raising up new jewish leaders · for the latest information temple isaiah ruach, june/july 2014 3...

of Camping for the Union of Reform Judaism (URJ); Rachel Mylan, who will begin her last year in the school of education in the fall; Julie Bressler, who will start her second year of rabbinical school; and Ira Rosenberg, who will enter rabbinical school this summer. (This list reflects only recent years – going back in time many others have become distinguished Jewish leaders by building on their roots at Temple Isaiah). We can all be grateful and take great pride in knowing that the vibrant Jewish community, the leadership, the learning,

I write to you on the day after our synagogue’s Annual Membership Meeting, during which you, our dedicated members, elected new officers and passed the budget that will provide structure and support for our activities for the new (fiscal) year 2014/15. We are blessed to welcome a new generation of leaders onto our Temple Isaiah Board under our new President, David Douglas. Our clergy team and senior staff look forward to continuing our sacred part-nership with them and with all of you, excited to imagine the new thinking and wisdom we will combine to capture the opportunities for Jewish learning and growth in the year ahead.

We raise up new Jewish leaders for governance in-house at Temple Isaiah, and we also raise up leaders who will go on to serve Jewish communities around the country. In just the past few years, Temple Isaiah has been blessed to mentor young adults who have chosen to enter the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, the Reform movement’s seminary and graduate school, to pursue degrees in the rabbinate, Jewish education, and Jewish non-profit management. We congratulate Sharon Graetz and Rebecca Ross who just received their double masters’ degrees this year; Dan Lange, who graduated last year and now is Associate Director

December 2011Kislev / Tevet 5772

Rabbi Judy Shanks

June/July 2014Sivan / Tammuz / Av 5774

and the menschlichkeit that our young people imbibed at Temple Isaiah inspired them to become Jewish leaders them-selves.

And this month we will welcome student Rabbi Stacy Petersohn to Temple Isaiah as our first summer intern. While Stacy is not “home grown” at Temple Isaiah, she is a San Francisco Bay native who grew up in Fremont, was active at Temple Beth Torah, in BBYO and Midrasha, and at Camps Swig and Newman as a camper and a counselor. Stacy graduated from the University of San Francisco and just finished her third year at HUC-JIR.

Our clergy team and senior staff will give Stacy many oppor-tunities to experience the multiple roles that rabbis play in the life of the congregation, and to try out her burgeoning skills in those arenas, and will mentor her to find success and satisfac-tion both in her months here and as she continues her studies and moves into her career. Please give her a warm welcome and support her efforts! While we will be mentoring her day-to-day, you will, as a community, be educators and mentors as to the culture and structure of our unique Jewish community, giving her good memories and great experience to carry for-ward.

The Mishneh describes the passage of Torah knowledge and the mantle of leadership from one generation to the next: “Moses received the Law on Sinai (Continued on page 2)

Yad b’Yad students (kindergarten and 1st graders) celebrate Yom Ha’Aztmaut in their Hebrew through Movement class.

Raising up New Jewish Leaders

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for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org2 Temple Isaiah Ruach, June/July 2014

(Rabbi Shanks continued from page 1)

and delivered it to Joshua; Joshua in turn handed it to the Elders; the Elders to the prophets; and each delivered it to the suc-cessors until it reached the leaders of the Great Assembly. And they said, …Bring up many disci-ples.” Our Jewish commu-nity – inside Temple Isaiah and beyond – has a bright future in the hands of the “disciples” we nurture and mentor, raise up and sustain until they too become mentors for others. May we always be so blessed to go from strength to strength.

Rabbi Judy Shanks

Friday, July 4

6:30pm Shabbat Service, followed by Sha-Bar-B-Q Dinner

Saturday, July 5

9:15am Torah Study 10:30am Shabbat Morning Service

Numbers 22:2-25:9, Balak

Friday, July 11

8:00pm Shabbat Service, followed by Oneg

Saturday, July 12

8:45am Torah Study 10:30am Shabbat Morning Service

Zach and Emily Lowhurst, B’nai Mitzvah

Num. 25:10-30:1, Pinchas

Friday, July 18

6:00pm Happy Half Hour Oneg 6:30pm 3rd Shabbat Service with

Mizmor Band

Saturday, July 19

8:45am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Morning Service

David Sutherland, Bar Mitzvah

Num. 30:2-32:42, Matot

Friday, July 25


Saturday, July 26


Jonah Levine Hinckley, and Sam Levine, B’nai Mitzvah

Num. 33:1-36:13, Masei

July Worship services

Student Rabbi Stacy Petersohn, Temple Isaiah Summer Intern

TeMple isAiAh945 Risa Road, Lafayette, CA 94549

Temple Isaiah’s mission is to embody, enhance, and perpetuate our Jewish tradition by providing a welcoming spiritual home where the membership gathers to worship God, study Torah, engage in acts of Tikun Olam, participate in Jewish rituals and life cycle events, and experience the joy of being a part of a caring community.

