The New Adventure Begins! In This Issue: All members of Saratoga s City Council came out to help breakground on our new building Continued on page 6

Transcription

1 1 March The New Adventure Begins! By Eleanor Weber Dickman The sun was the brightest participant in the festivities that began on the front lawn of Congregation Beth David at 10:00 am on Sunday, January 25, Turning the atmosphere into a warm spring day, the sun reflected the warmth, sense of community, and excitement of anticipation for the happy turnout of congregants, congregation leaders, political friends, and guests. It had been a long journey to this day. Fifty years ago, four founding families began to put a vision into action. The Daniels, Dreifus, Kallman, and Postman families put energy, dedication, resourcefulness, and commitment into creating a new spiritual community. In This Issue: From the Rabbi Page 3 President s Perspective Page 5 Calendar Pages 16 & 17 Don t Miss Scholar-in- Residence Page 18 All members of Saratoga s City Council came out to help breakground on our new building Beth David s congregational homes were many: from a Meeting House in Santa Clara to the West Valley Presbyterian Church in San José, from El Camino Real and McKinley Avenue in Sunnyvale in Stelling Road in Cupertino to Prospect Road in Saratoga. The congregation grew, with vision and vigor, with loyalty and pride. Current President David Hoffman opened the proceedings banging (gently) on the podium with his uniquely appropriate gavel a hammer! With humor, pride, and warmth, the tone of the event was set. David recalled the congregation s journey to its present home and acknowledged all the past presidents whose leadership and commitment had helped shape and strengthen the synagogue. Senior Rabbi Ohriner opened the groundbreaking ceremony by acknowledging that The Jewish people have always understood that a holy community must have a holy place (makom kadosh). Rabbi Alexander acknowledged the blessings bestowed upon us by dedicated and generous members. Continued on page 6 MArch Anniversaries Page 25 MArch Birthdays Page % CLUB Pages 27 & 28 Contributions Pages 29 & 30

2 2 Main Office Rabbis Philip R. Ohriner Senior Rabbi Leslie Alexander Rabbi of Community Engagement and Outreach Daniel J. Pressman Rabbi Emeritus Staff Tanya Lorien Dir. of Operations Barbara Biran Dir. of Ritual Monica Hernandez Bookkeeping Associate Jillian Cosgrave Front Office Associate Lynn Crocker Mkt & Comm Associate Iris Bendahan Dir. of Jewish Edu. Program Andrea Ammerman School Admin. Assistant JET (Jewish Experience for Teens) Mazel Tov Please share our joy as our daughter, Ella, is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on: Saturday, March 14, 2015 We invite you to join us for a Kiddush luncheon following the service. Tal & Ilana Lavian

3 3 From the Rabbi By Rabbi Leslie Alexander In the 16 years in which I was not a congregational Rabbi, I had the opportunity to " shul hop". For those unfamiliar with this interesting phrase, it means experiment with attending different synagogues. Actually, Ken and I belonged to three synagogues in that time, experiencing the wonderful and not so wonderful aspects of each. We learned A LOT! We found out just how crucial it is to be welcomed and embraced in the community. We learned how much it mattered that we felt like WE mattered, that we were recognized and greeted when present, that we were missed when absent, that we were invited to people's homes and that people enthusiastically accepted invitations from us. We learned how great it felt when people asked us if we were going to synagogue events and asked if we could meet up with them. We unfortunately learned a lot at some places about being ignored, feeling lonely, thinking ourselves insignificant and not quite good enough. I came away believing firmly that it truly doesn't matter in a synagogue if a person knows the prayers, can read the Hebrew, is as observant as the Rabbis or anything else that one can learn or take on. People can be completely happy in a community without any of those things IF they feel warm, included and cherished, not just by the clergy, but by each other. I came away from that kind of experience knowing just what I would want to ensure if I ever served a congregation again. And here I am, blessed to work at CBD with an incredibly caring and devoted colleague, Rabbi Ohriner and with all of you This is a time of wonderful change and growth in our community. New Rabbis along with the continued presence of our valued emeritus, new building, and wonderfully, many new CBD members. It is a perfect time to heighten our awareness of what matters most here at CBD and it is the reason for the design of our new building- feeling included and a part of an extended family. So, as Rabbi of community engagement and outreach, my FIRST concern is making sure that our CBD slogan is true, that there really is a place for everybody at CBD. If we make sure that all of us already connected to our synagogue feel happy here, we ourselves will be the best advertising about CBD to others unaffiliated in he community. With this in mind, we are very involved in reaching out to all of you, whether new or long time congregants of all ages and stages of life to help you connect to one another in " micro- communities" called Havurot and to create wonderful opportunities to socialize, celebrate and learn and support one another as extended family. In this issue of the Dvar you will see a description of what a Havurah is and the positive dimensions it can add to your life and the lives of your family. Many, many people who grew up as a part of their parent's havurah have a true sense of what a " village" is and even in adulthood, still look at members of the havurah as their closest adult relationships. We are, in addition, looking for members of CBD to volunteer to have your " antennae up" at shabbat services to reach out to people who you may not recognize and welcome them to our congregation. We want to make sure that visitors and new community members do not come to CBD and go home not having been integrated in some way into the life of the community. If you can volunteer to help be a matchmaker on Shabbat every couple of months, please let me, or Margie Pomerantz know. A Beit Knesset- House of Community, has to be the place where all of us, whether we have been here 50 years or 5 minutes, know that we matter and that people will notice and engage with us when we attend and, if we are generally present, notice and care if we are not. This is a time of newness and excitement for our synagogue. May the bright, fresh and welcoming environment we begin to build Insert physically, signature match the joyful, open and embracing environment we create socially and spiritually, for all of us, together. L shalom, Rabbi Leslie Alexander

