November 2004 ~ Heshvan - Kislev 5765

Chevre and Friends...

Announcements:
Thank you to all of those who donated items for our food drive during the High Holy Days. The Redwood Food Bank just informed us that our entire donation totaled 556 lbs of food which will provide meals for 430 people! Thank you again for this mitzvah!
Pam Pepper-Food Drive coordinator

Oliver's and Safeway shoppers please see the section on COMMUNITYsmart and eScrip if you would like your everyday purchases to continue to benefit our community.

Adminstrator's Wish List:
We need some basic tools-hammer, set of screw drivers, light electric drill.

From the Rebbe

     On Sunday, December 3rd 1995, I was fortunate enough to be the officiant at a ceremony consecrating a new Jewish cemetery. I was at the time working in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and had some contacts with a lovely small congregation, Beth Tikvah, in Carlisle, just a ways north. It was very exciting when the local church decided to give the synagogue a portion of it's own cemetery. Previously, people had been buried in Harrisburg or in Chambersburg (where some of the Jewish soldiers who died in the battle at Gettysburg are buried), but now there was a real space to establish the community, in a very enduring way. As Rev. Lawrence J. McNeil put it:
     "It is my conviction that the co-operation between St. Patrick and Beth Tikvah is a shining example of how two religious communities can together build up the human race into the reflection of the Creator that we as humans are meant to be. Much more than the mere transference of ground occurs here. It is a commitment of two communities to the living out of the Covenants that have brought them into being and the love of G-d that first spoke those covenantal words. May G-d bless you and may this dedication be a sign to all in Carlisle of the established presence of the Jewish Community as an integral part of its life."

     It was a cool morning, when the families of Beth Tikvah, members of the church, and various other dignitaries, gathered with poems and songs to consecrate the ground. We began by creating a geniza - a place to bury sacred texts or worn out religious items, such as tefillin and tallitot. Since we are not supposed to erase the name of G-d, which would be in violation of the commandment not to take G-d's name in vain, we bury anything that might have that name written on it; with the same respect we accord a person who has died.

After the geniza was buried, we walked around the cemetery 7 times, singing and planting trees for life and permanence as we went. Afterwards, we all got together to eat and celebrate the connection between the two communities. It was a wonderful day.

     We at Ner Shalom are being offered this opportunity as well. Most of our congregants who have moved to the next world are currently buried in either the Shomrei Torah or the Beth Ami plots, with a few of us in Petaluma or in non-Jewish cemeteries in Sebastopol. Now, we can have our own holy ground. Santa Rosa Memorial Park has made us an offer of a particularly lovely area to be our Ner Shalom cemetery. It's in the back, by the fountain, and some wonderful people are already buried there, so we will be near friends.

     In addition, we are being offered a discount on gravesites. I know in our current culture, this is a somewhat taboo subject, but it is a very important thing to be aware of. All of us are, at some point, going to leave these bodies, and, our tradition tells us, allow our spirits to return to the Source of All. One very loving thing to do for those who are left behind is to make arrangements for your funeral. There are many ways to do this - my father left me very clear instructions (he chose to be cremated and to have his ashes scattered). This really eased my burden as to organizing and deciding when I was in shock and grief. You will soon be getting a letter that gives you options to plan ahead as well. Dan and I are talking about purchasing plots in this new cemetery, now that there is an Amalya who hopefully will be about when we need to be buried. There will be two sessions for questions and information held by Michael MacElroy who is a wonderful man and the person at Santa Rosa Memorial Park who is spearheading this gift - one on November 30th at 7 PM, and one on December 5th at 10:15 AM. We hope to have a special dedication ceremony on December 12th, with a geniza of our own, 7 circles, poems and songs. It's a special time - during Hannukah, a time of dedication and reconsecration. I'll look forward to joining you then for this holy work.

L'shalom,
Elisheva Salamo

Gifts of Light

OFFERINGS...
KERCYNDA ADLER-RESNICK, a donation in honor of Amalya and her beautiful mom.
ANDREW WAGNER, a general donation to the Congregation.
LESLIE GATTMANN, a donation to the Rabbi's Discretionary Fund, in honor of Rabbi Elisheva's and Dan's baby.
GESHER CALMENSON, a donation toward the success of the Foods and Fruits deVine event.

