February 2015 5775

The Next Step in Realizing our Vision: In This Issue: Netivot Haneshamah (Pathways of the Soul) By Rabbi Ohriner

With great excitement, I’d like to share with you the latest developments From the Rabbi in our efforts to be a more vibrant, welcoming, and Shabbat focused kehillah kedoshah (sacred community). Page 3

In transitioning into the role of senior rabbi this past July, I crafted a strategic vision for how our kehillah might better fulfill our mission as a 21st Century Jewish-American community. This strategic vision sprouted President’s from one-to-one coffee conversations, congregational meetings, and Perspective strategic planning sessions with our board and focused on becoming a visionary community in each of the three Page 5 pillars of our mission - a Beit Knesset (House of Relationships), a Beit Midrash (House of Learning), and a Beit Tefilah (House of Prayer). Calendar As a Beit Midrash (House of Learning), Pages 16 & 17 our vision includes diversifying and bolstering our adult education offerings, particularly on Shabbat; more fully embracing an experiential learning modality in our JYEP (Jewish Youth FEBRUARY Education Program) by introducing Birthdays & Shabbat school and launching our Anniversaries Wednesday elective-based program, Page 26 JEWEL; and reinvigorating our teen

program (now called JET). In each of these areas we have made tremendous strides and are currently reaping the individual and communal benefits of these developments. Our 100% CLUB schools are growing, our attendance at adult education programs is up, and Pages 27 & 28 there is an amazing energy of Torah-learning in our halls.

As a Beit Knesset (House of Relationships), our vision includes creating multiple opportunities to Jewishly engage with our fellow congregants in activities we enjoy through affinity groups; planning multi-generational Contributions holiday and cultural programming; founding new havurot as a way of Pages 29-30 building stronger relationships in micro-community; and transitioning from being a kehillah that has a chevrat chesed committee of caring souls who deliver meals, offer rides, and reach out in times of need to a kehillah of individuals committed to these mitzvah opportunities as a function of living together in community.

Continued on page 3: From The Rabbi

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Main Office 408-257-3333 [email protected]

Rabbis Philip R. Ohriner Senior Rabbi 408-366-9104 [email protected]

Leslie Alexander Rabbi of Community Engagement and Outreach 408-366-9105 [email protected]

Daniel J. Pressman Rabbi Emeritus

Staff Tanya Lorien Dir. of Operations 408-366-9107 [email protected]

Barbara Biran Dir. of Ritual 408-366-9106 [email protected]

Monica Hernandez Bookkeeping Associate 408-366-9108 [email protected]

Jillian Cosgrave Front Office Associate 408-366-9110 [email protected]

Lynn Crocker Mkt & Comm Associate 408-366-9102 Share This Simcha! [email protected] Rowin Hughes is called to the Torah on: Iris Bendahan Dir. of Jewish Edu. Program 408-366-9116 Saturday, February 21st [email protected] Join us for Kiddush luncheon Andrea Ammerman following the service. School Admin. Assistant 408-366-9101 - Rowin’s Family [email protected] Help Rowin collect new or gently used JET sporting equipment for his Bar Mitzvah project. (Jewish Experience for Teens) The equipment will be donated to [email protected] underprivileged kids who can’t afford their own equipment. Please put items in the collection box in the lobby.

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From the Rabbi

Continued from front cover

In this area of kehillah life we have seen the genesis of our affinity groups with a new artists group, the formation of a mah jongg group and a Yiddish speakers group. Rabbi Alexander and our Havurot chair, Ziva Fishman, are currently in the process of launching new havurot and would love to hear from you if you have an interest in joining a Havurah (see page 25 for more information on forming a new havura).

Chevrat Chesed transitioned to an online platform called Lotsa Helping Hands. Our cadre is growing every day with new caring souls offering to help out 15 minutes to an hour at a time when a fellow community member needs an extra pair of hands. In the last six months we have had a fantastic series of events from BBQ and Barchu, our Sukkot Supper and Skits, Light Up the Night, a packed A cappella concert with Ani V’atah from NYU, and a wonderful week with our Artist-in-Residence, Mordechai Rosenstein. Already, our staff is working with the programming and membership committees on an exciting array of multi- generational relational, cultural, and educational events for 5776!

As a Beit Tefilah (House of Prayer) we continue to work towards maintaining our successful daily minyan; streamlining, invigorating, and enriching our traditional Shabbat morning service, and diversifying the opportunities for spiritual fulfillment both within our main service and elsewhere in the building on Shabbat. Many of our parents join their kids in Youth Congregation, Haverim services, and Tot Shabbat. Some members come by just for our ruah rally and stay for lunch and learning. And, as of this month, we are launching Netivot Haneshamah: Pathways of the Soul. This new program provides alternative, eclectic Shabbat learning and prayer experiences complementing our main service as an entry points into kehillah life. Netivot Haneshamah: Pathways of the Soul begins at 10:30 and ends at noon when we will all join together for our Ruah Rally and, of course, lunch (see flyer on page 12). Our pilot Netivot (pathways) include a learners’ service with Rabbi Alexander, a Torah LIVE improv opportunity with Doug Brook, and a Torah study discussion with Rabbi Allan Berkowitz.

