that is familiar to many Jews as “thanks.” Here’s where it gets fun. The Hebrew word for turkey is ALSO hodu. (It may also interest you to know that hodu is also the Hebrew name for India!) So, in my wordsmithing joy, I love to proclaim that we eat hodu on Hodu!

Now of course, there is far deeper meaning in Judaism to giving thanks. The idea of giving thanks is a corner-stone of our worship and our daily life. We are taught that the first blessing we say every day, even before our feet hit the floor, is “Modeh ani…” thank-ing God for restoring our soul to us after a night of sleep and declaring our trust in the Almighty. For Jews who pray the traditional three times a day, they pray the Modim prayer each of those times, a prayer of thanksgiving, acknowledging with gratitude that the Eternal is our God and offering thanks for the miracles we experience every day “evening, morning and noon.” My favorite Jewish teaching about gratitude is found in the Talmud where we find that the rabbis teach that we should say 100 blessings of gratitude every day…every day! This teaching comes from some clever wordplay itself. They quote from Deuteronomy 10:12: “And now, O Israel, what does the Eternal your God demand of you?” The Hebrew word for “what” – mah – is similar phonetically to the word me’ah, meaning one hundred. So the rabbis said the verse could be interpreted as: “And now, O Israel, one hundred does the Eternal your God demand of you!”

I can’t remember so much excitement surrounding the Jewish calendar.

For the first time ever, Thanksgiving will coincide with Chanukah. The last time that Chanukah was this early was 1861 and seeing how Abraham Lincoln didn’t establish Thanksgiving until 1863, this is a first for American Jewry. There seems to be such excite-ment among Jews I’ve spoken to about having latkes at their Thanksgiving table. Bringing a little Judaism to Turkey Day seems to add an extra-special dimension to this American holiday. And yet, Thanksgiving has always felt rather Jewish to me.

Like a Passover seder, Thanksgiving is traditionally a time of friends and family convening around tables overflowing with favorite cuisine: in November it’s turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce; in the spring it’s brisket, matzah balls, and gefilte fish. We remember on Passover the Jew’s journey from Egypt to Israel, and Thanksgiving was first observed by Pilgrims and Puritans who had immigrated to Plymouth in present-day Massachusetts, a “Promised Land” of sorts.

There is also a fascinating etymological connection in Hebrew with Thanksgiving that I always found to be fun. You find in the book of Psalms that a common biblical Hebrew term for Thanksgiving is hodu. It comes from the same root as the word todah, a word

December 2011Kislev / Tevet 5772

November 2013Cheshvan / Kesliv 5774

Cantor Leigh Korn

(Continued on page 2)

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Pass the Gravy, Spin the Dreidel, and Sing Shehecheyanu!

We experi-ence great joy and satisfac-tion when we are able to express thanks and gratitude. Studies show that grateful people are happier, less depressed, less stressed, and more satis-fied with their lives and with interpersonal relationships.

Cary Nasatir leads the Mighty Kleztones klezmer band at our Simchat Torah celebration.

for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org2 Temple Isaiah Ruach, November 2013

(Cantor Korn continued from page 1)TEMPLE ISAIAH

945 Risa Road, Lafayette, CA 94549Temple Isaiah’s mission is to embody, enhance, and perpetuate our Jewish tradition by providing a welcoming spiritual home where the membership gathers 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 Robert Goldberg

Vice President David Douglas

Vice President Tony Crea

Secretary David Bressler

Treasurer Steve Lipson

Parliamentarian Lisa Hirsch Phone Ext

Rabbi Roberto Graetz 308

Rabbi Judy Shanks 308

Associate Rabbi Alissa Miller 308

Rabbi Emeritus Shelly Waldenberg 308

Cantor Leigh Korn 308

Executive Director Michael Liepman 301

Education Director Rabbi Nicki Greninger 313

Gan Ilan Director Liz Kaufman 108

Youth Director Ira Rosenberg 311

Membership Abby Seitelman 306

Facilities Rental Michaela Coughlin 303

Librarian Melissa Gianotti 316

Clergy Secretary Nina Jones 308

Education Asst. Nathan Bellet 315

Communications Dir. Jen Boxerman 310

Hebrew Tutor Joel Siegel 318

Office Staff Sherry Tsai 300

Melissa Gianotti 304

Tonna Lusareta-Stevens 302

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. 62, No. 3, November 2013

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 editor.ruach@temple-isaiah.org

Photographer Michael Fox

Copy Editors Ellen Baer, Miriam Cairns,Jeanie Conneran, Beth Hoenninger,

Julie Magilen, Anna Marie Levy, Carol Olmert

While traditional Jews would cite all of the prayers they say in their daily practice to meet their quota, it seems clear that the intent is far greater than keeping a tally. By stopping in our daily schedule to recognize our blessings, to proclaim our gratitude, to recognize just how blessed we are – this is how we bring humility and holiness into our everyday lives. We experience great joy and satisfaction when we are able to express thanks and gratitude. Studies show that grateful people are happier, less depressed, less stressed, and more satisfied with their lives and interpersonal relationships.

