Volume 34, Number 2 the October 2014 Volume 31, Number 7 Tishrei/Cheshvan 5775

March 2012

TEMPLE BETH ABRAHAM Adar / Nisan 5772

R i Pu M DIRECTORY GENERAL INFORMATION: Services Schedule All phone numbers use (510) prefix unless otherwise noted. Services Location Time Mailing Address 336 Euclid Ave. Oakland, CA 94610 Monday & Thursday Hours M-Th: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Fr: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Morning Minyan Chapel 8:00 a.m. Office Phone 832-0936 Friday Evening (Kabbalat ) Chapel 6:15 p.m. Shabbat Morning Sanctuary 9:30 a.m. Office Fax 832-4930 Exception: we will begin 9:00 a.m. the Thursdays of E-Mail [email protected] , and Shemini Atzeret. Gan Avraham 763-7528 Bet Sefer 663-1683

Candle Lighting (Friday) STAFF October 3 6:48 p.m. Rabbi (x 213) Mark Bloom October 10 6:37 p.m. Cantor Richard Kaplan, [email protected] October 17 6:27 p.m. Gabbi Marshall Langfeld October 24 6:18 p.m. Executive Director (x 214) Rayna Arnold October 31 6:10 p.m. Office Coordinator (x 210) Virginia Tiger Bet Sefer Director Susan Simon 663-1683 Portions (Saturday) Gan Avraham Director Barbara Kanter 763-7528 October 4 Bookkeeper (x 215) Kevin Blattel October 11 Sukkot Custodian (x 211) Joe Lewis Kindergym/Toddler Program Dawn Margolin 547-7726 Bereshit October 18 Volunteers (x 229) Herman & Agnes Pencovic October 25 No’ach OFFICERS OF THE BOARD President Mark Fickes 652-8545 TEMPLE BETH ABRAHAM Vice President Eric Friedman 984-2575 Vice President Alice Hale 336-3044 is proud to support the Conservative Vice President Flo Raskin 653-7947 Movement by affiliating with The United Vice President Laura Wildmann 601-9571 Synagogue of Conservative . Secretary JB Leibovitch 653-7133 Treasurer Susan Shub 852-2500

Advertising Policy: Anyone may sponsor an issue of The COMMITTEES & ORGANIZATIONS: Omer and receive a dedication for their business or loved If you would like to contact the committee chairs, please contact the one. Contact us for details. We do not accept outside or synagogue office for phone numbers and e-mail addresses. paid advertising. Adult Education Aaron Paul The Omer is published on paper that is 30% post-consumer Chesed Warren Gould fibers. Development Leon Bloomfield & Flo Raskin The Omer (USPS 020299) is published monthly except Dues Evaluation Susan Shub July and August by Congregation Beth Abraham, 336 Endowment Fund Herman Pencovic Euclid Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610. Finance Susan Shub Periodicals Postage Paid at Oakland, CA. Gan Avraham Parents Toni Mason POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Omer, c/o Gan Avraham School Committee Gary Bernstein Temple Beth Abraham, 336 Euclid Avenue, Oakland, CA House Stephen Shub 94610-3232. Israel Affairs JB Leibovitch © 2014. Temple Beth Abraham. Membership Ulli Rotzscher The Omer is published by Temple Beth Abraham, a non- Men’s Club Jeff Ilfeld profit, located at 336 Euclid Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610; Omer Rachel Dornhelm telephone (510) 832-0936. It is published monthly except Personnel Laura Wildmann for the months of July and August for a total of ten issues Public Relations Lisa Fernandez per annum. It is sent as a requester publication and there Ritual Eric Friedman is no paid distribution. Schools Alice Hale Social Action Marc Bruner Torah Fund Anne Levine To view The Omer in color, Women of TBA Molli Rothman & Jessica Sterling visit www.tbaoakland.org. Youth Phil Hankin

i WHAT’S HAPPENING

WTBA invites all women of the TBA community to join us for sweets and a learning session with the knowledgeable and engaging Professor Deena Aranoff of Kevah! What is a Sukkah and Who Dwells Within It? How the Sukkah serves as a symbol of our individual and communal identities October 12, 2014 9:30 a.m. - noon in the Sukkah at Temple Beth Abraham Join us as we explore classical Jewish texts regarding the nature of the Sukkah and who dwells within it. We will learn more about the holiday and how it connects to our everyday lives. Professor Deena Aranoff is an assistant professor of Medieval at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. She teaches courses on Jewish society and culture in the medieval and early-modern European context. Her interests include rabbinic literature, medieval patterns of Jewish thought and the broader question of continuity and change in Jewish history. Professor Aranoff is a Kevah educator and also a certified yoga teacher. No charge for this event. Your RSVP is appreciated by October 5. email: [email protected]

PEOPLE OF THE BOOK CLUB October 20, 2014, 7-9 p.m. TBA Baum Youth Center Jodie Picoult’s The Storyteller PJ Library Events for Families RSVP: Fifi Goodfellow at [email protected]. (Children ages 2-7) Come enjoy these wonderful free family events! October 19, 3:30-5 p.m. Bay Area Children’s Theater THE TEEN SCENE A fun workshop! November 2, 3-4:30 p.m. The Friendship Circle Friendship Circle programs pres- In Concert with Isaac Zones & Melita Silberstein ent families of individuals with spe- December 7, 3-4:30 p.m. cial needs and teen volunteers the Puppeteer Diana Schmiana opportunity to form real friendships within a non-judgmental and supportive community. All events will be held at the Contra Costa Jewish Day School Teen Scene: 955 Risa Road, Lafayette Teen Scene is a semi-monthly, one and a half hour program on Sunday evenings for teens with special needs to join with loving teen volunteers for a fun, educational group experience. Kindergym Sunday Play Days with Dawn The program begins with a light dinner and is followed Oct 19, Nov 9 & 16, Dec 7 by an hour of activities and Jewish discussion. Teens enjoy various activities, which include dancing, basket- Details on page 14 ball, yoga, drum circle and more. For more information, including Teen Scene dates, See additional WTBA sponsored Adult please contact Devorah Romano, [email protected]. Education activities on page 6.

1 FROM THE RABBI

Top Ten Books - Tanach Tops the Charts by Rabbi Bloom There’s a chain post spreading through Facebook “challenging” people to name the top 10 books that have stayed with them throughout their lives. With that in mind, I’d like to name the Top Ten Jewish books that have stayed with me throughout my life and rabbinical career. 1. Tanach (Of course!) 2. Jewish Wisdom by Joseph Telushkin 3. God Was In This Place and i, I Did Not Know It by Lawrence Kushner 4. The Nine Questions People Ask About Judaism by Joseph Telushkin and Dennis Prager 5. Exodus by Leon Uris 6. Night by Eli Wiesel 7. Bee Season by Myla Goldberg 8. When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold Kushner 9. Say Yes to Life by Sidney Greenberg 10. My Promised Land by Ari Shavit (time will tell, but it’s on my mind right now) And now, as it says on Facebook, I challenge you, the members of Temple Beth Abraham, to think about the ten Jewish books that have been important to you. L’shalom, Rabbi Mark Bloom FROM THE EDITOR: If you email your list of 10 Jewish books that have influenced you to [email protected] we will print them in next month’s Omer. Thanks for sharing your ideas.

Changing of the Leyning Guards leynings – scheduled. (In , leynen means to read.) By Lisa Fernandez And if there are still holes, or people cancel at the last minute, Outi said that means for her personally – “learn- After more years that she can remember, Outi Gould is ing lots of Torah portions.” Once, she got a call at 7 a.m. retiring her position as leyning coordinator, passing the on Shabbat. Someone couldn’t make it. She had to learn torch to Joan Korin. the portion herself. Other times, when someone didn’t Outi has done a remarkable job, gathering TBA’s Torah arrive on time, Outi, Susan Simon or Rabbi Bloom had readers and organizing to read from the Tikkun, their chanting portions while another set of eyes for more years than she followed the Torah por- can count. She’s loved the tion with the pointer. honor. To limit the number of “(I know that what I do is mishaps, Outi has this a) very essential, if some- advice for Joan: Send what invisible, job,” she out a call for readers five said. “Teaching people how to six weeks before the to read from the Torah and date, then a second call providing all kinds of sup- a week or so later. Keep port, both technical and a separate list of people emotional.” who can learn a por- It hasn’t all been easy. It tion on short notice, and can be a monumental task appeal to those if the first to get all readings – or Outi Gould Joan Korin continued on page 23 2 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Relational Judaism – A Book Worth Reading by Mark Fickes When I stepped into the role of TBA President last year, the Union of Conservative Judaism gave me a lot of books, many of which focused on how to stem a perceived decline in the Conservative Movement or how to increase membership in synagogues. One book that I found particularly thought provoking was Relational Judaism by Dr. Ron Wolfson. At the time, Dr. Wolfson’s book was the subject of a lot of discussion. There was an article in the j. which prompted a fair amount of debate among some members of the TBA Board. While the book was interesting, I could not help but think that the concept of “Relational Judaism” promoted by Dr. Wolfson posited a false dialectic. On the one side are synagogues that are transactional institutions meaning that they provide goods for services, e.g., in exchange for membership dues, shuls provide their members with Hebrew school, b’nai and other life cycle events. Dr. Wolfson believes this model is doomed to failure. The solution that Dr. Wolfson proposes are synagogues that embrace a “relational model” in which the primary emphasis is to foster one-on-one Jewish relationships among members which will purportedly lead to radically re-envisioned communities that will thrive. Apparently, if we don’t become more relational, we’ll never attract those who are distracted by Facebook, Twitter and the like. Further, if we become truly relational, we won’t need to charge dues at all because people will be so enamored with us that they’ll just give us money because of the sense of community that a relational shul will engender. In response to these worries, many synagogues are falling over themselves to offer more and more programs. Let’s try Torah for Tots! Or, how about for Teens! Yet, despite more and more programming, many shuls are not able to stem the tide of a declining membership. If you think about it, this really makes sense. It is too easy to fall into the trap of fixating on providing more things so people feel the membership dues are well spent. But, far too often, we don’t ask whether giving you more things and giving them to you faster really enhances the quality of your Jewish experience at shul. Frankly, what good is yet another Talmud class if you don’t meet someone new, make a new friend, or find a new way to interact with the world Jewishly as a result of attending that class? Over the past year, I’ve seen the countless ways that TBA has fostered opportunities to par- ticipate in a traditional synagogue while at the same time providing opportunities to interact Jewishly with each other. From our participation in AIDS Walk to restoring the wetlands, from the joy of all the b’nai mitvah services to all our adult education offerings, we are a strong community that embraces both the transactional and relational models of Judaism. As I look back over the past year, it seems odd that a book about the problems with synagogues cast a new light on what a wonderful community we have. And, while we are not without our share of challenges, I am so proud that we address them with a commitment to community and fostering Jewish values. L’shanah tovah. I wish you all a good and sweet New Year!

