The elul 5769 - tishri 5770 / september 2009 Builder c o n g r e g a t i o n b e t h e l High Holy Days 5770 Schedule of Services

Selichot Yom Kippur Saturday, September 12 9:00 pm Monday, September 28 Early Service 8:45 am Rosh Hashanah Evening Late Service 11:30 am Friday, September 18 Tot Service 11:45 am Early Service 6:00 pm Afternoon Discussions & Programs 2:30 pm Late Service 8:45 pm Family Service (K-5) 3:00 pm Mincha (Afternoon Service) 4:00 pm Rosh Hashanah Yizkor Circle 4:00 pm Saturday, September 19 Yizkor (Memorial) Service 5:30 pm Early Service 8:45 am Ne’ilah followed by Break Fast 6:15 pm Late Service 11:30 am Tot Service 11:45 am Sukkot Family Service (K-5) 3:00 pm Friday, October 2 Tashlich followed by BYO Picnic 4:30 pm Potluck Dinner and Service 6:15 pm in the Sukkah Second Day Rosh Hashanah Sunday, September 20 Saturday, October 3 Service (Open to the community) 10:15 am Shabbat & Sukkot Festival 10:15 am Morning Services Yom Kippur Evening--Kol Nidre Sunday, September 27 Simchat Torah Early Service 6:00 pm Friday, October 9 Late Service 8:45 pm Dinner 6:00 pm Service, Consecration & Folk Dancing 7:00 pm

Saturday, October 10 Shabbat & Festival Morning Services 10:15 am 2 from the rabbi

Teshuva: Preparing for the New Year As the end of summer nears, we turn our customary to sound the shofar once each day. We will sound the attention to the coming Jewish New Year. shofar at all public gatherings of the congregation—from classes The High Holy Days are our annual season to committee and board meetings and at the conclusion of each of reflection, renewal and, of course, of our Shabbat services. gathering. We come together, as families, as a synagogue community, as a people – In an effort to make the High Holidays as meaningful and fulfilling reviewing where we have been and reflecting on our intentions as possible, we have added several new aspects to our High for the year ahead. I imagine most of my relationships as being Holiday programs this year: like two celestial bodies in mutual orbit, each with a gravitational pull towards the other. I am always in connection, in relationship • Rabbi Margie Jacobs will lead a session on “Opening – although there are times when our mutual “orbits” are further the Heart through Jewish Contemplative Practice.” An apart and times when they are much closer and intimate. All opportunity for personal reflection and an invitation to the same, I am never completely cut off—and sometimes, even learn about and practice Jewish meditation, this is the first after many years in shadow or at great distance, I realize the program in a series at Beth El to explore possibilities for importance of drawing close again. Jewish spiritual practice. (see p. 15 for details)

At the risk of mixing my metaphors, the process of teshuvah • More than twenty members of the congregation are coming – the turning and reflection which is at the heart of the High together in preparation for singing in the High Holiday Holy Days – is a process of directing our attention, so that we ensemble. Under the direction of Rabbinic Intern Reuben become aware of where we are in relationship to the people, Zellman, the ensemble is preparing a selection of musical values and commitments we value the most. At this time of selections to sing with the congregation at the evening compassion and openness, the Jewish spiritual tradition invites services on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Max Bruch’s us to reflect on our relationship and connection with God, hauntingly beautiful Kol Nidre will be played on the cello spirituality, community, family members, friends and our own before Kol Nidre at both services. selves, asking ourselves: Where and how far we have moved? Is our present orbit taking us towards distance or closeness? Is • The second day of Rosh Hashanah is Sunday, September this the direction we indeed want to be going, and if not, what 20th. We will gather for an intimate and informal Rosh can we do to change? Hashanah morning service at 10:15; immediate past president Katherine Haynes Sanstad will deliver the derash. Sometimes this awareness and reflection leads to major changes; For those who are not inclined to attend services on the often, though, it is subtle but no less real. In one of my favorite second day, we are planning a variety of opportunities to readings from our High Holy Days mahzor (prayer book), poet extend the observance of the holiday in new and different Ellen Bass writes: “This feat is so invisible. All you can see/ is a ways, including the 5770th annual Rosh Ride (a morning bike woman going about her ordinary day,… / If victorious I will look ride with Shofar calls), a nature hike in Tilden, an afternoon exactly the same.” The Jewish invitation to pay attention and Torah study, and our monthly homeless meal. I hope that you listen, to hear what the voices and sounds that might otherwise and your family will consider joining the community at one be overlooked, is represented by the sound of the shofar. The or more of these second day of Rosh Hashanah programs. shofar’s sound is raw, unmediated and not “beautiful”—it is primal Please watch for further details. and piercing. The brokenness of its calls evokes the brokenness of the world and speaks to our own pain and disappointments. • As we have done in recent years, we will be coming At the same time, the shofar is also a sound of promise; the together for Tashlich and a picnic on the afternoon of Rosh Shofar Service concludes with anticipation of “the sounding of Hashanah day on Saturday, and offer a variety of small group the great shofar of liberation.” discussions and forums on Yom Kippur afternoon.

Historically, including at Beth El, the shofar was not sounded I look forward to greeting you and to singing, studying and on Shabbat. The prohibition is rooted not in the blowing of the celebrating with your family in this New Year. May you and shofar itself, but with the concern that we might inadvertently everyone you love be inscribed for a sweet New Year. carry the shofar from home to synagogue or otherwise violate the rules on what constitutes, according to Jewish law, tasks which L’shanah tovah tikatevu. are forbidden on Shabbat. In our liberal Jewish community, which does not consider itself obligated by the rules for Shabbat observance as taught by the halakha (Jewish law), it is Rabbi Yoel Kahn appropriate to sound the shofar on Rosh Hashanah even when it falls on Shabbat—and we will do so this year. In addition, during the month of Elul, the thirty days before Rosh Hashanah, it is from the president 3

Meet our New Executive Director, Norm Frankel You may have already had the pleasure of project that resulted in not only the meeting Norm, but you may not know some addition of a beautiful Beit Mikdash, but facts about his background that make his the deepened commitment to growth of recent appointment as Executive Director at the community. Congregation Beth El in Berkeley, California, a great match. Norm served has President of Bay Area Temple Administrators, collaborating with Norm was born to a Southern California Jewish family steeped colleagues at other Bay Area synagogues, in California Gold Rush history, with direct connections to the learning and sharing best practices while Hellman family of San Francisco and Wells Fargo fame. The Gold gaining a deeper understanding of the diversity and character of Rush may conjure an apt metaphor to frame Norm’s introduction the Bay Area Jewish community. to Congregation Beth El. Could we use a little gold rushing our way? The members of the Board, Program Council and other lay leadership who’ve met Norm are all looking forward to getting Norm has a rich background in the community from having to know him and to working with him. I am confident that filled leadership positions in Jewish youth groups and national Congregation Beth El will serve as a perfect venue for Norm to organizations in SoCal during his early years. He’s got that apply his well-honed skills and depth of experience, and as a ruach! welcoming community for Norm and his family. Please welcome Norm to Berkeley’s Congregation Beth El! Norm graduated with honors from UC Santa Cruz in 1976, having majored in Politics. Since Santa Cruz is a kindred spirit Joanne Backman with Berkeley, Norm’s college experience in the 70’s makes him President, Board of Directors a natural for our community. His academic background and penchant for placing social action among his top priorities will feel familiar to all of us. Everyone is invited!

