Netivot Shalom DECEMBER, 2001 KISLEV-TEVET 5762

From The Rabbi
By Rabbi Stuart Kelman

I have a favorite metaphor. There is a bank of elevators located in some high-rise building, and I am standing in front of that bank of elevators watching as they go up and down. Each of them is at a different floor. Some stop at each floor (like a Shabbat elevator!); others skip floors reacting to the needs of those passengers; some are on their way up while others are coming down. Some reach the top - others begin their descent before getting to the top floor. Some need special keys to open on certain landings, while others stand empty, waiting for riders.

I like that metaphor because it is complex and because it often helps me explain what is going on in life. Take our shul, for example: On the Shabbat of Hayee Sarah, we officially began using the new Humash, Etz Hayim, a brand new commentary which reflects the theology of the Conservative Movement. Traditionally, Jews have not written theology; they have written commentary which reflected their theology. Etz Hayim is a wonderful example of that fact - a Humash that reflects the theology of the Conservative Movement. It contains the best that modern scholarship has to offer from the minds of scholars associated with the Conservative Movement who try to discover meaning through the use of traditional commentary and modern methodology and discoveries.

The commentary separates peshat, the plain meaning of the text, from derash, the insights of classical, medieval, Hasidic, contemporary religious and secular thinkers. This distinction in and of itself is a hallmark of our movement. It does not say that one is "better" than the next. It merely contends that there are two kinds of truth.

There is a section called "Halacha lema'aseh" which tries to link text to Conservative law. Each of the haftarot have an introduction with two parts: the first talks about the haftarah and the prophet; the second, which tries to connect the haftarah to the parashah. In the back of the Humash are 41 topical essays (one of which was written by yours truly about the Torah Scroll). These essays, plus reference tools at the end, mark this as a major innovation in our attempts to understand and apply the wisdom of the Torah to our lives.

Thanks go in particular to Rena Fischer, for leading the campaign to purchase these volumes for our use. Thanks to the Ritual Committee and to you, for agreeing to make Etz Hayim an important addition to our Shabbat morning experience.

While our elevator was going up on Parashat Hayee Sarah, on the very next morning, Parashat Toldot, we entered into another elevator as we gathered to hear about our new building. What a remarkable event. We were all privileged to see and hear the work of so many individuals led by the remarkable design team of Blaire Prentice, David Finn, Ed Anisman and Bruce Starkman (with others to join in the next phase). Thousands of hours of work, spanning many years, produced the first public translation of our collective vision into real drawings and timetables and plans. These individuals and the rest of the Site Work Committee, under the Chair of Joe Meresman, have been engaged in the task of gathering information through research and listening to various members and committees of Netivot Shalom, and then translating our programmatic needs into a space that is both sacred and workable. Amazing!

As I gave my dvar Torah about the theological implications of having windows in the building (a halachic requirement for synagogues), Blaire Prentice came up and, completely unrehearsed, showed his designs for the sanctuary and the building which reflected precisely what I had discovered in my Talmudic search. I can't begin to describe that delicious feeling of confluence. It's all coming together. Yes, there are issues to be discussed (bathrooms and elevators in particular), but from the comments it became clear that we really are going to have a "home of our own".

Yet another elevator took me to the financial position of our campaign. We are very close to $2,800,000. In one year, and with just about 140 of you (us) who have made significant pledges so far, we are more than half-way there! That's the good news; the bad news is that we are only half-way there. Thanks to Art Braufman, Ann Swidler, Claudia Valas and Mike Irwin, we have come this far. We need to push on and complete this phase in our development as we near our target - now on our own, as Stan Moore, our consultant, has completed his tenure with us. We can and will make this happen.

These are some of our elevators - there are others. Our Amitim program is currently undergoing some revisions; Shabbat B'Yachad, Shabbat Shelanu, Religious School, adult education, Hebrew language program, and Etzleynu - all of these "elevators" are moving, dynamically.

What of our future? Yes, we need to begin thinking about next year. Our plans for further staffing positions, programming, volunteers and our long-range plans are all subjects for consideration. Push the button, and jump on to the elevator(s). Now you can ride two or more at the same time!!

Chag orim sameach!

TEFILAH SCHEDULE

SATURDAYS

All services are held at the Berkeley-Richmond Jewish Community Center 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley
Torah Study9:00 a.m.
Shabbat Services9:45 a.m.
Meditative Minyan
3rd Shabbat
December 15
9:30 a.m.
Learner's Minyan,
2nd & 4th Shabbat
December 8, 22
9:45 a.m.
For Children & Parents:
Shabbat B'Yachad (pre-school),
2nd & 4th Shabbat
December 8, 22
11:00 a.m.
Shabbat Shelanu (grades K-2),
1st &3rd Shabbat
December 1 & 15
11:30 a.m.
Children's Service
for K-2nd grade
(2nd & 4th Shabbat)
11:30 a.m.
for 3-6th grade 10:30 a.m.
each Saturday, unless otherwise indicated

WEEKDAY MINYANIM

All services are held at our offices, 1841 Berkeley Way, Berkeley Morning Minyan Wednesdays7:15 a.m. Rosh Chodesh Minyan
Rosh Chodesh Tevet, December 15 7:15 am

Shabbat Services

TORAH STUDY & DRASH SCHEDULE FOR: DECEMBER
1 Torah Study of Va Yishlach
with Rabbi Art Gould
8Torah Study of Va Yeshev
with Nitzhia Shaked
15Torah Study of Mi Ketz
with Michael Cohen
Drash by Sam Finn, Bar Mitzvah
22 Torah Study of Va Yiggash
with Nitzhia Shaked
29 Torah Study of Va Yehi
with Naomi Seidman

President's Letter
By Debby Graudenz

On November 22nd, 1973, Rom and I were part of the gar'in (literally, "seed") that established Kibbutz Ketura in the southern Arava desert. Ketura is about 25 miles north of the city of Eilat, situated on the old "green line" border with Jordan. In 1973 the Southern Arava was not teeming with settlements. The city of Eilat had a population of about 13,000. Just north of Eilat was Kibbutz Eilot. A kilometer south of Ketura was Kibbutz Grofit, and about eight kilometers south of Grofit was Kibbutz Yotvata.

In those days the only way to establish a Kibbutz was through Nahal, a branch of the Israeli army. We were drafted in early 1972, and were actually still in the army when we established the Kibbutz. The Israeli government had tried to convince us to take a piece of land closer to the center of Israel, thinking that a bunch of "soft Americans" wouldn't do well in the far-flung desert of the Southern Arava. We fell in love with the site of Ketura when we saw it while on Young Judea Year Course in 1969-1970, and were convinced that this was the place for us. Other places the government suggested to us were in the territories, and we were adamant that we wanted our settlement to be within the old green line.

