JValley news ®
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Jewish newspaper of Silicon Valley...available online at www.jvalley.org/news
September 2016
A mikvah for the whole community By Deborah Zimmer It’s almost the year 5777, a time for renewal, a time for new beginnings. It is part of the Jewish tradition to immerse in the mikvah (ritual bath) before Rosh Hashanah. The Community Mikvah of Silicon Valley is a not-so-well-kept secret. Established in 2009, our mikvah is egalitarian and liberal, as well as completely kosher and supervised by Rabbi Avi Lebowitz. There is a loose network of liberal mikvaot, connected by the belief that Jews of any affiliation are welcome to immerse, as well as any candidates for conversion under the supervision of one of the community’s rabbis. continued on page 11
In This Issue... Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival enters 25th season, P17 Why maintaining traditions is important throughout life, P19 Rabbi Debbie Israel celebrates ten years at Congregation Emeth, P29
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content
Inside This Issue
Candlelighting San Jose, CA
News Staff
Friday, Sep 23................................... 6:44 P.M. Friday, Sep 30................................... 6:33 P.M. 1st Night Rosh Hashanah
The Trial of Eve...................................................5
Sunday, Oct 2.....................................6:30 P.M.
Israel: A journey of discovery...............................5
2nd Night Rosh Hashanah
New Federation co-chairs...................................6
Monday, Oct 3................. Not before 7:25 P.M.
A mikvah for the whole community..............1 & 11 Dedicated room for Chevra Kadisha................. 11
Friday, Oct 7...................................... 6:23 P.M. Yom Kippur Tuesday, Oct 11................................. 6:17 P.M. Friday, Oct 14.................................... 6:13 P.M.
Film Festival marks 25th anniversary....... 17 & 23
1st Night Sukkot
Nine local teens medal at Maccabi Games.......21
Sunday, Oct 16.................................. 6:10 P.M.
Debbie Israel celebrates 10-years at Emeth.....29
2nd Night Sukkot Monday, Oct 17............... Not before 7:06 P.M. Friday, Oct 21.................................... 6:04 P.M.
Yavneh hires middle school dean......................29
Shemini Atzeret
The power of IRAs, 401(k)s, and annuities.......34
Sunday, Oct 23.................................. 6:01 P.M. Simchat Torah
In Every Issue
Monday, Oct 24............... Not before 6:57 P.M. Friday, Oct 28.................................... 5:55 P.M. Friday, Nov 4..................................... 5:48 P.M.
Community photos..........................................7
Friday, Nov 11.................................... 4:42 P.M.
Simchas...........................................................9
Friday, Nov 18................................... 4:37 P.M.
Ask the Rabbi................................................19 Rabbi’s column..............................................19 Datebook...................................... 12-14, 24-26 Professional Directory...................................28
JEWISH FEDERATION CEO
Jyl Jurman jyl@jvalley.org 408-357-7500
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS
Synagogue listing..............................................16
Teen Interfaith immersion trip............................21
JValley.news is published by the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley
Friday, Nov 25................................... 4:34 P.M. Friday, Dec 2..................................... 4:32 P.M. Friday, Dec 9..................................... 4:32 P.M. Friday, Dec 16................................... 4:34 P.M. Friday, Dec 23................................... 4:37 P.M.
Pat Bergman Kay Gattel
SIMCHA & OBITUARY DEPARTMENTS
Andrea Greyber andrea.greyber@gmail.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Amanda Glincher amanda@jvalley.org 408-357-7503 ADVERTISING & BILLING
Amanda Glincher amanda@jvalley.org 408-357-7503
Published six times a year by the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley. We reserve the right to edit all copy. JValley.news is not responsible for the content of paid advertising. Send copy to JValley.news, 14855 Oka Rd., Suite 200, Los Gatos, CA 95032. Fax: (408) 356-0733.
Obituaries............................................. 31 & 32
from the desk of the ceo With Rosh Hashanah less than two weeks away, I have been going through a period of introspection. This year has been one of immense change in our Federation offices. I am completing my 28th year here and am still astonished each day by the many facets of our community and all of the resources we provide. This year has brought more ingenuity, collaboration, and progressive thought than ever before. Together with our community partners, the Jewish world is considering now more than ever how we can both
remain relevant to the next generations, accessible to all Jewish people, and effective in our communal goal to support Jewish life. With Susan Gavens and Joel Rubnitz leading our thoughtful efforts toward community-wide change, I expect that these discussions will continue to deepen as the year evolves. You can read more about our new leadership’s inspiration and thoughts on page 6. As we all desire to understand ourselves and our communities more, the High Holy Days are the perfect opportunity to reengage and re-invigorate. The following
pages of the paper provide ample possibilities for learning, praying, and socializing. Our community is fortunate to be filled with so many events and programs over the year, and I hope to see you at some of these events! Wishing you and yours a very happy and healthy new year, Jyl
Jyl Jurman, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley
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YEARS
JOIN US FOR OUR 2 5 T H A N N I V E R SA RY:
AN EXCITING FOUR WEEKS OF SCREENINGS AT AMC SARATOGA 14 AND THE OFJCC IN PALO ALTO.
SILICON VALLEY JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL OPENING NIGHT SPECIAL EVENT
OCT 27NOV 20 2016 T H URSDAY, O C TO B ER 27, 2 01 6 7 :3 0 P M AT T H E O FJCC I N PA LO A LTO
Join us for Opening Night and a screening of “Celebration: The Story of Israeli Cinema” with special guest Mike Burstyn.
A M C 1 4 S A R ATO G A OCT 29, 6:30pm OCT 29, 9:30pm OCT 30, 3:00pm OCT 30, 5:15pm OCT 30, 7:30pm OCT 31, 7:30pm NOV 1, 6:30pm NOV 1, 8:00pm NOV 2, 6:30pm NOV 2, 8:30pm NOV 3, 6:30pm NOV 3, 8:30pm NOV 5, 6:30pm NOV 5, 9:00pm NOV 6, 3:00pm NOV 6, 5:30pm NOV 6, 8:30pm NOV 7, 6:30pm NOV 7, 8:30pm NOV 8, 6:30pm NOV 8, 8:30pm
2 Kuni Lemel: The Flying Matchmaker Rock in the Red Zone* The Pickle Recipe Sabena Hijacking: My Version* Wedding Doll* The People vs. Fritz Bauer* Partner with the Enemy* The Law* Keep Quiet* Once In a Lifetime In Search of Israeli Cuisine Lamb Labyrinth Of Lies The Kind Words Fever At Dawn* Colliding Dreams* Atomic Falafel Remember* The Midnight Orchestra* Surviving Skokie* Baba Joon
*Indicates two screenings during the Festival Receptions follow the Opening Night Special Event, Centerpiece Event, Special Evening with Amos Oz, and Closing Night.
TICKETS: WWW.SVJFF.ORG 800-838-3006
O FJ C C - P A L O A L T O NOV 9, 6:30pm NOV 9, 8:30pm NOV 10, 6:30pm NOV 10, 8:30pm
Surviving Skokie* Wedding Doll* The Law* The People vs. Fritz Bauer*
NOV 12, 6:30PM CENTERPIECE EVENT POTSDAM REVISITED: OVERTURE TO THE COLD WAR
This special event of film and live music will transport the audience back to July 1945 when Harry Truman, Winston Churchill and Josef Stalin paused to listen to 19-year-old GI Stuart Canin play his violin. “The Rifleman’s Violin,” a short documentary, tells this story. After the film, Mr. Canin and pianist Hélène Wickett will reprise the private concert Canin gave the Big Three as they prepared to negotiate the postwar fate of the world.
NOV 13, 3:30pm NOV 13, 5:30pm NOV 14, 6:30pm NOV 15, 6:00pm NOV 15, 8:30pm
Remember* Rock In The Red Zone* Colliding Dreams* Fever At Dawn* Partner With The Enemy*
NOV 16, 7:30PM SPECIAL EVENING WITH AMOS OZ We will welcome acclaimed Israeli author Amos Oz and view a screening of “A Tale Of Love And Darkness.”
NOV 17, 6:00pm NOV 17, 8:30pm NOV 19, 6:00pm NOV 19, 9:00pm NOV 20, 3:30pm
The Midnight Orchestra* Sabena Hijacking: My Version* Rabin, The Last Day Mr. Predictable Keep Quiet*
NOV 20, 5:30PM CLOSING NIGHT
The Last Laugh pairs clips from films, performances, and interviews with top comedians and prominent Jewish leaders (including Mel Brooks, Sarah Silverman, Joan Rivers, Louis C.K., Chris Rock, Abraham Foxman, and Shalom Auslander) with an intimate portrait of Auschwitz survivor Renee Firestone. Director Ferne Pearlstein and Renee and Claire Firestone will join us for Q&A and a reception after the film.
Marc and Paula Levitt are proud sponsors of the Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival Marc E Levitt Ph.D. CTA, creator of two award winning quantitative managed futures programs www.svquant.com ● (408) 623-6388 ● National Futures Association ID: 0311607 Not an offer for a managed futures account. Past performance not a guarantee of future performance.
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l cal news The Trial of Eve, the latest chapter in Bibliodrama By Gordon Gladstone, Congregation Shir Hadash
texts and see that while the text itself is old, the humanity is still quite current.
According to tradition (which is how all Jewish stories start), the first Bibliodrama exercise was during a leadership class at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City in 1983. From there the exercise in theatric midrash (or textual extrapolation) spread to Jewish, and then non-Jewish, communities. Bibliodrama is understood as the process of participants in a text study trying on the persona of a character. Oftentimes short scenes are acted out with multiple players ad-libbing their way through an episode of the life of Moses, Sarah or Ruth. It would be familiar to anyone who has participated in a theater class. The technique was a revelation to many people who had never considered the characters in human terms. It gave them a new way to encounter the ancient
Over the last decade another method of expanding our understanding of the characters of Tanach (Bible) has emerged—a mock trial. The idea seems to have first taken hold in Los Angeles with Judge Wapner (of “The People’s Court”) presiding over a trial of Abraham who was accused of the attempted murder of his son Isaac. These trials feature teams of both prosecutors and defense attorneys who advocate for their case or client. The audience then divides itself into multiple juries, each charged with deciding the guilt or innocence of the accused. According to retired Judge Irwin Joseph who presided over trials at Congregation Shir Hadash in Los Gatos, “If you have never studied Torah (or if you have), you’ll find this format engaging, educational, enjoyable
and entertaining. You won’t be bored. In fact, during deliberations (facilitated by an attorney), you’ll participate in discussions without realizing you are deeply engrossed in study.” In recent years Congregation Shir Hadash has held mock trails of King David, Jacob and now this year will try Eve for her culpability in the exile from the Garden of Eden. The trial will feature retired Santa Clara County Judge Jerry Nadler and the defense team includes local attorney Mark Fredkin. The trial of Eve will take place at Congregation Shir Hadash on Saturday, September 24, at 8 p.m. For questions about this event or to learn more about Shir Hadash, call (408) 358-1751 or visit www.shirhadash.org.
Israel: a journey of discovery By Sarita Bronstein This summer, Hillel of Silicon Valley took 54 students to Israel on two separate trips. One was a special Birthright trip which focused on education, and the other was for non-Jewish student leaders from San Jose State University (SJSU) so they could see Israel for themselves. What made our Birthright trip special was the fact that we were one of 27 Hillels selected to be part of the Seed the Dream’s Birthright Israel Collaborative Enhancement Program (BICEP). BICEP focuses on enriching pre-trip education, students’ experience in Israel and post-trip engagement. StandWithUS, our BICEP partner,
had a group of six Israeli soldiers/peers joining the trip for the full ten days, in contrast to general Birthright trips which have the Israeli soldiers for five days. We found that these special additions to the trip made the journey more powerful. “When I meet a new group of people, I sometimes feel nervous; however, this time was different. I felt comfortable around this group of 46 people, many of which were strangers, who have since become family. Each city I visited, each stone I walked on, I felt like I was forgetting something, something very valuable. As I continued my exploration, I realized that I was not forgetting anything, but rather leaving crumbs from my heart so I could always find my way home.” – Spencer, SJSU Our second Israel trip this summer was with a group of 14 influential students (12 non-Jewish) from SJSU. Given the current culture on campus, we believe it is crucial not only for Jewish students to experience Israel, but it is equally important for non-Jewish students to see it for themselves. Following are a few quotes from our Spartans2Israel trip.
helped us to create meaningful programs to support the Birthright journey. We were fortunate to have been given the opportunity to explore a side of Israel that other Birthright trips do not see. We visited Save a Child’s Heart (a humanitarian organization with a mission to improve the quality of pediatric cardiac care for children from developing countries), an Air Force base, and a tour with Danny Tirza, architect of the security barrier, to gain a better understanding of Israel’s security concerns and measures taken in response. We also
“I was lucky enough to spend ten days with a group of inspiring students from SJSU in Israel. We learned about baseless hatred and unconditional love, about the history of the many religions within Israel (Druze, Baha’i, Ethiopian, Bedouin, etc.), to walk the Via Dolorosa, see the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Western Wall. We met Israelis and Palestinians, working tirelessly towards peace through education and unconditional love. We visited Yad Vashem, to stand on the borders of Syria, Lebanon and Jordan, and on the ceasefire line of Gaza and the West Bank. We talked to Palestinians and visited their cities. The past ten days have
shown me that, above all, there’s still hope. That if we keep learning, listening and loving, peace will come”. – Noa Shemer, Israel Fellow for Hillel of Silicon Valley “Our Spartans2Israel trip opened my eyes to how richly diverse and complicated the culture and conflicts of the Israeli people truly are. We met with Palestinians, settlers, [Palestinian and Israeli] activists, soldiers, Muslims, Jews, and Druze; all with unique experiences and opinions to share. Though such a complex situation exists and violence is a possible outcome of everyday life, the beauty of the region is the people who manage to coexist in harmony despite the many differences and dangers faced. I recommend everyone experience Israel in this fashion if given the opportunity.” – Justin “A life changing experience that enlighten me about the Holy Land and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and gave me logical as well as emotional information that I can take home with me and use for the rest of my life” – Jason We were thrilled to see many of the students from both trips come together at Welcome Back Shabbat, to be with their newly formed communities and to further explore the intricacies of Jewish life and Israel.
