January 2005 ~ Tevet - Shevan 5765

in this issue
> From the Rebbe
> Gifts of Light
> News from Dor Hadash
> eScrip and more...
> Board News
> Toy and Book Drive at the Jewish Community Free Clinic
> Poem ~ Contributed by Shira Hadditt
> Yom Hashoah Community Commemoration
> A Chanukah Thank You
> Jewish Family and Children's Services
> Donations Make a Difference!
> Newsletter Guidelines

Chevre and Friends...

Announcements:

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 at 1 PM for our semi- annual Congregational meeting to be held after Dor Hadash.

Administrator's Wish List:

Someone skilled with a drill to hang some "pomegranates" on the "Donation Tree."

Seeking Camp Chai (Day Camp) Director

The Director of Camp Chai is a regular half-time position of the Jewish Community Agency of Sonoma County. The Director is responsible for overseeing the complete operations of Camp Chai, a Jewish summer day camp in Sonoma County. The annual work schedule will look something like this: full time June - end of August; quarter time September - end of May. Send resume if interested to: campdirector@jcagency.org or phone: 528- 4222 for more information.

From the Rebbe

Dear Hevre,

With the middle of winter comes Tu Bishvat, the New Year for trees. This year it falls on January 25th. It is traditional to celebrate by eating three different sorts of fruits - all soft, with hard pits, with inedible shells, and drinking four glasses of wine - quite a lovely holiday! There are also special songs that we sing, and my favorite is 'HaShkediah poraHat' - "the almond tree blossoms".

It's hard to imagine, as we have just entered into winter, the blooming of a tree (though my daffodils are out already), but in Israel, the almonds will be blooming away, heralding spring. Almond trees (Prunis dulics) were growing in Israel, (Canaan), 2000 years ago and are mentioned in the Torah several times. The original menorah was crafted in the image of an almond. Throughout history, almonds have maintained religious, ethnic and social significance. The book of Numbers tells of Aaron's rod that blossomed and bore almonds, using them as a symbol to represent the divine approval of Aaron by G-d when everyone else wanted to be priests as well.

Explorers consumed almonds while traveling the "Silk Road" between Asia and the Mediterranean. Before long, almond trees flourished in the Mediterranean in Spain, Italy, Morocco, and Greece. The Romans showered newlyweds with almonds as a fertility charm. Apparently nutmeats and dried fruits were treated as delicacies because the cultivation of these foods was not as prevalent as today. In Sephardi communities today, weddings are still celebrated with candy-coated almonds.

On a local note, almond trees were brought to California from Spain in the mid-1700's by the Franciscan Padres. They did not like our moist weather, though by the 1700's they were successfully cultivated inland.

By the turn of the 20th century, the almond industry was firmly established in the Sacramento and San Joaquin areas of the Central Valley, which now has over a half million acres under almond cultivation. So feel free to eat some almonds this Tu Bishvat!

Another Tu Bishvat tradition is planting trees of any sort. If you have already forested your back forty, you can go to the Jewish National Fund website and find the following:

"Welcome to the JNF online tree planting center, your opportunity to give the gift that keeps on growing. Planting a tree in Israel is the perfect way to show you care. For $18/tree, you can plant trees for many different reasons and help green the land of Israel while sending a special gift to a friend or loved one. Plant Trees and Get One Free!

You can now plant 2 trees and JNF will add a third tree for free! Or, purchase 4 trees and JNF will add a tree for free to make it a circle of 5! To take advantage of this great offer, click here."

Happy Tu Bishvat!

L'shalom,

Elisheva

Gifts of Light

CONDOLENCES...

KAREN MITCHELL, for her grandmother, Madelyn Dreher

MEMORIAL DONATIONS...

EVELYN SACKLER, in memory of her mother Dora S. Rosen.

RUSS MESSING, in memory of Bud Messing.

JULIE WAGNER, in memory of Annie Hotchner.

PAUL & LORRAINE LICHTMAN, in memory of Ray Goodman, Lee Hunt Lurie, Morris Lichtman

OFFERINGS...

EVELYN SACKLER, a donation in honor of Nanette Tufts for her kindness and for her help on many occasions.

