News
The B'nai Shalom Fire Watchers: A Short But Vital Program
by Ellen Geisler
As many of you know, we have successfully welcomed into our community and preschool 42 children who were displaced by the sudden closure of the Contra Costa JCC on December 16. That we were able to do this was through the tremendous efforts of our staff, B’nai Shalom volunteers and volunteers from the families of the displaced students.
As our preschool license allowed for a maximum of 30 children – and our classes were nearly full already –we needed to expand our license to allow the increased enrollment. We had to bring classrooms into conformity with current fire safety codes before the additional children could be allowed on campus.
Our deadline was January 3, so the children could start when our existing students returned after winter break. But there was no way to get the required bids, and then the work completed, in that short time.
Every successful plan needs a leader, and ours was Sagiv Weiss-Ishai, a congregant and fire protection engineer who was willing to work evenings, weekends and even take vacation days from his job to meet with the inspectors of the Contra Costa County Fire Prevention Department. With his leadership, and the willingness of the CCCFPD to help us find a way to operate safely and still open the preschool doors on January 3 – before the new fire alarm equipment had been installed - the Fire Watcher Program was crafted.
For 10 school days, while contractors worked steadily on installing the required new systems, volunteers were on campus from 7:30am to 6pm – almost 11 hours per day.
Each Fire Watcher was on duty for 2-4 hours, walking around campus every 15 minutes, and logging each tour in an official log book. A total of 100 hours – and 400 trips around campus - were spent by the volunteers (who could not have any other duties). True, each volunteer got to wear the red plastic Fire helmet, but that was their only reward, aside from our grateful thanks.
Our Fire Watcher program ran from 7:30am on January 3 to noon on January 17, when the new fire alarm system was fully approved by the inspector of the CCCFPD.
To those who took the time from their personal lives to make this emergency plan work, we hereby offer our public thanks. The volunteers, in alphabetical order by first name, were:
Aaron Trost
Alan Hertz
Andy Strauss
Bill Gottfried
Carol Stone
Channah Katz
David Miller
Debra W.I.
Deena Mazza |
Diane Fohrman
Gene Friedman
Howard Geifman
Margie Goldware
Marty Fohrman
Michael Tejeda
Nancy Corinblit
Norm Lustig
Riva Gambert |
Robert Raphael
Ron Stolz
Stephen Hall
Susan Geifman
Susan Jaffe
Susan Stolz
Toby Gottfried |
A Fantastic Celebration to Honor our Hazzan
by Elliot Kallen
On January 7th, we had an event that will well be remembered in the long corridors of positive memories for the members of B’nai Shalom. A celebration befitting twenty years of dedicated service was held at the Crow Canyon Country Club and everyone had a great time.
More than 250 members, guests and friends of Hazzan Dinkin and Congregation B’nai Shalom attended a fun evening that was hosted by Gary Sherne. Gary was funny to say the least (did anyone know he had this great sense of humor?). Joke after joke, followed by terrific singing from our choir and the Herman Family with help from Cantor Korn of Temple Isaiah, a beautiful harpist, terrific DJ, fun video and ongoing camera work throughout the night and so much more. Lots of wine and outstanding food for this event as well, a picture collage put together displaying our Hazzan’s life by Andy Strauss and a caricature on the wall drawn by Stan Levine. Even the comments regarding the Celebration Book were well received; in particular the front and back cover pictures with our Hazzan smiling taken by Corey Shiganaga of ElleCee Productions.
Of course, the highlight of the event was Hazzan Dinkin giving his thank you speech after receiving a few special gifts. Another funny guy filled with heart and appreciation. Thank you!
This event would not have received these tremendous accolades without the enormous efforts of the Hazzan Celebration Committee. The Committee jelled well together and they became friends along the way. New ideas, lots of energy and positive momentum all describe how this Committee came together. Another Thank you.
Now on to the next celebration.…
From the Library Corner
Have you visited your library lately? Whether you are interested in ‘The Dead Sea Scrolls,’ or in ‘Walking the Bible,’ and everything in between, we have books for borrowing.
