Connections Temple Emanu-El Tammuz-Av • V. 80 No. 9 August 2016 August Service Schedule Friday, August 5 6:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat Patio Service Friday, August 12 6:30 PM Sisterhood Shabbat 7:30 PM Potluck Dinner and Discussion Friday, August 19 6:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat Patio Service Friday, August 26 6:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat Patio Service Saturday, August 27 9:00 AM Shabbat Morning Minyan 10:30 AM Bar Mitzvah of David Zis 6:30 PM Neighborhood Havdalah Connect with us! 1010 University Ave. San Jose, CA 95126 408-292-0939 facebook.com/templesanjose twitter.com/templesanjose [email protected]www.templesanjose.org Back Row: David Heiman (Treasurer), Bob Hansen (Trustee), David Wiesner (Brotherhood President), Melenie Pearson (Sisterhood President), Rabbi Dana Magat, Andrew Weinberg (President), Eric Snider (Trustee), Larry Fox (Trustee), Debbie Michels (VP Membership) Front Row: Edgardo Laber (Secretary), Stephanie Pollock (Executive Director), Deborah Zimmer (Trustee), Maggie Cant (Trustee), Annette Ladowitz (Trustee), Robin Feinman-Marino (Trustee), Fagie Rosen (Trustee), Alissa Meltzer (VP Education & Youth) Not Pictured: Jeremy Dowrkin (EESY Co-President), Erin Healey (EESY Co-President), Ilene Tucker (VP Administration), Dana Brody-Brown (Trustee), Enrique Guadiamos (Trustee), Kim Jackman (Trustee), Denise Moreno (Trustee), Greg Turetzky (Trustee) Meet Our Newly Elected 2016-2017 Board of Trustees. Growing Our Future
Transcript
ConnectionsTemple Emanu-El
Tammuz-Av • V. 80 No. 9 August 2016
August Service Schedule
Friday, August 5 6:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat Patio Service
Friday, August 12 6:30 PM Sisterhood Shabbat7:30 PM Potluck Dinner and Discussion
Friday, August 19 6:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat Patio Service
Friday, August 26 6:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat Patio Service
Saturday, August 27 9:00 AM Shabbat Morning Minyan10:30 AM Bar Mitzvah of David Zis6:30 PM Neighborhood Havdalah
Back Row: David Heiman (Treasurer), Bob Hansen (Trustee), David Wiesner (Brotherhood President), Melenie Pearson (Sisterhood President),Rabbi Dana Magat, Andrew Weinberg (President), Eric Snider (Trustee), Larry Fox (Trustee), Debbie Michels (VP Membership)
Not Pictured: Jeremy Dowrkin (EESY Co-President), Erin Healey (EESY Co-President), Ilene Tucker (VP Administration), Dana Brody-Brown(Trustee), Enrique Guadiamos (Trustee), Kim Jackman (Trustee), Denise Moreno (Trustee), Greg Turetzky (Trustee)
Meet Our Newly Elected 2016-2017 Board of Trustees.
Growing Our Future
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From the PresidentSo we’re in the throes ofsummer now (you’rereading this in early Augand I of course wrote it inearly July…) and what agreat time of year. Wewon’t likely see a drop ofanything but sunshine forthe next 2-3 months. Isn’tCalifornia great? At the
Temple we also feel that glow as our Friday eveningservices move outside to the patio, surrounded by lushtrees and foliage. What a nice tradition there – I’m glad wedo it. For me, in this area, summer also has some verylong-term memories, far, far back, longbefore I even knew Temple Emanu-El in SanJose existed, and even before I moved herein the early 80’s to start my career. Thosememories actually stretch up into the hills ofSaratoga – that’s right, to the original CampSwig. For more years than I can remember, Icame to Camp Swig as a camper to thevarious sessions. The names are a littlefuzzy – Macabiah, Kallah, and even (the then new) Kibbutzsessions where we actually slept in tents and milked cows,etc.,. That was something this boy from San Francisconever did before – milk came in a bottle (delivered by themilkman to the door – and boy did my mother get mad ifeither my sister or I dropped and broke one of thosebottles), and then it came in those space-age cardboardcartons. But at Camp Swig I was a Kibbutznik, squeezingmilk out of the real animal, right into a bucket – andmaking sure she (the cow) didn’t kick the bucket over…
Looking back now, so many years later, I realize that myparents put a very large emphasis on Jewish summercamp for their children. Knowing our family history of beingfrom Europe before and during WW2 and losing so much,it probably isn’t surprising. Just like being members of atemple, (my guess is) this was another way to keep ourJewish identities prominent for us. We weren’t wealthygrowing up, but my mom and dad seemed to be sure thatJewish summer camp was where we kids should be goingin the summer. And my mother, who was a doctor at theSan Francisco State University Health Center for manyyears, figured out how to get us into Jewish summer camp,long before there were substantial camperships andstipends to help with the cost. How did she do it?? Simple – she bartered for it. What maladies happen tocampers invariably during the course of summer vacation?
