Shir Notes The Official Newsletter of Congregation Shir Ami Volume 18, Number 10, November 2020. Affiliated with United of Conservative Judaism

Rabbi’s Column Events Who would have thought last March that Thanksgiving of the Month would have to be celebrated in quarantine?

Shabbat services via But perhaps we can learn from our experiences with Zoom and Livestream Passover. For the first time ever, included in my Passover seder were my sister and her family in New York, my brother-in-law and his Saturday, November 14 10:30 am family in Oregon, my children and their families scattered around Los Birthday Shabbat Angeles, and a few other relatives and friends Zooming in from various Saturday, November 21 10:30 am Anniversary Shabbat locales in America! ------It wasn’t the same as being around a festive table, but by the same token, Around the ’s Tisch getting these same relatives and friends together for a seder and discussion, via Zoom as well as shmoozing during and after the meal, would never have taken

Thursdays place!

November 5, 12, and 19 So why should Thanksgiving be any different? Zooming is truly the next best ------thing! We can see and hear each other! And it’s free! Sunday, November 15, 10 am Breakfast with the Rabbi Let me suggest that you take this opportunity to explore subjects relating to via Zoom family history that could truly be important. You might even consider recording the event (the Zoom host can do this). We can’t bring breakfast to you, but we can bring Rabbi Vorspan from Ask questions of each other relating to their ancestry: what stories do you his home talking with you about a topic of current interest while you remember hearing from your grandparents? How did they come to America? eat your own brekfast with a Your parents? Get the dates and locations established. Find out if there are question/answer period following. any Hebrew or Yiddish names, and who is named after whom. See flyer and article on page 2. Bonnie and I have discovered that there are so many questions we should have asked our parents and grandparents. But sharing stories around a Thanksgiving table is the best way to make sure that family lore is not lost for future generations!

Happy Thanksgiving! Rabbi David Vorspan

American Jewish Recipients of the

Civil War: Benjamin Levy, David Urbansky, Leopold Karpeles, Abraham Cohn Indian Wars: Simon Suhler Haiti: Samuel Marguilies World War I: William Shemin, Sydney Gumpetz, Benjamin Kaufman, William Sawelson World War II: Ben L. Salomon, Visit our website: Isadore Jachman, Raymond Zussman www.shirami.com : Leonard M. Kravitz, Tibor Rubin Vietnam War: Jack Jacobs, John Lee Levitow

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President’s Report “VIRTUAL” BREAKFAST WITH THE RABBI by Sherry Dollins, Program Vice President Shalom, Be sure to put Shir Ami’s annual “Breakfast with the Now that we have brought in 5781, it’s Rabbi” on your November calendar. On Sunday, time for us to start the process of November 15th, Congregation Shir Ami will hold a ringing out 2020 (and not a moment too soon!). This VIRTUAL Breakfast with the Rabbi on ZOOM. Due to means that you will soon be receiving the notice of our the current health situation, we will gather at 10:00 AM annual members meeting. (And another excuse to get in the privacy of our own homes, in front of our out of the house and take a trip out to your mailbox.) computers, for a VIRTUAL shared breakfast. You can At this meeting, which will take place in December, and provide your own bagels, lox, cream cheese and other will be conducted via Zoom, we will be electing our assorted goodies or just have a cup of coffee and a new Board of Directors and Officers. bowl of cereal and chat with the others online. At approximately 10:15 AM, Rabbi Vorspan will present a But we still have November to get through. Since we timely and relevant topic for our consideration followed are all getting to be experts with Zoom and virtual by a question and answer discussion period. All of this Services, we will be having a Breakfast with the will take place on ZOOM. Rabbi this month via Zoom. We will provide the Rabbi and you get to provide your own breakfast in the comfort of your home.

Unfortunately, there will be no Mitzvah Day this year, but that doesn’t mean are ignoring the School on Wheels. We have provided them with the backpacks and school supplies that we had on hand, plus we have made a donation of funds to help them fill in what we didn’t have. The Social Action Committee will also be soliciting donations for the School on Wheels to make our total assistance on par with past years.

