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Volume 34, Number 8 the May 2015 Iyyar/SivanVolume 31, Number 5775 7 March 2012 TEMPLE BETH ABRAHAM Adar / Nisan 5772

JEWISH

R STORYTELLINGi Pu M DIRECTORY

SERVICES SCHEDULE GENERAL INFORMATION: All phone numbers use (510) prefix unless otherwise noted. Services, Location, Time Monday & Thursday Mailing Address 336 Euclid Ave. Oakland, CA 94610 Morning Minyan, Chapel, 8:00 a.m. Hours M-Th: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Fr: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday Evening Office Phone 832-0936 (Kabbalat ), Chapel, 6:15 p.m. Office Fax 832-4930 Shabbat Morning, Sanctuary, 9:30 a.m. E-Mail [email protected] Candle Lighting (Friday) Gan Avraham 763-7528 May 1, 7:41 p.m. Bet Sefer 663-1683 May 8, 7:48 p.m. STAFF May 15, 7:54 p.m. May 22, 8:00 p.m. (x 213) Mark Bloom Richard Kaplan, May 29, 8:05 p.m. Cantor [email protected] Portions (Saturday) Gabbai Marshall Langfeld May 2, Acharei-Kedoshim Executive Director (x 214) Rayna Arnold May 9, Emor Office Manager (x 210) Virginia Tiger May 16, Behar-Bechukotai Bet Sefer Director Susan Simon 663-1683 May 23, Bamidbar Gan Avraham Director Barbara Kanter 763-7528 May 30, Naso Bookkeeper (x 215) Kevin Blattel Facilities Manager (x 211) Joe Lewis Kindergym/ Dawn Margolin 547-7726 Toddler Program TEMPLE BETH ABRAHAM Volunteers (x 229) Herman & Agnes Pencovic OFFICERS OF THE BOARD is proud to support the Conservative Movement by affiliating with The United President Mark Fickes 652-8545 of Conservative . Vice President Eric Friedman 984-2575 Vice President Alice Hale 336-3044 Vice President Flo Raskin 653-7947 Vice President Laura Wildmann 601-9571 Advertising Policy: Anyone may sponsor an issue Secretary JB Leibovitch 653-7133 of The Omer and receive a dedication for their Treasurer Susan Shub 852-2500 business or loved one. Contact us for details. We COMMITTEES & ORGANIZATIONS: If you would like to con- do not accept outside or paid advertising. tact the committee chairs, please contact the synagogue The Omer is published on paper that is 30% office for phone numbers and e-mail addresses. post-consumer fibers. Adult Education Aaron Paul The Omer (USPS 020299) is published monthly Chesed Warren Gould except July and August by Congregation Beth Development Leon Bloomfield & Flo Raskin Abraham, 336 Euclid Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610. Dues Evaluation Susan Shub Periodicals Postage Paid at Oakland, CA. Endowment Fund Charles Bernstein Finance Susan Shub POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Gan Avraham Parents Toni Mason Omer, c/o Temple Beth Abraham, 336 Euclid Gan Avraham School Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610-3232. Gary Bernstein Committee © 2015. Temple Beth Abraham. House Stephen Shub The Omer is published by Temple Beth Abraham, Israel Affairs JB Leibovitch a non-profit, located at 336 Euclid Avenue, Membership Ulli Rotzscher Oakland, CA 94610; telephone (510) 832-0936. It Men’s Club Jeff Ilfeld is published monthly except for the months of July Omer Rachel Dornhelm and August for a total of ten issues per annum. It Personnel Laura Wildmann is sent as a requester publication and there is no Public Relations Lisa Fernandez paid distribution. Ritual Eric Friedman Schools Alice Hale Social Action Marc Bruner To view The Omer in color, Torah Fund Anne Levine visit www.tbaoakland.org. Women of TBA Molli Rothman & Jessica Sterling Youth Phil Hankin i WHAT’S HAPPENING

ANNUAL TBA MEMBER MEETING! May 17, 2015 9:30 AM Social Hall

Volunteer Recogniton Lunch with Liba Falafel

Learn Torah with Rabbi Bloom MAH JONGG and other TBAers Join us on the second Shabbat Each Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. of the month as we gather at the Woodminster Cafe. in the Chapel after . No knowledge of Hebrew is required. May 9 and June 13 May TODDLER & KINDERGYM Schedule May 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 In the TBA Social Hall for under-3s with a loving adult

Toddler Class: 10:30-11 a.m. $12 Kindergym: 11:15-noon $10 Dawn Margolin looks forward to seeing you there! [email protected] or call 510-547-7726

THE TEEN SCENE Women of TBA Event: The Friendship Circle Friendship Circle programs pres- May 12 - Details on page 6. ent families of individuals with spe- cial needs and teen volunteers the opportunity to form real friendships within a non-judgmental and supportive community. Teen Scene: Teen Scene is a semi-monthly, one and a half hour program on Sunday evenings for teens with special needs to join with loving teen volunteers for a fun, educational group experience. The program begins with a light dinner and is followed by an hour of activities and Jewish discussion. Teens enjoy various activities, which include dancing, basket- ball, yoga, drum circle and more. For more information, including Teen Scene dates, please contact Devorah Romano, [email protected].

Men’s Club Event: See additional Adult Education events and activities for women on page 6. May 13 - Details on page 7. 1 FROM THE RABBI Nachshon, Freddy the Frog, Ariel, and Aquaman Storytelling is an integral part of the Jewish tradition—from the “oral tradition” of the with its stories of the rabbinic sages to the Midrash which expands upon the stories of the Torah to the great writers such as Aleichem and YL Peretz, to today’s great Jewish novelists like Michael Chabon and Jonathan Safran Foer. My contribution is to the preschool set, where one of my favorite parts of the job is to tell sto- ries to the Gan classes during chapel on Shabbat every other week. I love being able to “meet the children where they are,” so I often incorporate the things that make up their fantasy world, such as superheroes, animals, and princes into the stories of the Torah. If they come home con- fusing some of the Biblical characters with their favorite cartoon characters, don’t worry. It’s part of the joy of being a child. Here is one of my personal favorites. Everyone knows that when the Israelites fled Egypt God performed the miracle of dividing the sea for the Israelites to walk on dry land. But not so many know that God had a lot of help. First, there was Nachshon of the Tribe of Judah, who dove into the water first. While the rest of the Israelites were standing around in confusion and Moses was engrossed in prayer, Nachshon took the risk and dove in. Only after he dove in did the Sea split. But what you also don’t know is that Nachshon didn’t dive in in on purpose. He was chasing his frog. You see, Nachshon had a pet frog named Freddie, who he loved dearly. He kept Freddie with him at all times. But once Freddie saw the water, he jumped out of Nachshon’s hands and into the sea. Knowing he had to act quickly to make sure he didn’t lose him, Nachshon chased in after Freddie. That’s why Nachshon dove in first. He was trying to find his pet frog! Meanwhile, Ariel the Mermaid Princess and Aquaman saw what was going on. They knew they had to do their part to save the Jewish people from Pharaoh and his army. They knew that ordinary humans can’t swim for such long distances and that they would drown if they didn’t do something quickly. So each of them swam back and forth from side to side, communicating in their secret languages with all the creatures of the sea, telling each creature to swim this way and that way. This created a wall on each side of the Red Sea, leaving a great dry patch in the middle for the Israelites to cross. The fish and all the other sea creatures listened to their friends Ariel and Aquaman, and, thankfully, the Israelites made it across. I’m not saying it wasn’t a miracle by God that the Isralites made it across, but they couldn’t have done it without the help of Nachshon of the Tribe of Judah, Freddie the Frog, Ariel the Mermaid Princess and Aquaman the Superhero. L’shalom, Rabbi Mark Bloom

Please Join Us for Morning Minyan on Mondays & Thursdays Join the regulars at our Minyan service, each Monday and Thursday usually starting at 8:00 a.m. The service lasts about an hour, and is really a great way to start the day. As an added bonus, break- fast is served immediately afterwards. To use the old expression – try it, you’ll like it. If not as a regular, just stop in once or twice and see what it’s all about.

