people of the book: jewish reads for summer days & nights...the blessing of a b minus: using...

Your Jewish Neighborhood in Lafayette, CA

People of the Book: Jewish Reads for Summer Days & Nights “Make books your companions; let your book-shelves be your gardens; bask in their beauty, gather their fruit, pluck their roses, take their spices and myrrh.” – Samuel ben Judah Ibn Tibbon (1150 – 1230)

It is early May as I write this; last night the sun set at 8:12 p.m. As the days lengthen, as the light lingers and – hope-fully – the pace of life slows a tad, the books we have been waiting to read practically beg us to open them and dive in. Here are some Jewish books to consider for your summer reading. Some I have read and some were recom-mended to me. The “blurbs” after the titles are not compre-hensive, just teasers to get your attention. May your garden of reading blossom this summer with meaning, pleasure, escape and expanded horizons.

The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer (Fiction): Paris, 1937. Andras Levi, a Hungarian-Jewish architecture student, arrives from Budapest with a scholarship, a single suitcase, and a mysterious letter he has promised to deliver. He becomes privy to a secret history that will alter the course of his own life. His elder brother takes up medical studies in Modena and their younger brother leaves school for the stage as Europe’s unfolding tragedy sends each of their lives into terrifying uncertainty.

The Finkler Question by Howard Jacobson (Fiction):Winner of the 2011 Man Booker Prize] Julian Treslove is a melancholy, lackluster London liberal. After Treslove is mugged one night, he believes, with increasing certainty, that his attacker called him a Jew. Though his best friends are Jewish, Treslove is not. Or at least he’s fairly certain he isn’t. But as a result of the incident, he becomes increas-ingly obsessed with the question of Jewishness.

Walking Israel: A Personal Search for the Soul of a Nation, by Martin Fletcher (Non-Fiction)Acclaimed for his fearless broadcast journalism, Fletcher here focuses not on the political hotspots but rather on the peaceful western coastline, a surprisingly complex region where fascinating human stories unfold outside of the media limelight. Peopled by a colorful array of charac-

ters, these stories define the cultural landscape the author traverses in journeying by foot from Lebanon to Gaza.

The Blessing of a B Minus: Using Jewish Teachings to Raise Resilient Teenagers, by Wendy Mogel (Non-Fiction):Social-clinical psychologist Mogel concentrates on the hidden blessings of raising teenagers in this follow-up her earlier work, The Blessing of a Skinned Knee. Intermingling wisdom and guide-lines from Judaism and adolescent psychology, Mogel compares the teen years to the journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. As kids wander in the “desert” of adolescence, she advises par-ents to offer counsel and guidance, demonstrate empathy without entanglement, and resist the urge to intervene or rescue.

Rabbi Judy Shanks

Mitzvah Day volunteers clean gravestone markers at Oakmont Cemetery.

June / July 2011Iyar / Sivan / Tammuz 5771

Rabbi Judy Shanks

for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org2 Temple Isaiah Ruach,June/July 2011

TEMPLE ISAIAH3800 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, CA 94549

Temple Isaiah’s mission is to embody, enhance, and perpetuate our Jewish tradition by providing a welcoming spiritual home where the membership gath-ers to worship God, study Torah, engage in acts of Tikun Olam, participate in Jewish rituals and life cycle events, and experience the joy of being a part of a caring community.

President Lisa Hirsch

Executive Vice President Robert Goldberg

Vice President Sharon Fischel

Vice President David Douglas

Secretary Susan Rideout

Treasurer Steve Ellis

Parliamentarian Paul Menaker Phone Ext

Rabbi Roberto Graetz 314

Rabbi Judy Shanks 314

Asst. Rabbi Alissa Forrest 314

Rabbi Emeritus Shelly Waldenberg 314

Cantor Leigh Korn 314

Executive Director Michael Liepman 310

Education Director Rabbi Nicki Greninger 318

Gan Ilan Director Liz Kaufman 320

Youth Director Ira Rosenberg 313

Adult Programs Mary Anne Winig 301

Librarian Val Morehouse 322

Clergy Secretary Nina Jones 314

Education Asst. Nathan Bellet 311

Communications Dir. Deb Phillips 323

Hebrew Tutor Karen Gourdin 324

Office Staff Erika Linden 300

Tonna Lusareta-Stevens 315

Office (925) 283-8575

Fax (925) 283-8355

Religious School (925) 284-9191

Gan Ilan Preschool (925) 284-8453

Gift Shop (925) 284-4933

Website www.temple-isaiah.org

Ruach Vol. 59 No.11 June/July 2011

Ruach is published monthly except in July by Temple Isaiah. Ruach is breath, wind, or spirit. It also means soul. May it be a breeze of fresh Jewish spirit arriving at your home.