Skinned knees, cuts, colds and sniffles and those othercritical medical ailments. That’s right – during her summersoff from SF State, she volunteered to be the camp doctorin exchange (essentially) for camperships for my sister andme. It was quite a system she had worked out for thewhole family. My mother, sister, and I would all head downto Camp Swig, my mother staying in the infirmary, and mysister and I going to our sessions/cabins. My father wouldstay home for work during the weekdays and then comedown (bringing our dogs with him, BTW) on weekends.This was the modus operandi for us at Camp Swig overthe years. But don’t think it was all drudgery and sacrificefor my mother. She figured out quickly how nice it was tohang out at the camp pool, with her medical bag, get a tan,
and just read or chat. The inside joke amongthe staff was that if a camper neededmedical attention, the place to go was to thepool area (where the doctor was) and not theinfirmary (where the doctor wasn’t…. )
And it wasn’t just Camp Swig for us – asother Jewish summer camps came on line,we looked into them as well. We spent 2consecutive summers (at a then very rustic,
probably better described as very rough) Camp Tawongain the Sierras and another year at the conservative CampArazim (at the old Camp Kenolyn in the Santa Cruzmountains – we only did that 1 year – I couldn’t keep myyarmulke on...). But looking back, it is clear that the Jewishsummer camp experience was what stuck with me. Yearslater, coming to Temple Emanu-El in San Jose, I wassurrounded by Camp Swig alumni, all reminiscing ourtimes there and about the people we knew (especiallywhere they are now – Facebook helps a lot there…) – it’slike connecting (almost) with old friends. We all seem tohave had the same experiences, just not necessarily at thesame time…
Now, as a parent of a camp-age daughter, there’s noquestion in my mind that Jewish camp would be a goodexperience for her. And I’m very happy that our ReligiousSchool curriculum this year (including her class) willincorporate a Jewish camp experience (at Camp Newman),which will be a great introduction for those who havenever been. I’m sure that like me, once they all get a tasteof what it’s like, they’ll want to return, year after year,making new friends, having meaningful Jewish experi -ences, and expanding their Jewish identity…And maybeeven writing about it in their Temple bulletin years later.
Andrew Weinberg
…looking back, it is clearthat the Jewish summercamp experience waswhat stuck with me.
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Modern Hebrew—alanguage, in comparisonto English, in its infancy—offers a fair amount ofinteresting linguisticpeculiarities. I’m thinkingspecifically of the phrasebaruch haba. In modernHebrew, baruch habameans welcome. Butliterally, word for word, itmeans “blessed is hewho comes.”
We use this phrase at both weddings and baby namings.The full phrase is Baruch haba b’shem Adonai, or “blessedis he who comes in the name of God.” Essentially, whenwe use this phrase, we are inviting the Divine Presence tocome with us. And particularly, when we use this phrasefor baby namings and weddings, we are asking God tocome with us as we enter that very special sacredmoment. We certainly seek God’s presence in our homes,in nature, and in the synagogue, but we crave God as weenter new phases in our lives. We need God’s presencewhen we bring a new child into the world and that child
begins his or her life journey. We need God’s presencewhen we begin the new stage of life with marriage.
As Jews who, as a people, have called many differentplaces home over our vast history, we recognize that oftentime can be more sacred than any location. DebbieFriedman wrote a wonderful piece using this text (in thefeminine plural), called B’ruchot Haba’ot.
B’ruchot hab’ot tachat kanfei haSh’chinahB’ruchim haba’im tachat kanfei haSh’chinahMay you be blessed beneath the wings of Sh’chinahBe blessed with love, be blessed with peace.
That Sh’chinah is the feminine aspect of God, and weoften hear about “the wings of Sh’chinah.” It is not difficultimagery, but is none the less beautiful. To be protected byGod’s vast wingspan just as a mother protects her young isa comforting and reassuring feeling. Beyond the protectionthat those wings can offer—wings allow movement fromplace to place, or from one phase of life to another.
I love this text and this music particularly at this moment, asyou welcome me to Temple Emanu-El and San Jose. I praythat God’s presence may be with me as I enter yourcommunity, helping me to bring my best self to thecongregation. I pray, too, that I may continue to help youconnect with the Divine as both Rabbi Magat andRabbi/Cantor Simerly have already done so beautifully.
You have made me feel blessed to come here to TempleEmanu-El, and it is my hope that this is just the beginningof a long-lasting, strong partnership between each of us,and especially between the People of Israel and theDivine. B’ruchim haba’im b’shem Adonai… Blessed are weall who come in the name of Adonai.
L’shalom, Cantor Amanda
Cantor Notes Dear Temple Staff, Board of Trustees, Sisterhood, andBrotherhood,
Ted and I would like to thank you for your generousgift baskets upon our arrival to San Jose. We feel sowelcomed and are thrilled to be here with you atTemple Emanu-El. Your kindness is certainlyappreciated as we move through this transitional phase.We are looking forward to getting to know each of you!
With much gratitude,Cantor Amanda Winter
The Temple Emanu-El booth at the Silicon Valley JewishMusic Festival was a big hit! We were thrilled to see
everyone who came out on such a hot day to supportTemple Emanu-El.
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Religious School“Blast the shofar...strum the strings...toot the flutes...clang the cymbals...beat the drums...” (Psalm 150)
Happy summer to everyone. Thecalendar has turned to August andmuch has taken place since the end ofReligious School in May. Rabbi Magat,Cantor Amanda, and I have all returnedfrom our summerfaculty time at URJCamp Newman, and Iam using this month togear up for the schoolyear to come. As Ihave now completedmy first year at TempleEmanu-El, I was able to see the qualityof the program that I inherited. What isbeing planned for this coming year willraise the bar and take our top notchschool to a new level:
� A combined curriculum forHebrew and Judaic Studies – no separate times for Hebrewand Judaic Studies.
� New school hours for Sundayclasses (10:00 AM-12:30 PM).
� A partnership between URJCamp Newman and TempleEmanu-El whereby all 3rd-5th
graders will be attending theWinter Kallah retreat onDecember 9-11, 2016.
� A new Shabbaton program for K-2 families (date TBD).
� Working on integrating moreAdult Education opportunities onSunday mornings.
� A rejuvenated, revamped teenprogram entitled Beit No’ar,which replaces TJS.
These are just a few of the excitingelements that make Temple Emanu-El’sReligious School fresh and edgy. Muchof what you see on this list has comefrom discussions during our Education
CommitteeMeetings. I neverrest on the laurelsof pastaccomplishmentsbecause out ofevery greataccomplishment
comes new understanding of howsuccess came about. It is theselearning opportunities, coupled withTemple Emanu-El’s strong commitmentto provide quality Jewish education,which drives me to harness the bestfrom each moment. Also, thediscussions I have had with many ofyou, along with my own evaluation andobservations, lead to new ideas andnew ways of thinking about structureand content of the Religious Schoolprogram. Innovation remains foremostin the minds of our EducationCommittee and me as we prepare forour fall academic year. With innovationcomes change.