Please Join Us for Morning Minyan on Mondays and Thursdays Join the regulars at our Minyan service, each Monday and Thursday usually starting at 8:00 a.m. The service lasts about an hour, and is really a great way to start the day. As an added bonus, breakfast is served immediately afterwards. To use the old expression – try it, you’ll like it. If not as a regular, just stop in once or twice and see what it’s all about.

3 EDITOR’S MESSAGE Jewish Stories from Around the World by Rachel Dornhelm It’s a well-worn idea that books can transport you to other realities. But I was reminded of how a book can transport you through time... back to your own childhood… the other day. My mom pulled out a volume from when I was growing up: “’s Violin and Other Jewish Fairy Tales.” In many ways it’s not a very remarkable book. It never won big awards or had big printing runs. Despite the simple title description as Jewish Fairy Tales, when my mom recently handed me the blue hardback book missing its dustcover, I remembered instinctively the kinds of stories that were in it. Stories in which there was definitive good and bad. Kind, well-intentioned souls battling to restore order and justice. There is magic and royalty and spirits. Most impor- tantly, the stories come from many parts of the world: Morrocco, Greece, Babylon, Eastern Europe, India. I grew up in a place with a very small Jewish presence, without the amazing supports and infra- structure that we are so lucky to have here at TBA. In this setting the books I read for pleasure had a huge impact on my concept of what it meant to be a part of a Jewish community. I treasure the way the fairy tale book Elijah’s Violin gave me a broad sense of Jewish history around the world; the way K’tonton brought magic to the observances I knew from my own family; and, in adolescence, the way The Chosen made me better understand the complex dynamics of assimilation. Yes, in Judaism when we say “the People of the Book” it refers to the Torah. And there are so many other texts that have reinforced the culture and religion through diaspora - from the to the Talmud. But I would also argue for the importance of including Jewish literary fiction as a key part of rounding out our religious lives and those of our families. Recently, I saw a study that proved reading literary fiction greatly boosts peoples’ empathy - the ability to detect and understand others’ emotions. “Empathy is something that is key to being a part of a community. And to so many of the tenets of Jewish living like chessed and mitzvot. Consider pulling out one of the books of Jewish literary fiction suggested by the Rabbi in his column or reviewed by Fran Teisch on page 10. Enjoy the fact that it may not only enrich our ideas about others’ Jewish lives, but it could also create greater understanding of each other here in our own community. Happy reading. Shanah Tova.

November Omer Theme: East Coast/West Coast December Omer Theme: photos from past years

THE OMER We cheerfully accept member submissions. Deadline for articles and letters is the seventh of the month preceding publication. Editor in Chief Rachel Dornhelm Jessica Dell’Era, Nadine Joseph, Richard Kauffman, Jan Silverman, Copy Editors Managing Editor Lisa Fernandez Debbie Spangler June Brott, Jessica Dell’Era, Charles Feltman, Jeanne Korn, Anne Levine, Layout & Design Jessica Sterling Proofreaders Stephen Shub, Susan Simon, Debbie Spangler Calendars Jon Golding Distribution Hennie Hecht, Herman and Agnes Pencovic B’nai Mitzvah Editor Susan Simon Mailing Address 336 Euclid Ave. Oakland, CA 94610 Cover Gabriella Gordon E-Mail [email protected] Help From People like you!

4 COMMUNITY

East Bay Tikkun Olam Chessed Day Sunday, October 19, 2014 Inspirational Kickoff Rally at Temple Sinai at 9 a.m. Then join one of 15 projects: • Express your inner Picasso paint a mural at the Oakland Lafayette Elementary School, paint walls at the American Indian Resource Center, or work on a mosaic at Malcolm X Elementary School • Wrap and Spiff-Up Holiday Toys for low-income families. • Beautify the regional parks, shores, and streets with clean-up and gardening projects at Redwood Regional Park, Berkeley Shoreline, Lake Merritt, 40th Street, and Urban Adamah • Love animals? Help prepare the exhibits at the Oakland Zoo • Bing-OOOOOO!!!! Join seniors at Reutlinger Center for Jewish Living for an exciting game! • Creative with Crayons? Good at tying knots? Come to Stern Hall at Temple Sinai to decorate food delivery bags, write card to Israeli soldiers, and both knit and knot blankets to benefit those who receive services from JFCS, A Package from Home, and Highland Hospital. Sponsored by Beth Jacob Congregation, Congregation Beth El, Congregation Beth Israel, Congregation Netivot Shalom, Temple Beth Abraham, Temple Sinai, Bend the Arc, East Bay JCRC, Oakland Hebrew Day School, Midrasha of Berkeley, and Tehiyah Day School. Pastries courtesy of Semifreddi’s Bakery & painting supplies courtesy of Home Depot. Event info and sign-up at http://tinyurl.com/ebtocd2014

5 WTBA, OUR SISTERHOOD The People of the Book Club sion. Each meeting starts with a little schmoozing and a by Molli Rothman quick check around the room where each person gives a short assessment of their impression of the book. We call “Make books your companions; let your bookshelves this the “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” check-in. The be your gardens: bask in their beauty, gather their fruit, floor is then opened for more in depth discussion. pluck their roses, take their spices and myrrh. And when your soul be weary, change from garden to garden, and I have greatly enjoyed participating in Book Club on and from prospect to prospect.” off over the years for many reasons. The most important is that each month a member presents a few options for ~ Ibn Tibbon, c. 1120-1190 Spanish Jewish scholar books to read at our next meeting. After a brief summary, Remember when you were a kid and bored and com- the group chooses a new title. By participating in this plained to your mother that you had nothing to do, and group I have read a far greater breadth of topics than I your mom would say “Read a book”? Well now you can, would normally choose for myself. The discussions are but not be bored! always lively and stimulating. By attending Book Club The People of the Book Club has been meeting for about I have broadened by TBA circle of friends. The group 15 years. We meet monthly at private homes from 7:00 to attracts a wide age range of people, which enhances the 9:00 p.m., members take turns hosting. Each month we discussions and the fun. We are a very welcoming group alternate between a fiction book and a non-fiction book. and look forward to seeing you for our next meeting: Each book chosen must have some Jewish content or be The next Book Club meeting will be on Monday, October written by a Jewish author. 20, at 7:00 p.m. in the TBA Baum Center. The book is If you like to read a variety of topics, you would prob- Jodie Picoult’s The Storyteller. For information about ably enjoy attending a meeting of The People of the Book The People of the Book Club please see the TBA website Club. We are a warm group of people with lively discus- or email Fifi Goodfellow at [email protected].

Sponsered by WTBA & Hadassah Join us next* month for WTBA’s An Introduction to the Girls Night Out Talmud & Midrash Israeli Wine & Monday, October 20, 2014 On behalf of The Women of TBA (WTBA) and Oakland Chocolate Pairing Ruach Hadassah, we would like to invite all East Bay Thursday, November 6 Women to join our group. The group meets monthly on the Monday closest to Rosh Chodesh, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at rotating members’ homes. The Baum Youth Center, 341 MacArthur meetings are facilitated by members of the group. Girls Night Out is a casual, monthly event to gather This month, we will continue our study of the book TBA women together for relaxed and unstructured Taste of Text by Ronald H. Isaacs. This book is an social time. Drop in on the first Thursday of each introduction to the study of talmudic and midrashic month to chat, laugh, debate, have a glass of wine materials. Rabbi Isaacs addresses sixteen topics of and some light goodies, and get to know each other religious and personal importance. The subject for better. No need to bring a thing! Meet old friends, October is Ecology. The meeting will opens with a and make new friends. There’s a different mix, vibe, short discussion about the significance of the month of and conversation every month. Come check it out! Cheshvan. Questions: [email protected] or [email protected] Questions? Contact Amy Tessler at abtessler@comcast. net or (510) 482-1218 to obtain the reading materials *We will be skipping October’s GNO due to and get on the distribution list for the upcoming meet- conflicts with tthe high holy day calendar. ing locations.

