Summer 2011 - Congregation Beth El

ISSUE 127 • SUMMER 2011 Congregation Beth El is a member of The Union for Reform Judaism
In this issue
President’s Message p.2
Youth and Family Education p.3
From the Executive Director p.4
Camp Kee Tov p.5
Nursery School p.5
FROM THE rabbi
MAKING MILESTONES
Daily, for the seven weeks after the Passover Seder, Jews count the Omer.
Literally “a sheaf,” the Omer once marked the seven weeks between
the wheat harvest and the barley harvest. The Torah, in turn, connects
two national-historical events: The Exodus from Egypt (Passover) and
the revelation of the Torah at Mt. Sinai (Shavuot). We number each day,
counting upwards from the second evening of Passover. One of the many
explanations for the counting of the Omer is that it is an invitation to ask: “Where are you
headed?” (Other manuscripts read: “Are we there yet?”) The Exodus from Egypt was not merely
a departure from – it was the beginning of an affirmative journey towards what lay ahead…
Each step along the way, Judaism teaches, is worthy of recognition and acknowledgement.
We have put up an Omer calendar at each entrance to the synagogue.
In the wider community of which we are a part, this is also the season of transitions, when we
celebrate accomplishments and look forward to new journeys and new stages. At Beth El, we
will be marking and celebrating graduations, accomplishments, transitions and new directions
forward at a variety of forums during the coming two months. I hope that you will join us in
celebration as we acknowledge the harvests we have gathered in and look forward to counting
upward in the months and years ahead.
Shabbat Unplugged – Honoring our Seventh Grade
Friday, May 13 • Potluck Dinner 6:00 pm / Service 7:00 pm
We will recognize the 2011 Bat/Bar Mitzvah class as they step-up to Midrasha at our concluding
raucous (in the best possible way!) and fun, kid-focused Shabbat Unplugged service. The entire
congregation is invited and Religious School age families are especially encouraged to attend.
The Story Teller, his young friend Chaya and Reb Yankel from Richmond, will be there too!
Midrasha Graduation
Sunday, May 22 • 10:15 am
Midrasha, our community-wide Jewish high school program, has its 43nd annual graduation
ceremony on Sunday morning, May 23 at Beth El. A highlight of the Midrasha graduation are
the student speeches. We congratulate Daniel Baldassare, Alexandra Kennedy, Callie Lapidus,
Amy Midanik-Blum, Lena Miller, and Joshua Nelson on their graduation.
Upcoming Events p.6
Youth Groups p.8
Member Corner p.9
Music p.9
Library p.10
THEBUILDER
Confirmation
Friday, June 3 • Catered Dinner 6:30 pm / Service 8:00 pm
In Reform synagogues, Confirmation represents the completion of a significant period of study
after the bar/bat mitzvah year and “confirms” young people’s commitment to and engagement
with Jewish teaching and the Jewish people. There are eight students in this year’s Confirmation
class and they will lead the service and each speak about “This I believe…” This year’s
confirmation class members are: Noah Amme, Milo Dubinsky, Alana Levine-Gorelick, Rachel
Graup, Lauren Hoffman, Seamus Nelson, Harry Pollack, Jacob Pearlstein, Sam Roditti.
The Confirmation service will be preceded by a catered Shabbat dinner; please visit www.bethelberkeley.org to sign up.
Advance reservations for dinner are required.
East Bay Commuity-wide Shavuot
Tuesday, June 7 • 7:30 pm – through the night at the JCC East Bay
Join Beth El’s Rabbis and volunteers in studying throughout the evening as part of the Berkeley community-wide Tikkun
(all night study) in honor of Shavuot at the JCC. Shavuot evening Yizkor services will take place at the JCC. Shavuot
Yizkor circle and services will be at Beth El on Wednesday, June 8; Yizkor Circle at 6:15 pm in the library; Yizkor service
at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary.
Gift Shop p.11
Pantry Chug p.11
Tzedakah p.12
Torah Study p.15
Midrasha p.15

2 | the builder: summer 2011
FROM THE PRESIDENT
The Greatest Contribution
You know when you open a fortune cookie at a Chinese restaurant… and
it’s not a fortune… but you know you’re “fortunate” to have received it
anyway, and that it carries a deeper meaning in some way? Well, I saved
this fortune that had that kind of message. It reads: “Robert F. Kennedy
says ‘You’re happiest while you’re making the greatest contributions!’”
I am pleased to say that I can look back on these past two years in leadership at Beth
El with great happiness. I have been able to draw on the wisdom accrued from more
than three generations of Beth El families, and from 67 years of congregational history.
The diversity on our Board reflects the breadth of our membership, the depth of Jewish
values in our congregation, and a legacy of deep commitment to Beth El. Our visionary
Rabbi has developed an outstanding team of professionals who have created exemplary
programming. We hired Norm Frankel, our exceptional Executive Director, who has
made significant improvements in our operations and financial condition. And while our
mortgage debt remains substantial, we’ve established a payment plan we can live with.
Things do seem to be humming along here at Beth El. Our very own Strategic Plan is now
complete, and implementation is underway. On Shabbat mornings we are the place to be!
The bonds we have forged with our Berkeley synagogue and Jewish community partners
are generating increased interest in synagogue affiliation, dynamic cross-denominational
programming, and a new excitement about Jewish life in the East Bay.
I am also really happy about our building, the way it looks, and the way it feels to be here
with my congregation. Upholstered seating and acoustical tiles have done great things
for the sanctuary, and when our community gathers for services and events we foster an
even more welcoming environment. Our collective participation and involvement as a
congregation is our “greatest contribution”, it continues to strengthen us, and we’re our
“happiest” in community.
I look forward over the next two years to continuing to contribute in my new role as
Immediate Past President. If you haven’t already made your contribution to community, I
urge you to do so. There are many ways to contribute, and here are some suggestions:
1. Volunteering for a program or event, or to serve on a committee is a great
way to get started. Please watch our weekly eUpdate for announcements about
volunteer opportunities.
2. Contributions can be of the financial kind, as well. As of the date of this writing,
we have not yet reached our annual campaign goal for the 2010-2011 fiscal year.
But your generous financial contribution to our annual fund could bring us over the
top! Please consider making a gift today, before the fiscal year closes on June 30th.
3. Members of our past leadership have suggested that our congregants follow
the example they themselves set by naming Beth El in their will. What better way
to secure the legacy handed down to us for future generations, and to insure
our Jewish community’s future, than by leaving a planned gift to Beth El? Many
members have already made provision in their will, or have included Beth El in
their estate plans.
Our collective strength is measured by what we each contribute individually. Thank you
for the opportunity to serve as president of this great congregation. And a million thanks
for your participation, your involvement, and for your “greatest contributions” to our
community.
Joanne Backman
President
CONGREGATION BETH EL
1301 Oxford Street
Berkeley, CA 94709-1424
Phone: 510-848-3988
Fax: 510-848-2707
Youth and Family Education Office
Direct Line: 510-848-2122
Nursery School Office
Direct Line: 510-848-9428
Camp Kee Tov Office
Direct Line: 510-848-2372
Midrasha Office
Direct Line 510-843-4667
CLERGY & STAFF
Rabbi Yoel H. Kahn
Senior Rabbi
ext. 215 - rabbikahn@bethelberkeley.org
Rabbi Reuben Zellman
Assistant Rabbi & Music Director
ext. 228 - rabbirz@bethelberkeley.org
Norm Frankel
Executive Director
ext. 212 - norm@bethelberkeley.org
Debra Sagan Massey
Director of Education
ext. 213 - debra@bethelberkeley.org
Barbara Kanter
Nursery School Director
ext. 219 - barbara@bethelberkeley.org
Zach Landres-Schnur
Camp Kee Tov Director
ext. 217 - zach@bethelberkeley.org
Janice Baker
Accounting
ext. 210 - janice@bethelberkeley.org
Diane Bernbaum
Midrasha Director
510-843-4667 - diane@midrasha.org
Odette Blachman
Gift Shop
ext. 240 - oblachman@sbcglobal.net
Rebecca DePalma
YAFE Administrative Coordinator
& Youth Group Advisor
ext. 214 - rebecca@bethelberkeley.org
Juliet Gardner
Clergy Assistant
ext. 235 - juliet@bethelberkeley.org
Lenora O’Keith
Administrative Coordinator, Main Office
ext. 211 - lenora@bethelberkeley.org
Stephanie Pollick
Camp Kee Tov Admin. Coordinator
ext. 223 - stephanie@bethelberkeley.org
Rabbi Ferenc Raj
Rabbi Emeritus
ferenc@bethelberkeley.org

