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

Issue 147 · February/March 2015

Gala to Member Deb Massey Honor Max Profile: Honored with Cooperstein Robinn Education Congregation Beth El is a PAGE 3 member of The Union for Magid Award PAGE 5 PAGE 9 IN THIS ISSUE CONGREGATION 2 From the 9 Feature: Deb 15 B’nei Mitzvah BETH EL Massey Wins Jewish 1301 Oxford Street 3 Gala Tribute: 16 BENS Education Award Berkeley, CA 94709-1424 Taking It to the Max! 17 Recipe Phone: 510-848-3988 10 Life Stories: Food in 4 From the President Fax: 510-848-2707 Our Family 18 Torah Study 5 Member Profile: Youth and Family 11 New Members 20 Tzedakah Robinn Magid Education Office Direct Line: 510-848-2122 12 Library 22 Calendar 6 Events 13 Ways to Give 24 Gift Shop Nursery School Office 8 Were You There? Direct Line: 510-848-9428 Photos from 13 Mazel Tov Camp Kee Tov Office Beth El Events 14 Youth Programs Direct Line: 510-848-2372 Midrasha Office Direct Line: 510-843-4667

Cover color printing generously sponsored by Thomas Lurquin CLERGY & STAFF

Rabbi Yoel H. Kahn FROM THE RABBI ext. 215 · [email protected] Rabbi Rebekah P. Stern ext. 228 · [email protected] Norm Frankel An Old-New Siddur Executive Director ext. 212 · [email protected] for Beth El Debra Sagan Massey Director of Education by Rabbi Yoel Kahn ext. 213 · [email protected] Maguy Weizmann-McGuire I OFTEN ASK MY STUDENTS: “What is the second most Early Childhood Education Director ext. 219 · [email protected] important Jewish book?” (The most important Jewish book is the Torah, of course!) Well, after fumbling around for a minute, we Zach Landres-Schnur Camp Kee Tov & Youth Director often agree that it’s a well-known Internet search engine. Yet, a ext. 217 · [email protected] more serious answer would be that the siddur is — after the Torah Tameka Young-Diaby — Judaism’s most precious and beloved text. Bookkeeper The siddur, the prayer book, is more than a collection of ext. 210 · [email protected] prayers — it is a scrapbook of our people’s history and ideas. Juliet Gardner The siddur is not the product of a particular individual or even a Administrative Coordinator generation; rather, it grew and evolved across centuries, with ext. 225 · [email protected] and communities adding, changing and modifying (albeit rarely subtracting) prayers, Aliza Minkina Rabbinical Assistant poems, songs and ideas. ext. 235 · [email protected] Our siddur contains prayers that go back to the earliest days and memory of our Mimi Abraham people — the Priestly Benediction and Miriam’s Song (Mi kamocha), to early rabbinic Communications Coordinator texts (the core of the Amidah) from the first centuries of the Common Era, to 16th ext. 211 · [email protected] century mystical imagination (Lecha Dodi), to prayers and passages created expressly Emily Schnitzer for our own Beth El edition. Camp Kee Tov Admin. Coordinator Beth El’s prayer book, Siddur ha-Makom, is distinguished by several features: 1) our ext. 223 · [email protected] faithfulness to the historical structure and texts of the liturgy; 2) our commitment to Allie Liepman Reform Jewish ideas and practice including, but not limited to, ensuring the presence Youth and Family Education Admin. Coordinator of texts that are by and inclusive of women; 3) our inclusion of diverse voices and texts, ext. 214 · [email protected] reflecting a wide range of theological and Jewish imagery and ideas; 4) our inclusion Rabbi Jennifer Flamm of powerful contemporary English-language poetry and prose; and 5) our goal of Midrasha Director accessibility for all of our members and guests. These values are not always easy to 510-843-4667 · [email protected] reconcile, and we have struggled over several interim editions to balance these goals. Odette Blachman After eight years of “experimental” and “interim” editions, we are now ready Gift Shop to move forward with the goal of publishing a hardback, permanent edition of our ext. 240 · [email protected] Beth El siddur. We have considered the prayer books currently being used by other Rabbi Reuben Zellman Music Director congregations — including the official Reform siddur, Mishkan Tefilah, along with others On Leave 2014-2015 produced by individual congregations — and have realized that no extant siddur meets Rabbi Ferenc Raj our criteria for a Shabbat and Festival prayer book. (The Reform movement will soon Rabbi Emeritus be publishing a new High Holy Days mahzor and we will need to decide in the next [email protected] CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

2 · THE BUILDER · FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 GALA TRIBUTE

Taking It to the Max!

MAX COOPERSTEIN (Z”L) IS A LEGEND around Congregation Beth El. He was known for recruiting countless people to host Open Sukkahs during Sukkot and being a b’nei mitzvah mentor. He helped plan the annual Shabbaton and hosted Chardonnay Shabbat during the summer months. He pounded the pavement every year to solicit auction donations for the Gala, which supports Youth and Family Education (YAFE) programs. Max never stopped making a difference in the lives of many. But Beth El is not the only place where Max is legend. He was known throughout the music business in the 1950s and 1960s. He worked for Flash Records, Chess Records and MGM Records, where he contracted some of the best musicians of our times. He had an incredible ear for music, and he knew a great musician when he heard one. Well- known performers such as Etta James, Bo Diddley and Muddy Waters, and American Bandstand host Dick Clark, all worked with Max. We dedicate this year’s Gala to Max’s memory. We hope to inspire this generation and future ones with Max’s work and dedication. May the gift of music, which Max gave the world, be appreciated and cherished for years to come. Zichrono livracha: May his memory continue to be for blessing.

CONGREGATION BETH EL · BETHELBERKELEY.ORG · 3 FROM THE PRESIDENT Whether Sharing News, a Nosh or Needs, It Builds Community by Paul Sugarman, President of the Board of Directors

THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE read my and “special” anniversaries, among other lifecycle events, by columns in The Builder over the past nearly acknowledging them in the ”Mazel Tov” column. two years may have noticed that I frequently So, the next time something celebratory occurs in your life, use the term “synagogue community” please inform Mimi Abraham, our Communications Coordinator, when I refer to Beth El’s members. I do so so your synagogue community can celebrate with you. We should deliberately because I believe that those who only be so lucky that our community experiences so many mazel choose to join our synagogue are more than tov-worthy events that we run out of space in The Builder! just “members” of an organization, like one is (For those celebrating a simcha, an age-old Jewish custom is a “member” of the Sierra Club. We are instead to mark the occasion by sponsoring an Oneg Shabbat on either a group of individuals who pray together, Friday evening or Saturday morning. Elsewhere in this issue is a study together, celebrate joyous occasions together and support brief description of our new Oneg Shabbat sponsorship protocol, one another in times of difficulty. Put simply, we are a community. detailing the available food and cost options. Sponsoring an Oneg In this issue of The Builder we introduce two new columns Shabbat is also a moving way to commemorate the anniversary of that, I hope, will strengthen the bonds among our community. a loved one’s death.) In the first — dubbed the Mazel“ Tov” column, which appears The other column to debut in this issue is “The Chutzpah in this issue — we congratulate those members who were List — If We Don’t Ask For It, Who Will?” Beth El’s senior staff has recently recognized for a significant personal or professional a long shopping list of items they would love to acquire for use accomplishment or who celebrated a major lifecycle event. in our Nursery School, Kadima, Chug Mishpacha, Camp Kee Tov What types of events do we intend to acknowledge and Youth programs, and our facility staff likewise is always on in this column? It’s difficult to come up with hard and fast the lookout for items needed to help operate and organize our guidelines, other than “we’ll know it when we see it!” but some synagogue building. But purchasing these items is often beyond accomplishments are clearly worthy of broad recognition within our budgetary means. So, in the hope that some of our members the Beth El community: significant academic, professional may be able to help Beth El fill these needs, we intend to list such or community awards, appointment to the bench, becoming items in the Chutzpah Column in each issue of The Builder. Please tenured, or being elected to the governing board of a professional consider making an in-kind donation of items on the list (new, or society or governmental or nonprofit institution, to name just in good used condition) to our synagogue community. a few. As for lifecycle milestones, I hope that our synagogue community can share in the joy of weddings, the birth of a child, L’shalom.

Editor Bids Farewell Elisabeth Wechsler stepped down as This issue is my last as Editor of The Builder. I’ve enjoyed volunteering my publishing volunteer Editor on January 1. We are experience to bring you news of Congregation Beth El. After serving for three and a grateful for her dedication and service, half years, I’m ready to move on and give others the opportunity to contribute their and wish her the best as she pursues new ideas. Thank you to all the contributors, volunteers and readers. volunteer opportunities. —Elisabeth Wechsler

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. If you have a subject of interest to the Congregation, write a letter or essay of a maximum of 500 Editor and Senior Writer Member Contributors Copy Editors words and submit it to Mimi Abraham at mimi@ Elisabeth Wechsler Alison Bernstein Janine Baer bethelberkeley.org. No anonymous submissions will Odette Blachman Mara Bernstein be accepted. Communications Margie Gelb Bonnie Cooperstein Coordinator Deadline for the next issue: February 18, 2015 Evie Groch Jeff Seideman Mimi Abraham Robinn Magid Letters, essays and guest articles may be edited for Anna Portnoy length, content and style. Barbara Segal Barry Silverblatt Allan Sobel Scott Spear

4 · THE BUILDER · FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 MEMBER PROFILE

Is Volunteerism Genetic? Ask Robinn Magid by Elisabeth Wechsler

Left to right Joshua, Dan, Beth, Nathan, Robinn, and Aaron

ONE OF CONGREGATION BETH EL’S MOST DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS is Robinn Magid, currently a Trustee of the Board of Directors. Her first volunteer job was president of the Beth El Sisterhood in 1993. Even though she was a new mother at the time, Robinn observed the leadership need and quickly offered her help. This joyful approach has been her modus operandi for many other contributions over the 30 or more years she has been involved with Beth El. Fortunately for the congregation, she has no trouble saying “yes” when an important need is expressed.