Our tradition has very little interest in Hallmark holidays. Judaism does not sub-

Following discussion and debate over cell antennas on our campus, the Temple Isaiah Board voted at its October meeting that “prior decisions of the Board regarding the AT&T cellular antennas will be undisturbed.” Therefore, the installation of the cell anten-nas will resume on our campus.

In June 2011, after thorough due diligence and discussion on safety, architectural and financial impacts, the Temple Isaiah Board voted to contract with AT&T to install fully-enclosed cellular antennas on the Sanctuary roof that would guarantee annual revenue. The contract was reviewed by the Board and signed in April 2013, and construction initially began in August 2013.

Work was temporarily halted due to health concerns expressed by some Temple mem-bers, Gan Ilan Preschool and Contra Costa Jewish Day School families. A congregational meeting was held in early October to hear from the Temple Board President and Senior Clergy, with an opportunity to ask questions of a panel of independent experts after pre-sentations on the engineering and science of cellular towers, followed by community conversations.

After hearing many viewpoints and review-ing information from experts in engineering, science, health and safety, legal, and financial

scribe to picking one day a year to express your thanks and spending the other 364 rushing around, caught up in the daily grind, never stopping to thank God and to express gratitude to one another. The Israeli poet, Leah Goldberg, writes “teach my lips a bless-ing…lest my day be today as the one before; lest routine set my ways.” Our tradition teaches to interrupt that very routine…every day…100 times…don’t let life’s gifts pass you by. And while you’re spinning the dreidel and passing the gravy, bring even a little more Judaism to your celebration and say (or sing!) a Shehecheyanu, thanking God for giving us life, for sustaining us, and for bringing us to this bountiful time.

Cantor Leigh Korn

areas, the Board agreed to proceed with the AT&T contract.

To represent ongoing concerns, the Board will establish a taskforce of stakeholders, including one to two members each from the Temple Board, Congregation at large, CCJDS, and Gan Ilan preschool, to repre-sent their communities and be liaisons to the TI Executive Committee and Board of Directors,concerning matters related to cel-lular antennas including but not limited to oversight of the agreement with AT&T for routine monitoring.

Through this experience, the Board also became more aware of the need for greater transparency of our decision-making process around potentially controversial topics. As a result, a taskforce of Board members has been established to review decision-making, record keeping, and communication pro-cesses to establish best practices moving forward.

Temple Isaiah will continue to notify its members and Gan Ilan preschool families of developments by email and will post updates on the Temple website and official Temple Facebook group. CCJDS leadership will be kept informed through its designated liaisons and will be responsible for keeping their CCJDS families informed.

Cell Antenna Project Resumes

New Facilities Coordinator: Michaela CaughlanWe are pleased to introduce Michaela Caughlan, Temple Isaiah’s new Facilities Event Coordinator, who will be in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays 1–4:30 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (subject to change) to provide support for all aspects of Facility Rentals including rental inquiries, contracts, site visits and more. Facility Rental information can be found online at www.temple-isaiah.

org/about-us/rent-ing - our- fa c i l i t y / . Michaela can be reached at michael-ac@temple - i sa iah .org or call (925) 283-8575 x303.

Michaela Caughlan

Temple Isaiah Ruach, November 2013 3www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information

NEWS AND INSPIRATION

Good News from the Israel and World Jewry CommitteeThe Israel and World Jewry Committee has planned numerous programs for 2013-14. We are shifting our focus this year to include World Jewry as well as Israel. Our first program, Tuesday, December 3, 7 p.m., will feature Mervyn Danker, Executive Director of the American Jewish Committee in San Francisco, who is back by popular demand. If you missed him last year, don’t miss him this time because he is a master storyteller with a most engaging style who encourages group participation and dialogue. His topic will be: “The Jewish Diaspora – Far Flung and Diverse in a Changing World”. He will incorporate what is hap-pening now in the Middle East and implications this can have for Jews everywhere. We look forward to welcoming you to this kickoff program.

Anat Hoffman, Executive Director on the Israel Religious Action Center, will join us for two programs: Friday, December 6, at 7:15 p.m. She will speak about “Building a Just Society” fol-lowed by reception in the foyer, and on Sunday, December 8, at 11 a.m., on “Why Women of the Wall Matter.” Women of Isaiah will join us in co-sponsoring this program. We will have a bagel brunch before we listen to this world-renowned speaker.

On January 7, 2014, we will welcome Aryeh Green, of Media Central in Israel, who will speak about a radically different approach to improving Israel’s image in the world with his topic “Missiles & Media Madness: Understanding Israel’s Challenges in the World Press.” This will be an interactive experience, so come with your questions and reactions as we gain greater under-standing together. On January, 22 we welcome back Rabbi Doug Kahn, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council in San Francisco. His presentation addresses the ques-tion: “What is the line between virulent criticism of Israel and anti-Semitism?”

