SHERITH ISRAEL NEWSSEPTEMBER–DECEMBER, 2017

New approaches enrich timeless traditions HIGH HOLIDAYS OFFER EXPANDED SPIRITUAL OPPORTUNITIES Building on last year, Sherith Israel’s High Holiday services will offer an even greater breadth and depth of meaning. According to Rabbi Jessica Graf, “Congregants told us how much their High Holiday experience meant to them last year. As much as we appreciate that, Cantor Frommer and I have been working hard to raise the experiential level of the upcom- ing High Holidays to an even higher plane.” While Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur constitute the centerpieces of High Holidays 5778, Rabbi Graf points out that the holiday season includes more than a month of preparation and celebration. The season begins in the month of Elul (starting August 23). It continues through Sukkot, five days after Yom Kippur, celebrating the autumn harvest, and on to Simchat Torah (October 13), marking completion and renewal of the annual Torah- reading cycle. Cantor David Frommer notes that CSI’s High Holiday activities offer a full month of celebration and contemplation. We begin on Wednesday, September 6, two weeks before Rosh Hashanah, with a study session on Mishkan HaNefesh, the new Reform machzor (prayerbook) led by Rabbi Graf and Cantor Frommer. Congregants will gain familiarity

High Holidays continues, page 4

SHANAH TOVAH: Best wishes for a healthy, happy new year. See page 5 for your complete guide to High Holiday services and events.

Under $1 million to go INSIDE: A Moment with Rabbi Jessica Graf 2 SEISMIC RETROFIT CAMPAIGN 4 Questions for Cantor David Frommer 3 HITS NEW MILESTONE High Holidays 5778 5 Energized by the successful completion of May. Our two latest major gifts put us Religious School 6 of our seismic retrofit construction, the halfway to completing the first stage of Behind the Scenes with Craig Etlin 7 campaign to fund the $16 million proj- this strategy. ect hit a new milestone this summer. What’s Happening 8–9 “We have reached a point that many Thanks to two major commitments and Profile: Michael Miller 10 thought was impossible,” notes David. a number of smaller gifts and pledges, News Nosh 11 “But Lynn and I have always been con- the campaign now stands at less than fident that we would finish this cam- Technology Upgrades 12 one million dollars to go. Tikkun Olam 13 paign. To see the light at the end of the Passages 14 The two major gifts—one for $220,000, tunnel validates our vision.” the other for $100,000—came in re- Donations 14 Lynn attributes the campaign’s success sponse to the campaign committee’s to good fortune along with the generos- strategy to duplicate the success of last ity of Sherith Israel congregants and the December’s matching gift campaign. At larger Jewish community. “For those of MARK YOUR CALENDAR! last May’s annual meeting, campaign us who belong to Sherith Israel, complet- co-chairs Lynn Sedway and David New- First day of Religious School ing the retrofit is about preserving our SUNDAY, SEPT. 10, 9:15 am man announced a plan to put together building and our community for future a pool of major gifts totaling $650,000, Simchat Torah Shabbat generations,” she notes. “For founda- then reach out to the congregation to FRIDAY, OCT. 13, 6 pm tions and philanthropists in the larger match those gifts. That $1.3 million total Jewish community who have supported The Day the Holocaust Began represents the amount we had to raise as with Fred Rosenbaum Seismic Retrofit Campaign continues, page 12 FRIDAY, NOV. 10, 6 pm A MOMENT WITH RABBI JESSICA ZIMMERMAN GRAF 2266 California Street San Francisco, CA 94115 REFLECTIONS AS WE APPROACH AN T: 415.346.1720 EXCITING NEW YEAR F: 415.673.9439 www.sherithisrael.org They say, “Time flies when you’re hav- the wilderness. There is no way to get Member of the Union for ing fun.” I can hardly believe a year has from here to there except by joining Reform Judaism since 1903 gone by since last High Holidays. We’ve hands, marching together.” accomplished a lot—some big things and Judaism requires joining hands and CLERGY some small. In 5777, we completed the Jessica Zimmerman Graf helping one another. I am proud of two work of the seismic retrofit—a huge ac- Senior Rabbi newly (re)organized committees en- complishment for our community. This David Frommer gaged in this sacred task: social action Cantor year we’ve added new Shabbat music, and chesed. In thinking globally and making our services more joyful. Mem- EMERITUS CLERGY acting locally, these committees have bers have stepped up this summer to Lawrence Raphael Rabbi Emeritus taken community-building to heart. Martin Weiner Rabbi Emeritus lead a Shabbat morning minyan, Sh’ma Martin Feldman Cantor Emeritus Koleynu, and chant Torah. We’ve served Our social action committee displays re- BOARD OF TRUSTEES thousands of meals through Chicken newed energy. Guided by our dedicated Soupers and HaMotzi. And we comfort- co-chairs, Stacy Passman and Karen OFFICERS Craig Etlin, President ed mourners, welcomed babies, studied Alschuler, the committee is leading us Lindsay Braunig, Vice President texts and asked thoughtful questions. No to the forefront of justice work and help- Katie Zier, Treasurer wonder time has been flying by! ing us think about our relationship to Karen Zelmar, Assistant Treasurer the world. This fall, we’ll focus on the is- Erik Migdail, Secretary Our committees and lay leaders have sue of immigration with a series of con- Evan Kletter, Immediate Past President been very busy. Our newly reorganized versations about immigration and Jew- TRUSTEES membership committee is helping Sher- Claire Davis ish values. Our social action projects are ith Israel members feel more connected Dan Dohan open to all. Please join us! Michael Gaines through a wonderful series of Havdalah Gale Gottlieb gatherings. An avodah (worship) advi- Our chesed committee is helping make Jerry Hurwitz sory meeting enabled people to share lives better every day. Based on the Jew- Joan Libman Amy Mains ideas about the High Holidays. Our de- ish value of acts of lovingkindness, con- Alan Mirviss velopment committee is planning stra- gregants provide food, rides and com- Stacy Passman tegically for the congregation’s financial pany to people recovering from illness, Liat Sadler health. And the seismic retrofit cam- Lynn Sedway going through medical treatment or who paign committee is looking to complete just need a helping hand. Chesed com- STAFF funding for the work that has enhanced mittee members weave the fabric of our Nancy Sheftel-Gomes the seismic safety of our magnificent Interim Executive Director & Education Director community more tightly. To become a sanctuary. member, or if you are in need of acts of Jonathan Dimmock lovingkindness, please let us know. Music Director As we engage one another more deeply Nia Taylor and explore our complex world togeth- Soon, we’ll gather together to welcome a Development Manager er, we realize the power of community. new year. I can’t wait to see what we will Natalie Weizman Our siddur reminds us, “There is a bet- Assistant Principal accomplish in 5778 and look forward to ter place, a promised land … the wind- Allison Green sharing it all with you. Shanah tovah! n Clergy & Program Assistant ing way to that promise passes through May Oskan Office Manager

SHERITH ISRAEL NEWS David Newman, Ellen Newman, PEOPLE OF THE BOOK David Perlstein Editors “You are not required to complete the work, but you are not free to Susan Weeks Graphic Design abandon it.” — Pirkei Avot 2:16 Rebecca Goodman, Allison Green, Richard Mayer, Ellen Newman The Mishnah informs us that we may it. Deuteronomy 16:20 commands, Photographers not learn all of Torah, but we must “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” study daily. So, too, we cannot ignore We must work in the cause of social injustice even if we cannot eradicate justice to accomplish what we can. n 2 Questions for CANTOR DAVID FROMMER

Just as we finish up the High Holidays, our calendar fills up with observances for Sukkot and Simchat Torah. We asked Cantor David Frommer to tell us more about these festivals.

