tthehNovembere MaM 2016 ● Tishrei~Cheshvana’ alota l 5777ot NEW LOCATIONS, Join Us for These Events & Much More! NEW ADVENTURES! 2016 Scholar-in-Residence RABBI GERSHOM SIZOMU, Leader of the Jews of Friday, November 4th– Sunday, November 6th

Shabbat Services / Study Shabbat Service Honoring Those Who Protect Us Mormon Center, 23 Lake Road, Irvine Friday, November 11th at 7:30 pm

NaSHiM: Girls’ Night Out at OC Mega Challah Bake at the Hotel Irvine Thursday, November 10th at 7:00 pm

SHM Fundraiser, “Don’t Kiss Me!” at the Merage JCC Theater Tuesday night Hebrew & High School Sunday, November 13th at 3:30 pm Back Bay Conference Center (above Irvine Lanes) 3415 Michelson, Irvine Mussar: Seeking Everyday Holiness for Beginners First meeting: Wednesday, November 16th at 7:00 pm

Friday Night Live! Shabbat Service, “It’s Good to Give Thanks” Sunday Religious School Friday, November 25th at 7:30 pm Tarbut V’Torah Lower School Campus 5200 Bonita Canyon Rd, Irvine

A LIFETIME OF BELONGING Executive Committee Beth Carroll Co-president Rachel Harman Co-president tthehe MaMRabbi Richard M.a Steinberg’ alota lot THE RONA PERLEY MEMORIAL SENIOR RABBINIC CHAIR Sharon Blindell Past President Rabbi Leah Lewis RABBI AND DIRECTOR OF LIFELONG LEARNING Richard Sternberg THE JAFFE FAMILY RABBINIC CHAIR Treasurer Heath Liner Cantor Arië Manela Shikler Secretary THE HOLLANDER FAMILY CANTORIAL CHAIR Charlotte Radziminsky 1st Vice-President Beth Shikler, M.S. Jordan Pelavin THE LOEB FAMILY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CHAIR DIRECTOR OF YOUTH ENGAGEMENT Carole Frankel 2nd Vice-President Stacy Bleiweis, M.B.A. Kat Key Entzminger MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR ASSISTANT TO RABBI LEWIS & EDUCATION DEPARTMENT Rod Stern 3rd Vice-President/Legal Heather Rosenthal, M.A., Ed. Lynne Koffl er RELIGIOUS SCHOOL PRINCIPAL BOOKKEEPER THE ALPERT-WALDMAN FAMILY EDUCATION CHAIR Board Members Lynda Cline Marty Hart Lindsey Morlan, M.A. COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGN Jamie Evans OFFICE MANAGER/ASSISTANT TO Rabbi Bernie King, z”l David Susson RABBI STEINBERG AND CANTOR SHIKLER FOUNDING RABBI Mickey Gubman Lisa Monette Bob Yonowitz Eileen Lenson Karen Brutman SHABBAT SERVICES ~NOVEMBER 2016 Jerry Silver Linda Greene All Shabbat Services will be held at the Mormon Center, 23 Lake Drive, Irvine Ellen Winters Miller Debra Goldman Friday, November 4th Friday, November 25th Rob Fleishman • 7 pm: Family Shabbat Service with Youth • 7:30 pm: Friday Night Live! Shabbat Raschel Greenberg Band and Scholar-in-Residence, Rabbi Service, “It’s Good to Give Thanks” Teri Bassman Gershom Sizomu David Teincuff Laura Van de Merghel Stephanie Mitchell Friday, November 11th Brotherhood • 7:30 pm: Shabbat Service Honoring David Teincuff, Co-President Those Who Protect Us Brandon Mitchell, Co-president NaSHiM (SHM Women) Friday, November 18th Katherine Liner, Co-Chair • 6:30 pm: Tot Shabbat Service Jamie Evans, Co-Chair • 7:30 pm: Shabbat Service with Temple Musicians

2  NOVEMBER 2016 MEMORY • MITZVAH • MENTSCH MAKING • MAKING MEANING FROM OUR SENIOR RABBI TEMPLE IS THE CENTRAL ADDRESS OF MATTEREDNESS GROUNDBREAKING SHABBAT SERVICE/CEREMONY SERMON DELIVERED ON SEPT. 30, 2016

Rabbi Richard Steinberg The Rona Perley Memorial Senior Rabbinic Chair

A kindergarten teacher was walking around community unflinching in the Zionist dream commandments. Were it that easy? The observing her religious school classroom of of being safe and secure, a person people kept on breaking the rules. Finally, children while they were drawing pictures. who travels through the vicissitudes of life God got wise and gave the people the 10 As she got to one girl who was working with Jewish ritual assisting them along the Commandments, but even that did not do the diligently, she asked what the drawing was. way, the music and joy of Shabbat and holy trick. God then realized the people needed celebrations—our new campus is a means to a place to worship, to celebrate and to talk The girl replied, “I’m drawing God.” all those ends and so much more. about their faith. So God says to Moses, “Vasu The teacher paused and said, “But no one li mikdash, v’shachanti b’tochom”—“Build Me That is my deepest hope, that we have a knows what God looks like.” a sanctuary so that I may dwell within you.” campus that inspires, that creates, that This is what we need to feel and understand Without looking up from her drawing, the develops little Jewish souls into thoughtful, the messages of our people, of our God. girl replied, “They will in a minute.” faithful Jewish adults. My hope is that our campus be a place of assembly where all feel I ask Bar/Bat Mitzvah students all the time— In building our new campus—will we know welcomed and loved. My desire is that our when do you feel most Jewish—answer— what God looks like? Well, I am not sure—but campus reflects the beauty of God’s creation when I am at Temple. we are creating a space where God will come both in style and in physicality, but in only as to life in all that we do. We have a high calling. Temple is the answer much as our campus inspires the soul to do to what I call “matteredness.” You matter Someone mentioned to me the other day, good. when you are here. Whether you are 8 or “Building a campus like this must be the Let’s tell the honest truth about why 80—whether you have a $100 bank account pinnacle of a rabbinic career.” I thought synagogue building must exist at all…it’s an or $100,000 you matter. Whether you have about it for a second and simply replied—it ancient question—can’t we just all go to the special needs or no needs—you matter. is great fun, it is an amazing project—but beach every week? Temple is the place of matteredness. We live the pinnacle of my career happens every time in a world of madness, it seems, Temple is I see one Jewish family connect to another After God had made a covenant with the the poetry to the awful prose we are reading in community, one person making the world Israelite people in which God would be every day. a bit better, one child embracing his faith, a their God and the people would follow the Continued on page 4

