Peninsula Jewish Community Center Your Center for Life! Spring 2010 • Adar / Nisan / Iyar 5770
CenterView PJCC Member Swam for Legendary Pre-Holocaust Vienna Team
PJCC volunteer Peter Karlton presents Edith Foyer with a DVD of Watermarks.
Hakoah-Vienna was Austria’s celebrated Jewish athletic club, founded in 1909 in response to the notorious Aryan Paragraph forbidding sports clubs from accepting Jewish athletes. Hakoah, (“the Strength” in Hebrew) boasted many renowned athletes, including the champion women’s swim team profiled in the 2004 documentary, Watermarks. Recently, the PJCC showed Watermarks and discovered that audience and Center Member Edith Foyer was actually a member of the Know a member of our community with an interesting story? Let us know at editor@pjcc.com.
legendary swim team. Born in Vienna, Edith was just 11 years old in 1934 when she joined Hakoah. “I was too young for the upper division, but participated in all meets,” she says. “My specialty was the backstroke.” Edith practiced daily until her final night in 1938. “Hitler arrived the very next morning,” she remembers. “Soon afterwards, my family relocated to Bolivia.” Today the San Mateo resident remains active with yoga and hopes to resume swimming. “I still enjoy it,” she says.
Whether or not you join a legendary swim team like our friend Edith Foyer, swimming can improve your health. That’s because swimming: • Improves your cardiovascular system • Burns body fat effectively • Burns a high number of calories • Relieves stress • Treats your joints gently • Is fun whether you are 8 or 88! Learn more about the PJCC’s award-winning swim programs—call 650.378.2782.
Repairing the World (One Shoe at a Time) by Deborah Pinsky, Executive Director The PJCC has a passionate social action committee that helps direct our efforts in Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). I’ve invited Stephanie Levin, PJCC Youth and Family Director, to introduce you to one such endeavor.
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Pink Converse® High Tops by guest columnist Stephanie Levin HANI E EP
LEVI
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I was in third grade, and these were the shoes I really wanted. Lucky for me, my parents were able to buy them and I wore them to school every day. I was fortunate because my parents could provide me with the things I needed and wanted. But in the state of California, over 40% of children are low-income, the majority with educated, working parents who are struggling to make ends meet and provide for their children. Despite their best efforts, these parents might be unable to purchase even simple things, such as pink Converse® high tops.
The PJCC recently forged a new partnership with My New Red Shoes, a local non-profit organization. They provide brand new clothing and shoes to underprivileged children in the Bay Area, enabling thousands of local youth to start their first day of school with pride. The PJCC will have several opportunities each year for members and guests to get involved with this important work and I hope you’ll join us. To learn more or get involved, please contact me at 650.378.2762 or slevin@pjcc.org. PJCC Guiding Principles
Jewish Life
חוויה יהודית
Chavaya Yehudit
עיקרים
Ikkarim
Welcoming All
Our Community of Family and Friends
Wholeness of Body, Mind and Spirit
Repairing the World
Hachnasat Or’chim
Kehilla u’Mishpacha
Shleimut
Tikkun Olam
הכנסת אורחים
קהילה ומשפחה
שלמות
תקון עולם
Celebrating Freedom: Pesach (Passover) March 29 – April 6, 2010 Nisan 14 – 22, 5770
The Counting of the Omer: Lag B’Omer May 2, 2010 • Iyar 18, 5770
On Passover, Jews recount the Exodus from Egypt after generations of slavery through a dramatic communal meal called a seder. The seder includes special prayers, foods and stories which emphasize the importance of freedom. The Torah teaches that when the Israelites were finally given permission to leave Egypt, they did not have time to allow their bread to rise. Therefore, eating unleavened bread, called matzah, is an important part of the holiday observance. It was expanded to prohibit any leavened foods during Passover.
