June/July 2014 5774

Tzedakah: The Meaning of Meaningful In This Issue: By Bonnie Slavitt-Moore

“ is not about giving. Tzedakah is about being.” From the Rabbi Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson Page 3

I invite you to think about this for a moment. Earlier this month I found myself discussing the layers of meaning in Rabbi Artson’s observation with President’s Rabbi Leslie Alexander, Michelle Nathanson, and Vanina Sandel Mutchnik. Perspective The context was what it does for us personally when we make a meaningful Page 5 gift to the Next 50 Campaign.

Rabbi Alexander: Tzedakah is not just about the action of giving. It’s also Calendar about how the action transforms you. When you make a meaningful gift of any amount, you look at yourself in a new way - as a crucial part of a society Pages 14 & 15 or community. You count. Giving is intertwined with who you are and who you want to be. June and July Michelle: Giving a meaningful gift is a . It doesn’t have to be Anniversaries millions of dollars, or tens of thousands of dollars. If $180 is a stretch for Pages 20 & 21 you, then it’s a meaningful gift. If your first grader gives $3.42 from a lemonade sale or your teenager gives $36 from babysitting, it’s a meaningful gift - a mitzvah. June and July

birthdays Vanina: Every member of our community can perform the mitzvah of tzedakah by participating in our Million Coin Campaign. By contributing Pages 22 & 23 your spare change, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that our beautiful, renovated space contains something of yourself. And if you’re a parent, you 100% CLUB an opportunity explain to your children the meaning of tzedakah, and to Page 24 build a memory of jointly performing the mitzvah of giving to a greater cause. Contributions Bonnie: To me, “tzedakah is about being” means that my giving helps to define who I am and reflects my values. My values come from my mom and Pages 25 & 26 dad, who raised me to give back to my community.

Two in One! Mitzvah a You’ll be receiving a call to schedule a Jewish conversation about the Next Month 50 Campaign. Think of it as an opportunity to perform a double mitzvah. Page 27 One is tzedakah. The other is allowing the person who calls you to do the mitzvah of asking for tzedakah.

Here’s to tzedakah, self-transformation through giving, and the Next 50!

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Staff List

Main Office 408-257-3333 info@beth-.org

Religious School 408-366-9101 [email protected]

Daniel J. Pressman Senior Rabbi 408-366-9105 [email protected]

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

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

Barbara Biran Ritual Director 408-366-9106 [email protected]

Monica Hernandez Bookkeeping Associate 408-366-9108 [email protected]

Jillian Cosgrave Front Office Associate 408-366-9110 cosgrave@beth- david.org

Lynn Crocker Mkt & Comm Associate Help Us Gather Memories for 408-366-9102 [email protected] Rabbi Pressman’s Memory Book We are creating a congregational memory book to give to Rabbi Iris Bendahan Pressman on June 28th. Please contribute any special experiences that School Principal you have shared with the Rabbi, including photographs if you have 408-366-9116 bendahan@beth -david.org them (they will be returned). Please also comment on the ways in which Rabbi strengthened your sense of Jewish affiliation and Andrea Ammerman practice. School Admin. Assistant 408-366-9101 Deadline: June 6th JYEPAdmin@beth -david.org Your contribution will be most warmly appreciated. We prefer that JET submissions be sent electronically to [email protected]. (Jewish Education for Teens) [email protected] If this is not an option, you may mail submissions to the admin office: 19700 Prospect Road, Saratoga, 95070 ATTN: RDP Tribute.

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From the Rabbi

My Last Column By Rabbi Daniel Pressman

After many hundreds of columns and thousands of words, here I am. The term for gratitude in Hebrew is hakarat ha- tov, which means “recognizing the good.” As I look back over 33 years of service to Congregation Beth David I am grateful for so much, more than I can express in this short column.

The people of Beth David gave me the privilege of being part of their lives, and I am grateful.

There are many Jewish jokes about the difficulty of being a Rabbi, but for me, the positive far outweighs the negative. I have partnered well with every Beth David president and worked cordially with every board. That doesn’t mean that we’ve always agreed, or that my opinion has always prevailed, but we always worked together with mutual regard. For that I am grateful.

Beth David has been blessed with a culture of respect and of mutual concern. I have tried to nurture that culture, but I didn’t create it, and I thank the members who have sustained it. I wish it were more common in American Jewish life and, for that matter, in American life.

I am grateful for my family, my late wife Beverly and my children Aliza, Benjamin and Rebecca, who had to share me with CBD, but who also were very much a part of this community. And I will never forget so many people’s kindness and support during Beverly’s illness and after her death.

People have asked me what I will be doing in retirement. I hope to write at least two books that I have been thinking about for a long time. I want to improve my photography skills and finally learn how to edit on the computer. I want to travel. I have been exercising regularly and I intend to do that even more. I hope to visit my children and grandchildren, Batsheva, Avital, and Nathan, more often. I will be spending more time with my parents, still alive and in their 90’s. I will continue studying (including unread books from my current library). I hope to work in some capacity for the Conservative movement, to which I have devoted my life and which I treasure. And I look forward to sitting in the congregation and davening with you on Shabbatot and holidays, and enjoying our wonderful Rabbis’ words.

I have complete trust in Rabbi Ohriner’s ability to move Beth David forward and I am delighted that my friend Rabbi Leslie Alexander will be his partner. I am excited about the opportunity to refresh and expand our building, and what it will mean for Beth David’s ability to effectively engage people in our community.

The greatest thanks and the most meaningful tribute you could give me is to continue your support of Beth David, to deepen your involvement with synagogue and Jewish life, and to walk forward as active partners with Rabbis Ohriner and Alexander in creating Beth David’s future.

There is so much more to say. But the summary is: I am so grateful for the privilege of teaching Torah, of sharing your lives, and the many acts of kindness I have seen along the way.

