dean piller and david daniel, co-presidents
TRANSCRIPT
We are thrilled to announce that Theatre Dybbuk is our new artist-in-residence
at Temple Judea. We are the first synagogue in the San Fernando Valley to
house an independent theatre company. Theatre Dybbuk’s mission is to
illuminate the universal human experience by creating provocative theatrical
presentations and innovative educational opportunities based on Jewish
folklore, rituals and history.
.............................................Senior Staff Rabbi Joshua M. AaronsonRabbi Cantor Alison WissotRabbi Samuel L. SpectorCantor Yonah KligerRabbinic Intern Daniel ShapiroCantorial Intern Lily Tash
Margie Ipp, Director of Early Childhood CenterRebecca C. Platt, Director of Education
Ellen Franklin, Executive DirectorDiane Lennox, Director of FinanceEileen Aroesti, Director of DevelopmentPietro Capra, Facilities Director
.............................................Board of Trustees Teri Levin Grossblatt, President
Executive CommitteeKym Eisner, Executive Vice PresidentTodd Cobin, VP Finance & DevelopmentKaren Twersky, VP Membership Josh Rubenstein, VP Membership CommitmentsMegan Fischer, VP EducationEllen Israel, VP PersonnelJulie Fuld, SecretaryBill Harris, TreasurerAndy Keimach, Immediate Past President
TrusteesGail Aspinwall Ron MilmanJanet Bornstein Ellen OpellGail Browdy Dani RogersJoann Kramar Judy RuttSteve Levitt Adam SaitmanJonathan Littman Joe Woolf
Presidential AppointeesMichael RobbinsIrv KlaskyArthur Jablon
Auxiliary RepresentativesJudy Scharf, Caring CommunityTracey Poirier, Women of Temple JudeaAly Besser, Senior Youth GroupDavid Daniel / Dean Piller, BrotherhoodKaren Liebrecht, ECC Parents’ Association
Submissions for the Judean may be sent to [email protected].
Edited by Gail AspinwallDesign and layout by Josh GeyerPrinting by Gam Enterprises
January/February 2016www.templejudea.com
january/february 2016
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aaron henneartistic director
Promises, Vows, Resolutions and Growth Rabbi Cantor Alison Wissot
the judean
Promises. The New Year is full of them. And, as American Jews, we have the occasion to celebrate a multitude of New Years, so perhaps it seems that we are always making resolutions, vows, promises.
This year is especially full of promises on the national scene, as we watch politicians aiming for the Oval Office. Then there are the promises we all make to our families and friends, and promises we make to ourselves in the name of resolutions. Torah holds that there are promises made by God, a complex covenant that binds us to that which is holy.
The Talmud too has a complicated relationship with promises. According to the rabbis of the Talmud, there are two kinds of promises that we might make. One is focused on the object, one is focused on the person. If a person says, “I will place a ban on wine” in the hopes of controlling his or her drinking, this is a vow. If a person says “I swear I will not drink wine,” this is an oath.
So what is the difference? Is this just semantics? The rabbis do not think so, as they spend pages of the Talmud arguing over whether a vow or an oath is desirable or even allowed, and what happens if the promise is left unfulfilled.
In fact, the conversation goes back to Ecclesiastes, in which it is stated that it is better not to vow than to vow and not accomplish the goal, and from this the rabbis generally conclude that it is better never to vow at all.
Why all of this conversation prohibiting vows? It speaks to a deep human need to strive for the future. For if the rabbis feel the need to prohibit this, we must have been doing it all along. We NEED to promise. We NEED to hold out hope that we can become more than we are, that we can make effective changes in our lives, that we can grow and progress as human beings. We want to believe that not only we but our society can become better than it has been.
However, the pain of unfulfilled vows, and the unintended consequences of letting ourselves renege on promises, is what prompts the rabbis to suggest that we never make them in the first place. For if we allow our promises to be released freely, then our word cannot be trusted.
And yet… we make them. On the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah), we are also given Yom Kippur, an opportunity to chant the Kol Nidre, which releases us from any vows or oaths we make that we simply were not capable of accomplishing. But on the American New Year, we have no such release.
Perhaps that is the pressure of this time of year. We know we have not lived up to the resolutions and promises we have made in this past year. And worse, we may see a legacy of unfulfilled resolutions in what seems like an endless chain of years even further gone by.