On April, 1 we will have Rabbi Adam Naftalin-Kelman, from Berkeley Hillel, who will speak about “The Future of the Jewish World—Through the Lens of Hillel.” This event, co-sponsored by Anshei Isaiah, is your chance to find out what is happening with our Jewish students at Berkeley and other college campuses and what implications their involvement has for the future.

Finally, we will round out the year with our usual Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Anniversary of Israel’s Founding) celebration. This year it will take place at our Annual Congregational Meeting (more details will follow later).

On another note, we will experiment with ways to incour-age more audience participation and direct involvement with our speakers. Many have indicated that you would value this approach, so stay tuned. We hope you join us for this very excit-ing year of Israel & World Jewry programming. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to become a part of our committee or if you have any questions. Contact: Marlene or Herb Thier at mthier@berkeley.edu.

Families gathered at the Walnut Creek home of Michael Spiegel and Adina Zinn for our Neighborhood Havdalah last month.

for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org4 Temple Isaiah Ruach, November 2013

VIA ISAIAH: VALUES IN ACTION

10th Winter Nights at IsaiahIt’s so rare: Thanksgiving and the first day of Chanukah, at once – and nearly all of us will be in homes with family and friends, surrounded by bright candles, dreidel-spinning kids, and abundant food. A gift.

Also rare: Even as we express gratitude for all our blessings, we look ahead and dedicate ourselves to helping others during the next big holiday season. We give a gift: Winter Nights Rotating Shelter.

From December 16-30, many of us will perform tikkun olam by welcoming, sheltering, and feeding 30 homeless people, all in families with children, who need a caring community. Our Social Hall will be their haven, and we’ll provide them with nutritious food, warmth, dignity, and respect.

As a member of the Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County, which sponsors Winter Nights, Temple Isaiah hosts the shelter during Christmas so that local churches have more space for their holiday. And since this can be an especially trying time for our guests, we arrange some extra treats: a holiday party, gifts, and fun outings and activities.

We need you to be part of this mitzvah. And now is the time to sign up! To volunteer online, please go to www.temple-isaiah.org/get-involved/volunteer-sign-up/. We’re grateful for what-ever you can comfortably give of your time and/or resources. You can cook, shop, drive, donate money, sing, do arts and crafts, stay overnight, plan outings, wash dishes, and much more.

As we embark on this 10th Winter Nights journey, our grati-tude goes out to the past chairs who tirelessly and lovingly built and steered the program so well: Sandy Anderson, Cindy Coleman, Rebecca Calahan Klein, Jonathan Klein, and Tina and Jeff Goodfriend. They’ve been invaluable, helping and inspiring us to move from strength to strength.

Here’s to a Happy Thanksgiving, Chanukah, and, yes, Winter Nights!

Joanne Peterson, Neal Modelevsky

2013 Winter Nights Co-Chairs, infowinternights@gmail.com

VIA ISAIAH: Where Social Action, Direct Service and Community Organizing come together

When Temple Isaiah began community orga-nizing four years ago, it was with two goals in mind: to further develop our congrega-tion’s relational culture and our pursuit of social justice. A listening campaign led to over 1,000 conversations and has trans-formed our culture at Temple Isaiah. This way of relating to each other has infused many areas of Temple life from committee and board work to social events like our annual Neighborhood Havdalah. It has even informed the way we deal with conflict in our community—that is, stepping into the conflict instead of out. To truly be “in rela-tion” with each other is to listen with deep curiosity, compassion and empathy.

Temple Isaiah has a long tradition of commitment to social action direct service initiatives. In fact, we are about to mark our tenth year of involvement in Winter Nights. Our direct service projects marry our congregants’ resources (time, treasure, and talents) and passion for tikkun olam to the needs of the underserved in our county. Our four focus areas are hunger, homelessness, education, and community of care (health care and the Angel Network.) These four areas are supported by hundreds

of TI volunteers throughout the year. We are moving ever closer to our vision of becoming a true social action synagogue.

Many of the leaders involved in these direct service activities experienced frustration as they saw poverty deepening and felt that their efforts were insufficient for such growing and serious problems. They determined to continue their invaluable direct service efforts while simultaneously endeavoring to understand the root causes of hunger and homelessness. The team is look-ing for gaps in the system and considering how our voice might affect policy and systemic change. Temple Isaiah, as an over-900 family congregation with strong ties in the faith community, can harness the collective will to positively impact change for those less fortunate. In addition, our learning will surely lead us to other direct service initiatives to address poverty in our county. The Hunger and Homelessness Root Cause team is meeting with non-profit executive directors, service providers, and county officials in the interest of learning about the challenges and opportunities that surround these issues. We intend by the end of the year to invite our entire congregation to engage in action. Stay tuned!

Jasmine Tarkoff and Casey Sasner, VIA Isaiah

Jasmine TarkoffVIA Isaiah

Casey SasnerVIA Isaiah

www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information Temple Isaiah Ruach, November 2013 5

COMMUNITY

To Rabbi Roberto and Evelyn Graetz, on birth of grand-son, Aaron Peretz Goldmann, to proud parents Deborah and Eyal Goldmann, on September 26, 2013.