Late one night, about a year and a half after establishing the Kibbutz, we got a call from the army. There had been a terrorist crossing in the Southern Arava, and we were put on alert. We quickly established watching posts around the perimeter of the kibbutz. Those of us who had been in the army were augmented by those who had received weapons training after we'd established the Kibbutz, and were stationed in groups of three at these outposts around the perimeter of the Kibbutz. My group outpost was by the dumpster into which we dumped our trash from our apartments. Certainly not a glamorous spot. But it afforded a certain amount of cover, and was an important position in maintaining the security of our dwellings and those adults and children huddled inside. We didn't have enough walkie-talkies to furnish one to each of the outposts, and our dumpster site didn't have easy communication with others around the Kibbutz.

A couple of hours into this alert, we saw a flare fired up from the other side of the Kibbutz, followed by gunfire. I can still remember the physical sensation of, first the blood draining out of my head, followed by the heart-pounding, limb-shaking adrenaline rush of that often spoken of (but rarely experienced) fight or flight response. I hunkered down into my position, drew my weapon, and unlatched the safety. Eyes roaming the empty desert around me, wondering from which direction someone might come, I was amazed that I was being called on to actually use those skills I had learned in basic training in the army. As the minutes ticked by I was treated to a flood of emotions. Fear - oh my - fear like I'd never known in my life. A sense of irony and even humor, that I might end up dying by a dumpster. Sadness - at the thought that our little piece of paradise was no longer safe, at the thought that someone might be hurt or worse - and then a profound sadness and anger that people who we didn't even know were out there intending to harm us, and that I might be called upon to be the agent of someone's demise. After what seemed like an interminable amount of time - but was more likely a matter of 15 minutes - someone came by to tell us that what had been seen on the other side of the Kibbutz was an animal of some sort, and that no one was in imminent danger.

We made it through the night, and as dawn broke over the Harei Edom across the border in Jordan, we received the all-clear call from the army. We dismantled our outposts, met in the chadar ochel for coffee and tea, and started our workday, each of us trying to sort out the myriad feelings with which we were left.

That was 27 years ago, and yet as I write about that incident, all of those feelings, along with some of the physical sensations, return. I've had some vivid recollections of that incident in the past, but, not surprisingly, they've become more prevalent in the wake of September 11th. I've come to realize that it's not just the normal process of recalling one fearful situation in the wake of another. We all have our dreams for peace in the Middle East, for an Israel that is safe and can assume its place as or lagoyim ("a light unto the nations"). We feel an immense sadness that we can't seem to find a way to that peace. We are frustrated, angry, bewildered, scared; and yet, we hang on to our hope as a drowning man hangs on to a life-preserver. Because what else can we do? We are a diverse community, and members of Netivot Shalom have different thoughts and ideas about how this peace can be achieved. Yet we all dream of, hope for, and pray for it.

This month we are celebrating Chanukah, commemorating the Maccabean victory over the Syrians, and the rededication of the Temple in Yerushalayim. There are those who say that Chanukah is likely the first record of the struggle for religious freedom in human history. I hope that each of us this year can re-dedicate ourselves to our hopes and dreams for peace. Nes Gadol Hayah Sham (A great miracle happened there). From our lips to God's ears.

Debby Graudenz

Celebrate a Simcha!!

Sponsor a kiddush! Contact the Kiddush Coordinator, Janet Harris, at 524-2245 and at janeth2@aol.com. If you are already signed up for a kiddush, please contact Janet to re-confirm.

Shabbat B'Yachad
Shabbat B'Yachad
Chanukah Celebration

Sunday, December 2, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the BRJCC. Come share crafts, songs, food, and community warmth with your fellow Shabbat B'Yachad families. In the spirit of tzedakah, please bring a baby present, card and photo of your family for a young woman in our sister shul in Santiago, Cuba, who is due with her first baby in January. RSVP: Shalva Sorani (653-7343 or shalvasorani@yahoo.com).

STORYTELLING WORKSHOP FOR THE PARENTS OF SHABBAT B'YACHAD
Sunday, December 16, 10:00-12:00 in the shul library. Childcare provided. Come and learn how easy and fun it is to tell a Torah based story to SBY children. Lots of helpful hints and guidance will be provided. SBY needs more parent storytellers! RSVP to Lisa Fink (595-1907).
All are warmly invited to participate in discussions of GENDER & JUDAISM

This series is held on the second Saturday of each month at the Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley, 1:30-3:00 p.m., in the Library.
December 8Rabbi Margie Jacobs
"Supportive Sisters or Sibling Rivals: Rachel and Leah through the Lens of Contemporary Feminist Midrash"

Rabbi Margie Jacobs is the rabbi of Temple Beth Hillel in Richmond. A graduate of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, she has lectured nationally for the speaker's bureau of the Kolot Center for Gender and Judaism on feminism, midrash, and Jewish mysticism, delving into the ancient Jewish tradition to uncover the sacred in our modern lives.

January 12 Jennifer Ring
"Tradition versus Inclusion: Tensions Between Women and Authentic Jewish Observance"

Jennifer Ring is Professor of Political Science and Director of Women's Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno. She earned her doctorate in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, specializing in European and American political theory and political psychology. Ring is a nationally regarded expert in multicultural and identity politics, and race and gender in the United States.

The Gender and Judaism series is sponsored by Congregation Netivot Shalom and co-sponsored by the Berkeley-Richmond Jewish Community Center, Congregation Beth Israel, Congregation Beth El, Kehilla, and the Aquarian Minyan.

A CONCERT For Our Country & Community

ACHI BEN SHALOM and his band ADAMA, Mizrachi style music of ZA'ATAR, singers ARELLA BARLEV & IRA, A CAPPELA group & MORE

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15 7:30-9:30 P.M. TEMPLE BETH EL (located at the corner of Arch and Vine)

Suggested donation: $18, $25 per couple. Families with children welcome! All proceeds to the September 11 Fund.

SPONSORED BY BETH EL, KEHILLA, BETH ISRAEL, BERKEKEY RICHMOND JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER, NETIVOT SHALOM & AQUARIAN MINYAN.

Erev Shira An Evening of Song at the Kelmans December 25 8:00 p.m. Guitars Welcome!

Rosh Chodesh Group: Food & Memories The Rosh Chodesh group will meet on Thursday, December 13 from 7:00-9:30 p.m. This is our Chanukah meeting - Food and Memories. We will share family recipes, photos of the cooks and make sufganiot! This meeting is open to all women of Netivot Shalom. For additional information, contact Toby Gidal, tgidal@home.com.