2 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Fun Jewish Stories by Mark Fickes Judaism has such a rich tradition of storytelling. From the Midrashim to the Chasidic Tradition, stories have helped throughout the ages connect to G-d and to tradition. So, this month I decided to share two stories of which I have always been fond. The Cow That Kept Shabbat Pesikta Rabbati 14 There was once a Jew who owned a cow with which he plowed his field. Then it came to pass that this Jew became impoverished and was forced to sell his cow to a non-Jew. The new owner plowed with the cow throughout the week, but when he took her out to the field on Shabbat, she kneeled under the yoke and refused to do any work. He hit her with his whip, but she would not budge from her place. So he came back to the Jew and said to him, “Take back your cow! All week I worked with her, but today I took her out to the field and she refuses to do anything...” The Jew said to the cow’s purchaser: “Come with me, and I will get her to plow.” When they arrived to the field the cow lay, the Jew spoke into her ear. “Oh Cow, Cow! When you were in my domain, you rested on Shabbat. But now that my sins have caused me to sell you to this gentile, please, stand up and do the will of your master!” Immediately the cow stood, prepared to work. Said the gentile to the Jew: “I’m not letting you go until you tell me what you did and what you said to her. Have you bewitched her?” The Jew told him what he said to the cow. When this man heard this, he was shaken and amazed. He said to himself: “If this creature, which has neither language or intelligence, recognizes her Creator, should not I, whom G‑d created in His image and likeness and imbued me with intelligence and understanding?” So he went and converted to Judaism and merited to study Torah. He became known as Yochanan ben Torta (“Yochanan son of the Cow”) * * * The Fox in the Vineyard From the Midrash A sly fox passed a lovely vineyard. A tall, thick fence surrounded the vineyard on all sides. As the fox circled around the fence, he found a small hole in the fence, barely large enough for him to push his head through. The fox could see what luscious grapes grew in the vineyard, and his mouth began to water. But the hole was too small for him. So what did the sly fox do? He fasted for three days, until he became so thin that he managed to slip through the hole. Inside the vineyard, the fox began to eat to his heart’s content. He grew bigger and fatter than ever before. Then he wanted to get out of the vineyard. But alas! The hole was too small again. So what did he do? He fasted for three days again, and then just about managed to slip through the hole and out again. Turning his head towards the vineyard, the poor fox said: “Vineyard, oh vineyard! How lovely you look, and how lovely are your and vines. But what good are you to me? Just as I came to you, so I leave you...” And so, our sages say, it is also with this world. It is a beautiful world, but — in the words of King Solomon, the wisest of all men — just as man comes into this world empty handed, so he leaves it. Only the Torah he studied, the mitzvot he performed, and the good deeds he prac- ticed are the real fruits which he can take with him.

3 VOLUNTEER BOARD NEW MEMBERS Volunteer Opportunities

GIVE A NEW PARENT AN HOUR TO SHOWER This is a perfect for those with day- time flexibility. Volunteers are needed to FEED THE HUNGRY: TBA volunteers at provide short daytime sits free of charge to CityTeam to feed the hungry on the fourth our new moms and dads allowing them to Sunday of each month from 5-7 p.m. If you shower, get a haircut, or just take a walk. wish to volunteer contact Caren Shapiro to Interested sitters should contact us at sign up at [email protected] womenoftba@ tbaoakland.org.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: There is always WELCOME A NEW MEMBER: Do you have time an opportunity to volunteer at TBA. Please to help deliver TBA’s new member baskets? consider helping a cause or event you feel If so, please contact Virginia at virginia@ a connection to. tbaoakland.org

Welcome New Members

Leah Kurtz Sudran Rich & Berkowitz Joseph Aamidor & Jodi Lerner Jonathan Gordon & Michelle Oppen. Daughters Talia & Daphne

A NOTE TO NEW MEMBERS: We would like to introduce you to the TBA community in an upcoming newsletter. Please send a short intro- duction of you and your family, with a digital photo, to [email protected]. Thanks!

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, Lori Copy Editors Managing Editor Lisa Fernandez Rosenthal, Jan Silverman, Debbie Spangler June Brott, Jessica Dell’Era, Charles Feltman, Jeanne Korn, Layout & Design Jessica Sterling Proofreaders Anne Levine, 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 Rachel Dornhelm E-Mail [email protected] Help From People like you!

4 SIX WORD MEMOIRS Six Word Memoirs: Jewish Storytelling And from Shosh Blachman a 6 word+ memoir on the theme we just had to include: We’d like to put together a book of six word memoirs from our community on topical Jewish themes. We’ll print Exodus by Leon Uris & my grandfather’s stories of his them, one month at a time, in the Omer until we have sojourn from Poland to Palestine (pre WWII) & onto the enough to compile a book. US helped shape my Jewish identity. PJ library envelope. “Read it again!” (Rachel Dornhelm, 39) In coming issues please send us your six word memoirs to [email protected] with the word “six word memoir” This is how I got here. (Rick Heeger, 56) in the subject line. Please include your name and your The end. Now go to sleep. (Rick Heeger, 56) age, because part of the beauty of the book will be seeing how we feel about Judaism at different ages. Not tired. Tell me another one. (Rick Heeger, 56) The Six-Word Memoirs on Jewish Life is a partnership Storytelling is in the listening too. (Rick Heeger, 56) between Reboot (www.rebooters.net) and Larry Smith. Tell Stories? Of course! We’re Jews! (Karen Bloom, 45) In November 2006, writer and editor Larry Smith issued a challenge to fans of his online publication, SMITH Spin the yarn, tell the tale. (Karen Bloom, 45) Magazine. Inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s legendary Tell the tale, what’s on sale? (Karen Bloom, 45) shortest of short stories (“For sale: Baby shoes, never worn”), Smith asked readers to describe their lives in six Once upon a time... tell tell (Karen Bloom, 45) words. Since then, the Six-Word Memoir® made its debut Tell me a story, zayda, please (Karen Bloom, 45) in 2006, nearly one million short life stories have been shared on the storytelling community SMITH Magazine Every song tells a unique story. (Karen Bloom, 45) website. Speak your truth from the heart. (Karen Bloom, 45)

Slice-of-Life Stories Make Me Cry, And Make Me a Better Jew by Lisa Fernandez Every Friday morning, I look forward to a good cry at 5:26 a.m. That’s when NPR’s Storycorps comes on, and I look forward to that weekly minute or two, just to hear people shar- ing snippets of moments in time with each other, which often make me sob in my car on my long, dark commute. There are stories of cross-dressing husbands whose wives have stuck with them over the years. I cried at that. There was a suicidal man who met up with the cop who saved him from jumping and he just wanted to say thank you. I cried at that. There was a woman who was mowed down by a speeding driver in high school who wrote him a letter that she for- gave him. I cried at that. And then there was the time when I was surprised to hear the story of TBA member Rebecca Posamentier, who poignantly described her relationship with her mother who had Alzheimer’s. Of course, I cried extra hard at that. I’m not sure what it is about these stories, and why I am so moved by them. They’re not news in the traditional sense of the word. But they are slices of life that stick with me and teach me things, often about human tragedy and compassion. That’s how I try to live my Jewish life. By doing small acts of kindness. I can’t take on huge acts. I don’t have a fat bank account to write checks. I don’t have many extra hours in the day to commit to major volunteering commit- ments. But I can make ball soup. And I can watch your kids if you’re sick or going to marriage counseling. I’m always looking for “Storycorps” moments to inspire me. So if you have any, share your stories with me. And you might just make me cry, and perhaps make me a better Jew.

5 WOMEN OF TBA, OUR SISTERHOOD

WTBA Taco Tuesday

The Lake Chalet 1520 Lakeside Drive, Oakland May 12 • 4:30 - 7 p.m. • $25

RSVP to Jessica Sterling, [email protected] or RSVP and PAY ONLINE at www.womenoftba.com

Please join WTBA for our year-end GIRLS NIGHT OUT Create a Summer Sponsered by WTBA & Reading List Oakland Hadassah Thursday, May 7 Monday, May 18 On behalf of The Women of TBA (WTBA) and 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. Oakland Ruach Hadassah, we would like to invite Baum Youth Center, 341 MacArthur all East Bay Women to join our group. The group meets monthly on the Monday Girls Night Out is a free, casual, monthly close to Rosh Chodesh, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at event to gather TBA women together for re- rotating members’ homes. The meetings are laxed and unstructured social time. facilitated by members of the group. Drop in on the first Thursday of most months Our new text is The Harlot by the Side of the to chat, laugh, debate, have a glass of Road, by Jonathan and some light goodies, and get to know Kirsch. The meeting will each other better. open with a short discus- sion about the signifi- No need to bring a thing! cance of the new month. Meet old friends, and make new friends. Questions? Amy Tessler There’s a different mix, vibe, & conversation at [email protected] every month. or (510) 482-1218 to get Come check it out! on the distribution list for the upcoming meeting Questions: [email protected] or locations. [email protected]

