march 2006 ~ shevat 5766

Chevre and Friends...

Announcements:

Zohar: Insights from Jewish Mysticism
A talk by Daniel Harris, Lehrhaus Senior Instructor; adjunct faculty at UC Santa Cruz
Friday, March 17 ~ 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. (following the Family Shabbat Dinner) at Ner Shalom

Have the local roads taken a toll on your vehicle's tires or alignment? See how being a member of eScrip or CommunitySmart can make a contribution to our community, while you get your vehicle ready for smoother driving. Check out the eScrip and more section below.

ADMINISTRATOR’S WISH LIST: Set of screwdrivers

Gifts of Light

OFFERINGS...
DOROTHY SAYRE, a donation in honor of Ellen Solot’s Bat Mitzvah

ARIANA ELSTER, a donation with B’nai Mitzvot honors to Max Gorden, Sophie Krensky- Tourje, and Nica Dallin-Rice

THANK YOU TO...
KARUNA & LOREN GERSTEIN for sponsoring the Feb. 3rd Oneg
DAN WILLIAMSON for his donation of duct tape
BECKY EISENSTEIN, for her large donation of books for the library
ROSALYN GARBER, for her donation of a Seder plate

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS...
RICHARD & JUDY TOYFOYA

News from Dor Hadash

Dear Chevre,
It has been a very good month at Dor Hadash. Here are some of the highlights:

The seventh grade class and their parents participated in a pilot program learning about community responses to hate. The curriculum, sent to us by the working group at KQED is a Jewish perspective on responding to hate. The parents and students came up with their own ideas of actions they can take to encourage understanding in diverse communities.

The fourth, fifth and sixth grade classes have joined forces in learning Hebrew. They have divided themselves into groups that can address students at their actual level, rather than at their grade level. These grades will also be participating in a pen pal relationship with students at the Szold School in Jerusalem.

The 2nd and 3rd graders wrote a prayer for peace, that was signed by the students at the school, and sent on to President Bush.

Our luncheon fundraiser for February brought in $250.00

As we look ahead to March, we anticipate the celebration of Purim on March 12. This celebration is open to all members and friends of the congregation. There will be a Purim Carnival, awards for the tastiest hamantashen, plates of goodies made for children to bring to friends or family for shalach manot and a play that is being written and produced by the confirmation class. The play will be performed for the community at the senior housing development nearby the Synagogue. Please come in costume for our celebration. The most outrageous costume on an adult will win a prize. Of course, all the kids will receive prizes if they dress up (either from home or at the school. If your child refuses to dress up, as mine always did, they will still get a prize).

Our next luncheon fundraiser will be the following week, March 19.

Happy Purim,
Leslie Gattmann

"The most direct means for attaching ourselves to G-d from this material world is through music and song. Even if you can't sing well, sing. Sing to yourself. Sing in the privacy of your own home. But sing."
Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav

eScrip and more...

Do you need new tires or more for your vehicle? If you do, than check out the participating merchants in the eScrip (two are Big O Tires and Pep Boys) www.eScrip.com and Communitysmart (such as McLea's Tire) www.communitysmart.com programs. All it takes is having work done at one of these merchants and then when you go to pay for it present your Communitysmart card or use your credit/debit card linked with eScrip. Its so easy to make your vehicle safe and provide a donation to your community.

eScrip shoppers please make sure you keep your credit/debit cards up to date. Just go on-line to www.eScrip.com and check out "my escrip" to see what your expiration dates and card numbers are on their records.

Oliver's and about 9 other markets belong to the Communitysmart Card program. Oliver's shoppers please note this major change!! To join this program you can: instantly join by asking for a card at Oliver's checkout counter; call COMMUNITYsmart at 568-4995 or go on-line to www.communitysmart.com. When you check out at one of the participating merchants, you slide your Communitysmart card just like a debit card to get credit for your transaction. This program requires that a certain minimum be spent but then we receive a greater rebate (for Oliver's you need to spend $25 for a rebate of 5%).