I always get a bit sad in May when our programs
wind up for the year. I feel so privileged to
spend time with the students, parents and
teachers over the course of the year. And then
in the middle of May, things stop. We wrap up
the year, and look forward to Camp Kee Tov
in the summer. But my daily interaction with families radically
changes over the summer.
YOUTH AND FAMILY EDUCATION
School is out...but it’s just beginning!
Debra Massey - Director of Education
I go into planning mode. We work on curriculum, we hire new
teachers, and we enhance our programs. My doors are always
open to hear your ideas and suggestions as to how our programs
can be improved. You should be receiving this year’s YAFE
brochure in the mail very soon, and you will note some exciting
changes.
One new concept is that our education programs are now open
to non-members through a Trial-Year. Families of pre-k students
through 3rd grade can pay a non-subsidized price and join our
education programs while checking out the synagogue. We hope
that this new option opens the doors to Beth El for more families.
Please help us by spreading the word!
We are also incorporating new programming into our programs.
In particular, we are focusing on Judaism’s commitment to the
environment and sustainability. We will be partnering with the
newly created Urban Adamah- a Jewish urban farm in central
Berkeley. We plan on having several family days on the farm
and encouraging our students to literally get their hands ‘dirty’
with Jewish learning.
We have also received a grant from Hazon (www.hazon.org) to
offer a program called Home for Dinner to our 5th grade families.
This project will give families the opportunity and the tools to learn
about healthy eating and engage in the shared experience of
cooking and food preparation in the context of Jewish family life.
Through five family education days, we hope to inspire families
to strengthen the family unit and in turn, the Jewish home and
Jewish life.
I also have hopes that we can establish a CSA (community
sponsored agriculture) program, where weekly deliveries of fresh,
organic, local produce are delivered to Beth El to be picked up by
our families. I envision families gathering on Thursday evenings
to pick up their boxes, to socialize and to share food together. If
you would like to help this dream become a reality, please be in
touch so we can work on this project together!
As you can see, my summer months of quiet will quickly pass
and the fall will be upon us with fervor once again. We will
be launching the year with our annual Shabbaton - September
16th - 18th at URJ Camp Newman. This weekend will be a great
way to get ready for the upcoming High Holy Days, while still
holding on to summer fun. There will be swimming, a climbing
tower, hiking, learning, and lots of time to relax. We hope to see
you there!
Registration for the 5772 School Year is now open!
Visit www.bethelberkeley.org for more information.
YAFE End of the Year Celebration
Shabbat Unplugged
Honoring the 7th Grade Class and our Teachers
Friday, May 13 • 6:00 – Potluck Dinner / 7:00 pm – Service
led by our 7th grade class followed by a festive oneg!
Celebrate all the learning that has happened this year with a familyfriendly
service for the whole community featuring
Rabbi Kahn, the 7th grade class, and songleader Josh Miller.
Potluck (no meat please) by the first letter of your LAST NAME;
please bring a dish to serve 10-12 people:
A-L: Fruit, Salads and Veggies
M-Z: Main Dish
We encourage you to bring non-disposable plates, cups
and utensils to help save our planet.
Come see the magic of Jewish overnight camping!
Come to Camp Newman!
Friday, August 5 • 4:00 - 9:30 pm
Shabbat dinner, Singing and Dancing! Online registration required!
We are asking all visitors to make a minimum contribution of
$20/adult. (Free for under 18)
www.newman.urjcamps.org/alumni/reunions/synagogue
Save the Date...
Beth El Annual Shabbaton
Rejuvenate for the New Year!
September 16th - 18th at URJ Camp Newman in Santa Rosa
If you want to help in the planning of this fun-filled weekend,
please contact Debra Massey at debra@bethelberkeley.org!
www.bethelberkeley.org | 3

