1. Art and Diseño

INSIDE
Holocaust Memorial . . . . . 3
Tin Pan Alley Concert . . . . . 4
Gallery Sinai
Presents Litterati . . . . . . . . 4
Hebrew Refresher Course/
New Friend Groups. . . . . . . 5
Cantor Jack Mendelson
Coming in March. . . . . . . . . 5
Wresting Jerusalem . . . . . . 6
Jewish Film Festival . . . . . . 6
Social Action . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Keep up the Momentum –
Give to our Annual Campaign!
This year’s Annual Giving Campaign is off to a record-breaking pace because you have once again
responded generously at unprecedented levels. Since we first approached you in early December,
we have raised $71,900, far surpassing the $55,000 that was raised at this point during our
campaign last year. And we’ve only just begun. You can understand our
confidence that participation levels and total dollars raised will continue
to increase.
The Campaign, which runs for the entire fiscal year through June 2015,
helps us bridge the gap between membership contributions and actual
expenses and provides stability for current staffing and programing. It
ensures that we can remain a congregation whose doors are open to
all members regardless of their ability to pay and also allows for the
kind of flexibility that a congregation of our size needs as unexpected
opportunities and expenses arise throughout the year.
Thank you so much if you have already made a gift. If you have yet to do
so, you can still help...
Tu B’Shevat Seder/
Adult Education . . . . . . . . 10
ONLINE: Simply go to http://www.oaklandsinai.org/annualcampaign.
WTS and Brotherhood . . . 11
BY MAIL: You can send a check directly to the Temple.
Please mail your donation to: Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit Street,
Oakland, CA 94609 and make your checks payable to Temple Sinai.
Religous School . . . . . . . . 12
Preschool, Youth Programs
and Midrasha . . . . . . . . . . 13
Lifecycles . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Celebrate Purim! . . . . . back
BY PHONE: Call Temple Sinai at
(510) 451-3263 x300 and ask to speak with
Shaun Hannan to give via credit card.
Please consider making additional gifts to the
Annual Giving Campaign in honor of special
mitzvahs or in memory of loved ones throughout
the year. You are making a difference for our
congregation and for our future.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful 2015.
~ Melissa Heller
www.oaklandsinai.org
FROM THE RABBI’S
CANTOR’S
DESK
DESK
I am honored and humbled to
be Temple Sinai’s Senior Rabbi.
Temple Sinai is a special place,
and I believe that we have a special
relationship. I want to share with
you some of the reflections I wrote
in the personal statement that
accompanied my application many
months ago. It captures what I
appreciate most about this community, and why I feel so
blessed to serve Temple Sinai.
That is what drew me to Temple Sinai a decade ago, its heart.
I saw my values in you. I value warmth and inclusivity.
I value deep conversations about tradition, meaning and
purpose. I believe that a synagogue must be a place where
people feel and know they belong so they can be themselves,
share who they are and what they think without concern of
judgment. It must be a safe and comfortable place because
it is in the synagogue that we wrestle with the most essential
aspects of life: meaning, purpose, family, and tradition. A
community that values these things is a community I want
to serve, and Temple Sinai is that community.
“Congregations have personalities. Of course, every
individual within the community is unique, but when
they come together, the collective establishes a distinct
environment. Spend time in another synagogue and you will
see the differences.
The fact that our values are the same has contributed to the
fact that we have been so successful in our relationship. We
understand each other and have grown with each other over
the years. The way in which we work together is natural and
easy. I want to help you reach your potential in the same way
that you urge me to reach mine. We have trust, friendship
and shared values. Our personality match paired with our
decade long history gives us a solid foundation to move our
congregation forward in a positive way.
Some are very corporate; they have teams of rabbis each
with his or her own specialty, and on any given Shabbat
may have half a dozen programs and services running at the
same time. Some are focused on academics; they take pride
in the number of scholarly articles and books their rabbi
has written. Some are like celebrities; the rabbi and/or the
congregation pride themselves on being famous, they appear
frequently in the media of all sorts, and are often talked
about on the national scene.
So what differentiates us as a congregation? How might one
describe our personality?
Temple Sinai is all about heart.
True, we have cutting edge programs, lots of intellectuals,
and many different programs happening at any given time.
Yet, it is the openness of our hearts, our compassion, our
care for each other and the world around us that sets us apart
and makes us who we are. We value sincerity and honesty.
We are professional, but not formal. We are big, yet still
hamish (warm). Temple Sinai is the place that people come
to be welcomed for who they are and because they know that
they will be included within the diversity of our community.
Temple Sinai leads with its heart.
Together, we will continue to build on our strengths,
knowing who we are at our core. We are a community
wherein individuals care about each other. We are honest,
reflective and open to change. We have strong lay/
professional partnerships that determine our path. We are a
community who learns and grows, inspired by our tradition
and enriched by each other.
It is our strengths that will keep us relevant as, not only
our community, but all of organized American Judaism
shapes its future identity and evolves to reflect the needs
and experience of the younger generation of Jews. Being a
place of belonging and inclusivity, being a safe place where
people can search and explore, being a place where the
search for meaning and purpose is at the forefront of every
conversation will enable us to thrive in the present and in the
future. Synagogues will always be relevant when they focus
on matters of the heart. And that is who we are.”
I am thrilled to be leading our community through the
next stages of its life. Thank you for your trust and your
confidence. We have an exciting future ahead.
Jacqueline Mates-Muchin, Rabbi
Ilene Keys, Cantor
Yoni Regev, Rabbi
Samuel Broude, Rabbi Emeritus
Steven A. Chester, Rabbi Emeritus
t
Cantor Keys, Rabbi Mates-Muchin and Rabbi Regev
Mike Baker, President
Paul Geduldig, Executive Director
Sue Bojdak, Director of Education
Ellen Lefkowitz, Preschool Director
Lisa Hanauer, Director of Membership &
Communications
TEMPLE SINAI BULLETIN (USPS 7053) is published monthly except June and July by the First Hebrew Congregation of Oakland,
2808 Summit Street, Oakland, CA 94609. Periodicals Postage Paid at Oakland, CA and at additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Temple Sinai Bulletin, 2808 Summit Street, Oakland CA 94609-3605.
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T’FILAH
SHABBAT MINYAN
Second Shabbat morning of each month, at 10:30am in the Albers Chapel
The Shabbat Minyan is an exuberant and joyful lay-led service. This highly
participatory celebration combines traditional elements with professionally led
modern music. Our strong sense of community is enhanced by the potluck kiddush
that follows the service. Volunteers (for chanting, readings, etc.) can contact
Dan Fendel at [email protected].
TUESDAY MORNING MINYAN
Every Tuesday morning from 7:30am – 8:00am
Join us in an intimate setting for prayer based on the tradition, and using the Reform
siddur, with time and space for individual prayer as well. We begin in the Chapel
at 7:30am with 10 minutes of learning (presented either by Rabbi Regev or a lay
participant), followed by the prayer service itself, ending at 8:00am. Newcomers,
including those not familiar with the prayers, are especially welcome to join us in times
of special need, to help perform the mitzvah of providing a minyan for those who are
saying kaddish, or if you would like to explore prayer and learning to see how it may
enhance your day. We welcome you to join us afterwards for coffee/tea/bagels at
Posh Bagel on Piedmont Avenue.