Known as the Omer, this somewhat somber period commemorates a time of oppression under Roman rule. However, the 33rd day, called Lag B’Omer, was a momentary respite from Roman oppression. This joyful day is marked with picnics, bonfires, music, outdoor games and revelry. The Omer also counts the days between Passover and Shavuot, and thus reminds us that redemption from slavery was not complete until the Jewish people received the Torah.
The Feast of Weeks: Shavuot May 18 – 20, 2010 Sivan 5 – 7, 5770
Yom HaAtzma’ut • April 20, 2010 / Iyar 20, 5770 Israel’s Independence Day celebrates the formal establishment of the State in 1948. Today, Jewish communities around the world celebrate Yom HaAtzma’ut with festivals of Israeli culture, food, music and dancing.
This holiday simultaneously commemorates the reaping of the spring wheat harvest and the Giving of the Torah to the Jewish people. Shavuot encourages us to cherish our freedom while also serving as a reminder that true freedom comes only with responsibility. The Ten Commandments are read aloud in synagogue services, and the holiday is observed by eating dairy products, decorating with flowers and greenery, and holding all-night Torah study sessions.
Celebrate at the Center!
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(Check www.pjcc.org for additional events)
Passover Family Food Fair Sunday, March 21, 2010 3:00 – 5:00 pm
Sample charoset (a sweet paste of fruits and nuts) from around the world, enjoy delicious Passover desserts and more!
Passover in the Lobby • Free! Monday, March 22, 2010 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Chat with Rabbi Tamar Malino and learn new ways to enhance your celebration of Passover.
Partially supported by a generous grant from the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund.
Tikkun Olam: How are You Caring for Our Planet? Kym Padgett
Sally Reingold
Livia Ondi-Pancholi
Randy Moeckli Center Member since 2005
Center Member since 2009
PJCC Aquatics instructor
“During summer I walk the half mile to work instead of driving. I enjoy some fresh air, plus I save money in gas!”
“I take our expired medicines and vitamins to a pharmaceutical disposal program so the pills don’t pollute our water system.”
“I’ve started using organic skin and hair care products. I also bring my own bags when shopping, to avoid using plastic ones.”
“We bought a drum composter and recycle all our kitchen green waste. We also avoid buying things in plastic containers.”
“I reuse my plastic Ziploc sandwich bags, and I brought silverware and dishes to work so I don’t use the paper ones.”
“I bought a thermos to avoid using paper cups. I go to Starbucks at least three times a day, so I’m definitely saving some trees! “
PJCC Esthetician
Center Member since 2004
Center Member since 2009
Linda Fix
Gina Nappi
The PJCC is getting greener! The Center:
Circle of Life Fund: The Gift That Gives Forever
F
or over 60 years, the PJCC has supported lifelong friendships, rich family bonds, thriving children and seniors, and a strong Jewish community. Our new Circle of Life Fund seeks to secure this legacy for generations to come. The Fund’s planned giving options allow you to fulfill philanthropic dreams, provide a legacy of support for future generations and achieve tax and financial
planning goals. You can give a gift of substantial impact—perhaps more than you’d expect—without impacting your standard of living. If you choose, your gift can honor or memorialize a loved one, enshrining their name for years to come. To learn more, please contact the PJCC Development Office at 650.378.2759 or awolf@pjcc.org.
PJCC Art Gallery presents
Food
• Hosts used clothing drives • Encourages employee carpooling • Recycles fluorescent tubes, batteries, paper, cardboard, cans, glass and plastic • Provides composting stations • Uses compostable plates, cups and utensils • Uses recycled paper products • Uses green products for cleaning We’d love to hear your ideas and suggestions to reduce the Center’s carbon footprint even more. Email your green tips to editor@pjcc.com.
Mazel Tov!
Nona Miloslavsky and Michael Pevzner are the proud recipients of the 2009 Dan Cook Award. The annual award recognizes Jewish athletes ages 13 – 18 who exemplify admirable traits such as leadership skills, commitment to their sport, respect towards others and more.