I finished my High Holy Day sermon with these words: flourishes when we treasure it, when we learn its lessons of community and compassion. When we find strength from God and Torah. When we feel connected with everywhere, especially in our miracle state of Israel. I have tried to impart Judaism’s joy and richness, its wisdom and guidance. Along the way I have learned much and known many wonderful people. Thank you for your support, your friendship, and your inspiration. May Congregation Beth David go from strength to strength.

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President’s Perspective

By David Hoffman, CBD Board President

Shalom friends,

This month’s perspective is bittersweet. It is the last Rabbi taught how to be a mensch by modeling that column I will write with Rabbi Pressman as our behavior. When Rabbi Schonbrun was hired, there spiritual leader. was a smooth transition - Rabbi Pressman met

The last several columns I have written have been Rabbi Schonbrun as an equal. They worked as a forward-looking. Looking toward our next 50 years; team, each able to maximize their gifts and our new building; the hiring of Rabbi Alexander; the strengths because they encouraged and supported new vision of how we will meet our mission as a each other.

House of Worship, a House of Study and a House of When Rabbi Schonbrun left, and Rabbi Ohriner, Assembly. And while we are moving forward on all hired, Rabbi Pressman, while on sabbatical, worked fronts, I’d like to take this moment - this column - to behind the scenes to meet with Rabbi Ohriner to look backward and thank Rabbi Pressman for his 33 ensure a smooth transition when he and his family years of leadership at Beth David. arrived. And as before, Rabbi Pressman encouraged

and supported Rabbi Ohriner. Many of you don’t know this, and I’m not even sure Rabbi Pressman will remember, but I first met him and Those of you who know Rabbi Pressman know that Bev when I was a Rosh Edah at Camp Arazim - a local he has an ego, and a healthy one at that. But the Jewish summer camp in Northern California supported teachable moment for me was watching him put his by the Conservative shuls of Northern California and ego aside, hold out his hands in welcome, and work Nevada in the 1970s and 1980s. Rabbi had just been with “junior” Rabbi’s as his equals. hired, and he and Bev were invited to Arazim as the rabbi-in-residence for a weekend. Arazim that year Rabbi taught us to look beyond our walls. He was based out of Philo, California, near Boonville in forged strong relationships with the Saratoga the wonderful Anderson Valley of Mendocino County. Ministerial Association. He built relationships with My first introduction was of a young rabbi and his wife the City of Saratoga, (and, on May 21st, was ready to go biking along Highway 128 in search of honored by the City of Saratoga for his leadership at CBD and in the community). good wineries. (He arrived a day prior to to check out Mendocino County). “Hmm, I thought. A I’m sure you all have Rabbi Pressman stories - rabbi who likes to bike and who likes good wine. Not moments in your life where he made a difference. I my father’s rabbi!” Who would have thought that 16 urge you all to take a moment to thank him for all or 17 years later, I’d be joining Rabbi Pressman’s shul. he has done. Join your Kehilla as we honor Rabbi

And…it was his shul. After I joined CBD, I learned Pressman on June 8th with a night of Jazz and more about Rabbi Pressman. The classes he taught - I Comedy. Join us again on Saturday, June 28th for sat in on classes; adult education classes; I Rabbi’s “last Shabbat” for special presentations and a wonderful Oneg luncheon. even sat in on one of the classes he was teaching when my daughters were in Hebrew High. Finally: Rabbi Pressman - thank you for your

But Rabbi taught elsewhere as well. He taught the leadership, your friendship, your wisdom, your wit, Board how to be a Board and how to rise above itself your compassion and your caring. In living a and concern itself with governance. He urged many meaningful life, you have made a positive impact in countless lives, mine included. presidents, myself included, to partake in the SULAM for President’s workshops offered by USCJ. We have L’, a functioning board because we’ve learned that Boards David do not have to fight with themselves or their clergy - we can work together for the betterment of the Kehilla.

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Jewish Cub Scout Pack at CBD Mazel Tov! By Yuval Olivier Minkowski

To Rabbi Pressman’s The Jewish Cub Scout pack of Silicon Valley Talmud Study Class meets at Congregation Beth David. Open to boys who are in 1st grade – 5th grade, this troop is part th On June 28 , Rabbi Pressman’s last Shabbat of Boy Scouts of America. before retirement, there will be an additional The troop meets every other Sunday during the special event. school year from 1 pm – 3 pm. The troop usually

holds activities such as hiking, camping, biking, Rabbi Pressman’s Talmud class will celebrate a and Tashlich in a park. We also do a pinewood siyyum, the ceremony marking the completion of derby car building project and have special a tractate of the Talmud. outings, such as visiting an aircraft carrier, a museum or an industrial site. Rabbi Pressman has taught a weekly Talmud class for 18 years, focusing on tractate The troop has parent participation, and is looking for parent leaders (moms or dads) to for the last nine years. The tractate volunteer and take part in the leadership of the deals with all aspects of Jewish worship and is pack. the source for many familiar prayers. After the For more information, contact: Yuval Minkowski Kiddush luncheon, the class will recite the brief at 408-838-3826 or [email protected]; Art prayer that marks this significant milestone and Singer at 510-332-026 or [email protected]; we will all wish them a hearty mazal tov! or Nava Bernstein at 408-981-7619 or [email protected]

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CBD Teens Gather for Outdoor Kabbalat Shabbat Service

On Friday evening, May 2nd , 22 CBD 8th - 12th grade teens came together at the Ohriner's home to celebrate a ruaḥ- filled, outdoor kabbalat Shabbat service.

After davening together, the teens schmoozed, participated in several discussions and dined on a delicious home cooked dinner and desserts prepared by Rabbi Shoshana Ohriner. The entertainment was provided by Ari, Eli and Kobi Ohriner.

Thank you to Rabbis Philip and Shoshana Ohriner, Ari, Eli and Kobi for opening your home, leading the teens in prayer and song and preparing all of the delicious foods and dessert. Thank you to Irene Swedroe, our JET principal, for organizing the teen attendance and discussions. To our amazing CBD teens, thank you for sharing Shabbat with all of us and always being an inspiration to our Religious School students.

