News
Welcome Home
By Dorothy Blint and Stan Goldman, Vice Presidents
During these Days of Awe, we invite you to join us in celebrating Jewish life through study, prayer, and communal participation. Our community is comprised of members of all ages who come together to share in the beauty of Judaism. To all our long-time members, welcome! To all our new faces, welcome! We are happy that you are with us.
What can you do to keep our rich traditions and teachings alive; traditions that many gave their lives to practice and preserve? One of the many things you can do is to give generously of both your time and money to ensure that our synagogue receives the assistance it needs.
Yes, we have wonderful clergy, religious school and preschool. Yes, we have fantastic adult education and social programs. Yes, we provide many outreach and support services. But all this takes volunteers and financial support. We need volunteers for key committees: Tikkun Olam, Social Programs, Building & Grounds, Adult Ed. Help make a difference.
Your monthly dues and Building Fund assessment cover only part of our physical plant costs. Your prayer book donations pay for the cost of purchasing holy books. Your Sol Judson Tree of Life donations provide needed funds for our operations.
At this time of year, we make several special appeals.
- Our High Holiday Gift Bag project is crucial to providing the funds needed for membership recruitment and retention. Without your support, we cannot grow as a congregation. You can honor all congregants with a $360 contribution. You can participate with as little as an $8 donation!
- The Yom Kippur Appeal is vital to underwriting general programming. This is not just a minor fundraiser, one that we can ignore. Last year, we raised almost $100,000. And this year, with everyone’s help, we hope to do even better. Join with us – in any amount.
- We invite you to sponsor flowers, reserved seats and reserved parking during the High Holy Days at CBS.
During the year, we need your continued assistance.
- Our active Ways & Means Committee is planning new and different “fun” fundraisers. Stay tuned.
- Friday night oneg and Saturday kiddush luncheons are vital to community building. But they cannot continue without your support. Please sponsor one or more as a way of honoring an anniversary or birthday, remembering a loved one, or thanking a key volunteer.
- Care about Jewish education? Our Religious and Preschool need scholarships to ensure that we provide the very best education for our youth. Here is another way YOU can make a difference!
- Want a painless fundraiser? eScrip raises thousands of dollars for us each year. And there’s no cost to you.
Finally, we have many special purpose funds that deserve your attention. These funds are highlighted in your Hadashot.
Shuls serve many purposes, a shelter for those in need, support when coping with tragedy, friendships and social interactions, and somewhere to gather and to pray in a communal setting. However, they serve an even greater role as a house of learning where if we avail ourselves of the opportunities can gain wonderful insight into moral and ethical teachings that are as relevant today as when they were written.
Can you imagine what would happen to Jews if there were no shuls, no religious schools to prepare our children and grandchildren for their ritual passage to adulthood? Would Bar and Bat Mitzvahs become antiquated rituals? Would our grandchildren or great grandchildren be totally clueless to the rituals and teachings that make us who we are and have molded the many generations that came before us?
This is the time of year that we can say, “We Care.” Join with us in building a vibrant Jewish Community at Congregation B’nai Shalom.
May You Be Written and Sealed for a Good Year
So, Who is Michael Tejeda?
By Ellen Geisler
Many of you know our new President, Michael Tejeda, as the friendly guy who can converse knowledgeably on any number of subjects. But only a few know the experiences which have led him to his new position. So let me introduce you to the Michael behind the chatty guy.
Michael is a Southern California native who moved to Oakland and, with me, started a book printing company. While a partner/manager of that company for 22 years, Michael developed his pragmatic, ‘bottom line’ orientation and honed his organizational skills.
We moved to Walnut Creek in 1993 and joined CBS soon thereafter. While attending a congregational meeting in 1999, Michael was persuaded to sign a volunteer list. In short order he joined the Membership Committee, then became the Membership Chair, beginning 10 years of service on the CBS Board. Other positions he has held over this time include Hadashot editor, Publicity chair, and Building and Grounds chair. He has served two terms as Vice President: Membership and Administrative.
Along the way Michael has served on many special committees. He has helped organize and support the Alternative/Contemporary services. As a darshan he has delivered 20 drashot in the last 10 years.
His years on the Board and on various committees have taught him much about how the synagogue is run, what it has been, and what it can become. And his life experiences have given him the tools to lead the congregation over the next 21 months.
A Fun Membership Afternoon
Our annual End of Summer Membership Open House and BBQ was a great success. We had over 100 participants, 10 prospective families and tons of kids on our CBS campus. Our new Preschool Coordinator, Amber Pavon, introduced herself to the Congregation and to our religious and preschool students. We had time to sit and talk with our warm and welcoming clergy. Rabbi Sunshine, Rabbi Jen, President Michael Tejeda, Amber Pavon and individuals from the Membership Committee provided tours of our campus, and our enthusiastic volunteers represented all of our committees. This fun event helps us highlight our congregation to prospective and new members. It also is a time to connect with friends and family.