ARIANA ELSTER, a donation in honor of Anna & Ed Ghandour's new grandson, Liam Kleinberg

BARBARA & MICHAEL LESCH MCCAFFRY, a donation for Dor Hadash

MICHELLE ENOCHSON, a donation toward the building fund

ANONYMOUS, a 'pomegranate' for Amalya Salamo

MAZEL TOV...

To ANNA and ED GHANDOUR on the birth of their grandson Liam Edric Kleinberg born on November 26, 2004 to parents Tamara and Michael.

THANK YOU...

To ARI KIMITI WANG'OO for helping set up the new printer.

To CLAIRE MACELROY for tackling some computer glitches and seeing that the new administrator gets off to a roaring start.

To AJ LEVIS and MARTY HEDLUND for physically replacing our outdated exit signs with low energy LED signs. To PG&E for providing the LED signs for free in an effort to help decrease our energy consumption and bill.

NEW MEMBERS...

Congregation Ner Shalom extends a warm welcome to... ANNE WOODS

News from Dor Hadash

Shalom Dor Hadash Families,

First of all, I want to thank you for all the help we received in making the Chanukah Mitzvah Party a success. We collected 250 lbs. of non-perishable foods and $48.00 in tzedakah dreidel money split evenly between the Redwood Empire Food Bank and the Jewish Free Clinic. Over 75 gift-wrapped socks were delivered to the homeless shelter in Santa Rosa run by Catholic Charities, where more than 70 children are living at the moment. Finally, lots of beautiful cookies were made which we decided to donate to the Pediatric Clinic of the Jewish Free Clinic, realizing that those cookies would probably be healthier for the children than for the elderly (I know that is arguable). I do think that our kids had a fun time creating these gifts, and I am always interested in your evaluation of the event and any improvements for next year. I feel like we are all working together to make this school the best it can be.

Speaking of next year, I would like to institute an 8-session Intensive Hebrew Class at the end of August/Beginning of September, beginning in 4th grade rather than our usual 6th grade. The kids can get the aleph bet down quite quickly if we meet for 11/2 hours, 2 or 3 times a week, concentrating on Hebrew and Hebrew games. Then as 4th graders, they can begin learning the prayers, reading fun modern Hebrew books, and do a little practice reading at home. It means a commitment of 2-3 weeks, but then your child is reading rather than the long drawn out system we have now. Children missing this intensive or joining Dor Hadash late would need to get tutoring to catch them up to the level of their class.

Let me know how you liked the skit acted out by the older kids. Would you like to see more of that? Don't forget to sign up for our Art Experiences with Professional Jewish Artists, scheduled for January 30, February 13 and March 13.

Our wonderful K-1 teacher, Karen Mitchell, asked us to publish her wish list for her classroom. Maybe you can help!

B'shalom, Leslie

Karen's Wish List for the Dor Hadash K-1 classroom:

*Books, music and videos with Jewish content *Dress-up clothes and accessories - especially boy stuff

*a new and/or used (in good condition) kids easel with a chalkboard/white board

*Shekels! If you have been to Israel and have some $$ left over, I'd love to use it in our market/dress up area

*Empty food boxes/food wrappers from Israel *A kid-sized play challah, matzah, and bagel set, Shabbat set - candle sticks, havdallah set *Aleph Bet stencils, especially ones with large letters *toys - cars, trucks, baby dolls (especially babies of color), games, building materials (like Legos), play grocery cart and cash register (to put the shekels in!)

*Smocks for messy projects

*Torah story felt sets (Moses/Miriam, Esther, etc. (I have a Noah set already!) *Pictures of Israel/large map of Israel.

There are a few things that we would appreciate if you are feeling particularly generous:

From www.oytoys.com:

Rosh Hashanah wooden play set $29.95

10 Plagues finger puppets $19.95

Book - "Grandpa and Me on Tu B'Shevat" by Marji E. Gold-Vukson Kar-Ben $6.95

From www.judaica.com:

Aleph Bet Adventure Game $12.95

Stuffed Lulav and Etrog $14.99

Aleph Bet Bracelet Beads $2.95 per set (I would love 6 sets)

Purim Cookie Cutters $3.95 per set

eScrip and more...

eScrip....Car donation provides big boost. Thank you to our member who donated a 1995 Nissan Maxima that contributed $950 to our community!!!! Have an older running car that you want to donate?? Contact Michelle Marks at 778-6346 or e-mail at Steven.Marks@prodigy.net and she can explain the process and the new rules the IRS has about how you can deduct this donation on your 2005 taxes.

