VolumeVROXPH1XPEHU‡-DQXDU\‡ 29, Number 6 • February 2010THYHW6KHYDW • Shevat/Adar 5770 directory Temple Beth Abraham Services Schedule is proud to support the Conservative Movement by Services/ Time Location affiliating with The United Synagogue of Conservative Monday & Thursday Judaism. Morning Minyan Chapel 8:00 a.m. Friday Evening (Kabbalat Shabbat) Chapel 6:15 p.m. Advertising Policy: Anyone may sponsor an issue of The Omer and receive a dedication for their business or loved one. Contact us for details. We do Shabbat Morning Sanctuary 9:30 a.m. not accept outside or paid advertising. The Omer is published on paper that is 30% post-consumer fibers. Candle Lighting (Friday) The Omer (USPS 020299) is published monthly except July and August February 5 5:19 p.m. by Congregation Beth Abraham, 336 Euclid Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610. February 12 5:26 p.m. Periodicals Postage Paid at Oakland, CA. February 19 5:34 p.m. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Omer, c/o Temple Beth February 26 5:41 p.m. Abraham, 336 Euclid Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610-3232. © 2010. Temple Beth Abraham. The Omer is published by Temple Beth Abraham, a non-profit, located at Torah Portions (Saturday) 336 Euclid Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610; telephone 510-832-0936. It is February 6 Yitro published monthly except for the months of July and August for a total of February 13 Mishpatim ten issues per annum. It is sent as a requester publication and there is no February 20 Terumah paid distribution. February 27 Tetzaveh To view The Omer in color, visit www.tbaoakland.org.

General INFORMATION Committees & organizations All phone numbers use (510) prefix unless otherwise noted. If you would like to contact the committee chairs, please contact the synagogue office for phone numbers Mailing Address 336 Euclid Ave. and e-mail addresses. Oakland, CA 94610 Hours M-Th: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Adult Education Women of TBA Fr: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Bet Sefer Parents Miriam Green Office Phone 832-0936 Bet Sefer Subcommittee Barbara Gross Office Fax 832-4930 Chesed Warren Gould E-Mail [email protected] Gan Avraham 763-7528 Development Laura Wildmann Bet Sefer 663-1683 Dues Evaluation Marshall Langfeld STAFF Endowment Fund Herman Pencovic Finance Marshall Langfeld Rabbi (ext. 213) Mark Bloom Cantor (ext. 218) Richard Kaplan Gan Avraham Parents Jo Ilfeld and Mala Johnson Gabai David Galant Gan Avraham Jenny Michaelson Executive Director (ext. 214) Art Rosenberg Schools Committee Office Coordinator (ext. 210) Aliza Schechter House Stephen Shub Bet Sefer Director Susan Simon Israel Affairs David Marinoff Gan Avraham Director Wendy Siver Membership Stacy Margolin and Bookkeeper (ext. 215) Christine Tripod Jill Rosenthal Custodians (ext. 211) Joe Lewis, Dennis Moore Men’s Club Eric Friedman Kindergym/Toddler Program Dawn Margolin 547-7726 Ritual Sally Ann Berk Volunteers (ext. 229) Herman & Agnes Pencovic Schools Stacy Margolin OFFICERS School Building Steering Sandy Margolin President Stephen Shub 339-3614 Social Action Bryan Schwartz Vice President Mark Fickes 652-8545 Torah Fund Anne Levine Vice President Jerry Levine 336-0565 Tree of Life Open Vice President Stacy Margolin 482-3153 Vice President Bryan Schwartz 350-7681 Web Site Outi Gould Secretary Laura Wildmann 601-9571 Women of TBA Judith Klinger Treasurer Marshall Langfeld 769-6970 Youth Steve Fankuchen i what’s happening

Come Join a Special Study Group, Led by Rabbi Art Gould, “What Happens When We Pray?” In this course, you’ll gain a deeper under- standing of the architecture of the siddur and of the service. Why do we bless God? What themes did the rabbis use to organize the ser- vice? If you’ve ever been to a “pardon the in- terruption” service and wanted to know more about our rituals, our texts, and the thinking behind them, this is the class for you! First Monday of each month from February through May, from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. at Rabbi Art’s home, 2956 Gibbons Drive, Alameda, CA. Come for one, some, or all of the sessions as your schedule permits. RSVPs February 1, March 1, April 5, May 3 are helpful: contact Please RSVP to [email protected] Judith Klinger at or (510) 984-2575. [email protected]

TBA Annual Blood Drive

February 21 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Please Join Us! TBA’s Purim Megillah Reading Saturday, February 27 Rock & Roll Purim and Partial Megillah Reading 6:15 p.m. Full Megillah Reading 8:15 p.m.

1 from the rabbi Dear Friends, I so appreciate when people respond to articles I have written in the Omer. Though it often means we disagree about something, it lets me know that (1) at least people are reading, and (2) people are engaged in some way with Judaism. With that in mind, I want to respond to some questions/com- ments written to the Omer by long-time member Irene Weinberg. Below are her questions and my responses. 1) Discussion and acceptance of Patrilineal Descent. If it is a mitzvah for a Jewish mother to raise her children to be good Jews, then it is more than an equal mitzvah for a non-Jewish mother to raise her children to be Jewish. I do not believe religion is inherited. But for those who do believe that, then aren’t the father’s genes as good and strong as their mother’s genes? And if so, why not accept Patrilineal Descent? We might as well get started with the most controversial. Let me first say that when I meet someone who considers themselves Jewish but was not born to a Jewish mother, I believe that they are Jewish in their heart. However, traditional Judaism requires more than just intentionality. It also requires a commitment to the halacha (Jewish law), and Jewish law, for the past 2,000 years, has required that the mother be Jewish. I, personally, as well as the Conservative movement, believe that you can’t simply dismiss Jewish law, even if it doesn’t make innate logical sense. Else we risk sliding down that very slippery slope. I have also come to look at this problem as a spiritual opportunity. During my 8 ½ years at TBA I have had the opportunity to take part in the conversion of more than 40 children, many of whom were born to Jewish fathers and non-Jewish mothers. It is not only an educational opportunity, but a very moving moment in the lives of these families. They have made a choice to make their chil- dren Jewish according to Jewish law and are marking it with a beautiful ritual. In a way, I wish all families had that same opportunity! 2) Women gotta get a Get. Why should a wife be unable to file for a religious divorce? At the time of marriage, a contract is made. If the husband breaks the contract (especially as laid out in the Ketubah), then he should be held to the contract, and the wife should be able to sue for divorce. I agree, and, in a sense, the Conservative movement dealt with this several years ago. A Conservative Ketubah includes what is called the “Lieberman Clause,” where we have exactly that. A woman can initiate the “Get” or Jewish divorce process. Unfortunately, it is much harder to enforce than to put in the contract. 3) Our Conservative movement should sponsor trips to the United States for Israeli teenagers. This would strengthen the movement. The teenagers can experience Conservative Judaism, and probably return to Israel to strengthen Conservative Judaism. The Conservative movement does do this, to some extent, but it’s very limited. They bring young people to Camp Ramah, not only in California, but throughout the United States. There, the Israelis get an ideal taste of the most joyous aspects of Conservative Judaism. This is a wonderful idea but needs a great deal more money to be implemented, something that the Conservative movement is severely lacking at this point. 4) We should work with and support any attempt to modify the Orthodox hold on religion in Israel. Judaism allows for questioning and personal decisions. Religious interpretation should not be the province of one segment of Judaism; we have no Pope! Once again, I agree completely. A theocracy is a terrible thing in any religion. Much of this hegemony is being challenged in Israeli courts, but it would be nice if it were not an official policy of the Israeli government. While it can seem like a drop in the bucket, one way to support this idea is by supporting Conservative and Reform congregations in Israel. To learn more, google either Masorti or Mercaz. Thank you, Irene, for your comments! L’shalom, Rabbi Mark Bloom

2 president’s message I Dream in Colors! By Steve Shub On Sesame Street (which I watched when my kids were young), along with the letter and/or number of the day, there was sometimes the color of the day. Sesame Street was designed to provide a broad view of the world for little kids, while entertaining their parents as well. Today’s color of the day is green! The green revolution is a broad view of everything that’s supposed to be environmentally friendly. What we tend to focus on is energy, but the reality is that it covers almost everything we see, touch or do in everyday life. Here are a few examples of how we at TBA do our part. If you’ve ever looked in the TBA parking lot during Minyan or Shabbat services, it appears that we have our own fleet of Prius and other hybrid cars. Another form of green is foot power; many of our congregants, and of course, Jews throughout the world, walk to shul on Shabbat. For those of you who drive to shul, consider ride sharing. TBA also has a large number of bike riders (although not on Shabbat), many of whom also participate in fundraising events, making it a mitzvah as well. Foot and bike power are great for the environment and our health as well. During the Centennial Project, we installed new, energy efficient lighting in the Sanctuary, Chapel, Social Hall and most other locations on our campus. We are also very conscientious about our heat and water use. The most significant addition to our energy saving efforts is our new solar power system. Over 100 solar panels now sit atop our sanctuary, school and offices. See Rick Heeger’s article for more details about our solar panels. One of the advantages of having a kosher kitchen is that the majority of the food we prepare is as environmentally friendly as possible, as well as healthier for us. In particular, kosher chickens are grown without the additives given to most commercial chickens, and the birds are treated more humanely. We have taken many steps to convert to biodegradable paper and utensils for our various meals and food events, and we continue to increase these efforts. You will also see new recycling bins in the Social Hall – chip in and put your refuse in the proper bins. Another important contribution that TBA members make to the environment is our participation in events such as our annual observance of Tu B’Shevat, organized by congregant Jody London, during which we team up with Save the Bay to restore the wetlands at the Arrowhead Marsh, part of the Martin Luther King Regional Shoreline Park here in Oakland. Adults and kids are out picking up trash, planting, and making the area more pleasant for both humans and wildlife. So that covers TBA. How about you? Do you recycle, buy sustainable food, drive less and walk more, and minimize your impact on the environment? It can be challenging being an environmen- talist, and it’s more expensive, but it’s the right thing to do. Start thinking green, and spread the word. I guarantee that it will make you feel better as we work together toward leaving a smaller car- bon footprint and repairing the planet. See you in Shul, Steve

