish shared memory where we received the Torah at Mount Sinai, Jews around the world come together on Shavu’ot can remain in one place or travel between the two sites. People can also be closer to home if they choose not to drive on the holiday. Additionally, to learn, celebrate, and enjoy a retelling of that story. In the Silicon Valley, the Cantors and Rabbis Association of Greater San Jose organizes the study sessions are broken up to allow for participants to come and go as they are able. a community-wide all-night study session (Tikkun Leyl Shavu’ot) that brings together Jews from the various synagogues and unaffiliated Jews The fun begins at 10 p.m. Each site will run a two-hour learning block from around the community. and then break at midnight. Those who want to continue all night can join with some of the best rabbis, educators and teachers in the South Bay to The rabbis and cantors of the San Jose-area congregations have worked learn until dawn. Both sites will host a Shaharit (morning prayer) service hard to create meaningful prayer and study opportunities for the entire at 5 a.m. Coffee and snacks will be available through the evening. And, Jewish community. Rabbi Josh Berkenwald of Congregation Sinai as Rabbi Berkenwald noted, the cheesecake calories don’t count! noted that, “Participating in a night of study on Shavu’ot can be such a

From the Back of the Shul: A Yom HaShoah Experience

By Eleanor Weber Dickman The sanctuary at Congregation Sinai was quiet, warm and welcoming, as the community came together on Wednesday evening, April 18, to observe a Community Yom HaShoah Memorial Service.

Representatives of all congregations conducted the service, and it was most moving. But the highlight of the evening, at least for me, were the reminiscences of Gertrude and Rabbi Ted Alexander, parents of my friend, Community Chaplain Rabbi Leslie Alexander.

After an opening song in Yiddish by Cantor Devorah Felder-Levy, an invocation from Rabbi Melanie Aron (both of Shir Hadash), and welcoming remarks by Rabbi Josh Berkenwald of Sinai, Rabbi and Mrs. Alexander stepped up to the bimah to offer reminiscences of their childhood from the days leading up to the ascent of Hitler to their escapes ― she from Vienna, he from Berlin ― to Shanghai.

Their modest, unselfconscious warmth bathed their memories in a soft glow that offered welcome respite from the pain of the day we were observing.

Gertrude shared everyday details, from her favorite brown dress with a blue lace collar, to her days at school in Vienna before, as she recalls it, the city rushed to show the German invaders their eagerness to betray Vienna’s Jewish community. Her passage arranged by her uncle, a Jewish educator, she recalled being sent to England on the famed Kindertransport that saved the lives of numerous Jewish children. There, she continued her studies, excelling in English, partially learned from hours of listening avidly to BBC radio. While she was in England, her father, one of the few freed from Dachau, and her mother had left for Shanghai, the only place in the world that would accept beleaguered Jewish refugees. After quite a time apart, Gertrude boarded a boat and set sail halfway around the world to reach freedom and her parents. Although they did not know when she would be arriving, they had met every boat for several months, and were on the dock as she disembarked. Throughout her reminiscence, she shared the gentle smile and optimistic twinkle that are her trademarks. continued on page 24 www.jvalley.org

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A Magical beginning for the next 150 years of Temple Emanu-El A Magical Night Gala Celebration on April 21, turned into the event of the year for Temple Emanu-El members and its community of friends. Commemorating 150 years since the founding of Bickur Cholim in 1861, over 200 people partied the night away at The Golf Club at Boulder Ridge in San Jose. The evening began with roaming magicians, including local personality Sy Hoff, and concluded to the dance tunes spun by DJ Rob Mutzl of Amos Productions. The fundraising through Live and Silent Auction items, and a balloon Pop for Prizes raised over $40,000. Larry Gerston hosted the Live Auction and contributed to the overall success of the night. The funds raised will benefit the many aspects of Temple Emanu-El through the Religious School, social action endeavors, music programs, day-to-day operations, youth & teen programs, and the continuity to begin another 150 years.

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SIMCHAS

By Andrea Cohen Greyber BIRTHS Joseph Mateo Pallares was born on February 27 in Long Beach, CA. He is the first child of Heather Scott Pallares & Jose Pallares of Long Beach.

Heather was a “graduate” of the JCC pre-school here in Silicon Valley and also attended JCC camps during her growing up years. “Joey” was 6 pounds 3 ounces and 18” long. He is the first grandchild of Kimberly Hassing-Allan & Robert Allan of San Pedro. Joey is the sixth great-grandchild of Jan Rose & the late John Rose. Jan belongs to Congregation Shir Hadash and has been active in the Jewish community since 1971 when she moved to San Jose from San Francisco.

Asher Micah Lewis was born on March 18 to Debbie & Jonathan Lewis. He weighed 8 pounds 13 ounces and was 20” long.