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5 5 President s Perspective By David Hoffman, CBD Board President Dear Friends, For my March column, I am reprinting the remarks I gave at Board Installation Shabbat on February 7 th. (I have omitted the Tu B shevat puns, however!) Shabbat Shalom! Two years ago, I stood before you and described what CBD meant to me, and my family, after my 2010 heart surgery and challenging recovery. Last year, I stood before you and spoke of how the board and the staff of this amazing shul were going to move boldly into our next 50 years. Recall, in just the past 12 months, we held a retirement celebration for Rabbi Pressman. We hired Rabbi Alexander. We elevated Rabbi Ohriner. We formally kicked off the Next 50 Building and Endowment Campaign. We laid the groundwork for new exciting, experimental and experiential Shabbat experiences. The groundwork was laid, and two weeks ago, it was broken, as the Next 50 Building project actually began. And on February 14th, the first of our new Shabbat experiences will kick off. I count myself lucky to be able to serve a second term during these transitional, liminal moments in our history. Of course, like Dan Skilken eloquently stated during our ground breaking about people thinking he was crazy enough to envision and then lead the Next 50 project, I ve got people asking me if I m crazy wanting to serve as president again. (The lead inquisitor is my sister, a past president of her shul. She really seems to enjoy reminding me that she is a past president). I d be crazy, and probably go crazy, but for the fact that I m not doing this alone. This congregation is blessed with an incredible staff that work their tails off on a daily basis. Whether it s Jillian s friendly voice answering the phones; Nestor setting up and breaking down room configurations; Monica processing checks, Lynn keeping you updated through our e-blasts, Iris, Andrea and Irene nurturing our youth and teens; Barbara keeping the Torahs rolled and Rabbis in line, and Tanya managing the office, the facilities, and organizing the move into the portables, our staff is an incredible resource that I am privileged to work with. Oh, did I mention our rabbis? The collaborative and creative energies that emanate out of Rabbis Ohiner and Alexander are simply intoxicating (think Hamen-scotchen) enlightening and entertaining. But our staff is only half the equation. You elected an incredible board -- committed volunteers who bring their own unique skills, abilities, interests and energies to CBD. I have been privileged to sit on many CBD boards; I am excited to work with this one. Rabbi Tarfon reminds us that the day is short and the work formidable... and then counsels that while it is not our job to complete the work, neither are we free to walk away from it. I could not walk away from the work we began 2 years ago, which is I agreed to serve as President again. We have completed some of our projects such as rabbinic succession and ground breaking. We are in the process of other projects, such as rolling out new programs for Shabbat Netivot Haneshamah, -- which arose from the Congregational forum in June of 2013, where YOU asked for alternative Shabbat experiences. We have also been studying new models for financial stability that we have been sharing with you. New programming is in the works Rabbi Alexander has even co-opted my wife to lead a program later this year! The work is formidable but so is this board. It will rise to the task of sheparding the shul through a year of construction and beyond. The synergy of Board and Staff is what makes CBD great, and what keeps me sane. I follow the advice of Moshe Rebbeinu s father-in-law Yitro to find and surround myself with good people, and delegate. I am in good hands with this Board, and so are you. I thank you for your trust and confidence in me. As I have said before, I am honored and humbled to be able to lead this amazing Kehilla. Shabbat Shalom, David Hoffman

6 6 The New Adventure Begins! Continued from front cover In addition, Rabbi Ohriner offered an invocation which acknowledged all those who had, over the decades, led the synagogue s growth and strength. We gather in joy and gratitude, he said, mindful of the blessings that have been bestowed upon us knowledge, wisdom, understanding, and the sense of community which has made us a true Kehillah, a sacred congregation. Rabbi Ohriner quoted the proverb which prophesied growth by building through wisdom and establishing through understanding. He cited four important foundations for strengthening the synagogue: understanding, learning, prayer, and community. Anna Eshoo, Congresswoman from California s 18 th Congressional District, described the event by quoting, This is a day the Lord has made, and acknowledged Rabbi Daniel Pressman for his 33 years of extraordinary leadership. Saratoga Mayor Howard Miller acknowledged the founders, clergy, staff, and Board members, saying, Future generations will read and know about the leadership of the visionaries who established this congregation, and praised all those whose stewardship of faith and community led to a renewed commitment to this holy place. He concluded, the expansion of your spiritual home is an example of living faith carried out by community. Rabbi Pressman praised congregation al leaders over the years for being forward thinking in your vision and faith. Noting that contributions by members of Beth David have extended throughout the Jewish community of the South Bay, he cited the names of congregants who have served in significant leadership positions with other Jewish organizations throughout Silicon Valley. Michelle Nathanson, Director of Development for The Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley, praised this visible milestone in our journey, and recognized Beth David s role as an institution and as a source of many of the larger community s most active and creative leaders in bringing leadership, planning, vision, and foresight to the larger Jewish community. Dan Skilken, whose leadership of the project has contributed significantly to its success, recalled a meeting two years prior with Sandy Mayer and David Hoffman, who asked him to join a committee to remodel the courtyard. Turning his fellow congregants into visionaries, Dan proposed a remodel of the entire building. The Next 50 Project had begun. Thanks to the energy of Board members and key congregants as well as the power of the concept itself the project received commitments and donations of $6.2 million in six months! Fundraising Chair Bonnie Slavitt

7 7 Moore was acknowledged for her leadership in coordinating the Jewish Conversations with congregants which led to the generous support the synagogue quickly received. The new facility will encompass 6600 square feet, and is described by Dan as the expansion of our spiritual home and living faith carried out by community. Some of the exciting new features of the new facility will include a 40-foot high rotunda with a glass roof, and a kotel built with Jerusalem stone, as well as prayers submitted by congregants to be embedded in the wall. In addition, plans call for the building of a new endowment to maintain this legacy. Noting that it takes good partners to achieve this dream, Dan acknowledged architect Joel Karr of WK Design, whose remodeling of Congregation Beth Jacob in Redwood City impressed Skilken and the Next 50 Committee. Karr, along with Bob Burns and Nick Bryson of Bryson Burns Construction, participated in the symbolic groundbreaking of a plot of grass near the synagogue entrance, along with the synagogue s past and present rabbis (including Rabbi Pressman s predecessor Rabbi Jerry Danzig), with earlier rabbis also acknowledged by name. Sandy Mayer, a member of the Next 50 Committee and the organizer of the groundbreaking event, was praised for her tireless efforts in helping shape the project and for organizing the groundbreaking event. Father José Galang, Pastor of the neighboring Church of the Ascension (which for many years provided additional worship space for Beth David members during the Jewish High Holy Days), gave the closing benediction, extending warmest congratulations and prayerful wishes, and praising the congregation for its commitment, as a people of peace, to create a place for prayer, worship, and peace one people together.