A LIFETIME OF BELONGING NOVEMBER 2016  3 Rabbi Steinberg article from page 3

Our sanctuary will be marvelous and transformative—and it will serve as sanctuary to the soul even more. What we are doing is going to shape thousands of people well beyond our own lives. Yes, we are one of the largest temples in the OC. Yes, our religious school is more than twice the size of the next synagogue in the OC, yes we have triple the number of programs of any other remember so beautiful a synagogue anywhere ahead, and even more, years, how bright or synagogue in OC—but to us, that doesn’t in the world. how dark it is inside of these walls depends solely on each one of us. Because each of matter unless each person matters and Then, noticing a seemingly obvious flaw in together, we matter as a community. the design, one of the townspeople asked, us matters. A story is told: In a mountain village in Europe “Where are the lamps? What will provide And so, our new campus is simply a reflection many centuries ago, there was a nobleman the lighting?” of the awesome nature of our congregation— who was concerned about the legacy he The proud nobleman pointed to brackets, filled with so many whose, as the Torah says, would leave to the people of his town. The which were strategically placed all along the “hearts have so moved them to give,” so that man spent a great deal of time contemplating walls throughout the synagogue. He then we can build a palace of God’s message of his dilemma, and at last, decided to build gave each family a lamp as he explained, making sure people understand their a synagogue. In the course of his planning, “Whenever you come to the synagogue, I want Divine worth. he decided that no one would see the plans you to bring your lamp, and light it. But, each We have raised almost 9.5 million dollars from for the building until it was finished. The time you are not here,” he said, “a part of the our Temple families. This is incredible. As construction took quite a long time—much synagogue will be dark. This lamp will remind Beth and Rachel mentioned, we are not there longer than he anticipated. you that whenever you are absent, some part yet, but we are doing pretty darn well. I could not be more grateful to you all for having the foresight, the faith and the fortitude to journey with us to this point. So far, almost 65% of Temple families have given to our campaign and 27 families who aren’t even members have given to our campaign. Why—it feels good to be part of something special. It is part of creating a legacy as the man in the story intended to do, you too are doing it right now…creating a legacy. Our job is to build our for the next generation as they will do for the generations that follow them. For those who have given, you are investing in the idea that every human being matters and that this synagogue will be But at long last, the project was completed. of God’s house will be dark. Your community the central address where we will make that The townspeople were excited and curious is relying on you for light.” idea known and felt and celebrated. about what they would find upon entering We come this day, really a holy day for our their new synagogue. When the people congregation, as our collective light shines I wish I could mention and thank each of you came for the first time they marveled at the brightly inward and outward, to make a by name tonight—but those who have given, synagogue’s magnificence. No one could ever difference. In the days, weeks, and months you are wearing a sticker that acknowledges

4  NOVEMBER 2016 MEMORY • MITZVAH • MENTSCH MAKING • MAKING MEANING your gift of tzedakah. From the single mom who called me and asked if we could charge her credit card $10 a month because she wants her child to know that she not only supports this project, she believes it is critical to her family’s well-being and future, to the late Dr. Kraut, who sat in my office with his wife, Jean, may she rest in peace too, and said, “Well, Rabbi, you have your first million dollars!”—I am deeply grateful beyond words. Both kinds of donations are what our synagogue is all about. It is the essence of our essence. All in. Representing all of you, I would like to call upon four families, with whom, even with the best of intentions, this project would not be where it is today. Each of them has encouraged us, celebrated us and supported us so we could be here at this groundbreaking today. I say thank you to you and all who have given, for what we are doing is not just building a building, we are creating a place where God will dwell and inspire souls to do good—as you have done over and over again for this synagogue, and how much the more so today. With pleasure please welcome, Stephen and Madaline Gordon, Teri Alpert and Phil Waldman, Karen and Jon Jaffe and Howard and Charlotte Perley. I will ask you to hold our in a moment, as a sign of our immense appreciation—for the Torah needs an ark and the ark needs a Temple and through you and all others who wear that sticker tonight you have helped us build such a place. The Jewish people are better because of you…period. And while words are not adequate to thank you enough—thank you anyway and all who gave for your generosity, kindness and spirit. I would also like to call upon our presidents and past presidents representing each and every volunteer who has made this project a reality and our temple a center for Orange County Judaism. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

