SHERITH NEWSAPRIL–JUNE, 2016

Hard Hat Shabbat 2.0 marks milestone PHASE II OF SEISMIC RETROFIT CONSTRUCTION BEGINS APRIL 11 April 11 marks the beginning of the end. That’s when con- struction on Phase II of Sherith Israel’s seismic retrofit gets un- derway. The city-mandated project, designed to strengthen our historic sanctuary’s resistance to the forces of a major earth- quake, will kick off with the festive Hard Hat Shabbat 2.0 on Friday, April 8 (see page 19). The planned construction represents the final phase of bring- ing Sherith Israel into compliance with ’s seis- mic safety requirements for unreinforced masonry buildings, which were enacted after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. The city’s mandate has proved challenging to congregations of all denominations. Many have faced the hard reality of having to close or to repurpose their buildings.

Rabbi Larry Raphael notes that just 134 families came togeth- NAILING DOWN THE DETAILS: CSI’s construction team—­ er to build our sanctuary in 1904. “It has been gratifying to see Diana Hayton, Charley Stern, Craig Etlin, Terry Paret and our current Sherith Israel community join forces around the Ellen Schumm—get ready to resume retrofit work on April 11. seismic retrofit—our donors, fundraisers and the terrific team CSI will celebrate at Hard Hat Shabbat 2.0 on April 8. See page guiding the construction. I am very pleased that we can begin 19 for details. this final phase of the required work during my tenure.” Seismic Retrofit continues, page 17

Three-year contract begins July 1 JESSICA ZIMMERMAN GRAF APPROVED AS SHERITH ISRAEL’S INSIDE: th A Moment with Rabbi Jessica Graf 2 10 SENIOR RABBI 4 Questions for Rabbi Larry Raphael 3 Avodah and Passover 4 The search is over. On February 29, firmed at Sherith Israel. She currently more than 110 congregants unanimous- serves as our director of Magalim (Cir- Special Shabbats 5 ly approved Rabbi Jessica Zimmerman cles of Jewish Life) reaching out to Jews Adult Programs 6 Graf as Sherith Israel’s next senior rabbi. in their 20s through 40s. Emmanuel Levinas Course 7 The vote was taken at a special meet- Early Childhood 8 Rabbi Graf will succeed the retiring ing required by the synagogue’s bylaws. Religious School 9 Rabbi Larry Raphael. She becomes the Rabbi Graf begins her new position on Profile: Lindsay and Warren Braunig 12 first woman to hold Sherith Israel’s se- July 1. News Nosh 13 nior rabbi post in the synagogue’s 165- Said Rabbi Graf, “It was an overwhelm- year history. Behind the Scenes with Evan Kletter 14 ing, exciting moment to walk into New- Passages 15 Before returning to Sherith Israel in man Hall having been approved as Sher- Tikkun Olam Corner 16 2014, Rabbi Graf served for eight years ith Israel’s tenth senior rabbi.” Donations 18 as director of congregational engage- Rabbi Graf is the daughter of Alan and ment for Synagogue 3000. She explored Monica Zimmerman. Alan is a former the cutting edge of synagogue renewal, MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Sherith Israel board president. Rabbi working with congregations around the Rabbi Raphael Weekend Graf became bat-mitzvah and was con- country. A graduate of Columbia Univer- MAY 20–21. See pages 10–11

Senior rabbi continues, page 17 Forum on Police Accountability TUESDAY, MAY 3, 7 PM A MOMENT WITH RABBI JESSICA GRAF 2266 California Street San Francisco, CA 94115 PASSOVER INSPIRATION T: 415.346.1720 THROUGH A REMARKABLE ARTIST F: 415.673.9439 Once in a while, you get the opportu- www.sherithisrael.org nity to meet with a world expert and THE SZYK : Presentation by Rabbi Irvin Ungar Member of the Union for enjoy a fantastic experience. As a re- Sunday, April 10, 4:30–6 pm Reform Judaism since 1903 search assistant in the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at Colum- of racial integration. Szyk also drew bia, I learned about cataclysmic binary CLERGY powerful images of racism and a chang- Lawrence W. Raphael variable stars from the man who dedi- ing American landscape—but from the Senior Rabbi cated his life to studying them. When I perspective of an outsider. As an im- Julie Saxe-Taller was the visiting rabbi in Juneau, Alaska, Associate Rabbi migrant to America and a Jewish art- I had dinner with one of the world ex- Jessica Zimmerman Graf ist, Szyk’s view was quite different from perts on the reproductive cycle of sable Rabbi, Director of Magalim Rockwell’s. fish. People have esoteric interests in EMERITUS CLERGY things I didn’t even know I didn’t know It will be a treat to have Rabbi Ungar— Martin Weiner Rabbi Emeritus about! It’s wonderful to explore a previ- and a Szyk Haggadah—at Sherith Isra- Cantor Emeritus Martin Feldman ously unknown topic. el. You may have seen recent exhibits of Szyk’s work at the Contemporary Jewish BOARD OF TRUSTEES The entire congregation will enjoy such Museum or the Legion of Honor. Both al- an opportunity on Sunday, April 10, OFFICERS lowed for a look at some of his extraor- Evan Kletter President from 4:30–6 pm. We’ll hear from Rabbi dinary and detailed drawings. Seeing Helen Sloss Luey Vice President Irvin Ungar, the foremost expert on Jerry Hurwitz Treasurer the pages up close, displayed in frames, the drawings and paintings of Arthur Lindsay Braunig Secretary offers yet another way of looking at Pass- Szyk, a superb but little-known 20th- Valerie Jahan Immediate Past President over as we learn about the extraordinary century artist. Rabbi Ungar, director of TRUSTEES handiwork in this very beautiful and Tracy Boxer Zill Historicana, an antiquarian book firm colorful Haggadah. Dan Dohan specializing in historic Judaica and the Michael Gaines I invite you to prepare for Passover by Gale Gottlieb artwork of , will talk about Joan Libman Szyk’s magnificent illustrated Hagga- thinking about the diverse meanings of Amy Widdowson Mains dah. Rabbi Ungar will provide a window slavery and freedom. Each year at our Erik Migdail into the life of a remarkable artist and Seders we recall our people’s journey to Alan Mirviss Stacy Passman chronicler of Jewish and American life. freedom. We relive history as if each of us was personally redeemed from Pha- Lynn Sedway Szyk was a contemporary of the cele- Katie Zier raoh’s rule. The Szyk Haggadah tells our brated Norman Rockwell, who designed Lonnie Zwerin ancient story through a mid-20th-centu- so many covers for the Saturday Evening ry lens, focusing on the struggle of Jews STAFF Post. Many Rockwell magazine covers to become a full part of American soci- Amy Mallor depicted issues facing white Americans. ety. This is an event you won’t want to Executive Director They included small-town and suburban Nancy Sheftel-Gomes miss! See page 7. n Education Director scenes, and the challenging beginnings Jeni Clancy Early Childhood Director Jonathan Dimmock PEOPLE OF THE BOOK Choir Director & Accompanist Nia Taylor “You shall observe this as an institution for all time, for you and for Executive Assistant & Office Manager your descendants.” — Exodus 12:24 Desiree Yanez-Canton Media & Program Associate Before the first Passover, Moses in- hama Leibowitz points out that the

SHERITH ISRAEL NEWS structs the Israelites to slaughter first Passover represents not only a Ellen Newman & David Perlstein lambs and place the blood on their watershed in Jewish history but also Editors doorposts. God will pass over them a great spiritual transformation. Each Susan Weeks Graphic Design during the slaying of Egypt’s first- Passover presents a new opportunity born males. But what does “for all to consider our past, our relationships time” mean? Placing blood on door- with God and the Jewish people, and posts was required only for that first our place in the world. n Pesach. The late Israeli scholar Ne- 2 Questions for RABBI LARRY RAPHAEL

As Rabbi Larry Raphael approaches his retirement after 13 years of service to Sherith Israel, we asked him to reflect on his accomplishments and challenges, as well as on what he learned as a congregational rabbi.