I suggest that the American New Year needs its own “kol nidre,” its own ritual to release the pain of promises we are unable to keep. One way we can do this is by forgiving ourselves our lack of perfection. We are human and therefore flawed, and it is those very flaws which allow us the possibility of growth. Rabbis have interpreted the first commandment in the 10 big ones (I am your God who took you out of the land of Egypt . . .) to mean quite literally “I’m God, you’re not.” We would do well to remember the blessing in this! We are not supposed to be perfect. We are not supposed to achieve every goal, and we are not supposed to be able to fulfill every promise. But the sheer act of allowing ourselves to make these resolutions and promises means we are living a life in which we strive to be more. So whether your resolutions are attempts to better care for your body, or for your soul, or for your family . . . may this New Year release us from all promises we tried so hard to keep last year, and offer the promise of a life that is above and beyond.
Purim, It’s Not Just Jewish Halloween Rebecca Platt - Director of Education
Purim is not just the “Jewish Halloween.” I know this
statement may be surprising to some, but Purim is a
holiday that goes way beyond a great Haman costume, or
the opportunity to over indulge (adults only of course).
Purim is actually a holiday that is expressive of Jewish
values and ethics in a really accessible way.
I thought I would break down the mitzvot a bit here as they
can be really accessible and family friendly.
First, as Rabbi Aaronson often says (and I agree), there
are no private Jewish moments. Jews like to celebrate,
commiserate, kvetch, kvell, and even mourn together.
That being said, the first mitzvah of reading the megillah
(or at least hearing the megillah read), traditionally must be
done in public. Usually, megillah readings are very festive
and definitely kid-friendly! Shameless plug, but think about
experiencing this mitzvah with your family here at Temple
Judea! The chanting of the megillah really emphasizes the
Jewish value of community and that as Jews, we truly are
our brother and sister’s keeper.
The second mitzvah of eating “Seudat Purim” or a
festive meal is another great potential family activity. Maybe
think about gathering your family and/or friends for a meal
together. You might even require costumes or have
everyone choose a character from the megillah and require
the group to stay in character—perfect for LA! Seudat
Purim focuses on family and food. There can be almost no
Jewish event that doesn’t include food! There’s something
about breaking bread together that
really opens up conversation and con-
nection. Use Purim as an excuse this
year to sit down and share a meal with those you love and
open yourself up to the possibilities.
The third mitzvah of sending gifts, “Mishloach Manot,”
well, this is just fun! Many more traditional Jewish
communities annually send small gifts and tokens of care
to family and friends on Purim. Mishloach Manot helps
us remember the importance of simcha or happiness as a
Jewish people. Despite the challenges of our history and
despite what might be confronting us in our own lives, it’s
important for us to remember the blessings in our lives
and focus on what is good, and how we can connect to
and share joy in the world. This year you might consider
organizing a “white elephant” gift exchange with Jewish
friends on Purim, or arrange one for your kids!
Finally, the fourth mitzvah, that of Matanot l’Evyonim, or
giving gifts to the poor. Tzedakah is a significant Jewish
ethical imperative. We must give to others as we are all
responsible for each other as Jews. For Purim this year,
consider creating small Purim baskets for a Jewish senior
home, or giving small gifts of any kind to a charity that’s
important to your family.
Wishing you and your family a Chag Purim Sameach
(Happy Purim)!
Purim is March 20, 2016Save the date for our annual Purim celebration!
As you might know, Purim contains within it four mitzvot (commandments). They are as follows:
1. The reading of the Megillah (Scroll of Esther)
2. Eating a festive Purim meal (Seudat Purim)
3. Sending gifts (Mishloach Manot)
4. Gifts to the poor (Matanot l’Evyonim)
january/february 2016
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Early Childhood Center Margie Ipp - Director of ECC Lisa Whitman - Assistant Director of ECCIt’s 2016, and we in the ECC are more dedicated than ever
to spreading the word that PLAY is the best way to educate
children. Play seems to be under attack these days with the
push to “educate” our kids earlier and earlier. Parents worry
that if their children aren’t doing traditional school learning early
that they will fall behind. Should they be learning to read when
they are two? Should they be doing addition and subtraction at
three? Do they need flashcards or computer programs? What
some parents don’t understand is that play holds the keys to
unlock all the skills for traditional learning once children are
developmentally ready.
More and more research is showing a link between play and
the development of cognitive and social “school” skills that
are needed as children get older. Play is linked to developing
oral language, self-regulation, memory, social development,
mathematical concepts, and literacy skills. A child who plays
house with other children in class uses his/her imagination, but also
learns to listen and consider other people’s perspectives. A child
who builds a block tower learns to concentrate and persist even
when the blocks fall.
