VOICES. spotlight OLIVIA BERCI ARYANNA ARONSON. Congregation B nai B rith. continued on page 11. By Ann Pieramici

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1 VOICES Congregation B nai B rith Spring 2011 Quarterly Journal Vol. 85 No. 2 Adar II - Sivan 5771 spotlight OLIVIA BERCI ARYANNA ARONSON By Ann Pieramici Photography by Rod Tucknott In her spare time, Olivia Berci might be found teaching dance, writing a grant proposal or interacting with the press, while her good friend, Aryanna Aronson, keeps busy designing logos, t-shirts and a website for Everybody Dance Now! (EDN!), the nonprofit organization that fellow Temple member Jackie Rotman created six years ago. What s so astounding about this is that both girls are just 15-yearold sophomores enrolled in rigorous academic schedules at Laguna Blanca and Santa Barbara High School, respectively, while holding leadership positions with EDN! They have been dancing for more than a decade and continue to do so, practicing nearly 15 hours each week as part of the Santa Barbara Dance Arts Senior Dance Company. On Sundays their off day they work in the first grade religious school classroom serving as Madrichot. We ve been coming to Congregation B nai B rith since preschool and have continued on page 11

2 CBB Upcoming Programs Spring 2011 Beit Midrash is a study model, whereby a teacher or rabbi introduces a class to a text or group of texts. Then the members of the class work in pairs (called hevruta, literally friendship ), in which individuals challenge, debate, question and sharpen each other over text. After a period of hevruta study, the class reconvenes as a whole for a wrap-up by the teacher. April 12 May 10 Hidden Gems of the Passover Haggadah Israel 7:30 pm- 9:00 pm Instructors: Rabbi Steve Cohen Rabbi Alyson Solomon For information, contact Rabbi Cohen at rabbi@cbbsb.org Jewish Film Screening 9 Star Hotel With Q & A with Israeli filmmaker Ido Haar following the film. Just as Mexicans cross the U.S. border illegally to find work as day laborers, thousands of Palestinians do likewise, into neighboring Israel, seeking jobs. For 9 Star Hotel, Israeli filmmaker Ido Haar gained the trust of a group of nomadic young men risking their lives to cross highways at night, sleeping in makeshift hovels, a dramatic contrast to the luxury housing they build by day. Co-sponsored by Congregation B nai B rith and the Department of Film and Media Studies at UC Santa Barbara. JEWISH BOOK CLUB UCLA Prof. Charles Lynn Batten is a master teacher, immensely popular and thought-provoking. If you can, please do read the book beforehand, but it is not essential. Sunday, April 3 10:00 am Sunday, July 10 Herzog by Saul Bellow 9:30 a.m. Bagels & Coffee 10:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Discussion For information, contact: Dr. Spencer Nadler spencernadler@cox.net Page 2 CBB Voices Spring Journal for a complete list of CBB events go to

3 100 Voices Shabbat Cooking Class Religious School Beit HaYeladim TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURED ARTICLES 6 Teaching Our Children by Ira and Lotte Weinstein 7 My Love Affair with This Community by Cantor Mark Childs Solutions by Patrick Kearns BHY Teacher 8 A Tikkun Olam Opportunity: Church Rebuilding 2011 & Reflections from Past Participants 9 CBB Green Team by Franny Taran 11 The Film Festival Made a Jew Out of Me by Barbara Greenleaf 12 Ubumwe Children s Preschool Project Update by Ellen Hunter 13 Passover at CBB Miriam s Seder Community Potluck Seder Community Seder 15 Our Library Volunteers Voices: A Journey Home by Cantor Mark Childs COLUMNS Ask the Rabbi From the Editors CBB Resource Guide Poetry A Recipe Mazel Tov May Their Lives be for a Blessing Sunday Morning Live Coming Up at CBB Contributions Todah Rabah page 3

4 Ask The Rabbi Question: I can read and sing along with the Hebrew transliteration in services, but I have no idea what I am saying. Is that really praying? Answer: Let me answer your question with a few questions of my own. While you are reading and/or singing the Hebrew words, do you find yourself thinking about ultimate concerns such as the quality of your relationships, the meaning of your life, and your deepest hopes and desires? While you are reading and/or singing those Hebrew words, do you feel close to the people around you, and feel yourself connecting with them on a deep level? While you are reading and/or singing those words, do you find yourself lifted up and out of your everyday existence, to a more spiritual plane of existence? Do those words and melodies move you? Do they make you feel more alive, more whole, more happy? If your answer to any of those questions is yes, then I would say that yes, you are really praying. even if you do not understand the literal meaning of the words. Do you have a question for the Rabbi? Please share it with us! VOICES copy editor Noah Smith at noah@cbbsb.org From the Editors Welcome to the second edition of Voices, your new Congregation B nai Brith community journal! Thank you for your feedback on the inaugural edition; we are thrilled that so many of you enjoyed it. We truly have an eclectic, talented, and interesting Jewish community here in SB and we would like to extend an invitation for you to contribute to Voices. Do you have a burning question for the Rabbi? Would you like to share a poem, short story, photo, cartoon, interview, or op-ed? We are your community journal and would love to discuss ways that we can include your work in a future edition. Your opinion of Voices is fundamental to our mission. Please let us know how you feel about this issue and, also, what you might like to see in future issues. Thank you to all VOICES contributors including writers, editors, designers, and advertisers of this edition. Without your work, we would not have such a high quality journal. For more information about how to get involved, or to offer feedback, contact Noah Smith at noah@cbbsb.org. If you would like to go green, you can receive the Monthly Program Guide and/or Voices online. To go paperless: com/s/gt9jjx6 Voices Deadlines Summer 2011 deadline May 1 Fall 2011 deadline August 1 Page 4 CBB Voices Spring Journal