SHABBAT MORNING TORAH STUDY
Every Shabbat Morning from 9:00am – 10:15am
We study Torah together. Become part of the group that joins Rabbi Mates-Muchin
or Rabbi Regev in a stimulating discussion as we work our way slowly, about a chapter
per week, through Torah. We are now in the book of Leviticus. The session closes
with a prepared drash by a volunteer congregant on the portion of the week. Bagels
and coffee are served and the discussions end in time for the 10:30am Shabbat
Morning Service.
EREV SHABBAT – MIZMOR SHIR! SERVICE
Friday, February 20, 7:30pm
A musical Shabbat service featuring Cantor Keys and the Mizmor Shir! musicians on
piano, guitar, mandolin, flute, saxophone, clarinet, violin, harmonica, drums and other
percussive instruments. This service features congregational melodies and eclectic,
contemporary music which complement the creative service booklet compiled by
Rabbi Mates-Muchin specifically for this service.
Schedule
of Services
Friday, February 6
6:30pm, Erev Shabbat Family
Service, Led by 5th and 6th grade
religious school classes, Music led
by Junior Choir; Sanctuary
Saturday, February 7
10:30am, Shabbat Morning Service
with the B’nei Mitzvah of Samuel and
Arnold James Silberstein; Sanctuary
Friday, February 13
7:30pm, Erev Shabbat Service,
Disabilities Awareness Shabbat;
Sanctuary
Saturday, February 14
10:30am, Shabbat Minyan Service;
Albers Chapel
10:30am, Shabbat Morning Service
with the B’nei Mitzvah of Amos and
Micah Rubel Ancell; Sanctuary
Friday, February 20
7:30pm, Mizmor Shir! Erev Shabbat
featuring the Mizmor Shir! musicians
and soulful music; Sanctuary
Saturday, February 21
Inviting Holocaust Survivors’ Families
Do you have a family member buried at Home of Eternity who
survived the Holocaust? Whether the burial spot is marked by this
symbol or not, please call Robin Reiner, the cemetery administrator at
(510) 325-7073; or email [email protected]. You will be
invited to the unveiling of the survivors’ memorial dedication on
Sunday, March 29th. Please save the date.
Temple Sinai is committed to accessibility. All programs taking place at Temple Sinai
are wheelchair accessible. Accessibility of programs taking place offsite is noted by
the wheelchair accessibility symbol. If you have concerns about an offsite location,
please check with the contact person provided for that program.
10:30am, Shabbat Morning Service
with the Bar Mitzvah of Joshua
Crommie; Sanctuary
Friday, February 27
7:30pm, Erev Shabbat Service led by
Women of Temple Sinai; Sanctuary
Saturday, February 28
9:15am, Sababa Shabbat, Shabbat
Service and Program for Pre-K
through 2nd grade with their
families; Albers Chapel
10:30am, Shabbat Morning Service
with the Bar Mitzvah of Max Augus;
Sanctuary
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TO
PROGRAMS
FROM
COME
THE CANTOR’S
and EVENTS
DESK
The 14th Annual Temple Sinai Poets of
Tin Pan Alley Concert Sing-along
Saturday, February 7, 7:30pm in the Sanctuary
Ain’t We Got Fun –
Songs of the Roaring ’20s
$15 suggested donation ($10 if you’re over
80 or under 30)
Proceeds benefit the presentation of these
shows in local retirement communities.
In 2014, we brought sing-alongs to:
Reutlinger Home for Jewish Living, Danville
Rhoda Goldman Plaza, San Francisco
Piedmont Gardens, Oakland
Baywood Court, Castro Valley
Lake Park, Oakland
Questions? contact Phillip Rubin at (510) 547-8080 or
[email protected]
TEMPLE SINAI TRIVIA TEAM
Thursday, February 5, 7:30pm, New Parkway Theater
Thursday, February 5, at 7:30pm at the New Parkway
Theater at 474 24th St. (near the Temple!) Free parking at
the Douglas lot – entrance on 23rd Street. Join us!
SUNDAY MORNING MAH JONGG
Sundays, February 8 & 22, 9:30-11:00am in Stern Hall
Friends, nosh, mahj. All levels welcome (instructors available
each week). Learn this Jewish classic while your children
study the Jewish classics! Continuing nearly every Sunday
there is Religious School through the winter/spring.
Co-sponsored by the Women of Temple Sinai
FEBRUARY SHABBAT WITH ATID
Friday, February 20, 7:30pm
Join ATID (Temple Sinai’s Young Adults Group) at the
Mizmor Shir! musical Shabbat service, at Temple Sinai, at
7:30pm. Immediately following services, we will have a late
night shabbat dinner/drinks at a nearby restaurant. RSVP
[email protected]
Thank you to
Shir Appeal for
their amazing perfomance
last month! Keep the
music going by purchasing
their CD at
www.shirappeal.com.
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Continuing in the Gallery Sinai Stern Hall
Exhibit Space... LITTERATI: OUR SHARED
RESPONSIBILITY TO THE ENVIRONMENT
Both in response to his understanding
of the Jewish ethic of tikkun olam and
out of his sense of responsibility to his
children’s generation, in 2012 Temple
Sinai congregant Jeff Kirschner founded
Litterati, a movement dedicated to cleaning
the planet one piece of litter at a time by combining
environmental awareness with social media to inspire global
change. Since its inception, more than 90,000 pieces of litter
have been photographed, cataloged, and properly discarded
and Litterati has become an international movement.
The Litterati exhibit
features photographs
from locations around
the world that serve as
a stark reminder of the
need for new strategies
to reach the public, who
still too often improperly
discards its refuse. Each image is accompanied by thoughts
from the photo-documentarian who encountered the objects
in their respective environments. The exhibit is on display
in Stern Hall through February. Please join us for a special
oneg reception following Erev Shabbat services on Friday,
February 6th.
TO COME
PROGRAMS, GROUPS ANDWORSHIP
CLASSES
Three New Friend Groups at
Temple Sinai
HEBREW IN A DAY: REFRESHER COURSE
FOR PASSOVER WITH OPHIRA DRUCH
Sunday March 22, 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Temple Isaiah, Lafayette
Refresh your Hebrew and get ready for Passover with
“Hebrew in a Day!” This is a 2-hour Hebrew workshop for
students who are able to decode Hebrew (i.e. sound out
words using Hebrew letters and vowels), but want a reading
refresher before Passover. We will do a review of letters and
vowels, practice decoding to become more fluent, read and
become familiar with some of the texts from the Haggadah.
$18 for members or $30 for non-members. Registration:
http://www.temple-isaiah.org/education/
jewish-studies-hebrew-classes/
Save the Date
CANTOR JACK MENDELSON AND FRIENDS
Saturday, March 7 at 8:00pm
Part of the 30th Jewish Music Festival,
February 26 – March 22, 2015
Cantor Jack Mendelson sings classical
hazonos (Jewish liturgical music). Cantor
Mendelson, the subject of the acclaimed
2005 documentary A Cantor’s Tale, and a
master of the genre, has dedicated his life
to teaching, performing, and preserving the
liturgical music tradition. Accompanied by Frank London
and special guests.