Chanukah Schmooze & Fun! Come and celebrate as a community at Congregation Netivot Shalom's Chanukah Party SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9TH, 3:30-5:30 pm. In the shul library & classrooms
3:30 Snacks, Schmoozing, Storytelling, & Dreidel Games
4:00 Art activities & Fun for kids (ongoing), Social for teens & adults
4:30 Latkes for everyone, Chanukah Jeopardy Competition for kids grades 5-8. (Prizes will be awarded; Please see Lorraine in the school office for a study guide.)
5:00 Candle Lighting, Sing-along, Desserts
5:30 Clean up; Possible carpool to Union Square in San Francisco for the big candle lighting there.

Bring your chanukiah & candles and join us for a great afternoon. Please RSVP to Melissa at the synagogue offices with the number of people attending and the ages of any children. 549-9447, ext. 110.

See you there!

Letter to the Editor:

I have been thinking about the joke published in (the November) newsletter, and honestly, I'm pretty disappointed by it. There are many ex-Catholics in Netivot Shalom (myself included) and I think it's in poor taste to include this joke in an official publication.

I had heard the joke before, and I found it mildly funny before. Somehow, though, to see it printed in the official newsletter of the congregation raises my consciousness of the undertones. Basically, the joke is that the most ignorant Jew is smarter than the best Catholic. Imagine if you came across a church bulletin in which the roles were reversed...that an ignorant Catholic outsmarted Maimonides. Somehow, I don't think we'd find that funny and might even say it was anti-Semitic. Some things need to have a more intimate audience in which you can be sensitive to people's backgrounds to be able to see the humor. I would need to know that the person telling the joke had some appreciation of Catholicism to find it funny. There's nothing in this context to suggest that.

There's a big undercurrent of anti-Christian sentiment among Jewish communities, understandable given history. I've sat through more than my share of "why Jews are better than Christians" sermons and discussions. However, I think we at Netivot Shalom can be, and should be, above that. We have a very high percentage of converts in our congregation. I think one of the reasons many of us converts find Netivot Shalom to be such a special place is that it seems mostly free of the automatic, anti-Christian sentiment found in so many other Jewish communities. It, by and large, embraces people without as many pre-conceived notions.

Maybe we can use this as an opportunity to reflect that the strength of our Jewish identity, particularly in our very special congregation, doesn't have to be at the expense of other people's beliefs and religions.

Thank you, Meghan Starkey
News from the University Avenue Site Work Group
Enthusiastic Response for the Site Design
By Joe Meresman
Site Work Group Chair

The Site Work Group presented the final design plan for our new home at the congregational meeting on Sunday, November 11. Approximately 95 member households were present, representing about one quarter of Netivot Shalom's membership. This was an above-average turnout for a congregational meeting, underscoring the importance of this project to our community.

The plan was unveiled and explained by Ed Anisman, David Finn and Blair Prentice, members of the Site Work Group's design sub-team. First up was a discussion of the project's Design Parameters: the space requirements for various functions as determined by a thorough evaluation; the City of Berkeley's building and zoning requirements with which the design plan must comply; and considerations about our new neighborhood (and new neighbors). Next came detailed architectural drawings of the building and grounds and an explanation of the use of each individual space. Finally, we talked about the milestones along the way to our proposed move-in day in 2003, and about the budget and fundraising needs.

Feedback, Q&A and informal discussion continued for over an hour after the presentation, and I am very pleased that the response was overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic. If you were unable to attend the meeting, copies of the handouts are available in the office. And we continue to welcome your comments and questions at any time.

Much remains to be done, and the Site Work Group will be working hard on your behalf to turn our new home into a reality. Please continue to watch this space for more exciting developments on University Avenue, and for announcements about ways you can help. As always, feel free to contact me at MeresmanJ@aol.com.

Plans for Our New Building
By Debby Graudenz, President

Ashrei yoshvei vetecha - Happy are those who dwell in Your house. What an exciting time in our development as a shul community! As you know, our search for a permanent home has been a lengthy one. The number of person-hours that went into that search, negotiations for this site, securing a loan, and now continuing with the Site Work Group, the Design Sub-group, and those involved in the Capital Campaign is staggering.

We were treated to an amazing display of the fruits of that labor on November 11th, when the Design Sub-group unveiled the plans for our new building (see pages 6 & 7). It's been a little more than a year since Jean Bass Bradman saw the For Sale sign at the site on University Avenue, and yet here we are with plans developed by members who know our shul and our community, and who put in countless hours gathering input, analyzing the data, and designing a beautiful building that meets our needs.

Kudos to those visionaries who, years ago, realized the need for a permanent home for Netivot Shalom. I'd like to thank Rabbi Kelman, for breathing life into that vision, fleshing it out in drashot and during meetings, giving it substance and form. Kol hakavod to the former Building Committee for their tireless search over the years for a site that would meet our needs and our pocketbooks. Joe Meresman, and all of the members of the Site Work Group, jumped in and took on all aspects of this project as soon as we went into escrow on the property. I am in awe of Blair Prentice, David Finn, Ed Anisman and Bruce Starkman, the Design Sub-group, and what they've accomplished. Stan Moore, our fundraising consultant, and Adam Brown, his assistant, have kept us motivated in our Capital Campaign. The Chairs of our Capital Campaign, Ann Swidler, Art Braufman and Claudia Valas, and all of the other volunteers who continue the mission of soliciting pledges from our members are working hard to secure the funding to complete this project. Mike Irwin, our Campaign Treasurer, found the bank and negotiated our loan, and continues to track the progress of our campaign. At the congregational meeting Mike announced that we had reached the $2.7 million mark in pledges!

At the November 11th meeting we were presented not only with the design, but also with a project timeline. If all goes according to plan, we will be ready to move into our new building around Yamim Nora'im in 2003. There are two major factors that will facilitate meeting our projected deadlines. One factor is external: permits, planning commission, etc. Our able Design Sub-group is handling those aspects. The other factor is internal: raising the money necessary to complete this project. I'm asking that we all give our most careful consideration to the call for pledges to the Capital Campaign. If you've already pledged, could you consider increasing that pledge? Would you consider extending that pledge for another year or two? If you haven't yet been contacted for your pledge, please begin now to give careful thought and consideration to what you can do.

Our shul community is poised to become members of the greater community of Berkeley in a way that we've never been before. Our opportunities to provide programs and services to our members and to engage in Tikkun Olam will only increase when we are in a home of our own. ?