Robinn is comfortable with people of all generations and went to work at Albert’s company, Aldon Computer Group (now considers herself a “project person” who especially appreciates part of Rocket Software) in Emeryville. deadline-free projects that are compatible with her extensive During a particularly stressful time in the synagogue’s new responsibilities for parenting, elder care and volunteering. She construction (2000–2001), Robinn volunteered as pro bono also considers herself the “church mouse” who knows where executive director for nine months while the previous director was everything is, as well as the history of Beth El. on administrative leave. Robinn recalls that period as especially Robinn has been married to immediate past president challenging because Beth El was seeking permits from a resistant Dan Magid for 31 years and is the mother of four children. She city council and neighborhood, and she was pregnant with her served on the Board of Directors in various positions for 17 years fourth child. Concurrently, she served as synagogue treasurer and continuously. Her role models were her parents and her in-laws, managed the staff payroll, among other financial duties. “They Marian (z”l) and Albert Magid, who were also involved in many joked that I should sleep in the back room instead of going home volunteer aspects of Beth El. For many young people, becoming because there was so much work to do,” she recalled. part of such an illustrious family could have been intimidating, but No matter how difficult the job, however, Robinn has always not for Robinn. She jumped right in and has remained an active shown grace under pressure. For her, contributing to the Beth El volunteer for the past 21 years. community is one of the high points of her life. “I feel so lucky Her bachelor’s degree in economics from UCLA taught her to be part of this community,” she said, describing herself as a project management skills and, after refining them at IBM (where traditionalist who treasures continuity. Robinn commented that she taught herself programming), a Las Vegas hotel/casino, and she loves the idea of “re-purposing Jewish things” to fit a more then the international CPA firm Grant Thornton, Robinn applied contemporary world, but “I don’t want to change things so much those principles to the often challenging volunteer positions she as to make them unrecognizable to our tradition.” has undertaken at Beth El. During what became her last career Her other volunteer positions at Beth El in addition to being position, she transferred to San Francisco from Nevada when Dan treasurer and Sisterhood president have included vice president CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

CONGREGATION BETH EL · BETHELBERKELEY.ORG · 5 EVENTS Pesach “Let all who are hungry, come and eat!” “Let all who are in need, celebrate the Passover!” Tu B’Shevat—All About the Trees Pesach 5775 begins Friday evening, April 3. Pesach 2nd night community seder at Congregation Tu B’Shevat, the fifteenth day of the month of Shevat, is the Beth El on Saturday, April 4 from 6:00–9:00 pm. Jewish New Year for the trees. At, ourwe willTu B’Shevat study and Seder reflect on Join us for a festive Pesach celebration and delicious Tuesday, February 3 at 6:30 pm catered kosher-for-Pesach meal. We are never too old, nor on the connections between trees, fruit and our own spiritual too young to learn and retell the story of liberation. Through dormancy and growth — as well as nibbling on fruits and song, ritual and discussion, we will retell the Pesach story, nuts, familiar and new, which allude to the themes of the making connections to our own lives and our world. seder and the holiday. We will study historical and modern Members: adults $54; young adults (30 and under) $36; texts on the real and symbolic significance of trees, explore children $18 the Kabbalistic imagery of the Tree of Life, learn how the Guests: adults $72; young adults (30 and under) $36; “Fruit of the Tree of Knowledge” calls us to the work of children $25; college students with ID $18. Through the (healing), and join together in song. Dinner justice and tikkun generosity of anonymous Beth El members, no one will be is included! The program will wrap up by 8:30 pm. The cost turned away because of inability to pay. Childcare is provided is $10/member; $18/guest. Visit the Beth El website for more for children 5 and under. details and sign-up information. Join us for an adult daytime seder on Tuesday, April 7 at 11:00 am. Please register by Monday, March 30, at bethelberkeley.org/pesach. Oh, Today We’ll Merry, Merry Be! It’s that time of year; don your costumes and People of the Book ready your gragger...Purim is here! On Erev Purim, Wednesday, March 4 at 6:30 pm People of the Book, Bethof each El’s month Jewish from book 7:00–8:30 group, meets pm onat , we’ll read the third Thursday the whole megillah — the Book of Esther – from beginning to end. Join in this fun community Congregation Beth El. All these books are, or will be, in the library. mitzvah by signing up for a part. You can read just You need not read the book to attend, but it will certainly enhance a couple verses or you can read many; you can your experience. Come— Author join Sarah in the Cramsey, discussion. who received her Ph.D. chant or you can choose to just read aloud; funny February 19 voices and costumes are encouraged, but definitely from UC Berkeley, presents her paper “A True Polish Jew? Jewish- not required! We will provide texts, recordings, Gentile Coexistence in Ber of Botechów’s Memoirs.” In the last decade and any help you might need. You don’t need of the 18th century, Ber of Bolechów inked his memories. He was not to have great Hebrew — just the commitment only Jewish; he was, arguably, Polish. But could Ber or any Jew integrate to prepare and read a few lines. Interested into Polish society? Did and Gentiles in early modern Poland or have questions? Contact Steve Kurzman at have a shared cultural vocabulary or societal framework? Where does [email protected] or 415-425-0777. Jewishness end and Polishness begin? March 19 — Stu Berman will present, a “gripping Family: epic A narrative,Journey into On Thursday, March 5 at 5:00 pm, join the YAFE community for our annual Purim Shpiel the Heart of the Twentieth Century (Purim Play) and celebration! We invite everyone to come beginning in 1875 and spanning more than a century. This readable in costume and join us in the sanctuary. We’ll hear and absorbing book looks at the experiences of Jews — in this case a short part of the Megillah and watch the staff all members of David Laskin’s family — finding a fresh start in the perform a Purim Shpiel United States.” . “Published quietly . Following the play, we will April 16 — Viv Trotz will present People of the Book’s first have family-friendly activities — including making graggers, puppets and mishloach manot graphic novel, Will Eisner’s A Contract with God (gift baskets). Bring a box of macaroni and cheese to use in 1978, Will Eisner’s revolutionary literary work, A Contract with God, marked the invention of the modern graphic novel, took on a as a gragger, and then it will be collected in our food bins to give to the local food bank. life of its own, and inspired a generation of ‘sequential artists.’” May 21 — Barry Silverblatt will present the San Francisco Jewish Community Library’s choice for 2015’s One Bay One Book program, The Betrayers, by David Bezmozgis, “a powerful morality tale for modern times that poses profound questions about ethics and forgiveness. Evoking biblical themes while casting attention to the plight of Jews in both and Ukraine, it is both a timely and timeless book that will provoke lively discussion.” For more information, or to suggest a book presentation, contact Barry Silverblatt at [email protected]. 6 · THE BUILDER · FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 TRAINING

Men’s Club On Training Rabbi Stern Introduces “Reform California”—, Rabbi Rebekah Thursday, February 12 at 7:00 pm for Shiva Stern will lead an interactive program on “Reform California.” Come gain an understanding of this dynamic movement promoting social justice across the Leaders state and participate in the discussion. Refreshments will be served. SHIVA, THE INTENSE DAYS OF MOURNING FOLLOWING A Men’s Club to Honor Jerry Weintraub as Volunteer FUNERAL, is often considered one of the Year—The Annual Men’s Club Volunteer-of-the- of the wisest aspects of the Jewish tradition. During shiva, the family Year Shabbat service honoring Jerry. Make Weintraub plans to willattend be on Friday, March 27 at 7:30 pm members stop their ordinary lives to the dinner before the service and the Oneg afterward; honor the life of the loved one who has details will be included in future e-updates. We are Volunteer of the Year died and to make room to experience honoring Jerry for his tireless work on behalf of the Jerry Weintraub the full range of loss and grief. entire congregation. PHOTO BY CHESHIRE ISAACS Shiva takes place in the embrace of a caring community; our tradition The Men’s Club Annual Family A’s Play the Yankees— teaches that “comforting the bereaved” Day Baseball Game at the A’s will be Saturday, May 30 is one of those mitzvot that has no vs New York Yankees! It’s not too early to make your limit to its fulfillment. Customarily, a plans to attend. Tickets are only $17 and include a $6 short service is held at the mourners’ food voucher. Go A’s! home each evening of the shiva period Contact Allan Sobel at [email protected] or 510- (historically, a week; today, shiva is 878-2726 to order tickets or for more information. observed from three to seven days). The Ritual Committee is training a group of member volunteers to lead Ongoing Programs shiva services. This two-part program, to be led by Rabbis Yoel Kahn and Rosh Chodesh—Held monthly, near the New Moon. Thursdays Rebekah Stern, will be taking place on , February 19 and March 26 at 8:00 pm. Gather with Rabbi Stern for womanly reflection, two Sunday afternoons, February 8 learning and conversation. and February 22, from 2:00 pm–4:00 pm. If you are interested in joining Life Stories—An interactive program: write a guided autobiography or memoir other members as part of a shiva- while sharing with a group. leading team, please contact Ritual Tuesdays : February 2, March 2 & 16, 2:30–4:30 pm . Committee Chair Alison Bernstein at: Thursdays: February 5, 12, 19 & 26, 7:00–9:00 pm [email protected]. For more information, please contact Marilyn Margulius,. mmargulius@ comcast.net or 510-525-5010. Fee: $50.00.