After college graduation, Norm made aliyah. Together with his wife, Jan, he was instrumental in developing Kibbutz Gezer. SHABBAT For twenty-three years, Norm lived and worked at the Kibbutz, managing many farming responsibilities and related work. Norm became a specialist in irrigation systems and techniques; he unplugged served as animal nutritionist for a multi-million dollar feed center; he grew many different varieties of feed crops; he worked with neighboring kibbutzim and local authorities to develop a water A family-friendly service for the whole community recycling reservoir; he was involved in many building projects featuring Rabbi Kahn & songleader Josh Miller. including a dining hall and a state of the art milking parlor for 300 cows. Do you think his experience parallels ours at Beth El? Friday, September 11 6:00 Potluck Dinner • Builder of infrastructure and facilities? 7:00 Shabbat Services • Irrigation system specialist? Ice Cream Oneg will follow services. • Recycling? • Work with neighbors and local authorities? Join us for the first of our monthly Shabbat • Dining hall needs? ‘unplugged’ services where you unplug from • Milking 300 cows? your busy life and plug into spirituality, ruach and community. Services are geared to families, but Well, maybe not the cows part… everyone in the congregation is welcome to join. Potluck, according to the first letter of your In the year 2000, after his many years on the Kibbutz, Norm and LAST NAME: his wife and family returned to the Bay Area to care for their aging A-L: Salads, sides, vegetables parents. Norm became Executive Director at Peninsula Temple M-S: Main Dish Beth El in San Mateo. There he had the chance to apply varied T-Z: Fruit managerial and special skills from the kibbutz. He worked with clergy and lay leaders to create a wide range of programs that Questions? Please contact the Religious School office fostered a welcoming community and attracted new members. at: 510-848-2122 or [email protected]. At Temple Beth El, Norm supervised a sanctuary renovation 4 religious school

Celebrating the new year as a family Somehow, the new year seems to sneak up on me every year. day on Rosh Hashanah, everyone is invited to join us for the Despite the fact that Judaism has instituted ritual markers to help traditional Tashlich ceremony (symbolic casting of our sins into us prepare for the new year, I always find myself wishing that I water), followed by a dinner picnic. had done more reflection and preparation. In order to do that, I need to set aside the time deliberately and in advance, and then This year, I look forward to meeting you all and engaging in protect that time so that I don’t find myself doing another task dynamic learning with your children. I wish everyone a good instead. Its hard for me to justify allocating time to just be; and and sweet year ahead-- L’shana tovah! yet it is so important, and part of our Jewish tradition. This year, mark your calendars now so that we can celebrate the new year Debra Massey together, and bring your children along. Director of Education

All of the Beth El High Holy Day Services will offer childcare options (except for the late evening services) for children ages 2-10. Our childcare program is designed so that the children are engaged in age-appropriate activities about the holidays. We want the participants in childcare to a feeling for the holiday Religious School Calendar and understand the major themes: T’fillah (worship), T’shuvah (returning) and Tzedakah (justice). We will be running hands- SEPTEMBER 2009 on activities, sharing stories, eating snack (yes, even on Yom Religious School is starting! Kippur!) and playing games. I urge you to enroll in advance for the childcare option if you are planning on bringing your family Friday, September 11 with you to services, as we cannot guarantee spaces for anyone Shabbat Unplugged Dinner - 6:00 pm on a drop-in basis. Childcare check-in will be downstairs outside Shabbat Unplugged Service - 7:00 pm of the preschool wing, across from the Bet Classroom. Everyone at childcare will need to be both signed in and out by a parent/ Tuesday, September 15 guardian, and participants are not allowed to go back and forth 1st Day of Tuesday/Thursday program: into the sanctuary, as it is disruptive for those in services. 4:00 - 6:00 pm, snack opens at 3:15 pm, Everyone with children is invited to our music-filled Family Services 1st Day of 7th Grade program: held at 3pm on both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. These 4:00 - 7:00 pm, includes dinner services are geared to 2nd-5th graders, although children of all ages are welcome. We will be incorporating prayer, stories, song Wednesday, September 16 and reflection into our hour-long worship together. Songleader 1st Day of Wednesday K/1st Grade: Josh Miller and Rabbi Yoel Kahn will lead our Family Service- 2:30 - 4:00 pm, don’t miss out on this fabulous family worship opportunity. Parent/Child Hebrew - 5:00 pm For families with younger children, I invite you to our Tot Services, at 11:45 am both on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Friday & Saturday - September 18 & 19 These services will be led by songleader Dana Zell and myself. Rosh Hashanah 1st Day - Tot services help to convey to our youngest worshipers the see High Holy Days Schedule for details unique flavor of the holiday and the joy of gathering together as a community. Sunday, September 20 Rosh Hashanah 2nd Day - In addition to these various worship opportunities, we have see High Holy Days Schedule for details planned activities around the holiday to help us celebrate as a community. On Rosh Hashanah, there will be a family walk, leaving the synagogue at 11:00 am. Together we will stroll Saturday, September 26 around the neighborhood, reflect on the past year and share our 1st Day of Chug Mishpacha hopes for the year to come. The Family Walk is open to anyone, (Shabbat Family School): 9:15 - 11:45 am as long as you have comfortable shoes for walking! Later in the Sunday & Monday, September 27 & 28 Yom Kippur - see High Holy Days Schedule for details camp kee tov 5

camp kee tov YOUTH GROUPS

Simply put, being director of Camp Kee Tov has Beth El Youth Groups are gearing up for an outstanding year! been the best job I’ve ever had the privilege Saturday, August 29th we had our first 9th-12th grade event of holding. Thank you for the wonderful with 22 participants. We elected Milo Dubinsky as president and opportunity. Being the director of such a Noah Goldstein as vice president. We are still looking for three great camp was a humbling and immensely more people to join the board and to plan out this year. Please rewarding experience. As I transition away contact me if you are interested! Events we are planning include from being the director and into the life of a Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in Golden Gate Park, a camping trip, a full time student and part time worker, I know that Kee Tov is in ski trip, and much more. good hands and that the core of what makes Kee Tov great will remain. Kee Tov is bigger than any director and my guess is that Sababa, our 6th-8th grade youth group is looking forward to a if you asked any former director they would say the same thing. year of opportunity to have fun and help our community! Our Next year’s staff will have just as much ruach, imagination and board members are coming up with fantastic programming ideas compassion as the previous forty years have! like the Sukkot Welcome Party, Chanukah Tzedakah program, and an overnight. This is not a good bye. While I may not be director of Kee Tov any more and not working at Beth El every day, I am not Ruach!, our 4th-5th grade group has a lot of fun programs to leaving Beth El, just transitioning my role. I am looking forward look forward to as they return to Beth El after great summers. to working with the 7th grade Bar/Bat Mitvah class and helping We have the Secret Sukkah adventure coming up soon! And keep them to understand what becoming a B’nei Mitzvah means in a your eyes out for more information about the URJ youth retreat modern world. I’m also really looking forward to being a member for 4th-8th graders at Camp Newman November 13th-15th. of Beth El and going to services and having time to really explore all Beth El has to offer. Thank you for a great three years! Here are some other upcoming events:

Adam Ganes Beth El Temple Youth - 9th-12th grades Camp Kee Tov Director Monday, September 28 Yom Kippur Teen Teshuvah - 2:30 pm at Beth El Saturday, October 24 NFTY-CWR Leadership Training, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Thank you Adam Ganes in Sacramento Sababa - 6th-8th grades

for your hard work Monday, September 28 Yom Kippur Teen Teshuvah - 2:30pm at Beth El Sunday, October 4th and dedication to Welcome Party in the Sukkah - 1:00 pm After we will celebrate together in the Sukkah to kick-off our year!

