temple israel bulletin-december 2010

Kislev—Tevet5771 PAGE 1DECEMBER 2010

Temple Israel Bulletin

Chanukkah celebrations: pages 1, 5, 8

Get your new Temple Israel Cookbook—page 6

90th Anniversary Tea honoring our long-time mem-bers—page 7

Tot Shabbat—page 7

Jewish Film Series—page 8

The Jewish Chefs’ Series returns! - page 9

Volunteer Opportunities—page 12

Wanna dance? - page 14

Chinook Book—page 13

IN THIS ISSUE

SCHEDULE OF

SHABBAT SERVICES

EREV SHABBAT, December 3:

6:30 PM: Family Shabbat evening service ledby Religious School students. Communitychanukiah lighting. Torah Portion: Miketz,Gen. 41:1-44:17, Num. 7:30-35. Haftarah:Zech. 2:14-4:7


7:30 PM: Friday Night Chai Shabbat eve-ning serviceTorah Portion: Vayigash, Gen. 44:18-47:27.Haftarah: Ezek. 37:15-28


7:30 PM: Shabbat evening service.Torah Portion: Vayechi, Gen. 47:28-50:26.Hafatarh: I Kings 2:1-12


7:30 PM: Shabbat evening service with To-rah reading.

Torah Portion: Shemot, Ex. 1:1-6:1. Hafta-rah: Isa. 27:6-28:13, 29:22-23


7:30 PM: Shabbat evening service.

Torah Portion: Vaera, Ex. 6:2-9:35. Hafata-rah: Ezek. 28:25-29:21

HAPPY CHANUKKAH!

The eight-day celebration of Chanukkah begins on Wednesdayevening, December 1. On the third night of this happy holiday,please plan to join the Temple Israel community at our Chanuk-kah Shabbat service, chanukiah-lighting, and potluck dinner.

If you have not been to a Temple Israel Chanukkah Shabbat ser-vice, you are in for a treat! The Shabbat service begins at 6:30PM, and will be led by our Religious School students. Everyoneis invited to bring their chanukiot (Chanukkah menorah) and threecandles. We will all light our candles together, and the glow fromall those candles is truly awesome.

The service will be followed by a potluck dinner. Families areasked to bring a vegetarian dish for 12 according to the first letterof their last name as follows:

A—H: Main Dish

I—R: Salad

S—Z: Drinks and fruit

Hope to see everyone there!

TEMPLE ISRAEL BULLETIN

FROM THE RABBI’S STUDY

About the time you receivethis issue of the Bulletin,Chanukkah will be upon us.Known as the Festival ofLights, Chanukkah seems tohave originated from morethan one source. One pre-Jewish source is the seem-

ingly almost universal custom of having some sort of for-malized ritual at the time of the winter solstice that in-cludes fire or other light, a means of convincing the“powers” to end the darkness and bring back the warmthand light of Spring and the rebirth of the earth.

The Jewish gloss on this more primordial foundation is theChanukkah story itself, based in historical truth, but embel-lished with elements that neither can nor should be consid-ered historical. While it is true that the Jews of the timewere under tremendous pressure from the Syrian Greeks toassimilate, and while it is true that there was a very under-standable effort on the part of the “traditional” Jewish com-munity to retain is unique Jewishness, and while it is truethat those efforts were spearheaded by the Hasmoneans,what is not so certain is that when the Hasmoneans re-gained control of the Temple precincts, the “miracle” of thesacred oil lasting for eight days actually happened.

All of this happened just a little more than two thousandyears ago, at a time when elements of history were beingwritten down and passed down in a more reliable mannerthan they had been previously. The story of Chanukkahappears in books that didn’t make it into the Hebrew Bible,but were included in a collection of books called the Apoc-rypha. Two Books of the Maccabees made it into almost allversions of the Apocrypha, and two additional books madeit into other versions. These books appeared in the Chris-tian Bible because many versions of the Christian Biblecontain all of the books in the Hebrew Bible plus many, ifnot all, of the books of the Apocrypha.

While we know that the story of the Hasmoneans and theMaccabees is based on fact, and while we know that theminor holiday of Chanukkah is based on that history, whatseems to get lost in our time are two different, but related,things. First, the story of the Maccabees is a story of resis-tance against those who would have denied us the right topractice our own religion in our own way and would haveimposed their religion and lifestyle on us whether or not wewere willing. Second, regardless of whether we accept thereality of the “miracles” in this story, the celebration ofChanukkah in our day has evolved from being a story of

resistance and revolt, of a struggle for freedom of religiousexpression, to one of commercializing a religiously inspira-tional historical story to the point of its being a Jewish ver-sion of the secular aspects of Christmas.