Helping the Haiti Earthquake Victims We are all deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and the devastation caused by the recent earthquake in Haiti. Here are two easy ways to make online donations toward relief efforts for the earthquake victims: United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (UCSJ): www.uscj.org/donate/relief American Jewish World Service (AJWS): www.ajws.org/

3 editor’s message Liberating the Wall Argentina, and suddenly prayer became a By Lori Rosenthal crime. The Jewish defense organizations would broadcast their collective outrage with the speed In this Omer column, I am reprinting an edito- of a “send” button. rial originally published on January 6, 2010 that appeared in the January 15, 2010 edition of The So what do we do when these real events hap- Forward. It was also distributed via email by pened in Israel, at Jerusalem’s Western Wall? both the Masorti Foundation and the USCJ on The arrest in November of Nofrat Frenkel of January 7. The editorial speaks to the difficult Women of the Wall for the alleged “crime” relationship between the religious right in Israel of carrying a Torah and wearing a tallit in the and those who believe in a more egalitarian and shadow of the Kotel’s ancient stones cannot be pluralistic form of Jewish practice. It also shows a dismissed as yet another oddity of Israeli life. shocking lack of regard for Conservative religious Especially when that was followed, on January practice in Israel (specifically by females). 5, by the interrogation and fingerprinting of I don’t usually use my column as a platform from Anat Hoffman, director of the Israel Religious which to encourage, condone, or condemn any Action Center, who has led Women of the Wall particular religious beliefs or forms of religious for its 21 years and who was told that she is practice. But for this issue I am making an now suspected of a felony. exception. For those who would like to support These outrages cannot be ignored by American the Masorti Foundation in their day-to-day bat- Jews and must be viewed for what they are: tles for pluralism in public spaces in Israel, please another chapter in the ongoing struggle to contact them at (212) 870-2216 or donate via determine whether Judaism’s most sacred site their website at www.masorti.org. will belong only to a distinct, intolerant minor- ity or whether it can truly welcome all the Liberating the Wall Jewish people. Imagine, if you will, a group of devout Jews This is not just an Israeli concern. There’s a who regularly gather to pray at an ancient syna- legitimate question as to how far American gogue. Sometimes they are left alone, but other Jews can and should go in challenging the times they are verbally and physically harassed, Israeli government on internal matters of spit at, cursed. If this were taking place in a defense, national security, domestic policy and country unfriendly to Jews, we would admire so on, but this is different. The Kotel is not just the worshippers’ dedication and perseverance, another shul to be avoided for the more hos- perhaps publicize their plight. pitable one around the corner. It is the iconic Then, imagine that one day, one of the wor- national, spiritual, religious heartbeat of the shippers is arrested, hauled into police custody Jewish people, the destination of our prayers, for doing nothing more than offending the the symbol of our survival. It cannot become sensibilities of others, whatever that means. A the sole province of the ultra-Orthodox. month later, the leader of the group is ques- But that is what’s happening. In the last tioned by police, fingerprinted and warned couple of years, the Western Wall Heritage that she is at risk of arrest. Imagine the uproar! Imagine if this were Sweden or France or continued on page 6 t h e Omer March OMEr Theme: The Pesach Issue We cheerfully accept member submissions. Deadline for articles and letters is the first of the month preceding publication. Editor in Chief Lori Rosenthal Copy Editors Jessica Dell’Era, Charles Feltman, Lisa Fernandez, Nadine Managing Editor & Shira Weisbach Joseph, Richard Kauffman, Jan Silverman, Debbie Spangler, Traffic Coordinator James Wakeman Layout & Design Jessica Sterling Proofreaders June Brott, Jessica Dell’Era, Lisa Fernandez, Keith Hyman, Calendars Jon Golding Richard Kauffman, Outi Gould, Jeanne Korn, Stephen Shub, B’nai Mitzvah Editor Susan Simon Susan Simon, Debbie Spangler, Shira Weisbach Cover David Avidor Distribution Herman Pencovic, Pola Silver, Gertrude Veiss Help From People like you! Mailing Address 336 Euclid Ave. Oakland, CA 94610 E-Mail [email protected] 4 wtba, our sisterhood

A Blessing of the Animals? Women of TBA and By Judith Klinger Oakland Ruach Hadassah The other day a WTBA member said, “Why don’t we present have a Blessing of the Animals, the way some churches do? Wouldn’t that be nice? We could all bring our pets to the Pirkei Imahot – courtyard and have a formal blessing ceremony--after all, we bless our children every Shabbat.” A long discussion ensued Ethics of Our Mothers about why synagogues don’t do such things, and the role of A work in progress pets in the Jewish family. When I told the congregant I was writing the WTBA column this month, she urged me to Monday February 8 at 9:30 a.m. call for a Blessing of the Animals, so here I am. At the home of Doris Weiner Gluckman It seems to me this fits under the rubric of environmental- ism, because the first set of mitzvot God handed down Rosh Chodesh Adar: Esther and Vashti told Adam and Eve “to be fruitful and multiply, and fill Two women, two views of marriage the earth and conquer it, and to hold sway over the fish Queen Esther – of the sea and the fowl of the heavens and the cattle, and the Jewish woman’s superhero or pawn? the wild beasts and all the crawling things that crawl upon Queen Vashti – the earth.” Rapacious developers have claimed that this a disobedient wife or a feminist role model? verse puts humankind on a high and mighty plane, with Divine permission to exploit the earth and all its animals. Yuk, right? Very anti-green. Fortunately, other perspectives Our Monday morning Rosh Chodesh study abound, and they argue that since we have the intellect that sessions are open to all women and are hosted allows us to hold sway over animals, we are charged with and facilitated by our members. the duty to treat them ethically. The Conservative move- See the WTBA website for location and future ment’s foray into “ethical kashrut” stems in part from this meetings – You will find us at www.tbaoakland.org interpretation. So to take a shortcut, ethics = kindness, and – under Groups and Committees. if we are meant to be kind to animals, mightn’t we bless them? Well, yes we might – and Rabbi Bloom is all for this! Readings for the session are available in advance; Now to segue to something WTBA is actively working on: contact Karen Bloom to receive a copy at the first part of the above verse, to be fruitful and multiply, [email protected] or (510) 482-4441. is hallowed in Jewish circles: synagogues are usually pretty Please RSVP to Debbie Spangler, Rosh Chodesh family-focused. That family focus helps weave the bonds Coordinator, at [email protected] or that tie us together: parents make friends of other parents (510) 531-1105 to help us in our planning. via the Gan or Bet Sefer, and voila! a community. However, not everybody has children enrolled in the TBA schools, and getting to know others and making a home for oneself at a synagogue can be pretty daunting. To that end, WTBA WTBA Hike for February 14 has taken on a new practice, to make personal contact with all new women members, single or married, who either East Ridge Trail in Redwood Park don’t have children, or have children beyond b’nai mitzvah The February hike will be the East Ridge Trail in age. WTBA wants to reach out a hand and make it easy for Redwood Regional Park. This is a broad, flat trail, all to have an easy place to come and make friends. ideal for chatting. Meet up at the Skyline Gate on And wouldn’t it be nice if TBA’s new and old members Skyline just south of Snake could find common ground with each other when they at 9:45. Hikers depart bring their non-human family members to the Blessing of promptly at 10:00 and will the Animals? Email me ([email protected]) and let me be back to the parking know if you love this idea or think it’s the most meshugge- lot by 11:30. For details, nah thing ever. contact Judith Klinger at [email protected].

5 ruach/hadassah

Oakland Ruach Hadassah February Events Winter Luncheon and Film On February 2 at noon there will be a traditional Hadassah luncheon and a showing of the documentary film Blessed is the Match, The Life and Death of Hannah Senesh. Poet and diarist Hannah Senesh was only 22 when she parachuted into Nazi-occupied Europe in an effort to save the Jews of Hungary. Through interviews, eyewitness accounts, rare family photos and Hannah’s and her mother’s writings, the film retraces Senesh’s life and mission. The luncheon will be at the Temple Beth Abraham social hall and is open to all. Please RSVP to Carmel at (510) 531-4994. There is a suggested donation of $7.50.

City of Oakland Auditor to Speak Courtney A. Ruby, City Auditor of Oakland, will speak to Oakland Ruach Hadassah about the state of our city and also answer our questions on Monday, February 8, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. at the home of Melanie Marcus, 843 Longridge Rd., Oakland. Please RSVP to Melanie at (510) 645-9880 or [email protected]. The event is open to all.

