4839 Market Street, Unit C, Ventura, Ca Phone (805) Fax (805) Website: From The Rabbi s Study June 2015

Transcription

1 1 HAMIGDALOR CONGREGATION AM HAYAM 4839 Market Street, Unit C, Ventura, Ca Phone (805) Fax (805) Website: From The Rabbi s Study June 2015 WHY SYNAGOGUES? WHY AM HAYAM? I gave a d var Torah (sermon) where I reacted to what we have all heard: I believe in religion (or spirituality), but I don t believe in organized religion. Those same people, however, would not state, I believe in medicine but I do not believe in medical schools, hospitals, and clinics. Nor would they assert, I believe in law and justice, but I do not believe in law schools, courts, and police. Nor, I love art and beauty, but I do not believe in art schools and museums. If medicine, justice and art are worth fostering, there must be institutions devoted to those purposes. And so it is with religion. So let us consider the major contributions the Synagogue makes to the tone and texture of Jewish life. The Synagogue provides the ideal Jewish setting for worship, where that which is noblest within ourselves reaches out towards that which is highest in the universe G!d. In a noisy world, it enables us to pause periodically to listen to the still small voice of the spirit. It provides a place of assembly for the Jewish community and for the many organizations of Jewish youth and adults. It is the recognized address of the Jewish community for Jew and non-jew alike. It is the institution that best preserves the Jewish heritage and most effectively transmits the teachings of the prophets, and the wisdom of our Sages and teachers. It has been the most potent force for Jewish continuity throughout the vicissitudes of our history. It continues to nourish the Jewish will to survive. It continues to provide joy in living as a Jew. It raises to loftiest significance the great milestones from birth to death by clothing them in the warmth of hallowed words and sacred rituals, and by providing a community with which to share these exalted occasions. It keeps alive and articulates our people s most treasured memories, our most fervent beliefs and our most cherished hopes. continued

2 2 It provides a fellowship for Jews who take their heritage seriously and who look to it for guidance, solace, and inspiration. It nurtures our faith in the coming of an era of peace and justice for all people. It give us the courage to work for G!d s realm, and the patience to hopefully wait for it. It drapes each human being with highest dignity, confers upon life ultimate meaning, invests the universe with high purpose, and sees in Jewish destiny cosmic significance. The Synagogue richly merits the tribute paid to it by the Christian scholar Robert T. Herford: In all their history, the Jewish people have done scarcely anything more wonderful than to create the Synagogue. No human institution has a longer continuous history, and none has done more for the uplifting of the human race. I would love to hear why you feel the Synagogue is important. Indeed, I d like to hear why you think this Synagogue our beloved Am HaYam is important to you. We have a very important State of the Synagogue meeting June 14 at 10:30 a.m. Important matters require that our leadership team (the Board) get your input. I have always valued your perspective; at no time since I have been here is your voice so needed. If you have not already done so, you will soon be receiving an and a phone call about this meeting. Undergirding our State of the Synagogue meeting, however, is the idea that the preciousness and pricelessness of the Synagogue is no less in our generation or for our own lives. Having every household in attendance is important, and I am asking every member to try to come. Please come and support this important discussion. Let s ensure that Am HaYam continues to give meaning and substance to our lives. For the Synagogue is not merely a symbol of Jewish continuity: It is what makes that continuity possible. Brenda, the entire Board of Directors, and I look forward to hearing why Am HaYam matters to you on June 14. Rabbi J.B. Sacks