Q. What stands out for you about your tenure ence working in a Jewish context with non-Jews. After at Sherith Israel? conversations with people interested in Judaism and in becoming Jewish, I realized we needed to offer an A: In my previous work at Hebrew Union College and introduction to Judaism class. It has since grown into at the Union for Reform Judaism my relationships with a full-fledged conversion mentorship program with the people were short-term. It was just the nature of the assistance of Lisa Erdberg and 13 volunteer mentors. work. At the college, I worked with graduate students, This work has also been very important to the future of and at the Union I created weeklong or weekend learn- the congregation. Many people wouldn’t join the syna- ing experiences for adults all over the country. Al- gogue if we didn’t offer a conversion program for them- though both were rewarding, I wanted an experience selves or their partners. that allowed for long-term relationships. Becoming a congregational rabbi was the obvious answer. It’s also a positive when you have people joining any faith tradition instead of leaving by attrition. There is At Sherith Israel I’ve had the opportunity and the bless- real impact on Jews-by-birth when they experience stu- ing to be in ongoing relationships with people—essen- dents and Jews-by-choice saying, “Judaism has so much tially from birth to death—where I have intersected at to offer that I want to be part of it, and I’m willing to go many points along the way. To participate in the bar through a number of hoops to accomplish that.” I tell mitzvah of a child I’ve known since preschool or to of- the students it’s like citizenship; you become part of the ficiate at the funeral of a family member of a congregant Jewish people. It’s a good model. I know has been gratifying. To be part of a relationship over many years, with events both happy and sad, is I also want to mention the wonderful class I taught with a real privilege. It even carries over to the High Holy the ministers at Calvary Presbyterian and the class we Days. As I look out at the people in the sanctuary, I presented with Ameena Jandali from the Islamic Net- think about how many people I know and how I know work Group. Those were learning experiences for me as them. They are not just strangers showing up for a lec- well as for the people who attended. ture. Whatever success I’ve had is enhanced by the fact that I am in relationship with the people listening. Q: You came to Sherith Israel after 30 years as a Jewish educator. What has it been like Q. What are some of the biggest challenges teaching adults at Sherith Israel? you faced? A: One of the things I learned here is how theory be- A: Even before I began at Sherith Israel I knew that sav- comes practice. As an adult educator for the Reform ing the sanctuary building would be an important and Movement, I theorized about how and why adult Re- necessary part of my tenure. Once stepping inside, I form Jews become engaged in serious Jewish study. I’ve knew that this was something I needed to accomplish. learned from everyone at Sherith Israel that Jews want When I began to really understand what the sanctuary to know what Reform Judaism in particular, and Juda- meant to everyone, I built a strong team of dedicated ism in general, has to say about the issues that concern lay-leaders to raise the necessary money for Phase I. us. Congregants want to be engaged in serious study Now we are determined to accomplish the same for that challenges them intellectually and emotionally, Phase II. I want to conclude my time here leaving Sher- and helps them stretch and grow as Jews. Adult learn- ith Israel a better place than I found it. ing can take place in many venues, but Jewish learning at the synagogue speaks to religious meaning and reli- Q. What is your proudest accomplishment at gious identity. It builds a community of learners who Sherith Israel? can share life experiences with one another. A: Working with people who have chosen Judaism as As Rabbi Chanina said (Babylonian Talmud, Taanit 7a), adults—more than 50 in my 13 years here—and by “I have learned much from my teachers. I have learned extension working with non-Jews, has been unusu- more from my colleagues than from my teachers. But I ally rewarding. When I came here I had no experi- have learned more from my students than from all of them.” Thank you. n 3 AVODAH/WORSHIP

SHABBAT SERVICES PASSOVER

SPECIAL TIME FOR SERVICES: SECOND-NIGHT FAMILY SEDER AND CHICKEN SOUPER/HAMOTZI FUNDRAISER Friday, April 3—EREV PESACH 5 pm: Kabbalat Shabbat Let all who are hungry come and eat. We say these 6 pm: Kiddush words every year as we sit down to tell the Passover story of the Israelites’ journey from bondage to freedom. Once SATURDAY again, the festive Sherith Israel community Seder is the FRIDAY EVENINGS APRIL 23 congregation’s annual fundraiser for our Chicken Souper 6 pm: Kabbalat Shabbat services 5 PM and HaMotzi programs. They feed homebound seniors, 7:15 pm: Kiddush and oneg people with chronic illnesses, and adults and children at Join us for services each Friday, the Women’s Shelter of San Francisco and the Compass followed by Kiddush and a friendly Family Center. Our wonderful volunteers, who sustain these critical programs year oneg for schmoozing, noshing and after year, will cater dinner. Joel Siegel will lead us in song. Larry Raphael, making new friends. Jessica Graf and Julie Saxe-Taller will keep us all on the same page. Seder reservations are essential: FAMILY SHABBAT Adults, $36; post-b’nai mitzvah students, $18; children, $10; children under 5, free; Second Friday of the month $360 reserves a table for 10. 6 pm: Kabbalat Shabbat services 7:15 pm: Kiddush, congregational RSVP: Nia Taylor, 415.346.1720, x17, or [email protected]. dinner and potluck dessert The second Friday of the month features our lively Family Shab- PASSOVER YIZKOR SERVICE FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 8–10 AM bat with Religious School song Remember your loved ones at Sherith Israel’s concluding Passover service led by leader Lior Ben-Hur and his band, Rabbi Larry Raphael. The morning begins with light refreshments at 8 and finishes Sol Tevel, followed by an informal by 10 am. congregational dinner and potluck dessert. Information: Nia Taylor, 415.346.1720, x17, or [email protected].

SATURDAY MORNINGS TRAVELING TIKKUN L’EIL SHAVUOT 9:15 am: Torah study SATURDAY, JUNE 11 Along the California Street corridor and beyond Congregants and guests are invited 8:30 pm–dawn to study the weekly parashah (To- Enjoy an evening—or a real all-nighter—with San Francisco rah portion), complete with learn- rabbis and teachers as we walk along California Street from Sherith Israel to Beth ing from traditional and contem- Sholom, with stops at JCCSF, Congregation Emanu-el and—new this year—the Toy porary sources, all laced with lively Boat on Clement Street. Our forbears, the rabbis of old, used to study all night to discussion. Enjoy bagels and lox, commemorate the giving of the Torah at Sinai. We can emulate them in San Francisco coffee and tea. style during our Traveling Tikkun L’eil Shavuot. 10:30 am: Shabbat morning services 8:30–9:30 pm: Savor a spicy Havdalah and more at Sherith Israel with Cantor Marsha from Congregation Emanu-El. Intimate and informal, services Atty follow the basic structure of our 10 pm: Enjoy savory learning at JCCSF with Rabbi Peretz Wolf-Prusan, senior Mishkan T’filah prayerbook. All educator at Lehrhaus Judaica; Rabbi Batshir Torchio, senior educator at JCCSF; and Shabbat morning services include David Green, director of the Taube Koret Center for Jewish Peoplehood at JCCSF. chanting or reading from one of our 11:30 pm–12:30 am: Celebrate the vision of beholding Torah at Emanu-El. We’ll use Torah scrolls. illustrations from Archie Rand’s acclaimed series of paintings, The 613, referring to the 613 mitzvot or commandments, to learn with rabbis Batshir Torchio, Aubrey Glazer of Beth Sholom, Peretz Wolf-Prusan and Julie Saxe-Taller of Sherith Israel, plus CSI education director Nancy Sheftel Gomes. 12:30 am: Explore the sweet Kabbalah of ice cream at the Toy Boat on Clement Street with Rabbi Shlomo Zarchi from Chevra Thilim. 2–6 am: Study until dawn with Rabbi Aubrey Glazer at Beth Sholom. Watch your Under the Dome email for event details. Nia Taylor, 415.346.1720, x17, or [email protected]. 4 SPECIAL SHABBATS

SATURDAY, APRIL 16 Whether you’re going to Shabbat Chai in the morning or Shabbat Metzora in the afternoon, lunch is complimentary with RSVP: Nia Taylor, 415.346.1720, x17, or [email protected].

SHABBAT CHAI SHABBAT METZORA Medical Lunch-and-Learn 9:30 am–1 pm Reducing Bias and Inequity in Health Care: The Art and 9:30 am: Grade-level learning about Pesach for Religious Science of Relationship-Centered Medical Care School students plus art studio, yoga and Torah study “elec- 12:15 pm: Lunch— tives” for adults complimentary with RSVP 10:30 am: Tot Breakfast with singing, storytelling and brunch 12:45 pm: Program 10:30 am: Joyous Shabbat worship with Rabbi Julie Saxe-Tall- Much work is still needed to er and special musical guest Isaac Zones, plus Torah readings improve health and health care by sixth-grade students for minorities. This medical 12:15 pm: Kiddush and complimentary lunch (with RSVP) Shabbat workshop highlights how race, ethnicity, language Our communitywide Shabbat Chai features activities for the preference, sexual orientation, mental health and social class whole family. Join us as we welcome special musical guest affect medical outcomes, with a focus on race and ethnicity. Isaac Zones, a popular music leader at congregations and camps around the area and leader of the spirited Jewgrass Speakers include family physician and UCSF professor band Shamati. Isaac is sure to add much ruach to our worship. emeritus Bill Shore, MD, and Denise Davis, MD, FAACH, a New this month is our special pre-Pesach Tot Breakfast at clinical professor at UCSF. They will discuss the new national Shabbat Chai with early childhood director Jeni Clancy. movement aimed at reducing racial and ethnic disparities Bring your young children or grandchildren for a fun Shabbat in health care. They will also demonstrate the value of high- experience. quality, culturally humble communication in medicine and invite participants to practice communication skills that have Art is the focus of many activities for older children and adults been shown to promote healing. This new approach improves this Shabbat Chai. Fifth- and sixth-graders will make beautiful outcomes for patients, families and health-care professionals. beaded yads. Grades three and four will study the weekly parashah through art with guest educator Elyssa Wertzman. The program was organized by our speakers and Helen Luey, And Elika Feldman will make seder plates with first and vice president of Sherith Israel’s Board of Trustees and chair second graders. The seventh grade will meet with congregant of our inclusion task force; Valerie Jahan, MD, a pediatrician Doba Gendelman, who came to the U.S. from the Ukraine. and immediate past board president; and Phaedra Bell, PhD, She will describe her experiences during . Doba’s executive director of the Admissions and Student Experience Team presentation is open to adults. (AsSET) at the UCSF School of Medicine. Information and RSVP for complimentary lunch: Nia Taylor, 415.346.1720, x17, or [email protected].