He is the little brother of Jaren, 2½. The Lewis family belongs to Congregation Sinai. Rabbi Berkenwald was present for the bris which was performed by

Deborah Weiss-Ishai. The proud grandparents are Bill & Veronica Lewis of San Jose and Kenneth & Elaine Krueger of Indianapolis.

Eva Lillia Elkins was born on March 30 to Sharon & Arie Elkins of Campbell.

She is the first grandchild of Faith & David Gobuty of Palo Alto who belong to Temple Beth Am and Andy & Chuck Elkins of Tucson. Uncle and Aunt Lee & Tammy Gobulty, Aunt Shoshana Elkins and Uncle and Aunt Chris and Cristina Elkins are delighted with the new arrival as is greatgrandfather Jerry Heiman of Valencia, CA. Mayah Roza was born at 12:01 a.m., April 27 to Congregation Sinai members Melissa MarfiaRoza & Joshua Roza of San Jose. She was 19.5” long and weighed 7.3 pounds. She was named in memory of her paternal grandmother Margeen Roza.

Mayah’s maternal grandparents Jeanne & Gerry Foisy of San Jose are thrilled with her arrival.

CALLED TO THE TORAH Jeremy Dworkin, son of Jim & Patty Dworkin, joined his twin brother, Zachary, when he was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on March 10. Jeremy is a 7th grader at Bret Harte Middle School in San Jose. His two other brothers are Matthew, 10, and Evan, 6. Jeremy is an avid reader and enjoys computers, movies, and hanging with his friends. He is active in the Book and Warhammer clubs at school and is on the Principal’s

List, which has enabled him to join the California Junior Scholarship Federation. He plays the acoustic guitar. Jeremy was happy to share this special occasion with family and friends.

Zachary Dworkin, son of Jim & Patty Dworkin, joined his twin brother, Jeremy, when he was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on March 10.

Zachary is a 7th grader at Bret Harte Middle School in San Jose. His two other brothers are Matthew, 10, and Evan, 6.

Zachary is active in sports and plays the piano. He enjoys music, computers, movies, and hanging with his friends. He is involved in the Book and Warhammer clubs at school, and he is an honor student which enabled him to join the California Junior Scholarship Federation. Zachary enjoyed celebrating his Bar Mitzvah with friends and family.

WEDDINGS

is a fourth-year medical student at Albany Medical College in Albany, NY and plans to begin a residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Chicago in July.

She graduated cum laude from Harvard College with a Bachelor of Science in classical archaeology and received her Master of Science in skeletal and dental bioarchaeology from the University College London Institute of Archaeology in London, UK. Rabbi Cohen, 27, is a son of Rabbi Kenneth S. Cohen and Hedvah Campeas-Cohen of Baldwin, NY. He is assistant rabbi and educational director at Beth Hillel Congregation B’nai Emunah in Wilmette, IL. He graduated magna cum laude from the joint program between Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary where he also received his rabbinic ordination and a master’s degree in Jewish education. The couple, who met at the New London Synagogue on Rosh Hashanah in 2006, will make their home in the Chicago suburb of Glenview, IL. cont. on page 20

Anna Rosenblum and Rabbi Michael Campeas Cohen were married on February 19

by Rabbi Joshua Berkenwald and Rabbi Kenneth S. Cohen at Congregation Sinai in San Jose. During the ceremony the groom presented the bride with a ceremonial kiddish cup in lieu of a wedding band and the couple was married under a chupah that was knitted by the bride’s grandmother, Dora Ginsberg of Reston, VA. The wedding reception was held at the San Jose Woman’s Club. Ms. Rosenblum, 28, is the daughter of Eric & Lisa Rosenblum. She

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ANNIVERSARIES Carol & Henry Thailer of Temple Emanu-El were married on March 10, 1962 in New York City and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on March 10, 2012 with their three daughters, Deborah & Randy Blumhagen, Lisa &Greg Wiviott and Jennifer & Steven Winter and nine grandchildren in San Diego. A magical time was had by all!

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

SIMCHAS

Am Echad honors Rabbi and Rebbetzin

By Devorah Avrukin

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be,” and that was the theme of this year’s Congregation Am Echad Dinner held at the APJCC, honoring Rabbi Menachem and Rebbetzin Rachelli Levine. This year’s dinner, held on February 5, was flavored with everything Am Echad has to offer: warmth, a deep love of Torah, and respect and honor for its teachers and leaders.

“It was beautiful to see the honorees, Rabbi and Rebbetzin Levine, receive a standing ovation for all their devotion, love, and passion for this community as it continues to grow and thrive!” said Rabbi Josh Marder, member of the shul and an educator at the Jewish Study Network. In addition to a night rightfully focused on the honorees, the congregation was privileged to host world-renowned speaker and rabbi, Rabbi Zev Leff, who spoke on the topic of what it means to be a leader. This was a particularly appropriate topic for the honorees, Rabbi and Rebbetzin Levine, who since their arrival five years ago have dedicated themselves to the growth and vibrancy of Congregation Am Echad.

