January 2013

January 2013 (5773)
Mendocino Coast Jewish Community
The Jewish Center (Shul) is located at 15071 Caspar Road, Caspar CA.
The MCJC can be reached at (707) 964-6146
Mail can be sent to PO Box 291, Little River, CA 95456
website : http://www.mcjc.org email: [email protected]
PDF Version: http://www.mcjc.org/mjoldart/Megillah/MJMM0000.htm
Facebook: MCJC - Mendocino Coast Jewish Community
MCJC Kids
RABBI’S NOTES
In my first year in rabbinical school, in Jerusalem, we had a class in Rashi. May I now confess
that at that time I had never even heard of Rashi? He’s my best friend now -- I read him just
about every week (really I look at his later, cooler, more mystical successor, Ramban, even
more frequently than Rashi...) Rashi was the premier commentator on Torah, the rest of the
scriptures and the Talmud. In the eleventh century, in the Jewish backwater of southern
France, Rashi went through the sacred texts with the finest-toothed of combs, looking for
oddities, inconsistencies, mysteries of grammar and syntax. To Rashi the holy texts were
perfect, exactly as their divine author intended them to be. If something looked like a typo or a
bit of a story out of sequence or something, there had to be meaning in it. Rashi would set about to find that meaning.
The way you read Rashi is to look at his extremely terse and telescoped answers and try to determine what his question
was. My first Rashi course, believe it or not, was all in Hebrew. Our instructor would ask, a hundred times an hour, “Ma
ha-koshi???” “What’s the difficulty here?” What question was bothering Rashi that prompted this answer?
So when we see his commentary to Genesis 18:8, in which angelic visitors eat food offered to them by Abraham: “They
appeared as if they ate. From here we learn that a person should not deviate from the custom of the place in which he
finds himself,” Ma ha-koshi? What’s bothering Rashi???
I have a great new crop of bar and bat mitzvah students these days -- those little toddlers of a few years ago went and
grew up! So I am working with three students right now, delving with them into their newly-acquired Torah portions, from
which they will each be reading and teaching sometime in the year to come. I have been beginning with them by studying
some Rashi. And, just like my teacher did all those years ago, I ask them (in English in the present case!) “What is
bothering Rashi here? You can see his answer -- what is his question?” And we talk a bit about Rashi’s funny-seeming
questions, about the nature of angels and the perfection of every dot and dash of the biblical text and so on.
And then I like to ask my students to close the Torah for a minute and think about their own questions. What issues
perplex and trouble them? What do they wish they had answers to? I recently asked one student: they say that one day
Elijah the Prophet will come and solve all mysteries and answer all questions. What would you ask Elijah?
Not to quote any of my individual students -- you’ll have the pleasure of hearing their own questions and answers in the
year to come -- but I would say that their questions tend to be grounded in the overwhelming realities of our day. Why is
there so much war and violence in the world? Will we be able to avert global climate change? Why do we make so much
trash? Why are things so screwed up?
I appreciate their questions very much, and Iook forward to their answers, both in their Torah teachings and in their lives
as adults. And it’s clear to me that the questions, the difficulties, the kushiot of my students, are not the same ones that
troubled Rashi. They’re not worried about the nature of Torah text; they’re worried about the fate of the world.
Every generation has its own questions, and in every generation we turn to the tradition of our ancestors (and many other
places as well) to help us think through the issues that keep us up in the night. In 2002, also in Jerusalem, I heard the
renowned bible scholar Uriel Simon quote a talmudic aphorism: dor dor v’hata’o -- literally, “Every generation has its own
sins.” Professor Simon taught that line to mean that every generation has its own core struggles, its own defining issues - that those of earlier generations are not necessarily our own.
It has always seemed to me that the same is true of individual people -- we each have our core questions that drive us
through life. Some of us are driven by questions of meaning: “Am I here for a reason?” Others by questions of morality:
“What is fair? What is right?” Still others by questions of survival, of healing, of cosmic connection, of belonging, of
beauty. We might each be able to look back over the preoccupations of our lifetimes -- our travels
and studies and pursuits, and maybe our struggles and frustrations as well -- and see that they
have been like ongoing
commentaries by Rashi, little line-by-line answers to the large questions that drive us. “Ma hakoshi? Why did this situation bother me?” “Here’s the answer I gave in that instance. What drove
me to respond in that way?”
It seems to me that one of the premier pleasures -- and frustrations -- of human life is to be
stamped with large questions that we keep trying to answer throughout our lifetimes, sometimes
along with our whole generation or tribe or class, sometimes in the privacy of our own souls.