Liberating the Wall, cont. ence in Jerusalem must do much more. When visiting delegations meet with Israel officials, they must stress the continued from page 4 need for pluralism and religious tolerance just as they might Foundation, which answers directly to the prime minister’s in other countries, and demand answers and guarantees. office, has reduced the area allowed for female worshippers, Even our own State Department, in its latest annual report by raising the height of the mechitza and moving it farther on International Religious Freedom, for the first time cited south. Significant events that used to take place in the ever- Israel’s refusal to allow women to wear prayer shawls and shrinking public space adjacent to the prayer sections – the read from the Torah at the Western Wall as evidence of the symbolic distribution of ID cards to new immigrants, per- curtailment of basic freedom. formances by the Israel Defense Forces choir – have been And we must stand behind and with the brave consistency curtailed or cancelled by the authorities. of the Women of the Wall, who have congregated at the The awe-inspiring, radiant entrance to the Wall has been Kotel every month for more than two decades, despite turned into the foyer of a Haredi synagogue. assaults from Haredim and, increasingly, from the govern- Meantime, the egalitarian alternative prayer space at the ment of Israel. The stepped-up intimidation of this growing southern end of the retaining wall to the Temple Mount, group of women is a terrible reflection on Israeli democracy. known as Robinson’s Arch, is overwhelmed by demand. “Our prayer is authentic, it is pure, it is not a provoca- When an agreement between the Masorti movement and tion,” Anat Hoffman told the Forward a day after she was the Israeli government first allowed men and women to detained by police, the black ink still staining the tips of her pray together there in 2000, only 10 services were held that fingers. “We are part of the fabric of the Wall.” year. In 2009, there were more than 450. Indeed, if Jerusalem, in whatever form, is to remain the capi- Those services are supposed to end by 10:30 every week- tal of Israel, then it must truly be the capital for all Jews. The day morning; if they run into over-time, as they often do practices of a small number of fundamentalists – a minority because of overcrowding, the participants must pay 30 in Israel, in the United States and around the world – can- shekels a person just to occupy the space, since it is pri- not be allowed to dictate the religious future of the Jewish marily a tourist site. Rabbi Andrew Sacks, director of the people. That is close to happening now, and unless this cur- Rabbinical Assembly in Israel (Masorti), says he will work rent destructive trend is stopped and reversed, the precious hard to expand those hours when he renegotiates the agree- City of Gold will become a place of alienation to a sprawling ment with the government later this year. Diaspora it, ironically, must count on to survive. His good efforts deserve our support. But American Jews who care about maintaining an egalitarian, pluralistic pres- 6 men’s club

Scenes from the Men’s Club Outing at The UC Basketball Game

7 the green issue TBA Goes Solar! By Rick Heeger On Rosh Hashanah 5768, I said during my speech to the congregation that I would like the synagogue to install a solar energy system within five years. Well, just 18 months later, the roofs of three of our buildings – the sanctuary, the preschool and the office – are covered with solar panel arrays. There are over 150 panels across the three roofs, 120 on the sanctuary alone. I thought that it might take five years to raise the money or find a donor for the initial cost of installing a solar energy system. At the time, I thought the only way to get a solar system was to purchase one for about $60,000 to $100,000, depending on the scope of the system. The benefits are immediate because you own the energy your system produces – you are, for the most part, off the power grid. The payoff period for a solar system is around sumption, and an estimate of the escalation of the cost of 20 to 25 years. “dirty” power over the next 20 years, TBA will save a sig- Thanks to TBA member Jeff Ilfeld and his new venture, nificant amount of money by going solar. During the first California Clean Energy (CCE), we were introduced to a full year in operation we should save almost $4,000. In five different model. Knowing that we had an interest in pursu- years our savings will be around $25,000. In fifteen years, ing a solar energy system, Jeff approached the synagogue about $138,000 and if we go the whole twenty years, well with a proposal – California Clean Energy would purchase, over $200,000. install and maintain the entire system and become our But it’s not just about the money. By using a clean energy utility vendor. With his model, called a Power Purchase system, TBA is making a statement about one of our core Agreement, there is no upfront cost to the synagogue. CCE values – the practice of tikkun olam. By installing a solar owns the system and sells the energy back to us at substan- system we help prevent climate change and a host of other tially lower rates than we have paid to PG&E. At the end environmental and public health threats caused by fossil of our contract period with CCE (15 years plus a five-year fuel energy. Not only are we reducing the size of our carbon option) we will own the system outright. The system will footprint, but we’re also supporting a clean energy indus- provide about 75 percent of the energy we consume. try that is instrumental to the recovery of our economy. In California Clean Energy’s analysis of TBA’s power con- Every element of the solar system is made in the U.S. and installed by local contractors. Thank you to Jeff Ilfeld and California Clean Energy for the great work. Jeff is currently pur- suing several other non-profit clients and we wish him luck in those endeavors. Our system is currently in place and will be fully operational by the time you read this article. The system atop the preschool is already up and run- ning. Last week, on a partly sunny day, with Gan Avraham full and busy, the lights and appliances were running on energy produced by our solar system. Meanwhile, our old PG&E meter was running as if only a single light bulb was turned on.

8 the green issue Do the “Rot” Thing/ The ABCs of Composting nature’s way of recycling ordinary kitchen and garden refuse Inspired by Outi Gould and Charles Feltman into valuable soil amendment that benefits our garden, and I feel like I am part of the grand scheme of things by par- Editor’s note: Both Outi Gould and Charles Feltman wrote ticipating in it. It’s a true win-win situation. We don’t pay pieces for the Omer about their experiences composting, with for having our refuse hauled away, and we don’t pay to buy specific advice on how to run a home composting system. Outi ‘organic compost’ for our garden. We do it ourselves.” recalled her father creating a compost enclosure at their family’s Finished compost can be turned into the soil as a soil summer cottage on an island, and now uses composting in her amendment, or used like mulch and spread around plants, own garden with 5 raised-bed planters. Charles wrote about trees, shrubs, and exposed slopes. If you are interested in his current “farm” on Broadway Terrace with its two raised-bed starting your own home composting center, feel free to ask planters, fruit trees and 21 cabernet vines. Here’s advice from Charles or Outi for advice. our two seasoned composters: First of all, you need a compost bin. There are many types Recycling and Composting at TBA out there and they are easy to find. You may need more By Lisa Fernandez than one. Any type of paper, cardboard, water bottle or soda can that The essential elements are air, moisture, and balance of you’d easily recycle at home can now be recycled at TBA. In green and brown material. January, new recycling bins were bought for the sanctuary You provide air by turning the compost pile. You provide foyer at the main entrance. Art Rosenberg, TBA’s executive moisture by squirting the pile with water. director in charge of the shul’s recycling efforts, urges every- The balance of green (freshly pulled weeds, grass clippings, one to make use of these bins instead of just throwing recy- discarded vegetables, and abundant kitchen scraps) and clables away in the garbage can. And if you can’t find the brown (dry leaves from cuttings, pine needles, straw) mate- green spots around the temple campus, please ask someone. rials is trickier. Outi is very creative about how she gets her Several of the Gan and Bet Sefer classrooms have baskets or brown components. “I secured a bale of straw from Lucky’s bins for recycling. And as a new development, Gan teachers when they were done with their Halloween display. I am have switched from paper cups during snack time to plastic also known to go around the street with my rake, “helping” cups instead. And from what we hear, the teachers don’t our neighbors get rid of their fall leaves.” Per Charles, “It even mind washing them, as they know their actions are is important to avoid dairy, fish and flesh in the input mix, reducing landfill waste. and to maintain close to neutral pH. Balance the acid con- Composting food has been more challenging. But Art said dition of citrus peels and coffee grounds with more alkaline that new efforts are underway to take care of the costly input like potato peelings.” ordeal of city compost pickups. Until recently, there have Things decompose faster when they are cut up into small been sporadic, individual efforts by some green-conscious pieces. Some use a cleaver, others a lawn mower. Outi uses a members to compost the food waste after kiddush and garden shredder: The machine quickly reduced the greens luncheon gatherings. Caterers and food preparers have covering her Sukkah into finely shredded green material. schlepped food scraps home where they dumped the waste Charles decided to add a “worm farm” for small-scale com- in their personal green bins. In January, Art said he had posting with red wriggler worms or Eisenia foetida (one figured out a way to formally take all the food waste from pound), which can be bought at Bay Worms in Alameda, these simchas and put the compost out for street pickup. at Berkeley Bait and Tackle or at Berkeley Horticultural “We have finally taken the last few steps to close the loop Nursery. The worms work quickly but need a minimum 40 for green waste recycling on site,’’ Art said. TBA has just degrees temperature, which means keeping the farm indoors recently begun buying compostable waste bags and cutlery. (Charles keeps his outdoors but pours some hot water on He added: “While this is increasing our overhead some- the top on cold nights). what, it is worth the time and expense to do so.’’ This is how green composting materials are collected in As of the February airing of the Omer, Art also said an Charles’ house: “Daily material for composting is collected easier-to-identify system of recycling and composting would in our kitchen by using a small closed stainless bin with an be available in the social hall. In January, he planned to buy odor-eating top cap insert then brought as appropriate down a three-section, green-friendly bin, where congregants can to the big composting bins or the worm farm, depending on separate their trash, recycling and food compost. the size and composition of the mix that day.” Look for these changes around the shul. And if you have Outi describes the benefits of composting this way: “It’s additional ideas, please bring them to Art or Steve Shub.