5 CBB Mission Statement CBB Sisterhood Gift Shop SPECIAL HOURS FOR PASSOVER: Sundays, April 10 and April 17, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, or call Jessica Glick at to make an appointment, or check out the gift shop s online store at Voices Contributors Creative Consultant and Graphic Designer: Karen Greenberg Editors: Noah Smith, Rose Cohen and Deborah Naish Contributors: Cantor Mark Childs Rabbi Steve Cohen Barbara Greenleaf Ellen Hunter Patrick Kearns Copy Editors: Skona Brittain Sheila Johnson Ann Pierimici Sally Simms Franny Taran Ira & Lotte Weinstein Becca Okaneko Voices Advertising For advertising opportunities and rates, please contact Rose Cohen at rose@cbbsb.org. CBB On-Line for all upcoming events and schedule of worship services. Interested in Membership? Contact Rose Cohen at rose@cbbsb.org or x 21. Congregation B nai B rith is a diverse, inclusive community of individuals and families building together a warm and vibrant house of living Judaism. CBB Staff Rabbi Steve Cohen rabbi@cbbsb.org or ext 15 Cantor Mark Childs cantor@cbbsb.org or ext 16 Rabbi Alyson Solomon rabbisolomon@cbbsb.org or ext 23 Deborah Naish Executive Director naish@cbbsb.org or ext 12 Ruth Steinberg Religious School Director ruth@cbbsb.org or ext 27 Julie Ehrnstein Director of Early Childhood Education julie@cbbsb.org or ext 36 Rose Cohen Program and Membership Coordinator rose@cbbsb.org or ext 21 Audrey Okaneko Executive Assistant audrey@cbbsb.org or ext 13 Ashley Monser Facility and Event Coordinator ashley@cbbsb.org or ext 25 Dee Meier BHY Administrative Assistant dee@cbbsb.org or ext 37 Becca Okaneko Religious School Secretary becca@cbbsb.org or ext 28 Terry Grimes Bookkeeper terry@cbbsb.org or ext 19 Hospitalized? Our clergy would like to visit and offer their support and encouragement. If someone you know is in the hospital, please call the Temple office. Privacy policies prevent hospital staff from automatically calling the Temple. CBB Resource Guide page 5

6 The tissue paper flower bouquet was created by the second grade class and crafted by the third grade class Teaching Our Children by Ira and Lotte Weinstein with contributions from Religious School Teacher Jennifer Lewis We volunteered to be the wedding couple for the Religious School on Sunday, January 9 th. This is the second year the Religious School has hosted and celebrated a wedding vow renewal for the purpose of teaching our children about this milestone life cycle event in Judaism. It turned out that it was great fun preparing for the wedding! The bride prepared by searching the local thrift stores for a wedding dress. After finding one, the bride took it to her friend, seamstress extraordinaire Sally Simms. Within a couple of hours, Sally had fitted the dress perfectly. to come was our daughter, the maid of honor; the children of the congregation filled in all the other roles. We had four chupah holders, a darling flower girl and a very cute ring bearer. We have said to each other over the years that it was too bad Rabbi Steve and Cantor Mark could not have married us 34 years ago and now all of a sudden it was happening! To our GREAT surprise, we were overcome with nostalgia and joyous emotion when we made our personal vows. It was a glorious experience to listen to Rabbi speak and Cantor chant. Second grade teacher Jennifer Lewis explained, We were all witnesses to a beautiful wedding, complete with a tissue paper bouquet, junior-sized wedding attendants, rabbi, gown, rings, glass, hora and tears! I believe that there is no better way to introduce students to the rituals involved in a Jewish wedding than to just do it!, she said. Should the call go out in the future for a volunteer couple to do this, our recommendation is to respond as soon as possible! The CBB family is very special. Getting married at CBB, in front of the Religious School children, will make you feel even more a part of this wonderfully glorious, large family. Finally the exciting day arrived. Rabbi Solomon s office was the bride s dressing room (this was the original purpose of her office). Every student had a hand in preparing for the simcha. Lotte received a bouquet of tissue paper flowers made by the second grade class. The Kindergarten designed the Chuppah, the first grade decorated the tables and Social Hall, the second grade decorated the cake, while the third grade created the Ketuba. The fourth grade prepared food and the fifth and sixth graders entertained the bride and groom with singing and dancing when the wedding ceremony was over. The sanctuary was filled with wide-eyed students and a couple dozen parents, as the Religious School gathered to host, witness and celebrate the renewal wedding. The only family member who was able this ketuba was lovingly crafted by the third grade class Page 6 CBB Voices Spring Journall

7 Solutions by Patrick Kearns BHY Teacher My Love Affair With This Community by Cantor Mark Childs The experience of my son Adam becoming Bar Mitzvah in early February was profound on so many levels. For my immediate and extended family, it was an epic event. The pride I felt for my son on that special day cannot be measured. Shari and I have so much gratitude for this congregation, in which Adam grew up. The outpouring of tangible help from individuals and groups within the congregation were like the hands of God. Our dear friends, who magically produced an Oneg Shabbat on Friday night, created a true delight to share. The next morning revealed a Social Hall decorated with beautiful centerpieces and filled with food enough to feed everyone. An overflow crowd came together to worship, celebrate and eat. Not a soul left hungry in stomach or spirit. So many of you contributed food, time or money (or all three) to help make this a community celebration. There are too many of you to thank individually, in fact. You know who you are and so do Shari and I. We are immensely grateful to you for your love and thoughtful generosity. I write these words of thanks with a sense of awe and humility. Never could we have expected to feel the joy that we experienced as our own son took the bimah and made it his own. This joy was infinitely compounded by your participation and your outpouring of love and good wishes. We were never so proud to be part of this Temple family. Todah Rabah, Cantor Mark Childs The child s drawing shows two friends standing close, one of them hitting the other. The child artist describes this challenge, I was hitting her because her turn was too long when I asked the teacher to get a drink. The solution? A new drawing of the two friends standing close, but not too close, I m waiting in line and saying, Your turn is taking too long, can it be my turn now? instead of hitting. a student s drawing of a challenge... The Kelev/Chatul class (4 and 5 year olds) of Beit HaYeladim explored the ins-and-outs of kindness in our classroom community. Our Challenge/Solution book of children s drawings has helped us tackle social concerns. Many children drew a picture of a challenge (e.g. throwing sand), then drew the solution on a different page (building castles and its resolution! sans throwing). This exploration of kindness extended into children s homes as we assigned unique homework in which children were asked to enact a Mitzvah for their parents/families and to reflect on it. These explorations strengthen our classroom community and, at the same time, prepare our children to be more loving citizens of the world! Page 7