As of print of this article, our teachingstaff is not yet complete. I can guaran -tee, though, that everyone who will beteaching at Temple Emanu-El will becommitted to making the exper ienceof every student their priority, andmaking that experience worth the timeand effort it takes to travel to 1010University Ave. each week. You, theparents of Temple Emanu-El, are ourpartners in creating an atmosphere
where Jewish Education is a priority –you get your children and teens here,we do the rest. Please register forReligious School and Beit No’ar if you have yet to do so atwww.templesanjose.org.
Please keep in mind the following keydates:
• Hebrew Boot Camp is slated forThursday August 11, FridayAugust 12, Tuesday August 16 and Wednesday August 17, from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM. More info should have alreadyarrived via e-mail. Any questions,please contact [email protected].
• First day of class for ReligiousSchool and Beit No’ar is Sunday,September 11, 2016. There willalso be a parent orientation thatmorning, along with a specialpancake breakfast before schooland a BBQ lunch after, hosted bythe Brotherhood of TEE.
• First mid-week class for Religious School and Beit No’ar isWednesday, September 14, 2016.
• The Beit No’ar/NFTY retreat at Camp Newman is September 23-25, 2016.
• The 3rd-5th Grade Winter Kallahretreat weekend at Camp Newmanis December 9 - 11, 2016.
Enjoy an awesome rest of thesummer!! If you want to drop by andtalk, my door is always open.
Phil Hankin
These are just a few of theexciting elements that makeTemple Emanu-El’s ReligiousSchool fresh and edgy.
EESY Senior Youth Group (9th – 12th Grades)
Temple Emanu-El Senior Youth group offers an opportunity for 9th-12th grade students of TempleEmanu-El to come together for social, ritual, and community service activities. With a full slate ofactivities organized by an active Youth-led board, teens stay connected and make friends whilegaining leadership skills. For more information, contact: [email protected].
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PreschoolSummer time in thepreschool is always anadventure! This year we
learned about what is under the sea,camping, pirates and of course exploredstory books. This summer we also renovatedour garden and transformed it into JuJu'sGarden. We also made many new friends,said goodbye to old friends and focused ondeveloping friendships. We are all excited forthe new school year and we are especiallyexcited to get to know Cantor Amanda. Greatthings are ahead of us and we look forwardto another grand adventure!! Enjoy a fewpictures of our world.
Barbara Smead
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David Zis, son of Ann andKevin Zis, will be called tothe Torah on August 27,2016. David looks forwardto sharing this specialoccasion with hisgrandparents, family, andfriends (and appreciateseveryone is coming fromnear and far to be therewith him).
Since a young age, Davidexhibited signs of a strongmoral compass anddemonstrated an
unwavering sense of justice. His deepest passion is a love foranimals, especially a sensitivity towards protectingendangered species and keeping others off the threatenedlist. His mitzvah projects include animal awareness,volunteering at animal adoption events, and earning money todonate to various animal conservation funds.
We are so proud, and recognize his hard work and dedicationto make this day happen. Mazel Tov David!
Bar MitzvaheScrip is Awesomein August!Earn contributions while dining this
summer. Two newer local San Joserestaurants are Buckhorn Grill in
Oakridge Mall and Pearl River Restaurant on LincolnAve. Some favorites are Black Angus Steakhouse,Buca di Beppo, Una Mas Mexican Grill, Sushi Expoand Mountain Mike’s Pizza. Remember to use yourregistered eScrip credit/debit cards.
eScrip is an easy, profitable, no-cost-to-you programthat gives us back a percentage of your purchases.Lunardi’s is my grocer of choice, having threemarkets in San Jose. Lucky is new to eScrip. Theyno longer have the Shares program. However, go towww.eScrip.com/shares, and follow the prompts.
Macy’s and many stores and companies, evenAmazon and Nordstrom are at the Online Mallwhere shopping will earn Temple eScrip credit. Visitwww.escrip.com and away you go!
Not yet one of our 303supporters? Temple’s ID#is 136985180. Go to the home page and followthe prompts to register your credit/debit/ cards.
Lorie Kaplan | eScrip coordinator408.267.4563
If you are new to Temple Emanu-El, BrotherhoodMembership is easy and the first year is free. If you’vebeen a member of the Congregation for a while, whyhaven’t you joined already? Membership in Brotherhood isa mitzvah or at least it is a way to do Mitzvot.
Join us at one of our monthly meetings, on the secondSunday of each month, 9:00 AM in the Temple YouthLounge. If you attend Friday night services, Mort willremind you. Once or twice a year Brotherhood participatesin a Friday night service and Oneg Shabbat. We have ourown band, how cool is that? I’ve done some research onother reform congregations across the country and only afew have a group as enthusiastic and active as ours. OK,there is this one temple in Atlanta but they have 300Brotherhood members!
What are the mitzvot? These may not be specificallyincluded in the 613 found in the Torah, but they are
important to us. Brotherhood members help set up theBimah for High Holiday services, we host the back toschool BBQ, we sponsor and staff Temple events thatalways include excellent food, drink, and friendship. Wefeed and support the Temple youth with pancakes on thefirst day of school and latkes at Hannukah. We have afledgling softball league and we compete against the ShirHadash Brotherhood in bocce ball.
Over the summer the Brotherhood board (a loose termmeaning anyone who would care to join us) has beenmeeting to work on the budget and to plan the upcomingyear. Shortly we will kick off our membership drivecontacting all potential members. Our first official meetingof the year will be September 11. Have a great summer andJoin us at 9:00 am in the Youth Lounge for lox and bagels.
