October 2013 by Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley

JValley news October 2013

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Published by the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley October 2013

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

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

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Monday, December 16, 2013 7:00 pm Maggiano’s Little Italy, San Jose, CA

Guest Speaker:

A LO N B EN DAVID Alon Ben David is the Senior Defense Correspondent for Israel Channel 10 and Middle East Correspondent for Aviation Week.

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

CANDLELIGHTING San Jose, CA

Friday, October 25....................5:59 p.m. Friday, November 1...................5:51 p.m. Friday, November 8...................4:44 p.m. Friday, November 15.................4:39 p.m. Friday, November 22.................4:35 p.m. Friday, November 29.................4:32 p.m. Friday, December 6....................4:32 p.m. Friday, December 13..................4:33 p.m. Friday, December 20..................4:35 p.m. Friday, December 27..................4:39 p.m. Friday, January 3........................4:45 p.m.

Co-chairs

S U SAN & L E E G AV E NS S H E RY L & E R I C L E W I S

Information

Please contact Michelle Nathanson, michellen@jvalley.org, 408.357.7508 Open to Families Who Make a Minimum Gift of ® Cardozo $5,000 to the 2014 Annual Campaign Society

content Local Highlights APJCC to honor Arnie Addison on 11/9 SV Jewish Film Festival season launches March of the Living registration open Shalom, Salaam, Peace A home to reflect our dreams Club J opens at the JCC Hanukkah on Ice brings rink to JCC Summer interfaith experience “Tevya” plays at JCC in December Mission to Philadelphia Summer Showcase makes CBD shine Focus on Jewish values during India trip Leaving a Legacy A good kind of crazy Waging war on clutter

In Every Issue 7 7 9 9 11 12 12 12 13 15 17 20 22 22 31

Community photos Datebook Obituaries Simchas Professional Directory

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Hanukkah Specials Embrace-a-Family this Hanukkah Recipe column Rabbi’s column Ask the Clergy Crossword Puzzle

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c mmunity photos

Thank you to the 22 teen-strong Teen Madrikhim Team, led by Irene Swedroe, who are all smiles on Religious School days, and whenever else they’re called to help Beth David’s Jewish Youth Education Program flourish!

All it takes is teamwork as these students created the ‘longest paper chain ever’ during Beth David’s Sukkah Decorating Event. The final product crisscrossed and wound its way through both Beth David’s sukkot!

Shel Rubenstein presents Vicki Nosonov-Goldman with Heart of Knitzvah Award for Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley.

Smiles abound on the hands-down, favorite religious school day of the year - making edible sukkah treats in the Sukkah!

Students helped create a lulav forest on the Bima during Hoshanot on Hol HaMoed (intermediate days of Sukkot).

Joy Null shows daughter Hannah Knitzvah-made items.

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c mmunity photos

Kids enjoy Club J’s dance floor and rock climbing wall.

Carrie McCarthy of the APJCC Board of Directors cuts the ribbon to open Club J for elemntary-age children on Sunday, October 13.

Dahlia Seid-Valencia tries out the library corner at the APJCC’s Club J.

Yavneh students gather in the sukkah for Pizza in the Hut at the Levy Family Campus.

Congregation Sinai kids thought of less fortunate kids as they purchased their new school supplies. Sinai children purchased and donated t1 backpacks, 200 pens and pencils and colored pencils along with many glue products, notebooks, Playing drums at Yavneh Day School’s folders, crayons, scissors, erasers and rulers to Pizza in the Hut. help the organization Sunday Friends.

Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley’s annual installation; the women are shown here with a sample of their sukkot decorations which were used for an interfaith service led by the Jewish Community Relations Council.

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Stimulate Your Mind and Enrich Your Soul Justice and Issues of Punishment and Responsibility Friday, October 11, 12 pm Join Judith Sklar to explore this Hot Button Issue in Law and Judaism. Bring a brown bag lunch, take part in the intense discussion of contemporary issues. At the Offices of McManis Faulker in San Jose. Meet Rabbi Sandy Sasso, noted children’s author and first woman ordained by the Reconstructionist movement Friday Oct 25th at 8 pm What is Midrash? Reading the Bible with Question Marks Sunday Oct 27th 9:30 am Nurturing the Spiritual Imagination of Children. Holiday Bazaar Sunday, October 27, 9 am-3 pm Enjoy an exciting day of shopping for the holiday season! This fundraiser will benefit the Shir Hadash Early Childhood Center. Havdalah and Happy Hour Saturday, November 2, 6:30-9:30 pm Enjoy cocktails and munchies in a night filled with sports and trivia! Hanukkah Family Shabbat Service Friday, November 29, 7:30 pm Take part in the Festival of Lights. Bring your memorah and join in a community celebration. Coney Island Christmas Sunday, December 1, 2 pm City Lights Theater of San Jose presents Grace Paley’s The Loudest Voice the story of a young Jewish girl who has been given the largest part in her school’s Christmas pageant. Cost: $20 for Adults or $15 for Seniors, RSVP: patty@shirhadash.org

Shabbat 2.0 Now at 7:30 pm the 2nd Friday of the Month with Guitar, Bass and Drums www.shirhadash.org

Or call the temple office at 354-1751

Happy Hanukkah

What happens when you mix Hanukkah, Thanksgiving, Ethiopian Sigd and Israel? Find out at

Miracle Mash Up!

Sunday, November 17th 9:30am – 12:30pm Activities for Adults – Kids – Teens Special activities include Torah Quest scavenger hunt * Social Action * Music Art * Israeli and Ethiopian food * New JEWEL program information session Culminates with candle lighting and sing along at 11:45am RSVP at beth-david.org/rsvp by November 11th for discounted admission

Adult Learning Opportunities Trajectories on Divergent Paths

Sunday, November 10th - 10:30am – 12:30pm

The major elements in the complex development of the rabbinic movement and classical Christianity in the first and second centuries of the Common Era are outlined and explained.

My Father’s Gardens

Tuesday, November 19th - 7:30pm – 9:00pm

Karen Levy discusses her book about about a girl coming of age in two languages on two shores, between warring parents and rules that change depending on the landscape and the proximity of her mother. Book sales & signing follow.

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

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Addison-Penzak JCC to honor Arnie Addison (z”l) on November 9

The Addison-Penzak JCC is holding a tribute dinner to honor founding donor Arnie Addison on Saturday, November 9, at 6 p.m. Arnie, who passed away March 1 at the age of 83, was instrumental in helping the JCC purchase the old Berry School building that became the JCC in Los Gatos. He and his wife Cookie (nee Penzak, hence the Addison-Penzak name) gave a major donation to kick off the fundraising campaign that allowed the Jewish community to purchase the school and its 9-acre site in the early 1980s, and to build the pool and tennis courts. Arnie was a leader in the wider community as well as in the Jewish community. His legacy includes pioneering achievements in the automobile industry, leadership and philanthropy in the local community, and devotion to family and friends. He enjoyed a storied career in the automobile industry--from retail to wholesale, from leasing to finance, from Chicago to California. He founded Bay Cities Auto Auction, served as president of the National Auto Auction Association, and was recognized as a Bay Area authority on classic and antique cars. Throughout his life, Arnie generously contributed to causes he believed in. He believed that his purpose on earth was to help others, and demonstrated this belief through compassion, leadership and charitable giving to numerous organizations. He was a driving force in building Congregation Beth David and the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley, as well as the JCC, contributing vision and financial resources for both. He loved how these institutions could bring individuals together and enrich their lives. The Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center stands as a legacy to his commitment to community. Because of Arnie’s passion for cars, the tribute dinner, called “Driving Our Dreams,” will have an automobile theme. Anyone interested in purchasing tickets or making a donation in tribute to Arnie, should contact Diana Schnabel at the JCC, (408) 357-7402 or diana@svjcc.org. Tickets and tributes can also be purchased online at www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/gala.

A film for everyone at SV Jewish Film Festival! The 22nd Annual Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival launches at the Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto on October 19. Weeks two and three of the festival will continue at Century 24 on Winchester Boulevard, across from Santana Row in San Jose. Week four of the festival will take place at Camera 7 in the Pruneyard shopping center in Campbell. On Sunday, November 3, 2 p.m., at the Addison-Penzak JCC in Los Gatos, there will be a special KIDS SCREEN. Designed for families of all ages including parents and grandparents as well as children, it will feature two episodes of Shalom Sesame. Following at 4 p.m. is the TEEN SCREEN for ages 13-18 of the fild “David.” The SVJFF features films from Israel, France, Germany, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Canada and the United States. Closing Night festivities begin with the film “Dorfman in Love” followed by the appearance live on stage of Elliot Gould. He will be joined by director Bradley Leong and screenwriter Wendy Kout. They will answer questions from the audience as well as visit with the attendees during the reception that follows.

SAVE T H E DATE : DECE MBE R 15

Mah JONGG TOURNAMENT

The APJCC and Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley invite you to save the date for our annual two-tiered Mah Jongg tournament.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2013 LEVY FAMILY CAMPUS $54 PER PERSON Info/Registration: www.jvalley.org

or contact Arielle Hendel: arielle@jvalley.org, 408.357.7501

Tickets are still available for all films at http://www.svjff.org or by calling (800) 838-3006. For showing dates and times, please see the datebook on page 24. www.jvalley.org

CARDOZO SOCIETY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF SILICON VALLEY AND CONGREGATION SHIR HADASH PRESENT A NEW SERIES:

Hot Button Issues in Law and Judaism PLEASE JOIN US FOR:

20135774LECTURES ATTHEAPJCC Is That Really Gluten-Free? A Tasty Evening of Conversation and Snacks THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH | 7:00PM

“Privacy Vs. Security”

Special guests: Lisa Stander-Horel and Timothy Horel, authors of Nosh on This: Gluten Free Baking Classics from a Jewish-American Kitchen and April Peveteaux, author of Gluten is My Bitch. This gluten-free evening will include a panel discussion with the authors of Nosh on This and Gluten is My Bitch as well as catered gluten-free desserts. Come hear about others’ gluten-free journeys, share your own, and get ready to ask, “Is that really gluten free?”

With guest speaker Jeff Rosen. Rabbi Melanie Aron will provide a response from the point of view of Jewish law.

Friday, November 1, Noon - 1pm

Catering by Shuly Edwards of Shulicious: the allergy free bakery.

at the offices of McManis Faulkner, Fairmont Plaza, 10th Flr, 50 West San Fernando St., San Jose

$5 for all JCC members | $7 for non-members 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032 www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/JPlace CJLL@svjcc.org | 408.357.7411

Drinks and dessert will be provided. RSVP to nadine@shirhadash.org or 408-358-1751 ext 5 Info: arielle@jvalley.org, 408.357.7501

APJCCCENTERFOR

JEWISHLIFE ANDLEARNING

Cardozo Society

Young Adults Division

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM Facilitated by Steve Windmueller, PhD

Emeritus Professor of Jewish Communal Service, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion Wednesday, October 23: End of Ideology: identifying our challenges Wednesday, December 18: Changing and unsettling economic environment Wednesday, February 19: Generational Push: How do we engage all generations according to their needs Wednesday, April 23: Technology and Communications revolutions: retooling for a new age. All programs will be held at the Levy Family Campus from 6:30-8 pm; Free but RSVP required. We recommend attending all sessions to maximize value to participants. For information please contact Arielle Hendel: arielle@jvalley.org, 408.357.7501

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Registration still open for this April’s March of the Living The March of the Living is a two-week Holocaust and Israel educational program in which Jewish teens and adults from around the world travel to Poland to experience the history of the Holocaust and examine the roots of prejudice, intolerance, and hate and to Israel to understand the importance of the existence of Israel as the spiritual center and homeland of the Jewish people. The 2014 March of the Living program runs from April 24 to May 8. The Western region is recruiting participants for a teen bus and an adult bus. The March itself takes place on Holocaust Memorial Day – Yom HaShoah. It is a 3-kilometer silent march from Auschwitz to Birkenau – a tribute to all of the victims of the Holocaust. Participants spend a week in Poland touring sites of Nazi Germany’s persecution, former sites of Jewish life and culture, learning about life before the war, establishing dialogue with Polish students, meeting with Polish righteous among the nations, and exploring the renaissance of Jewish life in Poland today. They then travel to Israel for a week that includes Israel Memorial Day – Yom HaZikaron – and Israel Independence Day – Yom HaAtzmaut. The goal of the March of the Living is for the participants to learn the lessons of the Holocaust and to lead the Jewish people into the future vowing “Never Again.” For registration and information go to www.motlthewest.org or contact Sue Maltiel at sue@motlthewest.org.