Editor Julie Candau [email protected]

Photographer Michael Fox

Copy Editors Ellen Baer, Miriam Cairns,Jeanie Conneran, Hadele Groman,

Julie Magilen, Val Morehouse, Carol Olmert

Friday, July 1

6:30pm Shabbat Service followed by Sha-Bar-B-Q

Saturday, July 2

8:45am Torah Study 10:30am Shabbat Morning Service,

Samuel Gershik and Julia Kaufmann, B’nai Mitzvah

Num. 19:1-22:1, Chukkat

Friday, July 8

8:00pm Shabbat Service, followed by Oneg

Saturday, July 9

9:15am Torah Study 10:30am Shabbat Morning Service

followed by Vegetarian Potluck

Num. 22:2-25:9, Balak

Friday, July 15

6:00pm Happy Half Hour Oneg6:30pm 3rd Shabbat Service with

Mizmor Band

Saturday, July 16

8:45am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Morning Service,

Tara Goldberg, Bat Mitzvah

Num. 25:10-30:1, Pinchas

Friday, July 22


Saturday, July 23

9:15am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Morning Service


Num. 30:2-32-32:42, Mattot

Friday, July 29


Saturday, July 30

8:45am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Morning Service,

Kevin Hoffinger and Rebecca Gluck, B’nai Mitzvah

Num. 33:1-36:13, Masei

JuLy - SHAbbATWorSHIP SErvIcES

Temple and CCJDS Sign Historic Library AgreementGot a book brainstorm at 3 a.m., and want to know if Isaiah has the title? Stay tuned: it’s a new day—a joint, searchable online library catalog of holdings on the Isaiah campus is coming soon to your home comput-er. Temple Isaiah and the Contra Costa Day Jewish Day School have signed a historic agreement to share library resources and an upgraded library auto-mation system for the benefit of their constituents. The new shared library database will nearly double the number of searchable titles, with enriched K-8 and Judaica collections visible via a shared library catalog. Also included are book circulation, plus other backroom library functions which support those services. According to Temple Librarian Val Morehouse, the system’s joint library catalog will be available 24/7 to Temple staff, congregants and Day School users alike via the internet.

Considerable preparation is necessary to bring the new system to full function. As a former automation librarian who helped develop the original Central Dakota Library Network (CDLN), a joint online library system for a university, two public libraries, and 23 school libraries, Val will reprise that role as Automation Librarian for the Isaiah-CCJDS project, working with software specialists and technical personnel, Temple and CCJDS administration, teach-ers and volunteers to bring the system along. After the initial hardware and software install, the Temple will load its existing library database into the system to make it available for everyone, and to serve as a model for development of the CCJDS Library data-base. As the Day School acquires computer records for its library materials, each record will be added into the shared system, making it searchable in the online catalog via multiple access points such as author, title, subject, keyword and more.

Val Morehouse, Librarian

Welcome New MembersJoined April 12 to May 5, 2011

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NEWS AND INFORMATION

Temple Isaiah Ruach,June/July 2011 3www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information

Ivy Blum Memorial FundEstablished by her loving family and friends in memory of Ivy Blum, Past President of our Temple Sisterhood (Women of Isaiah), this fund has for many years given sustenance, relief, and hope to many members of our community. The monies from the fund provide financial assistance to women who are the primary caretakers of minor children who are unable to provide for themselves or their children due to economic or health conditions. The fund is administered confidentially by the rabbis of the congregation. Ivy Blum’s memory is a blessing to her family and friends and through her name the emergency needs of women and chil-dren in in our community are met with dignity and love.

Seeking High Holy Day ChantersWe are looking for individuals who are interested in chanting a Torah or Haftarah portion at High Holy Day services this year. It’s never too early to start practicing, so please call the temple or e-mail Cantor Korn ([email protected]) to volunteer. Cantor Korn will provide all of the materials you need to be prepared for the holidays. In the spirit of increasing our ever-growing community of Torah and Haftarah chanters, priority will be given to those who have not chanted on the holidays before.

All Alumni from Camp Swig, Saratoga, and Newman Come back to camp, and bring your family

Enjoy a Magical Shabbat at Camp Celebrating the Legacy of Debbie Friedman - July 22 and 23, 2011

Debbie Friedman was a “camp kid” and greatly influenced by her years at camp. She was a song-leader at Camp Swig in 1975, 1976, and 1977 where she wrote some of her most memorable songs.

Our celebration will honor her transformation of Jewish music and the future of Jewish musicians that she helped to create and nurture.