We will be continuing with our Shabbat Services and THis event is for our members only. A couple of days Thursday Tisches via Zoom and Livestream. If you before this event, Rabbi Vorspan or Stan Schroeder remotely attend, you will not only enjoy the services will email to you a ZOOM link for the program. You will and discussions, but you may see some old friends just have to click on the link to participate. (This will and members of our Shir Ami family who have moved work the same way that our High Holy Days Services, away but can now join us in our internet minyan. Shabbat services and Around the Rabbi’s Tisch have

If you have any questions or want to provide your been operating.) input, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. There is no charge for this event and no R.S.V.P. is required. Hoping to “see” you there, Jordan Pistol, President ------Jewish Proverbs A good son-in-law is like the acquisition of a new son; a "Rejoice not at thine enemy's fall"- bad one is like the loss of your daughter. but don't rush to pick him up, A half-truth is a whole lie. either.

A mother understands what a child does not say. A bird that you set free may be caught again, but a word that A person worries about the past, distresses about the escapes your lips will not return. present, and fears the future.

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit A pessimist, confronted with two bad choices, chooses dries up the bones. both.

A friend you may have to buy; enemies you get for A slave shows his true character, not while he is nothing. enslaved but when he becomes a master.

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DONATIONS Birthdays & Anniversaries $ Congregation Shir Ami wishes to Birthdays acknowledge the following donations: Sheilah Hart...... 11/1 Alan Burman...... 11/4 Yahrzeits Mark Perez...... 11/5 Jordan Pistol...... 11/8 Sylvia Hockmeyer for Murray Leiner Susan Lipman...... 11/9 Lou and Paula Loomis for Ann Goldfarb Sam Schultz...... 11/11 Birthdays Dan Simansky...... 11/17 Sam Kobulnick...... 11/18 Peg Kovar (73) Lew Silverman...... 11/22 Lou and Paula Loomis for Izzy Goldfarb's 100th birthday Armand Wazana...... 11/25 Clara Rosenbluth (88) Lou Loomis...... 11/29 Bonnie and Rabbi Vorspan for Alisha Sela (43), Evan Max Vorspan (11), and Judah Jack Vorspan (8) Anniversaries

Anniversaries Fay and Ed Schneier...... 11/4 65th Sondra and Robert Licht...... 11/10 58th Andrea and Leon Nachenberg Peg and Jerry Kovar...... 11/14 39th

Other

Andrea and Leon Nachenberg wishing Ellen Fremed More Jewish Proverbs a full and hopefully speedy recovery Among those who stand, do not sit; among those who sit, do not Congregational News stand. Among those who laugh, do not weep; among those who Get well wishes rafuah schleimah to: weep, do not laugh.

Fran Kobulnick As he thinks in his heart, so he is. Paullette Pistol Anyone who teases you loves you. Fran Friedman Laura Simon As you do, so will be done to you. Thelma Goldstein As you teach, you learn. Ann Potell Ellen Fremed Ask about the neighbors, then buy the house.

May they be blessed with a complete recovery in Be sure to send a lazy man for the angel of death. body and spirit. Be the day weary or be the day long, at last it rings

to evensong.

Beware of the person who gives you advice according to his own interests. Congregation Shir Ami Tribute Cards Charity is the spice of riches. Thanks to Phyllis Schroeder for sending your cards celebrating Commit a sin twice and it will not seem a crime. simchas and conveying your get- Do not ask questions of fairy tales. well and condolence messages. Do not be wise only in words - be wise in deeds. She is creative with individualized, artistic cards that include a message Do not make yourself so big, you are not so small.

and color graphics. Call her at (818) 718-7466. Don't approach a goat from the front, a horse from Minimum donation of $5 per card is appreciated. the back, or a fool from any side.