8 ... The reason for A Tikkun Olam Opportunity going and the personal gain is so powerful that Church Rebuilding 2011 the feeling stays with me long after the blisters and Reflections of Past Participants have healed. I go because it is a way to carry on the work of others who fought to decry hatred... it is a way to say you matter that much, and fighting hatred matters... - Beth Weinberg For the past 10 years CBB members, in partnership with the First United Methodist Church, have traveled to the East Coast and the South to help rebuild Black churches destroyed by arson and classified as hate crimes - a tragic consequence of the hatred that still lingers in our country today. CBB members Rick Heimberg and Don Wolfe coordinate these trips. Rick is a licensed contractor by trade and the on-site professional. He is a wonderful teacher and you don t need any experience to participate. South Carolina August 6-13, 2011 SIGN UP NOW! Space limited to 20 people Cost: between $900 and $1,000 The exact cost will be confirmed when all travel and housing arrangements are made Past Participants Enthusiastic Response for the Church Rebuilding Project: This was my first trip... I felt like I was personally making a difference every time I hammered a nail. Helping to rebuild the foundation of this congregation s church was a metaphor for our heartfelt support against the racism that had burned down their first one... - Sharon Landecker...When Rabbi Heschel marched at Martin Luther King s side, he later wrote, When I marched in Selma, my feet were praying. That s exactly how it feels to march into one of these towns and put their church back up.. - Dana Rosenberg...we are repairing the world one destroyed church at a time. - Rabbi Ira Youdovin Page 8 CBB Voices Spring Journal For information and to sign up: Don Wolfe: dwolfe@gte.net Rick Heimberg: The Southern Black Church is the community s focal point, and the pain of having it destroyed is enormous. It is extremely gratifying to be able to help... Not only do we... physically rebuild, we also help to rebuild the community s emotional well-being... - Karen Schloss Heimberg This was a great way to do something with my kids. Usually they won t hang with me, much less work side by side all day... - The Garbers The church rebuilding trips are like a socially conscious summer camp. You work hard, have some laughs and feel a little better about yourself and the world. - Steve Sterling

9 This project was a life changing experience for me...it was the first time my work was not defined by religion, education or degrees, but by compassion, acceptance and sweat. There is no greater feeling than putting a roof over someone s head... a place that people fill with community, prayer and love. - Nadine Taran Zysman Sharing the church rebuilding trip with my teenage son was a wonderful bonding experience. The satisfaction from helping others will remain with us for a lifetime. - Lauren Katz This was a wonderful experience. I performed Tikun Olam, met some great people and shared some time with my daughter, Missy. I would recommend this to anyone... - Bob Gaines... Installing insulation and drywall was our physical contribution, while seeing the rebirth of a place of worship was a spiritual one. We will forever hold fond memories of...the faces of the parishioners we helped - Harvey & Janet Wolf This stands out to me...a mixed group of Jews and Methodists, young and old, travel across the country, to help Black Baptists whom they do not know. We rebuild their church and renew their faith... These groups of unskilled volunteers come with willing hearts and perform heavy physical work in hot, humid conditions, while paying their own way. I am proud to be a part of the team, and proud to help make a difference in so many peoples lives... - Rick Heimberg...Hate knows no boundaries...and we have the ability to leap any obstacle that is put in our way to show that there are those who are willing to come together to not just build their place of worship, but to build lasting bonds between black and white, Jew and Christian. - Don Wolfe CBB GreenTeam by Franny Taran At CBB, I am known as Sissy s daughter. I ve always thought of the Temple as my mom s place. However, on Rosh Hashanah, when the shofar blew, my soul was called into action. As Rabbi Solomon preached her theology of greening, I was inspired to create my own relationship with CBB through the Green Team. Little did I know that by the end of the meeting, I would have my own CBB identity, Compost Rosh. A Rosh, or head, is the leader of a project. During that meeting, I found myself surrounded by twenty amazing individuals with diverse passions, interests, and expertise. We embraced the environmentalist spirit of efficiency and organized ourselves into four areas: recycling, gardening, solar energy, and composting. The Recycling Team is targeting the use of our recycling bins; look out for our flyers and stickers that offer tips on how to most effectively recycle waste. Meanwhile, the hardworking Garden Team is currently developing new ideas, as they assess the Temple s priorities for our outdoor spaces. The Solar Team has undertaken initial research to assess the energy needs of the Temple, get various bids, and put together a concise evaluation to determine the future of solar power at the Temple. Although the idea of on-site composting has been shelved for the moment, the team has developed rich, new ideas to reduce the waste created at CBB. Pursuing other options, they are analyzing the costbenefit ratio of using recyclable goods versus real dishes at Temple events. At the Green Team meetings, I return to my community to connect, share progress, and inspire each other. The committee is blossoming. Please join us and make a name for yourself as a Green Team member. To join the Green Team or get more information: contact Rabbi Solomon, rabbisolomon@cbbsb.org. Page 9