ADULT B’NAI MITZVAH SATURDAY, APRIL 30 10:30 am: Services Celebrate and honor Xander Shapiro, Xander Karsten and Jesse Ratner as they are called to the 12:15 pm: Kiddush Torah. Members of this wonderful class have been working with rabbis Larry Raphael, Julie Saxe- Taller and Jessica Graf as they studied, prepared to lead services—including reading from the Torah— and committed themselves to continued growth as Jewish adults. Everyone is invited to Kiddush after Shabbat morning services to wish them a hearty mazel tov! Info: Nia Taylor, 415.346.1720, x17, or [email protected].

HARD HAT SHABBAT 2.0 CONGREGATIONAL ANNUAL MEETING Friday, April 8, 6 pm THIS MAY See page 19 Look for date and details in your email and Under the Dome. 5 ADULT PROGRAMS

UPCOMING PROGRAMS CONVERSATIONS ABOUT CONVERSION ONGOING PROGRAMS ADULT HEBREW Maurice Kamins Mondays, 6:30–8 pm, April 18, May 16 Sundays CARING COMMUNITY Join seekers and individuals preparing for Fred Nervo Assists members in times of need and conversion in informal discussions of the 9 am: Beginning Hebrew joy. Nia Taylor, 415.346.1720, x17, or personal and practical issues relating to [email protected]. Hilda Isaacson conversion. Jews by choice are encour- 9:30 am: Beginning Hebrew aged to attend to share their experiences. TORAH STUDY 10:30 am: Continuing Beginning Hebrew Partners, spouses and friends welcome. Saturdays, 9:15–10:15 am 11:30 am: Advanced Beginning Hebrew Nia Taylor, 415.346.1720, x17, or ntaylor@ Studies weekly Torah portion. Fee: $50 per semester, includes books; schol- sherithisrael.org. Bagels and lox. arships available. Nancy Sheftel-Gomes, 415.346.1720, x28, or nsgomes@sherithis- JEWISH BOOK CLUB HAMOTZI & CHICKEN SOUPERS rael.org. Mondays, 7 pm HaMotzi: Sundays, 9:30 am–12:30 pm April 25: The Periodic Table by Primo Chicken Soupers: DOWNTOWN TALMUD Levi. Discussion leaders: Julie House and One Sunday a month, Noon–4 pm Rabbi Larry Raphael Barry Sachs. This memoir by the famed April 10, May 1, June 5 Thursdays, Noon–1 pm chemist-turned-writer presents the years HaMotzi volunteers prepare 100 meals Apr. 7, 21; May 5, 19 before and after Levi’s transportation for two shelters in San Francisco each Farella Braun + Martel from his native Italy to Auschwitz. It offers week. Chicken Souper volunteers pre- his impassioned response to the events Russ Bldg., 235 Montgomery, 17th Fl. pare meals for clients of Jewish Family that engulfed him. This is a selection of Study the Sages’ approach to law and and Children’s Services each month. One Bay One Book sponsored by Jewish life dating back nearly two millennia and Volunteers are needed to shop, pick up Learning Works. deeply meaningful today. No Talmudic donations, cook and deliver. knowledge necessary. Materials provided May 23: The Mathematician’s Shiva by Nancy Sheftel-Gomes, 415.346.1720, x28, Discussion leader: along with coffee, tea and soft drinks. Stuart Rojstaczer. or [email protected]. Cathy Taylor. Sasha Karnokovitch and his family would like to mourn the passing of KOLEYNU PRIME TIME CLUB his mother, Rachela, with modesty and For congregants 65 and up dignity. But Rachela, a famous Polish émi- CONGREGATIONAL CHOIR Fridays, Noon–2 pm (lunch included) gré mathematician, is rumored to have Sings at holidays and Shabbat services. In memory of Max and Marilyn Singer solved a million-dollar prize problem. A Jonathan Dimmock, 415.346.1720, x29, or Apr. 8: Dr. Adrian Praetzellis, professor ragtag group of socially challenged math- [email protected]. of anthropology at Sonoma State Uni- ematicians crashes the shiva, vowing to versity, talks about archaeological digs in do whatever it takes to find the solution. OFFICE VOLUNTEERS San Francisco relating to the old Jewish June 27: Book selection meeting Greet visitors at our front desk, answer cemetery on Dolores Street. Nancy Sheftel-Gomes, 415.346.1720, x28, or phones or help with office tasks. May 13: To be determined [email protected]. Amy Mallor, 415.346.1720, x30, or [email protected]. June 10: Nikolaus Hohmann, professor of history and philosophy at the San EXPLORING JEWISH BELIEFS AND Francisco Conservatory of Music, PRACTICES: AN INTRODUCTION discusses how the history of Islam and the JOIN RABBIS TO JUDAISM Middle East define Israel’s problems. RAPHAEL AND GRAF Rabbi Larry Raphael, RSVP: Amy Mallor, 415.346.1720, x30, or Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller, AT CALVARY PRESBYTERIAN [email protected]. Todah rab- Rabbi Jessica Graf and Lisa Erdberg CHURCH bah—many thanks—to the Max and Marilyn Sundays, 10 am–Noon, Jan. 24–May 15 Singer Foundation for its continuing support Our neighbor Calvary Presbyterian of the Prime Time lunch series. There’s time to engage in the final weeks at Fillmore and Jackson has invited of study, discussion and hands-on experi- our clergy to teach at the church. ences. Join Jews looking for adult-level Sherith Israel congregants are basics, interfaith couples, individuals con- welcome to attend. sidering conversion, seekers and all life- long learners exploring Jewish beliefs and Sun., May 1, 11:30 am: Rabbi Larry values, holidays and the Jewish calendar, Raphael on Judaism and Christianity: prayer and liturgy, and lifecycle events. What We Share and What We Don’t Materials fee: $5. Text: Living Judaism by Sun., May 8, 9 am: Rabbi Jessica Rabbi Wayne Dosick. Information and reg- on Embracing Difference istration: Nia Taylor, 415.346.1720, x17, or Graf [email protected]. with Rev. Joann Lee, Calvary Presbyterian’s Associate Pastor for Community Formation 6 Complex, difficult, rewarding RABBI RAPHAEL SPOTLIGHTS PHILOSOPHER EMMANUEL LEVINAS FOR FINAL COURSE Most of us know the old saying about Emmanuel Levinas by Michael L. Mor- saving the best for last. When it comes gan (Cambridge University Press, 2013), to teaching, Rabbi Larry Raphael de- Nine Talmudic Readings by Emmanuel cided to save the most challenging for Levinas (Indiana University, 1990) and last. Thus he presents a six-week course Difficult Freedom by Emmanuel Levinas in April and May on Reading (and Un- (Johns Hopkins Press University, 1997). derstanding) Emmanuel Levinas, the Readings from Morgan present an over- noted and complex 20th-century French- all interpretation of Levinas’s central Jewish philosopher. principle that human existence is fun- damentally ethical and that its ethical Levinas was born in 1906 in Kovno, Lithu- character is grounded in our face-to-face ania. He died in Paris in 1995. As such, his relationships. Readings from Levinas’ life spanned the twentieth century and work provide first-person engagement intersects with a number of major events with his thought. and movements. “Four features of Levi- nas’s life and thought strike me as signifi- “Reading Levinas requires patience and cant,” says Rabbi Raphael. They are: a sense about when to relish ambiguities and nuances, and when to demand rig- READING (AND UNDERSTANDING) • His historical situation, including the or and precision,” Rabbi Raphael com- EMMANUEL LEVINAS years leading up to World War II, and ments. The class will read both care- especially the role of the Holocaust in Rabbi Larry Raphael fully, to follow Levinas’s lines of reason, his memory and in his thought Tuesdays, 7–8 pm and imaginatively, to make his teachings Apr. 5, 12, 19, 26; May 10, 17 • His relationship to Judaism and reli- relevant to our own lives. (no class May 3) gious texts “This is a topic/subject/person that I Fee: $18. • His place among those who were criti- have wanted to teach for quite some Registration: cal of Western philosophy and yet time,” Rabbi Raphael emphasizes. “I’ve Nia Taylor, 415.346.1720, x17 found special links to that tradition held off doing so because of the com- or [email protected] plexity and difficulty of his writings. But • His role in the 20th-century debates for my last class as senior rabbi at Sher- about the place of ethics in our lives. ith Israel, I decided to go for it. I hope The course includes readings in hand- congregants and guests will join me on out form from several texts. They in- an exciting intellectual journey.” n clude The Cambridge Introduction to

Magalim Circles of Jewish Life at Sherith Israel

TORAH STUDY THE SZYK Most Tuesdays, Rabbi Graf’s study HAGGADAH: 6:30–7 pm: Schmoozing and light noshes Presentation by 7–8 pm: Study Rabbi Irvin Ungar Enjoy an informal discussion on the weekly Torah portion. Sunday, April 10 No experience or preparation necessary. 4:30–6 pm CHAMETZ! An event for the entire congregation. See page Sunday, May 1 2 for more about Rabbi Ungar and the Arthur 5–7 pm Szyk Haggadah. Post-Passover challah-baking demonstration by Mimi Gauss. Location at a private home (address provided with RSVP).