Summertime = Summer Camp Fun!
of Israel
April 16 – June 15, 2010 Savor these enticing photographs by Eilon Paz, selected from The Book of New Israeli Food: A Culinary Journey by food celebrity Janna Gur. The images provide an intimate look at the land and people of Israel from one of the most telling aspects of a culture—food!
Janna Gur Lecture and Book Signing Thursday, April 29 • 7:00 pm Don’t miss this tantalizing talk about the exquisite cuisine of Israel. $5 Member / $7 Public Lecture and book $36
in the
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PJCC Annual Benefit Sunday, April 25, 2010 3:30 – 6:00 pm William E. Walker Recreation Center, Foster City Raise your glass of sangria and Celebrate a Taste of Spain! Proceeds from this year’s annual benefit help support Center services and scholarships benefiting at-risk children, single parent families, people facing special circumstances and seniors on fixed incomes. The fiesta will feature tasty tapas (Spanish appetizers), a raffle and exciting silent auction, free childcare and much more. Help us continue to serve the North Peninsula for years to come. For donations and ticket information, Contact Cindy Velasquez at 650.212.7522 or cvelasquez@pjcc.org.
“My three children came home each day, speaking over one another, trying to tell me all that went on. They learned about different cultures, created meaningful projects, played games, sang songs and most important, had TONS of fun.” —PJCC Camp parent Exciting one-, two- and three-week sessions range from preschool and general to specialty camps. Visit www.pjcc.org/camp or call 650.378.2704.
The PJCC and Blood Centers of the Pacific Blood Drive
Monday, May 3 • 8:30 am – 12:30 pm Give the gift of life and get a FREE guest pass!
Center
Members
Work out with a friend free on these Bring-a-Friend Fridays! April 30 May 28 June 25 Call 650.378.2771.
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In Appreciation to Our Donors for their Gifts and Contributions October 1 – December 31, 2009
PJCC Departments Adult
Susan Kaye Bob May in honor of Susan May Renee Prosen Paul Smith Diane White and the Bunco Group
Cultural Arts
Judy Edelson Kimberly Gordon and Marc Hertz Jane and Jon Post Jane Tan and Kenneth Schwartz
Early Childhood Education Jewish Community Federation Preschool Scholarship Fund Andrew Sabin Family Foundation Ana Cristina and Scott Brubaker Katherine and James Egbert Chris Khostovan and Michael Ward Lee Manus-McNutt and Scott McNutt Peninsula Temple Beth El
ECE In-Kind Gifts
Karen Alexander Kimberly Brinson Egbert Family Heidi Feinberg Leslie Kramer Ruth Krumbein Sherry Lipson McNutt Family Deborah Pinsky Faina Shpiler Shelley Smith Blair Wachtelhausen Chris Ward Elissa Whorl
Jewish Education The Koret-Taube Initiative: A New Look at Jewish Culture and Peoplehood Bonnie and Don Pearlman
Maccabi Games
Evelyn Zelinsky in honor of Mark Zelinksy
Sports and Recreation Maggie Kerns
Youth and Family Jewish Community Federation for Summer Camp Jewish Education Program
General Operating
Rita Blau in honor of Scott Hartley’s October birthday Jane Blumberg-Goldberg in honor of Deborah Pinsky
Sharon and Irwin Kasser in memory of Nina Braunstein Sand June Activewear Anne and David Sipes
General In-Kind Gifts David Chomsky Marilyn and Don Salle Torte Reform