At one time, you were proud of that old car. Now, you can be proud of it again. Donate your unwanted vehicle to Jewish Family Services and support vital programs for families, children, and older adults in need. Donate Today!

1-877-JFS-4-CAR

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

SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, January 25, 2014, 7:30 pm For Congregation Sinai’s 5th Annual

MUSIC, MAGIC & MIRTH

l cal news Shalom, Salaam, Peace For the past two years Congregation Emeth has collaborated with Abrahamic Alliance International in interfaith community service and peace-building activities in south Santa Clara County. Abrahamic Alliance International is a faith-based, non-profit organization based in San Jose that unites Jews, Christians and Muslims to collaborate in peace-building and relief of poverty. Engaging Jews, Christians and Muslims in community service projects is one of the ways the Abrahamic Alliance assists members of these faiths to come together. The Alliance also offers seminars to promote mutual respect between the three faith communities, which share a common father in Abraham and also share more common values and traditions than many realize. An example of this work took place on Sunday, August 18 when more than forty Jews, Christians and Muslims united at Congregation Emeth in Morgan Hill to prepare 180 nutritious meals. The group served the meals to hungry and homeless people in Gilroy at St. Joseph’s Family Center. Supportive resources of the Abrahamic Alliance have enabled Congregation Emeth to co-lead meaningful, interfaith service events that have built bridges of understanding and friendship with local Muslims and Christians. See www.abrahamicalliance.org for additional Abrahamic Alliance information and contacts. Go to www.emeth.net or email events@www.emeth.net for additional information about Congregation Emeth’s social action activities.

Rosa Bencuya

Featuring live comedy, magic performances on stage & up close, silent auction to benefit Congregation Sinai’s General Fund, plus: Kosher Scottish Beverages, Savouries & Sweets Kilts optional. Ticket prices: $36 per person in advance, $45 at the door. Reserved seating: $100 per person. Sponsorship opportunities available. For more information, contact the office at 408-‐264-‐8542 or at office@sinai-‐sj.org. Congregation Sinai | 1532 Willowbrae Avenue San Jose, CA 95125 | 408-‐264-‐8542 | www.sinai-‐sj.org

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

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A home to reflect our dreams By Eleanor Weber Dickman Congregants entering the synagogue for Rosh HaShanah services were captivated by a series of architectural renderings showing a building re-imagined to serve the congregation. One drawing showed a new entrance to Beth David, with its name in strong large letters near the top of the building’s hallmark grand wall, now decorated in Jerusalem stone. An aerial view delighted with a huge central skylight decorated with a Jewish star. Redesigned spaces and new rooms showed comfortable chairs, large windows, stained glass, cork flooring, concealed lighting in scalloped ceilings, and flexible layouts that could accommodate a variety of religious, educational, social, and celebratory functions. This new endeavor comes during the year of Beth David’s 50th Anniversary celebration, and projects a bright future for the next 50 years with a modern, welcoming new home. This year will also see the retirement of Senior Rabbi Daniel Pressman, who served at the helm of the congregation for 32 of those 50 years. “I am delighted to be involved in a project that will do so much to continue what we started and to enhance Beth David’s ability to serve its members and the larger community.” During Rosh HaShanah services, President David Hoffman described the appeal of the new building and shared dreams of what the new space could be and do. Hoffman sees the most important reason for the congregation to move forward to create a home for the next 50 years is “to be able to enhance our mission to our members and the greater community. We will have the ability to house more programs at the same time. We will be able to offer alternative methods of prayer and study. And we will become more efficient in the use of our administrative and religious school areas.” During Kol Nidre services, Rabbi Pressman acknowledged “the founders and pioneers ― the congregants who created the wonderful Beth David culture and this building. You gave us this great gift; now you are called to help preserve it for the next generation.” To the “younger” generation, he requested, “joyfully to give of your time, treasure, and talent for the sake of your children and other people’s children.” In his Yom Kippur sermon, Rabbi Philip Ohriner spoke of “taking the next steps as a community in fulfilling our mission” and suggesting “a vision of how we might all find meaning, authenticity, purpose and joy” by creating a redesigned “sacred space pulsing with energy, open and welcoming to all.” Rabbi Ohriner acknowledged the vision, dedication, and perseverance of the founders who, 50 years ago, established Congregation Beth David. He then challenged the congregation to “work together to bring this vision to fruition,” in order to create “a house of gathering, study, and prayer that meets the needs of a diversified American Jewish community” of the 21st century ― “a community that experiences Judaism as joyful, vibrant and spirited.”

l cal news The Sunday following Yom Kippur, congregants gathered to hear project advocate Dan Skilken and architect Joel Karr discuss the plans for the new building. It was clear that the project had been carefully researched and planned. Congregant Dan Skilken is a strong champion of Beth David’s remodeling and expansion project. Acknowledging the “Board’s strategic thinking and a congregational visioning session,” Skilken notes “there are very few times in our lives when we can contribute to something that leaves a lasting legacy for our children and grandchildren. This is an investment in the future of Beth David!” A committee has been formed to “help identify our needs, develop the [remodeling] proposal, strengthen the process, and manage the details of construction.” The committee includes Rabbis Pressman and Ohriner, Al Guggenheim, David Hoffman, Tanya Lorien, Sandy Mayer, Crystal Ouzillou, Dan Skilken, Adam Skilken, Ann and Rick Tavan, and Gene Tenberg. The project leaders are also seeking input from past and present board members, administration, major donors, and members with special areas of expertise relating to such a project. At the information meeting, Skilken and Karr shared the imperatives that led to the decision to remodel, and addressed the ways in which the architectural design will meet the needs expressed by the congregants. Among these issues were: better access to the building for elderly and handicapped congregants; an improved reception space that offers a welcome introduction to the building as well as providing clearer navigation to various functions ― worship, education, meetings, management, social interaction. It is estimated that the new facility will add 10,000 square feet of additional space, making possible a new rotunda and library as well as a chapel and adult study area. Comfort, accessibility, flexibility, and attractiveness were among the goals identified by congregants and planners. And there are the less glamorous improvements ― redesigning and refurbishing the kitchen; upgrading the sound system; bringing handicapped parking into compliance with ADA standards; solving the water problems (whether leaks or puddles); and adding energy-efficient systems for heating and cooling the larger space. It is exciting and reassuring to consider that ― before the actual “kick-off” for the capital campaign ― several philanthropic families have already pledged almost half the money needed to complete the remodel! Rabbi Ohriner believes that this new synagogue will realize “the vision of a Beit Knesset, Beit Midrash, and Beit Tefillah ― a house of gathering, study, and prayer ― that meets the needs of a diversified 21st century American Jewish community.”

Concludes Dan Skilken: “The design our architect has put together complements the existing building, makes it more beautiful, and more functional, and fixes some problems that There have been, as Rabbi Ohriner noted, “passionate conversations” with more than 300 members of the congregation. we have had for many years. Most are excited, relieved and elated that we are making an investment in the future of the There was a community visioning meeting that brought over 130 synagogue.” He sees the benefits as tangible and powerful: members together to discuss the congregation’s future. There helping the Rabbis “fulfill their vision for enhanced programming, are currently ongoing meetings with individual congregants to modernize the facility and help us attract new members, and build clearer understanding of and strong support for the needs, leave a legacy for our children for the next 50 years. This is an dreams and strategies which will ensure Beth David’s vitality for investment in the future of Beth David!” the next 50 years. www.jvalley.org 11

l cal news My summer interfaith experience taught “Club J” opens at JCC for kids in grades K-5 A new youth lounge, Club J, has opened at the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center on the Levy Family Campus in Los Gatos. The JCC already has a Teen Lounge for youth in grades 6-12, but it had no youth lounge for elementary schoolers until a recent generous donation made it possible. Club J is a wonderland for the schoolage set: electronic games that encourage physical activity, music and education; a dance floor with lighting and effects; bounce houses; a library corner; arts and crafts; and, coming soon, a 12-foot rock climbing wall. Club J offers drop-in childcare for children whose parents who are using the fitness center or participating in JCC programs; an after-school program offered in conjunction with Yavneh Day School for children who need a place to go after school; and birthday parties. For details, contact the JCC’s Assistant Recreation and Camp Director Josh Glincher at 357-7416 or josh@svjcc.org.

Hanukkah on Ice: indoor ice rink comes to Levy Family Campus this Hanukkah The APJCC’s annual Hanukkah festival at the Levy Family Campus gets even better this year with the addition of an indoor ice rink. “Hanukkah on Ice” will feature an indoor ice rink, a kid zone with bounce houses, holiday games and activities, and holiday food. The festival will be held on Sunday, November 24 from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free and includes free skate rental. The rink will also be used for a singles and couples-oriented skating event, “Sk8te Crazy Nights” (inspired by the Adam Sandler Hanukkah ballad “Eight Crazy Nights”), on Saturday, November 23, from 7-10 p.m. A ticket to this event will be $36, couples ticket $54. Price include skating and equipment, 2 drink tickets, 2 latkas, and a commemorative Hanukkah on Ice candle holder. For more information, contact Jason Goldstein at the JCC, (408) 357-7497 or jason@svicc.org, or visit

similarities of many religions By Shira Kahn-Samuelson

This summer I had the pleasure of joining the Teen Interfaith Leadership Council in San Jose as one of the representatives of the Jewish community. Diane Fisher, director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation asked me to join her on this trip. To help us bond and learn what the Teen Interfaith Leadership Council was about, the four new members of the council were sent to New Mexico along with five Shinnyo-en Buddhist representatives on an immersion trip sponsored by the Shinnyo-en Buddhist association. At first, I was terrified. I did not know any of the people on the trip and I was expected to share my religion with them and learn about their religions. I expected that I would be the least religious person there and I would feel extremely awkward and ignorant. However I found that I had absolutely no reason to worry. I learned a lot about other religions on the trip, but it was unlike the formal “let’s sit down and talk about religious beliefs” that I was expecting. While in New Mexico we volunteered at different places, took hikes, and went to various places of worship. We volunteered at a farm where we built adobe clay huts, and a Hindu temple where we served food to the poor. We took a hike with a Native American woman up a waterfall and played in the waterfall itself. We went to several different places of worship to learn about different religious practices. We went to a Chabad house where we met a Rabbi who showed us the Torah and gave us cool water on a hot day. A Catholic Church where we met a Priest and helped him celebrate his 96th birthday as he told us about having worked at the same church since the age of 30. We went to a Hindu temple where we served food to the poor and a Tibetan Buddhist school where we talked with other teenagers about Tibetan Buddhism. My favorite place was the Sikh Gurdwara where the Sikhs taught us traditional sword fighting. As we did so we bonded and enjoyed each other’s company more and more. As we grew more comfortable with one another we started to open up more to each other. At night, after dinner, one of the teenagers would lead a religious ceremony from their religion, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Shinnyo-en Buddhism, and Catholicism. I shared havdalah. After sharing, we would all sit together and play card games. As we played, we would talk, about school, siblings, college, and more, and somehow we would end up talking about religion. We would talk about our own beliefs and ask questions about the beliefs of others. In doing so, we not only learned a lot about other religions, but we also learned a lot about our own religion. I found it remarkable how much you can learn about something when you are trying to teach it to another person. It made me realize how true it was when Albert Einstein said, “You do not really understand something until you can explain it to your grandmother.” Over the course of the trip, something struck me. I realized that it was easier to find similarities between different religions than it was to find differences. I realized that at the core of all religions is a common desire for peace, the religion just teaches us different ways of achieving peace. No matter who we spoke with, be it a Rabbi, Priest, Sikh, Buddhist, Daoist, Hindu, or Native American woman, they all taught us that they wanted peace, and we realized that it was our job to try and promote interfaith dialogue and bring peace to the world. The trip I went on was amazing. I met wonderful people, made life-long friends, and learned to appreciate both my religion and others’ more fully than I had before. I learned about tolerance, and how compassionate, kind, loving, respectful, and all together wonderful people truly are. I learned things that cannot be taught in a classroom at a school. I learned about peace, respect, generosity, and more. It was truly a life-changing experience.

