Rabbi’s Column . Who knows what we’ll be doing by the time this issue of the Shir Notes comes out? I’m writing this on March 23. Are we still in social isolation? Is the virus spreading? Abating? Is the country still on a firm financial footing? Are we as individuals? What will happen to Passover? Will this be the eleventh plague that will decimate attendance at sedarim? On a holiday that spends so much time looking back in time, will we also be looking ahead with uncertainty and anxiety?

What will we have learned about ourselves? About how we deal with universal catastrophe? About how we deal with a life devoid of social interaction? About how we emotionally overcame (or didn’t overcome) craziness? Perhaps there are a couple of items that we consume at the Passover seder that can give a lesson of life to help us cope: the maror (bitter herb) and the charoset. Bitterness we can understand. But the charoset is harder to figure out. We know it is to represent the mortar used by the Israelites in their slavery period as they built the cities of Pitom and Ramses. And yet it tastes so good! Why? Perhaps because the charoset represents life. Life is not all bitter, nor all sweet. It is a combination, which we must take together. Our lives, even during a period of global and local catastrophe, is not all bitter nor all sweet. Each day must be lived with the realization that we will get through it, thankful for the sweetness that comes our way, even as it tempers the inevitable bitterness of life. Rabbi David Vorspan

Shabbat services at de Toledo High School None ---------------------------------------------- Around the Rabbi’s Tisch Thursdays, April 2, 23, & 30 7:30 pm via Zoom

Our 5780 season of Rabbi’s weekly discussion continues during the coronavirus restrictions via Zoom on your PC, tablet, or phone. See flyer for more infirnation or call Rabbi at (818) 888-9817. ---------------------------------------------- Our project to raise funds for de Toledo High School and create a plaque honoring Rabbi David Vorspan as Founding Rabbi has been postponed due to the coronavirus situation.

Originally scheduled for May 3, as described by Chair Sherry Dollins in the March Shir Notes, it will now take place in the fall after the High Holy Days.

Shir Notes The Official Newsletter of Congregation Shir Ami Volume 18, Number 4, April 2020. Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

Events of the Month

Visit our website: www.shirami.com

Seder for IDF soldiers

1st seder: Wednesday, April 8 2nd seder: Thursday, April 9 Yizkor: Thursday, April 16

President’s Report Shalom,

As you all know, these are rather interesting times that have a direct effect on things here at Congregation Shir Ami. And I’m not even going to get into how our Pesach may be affected by, of all things, a plague!

First, we want to make sure that you are all complying with the various recommendations and directives made by the CDC and the state and local governments. These instructions are being done to limit the contagion of the Covid-19 virus. As you know, most of the members of Shir Ami tend to fall into the “vulnerable” category, so these rules are for your benefit.

Because we are currently limited to gatherings of no more than 10 people, we have been forced to cancel our Shabbat services as well as other congregation functions. Furthermore the 6-foot “social distance” makes it hard for our congregation members to even engage in conversation. However, I’m sure we can make the best of the situation while looking out for each other. I have noticed an increase in email traffic between members and it’s good for everyone to keep in touch with one another. We all need to check on each other to make sure everyone is safe and healthy.

We are discussing possible “teleconferencing” congregation events where we can meet in virtual reality if not “real” reality. Anything that keeps us together (but not too close) keeps us healthy.

Our April schedule is still up in the air. Unfortunately, the Jewish World Watch Walk to End Genocide has been postponed until October. Our Shabbat Services will be dependent on guidance from the CDC, the State of California and the City of Los Angeles. (When they said no gatherings of more than 10 people, were they thinking a “minyan” is OK?) We are investigating “virtual” Board Meetings and Committee Meetings and even “Around the Rabbi’s ‘Virtual’ Tisch and sitting on your own chairs.”

So, keep in touch, check on each other, stay home, stay safe and wash your hands for 20 seconds.

As always, if you have any questions or want to provide your input, please feel free to email me at JDPistol@aol.com. Shalom and have a Happy, Healthy and Safe Pesach.

