Shir Notes The Official Newsletter of Congregation Shir Ami Volume 17, Number 9, October 2019. Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative

Rabbi’s Column

Events of the Month October is bursting with Jewish Holidays: not only Rosh Hashanah and , but , Hoshana Rabba,

High Holy Day services at Shimini Atzeret, and Simchat . de Toledo High School The following month, November, has none. Except, of course, for Shabbatot. Sunday, September 29 - 8:00 pm Erev Rosh Hashanah But one could wonder about who did the scheduling here. Why overload one Monday, September 30 - 9:00 am month and neglect the next? In the Jewish calendar, the Hebrew month after 1st Day Rosh Hashanah Tishrei and its panoply of holidays is Heshvan. And because it is so devoid of Tuesday, October 1 - 10:00 am sacred days, some refer to it as MarHeshvan, meaning “bitter Heshvan.” 2nd Day Rosh Hashanah Tuesday, October 8 - 6:45 pm Is there a wisdom in how the Jewish calendar was set up? (And I understand the blasphemous nature of the question.) Wednesday, October 9 - 10:00 am

Yom Kippur When we think of American holidays, I don’t think there was a master plan by

our founders as our holiday calendar was set. Most of our holidays relate to services at events that occurred that are subsequently memorialized or celebrated–4th de Toledo High School of July, Memorial Day, Pearl Harbor Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, etc. Saturday, October 12 10:30 am They were incorporated into our calendar over many years. Birthday Shabbat Saturday, October 26 10:30 am But the Biblical holidays (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Pesach, and Anniversary Shabbat Shavuot) were all set in advance. So it is fair to ask the question–is there a ------Sukkot Party at the Vorspans’ rhyme or reason for the location of the holidays? Thursday, Oct.. 17 at 7:30 pm 22320 Philiprimm Woodland Hills As we formulate an answer, we first must realize that the holidays aren’t really scattered so haphazardly. Three of the holidays are related to the Rabbi and Bonnie Vorspan issue cycles of nature and the harvest seasons. this annual invitation to all our members to shake the and And Rosh Hashanah (actually one of at least 4 New Years mentioned in the enjoy Bonnie’s desserts and the ) itself begins the year for counting years (and not months–it is, in Vorspan’s hospitality. See page 6 fact, the 7th month of the calendar) and occurs at the emotional beginning of and flyer . the year (when summer ends and fall begins). And Yom Kippur, ten days ------Torah and Shabbat Study after Rosh Hashanah, is related to the date when Moses descended from Mt. Sinai with the second set of 10 Commandments. Saturday, Oct. 19, 10:30 am de Toledo High School And, it should be pointed out, while there is one Hebrew month without a

Stan Schroeder leads our monthly holiday, the other 11 do have significant holidays, including those study and discussion session. This established since the creation of the State of Israel. will be our annual session at the de Toledo . See page 6 and Our task, then, isn’t to bemoan the compact nature of the High Holy flyer. Day/Sukkot Season holidays, but to celebrate the opportunity to bring so ------much joy and variation into our lives! We need to remember the significance Around the Rabbi’s Tisch of each holiday and invest our time and energy into embracing the sacred Thursdays, Oct. 24 and 31; moments each provide us. 7:30 pm at the Vorspans’ Happy Fall Season! Rabbi David Vorspan We begin our 5780 season of Rabbi’s popular weekly discussions around his dining room table. Call Visit our website: Rabbi at (818) 888-9817 or see page 6 and flyer . www.shirami.com page 2 October 2019 President’s Report Program Committee Shalom and Shanah Tovah, Summer heat is slowing down and we started We are now starting our sixth year at September with a wonderful BBQ & BARCHU. deToledo High School and we are ready to go with Dinner and services under the stars in Gladys' our sixth High Holy Day Services at the school. We backyard made everything divine. See pictures below. are looking forward to seeing everyone at our High Holiday Services and if you weren’t at the recital in Now, we look to the fall where our second event will September, we hope you are all looking forward to feature Ed Schackman and his renowned participating in our service with our new Cantorial Barbershop Quartet, "The Wafflers". Soloist, Ayana Haviv. As always, the dates and times of all the services are listed on your tickets as They will provide a delightful musical program at de well as the Shir Notes. Toledo High School on SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24 at 3:00 -4:00 in Rita's Room. See flyer in this issue. As the New Year begins, we have already started our cycle of twice a month Shabbat Services and This should be one of the most amazing our monthly Shabbat/Torah Study session, After presentations yet. Coffee and cookies will be served. Sukkot we will begin our first “semester” of our adult Please rsvp to Sima or Gladys. $15 per person study program, “Around the Rabbi’s Tisch (and on admission. the Rebbitzen’s chairs).” So, we’re all ready to go. All we need is you. Looking forward to seeing you there!