3 3 Message from Brenda Rich Greetings: This is being written before our major fund raising event Jewish Heritage Day which was held on May 31 st. You will find out how successful this event was in our July Migdalor. Hope you were there to support CAH and make the day a success. Much thanks goes to all the people who obtained donations, helped with setup, served as volunteers during the day, made posters, made items to sell and brought items for our yard item table. Martina Albert, Fil Barton, Marc Goldman, Lois Lebman, Eva Lowe, Diane Mautner, Brenda & Arnie Rich, Mark Rich, Freya & Allan Teplinsky and Rabbi Sacks and Steven Karash obtained donations, gave donations or made items for our silent auctions. Companies that contributed items were Herzog Winery, Presto Pasta, Draper s & Damon, Marie Callendars, Snapper Jack s Taco Shack; IHOP, Elements Nail Spa, Hair Masters, Brendan s Irish Pub, Bob Kildee Clothing, Soup Plantation, Trader Joes, Peking Inn, Breakfast Café, Albertsons, Two Trees Café, Danny s Deli, Ralphs, Yolandas, Bandits Grill & Bar, Ottavio s Italian Restaurant, Texas Cattle Company, Manhattan of Camarillo, Curves, Mandarin House, Fisherman s Catch, and Mandalay Village Cleaners. Entertainment will be by Ray Mautner and Marty Flam and you ll hear more about that next month. Please make sure you read the Rabbi s article. He has stated beautifully the meaning of having a Synagogue. Please make sure you do come to the State of the Synagogue meeting on Sunday, June 12 th at 10:30 a.m. Coming up on Sunday, July 12 th at 2 p.m. We will be gathering at our home. See Fran s article for more information. Shalom, Brenda Rich

4 AWARDS TO RABBI SACKS 4

5 5 Tree Planted In Israel June 2015 To: Marlene Ball & Family In loving memory of your husband Beloved father and grandfather From Lois Lebman & Family Ronni, Sherry & Barry, Len & Carole, Barbra & Hal To: Donna Gustafson A tree has been planted in your honor by Ruthy Resnick

6 6 June Birthday s Mark Lipman 3 Kenneth Halpern 11 Jeanette Lipman 22 June Anniversaries Ann & Jack Sperber 5 Elaine & Bob Allen 6 Roz & Mort Resnick 14 Rabbi Sacks & Steven Karash 18 If your birthday or anniversary is not acknowledged please me at bfrosen@gmail.com

7 7 Get Well Ann Jacobs Norma Van Riper Gene Matlin Rachel Kozak Mort Resnick Dianne Ruthman Fred Rosen Ann Sperber Herb Stein Andrea Massion Bob Packer Sheila Myles Jack Sperber Fran Lande Gail Packer Sherry Horwitz Miriam Rubinstein Irv Jacobs Dawn VanValkenburg Ruth Atlas ATTENTION ALL JEWISH WAR VETERANS MEMBERS JWV Post 602 meets in the Veterans Administration Clinic, Recreation Building 22, Plummer Street, North Hills, CA. They meet the 1st Sunday of each month, at 10:00 am and all Jewish Veterans are welcome to attend. Please join us there.

8 8 SAVE THE DATE Sunday, June 14th State of the Synagogue Meeting 10:30 a.m. Sunday, July 12th Book discussion of Eat and Be Satisfied and taste testing your favorite Jewish recipes made by you and anecdotes Sunday, October 25th, Mah Jongg Tournament at CAH

9 9 CAH SIGNIFICANT JEWISH BOOK CLUB NEWS The next meeting of the Significant Jewish Book Club will be on Sunday, July 12, 2015 at 2 PM at the home of Arnie and Brenda Rich. This will be a combination book discussion and Open House. Eat and Be Satisfied is the first comprehensive and critical history of Jewish food from biblical times until the present. John Cooper explores the traditional foods the everyday diets as well as the specialties for the Sabbath and festivals of both the Ashkenazic and Sephardic cuisines. He discusses the often debated question of what makes certain foods "Jewish" and details the evolution of such traditional dishes as cholent and gefilte fish. It can be purchased at a variety of bookstores, including Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Remember to use Amazon smile so CAH benefits. For this event, all our invited and can participate in any--or all--of the following ways: 1. Bring a dairy dish of one of your favorite Jewish recipes. Before the event, please send a copy of the recipe to Fran Lande at fblande@gmail.com so we can create a recipe pamphlet for all to take home. Be sure to add why you have chosen this particular recipe and why it represents Jewish food to you. 2. Bring a prospective new member to the open house so he/she can experience Congregation Am HaYam in person. 3. Read the book and be prepared to add to our discussion! 4. Do any combination of the above! If you have any questions or for more information, please contact Brenda Rich at brenda.bashful16@gmail.com or Fran Lande at fblande@gmail.com.