To Debbie and Bruce Maxon, on the marriage of daugh-ter Lindsay Maxon to Ryan Miller, on October 5, 2013.

To Carol Olmert and Alan Burckin, on the birth of grand-son, Cory Burckin, to Todd Burckin and Amy Wasserman, on October 21, 2013.

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Mazal Tov

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Neighbor to Neighbor Interfaith – New Ways to Get Involved!For the past two years, members of Temple Isaiah, Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, and the San Ramon Valley Islamic Center have been meeting together to learn about each other’s faiths, pray in each other’s sacred spaces, share our personal experiences in a multi-cultural world, and explore ways to bring understanding, tolerance, and compassion to our Contra Costa neighborhood.

This Fall/Winter, Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N) brings two opportunities to our communities to increase involvement in this important initiative:

1) Civil Discourse Training: Rachel Eryn Kalish, a facilitator with 30 years of experience, will teach members of our inter-faith community how to discuss even the most divisive topics by learning and practicing how to understand the “other’s” concerns, fears, values, and opinions. We will learn to deal effectively with angry, hurtful, and prejudicial discourse and develop respectful responses to foster civil dialogue. The training will take place at LOPC on three Sunday mornings, November 10, 17 and 24, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Space is limited, and it is requested that you be able to attend all three sessions. If you are interested and/or want to reserve your place, please contact Terry Clark (terence.clark08@gmail.com), who is coordinating the training program and will be able to answer all your questions. You may also con-tact Rabbi Shanks at rabbi.shanks@temple-isaiah.org. We want to have a strong TI contingent take part in the training. The skills we will develop will help in everyday situations at work, school, and interfaith settings.

2) On the evening of December 26, members of the three faith communities will join together to provide a delicious and nutritious meal to the residents of the Mountain View Shelter in Martinez. We will need volunteer shoppers, chefs, drivers, serv-ers and clean-up crews. Volunteers can sign up on-line through our Temple website: www.temple-isaiah.org/get-involved/vol-unteer-sign-up/ (complete the Winter Nights Volunteer sign up form and check the Mountain View Shelter Dec. 23-27). Or call Rabbi Shanks at the Temple 925-283-8575.

Women of Isaiah Author Event with Donna KaulkinCome join us for a lively discussion with Women of Isaiah member Donna Kaulkin, author of the provocative new novel, Brenda Corrigan Went Downtown on Wednesday, November 6, at 7 p.m. in the Adult Lounge, recep-tion at 6:30 p.m. We will explore the role of faith in the story as well as thought-provoking women’s and fam-ily issues. The book is available for purchase at the Gift Shop for $15 (cash or check only) with a portion of each sale donated to WOI. Learn more about the book at BrendaCorriganWentDowntown.com.

Donna Kaulkin

Rosh Chodesh Kislev: Nurture Your Greens, Nurture Yourself Would you like to step out your back door and pick your salad in this New Year? Then join us with Rabbi Shanks on Monday, November 4, 7:15 p.m. in the Social Hall to nourish your body and ‘cultivate’ friendships, too. Everyone will have a green thumb and a planter of mixed greens to nurture and begin to pick before Chanukah (which falls on Thanksgiving this year!). We’ll furnish everything; just bring your hands and we’ll have the gloves. As an added bonus, Rabbi Shanks will teach us about the Jewish ethics of eating – “Beyond Kashrut”. Bring a friend!

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Yizkor Elohim October 15, 2013

Calvin Zieky, husband of Sandra Zieky, stepfather of member Liz (David) Rosenberg, grandfather of Jake and Ally Rosenberg.

for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org6 Temple Isaiah Ruach, November 2013

COMMUNITY

Welcome New Members September 17 to October 16, 2013

Help Students Learn to Love ReadingYou can share the wonder of the written word, the magic of books, and the excitement of reading with a child. Just sign up at www.jclread.org for free tutor training to be held at Temple Isaiah on Monday, December 9, 6–9 p.m. In the three-hour program, you will learn the basic skills to teach children how to improve their reading ability. Techniques are presented to help with one-on-one tutoring, word recognition, etc. Notebooks are provided for refer-ence as you work with the students, and experienced teachers/trainers are available for continued support.

As a tutor, you can help a student learn to love reading in just one hour a week. Take part in this rewarding tikkun olam pro-gram. For questions, contact Dick or Barbara Lemyre (925-930-6526), or Judy Pam-Bycel (jpbycel@jcrc.org or 510-318-6474).

Congregants enjoy Neighborhood Havdalah at the Lafayette home of Julie and Dave Hammerman.

FDR, Lindbergh and HollywoodFor our first Lunch and Learn session, Wednesday, November 6, Riva Gambert, Director of the East Bay International Jewish Film Festival, will speak about FDR, Lindbergh and Hollywood: The Battle over Isolationism. While major events were empowering the Third Reich in the 1930’s, many Americans adopted an isola-tionist policy that was against any U.S. entanglements overseas. One of the major spokespersons promoting non-intervention was the famed aviator, Charles Lindbergh. As for Hollywood, many studio heads, while Jewish, preferred a neutral policy so as to not get into trouble with the notorious Hays Office.