Lunch & Learn—Second Thursdays monthly at 12:00 pm Developments in Space Exploration” presented by Marc Davis. February and March 12 : “New 12 “Global Anti-Semitism” presented by Seth Brysk. Bring a bag lunch. Dessert and: beverages will be provided. Contact Harry Margulius, [email protected] or 510-525-5010.

Roots & Branches —Sundays , February 8 and 22; am. Rabbi Kahn’s open-ended, ongoing explorationMarch of the 1,texts 8, 22 and and ideas 29, 9:15of the Jewish tradition.

Hannah Arendt Reading Group —Tuesdays monthly on February 3 and March 3 at 7:00 pm. Book discussion series focusing on the writings of philosopher and political theorist Hannah Arendt.

CONGREGATION BETH EL · BETHELBERKELEY.ORG · 7 EVENTS

Were You There? Moments from recent events at Congregation Beth El

Chanukah Bazaar, December 7 (left to right) Merchandise for sale; coordinator Robinn Magid; Susan and Bruce Carter and Marilyn Margulius PHOTOS BY BILL ZARCHY

Yitzhak Rabin Exhibit, December 7 Congregation Beth El and the Jewish Federation of the East Bay hosted an exhibit on the life and legacy of former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. PHOTOS BY BILL ZARCHY

Beth El Men’s Club Chanukah Latkefest, December 19 (left to right) Allan Sobel grates a lot of potatoes; John Lewis (front) and Bruce Carter fry ’em up; Emily Schnitzer keeps the table full. PHOTOS BY BILL ZARCHY

Sababa Limos and Latkes, December 6 BBYO Connect put on a super fun scavenger hunt around Berkeley in a limo followed by a latke dinner. PHOTOS BY EMILY SCHNITZER

8 · THE BUILDER · FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 Deb Massey receives the 2014 Shomrei HaKabbalah Award for Exemplary Contributions to Jewish Education by the FEATURE Jewish Federation and the Jewish Community Foundation of the East Bay at a lunch for Jewish educators in January. PHOTO BY MOLLY SHAPIRO

Deb Massey Wins Jewish Education Award by Evie Groch

DEBRA SAGAN MASSEY, OR “DEB” as we know her, is offering opportunities for others to be involved, Deb feels Congregation Beth El’s Director of Education and is a unique, that she and her husband, Oren, are role models for their sons highly qualified and multi-layered individual. After years of Ari and Zev — as well as the service in Jewish life and education, Deb was awarded the rest of the community — 2014 Shomrei HaKabbalah Award for Exemplary Contributions demonstrating what we can to Jewish Education by the Jewish Federation and the Jewish do for one another. Community Foundation of the East Bay at a lunch for Jewish The Jewish values at educators in January. Deb’s core and the ones she Deb’s involvement in Jewish education goes back to her shares at home and in her high school days in Los Altos, her participation at Congregation community are kavod (respect), Beth Am and the positions she held at Camp Swig as a camper, b’tselem Elohim (in the image counselor and associate director. A product of the Reform of God) and hachnasat orchim Movement and liberal Jewish parents, she grew up celebrating (welcoming of guests). She

Shabbat, Jewish holidays and giving to the community. From her believes there is always room at PHOTO BY CHESHIRE ISAACS parents she learned how to strike a balance between taking care the table in their house and in of others and nurturing her own family. our synagogue. Honoring Deb Massey The satisfaction Deb derives from working with others stems Deb is humbled by this from her collaborative leadership style. She pays respect to the award and confesses that she We will honor Deb on the varied styles in which others lead, each building on a different nominated other educators occasion of her receiving the strength. Deb continues to learn from others since “we can’t all be since “everyone does so Shomrei Kabbalah Award at specialists in everything.” many great things.” She’s not our Shabbat YAFE service on Her outreach to students is purposeful. She recognizes really sure why she’s the one Friday, February 27. Dinner is that they are attending Kadima as an after-school option and receiving the award, but she at 5:30 pm; services begin at believes their experience should be defined by respect for their does understand that you don’t 6:15 pm, followed by an Oneg in peers and staff. To this end, Deb makes it a point to remember always immediately see the Deb’s honor. Please join us! Watch their names, since “that’s the doorway” in this very public job. effect you have by what you do. for details in upcoming e-updates. This is also how she draws others in, even those she sees on the Obviously others have sidelines who may not feel totally welcome. seen the effect she has. Beth El And does she think she has the responsibility to serve as is honored to have among its staff such a wonderful person with a role model? Yes, she does, noting that her parents served an abundance of talent and skills. As congregants, we are proud of as role models for her. By helping out at homeless meals and Deb Massey’s accomplishments and richly deserved recognition.

CONGREGATION BETH EL · BETHELBERKELEY.ORG · 9 LIFE STORIES

Clockwise from far left Barbara Segal’s mother; Barbara with her daughter; Jen (Segal) Vered with her son PHOTOS COURTESY OF BARBARA SEGAL

Food in Our Family by Barbara Segal

MY MOM WAS THE QUEEN OF THE KITCHEN! She lovely potluck dinner and all had a wonderful time. After everyone planned the menus, cooked every meal from scratch and was very left and I was cleaning up, Mom approached me and asked, proud of what she served her family and friends. When I married, “What’s wrong? Aren’t you feeling well?” I had no idea what she at age 21, I literally knew nothing about preparing food. Mom never was talking about. I told her, “I am fine. Why do you ask?” She shared her highly esteemed role in the kitchen with anyone else. responded, “Well, you must be feeling sick if you couldn’t cook So there were phone calls from Ann Arbor to New York the whole meal.” She had never before experienced a potluck during the first months of my marriage. “Mom, what’s a CLOVE dinner. Mom became part of our social life and was often invited of garlic?” When I was trying my first attempt at making pot roast to the homes of my friends. She was a quick learner and always for dinner, “Mom, what kind of meat do I buy for pot roast? What asked, “What would you like me to bring?” does it mean to sear the meat? How do you know when the pot Following in my mother’s footsteps, I have always cooked roast is ready?” And more questions: “When I bought a chicken from scratch and presently own over 300 cookbooks. Yet, I still today there were things stored inside…what are those things? look for new recipes. When we went camping with our children What’s the difference between tomato sauce and tomato paste?” along the Oregon coast, we picked huckleberries and added When my parents came to visit us in Michigan, I decided them to the pancake batter I had made at home to make a to make a special meal for them. I was very interested in Asian delicious breakfast. There was also Peet’s coffee made over the food as well as traditional Jewish food. I had begun to purchase open fire. cookbooks and often borrowed them from our local library. It was My Mom always made chopped liver and I remember how an unusual meal to say the least: hot and sour soup with matzo she combined the livers, onions and hard-boiled eggs in a wooden balls was our first course. It was quite tasty. bowl with a hand-held chopper. Now, I am the one making Though Mom often cooked traditional Jewish food, both of chopped liver for Pesach; I use my electric food grinder and I add my parents went out of their way to use food to show that they a secret ingredient: soy sauce were not really connected to Judaism. Whenever they entertained, As a child, I was a very picky eater and never liked meat. Mom she served shrimp. Clams oreganato were a favorite item, as well. would cut the meat into small pieces and tell me that if I didn’t eat I loved that Italian-flavored bread crumb topping but never liked the meat I would not grow tall. I rarely ate the meat — and I guess those clams. My mother also made delicious baked ham and other her prediction was correct. very-non-Jewish foods. Mom always wrapped everything in waxed paper. When I When Mom moved to California after my Dad died in 1985, cleaned out her house after she died in May 2002, I took home she lived with us for a while until her house was ready. I decided many frozen rolls. Twelve years later, I am still using her supply. I to have a party to introduce her to my friends. We put together a like to think that she is right beside me in my kitchen.

10 · THE BUILDER · FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to Our New Members! We welcome the following people to our Beth El community

Compiled by Jerry Iserson

Rachel Berkowitz & Marcia Golner & José Villagrana Michael Tilford Rachel Berkowitz is originally Marcia was born in Berkeley from South Florida and and has lived here (with a moved here in June 2013 few brief adventures) all of from Atlanta after finishing her life. Her husband Mike her master’s degree in public Tilford is originally from health at Emory University. Nebraska. Marcia was drawn José Villagrana is originally to Congregation Beth El from Santa Maria, CA and has because she was raised here been living in the Bay Area and had her bat mitzvah since the summer of 2011, here. When they were alive, working on his PhD in English literature at UC Berkeley; José’s both her parents, Dorothy doctoral work focuses on Renaissance devotional poetry. The and David Golner, were very couple met as undergrads at Northwestern University and were involved in the congregation; her dad was a past president and her engaged a year ago. Rachel works as a public health practitioner, mom was very active in the Beth El Sisterhood. “It makes me feel currently at both the Alameda County Public Health Department close to them in spirit to have joined,” says Marcia. She worked as supporting community development in East Oakland and at an executive assistant/office manager for most of her career, and Highland Hospital supporting a patient-provider advisory council she is happy to have retired last year. Mike is a senior construction within its Adult Medicine Clinic. She is hoping to pursue her director for Ross Dress for Less. Marcia has been volunteering PhD in public health in the future, focusing on global health and in the synagogue office for the past couple of months and is community development. Rachel’s other interests include art enjoying working with Beth El staffers very much. “It’s a pleasure and music (singing and piano). José enjoys music (guitar) and to put my administrative skills to use!” says Marcia. aviation. They both also like to take long walks in new places. In exploring congregations, Rachel and José were looking for an Rahel Smith and inclusive congregation that values exploration and questioning of Caroline Boyden Jewish teachings and faith, as well as Jewish traditions. The Beth Rahel Smith and Caroline El community seems to fit those characteristics very well. “We are Boyden currently live in both interested in exploring and learning more about the various Albany, having both lived in adult education opportunities at Beth El,” says Rachel. She said and around Berkeley for the that she may also join the choir. last 20 years. Rahel grew up here in the East Bay, and Caroline grew up in San Diego. While they remain enthusiastic members of Or Zarua, the East Bay Reconstructionist Havurah, Rahel was looking for a congregation with regular services and larger infrastructure, and Beth El seemed like a great fit. Caroline is a web developer at UC Berkeley, and Rahel is the Director of Finance and Administration for Kevah. They write “We are both avid game players (Ticket to Ride, Dominion, etc.) and would be delighted to get to know more of y’all over games, which are perfect for lazy Shabbat afternoons.”

