Mitzvah Day Sunday, January 20, 9:30 am 12:00 pm

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1 A DAY OF SERVICE Mitzvah Day 2019 Sunday, January 20, 9:30 12:00 pm WHAT S INSIDE Every year, Shir Hadash marks the Martin Luther King, Jr., weekend by working to make the world a better place for everyone. The entire community, children and adults, filies and individuals, comes together to do the work of tikkun ol (fixing the world). Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., said, Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love. From Cantor Felder-Levy: A Leonard Bernstein Centennial 2 Hebrew Through Prayer 3 Community-Wide Fily Shabbat Service & Dinner 3 Services at a Glance 3 During Religious School on January 20, each class will be participating in a specific Mitzvah Day project. Students who are accompanied by a parent may sign up for a different project if they prefer. We encourage all members of the congregation to pick a project and pitch in! Choose the project that is of most interest to you. On-site projects, such as sorting donations, and off-site projects, such as Habitat for Humanity, are offered. If you re not available on January 20, there are several projects on alternate dates such as Good Karma Bike Repair, JW House dinner, and Refugee dinner. For more details about all the projects being offered in connection with Mitzvah Day, please refer to the flyer sent by mail or the online Mitzvah Day site. Calendar 4 5 We will be collecting donations in the office for many local organizations now through Mitzvah Day. Please donate even if you are unable to attend Mitzvah Day. Stanford Blood Drive 7 Hsa Workshop 6 New Digs 6 Notes Behind the Ark 6 Join a Havurah 7 Retirees Lunch & Learn 7 Adult Ed Retreat 7 Sign up at or call Gloria at x VOLuME 40, ISSuE 4 J A N u A R y T E V E T S H VAT

2 FROM CANTOR DEVORAH FELDER-LEVY A Leonard Bernstein Centennial Leonard Bernstein said, I can t live one day without hearing music, playing it, studying it, or thinking about it. Many of us can relate to this quote. We surround ourselves with music by listening in the car, in the office, or at home. We attend concerts of varied musical styles to hear something new or to fill our souls. As a cantor, I can t imagine a service without music. Keystone Pictures USA/Aly Stock Photo. As a cantor, I can t imagine a service without music, whether on the holidays or Shabbat can you? We hear or read the words on the page, but it is often how the music is sung and interpreted that gives us a spiritual lift during our worship experiences. We are so fortunate in the Jewish world to have a plethora of Jewish music and Jewish composers. And while we have many contemporary composers, it is important to remember those who ce before. Some of these composers wrote not only liturgical music, but also symphonies and Broadway music. Leonard Bernstein, who would have turned 100 years old this year, is one such composer. In addition to being a conductor, Bernstein wrote symphonies, concert works including Chichester Psalms and Mass, and musicals. Born on August 25, 1918, to Jewish immigrants Jennie and Suel Bernstein, Leonard began piano lessons at age 10 and studied at Boston Latin School, Harvard University, the Berkshire Music Center at Tanglewood, and the Curtis Institute of Music, graduating from Curtis in Within months of his graduation, he led the Boston Pops and then on November 14, 1943, Bernstein fously made his Carnegie Hall conducting debut when Maestro Bruno Walter fell ill. He was 25 years old. On Saturday, January 26, at 7pm, Shir Hadash will be presenting An Evening of Leonard Bernstein. Six of my azing colleagues will be joining me for this special progr: Cantor Amanda Edmondson from Temple Emanu-El, San Jose; Cantor Alexandra Fox from Peninsula Temple Sholom, Burlinge; Cantor Elaya Jenkins-Adelberg from Beth El in Berkeley; Cantor David Margules from Rodef Shalom, Marin; Cantor Leigh Korn from Temple Isaiah, Lafayette; and Cantor Josh Breitzer from Congregation Beth Elohim, Brooklyn, New York. Accompaniment is by our member Elizabeth Herman. We will be performing well-known compositions from West Side Story and Candide, some lesser known compositions, and some of Bernstein s Jewish compositions. Not getting temple s? If you haven t opted out intentionally, we can get you back on the mailing list. Please call the office or office@ shirhadash.org and we will subscribe you. Leonard Bernstein was close with John Kennedy, who was a big supporter of the arts. Following Kennedy s assassination, Bernstein conducted the New York Philharmonic and performed Mahler s Second Symphony, The Resurrection, in tribute to the beloved late President. Many people questioned his choice of this symphony, which spoke of hope and triumph over worldly pain. Speaking at the UJA s annual fundraiser, Bernstein said, This will be our reply to violence: to make music more intensely, more beautifully, more devotedly than ever before. I find this quote remains meaningful in our current world. We hope that you will join us for this wonderful evening of music! 2 CONGREGATION SHIR HADASH