8 8 JYEP Students Help Break Ground and Saying Goodbye to the Building JYEP students in hard hats partook in the CBD Ground Breaking event. They sang Am Ehad One Nation, an Israeli song of friendship and tolerance within the Jewish nation. Representatives of each class participated in digging out the first shovels of earth. Two students shared their Prayer for the Community, and finally, the favorite part, drawing/scribbling/writing farewell messages in the school hallway!

9 9 Congregation Beth David Micro Communities - Havurot What is a Havurah? A Havurah is a group of couples or families or up to 20 individuals who get together on a regular basis in members' homes to study together, to socialize and to celebrate Jewish life. All members of the Havurah make a commitment to the group to meet regularly. What is the Advantage of a Havurah? A Havurah is an excellent way to become acquainted with others who have similar interests and are at similar stages of life. For years CBD members have found that by joining a Havurah they have developed an extended family at CBD. Havurah members can be counted on to both celebrate lifecycle events together and when necessary, provide comfort and support at difficult times. What Kinds of Things does a Havurah Do? It's up to you! Your group can enjoy a Shabbat dinner together, have a Hanukkah party, build a Sukkah, even go camping if you're so inclined. Each Havurah determines the types of activities it wants. Some involve children, some do not. You can ask one of our Rabbis to attend a meeting to discuss a variety of topics related to Jewish life. The Havurah chair, Ziva Fishman, Rabbi Alexander and mentors from existent havurot are available to help with ideas. How is a Havurah Formed? After returning a completed Havurah application, you will be "matched up" with others who have similar interests, backgrounds and requests. At the first meeting of your new Havurah, a Rabbi and /or the Havurah chair will be there to help break the ice, to explain about how a Havurah functions and to give programming ideas. At this meeting you will be able to get an initial idea of whether this havurah match up feels right to you. If so, GREAT! If not, we will work toward finding you just the right havurah dynamic for you. What if I Don't Like Everyone in My Group? In any group of that size, there may very well be one or two you can't seem to get to know. The best advice is to stick with it! You'll be surprised what can happen over time. Some of the CBD Havurot have been together for 30 years! If it's just not working out though, you can speak to the Havurah chair or Rabbi Alexander about your options. CBD Lean In Circle What do you aspire to achieve? Come share your dreams and we will plan together to make them your reality. Whether it is career, volunteer work, or a household goal, you can strategize with others in our community. Come join the Beth David Lean In Circle, a women's networking and support group inspired by Sheryl Sandberg's book Lean In. Our mission is to help women Lean In to their ambitions, whatever they may be. Next meeting is Monday, March 9 th, 7:30-9:00 p.m. Lean In Circles are small peer groups that meet regularly to support one another. There are more than 21,500 Circles in 97 countries and they work: 75% of members credit a positive change in their life to their Circle. Contact Lori Kahn or Susan Rojo to learn more. Join us the second Monday of the month after minyan, from 7:30-9:00 p.m.

10 10 Stay Up-To-Date on All CBD Events Go to: Beth-David.org/calendar Or Facebook.com/ BethDavidOnline and like our page! Or Beth-David.org/Today

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14 14 Mordechai Rosenstein Joined Us as Our Artist in Residence From January 28th February 1st Activities included: teen dinner and hands-on art experience; Conversations in Jewish Learning presentation on creating Jewish art; a Kabbalat Hazak Shabbat cantorial service and dinner with the artist who spoke on the art within Shabbat and Torah; a Torah talk on Saturday morning followed by Mordechai sharing his journey as an artist; and an evening Wine and Hors d oeuvres reception with the artist. Our JET teens enjoyed dinner and art with Mordechai Rosenstein; just one of the many great JET programs for teens! (left) Kita Zayin display their artwork after a wonderful session with Artist in Residence, Mordechai Rosenstein. (below) Mordechai invited staff to create a brush stroke to contribute to his latest piece. Andrea Ammerman, JYEP Admin Assistant is pictured adding her flair. (above)

15 Tuesday, March 17th 7:30 9:30pm Take some well deserved personal time to focus on yourself. Join us for relaxing evening of conversation and crafting for women. Enjoy wine, cheese and assorted delicacies We will design and make cards writing one to affirm ourselves and one to affirm someone else. Share your future hopes and daily challenges in this supportive environment of women. $7 Members/$10 Non-members RSVP requested at: Beth-David.org/RSVP RSVP closes on March 16th or when event is sold out. So, don t delay! Congregation Beth David Prospect Road Saratoga CA David.org 15

