april 2005 ~ adar II - nisan 5765

> From the Rebbe
> Gifts of Light
> News from Dor Hadash
> eScrip and more...
> Board News ~ President's Letter
> Casino Night Fundraiser
> Community Announcements
> Yom Hashoah Community Commemoration
> Etz Chaim ~Tree of Life
> Jewish Family and Children's Services
> Donations Make a Difference!
> Newsletter Guidelines

Chevre and Friends...

Announcements:
SAVE THE DATE!!
Casino night ~ April 30 ~ from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. See details below and keep an eye on our website www.nershalom.org for more information and updates on the items that will be available for auction.

Check out our new feature where you can click to go directly to a listed website from within our newsletter. See eScrip article...

NEEDED (note this is not just a desire) someone to take over as TREASURER for our community starting July 1st. You do not need to be a CPA or even a bookkeeper (we employ one for you), just someone who answers e-mail, is willing to learn some basic Excel skills and keep an eye on the budget. Michelle will help with the transition while being only a call or e-mail away and will take all her other "hats" with her. Just because we might not personally call you, doesn't mean you shouldn't call us. If you are interested or just want to find out what it involves give Michelle Marks a call at 778-6346 or e-mail her at Steven.Marks@prodigy.net.

Cotati is currently gearing up for Rebuilding Day 2005 on Saturday, April 30, and we hope that you will join us once again to help our neighbors in need live with dignity and independence. It is people like you who help us achieve our mission of providing warm, safe and dry housing for the elderly, disabled and low-income homeowners in our community. To sign up or for more information, call 588-2219.

Sonoma County Jewish Community Free Clinic seeks Executive Director for employment.
For more information, click here: www.nershalom.org

Ongoing Toy and Book Drive for Free Clinic
Donations of gently used toys and/or books can be brought to Free Clinic on ongoing basis at 421 E. Cotati Avenue, Suite C, or call 792-1932.

Administrator's Wish List:

* Portable vacuum cleaner with attachments for upstairs office area

From the Rebbe

Dear Hevre,

As we move into Pesach time - hard to believe!, I am always surrounded by the promise and beauty of spring. Somehow, it moves me more than a ny other season to prayers of gratitude. I know we are taght that G!d is incorporate, but I often like to have an image or thought in mind as I pray, and with the proliferation of the flowers, I thought it might be interesting to look at the many ways that G!d is imagine in our tradition. The first real peek we have is when Abraham is recovering from surgery: G!d looks like a person, or several people Genesis Chapter 18:1. And the Lord appeared to him in the plains of Mamre; and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;2. And he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him; and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself to the ground. This is sort of confusing - is it talking about G!d or the messengers/angels? At the burning bush G!d describes G!dself to Moses. Exodus 3:13. And Moses said to G!d, Behold, when I come to the people of Israel, and shall say to them, The G!d of your fathers has sent me to you; and they shall say to me, What is his name, what shall I say to them? 14. And G!d said to Moses, I AM THAT I AM; and he said, Thus shall you say to the people of Israel, I AM has sent me to you. I must say, I find this unhelpful. What does it mean? Was it intended to be reassuring, mysterious, coy? I suppose it makes sense then that G!d is insubstantial: Exodus 13: 21. And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night; 22. G!d took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people. 1 Kings 19: 11. And [the Lord] said, Go out, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains, and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake;12. And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. 13. And it was so, when Elijah heard it that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entrance of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice to him, and said, What are you doing here, Elijah? I love this last idea - G!d being the small voice that speaks after all the hubbub has passed. A classic image is the old guy on the throne. This makes sense becauseat the time, the most powerful person was the king: Isaiah Chapter 6 1. In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and G! d's train filled the temple. 2. Above it stood the seraphim; each one had six wings; with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he did fly. 3. And one cried to another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory. 4. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of he who cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Whatever your image is, or isn't, enjoy the fruits of the season, and come join us for a special 'Journey' at the seder.

