february 2011 • 27 shevet - 24 adar 5771 ha kesher · february 2011 page 1

FEBRUARY 2011 PAGE 1

Ha KesherThe Communication

Newsletter of Congregation Dor Hadash

REACHING INEvery so often I receive a phone call that reminds me of one of the reasons I became a rabbi. The call usually begins with, “Rabbi, there’s something I need talk to you about…” And then the person proceeds to tell me of their spiritual search or of their theological struggle, as they share questions of

Jewish practice and observance. “Can I go to the wake of my close friend who died who isn’t Jewish, and it would mean being there as Shabbat begins?” “How can I understand circumcision not as genital mutilation but as real covenant-making with the Jewish people?” “We are an intermarried couple struggling to create a spiritual home for our young child, can you help?” “My mother has cancer again and is refusing to go through chemo, I need to talk about God.” All of these are true conversations I have had with people. These are incredibly powerful interactions for me. I always come away from them in awe of the person’s capacity to share the most painful and or difficult questions of their life – even though I am their rabbi.

These calls and some subsequent meetings are part of my weekly landscape as a rabbi. They are sprinkled amidst meetings, programming, classes, and administrative piles I go through each week. And yet, often, they are the most meaningful parts of my week. What a privilege it is to be present for another person, even if it means saying nothing at all and just listening to them cry, and how important it is. It isn’t so much about having the answer they are seeking, it is rather the privilege of being able to listen to the question.

I wanted to share this piece of my rabbinate that is so important to me, so much a part of who I am, but is often invisible except to those who seek it out.

It isn’t the same as therapy -- although I do keep tissues in my office -- but it can have a “therapeutic” effect. Amidst our highly technologically advanced, intellectual, and self sufficient selves sometimes lies deeper questions of meaning and experience that most interactions do not satisfy. I do not pretend to be an expert in the meaning of life, but I am a person who thinks a lot about the intersections of memory and pain, tradition and isolation, spirituality and loneliness. I am consistently moved by people’s personal stories of awe, revelation and transformation. (continued on page 2)

FEBRUARY 2011 • 27 SHEVET - 24 ADAR 5771 VOLUME 27, NO. 6

FROM THE RABBI

Rabbi’s Column 1

Dor Hadash Events 2-3

Ed Director’s Column 4

Gesher School 3-4

Donations 5

Life Cycle/Todah 6

Yahrzeits 7

Calendar 8

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RABBI’S COLUMN (con’t)

Although rabbis have been serving as spiritual guides in a myriad of ways for centuries, a new emphasis on pastoral care has emerged over the last 10 years that is part of our education, our internship opportunities, and our own personal growth. It is obvious that people will seek out the rabbi of their congregation after the death of a loved one, or when coping with catastrophic illness. But there are so many other moments when a spiritual, Jewish approach can be of help. I have counseled people when they are at a crossroads in their career, or when they are a new stepparent and are trying to make a go of it with their “new” children. I often ask the question, “How do you think Judaism or Jewish tradition can be of help?” Sometimes the person doesn’t know at first, but he or she soon comes to a similar place – that being a part of a Jewish community that can respond to their needs is important; that seeking solace in the Psalms or similar liturgy/literature might be useful; or that simply talking with the spiritual leader of their community can enhance their personal connection.

I do not assume that talking with a rabbi will always be helpful – it might even be more frustrating because, like in therapy, answers are sometimes hard to come by. It is not my job to dispense advice or solutions to problems. It is my job to be present when questions and challenges arise for members of my congregation – to be there when sought out.

The biblical tradition offers us a special response when we are called to be present for something important. The response is hineni – I am here. Each of us can do so much for the people we care about simply by being present – sometimes, without saying a word. It goes the same for a rabbi in a community. My door is open.

Rabbi Yael Ridberg

EREV SHABBAT /

COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE

Come celebrate Shabbat on February 11 at 7:30 p.m. with Rabbi Ridberg, your Dor Hadash community, and guest speaker, Amelia Glaser, professor in the literature department at UCSD. Her topic will be “American leftist Yiddish poets from the 1930s.”

Dr. Glaser received her Ph.D. from Stanford and teaches a variety of classes at UCSD. She has published on topics such as Isaac Babel and Peretz Markish, and has translated many poems and stories into English from Russian, Yiddish, and I t a l i an . See her webs i t e a t h t tp ://zritelnitsa.blogspot.com/

ONE BOOK, ONE CONGREGATION Join us on Sunday, February 13 at 3pm to discuss To the End of the Land, by one of Israel's most acclaimed writers, David Grossman. The novel, about family life and the cost of war, has been hailed as one of Grossman's best--powerful, broad in scope, yet intimate.