Camp Kee Tov, once Ruach! – 4th-5th grades Sunday, October 4th again voted the East Secret Sukkah Adventure - 11:00 am We will meet up at Beth El, and then wander through the wilderness of Berkeley to find friends and food in the secret Bay’s Best Day Camp! Sukkahs of the East Bay. We can’t wait to see you there!

Rebecca DePalma Youth Group Advisor 6 ritual committee

All About our torah scrolls

Did you know that Beth El owns five Torah scrolls and one Megillat Unfortunately, someone (probably before we owned it) sprayed Esther (Scroll of Esther)? Aside from being precious religious a preservative on about half a dozen panels at the end of artifacts which we use regularly, the Ritual Committee’s major Deuteronomy on the scroll. According to Rabbi Druin, this has objective during this past year was to attend to these and the “killed” the parchment as it prevents it from breathing. It is a other religious objects that we rely upon. We’ve focused upon mistreatment of the scroll and is not halachic, but it does not the cleaning, improvement and maintenance of our siddurim affect the kosher status of the scroll and should be left as is. (prayer books), tallitot, kippot, sifrei Torah (Torah Scrolls) and However, it has turned the end of the scroll almost mustard the megillah, among our other ritual objects. yellow, which is a bit shocking to see.

Thanks to private donations from Rich and Christine Aptaker, The last two scrolls are both Czechoslavakian scrolls and are on Gale Antokol and Neil Gozan, Albert Magid, Dan and Robinn permanent loan to Beth El from the Czech Scroll Trust in London. Magid, and Aaron Magid (in honor his becoming a bar mitzvah), They are Holocaust survivors. They are both in the arc now, the Ritual Committee sponsored the assessment and began on the upper shelf. Neither of these scrolls is kosher presently, repairs on our synagogue’s scrolls. We would like to share what but the sofer gave us estimates on what it would take to kasher we learned with the congregation, and hope you’ll be aware of them, and we hope to do it when we get our mortgage finances these treasures as you view them again during the High Holy in order. These scrolls are really interesting and beautiful, and Day period. They’re a little bit more ready to be of service to the sofer suggested we take some photos of the interesting parts us all. and display them in the sanctuary. They have seen and survived much and we can learn much from them! The Czech scrolls come Rabbi Moshe Druin from “Sofer on Site” in Florida came to assess from a Kabbalistic tradition which means they contain flourishes and work on our scrolls. Not only was Rabbi Druin technically and embellishments that allow the scrolls to be generally dated outstanding as a Torah scribe, he was a pleasure to meet and as the Kabbalistic style changed and faded away. listen to. We hope to have Rabbi Druin visit us again within the year to teach us more about caring and handling our Sefrei The taller scroll, from a town called Tabor, is about 200 years Torah (Torah Scrolls) and hopefully to perform more repairs as old. It is incredibly light which turns out to be a characteristic of we attempt to bring all our sacred scrolls to a “kosher” (“fit”) the scrolls from that region. The sofer stitched and glued it here state. To top it all off, Rabbi Druin is an outstanding storyteller and there, performing some minor repairs, so it is now stable and relates very well to children (which is important since he has and we can parade with it once again. This scroll came to us TEN children of his own!! Oy gevalt!). We are very grateful to through the efforts of Rabbi Leo Abrami in the early 1970’s when Rabbi Druin for the following information which we would like all he served as Beth El’s rabbi. congregants to know and be proud of. The shortest (height-wise!) scroll we have is from a town called Two of our Torah scrolls have been with the congregation from “Kladno” which is near the city that Emmie and George Vida (z’’l) just about its beginning, but the details are not known. These were from in Czechoslavakia. Many congregants think of this as are German scrolls, each over 100 years old. One of them (now “Emmie’s Scroll” since she and Rabbi George worked to bring in the Beit Midrash) has been pieced together from at least this scroll to the congregation. The Kladno scroll is written on a four other scrolls as it has at least four different handwritings silver-colored parchment. We learned from the scribe that this in it. In a sense it’s a “recycled” scroll. These scrolls are not of silver color is a natural scroll color and means that the parchment particularly high quality, but they are clear and easy to read. was not “glazed”. Although we’re not used to seeing it, Rabbi Druin says that more scrolls are silver than manilla in the world! Meanwhile, we also own a scroll we call the “Plishner Scroll”, which was donated in memory of Aaron David Plishner z’’l by his Based upon some mystical decorations on the Kladno scroll, family when the young congregant died. This is our newest scroll including a “Peh” with a spiral in it, the sofer dated the scroll at over and required the least amount of work to return to a kosher 250 years old! It is also in pretty good shape and can be rekashered state, so we were able to have it done. It is now the scroll we when we are able to carry out a fundraising campaign around it. are reading from regularly because it is now the only kosher scroll we have. It’s rather heavy to carry though! (continued on page 11) member corner 7

It’s my honor to serve as Vice President of Membership of Congregation Beth El. My B’NAI MITZVAH predecessor, Romy Douglass, has done a wonderful job for the past two years and has been a great mentor as I attempt to learn the ropes. Thank you from all of us, The congregation is cordially invited to Romy, for your warm welcome and smiling attend as my son, Shane Schiff is called face at services and synagogue events, to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on and for the enormous time, energy and Saturday, September 5, 2009, at caring you poured into everything you did. 10:15am. Kiddush will follow. Carra Schiff I agreed to take on the role of Membership VP because I love this congregation. My husband Marc and I joined Beth El a little over 20 years ago to send our sons to Religious School. I participated in none of their class activities and rarely came to synagogue, having not yet recovered from my suburban NJ “who’s-wearing-what-to-shul” upbringing. When I did come (for The congregation is cordially invited to the High Holidays, what else?) I knew and spoke to almost no attend as our daughter, Hannah Lehman one. Then, a dozen years ago, I lost my job and its built-in social is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah structure and needed a new place to fit in. A casual conversation on Saturday, September 12, 2009, with one of the few Beth El members I knew turned into 3 years at 10:15am. Kiddush will follow. of leading Sisterhood/Women of . My willingness Steve & Caroline Lehman to jump into the Beth El community with both feet completely changed my experience. I’ve worked hard and the rewards have been many – support in hard times, friends who are like family, a place that feels like my Jewish home. The congregation is cordially invited to This is a (very) long-winded way of encouraging your attend as our daughter, Olivia Lee is engagement in some aspect of synagogue life, as a participant called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on in services and educational programs, or as a volunteer. It’s also Saturday, October 3, 2009, an acknowledgement of how difficult it can feel to take those at 10:15am. Kiddush will follow. first steps, which is why the Membership Committee, along with William Lee & Amy Resner the Board, staff, and clergy, is focusing on ways to make it more comfortable.