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On Sunday, May 18th, we jump-started our goal to collect a million coins for the creation of new, inviting and appealing spaces for our youth. On this day, families came together with their tzedakah boxes filled with coins and shared that this campaign is allowing them to perform tzedakah as a family. Everyone is involved in getting coins. Parents and kids shared their stories and ways that they have been collecting the coins. For most, putting coins in the tzedakah boxes has become part of their daily routine. We are pleased to announce that this first collection yielded $ 507.80 and we are 7,540 coins closer to our goal.

After dropping off their tzedakah box, donors were encouraged to put a gold coin on the Million Coin Campaign poster

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Please share our joy as our daughter, Samantha, is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on:

Saturday, June 14, 2014

We invite you to join us for a Kiddush luncheon following the service. Marianna and Boris Yanovsky

Please share our joy as our daughter, Talia, is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on

Saturday, June 21, 2014

We invite you to join us for a Kiddush luncheon following the service. Karen Garcia and Scott Klein

Join a Ḥavurah by Ziva Fishman What is a Ḥavurah? Ḥavurah means “friends.” It is a group of people who meet occasionally socially, for meals, movies, or whatever. CBD has many ḥavurot, some of which have been around for many decades, some which are just forming now. It would be great if everybody at CBD were a member of one or more ḥavurot. It is for people looking for some company, a group of friends.

NEW ḤAVUROT FORMING * Young Adults * Families with very young children * Families with children of Bar/Bat Mitzvah age or graduating from Religious School * Singles in their 60's and 70's

Ziva Fishman is the Ḥavurah Coordinator, and can be contacted at [email protected], or 408-730-8965. Right now, she has a few people interested in forming a ḥavurah, all single and in their 60’s to 70’s. CBD is also forming new ḥavurot for young adults and families with children close to the age of bar or bat mitzvah, and families with children that recently graduated from religious school or will do soon. You can also suggest criteria for a new ḥavurah, and Ziva will help coordinate its formation. Ziva can meet with people forming a new ḥavurah, introduce them to each other, and help guide the group onto a successful path. 11

Our “Mara Datra” ― Rabbi Daniel Pressman By Eleanor Weber Dickman We thank Rabbi Daniel Pressman for: leavening difficult Aliza and soon-to-be born Benjamin. They found what truths with salty humor; inspiring loyalty to Israel, our they were looking for at Beth David. “Beth David was spiritual home; welcoming the possibilities for intelligent warm, offered a good peer group for young families change by encouraging Beth David to become a pilot site (Yavneh was starting); congregants shared our values; the for the innovative Synagogue 2000 initiative; moving leadership was committed and capable. We felt it was a congregants to tears with passionate sermons and making good match; and all of our intuitions proved to be true.” us laugh by sharing his father’s humorous High Holy Day Rabbi Pressman felt that his first job would be to “get to messages; leading us on a profoundly spiritual journey to know everyone, and to learn who’s who in the larger Israel to bring back our new Torah; promoting interfaith community.” Although he “tried not to mess with dialogue in our community through participation in the anything,” he did speak out on matters that were Saratoga Ministerial Association; and leading in-depth important to him as, for example, not allowing journeys through the Talmud for decades with a group of instrumental music during worship. “I worked hard to loyal students. establish and promote adult learning,” he notes. He The list could go on. For the past 33 years (well over half engaged the congregation in the initiatives suggested by the life of the synagogue, which celebrated its 50th Synagogue 2000, collaborating with dedicated volunteers anniversary this year), Rabbi Daniel Pressman has been to establish a formal Chevrat Chesed to link families in Beth David’s articulate and dedicated “mara datra” (local need with individual congregants willing to help. spiritual leader). He has helped set guidelines for ritual Seemingly small initiatives, such as membership badges, and Jewish law according to the practices of Conservative also reflect this commitment to ensuring that Beth David Judaism, emphasizing the value of collaboration in would be a welcoming community. considering innovative change. He encouraged congregants to compete for the USCJ’s He addressed the delicate issue of membership for Schechter awards program, and was proud when interfaith families, softening the policy requiring Beth David won significant recognition for programs such conversion of the non-Jewish partner and establishing the as the Miriam Gannes Reading Program and Hazak, the criterion that the family would commit to raising the engagement program for over-50 members. children as Jews. When he felt strongly about something, He has always been an advocate for Israel, encouraging he insisted on change, such as eliminating instrumental congregants to visit and to support our religious music from formal worship, or changing the bylaws to homeland. As part of Beth David’s “Year of the Torah,” identify membership according to “household” rather than organized in 1999 by Doris Katz and Margie Pomerantz “family,” thus welcoming non-traditional family unions to the congregation. He worked diligently to establish and (then synagogue president), Rabbi Pressman led a group proote the presence of adult learning opportunities, of congregants on a trip to Israel to bring a newly created expanded Hebrew High to the 12th grade. Torah Scroll back to California. Rabbi Pressman called it a wonderful way to celebrate the congregation’s “double His influence spread beyond Beth David. Rabbi Pressman chai” anniversary. was an active member of the UJA’s rabbinic cabinet, and served on the executive Committee of the rabbinical Rabbi Pressman welcomed many Jewish émigrés from Assembly. He brought an articulate and powerful Jewish Russia, working with Jewish Family Services’ outreach presence to the Saratoga ministerial group. He devoted all programs, performing marriage renewal ceremonies and his rabbinical leaves of absence to study and participation encouraging B’nai Mitzvah for Russian teens. in other Jewish communities. He created “Torah Sparks,” He is sorry that he delayed addressing the issue of guides to shared nationwide by the homosexuality. He came to believe that, in today’s world, Conservative Movement. “you can’t apply the Torah’s precepts on this matter This partnership of faith and learning began in 1981. literally. With candor, he admits that he regrets that he After seven years as rabbi of Congregation Ner Tamid in “did not address this sooner.”