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Jewish World Watch Ritual Committee. by Rae Wazana Shir Ami JWW Coordinator Congregation Shir Ami continues to have our twice monthly 10:30 am Throughout November, Jewish World Watch will host Saturday Shabbat services via several virtual events during a month of “Impact in Livestream and Zoom and weekly 7:30 pm Action”. JWW will engage people of all ages and Thursday Around the Rabbi’s tisch via Zoom in backgrounds by creating opportunities to access, learn, observance of Coronavirus restrictions. Rabbi and deepen their involvement in Jewish World Watch’s Vorspan and Bonnie have generously continued to work. create the most family friendly atmosphere possible, starting the Zoom 10 - 15 minutes early for The most important virtual event is the 2020 Walk to shmoozing and continuing the Zoom after for more End Genocide which was to be held in April of this time together. As described on page 2, Rabbi will year. Congregation Shir Ami has a registered JWW also conduct his annual Breakfast with the Rabbi Walk Team of more than 20 participants. Our Walk Sunday, November 15 at 10:00 am.

Team has joined a Cause Campaign of “ A Voice for the As a small congregation with limited resources, we Voiceless” which advocates to make genocide and are limited in our number of services and education- mass atrocity prevention a priority of U.S. foreign al programs. Fortunately we live in an area with policy. Some of the people and situations which JWW many full service Conservative [and other] congre- advocates for are: the Syrian civilian population’s gations. And via the internet we are connected to humanitarian needs; the Uyghurs, an ethnic minority congregations worldwide. I participate in two other Turkic-speaking Muslim group living in Xinjiang, China; local ones: Temple Aliyah in Woodland Hills and the Rohingya, a Muslim minority forced to flee genocide Valley Beth Shalom (VBS) in Encino. in Myanmar to live in refugee camps in Bangladesh; and women and children in the Democratic Republic of For a number of years Shir Ami was a part of some Congo. Aliyah [templealiyah.org] programs. You can visit their website to see their Virtual schedule. In November JWW is also participating online in a Personally, I attend Rabbi Stewart Vogel’s Thurs- series of Coalition Conversations, which are a unique day noon Torah study and Rabbi Shayna Golkow’s opportunity to hear from experts in the field of genocide Friday morning Talmud class. I also attend their and mass atrocities. JWW will be joined by USC Shoah Saturday 10:30 am Shabbat service when we don’t Foundation, UCLA Promise Institute, and Loyola have a Shabbat service. Coincidentally the Center for the Study of Law and Genocide. These Vorspans’ son Ben is the Aliyah Creative Director. Conversations will include discussions of the importance of preserving survivor testimony, rebuilding livelihoods, And for many years I have attended VBS [vbs.org] and reconciliation. Each Conversation will include time programs, services, and classes with Rabbi Ed for audience questions. Each of the Conversations will Feinstein. He has been a friend of Shir Ami and take place virtually at 5:00 PM PST. spoken to us on two occasions. Currently I attend his Wednesday 12:30 pm Lunch & Learn and watch You can register online for individual sessions or all 4 his Saturday 9:00 am Torah study. Also coincident- Conversations at https://forms.gle/axMXgkpjhyi5fa2m6 ally, Ben’s wife Elana is the VBS Director of The schedule is: Marketing and Communications. Nov. 10 – The Power of Testimony Besides congregations via internet, I recommend Nov. 12 – Legal Accountability two Jewish educational organizations and one Nov. 17 – Rebuilding renowned rabbi’’s website that I regularly use. The Nov. 19 – addressing Trauma. Shalom Hartman Institute [hartman.org.il] has

If you have any questions, please contact the JWW programs and scholars in Israel and the U.S. office at (818) 501-1836 or online at promoting Judaism and pluralism. The Tikvah Fund www.jww.org/events. [tikvahfund.org] wirh Rabbi Meir Soloveichik and others has courses on Torah and Jewish Western Thank you for your continuing support of Jewish World thought. Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks’ website Watch by Not Standing Idly By. [rabbisacks.org] contains dvar Torah and other Jewish wisdom.