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The Federation’s new co-chairs: an interview with Susan Gavens & Joel Rubnitz What is your first Federation memory? Joel: When they honored Bob Krandel and Dr. Ruth was the speaker. I really saw the community side of our Jewish world that evening. Susan: My first Federation event was a Women’s Philanthropy program with Bella Abzug. She was an American lawyer and U.S Representative, but most of all I remember her unique style and the outlandish hats from that event. What inspired you to take this leadership position? Joel: Siri (looks at iPhone), why did I take this position? I think for both of us, it’s about exploring what new directions Federation might go in: how we can make changes, make a difference. Susan: Yes, for me it was about saying ‘yes’ to you (Joel) and Jyl. On a personal level, I feel everyone needs to take their turn to direct the ship. After all these years of involvement, it was my responsibility to take the helm. I didn’t become involved thinking that one day I’d be president, but I just grew into it. Arielle Hendel started me on the path by asking me to chair the WP campaign in 2008 during our March of the Living Mission to Poland and Israel. After Arielle and Michelle Nathanson’s mentorship, and working with Jyl and our wonderful staff, it felt right to accept the responsibility. What’s your favorite Jewish tradition? Joel: For me and my family, it’s getting people together for Hanukkah, break-the-fast, and holidays. Creating these family traditions is what makes me feel whole. Susan: Friday night has always been very, very important. For as long as I could remember, Shabbat was an integral part of my family. I didn’t get to be my yearbook photographer in high school because of family Shabbats. I enjoyed these wonderful times with my family. This set the stage for my own Shabbat practices. When I was dating Lee, and we later married, I made a vow to myself to host Shabbat dinners and make challahs as frequently as possible. The WP Do the Twist challah program this past year re-inspired me. At this point, I probably make fresh challahs 3 of the 4 Shabbats each month. What do you hope to accomplish during your term? Joel: Whatever Susan tells me to. Susan: Whatever Joel tells me. Joel: Our obvious goal is to grow and increase the campaign. Both of us want to increase our base, especially in young people. We want to have some effect in growing the younger generation’s involvement in the community. Susan: There’s a lot of opportunity for people to learn more about the work of our Federation. We need to look forward and involve everyone in building the future together.
Which aspects of our community do you want to work on improving? Susan: I’m concerned about Jewish education. I worry about the missing high school years, how we keep our teens involved. I think opportunities like March of the Living and Shalhevet are such amazing opportunities, and I want to see us invigorating more excitement in our teenagers. Joel: So many of our community’s adults didn’t have those life-changing chances. Susan: I agree with Joel. These types of trips change your perspective, they show you what’s really important in life. People come home more compassionate and grounded in their Judaism. There is so much positive impact; I want more people to have these life journeys. Joel: We need to remove financial barriers for these opportunities. Who is your inspiration in life? Joel: My parents. Susan: My parents as well, my dad with his fundraising and my mom with making challahs and Shabbat dinners. They were both very passionate about the Jewish community. Even though my parents have been gone for a long time, I still feel their teachings in my being, in my soul: ‘It’s what you do, you care for the greater Jewish community.’ Joel: I’m very close with an uncle of mine, Uncle Howie. Between my parents and him… What do you imagine your biggest challenge will be over the next two years? Susan: Increasing knowledge and education, collaboration, in our community. Continuing to build on what those before us have done. Joel: Everything Susan said, we need to strengthen our community. If you could have any super power, what would it be? Joel: That was the thing about Superman, he had everything. Susan: He could fly. Joel: He had strength. Susan: I’d like to fly. I’d like to bring peace to our community. Healthier bodies and minds, a calmer world. What would we call that power? Joel: I think it would be pretty cool to grant people wishes, I wouldn’t want to wear silly outfits or be stuffed in a bottle though. Susan: If I had a super power, I’d like to have visions for amazing innovations to help people. TOMS donates a pair of shoes for each that is purchased, my daughter [while in the Peace Corps] wrote to them and received 347 pairs donated for the children in her village. I wish we could come up with a revenue source that provides funding for our community and does Tikkun Olam around the Jewish world and beyond.
Joel: We need to look twenty years out and see what our model should look like.
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c mmunity photos
Members of YA-Live! at the annual Jewish Family Services Silicon Valley Volunteer Appreciation Ice Cream Social were among the 70 people in attendance.
Head of School Rabbi Darren Kleinberg, Ph.D., poses on the first day of school with Kehillah students. It was an extraordinary event with music, balloons, donuts, and smiles all around.
Shlomo Eliezer Levine and Yonatan Edri at Yeshiva Preschool of Silicon Valley’s Opening Orientation
Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley Backpack Drive Ethan Rauchwerk and other volunteers donated supplies for the JFS Equipped to Learn Backpack Drive, and helped fill backpacks. FAR LEFT: Ethan Rauchwerk with the items he donated to the backpack drive for his mitzvah project
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Temple Beth Sholom High Holy Days Services Led by Rabbi Oren J. Postrel (Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion, New York). Erev Rosh Hashanah Rosh Hashanah morning Kol Nidre Yom Kippur Morning Service Yom Kippur Afternoon Discussion Yizkor Neilah
8 pm Sun, October 2nd 10 am Mon, October 3rd 8 pm Tues, October 11th 10 am Wed, October 12th 3 pm Wed, October 12th 4 pm Wed, October 12th 5 pm Wed, October 12th
All time listings are approximate (except Kol Nidre will begin as close as possible to the announced time). We will use the Reform movement Gates of Repentance (CCAR) for our prayer book. Shofar blowers are invited to participate in the shofar services Rosh Hashanah morning and Yom Kippur evening. We will have a dairy (i.e., no meat) potluck break the fast following the conclusion of Yom Kippur services. Services will be held at the San Jose Masonic Center, 2500 Masonic Drive, San Jose (near Canoas Garden Avenue south of Curtner -- near the Curtner Light Rail Station) These Open to the Community Services are Supported by Donations to Temple Beth Sholom For additional information leave a voicemail message at (408) 978-5566 or send email to wsb3attyca@aol.com.
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simchas By Andrea Cohen Greyber BIRTHS Gabriel Purwin Decker was born on April 10 to Rachel Michelle Purwin Decker. Baby Gabriel weighed 5 pounds 2 ounces and was 17½ inches long. Grandparents are Janis Lynn Purwin Decker and Barry & Cindy Decker. The great-grandparents are Elaine & Ted Purwin, of blessed memory, and Gwen & Arthur Decker, of blessed memory. Gabriel was named for his great-grandmother Gwen. Aida Pauline Gold, the daughter of Jeff Gold & Itzury Villagomez, was born on May 8. She is the granddaughter of Temple Emanu-El member Sheila Gold of San Jose, Bernard Gold of Fresno, and Guillermo & Eva Villagomez-Guerrero of Ensenada, Mexico. Aida was named in honor of her maternal great-aunt and her middle name is in honor of her paternal great-grandmother. Aida is welcomed by her big brother Aaron who is happy to have a new playmate. CALLED TO THE TORAH Samantha (Sami) Rubnitz, daughter of Andrea & Joel Rubnitz, was called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah at Congregation Shir Hadash on August 6. Sami was pleased to share her simcha with her older siblings, Jessica and Jordan Levy, her grandparents, Lois & Hal Price and Riva Rubnitz and her great-aunt and great-uncle, Sally & Howie Mazur along with aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and the Wisconsin crew. Sami is an eighth grader at Yavneh Day School. She loves baking, dancing, hanging with her friends and Gwen Stefani. In lieu of gifts, Sami asked for donations to No Kid Hungry and Remember Us, her mitzvah projects. Sami also had a bake sale for No Kid Hungry last May at Yavneh Day School. Kirby Tardos was called to the Torah at Camp Tawonga on August 13. Kirby will be in the tenth grade in the home school program of Beach High School and will attend classes at City College of San Jose in order to study Japanese and fencing.
Kirby’s sister Moya Tardos and brother Ilan Province were both at the ceremony at Camp Tawonga. Parents Julie Tardos & Bill Province, however, who belong to Congregation Beth David, were unable to attend. Kirby read Parsha D’varim. Kirby likes anime, cosplay, making cosplay hats and costumes and digital art. Sage M. Russell, grandson of Carla N. Rosenblum of Congregation Shir Hadash, was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah at Coastside Jewish Community in Half Moon Bay on August 20. Sage is in the eighth grade at Cunha Middle School and is the son of Sara Rosenblum Russell & Storm Russell; he is the younger brother of Sterling Russell and the grandson of the late Rabbi A. Leon Rosenblum.
deepest passion is a love for animals, especially sensitivity toward protecting endangered species and keeping others off the threatened list. His mitzvah projects include animal awareness, volunteering at animal adoption events and earning money to donate to various animal conservation funds.
Send announcements and photos to Andrea Greyber at (408) 377-6224 or agreyber@yahoo.com.
Talia Litvin, daughter of Rose Litvin and Dean Shiao was called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah at Congregation Sinai on August 27. She is the granddaughter of Dr. Daniel Litvin of PA and her Safta and Saba are Margie & Larry Krasno. Talia will be a seventh grader at Yavneh Day School which she has attended since kindergarten. She likes to construct remote control trucks with her dad who has taught her how to use every single machine in his workplace. She also enjoys ballet dancing, gardening with her mom, reading, hanging out with friends and or going on new adventures. David Zis, son of Ann & Kevin Zis, was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah at Temple Emanu-El on August 27. He has always exhibited signs of a strong moral compass and demonstrated an unwavering sense of justice. His
Wedding and Bar/Bat Mitzvah Videography
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Join us at an upcoming Shabbat service honoring your commitment to our community. CONGREGATION SHIR HADASH AND HILLEL OF SILICON VALLEY Friday, September 16, 2016, 8:00 pm, Oneg to follow
LP E GACY R O J E C T
CONGREGATION BETH DAVID AND YAVNEH DAY SCHOOL Saturday, November 12, 2016, 9:30 am, Kiddush Luncheon to follow CONGREGATION SINAI, ADDISON-PENZAK JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER AND THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF SILICON VALLEY Saturday, December 3, 2016, 9:00 am, Kiddush Luncheon to follow TEMPLE EMANU-EL AND JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES OF SILICON VALLEY Friday, December 9, 2016, 7:00 pm, Oneg to follow ALAN W E R BA, CH AIR
RSVP at www.communitylegacyproject.org/shabbat For more information please contact Arielle Hendel: arielle@jvalley.org or 408.357.7501
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
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Congregation Beth David
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l cal news A mikvah for the whole community, cont. from page 1 In the past, we have hosted educational events for the community. Guides offer tours for groups, including religious school students studying life cycles, and the South Bay Introduction to Judaism class. The most important aspect of our facility is that we are not restricted to the traditional uses of immersion (i.e. before marriage, after menstruation, and prior to holy days.) Any occasion can be chosen: a new job, a special birthday, recovery from illness, ending a period of mourning, and celebrating the birth of a child. Our facility is so different from what someone might expect. It is light and airy, with white tiles. The shower is within the room, so privacy is maintained. Our guides are respectful of confidentiality and how important each immersion can be. We look
the guiding spirit behind the establishment of our mikvah, and went to train at Mayyim Hayyim in Boston, which is the mothership of liberal mikvaot. Along with Rabbi Leslie Alexander, Jan helped recruit and train our current mikvah guides. We can always use more guides! If you would be interested in learning more about what is involved, please contact me, our new Mikvah Coordinator, at the mikvah line (408) 357-7444. An introductory session for all guides will be held in October. Appointments for immersions are available days and evenings, except for Shabbat. Call the Mikvah line, (408) 3577444 and leave the details of when you would like to immerse. Calls are returned within 24 hours.
forward to welcoming more members of the community to visit the mikvah. We owe a debt of gratitude to Jan Rose, who recently relocated to South Carolina. She was
Local mortuary offers dedicated room for Chevra Kadisha of the South Bay By Elizabeth Klein The Chevra Kadisha of the South Bay was established over 25 years ago with a dual mission: • To lovingly and halachically (according to Jewish law) prepare the bodies of Jewish men and women for burial through a purification ritual known as tahara, and • To offer support and educate loved ones about the importance, benefit and beauty of Jewish burial. The Chevra Kadisha (Sacred Society) consists of trained volunteers who are essentially ‘on call’ 24/7 to perform this service, whether at local mortuaries, or at sites as far south as Salinas/Monterey and as far north as Marin County. With a trunk filled with supplies, our volunteers travel to where that need is, day or night. However, recently a new and wonderful development has enabled those of us who have been ‘wandering’ from one location to the next, a lovely and dignified environment in which we can truly accord those neshamos (souls) in transition the kavod (honor) they deserve.
Bay Area Mortuary Services has just completed construction of a beautiful new facility, offering “a complete range of services…honoring all faiths and customs.” We’d already established a strong, positive relationship with this family-owned and operated mortuary before the new project, and found the owners and staff not only supportive, but proactive in attempting to help us be more efficient and comfortable on their premises. We appreciated those efforts, as well as the flexibility of the staff to accommodate us even when we needed to send a team after regular business hours. Then, several months ago, Mr. John Sparrer, founder and CEO of Bay Area Mortuary Services announced that he and his son Andrew were building an entirely new facility. That was great news, but even greater for us was the fact that they were actually going to have a private, dedicated prep room for the Chevra Kadisha! What a wonderful surprise! We would at last have storage room for our supplies and a private area in which to do our work. When Rabbi Elchanon Zohn, founder and director of the National Association of Chevra Kadisha (NASCK), came to California to conduct another workshop for us, we toured the new facility, and had a first peek at the
room that would become our new site for local taharas. ‘Amazing’ was certainly the first adjective that came to mind. In addition to cabinets and counter space, there was even accommodation for a family member to shomer (guard) the meis (deceased) within the same private and comfortable room. After recently having completed the first tahara in this new facility, I can truly say that the care and sensitivity given to this project by the Sparrer family has given us a very special gift. We have a great deal of hakaras hatov (appreciation) for these righteous individuals, and we wish Bay Area Mortuary Services continued success in their endeavor to provide a highly professional and caring service to families in this very serious and important time in their lives. Bay Area Mortuary Services is located at 1701 Little Orchard Street, San Jose 95125 and can be reached at (408) 998-2202. For information or to make arrangements for a tahara with the Chevra Kadisha of the South Bay, please contact Menashe Taban at (408) 435-6911 for a man’s tahara or Pat Bergman at (408) 460-3675 for a woman’s tahara.