A LIFETIME OF BELONGING NOVEMBER 2016  5 FROM OUR CANTOR COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS

and I’ll be with you and guard you wherever straight) and “malbish arumim” (clothing you’ll be. I will return you to this land and the naked). Those are just a few of the daily not leave you until I did what I promised”. miracles that we take for granted. (Genesis:7:13-15) We tend to be thankful when we escape So Jacob wakes up and says to himself in a trouble, not usually when good things happen Cantor Arie Shikler sudden heavy awareness, “There’s God in to or for us and our dear ones. We hear the The Hollander Family Cantorial Chair this place and I wasn’t aware of it!” Great garage door open late at night and wake up fear falls on him and he realizes that this is a thankful that our driving child came home house of God and a gate to heaven. Early in safe. Often recovering from illness or surgery the morning, he uses the stone that was his wakes up the reflex to say thanks. Arriving pillow as a marker, pours oil on it to make it a safely at our destination by air, car, ship or monument and calls the place Beit El (House train is another reason. There are thousands of God). He vows that if God stays with him more come to think of it. and guards him on his journey providing him The Shehecheyanu prayer that we chant on with food and clothes he will be loyal to God. the eve of holidays and happy occassions, the “And if I return to my father’s house safely, this Hagomel prayer we say after surviving danger, stone will be a House of God, and whatever and so many opportunities to say thanks. You give me, I will give to You ten times more”! Judaism is so wise that way! Thanksgiving, the secular American holiday This is the first official thanksgiving in the So count your blessings before you go to sleep is almost here. We gather with family bible. What are we thankful for? When you and wake up in awe to the new day, every and friends to have a festive meal and to start thinking about it you’ll find so many day! May it bring you blessings, light, new appreciate all the good things that make our reasons to be grateful it will amaze you. Our possibilities and positive energy! After all, our life what it is. Thanksgiving is not an original tradition teaches us to be appreciative from name, Jews is derived from the name Judah or idea that started with the Pilgrims and the the moment we wake to when we lay down Yehudah that our matriarch Leah gave her son Native Americans. In fact it is a very old Jewish at night for sleep. The first morning blessing upon his birth. It means “thank You” and we concept that dates back to Jacob. as you wake is: ” Modeh Ani Lefanecha Melech are Yehudim. Descendants of Yehudah. Happy Chai Vekayam Shehechezarta Bi Nishmati About 3,795 years ago according to my Thankgiving Y’all! calculation, Jacob had a dream on his way to Bechemla, Raba Emunatecha.” (I offer thanks Haran. He went back to Abraham’s homeland to You, living and eternal King, for You have to find a wife and while sleeping on the road, mercifully restored my soul within me. Your had a dream; the famous ladder to heaven faithfulness is great.). and the angels going up and down on it. God Our sages teach us that at night our soul leaves appeared and identified Himself to Jacob our body and returns to God and then back making him a promise. The promise was the to our body before we wake up. This series of same one that God made to his grandfather blessings and appreciation continues with the Abraham, “The ground on which you are one where we thank God for giving the rooster laying down, I will give to you and your the ability to distinguish between day and offspring. Your descendants will be numerous night, and that is before we open our eyes. like the grains of sand on the earth and you Then, when we open them we say “po-k’ach will expand west, east, north and south. All ivrim” (giving sight to the blind) followed the people of the earth will be blessed by you by “zokef k’fu-fim” (being able to stand up

6  NOVEMBER 2016 MEMORY • MITZVAH • MENTSCH MAKING • MAKING MEANING 2016 SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE RABBI GERSHOM SIZOMU Leader of the Abayudaya Jews of Uganda November 4–6, 2016 Friday, November 4th 7:00 pm: Family Shabbat Service at the Rabbi Gershom Sizomu, leader of the Abayudaya Jews of Uganda, is the fi rst Mormon Center (23 Lake Road, Irvine) black rabbi from sub-Saharan to be ordained at an American rabbinic “Being an African Jew” with special music school. from Uganda Th e Abayudaya are a growing community of over 2,000 Jews among their Christian and Muslim neighbors in scattered villages in the rolling, Saturday, November 5th green hills of Eastern Uganda. 8:30 am: Torah Study at the Mormon Center Today, Rabbi Sizomu, a charismatic leader and accomplished musician, (23 Lake Road, Irvine) continues to help his community remain healthy and strong, both physically and spiritually. Sunday, November 6th 9:30 am at TVT Lower Campus (5200 Bonita Canyon Road, Irvine) Lecture sharing Rabbi Sizomu’s life story and his vision for Judaism and Africa

A LIFETIME OF BELONGING

A LIFETIME OF BELONGING NOVEMBER 2016  7 Special SHM Fundraiserndraiser

Don’t Kiss Me!

Writtenten & PrProducedoduced bbyy HOPEH SHERWOOD & JON WHITE Music & Lyrics by JON WHITE In 1973, the daughter of a Hebrew teacher from Long Island falls for a non-Jewish guy from rural New York. The complications encountered on their way to the altar will tickle and touch you.

Sunday, November 13, 2016 3:30 pm Merage JCC Theater Champagne & Cake reception follows

$18 in advance $20 at the door

Tickets online at www.shmtemple.org or call Shir Ha-Ma’alot

8  NOVEMBER 2016 MEMORY • MITZVAH • MENTSCH MAKING • MAKING MEANING FROM OUR CO-PRESIDENTS WE WILL WANDER SPEECH GIVEN YOM KIPPUR MORNING 101216

“Are you an army brat?” That’s what people This refresher on Jewish history presents a ask me when they learn about my wandering parallel for us today. Shir Ha-Ma’alot is about past. I lived in 12 places before I graduated to embark on our own Diaspora—we will high school—3 schools in 5th Grade, 3 schools wander. These High Holy Days are the last that for High School—24 different homes through we will celebrate in this sanctuary. When our Beth Carroll & today – that’s a lot of packing and unpacking! Shofar blows tonight, we are not only marking Rachel Harman We were truly Wandering Jews. Quick story; the end of Yom Kippur, we are also marking Temple Co-Presidents when we lived in Wichita, KS—my folks were a new beginning for our congregational visiting a local nursery looking for plants family. The beginning of construction work and came upon a beautiful Wandering Jew on our new campus! Very soon, drive by and plant—you may know this plant, it’s a vine see a construction fence around our current with green and purple foliage. The tag was building with backhoes beginning to dig, small so the nursery had abbreviated “W materiel arriving—steel, concrete blocks, Jew”—only in Wichita! stone, conduit—all the makings of a new and on in the front—some are even blocked by updated home for our congregational family. a column, but in our new facility we know My mom blames this wandering on my dad. we’ll have modern video equipment and no He’d get bored and look for another job. My Planning, designing, fundraising, negotiating, obstructions—no seat will be a “bad seat”. dad claims he had to move because my mother and more planning have become intertwined volunteered so much we had to move so she with our Temple operation. When we run a We’ve almost packed the entire building— could clear her plate and catch her breath (and program, we think “how will this program the library is packed, school supplies we start over)… (Don’t get any ideas, Jim!). Like be conducted in our new campus?” When don’t need this year are all boxed up, and every tale told by Jewish parents, there is we hold a service outside, we think “where office supplies are ready to be moved into some truth in each story. We were wanderers will we gather in our new facility?” When we a temporary location where you’ll find our by nature, in our own diaspora—W Jews. gather our religious school in assembly, we clergy and staff during the week. WE ARE wonder “will we use the atrium, the multi- READY TO GO!! Diaspora—a time where a group of people purpose room or the broad stairs to the second live outside the area where they or their floor?”—so many choices. I have not wandered nearly as much as Beth ancestors lived for a long time. In Jewish over my lifetime. My family had one big Sundays when we see the Brotherhood with history, the Diaspora began in 597 BCE when journey, from Skokie, Illinois to Fullerton, bagels on portable tables and coffee at our Nebuchadnezzar deported the Judeans . Some California. Though we never left the country, familiar patio bar, we smile. We know “we’ll went to Babylon or other parts of the Mid East, the culture shock was there just the same. have a permanent café in our updated facility.” some fled to Egypt and some managed to stay When we host a wedding and the bride sneaks In Skokie, everyone was Jewish—at least in Judaea. Then in 538 BCE, Cyrus the Persian from the ladies room around into the social it felt that way. Our schools were closed for allowed the Judeans to return, though most hall so she’s not seen, we sigh—we’ll have a the Jewish Holidays, my music teacher had chose to stay in Babylon. Throughout this special bride’s room (that doubles as a Quiet a mezuzah on her door, and our activities wandering, most Jews retained their cultural Room for services) for our wedding parties. revolved around our synagogue or our local identity and social customs, maintained the Today, we see our choir smushed into a corner JCC. My parents’ commitment to being active religion and the tenets put forth in the Torah. and the musicians squeezed onto the Bima members of our Jewish community in Skokie By 70 AD, the Romans actively drove Jews and we grin when we imagine them on our was a constant as we moved to California. In from Judaea, when the Second Temple was spacious Bima with a new sound system that fact, they traveled here to find a synagogue destoryed. By 73 AD, Jews had dispersed all lets us all hear the beauty of the music no first, then decided where to buy their house! over Africa, Asia and Europe. matter where we sit. Today, the seats in the back don’t have a good view of what’s going Continued on page 17