When people ask me about why I chose to become a rabbi, I answer more and more that I couldn’t
think of a better vocational path in which to keep company with my own questions and those of my
tribe and generation than this one.
So my dear community, you are setting me loose on another sabbatical -- three months in which to pursue some small -or maybe even middle-sized -- answers to my preoccupying questions. I can’t think of any better gift than the one you are
giving me with this opportunity. I hope to return to you in April with stories to tell, bits of truth gleaned, little insights and
stories and maybe even some connecting threads to share. I don’t know what I’ll come back to you with. But I know that I
am immensely grateful to all of you for giving me this time to ask my questions.
I’ll keep in touch with all of you via this column while I’m gone, and I may experiment with a blog or some podcasts or
some other format as well. But mostly I will look forward to coming back to you in three months, in good health and spirit,
God-willing, having done the most joyful and vexing thing a person can do, which is to ask their questions and see if some
answers come.
Meanwhile I am so grateful to all of you for being such a strong and capable community that I can leave knowing that you
will take care of each other and of our Jewish life here with skill and grace. I am especially, deeply grateful to every one of
the many of you who have volunteered to lead services and otherwise stand “in loco rabbinus” while I am away, and to our
Board, which has supported me taking this time with every possible spiritual and practical support and encouragement.
WHILE MARGARET IS AWAY
... Shabbat services and holiday celebrations will go on as always, with members of our community leading
them. The Elders’ Conversation will continue every other Tuesday with rotating facilitators. Rena Blauner will
be coordinating these meetings. Margaret’s e-mail announcement list will be passed over to Susan Tubbesing
and Mina Cohen, so occasional announcements, reminders etc. will come to your in-box from them. If people
are ill or in need of food, rides and other kinds of support, our Bikkur Holim will be available as always. Fran
Schwartz, Karen Rakofsky and Mina Cohen are the contacts there. If there are deaths in the community,
Donna Montag and Joan Katzeff will continue to be the contacts for the Hevra Kadisha and will also help to
arrange funeral services. Funeral services can be led by members of our community who are experienced with
this mitzvah or by rabbis from out of the area. Donna and Joan can help arrange all of this.
CONSTRUCTIVE CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT, PART 2
The second session of our three-part series of "constructive conversations about the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict" will be held on Sunday, Feb. 10, 3:00 -5:30 PM at the shul. This second session will look more
specifically at the dynamics within MCJC (and, to a lesser degree, within the American Jewish community) in
relating to these issues. We will continue, under the guidance of our teacher, Rabbi Dev Noily (rabbi at Kehilla
Congregation in Berkeley and long-time facilitator with the Jewish Dialogue Group) using a variety of groupings
and ways of speaking and listening with each other.
We will delve into what it is like to be part of a community with a wide range of feelings, opinions and
experience about Israel and the political situation there, including having a rabbi who has taken public stands
on these issues. (Note here from Margaret: I fully support and encourage you to feel free to discuss my
leadership and activism. I will welcome whatever feedback you as a group choose to share with me and am
comfortable with you sharing thoughts and feelings that will not be shared with me as well.)
You MUST MUST MUST RSVP!!! This is not a drop-in situation. If you were not able to attend the first
meeting, there will be a 30-minute catch-up session before the main meeting on Feb. 10 (shortly before the
3:00 start-time -- exact time TBA) to get acquainted with the tools we are using to make our conversations
constructive and meaningful. If you came to the first meeting and plan to return for the second -- and we hope
that this is all of you! -- please also RSVP, so we have an accurate count for chairs, copying etc. To RSVP, email Mina at [email protected] or call her at 937-1319.
Our third and final session will be held in April, at a date TBA. At this final session we will looking at different
positions about the conflict and exploring choices we face when considering how to respond. If you felt like the
beginning session was "more process than content," at this third session we will be reflecting more explicitly on
various positions and strategies around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The general sense from our first meeting -- including the very large turnout -- was extremely positive and
reflects the desire of our community to be able to speak and listen to each other about Israel in a vigorous,
respectful and engaging way. We look forward to this process continuing, not only through the second and
third sessions of this particular process but in days and years to come.
KABBALAT SHABBAT
We will not have our home celebration of Kabbalat Shabbat in January because it comes out on Tu Beshvat so we will be
th
meeting at the shul on Friday, January 25 . You will find more information about this elsewhere in this newsletter. In
February we will be at the home of Fran and Roger Schwartz in Mendocino. If you would like to be a host contact Mina at
937-1319 or [email protected]. We are looking for hosts for May and June.