Adults 20s–40s join Rabbi Jessica Graf, director of Magalim, for exciting activities at Sherith Israel and around San Francisco. Rabbi Jessica Graf, 415.346.1720, x18, or [email protected]. 7 TALMUD TORAH/EDUCATION early childhood ECE PROGRAMS

PLAYGROUPS YAD B’YAD FAMILY PROGRAM TOT SHABBAT AT THE BEACH Mondays and Fridays Sunday, April 3 Saturday, June 4, 10:30 am 10:30 am–Noon 9–11 am or 12:30–2:30 pm Location: Crissy Field in the Crawl, climb, jump and giggle with San On April 3, we will join the Religious Golden Gate National Recreation Area Francisco families in our huge, bright School at the San Francisco Food Bank, Bring the whole family for a lively Shab- indoor play space. Enjoy our playtime sorting and packing food for hungry San bat morning experience at Crissy Field in and music program—including puppets, Franciscans. Space is limited, so RSVP the GGNRA. We will meet on the beach bubbles and parachute games—with soon for your preferred time, 9–11 am or next to the West Bluff Picnic Area near the early childhood director Jeni Markowitz 12:30–2:30 pm. Warming Hut (across the road from Clancy. Fridays include a special Shabbat Sunday, May 22 La Petite Baleen at the end of Mason). visit with Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller. Be sure to dress in layers. 10 am–noon Drop-in playgroup fees: $12 per visit. Ten- On May 22, we will end the school year Information: Jeni Clancy, 415.346.1720, x32, visit card: $65 for CSI members; $80 for non- with festivities at the synagogue, cel- or [email protected]. members. Golden Gate Moms Group special ebrating a year of tzedakah and gemilut rates apply only on the second Monday of chasadim—charity and acts of lovingkind- PASSOVER SECOND-NIGHT the month. Just drop in; no sign-up neces- ness—with other Sherith Israel families sary. Information: Nia Taylor, 415.346.1720, with young children. COMMUNITY SEDER x17, or [email protected]. Saturday, April 23, 5 pm The free Yad B’Yad program is open to children ages 4–6 (pre-K and K) and their Enjoy our annual family-friendly second- FAMILY SHABBAT families. CSI members and nonmembers night Seder. We’ll tell the Passover story 2nd Friday of the month are welcome. RSVP: Jeni Markowitz Clancy, of the Israelites’ journey from bondage 415.346.1720, x32, or jclancy@sherithisrael. to freedom. The festive congregational April 8: Hard Hat Shabbat 2.0 org. Yad B’Yad is generously sponsored by Seder is our annual fundraiser for our (see page 19) the Jewish Resource Specialist Program of Chicken Souper and HaMotzi programs. 6 pm: Services in sanctuary the Early Childhood Initiative of the San These feed homebound seniors, people 7:15 pm: Kiddush and festive oneg Francisco Jewish Community Federation with chronic illnesses, and adults and children at the Women’s Shelter of San May 13 and June 10 and Endowment Fund, and the Jim Joseph Francisco and the Compass Family Center. 6 pm: Services in sanctuary Foundation. Rabbis Larry Raphael, Jessica Graf and Kiddush, congregational din- 7:15 pm: Julie Saxe-Taller, and song leader Joel ner and potluck dessert TOT BREAKFAST AT Siegel will keep us all on the same page of Celebrate Shabbat with other CSI families SHABBAT CHAI our . with young children and the congregation Saturday, April 16 Seder reservations: Adults, $36; in a service that features Lior Ben-Hur 10:30 am: Brunch and activities post-b’nai mitzvah students, $18; and members of his band. Our clergy 12:15 pm: Kiddush and complimentary children, $10; children under 5, free; share stories meaningful for congregants congregational lunch (with RSVP) table of 10, $360. of all ages. Join us for a fun-filled pre-Pesach Shabbat RSVP: Nia Taylor, 415.346.1720, x17, or for families with young children or grand- [email protected]. HAVDALAH PAJAMA PARTY children. This delightful Shabbat morning Saturday, May 7, 4:30–6 pm features songs, storytelling, puppets and a yummy brunch with early childhood CSI MARIN DAY SCHOOL Bring your little ones in their PJ’s for mu- director Jeni Markowitz Clancy. RSVP to PRESCHOOL TOURS sic, puppets, a pizza party and Havdalah join the congregation for a special lunch ceremony with Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller, You are invited to tour our unique following services. Rabbi Jessica Graf and early childhood preschool for children 2–5 years old. director Jeni Markowitz Clancy. This is a Tot breakfast is offered free of charge The Sherith Israel campus of Marin Day joint Magalim and ECE event. and generously sponsored by the Jewish Schools offers an outstanding early Resource Specialist Program of the Early childhood curriculum and extended-day Dinner and activities: $18/family. Childhood Initiative of the San Francisco program that provides a warm experience RSVP by the Monday before: Jewish Community Federation and Endow- filled with Jewish values, traditions and Nia Taylor, 415.346.1720, x17, ment Fund, and the Jim Joseph Founda- celebrations. or [email protected]. tion Contact Jeni Markowitz Clancy, Information and RSVP for complimentary 415.346.1720, x32, or jclancy@sherithisrael. For more information about lunch: Nia Taylor, 415.346.1720, x17, or org, to set up an ECE programs, contact CSI early [email protected]. appointment. childhood director Jeni Markowitz Clancy, 415.346.1720, x32, or [email protected]. 8 religious school Growing trend among synagogues RABBI-EDUCATOR WILL HEAD RELIGIOUS SCHOOL THIS YEAR OR NEXT RELIGIOUS SCHOOL “There is nothing new under the sun,” in Jewish education. They’re trained PROGRAMS Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) famously advis- professionals—perfect for synagogues es. When it comes to synagogue life— whose congregants want the best Jewish SUNDAYS including Religious School—Kohelet is education for their children within the Preschool to Grade 8 right but only partly. Change is inevi- synagogue environment. 9:30 am–12:15 pm table. Yet change inspired by both tra- High School So this is new. But not totally. In the dition and contemporary best practices Grades 9 to 12 past, three associate rabbis—Marvin honors the past as it provides a pathway 12:30–1:45 pm Gross, John Rosove and David Mey- to the future. Sherith Israel’s desire to (Lunch included) er—led our Religious School. But they place a rabbi-educator at the head of Re- were not trained educators. Today’s new Hebrew School ligious School offers a prime example. Grades 3 to 5 rabbi-educators perform two jobs at the 12:30–2 pm As congregants know, Nancy Sheftel- same time and have been trained for Gomes has served as our education di- each. That means a rabbi-educator will Students bring lunch and eat with rector for children for many years. Dur- spend a good deal of time with Religious teachers in Newman Hall, then go to class to learn the basics of reading, ing her tenure, the Religious School has School but not all. Wearing an associ- writing and speaking Hebrew, focus- constantly undergone evaluation to find ate rabbi hat—or kippah if you will—the ing on prayerbook literacy. better ways to engage students and pro- rabbi-educator will also perform func- vide them with a solid Jewish education. tions expected of the clergy. These in- Each year has brought new ideas and clude leading Shabbat and holiday wor- TUESDAYS Hebrew School experiences built on the foundation of ship and officiating at lifecycle events. Grades 3 to 6 previous years. We’re looking at candidates, and will de- 4–5:45 pm Nancy has been looking towards retire- termine whether we can find the right Basics of reading, writing and speak- ment for several years. While she post- person now or must wait until next year. ing Hebrew, focusing on prayerbook poned retiring when Rabbi Larry Ra- If we don’t hire a rabbi-educator for the literacy. phael extended his stay to the current 2016 school year, Nancy has agreed to (2015–16) clergy year, we’ve long known stay an additional year. Our rabbi-ed- RELIGIOUS SCHOOL we’d need someone new to head the Re- ucator will build on what Nancy has OFFICE ligious School. Nancy and Rabbi Raphael done and offer new ways to advance our 415.346.1720, x28, or have discussed the concept of rabbi-edu- school’s efforts. We’ll also have a rabbi [email protected] cator at length. to assist Rabbi Jessica Graf after she as- sumes the post of senior rabbi on July 1. The rabbi-educator has become a vi- “It’s a great model,” says Evan Kletter, tal position at synagogues around the president of the Sherith Israel Board of country over the past several years. Trustees. “The rabbi-educator advances As it happens, Hebrew Union College our children’s education, provides for and other rabbinical schools have been the entire synagogue family and fits producing more graduates than there with our efforts to right-size our clergy are pulpit positions. Many of these rab- and senior staffing.”n bis have been awarded masters degrees

FOURTH-GRADE FAMILY FOOD DAY: To complete the recipe for a “Torah Cake,” fourth-grade students delved into Torah text to find the list of ingredients. Other activities included text study for parents, baking hamantaschen for Purim, decorating aprons and making sandwiches for shelter residents. 9 Once upon a timea rabbi left Brooklyn, crossed America and arrived in San Francisco...