The purpose of this event is to welcome prospective members who have an interest in visiting our campus and greeting our current members. It is a family event with activities for all ages. The children especially enjoyed the water slide and moon bounce. This year we had a great magic show from Magic Jeanne and Stanimation Productions was on hand to draw caricatures of kids and adults. The hot dogs and the snow cones were also big hits.
I would like to thank all of you who joined us at this year’s Open House and BBQ. I would like to extend a hearty toda raba to Bob Levine and the hard working volunteers and staff that helped make this event the fun time it always is.
- Planning and procurement – Bob Levine and Myrna Kimmelman
- Membership – Emily Nakisher, Michael Bloom
- Religious Committee – Alan Cohen
- Education/Youth – Rabbi Jen, Amber Pavon, Jason Schwartz
- Havurot – Emily Nakisher
- Tikkun Olam – Channah Katz
- Sisterhood – Andi Strauss
- Men’s Club – David Molstad
- Brochures – Ellen Geisler and Lisa Elgazzar
- Food service – Greg Knell and his team of volunteers
- Promotion - Chuck Quinn
- Photography - Larry Katz
- Entertainment – Stan Levine, artist, and Magic Jeanne
- Backyard Carnivals – bounce house, water slide and snow cones
And finally, Celestina and Marina, our invaluable support staff.
Thank you all,
Steve Unger and the Membership Committee
See photos related to this article in the September issue of Hadashot.
Three CBS Congregants Complete Summer Ulpan at USF
Leon Starkman, Elaine Starkman and Channah Katz attended Ulpan 2010. Ulpan San Francisco is a three-week intensive Hebrew language program which takes place on the campus of the University of San Francisco under the auspices of the Swig Judaic Studies and Social Justice Program. The three attended this study program, attending classes five days a week, from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
There were a total of 32 students enrolled in the program who were placed according to their verbal skills and previous knowledge of Hebrew. Leon and Elaine had been students of the program previously and decided to refresh their conversational skills. Channah was a first time participant. There are 4 levels of fluency. Leon Starkman placed at Level 4. Elaine was eligible for level 4, but decided to spend her time reviewing at Level 3. Channah Katz placed and remained at Level 2. The age range of the students was from 12 to 80.
The classes consisted of training in four areas: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, speaking and writing. Channah reported that her teacher, Ruth Rosenwald, gave copious homework assignments, plenty of opportunities to speak in class and clear explanations of grammar. All the teachers are natives of Israel who teach at Hebrew schools or at universities in the Bay Area.
Students were treated to a series of guest speakers, singing with guitar accompaniment, and Israeli dancing led by Alan King. Each day the students gathered at lunchtime for further speaking practice in Hebrew or to just chat and get acquainted. On Fridays, students enjoyed a Kabbalat Shabbat which included singing Shabbat songs, lunch at assigned tables and a final hour that consisted of the weekly assessment exam.
On the final day of the class, the students ate lunch together, sang and then presented dramatic vignettes in small groups. Finally, the students received Certificates of Achievement from their teachers. Ulpan takes place every year in July at the University of San Francisco at the Lone Mountain Campus. Watch the J magazine for future announcements. Diane Swanson attended Ulpan in 2009.
See photos related to this article in the September issue of Hadashot.
High Holy Days Childcare
By Dorothy Blint
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are the most important holidays on the Jewish calendar – a time when Jewish people of all ages gather together at synagogue to pray and reflect. At B’nai Shalom, our goal is to make the High Holy Day services accessible to anyone who wants to attend, by eliminating any barriers that may prevent them from doing so.
For many young families, these barriers are financial. Participating fully in the High Holy Days involves spending many hours in services over the course of several days – and for families of young children, this means finding childcare coverage for most of those hours. B’nai Shalom offers a quality childcare program at a reasonable cost, but when all the hours are added up, and the costs of multiple children are factored in, the expense becomes quite prohibitive. Unfortunately, this means that many families simply cannot afford to spend the High Holy Day services together with their community.
We at B’nai Shalom would like to make it possible for all young families to celebrate the High Holy Days by providing childcare services at reduced or no cost. Our ability to do this depends on you!
Please help us to welcome young families by making a donation to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund – earmarked for High Holy Day Childcare. You will be doing a great mitzvah as well as helping B’nai Shalom to grow and thrive by providing opportunities for the next generation to connect to our wonderful community.
USCJ’S Project Reconnect Partners with Synagogues to Offer Free High Holy Day Tickets to College Students
The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism’s Association for Alumni Programming, Project Reconnect, has teamed up with Conservative and Masorti synagogues throughout North America, Europe, South America and Israel to offer free High Holy Day tickets to college students. If you or someone you know needs tickets in another community, go to www.projectreconnect.org for more information.