President David Douglas

Executive Vice President Dan Myers

Vice President Tony Crea

Vice President Jasmine Tarkoff

Secretary Karen Goldberg

Treasurer Steve Lipson

Parliamentarian Robert Goldberg Phone Ext

Rabbi Roberto Graetz 308

Rabbi Judy Shanks 308

Associate Rabbi Alissa Miller 308

Rabbi Emeritus Shelley Waldenberg 308

Cantor Leigh Korn 308

Executive Director Michael Liepman 301

Education Director Rabbi Nicki Greninger 313

Gan Ilan Director Liz Kaufman 108

Youth Director Jory Gwasdoff 311

Membership Abby Seitelman 306

Facilities Rental Michaela Caughlan 303

Librarian Melissa Gianotti 316

Clergy Secretary Nina Jones 308

Education Asst. Nathan Bellet 315

Communications Dir. Jen Boxerman 310

Hebrew Tutor Joel Siegel 318

Office Staff Sonia Das 300

Melissa Gianotti 304

Bookkeeper Sherry Tsai 302

Office (925) 283-8575

Fax (925) 283-8355

Religious School (925) 284-9191

Gan Ilan Preschool (925) 284-8453

Gift Shop (925) 284-4933

Website www.temple-isaiah.org

Ruach Vol. 62, No. 11, June/July 2014

Ruach is published monthly except in July by Temple Isaiah. Ruach is breath, wind, or spirit. It also means soul. May it be a breeze of fresh Jewish spirit arriving at your home.

Editor Julie Candau [email protected]

Photographer Michael Fox

Copy Editors Ellen Baer, Miriam Cairns,Jeanie Conneran, Beth Hoenninger,

Julie Magilen, Anna Marie Levy,Carol Olmert

Cantor Korn Releases First CDAfter nine years at Temple, I am still excited to see how our congregation loves music. In addition to delighting in the very talented congregants who par-ticipate in our choirs and ensembles, I am always so pleased at the way that everyone engages musically in worship as well as supports our ensembles and concerts.

I am particularly excited about the latest musical project to share with the congregation. You may have already received (or you will soon receive) “Shabbat at Isaiah,” a CD of music we sing here at the Temple featuring yours truly accompanied by our Mizmor Band under the direction of Greg Murai. This is a project a long time in the making. (It’s my first CD…who knew it was so much work!) This whole proj-ect was made possible by Women of Isaiah, and it is because of their generosity that every congregant will receive a CD. Additional CDs will be on sale in the Gift Shop.

I hope that this CD is something you enjoy in the car or at home, at work or on vacation. We wanted to bring a little bit of Shabbat at Isaiah to you and give you a chance to bring some of the music of Isaiah into your Shabbat. Our goal was to give you some music that brought Judaism to life for you through-out your week and year and bring some of that great “Isaiah feeling” with you even when you’re not at Temple. Be sure to thank the Women of Isaiah for their generosity and I hope the next time you come to Shabbat you’ll feel even more comfortable and inspired singing along with our praises to God.

Cantor Leigh Korn

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Celia and Leland Douglas at the Annual Membership meeting.

Temple Isaiah Ruach, June/July 2014 3www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information

NEWS AND INSPIRATION

Annual Meeting HighlightsOn Tuesday, May 6 Temple Isaiah members came together to enjoy a delicious barbeque dinner, celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut, and participate in the important business of our synagogue including election of our new president, David Douglas. Many thanks to Anshei Isaiah’s Bob Coleman, Neal Modelevsky, Nadav Rave, Dave Solomon, and Joel Willen for manning the grills as well as to the members of the Israel and World Jewry Committee for helping us honor Israel’s Independence Day.

After joining Cantor Korn in singing “Hatikvah,” members lis-tened to remarks from outgoing President Robert Goldberg and our senior clergy. Rabbi Shanks discussed the growth of Mussar practice at Temple Isaiah over the past year and announced three exciting opportunities for Temple Isaiah members to visit Israel in the year ahead. (See ad on page 5.) Rabbi Graetz in turn praised the efforts of ViA Isaiah in organizing a multi-faith coali-tion to take action against poverty in Contra Costa County and stressed the importance of partnering with other Jewish organi-zations to strengthen the Jewish community as a whole.

Getting down to business, the membership heard the trea-surer’s report and approved the operating budget for the coming fiscal year, elected directors and officers, and voted on changes to the synagogue bylaws. The directors elected to the 2014-2015 board are Julie Bell, Alex Rudd, Stephanie Snyder, David Wellerstein, Lise Wollenberg, and Faith Zenker. In addition to President David Douglas, our elected officers are Dan Myers, Executive Vice President; Tony Crea, Vice President, Jasmine Tarkoff, Vice President; Steve Lipson, Treasurer; Karen Goldberg, Secretary; and Robert Goldberg, Parliamentarian. Amendments to the bylaws reflect changes in organizational names, committees and procedures that have occurred since the document was last revised 10 years ago, and expand from three to four the number of board members on the eight-person nominating committee.