Shira Kahn-Samuelson is a student at Kehillah Jewish High School and a graduate of Yavneh Day School. 12 www.jvalley.org

“Tevya” plays APJCC in December

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Theatre Chevruta, the new theatre at the APJCC, will present its initial offering – “Tevya and his Daughters” on December 7 and 8. “Tevya,” by Arnold Perl, was originally an off-Broadway play in the 1950s, paving the way for the better-known “Fiddler on the Roof” in the early 1960s. Based on the writings of Sholem Aleichem, “Tevya” presents three episodes of Tevya’s family life. The second and third are the stories of Tzeitl and Hodel, somewhat similar to what people know from “Fiddler.” The first is less familiar to most – the story of how Tevya first became a dairyman. “There’s a lot in this play that people will find familiar,” says Doug Brook, artistic director of Theatre Chevruta. “But even the familiar will be somewhat different. In “Fiddler,” we see Tzeitel and Motel’s wedding, but in Tevya we see Hodel marry Feferal Perchik.” “Oh, and true to the original stories, Perchik’s name is Feferal. And did I mention that Tevya really has seven daughters, not five? There’s a lot for the entire family to enjoy and discover in this play.” Theatre Chevruta presents staged readings. Different from full productions with lavish sets and costumes, these readings are script-in-hand. They are fully acted, with minimal blocking and props. This lets these fully-realized readings focus more on the words and acting, thus providing a fully entertaining experience for lesser-known works. The ten-actor cast for this inaugural production is a strong mix from the local theatre and Jewish communities. Tevya will be played by longtime local stage veteran Michael Johnson. Ambera DeLash and Lea Simon will play Tzeitl and Hodel, respectively. Tom Shamrell, last seen at the Shady Shakespeare Theatre, will play both Motel and Feferal.

For everything Jewish in Silicon Valley www.jvalley.org

The several familiar names in the cast from the JCC and local synagogue communities include Virginia Hess, past-president of the JCC, who will play Golde. Sylvia Metz will appear as the wife of the merchant, who is pivotal in Tevya becoming a dairyman. The merchant will be played by Steven Dick, who finally returns to the stage after a triumphant elementary school performance as Harold Hill in “The Music Man.” Rounding out the cast are Danni Horwitz as both Chava and the merchant’s daughter, and David Sabes as Lazar Wolf. Each performance will also feature a cameo by a different local Rabbi, to play the Rabbi who officiates Hodel and Feferal’s wedding. Performances are Saturday, December 7 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, December 8 at 2 p.m. The Sunday matinee is followed by a talkback with the cast and staff, where the audience is invited to ask about anything they want. Tickets are $10 for JCC members, $15 for the public. Performances are in the Auditorium at the APJCC in Los Gatos. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://svjcc.org/jplace and click on Theatre Chevruta. For questions, contact APJCC Director of the Center for Jewish Life & Learning Jenessa Schwartz. “Tevya” is directed by Doug Brook who, coincidentally, is playing Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof” at the West Valley Light Opera in Saratoga in November and December. Theatre Chevruta’s season – A Taste of Yiddish Theatre – will continue in March with Donald Margulies’ late-1990s adaptation of Sholem Asch’s iconic, controversial early 20th Century Yiddish play, “G-d of Vengeance.” Open auditions will be held in December; see the theatre’s website for details. www.jvalley.org

www.jvalley.org

Mission to Philadelphia

l cal news

By Marci Gerston

Early in October, I got to see my hometown of Philadelphia in a new light. I participated in the Mission to Philadelphia, sponsored by the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, an event which partnered Jewish and African American leaders from around the country for a two-and-a-half day program. My partner was Milan Balantine, the executive director of the African American Community Service Agency in San Jose, whom I had met only once before but really wanted to work with in my capacity as chair of the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley. Our days were jam packed! We started with a historical perspective from the former Mayor of Philadelphia, W. Wilson Goode, and other local politicos. Then we had a tour of relevant sites in downtown Philadelphia: the Jewish American History Museum, the African American Museum, Mother Bethel church (the first African Methodist Episcopal, or AME, Church) and Mikve Israel (the second oldest synagogue in the country). That evening a provocative program about the relationship between Jews and African Americans, put on by Rabbi Leonard Sussman (Keneseth Israel) and Professor John Jackson (Univ. of Penn.), got the discussion going about race and identity. The next day we reconvened at Philadelphia’s historic City Hall and heard from the current mayor, Michael Nutter, and others on issues of race and economic justice. We also learned about sharing stories in a productive and meaningful way with New Conversation on Race and Ethnicity (NewCORE), an organization created after President Obama’s speech on race and ethnicity during his first Presidential campaign. After lunch, we met with a group of outstanding teenagers who had participated in the 2013 class of Operation Marci Gerston, JCRC chair, was joined by Milan Balinton, executive director of the Understanding, a 30-year-old leadership program African-American Community Service Agency in San Jose, on the 5th annual African American and Jewish Community Leaders Mission in Philadelphia for Jewish and African American high school sponsored by the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. students. Then we trekked to my old stomping grounds, Northeast Philadelphia, to visit the Klein JCC, a fantastic place that provides nutrition, medical and dental services to seniors and low income earners, houses a state-of-the-art food pantry, and offers programming for the large local Russian community, along with a great deal of other things. But we weren’t done yet! We went back downtown and served food to dozens of homeless people at the Chosen 300 Ministry on Spring Garden Street. The program concluded on the third day when we recapped our experiences with folks from the Klein JCC, Chosen 300 Ministry and Global Citizen and, with a NewCORE principal, discussed how we might continue to work together in the future. Ultimately, the group decided that we wanted to have an ongoing discussion and not end our work together there. And so the AfricanAmerican/Jewish Leaders Council was created! The challenges faced in Philadelphia (with its large African American community) and Santa Clara County (with its small Black community) are very different, but I am eager to build on the great foundation that already exists between the Jewish and African American communities and forge a stronger bond between us as we work on our shared values of promoting civil rights, confronting poverty and building interfaith relationships to improve the lives of all of us in the Silicon Valley. We are already working on a voting rights program in January or February of 2014, commemorating the passage of the Civil Rights Act. We got a great “kick start” to our work together in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection!

www.jvalley.org

Happy Chanukah from Temple Emanu-El!

Kick off the Chanukah season as two great traditions come together for the “Latkes & Laughs” Comedy show on Sunday, November 10, 2013. Delight your taste buds and tickle your funny bone with fantastic Headliner Cathy Ladman, who has appeared on “The Tonight Show,” HBO, “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Featuring legendary comic Jimmy Gunn, and hosted by Bay Area comedian Jeff Applebaum. Doors open at 6:30 PM at Temple Emanu-El. Potato pancakes and punch lines: You need another reason? Go now to: http://www.latkesandlaughs.com

Chanukah Fair

Sunday, November 17 from 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM Join us for your holiday shopping! There will be kids crafts, cookie decorating, and a jumper for the kids. $5 at the door for full participation or FREE WITH $10 Boutique ticket purchase.

Chanukah Adult Education Classes: December Dilemma Nov. 17 at 11:30 AM A discussion with Rabbi Magat about the challenges so often faced by parents (particularly in interfaith families) in connection with the winter holidays.

Our Jewish Kitchen: Chanukah Cooking Class Nov. 3 at 2:00 PM Learn to cook holiday favorites and how to host your own Chanukah party!

A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPERIENCE TWO TRACKS: TEEN TRIP AND ADULT TRIP

Embrace the Past. Grasp the Future. April 24 - May 8, 2014

THE MARCH OF THE LIVING is an international, educational program that brings Jews from all over the world to Poland on Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, to march from Auschwitz to Birkenau, the largest concentration camp complex built during World War II, and then to Israel to observe Yom HaZikaron, Israel Memorial Day, and Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel Independence Day. The goal of the March of the Living is for Jews to learn the lessons of the Holocaust and vow Never Again.

Info: www.motlthewest.org or contact Ruth at 408-421-6342 or ruth@motlthewest.org. ®

WHAT PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE MARCH: “The feeling of unity and responsibility was empowering and overall indescribable.” - Danielle L. 2012, San Jose, CA “To have stood shoulder to shoulder with 10,000+ Jews from around the world and walked the concentration camp paths, brought the realization of what the Jewish people/families went through during the Holocaust to the core of my being. Coupling the concentration camps with Israel brought the value and the importance of having a Jewish State we can call HOME to the forefront of my consciousness.” - Susan G., Saratoga, CA, 2008 Adult Participant

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

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF A Show For The Entire Family

JEWISH EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

West Valley Light Opera’s production November 9 - December 7

PUT THE J IN YOUR CHILD’S LIFE WITH JEWEL! STUDENTS CHOOSE CLASSES IN 9 EXCITING CATEGORIES GRADES 3-7 FIVE 5-WEEK SESSIONS Choices for Russian speakers Price includes materials and snacks Rich in historical and ethnic detail, this musical has touched audiences around the world with its humor, warmth and honesty. Its universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, leaving the audience crying tears of laughter, joy and sadness. It features songs loved the world over, including "Sunrise, Sunset", "If I Were A Richman", "Do You Love Me?", and "Tradition". This is a not to be missed show!!

Featuring: Rachael Michelberg as Golda and Doug Brook at Tevya All performances are at the Saratoga Civic Theatre located at 13777 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga. Call 408-268-3777 for tickets. Or visit us online at http://www.wvlo.org/.

OPEN TO ALL SYNAGOGUE MEMBERSHIP NOT REQURIED SESSION 2 begins Weds, Nov. 6 4:00 – 6:15pm JYEP - Jewish Youth Education Program Congregation Beth David 19700 Prospect Road, Saratoga, CA 95070 Details on our WIKI through www.beth-david.org\learning For information please call or email Andrea at (408) 366-9101 · JYEPAdmin@beth-david.org

www.jvalley.org

Summer showcase makes CBD shine! By Eleanor Weber Dickman The day was warm and sunny. Inside the synagogue, there were warm greetings and sunny faces, as adults, teens, and kids explored all that Beth David has to offer through an engaging schedule of diverse activities. For adults, the program began with a cooking demonstration by Carol Osofsky, who made a tasty salmon brioche as a possible centerpiece for the “break-the-fast” meal. The Young Adults enjoyed Ultimate Frisbee on the Beth David lawn. Barbara Biran led a discussion on the ceremony of tashlich, exploring the meaning of this ceremony of preparation for atonement on Yom Kippur and encouraging those around the table to suggest ways to enhance Beth David’s annual Tashlich Ceremony at Calabasas Park in San José. Rabbi Alan Berkowitz asked “are you the author of your Book of Life?” and spoke about the central themes of the High Holy Days, focusing on Tshuvah, Tfillah, and Tzedakah, three avenues toward cleansing and reinvigorating the soul. Teens enjoyed a discussion led by Hebrew High Director Irene Swedroe and enjoyed a pizza lunch, while younger children baked mini round challot and made High Holy Day crafts. Grade schoolers participated in a “Torah Quest Treasure Hunt” while parents learned more about the new curriculum for Jewish Youth Education at the synagogue. In the Social Hall, participants enjoyed light snacks and toured tables promoting the diverse committees and interest groups offered by the congregation, from studying Talmud to learning Hebrew, folks were encouraged to learn more about Hazak, Noten Yad, Jews Next Dor, Men’s Club and Sisterhood, as well as the Social Action Committee, the Jewish Book Club, and Beth David’s Career Havurah. It was delightfully evident that Beth David is a place for lively learning, the refreshment of the soul, and the development of strong community. What a wonderful way to celebrate the congregation’s 50th Anniversary and to learn the meaning of Beth David’s statement that there is, indeed “a place for me at C-B-D!”

happy hanukkah Embrace-A-Family this Hanukkah JFS invites you to be a part of our 6th Annual Embrace-A-Family program and help bring hope and smiles to others. This program eases holiday pressure and stress for needy families, seniors, and adults. Look for Embrace-A-Family dreidel boards November 8 December 16. Dreidel boards will be at these locations: Levy Family Campus (upstairs at Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley and Yavneh/APJCC lobby), synagogues (Beth David, Emanu-El, Emeth, Shir Hadash, Sinai), South Peninsula Hebrew Day School, and Israeli preschools. Purchase the specific gift on the tag and bring your unwrapped gift to the JFS office. Your gift will bring a smile – and be a blessing – to someone in need. Embrace-A-Family gifts make a tremendous difference in people’s lives! Here’s what some recipients have to say: “I want to say a huge thank-you to everyone involved with JFS and Embrace a Family. You helped make an otherwise dismal Hanukkah a little brighter and happier…It took a lot to ask for help, and I want you to know that it is very appreciated.” “This makes us so thankful to know that our Jewish community supports us through this hard time.” “We want to thank all the people that helped our Hanukkah be happy. We were so surprised by the presents, we had no idea! The presents were so perfect – like they knew us! Frail seniors are overlooked at this time of year and giving these gifts is a special mitzvah that makes a huge difference in their lives. Here is a heartwarming sentiment expressed by a senior JFS helps: “I have difficultly using my hands and getting the wonderful electric can opener last year has made my life so much easier. I think of the Jewish community every day when I use it.” Embrace-A-Family brings the community together. It is wonderful way for people who have much to be thankful for to give. Adults and children often feel their hearts sing to give gifts that they feel will be enjoyed. Parents of preschoolers find that it is an easy way to help young kids understand about tzedakah. More ways to help: In addition to specific gifts, JFS is also requesting gas station cards, supermarket (Trader Joe’s, Safeway) and discount department store (Target, Kohl’s and WalMart) gift cards to help struggling families and seniors throughout the year. Embrace-A-Family also needs brand new, never used medium and large gift bags. There are many volunteer opportunities for adults, families, and groups November through mid-December. Embrace-A-Family is a program of JFS’s Project N.O.A.H. For additional information and volunteering contact Coordinator of Volunteer Engagement Lori Cinnamon at (408) 357-7467 or loric@jfssv.org or at http://jfssv.org/noah-events.html.