Get all the event details online:www.newman.urjcamps.org/alumni/reunions/alumcit

We are asking all visitors to make a minimum contribution of $20 per adult. At the time of registration you will be directed to our donor webpage. (Under 18 is free - must be accompanied by an adult)

***Online Registration is Required ***

Questions? Call or email Dena Morris Kaufman at [email protected] (602) 740-3362 until June 3 After June 3, (707) 571-7657

Shelter Inc. 25th Anniversary Celebration at IsaiahFor 25 years, SHELTER, Inc. has successfully prevented and ended homelessness for thousands of Contra Costa families, over 170,000 men, women and children. To celebrate this milestone, SHELTER, Inc. is host-ing a 25th anniversary celebration dinner at Temple Isaiah on Saturday, October 15. The evening will include speaker Reverend Cecil Williams from Glide Memorial in San Francisco, as well as highlights of SHELTER, Inc.’s 25 years of serving Contra Costa County. For more information, contact Elaine at [email protected] or at (925) 957-7566. Special thanks to Temple Isaiah and its members who have supported SHELTER, Inc. significantly over the years. SHELTER, Inc.—Inspiring Change. Rebuilding Lives. Ending Homelessness.

Yizkor ElohimApril 22, 2011

Herman Silverman, founding Temple member, father of Mark and Daniel Silverman.

April 25, 2011Marc Frantz, brother of Jerry Frantz, brother-in-law of Greta Frantz, uncle of Megan and Jonathan. In Philadelphia.

May 4, 2011Aylon Engler, son-in-law of Lynn Wolff, husband of Barbara Wolff, father of Maya, Jacob and Evan

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Volunteers of the Year RecognizedAt Temple Isaiah we are blessed with a strong and vibrant Jewish community. However, the strength of our com-munity depends on each of us. We appreciate the many volunteers who make Temple Isaiah the community it is. At our Volunteer Recognition Shabbat in May, we honored a few special volunteers.

Michael Fox – for his contributions as our unofficial photographer, always ready, camera in hand, to photo-graph events at Temple. Almost every photograph on our website, email, and printed publicity has been taken by Michael Fox. We are often complimented on our website and online communications, which would not be as beau-tiful without his photos.

Marilyn Morris and Phil Ross – who have worked for Temple Isaiah behind the scenes. As attorneys, both are always willing to review a contract and provide legal counsel as necessary. We are fortunate to have their exper-tise.

Dick Lemyre – for his work as the Building and Grounds Chair; that committee oversees all of the main-tenance and construction required for the entire facility. Dick has been invaluable to the Temple with his organi-zational skills, compassion, common sense, and ability to find a solution no matter how difficult the problem.

COMMUNITY


Mazal TovTo Carol Olmert and Alan Burckin on the birth of two granddaughters: Marina Jane Burckin, born to Amy Wasserman and Todd Burckin, on April 13, 2011 and Evangeline “Evie” Dee Burckin, born to Jon and Dami Burckin on April 25, 2011.

To Sandy and Dave Anderson, on the birth of grandson, Evan Dominick Anderson, to Peter and Christina Anderson, on April 29, 2011.

To Mary Anne Winig, on the birth of grandson, Oren Samuel Winig, to Adam and Veronica Winig, on May 7, 2011.

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April 1 – Thomas & Jill Tarkoff in honor of Benjamin’s bar mitz-vah, Jill & Alan Jacobson and Mark & Jessica Langman April 8 – Robert & Lee Berg in honor of Elise’s bat mitzvah, Terry & Judy Matzkin, and Mark & Robin Polokoff. April 15 – Leif and Michelle Jacobson in honor of the b’nai mitzvah of Alexandra and Andrew, Rabbi Roberto and Evelyn Graetz in honor of their granddaughter, Miriam Shoshana, Jane & Nicholas Hyde, Mark & Wendy Feldman, Michael Brady & Carol Levin, and Temple Isaiah Board Members: David & Sue Adler-Bressler, Mike Brent, Amy Faltz, Lisa & Pierre Hirsch, Peter Bluford, Susan Rideout, Amy Skepner and Jill Douglas. April 22 – Nicholas & Jane Hyde, Ken & Nora Fishbach, Richard & Alice Lasky and Richard & Marsha Molling. April 29 – Russell and Debra Kirschenbaum in honor of Zoe’s bat mitzvah, and Reid & Phyllis Edwards.

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Oneg SponsorsThank you to our Oneg sponsors for March 2011

Camp KefliTemple Isaiah’s K-8th Grade Summer Camp

Session 1 August 8 - 12

Session 2 August 15 - 19

For two weeks in late August, each morning is filled with the dynamic spirit of Temple Isaiah’s Camp Kefli. At Kefli, the day begins with excitement and anticipation. The Camp Kefli staff leads a wide range of programs that are appropriate to each age group from Kindergarten through 8th grade, filling our two one-week sessions with fun.

Register at www.temple-isaiah.org/kefliRegister by July 1st to avoid the late fee!

It wouldn’t be summer at Temple Isaiah without...

Sha-Bar-B-QFridays, June 3, July 1, August 5, and September 2, 6:30 p.m.

Join us for services in the Amphitheater, followed by a barbecue dinner.

Please bring a non-dairy salad or side dish to share and $5 per person (pay at the door, exact change please) for a burger, hot dog or veggie burger. RSVP by the Thursday before Sha-Bar-B-Q.