6 JEWISH DAY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES

Contra Costa Jewish Day School Invites You SCIENCE ALIVE! Have you considered CCJDS for your child’s Kindergarten Preschool Event – 8th grade education? Come learn why other TBA families October 21 have chosen CCJDS! Tuesday @ 2:30PM We invite you to our upcoming Open Houses on: Sunday, November 2, 4:30-6:00pm PRESCHOOL Sunday, December 7, 4:30-6:00pm ART WORKSHOP We also welcome you to see our classrooms in action and December 16 enjoy a hot kosher lunch on a special school tour on October Tuesday @ 3:00pm 23, November 20, December 18 and January 15. Private tours are also available by appointment. Kindly RSVP. Please RSVP to the admissions office call Amy Wittenberg, Admissions Director 925-284-8288 or at [email protected] [email protected] for further information! www.ccjds.org. or call 510-531-8600

Tehiyah Day School invites you to attend one of our upcoming Open House events. Tour our beautiful campus nestled in the El Cerrito Hills, meet members of our exceptional faculty, learn more about our award-winning, values-based curriculum, and discover our joy- ful, diverse community. K-8 Co-ed

All-School Open House Hebrew Immersion Bridge-K through Eighth Grade Nationally Recognized Sunday, November 2 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Art Program Bridge-K and High School Prep Kindergarten Program Open House Sunday, January 11, Diverse Bay Area 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Community www.tehiyah.org

7 COMMUNITY

High Holy Days Services Schedule 5775

YOM KIPPUR SHEMINI ATZERET Shemini Atzeret/Yizkor Friday, October 3 at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, October 16 at 9:00 a.m. Morning Service Saturday, October 4 at 9:00 a.m. Erev Simchat Torah Family Service Family Service (Children 2 yrs.-1st grade) Thursday, October 16 at 6:15 p.m. 9:30 am in the Social Hall Service to be followed by music and dancing Youth Service (Children grades 2-6) 9:30 a.m. in the Chapel Simchat Torah Friday, October 17 at 9:00 a.m. Yizkor Service, 10:45 a.m. Study Session, 2:00 p.m. High Holy Day Parking again available through the Martyrology Service and , 4:30 p.m. generosity of the Oakland Unified School District. Neilah, 6:30 pm. The location is the Old Lakeview School at 746 Grand Avenue, look for the TBA welcome sign. SUKKOT First Day Service Thursday, October 9 at 9:00 a.m.

Do you have a simcha to celebrate or a person to EARN FREE MONEY FOR TBA! remember? If you shop at Safeway or Piedmont Grocery or use a credit card such as Visa, MasterCard, or American Express you can earn free money for TBA with every purchase you make. It’s easy to do through eScrip, which contributes a percentage of your purchase to the temple. If you’ve never used eScrip before, you can create an account and register your cards at https://secure.escrip.com/supporter/registration/ Share this occasion index.jsp. If you’ve already registered your Safeway with your TBA family. (or other) card and want to register a new one, visit https://secure.escrip.com/jsp/supporter/authentica- tion/password.jsp. You can shop through the eScrip Call or send an email and Rayna, Online Mall (Target, Nordstrom, Macys, Toys R Us, who can help arrange this for you. etc.) at www.escrip.com (go to eScrip Online Mall). And, don’t forget the Amazon shopping link on the Rayna Arnold, Executive Director TBA homepage! That earns money for TBA too. [email protected] Please contact Jessica Teisch with any questions or (510) 832-0936 help: [email protected], (510) 655-1927.

8 COMMUNITY

JOIN A NEW TBA CHAVURAH! Do you want to be a part of a smaller, more intimate group within Temple Beth Abraham? Forming or join- ing a chavurah could be what you’re looking for! What is a chavurah? From the Hebrew word for friend, a chavurah is a group of people (singles, couples, families, or a mix of these) who meet regularly (usually monthly in each others homes) to experience Jewish life together. Joining a Chavurah is one way to meet other TBA members in a smaller, more personal setting. What does a chavurah do? Each chavurah is created to reflect the interests of its members. There could be groups with any of the fol- YOUNG PARENT lowing interests: socializing, Jewish study, Shabbat gatherings, social action, holiday celebrations, camp- CHAVURAH ing, hiking, music, sports, etc. The group could meet with or without children. Each chavurah is completely autonomous and can decide as a group when, where, Calling all parents of babies and toddlers! Want to and how often to meet. It is important for all members connect with other parents of young children at TBA to be committed to working together toward building for some low key schmoozing, fun baby-friendly the community. activities, and Shabbat luncheons? Then join our Chavurah for some casual fun! How large is a chavurah? Our first meet-up will be on Sunday, October A chavurah is generally made up of between 5 and 10 5, from 10:30 a.m -12:30 p.m. We will meet at families or individuals. It could include members who Montclair Park (near Medau Place and Moraga Ave. already know each other, or a mix of some old and in Oakland) for some snacks, schmoozing, and play- new friends or acquaintances. time. Look for the blue and white balloons when How do I join a chavurah? you get there. The process of joining a chavurah is very simple. Just On Saturday, November 8, we will have our first fill out the questionnaire by October 15. Sometimes Shabbat event. Join us at 2:30 p.m. for a post-nap, it takes awhile to put together the right group, but it’s dairy Shabbat luncheon hosted by Chavurah parents worthwhile to wait for a group that’s a good fit. Hard Lauren and Matt Smith at their home in Montclair. copies are also available in the office at TBA. https:// To sign up for an event or to get updated about ccjds.wufoo.com/forms/temple-beth-abraham-cha- our future Chavurah happenings, please reach out vurah-questionnaire/ to Jessica Klein at [email protected] or Lauren How do I find out more? Smith at [email protected]. If you have questions, contact Amy Wittenberg, our chavurah coordinator, at: [email protected]

9 A FAMILY OF JEWISH BOOK LOVERS Favorites from Jewish Book of death. With a son in the army, ers, of course, know the outcome. Groups she and an estranged lover attempt This novel is one of Appelfeld’s submitted by Jessica Teisch to flee any news of him. The novel, most accessible. heartbreaking and powerful in its The Letters of Jonathan My mom started four book groups intense exploration of fear and loss, Netanyahu and was at one time in five! (She reflects the mental state of Israel. claims she can now barely keep By Jonathan Netanyahu up with one). All have been on the A Tale of Love and Darkness Netanyahu led the 1976 raid in Peninsula (she lives in Burlingame) By Amos Oz Entebbe, Uganda, where terrorists and all have been Jewish in nature, In this autobiography, the interna- hijacked an Air France flight and through Federation and Chabad; tionally acclaimed Israeli novelist took Israeli and Jewish hostages. we also had a mother-daughter and arbiter for peace addresses his Sadly, Netanyahu was the only per- book group of all Jewish mem- own, and Israel’s, history. From his son to die in this rescue. His non- bers, though we read more widely. childhood in British-ruled Jerusalem fiction writings, which span many Growing up, we always had books to the formation of Israel, Oz takes years, demonstrate his metaphysical in our house. I remember as a child readers on an emotional ride as he connection to and love of the land reading way into the night, bringing portrays the challenges faced by his and people of Israel. the book down to breakfast with me intellectual pioneer parents, immi- A Strange Death the next morning, and then surrepti- grants from Eastern Europe; his A Story Originating in Espionage, tiously reading it under my desk at boyhood; war; and life on a kibbutz. school. I’m now managing editor of Betrayal, and Vengeance in a Village Bookmarks magazine, a publication Open Closed Open in Old Palestine about… what else, books. So books Poems By Hillel Halkin seem to be in our blood. By Yehuda Amichai Halkin based this nonfiction book, If Israel had a poet laureate, a murder mystery, on the history Some Worthy Israeli Fiction Amichai would certainly be it. In his of Zichron Ya’akov, a Jewish town and Nonfiction Titles poetry, he transforms Jewish verse founded in 1882. Set during the days by Fran Teisch, mother of TBA and history and adds vivid images of of Jewish settlement in Ottoman member Jessica Teisch everyday life. An eloquent, master- Palestine, the plot involves a World Originally published in longer form ful collection. War I spy ring and the relation- ships between Jews and Arabs under in Bookmarks magazine. Sotah Turkish rule. Suddenly, a Knock on the Door By Naomi Ragen Stories Ragen’s books are relatively A Pigeon and a Boy By Etgar Keret lighter reads compared to other By Meir Shalev Keret, a native Israeli, grew up in books I mention, but they nonethe- Shalev is one of Israel’s most cel- a home with no books. Instead, his less explore hefty topics, includ- ebrated novelists, for good reason. parents told stories. Keret, in turn, ing Israel’s Orthodox community, Through two intertwined stories, became a master storyteller whose women’s struggles with family, and he explores love during Israel’s themes are often quite Kafkaesque. the conflict between religion and prestatehood days, its 1948 war In these very short stories, many tradition. Sotah, one of my favorite for independence, and the present humorous and irreverent, Keret has novels, features a young woman in day. He depicts the power of love his finger on the pulse of every- Jerusalem’s ultra-Orthodox commu- in beautiful language and paints an day life in modern-day Israel as he nity who is accused of adultery. enchanting tapestry of Israel and its struggles. explores its inhabitants’ attempts to Badenheim 1939 escape reality. By Aharon Appelfeld To the End of the Land In 1938 in a Viennese resort town, By David Grossman the first steps of the Holocaust are in Grossman’s son tragically died in place. But the Jewish middle-class the 2006 Lebanon War while he was vacationers are involved in their writing this novel, which, ironically, own lives and oblivious to the omi- deals with an Israeli woman’s fear nous signs around them. The read-

