June-July-August 2015

Issue 149 · June/July/August 2015

From the Incoming PresidentPAGE 3

Get to Know the Kee Tov StaffPAGE 8

Gender Equality on the BimahPAGE 4Congregation Beth El is

a member of The Union for Reform Judaism

“Honoring Tradition, Celebrating Diversity, and Building a Jewish Future”

REFORM CA IS A CAMPAIGN of the Reform Movement in California to act powerfully together for justice and compassion in our state. A project of the social justice initiatives of the Reform Movement: the Union for Reform Judaism’s Just Congregations, the Peace and Justice Committee of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, and the Religious Action Center, we feel called to play a role in repairing the broken California dream. We join with one another and our interfaith partners to address systemic issues of injustice that hurt our families and our brothers and sisters across lines of race, class and faith. Justice has been at the foundation of our Movement since its inception and we proudly stand on the shoulders of the giants of justice who came before us. Acting together, we seek to build a California that is just, compassionate, thriving and inspiring.

What success has Reform CA achieved?

The TRUST Act Campaign. In October 2012, the state legislature passed legislation protecting 3 million California immigrants without documents from the fear of being separated from their families

through deportation as a result of coming forward as a victim of domestic abuse or witness to a crime, or due to an arrest for a minor infraction like selling food without a license.

Wander No More Campaign for Affordable Homes. In 2014, Reform CA helped win a long-term, steady stream of funding for the building of affordable homes near transit to be allocated from the state’s cap-and-trade revenue, with $65 million in 2014–2015 and at least 10 percent of cap-and-trade revenue every year after ($200–300 million per year) for building affordable homes for the most vulnerable families in California.

Reform CA: Reform Jewish Organizing and Activism Across Our Stateby Rabbi Yoel Kahn and Rabbi Rebekah Stern

2 From the Rabbis3 From the President4-5 Gender Equality

on the Bimah6-7 Events &

Announcements8 Meet the CKT Staff8 New Members9 IRAC

10 YAFE Director Says L’hitra’ot

11 BENS Wrap Up11 Eyes on You(th)!12 BESTY12 Teen Recognition

Awards13 Midrasha13 B’nei Mitzvah

14 New & Notable in the Library

15 Recipe16 Torah Study16 Ways to Give17 Mazel Tov18-19 Tzedakah21-23 Calendar24 Gift Shop

CONGREGATION BETH EL

1301 Oxford Street Berkeley, CA 94709-1424

Phone: 510-848-3988 Fax: 510-848-2707

Youth and Family Education Office

Direct Line: 510-848-2122

Nursery School Office Direct Line: 510-848-9428

Camp Kee Tov Office Direct Line: 510-848-2372

Midrasha OfficeDirect Line: 510-843-4667

CLERGY & STAFF

Rabbi Yoel H. Kahnext. 215 · [email protected]

Rabbi Rebekah P. Sternext. 228 · [email protected]

Norm Frankel Executive Director

ext. 212 · [email protected]

Debra Sagan MasseyDirector of Education


Maguy Weizmann-McGuireEarly Childhood Education Director


Zach Landres-Schnur Camp Kee Tov & Youth Director


Tameka Young-DiabyBookkeeper


Juliet Gardner Administrative Coordinator


Aliza Minkina Rabbinical Assistant


Mimi AbrahamCommunications Coordinator


Emily SchnitzerCamp Kee Tov Admin. Coordinator ext. 223 · [email protected]

Allie LiepmanYouth and Family Education

Admin. Coordinator ext. 214 · [email protected]

Rabbi Jennifer FlammMidrasha Director

510-843-4667 · [email protected]

Odette BlachmanGift Shop


Rabbi Reuben Zellman Music Director

On Leave 2014-2015

Rabbi Ferenc RajRabbi Emeritus

[email protected]

IN THIS ISSUE

FROM THE RABBIS

CONTIN UED ON PAGE 17

2 · THE BUILDER · JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2015

I AM HONORED TO BE SERVING as the president of the board of directors of Congregation Beth El. My first order of business, President’s Column-wise, is to say a big todah rabah to Paul Sugarman for his superb leadership over the last two years. Paul has been a wonderful teacher to me and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to apprentice under him. Of course, like everything we do, we do it together, in community, and I have learned, not only from Paul these past two years but from all of the board members with whom I have had the pleasure of serving. And a particular thank you to Rabbi Kahn, who, in addition to being my rabbi, has

also been a mentor to me in my leadership role over these past two years. Going forward, I will most definitely not be acting as president on my own; rather, I will be surrounded by a team of conscientious, able and caring members of the board. I look forward to working with all of them over the next two years.

As some of you already know, I was born and raised in the Bronx. The South Bronx neighborhood in which I spent the first nine years of my life was so totally Jewish, and I was so immersed in Yiddishkeit, that I thought the whole world was Jewish! Although my world view began to change when we moved to the Northeast Bronx (about 50–50 Jewish–Italian), still, I was given a very strong sense of my Jewish identity. Both my parents were very active in our local (Orthodox) synagogue and, in fact, when I was a teenager, my Dad was president (and led a much-needed renovation project). Some of my happiest memories growing up are of the seders my grandfather led, and of sitting in shul during the High Holy Days between my mother and grandmother (women on the right side of the aisle and men on the left) and wearing a new holiday outfit, often including a new sweater my grandmother had knitted for the occasion.

Martin and I have been members of Beth El since 1988, when we joined to guarantee a place in the nursery school for our youngest daughter, Lizzie. Our “transactional” membership (we joined to receive a particular service from Beth El) soon became a “relational” membership (we are members because we consider ourselves part of this community). I was recruited to join our first Interfaith Committee shortly after we joined, ably led by Linda Walker, and I was then recruited to join the Board as its recording secretary, serving under Andy Ganes and Stu Berman. I learned early on how rewarding it is to be involved, not the least because you make wonderful friends. Sarah and Lizzie both went to the religious school and became bat mitzvah here, and Lizzie tutored b’nei mitzvah students during high school and was confirmed at Beth El. Both Lizzie and Sarah were loyal and enthusiastic Kee Tov campers their entire childhood and into their early teens. And Martin also got involved, first serving on the committee to build our new synagogue, and later joining the board and then becoming president. Martin and I were part of the first adult b’nei mitzvah class in 2003. Our entire family has reaped the rewards of being a part of this wonderful community, and I hope that each of you, in whatever connections you have to Beth El, feel similarly fortunate to be part of our community.

How Are You Related?by Jill Siegel Dodd, President of the Board of Directors

FROM THE PRESIDENT

LETTERS TO THE EDITORYour thoughts and opinions are important to us. If you have a subject of interest to the Congregation, write a letter or essay of a maximum of 500 words and submit it to Mimi Abraham at [email protected]. No anonymous submissions will be accepted.

Deadline for the next issue: July 17, 2015

Letters, essays and guest articles may be edited for length, content and style.

Member ContributorsJill Siegel DoddSondra NapellJudith GussmanScott SpearMarjorie Gelb

Sharon FriedmanRudy BrandtRuth EhrenkrantzNila RosenOdette Blachman

Communications Coordinator Mimi Abraham

Copy Editor Janine Baer

Designer Jennifer Robinson

I was born and raised in the Bronx. The South Bronx neighborhood in which I spent the first nine years of my life was so totally Jewish, and I was so immersed in Yiddishkeit, that I thought the whole world was Jewish!

CONGREGATION BETH EL · BETHELBERKELEY.ORG · 3

“DO YOU BELIEVE THAT WOMEN should have the same rights as men in synagogue services?”

The question startled me, coming out of the quiet of the hall where I had been seated, reading, waiting for my two sons, ages 10 and 11, who were upstairs studying for their bar mitzvahs. The year was 1971.

I looked up to see who had posed this question. It was the newly-appointed young rabbi who had come over to where I was seated.

Caught off guard, I blurted out, “I was trained just as well as my boyfriends — but when they turned 13 they had bar mitzvahs, while there was nothing, not even confirmation, for me and the few other girls who’d continued on in Hebrew school.”

“Well…” the rabbi persisted (was that a challenging twinkle I saw in his eye?), “do you think it’s time?”

And so…the germ of his question grew into a plan, which blossomed into a proposal to the board of directors of our temple, which culminated at a Sunday morning breakfast-and-conversation open board meeting.

We listened intently as one after another of the men on the board vehemently spoke against the agenda item we’d submitted: “Shall the women of our congregation be accorded the same religious rights as the men — to be called to the bimah, have aliyot, and read from the Torah?”

The discussion grew heated with vociferous antagonism to “breaking an ancient tradition,” “polluting the sanctity of the Torah,” “lowering the high and holy standards set by bar mitzvah

training.” “Nothing would ever be the same.” One man warned, “Dire consequences would follow.” Round and round they went. Finally, finally, when the aggravated rhetoric was beginning to repeat itself, a voice was heard over the din. “Call for the question!”

A hush fell over the assembled board. The board chairman rose, cleared his throat, and announced, “All in favor of the question ‘Shall women have the same rights as men to participate in the religious rituals of our congregation?’ — signify by saying ‘aye’ and raising your right hand.”

And then, to the utter amazement of everyone in that room — almost to a man, each board member called “aye” and raised his right hand in assent!

It seemed that members of the board believed they had done their duty, raised all the arguments against, and then embraced the rights of their wives, daughters, and indeed all the congregation’s women, by voting for equality in religious ritual. The room rocked with loud applause!

But suddenly, like the old fairy at the joyous christening of Sleeping Beauty, a small, wizened elderly man stood up and pounded the table for silence. Everyone turned toward him. The room grew quiet. Visibly agitated, the revered gabbi, the religious arbiter of our congregation, announced in a trembling voice, “The morning that a woman comes up to the bimah and reads from the Torah, I will resign from this congregation!” And, with that ultimatum, this oldest member whose definitive voice on ritual

Gender Equality on the Bimahby Sondra Napell

FEATURE

PH OTO BY M IM I A B R A HA M


lesson. It was always, ‘let’s learn.’ As l look back now on those hours spent with him, I realize that, seated side by side, he wanted me to understand that we were learning together.”