United Way
Anonymous
PJCC Funds Eva Chernov Lokey Endowment for Programs Anonymous Ellie Rosenberg ECE Campership Fund Ellie and Marty Rosenberg in memory of Lillian Weiner
Fund-A-Need Rita Blau
in honor of Sharon and Scott Hartley’s Anniversary Lesley and Joseph Andrews Judy and Michael Garb in memory of Elaine Gershenson’s mother Bev Kotlove in memory of Sherwood Deutch Lynn Levy and Bob Kahn
Senior Bus Fund
Andrew Sabin Family Foundation
$500 to $999
Joyce and Norm Weil
$250 to $499
Ann and Irwin Bear Anne and Rodney Pearlman Lawrence Pelzner in honor of Justin and Ashley Pelzner
$100 to $249
Anonymous Arlene and Philip Bernstein Fanlan and Yitzik Brenman Rise and Marty Cherin in honor of Saul Rudorfer’s 95th birthday Alice Elms Adella and Jonathan Feinberg Edith Foyer Paula and Simon Goren Phyllis and Norman Graff Jonathan and Arlene Horowitz in memory of Danny Horowitz Marilyn and Norman Krasner Dyanne and Michael Krasow Karen Latina and Evan Susser in memory of Alvin Susser Ruth Leddel Ally and Rick Lenat Mary and Andy Lesser
Rosanne and Al Levitt Joan and Howard Mechalovitz Anita and Jack Popik Gary and Arline Radine Leslie and Bob Reisfeld Babs Schrager in honor of Dyanne Krasow Florette and Bill Schwartz Esther and Barry Sherman Marian Soss in honor of Rick and Carole Soss’s wedding anniversary Betty and Nat Starr Bunny Starr Margaret and Allan Steyer Cindy and Philip Strause Michelle and Keith Tandowsky Wendy Verba Ellen and Jeffery Wang Sylvia and Manfred Wildmann
$50 to $99
Floie Ambrunn Jane and Ed Austin Susan and Gordon Bardet Nancy and Howard Bott Marge and Bernard Chaknova Rabbi Karen and Rabbi Micah Citrin Fran and Murray Cohn Elsie Dab Soo Key and Louis Glassman in memory of Barry Derish Gloria Goldberg Sally and Gilbert Gradinger Jaclyn and John Grant Ann and Salek Hamer in memory of Oswald Warren Randi and Jim Hutchinson Carol and Rick Kadet in honor of Arnold Steiner’s 96th birthday Renee and Leon Kaseff Jean Kohn Thea and Sam Leavitt Lois and Paul Levine Evelyn Marcus Diane and Hubert Marcus David Menke in memory of John R. Menke Sylvia Merkadeau Bobbie and Ed Miller Barbara Nevins Lynn and Richard Nightingale Andrea and Steve Pearlman Joy and Zack Pearlman Leone and Stan Pollard John Rosenberg Charlotte and Bernie Scheier Karlyn Schneider Imro Shair-Ali in memory of Henriette Jap A Joe Melissa and Daniel Shefer Alan Sicherman Judy and Robert Silverman in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Allan Byer Marilyn Simon
Cecile Winton
Up to $49
Adrienne and Howard Abrams Ruth Andersen Anonymous (3) Dina Artzt and Len Rosenduft Devren Breaux Maxine and Ronald Brody Donald Cahen Katie and Dave Christie Harold Cohn Helen Farkas Aline and Richard Fox Bobbi Freedman and Don Belaief Lolli and Harvey Freedman in honor of Ceil Winton Janice and Richard Freeman Carol and Stuart Gilbert Cindy Glazer Herb Golden Sunny Grotsky Barbara and Joe Gurkoff Barbara Hafter Elana Hornstein Lynn Levy and Bob Kahn June and Jeff Kaufman in memory of Jack Maiman Gabriele Korn Judith Lynn Gail and Matt Mintz Sandra and David Monasch Paul Nounou in honor of Elie J. Nounou’s 79th birthday Verlayne and Fred Offenbach in honor of Kurt Goldstrom Sally Oken in honor of Sydney Levine’s 13th birthday Melvin Pincus Burton Press