Shalom Temple Israel Community:
I was so very pleased to see the wonderful turn out for the Jewish Chef Series. More than the money raised (which was considerable and will help defray costs for the Religious School), I was delighted to see how people pitched in, encouraged friends and neighbors to attend, and were enthusiastic about each and every program. Bravo to you all!
Each chef was a jewel in his/her own right. It was fun to eat, listen to the stories, and do it together.
Of special note, I want to wholeheartedly thank: Susan Lebe and Kimberlee MacVicar. It was Susan’s brain child to create humorous and lovely aprons both commemorating the Jewish Chef series and helping us raise more money. Kimberlee (and Kira) were invaluable with putting together fabulous gift baskets that we raffled off, again, earning us more money. Beyond their dedication, they supported my efforts and held me up when unexpected roadblocks came along. My deep thanks to you both.
Additional thanks go to: Reva Kopel for orchestrating the volunteer crew; Eric Strimling, Bob Gavrich, Mike Berkowitz, and Wayne Zensius for setting up the room and putting out the signs each Sunday; Felice Zensius for her unabashed zeal for selling raffle tickets; and all the other volunteers that made each event run smoothly: Jerri, Alison, Suze, Lindy, Silvia, Mavis, Laura, Beth, Sue, Ron, Cindy, and Lois.
There are some wonderful upcoming Adult Education events you won’t want to miss:
• Wednesday, March 11, from 7 – 9:30 pm is a Glass Seder Plate Workshop. Oakland glass artist, Trish Colbert is offering a 1 evening workshop to create a hand blown seder plate. Workshop is limited to 10 people and costs either $100 for a plate without cups or $150 with cups. See flyer for details.
• Sunday, March 15, from 10:30 – 12 Noon, Frances Dinkelspiel, author of Towers of Gold: How One Jewish Immigrant Named Isaias Hellman Created California will speak about her book and talk about her ancestry. Free.
• Sunday, March 22, from 9:30 – 12 is a class on Making a Passover Meal. Reva Kopel and I will teach people how to cook a traditional Passover meal: From matzo ball soup to flourless Passover cake. It’s especially great for people new to Jewish cooking. Cost is only $20 each. Limited to 10 people. See flyer for details.
In Religious School News…..
Mike Berkowitz, from Color Me Mine, is working with the children on some wonderful ceramics projects. On Sunday, March 1, grades Pre-K – grade 2 will be painting Kiddush cups. On Wednesday, March 18th, grades 3 – 7 will be painting Star of David plates. We thank Mike and his crew for their help in making this fun project possible.
On Friday, March 6th is the first/second grade class Shabbat service. Amy Kesner, the class Shabbat coordinator, will be contacting you for your part in making the evening’s service memorable. Please come out to support these six and seven year olds in their first experience on the bemah!
And of course….. March 8, from 10:30 – 12Noon is the Temple Israel Religious School Purim carnival. Woo-hoo! As one first grader told me, “It’s my favoritest day of the whole year!” ….and everyone is invited! The day’s festivities begin with a megillah puppet show in the sanctuary. The play was written and performed by the Amitim class. They even made all the puppets! Following this performance is the carnival with games, prizes and hammentashen!
Friday, March 27 is our Tot Shabbat service led by Robyn Engel. The mini-service begins at 6:30 sharp and ends at 7pm. This is followed by a yummy Oneg Shabbat. Everyone is welcome, especially those with young children and people new to the congregation.
Sunday, March 29 is the Religious School All Disney Passover which begins at 10:30 – 12Noon. I rewrote the haggadah and all songs are to Disney tunes the children recognize and can sing along to. Parents, Temple Israel members, and friends are invited to come as well!
Special gratitude goes out to Skip Soskin who generously donated a Santa Rosa plum tree for the Tu B’Shvat seder that grades 3 – 7 participated in. The tree has found a wonderful home in the courtyard and the kids feel great knowing they had a hand in the planting.
March is a busy month with lots of wonderful and fun offerings. We hope you will join us!
B’Shalom,
Mindy Myers, Director of Congregational Learning
mindy@noteniks.com