4 | the builder: summer 2011
You are cordially invited to join us at Congregation Beth El’s Annual Meeting on Sunday,
May 15 at 10:00 am. The Annual Meeting is open to all members, and is an opportunity to conduct
important congregational business and communicate information on the financial state of the
congregation.
We will begin the meeting with a brunch reception and presentation of the Marian Magid Award for
Excellence in Leadership. The business portion of the meeting will begin at 11:00 am, and will include reports on the state
of the synagogue, a review of our current year finances, and the operating budget for the coming fiscal year. There will also
be an update on the status of our financial obligations to our bank and others, and an opportunity to answer your questions
on the fiscal state of the synagogue.
There are two items on the agenda that require a vote of our members.
1. The first item is a recommendation by our board of directors to increase standard membership dues from $2,650
to $2,750, and to correspondingly adjust all other introductory and special membership categories appropriately. In
response to the severe economic recession we’ve experienced, the Board of Directors deferred a dues increase in the
past 3 years. With the improving economic climate and the need to meet rising costs, the Board has recommended
a modest increase this year of $100 in our standard membership dues request.
2. The second item requiring a vote by our membership is the slate of candidates for the Board of Directors. You
received notification of that slate already. We are very excited to present a slate that includes a new synagogue
President, Dan Magid, a new 1st Vice President, Paul Sugarman and many other talented and experienced leaders
in our community.
At this year’s Annual Meeting we will also be honoring our outgoing immediate Past President, Katherine Haynes Sanstad, and
long time member and Professor of non-profit management at UC Berkeley, Mike Austin. Mike and Katherine shepherded
us through the complex process of creating a Strategic Plan for Congregation Beth El. That plan, which has recently been
adopted by our Board of Directors, will guide the work of our leadership as we work to implement our vision of a vibrant,
diverse, and dynamic synagogue and a vital center for Jewish programs and learning for children and adults of all ages.
Katherine and Mike’s efforts and leadership epitomize the vital importance of volunteer participation at all levels, in building
and sustaining our community.
You will be receiving in the mail this month your annual membership renewal forms. We ask that you return these forms
promptly. Erev Rosh HaShanah is only a few months away (September 28) and we plan to mail High Holy Day tickets by
late August. That means we need your prompt return of your renewal form and dues pledge for the new fiscal year starting
July 1. Tickets will only be mailed to members who have returned their forms and made their dues pledge. We do ask
you to seriously consider increasing your personal commitment this year even beyond the recommended $100 increase
in standard dues. Even though there are signs of an improving economy, many of our members have had to request
significant dues modifications in recent years. The strains of a difficult economy, the burdens and high costs of medical
needs and insurance, the growing cost of college education, and other factors have caused financial hardships to many
congregants. Your financial generosity to Congregation Beth El is essential to ensuring that we fulfill one of our core values
as a Jewish community guaranteeing that our door is always open to all members of our community, no matter their
financial circumstances. Your on-going support is vital to our ability to realize that commitment to an open and diverse
community.
We are aware that many of our members would like to give more, but cannot at this time because their assets are
invested in property, retirement funds, insurance policies, or other long term investments. That is why we are offering,
through the Beth El Planned Giving Program, an array of alternative ways to make a significant contribution to our
future and create a Jewish Legacy for generations to come. Even if you cannot significantly increase your dues
commitment this year, you will be able to do something meaningful for our future Jewish community here at Beth El.
Please contact Jill Dodd, John Hartog, Marc Derewetzky or myself if you would like to make a donation, or discuss options
for a planned gift or bequest, or just to talk about how you can help make a difference in our Beth El community.
Norm Frankel
Executive Director
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ANNUAL MEETING 2011

CAMP KEE TOV
Kee Tov Lifers
Zach Landres-Schnur - Camp Kee Tov Director
A young boy stood at the base of his family’s
steep, gravel-filled driveway. Wearing a red
shirt, blue shorts and navy backpack, he
smiled wide showing off his newly lost front
tooth. The camera clicked...
That was 1989. My first day ever at Camp Kee Tov! Over 20 years
later, not much has changed...except my tooth grew in.
While I’m a Kee Tov lifer by all means of the definition,
I’m certainly not alone.
One hundred seventy four. That’s the combined number of Kee
Tov years between the 10 members of our leadership team,
which features seven Program Directors and three administrative
staff (myself included). Break that number down and you’ll see
that the average years in the Kee Tov family of our supervisors
is over 17!
That’s the kind of experience that sets Kee Tov apart from many
camps. With staff coming back year after year, our counselors
have the experience, knowledge and roots to provide the best
camp experience for our campers. They embrace old traditions
and build new ones.
This summer is no different. The Kee Tov staff is full of people
who, like me, remember their first day of Kee Tov from years ago.
Much of the staff grew up at Kee Tov -- literally and figuratavely.
It’s been a constant in most of our lives. People have switched
schools, gone off to college, played on different sports teams,
performed in various plays. But each summer, there’s always that
familiarity of kumsitz, fuzzy milk and endless ruach.
While their track record isn’t as extensive, many current campers
experience the same thing as our most experienced staff. For
them, Kee Tov is their home away from home. They think about
Kee Tov year round and are longing for that final bell to sound to
announce that summer -- and Kee Tov -- has finally arrived.
It’s fun to see the campers -- maybe they’re making a lanyard or
playing dodgeball or singing E-Schoen’s newest hit -- and know
that their Kee Tov career is in its early stages. Even some of our
Habonimers (1st and 2nd graders) are already proclaiming they
will be the best counselor EVER...in, oh, about 10 years!
But those campers, though just six years old, are right. Once in
the family, it’s hard to leave. And if some of the campers turn out
anything like our leadership team, their time at Kee Tov is just
beginning!
NURSERY SCHOOL
THANK YOU ALL!
Barbara Kanter - Nursery School Director
The last months of the school year are always
busy at Beth El Nursery School. The children
returned from spring break at the end of
April to begin preparing to celebrate Israel’s
birthday in early May. We will make and eat
Israeli foods for the birthday celebration. Of
course we will have birthday cakes and sing happy birthday to
Israel in Hebrew and English. Soon after that celebration, we will
prepare for the holiday of Shavuot with yet another compelling
story, some very concrete symbols and commandments, and
yummy cheese blintzes.
As we approach the end of our school year, we also have a few
more special events. Our now annual Yom Mishpacha is Friday,
May 6. Each child will invite a special relative or friend to spend
time together at school. Our annual Nursery School Family BBQ
Picnic for current families is Sunday, May 15. Finally our Bet Class
Graduation and Nursery School Good-bye Party are on our last
day, Wednesday, June 15.
We look forward to a fun filled summer at Club BENS. Our summer
sessions begin the very next Monday, June 20. We begin with a
one-week session followed by a four-week session to coincide
with Camp Kee Tov and then another one-week and four-week.
And before we know it, the summer is over!
I want to express my very special thanks and appreciation to our
fantastic team of teachers. Dana, Elaine, Erik, Hannah, Jodi, Lily,
Liz, Nicole, Nurit, Wendy and our music and yoga specialists,
Melita and Kate, are all wonderfully talented and dedicated
professionals.
A huge thank you also to Dana Zell and Jessica Wolin our Nursery
School Committee co-chairs. Their many hours of hard work and
support were greatly appreciated. Although Dana will still be part
of our Nursery School community, she will retire from her co-chair
position. Jennifer Brand, who has been a committee member,
will be our new co-chair for the coming year with Jessica. Thanks
to all of our committee members who have served the Nursery
School with their strong commitment of time and energy. And of
course, thank you to all of our parents for their support, trust and
commitment.
Todah rabah to everyone! Beth El Nursery School is truly very
special.
www.bethelberkeley.org | 5