Stan Schroeder, Ritual Vice President page 5 Novemer 2020 Mitzvah Day 2020 – Backpack Project in the Age of COVID SOVA During COVID-19 Restrictions by Stan Schroeder by Fiona Taylor on behalf of Social Action Committee

As most members of the congregation are Our Congregation has long been a aware, it is our custom to observe Mitzvah supporter of SOVA, the Jewish Day annually with an event that reflects our Family Services food bank. Usually commitment to doing mitzvot to help those we have a High Holy Day drive in which we bring food in our community who are the neediest. to services. Since there will be no large services, SOVA This year, more so even than usual, the is conducting a Virtual Food Drive, I received this email need is great. from Kathi Dawidowicz, Supply and Logistics Manager at SOVA. For many years now, our main activity has been preparing backpacks to be donated to School on Hello, Wheels, which provides backpacks to homeless children so that they have the supplies they need when As you know all too well, the COVID-19 pandemic will they attend school. Under normal circumstances we be keeping most /temples from having in- would all get together on one Sunday in November person participation in the High Holiday services this and participate in filling the backpacks with the year. The JFS / SOVA program has traditionally relied supplies for which we shop prior to our event. . on our High Holiday food drive to help keep our shelves stocked throughout the year. With no in-person While there will not be an event at which we can all services, there is limited opportunity to receive these come together physically, we can still all participate by important donations just when they are needed the donating towards the cost of the supplies we are most. donating to Schools on Wheels. As a remedy to this situation, we have set up a special We are asking anyone who would like to sponsor one page on our website to allow your congregants to or more backpacks, to send a check made out to support the program in a different manner this year. By Congregation Shir Ami, with “Mitzvah Day Backpacks” going to WWW.JFSLA.ORG/VIRTUAL-FOOD-DRIVE, in the comment line. The suggested amount is $18 per people will have the ability to help SOVA fund food backpack, which will be used to cover our costs for the purchases to offset this loss without leaving the safety supplies we purchased. Mail check to Congregation of their homes. Shir Ami, PO Box 6353, Woodland Hills, CA 91365. We hope we can count on you to help promote this Your donations will be greatly appreciated, both by the effort by (1) presenting this message to the Social Action Committee and by Schools on Wheels. congregation at an appropriate point during the Rosh Thank you for participating in this “virtual” event. Hashanah service and (2) including the attached flyer in any newsletter or other communication sent to your Domestic Violence Shelters Target Gift Cards members. The Virtual Food Drive will remain up as long as health and safety measures keep people at home. We are collecting Target $10 gift cards for the women and children in the domestic violence shelters we help Thank you in advance for your help in helping ensure sponsor for the holidays. Our goal is to get 100 cards. that no one in our community goes hungry. We donate them to the outreach coordinator of the JFS domestic violence program by December 11, the L’shanah tovah u'metukah, first day of Hanukkah. There are, indeed, Jewish Fred Summers families affected by domestic violence. There are Senior Director kosher kitchens set up especially for these families. JFS / SOVA Community Food and Resource Program We have been donating the Target cards to these women and children for Mother’s Day for many years The attached flyer he mentioned is a flyer with this and missed this year..They are much needed and very issue. You may also send your check made out to much appreciated. The families use them to buy SOVA at 16439 Vanowen St., Van Nuys, CA 91406. personal items they need. Please mail them to Kathi suggests that you write “For SOVA only” in the comment section in order to guarantee that the funds Fran Kobulnick go to SOVA, as JFSLA has other food-oriented programs. 5139 White Oak Ave, #13 Encino, CA 91316 Let’s support SOVA in these difficult times.