Program begins in the Oneg Room with schmoozing at 11:45 a.m., potluck lunch at noon, and speaker at 12:45 p.m. No fee to attend. To RVSP for class and potluck, visit www.temple-isaiah.org/education/lunch-and-learn-series.

URJ Biennial in San DiegoJoin Temple Isaiah at the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) Biennial – December 11-15 in San Diego. The Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) Assembly will take also place at this event to cel-ebrate the WRJ’s Centennial Anniversary. Temple Isaiah clergy are leading several sessions. • Mental Illness and Our Congregations: Supporting Our Families with Open Hearts, Rabbi Judy Shanks and Diana Makieve • Re-imagining Hebrew Learning in “Hebrew School” Rabbi Nicki Greninger and Dan Myers • New Choral Music and How to Enhance Volunteer Congregational Choirs, Cantor Korn Cantor Korn will also lead one of the opening Shabbat Morning services. For more info on the sessions, and to register, visit urjbi-ennial.zerista.com/

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Anat Hoffman will be our Scholar-in-Residence December 6 and 8. Ms. Hoffman is Executive Director of the Israel Religious Action Center, the legal and advocacy arm of the Reform Movement in Israel and chairwoman of Women of the Wall. Previously, she held a seat on the Jerusalem City Council, where for fourteen years she stood in opposition to the policies of the city’s right-wing and ultra-Orthodox administration. Please join us for study throughout the weekend:

Friday, December 6, at 7:15 p.m. in the Sanctuary, followed by reception; sponsored by the Israel and World Jewry Committee. Topic: “Building a Just Society”

Sunday, December 8, at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary, with reception beforehand in the Oneg room; sponsored by the Israel and World Jewry Committee and Women of Isaiah. Topic: “Why the Women of the Wall Matter”

Anat Hoffman

Scholar Weekend with Anat Hoffman

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www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information Temple Isaiah Ruach, November 2013 7

ANSHEI ISAIAH

Joel WilenAnshei IsaiahPresident

game and making new friends. If you have never tried bocce ball, you are missing out on a wonderful experience. Thanks, to Bob Coleman for organizing this event.

On November 7, Anshei Isaiah will travel to Pyramid Brewery in downtown Walnut Creek for Thursday night NFL Football, when the Washington Redskins go up against the Minnesota Vikings.

In December, Temple Isaiah opens its doors to homeless individuals and fami-lies who have an opportunity to get out of the cold and enjoy the holiday season. Winter Nights is one of VIA Isaiah’s hun-ger initiatives, and along with our Board member and Winter Night Coordinator, Neal Modelevsky, we encourage all Temple members to participate in this very wor-thy activity.

Get your teams ready for Anshei Isaiah’s annual Trivia Night to be held on January 11, 2014. More information to follow.

Joel Wilen, Anshei Isaiah President

As is the tradition, Anshei Isaiah set up the Temple sukkah, which was used by a variety of Temple groups this Sukkot to bring a deeper meaning of the holiday. Our Pot Luck Dinner on September 22 was overflowing with more than sixty intergenera-tional Temple members in attendance. Thanks to all those who helped contribute to a memorable and spiritual holiday.

Shortly after Sukkot ended, Anshei Isaiah offered a unique showing of one member’s travels. Roger Lamm, an AI Board member and his son Eric, with a pair of free tickets to anywhere in the world, decided to go to a place that was less traveled by tourists and where they could really get to know the local people – Southern Ethiopia. After Roger’s friends viewed his trip photos, they encouraged him to share them and their stories with a larger group at Temple. So, on October 7, Anshei Isaiah’s Clixpix photography club sponsored Roger and Eric’s trip entitled, “Eight Tribes of Southern Ethiopia: Through the Lens of Roger Lamm.” The Adult Lounge was packed with people who were not dis-appointed listening to the engaging speaker and storyteller…..Roger Lamm. The evening was rounded out with an Ethiopian coffee ceremony and Ethiopian food.

On October 13, Campo de Bocce in Livermore was the site of friendly competition in the old, Italian game of bocce ball. Between rolling the ball and tallying the score, those in atten-dance were enjoying good food and drink, while learning a new

Anshei Isaiah Activities Keep Rolling...

Larry Downes and Alan Jacobson at the Anshei Isaiah bocce ball event.

Annual Turkey DriveThe Annual Holiday Dinner Drive is upon us and this year’s goal is to raise $120,000 to help feed the hungry in our county. Last year, Temple Isaiah raised the most money of all participating synagogues and fed 1,900 people. Please watch for the mailing or go to www.foodbankccs.org/temple to donate online. Your donation can make a difference!