Memories began to flood over me, and my voice grew quiver-y. “I do understand what you are thinking and feeling,” l turned away, not daring to look at him, for my eyes were beginning to fill with tears, “because you remind me so much of my grandpa, and I fear...” (At this moment tears began to run down my cheeks) “l fear that if he were here today, he would probably feel exactly as you do, and be vigorously opposed to my coming up to the bimah and daring to read from the Torah — no matter how hard l am studying to do it well — and despite the fact that he started it all by learning with me.” l covered my face. I was trembling and sobbing.

Suddenly, this little old man, who had been rigidly facing away from me as l spoke, turned towards me and put his arms around my shaking shoulders. He was weeping. “Go,” he said. “Go and do what you need to do. I won’t oppose you — only understand, that l can’t be in the synagogue at that time.” He rose, placed his hands on my shoulders, studied my face, and murmured, “God bless you.” And left. He went his way. l went home — to continue my studying.

The Sabbath morning of my “debut” arrived. Many seats in the temple were filled with people who rarely attended Sabbath services, but who had come this day to bear witness to the first woman being called to the Torah.

The cantor intoned, “Shayna Leah” (my Hebrew name) “Bat Yoel Menachem” (daughter of my father) “Bat Pelta” (and daughter of my mother). I rose from my seat in the sanctuary, and ascended to the bimah.

As I recited the blessings before reading from the Torah, the cantor stepped aside and I sensed a presence to my left. I glanced over, and there, holding the yad (the small, silver hand with the finger extended to point to the place in the holy text), was the gabbi. He nodded to me, bent his head toward the text, and, fulfilling his role, pointed at where I was to begin.

And then...a most amazing sensation came over me. As I began to chant the ancient words, as the trope rolled off my tongue, as the ancestral melodies filled my heart, I had the feeling that it was no longer my voice but the voices of all of our ancestral Torah readers from way, way back in Jewish history who were together with me reading the weekly portion of this most ancient, most cherished, most holy of tomes.

and religious rites was often the final word, turned his back on all assembled and left the room.

“Well,” the rabbi continued a few days later “it will all be a hollow victory if no woman steps forward to exercise this newly-granted privilege.” And his eyes, like a finger pointing at me, stared challengingly, expectantly.

And so, I agreed, and began my preparation. I met with the cantor, chose a Shabbat morning months hence for my “debut” breakthrough and began to study for, to “learn,” my Torah and haftarah portions.

However, a small, niggling discomfort, after that momentous board meeting, was contaminating my excitement, my eagerness, as I prepared to be the first woman to be called to the bimah, have an aliya, and read from the Torah. I felt a sadness, a visceral curdling, that the old gabbi, the religious backbone of our congregation, was disapproving — might even fulfill his threat to resign, because of me. I decided to reach out to him.

A few weeks before my preparation was complete, as I zoomed in on being “ready,” I attended a Shabbat morning service, and afterwards I approached him. I asked if we could

sit down together and talk. “You know where to find me,” he brusquely responded. When I looked puzzled, he replied, “Any Monday or Thursday at morning minyan services.” The very next Monday morning, while my husband and the boys were still asleep, I drove off to the synagogue.

Gathered together at 6:00 am in the small room behind the main sanctuary, the traditional minimum of 10 men (a minyan) met every Monday and Thursday for morning prayers before embarking on their business days. I joined them, chanting the melodies so familiar to me from my childhood.

Prayers over, I approached the gabbi, greeted him with a smile, and asked if we could talk. He stared at me, then sat down and gestured for me to sit on the chair beside him. I began. “I’d like you to know a little about my upbringing, my Hebrew

education. My grandfather was a very learned scholar and teacher,” I said. “He sat me, the first grandchild of the family, on his knee when I was a very little girl, and showed me, by tracing with our fingers, Aleph, Bet, Gimmel, Daled — before I even knew my ABCs. “From then on, whenever l visited my grandparents’ home, he would beckon to me and say, ‘kum, tuchter, learnen.’ He never said he was teaching, neither would he use the word

“l fear that if he were here today, he would probably feel exactly as you do, and be vigorously opposed to my coming up to the bimah and daring to read from the Torah — no matter how hard l am studying to do it well — and despite the fact that he started it all by learning with me.”

SO N D R A N A PELL , 197 2


EVENTS

Summertime Is Chardonnay Time!In the summer we take advantage of the warmer weather and our beautiful, natural setting under the oak trees to enjoy a glass of Chardonnay, get to know each other and celebrate Shabbat.

Shabbat Pride Evening Service and Chardonnay ShabbatFriday, June 26 at 5:30 pm Celebrate Pride at Beth El.

¡Bienvenido a Casa!, Rabbi Zellman: Yismechu Service and Chardonnay Shabbat Friday, July 24 at 5:30 pmJoin us as we welcome Rabbi Zellman back from his sabbatical in Chile.

Chardonnay Shabbat Friday, August 28 at 5:30 pmCelebrate the last Shabbat of the summer at Beth El.

Ongoing programsMen’s ClubAnnual Meeting

The annual meeting will be held in late summer. Please check the e-Updates for the specific date. The direction of the Men’s Club for the next year and beyond will be the cornerstone of the meeting. Anyone and everyone concerned about future programming is encouraged to attend. We are looking for new programming ideas to implement and give back to the Beth El congregation. Contact Allan Sobel 510-878-2726 or email [email protected] for information.

People of the Book People of the Book is on its summer vacation from June through August. We’re looking for interesting books (and interested presenters) for our “winter semester” (September–December). Please contact Barry Silverblatt at [email protected] with your suggestions. Thanks for supporting this literary program!

Life Stories An interactive program for men and women who would like to begin a guided autobiography, or have dedicated time to write whatever they like, and to share their work with other members of the group. Contact Marilyn at ([email protected]) or 510-525-5010 for more

information. Meets regularly the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month (location during summer TBD) and the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at 7:30 pm at Beth El.

Lunch & Learn Global Anti-Semitism with Seth Brysk Thursday, June 11, 12:00 pm; speaker at 12:30 pm

Seth Brysk, a Beth El congregant, is regional director for the San Francisco-based central office of the Anti-Defamation League. Bring a bag lunch. Dessert & beverages will be provided. Lunch & Learn events are free and open to the community. For more information, contact Harry Margulius at [email protected].

Rosh Chodesh Thursdays, June 18, July 16 and August 20 at 8:00 pm

Meetings held monthly, near the New Moon. Gather with Rabbi Stern for womanly reflection, learning and conversation.

Roots & Branches Roots & Branches will not be meeting during the summer months. This class will resume in 5776.


EVENTS

SAVE THE DATE(S):

High Holy Days

S’lichot ServiceSaturday, September 5

Erev Rosh HashanahSunday, September 13

Rosh HashanahMonday, September 14

Second Day Rosh HashanahTuesday, September 15

Kever Avot: Visiting the Graves of Loved OnesSunday, September 20

Erev Yom Kippur: Kol NidreTuesday, September 22

Yom KippurWednesday, September 23

Erev SukkotSunday, September 27

SukkotMonday, September 28

Simchat Torah / ConsecrationTuesday, October 6

ShabbatonFriday, October 16–18

Honey from the HeartA Sweet Gift for the New Yearby Sharon Friedman

Summer is upon us, but it’s not too soon to be thinking about the holidays!

Jumpstart into a Healthy Jewish New Yearby Nila Rosen

READY TO START THIS YEAR off with a food transformation? Ready to experience this year’s Yom Kippur fast as a nourishing cleanse? Want to be in a supportive Jewish community while you revolutionize and deepen the commitment that you have to your body and the way you approach food? Want a healthy roadmap that you can use for the holidays? (each year!)

Please join us for the very first Jumpstart into a Healthy Jewish New Year program, a commitment to yourself, your body and your health this New Year. This nurturing whole foods cleanse will help you:

• Create healthy food habits • Inspire you to cook • Energize you during the holidays and beyond• Share the work of cooking• Look and feel great in your body • Bring you greater focus and clarity• Connect you more deeply to your spirit

The three-week gentle cleanse program begins on Wednesday, September 9, and ends on October 1. You will be fully guided with holiday recipes, food guides, cleanse rituals, detox and community support. The investment in your vibrant New Year is $300. Ten percent of the program costs will be donated back to Beth El to be used for healthy foods for Beth El programming. If joining this program speaks to you but money concerns are holding you back, please sign up with a friend! You will each receive a $50 discount. Or contact us to hear about payment plans or how you can further discount your experience. We have some creative solutions for you.

This program has been developed specifically for the Jewish holidays by Beth El member Nila Rosen, MPH Nutrition and Health Researcher, and Marnie Northrop, Certified Health Coach. We are absolutely honored to work together with you on this journey.

You can find more details or sign up directly at

http://www.becominghealth.com/ healthy-jewish-newyear/

WHAT BETTER WAY TO WISH family, friends and business associates a “Sweet and Healthy New Year” than sending a jar of honey?

Connect with your friends and family during the High Holy Day season with a sweet greeting, carrying on an enduring Jewish tradition. Congregation Beth El will receive a portion of the proceeds — right at the time of year when we turn our attention to t’shuvah (returning to our best selves) and tzedakah. Shortly, the weekly e-update

emails will post a link for you to order an 8-ounce jar of delicious, kosher honey that will arrive in time for Rosh Hashanah. It will be decorated with a colorful label and include a personalized card reading “L’Shana Tovah — Wishing you a Healthy and Happy New Year.” The card will let the recipients know that a donation by you has been made to Beth El in their honor.

The cost will be $11, with free shipping if you order by mid-July. Stay tuned!


NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to Beth El!Robin Grossinger and Erica Wandner

Robin has lived in the greater Bay Area since he was about 7 and Erica mostly grew up in Washington, D.C., until coming out to Northern California for college. They met at a punk rock concert on Sproul Plaza 22 years ago and have been together ever since. Robin is an environmental scientist at the San Francisco Estuary Institute and Erica is a clinical psychologist in private practice. With their sons Leo, 9, and Joey, 4, they love music, art, gardening, outdoor adventures of the wilderness and urban type, and just hanging out at home. Leo has attended Camp Kee Tov for three summers and the whole family loves the Kee Tov/Beth El creative spirit — especially the use of music and the imagination — as a way to learn about and explore Judaism. They look forward to finding ways for the family to participate in the Beth El community throughout the year.