Palos Verdes (Southern California), Rabbi Pressman When asked what he considered one of his most looked northward for a new growth experience. He and important duties, Rabbi Pressman cites, in addition to the his wife Beverly were looking for a vibrant Jewish obvious ritual tasks, working closely with lay leadership community with a nearby day school for their children

12 to create “proper governance and strategic thinking as has been able to accomplish as Beth David’s spiritual priorities for synagogue management, creating a good leader—though there is always more to be done. “I hope culture with good practices.” Recently, he introduced a that what I’ve built will continue to be built upon ― that United Synagogue program, “Sulam,” focused on will be the best tribute to me.” Proud of Beth David’s developing “emerging leaders.” accomplishments, strengths, and forward-looking vision, As a teacher, Rabbi has led a Talmud study group for he plans to continue to be involved with Beth David ― as dedicated congregants for decades, as part of his a congregant and dedicated synagogue supporter. commitment to “creating a culture for adult learning.” He is proud of encouraging members to embrace “traditional What Other Have to Say About Rabbi rituals around death and mourning.” Asked about his goal for congregational harmony, Rabbi Pressman immediately Emily Gannes, Long-time CBD Member responds, “just getting people to treat each other kindly.” “Since 1991, when his 8:30am, Friday class first began, I have been swimming in the Sea of Talmud Rabbi Pressman views his role in leading change to “be in with Rabbi Pressman. He did not let me drown in front but stay in touch!” As for guiding lay leaders toward its often confusing contents. Rather he guided me effective synagogue management, he tries to “constantly through its depths allowing its rich waters to be able to look from above rather than being in the increase my Jewish knowledge. And I am grateful.” weeds.” He is committed to being a “lifelong learner,” Aaron Schonbrun, CBD Assistant Rabbi and sees it as a benefit to himself as well as to the Aug 2004 – June 2010 congregation. “I could not have asked for a better, mentor,

Rabbi believes that a congregation “needs to master the teacher, colleague and friend than Rabbi Daniel worldly stuff in order to manage the spiritual. If we are Pressman. Danny is a "Rabbi's Rabbi," who leads not well organized, financially well-managed, thinking by example, empowers others to participate in the strategically and consistently consulting with our work of building Kehilla Kedosha (sacred community) and continues to inspire me to work environment, we can’t be successful or effective.” hard, stretch, grow, and learn while living out the In order to facilitate orderly change, Rabbi Pressman gave daily blessings, responsibilities, and privileges of the congregation five years’ notice about his retirement. being a rabbi.”

He is proud that together with the lay leadership, we did Melanie Aron, Rabbi of Congregation Shir “a great job in hiring assistant rabbis and helping them Hadash learn the community.” He also has pledged to remain “Rabbi Pressman models respect both for Torah involved in the new building campaign, which, he learning and for his congregation. He has pushed believes “will help our religious and communal strategic me to think more about governance and vision because it is mission-driven. He strongly relies on congregational leadership and to understand the collaborative leadership. rabbi as a lifelong learner who challenges the congregation to do the same.” Although Rabbi Pressman has been the synagogue’s spiritual leader for over three decades, he and his family David Hoffman, CBD Board President were also active members. The Pressman family relied on “Rabbi Pressman took an early interest in board congregational support during the dark days of his wife governance and leadership development. He Beverly’s illness and death. The congregation responded believed that boards and staff should work together by establishing an evening every Monday for the greater good of the institution. His foresight through Thursday. His gratitude has turned to pride and brought stability, civility and functionality to the appreciation for those whose loyalty and participation has Board. His presence at board meetings has been made the Minyan an ongoing service for those saying invaluable. He is a sounding-board, a voice of reason, a repository of institutional history.” or observing a Yahrtzeit.

As Rabbi Pressman looks forward, he is feels sure that Rabbi Philip Ohriner, CBD Rabbi “Rabbi Pressman is a rabbinic model of devotion. Congregation Beth David will “go from strength to For 31 years he has devoted his heart, his soul, and strength.” He has “great confidence” in Rabbi Philip immense effort to creating a vibrant community and Ohriner and is “glad to have Rabbi Leslie Alexander caring for the souls that populate it. It has been an returning to develop ways to help Beth David be more immense honor to serve our community with him. welcoming.” Each day has been an opportunity to learn Looking around at his office, filled from floor to ceiling more about what it means to be a rabbi in the fullest with books, Rabbi Pressman looks pleased with what he sense of the title.”

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We are forming a Jewish Artists Group at CBD and it open to all artists in the Jewish community, not just members of CBD.

The first meeting will be on Saturday, July 26th following lunch (around 1:30 pm). The Oneg Shabbat is open to all. Feel free to come to services and eat lunch, then join the group. We will begin with introductions and tell each other a bit about our own art. Then we will discuss artists named in the Torah (Exodus 31:1-11), with a presentation by Paul Freudenthal, along with a scale model of the Mishkan that he built. We will also discuss topics for future meetings. No need to RSVP for this meeting. Just show up.

The second meeting will be at Crystal Ouzillou’s glass studio at her home, on Sunday, August 17, 2014, 2 pm – 4 pm. Please RSVP directly to Crystal, at [email protected], or 512-576-8340.

Feel free to contact Jeff Warwich at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Attitude of Gratitude Rap By Barbara Biran

Our Jewish Youth Education Program (JYEP) went through a major shift this year with the introduction of our JEWEL program.

JEWEL is comprised of 5-week sessions called JEMS. Each JEM focuses on different interests in Hebrew and .

This Spring I taught a JEM called Attitude of Gratitude – a session focused on the tefillot (prayers) of gratitude. To see the student’s rap Kita Vav Rehearsing for Their interpretation of Birkat HaMazon (grace after Haftara Reader's Induction meals), visit Beth-David.org/Gratitude.