COMMUNITYsmart....Look for their symbol at Oliver's and other store's checkouts.

You can instantly join at Oliver's checkout counter or go on-line 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.... Keep using your Preferred Savers card when you buy your groceries. Do you have a blue and white Preferred Savers card but it's 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....Remember-to make your contribution count you must activate your card on-line. 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 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

Dear Fellow Board Members and all Members of this tribe of Peace Candles (Ner Shalom),

As I write this, the light of day is fading. Sunset marks the "daybreak" of the 25th of Kislev. The first candle will be lit for Hannukah. A new recipe for latkes eaten. Songs. Laughter of children. Miracles abound. In November, I traveled to Portland for the National Convention of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation. Also there from our tribe, were Sally Churgel and R. Elisheva, Amalya, and Dan. Sally conducted a workshop called The Torah of the Body. This was an amazing experience/teaching which deserved an in-depth review (stay tuned). Our Rabbi Elisheva gave a fun and profound workshop on siblings called Am I My Brother's Keeper? Icky Sibling Behavior and the Mystical Tradition.

Meeting other Reconstructionist Jews from all over the country was a feast. Of special value to our community was forming ties with Keddem Congregation in Palo Alto. They are a dynamic active community. Religious services on Shabbat were beautiful and powerful due in no part to being in a hotel convention room. The great number of talented Rabbis and Cantors and children and all us others was transformative.

Wishing to share more at our Community Meeting on January 23, 2005. Please, please join me at this twice-a-year meeting. Members, this is your opportunity to participate in the guidance of our community. As I have said before, we, together, dear fellow members ARE Ner Shalom.

Offered with love,

Ariana Elster, President, Ner Shalom

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

At the JEWISH COMMUNITY FREE CLINIC we try to send each child home with a positive memory of visiting "the doctor."

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

Poem ~ Contributed by Shira Hadditt

Hello G-d. I think it's time for you

and me

to have a little chat.

You know, Holy One, I've prayed

year after year

for forgiveness

and in Your kind way,

You have always loved and forgiven me,

even though I keep making mistakes...

But here, today,

G-d,

while I am quiet,

alone with You

and with my prayers

alone with my heart.

G-d, I want to hear

Your voice.

Now, Holy One,

in Your Omnipotence

Tell me the good things

You know about me

Tell me.

About the times my smile

brought smiles to others;

when my words brought love

to another;

The time my please and thank yous

brightened someone's day.

And Holy One,

while you are telling me these good things,

while You have forgiven me,

Dear, Sweet, Loving G-d. Teach me to forgive

myself.

Yom Hashoah Community Commemoration

Save the Date

A dramatic presentation, titled "U-Boats in Berlin," will highlight this year's Community Yom Hashoah Commemoration scheduled for Sunday, May 8, 2005 at 2 PM, The Cooperage, Sonoma State University.

The dramatic program is based on a book by Barbara Lovenheim, "Survival in the Shadows," the story of a Jewish family hiding in Berlin from January 1943 to the end of the War. Ruth Gumpel, who now lives in Petaluma, was one of the family members in hiding.

A Chanukah Thank You

Another successful Chanukah party! But this time with a twist. I added a Chanukah trivia game. We laughted our tuchis' off! What a blast! All the children who attended received prizes and gelt! And the latkes were out-of-this-world delicious! (If I may say so myself.)

A great big Chanukah thank you to Anita Levin and Greg Haims. We were an incredible team, grating, mixing and frying up 250 latkes for all to indulge. The room was lit with all different kinds of Chanukah menorot and how bright the candles burned on the 5th night of Chanukah. Thank you also, to my son, Blake for setting up all of the chairs by himself. What a mensch!

Until next year...

You Chanukah maven,

Pam Pepper

Jewish Family and Children's Services

Coming up this winter at Jewish Family and Children's Services & Parents Place

All low-cost/no-cost JFCS and Parents Place programs listed below are non-sectarian and open to all members of the public.