Judith and Jonathan Fern

The Ferns came to know Beth El via Camp Kee Tov. Ellie and Danielle, their twin 6-year-olds, had a blast there last summer. The family really feels the camp and congregation ruach is heartfelt and are happy to be joining the community. And the twins are looking forward to their Kee Tov double-session this summer!

Other new members include: Steven Rothman and Kathleen Tierney, and Dione Armand and Shaun Case.

KEE TOV

Jamie Costello, Operations Director18 summers. Jamie’s family is deeply connected to Camp Kee Tov and Beth El — he met his wife at Camp Kee Tov and two of his nieces attend Kee Tov and Kadima!

Rachel Kator, Rishonim Program Director (entering kindergarten)17 summers. Ever since she got her first whiff of the crisp Tilden air and SPF 30 Coppertone sunscreen as a wee Rishonimer in 1999, Rachel was hooked on Camp Kee Tov!

Lena Miller, Habonim Program Director (entering 1st and 2nd grades)18 summers. Lena’s love for camp runs so deep, she can still remember the dance moves from her Mapilim performances!

Maya Zeemont, Giborim Program Director (entering 3rd and 4th grades)14 summers. Maya began preparing for years of Camp Kee Tov fun and ruach at BENS in 1997!

Charlie Schnitzer, Mapilim Program Director (entering 5th and 6th grades)16 summers. Charlie’s family has been a part of Camp Kee Tov and Beth El since 1996 and his class was the last to have their b’nei mitzvot at the old synagogue!

Carly Thompson, Chalutzim Program Director (entering 7th and 8th grades)19 summers. She believes no summer would be complete without Bay Area fog, sitting in wet grass during kumzits (evening gatherings), and All-Camp Shabbat with her favorite people.

Beckett Sheeder, Gesher Program Director (entering 9th grade)15 summers. Beckett is dusting off the backpack and camping stove for he will embark on his first ever Gesher backpacking trip, having missed the amazing opportunity as a teen.

Danielle Schnur, Chaverim Program Director (extended day care)20 summers. Danielle’s parents met as Kee Tov counselors when they were 19 and have been together ever since — sending her and her brother to religious school and Kee Tov for years!

Camp Kee Tov – Meet the Staff

Only a few spaces left for Camp Kee Tov 2015!

Summer 2015 registration has almost hit maximum capacity, but there are a few spots left.

Please contact Emily Schnitzer if you are interested: [email protected].

COUNTDOWN TO SUMMER!

29 DAYS!Session 1: June 29 - July 17Session 2: July 27 - August 21


What You Always Wanted to Know About IRAC (And why it’s so important to Reform Jews)by Judith Gussman

IRAC

“Dress modestly. Long sleeve shirts. No pants. Long dresses,” says this sign placed by local rabbis in Beit Shamesh. Courtesy of IRAC.

SO, YOU’RE SENDING IN YOUR ANNUAL DUES and there’s a place to check in support of IRAC. Perhaps the Israel Religious Action Center is not familiar to you, and you don’t know why it is important, or why supporting it is so meaningful.

IRAC, the public and legal advocacy arm of the Reform Movement in Israel, was founded in 1987 with the goals of advancing pluralism in Israeli society and defending the freedoms of conscience, faith and religion. Today it’s the preeminent civil and human rights organization in Israel focusing on the issues of religion and state, and is the leading Jewish organization that advocates on behalf of a broadly inclusive Israeli democracy, infusing social justice advocacy with the spiritual energy and humane worldview of Progressive Judaism.

An example of IRAC’s work from their recent newsletter helps illustrate their value to Reform Jews by sharing their success in one recent case. A truncated version of the newsletter follows. It was written by Anat Hoffman.

An Israeli court recently ruled that “modesty signs” in Beit Shemesh (a city west of Jeruselem) limiting women’s rights are illegal. IRAC made history by taking this case to court. Both Orthodox and Reform Jews partnered to achieve this landmark victory, making it all the more special and momentous. The judge ruled that Beit Shemesh must remove signs and pay a fine of NIS 60,000 (Israeli currency) plus court costs to the four brave Orthodox women IRAC represented in this case: Nili Philipp, Eve Finkelstein, Miriam Friedman Zussman and Rachely Yair Schloss.

So, how did IRAC become involved? After stones had been thrown at Nili Philipp by ultra-Orthodox men, she approached IRAC for legal assistance.

“I walked into the building and met IRAC attorney Orly Erez-Likhovski. Immediately I felt safe, embraced and supported. I didn’t have to justify my feelings or the trauma that I suffered in Beit Shemesh. People in my community asked questions like: ‘Why can’t you just

ignore the signs?’ Or ‘why does it bother you to have to cross the street?’ When I first heard these questions, my jaw dropped. But everyone at IRAC understood me right away.” [The court decision] has restored my faith in democracy and law and order.”

This new legal precedent will have real consequences throughout the country. It joins a growing list of powerful rulings upholding women’s rights in the public sphere: on the radio, at cemeteries, at the Western wall and on buses. The threat of damages for these kinds of violations will deter illegal conduct by local governments and their officials.

To read Anat Hofmann’s letter in full, go to: www.irac.org/newsletters.aspx. Then click on: “Newsletters — beginning April 23, 2012.” Lastly, click on: “Jan. 26, 2015 — Goodbye Signs. Hello Fines.” You can also read any of the many other informative newsletters with a click.

You can financially support IRAC’s deeply important work by signing on automatically with your Beth El membership dues payment, or at any other time, including now.


YAFE

YAFE Opening Dates

August 30 YAFE/BENS Family Picnic

September 8 First Day of 7th Grade B’nei Mitzvah Program

September 10 First Day of Kadima

October 3 First Day of Chug Mishpacha

Register for Beth El’s YAFE Programs at http://www.bethelberkeley.org/learning/k-7-education/register-now! In order for us to best plan for the coming year, we ask that everyone register by August 1st or pay a $100 late fee. Registration information and forms are available on our website.

We look forward to seeing you in the fall!

BENS CalendarJune, July, August

June 2 Parents’ Café, 9:00 am

June 5 Gan Hadar Shabbat & Siyum Dinner, 5:00pm

June 12 BENS Last Day of School: All School Shabbat Service with Potluck Lunch, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

June 15 – 19 BENS Closed for Teachers’ In-TTService Training

June 22 – July 17 BENS Summer Camp Session I

July 20 – July 24 BENS Closed for Summer Break

July 27 – August 21 BENS Summer Session II

August 24 – August 28 BENS Closed for Teachers’ In-Service Training

August 30 YAFE/BENS Family Picnic Arlington Park in El Cerrito – 11:00 am

YAFE DIRECTOR

IT SEEMS LIKE IT WAS JUST YESTERDAY when I received a call from Rabbi Kahn to see if I was interested in a job as Interim Religious School Director. Back in 2008, I had just moved from Israel with my family, and I was still getting settled in our new life here in California. I had two boys under the age of 4, which seemed like enough of a full-time job for anyone, and I was still working part time. Doubtful that there was much of a chance for this to work, I still agreed to meet with Rabbi Kahn. And once I stepped into the doors at Beth El, I felt I was home.

I quickly fell in love with the people at Beth El, and I knew that Beth El was my community. My youngest son attended BENS, both children spent summers at Kee Tov, and the Shabbaton became a fun-filled weekend that we all looked forward to every year. Work didn’t seem like “work”; rather a place of warmth and community that nurtured me every day.

It is really hard for me to say good-bye. I treasure the past seven years at Beth El, and it was a difficult decision to leave. I have so many memories of celebrations, services and life-cycle events. It is because of each of you, each Beth El member, that my “work” has truly been a pleasure.

While I will be moving to a new job on July 1, please know that I don’t plan on going away. I won’t be at Beth El as often but I do look forward to joining you at services, participating in programs, and of course enjoying the Shabbaton with you.

I want to thank the Beth El staff for your support and partnership over the years. You all make going to work so much fun. And to each and every member, I am grateful for your dedication to this community and to making Beth El what it is today.

It is really hard for me to say good-bye; so I will say “l’hitra’ot” — see you soon.

L’shalom,DebDirector of Youth and Family Education

Reluctantly I Say L’Hitra’otby Debra Sagan Massey

PH OTO BY CH E SHIRE IS A AC S

Chug MishpachaLOOKING FOR A WAY TO SPEND QUALITY TIME AS A FAMILY?Well...look no more! Join Beth El’s innovative family education program, Chug Mishpacha! This program meets regularly on Saturday mornings and engages the whole family in hands-on learning, community building and fun! On Saturday mornings you can hear us raise our voice in song as we begin Shabbat at 10:15 am with a short t’fillah (service), followed by parallel learning. Adults get the opportunity to learn on a weekly basis with either Rabbi Stern or Rabbi Kahn, while children spend time with their age cohort participating in activities that focus on the same topic as the parents. Following our class time, we have snack and continue with family activities, and wrap up with kiddush by 12:30 pm. The Chug Mishpacha group also participates in off-site activities including tikkun-olam projects, camping trips, sukkah building and holiday parties. We are always open to new families and are happy to answer any questions about the program! Please contact the YAFE office for more information.

PH OTO BY D EB R A S AG A N M A SSE Y


YOUTH PROGRAMS

Jolie Gobler, Anna Portnoy, Shira Cohen, Ty Wenrick, and Noah King; kids at Camp

Newman don’t walk — they fly!

BENS

REFLECTING ON THE PAST YEAR, I can’t help but to be proud of what we, teachers, families and children, accomplished. Our theme for this year focused on being “guardians of the earth — shomrei adamah” — sharing ways our children and their parents could be involved in their day-to-day practices as shomer and shomeret adamah.

Throughout the year we organized field trips to Urban Adamah, took nature hikes, and involved our teachers in nature-related workshops. Together we learned how to care for plants, found ways to support our garden while conserving water, and explored the natural world surrounding Beth El. Our families played a huge role in keeping with this year’s theme helping our vision come to life. During the school’s Work Party Day, they were instrumental in transforming our yard with play structures our children enjoy every day.