In our day and time I find the commercialization of all reli-gious holidays to be in the poorest of taste, whether it bethe winter holidays of Chanukkah, Christmas, or Kwanzaabrought to you by Hallmark, or the onslaught of gift cata-logues from every retailer on earth trying to ensure that wespend what little money we may still have after the recentrecession.

I believe that there may still be some valuable messagesthat religions bring to us at this season. For the Jews, thestory of Chanukkah – at least for me – reminds me thatwhat Judaism stands for is still worth fighting for, that Jew-ish values are eternal values on the basis of which civiliza-tion could remain civilized, and that at the end of the longdarkness we hope to find the light. For Christians the storyof Christmas is one of joy and hope as well. It is a story ofbirth which, taken in its broadest meaning, can be under-stood to express the belief that as long as there is life, therecan be hope as well. And even Kwanzaa, that relativelynewly-created African-American holiday, exists to tell peo-ple that even from the lowest depths of darkness and degra-dation can come resistance and rebirth into a brighter fu-ture.

With the winter solstice just ahead of us, the darkest timeof the year, I look forward to our being bearers of light tothose who experience only darkness, and rays of hope forthose who don’t seem to have any hope of their own. At atime in history when so many see only despair and dark-ness, we Jews who have seen so much darkness and suffer-ing throughout our own history are in a better position thanmost to bring the message that there can be light at the endof the tunnel, rebirth at the end of a long, dark winter, andhope for those in despair, if we all pull together to fight forwhat is right and just and fair for all.

Shalom and Chag Chanukkah same’ach,

Rabbi Allen B. Bennett

Kislev—Tevet5771 PAGE 3

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

As usual I was more that a little har-

ried and it was my turn to do the

d’var torah at the November Board

meeting. To my delight the Torah

portion that week was Vayetzei. In

Vayetzei we come to understand how

important gratitude is. Jacob had 4

wives and prophecy said that he

would have 12 sons. When God gave his wife, Leah,

more than her share (4 sons, not 3), she named the

fourth Yehuda to give thanks to God for getting more

than her share. The Jewish people are called

“Yehudim” as a result.

Everyone gets to choose how to experience their life.

Attitude is everything. We can choose to be angry

that we did not get the raise we believe we deserved,

or we can be grateful that we at least have a job.

Every minute of every day we choose what our ex-

perience will be. Often we are so caught up in the

daily grind, we forget to stop and be grateful for all

that we have.

Our faith strongly emphasizes the character trait of

gratitude. Our Torah is filled with examples of grati-

tude, such as the song of thanks that Miriam sings

with her timbrel after the crossing of the Red Sea.

Farmers were asked to bring the first fruits of their

labor to Jerusalem. Three times a day, observant Jews

stop to say a prayer of thanks, helping them to de-

velop spirituality by focusing them on gratitude to

God. We are asked to be generous with the little we

have and give to someone who has less.

I am a cup-is-half-full kind of person, but it is hard to

remember all the time to be grateful. Being the Tem-

ple President has been an absorbing experience. I

have learned some serious life skills from the position,

though. Recently I conquered “How to be in 3 places

at once”. But I can’t tell you how! Life is so full of

challenges, so much more lately than ever. But life

has its joys too. I have always loved Fall in Alameda

because you don’t get to see Fall foliage that much

around here. Every morning when I cross the bridge

from Bay Farm, I am thankful that traffic is slow

enough for me to look out to the left and see San Fran-

cisco and to the right and see the marina and the water

and appreciate the beauty of that moment.

I believe that you always get what you need in life.

The day I looked up the Torah portion to see it was

about gratitude was probably the day I needed it most.

I had been so so, so bogged down in the stresses

around me, I needed to be reminded to come up for

air.

This too shall pass. God doesn’t give us anything we

cannot handle. These expressions are common.

They make sense to me. If we remember that each

second is good then we can accumulate minutes of

good seconds. And when we remember that each

minute is good we can accumulate hours and then a

lifetime. It is ours to choose. I hope you choose posi-

tively.

B’shalom,

Cindy Berk


EDUCATION NEWS

Dear Temple Israel Commu-nity:

I don’t know about you, butsometimes I find it easier to

remember moments of pain or sorrow than momentsof happiness. It’s not because I’m a glum person;rather, the sad moments are often marked by an inci-dent – a car accident, a hospital visit, getting a badgrade.

Happy moments can feel more fleeting. Many happymoments are spurred on by something seemingly in-significant, like someone you don’t know smiling atyou. I barely note that moment of happiness, beyondsmiling back, and I certainly don’t remember the nextday.

Why is that?

