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We Connect. We Inspire. We Answer. We Are Your Jewish Federation.
2020–2021
AN ANNUAL PUBLICATION OF THE
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A Message from Executive Director, CYNDI SILVERMAN Welcome to Shalom Santa Barbara, the inaugural edition of the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara’s first Jewish community magazine. I have spent most of my adult life in Jewish communal work all over the world. For the past twelve years, it has been an honor to be a part of our vibrant Santa Barbara Jewish community. For eleven years I served as the Regional Director of the ADL Tri-Counties, and since January of this year, the Executive Director of the Jewish Federation. If we have not met, please call, text or email. I would love to meet you or get to know you better. Over a year ago Michael Rassler invited all of the Santa Barbara Jewish professionals to come together and talk about the possibility of this community project called Shalom Santa Barbara. Cindy Feinberg, the editor of Hope Ranch Living Magazine, loved the idea and made it her mission to bring this to the Jewish community. Cindy has been the driving force behind Shalom Santa Barbara and has worked diligently to secure advertisements. Adam Weiss, the chair of our local Jewish Community Relations Committee, played a major role, and Michael Holland’s generous donation made the publication possible. I am happy my Federation team has been a part of this group and helped to nurture this community project to fruition. Shalom Santa Barbara is here! We are so excited that every Jewish organization has participated in this first publication. Initially, we are publishing it online. A beautiful print version will be available to the community before the High Holidays. We plan to update the online
Cyndi Silverman Executive Director
version throughout the year and print the magazine once a year. Shalom Santa Barbara highlights local Jewish organizations and champions the many opportunities and activities available in Santa Barbara County. It is Federation’s goal to support all of the organizations in our Jewish community. Shalom Santa Barbara is one big and beautiful step in furthering this goal. It seems appropriate that our first cover is a painting of downtown Santa Barbara by our dearly loved Margaret Singer, z”l. Everyone who has had the opportunity to preview the online edition comments on how interesting Nina Gelman-Ganz’s article is, Mussar Practice Transcends Adversity. It is truly an honor to have an article about the Daughters of Abraham, a local interfaith group. I am very excited to have the opportunity to introduce the community to the Center for Jewish Education, check out the article on page 9. It would be challenging for me to choose my favorite article, I love them all. Even the advertisements are interesting and fun to peruse.
I am so happy to be here in this moment in time, and to be able to join together with all of you to help make Santa Barbara and our community the best place to be Jewish. Fondly,
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17 | Portraits of Survival: Life Journeys During the Holocaust and Beyond
18 | How We’ve Engaged the Community Beyond our Walls
21 | JCRC: Jewish Community Relations Committee
01 | A Message from Executive Director Cyndi Silverman
05 | The Role of the Santa Barbara Jewish Federation in Our Community
07 | Mixed Media Artist
22 | CBB: Jewish Living —
Margaret Singer
An Evolving Practice
09 | The Center for Jewish Education: A Renewed Gathering Place
10 | Jewish Family
24 | A Brief History of Mesa Shul Santa Barbara
25 | Mesa Shul: We Put the Modern in Modern Orthodox
Service: Elevating the SB Community
11 | Hadassah: Connecting and Empowering Women to Effect Change
12 | ADL: We are Indeed Better Together! 13 | ADL Responds to COVID Fed Bias and Bigotry
14 | Mussar Practice Transcends Adversity
16 | Jewish Family Service of Greater Santa Barbara: Response to the COVID-19 Crisis
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SANTA BARBARA 26 | Hillel: Inspiring the Jewish Future
28 | Chabad: Completing the Circle of Jewish Life
31 | Community Shul: An Innovative and Caring Community
43 | PJ Library: Free Jewish Children’s Books to Families Across the World
44 | Naomi Bollag: The Healing Power of Art
45 | Get Baked With Chef Doug: Challah, Kugel and Cheesecake
32 | SYVJC: Cultivates Belonging and Celebration
49 | Be Informed. The Israel Committee of Santa Barbara
34 | Small, Yet Uplifting! Vandenberg-Lompoc Jewish Community
35 | Temple Beth El — Santa Maria: A Spiritual Home to Many
36 | Daughters of Abraham Bring Together Jews, Christians, and Muslims
38 | YAD: Connect with Your Tribe
41 | Camp Haverim: Santa Barbara’s Homegrown Jewish Day Camp
51 | Come for the Pizza, Stay for the Jewish
53 | What Will You Take With You From This Journey?
54 | Rosh Chodesh Society: Empowering Generations
55 | Mikva Chaya Mushka — A Woman’s Place
57 | Jewish Federation of Ventura County
58 | Community Directory 59 | Subscribe to Shalom Santa Barbara
60 | Advertisers Index JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
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montecito.bank • (805) 963-7511 6 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 2020–2021
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The Role of the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara In our Jewish Community IN OUR TRADITION, Jewish sages often had many
distressed European Jewish communities. Vital donated
legendary disagreements with each other regarding issues of
funds helped to save Jewish lives during World War II and
importance to them. One argument involved the wording of
fed survivors and displaced persons after the Holocaust.
the verse quoted here. In one version:
When the Jewish State of Israel was declared
Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh La-zeh, the final word
in 1948, UJA became committed to the
chosen La-zeh suggests that each individual in the
people of Israel — as well as continuing to be
community is a separate unit, who looks out
there for Jews around the globe, especially
for the well-being of others, as they see fit.
as various crises arose through the years.
But the other Talmudic version, “Kol Yisrael
Working in partnership with its beneficiary
Arevim Zeh Ba-zeh,” has a very different meaning entirely with the deliberate choice of “Ba-zeh”. It is this second case which most reflects our work and philosophy in our Jewish community, for here, the idea is that all Jews, whatever their backgrounds or affiliations, form a single entity known as Klal Yisrael, the Peoplehood of Israel, with all of us sharing a common destiny.
“ As a people, we are all responsible for one another.”
This indicates a respect for our individual differences, as we all work together toward a common goal of unity in helping to achieve the betterment of our Jewish community — and the lives of others in our region, our country, and around the world.
– The Talmud
agencies, the UJA fed, clothed, and provided sustenance and hope for Jewish communities from Latin America to Europe, North Africa, and the former Soviet Union. JFNA is the successor to this proud history — then and now, helping both locally and globally to support social welfare, social services, and educational needs with the Jewish values of Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World), Tzedakah (Charity and Justice), and Torah (Jewish learning) — as the guiding principles.
Here in Santa Barbara, our Federation is dedicated to building a vibrant and inclusive local Jewish community. In our role as convener of the rich and talented tapestry of local
The Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara belongs
Jewish communal organizations, we seek to enhance the
to a network of 146 other Jewish Federations and over 300
well-being of Jews in Santa Barbara, Israel, and throughout
Network Communities across the United States and Canada,
the world, as well as to strengthen the relationship between
under the umbrella organization The Jewish Federations
the Jewish community and the community at large. All
of North America (JFNA). This organization has had a long
of the Jewish organizations represented in Shalom Santa
and proud history, starting in 1939 under the auspices of
Barbara and in our vibrant community have a vital role to
the United Jewish Appeal (UJA), when a number of active
play — each with a unique contribution to the whole. How
fundraising campaigns joined forces to provide relief to
proud are we! Am Yisrael Chai — The Jewish People Thrives!
The pride in our Jewish community is clear in the faces of our children!
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
Bringing our community together for events like the SB Jewish Film Festival.
2020–2021 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 7
Bronfman Family Jewish Community Center | 524 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, California 93101 | 805.957.1115
2020 Executive Committee
Board of Directors
Alan Levy
President
Joan Rothenberg
Treasurer
Lauren Katz
VP / JFS Chair
Adam Weiss
VP / JCRC Chair
Ron Zonen
Secretary
Emeriti Steven Amerikaner* Ralph Baxter Yale Coggan* Jeffrey Dinkin* Ron Fox* Dr. Sanford E. Gerber* M. Howard Goldman* Arthur Kroot* Cynthia Luria* Dr. Maurice I. Mendel* Mike Nissenson* Maureen White
Eric Berg Dana Hoffenberg YAD Co-Chair
Joy Maskart Jeff Mintz Carly Newman YAD Co-Chair
Deborah L. Schwartz Michael Steinberg
Rena Brawer
Member at Large
* Past President
Staff Cyndi Silverman
Executive Director
Ruth Dubin Steinberg, LCSW, MAJCS
Director, Jewish Family Service and Portraits of Survival
Anaïs Pellegrini
Director of Philanthropy and Engagement
Jared Stenz
Associate Director of Philanthropy and Engagement
Ruby Vargeson
Program Coordinator Bronfman Family Jewish Community Center
Mike Witt
Briana Sapp Tivey Marketing and Communications Manager
Susan Lambrose, LMFT
Clinical Services and Senior Programs Coordinator, Jewish Family Service
Pam Rice
Bookkeeper and Human Resources
Julie Gold, MFT Associate,
Jewish Family Service
Debi Lewis
Chaplaincy Intern, Jewish Family Service
Volunteer Services Coordinator and Building Manager Bronfman Family Jewish Community Center
Joan Rothenberg, cfp® JPR Financial Services Investment Management Financial Planning Retirement Planning Estate Planning 805.564.4284 805.899.8666 fax Joan@jprfinancialservices.com JPRFINANCIALSERVICES.COM 735 State Street, Suite 614 Santa Barbara, California 93101 Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. JPR Financial Services is not affiliated with Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. or registered as a broker dealer.
8 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 2020–2021
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SHALOM SANTA BARBARA
Margaret Singer, z”l Mixed Media Artist (1921–2019) Born and raised in Frankfurt, Germany,
The Jewish Federation is honored
at the age of seventeen, tragedy and
to be taking on the mission of the
turbulence flung Margaret Singer far
Margaret Singer Artist Project:
from her roots. In 1938 she arrived
to preserve, share and honor the
on American shores, saw the Statue
artworks and story of Margaret Singer.
of Liberty, and inhaled the freedom
Limited edition fine art prints
which awaited her. With courage and purpose, she bent darkness into light
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
WE CONNECT. WE INSPIRE. WE ANSWER. WE ARE YOUR JEWISH FEDERATION.
2020–2021
AN ANNUAL PUBLICATION OF THE
utilizing her gifts as an artist and a poet
available via art@sbjf.org or 805.957.1115 extension 103.
and her innate sense of truth and joy. Following her own compass, Margaret broke every mold of expectation for a woman, an immigrant, and a refugee. Margaret spent the last decades of her long life
Inaugural Edition 2020–2021
in Santa Barbara. She created a body of work that will inspire generations. The art, wisdom and journey of 97 year old Margaret Singer is celebrated in the film Margaret Singer: Seeking Light.
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At Nordstroms, Bloomingdale’s and Zappos.com. 2020–2021 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 9
PAVILLION GR AY PAIN T
A RENEWED GATHERING PLACE. TO EDUCATE. TO IGNITE PASSION. TO ILLUMINATE.
PL ANK FLO
ORING
BATISTE C ARPET
Work in progress: The Center for Jewish Education
Work in progress: The Center for Jewish Education
10 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 2020–2021
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
The Center for Jewish Education “ a mission to educate; ignite passion, curiosity, and pride; and illuminate our Jewish culture”
Key Components of the Center for Jewish Education • Welcoming lobby • Interactive museum of Jewish history modeled on the Tenement Museum • This museum will integrate and expand upon our current Portraits of Survival exhibit
The Jewish Federation of Greater Santa
We have lived and died through
Barbara is creating a Center for Jewish
unimaginable experiences, but we
Education with a mission to educate;
are not defined by our tragedies. We
ignite passion, curiosity, and pride;
are defined by the collective strength
and illuminate our Jewish culture.
and perseverance that has enabled us
• Conference and lecture room
Jewish identity is deeply rooted in
to overcome unspeakable adversity and not just survive, but thrive, excel,
• Portraits of Survival gallery and upstanders of World War II
make a positive impact and excel in
and contribute beyond measure.
• Classrooms for teaching
the world. The Torah commands us
The Center for Jewish Education
to work to better the world through
will pass on the incredible tales
• Visiting lectures by Jewish scholars and luminaries
Tzedakah (charity) and Gimelut
of this strength and instill pride
Chasadim (acts of loving kindness).
in generations to come.
These two mainstays of Jewish
The Torah also commands us to
a value system that enables us to
identity have proven invaluable in integrating into the Santa Barbara community. Jewish philanthropy can be seen everywhere you look in this town, from the breathtaking artistry of the Granada Theater, to the modern design of UC Santa Barbara’s Gevirtz School of Education. This was not always the case. We worked hard to break down barriers
teach our children, passing down the immense history and wisdom of our people L’dor V’dor (from generation to generation). This emphasis on education has cultivated a culture that deeply values critical thinking skills, the acquisition of knowledge, and academic excellence.