Want a bit more action, try a Daniel Silva thriller, or spend some time with the ‘Mistress of the Art of Death’ in the realm of Henry II. Want something thought provoking, try ‘What I Thought I Knew’ by Alice Eve Cohen, or perhaps the unusual ‘The Red Leather Diary’ by Lily Koppel. Whatever your interest, there is a book for you in our library.
The library is open whenever you are here; just ask for the key at the office. There are instructions for self-checkout on the desk. Books may be borrowed for three weeks.
Join Me at the Weekday Minyan
By Stan Goldman
Get up to attend 7:00 am services? NOT ME! And then I needed to say kaddish. And now I’m hooked.
I encourage you to join me at our traditional, egalitarian minyan each Monday and Thursday in the B’nai Shalom sanctuary. No one’s too old or too young. Hebrew fluency is not required. We are all learners.
For most of us, it’s just a way to start the day with our fellow congregants. But there is another key aspect. The weekday minyan gives us an opportunity to fulfill the mitzvah of reciting kaddish when a family member dies and on the anniversary of their death. Connecting us to our traditions is an affirming and comforting way to carry our faith l’dor v’dor—from generation to generation.
Added benefits of coming to the weekday minyan:
- It builds community
- More fuel for the soul and spirit at no addition dues cost
- You get up early – minyan begins at 7 am (later on holidays)
- You can see the brightening to morning or the sunrise over Mt. Diablo – very lovely
- It’s quick – an hour or less
- It’s an invigorating way to start the day...
As 2012 begins, I encourage you to join us at our weekday minyan. Your fellow congregants thank you.
Bat Mitzvah Girl Joins Israeli School Children for Charity Read-a-Thon
by Adam Ross, A.H.A.V.A.
California school girl Cayla Quinn (12) from Walnut Creek is marking her Bat Mitzvah celebrations by becoming a guest participant in a charity Read-a-thon promoting English literacy to school children in Israel. The Read-a-thon is the annual flagship event of Israeli NGO A.H.A.V.A. and attracts hundreds of local school children who are sponsored to read as many English books as they can over the course of a month. 7th grader Cayla, who attends the Stone Valley Middle School in Alamo, California and the Congregation B’nai Shalom in Walnut Creek, will be the first ever participant in the Read-a-thon to take part from abroad.
Cayla, who will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on June 16, has already convinced at least three other friends to join the initiative. She said: “One if the reasons I chose to support A.H.A.V.A. is because reading makes me happy, and I want to share my happiness with everyone else. This project seems like the perfect way for me to give back to the Jewish community.”
Her mother Caryn added: “This project is perfect for Cayla because she is such an avid reader and she really loves the opportunity to work with children. It’s also a great way to promote literacy in all languages.”
Director of A.H.A.V.A., Gaila Cohen Morrison, said: “I think that it is marvellous that someone so young is willing to spend her time and effort to help kids who love reading and are so far away. The money Cayla raises will go towards our Scholarship Fund for children who can’t afford the extra English tuition that would help them so much.”
She added: “English is crucial for children to learn well at school. It opens up a world of wider reading and opens up opportunities for them later on in life.” In 2009, of the total number of Israelis in the 12th grade age group, just 39% matriculated at a level that would enable them to be accepted to university.
This year A.H.A.V.A. is also hoping to raise awareness about the issue of English literacy by creating what is expected to be the biggest book ever made in Israel. “The Giant’s Book” stands two metres tall by one metre wide and is about a giant who can’t find a book big enough to read. Children’s author and illustrator Netanel Epstein has made the front cover for the book. School children participating in this year’s Read-a-thon have all been given words to write and design.
Cayla has also been given a word to design, which will also be featured in the giant book which will be displayed in schools after the read-a-thon is completed. The Ma’aleh Adumim Municipality sponsors the A.H.A.V.A. Read-a-thon, along with the local branches of Bank Hapoalim, Steimatsky, Re/Max, Burgers Bar and Aroma as well as Janis Design, Midbar Yehuda Ranch, the Castel Museum Cafe and the Nof Hayarden Event Hall.