I contend that we as a society are more apt to forgetthe small happy moments because often they comeand go without being noted. We see them as unworthyof remembering. We don’t make a big deal aboutthem.

Without noting the happy moments of our lives wemiss out on the chance to feel better about ourselvesand others. Marking a happy moment solidifies thatmoment in our memory as something of significance.It uplifts our spirits; can color an entire day. And I’mtold that connecting with joy actually improves ourhealth.

December at Temple Israel is a great chance to prac-tice remembering joyous moments because there’smuch to celebrate:

Friday, Dec 3 is the 6th grade’s class-led Shabbat

service, followed by the Temple Israel Chanukkah

celebration and potluck. Services begin at 6:30

pm, followed by the potluck dinner. People are

encouraged to bring their own menorahs and can-

dles for lighting as a congregation.

Sunday, Dec 5 is the Religious School’s Chanuk-

kah celebration. Everyone is invited to attend.

There will be latkes, and sufganyot, and chocolate

gelt. Each class will perform a song or play, and

the teachers will perform a funny Abbott and

Costello routine. The festivities begin at 10:30 and

last until 12 noon.

Sunday Dec 5, right after the Chanukkah celebra-

tion, is the Children’s Holiday Crafts Fair. The

Religious School children have been hard at work

making crafts to sell, like potholders, jewelry,

homemade challah, cookies, wallets, etc. Please

come and support their efforts. The Children’s

Holiday Crafts Fair runs from 12:30 – 1:30 pm in

the social hall.

Wishing you all a Chanukkah filled with rememberedjoyous moments!

B’Shalom,

Mindy Myers, Director of Congregational Learning

[email protected]; 510-593-5285


You are invited to Celebrate Chanukkah with the Temple Israel

Religious SchoolOn Sunday, December 5th

10:30 – 12 Noon

In the Temple Israel Social Hall

Highlights include:

Menorah lighting

Presentations from each Religious School class

An Abbott and Costello routine not to miss

Homemade latkes

Dreidles and gelt at each table

Music and singing

Games and more

All Temple Israel members and Religious School families are invited. Younger siblings are especiallyinvited. Expect great ruach and great fun!

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?

Chances are at one time or another you have lost or left behind a belonging at Temple - be it an umbrella,sweater, hat, kipah, book, serving dish, bracelet or what not. Did you lose something? Let us know. Findsomething? Report it and we will post your find. Just e-mail Moshe at [email protected] with a briefdescription of the item and your e-mail address or phone number. These will be run as space permits and nomore than 2 weeks. If found as a result of the post, let Moshe know so the post can be removed right away.


It has been over 30 years since TempleIsrael printed a recipe book. Now, inhonor of our 90th anniversary, TempleIsrael has a new cookbook. This cook-book reprises some of our favorite“Fiddler in the Kitchen” dishes, in honorof our history, but also includes manynew, updated recipes from currentmembers.

TEMPLE ISRAEL’S

90TH ANNIVERSARY

COOKBOOK

2010

AVAILABLENOW!

The 90th Anniversary Cookbook isavailable in the Temple office, or, youcan contact

Alison Harris at

[email protected] or

510-521-3375

and we will arrange to get you yourcopy at a mutually convenient time.

ONLY$18.00

Make great birthday, an-niversary, Chanukkah

and other holidaygifts!


Tot Shabbat Services at Temple Israel

Friday, December 17, from 6:30 – 7 pmfollowed by a Tot Shabbat Oneg Shabbat from 7 – 7:30pm

Welcome Shabbat with music, singing, prayer, and joy!

Introduce your child to Shabbat through prayer services designed especially for children ages 2 – 8

Older children are invited to help lead the service.

Services are led by Rachel Herrmann.

Mark your calendars for upcoming Tot Shabbats:

Jan. 21, Feb. 18, March 18, Apr. 15, and May 20

All Tot Shabbats begin promptly at 6:30 pm in the Temple Israel sanctuary. Doors open at 6:15. New families andfriends welcome!

On the occasion of the 90th Anniversaryof Temple Israel of Alameda

We invite you to join usfor afternoon tea

to reflect on our past, envision our futureand honor those individuals

who have been members of our Templefor 40 or more years

Saturday, December 18, 20103 o’clock in the afternoon

Rabbi Gunther Gates Social Hall3183 Mecartney RoadAlameda, California

Please let us know if you will attendthis important event in the life of our congregation

RSVP by December 13th

Alison Harris [email protected]


JEWISH FILM SERIES

“Secret Lives: Hidden Children & Their Rescuers”December 11th 7–9 pm

A gripping film that brings up questions about family, allegiance, and existence.After non-Jewish households rescue Jewish youngsters during the Holocaust,these children had to resolve important matters: Who is my true family: the Jewishparents who created me, or the gentile parents who took me in? Surprisingly open,the grown children, families who took the Jewish children in, and a few surviving

birth parents who gave up their children and were later reconciled honestly tell their story in this unforgettabledocumentary. Filmed in 2002.