We invite you to join us in reviving
• Extensive film archive and library
• Including Nobel laureates and award-winning scholars for discovery in science, literature, and philosophy • Lectures on justice, civil rights, philosophy and the rule of law • Jewish educational programming for every age demographic, covering a wide range of topics • Jewish holiday programming curated for each target demographic and designed to be relatable and inspirational
integrate fully. Examples of this are
and welcome your feedback
right here in our own community.
along the way as we launch
• An in-house Jewish educator who will design and implement programming and events, and coordinate visiting lecturers
As late as the 1940s, Jews were not
the Center for Jewish Education
Sample Classes Offered
allowed to live or purchase property
of Greater Santa Barbara.
• Moral Values in Action: The Jewish Legacy of Social Action and Philanthropy
and forge the inroads necessary to
in Hope Ranch or become members of the Santa Barbara Club.
and continuing these traditions
• Living Your Life as a Work of Art: Cultural Contributions of Notable Jewish Figures • Celebrating Life Through Sustenance: Cooking (and Feasting) Our Way Through Jewish History
Educational Spaces • Welcoming lobby reception • Interactive museum • Archive (film and library)
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
2020–2021 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 11
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE these stormy seas — whether from a psychological, an interpersonal, or financial point of view — and to facilitate a resolution to the storm with compassion and dignity restored, is the goal of our work at JFS.
Jewish Family Service is one of over 150 members of the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies (NJHSA), representing Jewish human service organizations throughout the United States and Canada. JFS is unique and one of a handful of social service agencies in our area
WHOEVER SAVES ONE LIFE, SAVES THE WHOLE WORLD… – The Talmud
which accepts Medicare, as well as a number of other insurance carriers. We provide therapeutic counseling services for individuals, couples, and families, as well as groups, including a Therapeutic Journaling Group, Jewish Bereavement Group, and a Holocaust Survivor Support Group. our Caring Visitors Program provides support for vulnerable individuals at home, with volunteer visitors who offer comfort and conversation to those most isolated.
Nourishment for the body, as well as for the soul!
For close to 50 years, Jewish Family Service (JFS) has been making a difference in the lives of those in the Santa Barbara community,
With an emphasis on wellness, JFS also sponsors a
dedicated to strengthening the quality of life for individuals
to the partnership of the Food Bank of Santa Barbara, we
and families, as they face life’s many challenges. JFS offers a
are also able to provide food staples to those who need it
full range of professional counseling, support and referral
when they leave this program each week. Other wellness
services, without regard to religion, race, ethnicity, or
programs, such as Easy Yoga for Every Body are also offered.
disability. With Jewish values as our guiding principles,
Community involvement is a high priority for us at Jewish
we offer care in the spirit of Tikkun Olam — Repairing Our World, such that every soul which is healed can also bring healing to our community, leaving us in a world less broken.
number of community programs with this in mind. Our Schmooze Room Nutritional Lunch Program serves 50-60 seniors and other community members each week, with a healthy homemade lunch, as well as an educational or entertaining program to go along with this nourishment. Nourishment for the body, as well as for the soul! Thanks
Family Service — at every level. For this reason, we are committed to continuing educational programming for mental health providers and clinicians in our community.
With a fully professional clinical staff, Jewish Family
Under the auspices of the local National Association of
Service stands ready to respond to what life holds in
Social Workers (NASW) Santa Barbara chapter, we host a
store: both the predictable trials of adjustment to life’s
number of programs each year, bringing together various
inevitable difficulties, as well as the less anticipated
disciplines and colleagues working in many different
personal and communal crises, which arise periodically
settings, with the hope of elevating our community to
throughout the course of our lives. Helping to navigate
new heights of understanding and mutual respect.
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Linda Blue Photography
HADASSAH believes in building a world where our Jewish values in action create strong community and an enduring Israel. That’s why our entire focus is on connecting and empowering Jewish women to effect change. We’ve done this for over 100 years, and we will do it for the next 100 — advancing health and well-being, advocating for women, and building community in the US and Israel. In Jerusalem, Hadassah Medical Organization is a beacon of healing: an ultra-modern complex that rivals the finest hospitals and research facilities anywhere in the world. We treat one million patients a year without regard to race, religion or nationality. In fact, Hadassah Medical Organization was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.
“ You can live in beautiful Santa Barbara and make a difference in the world by being a member of Hadassah. We raise money for the hospital in Israel that services Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike.” — Sissy Taran
resources to fight disease. The stunning results of our clinical trials for potential treatments of ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases have riveted the worldwide medical community. Our physicians are researchers and our researchers are physicians. They work tirelessly to relieve suffering and minimize pain. Their sophisticated, visionary medical research is leading the way to a better quality of life for people around the globe. Hadassah Santa Barbara invites all women who share Hadassah’s interests and passions to join, putting their values into actions with us and through our programs. We are a warm, welcoming, multi-generational, diverse group of women, chartered over fifty years ago. We continue to offer exciting, informative programs that address the various interests of our active, diverse community while raising awareness about Hadassah and its important work throughout the world. We are proud of our collaborations with local Jewish organizations such as the women of B’nai B’rith, Jewish Federation, and Hillel.
Hadassah Medical Organization is also internationally
If you would like to learn more or get involved
recognized for decades of leadership in stem cell research,
in Hadassah Santa Barbara please refer to the
and for immunotherapies that marshal the body’s own
Shalom Santa Barbara Community Directory.
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
2020–2021 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 13
JUSTICE AND FAIR TREATMENT TO ALL Founded in 1913, ADL’s timeless mission
with law enforcement. We also help high school and
has always been to stop the defamation of the Jewish people
college students recognize and react when criticism of
and to secure justice and fair treatment to all. ADL emerged
Israel crosses the line from legitimacy to anti-Semitism.
as one of the most formidable anti-hate organizations in
Our presence as a regional office
the U.S. because of its ironclad commitment to protect the rights of all Americans regardless of their race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. The premise behind ADL’s work is that the Jewish community, indeed any minority or marginalized community, is only safe if all such communities are safe. ADL accomplishes our work through a network of 27 regional offices, including our office in Santa Barbara, that serve as “boots on the ground” connecting local communities to ADL’s mission. Founded in 2001, the ADL Santa Barbara/ Tri-Counties regional office serves Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties. We respond to bias and hate incidents in schools, workplaces, houses of worship – anywhere
“ … delivering workshops to educators and students about recognizing how their own experiences impact the ways they perceive others. We advocate for the civil rights of minority and marginalized groups, and we share information about extremist groups with law enforcement.”
in the community that hate
depends on volunteer engagement, working relationships with educators, coalition partners, and law enforcement, and of course financial support from the community. Our ADL Action Committee provides opportunities for volunteers to lead and join local initiatives furthering ADL’s broad mission. We welcome you to contact our office to learn more about that committee and its current efforts. If you are an educator or parent interested in bringing programs addressing bias, hate symbols, bullying, or Holocaust education to your school, we are happy to provide more information. If your organization would like to learn more about ADL’s work, we can provide a presentation. If you have experienced, witnessed, or learned of a hate incident in our area, we encourage you to report the incident via ADL’s website, adl.org, so we can track
happens. We much prefer, however, to prevent such
such incidents and respond as appropriate.
incidents and work to do so by delivering workshops to
We are proud to be an active contributor to the
educators and students about recognizing how their own experiences impact the ways they perceive others. We advocate for the civil rights of minority and marginalized groups, and we share information about extremist groups
14 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 2020–2021
Jewish and larger communities in our tri-counties region, and we welcome your participation.
We are indeed better together!
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
ADL RESPONDS TO COVID FED BIAS AND BIGOTRY ADL has been actively responding
interrupting public online meetings
to stay informed and make an
to bias and bigotry related to the
with offensive images and messages,
impact even in these difficult times.
current health crisis. Our experts
and conversations between our
We have also been highlighting
on extremism and online hate are
national staff and Zoom about this
the disproportionately negative
monitoring and reporting on trends
problem has resulted in new security
impact of the crisis on marginalized,
in virus-related anti-Semitism and
measures rolled out by the company.
under-resourced, and immigrant
xenophobia, and ADL has spoken out
ADL has also provided a series of
communities. We remain in touch
against harassment and blaming
webinars, dialogues, and interactive
with schools, law enforcement,
of particular ethnic groups for the
conversations titled “Fighting Hate
community organizations, and civil
spread of COVID-19. We have been
from Home,” on a wide range of
rights groups to enable them to
tracking efforts of extremists and
issues related to the current health
continue experiencing much of our
others to exploit the moment by
crisis to help the general public
programming via online platforms.
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
2020–2021 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 15
MUSSAR PRACTICE TRANSCENDS ADVERSITY
I am a shower of blessings
by Nina Gelman-Gans
Mussar is a century-old Jewish practice of selftransformation that combines Jewish ethics, text study, and neurobiology with tikkun olam, healing our world
our own reactivity so we can bring forward our best possible self. Generalized life “case studies” foster our yetzer ha-tov, good inclination, to do better each week. In a similar way that our neurons fire without asking, character traits show up involuntarily without our consent. We can’t control what crosses our path, but using Mussar, we can redirect our mind to find joy and celebrate what is in front of us. Mussar encourages me not to judge, to go a bit outside my comfort zone, and to consider other perspectives. When faced with conundrum or challenge, my inner voice often calls out, “What would Mussar say?” The following life stories show how Mussar can help the world shift, just a bit, with hopes that thoughtful, intentional actions add up to global good.
Our concepts of normal changed with the unfolding of COVID-19. Flattening the curve was challenging and scary, while also offering unprecedented learning opportunities. Utilizing Zoom classroom, I was finally able to learn meditation, establish a Qigong practice, and fulfill my aspiration to share Mussar studies.
It was early March, the beginning of the COVID-19 panic and stampede for toilet paper, sanitizer, protein powder, nuts, and possibly a few extra chocolate bars. Waiting in a slow CVS check-out line, a shopper placed two large disinfectant wipe containers on the counter, along with $20 and a pile of change. Abruptly, she ran out to her car while the checker waited and looked annoyed. I was impatient, and relieved when another check-out window
Inhale the elusive fragrant oils of life
opened. The shopper dashed back with a few more coins. It wasn’t enough. “That’s all I have,” she whimpered looking at the cashier, who looked back at her with a quizzical “what am I supposed to do?” Awkward seconds stood still
Mussar is a century-old Jewish practice of self-
in time. An internal voice uttered, Savlanut! In Hebrew,
transformation that combines Jewish ethics, text study,
savlanut translates as patience and also contains the word
and neurobiology with tikkun olam, healing our world.
sevel, suffering. Like a porter bearing luggage, I paused
Like yoga, it is a practice that flourishes with time and
to bear the burden of this momentary annoyance.
engagement. Weekly studies focus on specific character
My heart opened to compassion. Imagining the shopper’s
traits like patience, anger, gratitude, and watchfulness.
desperation to finally locate wipes, and then not have
Mussar encourages us to examine our innate responses
enough cash on hand, I asked, “What do you need?” She
and take practical baby steps that slowly transform
gave me a blank look, perhaps quelled by embarrassment.
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I reached into my wallet and held out a dollar. She looked
Mussar Muses is a thoughtful, diverse, interfaith, and
bewildered. I handed it to her encouragingly and she took it.
multi time-zone happening. I have been deeply touched
I sensed relief from the cashiers and other shoppers. Hearing
as we inevitably affirm that today is a new day to
a quiet, “thank you” I softly answered, “Sure, pay it forward.”
celebrate our blessings. With magical excitement, we
On another occasion, I ventured out of quarantine to the post
embrace generosity of spirit and determine to expand
office. Seeing two homeless souls chatting and noticing the sparsity of people about, I walked into Via Maestro Deli and
our compassion. Thoughts are a beginning and actions count as we each do our part to improve our corner of the
paid for two NY-style pre-made sandwiches. Back outside, I
world. Mussar is a gift that puts our best foot forward.
invited those sun-drenched souls to go choose a sandwich
Each week we construct a short personal affirmation
of their choice. They were surprised and so delighted. As I
that becomes a stretch goal for the week. You’re
drove away, their broad smiles broadcasted joy and I gave
welcome to adapt one of these inspirations:
myself a checkmark for supporting the local economy.
“I am a shower of blessings,” or “Wait, and become
Would I have done these things anyway? Perhaps.
aware,” or, “Inhale the elusive fragrant oils of life.”