SHABBAT MORNING
Join us for Shabbat morning services weekly at 10:30 am. Our prayerbook is user friendly with Hebrew,
English, and transliteration of all the tefilot. There are also interesting interpretations. We sing, read a short
aliyah, learn a little and follow with challah and Kiddush. Join us anytime.
MCJC PROVIDES A WINTER SHELTER
The Mendocino Coast Jewish Community will again participate with other
communities of faith in providing emergency shelter for unsheltered men
in our community at large this winter. We have signed up for the weeks
of Jan. 14 and Feb. 25.
The program is administrated by The Mendocino Coast Hospitality
Center, who screens candidates for shelter each afternoon . The men
cannot be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They are taken to the
Hospitality House where they shower and have dinner. They are then driven in a Mendocino County van to
their shelter for the night. A representative from the Mendocino Coast Community Center spends the night
with the men. They are picked up the following morning and driven back to the Hospitality House for breakfast,
Cots and bedding are brought to the churches or our shul at the beginning of the assigned week. The men are
required to put away their cots and bedding and do clean up as needed before they leave.
This has been a very positive experience for MCJC since we began participating several years ago.. The
organization by the Mendocino Coast Community Center is impressive, as was all the contact with their staff
and volunteers. We have been told that our shul is a favorite place of respite because the men feel they are
truly welcome.
If you would like to volunteer to lock the shul after the guests leave in the mornings, please contact Joan
Katzeff at 964-9161.
FAMILY HAVURAH
The group continues to meet on Fridays to make challah and enjoy a little Shabbat “spice”. In January the
group will meet on Friday January 4th and Friday January 18th at 4:00 pm. If you have any questions contact
Stacy at 961-6037 or [email protected].
MENDO MAVEN
Elizabeth Raybee, a friend to many of us on the coast has had artwork included in a juried ceramics show at
Partners Gallery in January. If you’ve seen Mischa Hedges around periodically, it’s because he’s working with
Thanksgiving Coffee in marketing. When he isn’t here, he’s in Berkeley running a small video production
company. Mazel tov to Barbara Brenner on receiving the Lola Hanzel Award for Courageous Advocacy from
the ACLU of Northern California.
BOOK GROUP
The book group will be meeting Monday, January 21st at 3:00 pm. Please call Fran Schwartz at 9371352 if you wish to join us. We will be reading “Murder in Amsterdam” by Ian Buruma. This book
recounts two murders that took place in Amsterdam of Pim Fortuyn a charistmatic politician and Theo
van Gogh, filmmaker and provocateur. Both murders point up the issues of liberal Europe, Islam, and
the limits of tolerance. This is a book of non-fictionThe book is available at Gallery Bookshop and you
will receive a 10% discount if you let them know you are in the MCJC book group. We welcome you
to join us at any time.
We meet at the home of Joanne Dickson in Mendocino. You are welcome to join us at any time, for
one book or all.
MITZVAH FREEZER
We now have fresh and yummy vegetarian food in our freezer for anyone who is sick or unable to cook for
themselves. This is especially good now that winter is setting in. Thank you to all our cooks and if you need
information on how to access the freezer contact Fran at 937-1352 or [email protected] or Karen Rakofsky at
[email protected].
DID YOU OR YOUR CHILDREN HAVE A BAR/BAT MITZVAH OR GIVE A D’VAR TORAH?
The MCJC website has a section for community teachings and we would like to include any teachings by community
members. Please send them to Mina so she can load them onto the website for everyone’s pleasure.
MCJC BOARD MEETING
If you would like to attend the next meeting please call the shul and leave a message. The MCJC board meets monthly.
THE MEGILLAH: EMAIL OR HARDCOPY: HAVE IT YOUR WAY
The Mendocino Megillah is published in two formats: the hardcopy format and the HTML format which is formatted for
easier reading on a computer display. You can subscribe to the hardcopy version and have it mailed to you, you can
subscribe to the email version or you can receive both. You can also receive email notifications from Margaret about
events in the community. Any information on changes in address, changes in email, and changes in email notifications
should be sent to Myra Beals at [email protected] (preferred) or call 937-1170. If you choose not to be a contributing
member of MCJC, we request a $25. annual fee for the Megillah hardcopy or email. You can also find the e-megillah
posted on the MCJC website at http://www.mcjc.org/mjoldart/Megillah/MJMM0000.htm
.CONTRIBUTING MEMBERSHIP IN MCJC
As we approach the end of the secular year we want to remind you if you have not yet made a contributing membership to
MCJC we would like to end the year on a positive note. If you have any questions please contact Donna Montag at
[email protected], or call 877-3243.