Lilly Radcliffe Bea Rechnitz in memory of Gary Rechnitz Sandy Reinin Lala and Marvin Richards Marilyn Rosekind Grace Rosenberg Jerry Rosenblatt Marilyn and Nathan Schmidt in honor of Ilana Schmidt Barbara and Dolph Shapiro Naomi Z. Silverstein Lori Smith Yash Snider Susie and Rich Sorkin Sari Spector in honor of Andy Pearlman’s 70th birthday; in honor of Zel Kahn’s 90th birthday; in honor of Joel Cohen’s 65th birthday Miriam Suslow Dafna and Michael Tarle Robin and Herbert Teitelbaum George Thomas Dorothy Wexler
In Appreciation to Our Donors for their Gifts and Contributions October 1 – December 31, 2009
Annual Appeal $5,000+
Anonymous Marian and Allan Byer Ingrid and Frank Jonas Jean Zemel
$3,000-$4,999
Sonny and Steve Hurst
$1,800 to $2,999
Renee and Dennis Jermaine Susan and Scott Maltz Janet A. Martin Deborah Pinsky
$1,000 to $1,799
Karen Alexander and Ross Weiner Anonymous Judy Edelson Debbie and David Goren Joanne and Skip Green Joanne Howard Jane and Jon Post Jodi and Rob Zwiebach
$500 to $999
Martha and Michael Adler Luba Abascal and David Weinstein Jack Bernstein in honor of Wendy Sue Polonsky Abbe Braitman Richard Braunstein Milton Jacobs Jessica Kogan and Cameron Hughes in memory of Sarah Cogan Yash Snider Selma and Sandy Tandowsky
$250 to $499
Beverly and Barnet Adelman Eileen and Ralph Battat Ann and Irwin Bear Barbara and Daniel Buttlaire Linda and Daniel Cooperman Nancy Evans and Art Wolf Lenci Farkas Susan Hamlin Joe Kane in memory of Arlene F. Kane Susan and Barry Karl Deborah Kelman and Rabbi Marvin Goodman Sheila and George Lederer Burton Miller Miriam and Richard Morgan Frankie and Avner Naggar Gayle and Allen Notowitz Jane and Jon Post
Alissa and Danny Rozansky Jane and Howard Samuel Reva and John Segall Sandra Shapiro Rolly Slatt Goldie and Marty Sosnick Eudora and Jimmy Ting Hillary Weingast and Jeff Hyman in memory of Max Hamrol Linda and Todd Zucker
$100 to $249
Gilah and Mark Abelson Anonymous (3) The Aron Family Roma Auerback Irina and Boris Auerbuch Betsy and Randy Baum Janice and Dennis Berkowitz Beth El Fifty Plus Club Maddy and Frank Blumenthal Janet and Russ Bohne Joseph Brown Lynn and Jim Carteris Dorothy Chafets Ida Charlip in honor of Stephen Charlip Roxanne and David Cohen Jane Corning in memory of Bertram E. Corning Ford and Bass Corradini Rochelle and Mervyn Danker Sharon and Eric Fomil Judy and Michael Garb Sue and Albert Geller Ellen and Bruce Gellman in honor of Ceil Winton Arthur Gilbert Diane and Manny Goldman Jenni Hamilton Carol and Martin Harband Anita and Bill Hoffman in honor of Dr. Stephen Hurst; in honor of Dr. Andrew Rosenberg; in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Harvey Kaplan Helen and Don Jaffe Gay and Harvey Kaplan in honor of Dr. Andrew Rosenberg Robin and Ron Karp Joseph Karp and Rosie Karp Emily Kenner and Neil Shepherd David and Arlene Klonoff Dyanne and Michael Krasow Julie and Edward Kraus Arlene Krieger Marion Lebermuth Margie and Phil Lerner