16 16 March Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday 1 10 Adar 9:00am Haftarah Trope Class 9:30am JCore Sunday School 9:30am Minyan sanctuary) 10:45am T'Fillah 11:15am Family Education Hour - B'nei Mitzvah Presentation 12:30pm Kadima Board Mtg 12:45pm Teacher Meeting 1:00pm Purim Shpiel Rehearsals - Book of Purim 8 17 Adar JET SATO Sunday (off site) 9:00am Haftarah Trope Class 9:30am JCore Sunday School 9:30am Minyan 11:30am Purim Carnival 7:00pm Hazak - Pesach Wine Tasting 2 11 Adar 10:00am Intermediate Hebrew 11:45am Beginning Hebrew 2:15pm Beginning Hebrew for FSU Émigrés (offsite) 9 18 Adar 8:00am Yavneh Kita Gimel Milestone Ceremony 10:00am Intermediate Hebrew 11:45am Beginning Hebrew 2:15pm Beginning Hebrew for FSU Émigrés (offsite) 7:30pm Lean In Circle 3 12 Adar 6:30pm Purim Shpiel Rehearsals - Book of Purim 7:00pm Silicon Valley Introduction to Judaism Adar 7:30pm Membership Committee Meeting 4 13 Adar Erev Purim Ta'anit Esther 4:00pm JEWEL 4:00pm JCore 5:30pm Family Megillah 6:30pm Purim Dinner 7:15pm Purim Shpiel: The Book of Purim 8:00pm Ganze Megillah Adar 4:00pm JEWEL 4:00pm JCore 6:00pm JET Dinner & Learn 7:30pm Morris Adler AZA Business Meetings 7:30pm Neshikot BBG Business Meeting 7:30pm Teen Leadership Program Adar JET SATO Sunday (off site) 9:00am Haftarah Trope Class 9:30am Minyan (sanctuary) 10:30am Sunday Seminar 11:15am Family Education Hour - God 2:00pm Poverty Simulation (offsite) Adar 10:00am Intermediate Hebrew 11:45am Beginning Hebrew 2:15pm Beginning Hebrew for FSU Émigrés (offsite) Adar 7:00pm Silicon Valley Introduction to Judaism Adar 4:00pm JEWEL 4:00pm JCore 7:30pm General Board Mtg Nisan 9:30am Minyan 10:00am Board Training with Ron Wolfson 23 3 Nisan 10:00am Intermediate Hebrew 11:45am Beginning Hebrew 2:15pm Beginning Hebrew for FSU Émigrés (offsite) 24 4 Nisan 7:00pm Silicon Valley Introduction to Judaism 7:30pm Progam Committee Meeting 25 5 Nisan 4:00pm JEWEL 4:00pm JCore 6:00pm JET Dinner & Learn 7:30pm Morris Adler AZA Business Meetings 7:30pm Neshikot BBG Business Meeting 7:30pm Teen Leadership Program 29 9 Nisan 9:00am Haftarah Trope Class 9:30am JCore Sunday School 9:30am Minyan 10:45am T'Fillah 11:15am Family Education Hour - Passover ABC Nisan 10:00am Intermediate Hebrew 11:45am Beginning Hebrew 2:15pm Beginning Hebrew for FSU Émigrés (offsite) Nisan

17 17 Thursday Friday Saturday 5 14 Adar Purim Adar 6:00pm Adult Bnai Mitzvah Study Group 7:30pm Adult Bnai Mitzvah Class Adar 6:00pm Adult Bnai Mitzvah Study Group 7:30pm Adult Bnai Mitzvah Class 7:30 Scholar-in-Residence: The Seven Questions Asked in Heaven 26 6 Nisan 6:00pm Adult Bnai Mitzvah Study Group 7:30pm Adult Bnai Mitzvah Class 6 15 Adar Shushan Purim 10:00am Friday Morning Talmud Study: Tractate Megillah 11:15am Spiritual Ethics Discussion Group 5:48pm Candle lighting 6:30pm Shabbat Mishpaha Experience 6:30pm Family services Adar 10:00am Friday Morning Talmud Study: Tractate Megillah 11:15am Spiritual Ethics Discussion Group 6:00pm PJ Shabbat 6:30pm Services 6:55pm Candle lighting Adar 10:00am Friday Morning Talmud Study: Tractate Megillah 11:15am Spiritual Ethics Discussion Group 6:30pm Services 6:45pm Scholar-in-Residence: Dinner 7:01pm Candle lighting 8:00pm Scholar-in-Residence: God s To-Do list 27 7 Nisan 10:00am Friday Morning Talmud Study: Tractate Megillah 11:15am Spiritual Ethics Discussion Group 6:30pm Services 7:08pm Candle lighting 7 16 Adar 9:30am Services 12:00pm Ruah Rally 12:30pm Kiddush 1:30pm Hot Topics in Halakhah Today Adar Shabbat Parah 9:30am Services/Bat Mitzvah Ella Lavian 9:30am Zayin Shabbat School 10:30am Pathways of the Soul - Netivot Haneshamah: Learning Minyan with Rabbi Alexander 10:30am Youth Congregation 11:15am Tot Shabbat 12:00pm Ruah Rally 12:30pm Kiddush 1:30pm Book Discussion Group 21 1 Nisan Rosh Chodesh Nisan 9:30am JCore Shabbat School 9:30am Services 9:30am Youth Congregation 10:30am Pathways of the Soul - Netivot Haneshamah: Torah study with Rabbi Berkowitz 11:00am Haverim 11:00am Scholar-in- Residence: Relational Judaism 12:00pm Ruah Rally 12:30pm Kiddush 1:30pm Scholar-in-Resience: Relational Judaism Continued 28 8 Nisan Shabbat HaGadol 9:30am Services 10:30am Pathways of the Soul - Netivot Haneshamah TORAH! LIVE! With Doug Brook 10:30am Youth Congregation 11:00am Haverim 11:15am Tot Shabbat 12:00pm Ruah Rally 12:30pm Kiddush 1:30pm CBD Jewish Artists Group Highlights PURIM 4 th 5:30 6:30pm Family Megillah 6:30 7:00pm Dinner (RSVP Required) 7:15 7:30pm Purim Shpiel: The Book of Purim 8:00 10:00pm Gantze Megillah 8 th 11:30am - 2:00pm Purim Carnival 8 th 7:00-9:00pm Hazak - Pesach Wine Tasting 14 th 1:30 3:00pm Book Discussion Group 15 th 10:30am -12:30pm Sunday Seminar: Reshaping Judaism and Reordering the Jewish World Scholar-in- Residence 19 th - 21 st (See flyer on page 18)