6 MEN’S CLUB

Discovery in Storytelling both essential to the story and the parts they play can by Rick Heeger change as the telling unfolds. Tangents are followed, lis- tener becomes storyteller, and new stories are created. We I tell stories for a living. I tell them using video. And create new stories everyday, with every experience and while at this point in my career the stories are usually interaction. about how one company uses another company’s product to transform their business and achieve their goals and Which brings me to the Men’s Club. What new story will enhance their corporate image and yada, yada, yada, they you tell after your next Men’s Club event? Will you tell are stories nonetheless. And each story takes the listener/ about how you ascended past Karen Bloom on the Men’s viewer on a journey with a beginning, middle and an Club Poker leader board? Or how you bowled your high end. The process itself is a journey and it may not always game (or just kept the ball out of the gutter) at Jews in be clear where it will end. What will I find out when I Bad Shoes – next event May 13 in Alameda. Or will it interview a subject? What will she say that’s unexpected? be that you caught a foul ball while rooting on the A’s How will what he tells me change my preconceptions of at Jewish Heritage Night on August 4. The point is, that what the story should be. A large part of storytelling to when you attend Men’s Club events, you will leave with a me is the discovery, and how it shapes the story I’ll tell. I story to tell. enjoy this work immensely. I hope that you’ll join us for our many events, this year One of the things I love most about storytelling is that the and in years to come. roles of storyteller and listener are intertwined. They’re

Come join the TBA’s Men’s Club to Schmooze with Jews in Bad Shoes! ,Wednesday May 13, we’ll meet at Alameda’s Southshore Lanes for bowling, pizza, beer and bragging rights. Play starts at 7:30 p.m.

All adult members and prospective members of the TBA community are welcome. $20 for bowling, shoes, pizza and beer.

AMF Bowling CenterSouthshore Lanes 300 Park Street, Alameda, CA

RSVP to Howard Zangwill [email protected]

7 COMMUNITY LAG BA’OMER

Community Lag Ba’Omer Bonfire May 6th | 7:30-10:00 pm Urban Adamah | 1050 Parker Street, Berkeley Come celebrate Lag Ba’Omer, day 33 of the journey from to , by joining us for a bonfire of Biblical proportions. At 7:30 pm cozy up with some warm chai, snacks, roast s’mores in the fire circle and enjoy treats from our community dessert pot- luck. At 8:00 pm we’ll gather around the fire, sing, and count the Omer. Afterwards at 8:30 pm we’ll dancethe night away to the music of . Tickets are $5 in advance, $10 at the door. Can’t wait to see you on the farm!

JOIN A NEW TBA CHAVURAH! Do you want to be a part of a smaller, more intimate group within Temple Beth Abraham? Forming or joining a chavurah could be what you’re looking for! What is a chavurah? From the Hebrew word for friend, a chavurah is a group of people (singles, couples, families, or a mix of these) who meet regularly (usually monthly in each others homes) to experience Jewish life together. Joining a Chavurah is one way to meet other TBA members in a smaller, more personal setting. What does a chavurah do? Each chavurah is created to reflect the interests of its members. There could be groups with any of the following interests: socializing, Jewish study, Shabbat gatherings, social action, holiday celebrations, camping, hiking, music, sports, etc. The group could meet with or without children. Each chavurah is completely autonomous and can decide as a group when, where, and how often to meet. It is important for all members to be committed to working together toward building the community. How large is a chavurah? A chavurah is generally made up of between 5 and 10 families or individuals. It could include members who already know each other, or a mix of some old and new friends or acquaintances. How do I join a chavurah? The process of joining a chavurah is very simple. Just fill out the questionnaire by October 15. Sometimes it takes awhile to put together the right group, but it’s worthwhile to wait for a group that’s a good fit. Hard copies are also available in the office at TBA. https://ccjds.wufoo.com/forms/temple-beth-abraham-chavurah-questionnaire/ How do I find out more? If you have questions, contact Amy Wittenberg, our chavurah coordinator, at: [email protected]

8 COURTYARD PROJECT Courtyard Project Funding at 90% of Goal! Looking for 100% Congregation Participation by Leon Bloomfield With the support of almost half of the families in the con- gregation, over 30 community members, and of course 100% the Trustees, we have now raised almost $3.2 million in donations and pledges which puts us at 90% of our fund- ing goal! That level of support will allow us to boldly move for- ward with the creation of the Murray Davis Courtyard/ Kitchen Renovation Project in the coming months. To that end, we expect the bulldozers to begin moving again by the beginning of May with an eye toward building all of the walls, ramps and stairways that will ultimately become a part of our renovated campus. The kitchen is slated for the proverbial (and literal) wrecking ball some- time in June with other renovations to follow. We still need your involvement though! Although we are thrilled to have the support of almost half the congrega- tion, our hope is to have every member of the synagogue – all 460+ families – contribute in some way, big or small, to this project. With that type of participation, we will most assuredly be able to fully fund the remaining 10% (or $350k) of our anticipated costs. Of equal impor- tance, it will ensure that everyone has a personal stake in this adventure. So, for those of you who have not yet had a chance to give, we are asking that you consider what you can do to help bring this project to life while we strive to maintain our unique status as a debt-free congregation. Whatever you can give, whether it is $18 or $180 or $1,800 (or more), will help us meet our goals. Also, consider wheth- er you can make that commitment for more than one year and increase the power of your pledge. If you prefer, you can spread payments out over time, you can use appre- ciated stock, you can make a lump-sum cash donation – whatever works best for you. And don’t forget, if you act soon, your pledge will be doubled by the remaining matching grant from the Trustees! Nearly There For those of you who have already given, thank you again. We could not do this without your support… Either way, come and witness the transformation of the TBA campus and be sure to contact me Leon Bloomfield ([email protected]) or Rayna Arnold (Rayna@tbaoakland. org) if you have any questions.

9 TBA SCHOOLS AUCTION - GAME ON

10 TBA SCHOOLS AUCTION - GAME ON Todah Rabbah to the TBA Auction Team! On behalf of the entire TBA community, I wanted to say thank you to all who helped make this year’s auction a tremendous success. While I would not know how to thank every single person who was involved in the planning and execu- tion of this great event, I did want to be sure to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of those who went above and beyond the call of duty. First, I would like to thank Maureen Krantz, Angela Engel, Elizabeth James, Toni Mason, Roberta Masliyah, and Rayna Arnold for taking on leader- ship roles in bringing the auction to fruition. In addition, I want to commend Maya Kraft who oversaw the check in/check out process along with her team: David Mason, Jason Kraft, Caroline Bernstien, Jessica Sterling, Amy Wittenberg, Molli Rothman, Lydia Adams, and Lynn Langfeld. I also appreciate the hard work and dedication of Sabrina Berdux, Phil Dangler, Becca & Josh Posamentier, and Jessica Sarber. Once again, we were treated to wonderful food prepared by Jing Piser along with the assistance of Treya Weintraub, Billy Gentry and Jereme Albin. Jeff Ilfeld and the Men’s Club made sure drinks were flowing all night which cer- tainly added to the festive atmosphere. I would like to acknowledge the TBA staff including Virginia Tiger, Barbara Kanter and Susan Simon, the faculty of our Bet Sefer and Gan, the childcare team, Joe Lewis and the janitorial staff. Finally, thanks to Toni Mason’s Mom, Mona, for the amazing help the night before the event. This year’s auction was fantastic and we could not have done it without all the volunteers named above and the countless others who helped along the way. Best, Mark