THANK YOU...
To NANCY RAPP, ARIANA ELSTER, BERRINE DE CARMO, ARCHIE LEWINSTEIN and ARI WANG'OO for working in the office while the Administrator was on vacation.

News from Dor Hadash

     I lived in Israel for 14 months from 1973-1974, and learned Hebrew while working on a kibbutz, waitressing in a restaurant, and working in a summer camp program in a very poor neighborhood for immigrant children.

     I have taught in religious school settings on and off for over 10 years, the last 2 years teaching 4th grade and 6th grade at Dor Hadash and 4th grade at Congregation Shomrei Torah. I have also taught at Camps Swig, Newman and Tawonga over the last 10 summers.

     My husband, John Maas, and I share 5 teenagers. Bria, Maya, Talia, Josh and Julian range in age from 19 to 13. We live in Sebastopol with way too many pets.

     I am very excited to step in and help Dor Hadash continue to be a vibrant part of the Jewish Education Community.

Blessings,
Leslie Gattmann

eScrip and more...

COMMUNITYsmart....Oliver's shoppers must join this program to continue contributing to our community.
Ner Shalom is now a member of the local rewards program COMMUNITYsmart. You can instantly join at the checkout counter or go online to www.communitysmart.com. If you know a local merchant who might be interested in this program, mention it to them and send Michelle Marks their name, business name and phone number. Ner Shalom can receive $50 for each new merchant that we "help" sign-up with this program. E-mail or call Michelle Marks.

Albertsons....Remember to use your Preferred Savers card when you buy groceries for the upcoming holidays at Albertsons.
If you have the blue and white preferred savers card you just need to activate its connection to Ner Shalom by going on line to www.Albertsons.com If you need help enrolling or have any concerns let Michelle Marks know.

Raley's....Remember you must enroll your Raley's card on-line to start contributing to Ner Shalom.
If you need a Raley's Card or are having trouble registering let Michelle Marks help you.

Two Internet Shopping Opportunities
SchoolPop....Schoolpop.com is the new way to allow your internet purchases to make a contribution. If you are a former SchoolCash.com member remember to re-register at SchoolPop. If you have any problems or questions please contact Michelle Marks.

us.shop.com....Visit the newest way to contribute with your Internet shopping. If you do not find what you want at SchoolPop then try this new site for contributing to Ner Shalom. You identify our community with the "CareCode" "Ner Shalom". If you have any questions contact Mac McCaffry at mjmccaffry@sprintmail.com.

Participate in our new Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) program that helps our environment and Ner Shalom.
Recycle your empty inkjet and laser printer cartridges and old cell phones through Ner Shalom. You can be a part of keeping some of the 300 million cartridges used each year out of our landfills and allow Ner Shalom to receive a contribution for each item that gets recycled. This is a great project to share with your family, neighbors and colleagues at work. A collection box is now available in the sanctuary area for your donations or you can drop them off with Nanette during office hours. If you have questions please contact Michelle Marks at 778- 6346.

Toy and Book Drive at the Jewish Community Free Clinic

     Children who come to the Jewish Community Free Clinic for their health care often go home with a "new" toy or an interesting book to read. A trip home from the clinic with a new toy in hand can be remembered as a rewarding experience rather than as a scary one. And a new book to read at home can promote reading literacy, and enjoyment, for the whole family of the child/patient.

     The JEWISH COMMUNITY FREE CLINIC seeks donations of lightly used toys and books to give away to children who visit the Clinic. Small toys without removable parts are preferred. Small stuffed animals and dolls are ideal.

     If one family (or more) from each congregation in Sonoma County would coordinate the collection of toys and books from their membership, we would have an ongoing supply of them to offer our patients. And you can be sure; the need for them is ongoing. WHAT A GREAT MITZVAH FOR UPCOMING BAT AND BAR MITZVAHS!

     We treat sick children at all three of our weekly clinics and have a special Well Child and Immunization Clinic for children every Tuesday afternoon. The Clinic is run by a mostly volunteer, often bilingual, clinical staff, which treats low-income individuals and families who do not have medical insurance, regardless of ethnicity, religion or citizenship status.

