Volume 33, Number 6 the February 2014 Volume 31, Number 7 Adar 1 5774 March 2012 TEMPLE BETH ABRAHAM Adar / Nisan 5772

R i Pu M DIRECTORY GENERAL INFORMATION: Services Schedule All phone numbers use (510) prefix unless otherwise noted. Services Location Time Mailing Address 336 Euclid Ave. Oakland, CA 94610 Monday & Thursday Hours M-Th: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Fr: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Morning Minyan Chapel 8:00 a.m. Friday Evening (Kabbalat Shabbat) Chapel 6:15 p.m. Office Phone 832-0936 Shabbat Morning Sanctuary 9:30 a.m. Office Fax 832-4930 E-Mail [email protected] Candle Lighting (Friday) Gan Avraham 763-7528 Bet Sefer 663-1683 February 7 5:22 p.m. February 14 5:29 p.m. STAFF February 21 5:37 p.m. (x 213) Mark Bloom Cantor (x 218) Richard Kaplan February 28 5:44 p.m. Gabbi Marshall Langfeld Executive Director (x 214) Rayna Arnold Office Coordinator (x 210) Virginia Tiger Portions (Saturday) Bet Sefer Director Susan Simon 663-1683 February 1 Terumah Gan Avraham Director Barbara Kanter 763-7528 February 8 Tetzaveh Bookkeeper (x 215) Kevin Blattel February 15 Ki Tisa Custodian (x 211) Joe Lewis February 22 Vayakhel Kindergym/Toddler Program Dawn Margolin 547-7726 Volunteers (x 229) Herman & Agnes Pencovic

OFFICERS OF THE BOARD President Mark Fickes 652-8545 Vice President Eric Friedman 984-2575 TEMPLE BETH ABRAHAM Vice President Lynn Langfeld 769-6970 is proud to support the Conservative Vice President Flo Raskin 653-7947 Movement by affiliating with The United Vice President Laura Wildmann 601-9571 of Conservative . Secretary JB Leibovitch 653-7133 Treasurer Susan Shub 852-2500

COMMITTEES & ORGANIZATIONS: Advertising Policy: Anyone may sponsor an issue of The If you would like to contact the committee chairs, please contact the Omer and receive a dedication for their business or loved synagogue office for phone numbers and e-mail addresses. one. Contact us for details. We do not accept outside or paid advertising. Adult Education Steve Glaser & Aaron Paul The Omer is published on paper that is 30% post-consumer Chesed Warren Gould fibers. Development Steve Grossman & Flo Raskin The Omer (USPS 020299) is published monthly except Dues Evaluation Susan Shub July and August by Congregation Beth Abraham, 336 Endowment Fund Herman Pencovic Euclid Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610. Finance Susan Shub Periodicals Postage Paid at Oakland, CA. Gan Avraham Parents Cori Constantine & Rebecca Skiles Gan Avraham School Committee Rebecca Posamentier POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Omer, c/o House Stephen Shub Temple Beth Abraham, 336 Euclid Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610-3232. Affairs J.B. Leibovitch Membership Ulli Rotzscher © 2014. Temple Beth Abraham. Men’s Club Jeff Ilfeld The Omer is published by Temple Beth Abraham, a non- Omer Rachel Dornhelm profit, located at 336 Euclid Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610; Personnel Laura Wildmann telephone (510) 832-0936. It is published monthly except Public Relations Lisa Fernandez for the months of July and August for a total of ten issues Ritual Eric Friedman per annum. It is sent as a requester publication and there Schools Lynn Langfeld is no paid distribution. Social Action Marc Bruner Torah Fund Anne Levine To view The Omer in color, visit Web Site Liz Willner Women of TBA Jeanne Korn & Lori Rosenthal www.tbaoakland.org. Youth Phil Hankin

i WHAT’S HAPPENING

Women on the Move Sisterhood Shabbat Sunday, February 9 February 1, 2014 WTBA hikes happen the second Sunday of every Services begin at 9:30 a.m. month. We meet at 9:45 and depart promptly at 10:00. Hikes end by 11:30. Kiddush luncheon following the service We will meet at the Skyline Parashat Terumah Gate on Skyline just south of All WTBA members are invited to be part of this Snake and hike in Redwood service. If you are not yet a member, this is a great Regional Park. For details, time to join. You can choose to lead an English contact Deena Aerenson or Hebrew prayer, read Torah or Haftarah, have an at (510) 225-5107 or aliyah, present the drash; or select a non-speaking [email protected]. honor such as opening/closing the ark or dressing the Torah. Educational support, if needed, will be provided. If you are interested in becoming a member of WTBA, contact Jo Ilfeld at [email protected].

Mah Jongg 1:00 p.m. after Kiddush in the Baum Youth Center just come on by!! February 8 for Beginners February 15 for Experienced players

THE TEEN SCENE The Friendship Circle Friendship Circle programs present families of individuals with special needs and teen volunteers the opportunity to form real friendships within a non-judgmental and supportive community. Teen Scene: Teen Scene is a semimonthly, one and a half hour program on Sunday evenings for teens with special needs to join with loving teen volunteers for a fun, OF INDIA educational group experience. Presented by Bryan Schwartz The program begins with a light dinner and is followed Sunday, February 2, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. by an hour of activities and Jewish discussion. Teens enjoy various activities, which include dancing, basketball, yoga, drum circle and more... For more information, including Teen Scene dates, See additional WTBA sponsored Adult please contact Devorah Romano, [email protected]. Education activities on page 6.

1 FROM THE RABBI

Understanding today’s Israel through music by Mark Bloom Many of us first fell in love with Israel through song. Songs about pioneers working the land (Zum Gali Gali), soldiers returning from battle (Tzena Tzena), recapturing the Western Wall (Yerushalyim Shel Zahav), longing for peace (Shalom Al Yisrael, Shir l’Shalom, Od Yavo Shalom), or longing for the good life (Halleluyah) were very much a part of Israeli culture as well as American Jews’ relationship to Israel. Israeli songs from the last decade are much less idealistic, but they still have much to tell us about Israel and our relationship to it. Here are three examples. Shirat Hasticker—The Sticker Song Written by a group named Hadag Nachash in 2004, it is essentially just a list of the bumper stickers that appeared around Israel at the time sung in the form of a rap. This gritty song does not pull punches—whether religious, secular, dovish, hawkish, crucial, or trivial. These lyrics/ stickers include messages as diverse as “a strong nation makes peace” to “there’s no peace with Arabs” to “Long live the Messiah” to “Smog Test in Yarka.” The song is ten years old now, but it still resonates. What it teaches us about Israel is how diverse, complex, and vibrant life really is there. Adama v’Shamayim—Earth and Sky Also known as the “Heya” song by thousands of American Jewish kids, this song was written by a singer named Shimon Lev Tahor in 2008 but popularized as an Israeli dance/song at American Jewish summer camps in 2012. This Hebrew song is based on a New Zealand Maori chant. It’s lyrics are about nature: “love the earth and the sky, heat of fire, drop of water, I can feel it in my body, in my spirit and my soul.” What it teaches us about Israel is how diverse Israel is culturally. Since Israeli people truly come from so many different lands, their art forms are influenced by a variety of different cultures. This song is a metaphor for that in many ways. Ozi v’Zimrat Yah—My Strength and Might (or Song) is God This song written by Shefa Gold is actually not an Israeli song, but rather an American song that the “Women of the Wall” have adapted as their theme song. The words come from the Hallel Psalm 118 and mean “my strength and my might (or possibly song, the word zimra has a dual meaning) is God, and God is my deliverance.” The women sing this song as both a prayer and a protest. While some are attempting to prevent women’s voices from praying out loud near the men at the Western Wall, the women are saying/singing that God inspires both their strength and song. I encourage you to look these songs up on YouTube or Spotify. Their music and their messages tell us a story about the complexity, diversity, and ultimately, the beauty of life in Israel today.

As mentioned in a sermon on Yom Kippur, TBA will be focusing on the problem of Human Trafficking with a series of sessions designed to educate our community about this critical problem facing our world. All classes are at 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel. Wednesday, January 29--The Slave, The Stranger, and the Child: The Jewish Textual Basis of the Human Trafficking Problem. Wednesday, February 5--The Problem of Human Trafficking and Child Prostitution in Oakland: A Presentation by Nola Brantley, Executive Director of Misssey (Motivating, Inspiring, Supporting, and Serving Sexually Exploited Youth). Her presentation will focus on sex trafficking in general and on how deep the problem is with children right here in Oakland. Wednesday, February 12--Panel Discussion on Human Trafficking in Oakland, followed by Congregational Brainstorming Session. Panelists include: Ruth Silver Taube, who is the Legal Services Chair of the South Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking and will focus primarily on Labor Trafficking; Khanh Nguyen, who is a Lawyer with the Pacific Islander Legal Outreach Agency, will speak about specific cases she has seen in her community throughout the Bay Area; and Nancy Goldberg, who is the Chair of the Jewish Coalition to End Human Trafficking. She will focus on efforts the Jewish community has undertaken so far and how like ours can get involved.