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dateb ONGOING EVENTS
Sundays Knitzvah Meeting Levy Family Campus, Adult Lounge, 10:30 AM, 10/23, 11/20 Knitzvah is a Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley volunteer group of knitters, crocheters and seamstresses of all ages. Knitzvah distributes handmade creations to 18 nonprofits. All ages and levels of experience are welcome. loric@jfssv.org, 357-7467 Silicon Valley Holocaust Survivors Association Brunch APJCC Adult Lounge, 10:30 AM, 10/9, 11/13 A bagel brunch for survivors and their families. In addition to brunch there is always entertainment and/or an educational program included. Admission is free, optional $5 donation. cherie@apjcc.org, 357-7462 Mondays
Torah Study Chai House, 3:30 PM This engaging class with the JCC’s Rabbi Hugh Seid-Valencia keeps us full of life through the words of the Torah. All abilities, ages, and levels are welcome - you do not need to be a resident of Chai House. This is a free, drop-in class. No need to register. rabbihugh@apjcc.org, 357-7413 Tuesdays Classic Jewish Texts APJCC, 9:30 AM Rabbi Joey Felsen of the Jewish Study Network guides you through the fundamental works of Maimonides, Luzzato, and other classic commentators. No Hebrew necessary. This is a free, drop-in class. No need to register. jenny@apjcc.org, 357-7462 Yiddish Conversation Group Beth David, 3 PM, 11/1, 11/15 Enjoy Yiddish conversation, jokes, and more with Yiddish speakers of all levels. cbd.yiddish@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Secular Jewish Salon Shir Hadash, 7 PM, 10/18, 11/8 The Salon is a forum to discuss topics of relevance for secular Jews. Topics will be selected by participants. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5 Israeli Dancing Emanu-El, 7:30 PM, 10/4, 10/18, 11/1, 11/15 Put on your dancin’ shoes and join our free dancing class taught by our very own Loui Tucker. This class takes place on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. No dance experience necessary and everyone is welcome. megan@templesanjose.org, 292-0939
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Wednesdays Heschel Roundtable APJCC, 9 AM Drop in to study and discuss the writings of Abraham Joshua Heschel, beginning with his book, “The Sabbath,” which presents the Jewish Sabbath as an antidote to the fast pace of daily life in modern society. No experience or specialized knowledge necessary. This is a free, drop-in class. No need to register. Instructor: Rabbi Hugh Seid-Valencia, rabbihugh@apjcc.org, 357-7413 Lunch and Learn Torah Study Emanu-El, Noon, 9/28, 10/26 Need a better way to spend your lunch hour? Join Rabbi Magat on the fourth Wednesday of each month for an informal study and discussion session of a selected Torah portion. We will navigate through traditional interpretations and modern applications of our historic teachings. Bring your lunch and be ready to get a new perspective on Torah. Open to members and non-members and no previous Torah study is required. megan@templesanjose.org, 292-0939 Thursdays
Hasidic Havurah APJCC, 11 AM This class takes a look at some of the great works of past Hasidic teachers and strives toward deepening our contemporary Jewish spirituality. This class is for all abilities and levels and is a free, drop-in class. No need to register. Instructor: Rabbi Hugh Seid-Valencia rabbihugh@apjcc.org, 357-7413 Our Inner Impulses: Exploring the purpose and power of the Yetzer Hara Beth David, 7:45 PM, 11/10, 11/17 What causes us to act in ways that are in dissonance with our values and beliefs? How do we understand these impulses and direct them in positive ways? Join Rabbi Ohriner as we explore the Jewish understanding of the Yetzer Hara. AdultEd@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Fridays Friday Talmud Study: Tractate Megillah Beth David, 10 AM JoinRabbi Ohriner as we study Tractate Megillah, containing laws of Purim, Torah reading, and synagogue practices. English texts are available. Newcomers are welcome. Donations to Adult Education are appreciated. AdultEd@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Alzheimers Caregivers Support Group Shir Hadash, 10 AM, 10/14, 11/11 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-to-day difficulties of
caregiving. Open to the public - Drop-ins are welcome. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5 Jewish Ethics Discussion Beth David, 11:15 AM Explore the wisdom of Jewish ethical teachings in this participant-led group. After completing our study of “The Path of the Upright,”we will select another book on Jewish ethics to discuss. AdultEd@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Kabbalat Shabbat Lunch for Ages 55+ APJCC, Noon, 9/23, 10/21, 11/18 Enjoy a catered hot lunch followed by entertainment. $6 JCC members, $8.50 non-members if you sign up and pay in advance. $10 at the door. cherie@apjcc.org, 357-7462 Shabbatluck Dinner Emanu-El, 6 PM, 10/7, 11/4 Everyone is welcome to join our congregational family for a Shabbatluck Dinner. Meet and schmooze with these students, their families, and our congregation during a friendly potluck dinner and stay for a delightful Shabbat service. Please bring a dish to share. The following designations are based in the first letter of your last name: A-L: Side dish, salad, fruit M-Z: Main Dish. megan@templesanjose.org, 292-0939 Kabbalat Shabbat Service Emanu-El, 6:30 PM, 9/23, 9/30, 10/28 megan@templesanjose.org, 292-0939 Erev Shabbat Service Emanu-El, 7 PM, 10/14, 11/11, 11/18 Different special activities are often incorporated, such as “Ask the Rabbi,” a sermon and discussion, a musical program, or a guest speaker. Join us for an Oneg after where you can mingle and meet new people. megan@templesanjose.org, 292-0939 Saturdays Babies and Bagels: Baby Shabbat Emanu-El, 9 AM, 10/8, 11/12 A Shabbat experience geared towards families with children ages 0-30 months. Little ones will enjoy a service full of Shabbat songs, Torah studies, and parachute play! Kiddush, motzi, and a bagel oneg sponsored by Temple Emanu-El Sisterhood will follow this fun-filled program. This is a great opportunity for parents of young children to meet and form groups with their peers. megan@templesanjose.org, 292-0939 Tot Shabbat Beth David, 11:15 AM, 9/24, 11/12 For ages 5 and under. Relaxing, lighthearted, interactive, Shabbat program for tots. Includes songs, stories, puppets and more. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333
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dateb Jewish Artists Group Beth David, 1 PM, 9/24, 10/22, 11/19 Everyone is welcome, whether member of CBD or visitor, including non-artists, too! cbd.artistsgroup@beth-david.org, 257-3333
UPCOMING EVENTS Friday, September 23 Shabbat Service with Adjunct Rabbi Oren Postrel Shir Hadash, 8 PM Join us for Rabbi Postrel’s first Shabbat Service and welcome him to our community. Rabbi Oren Postrel has joined our team as our Adjunct Rabbi. He will be leading services, conducting Torah study and working with B’nai Mitzvah students. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5 Saturday, September 24 Approachable Torah with Rabbi Berkow Beth David, 10:30 AM Approachable Torahwith Rabbi Berkowitz Rabbi Berkowitz makes the Torah accessible to all and helps learners connect Torah lessons to their lives. Participants discover that all of us can spindrash – a lesson of meaning. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Sunday, September 25 Kadima Regional Day at Six Flag Discovery Kingdom Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, 8 AM Calling all Jewish 6th, 7th, and 8th graders! Join Kadima for a fun-filled day of rides, shows, games, food, and fun at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. Kadima@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542 A Place For Women – Coffee Break! Beth David, 9:30 AM A Place For Women – Coffee Break! CBD’s “A Place for Women” invites all women, especially you moms dropping of your kids, to meet each other, have some coffee and cake, and find out about our upcoming events for women. Your questions & ideas for events or programs you’d like to see are most welcome. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Abrahamic Reunion Community Service San Jose 2016 San Jose, 3 PM Six members of Sinai will unite with members of Pacifica Institute and Lincoln Glen to serve dinner to the poor. The event will begin by building bridges of understanding through group activities and meal preparation. After serving the needy, we will eat together in friendship. The event will begin in Sinai in the kitchen at 3 PM and end at 7:30 PM. The exact address of the meal service will be sent to you by email approximately 3 days before the event, along with directions, suggested dress, and other helpful pointers. Participants can
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Book Group: “Born to Kvetch” Sunday, October 9 @ 10:45 AM Shir Hadah “Born to Kvetch” by Michael Wex. Throughout history, Jews around the world have had plenty of reasons to lament. And for a thousand years, they’ve had the perfect language for it. Rich in color, expressiveness, and complexity, Yiddish has proven incredibly useful and durable. Its wonderful phrases and idioms impeccably reflect the mind-set that has enabled the Jews of Europe to survive a millennium of unrelenting persecution and enables them to kvetch about it! A native of Lethbridge, Alberta, Michael Wex has worked in virtually every area of contemporary Yiddish. Some of his songs have been recorded by such klezmer bands as Sukke, The Flying Bulgars, and 2007 Grammy winners, The Klezmatics. Wex’s teaching and lecture activities – a unique combination of learning, stand-up comedy and probing investigation into the nature of Yiddish and Yiddishkayt have taken him from Toronto to Budapest, and to many points in between. His approach is so unique and appealing that his annual series of classes at Klezkamp (a yearly Yiddish cultural event in upstate New York) has been renamed Wexology – and not at Wex’s instigation. The Jewish Community Library will loan us copies of the book to be picked up at the Shir Hadash office. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5 register online This is a unique opportunity to learn more about other faiths while completing tikkum olam. To participate, you must be able to attend the entire event and be over the age of 18. Office@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542 Talk by Israeli Ambassador Yoram Ettinger APJCC Auditorium, 5:30 PM Please join ZOA West Coast as we welcome Israeli Ambassador(ret.) Yoram Ettinger for the first stop in his tour of the Bay Area. This event is free for members of the APJCC or the ZOA and is open to the public. Fee: $10/non-member. RSVP is highly recommended. The program will be in English. dkadosh@zoa.org, (510) 990-6712 Tuesday, September 27 A Taste of Judaism Emanu-El, 7 PM Everyone is welcome. You don’t have to be Jewish to be curious. But you do have to register so we can save you a seat! Enjoy three weekly classes on the modern Jewish take on spirituality, values, and community. Our classes are dynamic and interactive; our teachers are accessible, engaging, and can answer any and all of your questions. megan@templesanjose.org, 292-0939 Thursday, September 29 An Evening with Dennis Ross Beth David, 7 PM See ad on page 2. jyl@jvalley.org, 357-7500 Saturday, October 1 USY Lounge Night Sinai, 8 PM High school students, come enjoy an evening of bonding, games, relaxation, and snacks. USYAdvisor@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542
Wednesday, October 5 Painting a Sukkah of Peace: An event of Beth David’s A Place for Women Beth David, 7:30 PM Elizabeth Batson guides us in an evening of painting therapy assisting us in delving into our notions of and hopes for personal security, peace and growth in the new year. No painting experience is necessary, all you need to bring is an openness to self exploration. Expect an evening of meaning, enjoyment, socializing, sipping wine and eating something sweet. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Friday, October 7 Erev Shabbat Family Service Emanu-El, 7 PM The first Friday of the month during the school year (September through May), services begin at 7 PM in the sanctuary. We’re proud of our students and their participation and leadership in our service. Most Family Services are preceded by a congregational Shabbatluck potluck dinner. We hope you share in this delightful Shabbat service with us. megan@templesanjose.org, 292-0939 Saturday, October 8 Jewish Book Discussion Group: “Red Cavalry” Beth David, 1:30 PM “Red Cavalry” by Isaac Babel, led by Alex Drukarev. Drawing from experiences with the Red Army during war against Poland, Babel describes this violent era of early Soviet history and tries to establish his role in the new Russia. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Sunday, October 9 Hiking Meet-up – Sunday Stroll Beth David, 10 AM The walk will be a 5-mile loop around Saratoga starting at the synagogue. Walk departs at 10 AM sharp. Walks postponed in case of rain. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333
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dateb Kadima Laser Tag San Jose, 3 PM Calling all Jewish 6th and 7th graders. Join us for laser tag, pizza, and games! Kadima@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542 Monday, October 10 “The New Mediterranean Jewish Table”: Dinner with Author APJCC, 7 PM Join us for a discussion and dinner with Joyce Goldstein, author of “The NewMediterranean Jewish Table.” Tickets: $24/JCC member; $36/ non member. Dinner will feature recipes from the cookbook. Cookbooks will be available for purchase at the event. This is part of the JCC’s Distinguished Speaker Series 2016-17. For more information, contact CJLL@apjcc.org or 357-7411. The APJCC is proud to be a part of the Initiative on Jewish Peoplehood, co-funded by the Koret Foundation, the Taube Foundation for Jewish Life & Culture, the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley, and donors like you. Joyce Goldstein, Michael Krasny, and Joel Hoffman will be visiting the APJCC as part of the Jewish Book Council’s 2016-17 JBC Network Author Tours. rabbihugh@apjcc.org, 357-7413 Friday, October 14 Shabbat Service – Prayer Without G-d Shir Hadash, 8 PM Talking about G-d is challenging for many Jews. The G-d language that surrounds us is often very Christian. We retain some vestige images of G-d from childhood, perhaps G-d as a super Grandfather or cosmic Santa Claus, which we don’t accept but perhaps have not replaced. We are hesitant to talk about it, worried that we might be judged by others for what we do or don’t believe. Last spring at Congregation Shir Hadash we held a teaching service on the theme of Prayer without G-d. We drew on the rich resources of Israeli and American Jewish non-believers including Shaul Tchernikovsky and Charles Reznikoff as well as more contemporary material from Marcia Falk and the Jewish Humanist movement. We sang in Yiddish as well as Hebrew and English. During the discussion afterwards members of the congregation talked about what a spiritual experience it was to express the divine and the need for prayer in these different ways. This fall, at the request of some of our members, we will try this again. Traditionally we pray to fulfill an obligation and to take the place of the sacrifices that we no longer offer. Kabbalists give added meaning to prayer as words that influence what happens in the heavenly realm. But today we might also pray for other reasons: to remind ourselves that we aren’t G-d, to reflect on our most important values, and to bind ourselves in community. All are welcome to join us. The service will include humanistic as well as traditional elements. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5
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Saturday, October 15 Men’s Club Movie Night Sinai, 7 PM Join the Men’s Club for snacks, drinks, and, most importantly, a movie on Sinai’s silver screen. MensClub@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542 Sunday, October 16 Building Dedication and Opening Ceremony Beth David, 10 AM Walk through the building and check out all of the wonderful space we have for additional programs, classes, seminars and events. Activities include dedication of the building, burying the time capsule, final stone setting and the placement of the Mezuzah. Lunch follows. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Monday, October 17 Everything You Wanted to Know About Judaism Shir Hadash, 7 PM Do you wonder how important believing in God is to Judaism? What happens after we die? Is the Jewish G-d an “angry G-d?” Do you have to know Hebrew to be a good Jew? How can I understand my role, vis-a-vis Israel? And, of course, what about Christmas? This one-session class is designed to address these questions and more. Bring your questions for Rabbi Aron to answer. Ample time will be allotted for discussion as well as coffee, desserts, and schmoozing. This program is open to anyone interested in learning more about Judaism: those who are not Jews, those who are but with limited or no Jewish background, those in a relationship with someone who is Jewish, and anyone with questions. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5 Wednesday, October 19 Lunch and Learn in the Sukkah Emanu-El, Noon Join the Rabbi for lunch, and bring your opinion! Bring a sack lunch and join Rabbi Magat on the second Wednesday of each month to share in a stimulating discussion of recent events, political happenings, and other relevant topics related to current events. This event is open to the community. megan@templesanjose.org, 292-0939 Scotch in the Sukkah Beth David, 6:30 PM See ad on page 27. Thursday, October 20 Freilache Menschen Retirees Group Program Shir Hadash, 11:30 AM Freilache Menschen (Happy People) – join our retirees group for a monthly lecture, discussion, performance or film. Each month we have a new program to educate or entertain and we would love for you to come. We meet
on the second Thursdayof each month. We are pleased to provide the program and a light lunch for a nominal donation of $5/person. Please RSVP: shanda@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 Friday, October 21 A Conversation About Israeli-Palestinian Peace Prospects First Unitarian Church of San Jose, 11:30 AM See ad on back page. Tot Shabbat with Catered Dinner Emanu-El, 6 PM Led by Rabbi Magat and Cantor Amanda Winter, families with young children will enjoy upbeat songs, a short story, and a talk with the Rabbi on the bimah. All are welcome to these brief services on the third Friday of each month. Stay after services and enjoy a delicious dinner provided by Sisterhood, of course at no charge! megan@templesanjose.org, 292-0939 Kabbalat Shabbat Services and Dinner in the Sinai Sukkah 2.0 Sinai, 6:30 PM Join us for a Shabbat dinner in our new, larger Sukkah. Please RSVP by Thursday, October 13. Office@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542 Erev Shabbat Service with Oneg in the Sukkah Emanu-El, 7 PM On the second and third Friday evenings of each month, services are held at 7 PM in the Sanctuary. Different special activities are often incorporated, such as “Ask the Rabbi,” a sermon and discussion, a musical program, or a guest speaker. Join us for an Oneg after in the sukkah where you can mingle and meet new people. megan@templesanjose.org, 292-0939 Saturday, October 22 Shir Fun Tot Shabbat in the Sukkah Shir Hadash, 9:30-11:30 AM A tot friendly Shabbat service followed by a bagel brunch and Sukkot crafts. Event is sponsored by Shir Fun and is open to children ages 0-5 and their families. Please RSVP by 10/18. shanda@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 Shabbat in Nature Sanborn Park, 10 AM A Shabbat morning service led by Rabbi Dana Magat and Cantor Amanda Winter in a nearby park setting. Depending upon the location, the day may also include a potluck lunch, Torah discussion, singing, hiking and other outdoor activities. Shabbat in Nature is sponsored by the Ritual Committee and will take place at Sanborn Park at the Costanoan group picnic site (dogs on leash, fee parking). megan@templesanjose.org, 292-0939 continued on page 24
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HAPPY N EW Y E AR FROM THE
J EWI SH FE DE R ATION OF SILICON VALLEY As we prepare to greet New Year 5777, we urge each and every person in the Silicon Valley Jewish community to find a congregation which can help you hear the sound of the Shofar.