10 THE NEXT BIG THING UPDATE “Next Big Thing Project” to Break Ground directly to the new courtyard, a water feature dedicated to Before High Holydays the congregation’s cherished Holocaust survivors, a deck overlooking the courtyard, and new stairways and ramps by Leon Bloomfield to improve access throughout the entire TBA campus. After months of planning, and almost as many months of We anticipate that the construction will take at least a working our way through the city of Oakland’s permit- year to complete and cost approximately $3 million to ting labyrinth, the “Next Big Thing” is preparing to break build. To date, we have raised over half of that amount ground before the congregation ushers in the new Jewish with the “seed” grant provided by the Applebaum, New Year. Epstein and Ilfeld families, the generous $500,000 match- As you may already know, the centerpiece of this proj- ing grant provided by the Schwab family in Murray’s ect includes the creation of a beautiful new courtyard memory and contributions from numerous congregation dedicated to the memory of beloved congregant Murray families through a silent campaign that started earlier this Davis (z”l) who passed away unexpectedly in December summer. In addition, congregants and community mem- 2012. The courtyard will be built between the current bers continue to make unsolicited donations earmarked social hall and the Baum Youth Center and will provide for the project. the congregation with a fabulous new space where we can Don’t worry if you have not had a chance to contribute gather to pray, play, celebrate and relax. In addition, the yet; everyone will get a chance to play a part in making current plans for the project include a renovated kitchen this a reality. Indeed, in the coming months, representa- for our many fabulous kosher caterers, enhancements to tives of the Next Big Thing Committee will be reaching the social hall which will, among other things, open it up out directly to every family in our congregation to discuss the project and how you can best help. In the meantime, watch for updates on the project and enjoy watching the transformation of the TBA campus.

11 COOKING CORNER B’tayavon: 101 by Faith Kramer What’s the story behind kugel? Well, it all starts with the in medieval Germany. Jewish housewives would mix up a batter and plop it in their cholent pots. The covered pots would go to the bakers and return for Shabbat lunch with the cooked dumplings within. (The cooked dough was known as the “Shabbos thief” since it would “steal” flavor from the surrounding stew.) Eventually, instead of directly in the stew, the batter began to be cooked in a rounded earthenware jar known as a kugeltopf – Middle High German for round or ball (kugel) and pot or jar (topf) – placed within the cho- lent. Eventually the dish became known as kugel and it dients as varied as Velveeta, cherry pie filling, and apricot morphed into an array of other savory and later sweet nectar. There was also a recipe. The potato dishes, eventually becoming the kugel we know today. kugel recipe in this article is adapted from Ann Rapson’s Mr. Binky’s Potato Kugel. Her husband David created the According to Gil Marks, rabbi, caterer, Jewish food his- dish for Yom Kippur break fast. torian and cookbook author, to be a kugel rather than a casserole, the dish must have a starch base (noodles, pota- Karen Bloom is often the go-to expert in the congrega- toes, matzo, bread cubes, etc.), eggs (or egg substitute) tion. Her are light and fluffy, tasty and varied. Her and fat (schmaltz, melted butter, oil, etc.) and not have cousin, Nina Yellin, has written several kugel cookbooks. additional liquids. Bloom recommends whipping the egg whites separately and folding them in last to keep kugel lighter. I took her Since the Middle Ages, Jews have bent those rules more advice and made a fragrant and sweet Cinnamon Bun than a bit and added an amazing variety of ingredients Kugel. It was adapted from Yellin’s Kugel, Knishes, and to their kugels and have found many ways to pronounce Other Tasty Dishes, Smylan Reed Books. Yellin’s self- it. Poles and Lithuanians tend to pronounce the dish as published books are out of print and only available used. “kugel,” the Germans as “koogle” and those from what was known as Galicia (southern Poland, eastern Hungry Other TBA members have weighed in on kugel mak- and western Ukraine) as “keegal,” according to Marks. ing. Bonnie Burt likes hers sweet. Shira Levine requires a gluten free kugel (try using gluten free noodles, or By the mid-19th century in America, kugels began to be make a vegetable or rice-based kugel). Roz Aronson and baked in separate, shallow casserole pans in home ovens Elizabeth Simms like a potato or other vegetable kugel, rather than stewed in kugeltopfs . The 20th century saw but both also like the sweetened noodle ones as well. the rise of the ultra-decadent dairy kugel that could be brunch or dessert and not just a Shabbat luncheon accom- “With noodles, for me, the creamier the better . . . cream paniment. cheese, sour cream, a little cinnamon sugar, raisins or apples ...for dessert, crushed pineapple. It’s all good,” The word “kugel” also became a last name. Genealogists commented Aronson. say the name could have evolved for some out of a nick- name for rotund when last names became widely adopted One traditional noodle kugel without dairy products is in Germany in the 1500s. the Yersushalmi Kugel or Jerusalem Kugel, a combina- tion of sweet, salty and peppery. It’s a Shabbat tradition South African Jews used the word “kugel” as slang for a in certain Jerusalem neighborhoods. My version features more secular young Jewish woman. Eventually the term a caramelized onion topping and Moroccan seasonings. became a supposedly affectionate or fond South African My Spiced Jerusalem Kugel with Caramelized Onions is equivalent of Jewish-American princess. a slightly spicier adaptation of a classic and makes a great The official Temple Beth Abraham cookbook (published side dish. in 2007) had seven noodle kugel recipes in it with ingre-

In addition to writing for the Omer, Faith Kramer is a cooking columnist for the j. weekly. She blogs her food at www.clickblogappetit.com. Send questions, suggestions or comments to [email protected] 12 COOKING CORNER CINNAMON BUN KUGEL Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Butter two Dairy 9” x 13” broiler-safe baking pans. Slice Serves 8-10 potatoes and onion and put through the grating attachment of the food processor This recipe is based on one by Nina in batches. Press mixture and drain excess Yellin. Use low-fat (not fat-free) dairy liquid. Turn into large bowl, mix in eggs, products if desired. The kugel’s spicy sour cream, salt and pepper to taste. warm scent entices as the oozing cinnamon, Place in baking pans. Dot with butter and brown sugar and butter topping melts into sprinkle generously with paprika. Bake, the creamy noodles. uncovered for 30 minutes. Reduce heat to 8 oz. medium wide egg noodles 375 degrees and bake another 45 minutes 3 eggs, separated until nicely browned. Place under broiler ½ pint sour cream for a minute or two for a crispy topping. ½ pound cottage cheese ½ cup milk SPICED JERUSALEM KUGEL ½ cup sugar WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS 1 cup chunky apple sauce Parve 1 ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon, divided Serves 8 4 Tbs. butter This kugel is based on one by Gloria ½ cup brown sugar Kaufer Greene in The Jewish Holiday Heaping 1/3 cup roughly chopped pecans Cookbook. To make it a classic Jerusalem 1/3 cup raisins Kugel, omit the onions, Moroccan season- Cook and drain noodles. Preheat oven to ings and the ground red pepper. I specify 350 degrees. Beat yolks and mix with sour a Moroccan spice mix that is available in cream, cottage cheese, milk and sugar. some specialty and spice stores, but see Combine apple sauce with ¼ tsp. of cin- the note following the recipe for a sub- namon, add to egg yolk mixture. Mix in stitute. noodles and combine. Beat egg whites until I haven’t tried it, but I think this would stiff and fold into noodles. work nicely by replacing the vegetable oil Melt butter and pour into 8” x 8” baking (I used grape seed) with melted chicken pan, being sure to fully coat inside bot- fat (schmaltz) or duck fat (which would tom and sides. Scatter remaining cinnamon, make this a fleishig or meat dish instead brown sugar, pecans and raisins on bot- of parve). tom of pan. Stir. Pour noodle mixture into 2 Tbs. plus ½ cup vegetable oil, plus pan. Bake for 50 minutes or until kugel is extra for greasing the baking pan firm to the touch. Invert on serving plat- 1 large onion (12-14 oz.), very thinly ter to serve immediately, serve directly and evenly sliced out of the pan, or store in pan and warm ¼ tsp. plus 1 tsp. salt before inverting and serving. 1 lb. very fine egg noodles or pasta such as angel hair or capellini, bro- MR. BINKY’S POTATO KUGEL ken into 2” lengths Dairy ¼ cup sugar Ann Rapson from Everyday to Holidays: 1 Tbs. ground black pepper (freshly Favorite Recipes from Temple Beth Abraham. ground is best) Serves 24-30 ½ tsp. ras el hanout spice mix (see note below for info and substitution) This is a big kugel for a big crowd and unlike some potato kugels it is dairy not 1/8 tsp. ground red pepper (cayenne) parve. Heat 2 Tbs. oil in a large, heavy skillet. 2 Tbs. butter plus extra for greasing Separate onion rings and add to pan when pans hot. Sprinkle with ¼ tsp. salt. Stirring occasionally, cook until onions have 10 russet potatoes (almost 5 lbs.), reduced down, are a deep brown and very scrubbed and unpeeled soft. It can take 40-60 minutes for onions 3 onions, peeled to caramelize. Adjust temperature as need- 5 eggs, beaten ed. Be careful not to burn the onions. Set 3 ½ cups sour cream aside. ½ tsp. salt Cook pasta according to package direc- Freshly ground black pepper tions. Do not overcook. Drain. Rinse Paprika continued on page 23 13 GAN AVRAHAM KINDERGYM The Gan Reads, Thanks to Diverse Library by Barbara Kanter If you visit the Gan, you will almost always see teachers sitting with a small group of children reading a book. This is in addition to a daily scheduled story time in each class. Reading aloud to children is one of the most important activities that lead to building knowledge and success in reading. It creates a warm environment that leads to a lifetime of reading and learning. The PJ Library (created by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation) in association with the Jim Joseph Foundation and the Jewish Federation of the East Bay is a wonderful source of Jewish themed children’s books to enrich your family at home. Parents can create a special time with their children at home. Every month a book arrives at your home for your child age six months to seven years. Register online at www.jfed.org/pjlibrary. The Gan even receives a book every month to add to our library. We are very lucky to have a rich and diverse library at the Gan. Families often honor birthdays or other special events by donating a book to grow our library. Donated books receive a special commemorative stamp indicating the event honored and the child’s name.