2 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Music and religion By Mark Fickes In his book The Companion, Jewish music scholar Velvel Pasternack wrote that “the importance of music in the life of the Jewish people is found almost at the beginning of Genesis... [musicians are] mentioned among the three fundamental professions.... Music was viewed as a necessity in everyday life, as a beautifying and enriching complement of human existence.” For many religions, music is a vehicle through which we communicate with the divine. I first became interested in religious music when I was a young child. I went to grammar school at Cathedral School for Boys in San Francisco. I still remember the first time I attended a service at Grace Cathedral. When I heard the choir sing, I couldn’t believe how beautiful the music was. As I look back, I am amused to note that the first time I sensed the presence of G-d was while sitting in a cathedral. The next year, I joined the choir and sang with them for four years. As an early teen, I remember seeing the movie Amadeus with my family. I was captivated by Mozart’s Requiem in D Minor. In a movie filled with numerous musical masterpieces, the Requiem represented for me the holiness of music. My started a bit later in life. As I became more interested in Jewish practice, my point of entry was through music. When I decided to have an adult bar , I immediately became interested in learning the trope for Torah and Haftarah. For me the relationship between the music and our sacred texts made the experience all the more meaningful. Over the years, I have grown to love our liturgical melodies. To me, the music at our Shabbat services goes hand in hand with the prayers. Music is the perfect vehicle to communicate with G-d. Two years ago, I was asked to daven Shacharit for Rosh Hashana. Although I did not know the High Holiday melodies, I was excited by the opportunity to expand my musical knowledge. Learning new melodies while preparing for the New Year seemed a perfect way to connect with the essence of the Holidays. Whether you are religious or not, observant or not, music speaks to the soul. As we begin 2014, I wish you all a happy, healthy and hopefully musical new year.

A NOTE OF THANKS Please Join Us for My Dear TBA Congregants, Morning Minyan I want to thank you for your outpouring on Mondays & Thursdays of support and love surrounding Join the regulars at our Minyan service, each my father’s illness and death. Monday and Thursday usually starting at 8:00 I truly appreciate all of the a.m. The service lasts about an hour, and donations, condolences, and hugs. is really a great way to start the day. As an Thank you for being a wonderful added bonus, breakfast is served immediately and caring congregation. afterwards. To use the old expression – try it, With love and gratitude, you’ll like it. If not as a regular, just stop in Karen Bloom once or twice and see what it’s all about.

3 EDITOR’S MESSAGE All the Jewish melodies other set of sound memories to songs like by Rachel Dornhelm Hashkeveinu and Lechah Dodi. I won’t ever hear those songs without hearing the There’s a common saying about how music layers of mens and womens’ voices in can take you back to a certain time or place. Hashkeveinu, or the return to the rollicking That’s certainly the case for me with the up tempo chorus of Lechah Dodi. music that’s part of Jewish observances. TBA is so fortunate to have two wonderful In a way it’s odd because I’ve sung the musical leaders. Cantor Richard Kaplan has Shabbat prayers in many different places a degree in ethnomusicology and brings an and homes, and yet whenever I hear the early history in world music to his beautiful Kiddush, it’s my dad’s half-chant, half- chanting at weekly services and holidays. melody version that rings in my ears. And Rabbi Bloom and his guitar bring an And as much as I was taught that a “tov” amazing energy to services and childrens’ makes a hard “t” sound in hebrew school events. I am so glad that these are the and during synagogue prayers, I can’t listen voices that my children will connect to the prayers when they grow up. MARCH to people bench - in bentshn or in Hebrew Birkat Hamazon - without hearing Omer Theme: But music goes even beyond this at TBA, as my grandparents yiddish soft “s’s” run you read in the columns in this issue. Many in honor through the songs, even though I haven’t of TBA’s members, from children through of Purim - heard them sing it for many years. retirees, are current musicians in all genres. Jews & Comedy Now TBA’s Rock’n’Roll Shabbat and Happy reading and happy singing! Shabbat Unplugged have added a whole

About the cover artist: Gabriella Gordon up with a lot of music being played and performed in I studied my masters of fine art at Konstfack, or their house. Allan’s father, Aaron Gordon, played the University College of Arts, Crafts and Design in piano and clarinet and when he was young he played Stockholm after three years of of art studies in Paris in a band, “The Gordon boys.” Allan’s sister Daniella France. My work is usually mixed media depending on is a singer/songwriter and has had performances even what I feel I want to express. I usually work with abstract here in the Bay area. The great musical talent comes pieces. I have worked in glass, ceramics asphalt, cement, from Allan’s grandfather, Israel Gordon, who was opera silicone, video nylon stockings, and fabric and acrylic. In singer and the chazzan in the Shul in Malmö, a city in my latest exhibition I used woven fabric on canvas. Southern Sweden. As for music, I am not completely tone-deaf but near Elliot and Yael being teenagers don’t always get along to it and I have had to promise my kids never to sing in except when it comes to music, even though they have public. Fortunately my kids on the other hand are very very different music preferences they love talking and musically talented. Elliot plays the guitar, Yael plays listening to it together. The best for me is when Elliot the piano and sings and Liam plays piano . It comes picks up his guitar and plays while Yael sings Hallelujah from their dad, Allan’s side of the family. Allan grew by Leonard Cohen. — Gabriella Gordon

THE OMER We cheerfully accept member submissions. Deadline for articles and letters is the seventh of the month preceding publication. Editor in Chief Rachel Dornhelm Jessica Dell’Era, Nadine Joseph, Richard Kauffman, Jan Silverman, Copy Editors Managing Editor Lisa Fernandez Debbie Spangler June Brott, Jessica Dell’Era, Charles Feltman, Jeanne Korn, Anne Levine, Layout & Design Jessica Sterling Proofreaders Stephen Shub, Susan Simon, Debbie Spangler Calendars Jon Golding Distribution Hennie Hecht, Herman and Agnes Pencovic B’nai Mitzvah Editor Susan Simon Mailing Address 336 Euclid Ave. Oakland, CA 94610 Cover Gabriella Gordon E-Mail [email protected] Help From People like you!

4 WTBA, OUR SISTERHOOD

WTBA membership event a rousing success! The TBA social hall was the setting for a fun and creative journey on January 12 as 30+ WTBA members participated in a visioning exercise to kick off 2014. The day started with a guided meditation led by Jueli Garfinkle, and then morphed into a crafts project on steroids as each of us, under the tutelage of Jo Ilfeld, created a personal vision board. Equipped with more magazines than you can imagine, scissors and glue sticks, and a piece of poster board, we labored to choose the images and words that spoke to our souls, and chatted and laughed together as we worked. The finished products, our vision boards, were as diverse as the group making them and each of us left the event with a renewed sense of purpose for 2014 and the enjoyment of a day spent with our women friends. Thanks to Jo Ilfeld, Anne Levine and Arlene Zuckerberg for organizing the event, Billy Gentry for creating the wonderful snacks, and Bella Gordon for transforming the social hall into such a beautiful creative space. Upcoming WTBA events include Girl’s Night Out on the first Thursday of each month, and Vashti’s Banquet, on Sunday, March 9. For more information contact Jeanne Korn ([email protected]) or Lori Rosenthal ([email protected]).

5 WTBA, OUR SISTERHOOD

SAVE THE DATE FOR WTBA’s 4th ANNUAL VASHTI’S BANQUET Plan to join us for an afternoon of indulgence, of mind, body and spirit, through movement, meditation, study, spa treatments, and more….

Sunday, March 9. 3:00 – 5:30 p.m., TBA Social Hall

Join us this month for WTBA’s Girls’ Night Out Thursday, February 6 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. Baum Youth Center, 341 MacArthur

An Introduction to the Special Guest: Faith Kramer AND February 3, 2014 International Jewish Spice On behalf of The Women of TBA (WTBA) and Routes Oakland Ruach Hadassah, we would like to invite and all East Bay Women to join our Rosh Chodesh group. The group meets monthly on the Monday How Different closest to Rosh Chodesh, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Cultures use at rotating members’ homes. The meetings are their Spices facilitated by members of the group.