The induction is both a culmination of their Haftara Also, take a walk down our JYEP wing to see Trope class which began in January, as well the the students’ visual interpretation of learning of the Torah Service which they study in Havdallah as well as posters created by the depth during Kita Vav. During the Shabbat service on students for another JEWEL on the 12 May 3, they did a beautiful job leading the entire Torah Tribes.

Service and splitting up the chanting of the Haftara. To learn more about Jewel and all of our The student now know they are ready for their bnei JYEP programming, please visit Beth- mitzvah training. Kudos to Barbara Biran! David.org/JYEP.

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After a somber Yom Hazikaron ceremony, attendees celebrated Yom HaAtzmaut with a performance of spirited singing and dancing. Students sang songs about Israel as well as performed Israeli folk dances. The finale dance to “Artik Menta” got the crowd moving. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed traditional Israeli food in the courtyard. Many thanks to Barbara Biran, song leader; Rachel Bagi, dance instructor; and Rabbi Monique Alexander for helping Kita Zayin chose their own song and choreograph their moves.

Kita Gan and Alef (K-1) did a beautiful job singing “Kahol V’Lavan” (Blue and White).

Kita Vav (6th grade), sing Israel’s 1978 Eurovision winning song “Abanibi” (I love you in gibberish)

The ZmiRkudiyah concluded with everyone (including parents) performing the perennial favorite “Artik Menta” (Mint Popsicle).

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CBD’s HoloCaust MuseuM A Place to Remember and Never Forget From April 18th to 30th school principal Iris Bendahan once again orchestrated the display of hundreds of photos, articles, and artifacts that make up CBD’s Holocaust Museum. Students in 1st-7th grades received age- appropriate tours while older children and adults took self-guided tours around the space, which is organized as a timeline of events. Most were moved by the experience and exited with expressions like: “horrific”, “touching”, “Amazing; to forget is to repeat”; and “admirable, very informative even for the relatively well versed”.

A student spends time exploring the Genocide station, which included a video interview of teens about tolerance.

Morah Daniela and her students study Station 2 - The Rise of Nazism

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CBD’s HoloCaust MuseuM (Continued)

Students explore Station 7 – Resistance, which is full of information, photos and books about the various forms of resistance including the Partisans, Kindertransport, the ghetto uprising as well as righteous gentiles.

Morah Shirie leads Kita Dalet through Station 1 - Before the War.

Rabbi Pressman and adult guests converse at Station 10 – Justice.

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June Anniversaries We wish the following members a happy anniversary. Be sure to attend the Saturday, June 28th Ruah Rally (following services) for a special anniversary blessing.

1st 14th 22nd Alan & Pat Werba Bob & Ginny Baird Howie & Rita Blumstein

Leonard & Jane Jacobson Gary Weiner & Adriana 2nd Neal & Stephanie Rothstein Muscatel- Weiner Israel & Judith Krongold William & Joyce Halper Dov & Madelyn Isaacs 3rd Harry & Glenda Glatstein Melvin & Karen Fihn David & Norma Goorvitch Harry & Joanne Cornbleet Eric & Sheryl Lewis

Stanley & Doris Katz Lee & Susan Gavens 15th David & Wendy Harris Myron & Nissa Cagan Moshe & Alisa Preil Daniel & Bettina Perry & Sharoan Jeung 24th Rosenberg Jerry & Roberta Bloom Shelley & Nazgol Timmins 16th

Kenneth & Gloria Levy 25th 4th Leslie & Enid Malkin Stuart & Jeanette Lerner Leonid & Svitlana Veksler Marty & Rona Spergel Martin & Corinne 7th Frank & Aurelia Fleck Sherman

Hy & Phyllis Burdman th Howard & Meryle 17 9th Sussman Elias & Lorraine Thomas & Susan Klein, Jeff & Renee Kanel 26th

Richard & Minda Parrish James & Jen Greene 18th Steven & Donna Frankel Gary & Debra Eskinazi- 27th 10th Stockdale Bob & Maxine Halem Mikhail & Anna Slutsky Howard & Sheila Goldstein Kenneth & Marilyn Entin Allen & Karen Guggenheim 28th Sharon Mutchnik & Stephen & Lynne Kinsey Richard & Leslie Kramer Vanina Sandel-Mutchnik Jack & Marilyn Goodman 19th Ed & Ellie Kiss Sharon Gloster Neil & Sandra Shapiro 11th Arthur & Gayle Weissbrodt 29th Howard & Margie Andrew & Judy Varadi Ronald & Susan Remba Pomerantz Neil & Phyllis Newman 20th Lee & Bonnie Stone Kenneth & Ellyn Bloomfield 30th Daniel & Lori Kahn Bob & Irene Swedroe 21st 12th Mike & Galina Drabkin Harvey & Ellen Gold Louis & Michelle Selincourt Seymour & Cynthia Schultz Howard & Renee Fine

13th Andy & Susie Green

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July Anniversaries We wish the following members a happy anniversary. Be sure to attend the Saturday, July 26th Ruah Rally (following services) for a special anniversary blessing.

2nd 12th David & Sandy Mayer George Steres & Cheryl Zatkin- Steres 4th & Renee Ben-David Barry & Marilyn Popper Fred & Fae Melmon 13th Michael Sinensky & Michal Strutin Ian & Stephanie Kass Jeffrey & Rudi Katz Jonathan Katz & Shoshana Wolf

5th 14th Ike & Ronee Nassi Leonard & Carmela Greenberg David & Barbara Silverstein Martin & Rhoda Bress 16th David & Muriel Barnett 6th David & Debby Hoffman Jim & Elizabeth Batson Vladimir & Natalia Pogrebinsky 17th Jussi & Lena Rajna 8th Bert & Diane Clement 19th Amir & Marina Gafni 9th Jeffrey & Carol Weiss 20th Barry & Linda Brummer Arieh & Rama Strod Joe & Linda Weiss 10th David & Evette Pennypacker 26th Allen & Susan Rosenzweig 11th Arye & Barbara Green, 27th Larry & Susan Schwerin Boris & Marianna Yanovsky Neal & Ricki Gafter 30th Steve Bogad & Sheryl Witlin Kenneth & Shelley Luskey

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We wish the following members a very happy birthday. Be sure to attend the Saturday, June 14th Ruah Rally (following services) for a special birthday blessing.