Albertson's shoppers can participate by connecting your blue and white Preferred Savers card to Ner Shalom by going to www.Albertsons. com or using a tan and white Community Partners card Michelle can provide you.

Raley's users just need to obtain a Raley's partner's card from Michelle and activate it through their website (Raleys.com). Using the card without activating it for Ner Shalom will leave those rebates in suspense.

Not sure where you stand with all these programs? Give Michelle Marks a call at 778-6346 or e-mail her at Steven.Marks@prodigy.net and let her help you make a difference today.

Recycling.... Don't forget to continue to save all your spent laser and inkjet cartridges!!
We can do tikkun olam (repairing the world) and give some tzedakkah at the same time if we recycle. There is a collection box in the hallway leading into the sanctuary. If you donate laser cartridges please put the spent cartridge back into the box with the end pieces so it can be sent back in the best condition possible.

Board News ~ President's Letter

Dear Members and Friends of Ner Shalom,
On Sunday, Feb 12, a good turnout of Ner Shalomites gathered for our semi- annual meeting. A delicious home-cooked Israeli-style lunch served before the meeting brought in a generous contribution of money for Dor Hadash. It also set the stage for an interesting and productive meeting. Rabbi Elisheva inspired us with discussion of the current parsha of Torah that tells of the Jews coming into their own unique identity as they leave Egypt and making their way into the wilderness. We Jews continue to this day as a community of diverse people who hold to common ethics and a belief in the power of ONE.

We introduced our Board members: Ari Kimiti, Nina Carson, Molli Nagel, Mark Cohen, Claire MacElroy, Anna Ghandour, and Ariana Elster. Claire was honored for taking on the role of Treasurer. Michele St.Clair, who recently stepped down from the Board, was thanked for her good work.

We introduced our 9 new member families, welcoming these people who bring fresh energy to our community. We love all of you.

Leslie Gattmann gave a glowing report on our Dor Hadash School. Please read her column in this newsletter for the most current update.

Barbara Tobin spoke about our affiliation with the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation (JRF). She is our designated liaison with the JRF. She also works with the Jewish Community Agency, the Jewish Community Federation, and the Bureau of Jewish Education. Barbara helped us understand the identity of each of these organizations. She also told us about the upcoming Feast of Jewish Learning on March 5th.

Barbara Lesch- McCaffry spoke about the problems of genocide in the Sudan. The JRF has been involved. We all need to be aware and proactive in this horrible situation. Did we not say ‘Never Again’!? If you want to help, please go to the SaveDarfur.com website for guidance. We will forward from the Ner Shalom office information we receive from JRF.

Their President, Irma Cordova and vice-President, Alice Perlman, represented the Jewish Community Free Clinic. The Clinic is operating at a location on East Cotati Ave. There is now a signed Lease between Ner Shalom and the Clinic offering the Clinic use of a portion of our property to build an 1100 square foot building housing the Clinic. Sadly, the founder, Robin Lowitz, MD, has moved to Arizona. This, however, does not affect the operation of the Clinic. Major fundraising is needed for operating expenses and to build their facilities. A partnership between The Clinic and Ner Shalom was announced for the purpose of raising money. The Clinic needs capital to build their structure and Ner Shalom needs money to maintain our historic building. We both need money for operating expenses. Joint committees are forming and a fundraising event is planned for May 13th. Hold that date open. When we get confirmation on location and program we will let you know. We will also be contacting you for help.

Bringing us back to the theme of community Rabbi Elisheva introduced three of our members who spoke of their personal experience living in intentional community. Nina Carson lived in various kibbutzim in Israel. Ari Kimiti grew up in a Gikuyu community in Kenya, Africa. Karen Mitchell currently lives at the Frog Song co-housing community in Cotati. Their stories were engaging and stimulated us to think of our own Ner Shalom community. Ideas were exchanged in small groups then highlighted on a big board. Look for a separate article next month detailing the good thinking that came out of our group discussions.