KINDERGYM SUNDAY PLAY DAYS with Dawn for Under 3s Temple Beth Abraham Social Hall 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. $12 per family October 19 November 9 November 16 December 7 Come join our community of diverse families for our 32nd year for climbing, sliding, ball pit, fire engines, water play, playdough, rocking horses, parachute, songs, bubbles, and all of you will make new friends! Priced per family; siblings under 3 welcome! Please share this info with your entire parenting community. Contact Dawn with any questions at (510) 547-7726 Kindergym with Dawn for ALL families

No Youth Services in the month of October because of Sukkot. Join us in the Sanctuary and the Sukkah for our wonderful celebrations. Youth Services resume in November with Shabbat Mishpacha and T'fillat Y'ladim. Mark your calendars!

14 BET SEFER

We Are Partners isn’t recited at syna- by Susan Simon gogue for a deceased grandparent, what is the V’shinantam L’vanecha – we recite these words every meaning behind learn- time we chant the Shema and V’ahavta. “You shall teach ing the Yatom them diligently to your children.” What is it we should (Mourner’s Kaddish) in teach? The V’ahavta tells us that we should teach “these religious school? words.” Which words are referred to? The words com- manding us to love Adoshem with all of our heart, with I’m very proud of our all our soul, and with all our might. The V’ahavta places religious school. Our an obligation upon everyone who is a parent to teach the wonderful teachers and love of God to our children. Like many obligations, this madrichim work very one is complex. hard to impart as much knowledge as is possible Is the idea of love of Adoshem a narrow concept? Can we in our two to four hours simply tell our children to love Adoshem every day and per week. But even eight we have fulfilled our obligation? I think not. It seems to years of religious school me to be a much broader obligation which includes the can’t take the place of ideas of a wide ranging education in Jewish law, think- seeing and feeling that ing, history, language, culture and thought. Are we each their parents are also involved, that what they are learn- knowledgeable enough to succeed at that role of teacher? ing is also being lived, that their learning is for a higher Like with other obligations, there is wisdom in the actual purpose, not just an ordeal to be survived. Every time practice. We are obligated to circumcise our sons, yet you participate in a Jewish ritual or read a Jewish story to we typically hire a mohel to do the task for us. We are your child, you are partnering with us and you are fulfill- obligated to do deeds of loving kindness, and many of ing the obligation of v’shinantam l’vanecha. Every time us do, but we also often donate money to organizations you bring your child to youth services and either sit with that are better able to provide the kind of services that him or her or go to the main service, you are fulfilling are required. And we are obligated to teach our children this obligation. Every time you put some coins in your about our heritage and the rich and diverse wisdom that box before Shabbat and then involve the child has developed over the centuries. But as with many obli- in a decision of where to donate the money, you are part- gations, we need help in fulfilling it. Religious schools nering with your entire Jewish community. save the day. Ben Zoma said “Who is wise? The one who learns from Or is it really saving the day? I would argue that with- all people, as it is written, ‘From all my teachers I gained out a true partnership between the family at home and understanding.’” Parents are the very first and most the synagogue school, you are unlikely to be success- important teachers of their children. While it doesn’t ful in v’shinantam l’vanecha. If a child’s only exposure always feel like it, parents have the most influence over to Jewish ritual, values, history, midrash, and language their children, far more than any single school teacher occurs during the two to four hours of religious school usually has. Do you remember your parents saying: per week that the impact is likely to be small. If Shabbat “do as I say, not as I do?” If you are like me you prob- candles are never ably rolled your eyes when you heard that – it just rang lit, no amount of so false! The same is true for educating our children teaching a child the Jewishly. Shabbat blessings is likely to remain in Your children will know if Jewish learning isn’t important his or her heart for to you. I am so proud of the great number of families very long. If apples here at TBA who show with their bodies the commit- are never dipped ment that is in their hearts. I see families who bring their in honey for Rosh children to services. I see families who somehow in their Hashana, no amount hectic lives find time to show their children that doing of enjoying them at acts of loving kindness for others is a priority – families religious school is who bring meals to people who are sick, families who going to mean much might give money to someone begging outside of a store, more than a sweet families who go out of their way to visit a house. snack. If Kaddish continued on page 16 15 ADULT EDUCATION YOUTH EVENTS

ADULT EDUCATION Keflanu

Sundays, starting October 19 Shabbat Fun and Games It's time to learn! Join us for Sunday morn- We would like to invite 3rd – 6th graders to ing classes with Nitzhia Shaked starting on join their friends in the Baum Youth Center October 19. Cost for the series is $75 or following Shabbat services $15 per session. Sessions start at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel. Email [email protected] to sign up. We'll be delving more into Dates coincide with Junior Congregation: Maimonides and his teachings. September 20, November 11, December 20, January 17, February 21, Sunday, November 16, 12:30 p.m.-5 p.m. March 21, April 18, May 16 We are fortunate to be able to present a different type of learning activity to those of After the service, join together for you who enjoy hands-on learning. Our very in the social hall. Enjoy Lunch and then have own and very talented Harlan Simon will be your parent walk you over to the Youth teaching a one day class on the history of Center and check in with the Chaperone! glass making and the role of Jews in this process. In addition to learning about the history, each participant will learn to make a Have fun with Shabbat appropriate glass bead under Harlan's tutelage. This is a games and activities… wonderful opportunity, not to be missed. basketball, board games, jump rope, The learning and crafting will take place at foosball, ping pong, or even just shmooze the Studio One Art Center in Oakland. We are limited to 16 participants, age 16 or older. PARENTS: The cost is $30 per person. Snacks will be ➢ Drop off: When children arrive they should check provided. in with the chaperone at the Youth Center. We already have five spots filled so email [email protected] for information or to ➢ Parents can enjoy the Kiddush, please stay on register. campus while your child is at Keflanu.

➢ Pick up: parents should pick up their child at the Youth Center. Just let the chaperone know your Bet Sefer, continued from page 15 child is leaving. Please pick up by 1:15 p.m. Every heart is swelling with joy and hope when we see the children on the bima at the end of our Saturday Shabbat service and each child rushing off to get candy knows that their parents care about that this. La’atid If you are a 4th-7th grade parent this As we begin this new school year, as we begin this new year, your child is automatically a member of Jewish year, it is a good time to ask ourselves how we La’atid “To the Future”. We have monthly can fulfill our end of the v’shinantam l’vanecha obliga- events which tend to be both social and socially tion. Can we do a little more? Can we keep the words conscious. of the Shema and V’ahavta in our hearts and in the hearts To RSVP or questions, contact your trusty advi- of our children and grandchildren? Nothing about raising sors, Dina & Phil Hankin at [email protected]. children is particularly easy, but maybe we can try to find a bit of time and sense of need to make sure our children Next event: October 19 learn from all of the wise people in their lives. 16 LA’ATID First Event of the Season for TBA Youth Phil and Dina Hankin lead the first La’atid youth group of the year to the San Ramon Olympic Pool and Aquatic Park.

