November 2017 5778

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Main Office 408-257-3333 [email protected]

Rabbis Philip R. Ohriner Senior 408-366-9104 [email protected]

Daniel J. Pressman Rabbi Emeritus [email protected]

Staff Sarah Hanuka Director of Lifelong Learning 408-366-9116 [email protected]

Tanya Lorien Director of Operations 408-366-9107 [email protected]

Barbara Biran Director of Lifecycle Events and Ritual 408-366-9106 [email protected]

Monica Hernandez Member Account Associate 408-366-9108 [email protected]

Jillian Cosgrave Front Office Associate 408-366-9110 [email protected]

Lynn Crocker Mkt & Comm Associate 408-366-9102 [email protected]

Jamie Lynn Valdez Admin. Sarah Hanuka 408-366-9101 [email protected]

Jewish Experience for Teens (JET) [email protected]

2 From the RAbbi By Rabbi Philip Ohriner

The following letter was sent to the congregation on October 9th. See page 10 for details on the search for a new rabbi including important focus group dates.

Dear friends,

I cherish the moment Michael Leitner, who was serving as the chair of the Rabbinic Search committee, asked me if I would serve as a rabbi of Congregation Beth David. I accepted not knowing how right the decision would be for my family and me. At that time, I had no idea of what a dream come true it would become. For the better part of a decade I have been blessed to serve as your rabbi, and I cherish each and every sacred moment we have shared, all that we have accomplished together, and the amazing growth our community has experienced by virtually any metric.

I have reached a stage in my career where I feel called to pursue a different kind of rabbinate away from the pulpit. Therefore, Summer 2018 will mark the end of my tenure as the rabbi of Congregation Beth David.

The love and gratitude I feel towards you, the CBD community, is immense. I am grateful to you for letting me walk life’s path with you and your families through laughter, joy, tears, and pain. I am grateful for the deep learning, intentional moments, and communal transformation we have worked towards and realized together. I am also grateful to the boards of directors, staff, and volunteers I have been blessed to work with over the past eight years who have all served our community with love, hope, kindness, and dedication. I am particularly grateful to our current leadership and staff who are committed to ensuring CBD’s continued excellence and growth. Perhaps most importantly, I feel so blessed to have found a community my family calls “home”.

I have dedicated my heart, soul, and might to serving our community for close to a decade. It has been the blessing of a lifetime. I am excited to see where our community goes from here and look forward to the unpaved path of my own personal and professional growth, which I deeply look forward to sharing with you as it unfolds.

As I will not be seeking another pulpit at this time, my family and I hope to remain a part of Congregation Beth David. I will be fully present in my rabbinic work as I conclude my tenure. In addition, I will assist in any way I am asked and to the very best of my ability to ensure a successful search and transition to a new rabbi who will continue to build on the successes we have shared.

I look forward to the sacred work we can perform together in the coming months to ensure CBD moves from strength to strength as I conclude my tenure as your rabbi.

With gratitude and love,

Rabbi Philip Ohriner

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Please share our joy as our son, Ariel is called to the as a Bar .

Saturday, November 18, 2017

We invite you to join us for Kiddush lunch following the service.

Jhasmin and Daniel Grosskopf

Please share our joy as our son, Joshua is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.

Saturday, November 25, 2017

We invite you to join us for Kiddush lunch following the service.

Anna and Ariel Tseitlin

Save your coats and sweaters for the upcoming drive. Especially needed are men’s & children’s sizes.

Email [email protected] for more information.

4 President’s perspective By Bill Beyda

The following letter was sent to the congregation on October 9th. See page 10 for details on the search for a new rabbi including important focus group dates.

Dear Congregants,

It is with mixed feelings I write this note to all of you today. As you see from the attached note from Rabbi Ohriner, he is electing not to seek renewal of his contract at the end of its term this summer. In the last eight years Rabbi Ohriner has been a blessing to this congregation, exceeding our expectations and thrilling us with his own special brand of teaching, praying, and pastoral care that have brought all of us so much knowledge, spirituality, joy, and support. So I am deeply saddened that he will no longer be our after this summer.

However, I am very happy for him and his family, that he is able to pursue his dreams and do what is important to him, and that we were lucky enough to have him on our Bima these last eight years. I learned of this news only a few days ago, just after the high holidays. Always looking out for others, Rabbi Ohriner chose not to announce this news, even to me, before the high holidays, because he did not want to disturb the spiritual work we have to do during that sacred week.

Now as surprising as the news is, it doesn’t change what I told you in my speech on Kol Nidre, which was also in the Dvar if you missed it that evening. Rabbi Ohriner has led Congregation Beth David to an exciting place where our future is clearly brighter than any of us could have imagined. We just need to find a new to help us keep the momentum going and reach the next level. We have done this before. We know how to run a search and pulpit committee, and the Rabbinical Assembly has a detailed process to help congregations find, inter- view, and select the right candidates. In fact, many of the same leaders of Beth David who helped select Rabbi Ohriner are still active and will help us find another great . I remember when I first learned of Rabbi Pressman’s plans for retirement, it was hard to imagine what Beth David would be like without him on the Bima. Yet we found another great in Rabbi Ohriner, and I’m confident we will do that again. Along the way, we will keep you informed, and the Congregation will have a chance to see any finalists in action be- fore we conclude this process. But that is for another day, sometime this winter and spring. For now, we need to savor the next several months with Rabbi Ohriner leading us.

