4839 Market Street, Unit C, Ventura, Ca Phone (805) Fax (805) Website: From The Rabbi s Study January 2016

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1 1 HAMIGDALOR CONGREGATION AM HAYAM 4839 Market Street, Unit C, Ventura, Ca Phone (805) Fax (805) Website: From The Rabbi s Study January 2016 From the Rabbi s Study Kiddush and Havdallah Abundance and Limitations Right before World War II the renowned Rabbi Morris Shapiro delivered this verdict on American Jewry: They have learned to make kiddush, he noted, but have not yet learned how to make havdalah. In other words, we understand the blessing over the wine, the blessing of abundance; but the blessing for the end of Shabbat, the blessing of limitation, of distinction, is not yet understood. The verdict still stands. American Jews, on the whole, live like many Americans: with astonishing abundance. Sociologists have pointed out that for most of human history the greatest boon to human life would have been pure drinking water. Now with a twist of the tap we have water tested to the billionth particle, and insist on drinking bottled water! We are the avatars of excess. But the presence of so much has blinded us to the reality of our limitations. One thing remains limited to all of us time. The clock of our lives still ticks rapidly along and accumulating goods does not change the quality or depth of life. Abundance, as symbolized by the Kiddush, does not assure us depth or meaning. Meanwhile, the clock of our lives keeps ticking. G.K. Chesterton (English writer and theologian, ) wrote that the most important part of the painting is the frame. So too the most important part of life is its limits. The limitations of life, symbolized by Havdalah, are less familiar to us than its riches. Havdallah, however, also points to us the antidote. It also means distinction. In Havdallah, we distinguish the taste of wine, the smell of beautiful scents, and the sight of creative possibility (the flame). What do you distinguish in your life that merits a blessing? While Havadallah helps frame Shabbat and our week, what distinguishes yours? Rabbi Shapiro s message is still relevant: As we learn to affirm, we must learn to distinguish. During this season of resolutions, let us each resolve to recite Havdallah in addition to making Kiddush: Let us recite blessings to distinguish what is important in our lives, so that we, too, live lives that matter, lives of distinction. A healthy, notable 2016 to all of you. Rabbi J.B. Sacks continued continued continued

2 2 Message from Brenda Rich GREETINGS: Happy secular New Year from Cathedral City. Wishing everyone a special year filled with good health. As we start 2016, please keep CAH in your thoughts and participate in all our activities. Make a resolution that this year you will come to more services, give more generously to CAH, and help whenever you are called upon on or just plain volunteer your services. On Sunday, December 13 through the planning of Eva Lowe, Ruth Resnick and Elaine Hanig we had a very successful Chanukah progressive brunch. People went to the homes of Janice and Amnon Aharon-Ezer for a continental breakfast, Eva Lowe for the main course of latkes, salmon patties and much more, and to Marc Goldman for desserts. There a beautiful watch was raffled off and won by Roz Resnick. It was a very lovely afternoon and thank you to all who participated. Coming up on Sunday, January 10 th at 1:30 p.m., at the home of Brenda & Arnie Rich will be the 2 nd part of Daniel Deronda. Don t worry if you missed the first part as there will be an update given by Fran Lande. Please come. The address is 4030 Nice Court; Oxnard Hope to see you there. Shalom, Brenda Rich

3 3 In Memory of Miriam Rubinstein IMO Ruth Hochberg Phil Silverman IMO Harriet Silverman Ruth Resnick IMO Baylis Resnick Herb Stein IMO Mother Goldie Stein In Honor Of The Kozak Family IHO CAH Voluntary Contributions The Rabbi and the Board of Directors want to thank all those who made contributions over and above their dues: Sydell & Bernie Bubman Neill & Arnie Fingerhut The Kozak Family Eva Lowe Judy & Mort Margolis Yulma Rodarte Muniz Ruth Resnick Brenda & Arnie Rich Bev & Fred Rosen Ann & Jack Sperber Norma VanRiper Myrna Winer Martha Zoloth

4 4 The Rabbi and the Board of Directors thank all who made a High Holy Day Pledge Janice & Amnon Aharon-Ezer Fil Barton Sydell & Bernie Bubman Ann & Irv Jacobs The Kozak Family Lois Lebman Eva Lowe Miriam & Darryl Mack Judy & Mort Margolis Judye & Rick Newberger Roz & Mort Resnick Ruth Resnick Brenda & Arnie Rich Mark Rich Miriam Rubinstein Mitz & Robert Swartz Norma VanRiper Dawn VanValkenburg Myrna Winer