1st 8th 16th 25th Avital Wolf Rachel Yanovsky Sandra Shapiro J Judy Powers

Sara Silberstein th Aleksandr Drabovskiy Eve Kedar Samantha Alter 9 Anna Miller Maxie Baer 17th Israel Krongold th Deborah Estreicher Emanuel Beer 26 2nd Madeleine Klein Marianne Zussman Ilya Slain Judie Ram Aaron Ammerman Ryan Weinstock Roland King

Hannah Hittleman Anna Fridlib th Avraam Yatskar Donald Ehrlich Alex Belogolovsky 18 Rona Spergel William Hubka rd th th 3 10 th 27 Betty Becker James Batson 19 Daniel Umansky Gabrielle Labovitz Stephanie Rothstein Ellen Gold th Cary Feria Molly Ball Gary Ball 28

Mendy Ouzillou Wendy Askenas th th Jadon Gaertner 11 20 Boris Dashevsky Stephanie Cohen Barry Brummer Mindy Flatow-Dickens Adam Parmett

th Lauren Lewis David Graubart 4th 12 Daniel Margolis Howard Goldstein Sylvia Smith Alexander Karel Steven Labovitz Adam Marash-Whitman Shayna Morgan Singer st Arye Green Rachel Schwab 21 5th Talia Clement Vladimir Pogrebinsky 29th

Alan Werba th nd Madelyn Isaacs Gita Gilgur 13 22 Patty Hughes Daniel Vainish Alexandra Slain Eric Maltiel Tamar Biran Mark Snyder Mikhail Movshovich th th 6 th Andrew Drukarev 30 14 Tatiana Schaffer rd Arthur Cohen Samantha Yanovsky Masha Lazer 23 Esmail Eshaghoff Lil Silberstein Barry Popper Joseph Kamchi Joseph Beyda Liliya Popova Sophia Minkov Jack Alter Sharon Alter Susan Rojo Ronald Ruebusch th 7 Jacob Kahn Noah Bareket

Peter Shierloh th th Susan Maltiel 15 24 Cyndi Sherman Judith Krongold Kayla Sculnick Samuel Ball Oleg Lipkind Natalie Lara Dalia Orr Sonia Feria Natalie Schriger Max Blumenthal Sigmund Rosenthal Beth Berezovsky Mary Jo Bernard Marlene Burak Thelma Ramm

Naomi Har-el

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We wish the following members a very happy birthday. Be sure to attend the Saturday, July 12th Ruah Rally (following services)

for a special birthday blessing.

1st th 8 15th (Continued) 23rd Sandra Mayer Vladimir Kukuyev Jacob Mor Mikhail Slutsky Doron Aronson Marilyn Sefchovich Daniela Gloster Bahram (Rami) Tabibian Jeffrey Weiss Marina Kuperman th Jonathan Harris 16 2nd Corey Goldberg Alan Tanenbaum David Goorvitch 24th Joshua Tseitlin Rosemary Frieden th Daniel Gildenberg Andrew Passett 9 Daniel Jeung Melissa Kuhn Karate Vick Robert Torczyner Paul Overmyer Michael Sinensky 17th Iris Bendahan Noa Fishman Dorit Tzori rd Heather Fils 3 10th Samantha Wigon Howard Fine Jason Balaban Greg Gotlib th Harry Cornbleet Mendel Pevzner Robert Halem 25

Zahava Preil Renee Fine 4th th Ilana Baird 18 Alisa Drabkin Emily Abada Michael Deloumi Alicia Pennypacker 11th Galina Sokolov 26th Elizabeth Batson Rose Levin th Madeleine Gerson Eileen Atlasov Andrew Raider 19 Michael Meltzer Joseph Grapa Silver Rothstein Rita Blumstein th Lewis Osofsky Ruben Yomtoubian Orna Yomtoubian 27 Liza Slain Vanina Sandel – Hayley Yael Goodman Emma Prokter Renee Kanel Mutchnik Daniel Drabovskiy th 28 th Blanka Singer th 5 Margie Pomerantz 20 Franklyn Weiss Amir Horovitz Noah Goldstein Nathan Kallman Nancy Wiener th 12 Tobiah Passett th 29 Lisa Parrish Melissa Taylor Lisa Goldstein Sharon Gloster Jeffrey Fox Clara Imas Evan Rattner Melvin Fihn Steven Reinhard Arthur Weissbrodt Barry Alhadeff th Steven Schlosser 13 st 21 Ruth Schifrin th Liana Riskin 6 Joyce Halper Brett Borah 30th Melissa Kovar Aileen Menkin th Charles Klein Rivka Shenhav 14 Leslie Kramer Carmel Shenhav Michael Tramiel Evette Pennypacker 31st Cohava Mor Martin Goldberg Jerome Zis Michael Bricker Karen Garcia David Ivensky Marilyn Ader Ilana Tenberg

th Janet Hurwitz nd Leonard Greenberg 7 22 th Sarah Raider Harvey Gold 15 Gregory Lerner Donna Chaet Shachar Ben-David Kenneth Hittleman Stuart Lerner Rita Sauvage Dina Yevelev Ann Sorger Miriam Ladabaum Barbara Knaster Ryan Lewis 23

THANK YOU! To the following who have donated to the Next 50 building campaign

It our hope to have 100% of CBD members step forward and make a personally meaningful donation to the campaign. Your participation is important, not the amount. See your name here! (Listed updated as of May 28, 2014)