For 15% discount for groups of ten to thirty, contact the
Festival office at (510) 848-0237, ext. 126
TICKETS: Tickets are $26 general admission/
$22 seniors (65+), full-time students, JCC East Bay and
Temple Sinai members and are on sale Saturday, January 10
at www.jewishmusicfestival.org or by calling
(800) 838-3006, and at the door.
NEW BABY PEOPLE
Have you had a baby in the last year or so and want to get
together with other parents and babies? To be added to the
email list, contact [email protected]
ATID YOUNG ADULTS GROUP
For adults in their 20s, 30s, and those “young at heart”
to gather for Shabbat dinners, cultural events, holiday
celebrations, and (most importantly) making new friends.
For information or join our Google Group, please contact
Emmett and Olivia at: [email protected].
THE NEXT CHAPTER GROUP
The Next Chapter group for people 60+, is being revitalized.
To be included, please email [email protected].
Join Rabbi Mates-Muchin and Rabbi Chester,
Jewish Federation of the East Bay and Temple Sinai
TRIP to ISRAEL
Now open for registration!
For more information and to register:
www.jfed.org/israel2015.
Design your own experience and discover Israel your way!
Optional pre-trip to Poland April 14 – 20.
Subsidies available. If you would like additional brochures
or any other informational support, please call our trip
coordinator: Riva Gambert at (510) 809-4953
or cell (925) 895-3605.
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EVENTS
FROM THE
COMING
CANTOR’S
SOON!
DESK
“Remarkable solo performance…
yearning beauty…riveting.” ~San Francisco Chronicle
THEATER PERFORMANCE AT TEMPLE SINAI
March 28, 2015; 7:00pm
Wrestling Jerusalem is a riveting 90-minute solo performance
following one man’s journey to understand the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. It is a personal story that grapples
with the complexities of identity, history and social justice.
Aaron Davidman, former director of the Traveling Jewish
Theatre, gives voice to over a dozen engaging characters,
including Israelis, Palestinians and American Jews.
Mr. Davidman’s brilliant rendition of these perspectives
convey the conflicting narratives of what seems to be an
endless conflict in the Holy Land.
Following the performance, Temple Sinai and The New
Israel Fund, co-sponsor, invite you to stay for light snacks
and a post-performance discussion with the performer.
WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY AARON DAVIDMAN
The ticket price will be $15 for Temple Sinai members;
$18 for non-members. If the performance has not sold out,
tickets will be sold at the door for $20 (cash only). Tickets
will go on sale in February.
Wrestling Jerusalem is being co-sponsored by The New Israel
Fund; Temple Sinai’s sponsors include The Israel Education
Committee, The Women of Temple Sinai, The Brotherhood,
the Fine Arts Committee for Culture and Community as
well as individual congregants.
If you would like to contribute in any way to this event,
please contact Deena Levine-Lipsett, Event Coordinator at
[email protected] or at (925) 451-3556.
SEE A FILM. SEE THE WORLD.
March 7 – 15 at the Century 16 Theatres Pleasant Hill
Join Temple Sinai on Sunday, March 8
at 5:00pm for a showing of The Green Prince
Contra Costa Premiere. Germany/Israel/United Kingdom, 2014,
99 minutes, Hebrew/Arabic/subtitles.
Winner of Sundance’s Audience Award, The Green Prince is a riveting
documentary about one of Israel’s most important intelligence sources.
After 17-year-old Mosab Hassan Yousef rejects Hamas’ use of suicide
bombers, he agrees to spy for the Shin Bet, Israel’s security service. This tale
of intrigue and betrayal is based on Yousef ’s memoir in which he describes his coming-to-terms with working with the
Shin Bet and his own family history—his father having been a founding member of Hamas. “As gripping as any high
concept Hollywood thriller and as psychologically knotty as Greek tragedy” – Guardian. Co-sponsor: Temple Sinai.
For a complete schedule and to purchase tickets: www.eastbayjewishfilm.org.
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HOME OF ETERNITY and SOCIAL
WORSHIP
ACTION
About Beit Olam
Celebrating 150 Years: Forty folks
turned out in November to celebrate
Home of Eternity’s big anniversary. We
thanked stained glass artist James Silva of
HOM E
Avalon GlassWorks who refurbished the
o f E T E RNI T Y mausoleum’s beautiful stained glass ceilings
and learned about sacred Jewish burial traditions from
Rabbi Mates-Muchin. Call for a cemetery planning guide
for Temple members.
Holocaust Survivors’ Memorial: Unveiling and program
on Sunday, March 29th, at 1:00pm. Please save the date.
If you have a family member buried at Home of Eternity
who is a Holocaust Survivor, please contact cemetery
administrator Robin Reiner at (510) 325-7073 or
[email protected].
New Space: New niches were added this November in
a lovely, sunny area. About 70 graves were added last
November; 50 are still available.
Windows Get a Makeover: Some panels sagged; others had
cracked or missing glass. And a good cleaning helps the light
shine through!
before
after
Community Photos
What began as a
one-man endeavor
in 1998 by Temple
Sinai congregant
Dan McClosky has
expanded over 17 years
to raise the equivalent
of 2.3 million meals!
Yasher Koach to Sylvia
Smith, Marsha Saks,
Judy Zollman, Ginny Fine,
Sarah Weisman and Jean
Stein (not pictured) who
sorted and inventoried
1,000 books donated
for our 5th Night of
Hanukkah book drive.
Social Action Needs You!
Do you have an interest in helping with food preparation
for local shelters?
We also need help coordinating entertainment for the
Reutlinger Senior Care Center.
Email Teri Bleckner at [email protected]
Social Action in Action
The Social Action Committee
is currently working on several
new activities. In addition
to further involvement with
Reform California, we are
investigating how to assist the
Central American children
who have arrived recently in Oakland. We also are
planning a Local Opportunities Fair where congregants
can learn about local nonprofit organizations other
congregants volunteer for and support. We also are
coordinating and co-sponsoring activities with other
committees. Our next meeting will be Wednesday,
February 21 at 6:00pm at the temple. To help with one
of these efforts, be added to the Social Action mailing
list or more information contact co-chairs Teri Bleckner
[email protected] or Helen Smiler
[email protected].
During the month of February we will again be
collecting toiletries and clean or new socks.
Please look for the big blue barrel in the lobby. These
go to Berkeley Women’s Shelter. Socks can be men’s or
women’s.
Gratitude from
Greenleaf Elementary School
“Thank you everyone for your time and donations. I was
overwhelmed to see all the food when I helped unload the
car yesterday! I know the families will deeply appreciate it!”
~ Cameron Stephenson, Principal Greenleaf Elementary
“For the past two weeks so many families have walked into
our office with faces full of joy. Your work has helped ensure
that our families are able to celebrate with each other.
Thank you for all your hard work, I wish you could see every
smile that your work helps to create.”
~ Melanie Schoeppe, Greenleaf Elementary
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CONTRIBUTIONS
FROM THE CANTOR’S DESK
Todah rabah! Thank you very much to the following who provided contributions to Temple Sinai. These donations
were recorded between December 2 & December 31, 2014. For corrections or additions to this list, please contact
[email protected] (510) 451-3263 x302.
ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN
Anonymous
Chuck Adams and Dena Belzer
Mathilde Albers
The Family of Rebecca Alexander
In appreciation of Rabbis Chester, MatesMuchin, and Regev, and Temple President,
Mike Baker
Barry and Kate Augus
Barbara and Allan Barza
Toby Berger
Blair Biddle and Jessica Natkin
Elaine Binger
Bernie and Bonnie Blackman
Michael and Aviva Black
In honor of Teddy Mates-Muchin
becoming Bar Mitzvah
Steve and Dale Block
Lorin Blum and Jean Brady
Rabbi Samuel and Judith Broude
Maxine Brownstein
Richard Burge and Shelley Gordon
In appreciation of Rabbi Mates-Muchin
Rabbi Ruth Adar and Linda Burnett
In appreciation of Dawn Kepler for
all that she does for us
Alysa Chadow
John Citron and Felicia Liu
Jeremy Cogan and Beth Goldberg
Sandy Cohn
Joan Coleman
Tom DeWit and Janine Bloch
In memory of Anthony Galindo
Drew and Rachel Dorsey
John Dresslar and Erika Wodinsky
Barry and Dori Dubin
Isobel Dvorsky
Eric and Rosanne Eigenfeld
In honor of Rabbi Mates-Muchin;
President, East Bay Council of Rabbis
Mark and Maxine Eisenberg
Douglas and Lori Elefant
Jacob and Louise Epstein
Jon and Jenny Ettinger
Dan and Nina Fendel
Karen Fierer and Debra Schoenberg
Jon Braslaw and Robin Flagg
Bill Freais and Andrea Silvestri
Abe and Jennifer Friedman
Matti Fromson and Thomas Mayhew
Susan Getreuer
David Gold and Lori Onderwyzer
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Tom Gold and Lucy Harris
Aaron and Amy Jo Goldfarb
In honor of Teddy Mates-Muchin becoming
Bar Mitzvah
Steve Goldstein and Pat Livingston
Ann Greenspan
Alex and Cecille Gunst
In appreciation of Rabbi Mates-Muchin for
the Mitzvah Project
Michael and Sarah Handelsman
Eileen Ingenthron
Fred Isaac and Robin Reiner
Mark and Irene Isaacs
Ruth Jaffe
In memory of Thelma Hoffman
Linda Kamby and Paul Weir
In memory of Michael and Alice Kamby
Jason and Annie Kantor
Peter Countryman and Allison Ketler
Jeff and Adrienne Kirschner
Susan Krauss and Linda Benson
Richard and CeCe Langs
Peter and Diane Laub
In honor of Rabbi Mates-Muchin
becoming Senior Rabbi of Temple Sinai
Siddharth Sanghvi and Sari Leivent Sanghvi
Ray Lifchez
Herman and Betty Anne Lipow
Michael and Barbara Loeb
Jack and Judy Mates
Dan McClosky and Nan Toder
Tillie Molho
Jay Momet
Richard Nagler and Sheila Sosnow
Glenn and Ricki Oleon
Eric and Martha Peltier
Peter Pervere and Georgia Cassel
Fred and Wendy Pomerantz
Claudia Reet
Joel and Barbara Richmon
Seth and Molly Rosen
Chuck Ross and Mary Triest
Stan and Marty Ross
Joel Sanders and Carol Bieri
Mikey Sands and Carolyn Hoppe
James Schaaf and Kelly Schaaf-Brown
Sarah Schulman
Bruce and Teddy Schwab
Stephen Shane and Sheryle Bolton
Rabbi Colette Sidi-Schoulal
Ronald Simenauer and
Genice Jacobs Simenauer
Benjamin and Jane Simon
Jeff Simon and Dana Cohen
Joel Simon
Art and Liz Spander
Frances Stevens and Jen Rainin
In honor of Finneas Patterson
Michele Stone
In honor of Benjamin Huntington
becoming Bar Mitzvah
Esther Saidman and David Thorne
In memory of Theodor Schuchat
Eti and Stephanie Valdez-Kaminsky
Claire Wahrhaftig
In honor of Cantor Keys on a great year
for the Choir
Robert and Shirley Warwick
Matthew and Sarah Weisman
Andy and Billie Wiesenthal
Linda Yaffe
In memory of Frances Minsuk
Rita Zwerdling
CANTOR KEYS MUSIC FUND
Bob and Flora Feldman
Ken Hoffman and Jan Goldberg
IN MEMORY OF THELMA HOFFMAN
Bob and Flora Feldman
Ken Hoffman and Jan Goldberg
In memory of Thelma Hoffman
Shelley Horwitz
In honor of Max and Isabel Davidoff
becoming B’nei Mitzvah
Aaron Kaufmann and Anne Schmitz
In honor of Sophia Kaufmann becoming a
Bat Mitzvah
Pearl Wolffs
In memory of Melvin R. Wolffs
CARING COMMUNITY FUND
Henry and Janice Snyder
In memory of Melody Kepler
CEMETERY PERPETUAL CARE FUND
Donation from Jay and Mina Elliott
In memory of Robert L. Delmont
The Estate of Robert Delmont
Warner Oberndoerfer
In honor of Robin Reiner’s birthday
CENTENNIAL CAMPAIGN
Larry Ginsburg
In honor of Flossie Ginsburg and in memory
of Aaron Ginsburg
Seth and Molly Rosen
TO COME
ENDOWMENT FUND
Steve Oppenheimer
In memory of Jerrold Schoenblum
Philip Rich and Barbara Morrissette
In memory of Seymour and Lillian Rich
LITERACY PROJECT – PEOPLE OF THE
BOOK FUND
Bob and Flora Feldman
Gary and Susan Forman
Barry and Barbara Gross
In memory of Thelma Hoffman
Frances Stevens and Jen Rainin
Pearl Wolffs
In honor of Teddy Mates-Muchin
becoming Bar Mitzvah
RABBI CHESTER DISCRETIONARY FUND
Sandy Cohn
In memory of Jessie Jaffe
Annette Lipkin
In memory of Camille Lipkin
In honor of the 50th anniversary of
Diane and Peter Laub
RABBI GIVING FUND
David and Audrey Wagman
In honor of Rabbi Chester for all the
support he has given our family
RABBI MATES-MUCHIN
DISCRETIONARY FUND
Robin Berry
In memory of Nathan Solomon Berry
and Rose Samuels Berry
Elaine Binger
In honor of Teddy Mates-Muchin
becoming Bar Mitzvah
Arnie and Joyce Brown
In honor of Max and Isabel Davidoff
becoming B’nei Mitzvah
Bob and Flora Feldman
Jon Braslaw and Robin Flagg
In memory of Sam Braslaw
Stewart Florsheim and Judy Rosloff
Donald and Dava Freed
Shelley Horwitz
In honor of Max and Isabel Davidoff
becoming B’nei Mitzvah
Aaron Kaufmann and Anne Schmitz
In appreciation of Rabbi Mates-Muchin
Sima Khantsin
Rob and Sarah Larson
In appreciation of Rabbi Mates-Muchin
Michael Lipsett and Deena Levine-Lipsett
Seth and Molly Rosen
Rob and Eileen Ruby
CONTRIBUTIONS
WORSHIP
Sandie Margulies and Bart Schenone
In memory of Norma Margulies
Women of Temple Sinai
RABBI REGEV DISCRETIONARY FUND
Linda Burnett and Rabbi Ruth Adar
In memory of Eva and William Burnett
Bob and Flora Feldman
In honor of Rabbi Steven Chester on the
occasion of his performing the wedding
service of the marriage of our daughter.