     If you have toys or books to donate, or would like to coordinate the collection at your synagogue, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at the JEWISH COMMUNITY FREE CLINIC. Phone: 792-1932 Email: schedule@jewishfreeclinic.org
     The web site for the JEWISH COMMUNITY FREE CLINIC is www.jewishfreeclinic.org

Board News

     Back from maternity leave, Rabbi Elisheva freely shared her joy and wisdom with all of us. Of importance, flown in from the heavens, we were visited by the Angel Amalya Salamo, our dear Rabbi Elisheva and Dan's two-month old daughter who brings down smiles from G-d.

     As the year turned over, so have two of our staff. With regret, we bid fond adieu to Nanette, our wonderful Office Administrator. With that comes the search for someone to fill her position.
     Leslie Gattman has stepped in as our interim Director of Education and Karen Mitchell as our Music Director of Dor Hadash. We are blessed and honored to have them both.

     As a Board we are working on ways to raise funds to balance our budget. We are also looking at ways to get to know each other better and become friends with our Jewish neighbors, especially those who are closest to our shul in the Sebastopol area. Toward that goal, we have planned the Foods & Fruits deVine FRIENDS and FUNDS raiser. For the outcome look in the next newsletter.

     We are pleased to announce the release of our own Private Label extra virgin olive oil pressed from olives grown in California. Please treat yourself to a bottle of this delicious olive oil pressed from olives grown in California. Making it all the more special is that the children of our Dor Hadash have blessed it. Think Thanksgiving, think gifts. Enjoy the highest quality olive oil paired with the knowledge that you are supporting your community. A double win.

     From all of us on the board, we wish you a good year. Please be good to yourself. Be good to your family. Be good to us. Get to know us. Give us all a chance. Try us, you'll like us.

With love,
Ariana

     GOT IDEAS FOR A FUNDRAISER? We desperately need volunteers to help with our annual fundraiser.

COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Education Committee - Liz Hagen 829-3031

Finance Committee - Michelle Marks 778- 6346

Building Committee - Mark Cohen 792- 4368

Membership Committee - Sally Churgel 823- 0541

Newsletter - Pam Pepper 588-8824

Personnel - Barbara Lesch-McCaffry 585- 2291

Publicity Committee - Archie Lewinstein 795- 3493

Kabbalah Study Group

We will begin reading from Danny Matt's new translation of Zohar, Volume 1. (Stanford University Press.) Also readings and inner listening meditation practices from Sefer Yetzirah, Kabbalah of Abraham, the oldest of our mystical texts, containing the initial depiction of the Tree of Life and The Ten Sefirot.

Open to all who are interested. No prior experience necessary. Donations to Ner Shalom. For additional information, contact Yitzak "Izzy" Green at 824- 4344 or e-mail at:yitzak@medagree.com

Jewish Family and Children's Services

Shop in the Name of Love
     Visit JFCS' new ongoing online auction "Shop in the Name of Love" featuring food, fashion, great escapes and special indulgences - all donated by Bay Area businesses committed to helping children, families and seniors in our community get the support they need. It's 100% guilt-free shopping! New auction items up for sale every two weeks. The website address is www.jfcs.org/auction/QuickAuction.asp.

Parents Place Programs

     Parents Place is a non- sectarian program of Jewish Family and Children's Services (JFCS). All Parents Place classes are open to and welcoming of people of all faiths. All classes and workshops are offered on a sliding scale - nobody will be turned away for inability to pay the full fee.

     All Parents Place programs will be held at 1360 North Dutton, Suite C, Santa Rosa. To register, call 707/571-2048 or register online at www.ParentsPlaceOnline.org.

Drop-In Center (no pre-registration required)

Playtime and Parent Support
     Enjoy an hour of age appropriate play, stories and songs with your child, as well as the opportunity to talk with a Parent Educator. The drop-ins are ongoing, and are $5.00 per family per class. Or purchase one of our Play-and-Save cards to receive a free session for every five paid sessions.
Toddlers - 4 Years meet on Wednesdays, 10:00 - 11:00AM with Bonnie Romanow.
Infants - Beginning Walkers meet on Wednesdays, 12:00Noon - 1:00PM with Bonnie Romanow.