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21 21 CBD Jewish Artists Group Yiddish Discussion Group Do you know Yiddish? Would you like to chat with others in Yiddish? Mah Jongg Players Would you like to play Mah Jongg at CBD? Games forming soon. Or call Jillian in the CBD office at Meets monthly to discuss Jewish Arts and Crafts, after Kiddush lunch. Everyone is welcome at any meeting, whether you are an artist, crafter, or simply enjoy the academic or aesthetic side of Judaica. All meetings begin approximately 1-1:30 pm, after Kiddush Lunch ends. Everyone is welcome to CBD s Kiddush Lunch, which begins approximately 12 noon. Upcoming Presentations and Discussions: Saturday, March 28 th Paul Freudenthal discusses Noah s Ark, as described in the Torah and in art Saturday, April 18 th Jack Goodman discusses fine woodcraft, and Rabbi Ohriner discusses the art of making coffins Want more information? Contact Jeff Warwick at CBD.Artists@Beth-David.org FROM the PRESIDENT Dear Hevre, As you should be aware, the Board has been studying a new financial model that would replace the traditional dues model that our Kehilla has followed for the past 51 years. In January and February of this year, we shared the results of our investigation with you, in a series of informational meetings. Based on your questions and feedback, we have prepared a Frequently Asked Questions document that is on our website. You should have received a letter as well. The Board will be voting on this new sustaining contribution model at the regularly scheduled March board meeting Wednesday, March 18th. The meeting will commence at 7:45 pm after evening Minyan. All board meetings are open to our membership. Come see your Board in action.

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23 23 Sale of Ḥametz NOTE: If possible, all ḥametz food not acceptable during Pesaḥ (Passover), or materials containing such unacceptable food should be destroyed or given away before the holiday begins. Should this be impossible, the ḥametz may be stored in such a way that we are sure not to use it during the holiday and its actual ownership is transferred to a non-jew until the holiday ends. Please complete the form below and return to the CBD office no later than 11am on Friday April 3, KNOW ALL PEOPLE BY THESE PRESENT: That I, the undersigned, do hereby make and appoint Rabbi Philip Ohriner my true and lawful representative to act in my place and stead, for me and in my name and in my behalf, to sell all ḥametz owned and possessed by me, knowingly or unknowingly, as stated in the Torah and defined by the sages of Israel (e.g., ḥametz; hashash ḥametz suspect ḥametz; and all kinds of ta arovet ḥametz ḥametz mixtures); also, ḥametz that tends to harden and to adhere to the surface of pans, pots, or other cooking or eating utensils, or whatsoever nature, and to lease all places wherein the aforementioned ḥametz owned or possessed by me may be found, especially in the premises located at my address listed below. Rabbi Philip Ohriner has the full authority and power to sell said ḥametz and to lease said place or places wherein said ḥametz may be found, upon such terms and conditions as discretion dictates. Rabbi Philip Ohriner has full power and authority to assign or appoint a substitute or substitutes to act in my behalf with all the same powers and authority that I have invested in the rabbi, and I do hereby ratify and confirm all that Rabbi Philip Ohriner or a rabbinic substitute lawfully does or causes to be done by virtue of these present. And to this I hereby affix my signature on this day of in the year. Name & Signature Address City State Telephone

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25 25 We extend our special thanks to MoverPros whose help was invaluable to our move. MoverPros donated more than 100 of labor hours over more than 6 days. They moved furniture, disassembling and reassembling cubicles desks and MORE. We could not have done it without them! Do you have ideas about events that you d like to see at CBD? Do you want to lend a hand at planning events? Come to the first meeting of our NEW Program Committee. Tuesday, March 24 th 7:30 9:00 pm We are going to plan engaging, fun and creative events for our congregation. All Are Welcome! Anniversaries We wish the folowng member a happy anniversary. Be sure to attend the Saturday, March 28 th Ruah Rally (following serives) for a special anniversary blessing. 3 rd Robert & Debra Fils 4 th Jack Moore & Bonnie Slavitt Moore 9 th Adrian & Cary Feria 11 th Donald & Susan Ehrlich 12 th Victor & Ruth Brill Charlie & Miriam Marr 15 th Samuel & Kamilla Lif 17 th Martin & Roberta Schwartz 18 th Michael & Jane Gold 19 th Martin & Sheryl Rattner 20 th Ryan & Lauren Lewis 21 st Tal & Ilana Lavian 24 th Joseph & Iris Bendahan 27 th Gordon & Judy Levin 28 th Michael & Elaine Hamilton Herman & Penina Stern 30 th Barry & Rochelle Alhadeff 31 st Jason & Mishy Balaban

26 26 Happy Birthday We wish the following members a very happy birthday. Be sure to attend the Saturday, March 14 th Ruah Rally (following services) for a special birthday blessing 1 st Denise Goldberg Stephanie Levin David Osofsky Sondra Goldberger 2nd Deborah Vick Gila Ganel Orin Almog Benjamin Englander Laura Abada 3rd Mollie Halper Ilene Janofsky Barbara Goldstein Lynn Ann Levi Sima Vishnevsky 4th Danielle Borenstein 5th Aliza Aitchison Toby Adelman Amy Ball Rachel Wigon Opher Harel 6th Tal Volinsky Harold Woron Barry Cinnamon Mariya Chalik 7th Kol Greene 8th Martin Spergel Loretta Levin Rochelle Alhadeff 9th Rita Schlosser Harvey Checkman 10th Debra Schwartz Brandon Glajchen Daniel Gold Howard Field Jacob Applesmith Patricia Werba 12th Rudi Katz Stephanie Kass 13th Roza Levina Kenneth Solnit Jan Krum 14th Edward Levin Brita Almog Edward Levin Jeanette Parmett Steven Karel Nancy Newman 15th Albert Ghan Barbara Green Ronen Vainish Ina Checkman Molly Vainish 16th Elise Wolf 17th Shoshana Batson Ruth Miller Susie Pierson 18th Rachel Selincourt Miriam Eylon 19th Dina Schneider Grant Goodman Steven Frankel 20th Luba Kogan 21st Vivian Golub Daisy Gelb 22nd Eugenia Mandrusov Ethan Vick Marianna Yanovsky Muriel Barnett Bonnie Ashkenazi Adriana Muscatel- Weiner 23rd Emily Gannes Kate Fox Emerson Davis 24th Doris Katz Eleanor Dickman Samuel Paktor Cheryl Zatkin-Steres 25th Liya Freydin Cathy Beyda Emanuela Smith 26th Sandra Silver Irene Bricker Scott Brandman Hindy Ganeles 27th Avraham Perahia Jeffrey Warwick Rhianna Kass 28th Svetlana Veksler Allan Berkowitz Ariel Tseitlin Vivian Herman Daniel Taylor 29th Shannon Guggenheim Ian Wolfe 30th Helen Tieger 31st Joan Silberstein Arieh Strod Joseph Isaac Purim Carnival Sunday, March 8 th 11:30am 2:00pm