Steve Wernick
Brotherhood
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New items from Israel!Four Sisterhood members connected with the Gift Shop were on the Israeltrip and we brought back new items: Tallitot, Kiddush cups, Jewelry andArtwork, to name a few. If you haven’t already, come by the shop andcheck them out!
Also remember that the Gift Shop can sell items on consignment and weare always looking for friendly volunteers to work in the shop!
Please contact Lynda Chase (408) 505-7498 or [email protected] with the subject line: Gift Shop.
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Sisterhood | Please join us this summer for some Sisterhood events!
Sisterhood Upcoming Events8/12 Sisterhood Shabbat
6:30 PM
8/14 Sisterhood PotluckMeeting1:00 PM
8/20 Sisterhood Game Night6:30 PM BFR
8/28 Sisterhood Supper Club6:00 PM
Summer services continue on theTemple patio and August 12 is thedate for the Sisterhood ShabbatService. If you would like to participatein the service, please contact CarolLerner by August 4 at 408-249-5445or [email protected] members who attend areencouraged to bring a contribution tothe Oneg. There is also a PotluckDinner and Discussion after theservice.
Sisterhood Potluck meeting will beheld on August 14 at 1:00 PM in theBFR.
There is an opportunity for fun at ourSisterhood Game Night on August 20at 6:30 PM in the BFR.
The last Sunday of the month brings achance to dine with friends at theSisterhood Supper Club, August 28 at6:00 PM at Pacific Catch in thePruneyard.
If you are a woman looking for a wayto become involved in the TempleEmanu El community, feel free tocontact me. We would love to get toknow you and spend some timetogether.
Best regards, Melenie PearsonSisterhood President | 408.506.7253
On July 15, Temple Emanu-El celebrated Shabbat with URJ Camp Newman inSanta Rosa. It was wonderful to have members of our clergy, staff, andcongregation there!
Do you have difficulty hearing the services in the Sanctuary?If so, please inform a service usher, service greeter, or a custodian and theywill gladly provide you with a listening device that will amplify the sound.
We were thrilled to see ourmembers recognized at the JewishFamily Services 2016 AnnualMeeting. Deborah Zimmer, KenAbrams, Lisa Warner, and BarbaraBerlant. Thank you for all you do bybeing involved in the community!
Mazel Tov
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What’s Your Legacy? ENDOWMENT: What • Why • How
What: The dictionary defines endowment as an amountof money given to an institution used to pay for its creationor continuing support. For several years, Temple Emanu-Eltried to start an endowment project which met with minimalsuccess. Then, 3 years ago, a communityendowment legacy project was started.This helped to reignite the Temple’slegacy efforts. The Temple now has aviable and growing endowmentprogram underway. All you need todo is look at the endowmentplaque on the wall opposite thegift shop to see the growingsuccess of the legacy program. Thisplaque identifies members who havecommitted to the program. Manyuniversities have endowments in the billions,Harvard with 32 billion, Yale with 24 billion, andStanford with 21.5 billion. This is how those universitiescontinue to grow and prosper.
Why: In order for the Temple to continue to growsuccessfully, funds will be necessary that go beyond thosefunds provided through normal sources like dues, AMF, etc.
These can provide for the ongoing day to day operationsand repair, but cannot provide the funds necessary forextraordinary items the Temple needs to provide additionalservices and facilities.
As the Endowment Fund grows, it will bepossible for the Temple to receive periodic
distributions from the monies underinvestment. These funds, with the
board’s approval, can be used toprovide facilities and services nototherwise available.
On a personal note, until recently,participating in an endowment
program never occurred to Arlene (mywife) or me. Up to the age of about 55 I
considered myself indestructible. But, realityset it. With that reality came the feeling that we should
do something to make sure the Temple continued beyondour lives. Arlene and I have been members of TempleEmanu-El for 49 years. When the legacy program came intobeing, we knew that becoming legacy members was theright thing to do.
continued on page 9
High Holy Days Greetings in the October Connections
PLEASE RETURN TO THE TEMPLE OFFICE BY SEPTEMBER 9, 2016
Your name: _____________________________________________
Your name/family’s name as you would like it to appear:
Temple Emanu-El offers you a way to wishyour fellow congregants a happy, healthy andfulfilling new year by including your name inour bulletin on the Rosh Hashanah Greetingspage. Think of it as a New Year’s greetingcard to your entire Temple address book! Bymaking a minimum tax-deductible donation of$36 per family unit, you will be wishing us all anew year filled with sweetness and joy, and atthe same time, supporting your synagogue.
This year we will also be offering the chanceto wish your fellow congregants a happyPassover as well in the Passover issue ofConnections. By making a minimum tax-deductible donation of $65 per family unit,you will be wishing us all a new year filledwith sweetness and joy and a happy andhealthy Passover, while at the same time,supporting your synagogue.
How: There are many ways a family can participate in thelegacy project. Normally, an estate plan would be thevehicle for participation. I know youbelieve you don’t have an estate,but you do have some method fordistributing funds! You could specifya percentage to go to the Temple:3.5%, 10%, or you could specify adollar amount. The amount is not asimportant as the participation, thefeeling that you have done something to help ensure theTemple’s future, is the primary objective. It is also OK to
make a one-time donation if that is what you choose. Theseoptions are up to you. In fact, we don’t ask you to share thedetails of your plans. We only ask that you share with usthat you have included Temple Emanu-El in your plans. Theimportant thing is that you will be part of the process thatwill ensure that continuity of our Temple.
Steve Greenberg
In the What's Your Legacy section of Connections, we will hear from differentmembers why it was important to them to include the endowment fund in theirestate planning. The endowment fund helps ensure our Temple doors will remainopen for future generations. For more information on the L'Dor V'Dor LegacySociety or the endowment fund, please contact Stephanie Pollock [email protected] or Joe Riggio at [email protected].
