December 2004 ~ heshvan - kislev 5765

> From the Rebbe
> Gifts of Light
> News from Dor Hadash
> eScrip and more...
> Toy and Book Drive at the Jewish Community Free Clinic
> Board News
> Jewish Community Free Clinic Preliminary Design Review
> Subscribe to "j."
> Jewish Family and Children's Services
> Ask Jewish Community Information and Referral
> Donations Make a Difference!
> Newsletter Guidelines

Take a look at our awesome redesigned website at www.nershalom.org . Thank you Anne Woods.

Don't miss the next musical visit by Shir Halev on Dec 3rd at 7:30 when they provide their wonderful music for Kabbalat Shabbat services lead by Rabbi Salamo.

Ner Shalom's private label olive oil is available for purchase. Consider it a triple blessing when you purchase this delicious oil made from superior quality California olives. The oil has been blessed by our Dor Hadash students; your purchase provides Ner Shalom with a small donation and the recipient receives a priceless gift. Consider making your friends and family's Hanukkah special with the gift of this very special oil. Shipping boxes also available. The price is $12.60 per bottle. Box suitable for mailing is $1.40. Purchases can be made at the Ner Shalom office, Tuesday-Friday 9am-2pm.

The Jewish Community Free Clinic "2nd Annual Dec. 25th Movie and Chinese Food Fundraiser"
Dec. 25th ~ 5:30-8:30 PM.
Friedman Center ~ 4676 Mayette Avenue, Santa Rosa
Sing Along with Tevye and Scott Gerber, the Yiddisher Cowboy, to the classic movie, "Fiddler on the Roof" also children's games, lasso rope tricks, facepainting, and more--please bring a gently-used stuffed animal or book to give to the children we see at our Pediatrics clinic.
Call 792-1932 or e-mail www.jewishfreeclinic.org for more information.
$20.00 for adults, $5.00 for children 5 and older, under 5 years old free, special family rate of $40.00 for 2 adults and one or more children. Also, if you'd like to advertise your business, we will publicize business cards in the program for a fee. Reservations recommended but tickets also available at the door...Fun for a good cause!

A Reunion of Sonoma County Synagogue Center members and friends Havdalah, Saturday, January 8, 2005 at Congregation Ner Shalom at 6pm.
Please bring a potluck dish to share - plus stories from the early days! For more information contact JoAnn Cheslow, 568- 5998

Save the Date - January 23rd for our semi- annual Congregational meeting to be held after Dor Hadash.

A reminder that our building is available to rent for private parties and other events given by non-profit groups. Please help direct such events our way.

Calling family and friends over the holidays?? please see the eScrip section if you would like see if your calls could benefit our community.

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

From the Rebbe

     I am just about to travel to Portland to the Reconstructionist convention, and I thought it would be fun to share a little from my early Reconstructionist findings with you.

     Mordecai Kaplan defined Judaism as a civilization rather than as a nation or as a religion, and this model was reflected in the design of the curriculum at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. There had been a long-standing debate surrounding this issue and pertaining to the status of Jews in many countries, since Jews seemed to be more than a group of people who worshipped in a certain way, and also different from a nation which possessed land. The use of the term 'civilization' includes aspects both of religion and nation, and adds the attribute of shared culture, which is important in defining Judaism, and sets the groundwork for a more encompassing definition. In contrast to a religion defined strictly, like Christianity, Judaism for Kaplan was more than just a collection of beliefs about the spiritual and ethical nature of the world, and rituals to tie those beliefs into the lives of the people. The civilizational model can and certainly does include such strictly religious beliefs, while also taking into consideration other aspects of society and culture.

     Treating Judaism as a civilization, does not however, abrogate its status as a religion, and as such, the evolving base of the whole structure also gets applied to the concept of G-d in Kaplan's thought.

     Accepting the documentary hypothesis and all of its implication, Kaplan nonetheless requires that G-d be present in Judaism. His version of who and what G-d is differs radically from the 'traditional' notion of a personal G-d, responsive to people and anthromorphised, and because of this many non-Reconstructionists think that he was an atheist, and that therefore Kaplan civilization transcended G-d. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The basic problem of how to maintain the strength of the Jewish tradition and thus Jewish continuity presented itself in Kaplan's dealings with G- d - G-d was conceived in the desert, worshipped through sacrifices, fled and became romanticized after the destruction of the Temple, had to become yet further modified in the Middle Ages in response to threats and information from the external Christian and Moslem societies, developed through the Enlightenment, and now needed to serve the needs of a whole different society, with more freedom and choice about religious practice and belief.