With that in mind, I only have one request. I know thought long and hard before reaching his decision. While it’s fine to express our disappointment that he will no longer be our , let’s try to celebrate that he is following the path most meaningful to him. Let’s realize how lucky we are to still have him and his family in our community, part of our Beth David family. Try not to impose any more “Jewish guilt” on him than he already feels, as you know he would never do that to us. For once, after all these years of him working long hours and putting us first, it’s now our turn to put him first, and help him make this transition in his life as easy as it can be.

You will be hearing more from me in the months ahead as we proceed in our search for a new to lead the next chapter in Beth David’s history.

L’ shalom, Bill Beyda, President, Congregation Beth David

5 6 Carvalho’s Journey A Jewish Artist Who Traveled with Fremont By: Miriam Marr

"Carvalho's Journey" is a real life 19th century American western adventure film about an observant Sephardic . It tells the extraordinary story of Solomon Nunes Carvalho (1815-1897), who traveled with famed explorer John Fremont.

Hazak is sponsoring the film on Sunday, November 19 at 7 p.m. at Beth David. Everyone is welcome. Cost is $5 per person, contact [email protected] to RSVP by November. 16th

Carvalho, whose life was filled with firsts, was born in Charlestown, South Carolina and was a groundbreaking explorer in his own right and a well- known artist and writer. In 1853, traveling with Fremont's Fifth Westward Expedition, Carvalho became one of the first photographers to document the sweeping vistas and treacherous terrain of the far American west. Carvalho, a portrait painter who had never saddled his own horse, survived grueling conditions and lack of food along the 2,400 mile journey from New York City through Kansas, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and California. His experience as a Jew on the Western trail was unprecedented, and his experience - and his writing about it - grant a clear window into the inter- ethnic cultural exchanges that were commonplace in this period in American history. Traveling alongside mountain men, pioneers, native Americans, and Mormons, Carvalho produced beautiful art: daguerreotypes that became the lens though which the world experienced the American west.

The film draws extensively on Carvalho's bestselling 1857 memoir, Incidents of Travel and Adventure in the Far West. Voiceover recordings by acclaimed actors bring Carvalho's dramatic and funny writings to life, along with first person accounts by John Fremont, their Native American guides, and 19th century luminaries such as Brigham Young, with whom Carvalho had a unique audience in Salt Lake City.

Carvalho was a community-minded Jew, a founder of Jewish organizations in numerous American cities, and a leading participant in many of the pressing religious and intellectual issues of the day. He was almost certainly the first Jewish American photographer.

"Carvalho's Journey" interweaves stunning HD digital and 16mm film landscape cinematography, rare 19th century photographs and artwork, Carvalho's own surviving paintings and daguerreotypes, and interviews with scholars and artists.

Narrated by award-winning actor Michael Stuhlbarg (Boardwalk Empire, Hugo, and A Serious Man). With original music by Jamie Saft (composer of Murderball). The film was produced in 2015 and runs 85 minutes. Directed by Steve Rico.

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All take place at 10:30am See calendar for dates www.beth-david.org/adult-learning

Mindfulness and Meditation Through the Hasidic Lens 1st Shabbat of the Month Using Hasidic Torah text and stories, this class enables participants to find personal meaning in and discover that current spiritual tools are rooted in the traditional Jewish experience. Led by Rabbi Hugh Seid-Valencia

An Exploration of Shabbat Prayer & Study 2nd Shabbat of the Month For Russian speakers. Исследование молитвы и изучения шаббата. Led by Rabbi Ilana Baird, in Russian

Stretching into Shabbat 2nd Shabbat of the Month Makom Yoga provides a refreshing mix of Jewish learning (with themes flowing from the weekly parsha, upcoming holidays, and beyond) with guided meditation, breath work and asana practice. Suitable for all levels, Led by Rabbi Laurie Matzkin

Approachable Torah 4th Shabbat of the Month A lively conversation about the Torah portion. Participants connect Torah lessons to their own experiences and create drashot - messages of meaning for everyday life. Led by Rabbi Allan Berkowitz

52nd Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Thursday November 23 10:00am- 12:00pm

Start your day of gratitude off with neighbors of other faith communities of Saratoga for a one hour Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service.

This year's service is being hosted by: Saratoga Federated Church 20390 Park Pl, Saratoga.

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We are currently planning for our Superbowl Party, a hockey game, our Purim Silent Auction, a Kayaking trip and more! We're always looking for volunteers welcome everyone's participation (no dues required). Please Join our Mailing List: [email protected].

This Month:

Monthly Meeting Sunday, November 5th, 9:30 - 10:30am in the Mercaz Join us for our monthly meeting over Bagels w/Schmear to schmooze, plan events and share ideas as part of our CBD community.

Beer with the Boys Tuesday, November 14th, 7:30 - 9:30pm Join us for dinner and a Beer w/the Boys and casual socializing. This month at The Garret Station, 14101 Winchester Blvd, Los Gatos.