THE GREAT SHOFAR WILL BE SOUNDED... JOIN WITH US SO THAT IT WILL BE HEARD!
S H A N A T OVA H ! Complete High Holy Day information at www.jvalley.org
YOUR GUIDE TO SILICON VALLEY SYNAGOGUES Almaden Valley Torah Center (Orthodox) 1422 Helmond Lane, San Jose, 95118 (408) 445-1770 www.rabbi770.com
Congregation Beth David (Conservative) 19700 Prospect Rd., Saratoga, 95070-3352 (408) 257-3333 www.beth-david.org
Bar Yohai Sefardic Minyan (Orthodox) 1030 Astoria Dr., c/o SPHDS, Sunnyvale, 94087 (408) 746-0614 www.baryohai.org
Congregation Emeth (Reform) 17835 Monterey Street, Morgan Hill, 95037 (408) 778-8200 www.emeth.net
Chabad of Cupertino (Orthodox) (408) 207-3648 www.chabadofcupertino.com
Congregation Shir Hadash (Reform) 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos, 95032 (408) 358-1751 www.shirhadash.org
Chabad of S. Jose (Orthodox) 15405 Los Gatos Boulevard, Suite 204 Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 358-5530 www.chabadsj.com Chabad of Santa Clara (Orthodox) 2078 Warburton Ave, Santa Clara CA 95050 (408) 718-9074 www.jewishsantaclara.com Chabad of Sunnyvale (Orthodox) (408) 720-0553 www.chabadsunnyvale.com Congregation Am Echad Torah Community (Orthodox) 1504 Meridian Ave., San Jose, 95125 (408) 267-2591 www.amechad.org
Congregation Sinai (Conservative) 1532 Willowbrae Ave., San Jose, 95125 (408) 264-8542 www.sinai-sj.org Temple Beth Sholom (Reform) P.O. Box 23397, San Jose, 95153 (408) 978-5566 Temple Emanu-El (Reform) 1010 University Ave., San Jose, 95126-1842 (408) 292-0939 www.templesanjose.org
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l cal news Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival marks 25th anniversary: renowned Israeli author Amos Oz to meet audience at festival
CELEBRATION: THE STORY OF ISRAELI CINEMA A milestone documentary about the birth of Israeli cinema and an industry that started out with no money but with humor, chutzpah and courage.
The Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival (SVJFF) kicks off its 25th year anniversary on the Festival opening night, October 27, at the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center (OFJCC) in Palo Alto. The all-star lineup of films will be screened at both the OFJCC in Palo Alto, and at the AMC Saratoga 14 in the El Paseo de Saratoga Shopping Center in San Jose, which offers comfortable seating, easy parking, and access to numerous close-by restaurants.
“This year marks our Silver Anniversary, and we’ve planned a very special Festival with more film screenings and special events than ever before,” said Executive Director Tzvia Shelef. “We also will be welcoming many guests from around the world who will meet the Festival audience, including Israeli author Amos Oz and Mike Burstyn, an acclaimed actor whose career has spanned Yiddish theatre, Broadway shows and films. All of our special events will be at the OFJCC, Palo Alto.”
A TALE OF LOVE AND DARKNESS Natalie Portman makes her debut as writer and director with this adaptation of the best-selling memoir by celebrated Israeli author Amos Oz. The People vs. Fritz Bauer
will follow. “As we begin our 25th Anniversary year,” said Shelef, “It’s appropriate that we pay tribute to two of our founders who are still part of the SVJFF community. Fagie Rosen and Burt Epstein had the vision to begin offering films in 1991. And what began as a small film series has, after 25 years, grown to be the Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival that we have today. For their work, we will always be grateful.” It is still possible to become a Patron Donor of the Festival. Patron benefits include early seating and tickets, and may include admission to the Opening, Centerpiece and Closing events at some Patron levels. Visit www.svjff.org/securedonation/ or call (408) 498-0904 for more information.
Wedding Doll
Mike Burstyn headlines Opening Night on October 27 at 7:30 p.m. and will speak to the audience following a screening of “Celebration: The Story of Israeli Cinema.”
The Festival’s Closing Night, on November 20, features a screening of “The Last Laugh”—a documentary that examines the role of humor and the Holocaust. A discussion and reception
THE LAST LAUGH Is the Holocaust absolutely off-limits for comedy? This provocative and amusing documentary explores that question through interviews with survivors, comedians and thinkers.
The 25th Annual Festival includes 40 film screenings, from informative documentaries to feature films that both entertain and inspire. For a complete list of films and schedules playing at the AMC Saratoga 14 as well as the OFJCC in Palo Alto, and to purchase tickets online visit www.svjff.org. Labyrinth of Lies
Amos Oz will meet the Festival audience on November 16 at 7:30 p.m. and will answer questions after the film “A Tale of Love and Darkness,” starring and directed by Oscar® winner Natalie Portman. Oz wrote this dramatic story’s movie script. Midway through the Festival, on November 12 at 6:30 pm., a special Centerpiece Event, the short film “Potsdam Revisited: Overture to the Cold War” will be presented. On this nostalgic occasion, the audience will also be treated to a live presentation by violinist, Stuart Canin, who as a 19-year-old American soldier was selected to play for Truman, Atlee and Stalin at the monumental Potsdam Conference in 1945 which shaped the future of Europe.
POTSDAM REVISITED: OVERTURE TO THE COLD WAR An extraordinary intersection of history and music, that took place in July 1945, as Harry Truman, Winston Churchill and Josef Stalin prepared to negotiate the post-WWII fate of the world.
2 KUNI LEMEL Celebrating the 50th anniversary of an Israeli classic. Set in the world of the Eastern Europe shtetl, starring Broadway legend Mike Burstyn. Mike Burstyn will attend the screening.
Pickle Recipe
For the SVJFF’s 25th anniversary year, plan to take a trip around the world in film. Here is a preview of some of the highly rated films of Jewish interest from the United States, Israel, Canada, Germany, France, the UK, Ethiopia and Morocco. Watch film trailers and purchase tickets at www.svjff.org.
FEVER AT DAWN A man recently freed from a concentration camp learns that he has months to live. He refuses to give up and finds love. LAMB This extraordinary Ethiopian film tells the story of a half-Jewish Ethiopian boy who is sent by his father to live among distant relatives following his mother’s death.
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Fall Programs
AT THE ADDISONPENZAK JCC
Events
Classes
The New Mediterranean Jewish Table: Dinner with Author Joyce Goldstein Monday, October 10th, 7:00pm Discussion and dinner featuring Sephardic, Maghrebi, and Mizrahi Jewish recipes from Goldstein’s cookbook.Tickets $24 JCC member/$36 non-member. Cookbooks will be available for purchase. This is part of the JCC’s Distinguished Speaker Series 2016-17.
Hebrew Reading Crash Courses Learn to sound out Hebrew words and learn some basic Hebrew vocabulary. Free! Tuesdays 7:00-8:30pm. Level 1 meets 9/20-11/15 (no class 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25). Level 2 meets 11/22-12/20.
Sukkot BBQ Sunday, October 23rd, 12:30pm-2:30pm Everyone is invited to a barbecue in the community sukkah at the Levy Family Campus. For prices and more information, contact CJLL@apjcc.org. Readers Theatre: Cantorial Saturday, November 12th at 7:00pm and Sunday, November 13th at 2:00pm A staged, costumed reading of Ira Levin’s spooky comedy, in the JCC’s theater auditorium. Levin was also the author of Rosemary’s Baby and The Stepford Wives. Tickets $10-$20. For tickets and more information: www.apjcc.org/cantorial Thank You for the Music Saturday, November 5th at 6:00pm Join us for the JCC’s annual fundraising gala. Tickets and more information: www.apjcc.org/gala Kabbalat Shabbat Lunches for Adults Ages 55+ Fridays, Sept. 23, Oct. 28, Nov. 18, 12:00pm-2:00pm Come for monthly hot lunches and entertainment. Cost is $6 for JCC members, $8.50 non-members, when you register in advance. Cost is $10 at the door. For more information, contact Cherie Ravel at cherie@apjcc.org or 408.357.7462. Menorahs and Miracles Sunday, December 4th from 12:00pm-4:00pm at the Children’s Discovery Museum Save the date for this annual Hanukkah-themed day of fun with the JCC at the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. Co-sponsored by PJ Library and other community partners. Russian-Speaking Jewish Programs The JCC is proud to offer a variety of programs for Russian speakers of all ages, children and adults, including youth clubs, holiday events, cultural events, and more. For details, see www.apjcc.org/russian
For more information and to register for classes, go to www.apjcc.org/jplace
Hands on Jewish Cooking Make healthy and modern versions of traditional Jewish foods, and take them home for dinner. With Rabbi Shoshana Ohriner, popular food blogger. Sundays, 10/30, 11/20, 2/12, 9:30am-12:00 noon. JCC members $20 per class or $54 for all three classes. Non-members $25 per class or $65 for all three classes. Torah Study: Women’s Commentary Explore selected Torah portions through the lenses of some of our tradition’s wisest and most profound female commentators. With Rabbi Carol Caine. Wednesdays, November 30th-December 21st, 7:00pm-8:30pm. JCC members $36, non-members $79. Talmud Circle Learn Talmud in English! In collaboration with Lehrhaus Judaica and The Aleph Society. Sundays, 11/6, 12/4, 1/8, 2/5, 3/5, 4/2, 5/7, 6/4, 6/11, from 10:00am-12:00pm. Fee is $195. Sign up by October 10th and pay just $175. More information and registration: www.apjcc. org/talmud Free Drop-in Classes These classes are free of charge and open to everyone. Taught in English unless otherwise noted. No prior study experience necessary. Classes are ongoing. Drop in anytime! •
Torah Study at Chai House. An instructor from the JCC leads a lively and engaging Torah Study for all ages. You don’t need to be a Chai House resident. Class meets at Chai House, 814 St. Elizabeth Drive, San Jose, every Monday from 3:30pm-4:30pm.
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Classic Jewish Texts. Rabbi Joey Felsen of the Jewish Study Network guides you through the works of classic commentators such as Maimonides, Luzzato, and more. Every Tuesday, 9:30am-11:00am at the JCC.
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Russian Language Torah Study. Discuss the weekly Torah portion in Russian with Rabbi Ilana Baird. Every Tuesday, 10:00am-11:30am at the JCC.
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Heschel Roundtable. Study the works of the great modern theologian Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel. With Rabbi HughSeid Valencia, every Wednesday, 9:00am-10:30am at the JCC.
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Hasidic Havurah. Study the works of the great Jewish mystics, with Rabbi Hugh Seid-Valencia. Every Thursday, 11:00am12:00pm at the JCC.