27 THANK YOU! To the following who have donated to the Next 50 building campaign It our hope to have 100% of CBD members step forward and make a personally meaningful donation to the campaign. Your participation is important, not the amount. See your name here! (List updated as of February 24 th ) Cookie Addison & Family Davida & Charles Adelberg Marilyn & Allan Ader Yael & Elie Alcheck Monique & Philip Alexander Dr. Kenneth Aitchison & Rabbi Leslie Alexander Rochelle & Barry Alhadeff Appleman Family Judy & Michael Applesmith Helen & Max Baer Ginny & Bob Baird David & Rabbi Ilana and Baird Mishy & Jason Balaban Amy & Gary Ball Ruth & Noah Bareket Elizabeth & Jim Batson Betty Becker Mindy & Rabbi Allan Berkowitz Mary Jo & Alan Bernard Marlene & Phil Bernstein Cathy & William Beyda Barbara Biran Roberta & Jeremy Bloom Ellyn & Kenneth Bloomfield The Blumenthal Family Judy & Brett Borah Rhoda & Martin Bress Ruth & Victor Brill Bayla & Abe Bromberg Linda & Barry Brummer Marlene & Marshall Burak Nestor Cabrales Felissa & Myron Cagan The Checkman Family Seema Cicerone Lori Kramer Cinnamon Diane & Bert Clement Joanne & Harry Cornbleet Jillian Cosgrave Lynn Crocker Jerry Daniel Karen & Jacob Deloumi Eleanor & Lloyd Dickman Sandra & Morris Dolmatch Lou Dombro Dorothy & Richard Dorsay Galina & Mike Drabkin Herb Dreifuss Danielle & Hank Drew Lory & Alexander Drukarev Susan Greenberg-Englander & Jeffrey Englander Rhonda Farber Hillary & Stanley Farkas Jan & Bryan Ferguson Harriet & Don Fernandez Donald Field Karen & Melvin Fihn Reneé & Howard Fine Ziva & David Fishman Kama Fletcher Julia & Adam Fuks Ricki Lee & Neal Gafter Emily & Howard Gannes Susan & Lee Gavens Ann Graubart Gershanov Lee & Al Ghan Ruth & Edward Gipstein Wendy J. & Lance Glasser Glenda & Harry Glatstein Jane & Michael Gold Sondra & Alex Goldberger Sheila & Howard Goldstein Isaac Goldstein Barbara & Stephen Goldstein & Family Vivian & Sherman Golub Alana & Grant Goodman Janie & Greg Gotlib Rhonda Raider & Donald Gould Joseph Grapa Cheryl & Dave Graubart Barbara & Arye Green Helaine & Stephen Green Ann Greenspan Karen & Allen Guggenheim Susan & Clifford Gutterman Joyce & Bill Halper Nathan Handelsman Harel Family CBD Hazak Vivian Herman Monica Hernandez Laurie Himelstein Bonnie & Lee Hirsch Debby & David Hoffman Dr. Melinda Reynard & Steve Hoffman Sharon & Amir Horovitz Madelyn & Dov Isaacs Beverly & Fred Jacobson Jane & Len Jacobson Lori & Daniel Kahn 27