The night was emceed by member Bruno Zerbib, who also provided an impressive multimedia presentation for the event, and vicepresident Jonathan Kaye. In addition to the beautiful words of Torah that both Rabbi Leff and Rabbi Levine delivered to the 150 attendees, hosts Zerbib and Kaye performed a song especially written for the event about the amazing attributes of their leaders Rabbi and Rebbetzin Levine.

Rachel Gedalius said, "As a newer member of the Am Echad community, I have been touched by the warmth of our community from the beginning and our shul dinner was no exception. It was so nice to be a part of such an uplifting event that truly celebrated and honored our rabbi and rebbetzin!"

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COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE MEANS: Children at the center, NOT in the middle.

Creating happy Jewish moments, one book at a time The PJ Library® program nurtures meaningful experiences for children by sending books to your home on a monthly basis - for free! Jewish children six months to seven years old who live in the South Bay can receive high-quality, age appropriate, colorful Jewish books to keep and enjoy.

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

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Join us at Temple Emanu‐El

Celebrating 150 Years of Tradition and Innovation!

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

Thank you to all who contributed to the wonderful success of Temple Emanu-El’s 150th Anniversary Gala Celebration held April 21, 2012 The event sponsors and auction donors for this event: Dr. Bernard Axelrad, Ruth & Michael Cahn, Doris & Rick Davis, Joan & Marvin Fox, Ruth & Rob Fox, Peggy & Bruce Frederick, Lori & Jeff Ghan, Larry Goldberg, Temple Emanu-El Brotherhood, Dr. Bobbye Gorenberg, Arlene & Stephen Greenberg, Jo Anne & Robert Hersch, Pam & Jeff Hoffman, Janet & Gary Katz, Kathy Kolder, Ruth Krandel, Shari & Steve Krandel, Andrea & Edgardo Laber, Shirley & Dan Lee, Marilyn & Mort Leiter, Robin & Fabio Marino, JoAnn Shank, Ilene & David Tucker, Women of Temple Emanu-El Sisterhood, Sally Ravel, Dr. Lawrence & Ruth Ross, and Laura & Dan Winter. 

Bloomsters Florist

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Magician Sy Hoff

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Peak Travel

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The Golf Club at Boulder Ridge

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J. Lohr Winery

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

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datebook

All area codes are 408 unless otherwise noted.

ONGOING PROGRAMS SUNDAYS Knitzvah Levy Family Campus, 10:30 AM, 5/20, 6/24 Volunteer knitters and crocheters take donated yarn and turn it into hats, scarves and other usable items for needy organizations. ALL skill levels are welcome from the beginner who wants to learn, to the experienced pro. Donations are greatly appreciated. cherier@jfssv.org, 556-0600 WEDNESDAYS Ima and Me Playgroup Sinai, 9 AM Ima and Me (“Mommy and Me”) meets in the Nursery School Red Room. Abba, Savta, Saba, and Nanny are all welcome, too (daddy and grandparents). Children three and under are invited to come and play. Open to the entire Jewish community. FREE. 264-8542, director@sinainurseryschool.org THURSDAYS Silicon Valley Beit Midrash Sinai, 9:30 AM Join Rabbi Josh Berkenwald for in-depth study of Jewish thought, belief, and practice. Explore the Book of Samuel. No fee; dropins are welcome; no experience necessary. office@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542 FRIDAYS Talmud Study with Rabbi Pressman Beth David, 8:30 AM This ongoing Talmud study group with Rabbi Pressman will continue to discuss Tractate Berakhot (Benedictions). No registration fee, donations are welcome. 257-3333, Adulted@Beth-David.org Pirkei Avot: Sayings (Ethics) of the Fathers Beth David, 9:45 AM Explore ancient Jewish wisdom dealing with ethics and morals in this participant-led discussion group. No registration fee, donations are welcome. 257-3333, Adulted@Beth-David.org

No Shush Shabbat Service Shir Hadash, 6:30 PM, 6/1 Join Rabbis Aron and Levenberg, and song leader Angela Gold for this special child-friendly service. rabbilevenberg@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x3 SATURDAYS Torah Study Shir Hadash, 9:30 AM, 5/19, 5/26 Rabbi Aron will lead a discussion each Saturday morning. 358-1751 x5 Torah N’ Tefillah for 3rd-7th Graders Sinai, 10:30 AM, 5/26, 6/2 Learn new melodies, explore Shabbat teachings, and hear engaging stories in this studentled junior congregation service. office@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542 Torah for Tots Sinai, 11 AM, 6/2 A fun, interactive, educational and inspirational children’s service. torahfortots@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542 Shabbat Storytime Sinai, 11 AM, 5/19 A fun, educational session of Jewish storytelling for ages 0-5. office@sinai-sj.org, 264-8542 Tot Shabbat Beth David, 11 AM, 5/26 Ages 0-5. A fun, interactive parentled service. Open to the whole community. crocker@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Ask the Rabbi Beth David, 1:30 PM, 6/2 Join Rabbis Pressman and Ohriner after Shabbat Kiddush lunch for dessert and an informal session of “Ask the Rabbi.” This will be an opportunity to ask any questions about Jewish issues, life, philosophy, and practice in a relaxed atmosphere. 257-3333