Friday, May 20 5:45 PM ~ Casual dinner

7:30 PM ~ Kabbalat Shabbat worship Participating guests and storytellers: Marilyn Price and Arthur Strimling

8:45 ~ Festive oneg Sweets by Town’s End Restaurant & Bakery Saturday, May 21 9:15 am ~ Torah Study Jointly led by Rabbi Larry Raphael and his brother Rabbi Marc Raphael Catered by Town’s End Restaurant & Bakery

10:30 am ~ Shabbat Worship Participating guests: Marilyn Price, Rabbi Marc Raphael, Arthur Strimling and Rabbi Gerald I. Weider

12:30–2 pm ~ Lunch and storytelling workshops Four workshops to help you discover the magic of stories, find your voice and learn to tell your own story— led by Peter Novak, Marilyn Price, Linda Raphael and Arthur Strimling Catered by Miller’s West Deli

Saturday Evening, May 21 7 pm in Newman Hall ~ Congregational Gala Share your Six-Word Memoir as a tribute to Rabbi Raphael. Havdalah will follow Catered by Work of Art

8:30 pm in the sanctuary Heart of the World Concert with Danny Maseng

9:45 pm in Newman Hall Dessert Catered by Town’s End Restaurant & Bakery

Thanks to executive director Amy Mallor and the committee members who worked so hard on this event: Susan Borkin • Jonathan Burton • Lisa Erdberg • Mimi Gauss • Sheila Gordon • Valerie Jahan • Maurice Kamins • Arlene Krieger • Alan Mirviss • David Newman • Ellen Newman • David Perlstein • Jean Schore • Ellen Schumm • Lynn Sedway • Bill Shore • Karen Zelmar • Lonnie Zwerin Rabbi Larry Raphael became Sherith Israel’s ninth senior rabbi in 2003. His warmth— how does he remember everyone’s name?—inspired teaching, and love of stories have endeared him to the congregation these past 13 years. We’ll honor Rabbi Raphael by celebrating his story during this festive weekend. See your mail for your invitation. RSVP by May 12.

Rabbi Raphael’s special guests

Danny Maseng is a playwright, actor, Linda Raphael, Ph.D., is director of singer and composer. He serves as the Medical Humanities Program at chazan and spiritual leader of Makom LA, George Washington University School a post-denominational Jewish community of Medicine and Health Sciences, in Los Angeles. Danny participated in Washington, D.C. She is Rabbi Raphael’s many national events and programs sister-in-law. directed by Rabbi Raphael before he came to Sherith Israel. Rabbi Marc Raphael, Ph.D., is professor of religious studies and Gumenick Peter Novak, Ph.D., is professor of Professor of Judaic Studies at William & performing arts and social justice at Mary University, Williamsburg, Virginia. the University of San Francisco. He has He is Rabbi Raphael’s brother. been Rabbi Raphael’s speech coach in San Francisco. Arthur Strimling is the founder of Roots&Branches, creating intergenerational theater in New York. Marilyn Price has been our guest at He was Rabbi Raphael’s storytelling Sherith Israel many times, and has coach in New York. appeared across the country as a storyteller, puppeteer and educator for 40 years. She lives in Evanston, Rabbi Gerald I. Weider is rabbi Illinois, and is a long-time friend of emeritus of Congregation Beth Elohim, Rabbi Raphael. Brooklyn, New York, where the Raphael family belonged prior to coming to San Francisco. Rabbi Weider and Rabbi Raphael met as students in Jerusalem in 1970. CSICONGREGATION SHERITH ISRAEL people Finding and building community at Sherith Israel PROFILE: LINDSAY AND WARREN BRAUNIG Lindsay and Warren Braunig’s involve- “When you walk in to Sherith Israel,” Lindsay, who converted to Judaism, was ment with Congregation Sherith Israel Warren says, “you have a sense that active in her family’s church, which she did not begin, as is often the case, af- people actually care who you are and describes as a constant in her life. The ter enrolling their child in Religious want to know you.” That’s what makes couple met as high-school students in School. Instead, Lindsay and Warren, a community—people gathered in a Shreveport, where Lindsay moved with newly settled in San Francisco and start- communal place for a shared purpose. her family from Texas. But their story re- ing out in their respective law careers, And Lindsay and Warren not only expe- ally begins after Warren graduated from socialized at Sherith Israel with other rience Sherith Israel’s welcoming spirit, college and settled in San Francisco. young-adult couples navigating similar they foster it. Lindsay, still in college, visited him. Their points in life. This group, the creation of life’s next moves were together—law A clear example is Lindsay’s recent ex- former CSI membership and program di- school at , marriage, perience at the Havdalah pajama party rector Carrie Rice, included Alicia and law clerkships in the Los Angeles area, for families with young children hosted Evan Kletter (now president of the Sher- and career and family in San Francisco. quarterly by Magalim and ECE. While ith Israel Board of Trustees) and Lindsay the children played, Lindsay struck up Warren and Lindsay make Judaism and Lassman and Ohad Ben-Yoseph. The a conversation with a new congregant, Sherith Israel a priority in their lives. group formed a strong bond. Through who mentioned her idea for parents “The more we’ve done, the more we feel this network, Lindsay and Warren con- and their children to take Jewish study invested,” Lindsay says. Indeed, Lindsay nected with Sherith Israel and with Jew- classes together at Sherith Israel. Lind- and Warren have taken pivotal volunteer ish life in San Francisco. “The oppor- say and Rabbi Jessica Graf were both roles that will shape Sherith Israel’s fu- tunity to really get to know people in a enthusiastic. “Jessica and I said, ‘That is ture. Lindsay is secretary of the board smaller environment,” Lindsay says, “is a great idea; let’s figure out a way to do and a member of the executive commit- key to building relationships and a sense it,’” Lindsay recalls. tee. Warren was a member of the search of community.” committee that recommended Rabbi Lindsay and Warren value the consis- Lindsay and Warren’s “social circle” has Jessica Graf to succeed Rabbi Larry Ra- tency that a synagogue offers, no mat- since added three important people— phael as senior rabbi. “We really felt our ter who you are or where you are in seven-year-old Ike, five-year-old Toby, charge was to find the right leader for life. Warren’s mother has headed the and one-year old Shira. Many of the cou- the next generation,” Warren says. “Who religious school at B’nai Zion Congre- ples from that group also have children is the person we want to be leading us gation in Shreveport, Louisiana for 35 about the same age. So whether they’re twenty years from now? For me person- years; his father is a former president of at Tot Shabbat, an ECE program or Re- ally, who is the person who is going to the temple. “We were around the syna- ligious School, Lindsay and Warren are bar and bat mitzvah my children and be gogue all the time,” Warren says. “It was likely to greet a friend. their role model and mentor?” natural for me to find a place where we could have that connection and that lev- The comprehensive process, which gath- el of involvement.” ered input from the broader Sherith Isra- el community, reinforced Warren’s view of Sherith Israel as a place of inclusion, ideas and action. At Sherith Israel, War- ren says, “you can create something, have it be meaningful, and have the sup- port to do it.” To which Lindsay adds: “Sherith Israel is not a place where you have to have a certain income or look a certain way. Everyone is welcome.” n