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8 Temple Isaiah Ruach, November 2013 for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org

SaturdayFridayThursdayWednesdayTuesdayMondaySunday

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

November 2013 Cheshvan — Kislev 5774

25

7pm P’tach Libeynu

26

1:30pm WOI Writing Workshop

278:15am WOI Hike

Chanukah: 1st Night

28Office ClosedThanksgiving

Chanukah: 2nd Night

24 Religious School Adult Education Classes11:15am Clergy Course

with Cantor Korn11:30am Kulanu WOI

Chanukah Party

238:45am Torah Study 10:30am Shabbat Service

(Bar Mitzvah: Eli Persin)

229:15am Ganeinu

5pm Tot Shabbat Snack5:30pm Tot Shabbat

Service followed by dinner and activities

8pm Shabbat Service followed by dinner

21

12pm Talmud Study1:15pm TEX Torah Study

2010:30am Jewish Book

Group

4pm Religious School

6:45pm Noar Night

19

4pm Religious School

7:15pm Board Meeting

18

6:30pm Grief Support Group

7pm Anshei Isaiah Board Meeting

17Religious School Adult Education Classes

11:15am Clergy Course with Cantor Korn

168:45am Torah Study 10:30am Shabbat Service

(Bar Mitzvah: Benjamin Levine)

8pm WOI Theatre Outing

159:15am Ganeinu

6pm Happy Half Hour Oneg

6:30pm 3rd Shabbat Service with Mizmor Band

14

12pm Talmud Study1:15pm TEX Torah Study

13

4pm Religious School

6:45pm Noar Night6:45pm Engaging Israel

12

1pm WOI Writing Workshop

2pm CSA pickup

4pm Religious School

7pm Committee Night

1110:30am Women’s Torah

Study

7pm Sacred Chant and Healing Circle

7pm WOI knitting and handiwork

10 Religious School Adult Education Classes

11am Rabbi Perlmeter Lecture

98:45am Torah study with

Rabbi Perlmeter9:30am Tot Shabbat10:30am Shabbat Service

(Bar Mitzvah: William Knight)

4pm Rabbi Perlmeter Lecture

8 9:15am Ganeinu

7pm Dinner with Rabbi Perlmeter

8pm Shabbat Service with Rabbi Perlmeter followed by Oneg

7

12pm Talmud Study1:15pm TEX Torah Study

6pm Anshei Isaiah Pyramid Brewery

6

11:45am Lunch and Learn

4pm Religious School

6:45pm Noar Night7pm Donna Kaulkin

5

2pm CSA pickup

4pm Religious School

6:30pm Back to School night

7pm WOI board meeting

4

6:30pm Grief Support Group

7:15pm Rosh Chodesh

3Daylight Savings EndsReligious School Adult Education Classes9am Blood Drive11:15am Clergy Course

with Rabbi Shanks

3pm P’tach Libeynu

28:45am Torah study 10:30am Shabbat Service

(B’not Mitzvah: Lucca and Marlo Sgro)

19:15am Ganeinu

6pm Shabbatarama ser-vice followed by dinner

6:30pm Rossmoor Shabbat

29Office Closed6pm Happy Half Hour

Oneg6:30pm 5th Shabbat

Service (Chanukiyot lighting)

Chanukah: 3rd Night

308:45am Torah Study 10:30am Shabbat Service

(B’not Mitzvah: Rachel Neuwirth-Stein & Emily Becker)

Chanukah: 4th Night

www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information Temple Isaiah Ruach, November 2013 9

Rabbi Nicki Greninger,Education Director

YOUTH AND EDUCATION

Clergy Course With Cantor Korn“The Vocation of the Cantor”In 1957, Abraham Joshua Heschel, one of the leading Jewish theo-logians and philosophers of the 20th century, presented a paper entitled “The Vocation of the Cantor.” In it he outlined what it took to take on the position of the cantor, the leader of worship, in the synagogue. Since his article, the role of the cantor and the vocation have changed drastically. The cantor’s role is expanding and continues to evolve into more than just the sh’liach tzibur - the spiritual emissary of the worshipping community. Using Heschel’s article as a jumping off point, we will look at what it means to be a cantor, historically and philosophically, and how of today’s evolving professional education for the cantorate has impacted synagogue life in America in the 21st century. The class will be held Sundays, November 17 and 24 (2 sessions) at 11:15am in the CCJDS building. Free of charge. RSVP at www.temple-isaiah.org/education/jewish-studies-hebrew-classes/

flour, eggs, brown sugar, apples, etc.). In the Games elective, students learn Hebrew by playing different games (e.g., Twister, Bingo) and using associated vocabulary. In the Ulpan elective, students learn how to converse with one another in Hebrew. All our electives are taught by fluent Hebrew speakers, and the vast majority of teaching is in Modern Hebrew. Through these elec-tives, our students encounter the Hebrew language in new and interesting ways, and discover that Hebrew is not only the lan-guage of prayer and Torah, but also a living language of the Jewish people.