We’re formalizing a mentoring/buddy system to help integrate new members, and anyone who feels like a new member, regardless of how long you’ve been at Beth El, into the fabric The congregation is cordially invited to of our community. If you would like to partner with a mentor/ attend as our daughter, Simona Ruzer is buddy, please e-mail me at membership@bethelberkeley. called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on org or call me at 510.527.3779. If you’re willing to be a Saturday, October 17, 2009, mentor, please contact Debbie Leon, Volunteer Coordinator at at 10:15am. Kiddush will follow. [email protected]. Sasha Mosalov & Genia Ruzer

Debbie, the energy behind the “Ruach Brigade”, is working with the Program Council to make sure that every event in which volunteers participate becomes an easy way to make new friends. So if you’ve volunteered before and not made those connections, please try again. You might also want to join a The congregation is cordially invited to Chavurah, (friendship circle), where members can get to know attend as our daughter, Olivia Levine- each other in social settings outside of shul. Gorelick is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, October 24, 2009, Your suggestions for enhancing your own, or others’, membership at 10:15am. Kiddush will follow. experience through increased involvement in our community are Lynn Gorelick & Jason Lewis always welcome. You can email me or call me, but better yet, I’ll see you at synagogue.

With all the best for a shana tova – Nancy Turak Membership Chair 8 ruach brigade

Every year, as Rosh Hashanah approaches, I find myself thinking about my Jewish identity and how I’d like to see it develop in the year to come. And when I think about Beth El, I’m repeatedly struck by our extraordinary membership - this outstanding SAve THe DAte group of intelligent, decent, interesting people that make up — 2010 — our congregational family. In many ways, I’ve deepened my personal connection to Beth El during this past year, and I’m BETH EL gALA thrilled to be a part of this incredible community.

During the coming year, I’d like to help other members find ways to deepen their connection to this community as well. There are so many opportunities to become more involved at Beth El. Here are just a few: B

- Do you like to cook? schmooze? The new Pantry Chug gets together on some Sunday mornings to bake delectable A dazzling evening treats to stock in Beth El’s freezer for onegs, Yom Kippur break-the-fast and other events. Want to join us?

- Oneg “maven” - can you help arrange or serve food at Saturday Nite onegs or other special events? January 16 - We’re starting a mentor/buddy system to help newer members get more comfortable at Beth El - would you like 7-10pm to be a mentor? a buddy? bistro dining - dancing! - Got a green thumb? want to help take care of our beautiful Live & silent auctions! gardens? MARK YOUR CALENDARS - Mitzvah volunteer -- we need people to help shop, deliver a meal, do one-time errands etc. for congregants who are bereaved, ill or temporarily disabled. Can you help? — DONATE TO THE GALa Auction — - Are you outgoing? do you like to meet new people? we need welcome ambassadors who can greet newcomers and/ Members and friends interested in donating items to or lead tours for prospective and new members our live or silent auction, please contact Leyna Bernstein at [email protected]

- Jew-by-choice mentor - are you interested in serving as a mentor to someone who’s converting to Judaism?

These are only a few of the ways you can become more involved WELCOME TO OUR with the Beth El community. If you’re interested in any of these opportunities for involvement, want to know about other ways NEW MEMBERS: to get connected, are interested in doing something different or have questions about our programs, please e-mail me at ruach@ Arella Barlev bethelberkeley.org -- I’d love to hear from you! Karen Buttwinick & David Greensfelder And a giant todah rabah to all of you who’ve returned the yellow Ruach Brigade form that was sent out with the High Holiday Alison Fisher & Matt Oshry ticket mailing. If you haven’t already returned your form, please send it in - I’d love to help find ways for you to further your Jonathan Miller & Tamar Kurlaender connection to Beth El in the coming year! If you need a form, there are usually extras on the flyer table in the gallery, or email Todd & Diane Perlman me and I’m happy to send you one. Sheryl & Alan Resnik L’hitraot - Suzanne & Bob Samuels Debbie Leon Ruach Brigade Chair Anna Walker adult education 9

Vetaher Libeynu: Opening the Heart through Introduction to the Jewish Experience Jewish Contemplative Practice with Rabbi Margie In cooperation with Temple Sinai of Oakland and Jacobs Lehrhaus Judaica, Beth El sponsors a year-long The High Holidays season is an oppor tunity for Introduction to Judaism class. This series is open to transformation. The promise of these days is everyone, whether you are just learning about Judaism, that we can improve our relationships, make seeking an adult level survey of core Jewish ideas and a difference in the world, and live a more practices or considering conversion. Rabbi Ruth Adar is whole life. The process of teshuvah begins teaching the class this year and students can begin at with an accounting of the soul - a courageous any of the three sections. You may register at and compassionate assessment of where we www.lehrhausjudaica.org. Tuition assistance is available. are and where we want to be. Join us for an evening of Jewish meditation (no experience This three-part course will equip students to engage with necessary - instruction will be provided), study and Jewish life and Jewish institutions. The course will follow reflection. Through silence and introspection, we the course of the Jewish year, preparing students for the will enhance our ability to honestly and clearly holidays shortly before they occur. Students will explore examine our lives and our hearts as we set our not only intellectually but experientially: we will visit Jewish intentions for the New Year. institutions, study with panels of local rabbis, and have many opportunities to experience Jewish life in the East This is the first program in a new series at Beth El Bay first hand. offering opportunities to learn and practice Jewish contemplation with Rabbi Margie Jacobs. Rabbi Part I: God & Jewish Lifecycle Margie Jacobs has served as Bay Area regional Jews express our faith more by “doing” than by director of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality and “believing.” Jewish lifecycle celebrations and rituals rabbi of Temple Beth Hillel in Richmond. She has express the relationship of the Jew to the world, and studied and taught meditation for over ten years. Jewish understandings of the Holy. This course will explore Jewish concepts of God and the world as they Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2009 are expressed through the experiences of Jewish Time: 7:15 - 9:00 pm at Beth El lifecycle events. This evening is free and open to all. Dates: Wednesdays, Oct. 14 to Dec. 9 Time: 7:30 pm at Beth El