CREATING CONNECTIONS: Warren and Lindsay Braunig, with Ike (left), Shira and Toby, have formed strong bonds with the Sherith Israel community. 12 CONGREGATION SHERITH ISRAEL news nosh

udos to Arlene Krieger, recently director) and Maker Education. She is And second, what lessons can we bring featured in the Jewish Commu- planning a fundraiserCSI for Maker Ed at home from Israel’s experience in terms K nity Federation women’s philanthropy Pixar in mid-April... of strengthening our Jewish community spotlight (http://jewishfed.org/news/ in San Francisco?” Adds Jeremy: “We blog/meet-arlene-krieger) for a lifetime n other Jewish cultural news, Rabbi look forward to sharing the lessons we of service and dedication to the Jewish IJessica and Jonathan Graf, Bruce learned with the entire congregation community. Among her favorite causes: Highman, Valerie Jahan, Ellen and community.”... The Jewish Home of San Francisco, Schumm and Lisa Spiegel went to a Hebrew Free Loan and, of course, Con- screening of the movie, Gett, followed azel tov to Bill Shore. The board gregation Sherith Israel. “My motivation by a conversation about marriage and Mof directors of the Society of runs deep. There is nothing else I would divorce in Israel. The event was spon- Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) rather do with my time,” says Arlene… sored by the New Israel Fund and the selected Bill to receive the 2016 Lynn National Council of Jewish Women, in and Joan Carmichael STFM Recognition ighted at the Jewish Commu- partnership with Congregation Emanu- award. The award, which recognizes Snity Relations Council’s Behind the El, Congregation Rodef Sholom, the leadership and service in advancing Scenes gala fundraiser in February: Jim Jewish Community Relations Council, family medicine as a discipline, says: and Claire Davis, Mimi Gauss, Steve the Jewish Film Institute, Shalom Bayit, “With a servant’s heart, tireless energy and Arlene Krieger, David and Ellen Sherith Israel and The Kitchen… and a commitment to the principles of Newman, Rabbi Larry Raphael, Lynn family medicine, you have served as a Sedway, and Steve Weiner and Norm peaking of Israel, Steve Olson, a tremendous role model for thousands of Dito… Smember of the Jewish National students and hundreds of family medi- Fund’s Task Force on Disabilities, just cine educators.” Bill notes that Lynn CRC’s town hall community meeting returned from a six-day tour of several Carmichael was an early mentor of his Jon Race and the Law tackled a diffi- Israeli disability-related nonprofits sup- and one of the founders of then new cult problem in a tone of civil discourse. ported by JNF. They also visited three discipline of family medicine… CSI-ers participating included Gale IDF bases. The most impressive new Gottleib, Hope Greenhill, David and El- program Steve saw was one in which est wishes to Amelia Sperber, who len Newman, Janet Parker and Laynie special-needs young people, who had Bstarts graduate studies to become a Tzena. Among other panelists, the group been rejected by the IDF, were reevalu- nurse practitioner at UCLA this fall... heard from SF Public Defender Jeff Ada- ated for service. After a new evaluation, chi, who will be here at Sherith Israel on many are indeed allowed to join the n media news, Joseph Amster made Tuesday, May 3, for our Forum on Police IDF, which assigns them work appropri- Ithe inside back page of the March is- Accountability. He will be joined by ate to their skills… sue of San Francisco Magazine. He was SFPD Chief Greg Suhr. The program will one of 10 Emperor Norton re-enactors be moderated by Michael Krasny… nd Dan Dohan, representing Sher- featured in a study of uniquely Bay Aith Israel, and Jeremy Benjamin, Area tribes… achel Breuer is putting down new representing Jewish Learning Works, Rroots in the Jewish community. traveled to Israel with 40 community nd in new media news, Japheth After serving as the special events man- leaders from 25 Bay Area Jewish Or- ADillman’s paper on marketing apps ager at the SF-Marin Food Bank, she ganizations on the Irving Rabin Mis- to users has been featured in many started a new position managing stew- sion to Israel. The Jewish Community blogs and on the VentureBeat.com ardship events and corporate relations Federation sponsored the trip, which website. Japheth is co-founder and chief at The Contemporary Jewish Museum… was underwritten by Marin philan- creative officer of YetiZen, the world’s thropist Varda Rabin in memory of first accelerator focused on the game SI’s former membership director her late husband. “We spent our time industry. n CCarrie Rice is also doing some learning from leaders grappling with exciting nonprofit work. She has been the changing nature of Israeli society appointed interim executive director for and culture, which is huge,” says Dan. By the News Nosher, aka Ellen Newman. “The mission challenged us to answer Young Audiences of Northern Califor- Please send bits and bites of gossip to el- two questions: First, how are Israelis nia. Carrie’s other clients include Noe [email protected]. Be sure to growing new forms of community and Valley Chamber Music (for congregant put “News Nosh” in the subject line. Tiffany Loewenberg, their executive politics during this period of change?

13 BEHIND THE SCENES WITH BOARD PRESIDENT EVAN KLETTER

FINDING THE RIGHT WORD: CONTINUITY An email from a congregant brought up We had a different executive director, a own incredible warmth, passion and vi- a terrific memory. As you know, Rabbi different head of Religious School and sion for Sherith Israel in the 21st-century. Jessica Zimmerman Graf will become different lay leaders, including a differ- I love the word continuity. Together Sherith Israel’s senior rabbi on July 1. ent board president. Yet when I walk into with our board, Rabbi Graf wants to We’re also looking for a cantor. And we our synagogue today, I feel even more help Sherith Israel maintain many of want to add a rabbi-educator to serve as of a sense of community. I have more our traditions while helping us evolve our associate rabbi and director of the friends here, I spend more time here along with the Reform movement. She’s Religious School. We’re still looking at and, of course, I’m raising my family already working on that! In my time on candidates and will likely have a rabbi- here. Sure, I was a kid in 1981. (“Today the board and as president, I’ve seen educator onboard for the 2017-18 school I am a man” has its limits.) But change how moving forward can be both chal- year unless a qualified candidate ap- is normal—and healthy—for people and lenging and rewarding. For example, I pears by the end of April or so. synagogues, too. remember discussions about creating As of now, Nancy Sheftel-Gomes will re- That’s why we’ve formed a continuity flexible seating in our sanctuary. We -fi turn as education director for one more committee to assist Rabbi Graf in pre- nally replaced some of our fixed rows of year before retirement—which she has paring for her new role instead of the pews with chairs. Yet we still worship postponed for several years. Rabbi Julie standard transition committee. We’ll together. And congregants can actually Saxe-Taller’s plans are still in flux as she have a new senior rabbi, but that doesn’t see each other! Our fabulous sanctuary explores other career options. mean that we as a synagogue won’t stop seems warmer than ever. growing. We felt the loss of Rabbi Weiner Back to the email and the memory: The One generation builds upon those that when he retired, but we were fortunate congregant wondered whether people preceded it. So everything we’re do- to findRabbi Larry Raphael. They had would recognize our clergy. Would Sher- ing reflects continuity. We’ll evolve and different styles, but they shared a lot in ith Israel still be the same warm com- move forward. We’ll also continue to be common. They loved people. They were munity? My answer is yes and yes. I a warm, welcoming, embracing commu- dedicated to keeping Sherith Israel vital became bar mitzvah at Sherith Israel in nity. I look forward to continuing on the to Jewish life in San Francisco. And they 1981. Wow, it seems so long ago. We had journey with you. n responded to changes in San Francisco different clergy for sure. Rabbi Martin and American Reform Jewish life. Rabbi Weiner was our senior rabbi, and Cantor Graf will add to their legacies with her Martin Feldman was our—yes, cantor.

NEW SHERITH ISRAEL LOGO AND GRAPHIC DESIGN ROLL OUT You may have noticed a fresh new look to Sherith Israel’s logo on printed and digital materials. If you’ve gone to our website recently, you’ve seen a different look as well. It’s all part of an update of our graphic design. The main logo is an evolution of former logos, yet reflects changing design esthetics and a desire to better reflect Sherith Israel’s welcoming and dynamic community. ECE and Religious School now each have a logo, and Magalim continues with its icon of interlocking circles. All of these now Early Childhood Education work nicely together with our main congregational logo. at Sherith Israel Many thanks to the communications committee, including co-chairs Ellen Newman and Lonnie Zwerin, committee members David Perlstein and Amy Widdowson-Mains, and staffAmy Mallor and Nancy Sheftel-Gomes, for hours of discussion and review. And Religious School todah rabbah to Susan Weeks, the East Bay graphic designer, who at Sherith Israel has worked with us for many years and who guided us through the process. Susan listened patiently to our needs and followed our guidelines while contributing her expert advice and skills. 14 PASSAGES