Tickets are $10 at the door. Refreshments included in ticket price.

Babysitting available with 1 week’s advance notice: 510-522-9355

Temple Israel is located at 3183 Mecartney Road, Alameda

Children’s Chanukkah Crafts FairSunday, Dec. 5th, from 12:30 – 1:30

Support the creative efforts of Temple Israel students

Buy their hand-made crafts!

Handmade gifts include:

beaded jewelry

pottery

paper airplanes

potholders

baked goods

drawings

hand-painted mouse pads

crystal jewelry

fabric bags

origami

Jewish star crafts

And much more!

This is a great time to shop for Chanukkah gifts while you support the entrepreneurial children at Temple

Israel. Please stop by, open your pocket books wide, and show your love! (And tell your friends.)


Don’t miss out on this delicious experience

The Jewish Chefs Series

A 4-Part Sunday Morning Culinary Series

Jan. 23 - Feb. 13 from 10:30 a.m. –Noon

at Temple Israel, 3183 Mecartney Road, Alameda

This one-of-a-kind culinary series features well-known restaurateurs and chefs from around the Bay Area do-ing cooking demonstrations, giving tastes, & sharing recipes!

Jan 23: A Chocolate Extravaganza with guests Nancy Nadel, gourmet chocolatier who hand-makes herchocolates; and Tour Guide for the San Francisco Chocolate Tour!

Jan. 30: Jonathan Worwick co-owner of the East Bay’s best Mediterranean Restaurant, “Amba!”

Feb. 6: Jewish mobile food vendors: The Jewish Deli truck; Pearl’s Kitchen; The Egg Cream Cart!

Feb. 13: Michael Rose, owner of Semi-Freddie’s, “the” place for delicious breads and pastries!

————————————————————————————————————————————-

Ticket Order Form

Yes! I want to come to the 4-part Jewish Chef Series. Enclosed is my check for $60, made payable to TempleIsrael with “Jewish Chef” in the memo line. Please mail check to: Temple Israel Jewish Chef Series, 3183 Me-cartney Road, Alameda, CA 94502. Order must be received BEFORE Jan 20 for tickets to be left at willcall.

Name____________________________________________________________________________________

Address__________________________________________________________________________________

Phone_______________________________

Email______________________________________________________


DECEMBER 2010

1

Chanukkah—1stcandle

8:45 AM Jazzer-cise

4:00 PM HebrewSchool

5:15 PM Jazzercise

7:00 PM RitualCommittee

2Chanukkah—2candles

5:30 PM I ni C

3C h a n u k k a h — 3candles

8:45 AM Jazzer-cise

5:15 PM Jazzercise

6:30 PM Student-led Shabbat servicewith chanukiah-lighting and pot-luck



9:00 Am HebrewSchool

10:30 AM Reli-gious School Cha-nukkah celebration

12:30 PM Chil-dren’s Craft Sale

3:00 PM I ni C


8:45 AM Jazzercise

5:15 PM AA meet-ing

5:15 PM Jazzercise


Rosh ChodeshTevet

8:45 AM Jazzer-cise

5:15 PM Jazzercise

8:00 PM Bandrehearsal


Rosh ChodeshTevet

8:45 AM Jazzer-cise

12:30 PM PeterPan program


5:15 PM Jazzercise

6:30 PM Board ofDirectors meeting


5:30 PM I ni C

108:45 AM Jazzer-cise


5:15 PM Jazzercise

6:30 PM Bruchasand Bagels

7:30 PM FridayNight Chai Shab-bat service

11

7:00 PM Jew-ish Film Series:“Secret Lives—Hidden Chil-dren and theirRescuers”