28 28 100% Club Continued Renee & Jeffrey Kanel Marcia Kaplan Ellen & Steven Karel Evan Kass Stephanie & Ian Kass & Family Marlene Kass Rudi & Jeff Katz Shoshana Wolf & Jonathan Katz Doris & Stanley Katz Bonnie Kehl Carol & Roland King Lynne & Stephen Kinsey Morrie Kirschen Eleanor & Ed Kiss Jacqueline & Charles Klein Susan & Thomas Klein Ruth A. Kohan Caryn & Ben Kovar Anna Kraus Judith & Israel Krongold Lauren Flato & Steven Labovitz Rachel Schwab & Chet Lanctot Suzanne & Dave Larky Judith & Allan Lavetter Lorna Borenstein & David Lawee Benjamin Leitner Susan & Michael Leitner Jeanette & Stuart Lerner Loretta & Edward Levin Judy & Gordon Levin Bernard Levine Fay Levinson Paula Barbarito-Levitt & Marc E. Levitt Gloria & Ken Levy Mimi & Reuben Levy Sheryl & Eric Lewis Andrea & Steven Linder Tanya Lorien Shelley & Ken Luskey Sue & Ron Maltiel Miriam & Charles Marr Dan Maydan Sandy & David Mayer Sylvia & Michael Meltzer Holly & David Mendel Elizabeth & William Menkin Sylvia & Leonard Metz Bonnie Slavitt Moore & Jack Moore Janine & Austin Moore Vanina J. Sandel Mutchnik & Sharon Mutchnik Susan & Gary Nankin Ronee & Ike Nassi Nancy & Marty Newman Phyllis & Neil Newman Jenifer & Evan Ohriner Rabbis Shoshana & Philip Ohriner Crystal & Mendy Ouzillou Alice Wald & Paul Overmyer Judy & David Paktor Andrew Passett Lori Passett & Family Robin D. Penn Evette & David Pennypacker Susannah & Karl Pfalzer Joelle Pluemer Margie & Howard Pomerantz Rabbi Daniel Pressman Susan Murai Raider & Andrew Raider Lena & Jussi Rajna Judie & Benjamin Ram Thelma Ramm Susan & Ron Remba Robinson Family Bettina & Daniel Rosenberg Jill & Josh Rosenberg Susan and Allen Rosenzweig Riva Rubnitz Alison & Ron Ruebusch Robin Sabes Marina & Michael Salzman Christel Sanders Felicia & Michael Schaffer Cyndi Sherman & Steve Schleimer Natalie M. Schriger Myra & Pete Schwartz Roberta & Martin Schwartz Marilyn Sefchovich Yulia Shvarts Lil Silberstein Ken Silver Barbara & David Silverstein Nancy & Dan Skilken Morris and Fannie Skilken Family Foundation Irene & Walter Spector Stephanie & Peter Spielvogel Kitty Steinborn Penina & Herman Stern Joan & Henry Stone Bonnie & Lee Stone Rama & Arieh Strod Meryle & Howard Sussman Irene & Bob Swedroe & Family Susan Gould & Rami Tabibian Rochelle & Sander Taboh Barbara & Chuck Taubman Ann & Rick Tavan Evelyn Tavan Irina & Gene Tenberg Support provided by Tides Foundation Helen Tieger Nazgol & Shelley Timmins Aline Usim Cara & Ronen Vainish Reenie Wagner Marjorie Alpert & Jeff Warwick Barbie & Martin Weinstein Sheila & Marty Weisberg Carol & Jeffrey Weiss Harriet & Frank Weiss Linda & Joseph Weiss & Family Gayle & Arthur Weissbrodt Pat & Alan Werba Drs. Carol & Terry Winograd Marsha & John Witkin Elise & Dennis Wolf Roni & Andy Wolfe Wendy Wu Patty Yalowich Yanovsky Family Rhoda & Larry Yelowitz Zimberoff Family Trust Beryl Zimberoff Phyllis & Jerry Zis

29 29 Contributions Contributions are vital to the life of our community. We acknowledge the gifts received between Donations for January 1 31, 2015, from the following individuals and families Annual Campaign Rabbi Leslie Alexander, mazal tov on your new position as Rabbi of Community Engagement and Outreach, from Joseph & Iris Bendahan Rabbi Philip Ohriner, mazal tov on your transition to Mara d'atra, from Joseph & Iris Bendahan In honor of Dan Skilken and the Skilken family as Congregation Beth David moves forward with its remodel. With love, The Chappell Family. Congregation Beth David Next 50 Campaign Carol Osofsky, thank you for the Shabbos meal, from Bob Burdman Marilyn Sefchovich, in memory of your sister, Penny Ann Levin, from Ann Sharon Rabbi Daniel Pressman, thank you for your support and lovely service in memory of my father, from Joseph & Iris Bendahan Daniel & Nancy Skilken, in honor of the birth of your grandchild, Levi Sherman Lewis, from Jack Moore & Bonnie Slavitt Moore Noah & Ruth Bareket, in honor of the birth of your grandchild, Gideon Natan Breitzer, from Jack Moore & Bonnie Slavitt Moore In memory of my mother, Rachel Ashkenazi, from Herzel Ashkenazi In memory of my sisters, Lila Fink & Chernie Berg, from Phyllis Burdman In memory of my brother & sister, Sam Burdman & Mary Wilensky, from Herman Burdman Congregation Beth David Next 50 Campaign In memory of Bonnie's mother, Ruth Melnick, from Lee & Bonnie Stone In memory of my father, David Mazur, from Riva Rubnitz In memory of my mother, Rachel Mazur, from Riva Rubnitz In memory of my husband, Alan Rubnitz, from Riva Rubnitz Congregation Beth David Bible and Siddur and Mahzor Fund In memory of my brother, Martin Leeds, from Bernard Levine Congregation Beth David Endowment Fund Bonnie Hirsch, in memory of your father, Norman Coplon, from Charles & Miriam Marr In memory of my mother, Ruth Sacolick, from Andrea Linder Congregation Beth David Fund Marilyn Sefchovich, in memory of your sister, Penny Ann Levin, from Harry & Joanne Cornbleet Bonnie Hirsch, in memory of your father, Norman Coplan, from Harry & Joanne Cornbleet Stephen & Lynne Kinsey, thank you for the lovely Shabbat dinner for our son Bob, from Herman & Phyllis Burdman Congregation Beth David, in honor of groundbreaking for Next 50 building, from Harvey & Ellen Gold Congregation Beth David, from Lynne Snyder Congregation Beth David Fund In memory of my sister, Doris Hubka, from Dr. William Hubka In memory of my father, Andrew Rauchwerk, from Martin Rauchwerk In memory of my father, Henry Gage, from Ruth Brill Kiddush Lunch Fund Israel & Judith Krongold, in honor of the birth of your granddaughter, Michal Krongold, from Vivian Herman Eli Isaac, for refuah sheleimah, from Joel & Myrtle Schwartz In memory of my husband, Ralf Herman, from Vivian Herman March of the Living Fund Congregation Beth David, from Miriam Engel Rabbi Alexander Discretionary Fund Rabbi Leslie Alexander, in honor of Derron's Bar Mitzvah, from David & Holly Mendel In memory of my sister, Charlotte Faneuil, from Michael Meltzer In memory of my nephew and father, Asaf Green and Elias Green, from Arye Green In memory of my father, Bernard Dov Leibovich, from Haya Shottan In memory of my mother, Adela Leibovich, from Haya Shottan In memory of my brother, Martin Leeds, from Bernard Levine