He/she learns about
size, weight, and physical space. A child who plays with cars, or
dolls, or dinosaurs can learn to sort by color, size, and attribute.
All of these skills are gained in the most natural way – PLAY.
Today, because of TV, videos, computers, and smart phones,
children often don’t have enough time to just play. Here in the
ECC, we are dedicated to giving children time and space to play
and learn; to explore and grow; to imagine and succeed. Give a
child a cardboard box and see what happens. And while you are
at it, play is good for grown-ups too. Get down on the floor with
your children and let them invite you into their creative world.
Having a young child is a great excuse for you to play, too!
the judean
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Herb & Jean AaronBruce & Nancy AbramsPeter AdlerDavid & Margaret AltschulRuth-Ellen AmenJais & Karen AserafGail AspinwallIvan & Nikki AxelrodJeff & Andrea BaconSteve & Aileen BailinOwen BakerMartin & Pamela BakstArnie & Robbie BalonickBob & Sandy BaralScott BarerLorraine BarthAri & Heather BassDorianne BassMiriam BeggPhilip & Elaine BenditsonAndy & Judith BensonEvelyn BergmanDean & Karen BerkusMarcia BermanMichael & Anne BermanStu & Marietta BerntholRob & Amy BesserBennett & Linda BigmanLeon & Mary BlanksteinJason & Laura BlattJacob & Ilene BlokMichael & Susan BlumenfieldLee & Samantha BothastDiane BreitmanSteve & Tiffani BresnickJustin & Danielle BrooksGail BrowdyAndrea BrownShelly BrowneDouglas & Lysa BurkeCarryl CarterScott & Hallie ChavezZachary & Arielle CheslerTodd & Barbara CobinBernard & Paula CohenGreg & Chris CohenLester & Michele CohenDan & Jennifer CooperRichard & Tracey CoopersteinDaniel & Roza CrawfordMatt & Linda CreagerDebra CurtisJeffery Daar & Ruth ZacariasVivi DavidsonBiff & Ilyce DawesMyron & Nancy DemboMort & Marj DenkerMichael & Elana DombrowerChris & Claire DoyleMarvin & Linda DrabinskyAl & Sara DreskinTom & Amy DuganMartin & Maxine DusigBernard & Rosemary EckerSteve & Kym EisnerDavid & Susan EllisPaul & Bobbi EndlerCraig & Jodi ErwichJeffrey & Laurie EvansCarolyn FasteauJon & Jaci FeldmanScott & Beth Fink
Edward & Michele FischerBert & Patty FischlerLyubov FisherRichard Fisher & Gail GoldsteinHilda FogelsonSteven & Janie FogelsonEfmim FridmanAime FriedmanJeff & Gisela FriedmanKaren FriedmanRay & Lorraine FriedmanMatthew & Valerie FriedrichJulie FuldLoren & Stacie FunkFred & Jill GainesDon & Debbie GalloJerry & Ann GerstenfeldAntony & Anna GluckKen & Donna GoldArline GoldbergIrving & Esther GoldbergColin & Gillian GoldmanJeff & Jessica GoldsmithIrwin & Sally GoldsteinRobert & Rena GolenbergRick & Sandy GoorJerry & Myrna GordonAaron Graff & Barbara Roscoe-GraffDave & Jody GreenJoel & Sandee GreeneMoe & Gloria GrossblattPhilip & Geri GutentagLogan Hagege & Misty ZollarsJeffrey & Randy HainSally HarrisCliff & Cindy HasselMurray & Gail HeltzerJeff Hennes & Donna Weiser-HennesAndre & Melissa HiltonJake & Stephanie HinckHoward HoffmanRobert Holtzman & Lili EndlichAllen & Kathy HorwitzScott Howard & Tiffany ShrierLloyd & Margot HummelStu & Ellen IsraelArthur & Mady JablonGary & Cory JacobyDavid & Susan JeffersonJoe & Marcy JotkowitzJonathan & Heather KadinKen & Judy KaminsRichard & Wendy KaneBruce & Marlene KanterDennis & Stacey KassSaul & Rima KayAndy & Fern KeimachDiane KellerMelvin & Charlotte KerberJason & Camy KingstonRoy & Barbara KoletskyStephen & Toby KoppekinOscar & Sharri KornblumRon & Joann KramarMichael & Colette KramerJustin Krane & Suzanne KamenirNan KrasneGary Krausz & Caryn Leemon-KrauszJeff & Roni KritzbergPejman & Natalie LahijiJeffrey & Nicole LakeTony & Sharon Landler