UPCOMING EVENTS
Lunch & Learn Series
“Chai” – in pursuit of life long learning
If Only They Were Like Us
led by Dr. Evie Groch
Thursday, May 12 • 12:00 to 1:30 pm
Generational differences have become more pronounced in
this decade. We will explore how we can capitalize on the
unique attributes and strengths each generation brings to the
workplace, school, and family. Dr. Evie Groch has had an
extensive career as an Educational Administrator and specializes
in professional development.
Please bring a bag lunch. Dessert and drinks will be provided.
Questions? Email Miriam Schiffman at chai@bethelberkeley.org
or call 510-749-9687. Lunch and Learn events are open to the
entire congregation and community. Bring a friend!
Lecture with
Dr. Avivah Zornberg
The Pit & the Rope:
Joseph & Judah
Sunday, May 22
2:00 pm – Reception*
4:00 pm – Lecture
We will explore the complex history
of Joseph, left for dead in a pit, sold
as a slave, finally viceroy of Egypt.
Consulting midrashic sources and other commentaries,
traditional and modern, we will attempt to trace the trajectory of
his inner life. Psychoanalytic and literary material will aid us in
our quest: what happened to the light in Joseph’s face?Free of
charge and open to all!
*Kosher dietary laws observed under the supervision of
Rabbi Yonatan Cohen, Congregation Beth Israel
Avraham Burrell, Mashgiach
“Like” Beth El on
Facebook!
facebook.com/bethelberkeley
The 100th person to “Like” us
will win an awesome prize!
Men’s Club Day at the A’s
A’s vs. Giants
Sunday, June 19 (Father’s Day) • 1:05 pm
Tickets: $20 for adults / $15 for kids (Third level seats behind
home plate). Each ticket includes a $6 coupon for refreshments.
Deadline to Order is June 5, but tickets may sell out well before
that date. Order your tickets today by sending a check payable
to Beth El Men’s Club to: Bob Goldstein – 2921 Forest Avenue
– Berkeley 94705. Please indicate on the check the number of
adult or kid’s tickets. Celebrate Father’s Day at the ball game!
For more information, contact Bob Goldstein at
mensclub@bethelberkeley.org or call 510-548-0720.
LGBTQ Pride Shabbat
June 25 • 10:15 am service / 12:15 pm picnic
Don’t miss a festive and Pride-ful service on Shabbat morning
in honor of the weekend’s LGBTQ celebrations. Whether you’re
a youth or adult, straight, gay, trans, queer or something else,
join us for special music, liturgy and Torah teaching. After the
service, we’ll adjourn for a potluck picnic in the park, and
Rabbi Zellman will lead informal study and discussion of some
of the Talmud’s gayest excerpts--some that reflect on GLBT lives,
and a few that just take an extra-fabulous look at the world.
Happy Pride / Chag Geavah Sameach!
Summer Shabbat
Learning Services
July 9 – Morning Blessings
July 16 – Sh’ma and its blessings
July 23 – Amidah
July 30 – Torah Service
The Shabbat morning services during the month of July will
each focus on learning about the prayers, music and meanings
of a different section of the Shabbat morning service. These
learning services are an opportunity to learn and explore the
structure and themes of our services, enabling more meaningful
and knowledgeable participation. Each Shabbat morning will
include a complete Shabbat service with an extended look at
one section of the liturgy. You are invited to attend any individual
day or the entire month. This series is especially recommended
for parents of up-coming b’nai mitzvah, those new to synagogue
life, people seeking to deepen their prayer practice, volunteer
service leaders and, of course, everyone else!
6 | the builder: summer 2011

GALA
We want to gratefully acknowledge our amazing crew of Super Hero
volunteers who made our amazing Beth El Gala.
Spearheaded by Ellen Singer-Vine, with outstanding design support by the dynamic duo of
Tami Linde & Shoshana Berger, and Paula Price’s the behind the scenes masterminding of the
Live and Silent Auction, our team of more than 50 volunteers turned Beth El into a Super Site for the evening.
And of course thanks also to Aaron DePalma for an incredible dinner, a feast fit for any Super Hero.
Check Out Photos from the Gala online!
Did you have a great time at the Beth El Gala, and want to relive your evening as a superhero?
Did you miss the Gala and wish you could have been there to see all of the amazing costumes?
Now you can see Shoey Sindel’s fabulous photos from the Gala. Just visit www.shoeysindel.com and
go to the View/Order tab and click on the album. The password for this year and last year’s albums is “gala”.
Want one more chance to be a Beth El Superhero? Just order your photos online. The proceeds from the sale of
Shoey’s Gala photos will all go to support youth programs at Beth El.
www.bethelberkeley.org | 7

YOUTH GROUPS
OUR AWESOME YOUTH!
Rebecca DePalma - Youth Group Advisor
Beth El’s Youth Groups are having a fantastic 5771 and we are
finishing up this school year in style. Sababa, our sixth-eighth
grade group is having a Shabbaton (weekend camping trip) on
Sunset State Beach May 6th-8th. The board members came up
with the theme Hidden Treasure for the event, and we’re excited
to find our own holy space for this Shabbat, go geo-caching,
play capture the flag at night, and much more. We will leave
Congregation Beth El at 4:00 pm on Friday and return at
11:00 am on Sunday. The cost of the event is $50/person and
you can register at www.bethelberkeley.org/youthgroups.
The following Friday, May 13th, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm we have
Sababa Elections & Pizza Party for 5772. Our current board
members are ready to pass the torch to the next generation. Our
fifth-seventh graders are invited to run for positions to create and
run their own events next year. More information about becoming
a Sababa board member is available on the website.
Ruach! our fourth & fifth graders celebrated Purim together
making mishloach manot (Purim baskets) and retelling the
Megillah in a dramatic fashion in the game of half-life. Our
final event of the year, is a party at Pump It Up on May 19th,
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm and the cost is $15. Please RSVP to me at
rebecca@bethelberkeley.org or 510-848-2122 ext. 214 if your
student is able to attend.
Our youth groups want to thank our parent volunteers and
staff members who have made 5771 so successful, and
for their continued support of youth group programming
here at Beth El. Thank you. Please feel free to contact me at
rebecca@bethelberkeley.org if you have any questions, concerns,
or would like to know how you can help our teens continue to
create incredible, fun, Jewish programs for each other!
Youth Group Calendar
All of Beth El’s youth are encouraged to
join us for the following events:
Rabbi Yoel Kahn, Debra Massey & Rebecca DePalma
invite all 8th-11th Graders & Parents to attend a
Teen Forum at
Congregation Beth El
May 15 • 12:30 - 2:00 pm (Zachary’s Pizza)
or
May 18 • 6:30 - 8:00 pm (Cheeseboard Pizza)
We will engage in visioning a more involved youth
community at Congregation Beth El. We value your
input about what you want to see at Congregation
Beth El, so please join us! RSVP to Rebecca DePalma
at rebecca@bethelberkeley.org so we can be sure to
provide enough pizza.
SUMMER 2011
Spaces Filling
Fast!
Session 1: June 27 – July 22
Session 2: August 1 – August 26
Visit www.campkeetov.org to register today!
Shop for your Family and
Earn Funds for Beth El!
It’s easy and convenient to purchase scrip in the
Beth El office or by a setting up standing order you
receive via U.S. mail, which can easily be adjusted
to meet your changing needs.
MAY
events
May 6 - 8
Sababa Shabbaton on Sunset State Beach
May 13th • 5:00 pm
Sababa Elections & Pizza Party
May 19 • 4:00 pm
Ruach! End of Year Party at Pump It Up!
If 200 families purchased as little as $100 in
groceries and $20 in Peet’s scrip/month, the profit
for our congregation would be $1200/month or
$14,000/year! It’s easy and we all need to eat
and/or drink coffee or tea! Peet’s $20 gift cards also
make great gifts too! While Berkeley Bowl scrip is
available in $20 denominations, Andronico’s comes
in $25 or $50 scrip.
Please support your congregation in this easy
fundraising act of kindness! Please drop by the
Beth El office to purchase directly or contact
Shelley Simrin at 510-527-6020.
8 | the builder: summer 2011