UPCOMING EVENTS FRIDAY, MAY 18 Adult Education Retreat Asilomar, 6 PM A weekend of learning and celebration of our heritage and respect for food. Join in a weekend

of fun and learning and experience the joy of Shabbat oceanside with other temple members. 358-1751, office@shirhadash.org SUNDAY, MAY 20 “Dolphin Boy” documentary film and speaker Camera 12, San Jose, 4 PM Morad, a teenager from an Arab village in the north of Israel, disconnects himself from humans following a violent attack. As a last resort before hospitalization in a mental institution, he is taken by his devoted father to be treated with dolphins in Eilat. Morad starts speaking again after months of silence, but he erases his past and refuses to go home to his mother.

This documentary is about the devastating havoc that trauma can wreak upon the human soul, and about the healing powers of nature and love. Following the film meet Prof. Gabi Barbash, director general of the Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov), who will speak about the hospital’s worldrenowned trauma treatment center. tzvia@svjff.org Rabbi Fleekop’s Going Away Honor Shir Hadash, 5 PM A celebration honoring Rabbi Joel Fleekop for his years of leadership, service and friendship. All are welcome to attend. 358-1751 x5, nadine@shirhadash.org, Monte-Carlo Night Palo Alto Elks Lodge, 5:30 PM Join friends and supporters of the South Peninsula Hebrew Day School - SPHDS - for an evening of hors d’oeuvres and desserts, drinks, raffle, entertainment, fun and casino tables — it’s a sure bet!

738-3060, marilyn.crystal@yahoo.com MONDAY, MAY 21 Shavuot Family Fun Day APJCC, 3 PM Mesibah is the Hebrew word for party! Children ages 2-10 years old and their parents or caregivers are invited to join us for a FREE party to celebrate the Jewish holiday Shavuot! There will be a bounce house, arts and crafts, healthy snacks, and storytime with PJ Library. 357-7411, cjll@svjcc.org TUESDAY, MAY 22 Russian Discussion of The Book of Ruth APJCC, 7 PM The story of Ruth is one of the great sagas of Jewish tradition. A woman who has lost everything builds a new life alongside her

mother-in-law. In doing so, Ruth becomes the matriarch of the Jewish people and a symbol for those choosing Judaism. Ruth is read on Shavuot each year as a reminder of the power of our tradition. Join Rabbi Ilana Baird, a Russian-born rabbi, for some intimate study of this incredible text. No Hebrew skills necessary as all texts will be provided in translation. This program is free of charge and will be conducted in Russian! CJLL@svjcc.org, 357-7411 Aristides de Sousa Mendes: Stand with G-d, Against Man Beth David, 7:30 PM During World War II, Portuguese diplomat Aristides de Sousa Mendes defied his government’s orders, by providing for the safety of refugees fleeing invading German military forces. Between June 16 and June 23, 1940 in Bayonne and Bordeaux, France, Sousa Mendes issued free Portuguese visas to over 30,000 refugees, including 12,000 Jews, seeking to escape the terror.

Although he saved many lives, he was forced to quit his career, impoverished, and vilified. Sheila Abranches, his East Bay-raised granddaughter, will tell her family’s amazing story. 257-3333 FRIDAY, MAY 25 Wine? Cheese? Shabbat? Why Not? Beth David, 6 PM Come and schmooze before Friday night services. FREE – No RSVP required. biran@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Potluck Shabbat with Jews’ Next Dor Fremont, 7 PM Join Jews’ Next Dor for our monthly potluck Shabbat dinner!

This event is at a private home in Fremont, and its address will be released closer to the event. Jews’ Next Dor is an active community of Jewish 20- and 30-somethings centered in the South Bay. The host will provide challah, wine, main dishes, the cutlery and plates. Please bring a vegetarian/ dairy appetizer, side, dessert, and/ or drink to share. If there is a particular thing you want to share with us, please do; if you aren’t sure what to bring, please follow these suggestions to help us get an even distribution of courses.

JewsNextDor@beth-david.org, 257-3333

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SATURDAY, MAY 26 Wisdom and Witdom with Doug Brook Beth David, 1:15 PM Putting wisdom first, but giving wit the last word. This successor to last year’s Laugh and Learn series with Doug Brook gives more spotlight to wise words, while ensuring a plentitude of wise cracks. More substantive subject matter, and more subjectively subversive, than ever. adulted@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Shavuot Confirmation Worship Service Shir Hadash, 7 PM nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5 Tikkun Leyl Shavuot Community Wide All Night Study Beth David, 10 PM See article on page 17 for details.