Daniel Lasman & Michele Craig-LasmanDavid & Iris LassoffAndrew LavickDiane LennoxAdam & Cecily LernerElaine LevinTracy LevinSteve & Robin LevittElise LewisWill & Dorie LiangDave & Jil LionelliVerna LissJonathan & Nancy LittmanLou & Elaine LovitGary & Barbara LuboffSaundra MandelDavid & Amy MandellSelda MassionLeonard Meyberg Jr.Randy & Jan MichelCeles MillerJoel & Allison MillerJudy MillerKen & Rose Lynne MillerBob & Marlene MillerAlan & Nancy MirmanMichael & Jessica MischnaBob & Diana MorgensternAdam & Melissa MoskowitzLibbe MurezDavid & Mara NaiditchRichard & Lois NeiterDavid & Stacie NemetzJerry & Beverly NemetzDavid & Lianne NoddleMark & Marsha NovakHowie & Gina NuchowGary & Lisa NudellIzak & Ronni OkonLawrence & Susan OpasMichael & Ellen OpellRenee OpellJoseph & Jo Ann OsterAlan & Alana PerperAdam & Bree PessinDavid & Jo PessinHarvey & Nancie PiccusMollie PierMark & Lya PinkusDavid PlotkinDon & Melissa PlotskyShirley PlutskyBoris PolishchukDrew & Pauline PomeranceLouis & Michelle PosenJon & Aneta PrinceGaye RaineyAlex & Cathy ReichmanCary & Suzanne ReismanAdam & Ariella ReisnerMichael Robbins & Cathy BalinSteven & Laurie RodsteinCraig & Karen RoebMichael & Dani RogersDaniel RomeyAl & Brendie RosenbloomSandy & Frayne RosenfieldBruce & Lynn RossMike & Carolyn RothbergRonald & Melanie RovinIvan & Merkie RowanJosh & Jenna Rubenstein
Harvey & Tobye RubinTammy RubinJerry & Marla SacklerSaul & Marian SacksHoward & Lynn SafenowitzEric & Alexandra SagermanAdam & Lori SaitmanYutaka & Helen SakamotoJudy ScharfBarry & Lois SchererBill & Marian SchiffHerb & Diane SchneiderJack & Lillie SchrierBonnie SchwabVictor & Kimberly SchwartzMark & Lauren SchwartzbachStephen & Marjory SebolskyCraig & Kim ShapiroMark & Jill ShearLoretta ShineDavid & Laurie SiedelmanCarol SilverJack Silver & Christine Kamps-SilverPhil Silver & Dale StrumanRoy Silver & Ellen FranklinDavid SilversteinRobert & Debbie SilversteinCarl & Carol SingermanAdam & Michelle SlobinCandice Slobin-SnidermannMike & Gerry SobelmanTerry SoboJudy SofferSandra & Jack SollOwen & Robbie SolomonSteve Soroko & Claudia Bloom-SorokoCurt Gorlick & Penny SparkDavid Spector & Bill TownsendSam Spector & Morin ZarayRonnie & Romy SperlingSherman SperlingScott & Deborah SpunginRick & Leslie SteierSusan StoneMark & Julie StubingtonBrent & Lisa StutmanBrian & Lisa TepperMichael ThalRon & Ellen TineroJack TurkSteve & Karen TwerskyJeffrey & Marla VaughnLeslie WachsDorothy WatenmakerSteve & Miriam WatenmakerLarry & Barbara WeintraubCorey & Monique WeissDavid & Sandra WeissEthan WeissAl & Nancy WienerJackie WissenDavid & Nadene WohlgemuthRobert & Ida WorthAdam & Michelle WrightMichael Young & Marla Schwartz-YoungJody Yusim & Shari AaronsSteven & Nisa ZapPaul & Lonnie ZeltzerHarry ZinnJay & Lainie Zuckerman
OUR COMMUNITY RESPONDS - KOL HAKAVOD
Each year at Yom Kippur we are asked to participate in the mitzvah of Tzedakah. And each year, for a moment, we stop our prayers, our time of reflection and repentance, to ensure that all of our community is cared for and nurtured through the High Holy Day appeal. This year is no different. Thank you to everyone who was able to respond to our appeal. Your act of Tzedakah ensures a stronger Temple Judea.
Development Eileen Aroesti - Director of Development
Donors at time of printing.
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january/february 2016
B’nei Mitzvah - January
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RACHEL BODENDaughter of Robert & Marla1/9/2016, 10:30amProject: Collected pull (pop) tabs and bringing them to the Ronald McDonald House.