MEMBER CORNER
B’NAI MITZVAH
The congregation is cordially invited to
attend as my daughter, Michelle Schiff
is called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah
on Saturday, May 14, 2011
at 10:15am. Kiddush will follow.
Carra Schiff
The congregation is cordially invited
to attend as our son, Zebulon Berg is
called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on
Saturday, June 11, 2011
at 10:15am. Kiddush will follow.
Stuart Berg & Ellen Shandalove
The congregation is cordially invited
to attend as our daughter, Isabella
Rothenberg is called to the Torah as a
Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, June 4, 2011
at 10:15am. Kiddush will follow.
David Rotheberg & Lorraine Sandoval
WELCOME TO OUR
NEW MEMBERS:
Vida & Ron Bierman
Daniel & Renuka Bornstein
Lara Peso
MUSIC
High Holy Days rehearsals: Wednesdays, August 17 - September 21, & October 5 • 7:00 - 8:45 pm
There’s no better way to prepare your mind and spirit for the High Holy Days. We’ll be leading the congregation in some of our tradition’s
most beloved music, from Jewish cultures around the world. We work hard to make beautiful music, and we have a lot of fun in a lively
and supportive atmosphere. The chorus is always open to new singers--any member of Beth El who loves to sing is encouraged to join
us! Musical background is not necessary. The commitment is one “season” at a time--you can sing with the chorus for the High Holy Days
without committing to any other time of year. In addition to sheet music, rehearsal CDs will be available to all singers. Questions? You are
encouraged to contact Rabbi Zellman, Beth El’s Music Director:
rabbirz@bethelberkeley.org, 510 848-3988 ext. 228.
Want to sing sooner? Join the chorus now for our spring season!
5 Spring Rehearsals: Wednesdays, May 4 - June 1 • 7:00 - 8:45 pm / Community performance: June 7th in the evening
In celebration of the season of Shavuot, we’ll be singing our tradition’s greatest music about the Torah-- not from the Torah,
but about it instead. Awesome!
Seeking Torah Chanters for the High Holy Days
In just a few months, the Beth El community will gather to observe the High Holy Days. Chanting from the Torah at this sacred time is an
important mitzvah that volunteers around the world perform on behalf of their Jewish communities. We are now seeking Torah chanters!
You can choose your service: aliyot are available for all morning services on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Sections of Haftarah are also
available for some of these services. Each section is short, and we will provide you with the Hebrew text, a digital recording of the chanting,
and a photograph of the section of the Torah scroll that you’ll be chanting from. Rabbi Reuben Zellman is available to help you as you
prepare. To sign up, please email Emily Marthinsen: emilymarthinsen@comcast.net or email Rabbi Zellman with any questions:
RabbiRZ@bethelberkeley.org. Thank you for considering this mitzvah!
www.bethelberkeley.org | 9

LIBRARY
NEW
BOOKS
IN THE
LIBRARY
Scott Spear - Library Chair
Donations to the Plishner and Vida Funds make it possible to have
new children’s and adult’s books. Here are some more:
Esther’s Children: A Portrait of Iranian Jews, edited by Houman
Sarshar, gives a comprehensive history of the oldest Diaspora
Community, from 722 BCE to the end of the 20th century, in 25
articles by leading scholars, sumptuously illustrated.
I Shall Not Hate: A Gaza Doctor’s Journey on the Road to Peace
and Human Dignity, is by Izzeidin Abuelaish. In 2009, an Israeli
shell killed three of his daughters and a niece. His deepest hope
is that his daughters will be “the last sacrifice on the road to peace
between Palestinians and Israelis.” Elie Wiesel calls the story “a
necessary lesson against hatred and revenge.” Dr. Abuelaish
inscribed this copy, “To Congregation Beth El¬–Best Wishes.”
Tree of Souls: the Mythology of Judaism, by Howard Schwartz, won
a National Jewish Book Award. It is the first anthology of Jewish
mythology in English, gathering nearly 700 of our myths, famous
and forgotten. Reviewers place it next to Bialik and Ravitsky’s Sefer
Ha-Aggadah. Professor Schwartz is also a writer of wonderful
children’s books. Previous books of his include Elijah’s Violin,
Miriam’s Tambourine, Lilith’s Cave, and Gabriel’s Palace.
A Fire in Their Hearts: Yiddish Socialists in New York, by Tony
Michels, is a history of the Jewish community in New York during
four decades of mass immigration, from the 1880s on. Here
is the story of Abraham Cahan, Mikhail Zametkin, Chaim
Zhitlovsky, and others, of the schools and institutions of New York
Yiddish culture, of the newspaper Forverts, in a formative period
for American Jews and the American left.
Yale University Press has begun a series called “Jewish Lives,”
and two biographies from this are now here, one of Moses
Mendelssohn (1729-1786), called the “German Socrates,” by
Shmuel Feiner, and Solomon, also known for wisdom, by Steven
Weitzman.
One of the methods Beth El members use in studying Torah is to
compare different translations. The first complete translation of
the Bible into another language was the Septuagint (called that
because of a legend that it was translated by 70 rabbis), a Greek
translation produced by the Jewish community of Alexandria in the
third century B.C.E. A New English Translation of the Septuagint,
the first such translation since 1843, gives one the opportunity to
read a translation of a translation. Fateful conceptual changes
were introduced by the Septuagint. Just a few examples: Torah
was translated as “nomos”, nefesh was translated as “psyche”,
davar was translated as “logos”, ehyeh was translated as “ego
eimi”. Translation is interpretation, sometimes a radical one.
This book is in the Torah Study section.
In Burnt Books: Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav and Franz Kafka,
Roger Kamenetz compares and finds many similarities between
these two troubled and beloved figures, one a Hasidic master and
one a secular Jew, analyzing the major works of both and finding,
he says, a more nourishing Judaism.
Two new books in Shoah history are Ghettostadt: Lodz and the
Making of a Nazi City, by Gordon Horwitz, telling of the destruction
of pre-war Poland’s second most-populous Jewish community,
and The Death Marches: the Final Phase of Nazi Genocide, by
Daniel Blatman, professor of Jewish History at Hebrew University.
These are heartrending books.
Rabbi Yoel Kahn honored as a “Leading Voice”
On April 5, in honor of the approach of Passover, Rabbi Yoel Kahn delivered the sermon at the weekly
chapel service at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley. Rabbi Reuben Zellman led the school choir as well.
(PSR trains ministers for the Protestant clergy). As part of the service, the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies
in Religion and Ministry recognized and honored Rabbi Kahn as a “Leading Voice” for his “pioneering work
in ritualizing religious visions of justice and inclusion, and prophetic religious leadership for liberation.”
10 | the builder: summer 2011