11 COOKING CORNER B’Tayavon: 101 layer called the cap. While excess fat can be trimmed by Faith Kramer away, I recommend leaving at least a quarter inch to help keep the meat moist and flavorful. Make your brisket in Want to learn how to make pot roast or brisket? Here’s advance and refrigerate the pan liquid or sauce then skim what you need to know to be a pot roast and brisket mas- off any congealed fat if desired. ter. First, meet your meat. Second understand the low and slow cooking techniques involved. Finally, check out The oblong and flatter first cut is the most commercially some recipes. available of the brisket cuts but it is the leanest and can be a bit dry if overly trimmed of fat. The muscle fibers Meet Your Meat are closer together (which makes for easier and neater Technically pot roast is the slow, moist braising of meat. slices once cooked) and there is no fat between them. It A brisket can be cooked pot roast style, but so can other typically weighs five to seven pounds, trimmed. The first cuts of meat. Generally in America when we use the term cut tends to be more even in shape and width than the pot roast we mean a dish made from a boneless or bone- second cut. in chuck roast. Brisket and chuck can also be prepared The second cut can be more triangular in shape and the in other ways, but with the exception of corned beef and muscle fibers are separated by thin streaks of fat. This is most Jewish brisket recipes use a moist braise or a juicier and (to my mind) tastier cut. A typical second pot roast technique. cut runs about three or so pounds, trimmed. Both brisket and chuck cuts of meat come from the front, You can also get a whole brisket containing both cuts, kosher part, of the cow. (Although technically the hind separated by a thick white line of fat. The two sections quarter meats are kosher if the sciatic nerve, veins, sin- will also have different (the parallel arrangement ews, caul fat and suet are removed.) of meat fibers) throughout. I like to cut the brisket at the The brisket and chuck portions of a cow or steer are point where the two connect. I cook them at the same time hardworking muscles which make the meat very flavor- and in the same pot. However, the two cuts can cook for ful, but also in need of long, slow, moist cooking to different lengths of time before they are fork tender, so that become tender, perfect for a pot roast. It is when the enables me to pull one out when the other is still cooking. collagen in these connective fibers break down to gela- It also makes it easier to wrangle a 10 or 11 pound piece tin from long slow cooking that we get that lush, rich, of meat. Cooking the two cuts in the same pot also adds smooth and almost slippery mouth feel and taste associ- flavor and lushness to the drier first cut. ated with these cuts. Chuck Roast While I use the two kinds of beef interchangeably, I find Chuck is the traditional non-brisket meat for pot roast. a difference in taste and texture between them. Brisket is Chuck has good marbling, or fat distribution throughout, meatier and stronger tasting and chuck roast has a softer, which helps with moisture and taste. It has lots of con- less stringy texture. I also find that a boneless chuck nective tissues and cross muscle fibers that need long and roast will usually cook a bit faster than a piece of brisket. slow cooking for flavor and tenderness. Chuck is usually less expensive than brisket and can be more readily available. Chuck is the 100 pound section above the brisket and is butchered into many different cuts of beef. Depending Both meats will cook down considerably. Allow for a lot on the part of the muscle and how thick it is cut it goes of shrinkage and estimate an uncooked weight of at least by a variety of names and is suitable for many cooking a half pound per person (after trimming excess fat). methods. Brisket For pot roast, I go for a boneless chuck roast or a The brisket, traditionally a Jewish favorite, is from the thick two-to-three pound or so boneless chuck steak. animal’s breast or lower chest. It supports about 60 Sometimes the chuck roasts are tied to keep a rounded, percent of its weight and is full of connective tissue. A loaf shape. The shape is not important to me, but if you whole brisket (untrimmed of fat) is about 14 pounds. prefer to slice rather than shred your cooked pot roast Each animal has two whole briskets. that may be a good option although it’s compactness and There are two cuts of brisket – first cut, also known as density might add to cooking time. The more expensive flat cut, and second cut, also sometimes called the deckle cross rib roast, which is also from the chuck region, also cut or point cut. Both have their champions, both are makes a delicious pot roast. It features an extra vertical delicious, but they give slightly different results. Both line of fat that adds moistness and flavor. are covered with fat, with the second cut having a thicker If using a bone-in cut of chuck, be sure to allow for 12 COOKING CORNER weight of the bone when calculating serving yield. Cooking meat on the bone adds flavor but also adds time. What Exactly is Pot Roast Pot roast is the braising of meat which involves an initial searing or brown- ing followed by a long, slow, covered cooking with some additional liquid. However, there are pot roasts that are made without browning and or without additional liquid. In general, I recommend browning the meat for best flavor. If the piece of beef is too large for the pot or roast- ing pan, cut into sections and brown separately before cooking together in one pot. I like to add liquid to add flavor. hour, to help it cook evenly in the liquid. Generally not much is needed since as the meat cooks it will release a lot of liquid on its own. Many folks like Leave yourself enough time. The meat passes through to say brisket in particular “makes its own sauce” but stages from raw to appearing to be cooked but hard as I think it benefits from having a little help from wine, rock to full submission with the desired degree to tender- stock, and other ingredients. ness. The long, moist-heat cooking is breaking down the proteins and connective tissue, so you can’t just give a Oven or Stove Top time for cooking, although generally three to four hours A pot roast can be made on the stove or in the oven. The for a three to four pound brisket or boneless chuck roast recipes are interchangeable, depending on personal pref- is a good starting point, but keep in mind it could take erence and what is convenient. If cooking in the oven, two or four or six. Keep checking, add more liquid if pick a heavy pan that has a lid (or improvise one with need be and keep cooking until a fork pretty much glides foil) that can start on the stove top so the meat can be through the meat. If your meat is recalcitrant don’t give seared in it as well. up, just keep cooking it. If it just won’t get to that final On the stove, keep the meat and liquid at a low simmer. stage of melt-in-the-mouth softness, consider shredding it In the oven, I like to cook mine at 325-350 degrees. If instead of slicing. you prefer you can cook at 225-250 degrees, but that will Cook ahead of time. Because timing is so variable (I add time and you may need more liquid. once had a pot roast that took eight hours to make), I Tips, Tricks and Techniques recommend cooking a day or two in advance. This also allows you to refrigerate and skim the sauce and slice the Making pot roast or brisket is really very easy, but here meat while it is cold, which is easier and makes for thin- are some tips to help ensure success: ner and neater slices. I store sauce, meat and Cut away any extra surface fat, but don’t pick a piece of separately in the fridge. meat that is too lean. Leave a layer of fat about a quarter Let the meat rest at least 20 minutes before shredding or of an inch thick on brisket. slicing if not refrigerating overnight. To shred use hands Use a flavorful liquid. For most recipes a cup or two of or two forks to pull the meat apart in “strings” or indi- liquid should be enough (unless you want lots of sauce). vidual fibers. To slice, eyeball the way the meat fibers line up parallel to each other. Cut thin slices against the Add enough . However, if you are using a kash- , which means slice it perpendicular to the fibers. ered (soaked and salted) piece of meat you might want to Especially with a chuck roast, the grain might go in dif- go sparingly on the salt and season the pan sauce to com- ferent directions so you may need to change your cutting pensate after you taste the cooked meat and sauce. angle as you go. The thinner the slices the better in terms Start the brisket in pan fat side up so it will self baste. of tenderness. I aim for a quarter of an inch thick or less. After the first hour or so, I turn the meat about once an continued on page 14 13 COOKING CORNER The Recipes ABBEY’S RED WINE Going through my notes, Omer food columns, blog and j POT ROAST OR BRISKET weekly articles, it seems that I have written more brisket Serves 6-8 and pot roast recipes than almost anything else. These This is my recreation of my mother’s pot have flavors ranging from traditional to Near Eastern roast. Like all pot roast recipes it improves the next day. Mom made this every to Ethiopian. Once you master the pot roast and brisket time she came to visit and it became a basics, you should be able to improvise your own ver- favorite of my husband’s as well. sions as well. 3-4 lb. brisket or boneless beef chuck Below are a few recipes to get you started. Adjust the roast recipes as needed if your piece of meat is larger or small- 1 Tbs. soy sauce 1/2 tsp. salt er than specified below. I’ve been known to pull out my 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper giant covered roasting pan and double and even triple a 1 Tbs. plus 1 Tbs. oil brisket recipe. 2 cups chopped onion Please be sure to email me your favorite brisket or pot 2 tsp. finely chopped garlic roast recipes, tips or stories so I can include them in any 2 cups red wine future updates. 1/4 cup apple juice 1/2 tsp. dried oregano 1/4 tsp. dried rosemary 1/2 lb. carrots, peeled and cut into 1 1/2” chunks 3-4 cups new potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1” pieces 2 cups sliced mushrooms Brush the meat with soy sauce and sprin- kle with salt and pepper. Heat 1 Tbs. oil in a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Brown the meat on both sides (cut meat in two and work in batches if necessary). Remove meat and set aside. Add remaining oil. Add onion, sauté until softened, stirring up any browned bits from bottom of pan. Add garlic and sauté until golden. Return meat and accumulated juices to pan. Add wine and juice. (Add water if needed while meat cooks.) Add oregano and rosemary. Bring to a simmer. Cover and reduce heat to keep at simmer. Cook for 1 hour. Turn meat. Add carrots and potatoes. Cover and simmer 1 hour. Turn meat and add mushrooms. Cover and simmer until meat is fork tender and veg- etables cooked, about an hour (timing will vary). Remove solids. Let meat rest and slice thinly against the grain or shred. Reduce cooking liquid if desired. Serve with cooking liquid. If made ahead, reheat vegetables and meat in cooking liquid.