Summary of Board Meeting on 10/28/01:
[Do I need to report that I conducted this meeting wearing a "Happy Birthday" tiara, on a table strewn with "Over the Hill" confetti? - D.G.]

The Nominating Committee will be elected (per the Bylaws of the Congregation) at the Board meeting in November.

Mature Mavens By Jean Bradman

Our recent discussion group successfully navigated through the most essential aspects of long term health care insurance and gently impressed upon us the necessity for evaluating the various plans available. The issues are so subjective, the various plans described so different, and some of the language so technical, that it is difficult to present a coherent picture of the presentation in a couple of short paragraphs. We learned that some aspects to think about when considering long term health care insurance are: 1) family medical history, 2) your personal medical history, 3) financial status, 4) possible heirs, 5) your relationship with your heirs, etc. We were very fortuante in that two speakers were present to provide a balanced view, and we thank them both immensely: Michael Jarnigan, an insurance agent specializing in senior long term care insurance, and Phil Epstein from the health insurance counseling and advocacy program (HICAP). Both offered their extensive knowledge and expertise. Brochures from the evening's discussion are available; please contact Iris Greenbaum if you are interested in receiving a copy of them: 524-8548.

Our next get together is planned for December 10 at 7:00 p.m. at the Netivot Shalom library. We are planning a Chanukah celebration. Please bring your chanukiot, tasty treats to share, and come to celebrate! Please RSVP to Iris Greenbaum 524-8548.

Hag Sameach!

New Program Coordinator Joins Us
We are excited to welcome Melissa Rogoway to the staff at Netivot Shalom. She will be working with Iris Greenbaum to help develop the Etzleynu B'Shchunah groups, and to further build our Netivot Shalom community. One of her first tasks is a phone tree to help link us all together. She will also be involved in planning events here at the synagogue.

Here is your chance to get involved by volunteering just a few hours per month. If you are interested in helping, contact Melissa at 549-9447, ext. 110.

Jewish Heritage Tour to Spain
Congregant Steve Bileca is leading a Jewish Heritage Trip to Spain this spring, open to members of Netivot Shalom and other congregations of Northern California. The dates are May 17-28, 2002, and the itinerary includes some of Sephardic Spain's most enchanting sights: Seville, Granada, Córdoba, Segovia, Toledo. Space is limited to 16 people. Call Steve at 510-339-1498 for more info.
Capital Campaign Update
On November 19th we bid adieu to Stan Moore, the fundraising consultant for our Capital Campaign. We can't thank Stan enough for the work that he did for us. He trained a cadre of volunteers from within our congregation to do the work of soliciting members for our five-year pledges. He held our hands, encouraged, cajoled and inspired us to embark upon and continue this work. Stan is hoping to come back and see us in our new building in the Fall of 2003.

Adam Brown, Stan's capable assistant, will continue to work on the campaign on a limited basis. Although the physical space of the campaign office closed on December 2nd, the phone and e-mail are still connected. Adam will be handling the ongoing process of recording pledges, sending out reminders to those members who chose options other than monthly ACH withdrawals for payment of their pledges, and will stay in close contact with Mike Irwin, our Campaign Treasurer.

Our Sister Congregation in Santiago de Cuba
By June Safran
Well, everyone, Bob and I are off to Cuba again on December 19th, this time for the bar mitzvah of David Budegin Farin, a very sweet boy whose favorite activities are playing chess, participating in services, building and flying kites, and playing baseball. We are very excited both for David and the community. This is a very special time for the community because there will not be another bar mitzvah for four more years.

Unfortunately, his mother, Emna Farin has been ill for the past month with a problem that has left her anemic. But she is slowly recovering and looking forward to seeing her son on the bimah in December.

In other news in the community, two babies are due to be born in January; one to Betty Delgado Farin, and the other to Yurina Santesteban, the sister of Nili Behar who has now moved to Israel. Both of these mothers-to-be take part in synagogue life in one way or another and both need assistance, such as pediatric vitamins, Tylenol, thermometer, teething rings, Desitin, medicated baby powder, and a myriad of other baby things that I no longer remember now that my baby is 32 years old.

I spoke with president Eugenia Farin recently. She asked me to tell all her sisters and brothers at Netivot Shalom that the Santiageros wish you all a very happy Chanukah and invite you to come visit them anytime and often.

RITUAL COMMITTEE
Hoshana Raba and Shemini Atzeret
A Winter's Explanation for Fall Holidays
By Josh Gressel, Ritual Chair
I was going to begin this article with an apology for writing about Yamim Nora'im observance in a newsletter article that chronologically should be devoted to something about Chanukah. However, most of us know quite a bit about Chanukah, even though it is about as significant to Judaism as Flag Day was to pre-September 11 Americans. Chanukah - like Hoshana Raba - is a minor holiday, mentioned nowhere in the Tanach. Apparently Chanukah did not achieve major holiday status (nor the Book of Maccabees canonization in the Tanach) because the Maccabean rulers quickly degenerated into bloodthirsty, decadent tyrants. For example, Simon's grandson, King Alexander Yannai, executed 800 of his Pharisee opponents after forcing them to witness the murders of their wives and children. (King Yannai was hosting a drinking party during the slaughter.) Chanukah is a major holiday to American Jewry simply because of its proximity to Christmas. Shemini Atzeret, on the other hand, is a biblically ordained full holiday whose purpose most of us would be at a loss to describe.

First, let's clear up some of the confusion around when these holidays occur. Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret often get lumped together as one holiday. Officially, they are not. They are, rather, individual holidays which follow each other. Sukkot is a seven-day holiday, the last day of which is called Hoshana Raba (more on this below). Shemini Atzeret is a one-day holiday in Israel and two-day holiday in the Diaspora. It comes the day after Hoshana Raba. Like Rosh Hashana, Sukkot and Passover, it is celebrated an extra day in the Diaspora because of historic uncertainty around the calendar. (Did you ever wonder why Yom Kippur wasn't also observed for two days in the Diaspora?) Simchat Torah, a holiday with which we are all more familiar, is subsumed within Shemini Atzeret. In the Diaspora, Simchat Torah is the second day of Shemini Atzeret. In Israel it is celebrated on the same day as Shimeni Atzeret.

HOSHANA RABA

As mentioned, Hoshana Raba is the last day of Sukkot. The first day of Sukkot is considered a full holiday in Israel; the first two days are considered full holidays in the Diaspora. The remaining days of Sukkot - including the last day (Hoshana Raba) are considered half holidays (when it is permitted to work).