10 Heart and Home Boundaries by Sheila Golburgh Johnson Beached on the gritty sand of sleep awareness only bubbles on the rim, I hear voices call me in the soft Yiddish accents of my childhood that changed the vowels of my name to sighs. I am again the child who chants herself to sleep each night with the ancient rhythm of Shema Yisrael and by day skims over glazed sidewalks on crimson runners, the sled attached firmly by a rope to my mother s hands, her boots tamping fresh snow before me with the sound of certainty. In a world as patterned as the six-pointed snowflakes melting just now on my tongue, I throw my arms wide to greet the day rushing toward me on a stream of powdered air. Sheila is founder and facilitator of CBB s Jewish Poetry Group which meets the second Monday of each month at 3:00 pm. We welcome anyone interested in reading or writing poetry. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Sheila at goldbug@cox.net. Traditional Jewish Favorites APRICOT STRUDEL lovingly shared by Sally Simms ½ lb. butter 2 cups flour 1 cup sour cream Apricot jam Coconut Nuts, chopped Cream butter with flour. Add sour cream mix, and form into a ball. Chill overnight. Divide into four pieces. Roll each piece into a rectangle. Spread one long edge with jam and sprinkle with nuts, raisins and coconut. Roll like a jelly roll. Put on foil-lined cookie sheet. Repeat for other 3 pieces. With a sharp knife, make slits just through the dough about 2 inches apart. Bake about 50 minutes at 365. Let settle, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and cut into pieces. Leave on sheets to cool. Do you have a favorite Jewish recipe? Please share it with us! to rose@cbbsb.org Page 10 CBB Voices Winter Journal

11 The Film Festival Made a Jew Out of Me by Barbara Greenleaf Founder and Director Santa Barbara Jewish Film Festival In the last seven years, I have previewed over 600 films for the Santa Barbara Jewish Film Festival. It s been a real eyeopener! Since there was very little yiddishkeit in my parents home, these films have been both the education and the inspiration that completed my identity as an enthusiastic Jew. From the early kibbutzniks who turned a wretched, stony and malarial habitat into vibrant farming communities, to the Vilna ghetto where Jews conducted classes and plays even as the Nazis rounded up their inhabitants, to the Jewish Brigade that cleverly smuggled people out of DP camps and into Israel after WWII, to the airlifts that could be called No Jew Left Behind, to the American Jews who fought for workers rights and civil rights, to the converts of Uganda, Peru and India who dream of making aliyah today--the more I learned, the prouder I was to be part of this remarkable story. Films are so powerful because they impact us on an emotional level. We can t help but feel a connection to the protagonists, vicariously experiencing their pain, joy, setbacks and triumphs. Films also impact us on an intellectual level, and, knowing more, we can t help but appreciate more. As I can only bring eight films a year to Santa Barbara through the SBJFF, I recommend that you find out what Jewish-themed films Netflix or Israeli film distributors have to offer. I assure you that even when the product is a bit dated or the production values not quite up to Hollywood standards, you, too, will be enriched by the larger-than-life images of that experiment in humanity we call The Jewish People. continued on page 16 for Jewish Film Festival details, visit or call Olivia Berci & Aryanna Aronson continued from page 1 always learned that it feels good to give back, says Olivia, who currently serves as Assistant Development Director for Everybody Dance Now!, a youth-run organization that aims to transform the lives of underprivileged youth through dance, leadership, and community. We provide free hip-hop programming to at-risk kids who would otherwise not have access to dance classes, explains Aryanna, Multi-media and Design Director for EDN! Classes take place after school, the time period most heavily associated with teen violence, in an effort to combat youth brutality and substance abuse. Under Jackie Rotman s leadership, EDN! s Santa Barbara chapter has brought consistent dance opportunities to more than 1,000 children, partnered with seventeen after-school programs, and raised over $100,000. Jackie expanded her concept to Stanford (where she s currently a junior) and beyond, helping to launch twelve chapters throughout the U.S. and Canada. Page 11

12 The best way to find yourself is to lose Ubumwe Children s Preschool Project Update by Ellen Hunter With Contributions from Zachary Dusingizimana and Frederick Ndabaramiye yourself in the service of others Mahatma Gandhi As many CBB members know, our community has been helping to build a preschool, the first of its kind, in Gisenyi, Rwanda. Those who attended Mitzvah Day this past year were fortunate enough to hear Frederick Ndabaramiye, a survivor of the horrific war who is now committed to spreading peace and education in his community, speak in person. Your donations built this secure fence We recently received this update: On behalf of the UBUMWE Community Center members, kids, adults and the community of Gisenyi town, we would like to thank everyone at Congregation B nai B rith for supporting the Ubumwe Preschool Project. The fence around the future preschool is built and we are excited to start the foundation soon. The families in the Gisenyi community are looking forward to having a safe, nurturing and educational environment to send their youngest children during the day. This preschool will be the first in Gisenyi town which will take also disabled kids (inclusive education)... One parent from the community has told us to tell you that You are a blessing to our kids and community. Another one said that God is now using you to fulfill His promises toward His people. Still other parents say we can t wait to see our kids having such a basic education! Regards, Zachary Dusingizimana and Frederick Ndabaramiye Directors of the Ubumwe Community Center Page 12 CBB Voices Spring Journal The next step in the project is to complete Phase 2, the foundation, by springtime. Our goal is $22,000 for the foundation and we are more than halfway there. We will be continuing to seek your support to reach our goal. Additionally, we are investigating grant opportunities with the help of Temple member Lynne Glasman. Lastly, be sure to keep an eye out for David Teton-Landis s filmed interview of Frederick, which will be available soon, as well as a restocking of beautiful Ubumwe Center crafts. Thank you again to everyone who has helped support our brothers and sisters in Gisenyi. We are very thankful that help has come from all segments of our community, including Talia Karin Cohen, whose Bat Mitzvah Tzedakah project focused on the Ubumwe Preschool Project. She noted, I m interested in opportunities for everyone, one specific opportunity being education. Frederick is a totally awesome person- -so nice and so incredibly brave. As soon as I heard his story, I knew where I would be donating. If you have the urge to help our friends in Rwanda, come join the CBB Global Justice Committee and help Frederick and Zachary build their preschool. Contact Ellen Hunter at ellenhuntersb@gmail.com or Pam Gunther at pamspeace@aol.com for further information.