9 the green issue Bringing Hazon to TBA Creating a Cuter (Carbon) Footprint By Bonnie Burt By Rachel Teichman In December, I was invited to attend the Hazon Food The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the Conference held at the Asilomar Conference Center to environmental impact of toddlers is diapers. I hope to go show some films I had made about the Jewish chicken beyond this with some tips for you and your tots to easily ranchers of Petaluma. I must admit I didn’t know much leave a tinier carbon footprint. about Hazon when I went. I found out that Hazon (www. Green Tot Tips hazon.org) is a nonprofit group dedicated to creating a Snacks: healthier and more sustainable Jewish community and a Try buying snacks in bulk. Think about what other healthier and more sustainable world for all. Hazon also foods come packaged in, and look for alternatives that come sponsors two big bike rides, one in California and one in in less packaging. Better yet, voice your concern to the Israel. companies who make poor packaging choices. Reuse all containers and bags for your snacks. Over 650 people attended the food conference. There were Mail: Email birth announcements, party invitations and workshops on several different topics including sustainabil- Rosh Hashanah and Chanukah cards. Send a link to an ity, food justice, history and culture, and Israeli food and online album so people can print only the photos they agriculture. Subjects ranged from making cheese and raising want, and keep people updated through regular emails or a chickens in an urban setting to the politics of food justice family blog. Reuse mailing envelopes and boxes. Cancel all and French Jewish food history. There were programs for children’s catalogs that you don’t want. kids and families too. During the conference, a bus arrived Toys: driven by several enthusiastic young people on a cross-coun- Try to buy fewer toys and buy things that can be used try trip. It was powered by recycled cooking oil. for the long term. When purchasing gifts for other tots, think about experiences, such as a fun day out or tickets to I was most struck by how inclusive the Jewish food move- an event, rather than giving something tangible. ment is. There were services for everyone on the observance Shopping: Shop in local children’s stores or local online spectrum, from orthodox to egalitarian conservative, renew- shops to cut down on the distance your purchases travel to al, and yoga. I hadn’t realized that the local organic food get to you. Always bring your own shopping bags. movement is not just a lifestyle choice but also a political Stuff: statement for many of today’s youth. It was exciting to see Buy used furniture, gear, toys and clothes. Participate the passion with which these 20- and 30-somethings daven in a toy or clothing swap, and visit traditional libraries and and lead activist lives. toy lending libraries. Borrow gear to try out first before buy- ing it on your own. Borrow clothing items you may only Hazon stresses personal responsibility. So in that spirit I need one time, such as a snowsuit or a party dress. Donate would like to bring some of the Hazon message home to all hand-me-downs when they are no longer needed. TBA. I am interested in improving TBA’s recycling and Cleaning: Get special reusable cloth towels for big spills composting practices and in having workshops at TBA on and clean-up jobs. Use a sponge for little messes. Designate related activities anyone can do at home. I’m exploring a one for the floor! Do everyone’s laundry together with natu- pickling workshop – making our own kosher pickles! – and ral detergent, free of odors and dyes. a composting workshop to be led by congregants. Small Costumes: changes can have a big impact in the long run. Put things you already own in your tot’s cos- tume box: hats, scarves, purses. Fill an old wallet with If there’s a workshop related to these “green” food issues expired credit cards and old gift cards for hours of fun. that you are interested in Crafting: Upcycle trash into craft supplies. Make your own teaching or having offered at paint, slime, and play clay, and store them in used yogurt TBA, please contact me at: cups with lids. Keep wrapping paper and cardboard that [email protected]. comes in shirt boxes for drawing on and for covering craft- B’tayavon! ing workspaces. Rachel Teichman is the mother of a TBA tot, and blogs about their adventures at www.totsandplans.com.

Israel may be on the verge of changing its beverage container deposit law, as a revised measure was approved for a second and third reading by the nation’s legislature, the Knesset. The bill has numerous notable elements, including a reduction of the collection goal of 85 percent – a target never reached – to 69 percent and adding bottles 1.5 liters or larger to the list of covered containers. (from Resource Recovery)

10 gan avraham Recycling at the Gan By Wendy Siver In a good Jewish early childhood classroom, teachers will talk about Tikkun Olam – Repair of the World. Modern-day recy- cling and being “green” are integral parts of that. Teachers help children understand that concept by showing them not to be wasteful of supplies, paper towels, napkins and cups. Some children love to correct their parents if they see them taking more than one or two towels to dry their hands. Teachers also show the children where they can recycle their used scratch paper. In Kitah Gimmel, the recycling bin is a blue laundry basket. Children learn how to recycle in different stages and are expected to pitch in at different levels. Our youngest Kitah Alef chil- dren hear about recycling and probably observe their parents at home separating paper to recycle or putting food into a spe- cial container for recycling. At school, we use language about recycling (ie: recycle-reuse, recycle-reuse). But at this age, we’re less concerned with them turning over their yogurt container to see if it has a recyclable number 2 on the bottom, and simply thrilled if they get the container to a garbage can without dripping goo all over the floor in the process. In our Kitah Bet room, the children have a better developmental understanding and are able to take the pieces of scrap paper from the art table and put them into a special container marked for recycling. Sometimes, that yogurt container might make it in there too, drips and all. Our Kitah Gimmel Gan children are old enough to understand so much more about recycling and taking care of the Earth. They are also more than happy to help each other remember to recycle, too. And you know what? Their yogurt container makes it to the recycling can without dripping all over the floor – at least most of the time!

10 Green Judaica Projects: Think Globally. Create Jewishly. 1. Tin Mezuzah: decorate a vertical mint or gum tin, and put adhesive foam tape on the back 2. Tzedakah Box: cut a hole in the top of an empty frosting or sour cream container 3. Tissue Box Kippah Holder: decorate an empty tissue box 4. Applesauce Seder Plate: put empty individual applesauce containers on a plate Shabbat Mishpacha: 5. Hand Washer: cut the top off of a plastic milk Services for Young Children and Their Families or juice jug Saturday, February 6 and 6. Afikomen Bag: decorate a used but dry zip top Saturday, February 20 at 10:15 a.m. bag If you have kids aged 0-7 Shabbat Mishpacha is the 7. Torah Scroll: tape or tie two empty paper towel Shabbat service for your family. Our fun, fast, and tubes together friendly service lasts about 30 minutes, is parent led, and is held in the Gan classrooms. We sing songs, 8. Cork Menorah: connect nine corks side by side recite Hebrew prayers, participate in a “Torah Parade” with pins, and then add one more on top and hear a Jewish story. After the short service we all enjoy a tasty oneg together. Shabbat Mishpacha is a 9. Besamim Bag: fill an old washcloth with kitch- terrific, age appropriate way to introduce your chil- en spices dren to attending services on Shabbat. It’s also a great 10. Sukkot Paper Chains: cut colorful pieces of opportunity to meet other families in the community in extra paper into strips to make paper rings a more intimate setting. List from Rachel Teichman, see article on previous We look forward to seeing you there! page. For additional information please contact Jenny Abrami at (510) 749-9838.

11 la’atid

La’atid recently held its second annual Chanukah party. Much fun was had by all. We played dreidel, ate goodies, exchanged presents, and wrapped gifts for our adopted fam- ily at Oakland Children’s Hospital. Everyone felt good that they could perform a Mitzvah during this important season. We look forward to next month’s event!!

A Youth Group For 4th-7th Graders! La’atidTactile Dome Sunday, February 21 Chocolate Seder Sunday, March 28 Earth Day Sunday, April 25 We look forward to another great time out with TBA’s La’atid group!! To RSVP or if you have any questions contact your trusty advisors, Dina and Phil Hankin at [email protected].

12 bet sefer Why I Love Purim at Bet Sefer meaning “for the miracles.” Both versions of this prayer By Susan Simon start off by thanking God for the heroism, for the triumphs, and for the miraculous deliverance of our ancestors in other It is early January as I write this, and it is hard to imagine days, and in our time. After the dark, chilly days of winter, preparing for and celebrating Purim which I always associ- as we anticipate the warmth and light of our California sun- ate with spring – it is too chilly right now and my imagi- shine, how lovely to focus on the concept of miracles. nation hasn’t thawed yet. But it really is time to start our preparations for our Purim learning and celebrations. I see miracles often at Bet Sefer. I see children who come here with smiles on their faces – after hearing genera- Our students will be reminded of the of the Purim story tions of adults talk about how horrid their religious school – about how we can find the story in the Book of Esther experience was, I think those smiles and giggles are more which is in the part of the Tanakh known as the Ketuvim than minor miracles. I see children learning and progress- or Writings; about how King Ahashuerus dethrones Queen ing. I had an amazing experience at Junior Congregation Vashti and how Esther is crowned queen after winning the in January. The first miracle was that so many children beauty contest; about how Mordechai uncovers the plot showed up on the day after New Year’s Day – we had a to kill the king, and later refuses to bow down to Haman, wonderful turnout! Because the parasha was the last in resulting in Haman working to kill all the Jews; about how B’reishit, we did an overview of many of the stories found Mordechai appeals to Esther to save her people whereupon in our first book of the Torah. I handed out pictures she throws a banquet for the King and Haman and pleads depicting these stories to students, and they had to relate for her people; about how the King grant’s Esther’s request the story of their picture to the rest of the group. The and condemns Haman to die on the gallows that he built amount of detail that these students related was astounding for the Jews. – a huge miracle. We adults know that the story is often regarded as fanci- I see young adults standing before our community, their ful – as romantic fiction and not factual. History (we can families and their friends, leading the congregation in prayer debate the accuracy of history) tells us that no Persian king and teaching us during their Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremo- ever had a wife named either Vashti or Esther. No man by nies – competent, poised, and excited – young people who the name of Haman was ever a vizier for a Persian king. I remember as small children who didn’t know the Alef Bet. Ahashuerus could not have married a Jew because the king What a delightful miracle that is. was only permitted to marry unto one of the seven leading families of Persia and none of those was Jewish. And so I think one of the lessons we learn from Purim is that mira- on. But, as with many of the other stories and texts that cles don’t come from the sky – they are made by individuals we study and value, the story of Purim has many things to right in our midst – from rabbis who give unendingly of teach us. themselves, to teachers and parents and interested adults who come through for our children at every opportunity. I On Purim, as well as during Hanukkah, we add a prayer to feel blessed, not only to be able to watch these miracles, but our Amidah and our Birkat HaMazon called Al HaNissim, to be able to participate in their occurrence.

Deadline for Mishloach Manot is February 12 • Please help support the TBA Schools One of the many mitzvot for the holiday of Purim is Mishloach Manot, or the sending of gifts of food to friends. The Parents of Bet Sefer and Gan Avraham are once again offering you a wonderful way to send Mishloach Manot. For Purim we are preparing a kosher package, filled with tasty sweets, snacks and surprises for you to send to your fellow congregants in your name. Forms were sent to your house a couple of weeks ago. If you have not yet sent in your completed form, please do so by February 12. If you have mis- placed or did not receive your form and want another, please email Steve Grossman at [email protected]. All baskets will be delivered on Purim, Sunday, February 28. Volunteers needed on February 28 to prepare and deliver Mishloach Manot baskets We need over 60 volunteers on Sunday February 28 to help assemble and then deliver food baskets to all TBA members. It’s a won- derful mitzvah that is a highlight for many each year. Basket creation will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Social Hall and deliveries will start around 10:30 a.m. If you would like to help make and/or deliver food baskets on February 28, please contact Amy Tessler at [email protected]. Do you have a college student and want a Mishloach Manot basket sent to them? We have a lovely tradition at TBA where we send Mishloach Manot to all college students whether they live at home or are away. It’s a great way to remind our students that we, at TBA, are thinking of them. Please let us know where your college student will be on February 28. If they live with you or will be home on break on that date, we will deliver their basket to them at your home; if they will be at college, please send their address to Debby Barach, [email protected], by February 12. The baskets will be shipped out on Monday, March 1 by priority mail. Any questions about the college Mishloach Manot program? Call Debby Barach at (510) 482-9399 or email [email protected].