Many of us have taken part in the "hakafot" at Sukkot. This procession around the synagogue waving the lulav commemorates the procession around the Temple during biblical times. During these processions the people would sing Psalm 118:25: "Ana Adonai Hoshia Na," "Please, God, please save us" which got shortened to "Hoshana" ("Hosanna" in English). The last day of Sukkot was given special sanctity by the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi and the Temple would be circuited seven times, thus the name "Hoshana Raba" ("the great Hoshana"). Hoshana Raba came to be viewed as a "second Yom Kippur" when the final judgment of God would be sealed. There have been numerous popular customs developed around this belief that the verdict of a person's behavior was passed on Yom Kippur and "sealed" on Hoshana Raba. In some communities candles were lit, in some the chazzan wore a white robe, and in some the shofar was blown. Special challot were baked with a hand on the top; the hand represented the acceptance of the document on which the verdict was recorded. There was an ancient belief that the Sukkot holiday was the time in which it was determined how much rain would fall, and this led to the prayer for rain following Sukkot (on Shemini Atzeret - see below).

The seven hakafot of Hoshana Raba were thought to be so important that the calendar was set so that it would never fall on Shabbat, when hakafot are not conducted. Paradoxically, in our congregation this means that we don't observe Hoshana Raba unless it should happen to fall on a Wednesday. As a minor holiday in a series of major holidays, it gets ignored because of what comes before and after it.

SHEMINI ATZERET

Shemini Atzeret is mentioned twice in the Torah, first in Leviticus 23:36: "On the eighth day shall be a holy convocation unto you; and ye shall bring an offering made by fire unto the Lord; it is a day of solemn assembly; ye shall do no manner of servile work." It also appears in Numbers 29:35-36, where the Israelites are again told not to work and the nature of the sacrifices they are to make. Herein probably lies the confusion between Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret: the "eighth day" of what? Of Sukkot. But again, this holiday is to be treated as a separate festival, "regal bifnei etzmo." It contains none of the Sukkot ceremonies, such as hakafot or eating in a sukkah. Its name comes from the words "atzeret" (assembly) and "shemini" (eighth).

Shemini Atzeret liturgy is notable for three things: Yizkor, Kohelet, and the prayer for rain. Yizkor services are held four times throughout the year: on Yom Kippur, the eighth day of Passover, the second day of Shavuot, and Shemini Atzeret. Again the conflation with Sukkot is evident here: the conclusion of a holiday was considered to be a more propitious time for Yizkor (thus the end of Passover and Shavuot) and the rabbis of the Talmud treated Shemini Atzeret as the end of Sukkot, so Yizkor was held on this day.

Kohelet is read on Shemini Atzeret because its depressive tone was thought to fit the somber end of an intense period of soul searching through the Yamim Nora'im. Others believe it was read to strike a balance to the lighter, more joyous mood of Sukkot. If one of the intermediate days of Sukkot falls on Shabbat, Kohelet is read then rather than on Shemini Atzeret (another blurring of the separateness of the two holidays).

Finally, the prayer for rain ("Tefillat HaGeshem"): This prayer for return of the wind and rain is recited during the Musaf service on Shemini Atzeret and is then mentioned in the three daily amidot ("mashiv ha ruach umorid hageshem") until the first day of Passover. Its purpose to the agricultural society of ancient Israel (and to the agriculture of modern Israel) is clear: "For a blessing and not a curse, for life and not for death, for plenty and not for famine. Amen." Prayers for rain are among the earliest liturgical texts and drought in the Tanach is considered punishment from God. While the Shemeni Azeret-Passover dates were chosen with Israeli agriculture in mind, later rabbinic authorities decreed that wherever rain is beneficial "out of season" (e.g., in the summer) prayers for rain may be inserted.?

REFERENCES

Elbogen, I. (1993). Jewish Liturgy: A Comprehensive History. (R. Scheindlin, Trans.). Jewish Publication Society. (Original work published 1931).

Encyclopedia Judaica.

Hertz, J. (1972). The Pentateuch and Haftorahs. London: Soncino Press.

Kolatch, A. (1981). The Jewish Book of Why. Middle Village, NY: Jonathan David Publishers, Inc.

Telushkin, J. (1991). Jewish Literacy. New York: William Morrow & Co.

SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Intolerance and Tolerance
Anti-Semitism at U.C. Berkeley
Intolerance has been part of the fallout of September 11. Last month, I talked about the murder of two men of Middle Eastern appearance. Now, anti-Semitic incidents are surfacing as well.

On Simchat Torah, a young Jewish man celebrating the holiday on the U.C. Berkeley campus was punched in the face by an assailant shouting "Heil Hitler." Other Jewish students have reported verbal harassment. In response, U.C. Berkeley Jewish students staged a "Sit Down to Stand Up Against Hate and Anti-Semitism."

My one-year-old son and I attended the "sit down." I was encouraged to see a group holding a banner that said "Students for Justice in Palestine against all forms of racism." They sat peacefully near a group of young people wearing "Kahane" t-shirts and holding a sign that said "Tolerance, My A-." My sign read, "Scapegoating Arabs or Jews is not the path to peace." (A little pitch for our shul, if anyone noticed!)

I spoke briefly with some of the Arab and Muslim students, and I don't know whether our contacts will lead to any further communication. Meanwhile, Jon Klein has been pursuing efforts to learn more about the local Muslim community. We will let you know of further efforts to work together on issues of tolerance.

I should also mention a photo I saw of an anti-war demonstration in San Francisco, in which a man dressed as Uncle Sam held a sign saying "I want you to die for Israel." Regardless of one's views on the U.S. military action, we all should be alert for distorted and simplistic attempts to blame the current crisis on Israel.

Shalom Bayit

Shalom Bayit - Peace in the Home - is a Jewish agency supporting women facing domestic violence. Shalom Bayit has a counseling line at (510) 451-SAFE. Julie Patrusky, who often davens with us, is the staff counselor. See below for information about volunteer opportunities.

Blanket Drive

American Friends Service Committee is collecting blankets to deliver to Afghan refugees. A collection box will be placed in the synagogue office until December 21. Please, clean blankets only, and please put them in the box, not on the floor!

Chanukah Book Drive

From Monday, December 10 (first day of Chanukah) until Friday, December 21, there will be a box at the shul office to collect children's books for distribution by the Jewish Coalition for Literacy. If you can, please send your kids to weekday Religious School or Amitim with a book for K-3 children, new or used in good condition. Please make sure that the books end up in the box, not on the floor! The Coalition will distribute the books to children who are participating in reading tutoring programs.

Volunteer Opportunities

And please let me know if you do volunteer.

Next Meeting

Tuesday, December 4, 7:00 p.m, 1048 Keith. Contact Cyndi Berck at 524-2984. Please note that, starting in January, the meeting date will be the first Monday of the month (January 7). ?