3 SHABBAT AROUND THE DINNER TABLE Hebrew Through Prayer Monthly, starting Sunday, January 6, 9:30 11:00 Are you in the process of learning Hebrew and want to begin using your new skills to prepare for our Adult B nai Mitzvah? Or perhaps, you want to work on the Hebrew of the prayers recited in Services? This class is for you. Please join Cantor Devorah Felder-Levy, one Sunday a month, as we slowly read through the prayers in our prayer book and help to decode the Hebrew and work on understanding how it works as we read. This class will lead into our Adult B nai Mitzvah progr beginning in the fall of The class will meet on Sundays, January 6, February 3, March 3, April 14, and May 12, from 9:30 to 11:00. Please note that these dates have been corrected from the previous edition of the Notes. If you have any questions, please contact Cantor FelderLevy at cantor@shirhadash.org. Free and open to the public. Please register online. Community-Wide Fily Shabbat Service & Dinner Friday, January 11 Service at 6:00 pm, Dinner 6:45 7:30 pm Congregation Shir Hadash is excited to open its doors to the greater Jewish community for a special Shabbat experience co-sponsored by the JCC and Shir Hadash. Rabbis Aron and Schwartz, as well as song leader Michael Battat, will lead a fily-friendly Shabbat service at 6:00, with songs, a Shabbat story, and birthday blessings. Following services, at 6:45, we will gather together for a catered Shabbat dinner, and join for blessings and Shabbat songs. Dinner is free. Space is limited advance registration is required by January 8. January Services at a Glance :30 pm Shabbat with the Band 9:30 Torah Study 10:30 Shir Shabbat Service 6:00 pm Community-Wide Shabbat Service 6:45 pm Fily Shabbat Dinner 9:30 10:30 10:30 10:30 Torah Study Shir Shabbat Service Shir Shabbat Junior Elisabeth Aidlberg Bat Mitzvah :30 pm Shabbat with the Choir 9:30 Torah Study 10:30 Shir Shabbat Service 10:30 Sophie Ellman Bat Mitzvah 7:30 pm Shabbat Service 9:30 Torah Study 10:30 Shir Shabbat Service 10:30 Shir Shabbat Junior J an u ar y N O T E S 3