13 check out our local jewish day schools Tu B’Shevat Heegiah project from SolarCity (the company that designed and By Melanie Marcus installed the solar system) was a Tehiyah graduate – a mar- velous coincidence. He was thrilled to be reunited with his Tu B’Shevat, the festival of the trees, falls on January 30. former Rabbi and teachers, and proud of the school for tak- At Oakland Hebrew Day School, classes will join together ing this major step. We, in return, were pleased that one of for Tu B’Shevat sederim, plant trees at Redwood Road our graduates was making renewable energy his career. Regional Park, continue studying the climatic conditions of our homeland Israel and, with great excitement, launch the Our commitment to the green revolution has extended to OHDS Greening Plan! For months, the OHDS Greening our curriculum as well. Our sixth grade science curriculum Committee has been working hard, looking at all possible recently was revised to focus more on earth science, reflect- ways in which the school can “Go Green”. The Greening ing our students’ growing awareness of the effects of global Committee will introduce a variety of recycling and com- warming, and their interest in environmental sciences. For posting methods to teachers and students. Furthermore, our students, their future role as stewards of the earth’s eco- TBA father, Jeff Ilfeld, has been researching the possibility systems is truly Tikkun Olam. of Solar Panels at the school. OHDS is fully immersed in Though Tehiyah has recycled for years, this year we have the color of Green! begun two other green initiatives. We have formally orga- Calling all Women: Please join us for a Women’s Rosh nized a group of environmentally-minded parents who are Chodesh session on Friday, February 12 from 9:00 - 10:00 serving as a green committee for the school, and – drum a.m. in the OHDS Library. Assistant Director, Bat Sheva roll please – our Board voted last month to make the bus Miller, will provide a fresh perspective on the new month of free of charge for next year. The Board felt strongly that we Adar through a female lens. You are welcome to join us at needed to help reduce the number of cars coming to cam- 8:30 a.m. as the OHDS middle school girls lead the morn- pus and to help support our working families. In addition ing Tefillah (prayer) service. to making the bus free, they will also be evaluating our bus routes to make sure that we are appropriately serving our Oakland Hebrew Day School is a Jewish K-8 school located families. in the Oakland hills. The OHDS program emphasizes strong Jewish values, excellence in academics, Hebrew While we take pride in our green achievements, there is immersion and a “whole child’’ approach to teaching in an always more to do. If you’d like to be a part of the greening environment that celebrates Judaism and our connection to of Tehiyah, or would like to learn more about our fabulous Israel. OHDS is currently accepting applications for admis- Bridge-K through eighth grade program, please don’t hesi- sions and financial aid on a rolling basis. To learn more, tate to call our director of admissions, Amy Utstein at (510) please contact Melanie at [email protected] or (510) 233-3013. 531-8600, ext 26. CCJDS Teach Green Values Tehiyah Day School Goes Green By Amy Wittenberg, Admissions Director By Donna Sidel Straus “Here comes the Oakland gang” is announced each morn- Tehiyah Day School has made a commitment to do as ing by the kids jumping out of the minivans as they much as possible to reduce our carbon footprint. As part of arrive at the Contra Costa Jewish Day School (CCJDS) our emphasis on Tikkun Olam, healing the world, Tehiyah in Lafayette (12 minutes from Montclair) – not only does wants to lead the way in recognizing the importance of sharing the driving make a parent’s life easier, but it’s also ecological issues. We also want our students to experience the green thing to do. Each day carpools come from all in a hands-on way what it really means to do something to parts of Contra Costa County and Oakland as well. By car- make the world a better place. pooling to school, parents actively participate in the school’s green mission. In that regard, we couldn’t be happier to announce that we recently completed the installation of solar panels through- Every student at CCJDS participates in a year-long Shir out our entire school! We are especially proud that one of Halev – Tikkun Olam (song of the heart – repair the world) our seventh grade classes was the initial impetus behind the Community Service Program. Each grade will take on a school going solar. When these students began research- different project; many of which focus on environmental ing and spearheading a solar panel fundraising campaign issues. The second grade project is Shmirat Ha’adamah- two years ago, their commitment to this cause inspired our Protecting the Land. The students have been working board and staff to make their dream a reality. toward a Zero Waste Day in their classroom and creating a zero waste competition for the entire school. They are To make the process even more meaningful for the school, composting, learning about recycling and the reuse of waste we learned that one of the field engineers in charge of the products.

14 check out our local jewish day schools kindergym

Fourth grader and TBA member, Talya Bornstein, tells about her class project, “We have taken on Hafrachat Ha’adamah which means sustainability. We are working on creating a school garden using the compost from the second grade; we hope to grow vegetables and herbs that we can eat and share at Pesach.” Hadas Rave, the mastermind behind the Shir Halev Program and a CCJDS Hebrew and Judaics teacher says, “I feel so passionate about instilling our students with ‘green values’. I think it is one of the most important things we can teach and hope the lessons our children learn will stay with them throughout the lives and that they will also inspire others to care deeply for our world.” CCJDS moved into a new green building this past fall. According to Dean Goldfein, Head of School, “Our build- ing enjoys materials and energy systems required for LEED Environmental Certification.” We invite you to come visit CCJDS and learn more about our School. We are currently accepting applications for Kindergarten - eighth grade. To set up a tour call Amy Wittenberg, Admissions Director, (925) 284-8288 or email [email protected]. Further information is available at www.ccjds.org.

Wonderful Kindergym and Toddler Classes HERE at TBA for Under 3s Your toddlers and babies can slide, climb, slither in our ball pit, make music, jump on a trampoline, pop bubbles and all of you will make new friends! Sibling under 3 free!! All families welcome. Visit our website for details at: www.tbaoakland.org/kindergym. Winter/Spring 2010

Wednesday Thursday Friday 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18 2/5, 2/12, 2/19 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 3/26 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29 4/16, 4/23, 4/30 5/5, 5/12, 5/26 5/6, 5/13, 5/27 5/7, 5/14, 5/21 No Class:

2/24, 3/31, 4/7, 5/19 2/25, 4/1, 4/8, 5/20 2/26, 4/2, 4/9

15 midrasha Berkeley Midrasha Has a Gift For You. inviting the entire community to share the morning with Actually Two Gifts. us. The performance will be followed by a conversation between the cast members and the audience. By Diane Bernbaum We would also like to invite you to join us for our annual Gift Number One: On Sunday, March 7, at 10:30 a.m., at Midrasha Seudah which will be held on Sunday, March Congregation Beth El: Midrasha invites you to join us, free 14, at 5 p.m. at Congregation Netivot Shalom. Our of charge, to see Freedom Song presented by Beit T’Shuvah speaker is Frances Dinkelspiel, the author of Towers of in Los Angeles, the only addiction treatment program in Gold: Isaias Hellman, Banking, and the Role Jews Played in the United States that integrates Jewish traditions and spiri- the Development of California. I recently read the book, tuality, a 12-step program and traditional psychotherapy. learned a lot about the history of the early Jews who settled Freedom Song is a musical play, but more than a play. Using California and I can’t wait to hear her speak. In addition to contemporary music, Freedom Song juxtaposes personal the speaker, there will be plenty of delicious food and wine, stories of internal conflict and family dysfunction with the and jazz guitar with Howard Barkan. Introductory remarks story of Passover. The play not only draws parallels between will be made by alumna Rachel Finkelstein. Tickets can being a slave in Egypt and being a slave to your addiction, be purchased from the Midrasha office at (510) 843-4667. but forces audiences of all ages to take a look at themselves Please let us know by March 1 if you can be with us. And instead of pointing the finger at everyone else. It highlights whether you can come or not, don’t forget to buy raffle the historic universality of the struggle to free oneself from tickets. You might win a year’s free Midrasha tuition, a external oppression and internal bondage. This original weekend at Sea Ranch, a trip flying above the bay in a two- production was written by Stu Robinson, Cantor Rebekah seat plane, some really fine wine or even some baseball cards Mirsky, and James Fuchs and produced by Craig Taubman, with Jewish players. Such a deal! Rabbi Mark Borovitz, and Harriet Rossetto. Midrasha is volunteer bulletin board

We’re looking for a cover art designer for the TBA Omer Contact Lori Rosenthal at [email protected] or (510) 339-0133.

Give a New Mom or Dad Do you have time an Hour to Shower to help deliver TBA’s A perfect mitzvah for those with daytime flexibility. new members baskets? Volunteers needed to provide short daytime sits free If so, please contact of charge to our new moms and dads allowing them to Stacy Margolin shower, get a haircut or just take a walk. at [email protected] Interested sitters should contact us or by phone (510) 482-3153. at [email protected].

Volunteers needed on February 28 to prepare and deliver Mishloach Manot baskets We need over 60 volunteers on Sunday February 28 to help assemble and then deliver food baskets to all TBA members. It’s a wonderful mitzvah that is a highlight for many each year. Basket creation will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Social Hall and deliveries will start around 10:30 a.m. If you would like to help make and/or deliver food baskets on February 28, please contact Amy Tessler at [email protected].

