Welcome to Temple Isaiah's weekly newsletter. Shavua tov, have a good week.

Sunday, October 15

JQuest and Adult Education

9am Caregiver Support in the CCJDS Lounge

10am Mindfulness and Meditation in the CCJDS Art Room

11am Values in Action Kickoff in the Social Hall

Monday, October 16

7pm Anshei Isaiah Board Meeting in the Adult Lounge

Tuesday, October 17

10am Neshamah Yoga in the Adult Lounge

4pm JQuest

7pm Board Meeting in the Adult Lounge

Wednesday, October 18

4pm JQuest

6:45pm Noar Night

7pm Andy Slavitt in the Sanctuary

Thursday, October 19

10am Neshamah Yoga in the Adult Lounge

11:30am Midrash in the Beit Knesset

1pm WOI Needlewomen in the Library

Friday, October 20

9:15am Ganeinu Jewish Playgroup in the Adult Lounge

6pm Happy Half Hour Oneg in the Sanctuary

6:30pm Shabbat service w/Mizmor Band in the Sanctuary

Saturday, October 21

8:45am Torah Study in the Beit Knesset

10:30am Shabbat Service in the Sanctuary

B'nai Mitzvah: Keith Johnson and Zachary Snyder

For the complete Temple Isaiah calendar, visit  www.temple-isaiah.org/calendar

Family Caregiver Support Group with JFCS East Bay

Monthly session starts Sunday, October 15 at 9am at CCJDS

Being a family caregiver can be overwhelming, stressful and isolating. This group provides a warm and supportive atmosphere to share experiences and hear stories of others in similar situations. Facilitated by Anne Aronov of JFCS East Bay. Click here or more details.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Sunday, October 15 at 10am in the CCJDS Art Room

We will establish a plan to continue our monthly practice. Please join us to share your ideas and expectations for an ongoing program.

Practice "Showing Up" at the Values in Action Kickoff

Sunday, October 15 in the Social Hall

Whether you have been volunteering with Temple Isaiah for a long time, or you are newly interested in getting involved in social justice and social action with our community, join us for a Values in action kickoff day. BYO lunch.

11am-12pm: Inspirational and practical Jewish learning with our clergy

12pm-1pm: Engage with leaders of each Values in Action initiative and explore issues such as best practices for communication and leadership development

1pm-4pm: Join us for a film screening and discussion of director Ava DuVernay's award-winning documentary, 13th. The film explores the tragedy of our current American system of mass incarceration, which disproportionately impacts black and brown men. 

Neshamah Yoga

Tuesday, October 17 and Thursday, October 19 at 10am in the Adult Lounge

Neshamah Yoga™ is open to every age, every body. This unique class weaves together self-care/massage, tai-chi, brain balancing, and traditional yoga poses, along with breathing techniques for stress reduction and optimal health. This ongoing, drop-in class draws from the deep wellspring of our tradition, including Mussar, Torah portions, liturgy, poetry, and Jewish holidays. Bring: Yoga mat. All other props will be provided for new students. Adults only, drop-ins welcome. $5 for members, $10 for nonmembers. This class is facilitated by Temple Isaiah member Kendra Fried, mind-body movement specialist and integrative wellness counselor. Please feel free to contact her with any questions or concerns at (831) 717-4270, or [email protected] and visit www.neshamahyogawellness.com

Healthcare Forum with Andy Slavitt

Wednesday, October 18 at 7pm in the Sanctuary

"Understanding the Healthcare Crisis: What WE Can Do About It." Co-sponsored by the Multi-faith Action Coalition and Temple Isaiah Tzedek Team for Healthcare Reform.

Click here for more details and to R.S.V.P.

Tefillah Thursdays with Rabbi Greninger and Rabbi LeVine

Thursday, October 19 at 8:30am in the Sanctuary

Refresh your soul every Thursday morning with a healthy dose of prayer! Join Rabbi Greninger and Rabbi LeVine at 8:30am in the Sanctuary on Thursdays for a short, meaningful prayer service. The service will conclude by 9:00am, and it will be followed by a 30-minute study session related to Jewish prayer and liturgy. We will dive into the meaning, history, and structure of Jewish prayer, helping to enrich the prayer experience. Feel free to attend the service at 8:30, the study session at 9:00, or both. Open to all, whether you are new to Jewish prayer or have been praying regularly for years.

Midrash with Rabbi LeVine and Rabbi Greninger

Thursday, October 19 at 11:30am in the Beit Knesset

What does it mean to be in love with holy language? The Jewish genre of Midrash suggests that it means we commit to Torah through embracing profound play. If a word matters, we must interpret it, yet if it is holy, surely it contains more meaning than we could ever exhaust. And so we play with profound ideas, trusting that something of worth will be revealed to us. This year, we want to invite you to join us in exploring an eclectic set of midrashim (plural of midrash), beginning with stories about Abraham, the first Jew.

Ganeinu Jewish Playgroup

Friday, October 20 at 9:15am in the Adult Lounge

Temple Isaiah is proud to offer a free, weekly, Jewish, drop-in playgroup for parents and caregivers, and their infants and toddlers (0-30 months). All are welcome.