David Douglas (center), our new Temple President, with URJ President Rabbi Rick Jacobs (right), and Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion President Rabbi Aaron Panken (left) joined 100 other Reform synagogue presidents at the 16th Annual Scheidt Seminar to discuss solutions to everyday congregational problems, explore Torah-based gover-nance, improve leadership skills, network and share successful program ideas.

Gan Zicharon – Temple Isaiah’s Garden of RemembranceTemple Isaiah is pleased to announce the creation of a dedicated garden at Gan Shalom Cemetery in Briones exclu-sively for our members. Named Gan Zicharon (Garden of Remembrance), Temple Isaiah’s memorial garden will be a serene and beautiful space initially consisting of 300 plots, with further expansion available. Gan Zicharon will be identi-fied by an inscribed bench, and individual graves will be iden-tified by flat markers.

To introduce Gan Zicharon to the Temple community, spe-cial introductory pricing is available for those who wish to purchase or reserve a plot or space, companion spaces, or a family section consisting of any number of contiguous plots with a dedicated bench and distinctive plantings. You may pur-chase internment rights within the next year at a 10 percent discount on each plot when paid in full. If you prefer to make a commitment now, with the option to pay over a period of time, you will receive a five percent discount on each plot or space, with no interest on the balance for as long as three years. Families who already have purchased internment rights at Gan Shalom Cemetery and would like their plots to be located within the Temple Isaiah garden may transfer those rights at no additional charge.

The establishment of Gan Zicharon for our congregation is a strong affirmation of the values of our Temple Isaiah family and community and an opportunity to create a legacy for future generations. You will be receiving a mailing with a card to return if you are interested in touring the cemetery or reviewing your options. You may also contact the Temple’s Executive Director, Michael Liepman, for more information.

Oakkmont Cemetery Spaces AvailableTemple Isaiah still has 30 spaces at Oakmont Cemetery

in the Compassion III Garden for those who would prefer to obtain burial spaces there. Contact Michael Liepman or Cemetery Chair, Frank Winer, at 925-825-2182 or [email protected].


NEWS AND INSPIRATION

Celebrate Shavuot with UsThis year we are offering two special ways to celebrate Shavuot, the festival that commemorates the day God gave the Torah to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai. On Tuesday, June 3, at 7 p.m. in the Beit Knesset, we will gather for an innovative study of the Ten Commandments and a service with Yizkor followed by a cheesecake reception. We also invite you to join us at the Lafayette Reservoir on Wednesday, June 4, at 9 a.m. for a Torah Trek. Meet us at the lawn opposite the playground for Torah learning and community. Bring your favorite dairy treat to share. From strollers to seniors…all ages welcome!

Gan Ilan Families Making a DifferenceTemple Isaiah’s Gan Ilan Preschool is featured in the current issue of Voices, the newsletter of Jewish Family & Children’s Services of the East Bay. Entitled “Bringing Us Together,” the cover article describes the commitment of Gan Ilan families to support 24-Hour Oakland Parent Teacher Children Center (24HOPCC), a preschool with limited resources serving low-income, at risk children in the Fruitvale neighborhood.

After participating in JFCS/East Bay’s Holiday Giving Program for several years, Gan Ilan families and staff decided to do more and help a preschool on an ongoing basis. Gan Ilan parent and Temple member Tammy Shanker worked with Kathryn Winogura, JFCS’s volunteer coordinator (herself a Temple member), to iden-tify a preschool to adopt and to organize the project. Tammy says that 24HOPCC, which has about 50 children between the ages of three and five and receives early childhood mental health services from JFCS/East Bay, is a good match for Gan Ilan. Each month a different Gan Ilan class takes primary responsibility for fulfilling a wish list compiled by 24HOPCC and the JFCS/East Bay social worker. The Gan Ilan children deposit new and gently used items in the school’s mitzvah box – everything from basic school supplies, educational materials, and toys to electronic equipment – for delivery to the very appreciative teachers and children at 24HOPCC. Although one classroom takes the lead for the month, other families often donate items as well, and the response of the Gan Ilan community has been phenomenal.

As for the kids, Gan Ilan director Liz Kaufman reports that they “have really enjoyed bringing in things to share with the children” of 24HOPCC while learning the values of tzedakah and tikkun olam. Tammy Shanker agrees: she says that it has been grat-ifying to watch her 4 ½ year old son, Adam, “get it” and become more and more engaged in this mitzvah over the course of the school year. Given the success of this project, Gan Ilan is looking forward to continuing and perhaps expanding it next year.

Kol Ha Kavod to all the families and staff of Gan Ilan.

Gan Ilan Alonim students help in collecting wish list items to donate to 24-Hour Oakland Parent Teacher Children Center.