L'shalom,
Elisheva

Gifts of Light

MEMORIAL DONATIONS...
ALAN ZIFF, a donation in memory of Dora Ziff
GESHER CALMENSON, a donation in memory of Ruth Calmenson
BARBARA SACHS-SENN, a donation in memory of Morton Sachs

OFFERINGS...
CLAIRE MACELROY, a "gesundheit" contribution to the building fund for Barbara Lesch- McCaffry's speedy recovery
ANONYMOUS, a donation in honor of the wedding engagement of Sarah Mia Rapp and Dominic Yarbrough
GEORGE & MARGO TRIEST, a donation toward the new Torah stand
ARIANA ELSTER, a donation for Joelle Hagen's & Lyla Levis's Bat Mitzvot
ELIZABETH LANDERS, a donation in honor of Nanette Tufts
GUSTAVSON FAMILY, a donation to the general fund
NANCY & JOANIE LEVINSOHN, a donation to the Rabbi's Discretionary Fund in honor of Karen Mitchell's Bat Mitzvah

THANK YOU...
To ARIANA ELSTER, for consistently hosting the chanting services at her lovely home

News from Dor Hadash

Shalom Chevre,
Dor Hadash is a growing community! We would like to welcome new members to our fourth/fifth grade class, Marissa and Arianna. Both young women decided that they wanted to learn more about their Jewish heritage, and were inspired attending the Bat Mitzvot of their friends. Kol HaKavod!

On March 20 we enjoyed a wonderful Purim Party which raised tzedaka for the Jewish Free Clinic, and gave everyone a chance to dress up and be a little crazy. Fabulous, creative hamantaschen were devoured by enthusiastic participants, and Shalach Manot packages went home with children to be delivered to someone who might miss Purim otherwise.

We are begining the process of applying for grants for the next year, and planning our education goals. If you would like to be involved with the Education Havurah, please call Leslie at 829-6987, leave a message at the office, or e-mail lgattmann@msn.com. We would love to include you.

Passover is right around the corner, and we will be preparing our students to sing the four questions at your Seder. We are planning an entire school project for making a ceramic ritual item for your Seder table.

Dor Hadash is also supporting Casino Night. Each class is responsible for one beautiful, thematic basket, that will be auctioned off the night of the event. Our themes include early childhood, gourmet foods and wines, health and beauty, kitchen and pets. Feel free to contribute something even if you don't have a child in the class.

Please keep the date May 20 open for a Dor Hadash Potluck Shabbat dinner and overnight. The more adults that would like to participate in this fun event, the easier it will be. Slumber parties at the synagogue are great ways for children to build community. We promise to make it a lot of fun!

On June 5, the entire school will celebrate the end of school with Israel in the Park in San Francisco. Please come along with us for a memorable event for your entire family. You do not have to be enrolled in Dor Hadash to participate with us.

Thank you for all your support. It certainly takes an involved community to make a school function well. We appreciate everybody's participation, in whatever way it takes form.

B'shalom, Leslie

eScrip and more...

eScrip....For the calendar year 2004 you generously donated $1,504 through your use of eScrip!!! Remember these top 10 merchants the next time you shop:

1. Safeway/Pak N Save
2. Oliver's Market (before leaving eScrip)
3. Whole Foods Market
4. Idine Rewards Network
5. Sonoma Market
6. Working Assets
7. Fircrest Market
8. Mary's Pizza Shack
9. Pepsi Company
10. Payless Shoes

To contribute without having to think about it just register all the credit/debit cards you use with eScrip www.eScrip.com and the computers will take care of the rest. Or you can contact Michelle Marks at 778-6346 or e-mail at Steven.Marks@prodigy.net and she can help you get started.

COMMUNITYsmart.... You raised $123 in the last quarter of 2004!!
Remember these independent grocers the next time you shop:

* Oliver's in Santa Rosa and Cotati
* Lad's Market and Pacific Market in Santa Rosa
* Andy's Market and Fiesta Market in Sebastopol
* Anstead's Market in Healdsburg
* Speer's Market in Forestville
* Molsberry IGA Market's in Larkfield

You can instantly join COMMUNITYsmart at Oliver's checkout counter, call COMMUNITYsmart at 568-4995 or go on-line to www.communitysmart.com.

Albertsons.... Can you become contributor number 17?
All you need is a blue and white Preferred Savers card that is easily connected to Ner Shalom by going to www.Albertsons. com or connect it with the tan and white Community Partners card Michelle can provide you. 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.... Did you miss the chance to make a no-cost contribution to our community?
If you shop at Raley's and do not have one of their cards, let Michelle Marks know Steven.Marks@prodigy.net and she will get you one.