14 COOKING CORNER OVEN BBQ BRISKET OR POT ROAST squeeze of fresh lime. Serves 8 If whole star anise is not available, Use homemade or purchased barbecue sauce. substitute 1 ½ tsp. ground star anise OR Choose one with a smoky or hickory flavor. Chinese five spice powder. For a stronger smoke flavor add optional 3 Tbs. oil, divided liquid smoke. 4 lbs. brisket or boneless beef chuck 1 4-5 lb. brisket or boneless beef chuck roast roast 4 cups chopped onion BBQ rub spice mix (see below) 2 Tbs. finely chopped garlic 1 Tbs. oil 2 Tbs. finely chopped, peeled, fresh 3/4 cup barbecue sauce (see notes) plus ginger extra for serving 2 cups beef stock or broth 3/4 cup apple juice 3 whole star anise 1/8 tsp. liquid smoke, optional (see 2-3” cinnamon stick notes) 2 Tbs. soy sauce If using brisket, score fat (trimmed to 2 tsp. brown sugar ¼”) with a sharp knife. Rub spice mix all 8 cups quartered, large fresh shitake over, coating meat. Place beef in dish, mushrooms cover with plastic wrap and refriger- ½ tsp. salt or to taste ate for 4 hours or overnight. Take out of 2 Tbs. finely chopped, fresh mint refrigerator 1 hour before cooking. 2 Tbs. finely chopped, fresh basil Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat oil over 2 Tbs. finely chopped, fresh cilantro medium high heat in large, oven proof pan. 4 green onions (scallions), white and Brown meat well on all sides. Cover with light green parts only, finely chopped lid and transfer to oven. Cook covered, Add 2 Tbs. of oil to large heavy pot or turning meat over about every hour or so Dutch oven over medium high heat. Brown until meat is tender but not falling apart meat on both sides (cutting in half and soft, about 3-4 hours but timing will working in batches if necessary). Remove vary. Take pan from oven and put on stove meat and set aside. Add remaining oil and top. Remove meat from pan and let stand sauté onions until soft and beginning to 20 minutes then slice into 1/4” slices color. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing against the grain. Heat pan on stove with until garlic begins to color. Add beef cooking juices to simmer, add 3/4 cup bar- stock, star anise, cinnamon, soy sauce becue sauce and apple juice. Bring to sim- and brown sugar. Stir well and bring to a mer. Scrape up browned bits at the bottom simmer, stirring up any browned bits from of pan. Stir in liquid smoke if using. bottom of pan. Add meat and any accumu- Gently stir in meat and simmer, uncovered, lated juices. Cook covered at a simmer until meat is well saturated. Serve meat for one hour. Turn meat and add mush- with cooking sauce and or barbecue sauce. rooms. Cook, covered, at simmer, turning BBQ Rub – Mix 1 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. smoked meat once an hour, for about another two or regular paprika, 1 tsp. ground black hours or until meat is fork tender (timing pepper, 1/2 tsp. ground cumin, 1/2 tsp. will vary). Remove and set aside meat and cayenne powder, 1/2 tsp. garlic powder, vegetables. Discard star anise and cin- 1/2 tsp. onion powder, 2 Tbs. brown sugar. namon sticks. If desired, cook down sauce Store extra in airtight container. to desired thickness. It should be on the thin side. Taste and add salt if needed. Slice or shred meat and reheat with veg- VIETNAMESE-FLAVORED etables in sauce. Serve sprinkled with POT ROAST OR BRISKET chopped herbs and green onions. Serves 8 The flavors of this soup are reminis- cent of beef pho, a Vietnamese Faith Kramer writes a food column for the j weekly and soup. If you would like to turn leftovers blogs her food at www.clickblogappetit.com Contact her into soup, add additional beef stock to at [email protected]. the leftover pan sauce to use as a base. Add shredded leftover beef, leftover cooked mushrooms and cooked rice . Sprinkle servings of soup with chopped cilantro, basil, mint, and green onion, a scattering of bean sprouts on top, and a

15 GAN AVRAHAM Garden of Stories by Barbara Kanter Great stories, that can be easily simplified and adapted for young children, are associated with so many of our holidays. Often teachers tell these stories, and may even use felt boards, puppets or props, rather than only read them. The char- acters and their actions become more vivid to the children through storytelling in addition to reading books. We often hear children retelling the holiday stories to their friends and parents. We also observe children at play reenacting the bravery of the Maccabees defeating Antiochus and his army and then cleaning the temple. They know and role-play the characters related to Purim refusing to bow down to Haman. Or Esther bravely telling King Ahasuerus that she is Jewish. Sometimes there is confusion as Passover quickly follows Purim and Pharaoh replaces Haman. But the children pretend to be slaves working hard for Pharaoh and then follow Moses out of Egypt to freedom when the Red Sea parts. At the Gan we emphasize and carry on the tradition of Jewish storytelling. All of our classes also visit the chapel frequently for a short Torah service. Rabbi Bloom always joins us and tells a story, usually a Torah parsha (even if it isn’t the one of the current week). Some of the stories of Genesis and Exodus are the ones we can hear over and over. You will also fre- quently see teachers sitting with small groups of children reading a book at the Gan. In addition each class has a more for- mal reading time at the end of each morn- ing. Teachers and other adults lay the foundation for read- ing when they read aloud, tell stories, sing and just talk to young children all the time.

Telling the story of Purim to children in the Gan.

Please Join Us for TBA’s Youth Services

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

May 2 May 2 May 16 10:15 a.m. 10:15 a.m. 10:15 a.m.

16 BET SEFER

Dirah L’Haskir at Bet Sefer other tenants without taking into account the whole of by Susan Simon each of them. Things are never what they seem. There is always more to learn about people and their motives as Every child we know has had someone read The Cat and well as their deeper selves. the Hat to them, and at least one of the Curious George stories. Those books are available in Israel, too, but another The teachers will be reading the story to the children books is much more familiar to many Israeli children – using the English translation and showing them the pic- Dira L’Haskir which we would translate as Apartment for tures in the book. There is a sort of chorus in the book Rent. This year we are bringing this story and its messages that repeats over and over again. to our first and second grade Bet Sefer students. Does the room look nice? Nice Written by Leah Goldberg (not our TBA Leah Goldberg!), Does the bed look nice? Nice the story is about an apartment building inhabited by a variety of animals. One of the apartments becomes vacant Does the hallway look nice? Nice when the mouse moves out and the animals have to get The children will learn how to say these lines in Hebrew together to decide who will be the new tenant. We meet so that every time they come up in the story, they will be a fat chicken, a tidy black cat, a cuckoo bird and a squir- able to chant it with the teacher. At the end of the story, rel who cracks nuts all day. One by one we also meet the the dove demonstrates her kindness, her compassion, and animals who are hoping to be able to move into the apart- her ability to see the good in people that might not show ment and each of them has one or more complaints that on the surface. they share. The hardworking ant doesn’t want to live with The hen has such a pretty comb, I’m sure that I’ll feel a lazy hen. The mother rabbit doesn’t want to live with right at home. the cuckoo bird who she thinks neglects her offspring. The pig won’t live with the cat because of the color of The cuckoo’s also very pretty, and I love the sleek her fur. The nightingale won’t live with the noise of the black kitty. squirrel cracking nuts all day. Last we meet the dove who Cracking nuts won’t bother me, Oh! How happy we isn’t too impressed by the apartment but finds merit in will be. each of the residents of the apartment house. The story is We’ll be good friends, I know it. Yes! written for young children in rhyme and is very repetitive to help facilitate their understanding of the story and the We’ll live in peace and happiness! big issues raised by it. But we aren’t stopping with reading the story and talk- What do we want them to learn from this? We have a ing about it. Thanks to Jewish Learning Works in San translation of the story from the original Hebrew but even Francisco, we will also have the use of a wonderful though we will be reading the story in English, we will mock-up of the apartment house and puppets to represent be using many of the original Hebrew words. The repeti- all of the animals in the story. In this way, the teachers tion of them in the story will help the students understand can act out the story and the children can interact with all them. This ties in directly with our Hebrew Through of the characters to delve deeper into the themes. Movement program. Many of our first and second grad- We want them to understand the ideas of peace, diversity, ers understand many Hebrew nouns and verbs that they respect and community. We’ll ask the students what posi- practice each week with Adi Schacker, our HTM teacher. tive traits the dove found in the tenants that were missed This will further increase their comprehension of modern by others. We’ll talk about how we can get along with Hebrew words. people who might be different from us. We’ll ask the stu- We also want to make sure that students learn the lesson dents what our world might look like if everyone was the of not judging a book by its cover. In Pirke Avot we learn same and how the other children that they know might “Al tistakel ba’kankan, eleh b’mah she’yesh bo” which be like them or different from them. We’ll bring up the means “Don’t look at the vessel (vase), but rather at what notion of loving your neighbor as yourself and what that it holds.” In other words, we want to convey the real really means. We’ll talk about Rabbi Hillel’s teaching of value of people and things rather than the superficial that not doing to another what you find hateful for yourself. stands out in this story. While most of the prospective And we’ll bring up Ben Zoma’s teaching about who is tenants were happy with the apartment itself and found wise, one who learns from every person. fault with the other inhabitants, the dove is unimpressed We are excited to be able to bring this wonderful program with the apartment but finds the goodness in each of the to Bet Sefer. I’ll try to provide some cute photographs inhabitants. Each of the other applicants was obsessed from our learning next month. with what each perceived to be a character flaw of the 17 JEWISH DAY SCHOOL Happenings at CCJDS by Amy Wittenberg ISRAEL @ CCJDS Community-Wide Family Festival June 7, 2015 – 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. At the Contra Costa Jewish Day School Israel is taught, celebrated and experienced in many ways! Our 8th grade class recently returned from an amazing class trip, the Israeli flag, along with the American flag fly proudly at our entrance, students, learn the history of Israel, the language and grapple to understand the issues modern-day Israel faces. In hopes of sharing our connections with Israel with the greater East Bay community we invite you to ISRAEL @ CCJDS! Come enjoy the entertainment, chil- dren’s activities, art fair, Israeli food, sunshine and community! Bring your friends – this Sunday, June 7, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. event is free and all are welcome! CCJDS is located at 955 Risa Road in Lafayette – only 15 minutes from TBA! Amy Wittenberg, Contra Costa Jewish Day School admissions director and event organizer is most excited about ISRAEL @ CCJDS, “This is the ideal opportunity to bring com- munity together! Many years ago I was the event coordinator for “Israel in the Gardens,” a San Francisco Jewish Community Federation event. Thousands of Bay Area Jews came together each June for this mega-event to celebrate Israel with song, dance, food and activities. The San Francisco Federation will not be holding Israel in the Gardens this year, so I’m thrilled to organize, on a much, much smaller scale, our second ISRAEL @ CCJDS for the East Bay Jewish community. This event will have a bit of something for everybody, it is designed to be fun for children, teens and adults. Please come and bring your friends!” ISRAEL @ CCJDS is seeking Israeli artists or local artists who specialize in Jewish focused art who would like to sell their art/craft at the fair – booth space is free! For further information, please contact Amy Wittenberg, (925) 285-8288 or [email protected].