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www.temple-isaiah.org for the latest information Temple Isaiah Ruach, June/July 2014 5

COMMUNITY

Welcome New Members April 15 – May 14, 2014

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COMMUNITY

To Elsa Troy-Slovik and Josh Slovik, on the birth of son, Thomas Ariel Slovik, on Friday, April 25, 2014.

To Greta and Jerry Frantz, on the birth of grandson, Ezra Abraham Mariampolski, to parents Megan Frantz and David Mariampolski and big brother Jacob, on May 11, 2014.

Mazal Tov■

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Mizvot & MerlotSpread the word: our next Mitzvot & Merlot event for young Jewish professionals will take place Thursday, June 26, at 7 p.m. in the Adult Lounge. This event is for men and women 21 to 35, singles and couples alike and is free of charge. We will enjoy wine and nibbles while assembling gift baskets for The Urban Farmers, which will be on hand to film our event. Attire is casual. RSVP at www.eventbrite.com/e/mitzvotmerlot-tickets-11074974547.

For more information, contact Valerie Poettgen at [email protected] or visit our Facebook event page: www.facebook.com/mitzvotandmerlot. This program is made possible by a grant from Women of Isaiah.

Successful Spring Fundraiser Our Pick-a-Party series of dinners in congregant homes during April and May was a great success, raising $15,000 for Temple Isaiah. Partygoers could choose from a wide variety of cuisines and locations, and hosts had the pleasure of serving their special-ties to very appreciative diners. Besides raising money for the Temple, the parties were lots of fun. In the words of one guest, “What a wonderful evening of great food, camaraderie and meet-ing new people… [Pick-A-Party] had so many additional benefits for all.” Thank you to all of our generous hosts, guests and donors for supporting this important fundraiser.

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Yizkor Elohim April 8, 2014

Martin Klein, brother of Marilyn (Marc) Klein. In Los Angeles.

April 24, 2014Howard Wolfe, husband of Lynne Wolfe, stepfather of Temple member Samantha (Doug Gardner) Fireman-Gardner, grandfather of Macie and Gabe Gardner.

April 27, 2014Rabbi Ken Weiss, brother of Mark (Marilyn) Weiss. In Boston.

May 2, 2014Betty Isaacson, mother of Linda (Darryl) Diamond, grandmother of Brian and Eric. In Chicago.

May 3, 2014Carl Jonas Naden, father of Robin (Bruce) Whitley, grandfather of Tessa and Cole. In Torrance, CA.

May 9, 2014Cecile Solow Gilbert, mother of Nancy Gilbert (Bruce) Kaufman and Michael (Kei) Gilbert, grandmother of Alexis (Ricardo) Martinez and Matthew Calo Gilbert, great grandmother of Gabriella and Sophia Martinez and Jacob and Max Gilbert.


COMMUNITY – WOMEN OF ISAIAH

We are honored and excited to represent Women of Isaiah as we initiate a new leadership model of staggered two-year terms for co-presidents. To start this off, the two of us will serve together for the first year (2014-2015). Judy Carney, our executive vice president, will assume the co-presidency with Sandy next spring. Both Sandy and Judy bring extensive leadership experience to their roles, having headed numerous activities and committees both at Temple Isaiah and in the larger community. For the past two years, they initiated and co-chaired the Temple’s Shelter Dinner program that provides nutritious homemade meals to the clients of Mountain View Shelter in Martinez for two weeks, one in the winter and one in early spring.

It is not surprising that this new leadership model was adopt-ed during the presidency of Karen Goldberg and Judy Lipson. These two dynamic and talented women initiated a number of new programs, board positions, and collaborations with other Temple Isaiah organizations during their two years in office. They brought to the Women of Isaiah board liaisons for Shalom Bayit (Iris Sorokin), Kulanu (Sarah Langbein), Gan Ilan (Heather

Howe-Dennett), Israel Committee (Susan Mautner), and Hadassah (Helene Casella). Last year they added Ellen Emold and Faith Zenker to coordinate Staff Appreciation and Hospitality respectively. Vivian Poettgen chairs the new Membership Outreach position while daughter Valerie began the Mitzvah & Merlot events for young adults. Judy and Karen have worked to partner WOI with Kesher and VIA Isaiah in both activities and goals. We are grateful for their accomplishments and their service. To quote Kim Drucker’s tribute at the May 5 Membership Meeting (also a first), “…WOI reflects your kind, open-hearted intel-ligence. Thank you for all your generous, hard work.”

On Sunday, June 22 WOI will join with other sisterhoods from around Northern California to participate in a day focused on leadership training and a social action project at Temple Sholom in Burlingame. All Women of Isaiah are welcome. Contact us if you are interested in attending.