An Evening with Rabbi Leo Abrami Part II: Torah, Memory, and History Rabbi Leo Abrami, Beth El’s rabbi from 1971-1976, will As the Jews travel through history, we have recorded read from and discuss his two recent autobiographical our experiences in various texts: Bible, Midrash, Mishnah, books, “Evading the Nazis, the Story of a Hidden Child Talmud, Codes, and Responsa literature, and the Prayer in Normandy” and “The Adventures of Rabbi Arieh, a Book, which Jacob Petuchowski, a scholar of Jewish Destined Mission Around the World.” As a Jewish boy liturgy, has described as “the diary of the Jewish people.” in France during World War II, Leo Abrami evaded Nazi This course will begin with an overview of Jewish history, persecution when his mother sent him to live in Normandy followed by an examination of how those texts illuminate disguised as a Catholic boy. After the war, he went on to Jewish life in the past, as well as in the present day. The become a rabbi, serving synagogues and communities class will culminate in a study of the Haggadah, the from Berkeley to South Africa to Guatemela. In addition “script” of the seder, and a model seder. to reflecting on his diverse experiences and unique Dates: Begins Jan. 6, 2010 perspective on Judaism, Rabbi Abrami will offer a “flash Time: TBA at Temple Sinai in Oakland back” on Beth El and Berkeley’s Jewish community during the period of his service. An engaging speaker and Part III: The People Israel compelling writer, please join us for what will surely be Who is a Jew? Who are the Jews? We will explore these a memorable evening of conversation, inspiration and questions by looking at Jewish life from many different ideas. angles: kashrut, Israel, the Movements of Judaism (Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, Reconstructionism, Date: Thursday, September 10, 2009 Renewal), Jewish institutions, and the relationship of Time: 7:30 pm at Beth El Judaism and its sister religions, Christianity and Islam. This program is free and open to the community. Dates: Begins March 17, 2010 Time: TBA at Temple Sinai in Oakland

Tuition: all three 8 week sessions - $240; $195/members each individual 8 wk session - $95; $80/members 10 library

New Books in the Library

Vida and Plishner Fund donations enable us to get new books. A writers are Aryeh Cohen, Naomi Seidman, Elliot Dorff, Judith spate of new children’s books has come in. Here are some new Baskin, and Jay Michaelson. They are from three continents and adult books: represent Reform, Orthodox, Reconstructionist, and Conservative movements. You Never Call! You Never Write! A History of the Jewish Mother, by Joyce Antler of Brandeis, a Jewish mother herself, traces the Scott Spear odyssey of this compelling personality through the decades of Library Chair American culture, as a unique lens with which to examine vital concerns of American Jews through our history.

Hovering at a Low Altitude: The collected Poetry of Dahlia Ravikovitch, is translated from the Hebrew by Chana Bloch and Chana Kronfeld, who gave a wonderful reading of poems by this great Israeli poet here at Beth El in May. Stanley Kunitz calls this poetry “unutterably poignant.” The mass migration of Eastern European Jews to America Challenge yourself. took place at the same time as the opening of the coalfields of Appalachia, and these two events come together in Coalfield Discover your values. Jews: An Applachian History, by Weiner, telling the history, up to the present day, of the Jewish communities in Imagine your future. Appalachia. In 1900, the populations of towns such as Keystone, West Virginia were more than 10% Jewish. Shtetl Jews did not Jewish Community High School all stay in New York. OPEN HOUSE November 8 and December 6 • 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. The Murmuring Deep: Reflections on the Biblical Unconscious, by RSVP at 415.345.9777 x124 Avivah Zornberg, who also spoke at Beth El in May, is a collection of her essays on Genesis and Exodus and other biblical texts. Jewish Community High School of the Bay 1835 Ellis Street, San Francisco | www.jchsofthebay.org While the flyleaf gives the impression these are informed by psychoanalysis, their range is much wider in scope, from ancient midrash to modern literature and philosophy.

Atlantic Diasporas: Jews, Conversos, and Crypto-Jews in the Age of Mercantilism, ed. by Kagan and Morgan, of Johns Hopkins University, narrates the roles played by Jews in building and settling the Atlantic world of North and South America.

The Jews of Boston, ed. by Sarna, Smith, and Kosofsky, a revised and updated edition, gives the history of Bostonian Jewry for a period of over 350 years, since Solomon Franco came there in 1649. The book is well illustrated, with many rare photos.

Orthodox Jews in America, by Jeffery Gurock, of Yeshiva University, explores tensions and reactions within Orthodox Jewry over a similar 350 years, up to the present-day intra- Orthodox struggle over the relationship of feminism to “traditional faith.” Professor Gurock has researched this history for decades and reflects deeply upon the nuances of the development of Orthodox American Judaism. One can read here of how close some Orthodox women are to being ordained rabbis––and how far away.

The Passionate Torah: Sex and Judaism, ed. by Danya Ruttenberg, is a collection of 18 essays by noted Jewish writers, on different aspects of sex in Judaism, from ancient to modern. Among the gift shop 11

From the Gift Shop

It may seem premature to be writing about Sukkot before the high holidays, but this is the period when we place our order for lulav and etrog sets from Israel. We only stock the number we take orders for, so to avoid disappointment, please order your set soon by sending a check for $50.00 to Beth El Gift Shop along with your order. The sets are shipped by air and arrive by erev Sukkot.

* Shofars have almost doubled in price in the last two years however, we have obtained some at more reasonable prices. We have them in three sizes, including the twisted Yemenite model above.

* The tradition of sending greeting cards for Rosh Hashanah is still alive and well despite the electronic pandemic. We have many to choose from in the tasteful Papyrus tradition.

* Is it time to check your tallit to see if it needs cleaning or repairs? If a replacement is in order, visit the Gift Shop for a beautiful selection of men and women’s models. We also have tallit bags and kippot in many styles.

* Did you know that we carry holy books? Some of the titles: The Torah by Rabbi Gunther Plaut, The Torah, A Women’s Commentary by Tamara Cohn Eskenazi and , the Stone edition of the Tanach, the Jewish Publication Society edition of Hebrew-English Tanach, The Jewish Holidays by Michael Strassfeld, and many others.

* Our colorful candles from Sfat continue to be best sellers. They are particularly popular for hostess gifts.

Visit the Gift Shop for ritual objects or gifts of all types. We are open during business hours (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) Monday through Friday. Our friendly staff in the reception area can help you if one of the volunteers is not present. For information or special requests, please call Odette at 526-4917.

Hope to see you at the Gift Shop soon. Odette and Robinn

Odette Blachman - [email protected]

Torah Scrolls (continued from page 6) You’ll notice it in the ark because it is so small. This scroll used The Ritual Committee should be very proud of its work this to be in the case on the wall, but is best honored by keeping it in year, and as chair, I’d like to thank everyone connected with the the ark “dressed” in finery, so we have moved it. committee. . . the people who have participated in ritual tasks at Beth El are, of course, too numerous to mention, but please Finally, we had the scribe assess our Megillah which now also know that by attending to the sacred scrolls in our community, resides in the ark where the scribe informed us is the proper we attempt to honor you and thank you for your role in creating place to keep it. Turns out that our Megillah is also from a Holy Community (Kehilla Kedosha) at Beth El. In the coming Czechoslovakia and is 250 years old!! Who knew? Again, year, the Ritual Committee will take on the idea of “Remembering” the scribe can tell this from the flourishes on the scroll. The and will focus on the Yizkor and Yahrzeit functions around Beth beginning panel and end panels were replaced over 100 years El. L’shana tovah and much strength to us all! ago. It requires some restoration work to make it kosher again, which the Ritual Committee hopes will soon be funded by one Robinn Magid of our b’nai mitzvah classes. We’ll see if they like the idea when Ritual Committee Chair we come asking! 12 social action