5 5 Homeless and Facing the Cold Weather As we go into our cold winter months there are so many people facing the cold with no shelter. Lift Up Your Voice is an amazing program that has 10 sub programs that is attacking the homeless problem from government issues to a very hands on basis. The highest priority is getting people housed. This church is also 1 of only 2 designated locations where you can safely sleep in your car. The police cannot give them a ticket and it is patrolled by volunteers. There are programs providing food. Every Tuesday and Wed they sweep the parks and take people to a One Stop location where people can get assessed and help for medical and behavioral needs, applications for food stamps, case management, job and housing to name a few services. The Unitarian Universalist Church is located at 5654 Ralston St. Ventura Tax deductible donations can be made on line at venturahomelessprevention.org or a tax deductible donations can be mailed to the church payable to Ventura Homeless Prevention Fund. To get involved you can call Kathy Powell. The phone number of the church is or you can call her at On a smaller level they also provide Care Packages. This is a small envelope with a granola bar and has brochures and cards of places they can contact for help. Each package cost $ 1 and we can all keep a couple in our car and hand out when someone approaches us for money. Call the church before going in to purchase as these go quickly. There are people who have been homeless for not just weeks or months but years. The need for help to get these people back on their feet is huge. Ruth Resnick LOST!! PLEASE PLEASE HELP!!!!! On Saturday, December 19 th someone accidentally pick up my tallit that I left on a chair. I have contacted everyone that came that day but no one seems to have it. At this point the person may be too embarrassed to let me know they accidently picked it up. Please, please double check your bags and any drawers in your homes. It is a solid cream color. It has great sentimental value to me as my husband presented it to me at my bat mitzvah just over 10 years ago. Please return it to our tallit rack or Rabbi Sacks. Thanks so much.

6 6 Trees Planted In Israel December 2015 To Paul and Mani Baker IMO Bernie Every dog has its day Every dog deserves its own tree From Christine, Kenny, Lucy and Roxy To Marcia Kadimer Speedy Recovery From Brenda and Arnie Rich To Irwin Spector Our prayers for a complete recovery From Brenda and Arnie Rich To Sheila Zison Speedy recovery From Brenda and Arnie Rich To Jef Bratspis and family In memory of Ronald S Bratspis Loving father and grandfather May his memory always be for a blessing From Judye and Rick Newberger Eva Lowe Brenda and Arnie Rich Ruthy Resnick Roz and Mort Resnick Elaine Hanig

7 7 A WRAP ON OUR PROGRESSIVE BRUNCH I think it is fair to say that everyone who attended our Progressive Brunch December 13 th had a great time. The food was delicious and it is always fun to spend time with our CAH family. Congratulations to Roz Resnick who won the beautiful Fendi watch. (Thankfully I did not draw the ticket! J ) With any event there are always lots of people who make it happen. Thanks to our committee: Eva Lowe, Brenda Rich, Elaine Hanig and Ruthy Resnick. Thanks to our hosts who donated all the food and paper goods: Janice & Amnon Aharon-Ezer, Eva Lowe, Marc Goldman and Ruthy Resnick Special thanks to Eva Lowe who thought of having this event for Chanukah and who obtained the beautiful watch from One More Time. One More Time is in the Pacific Mall on Main Street and we are so grateful to Pejman Jadidi for donating the watch. They sell and repair watches so let s support them. Thanks to all of you who supported the Progressive Brunch. Ruthy Resnick

8 8 January Birthday s Tina Gustavson 13 Rabbi J. B. Sacks 13 Maurice Kozak 16 Arnie Rich 16 Belated Birthday Wishes to Myrna Winer, December 3rd January Anniversaries No Anniversaries If your birthday or anniversary is not acknowledged please me at bfrosen@gmail.com PASSINGS Rabbi Sacks, the Board of Directors and the Members of CAH extend their condolences to Lois Lebman on the loss of her Daughter, Sherry Horwitz Jef Bratspis on the loss of his Father, Ronald S Bratspis Rita Webber on the loss of her Mother, Anna Poruks May their memories be for a blessing

9 9 MONDAYS WITH MORT During the month of January there will be sessions of Mondays With Mort at CAH, every Monday at 10:00 AM. Everyone is invited to attend as we continue the Book of Shemot (Exodus). Question of the Month: What is the religious significance of New Year s Day (January 1 st ) of the person whose birth is celebrated nationally on December 25 th? The answer can be found at Also be sure to check out the entire Mondays with Mort web site at and the CAH web site at Mort SIGNIFICANT JEWISH BOOK CLUB NEWS Come Join us for the conclusion of Daniel Deronda! The first showing of Daniel Deronda by George Eliot was held at the home of Brenda and Arnie Rich on October 18th to an enthusiastic crowd who enjoyed the intrigue of the contemporary Victorian society of her day. The mixture of social satire and moral searching, along with a sympathetic rendering of Jewish proto-zionist and Kabbalistic ideas will continue on Sunday, January 10,2016 at1:30p.m.. at the home of Brenda & Arnie Rich; 4030 Nice Court; Oxnard, CA Even if you did not see the first part of this book, please come to see the conclusion. There will be a brief update of what was covered in part one. Come and enjoy.