To begin the 2014-15 membership year, Women of Isaiah Kickoff chairs, mother-daughter team Sherry Rowen and Leah Felson, have an exciting evening planned for Monday September 15. “Fifty Shades of Green” will feature fun, information, take-aways and, as always, time to meet new

Sandy Anderson Women of Isaiah Co-President

Lynn EpsteinWomen of Isaiah Co-President

New Leadership Model for Women of Isaiah

women and catch up with friends.Are you interested in becoming more involved with Women

of Isaiah? There are so many activities, interest areas, and women who want to feel connected. Contact Sandy at [email protected] or Lynn at [email protected] We are Stronger Together!

Lynn Epstein, Sandy Anderson, WOI Co-Presidents

Please save the date for this year’s

Kick Off Dinner

Fifty Shades of Green September 15, 2014

6:00 p.m. in the Social Hall

Mother-Daughter Co-Chairs Sherry Rowen and Leah Felson

Who is Your Woman of Valor? “What a rare find is a woman of valor – Her worth is far beyond that of rubies…”

Women of Isaiah will award its biennial Woman of Valor Award at the Kickoff Dinner on September 15. Do you have a candidate who meets the following criteria?

• The Temple is significant in her life. • She has been active in Women of Isaiah for at least five years. • She embraces the spirit of tikkun olam. • She lives her life with kindness and optimism. • She takes Jewish values to heart. Tell us who your Woman of Valor is and why you think she

is deserving of this award. Send your nomination by email to [email protected] or by mail to Women of Isaiah 945 Risa Road, Lafayette, CA 94549. Please write Woman of Valor on the subject line or envelope. We will accept nominations through August 22. Past recipients: Nancy Crevin, Greta Frantz, Diana MaKieve, Jan Trzesniewski, and Kim Drucker.

Rosh Chodesh Tamuz Join us for Rosh Chodesh Tamuz on Monday, June 30, at 7:15 p.m. in the Beit Knesset where we will spend the evening nourishing our souls with the incredible energy of a Sacred Chant Healing Circle. Participants will have an opportunity to offer names of loved ones in need of healing, dedicate prayers to each other, and spend some moments in the center of the circle – a very powerful dose of community support for your own healing and the healing of your loved ones.

8 Temple Isaiah Ruach, June/July 2014 for the latest information www.temple-isaiah.org

YOUTH AND EDUCATION

One of my favorite moments of the entire year is when I sit on the stage of the Social Hall and watch Camp Kefli in action. Around the room, the Temple Isaiah teen counselors engage our youth in various activities from singing their hearts out dur-ing song session to acting as tour guides on a “trip” through Israel; and through an intense game of gaga to a friendly conversation during lunch. Our campers describe Kefli as the best two weeks of their summer. Why, you might ask? I could say that it is the trips to the amusement parks and science museums or the joy of swimming, bowling, and camping. Yes, the adventures are fun, but it is the counselors who make Kefli a magical experience. Our teens have many options during the summer, yet this year over 70 Isaiah teens have chosen to spend their last two weeks of summer vacation being counselors at

Camp Kefli: From Generation to GenerationKefli. It is so important to them that they chose it over other camp experiences and arranged their vacations to make sure they were available.

During their interviews many of the teens expressed that they wanted to be counselors in order to give back to a community that gave them so much joy and support over the years. In addi-tion, when they were campers, they looked up to their counsel-ors and now wanted to be role models for the next generation. And it cannot go without saying, that like the campers, the coun-selors make friends who keep them wanting to get more and more involved in Jewish activities. This year’s staff cannot wait to create “Oy Story!” as they dress up as Woody and Buzz Light Year, take the campers on a Shofari, and get to know their campers through all the fun activities planned this summer. L’Dor V’Dor, from generation to generation—that is the spirit of Camp Kefli. If you have a child, grandchild, neighbor, or friend entering kin-dergarten – 8th grade, now is the time to sign up for Camp Kefli (Session 1: August 11-15/ Session 2: August 18-22). To register or for more information, visit www.temple-isaiah.org/kefli. If you have any questions, contact me at [email protected] or 925-284-9191.

Rabbi Alissa Miller

Rabbi Alissa Forrest Miller

New Youth DirectorIra Rosenberg, our Youth Director for the last three years, is leaving Temple Isaiah to begin rabbinical school at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion. We wish him good luck on his new adven-tures.

We are excited to welcome our new Youth Director, Jory Gwasdoff. He will be the advisor for our three youth groups, director of Camp Kefli, coordinator of the seventh grade program, and teacher at Noar Night, among other things. As his father is a rabbi and his mother a cantorial soloist, Jory has always been involved in something Jewish. At the University of Oregon, Jory was active in Hillel and AIPAC, spent a year abroad studying at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and was the local youth group advisor in Eugene.

Jory starts his new job at Temple Isaiah on June 10. “The youth programming here has such a phenomenal reputation and I’ve felt an instant connection with so many youth, adults and staff already. I’m ready to bring my experiences to this wonderful new community and to learn from you as well,” says Jory. Come stop by his office to say “Hi” or send him a welcome email at [email protected].