We have an exciting year of programs, Social Action Sima (818) 774-1951 Gladys (818) 222-4694 projects and empty SOVA barrels that cannot be Looking ahead: Sunday March 8, 2020 for allowed to stay in that condition. This year, we will BREAKFAST WITH RABBI. 10:30-12;30 in Rita's be trying to “amp up” our membership as we have Room. Bagels and Lox complete breakfast. placed membership ads along with our usual ticket ads. If you know anyone whose life can be made sweeter by being a member of Congregation Shir Ami, bring them by for a look see.

Let’s make this year our best and sweetest ever.

As always, if you have any questions or want to provide your input, please feel free to email me at [email protected].

Shalom and Shanah Tovah,. Jordan Pistol, President

5780 High Holy Day Services

We welcome all to our High Holy Day services at de Toledo High School. See the flyer for the complete schedule. We have the lowest prices in the Valley.

Adult $125 Senior (60+) $100 Child (<12) $50 Family member $100 Family member (child) $36

Call Ellen Fremed at (818) 886-8853 for more page 3 October 2019

Birthdays & Anniversaries DONATIONS Congregation Shir Ami wishes to Birthdays acknowledge the following donations: $ Paula Loomis...... 10/11 Yahrzeits Clara Rosenbluth...... 10/15 Fran Friedman for Phyllis Saelman, Lillian Feldman, and Robin Burman...... 10/20 Muriel Latta Peg Kovar...... 10/21 Rae and Armand Wazana for Bella Ruth Kroop Paul Soifer...... 10/22 Gloria Weinstein...... 10/22 Birthdays Fran Kobulnick...... 10/26 Ann Potell...... 10/30 Rabbi and Bonnie Vorspan on behalf of Alisha Sela (42), Evan Vorspan (10), and Judah Vorspan (7) Anniversaries

Anniversaries 10/18 32nd Phyllis and Stan Schroeder...... Irwin and Carol Koransky (52) Robin and Alan Burman...... 10/26 39th

Our Condolences Congregation Shir Ami Tribute Cards We regret to inform the congre- gational family of the passing of Thanks to Phyllis Schroeder for Dr. Edward Kazel, former husband sending your cards celebrating of Charlene Kazel. simchas and conveying your get- well and condolence messages. May God comfort Charlene, daughters Debbie Sipos and Jodi Halem, and their families at this time She is creative with individualized, of their bereavement. artistic cards that include a message and color graphics. Call her at (818) 718-7466. Minimum donation of $5 per card is appreciated.

Congregational News

Get well wishes rafuah schleimah to:

Fran Kobulnick Sheilah Hart Paullette Pistol Fran Friedman Ed Schackman Pat Michaelson Ethyl Granik Rae Wazana

May they be blessed with a complete recovery in body and spirit. page 4 October 2019

Social Action Committee Remember that we need sample toothbrushes and

Shanah tova! Special wishes from our Committee toothpaste from your dentist. Ask him/her to donate and our families to you and your families. May good these items and give Leon or me your dentist’s business health, happiness, joy, and inner peace be part of cards so that we can write them a thank-you letter they our everyday life and may we all continue to do many can use for tax purposes. Please send in your Mitzvah mitzvot together! Day flyer with your check made out to Congregation Shir Ami as soon as possible. Your donations will insure a Thanks to our Congregation and their successful Mitzvah Day once again. families who are bringing food for our SOVA High Holy Days food drive. The SOVA Thank you in advance for your continued support of our barrels are available in the lobby at all services and Committee’s mitzvah projects. We could not be as events for your convenience. See SOVA flyer for successful without your emotional, physical, and their High Holy Days needs. Please continue to bring financial support. Please come and join us all year food to services and events. You can also bring your round. food donations to SOVA or mail your check to SOVA, 16439 Vanowen St., Van Nuys, CA 91406. Please let them know that you are from Congregation Shir Jewish World Watch Ami. by Rae Wazana, our JWW Representarive