Pack 504 Jewish Balk Family Memorial Camp Scholarship Cub Scouts We are now accepting nominations for summer 2018

resident camp Calling all Boys in scholarships funded 1st through 5th by the Balk Family Grade to join Beth Memorial Camp David's own Cub Scholarship Fund. Scout Pack. This fund perpetuates We are actively the memory and ideals of Beth David searching for boys members Sheldon and adult volunteers and Melvina Balk and their sons, Richard and David and leaders from Balk. We seek to capture and light the spirit of across the Jewish Community. in our youth, especially those who may seem apathetic about Jewish activities. November Pack Meetings are: We offer substantial aid, not based on academic Sunday, November 5th at 1:30pm results or activities, but, rather, to awaken a student’s at CBD in the Studio Jewish identity. We give preference to first time campers. The amount we are able to disburse Sunday, November 19th at 1:30pm depends upon donations to the Fund and current at CBD in the Studio interest, but this past summer five Beth David congregants, assisted by our scholarships, attended Email [email protected] for more Camp Ramah of Northern California. Please email Chuck Taubman at information and to join our mailing list. [email protected] to learn how to submit a nomination (the due date is 1/19/18).

9 Congregation Beth David’s Rabbi Search: Frequently Asked Questions Elizabeth Menkin, CBD Executive VP

Our congregation is about to embark on the task of members may hear from different constituents and may be asked to advocate for different priorities. hiring a new senior rabbi. We hope the process of selecting a new rabbi will also be an opportunity for 3. What type of input can I have into the search the entire CBD community to come together to build a process? vision for our future. Therefore our goal is be as open, Please attend and respond to the calls for input, such inclusive and transparent as possible. This article as the current focus groups (see the back cover for addresses some of the questions about the early stages dates and times), and future questionnaires, of the search. As the process continues, we will interviews, and meetings. We cannot stress enough continue to answer your questions to the best of our the value of attending a group discussion. Sometimes ability. hearing other people’s ideas helps you think of

1. How will we advertise the opening? something that you might otherwise have missed. We As a member of The of believe that just getting together and talking about (USCJ), Congregation Beth what you value in CBD’s future and in a new rabbi David (CBD) is required to participate in a search will be an incredibly powerful experience that will process governed by the Joint Placement Commission benefit our entire congregation in the years to come. (JPC), the only advisory group and decision-making body regarding rabbinic placement in the Conservative In addition to the focus groups, the RSC will need movement. The JPC sets and maintains a set of volunteers to help facilitate additional congregational rigorous standards and ethical policies to guide this conversations in homes, havurah meetings, during process. We must obtain resumes only through the JPC kiddush lunches, and other open meetings at CBD. after posting our completed application questionnaire We need people to record the ideas and common on the Rabbinical Assembly website. In no case may themes at these events and send them to the RSC. we independently advertise for the position. If for some reason you miss an event, you can always If you know of a potential candidate for our senior share your thoughts about the search process, your rabbi position, please encourage that person to apply vision for the future of CBD and other relevant topics through the Joint Placement Commission. CBD cannot with individual members of the RSC in person or by receive resumes except from the JPC. email, or to the [email protected].

2. What is the process for selecting a new rabbi? Also, it will be helpful if we can put out one or more The selection process is described in full in the surveys that allow anonymous input from ALL Rabbinical Assembly/JPC document, Aliyah, which congregants. If you have expertise in designing can be found at https://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/ surveys, please volunteer by email to placement/sitedocs/Aliyah-abridged.pdf. There are four [email protected]. main steps in the process: Assessment, Search, Hospitality, and Contract. A Rabbinic Search The RSC will incorporate the congregation’s input Committee is appointed to oversee the first three steps; into the application questionnaire that is submitted to the Pulpit Committee negotiates the final contract with the Joint Placement Commission (JPC) to advertise the selected candidate. This month, our focus is our interest in hiring a new senior rabbi. The answers Assessment. in the questionnaire, crafted from congregational input, will inform potential applicants how our Rabbinic Search Committee (RSC) members will community envisions our future. Your input will be inquire into congregants’ views on what kind of used to clarify to potential applicants what skills and congregation we want to become and what kind of characteristics the congregation deems most important rabbi we need to get us there. The RSC will reach out in our next rabbi, and identify the most important to each congregant through a variety of methods such goals our new rabbi will be asked to help us achieve. as focus groups, interviews, and surveys. Additionally, Once the application questionnaire is submitted to they may reach out to past congregants and those who JPC, the job opening will be posted on the Rabbinical are not currently affiliated as a way to broaden the Assembly (RA) website. insight into community needs. Different RSC Continued on page 21 10 [email protected]

11 November Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

1 12 Cheshvan

4:00pm JEWEL

7:00pm Minyan

5 16 Cheshvan 6 17 Cheshvan 7 18 Cheshvan 8 19 Cheshvan 9:00am Torah Trope 10:00am Intermediate 11:00am Basic 9:30am Minyan Hebrew Conversational Hebrew for 9:30am JET 11:45am Beginning Hebrew beginners 9:30am Jewish Core 2:15pm Beginning Hebrew for 3:00pm Conversation Education FSU Émigrés (offsite) Group 4:00pm JEWEL 9:30am Men’s Club Monthly Meeting 1:30pm Jewish Cub Scouts 7:00pm Minyan Pack 504 Monthly Meeting 7:00pm Minyan 7:00pm Introduction to 7:00pm Minyan Judaism 7:30pm E-Board Meeting 7:30pm Chutzpah & High Heels 7:30pm Program Committee