Jory GwasdoffYouth Director

Small Class Sizes State-of -the Art Science Lab Drama/Music/Art/Sports Hebrew/Judaics Financial Assistance

CCJDS is a beneficiary of the Koret Foundation, Jim Joseph Foundation, and the Jewish Federation of the East Bay.

Lafayette, CA 925-284-8288 www.ccjds.org

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YOUTH AND EDUCATION

“Tefillah Tour” Summer Classes:

Wednesdays, July 9, 16, 23, 30, Aug 6 – 7 p.m. in the Beit K’nesset“Help! I don’t know anything about Jewish prayer servic-es!” Have you ever come to services (tefillah) at Temple Isaiah and felt lost? Have you ever wanted to know why we pray, why we recite certain prayers in a certain order, or what the prayers mean? This five-week summer clergy class with Rabbi Graetz, Rabbi Greninger, and Rabbinic Intern Stacy Petersohn, will take you on a “Tefillah Tour,” as we begin to address these questions and more, helping you feel more comfortable with tefillah at Temple Isaiah.

The class is open to everyone, whether you are new to Jewish learning or have studied with us many times before. Attend as many sessions as you can – whether one week or all five. To sign up, contact Nathan Bellet at 925-284-9191 or [email protected]. Questions? Email Rabbi Nicki Greninger at [email protected].

Graduation Class of 5774Congratulations to the following seniors who have actively stayed involved at Temple Isaiah as students at Noar Night, Avodah Teaching Assistants in the Religious School, Camp Kefli counselors, and/or LAFTY leaders. As a class they have shared many wonderful experiences together and as individuals they have given so much to us through their involvement in these programs.

Max AssaelMandy BachZachary BachWilder CohenJenna FeldmanAri GoldsteinEli Grunwald

Jess KallenMarcus LebovitzBen LevyAri MannRachael PurcellPetra ReyesAlexander Rosenthal

Trent SchwartzHaley SuttonBen WeinbergJake YarnoldCarly ZenkerDaniel Zur

Confirmation Class of 5774On May 16, the following teens from the Confirmation class affirmed their connection to Jewish values, tradition and com-munity as they led us in a beautiful Shabbat service.

Danielle ArauzoTalia ArauzoElise BergCarolyn BragerMaddy BrentSophie BrentJosh DouglasDara FellerJoe FonsteinRebecca Gluck

Tara GoldbergBrendan GordonJacob GrunwaldElias HeffanEli KirmayerZoe KirschenbaumJulia LauerRebecca MaronHaley MehlmanLayne Novotny

Adam RideoutCharlie RosenthalNathaniel SegolJacob SkepnerAliya SondelJonathan StineBen TarkoffSimone WinfordLindsey ZenkerAndrew Zucker

Jewish Philosophy ClassThis is your opportunity to dip your toes into the Sea of Talmud and begin a dialogue with the Jewish philosophical tradition. This session, taught by Rabbi Peretz Wolf-Prusan, Senior Educator for Lehrhaus Judaica, and held Wednesday, June 18, 7 – 8:30 p.m. at Temple Isaiah, will explain, reveal, and demystify the formative works of our Jewish tradition.

The first half will take us from the Torah to the Talmud, with stops along the Mishna and Midrash. The second half will take us from Maimonides to Heschel, with stops at HaLevi, Spinoza, and Kaplan, concluding with an insight from David Hartman. Class is free of charge but pre-registration is required at http://catalog.lehrhaus.org/course/2014/winter/TC600-TI/.

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The 5774 Confirmation class teens led Shabbat service on May16, 2014.

Religious School 5th graders sing along at the Spring Fling concert.


SaturdayFridayThursdayWednesdayTuesdayMondaySunday

June/July 2014 Sivan / Tammuz / Av 5774

288:45am Torah Study10:30am Mussar Service10:30am Shabbat Service

(Bar Mitzvah: Conor Finnerty)

268:45am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Service

(B’nai Mitzvah: Jonah Levine Hinckley and Sam Levine)

59:15am Torah Study 10:30am Shabbat Service

w/ potluck

279:15am Ganeinu5:30pm Tot Shabbat ser-

vice followed by dinner8pm Shabbat Service

followed by Oneg

259:15am Ganeinu5:30pm Tot Shabbat ser-

vice followed by dinner8pm Shabbat Service

followed by Oneg

4Office closed:

Independence Day

6:30pm Shabbat Service followed by Sha-Bar-B-Q

26

7pm Mitzvot & Merlot

24

3

31

258:15am WOI hike

7pm P’tach Libeynu Support Group

23

7pm Clergy Class on Tefillah

2

308:15am WOI Hike


24

7:15pm Al Anon

22

7:15pm Al Anon

1

6:30pm Grief Support Group

7:15pm Al Anon

29

6:30pm Grief Support Group

7:15pm Al Anon

23

12:30pm WOI Mah Jongg

7pm P’tach Libeynu

21

7pm Knitting and Handiwork

30

7:15pm Rosh Chodesh

2812:30pm WOI Mah Jongg

7pm P’tach LibeynuJewish Heritage Night

with Anshei Isaiah

22

20

29

27

148:45am Torah Study

9:30am Tot Shabbat

10:30am Shabbat Service (Bat Mitzvah: Nicole Bloch)