At Oakland Hebrew involved at Beth El Day School our focus BE is on the needs of the Social Action Committee whole child, fostering a let Justice roll down like waters, and love of learning and a righteousness like an ever-flowing stream strong sense of Jewish identity. We had a spirited meting in July, reviewed our ongoing projects- notably the Homeless Meal (which has taken on an independent Preschool Family Sukkah Celebration life of its own!) and our support for YEA, a homeless shelter for Wednesday, October 7th youth in the underserved age group 18-24 - and discussed ideas 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. for programs for the coming year. Kindergarten Information Night Tuesday, December 8th One of those ideas we are implementing now as we plan for an 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Immigration Teach-In to be part of our Sukkot celebration on Kindergarten Information Night October 7. How better to commemorate our years of wandering Thursday, January 7th in the desert than to appreciate the need for other wanderers 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. to find protection. The program will include an historical survey of our immigration policies by a professor in the field, a presentation by Mark Silverman, staff attorney with Immigrant Legal Resource Center, of optiions for reform, and testimony from recent immigrants in our own Berkeley community.

There are other programs we’d love to be involved with including working with American Jewish World Service to heighten 5500 Redwood Road, Oakland CA awareness of the war in the Congo and its particularly devastating A Home. Promise. A School. (510) 531-8600 • www.ohds.org impact on women and children and supporting Lower Nine, a project to help rebuild homes in New Orleans. But we can’t do this without your participation.

Our next meeting will be September 9 at 7:30 pm in the Library. We welcome you to join us. Bring your ideas and concerns (and cookies) and let’s keep working for social justice a front-and- center priority at Beth El. Contact: Wilma Rader at 510-527-3048 or [email protected].

Wilma Rader Social Action Co-Chair

Heading off to college? Changing your college address this year?

Please help us keep in touch with Beth El college students by sending us your college addresses and emails. You will receive communication/packages from Beth El throughout the year! Please e-mail college addresses to: [email protected]. homeless meal 13

NOT BY BREAD ALONE

As many of you are aware, Beth El has proudly been providing a support public policy efforts that address homelessness monthly hot meal to the hungry of our community for more than and the needs of the underserved in the local community. 21 years. What was conceived of as a temporary “band-aid” has become, for good or for ill, a vital component of Berkeley’s The target populations and the guiding principles of social justice social safety net. Aside from providing a basic nutritious menu, seemed a good match for expanding our monthly meal program. that fluctuates only slightly during Passover or to accommodate After contacting the professor in charge of the JMP at the School, unique donations of test products from Alice Medrich’s commercial I was put in touch with the medical student who coordinated kitchen or members’ backyard produce, over the years we have the student volunteers. The Suitcase Clinic runs under the supplemented the services that we have tried to provide our auspices of Lifelong Medical Care, which operates the Over 60’s guests. Clinic, the West Berkeley Neighborhood Health Center and other programs. After several months of trying to get assurances that On various occasions, we have had our students decorate gift volunteer licensed physicians who would be required to supervise bags at Chanukah or at Valentine’s Day, and filled them with the medical students would be able to have their malpractice socks, combs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, gloves, hats, etc. We insurance covered by Lifelong (after a credentialing process), we have also distributed Oakland A’s stadium blankets and other started to organize our maiden effort in May. Dr. Ralph Bernstein gear. Several years ago, we began collecting used clothing, of Beth El was our first physician volunteer. Things went pretty blankets and toiletries that are distributed at each meal--thanks well for a first-time effort and we learned a lot about what to those of you who have so generously remembered to donate. else we would need to make the Clinic even more successful. Last year, we had a law-student-run clinic that was open to our We spent June buying more supplies and medical equipment guests. (which we were able to do because of the generosity of Beth El members’ donations to our Homeless Dinner Fund) and were Many of our dinner regulars arrive at our site many hours before ready to go again in July. Dr. Andrew Lipton, a former fellow we begin to distribute numbered tickets (3 PM) and well before we under Dr. Bernstein, supervised the medical students and the begin serving dinner (5 PM). While staring out the social hall glass SPH volunteer clerk. Dr. RoseEllen Morrell, of Beth El, brought doors one Sunday, a question about how to make that waiting time in screens to make more private space in the Chapel, where more useful arose. As an alumna of the UC Berkeley School of we hold the Clinic, and also to provide more professional back- Public Health, I had been reading for several years about a project up. While the Clinic provides some basic services, it also offers that the joint UCB/UCSF Medical Sciences Program students had referrals for follow-up care. It is purely voluntary on the part of started—the Suitcase Clinic. This is a description from its website: our guests as to whether they want to be seen—and in July, we were able to accommodate everyone who requested service. The Suitcase Clinic is a student and volunteer run organization founded by students from the UCB-UCSF Joint Medical Program A request was sent out to Beth El members who were identified (JMP) and UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health out of a desire as physicians in our (incomplete) database, seeking volunteers to address the unmet needs of the city of Berkeley’s homeless for future months. We have several who responded almost and low-income population. Structured around the principles of immediately and are undergoing the credentialing process with public health, social welfare, community activism and empathy, Lifelong. We also asked Lifelong if they had a similar process the Suitcase Clinic currently operates three weekly multi-service for credentialing other health professional volunteers, as there drop-in centers in the city Berkeley: the General Clinic, the have already been inquiries. We are working on that as well. Women’s Clinic and the Youth Clinic. In addition to providing Physician volunteers do not have to be Beth El members—so services, the Suitcase Clinic strives to educate students, promote please pass this on to doctor friends you think might be health care access, engage in community organization, and interested in participating. Please have them contact me at [email protected] The Builder If you have never participated in the rest of the jobs necessary to put on the monthly Homeless Dinner (Mitzvah Meal), please Issue No. 117 sign up on the Beth El website. It has always been a sterling community service and it’s even better now. Congregation Beth El is a member of The Adele R. Amodeo, MPH 1301 Oxford Street, Berkeley CA 94709-1424 Homeless Meal Coordinator 510-848-3988 www.bethelberkeley.org 14 tzedakah

Tzedakah ADULT EDUCATION FUND ONEG/KIDDUSH FUND Arjmand Family in memory of Isaac Pirnazar Alisa Einwohner