CONGREGATION BETH EL · BETHELBERKELEY.ORG · 11 LIBRARY

More New Books to Offer Our Readers by Scott Spear, Library Chair

Donations to the Aaron Plishner and Rabbi George Vida Funds make it possible to buy new books. Here are some recent additions:

Writing in Tongues: Translating Yiddish In David, King of Israel, and Caleb in in the 20th Century by Professor Biblical Memory, Jacob Wright closely Anita Norich tells the story of the analyzes the stories of the great king in complexities of translating Yiddish relation to war commemoration, comparing literature and what it means to write in him with the great hero Caleb, who appears a minority language in decline, arguing in Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, ben that these works and their translations Sira, Josephus and the Quran. David Biale form an enlightening conversation says the book “gives the most convincing about Jewish history and identity. answer to why the biblical authors produced a character of Shakespearean complexity.” Jewish Identity in Susannah Heschel calls it a “landmark book Modern Art History, edited by Catherine in biblical scholarship.” Marc Brettler: “bold and original work.” Soussloff, collects 10 essays on its topic, Susan Niditch says the book has “exquisite literary sensitivity, illuminating the formative role of Jews historiographic sophistication.” as subjects of art-historical discourse, simultaneously introducing the idea of Judaism in Transition: How Economic cultural identity in the production of Choices Shape Religious Tradition scholarship. This panoply of essays reaches by Carmel Chiswick, an economics far, to art historians such as Meyer Schapiro professor and Jewish mother, offers and Aby Warburg, and to artists such as an analysis of the impact of economic Judy Chicago, Eleanor Antin and Morris Gottlieb. forces on American Jewish life, how tradeoffs produce the brand of Judaism Rav Kook: Mystic in a Time of Revolution predominant in America today. by Yehudan Mirsky is yet another in Yale’s series of Jewish biographies, here telling What makes a work of art uniquely Jewish? of the first Chief Rabbi of Jewish Palestine, This question is explored by 18 writers in founding theologian of religious Zionism, The Art of Being Jewish in Modern Times, who combined strict traditionalism and an edited by Barbara Kirschenblatt-Gimblett embrace of modernity. David Shatz calls and Jonathan Karp. It concerns music, the book “the most extensive personal dance, theater, film, museums, sculpture, and intellectual biography of Rav Kook in painting, architecture and more in a richly English.” illustrated volume with contributions by scholars in several countries on three Robert Alter has translated some more of continents, illuminating aspects of Jewish the Bible. His Ancient Israel—the Former history and identity often ignored and Prophets does this for Joshua, Judges, unsuspected. Samuel and Kings, with copious notes and commentary that pinpoint exactly what is happening at crucial moments in the text of these books, which, with Deuteronomy, tell our story from Sinai to Exile.

12 · THE BUILDER · FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 WAYS TO GIVE MAZEL TOV

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

Mazel Tov to Judy Appel, who was elected President of the Board of Education of the Berkeley Unified School District.

Mazel Tov to former Beth El President Martin Dodd, who was elected to the National Board of Directors of the Union of Reform Judaism (URJ). Martin is the first member of Congregation Beth El to serve on the URJ Board.

Mazel Tov to Jennifer Gorovitz, who was honored with the Landres Courage for Dignity Award bestowed by Keshet, the nation’s largest organization working for LGBT equality Congregation Beth and inclusion in all areas of Jewish life. The award recognizes individuals who display public courage as allies to support the El’s Chutzpah List full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people or others whose dignity is at stake.

If We Don’t Ask for It, Who Will? Mazel Tov to Beverly and Richard Eigner on the celebration of their 50th Wedding Anniversary and to their daughter, Danielle Do you have an unused digital camera? How about a Eigner, on the naming of her sons, Caleb Richard and Jakob Lucas. tablet? The following items listed are our “wish list.” If you are no longer using these items, we could put them to Mazel Tov to Debra Sagan Massey, Beth El’s Director of Youth excellent use for the benefit of the congregation. Please and Family Education (YAFE), who was selected by her peers contact Norm Frankel if you’d like to make a tax-deductible to receive the 2015 Jewish Federation of the East Bay’s Shomrei donation of a gently used (or new) item on this list: HaKabbalah award for “exemplary contributions to Jewish education.” (See related article on page 9.) Digital camera Tablet Mazel Tov to Oren J. Massey, Executive Director of Edah, a HDMI cables Hebrew language after-school program in Berkeley, for receiving SVGA cables the Pomegranate Prize by The Covenant Foundation. He was iMac Apple computer system one of five nationally recognized young Jewish Leaders honored Conference call speaker phone system in November 2014 for bringing “fresh new ideas and abundant Video security system with server energy to the field of Jewish education.” CD players Laptop Mazel Tov to Marv and Gwen Pearlstein on their marriage during the Thanksgiving weekend in Florida. Marv and Gwen celebrated their ufruf on the bimah at Beth El earlier in November.

Sponsor an Oneg Mazel Tov to Jeff Golden and Samantha Wolfe on their recent YOU CAN CELEBRATE YOUR SIMCHA or remember marriage. Also to Jeff’s parents, Vivian and Sandy Golden. loved ones with your Beth El community by hosting a Shabbat Oneg on a Friday night or Shabbat morning. Your sponsorship will be acknowledged in the e-update and from the bimah. Beth El members will be able to join you in your celebration or honor the memory of your loved ones. Please go to our website and click on “Ways to Give” and then “Oneg Sponsorship.” Read the description of how to sign up, then follow the link to select your menu choices and make payment. Your donation to Beth El will cover the cost of food, preparation, serving and cleanup, and will help support our programs. To speak to someone regarding Oneg sponsorship, please contact Aliza Minkina in the Beth El office at [email protected].

CONGREGATION BETH EL · BETHELBERKELEY.ORG · 13 YOUTH PROGRAMS

Next Year in Midrashabang—A ! Night in Set by Debra Sagan Massey for Sunday, March 22 when you will get to go to HAVE YOU BEEN WONDERING by Rabbi Jennifer Flam Israel? Have you always wanted to go but not been sure how it would happen? Well, this is the year to make the dream become Executive Director of Berkeley Midrasha a reality! Beth El and Camp Kee Tov are running a family trip December 20, 2015–January 1, 2016. This trip is a great way to JOIN MIDRASHA and Berkeley’s families, faculty, alumni and see Israel for the first time, or the umpteenth! community supporters at our annual party to support Midrasha’s The trip is organized by Keshet, the Center for Educational work with Jewish teens. We will also celebrate and honor this Tourism in Israel, which specializes in multigenerational trips. year’s honoree, Yossi Fendel, and his contributions to our There will be parallel programming for adults and kids throughout community. Yossi has been a member of the Midrasha community the trip, while also allowing quality time for families to be for over 25 years — first as a student, then faculty member and together. We will have Israeli youth counselors plan special now Board President. He is living proof of Midrasha’s “mensch- activities for the kids and our Kee Tov staff to provide the ruach making” capacity. (spirit) that will make it so special. He will be stepping down after this year and moving to If you are interested in learning more about this unforgettable Israel to spend a year with his family. So, mark your calendars experience for your family, please join us for our informational to join us at this year’s Midrashabang—A Night in Tel Aviv on evening on Sunday, February 22 at 4:00 pm. More details will be Sunday, March 22 at 5 pm — an evening of great food, drinks, announced in the e-updates. music and fun! Help the Board of Midrasha in Berkeley honor L’shalom. Yossi’s work and send him off in style. More details will follow in future e-updates.

Register for Camp Kee Tov 2015 Summer 2015 registration opens for Beth El members on Monday, December 1 at www.campkeetov.org. Session 1: June 22–July 17 Session 2: July 27–August 21 Beth El members have exclusive opportunities to register from December 1–16. General registration opens December 17. All registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

14 · THE BUILDER · FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 B’NEI MITZVAH

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

RACHEL ARONSON will be called to the Torah as a bat mitzvah on Saturday, February 14 at 10:15 am. Rachel is the daughter of Daniel and Heidi Aronson.