Jordan Pistol, President

page 2 April 2020 Jeff Kobulnick Honored by David Labkovski Project Jeff Kobulnick , son of Fran and

Sam Kobulnick, was honored at a scholar’s luncheon at the Skirball Cultural Center February 23. The David Labkovski Project creates art classes at schools based on the art of Holocaust survivor artist Labkovski. The following is extracted from the program at the Luncheon.

Jeff Kobulnick is our esteemed honoree and recipient of this year’s David Labkovski Project Legacy of Hope Award. Jeff is a partner at the law firm Brutzkus Gubner. He is Chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice Group. Jeff is also a third generation Holocaust survivor, and throughout his legal career, he has provided pro bono legal services to survivors, their families, the David Labkovski Project, and many other organizations who assist survivors and promote Holocaust awareness.

Jeff served as a coordinator for Bet Tzedek Legal Services’ Holocaust Survivors Justice Network through which he helped survivors obtain reparation benefits from the German government for work performed in Nazi-controlled ghettos. In 2009, he was awarded Bet Tzedek’s Elyse S. Kline Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year Award. Jeff currently serves on the David Labkovski Project Advisory Board.

Jeff earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Physiology and Neuroscience from the University of California, San Diego and his Juris Doctor, magna cum Laude, from Franklin Pierce Law Center in New Hampshire.

While at UCSD, Jeff developed a series of Holocaust awareness programs which won several awards for being the best educational program on a college campus that year, and also received the Ernest C. Mort Award for Outstanding Leadership Excellence. In Law school, Jeff founded the school’s Hillel, which still continues today.

Since early childhood, Jeff has been extremely committed to helping those in need, something which he is proud to pass along to his children. Jeff has been actively involved with a number of prominent charitable organization, perhaps most notably the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, which has recognized him for his outstanding fundraising efforts, and regularly works with Jewish Family Service and other nonprofit organizations to provide food and necessities to Holocaust survivors living below the poverty line, victims of domestic violence and others in need.

From Mark Perez: Ann Kutcher, a long-standing Temple Beth Ami member passed away of natural causes in March. She was 100, having celebrated her birthday in February. Ann was active with sisterhood, youth, and religious activities. Whitey, Ann‘s husband of blessed memory, was also active and a Board member. Ann is survived by her three children Steve, Sara, and Billy, along with multiple grand-children and great-grandchildren. May her name forever be a blessing.

Congregational News Get well wishes rafuah schleimah to: Fran Kobulnick Ellen Fremed Fran Friedman Sheilah Hart Paullette Pistol Ethel Granik Phyllis Schroeder Laura Simon May they be blessed with a complete recovery in body and spirit.

Yahrzeits Art and Carol Altshiller for Martin Altshiller Alan and Robin Burman for Frank Burman and Melroy Burman Clara and Stan Rosenbluth for Helen Wolf Phyllis and Stan Schroeder for Sally Schroeder Birthdays Neil Hattem (68) Seymour Potell (94)

Birthdays & Anniversaries Birthdays Sylvia Hockmeyer......................... Joan Easley................................... Adrienne Serviss........................... Lee Dollins..................................... Carol Altshiller............................... Jerry Zatz...................................... Pat Michaelson.............................. Ed Orens........................................ Marcie Spetner.............................. Ellie Zatz........................................

page 3 April 2020

DONATIONS Congregation Shir Ami wishes to acknowledge the following donations:

4/5 4/5 4/9 4/16 4/17 4/20 4/22 4/23 4/25 4/28

$

Congregation Shir Ami Tribute Cards Thanks to Phyllis Schroeder for sending your cards celebrating simchas and conveying your get- well and condolence messages. She is creative with individualized, artistic cards that include a message and color graphics. Call her at (818) 718-7466. Minimum donation of $5 per card is appreciated.

Chag kasher v’sameach A happy and kosher holiday

Operation Gratitude by Charlene Kazel Editor’s Note: Charlene wrote her article March 12 and gave it to meat the Shabbat Torah study March 14. She doesn’t have a computer and gives me her article hand-written. We keep in touch by phone and she asks me to visit the Operation Gratitude website to keep current. The conditions as I write this March 25 have changed, and her article doesn’t reflect the current coronavirus situation. This article is extracted from their website www.operationgratitude.com.