     Just as the leaders of the Reform movement capitalized on the moral values as expounded by the prophets in order to draw Jews to the movement and give it a moral base and a reason for existing, Kaplan concentrated on the presence of G- d in the human endeavor. In some ways, while Adam could run and hide from G-d in the Garden of Eden, Jews are incapable of escaping G-d according to Kaplan's theology, for G-d encompasses all the impulses within people to make the world better for themselves and for others. This aim is, of course, highly drawn from the social philosophy of Kaplan's time. At the base, G-d is the power inherent within individuals and communities that allows for and promulgates the possibility of both personal and communal salvation.

     If religion has always been the way that Jews expressed their relationship to G-d, then by doing community-oriented things, and by becoming aware of the presence of G-d within our desires to live harmoniously with others, modern Jews can easily define themselves as in relationship with G- d, and since this relationship is productive of obvious good for themselves and for the world, there is a reason to continue being Jewish. As Kaplan says in the Introduction to The Meaning of G-d in Modern Jewish Religion, 'Belief in G-d as here conceived can function in our day exactly as the belief in G-d has always functioned; it can function as an affirmation that life has value.' (p29).

     In dealing with a revision of theology, and in trying to amalgamate the experience of being a religious person in a world where the melting pot is more the paradigm of life than the ghetto, Kaplan found it impossible to maintain the doctrine of the Jews as the chosen people. He could not escape the concept of superiority that derives from choseness, and the G-d that he describes has no reason not to speak to all humans, and surely is not restricted to acting through the Jewish people. Also, the elected status of Jews really was useful in a theology that relied on personal salvation, redemption, and messiah, none of which are present in the same way for Kaplan. If there is to be no final judgment, no rebuilding of the Temple (where Jews would go to sacrifice in recognition of their special role vis a vis G- d), no Davidic king on the messianic throne, in short, no supernaturalism, there is no need for the exclusiveness that choseness brings to the religion. When in precious situations, Jews needed to differentiate themselves and in fact exalt themselves because they were living precariously within a hostile society, supernaturalism and choseness might have been doctrines that brought some hope of salvation to the community, although 2000 years passed without realization of that hope.

     Ultimately for Kaplan, the future of the Jewish people lies in the hands of the Jewish community, and he felt strongly the requirement to develop methods and programs that would enhance and promote Jewish continuity. He was both thoroughly American and thoroughly modern in his outlook, and never hesitated to modify and adjust his views and actions so as to build a stronger community. At the same time, he felt the strength and power of the tradition, and advocated education and careful thought before making any changes in liturgy, practice, or ideology. For Kaplan, the past, being history and text, and culture, and tradition, had a vote in the framing of his modern Judaism, not a veto in preventing it from being fully modern, fully relevant, fully engaging. In short, Kaplan's vision was a reconstruction of the past to meet the ever changing needs of the present. And, whether they are aware of it or not, most American Jews today subscribe to some form of this ideology (it is simply up to Reconstructionist rabbis to get them to recognize this!) in their views towards Judaism. As we see in Cotati, there is an evolution even within Reconstructionism, and, as Kaplan is now dead and thus part of the collective means of salvation, only time and the power that creates opportunity will determine where the movement goes in the future.

L'shalom,
Elisheva (Salamo-our whole family's last name now)

Gifts of Light

OFFERINGS...
ARTHUR and SUE ELSTER, a donation in recognition of the service of Arlene Elster as President of Ner Shalom.
SHARI BRENNER, a general donation to Ner Shalom.

THANK YOU...
To A.J. LEVIS, MARK COHEN and ARCHIE LEWINSTEIN for construction of Ner Shalom's sukkah.
To ARI KIMITI WANG'OO for generously coming to the rescue several times to work out office computer and printer "glitches".
To RUNCIBLE SPOON, the wonderful caterer for Ner Shalom's Shabbat dinners. Please consider using Runcible Spoon for your next B'nai Mitzvah party or special event. Please contact owner Tina Moore at 585-8156.