SOCIAL ACTION/ANTI-HUNGER FUND
Bob and Flora Feldman
Carol S. Jacobs
In memory of Helga Tannenbaum
David Lewis
In memory of Theodor L. Schuchat
Alice Klein and Prentice Starkey
In memory of Warren H. Klein
TEMPLE SINAI TECHNOLOGY
UPGRADES
Mike and Linda Baker
John Ehrlich
Robert and Catherine Einsbruch
Ben Galison and Sabrina Hollander
Tom and Jill McCleary
URJ CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS FUND
Paul Friedman
In honor of Rabbi Mates-Muchin on her
appointment as Senior Rabbi
Women of Temple Sinai
In honor of Teddy Mates-Muchin
becoming Bar Mitzvah
WHERE THE NEED IS GREATEST FUND
Jacki Annes
In memory of Rabbi Pierce Annes and
Harriet Bookbinder
Robert Beardon
In memory of Jennifer Sharon Momet
Toby Berger
Anne Brandon
In memory of Sylvan Brandon
Rose Cohen
In memory of Jennie Markovitz
Stan and Leslie Delugach
In memory of Orna Sasson
Carter and Patty Dunlap
In memory of Sam Braslaw
Robert and Bette Epstein
In memory of Hannelore Wanderer
Dan and Nina Fendel
In honor of Louise Epstein’s work on behalf
of the congregation
Jon Braslaw and Robin Flagg
In honor of Rizwan Mir
Doris Goldman
In memory of Melvin Goldman
Howard and Donna Goldberg
In honor of Brendan Goldberg on the
occasion of his bris
Shelley Horwitz
In appreciation of Mir, Maureen, and the
entire Temple staff and Max and Isabel
Davidoff becoming B’nei Mitzvah
Neil and Denise Jacobson
Moss Kardener and Renee Grimani-Kardener
Gene and Susan Kaufman
In memory of Jennifer Momet
CeCe and Richard Langs
In honor of Teddy Mates-Muchin
becoming Bar Mitzvah
Richard and CeCe Langs
In honor of Dan McClosky’s receipt of the
Jefferson Award
Evelyn Levin
In honor of Ted Schuchat
Joan and Roger Mann
In memory of Harrison Anixter
Charles Miller
In memory of Frank Miller, Isadore and
Rose Miller, and Sidney Miller
Yevgeniya Pinskaia
In memory of Chaim David
Esther Rosner
In memory of Helga Tannenbaum
Matt Rossiter and Ruth Ann Binder
In honor of Teddy Mates-Muchin
becoming Bar Mitzvah
Steven Sackrin and Pennie Bacon-Sackrin
Elizabeth Sevilla
In memory of Felix and Jeanette Jones
Robert Snyder
In memory of Melody Kepler
Roslyn Tunis
In memory of Max Singerman
United Way
Joshua and Lori Waltzer
Kathie Zatkin
In memory of Orna Sasson
GIFTS IN KIND
Computers, IT services
Wiyt and Sharon Wright
Part of the stained glass restoration work
in Home of Eternity’s Mausoleum
James Silva, owner of Avalon Glass Works
Torah Commentary Collection
Gift from Frances Greenberg to the
Fisher Library
www.oaklandsinai.org
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ADULT
FROM THE
EDUCATION
CANTOR’S DESK
TU B’SHEVAT SEDER: A CULTURAL, SPIRITUAL AND
ECOLOGICAL JOURNEY WITH IRA STEINGROOT
Tuesday, February 3, 7:30-9:30pm
You’re invited to a
Tu B’Shevat seder!
It’s a delightful way to
celebrate Tu B’Shevat, the
New Year for Trees, which
is the only Jewish holiday
devoted to nature. It
opens up Spring for
us, culminating with
Passover two months later. The Green Committee is hosting
the seder in collaboration with Lehrhaus Judaica. We
will celebrate with fruits, nuts, and wines, indicating the
transition from winter to spring. The seder will be led by Ira
Steingroot, famed for his classic book about that other Seder,
Keeping Passover. We will look at the Biblical, Talmudic,
astronomical, agricultural and historical origins of the
holiday and follow its later evolution through Kabbalistic,
Zionist and environmental phases.
Register at http://catalog.lehrhaus.org/course/2015/winter/
P400-TS/ or by calling (510) 845-6420. Donation: $10.
Pre-registration is requested.
If you have any questions, please contact Richard Hart at
[email protected].
Co-sponsored with Lehrhaus Judaica and Temple Sinai’s Green
Committee. Note that this is not a full meal. Tree nuts will be served.
UNITY AND DIVERSITY IN THE JEWISH TRADITION
WITH RABBIS JACQUELINE MATES-MUCHIN &
YONI REGEV; Part Five of The Tribes of Israel: A Hartman
Institute Study Series
Sunday, February 8, 9:30am – 11:00am
in the Albers Chapel
This fifth installation in our monthly Israel study series
explores how Jewish sources have grappled with the issue of
balancing the competing values of unity and diversity and
provides key insights that can help shape the conceptual
landscape of a Jewish democratic public sphere. Come for
one session or come for them all. There is no fee for this
course, though you are invited to register at http://catalog.
lehrhaus.org/course/2014/fall/H500-TS/ or by calling
(510) 845-6420.
Co-sponsored with Lehrhaus Judaica and the Israel Education
Committees of Temple Sinai & Congregation Beth-El.
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February 2015
PREPARING FOR BAR/BAT MITZVAH FOR INTERFAITH
FAMILIES WITH DAWN KEPLER
Sunday, February 22, 9:30am – 11:00am
in the Albers Chapel
Planning a B’nei mitzvah is stressful enough if you had one
yourself, but if you weren’t raised Jewish it can be truly nerve
wracking. There are the questions of how the study process
works, timing, sessions, amount to be learned, how to help
your child succeed. Then there’s the non-Jewish partner and
extended family. How do you include them, make them
comfortable, and explain what is going on. How does a
non-Jewish parent participate? What part of the planning do
they want to share? What if it’s all on you alone? What role
does each parent play during the bar or bat mitzvah? Join
other wondering parents of all backgrounds as we decipher
this life cycle event. Dawn Kepler is the Director of Building
Jewish Bridges: Outreach to Interfaith Couples. She has
worked extensively with interfaith and intercultural couples
for 18 years. There is no fee for this course, though you
are requested to pre-register at http://catalog.lehrhaus.org/
course/2015/winter/P250-TS/ or by calling (510) 845-6420.
Co-sponsored with Lehrhaus Judaica and Building Jewish Bridges.