Stan Schroeder, Editor #VIRTUALVOLUNTEERISM

Our response to COVID-19 is a call to action for #VirtualVolunteerism, and we are providing 4 ways for you (and your family) to give back from your own home:

1. HANDMADE WITH LOVE - Our Handmade with Love items are among the most treasured pieces our Care Package recipients receive.

2. PARACORD BRACELETS – Make Paracord “Survival” Bracelets for our Troops and First Responders.

3. WRITE LETTERS – Write personal letters of appreciation to send to Troops, Veterans, Recruit Graduates, First Responders, or Wounded Heroes and their Caregivers.

4. AMAZON SMILE – Turn your Amazon purchases into a force for good. With every eligible purchase, AmazonSmile donates 0.5% to Operation Gratitude.

Visit the Operation Gratitude website and select I’M AN INDIVIDUAL for more information about these volunteer opportunities.

Social Action Committee During this coronavirus time, the usual SOVA barrels at de Toledo High School are not available. However, donations are still accepted at the SOVA food pantry, 16439 Vanowen St., Van Nuys. The building is located on the north side of Vanowen one-half block east of Hayvenhurst, and is behind a row of storefronts and entered through a driveway. Their hours are 10 am to 4 pm Monday to Thursday and 9 am to noon on Sunday. Please see the Passover 2020 SOVA flyer in this newsletter. You can mail your check to SOVA as well. Please remember to include your name and that you are a member of Congregation Shir Ami.

Mother's Day is Sunday, MAY 10. We are collecting Target $10 gift cards to be given to the mothers and their children in JFS domestic violence shelters for Mother's Day! Remember that the women and children often come into the shelters with only the clothes on their backs, and will use the gifts to buy necessary personal items. Mail your cards to Fran Kobulnick at 5139 White Oak Ave. #13, Encino, CA 91316.

At this time, our annual Mother's/Father’s Day Shabbat celebration at West Valley Health Care and our annual Walk Around Lake Balboa Sunday, June 7 to raise funds for Guide Dogs of America, supporting puppy raising volunteers and their training facility in Sylmar are indefinite, pending regulations at those times. Our Committee and our families wish you a meaningful and blessed Happy Passover.

Shalom, Fran Kobulnick, Social Action Vice President

Jewish World Watch Walk to End Genocide by Rae Wazana

THE JEWISH WORLD WATCH WALK TO END GENOCIDE WHICH WAS SUPPOSED TO TAKE PLACE IN THOUSAND OAKS ON SUNDAY, APRIL 19TH HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2020. This is in response to health and safety concerns and public health guidelines concerning the Covid-19 outbreak. More updates will follow. Also, our Shir Ami Walk Team will continue to be involved with support for the annual Walk to take place in the Conejo Valley.

page 4 April 2020

US Army troops receiving Operation Gratitude Care Packages

In 1955, they pack up and leave Baltimore to move to El Paso. The multi-cultural atmosphere suits them better. There, by finding other Hungarians, Edith reconnects with someone she had known in the camps. He has become a doctor and helps their family. Their situation gradually improves. Bela does become a CPA, they move to their own home and their third child, a boy, Johnny, is born, but has multiple health issues which makes Bela uncomfortable and disappointed.

All this time, Edith has tried to suppress her memories and does not discuss her experiences in the camps as if they somehow will stigmatize her. She starts classes in college and a young man asks her if she is a Holocaust survivor. He gives her a copy of Viktor Frankl’s book, “Man’s Search For Meaning” and tells her that Frankl was also in Auschwitz. She reads the words “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” She understands that she, too, has a choice and that realization changes her life. She writes an essay called “Viktor Frankl and Me” – eventually this falls into Frankl’s hands and he writes to her, as One Survivor to Another.

As Edith’s thinking changes, so does her life – she and Bela separate and ultimately divorce. At the age of 42, she graduates from the University of Texas El Paso with a degree in psychology. Yet, her flashbacks persist and she has continuing problems. Then Bela reaches out to her and she realizes that they do, in fact, belong together – they remarry. Edith continues her education to earn a doctorate in clinical psychology.