Please contact Congregation B’nai Shalom at 925-934-9446 for information about attending our High Holy Day services if you are away from home and in the East Bay (Walnut Creek, CA).
Preschool News
By Amber Pavon
“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” This month I have taken my first step here at Gan B’nai Shalom. I learned very quickly that with each step there is a gentle hand to hold. I have the support of the administrative team, the guidance of the rabbis, the reinforcement of the preschool teachers and the blessing of the parents. Best of all I have the admiration, affection and laughs of children in the preschool.
In the month leading to the beginning of the preschool year I had time to create a space for myself that would allow me to be accessible to the community. I set up a work area in the Education Office for the times that I am not in the classroom. This is a space for me to work on curriculum, family programs and most importantly to meet with parents and other community members. I turned the desk around so that I am facing the door, able to see the many people that walk down the hall. I hope you will find this to be an inviting space to visit as well.
I am fortunate to have an amazingly dedicated group of teachers returning this year. Cynthia Kneepers, Mazi Bar-Nir and Paula Byrnes have all had the privilege of teaching at Gan B’nai Shalom. We spent a week of staff orientation getting to know one another and preparing for the school year ahead. We were able to set up the classrooms to meet the needs of our 2, 3, and 4 year old preschoolers. Thanks to Luther and Celestino the classrooms are not only developmentally appropriate but are also freshly painted and clean. The teachers enjoyed creating a curriculum that would engage the children in discovering the world around them through Jewish lenses. It is very easy to make early childhood curriculum around Jewish holidays which celebrate the seasons, the fresh harvest, and appreciation of family, life and trees! We also look forward to the teachable moments when children provide topics of interest that lead to theme based learning.
This school’s family participation is at the heart of community building. Shortly after the school year began the Gan families along with some alumni hosted a picnic at a local park. The children were thrilled to see one another after the summer break and parents were able to schmooze over a delicious potluck dinner. This is just the beginning! With monthly Friday morning coffees, weekly Shabbat classroom celebrations and holiday commemorations the Gan families are sure to stay connected. We are happy to see this community expand and hope that through word of mouth and outreach we will continue to invite more families to our school. If you know of families with preschool aged children please do send them to tour our school.
Here’s to a healthy, happy and enriching 5771!
Contra Costa Midrasha
By Devra C. Aarons, Executive Director
Contra Costa Midrasha’s 2010-11 year begins on September 15th, with a blow-out Opening Night event! The evening will launch this year’s theme, “Put Yourself in the Picture.” For our Opening Night, we’re taking the theme quite literally. We’re bringing in a photo booth (brought to us by the good folks at Photo Booth Royale) complete with printed photos in “film strip” form. Teens will also get to join in the “People’s Torah,” a digital scribe project led by the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco. In this, we’ll photograph each student’s hand, which will then represent one of the 304,805 letters of the Torah. (For more information, go to the CJM’s website: www.thecjm.org.) The evening will also include time with old and new friends, short workshops offered by our educators and of course, donuts. All Jewish teens in our community are invited to join us for the Opening Night event. (For more information, visit our website at www.ccmidrasha.com)
What does this theme, “put yourself in the picture” really mean for Midrasha? Well, this isn’t just about being in a lot of cool pictures. (Though we do plan to feature our programs on our website each month!) From a bird’s eye view, this theme’s focus is about empowering our teens to take on Jewish learning, culture and experience for themselves. The idea was inspired by the image of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel walking in Selma with the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King. Heschel has said of that moment that he felt he was, “praying with my feet.” At the time, King and Heschel were great friends. (Did you know that King would have been at Heschel’s Passover seder had he not been assassinated?) Heschel put himself into that picture, not only to support his friend, but also to pursue justice or tzedakah. This year at Contra Costa Midrasha we’ll look and reflect on moments like this, finding ways to put ourselves into pictures of the past and experiences of the present and future.
With Contra Costa Midrasha’s new programming in the 2010-11 year, we’re better equipped to make this theme a reality. Once a month, we’ll have Sunday afternoon workshops with artists, musicians, chefs and others - giving hands-on active learning experiences that are a bit outside of the normal Wednesday night box. Our new Teen Advisory Council will launch a leadership core of teens who will assist in creating programming for other Jewish teens. Finally, the continuation of our Havdalah Outreach Project will enable CCM teens to engage 6th and 7th grade students and their parents in the experience of a meaningful and fun Havdalah event night. (All this programming brought to Contra Costa Midrasha by the support of our community funders and a partnership with the Legacy Heritage Fund and Brandeis University’s IJE program.)
We’re working hard to provide opportunities for all the teens in our community. Please encourage any Jewish teen you know to “put themselves in the picture” this year at Contra Costa Midrasha. For more information, visit our website at www.ccmidrasha.com or give us a call at 925/944-4701. We’re looking forward to sharing the year with you!
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