Community Tikkun Leyl Shavuot at Congregation Sinai Sinai, 10 PM See article on page 17 for details.

SUNDAY, MAY 27 Take a Tag, Fill a Bag ~ Backpack Drive Shir Hadash, Drive will occur from May through July 25 Grab a tag off the tag tree (located in the sanctuary lobby or outside after Sunday School drop off) and head out for some school supplies. The backpacks will be donated to Next Door Solutions, which provides safe living for abused women and their children.

Remember, please no red or blue backpacks due to gang activity.

If you are unable to go shopping, please consider donating a check for $40 instead. Please return your supplies or monetary donation no later than July 25 to the Shir Hadash office.

358-1751 x5

Waffles and Water Play Shir Hadash, 10:30 AM nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5 Congregation Emeth’s 5th Annual Wine Tasting and Auction Satori Cellars in Gilroy, 3 PM Join in a fun afternoon of wine tasting with international appetizer pairings, BBQ dinner, music, silent auctions and raffles. Tickets: $45 http://winetastingfundraiser. eventbrite.com Discounts available for early registration and table purchases. events@emeth.net, 425-2255 “In Darkness”Academy Award® Nominee: Best Foreign Language Film (Poland) Camera 12 in San Jose, 4 PM From acclaimed director Agnieszka Holland, “In Darkness” is based on a true story. Leopold Socha, a sewer worker and petty thief in Lvov, a Nazi occupied city in Poland, one day encounters a group of Jews trying to escape the liquidation of the ghetto. He hides them for money in the labyrinth of the town’s sewers beneath the bustling activity of the city above.

What starts out as a straightforward and cynical business arrangement turns into something very unexpected, the unlikely alliance between Socha and the Jews as the enterprise seeps deeper into Socha’s conscience. The film is also an extraordinary story of survival as these men, women and children all try to outwit certain death during 14 months of increasing and intense danger. tzvia@svjff.org

datebook

All area codes are 408 unless otherwise noted.

TUESDAY, JUNE 12 Schmooze with the Author: Nadia Kalman APJCC, 7 PM Ever read an intriguing book and wished you could pick the author’s brain afterword? Have you ever finished a novel and longed to know what happens next to the character? Now is your chance to have these conversations. Read these amazing new books then come and schmooze and nosh with the author! All Schmooze with the Author events are free. jenessa@svjcc.org, 357-7411 FRIDAY, JUNE 15 Lunch for Seniors at the JCC APJCC, 12 Noon Kabbalat Shabbat Lunch: Summer BBQ. Adults ages 55+ are invited to this once-a-month gettogether for seniors in the APJCC Auditorium. Enjoy a catered hot lunch followed by entertainment.

Please RSVP in advance. $5/ JCC member, $7.50/non-member.

For upcoming dates and more information: Hope Yaghutiel, hope@svjcc.org, 357-7488 SUNDAY, JUNE 17 Sisterhood Rosh Hodesh Event Shir Hadash, 10 AM nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5 TUESDAY, JUNE 19 Oakland A’s Jewish Heritage Night - Baseball Oakland, 7 PM The Oakland A’s will play the LA Dodgers on Jewish Heritage Night. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751x5

FRIDAY, JUNE 22 Potluck Shabbat with Jews’ Next Dor Santa Clara, 7 PM Join Jews’ Next Dor for the monthly potluck Shabbat dinner!

This event is at a private home in Santa Clara, and its address will be released closer to the event. Jews’ Next Dor is an active community of Jewish 20- and 30-somethings centered in the South Bay. The host will provide challah, wine, main dishes, the cutlery and plates. Please bring a vegetarian/ dairy appetizer, side, dessert, and/or drink to share. 257-333, JewsNextDor@beth-david.org SUNDAY, JULY 15 Continuing the Conversation on Clutter Shir Hadash, 10 AM Julee Ogawa and the conversation group will meet again to continue their Conversation on Clutter.

The meeting will be held offsite, with the location to be announced through the eHadashot weekly electronic newsletter. 358-1751 x5, nadine@shirhadash.org Grandparent’s Circle Shir Hadash, 7 PM Join Rabbi Aron and Jean Bronstein for “Being Jewish in the Summertime.” 358-1751 x5, nadine@shirhadash.org SUNDAY, JULY 22 Zumba-thon APJCC, 9:30 AM Zumba and UJam for charity at the JCC! jenny@svjcc.org, 358-3636

THURSDAY, JUNE 7 Election for Jews’ Next Dor Steering Committee Cupertino, 8 PM Jews’ Next Dor plans over 100 events each year because of the WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20 amazing volunteers, like you, TUESDAY, MAY 29 Pool Party at the JCC who step up to lend a hand. As Baby is a Blessing with Rabbi APJCC, 5 PM the group continues to grow, Levenberg Keep cool in the pool at our Float we have instituted an official Shir Hadash, 7 PM Night Pool Party! Pool admission leadership structure to give us See article on page 12 for details. is free to the public during Float the additional coordination we Have an event to add to Night. Flotation devices such as need to run smoothly.