She dedicates her professional career to helping others who have been through trauma. She also confronts past fears by returning to Auschwitz. She maintains her relationship with Viktor Frankl for as long as he lives. She lectures groups ranging from Navy SEALS to crisis first responders, from oncologists to veterans and, in the process, has helped heal herself. It’s a very inspiring story.

Edith Eger is still alive at the age of 92 – the photos in the book show a beautiful woman with a wonderful smile. She would most likely have been a world-class ballerina but, in the end, her impact on people’s lives has probably been far greater doing the work she continues to do, even now. You can find out more about her on the internet – but I would encourage everyone to read this book.

page 5 April 2020 Book Review: The Choice by Fiona Taylor When I was on a recent trip, I wandered into the ship’s library to turn in a book I had finished and to look for something else to read. I came across “The Choice” by Edith Eger. The sub-title is “Even in Hell Hope Can Flower”. Given that the cover showed a drawing of the train tracks leading into Auschwitz, I thought I had some idea of what the story might be. In fact, it proved to be extremely interesting, far more that I initially thought.

The book is divided into four sections: Prison, Escape, Freedom, Healing.

Edith was born and grew up in Hungary pre-World War II. Her passion was ballet – obviously, I immediately related to that because I grew up wanting to be a dancer from a very early age. Apparently, she was destined to become a ballerina but Hitler’s war machine got in the way. Her story goes through the intense pain of family losses, her time in the camps when she even had to dance for Josef Mengele, her struggles after liberation when she returns to her home town (no longer in Hungary but now part of Czechoslovakia), the loss of the young man with whom she had fallen in love, then her marriage to Bela Eger, her pregnancy and the birth of their first child. Her sisters make decisions to move away from Europe – one goes to Australia, another to the US.

Edith and Bela make the decision to emigrate to Israel, as several of their friends have already done. Their possessions are packed and shipped. Then plans are changed because of Edith’s determination to come to the US which they do, in 1949. The story details the early years, beginning with a short time in the Bronx because she had family there, then moving to Baltimore where they live with Bela’s brother and family. Conditions are not good and Edith suffers flashbacks from time to time. Their daughter, Marianne, does well and adjusts: Bela is good with languages and, having studied in England, understands English. Edith, on the other hand, struggles. The family has its internal battles.

Bela, who had previously suffered with TB, has a relapse. Eventually, he recovers and begins studying to become a CPA but fails the test and is told he’ll never get a job because of his stammering and heavy accent. Edith gives birth to her second daughter – they name her Audrey after Audrey Hepburn. However, the family encounters some anti-Semitism with co-workers and they become disenchanted with the lack of job opportunities.

page 6 April 2020 This Too Shall Pass by Lou Loomis

Gam Zeh Ya’avor.

According to midrash, King Solomon was very moved by these words of wisdom: “Gam Zeh Ya’avor.” It means that the current difficulties we are facing will soon disappear, change, or be resolved. It implies that no matter what we are facing or struggling with will soon be nothing more than a distant memory, revealing the temporary state of our problems. This should be reassuring.

I am writing this in mid-March to you, the newsletter readers in April from my “Wayback Machine.“ Paula and I are home, unable by order of the California governor, to leave our home, so as to not be exposed to the flu bug known as the Wuhan Virus, China Virus, Corona virus or Covid-19. Whatever it’s called, the store’s shelves are empty, people are hoarding toilet paper and hand sanitizer, and all the kosher chicken needed for Passover are out of stock at Costco. Not to mention the fact that we aren’t even supposed to go to these places because - the virus! Remember that panic, dear April newsletter readers?

Now I’m either a fool or very brave because that doesn’t scare me. I have no problem going out. My family, on the other hand, has forbidden me to shop or go to any public place. I know I can’t shake hands with others, and must instead use the fist bump to say “hey, thanks!” But if I can’t leave the house…. I don’t like being penned in. TV is boring. Even Netflix seems a bit ho-hum. And we are also told that we need to get outdoor physical activity. “Get some sun,” we are told. And if it’s raining…. Yes, there are limitations. When it’s not raining, Paula and I take walks. And naps. I love naps. I must’ve been a cat in my last life!