Q: What do we celebrate on the festival of derful fun for children and adults alike. Jews who convert Sukkot? from Christianity often honor their childhood traditions by adorning their sukkah with family ornaments. A: From an American perspective, Sukkot combines the bounty and gratitude of Thanksgiving, the festive decora- Lastly, the most important mitzvah on Sukkot is caring for tions of the Christmas season and the national indepen- others. Sukkot is an ideal time to practice ushpizin, wel- dence story of July Fourth. It’s got the best of everything, coming of guests, and to get involved with CSI’s social ac- tion program like volunteering with HaMotzi and Chicken Historically, the word Sukkot has been translated as “tab- Soupers to prepare and deliver meals for people who are ernacles” or “booths,” but the easiest translation for mod- homeless or homebound. ern readers would be something like “huts.” The holiday’s name reflects both its agricultural and historical elements. Q. How will we celebrate Sukkot at Sherith Israel? Sukkot, which is celebrated five days after Yom Kippur, co- A: Sukkot, like Passover and Chanukah, is traditionally incides with harvests in Israel as well as, conveniently, in observed for eight days. This year we offer a full range of America. Sukkot reminds us of the temporary dwellings Sukkot programs. I’ll host two congregational events at the that sheltered our Israelite ancestors as they harvested sukkah in my backyard—a weekday evening get-together their crops in the fields and as they journeyed to offer their for adults and a Saturday afternoon Havdalah for Shabbat first fruits as sacrifices at the Temple. (The ancient Israel- Mishpachah, our families with young children. We’ll also ites also brought offerings to the Temple in Jerusalem on join with other community groups to celebrate in some nov- Passover and Shavuot.) In addition, the huts remind us of el ways. We’re kicking off the festival with a movie screen- the Israelites’ tenuous situation during their forty years of ing in the sukkah at the Jewish Community High School of wandering before they reached the Promised Land. the Bay. We’ve arranged some great programming at Urban Sukkot is the mirror image of Yom Kippur. The Day of Adamah, Berkeley’s Jewish farm and education center, for Atonement is a somber observance, during which we “af- our Religious School families and Magalim young profes- flict our souls” with fasting, confess our sins from the past sionals group. And the Shabbat of Sukkot happens to be a year and resolve to do better in the future. Sukkot, by con- First Friday Musical Shabbat, so invite your friends to join trast, is known as “Z’man Simchateinu—Our Time of Joy.” us for a spirited service and delicious dinner. We’re excited It celebrates the blessings we enjoy in the present. At Suk- to celebrate this festive week with you! kot, we relax and enjoy ourselves after the difficult work of Cheshbon HaNefesh, spiritual accounting, that we under- Q: What about Simchat Torah? take during the Days of Repentance. A: Simchat Torah—rejoicing in the Torah—celebrates the completion of the annual cycle of weekly Torah readings. Q. What are some important rituals of Sukkot? It’s traditionally observed the day after Sukkot ends, but A: Two of the most important rituals associated with Suk- has become flexible in Reform communities. Our CSI kot are building, or at least visiting, a sukkah, and shaking celebration will take place on the first Friday evening fol- the etrog and lulav, a bundle of palm, myrtle and willow lowing Sukkot. During Simchat Torah, we sing and dance leaves. Together they comprise the Arba Minim, or Four with our Torah scrolls around the sanctuary in parades Species. The Arba Minim represent four different types of called hakafot, similar to the more measured Torah proces- Jews, symbolizing that all are meant to join together for sional at every Shabbat morning service. We’ll completely this holiday. Shaking the lulav produces the sound of rain, unroll a Torah scroll around the sanctuary. Everyone helps reminding us how water nourishes life. hold the parchment off the floor, while the rabbi and can- The sukkah itself has at least three sides. Its roof is made tor offer a quick, guided tour through some of the visual from s’chach—harvested organic materials like palm highlights. We chant the last verses of the Torah’s final fronds or bamboo—placed close enough for shade, yet far book, Deuteronomy, and the opening verses of its first, enough apart for us to view the stars. Decorating a sukkah Genesis, symbolizing our commitment to the ongoing study of with lights, fruits and other embellishments offers won- Torah, like the generations who came before us. n

3 HIGH HOLIDAYS, from page 1

with the new liturgy to better prepare for Rosh Hashanah and as they do at selected Shabbats during the year,” says Cantor Yom Kippur worship. The next day, Thursday, September 7, Frommer. “Our ‘mixed’ choir at floor level will encourage con- congregant Maurice Kamins will lead a session on the shofar, gregants to sing along, so important to making the High Holi- including text study. Maurice has crafted hundreds of shofarot days truly meaningful.” Koleynu, which Cantor Frommer calls and blows the shofar at our services. “the true sound of our congregation,” has rehearsed weekly throughout the summer. Preparation for the High Holidays continues with an exciting S’lichot program on Saturday evening, September 16. It will The renewed playing of our Murray Harris organ will add to include a performance by the popular Jewish singer/musician the majesty of our services. A key part of the original construc- Josh Nelson, who appeared at CSI’s musical Shabbat in May, tion of the sanctuary in 1905, the organ was not available last and Rabbi Lisa Tzur, founder of Positive Jewish Living. year because it had been dismantled as part of the work on the second phase of our recently completed seismic retrofit. Jona- Exciting changes will enrich the Rosh Hashanah and Yom than Dimmock, CSI’s music director and a world-renowned Kippur experiences for children. Sherith Israel invites chil- organist, will pull out all the stops. dren five and older, along with their parents, to attend morn- ing services in the sanctuary rather than separate services. To enable Jonathan to stay in the organ loft, Sherith Israel has “We have a wonderful opportunity to bring our hired an additional choir director and accompanist, Eric Choate, multigenerational family together,” says Rabbi music director at the Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Graf. “Our children will see that they are an Virgin in the Marina. Simultaneous organ and piano important part of a much larger community.” accompaniment will provide a deeper, even more interesting musical sound. Congregant Alex Providing for children’s shorter attention Kelly is our “Kol Nidre” cello soloist. spans, Jewish Journey Around the World, a program of themed activi- To enable worshipers to participate even ties, will keep children occupied in more completely, the synagogue has Newman Hall beginning 45 min- mailed all congregants a CD of High utes into each morning service. Holiday melodies, “Nashuva” (Let Tot Yontif services on Erev Rosh Us Return), featuring Cantor Hashanah and Erev Yom Kip- Frommer. Congregants can be- pur for children five and under come more familiar with our (and their favorite grown-ups, music, including standard of course) will be held from melodies and some intro- 5–6 pm, led by Rabbi Graf and duced last year. Cantor Frommer. As last year, Congregant input played we will hold a communal an important role in en- Rosh Hashanah dinner for hancing the High Holiday the entire congregation be- 5778 / 2017 experience. Rabbi Graf and tween Tot Yontif and our Cantor Frommer sought Erev Rosh Hashanah ser- ideas from congregants to vice. augment their planning Rabbi Graf and Cantor sessions with interim exec- Frommer have streamlined utive director Nancy Shef- Yom Kippur afternoon. Fol- at SHERITH ISRAEL tel-Gomes. Steve Sachs lowing the 10 am morning facilitated a meeting of the service, congregants can at- clergy and a diverse group tend one of four classes or discussions from 1:15–2:45 pm. A of 14 congregants last June to obtain valuable feedback about quiet meditation space also will be provided for contemplation. what they like about our High Holiday services and what might Yom Kippur afternoon concludes with a reading of the book of be done differently. “I felt good about our rabbi and cantor be- Jonah, a new Yizkor (memorial) service, Ne’ilah (closing the ing so open to what people had to say,” says Steve. Amanda gates) and our break-the-fast in Newman Hall. CSI clergy have Kelly, mother of religious-schoolers Dahlia, 11, and Claire, 6, kept their eyes on even the smallest details. In the sanctuary, (and wife of cellist Alex) expressed interest in involving chil- congregants and guests will notice new floral arrangements dren. “I enjoy a community of people of all ages getting to- representing the seasonal harvest. gether,” Amanda says. “And I love the way the clergy wants to include so many people. It’s beautiful.” Rabbi Graf encourages congregants to wear white on Yom Kip- pur. This tradition demonstrates our repentant status. She also Sherith Israel’s roots extend back to the first High Holiday ser- points out that adults can wear tallitot at Kol Nidre, the only vices held in San Francisco in 1849, and we have been pro- evening service of the year at which this is permitted. viding the Jewish community with meaningful High Holiday experiences for more than 165 years. This year’s High Holidays Cantor Frommer plans exciting musical experiences. CSI’s will combine reflections on our past with dynamic innova- Koleynu congregational choir will join our choir profession- tions. n als on the sanctuary’s main floor. “Koleynu has much to offer,