If you have not yet had the chance don’t miss the opportunity to participate in a Kesher Isaiah Community Conversation during dinner at the June 3rd Sha-Bar-B-Q! Make new connections and share your challenges, interests and hopes for the future.

Visit www.temple-isaiah.org/shabbq to RSVP.

Annual Membership CommitmentNow is the time to make your Membership Commitment for the 2011–2012 fiscal year. Your voluntary commitment remains the primary source of revenue for our synagogue. Visit www.temple-isaiah.org/ com-mitment to fill out our online membership commitment form. For addi-tional information please contact Michael Liepman, at (925) 283-8575, extension 310 or [email protected].

Join us for our Meet and Greet dinner Friday, June 17, after the 6:30 p.m. Shabbat service. Our speaker, Booker Holton, a consultant engineer on water usage and delivery around the world, will bring us the latest news and developments on water in the Middle East. As a scarce resource that will need to be shared by various populations in the area, water is an important political issue as well. Booker will give us a better understanding of this sensitive topic. Dinner is $20 per person. RSVPs are due the Temple Isaiah office no later than Wednesday, June 15 or via the Temple website, under Adults/Meet and Greet.

Meet and Greet: Middle East Resources

www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information Temple Isaiah Ruach,June/July 2011 5

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279am Gan Ilan Summer

Program Week 2 Begins9:30am WOI Mah Jong

7pm Sacred Chant/Healing Circle

26

258:45am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Service

(Bar Mitzvah: Jesse Grabow)

24

8pm Shabbat Service followed by Oneg

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298:30am WOI Wednesday

Hike

7pm Anshei Isaiah ClixPix

30

21

7:30pm Board Meeting


Program Week 1 Begins

7pm WOI Knitting & Handiwork

19


(B’nai Mitzvah: Jonathan Stine & Eli Kirmayer)

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6pm Happy 1/2 Hour Oneg

6:30pm 3rd Shabbat Service with Mizmor Band followed by Meet and Greet

161514

7:30pm Committee Night

1310:30am Women’s Torah

Study

5:30pm Cancer Support Group

12

4pm East Bay Jewish Choral Festival


(B’not Mitzvah: Carolyn Brager & Madeleine Lennett)

6pm WOI Bridge Party

10


910:30am Jewish Book

Group

8Shavuot – Office Closed

7pm Choir Rehearsal

76:30pm Executive

Committee Meeting7pm Cheesecake

Reception7:30pm Shavuot Study

Session with Clergy8:45pm Erev Shavuot

Service with Torah Reading & Yizkor

6

7pm WOI Board Mtg.

5


(Bat Mitzvah: Rebecca Maron)

3

6:30pm Shabbat Service followed by Sha-B-B-Q & Kesher Isaiah Community Conversations

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7pm Choir Rehearsal

SaturdayFridayThursdayWednesdayTuesdayMondaySunday

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

June 2011 Iyar — Sivan 5771

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Mother and daughters at the Women’s dessert seder.




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239:15amTorah Study10:30am Shabbat Service


22


29


308:45am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Sercice

(B’nai Mitzvah: Kevin Hoffinger & Rebecca Gluck)

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7pm Adult Ed: Tefillah Tour with Rabbi Greninger

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7pm Adult Ed: Jews Thinking Jewish with Rabbi Graetz



17

168:45am Torah Study10:30 am Shabbat

Service (Bat Mitzvah: Tara Goldberg)

15

6pm Happy 1/2 Hour6:30pm 3rd Shabbat

Service

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7pm WOI Knitting & Handiwork

10

99:15amTorah Study10:30am Shabbat Service


8


76




4Office Closed

3

28:45am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat

Service (B’nai Mitzvah: Samuel Gershik & Julia Kaufmann)

1

6:30pm Shabbat Service followed by Sha-BBQ

SaturdayFridayThursdayWednesdayTuesdayMondaySunday

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

July 2010 Sivan — Tammuz 5771


COMMUNITY – WOMEN OF ISAIAH

Women of Isaiah: Stronger TogetherThe last months have been exciting for Barbara and me as co-presidents of the Women of Isaiah. We have had the wonderful opportunity to meet and get to know you. We have never known so many generous, caring souls as the women who comprise the Women of Isaiah.

We’ve had a busy year of diverse programming, starting with our annual Kick-off dinner. Kudos go to the awesome team of Melinna Gershik and Karen Goldberg for chairing this event. Thanks to Karen Maas for visits to museums, theaters, gardens, and movies throughout the year. All who hiked on Wednesdays with Cheryl Kohlreiter thank her for her beautiful monthly hikes. Our walking tour maven, Sherry Rowen, arranged personal and unique tours in S.F. Chinatown and No. Berkeley Gourmet Ghetto. Lynn Epstein, Rabbi Shanks, Rabbi Greninger, Susan Epstein and the amazing Sederettes organized a beautiful seder to celebrate the season of Passover this spring.