We covered many topics plus more that I haven’t even mentioned. Honestly, only now do I realize that this meeting was way over- booked for the 2 hours scheduled. We could have more frequent get-togethers and limit the topics. All of us who were there get gold stars for engaging in the housework of Ner Shalom and visioning our desires for community. We closed with a circle and a song of peace, love, and hope.

Let us honor the Divine that dwells in each of us and is One. Together, we are Ner Shalom, the light of peace.

Ariana Elster, President, Board of Directors, Congregation Ner Shalom

OFFICERS OF THE BOARD

President - Ariana Elster 824-5609
e-mail: aelster@comcast.net

Vice President - Your name here

Secretary - Anna Ghandour 584-4829
e-mail: huskyanna@yahoo.com

Treasurer - Claire MacElroy 878-2572
e-mail: macelroy_home@sbcglobal.net

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Education - Liz Hagen 829-3031
e-mail: lizhagen@earthlink.net

Finance - Claire MacElroy 878-2572
e-mail: macelroy_home@sbcglobal.net

Religious Practices - Ari Kimiti Wang'oo 239- 9615
e-mail: kimitiwangoo@yahoo.com

Building Maintenance - Mark Cohen 792- 4368
e-mail: mcsax420@netscape.net

No-Cost Fundraising - Michelle Marks 778- 6346
e-mail: steven.marks@prodigy.net

Personnel - Anna Ghandour 584-4829
e-mail: huskyanna@yahoo.com

Membership - Sally Churgel 823-0541
e-mail: churgel@pacbell.net

Newsletter - Pam Pepper 588-8824
e-mail: twinsushilover27@yahoo.com

Publicity - your name here

Website - Anne Woods
e-mail: rainywoods@yahoo.com

Rabbi: Elisheva Sachs Salamo 664-8603

Dor Hadash Education Director: Leslie Gattmann
e-mail: lgatttmann@msn.com

Cantor: Bella Bogart

Office Manager: Carol Vanek 664-8622
e-mail: shalom@sonic.net
Office Hours: Tues.-Fri. 9:00 AM- 2:00 PM

Community Yom HashoaH Commemoration

In 1946, in Nuremberg, Germany, a panel of judges from the Allied powers found many of the leaders of the Nazi war machine to be guilty of crimes against humanity, a ground- breaking charge elucidated for the first time at the trials. At Yom Hashoah 2006, featured speaker Lawrence Raful, Dean and Professor of Law at Touro Law School, Huntington, NY, will discuss the new theories underlying the charges against the defendants, and then turn to the meaning and legacy of the trials on the ensuing 60 years in international law and human rights. Prof. Lawrence Raful was a key planner and organizer of a Conference on the War Trials in Nuremberg, Germany last summer and will bring the experience of that conference to bear on his discussion and presentation.

Six survivors of the Shoah will again be on hand to perform the moving ceremony of lighting the memorial candles. Fredi Bloom, cantorial soloist, will offer the traditional Eli Eli and El Molei Rachamim. Rabbi Ted Feldman of Congregation B'nai Israel in Petaluma will offer the Invocation and Benediction. Bob Raful of Congregation Beth Ami will direct the program.

In addition to the traditional parts of the program, Jaime Feldman, principal cellist of the Santa Rosa Symphony Youth Orchestra, will be joined by a young violinist to provide a musical interlude during the Commemoration.

A new memorial book and yellow candles to light on Erev Yom Hashoah will again be available to take home after the conclusion of the Commemoration. Those who wish to contribute names of friends or relatives lost in the Shoah may obtain Registration Forms at the JCA or at the synagogue office. Others who have submitted forms in prior years will receive a renewal notice in the mail in March. All names will be published in the memorial book. Please return Victim Registration Forms to the JCA office by March 31, 2005.

The Commemoration will take place on Sunday, April 23, 2 PM, at the Friedman Events Center in Santa Rosa. Shellley Bauer of Cotati has kindly offered to find a ride for those who need transportation to the Friedman Events Center. She can be reached at 792-2508.