If you are interested in sponsoring Cayla’s efforts, please email Caryn at carynquinn@iname.com. You can either pledge per book or a flat rate. All donations are tax deductible and can be made online. The Read-a-thon ends February 16th. For more information about the Read-a-thon or A.H.A.V.A, please contact ahava.org@gmail.com or go to www.ahava-english.org.
Thoughts on Hazzan Dinkin
By Michael Messer
It’s been twenty four hours since congregants were invited to give comments at Hazzan Dinkin’s Shabbat Kiddish. Now I know what I would have said yesterday if the spontaneity of the moment hadn’t left me tongue-tied.
Minyan affords an opportunity to appreciate the Hazzan through a different lens. While Shabbat and Holiday Services allow us to participate in communal prayer under the Hazzan’s religious and musical leadership, Minyan is a special place where an individual can comfortably seek oneness with Adonai under the Hazzan’s spiritual guidance. Within the structure of the liturgy he allows us to experience our own personal revelation.
He makes the Minyan service a comfortable place by creating family. He warmly welcomes those who come for Yahrzeit, carefully remembering the Hebrew names of the loved ones and their parents, the result of an uncanny memory and a natural compassion for others. His plaintive chanting of El Malei Rahamim underscores the feeling that he is part of our families. This is Marc the man.
When the Minyan has concluded, Mark is there to answer questions about the parshat or render his opinion on the over/under of upcoming sport events. What more can anyone ask?
Sisterhood Update
The National Women’s League office offered LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE TRAINING on the last weekend of January 2012. Our own Susan Jaffe attended to learn how to strengthen and unite our local and regional women’s league sisterhoods. The topics of the training were networking, communications, motivating others, and team building; we all look forward to reading her report.
February 12th will bring a special program for our members, the FREE members-only event of the year. You can still join Sisterhood by mail. Address your membership dues ($36) and any donations (College Outreach or Howard Blint Hesed Fund) to Andy Strauss, or sign up at the door.
The Sisterhood book club continues to flourish. This month’s selection is the fictional work of Jeffrey Hantover, entitled The Jewel Trader of Pegu. A discussion of the book is scheduled for February 14th. Book group meets at 7:30 PM in rooms 10-11, unless otherwise noted. It is a free event, and all are welcome.
The Regional Spring Conference here in Walnut Creek runs from April 29 - May 1st. We will have several great guest speakers and a large variety of activities and learning sessions. The headquarters will be the RENAISSANCE SPORT CLUB, HOTEL AND SPA. Please join us for these enjoyable women’s encounters entitled Women’s League 5.0: the Upgrade.
Mazel Tov, Hazzan Dinkin, on the 20th anniversary of your service and dedication to our CBS community. The Sisterhood especially thanks you.
The Sisterhood Board is looking for bakers and delivery people for our annual Purim Box project. If you would like to help, please contact Channah Katz.
Finally, remember to visit the Sisterhood Judaica Shop for all of your Jewish gift needs.
A Message from the Men’s Club
There is probably no more important institution in Judaism than the synagogue. The word synagogue originates from the Greek word synagein, “to bring together.” Why do we use a Greek word rather than a Hebrew one? It’s because the Hebrew Bible lacks a word for this place. The actual origin of the synagogue is lost in history. The consensus of scholarly opinion is that the synagogue originated during the Babylonian Exile, beginning in 586 B.C. when, deprived of the Temple, Jews would meet from time to time to read the scriptures. Whatever the exact origin, it is during the first century C.E., particularly after the destruction of the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 A.D., that the synagogue emerges as the center for both social and religious life.
The message this year from the Men’s Club is that B’nai Shalom is both the center for social life and religious worship of our Jewish Community. The Synagogue functions as a community joining place for people who share not only common religious beliefs -- in this case Conservative Judaism -- but also similar values. To this end, the Men’s Club invites all families with any affiliation to CBS to join us in some fun, family friendly activities that use the synagogue in the Biblical context as the center of social as well as religious life.