Did I embrace humanity more quickly because
If I’ve succeeded in piquing your curiosity, you’re
Mussar was on my mind? Absolutely.
invited to join Mussar Muses for a process of self-discovery and self-transformation.
Wait, and become aware
Nina Gelman-Gans, a nationally known Jewish educator, has lived in Santa Barbara for the past 23 years. She learns daily from her husband, two teens, dog, bunny, extended family, Mussar Muses, and more. To learn more, visit pitome.com.
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Jewish Family Service of Greater Santa Barbara:
RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 CRISIS In the months since the outbreak of COVID-19, Jewish Family Service (JFS) of Greater Santa Barbara has been able to continue to provide our full-range of professional services to the community, offering much needed mental health support during this time of challenge and crisis. In the weeks leading up to the stay-at-home orders and in anticipation of our building closure, our entire JFS clinical staff, including licensed therapists, associates and trainees, transitioned completely to HIPAA and Medicare-approved telehealth platforms. Thus, our clinicians were immediately ready to provide short-term support; crisis intervention, as well as long-term therapeutic intervention and counseling for teens, adult, couples, and families with a special emphasis on the needs of older adults in our community. While other agencies in our community
much-needed personal touch, which is now, although transitioned to virtual platforms, even more critical during this time when many are feeling so very alone. In general, staying in contact with as many members of our community as we can right now is a priority – our Holocaust Survivor group is an important example. Our Mitzvah Meal Program (hot meal delivery) and challah deliveries have been very important ways for us to connect and let others know that we are here for them. Our new Schmooze in a Box Program is a weekly curbside lunch pick-up opportunity which started in early June to allow a safe alternative, while our building remains closed. In partnership with the Food Bank of Santa Barbara, bags of food staples will also be available for pick up at this time.
saw a drop in those utilizing clinical services, our numbers have actually risen, as telehealth has provided an opportunity for some clients to
Jewish Family Service generally plays an active role interfacing with our community, but during a time of crisis, this role is elevated even more. JFS is one of thirteen
comply with treatment,
local agencies actively engaged on the Community
without the burden of
Wellness Team (CWT), part of the Department of Behavioral
physically having to
Wellness of Santa Barbara County. Having formed after
get to our building. In
the Thomas Fire/Debris Flow disasters, this team knows
addition, as we are one of the few agencies in our
how to respond effectively to community crises. Our JFS Director receives frequent briefings as a member of
community which accepts
this team, constantly shares resources, and is involved
Medicare, as well as Medicare/
with impacting local policy and working on solutions.
MediCal insurance, this allows many older adults to utilize our services, a lifeline for many, especially at this time. In addition to therapy services, we are always committed to serving those who are particularly vulnerable – especially now during this unprecedented crisis. Our Caring Visitors Program, which combines a social service and spiritual focus, is managed by our Chaplaincy Department. Pairing para-professional visitors with those isolated and alone and in need of weekly visits, this program provides that
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Coordinating with other local agencies, JFS has been able to broaden our Mitzvah Meal Program to help Hospice patients and families, First Responders, and at-risk youth who are working as volunteers in their own community.
“ Community is society with a human face — the place where we know we’re not alone.” – Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
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PORTRAITS OF SURVIVAL: LIFE JOURNEYS DURING THE HOLOCAUST & BEYOND “Honoring our survivors symbolizes our victory over forgetfulness.” – Elie Wiesel, z”l (1928-2016) Portraits of Survival: Life Journeys During the Holocaust and Beyond
“ To hear a witness, is to become a witness oneself.”
permanent exhibit and educational program have played a crucial and imperative role both in the Santa Barbara community and region. Since its inception in 2003, over 25,000 school children, law enforcement, and
– Elie Wiesel, z”l (1928-2016)
community groups have been impacted by the stories of local Santa Barbara Holocaust Survivors, hearing directly their moving accounts of survival and resilience — and in so doing,
Our Portraits of Survival Program has
becoming witnesses to the powerful
also moved beyond our building into
lessons of history themselves. Originally
schools and other venues, especially
the vision of Mara Visniac Kohn, z"l,
when groups are so large that it
visitors interact with the beautiful
is difficult for them to come to us.
display of contemporary portraits of
In fact, our Portraits on the Road
local survivors and refugees, depicting
Program has spoken to as many as
narratives and archival material, which
1,000 students on a single day in
detail their journeys before, during, and
high school and university settings. A
after the Holocaust. Individuals and
recent addition has been the program
groups can visit the exhibit anytime
Zikaron BaSalon (Remembrance
the building is open, or arrange for a
in a Livingroom), a creative idea
docent-led tour with a survivor speaker
conceived in Israel to interact in
to provide a moving first-hand account
intimate settings with survivors
of their personal story — a truly
and the issue of the Holocaust,
unique and memorable experience.
allowing for free discussion.
In 2012, the original exhibit was
Now we look to the future with a
expanded to include a new installation,
new exciting addition to our original
Upstanders: Courage in the Face of
exhibit, the Portraits of Survival
Evil, with examples of those in our
Legacy Project. This two-part project
community who showed incredible
will include a comprehensive digital
bravery to stand up for others in the
archive of all our priceless survivor
face of unspeakable evil. Thus, the
footage and film materials. It will also
message is expanded for students and
include a new interactive space for
others who visit our program that we
students and other visitors to interact
must all be upstanders in our own
with the material and connect with the
lives every single day, standing up for
archive in new creative ways. This new
what is right and just in our society,
project will ensure that these stories
if we are to create a better world. This
will live forever in a new beautiful
powerful message against hate and
space as well as honor our survivors
intolerance remains most relevant now.
in their community for all time.
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
Survivor Josie Martin tells her story to a student in the Portraits exhibit space
2020–2021 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 19
How We’ve Engaged the Community Beyond our Walls By Paul Zakrzewski, Congregation B’nai B’rith
Even as the COVID-19 pandemic forced Congregation
“Unable to travel to others’ homes for seder, many of
B’nai B’rith to close its building earlier this spring, we
us had to think about creating one in our own homes
found ourselves springing into action, responding
for the first time,” says Cantor Mark Childs, who helped
to our community’s needs in entirely new ways…
spearhead the effort. “It was our goal at CBB to provide as
sometimes for the first time in our 92-year history.
many resources as we thought useful for a successful and
This response has run along three tracks: the transition
meaningful home celebration — everything from ‘How
to online events; the expansion of our outreach
to set your seder table’ to ‘How to sing Chad Gadya.’”
to our most vulnerable members and those in the local community; and raising money for members through a “COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund.”
MOVING TO A VIRTUAL CAMPUS One of the first and most dramatic changes after our entire campus closed was CBB’s move to virtual events. Suddenly, the word “Zoom” was on everyone’s lips. Clergy and volunteer teachers have helped lead classes
… first ever Zoom community seder…firstever “Zoom mitzvah”
like Lunch & Learns, including Israel Then and Now
In early April, CBB partnered with Rincon Catering to
with Steve Zipperstein, Jewish prayer with rabbinic
offer Passover in a Box festive meals for 475 people,
intern Debi Lewis, Jewish music with Cantor Childs,
including 80 donated by congregants. One highlight
Monumental Events in Jewish History with Richard Hecht,
this spring was the sight of dozens of cars rolling
and Jewish short stories with Mashey Bernstein.
through CBB’s parking lot, everyone keeping socially
Special one-time events like a discussion on the
distanced as the boxed meals were distributed.
rise of popular Israeli and Jewish streaming shows
Another highlight from this difficult spring? Surely it
like Unorthodox (cosponsored by UCSB’s Taubman
was the sight of 13-year-old Ethan Somer reading from
Symposium), or a panel by physicians in our community
a Torah at his home — with dozens of people joining
on COVID-19 have drawn over 100 participants each.
online — for CBB’s first-ever “Zoom mitzvah.”
“It was inspiring watching the CBB community shift almost immediately to the online platform,”
CBB’S CARING COMMUNITY CONNECTS MEMBERS
says Rabbi Daniel Brenner. “Within the first two
While the world moved online, we felt it was
weeks, we had more people on Zoom than we had
important that our members not feel isolated and
at the synagogue the whole month before.”
alone. Aided by CBB’s Caring Community, a second
“Of course, it wouldn’t have been possible without community member and Zoom employee Noel Cohen,
initiative also sprang up in mid-March: outreach calls to every member by a clergy, board, or volunteer.
who provided both technical support and hardware. Our
Led by longtime volunteer coordinators Audrie Krause
community owes him a great deal of thanks,” he says.
and Nick Woolf, along with Mariela Socolovsky, Director
Weekly services and Jewish holidays have also moved online. We held our first ever Zoom community seder, with Rabbi Stephen Cohen leading more than 250 people through the Passover rituals — just like millions of others around the world. Additionally, CBB clergy and staff created an online resource of videos of Passover songs, encouragement, and more. 20 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 2020–2021
of Engagement, volunteers have been assisting members with grocery shopping and weekly check-in calls for those feeling particularly isolated. Above: CBB’s first-ever Zoom mitzvah with Ethan Somer and his parents on May 2, 2020. Photo by Jen Lewis
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
Nick Woolf makes outreach calls to CBB members.
Volunteers have been assisting members with grocery shopping and weekly checkin calls for those feeling particularly isolated.
From there, the Caring Community created a list of individuals who receive weekly calls from a CBB volunteer with skills in compassionate listening. Recipients are mainly people who are isolated or living alone, as well as homebound individuals, seniors, or those facing additional challenges. Other volunteers have helped to connect members by training them on the Zoom app. Rabbinic intern Debi Lewis
assisted several CBB members to set up tablets donated by the Jewish Federation, and Debi continues to keep other members connected with her ongoing technical assistance. Meanwhile, teens Isabelle Kim-Sherman and Sarah Dent joined forces to expand Challalujah, a project created by Kim-Sherman that delivers challah and a dose of TLC for congregants in need. The pair have baked dozens of small challot and cookies for care bags delivered to congregants. “CBB members have really stepped up to volunteer, making dozens of calls to members who live alone, delivering soup and challah and helping with shopping and other errands, and alerting us when extra help or support is needed,” says Nick Woolf, Chairman of the CBB Caring Community Committee.
EXPANDING OUR OUTREACH TO THE HOMELESS Soon after the stay-at-home order was implemented, member Amy Katz saw a significant new unmet need in Santa Barbara. Katz, who organizes CBB’s monthly dinners to feed the homeless in Pershing Park, learned that several other non-profits wouldn’t be able to continue their meal deliveries.
— continued
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF CHUMASH INDIANS FOUNDATION SANTA YNEZCHUMASH.ORG
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2020–2021 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 21
Amy Katz, who has organized weekly meals at Pershing Park for the homeless, with volunteers Kira Weiss, Galit Shani, and Adam McKaig. Photo by Amy Katz
HOW WE’VE ENGAGED THE COMMUNITY BEYOND OUR WALLS — continued from previous page
individuals to “shop” for the goods they needed,
With support from CBB, Katz and other volunteers began
with the balance of donations being given to the
delivering meals on a weekly basis. Meanwhile, she
homeless through our Pershing Park project.
discovered that homeless needed more clothing and jackets
Meanwhile, CBB kicked off a “COVID-19 Emergency Relief
so she helped to create a weekly clothing and jacket drive.
Fund,” permitting CBB to help those who have lost work,
“We had to place [food and clothing] in such a way that
homebound seniors, or those with unexpected additional
there was no hand-off, just a pick-up in the safe zone,” says coordinator Amy Katz. “People were so thankful for meals and us, they wanted to get close and talk! But most were very understanding about the need for social distancing.” At first, Pershing Park fed and clothed 35 to 50 people, but as of mid-April it has been serving at
expenses. The grants offer immediate short-term assistance for those faced with layoffs, needing help with rent or living expenses while their income has been reduced. Grants are also helping young families with additional childcare expenses due to closed schools. Some need the money to pay rent or living expenses while their income has been drastically reduced.
least 100 people each Wednesday.
“I am incredibly proud of the CBB community for coming
HOW DONATIONS HELP DRIVE CBB’S OUTREACH
Executive Director. “In just a matter of weeks, we
together so quickly to respond,” says Elizabeth Gaynes,
None of this work would be possible without the generous
formed a COVID-19 fund committee and raised more
donations — financial and otherwise — of CBB members.
than $60,000 which is being dispersed as short-term
For example, CBB established a food and supplies pantry
grants and gift cards to individuals and families.”
in late March after receiving a large gift of food and
Donations range from $18 to $15,000 which “reflects the
supplies from an anonymous donor. Items included
generosity of our community at all levels — generosity
nonperishable and canned food; baby food, supplies, diapers,
that includes all of the volunteers who have been
wipes; first aid and hygiene items, and pet supplies.
working as a caring community to provide love, food
As of May 1, the pantry permitted several
and connection to our homebound seniors,” she says.