DAVID SOL COTTON MEMORIAL SWIG FUND RABBI YOEL KAHN’S DISCRETIONARY FUND Alfred & Anita Cotton in memory of their son David Sol Eva Hess Barbara Fierer & Bob Brandfon in memory of Cecile GARDEN LANDSCAPING FUND Welken McCann, mother of Cecile Isaacs Phyllis Zisman in memory of Zvi Maler Clif Erickson & Ellie Goldstein-Erickson in honor of Rabbi Kahn GENERAL FUND David Altschul in memory of his father, Kurt Artschul Tel Shalom Burial Association Steven & Joan Ominksy in honor of Lily Ominsky’s naming Aleksandr Shirman in memory of his wife, Bella Shirman Catherine Tzur in honor of the marriage of Judith Joshel SOCIAL ACTION FUND and Burt Rudman Leigh Marymor Jack Gipsman & Judy Davidoff in memory of Zvi Maler Vivian Clatyon in honor of the yahrzeit of her father, Jerry Weintraub in memory of Zvi Maler Simon Clayton Jerry Weintraub in memory of Anna Borchevskaya Karen & Joel Zeldin in honor of the yahrzeit of Karen’s father, Isadore Dash Miriam Rabinovitz in memory of her father, William Rabinovitz Miriam Rabinovitz in honor of the Magid Family for their warmth and all they do for Beth El Sylvia Simon in memory of her husband, Maurice Thomas Schatzki in memory of his wife, Lillian Schatzki “To Many a Cemetery is a Business. . . HOMELESS MEAL PROGRAM To Us, It’s a Mitzvah” Jerry Weintraub Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Pauline & Peter Hale in honor of the yahrzeit of Mark Hale

MARIAN MAGID FUND Tel Shalom Burial Association, Inc. Scott & Ruth Spear in honor of the marriage of Juliet Spear Honoring and Respecting the Deceased and Peter Gardner Steven & Joan Ominksy in honor Lily Ominsky’s naming Since 1967

MUSIC FUND Brian & Wendy Lukas Bruce & Susan Carter in honor of David Wallach being “Kevod Ha-Meit” - Honoring the Deceased called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah and in honor of Sharon Mittleman • 510-245-7401 David’s parents Andrew & Nancy Richard Aptaker • 510-236-4857 Fran Welstand • 510-758-2873 midrasha 15

THE NEW YEAR BEGINS! TORAH STUDY It’s time to begin all over again and what a Meets Shabbat Morning (Saturday) year this is going to be. Midrasha in Berkeley’s Sunday classes begin on September 13 at in the Beit Midrash at 9:15am Beth El from 9:30 am-12:30 pm. Besides core classes (Ethics for 8th graders, Jewish Identity for 9th graders, Israel for 10th September 5, 2009 graders and The American Jewish Experience for 11th and 12th Parashat Ki Tavo graders), we have a wide range of electives including two levels Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8 of conversational Hebrew with Maia Wolins and Greg Newmark and Talmud with Muni Schweig. Day Schildkret will teach one Led by Jeff Brand class that looks at Jewish history by studying Broadway musicals and another class in Jewish meditation. Noemi Hollander will September 12, 2009 teach a class looking at Rastafarian musical traditions and the Parashat Nitzavim-Vayeilech Bible and one looking at Jewish themes in children’s books by Deuteronomy 29:9-31:30 Steig and Sendak. Anna Martin will look at (and cook food from) Led by Dan Magid Jewish cultures around the world and also teach a class on Jewish women’s history and literature. Bunny Pearlman will do an oil painting class on visions, dreams and stories from the Biblical September 26, 2009 prophets, a class on drawing and meditation using Kabbalah and Shabbat Shuvah mystic traditions, and a class on portraying Jewish life through Deuteronomy 32:1-32:52 mosaics. Greg Newmark will teach a class in Mussar - concrete Led by Lloyd Morgan steps for living the good life, and also teach a class in Genesis using Rashi’s wisdom. Roni Alperin’s students will look at the Bible by creating improv and theater games. Sacha Kopin will October 3, 2009 teach comparative religion and in another class, “The Ethics of Sukkot Wizardry,” will look at Harry Potter. “Erica Crowell Altobelli will Led by Laurie Swaidon teach a class about the elderly and take students several times to the Jewish Home in San Francisco to do activities with the October 10, 2009 seniors. Devra Aarons will teach one class in Biblical characters, Simchat Torah particularly the women and another on yoga, Torah and body issues. Maia Wolins will teach about ethics and the Holocaust. Led by Rabbi Yoel Kahn And don’t forget our wonderful Abraham’s Vision- Unity Program where Jewish and Muslim 10-12th graders come together to October 17, 2009 learn about each other’s cultures and transform conflict. And Parashat Bereshit this is all on Sunday mornings. In addition we have a Monday Genesis 1:1-6:8 afternoon text class with David Henkin, which meets at Beth Led by Marc Davis Israel beginning September 14th. The surprise theme of the class (which gets followed through various books in the Tanach) will be revealed on the first day of class. October 24, 2009 Parashat Noach If anyone wants to read about these classes in more detail, or Genesis 6:9-11:32 about Midrasha in general, go to our website, www.midrasha. Led by Neil Levy org. If you have not yet received registration materials in the mail, you can download them from our website as well. And hopefully by the time you read this the parent handbook will October 31, 2009 be up on the web too, so check it out. And one more thing, Parashat Lech-Lecha Midrasha now accepts cars for tax donations. If you have a Genesis 12:1-17:27 clunker (or even a car that isn’t a clunker that you want to part Led by Bruce Carter with), call the Midrasha office, 843-4667.

Diane Bernbaum Director 16

t is a Jewish tradition to give Tzedakah to commemorate life cycle events and other occasions. Are you celebrating a birthday, engagement, anniversary, baby naming, Bat/Bar Mitzvah or a recovery from illness? These are just a Ifew ideas of appropriate times to commemorate with a donation to Beth El. These tax-deductible donations are greatly appreciated and are a vital financial supplement to support the wonderful variety of programs and activities that we offer at Congregation Beth El. Thank you for your support.

CONGREGATION BETH EL Fund Contributions This contribution of $______is □ in Memory of* □ in Honor of* *

Please credit the fund checked below:

Contribution Acknowledge

From: To:

Address Address

□ General Fund - Use Where Most Needed □ Marian Magid Memorial Fund □ Aaron Plishner Children Library □ Men’s Club □ Adult Education Fund □ Mitzvah Committee □ Arjmand Memorial Fund □ Music Fund □ Blachman Emergency Fund □ Nursery School Fund □ Building Fund □ Oneg/Kiddush Fund □ Camp Kee Tov Scholarships □ Outreach Fund □ Chevra Kadisha □ Prayerbook Fund □ David Cotton Memorial Swig Fund □ Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund □ Ellen Meyer Childcare Fund □ Rabbi Emeritus’ Discretionary Fund □ Endowment Fund □ Rabbi Vida Library Fund □ Freed Flower Fund □ Religious School Fund □ Homeless Meal Program □ Ruth Fischer Trustees Discretionary Fund □ Humanitarian Aid Fund □ Social Action Fund

□ Israel Scholarship Fund □ YOZMA Fund – Israel Sister Congregation □ Landscape Fund □ ______

Thank you for your generosity. Please make checks payable to Congregation Beth El and mail to 1301 Oxford Street, Berkeley, CA 94709

The Builder is now electronic! YES! I/We would like to continue to receive the Members will be able to view and download their Builder from the Builder in the mail. e-update and website. Print copies will be available for pick up at Beth El or upon request. To request your copy of the Builder Name: ______be mailed to you, please complete the form below and mail to:

Congregation Beth El - Builder Mail Request 1301 Oxford Street - Berkeley, CA 94709 Address: ______

You may also respond by emailing [email protected] with “Please send my Builder by mail” in the Subject line or City, State, Zip: ______calling the Beth El main office at 510.848.3988. 17

“Complete the Sanctuary” Evening with We gratefully acknowledge these Rabbi Yosef recent donors to the campaign:

Clif Erickson & Ellie Goldstein-Erickson Leibowitz David Rothenberg & Lorraine Sandoval Saturday, September 5 6:00 pm at Beth El Dorothy Golner Rabbi Yosef Leibowitz, director of the Yad Yaakov Fund, Edwin Richard will again be visiting Berkeley over Labor Day weekend. Rabbi Leibowitz is an extraordinary Torah scholar and Ellen Evangeliste & Sara Sarasohn teacher.