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Biography of the Month: Oklahoma, where she was demoted after becoming by Stan Schroeder pregnant with her first child. She gave birth to a

daughter in 1955. Joan Ruth Bader was born March 15, 1933, at Beth Moses Hospital in In the fall of 1956, Ginsburg enrolled at Harvard Law , New York, the second School, where she was one of only 9 women in a class daughter of Celia (née Amster) and of about 500 men. The dean of Harvard Law reportedly Nathan Bader, who lived in the Flat- invited all the female law students to dinner at his bush neighborhood. Her father was a family home and asked the female law students, Jewish emigrant from Odessa, Ukraine, at that time including Ginsburg, "Why are you at Harvard Law part of the Russian Empire, and her mother was born School, taking the place of a man?" When her husband in New York to parents who came from Kraków, took a job in New York City, Ginsburg transferred Poland. The Baders' elder daughter Marylin died to Columbia Law School and became the first woman of meningitis at age six, when Ruth was 14 months to be on two major law reviews: the Harvard Law old. The family called Joan Ruth "Kiki", a nickname Review and Columbia Law Review. In 1959, she earned her law degree at Columbia and tied for first in Marylin had given her for being "a kicky baby". her class. When "Kiki" started school, Celia discovered that her President Bill Clinton nominated Ginsburg as an daughter's class had several other girls named Joan, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court on June 22, so Celia suggested the teacher call her daughter 1993, to fill the seat vacated by retiring Justice Byron "Ruth" to avoid confusion. Although not devout, the White. She was recommended to Clinton by then– Bader family belonged to East Midwood Jewish U.S. attorney general Janet Reno, after a suggestion Center, a Conservative synagogue, where Ruth by Utah Republican senator Orrin Hatch. At the time of learned tenets of the Jewish faith and gained her nomination, Ginsburg was viewed as a moderate, familiarity with the Hebrew language. Starting as a and as a consensus builder in her time on the appeals camper from the age of four, Ruth attended Camp court. Clinton was reportedly looking to increase the Che-Na-Wah, a Jewish summer program at Lake court's diversity, which Ginsburg did as the first Jewish Balfour near Minerva, New York, where she was later justice since the 1969 resignation of Justice Abe a camp counselor until the age of eighteen. Fortas. She was the second female and the first Jewish female justice of the Supreme Court. She Celia took an active role in her daughter's education, often taking her to the library. Celia had been a good eventually became the longest-serving Jewish justice. student in her youth, graduating from high school at age 15, yet she could not further her own education Ginsburg died from complications of pancreatic cancer because her family instead chose to send her brother on September 18, 2020, at age 87. She died on the to college. Celia wanted her daughter to get more eve of Rosh Hashanah, and according to education, which she thought would allow Ruth to Rabbi Richard Jacobs, "One of the themes of Rosh become a high school history teacher. Ruth Hashanah suggest that very righteous people would attended James Madison High School, whose law die at the very end of the year because they were program later dedicated a courtroom in her honor. needed until the very end". After the announcement of Celia struggled with cancer throughout Ruth's high her death, thousands of people gathered in front of the school years and died the day before Ruth's high Supreme Court building to lay flowers, light candles, and leave messages. school graduation. Bader attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, Five days after her death the eight Supreme Court and was a member of Alpha Epsilon Phi. While at justices, Ginsburg’s children, and other family members Cornell at age 17, she met Martin D. Ginsburg. She held a private ceremony for Ginsburg in the Court’s graduated from Cornell with a BA degree in Great Hall. She received, for the first time in American government on June 23, 1954. She was a member Jewish history, a traditional Jewish funeral at that site. of Phi Beta Kappa and the highest-ranking female Rabbi Lauren Holtzblatt of Conservative Congregation student in her graduating class. Bader married Adas Israel in Washington, and Ginsburg’s personal Ginsburg a month after her graduation from Cornell. friend presided. Holtzblatt’s husband, a lawyer, once She and Martin moved to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where served as Ginsburg’s law clerk. Chief Justice John he was stationed as an ROTC officer in the U.S. Army Roberts, who also presided, described Ginsburg as Reserve after his call-up to active duty. At age 21, she thoughtful, careful, compassionate, and honest. worked for the Social Security Administration office in (continued on page 8) page 7 November 2020