12 23 Cheshvan 13 24 Cheshvan 14 25 Cheshvan 15 26 Cheshvan 9:30am Minyan 10:00am Intermediate 11:00am Basic Hebrew Conversational Hebrew for 11:45am Beginning Hebrew beginners 2:15pm Beginning Hebrew for 7:00pm Minyan 4:00pm JEWEL FSU Émigrés (offsite) 7:00pm Introduction to Judaism (offsite) 7:00pm Minyan 7:30pm Men’s Club Beer with 7:00pm Minyan the Boys (offsite)

19 1 20 2 Kislev 21 3 Kislev 22 4 Kislev Rosh Chodesh Kislev 10:00am Intermediate 11:00am Basic 9:30am Minyan Includes Hebrew Conversational Hebrew for Torah Service 11:45am Beginning Hebrew beginners 2:15pm Beginning Hebrew for 3:00pm Yiddish Conversation 1:30pm Jewish Cub Scouts FSU Émigrés (offsite) Group Pack 504 Monthly Meeting 7:00pm Minyan 7:00pm Carvalho’s Journey 7:00 pm Minyan 7:30pm Facilities Committee 7:00pm Minyan

26 8 Kislev 27 9 Kislev 28 10 Kislev 29 11 Kislev 9:30am Minyan 10:00am Intermediate 11:00am Basic Hebrew Conversational Hebrew 11:45am Beginning Hebrew for beginners 4:00pm JEWEL 2:15pm Beginning Hebrew for 7:00pm Minyan FSU Émigrés (offsite) 7:00pm Introduction to 7:00pm Minyan 7:00pm Minyan Judaism (offsite) 7:30pm Board Meeting

12 Thursday Friday Saturday Upcoming

2 13 Cheshvan 3 14 Cheshvan 4 15 Cheshvan

10:00am Study 9:30am Services 11:15am 10:30am Mindfulness and Tuesday Meditation Through the November 7 7:00pm Minyan 5:51pm Candle lighting Hasidic Lens 7:30 - 9:00pm 7:30pm The History of 6:30 pm TGI Shabbat 12:30pm Kiddush Chutzpah & High Heels Modern Israel Service Followed by 1:15pm Our Mercaz: Holy Potluck Dinner People/Holy Lives

9 20 Cheshvan 10 21 Cheshvan 11 22 Cheshvan 10:00am almud Study Veterans Day 11:15am Jewish Ethics 9:00am Torah Trope Saturday 11:00am Ladies Who Lunch 9:30am Jewish Core Education November 11 9:30am Services 7:30 - 9:30pm 10:30am An Exploration of CBD @ Homes Zip Shabbat Prayer & Study for Russian Speakers Code Hors D'oeuvres & 7:00pm Minyan 4:44pm Candle lighting 10:30am Stretching into Desserts 7:30pm The History of Shabbat Modern Israel 11:15am Tot Shabbat 6:30pm Services 12:30pm Kiddush 1:30pm Book Discussion Group 7:30pm CBD @ Homes Zip Sunday Code Hors D'oeuvres & November 19 Desserts 7:00 - 9:00pm Carvalho’s Journey

16 27 Cheshvan 17 28 Cheshvan 18 29 Cheshvan 10:00am Talmud Study 9:30am Services/Ariel 11:15am Jewish Ethics Grosskopf Bar Mitzvah 10:30am Youth Congregation Thursday 7:00pm Minyan 4:39pm Candle lighting 12:30pm Kiddush November 23 7:00pm Dames who Dine 1:00pm Israel Today! Shabbat 10:00am - 2:00pm 7:30pm The History of 6:30pm Services Seminars 52nd Annual Modern Israel Interfaith Thanksgiving Service 23 5 Kislev 24 6 Kislev 25 7 Kislev Thanksgiving Administration Office Closed 9:30am Services/Joshua Administration Office Closed Tseitlin Bar Mitzvah 9:00am Minyan 10:30am Approachable Torah Thursday 10:00am 52nd Annual 11:15am Tot Shabbat Interfaith Thanksgiving 4:35pm Candle lighting 12:30pm Kiddush November 30 Service 7:30 - 8:30pm 7:00pm No Minyan 6:30pm Services Scholar In Residence Begins - Political Islam: Expectations for 2018 30 12 Kislev

Scholar-in-Residence details on page 15 7:00pm Minyan 7:30pm Scholar In Residence Political Islam: Expectations for 2018

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By Jessica Fishman Tuesday, November 7th at 7:30pm

With self-deprecating wit, Fishman’s Chutzpah & High Heels: The Search for Love and Identity in the Holy Land takes the reader through her move and acclimation to Israel. Not just a Jewish story, Fishman’s memoir is a universal story about a young, contemporary woman losing and searching for identity, overcoming heartbreak, and finding her place in the world.

Begin after lunch, approximately 1:15pm

Our Mercaz: Holy People/Holy Lives Saturday, November 4th The Hero panels in our Mercaz feature Jewish men and women whose life and work left an indelible impact on the future of Judaism and the Jewish people. Join Rabbi Ohriner on the first Shabbat of each month, following Kiddush lunch (approx. 1:15), to learn about the lives of these heroes and why they were chosen among the many candidates to adorn our building.

Jewish Book Discussion Group: Moonglow By Michael Chabon, led by Judy Paktor Saturday, November 11th In this novel posing as a memoir, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon tells the story of a man who bears witness to his grandfather's confessions, revealing his family's long-buried history.