In reflecting on all we have accomplished together in the last six months, including raising more than six million dollars for our Next50 project and breaking ground, I want to express my profound appreciation for all of our staff, our lay leadership, and our dedicated volunteers. We still have much holy work to do together, but our congregation and the lives of our members have been enriched through your hard work!

I hope many of you will join us on Shabbat mornings in the coming months for Netivot Haneshamah: Pathways of the Soul. I believe this program will provide is unique opportunities to explore authentically Jewish Shabbat experiences. As always, please share your feedback, thoughts, and ideas with us. We are still exploring the ideal movement-based opportunity for this program and are open to other Jewish experiences that might enhance our learning, mindfulness, and prayerfulness on Shabbat.

Netivot Haneshamah: Pathways of the Soul is just one more opportunity CBD provides for our members to find meaning, authenticity, purpose, and joy in their Judaism and their lives!

L’shalom,

Rabbi Philip Ohriner

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Join us for this year’s Hamen-Scotch-En

February 21st 7:30pm

Two Ways to Enjoy:

Sign-Up as Contestant or Attendee at Beth-David.org/RSVP Or call 408-257-3333

Attendees: $36 per person: Enough dinner bites to satisfy as well as the infamous scotch and hamentaschen tasting and contest included. RSVP by February 13th

Contestants: $10 per person: See participation guidelines online. RSVP by February 6th

Last Year Our Event Sold Don’t delay! Sign up Today! (See flyer on page 19)

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President’s Perspective

By David Hoffman, CBD Board President

Dear Friends, concern was that the historic model – you have to I draft this column in early January, anticipating that it pay to be a member of a synagogue – was failing in will reach your mailbox before February 7th –the date of the new millennium. Conservative and Reform Board Installation Shabbat. I hope you will attend to shuls nationwide were reporting declining show support for the Board that you elected in memberships, with more and more members December. I would like to thank outgoing Board requesting special arrangements. Young families members Michael Sinensky, Bob Baird, Steve Levin, were not joining traditional congregations. We have David Graubart, Bryan Ferguson, and Crystal Ouzillou not been immune to declining membership, nor for their service and dedication to our community. I members requesting special arrangements. The will miss their presence at future board meetings! question was how to turn this around. Are there

As you know, CBD has been going through some major models out there that are financially sound, but changes in the last few years. I think it instructive to allow people the dignity to choose to contribute to their community? remind you of where this change began. Prior iterations of your board understood more than 10 years ago that Spearheaded most recently, and very ably, by the horizon for rabbinic transition was rapidly Membership VP Jeff Warwick, he and the finance approaching. committee will be hosting a series of informational

The congregation agreed to accept Rabbi Ohriner as meetings about the new dues model the Board will Rabbi Pressman’s successor, which occurred in 2012 at be considering at its March meeting. I hope you a special congregational meeting. Then, in June, 2013, will attend these meetings to learn more about the Sustaining Dues model. I called a congregational forum to gather information from you as to what direction(s) you wanted Beth L’shalom, David to move in. Dave Arising out of that forum was the clear need to hire a second rabbi for community engagement and outreach. A mere 10 months later, Rabbi Alexander joined our fold in that capacity. Sustaining Number Dues

The June, 2013 Congregational Forum expressed the Model Information need for new and different worship experiences. Beginning this month, learning services, in-depth torah Meetings study services, and interactive Torah experiences will be rolled out in successive Shabbats. The Board is still studying this model and is soliciting congregational feedback during a Of course, these new educational programs will be held, series of meetings with presentations and we anticipate, in our new portable buildings that will time to ask questions and discuss all house the administrative and educational wings of our aspects of the proposed dues model. At community as our building begins its remodel and the March meeting, the Board of Directors expansion. Yes, the need and desire for a refurbished will vote on whether to adopt the proposed building was another strong theme that arose out of the dues model, to become effective for the June, 2013 meeting. next fiscal year, commencing on July 1, 2015. As with all of the Congregation’s So in the past two years, we’ve achieved rabbinic board meetings, congregants are invited to succession and been responsive to you in terms of attend that meeting. offering new programs and worship opportunities. And obviously, major attention and energy has been directed February Information Meetings toward the Next 50 Remodel and Endowment Project. th Sunday, February 8 10:30- 11:15am There is more to look forward to. Several years ago, Tuesday, February 17th 10:00 - 11:00am the finance committee, along with the membership Tuesday, February 17th 7:30 - 8:30pm committee, began a study of new dues models. The 6

Dr. Ron Wolfson Friday March 20th – Sunday March 22nd Presented by Adult Education Thank you to the Addison Penzak JCC for co-sponsoring our Scholar-in-Residence

Dr. Ron Wolfson is a Fingerhut Professor of Education at American Jewish University in Los Angeles and a cofounder of Synagogue 3000, an institute whose mission is to catalyze excellence in synagogue life. He is a pioneer in the field of Jewish family education and a member of the Consortium for the Jewish Family.

Dr. Wolfson is a frequent scholar-in-residence for synagogues and communities,0-22 speaking March on a wide2015 range of topics in Jewish life.

During his time at CBD, Dr. Wolfson will discuss the meaning and impact of Relational Judaism based on his book “Relational Judaism: Using the Power of Relationships to Transform the Jewish Community”, in which he suggests a synagogue is a face-to-face community of relationships that offers meaning and purpose, belonging and blessing. Join us to explore this

important and transformational subject.