13 celebrate PASSOVER with CBB Tuesday, April 5 5:30 pm Miriam s Cup Seder Women s Seder with Rabbi Solomon and Judy Karin Welcoming Bat Mitzvot to Bubbies! Sponsored by: Congregation B nai B rith Sisterhood, Hadassah, Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara Hillel $25 per person $15 students RVSP by April 4th to the Temple office at Monday, April 18 5:45 pm 1st night Pesach Passover Potluck Seder Join us the first night of Passover for a Potluck Seder with Israeli Dancing! No Charge and Open to All! Please bring a dish to share. Passover Potluck Items for the Meat and Vegetarian Dinner: (please select one or more, or suggest something else! No dairy please): Charoset (non-alcoholic), brisket, vegetarian main dish; vegetarian matzo ball soup; salads; non-dairy side dishes; prepared horseradish; and Passover friendly desserts (e.g. macaroons, Passover cake, etc...) RSVP by April 14th to Michal Lynch at michalcathy@cox.net or (805) with the number of people attending and your potluck item. Tuesday, April 19 5:45 pm 2nd night Pesach Passover Community Seder: Co-sponsored by CBB & the Interfatih Initiative of Santa Barbara County and led by Cantor Mark Childs Join CBB and welcome members of the Interfaith Initiative as we share a non-alcoholic Passover seder and meal together. $36 per person. RSVP by April 11th on our website at or call the Temple office at Please let us know if you would like chicken or salmon. page 13

14 In Our Lives Mazel Tov! To George Levinthal and Carol Nelson on the birth of George s granddaughter, Brinley Zelda Lathrop. To Harrison Solomon who was awarded the Scholar Athlete of the year award from the Santa Barbara School District. To Allan Paskin who recently received his Masters of Science in Aerospace Engineering at USC. To Angela Torin on the opening of her downtown shop Hampstead Village featuring everything British. Visit her in La Arcada Courtyard at 1114 State Street, next to the Museum of Art. To Randy Gross on the release of her new book, Mermaid Out Of Water. To Dena and Noah Philips on the birth of their son Simon Elliot (Shimon Ilan, in Hebrew). To Jackie Rotman, daughter of Kate and Ken Rotman. Jackie, who is a junior at Stanford University, was nominated as a Truman Scholar. To Robert Feinstein and Jean Davidson on the birth of their grandson, Daniel Lev Porat. To Dale and Mike Nissenson and Anne and Michael Towbes on the honor of their inclusion into the Hillel Hall of Fame on February 13th. To Renee Nordstrand-Black and Doug Black on the birth of their twin daughters, Lauren and Kate. To the DP Science Club who won the Science Bowl and will advance to nationals. CBB members Daniel Richman, Ilan Goodman, and Michael Feldman are all members of this team. To Nathan Kandus, son of Marilyn Kandus, who will be featured at the Gray Area Foundation for the Arts in San Francisco. The show highlights his current large welded steel, physics-based sculptures. Page 14 CBB Voices Spring Journal

15 December Bert Katz, brother of Dr. Eli Katz, brother-in-law of Beth, uncle of Amy, Eric and Jesse. Rochelle (Shelly) Schonfeld Mason, wife of Jim Mason, daughter of Barbara Schonfeld, sister of Judi Koper, sister-in-law of Alex and aunt of Rose and Hannah. Wendy Beth Munick, sister of Karen Klein, sister-in-law of Michael and aunt of Jordan. January In Our Lives May Their Lives Be For A Blessing Abe Stone, husband of Minna Stone and father of Richard and Stephen, father-in-law of Sharon and Susan, grandfather of Ellen. Theda Frank (age 95), a beloved long-time member of CBB. Nat Raichelle, father of Allen Raichelle, fatherin-law of Kathy Rayburn and grandfather to Gena and Stacie. Margaret Rundlett (age 101), mother of Nathan Rundlett and mother-inlaw of Marilyn Gilbert. Febuary Charles LeVine, father of Susan LeVine. Eric Lenart (age 96), a beloved long-time member of CBB. Sher Temkin, brother of Bob Temkin, brother-inlaw of Leah. Raymond Jerome Carpenter, father of Connie Wiener, fatherin-law of Stephen, grandfather of Josh, Matt and David. Muriel Goodman, mother of Ellen Bialis, mother-in-law of Gary. Remember a loved one by saying Kaddish on the anniversary of their passing. CBB keeps track of this for you and sends you a notice, telling you when your loved one s name will be read at Shabbat services. Memorial Plaques are also available. Call the office for details Our Library Volunteers Ever wonder who works in the CBB Library? Here, some of the hard-working volunteers share how they came to be involved with the library and why they are glad they did! To find out more about the ways in which you can get involved with the CBB Library, contact Beverly Penner at batsheva@cox.net Several years ago, Sylvia Glass invited me to work with her in our Temple library and I accepted with pleasure. We shared our love of books, and she shared her vast knowledge of our treasure trove of books with me. I am deeply grateful to Sylvia for the opportunity to work and learn with her in this stimulating and beautiful environment. -Beverly Penner I was drawn to our CBB library simply because it is here. I love libraries and have worked in them as well. When someone casually mentioned ours, I realized that I had no idea it existed or where it was hidden. I was delighted to visit it and then to join the library team to work in it. -Barbara Marx I ve always loved books and thought it might be nice to work in a library. My time there has been absolutely wonderful; the people are great. I m really glad I decided to volunteer there. Hopefully more people will visit in the future. -Lawrence Moody I love books and am a big library person, so when Beverly, who is such a dear person who is working so hard, asked me to help, I just wanted to do whatever I could to support her and the library. -Wilma Chortkoff As a new member of CBB, I was looking for an opportunity to contribute to my new home in the Jewish community. I was introduced to the library here and was asked to join the library team. I was pleased to do so and have enjoyed getting to know and appreciate the eclectic collection of Jewish books, and to work with our very congenial team. -Arlene Schneider page 15