FROM THE GIFT SHOP
Summer is approaching and we hope you’ll add Jewish
books to your summer reading list! The month of June
brings many “gifting” occasions: Graduations, Showers,
Weddings, Birthdays, etc. From children’s games and
designer jewelry to unique gifts and books for the home,
you’ll find it at the Gift Shop.
Our new arrivals include a 5-volume set of the Chumash
(Five Books of Moses) in interlinear form (English translation
directly below each Hebrew line), plus commentary. The set
is nicely bound and runs $100.00. We’ve already spotted
this series being carried around Beth El’s Torah Study
group... come check it out, and remember it for that special
person when you need a Jewish gift.
We’ve also added “On the Doorposts of your House” a
book of home ceremonies and prayers (like how to hang
a mezuzah), published by the Central Conference of
American Rabbis, a useful gift for graduates or weddings, or house warming at $25.00.
Don’t forget to come see us first when you need a mezuzah to hang or the scroll (called a “klaf”) to put inside it! We have fabulous
ritual objects that double as lovely art pieces. Come in and find something new to fall in love with and use regularly in your
Shabbat or daily rituals.
Here are some cheerful suggestions for teacher appreciation gifts and other celebrations requiring a gift this time of year:
* San Francisco-designed printed kitchen towels $ 8.00 to 10.00
* Ahava hand cream, rich in minerals from the Dead Sea. $ 20.00
* Pairs of colorful hand-crafted tapered candles, really big selection $ 6.00 to $8.00
* Wide assortment of jewelry in a variety of price ranges
* Anodized aluminum napkin holders or trivets $ 18.00 to 28.00
The Beth El Gift Shop is open during standard business hours (closed Saturdays and other holidays) and open Sunday morning by
appointment. When there are no volunteers available, our capable office staff takes care of sales. What could be more convenient?
Well, to top it off, we accept cash, check, MasterCard or VISA. Have a refreshing summer and visit the gift shop to support your
synagogue!
Odette and Robinn
FROM THE PANTRY CHUG
1 cup flour
¼ cup powdered sugar
½ cup butter (melted)
Mix flour and sugar. Add butter. Blend well and press flat and evenly into an 8x8
inch pan. (You can successfully double the recipe and bake in a 9x13 pan.) Bake
at 350 for 20 minutes. While this bakes, mix the top layer.
Lemon Bars
(makes an 8x8 pan, can double for 9x13 pan)
Top Layer:
1 cup regular sugar
2 tablespoons flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
2 eggs beaten
3 generous tablespoon lemon juice
powdered sugar
Mix sugar, flour and baking powder. Add beaten eggs and mix well. Add lemon
juice and mix again. Pour over crust. (It will be a thick liquid—but it thickens
when it is baked.) Bake at 350º for 25 minutes. Cool a little and cut while warm
(not hot.) Dust with powdered sugar.
For more information or to join the Pantry Chug, contact Debbie Leon
at pantrychug@bethelberkeley.org!
www.bethelberkeley.org | 11