This month, we will continue our study of the book Taste of Text by Ronald H. Isaacs. This book is an introduction to the study of Talmudic and Girls’ Night Out is a casual, monthly event to gather TBA women together for relaxed and unstructured Midrashic materials. Rabbi Isaacs addresses social time. Drop in on the first Thursday of each sixteen topics of religious and personal month to chat, laugh, debate, have a glass of wine and importance. The subject for February is Jewish some light goodies, and get to know each other better. Healing. No need to bring a thing! Meet old friends, and make new friends. There’s a different mix, vibe and The meeting will opens with a short discussion conversation every month. Come check it out! about the significance of the month of Adar. Questions: [email protected] or Questions? [email protected]. Contact Amy Tessler at [email protected] THIS EVENT IS FREE or (510) 482-1218 to obtain the reading materials and get on the distribution list for the upcoming sponsored by WTBA meeting locations.

6 MEN’S CLUB

My mother and music My mom always had music playing in the house. by Larry Reback, Men’s Club board Through her, I learned to appreciate Frank Sinatra and Big Band music and even Barry Manilow. Whenever I When I think about music, I often think of my mother. hear Barry Manilow’s “I Can’t Smile Without You”, I Not because she could play an instrument or was a remember my mom happily belting out the chorus in a particularly good singer but because she loved music. slightly off key way and it makes me smile. When I was little, she would make up silly songs, often with my name in it, to entertain me. While not a fan of As a parent, I see how important music is to my kids. rock ‘n roll (“it’s just a bunch of noise”), she adapted to Fortunately for me, my son is into the classic rock n roll the times. One of my earliest childhood memories is of that I grew up on. We had a great time together at the my mother singing “Come on Baby, Light My Fire” to Paul McCartney concert in San Francisco a few years ago me while clapping our hands together. and he was upset he missed the Stones when they last played in Oakland. I have more trouble with my teenage It was also important to her that I learn to play an daughter’s love of One Direction and Miley Cyrus. While instrument. When I was nine, she took me to the music she thinks I have no taste and I’m uncool, I appreciate the store and told me I could pick out any instrument I passion she has for music. wanted to learn how to play. I looked through the violins, woodwinds, guitars and even the piano before proudly My mom knew the importance of music in making people saying that I wanted to play the drums. The fact that we happy. She knew music can help us get through tough lived in a small two bedroom apartment at the time did times and enhance happy ones. It also can create lasting not deter my mother from signing me up for drum lessons memories of shared times between parents and children. and getting me a real drum set. I would be pound away And that makes me smile too. every day and it never seemed to bother her. I couldn’t say the same thing for the neighbors, however.

UPCOMING TBA MEN’S CLUB EVENTS

February 2, 3 p.m.: in the Baum Center, our annual Super Bowl Party, which is a fun and free day specifically for Men’s Club members and their immediate families.

March 13: 7 p.m.: in the Baum Center, an Evening of Wine Tasting, with a representative from Covenant winery bringing five wines to try and enjoy while learning about kosher wine making.

March 20, 7 p.m.: in the social hall, the March Madness Poker Game

March 22: Men’s Club Shabbat and oneg

April 6, 6 p.m.: Warriors Jewish Heritage Night. Come to a kosher barbeque followed by the Warriors vs. the Jazz.

May 8: 7 p.m. in the social hall, a celebratory Yom Ha’atzmaut Poker Game.

May, date TBD: Jews in Bad Shoes at AMF Southshore Lanes in Alameda

7 TIKKUN OLAM TBA and Save the Bay: Annual Tu B’Shevat Wetlands Restoration Day TBA volunteers of all ages planted 301 seedlings at the Martin Luther King Junior Regional Shoreline in Oakland on January 12. The program, organized by TBA member Jody London is in its twelfth year. Some of the participants have been taking part since they were in the Gan. The plantings are one step towards restoring 100,000 acres of wetlands for wildlife habitat and to protect communities from sea level rise.

8 COMMUNITY In the kitchen with Bet Sefer Each year our 5th grade students study the laws of . They learn to identify kosher labels, they explore which animals are kosher for Jewish to eat and which are not, the learn about separating milk and meat products, and they learn to be more mindful of their eating choices. The culminating activity involves them designing a kosher menu and then cooking it for their families. Each year it is an adventure in the TBA kitchen with more than fifteen 10 and 11 year olds racing around the kitchen to get dinner prepared in time. This year's menu (remember, THEY designed it) included appetizers of guacamole, chips and salsa and edamame, a taco bar with bean and veggie fillings, TBA mac n cheese (thank you Mary Odenheimer for helping with that!), and home made from scratch cinnamon rolls. Here are a few photos of our event – enjoy!

3rd annual Erev Xmas sing-a-long On December 24, over 100 congregants and friends of all ages gathered in the Social Hall and sang along with The Wizard of Oz. While singing, we enjoyed a wonderful house-made Chinese dinner prepared by Treya Weintraub, Steve Glaser and Jereme Albin. Todah rabbah to volunteers David Weintraub, the DeBare family, Phil Hankin, Steve Shub, the Korn family, and all the many attendees who cheerfully helped set up and clean up our merry old land of Oz. WTBA and Men’s Club co-sponsor this free event. Next Erev Xmas possibilities include The Music Man, My Fair Lady, Annie and Mary Watching Dorothy on The Rosenthal family Poppins. the big TBA screen wins best costume 9 MUSIC Cantor inspires award-winning song about I won that competition and performed it for the rabbi’s inequity conference. I recall the ride into the Pennsylvania Dutch countryside with my mother. We made up songs and by Jessica Siegel stories about the sights we passed. We laughed together As time passes, my mature brain recalls fewer and fewer in a way that rarely happened after I had become a of the details of my childhood. What does stand out are teenager. memories surrounding the musical activities at the shul I attended as a child. One poignant memory is about In some funny, convoluted way, this moment of personal writing a song for my confirmation class in the late glory has stayed with me over the decades of my life. It 1960’s. ties me to my Judaism in a visceral manner that I cannot explain. It reminds me that even with the pain I see in The synagogue of my youth was a venerable and the world in which I live, there is an eternal light that elaborate shul located in the middle of the slums of North glows and illuminates life. Philadelphia. Congregation Rodeph Shalom was founded in 1795 and is the oldest Ashkenazi congregation in the It keeps alive the precious memory of my beloved cantor Western Hemisphere. It is a Moorish revival style edifice and of my mother. It is these two people who taught me built in 1927. It had a huge congregation that gathered to love music and encouraged me to pursue my musical at this magnificent structure from all corners of the dreams. Music is still my eternal light, even after greater Philadelphia region. It was a congregation with decades as a professional harpist and music teacher. many wealthy members. It was not unusual for a child Thank you, Mom. Thank you Cantor Stanley. to arrive for midweek Hebrew or Sunday school in a chauffeur driven Rolls Royce. Our family came in an old On becoming a woman cantor, singing 1955 Ford. I felt like we stood out like a sore thumb. “Brave as a Man” In fact, I was struck by the irony that this huge, gilded, by Jennie Chabon stained glass, mosaic-filled synagogue ended up surrounded by such a destitute population. I can imagine how the neighborhood of underserved people of color felt as they watched the parade of affluent members congregate. The one appeal that this synagogue held for me was the children’s choir led by the amazing Cantor Stanley. The cantor was an older, whimsical man with a sparkling smile and a love of Jewish music that I am sure kept When I decided to go to cantorial school, I did so because him young at heart. He was wonderfully creative in I felt my heart calling me to become a cantor, urging his attempts to create a choir out of the children in his me to fall in love with our ancient melodies and find a care. We sang songs in Yiddish, Ladino, Hebrew and way to make them accessible to modern, progressive English. He wrote original music and lyrics for our Purim synagogues. I felt directed on this path not as a woman spiels and did wild adaptations of show tunes with Purim but as a , a singer and a seeker. The only time I lyrics to amuse all. really thought about the way in which my gender was contributing to this decision was when I was exploring In my confirmation year, Cantor Stanley asked me to cantorial schools and I didn’t consider an Orthodox write a song that he could submit to a contest. The program because they would not accept me as a cantor. winner would be asked to perform the song at the At that time I loved davening at Orthodox synagogues, upcoming Reform Jewry Conference at a posh Amish singing out with the women on my side of the room, country resort. I wrote a song about the inequities I saw and surrounding myself with other people who chose in the world that I lived around me. I wanted a song that to immerse themselves in the beauty and complexity reflected the truth of the ironies that surrounded me, but of traditional Judaism in the modern world. It really with a hint of optimism. The song is long gone from my never bothered me to hear only men leading services or memory, except for the opening lines. chanting Torah. I loved anything that felt authentic and “It’s a world of eternal light, that was fueled by integrity and pure intention. Even with its downfalls. All of that changed when I started cantorial school at the It’s a world of many minds, Jewish Theological Seminary. My class was made up of That can’t decide what kind of world we want.” five women and four men, all of whom are passionate 10 MUSIC and talented, but who are also — and perhaps even more was a novice quartet competition, one which we nearly importantly — deeply committed to egalitarian prayer. I won. didn’t start the program as a defender of egalitarianism; As a result we stayed together and went later to more in fact, I was initially uncomfortable wearing tefillin or a serious competition with this very odd name. Two of kippah. But after five years of learning to interpret our our quartet members were single and active back then traditional hazzanut, our cantorial music for women’s in Temple Sherith Israel in San Francisco. So we started voices, and after hours and days spent falling in love with performing at their singles events (I was the only married our liturgy and the myriad ways to interpret it, I found guy) and a fundraiser. that I had been transformed by cantorial school. I was not just becoming a cantor. I was becoming a woman At our first post-novice competition, the judges, upon cantor, someone just as capable and passionate and giving us evaluations, all asked first about our name. Our committed as any of my male colleagues, and with the stock answer was that the hearer (i.e. the judge) was the added benefit of being able to connect with the women fifth opinion since we all had our own. of my congregation in ways that they likely had never Later that day, I happened to see my singing friend Jerry connected before. Orloff (z’l’) who told us what we had done. I still love davening with an Orthodox minyan on a Jerry said we had created a quartet name that would Friday night. It is hard to match the ruach of a room full unintentionally find out if somebody was Jewish without of people who are willing to sing out with their full hearts asking. Jerry was right because every time I told a Jewish and voices, without any shame or fear of being judged person about my quartet the response was: “I didn’t know for their reckless devotion. The difference is that now I there were that many Jews singing barbershop” or some know that I could be leading that minyan with a voice as variation thereof. On the other hand, anybody not Jewish clear and strong as any man’s, and with the knowledge of would invariably ask “who is the fifth opinion?” our ancestry woven deeply into the fabric of my being. “The Five Opinions” quartet is long disbanded however I may not have started out on this path with the goal of the fond memory lives on. continuing in the tradition of the brave women who first fought to sing our melodies and teach our texts, but that P.S. Now a shameless commercial on FREE barbershop is most certainly the path I have chosen to embrace. arrangements (just ask for a copy when you see me at shul) on “Adon Olam” (the repeating chorus version) and Five opinions? How many in your quartet? “Mi Y’Maleil” by Charles Feltman themed section continued on page 12 “How Many In Your Quartet?” is one of those supposedly funny self-answering questions. The classic example, of course, is “Who’s buried in Grant’s Tomb” from Groucho Marx in his TV show. However, 25 years ago I was in a barbershop quartet whose name was, in fact, “The Five Opinions.” We had planned a one-time performance but could not initially agree on a name for ourselves. By way of explanation, we were by unlikely chance all Jewish and came up with a name that harkened to an old joke: “What do you get when you have 10 Jewish men in one room?” Answer: “Eleven opinions” Our planned one-time performance