But I know that this confinement too shall pass. Gam Zeh Ya’avor. If I can’t shop in stores (something I really don’t like to do, anyway) then I can shop on-line. Amazon still ships (but can’t order toilet paper). There are on-line shopping services. So, with some effort and a change in life-style, we can still shop, still get food delivered. And with the miracle of Face Time, we can see our grandchildren. It’s not as good as being with them in person. But, Gam Zeh Ya’avor.

Watching Netflix means I can be a legit couch potato and not get criticized. Turner has old movies, but somehow it still feels like I’m just killing time.

People are frightened and I get that. Gam Zeh…this will all end soon and we’ll be back to normal. It’ll be a memory, just like the last flu epidemic, or the last big disaster of memory, the Northridge earthquake. I remember I was homebound for nearly a week. Our house was ground zero and much of our neighborhood was a mess. We had no electricity for the first couple of days and it took nearly four days before our water was restored. So I shouldn’t complain about being stuck at home. We got over it. Gam Zeh..

I’m not worried about needing toilet paper, either. I can’t imagine why people are hoarding that except to brag to others that “they are prepared.” The mind reels.

The best thing about this is that after it’s all over, we’ll have one or two days (at most) of appreciation that we can go back to normal living, eating and shopping and interacting with others. And then we can return to kvetching about…well, just about everything.

So, here’s hoping (and praying!) that you, the readers in April, have survived the first few weeks of confinement (shelter in place!) and are now merely just chuckling over how quickly the Flu Panic of 2020 had dissipated into a nothing burger.

At the very least, I hope you were all able to listen to our community leaders and stay calm, to reassure each other, and offer each other love and hope. I hope everyone now has good health and lives that are returning to normal. I hope everyone is preparing to have have a good and kosher pesach! I hope this flu panic has passed and we call all say “Gam Zeh Ya’avor.”

From me in mid-March to you in April.

page 7 April 2020 However over 4,000 fighters and 2,000 civilians were killed before the final truce. That was almost one

percent of the entire population. To honor those fallen in the War of Independence and subsequent wars, Israel commemorates the holiday of Yom Hazikaron (Day of Remembrance or Memorial Day). At first it was combined with the anniversary of the declaration of the State, but since 1951 this solemn holiday has been the day before Yom Ha’atzma’ut (Independence Day).

Yom Hazikaron (April 28 this year) now honors members of security and paramilitary units who were killed fighting Arab attacks going back to1860 when Mishkenot Sha'ananim, the first modern Jewish settlement outside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem was built. These civilians were murdered by acts of terrorism. Last year there were 23,741 military and 3,150 civilian terror victims honored.The custom of sounding air-raid sirens throughout Israel is carried out twice for Yom Hazikaron: a one-minute siren at 8:00 pm in the evening at the start of the holiday, and a two-minute siren at 11:00 am on the day, itself. There are ceremonies at military cemeteries throughout the country. Almost everyone visits a cemetery as almost everyone has a relative who fought and died during Israel’s 72 years.

This brings us to the next of the “Yom” holidays, Yom Ha’atzmaut (Independence Day, April 29 this year). At nightfall (when three stars are visible in the sky) following Yom Hazikaron, the mood changes from solemn to joyous as Israelis celebrate their anniversary of independence. The journey we have followed: from slavery to redemption to the ovens of the Shoah with the murder of six million Jews, to the ultimate sacrifice of Israel’s brave men and women in gaining a State and preserving it, to the celebration of the only Jewish State in the world.

And it is in our lifetime that we can see these events in context. So as we tell the story around our seder tables, we appreciate what we have, because the freedom from slavery in Egypt has led inevitably to the freedom we enjoy in America. And on Yom Hashoah as we remembered our people murdered in Europe, and recognized their suffering brought the attention of the world to our plight. And the opportunity to have a Jewish State was created. On Yom Hazikaron let us pause to recognize the terrible price already paid, and Israel’s men and women are continuing to pay, so that a Jewish State guarantees us a safe home if we need it. And finally on Yom Ha’atzma’ut let us celebrate Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East, and their achieve-ments we can all be proud of.