His presentation at Congregation Beth El will be at 6:00 Helise Cohn & Neil Gray pm. and will concern moving from Mt. Sinai to the Land Joanna Moss & Robert Sonderegger of Israel. A Havdalah service will follow. On Shabbat he will also be talking at Congregation Beth Marcel & Margrit Schurman Israel and Congregation Netivot Shalom. His theme for the day will be Coming in Unto the Land. Mayer & Linda Riff He will give the drash at Beth Israel at approximately Ralph & Gail Bernstein 11:00 am and will discuss the bringing of the first fruit. After Kiddish at Netivot Shalom, at approximately 1:15 pm, he Stephen & Doreen Rothman will discuss. The Fifth Cup of Wine and the Land of Israel: The Pesach holiday and the Seder are connected to the Sussman/Rokhsar Family Journey of the People of Israel to the Land. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Building a Sukkah this year? Make sure your Sukkah is on the 2009 tour! It may still be August, but we’re already starting to plan Beth El’s Secret Sukkah 2009 Tour. The tour includes about 15 East Bay sukkahs open to Beth El visitors. You’ll get a map and directions so you can wander from sukkah to sukkah.

If you’re thinking about building a sukkah this year, (now’s the year to do it...) then we’d love to include your sukkah on the tour on Saturday afternoon, October 3rd or Sunday, October 4th.

Please email the dates (Saturday afternoon, October 3rd or Sunday, October 4th) your sukkah will be available to Dianna Dar at [email protected]. 18 directory

Congregation Beth El 1301 Oxford St • Berkeley, CA 94709-1424

Main Phone Number (510) 848-3988 *** Fax (510) 848-2707 Religious School Office Direct Line (510) 848-2122 Nursery School Office Direct Line (510) 848-9428 Camp Kee Tov Office Direct Line (510) 848-2372 Midrasha Direct Line (510) 843-4667

Clergy & Staff Ext. Direct Line Email Address Rabbi Yoel H. Kahn 215 [email protected] Debra Sagan Massey, Director of Education 213 848-2122 [email protected] Norm Frankel, Executive Director 212 [email protected] Suzanne Alexander, Accounting 210 [email protected] Diane Bernbaum, Midrasha Director 236 843-4667 [email protected] Odette Blachman, Gift Shop 240 [email protected] Gabriela Crane, Admin. Coordinator 235 [email protected] Rebecca DePalma, RS Admin. Coordinator 214 848-2122 [email protected] Barbara Kanter, Nursery School Director 219 848-9428 [email protected] Lenora O’Keith, Main Office 211 [email protected] Charlie Radin, Admin. Coordinator 235 [email protected] Rabbi Ferenc Raj, Rabbi Emeritus [email protected] Zach Schnur, Facilities 218 [email protected] Bon Singer, Cantorial Soloist 216 [email protected] Reuben Zellman, Rabbinic Intern 228 [email protected]

Advertise in the Builder!

Email [email protected] for more infomation. calendar 19

September 2009/ Elul 5769 - Tishri 5770 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5 7:00p Chorus 6:15p Shabbat 8:30a Early Minyan Rehersal Evening Service NS - 9:15a Torah Study Nursery School 10:15a Shabbat RS - Morning Service Religious School Bar MItzvah - Shane Schiff

6:00p Evening with Rabbi Leibowitz

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 LABOR DAY First Day of 7:00p Chorus 7:00p Rabbi Leo 6:15p Shabbat 8:30a Early Minyan Nursery School Rehersal Abrami Book Evening Service Offices & Schools Reading 9:15a Torah Study Closed 7:00p NS Parent Orientation 10:15a Shabbat Morning Service 7:00p Open Heart Workshop Bat MItzvah -

Hannah Lehman 7:15p Conv. Yiddish

9:00p Selichot 7:30p Social Action Committee Meeting

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 9:00a Solano Stroll First Day of 7:00p Chorus EREV ROSH ROSH HASHANAH HASHANAH Religious School Rehersal 8:45a Early Service 9:00a JCF PicnicFest 6:00p Early Service 11:00a Family Walk 8:30p Late Service 11:30a Late Service 11:45a Tot Service 3:00p Family Service (K-5) 4:30p Tashlich

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 2nd DAY 7:00p Chorus 6:15p Shabbat 8:30a Early Minyan ROSH HASHANAH Rehersal Evening Service 8:30a Rosh Ride 9:15a Torah Study 7:15p Conv. Yiddish 10:15a Community 10:15a Shabbat Service Morning Service

1:00p Nature Walk

3:30p Torah Study

5:00p Homeless Meal

27 28 29 30 EREV YOM KIPPUR YOM KIPPUR DAY (KOL NIDRE)

6:00p Early Service Offices & Schools Closed 8:30p Late Service For complete Yom Kippur schedule, please see front page congregation beth el 1301 Oxford Street Berkeley, CA 94709-1424

Join us for these Rosh Hashanah Events! Second Day of Rosh Hashanah - Sunday, September 20 Extend your observance of Rosh Hashanah at one or more of these services or programs in honor of the New Year. All of these programs begin at Beth El.

8:30 am (promptly) 1:00 pm Torah and Trees: The First Annual “Rosh Ride” A Rosh Hashanah Hike Dress for riding and bring your bike for Susan Frankel, a tree biologist, will the sounding of the Shofar followed lead a family-friendly hike to a local by a leisurely, approximately 20 mile park. We will learn about ecology around Berkeley. Some hills and lots and trees as we walk, celebrating of ruach! For more information and the natural world around us on “the to confirm your participation, please anniversary of creation.” contact Harry Pollack harrypollack@ gmail.com or Martin Dodd 3:30 pm Torah Study atmdodd@fddcm. with Rabbi Yoel Kahn The Hebrew prophets never tired of 10:15 am Second Day Rosh Hashanah reminding us of our responsibilities Morning Service to engage in social justice. This Rosh Hear the Shofar, enjoy the melodies Hashanah beit midrash (study session) and liturgy of the High Holidays at will examine core texts of the Jewish our informal, community Second Day tradition on the theme of social justice Rosh Hashanah service. Katherine and community responsibility. Haynes Sanstad, immediate past The session will conclude before the president, will speak. The service will homeless meal. be followed by a festival Kiddush. 4:30 pm Homeless Meal On Rosh Hashanah and throughout the year, we serve a meal to all who are hungry and come to our doors on the third Sunday of the month. Sign up at http://dinner.pagepoint.com.