CARLY AREBALODaughter of Charles & Amy1/9/2016, 5pmProject: Created “Carly & Campbell’s Cookies for Canines” to raise money for dog shelters – combining Carly’s love for baking and dogs
JACK HERNANDEZSon of Marc & Carie1/16/2016, 10:30amProject: Donated used and new books to The Friends of Carpinteria Library.
ELLA HERNANDEZDaughter of Marc & Carie1/16/2016, 10:30amProject: Donated used and new books to The Friends of Carpinteria Library.
SAMANTHA SCHULMANDaughter of Michael & Sandra1/16/2016, 5pmProject: Collected hotel-sized toiletries to donate to shelters around Southern California.
RILEY REUBENSon of Moti & Kathy1/23/2016, 10:30amProject: Volunteered at Pet Shelter Hope of Thousand Oaks, giving lots of love and attention to rescue dogs in an effort to save their lives.
NOA GASWAYDaughter of Geoffrey & Allison1/30/2016, 10:30amProject: Has been raising money for the past six years for CHLA with annual bake sales. This year she will host a toy drive for the hospital.
ELIZABETH KAPLANDaughter of Michael & Inna1/30/2016, 5pmProject: Volunteered at the Jewish Home for the Aging by playing piano for the residents.
VICTORIA KAPLANDaughter of Michael & Inna1/30/2016, 5pmProject: Volunteered weekly with Koreh LA helping an elementary school student learn to read.
B’nei Mitzvah - Februarythe judean
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BENJAMIN TUCKERSon of Scott & Maria2/13/2016, 10:30amProject: Lifted the spirits of our Active Duty and Veteran communities while volunteering his services at Operation Gratitude.
DANIELA GOLDBERGDaughter of Adam & Gabriela2/13/2016, 10:30amProject: Collected supplies and contributions for Los Angeles Animal Services, to promote and protect the health, safety, and welfare of animals and people.
JADE BLOCKDaughter of Darren & Debby2/13/2016, 5pmProject: Jade is a huge animal lover and has been volunteering her time at the animal shelter.
SAMUEL YABLONSon of Brian Yablon & Joelle Hammerle2/20/2016, 10:30amProject: Planted trees with Tree People.
AMANDA TAHIDaughter of Michael & Candice2/27/2016, 10:30amProject: Had a bake sale and started a tribute page for her great grandmother to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association.
AIDAN SUSKISon of Sharon Rubin & Mark Suski2/27/2016, 5pmProject: Organized a food and book drive and volunteered for the SOVA Community Food and Resource Program.
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“Wrapped in Jewish Time”
Women of Temple Judea is excited to announce our
2016 Women’s Retreat
For more information or to sign up, please contact Danit Rothstein at [email protected] or
by calling the temple at (818) 758-3800.
May 21-22, 2016
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Making Peace Among All People, with Rabbi Sam SpectorRabbi Spector is devoted to the Jewish people and to the State of Israel. Join him for a mini-course that will challenge your understanding of Zionism as he traces the evolution of the Reform movement’s position on Zionism. Three Tuesdays: January 5, 12, 19, 2016 – 7:30-8:30pm*
Devotion in Prayer II, with Cantor Yonah KligerCantor Kliger is a master of prayer, of worship, and of teaching. Join him as he expands your understanding of the way in which melody--nusach—connects us to prayer and worship.Three Tuesdays: February 2, 9, 16, 2016 – 7:30-8:30pm*
Martinis and Mishna, with Rabbinic Intern Danny Shapiro and Cantorial Intern Lily TashHang with genX, have some libations and study some Jewish stuff! Your mind and taste-buds will be inspired! You’ll laugh and maybe meet some new friends. Open to everyone over 21! Three Tuesdays: March 8, 15, 22, 2016 – 7:30-8:30pm*
•Register at www.templejudea.com/adultlearning
Justice and Righteousness: The Ethical Agenda of the Jewish PeopleA Multidenominational Conversation Series
Don’t miss the following sessions coming up:
Sunday, January 31, 2016 9:30-11:30am with Elana Stein Hain at Kol Tikvah
Sunday, March 6, 2016 9:30-11:30am withYossi Klein HaLevi at Temple Aliyah
Sunday, April 3, 2016 9:30-11:30am withYehuda Kurtzer at Temple Judea
Register at www.shalomhartman.org/LACollaborative
Mystery of the Dead Sea ScrollsRabbi Tamara Eskenazi, Ph.Dand Dean Joshua Holo, Ph.DSunday, February 28, 2016 9:30am
•Register at www.templejudea.com/adultlearning
Learning with the Clergy – Opening Our ArkThe next two of our insightful mini-courses taught by our clergy that will expand upon the beautiful words inscribed on our Ark.Sign up at www.templejudea.com for one or all of these 3 week courses:
Hartman Collaborative Lecture SeriesTemple Judea is proud to announce our participation in the inaugural season of the Shalom Hartman Institute Valley Collaborative bringing the finest Jewish scholars in the world to Temple Judea and our sister congregations in the San Fernando Valley.