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CBD Social Action Happenings

November 21 Meal for the Homeless with the Abrahamic Institute The Lincoln Glen (Mennonite) Church, Pacifica Institute of Sunnyvale (Turkish Muslim group) and Congregation Beth David partnered with the Abrahamic Institute to make and serve dinner for over forty homeless guests at the San Jose InnVision Shelter on November 21. The Abrahamic Institute fosters understanding between Christians, Jews, and Muslims and coordinates Social Action projects. We had fun preparing and serving the meal and getting to know our fellow volunteers.

Our volunteers at the Nov 21 meal for the homeless

Warm up the Winter Coat Drive CBD congregants donated over 200 coats for the Addison-Penzak JCC Warm up the Winter coat and blanket drive! Dorothy Dorsay of the CBD Social Action Committee led our successful drive.

Christmas Eve Dinner for the Homeless at Home First, San Jose The CBD Social Action committee, under the leadership of Judy Levin and Barbara Green, prepared and served Christmas Eve Dinner for 175 homeless guests at the HomeFirst Shelter in San Jose. Thanks to all those who prepared more than 25 batches of stew, made donations, bought groceries, served food, and organized the dinner.

Our CBD Social Action volunteer crew at the Christmas Eve dinner

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February Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday 1 12 Sh’vat 2 13 Sh’vat 3 14 Sh’vat 4 15 Sh’vat 9:00am Haftarah Trope 10:00am Inter. Hebrew 7:00pm Minyan 4:00pm JEWEL 9:30am Jcore Sunday 11:45am Beg Hebrew 7:30pm Membership 4:00pm JCORE 9:30am Minyan 2:15pm Beg Hebrew for Committee Meeting 7:00pm Minyan

10:45am T’Fillah FSU (offsite) 11:15am Family Ed: 3:30pm Blood Drive Zayin Jewish Life 7:00pm Minyan 12:45pm Teacher Mtg 8 19 Sh’vat 9 20 Sh’vat 10 21 Sh’vat 11 22 Sh’vat JET Sato Sunday 10:00am Inter. Hebrew 7:00pm Minyan 4:00pm JEWEL 9:00am Haftarah Trope 11:45am Beg Hebrew 4:00pm JCore 9:30am JCore Sunday 2:15pm Beg Hebrew for 6:00pm JET Dinner & School FSU (offsite) Learn 9:30pm Minyan 7:00pm Minyan 7:00pm Minyan 10:30am Dues Model 7:30pm Lean in Circle 7:30pm E-Board Meeting Meeting 7:30pm Morris Adler AZA 10:45am T’Fillah Meeting 11:15am Family Ed: B’nei Mitzvah 15 26 Sh'vat 16 27 Sh'vat 17 28 Sh'vat 18 29 Sh'vat 9:30am Minyan Washington's Birthday 10:00am Dues Model 7:00pm Minyan 10:00am Mah Jongg 10:00am Inter. Hebrew Meeting Tournament 11:45am Beg Hebrew 7:00pm Minyan 10:30am Sunday 2:15pm Beg Hebrew for 7:30pm Dues Model Seminar FSU (offsite) Meeting 7:00pm Minyan

22 3 Adar 23 4 Adar 24 5 Adar 25 6 Adar 9:30am Minyan 10:00am Inter. Hebrew 7:00pm Minyan 4:00pm JEWEL & JCore 10:30am Sunday 11:45am Beg Hebrew 6:00pm JET Dinner & Seminar 2:15pm Beg Hebrew for Learn FSU (offsite) 7:00pm Minyan 7:00pm Minyan 7:30pm Board Meeting 7:30pm Morris Adler AZA Meeting

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Thursday Friday Saturday 5 16 Sh’vat 6 17 Sh’vat 7 18 Sh’vat Highlights 6:00pm Adult B’nai 10:00am Talmud Study: 9:30am Services/Board Mitzvah Study Group Tractate Megillah Installation Shabbat 14th 7:00pm Minyan 11:15am Spiritual Ethics 12:00pm Ruah Rally 1:30pm Book 7:00pm Adult B’nai Discussion Group 12:30pm Kiddush Discussion Group: Mitzvah Class 5:20pm Candle lighting 1:30pm Hot Topics in Jeremiah (Biblical 6:30pm Shabbat Halakhah Today book), led by Rabbi Mishpaha Experience Philip Ohriner 6:30pm Family Services 12 23 Sh’vat 13 24 Sh’vat 14 25 Sh'vat 6:00pm Adult B’nai 10:00am Talmud Study: Shabbat Shekalim 15th Mitzvah Study Group Tractate Megillah 9:30am Services 10:00am Mah Jongg 7:00pm Minyan 11:15am Spiritual Ethics 10:30am Pathways of 7:00pm Adult B’nai Discussion Group the Soul: Learning Mitzvah Class 5:27pm Candle lighting Minyan 6:30pm Services 11:15am Tot Shabbat 15th 12:00pm Ruah Rally 10:30am Sunday 12:30pm Kiddush Seminar: Reshaping 1:30pm Book Discussion Judaism and 19 30 Sh'vat 20 1 Adar 21 2 Adar Reordering the Rosh Chodesh Adar Rosh Chodesh Adar 9:30am Services/Rowin Jewish World 6:00pm Adult B’nai 10:00am Talmud Study: Hughes Bar Mitzvah Mitzvah Study Group Tractate Megillah 9:30am Zayin Shabbat 7:00pm Minyan 11:15am Spiritual Ethics School 21st 7:00pm Adult B’nai Discussion Group 10:30am Pathways of 7:30pm 2nd Annual Mitzvah Class 5:34pm Candle lighting the Soul: Torah study Hamen- scotche-en 6:00pm PJ Shabbat 12:00pm Ruah Rally 6:30pm Services 12:30pm Kiddush