A Cause for Optimism? Behind the scenes, the US has been working by Lou Loomis with the Emirates, the Last summer Israel and the United Arab Saudis, Israel, and Emirates (UAE) announced to the world several Arab Gulf states that with the help of the , to try and calm things they were going to form a peace agree- down. And if an agree- ment, ending a war that has lasted since Israel ment could be met, all became a state. This would be called The Abraham the involved parties would emerge as winners. Accords, in honor of the shared ancestor of both Israel would finally be at a starting point of peace and Muslims. Shortly later, more Muslim nations have with the Arab world, and the Arab world would have declared their readiness to join in this new era of access to Israeli technology — giving them a peace. chance to develop without use of their declining energy resources. This last summer an agreement Now, as a Jew I am happy (overjoyed, actually) to see was successfully met. Trade would be permitted this happening. I always believed that Jews and Arabs (remember the Arab boycott?) and the different share so much history, and maybe DNA, which of sides would help each other with intellectual course means little to some and has rarely been a (technology) and resource development. reason for peace. Still, I have recently read that an end to the Arab and Israel animosity is a giant step Most of us were so engrossed in the virus toward world peace. How? shutdown, or the upcoming election, that peace seemed to come out of nowhere, but we now know This is, of course, controversial, but according to that there has been a lot of planning and some political scientists, the world’s political makeup discussions going on for quite some time. includes many players, some of whom are despots just waiting for an opportunity to grab more power. Of From the Iranian point of view, this is a major course there is nothing new about this; there have setback. Iran’s only large resource is oil. They have always been power-greedy despots. But many of been buying their technology from foreign sources, today’s dictators possess extremely lethal weapons not developing it internally, because Iran’s leaders and are targeting not just Israel, but Europe and the do not trust the people they rule. US, as well. ` Now surprisingly, peace may also be a setback for One scenario has a failed-state but oil-rich Iran China, which wants to dominate Asian commerce eagerly looking to replace the Saudi and Emirates’ and politics. They have been helping Iran and world’s markets and leadership in the Muslim world. Turkey with their ailing economies for several years. There is a long history of religious and financial rivalry China wants a major port by gaining access through between the Arabs and Iranians that has nothing to do Asia to the Mediterranean Sea. China is not so directly with Israel. But the Arabs, having been at war much anti-Israel but if helping Iran and Turkey gives with Israel, wanted world Muslim loyalty (and them what they want, it will make Israel “collateral influence) as they had demonstrated their readiness damage.” That’s just the price of power. China, Iran to destroy the Jewish State. Iran, jealous and poverty and Turkey, all allies, are now discussing alternate stricken from years of poor leadership, covets this and more peaceful methods of coping with this Muslim loyalty and is eager to take the place of the changing world. It is a work in progress. We should Saudis and Emeratis. Previously, for Muslims, there pay attention to this, as well. had been no better justification for the destruction of As a Jew, I see peace for Israel as a great way to Israel than the cause of an Arab people who call ensure its survival in a very hostile neighborhood. themselves Palestinians. And, according to this worldview, Israel is the key, Iran, just like North Korea, has been building nuclear the linchpin, to new world stability. It may be just a weapons, in order to gain world-wide prestige, to get small country, but its clout grows every day. appeasement money, and to frighten the Arabs and Iran and Turkey must turn to peace and liberty, all other perceived enemies. North Korea actually has which does wonders for a country, and they have to nukes, but Iran, by some accounts, is close but not yet relent in their belligerence toward Israel and the a nuclear power.Tensions in the Middle East have Arabs. They have feigned support for the been raised by this conflict between the Arabs and Palestinian cause, but never helped this benighted Iranians to a near-tipping point. Fear of a showdown Arab political movement toward any kind of real has, by many accounts, been imminent. peace. (continued on page 8) page 8 November 2020 Biography of the Month: Ruth Bader Ginsburg We can remember Justice Ginsburg as someone (continued from page 6) with strong beliefs that she lived and promoted her In March 2015, Ginsburg and Rabbi Lauren Holtzblatt whole life. But she also respected the beliefs of her released an essay titled "The Heroic and Visionary ideological opponents and didn’t let ideology limit her Women of Passover", an essay highlighting the roles personal life. She indeed was a role model for Jews of five key women in the saga: The text states "These in the United States. women had a vision leading out of the darkness shrouding their world. They were women of action, A Cause for Optimism? (continued from page 7) prepared to defy authority to make their vision a It’s a sham support, only enriching the corrupt reality bathed in the light of the day ... In addition, she Palestinian leaders but never helping the actual decorated her chambers with an artist's rendering of people, many of whom live in abject poverty. the Hebrew phrase from Deuteronomy, "Zedek,