Our first THURSDAY, MAY 31 the calendar? inner tubes and rafts are allowed two Steering Committees were Cardozo Society Stand With Us (but no water wings please). BBQ smashing successes, and now it is Lunch and Lecture with Israeli Submit it at tickets:$5/JCC member, $8/nontime to elect our next leaders who Attorney Ran Bar-Yosafat member, children under 4 free. www.jvalley.org! will serve from July to December.

Paolo’s in San Jose, 11:30 AM Colin Braslin, JCC membership So, we need you: to participate, See ad on page 18 for details. concierge, colinb@svjcc.org, Questions about upcoming to volunteer, to vote, and to lead.

357-7404 The election is at a private home SUNDAY, JUNE 3 events or the community in Cupertino. Please make the time Sharone Hadassah Presents calendar? Contact to join us and have your voice “Centennial Cabaret” amanda@jvalley.org or represented in the future of the Michael’s at Shoreline in group. 257-3333, (408) 357-7503.

Mountain View, 10 AM JewsNextDor@beth-david.org See article on page 7 for details.

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l cal news Yom HaShoah reflections continued from page 17 Then it was Rabbi Ted’s turn. A renowned scholar and spiritual leader who led Congregation B’nai Emunah for more than half a century, Rabbi Ted recalled a childhood filled with religious and secular learning. He proudly recalled learning Hebrew and Torah at his local shul with Albert Einstein (yes, that Albert Einstein). He remembered Jewish-owned stores as being among the largest in Berlin, and laughed at the way Berliners drank a popular soda with a Hebrew name, Peri Etz, never knowing that it was Hebrew. Several of the largest stores had Kosher meat departments and were closed on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. He told of a Jewish community completely integrated into Berlin society, but not, as many have inaccurately reported, disconnected from Jewish life. Synagogues sat thousands and were full on holidays. As he turned from his positive young life to the time of holocaust, he told of his neighborhood police who, despite Hitler’s orders, notified the Jewish community that Kristallnacht was coming, and that synagogues and stores would be burned. They even boarded up the windows in that neigborhood’s Jewish stores so they would not be looted and urged the community to hurry to save Torahs and Siddurim in the Synagogue. Rabbi Ted and his father rushed to his shul, and saved a Torah and his father’s tallit. He unfolded this treasured old heirloom, and the holes in the fabric, singed by the fire, seemed like hollow, tear-filled eyes.

As they sat on the bimah, Gertrude frequently smiled, leaning over to touch her husband’s arm. Her smile enveloped her entire face, showing how she takes all joy possible from life. Rabbi Ted, at 92, a beloved and widely respected “chacham,” was reflective, weaving facts into a moral lesson, and honoring all those he had loved and from whom he had learned.

After they returned to their seats in the front row of the pews, granddaughter Shira Aitchison presented them with a pot of vibrant flowers, a gift from the Rabbis. The proud and loving smile on her face was undoubtedly the gift they most enjoyed.

Then followed the reading of names by Rabbi Lisa Levenberg of Shir Hadash and Rabbi Debbie Israel from Congregation Emeth, while survivors and descendants of survivors lit memorial candles. Rabbi Laurie Hahn Tapper of Yavneh Day School led a responsive reading, Rabbi Joel Fleekop of Shir Hadash led Yiskor. Beth David’s Rabbi Philip Ohriner sang El Maalei Rachamim and Rabbi Dana Magat of Temple Emanu-El read the English translation. Rabbi Ilana Baird, a recent émigré from Israel, recited the Mourner’s Kaddish, and the service closed with a congregational singing of Hatikvah led by Cantors Felder-Levy and Simerly and Rabbi Ohriner.

Quiet, moving, profound, and comforting, it seemed a ceremony of special strength. Despite the commitment of the Jewish people never to forget, it seemed, on this day, April 18 (“Chai!”) that hope and strength for the future, in a community united and proud, were the emotions that filled the sanctuary. Am Yisroel Chai!

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ESTELLA SINGER ABRAMS January 25, 1925 – February 14, 2012

Estella Singer Abrams was born in London where she met her first husband Dan Singer. She and her husband were very active in Jewish life. They emigrated to the United States in 1961 with their daughters Rosamunde Crownover and Marion Shore, who both live in San Jose, and their son Ian Singer who lives in Canada.

Estella loved living in Chai House. She was active in Hadassah. Professionally, she helped organize the Jewish National Fund so the program to purchase individual trees expanded to whole groves and parks in honor of guests at a simcha or in memory of a loved one. She volunteered to raise funds and organize the religious activities at Chai House.