For more information, please leave a message for Leah Ollman at the office 858-268-3674 or [email protected] - subject line ONE BOOK.


WE ARE STILL ACCEPTING DOG AND CAT

FOOD AND SMALL TOYS, HAND SANITIZER

AND PLASTIC STORAGE BAGS BENEFITTING

HOMELASS CATS AND DOGS. COLLECTION

THROUGH FEBRUARY 6.

mailto:[email protected]



NEW SCHEDULE FOR MAH JONGG...At least temporarily, until we can settle on a

routine that suits more people. For those unable to make our regular Thursday

night games, we’re scheduling one Tuesday night game in February. We’ll see how it goes and adjust accordingly for March.

This month we will play on Tuesday, February 8 at 7:00 p.m. and Thursday, February 24 at 7:00 p.m.

As always, all are welcome including beginners.Please bring a nosh to share!For more information, please leave a message for

L e a h a t t h e o f fi c e 8 5 8 - 2 6 8 - 3 6 7 4 o r [email protected] - subject line MAHJ.

JOIN SHIR HADASHShir Hadash (previously known as Jammin’ Jews)

meets one afternoon a month at Dor Hadash, sharing songs, and taking a playful, experimental approach to

harmonies and instrumentation. We occasionally lead services, but the emphasis is on exploration and fun. And we're always eager to have new voices, instruments, and spirits.

We start with a brief potluck lunch, and then get into the music. Contact Janice or Shari through the office at 858-268-3674 or email [email protected] - subject line MUSIC.

Janice Steinberg and Shari CiancioMusic Committee Co-chairs

SAVE THE DATE!The 2011 Scholar-in-Residence Weekend in honor

of the Installation of Rabbi Yael Ridberg will be held on May 13-14. Watch Ha Kesher, the web site, and the shmeer for more details!

The Gan (pre-K and K) class at Gesher School is asking for your help for the PJ and Bedtime Story Drive for Needy Kids!

P lease br ing NEW and UNUSED pajamas and/or nightgowns for children and teenagers (sizes infant to adult XXXL) and/or children’s books (bedtime story or otherwise) to

the lobby of Dor Hadash.

This donation drive benefits the Pajama Program, which provides new pajamas and new children's books to needy children who live in orphanages, group homes, and shelters in the San Diego area.

The drive starts February 6 and ends March 6.

For questions, please contact Meryl Zwanger by leaving a message for her at the office 858-268-3674 or email [email protected] - subject GESHER MITZVAH PROJECT


Gesher Shekel opportunities in February

✦All Dor Hadash, Gesher and Family activities✦Attend Parent-Child Class✦Celebrate Shabbat with your family✦Participate in the collection of PJs and books for

children and teens.

GESHER SCHOOLFEBRUARY MITZVAH PROJECT









FROM THE EDUCATION DIRECTOR

Debbie Friedman....

If you know the name, you know her music and the impact that she had on the Jewish world.

If you don't know who Debbie was, you might be wondering why you've heard so much about her since her

untimely death last month.

Debbie Friedman was, through her musical talents and accomplishments, a teacher, a spiritual leader, and an inspiration. It all began at summer camp when she was a teen song-leader. Over her lifetime, Debbie took traditional Jewish texts and ideas and set them to music along with English translation. She was the first person to write music that taught and made prayer so meaningful to modern day Jews. You may know some of her songs: Mi Shebairach, The Alef Bet Song, Lechi Lach, The Youth Shall See Visions.

I grew up singing her music, and in my career have taught many Debbie Friedman favorites. I attended a Women's Seder during Passover in the late 90s which was led by Debbie, and I had the fortune of attending many of her concerts over the years. I also was so honored to participate in her Chorale (choir) at several CAJE (Coalition for the Advancement of Je w i s h E d u c a t i o n ) conferences. Debbie's performances were very energetic, spiritually inspiring, and lots and lots of fun. Debbie was funny! She was also giving and kind.

D u r i n g G e s h e r S c h o o l ' s S u n d a y m o r n i n g K e h i l l a h Gatherings, I will be sharing Debbie's music with our students and parents. If you have a favorite Debbie Friedman song, please let me know and we will share it together. She will be very sorely missed. May her memory and her music be a blessing for generations to come.