16 cooking corner Energy-Saving Cooking not in addition to. If your countertop grill saves you from By Faith Kramer having to preheat your range’s broiler, that’s great. But if you have the oven on anyway, maybe you should bake that Baby it’s cold outside and the gas and electric meters are chicken breast instead of grilling it. Try to use the toaster humming. Since this is the Omer’s Green issue, I thought oven instead of your full-size oven. saving energy (and money) while you cook would be a good topic for this month’s column.True, covering your pot won’t Home on the Range – If you are using your range or save you as much as replacing inefficient appliances, turning stove-top, make the whole meal “on top.” Consider using a down the heat, insulating your home, wrapping your hot multilevel steamer: boiling water on the bottom, your main water heater, and getting your kids to turn off the lights, course in the middle and some tasty vegetables up top. You computer and television, but every little bit helps. can even adapt the baked apple recipe below for a steamer. A personal favorite of mine is to use a pressure cooker. They Here are some basics to start with: create wonderful stews and soups in a fraction of the time Don’t Preheat Your Oven – most things will only take a and energy. few more minutes to cook if you don’t preheat. Put that Put a Lid On It – Using a lid for a pot is a good idea. casserole in a cold oven and take advantage of all the pre- Water will boil faster if you can’t see it, honest! Another heating time and energy. tip is to only put enough water in the tea kettle for what If You Are Using The Oven, Use It – You are already pay- you need at the time. I know some people who fill it up to ing for all that energy anyway, so why turn on your stove the whistle. It takes forever to come to a boil and tea really top and burn money there, too? Make a whole meal in needs fresh water every time to taste its best. your oven: roast vegetables and potatoes to go along with Magic Box – The microwave is one of the most efficient that chicken, make a dessert in there, too. Baked apples appliances in our kitchen arsenal, especially if you work with raisins, almonds and honey (see recipe below), maybe? it right. It’s great for one or two potatoes, but a family’s Or cook several meals at once to take advantage of all that worth are better being cooked in the oven with yesterday’s hot, hot heat. dinner and just warmed in the microwave. Planning ahead Grill Friend – All those little kitchen helper appliances to have “leftovers” or “pre cooks” not only saves energy, but could be your worst enemy or your best energy-saving your time. friend. Just use them in place of other cooking resources,

Baked Apples with Raisins, Almonds and Honey Serves 4 4 granny smith apples 1/3 cup of slivered almonds Juice of large lemon 1/2 tsp. of ground cinnamon 1/3 cup apple juice or water 2-3 teaspoons of honey 1/3 cup of raisins 1 Tbs. of butter or margarine These versatile apples can be baked in an Cover the baking dish loosely with foil. Baste oven, toaster oven or made in the microwave occasionally with liquid from bottom of baking or steamer, so pick the method that saves the dish. Bake for about 30 minutes or until apples most energy for you. Directions below are for can be pierced easily with a knife. Serve with the baked version. See the notes after the reci- syrup from the pan and with whipped cream, pe to adapt it for a microwave or steamer. yogurt or ice cream if desired. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Core the apples, Microwave Variation: Use microwave safe bak- reserving a bit of the core to “plug” the bottom ing dish and cover with plastic wrap or waxed of apples. Place in a baking dish. Pour lemon paper. Reduce apple juice or water by half. juice over top of apples. Add juice or water to Cook on high until done. bottom of dish. Combine raisins, almonds, cin- Steamer Variation: Place apples in rimmed namon and honey in a small bowl, mix well. dish or pan that fits within a steamer. Reduce Pack the filling into the cored out apples (you apple juice or water by half. Cover with steam- may have extra). Cut butter or margarine into er lid. Steam over boiling water until done. small pieces and scatter on top of the apples.

Faith Kramer blogs her food at www.clickblogappetit.blogspot.com. Her food columns appear twice a month in the j. weekly. 17 life cycles Marissa Glick, February 6, 2010 My parents are Marci Gottlieb and Reuven Glick, and I have a younger sister named Rebecca. My hobbies are playing soccer, doing art, and hanging out with my friends and family. I have played soccer since I was six and for the past three years I have played on the Montclair Clippers. I play the saxophone and love being a part of my school band. My family has a lot of friends and family from around the country. I am glad that many of them will be able to join us for my Bat Mitzvah. I am in the 7th grade and go to Piedmont Middle School. I really love my school

B’nai Mitzvah B’nai because of all the fun activities we get to do and all the great teachers. I am so lucky to have made so many good friends during my middle school experience. My parashah is Yitro from the book of Exodus. It talks about the Israelites entering Sinai, and later receiving the Ten Commandments. For my Bat Mitzvah project I will be donating 10% of the money I get to an organization of my choice. Lastly I would like to thank Rabbi Bloom for helping me with my drash, Susan Simon for being a great tutor, and all of my family for being very supportive of me. Jesse Shalev, February 13, 2010 My Torah portion is Mishpatim from the Book of Exodus. My parashah is about being loyal to G-d, performing religious ceremonies, and Moses going to receive the Ten Commandments. I am in seventh grade at Edna Brewer Middle School. I have an older sister named Talia and three cats named Sofie, Shadow and Mittens. I like hip hop and R & B music. My favorite sports are soccer and football. I like to read, cook and hang out with friends. I’m a straight A student and my favorite subject is algebra. I play per- cussion in my school band. During the summer I go to Camp Tzofim and Camp Ramah. To me, becoming a Bar Mitzvah means to mature and be more adult-like. I would like to thank Outi Gould for helping me with Torah and Haftarah, Rabbi Bloom for helping me with my drash, and my parents, Judy and Stephen, for being fully supportive of me. Michelle Cossette, February 20, 2010 Although it is said that one becomes a Bat Mitzvah on her 12th birthday, leading the Saturday service can prove that I really am an adult at Temple Beth Abraham. Naturally, I’m nervous until I realize that I won’t be the only one on the Bimah. I will have family and congregants supporting me the whole way. Standing on the Bimah, however, isn’t the only thing that reminds me of my role in the community. All of the practice plus my tzedakah project keep me in touch with my religion. This past year, I have been learning how to lead the service and chant my Torah and Haftarah portions. My parashah is Terumah from the Book of Exodus. In this section, God explains to Moses how to build the portable tabernacle in great detail. I’ve been wondering why all of these specifics were needed. As I thought about it, I realized that detailed directions give us a sense that something needs to be done and comfort knowing exactly how it should be done. With every detail given, a new sense of importance arises. For my tzedakah project, I decided to make a donation to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. I chose this charity in honor of my uncle who has Multiple

18 life cycles Sclerosis (MS). MS is a chronic disease in the Central Nervous System, dam- aging the myelin, or covering of nerves. This slows the transportation of mes- sages from the brain to the rest of the body. Many different symptoms occur from MS, and usually seem to worsen over time. There is no known cure for Multiple Sclerosis yet, but I’m hoping that my contribution will be a stepping stone to finding one. This school year I spent a semester at Couch Middle School in Georgia, but I am currently attending Lincoln Middle School. They are both very friendly schools, but very different. I’m interested in too many things to categorize, so I can’t. However, I am very lucky to have so many friends and supporters. I would like to give a big thank you to Susan Simon for helping me and prepar- ing me for my Bat Mitzvah, along with Rabbi Bloom for helping me with my d’rash. Of course, many other thank you’s to my friends and family for support- ing me the whole way! Bella Scharff, February 27, 2010 I enjoy movies, hanging out with my friends, soccer, music, my Jewish studies, and fashion. I just finished playing for the Montclair Clippers soccer team, and although the season has come to an end, I still find time to play. Fashion is a big hobby of mine and I intend to take a fashion class, once my Bat Mitzvah is over. My sister Ariele and I live with my mother, Gizelle and my father, David in Oakland. My Uncle Steve comes over every Sunday and I consider him part of my nuclear family. Hopefully, for another addition to our family we will be get- ting a new puppy this year, since unfortunately we lost my childhood dog of seven years to cancer this past September. My love for animals is what motivated me to support a charity that helps animals for my Bat Mitzvah project. My parashah is Tetzaveh in Exodus 27:20 – 30:10. The passage tells about Aaron and his sons being ordained into holy priests. It is about the process and rituals that went on while doing this. For example back then we were to sacrifice two rams for seven days straight along with performing ceremonial rituals. Because the temple was destroyed, we stopped this tradition since we no longer had a place to do it. Therefore, as years went on, the tradition was lost but not forgot- ten. I find it interesting that back in those days it was considered a pure and natural thing to exercise this violent ritual. However in the modern day I per- sonally think someone would sound crazy if they thought killing two rams a day for seven days straight would give someone the ability to purify and make one holy again. Some people think of their Bat Mitzvah as the end of the journey to find their place in Jewish culture, however I think of it as the beginning, the first step of finding who you truly are as a Jew. I will be reading from the Torah for the first time, and then be considered an “adult” in G-d’s eyes. Rabbi Bloom, Outi Gould, Susan Simon, and my Kitah Zayin classmates are the reason I am able to have a Bat Mitzvah and let me explore a path to find where I stand as a fellow Jew. My family and friends have also given great support around this memorable time. I thank them all for giving me the gift of knowledge.

19 life cycles February Birthdays 1 7 Karen Klier 21 Miriam Ilfeld Barbara Rose Mark Liss Joseph Charlesworth Hannah Reback Cecile Schlesinger Jake Moore Rita Frankel Nancy Rose 9 Jesse Teichman Ward Spangler Arthur Rosenberg Noah Kincaid 15 22 2 Abby Klein Alexander Finkelstein Judith Klinger Lisa Tabak 10 James Kleinmann Zoe Hannah Setton Gayle Rosenberg 3 Sarah Bookin Debbie Spangler Yonathan Wolf Carolyn Bernstein David Sasson 23 Arjun Bornstein 11 16 Ari Goldberg Avi Eliahu Amy Friedman Joanne Goldstein Sara Gottfried Steve Fankuchen Max Gochman Rebekah Kharrazi Nicolas Louis-Kayen Allison Hagey Leah Hagar Nadav Palter 25 Deren Rehr-Davis Jing Weng Hsieh Liam Sondreal Joshua DeBare David Rosenthal Jacob Raskin Joni Tanis David Green Josh Sadikman 4 12 26 17 Akash Bornstein Julie Katz Talia Green Eric Jones Jason Prystowsky Jacob Nagel Philip Hankin 5 Jessica Sterling 18 Oren Jacob Dan Maidenberg 13 Roslyn Aronson 27 Loryn Hudson 6 Alex Handlers Julian Goldstein Julia Johnson Larry Miller 19 28 Victoria Reichenberg Dawn Margolin 14 Marc Bruner Susan Sasson Paul Diliberto 20 Jonathan Ring Jeremy Weiss Mira Gellman Jacob Liron Isabella Scharff Stuart Zangwill Allan Gordon

Mazel Tov to Dan and Jennifer Abrami, on the birth of their son, Mazel Tov Gabriel Abrami, born Wednesday, January 6 Mazel Tov to Lisa Tabak and Jeff Lipsett, on the birth of their son, born Friday, January 15.