11 MUSIC

Themed secion continued from page 11 have no experience accompanying modern dance, I also was not a “folkie.” My musical interests were classical, Camp dance muse to the legendary Broadway, and jazz. But, I was willing to try and she Guthries was willing to let me, and we found some songs I knew, by Roz Aronson including nursery rhymes and Stephen Foster, and we began. Her name was Marjorie. She had three little curly headed children, two boys who were sent across the lake to the boys’ camp and a little elfish sprite of a girl, who danced in the classes. Marjorie was both generous and patient with me, and taught me how to support the movements, whether simple floor exercises or movement across the floor. For example, when playing for jumps, to encourage lift and a soft, quiet landing. Her classes were so upbeat and joyful, and I was learning so much from her, that I went down the path to the dance studio in the woods, with great enthusiasm every day. At the end of the summer, Marjorie suggested that I might be able to find work as a dance accompanist; she said I had a feeling for it. And so, when I returned to college in the fall, I asked at the dance department and was given an opportunity to play for one of the beginning modern dance classes. There were many other places where I played and a wonderful variety of dancers I was privileged to accompany, but I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the memory of Marjorie, who gave me my start. I found out many years later that she had been the wife of our great folk music legend, Woody Guthrie, and that one It was the summer of 1955, between my junior and senior of those little curly headed boys turned out to be a great years at Cornell University. musician of our own time, Arlo Guthrie. I was working as a counselor at Raquette Lake Girls’ Currently, Roz works once a week at Danspace in Camp in the Adirondack Mountains in State. Oakland, where she accompanies Dance for PD, classes Having been hired as a “Music Counselor,” I had been for people with Parkinson’s Disease, under the direction very disappointed when, on my arrival, I was assigned of Claudine Naganuma, dancer/choreographer/teacher. to a cabin and told they already had a music counselor. She also plays songs from the Great American Songbook But this counselor was a choral director, and had no for social events, fundraisers, and life celebrations. You experience improvising for dance, so I was sent to the may see her occasionally on keyboard at Rock ‘n Roll dance studio, where I met a charming woman who asked Shabbat, when Jonathan Ring is not available. me about my knowledge of folk music. Not only did I

12 MUSIC Calling all Musical Theater Lovers! Get Tickets Now for these Highly Anticipated 2014 Shows A portion of ticket sales will benefit WTBA PIPPIN October 19, Sunday at 2 p.m. San Francisco’s Golden Gate Theater. Loge Seats Rows A+B ($105/ticket) This captivating production features sizzling choreography in the style of Bob Fosse and breathtaking acrobatics by Les 7 Doigts De La Main. With a beloved score by Tony Award nominee Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Wicked) that includes the favorites “Magic to Do,” “Glory” and “Corner of the Sky,” PIPPIN tells the story of a young prince on a death-defying journey to find meaning in his existence. Will he choose a happy but simple life? Or will he risk everything for a singular flash of glory? +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ONCE June 25, Wednesday at 8 p.m. San Francisco’s Curran Theater. Mezzanine Rows C-F ($80/ticket) Winner of Eight 2012 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL. Featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage, ONCE tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. Chemistry between them grows, and his music soars to powerful new heights. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Make checks out to and send them to: Lori Rosenthal 1868 Woodhaven Way Oakland, CA 94611 Please include a self-address, stamped envelope with your payment.Contact Lori Rosenthal with questions: [email protected]

13 COOKING CORNER Jewish Cooking in India by Faith Kramer You take off your shoes as you enter the synagogue sanctuary in Kochi (Cochin) in southern India. The ark is bright red and gold and the entire floor is covered with blue and white tiles from China. Overhead are Belgium chandeliers. A brass rail surrounds the central, raised bima. Getting to see this Orthodox synagogue was one of many highlights of my recent trip to India and it reflects the “masala” (mixed spices) experience of being a Jew in India, with Hindu, European and Jewish customs reflected in the room and traditions. Jews first settled on the Malabar Coast a millennia ago attracted by trade in sandalwood, spices and other merchandise. The Hindu rulers of the area welcomed the Jews and the raja of Kochi even protected them during Portugal’s rule (1498-1662). Sephardic Jews swelled the local settlements during the Inquisition and the raja granted land next to the palace to the Jews to build the Kochi synagogue, one of seven in the region, in 1568, and its adornments and decoration reflected the community’s trade interests and wealth. Called the Paradesi (or “foreigner”) Synagogue, it is the only one in the state of Kerala still in operation, but relies on visitors to help make its minyans. Most Kerala Jews have immigrated to Israel or elsewhere. My guide said that there were only seven men left in the Paradesi community and that the youngest person, a woman, was 38. The community will never be as it once was, but the reverence the local people have for this historic site is reassuring. It is a national monument and one that seems appreciated by those of all faiths in the area. The day of my visit I ate lunch at a restaurant in a mansion once owned by a prominent Jewish merchant family. The restaurant offered two menu items associated with Jews in Kochi – one a pineapple and vegetable salad in “Jewish” vinaigrette (I’m not really sure what made it Jewish) and a Jewish chocolate and coconut dessert. I haven’t been able to find a resource for the Kochi dessert so I concocted my own version. One difference is that the Kochi version was made with all cocoa and I melt in some bittersweet chocolate for a deeper chocolate taste. Much like the synagogue it reflects the many international and cultural traditions in the region’s Jewish life. It is very rich tasting but is not overly sweet. Serve sprinkled with cocoa powder and unsweetened dried coconut shreds. It is also nice served with fresh fruit. As written, the recipe is parve and vegan.