HUC College CommonsA Real-Time Conversation and Q&A with HUC-JIR ScholarsLive-Streamed at Temple Judea
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Temple Judea Brotherhood is surging into 2016 with record attendance at meetings, a flock of great events, and the amazing feeling of having helped serve Thanksgiving dinner to 1000+ homeless people.
Find our events on www.templejudea.com/brotherhood, or the temple website calendar, and join us to see what all the FUN is about!
Women of Temple Judea Tracey Pomerance-Poirier, President
Brotherhood Dean Piller and David Daniel, Co-Presidents
2015 was a busy year for the Women of Temple Judea.From our Bagel Brunch in September, to our Maj tournament and Jewish
Women’s Theatre performance in October, to our Mitzvah Day Bake Sale
and Chanukah Boutique in November, we hope you enjoyed what WTJ has
offered thus far.
That said, it’s time to write “Save the Date” in your 2016 calendars for
the following events, some of which can be considered meaningful Jewish
experiences, and some which can be considered plain, old fun. There’s
something for everyone and always opportunities to bring friends and make
new ones.
Tuesday, February 23 - BingoVino
(previously known as BingoTini and BingoRita).
Bingo Boy will entertain us once again while we play bingo, drink wine and
hopefully win some prizes! What could be better than that?
Friday, April 29 - Pizza and Beer Night We invite you to celebrate the end of Passover week by splurging on pizza (yeah
bread) and beer in what promises to be a fun-filled evening for all.
Sunday, May 15 - Day at the Races. A joint program with Brotherhood, we are bringing this event back by popular
demand. We’re going to Santa Anita Race Track for the day, where you can learn how to handicap a race, or simply root for your
favorite horse, while enjoying good food and drink. This is always great fun!
Saturday, May 21 - Sunday, May 22 - Women’s Retreat “Wrapped in Jewish Time” This promises to be a fantastic mini-getaway at the Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Resort in Oxnard. Rabbi Cantor Wissot will
lead us in a meaningful program that promises to leave us refreshed, revitalized, and rejuvenated.
Please look for emails about these events, and visit the temple website for more information and to sign up. As always, we
welcome your involvement and input, and offers of assistance are appreciated!
january/february 2016
DonationsRABBI JOSHUA M. AARONSON
DISCRETIONARY FUND
Arthur & Adrienne Zitsow in honor of Sarah Daniel’s Bat Mitzvah
Carol Silver in honor of the brit/naming of Zachary Silver
Carol Silver in memory of Alan Silver
Charles & Stephanie Girvan in memory of Marlene Vallen
Herb & Diane Schneider in memory of Henrietta Schneider
Jack Turk in memory of Barbra Turk
Jeffrey & Nicole Lake in honor of Will Lake’s Bar Mitzvah
Judy Miller in memory of Matthew Peckler
Michael & Julee Gould in honor of Bethany Gould’s Bat Mitzvah
Moe & Gloria Grossblatt in appreciation of Rabbi Aaronson honoring our “65th” Wedding
Anniversary
Robert & Ida Worth & Family in memory of Mildred Wertheimer
RABBI SAM SPECTOR DISCRETIONARY FUND
Carol Silver in honor of the brit/naming of Zachary Silver
Carol Silver in memory of Alan Silver
Herb & Diane Schneider in memory of Ernst Schneider
Jacob & Ilene Blok in memory of Frances Kass
Lisa Hayakaya & Ran Ben Refael in appreciation of Rabbi Sam Spector
Lynn Davidson in memory of Alan Silver