TZEDAKAH
AARON PLISHNER LIBRARY FUND
Phyllis Zisman in honor of the birth of her grandson,
Zachary Nathan Zisman to Matt & Carrie Zisman
ARJMAND ADULT EDUCATION FUND
Mary Jacobs
Laurie Swiadon
Wilma & Stephen Rader
Doreen & Stephen Rothman
Anna Mantell & Bob Goldstein in honor of Bertha Lowenthal
Anna Mantell & Bob Goldstein in honor of the birth of
granddaughter Amanda Hansen to Jim & Judy Freeman
Marilyn & Harry Margulius in honor of Ruth Guthartz’s
90th birthday
Stanley & Miriam Schiffman in honor of Ruth Guthartz’s
90th birthday
Stacey Shulman in memory of Jacqueline Silver
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN 5771
Paul & Susan Sugarman
Nancy Turak & Marc Davis
B’NEI MITZVAH FUND
Kelley Meade & Harry Clewans in honor of the
2011 B’nei Mitzvah class
Jordan-Pollack Family in honor of the 2011 B’nei Mitzvah class
Amy Oppenheimer & Jennifer Krebs in honor of the
2011 B’nai Mitzvah Class:
Rudy Brandt
Samantha Resnik
Kobi Appel-Bernstein
Leo Pollack
Eli Barnes
Michelle Schiff
Isabella Rothenberg
Zebulon Berg
Jacob Amme
Rebecca Friedman
Ella Hoffman
Adin Krebs-Oppenheimer
Laurel Richardson
Emma Waldman
Jaime Falcone-Juengert Ellis Lee
Rueven White
BUILDING FUND
Alan Buder & Barbara Brenner in memory of Jack Buder
Mary Jacobs in honor of Nancy Turak
Nancy Turak & Marc Davis in memory of Henny Weil
Nancy Turak & Marc Davis in memory of Jean Davis
Nancy Turak & Marc Davis in honor of Jenn Rader
CAMP KEE TOV SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Alfred & Anita Cotton in honor of Kobi Appel-Bernstein being
called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah
Anna & Michael Fogelman in memory of Ilan Gabriel Biederman
Valerie Hellmold in memory of Arthur Shulman
Jean Henderson in memory of Robert & Marilyn Hemmings
Marcel & Margrit Schurman in memory of Rafael Kafka
DAVID SOL COTTON MEMORIAL SWIG FUND
Diane & Ed Bernbaum in memory of David Cotton on
his birthday
12 | the builder: summer 2011
GENERAL FUND
Diane & Ed Bernbaum
Monty Garretson
Edward Holly
Sharon Caplow Todd
Adele Amodeo in memory of Aron M. Rosenweig
Gale Antokal & Neil Gozan in memory of Jack Antokal
Joanne Backman & Harry Pollack in memory of William Loebman
Stu & Judy Berman in memory of Mabel Berman
Ann Gonski & John Scott in honor of Rabbi Kahn’s book
Ann Gonski & John Scott in honor of Albert Magid being called
to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah
Ann Manheimer & Arthur Swislocki in memory of Paul Lasoff
Ann Manheimer & Arthur Swislocki in memory of
Zola Manheimer
Ann Manheimer & Arthur Swislocki in memory of Betty Manheimer
Teresa Harlan in memory of Arthur Shulman
Julliette Hassid in memory of Marguerite Mizrahi
Julliette Hassid in memory of Sol Calef
Mark & Estie Hudes in honor of Ruth Guthartz’s 90th birthday
Harry & Marilyn Margulius in memory of Max Margulius
Barbara Morgan in memory of Ruben Zelwer
Joan & Walt Walston in honor of their granddaughters
May & Sarah Simon
Jerry Weintraub in memory of Shira Ulmer
Jerry Weintraub in memory of Jacqueline Silver
HOMELESS MEAL PROGRAM
Sharon Friedman & Leo Meier
Steven Joseph & Corey Hansen-Joseph
Steve Kurzman & Kim Nies
Peggy & Michael Lipson
Bob Brandfon & Barbara Fierer in memory of Jacob Brandfon
Barbara Fierer & Bob Brandfon in honor of Ruth Spear,
Adele Amodeo and Ellie Goldstein-Erickson
Barbara Fierer in honor of Bob Brandfon’s 80th birthday
Robert Graup & Emily Nozick in honor of Ruth Spear,
Adele Amodeo and Ellie Goldstein-Erickson
Mary Jacobs in honor of Adele & Ruth for all the hard work and
dedication to the Homeless Program
Jane & Neil Levy in honor of Ruth Spear, Adele Amodeo
and Ellie Goldstein-Erickson
Linda Kay Marchena in honor of Mike Klayman’s birthday
Anna Mantell & Bob Goldstein in honor of the birth of
granddaughters, Maya & Zoe to Michael & Andrea Cassidy
Marilyn & Harry Margulius in memory of Irving Brendze
Milt Mozen in honor of of Ruth Spear, Adele Amodeo and
Ellie Goldstein-Erickson
Stephen & Wilma Rader in honor of Ruth Spear, Adele Amodeo
and Ellie Goldstein-Erickson
Judith & David Tabb in honor of Ellen Singer-Vine’s birthday
Jerry Weintraub in honor of Ruth Spear, Adele Amodeo and
Ellie Goldstein-Erickson
Nilou & John Yadegar in memory of Isaac Rahamim Pirnazar
Vadjiheh Yadegar in memory of Ashraf Kashfi Benlevi
Vadjiheh Yadegar in memory of Nosrat Yadegar
Phyllis Zisman in honor of the baby naming of Maggie
Rose Zissman

TZEDAKAH (continued)
HUMANITARIAN AID FUND
Marilyn & Bill Sugar in memory of
Leon Israel
MARIAN MAGID FUND
Maxim Schrogin & Karen Harber
in honor of Albert Magid being
called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah
Peter Scott & Ronna Kabatznick
in honor of Albert Magid being
called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah
Catherine Tzur in honor of
Albert Magid being called to the
Torah as a Bar Mitzvah
Nancy & Andrew Wallach in honor
of Albert Magid being called to the
Torah as a Bar Mitzvah
Nancy & Andrew Wallach
in appreciation of Dan Magid
MEN’S CLUB
Phyllis Zisman in honor of the
marriage of Joel Melamed &
Stephanie Premji
Phyllis Zisman in honor of the marriage of Fran Mantell &
Benjamin Dinehart
MUSIC FUND
Janet Byron in honor of Rabbi Zellman
Phyllis Zisman in memory of Arthur Shulman
Agnes McKenzie in memory of Steven Rothenberg
Bruce & Susan Carter in honor of Bob Brandfon’s and
Ruth Guthartz’s birthdays
Bruce & Susan Carter in honor of the birth of Mary Jacob’s
grandson, Jackson
Stacey Shulman in memory of Shira Ulmer
ONEG/KIDDISH FUND
Phyllis Zisman in memory of Dorothy Wollins
RABBI YOEL KAHN’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
Alfred & Anita Cotton
Juanita Curry
Clarke & Maria Daniels
Bob & Sara Kupor
Thomas & Amy Lurquin
Men’s Club
Gary & Lois Marcus in memory of Sally White
Gary & Lois Marcus in memory of Bernard Ostrom
Natalie Baird in appreciation of Rabbi Kahn
Odette Blachman in honor of Ruth Guthartz
Jeffrey & Susan Brand in honor of Ruth Spear
Janet Byron in memory of Jules Byron
Judy Chess in memory of Arthur Shulman
Judy Chess in honor of Emily Marthinsen’s birthday
Max & Bonnie Cooperstein in honor Albert Magid being
called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah
Max & Bonnie Cooperstein in memory of Phyllis Weisberg
Max & Bonnie Cooperstein in honor of Benjamin Gansky’s
graduation from the The Guthrie School of the
University of Minnesota
Bronwyn, Richard & Lisa Eisenberg in honor of Rabbi Kahn
Gary & Lois Marcus in memory of Selma Marcus
The Mayeri Family in appreciation of Rabbi Kahn & Rabbi Zellman
The Mayeri Family in appreciation of Odette Blachman
The Mayeri Family in appreciation of Joan Ominsky
Lloyd Morgan in memory of Alice Morgan
Amy Resner in memory of Elizabeth Resner
Amy Resner in memory of Gertrude Levine
Nilou & John Yadegar in honor of Albert Magid being called to
the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah
Vadjiheh Yadegar in memory of Sinoor Yadegar
Vadjiheh Yadegar in memory of Benjamin Benlevi
Vadjiheh Yadegar in memory of Jahangir Yadegar
Phyllis Zisman in honor of Ruth Spear, Adele Amodeo and Ellie
Goldstein-Erickson
RABBI EMERITUS’ DISCRETIONARY FUND
Nilou & John Yadegar in honor of Rabbi Raj
Phyllis Zisman in honor of Rabbi Ferenc & Paula Raj
RABBI VIDA LIBRARY FUND
Florence & John Lewis
Minnie Adler in memory of Jack Adler
Ruth & Scott Spear in honor of Emily Marthinsen’s birthday
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Stephen & Wilma Rader
Ruth Ehrenkrantz & Spencer Klein in honor of the birth of
Daniel & Lynne Fingerman’s grandson Niko
www.bethelberkeley.org | 13