128:45am Torah Study 9:30am Tot Shabbat10:30am Shabbat Service

(B’nai Mitzvah: Zach and Emily Lowhurst)

218:45am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Service

(B’not Mitzvah: Sarah Meskin and Elizabeth Erenstein)

198:45am Torah Study10:30am Mussar Service10:30am Shabbat Service

(Bar Mitzvah: David Sutherland)

13

8pm Shabbat Service followed by Oneg

119:15am Ganeinu

8pm Shabbat Service followed by Oneg

209:15 Ganeinu6pm Happy Half Hour

Oneg6:30pm 3rd Shabbat

Service

189:15 Ganeinu

6pm Happy Half Hour Oneg

6:30pm 3rd Shabbat Service

12

10

19

17

11

9


18

16


10

7:15pm Al Anon

8

7:15pm Al Anon

17

7:15pm Board Meeting7:15pm Al Anon

15

7:15pm Al Anon

9

7pm Sacred Chant and Healing Circle

7


16

7pm Anshei Isaiah Board Meeting

7pm WOI Knitting and Handiwork

14


810am New Board Training

7pm WOI Theatre and Arts Outing

6


15

13

78:45am Torah Study

10:30am Shabbat Service (Bat Mitzvah: Isabel Fine)

69:15am Ganeinu

6:30pm Shabbat Service followed by Sha-Bar-B-Q

54ShavuotOffice Closed 9am Shavuot Torah Trek

310am Neshamah Yoga

7pm Shavuot Study and Service

2

7pm Women of Isaiah Board Meeting

1


July


YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE – SPECIAL GIFTS

For the yahrzeit of:Shelly Blum, from Beth and Stan PollockRuth Dorf, from Scott and Rachel ZimmermanStewart Feinberg, from Fran FeinbergKenneth Fishbach, Sr., from Ken & Nora Fishbach Judith Fishbach, from Ken and Nora FishbachElinor Fuentes, from Joseph Potozkin Hadele Groman, from Philip GromanJean Osias Jarrett, from Leonard and Irene OsiasJerome Melvin, from Leonard and Irene OsiasAaron “Archie” Meyers, from Sherri, Howard, and

Allison GoldsmithRuth Osias Moss, from Leonard and Irene OsiasArt Scharlach, from David ScharlachLinda Schneit, from Andy SchneitMarie Sussman, from Gordon BerkeLouis Tuchman, from Andy SchneitErnie and Shirley Weiner, from Mary Freeman

DoveEtta Wolf, from Raedell Warren

Ivy Blum Memorial Fund

For the yahrzeit of:Selma Feldman, from Linda and Gilbert DuritzDianne Hallert, from the Steven Hallert FamilyJess Hallert, from the Steven Hallert Family

Prayer Book FundFor the yahrzeit of:Muriel Karsh, from Barbara ReikesGretl Neuwald, from George and Bonnie Kennedy

Project Hearth for the Homeless Fund

In honor of:Rabbi Graetz, from Margie and Martin DiamondRabbi Shanks’ sermons regarding those in need,

from Margie and Martin Diamond

Rabbi Graetz’ Discretionary Fund

In appreciation of:Rabbi Graetz, from Trudi and Alan GardnerRabbi Graetz, from Lynn Gitomer & Daniel WeinerJudy and Terry Matzkin’s renewal of their vows

and 40th wedding anniversary, from Judy and Terry Matzkin

In honor of:Samuel Poniachik, from Raul PoniachikIn memory of:Morris Friedman, from Dan and Linda FriedmanRuth Graetz, from Ofra and Bob WeissFor the yahrzeit of:David Bernstein, from Laura PerloffBob Hyman, from Allan and Eva HymanKate Kaiser, from Allan and Eva HymanLilly Murad, from Shalom and Shoshana EliahuTamar Sherman, from Catherine Sherman

Rabbi Greninger’s Discretionary Fund

In honor of:Merrill Cohen, from Suzy Locke CohenDavid Douglas becoming president of Temple

Isaiah, from Sandy and Dave Anderson

Angel Network Fund

In honor of:Bobbi Baron’s special birthday, from Zida Levy In memory of:Shari Boxerman, from Jill EllisAllen Klash, from Leigh KornFor the recovery of:Sondra Altman, from Trudi GardnerRoy Kaplan, from Roy KaplanFor the yahrzeit of:Jack Goldenhar, from Zida LevyBen Levy, from Zida LevyWinne Krass, from Greta and Jerry Frantz