A LIFETIME OF BELONGING NOVEMBER 2016  9 Welcome Mazel Tov to… Lindsey Herron, daughter of Dianne Golden on the death of her New Members Jay Herron & Dana Klein on her great aunt, Joan Huniu Phillip & Robin Lugar engagement to Yoni Goldberg, son of Ivy Le on the death of her father, Arie & Ilana Goldberg. Both families Reverend Ngoc Sach Thanh Le Roger & Jeanne Magowitz are members of our congregation. David & Tracy Northup Eve Ross on the death of her father, Funda & Michael Irvin on the birth of Mike Nycz their granddaughter, Kaya Elizabeth Michael & Sarah Herman Howard Perley on the death of his Jason & Teigan Stones Leora & Adam Robles on the birth of brother, Dr. Michael Perley their son, Levi Glenn Ben & Alisa Wilson Rhonda Shellow on the death of her Gaby & Joy Timsit Gina & Michael Hacken on the birth of mother, Ruth Mehlman their daughter, Grace Lillianne Harvey & Nancy Lobel Rachelle Rice on the death of her mother, Bertha Rice Shelly Moriyama Condolences to… Lisa Kassel on the death of her uncle, Grant & Linda Beresford Patricia Harris on the death of her Lawrence Korb Thomas & Tiffany Valentine husband, Michael Jenni Frank on the death of her father, Juliana Hart on the death of her aunt, Marv Rosenhaft Ruth Silver

Jessica Herron Caring & Sharing is Happening! Shabbat Service Honoring Those Who Protect Us For Thanksgiving, because of space limitations during this year of construction, we are not able to accommodate donations of Friday, November 11th at 7:30 pm food. Contributions to the Jessica Herron Fund at the temple (at Mormon Center, 23 Lake Road) are encouraged. Any amount is appreciated. A donation of $80 We will honor those of all ages who have will feed a family in need for a week. served their country as men and women in uniform. Worship with us as we give a If you are interested in participating in any of all of this blessing to these brave souls. If you are a season’s Jessica Herron Caring & Sharing drives, please let veteran, please contact us at the Temple us know. Please note the following contact information and offi ce at 949-857-2226. deadlines to get involved: • Thanksgiving: Contact Dana Klein ([email protected]) by Tuesday, November 15th • Christmas: Contact Barbara King ([email protected]) by Tuesday, December 6th • Chanukah: Contact Dana Klein ([email protected]) by Tuesday, December 13th

10  NOVEMBER 2016 MEMORY • MITZVAH • MENTSCH MAKING • MAKING MEANING NOVEMBER 2016 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 345 (Back Bay Conference Center 6:45 pm - Adult Choir (Friday night services are now 8:30 am - Torah Study with above the Irvine Lanes) 7 pm - Mussar: Seeking at 23 Lake Road, Irvine) Scholar-in-Residence, 4:15 pm - Hebrew School Everyday Holiness for 7 pm - Family Shabbat Rabbi Gershom Sizomu 6 pm - Executive Beginners Service with Youth Band 6 pm - JiFTY Event Committee Meeting & Scholar-in-Residence, 6:30 pm - Brit Tikvah Rabbi Gershom Sizomu 7:30 pm - Board of 7th Grade Retreat Trustees Meeting

6 789 10 11 12 (Religious School is at (Back Bay Conference Center 6:45 pm - Adult Choir 6 pm - NaSHiM at OC Mega (Friday night services are now 8:30 am - Torah Study TVT Lower Campus) above the Irvine Lanes) Challah Bake at Irvine at 23 Lake Road, Irvine) 10 am - Bat Mitzvah of 8 am - Early Hebrew 4:15 pm - Hebrew School Hotel 7:30 pm - Family Shabbat Lauren Bassman Chavurah 5 pm - 8th-10th Grade 6:30 pm - Temple Service, “Honoring 9:15 am - Judaica Classes 6:30 pm - 11 & 12th Grade Musicians Those Who Protect Us” 9:30 am - Sunday Speaker 7:30 pm - SHMoFTY Board Series with Scholar- Meeting in-Residence, Rabbi 7:30 pm - Men’s Spirituality Gershom Sizomu Group 11:30 am - Youth Band