This year we have made significant changes to the way we teach Hebrew at our Religious School. Here are some highlights of the changes and successes so far:

Hebrew through MovementAll students in grades K-6 are learning Hebrew in a fun, interac-tive, oral method of language learning called “Hebrew through Movement.” It’s based on a type of language learning called “Total Physical Response.” To see this curriculum in action, check out the You Tube video “Hebrew through Movement at Temple Isaiah.” As a recent classroom example, third and fourth graders were jumping, dancing, spinning, walking around the room, and pointing to various objects while responding in Hebrew as the teacher gave commands. By the end of the lesson, the students were able to follow the command l’hadlik ner shel Shabbat (“light the Shabbat candle”) based on hearing it in Hebrew.

Hebrew ElectivesThis year our fifth and sixth grade students are participating in Hebrew electives of their choosing. The top three electives chosen for the first six weeks of the school year were Cooking, Games, and Ulpan (Conversational Hebrew). In the Cooking elec-tive, students make a variety of dishes related to Jewish holidays while learning and using Hebrew words (mix, stir, pour, bake,

New Approaches to Hebrew Education

Hebrew “Boot Camp”Another element of our program is a one-on-one Hebrew tutor-ing program for sixth graders to solidify their Hebrew decoding skills. We have an incredible cadre of tutors, including Religious School faculty members as well as extraordinary volunteers. Our students are gaining tremendously from the one-on-one attention. For a sample of the curriculum, check out LetsLearnHebrew.org. We could use a few more volunteers on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons staring in mid-January, so please let me know if you’d like to help (no Hebrew skills necessary, as you can learn along-side your students!).

Come Visit!I’d like to extend an invitation to all Temple Isaiah members to come see these wonderful new approaches to Hebrew education at Religious School. Just call or email me and we will set up a time for you to visit.

Rabbi Nicki Greninger, Education Director

for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org10 Temple Isaiah Ruach, November 2013

YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE – SPECIAL GIFTS

Ivy Blum Memorial FundIn honor of:Seymore Hertz reading the Haftorah at Rosh

HaShanah, from Martha Ann and Sanford Wishnev

For the yahrzeit of:Milton P. Jacobson, from Mel and Barbie Bacher

Jacob M. Tarkoff Gan Ilan Scholarship FundIn honor of:Karen and Mitchell Tarkoff’s 50th anniversary,

from Nancy Kornfield, Jill and Alan Jacobson

Memorial Plaque FundIn memory of:Natalie L. Mintz, from Abe Mintz and Cathy CutlerRabbi Charles Mintz, from Abe Mintz and Cathy

Cutler

Prayer Book FundIn memory of:Adeline Matzkin, from Mark and Kim DruckerFor the yahrzeit of:Hy Karsh, from Barbara Reikes

Project Hearth for the Homeless FundA donation from:Steven Hallert and Phyllis HarfordIn memory of:Cy Rydnick, from The Gitomer-Weiner FamilyDavid Schoenfeld, from Jill and Alan Jacobson

Rabbi Graetz’ Discretionary FundA donation from:Carole Korb and Adel Mazen, Mark and Marilyn

Morris In appreciation of:Rabbi Graetz leading Havdalah, from Robert and

Sandy GoldbergRabbi Graetz and in memory of Adeline Matzkin,

from Judy and Terry MatzkinRabbi Graetz’ Yom Kippur sermon, from Kathy and

Mark BresslerIn honor of:Dan Greenberg’s special birthday, from Lillian

Katzburg and FamilyIn memory of:Adeline Matzkin, from Marilyn and Mark Morris,

Linda and Milford WaldroupFor the yahrzeit of:Sylvia Cohen, from Barbara KnibbeIzaks Hocs, from Johanna CohenDavid Meyer, from Merle ManningJulius Tornheim, from David De StephenWilliam Tornheim, from David De StephenLillian Trumbull, from Elise Trumbull

Rabbi Greninger’s Discretionary FundFor the yahrzeit of:Robert Maron, from Steve and Susana Maron

Angel Network FundIn appreciation of: Kim Drucker, from Penny KermitNina Jones, from Penny KermitJan Trzesniewski, from Penny Kermit For the yahrzeit of:Ruth Greenfield, from Zida LevyMorton Levy, from Zida Levy

Cantor’s Music FundA donation from:Mark and Marilyn Morris In appreciation of:Cantor Korn and in memory of Adeline Matzkin, from

Judy and Terry MatzkinThe wonderful Rosh HaShanah service, from

Nancy and Bruce KaufmanIn honor of:Dan Greenberg’s special birthday, from Lillian

Katzburg and FamilyIn memory of:Carole Chaiken, from Judy Chinn, Russell and Joan

Morris, Susan MorrisFor the yahrzeit of:Ted Eder, from Herbert and Margaret EderHenry Lowen, from Mary LowenWilliam Tornheim, from David De StephenJulius Tornheim, from David De Stephen

Daniel Baron Feed the Hungry FundIn memory of:Carol Parsons, from Donna KaulkinFor the yahrzeit of:Lois Hilman, from Bobbi BaronHarry Winer, from Frank and Deanne WinerLillian Winer, from Frank and Deanne Winer