www.jvalley.org

happy hanukkah A Thanksgivukkah dessert By Shoshana Ohriner Every time I drive past the pumpkin patch in my neighborhood I start thinking about all the delicious things I can make with pumpkin. There are so many delicious possibilities that my mind swims with the potential but ultimately I always end up thinking of pumpkin pie, which makes me think of Thanksgiving. Since it is traditional to make pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving I always make at least one, but I like to serve some other less traditional pies and desserts as well. This pie is one of my favorites. It is inspired by the fresh cranberry relish we always serve on Thanksgiving, a refreshing combination of cranberries, raspberries and orange. This pie takes all the flavors from that relish and re-imagines them as a doublecrust fruit pie. Since what I love most about cranberries is their tanginess the pie is not overly sweet, but is the perfect balance of sweet and tart. I added an extra layer of flavor by including fresh kumquats in the pie, but if kumquats are difficult to find or you do not like them feel free to substitute the zest of an orange instead. If you are looking for something a bit more traditional be sure to check out my recipes for dairy-free pumpkin and pecan pies at www.couldntbeparve. com Cranberry Raspberry Pie Ingredients: Crust for a double-crust pie (my favorites can be found at http://www. couldntbeparve.com/2012/11/a-better-pie-crust/, double them for this recipe) 10 ounces cranberries, coarsely chopped 10 ounces raspberries (frozen is fine, do not defrost before using) 8 kumquats (2.5 oz) finely chopped (or the zest of one orange) 1 cup sugar ½ cup flour Preheat the oven to 425. Roll out one of the crusts into a 12-inch circle between two pieces of lightly floured parchment paper. Remove one side of the parchment. Place the pie pan gently over the crust and using two hands carefully invert the pan and the crust. Remove the remaining parchment paper and fit the crust into a 9-inch pie pan. If it cracks just press it back together with your fingers or patch it with any remaining dough. Remove the excess from the edges, leaving a 1 inch overhang and crimp the remaining dough to make the sides. Roll out the remaining crust between two pieces of parchment paper and set aside. Remove one piece of the parchment paper from the remaining crust and carefully invert the crust over the pie. Peel the parchment off and crimp the edges together. Slash the crust a few times with a knife to make vents for the steam to escape. Bake the pie for 10 minutes. Reduce the oven heat to 350 and bake for an additional 45 minutes. If the edges are browning too much cover the edges with an aluminum foil collar. Remove the pie from the oven and let cool until just warm before serving. Rabbi Shoshana Ohriner is the creator and author of the popular blog Couldn’t Be Parve, specializing in naturally delicious dairy-free desserts. Her recipes have been published in a variety of publications and websites, including the Jewish Week and Kosher.com. Shoshana is the mother of three young boys and married to Rabbi Philip Ohriner.

Rabbi’s column By Rabbi James Greene, APJCC The holiday of Hanukkah retells an incredible story of the dedication of a group of Jews toward preserving their traditions and identity in an everchanging world. In the face of the Greek influences creeping into the land of Israel, the Maccabees remained determined to continue to traditions of their ancestors as they looked forward toward their uncertain future. This story continues to be important to us as a reminder of the evolution of Jewish tradition and of the value in respecting the path of our ancestors. In the story of the Maccabees, the symbol of their faith is the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. It shows their commitment to worship and their belief in the Ineffable. For us, Hanukkah then serves as a reminder to continually rededicate ourselves to the work of Judaism. Whether through social justice and policy advocacy, acts of kindness, gifts of tzedakah, participating in the life of the community, or continued Jewish learning, we should take time during this season to remind ourselves of the importance of Judaism and the role it has to play in our lives. Hanukkah is not an important holiday in the big scheme of things. Its importance in our community comes mostly through parents and congregations trying to keep up with Christmas in fear that TV’s South Park character, Kyle Broslowski, singing “I’m a Lonely Jew on Christmas” will appear in the faces of our children. But I would argue that we need to be more authentically ourselves rather than try to imitate other observances. It means teaching our children what is important to us, not what is different about us. It means honoring family traditions, including those of varying faiths, committing to an active Jewish life, and finding ways to rededicate ourselves. Our tradition teaches us that we start this season in darkness and increase our light each night of Hanukkah by adding candles to our menorot. It is that increasing light which is symbolic of our rededication. However, Hanukkah’s message of rededication is only as important as we are able to open our hearts to hear its message. As we look toward this upcoming holiday, I wish each of you a season of increased light, increased joy and increased affection for our tradition and to the continual process of renewal, reconstruction and rededication.

www.jvalley.org

happy hanukkah

Ask the Clergy By Cantor Meeka Simerly Question: What is the Jewish concept of ‘miracle’?

In 1995, while driving down one of Haifa’s steep hilly roads, I lost control of the steering wheel. I started to spin and ended up nailed upside-down on a dividing fence on a two-way road. As I was spinning and flipping, I felt cradled and protected by a yellow light. Though I was shaken up, I walked out of the totaled car with a few cuts on my arms, a broken ankle and a bruised ego. Until today, I consider this a personal ‘miracle,’ in Hebrew, a ‘ness.’ Most of us contemplate miracles at some time. We are challenged with questions about whether miraculous phenomenon can be explained through the power of nature or something that cannot be measured, seen or explained. We think of an event attributed to a saint (in Christianity), or proclaimed miracle workers (other religions). We wonder about the theological claim that G-d works through nature, but then G-d works beyond nature as well through acts that can be described as signs, miracles, and wonders. An example of this is found in our history. Hanukkah is the classic Jewish miracle story. After three years of fighting against the Hellenistic Greeks, the Jewish freedom fighters, the Maccabees, victoriously reclaim the Jerusalem Temple. A small group withstands the threat of overwhelming military dominance. While preparing the Temple for rededication, the Maccabees find only enough purified oil to re-kindle its Menorah for one day, but miraculously, the light continues to burn for eight days. Yet the story of Hanukkah is only one of many examples of miracles and wonders in our tradition. Jewish survival through thousands of years of persecution has been miraculous. Our holiday liturgies at Hanukkah and Purim include a special blessing upon lighting the candles called Al Ha’nissim (on the miracles): “These lights we kindle upon the miracles, the wonders, the salvations and the battles, which You (G-d) performed for our ancestors, in those days, at this season.” 1 In both Modern and Biblical Hebrew, the concept of miracles is expanded in multiple words, describing extraordinary events, seen or unseen – ness, peleh, ot, mofet, siman. These words describe occurrences, which cannot be explained by human intervention or science and are considered supernatural acts or miracles. The word ‘ness’ is translated as ‘sign’ or ‘miracle.’ It comes from Aramaic and is used in Biblical and modern Hebrew. Numbers 26:10 tells of a miracle that happened regarding the destruction of Korach after the plague: “And the earth opened her mouth and swallowed them up together with Korach…and they became a miracle [ness].” The concept ‘Otot u’mofeem’ is translated as ‘signs and wonders.’ G-d commanded Moses to perform two signs so that the Israelites would gain faith in G-d: the rod that became a serpent (Exod. 4:3) and Moses’ hand that became leprous and then almost instantly was miraculously healed (Exod. 4:7). The word ‘peleh’ is translated as ‘miracle’ later in the Bible: “And Gideon said unto him…Oh my Lord…where be all His miracles [Ni’f’le’otav, ‘His wonders’ – plural of peleh] which our fathers told us of, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’” [Judges 6:13]. Some Jews believe in miracles, some don’t. I believe in them – my own car wreck story was one. Every time I notice a breathtaking force of nature, it is a miracle; like a red-breasted hummingbird flying close to my face, chirping, “Good morning! Smile! It’s a gorgeous new day!” When I hear children’s roaring laughter in our Preschool, I feel the miracle of humanity. These are examples of everyday miracles, a reminder of beauty that cannot be measured with words. So for this Hanukkah, I’d like to wish you all many experiences beyond words. May you be able to appreciate these awe-filled moments with a sense of awe, witnessing the signs, miracles and wonders that enhance our world.

www.jvalley.org

l cal news Local Rabbi focuses on Jewish values during recent India trip Rabbi Melanie Aron, along with two other Bay Area rabbis, traveled to India in July with American Jewish World Service. AJWS, a partner of our local Jewish Federation, is a nonprofit organization working to realize human rights and end poverty in the developing world. This 10-day trip sponsored by AJWS focused on Lucknow, in northern India, and ended with a short visit in New Delhi. Lucknow is a city home to nearly 3 million people but the focus of the trip’s humanitarian work was in a small rural village in the vicinity. Despite dissolution of the caste system at the time India achieved independence, there still remains much prejudice against the daleet, the former untouchables. One of the efforts during these days included the renovation of an elementary school. During the time in Lucknow, Rabbi Aron was profoundly impacted by the large neighborhood support systems in the village. Many residents whom she spoke with commented on how proud and lucky they felt to live in such a warm community. A major struggle in the village is the lack of electricity and of a sewage system. Even in the city, the electricity fails several times a day. While education through the 12th grade is mandated legally, Rabbi Aron laying bricks it is not enforced and many children leave school to work. Despite the lack of a truancy system, the presence of many billboards, even in rural areas, advertising the top scoring students at local schools, makes it evident that education is very much valued by the Indian culture. A social justice trip through AJWS that was meant to educate these rabbis and bring resources to the people of Lucknow did just that, but it did much more. After Rabbi Aron’s return, she has been able to bring much inspiration back home where continued action is needed - to better support needy communities in the developing world and continue to build bridges with the local Indian populations.

LIGHT IT UP Venetian Ball SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23 9PM-1AM STANFORD HILLEL 565 MAYFIELD AVE $15 ONLINE AT JVALLEY.ORG, $20 AT THE DOOR AGES 21+

JOIN HUNDREDS OF YOUNG ADULTS FOR THE MOST ROCKIN’ CHANUKAH PARTY IN THE SOUTH BAY! LIVE MUSIC, DANCING, DELICIOUS TREATS AND AN OPEN BAR

Hillel of Silicon Valley

www.jvalley.org

Celebrate Hanukkah at Hicklebee’s

with Noted Children’s Author Diane Rauschwerger A local children’s author, Diane Rauschwerger, will be our special guest, along with her playful pet dinosaur named “Dino,” who is featured in all of her books. [In fact, “Dinosaur on Shabbat” is one of PJ Library’s featured books this month.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013 4:00 to 5:30 pm Hicklebee’s Independent Booksellers 1378 Lincoln Ave, San Jose

Don’t miss Hicklebee’s and PJ Library’s get-together for a fun afternoon of crafts and stories this year! Be sure to join us!

INFUSING

Chanukah

WITH THANKS Women’s Philanthropy Fall Outreach Event THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2013

7 -9 pm $18/$25 at the door Design Matters, 430 N. Santa Cruz Ave. Los Gatos, CA 95030 RSVP by November 1 at www.jvalley.org Info: arielle@jvalley.org, 408.357.7501 Every can of food brought to the event will earn a raffle ticket! All food will be donated to local food banks. Chef Rachel Wilson will demonstrate some tasty treats to combine Chanukah and Thanksgiving traditions; there will also be some recipes and menu suggestions. Wine and light refreshments served.

www.jvalley.org

l cal news Leaving a Legacy Featuring Sue and Ron Maltiel Why did you choose to make a Legacy commitment? “I think we approached the concept of Legacy giving a little differently than most because of my experience working in the Jewish community. As a former executive director at Hillel of Silicon Valley, I was able to see how much time of my time was spent trying to raise the dollars necessary each year to fulfill the mission, rather than being able to focus on the actual work of the organization. It is very difficult for an organization to raise the money it needs each year. By leaving a legacy gift, we can help provide a base of money for the organization that will provide for its needs each year. If enough of us do this, it will leave the agencies much more financially secure and will free up more time for advancing the work of the agency.” Why do you feel Legacy gifts are imperative to our community? “When a community has endowments it provides a strength and vitality for the future. There is always room for growth and new hurdles arise throughout times, but the financial security of endowments allows organizations to focus on positive change and renewal rather than necessary fundraising.” If you could travel 50 years into the future, what message would you want to convey to our community members of tomorrow? “The community you are living in today was shaped by the love, work and passion of a lot of people. Each successive generation’s responsibility is to build the community to be something you are proud to pass on to future generations. The community doesn’t just exist, but it is the work of past donors, volunteers and leaders. People who came together and expressed the needs and passions of a community to make it a better place.” Thank you Sue and Ron for sharing your experience and wisdom in endowing our community!