Addison-Penzak JCC of Silicon Valley
® OF SILICON VALLEY
Levy Family Campus APJCC Center for Jewish Life & Learning 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032 408.357.7411 | www.apjcc.org/jplace
The APJCC is proud to be a part of the Initiative on Jewish Peoplehood, co-funded by the Koret Foundation, Taube Foundation for Jewish Life & Culture, the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley, and other generous supporters. All Cultural Arts programs at the APJCC are made possible, in part, by generous contributions from Sylvia & Leonard Metz, Doris & Rick Davis, and Bill Lister. APJCC monthly Senior Shabbat Luncheons are made possible, in part, by a generous grant from the Milton and Sophie Meyer Fund. All Community Engagement: Beyond the Walls of APJCC programs are made possible, in part, by Supporting Sponsor gifts from Doris & Rick Davis and Carl Jeans/Sereno Group.
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rabbi’s speak Ask the rabbi By Rabbi Melanie Aron, Congregation Shir Hadash
When my children were little, it was meaningful to me to light candles and do other Jewish home rituals. But now they have grown up. Do I still have to do these things? I am glad that Jewish home rituals were meaningful to you when your children were young. These rituals anchor a child’s memories of Judaism and associate Jewish practice with the warmth of family love and caring. Welcoming Shabbat and holidays, sharing festive meals, building a Sukkah (temporary gathering), and lighting the Hanukkah lights create lifelong memories. When my daughter was a toddler, she attended her first fancy dinner with a tablecloth and decorative candles on the table. Because she associated these things with Shabbat, she was so disappointed that there was no challah! With our busy lives, these holiday meals may be the only times that everyone is around the table without having to rush off to practices, meetings, and activities. If you are fortunate enough to have grandchildren, you can continue this experience by
being part of their Jewish rituals, even from a distance. You can join in lighting candles via Skype. One grandmother said to me that she always finds time at 3 pm on Friday afternoon to light candles remotely with her grandchildren on the East Coast. There is also the question of your adult experience. Before I had children, I was living in a very small and ugly apartment in New York, where looking out my only window at a brick wall was very depressing. It was the discipline of making Shabbat, the obligation, that kept me from just coming home on Friday night and collapsing. The process of setting the table, putting out the candlesticks and wine cup, making sure I had a challah, perked me up and gave a special flavor to our Friday evenings. The obligation for the mitzvot (commandments) is not conditional on their being a means to pass Jewish tradition on to another generation
– they are goods in themselves. We conduct the Seder, as you may recall, even “if we are all wise, all discerning, all people of understanding.” Finally, we might want to think about the impact of abandoning these rituals once the children are out of the house. Are you communicating to your grown children that Judaism is just something we do for children? If you were involved in the community, were members of a synagogue, and now are not, what does that say to your children and even grandchildren, right at the time they are making big decisions about how they will live their own lives? As the holidays approach, we take stock of our lives. Perhaps this is the time to think about what motivated you to care about raising Jewish children, and to find a connection to that commitment that works at this time in your life, whether it is ritual, study, or deeds of loving kindness.
What makes Tashlikh different? By Rabbi Josh Berkenwald, Congregation Sinai Most of our High Holy Day observances are exceedingly formal. Services are long. Worshippers dress up in their best clothes. Cantors and choirs pull out all the stops. In our homes, we invite guests and serve elaborate meals on fine china. But there is one ritual that evokes very different feelings: Tashlikh. The Tashlikh service takes place during the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah, or the second day if the first day is Shabbat. The ritual is quite simple. We gather within sight of a body of water, preferably one that flows into a larger body of water. We recite the verse from Micah, along with several other Biblical passages and prayers. Then we cast bread crumbs, representing our sins, into the water. The name Tashlikh is taken from a verse from the Biblical Book of Micah: “You will hurl all their sins into the depths of the sea…” V’tashlikh bimtzulot yam kol-chatatam. (7:19) The earliest mention of this custom appears in the writings of Rabbi Jacob Moellin (Maharil) who died in 1427. This makes Tashlikh a relatively “new” tradition. He connects the custom to a legendary midrash in which Satan transforms himself into a stream to block the path when Abraham and Isaac are travelling
to Mount Moriah. Despite this obstacle, Abraham and Isaac plunge into the water up to their necks, risking their lives for the sake of fulfilling G-d’s command. They pray to G-d, who removes the water. The Maharil describes the custom favorably, although he disapproves of the practice of throwing bread into the water. He does not want to encourage such a simplistic method for Jews to separate themselves from their sins. Despite the Maharil’s and other rabbis’ opposition, the tradition of Tashlikh spread. One commentator specifies that it is preferable to perform Tashlikh in a body of water in which there are fish. He offers two reasons. The first is that fish symbolize the precariousness of the human condition. A fish can be swimming along nonchalantly through the water one moment before it is suddenly scooped up in a net. When we recognize the precariousness of our own condition, we will be moved to perform repentance. The second reason is anatomical. Just as fish do not have eyelids, so too is G-d all-seeing and omniscient. A third explanation is that by feeding the fish with the “sins” we have thrown into the water we express our hope that we can transform our bad behaviors into something positive.
Tashlikh has become a popular activity on Rosh Hashanah, in part, because it is so different from all of our other traditional practices. Instead of using words and prayers to confess our sins, we participate in a physical activity. We have to do it outside, rather than inside the synagogue or our homes. Finally, it is an activity that can be appreciated meaningfully by Jews of all ages. Children, who have a difficult time relating to the serious language of prayer, can more easily grasp the symbolism of casting away our sins. Every year that I lead a Tashlikh program, at least one person participates – usually not a member of a synagogue – who has not had a chance to attend any other High Holy Day service or activity. Before throwing out our crumbs, we name the sins that we are trying to leave behind: greed, dishonesty, laziness, neglectfulness, hitting my sister, not listening to my parents… Then we cast it away, watching as it floats down the stream to be swallowed by a fish or a duck. If only change were so simple. May this year be one of growth and transformation for you and all your loved ones. L’Shanah Tovah Umetukah. May you have a happy and sweet New Year.
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l cal news Nine local teens medal at the JCC Maccabi Games Nine teenage athletes from the South Bay attended the international JCC Maccabi Games in Columbus, Ohio. The teens traveled to the Games with the Addison-Penzak JCC of Silicon Valley from July 24-29. The JCC Maccabi Games are an Olympic-style sporting competition held each summer in North America and the second largest organized sports program for Jewish teenagers in the world. All nine athletes medaled at the games:
rienced home hospitality, by living with local JCC families during the games. The teens also took part in a day of Caring and Sharing, where they participated in projects such as making Build-A-Bears for hospice patients, paper flowers for cancer patients, spending time with seniors at a senior housing facility on the Columbus JCC campus, and participating in a recreation program with children and adults with special needs. The athletes also enjoyed a spectacular fireworks display at the Columbus JCC during the closing ceremonies.
• Griffin Bloom - Basketball (Silver Medal)
History of the JCC Maccabi Games
• Jordan Greenberg - Basketball (Silver Medal)
The Maccabi Movement began in 1895 when the first all-Jewish sports club was formed in Constantinople. The first world Maccabiah Games were held in Israel in 1932. Now this competition takes place every four years and has featured many world class Jewish athletes including Mark Spitz (swimming) and Mitch Gaylord (gymnastics).
• Jordan Klapper - Basketball (Silver Medal) • Rachel Nimtz - Tennis (Midot Medal) • Aaron Salowe - Baseball (Silver Medal) • Bode Saul - Soccer (Silver Medal) • Nathan Schwartz - Baseball (Silver Medal) • Joshua Wolf-Bloom - Basketball (Silver Medal) • Jessica Stubbs - Soccer (Silver Medal) In addition to competing in Olympic-style competitions against teams from around the U.S. and other countries, all the teens expe-
The first North American JCC Maccabi Games were held in 1982 with 300 athletes. The Games have grown into an Olympic-style sporting competition held each summer in multiple sites throughout North America. Today, thousands of teens, ranging from 13 to 16 years of age (12 years for local delegations), participate in the JCC Maccabi Games each summer.
Mission of the JCC Maccabi Games The mission of the JCC Maccabi Games is:
• To offer Jewish Community Centers and
YM/YWHAs in North America the opportunity to reach teens through participation in the Games, and in year-round athletic, educational, cultural and social programs, as well as teen experiences in Israel;
• To provide Jewish youth with a supportive
environment that fosters mutual respect and sportsmanship, where they can interact in an atmosphere of fun, democracy, and peace;
• To cultivate a deeper understanding and instill an appreciation of Jewish values within Jewish youth, enrich their Jewish identity in an informal setting, and encourage their identification with the state of Israel;
• To promote and encourage the health, physical fitness and well-being of Jewish youth through participation in recreational and athletic activities; and
• To introduce Jewish youth to the interna-
tional Maccabi Movement, which presents athletic, cultural, and social opportunities with Jews from around the world.
To learn more about the APJCC visit www.apjcc.org or call (408) 357-7429.
My experience on the Teen Interfaith immersion trip By Carly Sussman Carly is a member of Congregation Beth David, and this summer joined the Teen Interfaith Leadership Council immersion trip to New Mexico. The trip was led by Diane Fisher, Community Relations Council Director at the Jewish Federation, and Steve Herrera, Mitty High School faculty, as part of an on-going Teen Council that learns about different faiths and performs community service during the school year. The trip is underwritten by a grant from the Shinnyo-en Buddhist Foundation. Sophomore and Junior high school students are welcome to join the group; contact Diane at diane@jvalley.org. I had an amazing and memorable expe-
rience on the New Mexico Interfaith trip. From beautiful and spiritual sights, to making new friends from across the country (and Canada) there is nothing from this trip to be missed! Having never gone to New Mexico, I not only saw new places of worship, including a beautiful synagogue, but also had the opportunity to see the gorgeous desert and rock formations, as well as the interesting downtown. Although I loved the places I travelled, by far, the best part of the trip was being able to connect with and befriend teens of different religions than mine. Learning so much about other religions which I had never known before, I now truly understand the value of diversity and the great opportunity that comes with meeting people who are different from you.
music and singing in the car together! Through attending different meditations and prayer services, I also found that we may not pray in the same way, but we all have the same goal and purpose of praying: to be the best versions of ourselves possible and to connect to G-d/the world around us. This trip was so eye-opening, so fun, and so educational all at the same time. I recommend this trip for anyone who wants to understand other religions better, to cultivate a deeper appreciation for their own religion, and to have an unforgettable summer experience!
Although there were some obvious differences of background and practices between the people on the trip, we all share a love for our religions, a sense of similar values, and all had a great time blasting
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l cal news Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival, cont. from page 17 COLLIDING DREAMS A searching and dramatic exploration of the dream of a Jewish state and its impact on both Jews and Arabs.
former pilot of the 1972 hijacking of a flight from Brussels to Tel Aviv. THE PICKLE RECIPE A down-on-his-luck party emcee is corrupted by his shameless uncle to help steal his grandmother’s top-secret pickle recipe. REMEMBER An elderly Auschwitz survivor with dementia goes in search of the person responsible for the death of his family.
Once in a Lifetime
SURVIVING SKOKIE This intensely personal documentary explores the effects of a late 1970s threatened neoNazi march in Skokie, IL on its large Holocaust survivor population.
ROCK IN THE RED ZONE An intimate portrayal of life on the edge in the war-torn city of Sderot, once known for a prolific rock scene that revolutionized Israeli music.
RABIN, THE LAST DAY This gripping docudrama explores the prelude and aftermath of the 1995 assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.
PARTNER WITH THE ENEMY Two women, one Israeli and one Palestinian, attempt the seemingly impossible: to build a business together. WEDDING DOLL A strong-willed young woman, with a mild mental disability, embarks on a relationship—much to the concern of her protective mother.
LABYRINTH OF LIES A story that exposes the conspiracy among German institutions and government branches to cover up the crimes of Nazis during World War II. SABENA HIJACKING: MY VERSION A powerful, suspenseful docudrama based on previously undiscovered audio recordings of the
Baba Joon
THE MIDNIGHT ORCHESTRA The estranged son of a once famous Moroccan musician is unexpectedly transformed after returning to his homeland. Atomic Falafel
ONCE IN A LIFETIME Based on a true story of how a dedicated history teacher at a French high school taps lessons of the Holocaust in an effort to motivate her troubled students. THE LAW Inspired by true events, this taut political thriller follows a Holocaust survivor as she fights for justice on behalf of all French women.
MR. PREDICTABLE In this romantic comedy a man has to choose between love and reason, between dreams and reality. THE PEOPLE VS. FRITZ BAUER The story of the man who brought the highranking Nazi criminal Adolf Eichmann to justice. IN SEARCH OF ISRAELI CUISINE Celebrity chef-restaurateur Michael Solomonov undertakes a gastronomical expedition of Israel to savor a food revolution rooted in centuries-old tradition. BABA JOON The son of a family of Iranian farmers in Israel rebels against his strong-willed father. THE KIND WORDS Three Jewish Israeli siblings discover that their biological father was a Muslim and set out on a journey across France to locate him. ATOMIC FALAFEL Two girls from nuclear towns in Israel and Iran spill their countries’ most valuable secrets on Facebook while trying to prevent a nuclear crisis. For more information on the Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival or to view the full schedule of showings, please visit www.svjff.org.