ELIJAH PERLSTADT will be called to the Torah as a bar mitzvah on Saturday, February 21 at 10:15 am. Elijah is the son Eyes on YOU(th) of Lori and Doug Perlstadt. by Anna Portnoy, President of the Sababa Board

I BEGAN ATTENDING BETH EL when I was in first grade. Initially, I thought that it was something I had to do, but it was ADRIANA SCHURMAN will be only two hours a week, so I thought “what the heck?” But as my called to the Torah as a bat mitzvah on first year unfolded, I learned how much fun it could be and it Saturday, February 28 at 10:15 am. became something that I looked forward to. In third grade I met Adriana is the daughter of Michele and one of my very good friends at Beth El, whom I never would have Philip Schurman. known because we were in different school districts, and she remains one of my best friends today. After that, Beth El became my second home and those two will be called to the Torah days became the highlight of my week. I wasn’t the only person TALIA COLE as a bat mitzvah on Saturday, March 7 at in a classroom who didn’t have a Christmas tree but instead, 10:15 am. Talia is the daughter of Felicia a chanukiah. Beth El was a place to fit in and be a part of the Cole and Dean Amundson. community. In sixth grade I was exposed to Sababa, which is a youth group for sixth to eighth graders where the kids plan and run different events throughout the year. I decided to run for the Sababa Board and had a great first year. I ran again the next year will be called to the after that and again this year when I ran for the presidency. We JESSICAH ROSS Torah as a bat mitzvah on Saturday, have only held a few events so far, but I have already had a great March 21 at 10:15 am. Jessicah is the time working with the other sixth, seventh and eighth graders to daughter of Heidi and Andy Ross. plan the events. In addition to being on the Sababa board, this year was my first year of being a madrichah (teacher’s aide) at Beth El. I work with second and third graders on different days and it is very enjoyable. I often saw the madrichim when I was younger and MAX SKLAR will be called to the Torah thought they were so amazing, because they were like teachers, as a bar mitzvah on Saturday, March 28 but at the same time they were kids like me. Now I am in the at 10:15 am. Max is the son of Jennifer reverse position and it has been a great experience so far. Levin and Edward Sklar. I became a bat mitzvah at Beth El last summer, which was an amazing experience for me. All the people I got to work with, including Rabbi Kahn and my tutor, Sacha, made it so much less stressful. This allowed me to enjoy the process and truly appreciate this important event in my life. I am so happy to be part of Congregation Beth El; it has been a second home for me, where there are always teachers and friends for me if I need them.

CONGREGATION BETH EL · BETHELBERKELEY.ORG · 15 BENS Kids deliver challot to local businesses PHOTOS BY ANDREA BALAZS

BENS & YAFE Calendar BENS Programs Cultivating February 2 Parents’ Cafe, 9:00 pm Community, Giving and 3 Tu B’shevat Family Celebration, 5:00–6:00 pm 7 Beth El GALA! 10 B’nei Mitzvah Parents Meeting, 6:15–7:00 pm Respect for Nature 10 Parenting workshop with Rabbi Stern: “Through by Maguy Weizmann-McGuire, Director of Early Childhood Education Their Eyes: Jewish Mindfulness, Childlike Awe and Wonder,” 7:30–9:30 pm 13 BENS closed LAST YEAR WAS AN AMAZING ONE AT BENS, and we look forward to 2015 being 14 NO CHUG MISHPACHA — PRESIDENTS’ DAY WEEKEND just as productive. The past three months have felt euphoric, magical and, at times, tiring. 16 BENS closed We encourage you to come and see the results of our hard work! 17 No Kadima Since September, we have made many remarkable alterations to our indoor and 19 Kadima Open; Makeup December storm day outdoor spaces, enriched our curriculum and planned family events that strengthen our 26 All-school T’fillah community ties. Many of these events, such as Work Party Days, Shabbat Family Dinners, 27 Shabbat YAFE: Tot Shabbat (5:00 pm), Dinner Tot Shabbat/YAFE, Professional In-Service Training Days, Parent Education Workshops (5:30 pm), Family Shabbat service (6:15 pm) with guest speakers, and the recent holiday celebration were inspired and led by our staff, especially by Jodi Gladstone, BENS Jewish Resource Specialist. March As we continue to develop meaningful programs for our community, two in particular 2 Parents’ Cafe, 9:00 pm are worth mentioning. The first is “Challah-It Forward.” The idea was borrowed from Daniel 5 Kadima Purim Celebration, 4:00–6:00 pm Barash, who performed Jewish-based stories using shadow puppets. His “Challah in the 6 All-school Shabbat & Purim Parade 13 Shabbat YAFE: Tot Shabbat (5:00 pm), Dinner Ark” story inspired Jodi Gladstone and her classroom community to create “Challah-It (5:30 pm), Family Shabbat service (6:15 pm) Forward,” a program in which children (with the help of teachers and parents) prepare and 14 6th Grade Family Learners’ Service and Potluck bake challot to be distributed monthly to local merchants (until the end of June). Last month, Lunch, 10:15 am–2:00 pm Gan Hadar children and their parents visited six of the chosen local stores and presented 14 Saturday Night Live: Parents’ Night Out beautifully wrapped, fresh-from-the-oven challot. How magical is that? 15 Work Party Day for Gan Dvorim & Gan Alonim The second program involves monthly trips to Urban Adamah by our Threes (Gan 24 Parenting workshop with Rabbi Stern: “Passover Galim) and Fours (Gan Hadar) classrooms. As a way to connect the children and families How-To: Rituals and Parenting for Passover,” 7:30–9:30 pm to Jewish values (gratitude, sharing and harvest) and this year’s theme, Shomrei Adamah 26 All-school T’fillah (guardians of the Earth), each classroom along with its teachers and parents experience the 27 Pesach Family Celebration, 12:00–1:00 pm magic of the earth and plant and animal life, bringing the concept back home to be explored in their own environments. From January through March we are focusing on the recruitment of new families, completing the construction of our outdoor playground and enriching our family holiday celebrations with meaningful activities.

16 · THE BUILDER · FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 RECIPE

Almond Crisps by Marjorie Gelb

LAST-MINUTE HOUSE GUESTS are a blessing because Cooking Directions they give you an excuse to make the laziest cookie on the planet. 1. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 cookie sheets with Start to finish in 35 minutes, this recipe is just an adaptation of parchment. the classic Almonds Florentine that has been published by many 2. Place egg whites in a bowl and beat them with a wire great pastry chefs, including David Lebovitz and Flo Braker. So, whisk to break them up. Beat in the powdered sugar until it’s when someone rings the bell and you have not planned ahead well combined. It may still have some lumps. Add salt, vanilla and nor hit the store in days, scout your well-stocked pantry for some almond extracts and beat again. almonds, sugar and egg whites, and you’ll be sharing tea and 3. Fold in the almond slices with a rubber spatula. Make sure biscuits in no time. the slices are covered with the sugar-egg mixture. 4. Spoon slightly rounded tablespoons of the mixture onto Makes 30 or more crisps. These go fast so you might want to the parchment. Flatten them with a fork. They can be close double the recipe. together but should not be touching. 5. Bake for 13–15 minutes, switching the pans in the oven half- Serves 8. way through. The mixture should be tan all over but not burnt. If the edges look like they’re done but the middle is still very pale, Ingredients turn off the oven and leave them in for a couple of minutes more. 2 egg whites They need to be brown on top and bottom so they are crisp when ²⁄3 cup powdered sugar, plus a little more for sprinkling at the end cool. Take out the pans and let them rest for a couple of minutes. A pinch of salt Remove the crisps and cool on a wire rack. ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 6. Just before serving, sprinkle with a little powdered sugar ¼ teaspoon almond extract (place some sugar in a sieve and rub it through like snow flakes). 8 ounces almond slices (about 2½ cups)

CONGREGATION BETH EL · BETHELBERKELEY.ORG · 17 TORAH STUDY From the Rabbi CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 Torah Study After eight years of “experimental” and “interim” editions, we are now ready to Torah Study meets on Saturdays at 9:15 am in the move forward with the goal of publishing Beit Midrash. All are welome! For questions or to sign up a hardback, permanent edition of our Beth as a presenter, contact Jerry Weintraub at gdweintraub@ El siddur. There are many, many questions, yahoo.com. ranging from page design and font size to 2/7/2015 which prayers and texts to include and which Parashat Yitro Exodus 18:1–20:23 to leave out. Naomi Janowitz 2/14/2015 couple of years whether to acquire it for High Holy Days use.) We believe that our own Parashat Mishpatim volume is in the best interests of our synagogue. Exodus 21:1–24:18 This spring, the Ritual Committee will begin work on this project. There are Stuart Berman many, many questions, ranging from page design and font size to which prayers and texts to include and which to leave out. How much are we able to spend on securing 2/21/2015 permissions? Will an English text that feels “fresh” to us now still speak to us in five or Parashat Terumah 15 years? What is the proper balance between received texts (which themselves have Exodus 25:1–27:19 been evolving for hundreds of years) and new ones? When do we want to offer choices Moshe Maler and when do we want to all (literally) be on the same page? Should we even be thinking about a printed book or rather simply ask everyone to bring their social media device to 2/28/2015 the synagogue and access our “siddur site”? Parashat Tetzaveh or Esther This is an exciting project, and we would welcome your participation — as a Exodus 27:30–30:10 proofreader, contributor, designer or schmoozer (that’s the group of people who sit Renee Passy-Zale around and think about the big questions!). We expect this work to unfold over the 3/7/2015 next 18 months. If you would like to participate in the editorial or the production Parashat Ki Tisa aspects of this project, please contact Ritual Committee Chair Alison Bernstein Exodus 30:11–34:35 ([email protected]). Alison Bernstein The congregation will have opportunities to look at page designs and other aspects of the volume before it goes to press. We welcome your participation, suggestions 3/14/2015 and comments. Our goal is to produce a volume of beauty and meaning that will bring Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei together the best of our ancient tradition and our own creativity — nurturing and Exodus 35:1–40:38 deepening our individual and communal spiritual practice and linking us to Jews of Rabbi Yoel Kahn generations past and the wider community today.

