Pop-Up Chanukah! - Congregation Emanu-El
Transcription
Pop-Up Chanukah! - Congregation Emanu-El
THE TEMPLE CHRONICLE Volume CLXIII, No. 4 | December, 2015 | Kislev / Tevet 5776 Pop-Up Chanukah! UPCOMING EVENTS POP-UP CHANUKAH EVENTS DECEMBER 4, 6:00 PM WEDNESDAY, DEC. 9, 5:30 PM INSTALLATION OF CANTOR LUCK WITH SPECIAL GUEST, CANTOR JACK MENDELSON LAUREL VILLAGE BOOKS INC. 3515 CALIFORNIA STREET DECEMBER 13, 9:30 - 11:00 AM DR. LAURIE PEARCE: BY THE RIVERS OF BABYLON - THE FIRST JUDEANS IN THE BABYLONIAN EXILE THURSDAY, DEC. 10, 5:30 PM NOE VALLEY MEET IN FRONT OF JUST FOR FUN (3982 24TH STREET AT THE WEST PARKLET) AND MARIN COUNTY CORTE MADERA TOWN CENTER (INSIDE THE MALL, ADJACENT TO THE CONTAINER STORE) December Service Schedule Dr. Laurie Pearce: By The Rivers Of Babylon - The First Judeans In The Babylonian Exile Sunday, December 13, 9:30 - 11:00 am, Rinder Chapel Dr. Laurie Pearce presents dramatic new evidence about the Judeans exiled to Babylonia after Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem. She will explore their successful integration into Babylonian life, and offers insights into ways that it was possible for Judeans to maintain their unique identity in their host land and among other foreign populations. Sponsored by The Arthur G. Weiser Lecture for Interfaith Understanding. December 2015 Friday, December 4: 6:00 pm: ONE Shabbat Service and Installation of Cantor Luck – Main Sanctuary Saturday, December 5: 9:15 am Torah Study – Library 10:30 am Shabbat Morning Service – Main Sanctuary 10:30 am Shabbat Morning Minyan – Martin Meyer Sanctuary Friday, December 11: 6:00 pm Chanukah Celebration followed by dinner and Magic Show 8:30 pm Young Adult Chanukah Candlelight Late Shabbat Saturday, December 12: 9:15 am Torah Study – Library 10:30 am Shabbat Morning Service – Main Sanctuary 10:30 am Shabbat Morning Minyan – Martin Meyer Sanctuary Friday, December 18: 6:00 pm: ONE Shabbat Service Saturday, December 19: 9:15 am Torah Study – Library 10:30 am Shabbat Morning Service – Martin Meyer Sanctuary Friday, December 25: 6:00 pm: ONE Shabbat Service Saturday, December 26: 9:15 am Torah Study – Library 10:30 am Shabbat Morning Service – Main Sanctuary Sponsoring an Oneg Shabbat: Sponsoring an oneg Shabbat for Friday evening is a lovely way to honor or remember a loved one or to celebrate a simcha. When you sponsor an oneg Shabbat, you help us welcome Shabbat with the warmth and community that are characteristic of our congregation. For more details please contact Svetlana Leykin at [email protected] or (415) 751-2541 x123. Thank you to the following for co-sponsoring recent oneg Shabbat receptions: Preston and Ellie Lewis in honor of Chloe Alexandra Rose Lewis’ Baby Naming. Milo and Susanna Miller Benningfield in honor of Jonah Benningfield and Benjamin Slaughter becoming B’nei Mitzvah. Jamie and Staci Slaughter in honor of Jonah Benningfield and Benjamin Slaughter becoming B’nei Mitzvah. Jill Einstein and Peter Yolles in honor of Sam’s Bar Mitzvah. Glenn Hartman and Elizabeth Crabtree-Hartman in honor Riley’s Bar Mitzvah. The Hartman family in honor of Riley Hartman’s Bar Mitzvah. Helen Manber and Bradley Solomon in honor of Teddy’s Bar Mitzvah. 2 2 Friday, January 1: 6:00 pm: ONE Shabbat Service Saturday, January 2: 9:15 am Torah Study – Library 10:30 am Shabbat Morning Service – Main Sanctuary WEEKLY TORAH STUDY OPPORTUNITIES AT THE TEMPLE Weekly Torah Study with Emanu-El Clergy Saturdays, 9:15 am, Library Drop-ins welcome, no registration necessary! Weekly Torah Study with Rabbi Lawrence Kushner Saturdays, 9:15 am, Room 55 Drop-ins welcome, no registration necessary! Message from the Rabbi Chanukah A Message from Rabbi Beth Singer A few weeks before Chanukah during my first months of wedded bliss, my handsome groom casually mentioned, “In my family we get presents all eight nights.” This was a shocker to me as my family of origin subscribed to the one ‘small,” one ‘medium’ and one ‘big’ (big might be a board game or new pajamas) theory of Chanukah gift giving. But, young and in love, I recklessly went out and purchased eight great gifts for our first married Chanukah. By the third night, the man of my dreams clarified, “You did not have to buy me such great gifts for every night. In my house we got something small each night of Chanukah.” This is proof, in my experience, that every marriage is truly a “mixed marriage.” However you celebrate Chanukah, I hope it increases the light and joy in your home and in our world. At its root, Chanukah is a celebration of freedom to be a minority religion, to not be swallowed up into the sameness of the majority. There is a beautiful tradition from the Talmud that tells us to place our Chanukah menorah in the window of our home in order to “proclaim the miracle.” Some American Jews are still haunted by memories of having been persecuted for being Jewish and understandably feel hesitant to be so public in our display of our holiday. Others worry that when we put Chanukah on public display we are merely either trying to keep up with the public display of Christmas or we are trying to demonstrate that Chanukah is the Jewish equivalent of Christmas, which it is not. Chanukah Events Join your Emanu-El clergy and neighbors as we gather for Emanu-El’s third year of public Chanukah lightings! Enjoy music, singing, treats, and help us bring this memorable tradition to the wider community! Pop-Up Chanukah Candlelight Events Wednesday, Dec. 9, 5:30 pm Location: Laurel Village Address: Books Inc. 3515 California Street Thursday, Dec. 10, 5:30 pm Location: Noe Valley Address: Meet in front of Just For Fun (3982 24th street at the West parklet) and Location: Marin County Address: Corte Madera Town Center (Inside the mall, adjacent to the Container store) Our First Year in Marin County! I used to be very uncomfortable by public Chanukah candle lightings. To me, they felt competitive with Christmas and unnecessary because Chanukah is a homebased holiday. Over the years, I have had a change of heart. While I stand against any religious displays on government property, I realize there are multiple good reasons to take Chanukah out to public places. One of the best reasons is that the majority of Jews in the Bay Area are not connected to any synagogue. We will have a beautiful Emanu-El Chanukah celebration Friday night, December 11th. Bring your Chanukah menorah to temple and stay for the magic! But the vast majority of Bay Area Jews will not have access to our gorgeous temple celebration. So, bringing Chanukah candle lighting to public places makes it more accessible to the larger Jewish community. Also, each time we go to a public place and Jewish children show up, it is hard to describe the palpable excitement and joy we see in their