2014 ISRAEL @ CCJDS – Israeli Tzofim (scouts) sing and dance with the Israeli flag.

18 LIFE CYCLES

Mazel tov to Daniel and Jessica Klein, as well as big sister Hannah, on the Mazel Tov birth of a girl, Gabriella Serena.

Maxwell Goldstone, Bar Mitzvah, May 16, 2015 Maxwell Richard Goldstone is 13 and attends North Oakland Community Charter School where he excels at Math! He loves soccer in any season and weather and has studied Poekoelan, an Indonesian Martial Arts since he was in Kindergarten. He can be quiet, but always observant and thinking! Max’s community service project is about the conservation of water, especially in the Bay Area. He has really enjoyed this year of Bar/Bat , attending all the fun parties and diving into his own Bar Mitzvah process. His Torah Portion is Leviticus 25:39-26:46 and he will be discussing the reward B’nai Mitzvah punishment portion with the new angle he has gleaned from his preparations. “There is so much more to G-d, if you are willing to ask enough questions!” He claims. He is excited to be sharing this day with the congregation, his classmates and his friends and family. Sophie Hankin, Bat Mitzvah, May 23, 2015 Hi, my name is Sophie Hankin and I am currently a 7th grader at Oakland School for the Arts. I am a serious student and focus on my academics. My favorite subjects are Math and History. I love to read almost anything that my friends recommend. When I am not hitting the books, I am hitting the stage. I am currently involved with a play at school called Tales from the Motherland. I also play the violin and soccer. Soccer is the only organized sport I play but I love to play basketball and ultimate Frisbee with my brother and my Dad. Another large part of my life is my Jewish experiences. I have three Jewish homes. They are the home that I live in, Temple Beth Abraham, and URJ Camp Newman. My favorite part about my Judaism at home is making for Shabbat and cookies for Hannukah. I have been a student at both the Gan and Bet Sefer and have developed life-long friendships with my classmates. At URJ Camp Newman, I experience G-d everywhere: in music, in friendships, in prayer, and in memories. My life is full of blessings in school, in sports, in the arts, and in Judaism. Please join me and my family on May 23 as I am called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah. I will be reading Parshat Bamidbar and delivering a drash to you about uniqueness. Micah Ross, Bat Mitzvah, May 30, 2015 My name is Micah Ross and I’m in 7th grade at The Athenian School in Danville. Some of my favorite subjects are Science, English, and Choir. Outside of school I play basketball and volleyball, and love hanging out with my friends. I have a dog, a bunny, and 13 chickens. I also love spending time at Hebrew School and started Gan Avraham when I was 2 years old. My Torah portion is Naso from the book of Numbers. Naso has the largest num- ber of letters, words and verses of any of the weekly Torah portions. This portion includes the . I am excited about becoming a Bat Mitzvah and look forward to celebrating with my friends and family on May 30.

19 LIFE CYCLES MAY BIRTHDAYS 1 12 22 Elliott Albin Cynthia Berrol Leon Bloomfield Lauren Davis Maya Harlev David Feldhammer Ariel Karwat Noah Kramer 23 Ilya Okh Steven Zatkin Celia Hill Stephen Tessler 14 Eva Paul 2 Sharon Alva Maria Pinkhasov Danielle Jurow Shai Krantz Kay Warren Reuben Liron Nathaniel Margolin 24 Judy Craddick Maccabee Helene Moore Arel Zachary Masliyah Oscar Mendelson Jakob Zatinsky Jerome Turchin 25 15 Renat Engel Edan Alva 3 Avivah Kravitz Lisa Geggie 16 Josh Mailman Irene Meklin Maya Engel Dvora McLean Caleb Reichenberg David Gould Judah Slavin Eva Rosenberg Jeff Ilfeld 26 Kerry Segal 4 Outi Gould Jacob Kubalik Leah Skiles Anne Levine Paul Raskin 17 Sarah Miller Lior Remler Karwat Samantha Spielman 5 18 27 Juliette Linzer Eliza Kauffman JB Leibovitch Liz Willner Stuart Korn Rebecca Rosenthal 7 19 28 Thalia Broudy Steven Berl Ezra Graham Rachel Dornhelm Heidi Bersin Jeremy Kruger 8 Judy Bloomfield Jerrold Levine Julie Berman Benjamin Hoffman Zea Lindenbaum Avi Joseph Rebecca Johnson Ava Remler Naomi Kottle Joseph Maidenberg Deborah Santucci 9 Peter Miller Howard Zangwill Bruce von Kugelgen Sophie Casson 29 Karen Zak Warren Gould Morris Goldberg Aesa Masliyah 20 30 Summer Albin 10 Haley Baum Liana Barach Camille Edesess Robert Kayen 31 Amy Gerard Ephraim Margolin Doreen Alper Gary Kramer Yo Matsuzaki Aaron Belikoff Anna Morris Lori Rosenthal 21 11 Sarah Applebaum Joshua Bersin Kayden Foster Jordon Gerstler-Holton Jeffrey Reichenberg Laila Maidenberg Cara Spangler

Is your information wrong or missing from this list? Please contact the TBA office to make corrections. 20 LIFE CYCLES

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

IYYAR 12-19 Irwin Goldberg SIVAN 5-11 May 3-8 Sylvia Good Margolin May 23-29 Stephen Wittenberg Jeanette Strassman Morow Max Davidson Seidel Rothenberg Inaclaire Carter Anne Gould Charles Silberstein Leonard Glasser Ida Miron Milton Zatinsky Charles Naggar Henry Brentwood Henzel Stephen Kaplan Stanley Klimen IYYAR 27-SIVAN 4 Arnold Rosenthal May 16-22 Elynore “Skip” Harris Seth Coltoff Samuel Bercovich Anne Kaplan James Craft Martin Rockmaker J. Dorothy Stanfield Elaine Ehrenkranz Charles Cohen Sarah Hertz Eunice Kelly Rakel Kantola Rolf Schlesinger IYYAR 20-26 Veikko Kantola Jack Spritzer May 9-15 Melvin Rifkin Edythe Cohen Robert Hyman Alexander Wallis Max Eckstein Irving Podolsky Huguett Dayan Irene Lasar Irving Dronsick Jack Lehman Connie Reischer Margaret Naggar Sidney Greenstein Phillip Weinstein Harold Rosenberg Rene Nathan SIVAN 12-13 Lillian Tuman Sylvia Stein May 30-31 Heinrich Spritzer Alex Harris Abraham Blumberg Mathilda Ritter Spritzer Molly Bauer Silverman Zelda Jacobs Don Eberhart Andrew Gooden Lawrence Freedenberg Shira Weisbach Julie Gusfield

Recent Deaths in Our Community Howard Maccabee, Husband of Judy Craddick Maccabee Peter Mezey, Father of Philip (Amy) Mezey

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.