RELIGION AND STATE: THE ISRAELI EXPERIENCE
WITH RABBI URI REGEV; Part Six of The Tribes of Israel:
A Hartman Institute Study Series
Sunday, March 1, 9:30am – 11:ooam in the Sanctuary
Join us for a special guest speaker,
Rabbi Uri Regev (our own Rabbi Regev’s
father), who will share insights from the
front lines on the battles for religious
freedoms in Israel, and will offer analysis
of the upcoming Israeli elections. Rabbi
Regev is a leading voice for civil rights
in Israel and the founding president of
HIDDUSH (For Religious Freedom and
Equality in Israel). He is the past president of the World
Union for Progressive Judaism, and the founding director of
IRAC (the Israel Religious Action Center).
WTS and BROTHERHOOD
WORSHIP
Women of Temple Sinai
Membership in WTS helps to supports various programs
of interest to our members, and to help support wonderful
events for the entire Temple Sinai community. Through our
membership in the international organization, Women of
Reform Judaism, we support social and education issues of
importance to the global community of Jewish women.
WTS MEMBERSHIP
Please join WTS and renew your dues now! For further
membership information please contact Beth Eiselman at:
[email protected]
WTS BOARD MEETINGS
Save the Dates
Monthly Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month at
the Temple. 7:15pm for coffee and schmoozing; 7:30pm for
the meeting
WTS Sisterhood Shabbat. Please plan on joining us for this
very special service.
Everybody is welcome. Please join us and get involved.
Please contact Sue Bachman at [email protected] for
more information.
Friday, February 27th at 7:30pm
Tuesday, February 10 at 7:00pm
WTS in conjunction with the Gallery Sinai Committee, will
be screening Waste Land, an award-winning documentary
that follows renowned artist Vik Muniz as he journeys
from Brooklyn to his native Brazil and his relationship with
self-designated pickers of recyclable materials at the world’s
largest garbage dump. Jeff Kirschner, Sinai congregant,
founder of Literati, will introduce the film and speak.
For more information please contact: Karen Tanner at
[email protected].
Brotherhood
On-Going With WTS
The presentation will cover ways to accumulate tax-free
savings and avoid taxes on future distributions for collegerelated expenses for your family. The first in a series of
educational programs on personal financial planning topics
to be sponsored by the Temple Brotherhood, this program
will be presented by Larry P. Ginsburg, CFP, and will
include a Q&A session to address everything you wanted to
know about saving for college but didn’t know what to ask.
SUNDAY MAH JONGG AT THE TEMPLE
Sponsored by WTS. Most Sunday’s from 9:30-11:00. All
levels are welcome. Instructors will be there.
WTS GIFT SHOP
Tallitot for your B’nei Mitzvah. Contact Susan Levy at
[email protected] or Office Staff for help. 10% discount
to B’nei Mitzvah Families
WTS DAYTIME BOOK CLUB
Meets the 3rd Wednesday of the
month at 1:00pm in the TS Library
February 18th – The Dinner
by Herman Koch
WTS PARTY BRIDGE
SAVING FOR COLLEGE: FOR YOUR CHILDREN,
YOUR GRANDCHILDREN, OR FOR YOURSELF
(MOVED FROM DECEMBER)
New date: Thursday, February 12, 7:30pm in the
Albers Chapel
Learn how to accumulate tax-free savings and avoid taxes
on future distributions for college-related expenses for your
family. Sponsored by the Temple Brotherhood.
This session will be in lieu of Brotherhood’s February
monthly meeting.
The Brotherhood gives financial and volunteer support to
many activities and events at the Temple. Membership is
open to all. For more information contact Dan Crouch at
[email protected].
Fun games the first and third Wednesday evenings each
month from 7:00pm – 9:00pm(ish).
To join, call Lynn Greenberg at (510) 250-9419.
WTS LUNCH CONNECTION
Meets the first Wednesday of every month to enable
members to strengthen bonds of friendship while enjoying
a no-host lunch at local restaurants. This year we’ll be
gathering from 11:30am to about 1:00pm to give more
leisurely time to visit. Please contact Sabina Cohen at
[email protected] if you have any questions.
Weekly eNews
Are you receiving the Weekly eNews
each Tuesday? It’s a great way to
keep track of upcoming events at
Temple Sinai. To ensure that you
aren’t missing anything, email
[email protected] with
Weekly eNews in the subject title.
www.oaklandsinai.org
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RELIGIOUS
FROM THE CANTOR’S
SCHOOL DESK
The WHAT of Our Teaching at
Temple Sinai’s Religious School
Over the past several years, we’ve spent a lot of time and
energy in our community discussing the HOW of our
Religious School programs here at Sinai. How do we meet
the needs of all of our students and families? How do we
structure a program that is fun, engaging and accessible?
How do we help children and families connect with Judaism,
with the Temple, with each other?
In the past year, our Education Committee together with
Director of Education Sue Bojdak has been thinking about
the WHAT of Jewish education. What do we want our
children to know as a result of their learning at Religious
School? What do we want them to be able to do by the time
they are 13? What kinds of experiences do we want them to
have had in their Jewish childhoods? In two to three hours
a week, twenty-five weeks out of the year, what from all
of Jewish tradition do we want to prioritize exposing our
children to during their Religious School time?
This fall we asked Religious School parents to talk together
and share their ideas on the question of WHAT. Here is
what they said: We want our kids to know about Jewish
history especially about the Holocaust and about Israel. We
want our kids to know their Jewish holidays and to especially
be able to do Shabbat. We really want our kids to have a
strong Jewish identity, to be articulate about that, and to
feel a part of a Jewish community. We want our kids to see
and celebrate the diversity of our Jewish community and to
do good works, to volunteer and be engaged in social action
and social justice. We want our kids to be competent prayer
leaders, to have bnei mitzvah and to have it mean something
to them. We want our kids to go to Jewish camp and to
make Jewish friends.
Great news! A lot of this is what we already do! And this
spring (and beyond) the Education Committee will be
thinking together about how we make what we do stronger.
We’ll be thinking about four big ideas:
1. What should be in our kids’ Jewish tool kits? What are the
key basic Jewish practice skills we want to make sure every
child has?
2. How do we make Tikkun Olam (Repair of the World)
a reality? How do we strengthen our teaching about
social action and social justice and create more hands-on
opportunities for kids and families to make a difference.
3. What about history, the Holocaust and Israel? How much
of this can we bring to students during their Religious
School years? What’s right to teach to kids these ages and
what’s the best way to teach it?
4. What does a connected community look like? What else
can we do for kids and families to build community in the
classroom and beyond the classroom?
Your input is always welcome! Got a great idea or deep
commitment you want to add to the conversation? Or have
a conversation you want to make sure we have as a broader
community? Contact Sue Bojdak at [email protected]
and share your thoughts. We look forward to learning and
creating together.
THE MENDELSSOHN SIBLINGS
FROM ABROAD TO AMERICA
Sunday, February 15th at 5:00pm
Sunday, February 22nd at 5:00pm
Temple Sinai Sanctuary
RSVP Ticket Prices
Adults: $15
Students & Seniors: $10
Children: FREE
(+$5 if purchased at the door)
RSVP and/or contact: [email protected]
12
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February 2015
Kolot (meaning voices in Hebrew) is a new chamber music series
focusing on the works of Jewish composers from the 19th, 20th, and
21st centuries. Concerts on February 15th and 22nd will feature music
for string quartet performed by professional string players from the
Bay Area. Both concerts will engage with Jewish cultural and historical
themes by exploring the music of specific Jewish composers.