zedek, tirdof," ("Justice, justice shall you pursue") as a China is the final piece of this geopolitical puzzle. It reminder of her heritage and professional is the most populated country in the world and it is responsibility. ironic that little Israel may just be facing down this While visiting Israel in 2018 to receive a lifetime giant that is so determined to pull the world’s political achievement award from the Genesis Prize strings for its own benefit. Foundation, a prominent Jewish organization, No one really knows how it will all work out. At one Ginsburg said she was driven by the Jewish values of time, few experts believed that Israel or any Arab pursuing justice and the concept of tikkun olam, or state would ever be allies. The experts were wrong. repairing the world. Now we can see how peace plays out in the Middle “I am a judge, born, raised and proud of being a Jew. East and hopefully will lead to even more positive The demand for justice, for peace, for enlightenment developments that are not now visible. runs through the entirety of Jewish history and Jewish I do want to point out that the US was a major player tradition,” in bringing Israel and the Emeratis together for The Skirball Cultural peace. I believe we do live in the greatest country on Center in earth, one that can work out its own problems while created an exhibition at the same time attempting to make the world a focusing on Ginsburg's better place. Americans are a good people with a life and career in 2019 can-do culture that benefits every human being. I called Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth think we should cherish this quality of America and Bader Ginsburg. be proud of what we have to offer. And we can take some pride in Israel, as well, knowing that the Jewish Following the private ceremony, Ginsburg's casket state is also a great force for good. As Jews and was moved outdoors so the public could pay respects. Americans we are the most fortunate people alive Thousands of mourners lined up to walk past the today. casket over the course of two days. After the two days in repose at the court, Ginsburg lay in state at the Capitol. She was the first woman and first Jew to lie in state therein. On September 29, Ginsburg was buried beside her husband in Arlington National Cemetery.

Three of her most well-known quotes: My mother told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent.

"Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you."

"It helps sometimes to be a little deaf in marriage Treaty signees (left to right) and in every workplace, including the good job I Bahrain Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani have now." Israel Prime Minister United States President Donald Trump UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayid Al Nahyan

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TREE OF LIFE Congregation Shir Ami Memorial Board

This beautiful Tree of Life, with leaves If you would like to honor the memory of your priced at $100 and rocks at $250 (one loved ones by dedicating plaques on our new remaining), makes a perfect way to Memorial Board, please call Helga Unkeless at celebrate family occasions and support (818) 340-5751 so she may mail you an order Congregation Shir Ami. form. The cost of each plaque is $36.

The Tree is on a rosewood background and consists of gold-colored leaves and Each plaque may contain up to three lines of rocks. It is displayed at all Congregation engraving: English name, Hebrew name, and Shir Ami services and events. the years of birth and death. Both of our Memorial Boards are displayed at all our For more information or to place an order, services. call Helga Unkeless at (818) 340-5751.