Sign Up Now: Tax Preparation Volunteers Needed Are you looking for a meaningful volunteer experience? Help low-income families obtain their earned income tax credits. (This program is a free service to families). How about 3 to 5 hours a week? Choose weekday, evenings or Saturdays for volunteering. Late January through April 15, 2005. Complete your Tax Training and Certification online, using a self-paced IRS interactive program. JFCS provides orientation to procedures, support, computers and space to meet with families and do the work. (Seeking both English and Spanish- speaking volunteers). All volunteers who pass the test must attend a final IRS orientation on Sat., Jan. 22, 2005, 8:30 to 5:00 PM at 1360 N. Dutton Ave., Suite C, Santa Rosa. For more information contact Jeri Phillips, Volunteer Coordinator at 707/571-8131 or Jerip@jfcs.org.

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.

Drop-In Center (no pre-registration required)

Note: In January we welcome back Claire Leverant. Remember that all Drop-In's will be held on Fridays starting January 7, 2005.

Drop-In Play

Meet other parents, talk with our parent educator, and enjoy some time with your child. Fridays, beginning January 7, 2005, with Claire Leverant, $5. Purchase a card for five visits and your sixth visit is free. Toddlers to 4 years: 10:00-11:00 AM. Infants to beginning walkers 12:00-1:00 PM.

Drop-In Plus!

The first Friday, beginning January 7, 2005, of the month features a special activity during playtime- cooking, art, and more. 10:00-11:30 AM. $8 includes materials.

Therapeutic Play Groups

An 8-week group for children needing help learning social skills and developing positive interactions with their peers. Parent participation required. Groups led by Christine Curtis and Mary Hirsch. Mondays, January 24-March 21 (no class February 21). $120 for 8 weeks. 3-4 year olds: 10:00-11:00 AM. 5-6 year olds: 1:00-2:00 PM.

Classes and Workshops

Setting Limits

With Toddlers and Twos (12-36 months). With Bonnie Romanow, Wednesday January 19 or Wednesday April 6, 6:00-8:00 PM. $25.

Positive Discipline for Parents of Young Children (3-6 years) Tuesdays, February 22 and March 1 with Barbara Joy OR Wednesdays, March 22 and 29 with Bonnie Romanow, 6:00-8:00 PM $50.

Positive Discipline - A Crash Course for Dads Communication, limit setting and guidance from a male perspective. With Mervin Maier, MFT. All held 6:30-8:30 PM, $25 per session.

3-9 years, Monday, February 7

9-13 years, Tuesday, March 8

Adolescence, Wednesday, April 6

2-6 years, Thursday, May 5

Discipline Challenges for Single Parents

With Monica Haimowitz, MFT. Monday, February 28 OR Wednesday, April 20, 6:30-8:30 PM, $25. Childcare possible if requested in advance.

Magical World of Play

Deepen your understanding of play and discover ways to best support your child's growing body, mind, and heart. With Bonnie Romanow. Wednesday, February 9 OR May 11, 6:00-8:00 PM. $25.

The Tempest Rages

Tantrums and frustrating behavior can throw off the most experienced and loving parents. We will consider possible causes and strategies for helping create more family harmony and dealing with frustration and anger with Claire Leverant. Mondays, January 31 OR March 14, 6:30-8:30 PM. $25.

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 (Infants to 5 years)

Play and socialization for children and parents whose families are shaped by adoption. With Barbara Joy. Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 AM.

LifeBooks for Adopted/Foster Children

For an adoptee a LifeBook organizes personal information and helps children relate their history in the context of their entire life journey. Groups led by Barbara Joy.

Introduction to LifeBooks: January 6, March 23, and May 25, 6:00-8:00 PM. Free childcare provided.

Creating LifeBooks These workshops are designed to guide you in the process of creating a beautiful, thoughtful book for your child. Meets once per month. Childcare is available free of charge for the Thursday series but not available on Saturdays. Thursday: 9:30 AM- 12:00 PM, February 17, March 3, April 7, May 5 and June 2 OR Saturdays, 9:30-11:30 AM, February 5, 19, March 5, 19 and April 2.

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

email: twinsushilover27@yahoo.com phone: (707)664-8622 web: http://www.nershalom.org