Community Announcements

Bureau of Jewish Education's Feast of Jewish Learning comes to Sonoma County!
Sunday, March 5th, 1:30 – 5:00 pm
Join the Jewish Community Agency and the entire Sonoma County Jewish community as we gather at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts (East wing, at Sonoma Academy) to explore the theme of "Provocative Jewish Voices." This Sonoma County Day of Jewish Unity promises to stimulate your mind and soul as you study and schmooze with each other and fascinating teachers. Classes will represent a spectrum of Jewish perspectives and will be fun for the whole family. Event is FREE and everyone is invited! For more information, please contact Barbara Tobin at (707) 526-5538 or email barbarat@jcage ncy.org

The Bureau of Jewish Education is pleased to announce the fifth annual
Shabbat Weekend for Children with Disabilities and Their Families at Camp Newman in Santa Rosa May 26-28, 2006.
This fun family camp weekend features arts and crafts, swimming, yoga, hiking, singing, Shabbat and Havdallah services, talent show, discussion groups for parents, activities for campers and their siblings and much more. A large and caring staff ensures that individual needs are met. Space is limited, so sign up soon! For more information about this program or the new Yad B'Yad special needs family camp weekend at Camp Tawonga in September 2006, please contact Flora Kupferman at 415-751-6983 ext. 122 or fkupferman@bjesf.org.

Camp Chai Celebrates 25 Years of Building Community
For more information and to enroll your child, please call 707-526-5581 or check out our website at:nershalom.org.

Jewish Reconstructionist Federation West Coast Region website: www.jrf.org/westcoast

Ongoing Toy and Book Drive for Jewish Community 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.

Interested in an Interest-Free Loan?
The Hebrew Free Loan Association provides interest-free loans to Jewish residents in Northern California needing assistance with personal or financial matters. Types of loans include: Student, Emergency, Adoption, Personal, Business, First-time Home Buyer, Life Cycle, Debt Consolidation, Institutional (for Jewish communal agencies and synagogues) and Special Needs (for emotionally and physically challenged people).

Since 1897, the Hebrew Free Loan of San Francisco has provided vital assistance to more than 50,000 families. Each year, we help more than 350 people to reach their goals and pave their way towards financial security and future success.

We offer a helping hand, rather than a handout. Whether we're providing people a way out of their financial distress, or helping them to realize a lifelong dream, our recipients maintain dignity and self- sufficiency as they repay their interest-free loans.

If you, or someone you know, needs financial assistance and would like to apply for an interest- free loan, please contact us by phone (415-546- 9902) or e-mail info@hflasf.org.
Check out our website: www.hflasf.org.

ASK JCI & R
Q: I am interested in finding out about Holocaust education and speakers as well as support programs for survivors. Are there organizations that offer educational programs?

A: Yes, there are many Jewish organizations and websites that are active in keeping alive the memory of the Holocaust. Services include a Holocaust library, public programs, research, lectures, films and teacher training. They also offer support to survivors and their families. We can tell you about museums and student internships. We can also send you the Guide to Compensation and Restitution for Holocaust Survivors. For more information about Holocaust education and connecting to Jewish life, contact Jewish Community Information and Referral (415) 777-4545 or local toll-free (877) 777-5247 or e-mail Info@JewishNfo.org
For information about Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Tuesday, April 25, 2006, please view www.jholidays.org and www.PlanitJewish.com and www.bayjews.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 website www.JewishNfo.org

Shema Kabbalah

Shema Kabbalah
Four sessions of Zohar on Creation and the listening meditations of Sefer Yetzirah

Mondays, March 13, 20, 27, April 3
7 – 9 PM
Congregation Ner Shalom

B’reshit/Beginning & the creation of Elohim
Embodied Four Worlds
Sacred Sounds, Shapes & Colors
Languaging your Inner Torah

Readings provided.
For beginning swimmers & pearl divers.
Committed study (no drop-ins.)
Proceeds go to Congregation Ner Shalom.

Phone/email reservations preferred
707-664-8622/shalom@sonic.net

For additional info, contact:
Yitzak "Izzy" Green
P.O. Box 72
Graton, CA 95444
(707) 824-4344
yitzak@medagre e.com

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.

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

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.

*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.