Photos by: Joni Tanis and Milah Gammon

17 LIFE CYCLES Eli Kleinmann, October 18, 2014 My name is Eli Kleinmann and I am a seventh grader at Willard Middle School in Berkeley. My favorite subjects are math and science because I really enjoy thinking about and using numbers. In my free time, I like to play sports (baseball and soccer), watch college and professional sports (especially the SF Giants), and travel with my family. I like spending time with my family and I’m lucky to have so many of them living nearby. I’ve been at Bet Sefer since kindergarten and I’ve made a lot of friends. B’nai Mitzvah My Torah portion is Bereshit which comes from the book of Genesis. It is about Adam and Eve eating from the tree of good and evil and getting banned from the garden of Eden. In my drash I will be talk- ing about whether or not G-d lied to Adam and Eve. I hope to see you there. Mayer Goldberg, October 25, 2014 My name is Mayer Goldberg, and I am in the eighth grade class at the Contra Costa Jewish Day School. When I’m not in school, I do martial arts. The particular art that I do is called Poekoelan Tjimindie Tulen. Poekoelan, (pronounced Pookalaan) means “a series of returning strikes from the hands and feet.” Tjimindie means “beautiful flowing waters,” and Tulen means “complete.” I also enjoy carpentry, computers, and boy scouts (especially camping). I really like Star Trek, Doctor Who, and Battlestar Galactica. For my Bar Mitzvah, the Torah portion is Noah. Since this is the second triennial portion, it takes place after Noah’s big story about the ark.

Lanie Goldberg, August 23, 2014 My name is Lanie Goldberg and I am a seventh grader at Black Pine Circle. My favorite subjects are math and English. In my free time I enjoy playing sports, particularly baseball and basketball. I also like playing the saxophone and hanging out with friends. My Torah portion is Re’eh and comes from the book of Deuteronomy, Chapters 11-12. Re’eh is about rules and laws. For my drash I am talk- ing about Chukim and Mishpatim which are types of rules – some of which can be quite surprising. Editor’s note: due to my error Lanie’s write up about her Bat Mitzvah was left out of the September Omer. Mazel Tov, Lanie and my apologies for the omission. - RD

Mazel tov to Loren and Elise Perelman on the birth of their son August Jakob, born Mazel Tov on Saturday, September 13. Mazel tov to Rebecca Lesser and Joshua Kayman on the birth of a daughter, born on Thursday, September 18.

18 LIFE CYCLES OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS 1 8 17 23 Jacob Lorber Janet Lai Judy Berkowitz Ricardo Collaco Charles Levine Ayla Bukofzer Fredric Hoffman 2 Leah Liron Nicole Joseph-Goteiner Lon Moore Edward Marcus Edie Mills Jan Kessler Juanita Villa Len Nathan Micah Ross Sophie Marinoff Andrea Sarber 24 3 9 Jenna Tessler Sophie Hankin Yarden Feiger Rachel Bernstein Martin Kharrazi Lauren Quittman Rachael Rothman 18 Sheldon Schreiberg Jennifer Berg 25 10 Aaron Goldberg Eli Mailman 4 Noah Adams Dan Halperin Devorah Margolin Lena Sloan Freid Rinat Fried Sophie Hodess David Weiner Isaac Frierman Janna Lipman Weiss David Morris Sandra Rappaport Misia Nudler 26 11 Jordan Carey 5 Mary Odenheimer Kate Flick Garcia Michael Rose David Coltoff Zachary Seth Binder Maya McLean Anna Schacker Michael Kubalik Yael Gordon Ana Schwartzman Sheli Schacker Cara Plumhoff Julie Kotovsky Lurio Siegel Marshall Langfeld 12 27 Josh Rego Shirley Margolin 19 Emanuel Novak Hartsock Andrew Rose Mikhail Partsuf Alicia Cernitz-Schwartz Richard Odenheimer Arianna Leya Zatkin 13 Danielle Glick-Scroggins 28 Michael Zapruder 6 Dan Engel Arielle Albert Mia Lynn Bricker Cole Matsuzaki 20 Charles Feltman 29 14 Gabriella Gordon Ruby Klein Stuart Liroff Julia Hamilton Benny Krantz Eden Bruner Will Sparks 30 Barbara Oseroff Andy Campbell Treya Weintraub Michael Oseroff Stephen Pollack Keith Dines Miriam Reichenberg 21 Nathan Kruger 15 Benjamin Skiles Talia Rotman Freya Turchen Jason Binder Gilles Tarquin 7 Beth Glick 31 Jennifer Eisenbud-Sawle 22 Julia Bersin 16 Rachel Firestone Benjamin Ring Eden Goldstone Eli Kleinmann Anita Hannah Engel Amy Tessler Eliana Polon Matthew Waitkus Gary Smith Debra Weinsteinº

Is your birthday information wrong or missing from this list? Please contact the TBA office to make corrections.

19 LIFE CYCLES OCTOBER YAHRZEITS

May God comfort you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem

TISHREI 7-9 Leah Goldberg Reba Schechtman Elsa Kraus October 1-3 Ellen Goldstein Celia Bierman Labe Shikevich Arthur Adler Jack Lorber Edith Kaplan Abraham J. Weisbrod Emma Bolton Faye Selinger Beke Schechtman Sidney Samuel Hertz Samuel Shapiro Solon Weiner Fannie Arenbart Sieff Isaac Kessler Minnie Teverov Evelyn Gluck Bandel Rebecca Diamond Fannie Sussman Joseph Catarevas Samuel Burge Max Fass Sadie Weiser Brinner Bernard Lutz Maurice Goldberg Albert Kravitz Hyman Cohen Nathaniel Ranzer Arthur Kaplan Rose Semendoff Louis Huberman Simma Leson Rose Wasserman David Belzer Fannie Landy Frances Piser TISHREI 17-23 Seymour (Cy) Cernitz Bety Paul-Katz Mary Plotkin October 11-17 Hy Goteiner Ben Rust Harvey Steinberg Fradel Darling Nathan Levine Edwin Ames TISHREI 10-16 Sam Epstein Miriam Kestenblatt Morris Kuff October 4-10 Minnie Gershenson Renner Harry Winchell Allen (Al) Davis Iris Leve TISHREI 24-30 Maurice Klevens Sam Grant Harold Nudler October 18-24 Dorothy Lutz Mathilda Kahane Sam Sarver Joseph Cohen Mike Marshak Bertha Rosenstein Melvin L. Simon Emanuel Diamant Nachman Schleifer Mary Weinstein Bernice Katz Zywotow Udel Kontrovich Jeanette Baim Stern Lena Zubkoff Benjamin Davidson Howard Krachman Isedore Isenberg CHESHVAN 1-7 Leah Dorfman Daniela Rath October 25-31 Rose Kastel Sylvia Elber Abraham Wishnoff Alice Klein Gary Rosenfeld Dorothy Maccabee Bernard Stuart Horodas William Joseph Craig May Landowitz Minnie Markovits Joseph Novack Emil Goodman Elizabeth Rosenberg Jack Tessler Abraham Rabinowitz Lewis Herskovitz Rabbi Morris Schussheim Eleanor Davis Donald Rapson Samuel Platoff Anna Hammerman Benjamin David Gaynor Errin Berkowitz Simon Sanders Harry Horwitz Toba Goldenhar Annette Biatch Jeanette Somers Abraham Maltzman Max Goldstein Sarah De Vorin Ann Usef Florence Dines Emma Rothenberg Sadie Goodman continued on page 21

Recent Deaths in Our Community Peter Finnegan, stepfather of Joanna Berg (Dan June Matthews, mother of Joan (Steve) Jacobs Finkelstein) and Jenny Berg (Ray Plumhoff) Samuel Langberg, father of Mark (Judy) Langberg Norman Kagan, father of Susan Kagan Waitkus Irving Louis Berg, father of Joanna and Jenny Berg (Matthew Waitkus)

20 LIFE CYCLES

New Members: Julie and David Berman compiled by Sharon Alva Julie and David Berman came from New York to Oakland four years ago. Their neighbors introduced them to TBA and this summer they joined the congregation with two year old Oliver and seven month old Max. Oliver is squarely in his train stage and loves the swings. He is attending Gan Avraham. Max is a super easy-going baby who is just happy to get a moment of attention when Oliver and the dog aren’t causing some kind of ruckus. David is an enforcement lawyer at the securities and exchange commission in San Francisco, and Julie is a former New York City public school teacher (grades 3-5) and currently does private tutoring in the east bay. They all like the New York football Giants, Oakland As, Indian food, swimming and hiking. Oliver also likes drawing on furniture and throwing food on the floor.

Joshua Kayman & Rebecca Lesser. Daughter Alden Cohen & Sabrina Berdux. Daughter Naomi Whittle Welcome Cherryne Kravitz. Daugter Avivah Jonathan Carey & Amy Schoenblum. Daughters Jordan and Sasha New Members Josh Weiss & Janna Lipman Weiss. Daughters Maya and Simone Sheldon Kahn & Sarah Liron

continued from page 20 Craig Palmer Cover artist: Gabriella Gordon Gabriella studied her Masters of Fine Art at Sam Garfinkle Mae Rosen Konstfack, or University College of Arts, Crafts and Siegfried Sanders Hanna Tsifrin Design in Stockholm after three years of of art stud- Dave Siver Harry Diamond ies in Paris, France. Her work is usually mixed media Morris Triebwasser Lisbeth Gross depending on what she feels she want to express. Gabriella usually worka with abstract pieces. She has Ben W. Wisott Su Huang worked in glass, ceramics asphalt, cement, silicone, Sam Fox Samuel Kaplan video nylon stockings, and fabric and acrylic. Maurice Freimark Robert Schechter

MEMORIAL PLAQUE Anyone wishing to purchase a memorial plaque, please contact Pinky at the synagogue office at extension 229. If you do not know the location of a Memorial Plaque for your loved one, simply find the Memorial Plaque binder located on the back table in the Sanctuary. This book lists all Plaques in alphabetical order by the last name of the deceased and will be updated as new Plaques are hung. Please do not remove the binder from the Sanctuary.