10 10 HELP CAH RAISE FUNDS WITH NO COST AND LITTLE OR NO EFFORT TO YOU PLEASE NOTE: REGULAR PANTRY ITEM CANS LIKE SOUP, TUNA, COFFEE, FRUITS AND VEGETABLES ARE NOT RECYCALBE. Aluminum cans like soda, ginger ale etc. are. If you are not sure look for the CA recycle note and redeemable price. Do you throw everything out in the trash? Water and soda bottles, soda cans and some bottles can bring in money for CAH in a short period of time. LET YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY HELP US TOO. There are two ways you can help CAH: One way is for you to recycle and get the donation credit on your taxes: Save PLASTIC BOTTLES like water, soda, juice, etc. Save SODA CANS. Save glass bottles and jars. Take them to your nearest recycle center. Depending on where you recycle you may need to get the cash immediately (such as the Food 4 Less) or you may have 30 days. Put the cash in the pushke and when it reaches whatever amount you want write a check to CAH. It is found money for the temple and a donation toward your taxes. The second way is if you are unable to recycle it yourself you can bring it to CAH before services, an event or any Friday at 9:30 a.m. and I will take it home and combine it with recycles already collected. You don t even have to separate them. If you are unable to come to CAH I will pick up a full bag that you have collected from your home. I only ask that the bag be no smaller than a 15 gallon trash bag. PLEASE NOTE: GLASS BOTTLES THAT DO NOT HAVE THE CA. REDEMTION NOTE earn one cent per pound and I am not able to take those bottles. You can recycle those and add to the pushke or put them in your recycle bin at the curb each week. Every few months I also take hazardous waste to the drop off at 880 W Verdulera St. in Camarillo. If you call first and make an appointment it will go faster. The number is Light bulbs, batteries, medication, paint, household cleaning products and electronics are all considered hazardous waste. If you like I AM HAPPY TO DISPOSE THEM FOR YOU. You can bring these to CAH. THESE MUST BE KEPT SEPARATE from the normal recycle items and I cannot handle anything heavier than 10 pounds. I will be happy to pick up your hazardous materials if you also have a minimum 15 gallon bag of recycle items to donate to the temple. Together little incomes can add to a large income. Spread the word! Please call me anytime I can help you. Ruth Resnick

11 11 CHAVURAH INTEREST The Membership Committee is sending you this form to discover if you have an interest in joining a Chavurah. A Chavurah is a small group of families, couples or individuals who share common interests and desires. These groups meet together, usually monthly, to study, socialize, cook, camp, or participate in any other activities. Each group sets their own schedule and plans their own activities. A Chavurah is a wonderful way to build and nurture strong friendships within our Congregation Am HaYam family extending beyond the schedule of community services and events After receiving back this questionnaire, an organizational meeting will be set to get everyone together to make further plans. Name(s) Address Phone # Name and age of other members in your household Please circle age group you prefer: Over 60 Please circle the situation that best applies to you and your family: Single Adult Adults Only Family (events with children) Other What type of events do you expect from a Chavurah (e.g. Judaic Studies; Social Activities; Sporting events; Discussion groups; Jewish cooking; Book groups; Theater groups, other Interests?) Please fill out this form and return it to Brenda Rich; 4030 Nice Court; Oxnard, CA FORM AVAILABLE DIGITALLY AT