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JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
JEWISH COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE The Jewish Community Relations Committee (JCRC), is
JCRC priorities for 2020 include race relations /
a committee of the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa
racial justice, and education about — and
Barbara (JFGSB). Like more than 120 other local JCRCs
advocacy on behalf of — the State of Israel.
around the United States that are also members of
On a regular basis, the JCRC presents webinars and other
the Jewish Council for Public Affairs’ (JCPA) national
programming related to social justice, inter-communal
community relations network, Santa Barbara’s JCRC coordinates with other communities to advocate for a just and pluralistic American society, Israel’s quest for peace and security, and human rights around the world.
relations, and Israel. During July 2020, for example, the JCRC presented a 3-webinar series on Israeli Society & Politics, featuring noted journalists in dialogue about such issues as Israeli Politics Explained and Israeli Society at a Crossroads. The
The JCRC also builds bridges to the larger community, speaks
JCRC also presents programming on the Jewish community’s
out against anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination,
role — both actual and potential — in relation to such
and educates about and advocates for Israel. The JCRC
important issues as race relations, social justice, environmental
is committed to educating the larger community about
protection, and human rights around the world.
significant topics of importance to Jewish people and to provide
If these issues interest you, please contact the Jewish
opportunities for the Jewish community to learn about the interests and concerns of other communities in our area.
Federation of Greater Santa Barbara for more information!
JCRC education outreach advocacy
“ The JCRC keeps me informed
about current issues that are important to us as Jews and as Americans. It also gives our own Santa Barbara Jewish community a voice in the broader national and international
”
Jewish conversation
OUR CONVERSATIONS A Conversation with Natan Sharansky: the Pandemic and the Jews”
How Israel’s Founding Leaders Shaped the Jewish State (and what we can learn from them featuring Ambassador Dennis Ross and David Makovsky
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
Ending Racism in America featuring Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP
Rebuilding the Black Jewish Alliance to Fight for a Better Country
White Nationalism, Racism and Antisemitism in America Today
featuring Rep Brenda Lawrence (D-MI), founder of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations
2020–2021 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 23
by Monica Steiner
Barbara, Congregation B’nai B’rith is rich with
Families with Children – 18 months to 18 years
memories and tradition, constantly seeking
CBB’s Beit HaYeladim Preschool and Jewish Learning Programs
new ways of engaging with Judaism.
are your Jewish journey as part of a lifelong community.
CBB strives to always welcome newcomers and remain
CBB brings families together to experience Judaism in
a familiar and comfortable Jewish home for those who
unique personal ways, while celebrating the traditions,
chose long ago to make it their Jewish community.
holidays, rituals, culture, rites of passage (including full b’nai
The oldest and largest synagogue in Santa
Whoever you are, and wherever you come from, you are
mitzvah confirmation programs) and life events together.
invited to visit, learn, sing, break bread, and roll up your
Education at CBB is not just school. It’s a community and
sleeves and work with CBB to help make this a better world.
lifestyle helping families raise their children with Jewish
Jewish Living: An Evolving Practice Living a Jewish life is an evolving practice that includes every
heart and a solid Jewish foundation while fostering the Torah and its teachings, friendships, positive self-esteem, community, Hebrew learning, ethical living, and leadership.
aspect of our humanity. It includes friendship, celebration and merriment, thought and discussion, studying with friends and teachers, moments of transcendent awe, shared milestones and support as our lives flex and change. Join CBB for a full festival year of services, celebrations, and observances; engage with CBB in study and action! Worship CBB is a community encompassing a glorious range of backgrounds and beliefs, goals and practice. Services
“ A community is too heavy for any one person to carry alone.”— Pirkei Avot Lifelong Learning Whether you are new to Jewish study or have been at it
represent a range of Jewish modes of practice, from
for a lifetime, CBB welcomes you to its Beit Midrash (house
• Weekly Shabbat services and minyanim
of study)! Opportunities to delve into Jewish thinking and
• Monthly Shir Halleluyah musical Shabbat service
wisdom with a community of passionate learners empowers
• Purim Shpiel and family carnival
engagement with our ancient wisdom and applies its
• High Holy Day services
lessons, ethics, and human truths to our own lives.
• ...and more
• Adult Hebrew and B’nai Mitzvah classes • Torah and Talmud study classes (led by Rabbi Stephen Cohen and guests)
24 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 2020–2021
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
CBB’s team is a dynamic group, representing the sacred partnership between clergy, staff, and lay leadership. Honored to serve our community, eager to welcome you. Congregation B’nai B’rith is a diverse, inclusive community of individuals and families building together a warm and vibrant house of living Judaism.
• The Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning, Santa Barbara at CBB (Director Dr. Judy Karin) • Israel Between the Pages (Israel Book Club, led by Rabbi Daniel Brenner) • Jewish Book Club and Short Story Group • Sunday Morning Live series featuring fascinating, provocative speakers • Annual Reiger Scholar-in-Residence weekend featuring world-class Jewish thinkers and teachers
Engage There are many ways to get engaged, involved, and active
Act • Join CBB to care and repair our community, our neighbors, and our world. • The Human Family Project, an interfaith learning, friendship, and social change initiative • Mitzvah Day, a yearly “day of giving” • Yearly home/church rebuilding service trips • Green temple initiative, leading the way for a healthier, greener Earth!
CBB Clergy, Staff, and Board Team With a reputation as a master teacher and Jewish
at CBB — and something for everyone. Clergy, staff,
thinker, Rabbi Stephen Cohen has been at CBB since 2004,
and lay leaders are always incubating and innovating
following 19 years at UCSB Hillel. Musical powerhouse
new programs, and can’t wait for you to jump in.
Cantor Mark Childs has served CBB’s congregation since
• Boomers of B’nai B’rith
1991, teaching, leading, and inspiring all ages with his
• Caring Community
humor and Jewish songs. Rabbi Daniel Brenner joined
• Havurot
the CBB team in 2018, bringing his tremendous talent as
• Hiking group
a leader, musician, and educator to our community.
• Interfaith families and outreach
Executive Director Elizabeth Gaynes comes from a career in
• Israeli dancing
the film industry and in personal coaching, and has served CBB
• Men of B’nai B’rith
in many capacities, beginning in the early 2000s a volunteer
• Mental Wellness Initiative
leader (originating Mitzvah Day and serving as Groove Gala
• MUSIC — Children and Adult Choirs led by
co-chair). She served as Membership Director for several years
Cantor Mark Childs, and so much more
until becoming Executive Director in 2015. President Diane
• OpenDor (for 20s & 30s)
Zipperstein has served for many years and in many capacities
• Pershing Park, feeding the homeless of Santa Barbara
on CBB’s Board and comes with a background in legal practice.
• Transition House, monthly meals for residents
As President, she contributes deep passion, warmth, and
• Women of B’nai B’rith
intelligence to her leadership of the CBB Board of Trustees, who
• SBORTY (CBB Youth Group)
represent all aspects of our congregation and its operations. CBB is a proud member of the Union for Reform Judaism.
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
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A BRIEF HISTORY OF Mesa Shul Santa Barbara Mesa Shul Santa Barbara
cleaning shop at 1826 Cliff Drive,
want a warm environment and the
or, as it’s commonly known, the
later expanding to take over the shop
full spectrum of Judaism, without
Mesa Shul, is Santa Barbara’s Modern
space as well. Until the COVID-19
any predetermination of how your
Orthodox congregation, with roots in
pandemic of 2020, the Mesa Shul
thought patterns should be.” Noting
the community going back to at least
continued to meet in that space; it
the diversity of the congregational
the early 1970s. Although the current
is unclear where the congregation
family, he continues, “Mesa Shul is a
organization is relatively young — the
will meet once religious gatherings
broad umbrella and all are welcome
congregation re-incorporated as an
resume in the wake of the contagion.
— everything from different levels
independent entity in 2019, following
In addition to families connected
of observance, to different gender
to the Ezra Torah day school, the
identities. And yet our services are
synagogue community that is
firmly Modern Orthodox. We are a
now the Mesa Shul also attracted
Modern Orthodox congregation.”
some people previously affiliated
The Mesa Shul occupies a special place
many years as a part of the national Young Israel network — the Mesa Shul community first coalesced around a Jewish day school that existed in Santa Barbara in the 1970s through 1984. Santa Barbara’s Jewish day school, known as the Ezra Torah Institute, had approximately 50 students at its height, in the early 1980s. Under the direction of Rabbi Moshe Benisti, an Algerian-born rabbi who had previously run a Jewish school in San Diego, and his wife Debbie, a New Yorker, the school attracted local Jewish families, including
in the constellation of congregations
COME FOR SERVICES AND STAY FOR THE KIDDUSH AND THE SCHMOOZING!
many that had not previously
and organizations that make up Santa Barbara’s institutional Jewish community, as many members also belong to, or regularly attend services and events at, other synagogue communities including Congregation B’nai B’rith, Chabad of S. Barbara, and the Community Shul of Montecito and Santa Barbara. Some even call the congregation “eclectic.” Although some members of the Mesa
considered sending their children to
with two other Santa Barbara area
an Orthodox Jewish school. According
synagogue communities that no
to several current congregants,
longer exist: Congregation Beth Ami,
Rabbi Benisti and the families and
a Conservative community which
teachers he attracted gained a
met from approximately 1971 until
toehold in Santa Barbara for Modern
approximately 1976; and the Isla Vista
Orthodox Judaism. Rabbi Benisti
Minyan, which met at UCSB Hillel.
subsequently relocated to Monsey,
While the Mesa Shul is a Modern
Cantor Jance Weberman, both of
Orthodox congregation — it follows
Los Angeles, to lead High Holidays
During the 1970s and 1980s, current
the traditional liturgy, and men
services). Regardless of one’s level of
congregants report, the group that
and women are separated by a
Jewish education or practice, all are
would become the Mesa Shul held
mechitza during services — levels
welcome at Mesa Shul Santa Barbara.
services in various locations, including
of personal observance have always
living rooms and garages. Eventually,
varied widely in the congregation.
the congregation — then known
According to Jacob Bastomski, current
as Young Israel of Santa Barbara —
president of the Mesa Shul, “We
rented a small space behind a dry
are a unique place for people who
New York and now resides in Israel.
26 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 2020–2021
Shul grew up in observant households, others simply prefer the traditional Hebrew liturgy as conducted by members of the congregation. (The Mesa Shul has no regular rabbi, but for the past several years has hosted Rabbi Chaim Williams and
The Mesa Shul’s message to the Santa Barbara Jewish community: come for services and stay for the kiddush and the schmoozing! (Temporarily suspended, of course).
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
WE PUT THE MODERN IN MODERN ORTHODOX
Haimeshe… Mesa Shul Santa Barbara, the Central
while others have drawn nearer to
Coast’s Modern Orthodox synagogue
Judaism and Jewish learning recently.
community, invites you to meet us.
We are also open to people of diverse
We are a small but very enthusiastic
sexual orientations. Ashkenazi
and haimeshe congregation.
or Sephardi, all are welcome!
Weekly Shabbat services include
We are especially pleased to
the traditional Hebrew liturgy with
meet guests at our (free) monthly
full Torah reading, followed by a
family-style Kabbalat Shabbat
scrumptious oneg. Shabbat morning
dinners, preceded by a “Carlebach-
services begin at 10:00 am; holiday
style” Friday night service.
services are usually at the same
For dates and times of services
time, but contact us for details. We also hold services if someone is observing yahrtzeit on a weekday. For a relatively small group of people, we are also remarkably diverse: some of our members are Santa
and other information, please refer to the Shalom Santa Barbara Community Directory. Mesa Shul Santa Barbara: We Put the Modern in Modern Orthodox.
Barbara natives, while others have roots literally around the globe. It’s not uncommon to hear French and Spanish, along with Hebrew and English, on a typical Shabbat. Some of our members have an extensive Jewish background and education,
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
Shlomo Carlebach, known as Reb Shlomo to his followers, was a Jewish rabbi, religious teacher, spiritual leader, composer, and singer dubbed “the singing rabbi” during his lifetime.