129:00 AM HebrewSchool

10:15 AM Reli-gious School

3:00 PM I ni C

13

8:45 AM Jazzercise

10:30 AM PeterPan program

5:15 PM AA meet-ing

5:15 PM Jazzercise


10:00 AM EastBay Council ofRabbis meeting

5:15 PM Jazzercise



10:00 AM MidwayShelter Cooking


5:15 PM Jazzercise

6:30 PM Education

16

5:30 PM I ni C


5:15 PM Jazzercise

6:15 PM Tot Shab-bat

7:30 PM Shabbatevening service

183:00 PM 90thAnniversary Tea

7:00 PM I ni C

19No Hebrew orReligious School

3:00 PM I ni C

20

8:45 AM Jazzercise

5:15 PM AA meet-ing

5:15 PM Jazzercise

7:00 PM RabbiSearch Committeemeeting


5:15 PM Jazzercise



No Hebrew School

5:15 PM Jazzercise

23

5:30 PM I ni C


5:15 PM Jazzercise

7:30 PM Shabbatevening servicewith Torah reading

25

6:00 PM I ni C

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNES-DAY

THURS-DAY

FRIDAY SATURDAY


9:30 AM Minyanand Bagel Break-fast

3:00 PM I ni C

27

8:45 AM Jazzercise

5:15 PM AA meet-ing

5:15 PM Jazzercise


5:15 PM Jazzercise

29

8:45AM Jazzercise

No Hebrew School

5:15 PM Jazzercise

8:00 PM Bandrehearsalw/dancing

30

5:30 PM I ni C


5:15 PM Jazzercise

Shabbat eveningservice. (Call forservice time)


JANUARY 2011

1


3:00 PM I ni C


5:15 PM AAmeeting

5:15 PM Jazzer-cise


5:15 PM Jazzer-cise



5:15 PM Jazzer-cise

7:00 PM RitualCommittee meet-ing

6Rosh ChodeshShevat

5:30 PM I ni C


5:15 PM Jazzer-cise

6:30 PM Student-led Shabbat service

83:00 PM Privateevent

7:00 PM FamilyGame Night



11:00 AM JewishPhilosophers class

3:00 PM I ni C


5:15 PM AAmeeting

5:15 PM Jazzer-cise


5:15 PM Jazzer-cise



5:15 PM Jazzer-cise

6:30 PM Board ofDirectors meeting

13

5:30 PM I ni C


5:15 PM Jazzer-cise

6:30 PM Bruchasand Bagels

7:30 PM FridayNight Chai Shab-bat service

15



3:00 PM I ni C


5:15 PM AAmeeting

5:15 PM Jazzer-cise

7:00 PM RabbiSearch Committeemeeting


5:15 PM Jazzer-cise



10:00 AM Mid-way Shelter Cook-ing

5:15 PM Jazzer-cise

6:30 PM Educa-tion committeemeeting

7:00 PM Biblical

20Tu B’Shevat

5:30 PM I ni C


5:15 PM Jazzer-cise

6:15 PM Tot Shab-bat

7:30 PM Shabbatevening service

22

239:00 AM Chefs’Series



3:00 PM I ni C


5:15 PM AAmeeting

5:15 PM Jazzer-cise


5:15 PM Jazzer-cise

8:00 PM Bandr e h e a r s a lw/dancing


5:15 PM Jazzer-cise

7:00 PM BiblicalHebrew class

27

5:30 PM I ni C


5:15 PM Jazzer-cise

7:30 PM Shabbatevening servicewith Torah reading

29

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNES-DAY

THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

309:00 AM Chefs’Series


9:30 AM Minyan &Bagel Breakfast

10:15 AM ReligiousSchool

3:00 PM I ni C


5:15 PM AAmeeting

5:15 PM Jazzer-cise


If you’re a regular reader of Moshe’s List – Temple Israel’s Volunteer Clearinghouse – which is e-mailedto members each week, you have probably noticed that there is a plethora of volunteer opportunities available.We have tried to break down tasks into short-term and one-shot stints. Hopefully every member will findsomething they can do to help our Temple.

Here is a sampling of current volunteer needs we’ve been publicizing on Moshe’s List:

SEEKING:

ONEG SHABBAT HOSTS – Can you host a Friday night Oneg Shabbat? Complete directions about how toset it up and what to bring. Reserve a date to host by contacting C.J. Kingsley [email protected]

RIDES AND ESCORTS TO TEMPLE – Can you occasionally offer a ride to services to someone who doesnot drive? Could you provide a walking escort for Waters Edge Residents to come to temple events some-times? Please e-mail the office so they can add you to the list of people who can offer to do this mitzvah oncein awhile. Contact [email protected]

MANY WAYS, LARGE AND SMALL, TO HELP OUR TEMPLE

BRUCHAS AND BAGELS IS BACK

Our monthly pre-service gathering, Bruchas & Bagels, takes place the 2nd Friday of the month, at 6:30 p.m.,in the Social Hall, prior to that evening's Shabbat service. This is a casual way to come together to do the can-dle, wine and challah blessings (aka "Bruchas") while noshing on bagels and meeting your fellow congre-gants. So the right amount of fresh bagels and challah are ordered, please e-mail member Mel Waldorf [email protected] or call the Temple office with your RSVP.