Mark & Jill Shear in honor of Rabbi Sam Spector’s Installation
Mark & Jill Shear in memory of Herbert Glatt
Martin & Anita Guss in appreciation of Rabbi Sam Spector
Nizan Kahana in honor of Rabbi Sam Spector
Ron & Joann Kramar in honor of Rabbi Sam Spector’s Installation
Tony & Sharon Landler in memory of Mildred Tauman
RABBI CANTOR ALISON WISSOT DISCRETIONARY FUND
Barry & Evelyn Levitt in memory of Jerry Shulman
Bev Futterman in appreciation of Rabbi Cantor Alison Wissot
Carol Silver in memory of Alan Silver
Jeff & Tammy Lerman in appreciation of Rabbi Cantor Alison Wissot
Jeffrey & Nicole Lake in honor of Will Lake’s Bar Mitzvah
Lorraine Barth in memory of Ian Barth
Maida Dacher in memory of Mary Dacher
Martin & Anita Guss in appreciation of Rabbi Cantor Alison Wissot
Peter & Donna Schlessel in appreciation of
Rabbi Cantor Alison Wissot
CANTOR YONAH KLIGER DISCRETIONARY FUND
David Goldman & Myra Lurie in appreciation of Cantor Yonah Kliger
Martin & Anita Guss in appreciation of Cantor Yonah Kliger
Mark & Jill Shear in honor of Cantor Yonah Kliger’s Installation
Natalie Roberts in honor of Cantor Yonah Kliger
Ron & Joann Kramar in honor of Cantor Yonah Kliger’s Installation
Carol Silver in memory of Alan Silver
Judy Miller in memory of Will Johnson
Michael & Julee Gould in honor of Bethany Gould’s Bat Mitzvah
january/february 2016
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Mazal Tov toChester Sakomoto, for being awarded a certificate of recognition from the City of Los Angeles for “literary contributions to the Los Angeles Community.”
Rebecca Platt, our Director of Education, on her engagement to Fred Raskin.
Danit Rothstein, our Cantors’ Assistant, on her engagement to Candace Newton.
Yaelle and David Shoham, and daughter Sophie, on the birth of Julianna.
Stephanie and Justin Brauer, and son Ian, on the birth of Jacob Eli.
Fred Gaines, on being re-elected to the Calabasas City Council.
Cathy and Rob Sevell on becoming grandparents. Son Adam and daughter-in-law Ricki gave birth to Braden on November 11, 2015. Proud great aunt is Diane Lennox, our Director of Finance.
Jack & Lillie Schrier on celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary.
We welcome you!
Barbara Cherney
Fred & Nancy Golob
Claire Rabishaw
Mike & Gerry Sobelman
DeeDee Williams
As of 12/3/15
New Members
2016! Another time for reflection and planning. Do you know who you are? Here is an answer to help guide your thinking. You are a
member of the Temple Judea congregation. You are a member of a temple which believes in community, learning and tradition. Being
an active participant in our Social Action activities provides the opportunity to actively engage in our vision.
Did you know that Social Action sponsors activities throughout the year? January is the month for the outerwear collection to be
given to those in need as the weather grows colder. Look for the collection barrel in the Living Room. We will
collect gently used books for the Purim Carnival in March. They will be donated to an appropriate agency. Join
us on a Sunday Morning at Project Chicken Soup and help cook for those medically homebound. Cook and
serve a dinner at the Hope of the Valley Mission. Cooking dinner for homeless mothers and children at Genesis
House is such a rewarding evening. Watch the calendar and website for many more upcoming activities.
We are so lucky to be part of a temple community that cares. Come and be part of a Culture of Participation.