See my poem Two Holidays - One Israel on page 9.

The AprilYom Holidays 5780 by Stan Schroeder

Yom Hazikaron laShoah ve-laG'vurah ('Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day'), known colloquially in Israel and abroad as Yom HaShoah and in English as Holocaust Remembrance Day, is observed as Israel's day of commemoration for the approximately six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust as a result of the actions carried out by Nazi Germany and its collaborators, and for the Jewish resistance in that period. In Israel, it is a national memorial day. The first official commemorations took place in 1951, and the observance of the day was anchored in a law passed by the Knesset in 1959. It is held on the 27th of Nisan, unless the 27th would be adjacent to the Shabbat, in which case the date is shifted by a day. This year it falls on Tuesday, April 21. Sirens are sounded at the beginning (nightfall) and 11:00 am.

The first Holocaust Remembrance Day in Israel took place on December 28, 1949, following a decision of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel that an annual memorial should take place on the Tenth of Tevet, a traditional day of mourning and fasting in the Hebrew calendar. The day was marked by the burial in a Jerusalem cemetery of ashes and bones of thousands of Jews brought from the Flossenbürg concentration camp and religious ceremonies held in honor of the victims. A radio program on the Holocaust was broadcast that evening. The following year, in December 1950, the Rabbinate, organizations of former European Jewish communities and the Israel Defense Forces held memorial ceremonies around the country; they mostly involved funerals, in which objects such as desecrated Torah scrolls and the bones and ashes of the dead brought from Europe were interred. After World War II the nations of the world (in particular the United Nations) recognized the need for the Jews of Palestine to have a nation of their own. The UN voted for a partition plan that would divide Palestine (administered by Great Britain since the end of World War I under a League of Nations mandate) into a Jewish state and an Arab state. The Jews of Palestine accepted the partition plan and established the State of Israel. The Arabs of Palestine and the other Arab nations rejected the partition plan and attacked the fledgling State the following day. Actually fighting had been going on between the Jews and the Arabs since the UN vote, while the British looked the other way or actually aided and abetted the Arabs.

As we know Israel survived the onslaught of the Arab armies and a succession of truces were declared.

page 8 April 2020

Passover 5780 by Stan Schroeder

At the Passover seder we ask Ma Nishtanah … why is this night differ- ent from all others? Our hagaddah answers: “This night is different from all other nights: because we were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt. Because we were brought forth from there by God with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Because we are thankful and because it is our duty to keep the commitment to freedom ever present in our memories and in our lives. So that we will always remember and never forget.” We then go on to explain the matzah, the bitter herbs, and the other laws and customs of this holiday celebrated by Jews around the world. We tell the story of the exodus from Egypt (mitzrayim, the narrow place) as if we were there, because we are told that we were all liberated, we all experienced the wilderness and the journey to the Promised Land. This year let us also ask why this year is different from all others. This year is different because we will soon cele- brate the 72nd birthday of the State of Israel. The State of Israel is the Promised Land of our day. Seventy seven years ago, April 19, 1943, the Warsaw ghetto uprising began after German troops and police entered the ghetto to deport its surviving inhabitants. Mordecai Anielewicz and his small band of barely armed Jews fought over 2000 well armed Nazi troops until May 16. Anielewicz and most of his remaining fighters died in the final days. A kibbutz near the border with Gaza was renamed Yad Mordecai (hand of Mordecai) in his honor. On May 14, 1948 David Ben Gurion proclaimed the State in accordance with the United Nations partition plan adopted November 1947. The date on the Hebrew calendar was the 5th of Iyar, and Yom Ha’atzma’ut (Independence Day) is celebrated that date unless it falls on a Friday (advanced to the 3rd), Saturday (advanced to the 4th), or Monday (delayed to the 6th). This year it falls on Wednesday, April 29.