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. Thank you to all of those of you who have contributed to our efforts. We are close to having enough inkjet and laser printer cartridges to send off a shipment for recycling.

Board News ~ President's Letter

Dear Ones in the Ner Shalom Community,
There are rare moments during services when something deeply personal happens. The world around me fades into the distance and I experience a connection with the Divine. This past week I was privileged to experience such a delight at our Friday night service and then again at our Saturday service the next morning. On Friday our Rabbi Elisheva Salamo and our Cantor Bella Bogart led the evening service. Bella's beautiful voice and guitar blended and danced with Rabbi Elisheva's service. This alone was enough to transport me to the feet of the Divine. But there was icing on this cake. We were hosts for Shabbat Across America and we had 4 guests from Becoming Allies.

Each gave a moving and personal life story as they made their point that we must refrain from putting people into a box, i.e. Arab speaking Arabs are sometimes Jews. This was a truly special evening. This is our synagogue. This is Ner Shalom. Although the turnout was pretty good, I am struck by how many of you were not there. What would it take for you to attend services on Friday evening? How can we serve you, dear member? This is a real question. Please call me directly with your answers. How would services look if you were in charge? This is the congregation that can co-create with you a meaningful format. We are small enough. We are Reconstructionist. We are a unique tribe of Sonoma County Jews. We are you. I believe that most all of you would have truly enjoyed and found meaning in this service. Maybe you didn't know about this service? Please tell us how our publicity might be improved?

On Saturday morning March 5th Lyla Crawford Levis was called to the Torah for her Bat Mitzvah at Ner Shalom. There was a second service held that day at my house in Sebastopol. Cantor Bella Bogart led that service with her most beautiful voice and guitar. She also offered insight into the week's Torah portion. I suspect we were all held in rapture and the true meaning of Shabbat was felt. This service will again be held at my house on the first Saturday in April. I invite you all to attend.

Offered with love, Ariana

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

Casino Night Fundraiser

Shalom,
Our biggest fundraiser of the year, Casino Night on April 30th, is right around the corner. You should all have received your invitations and information packets explaining the event.

Please send your RSVP's ASAP. We sent out hundreds of invitations and there is a chance we will be filled to capacity.

Our request for volunteers has gone largely unanswered. Remember this is our community fundraiser and we need community participation. We really need your help with decorating, setting up, cleaning up, etc. For this event to truly be a success, we need help form as many members as possible.

Also, we requested that each family help out by providing a donation. If you don't personally have something to donate, you can still help out by sending your donation request form to a business. Kristi sent over 300 donation request letters to the community and beyond. They were mostly to restaurants and wineries. There are still hundreds of businesses out there who would love to help but don't know how. You could send a request to hairdressers, spas, chiropractors, gift stores, etc. They can always say no but they might say yes.

The business community has been very generous. We are getting donations sent everyday.

We hope you will attend, eat, schmooze, gamble, win, bid, and have a wonderful time.

Please feel free to call Kristi or me if you have any questions, concerns, or wish to volunteer.

Thank you very much!
Molli Nagel and Kristi Pearson
(707) 795-9003 or (415) 472-0688

Community Announcements

Volunteer Coordinator at the Jewish Community Free Clinic needed
For more information, email us at www.jewishfreeclinic.org or call 792-1932

On Sunday, May 15 The Jewish Community Agency (JCA) of Sonoma County is honored to announce that Rabbi Michael Robinson will be awarded the 2005 Tikkun Olam Award for his lifelong service to and for the community. Please click onto our website www.nershalom.org/news/postings for more information.

And Now For Something COMPLETELY Different!
On Sunday, May 15th, come out for THE FOOTHILL CENTURY: The Only Kosher Ride in the West! For more information, check out www.sphds.org/foothillcentury

ASK JCI & R
Q: We are planning a vacation to far-flung areas. We enjoy connecting with Jewish communities. Where can I find out the names of synagogues, Jewish sightseeing, and kosher restaurants in our favorite destinations?

A: For all you wandering Jews out there: Whether you are traveling for fun or business, relocating, or just plain curious, Jewish communities and synagogues exist everywhere, from Australia to Zurich. Call us and we will share capsule histories and demographics. We can connect you with synagogues, food, kosher restaurants, gift shops, mikvaot and historic sites. Cruising? We can tell you about kosher cruises. Surfing? We share websites for the world Jewish traveler. Please let us know if you would like a free "Insider's Guide to the Israel experience."