MEGILLAH THANKS
If you would like to volunteer for this task you can do at home in about 2 hours contact Mina at 937-1319 or
[email protected].
600 GOLDEN LATKES
On Sunday December 9 a crew of Donna Montag, Annie Lee, Joan Katzeff, Sydelle Lapidus, Marni Press, Rosalie
Winesuff, George Montag, Monique Frankston, Ruby Gold, Deena Zarlin, and Mark Zarlin, peeled, grated, mixed and fried
up 600 latkes for the evening’s annual MCJC Hannukah party, held this year at the Caspar Community Center. Eli Bye,
Deena Zarlin and Benna Kolinsky set up and decorated the room. After Rabbi Margaret spoke of the mystery of the
Shamus-light, we lit our menorahs, and chanted the blessings. Jennifer Kreger, Fran Schwartz and Karen Rakofsky led us
in traditional Hannukah songs, with cameos by Jay Frankston in a French “Rock of Ages”, and Sandy Glickfeld and Ceril
Lisbon in “Hannukah in Santa Monica”. Steve Antler, Filis Rose, Nina Ravitz, Sue Miller, Eli Bye, Susan Juster and Nicole
Fish kept the food moving out of the kitchen to over 140 people. Mick Chalfin, with his faithful mic, announced the
Hannukah Raffle’s great prizes, the result of Susan Tubessing and Sarah Nathe’s hard work. Jennifer Kreger and Wade
Grey got us singing again with “Ciribiribin”, which segued into the Klezmispocheh Band: Yemaya Grey, Toby Kafin, Peter
Kafin, Gioia Locafo-Lewis, Annie Lee, Eli Bye, and Wade Grey. Maynard Kaminsky and Jane Corey joined the aproned
crew for clean-up, followed by all three Duncan sons at the sink, with Gary and Susan Palmer finishing up the last of the
dishes (we LOVE the dishwasher at the C.C.C.!) Bob Evans and Ali Diouf folded and moved chairs and tables…assisted
by…???( I always forget someone!) Many thanks to all who served, and all who received and enjoyed yet another lovely
MCJC Hannukah party: Love and Light to all!! A. L
TODAH RABAH! (Great Thanks) For The Following Generous
Contributors Who in the Last Two Months Helped Sustain Our
Community
Cynthia Calmenson; Mark & Marsha Kalman; Ira Beyer; Isabelle de Armond; Rabbi Stuart &
Vicky Kelman; Leslie & Leona Rohssler; Bob Evans; Rosalie & Art Holub; Bob & Charlie
Silverman; Mindy Rosenfeld Hedges & HillearyBurgess; Linda Jupiter; Nancy Harris; Liz
Helenchild; Sally Welty; Better Barber; Sam & Teresa Waldman; Annie Beckett; Polly Green;
Tammy Baireuther; Kathie Sarin & Steve Schoolman; Jay Millen & Stacy Pollina-Millen; Mina Cohen & Jeff Berenson;
Ceril Lisbon; Tatanka Russell; Joel Waldman; Betty Deutsch.
Shira Lee in Blessed Memory of Suki Herman Pollack & Oren David Pollak; In memory of Monroe Postman by Betty
Deutsch. Rosalie & Art Holub to the Adele Saxe Tzedakah Fund.
Contributions to the MCJC can be sent to:
MCJC, Box 291, Little River, CA 95456
Please specify if your contribution is in memory or honor of someone, and include your name and mailing address. An
acknowledgment card will be sent to the appropriate individual or family. Thanks! (dm)
EDITORIAL POLICY
The Mendocino Megillah is published monthly. The deadline for submission of articles is the 10th of the month before
desired publication. The editor will include all appropriate material, space permitting with the exception of copyrighted
material that does not have permission of the author. The material printed in the Megillah is not necessarily the policy or
representative of the opinions of the Board of Directors of Mendocino Coast Jewish Community. Divergent opinions are
welcome.