News from Dor Hadash

     I also have started to line up professional Jewish artists to come 1 extra Sunday a month, from 10:00-12:00 to help you, your family members and friends make beautiful Jewish ritual pieces for your home. I will send out the official calendar for that as soon as I have all the dates set up.

     Our school received a generous grant from the BJE to create a pen pal relationship with a school in Israel, and to work on ecological issues in our own community. Karen Mitchell and Gesher Calmenson wrote that grant, for which we are grateful.

     Please be in touch with me if you have any concerns or if you want to volunteer. My e-mail is lgattmann@msn.com

B'shalom, Leslie

eScrip and more...

COMMUNITYsmart....Remember Oliver's shoppers must join this program to continue contributing to our community.
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....Thank you for your contributions of $34 for the first 6 months of our fiscal year through the use of your Preferred Savers card when you buy your groceries.
Do you have a blue and white Preferred Savers card but its still not connected to Ner Shalom. All you need to do to activate it is go to www.Albertsons.com. If you need help enrolling or have any concerns let Michelle Marks know at 778-6346 or e-mail at Steven.Marks@prodigy.net.

Raley's....Your time and effort have contributed $28 during the first 6 months of our fiscal year.
Thank you for taking the time to enroll your Raley's card on-line so that you would contribute to our community. 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 foyer of the sanctuary for your donations or you can drop them off with Carol during office hours (Tues-Fri 9am-2pm). If you have questions please contact Michelle Marks at 778- 6346.

Board News

     The food competition was judged by Cotati Market's Executive Chef Jeremy Peckham, J.J. Wilson of the Cotati Sitting Room Library, and our own Nina Carson. We appreciate and offer thanks for their excellent volunteer judging of our food entries. The Sweepstakes first place was taken by Michael Policar's Greek Sephardic dessert "Bougatsa". Runner-ups were Barbara Tobin's Moroccan Red Bean Dip and Ariana Elster's Blintzes.
To those who weren't there, eat your heart out because all the food entries and donated foods were supremely delicious. Thank you Salaam/Shalom folks for the great music that gave us the chance to get up and dance. Extra thanks to the surprise appearance of the lovely and talented belly dancer. We also enjoyed special Yiddish Cowboy songs so wonderfully sung by Scott Gerber.

     THANK YOU to all who made this event happen: Kristi Pierson for the beautiful graphics and printing. Claire MacElroy for leading us as chairman. Karen Pierce- Gonzalez for Press. Anna Ghandour for handling food donations. Ann Hedlund for decorations. AJ Levis and Archie Lewinstein for hanging the banner and landing 2 hugh pumpkins (grown by Amber Stephens in Windsor). Marty Hedlund for corn stalks, pumpkins and a prestige bottle of Dehlinger wine which was given to the winner of the food competition. Margo Miller for beautiful gourds. Ed Ghandour for serving the drinks. La Donna Tribbitt-Peela (mom with baby) and Brandon Calos(Bass Player) and Ettamarie Peterson (2 musicians) and Jean Sannella (Zinfangal) for amazing scarecrows. Mark Cohen for set-up of sound, beer, and wine. Michelle Marks, Liz Hagen, Barbara Davis, Molli Nagel, Ari Kimiti, and robin birdfeather for working at the event, Joelle Hagen, Tyler Hagen and Ryan Taylor-Davis for selling olive oil and raffle tickets, Sheila Koren for child supervision, and all of you who entered the kosher cook-off and all who attended.

     Our honored Food Donors were: A La Heart Catering, Fresh Choice Catering, Park Avenue Catering, Preferred Sonoma Catering, Runcible Spoon Catering, Café Med, Port of Subs, Oliver's Market, Raley's, and Safeway.

     Thank You to The Doubletree Hotel, Hana Restaurant, and Latitude Restaurant for their generous donations that made the raffle a success. Sherry Rubin was our lucky winner.

     Here's the bottom line: a good time was had by all, we made a bissel of money, and look forward to doing it even bigger and better next year.

     Please join us for services, classes, and Shabbat suppers. Phone us with your comments, praise, kvetching, other. As I have said before, this community is us.