Mitzvah Day is Sunday, November 24 at Jewish World Watch (JWW) is proud to 10:00 am and we will again be using the report two major accomplishments in its Social Hall at Temple Judea. Leon Nach- advocacy work related to the Uyghur enberg is our Mitzvah Day chair person, human rights crisis, which we have and he has arranged a very full program. deemed a cultural genocide and potential mass atrocity In addition to our traditional School-on-Wheels situation. On the evening of September 11th, the United backpack program, we are introducing a new project. States Senate passed the Uyghur Human Rights Policy We all know homelessness has become a major Act (S. 178). This vital piece of legislation is to help problem in Los Angeles and throughout our country. promote greater understanding of and accountability for Many organizations are doing what they can to help the Chinese government’s multidimensional and house and feed this desperate group of people. escalating persecution of the Uyghurs. This unanimous approval of the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act by the We have been in touch with people U.S. Senate marks the first passage of ANY legislation at the “Hope of the Valley” rescue by ANY nation in response to the human rights abuses mission. One of Hope of the being perpetrated by Beijing against ethnic Uyghurs in Valley’s ways it assists the northwest China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region( homeless and needy is to provide XUAR),called East Turkestan by the Uyghurs. This hot-lunch meals to over 200 important milestone is welcomed by JWW in raising homeless people five days a week, every week. For awareness of the potential atrocities and showing the many who receive these meals, it is the only food Chinese government there will be consequences for its they have that day. Several organizations, including widespread and systematic human rights abuses and Temple Judea, make “lunch bags” to be handed out probable crimes against humanity. to these people when they show up for their free Hope of the Valley lunch. Most of the homeless If also passed by the House and signed by the people keep this bag of food for their dinner that President, the bipartisan Uyghur Human Rights Policy night. Act would appoint a special State Department

So, for our second Mitzvah Day project we are coordinator on the XUAR and require regular reports on getting Congregation Shir Ami involved in helping the region’s internment camps, surveillance network, and Hope of the Valley feed those poor, hungry souls by security threats posed by the ongoing crackdown on the Uyghur people. assembling 100 (maybe more) “lunch bags” on Mitzvah Day. Our lunch bags will be filled with a (continued on page 7) sandwich (maybe 2) (which we will make on Mitzvah Day with your help), a piece of fruit, a bag of chips, and some other goodies we are still considering.

We expect to have guest speakers from both organizations. page 5 October 2019 Biography of the Month - Itzhak Perlman “When I was a kid growing up in Israel, on Saturdays I by Stan Schroeder always listened to the chazzonish (cantorial) radio programs. That was my Jewish comfort music.”