The mission of the Kolot Chamber Music Series is three-fold: to explore and share the works of the great
Jewish classical composers, to engage in community building through thought-provoking concerts, and
to cultivate a sense of connectedness by celebrating our shared Jewish cultural identity.
PRESCHOOL, YOUTH PROGRAMS & MIDRASHA
WORSHIP
Youth Events
FAMILY TU B’SHEVAT EXPLORE!
Sunday, February 1, 9:30am – 11:30am;
Manzanita Picnic Area at Roberts Regional Park
Join us for guided hikes, food
tasting and fun family outdoor
education! This is Religious
School & Family School for that
Sunday.
Feel free to hang out afterward and picnic or play at the play
ground with your friends!
YOUTH GROUP SUPER BOWL PARTY!
Sunday, February 1, 3:00pm – 6:00pm; $10.
4th-7th graders, come watch the big game. Or don’t watch
and just hang out with friends and play your own games.
Fun, snacks, Piñata, and a great afternoon together.
5TH & 6TH GRADE FAMILY SHABBAT SERVICE
Friday, February 6, 6:30pm; Dinner at 5:30pm
Spend Shabbat in community at our first Friday family
services and support our 5th and 6th graders as they
participate in leading and teaching. Our 6th graders will
receive their very own siddurim/prayerbooks at this special
service. Connect with other families over an easy Shabbat
dinner first and then gather for our child-friendly service
filled with music and stories. RSVP for dinner by following
our link in the Temple’s Weekly eNews or call Marcy Walsh
at (510) 451-3263. Have a 5th or 6th grader who is in day
school? They can participate too! Contact Sue Bojdak and
we’ll give them a part.
B’NEI MITZVAH CLASS OF 2017 MEETING
Sunday, March 1, 11:30am
All Sinai children turning 13 in 2017 and their families are
encouraged to come to this first walk through of the b’nei
mitzvah process. You will get oriented to how to make your
child’s bar/bat mitzvah happen here at Temple Sinai and you
will get all of the materials you need to set the date for your
child’s big day. Don’t miss this vital first step in making your
child’s bar/bat mitzvah happen.
Preschool
Openings!
Spread the Word! Temple
Sinai Preschool is now
accepting applications for
the 2015-16 school year.
If you haven’t yet had an
opportunity to come see the
school, come take a tour.
Please contact Preschool
Director Ellen Lefkowitz at
[email protected]
to set up a morning or
afternoon tour. There are still
spots available for THIS year!
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL DATES TO REMEMBER
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1
All-School Tu B’Shevat Family Program
@ Robert’s Park @ 9:30am
Youth Group Super Bowl Party @ 3:00pm
No Regular K-7 Classes Today
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6
5th & 6th Grade Family Shabbat Service & Dinner
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15 THROUGH
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19
No Religious School/Hebrew Classes –
Presidents’ Week
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28
Sababa Shabbat co-led by the 2nd Grade
SUNDAY, MARCH 1
Class of 2017 B’nei Mitzvah Meeting
Coming soon...7th Grade Purim sleepover
and Purim Carnival!
Please join us for a Shabbat morning service in the chapel geared towards
children in pre-k through 2nd grade. The service will be co-led by students
from the 2nd grade religious school class.
Saturday, February 28, 9:15am-11:00am, Morning Service
Next Month: Saturday, March 21 Havdalah
Go to oaklandsinai.org for program descriptions and RSVP info.
Contact: [email protected]
www.oaklandsinai.org
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13
LIFECYCLES
BIRTHDAYS
MAZEL TOV!
2/1 Jonathan Goody
2/1 Michael Semler
2/2 Jonathan Austin
2/4 Michael Sands
2/5 Marilyn Friedman
2/6 Pat Livingston
2/6 Janet Weinstein
2/9 Gilbert Holtzman
2/9 Laura Lunt
2/9 Steven Oppenheimer
2/10 Barbara Richmon
2/11 Toby C. Berger
2/11 Flossie Ginsburg
2/11 Rita Zwerdling
2/12 Billie Wiesenthal
2/13 Scott Nelson
2/14 Melissa K. Batavia
2/14 Michael Rancer
2/14 Ellen Ruiz-Harrison
2/14 John Weiss
2/15 Bruce Joffe
2/16 Sarah Postyn Goldberg
2/18 Carol Sideman
2/19 Lisa Braver Moss
2/19 Amy Schoenblum
2/19 Samuel Schuchat
2/20 Rose Belzer
2/20 Elaine Binger
2/20 David Gold
2/20 Karen Marker
2/21 Ben Harrison
2/22 Lynn Greenberg
2/22 Benjamin Lepow
2/22 Steven Wolmark
2/24 Arthur Lande
2/25 David Wagman
2/26 Lawrence Noveshen
2/27 Helene Farber
2/28 Debbie Chernoff
2/28 Willie Greene, Jr.
It’s a boy!
Marcel Henry Evon was born
December 27, 2014.
Proud parents:
Kellie & Tony Evon
It’s a boy!
Matthew Ashley Boffey born
on December 31, 2014
Proud Parents:
Ariel and Elizabeth Boffey
Proud Grandparents:
Ophira Druch and Peter Boffey
Emily Whitgob, daughter of Dr. Steve and
Barbara Whitgob and sister of Julia Whitgob,
is finishing her Pediatric Residency training at
Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford
and has been accepted to start a three year
fellowship there in Developmental and
Behavioral Pediatrics beginning in July.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
Sheryl and Adam FitzGerald,
Owen (age 2), Sydney (age 2)
Rachel Berger, Isaiah Orlando (age 11),
Jonah Orlando (age 7)
2/10 Mark & Kerri Lubin 35
2/10 Mike & Susan Levy 63
2/12 Anthony & Jennifer Reed 10
2/17 Elliott & Rubi Abrams 35
2/18 George & Maggie Lazar 10
2/22 Frank & Libby Silver 40
2/23 Bart Schenone &
Sandie Margulies 35
Arnold James Silberstein
Son of Ron Silberstein &
Suzanne Hayne
Saturday, 2/7/2015
Samuel Lawrence
Silberstein
Son of Ron Silberstein &
Suzanne Hayne
Saturday, 2/7/2015
Micah Rubel Ancell
Son of
Remi Rubel & Ken Ancell
Saturday, 2/14/2015
Amos Rubel Ancell
Son of
Remi Rubel & Ken Ancell
Saturday, 2/14/2015
Sarah and David Fetter, Leo (age 3),
Edith (age 2), Ruth (age 8 mos.)
Kellie and Tony Evon, Marcel (age 2 mos.)
REMEMBERANCES
Melody Kepler, sister of Dawn Kepler
Jerrold Schoenblum, father of Amy Schoenblum
Joshua Michael Crommie
Son of
Michael Crommie &
Ursula Guidry z’’l
Saturday, 2/21/2015
Hannelore Wanderer, mother of Emily Cohen
Jiri Vitek, father of Jan Vitek
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
B’NEI MITZVAH
Sam Braslaw, father of Jon Braslaw
Bill Smulyan, brother-in-law of
Diane Lichtenstein
Stanley Schonberger, congregant and husband
of Monique Schonberger
Max Augus
Son of
Barry & Kate Augus
Saturday, 2/28/2015
Ricki Lanya, sister of Bryan Grunwald
Leda Silver, mother of Callie Harvey
Wil Fountain, congregant, husband of Marilyn,
father of Merilee
DONATE THOSE TOYS AND GAMES!