Photos by Faith Kramer. 14 COOKING CORNER Some notes on the recipe: Agar agar flakes are used to gel the dessert. Agar agar flakes are made from seaweed and are available in many health food and specialty stores. I used the Eden brand which is certified kosher. You can substitute unflavored and unsweetened kosher or regular gelatin if you prefer but you’ll need to adapt the recipe to reflect those ingredients’ unique gelling directions. Check your gelatin package for more information. Be sure to use canned pure coconut milk (not coconut beverage, coconut cream or light coconut milk). In addition to writing for the Omer, Faith Kramer is a cooking columnist for the j. weekly. She blogs her food at www.clickblogappetit.com. Send questions, suggestions or comments to [email protected]

KOCHI CHOCOLATE AND COCONUT DESSERT Serves 8-12 Coconut oil or coconut oil spray 1/2 cup baking cocoa plus (or other neutral oil or oil spray) additional 1/4 cup for garnish 2-13.5 oz. cans coconut milk 1/4 tsp. almond extract 2 oz. parve bittersweet dark 3 ½ Tbs. agar agar flakes chocolate, chopped into small pieces 2-3 Tbs. dried, finely shredded 10 Tbs. sugar (which is 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut for garnish plus 2 Tbs.)

Grease the bottom and sides of a metal Return to a low boil and then reduce 8"-to-9" in diameter cake pan with the heat so liquid simmers. Simmer for 5 oil or spray. Cover bottom and sides minutes, whisking occasionally. Remove of pan with plastic wrap, overlapping pot from heat and whisk for 60 seconds. pieces if needed and allowing for at Pour into prepared pan. Place level in least a 1" overhang around the top of refrigerator. the pan on all sides. Smooth wrap Let chill until beginning to set, about flat, making sure it fits snuggly 20-30 minutes, then cover with plastic against pan. (Any wrinkles will show wrap and return to refrigerator. Chill in the top of the dessert once it is until dessert is firm (about 3-4 hours) unmolded.) Lightly spray or grease or overnight. Keep chilled until ready wrap. Set aside. to serve. Open coconut milk cans and scrape To serve, remove top plastic wrap. contents into a medium large pot. Mix Using overhang, lift the bottom wrapping solids and liquids together until up just enough to loosen dessert. smooth. Put over medium heat. Bring Invert and unmold on serving platter. to a simmer, whisking often. Add Remove wrap. Sift remaining cocoa on bittersweet chocolate, whisking until top. Scatter with dried coconut and melted and mixture is smooth. Add 1/2 slice. Refrigerate leftovers. cup cocoa and the sugar, whisking until smooth. Add the almond extract. Bring mixture to a low boil, whisking often. Whisk in agar agar flakes.

15 GAN AVRAHAM LA’ATID Music and the Gan so it’s easy to teach. It’s a hard instrument but it’s an by Barbara Kanter educationally transferable instrument. If I have a child having a hard time with fine motor skills, the piano Music is an integral part of our Gan classrooms. It is helps. It helps with handwriting and computer skills. It both a planned and spontaneous activity and happens helps with darn near everything, It helps with hand–eye throughout the day. In addition to being a creative art, coordination, visual tracking… That’s what their parents music focuses children and helps with daily transitions. want, and it’s amazing to see the progress. All of our teachers embrace the use of music and integrate it into the everyday preschool routines. How much of your work life is spent as a music therapist and how much in Jewish schools? We are especially lucky to have our own music specialist, Susan Rancer, who visits each class almost every I see 50 kids a week in my private practice. I do the week. She introduces songs and sings with the children preschool work and synagogue work for fun. I go to in both Hebrew and English along with her guitar Hava NaShira, a Jewish singing group in Wisconsin. accompaniment. Susan and her guitar have been a part Debbie Friedman [a renowned songwriter who married of the Gan program for many years. She spoke to Omer Jewish songs with folk infused melodies] started it years editor Rachel Dornhelm about her unique background ago, all these amazing singer songwriters gather and learn that prepared her for this role. from each other. You work with young students at the Gan just being Why do you work in synagogues? How long have you introduced to music. How did you get started in done music in a Jewish setting? music? I was the music director for my synagogue in Amarillo, I was born in Philadelphia, but when I was 2-1/2 years Texas, starting when I was in fourth grade. Do you know old, II moved to Amarillo, Texas. I didn’t have great what we would do? Hymns. We didn’t have Debbie music training there. But my first grade teacher did play Friedman then. It was hymns then and they were awful. the piano every day. And one day – it was back to school And then finally someone who was stationed at the night – I went up to the piano there and started playing military base nearby came and taught us a few Israeli all the songs she’d played. People were astonished: songs, songs in Hebrew and I was like “Oh my God. It’s “How did you do that? You’d never seen a piano before.” wonderful. I’ve never heard this.” The only thing I’d And my mom found me a piano teacher… heard was traditional hymns at the services. That was all When I went off to college I knew I wanted to do music. we had. With organs and everything. But I didn’t want to perform and I didn’t want to just What is your favorite song to sing with the kids at the teach. My teacher told me about music therapy. I’d never Gan? heard of it but I wanted to do music. So I said OK. I’m always doing the aleph bet song, because I feel they What does a music therapist do? need to learn the aleph bet and if they get it really young Basically what I do is I teach children with special needs it will stick with them… – kids who are autistic or have learning disabilities – I love going to the Gan because I feel like music is such music activities. I teach them different musical concepts, an important part of education. If I hadn’t had music in or when they’re ready I teach them an instrument. schools it would have been awful. I look at how they I play piano, guitar, and violin and those are the pulled out the music education in schools and it’s so instruments I teach, but mainly piano because it’s linear frustrating.

If you are a 4th - 7th grade parent this year, your child is automatically a member of La’atid (Hebrew for “To the Future”). We have monthly events which tend to be both social and 2014 CALENDAR socially conscious. Feb 23 - TBD Mar 30 - Chocolate Seder Next Event: February 23 May 4 - End of the year event To RSVP or questions, contact your trusty advi- sors, Dina & Phil Hankin at [email protected].

16 BET SEFER Music in our souls other with smiles on their faces. by Susan Simon The ancient were very smart about music. They When I first started directing Bet Sefer, one of my created the musical notations that we call trope and use to primary goals was to create positive memories for chant the Torah and Haftarah portions that we read each the students. I knew from my own religious school Shabbat and minyan service. Not only does the music experience that those memories stick with us far longer give us a way to remember the text, but it also makes and more powerfully than memorizing vocabulary or it interesting and memorable for those listening to the facts. And the most powerful of those memories are tied chanting. to music. I still remember the songs I learned in religious The same is true for the prayers – it is the music that that school and Camp Ramah, and when I sing them, I still get creates the emotional attachments that we feel to certain what almost feels like a physical sensation that is always prayers or services. When we chant the Hallel service I warm and fuzzy. frequently lose myself to the music which is so beautiful Much to my delight when I started working here, I found and which touches my soul. that I didn’t have to do much in the musical realm – If we can cement that bond to our music in our students, Rabbi Bloom had it all under control. If you have never then we know that whenever they participate in a service seen him lead music and t’fillah with our children, you or an event where there is Jewish music playing or being are missing a delightful sight. The children sing with sung, that it will tug on their heartstrings and create those gusto. The music not only creates memories, but also warm and fuzzy feelings that bind us all together. binds the children to each other as they glance at each

Bet Sefer latke party goers clean their plates!

17 COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER BULLETIN BOARD

Scholarship Award for High School Jewish Student-Athletes The Northern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame is accepting nominations of outstanding Jewish student-athletes for a small college scholarship (approx. $1,500) to be awarded at a gala dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel, San Francisco, on April 13, 2014. Any secondary school Jewish student (male or female, grade 12) in Northern California may be nominated. Criteria for eligibility: One who identifies him/herself as a Jew, or who acknowledges their Jewish heritage, or who wants to reconnect with their Jewish ancestral identity. Please send a 150-word application stating why this person is worthy of recognition (students may nominate themselves). Please include: • A letter of application from the student-athlete (150 words). • A letter from a person who is familiar with the student-athlete (150 words). • A list of athletic participation signed by a coach or counselor. • A transcript of grades up to date of application (must include a verification stamp). • A list of community service and extra-curricular activities. • Additional letters of recommendation from coaches, administrators, teachers, clergy (no more than 3). Date to submit the application is February 15, 2014. Send to Gary Wiener, JSHOFNC, 4200 Indigo Oak Court, San Jose, CA 95121. If you have questions, please call Gary Wiener at (408) 374-1600, or Barbara Oseroff (TBA member), scholarship committee, (510) 653-5155.