Marta Levison Mr. and Mrs. Lieberman Basil Meyerowitz Xuan-Vu Nguyen and Todd Braman Sandy and Barry Oberstein Gail O’Brien Midge Offel Ann Opperman Lynne and Bruce Pasternack Linda and Michael Podolsky Carol and Virgil Rose Linda and Edward Rosen Wanda Ross in honor of Judy Ross and Chuck Ellen and Jerry Saliman Marilyn and Don Salle in memory of Danny Salle Ronald Scheinbach Larry Schlenoff Barry Schnur Florette and Bill Schwartz Marianne and Herman Shine in memory of Mr. Francis Cappel Sharyn Siegel in honor of George and Bernice Solish Lorna Siepser and Steve Klebe Mindy Slatt-Friedeberg and Dan Friedeberg Amy and Wayne Sosnick Alice Stern Marcie and Artie Storch Marilyn Taubman Judy Thalheimer and Brian Kirshner Ellen Weinstein and Fred Weiner in memory of Rosalie Abrams Rita Weisman Annette Weiss
$50 to $99
Dottie and Andy Anderson Wendy and Irving Benveniste in memory of Mori Benveniste Corey and Rod Cherkas Kim Ettlinger Leslee and Wayne Feinstein Ann and Stan Forman in memory of Elaine Gershenson Joan and Michael Fox in memory of Sylvia Segal Marilyn Frank and Martin Goldstein Angie and Steve Hollman Georgia and Michael Jack Melanie Karsen and Perry Karsen
Srinivas Kotipalli Keren and Jeff Kotowitz in honor/memory of Mark Shuster Rita Redberg and David Larson Ralph Levin Sarena Lubarsky in memory of Suzanne Roussille Sharon and Gregory Miller Bessie Mintz Inna Polissky in honor of Mikael and Faina Krayzbukh Rhonda Press and Larry Ragent Davida and Michael Rabbino Dorothy and Boris Ragent Andrew Rosenberg Sarah and Adam Rosenthal in honor of Nancy and Herschel Feigelson Marina Sedova Marcyl Seidscher Cheryl and Jeffrey Selman Judith and Steven Shmueli Lorraine and Alon Sobol Cindy and Phil Strause Ronald Wilk
Up to $49
Anonymous (2) Felicia and Ken Aron Sheryl Blumenthal Herta Breslof Eva Dyson Shelley Eisenman Kathy and Mike Glass Joan Goldenberg Barbara and Michael Harris Judy Kaine Margret Kanner Janice and Irving Katz June and Jeff Kaufman in memory of Louis Cherin; in memory of Morris Slayen Deborah and Robert Kessler Joan Kris Pearl and Charles Ledwith Shirley Lerner Martha and Curtis Leviant Stephanie Levin in honor of Miles Nguyen Braman Marjory Luxenberg Wendy and Jeff Polonsky in honor of Beth Resnick Karin and Marlin Segal Eunice Shephard Denise Silverman Donna and Peter Taglia Rose and Ed Tamler Sofia Yofin Michael Yurovitsky
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Peninsula Jewish Community Center
Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID San Mateo, CA Permit No. 822
800 Foster City Blvd. Foster City, CA 94404
BAC Holiday Hours April/May/June 2010
FREE
Byer Athletic Center Monday, May 31
Memorial Day
8:00 am – 5:00* pm
*Note: Pools close 30 minutes prior to the close of the Byer Athletic Center.
Find us on Follow us on
and become a fan! Twitter.com/peninsulajcc
The PJCC, Kaiser Permanente and Foster City Parks and Recreation present the Second Annual
Family Health & Fitness Day and Farmers’ Market! Sunday, May 16, 2010
Family Favorites! Fitness Center and Swim School
CenterView is published by:
Peninsula Jewish Community Center
Health & Fitness Day 1:00 – 4:30 pm Farmers’ Market 12:30 – 4:30 pm • • • •
Fresh local produce Kaiser Permanente kids’ giant obstacle course Exciting fitness-themed games, contests and classes Jump House, Family Gym, teddy Bear Clinic … and more
800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City, CA 94404 650.212.PJCC (7522) • www.pjcc.org A beneficiary agency of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties.
To learn more or reserve your space, call 650.212.PJCC (7522).