4 = ONLINE REGISTRATION REQUIRED HIGH HOLIDAYS 5778 AT WWW.SHERITHISRAEL.ORG Or contact Allison Green [email protected] or 415.346.1720, x24 Preparing for the High Holiday Tickets High Holidays Services A OnePass or individual tickets are required for all High Holiday services. During Elul, the month leading to the High EREV ROSH HASHANAH Holidays, we focus on the meaning of the Wednesday, Sept. 20 CSI MEMBERS Days of Awe. Join us to explore the themes 5–6 pm: Tot Yontif for children 5 and As a CSI member in good standing, you of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. under and their families receive a OnePass for each immediate 6–7:30 pm: Community dinner family member including children from 10 THE MACHZOR 7:30–9 pm: Service to 25. Children under 10 are welcome and will not need a ticket. Wednesday, Sept. 6 Dinner: Kosher chicken or vegetarian 6:30 pm: Light refreshments option. Children under 5, free; 5–12 years, You may purchase OnePasses or tickets 7–8:30 pm: Learn to navigate our new $12; post-b’nai mitzvah students, $18; adult for additional family members as follows: machzor, Mishkan HaNefesh, with Rabbi members, $36; adult nonmembers, $45. $360 for a OnePass for all services or Graf and Cantor Frommer. Free for RSVP for dinner by Sept. 14. individual tickets for $90 for each evening members; $18 for nonmembers. or day of services. ROSH HASHANAH THE SHOFAR Thursday, Sept. 21 NONMEMBERS Thursday, Sept. 7 10 am–12:30 pm: Morning Service We welcome nonmembers to join us for Light refreshments 6:30 pm: 10:45 am–12:30 pm: Jewish Journey the holidays. 7–8:30 pm: Explore the secrets of the Around the World for children in K–4th Nonmember tickets are $540 for a One- shofar with Rabbi Graf, Cantor Frommer grade in Newman Hall and our own shofar expert, Maurice Pass for all four days of services or $135 1–3 pm: Tashlich and lunch at West Bluff, for individual tickets for each evening or Kamins. Free for members; $18 for Crissy Field. Toss your sins into the sea and nonmembers. day of services. Tot Yontif pass is $90 per enjoy a complimentary foodtruck lunch. family. SHOFAR GATHERING AN AFTERNOON WITH TO BUY TICKETS FOR MAGALIM 30s/40s THE CLERGY AT Visit us online: Thursday, Sept. 14, 7 pm HILLS OF ETERNITY CEMETERY www.sherithisrael.org/highholidays Find out everything you always wanted to Sunday, Sept. 24 Contact: know about the shofar with Rabbi Graf 1:30–3:30 pm: Tour our historic cemetery, Nia Taylor, 415.346.1720, x 17, or ntaylor@ and special guest Maurice Kamins, our visit the graves of loved ones, place sherithisrael.org expert shofar maker. stones on headstones and take part in our annual book burial. Please note, all additional tickets will be (RE)TURN: AN INSPIRING held for pick-up at the synagogue. S’LICHOT EXPERIENCE KOL NIDRE Saturday, Sept. 16 Friday, Sept. 29 7:30 pm: Light refreshments 5–6 pm: Tot Yontif for children 5 and Childcare 8 pm: Service with special guests Josh under and their families Childcare is available for children 18 Nelson and Rabbi Lisa Tzur 7:30–9 pm: Kol Nidre months through 5 years old: Prepare for the Days of Awe during YOM KIPPUR Rosh Hashanah morning a powerful, contemporary S’lichot 9:45 am–12:45 pm experience with Rabbi Graf, Cantor Saturday, Sept. 30 10 am–12:30 pm: Morning Service Yom Kippur morning Frommer and our guests, celebrated 9:45 am–12:45 pm Jewish musician and songwriter Josh 10:45 am–12:30 pm: Jewish Journey Yom Kippur afternoon programs Nelson and Rabbi Lisa Tzur, founder of Around the World for children in K–4th 1–3 pm Positive Jewish Living and a renowned grade in Newman Hall spiritual leader, yogini, musician and 1:15–2:45 pm: Afternoon programs— Afternoon and Yizkor services Israeli dancer. Compelling music, visual Jonathan Graf, regional president, AJC 3–5:30 pm San Francisco, discusses Israeli pluralism; media, prayer and spoken word will Childcare is free to members, Stacy Passman, CSI social action co-chair, illuminate the ideas of t’shuvah (return), $36/session/child for nonmembers. t’filah(prayer), and tzedakah (righteous leads a conversation about being a “sanc- giving). Bring your heart. Bring your voice. tuary” congregation; David Perlstein RSVP by Sept. 16 for Rosh Hashanah Begin again. leads text study of the book of Jonah, and Sept. 24 for Yom Kippur. a Yom Kippur tradition; Amy Plevin, For more information contact Natalie Weiz- yoga teacher, guides a session of gentle man, assistant principal, 415.346.1720, x27, stretching and meditation for everyone; a or [email protected]. For Sukkot and Simchat Torah quiet meditation space will be available schedule and details, see page 8. for silent reflection 3–4:30 pm: Afternoon Service 4:45–5:30 pm: Yizkor 5:45–6:45 pm: Ne’ilah (Closing the Gates) and Havdalah 6:50 pm: Break-the-fast

5 RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

Rabbi Graf and Cantor Frommer will teach students this fall SIXTH-GRADE B’NAI MITZVAH PROGRAM ENRICHED FOR WHOLE FAMILY Families of youngsters preparing for Families will enjoy the opportunity to fo- The b’nai-mitzvah curriculum also in- their bar or bat mitzvah will enjoy an cus on the elements and meaning of the cludes three late-Friday-afternoon ses- enriched program during the fall se- Shabbat service. A meeting this summer sions and one Havdalah/bat-mitzvah mester, including ten learning sessions briefed parents on the critical 6th-grade session. The annual Shabbaton retreat with their children. Rabbi Jessica Graf year of transition and a new curriculum will be held at the end of January and and Cantor David Frommer will teach that emphasizes the importance of par- feature a Tu BiSh’vat theme. these classes. ent participation. Sixth-grade students and family will Says Rabbi Graf, “I’m excited to work Seven liturgy-based family classes that also work with Israeli-born teacher Noa with our 6th-grade students and families will make the b’nai-mitzvah experi- Levy, who joined CSI’s religious school to bring our traditions and prayers to ence more familiar will be held dur- last November. Not only is Noa a native life! Looking forward to a special semes- ing Saturday-morning Shabbat School. Hebrew speaker, but she is also a musi- ter together.” Some Shabbat School family classes will cal artist and performer, who was a lead take place when a bar or bat mitzvah is singer in the IDF’s navy ensemble band. Cantor Frommer adds, “I love this pro- being held so parents and students can She holds a diploma from the London gram because it prepares our 6th-graders experience a vibrant Shabbat morn- School of Musical Theatre. not just for their b’nai mitzvah, but for ing service following their family class. a lifetime of Jewish participation after- “We are constantly evaluating our reli- “Celebratory moments offer a great op- wards. We’ll be teaching them skills like gious school programming,” notes Nancy. portunity to bring together congregants prayer literacy, biblical cantillation and “We believe this year’s b’nai-mitzvah pro- of all ages,” says Nancy Sheftel-Gomes, Torah analysis that will build their com- gram will be truly meaningful, enabling interim executive director and education petency, identity and social capital for parents and students to better connect director. “Our guests also will see the both the present and the future.” with our wonderful traditions.” n liveliness of our Religious School.”

BACK TO SCHOOL (above): This August CSI educators Noa Levy, Natalie Weizman, Nancy Sheftel-Gomes and Kaitlin Wahl, plus Nancy’s granddaughter Naima Norling, headed to Moraga for the NewCAJE conference on re-imagining Jewish education for the 21st century. Bruce Bierman and Lior Ben-Hur also attended.

SHABBAT MISHPACHAH (left): Guitarist Ben Udo and grandfather Gary Levin joined Cantor David Frommer and Rabbi Jessica Graf at Lafayette Park for a festive Shabbat for families with young children.