Anonymous Vanina J. Sandel Mutchnik & Ginny & Bob Baird Sharon Mutchnik Judy & Brett Borah Ronee & Ike Nassi Marlene & Marshall Burak Rabbis Shoshana & Philip Ohriner Nestor Cabrales Jenifer & Evan Ohriner Felissa & Myron Cagan Crystal & Mendy Ouzillou Joanne & Harry Cornbleet Andrew Passett Jillian Cosgrave Joelle Pluemer Lynn Crocker Margie & Howard Pomerantz Jerry Daniel Rabbi Daniel Pressman Sandra & Morris Dolmatch Alison & Ron Ruebusch Donald Field Marilyn Sefchovich Jane & Michael Gold Nancy & Dan Skilken Vivian & Sherman Golub Morris and Fannie Skilken Family Monica Hernandez Foundation Bonnie & Lee Hirsch Ann & Rick Tavan Debby & David Hoffman Support provided by Tides Jane & Len Jacobson Foundation Doris & Stanley Katz Nazgol & Shelley Timmins Rudi & Jeff Katz Linda & Joseph Weiss & Family Susan & Thomas Klein Pat & Alan Werba Susan & Michael Leitner Carol & Terry Winograd Judy & Gordon Levin Elise & Dennis Wolf Gloria & Ken Levy Wendy Wu Mimi & Reuben Levy Zimberoff Family Trust Sheryl & Eric Lewis Beryl Zimberoff Tanya Lorien Shelley & Ken Luskey Sandy & David Mayer Holly & David Mendel Sylvia & Leonard Metz Bonnie Slavitt Moore & Jack Moore

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Contributions Contributions are vital to the life of our community. We acknowledge the gifts received between April 1, 2014 through April 30, 2014, from the following individuals and families

Adult Education Programs Congregation Beth David Fund (Cont.) In memory of my grandfather, Henry Kohan, from In memory of my father, Sam Minkin, from Ruth Kohan Lynne Snyder In memory of my cousin, Irina Moshiashvili, from Annual Campaign Vladimir Gorlovetsky In memory of my aunt, Matilda Miller, from In memory of my mother, Catherine Schwartz, from Bernard Levine Martin & Roberta Schwartz Beth David Memorial Garden Beautification In memory of my mother, Shoshana Stokelman, Thelma Ramm, in memory of your husband, Hy from Dalia Orr Ramm, from Silicon Valley Score - Chapter 405 In memory of my father, Herman Perrick, from Martin & Sheila Weisberg Congregation Beth David Anniversary Madelyn Isaacs, in memory of your mother, Campaign Florence Cheron, from Gerald & MJ Lopatin In memory of my aunt, Matilda Miller, from Bernard David Mayer, in memory of your mother, Yoheved Levine Mayer, from Jacob & Ruth Barron David Mayer, in memory of your mother, Yoheved For refuah sheleimah, full and speedy recovery of Mayer, from Dr. Jack Moore & Bonnie Slavitt Moore my wife, Maya Belogolovsky, from Arkady David Mayer & Family, in memory of your mother, Belogolovsky Yocheved Mayer, from Stanley & Hillary Farkas David Hoffman, in memory of your uncle, Aron Hoffman, from Harry & Joanne Cornbleet Congregation Beth David Bible and In memory of Pauline and Jack Cohn, from and Mahzor Fund Lawrence & Judith Cohn In memory of my aunt, Matilda Miller, from Arieh Strod, in honor of the anniversary of your bar Bernard Levine mitzvah, from George Steres & Cheryl Zatkin-Steres Congregation Beth David Endowment Fund In memory of Alexander Kreimer, from Alexandra In memory of my aunt, Matilda Miller, from Kreimer Bernard Levine In memory of my grandmother, Celia Kiss, from Kiddush Lunch Fund Lisa Kiss Sponsor Kiddush on July 12, 2014 in honor of our In memory of my father, Elias Salba, from Anniversary, from David and Deborah Hoffman Barbara Taubman Co-sponsor Kiddush lunch on May 10, 2014 in honor of Jeremy & Roberta Bloom, in honor of the birth of Charlie’s 80th birthday, from Lee & Susan Gavens your new grandson, Daniel Shmuel Bloom, from Co-sponsor Kiddush lunch on May 10, 2014 in honor of David & Deborah Hoffman Charlie’s 80th birthday, from Howard & Emily Gannes Congregation Beth David Fund In memory of my aunt, Matilda Miller, from In memory of our aunt, Matilda Miller, from Bernard Levine Bernard Levine In memory of my mother, Estella Ashkenaz, from In memory of my mother, Berta Gorlovetsky, from Minda Schwartz Vladimir Gorlovetsky & Faina Eichis In memory of my father, Irving Steinberg, from In memory of my aunt, Rita Finkelshtein, from Jerome & Phyllis Zis Vladimir Gorlovetsky & Faina Eichis In memory of my grandfather, Hyman Steinberg, In memory of my mother, Faina Belogolovsky, from from Jerome & Phyllis Zis Alex & Galina Belogolovsky In memory of my mother, Berta Fisch Wald, from In memory of my grandfather, Shmil Waisman, from Alice Wald Alex & Galina Belogolovsky Noah & Ruth Bareket, in memory of your beloved In memory of my mother, Regina Hoffman, from father, Yehoshua Bareket, from Paul Overmyer Helen Baer & Alice Wald

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Contributions (Continued)