faces when they see “their” holiday being celebrated in the public square. For many Jews of all ages, lighting Chanukah candles in public strengthens their Jewish identity and pride in Judaism’s vast contributions to our broader civilization.This year, EmanuEl’s “Pop-Up Chanukah” will visit a few fun places. See below for details. May your Chanukah be filled with joy as we celebrate the light that our minority religion adds to the world, especially during times of darkness. ONE Shabbat Chanukah Service, Dinner & Magic Show! Shabbat Service Friday, December 11, 6:00 pm Location: Martin Meyer Sanctuary Dinner and will follow services. Reservations for dinner are required. Please register by noon on Thursday, December 10, at https://www. emanuelsf.org/registration-december11-chanukah-shabbat-dinner-. Please join us for a delicious dinner and the lighting of the chanukias! Stay for the magic show to follow dinner. Festive art projects and magic tricks will be performed for your entertainment! Chanukah Candlelight Service Young Adult Late Shabbat Friday, December 11, 8:30 pm Location: Martin Meyer Sanctuary 3 3 Q&A with Dr. Laurie Pearce Our Communications Professional Byron Gordon got the opportunity to meet with Dr. Laurie Pearce, UC Berkeley Assyriologist who was able preview her upcoming lecture on the subject of the first Judeans exiled to Babylonia at Emanu-El on December 13. of the history of the Babylonian civilization. Another newly published text is an astronomical almanac that dates to 80 CE, which means that Babylonian scientific scholarship continues (in a very limited way) into the Roman period. The long history of Mesopotamia has many surprises yet to reveal to us. Byron Gordon: What does the new evidence you will be presenting at Emanu-El suggest about how Jews practice Judaism today? BG: As an Assyriologist, you study the earliest forms of writing in human history. You study onomastics (names and naming practices) and prosopography (social and contexts) to identify individuals from among many similar names. What are some examples you can share about Judeans who shared similar names, their meanings and the digital tools you’re currently using to help further your understanding of this culture? Dr. Laurie Pearce: We have to be very cautious in trying to suggest direct lines of connection between ancient and modern practice. We need only think of the changes that have taken place in ritual in American Jewish life, even at Congregation Emanu-El over the last fifty years. That said, the new textual evidence is a group of records that come from a very specific administrative sector of life, and they contain no evidence for ritual practice or cultic organization. However, by understanding the nature of the economic conditions and the sectors of Babylonian society with which the Judeans interacted, we may postulate about the conditions that fostered religious life. BG: Give us an example or two of why Judeans were so successful at integrating into Babylonian life. LP: The Babylonians deported defeated populations and resettled them in the southern portions of Babylonia as part of their plan to revitalize agricultural lands that had once been productive. Babylonian policy, continued by the Persians who ruled the area after them, recognized the value of maintaining as intact units the various population groups they deported. By keeping Judeans, Tyrians, Lydians, and others together in small settlements, and by appointing members of those communities to administrative positions, the Babylonians fostered a sense of community. Babylonians laid the groundwork for the integration of foreign populations, including the Judeans into the social fabric. There are several examples of Judeans who were appointed to positions such as tax collector, and as manager of royal estates. LP: Almost all of the personal names in the new texts are Babylonian renderings of names we know from the biblical books of Ezra and Nehemiah, showing that the biblical text preserved the contemporary cultural environment. The patterns of name-giving in the texts, which are typical of Babylonian patterns, make it possible to reconstruct a number of family trees, including that of one Judean family that extends for at least five generations. The digital tools I am working to develop help the scholar to assess the likelihood that two or more instances of the same name refer to the same individual, and help generate visualizations of the relationships preserved in the texts. BG: What do you hope people who come and see your presentation take away from it? BG: The Sylaymaniyah Museum in Iraq has discovered 20 new lines to the ancient Babylonian poem, Epic of Gilgamesh. Thoughts and/or reaction? LP: The fragment of the Gilgamesh Epic that has recently been published reminds us that we have recovered only a fraction 4 LP: The greatest surprise for me in working on these documents was the realization of just how ordinary and unexceptional was the experience of the Judean population in Babylonia. As the texts are considered in the light of the larger documentary record, it is clear that the Judeans were treated by the Babylonians in just the same way that they treated other populations. We thus realize that these Judeans lived in a multicultural environment, one that may even have provided the support necessary for the Judeans to maintain their own cultural identity. Social Justice Update! Thank you to everyone who donated to help bring relief to Syrian refugees in Lesbos, Greece. Because of your generosity, we received more than 7,000 pounds of clothes and blankets! It was beyond our expectations to be slightly overwhelmed with tzedakah (what a blessing!). On November 10, our congregant, Alex Scotta departed for Lesbos and brought with him 600 pounds worth of your contributions. He is distributing your donations as you read this now. We are currently seeking a method of shipping our donations for humanitarian aid that is not cost-prohibitive. While we don’t have the bandwidth to accept further donated goods we are welcoming donations to the Rabbis fund to help pay for the shipping of the materials. The gift can be made online at www.emanuelsf. org/donate. Social Justice Corner: Launching the Tzedek Council to Activate our Community You might be wondering, what was that “Tzedek Council” that Rabbi Beth Singer and Rabbi Ryan Bauer referenced at High Holidays? “Tzedek” or “Justice” is part of the Jewish responsibility to repair the world. The Tzedek Council is a new congregant, board, staff, and clergy run group charged with raising our participation and impact in the social justice arena. The Council was formed as a result of a 2015, congregant led, Social Action task force recommendation for how a congregation of our