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dateb continued from page 14 Sisterhood Family Game Night Emanu-El, 6:30 PM BIG fun for a SMALL price! Enjoy family game night. We will have lots of board games available to play, and occasionally get a game of Poker or Mah Jongg together. Member prices: $2.50/person; $7/family. Non-member prices: $3/person; $10/family. Bring a snack to share! Cold drinks, coffee and tea, and dessert provided by Sisterhood. RSVP to megan@templesanjose.org, 292-0939 Sunday, October 23 Young Families Lulav Shake and Sukkah Snack Beth David, 10 AM Come join Rabbi Ohriner and our Sunday morning family minyan to shake the lulav and etrog for the holiday of Sukkot, followed by Sukkot activities and a scrumptious build-yourown graham cracker and candy sukkah snack. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Sukkot BBQ APJCC, 12:30 PM Join us for a kosher barbeque in the community sukkah. Everyone is welcome, you don’t have to be a JCC member! RSVP required. More information coming soon. Call 357-7411 or email CJLL@apjcc.org. The JCC is proud to be a part of the Initiative on Jewish Peoplehood, co-funded by the Koret Foundation and the Taube Foundation for Jewish Life and Culture. rabbihugh@apjcc.org, 357-7413 Wednesday, October 26 An Evening with Peter Beinart Emanu-El, 7 PM See ad on back page. Thursday, October 27 Cardozo Society Luncheon TBD, 11:30 AM Join the Cardozo Society for our fall program. Cardozo Society is an affinity group of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley. Its purpose is to enhance attorneys’ knowledge of Judaism and strengthen their commitment to the global Jewish community through educational and cultural activities. The society holds programs that are of interest to the legal profession and also offers continuing education classes sanctioned by the Bar Association. info@jvalley.org, 358-3033 Dames Who Dine Beth David, 7 PM The Dames Who Dine invites all women to join them once a month in the evening to share a meal and casual socializing at a local restaurant or at the home of the host. This is an opportunity to get to know new Beth David women or catch up with friends while possibly sipping a
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lovely, end-of-the-day glass of wine. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Sunday, October 30 Exploring the World of Judaism – The Lady in Gold Shir Hadash, 9:30 AM This lecture will investigate the saga of the Klimt portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer. Seized by the Nazis, it was restored to its Jewish heirs after long legal process. Exploring the World of Judaism and Exploring Jewish Culture are programs of Congregation Shir Hadash and Jewish Learning Works and are supported in part by the Newton and Rochelle Becker Charitable Trust and the Myra Reinhard Family Foundation. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5 Kehillah Admissions Open House Kehillah, 2 PM Come discover Kehillah Jewish High School at our Admissions Open Houses! Hear from our students, faculty, and administrators; take a student-led tour of our newly remodeled facility; visit our science labs, the new Laboratory for Engineering Arts, art and music studios, and brand new theater; discover how the Oshman Family JCC enhances the life of Kehillah students and teams; learn about our outstanding academic program, individualized college guidance, choice-based Jewish studies, after-school sports programs, class trips and extra-curricular clubs and activities. Kehillah offers excellent college preparatory academics in an inclusive, supportive environment. We welcome students from all backgrounds, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin. Questions? mlerner@kehillah.org, (650) 213-9600 Youth’s Got Talent Fundraiser Sinai, 3-5 PM Be sure to catch Sinai young performers showcase their talent and perform live on the Sinai stage. Children and teens in grade K to 12 are welcomed to enter this fantastic competition and share their talent by emailing Terrah at usyadvisor@sinai-sj.org. and we invite everyone to come along and support our Sinai children and teens as they perform in front of friends, family and community. Get your tickets now. This is a fundraiser for USY and Kadima. Price: $25/ adult; $15/youth grades K-12. USYAdvisor@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542 Tuesday, November 1 Chasing Portraits Beth David, 7:30 PM Learn about a woman’s quest to find the art of her great-grandfather, which was lost during World War II, and to reclaim his legacy from the ashes of history. AdultEd@beth-david.org, 257-3333
Thursday, November 3 Midrash and Mojitos: the Untold Stories of the Bible Yavneh, 7 PM All are welcome to join Rabbi Laurie Hahn Tapper and theYavneh Day School community for an insightful evening as we learnand discuss the untold stories of the women of the Bible. More information: daniela@yavnehdayschool.org, 984-6700 Friday, November 4 Shir Kids Family Shabbat Dinner & Service Shir Hadash, 6 PM Join our NEW social group for families with kids in kindergarten through second grade. Bring the kids for a burrito bar Shabbat dinner with a craft activity followed by the popular Family Shabbat service geared towards young children. Pricing and details TBA. RSVP: shanda@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 TGI Shabbat Service Beth David, 6:30 PM On the first Shabbat of each month, join together with the entire Beth David community in celebrating Shabbat beginning with a happy and celebratory Kabbalat Shabbat service followed by a delicious potluck dinner.See guidelines for what to bring. All ages are welcome. On some TGI Shabbat evenings, a religious school class will participate in the services. This year, in honor of completion of our new synagogue, our theme is Holy Place-Makom Kadosh. Each month we will feature a specific place in Israel during services and dinner. In November we will feature Jerusalem. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Erev Shabbat Family Service with 7th Grade Emanu-El, 7 PM This first Friday of the month (September through May) service includes the leadership of our 7th Grade Class. We’re proud of our students and their participation and leadership in our service. Most Family Services are preceded by a congregational Shabbatluck potluck dinner. We hope you share in this delightful Shabbat service with us. megan@templesanjose.org, 292-0939 Saturday, November 5 Netivot Haneshamah: Torah Takes the Stage Beth David, 10:30 AM Led by Doug Brook. A chance to look at the week’s Torah portion and the whole Torah service with a theatrical lens. Expect opportunities for true Torah study along with much humor and discussion. Each Netivot Haneshamah session is guided by a community Rabbi or an expert on the topic offered. All teens and adults of any age, interest and background are invited and welcome. You need not have any experience with any of these subjects. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333
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Kabbalah Havurah: Experiencing the Zohar Beth David, 1:15 PM Join Rabbi Ohriner as we explore the splendor and enigmatic appeal of the Zohar with Dr. Daniel Matt’s annotations and explanations. The Havurah meets the first Shabbat afternoon of each month after Kiddush lunch. Texts are provided in English. No prior knowledge of Jewish mysticism necessary! info@beth-david.org, 257-3333
An Evening with Ari Shavit Beth Am, 7:30 PM Senior Correspondent at Israeli newspaper Haaretz and author of the New York Times bestseller “My Promised Land: The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel.” This program, hosted by Congregation Beth Am, is co-sponsored by AIPAC and several South Bay and Peninsula synagogues, including Congregation Shir Hadash. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5
by Women’s Philanthropy. To sign up for “Let’s Twist Again, visitwww.jvalley.org. You do not need to register for “Let’s Twist Again” to come to Happy Hour; all are welcome! Register for Happy Hour: nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5
APJCC Annual Gala APJCC, 6 PM Save the date for the JCC’s annual gala, our major fundraiser of the year, that supports the APJCC’s community-strengthening programs. You can view photos from the 2015 gala on Facebook. For more information, visit www.apjcc.org/gala or contact Diana Schnabel-Arevalo, diana@apjcc.org or 357-7402
Thursday, November 10 Ladies Who Lunch Beth David, 11 AM All women of Beth David are invited to join the Ladies Who Lunch which meets each month at the home of a different participant. Generally, there is a theme of the month and attendees bring lunch dishes to match the theme and sometimes stories, recipes and memorabilia to share. This is a casual, fun opportunity to socialize with women of all ages. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333
Tequila, Tacos and Talmud Thursday Beth David, 7:30 PM For the Jewish community young adults 2135. Join us for an evening of socializing, food and Jewish learning. This monthly event is the perfect way to unwind after a day’s work. We’ll start the evening, socializing, eating and…then some Jewish learning! $15/person. RSVP: info@beth-david.org, 257-3333
Sunday, November 6 Celebration of the Animals with PJ Library Sinai, 11:30 AM A family and animal-friendly service will take place outdoors in the courtyard with our pets. All pets are invited in carriers, cages, on leashes, and in bowls. Playpens for large and small dogs will be provided. All are welcome to attend this free event. The Celebration of the Animals weekend is generously sponsored and hosted by Sinai members Bert & Suzanne Peters. Office@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542 USY 8th Graders at Dave & Buster’s Dave & Buster’s Great Mall, 3 PM This inter-chapter event will bring together 8th graders from Saratoga (SAUSY), Sinai (SJCUSY), Palo Alto (PAUSY), Redwood/Foster City (FRUSY), and San Francisco (SFUSY) for an afternoon of bonding and games. Terrah Yevilov: USYadvisor@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542 Grandparents Circle Shir Hadash, 7 PM Join Jean Bronstein and Rabbi Melanie Aron in conversation about the special issues that arise when one is the grandparent of children with one Jewish and one non-Jewish parent. The theme for this meeting is:”Difficult Conversations: Talking with Our Grandchildren about Politics, Sex and Money.” We hope you will join us – please register: nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5 Wednesday, November 9 Lunch and Learn Emanu-El, Noon Bring a sack lunch and join Rabbi Magat on the second Wednesday of each month to share in a stimulating discussion of recent events, political happenings, and other relevant topics related to current events. This event is open to the community. megan@templesanjose.org, 292-0939
Retirees Lunch ‘n Learn Shir Hadash, 11:30 AM Join our retirees group for a monthly lecture, discussion, performance or film. Each month we have a new program to educate or entertain and we would love for you to come. We meet on the second Thursday of each month. We are pleased to provide the program and a light lunch for a nominal donation of $5/person. Topic: “Bintel Brief – Sixty years of letters from the Lower East Side” The discussion will be led by Rabbi Melanie Aron. Between the 1930s and 1950s, if you were a Jewish immigrant on the Lower East Side and had a problem with your mother-in-law, your kosher butcher, or your mattress, there was no need to keep your grievances to yourself. Thanks to Rabbi Shmuel Aaron Rubin’s Jewish-American Board of Peace and Justice you could pour your heart out on the airways of Yiddish radio station WEVD. During the same time period, the “Bintel Brief” had been a regular feature of the Jewish Daily Forward, a column which prints especially interesting letters from readers and answers them with thoughtful advice. The letters describe problems of adjusting to life in America, generation gaps in religious observances and matchmaking as well as broader political issues. Join us for a lively discussion on the 20th-century versions of “Judge Judy” and “Dear Abby.” Please RSVP: shanda@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 Shir Hadash Sisterhood Happy Hour Viva, 15970 Los Gatos Blvd, Los Gatos, 5:30-6:30 PM “Pre-party” before the Federation Challah Bake. Come enjoy the happiest Happy Hour with Sisterhood! Wine and dine and then join up with women from all over the community for “Let’s Twist Again,” a challah bake event sponsored
“Let’s Twist Again” – Challah Bake Levy Family Campus, 7 PM See ad on page 27.
Saturday, November 12 Family Service Beth David, 9:30 AM A joyous, spiritual, thought-filled, multigenerational experience. Pray with your whole family, and find something different and unique for every member of the family. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Community Legacy Shabbat – Congregation Beth David & Yavneh Beth David, 10 AM See ad on page 10. jyl@jvalley.org, 357-7500 Netivot Haneshamah: Makom Yoga Beth David, 10:30 AM Led by Rabbi Laurie Matzkin. Creating space in body, mind and soul. Each Netivot Haneshamah session is guided by a community Rabbi or an expert on the topic offered. All teens and adults of any age, interest and background are invited and welcome. You need not have any experience with any of these subjects; if you are interested, simply attend! AdultEd@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Netivot Haneshamah: For Russian Speakers Beth David, 10:30 AM Led by Rabbi Ilana Baird. An exploration of Shabbat prayer and study in Russian. Each Netivot Haneshamah session is guided by a community Rabbi or an expert on the topic offered. All teens and adults of any age, interest and background are invited and welcome. You need not have any experience with any of these subjects, if you are interested, simply attend! info@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Jewish Book Discussion Group Beth David, 1:15 PM “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah, led by Joanne Cornbleet. Vianne’s husband has left for the Front during World War II. When the Germans invade France in 1939 and requisition
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Theatre Chevruta: “Cantorial” Saturday, November 12 @ 7 PM APJCC “Cantorial” is a spooky comedy by Ira Levin, author of “Rosemary’s Baby” and “The Stepford Wives.” Also presented Sunday, November 13 at 2 PM. Each show is followed by a post-show talkback. “Cantorial” is the story of a Yuppie couple who hear eerie, hauntingly beautiful Hebrew singing when they move into a new condominium. The building was formerly a synagogue and it has a ghost cantor who has been dead for years. Husband Warren becomes obsessed by the singing, which he believes is a sign that he is Jewish – maybe the woman he thought was his mother wasn’t – and that he must restore the synagogue. Wife Lesley, who is Jewish, finds this overwhelming and walks out. When a change of heart brings her back she finds a beautiful synagogue. Tickets: General admission $20; $15/JCC member; $10/student or senior. JCC members, purchase tickets online in advance and your ticket is only $10. “Cantorial” is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. and written by Ira Levin. Theatre Chevruta is the JCC’s Jewish readers theatre program – staged readings of important, entertaining, and often unfamiliar offerings of Jewish theatre. A staged reading is a fully cast, fully rehearsed presentation of a play with scripts in hand. Particularly popular in the development of new works and the revisiting of obscure works, the absence of lighting, sets, and costumes allows the focus to be on the actors and the words. For more information, contact Shir Gal Kochavi, the JCC’s cultural arts director, at shir@apjcc.org or 357-7492. All Cultural Arts programs at the APJCC are made possible, in part, by generous contributions from Sylvia & Leonard Metz, Doris & Rick Davis, and Bill Lister. The APJCC is proud to be a part of the Initiative on Jewish Peoplehood, co-funded by the Koret Foundation and the Taube Foundation for Jewish Life & Culture, and supported further by the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley, and donors like you. shir@apjcc.org, 357-7492
Vianne’s home, she and her daughter must live with the enemy. Without food or money, she is forced to make difficult choices again and again to keep her family alive. Vianne’s sister, Isabelle, falls in love with a partisan named Gäetan. But when he betrays her, Isabelle joins the Resistance and risks her life time and again to save others. This is a beautiful novel that celebrates the strength of women and resilience of the human spirit. AdultEd@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Sunday, November 13 Exploring the World of Judaism – Yiddish in American Culture Shir Hadash, 9:30 AM Do you carry or do you “shlep?” Do you aspire to be a kind, responsible person or to be a “mentsh?” Do you “kvetch” or do you complain? Explore how and why so many Yiddish words have become part of English. Understand what Yiddish truly is and why it is attracting more students now than it has in decades. Half-a-million people around the world speak Yiddish as their daily language. Enjoy a “view from the trenches” as we revel in the enduring vitality of Yiddish culture. Jon Levitow currently teaches Yiddish at Stanford and at UC Santa Cruz. He received a Ph.D. in English literature from Princeton and a BA from Stanford. He has studied Yiddish at the Los Angeles Arbeter Ring (Workmen’s Circle) and at the California
Institute for Yiddish Culture and Language’s intensive language program, where he has also served as an instructor. Jon is a graduate of the Uriel Weinreich Yiddish Program at NYU and has published English translations of works by Yiddish poets Yisroel Shtern, Aaron Zeitlin, and Yosl Birstein. Exploring the World of Judaism and Exploring Jewish Culture are programs of Congregation Shir Hadash and Jewish Learning Works and are supported in part by the Newton and Rochelle Becker Charitable Trust and the Myra Reinhard Family Foundation. nadine@shirhadash.org, 358-1751 x5 Theatre Chevruta: “Cantorial” APJCC, 2 PM Also presented Saturday, November 12, at 7 PM. See description above. shir@apjcc.org, 357-7492 Friday, November 18
PJ Shabbat Beth David, 6 PM What could be more fun for your children than coming to Shabbat Services in their PJs? Join us for a special Shabbat service filled with movement, song and stories. Stay for a kid (and parent) friendly dinner.The program is geared for children 6 and under. Older siblings welcome. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333
Tot Shabbat with Kindergarten - 1st Grade and Catered Dinner Emanu-El, 6 PM The perfect way to teach your children about Shabbat! Led by Rabbi Magat and Cantor Amanda Winter, families with young children will enjoy upbeat songs, a short story, and a talk with the Rabbi on the bimah. All are welcome to these brief services on the third Friday of each month. Stay after services and enjoy a delicious dinner provided by Sisterhood, of course at no charge! megan@templesanjose.org, 292-0939 A Theme Kabbalat Shabbat Beth David, 6:30 PM Something for everyone! A joyous, spiritual, thought-filled, multigenerational experience. Pray with your whole family and find something different and unique for every member of the family. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Saturday, November 19 Netivot Haneshamah: Approachable Torah Beth David, 10:30 AM Led by Rabbi Berkowitz who makes the Torah accessible to all. Participants discover that all of us interpret the Torah portion through our own experience and spin a drash – a lesson of meaning. Each Netivot Neshamah session is guided by a community Rabbi or an expert on the topic offered. All teens and adults of any age, interest and background are invited and welcome. You need not have any experience with any of these subjects; if you are interested, simply attend! See below for schedule. info@beth-david.org, 257-3333 Sunday, November 20 10th Annual Fish Fry Fiesta Sinai, 5 PM Come enjoy food, friends and music at our 9th annual event serving Seymour Hoff’s locally caught rockfish fillets. Live music by the Sinaites. $12/adult; $6/child. Office@Sinai-SJ.org, 264-8542 Saturday, December 3 Community Legacy Shabbat - Congregation Sinai, Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center and Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley Sinai, 10 AM See ad on page 10. ____ Add events to the community calendar at www.jvalley.org or contact Amanda with questions at amanda@jvalley.org or (408) 357-7503.