2020–2021 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 27
INSPIRING THE JEWISH FUTURE Santa Barbara Hillel, led by Executive Director Rabbi Evan Goodman, enables students at UCSB and other colleges to connect with one another in a Jewish environment at their “Jewish Home Away From Home.” We offer a safe, welcoming, and pluralistic presence as a vibrant center of student life in Isla Vista. Santa Barbara Hillel is proactive in standing up for our students, building bridges, and fostering a positive campus climate. We are uniquely positioned to reach students at this formative time in their lives by providing them the tools they need as they create the Jewish future. There’s always something
Jewish Home Away From Home
happening in the Santa Barbara Hillel community to inspire the next generation of Jewish leaders. Highlights of Hillel’s student engagement and programming include festive weekly Shabbat services and dinners, and challah bakes; extensive opportunities for students to travel to and engage with Israel; “Jewish Learning Fellowship”, a seminar-style exploration of Jewish identity and thought; High Holiday services, Passover Seders, Chanukah celebrations, hamentashen baking, and other Jewish holiday programs; and social, artistic, philanthropic, outdoor, and interest-group programming, including First Year Students of Hillel, graduate student events, Jews in Greek Life, tikkun olam programs, and more. We are able to serve the largest undergraduate Jewish student population in the UC system at UCSB through the generosity of many
Hillel’s flourishing student engagement programs. Talented student board members lead Hillel’s weekly Shabbat services — face-to-face and later, via Zoom.
local supporters. Because of them, every one of our college-aged students has a place in our Santa Barbara Hillel community. Together, we inspire the Jewish future.
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JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
As soon as UC Santa Barbara canceled in-person instruction the second week in March, Santa Barbara Hillel pivoted and retooled how we support students. Although physically separated, we continue to enrich student lives, enabling our students to connect with one another by offering creative and engaging virtual programs. Hillel staff members serve as a vital mental health resource to our undergrads and graduate students during this challenging time. A highlight of our week at Hillel is Shabbat, which has been transformed into an online Shabbat experience. Each week one of our student board members studies with a staff member, and then shares an inspiring message of Torah as we gather as a community on Zoom for uplifting student-led services.
Screenshots of Zoom gatherings: schmoozing, a meeting of the Hillel Book Club who read and discussed “We Were the Lucky Ones," and a Shabbat service together.
Hillel educational and community programming has thrived. Our annual “Israel Week” celebration went virtual, including engaging speakers and laugh-filled trivia games. Programs like Jewish Cooking Tuesdays and Wednesday Wellness Yoga bring students together as a fun and active alternative. Each week, we are able to study together through two cohorts of the Jewish Learning Fellowship. We are proud that our students have continued their philanthropic work as well, sending over 100 handwritten birthday cards to Holocaust Survivors. By shifting community building and program delivery online, we remain a vibrant hub of Jewish life for college students. Our staff continues to play an important role in their lives, meeting for virtual coffee dates and serving as the link between campus and home life. We are proud that we remain a Jewish home away from home, even while our students are back with their families. We’re happy to connect with our students virtually for now, and look forward to the day we can welcome them back to Santa Barbara Hillel in person!
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
2020–2021 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 29
CHABAD: COMPLETING THE CIRCLE OF JEWISH LIFE WITH WISDOM, UNDERSTANDING, KNOWLEDGE, LOVE AND SOUL Chabad of S. Barbara is dedicated to serving all Jews throughout S. Barbara County with unconditional love, respect and concern. Chabad is committed to promoting Jewish knowledge, awareness and practice, strengthening Jewish identity and affording every Jew the opportunity to experience the joy and vibrancy of his or her Jewish heritage.
Included in Chabad of S. Barbara’s activities are: • Shabbat and Holiday Services • Talmud Torah – After School Program • Camp Gan Israel • Bar / Bat Mitzvah • Jewish High School Clubs • Jewish Learning Institute • Mikvah Chaya Mushka • Rosh Chodesh Society / Women’s Circle • Hospital and Prison Outreach • Grand Chanukah Menorah Lighting • Chabad Young Professionals • Loaves of Love Challah gifting Chabad pledges to fulfill the mandate of the
Chabad is devoted to providing exemplary educational,
Lubavitcher Rebbe by increasing in acts of goodness
religious, and social services for young and old
and kindness for all humankind; thus preparing
alike, regardless of background or affiliation.
the world for the ultimate redemption.
Hi There and Welcome to SB! Chabad at UCSB is your cozy Jewish home and family for your stay as a student in S. Barbara! Shabbat dinners your thing? Exciting socials? Are you looking to make friends and surround yourself with a great community? Or perhaps you’d like a one on one schmooze and freshly baked cookies at 9 pm to bolster your spirits? Miri, Gershon and baby Mushka are dedicated to being there for you and giving you the best experience with love, community and great food. As Shani put it, “The best courses you’ll find on campus!” Come along on our yearly NYC Shabbaton, join our much loved learn and earn Sinai Scholars Society or hit Chabad up for a one on one study date! When you walk in you WILL be welcomed heartily! Be prepared : ) Looking forward to getting to know you. Your Chabad at UCSB Family 30 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 2020–2021
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JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
2020–2021 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 31
“...a powerful, modern thinking person’s program...”
Photo by David Bazemore
—Santa Barbara News Press
cameratapacifica.org • 805 884 8410
SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE SANTA BARBARA ARTS COMMUNITY
IN PRINT EVERY
THURSDAY + ONLINE 24/7 BREAKING NEWS, ARTS, AND THE MOST
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32 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 2020–2021
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The Community Shul of Montecito and Santa Barbara is an innovative, embracing and spiritually based organization, always striving to create a warm and caring community. We provide intimate and creative religious training and celebrations for children and adults alike. In the wider Santa Barbara community, we support educational programs and activities that build bridges between diverse groups to help increase understanding and provide opportunities for tikkun olam — the repair of the world. Activities include: bi-monthly spiritual Shabbat morning service with prayers, song, and Torah study; monthly adult education opportunities; monthly Kaballah study sessions, often with guest teachers; special holiday celebrations such as Passover Seder, Sukkot, and Chanukah gatherings; and uniquely crafted B’nai Mitzvahs and other lifecycle events. You and your family are always warmly welcomed to experience High Holidays, Shabbat, or any event with us. For more information please refer to the Shalom Santa Barbara Community Directory.
innovative | caring | community | learn | celebrate | together
Religious School The Community Shul of
Egalitarian practices convey
Montecito and Santa Barbara
the philosophy that men and
strives to provide students with
women are equal partners in
a positive, dynamic, and fun
family, religion, and society.
experience that instills a love
Classes mix art, dance, music,
for Jewish thought, practice,
study, and hands-on activities,
and spirituality. We want our
to give students a strong basis
students to enjoy a sense of awe
in Jewish literacy (holidays,
and wonder about the world.
traditions, Hebrew language, and
The Jewish culture is vibrant
stories), Jewish ritual practices, a
and is nurtured by family and
personal understanding of God,
community. Therefore, we
the Jewish soul, and Jewish ethics.
provide family and community-
Community Shul Religious School
oriented experiences that
takes place on Mondays 3:30-
enrich our knowledge and skills
5:30 pm at the Bronfman Family
for making Jewishly informed
Jewish Community Center.
decisions. We respect the choice of parents regarding the level of observance at home.
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
For more information please refer to the Shalom Santa Barbara Community Directory.
2020–2021 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 33
Santa Ynez Valley Jewish Community It is the mission of the Santa Ynez Valley Jewish Community, just a short forty-minutes north of Santa Barbara, to provide a broad variety of experiences — Jewish traditions, community support and connection, diverse Jewish education, interfaith collaboration, social justice, Tikkun Olam, and pastoral care for the Jewish community of our area. We are affiliated with the Union of Reform Judaism and have been a continuing Jewish presence
Without a permanent temple building,
Angeles, Santa Barbara and the San
in the central part of Santa Barbara
the community celebrates Shabbat,
Francisco Bay Area. K’hillah Shabbats (or
County for more than 40 years.
holidays and life cycle events in
lay, community led Shabbat services)
Representing members having a
member’s homes as well as in several
are held on alternate Friday nights.
community churches who generously
These creative and spiritual evenings
and observance, the more than sixty
open their doors to the SYVJC.
highlight themes such as Jewish poetry,
families belonging to the Santa Ynez
Shabbat services and adult-education
music, humor or the natural world.
Valley Jewish Community (SYVJC) come
in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley are
We are excited to announce our new
together twice a month to celebrate
Rabbi-led once a month by a rabbi
clergy, Rav Debi Lewis. Debi and her
the Sabbath, as well as to mark the
contracted to travel to the area. We’ve
wife Traci along with their trio of lively
Jewish calendar with celebrations
been fortunate in attracting inspiring
pups live in Santa Barbara and are
including the High Holidays, Chanukah
rabbis, ranging from interns to those
staples of the Jewish community. We
and Passover and lifecycle events.
with years of experience, from Los
are so fortunate to have such a talented
broad spectrum of Jewish background
34 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 2020–2021
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
Just up the road — amidst the vineyards — the SYVJC cultivates belonging and celebration and creative force of energy in our community. Debi
The Santa Ynez Valley Jewish Community holds
has been Program Director for Congregation B’nai
several fundraisers and social events throughout
B’rith’s conversion program, teaching and regular
the year. Memorable is the annual Bel Canto by
meetings with conversion candidates and their
Candlelight event held at Sunstone Vineyard in
families; officiant at traditional lifecycle events
Santa Ynez. The only live professional opera on
including B’nai Mitzvah, funerals, conversions, and
the Central Coast, this popular evening of classical
weddings; leader of weekly Shacharit service; Torah
opera singing will be held in the cave at Sunstone
study leader; rabbinic voice at monthly “Women of
on November 15th, where the acoustics are
Wisdom” meetings; and offers spiritual and pastoral
unforgettable. Additionally we host a farm dinner
counseling. Debi is in her final year at the Academy
in the summer, this year titled, An Abundant Feast.
of Jewish Religion in Los Angeles. Her ordination
If you’re visiting or new to the Santa Ynez
will be complete in May 2021. Concurrently, she is in chaplaincy training and is working with the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara.
Valley, join us for Shabbat or one of the social events! We would love to get to know you! For more information please refer to the Shalom Santa Barbara Community Directory.
Most of us are familar with the phrase “Better to be seen than heard”. In the home entertainment field it’s often “Better to be heardof than seen”. We’ve worked with inMost us are familar with the phrase terior designers decades and know “Better to be seen for than heard”. In thewe home all the ins and outs creating entertainment field it’s of often “Betterentertainto be ment than systems that are both effective and heard seen”. We’ve worked with inunobtrusive. From flushmount terior designers for decades andspeakers, we know to all the inscomponent and outs ofcabinets creatingwe entertainhidden will work ment systems that area both effective and with you to produce seemless, integratunobtrusive. speakers, ed system.From Give flushmount us a call, or stop bytoour hidden component cabinets we will work showroom.
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2020–2021 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 35
SMALL, YET UPLIFTING!
Vandenberg-Lompoc Jewish Community
The Vandenberg-Lompoc Jewish Community is a small Jewish community with a dozen active members in northern Santa Barbara County. Its mission is to support the Jewish military and families at Vandenberg Air Force Base.
Our mission is to support the Jewish military and families at Vandenberg Air Force Base.
“ The New Face of Protection” Executive Protection Event Security Armed and Unarmed Security Assessments Private Investigations
include observance of Jewish holidays, an annual picnic,
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and weekly Torah study. Some members are also active
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The community is led by lay leadership and activities
at Temple Beth El in Santa Maria. Gatherings have been temporarily suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information please refer to the Shalom Santa Barbara Community Directory. Above, Photo Courtesy U.S. Air Force: Team Vandenberg launches its first-ever SpaceX launch from Space Launch Complex-4, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. 30th Space Wing's 1st Air and Space Test Squadron was the lead for all launch site certification activities at Vandenberg for SpaceX as an Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle New Entrant. Under the authority of the Space and Missile Systems Center, the Squadron evaluated SpaceX's flight and ground systems, processes and procedures for this inaugural space launch campaign for the upgraded Falcon-9 rocket.
36 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 2020–2021
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any m o t e m o lh A spiritua
TEMPLE BETH EL — SANTA MARIA
Temple Beth El was
established as a reform (nearing conservative) congregation in the 1950s with our permanent home at 1501 E. Alvin in Santa Maria built in the mid 1960s. The mission of Temple Beth El is to create a viable Jewish community by helping individuals achieve an affirmative identification with Jewish life and to seek out and respond to problems which affect local Jewry because of their ethnic background or religious beliefs and actively apply the ethical teachings of Judaism to the issues of our society. Our part-time rabbi, Dov Gottesfeld, leads services and Torah study sessions once a month. Other Friday night The welcoming building entrance of the Temple Beth El Congregation.
services are led by lay leaders. Religious school classes are offered Saturday mornings and adult Hebrew classes during the week. Other events include a community Passover
Reverse Taslich and great day cleaning up Grover Beach!