A Letter From the Alameda County Community Food Bank
On behalf of the Alameda County Community Food Bank and the Bay Area Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life, I sincerely thank you for your contribution to the High Holidays Food Drive.

This year was an especially challenging food drive, as our attention so naturally focused on the need on the East Coast. However, the thirteen synagogues and Jewish Community organizations who collected food during this most holy time of year showed an inspiring ability to be generous to our own neighbors who suffer from hunger on a daily basis.

The Food Bank is delighted to report that this year's collection effort totaled more than 18,895 pounds of food, which is the most food collected in the drive's history. Congregation Netivot Shalom, in particular, collected 445 pounds of food. It will be distributed to the Food Bank's network of 300 social service agencies who strive to feed the 171,000 people in our community who are at risk of going hungry.

The Food Bank is grateful for your support and wishes you all the best in the new year.

Sincerely,

Dan McClosky
Honorary Chair, High Holidays Food Drive

Mazal Tov To:

Moeshe & Flo Pripstein in honor of the engagement of their son, David

Condolences to:
Melissa Rogoway on the death of her father, Jack Rogoway, on October 28th

Shelly Ball on the death of her grandmother, Sura Brana bat Perl, on October 30th

Yahrzeit List
Jack Becker18 KislevDecember 3
Sylvia Lorwit18 KislevDecember 3
Estelle Seder19 KislevDecember 4
Mary Solomon Goldberg19 KislevDecember 4
Morris Burack20 KislevDecember 5
Louis Lieberman21 KislevDecember 6
Samuel Namiot Koslav22 KislevDecember 7
Roslyn Sterling24 KislevDecember 9
Rudolf Grossmann24 KislevDecember 9
Fred Brinner25 KislevDecember 10
Louis Robinson 25 KislevDecember 10
Mitchel Derish25 KislevDecember 10
Yosef Shein27 KislevDecember 12
Jacob Levine29 KislevDecember 14
Yakov Melech Ruby30 KislevDecember 15
Joseph Yaffee1 TevetDecember 16
Eric Wood1 TevetDecember 16
William Bruch2 TevetDecember 17
Harvey Beck2 TevetDecember 17
Faye Berman3 TevetDecember 18
Leo Lowsky3 TevetDecember 18
Simon Dov Yaffee5 TevetDecember 20
Charlot Rehfeld Lanier5 TevetDecember 20
Samuel Margolis5 TevetDecember 20
David Rosenstein6 TevetDecember 21
Bertha Rodbell Spiegel8 TevetDecember 23
Nathan Abraham Epstein9 TevetDecember 24
Ida Frank10 TevetDecember 25
Abraham L. Gewertz11 TevetDecember 26
Gershon Kaplan11 TevetDecember 26
Sophie Chait11 TevetDecember 26
Victor Goodman11 TevetDecember 26
Anna Abramowski12 TevetDecember 27
George Trow12 TevetDecember 27
Stan Fink12 TevetDecember 27
Irving Lowe13 TevetDecember 28
Josef Levi14 TevetDecember 29
Esther Radousky14 TevetDecember 29
Dr. Robert C. Goldberg16 TevetDecember 31
Bernard David Laytner18 TevetJanuary 2
Alan Gordon19 TevetJanuary 3
Al Becker19 TevetJanuary 3
Max Rosenheimer20 TevetJanuary 4
Naida Schlossman Epstein21 TevetJanuary 5
Cecelia C. Rosenheimer 21 TevetJanuary 5
Fanny Kohn Fingerhut23 TevetJanuary 7
Sheldon Berrol24 TevetJanuary 8
Samuel Banc25 TevetJanuary 9
Ann Weintraub26 TevetJanuary 10
Harry Alter26 TevetJanuary 10
Celia Linsey26 TevetJanuary 10
William Samelson28 TevetJanuary 12
Edwin Posner28 TevetJanuary 12
Gertrude Aronstein29 TevetJanuary 13
Rosalie Cohen29 TevetJanuary 13
Benjamin Goor1 ShevatJanuary 14
Ellen C. Isaak1 ShevatJanuary 14
Mary Rosenblatt1 ShevatJanuary 14
Max Grosz2 ShevatJanuary 15
Nathan Solomon2 ShevatJanuary 15
Learner's Minyan for 5762

The Learner's Minyan will meet on the second and fourth Shabbat of each month in room 14 of the BRJCC, 9:45-10:35 a.m. The program is designed to develop a greater appreciation for the structure and sense of our services and to teach nusach, the melodic form of the prayers. All levels are welcome.
December 8, Rabbi Stuart Kelman
Tefilah: Where do these prayers come from? The relation between Temple and synagogue service; The intersection of Torah and prayer
December 22, Rabbi Art Gould
Tefilah: The Work of the Spirit
January 12, Wendy Rosov
Overview of the Shacharit Service
January 26, Brenda Goldstein
Shacharit Service: Nishmat kol chai, Yishtabach
February 9, Wendy Rosov
Shacharit Service: Barchu, K'riat Sh'ma and surrounding blessings
February 23, Brenda Goldstein
Shacharit Service: K'riat Sh'ma and surrounding blessings, continued
March 9, Eva Heinstein
Shacharit Service: The benedictions of the Shabbat Amidah. A Sephardic Yismach Moshe
March 23, Brenda Goldstein
Hallel
April 13, Julie Batz
Shabbat Amidah: The Public Repetition
April 27, Brenda Goldstein
Birchot Ha Shachar: Overview & nusach
May 11, Esther Brass
Birchot Ha Shachar
May 25, Brenda Goldstein
Musaf Service: Remnants of the Temple Service and the variations in the Musaf Amidah
June 8
Discussion: How should we teach the Learner's Minyan?

Hebrew Classes
Wednesday evenings 7:30-9:00 p.m. At the shul

10 sessions for beginning and intermediate levels January 16 through March 20 Free to Netivot Shalom members, $50 for non-members Text for this session will be THE SHABBAT AMIDAH. Text, glossary, bibliography, and reference material will be provided for students. Rabbi Stuart Kelman will give an introductory lesson, with historical overview on Sunday, January 20, 10:00-11:30 a.m. at the shul offices.

Midrasha
Where has the semester gone? It seems like school just began and suddenly we are choosing new electives for the second semester. It's been a great few months. So, now let me tell you what's coming up.