New Member Bio New member profile was compiled by Sharon Alva A NOTE TO NEW MEMBERS: We would like to introduce you to the TBA Tina and Eric Eisenman live in Contra Costa County and are already members of B’nai Shalom. They are community in an upcoming newsletter. Please joining TBA as well, where they have relatives and quite send a short introduction of you and your family, a few good friends, as Tina trains many TBA kids for with a digital photo, to [email protected]. their B’nei Mitzvah. She is looking forward to getting Thanks! to know the community better and working with more TBA youth in preparation for their B’nei Mitzvah. The Eisenmans have a 24 year old son and a 17 ½ old son graduating high school from Jewish Community High School of the Bay.

Give a new parent Welcome a an hour to shower New Member A perfect mitzvah for those with daytime Do you have flexibility. Volunteers needed to provide short time to help daytime sits free of charge deliver TBA’s to our new moms and dads new member allowing them to shower, get baskets? a haircut or just take a walk. If so, please Interested sitters should contact Virginia contact us at womenoftba@ at virginia@ tbaoakland.org tbaoakland.org.

18 LIFE CYCLES Josh DeBare, March 1, 2014 My name is Josh DeBare and I attend Piedmont Middle School. I like my classes and teachers, especially my math teacher Mrs. Bloom. My favorite classes are reading and math. My favorite genre of reading is adventure and I prefer to read books in a long series. My favorite sport is soccer. I also play the clarinet. I like to play board and video games in my free time. When I grow up, I want to be an engineer. My torah portion is called Pekudei and it is about the construction of the

B’nai Mitzvah tabernacle and the clothes the priests wear. My drash will focus on my Haftarah portion, which is special because it is Shabbat Shekalim. I will be speaking about doing the right thing. I am doing the right thing by donating one quarter of the money I receive for my Bar Mitzvah to UNICEF. Please join me for my special day. I really appreciate everything this community has done to help me in my religious life. I have been a member of Temple Beth Abraham since I was born and I can’t wait to become an adult in this community.

Please Join Us for TBA’s Youth Services

Shabbat T’fillat Y’ladim Junior Congregation for preschool-aged children for children in Kindergarten, for children in 3rd - 6th grade. and their families. 1st & 2nd grade In the Chapel. Kitah Gimmel classroom. and their families. February 1, 10:15 a.m. February 1, 10:15 a.m. In the Chapel. February 15, 10:15 a.m.

Keflanu: Shabbat Fun and Games Special happening for 3rd - 6th Graders We would like to invite 3rd - 6th graders to join their friends in the Baum Youth Center following Shabbat services on the 1st and 3rd Shabbat of the month Dates coincide with Junior Congregation: February 1, March 1, April 5, May 3 After the service, join together for lunch in the social hall. After lunch check-in at the Baum Youth Center! Have fun with Shabbat appropriate games and activities... basketball, board games, jump ropefoosball, ping pong, or even just shmooze • Drop off: When children arrive they should check in with the chaperone at the Youth Center.

• Parents can enjoy the kiddush, please stay on campus while your child is at Keflanu.

• Pick up: parents should pick up their child at the Youth Center. Just let the chaperone know your child is leaving. Please pick up by 1:15pm.

19 LIFE CYCLES FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS 1 Noah Kincaid 17 Ari Rosenblum Miriam Ilfeld Eric Jones Ann Rapson 10 Maya Sherne Hannah Reback Dahlia Bernstein 18 Nancy Rose Sarah Bookin Roslyn Aronson Sherry Marcus 2 Loryn Hudson David Sasson Elise Hannah Schleuning 19 Lisa Tabak 11 Daniel Harvitt Tina Eisenman 3 Jacob Klein Joanne Goldstein Carolyn Bernstein Victoria Reichenberg Rebekah Kharrazi Arjun Bornstein Lauren Smith 20 Amy Friedman Liam Sondreal Jacob Liron Max Gochman Joni Tanis Lena Gutkin 21 Leah Hagar 12 Joseph Charlesworth Jing Weng Hsieh Julie Katz Rita Frankel Jacob Raskin Art Nieto Ward Spangler 4 Jessica Sterling 22 Akash Bornstein 13 Judith Klinger Maya Marcus Larry Miller Debbie Spangler Jason Prystowsky 14 23 5 Paul Diliberto Aaron Bornstein Dan Maidenberg Mira Gellman Amit Bornstein Sarah Marcus Allan Gordon Ari Goldberg 6 Jason Green-Lowe 25 Karen Klier Reuben Goldberg Joshua DeBare Mark Liss Julia Johnson Theodore James Jake Moore Dawn Margolin Sagie Kleinlerer Susan Sasson 15 26 Jeremy Weiss Zoe Daffner Philip Hankin Stuart Zangwill Alexander Finkelstein David Mason 7 James Kleinmann 27 Yonathan Wolf Hattie Gutkin Julian Goldstein Elizabeth James 16 28 Mia Lowell Avi Eliahu Barbara Rose Eliav Feiger Marc Bruner Cecile Schlesinger Deren Rehr-Davis Paula Hamilton Jonathan Ring 9 David Rosenthal Josh Sadikman Isabella Scharff Michael Falco

Is your birthday information wrong or missing from this list? Please contact the TBA office to make corrections.

20 LIFE CYCLES FEBRUARY YAHRZEITS

May God comfort you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem ADAR I 1-7 Lloyd Silver Sidney Liroff February 1-7 Sheba Widlan Bookin Benjamin Sutz Ruth Roth Ernie Friedman Irma Eisenbud Matilda Bloom Holzman William Groskopf ADAR I 22-28 Marion Morris Langeld Shirley February 22-28 Martin Polon Daniel Shuster Pauline Belzer Sidney Jerome Zywotow Harry Simon Ethel Rose Kapler Celia Goldstein ADAR I 15-21 Maria Belin Sylvia Hertz February 15-21 Harry Bercovich Samuel Jaffe Shirley Handloff Freda Katz Sigmund Kaplan Isador Margolin Joseph Horace Marx Arthur Yarman Latifa Naggar David Rosenfeld ADAR I 8-14 Ury Rath Don Creighton February 8-14 David Roach Miriam Goldberg Sue Kraft William Tenery Goldie Alper Elaine Reisman Harold Usef Peter Hecht Lilly Shoehalter J. Leon Bloch Melvin Klein Jacob Saidan Saadia David Jack Helfend Nancy von Kugelgen Goldie Brody Milt Weiner Harvey Casson Phyllis Goldberg Audrey Cohen

RECENT DEATHS IN OUR COMMUNITY Robert Kruger, husband of Amy Kaminer

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

A LEGACY GIFT LASTS FOREVER Include TBA in your Estate Planning so that your message to your family is loud and clear: The existence of Temple Beth Abraham is important to me and for the future of Jews in Oakland. Contact TBA’s Executive Director Rayna Arnold for further details (510) 832-0936 or [email protected]. You are never too young to plan for the future!

21 DONATIONS

Charity is equal in importance to all the other commandments combined.

Centennial Match Fund Barbara Oseroff, in memory of Nathan Denenberg Mark Fickes & William Gentry David & Judith Stein, in memory of Donald Brauer Philip & Dina Hankin Bet Sefer Discretionary Fund Richard Heeger & Alice Hale Denise Davis, in memory of Brett Hodess’ father Morris & Audree Weiss High Holiday Appeal - General Fund Howard Zangwill & Stacy Margolin Steven Berl & Anita Bloch Davis Courtyard Match Fund Gene & June Brott Barry Barnes & Samantha Spielman Denise Davis Herbert & Harriet Bloom, in memory of Karen Bloom’s father Peter Gertler Howard Cohen Philip & Dina Hankin Kenneth & Ann Cohn , in memory of Rose Rosenberg Bob & Lori Jaffe Virginia Davis Daniel Jaffe & Yael Yakar Steven & Penny Harris Richard & Audrey Kauffman Jonathan & Joy Jacobs Randall & Jan Kessler Susan Johnson David & Stephanie Mendelsohn Marshall & Lynn Langfeld , in honor of Sy David Schwartz’s Barbara Oseroff birth Stephen & Susan Shub Marshall & Lynn Langfeld, in memory of Sheldon Bereskin Jessica Siegel Gary & Carolyn Pomerantz Micah & Ortal Trilling Sheldon & Barbara Rothblatt Vera Zatkin Bryan Schwartz & Alicia Cernitz-Schwartz Eric & Heike Friedman Garrett Schwartz & Caren Sencer Howard & Judy Craddick Maccabee Ellen Davis & Richard Sears, in memory of Murray Davis Janice Reisman Prystowsky Howard Zangwill & Stacy Margolin, in honor of Applebaums Jason & Jeanne Swartz Howard Zangwill & Stacy Margolin, in honor of our daughter Andy & Marcia Wasserman Sarah Robert & Ruth Zangwill, in memory of Abby Zangwill’s father High Holidays Appeal - Endowment Fund Jeanette Jeger Kitchen Fund Steven Berl & Anita Bloch Gene & June Brott Fifi Goodfellow, in memory of Beck Singer Denise Davis Richard & Edie Mills, good heal for Misia Nudler, special aunt Eric & Heike Friedman Richard & Edie Mills, Good health to Leonard Fixler, Chuck Bernstein, & Jack Jeger Peter Gertler Richard & Edie Mills, Happy Special Birthdays to Pinky Philip & Dina Hankin Penvovic & Leonard Fixler Bob & Lori Jaffe Richard & Edie Mills, in memory of David Galant, Alvin Shain, Daniel Jaffe & Yael Yakar Leonard Wolf & Shirlee Pearl Richard & Audrey Kauffman Richard & Edie Mills, in memory of Jeanette Jeger, Marion & Randall & Jan Kessler David Migdal, & Harold Nudler David & Stephanie Mendelsohn Richard & Edie Mills, in memory of of Howard Cohen, Karen Joel Piser & Jing Weng Hsieh Bloom’s father Stephen & Susan Shub Richard & Edie Mills , in memory of Ruth Klein Jessica Siegel Misia Nudler , condolences to Sidney Shaffer on the loss of his Martin Stone & Jan Leuin brother Micah & Ortal Trilling Misia Nudler, happy birthday to Richard Applebaum Howard & Judy Craddick Maccabee Misia Nudler, in memory of Howard Cohen Jason & Jeanne Swartz Misia Nudler, Mazel Tov to the Schwartz family with your new baby Misia Nudler, wishing Leonard Fixler well Misia Nudler, wishing Sandy Margolin a very happy birthday 22 DONATIONS