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My Take on Torah | PARASHA Chukat | Numbers 19:1-22:1
This week’s portion focuses largely on death. First are themysterious laws for conducting the red heifer ritual, inwhich the ashes of a red heifer without blemish are mixedinto a potion used to ritually purify anyone who hasbecome impure through contact with a dead body. Next,the narrative of the Israelite wanderings jumps forward 38years. Miriam’s death is given a brief mention. Shortly after,the people complain that there is no water.Moses disobeys God’s command by strikinga rock instead of speaking to it. Water poursout, but God tells Moses and Aaron they willbe punished by not being allowed to enterthe Promised Land. When Aaron dies, thepeople mourn for him for 30 days. Finally,the Israelites fight several battles on theirway through the desert.
This is not the first time that Moses has losthis temper and acted rashly. Remember theEgyptian taskmaster he killed. Why thepunishment now? He has been hearing theIsraelites grumble about food, water, andeven his leader ship skills. He has survived several revoltsthat have been crushed. Through all these events, Moseshas remained a unifying presence, even in terrifyingsituations. He has been a teacher of God’scommandments to the people. He has learned to delegateresponsibility to others. Why now? He has just lost hisolder sister, who saved his life and is regarded as the onewho had ensured a continuous water supply to theIsraelites. Shouldn’t Moses get a second chance after justone sin where no one was hurt?
Certainly, leaders are fallible human beings, subject to self-doubt, frustration and grief. However, leaders are held to
higher standards than their followers. Leaders sometimesneed to put aside their personal feelings to act for thebenefit of the whole community. Moses actually sinnedtwice. First, he and Aaron demonized the people by callingthem “You rebels”. Name-calling and labeling diminish theindividual who calls the name as well as the person beinglabeled. It lumps the innocent with the guilty. Name-calling
by leaders allows all of us to separate entire groupsof people into “us” and “them”. Second, Moseshimself rebelled against God’s leadership by strikingthe rock instead of speaking to it. Aaron is also heldguilty, some commentators say, because he didn’tstop Moses from hitting the rock a second time. Themessage here is that witnesses should hold theirleaders accountable and keep them from going offthe right path.
As we start a new year as leaders of ourcongregation, let’s be mindful of the people whoseneeds we serve. Let’s listen to their suggestions andcomplaints, whether it’s the first time or the 30th timewe have heard them. Leaders can’t stop listening to
their followers; the people must know that their leadersunderstand their needs. Let’s avoid knee-jerk reactions toideas that conflict with ours. Let’s treat all congregants withrespect. Let’s see them as individuals, not as “them” or“the congregation”. Let’s uphold the standards ofleadership idealized in the Torah.
Maggie Cant
My name is Maggie Cant. I have been a member of Temple Emanu-Elfor over 30 years. I have been a member of the Board of Trustees for 6years and am Chair of the Ritual Committee. Recently I co-chaired theCantor Search Committee. I also sing in the choir and the Rock Shabbatgroup.
The amount is notas important asthe participation
What’s Your Legacy? continued from page 8
Name-calling andlabeling diminishthe individualwho calls thename as well asthe person beinglabeled. It lumpsthe innocent withthe guilty.
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Alvin Ravel Garden FundSally Ravel, in memory of Joe Rosenberg
Sally Ravel, in memory of Irving Levy
Arlene Ravel, in memory of Herbert Ravel
Arlene Ravel, get well Henry Thailer
Betty Rinsler Religious SchoolEndowment FundMort and Barbara Berlant, in honor of
Renee Jones' Adult Bat Mitzvah
Bette and Mark Emanuel, in memory ofMelvin Sommer
Leo Rinsler and Family, in memory ofMorris Jacobs
Mark Lutvak, in memory of Dorothy Davis
John and Yvonne Nemec, in memory ofAnn Nemec
Mildred Wolfson, in memory of Debbie Wolfson and Gussie Hirsch
Campership FundMira Karp, in memory of
Francheska Rubin
Cantor Discretionary FundLori Rush, in honor of Rabbi Meeka Simerly.
You have had an amazing impact on mylife, one I am eternally grateful.
Endowment FundEd and Margie Cahn, in memory of
Sherman Naymark
Robert and Ruth Fox, in memory ofSherman Naymark
Marvin and Joan Fox, in memory ofSherman Naymark
Marvin and Joan Fox, in memory ofDavid Levin
Steve and Annette Ladowitz, in memoryof Morton Ladowitz
Sydney and Peggy Levin, in memory ofSherman Naymark
Facilities for the Aged FundWanda Pollack and Family, in memory of
Bessie Pollack and Sidney Gambord
General FundRochelle Greenfield and Family and
Joseph Burman and Family, inmemory of Joe Rosenberg
Idelle Cagan, in memory of Belle Kramer,Arthur Cagan, and Herman Cagan
Ed and Margie Cahn, in memory ofMelvin Sommer
Norma Cohn, in memory of Robert Cohn
Armeda Fischer and Family, in memoryof Joe Rosenberg
Bernice Gaon, in memory of Golda Miller
Joan Green, in memory of Melvin Sommer
Helaine and Steve Green, in memory ofSherman Naymark. Our deepestsympathy and love.