Seder, Chanukah celebrations, 4th of July celebrations,
Young fresh faces and a harmony of happy voices at Chanukah.
services / celebrations for other Jewish holidays.
full High Holiday services, as well as appropriate Our congregation is the spiritual home to many interfaith and Spanish speaking families. We welcome those who are seeking information about Judaism. We also sponsor active Brotherhoods and Sisterhoods, neither of which require membership in the congregation. For more information please refer to the Shalom Santa Barbara Community Directory.
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
2020–2021 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 37
DAUGHTERS OF ABRAHAM BRING TOGETHER JEWS, CHRISTIANS, AND MUSLIMS On Monday, February 10, 2020 a group of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim women from Santa Barbara, known as the Daughters of Abraham, gathered to learn about the Holocaust first-hand from local survivor Regine Pringle. Founded three years ago by Santa Barbara resident Sissy Taran, the local chapter of Daughters of Abraham comprises 15 members: 5 Jewish, 5 Christian, and 5 Muslim women. The group meets monthly and alternates between book discussions and social gatherings. Daughters of Abraham, a national organization, was created in response to the events
member of the Santa Barbara Jewish
the holiday was by chance, but the
of September 11, 2001 by and for
community, Sissy strongly felt that she
group took the occasion to study
women of the three Abrahamic faiths,
“didn’t want to die without having
some text, hear a story about the
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The
a Muslim friend.” These 15 women
holiday, and eat traditional holiday
women learn about one another’s
have become very close and share
foods of dried fruit and nuts.
religions, and by so doing they come
the motto, “we are like a lemon; if
to know one another as members
you peel us back, we are identical.”
Then, Regine Pringle, a survivor
of a unique community of friends.
The group’s most recent meeting
shared her story as well as photos
Sissy was inspired to begin the local
took place at the Jewish Federation’s
of her family whom she’d lost in the
group after attending a conference
Bronfman Family Jewish Community
Holocaust, and places where she lived
in Boston where she participated in
Center in downtown Santa Barbara
during World War II, including the
multiple workshops about interfaith
on the Jewish holiday of Tu B’Shevat,
path of her escape from France over
relationships and first learned about
the birthday of the trees. The
the Pyrenees mountains into Spain,
Daughters of Abraham. As an active
meeting’s date coinciding with
then Portugal, and finally to the U.S.
38 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 2020–2021
of a French Concentration Camp,
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
“We are like a lemon; if you peel us back, we are identical.” The women were inspired to share the following:
Shireen Qureshi,
Kitty Maxwell,
Sissy Taran,
This group of fifteen
Muslim
Catholic
Jewish
“
“
“
women would like to
To me, the experience of the Holocaust… I can feel
I went to Dachau when I was 21 years old and I
The inspiration for
encourage other women to
tonight crossed all
create their own Daughters of Abraham groups.
it — the pain, the agony,
found it to be a horrifying
human boundaries —
the separation. People
experience. But tonight,
interfaith, interracial,
from all generations,
was in many ways more
as well as issues of age,
suffer. This has to be an
revealing and more
gender, ideologies,
experience not just for
meaningful, because of
culture – because we
Jewish people — but a
Regine’s beautiful story
all became children of
human experience, so it
of survival. The incredible
one God tonight. The
never happens again.”
gratitude she has for
silence of the room let
those who were willing to
everyone’s emotions
help her is so inspiring.”
enter their hearts.”
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
For more information, please refer to the Shalom Santa Barbara Community Directory.
2020–2021 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 39
YAD: RISE AND SHINE
pacificpridefoundation.org
40 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 2020–2021
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
CONNECT WITH YOUR TRIBE YAD is dedicated to building an inclusive and connected community of young Jewish Santa Barbarans, to promote Jewish identity and to improve our local and global Jewish communities through fun and meaningful volunteer, social, educational, and philanthropic activities. Get Involved The Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara provides numerous opportunities for young adults in their 20s and 30s to explore and redefine what it means to be Jewish. We offer leadership programs, meaningful volunteer opportunities, social, educational, and philanthropic activities in addition to professional networking events. Whatever it is, we’ll help you find it — and if doesn’t exist? We’ll help you create it. Getting involved with YAD Santa Barbara is an exciting way to meet other young professionals who share your values and interests. Join us and become part of the next generation of caring Jewish Young Adults who are making a difference in our community.
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
2020–2021 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 41
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42 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 2020–2021
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www.janoprint.com
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“No other camp compares to the level of care our children receive at Camp Haverim. When they spend a day there, I am 100% confident that they are safe, having fun, connecting with their Jewish values and making lifelong friendships!” – Ashley
Camp Haverim: Santa Barbara’s Homegrown Jewish Day Camp Many national studies point to participation in a Jewish camp experience as one of the factors most closely correlated with a strong Jewish identity and continued involvement in the Jewish community in adulthood. Camp Haverim is not just any day camp, it is our homegrown, Santa Barbara Jewish day camp. Our programming is designed to give children the opportunity to have fun while feeling safe, supported, loved, and respected. At Camp Haverim, Jewish culture and values form a thread that is woven into every aspect of camp life, from our weekly Shabbat circles led by one of our local rabbis, to our amazing Israeli counselors who visit each summer from the Leo Baeck School in Haifa. At Camp Haverim the emphasis is on having fun! Children are able to enjoy an array of exciting camp activities, including swimming, arts and crafts, sports, Maccabiah games, and many others. Our campers celebrate being Jewish and expressing their Judaism, which leads to happy campers with a stronger Jewish identity.
“Seven months later our daughter is still talking about having fun with her friends, still singing camp songs, and already can’t wait to go back this summer.” – Valerie
We pride ourselves on providing an amazing camp experience for our community’s children, as well as meaningful summer jobs for our community’s teens. We welcome campers beginning at five years of age and provide stimulating Jewish leadership programs for our community’s teens, with our Counselorin-Training and Junior Counselor programs. We have numerous scholarship opportunities and are committed to serving families regardless of their background or ability to pay. For more information please refer to the Shalom Santa Barbara Community Directory.
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
2020–2021 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 43
Use this form to join the PJ Library family. By submitting your information, you will receive the gift of monthly mailings of high-quality Jewish children’s books and resources. You are also agreeing to receive program-related communications from PJ Library.
Yes, sign us up! PJ Library celebrates the joy of Jewish culture, values, ®
and tradition by providing free story books to families with
Your name _______________________________________________________________________
children 6 months through 8 years old. No matter your
Your email________________________________________________________________________
Jewish background, PJ Library helps your family create
Are you the child’s primary parent/guardian? Yes No
cherished Jewish moments from the simple act of reading stories together, all at no cost.
Delivery address of Child(ren) _____________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________
PJ Library offers families:
City ______________________________________________________________________________
• A free book with Jewish themes delivered to your home each month
State ____________________ Zip Code _______________________________________________
• Bonus family activities in the mail and online • Local family events organized by our community partners • Activity ideas, recipes, and parenting resources on pjlibrary.org and facebook.com/pjlibrary
Phone ____________________________________________________________________________ PJ Library books are only sent to the child’s primary residence. Listing delivery addresses for family members or other part-time caregivers may result in a denied subscription.
Child name (1) ____________________________________________________________________ Birthday: (mm/dd/yy) ____________________________________________________________ Child name (2) ____________________________________________________________________
Sign up now at pjlibrary.org/santabarbara
Birthday: (mm/dd/yy) ____________________________________________________________ Child name (3) ____________________________________________________________________ Birthday: (mm/dd/yy) ____________________________________________________________
Or mail this completed form to: Ruby Vargeson, 805-957-1115 x106 524 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Email rvargeson@sbjf.org
Each eligible child will receive an age-appropriate book each month based on their age at the time of enrollment.
How did you learn about PJ Library? _____________________________________________________________________________________
https://jewishsantabarbara.org/
44 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 2020–2021
_______________________________________________________________________________________
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PJ LIBRARY
®
FREE JEWISH CHILDREN’S BOOKS TO FAMILIES ACROSS THE WORLD EVERY MONTH PJ Library is a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, made possible through a partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara.
PJ Library sends free Jewish children's books to families across the world every month. We know that something magical happens when parents sit down together to read with their children. PJ Library shares Jewish stories that can help your family talk together about values and traditions that are important to you. You can find much inspiration on the PJ Library website: pjlibrary.org.
“ something magical happens when parents sit down together to read with their children.” Families with kids ages 6 months through 8 years old with Judaism as part of their lives, are welcome to sign up. PJ Library welcomes all Jewish families, whatever your background, knowledge, or family make-up, or observance may be. Programs for older children are available too. The Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara’s mission is to build a strong Jewish community. PJ Library is only one of the many programs that we offer. Our goal is to bring together families that are raising Jewish children. We host holiday parties celebrating Chanukah and Purim in our building and encourage families to come visit our Sukkah on Sukkot. Reach out to us at info@sbjf.org and we will introduce you to families in your neighborhood, provide creative ideas for activities to instill Jewish values and share topical family resources, such as how to address the theme of racism with your children.
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
2020–2021 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 45
THE HEALING POWER OF ART By Anaïs Pellegrini
To visit the magnificent home of Ben and Naomi Bollag is to be surrounded by beauty and art, much of it painted by Naomi in her home studio. Occupying a tall hill overlooking the ocean, the Bollag’s home bursts with colorful artworks and photographs of the couple’s three children and six grandchildren, giving the space a cozy and bohemian feel. The walls showcase an eclectic mix of work — from large Andy Warhol prints to a painted sketch of the famous painting The Storm (La Tempête) from French artist Pierre Auguste Cot — the original hangs in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Naomi’s work is everywhere in the home — lining staircases and hallways as well as taking prominent place in the dining room. With such a voluminous body of work it would seem that Naomi has been painting in her current style for decades, but in fact it was after the twin disasters of the Thomas Fire and Montecito Mudslides that she transformed the deep grief she felt into her current style of painting. When I ask Naomi about how she works, she tells me the art “does itself” — that she chooses the colors and size of canvas first and then time disappears and she finds flow. As she works, she likes to think of where her paintings will hang and how the colors will complement the home, and she is especially drawn to gold and beige. Her work hangs in several Sansum Clinic locations as well as at China Pavilion restaurant in downtown Santa Barbara. Deeply philanthropic, Naomi has donated several works to silent auctions which raised funds for both Laguna Blanca School and Middle School. When asked about painting in our COVID-19 era, Naomi said that initially she was “paralyzed” with fear and uncertainty about the virus, but after two weeks she returned with a force and has been creating fervently since then. Her next show will be at the newly remodeled Jewish Federation, where all works on view will be available for purchase.
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JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
GET BAKED WITH CHEF DOUG Immersed in cooking since the young age of thirteen, Chef Doug
Chef Doug Weinstein’s Challah Recipe Yields: 1 large challah or 2 medium challot
Weinstein’s professional culinary
O v e n Te m p : 375 ° F
career reads like a Who’s Who of the finest restaurants. For decades he has worked side-by-side with other superstar, award-winning chefs and restaurateurs. Accolades for his fabulous creations are endless, but he proudly delights in the local title as Santa Barbara’s “Latke King” — having made over
Cook Time: Until its done
I ngredients
Direc tio n s
6 cups Flour 2 1/2 teaspoon Salt 4 teaspoon Dry Yeast (2 packages) 2 Eggs 4 tablespoon Oil 2 tablespoon Honey 1 3/4 cup Warm Water
1. 2.
3. 4. 5.
2,500 latkes for the community For over four years the Federation has enjoyed Chef Doug’s lunches
6.
as he cooks for the Schmooze Room Community Cafe. Nowadays you can join him in the kitchen during
7. 8.
his bimonthly Zoom program, “Get Baked with Chef Doug.” Contact Mike Witt, mwitt@sbjf.org to learn how you can get
9.
Mix flour and salt in large bowl. Combine water, eggs, oil, and honey in a bowl, sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5 minutes. Add water to flour and mix into dough. Knead until smooth. Let sit covered for 1 hour or until doubled in size. Remove from bowl, de-gas (push out air) divide into 3, 4, or 6 equal parts depending on what you know how to braid. Shape into loose balls and let sit for 15 minutes. De-gas again and shape into strands, braid into shape. Egg wash and let sit in an off oven until doubled in size again. Remove from oven, egg wash again, turn on oven to 375°F. When the oven is hot, put the shaped challah into the oven, bake until internal temperature reaches 210°F when inserting a thermometer or until hazelnut brown. Let cool.
cooking with Chef Doug too!