Fondly for all of us on your Board
Ariana Elster, Liz Hagen, Michelle Marks, Anna Ghandour, Claire MacElroy, Nina Carson, Ari Kimiti- Wangoo, Mark Cohen, Molli Nagel

     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

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

Jewish Community Free Clinic Preliminary Design Review

B'Shalom
Robin and the rest of the volunteers of the JCFC

Subscribe to "j."

Ask Jewish Community Information and Referral

Yours for the Asking:
Did you know... the following publications and educational guides are available to you free of charge (and if you want one for a friend, just ask for two, with our compliments)!
*Resource, A Guide to Jewish Life in the Bay Area
*JCIR Bookmark/Calendar
*The Whole Megillah--A Guide to Jewish adult activities in the Bay Area
*A Guide to Compensation and Restitution for Holocaust Survivors
*Israel Information:
*An Insider's Guide to Israel
*The Wonders of Israel, video/poster and study guide
*Out of the Closet and into the Streets of Tel Aviv (DVD)
*Family education:
*Nextbook: selection of books
*Bridges/Issues and Information for Interfaith Families
*Alef Bet, the Letters, Language & Literature of the Jewish People
*Havdalah, how to
*Common Threads: the Fabrics of Jewish Life
*Heroes, Who Needs 'Em
*Our Family Matters, Jewish Memory & Storytelling
*Rosh Hodesh, how to
*What we're reading/People of the Book talk about Books
*Jewish Heroes activity book
*Kids and the Law: An A-to-Z Guide for Parents
*Haggadah for Passover
*Émigré information:
*Creating Success: Russian-English Guide to Financial Security
*Senior information:
*Seniors and the Law: A Guide for Maturing Californians
*New Lifestyles, Area Guide to Senior Residences and Care Options
*Senior Alternatives: Informed Decisions
*General information:
*Action Guide for Healthy Eating

For more information about connecting to Jewish life, call JCIR toll-free within the Bay Area 877-777- JCIR (5247) or email Info@JewishNfo.org Jewish Community information and Referral is a service of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties.

Please visit our website www.JewishNfo.org and www.jholidays.org

Shalom,
Thank you for contacting Jewish Community Information and Referral.

Jewish Family and Children's Services

JFCS Events and Announcements

Bereavement Support Groups Now Forming
     We all experience loss and grief at different times in our lives. Our FREE bereavement groups are here to help you through your difficult times. Please call Martha Lavin at 707/571-8131 x232 for more information about group meetings.

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.

Holiday Outreach at Chanukah!
     Help isolated seniors and people with disabilities feel the joy of the holiday season. Volunteer pickup dates for delivery Dec. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, you choose. For more information or to volunteer, please call Jeri Phillips, Volunteer Coordinator at 571-8131 or at Jerip@jfcs.org

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)
(No drop-ins on December 15, December 22, and December 29)
     Note: Beginning January 2005 Drop-In Groups will move to Fridays. Details to follow.

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

FREE Elder Law Consultation
     First Thursday of each month from 9:30 to noon Alice Perlman offers consultations for seniors (60+) and for those who have legal questions regarding Conservatorships, Estate and Medi- cal planning for aging family members and friends. Call 707/571-8131 to schedule an appointment.

NEW! Therapeutic Play Group forming for 3 to 4 year olds and 5 to 6 year olds.
     An 8-week group for children needing help learning social skills and developing positive social interactions with their peers. Parent participation required. $120 for 8 weeks. Please call Christine Curtis 707/571-8131 extension 209.

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.

LifeBooks for Adopted and Foster Children: An Introduction
     What are they? LifeBooks are personalized books of a child's life, celebrating their journey to your home. Foster families can create a page or two for the child in their home to take with them. Wednesday, December 1, 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Taught by Barbara Joy.

FREE Post Adoption Family Event
January 14, 2005 6:30 PM Peking Acrobat Show and Pizza Party. Space is limited call Christine Curtis for details. 707/571-8131 extension 209.

Donations Make a Difference!

Donations to Ner Shalom 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

*1. Deadline will be at 2:00p.m. on the first Friday of every month (unless arrangements have been made with the editor of the newsletter.)

*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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