DAVIS COURTYARD MATCH FUND Mark & Rita Roytfeld Dan & Jennifer Goodman Abrami Lori-Jill Seltzer Ronn Berrol & Joan Korin Stephen & Susan Shub, in memory of Stephen’s Mother, Arleen Raphael Breines & Rinat Fried, in honor of Rinat’s Grandfather Shub Robinowitz Etoile Stella Campbell Stephen & Susan Shub, in memory of Susan’s Father, Harold Rosenberg Renat Engel Joan & Hershel Solomon, in memory of Samuel Neuman Joel Freid Will & Rebecca Sparks, in honor of Rabbi Bloom’s 13 years @ Saul Gevertz TBA!! Reuven Glick & Marci Gottlieb Mark & Lori Spiegel Isaac Kaplan & Sandy Schwarcz Angelina Levy JEANETTE JEGER KITCHEN FUND Alison Heyman, in honor of Misia Nudler with love and gratitude Philip & Amy Mezey Misia Nudler, Happy Birthday to Roz Aronson Adam & Diana Miller Misia Nudler, Condolences to Carol Robinson Gould on the Sylvia Miller passing of her mother Barbara Oseroff Misia Nudler, in memory of Edith and Ira Kurtz Klara Pinkhasov Misia Nudler, in memory of Tina Eisenman’s brother Josh & Rebecca Posamentier Misia Nudler, to Gene Brott – get well soon Michael & Robin Prescott, to Rabbi Mark and Karen, thanks for Hugo & Laura Wildmann, in honor of Misia Nudler, thank you your friendship! for all you share with our children!, Jeffrey & Judith Quittman TU B’SHVAT- PERISHABLE FOOD DRIVE Sheldon & Barbara Rothblatt, in memory of Carol Robinson Rami & Daphne Albert Gould’s Mother, Irma Robinson Barry Barnes & Samantha Spielman Josh & Lisa Sadikman Jon Feldhammer & Rachel Kuperman Tsutomu Satomi & Hildie Spritzer Fifi Goodfellow Daniel B. & Marieka Schotland Neil Goteiner & Nadine Joseph Bruce & Alicia von Kugelgen Richard Heeger & Alice Hale Herbert & Barbara Albin, in honor of our family-Jereme, Summer, Bayne, Elliot & Ila Marshall & Lynn Langfeld Charles Bernstein & Joanne Goldstein, in memory of Joy Jacob’s Michael & Renee Marx Mother, Jewel Koldtsky Daniel B. & Marieka Schotland Herbert & Harriet Bloom Mark & Lori Spiegel Michael & Kathryn Burge GENERAL FUND Kenneth & Ann Cohn Michael & Lou Ann Boyette Jerome & Judith Davis Etoile Stella Campbell, in memory of Lily Benisty-Kent and Keith & Marlene Dines, in memory of Keith’s Father, Robert S. Delbert Campbell Dines Jonathan & Joy Jacobs, in memory of Ely Langfeld Gary & Faith Kramer Leonard Katz, in memory of Freda Katz Marshall & Lynn Langfeld, in memory of Lynn’s Brother, David Bruce Levitch & Lily Pham, in memory of Viet Pham, Joyce & Rosenfeld Harry Levitch Marshall & Lynn Langfeld Arnie & Margery London, in honor of Roz Aronson’s 80th Gregory & Ruth Morris Birthday Randy & Lori Morris Allen & Ellen Rubin, in memory of Sam Pachefsky Misia Nudler Nissan & Carol Saidian, in memory of Vernon Albert Bonan Lawrence Polon & Ernestina Carrillo Curtis & Adi Schacker Larry & Deborah Reback, in memory of Marshall Langfeld’s Bryan Schwartz & Alicia Cernitz-Schwartz Father, Ely Langfeld Susan Truss John Rego & Deborah Kahane Rego, in memory of Sidney Steven & Victoria Zatkin, in memory of Donald Bleiberg Szepsel Kahane Michael Rosenberg & Jessica Teisch KIDDUSH FUND Joseph & Judith Epstein, in memory of Joe’s Grandfather, Joseph Sheldon & Barbara Rothblatt, in memory of Barbara’s Mother, Epstein Anne Goor 22 DONATIONS

Helen Fixler, in memory of Leonard Fixler Richard Heeger & Alice Hale, in honor of Rabbi’s Bar Mitzvah Eve Gordon-Ramek, in memory of my Mother, Miriam Goldberg Gala Martin & Lisa Kharrazi, in memory of Martin’s Grandmother, Sheldon Kahn & Sarah Liron, in memory of Arlene H. Morris Elsa Maho Sheldon Kahn & Sarah Liron, in memory of Alfred L. Miller Lawrence & Sharyn Rossi, in memory of David Klein Larry Katz, Thank you!! MINYAN FUND Sylvia Miller, in memory of Michael Nicolas Miller Kevin Blattel, in memory of Leonard Nimoy – may we all live Gregory & Ruth Morris, in memory of Ruth’s Mother, Rayanna long and prosper Laytner Martin & Evelyn Hertz ENDOWMENT FUND YOM HA SHOA FUND Angelina Levy Risa Galant, in memory of my Dad’s Birthday, David Galant J Mark Lutz, in memory of Irving Lutz CAMPER/SCHOLARSHIP FUND Larry Miller & Mary Kelly, in memory of Joy Jacob’s mother Steven & Penny Harris, in memory of Goldie Brody Ilya & Regina Okh, in memory of Maria Beilin Rey Steinberg, in memory of Albert Louis Bloch HERTZ - ISRAEL SCHOLARSHIP FUND RABBI DISCRETIONARY FUND Gerald & Ruby Hertz, in memory of Esther Morofsky Laura Bass, thank you to Rabbi Bloom for officiating at the Gerald & Ruby Hertz, in memory of Herman Hertz funeral of Andy Sills WASSERMAN FUND Richard S. & Rhoda T. Becker, in memory of Carol Robinson Alison Heyman, in memory of my beloved mother Eleanor Gould’s mother POLA SILVER FUND Barbara Berman, thank you to Rabbi Bloom Jeff Bowbersox/Julie Amiton, In honor of Ron Ostomel’s 70th Gary Bernstein & Rebecca Sternberg Birthday Harvey & Donna Clar Ron & Adele Ostomel, in memory of my beloved Mother, Pola Richard Foxall & Deborah Levine, in honor of Kenny Shea Silver Dinkin’s Megillah Reading Steven Glaser & Deena Aerenson, in memory of Keith Dine’s Father

It is a Jewish tradition to give contributions to commemorate life cycle events and other occasions. Are you celebrat- ing a birthday, engagement, anniversary, baby naming, Bat/Bar Mitzvah or recovery from illness? Or perhaps remem- bering a yahrzeit? These are just a few ideas of appropriate times to commemorate with a donation to Temple Beth Abraham. These tax-deductible donations are greatly appreciated and are a vital financial supplement to support the wonderful variety of programs and activities that we offer. Thanks again for your support! We could not do it without you! Thank you for your generosity. Please make checks payable to Temple Beth Abraham and mail to: 336 Euclid Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610 or donate online at http://tbaoakland.org/giving/donate

m, General Fund–Use where most needed m, Danielle and Deren Rehr-Davis Teen Fund m, Centennial Building Fund m, Harold Rubel Memorial Music Fund m, Leonard Quittman Endowment Fund m, Herb and Ellen Goldstein Memorial Jewish m, Rabbi Mark S. Bloom Discretionary Fund Education Fund m, Leo and Helen Wasserman Fund m, Herman Hertz Israel Scholarship Fund m, Kiddush Fund m, Jack and Mary Berger Fund m, Minyan Fund m, Jeanette Jeger Kitchen Fund m, Prayer Book Fund m, Mollie Hertz Interfaith and Outreach Fund m, Women of TBA (WTBA) m, Rose Bud Silver Library Fund m, TBA Men’s Club m, Sam Silver Playground Fund m, Cantor Kaplan’s Discretionary Fund m, Yom Hashoah Fund m, Campership/Scholarship Fund m, Other: ______m, Celia and Morris Davis Hunger Fund 23