4 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY DAY URDAY JANUARY Please visit for the full calendar. NEW YEAR S DAY Office & ECC closed No Hebrew School No Hebrew High School :30p Shabbat with the Band & Babysitting 4 Shabbat Va-eira 9:30a Torah Study 5 9:30a Religious School 9:30 Hebrew Through Prayer 10:00 SHOC Meeting 10:00 Men s Club Board Meeting 6 10:30a Chair Yoga 7: B nai Mitzvah Dates Meeting 7:00 Cera Club :45a Caring Committee Meeting 11:30 Retirees Lunch & Learn 6:30 Hebrew High School 7:15 Choir Rehearsal 7:30 Men s Club Sharks Night 9 10:30a Interfaith Bible Study :00a Alzheimer s Support Group 6:00p Community-Wide Shabbat Service with Babysitting 6:45 Fily Shabbat Dinner 12 Shabbat Bo 9:00a B nai Mitzvah Prep Group 9:30 Torah Study 10:30 Shir Shabbat Junior 10:30 Elisabeth Aidlberg Bat Mitzvah 13 9:30a Adult Ed: Hsa Workshop 9:30 Religious School 10:30a Chair Yoga :30a Women s Study Class 17 10:30a Memoir Writing Class Legacies Shabbat B shalach 9:30a Torah Study 10:30 Sophie Ellman Bat Mitzvah 7:30 Retreat Committee Mtg 2:00p Stanford Blood Drive 4:00 Hebrew School 6:30 Hebrew High School 7:15 Choir Rehearsal 7:30p Board Meeting 6:30p Intro. to Judaism Dinner 7:30 Shabbat Shira: Sabbath of Song, with the Choir & Babysitting 9:30a Religious School 9:30 Mitzvah Day 9:30 Sese Shul 20 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., DAY Office & ECC Closed :45p Adult Ed Mtg Shabbat Yitro 9:30a Torah Study 10:30 Shir Shabbat Junior 26 6:30 Hebrew High School 7:30p Leadership Meeting 7:30p Shabbat Service with Babysitting 7:00p A Cantor s Concert Featuring the Works of Leonard Bernstein 27 9:30a Third Grade Class Breakfast Potluck & Fily Ed 9:30 Board Work Day 9:30 Religious School 10:30a Chair Yoga 28 6:00 Hebrew High School When you log into our website, new options appear on our home page. You can now look up friends in the member directory, view and pay your temple bill, and read the minutes from our official proceedings. Look for the Register and Login links at the top of every page of our website. 31 Purim Informational Meeting & Auditions Sunday, January 20, 12:00 pm Open to all age 13 and above. Based on West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein. Rehearsals will be Sundays, February 3, 10, & 24; March 3, 10, & 17. Contact Cantor Felder-Levy, cantor@shirhadash.org, for more info. 4 CONGREGATION SHIR HADASH JANUARY 2019 NOTES 5

5 ADULT EDUCATION Hsa Workshop with Claire Sherman Sunday, January 13, at 9:30 A hsa is a stylized hand for protection against the evil eye, frequently worn as jewelry. Made by both Jews and Muslims, it is found all over the Middle East, but is older than either religion. Come learn about the folklore of hsas and Jewish ulets, as we make them out of paper or fabric. The basics of paper-cutting, a traditional Jewish folk art, will also be taught. No artistic talent is required to make stunning hsa designs. The finished papercut hsa can be fred, to hang on the wall, and a fabric hsa can become a wall hanging or a challah cover. Check Out Our New Digs! Things are looking pretty spiffy in the lobby of our temple office! Over the course of the past year, we have been able to update our cubicles and redesign the lobby seating. Our goal was to create a contemporary, welcoming, and functional space. The addition of the TV monitor to provide clear and available information about activities on cpus will enhance our community outreach and provide 21st-century information exchange for our members and visitors. All of this work has been accomplished through volunteer time to build out the new cubicles, diligent searches for free office furniture, and a generous group gift from the 2018 Adult B nai Mitzvah Class to purchase the furniture outside of Rabbi PJ s office. Special thanks to our crews: Demo & Construction Sheldon Gilbert, Scott Van Gundy, Dave Parker, David Spodick, Bruce Hartman, Gordon Gladstone; TV & Tech Josh Bernstein, Kyle Chesser, Rabbi PJ Schwartz, Eric Stone; Funding The 2018 Adult B nai Mitzvah Class: Trista Bernstein, Danita Evans-Behnke, Helen Kohn, Marci Nemhauser, Carol Parris, Arnie Pink, Rose Potasnik, Sara Silverman, Joy Spodick, Valerie Swisher, Dafna Talmor. 6 C O N G R E G AT I O N S H I R H A DA S H Claire Sherman is a quilt maker and ceric sculptor. Inspired by a neighbor s Victorian crazy quilt, she started her first quilt at age 13. She taught herself, making it up as she went along, taking five years to complete that first quilt. She has a BFA in cerics from the Rhode Island School of Design, and created and sold ceric Judaica for about 20 years. During a hiatus from cerics due to life and motherhood, she rediscovered her love of quilting. This workshop is free and open to the public. Please register online so that materials will be available. DID YOU KNOW? The Stash of Notes Behind the Ark In 1994, the Shir Hadash congregation embarked on the foundational construction project of the building that now houses the Sanctuary, Chapel, Library, and Oneg Room. The excitement in the congregation was palpable as the building was going up, but for safety reasons people were not allowed to tour the construction site. Gail Long, the president at the time, and Linda Rossen, her right-hand person, would post progress images of the construction, but were searching for additional ways to share progress of the project. As construction proceeded, and the rounded wall behind the ark started assuming its shape, they decided to organize a hard-hat party. People could thus safely visit the wall which was to shelter the heart of the new building. To commemorate the event, the Shir Hadash members were invited to provide notes to put in a stash inside the half-built wall. The response was enthusiastic, and 250 notes were collected: notes of well wishes for the temple, or personal wishes for health and prosperity of fily members. As we were a young congregation 25 years ago, many of the notes mentioned hopes for the future of our kids. The latest edition of the Shir Hadash Notes was also added to the stash, and the wall was then closed up. Next time you are in the sanctuary, glance at the ark. The wall behind it is imbued with the heartfelt wishes of our fellow congregants.