Over the next few days following the proclamation of the State over 20,000 troops from Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt invaded the newly formed Jewish State. The War of Independence was fought in three phases, separated by periods of truce. The third phase

ended July 20, 1949. During 1949 Israel signed separate armistice agreements with Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria (the four countries bordering Israel). From the ashes of the ghettos and concentration and death camps of World War II, and the courage of the pioneers of the State, arose the modern thriving State of Israel today. The promises of the Biblical God of Israel and the British following the World War I League of Nations Mandate were kept in our time. While it is true Israel still has enemies bent upon her destruction, we pray this Passover for a resolution of the conflicts, L’shana ha’ba-ah b’Yerushalayim, next year in Jerusalem with Shalom l’kol, peace for all! This Year we also celebrate the 53rd anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem at the conclusion of the Six Day War June 10, 1967, the 28th of Iyar on the Hebrew calendar. That day the Old City of Jerusalem, ruled by the Jordanians since the War of Indepen-dence, was captured by the Israel Defense Force. The day is called Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day) and this year falls on Friday, May 22. Let us also pray that as we were liberated from slavery some 3500 years ago, that we enter an era of peace and prosperity for Israel and its neighbors. See my poem Exodus: My Journey from “Egypt” on page 9.

Warsaw Ghetto May, 1943

Israel Declaration of Independence May, 1948

IDF paratroopers at Western Wall June, 1967

page 9 April 2020

In Egypt the Pharaohs reigned supreme Where earlier Joseph interpreted a Pharaoh’s dream. A famine was avoided by storing grain So food was available in years without rain. But Joseph was forgotten, as is often the case, In the years after a significant event takes place. Israelites in Egypt were forced to be slaves, Oppressed with hard labor until laid in their graves. Pharaoh then orders his kingdom’s midwives, “Newborn Israelite boys, take their lives!” Moses is saved and raised as though royal, And to his ancestral people he is loyal. In the wilderness he is tending his flock. And sees this bush burning next to a rock. The bush isn’t consumed and that seems odd; But you never know what to expect from God.

God tells Moses He expects him to lead, Relate to the Pharaoh God’s people must be freed. Pharaoh consented on plague number ten; The Israelites left in haste, 600,000 men. Pharaoh sent soldiers soon to give chase; It looked as if the Israelites would lose the race. But God parted the waters of the Sea of Reeds, Then drowned the Egyptians upon their steeds. Forty years of wandering to accept God’s Laws; The Israelites overcame their many flaws. It took the birth of a new generation, To enter the Promised Land and become a nation. That journey to freedom included me too, And each of you who is proud being a Jew. We must shape this journey in our day and age, And learn what God wrote on our unique page.

Exodus: My Journey from “Egypt” by Stan Schroeder

TWO HOLIDAYS – ONE ISRAEL by Stan Schroeder

Many have fought, too many have died; We commemorate their sacrifice with pride. That we are here proves they’ve not died in vain - And we must share their sorrow and pain. It is up to us on Yom Hazikaron To remember that we are not alone. The legacy of the fallen in war after war Is carried by Jews from every shore. This day of remembrance and sorrow Is followed each year by a glorious tomorrow. The day we proclaim a Jewish State Where our people know freedom instead of hate. A State where our values to our children are passed, And they can be sure their children won’t be gassed. On Yom Haatzmaut all our voices must cry: The people of Israel live, Am Yisrael Chai !!!

Now we celebrate sixty years Of hard fought victories and many tears. Six decades of our people on our land Working to sustain the place where we stand. Six decades a source of inspiration, Young and old, our Jewish nation. Let us all pray from our heart That sixty years is only a start! Started in Israel during the March of the Living Yom Ha’atznaut May 2, 2006 4 Iyar 5766 Concluded in Israel with Hadassah 60th Anniversary Mission Yom Ha’atzmaut May 8, 2008 3 Iyar 5768

Shop at Ralphs - Earn Money for Shir Ami by Maralyn Soifer Here is an easy way to earn money for our Temple. We are now officially a Ralphs’ community agency. All you have to do is follow these simple instructions to help earn money for Congregation Shir Ami. 1. If you don’t have a Ralph’s rewards card already,

go to the store or go to website www.ralphs.com and select Order a Ralphs reward card.