- Betsy Schneider


Third Annual Blessing of the Animals

Last month, animals of all shapes and sizes gathered in the courtyard once again for the Blessing of the Animals in celebration of Tu B'Shevat. Of course, there were lots of dogs, Ezra's turtle, and Samuel and Benjamin's snake, but this year, Melina Rabin brought her new bird named Autumn, and we even had a visiting bearded dragon. Rabbi Yael led the community in heartfelt blessings of love and healing, and everyone in attendance shared with the group the blessing which they receive from their pet(s).

MLK Community Day of ServiceOnce again, Cynthia

Sistek-Chandler led the Dor Hadash community in a wonderful day of service in honor of the values and teaching of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. We painted butterflies, said the 'Kids for Peace' pledge, shared our 'dreams,' and decorated peace cookies. Many thanks to Cynthia and to Audrey Crespin for making this such a fabulous morning.

Melina’s pet cockatiel Autumn. She likes to sit on Melina's shoulder and sings very sweetly.


Congregation Dor Hadash gratefully acknowledges your generous donations. Dor Hadash has many opportunities for you to put your money where your heart is. These funds supplement items in the annual budget. Donating is easy. Mail us a check made out to Congregation Dor Hadash and tell us what fund to apply it to. Or you can call the office during business hours with your credit card (Visa or Mastercard).

Bikkur Holim: For support of people in crisis.Children’s Education Fund: For support of Gesher School.Endowment Fund: Financial investment for the future of Dor Hadash.General Fund: For miscellaneous items approved by the Board. Gesher School Supplemental Fund (Lily Goldstein Memorial Educator Fund): To provide additional funds to support Gesher School expenditures not covered by the Budget. Library Fund: For purchasing books and DVDs and to promote Jewish knowledge and reading.Mishkan Fund: For capital improvements to the synagogue. Madrihim Fund: To support the teen team assisting the Gesher School.Music Fund: To benefit the musical enrichment of Dor Hadash. Prayer Book Fund: To repair and replace siddurim (prayer books).Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund: For expenditures the Rabbi deems necessary and appropriate.Scholar-In-Residence Fund: To cover the costs associated with hosting a scholar-in-residence each year. Scholarship Funds: Gesher School scholarships for those in need (Vicki Seltzer Memorial Education Fund and the Joshua Adam Flores-Wolfert Fund)Tikkun Olam Fund: To support social justice activities approved and recommended by the Tikkun Olam Committee. Torah/Ritual Fund: For maintenance of and accessories for the Torah scrolls and ritual objects.

DONATIONS

Bikkur Holim Fund:Bleema Moss and Richard Warburton - in thanks to the

individuals and the whole community for the generous support in a myriad of ways to our family during the illness/passing of our dearly loved father, father-in-law, and zaydie

Char Katz in memory of Ida Katz

Children’s Education Fund: Gesher School Staff in memory of Manny GoldSally Jacobson, in memory of Jack Jacobson

General Fund:Marilyn Scheininger in memory of Jeannette G.

ScheiningerMarilyn Scheininger in memory of Manny GoldMarilyn and David Kirschen in memory of Sharon

Hembree

Joshua Adam Flores-Wolfert Scholarship Fund: Holly Baumann and Lee Goldberg in memory of Manny

GoldHolly Baumann and Lee Goldberg in memory of Bob

Maitles

Music Fund:Holly Baumann and Lee Goldberg in memory of

Genevieve Chosid

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund:Bleema Moss and Richard Warburton in thanks to the

individuals and the whole community for the generous support in a myriad of ways to our family during the illness/passing of our dearly loved father, father-in-law, and zaydie

Carol Yeomans-Simons and David Simons in memory of Joseph Simons and Hugh Yeomans

Scholar-in-Residence:Richard and Debby KremsdorfSheila Kirschenbaum

Tikkun Olam:Brianna, Lois and Jonathan Ingberg in memory of Jack

Nugent

Torah/Ritual Fund:Holly Baumann and Lee Goldberg in memory of Manny

TuchinHolly Baumann and Lee Goldberg in memory of Harry

BaumannGloria Xefos in honnor of Holly Baumann for tutoring

Romy Beigel for her Bat Mitzvah


Todah Rabah for your generous donations:


HAPPY BIRTHDAYFebruary 4 • 22nd Anniversary

Alan and Deborah Lindner

February 10 • 3rd AnniversaryBetsy and David Schneider

February 12 • 41st AnniversaryDeborah and Richard Kremsdorf

February 25 • 56th AnniversarySydell and Jacques Templin

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Arny BernsteinBarbara BoothTamar BoothRichard BurkeBarbara CarrSydney ChehabSy GreenbergSarah Fenner (Sarah bat Chana)Jeffrey George Hana bat ShaynaDean KarpRaisa Hannah Karp

Rick KingRobin KohnBenjamin LeeDaniel LeeRabbi Sheryl LewartBarbara LouiseRobin Pitler (Razel Sivah bat David v’Bryna)Jill SchwartzGloria Felicia TopperYael Zorochov

If you would like your name removed from the Misheberah list, e-mail Rabbi Ridberg.

MISHEBERAH

Michael Weller Feb 1F 18th birthday

Brianna Li Wuado IngberFeb 5 9th birthday

Connie Reingold Feb 5

Shari Ciancio Feb 6

Noah Greene Feb 11 11th birthday

Rhonda Schwartz Feb 12

Jonah Leon Christian Feb 13 21st birthday

Meagan Harris Feb 13 18th birthday

Denny Cook Feb 16

Parrish Nnambi Feb 16

Daniel Rotto Feb 17

David Kirschen Feb 21

Edgar Wessell Feb 23 90 Years young!

Meryl Zwanger Feb 24

Daniel Michaels Feb 25


TODAH RABAHHavurah Havanot for providing

the meal for the Storefront Youth Shelter on December 31st.

Ivy Stein and Laura Whitefor selling leftover items from our rummage

sale on Craigslist

Cynthia-Sistek-Chandler and the Gesher families who arranged for the FunRaiser

event at Souplantation. We ate well, enjoyed each others company, and raised a little gelt

for Gesher


Sheila Kirschenbaum for proofreading Ha Kesher


YAHRZEIT LISTfor February 2011/27 Shevet - 24 Adar 5771

May their memory be for a blessing.


Semeer Attiyeh 2/1/11 Shevat 27 Attiyeh, Jessica Jessica’s father-in-law

Allen Wolfsont 2/1/11 Shevat 27 Baumann, Holly Gail & Goldberg, Lee Holly's uncle

Louis John Ciancio 2/2/11 Shevat 28 Ciancio, John & Shari John's father

Amelia Gaster 2/2/11 Shevat 28 Scheininger, Marilyn Marilyn’s grandmother

George Gross 2/4/11 Shevat 30 Nussbaum, Mark & Patricia Mark's grandfather

Pascal Covici 2/6/11 Adar-I 2 Propp, William & Covici Propp, Anna Anna's father

Leah Reingold 2/6/11 Adar-I 2 Reingold, Jack & Connie Jack's mother

Harry Aaron Farkas 2/7/11 Adar-I 3 Dasteel - Klarman, Lynn Lynn's father

Maurice Mintz 2/7/11 Adar-I 3 Sobo, David & Naomi Naomi's father

David Thompson 2/8/11 Adar-I 4 Zwanger, Meryl Meryl's father-in-law

Gertrude Natker 2/9/11 Adar-I 5 Natker, Leon Leon’s mother

Stanley Zwanger 2/11/11 Adar-I 7 Zwanger, Meryl Meryl's father

Nelda S. Deakin 2/14/11 Adar-I 10 Keister, Terry Terry’s Mother

Zalma Rechnic 2/14/11 Adar-I 10 Rechnic, Mark & Kapteina, Annelese Mark's father

Helen Wolf 2/15/11 Adar-I 11 Weber-Harris, Carolyn Carolyn's grandmother

Jonathan Dasteel 2/16/11 Adar-I 12 Dasteel - Klarman, Lynn Jim Dasteel's cousin

Jacob Margolis 2/17/11 Adar-I 13 Margolis, Ellen & Cahn, Lawrence Ellen's father

Lillian Mintz 2/17/11 Adar-I 13 Sobo, David & Naomi Naomi's mother

Samuel Harman 2/20/11 Adar-I 16 Pearce, Alexis & Scott Alexis' father

Harry Gaynor 2/21/11 Adar-I 17 Gaynor, Lynda Lynda's father

Mildred Samuels Rose Lewis 2/21/11 Adar-I 17 Katz, Char & Rose, Barbara Ann Barbara's grandmother