A good kind of crazy By Rabbi Leslie Alexander On one early morning, every few months, volunteers on the PJ Library Committee can be found in the midst of what Israelis would call a "balagan" total craziness! That craziness is associated with a mommy and me program held at Santana Row outdoor mall which welcomes hundreds of children and their parents to experience a bevy of activities and a musical performance. The PJ Library, as you may already be aware, is a Federation program that delivers high quality, colorful Jewish children's books for free to children ages 6 months - 7 years old. Our PJ program creates these connections with malls and stores in order to search for those who are not affiliated in any way with Jewish Community and make them aware that they too can be a part of PJ Library. This outreach beyond the usual perimeters of Jewish life in Silicon Valley takes some creative thinking and action, to which the PJ Library committee, chaired by Eleanor Dickman, is really committed. But it is absolutely necessary. In our schools, our synagogues, our JCC, our myriad of Jewish agencies, PJ library has reached most families with small children who open their monthly envelope with excitement, because they LOVE the books and getting mail at home is a novelty these days. But PJ library wants to also Jewishly touch the lives of those who do not connect in any way whatsoever to Silicon Valley Jewish community. We want those children to have the same delight in receiving the books, loving them and having a chance to learn about Jewish holidays and customs. We want their parents to be able to initially connect through reading to those children by coming to PJ Library events, and maybe, one day, choosing to become a part of some aspect of the community. There are not many ways that we can find these families unless someone else tells them about PJ library and they enroll or we get out there in the public sphere, where amongst the participants, we might find one or two of those families. So that's what we do. We try to set up opportunities with the public and private preschools and elementary schools to do holiday outreach, not to push a particular religious perspective, but to create a fun Jewish holiday experience for an entire class in which, maybe, one or two Jewish children and their parents can discover PJ Library. We hold PJ Libary events in bookstores like Hicklebees and garden nurseries like Summerwinds to reach out. We create amazing community-wide Hanukkah Candlelightings at Santana Row that we all enjoy, value and feel good about also in the hopes that someone who won't yet enter a Jewish community environment may choose to join with us there. And, as time has passed, these secular venues in the community have begun to reach out to us, wanting us to do programs with them and asking us each year if we will return, because our outreach creates mutual positive connection in our widespread community. So, If you know of a family raising Jewish young children who is unaffiliated tell them about PJ Library. If you know of a secular school or venue that would like PJ library to come do a program there, we would love to do it. You know people that we don't yet know. Please become part of our effort to provide something fun, warm and inclusive to them.

You don't necessarily have to join the "balagan,” but help us in our search For more information on the Community Legacy to give this gift. Project, or to learn more about legacy giving, please contact Michelle Nathanson at (408) 357-7508 or And see you at Santana Row on Hanukkah! michellen@jvalley.org. 22 www.jvalley.org

MEN’S NIGHT OUT

texas hold ‘em tournament

P R O F E SS I O N A L LY STA F F E D BY V E G AS M AG I C , I N C .

Sunday, October 27, 6-10 pm $54 buy-in = 1,000 tournament chips. Re-buys during first hour $36=500 chips.

Federation Family Trip to

ISRAEL July 10-20, 2014 Joel & Andrea Rubnitz, Trip Chairs

Beer & Appetizers. Beer, wine and bourbon tasting provided by Royal Liquors. Additional table games available. Prizes to all who make the final table and the top three places plus an engraved bracelet for the winner! Poker Tournament Advisor: Rick Tavan Men’s Division Chair: Joel Rubnitz

INFORMATION MEETING: November 3, 7:30-9 pm, Levy Family Campus, 14855 Oka Rd, Los Gatos

Levy Family Campus 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos Contact: MichelleN@jvalley.org or 408-357.7508

From Jeep tours to spelunking to visiting ancient tunnels and the Western Wall, see how Israel still has the power to surprise and amaze you on this active family trip. Discover the connections that strengthen and unite us as families and communities, and have fun doing it - together!

Men’s Division

For more information contact Arielle Hendel at (408) 357-7501 or arielle@jvalley.org

Los Gatos Memorial Park Shalom Garden

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

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

Schedule a tour of Shalom Garden and receive a

$25

Viva Restaurant Gift Card!

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

www.losgatosmemorialpark.com

(408) 356-4151

Third Saturday of every month. 10:00am-1:00pm Chantel Building 3880 S. Bascom Avenue, San Jose Visit www.cpcal.org for other locations.hantel Building - 3880 S. Bascom Avenue, San Jose 95124

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

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

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

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

www.darlingandfischer.com

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datebook

All area codes are 408 unless otherwise noted.

ONGOING EVENTS TUESDAYS Israeli Dance Class Emanu-El, 7:30 PM Learn the moves of basic Israeli Dance! All are welcome, so bring a friend. No experience needed. Free! 292-0939 FRIDAYS Talmud Study with Rabbi Pressman Beth David, 8:30 AM Discuss Tractate Berakhot (“Benedictions”), which addresses blessings, prayers, ritual, spirituality, and theology. Newcomers welcomed. No fee, donations welcome. 257-3333, adulted@beth-david.org, Pirkei Avot Discussion Group Beth David, 9:45 AM Explore ancient Jewish wisdom dealing with ethics and morals in this participant-led discussion group. Pirkei Avot, is a Mishnah tractate dealing solely with ethics and morals. Newcomers welcome. 2573333, adulted@beth-david.org Alzheimer’s Family Support Group Shir Hadash, 10 AM, 11/8, 12/13 The Alzheimer’s Association, in conjunction with Congregation Shir Hadash’s Caring Committee, is offering a Support Group for anyone trying to navigate the day-today difficulties of caregiving. Open to the public. Drop-ins are welcome. 358-1751 x5, Nadine@shirhadash.org SATURDAYS Babies & Bagels Shabbat! Emanu-El, 9 AM, 11/9, 12/14 Join us on the second Saturday of every month in our Birkur Cholim Chapel for a Shabbat experience designed for

families with children ages 0-30 months. Little ones and their parents will enjoy a full program of Shabbat songs, Torah stories, and parachute play! Kiddush, motzi, and a bagel oneg sponsored by the Temple Emanu-El Sisterhood will follow this fun-filled program. Siblings are welcome, and this program is open to the community! 292-0939, rdsechrist@gmail.com Torah Study: Exodus Shir Hadash, 9:30 AM The book of Exodus is often considered the most important book in the Torah. It includes the story of the liberation and formation of our people, a story which has become important to many other faith groups and oppressed peoples as well. No outside reading and each class is self-contained. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5 Torah for Tots Sinai, 11 AM, 11/9, 12/7 Torah for Tots, Sinai’s Shabbat morning program for nursery school age children and their parents (or grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, etc...). Torah for Tots includes singing, movement, stories, and more, and is open to members and nonmembers. In fact, it is a great way for nonmembers to get to know the Sinai community. Feel free to bring friends. Afterwards, all participants are invited to join the congregation for lunch. Office@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542 Mussar Matters Beth David, 1:30 PM, 11/16, 12/21 In recent years, the Mussar Movement, with its emphasis on building character and ethical responsiveness through Jewish texts, has

been rediscovered by the wider Jewish world. Explore a different character trait each month, such as: gratitude, equanimity, simplicity, and loving-kindness. 257-3333, adulted@beth-david.org

UPCOMING EVENTS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 October Potluck Shabbat San Jose, 7 PM The host will provide challah, wine, the main dishes, the cutlery and plates. Please bring a vegetarian/dairy appetizer, side, dessert, and/or drink to share. 257-3333, JewsNextDor@beth-david.org Rabbi Sandy Sasso Shir Hadash, 8 PM See ad on page 4. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 Justice, Justice Shall You Pursue with District Attorney Jeff Rosen Beth David, 1:30 PM In this “Shabbat Schmooze,” Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen talks about “Justice, Justice Shall You Pursue,” explaining how Torah influences his approach as District Attorney. DA Rosen is an experienced prosecutor and criminal justice reform leader. His mission for the DA’s Office is to pursue justice aggressively, fairly, and treating everyone with respect. His core values are service, hard work, transparency, and integrity. adulted@beth-david, 257-3333 SVJFF “Putzel” Century 24, SJ, 7:30 PM Putzel’s goal in life is to inherit the Jewish Deli, founded by his grandfather. This goal is jeopardized when his uncle becomes involved with an unstable woman. tzvia@svjff.org, 899-6013

SVJFF “Downtown Express” Century 24, SJ, 9:30 PM Sasha, a young Russian violinist, has won a scholarship to Julliard and is living with an overbearing father who tries to manage his son’s career. The son, however has different ideas. Sasha is drawn to pop music that he hears on the streets of New York. tzvia@svjff.org, 899-6013 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 Early Childhood Center Hanukkah Baazar Shir Hadash, 9 AM – 3 PM The Holiday Bazaar will be held in the sanctuary space. The vendors will be selling jewelry, clothes, toys, decorative items, personalized gifts and many other treasures. Yummy baked goods will be available for purchase. 358-1751, robin@shirhadash.org Exploring the World of Judaism: Nurturing the Spiritual Imagination of Children with Rabbi Sandy Sasso Shir Hadash, 9:30 AM Exploring the World of Judaism and the Adult Education Restricted Fund present wellknown children’s author Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso. She has served, along with her husband Rabbi Dennis C. Sasso, as spiritual leader of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck since 1977. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5 My Story: Memoir Writing Workshop Emanu-El, 10:30 AM Have a story to tell? Enjoy writing, free of anxiety, guilt, or hesitation? (Or worse, “writer’s block”?) Want to pick the brain of a professional? We will cover information, inspiration, instruction, and invention in writing your story! Advice from a professional

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writer may be the final step to creating a memoir. Instructor: Dennis Briskin, MA.: $50/ person (Minimum of 8 students to run class). 292-0939, stephanie@templesanjose.org Great Getaways! Emanu-El, 12:45 PM Afternoon trip to the Contemporary Jewish Museum with private tour of “Beyond Belief: 100 years of the Spiritual in Modern Art.” Following the tour will be a walk to nearby Suppenkuche for an Oktoberfest dinner! Transportation provided. $20/ member; $30/non-member, Dinner is no-host. Minimum suggested age is 13. 292-0939 RSVP:www.templesanjose.org SVJFF “The Price of Kings: Shimon Peres” Century 24, San Jose, 1 PM President of the State of Israel Shimon Peres won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994 for his efforts to secure peace in the Middle East. While that goal has been elusive, this riveting documentary film is an exploration of his ceaseless efforts over the last 50 years to create a fair and lasting peace between Israel and her neighbors. Through interviews with those who know him closely, as well as Peres himself, view an in-depth look at Israel’s renowned statesman who is among the last of Israel’s founding fathers. tzvia@svjff.org, 899-6013 Interfaith Community Service Opportunity Sinai, 1:30 PM Sinai partners with Abrahamic Alliance International and volunteer with Muslims and Christians to serve a meal at a local soup kitchen. 264-8542, Office@Sinai-SJ.org SVJFF “Wunderkinder Century 24, San Jose, 3 PM It is June 1941, and the future looks bright for two young Jewish musical prodigies, a boy violinist and a girl pianist,

living in a Ukrainian city. It was shortly before the Nazi invasion of the USSR and their lives become intertwined with a young German girl who shares their love of music. This film has many moments of suspense and sensitivity when the lives of both Jewish children, as well as those of their parents, are torn apart by the Nazis. tzvia@svjff.org, 899-6013 SVJFF “G-d’s Neighbors” Century 24, SJ, 5:30 PM A young religious Israeli studies Torah by day and serves by night as a member of a selfconstituted vigilante group that enforces—sometimes violently—standards of modesty and respect for the Sabbath. The young man meets and slowly develops a relationship with a secular woman. While she grows to accept, and to some extent embrace, his religious devotion, he begins to question whether he can continue stalking the streets to impose his will on others. tzvia@svjff.org, 899-6013 Men’s Night Out Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament Levy Family Campus, 6 PM See ad on page 16. MONDAY, OCTOBER 28 SVJFF “Hannah Arendt” Century 24, SJ, 7:30 PM Hannah Arendt, a German Jewish philosopher and political theorist, remains one of the most controversial figures in modern intellectual history. Arendt’s reporting on the 1961 trial of Adolf Eichmann for the New Yorker introduced her now-famous concept of the “Banality of Evil.” Using footage from the actual Eichmann trial and weaving a narrative that spans three countries, this film starring Barbara Sukowa depicts how Arendt went from being a respected Columbia University professor to one of the most reviled critical thinkers in America. tzvia@svjff.org, 899-6013