2. Once you have your card, go to the website: www.ralphs.com and select Create an account

3. If you have an account, your email address is your account ID. If you forgot your password, select Forgot your password? and you will receive an email with instructions to reset it. Follow the instructions to enter your email address and create a new password.

4. If you already have a Ralph’s reward card and an account, you will see Account Summary when you login. You can change to our Temple by clicking on Edit within Community Rewards.

Congregation Shir Ami P.O. Box 6353 Woodland Hills, CA 91365

page 10 April 2020

You can do a search for Congregation Shir Ami by putting in the number 92785. Our congrega-tion will pop up and click on the button next to the name. Click on the button that saves the changes.

5. You should also check the bottom of your receipt when you shop. It should say “At your request, Ralph’s is donating to CONGREGATION SHIR AMI”.

6. If all else fails, call me in the evening at (818) 704-0306. I’ll be happy to walk you through it.

7. Start Shopping! Make sure that the clerk swipes your card each time you shop. Verify that your receipt shows a contribution to Congregation Shir Ami at the bottom. Important Note: All participants must confirm their selection annually starting in September. On or after September 1, sign into your account and reconfirm Community Rewards selection.

Congregation Shir Ami Contract for the Sale of Hametz

Know ye that I, the undersigned, fully empower and permit Rabbi David Vorspan to act in my place and stead, and in my behalf to sell all Hametz possessed by me (knowingly or unknowingly) as defined by The Torah and Rabbinic Law (e.g. Hametz, doubt of Hametz, and all kinds of Hametz mixtures). Also Hametz that tends to harden and to adhere to a surface of inside of pans, pots or cooking and usable utensils, and all kinds of animals that have been eating Hametz or mixtures thereof. And to lease all places wherein the Hametz owned by me may be found. Rabbi David Vorspan has the full right to sell and to lease by transactions, as he deems fit and proper and for such time which he believes necessary in accordance with all detailed terms and detailed forms, as explained in the general authorization contract which have been given this year to Rabbi David Vorspan to sell the Hametz. This general authorization is made a part of this agreement. Also do I hereby give the said Rabbi David Vorspan full power and authority to appoint a substitute in his stead with full power to sell and to lease as provided herein. The above given power is in conformity with all Torah, Rabbinical regulations and laws, and also in accordance with the laws of the State of California and of the United States. And to this I hereby affix my signature on this _______ day of __________, 2020.

Signature _____________________________

Address ____________________________________ City ___________________ Please note additional locations (summer home, cottage, work place) where Hametz might be located: Please return this form to Rabbi Vorspan, 22320 Philiprimm St., Woodland Hills, CA 91367

or scan and email to vorspan2@att.net

Thursdays April 2, 23, & 30, 7:30 - 8:30 pm “Around the Rabbi’s Tisch” from the Vorspans’

This popular Shir Ami educational series continues the second half of its 5780 season. Because of the corona virus situation Rabbi Vorspan is conducting these weekly sessions via Zoom on your computer, tablet, or phone. He selects topics of Jewish interest. We discuss Jewish texts and current events as they relate to Jewish values and our lives as Jews. This is a unique opportunity to learn and share in an informal format wthout leaving your home. With the current restrictions on meeting and moving, it is even more important to maintain our community. Let’s use the tisch to do so, even if you are not a regular attendee. To install the Zoom app on your PC, tablet or phone, visit/select https://zoom.us/download Call Rabbi Vorspan at (818) 888-9817 for more information.

Help SOVA clients celebrate Passover and “eat and be satisfied” all year long.

At this time of year as we are cleaning out our chametz and purchasing Passover foods,

think of SOVA and bring food donations to your Temple/Synagogue. Donation barrels are available.

Donate your chametz and Passover food between March 26th to April 7th.

We accept any unopened canned or packaged foods as well as personal hygiene items and gently used

children’s books.

JFS { SOVA COMMUNITY FOOD & RESOURCE PROGRAM

Passover/Chametz Food Drive

JFS { SOVA Community Food & Resource Program, 16439 Vanowen Street, Van Nuys, CA 91406Visit our website at www.jfsla.org/sova

No glass containers please.

For more information, call Kathi Dawidowicz at 818-988-7682, x120.