General Fund Camper/Scholarship Fund Gregory Charlop Daphne & Rami Albert, in memory of Moshe Shweky Barry Barnes & Samantha Spielman Denise Davis, in honor of Mary Odenheimer’s delicious catering Fifi Goodfellow, in memory of Howard Cohen Elinor DeKoven Morey & Eleanor Greenstein, in memory of Ethel Loceik Steven & Penny Harris, in memory of Evelyn Harris Alice, Leslie, Jan & Randy Kessler Henry Ramek & Eve Gordon-Ramek Randall & Jan Kessler Rey Steinberg, in honor of Pinky’s 90th birthday Lucienne Levy, in memory of my sister Vicky Misan Rey Steinberg, in memory of Sid Shaffer’s brother Larry Miller & Mary Kelly, in honor of Pinky’s birthday Rabbi Discretionary Fund Larry Miller & Mary Kelly, in memory of Brett Hodess’s father Daphne & Rami Albert, in memory of Moshe Shweky Gregory & Ruth Morris Barry Barnes & Samantha Spielman, in memory of Howard Ilya & Regina Okh, thank you for the Hannukah event Cohen Steven Rosenthal & Ailsa Steckel, in memory of Erna Pikarski Herbert & Harriet Bloom, in memory of Ben Nathan Sheldon & Barbara Rothblatt, in memory of Benjamin Goor Denise Davis, in memory of Sid Schaffer’s brother Sheldon & Barbara Rothblatt, in memory of Howard Cohen, Richard & Janice Freeman, in memory of Adeline Freeman Karen Bloom’s father Fred & Beth Karren, in memory of Mildred Karren Barry & Hana Rotman, in memory of Paula Rotman David & Antonia (Toni) Mason, in honor of the naming of David & Jessica Sarber Rowan Esther Mason Curtis & Adi Schacker, in memory of Loren Siegal Misia Nudler, in memory of Betty, Jim Henry’s mother Alan & Cheryl Silver David Paulson & Debra Weinstein, thank you to Rabbi Bloom Michael & Deborah Sosebee, in memory of Howard Cohen, Jeffrey & Judith Quittman, in memory of Leonard Quittman Karen Bloom’s father Steven Rosenthal & Ailsa Steckel Benjamin & Ruth Teitelbaum Garrett Schwartz & Caren Sencer Jeff Wald, in memory of Arthur Wald Rebecca & Will Sparks, in memory of Howard Cohen Ronald & Vicki Weller Mark & Lori Spiegel, in memory of Howard Cohen Kiddush Fund Ronald & Vicki Weller Aaron Bukofzer & Julie Rubenstein Celia & Morris Davis Hunger Fund Etoile Stella Campbell, in memory of Zohra Benisty Samuel J. Tobin & Susan E. Bloch, in memory of Maurice Denise Davis Tobin Michael Falco & Lisa Geggie Endowment Fund Sandy & Dawn Margolin Barry Barnes & Samantha Spielman Henry Ramek & Eve Gordon-Ramek, for Leonard Fixler’s good David & Stella Goodwin health Susan Kasdan, in memory of Bernard Kasdan Henry Ramek & Eve Gordon-Ramek, in memory of Sheldon Susan Kasdan, in memory of Sterna Kasdan Bereskin Angelina Levy Henry Ramek & Eve Gordon-Ramek, wishing Jack Jeger a fast recovery Steven Rosenthal & Ailsa Steckel Sidney & Ethel Shaffer Hertz - Israel Scholarship Fund David & Judith Stein, in memory of Joel and Helmut Stein Gerald & Ruby Hertz, in memory of Sally Simon Minyan Fund Welch & Kay Warren, in honor of Sam Bercover Alison Heyman, in memory of Stanley Heyman Hertz Interfaith Fund Arthur & Gayle Rosenberg, in honor of Pinky’s 90th birthday Gerald & Ruby Hertz, in memory of Harry Morofsky & Steven Rosenthal & Ailsa Steckel William Morofsky Klaus Ullrich Rotzscher Jack and Mary Berger Fund David & Antonia (Toni) Mason, in memory of Rochelle Mason Rehr-Davis Teen Fund Howard Davis

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10:15a T’fillat Y’ladim C 6:24p 6:16p 6:32p 6:39p 1p Mah Jongg@Baum YC 1p Mah Jongg@Baum 1p Mah Jongg@Baum YC 1p Mah Jongg@Baum 9:30a-12p Shabbat Service 10:15a Shabbat Mishpacha 9:30a-12p Shabbat Services 10:15a Junior Congregation 9:30a-12p Shabbat Services osh Contra Costa Jewish Day School 9:30a-12p Shabbat Services led by r 22 Adar 1 15 Adar 1 1 Adar 1 8 Adar 1 12p Keflanu-play together grades 3-6

7 21 28 14 February 2014 www.tbaoakland.org atan 5:31 p

K 5:38 p 5:23 p 5:45 p ' urim Kindergym Kindergym Kindergym Kindergym ' ' P ' 9:30-10:30a & 10:45-11:45a 9:30-10:30a & 10:45-11:45a 9:30-10:30a & 10:45-11:45a 9:30-10:30a & 10:45-11:45a 9:30-10:30a & 10:45-11:45a 9:30-10:30a & 10:45-11:45a 9:30-10:30a & 10:45-11:45a 9:30-10:30a & 10:45-11:45a 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 Kitah Bet Share-a-Shabbat 7p East Bay Minyan (Baum YC) 7p East Bay Minyan (Baum Gan Closed for Teacher in service Teacher Gan Closed for 28 Adar 1 21 Adar 1 14 Adar 1 7 Adar 1

6 20 13 27

No Bet Sefer 4p-6p Bet Sefer 4p-6p Bet Sefer 4p-6p Bet Sefer 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) Kitah Zayin Class Dinner 7:30p WTBA Girls Night Out WTBA 7:30p 10-11a & 11:15a-12p Kindergym & 11:15a-12p 10-11a 10-11a & 11:15a-12p Kindergym & 11:15a-12p 10-11a 10-11a & 11:15a-12p Kindergym & 11:15a-12p 10-11a 10-11a & 11:15a-12p Kindergym & 11:15a-12p 10-11a 27 Adar 1 20 Adar 1 13 Adar 1 6 Adar 1

the the 5

26 19 12 (Woodminster Cafe) (Woodminster (Woodminster Cafe) (Woodminster 9a Weekly Text Study Text 9a Weekly 9a Weekly Text Study Text 9a Weekly 7p BBYO-AZA and BBG 7p BBYO-AZA 7p BBYO-AZA and BBG 7p BBYO-AZA with Rabbi Bloom (BYC) and BBG 7p BBYO-AZA 7p BBYO-AZA and BBG 7p BBYO-AZA Nola Brantley of MISSSEY 6:15pm Confirmation Class 10-11a & 11:15a-12p Kindergym & 11:15a-12p 10-11a No Confirmation Class this week No Confirmation 10-11a & 11:15a-12p Kindergym & 11:15a-12p 10-11a 10-11a & 11:15a-12p Kindergym & 11:15a-12p 10-11a Slave, the Child: the Jewish Textual Textual Slave, the Child: Jewish 10-11a & 11:15a-12p Kindergym & 11:15a-12p 10-11a 7:30p Adult Ed.w/Rabbi Bloom- Slave, the Child, with Guest Speaker- 7:30p Adult Ed.w/Rabbi Bloom- 26 Adar 1 19 Adar 1 12 Adar 1 5 Adar 1 6:15pm Confirmation Class w/Rabbi Bloom 9a Weekly Text Study (Woodminster) Text 9a Weekly 6:15pm Confirmation Class w/Rabbi Bloom 9a Weekly Text Study (Woodminster) Text 9a Weekly Basis of the Human Trafficking Problem Trafficking Basis of the Human 4 11 25 18