TEMPLE ISRAEL 5th – 7thth

GRADE YOUTH GROUP GOES

BOWLING

On Sunday afternoon, November 14, the Temple Israel5th, 6th and 7th Grade Youth Group went to Mel’s Bowlfor an afternoon of bowling. We had 3 bowlers join in.The all-star bowlers included Maya Berkowitz, JackieCulajay and Sam Skinner.

After a picnic in Leydecker Park directly following reli-gious school, we went to Mel’s Bowl for some seriousfun. The competition was fierce, and while none of thebowlers broke 100, they were very evenly matchedthroughout. Each one of them got a spare during the af-ternoon, and Sam got a strike.

After the bowling, we went to get ice cream at Loard’s atSouth Shore. It’s hard to tell which was the more seriousendeavor, bowling or ice cream, but it’s evident we allhad a good time.

There are no events planned for December, as there isalready enough going on. The next event planned is asleepover at the Temple in January. More informationis forthcoming, but this will be an event where we willneed some parent involvement to make breakfast for thekids and at least one to sleep over with the kids and me.

We will be going to the Alameda Food Bank on the firstSaturday of every month, no matter what else we haveplanned.

Remember, any time a parent helps out with a youthgroup event, any additional children in that family arewelcome to join in the event.

For more information, call Skip Soskin at 510-521-9651.

Support OurFundraiser!

Last Chance to Buy Your2011 Chinook Book

Chinook Book is filled with discounts at lo-cal, sustainable businesses that promote

healthy living in our community. Containsover $120 in Alameda coupons alone, plus

150 grocery coupons and discounts to manylocal attractions and home improvement

businesses.It’s worth the price! See how fast you get

your $20 back.

Our sale ends on December 15. Buy yourcopy in the temple office, at our gift card

selling table on Sundays or through anotherarrangement.

For more information, contact KimberleeMacVicar at [email protected] or 510-299-0450. Price is $20 and the temple keeps$10 to support our school and ritual needs.

Thank you for your support!


Big Band Concert/Dance

in Alameda Every Last Wednesday of theMonth

Come and listen/dance to Dave’s Swingtime Big Band playing the hits from the 30’s to the

60’s. 18 piece big band plus a female vocalist performs east and west coast swing, rum-

bas, waltzes, cha chas, tangos, night club two-step and a few surprises!

Every last Wednesday of the Month

8:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Temple Israel 3183 Mecartney Road

$5.00 donation

For further details call Dave at 510-521-1349 or

Email: [email protected]

THE MIDWAY SHELTER

COOKING PROJECTThe Women of Temple Israel are proud to have beenpreparing dinner once a month for the residents of theMidway Shelter for the past several years. Many reli-gious and community organizations in Alameda takepart in this activity, so that the women and children whoare putting their lives back together at the Shelter get anourishing, healthy dinner each day.

In November, Bev Blatt, Nancy Freed, Mary Gold, andAlison Harris prepared and delivered chicken taginewith couscous (leftover from the Cookbook launch din-ner), zucchini and carrots, chocolate chip bars, andjuice. We always have a good time visiting with eachother and catching up on each others’ lives while wecook! And, as Mary Gold frequently says, “Manyhands make work light”!

We cook on the third Wednesday of each month. Fouror five volunteers are needed, and if you’d like to help,please contact Alison Harris at 521-3375 or [email protected].


CONTRIBUTIONS

Temple Israel has recently hired a new bookkeeper. Because she has to review all the Temple financial records, she hasnot yet been able to compile a list of donations for printing in the Bulletin. Your donations will be acknowledged in theDecember or January Bulletin. Thank you for your patience.

A MESSAGE FROM THE TEMPLE ISRAEL OF ALAMEDA FOUNDATION

The Temple Israel Legacy Plaque will be updated before the Member Recognition Tea December 18. If you have addedTemple Israel of Alameda Foundation to your estate plan and your name is not currently on the plaque, please notifyBeverly Blatt . If you were thinking about doing it, you still have time before the plaque goes to the engraver in Decem-ber.

If you need information about the Foundation, please go to the Foundation section of the Temple websitewww.templeisraelalameda.org/support/foundation. There you can find more on the history of the Foundation, its annualgifts to the Temple, and information on estate planning strategies. We urge everyone to consider leaving 1% of theirestates to the Foundation to insure the future of the Temple in Alameda. If you have any questions, please contact Bev-erly Blatt.

MANY THANKS FROM THE HOLIDAY EXPO COMMITTEE!