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
2020–2021 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 47
Chef Doug Weinstein’s Shavuot Che ese cake Recipe S e r v i n g s : 12 P r e p T i m e : 15 M i n u t e s C o o k T i m e : 70 M i n u t e s To t a l T i m e : 1 H o u r 2 5 M i n u t e s
Crus t I n gre d ients 1 cup 2 tablespoon 1/4 cup
Graham Cracker Crumbs Sugar Unsalted Butter, melted, plus extra for greasing the pan
Di re c t i o n s 1. 2
3.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. For the crust, stir the graham crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until evenly combined and press this into the bottom of an ungreased 9-inch springform pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then cool. Brush the sides of the pan with a little melted butter.
C hee s ec a k e I ngre dients (4) 8 ounce packages Cream Cheese (1 kg total), at room temperature 1 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp Sugar 3 tablespoon Cornstarch 2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract 2 teaspoon Finely Grated Lemon Zest 3 large Whole Eggs 1 large Egg Yolk 1 1/2 cup Sour Cream (not low-fat), divided 2 teaspoon Lemon Juice
Direc tio n s 1. 2.
48 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 2020–2021
For the cheesecake, increase the oven temperature to 400°F. Beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add 1 1/4 cups of sugar a little at a time, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl often.
3. 4.
5. 6.
7.
8.
Beat in the cornstarch, vanilla, and lemon zest. Beat in the eggs one at a time, on a lower speed, and scraping after each addition, then beat in the yolk. Still on low speed, beat in 3/4 cup of sour cream. Scrape this over the cooled crust. Bake the cheesecake for 10 minutes at 400°F and then reduce the oven temperature to 225°F and bake for 25 more minutes. Turn off the oven, and leave the cheesecake in for an hour, cracking the oven door after 30 minutes. While the cheesecake is baking, prepare the sour cream layer. Stir the remaining 3/4 cup of sour cream with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar and the lemon juice. Spread this over the top of the cheesecake as soon as it has come out of the oven. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely to room temperature, then carefully run a spatula around the outside of the cheesecake to loosen it from the pan, then chill the cheesecake for at least 6 hours before slicing and serving. The cheesecake will keep, refrigerated, for up to 4 days.
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
Chef Doug Weinstein’s Sweet Kugel Re cipe S e r v i n g s : 12 P r e p T i m e : 15 M i n u t e s C o o k T i m e : 70 M i n u t e s To t a l T i m e : 1 H o u r 2 5 M i n u t e s
Stre u s e l To pping I ngre d i e nt s 1 cup packed 1 1/4 cups 1 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon 1 stick
Dark Brown Sugar All-Purpose Flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled off Ground Cinnamon Salt Unsalted Butter, cold, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
Ku g e l I n gredients 12-ounce bag Wide Egg Noodles 4 Large Eggs 8 ounces Sour Cream 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened 2 cups Half and Half 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar 1 1/4 teaspoon Salt 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
D i re c t i o n s
Direc tio n s
1.
1.
Combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Using your fingers, mix until no lumps of brown sugar remain. Rub in the butter with your fingertips until the mixture has a clumpy, crumbly texture. Refrigerate until ready to use.
2.
3.
4.
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
Preheat the oven to 325°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (I use 2 teaspoons salt for 3 quarts water). Cook the noodles for 6 to 8 minutes, or according to package instructions, until tender. Drain well. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the sour cream and softened cream cheese and whisk to combine. Add the half & half, sugar, salt, vanilla, and cinnamon, and whisk until completely smooth.
5.
Spread the cooked noodles evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the custard mixture evenly over top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove and discard the foil. The custard should be just set. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the top, making sure to cover all the noodles. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes more, until the streusel topping is crisp. Let cool for about 20 minutes, then cut into squares and serve. 6. Make Ahead: The kugel and topping can be assembled and stored separately in the fridge up to a day ahead of time, and then baked before serving. note: The kugel with the streusel topping may also be fully cooked a day ahead of time and reheated, however the texture will be denser than if baked fresh. To reheat, cover with foil and place in a 325°F oven for 25 minutes; remove and discard the foil, and continue baking for 20 to 25 minutes more, or until warm throughout and crisp on top.
2020–2021 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 49
Supporting art, culture and community coming together. Supporting art, culture and community coming together.
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“Everything I learned, I learned from the movies.” - Audrey Hepburn
MARCH 31 – APRIL 10, 2021
50 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 2020–2021
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
Committed to providing accurate information on the situation in Israel, and fostering informed support for Israel in the community The Israel Committee of Santa Barbara was established in the summer of 2006, during the second Lebanon war between Israel and Hezbollah. Concerned with the unfair and misleading nature of the media coverage at that time, and with no one in Santa Barbara formally addressing the issue, a small group of friends came together to talk about the problem and see if they could find ways to address it. The result was the Israel Committee of Santa Barbara, an autonomous ad hoc group formed to provide accurate information on the situation in Israel, and to foster informed support for Israel in the community. Chief amongst the Israel Committee’s early goals was to facilitate effective responses to anti-Israel bias in the media and other public forums. Another key objective was to provide opportunities for nuanced study and dialogue on important issues and topics related to Israel. Below: Dov Waxman, Professor of Political Science, Israel Studies and Jewish Historical and Cultural Studies at Northeastern University, and Co-Director of Northeastern’s Middle East Center, one of the 2016 Keynote Speakers discussing “Israel’s PalestinianArab Minority: A Bridge or Barrier to Peace?”
The Israel Committee subsequently presented its first communitywide Teach-In on Israel in the fall of 2006. The community’s response to this new Israel-centric event was incredibly strong and supportive. The Israel Committee members quickly determined that the Teach-In on Israel should be offered as an annual community-wide event. The Teach-In on Israel blossomed into a full day event, providing an enjoyable and stimulating opportunity for the community to come together, and to hear from internationally renowned experts, including scholars, policy makers, journalists, lawyers, historians, religious leaders, authors, musicians, and filmmakers. The annual event includes multiple keynote speakers followed by a robust Q&A, and breakout sessions for more intimate learning and sharing on the most pressing issues facing Israel. Hundreds of community members and UCSB/SBCC students attend each year to become more knowledgeable about Israel and its complexities, and to enjoy this special day together. The Israel Committee plans to present this year’s Teach-In on Israel on November 15, 2020, at Hillel Santa Barbara, COVID-19 permitting. And just in case, the Israel Committee is planning for remote / virtual viewing options for those unable to attend in person, or if circumstances dictate that a live event cannot be held. In light of the ongoing pandemic and anticipating our inability to convene as a community, the Israel Committee this year plans to introduce a series of online lectures / webinars focusing on Israel-related issues and topics. For website information please refer to the Shalom Santa Barbara Community Directory. The Israel Committee is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on community support to keep the annual Teach-In on Israel free and available to all. The Israel Committee is grateful for the support it receives directly from community members, the Community Shul of Montecito and Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Hillel, the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara, and Congregation B’nai B’rith.
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
2020–2021 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 51
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52 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 2020–2021
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
COME FOR THE PIZZA, STAY FOR THE JEWISH If you passed by Chabad of S. Barbara’s
Rabbi Zalmy was approached by
The clubs are student led, with a
kitchen at 6:00 am on a Thursday
students at Dos Pueblos fouteen
strong leadership team in each school.
morning, you’d see Rabbi Zalmy hard
years ago to revive the student club.
“It’s really their club,” says Rabbi Zalmy,
at work with a rolling pin. Chabad’s
The plan was simple. Give them food
“they arrange trivia games, dreidel
youth director expertly kneads,
for lunch, and give them food for
competitions, and social action events.
rolls, sauces, and cheeses tens of
thought. The clubs have tens of Jewish
It’s really nice to see young leaders
pizza pies each week for the Jewish
and non-Jewish students each week,
take time from their busy school
high school clubs at Dos Pueblos
and the discussions are lively, with a
day to dedicate to a higher cause.”
and San Marcos High Schools.
Torah message, and a bit of humor.
“It’s the best kosher pizza in
“Rabbi Zalmy welcomed teens to
town,” he quips, alluding to the
bring up eclectic discussion topics,”
unfortunate vacuum of kosher
explains Zoe Silverberg, student
certified establishments in town.
president of Jewish Club at San Marcos
“The students tell me it’s better than
High School. “A few examples include
any pizza in town, but I wouldn’t
LGBTQ+ rights, current events, and
know.” The pizza is the hook, and
the history behind Jewish religion.
it draws about eighty students
There was never a dull moment in our
to the Jewish clubs each week.
club meetings and I learned so much
GIVE THEM FOOD FOR LUNCH, AND GIVE THEM FOOD FOR THOUGHT.
from everything we discussed!”
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
2020–2021 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 53
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Santa Barbara Jewish Film Festival is a proud recipient of a 2020 Events and Festivals Grant from the City of Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture
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54 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 2020–2021
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What Will You Take With You From This Journey? “ I would rather think of life as a good book. The further you get into it, the more it begins to come together and make sense.”
– Rabbi Harold Kushner
One of a weekly series of Shabbat blog posts published during the pandemic during the spring and summer of 2020.
As the weekly gift of Sabbath arrives once again, I am reminded of a story told in a prayer book my father had in his library, which is now in mine:
experiencing one of those right now with this pandemic,
“A great pianist was once asked by an ardent admirer:
And so, I leave you with this challenge: What will you
‘How do you handle the notes as well as you do?’ The artist
take from this journey when it ends? As the Los Angeles
answered: ‘The notes I handle no better than many pianists,
Times put it in a recent interview conducted with a
but the pauses between the notes — ah! That is where the
group of readers: “What New Habits Are Keepers?”
art resides.’ In great living, as in great music, the art may
What are the new lessons or behaviors you have learned
be in the pauses. Surely one of the enduring contributions
to value from this time? A few listed in the article may
which Judaism made to the art of living was the Shabbat, ‘the
resonate with you (and there were many others):
pauses between the notes.’ And it is to Shabbat that we must
• Staying in touch with friends I would
look if we are to restore to our lives the sense of serenity and sanctity which it offers in such joyous abundance.” Life is a journey, and as we have seen, often a challenging one, and taking time to pause from our journey, allows us time to reflect and achieve wisdom. And while I certainly do not necessarily suggest that we all observe Sabbath in the same way, the core idea is built into our tradition — and the notion seems to have a great deal of merit. In the same way we are told that God stood back from the world which God created on the 7th day, a painter must stand back from the canvas of a masterpiece he or she is painting, otherwise they have no perspective by which to judge their work. And, in fact, some would argue that the reflection is part of the work itself, as this is where much of the thought takes place. In a similar way, this process of reflection gives us an opportunity to begin to consider what this challenging time will mean for our lives in the long term — what will we take from this unique journey? As I grow older, which seems to be even faster and every minute, I have decided that I prefer to think of obstacles in my life more as opportunities to attain wisdom – and challenges more as a journey from which to grow and learn. And while I prefer journeys like the European trip I took last summer for a large wedding anniversary (and
as well as the important fight for social justice facing our country. A truly unique moment in history — and in our lives.
normally “call next week” • Continuing to appreciate those who do for others, and to do so myself • Spending more time with family and less rushing around; being more present • Staying in far more constant contact with my extended family all over the country with Zoom • Tidying my bedroom every morning Some weeks ago, I presented another challenge to ask you to express your gratitude. I received some beautiful and very personal responses. Thank you for those. So, in that spirit, I will share that I think that is what I will take from this journey: gratitude. Gratitude for my full and meaningful life and work, my wonderful family, friends and colleagues — my community — and you. In a time of challenge, it is good to remember the riches in your life and how much there is to be truly grateful for – including a beautiful sunset, like the ones I’ve seen recently on my long evening walks. Sometimes, we only have to look heavenward for beauty. With blessings for a Shabbat Shalom — and a thoughtful respite from your life’s journey,
an even larger birthday), there are other types of journeys
Ruth Dubin Steinberg, LCSW, MAJCS
which offer valuable life lessons — and I believe we are
Director, Jewish Family Service
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
2020–2021 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 55
ROSH CHODESH SOCIETY Empowering Generations of Jewish Women Who Will Lead, Inspire, and Educate The Rosh Chodesh Society (RCS) is a global initiative that aims to transform the lives of Jewish women, their families, and their greater communities through the bonds of shared Jewish experience. Through an international network of women scholars, leaders, and educators, we provide cuttingedge adult education in tandem with monthly cultural and social programs. Our ultimate vision is to empower, inform, and inspire women to spark a worldwide spiritual revolution that will ensure a brighter future for the Jewish people.
As we enter our fifth year, we have already begun touching the surface of success with our resonant and vibrant message. Women are turning to RCS for assistance in exploring their Jewish inner child, their personal hopes and aspirations, and in ensuring the future of their daughters. We seek to give every Jewish woman the gift of a meaningful connection to her birthright, an awareness of who she is and what she stands for, and the tools with which to access her unique talents, abilities, and inner spirit. We hope to help empower a generation of proud Jewish women who will lead, inspire, and educate those around her, helping to foster a brighter and stronger Jewish future.