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10:15a T’fillat Y’ladim 9:06p Achrei Mot/Kedoshim Bat Mitzvah of Micah Ross 8:49p 8:55p 9:01p 8:42p 10:15 Junior Congregation 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 Bat Mitzvah of Sophie Hankin 6:15p Shavuot Sticker Service 6:15p Shavuot Sticker Bar Mitzvah of Max Goldstone 1-2:30p Mah Jongg for Everyone May 2015 12 Sivan 5 Sivan 27 Iyyar 13 Iyyar 20 Iyyar Behar/Bechukotai 1 8 22 29 15 www.tbaoakland.org 8:18 p 8:06 p 8:23 p 7:59 p 8:12 p Kindergym Kindergym Kindergym Kindergym ' ' ' ' '

9:30-10:30a & 10:45-11:45a & 10:45-11:45a 9:30-10:30a 9:30-10:30a & 10:45-11:45a & 10:45-11:45a 9:30-10:30a 9:30-10:30a & 10:45-11:45a & 10:45-11:45a 9:30-10:30a 9:30-10:30a & 10:45-11:45a & 10:45-11:45a 9:30-10:30a Bet Sefer for our Kitah Zayin Bet 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat Students and Graduation from Students and Graduation from 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat 6:15p-7:15p Kabbalat Shabbat Confirmation of our 10th Grade 11 Sivan 4 Sivan 26 Iyyar 19 Iyyar 12 Iyyar

7 21 14 28

4p-6p Bet Sefer 4p-6p Bet Sefer 7:30p Girls Night Out 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 7p Men’s Club Poker Night 7p Men’s 6:15p Kitah Zayin class dinner 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 Sivan 3 Sivan 25 Iyyar 18 Iyyar 6

27 20 13 7p Jews in Bad Shoes for current 6th graders 7p BBYO-AZA and BBG 7p BBYO-AZA 7p BBYO-AZA and BBG 7p BBYO-AZA 7p BBYO-AZA and BBG 7p BBYO-AZA 7p BBYO-AZA and BBG 7p BBYO-AZA 7p Bar/Bat Mitzvah class #1 Mitzvah 7p Bar/Bat Bowling with the Men’s Club Bowling with the Men’s 10-11a & 11:15a-12p Kindergym & 11:15a-12p 10-11a 6:15p LAST Confirmation Class Confirmation 6:15p LAST 10-11a & 11:15a-12p Kindergym & 11:15a-12p 10-11a 10-11a & 11:15a-12p Kindergym & 11:15a-12p 10-11a 9 Sivan 2 Sivan 24 Iyyar 17 Iyyar 7:30p Gan School Committee meeting 9a Weekly Text Study (Woodminster) Text 9a Weekly 9a Weekly Text Study (Woodminster) Text 9a Weekly 9a Weekly Text Study (Woodminster) Text 9a Weekly 9a Weekly Text Study (Woodminster) Text 9a Weekly 5 26 19 12 hodesh

C osh by Kay Wilson R 4p-6p Bet Sefer 4p-6p Bet Sefer Bet Sefer this year 4p-6p Last class for 7:30 Board Meeting StandWithUs Program presentation StandWithUs 8 Sivan 1 Sivan 23 Iyyar 16 Iyyar

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e M o R ial M at Temple Sinai at Temple havuot David Bezmozgis s Gan and Office Closed Gan and Office 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 9:30a Rosh Chodesh-Sivan- Jephthah and His Daughters 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 9a Shavuot 2nd Day Services 6p Meeting with Chief of Police 6p Meeting 7-8p Book Club - The Betrayers by 7-8p Book Club - 7 Sivan 29 Iyyar 22 Iyyar 15 Iyyar

3 Calendars in The Omer 24 10 17 31 ay i

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s ’ 6:57 p havuot s othe R ' M without Special Needs Liba Falafel for lunch!! Liba Falafel for 9:30a Annual Meeting and 9:30a 9a Shavuot 1st Day Services 1p WTBA/Sisterhood Retreat 5p CityTeam-Feed the Hungry 5p CityTeam-Feed 6p Teen Scene - Farewell BBQ Scene - Farewell Teen 6p Volunteer Recognition serving Volunteer 6p Teen Scene-for teens with and Teen 6p 6 Sivan 28 Iyyar 21 Iyyar 14 Iyyar 13 Sivan Iyyar / Sivan 5775 24

6 13 27 20

Korach Chukkat Havdalah (42 min) Havdalah (42 min) Havdalah (42 min) Havdalah (42 min) Beha’alotcha Sh’lach L’kha

9:14p 9:16p 9:17p 9:10p 9:30a-12p Shabbat Service 10:15a Shabbat Mishpacha Bat Mitzvah of Haley Baum 9:30a-12p Shabbat Services 9:30a-12p Shabbat Services 9:30a-12p Shabbat Services Bat Mitzvah of Ella Sadikman Bat Mitzvah of Ella 1-2:30p Mah Jongg for Everyone June 2015 10 Tamuz 3 Tamuz 19 Sivan 26 Sivan 5 26 19 12 www.tbaoakland.org 8:35 p 8:31 p 8:28 p 8:34 p ' ' ' ' 12p Gan Graduation 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 Tamuz 2 Tamuz 25 Sivan 18 Sivan 4 11 25 18 7:30p Girls Night Out 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8 Tamuz 1 Tamuz 17 Sivan 24 Sivan 3 10 24 17 ho D esh C osh r 7p BBYO-AZA and BBG 7p BBYO-AZA 7p BBYO-AZA and BBG 7p BBYO-AZA 7p BBYO-AZA and BBG 7p BBYO-AZA 7p BBYO-AZA and BBG 7p BBYO-AZA 7 Tamuz 30 Sivan 16 Sivan 23 Sivan 9a Weekly Text Study (Woodminster) Text 9a Weekly 9a Weekly Text Study (Woodminster) Text 9a Weekly 9a Weekly Text Study (Woodminster) Text 9a Weekly 9a Weekly Text Study (Woodminster) Text 9a Weekly 2 9 16 30 23 ho D esh

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Sisterhood/WTBA Retreat at TBA Sisterhood/WTBA 13 Tamuz 6 Tamuz 29 Sivan 15 Sivan 22 Sivan 1 8 29 22 15 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 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 8a-9a Minyan (Chapel) 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 Bar Mitzvah of Zakkai Avidor Bar Mitzvah of Zakkai Sisterhood/WTBA Retreat at TBA Sisterhood/WTBA 12 Tamuz 5 Tamuz 28 Sivan 14 Sivan 21 Sivan - 7 Calendars in The Omer 28 21 14 ay D s ’

6:57 p ather ' F rent 6th graders

5p CityTeam-Feed the Hungry 5p CityTeam-Feed 11 Tamuz 4 Tamuz 27 Sivan 20 Sivan Gan Avraham End of the Year Picnic Year End of the Avraham Gan 7p Bar/Bat Mitzvah class #2 for cur Mitzvah 7p Bar/Bat Sivan / Tamuz 5775 Tamuz Sivan / 25 Temple Beth Abraham PERIODICALS 327 MacArthur Boulevard POSTAGE P A I D Oakland, CA 94610 Oakland, CA Permit No. 020299

WHAT’S INSIDE SHAVUOT SERVICES TBA Directory...... i What’s Happening...... 1 From the Rabbi...... 2 Saturday, May 23, 6:15 p.m. President’s Message...... 3 Shavuot Sticker Service (when children are rewarded Volunteer Bulletin Board...... 4 for number of services attended) New Members...... 4 Followed by an ice cream sundae Kiddush Six Word Memoirs...... 5 Women of TBA...... 6 Men’s Club...... 7 Sunday, May 24, 9:00 a.m. Community...... 8 Shavuot Day 1 Courtyard Project ...... 9 Service in the Chapel Schools Auction...... 10 Followed by a Kiddush Luncheon Cooking Corner...... 12 Gan Avraham News...... 16 Monday, May 25, 9:00 a.m. Bet Sefer News...... 17 Shavuot Day 2 Jewish Day School...... 18 Life Cycles...... 19 Service with Yizkor in the Chapel Donations...... 22 Followed by a Kiddush Luncheon Calendar...... 24