6 BEHIND THE SCENES WITH CRAIG ETLIN, PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD

BUILDING CSI'S FUTURE It’s been a whirlwind four months committee, led by Karen Alschuler and cated lay leaders. We could not deliver since I became president of Sherith Is- trustee Stacy Passman. the programs and activities we do with- rael at our annual meeting in May. I’m out the commitment of our trustees, com- Meanwhile, our budget and finance deeply moved by the support and en- mittee chairs and committee members. committee, led by treasurer Katie Zier, couragement so many of you offered as is monitoring revenue and expenses I also had the privilege of working with I assumed this awesome responsibility. in a proactive manner unprecedented Rabbi Jessica Graf, Cantor David From- In the past, you may have known me as for our congregation. So far this year, mer, Nancy Sheftel-Gomes, and trust- the “retrofit guy.” For the last 17 years, we’ve avoided borrowing on our oper- ees Lindsay Braunig and Erik Migdail that has been the focus of my work on ating line of credit. In comparison, last to begin re-envisioning our religious behalf of the congregation. With the ret- year we spent almost $10,000 on interest school. We started with the 6th grade— rofit now completed (other than raising expense. Your response to our calls for a crucial year when students gear up to the final million dollars), I’m excited to prompt dues pledges and payments has become b’nai mitzvah. Rabbi Graf and build on that success and redirect my helped us achieve this savings, and your Cantor Frommer will teach the 6th- energies to other congregational affairs. generosity during our annual fund cam- grade class this year. This experiential I began my term by calling an all-day paign in November and December will program will be built around t’filah and retreat in June with board members, help reduce our deficit. Jewish practices, allowing students to committee chairs, clergy and our in- develop relationships with our clergy Our search committee, led by former terim executive director. The goal: es- before beginning one-on-one studies the trustee Julie House, is beginning to tablish short-term priorities for the next following year. interview several strong candidates year. By strong consensus, those priori- for the position of executive director. Stay tuned for more exciting develop- ties include a commitment to social ac- Our interim executive director, Nancy ments at CSI. Meantime, please say hello tion, supporting our dynamic clergy as Sheftel-Gomes, has done a terrific job when you see me at Shabbat and High they begin their second year with us, rebuilding our staff and developing a Holiday services, and feel free to con- and continued financial discipline. On small, highly talented team. We’re well tact me by email any time at president@ the social justice front, after the High positioned for a new executive director sherithisrael.org. Holidays, look for a listening campaign to build on that solid foundation. and other activities relating to immigra- I wish you and your loved ones health tion, spearheaded by our social action I am inspired by the work of all our dedi- and happiness in 5778! n

PLANNING AHEAD: CSI trustees and committee chairs came together to set priorities for the congregation. Lindsay Braunig, congregational vice president, (right) takes notes to capture the group’s many ideas.

7 WHAT’S HAPPENING SHABBAT SCHEDULE

FRIDAY EVENINGS Sukkot and Simchat Torah 6 pm: Kabbalat Shabbat services 7:15 pm: Kiddush and oneg SCREENING OF SUKKAH CITY IN THE BEGINNING, GOD... Join us to welcome Shabbat. Wednesday, Oct. 4, 6:30–9 pm Wednesday, Oct. 11, 7 pm Jewish Community High School of the Study Creation in a new way. Rabbi Graf MUSICAL SHABBAT Bay, 1835 Ellis Street will illuminate her talk on astronomy First Friday of each month Join us at the JCHS sukkah for a nosh, and Judaism with photos she took while Sept. 1, Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Dec. 1 drinks and a screening of the 2013 docu- working at Cerro Tololo Interamerican 5 pm: Shabbat Mishpachah dinner for mentary Sukkah City, about what happens Observatory in Chile. families with children 5 and under when architects compete to build the 6 pm: Services coolest sukkah in New York. SIMCHAT TORAH SHABBAT 7:15 pm: Oneg and catered Shabbat Friday, Oct. 13 dinner follow services MORNING VISIT TO 6 pm: Enjoy a Torah tour as we un-scroll Join Rabbi Jessica Graf, Cantor David MISSION MINYAN the Torah. Frommer, music director Jonathan Dim- Thursday, Oct. 5, 9:30 am 7:15 pm: Kiddush and oneg to celebrate mock, Koleynu—our congregational The Women’s Building the sweetness of the Torah. choir—and visiting musicians as we fill our 3543 18th Street, #8 dome with music. Isaac Zones will join us Join Cantor Frommer for a traditional on September 1. festival morning service. Adult Shabbat Mishpachah 5 pm family ONGOING BEGINNING HEBREW $18 per member family; $25 for SUKKAH PARTY IN CANTOR dinner: FOR ADULTS nonmembers. FROMMER’S SUKKAH Sundays, 9:45–10:45 am Thursday, Oct. 5, 7 pm Musical Shabbat congregational Hilda Isaacson Celebrate in the sukkah with Rabbi Graf dinner: Enjoy a kosher chicken or vegetarian Fee: $50 per semester, includes books; and Cantor Frommer. Space is limited. option. Children under 5, free; 5–12 years, scholarships available. Nancy Sheftel- $12; post-b'nai mitzvah students, $18; adult Gomes, 415.346.1720, x28, or nsgomes@ members, $25; adult nonmembers, $36. SUKKOT MUSICAL SHABBAT sherithisrael.org. AND YIZKOR SPECIAL SHABBAT Friday, Oct. 6 PRIME TIME CLUB 5 pm: Shabbat Mishpachah family dinner Monthly lunch and learn THE DAY THE HOLOCAUST BEGAN 5:30 pm: Yizkor Second Friday, noon–2 pm Friday, Nov. 10 6 pm: Sukkot Service For congregants and guests 65 7:30 pm: Sukkah decorating and harvest 6 pm: Shabbat services (or getting there) and older dinner 7:15 pm: Kiddush and oneg Sept. 8: Andy Muchin, “How American Shabbat Mishpachah and Musical Shabbat On the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the Jewish Music Got its Groove.” The host dinners, see Shabbat schedule for prices. Night of Broken Glass, we will reflect of Mississippi Public Broadcasting Music RSVP by October 3. on the meaning of terror unleashed by Radio’s “Sounds Jewish” reveals how American Jewish music has evolved. a totalitarian regime in a talk by Fred TOT SUKKOT AND HAVDALAH Rosenbaum. Oct. 13: Rabbi Jessica Graf and IN CANTOR FROMMER’S SUKKAH Cantor David Frommer. Enjoy studying MUSICAL MINYAN Saturday, Oct. 7, 4 pm and chanting Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) to Monthly; contact Cantor Frommer Join Rabbi Graf, Cantor Frommer and his celebrate Sukkot and Simchat Torah. family to wave the lulav and etrog. For for dates Nov. 10: Richard Schwartz, author of children 5 and under and their families. The Man Who Lit Lady Liberty: The Extraor- Looking for something different on Space is limited. Shabbat? Check out a musical minyan in dinary Rise and Fall of Actor M.B. Curtis. Learn about actor Maurice Curtis, the first the round, beneath the majestic dome of SUKKOT FAMILY FESTIVAL our historic sanctuary. No microphones. American Jewish actor to portray a Jewish AT URBAN ADAMAH character on stage, who paid to light the No instruments. Just singing. We'd love to Sunday, Oct. 8, 1–4 pm hear you there! Email Cantor Frommer at Statue of Liberty. 1151 Sixth Street, Berkeley [email protected] for upcoming Dec. 8: Chef Joseph (AKA Joseph Families with children K–2nd grade cele- dates. Amster, AKA Emperor Norton), “Created brate the fall harvest at Urban Adamah, in San Francisco: The Golden Gate City’s Berkeley’s Jewish educational farm. SATURDAY MORNINGS Gifts to Gastronomy.” Find out how the martini, crab louie, cioppino and the 9:15 am: Torah Study with bagels and EAT PRAY LULAV AT URBAN lox, coffee and tea fortune cookie were created in 10:30 am: Shabbat morning services ADAMAH FOR MAGALIM 30S/40S San Francisco. Monday, Oct. 9, 7–10 pm Free, RSVP required. Thanks to the Max and Intimate services using our Mishkan T’filah 1151 Sixth Street, Berkeley Marilyn Singer Foundation for its continuing prayerbook. Includes chanting or reading Enjoy noshing, sipping and schmoozing at support of our Prime Time lunch series. from our Torah scrolls. Berkeley’s Jewish farm.