Israel Today! Shabbat Seminars Saturday, November 18th Wide ranging topics exploring various aspects of Israeli society including, culture, economy, military, immigration etc. and their influence on the Israeli society. Seminar begins after Kiddush lunch.

Email [email protected] for more information on any of these programs.

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Beyond the Headlines: Current Issues in the Middle East With Dr. Eric Mandel Thursday, November 30th - Saturday, December 2nd

Dr. Eric Mandel, Director of the Middle East Political and Information Network, will help us navigate through several complex issues involving Israel and the Middle East. Dr. Mandel is a regular columnist for the Jerusalem Post, writing about the US-Israel relationship, Iran, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

Thursday, November 30th 7:30pm - Political Islam: Expectations for 2018 Dr. Mandel will discuss political Islam, including the Sunni-Shiite divide, and its probable impact in the Middle East during the coming year. Refreshments will be served.

Friday, December 1st 6:00pm - Services All are welcome to attend services 6:45pm - Dinner After services, join us for dinner. RSVP online at www.beth-david.org/RSVP or call the office at 408-257-3333 7:45pm - Israeli Relations with Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey Dr. Mandel will analyze Israel’s evolving relationships with three key countries in the Middle East: Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey. Dessert follows.

Saturday, December 2nd 9:00am - Services Dr. Mandel will give the drash. 1:30pm - Is Jewish Unity an Israeli Security Issue? Dr. Mandel will discuss the sometimes strained relationship between American and Israel, and how lack of Jewish unity can adversely affect Israeli national security. 7:00pm - The Six-Day War: Consequences Fifty Years Later Join us for Havdalah after which Dr. Mandel will discuss the Six-Day War and its aftermath, fifty years later.

More information: www.beth-david.org/SIR

15 Thank you to High Holy Day Volunteers and Leaders

The entire Congregation Beth David community offers a special "Thank you" to all the wonderful people who answer "Hineni!" -- "Here I am!" -- when we called you to help make the High Holy Days an exceptional experience for members and guests. Whether as Ushers, Greeters, Lay Leaders, Doctors, Gabbaim, Honors Committee, and more, you are the face of Congregation Beth David on the High Holidays. It is your warmth and energy that people remember when they leave services and that connects them to Congregation Beth David.

It is your outreach offering participation in services, your welcome greetings as people come in, your aid entering and leaving the sanctuary and the kindness and warmth you bring to Congregation Beth David in everything you do that exemplifies the spirit of Congregation Beth David. We are so grateful for your willingness to serve. We wish you a happy and healthy 5778 and hope you will continue to be the face of Congregation Beth David next high holy days.

If you have not been asked to fill one of these roles or were not available this past year and would like to join our cadre of welcomers and leaders please contact [email protected].

In addition, we thank our valuable staff in planning, set-up and operations: Lorien, Nestor Cabrales, Jillian Cosgrave, Lynn Crocker, Monica Hernandez, Barbara Biran, and Sarah Hanuka.

Please accept our appreciation if you volunteered but your name is inadvertently not listed. Norman Abramovitz Rhonda Farber Danielle Horovitz Rabbi Daniel Pressman Alicia Ader Bryan Ferguson Morayah Horovitz Robin Rauchwerk Allan Ader Jan Ferguson Dov Isaacs Bettina Rosenberg Marilyn Ader Donald Field Madelyn Isaacs Daniel Rosenberg Rabbi Leslie Alexander Karen Fihn Fred Jacobson Jill Rosenberg Andrea Ammerman David Fishman Jane Jacobson Alison Ruebusch Judy Applesmith Sofia Filshtinsky Leonard Jacobson Marina Saltzman Wendy Askenas Howard Fine Eve Kedar Natalie Schriger Bob Baird Renee Fine Trish Kedar Minda Schwartz Ginny Baird Paul Freudenthal Stephen Kinsey Deborah Shapiro Rabbi Ilana Baird Rosemary Frieden Jackie Klein Neil Shapiro Noah Bareket Stephen Frieden Jan Larky Rivka Shenhav Betty Becker Lee Gavens Michael Leitner Corinne Sherman Rosa Bencuya Susan Gavens Susan Leitner Martin Sherman Rabbi Allan Berkowitz Wendy Glasser Edward Levin Michael Sinensky Mindy Berkowitz Martin Goldberg Judy Levin Bonnie Slavitt Alan Bernard Barbara Goldstein Pam Levin Anna Slutsky Mary Jo Bernard Marilyn Goodman Steven Levin Walter Spector Bill Beyda Arye Green Greg Levinson Seth Steingraph Barry Brummer Barbara Green Miriam Marr Michal Strutin Linda Brummer Helaine Green Rabbi Laurie Matzkin Meryle Sussman Myron Cagan Susan Greenberg- Jonathan Mayer Irina Tenberg Lori Cinnamon Englander Sylvia Metz Susan Toth Marlene Cole Joyce Halper Ruth Miller Jeffrey Warwick Gerald Daniel William Halper Aaron Nankin Aaron Weisberg Jacob Deloumi Jonathan Hanuka Ilana Nankin Carol Weiss Adam Dorsay David Harris Martin Newman Jeffrey Weiss Aurianne Dorsay Wendy Harris Nancy Newman Joe Weiss Galina Drabkin Bonnie Hirsch Andrew Passett Linda Weiss Alexander Drukarev Lee Hirsch Robin Penn Jeff Englander David Hoffman Howard Pomerantz Deborah Estreicher Debby Hoffman Margie Pomerantz

16 Ladies who Lunch Enjoyed a Meal Together to Celebrate Sukkot

CBD Women celebrated Sukkot in style. Emily Gannes and Iris Bendahan both offered their homes for a Ladies Who Lunch in the Sukkah.