3/21/2015 L’shalom. Parashat Vayikra Leviticus 1:1–5:26 Wilma and Stephen Rader 3/28/2015 Parashat Tzav Leviticus 6:1–8:38 Sara Farrow

18 · THE BUILDER · FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 Member Profile: Robinn Magid CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 for fundraising, ritual committee chair, Nathan actually shedding tears when he nominating committee member (three One unusual project occasionally couldn’t attend Kadima, Beth times and the chair twice), design team El’s after-school religious school program; member for the Oxford Street building, that Robinn took on was he loved it so much. long-range planning committee and One unusual project that Robinn took archives committee member, gift shop overseeing the repair of on “as point person” was overseeing the co-chair with Odette Blachman for the repair of two early 19th-century Torah last 21 years, Chanukah bazaar chair for two early 19th-century scrolls that survived the Holocaust. The 22 years, and member of Chevra Kadisha scrolls are on permanent loan to Beth (traditional burial society). In addition, Torah scrolls that El (it’s rare to have two loaned to one she served on the multi-year major capital synagogue) from the Czech Scroll Trust, campaign for Beth El’s new building and survived the Holocaust. based in Westminster Abbey, London. made numerous in-person solicitations One scroll was requested by our late herself, which resulted in 75 pledges and a She says, “The ultimate rebbetzin, Emmie Vida, and the other by homemade pear pie. our former Rabbi Leo Abrami. Emmie was Born in Chicago, Robinn was raised honor for me is to carry a Holocaust refugee and Rabbi Abrami in an actively Jewish family in Orange was a child survivor. County, CA, five miles from Disneyland (a one of these restored Robinn said, “The ultimate honor big part of her life growing up because she for me is to carry one of these restored could let her hair down there). Her father scrolls around the scrolls around the congregation during was treasurer of their Reform synagogue the Torah service to make it possible for in Santa Ana and her mother was active in congregation during the people to kiss them. Beth El for me is l’dor B’nai B’rith International. va’dor (from generation to generation) Robinn was a dedicated leader even Torah service to make of community.” Beth El has a total of five in high school, serving as president of the Torah scrolls, and these Czech scrolls are youth group, which gave her a seat on her always dressed in embroidered mantles synagogue’s board of directors in 1977. it possible for people to make them easily identifiable by the She became the first youth representative congregation. from her synagogue to participate to kiss them. Beth El Asked if Robinn ever has free and vote in the UAHC Biennial in San time, the self-proclaimed “workaholic Francisco that year. Important issues were for me is l’dor va’dor of volunteer and mother” laughed and considered by the UAHC, now called the said, “Well, my time is unstructured so I Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) that year, community.” have some flexibility, but I don’t actually such as the question of URJ becoming a have free time.” Still, she and former Zionist organization and whether to admit She and Dan decided that their first rule Beth El president Andy Ganes recently the first openly homosexual congregation was “never to go to bed angry.” Of course, took over responsibility for Beth El’s and the first humanist congregation. she said, “this has sometimes led to very cemetery documentation and care. They Robinn is proud to have voted with the late-night discussions!” are inventorying burial sites, discussing majority for Zionism, and for admitting Their oldest son, Josh, graduated ways to repair gravestones and hoping to the gay congregation, but against the from Columbia University in June 2014 provide benches for visitors. humanist congregation. During the with two bachelor’s degrees and a One of her few demanding non- Biennial, Egypt’s president, Anwar Sadat, certificate in business management. Beth, Beth El projects is her Jewish genealogy made his historic visit to Israel, resulting in their only daughter, is a junior majoring pursuit. She is a long-time volunteer and a momentous and unforgettable summer in psychology and theater arts at Case board member of JRI Poland (jri-poland. in Robinn’s life. Western Reserve University in Cleveland. org), a nonprofit whose mission is to The next year, as a freshman at Their second son, Aaron, started at Case provide access to surviving Polish Jewish UCLA, Robinn had another life-changing Western Reserve in September as a vital records. With this resource, Robinn experience: she met her future husband, freshman, planning to study engineering, has been able to trace her own family 12 Dan, and they have been together ever physics and computer science. (Both generations, from the early 1700’s through since — a total of 36 years. They realized Albert and Marian Magid’s families were the Holocaust, documenting the fate as they became friends that they shared originally from Cleveland, a factor that was of hundreds of her relatives. She often the same goals. “We just wanted to be a draw for the grandchildren.) speaks and writes on this topic and is well around each other.” Some of their values Robinn and Dan’s youngest son, known in the Jewish genealogy world as have evolved together — especially their Nathan, became bar mitzvah at Beth El an expert in her specific area of interest. level of Jewish observance, Robinn said. in October 2014 and is an active board Our community is very fortunate They were married in 1983 by Beth El member of Sababa, the youth group in having such a dedicated and talented Rabbi Avi Levine (z’’l) in Newport Beach. for teens at Beth El. Robinn remembers volunteer in its midst.

CONGREGATION BETH EL · BETHELBERKELEY.ORG · 19 TZEDAKAH

AARON PLISHNER CHILDREN LIBRARY Deborah Brill Place & Martin Place MEN’S CLUB Linda Marchena, in honor of Mike Klayman Dorothy Rice, in honor of Rabbi Rebekah Stern Allen & Elaine Sobel, in memory of David Biatch Joel & Karen Zeldin, in memory of Fae Dash Anne & Fred Rosenthal Phyllis Zisman, in memory of Naomi Wollins Goldberg David Schatsky, in honor of Katherine Sanstad Bat Mitzvah MITZVAH COMMITTEE Harvey Schochet & Kathleen Kerr Schochet, Donna Breger Stanton, in memory of Frances M. Breger ADULT EDUCATION in honor of Pearlstein-Gold wedding Leah Emdy, in memory of Minnie Adler Cynthia Brand, in memory of Allan Gorelick Betty & Thom Seaton, in honor of Beverly and Richard Eigner Jim & Marcia Emery, in memory of Max Cooperstein Bonnie Cooperstein, in memory of Allan Gorelick Allen & Elaine Sobel, in honor of the birth of Ziv Frankel Estie and Mark Hudes, in honor of B’not Mitzvah— Paul Dresnick, in memory of Allan Gorelick Sandler Statdler, in honor of Beverly and Richard Eigner Katherine Sanstad, Susan Zarchy, Susan Sugarman Leah Emdy, in memory of Max Cooperstein Cathy Stevens and Jennifer Robinson Harold Friedman, in memory of Allan Gorelick Isabel Stusser, in honor of Beverly and Richard Eigner Karen Harber & Maxim Schrogin, in honor of Lenore & Phil Garon, in honor of Susan Zarchy’s Bat Mitzvah Marc Davis & Nancy Turak Susan Sugarman’s Bat Mitzvah Estie and Mark Hudes, in memory of Allan Gorelick Sharon Caplow Todd Cathy Stevens, in honor of Susan Zarchy’s and Monica Kamio, in memory of Allan Gorelick Joel Meltzer & Susan Weinstein, in memory of Louis Meltzer Susan Sugarman’s B’not Mitzvah Sidney & Gerry Lipton, in memory of Allan Gorelick Vadjiheh Yadegar, in memory of Yadegar Yadegar Renee Passy Zale, in memory of Isaac Passy Gail & David Offen-Brown, in memory of Allan Gorelick Phyllis Zisman, in memory of May Schere Sylvia Schwartz, in honor of Beverly and Richard Eigner HOMELESS MEAL PROGRAM Barbara & Steve Segal, in honor of Beverly and Richard Eigner Rachel Amsterdam & Benjie Achtenberg, MUSIC FUND Phyllis Zisman, in memory of Allan Gorelick in memory of Joseph Amsterdam Marc Davis & Nancy Turak, in honor of all Stu & Judy Berman High Holiday participants ALLAN & TYBIL SMITH KAHN FUND Clarke & Maria Daniels Phyllis Zisman, in honor of B’not Mitzvah— Thomas Lurquin Martin & Jill Dodd, in memory of Marian Magid Katherine Sanstad, Susan Zarchy, Susan Sugarman Michael & Merle Fajans and Jennifer Robinson B’NEI MITZVAH TZEDAKAH FUND Phyllis Zisman, in memory of Esther Zisman Betsy Ami Rose & Jack Gansky, in memory of Abe Cooperstein Dave Huebner & Sandy Bacskai, and Chaim Cooperstein NURSERY SCHOOL FUND in honor of the 2013-2014 B’nei Mitzvah Class Diane Kaplan & Robert Goldstein, Bonnie Cooperstein, in honor of Beverly and Richard Eigner Michelle & Alex Bergtraun, in memory of Allan Gorelick Leah Emdy, in honor of the birth of Sequoia Miriam Gardner in honor of the 2013-2014 B’nei Mitzvah Class Steven & Kate Goode, in honor of Barry and Erica Goode David & Nurit Garner, in memory of Johnny Jess Garner Alicia Park & Lee Bernstein Kenneth Goode, in honor of Erica & Barry Goode Barbara & Steve Segal, in memory of Rosa Mayeri Bonnie Cooperstein, in honor of Lev Ami’s Bar Mitzvah Jean Henderson, in memory of Samuel L. Blacker Deirdre & Adam Duhan Sally Benjamin & Robert Kessler PRAYERBOOK FUND Salesin-Lingenfelter Family, Claire Ungar & George Lavender, Nora Wagner in honor of the 2013-2014 B’nei Mitzvah Class in honor of Rabbi Rebekah Stern PROJECT NECHAMA Gefen Gladstone Ilana Novak Jessica Wolin, in memory of Samuel Menachem Rosen Wolin Sacha Kopin Rabbi Ferenc & Paula Raj RABBIS’ DISCRETIONARY FUND Andy & Heidi Ross IRAC David Salesin Robert Bonem Michelle & Alex Bergtraun Janet Byron, in memory of Blanche Reiman CAMP KEE TOV SCHOLARSHIP FUND Elisabeth Feldman Janet Byron, in honor of Rabbi Kahn Jean Henderson, in memory of Norton R. Langley Arthur & Carol Goldman Mona Cain Sondra Napell, in memory of Emanuel Matkowsky Robert & Linda Walker Bruce & Susan Carter, in honor of B’not Mitzvah— CHEVRA KADISHA FUND MA TOVU Katherine Sanstad, Susan Zarchy, Susan Sugarman Mona Michael & Susan Austin Bert Cohn, in appreciation of memorial services Rabbi Kahn & Dan Bellm for Holly Cohn DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. Stu & Judy Berman Juliet & Peter Gardner, in honor of the Rabbis and staff of BREAKFAST Dr. Ralph & Gail Bernstein Congregation Beth El Linda Gerson Bill Falik & Diana Cohen Sandy & Vivian Golden, in appreciation of Rabbi Kahn Estie and Mark Hudes Elliot Cravitz & Miriam Schultz Diane Kaplan & Robert Goldstein Sandra Luft Martin & Jill Dodd Daniel Ray & Ellen Gould, in honor of Rabbi Rebekah Stern Moshe Maler & Susan Frankel Spencer Klein & Ruth Ehrenkrantz Sharon Beth Levy, in memory of Anne and Aaron Ziegman Molly Aaronson-Gelb & Jonathan Spector Lisa Feldman Dante & Jennifer Lombardi, Anthony & Madelyn Stone Rose & Jack Gansky in honor of Leo Lombardi’s Bar Mitzvah Marlene Getz & Bob Gilden Thomas Lurquin GENERAL FUND Arthur & Carol Goldman Robinn & Daniel Magid Frances Alexander, in memory of Dora Waterman Connolly Andy Kivel & Susan Goldstein Pam & Art Mahoney, in honor of marriage of and William Connolly Howard & Alice Gruber Gwen and Marv Pearlstein Madison Arent Marc Derewetzky & Jennifer Kawar Lea Salem & Lisa Ochs, in memory of Herman Blumental Shoshana Berger, in memory of Stanley Berger Amy Oppenheimer & Jennifer Krebs Gail & David Offen-Brown, in memory of Samuel Offen Stu & Judy Berman Leo & Rebecca Levenson John & Susan Prausnitz Odette Blachman, in honor of B’not Mitzvah— Eugene & Robin Millstein Zena Ratner, in memory of Ida Levine Katherine Sanstad, Susan Zarchy, Susan Sugarman Paul Steckel & Marlene Morris Marcel & Margrit Schurman, in memory of Mina Turkavka and Jennifer Robinson Ethan Andelman & Laura Mytels Cathy Stevens, in honor of Beverly and Richard Eigner Martin & Jill Dodd, in memory of Irma Seigel, Nancy Dodd Marv Pearlstein Marc Davis & Nancy Turak, in memory of Frederick Weil and Anna Silverman Shahan Harry Pollack & Joanne Backman Steve Weitz, in memory of Tristano Palermino Martin & Jill Dodd, in memory of Elaine Dodd-Heun William Schechner and David Glassberg Steven Joseph & Corey Hansen-Joseph, Ellen Singer-Vine & Ed Singer in memory of Sol Joseph TORAH STUDY Juliette Hassid, in memory of Sami Hassid MARIAN MAGID MEMORIAL FUND Bruce & Susan Carter, in honor of Beverly Eigner Stacey & Edward Holly Frances Alexander, in memory of Ernest Alexander Jeff Gilman Mike Klayman, in honor of Katherine Sanstad Bat Mitzvah Jean Henderson, in memory of Marilyn Hemmings Laura Taub & David Kline Jeff & Debbie Leon, in honor of B’not Mitzvah— Alexandra Koltun Katherine Sanstad, Susan Zarchy, Susan Sugarman Janet Lipkin, in memory of Barry Shapiro and Jennifer Robinson Julie & Patrick Kennedy, in memory of Carl Gallop Rosa Mayeri, in memory of Yahya Mayeri Rosa Mayeri, in memory of Noor Yashar Adam & Susan Metz MEMORIAL PLAQUE FUND Stan & Miriam Schiffman