The month of May was dedicated to our teachers! I pay tribute to all BENS staff for their commitment, efforts, dedication and patience, and for touching each and every child’s mind with their creativity and imagination. Our school would not be what it is without them. I’m grateful and appreciative of their partnership, friendship and talent. I owe my gratitude to all the teachers and thank them for being valuable members of our community. Kol Hakavod Lachem!

We have been working on summer preparations and are looking forward to having most of our families participate in both summer sessions. Our registration for next year continues with the majority of this years’ families returning and many new families enrolling in the 2’s classroom.

During the month of August, BENS staff will be involved in a week-long training with continued focus on how to expand the theme of shomrei adamah incorporating Jewish values as a lens to develop and enhance appropriate day-to-day practices with our children and families.

By the time you receive this newsletter, our school year will have ended and, sadly, we will have said “good-bye” to all our Gan Hadar families moving on to Camp Kee Tov and Kindergarten. We thank Gan Hadar for their three-year partnership at BENS and look forward to their continued involvement at Beth El.

Have a great summer!

L’shalom,MaguyEarly Childhood Education Director

BENS Kids Are Becoming “Shomrei Adamah” – Guardians of the EarthBy Maguy McGuire

YOUTH LOUNGE READY FOR 5776!

The new Youth Lounge is finally here! In April, Sababa members gathered to paint Room 220 to get it ready for the Youth Lounge. We worked hard taping the walls, covering the floor and painting to transform the room into our new space! This room will be used for Ruach, Sababa, and BESTY kids to gather — there will be homework stations, couches to hang out on, and many types of games. We’ll be able to have our board meetings, host events and hang out in a space that is set aside for us!

Now that the lounge is painted, we need to finish furnishing it. If you would like to donate any of these items to help put the finishing touches on our Youth Lounge, we’d appreciate it!

1. Desktop computer: 1–22. Bean bag chairs: 2–43. Foosball table: 14. Pool table: 15. Air hockey table: 16. Coffee table: 17. Magazine/book shelf: 1–28. Magnetic paint & magnets9. Chalkboard paint and colored chalk10. Wall decor stickers — Jewish- and nature-themed: 2–3 packages11. Decks of cards: 3–412. Card games — Set, Anomia, Apples to Apples, etc.13. Other games — Bananagrams, Boggle, Taboo, etc.14. Game consoles — Playstation, Nintendo, etc.

Eyes on You(th)!Article and Photo by Emily Schnitzer

PH OTO BY R ACHA EL LO PE S


BESTY

WHEN I WAS IN 9TH GRADE, all of my friends from URJ Camp Newman began to wear necklaces that were plain silver chains with many colored beads. I wondered why they all had them and why the beads were so random and different from one another. It took no more than a curious glance and quick explanation to learn that these beads meant that my friends had begun their journey in NFTY — the North American Federation for Temple Youth. They all belonged to their synagogue’s teen youth groups and through these groups they attended regional events in our NFTY Central West Region (CWR). I learned that the beads on their necklaces corresponded to events they had attended and, as I touched my own bare neck, I realized that I wanted in.

I went to work with Beth El’s wonderful staff to build our 9th to 12th grade youth group — BESTY (Beth El Synagogue Teen Youth) — from the ground up. I helped to found the youth group and led it for the past three years as BESTY’s president and number one fan. I went to CWR regional events and fell more in love with NFTY with each moment I spent in this sacred community.

The NFTY model includes a board of seven leadership positions elected by the region that exist on the regional level and are mirrored within temple youth groups throughout the region. As I fell more in love with NFTY, I began to realize that what I really wanted to do was make a difference beyond BESTY, a difference that would affect all of NFTY CWR.

While in Israel this semester on a NFTY study abroad in high school program, I ran for the position of Religious and Cultural Vice President (RCVP) on the CWR Regional Board with the hope that I could strengthen our region’s connection to Judaism when it comes to religious ceremony, cultural practice and Israel. To my greatest delight, I won the election and am proud to assume the role of CWR’s RCVP for the 5775–5776 term. Taking on a regional board role is a huge responsibility and one that I am excited to hold. I couldn’t be happier

BESTY at Beth Elby Rudy Brandt

by Ruth Ehrenkrantz AT THE YAFE CELEBRATION OF EDUCATION in May, two new awards were presented to several teen congregants. The Teen Leadership Award recognizes up to three 8th grade teens who have demonstrated strong leadership skills through the Sababa Youth Group or through a self-directed tikkun olam project that contribute to strengthening the Beth El teen community. The award was developed by Rabbis Stern and Kahn and is funded through the rabbis’ discretionary fund.

All three of the recipients of this year’s Teen Leadership Award grew up in Beth El, became b’nei mitzvot here and attended Camp Kee Tov as campers for many years. Anna Portnoy served as our congregation’s Sababa Youth Group President this year. She has also worked as a madricha with 2nd and 3rd graders in Kadima. Jolie Gobler served as the Sababa Youth Group Social Action Vice President this year. She has also worked as a Kadima madricha in the garden and with 2nd grade students. Nathan Magid served as the Sababa Youth

Teens Recognized for Their Leadership at the Celebration of Education

continued on page 20 continued on page 20

Eli Waldman, Daniel Kivel-Goldstein, Liora Ami, Rudy Brandt, Ali Greenland, Jacob Sarasohn, and Kayla Reagan all served on the 2014 - 2015 BESTY Board.


The congregation is cordially invited to attend the service and kiddush following to honor these bar and bat mitzvah candidates:

AUGUST NOE will be called to the Torah as a bar mitzvah on Saturday, June 6 at 10:15 am. August is the son of Alva Noe and Miriam Dym.

MARLEY JANOFF will be called to the Torah as a bat mitzvah on Saturday, June 13 at 10:15 am. Marley is the daughter of Stacey and Erin Janoff.

AARON GILBERT will be called to the Torah as a bar mitzvah on Saturday, June 20 at 10:15 am. Aaron is son of Jim Gilbert and Susan Orbuch.

ZELIE KINOY will be called to the Torah as a bat mitzvah on Saturday, June 27 at 10:15 am. Zelie is daughter of Michael Dotter and Ellen Kinoy.

B’NEI MITZVAH

Shalom, Beth El Community!

I HOPE YOU ARE HAVING AN AMAZING SUMMER. Here at Berkeley Midrasha, we are gearing up for another awesome year...

What is Midrasha?

Berkeley Midrasha is, first and foremost, a community. We provide opportunities in experiential education for local teens to journey deeper into their Judaism. We

challenge minds, cultivate identities, and nourish souls. We encourage transparency, creativity and self-expression. We stand for socialization and social justice. We give our teens the time of their lives.

Berkeley Midrasha meets Sunday mornings at 9:30 am at Beth El. The uniqueness of our program is that we pride ourselves on a commitment to fun, diverse and often rigorous learning experiences, each with its own distinctive lens. Where else can teens study Rabbinic texts, learn to understand tradition through yoga and Jewish foods, or get their advance Hebrew on, all the while building dynamic, impactful relationships with peers and mentors?

What does a day at Midrasha look like?

Core and Breakfast: Teens begin the morning grabbing breakfast on the way to their core class. Through a Jewish perspective, Core provides a focused, content-driven conversation that encourages teens to explore the meaning of life and issues that are not just important, but truly relevant to them. It is through our core class that many lifelong friendships are created.

Hafsakah: Teens gather together to snack, schmooze and chill.

Hakirah or Explorations: Over a seven- to eight-week period, teens elect subject matter that explores their interests in the context of their lives and development. Hakirah subjects will change three times a year.

What is new at Berkeley Midrasha?

We are launching a new 12th Grade Sunday morning program: Ma’avar or “Transitions” — Moving from High School to College.

Three units make up the year — self-care in the Jewish tradition, creating Jewish family, and building a Jewish adult identity. And

If you have an incoming Midrasha senior (12th grade), Ma’avar will be an amazing way for them to be even closer with your

community. It will provide your senior with a context to discuss and explore the issues that will become relevant when they are out on their own.

You are welcome to check out our website for more information on Berkeley Midrasha, or copy and paste the following link into your web browser to pre-register now: http://goo.gl/forms/EZ0XcNtXJ3

I can’t wait to see your teen this fall at Berkeley Midrasha! Wishing you an amazing summer!

L’Shalom,Rabbi Jennifer FlamExecutive Director of Berkeley MidrashaT: [email protected]

MIDRASHA


LIBRARY

Donations to the Aaron Plishner and Rabbi George Vida Funds make it possible to buy new children’s and adult’s books. Here are some recent additions to Beth El’s library:

Rebbe by Joseph Telushkin is subtitled The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History. The Rebbe, who turned his movement, Chabad-Lubavitch, into one of the most dynamic and widespread organizations ever seen in the Jewish world, was the only rabbi to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, and since his death his movement has doubled in size. Ruth Messinger says, “I am now living differently, guided by some of the most pertinent advice in this book: ‘Do whatever you can for others whenever you can do it, and do it immediately.’”

A commonality between the Rebbe and the radical Jewish chicken ranchers of Petaluma is shown in Comrades and Chicken Ranchers: The Story of a California Jewish Community by Kenneth Kann, where the story is told, through interviews of 200 people, of three generations, of a community who also believed in doing what you can for others, and doing it now. This community, though seemingly very

different, can be likened in many respects to Chabad.

Poems by Alter Esselin is an English translation from the Yiddish. The poet, born Oreh Serebrenik in the Ukraine, lived and wrote in Milwaukee, where he made his living as a carpenter. Yiddish critic Melach Ravitch wrote, “Alter Esselin is one of the most authentic Yiddish poets, a person-to-person poet.”

Herzl’s Vision: Theodor Herzl and the Foundation of the Jewish State by Shlomo Avineri, professor of political science at Hebrew University who served as Director-General of Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs under Yitzhak Rabin, is an intellectual biography of the founder of Zionism. The book tells how Herzl fashioned the policies and institutions paving the way for the Jewish State.