size should proceed to make a greater impact in the community. The task force researched social justice actions and structures at congregations across the country, discussed various options, and concluded that an ongoing council exercising community-based organizing principles is the best path forward. The Tzedek Council launched in August and is made of 24 members representing congregants across all demographics and is tasked with the following main priorities: a) Define, prioritize, and focus all Social Justice/Social Action (SJ/SA) activity for Congregation Emanu-El (CEE). b) Ensure that Social Justice/Social Action is a pillar of Congregation Emanu-El on par with Education and Worship and seamlessly integrate SJ/SA with ongoing education and worship activities. Please choose the Rabbis’ Fund as the designated fund and then in the “in honor of” selection - please write ‘Syrian refugees’ so that we will know where to direct it. On November 15, Emanu-El’s Tzedek Council hosted a brunch with Mark Hetfield, CEO of HIAS that was filled with congregants who had reached out after Rabbi Bauer’s Yom Kippur sermon wanting to play an active role in helping with the refugee crisis. If you are interested in helping with this holy work, please visit our webpage for more information. Emanu-El Engagement Team at URJ Biennial Jennifer Goldstein, Community Engagement Professional, Sandy Rechtschaffen, Community Engagement Director, and Monica Pevzner, Young Adult Community Engagement Professional c) Formalize a SJ/SA mechanism that allows for multiple methods of engagement (e.g., direct service, education, advocacy efforts, financial contributions, short term, long term, etc.) to ensure congregants have many options to participate in SJ/SA activities and also have a way to bring ideas to CEE for consideration. d) Increase meaningful participation for all Congregants. e) Maximize the impact of these efforts, to make a significant, positive, and hopefully lasting difference in the lives of others, and in the healing of the world. The Council is currently in the process of developing its subcommittee structure and action plan for the next year. The initial structure includes four subcommittees focusing on (1) education, (2) environment, (3) human rights (e.g., racial injustice, LGBT, refugees), and (4) homelessness, poverty, and hunger. Please visit http://www.emanuelsf.org/volunteer to see a list of the Tzedek Council Members, to let us know your interests in social justice, and to learn about current social justice opportunities. Women’s Group Chanukah Chocolate Tasting Wednesday, December 9, 7:00 - 9:00 pm, Emanu-El Chapel Please register at www.emanuelsf.org/register Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a CHOCOLATE TASTING! Just as the oil keeps the menorah flame lit, it is chocolate that keeps most women going. We will examine the differences of chocolate harvested throughout the world. Just like chocolate, we all may come from different backgrounds but our time together is always sweet. This gathering is facilitated by congregant Rebecca Ets-Hokin, a well-known San Francisco food personality with loads of experience in the kitchen and a taste for simple, fun gourmet food. 5 5 Programs & Events Community Engagement Volunteer Opportunities TOOTHBRUSH AND TOOTHPASTE COLLECTION COOKING FOR CONGREGANTS: An Easy Way to Give Back to the Emanu-El Community Next time you visit your dentist, please ask for a donation of supplies to help the homeless with their daily hygiene. Drop off donations in the bin in the temple foyer. First and Second Thursdays of the month, 9:00 -11:00 am in the Emanu-El Kitchen All donations will be distributed during the Homeless Interfaith Shelter Dinners in January. Ask your dentist, orthodontist and periodontist to donate today! Thursday, December 3 Thursday, December 10 EMANU-EL IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD DECEMBER GATHERINGS Do you enjoy cooking? Participate in this mitzvah led by congregant and former restaurant owner, Gail Laghi. Together, up to five volunteers make meals for congregants in need due to a recent illness, death, or birth. Emanu-El in the Neighborhood offers home-hosted, potluck gatherings, ranging from clergy-led Havdalahs, to Shabbat dinners, to Break Fasts and more. These gatherings provide an opportunity for congregants to meet their neighbors in intimate settings and get to know one another outside of the synagogue walls. For latest updates on Neighborhood gatherings and to meet your Neighborhood Liaisons, visit www.emanuelsf.org/EIN. Look for your email invitation and RSVP! Marin County Wednesday, December 2, 4:00 - 5:30 pm – Limonata and Learning, Book Passage, Corte Madera Clergy: Rabbi Jonathan Singer Inner Richmond Saturday, December 12, 6:30-8:00 pm - Chanukah Havdalah Hosts: Andrew and Jennifer Rosenthal Clergy: Cantor Arik Luck Mission, Bernal Heights, Castro, Noe Valley, SOMA, and Potrero Hill Saturday, December 12, 6:30 - 8:00 pm – Chanukah Party Host: Mauri Schwartz Clergy: Rabbi Beth Singer Outer Richmond/Sea Cliff Sunday, December 13, 6:30 - 8:00 pm – Chanukah Party Host: Ricki Pollycove All congregants are welcome to join! Menu, ingredients and storage containers are provided. Basic cooking skills preferred. Questions? Contact Jennifer Goldstein at jgoldstein@ emanuelsf.org or (415) 751-2541 x171 or register at www. emanuelsf.org/register. HOLIDAY DINNER DRIVE Thank you to all who have already mailed back your Turkey Envelopes! If you have yet to do so, today is a great day to drop it in the mail or go online. (use the previous to replace the first sentence) Please make all checks payable to the SF-Marin Food Bank and mail to: Congregation Emanu-El, Two Lake Street, San Francisco, CA, 94118 or donate online at www.sfmfoodbank. org/dinnerdrive and choose the Emanu-El Holiday Dinner Drive from the dropdown menu. For the past eleven years, Congregation Emanu-El congregants have come together to support the SF-Marin Food Bank and its mission to end hunger in San Francisco and Marin. Please remember our appeal for the annual Holiday Dinner Drive (formerly the “Turkey Drive”) to benefit the clients of the San Francisco Food Bank by providing them with a holiday dinner for Thanksgiving. Interested in getting involved in your neighborhood? Many neighborhoods are seeking volunteers to host, reach out to congregants in need, welcome new congregants, or send a monthly newsletter. Questions? Contact Jennifer Goldstein at [email protected] or (415) 750-7548. ASK THE RABBI with Rabbi Carla Fenves Q: We know where Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (and our foremothers) are buried, but not Moses. Wouldn’t that be some indication that he was held in even higher esteem? 