Itzhak Perlman was born Perlman had heard Helfgot sing a year earlier and was in Tel Aviv August 31, stirred by his voice. When he presented the idea of a 1945, then British Mandate joint performance to the cantor, Helfgot replied, “Why of Palestine, now Israel. His not?” Helfgot, alternately dubbed the “Jewish Domingo” parents, Chaim and or the “Jewish Pavarotti” is, like Perlman, a Tel Aviv Shoshana Perlman, were natives of Poland and had native and former child prodigy. He is chief cantor at independently immigrated to Palestine in the mid- New York’s Park East Synagogue and in 2006 1930s before they met and lmarried. presented the first cantorial solo concert in the then Perlman first became interested in the violin after 123-year history of the New York Metropolitan Opera. hearing a classical music performance on the radio. At the age of three, he was denied admission to the In his teens, Perlman helped support his family by Shulamit Conservatory for being too small to hold a entertaining at fundraising dinners for the United violin. He instead taught himself how to play the Jewish Appeal, Zionist Organization of America and instrument using a toy fiddle until he was old enough Israel Bonds. to study with Rivka Goldgart at the Shulamit Critics frequently comment on his rapport with Conservatory and at the Academy of Music in Tel audiences and unfailing enthusiasm. Perlman Aviv, where he gave his first recital at age 10. He explained that “I am constantly stimulated and amazed moved to the United States to study at the Juilliard by the music and the different ways of interpreting it. School at age 13. He had contracted polio at age The work keeps me young.” four. He made a good recovery, learning to walk with crutches. He now uses crutches or an electric Amigo He also keeps switching roles. Sixty-five at the time of scooter for mobility and plays the violin while seated. the interview, he tripled as violinist, conductor and teacher, giving one-on-one lessons to some 15 Perlman appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show twice in students at The Juilliard School in New York. He 1958, and again in 1964, on the same show with the estimated that he spends half of his year on the road, Rolling Stones. He made his debut at Carnegie Hall playing in different cities and countries. He enjoys the in 1963. Soon afterward, he began to tour widely. In performances but hates the traveling. addition to an extensive recording and performance career; he has continued to make guest Perlman descibes himself as a “traditional Jew,” who appearances on American television shows such as keeps a kosher home, won’t perform on Friday nights, The Tonight Show and Sesame Street as well as and, as the father of five and grandfather of nine, playing at a number of functions at the White House. usually has some 12 family members around the New York City Shabbat dinner table. My wife Phyllis and I (and 1700 others in the capacity audience) attended the opening of The Soraya Itzhak Perlman was honored with the prestigious Performing Arts Center at CSUN 2019-2020 season Genesis Prize in 2016. The annual one million dollar September 19 at which Perlman and pianist Rohan award celebrates Jewish talent and achievement by de Silva performed three scheduled sonatas for honoring individuals for their professional accomplish- violin and piano and several short selections ments, commitment to Jewish values, and contribution afterward. During this latter period he introduced to improving the world. That year the Foundation and each number and related why he selected it. The the Jewish Funders Network launched “Breaking highlight was John Williams’ Academy Award Barriers”, a matching grant program in honor of winning theme from Schindler’s List. His passion and Perlman. The initiative promotes the inclusion of people wit were apparent in these introductions. with disabilities in all aspects of Jewish communal life, echoing Perlman’s lifelong dedication to breaking In a 2011 interview with the Jerusalem Post, Perlman barriers and creating a fully inclusive society for people discussed an upcoming tour of The Soul of Jewish of all abilities. Music with famed Cantor Yitzchot Meir Helfgot, a klezmer band, and an orchestra that debuted in Los In lieu of accepting the prize money, Perlman asked Angeles that April 10. About his collaboration with that the funds be used to promote inclusion and Helfgot, he noted, “I’m not exactly a stranger to breaking barriers in both North America and Israel. playing the violin along some of the world’s great voices, but I’ve never done it in a Jewish context.”

page 6 October 2019

Ritual Committee refreshments, see how the Vorspans have decorated their sukkah this year, and meet your old and make We obtained a preview of the voice and spirit of Ayana new Shir Ami friends. Haviv, our Cantorial Soloist for the High Holy Days Sunday afternoon, September 15, when she sang for Continuing the Sukkot celebration, our monthly us in de Toledo Rita’s Room. Ayana was born in Israel Shabbat Torah study will be Saturday, October 19, and moved to the US at the age of four. The program 10:30 am in the de Toledo sukkah. We will study the included selections representing various musical Sukkot holiday and upcoming holidays of Shemini influences from different periods of Ayana’s life, Atzeret and . You may bring a dairy including Israeli folk songs, musical theater, opera, lunch as we’ll eat in the sukkah after the study.

Yiddish and Ladino folk songs, and Jewish sacred And following these holidays, we start Around the music. Ayana was accompanied on the keyboard by Rabbi’s Tisch, our popular Shir Ami educational series Temple Judea music director Tali Tadmor, 5780 season October 24, 7:30 pm. Come join us for

Ayana is a professional singer with LA Master Chorale our weekly Thursday evening discussion of Rabbi and the chorus at LA Opera, and has sung with pop Vorspan’s selected topics of Jewish interest. We and klezmer bands. She has also been heard as the discuss Jewish texts and current events as they relate voice in over 100 movies and television shows. She to Jewish values and our lives as . This is a has also sung at Sinai Temple and been the Cantorial unique opportunity to learn and share in an informal Soloist at Bayit Shelanu, a High Holidays service for format around the Vorspans’ dining room table. unaffiliated Jews. Based on Ayana’s beautiful voice, All these events are described in the flyer in this enthusiasm, and energy that afternoon, we are in for an issue. inspiring musical service to bring in 5780.