10 10 Get Well Ann Jacobs Norma Van Riper Rachel Kozak Mort Resnick Dianne Ruthman Fred Rosen Ann Sperber Herb Stein Kenny Halpern Roz Resnick Bob Packer Sheila Myles Jack Sperber Fran Lande Gail Packer Miriam Rubinstein Irv Jacobs Dawn Kennedy Mort Margolis Elaine Hanig 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.

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 HELP CAH RAISE FUNDS WITH NO COST AND LITTLE OR NO EFFORT TO YOU PLEASE, PLEASE DON T PUT SODA CANS AND WATER BOTTLES IN YOUR TRASH CAN For those of you who recycle plastic water & soda bottles and soda cans great. Whether you recycle these for yourself or give them to someone or an organization to redeem you know someone is benefitting from the recycle program. IT YOU ARE ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO SEPARATE YOUR RECLYCLING AND THEN PUT IT IN THE BLUE TRASH CONTAINER OR DON T SAVE YOUR RECYLING PLEASE READ ON. Since 4/21/14 CAH has gotten $ from recycling. This is from only about a handful of members that contribute. Please, please consider saving your soda cans and bottles for us. It is found money that CAH needs and it does not cost you a cent. Anything that has a CA on it can be turned in for money. You can bring it to the temple or call me and I will pick it up. Remember cans like tuna, beans, etc. and cartons like milk cannot be recycled. Thanks so much. Ruthy Resnick

13 13 YAHRZEIT January 1, Louis Bardfield, Husband of Deanne Bardfield Benjamin Dennis, Father of Renee Becker Leah Dennis, Mother of Renee Becker Hannah Macina, Mother of Elayne Edelstein Louis Spitalnick, Father of Elayne Edelstein *Irving Prilook, Father of Elaine Hanig Rose Matlin, Grandmother of Myra Matlin Roselyn Matlin, Mother of Myra Matlin Maurice Ruthman, Father-In-Law of Dianne Ruthman Fred Sperber, Husband of Reva Sperber Fred Sperber, Brother of Jack Sperber January 15, *Rose Goldman, Mother of Barbara Arner *Irwin Schonfield, Father of Lois Lebman *Sanford Lebman, Husband of Lois Lebman Ruth Greer, Sister of Morton Margolis Edward Strasser, Father of Diane Mautner Ruth Packer, Mother of Bob Packer *Clara Perlmutter, Mother of Buddy Perlmutter *Esther Finkel, Mother of Roz Resnick & Brenda Rich Teddy Shapiro, Father of Alan Shapiro Nachama Pugach, Aunt of Leonid Skuratovsky Jerome Wolfson, Brother of Ilana Wolfson *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 January 2016 Tevet/Shevat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Services 8 PM Candle Lighting 4:25PM 1 2 SHABBAT SERVICE 10:00AM Shabbat Ends Mondays With Mort 10 am Candle Lighting 4:26 PM Shabbat Ends 5:40 PM Board Meeting 11:30 Daniel Deronda part 2 at 1:30 pm both at home of Brenda & Arnie Rich Mondays With Mort 10 am Happy Birtday Tina Gustavson & Rabbi Sacks Services 8 PM Candle Lighting 4:52PM Happy Birthday Arnie Rich & Maurice Kozak SHABBAT SERVICE 10:00AM Shabbat Ends 5:551 PM Mondays With Mort 10 am Candle Lighting 4:59 PM Shabbat Ends 5:57 PM Mondays With Mort 10 am Candle Lighting 5:06 PM Shabbat Ends 6:04 PM 31

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 z l Brenda Rich OUR VOLUNTEERS Kiddushim - Brenda Rich Oneg Shabbat -Fil Barton Librarian Programming Tributes Telephone Purchasing Yahrzeits Migdalor Sunshine Webmaster Publicity 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, Miriam Mack, Elaine Hanig

16 16 C o n g r e g at i o n A m H a Y a m M ark et S t r e et U n i t C V en t u r a, C a SIGNIFICANT JEWISH BOOK CLUB NEWS Come Join us for the conclusion of Daniel Deronda! Sunday, January 10,2016 at1:30p.m.