7th Grade Retreat

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 No Religious School (Back Bay Conference Center 6:45 pm - Adult Choir 6:30 pm - Temple (Friday night services are now 8:30 am - Torah Study 7 pm - SHM Fundraiser above the Irvine Lanes) 7 pm - Mussar: Seeking Musicians at 23 Lake Road, Irvine) 10 am - Bat Mitzvah of at Merage JCC Theater, 4:15 pm - Hebrew School Everyday Holiness for 6:30 pm - Tot Shabbat Olivia Averill “Don’t Kiss Me” 6:30 pm - Board of Beginners Service Education Meeting 7:30 pm - Shabbat Service with Temple Musicians SHMoFTY at NFTY Social Justice Kallah 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 (Religious School is at No Hebrew School 6:45 pm - Adult Choir Thanksgiving Office Closed No Torah Study this week TVT Lower Campus) Office Closed (Friday night services are now 10 am - Bar Mitzvah of 8 am - Early Hebrew at 23 Lake Road, Irvine) Aiden Brutman Chavurah 7:30 pm - Friday Night 9:15 am - Judaica Classes Live! Shabbat Service, 9:30 am - Sunday Speaker “It’s Good to Give Series with Rabbi Arnold Thanks” Rachlis 11:30 am - Youth Band

SHMoFTY at NFTY Social Justice Kallah

27 28 29 30 No Religious School (Back Bay Conference Center 6:45 pm - Adult Choir above the Irvine Lanes) 7 pm - Mussar: Seeking 4:15 pm - Hebrew School Everyday Holiness for 5 pm - 8th & 9th Grade Beginners

A LIFETIME OF BELONGING NOVEMBER 2016  11 SCHOOL NEWS MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL YOM KIPPUR FAMILY SERVICE 5777 SERMON GIVEN 101216

One day when he was standing at the So while Abraham was enjoying his new entrance of his store, he saw a traveler house and his new curtains and his new Rabbi Leah Lewis walking by. He looked tired and thirsty. mirror, it just so happened that that rabbi Rabbi & Director of Lifelong Learning Without hesitating, Abraham asked the was trying to help another person who The Jaff e Family Rabbinic Chair traveler to come in. Now, business in was in need of wise advice, love and some Abraham’s store hadn’t been so good, so money. The rabbi, having not seen Abraham there may have not been any items to give, since his instant success, knew of just the but he knew that there was shade and a person to help him out…it was Abraham, place to sit and rest. He welcomed the who had been so kind and so generous to visitor with open arms. Though Abraham him during his own time of need. The rabbi Let’s begin with some free association. See if never would have known it, it just so sent a messenger to Abraham to find out you can finish the sentence: Mirror, mirror on happened that this visitor was a famous how he could help. the … Who is the fairest of them …? rabbi who was known for giving blessings, Without hesitating, Abraham gave the and for them actually coming to be! Before It turns out that Snow White’s evil queen was messenger the money for the man, but leaving, the man blessed Abraham for a life not the first person who liked to stare in the he told him that he did not have time to in which he would never be in need. mirror, and she certainly wasn’t the last! I give any of his advice, or any of his love. He would have everything he needed to was recently in a house—a big, really fancy Disappointed, the messenger went back to be happy. house—and the owner bragged about his tell the rabbi who knew right away that this favorite decoration. It was, of all things, a Not long after the rabbi left town, was not how Abraham—the Abraham who giant mirror! The man who owned the house Abraham—without any explanation— had helped him with love and wisdom— told me that people lamented that although began to be very busy in his store. would act. The rabbi knew that this was a the mirror was indeed beautiful, it was Customers were everywhere and coming to conversation he needed to have himself. damaged. “I don’t see the mirror as damaged him for everything. Business was booming! He went to Abraham’s house and knocked at all,” he told me, “This mirror has been passed Suddenly, Abraham was busy running a on the door. through my family, and the “damages” were successful business. He spent time ordering what made it so special.” This man, my friend, and selling and making tons of money. He “Come in,” Abraham said with joy in his then proceeded to tell me the story of his was so busy, in fact, that he didn’t have time voice, “How can I help you?” prized mirror… to talk to people, or to listen to them. With a knowing smile, the rabbi responded, My great, great, great grandfather, Nobody was surprised when Abraham built “This is a beautiful home, my friend, and Abraham, was poor. He owned a small a new house—a big and beautiful one. that is a beautiful mirror you’ve got. Come, business, a shop, and a small home. But When it came time to decorate that house, step back, take a look in it and tell me what neither his home nor his shop had much there were just two things that he really you see.” in it. Abraham did not care about the lack wanted. The fanciest curtains, made of pure “I see myself. I see my beautiful furniture of material possessions because both his silk, hung over his windows. And he bought and decorations and my beautiful house,” home and his shop were filled with people. a gigantic mirror, framed in pure gold, and Abraham beamed with pride. Abraham was known for being kind and he hung it on the wall so that everyone who giving. Even when there was nothing to came in the house could look right at it— The rabbi walked over to the living room give, he found a way to give…Advice, and so that every time he walked in or out, window behind him. “Now come, open your wisdom, love, care. He never felt like he was he could take a nice look at his glamorous curtains and look out this window of yours. missing anything. self in that glamorous mirror. What do you see?”