66 A: At the end of Deuteronomy, we read: “So Moses the servant of the Eternal died there in the Land of Moab, according to the word of the Eternal. And he was buried in the valley in the Land of Moab, against Beth-Peor and no one knows his grave unto this day” (34:5-6). The Talmud explains that God buried Moses and made it so that the grave could not be discovered: “For to a person standing on the mountain it seems to be in the valley; and if one goes down into the valley, it appears to be on the mountain” (Sotah 14a). Our Jewish tradition teaches that God hid Moses’ grave because God did not want his grave become an object of idolatry or worse for the prophet to become deified in his death. Moses was a great leader of the Jewish people—perhaps even more esteemed than the patriarchs and therefore more at risk of being treated like a god. God wanted to protect the Israelites from becoming too attached to one physical landmark and getting stuck in the past. The Israelites bid farewell to their mighty prophet and looked towards the future together. Programs & Events INTERFAITH SHELTER DINNERS SAVE THE DATE: JANUARY 21 - DENNIS ROSS Volunteer to cook during our winter Interfaith Shelter Dinners at St. Mark’s Church. Each January, Congregation EmanuEl joins in the mitzvah of feeding the hungry by providing volunteers to shop, cook and serve dinner to over 100 homeless men for eight consecutive nights. These clients are extremely grateful to receive home-cooked meals served by people who look them in the eye and let them know they care. Under the coordination of long-time congregant Shabana Siegel, every constituent group from the Congregation participates (over 150 volunteers every year)! Each group of congregants brings a unique flavor to the evening and takes home unforgettable memories. Sign up by contacting Shabana at [email protected]. 7:30 - 9:00 pm Main Sanctuary Cooking and Serving Groups: Beyachad - Monday, January 25 Tribe and Preschool - Tuesday, January 26 Adolescent Education - Wednesday, January 27 Men’s Group - Thursday, January 28 Tzedek Council - Friday, January 29 Interfaith Group - Saturday, January 30 Young Adult Community - Sunday, January 31 Congregant Night - Monday, February 1 ARTS The Elizabeth S. and Alvin I. Fine Museum presents: Doomed to Succeed: The US-Israel Relationship from Truman to Obama Sponsored by The Daniel E. Koshland Memorial Lecture Fund. MISHPACHA AND FAMILIES Two Parent-Baby Groups Now Available Free of Charge Drop in with your little one (birth to 30 months) and spend time with other parents. Join us as we prepare to welcome Shabbat on Fridays and celebrate Havdalah on Mondays. Enjoy music, stories, puppets and more with Early Childhood Educator Mimi Greisman. Take advantage of a wonderful opportunity to connect with other parents and create lasting friendships. Bagels and Babies Mazel Tots! Except Friday Dec. 25 and Friday, January 1 Monday Dec. 21 and 28 there will not be Mazel Tots. Fridays, 9:30 – 11:00 am Mondays, 9:30 – 11:00 am GOT SHABBAT? For families with children under age 5 Monthly on Saturdays at 10:15 am: December 12 FIRST FRIDAY SHABBAT SERVICE For families with young children 150 Years of Jewish Magicians and their contributions to the performing arts First Friday of every month; optional pre-registration Simchat Shabbat dinner follows during the school year. Few people know that in the past 150 years there have been over 250 famous Jewish magicians! From Victorian to contemporary Jewish performers, these entertainers have made lasting impressions in the performing arts. Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning October 13, Congregation Emanu-El. Two sessions per week for 12 weeks (24 total sessions) Member price: $540/Price: $720 Through January 2016, come relive the mystery and amazement of a bygone era and celebrate the entertainers of today. Congregation Emanu-El will explore the careers of dozens of illusionists who’ve contributed to both their Jewish heritage and the performing arts. Emanu-El’s Side by Side program introduces our youngest children (18 months to 2.5 years) to a preschool environment with their parent or caregiver by their side. Our Side by Side program is rich in Jewish content, celebrating Jewish traditions and holidays. This program will be a wonderful introduction to preschool that will deepen relationships in our community and launch a meaningful beginning to the school experience for both parents and children. In January, we will present a special event recreating famous moments from Jewish magicians’ historical shows and a discussion about the impact Jewish magical artists have made on generations of people who love to be enthralled and entertained. For more information contact Judi Leff, Director of Arts and Cultural Programs, at [email protected] Side By Side - Fall 2015 We will not be having Side By Side on Dec. 22, 24, 28 or 31 because of Winter Vacation. SAVE THE DATE: JANUARY 20 JEWS & MAGIC 7:00 - 9:00 pm, Martin Meyer Sanctuary 7 Development ‘Tis the Season for Year-End Impact Emanu-El Giving Impact Emanu-El 2016 HOW CAN YOU MAXIMIZE YOUR CONTRIBUTION? Your gift toward this year’s goal of $1,000,000 will allow Emanu-El to continue to celebrate and observe important family life cycle occasions, to build connection among congregants, promote social justice and advocate for change, create sacred moments for worship and remembrance, foster a lifetime of Jewish learning, and inspire future generations of Jewish leaders. Why give now? Tax benefits! A gift to Congregation Emanu-El may entitle you to a charitable contribution deduction against your income tax if you itemize deductions. A contribution is deductible in the year in which it is paid. A credit card contribution is deductible in the year it is charged, even if payment is made after December of this year. Please consider making that annual gift while receiving a tax benefit. Congregation Emanu-El Legacy Circle Corporate Matching! Does your company match employee contributions? Many Bay Area companies, including the Gap, California Healthcare, SalesForce.com and Charles Schwab, will match your gift dollar-for-dollar. Please contact your company’s matching gifts coordinator to obtain a matching gift form and to determine whether your gift to Congregation Emanu-El may be matched. Appreciated Stock You may have marketable securities that have grown in value. Current tax laws make it possible for you to make an important gift at a remarkably low after-tax cost. A gift of appreciated securities generally qualifies you for an income tax charitable deduction equal to the value of the gifted securities, and it may also help you avoid the long-term capital gain tax on your unrealized capital gain. Usually a sale of appreciated securities results in a tax on your full gain – in other words, you keep only part of the profit. But if you give those same appreciated securities directly to a qualified nonprofit – including Congregation Emanu-El – there is no tax on your gain. You may also reduce your taxable estate by donating stock. To facilitate a stock transfer, please see the information below. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Alex Hughes in the Development Office at [email protected] or (415) 750-7554. Stock Transfer Information First Republic Securities Co, LLC Account Name: Congregation Emanu-El For Further Credit to Account Number: 33L064574 Clearing Firm: Pershing LLC Pershing LLC DTC# 0443 We hope to play a small part in keeping Reform Judaism alive, and we believe in Congregation Emanu-El. Long after we are gone, may our congregation lead the way in thought and in deed. 8 8 - Albert and Eli Fraenkel Also, please contact the Development Office before your stock transfer is made so that your gift can be tracked and appropriately directed as you wish. Thank You To Our Donors We are grateful to our congregants who support the synagogue at honorary dues levels, making it possible to include all those who wish to be part of our synagogue community. Visionaries (Anshei Chazon) $25,000 and up Anonymous Mrs. Phyllis Moldaw Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Shorenstein Angels (Malachim) $10,000 - $24,999 Mr. and Mrs. John Goldman Mrs. Mimi Haas Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Leavitt Mr. and Ms. David M. Levine Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lurie Ms. Susan Moldaw and Mr. Bob Stallings Laurie and Joshua Olshansky Christine Russell and Mark Schlesinger William and Alice Russell-Shapiro Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Safier Mr. and Mrs. John Siegel Mrs. Roselyne Chroman Swig Ron Zeff Leaders (Parnasim) $5,400 - $9,999 Linda and Andrew Ach Adam Blitzer and Yu Miyashita Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Cohen Mr. Barrett Cohn and Ms. Tria Cohn Mrs. Adele K. Corvin Ms. Dana Corvin and Mr. Harris Weinberg Mrs. Alfred H. Daniels Leela de Souza Bransten and Peter Bransten Ted and Pamala Deikel Conrad and Sandra Donner Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Feigenbaum Mrs. Phyllis Friedman Mr. Stuart Gasner and Mrs. Kate Ditzler Dr. and Mrs. Theodore Geballe Mrs. Dan Geller Mariela and Richard Gerstein David Goldstein and Julia Vetromile Ralph and Marsha Guggenheim Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Heller Sarah and Jordan Hymowitz Mr. and Mrs. Scott Kay Mr. and Mrs. Jim Koshland Peter and Melanie Maier Mr. and Ms. Joel Roos Mr. and Mrs. Richard Rosenberg Mrs. Thelma E. Schnitzer Mr. and Mrs. Gary Shapiro Mr. and Mrs. Todd Sisitsky Mr. and Mrs. Richard Swig, Jr. Heroes (Gibborim) $3,600 - $5,399 Mr. Ian Arnof Larry and Pam Baer Mr. and Mrs. Roger Barnett Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Berler Mr. Gedalia Braverman Mr. Anthony Brenner Mrs. Cathy Brooks Fox Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Chessen Jay Cohen and Laura Cox Mr. and Ms. Josef D. Cooper Mr. Stuart Corvin and Ms. Marissa Wertheimer Mrs. Pamela Cowan and Mr. Daniel Winokur Ms. Jeanne Dinkelspiel Mr. and Mrs. Steven Dinkelspiel Drs. Jacqueline Dolev and Matthew Cooperberg Richard Donick and Stephanie Cyr Mr. David Donn and Mrs. Sarah Antle Mr. and Mrs. Emil R. Eisenhardt Dr. and Mrs. John Esterkyn Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Fastiff Leland and Susan Faust David and Anne Feinberg Senator Dianne Feinstein and Mr. Richard Blum Mr. and Mrs. John J. Fisher Mr. and Mrs. Shlomo L. Franco Mrs. Cheryl Frank and Mr. Michael Linn Mr. and Mrs. Eliot M. Fried Mr. David Friedman Drs. Patricia and Richard Gibbs Alexandra and Steven Gordon Mrs. Frances Green Dr. and Mrs. Claude Gruen Ron and Barbara Kaufman Ms. Margaret Kaufman and Mr. Joseph Bodovitz Lisa and Brian Krim Mr. and Mrs. James Lazarus Janni Lehrer-Stein and Leonard Stein Mr. Jesse M. Levy Mr. Roger Low Susan Lowenberg and Joyce Newstat Ms. Patricia Lurie Mr. Gregg Lynn Michelle Mercer and Bruce Golden Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Mindel Mrs. Susan Morris Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth M. Novack Dr. and Mrs. Mark Oscherwitz Mrs. Lauri Paul and Mr. Mark Hamilton Karen Pell and Ms. Heather Lupa Mr. and Mrs. Mark Petri Mr. and Mrs. Steven Polsky Mr. Eric Prosnitz and Ms. Courtney Klinge Mr. and Mrs. James Reuben Mr. Martin Romo and Mrs. Leesa Romo Mr. Robert Rosner and Ms. Julie Goldman Susan Rothstein and John Koeppel Mr. and Mrs. Louis B. Rovens Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Sampson Mr. and Ms. Gary Schnitzer Ms. Sara Seims Sally and Jim Shapiro Mr. Mark Shostak and Dr. Emily Von Scheven Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Slusky Ellice Sperber and Dale Van Fossan Mr. and Mrs. Alan Stein Mr. and Mrs. Harold Stein, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Michael Steinberg Mr. and Mrs. Steven Swig 9 9 Thank You To Our Donors Ms. Marjorie Swig Mrs. Nina Taft and Mr. Misha Weidman Bob and Valli Benesch Tandler Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Werboff Steve and Aimee West Douglas Winthrop and Yamilee Bermingham Guardians (Shomrim) $3,000 - $3,599 Mr. and Mrs. Andrew M. Barish Susanna and Milo Benningfield Mr. and Mrs. David Berelson Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Berkowitz Carol and David Berluti Ms. Catherine Berman Mr. and Mrs. Paul Bissinger, Jr. Mrs. Eva Bloch Mrs. Abigail BloomKing and Mr. Brian BloomKing Mr. David Blumberg and Mr. Michel Armand Mr. Dale Boutiette and Mrs. Alla Gershberg Mrs. Luanne Bradley Lisa Bransten and John Rumsey Wayne and Vicki Buder Mr. Bruce Burnam Mrs. Lillian Cape Mrs. Allison Caplan and Mr. Michael Norris Andrew Charmatz and Sara Witt Mr. and Mrs. Charles Charnas Ms. Donna Chazen and Mr. Robert Breecker Dr. and Mrs. Melvin Cheitlin Dr. and Mrs. Jon Churnin Dr. and Mrs. Michael A. Cohn Erika and Dovid Coplon Paul and Valerie Crane Dorfman Carol Davis and Joel Marcus Mr. William Denebeim and Mr. Mark Vogel Michael and Jessica Eisler Tami and Howard Epstein Mr. and Mrs. Steven N. Fayne H. Michael and Christine Feldman William and Ellen Fleishhacker Albert and Eleanor Fraenkel Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Frankel Ms. Ellen Friedman Lisa and Mohsen Gamshad John and Dena Gardi Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kahn Gardner Mr. David Golden and Dr. Susan Wilner Golden Betsy and Joel Hausman Gina Hill Dr. Dennis Jaffe and Dr. Cynthia Scott Mr. and Ms. Mark Javitch Mr. Steven Kay Dr. and Ms. Gabriel M. Kind Mr. Stuart A. Kogod and Ms. Denise E. Garone Mark and Kerri Lehmann Mr. Glenn Lerner and Ms. Susanne Steinberg Mr. and