1:30pm CBD Jewish nd Artists Group 22 7:30pm Hamen- 10:30am Sunday Scotch-en Seminar: 26 7 Adar 27 8 Adar 28 9 Adar Constantinople – 6:00pm Adult B’nai 11:15am Spiritual Ethics Shabbat Zachor New Rome in the Mitzvah Study Group Discussion Group 9:30am Services/ East and its 7:00pm Minyan 5:42pm Candle lighting Sharone Hadassah Christian Empire 7:30pm Adult B’nai 6:30pm Services 10:30am Pathways of Mitzvah Class the Soul: TORAH! LIVE! 10:30am Youth Cong. 28th 11:00am Haverim 1:30pm Shabbat 11:15am Tot Shabbat Schmooze: The 12:00pm Ruah Rally Road to the 2016 12:30pm Kiddush Elections 1:30pm Shabbat Schmooze: The Road to the 2016 Elections

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Threads of Tradition Fulfilling the Mitzvah of Chesed Shel Eemet – a kindness that cannot be repaid

Congregation Beth David strives to create a caring, supportive community, and to serve its families at all stages of the life cycle. Threads of Tradition helps to fulfill this mission at a most important stage of life – the death of a loved one.

We are a group of women who sew tachrichim - Jewish burial garments – for CBD members and their families, free of charge. We are one of very few congregations in the country to provide this service, and have been doing this work for over 10 years. The group feels it is important that families who wish to bury their loved ones in a traditional manner have easy access to

halachiclly correct burial garments. Sewing these garments enable the women who participate to fulfill the mitzvah of chesed shel emet – a kindness that cannot be repaid. Please contact Barbara Biran at Biran@Beth- David.org if you need a set of tachrichim. The funding for this effort is graciously provided thru Rabbi Ohriner’s discretionary fund. Contributions are always appreciated.

New members are always welcome. Sewing experience is useful, but not essential. Please contact Beverly Jacobson at [email protected] for more information.

CBD Jewish Artists Group

Meets monthly to discuss Jewish Arts and Crafts, after Kiddush lunch.

Everyone is welcome at any meeting, whether you are an artist, crafter, or simply enjoy the academic or aesthetic side of Judaica. All meetings begin approximately 1 - 1:30 pm, after Kiddush Lunch ends. Everyone is welcome to CBD’s Kiddush Lunch, which begins approximately 12 noon.

Upcoming Presentations and Discussions:

Saturday, February 21st – by Corinne Sherman on: Teaching Art Saturday, March 28th – by Paul Freudenthal: Noah’s Ark, as described in the Torah, and in art Saturday, April 18th – by Jack Goodman: Fine Woodcraft, Wood Judaica at CBD & Rabbi Philip Ohriner: Making Coffins

Want more information? Contact Jeff Warwick at [email protected]

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JYEP Hanukkah Brunch On December 14th, JYEP students brought in Hanukkah in their PJs with a fun latke and sufganiya brunch.

Hanukkah Lights Up the Night An Evening of Fun and Philanthropy for All ages

Everyone enjoyed creating illuminations, color and sparkle to prepare for Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights.

We shared this evening with One Million Lights, an organization dedicated to replacing dangerous and polluting kerosene lamps.

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Celebrate Tu B’shevat (New Year of the Trees) Saturday, February 7th During Installation Shabbat Services

All are invited to join us in celebrating Judaism's sacred commitment to protecting the environment.

We will be speaking briefly about the importance of trees and protecting our natural world (shemirat hateva).

Afterwards, enjoy Tu B'shevat foods and learning at our communal tables during our kiddush lunch.

On Sunday Dec 21, after Minyan Shmuel Shultz did a Siyum ceremony for his completion of studying the Mishnaic tractate Nezikin. He dedicated the Siyum to loved ones who’ve passed away since he joined CBD 2 years ago. Thank you to Carol Osofsky for putting together the Seudat Mitzvah (festive meal in honor of completing a Jewish milestone)! 24

Yiddish Discussion Group Mah Jongg Players

Do you know Yiddish? Would you like to play Mah Jongg at CBD? Would you like to chat with others in Yiddish? Games forming soon.

Email Al Ghan at [email protected] Email [email protected]

Or call Jillian in the CBD office at: 408-257-3333

CBD Forming New Micro Communities (Havurout) For families with children and other groups for empty nesters and seniors!

Let Beth David introduce you to an opportunity to create an extended family of friends with similar ages and interests.

You can get to know other families within our community and share activities, learning and more for Jewish holidays and all other times throughout the year.

After your micro community is established, these friendships can move through life with you becoming your CBD family.