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Shop at Ralphs - Earn Money for Shir Ami You can do a search for Congregation Shir Ami by Maralyn Soifer by putting in the number 92785. Our congrega- tion will pop up and click on the button next to Here is an easy way to earn the name. Click on the button that saves the money for our Temple. We changes. are now officially a Ralphs’ community agency. All 5. You should also check the bottom of your you have to do is follow these simple instructions to receipt when you shop. It should say “At your help earn money for Congregation Shir Ami. request, Ralph’s is donating to

1. If you don’t have a Ralph’s rewards card already, CONGREGATION SHIR AMI”. go to the store or go to website www.ralphs.com 6. If all else fails, call me in the evening at (818) and select Order a Ralphs reward card. 704-0306. I’ll be happy to walk you through it. 7. Start Shopping! 2. Once you have your card, go to the website: www.ralphs.com and select Create an account Make sure that the clerk swipes your card each 3. If you have an account, your email address is your time you shop. Verify that your receipt shows a account ID. If you forgot your password, select contribution to Congregation Shir Ami at the Forgot your password? and you will receive an bottom. email with instructions to reset it. Follow the instructions to enter your email address and Important Note: All participants must confirm create a new password. their selection annually starting in September. 4. If you already have a Ralph’s reward card and an On or after September 1, sign into your account account, you will see Account Summary when you and reconfirm Community Rewards selection. login. You can change to our Temple by clicking on Edit within Community Rewards.

91365 CA Hills, Woodland

6353 Box P.O.

Ami Shir Congregation “VIRTUAL” BREAKFAST WITH THE RABBI

Please join your fellow Shir Ami congregants at a “VIRTUAL” Breakfast with the Rabbi on Sunday, November 15, 2020 at 10:00 AM via ZOOM. This annual Shir Ami program is being held virtually this year due to the current health situation. Therefore, you can enjoy it in the privacy of your own home in your slippers! Provide your own yummy breakfast or just a cup of coffee or tea and then log on via the ZOOM link that will be emailed to you prior to the program. Schmooze with others online until about 10:15 AM when Rabbi Vorspan will present a timely and relevant topic for your consideration followed by a question and answer discussion period.

This event is for Shir Ami members only and there is no charge and no R.S.V.P. required.

We look forward to “seeing” you there and sharing in this first virtual program event of the new year.

Please call Sherry Dollins at 818-527-1291 with questions.

Thursdays, Npvember 5, 12, & 19, 7:30 - 8:30 pm “Around the Rabbi’s Tisch” via Zoom

This popular Shir Ami educational series continues every Thursday thanks to the generosity of Rabbi and Bonnie. During the Coronavirus restrictions, Rabbi Vorspan is conducting these sessions via Zoom. The meeting ID is 702 130 366. With your computer or smart phone, join us for our weekly discussion of Rabbi Vorspan’s selected topics of Jewish interest. We discuss Jewish texts and current events as they relate to Jewish values and our lives as Jews. This is a unique opportunity to learn and share in an informal format. We look forward to when we will again gather around the Vorspans’ dining room table.

Call Rabbi Vorspan at (818) 888-9817 for more information.

Congregation Shir Ami Schedule of Shabbat Services 2020 via Zoom and Livestream

If you want to be added to our email list, please send an email to [email protected] and you will receive Zoom information

Saturday 10:30 am

November 2020 Saturday, November 14 - Birthday Saturday, November 21 - Anniversary

December 2020 Saturday, December 5 - Birthday Saturday, December 19 - Anniversary Jordan Pistol David Vorspan President Rabbi

If you would like more information about our congregation please visit our website at www.shirami.com

JFS SOVA COMMUNITY FOOD & RESOURCE PROGRAM HIGH HOLIDAYS VIRTUAL FOOD DRIVE

Every month, Jewish Family Service LA provides nutritious groceries to more than 5,000 people and delivers 30,000 meals to homebound seniors and people living with disabilities. In these extraordinarily challenging times, we need your help to put food on our neighbors’ tables.

Thanks to our special relationships with food distributors, your dollars go much further to purchase the food we need to sustain families throughout LA.

You can make a difference for the thousands of LA families who are struggling to feed their families. Please visit jfsla.org/VIRTUAL- FOOD-DRIVE to make a difference today.

SOVA Community Food & Resource Program