12  NOVEMBER 2016 MEMORY • MITZVAH • MENTSCH MAKING • MAKING MEANING Curious about the rabbi’s simple questions, Abraham answered. “I see trees and kids walking Rabbi Bernie King Mitzvah Projects ~ with parents. And there, I see a poor woman B’nai Mitzvah Students walking with a basket. She has it open so that people will fill her basket with food and with Lauren Bassman money. Why are you asking me these questions, November 12, 2016 Daughter of Teri & Ken Bassman anyway?” I att end: Corona del Mar Middle School I enjoy: Basketball, riding horses, spending ti me with family “It is strange, isn’t it?” Abraham’s friend, the and friends Mitzvah Project: Raised money for Girl Rising, rabbi, responded, “A window and a mirror are an organizati on that educates girls in third world countries made out of the same material—glass. But a mirror has a silver lining on the back which reflects the light. When you look into a mirror, Olivia Averill you can’t see through it, you see only yourself. November 19, 2016 When you look through a window, though, you Daughter of Steve & Belinda Averill I att end: Vista Verde Middle School can see the world and the people who fill it. You I enjoy: Competi ti ve swimming, playing can see all that is good, and you can see all that soccer, surfi ng, baking, the beach, and spending ti me with my family and pets needs work so that you can know to help.” Mitzvah Project: Held a food and clothing drive to support Families Forward At that point, Abraham realized what he had done. Since he became rich and busy, he paid attention only to himself. He ignored the people Aiden Brutman November 26, 2016 around him, and he ignored his community. He Son of Karen & Alan Brutman was ashamed. Without hesitating, Abraham I att end: Ensign Intermediate School I enjoy: Playing lacrosse, the beach, family ti me, boats, and pulled the mirror off of the wall, took a knife and, drones in the corner, he scraped the back of that mirror Mitzvah Project: Collected new and used until just a section of the silver lining was gone. lacrosse equipment to send to Nairobi, Africa for children to learn how to play lacrosse He could see through it enough to pay attention to the people around him. “My great, great, great grandfather Abraham called all of the people he knew together—in his house—and he vowed to keep his eyes and his YOUTH GROUPS @ SHM heart open at all times,” My friend told me. “That (Register online at shmtemple.org/Events & RSVP or follow the link in your email notice. See you there!) mirror was not damaged. Just the opposite—it was whole and it was beautiful. And it continues to be so today.” SHMoFTY 9th–12th Grade Youth Group NFTY SoCal’s Social Justice Kallah Now take a look around this sanctuary. It is filled Friday to Sunday, November 18th–20th with people who are here to help and, sometimes, Join SHMoFTY and teens from all over Southern California for NFTY SoCal’s Social Justice who need help. Yom Kippur reminds us that we Kallah. This weekend long event will be full of community service, new friends, and tons need to keep our eyes open to the people around of fun! Please register online @ southerncalifornia.nfty.org/ us—our parents, our brothers and sisters, our friends, our teachers, our coaches…and even to MiTY 6th–8th Grade Youth Group pay attention to those who we don’t really know— Craft Day! people who aren’t so much like us. They too have Sunday, November 20th from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm a lot to offer. See what they need—see how they Join your MiTY friends for an afternoon of projects and art! We’ll make some cool crafts feel—see what you can do, and then do it. If we all that you can take home with you. Please register online at www.shmtemple.org remember to look around sometimes, our view in this new year will be crystal clear. If you have any questions about these events or about any youth program please contact Jordan at [email protected]

A LIFETIME OF BELONGING NOVEMBER 2016  13 CONGREGATION SHIR HAMA’ALOT

Inaugural SHM “JewishWomen’s Woman, Retreat Modern Woman” Friday, Jan. 13th to Sunday, Jan. 15th Bruin Woods Retreat Center To be a woman in the Lake Arrowhead, CA modern era is a matter of fi nding balance and our personal paths. To be a Jewish woman in the modern era is to fi nd that balance on the foundation of a rich tradition and heritage in which the role of the woman is complex and multifaceted. Join NaSHiM (SHM Women) for a weekend of exploration and fun, food, and friends!

Cost: $425 per person (for NaSHiM members), double occupancy in a two bedroom, two bath suite. If you are not a NaSHiM member, please add $36 for dues. Price includes all meals, programs, and semi-private lodging. Space is limited, RSVP online at www.shmtemple.org or call the temple at 949-857-2226 by December 9th

14  NOVEMBER 2016 MEMORY • MITZVAH • MENTSCH MAKING • MAKING MEANING FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE! ADULT LEARNING /COMMUNITY Torah Study It’s Good to Give with Rabbi Steinberg and Rabbi Lewis Saturdays at 8:30 am (at the Mormon Center, 23 Lake Rd) Thanks Meets: 11/5, 11/12, 11/19 No Torah Study 11/26 Friday, November 25th Each week our Torah portion invites us to search our souls for meaning, memories, mitzvah, and lessons on how to be a mentsch. We read the To- at 7:30 pm rah over and over again each year as we gain more (at Mormon Center, 23 Lake Drive, Irvine) insight into its depth. Study the weekly Torah Music is a powerful tool for evoking the inner space within which portion with the Rabbis and gain inspiration that trans-formative prayer can happen. The ancients knew this, and will nourish your soul. music was a big part of the ancient temple ritual. This service features congregational melodies and eclectic, Brit Tikvah: Support Group for contemporary music which compliment the creative service Parents of Children with booklet compiled by Cantor Shikler, specifi cally for this service. Special Needs Tuesday, November 1st at 6:30 pm (Daily Grill, 2636 Dupont Drive at Jamboree, Irvine) This ongoing program provides a safe place to discuss the joys and difficulties families Include Mussar in your daily life… face, and how to ensure your child feels safe, Join a group today and begin on the pathway to leading affirmed, and loved in a Jewish environment. a more meaningful, spiritually fulfi lled life Seeking Everyday Holiness Mussar: Seeking Everyday Holiness for Beginners for Beginners Facilitated by Karen Busch Facilitated by Karen Busch Wednesdays at 7:00 pm Wednesdays at 7:00 pm November 16 & 30 November 16 & 30 Mussar means “instruction.” At the center of the December 14 program is the inspiring material in “Everyday January 4 & 18 Holiness” written by Alan Morinis. Working with February 1 & 15 this text, participants become exposed to the core teachings of the Mussar tradition and its March 1 relevance to every day life. Mussar means “instruction.” It is a treasury of Jewish teachings and practices that have evolved over the past thousand years. At the center of the program is the If you are ready to engage in the deeply inspiring material in “Everyday Holiness” written by Alan Morinis. Working with this personal work of Mussar, register to be part of text, participants become exposed to the core teachings of the Mussar tradition and this ongoing group. Contact the temple office its relevance to every day life. at 949-857-2226 or register online at www. shmtemple.org. Registration fee (includes If you are ready to engage in the deeply personal work of Mussar, register to be part book & Mussar Institute fee) is $100 per person. of this ongoing group. Contact the temple offi ce at 949-857-2226 or register online at www.shmtemple.org. Registration fee (includes book & Mussar Institute fee) is Questions? Contact Rabbi Lewis at Llewis@ $100 per person. Questions? Contact Rabbi Lewis at [email protected] shmtemple.org

A LIFETIME OF BELONGING NOVEMBER 2016  15 NaSHiM Girls Night Out… Mazel Tov!