When you have the chance, please thank our many Shana Tova, volunteer receptionists, ushers, those who set up and Stan Schroeder serve our Erev Rosh Hashanah Oneg and post-Yom Ritual VP Kippur break-the-fast juice, and those who set up our sanctuary and put items away after the services.

After the High Holy Days we move right in to our Sukkot activities and Around the Rabbi’s Tisch season. As we do each year, we begin our Sukkot celebration with the Vorspan Neighborhood Sukkah party in their sukkah. The date is Thursday, October 17, 7:30 pm. It is our opportunity to shake the lulav and , enjoy Bonnie’s page 7 October 2019

Happy High Holy Days Jewish World Watch (continued) by Lou Loomis by Rae Wazana

Now, the legislation must make its way through the It’s Fall! The days are cooling down a bit House of Representatives and be signed into and the nights are starting to get chilly. law. There is already a House companion bill in Yay, Southern California! And Fall is existence (H.R. 649) which has already garnered 100 also the time we Jews come out of our cosponsors! There is also another related bill, the air conditioned lives to celebrate and fast during the UGHYUR Act( H.R. 1025), introduced by local High Holy Days. It’s a time for reflection, revoking, and Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA-30), which renewing our vows. It’s a wonder- includes even more robust accountability measures ful time of year and also shows such as targeted sanctions, sourcing restrictions, and us how really fragile we are. export controls related to the surveillance technology

being wielded by Beijing. Paula and I were home from a wonderful vacation for only a few days when we This past week’s legislative victory comes on the learned of a relative who had received a dire health heels of JWW’s first rally on behalf of the Uyghurs, diagnosis. We were shocked, of course. We wanted to which took place at the Federal Building on Sunday, know how long this person had to live (he is in his late September 8th. Almost 100 activists came out to 50’s) and what could we do. Over the course of a stand in solidarity with the Uyghurs of China, couple of days we learned that the prognosis was not including many Uyghur diaspora members living in as dire as we had first heard (whew!) but he will need the Los Angeles area. extensive treatments that may stretch into years. But ‘years’ means that there is a possibility of years to live These local Uyghur diaspora residents have been and maybe even a full remission. In short, there is unable to reach even their closest of kin in China for hope. years. The JWW rally was organized to raise awareness of probable atrocities that are occurring a The reality of our frailty is hard to understand; hard to world away. JWW stands in solidarity with local grasp. There are so many things we’d like to do, so communities directly impacted by human rights much to experience, and yet…we’re frail. abuses. Mass atrocities and genocide reverberate throughout the whole world; their effects cannot be But, as Jews, we’re blessed with a new year and a contained. That’s the essential work of Jewish World new start. We can renew our hope for a long life, good Watch: to ring the alarm, educate, and provide vital friends, and the well-being of our families. And let’s not support WHENEVER a situation rises to the level of forget a little bit of prosperity to ease our situations. a mass atrocity or genocide ANYWHERE in the world.

We’re fortunate that we can meet Congregation Shir Ami is supporting the JWW Walk with our fellow Jews and all pray to End Genocide to be held in the Conejo Valley on together in a powerful group, Sunday, April 19th, 2020. Thank you for your support again this year, and renew our and help in NOT STANDING IDLY BY! hopes and calm our fears. We’re not alone. Each of us as individ- uals has the same ultimate fate, but how we get there, well, that’s what being Jewish is all about. The prayer services and Holy Day celebrations this Fall can help us all to make it through some difficult times this coming year. If we have to cope with difficulties (what other choice do we have?) at least let’s do it together as Jews, a worldwide family, adept at coping.