There is such a thing as Jewish time! In Time and Process in Ancient Judaism, Sacha Stern, based on his massive study of

calendar and community from the second century BCE to the tenth century CE, demonstrates that the concept of time as an entity or a continuum was entirely absent from ancient Judaism. Reality and change were conceived in terms of events and concrete processes. There was no concept of time at all, unlike all of Greek philosophy, with the notable exception of Aristotle, and unlike our modern concept, which may shackle us.

In The Jews and the Bible, Jean-Christophe Attias, professor of medieval Jewish thought at the Sorbonne, ponders the place of the Bible in Jewish religion and culture, from the Bible’s pre-history to the present. This is a complex story of how Jews in various times and places have defined themselves in relation to the Bible — with the Bible, without the Bible, against the Bible. It is an elusive book; what does Judaism tell us about it?

More New Books to Offer Our Readersby Scott Spear, Library Chair


Ingredients

3 tablespoons minced shallots (2 medium)3 cans skinless and boneless sardines in olive oil (usually 3.7 ounces each), drained2–3 tablespoons chives, minced (1/2 bunch)1/8 teaspoon chili powder3–4 tablespoons butter, softened2–3 tablespoons olive oil1–2 tablespoons lemon juice

Sardine Pâtéby Marjorie Gelb

DON’T RUN AWAY YET. I know very few of us cook with sardines these days, but I promise you this pâté, which is inspired by a recipe from the brilliant David Lebovitz, is divine. Mr. Lebovitz is a chef who lives in Paris, and he creates some of the most delicious, simple recipes I’ve ever come across. I especially adore this recipe because everything in the recipe (except the chives, I suppose) can be kept in your pantry or refrigerator for eons, making this a perfect “oh dear, company’s coming” last-minute find. Serve it for a snack, at picnics, potlucks or just during a quiet evening at home.

Cooking Directions

Pulse shallots in food processor.Add sardines and pulse again.Add the rest of the ingredients and pulse together until smooth or chunky, according to your preference. Taste and adjust the ingredients to your liking.Scrape mixture into a bowl and chill for at least 8 hours. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

This pâté can be made without a food processor: Mash the sardines with a fork. Add other ingredients and mash together until well combined. It will be a little chunky.

This is best served on rye bread or crackers like Kavli, but is also good with baguette.

Preparation time: 15 minutesResting time: 8 hoursServes 8


June

6/6/2015Parashat Beha’alotchaNumbers 8:1-12:16Sara Kupor

6/13/2015Parashat Sh’lach lechaNumbers 13:1-15:41Bruce Carter

6/20/2015Parashat KorachNumbers 16:1-18:32Barry Silverblatt

6/27/2015Parashat ChukatNumbers 19:1-22:1Laurie Swiadon

Torah Study meets on Saturdays at 9:15 am in the Beit Midrash. All are welome! For questions or to sign up as a presenter, contact Caroline Lehman by email at [email protected] or by phone at 510-528-3220.

TORAH STUDY

August

8/1/2015Parashat VaetchananDeut 3:23-7:11Marcia Diaz

8/8/2015Parashat EikevDeut. 7:12-11:25Rabbi Yoel Kahn

8/15/2015Parashat Re’ehDeut. 11:26-16:17Lloyd Morgan

8/22/2015Parashat ShoftimDeut. 16:18-21:9Jonathan Simon

8/29/2015Parashat Ki TeitzeiDeut. 21:10-25:19Jeff Gillman

July

7/4/2015Parashat BalakNumbers 22:2-25:9Caroline Lehman

7/11/2015Parashat PinchasNumbers 25:10-30:1Florence Lewis

7/18/2015Parashat Matot-MaseiNumbers 30:2-36:13Naomi Janowitz

7/25/2015Parashat DevarimDeut. 1:1-3:22Dan Magid

Congregation Beth El’s Chutzpah ListWays to Give

• Laptop, no older than two years• Color laser printer • 2 large potted plants• Drought-resistant succulent plants• 2 area rugs — one for new youth lounge, one for Rabbi Stern’s

office• Tripod for photography and/or vtideo• Conference table• Set of computer speakers for AV presentations

around the building• Cuisinart (second for upstairs kitchen)• A folding machine for large mailings• Video cables: VGA, HDMI, DVI

For BENS:• CD Player• Area Lamps• Cuisinart• Used pots, pans and utensils for outdoor play

For Youth:See page 11 for Eyes on You(th) article by Emily Schnitzer.

DO YOU HAVE UNUSED ITEMS we can put to good use here at Beth El? Consider donating them. The following is our Chutzpah “wish list.” Contact the front office ([email protected]) if you’d like to make a tax-deductible donation of a gently-used (or new) item on the following list.

Thanks to Bruce Saldinger and Lynn Royer for their donation of A/V cables.


What are Reform CA’s goals?• To enact significant and real social and economic change in

California• To connect Reform Jews and congregations meaningfully,

strengthening our communities and our Movement• To build relationships with our brothers and sisters across lines of

race, class and faith

How does Reform CA decide which issue/campaign to take on?• Conversations with Reform Jews in which we ask, “What is the

California you dream of?”• Research with experts in the field to learn the political landscape

and current state of major issues in California• Work with the Reform Movement’s Commission on Social Action

to ensure our action is in accordance with national Reform Movement goals and policy

Then, potential campaigns are measured against these questions: Would this issue impact many Californians’ lives and bring greater equality and justice to our state? Is this issue deeply and broadly felt within our base? Is this issue grounded in Torah and Jewish tradition? Is it winnable? If we, as Reform Jews, were to participate, could we have a meaningful impact? Are there excellent coalition partners with whom to work?

Reform California’s Third Campaign — “B’yachad: In This Together”

Last summer, during the hardest days of the Ferguson demonstrations, an African-American mother, Keesha Beckford, wrote a blog entitled Dear White Moms: “I need to know that you are not merely worried about this most tragic of worst case scenarios befalling my son; I need to know that you are out there changing the ethos that puts it in place. That you see this as something that unites us as mothers, friends and human beings.” And what are we doing to change that ethos? What could we do?

As Reform Jews in California, we have the beginning of an answer. We will work with Reform CA, in partnership with other Reform Jews across the state, to build and strengthen meaningful relationships in our communities across lines of difference. We will partner with members of African-American churches and with our allies of many races and faiths, and will listen especially carefully to the experiences of Jews of color who are members of our own communities. We will work to pass essential legislation to ensure the safety and security of all our citizens. Together with our partners across lines of difference, we will share stories about how experiences of race and racism touch our lives and break our hearts and will commit to amplifying the voices of those who are most directly affected by these issues. As we seek to strengthen our communities, our efforts will reflect our deep respect and appreciation for our brave law enforcement officers who risk their lives and well-being every day to protect California’s residents.

Torah teaches us that we are forbidden to stand idly by the blood of our neighbors. Keesha Beckford ended her essay asking: “I need you, too, because I can’t do this alone.” Let’s stand with her. We hope you’ll join us.

Join the Reform CA email list and join the B’yachad campaign at rac.org/reformca.

Rabbi Rebekah Stern has been involved with Reform CA since it began in August 2012 and has served on its Leadership Team since 2014.

From the RabbisCONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

WE EXTEND OUR WARM CONGRATULATIONS to members of our synagogue community who were recently recognized for a significant personal or professional accomplishment, or who celebrated a major lifecycle event:

Mazel tov to Rebecca and Steven Band on the birth and entry into the covenant of their daughter, Michaela Band, born March 28, 2015.

Mazel tov to Nurit Garner, BENS teacher, on the birth of her grandson, Benjamin (Ben) David Garner, born to Kfir Garner and Jessica Stimson on April 2, 2015.

Mazel tov to Sharon Sanderovitch and Guy Rotberg on the birth of their daughter, Bar Rotberg, born April 25, 2015.

Mazel tov to Deena Aranoff and Adam Berman on the birth of their daughter, Maya Tamar Berman, born May 5, 2015.

MAZEL TOV

Sponsor an OnegYOU CAN CELEBRATE YOUR SIMCHA or remember loved ones with your Beth El community by hosting a Shabbat Oneg on a Friday night or Shabbat morning.

Your sponsorship will be acknowledged in the e-Update and from the bimah. Beth El members will be able to join you in your celebration or honor the memory of your loved ones.

Please go to our website and click on “Ways to Give” and then “Oneg Sponsorship.” Read the description of how to sign up, then follow the link to select your menu choices and make payment. Your donation to Beth El will cover the cost of food, preparation, serving and cleanup, and will help support our programs.

To speak to someone regarding oneg sponsorship, please contact Juliet Gardner in the Beth El office at [email protected].


ADULT EDUCATION FUNDMonty GarretsonHarry and Marilyn Margulius in memory of Allan

GorelickJoan and Steve Ominsky in memory of Rosa Mayeri

and Ariel Levy, and in honor of Beverly and Richard Eigner

Phyllis Zisman in honor of Harry Margulius

ALLAN AND TYBIL SMITH KAHN FUNDBonnie Cooperstein in memory of Max CoopersteinMarilyn and Harry Margulius in memory of Irving

Brendze and Rose Brendze Goloboy

BAR LEV LANDSCAPE FUNDSusan Amdur in memory of Hilda AmdurJanine Baer in memory of Irving BaerNancy Turak and Marc Davis in memory of Henny

Weil

B’NEI MITZVAH TZEDAKAH FUNDYael Bloom and Howie RosenJanet Byron in honor of Jonah MeierRonnie and Stuart CohenChristopher and Molly GalesNeil Gray and Helise Cohn Andrew Ingall and Neal Hoffman in honor of Max

SklarNancy and Scott KaneSharon and Michael KingEllen KinoyMarc KorchinJeffrey Laurence and Johnette JauronChristine Meuris and Andrew LovePaul Steckel and Mo MorrisDouglas and Lori Perlstadt The Reckler/Moore Family Jena Resner and Jon Loran Joshua and Ruth SimonMax Sklar Robin, Ed, Ty and Trey Wenrick BUILDING FUNDOdette Blachman in memory of Bob GoldsteinRose and Jack Gansky in memory of Louis Gansky,