Milestone Anniversary for Shir Ha-Ma’alot Staff… A hearty mazel tov to this valuable and essential temple staff member as she celebrates: 10 Years of Service Lindsey Morlan, Office Manager and Assistant to Rabbi Steinberg & Cantor Shikler

We can’t thank you enough for the many outstanding years of support and love you have put into our Temple, our SHM community, and our staff . We couldn’t do this without you!

Are you or someone you love going away to college this year? Do you know about the Shir Ha-Ma’alot College Outreach Program? We want to keep in touch with our college-age family members. If you are interested, please provide us with current college addresses and email addresses so we can maintain the connection during the upcoming academic year. Students will receive email messages, special greetings in the mail, “care” packages, and who knows what else…

Please Add to/or Update the College Roster to include:

Student’s Name: ______

ˆ Freshman ˆ Sophomore ˆ Junior ˆ Senior

College/University:______

College Mailing Address:

______

______

Email Address: ______

Parent(s) Name: ______

Parent(s) Phone: ______

Email Address: ______

Send this completed form to: Debbie Spielman 20825 Shadow Rock Lane Trabuco Canyon, Ca 92679

16  NOVEMBER 2016 MEMORY • MITZVAH • MENTSCH MAKING • MAKING MEANING Presidents article from page 9

Honestly, Jewish life was a little more of an of looking at nature, music, and art. As we NEW LOCATIONS, effort here in California, having to explain stretch our wings in the spacious TVT facility, why I was missing school for holidays, having we think about the programs we will be NEW ADVENTURES! my mom come in the class and talk about holding in our campus. Chanukah, answering questions about “what is Jewish?” These were all new experiences We will wander—we’ll hold family gatherings to us. Luckily, the synagogue held our in parks and people’s homes and local hands through it all—we were welcomed restaurants, we’ll celebrate Sukkot at Mason promptly by the “Velcome Vagon Chavurah”, Regional Park together this Sunday, we’ll get a group of families with similar aged kids, crazy on Purim at Boomers, and we’ll hold all transplanted from somewhere else. Our meetings at local offices, graciously lent to us parents are all still dear friends. The JCC did by generous congregants. not have a pool or sports teams at that time, We will wander—It is our tradition to visit but our synagogue youth group provided Shabbat Services / Torah Study our Jewish heritage throughout the world, Mormon Center, 23 Lake Road, Irvine friends and connections to keep us “Jewish”. including regular returns to Israel and other Here in California, you have to actually think wonderful locations where our ancestors have about it, you have to make the effort to be settled. Our congregants visited Spain in Jewish. As an adult, I am blessed to have February of this year for a whirlwind education found this congregation where I and my kids on the rich Jewish history on the Iberian have a Jewish community to call our own. Peninsula. In May 2018, we are traveling Our own Diaspora is beginning. to Germany and Italy on our Congregation journey to continue the exploration of the We will wander—we’ll hold our services at Jewish experience and the roots of the Reform the Mormon Center on Lake Street in Irvine— movement. every Friday night we’ll gather together in worship. Rabbi Steinberg’s mantra lately is We will wander and then return. We’ll come “have Torah will travel.” It isn’t about where back to 3652 Michelson and unpack our boxes, we are, it is about who we are—we are Shir bring in our Torah scrolls and install them in Tuesday night Hebrew & High School Ha-Ma’alot and G_D will hear our prayers from our new ark, we’ll set up our music stands on Back Bay Conference Center (above Irvine Lanes) 3415 Michelson, Irvine wherever we gather. Our community will be our spacious Bima and sing, pray, live, love and further enriched this year with our amazing laugh together—here in our congregational programs centered around the theme “The home again. Blessing of Religion–Celebrating Faith”. Our As we close our services and the shofar calls, Sunday adult learning will delve into different we will all proclaim: Next Year in Jerusalem, branches of Judaism as well as studying and, G_D willing, next year in our new Islam, Sikhism, Mormonism, Universalism and campus. Rachel and I wish you a serene fast, Coptic Orthodoxy with a series of community full of peaceful reflection and meditation. religious leaders. Yom Tov and Happy New Year to you all. We will wander—our Religious School will convene on the campus of Tarbut v’Torah in Irvine. We’ve already had our first month of Sunday Religious School religious school and the families are adjusting Tarbut V’Torah Lower School Campus to the new routine wonderfully. Our teaching 5200 Bonita Canyon Rd, Irvine staff excels at imbuing our children with a wonder for Judaism—the program and curriculum we introduced last year has given our kids concentrated time to learn about our holidays and traditions, as well as Jewish ways

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18  NOVEMBER 2016 MEMORY • MITZVAH • MENTSCH MAKING • MAKING MEANING TZEDAKAH DONATIONS