8 = REGISTRATION REQUIRED Three ways to register: 1. ONLINE www.sherithisrael.org 2. EMAIL Allison Green, [email protected] 3. PHONE Allison Green, 415.346.1720, x24

INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM: Religious School SHABBAT MISHPACHAH EXPLORING JEWISH BELIEFS AND FRIDAY DINNERS PRACTICES FIRST DAY OF RELIGIOUS SCHOOL Sept. 1, Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Dec. 1, 5 pm Wednesdays, Sept. 13, and Oct. 18 to Sunday, Sept. 10, 9:15 am–12:30 pm Enjoy dinner before Musical Shabbat with Dec. 20, plus Jan. 10–31, 6:30–8 pm other families with very young children. Rabbi Jessica Graf, Cantor David NEW! SUNDAY MORNING Shabbat Mishpachah family dinner: $18 per Frommer, Nancy Sheftel-Gomes and PRESCHOOL member family; $25 for nonmembers. Lisa Erdberg Sundays, 10 am–noon Jews looking for adult-level basics, in- A time for our children 3–4 to discover TOT CHANUKAH AND terfaith couples, individuals considering and experience being Jewish. Sign-up: HAVDALAH conversion, seekers and lifelong learners Natalie Weizman, 415.346.1720, x27, or Saturday, Dec. 16, 4–6 pm engage in study, discussion and hands-on [email protected]. See the light glow in their eyes as our experiences. Topics include history and youngest members watch in awe as the Jewish texts, theology and belief, prayer SHABBAT SCHOOL candles are lit for Chanukah. The party and liturgy, the Jewish calendar, mitzvot, Saturdays, Sept. 16, Oct. 21, Nov. 22, continues with latkes for all. Co-sponsored dietary laws and Shabbat. Dec. 16, 9:15 am–12:15 pm by Jewish Baby Network SF, PJ Library and Free for members. Nonmember individuals: In addition to the 22 Sunday sessions Interfaith Family. $180; couples: $252. Interfaith couples are of Religious School, students enjoy a encouraged to attend together. Scholarships monthly Shabbat experience with their WEEKLY PLAYGROUPS available. No one will be turned away for families. Mondays and Fridays, 10:30 am–noon financial reasons. Contact Allison Green, Infants to 4-year-olds 415.346.1720, x24, or [email protected]. SAVE THE DATE! Get your playgroup groove on with Confirmation, May 19 JAMaROO Kids at CSI—music, movement, BOOK CLUB On Shabbat morning, our 11th and 12th stories and playtime. All families and nan- Mondays, 7 pm graders will lead services, read Torah and nies welcome! On Fridays, noon–12:15 pm, welcome Shabbat with Cantor Frommer. Sept. 25: The Bridal Chair by Gloria Gold- affirm their intention to live their lives All classes are drop-in, no preregistration reich. Facilitator: Blanche Kahn Jewishly. Please join us. required. $12 cash; $14 with credit card. Oct. 23: Death by Pastrami by Leonard S. Information: jamarookids.com. Bernstein. Facilitator: Hilda Isaacson Early Childhood Nov. 27: Jewish Noir edited by Kenneth Wishnia. Facilitator: Adrienne Kristine Education SUPER SOCCER STARS Free demo class: Tuesday, Oct. 24 JEWISH COALITION FOR LITERACY TOT YONTIF Season 1: Sept. 5–Oct. 17 10:05–11:30 am FALL TRAINING Erev Rosh Hashanah Wednesday, Sept. 20, 5–6 pm Season 2: Oct. 31–Dec. 12 Tuesday, Oct. 10, 1–4 pm Kol Nidre, Friday, Sept. 29, 5–6 pm 10:05–11:30 am Jewish Community Federation High Holiday experiences specifically Kids 2 to 3 years old: 121 Steuart Street geared to very young children and their Sherith Israel tutors help eliminate Tuesdays, 10:05–10:45 am families. Free for members; $90 pass for childhood illiteracy one book and one both holidays for nonmembers. On Erev Kids 12 to 24 months old: child at a time. Find out more from our JCL Rosh Hashanah, enjoy a congregational Tuesdays, 10:50-11:30 am coordinator, Janet Parker, 415.282.1495, or dinner from 6–7:30 pm. See High Holiday Kids learn soccer skills in a fun, [email protected]. listings for details. noncompetitive, educational and team- building environment. Registration for HAMOTZI & CHICKEN SOUPERS TOT SUKKOT AND HAVDALAH Super Soccer Stars: 415.233.8277, or HaMotzi: Sundays, 9:30 am–12:30 pm IN CANTOR FROMMER’S SUKKAH la.supersoccerstars.com. Chicken Soupers: Sept. 10, Oct. 8, Saturday, Oct. 7, 4 pm Nov. 5, Dec. 3, noon–4 pm Join Rabbi Graf, Cantor Frommer and his HaMotzi volunteers prepare 100 meals for family to wave the lulav and etrog. For CSI two shelters in San Francisco each week. member families with children ages 5 and Schedule a tour Chicken Souper volunteers prepare meals under. Space is limited. of the Marin Day for clients of Jewish Family and Chil- School Jewish dren’s Services each month. Volunteers classrooms: are needed to shop, pick up donations, SHABBAT MISHPACHAH 415.775.2211 cook and deliver. Nancy Sheftel-Gomes, Saturday, Nov. 4, 10:30 am–noon 415.346.1720, x28, or nsgomes@sherithis- Mishpachah means family. Families with rael.org. children under five celebrate Shabbat with Cantor Frommer and Rabbi Graf in a creative, fun musical service. Grandparents and friends welcome! Kosher snacks provided.

9 CSICONGREGATION SHERITH ISRAEL people Taking the long view PROFILE: MICHAEL MILLER In 1970, a freshly minted CPA named of a gravesite or mausoleum niche in Years later, the cemetery board boosted Michael Miller arrived in San Fran- perpetuity, we keep our word.” its stake in the building to one-third. cisco, opened the Yellow Pages and When the property was sold in 2015, the Michael committed himself to that searched under “accountants” until he endowment was more than $9 million promise more than two decades ago. found a Jewish-sounding surname. He richer. Sherith Israel benefitted from the He recalls reading a newspaper article called the firm, asked for an interview real-estate sale after the cemetery board about a Jewish cemetery fallen into and got the job. gave $5 million to the synagogue’s seis- disrepair because there wasn’t enough mic retrofit campaign. In recent years, For more than 20 years, Michael has put money or willingness to maintain it. Mi- the cemetery board has also been one of that same persistence to work on behalf chael, who also served as a CSI board CSI’s largest donors, giving as much as of Sherith Israel. He epitomizes the syna- member, decided to join the cemetery $100,000 a year for operations. gogue’s care and concern for its congre- board to help ensure that Hills of Eter- gants in death as in life. As longtime trea- nity would be viable—if not for eternity, Michael’s involvement at CSI began surer of the independent volunteer board then at least far into a financially secure 35 years ago with the congregation’s that manages Hills of Eternity Memorial future. warm welcome to him, his wife Jane Park, our cemetery in Colma, Michael’s and their three children. Like many “The way the cemetery is today, that’s work continues to impact what has been families, the Millers came to Sherith Is- how we envision it 100 years from now,” the final resting place for the loved ones rael when their children were old enough Michael says. “It will be a place where, of Sherith Israel families since 1889. for religious school. Over the years, Mi- when you want to visit your loved ones chael has taken an active—sometimes Michael has helped keep Hills of Eter- who have passed away, you won’t be activist—role in the synagogue, dog- nity, which also provides Jewish buri- walking over potholes. It'll be a place gedly pursuing his goals to foster CSI’s als for other congregations, in solid fi- where you feel comfortable.” Adds CSI interests. nancial shape, thanks to a consistently board president Craig Etlin, “A disci- growing endowment. This is crucial be- plined person like Michael makes a huge Michael views the Hills of Eternity en- cause cemeteries are costly to maintain difference in how our cemetery will be dowment as a continuing project and a and eventually run out of space with no maintained.” lasting legacy. Reflecting on his fidu- new graves to be sold to generate rev- ciary stewardship, Michael says, “It’s The Hills of Eternity endowment rep- enue for operations and upkeep. At cur- my obligation to society and the Jewish resents a valuable financial, spiritual rent rates of demand, the 20 acres of population of San Francisco.” n and community asset. It was worth landscaped grounds will be full in about about $1.5 million in the late 1990s but 30 years. is much larger now thanks to a deci- Michael projects that the endowment sion of Michael’s that proved prescient will need to reach $40 million to pro- and enormously lucrative. A bit of back- vide enough investment income to ground: Uniquely for a synagogue, the cover maintenance and other operating cemetery endowment and cemetery costs. For the endowment to reach that board are both separate from CSI and its level from its current $12 million base, board of trustees. When the synagogue he targets a growth rate of five percent needed $800,000 to complete Newman annually from a blend of stocks and Hall two decades ago, it asked the bonds. Without a sufficient nest egg, cemetery board for a loan from the Michael explains, the cemetery risks not endowment. delivering on its promise to honor not Instead, the cemetery board only the graves but also the families, in agreed to purchase the congre- keeping with the Jewish values of k’vod gation’s one-quarter interest in hamayat—respect for the dead—and a commercial building at 5200 k’vod hechai—respect for the grieving. Geary Boulevard. That asset be- “We have an obligation,” Michael says. came part of the endowment. “When we say we’re going to take care