Calling TBA New Members! The Omer would love to print a small article about you (with a picture) to introduce you to our TBA community. It can be as simple as one or two paragraphs that you supply. Please send this to us at [email protected].

20 life cycles February Yahrzeits Shevat 17-21 Shirley Abrams Kessler Celia Sue Kraft February 1-5 Gertrude Kingston David Hillman Elaine Reisman Ben Barnett Betty Mosko Marjorie Kauffman Edythe Schultz Sara Heber Charles Somers Julius Kohn Steven Simon Shirley Doris Hyman Klezmer Al Rothman Simon Lerch Friedman Ziesel Dorothy Peterson Allan Stone David Reisman Lilly Shoehalter Phil Rotblatt Elizabeth Bernstein Sydney Sylvia Ross Regina Weiss Goldie Shapiro Hyman Brodke Ruth Roth Nathan Feldman Abraham Grutman Joseph Gould Mabel Stevens Avram Mendel Goldberg Celia Kaden Samuel Aaron Grinberg Mary Berger Jacob Saidan Freda Klarman Rose Hillman Matilda Bloom Holzman Charles Bernard Bernstein Moshe Sterenberg Bernard Pollack Benjamin Ottovich Mollie Forkos Max Brick Nancy Von Kugelgen Sara Goldberg Phyllis Goldberg Selma Jackson Milton Weiner Louis Rothenberg James Jonas Louis Kasdan Samuel Bandel Daniel Shuster Raymond Kivel Harold Silberzweig Barnett Epstein Milton Weintraub Nathan Polse Lawrence A. “Sonny” Irving Goronkin Max Pearl Jacob Rubin Singerman Rose Kotz Clara Ramo Lloyd Silver Morris Weinberg Sam Wolf Harry Simon Howard Morse Spector Adolph Wollner Shevat 29-Adar 1 adar 2-12 adar 13-14 Blanche Neuman Lillian Raphael February 13-19 February 20-26 February 27-28 Fay Schaefer George Fankuchen Robert Burnstein Sheba Widlan Bookin Thomas W. Cain Dorothy Glasser Celia Goldstein Jennie Coopersmith Louis Feldman Theodore Karlin Harry David Levine Ruth Miriam Cowan Edward Friendly Joseph G. Kay Frederick Harland Spector William Groskope Joseph Morvai Joseph Kvint Abraham Baim Ann Krause David Okh Lillian Adler Leonard Baum Sharon Lerner Gertrude Yarman Helen Aldeff Sylvia Hertz Morrey Ranzer Eric Baum Samuel Jaffe Dorothy Sarver Shevat 22-28 Tillie Elsenberg Sara Schmulowitz Isaac Biederman February 6-12 Kalman Gluck Arthur Yarman Daniel King Joseph Grutman Pearl S. Goodman Louis Adler Morris Klang Joseph Banc Rose Bruder Rachel Aelion Willliam Miller Erwin Barany Cora Coulter Philip Bakar Shirley Roth Etty Bernstein Irving Selig Goldman Arnold Liss Eli Schwartz Eleanor Leon Cassel Gulenson John Miller Sidney Jerome Zywotow Isaac Shatzkin Anna Jacobs Phyllis Zangwill Lucille Tama Esther Segal Lucy Jackson Dayton Harold Tott Frankel Moses Seligson Harry Goldenhar

May God comfort you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem

MEMORIAL PLAQUE Anyone wishing to purchase a memorial plaque, please contact Pinky at the synagogue office at extension 229.

21 donations Charity is equal in importance to all the other commandments combined. Centennial Fund Michael Switler & Tiffany Seitler Jason Klein & Doree Jurow Klein Jim Floyd & Amy Kivel Morris & Audree Weiss Gary & Faith Kramer Dennis & Susan Gildea Gabriel & Jennifer Wolosin: Piser Bris Marshall & Lynn Langfeld Richard & Edie Mills Howard Zangwill & Stacy Margolin JB Leibovitch & Judy Chun Josh & Lisa Sadikman Stuart & Abby Zangwill: in honor of Aaron Steven Pascal & Danna Gillette-Pascal David Salk & Leah Kaizer Lasser’s Brit Milah Dr. John Rego & Deborah Kahane Rego Stephen & Susan Shub Stuart & Abby Zangwill: in honor of Judy Shalev Andrew Mear’s Brit Milah Marc & Debra Barach Arthur & Glenda Warmoth Stuart & Abby Zangwill: in honor of Asher Barry Barnes & Samantha Spielman: in Bram’s Brit Milah HH Days Appeal - Endowment Fund memory of Frances Piser Stuart & Abby Zangwill: in honor of Barry Barnes & Samantha Spielman: in Marc & Debra Barach Benjamin Shedrott’s Brit Milah memory of Seymour Cernitz Barry Barnes & Samantha Spielman Stuart & Abby Zangwill: in honor of Charles Bernstein & Joanne Goldstein Daniel & Anne Bookin Brayden Kreitzman’s Brit Milah Joshua & Heidi Bersin: in honor of Paul Dan Engel & Angela Favero Stuart & Abby Zangwill: in honor of and Flo’s 30th wedding anniversary Andrew Gooden & Ruth Kleinman Eliezer Contente’s Brit Milah Marc & Eden Bruner Rabbi Arthur Gould & Carol Robinson Stuart & Abby Zangwill: in honor of Idan Yahel Ben David & Yael Valerie Perez Gian’s Brit Milah Richard & Brenda Gutstadt Howard Davis Stuart & Abby Zangwill: in honor of Joseph Randall & Jan Kessler Lowell Davis Olift’s Brit Milah Abby & Ariel Klein Joseph & Judith Epstein Stuart & Abby Zangwill: in honor of Lucas Jason Klein & Doree Jurow Klein Mark Fickes & William Gentry Rotem’s Brit Milah Gary & Faith Kramer Rabbi Arthur Gould & Carol Robinson: in Stuart & Abby Zangwill: in honor of Marshall & Lynn Langfeld memory of Joseph Gould Macarthur Simon’s Brit Milah David & Angelina Levy Rabbi Arthur Gould & Carol Robinson: in Stuart & Abby Zangwill: in honor of Steven Pascal & Danna Gillette-Pascal memory of Louis Robinson Raphael Gottheiner’s Brit Milah Aaron & Eva Paul Justin Graham & Victoria Reichenberg Stuart & Abby Zangwill: in honor of Saul Dr. John Rego & Deborah Kahane Rego Humphrey’s Brit Milah Morey & Eleanor Greenstein Jonathan Ring & Maya Rath Dr. Ward Hagar & Dr. Caroline Hastings Jeanette Jeger Kitchen Fund Judy Shalev Philip & Dina Hankin Norman & Jo Budman: in memory of Cyril General Fund Hennie Hecht: Todah Rabah Alan Silver Weiss Richard & Naomi Applebaum Richard Heeger & Alice Hale Norman & Jo Budman: in memory of Edith Benjamin Hornik & Amy Peterson Budman Gene & June Brott Jonathan & Joy Jacobs Jack Coulter: in memory of Edith Berg Marc & Eden Bruner Seymour & Hilda Kessler Fifi Goodfellow: in memory of Becky Denise Davis: in honor of Jill Rosenthal Jason Klein & Doree Jurow Klein: in Singer and Jeanne Korn’s singing memory of Sylvia Reback Hennie Hecht: in memory of Geertje Mervyn Durlester: in memory of Cyril Robert Klein & Doreen Alper Silverenberg Weiss James Kleinmann & Lara Gilman Barbara Oseroff: in memory of Nathan Kathryn Epstein Robert Kruger & Amy Kaminer Denenberg Glenn & Amy Friedman: in memory of Michael Wallenstein Marshall & Lynn Langfeld Curtis & Adi Schacker: in memory of Jeanette Jeger Reuven Glick & Marci Gottlieb Charles & Edna Levine Bruce Goldberg & Jana Good Richard & Edie Mills HH Day Appeal - General Fund Fifi Goodfellow S. Olyer & A. Goodfriend Marc & Debra Barach Milton & Margaret Greenstein: in memory Paul & Florence Raskin Barry Barnes & Samantha Spielman of David Rosenstein Alan S. & Eve O. Rosenfeld: Hanukkah Cynthia Berrol Steven Grossman & Jill Rosenthal greetings to Lynn and Marshall Langfeld Daniel & Anne Bookin Hennie Hecht Reba Schechtman: in memory of Cyril Eiss, Dan Engel & Angela Favero get well Pinky Pencovic and Happy David Kaplan Birthday Annie Schwartz Andrew Gooden & Ruth Kleinman Robert Klein & Doreen Alper Michael & Deborah Sosebee: Paul and Flo Rabbi Arthur Gould & Carol Robinson Roma & Thomas Lascano Raskin’s 30th wedding anniversary Richard & Brenda Gutstadt Daniel & Shirley Ann Lee: in memory of Mark & Lori Spiegel: in memory of our Randall & Jan Kessler Cyril Weiss fathers Abby & Ariel Klein Eric Leve: in memory of Sylvia Reback