A hearty mazel tov to each of our families celebrating the following simchas: UPCOMING B’NAI MITZVAH NEW MEMBERS April 2, Sam Saxe-Taller, son of Rabbi Nir Biderman and Alyson Eberzy Julie Saxe-Taller and Michael Saxe-Taller Mitchel Cohen April 9, Shin Lee, son of Aaron Lee Amy Goodman and Jesse Purwal May 7, Emily Etlin daughter of Craig Etlin Amanda Gordon and Leslie Gordon Stu Grossman and Charlotte Mosher May 14, Shoshana Alessi, daughter of Gary and Rebekah Alessi NEW BABIES June 4, Cash Ashkinos, son of Tanya Simon Phillip Ganot, son of Nicole Schevitz and Terry Ashkinos and Gabe Ganot June 11, Jessica Schwartz, daughter of Jacob Schuman-Mutch, grandson of Allan Joel and Kerryn Schwartz and Lynn Schuman June 25, Andrew Kerzhner, son of Feliks Stella Lillian Stone, daughter of Eric and and Tatiana Kerzhner Laura Stone Lilah Maple Yu-Mei Zipes, daughter of WEDDINGS Kyle and Connie Zipes Boaz Nathaniel Gurdin, son of Rita J. May the memory Jeremy and J. Barry Gurdin, and CHOOSING JUDAISM of the righteous be Jyotirmai (called Jyoti) Uppuluri Sarah Crumley for a blessing. Tamar Draper Selma Fox, mother of Terrie Liss Ena Zheng Fridman Rueben Levin, father of Monica Levin

SENIOR RABBI, from page 1 sity, Rabbi Graf was ordained by Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, New York in 2003. She has served con- gregations from New York to Juneau, Alaska. She is active in several major Jewish organizations, including the Jewish Com- munity Federation, New Israel Fund, American Jewish World Service and the American Jewish Committee. Evan Kletter, president of the Sherith Israel Board of Trustees, commented, “Rabbi Graf has an incredible amount of enthusi- asm, passion and vision. In fact, she’s already working with the board, discussing opportunities she’s thought about for the last two years. It’s very exciting to be around her.” Valerie Jahan, UNANIMOUS: More than 110 CSI members showed up to chair of the search committee and immediate past president, vote for Rabbi Jessica Graf as our 10th senior rabbi. She begins said, “I’m excited that someone who knows Sherith Israel’s his- officially on July 1. tory and is a daughter of the congregation will be our next senior rabbi. Her knowledge of synagogue communities will be very helpful as we continue the work of building community.” skills will help us begin a worthy new chapter in the life of our Rabbi Larry Raphael, who has worked with Rabbi Graf, noted, historic congregation and its service to our community.” “I am delighted that Sherith Israel will be in the hands of a most Rabbi Graf adds, “It was a long-held dream of mine to come able and dynamic young rabbi. We will all benefit from Rabbi back to San Francisco and to Sherith Israel in an official capac- Graf’s leadership in the years ahead.” Rabbi Emeritus Martin ity. I’m much looking forward to connecting our history with Weiner, who served as senior rabbi before Rabbi Raphael and innovation and making this synagogue an even stronger center mentored Rabbi Graf, states, “Rabbi Graf brings to our congre- of Jewish life in the San Francisco community.” gation a full measure of wisdom, creativity, and vision. She has pioneered new approaches to inspiring young singles and She and her husband, Dr. Jonathan Graf, a professor at the families to join synagogues. Her personal warmth and people UCSF School of Medicine, are parents of a daughter, Arielle, 18 months. Their second child is due in June. n 15 TIKKUN OLAM CORNER Carry your part of the Torah MITZVAH DAY AT THE SAN FRANCISCO FOOD BANK FORUM ON POLICE Tues., May 3 Sunday, April 3 ACCOUNTABILITY 7 pm 9–11 am or 12:30–2:30 pm We once thought that issues of Every year Sherith Israel families with children 4 years old and excessive force and police brutality weren’t San older roll up their sleeves and get to work at the San Francisco Francisco concerns, but recent events have underscored Food Bank. There they sort and pack food for hungry San that these issues have local as well as national Franciscans. Space is limited, so RSVP soon for your preferred resonance. Please join us for a forum on police time: 9–11 am or 12:30–2:30 pm. accountability with SFPD Chief Greg Suhr and Public Defender Jeff Adachi, moderated by Michael Krasny, RSVP: Nancy Sheftel-Gomes, 415.346.1720, x28, or host of KQED’s Forum. [email protected]. Chief Suhr recently announced a reworking of SFPD’s JEWISH COALITION FOR LITERACY use-of-force policies and procedures currently under Make a difference in a child’s life by becoming a reading tutor review by the Police Commission. “Hopefully these with the Jewish Coalition for Literacy. There are two upcoming new efforts will help ensure citizen safety,” comments training/orientation sessions this spring: criminal defense attorney and congregant Eric Wednesday, April 20, 1-4 pm: Safire, who organized the forum. “San Francisco has Congregation Emanuel-El, 2 Lake Street traditionally had the most progressive policies and Wednesday, May 25, 1-4 pm: investigations by citizen committees, as well as a Congregation Beth Israel Judea, 625 Brotherhood Way firearms review board.” Contact: Janet Parker, 415.282.1495, or [email protected]; Jeff Adachi’s office represents more than 23,000 people you can also register online, jclread.org. each year, many of whom have tangled with the police. He will share his views on this important topic. REFUGEE SUPPORT Following our February forum on the world’s refugee crisis— “We expect pointed questions and a lively dialogue,” cosponsored with Jewish Family and Community Services East says Eric. This program is co-sponsored with the Raoul Bay Area and organized by Bill Shore, Richard Rozen and Wallenberg Jewish Democratic Club. Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller—many congregants have asked how they can help. Below are some ways we can help newly arrived Information: Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller, 415-346-1720, x25, or refugees: [email protected].

Donate school supplies: We are collecting donations of the PANELISTS MODERATOR following items through May 22: backpacks (for a variety of ages), lunch boxes (soft and foldable), markers, pencils, pencil sharpeners, pens, black and red sharpies, rulers, spiral notebooks, binders, tape, staplers, calculators, erasers, binder paper, scissors and glue sticks. You may donate supplies in bulk or put together a complete backpack filled with a variety of supplies. Hosting: JFCS-East Bay has a special program providing resettlement services in San Francisco to LGBT refugees who JEFF ADACHI GREG SUHR MICHAEL KRASNY Public Defender of the San Francisco Host of KQED-FM’s have fled their countries because of persecution based on City and County of Chief of Police FORUM gender identity and sexual orientation. These refugees, some San Francisco of whom are already working and able to pay some rent, need short-term housing in San Francisco. They all have case managers overseeing their resettlement, so hosting does not include case management. If you have, or know of someone who has, an extra bedroom with bathroom and kitchen access and can host a refugee for two months, please contact Rabbi Saxe-Taller. Information: Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller, 415-346-1720, x25, or [email protected].

16 SEISMIC RETROFIT, from page 1 The entire project is expected to take about a year. It encom- of nitinol, a nickel and titanium alloy with super-elastic prop- passes shoring up the north wall, strengthening the founda- erties. “This innovative solution to shoring up the dome was tion, adding a high-tech nitinol system to reinforce the upper developed by our structural engineers, Wiss Janney Elstner As- parts of the building and completing accessibility upgrades. A sociates,” comments Craig. “The rods will mitigate against dis- “no-work” break in the fall will accommodate the High Holy placement of the gables at the top of the building and will help Days. restrain the walls from falling outward in a massive quake.” Phase II won’t be as invasive as the work done in 2010-2011, ac- The last component of the construction consists of a series cording to architect Ellen Schumm, a member of our building of accessibility upgrades. They include adding a single stall, and grounds committee and a key player in the Sherith Israel gender-neutral bathroom on the ground floor and another on team interfacing with the project engineers, architects and con- the sanctuary level behind the bimah. In addition, we will add tractors. “This time we are focusing on the perimeter, basement a portable lift for the bimah that can be wheeled in and put into and attic. We don’t anticipate having to be out of the sanctuary place when needed. Finally, taking advantage of access to the during this round of construction.” roof, we will do some much-needed waterproofing. However, organ pipes behind the bimah will need to be re- In addition to the closure of Bart Hall for much of the con- moved to accommodate work along the synagogue’s north side, struction, various offices will be impacted. The senior rabbi’s which includes adding exterior buttresses or pilasters to brace office will be temporarily closed after Rabbi Raphael retires in the wall. “What congregants may not realize when they look at July and before Rabbi Jessica Graf moves in. The executive di- the decorative front row of pipes is that there is a whole room rector’s office will be temporarily closed some time after the full of pipes that extends all the way to the north wall,” notes High Holy Days this fall to allow for installation of the acces- Craig Etlin, co-chair of the building and grounds committee sible restroom. “Other than this,” says Crag, “we don’t envision and a driving force behind the retrofit. Although the organ will any restrictions on our ability to use the building.” look the same as usual from inside the sanctuary, it will not be “This project takes thinking on your feet, creativity and col- functional during the project. The pipes removed for the con- laboration,” observes Ellen. “This is an old, intricate and com- struction will be stored and protected in the upper-level storage plicated building. We have a lot of respect for our engineers rooms. (WJE structural engineers), architects (ELS Architecture and To strengthen the foundation of the 111-year-old building, Urban Design) and our contractor (Plant Construction Com- contractors will add reinforced concrete outriggers and mi- pany) because this is not a cut-and-dry job.” cro-piles in the basement. Basement work also includes re- Craig, who has been working on this project for 16 years, is moving some asbestos, which was commonly used as insu- delighted to see light at the end of the tunnel. “For many con- lation around pipes. Craig notes that it’s important to do the gregants, myself included, the identity of the congregation is abatement work early in the process so the space is accessible so intertwined with this building and the experience of being to the workers. The construction crew will get to the basement in the sanctuary for your son’s bar mitzvah, your daughter’s through Bart Hall, which will be closed in mid-April for at least bat mitzvah, your wedding or the High Holy Days. As much as six months and possibly for the duration of the job. I love the building, it’s really about securing the future of the The third task to be accomplished in Phase II is adding a ten- congregation for generations to come.” n sion-tie system in the attic to connect the beams that span the four exterior walls. The system relies on high-tech rods made