21 DONATIONS

Charity is equal in importance to all the other commandments combined.

Davis Courtyard Match Fund Richard Leavitt & Mary Kelly, in memory of Morris Steven Grossman & Jill Rosenthal, in memory of & Mary Leavitt Eileen Grossman Gertrude Veiss, in memory of Sid Shaffer Jerrold & Anne Levine, in memory of Charles Levine Steven & Victoria Zatkin, in memory of Gertrude Bleiberg Klaus Ullrich Rotzscher & Jessica Siegel, in memory of Leonard Leibel, founder of Mazon Minyan Fund George & Lorri Zimmer Marjorie Brenton, in memory of uncle Sid Shaffer Martin & Evelyn Hertz Jeanette Jeger Kitchen Fund Norman & Jo Budman, in loving memory of Arthur Roth Yom Ha Shoa Fund Helen Fixler, in memory of Alan Fixler Bet Sefer Discretionary Fund Tonda Case, in memory of Louis Vaughn Edvardo Tate Camper/Scholarship Fund Elinor DeKoven, in honor of Shirley Silver’s 91st birthday High Holy Day Appeal – General Elinor DeKoven, wishes for a speedy recovery for Deena Aerenson Andy & Marcia Wasserman Rabbi Discretionary Fund High Holy Day Appeal – Endowment Herbert & Harriet Bloom, in memory of Ina Nathan Martin & Evelyn Hertz Doris Weiner Gluckman, in memory of E. Kushner Angelina Levy & Joseph Weiner Andy & Marcia Wasserman Douglas Moss, in memory of Edith Moss Larry & Deborah Reback, in memory of Leah Levine General Fund Stephen H. Abel, in memory of Bernice Glick Cantor Discretionary Fund Jack & Diane Fass, in memory of Michael Fass Joshua Wittenberg & Jennifer Kopp, in memory of Jerry Kopp Jay Goldman & Mona Goldfine Martin & Evelyn Hertz Endowment Fund Randall & Jan Kessler, in memory of Fannie Kessler Sophie Casson, in memory of Arthur Casson

A Legacy Gift Lasts Forever

Include TBA in your Estate Planning so that your message to your family is loud and clear: “The existence of Temple Beth Abraham is important to me and for the future of Jews in Oakland.” Contact TBA’s Executive Director Rayna Arnold for further details (510) 832-0936 or [email protected]. You are never too young to plan for the future!

22 CONTINUATIONS

Change, continued from page 2 find it very meaningful to help the synagogue with any- or second call does not provide coverage. Some people thing related to Torah.” can’t commit several weeks ahead but will read if it turns Joan hopes others find the mitzvah meaningful, too. She out that they are in town. doesn’t really want to have to “nag people to get congre- Any bit of advice is welcome, Joan said, who has agreed gants to sign up to read.” Joan sees as a to take over because she simply “loves reading Torah and “communal responsibility.”

Change, continued from page 13 thoroughly with cold water. Drain well. VEGAN STRAWBERRY KUGEL Thoroughly dry out pasta pot. Put on medi- Parve um-low heat. Add ½ cup oil and stir in Serves 6-8 sugar. Keep stirring until sugar melts and is browned (about 5-10 minutes). Be A good dessert kugel after a meat meal or careful not to let it burn. (The sugar a vegan brunch entrée. To keep this vegan, will stay separate from the oil). Leave be sure your bow ties do not have egg as on stove and quickly stir in well drained an ingredient. Medium to wide noodles can pasta until covered with the sugar and replace the bow ties. oil. Stir until any crystalized bits of 8 oz. uncooked butterfly or bow-tie noo- sugar melt into the pasta. Remove from dles or pasta heat. Stir in 1 tsp. salt and the black Oil or oil spray pepper, ras el hanout (or substitute) and red pepper. Let sit until lukewarm (about 1-14 oz. container of soft tofu (fresh, 20-30 minutes). not vacuum packed), drained 2 cups soy vanilla-flavored yogurt Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease an approximately 8” x 11” baking pan with 1/4 tsp. plus 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon oil. Mix the eggs into the noodles until 2 Tbs. sugar well combined. Pour into the prepared pan. 1/8 tsp. salt Top with caramelized onions. Bake for 2 and 1/2 cups quartered fresh strawber- 75-90 minutes or until top is golden and ries very crisp. Let cool a few minutes before slicing. 1 Tbs. non-dairy margarine Cook and drain noodles as per package Note: Ras el hanout is considered a mix of instructions. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. the “best” of what a North African spice Use oil or oil spray to grease an approx- shop might offer. There are many varia- imately 8” x 11” baking pan. Press on tions of it. It offers a complex range tofu to squeeze out moisture and then let of tastes and may contain as many as 30 drain. Crumble tofu into a large bowl so ingredients. To make a substitute for this it resembles small curds. Mix with yogurt, recipe, use 1/8 tsp. each ground cardamom, 1/4 tsp. cinnamon, sugar and salt. Combine ground dried ginger, ground cinnamon and with drained noodles. Mix with strawber- ground allspice. You may also want to use ries and pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle a dash more black and red pepper. top with remaining cinnamon. Cut margarine into small bits and scatter on top. Place in oven and bake until browned and bubbly, about 40 minutes.

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11 25 18

(42 min) III

I ppu R 201 4 ach k •

Sukkot o ukkot om Bereshit N s y Havdalah Havdalah (42 min) Havdalah (42 min) Havdalah (42 min) Yom Kippur Yom 1-2:30p Mah Jongg Child Care by BBYO

5-9p Parents Night Out - 9a Yom Kippur Service Yom 9a for Experienced players 7:18p 7:08p 6:59p 7:28p 9:30a-12p Shabbat Service 9:30a-12p Shabbat Services 9:30a-12p Shabbat Services Bar Mitzvah of Eli Kleinman Bar Mitzvah of Eli 9:30a Youth Service (Chapel) Service Youth 9:30a Bar Mitzvah of Mayer Goldberg 10:45 Yizkor • 2p Study Session Yizkor 10:45 1-2:30p Mah Jongg for Beginners 9:30a Family Service (Social Hall) 1 Cheshvan 24 Tishrei 10 Tishrei 17 Tishrei 4:30p Martyrology/Mincha • 6:30 Neilah 3 October 10 24 31 17

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6:27 p GleeBA! s Kindergym Kindergym h osh I m C hat ' ' R e V ' ' R s ' Office closes at 1p Office e 6:30p Kol Nidre Service No Kindergym this week No Kindergym 9a Simchat Torah Services Torah 9a Simchat 9:30-10:30a & 10:45-11:45a & 10:45-11:45a 9:30-10:30a 9:30-10:30a & 10:45-11:45a & 10:45-11:45a 9:30-10:30a 6:15p Kabbalat Shabbat with 6:15p Kabbalat 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat 7 Cheshvan 30 Tishrei 23 Tishrei 16 Tishrei Office & Gan Closed • No Kindergym Office 9 Tishrei Office & GAN Closed • No Kindergym Office 2 9 )

16 30 23 I zko R o R ah t

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No Bet Sefer • 4p-6p Bet Sefer 4p-6p Bet Sefer 4p-6p Bet Sefer R e V edication of the New Gate D edication e hm I n 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) No Kindergym this week No Kindergym Grocery Outlet - 6th grade Grocery Outlet s 9a Atzeret Shmini Services 9a Sukkot 1st Day Services 4p-5:50p Bet Sefer field trip to 4p-5:50p Bet Sefer field 10-11a & 11:15a-12p Kindergym & 11:15a-12p 10-11a 10-11a & 11:15a-12p Kindergym & 11:15a-12p 10-11a 6:15p 6:15p Erev Simchat Torah Family Service Torah 6:15p Erev Simchat 6 Cheshvan 29 Tishrei 22 Tishrei 8 Tishrei 15 Tishrei Office & Gan Closed • No Kindergym Office Office & Gan Closed • No Kindergym Office ) 1 8

aba 29 22 15 R ukkot 6:30 p oshana 6:40 p s

' ' R e V VII ( h e (Woodminster Cafe) (Woodminster (Woodminster Cafe) (Woodminster (Woodminster Cafe) (Woodminster (Woodminster Cafe) (Woodminster 9a Weekly Text Study Text 9a Weekly 9a Weekly Text Study Text 9a Weekly 9a Weekly Text Study Text 9a Weekly 9a Weekly Text Study Text 9a Weekly No Weekly Text Study Text No Weekly No Kindergym this week No Kindergym No Kindergym this week No Kindergym No Kindergym this week No Kindergym 7p BBYO-AZA and BBG 7p BBYO-AZA 7p BBYO-AZA and BBG 7p BBYO-AZA 7p BBYO-AZA and BBG 7p BBYO-AZA 7p BBYO-AZA and BBG 7p BBYO-AZA No BBYO-AZA and BBG No BBYO-AZA ukkot s 10-11a & 11:15a-12p Kindergym & 11:15a-12p 10-11a 5:30p Gan Supper in the Sukkah 10-11a & 11:15a-12p Kindergym & 11:15a-12p 10-11a 5 Cheshvan 28 Tishrei 21 Tishrei 7 Tishrei 14 Tishrei