Cantor’s Music Fund

A donation from:Herbert and Margaret EderIn appreciation of:Cantor Korn’s devotion to our family in a time of

need, from Lynn Gitomer and Daniel WeinerCantor Korn and in memory of Renee Denwitt,

from Nancy and Art SolomonIn honor of:Mildred Hauer’s special birthday, from David

Teitel and Helen LoeserIn memory of:Rhoda Cohn, from Betty and Harold RedsunCarol Forscher Schiller, from Robert SchillerFor the yahrzeit of:Elaine Anderson, from Sandra and David AndersonSam Crevin, from Larry CrevinJack Solomon, from Dave, Alix, Sasha, Ayla, and

Zack Solomon

Cantor Ted Cotler Library Fund

A Donation from:Daniel and Faith GreenbergJay and Yolanda SelwitzFor the yahrzeit of:Herbert Finkelhor, from Katie and Jon BerryhillBud Glikbarg, from Jeanie Goldeen ConneranEdith Glikbarg, from Jeanie Goldeen ConneranRichard Silver, from Cindy Silver

Carlene Berman Flowers Fund

For the yahrzeit of:Gertrude Barron, from Martha Ann and Sanford Wishnev

Daniel Baron Feed the Hungry Fund

In honor of:Bobbi Baron’s special birthday, from Ellen Baer,

Wendy and Frederick Dorband, Ellen Emold, Elaine Highiet, Shirley Nankin

For the yahrzeit of:Ida Caplan Gevurtz, from Trudi GardnerMartha Gevurtz York, from Trudi GardnerHarry York, from Trudi Gardner

General Fund

A donation from:Brian Brown and Kacey Kamrin

Rabbi Shanks’ Discretionary Fund, Contd

A donation from:Adam HaninIn appreciation of:Rabbi Shanks, from Andy SchneitRabbi Shanks’ devotion to our family in a time of

need, from Lynn Gitomer and Daniel WeinerIn honor of:Bobbi Baron, from Beverly KivelIn memory of:Claire Goldberg, from Edward GoldbergFor the yahrzeit of:Aaron Caplan, from Rebekah CaplanMorris Glaser, from Ernest and Eleanor GlaserHenry Goldman, from Steve and Gayle GoldmanMaybelle Jaffe, from Alan Burckin and Carol OlmertHelen Keller, from Ernest and Eleanor GlaserBill Levin, from Carol LevinTamar Sherman, from Catherine ShermanEdwin Stern, from Arlene and Jerry KaplanDavid Wolff, from Marilyn Wolff Goodman

Religious School & Youth Fund

In honor of:The birth of Leo Samuel Miller, from the Bateman

Family, Stephen Ellis and Ellen Bernstein-Ellis, Scott and Sarah Langbein, Lori and Jeff Roseman

In memory of:Marty Klein, from Rabbi Paul and Susan CitrinFor the yahrzeit of:Jeff Greene, from Greta and Jerry FrantzAnna Venn, from Sarah and Steven Blumenfeld

Social Action FundIn honor of:Judy and Terry Matzkin’s 40th wedding anniver-

sary, from Susan and Robert SeilerIn memory of:Louis Werner, from Lynn Harrington-Golde

Stanley and Rebecca Harris Memorial Fund

In memory of:Stanley and Rebecca Harris, from Bernice HarrisFor the yahrzeit of:Etta Wolf, from Harry Wolf and Lorraine Gold

Waldenberg-Zwerling Youth FundIn honor of:Andrew and Sarah Zucker, from Bobbie Bryson

Women of Isaiah FundIn appreciation of:Michelle Holtz’ years of service and dedication

in writing Sister to Sister, from Vivian PoettgenIn honor of:Vivian and Valerie Poettgen for their work

and organizing the Annual Women’s Intergenerational Seder, from Anthony and Lucy Di Bianca

In memory of:Alex Singer, from Sandra and David Anderson

Special Gifts April 1 - 30, 2014

Rabbi Greninger’s Discretionary Fund, Contd

Friday, June 6

6:30pm Shabbat Service, followed by Sha-Bar-B-Q Dinner

Saturday, June 7


Isabel Fine, Bat Mitzvah

Num. 8:1-12:16, Beha’alot’echa

Friday, June 13


Saturday, June 14


Nicole Bloch, Bat Mitzvah

Num. 13:1-15:41, Shelach L’cha

Friday, June 20

6:00pm Happy Half Hour Oneg 6:30pm 3rd Shabbat Service

Saturday, June 21

8:45am Torah Study10:30am Shabbat Morning

Service,

Elizabeth Erenstein and Sarah Meskin, B’not Mitzvah

Num. 16:1-18:32, Korach

Friday, June 27


Saturday, June 28


Conor Finnerty, Bar Mitzvah

Num. 19:1-22:1, Chukat

See page 2 for July Services

shAbbATWorship services

Non-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE

PaidLafayette, CA

94549 Permit No. 30

Timely informaTion enCloSed: PleaSe deliver by June 1

Address Service Requested

945 Risa RoadLafayette, CA 94549(925) 283-8575

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