The magic of Margie Kaplan, who organized the handiwork group, offered our talented members a place to work and share their skills. Thank you to Lynn Gitomer for instituting Women’s Torah which has led to increased study and lively feminist discus-sions every month. Thank you to Diana McKieve for starting at Temple Isaiah the award winning P’tach Libeynu program, which supports individuals and families with mental health difficulties.

Once again we express our gratitude to Ellen

Montague and Karen Marriner for creating monthly Rosh Chodesh events and the popular annual women’s retreat. Sports Day was held this year at the beautiful Blackhawk Country Club. Donna Green and Diana Makieve, chaired the event with the help of Cheryl Kohleriter-hiking, Sherry Rowen-walking, Evelyn Graetz-biking, Sue Clearfield-golf, Julie Bell-tennis, and Lynn Epstein-raffle. An active morning and delicious lunch were enjoyed by all.

Thanks are also due to our non-programming vol-unteers. We want to recognize Judy Lipson and Judy Carney for their work on building our membership. Thanks to Michele Holtz for Sister-to-Sister, which keeps us updated on all WOI weekly activities, to Jeanette gross for her monthly e-News, and to Linda Waldroup for distributing all our information. To our amazing Gift Shop staff, managed by Nancy Crevin and her many helpers, among them Kim Drucker, Lauri Granoff, Nancy Hortsman, Lin Teichman and Robin Bateman – we appreciate all your hard work. The board joins us in thanking Ellen Bernstein Ellis, Lynn Epstein, and Greta Frantz for their direction for allocating financial grants. A special thank you and hugs to Jan Tresniewski for being our Angel.

Thanks to all the women who have dedicated their time, energy and creativity during the past year; because of you, we thrive. Stronger together.

Barbara Kaplan and Gloria Schiller, WOI

Co-Presidents

Barbara KaplanWomen of Isaiah Co-President

Gloria Schiller, Women of Isaiah Co-President

Rosh Chodesh: Havdallah and Stand-up ComedyTo close our year of Rosh Chodesh pro-gramming, join us for a fun and laughter-filled evening, Monday, June 4, at 7 p.m. at the Walnut Creek home of Karen Marriner. We’ll have dinner and watch Joan Rivers and Rita Rudner on the big screen.

We really need an RSVP for this event so let Karen Marriner ([email protected]) or Ellen Montague ([email protected]) know if you’re planning on attending. We’ll be asking each woman to bring something to share for dinner. Karen’s address is 2140 Carrol Road, Walnut Creek. Phone: 925-988-0605. Bring a friend!

Reciting blessings at the Women’s dessert seder.

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8 Temple Isaiah Ruach,June/July 2011 for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org

YOUTH AND EDUCATION

Youth Director: Ira RosenbergTemple Isaiah’s Teen and Youth community is excited to welcome Ira Rosenberg as our new Youth Director. He will run our youth groups, co-directing Camp Kefli, coordinat-ing the 7th grade program, teaching at Noar Night, and more. He will start in his position on June 1, 2011.

Ira grew up in the Philadelphia area and graduated from Temple University. Since a young age he was a camper and then staff member at URJ’s Camp Harlem. He has taught religious school for many years and is currently an advisor for youth groups at a Reform synagogue in Philadelphia. Ira is also pursuing a Masters in Elementary and Special Education. Through all these experiences he has developed a love for formal and informal Jewish education and is excited to bring his knowledge to our programs.

Though Ira has never had Panda Express and is a Philadelphia sports fan (both will soon change), the teens were instantly drawn to his warmth, humor, creativity, and interest in working with them to create meaningful Jewish experiences. The search committee was energized by his excitement to dive in and bring new ideas to our teen and youth programming. We are excited to welcome Ira to Temple Isaiah!

Welcome to New Temple Isaiah Staff

Ira RosenbergYouth Director

Early Childhood Education Director: Liz KaufmanThe Early Childhood Education Director Search Committee is delighted to announce that Liz Kaufman has been hired as Temple Isaiah’s new Director of Early Childhood Education. She will commence her full time duties as Director starting on June 16, 2011.

Born and raised in San Mateo, Liz gradu-ated from UC Davis with a BS in Human Development, with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. Since then, she has worked extensively with children as an edu-cator, youth group, day camp, and religious school director in Israel, West Pittsburg, Iowa City, Fresno, and most recently in Berkeley.

Liz brings with her a wealth of education and experience in the early childhood field, as well as a love for Jewish learning and teaching. The search committee was par-ticularly impressed with her ability to make the Jewish holidays come alive in the classroom. We look forward to welcoming her into the Gan Ilan family!

Liz KaufmanEarly ChildhoodEducation Director

Ganeinu: Parenting my Jewish BabySix Week Summer Session Begins June 24thTemple Isaiah is proud to offer a joint Friday morning facilitated parenting group for parents and caregivers (we love grandparents at Ganeinu), and their infants (0-18 months) and toddlers (18-30 months).Play, sing, and celebrate Shabbat and holidays with your child and others.The toddler group meets from 9:15 to 10:45 a.m., and the infant group joins in from 9:45-10:45. Great care is taken to make sure everyone at every age can participate in a safe and comfortable manner.Visit www.temple-isaiah.org/ganeinu or contact Ganeinu Facilitator, Josie Levi at [email protected] or (925) 284-8453.