The Rosh Chodesh Society was born out of necessity. In our interaction with every segment of the Jewish community, we bore witness to the lack of all-encompassing, non-judgmental, state-of-the-art programs created by and for Jewish women. We sought to fill this gap by creating an organization founded on the dual pillars of academic
We seek to give every Jewish woman the gift of a meaningful connection to her birthright, an awareness of who she is and what she stands for, and the tools with which to access her unique talents, abilities, and inner spirit.
excellence and social reform and its practical applications. Our holistic approach to Jewish learning considers the impact of Jewish values on personal and interpersonal growth. Drawing on research-based instructional design and cutting-edge approaches to adult learning, our innovative presentation of traditional Judaism is designed to be both intellectually rigorous and highly accessible.
For more information please refer to the Shalom Santa Barbara Community Directory. 56 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 2020–2021
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
Mikva Chaya Muskha A Woman’s Place Mikva Chaya Mushka is S. Barbara's very own mikva. Translated as “ritual pool”, the mikva is a beautiful, relaxing, state of the art spa, that facilitates observance of Taharat Hamishpacha, translated as “family purity”.
“…feeling of rebirth, being enveloped by the clear, deep pool of pure rainwater warm waters.”
While these few words hardly do this important topic justice, Rebbitzens Rochel and Shterna are available for
The Torah considers the family as a sacred unit. Indeed, the
personal consultation, to explain and explore both the
Hebrew word for marriage is Kiddushin, and like its cousin
practical as well as the mystical, spiritual aspects of this
word, Kiddush, it means sanctity. Just as the Shabbat is
meaningful and feminine mitzva. Mikva Chaya Mushka can
sanctified when we recite the Kiddush over the wine, a Jewish
also arrange for speakers to address your group about the
marriage becomes sanctified when the mitzva of mikva is kept.
topic of mikva as well as the sanctity of Jewish marriage and family. Tours of the mikva are available upon request.
“ When a woman goes to mikva, it’s her, the waters, and G-d.”
Rebbitzen Miri Klein of Chabad@UCSB regularly takes students on tours of our mikva. A true eye-opener, the students are consistently blown away, and very grateful
The women who use our local mikva come from a wide spectrum of Jewish observance. Almost none of the local women who currently attend the mikva would call themselves orthodox; what draws them to mikva is what
at being given a fresh and deeper look into building a Jewish home. The opportunity for open discussion with a live, young, contemporary, and happy Rebbitzen Miri as a living example, enhances the experience that much more!
they view as an opportunity to make their marriage
“Personally,” Mrs. Loschak continues, “I have had the
“special” and “more Jewish.” As they emerge from the
privilege of assisting countless ladies of all backgrounds,
sacred waters of the mikva after immersion, ladies have
affiliations and ages, with using the mikva. (Yes, it's
expressed how they feel celebrated as a woman. Others
never too late even for married women who are post-
have mentioned the feeling of rebirth, being enveloped by
menopause, if they've never gone.) I find that each time,
the warm waters. What is certain is that all share a special
they've all expressed one common feeling: very special.”
feeling of “Jewishness” as they silently whisper their personal
Mikva Chaya Mushka is named for Rebbiten Chaya Mushka, ob˝m, wife of the Chabad-Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson ob˝m.
prayers after immersion, while still in the mivka's waters. “There is a very big resurgence in the practice of mikva,” said Mrs. Loschak, who together with her late husband, Rabbi Yosef Loschak ob˝m, founded the mikva in 2002. “When a woman goes to mikva, it's her, the waters, and G-d. This ritual is a reminder that there is a higher purpose to your life, your marriage, your spouse, and your children.” Mikva is a very private, modest affair. Each mikva appointment is scheduled with our mikva attendant, Shterna Kudan, to allow for enough time to prepare and experience the moment in a private, calming way. One is welcomed into an elegant pink sitting area, which leads into a bathroom and shower area for preparation and then to a separate, tiled room with high ceilings and steps leading down into a clear, deep pool of pure rainwater. Mikva Chaya Mushka JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
2020–2021 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 57
The Adizes Institute congratulates ESPOND TO CHANGE the“ R Santa Barbara Jewish Film Festival PROACTIVELY, NOT REACTIVELY” for its dedication to bringing films Adizes enables ordinary people to transform with a uniquely Jewish perspective the management of their organizations and produce extraordinary, sustainable results. to our local community
1212 Mark Avenue, Carpinteria, California 93013 805.565.2901 | adizes.com
Start a conversation. 805.564.6670 • SANTABARBARA.ADL.ORG
58 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 2020–2021
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
EVERY EXPERIENCE IN LIFE HELPS US PREPARE FOR TODAY In December 2017 fire ravaged our community, 1,100 structures lost, as we struggled to survive. Half the board of directors of the Jewish Federation of Ventura County lost their homes that night along with many in our community. I stood outside Vons meeting with as many fire victims as I could and handed out gift cards so they could buy clothes and essentials, many leaving with what they could grab in a moment’s notice. Our Jewish Family Service immediately provided free counseling services to those suffering from the emotional, physical, and financial effects of such a devastating loss. We continue to provide free counseling and case management to Thomas Fire victims and a year later we extended the same services to Woolsey Fire victims. And then came COVID. The fires taught us to be prepared. Moving quickly to virtual counseling and again standing by the most vulnerable, the Jewish Federation of Ventura County offered free counseling and extended its annual funding of Foodshare to any families suffering from food insecurity, as a result of being furloughed or laid off, during this pandemic. Every experience in life helps prepare you for today. We had already sent over 100,000 eighth-graders to the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, given annual Israel Experience scholarships, funded Jewish educational and cultural programs throughout the county, supported our seniors and Holocaust survivors, advocated for Israel in fighting Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement (BDS), sent free Jewish books and music to the youngest children through the PJ Library, and started to rebuild our community when our lives changed again, in a moment. Our Federation Community Rabbi, Mike Lotker, hosts a tea time schmooze and open discussion daily for those who are lonely or just want to talk. We have always stood by those in need with care and compassion. We are prepared for our todays so we may have a tomorrow. Written by Cheri Dekofsky, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Ventura County
JEWISHSANTABARBARA.ORG
VENTURA COUNTY SYNAGOGUES VENTURA Temple Beth Torah Chabad of Ventura Congregation Am HaYam OXNARD Chabad of Oxnard CAMARILLO Temple Ner Ami Chabad of Camarillo OJAI Jewish Community of Ojai Chabad of Ojai
2020–2021 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 59
COMMUNITY DIRECTORY Aleph Bet Preschool
Chevra Kadisha
Israel Committee of Santa Barbara
6047 Stow Canyon Road
McDermott-Crockett & Associates
Santa Barbara, CA
Goleta, CA 93117
Mortuary
israelcommitteesb.org
805.275.4083
2936 De La Vina Street
sbchabad.org
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Jewish Awareness Movement (J.A.M.)
American Students for Israel
805.569.2424
Santa Barbara, CA
Community Shul of
805.968.1280
Montecito and Santa Barbara
info@asiucsb.org
524 Chapala Street
Anti-Defamation League
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
1528 Chapala Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805.895.6593 communityshul.com
Santa Barbara Area, CA 323.651.0177 jamoncampus.com Jewish Community Relations Committee 524 Chapala Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101 805.957.1115
805.564.6670
Community Shul Religious School
jewishsantabarbara.org
santabarbara.adl.org
524 Chapala Street Santa Barbara CA 93101
Jewish Federation of
Beit HaYeladim Preschool 1000 San Antonio Creek Road Santa Barbara, CA 93111
805.895.6593 communityshul.com
Greater Santa Barbara 524 Chapala Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805.967.6619
Congregation B'nai B'rith
805.957.1115
cbbsb.org
1000 San Antonio Creek Road
jewishsantabarbara.org
Camp Gan Israel
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Jewish Federation of Ventura County
6047 Stow Canyon Road Goleta, CA 93117
805.964.7869 cbbsb.org
7620 Foothill Road Ventura, CA 93004
805.275.4083
Daughters of Abraham
805.647.7800
sbchabad.org
Santa Barbara Chapter
jewishventuracounty.org
Camp Haverim
Santa Barbara, CA
Jewish Family Service
524 Chapala Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805.455.4557 daughtersofabraham.com
524 Chapala Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805.895.6593
Hadassah
805.957.1116
camphaverim.org
1000 San Antonio Creek Road
jewishsantabarbara.org
Chabad at UCSB
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Bronfman Family Jewish
779 Camino Pescadero Goleta, CA 93117
805.455.4557 hadassah.org
Community Center 524 Chapala Street
805.685.3348
Herman P. and Sophia Taubman
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
sbchabad.org
Foundation Endowed Symposia in
805.957.1115
Jewish Studies
jewishsantabarbara.org
UC Santa Barbara
Jewish Free Loan Association
Chabad of S. Barbara 6407 Stow Canyon Road Goleta, CA 93117 805.683.1544 sbchabad.org
Santa Barbara, CA 93106 jewishstudies.ucsb.edu
22622 Vanowen Street West Hills, CA 91307
Hillel Santa Barbara
818.464.3331
781 Embarcadero del Mar
jfla.org
Isla Vista, CA 93117 805.968.1280 santabarbarahillel.org
60 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 2020–2021
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Mesa Shul Santa Barbara 524 Chapala Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101 805.699.6580 mesashulsb.org Mikvah Chaya Mushka 6045 Stow Canyon Road Goleta, CA 93117 805.636.5605 sbchabad.org Rosh Chodesh Society Devorah Loschak
Shalom Santa Barbara is an Annual Publication
805.324.3584
of the Jewish Federation of Santa Barbara
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Santa Ynez Valley Jewish Community P.O. Box 135 Los Olivos, CA 93441 805.693.4243 syvjc.org Talmud Torah Hebrew School 6047 Stow Canyon Road
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sbchabad.org
please contact Cindy Feinberg at shalomsb@sbjf.org.
Temple Beth El of Santa Maria 1501 East Alvin Street Santa Maria, CA 93454 805.928.2118 tbesantamaria.com Vandenberg-Lompoc Jewish Community P.O. Box 2260
Bronfman Family Jewish Community Center 524 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, California 93101 Phone 805.957.1115
Lompoc, CA 93438 805.736.2722 anita-2@youngreport.com
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2020–2021 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 61
The Jewish Federation and Jewish Family Service are grateful for our partnership in helping to provide comfort and healthy nutrition to our community during these challenging times.
The Hawaiian word, Kina’ole, means “doing the right thing, in the right way, at the right time, in the right place, to the right person, for the right reason, with the right feeling every time.” That is our founding principle at Kanaloa. kanaloaseafood.com SANTA BARBARA 715 Chapala Street 805.966.5159 OXNARD 251 Lombard Street 805.966.5159
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56 Adizes Institute Worldwide
58 Kanaloa Seafood
IBC Premier Private Client
50 American Riviera Bank
40 Lanspeed
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56 Anti-Defamation League
40 Linda Blue Photography
48 Santa Barbara
52 Bonnie Lee Books
50 Metropolitan Theatres
30 Camerata Pacifica
33 Mission Audio / Video
32 Chivaroli Premier Insurance
4 Montecito Bank & Trust
48 Draughtsmen Aleworks
50 Mount Sinai Memorial Parks
52 Gali Natural Body Care
and Mortuaries
52 Jack's Bistro
56 Mussar Muse
40 Jano Printing & Mailworks
IC Osteostrong Santa Barbara
6 JPR Financial Services
38 Pacific Pride Foundation 7 Paul Green Shoes
62 | SHALOM SANTA BARBARA | 2020–2021
International Film Festival 52 Santa Barbara Jewish Film Festival 19 Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation 37 Sandy Stahl Homes 15 Skytrail Botanicals IBC The Loft Hair Studio 34 Triumph Protection Group
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Anything but Ordinary
“ If we don’t take care of our future, who will?”
When you create a Jewish legacy, you take an important step toward strengthening Jewish life for generations to come. Planning your gift now will help ensure your grandchildren can enjoy the same rich traditions and closeness of community that have given your life so much meaning and purpose. The future starts with you.
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For information about Legacy Planned Giving, contact Anaïs Pellegrini, 805.957.1115 extension 107, apellegrini@sbjf.org
welcoming / supporting / nurturing / loving / connecting / protecting / respecting / accepting
everyone counts
Through Federation’s advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill, on college campuses and around the world, we’re working to create an environment where every person’s wisdom and joy can come to life. But we can’t do it without you. GIVE TODAY. ®
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