Steve and Arlene Greenberg, in memoryof Sidney Greenberg
Steve and Arlene Greenberg, in memoryof David Levine
Steve and Arlene Greenberg, in memoryof Sherman Naymark
Carl and Bobbie Handen, in memory ofGolda Miller
Marc Israel
Susan Rothstein and John Koeppel, inmemory of Sherman Naymark
Ruth Krandel, in memory of Melvin Sommer
Mort and Marilyn Leiter, in memory ofRobert Leiter and Esther Weiner
Bobi and Ray Levine, in memory ofMelvin Sommer
Bobi and Ray Levine, in memory of Joe Rosenberg
Rita Loren, in memory of Joe Rosenberg
Bobbi Lotman, in memory of Melvin Sommer
Bobbi Lotman, get well Bobbi Barko
Jim and Sara McManis, in memory ofSherman Naymark
Sandra and David Monasch, in memoryof Melvin Sommer
Gary Morris, in memory of Rose Morris
Betty and Sherman Naymark, inmemory of Joe Rosenberg
Bettey Naymark, in honor of Dr. Ed Cahn's 80th birthday
Susanne and George Ramsey, inmemory of Melvin Sommer
Ethel Ress, in memory of Joe Rosenberg
Ethel Ress, in memory of Sarah Simon
Jean Richards, in memory of Martha Rachel Levine
Harriet Saltzman, in memory of Walter Saltzman
Armeda Fischer and Mitzi Sapper, inmemory of Golda Miller
Thomas Scott, in memory of Joe Rosenberg
Mark & Nikki Segall, in memory ofSherman Naymark
Sybil Sommer, get well Wayne Rose
Carol Tessler, in honor of Dr. Ed Cahn's80th birthday
Henry and Debra Watkins
Martha Weber, in memory of Sherman Naymark
Selma Zinker, in memory of Elaine Herzog and Minnie Fagen
Harold Cahn Prayerbook FundMort and Barbara Berlant, in honor of
Dr. Ed Cahn's 80th birthday
Clayton and Sandra Feldman, in honorof Dr. Ed Cahn's 80th birthday
Bobbye Gorenberg, in honor of Dr. Ed Cahn's 80th birthday
Fagie Rosen, in honor of Dr. Ed Cahn's80th birthday
Israel Scholarship FundFagie Rosen, in memory of husband,
father, and grandfather Joe Rosenberg
Judith Jurman OmensCemetery Beautification FundElaine Flynn, in memory of Lottie Berman
Marvin and Joan Fox, in memory ofJoe Rosenberg
Marvin and Joan Fox, get well Wayne Rose
Jyl and David Jurman, in memory of Joe Rosenberg
Jyl and David Jurman, in honor of Dr. Ed Cahn's 80th birthday
Arlene and Rubin Jurman, in memory ofHelen Miller
Arlene and Rubin Jurman, in memory ofJoe Rosenberg
Arlene and Rubin Jurman, get wellWayne Rose
Arlene and Rubin Jurman, in memory ofMelvin Sommer
Mort and Marilyn Leiter, in memory ofJoe Rosenberg
Edith Rosenberg and Emily & DougMckean, in memory of Sherman Naymanrk
Ethel Ress, in memory of Aaron Ress
Wayne and Iva Rose, in memory of Joe Rosenberg
Ilean Rudin, in memory of Joseph Samuel Rudin
Sybil Sommer, in memory of Joe Rosenberg
Kenneth Gordon Children'sPrayerbook FundMichelle and Chris Eaton, in memory of
Betty Gordon
Marcia and Joe Riggio, in memory ofLena Hetzer and Betty Gordon
Leonard and Bernicew GaonCampership FundMildred Wolfson, in memory of
Dora Fischer
Milton Fox Campership FundMichele and Jason Balaban, in honor of
Linda and David Mighdoll's son, Jason Mighdoll's Marriage
Phyllis Matzner CampershipFundBrenda Ledewig, in memory of
Melvin Sommer
Carol and Henry Thailer, in memory ofMelvin Sommer
Henry and Carol Thailer, in memory ofSherman Naymark
Prayerbook TributeDr. Lawrence and Ruth Ross, in memory
of our brother Gerald W. Benson
Preschool FundThe Gorenberg Family, in memory of
Vivian Martin Debenport
Rabbi Discretionary FundVillages Jewish Group, in recognition of
Rabbi Magat's leading our Fridaynight's Shabbat Service and hisexcellent presentation
Jody Myers, in honor of Rabbi Magat. In appreciation for your counseling ofAaron and Lynn, and for conductingsuch a lovely wedding.
Rita Loren and Debra Ransier, in honorof Dr. Ed Cahn's 80th birthday
Edith Rosenberg and Family
Sarah and Mark Birnbaum, in memory ofMelvin Sommer
Nancy Gerston, in memory of Sarah Gerston
continued on page 11
Thank You for Your Generous Contributions
If you would like to make a contribution, visit www.templesanjose.org
This list includes contributions made on or between 5/16/2016–7/15/2016.
11
Connections
Thank You for Your Generous Contributions | continued from page 10
Sponsor an OnegSpecial Occasions: Birthdays,Anniversaries, Graduations
Memorials: In memory of a lovedone's Yahrzeit
There are two ways to sponsor:Bring 3 platters of food OR donate,and food platters will be prepared onyour behalf.
Dana Magat, and CantorMeeka Simerly in honor of allour graduates, David & CherylHeiman in memory of DonaldHeiman, Sharon Barowsky inmemory of Murray Dwosken
June 17, 2016 | The MessingerFamily in honor of Samuel's BarMitzvah, Dr. Clayton & SandraFeldman in honor of Sandra'sbirthday, Nancy Gerston inhonor of her beloved mother,Sarah Gerston
June 24, 2016 | Sisterhood andRabbi Magat in honor ofCantor Meeka Simerly, TheCarr Family in honor of Ella'sBat Mitzvah
July 1, 2016 | Mark & LynetteTannen and Rhonda Hansenin memory of Rhonda Hansen'smother Flora Fishoff
July 8, 2016 | Fabio Marino &Robin Feinman-Marino
July 15, 2016 | Sue Shachal onthe occasion of Sue Shachal'sfather's 90th Birthday; HarrietSaltzman and Beverly & NeilMendel in memory of WalterSaltzman
July 22, 2016 | Harriet & DavidL. Reisner, Edith Pollock Kerrand Douglas Kerr in memoryof Elinore Pollock
July 29, 2016 | Dr. Allan &Judith Bernstein
Sheila Gold, in honor ofgranddaughter's birth, Aida Pauline
Mel and Helen Grant, in memory of Joe Rosenberg
Gene and Marilyn Handloff, in memoryof Melvin Sommer
Linda Hoffman, in honor of ReneeJones' Adult Bat Mitzvah. What awonderful celebration!