16 Sunday Morning Live 8:45 am The Best Darn Breakfast, PERIOD! 9:30 am Speaker Best Darn Breakfast, PERIOD! April 10 Joan Micklin Silver, filmmaker-in-residence for the 2011 SBJFF and acclaimed director of such Jewish-themed films as Hester Street and Crossing Delancey, opened the door for others who were seen by movie studios as outsiders. She will share her experiences in Hollywood and what has changed for the better for women in the entertainment industry. May 1 Ursula Mahlendorf, Ph.D. A Special Yom HaShoah program. Once a member of the Hitler Youth, UCSB Professor Emeritus brings this perspective to her book The Shame of Survival: Working Through a Nazi Childhood. Dr. Mahlendorf s academic career spanned 35 years. June 5 CongressWoman Lois Capps discussing issues related to Israel and the Middle East along with other issues of concern for the Jewish community. Congresswoman Lois Capps was the inaugural Sunday Morning Live speaker in May of Capps has served in the House of Representatives since Olivia Berci & Aryanna Aronson continued from page 11 Despite its impressive growth, EDN! is still managed by a team of just eight high school students. The young leadership is one of the organization s greatest assets. As Olivia explains, It s easy for students to connect with us because we re so young. In fact, Olivia says her most gratifying experience with EDN! resulted from a strong bond she established with one particular girl, who entrusted Olivia with her personal fears. I was so moved that this student chose me to confide in, and I realized that all I had to do was listen. This organization is about so much more than just dance classes, smiles Olivia. For Aryanna, her proudest moment was witnessing over 200 people of all ages unite for the January launch of Breakdance Project Santa Barbara, a monthly program where families, students, youth and community members learn and teach as a group. She recalls, Everyone was a teacher that day and it was so inspiring to see that something as simple as dance could bring people of all ages and backgrounds together. Olivia and Aryanna will be dancing their way off to college in the next few years and they plan to take EDN! with them, establishing local chapters on their university campuses. There s no doubt that wherever this talented duo ends up, they will land successfully, and gracefully, on their feet. To find out more about Everybody Dance Now! check out their website: Page 16 CBB Voices Spring Journal

17 100 Voices: A Journey Home by Cantor Mark Childs from left: Judi Weisbart, Sharon Landecker, Tema Landecker and Sarah Chase Way back in early December, several hundred of Santa Barbara s Jewish community and communityat-large, got together at the Arlington Theatre to view the documentary 100 Voices: A Journey Home. The event was more than just a film-showing; it served as a wonderful example of bringing people together from many organizations, for an important cultural event while simultaneously raising money in the course of it all. from left: Bruce and Toni Corwin and Laurie Gross-Schaefer It all started with Bruce Corwin, Temple member and Chairman/CEO of Metropolitan Theatres, who offered us the opportunity to show this powerful documentary and donated the great Arlington Theatre for the showing. He was the driving force behind the event. Our BHY Preschool children made a beautiful card for Bruce and our teacher, Jason Summers, presented it to him with love and appreciation. The smartest move by far, however, was engaging the indefatigable Judi Weisbart to coordinate it all. From publicity, to ticket sales, to the patron event, to the clean up, Judi made it all happen. It s no easy task to build a big audience for a weeknight gathering in Jewish Santa Barbara, but she managed to accomplish the feat. It was a great success and a great movie! COMING UP AT Mazel Tov Confirmation Class Join our Confirmands and their families to celebrate these young adults commitment to Judaism June 4 4:00 pm Annual Congregational Meeting June 12 9:30 am Budget Review 10:00 am General Meeting beginning Friday Night June 10th Summer Shabbat Services Abrahams Outdoor Chapel 6:00 pm CBB page 17

18 Sunday, May 22 7:00 pm at SOhO Saturday, April 30th 6 pm at CBB Fundraiser for Japan Bring your friends and enjoy a night out at SOhO listening to our local Jewish gospel band gone viral, SoulAviv. SOhO, 1221 State Street, Santa Barbara. Show Tickets: $18 per person Buy online at sohosb.com A Fundraiser for CBB Dinner reservations ensure priority seating: Potluck Dinner and Havdalah The entire congregation is invited Help us raise money for Japan and learn about the recovery following the earthquake and tsunami. Organized by the 9th Grade Class Clinical and Jewish Perspectives on Depression Facilitated by Rabbi Cohen Guest speakers: Rabbi Anne Brener Dr. Ira Weinstein Sunday May 22 3:00 pm at CBB Making Friends for Life CAMP HAVERIM Santa Barbara s Jewish day-camp, is back for its 7th season! Once again, camp will meet at the spectacular scenic Cate School. (Transportation available from Goleta and SB) Two - 2 week sessions 9 am to 3 pm Session I: July 18 - July 29 Session II: August 1 - August 12 Our camp is accredited by the American Camp Association and has a non-denominational approach in activities (including Art, Music, Newspaper, Drama, Talent Shows, Daily Swimming (or an alternative water activity, such as slip-n-slid) and a full array of Sports to campers K-6. We offer a separate program with more challenging activities for 7th and 8th graders. For more information: visit or contact Camp Director Itzik Ben Sasson at 805/ or camphaverim@gmail.com

19 Please Support our Generous Sponsors White 8 locations serving Santa Barbara & Goleta Stadium Seating Fiesta 5 Metro 4 Camino Real Fairview 3-D Arlington Metro 4 Fiesta 5 Camino Real Fairview Space Graphic Studio creative concepts graphic design content development production management Karen Greenberg 805/ kareng@whitespacegraphicstudio.com showtime information: 877/789-MOVIE join us on FACEBOOK - Metropolitan Theatres At this point in our lives, peace of mind is what we value most. You ve worked hard to get to this point. Now you want the money you ve earned to work hard for you so you can relax and enjoy. Of course, preserving and growing what s taken a lifetime to build takes intelligent planning and skillful investment management, the kind provided by the experienced professionals at Montecito Bank & Trust. Whether it s designing an investment portfolio, managing real estate or working with your attorney, it s all part of the personal attention you ll receive at Montecito Bank & Trust. WEALTH MANAGEMENT Investment Management and Advisory Services Trust and Estate Services montecito.com Call for more information Customized Wealth Management solutions one of the many Paths to prosperity you ll find at Montecito Bank & Trust. What s your path? Santa Barbara: 1106-E Coast Village Road, Montecito, CA Solvang: 591 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang, CA Ventura/Westlake Village: 701 E. Santa Clara Street, Ventura, CA Member FDIC