Shia Gansky, and Zenda BrownfainEllie Goldstein-Erickson in memory of Bob

GoldsteinMary Jacobs in memory of Bob Goldstein

CAMP KEE TOV SCHOLARSHIP FUNDDiane and Ed Bernbaum in memory of Ariel LevyJean Henderson in memory of Marilyn Hecht and

Sylvia GrossBarbara and Michael Liepman in honor of Allie

Liepman

DAVID COTTON MEMORIAL CAMP NEWMAN FUND Edythe Heda in memory of Ariel Levy and Rex

Bernstein, and in honor of Jerry Weintraub

GENERAL FUNDBetsy Ami Diane and Ed Bernbaum in honor of Norm FrankelFlorence Borkon in memory of Oscar BorkonSharon Caplow ToddMichael Charlson and Susan Austin

Bonnie Cooperstein, in memory of Bob Goldstein, in honor of Miriam Rabinovitz and in memory of Allan Gorelick

Jack and Rose GanskySteven Joseph and Corey Hansen-Joseph in

memory of Sylvia Apple and Ariel Levy and in celebration of Pesach

Melvin and Dorothy LembergerNathan Magid in honor of the restoration of the

Holocaust scrollAnna Mantell and Bob Goldstein, z”l in honor of

Jerry Weintraub and in memory of Ariel LevyJulie Matlof Kennedy in memory of Morris MatlofMiriam Rabinovitz in memory of Nancy Feiner and

Ariel LevyThomas and Betty Seaton in honor of Bob

GoldsteinRabbi Stuart and Victoria Kelman in memory of

Ariel LevyBruce and Margaret Winkelman in memory of Ruby

WinkelmanVadjiheh Yadegar in memory of Nosrat Yadegar and

Ashraf KashfiPhyllis Zisman in memory of Ariel Levy and in honor

of Jerry Weintraub

HOMELESS MEAL PROGRAMAdele Amodeo in honor of Jerry Weintraub and in

memory of Ariel Levy and Aron RosenzweigJudith Bell and James GreenbergStephen R Blum and Lorraine Midanik in memory

of Ariel LevyBruce and Susan Carter in honor of Bob GoldsteinMervin CherrinSheila and Michael Cooper in memory of Bob

GoldsteinBonnie Cooperstein in memory of Ariel Levy and

Allan Gorelick, in honor of Rabbi Kahn and Miriam Rabinovitz

Clarke and Maria Daniels Marcia Diaz Marcia and Jim Emery in memory of Bob GoldsteinBarbara Fierer and Robert Brandfon in memory of

Jacob BrandfonJames and Judith Freeman in honor of Bob

Goldstein and Anna MantellMargie Gelb and Mark AaronsonLinda GersonSandy and Vivian Golden in memory of Bob

GoldsteinRichard and Elizabeth Gonzales in memory of

Ariel LevyNeil Gozan and Gale Antokal in memory of Phoebe

GozanMark Gross in memory of Lore Gross and Henry

GrossEvelyn Herrera and Adam EignerEstie and Mark Hudes in memory of Malka Glick

Shtern, Avraham Glick and Gideon GlickNaomi Janowitz and Andrew LazarusSteven Joseph and Corey Hansen-Joseph in

memory of Sylvia Apple, Ariel Levy, and Bob Goldstein and in celebration of Pesach

Steve Kurzman and Kim NiesSteve and Caroline Lehman in memory of Ilse MarxPeggy and Michael Lipson in celebration of PesachAnna Mantell and Bob Goldstein, z”l in honor of

Jerry Weintraub and in memory of Ariel LevyMarilyn and Harry Margulius in memory of Ariel

Levy, Sylvia Apple, Irving Brendze and Rose Brendze Goloboy

Sondra Napell in memory of Herb NapellElisha and Ilana NovakMiriam Rabinovitz in memory of Nancy Feiner and

Ariel LevyStephen and Wilma Rader David Rothenberg and Lorraine SandovalJoe and Elisabeth Schlessinger in honor of Bob

GoldsteinThomas and Betty Seaton in memory of Ariel Levy

and Bob GoldsteinRuth and Scott Spear in memory of Herman Davis,

Eddie Hudes, Ariel Levy, Allan Gorelick, and Max Cooperstein; in honor of Cathy Stevens and Jerry Weintraub, and in honor of the B’not Mitzvah of Katherine Haynes Sanstad, Susan Zarchy, Jennifer Robinson and Susan Sugarman

Michael and Simma Stein Judith and David Tabb in memory of Bob GoldsteinAmy and David TickRevan and Elsa Tranter in memory of Ariel LevyNancy Turak and Marc Davis in memory of Jean

Davis, and Abe and Sylvia AppleLaura and Jason Turbow Mike Turbow Robert and Linda Walker in honor of Jerry

WeintraubJerry Weintraub in appreciation of the Men’s Club

HonorsBenjamin Wolfe Vadjiheh Yadegar in memory of Nosrat Yadegar and

Ashraf KashfiBeth Zeitman in memory of Nancy FeinerPhyllis Zisman in memory of Ariel Levy and Bob

Goldstein and in honor of Jerry WeintraubNeil and Jane Levy in memory of Ariel Levy

MARIAN MAGID MEMORIAL FUNDEdythe Heda in memory of Ariel Levy and Rex

Bernstein, and in honor of Jerry WeintraubJean Henderson in memory of Marilyn Hecht and

Sylvia GrossStacey and Edward Holly Barbara Morgan in memory of Ruben Zelwer

MEN’S CLUB FUND Leyna Bernstein in memory of Ariel LevyHoward and Alice Gruber in honor of Jerry

Weintraub

MITZVAH CORPS Mary Jacobs in memory of Sylvia AppleSpencer Klein and Ruth Ehrenkrantz in memory

of Ellie KleinBarbara and Michael Liepman in memory of Eva

CohnJoan and Steve Ominsky in memory of Rosa Mayeri

and Ariel Levy, and in honor of Beverly and Richard Eigner

MUSIC FUND Judy Chess in memory of Barbara ChessAnna Fogelman in memory of Ilan Gabriel

BiedermanDaniel Newman and Belinda Lyons-Newman in

memory of Roslyn Marion LyonsRenee Passy-Zale in memory of Feride Passy

NURSERY SCHOOL FUNDSteven and Barbara Segal in memory of Ariel LevyMary Jacobs in honor of Norm Frankel

ONEG/KIDDUSH FUND Kimberly Beeson and Rebecca Abravanel in

memory of Phil GradolphBonnie CoopersteinSusan and Bill Zarchy in memory of Ronnie and

Bud Slanhoff

PLAQUE FUND Rabbi Ferenc and Paula Raj in memory of Rabbi

Tamas Raj and Benjamin WolkJudith and Gabor Somorjai in memory of Marietta

Somorjai Rhodes

PRAYER BOOK FUND Rose and Jack Gansky in honor of Jerry WeintraubSylvia Goldeen in memory of Millicent ShapiroLinda and James Phipps

RABBI VIDA LIBRARY FUNDRuth and Scott Spear in memory of Herman Davis,

Eddie Hudes, Ariel Levy, Allan Gorelick, and Max Cooperstein; in honor of Cathy Stevens and Jerry Weintraub, and in honor of the B’not Mitzvah of Katherine Haynes Sanstad, Susan Zarchy, Jennifer Robinson and Susan Sugarman

Nancy Turak and Marc Davis in memory of Ariel Levy

RABBIS’ DISCRETIONARY FUNDMichael and Susan Austin in memory of Gay AustinStephen R Blum and Lorraine Midanik in memory

of Ariel LevyBonnie Cooperstein in memory of Ariel Levy and in

honor of Rabbi KahnMarcia and James Emery in memory of Ariel LevyEdythe Heda in celebration of Pesach, in memory

of Ariel Levy and Rex Bernstein, and in honor of Jerry Weintraub

Jerry Iserson in memory of Sylvia AppleAnn Manheimer and Arthur Swislocki in memory of

Adam SwislockiLloyd Morgan in memory of Alice MorganMarv Pearlstein in honor of Gwen PearlsteinMarcel and Margrit Schurman in honor of Adrianna

Schurman and in memory of Raphael KafkaJohn Scott and Ann Gonski in memory of Linda

GonskiNancy Turak and Marc Davis in memory of Zev Kahn

YOUTH AND FAMILY EDUCATION FUND Jeremy Alberga in honor of Debra Sagan MasseyDiane and Ed Bernbaum in honor of Debra Sagan

MasseyRobert Gilden and Marlene Getz in honor of Debra

Sagan MasseyMary Jacobs in honor of Debra Sagan MasseyBarbara and Michael Liepman in honor of Debra

Sagan MasseyJonathan Packman and Elizabeth Kaplan in memory

of Julius PackmanAbigail and Craig Rudnick in honor of Debra Sagan

MasseyRobin and Ed Wenrickin honor of Debra Sagan

Massey

TZEDAKAH

Congregation Beth El’s L’Dor Vador Legacy CircleWe gratefully acknowledge the members of Congregation Beth El’s newly formed L’Dor Vador Legacy Circle. These members have made a planned gift

for the Congregation.

Daniel & Nancy AltmanMax* and Odette BlachmanMartin and Jill DoddRichard and Beverly EignerArthur and Carol GoldmanDavid* and Dorothy* Golner Barry and Erica Goode John Hartog

*Of blessed memory

Rabbi Yoel Kahn and Dan BellmPatrick Kennedy and Julie Matlof KennedySpencer Klein and Ruth Ehrenkrantz Jeff and Debbie LeonThe Magid FamilyJim Offel and Nancy LewinJeffrey M. Seideman and Elisabeth Meyer WechslerPaul and Susan Sugarman

If you have provided for the Congregation with a bequest in your estate plan but

have not yet informed us, please let us know by contacting Ruth Ehrenkrantz.

We welcome the opportunity to thank and acknowledge you.