Lorie Kaplan, in memory of Edythe Litman
Len and Debbie Schreibstein, inappreciation to Rabbi Magat in honorof our grandchildren
Ginny and Manny Siegler, in memory ofMelvin Sommer
Ginny and Manny Siegler, in memory ofJoe Rosenberg
Ginny and Manny Siegler, in memory ofSherman Naymark
Ginny and Manny Siegler, in honor ofRubin Wargon's 95th birthday
Art and Marilyn Silver, in memory of Eva Golden, mother of Marilyn Silver
Art and Marilyn Silver, in memory ofSarah Silver, mother of Art Silver
Bernice Vitcov, in memory of Edith Nissman
Religious School FundRobbie Cohn, in memory of
Sherman Naymanrk
Marilyn and Morton Leiter, in memoryof Harry H. Leiter
Mort and Marilyn Leiter, in memory ofSherman Naymark
Mario and Catalina Schkolnick,in loving memory of Ernesto, Estherand Raul Scholnick, and Rafael,Regina, Jose, and Leon Messina
Scholar in Residence FundMichelle and Jason Balaban, in
memory of Sherman Naymark
Robert and Maggie Cant, in memory ofDora Kaisel, Stanley Kaisel, Rosie Ivy, Rose Uberman, Edward Cant
Shank-Rockman FamilySound System FundJoAnn Shank, in memory of
Helen and Bert Gates
Susanne and Maurice TuckerHigh Holy Day Music FundSteve and Rhea Carter, in memory of
Golda Miller
Steve and Rhea Carter, in celebration ofDoris Davis' birthday
Suzanne C. Blickman Artsand Crafts FundDavid Reiser, in memory of
Natalie Schmerz
Those who have died recently
Leslie Lerner, sister of Carol Lerner
Golda Miller, grandmother of Nitza Ramotand great-grandmother of Emily Mullen
Sherman Naymark, husband of BetteyNaymark
David Levine, husband of LucienneLevine
August 5 | Ruby Baker, Leonard W. Bloom,Solly Cohen, Anita Ellner, Isidor Farber, DoraFischer, Peggy Forbes, Sarah Frieberg, FredShalom Friedman, Morris Jacobs, RuevenJeffe, Max Kaufmann, Dr. Louis Lackner,Florence Marcus, Aaron Adair Markham, EdnaNovak, Jerry Prizant, Claire Rosenberg, HenryRosensweig, Jack Rotofsky, Albert Saltzman,Dr. Solomon S. Sogg, Mary Sokolov, Allen I.Stoll, Nathan Treister, Eleanor Zurakov
August 12 | Sarah Asher, Miriam Ayllon,Maurice A. (Don) Berman, Ethel Brody, MarcusBrooks, Janice Cohen, Fanny Emanuel, MimiLewis Fuller, Ben Gambord, Sam Gellman,Rabbi Joseph Gitin, Charles Goldberg, NettieGoldman, Henry Stadler Hammer, IrvingHoffman, Madeline Louise Kaufman, Daniel W.Kraus, Eva Leve, Betty Lichtenstein, Conceicao
Machado, Francisco Machado, Sumner Magat,Herbert Marchick, Sarah Richards, MorrisRinsler, George Rosen, Aaron Rosenthal, FredaSegal, Bertha Silverman, Joseph Tannenbaum,Samuel Weinstein, Jack Weintraub
August 19 | Harvey Asher, Mark Bach, EleanorBerman, Bonnie Bronstein, Ann Orloff Cahn,Shlomo Cintz, Jennie Goldberg, MurielGoldberg, Annette Goldstein, Shlomo Hertz,Ruth Jeffe, Irma Silbiger Karpel, Harry Kessler,Howard Kraten, Morris Lovy, Manjeet Makhni,Leonid Moyerman, Sadie Newman, David T.Press, Pauline Prizant, Jackie Radwin, DoraRubin, Sarah Ruby, Isadore Schreibstein, Dr.Albert Sheinbaum, Samuel B. Weinstein, GigiGreen Wicks, Jean Wiesner, Naomi Wolff
August 26 | Jay Aronson, Shirley Blauner,Mary Brenner, Belle Brown, Judith Buckser,Lillian Chermak, Morris Chusid, Nathan J.Citron, Sonia Davis, Louis Dishotsky, Eli Enten,Benjamin Fisher, Shelley Gustason Malcolm,Naji Ezra Helali, Joan Hersch, Frederic Kakis,Anne Kaplan, Pasha Land, Edythe Litman,Kathryn Loeffler, Sarah Marcus, Naomi Mayer,Joseph Pintoff, Eva Reznikov, MarvinRubenstein, Alfredo Sousa, Pauline KesslerStein, Harry Arnold Stern, Abe Taitelman, JohnWall, Benjamin Weiss
We Remember
Connections
12
Jews and Baseball
Now that both the basketball and hockeyseasons are over and I believe it is tooearly to discuss the High Holy Days, Iwill seize this opportunity to discussJews in baseball. Every Jew is probablyfamiliar with the story of how Dodgergreat Sandy Koufax refused to pitch on
Yom Kippur during the 1965 World Series.However, he was not the first to do so! In
1934, Hank Greenberg, star first baseman forthe Detroit Tigers, refused to play on this holiest
of Jewish holidays despite being involved in a pennantrace. Other notable facts are he was the first Jewishinductee in the National Hall of Fame in 1956, the firstAmerican League player to register for the first peacetimedraft, and, was the first player to win a Most Value Playeraward at two different positions (first base and left field).