Established groups like this at CBD will tell you that the people in their extended family community are profoundly important to them and to their children and grandchildren. Many have been together a long time, support each other for births, B'nai mitzvah, weddings and some sad experiences as well.

We already have several interested young families with children under age 9 and would like to help those get started!

At the latter part of the 20th century these micro communities were named Ḥavurot. Maybe some of you grew up in a Havurah! Sometimes ideas that are great stand the test of time. No matter what we call it, It is still fun and meaningful to develop a group of friends in your synagogue community with whom you share special time and have a lot of commonalities. If you would like to learn more and are interested in becoming a part of a new CBD micro community, please contact Rabbi Alexander at alexander@ beth-david.org or (408) 257-3333.

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We wish the following members a very happy birthday. Be sure to attend the Saturday, February 14th Ruah Rally (following services) for a special birthday blessing.

st th 1 10 th 15th 24 Lori Kahn Henry Stone Alicia Ader Terry Winograd Lauren Greenberg Eli Cagan Adam Dorsay Ike Nassi Mia Robinson Michelle Conrad Daniel Hoffman 18th Andrea Linder Martin Vick Adam Graubart Rebecca Pressman Helaine Green Miri Volinsky th nd Evan Hirsch 25 2 12th Daniel Adelberg Thomas Saichek Maels Kuperman Dawn Glajchen th Joshua Ferguson Larisa Blank-Kapilevitch Elijah Hurwitz 19 Lu Gildenberg Larry Yelowitz th Joshua Tieger 13 Marilyn Popper th Samuel Ladabaum Allan Ader 20 William Province

Jacob Ouzillou George Mednick th Sol Shatz 26 rd Shelley Luskey 3 William Mauskopf Rachel Shen Lorna Borenstein Marjorie Bischoff 14th Harriet Weiss Benjamin Frieden Zachary Alexander Miriam Marr Vered Marash st Howard Blumenthal 21 th Martin Rauchwerk 28 4th lene Finger Benjamin Leitner Amir Gafni rd Edan Harel Leslie Alexander 23 Alex Goldberger Liam Harel Shmuel Shottan Lee Ghan Boris Kapilevitch 5th Hillary Farkas Naomi Volinsky

Daniel Pressman Yakov Glukhovsky

6th Judith Kuhn Viktor Gitis Anniversaries Harry Glatstein We wish the following members a happy anniversary. Be sure to attend Grigoriy Vaystikh the Saturday, February 28th Ruah Rally (following services) Phyllis Burdman for a special anniversary blessing. Laurie Himelstein

7th 1st Sima Shore Ted & Gloria Rosenblume Gavriela Fine 17th Janine Adelberg 4th Sam & Judy Holtzman Israela Kamchi Fred & Beverly Jacobson Georgette Silver th th 20 th 14 9 Steven & Debra Schwartz Frances Greenberg Leonid Kats & Gita Gilgur Lorraine Isaac Marshall & Marlene Burak 27th Samuel Holtzman Rami Tabibian & Susan 15th Michael Salzman Gould Stephen Schleimer & Cyndi Sherman

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THANK YOU! To the following who have donated to the Next 50 building campaign

It our hope to have 100% of CBD members step forward and make a personally meaningful donation to the campaign. Your participation is important, not the amount. See your name here! (List updated as of January 21st)

Cookie Addison & Family Jerry Daniel Davida & Charles Adelberg Karen & Jacob Deloumi Marilyn & Allan Ader Eleanor & Lloyd Dickman Yael & Elie Alcheck Sandra & Morris Dolmatch Monique & Philip Alexander Lou Dombro Dr. Kenneth Aitchison & Rabbi Dorothy & Richard Dorsay Leslie Alexander Galina & Mike Drabkin Rochelle & Barry Alhadeff Herb Dreifuss Anonymous Lory & Alexander Drukarev Appleman Family Susan Greenberg-Englander & Judy & Michael Applesmith Jeffrey Englander Ginny & Bob Baird Rhonda Farber David & Rabbi Ilana Baird Hillary & Stanley Farkas Helen & Max Baer Jan & Bryan Ferguson Mishy & Jason Balaban Harriet & Don Fernandez Amy & Gary Ball Donald Field Ruth & Noah Bareket Karen & Melvin Fihn Elizabeth & Jim Batson Reneé & Howard Fine Betty Becker Ziva & David Fishman Mindy & Rabbi Allan Berkowitz Kama Fletcher Mary Jo & Alan Bernard Julia & Adam Fuks Marlene & Phil Bernstein Ricki Lee & Neal Gafter Cathy & William Beyda Emily & Howard Gannes Barbara Biran Susan & Lee Gavens Roberta & Jeremy Bloom Ann Graubart Gershanov Ellyn & Kenneth Bloomfield Lee & Al Ghan The Blumenthal Family Ruth & Edward Gipstein Judy & Brett Borah Wendy J. & Lance Glasser Rhoda & Martin Bress Glenda & Harry Glatstein Bayla & Abe Bromberg Jane & Michael Gold Linda & Barry Brummer Sondra & Alex Goldberger Marlene & Marshall Burak Sheila & Howard Goldstein Nestor Cabrales Isaac Goldstein Felissa & Myron Cagan Barbara & Stephen Goldstein & The Checkman Family Family Seema Cicerone Vivian & Sherman Golub Lori Kramer Cinnamon Alana & Grant Goodman Diane & Bert Clement Janie & Greg Gotlib Joanne & Harry Cornbleet Rhonda Raider & Donald Gould Jillian Cosgrave Joseph Grapa Lynn Crocker Cheryl & Dave Graubart Barbara & Arye Green