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29 Israel in Space Levy Family Campus Adult Lounge, 1 PM Part of the JCC’s free Tuesday lecture series. “Israel in Space” is an introduction to the achievements of Israel in the civilian and military space field. Speaker Marina Gandlin is a scientist in the Israeli space agency and currently on an exchange program working for NASA Ames Research Center for a year. Free cherie@svjcc.org, 358-3636 SVJFF “Simon and the Oaks” Century 24, SJ, 7:30 PM Two boys in Sweden, each of whom is an only child, become unlikely friends shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War. One is the precious son of a farm family, and the other is a Jewish immigrant from Germany whose parents are cultivated and welleducated. Their lives, as well as those of their immediate families, become intertwined, and, in the process, longsuppressed secrets become revealed over two decades, changing lives forever. tzvia@svjff.org, 899-6013 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30SVJFF “AKA Doc Pomus” Century 24, SJ, 7:30 PM How does a poor, disabled Jewish boy from Brooklyn become an iconic Rhythm & Blues composer? This is the true story of Jerome Felder, known professionally as “Doc Pomus,” a Rhythm & Blues songwriter, whose talents were sought out by John Lennon, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, as well as “The King” - Elvis Presley himself. tzvia@svjff.org, 899-6013 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1 Hot Button Issues in Law and Judaism 50 West San Fernando St., San Jose, Noon See ad on page 8.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2 SVJFF “Paris-Manhattan” Century 24, SJ, 7:30 PM In this light French comedy, interspersed with many lovely Parisian scenes, a Jewish family has two daughters. One is never able to find the “right” man. She is obsessed with Woody Allen and pretends to convey her deepest feelings to him, as the only person who can truly understand her. The film is highlighted by an extended cameo appearance by Woody Allen himself, at which time he, as her mentor, gives her the guidance she needs. tzvia@svjff.org, 899-6013 SVJFF “My Awkward Sexual Adventure” Century 24, SJ, 9:30 PM A conservative, mildmannered, timid, and easily exploitable Jewish accountant, Jordan, is rejected by his self-centered Jewish girlfriend when he proposes marriage, because she needs, in her words, a man who can satisfy her sexually. Heartbroken, he goes to visit his friend hoping to learn tricks to improve his sexuality. When he meets Julia, a stripper with a mountain of debt, he offers to manage her money in exchange for educating him in the fine art of sex. Adult content. tzvia@svjff.org, 899-6013 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3 “Even the Land Needs a Rest” - Exploring the World of Judaism with Deborah Newbrun Shir Hadash, 9:30 AM Our environmental roots are connected to Torah. Our social justice roots are connected to the Torah. Turns out, both are very closely connected to each other. In the Torah, many of our most important agricultural laws are also social justice mandates. Together we will explore the Torah texts describing the Shmita year, the year of release, and discuss how laws intended only for

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the land of Israel can inform our environmental and social justice values and actions today. Babysitting available. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5 SVJFF “Koch” Century 24, San Jose, 1 PM Former Mayor Ed Koch was the quintessential New Yorker. Ferocious, charismatic, and hilariously blunt, Koch, who died in Feb. at the age of 88, ruled New York from 19781989. A social liberal, a fiscal conservative, a reformer, and, above all, a political maverick, Koch governed the City of New York at the depths of its financial distress and managed to restore its solvency. In the process, however, he made many enemies. Through candid interviews and rare archival footage, Koch thrillingly chronicles the personal toll of running the world’s most wondrous city in a time of upheaval and reinvention. tzvia@svjff.org, 899-6013 SVJFF Kids’ Screen “Shalom Sesame” Century 24, San Jose, 2 PM Shabbat Shalom, Grover! Featuring well-known performing artists, the beloved Sesame Street characters learn all about Shabbat and share adventures touring the land of Israel. tzvia@svjff.org, 899-6013 SVJFF “Closed Season” Century 24, San Jose, 3 PM A Jewish refugee trying to escape from Nazi Germany to Switzerland, is given shelter by a German farmer. The farmer, who is impotent, prevails upon the Jew to father a child by his wife. This sensitive and carefully told story is filled with strong elements of honor, jealousy and betrayal, as relationships become understandably complicated after the farmer’s wife becomes pregnant. Adult content. tzvia@svjff.org, 899-6013

SVJFF Teen Screen “ David” Century 24, San Jose, 4 PM A studious and obedient young Muslim boy, the son of an imam in Brooklyn, is never able to meet his serious father’s high expectations. By chance, he develops a friendship with several Modern Orthodox boys in his neighborhood, and they assume that he, too, is Jewish. In this sweet and gentle film, the boy learns that, while friendship can transcend differences, differences can subtly define the limits of friendship. tzvia@svjff.org, 899-6013 FABULOUS FUN FISH FRY FIESTA FESTIVAL Sinai, 5 PM Come enjoy food, friends and music. We will serve Seymour Hoff’s locally caught rockfish fillets, salads, Pasta, garlic bread, fish sticks for children, and dessert. Live music by the Sinaites. $12/adult; $6/ child. RSVP to the Sinai office. Office@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542 SVJFF “Roman Polanski: A Film Memoir” Century 24, SJ, 5:30 PM This is a thoughtful and candid film about the acclaimed film director Roman Polanski. A Holocaust survivor of the Warsaw and Kraków ghettos, this documentary traces his career from youth, adolescence, and early adulthood in Poland. Through interviews with Polanski himself, the film looks at his emergence in the late 1960s and early 1970s as one of America’s most promising directors. His artistic accomplishments are nearly as varied as the scandal and notoriety that surround his personal life. He is depicted as a man of great accomplishments who has been touched by tragic flaws. tzvia@svjff.org, 899-6013

JSN Annual Banquet 2013 223 Twin Dolphin Dr, Redwood City, 6 PM Join the JSN for the 2013 Annual Banquet honoring the Sosnick family. There will be a delicious catered dinner and a silent and live auction at the elegant Sofitel Hotel in Redwood City. Come learn how the JSN is supporting the evergrowing Jewish Community around the Bay Area. Silent auction opens at 6 p.m. info@jsn.info, (650) 493-5764 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4 SVJFF “Zaytoun” Century 24, SJ, 7:30 PM A story of the unlikely alliance between a 12-year old Palestinian refugee and an Israeli fighter pilot shot down over Beirut in 1982. Their initial distrust develops into friendship as they make their way across war-torn Lebanon on a journey to a place they both call home. tzvia@svjff.org, 899-6013 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5 SVJFF “Wunderkinder” Century 24, SJe, 7:30 PM See Sunday, October 27 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6 SVJFF “The World is Funny” Century 24, SJ, 7:30 PM “The World Is Funny” follows the wanderings of a loose network of connected characters. Their stories grow in richness and complexity as the film progresses. A sharp, ironic sense of humor enriches a melancholy, yet inspiring film. tzvia@svjff.org, 899-6013 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7 Infusing Hanukkah with Thanks 430 North Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos, 7 PM See ad on page 21.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 Community Shabbat in Honor of Jewish Book Month Shir Hadash, 10:30 AM Come and get acquainted with a dozen new Jewish books. Following a morning service, take the opportunity of choosing which of the great Jewish books that have been published in the last three years you are interested in. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5 Book Discussion Group Beth David, 1:30 PM “Hitlerland: American Eyewitnesses to the Nazi Rise to Power” by Andrew Nagorski, led by Miriam Palgon. This account by former Newsweek staffer Nagorski (“The Greatest Battle”) offers precise firsthand observations of Hitler and his place in history, beginning in the 1920s, as people tried to decide whether he could be dismissed as a nonentity or posed a serious threat to world order. adulted@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Driving Our Dreams: A Tribute to Arnie Addison Levy Family Campus, 6 PM Dinner, dancing, and silent and live auctions to support the JCC and pay tribute to the life of the Addison-Penzak JCC’s namesake donor Arnie Addison. Tickets are $160. You can also purchase tributes to Arnie Addison; each tribute includes a message in a Family Tribute Album that will be presented to the Addison family. To purchase tickets and/or a tribute, go to www.eventbee. com/v/siliconvalleyjcc.com. diana@svjcc.org, 358-3636 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10 Blood Drive Shir Hadash, 8 AM nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5

Happy Thanksgivukkah!

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Catalysts for Change: Exploring Jewish Contributions Past and Present Emanu-El, 10:30 AM A series of lectures cosponsored by Temple Emanu-El and Lehrhaus Judaica. This lecture: “Jews in the Civil War: Answering the Four Questions.” What are the four questions regarding Jews in the Civil War? 1) Why did our ancestors join? 2) What did they do? 3) What happened afterwards? 4) What can we do to honor them? Join Richard Ferman and his family as they share family history and answer the four questions. The Ferman family will be in period dress. For more information and to register, visit Lehrhaus Judaica at www.lehrhaus.org. membership@templesanjose. org, 292-0939 Trajectories on Divergent Paths: Development of Rabbinic Judaism and Classical Christianity Beth David, 10:30 AM Episcopal Rev. Bruce R. Bramlett, a religious studies scholar focusing on Jewish history and anti-Semitism, explains and outlines some of the major elements in the complex development of the rabbinic movement and classical Christianity in the first and second centuries of the Common Era. As both movements responded to the dominant forces of the Roman Imperial culture and political atmosphere, each developed survival skills and coping mechanisms that had consequences for their subsequent histories and interactions as communities of faith. We will explore these with the goal of deeper understanding and mutual appreciation. A small donation to Adult Education is requested at this presentation. 292-0939, AdultEd@beth-david.org

SVJFF “In the Shadow” Camera 7, Campbell, 3 PM In this award-winning thriller set in 1953, a dedicated Prague police detective in investigates what appears to be a simple burglary. It later becomes apparent that the burglary was merely a pretext by the Communist leaders of Czechoslovakia to justify trumped-up charges against five innocent Jews who are accused as being spies for “International Zionism.” Undeterred, the detective uncovers evidence that implicates the highest elements of the Czech state security organization, and he then becomes their target as well. The tension and suspense never stop. tzvia@svjff.org, 899-6013 SVJFF “Simon and the Oaks” Camera 7, Campbell, 5:30 PM See Tuesday, October 27 Latkes & Laughs Emanu-El, 6:30 PM Kick off the Hanukkah season as two great traditions come together for the “Latkes & Laughs” Comedy show. Delight your taste buds and tickle your funny bone with fantastic Headliner Cathy Ladman, who has appeared on “The Tonight Show,” HBO, “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Featuring Jimmy Gunn, a legendary comedic talent seen on MTV and Comedy Central, the show is presented and hosted by Bay Area comedian Jeff Applebaum, who has been on the “Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” and performs as Joey Bishop in the “Rat Pack.” Potato pancakes and punch lines: You need another reason? 292-0939, www.latkesandlaughs.com SVJFF “Melting Away” Camera 7, Campbell, 8 PM After discovering that their son is a cross dresser, a father kicks him out of the house. He becomes a singer at a gay nightclub and has no contact

with his parents for many years. When his father falls terminally ill with cancer, his mother tracks him down and learns of his new life. This poignant film explores, with considerable sensitivity, how a family confronts their son’s sexuality. tzvia@svjff.org, 899-6013 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 Lunch & Learn Emanu-El, Noon Bring a sack lunch and join Rabbi Magat as we study our way through the Torah. No previous study is required, and new faces are always welcome! stephanie@templesanjose.org, 292-0939 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14 Is That Really Gluten Free? A tasty evening of conversation and snacks Levy Family Campus, 7 PM See ad on page 8. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15 USY Fall Kinnus Sinai, Noon If you’re Jewish, in Grade 8 – 12, and want to get away for the first major weekend-long convention of the year, plan on being part of where it’s at. You’re guaranteed to have a “blasting” time! Registration available at www.newfrousy. org. miller@uscj.org, 892-2732 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 Knitzvah Levy Family Campus, 10:30 AM Knitzvah is a group of knitters, crocheters and seamstresses of all ages. They meet monthly to create beautiful handmade creations. Knitzvah distributes these gifts to 18 nonprofits. All ages and levels of experience are welcome. Come and be a part of this dynamic group or donate yarn to help them meet the needs of our community. loric@jfssv.org, 357-7467