Drop-In Plus!
     Drop-Ins with a theme! There will be cooking, art, music and more. The first Wednesdays of every month, 10:00 - 11:30 AM, with Bonnie Romanow. Only $8 per family including material fee.

Classes and Workshops

Positive Discipline for Parents of Young Children
     Learn ways to guide behavior using strategies that bring out the best in you and your children turning difficult situations in positive directions. $25 per person.Wednesday, November 3, 6:00 - 8:00PM, with Bonnie Romanow.

Setting Limits
     Tired of the power struggle, being ignored, or lack of cooperation? Setting limits is a process parents use to teach their children their rules and expectations for acceptable behavior. In this workshop we will talk about ways to set clear limits with effective and natural consequences, saying goodbye to lectures, threats, punishments and bribes. $25 per person. Monday, November 8th, 6:00 - 8:00PM, with Barbara Joy.

Positive Discipline - A Crash Course for Dads
     Communication, limit setting and guidance from a male perspective, this evening is for dads with children ages 3 - 9 years old. $25 per person. Monday, November 15, 6:00 - 8:00PM, with Mervin Maier, MFT.

Raising a Special Needs Child
     If you are raising a special needs child, we know you have special needs, too. Join us for an evening of practical strategies appropriate to your individual situation, sharing and beginning to develop your own support system. Our presenter, Joanne Bressick, MA is a school counselor and parent of a special needs child. Please call for dates and times.

FREE! Post Adoption Classes, Workshops And More

Thanks to a grant from the California Department of Social Services, we are able to provide free of charge the following classes, as well as childcare while parents are attending.

Drop-in Play Group for Adoptive Families (0-5 years)
     Enjoy an hour of age appropriate play with your child as well as the chance to talk with a parent educator and create new friendships with other adoptive parents and children. Tuesdays, ongoing, 9:30 - 10:30AM with Barbara Joy.

Concurrent Support Groups at Post Adoption Services/Parents Place.
Kid Time and Teen Talk Groups for adopted and foster children (and siblings) will be starting again soon. These six week groups provide a safe place to explore the feelings and concerns related to birth parents as well as the experience of being adopted. Peer relationships are developed while the children have fun together. The groups end with a family activity and pizza party. Separate support groups are offered for adoptive parents during the same times. Evening groups are now forming. For information please contact Suzanne Kurtz, MFT at 707/571-2048 x209.

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Chanukah Meditation Retreat

At this retreat we will experience sitting and moving meditation, yoga, chanting, singing, and silence to create serenity and inner spaciousness. There is no experience necessary to give yourself this gift that will enhance your appreciation of Shabbat, Chanukah, and life.

Don't miss this opportunity -call or write now for more information:Dr. Sheila Katz (707) 849-5944 or e- mail: drkatzmeow@pacbell.net

Space is limited-Register Early
The rates for the retreat are:
$261.00 if received by Nov. 1
$288.00 after Nov 1
Rates include all meals, programming, and double- occupancy cabins with private bath (linens included).

Donations Make a Difference!

*Building Repair Fund
*Dor Hadash School
*Etz Chaim (Tree of Life)
*General Fund
*Music Fund
*Rabbi's Discretionary Fund
*Teen Fund
*Tikkun Olam Fund
*Written Word/Torah Fund
*Waldman Challenge Fund

Honor some one; remember an event or a special person. Donations (minimum of $6 {1/3 Chai} per listing) will be listed in the Gifts of Light section of the next newsletter. Send the donation to the office with the appropriate designation or call the office at 664-8622 for more information. Your generous support of Ner Shalom is greatly appreciated.

Memorialize the memory of a loved one with a Yahrzeit Plaque on our Wall of Remembrance. The cost of a plaque and inscription is $200. Please contact the office at 664-8622 for more information.

Newsletter Guidelines

*2. All submissions should be sent to the editor via e- mail with the subject heading: NL submission.

*3. Editor will change, edit, or delete any or all portions of submission(s) as deemed necessary without prior approval of the author.

*4. Editor is not responsible for retrieving submissions from other sources. It is the responsibility of the author to submit all necessary components to the editor by the deadline.

Contact Information
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email: twinsushilover27@yahoo.com
voice: (707)664-8622 (707)664-0582 FAX
web: http://www.nershalom.org
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