6 CALLING ALL FAMILIES! Join a Havurah RETIREES LUNCH & LEARN Imagine Growing Up Knowing You Are the Daughter of a Jewish Gangster! Tuesday, January 8, 11:30 1:00 pm As we enter 2019, this is a wonderful time for your fily to consider joining a havurah. Being a member of a havurah means deepening your connections within the Shir Hadash community, and adding a social dimension to religious and spiritual growth. Getting to know people in a larger congregation can be intimidating for some. A havurah is a terrific way to become acquainted with others who live near you, have similar interests, and help make our synagogue feel more like a fily. A Havurah might enjoy a Shabbat dinner, have a Hanukkah party, or build a Sukkah, while another goes cping or on a retreat. Other activities include inviting a speaker to address questions on a chosen topic or together participating in a special mitzvah project. Whatever you and your fellow haverim (friends) decide to be, that s what you can do. Whether you have a lot of time or just a little, been a member of Shir Hadash for decades or just days, we have a spot for you! If you are interested in becoming a part of our exciting progr, please contact Elyse Elconin-Goldberg or Sharon Suels at havurah-coordinator@shirhadash.org. MARK YOUR CALENDAR Adult Ed Retreat Memorial Day Weekend, May Join us for a special weekend of exploring the ways in which the ideas of Buddhism and Judaism offer mutual illumination. Experience a unique Shabbat with nourishing, vegetarian meals and our Shir Hadash fily. Join us in prayer and study with Rabbi Postrel, Rabbi Aron, and Venerable Losang Drimay. For more information or to secure a spot, contact the Adult Ed Retreat Committee at retreat2019@shirhadash.org. Our guest Marcia Rosen will share fascinating anecdotes of her personal experiences as a gangster s daughter as well as interesting stories about Jewish gangsters in America since the early 20th century. There will be ple time for Q&A, and Ms. Rosen will bring copies of her new book, Dead in Bed, for sale. Marcia Rosen has published four books in her mystery series, Dying to Be Beautiful, and is the author of The Woman s Business Therapist and My Memoir Workbook. She was founder and owner of a successful marketing and public relations agency for many years and received numerous awards for her work with business and professional women. Our retirees group meets monthly (second Tuesday) for a lecture, discussion, performance, or film. For the progr and a light lunch, a nominal donation of $5 per person is requested. Please join us! Advance registration is required. ATTENTION SHIR HADASH LIFESAVERS! Stanford Blood Drive Tuesday, January 15, 2:00 7:00 pm Stanford Blood Center is returning to Congregation Shir Hadash for a Winter Blood Drive as part of our continuing effort to give back to our local community. This year there are two special incentives to donate: When you give a pint of blood, you will receive a coupon for a pint of Baskin-Robbins ice cre. For every person that donates, Stanford Blood Center will make a financial contribution to Humane Society Silicon Valley. HSSV will, in turn, use this to provide vaccinations and other medical care to shelter animals. The Blood Drive will be in the Oneg Room from 2:00 to 7:00 pm. Please note the earlier start time. You can register online. Walk-in heroes are welcomed too! J an u ar y N O T E S 7

7 Congregation Shir Hadash 20 Cherry Blossom Lane Los Gatos, CA RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Eco-friendly paper Free and open to everyone. Register at For more information, please contact or NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID CAMPBELL, CA PERMIT NO. 7153