12 12 Social Justice Committee We decry the lack of social justice in places like Syria, Myanmar, and Nigeria, but people in our own community need our help. Our beautiful county has over 80,000 people living below the poverty line and of those, 1,417 are homeless according to the 2015 Homeless Court. The report, attached, describes their characteristics in intimate detail, but they are more than numbers- they are people. Members of Congregation Am HaYam can make a difference. Please consider volunteering in ways that are meaningful to you and let the organizations you help know you re from CAHY. Here are just a few organizations where you can make a difference: Habitat For Humanity puts sweat equity into homebuilding: contact Tricia Keem at ext. 208, tricia@habitatventura.org School on Wheels provides school supplies and tutoring for homeless children: contact Terrie Soto, office or cell Project Understanding offers a food pantry, case management and tutoring: contact Maria Gonzalez atmgonzalez@projectunderstanding.org. Court Appointed Special Advocates of Ventura County trains community volunteers to advocate for a child in the foster care system: contact Bernadette Cardenas orinfo@casaofventuracounty.org Represent Congregation Am HaYam at the Ventura Social Services Task Force, Faith Sub-committee. It meets the 4 th Wednesday of every month at 3 pm in Ventura. Contact Miriam atmiriam.mack@sbcglobal.net or for more information. TO READ VC COUNTY HOMELESS REPORT PLEASE GO TO VC 2015 Homeless Count.pdf

13 13 YAHRZEIT June 5, *Rosa Kaufman, Mother of Betty Abramson Robert Zwirn, Father of Bunny Ames Herman Spunt, Grandfather of Fil Barton Zelda Mindess, Mother of Harriet Friedman Milton Resnick, Brother of Ann Jacobs June 19, Sydney Becker, Father of Irwin Becker Norman Gates, Husband of Jinx Gates David Goch, Father of Stephen Goch Jacob Rubenstein, Brother-In-Law of Miriam Rubinstein Sidney Sedlak, Father of Burt Sedlak *Boris Skuratovsky, Father of Leonid Skuratovsky *Benjamin Weiner, Father of Myrna Winer *Inscribed on Memorial Wall POLICY FROM RITUAL COMMITTEE: The order, as of April 19, 2015, of the memorial plaques on our memorial wall, shall not be moved without the permission of the Ritual Committee and the Rabbi. Any requests must be brought up before that body. Thank you. Jef Bratspis

14 14 JUNE 2015 Sivan/Tammuz 5775 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Happy Birthday Mark Lipman Happy Anniversary Ann & Jack Sperber Services 8 PM Candle Lighting 7:47 PM SHABBAT SERVICE 10:00AM Shabbat Ends 8:40 PM Happy Birthday Kenneth Halpern Candle Lighting 7:51 PM Shabbat Ends 8:53 PM Happy Anniversary Roz & Mort Resnick State of the Synagogue Meeting 10:30 AM NO Mondays with Mort Happy Anniversary Rabbi Sacks & Steven Karash Services 8 PM Candle Lighting 7:53 PM SHABBAT SERVICE 10:00AM Shabbat Ends 8:55 PM Happy Birthday Jeanette Lipman NO Mondays with Mort Candle Lighting 7:54PM Shabbat Ends 8:57 PM NO Mondays with Mort

15 15 Rabbi J. B. Sacks phone# BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Brenda Rich phone# VICE-PRESIDENT PAST PRESIDENTS Mort Resnick Arnie Fingerhut Jerry Ruthman z'l Peter Shack Brenda Rich OUR VOLUNTEERS Kiddushim - Brenda Rich Oneg Shabbat -Fil Barton Librarian Programming Tributes Telephone Purchasing Yahrzeits Migdalor Sunshine Webmaster Donna Gustafson Ann Jacobs Lee Rothschild Bev Rosen Bev Rosen Ann Sperber Jef Bratspis TREASURER - Lois Lebman SECRETARY - Donna Gustafson CORRESPONDING SECRETARY-Ruth Resnick WAYS & MEANS VP - MEMBERSHIP VP - Janice Aharon-Ezer Rick Newberger RITUAL VP - Jef Bratspis RITUAL VP Emeritus Milt Rothschild HOUSING VP - Arnie Rich IMMEDIATE PAST PRES - Brenda Rich ADULT EDUCATION VP - Fran Lande DIRECTORS Marc Goldman, Diane Mautner Miriam Mack