GO FIGURE: As an accountant, Michael Miller carefully handled royalties for Big Brother and the Holding Company—and has three gold records on his wall in thanks. He brings the same dedication to caring for CSI’s Hills of Eternity cemetery. 10 news nosh

he award for the coolest job in the nonprofits evaluate the effectiveness of interested to contact him at dfrommer@ Tcongregation goes to Norm Gold- their advocacy effortsCSI in Washington, sherithisrael.org… wyn, IT director for San Francisco’s D.C. and state capitals. Michael, who ews you can use: CSI president General Services Agency. Pretty much was bar mitzvah and confirmed at Sher- NCraig Etlin reports that his wife, everyone in San Francisco has seen his ith Israel, was formerly in the Office of formerly known as Leslie Gordon, has work. He’s the guy who lights up City White House Counsel under President changed her first name to Erin. As she Hall in everything from Warriors blue, Obama… said in a note to friends and acquain- Giants orange or 49er red, to rainbows SI past president and seismic tances, “On my birthday, I changed my for Pride Week and that amazing pink Cretrofit campaign co-chair David first name from Leslie to Erin. … I’ve during the Women’s March in January. Newman was in Sacramento on May 9 just never felt comfortable in my name.” Norm tells us that new controls for the for the Jewish Public Affairs Committee When you see her next time, remember lights on Coit Tower are coming soon. of California’s annual Advocacy Day. to say, hi Erin… Thanks Norm for brightening up our David, now a board member of JPAC city nights… ore news you can use: If you’re and San Francisco’s Jewish Community Mthinking about money (and who udos to Steve Wasserman, selected Relations Council, joined more than 100 isn’t), Ira Fateman writes the quarterly Kas an outstanding volunteer for his representatives of Jewish organizations "Money Matters" column in the J. In 2016 work with the Justice and Diver- from California who talked with mem- August, Ira’s column asked, “Does re- sity Center of the Bar Association of San bers of the State Senate and Assembly tirement planning change in the Trump Francisco (JDC). Steve regularly partici- about pending legislation on immigra- era?” A certified financial planner who pates in the JDC's drop-in legal clinics tion, childhood poverty and funding for runs SAS Financial Advisors in San for homeless San Franciscans. A busy security for nonprofits. “We got really Francisco, Ira addresses a variety of top- guy, Steve was also recognized by his positive reactions from the legislators ics concerning people planning for and law firm for his work on inclusion and and their aides,” notes David… in retirement. He’s often been voted the diversity. In addition, he tutors through SI in the news: Sherith Israel has City’s most popular financial advisor in the Jewish Coalition for Literacy… Cbeen in the press the past few the J poll... t is said that music soothes the savage months, and the news is all good. magine the News Nosher’s surprise at Ibeast. Taking to heart the idea that Completing construction on our seismic Ithe James Taylor-Bonnie Raitt concert art can beget peace, Jonathan Dim- retrofit earned a front-page story in the in July when Bonnie gave a birthday mock, CSI’s music director and organ- New Fillmore—with a nearly full-page shout-out to “Steve and Arlene.” It was ist, founded The Resonance Project, a photo by Lisa Erdberg. J.|The Jewish indeed our own Steve and Arlene cross-disciplinary program that uses News of Northern California also ran a Krieger, according to their daughter live music to set the stage for successful prominent story, including quotes from Valerie Jahan, who reported that the conflict resolution. The group provides CSI president Craig Etlin and a photo singer and Steve’s brother and sister- small ensembles to perform carefully by Maurice Kamins… in-law have kept in touch since college curated music midway through negotia- lso in the J, a story about new days when Bonnie dated Steve’s sister- tions or conferences. The addition of Amember and recent convert in-law’s brother. It gives new meaning music often changes the dynamic and Frances Bertetta notes that, at age 98, to all in the family. the course of a meeting, leading to com- she may be the oldest person to choose promise. What an amazing idea… uring our foggy summer our hearts Judaism. If you were at services on June Dare often warmed by the many ongrats to Lillian Mirviss, daughter 23 when we welcomed her, you know guests who visit Sherith Israel. Leslie Cof Diane Fellman and Alan Mir- how moving an event it was. Mazel tov and Mike, visiting from Vermont, viss. Lillian just graduated from UC and welcome, Frances… told Allison Green, "We thought Santa Barbara’s Bren School of Envi- he J’s online edition had a long fea- the highlight would be the stained ronmental Science and Management in ture about Cantor David Frommer’s glass windows and the sanctuary, but June with a master’s degree in environ- T monthly Musical Minyan. The article— actually it's the people!” n mental science and management. After quite correctly—describes Sherith Israel a brief sojourn to Greece, Turkey and as “San Francisco’s most beautiful By the News Nosher, aka Ellen Newman. Croatia, she's back in SF looking for synagogue sanctuary.” Cantor David work. Good luck on your job search! … Please send bits and bites of gossip to has gone public with what had been an [email protected]. Be sure to SI trustee Gale Gottlieb reports that experiment to find out if there was a put “News Nosh” in the subject line. Cher son Michael landed a new gig critical mass of congregants interested as president of Ballast Research, an or- in a Shabbat service based on the music ganization that helps corporations and of Shlomo Carlebach. He invites anyone 11 RETROFIT, from page 1 our efforts, the retrofit is about preserving a key piece of San Francisco’s Jewish past, present and future.” CSI board president Craig Etlin, who led the retrofit proj- ect for nearly two decades, put the completion of the work and the progress of the campaign into a larger context. “We are focusing on the future of Sherith Israel—how we grow our membership, increase member engagement and build on the strong foundation that we built over the generations,” he states. “Completing the retrofit and the campaign sends a powerful message to congregants and the rest of the com- munity that Sherith Israel is a congregation that can achieve what it sets out to do.” Craig notes a number of key initiatives already in process, including a social-action listening campaign around immi- gration issues, a search for our next executive director and a re-envisioning of our Religious School. SEISMIC RETROFIT — JOB WELL DONE: CSI president Craig “We have always known that the success of the seismic ret- Etlin and Ellen Schumm join Matt Burdette from Plant rofit campaign depended on the generosity of our members,” Construction Company and Terry Paret from Wiss Janney says David, “and we have not been disappointed. We expect Elstner to celebrate the completion of Sherith Israel’s seismic that same generosity to carry us to the end of the campaign and continue to sustain Sherith Israel for generations to retrofit construction. come.” n

Planning for the future TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE BRINGS CSI INTO 21ST CENTURY CSI board sets new animal policy We all know how hard it can be to keep technology capabilities. “With the com- NEW RULE ALLOWS up with changes in technology. For a pletion of the seismic retrofit, we have SERVICE ANIMALS congregation with 19th-century roots in the perfect opportunity to undertake a On June 20, Sherith Israel’s Board an early 20th-century building, the chal- parallel upgrade of the technology we of Trustees adopted an explicit new lenge is both profound and vital. That’s use here,” Alan notes. This includes a policy on dogs and other pets. It why the Sherith Israel Board of Trustees comprehensive look at how we approach welcomes service and emotional- created a new technology committee to hardware, infrastructure and security is- support animals but excludes review how we currently use technology sues, as well as communications, social and identify future challenges and op- media and our website. “In addition to others. The policy responded portunities. physical upgrades, we want to expand to congregant concerns about our Web presence.” Alan adds. “We will dogs that were noisy or overly Under the leadership of trustee Alan be working to enhance the informa- rambunctious. The board also Mirviss, the committee got started even tion served up on our web site and to received comments that dogs before its first official meeting last July, increase our presence on social media.” detracted from our synagogue recommending and helping implement environment. several critical upgrades to CSI’s tech Work will be coordinated with other infrastructure. This included switching committees, including communications, According to board president phone and internet service from AT&T to development, finance and membership, Craig Etlin, the goal is to make all Comcast. Upgrading our internet access to understand their needs and draw congregants feel “comfortable and from DSL to high-speed cable will enable upon their expertise. The tech commit- welcome.” He notes that “some us to provide Wi-Fi coverage throughout tee also serves as a resource to CSI’s people were not comfortable with our two buildings. The shift will also re- clergy and staff. dogs.” On the other hand, “we want duce our monthly bill by up to $600. In addition to Alan, the committee in- to accommodate service dogs that Reception for our assistive listening cludes trustee Amy Mains, interim ex- assist their owners.” headsets also has been improved. This ecutive director Nancy Sheftel-Gomes, The new policy allows for service makes services more accessible for hear- and congregants Zack Migdail, Jon animals to the extent provided by ing-impaired worshipers. And a new Keilson, Charley Stern and Ingo Lohr. federal and state law. firewall provides near-perfect uptime. Board vice-president Lindsay Braunig and representatives from the commu- The technology committee’s key work nications and development committees remains developing a roadmap to con- will also sit in. n tinually analyze and upgrade CSI’s