20 · THE BUILDER · FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 Annual Appeal Donate to We gratefully acknowledge all of our donors to Beth El’s Annual Appeal. Donations to the Annual Appeal help support our wonderful synagogue programming, community activities Beth El! and diverse membership. It is a Jewish tradition to give tzedakah to Harry and Lee Abrams David Fields & Michael & Barbara Liepman Bruce Saldinger & commemorate life cycle events and other Abravanel-Beeson Family Anita Roger Fields Stacey Shulman Lynne Royer occasions. Are you celebrating a birthday, Daniel & Nancy Altman Daniel Fishman Brian & Wendy Lukas Suzanne & Bob Samuels engagement, anniversary, baby naming, Susan Amdur Anna & Michael Fogelman Thomas Lurquin James & Judith Sanders bat/bar mitzvah or recovery from an illness? Betsy Ami Susan Frankel & Desmid Lyon Alan Sanstad Adele Amodeo Moshe Maler Daniel & Robinn Magid Katherine Sanstad These are just a few ideas of appropriate Ethan Andelman & Matthew & Lisa Friedman Alexandre Makler & David Schatsky times to commemorate with a donation to Laura Mytels Andy & Lauren Ganes Anna Brock Stan and Miriam Schiffman Beth El. These tax-deductible donations are Joyce Appelbaum Rose & Jack Gansky William & Emily Marthinsen Marcel & Margrit Schurman greatly appreciated and are a vital financial Madison Arent Nurit & David Garner Rosa Mayeri Steven & Barbara Segal supplement to support the wonderful Deirdre Arima Molly Gerstein-Gales & Eugene & Robin Millstein Sheila & Rachel Siemons Michael & Susan Austin Christopher Gales Mark Mogill & Barry Silverman variety of programs and activities that we Rachel Berkowitz & Aleksandra Gertsvolf Maribel Paterno-Mogill Thalia & Laurence offer at Congregation Beth El. Jose Villagrana Marlene Getz & Lloyd Morgan Silverman Please make checks payable to Odette Blachman Robert Gilden Calvin & Alisa Morrill Jonathan Simon & Joel & Rochelle Blumenfeld Jim Gilbert & Susan Orbuch Marlene Morris & Christina Spaulding Congregation Beth El and mail to Henry Brady & Jodi & Gordon Gladstone Paul Steckel Joshua & Ruth Simon 1301 Oxford Street, Berkeley, CA 94709 Patricia Kates Ellen Goldstein & Dr. Sondra Napell Jonathan Simrin or visit bethelberkeley.org/give/donate. Elizabeth & Steven Branoff Jack Holleman Allen & Pamela Nudel Edward Sklar & Jeffrey & Susan Brand Josh & Barbara Goldstein Julie & Ted Obbard Jennifer Levin This contribution of $ is Pamela & James Brandman Sharon Goldfarb & Amy Oppenheimer & Jeff Sloan in memory of* in honor of* Barbara Brenner Brad Glasser Jennifer Krebs Amy & Steven Solomon Janet Byron Ann Gonski & John Scott Faramarz Pakzad & Jonathan Spalter & * Mona Cain Avrum Gratch Jaleh Pirnazar Carissa Goux Susan Austin & Laura Harnish Brian Parker & Scott & Ruth Spear Please credit the fund checked below: Alan & Paula Statman Michael Charlson John Hartog & Leyna Bernstein General Fund — Use Where Most Needed Jonathan Cherin & Margaret Hand Marv Pearlstein David & Jane Stern Aaron Plishner Children’s Library Catherine Pfister Cherin Anthony Hecht & Julie & Eddie Pledger Rebekah Stern & Karen Cilman Michelle Wolfson Harry Pollack & Sean Holcombe Allan and Tybil Smith Kahn Memorial Fund Felicia Cole & David Hoffman & Joanne Backman Julie Stone-Evans Arjmand Adult Education Fund Dean Amundson Joan Sarnat Daniel Portnoy Paul & Susan Sugarman Building Fund Bonnie Cooperstein Stanley Hoffman Jennifer Rader Sara Sunstein Camp Kee Tov Scholarship Fund Michael & Pamela Crane Mark & Estie Hudes Ferenc & Paula Raj Laurie Swiadon Chevra Kadisha Fund Clarke & Maria Daniels David Huebner & Leslie Reckler & Arthur Swislocki & David Cotton Memorial Swig Fund Marc Derewetzky & Sandy Bacskai Cameron Moore Ann Manheimer Homeless Meal Program Jennifer Kawar Jerry Iserson & Amy Resner & William Lee Steve Tabak & Blair Israel Scholarship Fund Martin & Jill Dodd Nancy Silverman Jena Resner & Jon Loran Kilpatrick-Tabak Bar Lev Landscape Fund Keith & Dana Dubinsky Timothy & Steven & Katherine Resnik Aryeh Weinstein & Marian Magid Memorial Fund Ruth Dunham Rochelle Johnson Dorothy Rice Erica Michelstein Men’s Club Lynn Eden & Ruth Steve Joseph & Michael Richards Gerald Weintraub Mitzvah Committee Schoenbach Corey Hansen-Joseph Mayer & Linda Riff Vadjiheh Yadegar Music Fund Ruth Ehrenkrantz & Ilan & Marlene Keret Ron & Trang Robinson Ms. Beth Zeitman Nursery School Fund Spencer Klein Mike Klayman Rony & Gideon Ross Alexander & Oneg/Kiddush Fund Izabella Zheleznyak Leah Emdy Jessica Lehman Elana Roston TTEE Prayerbook Fund Robert Epstein & Amy Roth Leo & Rebecca Levenson David Rothenberg & Phyllis Zisman Project Nechama Fund Ellie Goldstein-Erickson Neil & Jane Levy Lorraine Sandoval Michael & Merle Fajans Margeaux Lieberman & Sylvia Rubin Rabbis’ Discretionary Fund Elisabeth (Lisa) Feldman Daniel Weinberg Abigail & Craig Rudnick Rabbi Emeritus Raj’s Discretionary Fund Rabbi Vida Library Fund Social Action Fund Youth and Family Education Fund Youth Group Fund Congregation Beth El’s L’Dor Vador Legacy Circle Contribution: We gratefully acknowledge the members of Congregation Beth El’s newly formed L’Dor Vador Legacy Circle. These members have made a planned gift for the Congregation. Acknowledge: Daniel & Nancy Altman Rabbi Yoel Kahn and Dan Bellm From: Max* and Odette Blachman Patrick Kennedy and Julie Matlof Kennedy Martin and Jill Dodd Spencer Klein and Ruth Ehrenkrantz Richard and Beverly Eigner Jeff and Debbie Leon To: Arthur and Carol Goldman The Magid Family David* and Dorothy* Golner Jim Offel and Nancy Lewin Address 1: Barry and Erica Goode Jeffrey M. Seideman and Elisabeth Meyer Wechsler John Hartog Paul and Susan Sugarman Address 2: *Of blessed memory If you have provided for the Congregation with a bequest in your estate plan but have not yet informed us, please let us know by contacting Norm Frankel, Executive Thank you for Director. We welcome the opportunity to begin to thank and acknowledge you. your support!