20 WE THANK OUR ADVERTISERS FOR SUPPORTING CBB Don Elconin Full Service Broker 33 years of experience Sales - Purchases - Management ÒPlease allow me the opportunity to provide you with the service you deserve. I promise to use my skills to bring you a great product, a pleasurable and successful real estate experience, and not to waste your time!ó 805) don@donelconin.com Paula Goldman s Complete Hair Design CBB Member Private Studio 35 Years Experience Home Visits for the Homebound Serving Men & Women Certified - Brazilian Keratin Treatment San Onofre Rd Santa Barbara, CA / paulaw93105@yahoo.com REAL ESTATE CARPINTERIA, MONTECITO, SANTA BARBARA GOLETA & THE SANTA YNEZ VALLEY RANDY FREED THE REALTOR WITH THE MAGIC TOUCH SFR - SHORT SALE & FORECLOSURE RESOURCE CRS - CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL SPECIALIST ECOBROKER CERTIFIED RandyFreed@prusb.com Website: DRE #

21 Please support our generous sponsors! SCHEDULE YOUR HOLIDAY HOUSECLEANING NOW! Top-To-Bottom Holiday Cleaning Maid Services Weekly, Bi-Weekly Construction and Remodel Clean-Up Move-In, Move-Out Cleaning Our staff trained to clean Kosher kitchens! Ask about our B nai B rith Special Save $50 on Carpet Cleaning or Window Washing with a Top-To-Bottom Cleaning! CALL photgraphed over 200 Bar/ Bat Mitzvot, CBB events, Anniversaries and more over 25 years! Helene Glassman CBB Member 25 years 805/ heleneglassman@me.com Photography Wine Leaf Catering Chef Yosi Nuralian yosi.nuralian@gmail.com authentic mediterranean cuisine Math for kids who like to play with numbers (805) Tallits By Sharon Unique Custom Made Tallitot A Treasure for a Lifetime... sharonelan@cox.net (805) B NAI B RITH WE WANT TO CATER YOUR NEXT PARTY!

22 Contributions - Thank You! Building Fund: From David and Barbara Mizes, in memory of Abe Stone Eve Senn, in honor of Yale Coggan Barbara and David Mizes, in honor of Yale Coggan s 90th birthday Cantor s Discretionary Fund: From Meryl and Marc Winnikoff Brian and Deborah Shafritz, in memory of Herbert Remstein and in memory of Nat Raichelle Amy Locke, in memory of Fred Martinez Dora and Misha Zilberman, in loving memory of Haim Royzman Judy Karin and Daniel Cohen, in honor of Talia s Bat Mitzvah Fran and Michael Lewbel, in honor of Kanin s Bar Mitzvah Harvey and Janet Wolf Dora and Misha Zilberman, in loving memory of Saul Zilberman Dorothy and Edward Caplan Marion and Marshall Abrams, in memory of Anne Gaynes Erika Kahn James Mason and Sarah Mason Audrey and Becca Okaneko, in memory of Nat Raichelle The following people made donations in honor of Adam Childs Bar Mitzvah: Amy Locke, Sally Gertz, Peter Frank, Audrey and Becca Okaneko, David and Barbara Mizes, Regine Pringle Barbara and Mike Wapner Arleen Weisman, in memory of Sher Temkin Karl and Renate Kahn, in memory of Eric Lenart Howard Hudson, in memory of Eric Lenart Misha and Dora Zilberman, in loving memory of Riva Brodskaya Josie Martin, in honor of the educators of CBB for their success in preparing the Bar and Bat Mitzvahs so well. Cantorial Endowment Fund: From Marion and Marshall Abrams, in honor of Ken Gaynes birthday and Natalie and Ken Gaynes anniversary May and Bert Karin, in honor of Adam Childs Bar Mitzvah Emergency Medical Relief Fund: From Dora and Misha Zilberman, in loving memory of Julius Zilberman, Zalman Lipkin and Brana and Berl Livshin Harris and Bernice Gelberg, in memory of Abe Stone, Alex Stein and Shelly Mason General Fund: From Murray and Cheryll Welkowsky, in memory of Samuel Druyun Brian and Kamila Storr Eleanor and Yale Coggan, in honor of Talia Cohen s Bat Mitzvah Ken and Natalie Gaynes, in memory of Shelly Mason Elaine Jacobs, in memory of Hermine Gropper and Samuel Jacobs Becca and Dean Wrench Allen and Roberta Gersho Karin Zerlin Carol Lee Skinner Natalie Myerson, in memory of Charlotte Salter Eve Senn, in honor of Richard Silver Arnold Spechler, in honor of Mark and Laurie Constable Myra and Spencer Nadler, in honor of Yale Coggan Boris and Mina Berenstein, in loving memory of Momtza Barinshtein Natalie Myerson, in memory of Harry J. Myerson Devora Sprecher, in honor of Yale s 90th birthday Bernice Coggan, in honor of Yale Coggan s 90th birthday Marilyn Magid Elaine Potts, in honor of Edward Caplan's 95th birthday and in loving memory of Theda Frank Harris and Fredda Meisel, in memory of Theda Frank Judy Karin, in honor of Kate Shevitz, Laurie Constable and Ruth Steinberg Al and Ronit Anolick, in honor of Morris Kronfield Devora Sprecher, in honor of Sara Miller McCune's 70th birthday Natalie Myerson, in memory of Paul Myerson Esther Kronich, in memory of Harry Weiss Yale and Eleanor Coggan, in honor of Adam Childs Bar Mitzvah Richard Silver, in honor of Scott Chortkoff Harry Kirsch Scholarship Fund: From Alan Wyner and Louise Blumberg Wyner, to Doris and Arnold Medved, in honor of their new home Janet Laichas Learning Fund: From Linda and Darryl Perlin, to Aaron Ettenberg, congratulations on receiving the ADL Distinguished Service Award Judy Karin, to Amy Locke, in honor of her birthday Jesse and Rhoda Colman, in honor of Ken and Natalie Gaynes and the milestones they ve reached; in honor of Albert Yenni s 80th birthday; and in honor of Yale Coggan s 90th birthday Amy Locke, in memory of Charles Carvalho Michael Stein and Beth Weinberg in honor of Adam Childs Bar Mitzvah Judy Meisel Preschool Scholarship Fund: From Danny and Ashley Monser, in honor of Judy Meisel David and Sally McClure Library Fund: From Vicki Huth, William and Ellen Sachs, in memory of Theda Frank Oreskes Music Fund: From Sara Alvani Al and Ronit Anolick Meredith and Michelle Taylor, in honor of Adam Childs Bar Mitzvah Diane and Marvin Rosenthal, in memory of Sher Temkin Eve Senn, in memory of Sher Temkin, in memory of Muriel Goodman and in honor of Tana Senn Page 22 CBB Voices Spring Journal