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100% Club Continued From page 27 Felicia & Michael Schaffer Helaine & Stephen Green Fay Levinson Cyndi Sherman & Steve Ann Greenspan Paula Barbarito-Levitt & Marc Schleimer Karen & Allen Guggenheim E. Levitt Natalie M. Schriger Susan & Clifford Gutterman Gloria & Ken Levy Myra & Pete Schwartz Joyce & Bill Halper Mimi & Reuben Levy Roberta & Martin Schwartz Nathan Handelsman Sheryl & Eric Lewis Marilyn Sefchovich Harel Family Andrea & Steven Linder Yulia Shvarts CBD Hazak Tanya Lorien Lil Silberstein Vivian Herman Shelley & Ken Luskey Barbara & David Silverstein Monica Hernandez Miriam & Charles Marr Nancy & Dan Skilken Laurie Himelstein Dan Maydan Morris and Fannie Skilken Bonnie & Lee Hirsch Sandy & David Mayer Family Foundation Debby & David Hoffman Sylvia & Michael Meltzer Irene & Walter Spector Dr. Melinda Reynard & Steve Holly & David Mendel Stephanie & Peter Spielvogel Hoffman Elizabeth & William Menkin Kitty Steinborn Sharon & Amir Horovitz Sylvia & Leonard Metz Joan & Henry Stone Madelyn & Dov Isaacs Janine & Austin Moore Bonnie & Lee Stone Beverly & Fred Jacobson Bonnie Slavitt Moore & Jack Rama & Arieh Strod Jane & Len Jacobson Moore Meryle & Howard Sussman Lori & Daniel Kahn Vanina J. Sandel Mutchnik & Irene & Bob Swedroe & Family Renee & Jeffrey Kanel Sharon Mutchnik Susan Gould & Rami Tabibian Marcia Kaplan Susan & Gary Nankin Rochelle & Sander Taboh Ellen & Steven Karel Ronee & Ike Nassi Barbara & Chuck Taubman Evan Kass Nancy & Marty Newman Ann & Rick Tavan Stephanie & Ian Kass & Family Phyllis & Neil Newman Evelyn Tavan Marlene Kass Jenifer & Evan Ohriner Irina & Gene Tenberg Shoshana Wolf & Jonathan Katz Rabbis Shoshana & Philip Support provided by Tides Rudi & Jeff Katz Ohriner Foundation Doris & Stanley Katz Crystal & Mendy Ouzillou Helen Tieger Bonnie Kehl Alice Wald & Paul Overmyer Nazgol & Shelley Timmins Carol & Roland King Judy & David Paktor Aline Usim Lynne & Stephen Kinsey Andrew Passett Cara & Ronen Vainish Morrie Kirschen Lori Passett & Family Reenie Wagner Eleanor & Ed Kiss Robin D. Penn Marjorie Alpert & Jeff Warwick Jacqueline & Charles Klein Evette & David Pennypacker Barbie & Martin Weinstein Susan & Thomas Klein Susannah & Karl Pfalzer Sheila & Marty Weisberg Ruth A. Kohan Joelle Pluemer Harriet & Frank Weiss Caryn & Ben Kovar Margie & Howard Pomerantz Linda & Joseph Weiss & Family Anna Kraus Rabbi Daniel Pressman Gayle & Arthur Weissbrodt Judith & Israel Krongold Susan Murai Raider & Andrew Pat & Alan Werba Lauren Flato & Steven Labovitz Raider Drs. Carol & Terry Winograd Rachel Schwab & Chet Lanctot Judie & Benjamin Ram Marsha & John Witkin Judith & Allan Lavetter Thelma Ramm Elise & Dennis Wolf Lorna Borenstein & David Susan & Ron Remba Roni & Andy Wolfe Lawee Robinson Family Wendy Wu Benjamin Leitner Bettina & Daniel Rosenberg Yanovsky Family Susan & Michael Leitner Susan and Allen Rosenzweig Rhoda & Larry Yelowitz Jeanette & Stuart Lerner Alison & Ron Ruebusch Zimberoff Family Trust Judy & Gordon Levin Robin Sabes Beryl Zimberoff Bernard Levine Marina & Michael Salzman Phyllis & Jerry Zis Christel Sanders 28

Contributions Contributions are vital to the life of our community. We acknowledge the gifts received between December 1 – 31, 2014, from the following individuals and families