Thanks to Our Underwriters for Supporting the MCJC Megillah and the Community
Albion Doors and Windows: 1000s of recycled windows, French doors, thermal windows, entry doors, new & used *
Leaded glass, arches & unique styles * Liquidation prices at 937-0078 in Albion * www.knobsession.com
Karen Bowers Studio: painting workshops and studio gallery. website: karenbowersstudio.com email: [email protected]
tel.: 707 937-3163
College Bound Advising * College search, coaching, and application assistance * Mina Cohen, certified college
counselor * Individual consultation and group workshops * Tel: 937-1319 * cbadvising.com
Dirt Cheap Landscaping and Garden Supply: Organic soils and amendments,Tools,Flagstone and Rocks. Bulk
Organic Compost, Planters mix,and mulches. Delivery available. Open daily. Monday-Saturday 9-5. Sunday 10-3. 9644211. 17975 North Hwy One,Fort Bragg. www.dirtcheapgardensupply.com
Frankie's Pizza and Ice Cream Parlor: Homemade pizzas, Cowlick's ice cream and other yummy things to nosh on.
Beer and wine available. Live music weekly, all ages welcome. Open daily from 11 - 9 at 44951 Ukiah Street, Mendocino,
937-2436. www.frankiesmendocino.com
Montag’s Handyman Service: Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical, Furniture Repairs, Antique Restoration * George Montag
* 33410 Greenwood Rd., Elk, CA. 95432 * [email protected] * 707-877-3243
Out of this World: telescopes, binoculars, & science toys at 45100 Main St., * Box 1010, Mendocino * 937-3335 *
www.DiscountBinocularss.com
Phoebe Graubard: Attorney at Law * Wills, trusts, probate, conservatorships * 594 S. Franklin, Fort Bragg, 95437 * 9643525 * www.phoebelaw.com * Member National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys * Wheelchair accessible
Rainsong & Rainsong Shoes: From head to toe in Mendocino! * Contemporary clothing * Shoes & accessories for men
& women * 3 locations: Mendocino, Healdsburg, and Montgomery Village, Santa Rosa * 937-4165 (clothing) * 937-1710
(shoes) * 433-8058 (Healdsburg) * 576-8919 (Santa Rosa) http://www.rainsongshoes.com
Raven Deerwater, EA, PhD: Tax practitioner * Specializing in families, home-based & small businesses, & non-profit
organizations * 45121 Ukiah St. * Box 1786, Mendo * 937-1099 * [email protected]
http://www.taxpractitioner.com
Richochet Ridge Ranch: Trail rides on beach, across from MacKerricher State Park * Reservations: 964-PONY(7669) *
1-1/2 hr. to all day rides, exceptional horses, English and Western * Week long No. Calif. & International riding vacations *
Free brochure contact Lari Shea, 24201 N. Highway 1, Fort Bragg, 95437 * http://www.horse-vacation.com/
Silver & Stone: 45005 Ukiah St., Mendocino * 937-0257 * Contemporary sterling silver & gemstone jewelry for women &
men * Affordable to indulgent *11 am to 6 pm daily * http://silverandstone.net * [email protected]
Thanksgiving Coffee Co.: local roasters on the Mendocino Coast over 3 decades * Certified organic, shade grown coffee
& Fair Trade Coffees * Box 1918, Fort Bragg, 95437 * (800) 462-1999 * www.thanksgivingcoffee.com
Tonk's Tree Service: hazardous removals, spurless pruning, arborist reports, stump grinding, 60' aerial lift, view and sun
improvement * owner operated licensed & insured * Tatanka Russell, certified arborist WE-9236A, lic. no. 798911 * 9646209, http://www.tonkstreeservice.com, email: [email protected]
(MCJC Underwriter's increase their businesses visibility to over 300 subscribers and improve their
presence on the web. $100/year. Contact Donna Montag at 877-3243 or [email protected]
MCJC Board & Useful Numbers
Rituals and Holidays (including Hevra
Kadisha/Cemetery)
Outreach (new to the community)
Joan Katzeff*
964-9161
[email protected]
Susan
Tubbesing*
962-0565
[email protected]
Harriet Bye*
937-3622
[email protected]
Stacy Pollina*
Donna Montag*
Mina Cohen*
961-6037
877-3243
937-1319
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Secretary
Nina Ravitz*
937-0650
[email protected]
Building Maintenance
Harriet Bye*
Henrietta
Bensussen
Fran Schwartz
937-3622
[email protected]
964-8844
[email protected]
937-1352
[email protected]
Bob Evans
Myra Beals
Rabbi Margaret
Holub
357-2817
[email protected]
[email protected]
937-5673
[email protected]
Culture (films/ speakers/ Women’s
Retreat)
Family Havurah (Torah School)*
Treasurer (finance and donations)
Megillah Submissions and Website
Library
Book Group/Bikkur Cholim
E-Megillah
Name & Address, Subscription Changes
* = board member