We discussed the custom of Ushpizin and who each of us would invite to our Sukkah. Thank you Emily and Iris!

For more information about CBD Women and Ladies Who Lunch contact Cathy Beyda at [email protected]

Tot Shabbat Yiddish Conversation Group 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month First & third Tuesday of the month November 11th and 25th 3:00 - 4:30pm 11:15am – 12:00pm November 7th & 21st

Do you know Yiddish? For ages 5 and Would you like to under. Relaxing, chat with others in Yiddish? lighthearted, interactive, This group is for people to re-activate prior Yiddish Shabbat program knowledge, to learn for tots. Includes Yiddish for the first time, songs, stories, and to have conversations. For more information, email [email protected] puppets and more.

17 Members Enjoyed a Yummy Break-the-Fast Meal After Yom Kippur

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Our Gan and JGan students begin learning the Hebrew Alphabet. (Left)

Students in our Alef Class had a great time decorating the Sukkah. (Below)

CBD Concierge Program TGI Shabbat Service

Congregation Beth David is looking for outgoing Followed by Potluck Dinner members to volunteer for our “Volunteer Concierge Friday, November 3 Program!” 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

As a concierge, you will be Join together the welcoming face of Beth with the David 3 to 6 hours a week, entire Beth greeting members, David answering the phone, giving short facility tours, community in and occasionally helping celebrating with basic administrative Shabbat tasks. beginning with

Experience in customer service or retail is a plus, and a happy and celebratory Kabbalat Shabbat you’ll need to be able to gracefully deal with service followed by a delicious potluck ‘mishegoss’ when it occasionally crosses your path. dinner.

We’re looking for members who can commit to working at least one regular shift a week for a All ages are welcome. Sign up online at minimum of 2 months (with the opportunity to extend!) www.beth-david.org/rsvp or call the office Reliability is essential! at 408-257-3333.

For more information, email: [email protected].

19 November Birthdays

7th 19th 1st 14th 25th Talia Gloster Scott Weinstein Scott Hirsch Samuel Katz Mallorie Burak Jonathan Witkin Susan Green Glenda Glatstein Molly Wolfe Jonathan Horovitz Bailey Weinstock Leonard Tramiel Lillian Guggenheim 20th 26th 8th J. Aurelia Fleck Olga Farber 2nd Hank Cinnamon Monique Alexander David Paktor Lourdes Yashar Derron Mendel Rhoda Bress Naomi Mutchnik Simone Silver 15th Daniel Hudson Hadas Ben-David 3rd Laura Holtzman Jeffrey Englander Sam Pickholtz Marcia Hunter Louis Kaskowitz 28th Perry Jeung 16th Dahlia Perahia 21st Gabriel Robinson David Tseselsky David Barnett David Baird Dorene Kastelman Susan Cohen Judy Holtzman 10th Justin Pennypacker Kenneth Wiener 4th Mitchell Umansky David Linder Jeffrey Imas Corinne Sherman 29th David Mooso Neil Newman Fred Jacobson 22nd Daniel Halem 17th Leonard Jacobson Natalia Pogrebinsky Ryan Hittleman 11th Mike Drabkin Myron Cagan Susan Gould 5th Larry Schwerin Jacquelyn Harris Maya Warwick Martin Weinstein Sharoan Jeung Wendy J Glasser Siavash Zohoori Ruth Kohan Moshe Preil Judy Paktor Barbara Weinstein Noga Gross Amanda Schwartz David Ammerman 12th Sue Sabes 23rd Penina Stern Marc Levitt Aurie Bendahan 30th 18th Jessica Strumza Walter Spector Robin Sabes Linda Weiss Jessica Hirsch Andrea Ammerman Beverly Jacobson Akiva Lewis Ariel Grosskopf 13th Tzvia Shelef Marjorie Alpert Janyce Lipson Alexander Lazer Samuel Schaevitz 6th Val Mandrusov Janice Torczyner 24th Andrew Schneider Evan Ohriner Luba Sherman Renata Zaliznyak Philip Ohriner

November Anniversaries

2nd 18th 27th Sandy & Shelley Taboh Jonathan & Marsha Steve & Barbara Goldstein

8th Witkin 28th Gary & Susan Nankin Alan & Georgette Andy & Maureen Schneider

Tanenbaum Michael & Marina Salzman 9th Allan & Judith Lavetter 24th Bernard & Paula Klein 13th Arieh & Ruth Schifrin 25th Kenneth Aitchison & 15th Leslie Alexander Alan & Irene Bricker