DONATE TO BETH EL!
CONGREGATION BETH EL Fund Contributions
This contribution of $_________ is □ in Memory of* □ in Honor of*
*
It is a Jewish tradition to give Tzedakah to commemorate life cycle events and other occasions. Are you celebrating
a birthday, engagement, anniversary, baby naming, Bat/Bar Mitzvah or a recovery from illness? These are just a few
ideas of appropriate times to commemorate with a donation to Beth El. These tax-deductible donations are greatly
appreciated and are a vital financial supplement to support the wonderful variety of programs and activities that we offer at
Congregation Beth El. Thank you for your support.
Please credit the fund checked below:
Contribution
acknowledge
From:
to:
Address
address
□ General Fund - Use Where Most Needed
□ Aaron Plishner Children Library
□ Arjmand Adult Education Fund
□ Blachman Emergency Fund
□ Building Fund
□ Camp Kee Tov Scholarship Fund
□ Chevra Kadisha Fund
□ David Cotton Memorial Swig Fund
□ Ellen Meyer Childcare Fund
□ Endowment Fund
□ Freed Flower Fund
□ Homeless Meal Program
□ Israel Scholarship Fund
□ Bar Lev Landscape Fund
□ Marian Magid Memorial Fund
□ Men’s Club
□ Mitzvah Committee
□ Music Fund
□ Nursery School Fund
□ Oneg/Kiddush Fund
□ Prayerbook Fund
□ Rabbi’s Kahn’s Discretionary Fund
□ Rabbi Emeritus’ Raj’s Discretionary Fund
□ Rabbi Vida Library Fund
□ Religious School Fund
□ Social Action Fund
□ Youth Groups Fund
□ _________________________________________
Thank you for your generosity. Please make checks payable to Congregation Beth El
and mail to 1301 Oxford Street, Berkeley, CA 94709
14 | the builder: summer 2011

midrasha
TORAH STUDY
Meets Shabbat Morning (Saturday)
in the Beit Midrash at 9:15am
May 14 - Parashat Behar
Leviticus 25:1 - 26:2
Led by Bob Brandfon
May 21 - Parashat Bechukotai
Leviticus 26:3 - 27:34
Led by Barry Silverblatt
May 28 - Parashat Bamidbar
Numbers 1:1 - 4:20
Led by Caroline Lehman
June 4 - Parashat Nasso
Ruth
Led by Bruce Linton
June 11 - Parashat Beha’alotcha
Numbers 8:1 - 12:16
Led by Stan Schiffman
June 18 - Parashat Sh’lach
Numbers 13:1 - 15:41
Led by Bill Schechner
June 25 - Parashat Korach
Numbers 16:1 - 18:32
Led by Barry Levine
July 2 - Parashat Chukat
Numbers 19:1 - 22:1
Led by Lisa Feldman
July 9 - Parashat Balak
Numbers 22:2 - 25:9
Led by Ruth Spear
July 16 - Parashat Pinchas
Numbers 25:10 - 30:1
Led by Rabbi Yoel Kahn
July 23 - Parashat Matot
Numbers 30:2 - 32:42
Led by Steven Joseph
July 30 - Parashat Masei
Numbrs 33:1 - 36:13
Led by Jerry Weintraub
graduation!!!
Diane Bernbaum - Director
It’s coming. My favorite day of the Midrasha
year...graduation. No, it’s not my favorite day
because it marks the end of the school year
and I can finally sleep a little later or go to
a ball game or have guests for brunch on
Sundays. It’s my favorite because when I hear
each graduate speak about what Midrasha and their 18 years of
Jewish education have meant to them, I am overwhelmed with
pride and have absolutely not a worry in the world about “Jewish
continuity.” All the early mornings, late nights, long work days,
and worry about program details all go out the window and I
realize that I have chosen the right profession and the right job. If
you’d like to be similarly filled with nachas (You don’t have to be
the school director or be related to Midrasha in any way to take
pride in these kids. Just living in our community will do!), please
join us for graduation. It is Sunday, May 22 at 10:15 am in the
Congregation Beth El sanctuary, 1301 Oxford Street in Berkeley.
The graduation epitomizes the pluralistic nature of our Midrasha
community. We have 22 graduates. They come from 6 different
synagogues. We are truly a community school.
Mazel tov to the following students and their families: Alona
Bach, Daniel Baldassare, Adam Berson, Eli Bovarnick, Raphael
Falk, Jason Finkelstein, Leo Grossman, Erin Hodess, Alexandra
Kennedy, Callie Lapidus, Hannah Lukanuski, Ephraim Margolin,
Sara Meltzer, Amy Midanik-Blum, Lena Miller, Joshua Nelson,
Zachary Piser, Avi Rosenblum, Ariele Scharff, Jordan Tennenbaum,
Devin Van Hoy and Marnina Wirtschafter
See you on May 22 at 10:45 am at graduation!
Congratulations to the following
Beth El Midrasha Graduates!
Daniel Baldassare
Alexandra Kennedy
Callie Lapidus
Amy Midanik-Blum
Lena Miller
Joshua Nelson
Looking for the
Calendar?
The May calendar was included in our NEW monthly
Buzz mailer. For May, June and July calendars,
please visit www.bethelberkeley.org for
up to date information!
www.bethelberkeley.org | 15

congregation beth el
1301 Oxford Street
Berkeley, CA 94709-1424
Shabbat Summit
May 21 • Noon - 4:00 pm
Shabbat is at the center of Jewish time and Jewish spirituality. Its weekly
arrival-- and our observance-- are a continual invitation to spiritual and
physical rest and renewal, to affirm our deepest Jewish ideas and to share
sacred time with family and community. We are blessed at Beth El to have a
diverse range of services and programs from our monthly chanting services on
Friday evenings to Torah study and Chug Mishpacha on Shabbat mornings.
Last year, we convened a summit about Friday evenings which has guided
our programming and now we would like to turn our attention to Shabbat
morning/Shabbat day. Questions we would like to ask include: Are we offering
the right mix of services? What other programs might we offer which would
speak to our congregation? How can we make our services/programs flow
more smoothly? What is the relationship between minyan, Torah service,
Chug Mishpacha, Torah study, ShabbaTot and our other special programs?
Please join us for an afternoon of study, reflection, dialogue and planning
on Saturday, May 21, from noon to 4:00 pm. The afternoon will begin
with a catered Shabbat lunch and Shabbat songs, followed by a facilitated
conversation. The day will conclude with se’udah shelishit, the traditional third
meal of the Sabbath day. Please let us know if you are coming so that we can
a count for lunch; RSVP to Shabbat@bethelberkeley.org.