On December 9, at 9:30 a.m., we are having a set of workshops for students and parents of 10th-12th graders. If you are not a Midrasha family, but have teens the right age, please join us. Tenth and eleventh graders will hear a recruitment presentation about the East Bay Summer Experience in Israel. Eleventh grade families not wanting to hear the Israel trip presentation can attend a workshop on "Applying to College Through Jewish Eyes", presented by independent college counselor Marilyn Neril. Twelfth graders will hear a panel of Hillel staff and Cal students talk about adapting to college life. All will be an hour long. Sounds like a full program.

Have you checked your mail lately? We recently sent out our annual fundraising appeal. If you are even tempted to throw the mailing away without reading it, or writing a check, remember this: Ten percent of our students have requested financial aid. Our faculty salaries need to remain competitive to retain our wonderful staff so that teaching at Midrasha will be more than just a labor of love. We run Midrasha as frugally as possible, and we need you to make it all possible. Thanks in advance for your support.

And keep an eye out at your local bookstore. One of our teachers, Danya Ruttenberg, has a new book that has just come out: Yentl's Revenge: The Next Wave of Jewish Feminism. One of the articles in the book is written by a former teacher, Yiskah Rosenfeld. I can't wait to start reading my copy.

And for those of you with 8th-12th grade children not currently enrolled at Midrasha, remember that the semester break makes an excellent time for a new student to enter the system since everyone takes new courses beginning in January.

B'Shalom,

Diane Bernbaum

Youth Education: Grades 3-6
By Bat Sheva Miller, Education Coordinator
Shalom! Religious School is well under way. Students and staff have been working together in providing each other with opportunities to explore our local Jewish community, our interests in Jewish education and our strengths and potential as active participants of the community at large. We are investigating how the students of Netivot Shalom can contribute to the Berkeley community, as part of our mitzvah focus. We welcome your ideas and input.

One of the main aspects of Jewish education is to encourage students to look for questions in texts, in Jewish practice or in any other aspect of a student's life. We intend to create an environment wherein students are able to reflect on their questions about the specific subject matters that constitute Jewish education. These questions are a very important piece of the curriculum design. For example, in the third grade, students are inspired by Revital Heller to learn about Sefer Bereshit (Book of Genesis). They are asking important questions which are posted on their Midrash Board. Commentaries and midrashim from the rabbanim are then studied and compared with students' own interpretations.

In fourth grade, under the creative leadership of Jeremi Goldshen, students are reviewing Bereshit and getting started in Sefer Shemot (Book of Exodus), the focus of the fourth grade Humash curriculum. These students are working on parasha skits which elicit different interpretations of the Torah.

In the fifth/sixth grade class, students have compiled a list of questions about Yahadut/Yiddishkeit. Their questions range from the importance of the Shema to the reasons for kashrut. Rabbi Kelman has been our special guest, willing to answer some very challenging questions.

The Religious School meets three times a week, on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., and on Shabbat, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The curriculum includes the core of Jewish learning, such as Torah study (Humash) and commentaries, the holidays, mitzvot and tefillah. In the classroom we create an environment which encourages questioning and curiosity as well as group/partnership work, known as chevruta. Students have been working in chevruta for part of the time, as it is traditional of Jewish education. We study from as many sources as possible, such as humashim, siddurim and commentaries, in an attempt to break the "Sefer (book) Barrier". We create an environment of familiarity with our history and with what has given us our practice for the last thousands of years.

I would like to invite you into the classroom, where you are welcome to share your strengths with the students and be part of this process which we all consider so important. We intend to bring the community closer to the students, by having guest speakers who will join us and share their strengths, be it movie-making, puppet theater, sign language, Jewish History, or Hebrew calligraphy, just to mention a few. If you have an interest, a hobby, or if you are really enthusiastic about your profession and would like to share it with the Religious School, please contact us. Together we will be able make the experience of Jewish learning part of the student's life.

Shabbat mornings are designed to provide families with a natural time to celebrate together. Parents are able to join us in our Shabbat morning services from 10:30-11:30 a.m., where music and ruach (spirit) enliven the space in which the study of the weekly parasha (Torah portion) takes place. Later on in the year, students will be encouraged to prepare a Divrei Torah (a speech about the parasha or any other aspect of their learning) for these Shabbat morning services.

Shabbat is also a natural time for story telling. It is a great place to introduce students to Chassidic masters and explore Chassidic tales that have inspired many generations.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of dialogue and communication between parents and students around their Torah and Judaic studies. As Joel Grishaver points out in the introduction to his book Learning Torah, "American English usually talks about studying, but Jewish English uses learning." Together, we will learn, throughout the year, what the difference is.

Shalom U'Vracha

Religious School Hadashot:
Shabbat B'Yachad
By Judy Massarano, Education Coordinator
Did you know that there is a "little shul" within our big shul on the 2nd and 4th Shabbatot of each month? Do you know about Shabbat B'Yachad (SBY) and the tireless efforts of Iris Greenbaum in bringing the joy and warmth of Judaism into the lives of our children?

In 1998, Iris and a group of parents with children under the age of five years (for whom there was no synagogue programming) created a siddur and launched SBY. In four years, it has grown from a handful of interested members into a cohesive community of over 30 families and our lives haven't been the same since! Iris has infused the program with her special gifts - her way of making Judaism magical and accessible to very young children, her deep love and understanding of children, her skill in teaching lessons of Torah through song and stories. She makes Jewish ritual and prayer so appealing that our children can't wait to get to room 14 for SBY services! Iris has inspired all of us with young children to live better lives, to give more to our community, and to nurture Jewish values in our children.

The original concept of SBY was of a parent-led service and program. The time has come for us to strengthen this model and for more parents to get involved in leading the service, telling the Torah stories, organizing holiday celebrations, and maintaining SBY as an organization. All SBY parents recently received a letter explaining that since Iris has reduced the number of hours she works at Netivot Shalom, we all need to become more active in SBY. To this end, service leading and storytelling workshops will be offered in the near future (read weekly announcements or e-mail announcements for dates) and parents will be contacting their fellow SBY members to ask them to sponsor a SBY kiddush, lead services, or tell a story. Quarterly meetings of the SBY Parent Committee (which is made up of anyone who attends the meetings!) will be held to plan events and address issues. And a web site will soon be up and running containing a SBY manual of detailed "how to" information, as well as notes from the meetings. It is our hope that Iris's energy will continue on in each one of us as we strengthen the old and create new ways of experiencing the wonders of Judaism and the joy of being part of the Netivot Shalom community.

All congregants are welcome to stop by Room 14 any 2nd or 4th Shabbat at 11:00 a.m. to participate in our service. The children love seeing new faces. And should you feel inclined to lead the service or tell a Torah story, please call Lorraine Rosenblatt, Education Administrator (549-9447 ext. 104) for the name of a parent contact. We hope to see you! ?

NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL OR AMITIM
December 24- January 6

Ramah Day Camp
Dear Ramah Families & Friends,

We're writing to update you about some changes at Ramah Day Camp.

First, we are sad to announce that Dan Alter will no longer be serving as our Director. We thank him for his passion for and commitment to this camp and community. We are profoundly grateful for Dan's leadership in establishing this camp and seeing it through its first two years of existence. We know that Ramah Day Camp would not have become the institution that it is without his tireless dedication.

We are in the process of compiling a terrific leadership team to direct camp for the upcoming year. Until then, Judith Rosenthal Schwartz-our Camp Administrator and Parent Liaison-together with our active Board, will continue to ensure that camp runs smoothly during this transition period. As always, we welcome your questions, comments, and suggestions throughout the year.

Finally, we would like to let you know that the event we announced last month, "Ramah Reunion-Bring A Friend," has been postponed. Rather than taking place Thanksgiving weekend, we have scheduled it for Sunday, January 13. Please hold the date and plan to join us. New and continuing families are invited.

We look forward to seeing you in your synagogues, at our events throughout this coming year, and during Summer, 2002.

B'shalom,

The Board of Ramah Day Camp of the East Bay.

Young Judaea

Oh no!!! You've already missed some of the hottest club meetings in town. Young Judaea's East Bay club has already kicked off its year and the only problem is that you weren't there with us. We found a new home at the Berkeley JCC, but all Netivot Shalom congregants in 3rd-8th grade are invited and encouraged to attend. Check out our new web site at www.youngjudaeacnh.org. For more information and our calendar, please contact our regional office at 510/549-0260 or YJAsstDir@aol.com.

Katie Winsberg, Assistant Director CNH Young Judaea

Donations To Netivot Shalom

ADULT EDUCATION Vivian Numaguchi in honor of Jonathan & Rachel Heinstein Noriko Obinata

BUILDING FUND

Linda Blachman Rabbi Graudenz in honor of Rabbi Stuart & Vicky Kelman Sanne & Hugh Dewitt in memory of Al Anisman Carol Traeger in honor of Hannah Traeger Muney Steve Zolno & Carol Delton in memory of Ed Anisman's father, Al Anisman David Goldstein Frank & Charlotte Sadofsky in honor of Aja & Zachary Baggins Tal & Elad Ziv George & Toby Gidal Noriko Obinata Sam & Frances Levin

B'NAI MITZVAH

Henry Miller & Connie Philip in honor of Amit Gressel's bar mitzvah

BOOKS & RITUAL OBJECTS

Joan Bradus in honor of Debra Lobel & the Haver Hall davenners at Yamim Nora'im Sheila & Art Braufman donation to the Book of Remembrance in honor of Debra Lobel, Wendy Rosoff & all those who worked so hard to make the Yamim Nora'im special Julie Weissman in memory of Don Fischer Ted Feldman books for the library

CUBA FUND

Mitch Cohen in memory of Sidney Cohen

DINNERS FOR THE HOMELESS

Mitch Cohen in memory of Sidney Cohen

ETZ HAYIM

Judy Lieberman & Allen Samelson in memory of Jerome Lieberman and in honor of Avi Samelson

GENERAL FUND

David Levine & Joanne Weinberg Laurie & Eric Zell in honor of Dean Kertesz, Carla Cassler & family Jane Falk in memory of Don Fischer Allan Joseph in memory of Jerome Lieberman Noriko Obinata

KIDDUSH / ONEG

Michael & Betty Rosenheimer

RABBI'S DISCRETIONARY FUND

Anonymous Erica Fono & Morry Katz in honor of Rabbi Stuart Kelman's officiating our wedding Shari Rifas in honor of Dan Alter & Ruth Weisberg Robert & Jane Mallow Betty Martinez Diane Rose Johnson Mitch Cohen in memory of Sidney Cohen Noriko Obinata

TORAH STUDY

Esther Stone Fabrice Habelski Kathryn Winter David & Eva Bradford Vivian Numaguchi John & Eleanor Cox Basya Gale Joyce B Jacobson Jerry Garfield Conrad Ellner, M.D. Isaac Turiel & Ellen Matthews Turiel Geri Rossen

YAMIM NORA'IM

Howard Appleman Steven Greenfield in honor of an inspiring service Jonas Zuckerman Richard Weinstein with thanks for last minute Rosh Hashanah "stranded" accommodations Steve Gottlieb & Pat Hellman in honor of their aliyah on Rosh Hashana

YOUTH EDUCATION

Rabbi Graudenz in memory of Eva Graudenz, Esther Behrend, Moppel Avni, Hermann Graudenz, Machla Graudenz, and Heinrich & Celia Schorr Eric & Heike Friedman in honor of Hannah Yael Friedman's first birthday

THANK YOU TO:

Rena Fischer, Debby Graudenz, Lee Feinstein, Jan Malvin and David Radwin for stepping in to help get the new Humashim ready for the November 10th Shabbat services Norman Rosenblatt for installing and getting the new office server up and running Chai Levy and Hillel Lester for a donation to the library

OOPS! These announcements were found in shul newsletters and bulletins. Even the spellchecker wouldn't have helped.

Opportunities to Offer Tzedakah

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Shabbat Greeters We need Shabbat Greeters to welcome people into our services on Saturday mornings. Volunteer to greet for one Shabbat. Call Robin Braverman at 925-979-1998, or e-mail her at rivkah48@aol.com.

Book Reviewers Often library volumes are sent to us for review purposes. Many of the reviews need only be a one paragraph description while some require a bit more. In order to keep these books coming to Netivot Shalom, please contact Rabbi Kelman at 549-9447 ext. 103.

Library Help Do you have a few hours to volunteer in our library? We need volunteers to re-shelve books, keep track of books that are borrowed and process new books. If any of these "jobs" interest you, please contact Rabbi Kelman at 549-9447 ext. 103.

CONTRIBUTIONS

eScrip / Schoolpop Each time you shop at Safeway, Andronico's, Albertsons and many other stores in the Bay Area, a percentage of your purchases can be donated to Netivot Shalom through eScrip and Schoolpop. Registration forms for eScrip and Albertsons Community Partner Cards are free and available through the congregation office. For Schoolpop, call 1-877-456-1032.

Planes, Trains & Automobiles Donate your old car, motorcycle, truck or RV to Netivot Shalom. For more information, call Claudia Valas at 558-9200.

Stocks & Bequests To find out how to make a donation of stock to the congregation, contact Mark Priven at 559-8393. When drafting your will, please consider making a bequest to Congregation Netivot Shalom.