Adult Education Programs Congregation Beth David Bible Congregation Beth David Fund Jerry Daniel, in memory of your and Siddur and Mahzor Fund Congregation Beth David, from brother, Michael Daniel, from In honor of Hayley Yael Nathan & Janet Silberman Lance & Wendy J. Glasser Goodman's 3rd birthday, from Congregation Beth David, from In memory of Steven’s Grant & Alana Goodman Bernard & Paula Klein grandfather, Ferdinand Klein, Congregation Beth David, from Congregation Beth David from Steven & Pamela Levin William Province & Julie Endowment Fund Tardos Annual Campaign Daniel & Nancy Skilken and Congregation Beth David, from In loving memory of our parents, Ryan and Lauren Skilken, in David & Ilana Baird Sara & Irving Goodman and honor of the birth of Levi Congregation Beth David, from Ray and Dorothy Wiener, Sherman Lewis, from David & Leonard & Jane Jacobson from Kenneth & Nancy Wiener Deborah Hoffman In memory of my father, Erwin I. In memory of my father, Dr. Kiddush Lunch Klein, from Scott Klein Gerhard Maerker, from Wendy Sponsor kiddush on December 6, In memory of Lee's father, Harris 2014, in honor of their Benjamin Stone, from Lee & In memory of my grandfather, marriage, from Joshua Leffell Bonnie Stone Morris Hoffman, from David & Cici Malik In memory of Lee's mother, Alice Hoffman Co- sponsor kiddush on Stone, from Lee & Bonnie December 20, 2014 in honor of Congregation Beth David Fund Stone the anniversary of David’s Bar Jerry Daniel, in memory of your In memory of my brother, Max Mitzvah, from David & brother, Michael Daniel, from Daniel, from Gerald Daniel Deborah Hoffman Edward & Ruth Gipstein Sponsor Kiddush lunch on Balk Family Camp Scholarship In memory of my very beloved November 22, 2014 in honor of Fund husband, Alvin Jacobs, from Lia Pickholtz’ Bat Mitzvah, Alex Balk & Lauren Hyman, in Tamar Jacobs from Andrew Pickholtz and Jan honor of your marriage, from In memory of Faina Kremer, from Larkey and Dave & Suzanne Mary Beth Klotz Alexandra Kreimer Larky In memory of my father, Hyman Congregation Beth David In loving memory of my sister, Goldberg, from Ruth Gipstein Anniversary Campaign Celia Fertig, from Gerald In memory of my mother, Aghdas In memory of my mother, Daniel Noorollah Mordian, from Blanche Lindenbaum, from Jerry Daniels and The Daniels Farideh Feizzadeh Bonnie Ashkenazi Family, in memory of Michael In memory of Jennie Bress, from In memory of my sister, Bernice Daniels, from Natalie Schriger Martin & Rhoda Bress Helfand, from Sheila Weisberg Norman Abramovitz, thank In memory of my mother, Ruth In memory of my aunt, Shirley you, from Joel & Myrtle Woron, from Harold Woron Rubin, from Sheila Weisberg Schwartz In memory of my brother, In memory of my aunt, Sophie In memory of my mother-in-law, Michail Lif, from Samuel Lif Ginsburg, from Sheila Sylvia Schwartz, from Minda In memory of Ralf Herman, from Weisberg Schwartz Frank Herman In memory of my aunt, Vera In fond memory of my friend, In memory of my uncle, Burton Chechik, from Seema Cicerone Steffi Goldschmidt from Yalowich, from Patty Hughes Gerald Daniel Congregation Beth David In memory of my father, Howard In memory of my father, Joseph Anniversary & Capital Yalowich, from Patty Hughes Nassi, from Ike & Ronee Nassi Campaign In memory of my father, David Murray & Sandra Dolmatch, in Israel Kremer, from Alexandra honor of your anniversary, Kreimer from Leonard & Jane Jacobson 29

Contributions (Continued)