RABBI STEINBERG’S DISCRETIONARY FLORENCE RUTH KING CHESED FUND Anne Gollay in memory of Patrick Burgess FUND Barbara King in loving memory of my be- Nancy Platka in memory of David Woolner Dianne & Doug Golden, thank you for loved parents, Florence & Sam Plotkin Sheldon Greenfi eld in memory of Faye bringing such meaning to Jake & Alyssa’s Barbara King in memory of my beloved hus- Greenfi eld B’nai Mitzvah. May you go from strength band, Rabbi Bernard Paul Sandusky King Nancy Daniel in memory of Lynn Taslitz to strength. Fred Schnoll in memory of Milton Schnoll GENERAL FUND Herb Malmon in memory of Bett y Malmon Hy & Linda Algazi in memory of our beloved Morrine & Fred Rutberg in honor of Donna brother-in-law, Ronald Koblin. We love Weinstein on your special birthday and miss you a great deal. JESSICA HERRON SHARING CARING Sponsor a Student Hara Waldman with appreciati on for all FUND SHM Brotherhood of your support and teaching during this Barbara King in loving memory of Jessica past year. Herron Paula & Matt Greenberger in honor of Lauren’s Bat Mitzvah. Thank you for guid- LIBRARY FUND ing Lauren and allowing her to make her Larry Thompson Family in memory of Lar- Bat Mitzvah her own. ry’s grandmother, Ella Cohodas Weksler Larry Thompson Family in memory of COMING IN DECEMBER RABBI LEWIS’ DISCRETIONARY FUND Larry’s mother, Libbie Leah Weksler Dianne & Doug Golden, thank you for being Thompson a special part of Jake and Alyssa’s B’nai Larry Thompson Family in memory of Teen Shabbat (Grades 8-12) Mitzvah Larry’s sister, Ruth Ella Ensworth at Rabbi Steinberg’s house Hara Waldman with appreciati on for all PRAYER BOOK FUND your support and teaching during this Friday, December 9th past year. Kara Jacobs, congratulati ons to Lori Schwartz for winning the Kipnis-Wilson/ at 7:00 pm Paula & Matt Greenberger in honor of Lau- Friedland Award ren’s Bat Mitzvah. Thank you for guiding Lauren through her services. RITUAL (JERRY JACOBS) FUND Lois Jacobs, congratulati ons to Donna Hy Algazi in memory of my wonderful Weinstein, happy big birthday All-School Family Chanukah father and my hero, Daniel Algazi. Thank you Rabbi Lewis for the wonderful Lois Jacobs in memory of Dick Gorelick, in Celebration at Mason Park sermon on Rosh Hashanah. memory of a wonderful guy Sunday, December 18th Lois Jacobs, Happy Birthday to Linda Algazi CANTOR SHIKLER’S DISCRETIONARY FUND at 9:30 am Dianne & Doug Golden, thank you for Lois Jacobs in memory of Virgil Troyer bringing the universal language of music YOUTH GROUP FUND to speak to everyone’s soul at Jake and Paula & Matt Greenberger, thank you to Alyssa’s B’nai Mitzvah Mazal Kessel Yudinsky for helping Lauren Shabbat Service with guest, Hara Waldman with appreciati on for all of learn her Torah and Haft orah porti ons Father Quan Tran your support and beauti ful music during YAHRZEIT FUND this past year. Bob Sterman in memory of George Sterman Friday, December 16th Paula & Matt Greenberger in honor of Lau- Henny Sterman in memory of David Eilfort at 7:30 pm ren’s Bat Mitzvah. Thank you for working Stacey Calderon in memory of Gerald Mintz with Lauren and encouraging her to play Hy Algazi in memory of Katy Algazi the guitar at services. Dave Schapiro in memory of my father, Sharon & Darin Blindell, congratulati ons Harry Schapiro College Homecoming to Arie & Beth Shikler on the marriage of Jodi Baum in memory of Joyce Lane Gidon and Andrea. Denise Schapiro in memory of my mother, Shabbat Service Beryl Sperling Friday, December 23rd CULTURAL ARTS/FNL FUND Connie O’Connor in memory of Jack Brody Hara Waldman & Hal Stern, Michael and Lori Reznick in memory of Leonard Kramer at 6:00 pm (special start time) Sarah Stern, Mazel tov to Arie & Beth Lori Reznick in memory of Morgan Kramer Shikler on the marriage of Gidon to Adrienne Witkin in memory of Andrea Mary Greenberg Lynne & Steve Koffl er in honor of the Barbara Kaitz in memory of Jacob Feingold Chanukah Family Service marriage of Gidon & Andrea Shikler Barbara Kaitz in memory of Bernard Ritea Friday, December 30th Sandra Perlmutt er in memory of Florence Bob & Nancy Wolf in memory of Michael Ganderson at 6:00 pm (special start time) Harris, our dear chavurah friend Sheldon Greenfi eld in memory of Robert Greenfi eld Esther Kett ler in memory of Sarah Vogel

A LIFETIME OF BELONGING NOVEMBER 2016  19 NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID CONGREGATION NEWPORT BEACH, CA SHIR HAMA’ALOT PERMIT NO. 272 3652 Michelson Drive • Irvine, CA 92612 (949) 857-2226 ph

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DATED MATERIAL— Please Deliver Before November 1, 2016 Other Donation Tzedakah Contributions Please enclose contribution and mail with this form to the Temple offi ce. Opportunities (Minimum $10.00 per name or occasion)

Memorial Board $360 per name Donation Given by: Acknowledgment sent to:

Tree of Life $180 per name Name______Name ______Prayer book Fund $35 per book Address______Address ______Congregation Shir Ha-Ma’alot has many Sanctuary and Facility City/Zip:______City/Zip: ______Giving and Naming Opportuni- ties. Please contact the Temple Amount of Donation $______ Check  Credit Card on fi le offi ce for further information.  Visa/MC ______Exp.______

 In Honor of ______A Picture is Worth a  In Memory of ______Thousand Words…  Special Occasion ______We tell Shir Ha-Ma’alot’s story through words and pictures each year  Other ______in our Event Catalog, website and Please apply my contribution to the following special fund(s): monthly newsletter.  Alex Zeleznick Children’s Fund  Oneg Shabbat Fund I collect photos from events through- Campership Fund Prayer Book Fund out the year to use for a variety of   printed and online pieces. Quite a few  Cantor Shikler’s Disc. Fund  Rabbi Lewis’ Disc. Fund of them are from our Facebook page  Cultural Arts/Friday Night Live! Fund  Rabbi Steinberg’s Disc. Fund but many come from you via email.  Elana Frenkel Memorial School & Youth Fund  Ritual (Jerry Jacobs) Fund Please feel free to send me any of your favorite SHM photos:  Florence Ruth King Chesed Fund  Special Events Fund (Aaron & Brock Silverstein) [email protected]  General Fund  Todd Evan Ross School Fund Lynda Cline, communications  Jessica Herron Adopt-a-Family Fund  Yahrzeit Fund  Library Fund  Youth Group Fund