Mrs. Asriel Levin Rich and Nancy Levine Drs. Shana and Amnon Levy Mrs. Fern Lowenberg 10 David and Amber Lowi Mr. Steven Lurie and Dr. Erin Gordon Rebecca and Goncalo Macieira-Kaufmann Howard and Siesel Maibach Reed Maltzman and Jennifer Gosselin Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Manning Mr. Joshua Margulies Rachel Masters and Dan Mosedale Mark Miller and Pamela Mann Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Moskowitz Mr. Martin Muller Mrs. Eleanor Myers Laura Myers and Kenneth Quandt Mark and Jamie Myers Dr. Raquel Newman David and Lisa Novak Mr. and Mrs. Gary Pasquinelli Mr. Rotem Perelmuter Ms. Paula Pretlow Mr. and Mrs. Neville Rich, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. James Rogers Julie and Jeffrey Rosen Mrs. Edward W. Rosston Mr. and Mrs. H. Jonathan Rotenstreich Susan and Alan Rothenberg Aric and Danielle Rubin Ms. Louise Adler Sampson Mr. and Ms. Bart Schachter Betty and Jack Schafer Martin Schenker and Susan Diamond Mr. and Mrs. Murray Schneider Dr. Barbara Schulz Miss Michelle Schulz John and Paula Schwerin Mr. Edward Segal and Mrs. Lynne Newhouse Segal Ned and Maya Segal Mrs. Dore’ Selix-Gabby Mr. and Mrs. Leo Shveyd Mr. and Ms. Paul Siegel Mr. and Mrs. R. James Slaughter Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Small Mr. and Ms. Guiv Soofer Mrs. Belena Stanford and Mr. Eric Reading Joelle Steefel Kira and Marc Steifman Gary Stolzoff and Suzi Alexander Mr. Ted Storey and Ms. Jaimie Sanford Michael and Jean Strunsky Lisa and Brian Sugar Mr. and Mrs. Donald Sweet Mrs. Esta Swig Mr. and Ms. James Tananbaum Stephen and Leslie Ticktin Mr. and Mrs. John R. Upton, Jr. Marsha and David Veit Murry and Marilyn Waldman Mr. Herb Wiltsek Mr. and Mrs. William Zellerbach Lifecycles & Mazel Tovs December B’nei Mitzvah MAZEL TOV TO OUR MEMBERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED JOY Anna and Matthew Kovinsky on the birth of their daughter, Rosie Beatrice Kovinsky Monica Pevzner on the marriage of her brother Ilya Pevzner to Lisa Sholkin Inna Gartsman and David Nelson on the birth of their son, Eli Jacob Nelson Cecily Rogers and Aleksandr Reznitskiy on the birth of their son, Nikolas Rogers CONDOLENCES TO OUR MEMBERS WHO HAVE SUFFERED RECENT LOSSES Herman Victor on the death of his wife, Shirley Victor Anna Singer (Eric) on the death of her father, and Jack and Sam Singer on the death of their grandfather, James Reeves Judith Miller on the death of her husband, Walter Miller Eric Reiter (Miriam) on the death of his sister, Louise Reiter Samantha Behrman-Rosenberg (David Rosenberg) on the death of her mother, and Maxwell Rosenberg on the death of his grandmother, Ruth Ritter New Members, as of November 5 Jeremy and Talia Bennick • Adam and Erin Bernstein • Dr. Erica Bromley and Dr. Bryan Nowroozi, Josephine B. Nowroozi • Mr. Aaron Cannon • Ms. Emilie Cowan • Ms. Amy Curcio • Miss Jennifer Dinoia • Dr. Brooke Goodman and Mrs. Caitlin Carpenter-Goodman • Daniel and Karen Hanover, Alexander Hanover, Ashley Hanover • Auren and Mitchell Hoffman, Dara Hoffman, Lincoln Hoffman • Mr. David Huebner and Dr. Kaija-Leena Romero • Mr. Benji Koltai and Ms. Annalise Corak • Dr. Thome’ Nicocelli, M.D., Sofia Nicocelli • Zach and Jung Robin, Jae Robin • Sophie Symonds Rejoined Members, as of November 5 Dr. Lisa Inman and Ms. Alisa Gilden, Shaya I. Gilden, Ariel P. Gilden Kyra Kushner Bat Mitzvah: December 5 Main Sanctuary Parents: Mirene Winsberg & Mark Kushner Torah Portion: Vayeshev Benjamin Cohen Bar Mitzvah: December 5 Martin Meyer Sanctuary Parents: Robyn & Bruce Cohen Torah Portion: Vayeshev Max Weil Bar Mitzvah: December 12 Main Sanctuary Parents: Cindy & David Weil Torah Portion: Mikketz Catherine Raisin Bat Mitzvah: December 12 Martin Meyer Sanctuary Parents: Belena Stanford & Preston Raisin Torah Portion: Mikketz Peri Charmatz Bat Mitzvah: December 19 Martin Meyer Sanctuary Parents: Sara Witt & Andrew Charmatz Torah Portion: Vayiggash SAVE THE DATE! Rachel Zisk Bat Mitzvah: December 26 Main Sanctuary Parents: Shoshana & Brian Zisk Torah Portion: Vayhi Celebrating a Shehecheyanu Moment? Congregation Emanu-El is an ever-present partner in the transitional moments of our members’ lives. Be it a baby naming or brit milah, bar or bat mitzvah, conversion or wedding ceremony, or a recovery from illness, Emanu-El’s clergy and staff strive to ensure that each sacred ‘Shehecheyanu Moment’ is deeply fulfilling and personal. A donation to the Emanu-El Life-Cycle Fund is a lovely way to mark a personal life-cycle experience, to honor friends or family celebrating a happy milestone or in gratitude for the services the clergy provide during these profound moments. Please donate online at www.emanuelsf.org or call the Development office at (415) 750-7554. 11 a center for lifelong learning The Madeleine Haas Russell Institute of Jewish Learning Winter Course Registration Now Open! Register at www.emanuelsf.org/adultlearning Winter Trimester Courses What is Zionism, Anyway? with Rabbi Jonathan Singer Downtown Tauber course on Thursday afternoons on Thursdays, noon – 1:00 pm Jan 7, 14, 28; Feb 4, 11, 18, 25 Emanu-El member price $54, price $75 at Mechanic’s Institute (57 Post Street, San Francisco) Zionism is the movement to support Jewish national identity in the Promised Land. It means many things to many Jews. In this course participants will explore the various Zionisms – the pre-Zionist ideas of thinkers prior to Herzl; Classical Zionism, including Herzl and A.D. Gordon; Ahad Ha’am who developed Cultural Zionism; Reform Judaism’s rejection and then embrace of Zionism; Religious Zionism after 1948; and Post-Zionist ideas both positive and negative. Come and be inspired to talk about the role of Zionism in our lives today and how it affects our identity and our visions for the future of the Jewish people. Laughter on the 3rd Floor with Judi Leff and Allen Mathis on Thursdays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm Jan 7, 14, 28; Feb 4, 11, 18, 25 Emanu-El member price $54, price $75 Back by popular demand! Come laugh and learn with humorist Judi Leff and stand-up comic Allen Mathis for the second part in the Jewish humor series. Join your other recently educated comedy mavens as you learn to write and/or perform Jewish comedy, parody songs and stand-up. Some of our final projects will be featured in the Purim talent show in March. Tell your mother, you’re finally going to be a star! Please note, students from Part 1 will get preference, but if you broke our hearts by not taking the first class, we will still let you in. The Return of Jewmba with Cantor Marsha Attie on Thursdays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm Jan 7, 14, 28; Feb 4, 11, 18, 25 Emanu-El member price $54, price $75 Jewmba is a fun and lively