We need your gently used party favors, books and toys for next
month’s Purim Carnival! Please bring them to Michele’s office.
THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING
FEBRUARY B’NEI MITZVAH FAMILIES
FOR ONEG SPONSORSHIP:
2/6 Silberstein & Hayne Family
2/13 Rubel & Ancell Family
2/20Crommie Family
2/27Augus Family
Birthdays and Anniversaries are listed in multiples
of 5 as well as birthdays age 69 and over. Mazel Tov!
14
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Temple Sinai
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February 2015
FEBRUARY
WORSHIP
sunday
2015
Temple
Sinai
monday
tuesday
wednesday
Midrasha Retreat
No Hebrew School, Jr. Choir,
Omanut/Art Enrichment,
7th Grade Hebrew/Religious
School
9:30am Religious School/
Tu B’Shevat
Family Event
12:30pm Purim Spiel Rehearsal
3:00pm Youth Group
Super Bowl Party
1
2
7:30am Tuesday Morning
Minyan
4:30pm Hebrew School
6:00pm Ritual Committee
Meeting
7:00pm Adult Choir
7:15pm Midrasha
7:30pm Tu B’shevat Seder: A
Cultural, Spiritual and
Ecological Journey
8
9
8:15am Hebrew School
9:30am Adult Education: Tribes
of Israel Hartman
Institute Series
9:30am Literacy Project Coffee
in Living Room
9:30am Religious School
9:30am Sunday Morning
Mah Jongg
11:30am Jr. Choir
11:45am Hebrew School
11:45am Omanut/Art Enrichment
12:00pm Adult B’nei Mitzvah
12:30pm Purim Spiel Rehearsal
2:00pm Family School
2:30pm 7th Grade Hebrew
3:00pm 7th Grade Religious
School
No Religious School
5:00pm Kolot: Jewish
Music Chamber
Concert Series
15
22
8:15am Hebrew School
9:30am Adult Education:
Preparing for Bar/Bat
Mitzvah for Interfaith
Families
9:30am Religious School
9:30am Sunday Morning
Mah Jongg
11:30am Jr. Choir
11:30am Madrichim Meeting
11:45am Hebrew School
11:45am Omanut/Art Enrichment
12:30pm Purim Spiel Rehearsal
2:30pm 7th Grade Hebrew
3:00pm 7th Grade Religious
School
3:00pm Hamentaschen Bake-In
5:00pm Kolot: Jewish Music
Chamber Concert
Series
President’s Day –
Preschool Closed
thursday
3
Tu B’Shevat
4:30pm Hebrew School
11:30am WTS Lunch
7:30pm Preschool Parent
Connection (offsite)
Committee Meeting
12:15pm Al-Anon Meeting
7:30pm Trivia Team (offsite)
2:30pm Hebrew School
2:30pm Omanut/Art Enrichment
4:00pm Religious School
7:00pm Purim Spiel Rehearsals
7:30am Tuesday Morning
Minyan
4:30pm Hebrew School
7:00pm Adult Choir
7:15pm Midrasha
7:30pm WTS Film Series
10
12:15pm Al-Anon Meeting
4:30pm Hebrew School
2:30pm Hebrew School
7:30pm Brotherhood Board
Meeting (Offsite)
2:30pm Omanut/Art Enrichment
7:30pm Saving for College
4:00pm Religious School
7:00pm Purim Spiel Rehearsals
7:15pm WTS Board Meeting
16
No Hebrew School
No Midrasha
7:30am Tuesday Morning
Minyan
7:00pm Adult Choir
7:30pm Green Committee
Meeting
17
No Religious School
12:15pm Al-Anon Meeting
1:00pm WTS Book Group
Meeting
7:00pm Purim Spiel Rehearsals
7:00pm Temple Board Meeting
23
7:30am Tuesday Morning
Minyan
11:30am Seniors Lunch with
Cantor Keys
4:30pm Hebrew School
7:00pm Adult Choir
7:15pm Midrasha
24
12:15pm Al-Anon Meeting
4:30pm Hebrew School
2:30pm Hebrew School
2:30pm Omanut/Art Enrichment
4:00pm Religious School
7:00pm Purim Spiel Rehearsals
7:30pm Education Committee
Meeting
7:30pm Israel Education
Committee Meeting
friday
saturday
4
5
11
12
7:30pm Erev Shabbat
Service with
Disabilities
Awareness Shabbat
19
7:30pm Erev Shabbat –
Mizmor Shir!
Service
9:00pm ATID Young Adult
Group Gathering
(offsite)
26
7:30pm Erev Shabbat
Service with
Sisterhood Shabbat
18
25
No Hebrew School
6
5:30pm Family Shabbat
Dinner
6:30pm Erev Shabbat Family
Service with Junior
Choir & 5th/6th Grades
7:30pm Opening for Litterati
7
9:00am Torah Study
10:30am Shabbat
Morning Service
with B’nei Mitzvah
of Samuel and
Arnold James
Silberstein
7:30pm Ain’t We Got Fun
Sing-a-long
13
9:00am Torah Study
10:30am Shabbat Minyan
Service followed by
Potluck Kiddush Lunch
10:30am Shabbat Morning
Service with B’nei
Mitzvah of Amos and
Micah Rubel Ancell
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9:00am Torah Study
10:30am Shabbat Morning
Service with
Bar Mitzvah of
Joshua Crommie
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9:00am Torah Study
9:15am Sababa Shabbat
Morning Service
10:30am Shabbat
Morning Service
with Bar Mitzvah of
Max Augus
www.oaklandsinai.org
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PERIODICAL
First Hebrew
Congregation
of Oakland
Temple Sinai
2808 Summit Street
Oakland, CA 94609
(510) 451-3263
www.oaklandsinai.org
Celebrate Purim with Temple Sinai
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 5:30pm
M’gillah Reading, Erev Purim Dinner and Spiel
“ beach
This year’s Purim Spiel …
blanket babylonia”
FEATURING MUSIC ADAPTED FROM THE BEACH BOYS
Original Script by Musical Director: Lucy Harris; Director: Jackie Berkman;
Starring: The Temple Sinai Spielers.
SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 9:30am – 1:00pm
The Annual Fantastical Super-Fun Exquisite and Amazing
purim carnival & spiel
Kids Pre-K thru 2nd grade
The Great Spiel for all ages!
Kids 3rd grade and higher
9:30am – 10:30am
10:30am – 11:30am
11:30am – 1:00pm
Incredible Purim Spiel, challenging games, thrilling prizes, great food and fun for all!
TEMPLE SINAI HAS BEEN CERTIFIED AS A BAY AREA GREEN BUSINESS
Our Bulletin is printed on recycled paper at a printer registered as a Green Business and certified by the
Forest Stewardship Council. We print with earth-friendly soy-based ink.