CONGREGATION BETH EL · BETHELBERKELEY.ORG · 21 CALENDAR

FEBRUARY 2015 · SH’VAT–ADAR 5775

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 2:00 pm Library Committee 5:00 pm Tu B’Shevat Family 7:00 pm Life Stories 5:00 pm Talmud Study 8:30 am Early Minyan 2:30 pm Life Stories Celebration 7:00 pm Ritual Committee 6:15 pm Shabbat evening 9:15 am Torah Study 6:30 pm Tu B’Shevat Seder 7:00 pm Israel Committee Service 10:15 am Chug Mishpacha 7:00 pm Hannah Arendt 10:15 am Shabbat Service Reading Group 6:00 pm Gala 7:30 pm Education Committee Meeting 6:30 pm Sababa Movie Night 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 9:15 am Roots and 2:00 pm Library Committee 6:15 pm B’nei Mitzvah 7:00 pm Finance 12:00 pm Lunch & Learn BENS Closed: ECE No Chug Mishpacha Branches Parents Meeting Committee 7:00 pm Life Stories Conference 8:30 am Early Minyan 2:00 pm Shiva Leader 6:30 pm Conversational 7:00 pm House Committee 7:00 pm Reform California 5:00 pm Talmud Study 9:15 am Torah Study Training Hebrew for Adults 7:30 pm Lehrhaus’ Intro to with Men’s Club & Rabbi 6:15 pm Shabbat Evening 10:15 am Shabbat Service: 7:30 pm Executive the Jewish Experience Stern Service Rachel Aronson Bat Committee Mitzvah 7:30 pm BENS Parent Workshop: Through Their Eyes 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 2:00 pm Homeless Meal: BENS & Office Closed No Kadima 7:30 pm Lehrhaus’ Intro to Kadima open; Makeup 5:00 pm Talmud Study 8:30 am Early Minyan Medical Clinic & Dental Presidents’ Day 7:00 pm Program Council the Jewish Experience December storm day 6:15 pm Yismechu Shabbat 9:15 am Torah Study Clinic 7:00 pm Life Stories Evening Service 10:15 am Chug Mishpacha 5:00 pm Homeless Meal 7:00 pm People of the Book 10:15 am Shabbat Service: 8:00 pm Rosh Chodesh Elijah Perlstadt 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 9:15 am Roots and 2:00 pm Library Committee 6:30 pm Conversational 7:30 pm Lehrhaus’ Intro to 5:40 pm All School T’fillah 5:00 pm Talmud Study 8:30 am Early Minyan Branches Hebrew for Adults the Jewish Experience 6:15 pm Sababa Board 5:00 pm YAFE Tot Shabbat 9:15 am Torah Study 2:00 pm Shiva Leader 7:00 pm Board of Directors Meeting 5:30 pm Shabbat YAFE 10:15 am Chug Mishpacha Training 7:00 pm Life Stories Community Dinner 10:15 am Shabbat Service: 4:00 pm Israel Trip 7:30 pm Rabbi Uri Regev 6:15 pm Shabbat YAFE Adriana Schurman Bat Information Night Lecture Evening Service Mitzvah 7:00 pm Oneg in Honor of Deb Massey

22 · THE BUILDER · FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 CALENDAR

MARCH 2015 · ADAR–NISAN 5775

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9:15 am Roots & Branches 2:00 pm Library Committee 6:30 pm Conversational Erev Purim 4:00 pm Kadima Purim 9:00 am BENS All School 8:30 am Early Minyan 10:00 am BENS Makes 2:30 pm Life Stories Hebrew for Adults 6:30 pm Maariv Service Celebration Shabbat 9:15 am Torah Study Mishloach Manot 7:00 pm Hannah Arendt 7:00 pm Community Dinner 7:00 pm Israel Committee 5:00 pm Talmud Study 10:15 am Chug Mishpacha Reading Group 7:30 pm Megillah Reading 6:15 pm Shabbat Evening 10:15 am Shabbat Service: 7:00 pm Ritual Committee Service Talia Cole Bat Mitzvah Meeting 7:30 pm Lehrhaus’ Intro to the Jewish Experience 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 9:15 am Roots and 2:00 pm Library Committee 6:30 pm Conversational 7:00 pm Finance 12:00 pm Lunch & Learn 5:00 pm Talmud Study 8:30 am Early Minyan Branches Hebrew for Adults Committee 5:00 pm YAFE Tot Shabbat 9:15 am Torah Study 7:30 pm Executive 7:30 pm Lehrhaus’ Intro to 5:30 pm Shabbat YAFE 10:15 am Chug Mishpacha Committee Meeting the Jewish Experience Community Dinner 10:15 am Shabbat Service 6:15 pm Shabbat YAFE 10:15 am 6th Grade Family Evening Service Learners’ Service and 7:00 pm Oneg & Activity Potluck Lunch 5:00 pm BENS Saturday Night Live – Parents’ Night Out 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 2:00 pm Homeless Meal – 2:00 pm Library Committee 6:30 pm Conversational 7:00 pm People of the Book 5:00 pm Talmud Study 8:30 am Early Minyan Medical Clinic 2:30 pm Life Stories Hebrew for Adults 6:15 pm Yismechu Shabbat 9:15 am Torah Study 4:00 pm Homeless Meal 7:00 Program Council Evening Service 10:15 am Chug Mishpacha 10:15 am Shabbat Service: Jessicah Ross Bat Mitzvah 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 9:15 am Roots & Branches 2:00 pm Library Committee 6:30 pm Conversational 7:00 pm BENS Pesach 5:40 pm All-school T’fillah 12:00 pm BENS Pesach 8:30 am Early Minyan 5:00 pm Midrashabang — Hebrew for Adults Art Night 8:00 pm Rosh Chodesh Celebration 9:15 am Torah Study A Night in Tel Aviv 7:00 pm Board of Directors Group 5:00 pm Talmud Study 10:15 am Chug Mishpacha 7:30 pm BENS Parents 6:00 pm Men’s Club Dinner 10:15 am Shabbat Service: Workshop: Passover How-To 7:30 pm Men’s Club Max Sklar Bar Mitzvah Shabbat Service

29 30 31 No Midrasha

CONGREGATION BETH EL · BETHELBERKELEY.ORG · 23 CONGREGATION BETH EL Nonprofit Org 1301 Oxford Street US Postage Berkeley, CA 94709–1424 Paid Berkeley CA Permit #207

Inside this issue Sponsor an Oneg page 13 Men’s Club Shabbat on Friday, March 27 page 7 YAFE trip to Jerusalem in December 2015 page 14 Midrashabang on Sunday, March 22 page 14

FROM THE GIFT SHOP

We Got Gelt! Chanukah Bazaar a Success

We want to thank our long list of volunteers and loyal customers for their help in bringing the Chanukah Bazaar to a successful conclusion. We are happy to report that receipts added up to $5,775. We also acknowledge and thank the Beth El staff, as well as the custodians and Jose, our facilities manager, for their gracious cooperation. We are also grateful to the Israel Committee, who each year schedules a movie night in conjunction with our evening bazaar setup so we can offer an additional shopping opportunity to our valued congregants. We could not have had a festive and profitable bazaar without all of you! Oh, and our latkes were even more popular than we expected, and so we apologize that we ran out! Thanks for the compliment, and we hope to make an even larger batch next year! As we often remind our members, all gift shop profits benefit our synagogue, so thank you for remembering the Beth El Gift Shop as your first stop for Judaica and all-occasion gifts. We hope you’ll remember us all year round, not just for the Chanukah season. We are always glad to serve you! Shopping at the Beth El Gift Shop is a friendly, relaxed experience. We are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with holidays excepted, of course. We can also arrange for appointments at other times; just call Odette 510-526-4917 or email us at: [email protected] to arrange for one. Credit cards are accepted as well as cash and checks, and remember, while buying quality products you will be helping Beth El meet its financial goals. —Odette and Robinn · [email protected]; 510-848-3988

PHOTO BY BILL ZARCHY