Kiddush Lunch Fund (Cont.) Rabbi Pressman Discretionary Fund (Cont.) David & Sandra Mayer, in memory of your beloved In memory of my father, Solomon Harari, mother, Yoheved Mayer, from Paul Overmyer & from Eli Harari Alice Wald Rabbi Daniel Pressman, in honor of your 33+ years of In honor of , from Dennis & Elise Wolf service to the community, from Annette Fleishman In honor of Passover, from Robin D. Penn Rabbi Daniel Pressman, in memory of your grandfather, Shelley & Nazgol Timmins, in honor of the birth of Isadore Steinberg, from Alan & Mary Jo Bernard Jacob Elon Timmins, from David & Deborah Rabbi Daniel Pressman, in honor of the births of your Hoffman new grandchildren, Avital Julia and Nathan, from Ronald & Susan Remba March of the Living Fund Rabbi Daniel Pressman, in memory of your brother, In memory of my father, Jack Tramiel, from Joel, from Ronald & Susan Remba Leonard & Preeva Tramiel In honor of Passover, from Mr. & Mrs. Norman In memory of my grandfather, Ben Silberman, from Abramovitz Leonard & Preeva Tramiel In honor of Passover, from Dov & Madelyn Isaacs Mr. & Mrs. Joel Kasof, in memory of Joel's beloved In honor of Passover, from Emily Isaacs sister, from Leonard & Sylvia Metz Mrs. Lois Torman and Family, in loving memory of Rama Strod Education Fund your beloved husband and father, from Leonard & Iris Bendahan, in memory of your father, Abraham Sylvia Metz Eshel, from David & Deborah Hoffman In memory of Albert Goldman, from Leonard & Iris Bendahan, in memory of your father, Abraham Sylvia Metz Eshel, from Harry & Joanne Cornbleet Iris Bendahan, in memory of your father, Abraham Men's Club Eshel, from Michael Sinensky & Michal Strutin David Mayer, in memory of your mother, Yoheved Iris Bendahan, in memory of your father, Abe Eshel, Mayer, from Marcia Kaplan from Charles & Miriam Marr Rabbi Ohriner Discretionary Fund Iris Bendahan & Family, in memory of your beloved In memory of my aunt, Matilda Miller, from Bernard father, Abraham Eshel, from Martin & Sheryl Rattner Levine Iris Bendahan, Sharon Gloster, Oren Eshel, Bina Eshel In memory of my uncle, Schmuel Gurevitch, from Igor & Family, in memory of your father and husband, Abraham Eshel, from Arieh & Rama Strod. & Dina Yevelev In memory of my father-in-law, Sigmund Selig, from Religious School Myuchad Fund Herbert Dreifuss In memory of my mother, Celia Kiss, from Edward Kiss In memory of my aunt, Bronislava Neychtadt, from In memory of my grandmother, Sara Schweitzer, from Dina Yevelev Eleanor Kiss In memory of my mother, Thea Estreicher, from In memory of my father, Leo Levine, from Carol Weiss Deborah Estreicher Rabbi Philip & Rabbi Shoshana Ohriner, in honor of Religious School Principal Discretionary Eli's , from Ronald & Susan Remba Fund

Rabbi Pressman Discretionary Fund Iris Bendahan, in memory of your father, Abraham Eshel, from Racheli Levy In memory of my father, Martin Greenberg, from Congregation Beth David, from Howard & Emily Harriet Weiss Gannes In memory of my mother-in-law, Rebecca Polidi, from Lydia Polidi Robert E. Levinson Memorial Library Fund In memory of my aunt, Matilda Miller, from Bernard In memory of my mother-in-law, Fannie Kass, from Levine Marlene Kass In memory of my father-in-law, Sigmund Selig, from In memory of my mother-in-law, Esther G. Postman, Herbert Dreifuss from Frederica Postman In memory of my mother, Devera Gutterman, from Clifford Gutterman 26

Support CBD Note: This form has been shortened for space needs, for a complete list of designated funds please see the online D’var or phone the office.

Donor(s): (If donor is a Beth David member, you may leave address blank)

Name______Address______Street City State Zip In honor/memory of ______

Acknowledge this donation to: (If acknowledgement goes to a Beth David member, you may leave address blank)

Name______Address______Street City State Zip Additional Message:______

□ I do NOT wish to have my donation acknowledged in the D’var

Donation Amount: $______or check one of the following: ____$18 ____$36 ____$72 ____$108

______Congregation Beth David Fund ____ Myuchad Fund (Special Needs Program) ______Beth David Endowment ____ March of the Living Scholarship Fund ______Kiddush Oneg ____ Balk Family Camp Scholarship Fund ______Annual Campaign ____ Robert E. Levinson Memorial Library Fund ______Capital Campaign Discretionary Funds (please specify): ____ Religious School/Hebrew High Scholarship Fund ____ Rabbi Daniel Pressman ____ Rabbi Philip Ohriner ____ Bible and Siddur Fund ____ Religious School Principal ____ Hebrew High Principal

Billing: (Choose One) ____ Check/payment attached, please process directly.

____ Bill my account for the above amount and process immediately. Account # ______We appreciate your donations!

Mitzvah a Month

School Backpack Drive Take a tag off the giving tree located in the CBD lobby and fill a backpack with the suggested items. If you prefer, you may make a monetary donation and members of the social action committee will do the shopping for you. Please return your filled backpacks and/or monetary donations to the CBD office no later than July 17th. Questions? Email [email protected].

Million Coin Campaign Our goal is to collect one million coins of any denomination by the ribbon-cutting ceremony for our remodeled and expanded building, near the end of 2015. All money raised will go toward creating new inviting and appealing spaces for our youth.

Help Keep Minyan Alive We invite you to look at your schedules and commit to attending at least one minyan during the week. are held Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. and Monday – Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m.

Join us for a Special Musical Minyan the First Tuesday of the Month This Minyan incorporates the uplifting melodies of Debbie Freidman and Craig Taubman into the traditional service to create an enhanced, spiritual experience.

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

www.Beth-David.org

Please email [email protected] if you do not wish to receive this printed newsletter in the future

Moving Up Shabbat Saturday, June 7th, 9:30am Join our graduating youth as they lead a special service in honor of Rabbi Pressman. Come see the surprise they have in store for him.

Kiddush Lunch in Honor of Rabbi Pressman Saturday, June 28th Services at 9:30am, Lunch at 12:30pm Everyone is invited. Free to attend - but please RSVP at Beth-David.org/RSVP. If you have trouble logging in, please call our office at 408-257-3333.

Jewish Heritage Night at AT&T Park SF Giants v Pittsburgh Pirates Monday, July 28th, 7:15pm See flyer on page 8 of this publication.

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