I wish everyone a happy 5780. May our hopes and prayers be realized.

page 8 October 2019 Sukkot: The

We should be reminded on this holiday To use our body in a divine way. To be mindful of the biblical laws In the sukkah, we are told to dwell, And minimize our human flaws. Meaning to eat and sleep, as well. A festive meal that starts with wine, Four species also for four kinds of Jews Tasty dishes upon which to dine. Each with differing religious views. Some know Torah, they study our sages. We bless the bread before our meal Gaining wisdom from the pages. And express the joy together we feel. We note how fragile are worldly things, Others perform mitzvot – to do a good deed From the Almighty eternal hope springs. Is the object of the life that they lead. The third kind does both of the above; The roof of the sukkah opens to the sky, They live Judaism with much love. A full moon shines that money can’t buy. Four species of plants.to make us aware The fourth does neither, but still they are Jews. Of our closeness to nature everywhere. Regardless of the life style they choose. We must recognize the good in all four, The etrog is a yellow citrus fruit; For all are our people, forever more. The date palm has widely spread roots. Myrtle has lovely summer flowers, It is our task to treat each other with love – Willow to wile away springtime hours. To show respect for the hawk and the dove. On this Sukkot I make such a vow And pray for the guidance to show me how. In one analogy each represents a body part: The etrog fruit being the human heart. The long straight palm is the spine; We can sense a grand design.

The myrtle leaf, small and oval, is the eye – Used to see and sometimes cry. The mouth is the long oval willow leaf – Too often used causing others grief.

Legend (the species are specified in Leviticus 23:40) etrog - the fruit of a citron tree lulav - a ripe, green, closed frond from a date palm tree hadass - boughs with leaves from the myrtle tree - branches with leaves from a willow tree

The lulav we wave is a bound set of a lulav, a hadass, and an aravah. page 9 October 2019

TREE OF LIFE Congregation Shir Ami Memorial Board

This beautiful Tree of If you would like to Life, with leaves priced honor the memory of at $100 and rocks at your loved ones by $250 (one remaining), dedicating plaques makes a perfect way on our new Memorial to celebrate family occasions and support Board, please call Helga Unkeless at Congregation Shir Ami. (818) 340-5751 so she may mail you an order form. The cost of each plaque is $36. The Tree is on a rosewood background and consists of gold-colored leaves and Each plaque may contain up to three lines of rocks. It is displayed at all Congregation engraving: English name, , and Shir Ami services and events. the years of birth and death. Both of our Memorial Boards are displayed at all our For more information or to place an order, services. call Helga Unkeless at (818) 340-5751.

THE LIGHT OF TORAH - SIMCHAT TORAH 5780 by Stan Schroeder

As we start a new cycle of reading, There are many ways for you to repent; I reflect on the year preceding. It’s your actions that count, not your intent. Did I learn from the wisdom of our sages It is very important to follow My Laws. As we rolled the scroll or turned the pages? To spread the Light of Torah is a worthy cause.

Did the stories refresh my soul BeMidbar: God spoke to Moses in the Sinai; Or did familiarity take its toll? Take a census by age, he didn’t ask why. Did I look beneath the outer layers This became the first list to be used for a draft. To understand these mythic players? From men over twenty the army was staffed.

Bereshit starts “in the beginning”, Take also the names of Levites for Me. And we start in the beginning. They will serve that you become holy. We are told two stories of God’s creation We learn that, if needed, we must be ready to fight, So we know there are two sides to every equation. Fulfilling our mission to spread Torah’s Light.

Two ways to look at every story, Devarim: These are the words, Moses did cry, One as narrative, one allegory. God increased Israel’s numbers as the stars in the sky. The first we filter through ancient seasons; Then Moses recalled how he had sent out spies. The second requires experience and reasons. The Canaanites appeared as giants in their eyes.

Shemot: These are the names (of sons). We didn’t understand the power of the Divine As their descendants we are the ones. Inherent in us so that Torah can shine. We left Mitzrayim in search of the Promised Land. Devarim, the words we use in deed and in prayer, The Promise is here at the place where we stand. The key to spreading the Light everywhere.

The story of Moses, a basket of reeds; We’ve completely rolled the Torah scroll, For Judaism Moses sewed the seeds. But our Promised Land is still not whole. In his time the Torah was given to light our way, Tikkun Olam remains as our unfinished task; And we are its guardians to the present day. The Torah contains the questions we must ask.