30 30 Contributions (Continued) Rabbi Ohriner Discretionary Fund Rabbi Philip Ohriner, thank you for your support and lovely service in memory of my father, from Joseph & Iris Bendahan In honor of Steven Frankel, for your generosity in helping to make the Ani V'Ata concert a terrific success, from Marc & Paula Levitt In honor of Gary Ball & Molly Ball, for your overwhelming support the evening of the Ani V'Ata concert, from Marc & Paula Levitt In honor of Rabbi Philip & Rabbi Shoshana Ohriner, for your support, hospitality, enthusiasm and much more in making the Shabbat weekend so special for Ani V'Ata, from Marc & Paula Levitt Rabbi Philip Ohriner, in honor of Derron's Bar Mitzvah, from David & Holly Mendel Marilyn Sefchovich, in memory of your sister, Penny Ann Levin, from Martin & Rhoda Bress In memory of my father, Zalman Agroskin, from Yakov Agroskin In memory of my mother, Ida Meltzer, from Michael Meltzer In loving memory of Barbara Milstein Beyda, from William & Cathy Beyda In loving memory of Joseph David Beyda, from William & Cathy Beyda In memory of my father, Samuel Klein, from Jeanette Lerner In memory of my brother, Martin Leeds, from Bernard Levine In memory of my mother, Rebekka Rubinovich, from Liya Freydin Rabbi Ohriner Discretionary Fund In memory of my father, Alexander Rubinovich, from Liya Freydin Iin memory of Madelyn s mother, Florence Cheron, from Dov & Madelyn Isaacs Rabbi Pressman Discretionary Fund Rabbi Daniel Pressman, in honor of Hanukkah, from Mary Egan Religious School Barbara Biran, in honor of Derron's Bar Mitzvah, with gratitude, from David & Holly Mendel Religious School Myuchad Fund Judie Ram & Family, in memory of your father, Dr. Bertram Haymes, from Robert & Irene Swedroe Bonnie Hirsch, in memory of your father, Norman Coplon, from Robert & Irene Swedroe Marilyn Sefchovich, in memory of your sister, Penny Ann Levin, from Robert & Irene Swedroe Religious School Myuchad Fund Congregation Beth David, from Guggenheim Entertainment Inc. In memory of Irene's beloved mother, Rose Simmonowitz, from Robert & Irene Swedroe In memory of Bob's beloved father, Jerome Swedroe, from Robert & Irene Swedroe In memory of my aunt, Grete Leidner, from Alice Wald Religious School Principal Discretionary Fund Charles Taubman, in honor of your birthday, from Howard & Emily Gannes Robert E. Levinson Memorial Library Fund Fay Levinson, in honor of your uncle, Marvin Rosumny, from Barry & Marilyn Siegel Joe Vela, in memory of your father, Victor Vela, from Thelma Ramm Bonnie Hirsch & Family, in memory of Norm Coplon, a very dear man, from Thelma Ramm Joe Vela, in memory of your father, Victor Vela, from Abe & Bayla Bromberg

31 31 Support CBD Note: This form has been shortened for space needs, for a complete list of designated funds please see the online D var or phone the office. Donor(s): (If donor is a Beth David member, you may leave address blank) Name Address Street City State Zip In honor/memory of Acknowledge this donation to: (If acknowledgement goes to a Beth David member, you may leave address blank) Name Address Street City State Zip Additional Message: I do NOT wish to have my donation acknowledged in the D var Donation Amount: $ or check one of the following: $18 $36 $72 $108 Congregation Beth David Fund Beth David Endowment Kiddush Oneg Annual Campaign Capital Campaign Myuchad Fund (Special Needs Program) March of the Living Scholarship Fund Balk Family Camp Scholarship Fund Robert E. Levinson Memorial Library Fund Discretionary Funds (please specify): Jewish Education Program/JET Scholarship Fund Rabbi Leslie Alexander Rabbi Philip Ohriner Bible and Siddur Fund Jewish Education Principal JET Principal Billing: (Choose One) Check/payment attached, please process directly. Bill my account for the above amount and process immediately. Account # We appreciate your donations! JFS Passover Food Drive March 10 th 25 th Jewish Family Services is holding its annual Project N.O.A.H. (No One Abandoned Here) Passover Food Drive March 10 through March 25 th. Help JFS collect and distribute Passover Food to Families and seniors in our community. The more food JFS collects, the more the Feinstein Foundation will donate to JFS Project N.O.A.H. We would greatly appreciate your contributions of the following non-perishable Kosher for Passover 2015 food items: gefilte fish, horseradish, jam, candies, matzoh Ball soup mix, latke mix, potato starch, grape juice, macaroons, cookies, dried fruit (pre-bagged or pre-boxed), matzo meal, cake meal, and tea.

32 32 Congregation Beth David Prospect Road Saratoga, CA Change service requested Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 94 Cupertino, CA Please if you do not wish to receive this printed newsletter in the future. Upcoming in March Wednesday, March 4 th Family Megillah 5:30 6:30pm Spaghetti Dinner 6:30 7:15pm Purim Shpiel: The Book of Purim 7:15 7:30pm Presented by Guggenheim Entertainment Gantze Megillah 8:00 10:00pm - A full reading of the Megillah Sunday, March 8 th Purim Carnival Sunday, March 8th 11:30am - 2:00pm See flyers on pages 12 & 13 Congregation Beth David & Addison-Penzak JCC Present Scholar-in-Residence March 19 th - 21 st Dr. Ron Wolfson Author, Professor at American Jewish University, and Co-founder of Synagogue 3000 Dr. Ron Wolfson is a visionary educator and inspirational speaker. He is author of many books including three which form the basis for this weekend s talks: Relational Judaism: Using the Power of Relationships to Transform the Jewish Community; The Seven Questions You re Asked in Heaven: Reviewing and Renewing Your Life on Earth and God s To-Do List: 103 Ways to Be an Angel and Do God s Work on Earth. See flyer on page 18 Con trib