Sandy Koufax became the first pitcher to win three CyYoung awards (1963, 1965 and 1966). In each of these
seasons, he also won the pitching “Triple Crown” byleading the National League in wins, strikeouts, andearned run average. Koufax was the first pitcher in MajorLeague history to throw four no-hitters, one of which wasbaseball’s eighth perfect game. He ended his career withmore strike outs than innings pitched. In 1965, he postedan astounding 382 strikeouts. Only 30 years old when heretired because of arm issues, he became the youngestplayer ever to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.
Harry Danning, an excellent hitter and an above-averagedefensive catcher with the New York Giants, was named tofour consecutive All-Star teams from 1938 to 1941. In 1939,he led all National League catchers with a .991 fieldingaverage. On September 21, 1941, Danning appeared in agame in which the lineup featured an all-time record fourJews. In addition to himself, the Giants’ starting nineincluded Harry Feldman (pitcher), Morrie Arnovich (leftfield), and Sid Gordon (center field). On June 15, 1940,Harry hit for the cycle, and he remains the last player tohave accomplished that feat by virtue of an inside-the-parkhome run.
Shawn Green had perhaps the greatest one-gameoffensive performance in Major League history on May 23,2002. Playing for the Dodgers, he went 6-for-6 with fourhomers, a double and a single for 19 total bases. On Sept.26, 2001, Green ended a consecutive-game streak at 415games by not playing on Yom Kippur, even though theDodgers were involved in a pennant race.
Barney Dreyfuss, the owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates from1899-1932, was instrumental in helping to create the WorldSeries, with the first one taking place in 1903. In 1909,Dreyfus built Forbes Field, a classic ballpark, and in thewake of the Black Sox scandal, he advocated for acommissioner to govern baseball. In 2008, he wasinducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Erskine Mayer, pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, has thedistinction of being the first Jewish pitcher to pitch in theWorld Series (1915) and win 20 games in a season (1914).He also pitched for the White Sox in the 1919 World Series,becoming the first and one of few Jewish pitchers to pitchin the Fall Classic for both leagues.
These and other interesting stories, facts, and statistics canbe found in the following websitehttp://jewishbaseballmuseum.com, which I was madeaware of by Ritual Committee Member Deborah Zimmer.
Neil W. Mendel of the Ritual Committee
� Ritual Committee �
A TASTE OF JUDAISM®
for Your Unaffiliated
Friends and FamilyEver wondered how you could invite your friends andfamily to experience a “taste” of Judaism at ourTemple without undue pressure? Now there’s ananswer! A TASTE OF JUDAISM®: Are You Curious? willbe held in our congregation this spring. The class isbeing taught by Rabbi Magat and is sponsored by theUnion for Reform. This FREE, three-session Outreachprogram is open to the unaffiliated only – Jews ornon-Jews – all are welcome (unfortunately, templemembers are not eligible to enroll). Please takeadvantage of this opportunity to reach out to yourextended family members, future in-laws, neighborsand friends and offer them a “taste” of what makesJudaism so special right here in our own community. If you have anyone that you think may benefit from A TASTE OF JUDAISM® please have them contact theA TASTE OF JUDAISM® Program Coordinator at 408-292-0939 or email at [email protected].
13
Connections
Take a look at Yavneh Day School
www.yavnehdayschool.org
Full-day kindergarten Strong academic
environmentSTEAM: interdisciplinary,
project-based workWarm, inclusive
community
Art and music in every grade
Hands-on scienceSingapore math
One-to-one laptop program in Middle
School
Hebrew languagePhysical education and
after school sportsEmphasis on social
justiceLarge choice of after school programming
Whether your child is entering kindergarten, middle school, or a grade in between, we invite you to discover the warmth and academic excellence of a Yavneh Day School education.
For more information, or to schedule a tour, please call 408-984-6700 or email [email protected].
CONNECTIONS is published 10 times a year by Temple Emanu-El, 1010 University Ave., San Jose, CA 95126.
Award/Operating and Tribute FundsGeneral FundRabbi’s Discretionary FundCantor’s Discretionary FundAlvin Ravel Garden FundBeverly Jordan Temple Beautification FundJudith Jurman Omens Cemetery
Beautification FundLou and Clara Juren Library FundRalph Goldeen Library FundEndowment Fund
Religious FundsHarold Cahn Prayerbook FundKenneth Gordon Children’s Prayerbook FundSusanne & Maurice Tucker High Holy Days
Music FundIda F. Kragen Consecration and Caring Fund
Youth FundsReligious School FundReligious School Enrichment FundBetty Rinsler Religious SchoolEndowment FundWeintraub Religious School Scholarship FundCampership FundLeonard and Bernice Gaon Campership FundMichael Elman Campership FundMilton Fox Campership FundPhyllis Matzner Campership FundIsrael Scholarship FundSusanne C. Blickman Arts and Crafts Fund
Cultural FundsChoir FundPhyllis Omel Junior Choir FundBertram Berns Music FundShank-Rockman Family Sound System FundScholar in Residence Fund
Community FundsFacilities for the Aged Fund (Chai House)JoAnne Salman-Tehrani Homeless Fund
Other Tribute Opportunities$36 - Prayerbook Tribute$218/$500/$750 - Tree of LifeLeaf/small/large rock$500 - Sanctuary Chair Plaque$750 - Memorial Plaque
Contact the Admin team for additional opportunities.
Making a contribution to one of Temple Emanu-El’s many funds is a wonderful way to honoryour friends and family. You may make contributions in honor of a birth, a birthday, brit milah,baby naming, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, confirmation, graduation, engagement, wedding, anniversary,promotion, new home, special occasion or just because. You may also make contributionsfor get-well wishes, condolences, remembrances and yahrzeits.
Non-Profit Org.US POSTAGE
PAIDPermit No. 542San Jose, CA
1010 University Ave.San Jose, CA 95126
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