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Los Gatos Memorial Park Shalom Garden
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(408) 356-4151 Darling-Fischer Mortuaries Chapel of the Hills 615 N. Santa Cruz Ave. Los Gatos, CA 95030 (408) 354-7740 FD940
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Garden Chapel 471 E. Santa Clara St. San Jose, CA 95112 (408) 998-2226 FD557
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For everything Jewish in Silicon Valley
SCOTCH in the SUKKAH
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AGAIN
MEN’S NIGHT OUT @ CONGREGATION BETH DAVID
ANNUAL WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY CHALLAH BAKE
Join the men of Silicon Valley (women are welcome) for an evening of Scotch in the Sukkah (and dinner, too!) 21+ event • $54
an evening to treat your Jewish soul Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016 at 7 pm $36 • Levy Family campus
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19
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INFORMATION & REGISTRATION: www.jvalley.org/mno BROUGHT TO YOU BY CONGREGATION BETH DAVID & THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF SILICON VALLEY
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Jewish Professional Directory Attorneys
Commercial Real Estate
Christl Denecke
“Helping you plan for your family’s tomorrow at every stage of your life.” 1743 Pilgrim Avenue Mountain View, CA 94040 (650) 336-5185 Christl@DeneckePlanning.com www.DeneckePlanning.com Family Wealth Planning • Living Trusts • Special Needs Trusts • Estate Planning for Young Families Estate Planning for Non-Traditional Families
Judith Navi Douglass
Douglas P. Barnes, APLC 210 Almendra Avenue Los Gatos, CA 95030 408.395.4800 judy@dougbarneslaw.com www.dougbarneslaw.com Estate Planning, Elder Law, Probate & Medi-Cal Planning
Michael W. Malter
Binder & Malter, LLP 2775 Park Avenue Santa Clara, CA 95050 (408) 295-1700 Michael@bindermalter.com www.bindermalter.com Certified Specialist, Bankruptcy Law The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. Specializing in all aspects of bankruptcy representation, issues re distressed real estate and asset protection.
Miri Bialik BRE:01164715
Guggenheim Group
595 Millich Drive, Suite 200, Campbell, CA 95008 (408) 871-8722 www.guggenheimrgi.com Commercial Real Estate Property Management, Investments, Sales and Leasing. Allen Guggenheim & Stephen Guggenheim
Event Planners Lynn Osband, Event Planner Weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Special Events and Consulting 408-981-8422 LynnOsbandEvents@gmail.com www.LynnOsbandEvents.com
Carol Elias Zolla
16450 Los Gatos Boulevard, Suite 209, Los Gatos, CA 95032 Tel: 408-358-6900 carol@zollalawfirm.com www.zollalawfirm.com Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law. The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.
Audiology Marni Novick, AuD
“Open your ears to a new world of sound.” Silicon Valley Hearing, Inc. 340 Dardanelli Lane, Suite 22 Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 540-7128 drnovick@siliconvalleyhearing.com siliconvalleyhearing.com Our Doctor of Audiology’s own experience with hearing loss led her to help others improve their hearing and well-being. Our services include comprehensive diagnostic hearing evaluations, hearing aid consultations, and tinnitus evaluations and management.
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Shannon Stein
Law Offices of Shannon Stein 438 South Murphy Avenue Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (408) 774-9097 shannon@shannonsteinlaw.com www.shannonsteinlaw.com Family Law Attorney, specializing in dissolutions, child custody, child support, mediation, restraining orders, limited scope representation, postjudgement issues.
Real Estate & Financial Services
10 Almaden Blvd., 15th Floor, San Jose, CA 95113
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Marriage and Family Therapy
Janice L. Shapiro Janice L. Shapiro
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist 3880 S.3880 Bascom Ave., Suite 216 216 S. Bascom Ave., Suite San Jose, 95124 San CA Jose, CA 95124 408 596-4810 408 596-4810 Web: janiceleeshapiro.com Web: janiceleeshapiro.com Welcomes individuals, couples and families Welcomes individuals, couples and families No. LMFT86051 LicenseLicense No. LMFT86051 j
Photography
Paul Streit - Bar/Bat Mitzvah Photography My Specialty!
Honored to capture your very special occasion and celebration with friends and family. Please visit my website to view examples or contact me for more information - ask about my JValley News special! email@paulstreit.com (408) 323-9996 BMITZVAHPHOTO.COM
PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS OR SERVICE IN THE JEWISH PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY! Contact Amanda Glincher: amanda@jvalley.org, (408) 357-7503
888-360-3337 Orna@ORNA.com www.ORNA.com Full Service Discount Commission Realty Broker/Owner BS, MS, MIS, Finance www.aDiscountRealty.com • 1% Listing Broker Commission • I pay all my Buyer’s Closing Costs* • Free Appraisal & Home Warranty • JCC Donation per Transaction www.aDiscountMortgage.com • 30 Years Fixed Conforming No Fee Loan 3.5% APR • No Upfront Fees, No Fee Loans, $417K> Loan>$250K Real Estate #01098186, Mortgage #NMLS31413, Appraisal #AL029181
Senior Services Lyn Pasqua DELIVERED BY GRACE
Transportation and Shopping Service 408-590-5898 Personalized transportation service, serving seniors throughout Santa Clara and most cities in San Mateo County. Our service is tailored to meet your needs.
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Tax Preparation & Representation Leonard W. Williams, CPA
A Professional Corporation 1307 S. Mary Ave., Suite 250; Sunnyvale (408) 736-1566 www.LWWilliamsCPA.com Leonard W. Williams, CPA; Bruce Pajak, CPA; Amy Chou, CPA; Brenda L. George, EA; Sue Conners, EA; Joanne Westendorf, EA; Daisy Blake, EA Tax Planning & Return Preparation for Individuals, Trusts & Estates.
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For iOS
l cal news Congregation Emeth celebrates Rabbi Debbie Israel’s ten-year anniversary By Susan Meyers “There are no two hours alike. Every hour is unique and the only one given at the moment: exclusive and endlessly precious. Judaism teaches us to be attached to holiness in time; to learn how to consecrate sanctuaries that emerge from the magnificent stream of a year.” – “Good Reads” by Abraham Joshua Heschel Rabbi Debbie Israel brought Abraham Joshua Heschel’s wisdom to life in Congregation Emeth. For the past ten years she has modeled his philosophy as she guided the Congregation from a small group of forty families renting space for services and religious school to a healthy community of eighty-four families with our own home. In our relatively small congregation, Rabbi Israel is expected to serve in a myriad of complex and challenging roles from teacher for adults and children, spiritual leader, emotional supporter for congregants who are ill or home bound, religious school supervisor and acting principal, youth group advisor and teacher, and program coordinator, to counselor, and representative of our Congregation in the greater community. Rabbi Israel has met these expectations with knowledge, experience and grace. She has inspired the development of model programs for Emeth’s religious school, Bar/Bat Mitzvah and high school students as well as adult education ranging from adult B’nai Mitzvah and Mussar classes to Emeth Reads, an adult book group. Loving Kindness is a cornerstone of Rabbi Israel’s leadership. From the Rachamim Guide to Death and Burial she created to the Mussar middots, and mitzvot she teaches, Rabbi Israel enriches the spiritual lives of the members of Congregation Emeth. Rabbi Israel is a well-respected member of the Morgan Hill, Gilroy (South County) clergy community. Her commitment to the community led her to initiate the South County Clergy Association, a group of clergy representing sixteen religious organizations. The Association has published several letters in newspapers and magazines responding to local issues of concern, and participated in several Interfaith Services. In summary, Rabbi Israel exemplifies Abraham Joshua Hershel’s message: “to be attached to holiness in time and to learn how to consecrate sanctuaries that emerge from the magnificent stream of a year.”
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Congregation Emeth will celebrate Rabbi Israel’s tenth anniversary with a dinner and service on Friday evening, October 14, during the congregation’s celebration of Shabbat and dedication of their new permanent Sukkah. Congregation Emeth, the only Jewish presence in South County is located at 17835 Monterey St, Morgan Hill. For further information, contact admin@emeth.net or call (408) 778-8200.
Yavneh names Cindy Schlesinger as middle school dean Yavneh Day School has appointed Cindy Schlesinger as Middle School Dean. Cindy comes to Yavneh after 21 years as an administrator, learning specialist and teacher at Jewish day schools. During her tenure at Gideon Hausner, Cindy taught in the school’s math and science programs and bolstered the school’s capacity to address individual needs for both gifted students and those with learning challenges. During her role as Head of Middle School, Cindy was instrumental in building and supporting an outstanding faculty while increasing enrollment to its highest levels. Cindy shares, “The dedication of the school community has been evident in every interaction that I have had with the faculty, administrative team, and parents. I am grateful to have found a position where I can share my passion for learning, love of middle school, and dedication to meeting the needs of all students.” Cindy’s academic background includes an MS degree in science education from USC, participation in Harvard University’s Principals’ Center Institute, and Columbia University’s course on gifted education. She has participated in intensive summer training seminars, and has implemented programs such as Project-Based Learning, Design Thinking, Social Thinking, Responsive Classroom, and Facing History and Ourselves. She trained as a Silicon Valley MathInitiative coach, and has completed extensive special education coursework. “I have known Cindy as an educator for nearly 25 years as an incredibly smart, innovative, and creative teacher and administrator. She brings to Yavneh an expertise in Middle School education. Cindy’s strengths serve to reinforce our commitment to our mission of academic excellence and maximizing each student’s potential. We are so excited to have her on our team as this marks a new phase in the history of our middle school as Yavneh continues to experience unprecedented growth,” said Yavneh’s Head of School Zvi Weiss. Cindy is a Bay Area native and met her husband, Jon, working as a camp counselor at the Palo Alto JCC. Their son is a graduate of Kehillah Jewish High School and is currently a student at Yale University. Cindy served on the Board of Directors at Congregation Beth Am of Los Altos, as well as on their senior rabbi search committee. To learn more about Yavneh Day School visit www.yavnehdayschool.org.
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obituaries ALBERT MAY
March 19, 1920 – August 14, 2016 Albert S. May was a longtime Los Gatos resident and local business owner. He was born in Ober-Ramstadt, Germany. When he was 13, Adolph Hitler assumed power and Albert was forced to face intense antiSemitism in his native land. Two years later, he immigrated with his parents to New York; his brother Larry had fled to safety earlier. In New York, he met his future wife, Rose Bleckner, another refugee from war-torn Europe. During the next six years, he learned English, finished high school and learned a trade to support his family. Al loved his new country and was an American patriot his entire life. He enlisted in the Army immediately after Pearl Harbor “to help stop Hitler’ as he wrote in his memoirs. His service in the U.S. military was the proudest years of his life. After the war, he worked in New York, married Rose and welcomed their first child. Six months later, Al traveled cross-country to meet up with his brother. They scoured the West Coast looking for a good business opportunity before opening the General Appliance and Furniture Company in 1949 in San Jose. They owned and operated that business for the next 36 years. Often working seven days a week, Al still found time for family vacations, fishing trips to Santa Cruz and weekend evenings with friends. Al was a longtime member of Temple EmanuEl where he was involved in many social and political causes. Upon retirement, he took up many of the activities he had no time for doing his early life and working years. He became a proficient painter, taught himself personal computing and learned to play golf well enough to score a hole-in-one. Mostly, he enjoyed his friends and family, helping his grown kids and shuttling his grandchildren every which way. Al will be remembered as a man of great personal warmth and energy. He was never too busy to spend time with his family and help out any way he could. He was extremely handy and could seemingly build or fix anything. He is survived by his three children: Howard May, DDS of Los Gatos, Lee May (Shelley) of Aptos and Barbara Wilbur (Dick) of Bothell,
WA, as well as six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. His wife of 52 years, Rose and his brother Larry preceded him in death.