Thank you to the following members that volunteered in one capacity or another at our November 14th Holiday Expo:

Michael Berkowitz, Bev Blatt, Ronnie Blumenthal, Lois Blumsack, Carol Brasel, Jennifer Bregman-Forshaw, Jean-Pierre & Sam Chelouche, Eric Cohen, Josh Cohen, Ritz Cohen, Steve & Sheila Corman, Nancy Freed, Gretel Gates,Mary Gold, David Graber, Alison Harris, Lauren Helfand, Jerri & Robert Kaplan, Dan Kapler, CJ Kingsley, Rich Klein-man, Elaine Kofman, Reva Kopel, Silvia Grassetti-Kruglikov, Daniel & Laura Levy, Jessica Lindsey, Myra Lander,Myra Litvak, Kimberlee MacVicar, Karyn Ogorzalek, Kathy & Elliott Paget, Carol, Peter & Ben Parker, Mallory Penny,Melissa Raber (with Bella!), Jerry & Nati Rabinowitz, Mike & Betty Riback, Suzi Scher, Pauline Schindler, BarbaraStahl, Patti Stein, Eric Strimling, Jen Whatley, and Wayne & Felice Zensius.

Collectively, these members donated baked goods for our bake sale, helped decorate and package these treats the nightbefore, set up and cleaned-up the room, displayed our banners, posted/distributed fliers throughout the community, han-dled our PR, displayed and took down day-of-event signage around town, coordinated the door prize raffle and distribu-tion, were vendors, arranged for Alameda Food Bank barrels to be delivered and picked-up, worked in the cafe, did ourcafe shopping, brought clothing racks so we could display our t-shirts, roasted coffee for us to sell, donated extra tablesfor vendors, staffed the welcoming table, staffed our selling table, staffed the bake sale table, and more this author proba-bly didn't catch. Phew! Let's hope we didn't forget anyone. Our apologies if we did.

A special Thank You to the members of our Expo Planning Committee for their extra hours and hours of work puttingall this together: Ronnie Blumenthal, Sam Chelouche, Kimberlee MacVicar, Carol Parker, Suzi Scher and Jen Whatley.

Although we didn't capture all of your names, we'd like to give an additional thank you to all the bakers, shoppers andfood bank donors. You really played an important role in supporting our local economy and raising our visibility in Ala-meda.

Thank you.


YAHRZEITS

December 3Morris Hellman 11/27Fern Sockol 11/27William Blumenstein 11/28David Zolot 11/28Samuel Fuhr 11/30 Kislev 23Merritt Rowland 11/30Marilyn Blaushild 12/1 Kislev 24Kathleen Blumberg 12/1Martin Hoffman 12/1Hal Stehman 12/2Rose Golbert 12/3 Kislev 26Betty Harris 12/3Carl Mandeltort 12/3December 10Benjamin Crosby 12/4Fannie Pels 12/4Sophie Zolot 12/4Sarose Birenbaum 12/5 Kislev 28Annette Carlow 12/5Freida Cohen 12/5Laurette Patchefsky 12/5Robert DeHaan 12/6Evelyn Gavrich 12/6 Kislev 29Billee W. Hardy 12/6Simeon Mack 12/6 Kislev 29Joseph Nebel 12/6 Kislev 29Susan Ackiron 12/7 Kislev 30Louis Zupan 12/7Sheryl Churchwell 12/8Mary Nagel 12/8 Tevet 1Joseph Chadow 12/9Lynn Zucker 12/9 Tevet 2James A. Rollins 12/10December 17Maxwell Ellick 12/11Murray L. Friedling 12/11Benjamin D. Glazer 12/13 Tevet 6Milton Adler 12/14Morris Brown 12/14 Tevet 7Hanah Finberg 12/14Max Kobran 12/15Martin Rabinovitz 12/15David Garfinkle1 12/16Pauline Kusiel 12/16John Parker 12/16Eva Barlas Wendell 12/16Irene Wolensky 12/16 Tevet 9Alice R. Behrstock 12/17Louis Pels 12/17

December 24Evelyn Mandelbaum 12/18George Garmo 12/19 Tevet 12Phillip Silver 12/19Bessie Steinberg 12/19Rheta Moise 12/20 Tevet 13Karen Jenkins 12/21Herman Cohen 12/22Morris Weiss 12/22 Tevet 15Fred Marquez 12/23December 31Mollie G. Levine 12/25 Tevet 18Joseph Gurski 12/26Robert Miller 12/26 Tevet 19Manuel Padway 12/26Leah Wolfe 12/26 Tevet 19Esther Cohen 12/27Charles Gluck 12/27Edward Gershanov 12/28George Litvack 12/28 Tevet 21Alice Gluckman 12/29 Tevet 22Bessie Kutin 12/29 Tevet 22Jack Lander 12/29 Tevet 22Doris Wolf 12/29 Tevet 22Betty McIntosh 12/30Arthur Mihalovich 12/30Michelena Quaccia 12/30Sanford Harris 12/31Lyndon Peterson 12/31Albert C. Ricksecker 12/31