22 donations Michael & Renee Marx Minyan Fund Dorian Seamster Ilya & Regina Okh Martin & Evelyn Hertz Judy Shalev Ron & Adele Ostomel: in memory of Sam Sidney & Ethel Shaffer: in memory of Vera Zatkin Silver Abraham Shaffer Vince & Debbie Rocha: in memory of Cantor Discretionary Fund Sylvia Reback Camper/scholarship Fund William & Sharon Ellenburg: in memory Morton & Carol Rothman: in memory of Rey & Harvey Steinberg: in memory of of Arthur Braverman Carol Panitz Frankel William Stern Rosebud Silver Fund Curtis & Adi Schacker: in memory of Playground Fund Harlan & Pearl Kann: in memory of Larry Reback’s mother Ronald & Gloria Gruber Meyer Kranz Martin Stone & Jan Leuin Wendy & Marvin Siver: in memory of Jerome & Beverly Turchin: in memory of Celia & Morris Davis Hunger Fund George Hachman Leslie Turchen Shelley Jean B. Peck Gary Zimmerman & Kathy Saunders Rabbi Discretionary Fund Endowment Fund Prayerbook Fund Herbert & Harriet Bloom: in memory of Ben Nathan Hennie Hecht Joseph & Judith Epstein: in memory of Herbert & Harriet Bloom: in memory of Rebecca Epstein Hertz Fund Mark S. Bloom Gerald & Ruby Hertz: in memory of Sally Denise Davis: in memory of Jeanette Jeger Kiddush Fund Simon Denise Davis: in honor of Jack Jeger Richard & Janice Freeman: in memory of Denise Davis: in honor of Misia Nudler Adeline Freeman Hertz Interfaith Fund Fifi Goodfellow: in memory of Herb Daniel & Aliza Grosh: Hannah Roth baby Gerald & Ruby Hertz: in memory of Goodfellow, Raymond Naggar naming Samuel Morrow Harlan & Pearl Kann: in memory of Hennie Hecht: in memory of Freida H E Goldstein Fund Zilverberg Sophie Kranz Tedd & Susan Goldstein: in memory of Richard Heeger & Alice Hale Alice Kessler: in memory of Leslie Kessler Herb and Ellen Goldstein David & June Marinoff: in memory of Joel Randall & Jan Kessler: in memory of Piser’s mother Leslie Kessler Rehr-Davis Teen Fund Lucienne Levy: in memory of Vicorine Herman & Agnes Pencovic: in memory of Howard Davis & Elane Rehr Fred Brasch Misan Frank & Irene Weinberg Sheldon & Barbara Rothblatt: Chanukah for Ori & Susan Sasson

For a complete list of funds and other ways to support our synagogue, visit www.tbaoakland.org and select “Fundraising” from the left column.

“How wonderful it is that no one need wait a single moment to start to improve the world.” Anne Frank

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H Yitro Terumah Tetzaveh Mishpatim HABBAT EGILL AH HABBAT I RKAT Havdalah (42 min.) Havdalah (42 min.) Havdalah (42 min.) S 7p Srugim at TBA at 7p Srugim S B M Jesse Shalev Jesse Bar Mitzvah 6:27 Bella Bella Scharff Bat Mitzvah 9:30a-12p Shabbat Service Marissa Marissa Glick Bat Mitzvah 9:30a-12p Shabbat Service 9:30a-12p 9:30a-12p Shabbat Service 6:35p 6:20p 6:42p Havdalah 6:42p Havdalah (42 min.) 9:30a-12p Shabbat Services 10:15a-11:30a T‘fillat Y’ladim T‘fillat 10:15a-11:30a 6:15p Purim 6:15p Megillah reading Purim 1-3p Exploring the New Siddur Bat Bat Mitzvah of Michelle Cossette 10:15a-11:30a Jr. Congregation 10:15a-11:30a Jr. 6 Adar 13 Adar 22 Shevat 29 Shevat 5-6p Bet Sefer sponsored Dinner 10:15a-11:30a Shabbat Mishpacha

5 February 2010 26 19 12 pm pm pm pm

5:34 5:26 5:19 5:41 ' ' ' ' 10a-12p Kindergym 10a-12p Kindergym 10a-12p Kindergym 10a-12p Kindergym 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat 12 Adar 5 Adar 28 Shevat 21 Shevat 4 11 25 18 S TH E R E

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8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 6:15p Dalet Dinner Class 11 Adar 4 Adar 20 Shevat 27 Shevat 3 10 24 17 10a-12p Kindergym 10a-12p Kindergym 10a-12p Kindergym (Woodminster Café) (Woodminster 10a-12p Kindergym (Woodminster Café) (Woodminster (Woodminster Café) (Woodminster (Woodminster Café) (Woodminster 9-10a Weekly Text Study Text 9-10a Weekly 9-10a Weekly Text Study Text 9-10a Weekly 9-10a Weekly Text Study Text 9-10a Weekly 9-10a Weekly Text Study Text 9-10a Weekly with Rabbi Bloom - (Library) with Rabbi Bloom - (Library) with Rabbi Bloom - (Library) with Rabbi Bloom - (Library) 8–10p Reintroduction to Judaism 10 Adar 3 Adar 19 Shevat 26 Shevat 8–10p Reintroduction to Judaism 8–10p Reintroduction to Judaism 8–10p Reintroduction to Judaism are are produced 30-60 days in advance using the best data available TBAfrom Staff. the Administration 2 9 16 23

4p-6p Bet Sefer 4p-6p Bet Sefer 4p-6p Bet Sefer 4p-6p Bet Sefer

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Tzav Vayikra Ki Tissa HABBAT I R KAT Havdalah (42 min.) Havdalah (42 min.) Havdalah (42 min.) HABBAT S HABBAT B S S Vayakhel-Pekudei 6:56 9:30a-12p Shabbat Service 9:30a-12p Shabbat Service 9:30a-12p 9:30a-12p Shabbat Service 8:02p 6:49p 8:09p Havdalah 8:09p Havdalah (42 min.) 9:30a-12p Shabbat Services 10:15a-11:30a T‘fillat Y’ladim T‘fillat 10:15a-11:30a Pardon the Interruption Service Pardon 1-3p Exploring the New Siddur 10:15a-11:30a Jr. Congregation 10:15a-11:30a Jr. 5 Nisan 12 Nisan 20 Adar 27 Adar 10:15a-11:30a Shabbat Mishpacha

March 2010 5 26 19 12 pm pm pm pm

7:01 5:55 5:48 7:08 ' ' ' ' 10a-12p Kindergym 10a-12p Kindergym 10a-12p Kindergym 10a-12p Kindergym

7:30p–9p Raza d’Shabbat 6:15p Bet Share A Shabbat 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat 6:15p Gimmel Share A Shabbat 11 Nisan 4 Nisan 26 Adar 19 Adar 4 11 25 18

4p-6p Bet Sefer 4p-6p Bet Sefer 4p-6p Bet Sefer 4p-6p Bet Sefer Men’s Club Poker Men’s 10a-12p Kindergym 10a-12p Kindergym 10a-12p Kindergym 10a-12p Kindergym 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 6:15p Zayin Dinner Class 10 Nisan 3 Nisan 18 Adar 25 Adar 3 10 31 24 17 II

E S A C H P 10a-12p Kindergym 10a-12p Kindergym 10a-12p Kindergym (Woodminster Café) (Woodminster 10a-12p Kindergym (Woodminster Café) (Woodminster (Woodminster Café) (Woodminster (Woodminster Café) (Woodminster 9-10a Weekly Text Study Text 9-10a Weekly 9-10a Weekly Text Study Text 9-10a Weekly 9-10a Weekly Text Study Text 9-10a Weekly 9-10a Weekly Text Study Text 9-10a Weekly 8:13p Havdalah 8:13p Havdalah (42 min.) with Rabbi Bloom - (Library) with Rabbi Bloom - (Library) with Rabbi Bloom - (Library) with Rabbi Bloom - (Library) 8–10p Reintroduction to Judaism 16 Nisan 9 Nisan 2 Nisan 17 Adar 24 Adar 8–10p Reintroduction to Judaism 8–10p Reintroduction to Judaism 8–10p Reintroduction to Judaism are are produced 30-60 days in advance using the best data available TBAfrom Staff. the Administration 2 9 16 30 23 I

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what’s inside Join us for the screening of three episodes of this must-see Israeli television series! TBA Directory...... i What’s Happening...... 1 Rabbi’s Message...... 2 President’s Message...... 3 Srugim Editor’s Message...... 4 Saturday, February 13 Women of TBA...... 5 7:00 p.m. - Havdalah 7:30 p.m. - Screening Ruach Hadassah...... 6 Temple Beth Abraham Social Hall Men’s Club...... 7 327 MacArthur Boulevard, Oakland The Green Issue...... 8 Srugim, 2009, Israel, 90 minutes, Hebrew with English subtitles Gan Avraham News...... 11 We are delighted to screen the first three episodes of Srugim, one La’atid...... 12 of Israel’s most popular TV series (and a big hit at the Jewish film Bet Sefer News...... 13 festivals throughout the United States). You will fall in love with these thirty-something Modern Orthodox Jerusalemites and share Local Jewish Day Schools...... 14 their emotional ups and downs as they look for love in all the wrong Kindergym...... 15 places. Srugim (which is a reference to the knitted yarmulkes of Midrasha...... 16 its male characters) was awarded best drama honors plus three additional statuettes by the Israeli Film and Television Academy. Volunteer Bulletin Board...... 16 Admission is free. For more information: (510) 832-0936. Cooking Corner...... 17 Life Cycles...... 18 Co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the East Bay and The 15th Annual East Bay Jewish Film Festival (formerly Contra Costa). Donations...... 22 Episodes 4-15 of Srugim will screen at this year’s Calendar...... 24 Festival running February 20-26, 2010.