Pre-registration is required.

Kennedy BloomAdam BragerHannah BrezackGarrett CandauDana ConleyJordan DongJoe DresserScott DresserRisa Dunbar

Confirmation Class of 5771Noah ElderAri FeldmanJack GinsburgSophie GrossmanThea HannerJake HirschDanielle JacobsonAaron KirschenbaumMikaela Maron

Chessa MehlmanLaura PrilutskyEmily RogersAndy TrippSam TunickJared WidenbaumAmelia ZackLauren Zoger

Mitzvah Day volunteer makesgreeting cards for Children’s Hospital.


YOUTH AND EDUCATION

Free Summer Adult Education CoursesJumpstart your Jewish learning in the summer with Rabbi Graetz and Rabbi Greninger!

Tefillah Tour with Rabbi GreningerWednesdays, July 6, 13, 20, 7-8:30 pm

“Help! I don’t know anything about Jewish prayer services!” Have you ever come to tefillah (Jewish prayer services) at Temple Isaiah and felt totally lost? Have you ever wanted to know why we pray, why we pray in Hebrew, why we recite certain prayers, or what the prayers mean? This three-week class will begin to address some of these ques-tions and more, helping you feel more comfortable with tefillah at Temple Isaiah.

Jews Thinking Jewish with Rabbi GraetzWednesdays, July 27, August 3, 10, 7-8:30 pm

In a world of reason, what we believe and what we know should have an impact on how we live our daily lives. Come and learn how incor-porating Jewish teachings—from early rabbinic strategies for survival to the latest ecological responsa—can positively influence our lives.

To sign up for these (free) classes, contact Nathan Bellet at 925-284-9191 or [email protected]. Questions? Email [email protected].

7th Grade Fund GranteesThe Temple Isaiah Seventh Grade Fund, a youth foundation comprised of the seventh grade students at Temple Isaiah Religious School, is thrilled to announce its 2010–2011 grant recipients. Altogether, the Seventh Grade Fund made grants totaling $20,000 this year to four organizations, whose work is related to special needs:

Center for Early Intervention on Deafness – A $5,000 grant will go towards scholarships for individual speech and listening training, and school tuition for low income children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Jaffa Institute – A $5,000 grant will help to cover the costs of the Bet Metsuba After-School Program for children with learn-ing difficulties and behavioral disorders in Tel Aviv. JF Kapnek Trust – A $5,000 grant will cover the costs of class-room renovations, the creation of a playground and garden, and operating costs (including food, teacher training, and health check ups) for a new preschool in Zimbabwe. Shared Adventures – A $5,000 grant will cover the costs of several of the organization’s flagship events, including Day at the Beach, an annual event to create an opportunity for people with physical disabilities to participate in ocean sports.

Graduation Class of 5771Congratulations to the following seniors that have actively stayed involved at Temple Isaiah either as students at Noar Night, Avodah Teaching Assistants in the Religious School, Camp Kefli Counselors and/or LAFTY leaders. As a class they have shared many wonderful experiences and as individuals they have given so much through their involve-ment in these programs.

Gan Ilan Preschool Summer CampFor Children Ages 2-5 Years

Six one-week sessionsJune 20 - July 29, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Flexible scheduling!

Over the course of our six-week summer camp, your child is sure to tap into their natural sense of wonder and curiosity in our safe, nurturing environment. Whether your child is new to our school or a veteran we are confident they will have a FANTASTIC time! Our youngest and newest participants will become familiar with Gan Ilan so that their transition in the fall will be a smooth one.

Questions? Contact us at (925) 284-8453.

Temple Isaiah’s Preschool Serving families throughout the East Bay

Preschool classes for 2s, 3s, and 4sEarly care and after care available

Partial week and 5 day options Play-based, emergent curriculum

Enrolling now!Building your child’s first Jewish community

Contact us at (925) 284-8453

GAN ILAN

Ariel CohenJosh DownesAbi HorstmanAdam JakubowitzRachel Kaufman

Thomas LevyBianca MaronRebecca PearlMatthew Rosenthal

Olivia SelwitzRuthie ShapiroTessa WhitleyGabrielle Zoger

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Hot Topics Over TeaAfter services on July 29, the rabbis will lead a discussion on a topic that is “hot” in the Jewish world. Since this Ruach issue’s deadline long pre-dates July 29, the topic will be released in an email that week! Stay tuned...and come ready to listen and contribute.


YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE -- SPECIAL GIFTS

Ivy Blum Memorial FundIn honor of:Rabbi Roberto and Evenlyn Graetz on the birth of

their first grandchild, Miriam, from Anthony and Lucy Di Bianca

In memory of:Irving Lending, from Gaye and Roger Alperin

For the yahrzeit of:Dianne D. Hallert, from The Steven D. Hallert

Family

Jacob M. Tarkoff Gan Ilan FundFor the yahrzeit of:Irving Israel, from Jay and Ellen Israel

Prayer Book FundA donation from:Margie and Martin Diamond For the yahrzeit of:Alex Gilbert, from Joe and Robin BaumanIrving Gross, from Steve and Jeanette GrossBessie Govnik Heller, from Charles and Linda

Carson, Barbara, David and LauraGretl Neuwald, from George and Bonnie Kennedy

Project Hearth for the HomelessIn memory of:Ben Harmatz, from Daniel Weiner and Lynn

GitomerSue Kahan, from Daniel Weiner and Lynn GitomerJack Landman, from Daniel Weiner & Lynn GitomerMinnie Naham, from Daniel Weiner & Lynn Gitomer

For the yahrzeit of:Betty Gitomer, from Daniel Weiner & Lynn Gitomer Irving Shevin, from Daniel Weiner & Lynn GitomerDavid Wolff, from Marilyn Wolff Goodman

Rabbi Forrest’s Discretionary FundIn memory of:Esther Indictor, from Adam and Rachelle Portner

For the yahrzeit of:Marvin Tover, from Betsy Bigelow and family

Rabbi Graetz’ Discretionary FundDonations from:David & Tina De Stephen, Mark & Marilyn Morris, The Pulmonary Disease and Emphysema FundIn appreciation of:Rabbi Graetz, from David Shaw

In honor of: Elise Berg’s bat mitzvah, from Lee & Robert BergCarol Olmert & Alan Burckin on the birth of theirgranddaughters, from Milford & Linda Waldroup

In memory of:Benjamin Harmatz, from Ellen and Matt KirmayerNancy Rogers, from Milford and Linda WaldroupHarry Silver, from Ivor and Beryl SilverMimi Wachholder, from David ZuckermanBertha Zuckerman, from David ZuckermanGeorge Zuckerman, from David Zuckerman

Angel Network FundFor the yahrzeit of:Aaron Caplan, from Rebekah CaplanJack Goldenhar, from Zida LevyAlbert Lepawsky, from Anthony and Lucy Di BiancaMarvin Tover, from Betsy Bigelow and family

Cantor’s Music FundIn honor of:Ben Tarkoff’s bar mitzvah, from Mitchell & Karen

Tarkoff

For the yahrzeit of:Gertrude S. Eder, from Herbert and Margaret EderCarol Forscher Schiller, from Robert SchillerJack Solomon, from Dave and Alix Solomon

Cantor Ted Cotler Library FundIn honor of:Elise Berg’s bat mitzvah, from Lee & Robert BergHelene Weber’s special birthday, from Roberta

Weber, Susan & Margo Weber and their familes

For the yahrzeit of:Rose Mendelson, from Malcolm and Linda

MendelsonRichard Silver, from Cindy Silver

Daniel Baron Feed the Hungry FundFor the yahrzeit of:Daniel Baron, from Marvin and Bobbi BaronMarvin Tover, from Betsy Bigelow and familyHarry York, from Trudi Gardner and Roberta YorkMartha Gevurtz York, from Trudi Gardner and

Roberta York

Endowment FundFor the yahrzeit of:Mimi Epstein, from Tonna Lusareta-Stevens

General FundA donation from:Steve Ellis and Ellen Bernstein-EllisIn honor of:Ethan Foster Javinsky and Jenna Sophia Javinsky,

from Ike and Betty Brandel

In memory of:Lillian Ringler, from Ruth Lesser Louis Ringler, from Ruth Lesser

For the yahrzeit of:Esther Abrams, from Hyron and Bette SpinradMichael Balaban, from Mildred HauerRose Gelfand, from Alfred and Anne HymanSamuel Glickman, from Norman and Miriam

GlickmanAnat Rave, from Nadav and Ziva RaveDoron Rave, from Nadav and Ziva Rave Belle Barsky Rubenstein, from Mark Rubenstein

and Yvonne LaLanneAnna Venn, from Steven and Sarah Blumenfeld

For the yahrzeit of:Morris Glaser, from Ernest and Eleanor GlaserBuela Goldfein, from Harvey and Phyllis CeaserWilliam B. Keller, from Ernest and Eleanor GlaserLilly Murad, from Shalom and Shoshana EliahuTamar Sherman, from Yehuda & Catherine ShermanHelen Weil, from Norman and Nancy Price

Rabbi Shanks’ Discretionary FundIn appreciation of:A great book group, from Linda and Milford

Waldroup

In honor of:in appreciation of Rabbi Shanks, at Tyler’s Bris

from Matthew and Rachel Leonard

In memory of:Marc Frantz, from Roy and Barbara KaplanSue Kahan, from Mark and Jane RabinovitzDavid Wolff, from Robert and Jari Goldstone