20 Congregation Beth David’s Rabbi Search: Frequently Asked Questions Continued from page 10 JPC procedures recommend that the names and resumes of candidates remain confidential. It is our 4. How will we find out what the RSC is doing as ethical obligation to honor this confidentiality. A chief time goes along? reason for confidentiality is that the mere suggestion or As the work of the RSC progresses, there will be rumor that a rabbi is considering another congregation ongoing updates with additional FAQ postings, emails, may tarnish his or her current employment relationship and bulletins regarding next steps and additional to the great detriment of all parties. In addition, the opportunities for your input and involvement. The RSC RSC must address many personal facts about will rely on the input received from congregants to applicants that are not appropriate to be communicated guide their process of screening and interviewing initial publicly. Only by assuring confidentiality will the RSC applicants. You can speak to any of the search achieve open and frank discussions with and about committee members to suggest interview questions or those who apply. other ideas. However, once the RSC begins screening initial applicants and deliberations, they will only be in After the RSC identifies its final candidates, they will a position to provide general comments and must not be invited to visit CBD. At that time, their names and provide any specific information about the initial credentials will become public. However, in order to applicants; this information must remain confidential. assure the highest ethical standards of practice in our search, the initial portion of the search process must After the RSC identifies a few finalists, those and will remain confidential. candidates’ names and credentials will become public and they will be invited to visit CBD. Then there will We hope the answers to these initial questions will give be additional opportunities for congregants to be everyone a basic idea of what will happen over the next involved with hosting, meeting and questioning those month. Once again, we are open to discussing the . process with you and answering your questions to the best of our ability. 5. Why is information about the initial applicants and the screening deliberations kept confidential? Thank you for your support, RSC wants to be as open, informative and accessible as The Rabbi Search Committee possible in conducting the rabbi search, while at the Go to: www.beth-david.org/rsc2017 to view committee same time protecting the privacy of applicants. The members.

Contributions Contributions are vital to the life of our community. We acknowledge the gifts received between September 1 – September 30 from the following individuals and families.

Adult Education Programs Larry Cohn & Family, in memory of your wife, Judy Kenneth Wiener, in memory of your wife, Nancy Cohn, from Alex & Sondra Goldberger Wiener, from Stephen & Lynne Kinsey Hallie & Aren Stinebuck, in honor of the birth of Annual Campaign 5778 Isabelle Rose Stinebuck, our great-granddaughter, In memory of my mother, Anna Lasarev, from Galina from Ed & Ellie Kiss Belogolovsky Congregation Beth David Fund In memory of my mother, Erna Strauss, from Sylvia Congregation Beth David, from Neil & Diana Gelblum Meltzer In memory of my mother, Sheba Malek Yashar, from In memory of my father, Sol Lindenbaum, from Frank Yashar Bonnie Ashkenazi In memory of my wife, Lois Helene Hubka, from Congregation Beth David Capital Campaign William Hubka In fond memory of my father, Haim Daniel, from In memory of my father, Shmuel Miller, from Jacob Mor Jerry Daniel In memory of my father, Moshe Feizzadeh, from In memory of my grandmother, Rachel Zacher, from Enayat Feizzadeh Daniel Rosenberg In memory of Fania, Joseph, Samuel, Maria, from In memory of my grandfather, David Zacher, from Mark & Ludmila Derkach Daniel Rosenberg In memory of my mother, Frances Gage, from Ruth Brill Hillary & Stan Farkas, in honor of your 50th Hillary and Stan Farkas, congratulations on your 50th anniversary, from Leonard & Jane Jacobson anniversary, from Larry & Rhoda Yelowitz Stan & Hillary Farkas, in honor of your 50th wedding Richard & Ann Tavan, in honor of your new anniversary, from Natalie Schriger grandchild, Eric Tavan, from Bonnie Slavitt 21 Contributions (Continued)