23 Preschool Special Projects Funds: From Barbara and David Mizes, in memory of Anne Gaynes Rabbi Cohen s Discretionary Fund: From Meryl and Marc Winnikoff Bob and Leah Temkin Chris Carter Bob and Lynn Wagmeister James Mason and Sarah Mason, in memory of Shelly Mason Bob and Leah Temkin, in loving memory of Isadore Rozansky Amy Locke, in memory of Fred Martinez Julius and Joan Zelmanowitz, on the first yahrzeit of Tillie Zelmanowitz Halina Silverman, in memory of Max Weinthal B.L. Borovay and George Relles Judy Karin and Daniel Cohen, in honor of Talia s Bat Mitzvah Bob and Leah Temkin, in loving memory of Blair Temkin Fran and Michael Lewbel, in honor of Kanin s Bar Mitzvah Judy Watts Robert and Esther Baum, in memory of Barney E. Hokin Harvey and Janet Wolf Boris and Mina Berenstein, in loving memory of Mendel Barinshtein Toni Amorteguy Libby Kane Eve Senn, in memory of Anne Gaynes Ken and Natalie Gaynes Viola Girsh, Ruelene, Daniel and Mandy Hochman, in honor of Yale Coggan and in memory of Anne Gaynes Arthur and Elena Magat Peter Frank, in memory of Theda Frank Julie Kessler Solomon and Steve Solomon, in memory of Franki Kessler Courtney and Alix Seeple, in honor of the birth of Magdelina Rose Misha and Dora Zilberman, in loving memory of Rosalina Zilberman Alan Wyner and Louise Blumberg Wyner, in honor of Sara Miller McCune's special birthday Erika Kahn Alan Morton Louis Kaplan, in memory of Sher Temkin Alan Wyner and Louise Blumberg Wyner, in memory of Sher Temkin Misha and Dora Zilberman, in loving memory of Yasha Foygel Arlene Schneider Barry Mosesman, in honor of the birth of his 8th grandchild Jeff Donat, in memory of Jake Wauls Rabbi Solomon s Discretionary Fund: From Judy Karin and Daniel Cohen, in honor of Talia s Bat Mitzvah Fran and Michael Lewbel, in honor of Kanin s Bar Mitzvah Toni Amorteguy James Mason and Sarah Mason, in memory of Shelly Mason Erika Kahn Howard Hudson, in memory of Eric Lenart Lisa Serby, with thanks for the Yoga Shabbat Social Action Fund: From Darryl and Linda Perlin Marion and Marshall Abrams, in honor of Yale Coggan s 90th birthday Yale Freed Camp and Youth Scholarship Fund: From Toby and Rich Parisse, in memory of Anne Gaynes Todah Rabah to All The synagogue is blessed with incredible members who give their time and talents to CBB. In each issue, we acknowledge several members who have contributed something special in the last three months. Cheryll Welkowsky and Diane Philips for helping in the office weekly. Mimi Doohan for bringing the wonderful Dr. Zucker to CBB. He brought new insight to the health troubles people face globally. Rabbi Ira Youdovin taught an amazing series of classes on Israel and the Middle East. Richard Silver for organizing the Bernie Taran Memorial Poker Tournament. To Mike Wolff, David Mizes, Kenny Gaynes, Ken Schwartz, Allen Gersho, Bruce Phillips and Sandy Brier for rolling up their sleeves and building CBB a beautiful shed. Gail Teton-Landis and Meryl Winnikoff, and the team who helps them, for organizing beautiful onegs. Party Book Hosts: Ruth & Blake Johnson, Stuart & Deborah Fuss, Nancy & Michael Sheldon, Randy Gross, Lisa Raphael, Lauri Baker, Sissy Taran, Bobbi Kroot, David & Elizabeth Gaynes, Ellen & Rob Raede, Judy Mannaberg Goldman and Shelly Goldman, Jere Lifshitz, Judy Meisel, Fran Lewbel, Ellen Chase and Felicia Capelle Natalie and Kenny Gaynes for hosting artist-in-residence Mordechai Rosenstein. To the CBB families who hosted the Kaskeset singers. page 23

24 Congregation B nai B rith 1000 San Antonio Creek Road Santa Barbara, CA NON-PROFIT ORG US Postage PAID Santa Barbara, CA Permit No. 103 Santa Barbara Jewish Festival Sunday, May 15, am to 4 pm Oak Park Master of Ceremonies: World-renowned and award-winning Juggler, Storyteller and Comedian, Izzi Tooinsky Delectable food Arts and Crafts vendors Cantor Mark Childs with the magnificent Temple band and Shir Chadash Choirs Ventura Klezmer Band A new Bubbie and Zadie Talent show A What s Jewcy about being Jewish art/ essay contest for school-aged children A Coming-of-Age Ceremony with Rabbi Gross-Schaefer A colorful preschool costume parade Israeli dancing taught by Philip Feldman and Michal Lynch For a complete list of all activities visit and then click Events and Activities, the festival is one of your choices. Event Sponsor: Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara Viola S. Girsh Award honoring Natalie & Kenny Gaynes A Lifetime of Commitment and Service to our Temple and the Jewish Community Abrahams Outdoor Chapel 6:00 p.m. Friday, June 24 A Special Shabbat Service