She leaves six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Contributions in her memory may be made to the meal program at Chai House (408) 947-1818 or the Jewish National Fund for trees to be planted in Israel.

CHAJA FUHRMAN

March 19, 1920 – March 7, 2012 Chaya Fuhrman or Chayaleh Ash, as she was known on the stage was the quintessential Yiddish actress. She knew pain and suffering; she knew persecution and death. Yet, she took hold of life and lived it passionately. She lit up the room and became the center of attention and made others feel at ease.

She was born in Kishinev to Avrum and Pescia Averbuch, Yiddish actors who travelled around Europe with their acting troupe. From an early age she was given children’s roles in her parents’ productions. She was also a gymnast and she began instructing younger children when she was 12. She learned to speak Romanian, Russian, German, French, Czech, Polish and, of course, Yiddish.

During World War II she and her family were taken prisoner by the Russians and sent to forced labor camps. She and her mother survived. In 1947 she married Pesach Ziskind, a Polish Jew. They eventually made Aliyah and settled in Haifa.

They had two children, Chana and Moshe. Chaja started the first Yiddish theater in Israel. She juggled the duties of motherhood with her acting.

In 1961 she moved to Philadelphia and married Ari Fuhrman who was a part of the acting troupe. She was able to bring her daughter to America where she received a life-saving heart operation.

Chaja traveled all over the United States, Canada, South Africa and South America. She was a spokesman for Yiddish culture. When she was no longer able to act, she kept on going with a variety show in which she put on skits, recited poetry, told jokes and sang. She lectured to adults and children about the Holocaust and shared her personal stories.

She will be remembered by her daughter Chana (Morris), son Moshe (Esther) of Israel, her son Herbie (Martha), her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren.

The family suggests that contributions in her name be made to the Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley or the Silicon Valley Holocaust Memorial Survivor’s Fund.

LOUISE HAMMER GINSBERG January 4, 1924 – March 9, 2012

Louise Ginsberg was born in St. Louis, MO to Evelyn Stadler Hammer and Philip Hammer. The family moved to San Jose in 1925 eventually settling in the Rose Garden area of old San Jose in a home still owned by the Hammer family. She attended San Jose schools and Stanford University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 3 years. She married Charles Ginsberg of San Francisco in 1944 and by August of

obituaries 1949 they had five daughters, all under the age of four. They settled in Los Gatos and she was one of the founding members of Congregation Beth Am and the first president of the Temple’s sisterhood.

After she and Charles divorced in 1961, she took the LSAT and was accepted to Stanford Law School at a time when women with children were unusual in the nation’s law schools. She practiced domestic law in Los Altos and later did probate law in the office of her brother, Phil Hammer. She never allowed the practice of law to interfere with her serious commitment to the tennis court.

When she could no longer participate as actively in tennis, she took up bridge, gardening, lectures and current events discussion groups.

Louise is survived by her five daughters and three sons-in-law: Nancy Ginsburg Gill and Stephen Gill of Los Altos, Peggy Ginsburg of San Jose, Jane Ginsburg of San Francisco, Margie Ginsburg and Howard Slyter of Sacramento, and Patty Ginsburg and Steve Lindbeck of Anchorage, Alaska; four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. She is also survived by her brother Phil (Susan) Hammer, sister-in-law Joan Hammer and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family suggests contributions to The Planned Parenthood Federation of America, The Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund of Temple Beth Am or The Friends of the Los Altos Library.

JEROME E. KRYSTAL January 4, 1932 – April 19, 2012

Jerome Krystal was born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in Chicago, IL. He went to the University of Oregon where he met his future wife Barbara and where he earned m Master of Science and an EED. He worked in both Special Education and as a school psychologist as well as serving as a principal at many elementary schools in San Jose. He worked with special needs children and with gifted children.

He leaves behind Barbara, his wife of 55 years; his son Daniel (Elaine) of Chandler, AZ and their three children, Joshua, Jaren and Nicole; and his daughter, Nancy Krystal Sinai (Dror) and their children Aviv and Yaniv Sinai of Santa Cruz.

The Krystals were longtime members of Temple Emanu-El and contributions in his memory may be made to Temple Emanu-El, to the Hospice of the Valley or to a charity of your choice.

SHIRLEY LANDSMAN June 17, 1926 – March 4, 2012

Shirley Landsman was born in Washington, DC to Philip and Anna Gimbel. She was the oldest of three; she lost her youngest sister as a child; her other sister, Ruth lives on the East Coast. She attended George Washington University where she earned a degree in chemistry. For a woman to attend college and earn a degree in those days was not common. It speaks to her drive and intelligence.

It was in college that Shirley met Louis Landsman. She always loved to sing and had joined the Glee Club at GW. One winter, during rehearsals, she noticed that there was someone else who was not singing along with the Christmas songs.