General FundA donation from:Al-Anon Family Group, Cori PumaIn appreciation of:Lori Swift, from Cheryl DomnitchOur Rosh HaShanah Bima Honor, from Seth and

Donna MoldoffIn honor of:Dan Greenberg’s birthday, from Helene WeberDr. and Mrs. Tarkoff’s 50th Anniversary, from Arthur and Meredith StantenIn memory of:Carole Chaiken, from Anne and Nathan PetrowskyFor the yahrzeit of:Milton Bauman, from Joe and Robin BaumanRobert Levitas, from Ira and Susan RossEda Millstein, from David Millstein and Carole

CarluccioTobias Millstein, from David Millstein and Carole

CarluccioLouis Paull, from Arlene and Larry Kaufman

Rabbi Shanks’ Discretionary FundA donation from:Mark and Marilyn MorrisIn appreciation of:Rabbi Shanks and in memory of Adeline

Matzkin, from Judy and Terry MatzkinRabbi Shanks’ Rosh HaShanah sermon, from

Kathy and Mark BresslerIn honor of:The birth of Donna and Jim Green’s grandson

Connor, from Gloria and Robert SchillerDan Greenberg’s birthday, from Estelle Gracer,

Lillian Katzburg and FamilyRabbi Shanks, from Phyllis and Michael CedarsIn memory of:Michael E. Deitch, from Debra DeitchArthur Faltz, from Michael and Linda BandlerSandra Kaplan, from Gordon and Elinor BerkeWarren Sussman, from Sandy SussmanFor the yahrzeit of:Molly Berkowitz, from Eugene and Lillian BerkowitzReba Ginsberg, from Dan and Carol AltwargDoris Mason, from Linda and Milford WaldroupHarry Muscat, from Mike and Angie KurtzmanMarjorie Singer, from David and Sandy AndersonBetty Snider, from Don and Carole Alter

Religious School & Youth FundIn honor of:Sarah Gopher Stevens and Bill Stevens on their

30th wedding anniversary, from Susan and Jeffrey Rideout

In memory of:Adeline Matzkin, from Andrea HarrisFor the yahrzeit of:Max Felsman, from Rick KravitzArnold Gary Kravitz, from Rick KravitzDr. Isaac Lackner, from Martin and Anna Lackner

Social Action FundIn memory of:Arthur Faltz, from Sandra and David AndersonFor the yahrzeit of:Sandy Pratt, from Seth and Donna Moldoff

Stanley and Rebecca Harris Memorial Lecture FundIn memory of:Peggy Preskill, from Dan and Linda FriedmanFor the yahrzeit of:Morris J. Wolf, from Harry Wolf

Winter Nights FundIn memory of:Adeline Matzkin, from The Liberson/Salomon

FamilyEllen Hope Singer, from Susan Morris

Women of Isaiah FundIn appreciation of:The Drucker Family, from Marilyn and Mark Morris

Special Gifts September 1 - 30, 2013

www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information Temple Isaiah Ruach, November 2013 11

YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE – SPECIAL GIFTS

Dreidel, dreidel, dreidel...and everything else!

The Women of Isaiah Judaica Gift Shop

Come in to see our wide selection of...DreidelsChocolate GeltMenorahsJewelryHoliday CardsHostess GiftsCandles from Israel…and so much more!

Regular Hours through November 24thTuesdays & Wednesdays 4-6pmSundays 9am - 1pm

Chanukah Extended HoursNovember 13th - 27thEvery weekday 11am - 1pm

(925) 283-8575 or (925) 878-1626

All purchases support Temple Isaiah and community projects.

Friday, November 16:00pm Shabbatarama with the

Kleztones6:30pm Shabbatarama Dinner and

Oneg

Saturday, November 28:45am Torah Study 10:30am Shabbat Morning ServiceLucca and Marlo Sgro, B’not Mitzvah

Gen. 25:19-28:9, Toledot

Friday, November 88:00pm Shabbat Service with

Rabbi Rex Perlmeter, followed by Oneg

Saturday, November 9 8:45am Torah Study with Rabbi

Rex Perlmeter9:30am Tot Service9:30am Shabbat Morning Service William Knight, Bar Mitzvah

Gen. 28:10-32:3, Vayetze

Friday, November 156:00pm Happy Half Hour Oneg6:30pm 3rd Shabbat Service with

Mizmor Band

Saturday, November 168:45am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Morning ServiceBenjamin Levine, Bar Mitzvah

Gen. 32:4-36:43, Vayishlach

Friday, November 228:00pm Shabbat Service, followed

by Oneg

Saturday, November 238:45am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Morning ServiceEli Persin, Bar Mitzvah

Gen. 37:1-40:23, Vayeshev

Friday November 296:00pm Oneg6:30pm 5th Shabbat Service with

Chanukiyot Lighting

Saturday, November 308:45am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Morning ServiceRachel Neuwirth-Stein and Emily Becker, B’not Mitzvah

Gen. 41:1-44:17

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