12 TIKKUN OLAM CORNER

Look for a listening campaign this fall SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE EXPLORES BECOMING A “SANCTUARY” CONGREGATION The Hashkiveinu prayer asks God to shelter us from all harm- ful things. Today, many people in the Bay Area need shelter from the risk of unjust deportation. Remembering our history as immigrants fleeing oppression and our values as Jews, Sher- ith Israel’s social action committee is focusing its considerable attention on immigration rights. A sanctuary, as all of us at Sherith Israel know, is a sacred space. But the word also means a haven, a place where people are protected or given shelter. In current usage, the definition of sanctuary has broadened to include the idea of a source of relief from hardship or danger. “We see a moral necessity for Sherith Israel to work with other congregations and communities to resist the social injustice of deportation that breaks so many families apart,” explains Stacy Passman, co-chair of the committee and member of the CSI VIGIL TO SUPPORT REFUGEES: Sherith Israel’s social action board of trustees. “This year our goal is to encourage the active committee joined a Jewish community vigil in June to support engagement of the congregation in this pressing and timely is- welcoming refugees and to commemorate the MS St. Louis, sue.” the ship carrying 900 Jewish refugees in 1939 that was denied With the goal of educating themselves to help CSI understand entry by the United States and other countries. The refugees what it entails to become a sanctuary congregation, committee members researched what other congregations, Jewish and not, were returned to Europe, where most perished in the have done. At the July social action meeting, members shared Holocaust. CSI-ers at the event included Ruth Auerbach and their results from studying three churches, two synagogues David Levin, Lisa Erdberg, Ellen Newman, Leslie Rabine, and two religious organizations, including the URJ’s Religious Action Center’s Immigrant Justice Campaign. Dan Schumm, and Bill and Shira Shore. Rabbi Julie Saxe- At the board’s July meeting, Stacy presented the group’s re- Taller spoke at the event. search and proposal, which includes an outreach and listening campaign this fall. As board president Craig Etlin explains, “After the listening and outreach campaign the board will de- Although Veronica was video-streamed from the ICE detention cide (1) to become a sanctuary congregation, (2) not to become center in Bakersfield, the judge in San Francisco had the court- a sanctuary congregation or (3) to put the matter up for a vote room camera turned to show her that many people from the of the congregation at the annual meeting next May.” community were present to support her. The judge noted the power and persuasive nature of enduring community support “We’re definitely not planning to house anyone at Sherith Is- in making her decision to release Veronica on her own recogni- rael,” comments Stacy. “We don’t have facilities to do that zance without having to post bond. here.” Instead, the social action committee is planning edu- cational events, informative speakers and training in how to “It was a morning of deep concern, emotion and then jubila- support immigrants’ rights. tion,” says Karen Alschuler, co-chair of the social action com- mittee. “It was a privilege to be there.” We look forward to Sherith Israel is also working closely with other congregations, Sherith Israel’s participation in more positive outcomes like Reform CA and interfaith partners like Faith In Action, the local Veronica’s. n affiliate of the national PICO community-organizing network, to support people during their often difficult legal proceed- The next social action meeting takes place September 18 ings. In late July CSI-ers Evelyn Manies, Bill Shore and Karen at 6 pm. Everyone is welcome. Alschuler joined about 60 others, many from congregations the committee consulted for its research, to “accompany” a woman named Veronica Zepeda at her detention hearing.

13 PASSAGES

A hearty mazel tov to each of our families May the memory of the celebrating the following simchas: righteous be for a blessing. BAR/BAT MITZVAHS CHOOSING JUDAISM Irving Jarkovsky, husband of Helen Nora Herndon-Lazerwith, daughter of Frances Bertetta Jarkovsky, father of Carol (Jerry) Smith Holly Herndon & Scott Lazerwith, Sept. 9 and Jill Jarkovsky, and stepfather of Ian Grossman, son of Charlotte Mosher & NEW BABIES Sandra Blair (Carol Cohen) and Stu Grossman, Sept. 16 Eyla Fridman, daughter of Ena Zheng Ronald Blair Fridman & Erad Fridman Noah Linder, son of Chris & Dan Linder, Muriel Leland Oct. 21 Bedford Johnson, son of Jami & Aaron Alana David, daughter of Tiffany Johnson Loewenberg & Todd David, Nov. 11 Judah Hiro Keilson, son of Rebecca Ella Greenspan Barrett, daughter of Felsenthal & Jonathan Keilson Louise Greenspan & Ben Barrett, Dec. 16 Lucia Juliet and Penelope Jane Benjamin Weissner, son of Shari & Weatherholtz, daughters of Rebecca & Jeffrey Weissner, Dec. 30 in Florida Kyle Weatherholtz and Jan. 6 at CSI Nathaniel Wunsh, son of Supriya Anne Milo Stern, son of Wendi Stern and Molina Wunsh & Mitchell Wunsh Michael Stern, Jan. 20 Addison Kelly Zier, daughter of Katie & Lucas Zier NEW MEMBERS Ilana Bareket & Avi Shertok CHESED COMMITTEE Ellen Benjamin The CSI Chesed Committee Janet Bensu coordinates support—rides, meals, Frances Bertetta visits—for congregants in times of Christy & Ben Blatteis need and joy. If you would like to help or need support, please let us Buuchau, Dimitry, Elijah and know. Ephraim Dukhovny Ann Landau [email protected] or [email protected]. DONATIONS

Todah rabbah — Thank you all for your generous support of Congregation Sherith Israel. Includes donations from April 1– July 31, 2017