Book Group Shir Hadash, 10:45 AM “Dancing Arabs” by Sayed Kashua. This slyly subversive, semi-autobiographical account of Arab-Israeli life recounts the story of a Palestinian boy who wins a prestigious scholarship to a Jewish high school but slips into listless malaise as an adult. Kashua is the writer of the well-known Israeli TV series “Arab Labor.” 358-1751 x5, nadine@shirhadash.org SVJFF Closing Night Event-“Dorfman in Love”--with Elliott Gould 3921 Fabian Way, PA, 5 PM In this charming romantic comedy, life for Deb is complicated. Not only is she desperately trying to find a man, but she must take care of her father (Elliott Gould) while working more than full-time for her stingy, selfcentered brother as a junior accountant. Deb idolizes a foreign correspondent but can never quite realize that he is a self-promoting hedonist with no feelings for her. Things change, however, when Deb meets an exotic artist and discovers love. A reception and opportunity to meet Elliott Gould will follow. tzvia@svjff.org, 899-6013 Fall Grandparents Circle Reunion Shir Hadash, 7 PM Yiddish is one of the few languages to have a special name for the parents of our children’s spouse, machatunim. Having a word suggests that a relationship is expected. What is the range of our relationships with our machatunim? What are our options in building that relationship? How do our religious differences complicate or enhance that relationship? How can we strengthen our relationship to our children by having a relationship with our machatunim? 358-1751 x5, nadine@shirhadash.org

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18 Mesibah Family Fun Day: Olive Pressing for Hanukkah Levy Family Campus, 3:30 PM Mesibah is the Hebrew word for party! Our November mesibah has a Hanukkah theme. Living Legacy by Chabad Sunnyvale will teach us how to press olives into oil, just like the Maccabees did. Living Legacy is a program which strives to add excitement and hands-on experience to our children’s holiday experience. Come at 3:30 for snacks, crafts, a bounce house, and stories, then stick around for olive pressing at 4. This program is FREE for all ages and is perfect for children ages 2-10! jenessa@svjcc.org, 357-7411 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19 Celebrate Hanukkah at Hicklebee’s with Author Diane Rauschwerger 1378 Lincoln Ave, SJ, 4 PM See ad on page 21. My Father’s Gardens: IsraeliAmerican Coming of Age Beth David, 7:30 PM “My Father’s Gardens” by Israeli-American author Karen Levy is about a girl coming of age in two language on two shores, between warring parents and rules that change depending on the landscape and the proximity of her mother. 292-0939, adulted@beth-david.org WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20 Ruth Wisse, author of “No Joke” Levy Family Campus, 7 PM Ruth Wisse’s book “No Joke: Making Jewish Humor” is a survey and analysis of Jewish humor from the Bible to Larry David and Sacha Baron Cohen. Wisse is the Martin Peretz Professor of Yiddish Literature and professor of comparative literature at Harvard University. She is the author of “The Modern Jewish Canon: A Journey Through Language and Culture,” which won a National Jewish Book

Award. Her other books include “Jews and Power” (Schocken) and “The Schlemiel as Modern Hero.” $7/general admission; $5/JCC member. Payment will be collected at the door or you may pay in advance by calling 357-7492 or emailing arts@ svjcc.org. lisacg@svjcc.org, 358-3636 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23 Sk8te Crazy Nights: Ice Skating with a Hanukkah Theme Levy Family Campus, 7 PM See ad on page 3. Light it Up: Venetian Ball Stanford Hillel, 9 PM Join other 20s, 30s and 40s for the Hanukkah event of the year! Open bar, live band, blackjack and dreidel! $15 online or $20 at the door. amanda@jvalley.org, 357-7503 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24 “Sacred Choices: Thinking Through Teen Sexuality” - Exploring the World of Judaism with Rabbi Laura Novak Winer Shir Hadash, 9:30 AM If you have teens, pre-teens, or younger children, you know that teen sexuality can be quite complex and difficult to discuss. Join Rabbi Winer to lay the groundwork for future conversations with your kids. Explore the importance of Jewish values and examine how they can serve as a roadmap for talking to your child about how to deal with the issues they will face. Babysitting will be available. 358-1751 x5, nadine@shirhadash.org Hanukkah on Ice Levy Family Campus, Noon The JCC’s annual Hanukkah festival at the Levy Family Campus gets even better this year with the addition of an indoor ice rink. “Hanukkah on Ice” will feature an indoor ice rink, a kid zone with bounce houses, holiday games and activities, and holiday food. Admission is free and includes

free skate rental. www. SiliconValleyJCC.org or Jason Goldstein, jason@svicc.org, 357-7497 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29 Hanukkah Family Shabbat Service Shir Hadash, 7:30 PM nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 Continuing the Conversation on Clutter Shir Hadash, Noon Please join in our quarterly meeting to discuss ways to clear the clutter out of our lives. We share our clutter problems, help each other find solutions, and celebrate our progress in a supportive environment. Pair up with a “clutter buddy” and/or become a part of our online “Caring Community of ClutterBusters.” 358-1751 x5, nadine@shirhadash.org Field Trip to the Show: “Coney Island Christmas” Shir Hadash, 2 PM Come join a group of Shir Hadash theater lovers at a play by Pulitzer Prize winner Donald Margulies as he weaves together nostalgia, music and merriment in this seasonal classic. A holiday show for people of all ages and all faiths, “Coney Island Christmas” introduces us to Shirley Abramowitz, a young Jewish girl who (much to her immigrant parents’ exasperation) is given the largest part in the school’s Christmas pageant. As Shirley, now much older, recounts the memorable story to her great-granddaughter, the play captures a timeless and universal tale of what it means to be an American during the holidays. $20/adult; $15/ senior. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3 Hanukkah Party Sinai, 6 PM Join our annual Hanukkah celebration. Menorah lighting and sing-along, dinner, and special entertainment, dreidels, latkes, sufganyot. $12/adult; $6/child 5-12. Children under 5 free. Bring your own Hanukkiah and candles for the 4th night of candle lighting. RSVP: Office@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4 PJ Library presents Community Hanukkah Candlelighting Santana Row, 4:30-6PM See ad on back page. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 Hot Button Issues in Law and Judaism San Jose, Noon See ad on page 8. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 “Tevya and His Daughters” Levy Family Campus, 8 PM See ad on page 33. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 Keeping Up with the Grandkids: Learning Social Media Emanu-El, 10:30 AM Learn the basics of how to use Facebook to keep up with family and friends. We will walk through setting up your profile including privacy controls. We will also go over how to interact with other profiles and how to keep your own up to date. Keep up with your family and friends and know the basics of Facebook. stephanie@templesanjose.org, 292-0939 “Tevya and His Daughters” Levy Family Campus, 2 PM See ad on page 33. Teen Dodgeball Tournament Levy Family Campus, 2 PM Teens in grades 8-12 are invited to battle it out with other teens from all the Jewish teen organizations throughout

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the South Bay in our EXTREME dodgeball tournament. Meet new friends and get plenty of play time in this fun and nottoo-competitive competition. Teams are made of 6 players. You may sign up as a full team or you can be a free agent if you do not have a team. Fee includes refreshments. $7/ APJCC member, $10/ nonmember. jason@svjcc.org, 357-7497 Jewish Girl Scouts FatherDaughter Dance Sinai, 5 PM Annual Girl Scouts FatherDaughter Dance. For more information, (K-1st) contact DaisysJGS@Sinai-SJ.org; Brownies (2nd-3rd) contact BrowniesJGS@Sinai-SJ.org; Juniors (4th-5th) contact JuniorsJGS@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542 The 2013 AIPAC Silicon Valley Club Membership Gala TBA, 6 PM The 2013 AIPAC Silicon Valley Club Membership Gala will bring together AIPAC members. sf_office@aipac.org

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 Mah Jongg Tournament Levy Family Campus, 9 AM See ad on page 7. MONDAY, DECEMBER 16 Major Gifts Dinner Santana Row, 6 PM See ad on page 2. Schmooze with the Author: “Fire Year” Levy Family Campus, 7 PM In this book by Jason K. Friedman, an awkward boy grapples with G-d and girls at his bar mitzvah; a con artist cantor is taught a lesson by his student; a Polish immigrant to Savannah faces the loss of her cow; a Jewish assistant curator struggles to understand a 500-year-old Italian painter’s body of work, until his boyfriend makes an accidental discovery that challenges decades of art criticism. jenessa@svjcc.org, 357-7411

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 Book Discussion Group: “When General Grant Expelled the Jews” Beth David, 1:30 PM A riveting account of General Ulysses S. Grant’s decision, in the middle of the Civil War, to order the expulsion of all Jews from the territory under his command, and the reverberations of that decision on Grant’s political career, on the nascent American Jewish community, and on the American political process. Book by Jonathan Sarna; discussion led by Shmuel Shultz. 257-3333, adulted@beth-david.org

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17 “The Eyes of Abel: A ThoughtProvoking Look at Middle East Conflict” Beth David, 7;30 PM “The Eyes of Abel” by Daniel Jacobs is a factually inspired, powerful, and prophetically captivating thriller about passion, the media, geopolitics, and international intrigue. Its gripping pages challenge our understanding of the borders between fact, fiction, and the news. This book is two treats in one: a thrilling page-turner stocked with uniquely compelling characters and a sophisticated, thought-provoking look at the conflict in the Middle East. Book sales and signing will follow the presentation. A small donation to Adult Education is requested. 2573333, adulted@beth-david.org

Kadima Sleep-Over Sinai, 6 PM Spend Saturday night hanging out with 6-8th graders just like you! Kadima@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 Torah Flora: Biblical Botany and Beer Levy Family Campus, 6 PM Jon Greenburg of Torah Flora takes us on a gastronomical

journey through the Bible. He will discuss the botany of biblical flora and share snacks and beers taken directly from the pages of the Torah. $25/ general admission; $15/JCC member. Must be 21 or older to participate. CJLL@svjcc.org, 357-7411 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25 Chow Mein and ComedySportz Levy Family Campus, 5 PM Dinner and comedy for the whole family. ComedySportz is the award-winning interactive comedy show where two teams of “act-letes” compete for audience laughs and points while improvising scenes, games, operas and musicals based on your suggestions. The audience is always a part of the show, voting for the winners and sometimes even winding up on stage. lisacg@svjcc.org, 358-3636 SATURDAY, JANUARY 4 Building Blocks of Jewish Prayer Beth David, 1:30 PM Do you ever feel a little bit lost during services? Would you like to understand how the prayers fit together to create organic units? We will look at the meaning of our prayers, the structure of the morning service, and the fundamentals of movement and intention during Shabbat morning worship. 257-3333 MONDAY, JANUARY 6 Auditions for South Bay Teen Idol Levy Family Campus, 3 PM Teenage vocalists in 8th-12th grades are invited to audition for the JCC’s annual South Bay Teen Idol competition. diana@svjcc.org, 358-3636

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11 Havdalah Program: A Fine Romance: Jews and the Broadway Musical Shir Hadash, 8 PM This lecture will attempt to demonstrate that the Jewish roots of so many of Broadway’s greatest figures were not accidental, but central to their creation of a quintessentially American form of popular entertainment. 358-1751 x5, nadine@shirhadash.org SUNDAY, JANUARY 12 Hike for Tu B’Shevat TBA, 9:30 AM A Sunday hike to celebrate the trees. You don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy this hike, it is open to everyone. jenessa@svjcc.org, 357-7411 Sibling Rivals: How Early Rabbis and Church Fathers Understood the Torah Beth David, 10:30 AM This seminar focuses on the crucial role that contrasting methods of Biblical interpretation played in the separation of Church and Synagogue. We will look at comparisons of midrash and allegory, i.e., the preferred interpretive approaches to the Torah used by the early Rabbis and the early Church Fathers, respectively. One example is interpretations of the Exodus. We will explore these contrasts with the goal of deeper understanding and mutual appreciation. A small donation to Adult Education is requested at this presentation. 257-3333, adulted@beth-david.org

Have an event to add to the calendar?