VaYikra: God called to Moses from the Tent. This coming year as we read the stories anew, To pass on My Laws you have been sent. Let us learn from Torah, eternally true. There are many laws to use to guide your behavior. Rather than confusing wisdom with fact, You are judged by your deeds, there is no Savior May Light of Torah guide the way that we act. page 10 October 2019

Shop at Ralphs - Earn Money for Shir Ami You can do a search for Congregation Shir Ami by Maralyn Soifer by putting in the number 92785. Our congrega- tion will pop up and click on the button next to Here is an easy way to earn the name. Click on the button that saves the money for our Temple. We changes. are now officially a Ralphs’ community agency. All 5. You should also check the bottom of your you have to do is follow these simple instructions to receipt when you shop. It should say “At your help earn money for Congregation Shir Ami. request, Ralph’s is donating to

1. If you don’t have a Ralph’s rewards card already, CONGREGATION SHIR AMI”. go to the store or go to website www.ralphs.com 6. If all else fails, call me in the evening at (818) and select Order a Ralphs reward card. 704-0306. I’ll be happy to walk you through it. 7. Start Shopping! 2. Once you have your card, go to the website: www.ralphs.com and select Create an account Make sure that the clerk swipes your card each 3. If you have an account, your email address is your time you shop. Verify that your receipt shows a account ID. If you forgot your password, select contribution to Congregation Shir Ami at the Forgot your password? and you will receive an bottom. email with instructions to reset it. Follow the instructions to enter your email address and Important Note: All participants must confirm create a new password. their selection annually starting in September. 4. If you already have a Ralph’s reward card and an On or after September 1, sign into your account account, you will see Account Summary when you and reconfirm Community Rewards selection.

login. You can change to our Temple by clicking

on Edit within Community Rewards.

91365 CA Hills, Woodland

6353 Box P.O.

Ami Shir Congregation Thursday October 17, 7:30 - 9:00 pm Sukkah Neighborhood Party at the Vorspans’

Fulfill the mitzvah to “dwell in the sukkah”, shake the lulav and etrog, and enjoy Bonnie’s refreshments. See how the Vorspans have decorated their sukkah this year, meet your old and make new Shir Ami friends.

Thursdays October 24 and 31, 7:30 - 8:30 pm “Around the Rabbi’s Tisch” at the Vorspans’

This popular Shir Ami educational series starts its 5780 season. Come join us for our weekly discussion of Rabbi Vorspan’s selected topics of Jewish interest. We discuss Jewish texts and current events as they relate to Jewish values and our lives as Jews. This is a unique opportunity to learn and share in an informal format around the Vorspans’ dining room table.

The Vorspans’ home is located at 22320 Philiprimm St. in Woodland Hills. Call Rabbi Vorspan at (818) 888-9817 for more information.

Saturday October 19, 10:30 am: Torah/Shabbat Study at de Toledo High School

Stan Schroeder has started his sixth season of Shabbat study sessions one Saturday morning a month at 10:30. We discuss the weekly Torah portion, the Shabbat prayers that are included in our Contemporary service, and various subjects relevant to Conservative Judaism.

Our next session will be October 7, the intermediate Shabbat during Sukkot. The Torah portion is Exodus 33:12 - 34:26. This session will be held in the de Toledo High School (22622 Vanowen St. in West Hills) sukkah, located in their plaza. We will also discuss the Sukkot holiday and its symbolism. We will also discuss the upcoming holidays of and Simchat Torah.

You may bring a dairy lunch as we’ll eat in the sukkah after the study. Call Stan at (818) 718-7466 for more information. Congregation Shir Ami Mitzvah Day Sunday, November 24 at 10:00 AM sharp Temple Judea Social Hall 5429 Lindley Ave., Tarzana

We will once again fill school backpacks for the School on Wheels program. This year we’ll also fill lunch bags for the homeless for the Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission Every week, hundreds of School on Wheels’ volunteer tutors give hope, educational assistance and support to the thousands of homeless children living in Southern California.

School on Wheels provides one-on-one tutoring for homeless kids who live in shelters, motels, group foster homes and on the streets. In addition to weekly tutoring and mentoring, every student receives a backpack, school supplies, and uniforms; students get assistance enrolling in school and with locating and filing school records; and each student receives a toll-free phone number for around-the-clock School on Wheels’ support.

Regarding our new project, we all know homelessness has become a major problem in Los Angeles and throughout our country. Hope of the Valley assists the homeless and needy by providing hot-lunch meals to over 200 homeless people five days a week, every week. They also hand out “lunch bags” with sandwiches, fruit, and other goodies which may be used for an evening meal. We will join other congregations in providing these “lunch bags”.