They looked at each other and knew that they were meant to be together. Shirley and Louis married in 1949. She spent time at the Carnegie Institute and later in her career she worked for Syntex where she was involved in scaling up the production of the medication Aleve.

Shirley and Louis moved to Sunnyvale in 1958. They joined Congregation Sinai and were very involved; Louis served as president of the congregation and Shirley was president of Sisterhood. She was also a member of Congregation Kol Emeth in Palo Alto.

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Shirley was an avid competitive Duplicate Bridge player. She loved the theater, was a good cook and baker. Her chicken liver recipe even got her to the cover of a local paper in Sunnyvale.

In recent years, she devoted herself to volunteering. She logged in over a 1000 hours at El Camino Hospital; she taught English as a Second Language to immigrant children; she spent time visiting elderly shut-ins and worked in the West Valley Hospital gift shop.

Shirley is remembered by her son Dave (Mindy) and their son Sam and by her daughter Ann (Hank) Sager and their children Sarah and Dylan.

BERNARD N. ROSENBERG September 12, 1920 – February 28, 2012

Dr. Bernard Rosenberg was a Board Certified general surgeon who began his private medical practice in Santa Clara County in 1958. He graduated from the University of Michigan School of Medicine with high honors and was elected to the medical honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha. Dr. Rosenberg was a Captain for the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1957. He was a caring doctor and beloved family man who loved the outdoors, tennis, golf, and music, but especially his family.

Married to Ruth Weinberg Rosenberg for over 65 years, he is survived by his wife; his three children Amy Dashevsky, Martha Rosenberg and John Rosenberg; and six grandchildren Sam, Ben, Dan, David, Lucas and Julie.

He and his wife are longtime members of Temple Emanu-El. Donations in his memory may be made to the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley, 14855 Oka Road, Suite 200, Los Gatos, CA 95032.

Terezin and survived the war but he and his father were transported to the Ahlem slave labor camp in Hanover, Germany. When the American troops liberated him in April, 1945, his father was dead. After the war, he spent two years in Germany where he married a fellow concentration camp survivor, Helen. He left Germany and arrived in New York City in November, 1947 with $10 to his name.

He joined the U.S. Army and learned how to fix office equipment. He started his own typewriter repair business in 1955 and then founded Commodore Business Machines. He went on to establish Commodore as a leading maker of digital calculators. From there he entered the home computer business. In addition he created Atari, the computer and game console division of Atari.

The Tramiel family was an important contributor to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC. The family asks that contributions be made to this museum in his memory.

Congregation Beth David member Jack Tramiel is survived by Helen, his wife of 65 years, and his three sons, Sam, Garry and Leonard and their families.

Home of Peace Cemetery and Mausoleum Founded 1853

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SHIRLEY FINKLE ROVIN May 28, 1928 – February 4, 2012

Shirley Rovin passed away peacefully after a long battle with Lewy Body dementia. She was born in Philadelphia to Morris and Bertha Finkle; she grew up there and attended public schools through high school from which she earned her diploma in 1945. Her first job was with Strawbridge and Clothier. She met Sam Rovin, a kind and generous young man on a blind date in 1948 and immediately fell in love. Sam whisked her away to the frontiers of California in 1950 where they started their family. Stuart was born in 1941 and Keith in 1954. Their lifelong odyssey took them back and forth across this great country to NJ, Orlando, Palo Alto, Philadelphia, Huntington Beach, Palo Alto, Haifa, Israel, Sunnyvale, and finally Palo Alto where she remained until she entered Lytton Gardens Skilled Nursing Center in 2010.

She was a devoted wife and mother and also worked when times demanded it. She is best known in the community as THE Avon Lady, always greeting people with a smile, giving free samples and asking to think of her if you needed anything Avon. Shirley worked as an Avon representative for over 25 years until November, 2009 when she just could not get around anymore.

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She is survived by her husband of 62 ½ years Sam, son Keith, son Stuart and his wife Lynne of Los Gatos, and grandchildren Daniel and Sarah.

Contributions in her memory may be made to Congregation Kol Emeth at http:// kolemeth.org/; the Yiddish Book Center at http://www.yiddishbookcenter.org or Hadassah at http://www.sharone-hadassah.org.

JACK TRAMIEL

December 13, 1928 – April 8, 2012 Jack Tramiel was born in Lodz, Poland and was almost 11 when the Nazis invaded Poland in 1939. He and his family were confined to a ghetto and were eventually shipped to Auschwitz in August, 1944. His mother was transferred to

(408) 292-0939 cemetery@templesanjose.org

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

David J. Hofmann

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David S. Howard

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

Steven D. Siner

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Eliana B. Weissman

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

Lynne R. Snyder

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

Shannon Stein

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

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Dentist Dr. Zuri Barniv, DDS

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

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Senior Services Lyn Pasqua DELIVERED BY GRACE

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

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

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

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