For the yahrzeit of:Joan-Harvey Bentson, from Stephen & Johanna CohenHelen Castle, from Leonard and Irene OsiasStewart Feinberg, from Fran FeinbergBud Glikbarg, from Jeanie and Michael Conneran Edith Glikbarg, from Jeanie and Michael Conneran Henry Goldman, from Steve and Gayle GoldmanJudah Goldschmidt, from Linda &Milford WaldroupLily Goldschmidt, from Linda and Milford WaldroupBertha Marks, from Ivor and Beryl Silver Ellie Marks, from Ivor and Beryl SilverJanet Resnick, from Sheryl and Jim Goldberger Leon Resnick, from Sheryl and Jim GoldbergerTamar Sherman, from Yehuda & Catherine ShermanEdwin Stern, from Arlene and Jerry KaplanLouis Tuchman, from Andrew and Linda Schneit

Religious School & Youth FundFor the yahrzeit of:Bernard Goodman, from Herbert and Elaine

LedermanMary Tober, from Mitchell and Thea Sorscher

Stanley R. Harris Memorial Lecture FundIn appreciation of:Rebecca Harris, from Bev Gross

In memory of:Etta Wolf, from Harry Wolf

For the yahrzeit of:Otto Sonnenschein, from Dan and Linda Friedman

Waldenberg-Zwerling Youth FundIn honor of:Arthur Scharlach on his birthday, from Andy and

Ilene Scharlach

Winter Nights Project FundA donation from: Steven and Deb Slotsky

Women of Isaiah FundIn memory of:Marc Frantz, from Carl and Marilyn Hirsch

Special Gifts April 1-30, 2010


PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

SINAI MEMORIAL CHAPEL CHEVRA KADISHA (FD #1523) 3415 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Lafayette, 94549 GAN SHALOM CEMETERY 1100 Bear Creek Rd. Briones, 94553 Jay Lewis (FDR#3301) Managing Funeral Director (925) 962-3636 www .s ina i chape l .o rg

Any time of day or night you can browse the web pages for your Judacia gift shopping options.

Support us with every purchase at womenofisaiah.judaica-beautiful.com

Need help with your Bar/Bat Mitzvah invitations?

Call Robin Bateman 924-0445 or Lauri Granoff 376-2029

WOI Online Gift Shop is open 24/7 ...

...even though our shop in the Temple House is open by appointment only

June, July & AugustCall Nancy Crevin 254-2234 or

Kim Drucker 284-1404 for appointment.


Friday, June 3

6:30pm Shabbat Service followed by Sha-Bar-B-Q & Kesher Isaiah Community Conversations

Saturday, June 4

8:45am Torah Study 10:30am Shabbat Morning ServiceRebecca Maron, Bat Mitzvah

Num. 4:21-7:89, Naso

Friday, June 10


Saturday, June 11

8:45am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Morning ServiceCarolyn Brager and Madeleine Lennett, B’not Mitzvah

Num. 8:1-12:16, Behalotecha

Friday, June 17

6:00pm Happy Half Hour Oneg6:30pm 3rd Shabbat Service

with Mizmor Band, followed by Meet and Greet with Dinner and Speaker

Saturday, June 18

8:45am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Morning ServiceJonathan Stine and Eli Kirmayer, B’nai Mitzvah

Num. 13:1-15:41, Shelach

Friday, June 24


Saturday, June 25

8:45am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Morning ServiceJesse Joseph Grabow, Bar Mitzvah

Num. 16:1-18:32, Korach

JunE - SHAbbATWorSHIP SErvIcES

Timely informaTion enCloSeD: PleaSe Deliver by JUne 1

Non-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE

PaiDLafayette, CA

94549 Permit No. 30

Address Service Requested

3800 Mt. Diablo BoulevardLafayette, CA 94549(925) 283-8575

East Bay Jewish Choral FestivalSunday, June 12, 4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary

Reception to FollowPlease join the choirs of Temple Isaiah, Congregation B’nai Shalom, and Congregation B’nai Tikvah for a concert of Jewish choral music.

Each choir will present selections and there will be a presentation of music by the combined choirs under the direction of Cantor Korn, Cantor Marc Dinkin, and Cantor Jennie Chabon.

Erev Shavuot Study Session and Service

Tuesday, June 7

Come celebrate the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai! Join us for an Erev Shavuot reception, study session and service. The reception will take place in the Sanctuary foyer, with the study session in the Oneg Room, and the service following in the sanctuary.

7:00 - 7:30 p.m. Cheesecake Reception

7:30 - 8:45 p.m. Study Session with our Clergy

8:45 p.m. Erev Shavuot Service with Torah Reading of the Ten Commandments and Yizkor

See page 2 for July Worship Service

Schedule

people of the book: jewish reads for summer days & nights...the blessing of a b minus: using...

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