Social Action Vice President Fran Kobulnick requests that attendees please bring non-breakable/non-perishable food for the SOVA food drive. For further information call Leon Nachenberg at (818) 885-6736. ------Name: ______Mail this tear-off to sign Phone No. ______up for Mitzvah Day 2019 Number of backpacks @ $18 each: ______Other donation: $18 $36 $54 $72 $108 $216 I will attend: YES NO Number of people attending: ______Checks must be made payable to Congregation Shir Ami (put Mitzvah Day in the memo) and mailed to Congregation Shir Ami, P.O. Box 6353, Woodland Hills, CA 91365

Ed Schackman and the Wafflers Barbershop Quartet Sunday, November 24 at 3:00 pm de Toledo High School - Rita’s Room 22622 Vanowen St., West Hills

Our member Ed is the guy on the right. This photo is from 2016 and is a different group he assembled. He has been singing barbershop for many years and is now a member of the award-winning Masters of Harmony Chorus.

Come and bring your friends and enjoy harmony like Peg O’ My Heart, Caroline, and your old favorites

Light refreshments will be served following the performance.

You can register with an email to [email protected] or phone Sima at (818) 774-1951 or Gladys at (818) 222- 4694 or mail the tearoff below to Sima Schuster, 6300 Newcastle Ave., Encino, CA 91316. ------Ed Schackman Barbershop $15 per person

Name: ______Phone: ______

Number of attendees: ______Amount enclosed: ______

Make check payable to Congregation Shir Ami.

Congregation Shir Ami

Schedule of High Holy Days Services 5780/2019

Rabbi David E. Vorspan Cantorial Soloist Ayana Haviv

All Services will be held at de Toledo High School auditorium 22622 Vanowen St. West Hills

Erev Rosh Hashanah Sunday, September 29th 8:00 pm

David Vorspan Rosh Hashanah 1st Day Monday, September 30th Ayana Haviv 9:00 am

Rosh Hashanah 2nd Day Contemporary Service Tuesday, October 1st 10:00 am

Kol Nidre Tuesday, October 8th 6:45 pm

Jordan Pistol Yom Kippur Wednesday, October 9th 10:00 am Yizkor approximately 12:45 pm Blessing of Children approximately 7:15 pm

www.shirami.com

Congregation Shir Ami Schedule of Shabbat Services 2019 Conducted by Rabbi David Vorspan at de Toledo High School, 22622 Vanowen St., West Hills Services held in Chapel near main entrance

Saturday 10:30 am (unless otherwise noted)

September 2019 Friday, September 6 - BBQ and Barchu at home of Gladys Sturman (see flyer for details) Dinner at 6:30 pm, Service Under the Stars and Birthday Shabbat 7:30 pm following dinner

Saturday, September 21 - Anniversary

October 2019 Saturday, October 12 - Birthday Saturday, October 26 - Anniversary

November 2019 Saturday, November 9 - Birthday Saturday, November 23 - Anniversary

December 2019 Saturday, December 7 - Birthday Saturday, December 21 - Anniversary

David Vorspan Jordan Pistol

If you would like more information about our congregation please visit our website at www.shirami.com

High Holiday Food Drive September 29th – October 9th, 2019 29 Elul 5779 – 10 Tishrei 5780

Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles { SOVA depends on your donations to meet the ongoing hunger crisis in our community. Donations directly benefit the over 7,000 people who visit our pantries each month – people of all ages, races and religions. Please be as generous as you can be – the need is great. Listed below are our most critical needs. Peanut Butter Canned Tuna/Fish Canned or Dry Soup Rice Canned Meats Whole Grain Cereal (beef stew, chili w/meat, chicken etc.)

We also welcome other non-perishable foods, personal hygiene items and children’s books including: Dry Beans Tomato Sauce Cooking Oil Razors Dry Pasta Canned Beans Kosher Foods Deodorant Dry Milk Canned Vegetables Diapers/Wipes Lotion 100% Juice Canned Fruit Soap Toothpaste Oatmeal Canned Pasta Shampoo/Conditioner Toothbrushes Please avoid glass jars, opened or perishable foods.

For more information, please visit www.jfsla.org/SOVA or call Kathi Dawidowicz at (818) 988-7682 ext. 120