For more information about connecting to Jewish life, call JCIR 415/777-4545 or local toll-free in the Bay Area 877-777-JCIR (5247) or e-mail 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. Visit our websites www.JewishNfo.org and www.jholidays.org Please join us at Israel in the Gardens, Sunday-June 5, 2005 www.israelinthegardens.org

Yom Hashoah Community Commemoration

COURAGE IN ADVERSITY

This year, the Yom Hashoah Community Commemoration which, as usual, is scheduled for the Sunday preceding Yom Hashoah, will coincide with Mother's Day, presenting our community the opportunity to observe two very special occasions on the same day, Sunday, May 8th.We invite you to plan the day accordingly to include attendance at the Commemoration at 2 pm, The Cooperage, Sonoma State University.

A dramatic presentation of a Jewish family hiding in Berlin, and the many righteous gentiles who helped the members survive at the heart of the Nazi regime, will be the feature this year at the Commemoration. Titled "U-Boats in Berlin," and written by Susanne Batzdorff of Beth Ami, the presentation dramatizes the extraordinary courage and collaboration of the Jewish family and their gentile supporters, trying to elude and survive the machinery of death and destruction relentlessly pursuing and threatening all of them.

Three of the family members being portrayed are expected to attend the Commemoration: Ruth Gumpel, who lives in Petaluma, and her brother and sister-in-law, expected from Rochester, NY. Barbara Lovenheim, author of Survival in the Shadows, a book-length version of this family's story, also hopes to be present at the Commemoration. Brian Newberg, drama teacher at Santa Rosa Junior College, is director of the dramatic program to be performed by a cast of six students and colleagues.

In addition to the featured program, the Commemoration will include the traditional lighting of memorial candles by six survivors of the Shoah, presentation of the winner of the Susy Raful Essay Contest, and musical renditions by Fredi Bloom of B'nai Israel in Petaluma. Rabbi George Gittleman of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Santa Rosa will offer the Invocation and Benediction.

Everyone has an opportunity to participate in this observance and remembrance by contributing the names of family and friends who perished in the Shoah. The names will be published in a memorial book that will be available at the Commemoration. Yellow memorial candles to light on Erev Yom Hashoah will again be available to take home after the conclusion of the Commemoration.

Etz Chaim ~Tree of Life

Etz Chaim - Tree of Life
Our Tree of Life in the Oneg room began as a way to thank those in our community who worked so hard to establish our permanent home in Cotati.
It will now be used to help Ner Shalom continue to flourish through the celebration of life events. A simcha leaf to honor a special life event and a pomegranate to commemorate the seeds of our community's hard work, our B'nai Mitzvahs, can be obtained through a donation of 10 Chai or $180 To mark your special occasion with a simcha leaf or pomegranate please contact the office.

A Gift for Life

A Gift for Life
Enhancing Life by Exploring Death
by Rev. Karuna Gerstein

Talking about death and dying means talking about life. This two-hour
workshop explores the complex feelings, taboos, norms and
practicalities of death and dying. Focusing on these issues before a crisis allows all
people involved to be more present, and live with the dying process in a more
loving and compassionate way, and opens the opportunity to be more
available to the richness of this difficult and amazing part of Life.

This Workshop will:

• Provide legal document options for death and dying preparation
• Help to reduce fear about talking about death and dying
• Normalize death and dying preparation
• Encourage you to talk about death and dying with your family and
  friends
• Encourage the understanding of the importance of talking to people about your own death and dying wishes, and understand the factors that may influence those conversations.
  

Wednesday, April 27, 2005
7:00 ­ 9:00 pm
Congregation Ner Shalom
85 La Plaza, Cotati
Donation requested: $10-15 per person

Registration required
707-793-9570 or gerstein@sonic.net

Rev. Karuna Gerstein is an ordained Interfaith Minister, Spiritual
Director, death and dying counselor, elder advocate and Director of Senior
Services at Petaluma People Services Center, in Petaluma. She is passionate about
building bridges, focusing on what connects us, instead of what divides
us.

Rev. Karuna has worked in a variety of settings with a variety of
individuals and has a deep, heart-filled communication style that is
non-judgmental and welcoming. Her passion for Life has brought her down
a path through many losses, including a husband. Because of her
experiences with death and dying, she brings a unique perspective to her work.

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.