Kiddush Lunch (continued) Dreifuss Religious School Myuchad In memory of our loving mother Rabbi Alexander Discretionary Fund and grandmother, Diana Farber Fund (continued) In memory of my mother, Judith Levitt, with love, from Marc, In memory of my mother, Steinborn, from Kitty Paula & Shoshana Levitt Yocheved Shottan, from Steinborn In memory of our loving Shmuel Shottan In memory of my uncle, Donald grandmothers, Lillian Maderis Rabbi Leslie Alexander, from Wald, from Alice Wald Levitt and Pauline Zirpoli Phillip & Marlene Bernstein In memory of my father, Lova Levitt, with love, from Marc & Rabbi Ohriner Discretionary Zeltzer, from Rita Sauvage Paula & Shoshana Levitt Fund Congregation Beth David, from In memory of my grandfather, Rabbi Philip Ohriner, in Judie & Benjamin Ram Ralph Thunick, from David appreciation, from Phillip & Congregation Beth David, from Hoffman Margarita Chatoff Ronald & Alison Ruebusch In memory of my grandmother, Rabbi Philip Ohriner, in honor of Ruth Thunick, from David Silver, Sabes, Frank Youth the B'nai Mitzvah of Mariel & Hoffman Fund Marc Weiner, from Gary In memory of my mother, Mary In memory of my grandfather, Weiner & Adriana Muscatel- Lill, from Jacqueline Klein Benjamin Dorsay, from Dr. Weiner In memory of my sister, Sharon Adam Dorsay Rabbi Philip Ohriner, in Herko, from Jacqueline Klein In memory of my father, Alvin appreciation, from Corinne In memory of my nephew, Jacobs, from Aurianne Dorsay Lipman Howard Mark Levine, from In memory of my father, Nathan Social Action Committee Carol Weiss Baer, from Maxie Baer Backpack drive, from Charles & In memory of my aunt, Seemah In memory of my mother, Amalia Davida Adelberg Isaac, from Myrtle Schwartz Dreifuss, from Herbert Dinner for the Homeless, from In memory of my husband, Tevia Dreifuss Dr. Steven & Debra Schwartz Pasumansky, from Tatyana Rabbi Philip Ohriner, in memory Dinner for the Homeless, from Ovchinnikova of Khaim Pesin, from Zakhar Dov & Madelyn Isaacs In memory of my father, Samuel & Tatyana Pesin Dinner for the Homeless, from Litvin, from Vivian Herman Rabbi Philip Ohriner, Happy Charles & Miriam Marr Congregation Beth David, from Hanukkah and thank you for Susan Cordell Stone Scholarship Fund everything you do, from Judie, Charlie Marr, in honor of your In memory of Henry’s beloved Ben & Jacob Ram 80th birthday, from Charles & grandmother, Sophie Rabbi Philip Ohriner, from Yosi Jacqueline Klein Rosenfelder, from Henry & & Dafna Mizrahi Joan Stone Rabbi Philip Ohriner, from Jay & Rabbi Alexander Discretionary In memory of Joan’s beloved Susan Finkelstein Fund grandmother, Adele Rabbi Leslie Alexander, in Rabbi Pressman Discretionary Mendelsohn, appreciation, from Harriet Fund from Henry & Joan Stone Fernandez Threads of Tradition, in memory In memory of Joan’s beloved Rabbi Leslie Alexander, in of my mother, Caroline uncle, Richard Mendelsohn, appreciation, from Vivian Sanders, from Christel Sanders from Henry & Joan Stone Goldschmidt & Family In memory of Joan's beloved In memory of my mother, Anna Religious School & Hebrew cousin, Michael Mendelsohn, Weiss, from Franklyn Weiss High Scholarship from Henry & Joan Stone In memory of my mother, Amalia In memory of my grandmother, In memory of Joan’s beloved Dreifuss, from Herbert Fannie Pessah, from Cara cousin, Ronald Mendelsohn, Vainish from Henry & Joan Stone

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Support CBD

Note: This form has been shortened for space needs, for a complete list of designated funds please see the online D’var or phone the office.

Donor(s): (If donor is a Beth David member, you may leave address blank)

Name______Address______Street City State Zip In honor/memory of ______

Acknowledge this donation to: (If acknowledgement goes to a Beth David member, you may leave address blank)

Name______Address______Street City State Zip Additional Message:______

□ I do NOT wish to have my donation acknowledged in the D’var

Donation Amount: $______or check one of the following: ____$18 ____$36 ____$72 ____$108

______Congregation Beth David Fund ____ Myuchad Fund (Special Needs Program) ______Beth David Endowment ____ March of the Living Scholarship Fund ______Kiddush Oneg ____ Balk Family Camp Scholarship Fund ______Annual Campaign ____ Robert E. Levinson Memorial Library Fund ______Capital Campaign Discretionary Funds (please specify): ____ Jewish Education Program/JET Scholarship Fund ____ Rabbi Leslie Alexander ____ Rabbi Philip Ohriner ____ Bible and Siddur Fund ____ Jewish Education Principal ____ JET Principal

Billing: (Choose One) ____ Check/payment attached, please process directly.

____ Bill my account for the above amount and process immediately. Account # ______We appreciate your donations!

Mitzvah a Month

Help Our B’nei Mitzvah Students with Their Projects:

Jared Weinstock is Raising Money to Support PJ Library PJ Library delivers free, award-winning Jewish literature and music to children in our community. Donations can be made through their website: pjlibrary.org or by sending a check to: 67 Hunt Street, Suite 100, Agawam, MA 01001.

Derron Mendel is Raising Money to Fight Ebola For his Bar Mitzvah project, Derron is raising money to fight Ebola through American Jewish World Service. To donate, visit: action/ajws.org/goto/derron

Nadav Ben-David is Raising Money for Magen David Adom MDA is Israel’s ambulance, blood service and disaster-relief organization. It is funded through private donations. To donate, visit: tinyurl.com/loo6rvy

Rowin Hughes is Collecting New or Gently Used Sporting Equipment The equipment will be donated to underprivileged kids who can’t afford their own equipment. Please put items in the collection box in the lobby.

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C ongregation Beth David 19700 Prospect Road Nonprofit Org Saratoga, CA 95070-3352 U.S. Postage PAID Change service requested Permit No. 94 Cupertino, CA

www.Beth-David.org Please email [email protected] if you do not wish to receive this printed newsletter in the future.

Upcoming in February At Congregation Beth David

Pathways of the Soul – Netivot Haneshamah From February through May we will launch a first taste of our new personal exploration of Jewish prayer and learning occurring in tandem with our traditional Shabbat morning service. All Pathways of the Soul - Netivot Haneshamah take place on select Shabbat mornings from 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and culminate in our community wide Ruah Rally and lunch. See flyer inside for details.

Hamen-Scotch-en Purim Marbim B'Simha: Celebrate Good Times! Saturday, February 21st 7:30 - 10:00pm Taste hamentaschen and scotch* and vote for your favorite. 21 and over only. Visit beth-david.org/speakeasy5775 for details about how to sign up as a contestant or attend as a judge. See flyer inside for details.

* Due to the whiskey rebellion of 2015, there will also be whiskey and/or whisky

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