Mark Aaronson & Marjorie Gelb*Harry and Lee AbramsAbravanel-Beeson Family*Daniel & Nancy AltmanBetsy AmiAdele AmodeoSusan AmdurEthan Andelman & Laura MytelsJoyce AppelbaumJudith Appel & Alison BernsteinMadison ArentDeirdre ArimaMichael & Susan AustinShoshana Berger & Anthony SaxeRachel Berkowitz & Jose VillagranaOdette BlachmanJoel & Rochelle BlumenfeldRichard & Liz BordowAngela Botelho & Barry SilverblattHenry Brady & Patricia Kates*Elizabeth & Steven BranoffJeffrey & Susan BrandPamela & James BrandmanBarbara BrennerSteven & Ann BrickJanet ByronMona Cain*Bruce & Susan CarterSusan Austin & Michael Charlson*Jonathan Cherin & Catherine Pfister CherinKaren CilmanFelicia Cole & Dean AmundsonBonnie CoopersteinAlfred & Anita CottonMichael & Pamela CraneClarke & Maria DanielsMarc Derewetzky & Jennifer Kawar*Mark DinaburgMartin & Jill Dodd*Keith & Dana DubinskyRuth DunhamLynn Eden & Ruth SchoenbachRuth Ehrenkrantz & Spencer KleinLeah EmdyRobert Epstein & Amy Roth*Ellie Goldstein-EricksonMichael & Merle Fajans*Jonathan Feinstein & Meera SharnoffLisa Feldman

David Fields & Anita Roger FieldsDaniel FishmanAnna & Michael FogelmanSusan Frankel & Moshe MalerMatthew & Lisa Friedman*Andy & Lauren GanesRose & Jack GanskyNurit & David GarnerMolly Gerstein-Gales & Christopher GalesAleksandra GertsvolfMarlene Getz & Robert GildenJim Gilbert & Susan OrbuchJodi & Gordon GladstoneEllen Goldstein & Jack HollemanJosh & Barbara GoldsteinNorm & Gina GoldSharon Goldfarb & Brad GlasserMarcia Golner-Tilford & Michael TilfordAnn Gonski & John ScottJohn Gordon & Janis Mitchell*Avrum GratchLeatrice GutmannLaura HarnishJohn Hartog & Margaret Hand*Anthony Hecht & Michelle WolfsonJean HendersonDavid Hoffman & Joan Sarnat*Stanley HoffmanMark & Estie Hudes*David Huebner & Sandy BacskaiPhyllis IsaacsonJerry Iserson & Nancy SilvermanPaul & Sali Johnson*Steve Joseph & Corey Hansen-JosephRabbi Yoel Kahn and Dan Bellm Peter Kane & Barbara Gordon*Seth Kaufman & Tatiana RoegiersPatrick Kennedy & Julie Matlof Kennedy*Ilan & Marlene KeretLeroy KesslerMike KlaymanJuliet LeeJessica LehmanLeo & Rebecca LevensonNeil & Jane LevyRoss Libenson & Susie MarcusMargeaux Lieberman & Daniel WeinbergMichael & Barbara LiepmanMichael & Peggy Lipson*

Brian & Wendy Lukas*Thomas Lurquin*Desmid LyonAlbert Magid*Daniel & Robinn Magid*Alexandre Makler & Anna BrockHarry & Marilyn MarguliusWilliam & Emily Marthinsen*Rosa Mayeri z’’lCharles Meier & Sharon FriedmanDavid & Donna L. MendelsohnEugene & Robin MillsteinMark Mogill & Maribel Paterno-MogillLloyd MorganCalvin & Alisa MorrillMo Morris & Paul SteckelDr. Sondra NapellAllen & Pamela NudelJulie & Ted ObbardDavid & Gail Offen-Brown*Jim Offel & Nancy Lewin-OffelAmy Oppenheimer & Jennifer KrebsBrian Parker & Leyna Bernstein*Marv Pearlstein*Lori & Douglas PerlstadtJulie & Eddie PledgerHarry Pollack & Joanne Backman*Daniel PortnoyMiriam RabinovitzJennifer RaderWilma & Stephen RaderFerenc & Paula RajLeslie Reckler & Cameron Moore*Amy Resner & William LeeJena Resner & Jon LoranSteven & Katherine Resnik*Dorothy RiceMichael RichardsMayer & Linda RiffRon & Trang RobinsonBonnie RodittiAnne & Fred RosenthalMartin & P.J. Rosenthal*Rony & Gideon RossElana Roston David Rothenberg & Lorraine SandovalSylvia RubinAbigail & Craig Rudnick*Bruce Saldinger & Lynne Royer*

Suzanne & Bob SamuelsJames & Judith SandersAlan SanstadKatherine Haynes SanstadDavid SchatskyJane ScherrStanley & Miriam Schiffman*Richard SchindlerMarcel & Margrit Schurman*Steven & Barbara Segal*Steven Shatz & Nina Rivkind Stacey ShulmanSheila & Rachel SiemonsBarry SilvermanThalia & Laurence SilvermanJonathan Simon & Christina Spaulding*Joshua & Ruth SimonSteven & Shelley Simrin*Edward Sklar & Jennifer LevinJeff SloanRahel Smith & Caroline BoydenAmy & Steven SolomonJonathan Spalter & Carissa GouxScott & Ruth SpearAlan & Paula StatmanDavid & Jane Stern*Rabbi Rebekah Stern & Sean HolcombeJulie Stone-EvansWilliam & Marilyn SugarPaul & Susan Sugarman*Sara SunsteinLaurie SwiadonArthur Swislocki & Ann Manheimer*Steve Tabak & Blair Kilpatrick-TabakAmy & David TickElna TsaoLassie UlmanBuddy & Jodi Warner*Aryeh Weinstein & Erica MichelsteinGerald WeintraubVadjiheh YadegarDan Zeiger & Josefina ColomaBill & Susan ZarchyMs. Beth ZeitmanJoel & Karen ZeldinAlexander & Izabella ZheleznyakPhyllis Zisman*

Annual AppealWe gratefully acknowledge all of our donors to Beth El’s Annual Appeal. Donations to the Annual Appeal help support our wonderful synagogue programming, community activities and diverse membership. Donations listed below were received between July 1, 2014and May 1, 2015.

Frances AlexanderDaniel & Nancy AltmanAdele AmodeoEthan Andelman & Laura MytelsRichard & Christine AptakerMichael & Susan AustinShoshana Berger & Anthony SaxeStuart & Judy BermanRalph & Gail BernsteinOdette BlachmanStephen Blum & Lorraine MidanikJames Blume & Kathryn FrankHenry Brady & Patricia KatesBarbara BrennerJanet ByronMona CainBruce & Susan CarterJonathan Cherin & Catherine Pfister CherinMax, z”l & Bonnie CoopersteinElliot Cravitz & Miriam SchultzMarc Davis & Nancy TurakMarc Derewetzky & Jennifer KawarMartin & Jill DoddScott & Julie DrummondRuth Ehrenkrantz & Spencer KleinMichael Eichberg & Maya Ponte

Michael & Merle FajansWilliam Falik & Diana CohenLisa FeldmanDaniel & Lynne FingermanAlison Fisher & Matt OshryAndy & Lauren GanesJack & Rose GanskyJim Gilbert & Susan OrbuchSandy & Vivian GoldenArthur & Carol GoldmanRobert Goldstein, z”l & Anna MantellDavid & Dorothy Golner z”lBarry & Erica GoodeHoward & Alice GruberValerie Gutwirth & Elio GizziDiane Halberg & Joshua LangenthalJohn Hartog & Margaret HandJean HendersonDavid Hoffman & Joan SarnatDonald & Ronna HonigmanJerry Iserson & Nancy SilvermanPaul Johnson & Sali Gold-JohnsonRabbi Yoel Kahn & Dan BellmLaurence KaplanSeth Kaufman & Tatiana RoegiersPatrick Kennedy & Julie Matlof Kennedy

Andy Kivel & Susan GoldsteinJeff & Debbie LeonLeo & Rebecca LevensonKeri LevyMichael & Peggy LipsonBrian & Wendy LukasThomas LurquinAlbert MagidDaniel & Robinn MagidLeigh MarymorEugene & Robin MillsteinAdam & Lauran MizockMark Mogill & Maribel Paterno-MogillMo Morris & Paul SteckelJoanna Moss & Robert SondereggerAllen & Pamela NudelLisa Ochs & Lea SalemJim Offel & Nancy LewinAmy Oppenheimer & Jennifer KrebsRenee Passy-ZaleMarv PearlsteinTodd & Diane PerlmanLori & Douglas PerlstadtAndy Pollack & Debbie JordanHarry Pollack & Joanne BackmanLeslie Reckler & Cameron Moore

Amy Resner & William LeeJena Resner & Jon LoranSteven & Katherine ResnikBonnie RodittiBruce Saldinger & Lynne RoyerKatherine SanstadWilliam SchechnerStanley & Miriam SchiffmanDebra Schoenberg & Karen FiererSusan & Richard SeeleyJeffrey Seideman & Elisabeth WechslerRobert & Elizabeth SharfJeff SloanScott & Ruth SpearAlan & Paula StatmanPaul & Susan SugarmanLaurie SwiadonDavid & Debbie TaylorEdward Vine & Ellen Singer-VineBuddy & Jodi WarnerGerald WeintraubRobin & Edward WenrickJohn & Niloufar YadegarVadjiheh YadegarBeth ZeitmanPhyllis Zisman

Ma TovuWe gratefully acknowledge our members who have supported and contributed to the Ma Tovu Capital Campaign:

Daniel & Nancy AltmanMax* and Odette BlachmanMartin and Jill DoddRichard and Beverly EignerArthur and Carol GoldmanDavid* and Dorothy* Golner Barry and Erica Goode John Hartog

*Of blessed memory

Rabbi Yoel Kahn and Dan BellmPatrick Kennedy and Julie Matlof KennedySpencer Klein and Ruth Ehrenkrantz Jeff and Debbie LeonThe Magid FamilyJim Offel and Nancy LewinJeffrey M. Seideman and Elisabeth Meyer WechslerPaul and Susan Sugarman

*MAIMONIDES SOCIETY MEMBER


Tzedakah Newsby Ruth Ehrenkrantz, VP of Development

Robinn Magid, Recipient of the Marian Magid Award for Community Service

At the Annual Meeting on May 3, Robinn Magid received the Marian Magid Award for Community Service. Robinn is the guardian and caretaker for all our ritual objects, including the recent restoration of our Holocaust Torah scrolls. She has served Congregation Beth El in many capacities over the years including: as a member and Chair of the Ritual Committee, as volunteer interim Executive Director, as the unofficial historian and archivist for our congregation, and as coleader of the Gift Shop and Chanukah Bazaar for more years than anyone can count. This year Robinn began serving on the Board as a Trustee. Kol haKavod, Robinn. Thank you for your service to our community! Annual Campaign Goal Met

Thank you to the many donors who have contributed to the Annual Campaign. This year 193 families gave to the campaign, including 80 new donors and 40-plus families who increased their gifts over previous years. At this writing, $114,000 has been donated. This money is used for scholarships, programming and activities, and enables us to welcome anyone who wants to join our community. Thank you to John Hartog and Maggie Hand, and Robinn and Daniel Magid, who provided the matching pool that encouraged our members to give so generously. When we all give what we can, our community has what it needs. All gifts are very much appreciated.

not only to represent BESTY, but also to show my love for NFTY and spread it as far and wide as possible. It is my belief that every teen deserves something like NFTY where teens both lead and follow. To say that this can be found through a Jewish program brings me such joy.