No Bet Sefer 4p-6p Bet Sefer 4p-6p Bet Sefer 4p-6p Bet Sefer

7:30p TBA Board Meeting TBA 7:30p

25 Adar 1 18 Adar 1 11 Adar 1 4 Adar 1 3 10 24 17 ay are produced 30-60 days in advance using the best data available from the TBA Administration Staff. This calendar is also available at our website the TBA 30-60 days in advance using the best data available from produced are d

s ’ (off campus) (off resident

P Office and Gan Closed Office 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 9-10a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 9:30a Rosh Chodesh-Adar 1 Always check the Congregational E-mail or the Weekly Shabbat Bulletin for more up-to-date information. Please note any corrections care of Rayna Arnold at the TBA office. Arnold at the TBA of Rayna care up-to-date information. Please note any corrections Shabbat Bulletin for more E-mail or the Weekly Always check the Congregational 24 Adar 1 17 Adar 1 10 Adar 1 3 Adar 1

9 2 Calendars in The Omer 16 23 6:57 p ' with Pastor Lucy Redwood Regional Park 10:30a Sunday Kindergym India with Bryan Schwartz La’atid Event (Contact Phil and Dina Hankin for details) 10a-12p Adult Education: Jews of Adult Education: 10a-12p 10a Interdenominational Text Study Text 10a Interdenominational 6p Teen Scene: Baum Youth Center Youth Scene: Baum Teen 6p 9:45a Women on the Move: Hike in Women 9:45a 23 Adar 1 16 Adar 1 9 Adar 1 2 Adar 1 10a Adult Education with Ken Cohen Adult Education 10a 10a Adult Education with Ken Cohen Adult Education 10a Adar 1 5774 24

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m 10:15a T’fillat Y’ladim 8:13p 6:53p 6:46p 8:00p Havdalah (42 min) 8:06p 1p Mah Jongg@Baum YC 1p Mah Jongg@Baum 1p Mah Jongg@Baum YC 1p Mah Jongg@Baum 9:30a-12p Shabbat Services 9:30a-12p Shabbat Service 10:15a Shabbat Mishpacha 9:30a-12p Shabbat Services 9:30a-12p Shabbat Services 9:30a-12p Shabbat Services 10:15a Junior Congregation Bar Mtizvah of Joshua DeBare 6:15p 27 Adar II 20 Adar II 13 Adar II 29 Adar 1 6 Adar II 12p Keflanu-play together grades 3-6

March 2014

7 21 28 14 www.tbaoakland.org 6:59 p

7:05 p 5:52 p 7:12 p ' Kindergym Kindergym Kindergym Kindergym ' ' ' 9:30-10:30a & 10:45-11:45a 9:30-10:30a & 10:45-11:45a 9:30-10:30a & 10:45-11:45a 9:30-10:30a & 10:45-11:45a 9:30-10:30a & 10:45-11:45a 9:30-10:30a & 10:45-11:45a 9:30-10:30a & 10:45-11:45a 9:30-10:30a & 10:45-11:45a 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat 9:15am Gan Purim Celebration 9:15am 7p East Bay Minyan (Baum YC) 7p East Bay Minyan (Baum 6:15 Kitah Dalet Share-A-Shabbat 26 Adar II 19 Adar II 12 Adar II 5 Adar II 6:15 Kitah Gimmel Share-A-Shabbat

6 20 13 27 S ther e

anit ’ a Pesach Edition 4p-6p Bet Sefer 4p-6p Bet Sefer 4p-6p Bet Sefer 4p-6p Bet Sefer t 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel)

Night with special Guest Ruth Night with special speaking about Sibling Rivalry 10-11a & 11:15a-12p Kindergym & 11:15a-12p 10-11a 10-11a & 11:15a-12p Kindergym & 11:15a-12p 10-11a 10-11a & 11:15a-12p Kindergym & 11:15a-12p 10-11a 7p Parent Program-Bathea James 7p Parent Program-Bathea 10-11a & 11:15a-12p Kindergym & 11:15a-12p 10-11a 7:30p WTBA Girls Night Out-Art WTBA 7:30p 25 Adar II 18 Adar II 11 Adar II 4 Adar II Teitelbaum, member & art instructor Teitelbaum, 7p Men’s Club Poker-March Madness Club Poker-March 7p Men’s 7p Wine Tasting by Convenant Wines-- Tasting 7p Wine 5

26 19 12 (Woodminster Cafe) (Woodminster (Woodminster Cafe) (Woodminster (Woodminster Cafe) (Woodminster (Woodminster Cafe) (Woodminster 9a Weekly Text Study Text 9a Weekly 9a Weekly Text Study Text 9a Weekly 9a Weekly Text Study Text 9a Weekly 9a Weekly Text Study Text 9a Weekly with Rabbi Bloom (BYC) and BBG 7p BBYO-AZA with Rabbi Bloom (BYC) and BBG 7p BBYO-AZA with Rabbi Bloom (BYC) and BBG 7p BBYO-AZA with Rabbi Bloom (BYC) and BBG 7p BBYO-AZA 6:15pm Confirmation Class 6:15pm Confirmation Class 6:15pm Confirmation Class 6:15pm Confirmation Class 10-11a & 11:15a-12p Kindergym & 11:15a-12p 10-11a 10-11a & 11:15a-12p Kindergym & 11:15a-12p 10-11a 10-11a & 11:15a-12p Kindergym & 11:15a-12p 10-11a 10-11a & 11:15a-12p Kindergym & 11:15a-12p 10-11a 24 Adar II 17 Adar II 10 Adar II 3 Adar II 4 11 25 18

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

7:30p TBA Board Meeting TBA 7:30p 8a-4p Blood Bank will be at TBA 8a-4p Blood Bank will be at 23 Adar II 16 Adar II 9 Adar II 2 Adar II 3 31 10 24 17 are produced 30-60 days in advance using the best data available from the TBA Administration Staff. This calendar is also available at our website the TBA 30-60 days in advance using the best data available from produced are urim P hode S h

C o S h hu S han (off campus) (off

r S 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 9:30a Rosh Chodesh-Adar II Always check the Congregational E-mail or the Weekly Shabbat Bulletin for more up-to-date information. Please note any corrections care of Rayna Arnold at the TBA office. Arnold at the TBA of Rayna care up-to-date information. Please note any corrections Shabbat Bulletin for more E-mail or the Weekly Always check the Congregational 29 Adar II 22 Adar II 15 Adar II 8 Adar II 1 Adar II

9 2 Calendars in The Omer 16 30 23 hode S h 6:57 p urim C P ' o S h r Redwood Regional Park WTBA Vashti’s Banquet Vashti’s WTBA Mishloach Manot delivery 10:30a Sunday Kindergym 10:30a Sunday Kindergym Revolution program at TBA 6p Teen Scene: Baum Youth Center Youth Scene: Baum Teen 6p 9:45a Women on the Move: Hike in Women 9:45a 21 Adar II 14 Adar II 7 Adar II 30 Adar 1 28 Adar II 10am Adult Education w/Ken Cohen Adult Education 10am 10a-12p Adult Education- Longevity 10a-Adult Education w/Nitzhia Shaked Adar II 5774 25 Temple Beth Abraham PERIODICALS 327 MacArthur Boulevard POSTAGE P A I D Oakland, CA 94610 Oakland, CA Permit No. 020299

Coming Soon! March 15, 2014

WHAT’S INSIDE TBA Directory...... i Tikkun Olam...... 8 Community...... 18 What’s Happening...... 1 Community...... 9 Volunteer Bulletin Board.... 18 From the Rabbi...... 2 Music...... 10 Life Cycles...... 19 President’s Message...... 3 Cooking Corner...... 14 Donations...... 22 Editor’s Message...... 4 Gan Avraham News...... 16 Calendar...... 24 Women of TBA...... 5 La’atid...... 16 Men’s Club...... 7 Bet Sefer News...... 17