ADULT EDUCATION FUND Barbara & Larry Graham in honor of Bradley, Teresa & Samantha Graham David & Ellen Newman in honor of Hilda Isaacson’s 90th birthday Bradley & Teresa Graham in memory of Elizabeth Gold Laura & Stephen Olson Diane Green Debra Greenblat CHICKEN SOUPERS/HAMOTZI FUND Marcia Gruskin in honor of Hilda Isaacson’s 90th birthday and Marilyn Allen in memory of my daughter, Michelle Allen, and Jackie Gural and in memory of Harriet Ross Dorothy Anixter Candace Heisler in memory of Stan Heisler Hal & Dorothy Auerbach in memory of Jack Lazarus, Thierry & Valerie Jahan Martin Lefkovits and Martha Greenfeld Nadine Koss in honor of the engagement of Eric Weiss & Lydia Bigelow The Kenneth S. Baron family in memory of Carl Zalkind and in memory of Mark Lazor Jim & Sam Blattner in memory of Jean Wade Blattner Ron & Lynn Laupheimer in honor of Hilda Isaacson’s 90th birthday Debra Brand Jennifer Light Al & Ardis Breslauer in memory of Bernard Feldman Alan Mirviss, Diane Fellman & family in memory of Carolyn Mirviss Anlee Brickman Jonathan Nemes Jane Cutler in memory of Beatrice & Emanuel Cutler Mary Ortega Nancy & Arnie Davis in memory of Esther Israel Pincus and Janet Parker & Chris Focht in honor of Hilda Isaacson’s 90th birthday Pauline Wiseman Davis David & Carolyn Perlstein John & Jobyna Dellar in honor of Ryan Elizabeth Macomber’s Roslyn Rhodes in honor of Hilda Isaacson’s 90th birthday bat mitzvah and in memory of Martin Lefkovits Susan Romer & Donald Ungar in memory of Harold Romer Ivy Devlin Agnes Rothblatt in memory of George Olah Jack & Rose Gansky in honor of Stuart & Karen Gansky Steven & Sharon Wasserman in memory of Cynthia Kronish and Mimi Gauss in honor of Hilda Isaacson’s 90th birthday Sydney Kronish Marco Goldberg Rabbi Martin & Karen Weiner in memory of Joseph Kricsfeld and August L. Gomes Joseph Spindel 14 Helaine Weinstein & Maurice Kamins in honor of Hilda Isaacson’s RABBI WEINER’S EDUCATION FUND 90th birthday Anonymous Karen Zelmar Michael & Suzan Baram in honor of Rabbi Martin Weiner Tengiz Iosebashvili in memory of Larisa Iosebashvili EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Audrey & Bob Sockolov in memory of William Moskovitz Diane B. & Robert M. Neuhaus in memory of Irving Benjamin Rabbi Martin & Karen Weiner in memory of Benjamin Weiner MITZVAH FUND Stephen Weiner & Norm Dito in memory of Benjamin Weiner Shoshana Chana Asher in memory of Shike Rothblatt RABBI ZIMMERMAN GRAF’S DISCRETIONARY FUND Jeremy Atwood & Robin Melnick Karen & William Alschuler in memory of Morris Brecher Hal & Dorothy Auerbach in memory of Jack, Zelda & Jeremy & Jenny Benjamin in honor of Sylvia’s bat mitzvah Robert Joseph Auerbach Jane & David Blatteis in memory of Charlotte M. Blatteis Sofya Barbalat in memory of Alex Barbalat Jeffrey & Nicole Fessel in memory of Alma Fessel Ian Berke in memory of Solomon Berke Mimi & Art Gauss in memory of Anne Stern Vera & Felix Braynin in memory of Boris & Eugene Borokhovich Helen Jarkovsky in honor of Rabbi Graf Judith Coren in memory of Nathan & Rose Spindel Arlene & Steve Krieger in memory of Clarence Krieger Nancy Pincus Davis in memory of Max Pincus Lynn & Paul Sedway in honor of the birthdays of Hilda Isaacson and Arthur & Marilee Fenn in memory of Audrey Misrack and Doris Fenn Ruth Reznikoff David & Marcia Glassel in memory of George & Selma Glassel Jay & Elli Shukert Alan, Sheila & Aimee Gordon in honor of Craig Etlin becoming president Rebecca & Kyle Weatherholtz of Congregation Sherith Israel Alan & Monica Zimmerman in memory of Arthur B. Zimmerman Deborah & Edmund Green in memory of Philip & Frances Green Diane Green in memory of Philip & Frances Green RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND Hills of Eternity Jeremy & Jenny Benjamin Alexander Kagan in memory of Samuil & Sarah Kagan and The Covenant Foundation Yakov Zabryanskiy Marilyn Dunn in honor of Abraham Baldonado Jonathan Keilson & Rebecca Felsenthal in honor of Judah Hiro Keilson Judi Gitin Elman in memory of Rebbetzin Rosalie Gitin Nadine Koss in memory of Roy L. Koss Ellen Garber & Glenn Hunt in memory of Anna Bret Hunt Garber Lyubov & Boris Kravets in memory of Sofia Zeltser Agnes Rothblatt in memory of Isaiah (Shike) Rothblatt Frank Mainzer & Lonnie Zwerin SEISMIC RETROFIT CAMPAIGN Fred Nervo in memory of Anna Constance Nervo Patricia Axelrod in memory of Helen E. Hoffman Gerry & Judy Pelzner in honor of Ruth Reznikoff’s 100th birthday Ellen & Jon Benjamin in honor of David Newman’s retirement Rabbi Larry & Terrie Raphael in memory of Jake & Ben Wine and Frances Bertetta Jack Sladnick Bruce Fisher & Marlene Litvak Ruth & Richard Rozen in memory of Jesse Frank and Daniel Rozen Steven Greenwald & Rochelle Alpert in celebration of the completion Sima Shandrovskaya in memory of Alexandr Shandrovskiy of the seismic retrofit and in thanks for Craig Etlin and his team in Bill & Shira Shore in memory of Selma G. Shore this great accomplishment Roberta Silverstein & Stephen Sperber in memory of Arthur Silverstein Mr. James Gundy Roz & Greg Tolson in memory of Linda Tolson Van & Jeri Hart in honor of David Newman’s retirement Betsy Wolkin in memory of Joshua Wolkin Denise & Erik Migdail Mitchell & Supriya Wunsh in memory of Barbara & Dr. Peter Wunsh and Michael & Jane Miller in honor of Nathaniel Peter Wunsh Alan Mirviss & Diane Fellman Svetlana Zbarakh in memory of Fanya Medvedovskaya Denise Sobel MUSIC FUND Charley Stern in memory of Marjorie H. Stern Barbara Austin in memory of Mickey Austin Rachel Stern in memory of Marjorie H. Stern Jeremy & Jenny Benjamin Dan & Cindy Thomas Jane & David Blatteis in memory of Charlotte M. Blatteis Stephen Weiner & Norm Dito in honor of Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller Nancy Davis in memory of Sarah Krakow Newstadt Lucas & Katie Zier Jerry & Sally Flanzer in honor of Howard Wexler’s honor as a SOCIAL ACTION FUND Ner Tamid, a dedicated light to the congregation Ira Fateman & JoBeth Walt in honor of Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller Barbara Hymson Frommer and her service to our synagogue Ellen Garber in memory of Mercia Garber Janet Parker & Chris Focht in honor of Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller Marcia Gruskin in memory of Harriet B. Ross Helen Jarkovsky in honor of Cantor Frommer RABBI SAXE-TALLER’S SHABBAT CELEBRATION Alan Mirviss, Diane Fellman and family in memory of Jean Fellman William & Karen Alschuler and Marvin Mirviss Warren & Lindsay Braunig Nancy Sheftel-Gomes & August Gomes in honor of Hilda Isaacson’s Dan Dohan & Phaedra Bell 90th birthday Craig Etlin & Erin Gordon Lynn & Paul Sedway in honor of the birthdays of Hilda Isaacson and Michael & Valerie Flaherman Ruth Reznikoff Michael Gaines & Betsy Wolkin Gale Gottlieb ONEG FUND Daniel Himelstein & Cecelia Kaufman Frances Bertetta Jerry Hurwitz & Susan Borkin Aaron & Jami Johnson Thierry & Valerie Jahan Agnes Rothblatt Daniel LaPushin & Stacy Passman Bill Shore in honor of Shira Shore’s birthday Julie Lekach House & Stanley Lekach RABBI RAPHAEL’S DISCRETIONARY FUND Joan Libman & Jim Coughlin Tasia Melvin Bartell in memory of Nathan Revel Dan & Christine Linder Helen & Leon Luey RABBI SAXE-TALLER’S DISCRETIONARY FUND Denise & Erik Migdail Karen Alschuler in memory of Anita Brecher Alan Mirviss & Diane Fellman Nancy Davis in honor of Rabbi Julie’s years of service to CSI David & Lida Morgenstein Edmund & Deborah Green in honor of Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller Jesse Ratner & Teresa Brown Hilda Isaacson in memory of Jack H. Lazarus Lynn & Paul Sedway Judith Levy in memory of Al Levy Karen Zelmar

15 2266 California Street • San Francisco, CA 94115 415.346.1720 • www.sherithisrael.org Member of the Union for Reform Judaism since 1903

(Re)Turn An Inspiring S'lichot Experience SATURDAY, SEPT. 16 7:30 pm: Light refreshments 8 pm: Service with special guests Josh Nelson and Rabbi Lisa Tzur Prepare for the upcoming Days of Awe during a powerful, contemporary S’lichot experience: JOSH NELSON — Join with Rabbi Graf and Cantor Frommer — Sing with guests Josh Nelson, celebrated Jewish musician, and Rabbi Lisa Tzur, songwriter and founder of Positive Jewish Living — Enjoy compelling music, visual media, prayer and the spoken word Make the High Holidays more meaningful than ever. RABBI LISA TZUR bring your heart bring your voice begin again