BESTY is completely peer-led. We like to say that it is led by teens for teens and that’s why our teens love it. It is associated with NFTY, the Union for Reform Judaism’s international organization for teens that is made up of regions all over North America. BESTY belongs to NFTY’s Central West Region that includes URJ Camp Newman.

NFTY’s leadership style is based on a democratically-elected board with positions that each have a unique job leading the community and planning and facilitating events. The board positions on NFTY’s national board are mirrored in both the regional board and each temple youth group — including BESTY. Throughout the year there are synagogue-based, regional, national and international opportunities available to our teens through BESTY and NFTY. Be sure to like BESTY on Facebook to stay in the know about our upcoming events!

As I prepare to come home from my semester in Israel and assume my role on the regional board, I know that I am leaving BESTY in the capable hands of the brilliant teen leaders of our Beth El community. Throughout this next year, I cannot wait to see all that our youth group, and our region, are capable of accomplishing.

BEST Y, CONTIN UED FROM PAGE 12

TEEN AWA R DS, CONTIN UED FROM PAGE 12

Group Programming Vice President. He participates in Midrasha and attended the NFTY Gesher Kallah (summer retreat).

The Austin Distinguished Teen Service Award recognizes 11th and 12th grade students who have strengthened the Beth El community through their efforts in the arts, education, social action or other personal initiatives. This award was developed and funded by Susan and Mike Austin.

Kayla Reagan and Alyssa Alishoev are this year’s recipients of the Austin Distinguished Teen Service Award. Kayla served as the BESTY Fundraising and Merchandise Vice President this year and participated in the NFTY Convention in Atlanta. She has attended Midrasha for several years.

Alyssa has worked in Kadima for the past two years co-teaching Kindergarten and 1st grade students. Before that she worked as a madricha in the office. Alyssa has been a Camp Kee Tov staff member for the past four years. Thank you all for your service to our community and yasher koach (continuing strength).

PH OTO BY SH O E Y S IN D EL


CALENDAR

JUNE 2015 · SIVAN–TAMMUZ 5775

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 29:00 am BENS Parent Café7:00 pm Ritual Committee Meeting

3 47:00 pm Israel Committee7:00 pm Program Council

55:00 pm Talmud Study5:00 pm BENS Gan Hadar Dinner & Siyyum6:15 pm Shabbat Evening Service

6 8:30 am Early Minyan 9:15 am Torah Study10:15 am Shabbat Service: August Noe Bar Mitzvah12:15 pm Jewish Stories Proust Reading Group

7 8

2:00 pm Library Committee

9

7:30 pm Executive Committee Meeting

10 11 12:00 pm Lunch & Learn 7:00 pm Life Stories (offsite)

12 BENS Last Day 12:00 pm BENS: All-School Shabbat Service & Potluck5:00 pm Talmud Study6:15 pm Shabbat Evening Service

13 8:30 am Early Minyan 9:15 am Torah Study10:15 am Shabbat Service: Marley Janoff Bat Mitzvah

14

15 2:00 pm Library Committee 2:30 pm Life Stories

16 17 18 8:00 pm Rosh Chodesh Group

19 5:00 pm Talmud Study 6:15 pm Yismechu Shabbat Evening Service

20 8:30 am Early Minyan9:15 am Torah Study10:15 am Shabbat Service: Aaron Gilbert Bar Mitzvah

21 12:00 pm Camp Kee Tov Orientation2:00 pm Homeless Meal Medical Clinic 5:00 pm Homeless Meal

22 9:00 am BENS & Camp Kee Tov Session I Begins 2:00 pm Library Committee

23 7:00 pm Board of Directors

24 25 7:00 pm Life Stories (offsite)

26

5:00 pm Talmud Study5:30 pm Chardonnay Shabbat Oneg6:15 pm Shabbat Pride Evening Service

27 8:30 am Early Minyan 9:15 am Torah Study10:15 am Shabbat Service: Zelie Kinoy Bat Mitzvah

28 29 2:00 pm Library Committee

30

Free Tutoring: Hebrew and Torah Reading Sara Kupor, a lifelong Jewish educator, has graciously offered to provide individual tutoring to Beth El members in Hebrew and synagogue skills at no cost. If you would like help working on your Hebrew or siddur (prayer book) reading skills or in leyning (chanting) from the Torah, please contact Sara at [email protected]. We are deeply grateful to Sara for her generosity.


CALENDAR

JULY 2015 · TAMMUZ–AV 5775


1 2 3Camp Kee Tov, BENS and Office Closed5:00 pm Talmud Study6:15 pm Shabbat Evening Service

48:30 am Early Minyan9:15 am Torah Study10:15 am Shabbat Service

5 62:00 pm Library Committee2:30 pm Life Stories


105:00 pm Talmud Study6:15 pm Shabbat Evening Service

118:30 am Early Minyan 9:15 am Torah Study 10:15 Shabbat Service

12 132:00 pm Library Committee

14 157:30 pm Mapilim Show

168:00 pm Rosh Chodesh Group

175:00 pm Talmud Study5:00 pm Camp Kee Tov Family Night (Roberts Park)6:15 pm Shabbat Evening Service

188:30 am Early Minyan 9:15 am Torah Study 10:15 am Shabbat Service

192:00 pm Homeless Meal Medical Clinic5:00 pm Homeless Meal

20Camp Kee Tov & BENS Closed for the Week2:00 pm Library Committee2:30 pm Life Stories


245:00 pm Talmud Study5:30 pm Chardonnay Shabbat Oneg6:15 pm ¡Bienvenido a Casa!, Rabbi Zellman: Yismechu Shabbat Evening Service

258:30 am Early Minyan9:15 am Torah Study 10:15 am Shabbat Service

26Tish’a B’Av 3:00 pm Camp Kee Tov Orientation

27BENS & Camp Kee Tov Session II Begins 2:00 pm Library Committee

28 29 30 315:00 pm Talmud Study 6:15 pm Camp Kee Tov Shabbat


CALENDAR

AUGUST 2015 · AV-ELUL 5775


18:30 am Early Minyan9:15 am Torah Study10:15 am Shabbat Service

2 32:00 pm Library Committee2:30 pm Life Stories

47:00 pm Ritual Committee Meeting

5 6 75:00 pm Talmud Study 6:15 pm Shabbat Evening Service


9 102:00 pm Library Committee


145:00 pm Talmud Study 6:15 pm Shabbat Evening Service


162:00 pm Homeless Meal Medical Clinic 5:00 pm Homeless Meal

172:00 pm Library Committee2:30 pm Life Stories

18 197:30 pm Mapilim Show

208:00 pm Rosh Chodesh Group

21BENS & Camp Kee Tov Session Ends5:00 pm Camp Kee Tov Family Night (Roberts Park)5:00 pm Talmud Study 6:15 pm Yismechu Shabbat Evening Service


23 24BENS CLOSED 2:00 pm Library Committee

257:00 pm Board of Directors

26 277:00 pm Life Stories (offsite)

285:00 pm Talmud Study5:30 pm Chardonnay Shabbat Oneg6:15 pm Shabbat Evening Service


3011:00 am YAFE & BENS Picnic (offsite)

312:00 pm Library Committee

111:00 am BENS New Family Orientation

27:00 pm BENS All School Orientation

3BENS First Day of School

4 5

SEPTEMBER


CONGREGATION BETH EL1301 Oxford StreetBerkeley, CA 94709–1424

Nonprofit OrgUS Postage

PaidBerkeley CAPermit #207

In June everyone’s daily routine changes: school ends for the summer; day camp and vacation plans are scheduled. Are you traveling to visit folks out of town or do you know an upcoming graduate? The Gift Shop can suggest easy-to-pack presents to surprise host families or friends.

Are wedding invitations sitting on your desk? We have dozens of useful and attractive gift ideas for you in a range of prices to fit your budget. How about little mementoes for your proud graduate or favorite teacher, bridal shower, new baby? We can cover any occasion.

Besides an abundance of Judaica such as mezzuzot, candlesticks, kiddush cups, tzedakah boxes, havdallah sets, challah trays and covers, menorahs and hamsas in many styles, we also carry home and personal items beyond Judaica. Perfect presents include: trays, trivets, serving flatware, night lights, scarves, handbags, baby gifts and games... much of it made in Israel.

Shopping at Beth El is easy and convenient. We are open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm weekdays except on holidays. If there is no volunteer available to serve you, our friendly office staff is well-trained and graciously fills in.

If you need a special time, we are glad to set an appointment for you. Just call Odette (510-526-4917) or Robinn (510-524-2297) and we will be glad to do it. Cash, check or credit cards are welcome and all profits benefit our congregation. Thanks for your patronage, and we hope you have a great summer!

Odette Blachman and Robinn [email protected]

Inside this issue

Reform CA: From the Rabbispage 2

Parting Words from YAFE Director, Debra Sagan Masseypage 10

NEW: Tzedakah Newspage 20

PH OTO BY M IM I A B R A HA M

FROM THE GIFT SHOP

Documents

June-July-August 2015