WENDY MAYER
September 10, 1948 – August 1, 2016 Wendy Mayer was born in Boston, MA to Eleanore & Jesse Mayer. They moved to Sharon, MA in 1953. After college, Wendy worked at Cramer Electronics in Newton, MA. In 1972, she moved to CA to be with her sister, Ellen Mayer Tobin. She transferred to Cramer/ Schweber/Arrow Electronics in Sunnyvale. She had a stellar reputation throughout the industry and was well respected by all. She finished her career in the industry at Wyle Electronics, Capsco and Nu-Horizons Electronics. Wendy loved to go camping, especially in NH and in Yosemite; she enjoyed traveling in Europe. In 2002 she married Javier Barreiro from Valencia, Spain and they moved to Sacramento where she worked at Ameriquest Mortgage and Verizon. Wendy and Javier had 14 very happy years together. She leaves behind her loving sister Ellen (Robert) Tobin, nephew Ethan (Karen) Tobin, nephew Daniel (Stacy) Tobin, great-niece Mia Tobin, great-nephew Mitchel Tobin and many close friends who all loved her. Services were held on August 4 at Los Gatos Memorial Park in San Jose. Donations in her memory may be made to Congregation Sinai in San Jose or the UC Davis Cancer Center in Sacramento.
SHERMAN NAYMARK May 12, 1920 – June 18, 2016
Sherman (Sherm) Naymark, a retired Captain in the U.S. Navy, former head of Quadrex Corporation in Campbell and longtime leader in the Jewish community passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Sherm was born in Duluth, Minnesota in 1920, the third of five children of Lena & David Naymark and grew up in the midst of the Great Depression. His parents were Jewish immigrants from Poland who struggled to get by. At a young age, Sherm and his
brother sold newspapers on the corner while his older sisters helped with their father’s fledging business. Mr. Naymark graduated from Central High School in 1937 at the top of his class and was awarded an appointment to the Naval Academy in Annapolis. Less than four years later, his senior class was rushed into active duty just before WWII broke out in the Pacific. His ship, the Saratoga was the first U.S. carrier to reach Pearl Harbor just days after the bombing. Mr. Naymark rapidly moved up in rank during the war. Although his ship engaged in ferocious battles against the Japanese navy and air force, he never forgot about the basic humanity of all people and saw the opposing sailors and soldiers as intrinsically decent human beings who were motivated by the same human emotions, hopes and dreams as he was. In 1942, Sherman married Josephine (Jo) Merelman of Washington, D.C., whom he had met at a Naval Academy dance. After the war, they moved to Boston where Mr. Naymark was assigned to naval shipbuilding and also completed graduate studies in nuclear engineering at MIT. Soon after, their son Ronald was born and two years later their daughter Janet followed. Mr. Naymark, along with a handful of scientists and engineers, including one of his junior officers named Jimmy Carter, was tapped by the Navy to join the early nuclear submarine program. He designed the engine for the USS Nautilus. He and Jo became life-long friends of Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter and attended President Carter’s inauguration. In 1954, following his years of active duty as a naval officer, Mr. Naymark decided to turn his talents toward the peaceful uses of atomic energy. He worked for General Electric in Schenectady, NY and then San Jose, managing their nuclear power plant design program. In 1969, he and his son Ron formed Quadrex Corporation and set up offices locally and in Europe and Asia. One of his most daring and forward-thinking efforts involved working with the Chinese government to help them begin a commercial nuclear energy program that would produce power for China and allow them to sell some of that power to Hong Kong. Throughout his career, Mr. Naymark advocated for the peaceful use of atomic energy, giving lectures and presenting papers at many international forums. The Naymarks joined Temple Emanu-El in San Jose and immediately became active in Jewish community efforts aimed at social justice and improving the lives of Jews and non-Jews alike. He became president of Temple Emanu-El in 1963 and established a campership program for low-income children. He also worked to support groups such as the National Conference of Christians and Jews (now the National Conference for Community and Justice) as well as Reform Jewish efforts
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obituaries and religious pluralism in Israel and around the world. Sherm and Jo raised their children in San Jose and enjoyed 38 happy years of marriage. Following his beloved Jo’s death in 1978 after a battle with cancer, Mr. Naymark met and married the second love of his life, Bettey Jones Naymark. Raised in San Jose, Bettey is a life-long member of Emanu-El as well as an accomplished pastel artist. Bettey and Sherm traveled extensively to many parts of the world, collecting artwork which graced their lovely home in Los Gatos. Together they funded a program at the Naval Academy that sends midshipmen to live abroad with a family while studying for part of a year as a way of helping them develop better understanding and empathy for other cultures.
Home of Peace Cemetery and Mausoleum Founded 1853
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While Sherman and Bettey each have grown children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, their attitude has always been to open their arms and embrace all family members as “ours.” They were married for almost 32 years of happiness and devotion to their larger family. Mr. Naymark will be cherished by his family as a devoted and caring husband, father, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be remembered by many as one of the kindest and most generous-spirited persons they have known. Mr. Naymark is survived by his wife Bettey, sister Natalyn, son Ron (Janice), daughter Jan and her spouse Holly, son-in-law Peter, grandchildren Matthew (Rachel), Kay, Russell (Erin), Andrew and Joanna and greatgrandchildren Miles, Reese, Margaux, Lila and Lucas, Bettey’s children Leslie (Jay), Marcy (Bud), and Michael (Joanna), former daughterin-law Andrea and grandchildren Nicholas (Nefer), Tyler and Ryan (Tracey) and many nieces, nephews and other family. In addition to his first wife Jo, Sherm was predeceased by his sisters Brenda and Pearl and brother Leonard. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America or Temple Emanu-El in San Jose. __________ Send announcements and photos to Andrea Greyber at (408) 377-6224 or agreyber@yahoo.com.
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Transforms Lives and Restores Hope in Silicon Valley
www.beth-david.org/hhd-5777
Congregation Beth David
19700 Prospect Road ● Saratoga ● 408.257.3333 www.Beth–David.org
Happy and Healthy New Year From Our Family to Yours! 14855 Oka Road, Suite 202, Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 556-0600 www.jfssv.org
L’Shana Tova Tikatevu from Temple Emanu-El!
Come join us for High Holy Days Services and more! In addition to our wonderful services, we have an array of unique and exciting programs: Tashlich and potluck at Oak Meadow Park on Rosh Hashanah, great for families! On Yom Kippur afternoon we will have Torah study, yoga meditation, a discussion for teens, a healing service, and music from a quartet!
NEW THIS YEAR: Our Children and Family Services are FREE to everyone! Be sure to register on our website! Non-Members are welcome! For High Holy Days information and tickets call (408) 292-0939 or visit our website at www.templesanjose.org!
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legacy The power of IRAs, 401(k)s and annuities for legacy gifts By Alan Werba There is an old saying that “Sometimes we can’t see the forest for the trees.” This expression is definitely relevant when it comes to estate planning and the most effective means for including a legacy gift in someone’s estate plan. Many people get bogged down by the thought that an effective legacy gift necessitates elaborate schemes involving lengthy trust provisions, tax filings, attorney fees or other steps that tend to stop the process in its tracks. I would contend that if someone has an IRA account, a 401(K) account or any other tax-deferred savings account, their path to effective legacy giving may be far simpler than they envisioned. The tax laws encourage us to save for our retirement by allowing us to defer tax on a portion of our salaries. By taking a portion of our earnings and placing it into an IRA, a 401(K) or other tax-deferred account, we postpone the income tax on these earnings until we retire and draw from these accounts. In addition, the income tax on all the earnings inside these retirement accounts is also postponed until we draw from the accounts. Why is the government willing to wait so long to collect this tax? The answer is, because they expect to collect the tax even if they receive it after we die. Yes. When your IRA passes to your children they will pay income tax on all the funds they withdraw from their inherited retirement account. They might pay at higher percentages than you would have paid or they might be lower depending on your children’s tax situations. When you meet with your advisers to plan your estate, you must include the tax to be paid on inherited retirement accounts as well as any estate tax that might be owed. Even if your estate is below the $5.4 million lifetime exemption on Federal estate tax (double that amount for married couples) your children might still have some tax burden on the retirement accounts you leave them. Let’s look at Molly and Sam Goldberg’s situation. The Goldberg’s own a home worth $2 million with no mortgage left to pay. They also have roughly $1 million in retirement accounts and a few thousand dollars in the bank. The Goldberg’s have two married sons. Both sons moved away from Silicon Valley due to the high housing costs and have been able to buy homes in Phoenix and Denver for far less money. The boys would love to move back to Silicon Valley, but both admit that it’s highly unlikely that they will. Molly is happy to learn from their CPA that
there will be no estate tax on their $3 million estate. She wants to leave as much to the boys as possible so they can enjoy life like she and Sam were able to do. Sam agrees with Molly, but adds, “We would love to leave some money to our synagogue, but I don’t see how we could. The boys may want the house so we’re only leaving them our retirement accounts. Besides, I don’t want to make our wills any more complicated.” The CPA sees that Sam is looking for a way to do both – maximize money for their sons, but also leave a legacy for their synagogue. He poses this question to Molly and Sam. “If each boy received a check for $1 million and an inherited IRA account for $350,000 – do you think this would give them the financial boost they would need?” After a few minutes of pondering the question they both agreed this would probably work, but how did the CPA think this would actually play out. The CPA explained his thinking. “First we should assume that it is unlikely either son will come back to Silicon Valley. There aren’t enough funds for them to easily buy out their brother and keep your house. So the house is probably going to be sold and each will get half of the sale proceeds.” Then the CPA continued, “They also would each receive half of your retirement accounts. Since income taxes will be owed on each dollar they withdraw, they will most likely keep these accounts and draw a little each year for their lifetime as supplemental annual cash flow. Depending on their own tax situations, they will get to keep some of these retirement account cash flows.” “So where does our synagogue fit in” asked Sam? “I am suggesting that you allocate $300,000 of the retirement accounts for the synagogue. This amount is roughly ten percent of your entire estate and I know you have mentioned ten percent as a number with Biblical significance for charitable giving.” Molly immediately reacted to the CPA’s suggestion. “I agree with Sam that we’d love to leave the synagogue a legacy, but this seems to take too much from the boys. I don’t think I would be comfortable doing this.” The CPA expected this response. He continued, “As I suggested, the retirement account represents annual cash flow for the boys. If they inherit $500,000 they would probably get a pre-tax income of $20,000 to $30,000 per year and less after paying the taxes. If you make
the gift to the synagogue and they only get $350,000 this would lower the expected annual income to a range of $14,000 to $21,000 before tax. So each son would get $6,000 to $9,000 less per year before tax and probably only $4,200 to $6,300 less after taxes are paid. Is this gift to the synagogue sounding less daunting?” “When you frame it that way I am starting to warm up to the idea,” Molly admitted. “Will we need to change all our legal documents to make the legacy gift?” “Not at all,” the CPA answered. “All you need to do is fill out a new beneficiary designation form for the IRA and the gift is set up. This should only take a few minutes. The beauty of this plan is that the IRS no longer gets any taxes paid on the portion you leave to the synagogue. The IRS is picking up a big part of the tab for your legacy gift.” Sam was beaming. “Molly, doesn’t this sound wonderful? The boys will be fine and we will be very proud of the gift we leave to the shul. What do you think, Molly?” “I’m in. Thanks for helping us make such a great plan.” This plan makes even more sense when an estate tax is owed, but I wanted you to see how simple and effectively a gift of a tax-deferred account is for making a legacy gift. If you want more information about legacy giving, please contact Arielle Hendel at the Silicon Valley Jewish Community Legacy Project. You can reach Arielle either at (408) 357-7501 or at arielle@jvalley.org.
Lynn Osband Event planner
WEDDINGS BAR / BAT MITZVAHS SPECIAL EVENTS AND CONSULTING
408-981-8422
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www.jvalley.org
Nominate a Teen $36,000 TIKKUN OLAM L E A D E R S H I P AWA R D S The 2017 Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards will recognize up to ďŹ ve Jewish teens from California and ten from across the United States for exceptional community service and leadership repairing the world.
Help us identify and celebrate great Jewish teens in our community.
Nominations are now open. Deadline: December 18, 2016 www.dillerteenawards.org
The Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards are funded by the Helen Diller Family Foundation, a supporting foundation of the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund.
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Zionism 5777:
Emerging Trends and Diverse Lenses
A series of programs designed for everyone in the community teens & adults, experts & novices, conservatives & liberals. The Middle East is constantly changing and our individual understanding is evolving. The Federation is partnering with diverse experts on emerging trends, with a deep respect for what the community brings to the table.
Don’t miss the rest of the events in this series! WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17: The College Israel Encounter
Congregation Sinai, 7:00 pm Learn, discuss and ask questions about the Boycott, Divest and Sanctions movement on campus. Parallel tracks for parents and students. Partner: StandWithUS
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18: Deputy Consul General Ravit Baer
Congregation Shir Hadash, 9:30 am. A view behind the scenes of the relationship between Israel and the EU.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19: Israel’s Security and the 45th President
Levy Family Campus Adult Lounge, 7:00 pm New prospects, from the 45th President and a new, comprehensive study, “Advancing the Dialogue: A Security System for the Two-State Solution”. Speakers David Halperin, Executive Director, Israel Policy Forum, Ilan Goldenberg, Senior Fellow and Director of the Middle East Security Program at the Center for a New American Security; Major General (Ret.) Amnon Reshef, founder, Commanders for Israel’s Security. Partner: iSrael Policy ForUm
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29: An Evening with Dennis Ross
Congregation Beth David, 7:00 pm. American diplomat and author, Dennis Ross will speak about his new book “Doomed to Succeed: The U.S.-Israel Relationship from Truman to Obama.”
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21: A Conversation About Peace Prospects
First Unitarian Church of San Jose, 11:30 am-1:00 pm Ambassador Maen Areikat, The General Delegation of the Palestine Liberation Organization to the United States; Jeremy Ben-Ami, Founder & President of J Street. The struggle between Israelis and Palestinians seems to be as far as ever from a resolution. How can Israeli and Palestinian leaders move toward a sustainable peace? Can the US and the international community help to bridge gaps and bring the two sides together? Partner: J Street
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26: An Evening with Peter Beinart
Temple Emanu-El, 7:00 pm. Peter Beinart, a CNN political commentator and weekly columnist in Ha’aretz and The Atlantic, will speak on the politics of Israel and the American Jewish community. Partner: J Street
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13: Federation Major Gifts Dinner with IDF Major La Rinconada Country Club, Los Gatos, 6:00 pm. IDF Major (Res.) Sarit Zehavi, Keynote Speaker. Bikkur Cholim
Full details for each program can be found online www.jvalley.org/Zionism5777.