There are some excellent functions planned going forward. On the Sunday of President’s Day weekend we are planning a ski trip to Sugar Bowl Mountain. By then there should be ample snow and skiing for all skill levels. The event cost includes group transportation, which allows “schmoozing” time and the opportunity for both kids and parents to socialize and interact.
Also now on the calendar is a rafting trip in early June where family and children can enjoy an outing together with other CBS members for a memorable day out on the river. If you have never rafted, it is a truly fun and unique experience.
In June, the L.A. Dodgers come in to play the Athletics on Jewish Heritage Night. Josh Feinberg of the Oakland Athletics organization developed this evening for all Jews to come out and proclaim “I’m Jewish and I’m proud.” The event will feature a special giveaway item and free parking.
Please join us for a great year at CBS.
Midrasha News
By Renée Zeimer, CCM Vice-President
New Baby. Contra Costa Midrasha’s year began with great news - the arrival of Leilah Rose Hesser who was born on December 11th to Executive Director, Devra Aarons and Jon Hesser. Baby and parents are doing well and enjoying precious time together. While Devra is on maternity leave, Elaine Bachrach (former CCM Director) launched our Spring semester on January 4th. Dan Harris follows as our interim Executive Director until Devra’s return. If you are in the area, please stop by the Midrasha office and introduce yourself to Dan.
Cooking Workshop. Hands–On Food Adventures continues on Feb. 12th from 1:30-3:30 pm in the kitchen of Congregation B’nai Tikvah, 25 Hillcroft Way in Walnut Creek. The C3 series: Cooking for College and Community is open to all high school students and is a great way to give unenrolled teens “a taste” of Midrasha. Workshops are free to teens enrolled in the Wednesday night CCM program and $25 per workshop for others. Workshops include food, cooking instruction, recipes and the pleasure of eating what you cooked together. To sign up, log-on to http://ccmidrasha.com/hands-food-adventures and click “To RSVP,” or contact us at office@ccmidrasha.com or call 925-944-4701.
Open For Enrollment. There is still time to enroll in CCM’s weekly teen program. Our new term has just begun. With rolling enrollment, students are welcome to start at anytime. Midrasha meets on Wednesdays from 7:15-9:15 pm at Congregation B’nai Shalom, 74 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. For more information or to register, email us at office@ccmidrasha.com or call 925-944-4701.
Annual Event - March 24th. From gelt to matzah, chocolate is a delicious tool for teaching Jewish history, values and culture. This year Contra Costa Midrasha pays homage to CHOCOLATE at our 4th Annual Fundraiser on Saturday, March 24 at 6:30 pm. Mark you calendars and join us at Beth Chaim Congregation, 1800 Holbrook Way, Danville for a mouth-watering evening celebrating Chocolate and Contra Costa Midrasha. Be on the lookout for your invitation. You won’t want to miss a command performance by the Tikvah Tones, a dinner & dessert reception featuring Santini wines & chocolate martinis, chocolate tastings by CocoTutti and chocolate inspired silent & live auctions. Can’t wait? You can order tickets or donate by emailing us at office@ccmidrasha.com or calling 925-944-4701. We look forward to celebrating the riches of CCM and chocolate with you!
Mental Illness Outreach Workshop: Help CBS Bring Ideas Into Action
Congregation B’nai Shalom is a sponsor of P’tach Libeynu (Open Our Hearts), the Jewish community outreach project on mental illness. To explore ways to make congregations more welcoming and supportive of congregants with mental illness and their families, the project is presenting “Ideas to Action,” an interactive workshop led by a professional facilitator and focusing on implementing ideas, large and small, in our congregations. The program is set for Thursday, Feb. 23, from 9 a.m. to noon at Beth Chaim Congregation, 1800 Holbrook Dr., Danville. Coffee and bagels will be served.
Participants from CBS are needed so that the congregation can be represented in this exciting project. No special skills, or knowledge of mental illness are needed-- just a willingness to be involved. Interested congregants should contact Karen Cohen, P’tach Libeynu co-chair, 925-945-7272, karen@openourhearts.net. For more information about P’tach Libeynu, go to
www.openourhearts.net.
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