Rick & Ann Tavan, in honor of your new grandchild, Eric Lewis, in memory of your father, Herbert Lewis, Eric Tavan, from Len & Sylvia Metz from Joe & Linda Weiss Howard & Renee Fine, in honor of your new Congregation Beth David, in appreciation of Mah grandchild, Noa Dorit Fine, from Len & Sylvia Jongg class, from Joe & Linda Weiss Metz Barbara Silverstein, in memory of your mother, Mina Allan & Mindy Berkowitz, in honor of your new Itzkowitz, from Elie & Yael Alcheck grandchild, Matteo Noam, from Len & Sylvia Doris Katz, thank you to you and your Mahjongg Metz Mavens for your help, from Robert & Irene Martin & Nancy Newman, in memory of Marshall Swedroe Newman, from Harry & Joanne Cornbleet Ronald & Susan Remba, mazal tov on the birth of Congregation Beth David Tot Shabbat, Eric & Meredith your granddaughter, from Robert & Irene Swedroe Glover, in honor of Emily Glover's 1st birthday, from Lee & Susan Gavens, mazal tov on the marriage of Jacob & Jennifer Orrin. Daniel to Sarah, from Robert & Irene Swedroe JET ( for Teens) Eric Lewis, in memory of your father, Herbert Lewis, In memory of my mother, Sheba Malek Yashar, from from Robert & Irene Swedroe Frank Yashar Martin Newman, in memory of your father, Marshall Kiddush Lunch Newman, from Robert & Irene Swedroe Sponsor kiddush lunch on September 9, 2017 in Marlene Burak & Barbara Goldstein, thank you, from honor of Will’s bar mitzvah, from Frank & Robert & Irene Swedroe Lourdes Yashar. March of the Living Fund Sponsor kiddush lunch on September 23, 2017 in In memory of my husband, Samuel Engel, from honor of Lilah Abigail’s Baby Naming, from Miriam Engel Ronald & Susan Remba. In memory of Barry's aunt, Helen Herskovitz, from Sponsor kiddush lunch on November 25, 2017 in Barry & Linda Brummer honor of Joshua’s bar mitzvah, from Ariel & Milton Itzkowitz Fund for Emigres Anna Tseitlin, from Ariel & Anna Tseitlin In memory of my father, Solomon H. Betensky, from Sponsor kiddush lunch on December 2, 2017 in Miriam Marr honor of Carol's 60th birthday, from Carol & Miriam Gannes Memorial Reading Program Christopher Cassell Howard & Emily Gannes, mazal tov of the marriage Congregation Beth David, from Alvin & Dalia of your son Lenny to Andra, from Robert & Irene Milgram Swedroe In memory of Linda's uncle, William Steinberger, Rabbi Ohriner Discretionary Fund from Barry & Linda Brummer Rabbi Philip Ohriner, with much gratitude, from In memory of my mother, Ruth Howard, from Ronee Martin & Rhoda Bress Nassi Congregation Beth David, from Elisa Itkowitz In memory of my brother-in-law, Isac Robert In memory of my aunt, Jeanne Feldman, from Harriet Barocas, from Ike Nassi Weiss In memory of my father, Laszlo Rajna, from Jussi In memory of my mother, Matilde Alazaraki, from Rajna Dora Bakaler In memory of our grandfather, Srul Zlotnick; Rabbi Philip Ohriner, thank you for officiating at grandmother, Zlota Zlotnick; half-sister, Frieda Carly Telstad's baby naming, from Joe & Linda Zlotnick; aunt, Ida Zlotnick; cousin, Tula Weiss Zlotnick, from Dina Fayngold & Anatoly Rama Strod Education Fund Guberman In memory of my father, Moshe Ben Mazal Ashkenazi, from Kiddush Lunch (continued) Herzel Ashkenazi In memory of my husband, Howard Kaplan, from In honor of Chuck & Barbara Taubman, from Jack & Marilyn Christel Sanders Goodman In memory of my mother, Ramah Khatoon Isaac, from Robert E. Levinson Memorial Library Fund Myrtle Schwartz In memory of my father & mother, Oscar Yoel Hurwitz & Anna In memory of my mother, Sylvia Weissbrodt, from Hurwitz, from Betty Becker Arthur Weissbrodt In memory of my sister, Rita Goldstein Hannah, from Howard & Stan & Hillary Farkas, in celebration of your 50th Sheila Goldstein anniversary, from Howard & Emily Gannes In memory of my father, Louis Kiss, from Edward Kiss Judy Borah, in memory of your brother, Harry Nudler, Social Action from Ike & Ronee Nassi Faith In Action: Rotating Shelter, from Joe & Linda Weiss Irene Spector, in honor of your birthday, from Joe & Faith In Action: Rotating Shelter, from Robert & Irene Swedroe Linda Weiss Congregation Beth David, from Howard & Sheila Goldstein Rick & Ann Tavan, in honor of the birth of your grandson, Eric Tavan, from Joe & Linda Weiss

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Donor(s): (If donor is a Beth David member, you may leave address blank) Name______Address______Street City State Zip In honor/memory of______

Acknowledge this donation to: (If acknowledgement goes to Beth David members, you may leave address blank) Name______Address______Street City State Zip Donation Amount $______or check one of the following:______$18 ______$36 ______$72 ______$108

_____ The Next 50 _____ Annual _____ Area of Capital Campaign Campaign Greatest Need

Billing: (Choose One) ______Check/Payment attached, please process directly ______Bill my account for the above amount and process immediately. Account # ______Note: For a complete list of designated funds, please call the office at 408-257-3333

Officers President Bill Beyda [email protected] Executive VP Betty Menkin [email protected] Administration VP Ron Ruebusch [email protected] Education VP Lori Kahn [email protected] Finance VP Andrew Passett [email protected] Membership VP Jill Rosenberg [email protected] Ritual VP David Fishman [email protected] Recording Secretary Madelyn Isaacs [email protected] Treasurer Michael Schaffer [email protected] Financial Secretary Michael Leitner [email protected]

General Board Immed. Dir. at Large Social Action Chair Carol Cassell Past President Dan Skilken Dir. at Large Youth Chair Sharon Horovitz Director at Large Elizabeth Batson Dir. at Large Facilities Chair Lee Hirsch Director at Large Opher Harel Dir. at Large Finance Rep Bill Halper Director at Large Bonnie Slavitt Dir. at Large Adult Education Rep Susan Rojo Director at Large Alison Ruebusch Dir. at Large Program Chair Barbara Green Director at Large Thelma Ramm Dir. at Large Sisterhood Rep Cathy Beyda Director at Large Alex Drukarev Dir. at Large Men’s Club Rep Art Singer

23 Congregation Beth David Nonprofit Org 19700 Prospect Road U.S. Postage Saratoga, CA 95070-3352 PAID Permit No. 94 Change service requested Cupertino, CA

Did you know the D’var is available online? Help us save resources and money. Stop receiving a hard copy of D’var. Email [email protected].

Our search for a new rabbi has begun and we want your involvement.

Attend one of the following three focus group meetings to give your input.

* Wednesday, November 1st 7:30 - 9:30pm * Sunday, November 5th 3:00 -5:00pm * Monday, November 6th 7:30 - 9:30pm

All are held at Beth David and will have identical content.

See page 10 for details on the search process.

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