Social Action Ellen Opell - Chair
GENERAL FUND
Charles & Lillian Trilling in memory of Eugenie Trilling
Edward & Alice Rotenberg in honor of the Rotenberg Family
Ronald & Donna Roscoe in honor of Children’s Education
Arline Goldberg in memory of Philip Kabrin
Arnie & Vicki Kupetz in memory of Marvin Minoff
Arthur Joseph in memory of Shirley Joseph & Leonard Joseph
Barbara Cherney in memory of Irwin Cherney, Jon Cherney &
Barnett Shapiro
Bernard & Paula Cohen in memory of Gilda Ban, George Levin &
Marshall Levin
Bob & Marlene Miller in memory of Becky Schnitzer, Lance Feldberg,
Sarah Koenigsberg & Stu Stern
Cary & Suzanne Reisman in memory of Leah Schoenwald
Charlotte Rutta, Lori, Brian, Ethan & Carly Banton, Neal & Lisa Rutta in
memory of Carl Rutta
Chedy Kleiman in memory of Abe Kleiman
David & Iris Lassoff in memory of Alex Finger
Elaine Levin in memory of Morley Baer
Elise Lewis in memory of David Migdal
Eric & Julie Book in memory of Milton Book
Fred & Jill Gaines in memory of Robert Morey
Harvey & Harriet Bookstein in memory of Sally Mermelstein
Hilda Fogelson in memory of Eva Florsheim & Gertrude Anker
Howard & Marsha Spike in memory of Jack Spike, Caleb Campbell &
Phyllis Lane
Howard & Rose Turner in memory of Yomtov Esformes
Jay & Trudy Goldberg in memory of Anna G. Goldberg
Leon & Mary Blankstein in memory of Pearl Blankstein
Leroy & Irene Leemon in memory of Myron Marlis
Mark & Janice Miller in memory of Sarah Rosen
Matt & Linda Creager in memory of Donald Gruskoff
Mike & Sunny Spierer in memory of Simon Ross
Murray & Gail Heltzer in memory of Ruth Heltzer & Larry Heltzer
Rhoda King in memory of Meyer Mutnick
Richard & Karin Howard for the General Fund
Richard & Lois Neiter in memory of Ida Neiter
Richard & Wendy Kane in memory of Anne Weiss
Ron & Joann Kramar in memory of Marsha Cohen & Norman Kramar
Sherman Sperling in memory of Samuel Sperling
Stacy Winnick for the General Fund
Steve & Tracey Poirier in memory of Jerry & Lee Pomerance
Tom & DeAnne Heymann in memory of Andrea Zimmerman
Verna Liss in memory of Sidney J. Liss
CAMPERSHIP FUND
Cantor Gerald Miller & Bonnie Friedman in memory of
Sadie Kevat Miller
Jeremy & Betsy Kline in memory of Henry Kline
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION EDUCATION FUND
Kenneth & Donna Gold in memory of Cloud Mysko
ECC PROGRAM SUPPORT FUND
Al & Sara Dreskin in memory of Shoshana Dreskin
David & Vera Neporent for ECC Support
Sheryl & Richard Marcus in memory of Gloria Balgley
ELLEN M. ROSE CARING COMMUNITY FUND
Jackie Wissen in memory of Eddie Wissen
Judy Scharf in honor of Sarah Daniel’s Bat Mitzvah
Mark & Marsha Novak in memory of Alan Silver & Erica Stillwell
Tayku Havurah wishing a speedy recovery to Jack Turk & Beverly Dolin
ENDOWMENT FUND
Al & Brendie Rosenbloom in memory of Albert Meyers
HOMELESS/NEEDY ASSISTANCE FUND
Al & Brendie Rosenbloom in memory of Mildred Greenball
Arthur & Mady Jablon in memory of Stan Edmond
Barry & Lois Scherer in memory of Bill Scherer & Sadie Krevat Miller
Jack & Lillie Schrier in memory of Dirk Frowein
Jack Turk in memory of Adolph Turk
Jules & Dorothy Burg in memory of Minnie Kaplan
Shelly Browne in memory of Eva Leiter
Wendy Goldzband for Social Action
MUSIC FUND
Lorey Zlotnick in memory of Julie Cahill
NATALIE SMOLENS ECC SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Howard & Lisa Fleiner in appreciation of Margie Ipp &
Lisa Whitman
Ilene Kaplan in memory of Bernie Kaplan
Ivan & Nikki Axelrod in memory of Lillian Chilton
James Lerman in memory of Susan Lerman
Joel & Allison Miller in memory of Bernie Kaplan
Lynn & Beverly Freed in memory of Marsha Cohen
Matt & Linda Creager in memory of Molly Ilyse Katz
Vivian Katzin in appreciation of the ECC
PAUL RUBENSTEIN MEMORIAL LIBRARY FUND
Al & Sara Dreskin in memory of Sylvia Ichel
Terry Sobo in memory of Mona Cramer, Louis Sobo,
Sanna Deutchman, Meriam Rosen & Alan Silver
RABBI DONALD GOOR LIFELONG LEARNING FUND
Jeff & Tammy Lerman in appreciation of Rabbi Don Goor
SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND
Mark & Marsha Novak in memory of Rose Finkelstein
STEVEN A. FULD YOUTH FUND
John & Micki Glaser in memory of Frances Glaser
John & Micki Glaser & Frank & Tobi Glaser in memory of
H. Barbara Cutler & Mario Magat
Josie Berger in memory of Max Berger
Donations
Thanks to these generous donors who help keep our communitystrong.
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The JudeanJanuary / February 2016
5776 Tevet - Shevat טבח - שבט תשע’’ו
5776 Shevat - Adarשבט - אדרא תשע’’ו