7 28 21 14

VI 6:43 p ukkot s ' for kite flying for kite 4p-6p Bet Sefer 4p-6p Bet Sefer 4p-6p Bet Sefer 4p-6p Bet Sefer and Lulav

Grocery Outlet - 4th grade Grocery Outlet Grocery Outlet - 5th grade Grocery Outlet available for pick up 9a-6:15p available 4p-5:50p Bet Sefer field trip to 4p-5:50p Bet Sefer field 4p-5:50p Bet Sefer field trip to 4p-5:50p Bet Sefer field 4p-6p 3rd graders to Lake Merritt 4:30-7p WTBA Taco Tues at Tues Lake Chalet Taco 4:30-7p WTBA 4 Cheshvan 27 Tishrei 20 Tishrei 13 Tishrei

6 27 20 13 ay are produced 30-60 days in advance using the best data available from the TBA Administration Staff. This calendar is also available at our website the TBA 30-60 days in advance using the best data available from produced are d

V ukkot s olumbus C Lulav and Etrog Lulav 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 7p Book Club Meeting— available for pick up 9a-4p available Always check the Congregational E-mail or the Weekly Shabbat Bulletin for more up-to-date information. Please note any corrections care of Rayna Arnold at the TBA office. Arnold at the TBA of Rayna care up-to-date information. Please note any corrections Shabbat Bulletin for more E-mail or the Weekly Always check the Congregational 9:30a Rosh Chodesh-Cheshvan (Contact Amy Tessler for location) 3 Cheshvan 26 Tishrei 19 Tishrei 12 Tishrei THE STORYTELLER by Jodie Picoult THE STORYTELLER

5

Calendars in The Omer

26 19 12 IV 6:57 p 6:25 p ukkot s ' ' La’atid event (Montclair Park) with Nitzhia Shaked 10a Adult Education with Nitzhia Shaked 10a Adult Education

6-7:30p Teen Scene-Kick Off! Teen 6-7:30p 5-7p TBA serving at CityTeam TBA 5-7p 10:30a-12p Sunday Kindergym 9:30a-12p WTBA Su kk ot program 2 Cheshvan 25 Tishrei 18 Tishrei 11 Tishrei East Bay Tikkun Olam Chessed Day Tikkun East Bay 10:30a-12:30p Young Parent Havurah Young 10:30a-12:30p Tishrei / Cheshvan 577 5 24

8 1 22 15 29 201 4 Vayera Toldot Vayetzei Havdalah (42 min) Havdalah (42 min) Havdalah (42 min) Havdalah (42 min) Havdalah (42 min) Lech-Lecha Chayei Sara 1-2:30p Mah Jongg Wasserman Speaker Wasserman

Father Michael Barber 10:15a T’fillat Y’ladim for Experienced players 5:34p Bat Mitzvah of Yael Berrol Bat Mitzvah of Yael 5:44p 5:39p 5:35p 6p Gan Share a Havdallah 6:51p 10:15 Junior Congregation 9:30a-12p Shabbat Services 9:30a-12p Shabbat Service 10:15a Shabbat Mishpacha 9:30a-12p Shabbat Services 9:30a-12p Shabbat Services 9:30a-12p Shabbat Services 5-9p BBYO-Parents Night Out 1-2:30p Mah Jongg for Beginners 7 Kislev 29 Cheshvan 22 Cheshvan 8 Cheshvan 15 Cheshvan 12:30p Keflanu-play together grades 3-6 7 21 28 14

www.tbaoakland.org November 4:35 p 4:45 p 4:32 p Shabbat 4:39 p Kindergym Kindergym Kindergym 6:15p-7:15p ' ' ' ' Rock n’Roll Shabbat Office and Gan closed Office No Kindergym this week No Kindergym 9:30-10:30a & 10:45-11:45a & 10:45-11:45a 9:30-10:30a 9:30-10:30a & 10:45-11:45a & 10:45-11:45a 9:30-10:30a 9:30-10:30a & 10:45-11:45a & 10:45-11:45a 9:30-10:30a 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat- Kabbalat Shabbat UNPLUGGED 5:45p Bet Sefer Mechina Share A A Share 5:45p Bet Sefer Mechina 6 Kislev 28 Cheshvan 21 Cheshvan 14 Cheshvan 6

20 13 27 han K sgi V ing t 4p-6p Bet Sefer 4p-6p Bet Sefer 4p-6p Bet Sefer EGGS-Mit-ONIONS Office and Gan closed Office 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) Thanksgiving Day breakfast 10-11a & 11:15a-12p Kindergym & 11:15a-12p 10-11a 10-11a & 11:15a-12p Kindergym & 11:15a-12p 10-11a 10-11a & 11:15a-12p Kindergym & 11:15a-12p 10-11a 9a Minyan (Chapel) followed by /Bet Sefer this week /Bet No Kindergym 6:15p Bet Sefer Zayin Class Dinner 6:15p Bet Sefer Zayin 5 Kislev 27 Cheshvan 20 Cheshvan 13 Cheshvan 5

26 19 12 6:30 p 6:40 p ' ' (Woodminster Cafe) (Woodminster (Woodminster Cafe) (Woodminster (Woodminster Cafe) (Woodminster (Woodminster Cafe) (Woodminster 9a Weekly Text Study Text 9a Weekly 9a Weekly Text Study Text 9a Weekly 9a Weekly Text Study Text 9a Weekly 9a Weekly Text Study Text 9a Weekly No Kindergym this week No Kindergym 7p BBYO-AZA and BBG 7p BBYO-AZA 7p BBYO-AZA and BBG 7p BBYO-AZA 7p BBYO-AZA and BBG 7p BBYO-AZA 7p BBYO-AZA and BBG 7p BBYO-AZA 10-11a & 11:15a-12p Kindergym & 11:15a-12p 10-11a 10-11a & 11:15a-12p Kindergym & 11:15a-12p 10-11a 10-11a & 11:15a-12p Kindergym & 11:15a-12p 10-11a 4 Kislev 26 Cheshvan 19 Cheshvan 12 Cheshvan

4 11 25 18 l . a

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6:43 p ayin Bet Sefer Z le C tion ' eterans No e 4p-6p Bet Sefer V 4p-6p Bet Sefer for local prescient 7:30p Board Meeting itah No Bet Sefer this week TBA is a voting location TBA K

3 Kislev 25 Cheshvan 18 Cheshvan 11 Cheshvan 3 10 24 17 l . a

are produced 30-60 days in advance using the best data available from the TBA Administration Staff. This calendar is also available at our website the TBA 30-60 days in advance using the best data available from produced are in

ayin Z Kislev 577 5 itah 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) K / 9:30a Rosh Chodesh-Kislev Always check the Congregational E-mail or the Weekly Shabbat Bulletin for more up-to-date information. Please note any corrections care of Rayna Arnold at the TBA office. Arnold at the TBA of Rayna care up-to-date information. Please note any corrections Shabbat Bulletin for more E-mail or the Weekly Always check the Congregational (Contact Amy Tessler for location) Tessler Amy (Contact 2 Kislev 24 Cheshvan 17 Cheshvan 10 Cheshvan

9 2 Calendars in The Omer

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16

23 30 l . a hour

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Z ' osh B a CK 6p Teen Scene 6p Teen r 6-7:30p Teen Scene 6-7:30p Teen with Nitzhia Shaked 10a Adult Education with Nitzhia Shaked 10a Adult Education Harlan Simon - TBD Harlan Simon - all itah F K aylight 10:30a Sunday Kindergym D La’atid event - Q-zar - off site event - Q-zar off La’atid No Adult Ed. • 5-7p CityTeam No 1 Kislev 8 Kislev 23 Cheshvan 16 Cheshvan 9 Cheshvan Adult Education - Glassmaking with Adult Education 10a Adult Education w/Nitzhia Shaked 10a Cheshvan 25 Temple Beth Abraham PERIODICALS 327 MacArthur Boulevard POSTAGE P A I D Oakland, CA 94610 Oakland, CA Permit No. 020299

WHAT’S INSIDE

TBA Directory...... i Jewish Day School Bet Sefer News...... 15 What’s Happening...... 1 Open Houses...... 7 Adult Education...... 16 From the Rabbi...... 2 Community...... 8 Youth Events...... 17 President’s Message...... 3 Books...... 10 Life Cycles...... 18 Editor’s Message...... 4 Next Big Thing Update...... 11 Donations...... 22 Community...... 5 Cooking Corner...... 12 Calendar...... 24 Women of TBA...... 6 Gan Avraham News...... 14