$350,000 in donations pledged BOARD STEPS UP TO PHASE II FUNDRAISING Financing for Phase II of Sherith Israel’s seismic retrofit work got a major boost in December when a windfall from the sale of a commercial property on Geary Boulevard enabled the congregation to allocate $5 million to the Seismic Retrofit Campaign. The rest of the funds accrued in the sale went to secure the endowment of the congregation’s Hills of Eternity Cemetery. With the addition of that very welcome $5 million in funds, the Seismic Retrofit Campaign is off to a very good start on Phase II. Adding to the campaign coffers, members of the congregation’s board of trustees have made pledges or gifts of $350,000 toward Phase II of the retrofit. That leaves the campaign with about $3 million to raise. Campaign co-chair and board member Lynn Sedway is delighted. “Many of our board members have committed to increasing their pledges if their circumstances allow,” she notes. “We are confident that our hard work will pay off as we move forward with what promises to be a successful campaign.” According to campaign co-chair David Newman, “Over the next year, we will reach out to our congregants—both those who have already donated and those who have not yet participated. And we will approach local foundations and generous members of the larger Jewish community for their support.” David is looking forward to the last phase of the capital campaign. “We’ll finish this project the same way we started it,” he said, “through the audacious generosity of our congregants and friends.” 17 DONATIONS Includes donations from December 2, 2015 – February 29, 2016

Todah rabbah — Thank you all for your generous support of Congregation Sherith Israel.

BAGEL AND LOX FUND RABBI RAPHAEL’S DISCRETIONARY FUND Tamar Draper Jack Anderson in honor of Florence Anderson, and in memory of Robert Epstein Jean Anderson Mark Ochoa Tasia Melvin Bartell in memory of Tony Bartell Drs. Andre & Janice Bolaffi CHICKEN SOUPERS/HAMOTZI FUND Jeffrey Fessel in memory of Freda Young James Blattner in memory of Bernard Blattner Doba Gendelman in memory of Abraham Gendelman Nancy & Arnie Davis in memory of Dr. William B. Pincus Cece Kaufman & Dan Himelstein in memory of Edward Kaufman Lawrence & Barbara Graham in honor of Arlene & Steve Krieger in memory of Louis Epp Bradley Graham’s birthday Agnes Rothblatt in memory of Anita Rothblatt Kapell Shira & Bill Shore in memory of Irving E. Shore Rabbi & Karen Weiner in memory of Florence Kricsfeld RABBI SAXE-TALLER’S DISCRETIONARY FUND Alan Mirviss, Diane Fellman & family in memory of EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION FUND Morris Fellman Kristen Drake Frances & Rachael Schreiberg in memory of Lester Schreiberg Andrew Kluger in memory of Adolf Kluger Lonnie Zwerin & Frank Mainzer in honor of FUND FOR THE FUTURE Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller Nancy Davis in memory of Morris Krakowitz RABBI ZIMMERMAN GRAF’S DISCRETIONARY FUND Robert & Diane Neuhaus in memory of Sigmund Neuhaus Alan Mirviss, Diane Fellman & family in memory of MAGALIM FUND Morris Fellman and Jack Mirviss Steven & Marlene Gerbsman Toby Sherwood in honor of Rabbi Graf Alan and Monica Zimmerman in memory of Rena A. Zimmerman MITZVAH FUND Sofya Barbalat in memory of Ada Katsap RABBI WEINER’S EDUCATION ENDOWMENT FUND Randall & Theresa Dick in memory of Sandy Leib Candace Heisler in memory of Dan Heisler David & Jeanne Freed Tengiz Iosebashvili in memory of Larisa, Moses and Deborah & Edmund Green Alexandra Iosebashvili Diane Green in memory of Eva Zarchin James M. Seff in memory of Elsie Abrams Seff and Donna Little Judge Bernard Seff Alan Mirviss, Diane Fellman & family in memory of Audrey & Bob Sockolov in honor of Karen and Marty Weiner’s Lottie Harmon, Morris Fellman, and Jack Mirviss anniversary and David Glassel’s 80th birthday Michael & Lisa Moss in memory of Dr. Edward Moss RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND Rena Pasick in memory of Lucille Lee Pasick Al & Ardis Breslauer in memory of Alfred Breslauer Rabbi & Terrie Raphael in memory of George, Leo, and Ruth Kagan in honor of Nina Morgenstein Shirley Sladnick and David Wine Sarah Mars & Jason Fessel Ellen Sarbone in memory of Mildred and Elliot Isaacs and Perri Seedman in memory of Eva Seedman Al Belva Sima Shandrovskaya in memory of Avraam Faynberg RITUAL FUND Roberta Silverstein & Stephen Sperber in memory of David & Carolyn Power Perlstein Arthur Silverstein Audrey & Bob Sockolov in memory of Leland Spiegelman SEISMIC RETROFIT CAMPAIGN Arthur & Miriam Gauss in honor of Paul Sedway’s Tracy & Aaron Stone special birthday Luba Temkin in memory of Meyer Gorelik Alan Mirviss & Diane Fellman Steven & Anne Werth Michael Wornick in honor of Lynn Sedway MUSIC FUND Ronald & Anita Wornick in honor of Lynn Sedway Barbara Austin in memory of the Austin and Figone families Lucas & Katie Zier Marcia Gruskin in memory of Harriet B. Ross Lonnie Zwerin & Frank Mainzer Toby Sherwood in honor of Jacalyn Kornblatt

ONEG FUND Amanda Kelly

18 HARD HAT SHABBAT 2.0

FRIDAY, APR. 8 6 pm: Kabbalat Shabbat and Family Service 7:30 pm: Celebration and special oneg It’s time for a rousing Shehecheyanu! We’re about to begin construction on the final round of our seismic retrofit work and kick off the final phase of our Seismic Retrofit Campaign. Join the Sherith Israel clergy and board, plus special guest San Francisco Supervisor Mark Farrell, as we celebrate this milestone and honor the generosity of those who have brought us so far. Information: Nia Taylor, 415.346.1720, x17, or [email protected].

A LASTING LEGACY FOR RABBI LARRY RAPHAEL Contribute one or more sets of the new High Holy Day prayerbooks. In addition to celebrating with Rabbi Larry Raphael during his special Shabbat, May 20–21, you can also honor him by contributing one or more sets of the new High Holy Day prayerbooks (machzorim)—Mishkan HaNefesh— published by the Central Conference of Reform Rabbis (CCAR). Each set includes one volume for Rosh Hashanah and another for Yom Kippur. Each volume will bear a bookplate honoring Rabbi Raphael with your name as donor and, if you wish, the name of someone you would like to honor or remember. Your generosity will help make the High Holy Days even more meaningful this autumn and for years to come. You’ll receive information about donating this lasting gift to Sherith Israel in honor of Rabbi Raphael when you receive your invitation to the weekend’s festivities in the mail in April.

19 2266 California Street San Francisco, CA 94115 T: 415.346.1720 F: 415.673.9439 www.sherithisrael.org Member of the Union for Reform Judaism since 1903

APRIL–JUNE,2016 SHERITH ISRAELNEWS CSI FOOD PROGRAMS RECEIVE $4,800 FROM THE SAN FRANCISCO FOUNDATION: This past January, The San Francisco Foundation awarded Sherith Israel a $4,800 grant to implement an onsite Food Service Handler certification program. It will train HaMotzi and Chicken Souper team captains, volunteers and members of the communities we serve. The five-session series will cover the proper use of equipment, recipes and proportions, meal planning, food safety and preparation for the city’s Health Department test. Our kitchen has prepared more than 175,000 meals over 25 years. In addition, the classes will offer development of a skill set in demand in San Francisco. The grant will cover the cost of taking the test for all enrollees.

REMINDER: Sign up for our second-night community Seder, Saturday, April 23. SATURDAY It’s our annual Chicken Souper and HaMotzi fundraiser. Our wonderful APRIL 23 volunteers, who have sustained these programs for a quarter of a century, 5 PM will cater a delicious dinner. See page 4 for details.