Submit it at www.jvalley.org! Questions about upcoming events? Contact amanda@jvalley.org or 357-7503.

www.jvalley.org

obituaries SOLLY BORDER

Paul Federick Cohen

March 13, 1931 – September 2, 2013 Solly Border, a Holocaust survivor and active member of the Silicon Valley Holocaust Survivor Association, passed away in Sunnyvale. He was born in Romania to the late Yancu & Feiga Border. He was a chemical engineer in his professional life and also was an author, poet, historian and author; he was a long time resident of San Mateo and Sunnyvale. Solly is survived by his wife Rose Border, sister Elia (Rudy) Hochstadt, nephew Adrian Hochstadt, grandnephew Andrew Hochstadt and grandnieces Lauren and Sarah Hochstadt. He was predeceased by his son, Liviu Emmanuel Border who died fighting for our country. Solly had a kind heart and loved life and will be missed by his family and many friends.

12/29/44-8/13/00

Beloved Treasured Nephew Superb Human Being Heartbrokenly Forever Mourned

If you have lost a loved one, please send information to agreyber@yahoo.com or call Andrea Greyber at (408) 377-6224.

ROBIN RINSLER GREEN

November 3, 1951 – August 29, 2013 Robin Rinsler Green passed away after a long battle with Myelofibrosis, a bone marrow disorder. She was a loving mother to son Josh Green (Tania) and daughter Sara Paiva (Ron). She adored her grandchildren, Kendall Green, Dominik and Drew Paiva. Robin is survived by her father Leo Rinsler, her sister Joanne Schulte (Steve), her brother Mark Rinsler (Jude), nieces Morgan and Eden Schulte and Briana and Simone del Rosario, and devoted partner Danny Olivier.

Home of Peace Cemetery and Mausoleum Founded 1853

Owned and perated by Temple Emanu-El South Bay Area’s only Jewish-owned Cemetery, Mausoleum, and Columbarium. Pre-Need Terms Wayne Rose, Administrator

(408) 674-5867 cemetery@templesanjose.org

SUSAN MAY LISTER

June 3, 1932 – August 29, 2013 Educator, author, translator, worldwide traveler and patron of the arts, Susan Lister has passed away. Susan developed Spanish education programs, courses and FD262 books teaching American medical personnel to properly treat Latinos. Serving the entire Jewish Community for Susan leaves behind the love of many over 110 years people including her companion Honoring the dignity of the deceased and Robert Zeiher of Los Gatos; children providing compassion and support for the living Dianne Whitmire of Laguna Niguel and William David Lister of Los  Advanced planning counseling Gatos; brother Henry Chason of Long  At-need arrangements Island; son-in-Law Joel L. Rumley of  Bereavement support and services Los Gatos; grandson Sergeant Thomas Anthony Whitmire, USMC  Burial at all Jewish cemeteries locally and globally stationed in Honolulu, HI. She also enjoyed being grandmother to Tyler Lister-Rumley. Lister survived the loss of both her Peninsula Office (FD1830) husband, the late Harry Anthony Lister real estate entrepreneur 777 Woodside Road, Suite C, Redwood City (408) 297-3636 and the descendent of the Lister family of Long Island, New York, and her son, the late Michael Leo Lister. Susan was also the daughter of the late Joseph and Anne Chason of Chason Furriers Robert L. Malinow (FDR894) Wayne A. Rose (FDR979) Managing Funeral Director Funeral Director of Manhattan, New York. Donations to the Addison-Penzak Jewish rmalinow@sinaichapel.org wrose@sinaichapel.org Community Center (please make checks payable to “APJCC”) educational fund may be sent with the notation: “Susan Lister FDIC insured Pre-need funeral arrangements available. Memorial Fund,” 14855 Oka Road, Suite 201, Los Gatos, CA 95032. 30 www.jvalley.org

l cal news

Waging War on Clutter

The word clutter may evoke many reactions with a chuckle toping the list. But for many aging adults the reaction may be closer to embarrassment, blame, or fear. The battle with clutter intensifies as we age. This is due to fond memories associated with possessions, fear of loss, or anxiety over how to dispose of the items. The clutter can quickly become overwhelming and stressful, and yet a clear path to cope with clutter is often unclear. The Jewish community is dominated by empty nesters. In Santa Clara County 19% of the Jewish population are ages 55 to 64 as compared to the 14% of the general population that fits this age range according to a major new study by the Pew Research Center. This figure jumps to 22% of the Jewish population for those over 65 years old, while the general population only rises to 15% for this age range. The Caring Committee at Shir Hadash took on the battle against clutter in October 2011. The campaign began with a speaker and panel of Shir Hadash members who have experienced their own clutter issues or the issues of their loved ones. The prevalence of this issue became immediately obvious during this first panel, and participants demanded the conversation to continue. The Conversations on Clutter now take place on a quarterly basis, as they have since November 2011. The meetings are open to anyone who wants to discuss their clutter issues among peers and friends. The group shares ideas and resources to help each other find solutions to clutter dilemmas. They address their own challenges, as well as family members whose lives are adversely affected by clutter in their homes. The group has bonded so closely through the conversation that a few pairs of "clutter buddies" have formed, and an online group has been established to communicate with each other between sessions. “I have noticed that once people start talking about clutter, they want to keep talking. This is the reason why we will continue the conversation on clutter at Shir Hadash for the well-being of our congregation and our community,” explains Julee Ogawa, the leading force behind the clutter effort. In May of this year Julee, who has a Master of Social Work, attended the 15th Annual International Conference on Hoarding and Cluttering, presented by Congregations Beth David and Kol Emeth are proud to bring to you the Mental Health Association of San Francisco in an effort to gain more knowledge and further help those in need. Friday Saturday “I learned from experts in the field of hoarding and cluttering December 6 - 7 about the prevalence of these complex, misunderstood and frequently-overlooked problems.” Julee brought this knowledge back to the Clutter Group, with the goal of bringing understanding to this challenging issue and highlighting why peer support is “A JOYFUL essential to every one dealing with clutter and hoarding. UP-ON YOUR FEET

SAM GLASER: Jewish Musician

Julee is preparing for the next major push in her battle against clutter with “The Buried in Treasures Workshop” based on the book of the same title. This 15-week program was developed by Lee Shuer and Randy Frost of Smith College for use by lay persons trained to facilitate the structured sessions. The program begins after the first of January and is open to the public. Those interested in overcoming clutter in a safe and supportive environment should contact caring@shirhadash.org.

www.jvalley.org

FEEL GOOD EXPERIENCE”

Shabbat with Sam at CBD!

Motzei Shabbat Concert at KE! Saturday, December 7, 7:00 pm

Friday, December 6, 6:30 pm Complete your Shabbat experience with Kabbalat Shabbat led by Sam a celebratory, energetic musical evening! followed by a Shabbat dinner, singing & ruah (spirit)! Location: Congregation Kol Emeth For Pricing and RSVP 4175 Manuela Ave (by November 25): Palo Alto, CA 94306 www.beth-david.org/calendar/rsvp/ Saturday, December 7, 9:30 am 10:30 am - Sam joins Youth Congregation 11:45 am -Sam leads Musaf & Ruah Rally! Kiddush lunch and joyful singing follows.

Kids & Teens: $5 Adults: $8 Family of 4:$20

www.jvalley.org

happy hanukkah 1

Across 4. Traditionally this candelabra only had seven branches, but people still associate it with Hanukkah 5. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;helperâ&#x20AC;? candle 6. Dynasty that were the descendents of the Maccabee family 8. Total number of candles burned throughout Hanukkah 9. Place where PJ Library organizes our community for candlelighting 11. When the dreidel lands on this you take the whole pot. 15. The word Hanukkah translates to mean this 16. Hanukkah always begins on the 25th of this Hebrew month

9 10 11

Down 1. Place ransacked by the Syrian Greeks and rebuilt by the Maccabees 2. Meaning of the word Maccabee 3. The first day of Hanukkah falls on this holiday in 2013 7. This soft, fried dessert is a traditional Israeli Hanukkah treat 10. The Holy Temple menorah was made of this 12. A Thanksgiving version of this fried food would include yams 13. A tiny amont of this burned for eight days 14. The legends of Hanukkah, first told in the book of Maccabees, is really described in this

Answer key on page 34. EclipseCrossword.com

Open House

Dis sco cover Yavneh

Jr Kindergarten and Kindergarten Open House for prospective families Mon Dec 16, 2013, 8:30am - 10:30am Full-day JK and K Challenging academics Warm, inclusive community Art and music in every grade

Hands-on science Singapore math curriculum One-to-one laptop program in the Middle School

Hebrew language Physical education and after school sports Emphasis on social justice

To RSVP or to schedule a personal tour, call 408.357.7474 or email diana@yavnehdayschool.org.

www.yavnehdayschool.org 32

www.jvalley.org

The APJCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theatre Chevruta is proud to present a staged reading of

Tevya

by Arnold Perl Directed by Doug Brook

and his daughters

FEATURING Michael Johnson Virginia Hess Ambera DeLash Danni Horwitz Lea Simon Sylvia Metz Tom Shamrell Steven Dick David Sabes

Saturday, December 7th | 8:00pm Sunday, December 8th | 2:00pm with a talkback after the matinee $10 JCC members | $8 students and seniors | $15 general admission For tickets go to www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/JPlace

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

www.jvalley.org

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ENGAGEMENTS

Brooke Antonia Moorhead, daughter of Lori Riggio, was called to the Torah as a bat mitzvah on August 17 at Temple Emanu-El. Brooke is entering the 8th grade at Union Middle School this fall, where she will be a student body officer. She enjoys dance and is especially excited to be a member of the Performing Company at Dance Attack this year. Her sister Lola Moorhead, grandparents Marcia & Joe Riggio, and extended family are excited to

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CALLED TO THE TORAH

Justin Blumstein, son of Kristi & Ron Blumstein, was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on August 24 at Temple EmanuEl. Justin will be entering the 8th grade at Dartmouth Middle School in San Jose, where he plays bass clarinet in the school symphonic band. Justin also enjoys playing soccer, swimming, acting, and Boy Scouts. For his Bar Mitzvah project, Justin has collected new stuffed animals for the Pediatric Units at Good Samaritan Hospital, so that newly admitted children can be comforted during their stay. Justin had two extended stays at Good Samaritan during his childhood. Justin was excited to celebrate this occasion with his family, friends and the Temple Emanu-El community.

Carlee Marie Hess, daughter of Aarika & Joshua Hess of San Jose, was born on July 25. She is the granddaughter of Barry & Mary Cohen of Saratoga, longtime members of Temple Emanu-El, Mike & Shannon Hess of Incline Village, Nevada and Denis & Sylvia Schoonover of Thompson Station, TN. Carlee weighed 7 pounds 2½ ounces and was 20½ inches long. She was named after her greatgrandfather Carlin, grandfather Lee, great-grandmother Maria and grandmother Mary.

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film and business and is Head of Production at StyleHaul, Inc. His bride-to-be graduated from Penn State University and is marketing editor for Good Housekeeping magazine. An October 2014 wedding is being planned.

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SIMCHAS

August 24 at Congregation Sinai. His sister Sonia Mazo was also called to the Torah that day as a Bat Mitzvah. Samuel attends Evergreen High School where he plays tuba in the school band. He enjoys computer games and audio books. For his Mitzvah project, he donated some of his Bar Mitzvah monies to the Wounded Warrior project. Sonia is in the 8th grade at Quimby Middle School. She loves to paint and plays the saxophone in the school band. She donated her hair to Locks of Love. The children’s grandparents, Alex & Ida Mazo of San Jose and Ninatesta Thuprun of NY, were delighted to be there for this special occasion.

www.jvalley.org

Jewish Professional Directory Attorneys Peter D. Feinberg

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

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

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

Philip L. Hammer

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

David J. Hofmann

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

David S. Howard

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

Steven D. Siner

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

Attorneys Minda B. Parrish

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

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.

Carol Elias Zolla

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

Real Estate Orna & Ruben Yomtoubian

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

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Commercial Real Estate Senior Services Guggenheim Realty Group, Inc

Law Office of Derryl H. Molina

AMB Designs

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.

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

Dr. Itzhak Emanuel

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Michael W. Malter

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Christl Denecke

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

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

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS OR SERVICE IN THE JEWISH PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY! Contact Amanda Glincher: amanda@jvalley.org, 408.357.7503

www.jvalley.org

THE PJ LIBRARY ® PROGRAM AND SANTANA ROW INVITE YOU TO

COME LIGHT THE CANDLES WITH US

Celebrate Hanukkah with the Silicon Valley Jewish community at Santana Row. MUSIC • CRAFTS • TASTY TREATS Park Valencia (near Starbucks)

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013 4:30-6:00 pm FREE! Info: www.jvalley.org