Samuel Freundlich 2/22/11 Adar-I 18 Freundlich, David & Carol David's father

Sadie Scheininger 2/23/11 Adar-I 19 Scheininger, Marilyn Marilyn’s grandmother

Ernie Mintz 2/24/11 Adar-I 20 Sobo, David & Naomi Naomi's brother

Joyce Sapp 2/24/11 Adar-I 20 Itrich, Jeffree & Earl Jeffree's mother

Dora Friedman 2/26/11 Adar-I 22 Kirschen, Marilyn & David Marilyn's grandmother

Samuel Rieger 2/26/11 Adar-I 22 Meronoff, Fran Fran's father

Celia Bisom-Israel 2/28/11 Adar-I 24 Bisom-Rapp, Susan & Charles Susan's grandmother

Pauline Moser 2/28/11 Adar-I 24 Wilner, Terese Teri’s mother


FEBRUARY 2011 CALENDAR

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Office Closed17:45AM Shacharit Minyan - lay led

4:00PM B’nai Mitzvah Class

2 3 47:00PM Kabbalat Shabbat with Rabbi Ridberg

59:00AM Torah Study with Rabbi Ridberg

10:00AM Shabbat service with Rabbi Ridberg

6Gesher School12:00PM ILP Lunch

7Office Closed


7:00PM Mah Jongg

9 104:00PM B’nai Mitzvah Class

117:30PM Kabbalat Shabbat with Rabbi Ridberg and Guest Speaker UCSD Professor Amelia Glaser

1210:00AM Torah Study with Rabbi Ridberg

13Gesher School3:00PM One Book, One Congregation

14Office Closed



185:45PM PJ Tot Shabbat6:30PM Kabbalat Shabbat

19

20No Gesher School

21Office Closed


7:00PM Board of Trustees Meeting


7:00PM Mah Jongg

257:30PM Kabbalat Shabbat

26

27Gesher School

28Office Closed

Morning Minyan

Come daven with us from 7:45 to 8:45 a.m. on the first Tuesday of the month

(February 1). Enjoy the morning light among a gathering of friends. Consider starting your day in quiet

contemplation in community.


Congregation Dor Hadash4858 Ronson Court #ASan Diego, CA 92111

The mission of Dor Hadash is to create a caring Jewish community in accordance with the values of Reconstructionism and

to inspire exploration of Jewish spirituality.

Ha Kesher is published monthly except there is a combined July/August issue. Although the newsletter is supported through membership dues, contributions towards its publication are appreciated. All submissions are accepted at the discretion of the Officers and Board of Trustees of Congregation Dor Hadash, and the editor. Due to space limitations, submissions may be used in future issues and are subject to editing. Submissions for consideration should be factual and concise. Contact names and addresses as well as the author’s name and address should be included. Submissions in electronic form are preferred. Email submissions to [email protected]. This account is active.

Deadline: All submissions including advertisements, reports, and updates should be dropped off, emailed, or faxed by the 5th of the month for publication in the following month’s newsletter. Advertising rates per month: $18/business card; $36/quarter page; $54/half page; $72/full page

All events are held at our facility on Ronson Court. Please contact the office to verify individual activities and events. Shabbat services are every Friday night, 7:00pm the first Friday, 7:30pm the second, fourth and fifth Friday; 5:45pm PJ Tot Shabbat and 6:30pm the third Friday (Family Shabbat).

Ha KesherNewsletter of Congregation Dor Hadash

published by the Board of TrusteesAffiliated with the

Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Editor: Susan Levine

Officers:Steve Florman, President

Mark Nussbaum, 1st Vice PresidentMark Stover, 2nd Vice PresidentMarilyn Scheininger, Treasurer

Anita Peterson, Secretary

Trustees:Evan Adelson

Marcia BernegerSusan Bisom-Rapp

Kenneth Gudel (youth)Phillip Haness

Teri WilnerDave Wertlieb, Past President

Rabbi Yael RidbergEducation Director Betsy Schneider

Administrator Mark NewmanJRF Representative Evan Adelson

4858 Ronson Court Suite A • San Diego, CA 92111 • (858) 268-3674 • (858) 268-3633 faxhttp://dorhadash.org Facebook: http://tiny.cc/cdh-facebook




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february 2011 • 27 shevet - 24 adar 5771 ha kesher · february 2011 page 1

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