dance class that incorporates traditional Israeli folk dance steps into a “Zumba”-like dance class. Participants will learn an Israeli folk dance at the end of every class as well as prepare a piece that will be featured in the Purim talent show in March. NEW 12 Downtown Tauber Monthly Class Brown bag lunch and learn with Emanu-El Clergy One Wednesday a month, noon - 1:00 pm 100 Pine Street, #1000 San Francisco. December 16, January 13, February 10, March 9, April 13, May 11 Mameh Lushn and Bubbe Myses: A linguistic journey to the land of Yiddish with Ken Blady, M.Ed on Thursdays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm Jan 7, 14, 28; Feb 4, 11, 18, 25 Emanu-El member price $54, price $75 Join Bay Area Jewish educator and native speaker, Ken Blady, as he takes you on a linguistic journey to the Land of Yiddish. Here is a wonderful opportunity to learn this rich and colorful language in a relaxed, irreverent and heimisheh atmosphere. All you need is a desire to learn, an interest in Jewish culture and an ability tzu veren tzeshussen fahr gelechter (to crack up)! Redemption Songs: The Jewish Imagination of Love and Justice with Rabbi Jason Rodich on Thursdays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm Jan 7, 14, 28; Feb 4, 11, 18, 25 Emanu-El member price $54, price $75 Judaism is audacious enough to imagine an utterly transformed world and insists that that which is broken, hurt and undone can once again become whole. Some people call this redemption, a word we will work on getting more comfortable with even, as we wrestle with our own tradition. Together we will take a deep dive into some of our most prophetic—and perhaps surprising—texts that have inspired generations of Jews to work for a more just world, as well as to seek to become more loving and kind people in daily life. We will also compare Jewish traditions of redemption to views of redemption in other religious traditions. This course seeks to open up new ways of thinking Jewishly and to spark your imagination in terms of what is possible in our world today. Introduction to Judaism on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 - 9:00 pm at Emanu-El. Winter trimester: January 5, 12, 19, 26; February 2, 9, 16, 23 Join with Emanu-El clergy to learn about the breadth and wonder of Jewish tradition. This class is a pathway for the adult learner who wishes to discover or deepen Jewish knowledge, non-Jews who are marrying a Jewish partner, and those who are considering conversion to Judaism. For more information about the conversion process at Emanu-El, please visit our conversion page. Intro to Judaism meets on Tuesday evenings over three trimesters and has rolling admission. A student can begin in any of the trimesters. Trimesters do not have to be completed in a particular order. If you have questions about the course, please contact our Director of Adolescent and Adult Education, Ariana Estoque, 415-751-2541 x307 or aestoque@ emanuelsf.org. Ongoing learning opportunities: TAUBER YESOD CERTIFICATE IN JEWISH KNOWLEDGE Open enrollment The Fountain – Emanu-El Values Built By Congregant Engagement By David Goldman A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together. on Thursdays, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, December 2015 - May 2016 Emanu-El member price $240; price $360. This two-year, six-course, certificate program offers Bay Area Jews the unique opportunity for comprehensive learning, with the highest quality educators, in core foundational Jewish texts that have sustained the Jewish people for thousands of years. The program is enhanced by creating spiritual and intellectual community as the participants grow and learn together in a college-like setting. Regardless of prior exposure, the Yesod certificate program allows participants to explore biblical and rabbinic texts in a purposeful and academic forum. It encourages small group learning and develops Jewish leaders within a supportive community that fosters long-term growth and in-depth discovery. Year One: In-depth Exploration of the TaNaKh First trimester: Torah Dec 3, 10, 17 From Abraham and Sarah’s journey to a promise to Moses’ vision at the borders of the land. The journey begins with an analysis of the text – delving into the Torah from critical, historical, as well as rabbinic spiritual, perspectives. Second Trimester: Nevi’im Jan 7, 14, 28; Feb 4, 11, 18, 25 A people in formation: A discussion of the zenith and nadir of the Kings of Israel, prophetic imperative, and speaking truth to the people and their power. Visioning Judaism in freedom and reenvisioning it in exile. Third Trimester: Ketuvim Mar 24, 31; Apr 7, 14, 21; May 5, 12 The wild library of writings – Ecclesiastes to Job, the sensuality of the Song of Songs, the depths of the Psalmists and an encounter with Daniel’s radical vision. TAUBER BEIT MIDRASH drop in on Sundays, 9:30 – 11:30 am drop in! Introducing the Tauber Beit Midrash In Hebrew, “Beit” means house and the word “Midrash” comes from the root “to seek” or “to investigate.” A Beit Midrash is a house of study. The Tauber Beit Midrash here at Emanu-El offers unique access to the rich tradition of Jewish textual interpretation in a welcoming and intellectual environment. Our house is open to those who have studied before and those who have never looked at a daf (a page of rabbinic literature). Each Sunday, when religious school is in session, the Tauber Beit Midrash will open with a class offered by a leading teacher in our community. The teacher will present a text from Talmud – the compilation of Mishna, the first major redaction of the oral law, and Gemara, rabbinic commentary on the Mishna, as well as the Zohar, mystical writings – each with English translation. Participants will gather with coffee in hand and study in chevruta (partnership). The teacher will then bring participants back together for discussion and explanation. Monthly, the Beit Midrash will be followed with a presentation on Applied Judaism, as students encounter an issue or phenomena in society as presented by experts in their field. The values explored in the text study will inform the discussion in this section. Each session is independent and no registration is required. Please come as often as you can. Each session will include an hour of teaching by an esteemed rabbi from our community and a short schmooze with other participants, followed by additional study, a panel discussion or deeper chevruta study. Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) 3:5 Often, I thought of the book of Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) during these High Holy Days. The reflection was caused in part because Jews read Kohelet during Sukkot, the holiday immediately after Yom Kippur, in part because Kohelet’s warning about seeking futile or vain efforts (such as the pursuit of fame) seemed so fitting for the holiday. With these reflections in mind, I was thrilled when colleagues at Emanu-El suggested a new Yom Kippur practice. Congregants (picking up on the words from Kohelt) cast stones into our fountain to select the three enduring values on which Emanu-El should stand on Yom Kipper. I saw parents explaining to children the meaning of social justice and couples debating what was most important to them. Over 2,400 stones were casts by 800 families. We then gathered the stones not just to tabulate results but to donate them to our cemetery. This exercise seemed worthy of Kohelet and worthy of a congregation that seeks to build something of great importance and permanence. This Yom Kippur event was only one way that members help choose the direction of their congregation. We surveyed members online about their values and conducted in-person exercises with parents and children during religious school, preschool teachers, clergy and staff, and the board of directors. In looking at these results, there were some common themes that made coming up with the final list relatively easy. K’hilah Ke’doshah: We support one another in a welcoming, sacred religious community Hafach Bah v’Hafach bah: We are committed to an innovative, joyous, intellectually serious progressive Judaism Ahavat Yisrael: We uphold the Jewish people and traditions in our community, in Israel, and the world Tzedek Tzedek Tirdoff: We join together in the relentless pursuit of justice V’ahavta L’Reiecha Kamocha: We love and accept our whole selves while also extending it to others The study of Torah is equal to them all, because it leads to them all. Our next step is to build a vision and mission statement based on these core principles, and we are asking congregants’ input on that as well. During the Annual Meeting, the senior rabbis led a discussion with members about what they wanted EmanuEl’s future to look like. Here’s a few samples of what fellow congregants are saying. Because of my involvement with Emanu-El, I want to • Feel like I am part of something bigger than myself • Be part of a big extended family • Feel compelled to give something to this place because I feel that I have the opportunity to keep this historic Jewish place going into the future. • Be part of a large congregation that is really a community of small groups, where each and every individual finds their space. We’ll be replicating this exercise during other congregant meetings and the ability to comment online will be made available. 13 December Calendar Sunday Monday For more information, please call us at (415) 751-2535 or visit www.emanuelsf.org. All events take place at Temple Emanu-El unless marked Not at Temple (NAT). Tuesday 1 Mah Jongg at 6:30 pm Wednesday 2 Thursday 3 Friday 4 Pre-oneg at 5:30 pm Cantor Luck Installation Service at 6:00 pm View school calendars at Saturday 5 Rabbi Kushner’s Mystical Torah Class at 9:15 am Torah Study at 9:15 am Shabbat Morning Minyan including Bar Mitzvah of Benjamin Cohen at 10:30 am www.emanuelsf.org/school-calendars Shabbat Morning Service including Bat Mitzvah of Kyra Kushner at 10:30 am 6 7 Mazel Tots at 9:30 am Scrabble at noon 13 14 Mazel Tots at 9:30 am 8 Mah Jongg at 6:30 pm The Tribe - Deep Fried Poker Chanukah Celebration at 7:30 pm (NAT) 9 15 Mah Jongg at 6:30 pm 16 10 11 Pre-oneg at 5:30 pm Chanukah ONE SHABBAT at 6:00 pm Chanukah Shabbat Dinner at 7:00 17 Torah Study at 9:15 am Got Shabbat at 10:15 am Late Shabbat at 8:30 pm Shabbat Morning Minyan including Bat Mitzvah of Catherine Raisin at 10:30 am Shabbat Morning Service including Bar Mitzvah of Max Weil at 10:30 am 18 Pre-oneg at 5:30 pm 19 Rabbi Kushner’s Mystical Torah Class at 9:15 am ONE SHABBAT at 6:00 pm Scrabble at noon 12 Rabbi Kushner’s Mystical Torah Class at 9:15 am Torah Study at 9:15 am Shabbat Morning Minyan including Bat Mitzvah of Peri Charmatz at 10:30 am Shabbat Morning Service including Bat Mitzvah of Rachel Zisk at 10:30 am 20 21 Scrabble at noon 22 23 24 Offices Closed at 1:00 pm 25 Offices Closed All Day Pre-oneg at 5:30 pm 26 Rabbi Kushner’s Mystical Torah Class at 9:15 am Torah Study at 9:15 am ONE SHABBAT at 6:00 pm Shabbat Morning Minyan at 10:30 am 27 28 Scrabble at noon 29 30 31 Offices Closed All Day January Dates Friday, Jan. 1 Offices Closed All Day 5:30 pm Pre-oneg 6:00 pm ONE SHABBAT Saturday, Jan. 2 10:30 am Shabbat Morning Minyan including Bat Mitzvah of Annika Wolberg 14 15 Congregation Emanu-El Two Lake Street San Francisco, CA 94118 www.emanuelsf.org PERIODICAL We are a vibrant, sacred Jewish community that is dedicated to advancing our members’ lifelong involvement in Judaism through worship, learning, good deeds, and congregant to congregant connections. Jonathan Singer, Senior Rabbi Beth Singer, Senior Rabbi Sydney B. Mintz, Rabbi Ryan Bauer, Rabbi Carla Fenves, Rabbi Jason Rodich, Rabbi Marsha Attie, Cantor Arik Luck, Cantor Roslyn Barak, Senior Cantor Emerita Rabbi Lawrence Kushner, Emanu-El Scholar Stephen Pearce, Senior Rabbi Emeritus David N. Goldman, Executive Director and General Counsel Terry Kraus, FTA, Director of Membership Services Elena Gary, Chief Financial Officer Lani Zinn, Director of Development Heather Erez, Director of Youth Education Ariana Estoque, MEd, Director of Adult and Adolescent Education Rob Freedman, Director of Marketing and Communications Heather Mendelsohn Posner, Director of Early Childhood Education Svetlana Leykin, Director of Facilities and Special Events Sandy Rechtschaffen, Director of Community Engagement Penny Mika, Director of Operations and Office Administration Judi Leff, Director of Arts and Cultural Programs Karen Schiller, Copy Editor Members of the Board Of Directors President, Donny Friend Vice President, Mark Lehmann Vice President, Paul Zarefsky Treasurer, Sasha Kovriga Secretary, Erika Coplon Dale Boutiette Sandi Bragar Steve Cohen Stuart Corvin Jill Einstein Lara Ettenson Alan Greinetz Rachel Melman Steve Polsky Abby Porth Paula Pretlow Joel Roos Jackie Safier Rita Semel Jim Shapiro Ted Storey The Temple Chronicle (USPS 023-317) is published monthly except June and July for $36 per year by The Congregation Emanu-El, Two Lake Street, San Francisco, CA 94118. Periodicals Postage Paid at San Francisco, CA, and at additional mailing offices POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Temple Chronicle at Congregation Emanu-El, Two Lake Street, San Francisco, CA 94118. Thank you to all the committee members, volunteers and performers for a wonderful evening honoring Cantor Barak. Cantor Barak Evening Honorary Committee Co-Chairs: Lisa and Doug Goldman Nancy Livingston and Fred Levin • Ingrid Tauber and Frank Taforo