CELEBRATIONS

BIRTHDAYS

ANNIVERSARIES

David & Melodie Graber December 7 14thMikhail & Svetlana Partsuf December 7 13th

Steve & Marlene Kofman December 22 19thBeverly Blatt & Dave Filipek December 28 23rd

Elise Goldwasser December 1 1stPeter Burrows December 2Patti Stein December 2Annalise Burrows December 4 7thEvan Ackiron December 5Anna Elefant December 5Haley Cohn December 6 8thScott Benson December 7C. J. Kingsley December 8Julie Fertig December 10 27thTerri Lutz December 10Miles Adler December 11Marcy Carnerie December 11Michael Waldman December 12 10thJoyce Saad December 14Skip Soskin December 14Tom Miller December 16Larry Sussman December 16Andre Kruglikov December 17Alexandra Cohn December 23Laura Levy December 23Sonya Lustig December 23 11thCarrie Green-Zinn December 24

Jenna Kupa December 24 12thKatie Mandell December 24 17thNatividad Rabinovitz December 24Charles Rafalaf December 24Robyn Young December 24Jeffrey Heyman December 26Wayne Zensius December 27Jennifer Rendel December 28 22ndSteven Magidson December 29



The Temple Israel Bulletin is a monthly periodical.Deadline for articles is the 10th of the month for the fol-lowing month’s issue. Comments can be directed to theTemple office: 3183 Mecartney Rd., Alameda, CA94502-6912, Phone 510-522-9355, Fax 510-522-9356,email: [email protected].

RABBI: Allen B. Bennett,

[email protected]

DIRECTOR OF CONGREGATIONAL LEARNING:

Mindy Myers

[email protected]

ADMINISTRATOR:

[email protected]

PRESIDENT: Cindy Berk

[email protected]

The TI Times is a weekly email publication sent to theTemple Israel membership with email addresses. If youwould like to receive the TI Times please contact the Tem-ple office at: [email protected]

OFFICE HOURSRabbi Allen B. Bennett is generally in the office:

10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays,

9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays,

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Fridays,

and Sundays during Hebrew and ReligiousSchool hours.

The office is open from 9:00—Noon on Monday and Tues-day and 9:00 AM– 12:00 PM Thursday through Friday.

Because the Rabbi may be involved in meetings, other ap-pointments, tutoring students, etc., during the times he is inthe building, it is best to make an appointment before com-ing in.

YOUR TEMPLE ISRAEL BOARDOF DIRECTORS

President - Cindy BerkTreasurer—Jacob Lustig

Secretary—Beth Magidson

Fundraising— Kimberlee MacVicar & Jen Whatley

Personnel—Betty Riback

Public Information- Carol Parker

Operations – Eric StrimlingDirectors at Large - Mike Riback, Suzi Scher, CharleyWeiland


UPCOMING ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

COMMUNITY CHANUKKAH CELEBRATIONDec. 3, 6:30 PM: Bring your chanukkiot and 3 + 1candles to light in the sanctuary. See page 1 for more information.Please note this is an early service!

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL CHANUKKAH CELEBRATIONDec. 5, 10:15—12:15: Religious School celebrates Chanukkah with games, entertainment, latkes, & sufganiyot!Dec. 5, 12:30—1:30 PM: Chanukkah craft fair featuring children’s handcrafts.

JEWISH FILM SERIESDec. 11, 7:00 PM: “Secret Lives: Hidden Children & Their Rescuers” - see page 8 for information.

TOT SHABBATDec. 17, 6:30 PM: A short service for young children. See page 9.

90th ANNIVERSARY TEADec. 18, 3:00 PM: Join us at a tea honoring our long-time members. See page 7 for more information.

MINYAN AND BAGEL BREAKFASTDec. 26, 9:30 AM: Join us for davenning followed by a delicious bagel brunch

BIG BAND NIGHTDec. 29, 8:00 PM: Dance to the Big Band sound of Dave Altschuler’s Swingtime Band. A $5.00 donation at the dooris requested. See page 14 for information.

GIFT CARDSSales Table open during all Temple Israel committee meetings and during Religious School!

temple israel bulletin-december 2010

Documents

chanukkah shabbat service

temple israel bulletinfrom

temple israel community

happy chanukkah

temple precincts

new temple israel cookbookpage

jewish gloss

day celebration of chanukkah