Clergy Course with Rabbi LeVine

Sundays, October 22, 29 and November 5 at 11:15am in the CCJDS Makom

Practicing Power: How to Think Jewishly About Accomplishing Anything Together

What comes to mind when you hear the word "power"? Is it good, bad, or ugly? Join Rabbi LeVine for a special three-part course examining the concept of power, what Judaism has to say about it, and how to practice power more effectively. While attending all three sessions will allow you to make the most of the learning, please feel free to join for just one or two sessions as well. Please R.S.V.P. with [email protected] or call (925) 284-9191.

Shelter Dinner Week at Mt. View Shelter, Martinez

Monday to Friday, October 23-27

Sign-up at www.temple-isaiah.org/shelterdinners

P'tach Libeynu - Support Group for Caregivers

Monday, October 23 at 7pm in TTC 204

Are you a parent, sibling, or child of an adult with mental illness? This group provides information as well as the opportunity to share and support each other as you learn to help your loved one. Facilitated by licensed clinical social worker, Rosemarie Frydman, and NAMI certified trainer Karen Cohen. Contact [email protected] 

Sacred Chant and Healing Circle

Monday, October 23 at 7pm in the Beit Knesset (no session October 16)

Share in ritual, chant and meditative silence…finding some moments of calm as we immerse ourselves in the prayers of our ancestors.

Israel and World Jewry committee presents "Time of Favor" film and discussion

Wednesday, October 25 at 7pm in the Adult Lounge

Winner of Six Israeli Oscars, including Best Picture, 'Time of Favor' is a taut thriller about the tense relationship between the orthodox nationalists and the military. Hebrew. Run time 102 minutes. For mature audiences. Screening followed by a lively discussion of the movie. Admission is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided. Please R.S.V.P. to Iris Sorokin at [email protected]. Sponsors: Temple Isaiah’s Israel & World Jewry Committee, Contra Costa Jewish Community Center, East Bay International Jewish Film Festival.

Tot Shabbat Evening

Friday, October 27 at 5:30pm in the Sanctuary followed by catered dinner

Geared toward families with children 0 to 5 years old, Tot Shabbat is an interactive and friendly Shabbat experience. Enjoy food, activities and prayer with other young families. Dinner cost: $30 per family (max. 2 adults, 3 kids) or $10 per person. Details and R.S.V.P. at www.temple-isaiah.org/totshabbat

Scholar Shabbat with Rabbi David Saperstein of RAC

We are honored to host Scholar-in-Residence, Rabbi David Saperstein , who served two years as U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom.

Schedule below and click here for more details.

Friday. October 27

6:15pm Multi-Faith Community Potluck in the Social Hall. Click here to sign-up .

7:30pm Shabbat service with Rabbi Saperstein in the Sanctuary

Topic: "Our Shared Commitment to Preserve Religious Freedom in the United States." 

Service followed by oneg sponsored by the Temple Isaiah Religious Freedom/Tolerance Committee.

Saturday, October 28

8:45am Torah Study with Rabbi Saperstein in the Beit Knesset

3pm " Judaism and Justice" discussion with Rabbi Saperstein in the Adult Lounge

Schmooze and Shmear Business Networking

Sunday, October 29 at 9:15am in the Adult Lounge

Come make business connections with your TI member community. Bring your business cards and an elevator speech. Complementary bagels and coffee provided. Click here to R.S.V.P.

Jewish Book Group

Wednesday, November 1 at 10:30am in the Adult Lounge

Notorious RBG by Irin Carmon & Shana Knizhnik

Shabbatarama with The Mighty Kleztones - All Are Welcome!

Friday, November 3

5:45pm Catered dinner in the Social Hall

Click here to R.S.V.P. Cost: $10/person or $35/family (up to 2 adults, 3 kids)

6:30pm Come as you are for an interactive service with The Mighy Kleztones, lively singing and visual tefillah followed by oneg with dessert, gaga, arts & crafts, and more!

Mussar and Meditation Service

Saturday, November 4 at 10:30am in the Beit Knesset

Explore the wisdom of Mussar practice on the first Saturday morning of the month when Temple Isaiah offers a Mussar & Meditation Shabbat experience. We open our hearts through chant and silence, and discuss the Jewish teachings around a particular quality. If you are seeking a soulful Shabbat, but with a little less prayer - this is for you. If you are seeking ways to grow wiser in your everyday life - this is for you. If you aren't so sure about chanting and silence, give it a try anyway. You might be surprised at how the combination of music and silence calms us, connects us, and creates space for new ways of thinking and acting to emerge.

HaMakom Grief Support Group

Sunday, November 5, 3pm in the Library

Death is part of the cycle of life, and we work our way through grief guided by the rituals and practices passed down through the centuries. We also find comfort in sharing our stories, talking about the ones we miss so much, having a place where others understand and listen. HaMakom is that place. There is no need to RSVP. Temple members and grief specialists Dawn Boyer Comer, MA and Karen Kupetz, MSW, will be present. Questions? Contact [email protected]

P'tach Libeynu

Support Group for Adults with Mental Illness

Sunday, November 5, 3-4:30pm in TTC room 204

Dealing with anxiety, depression or other emotional challenges?  Come to Temple Isaiah's support group and join others in sharing and supporting one another. Facilitated by licensed marriage and family therapist, Valerie Milner, and Diana MaKieve. Contact: [email protected] or (925) 988-9707.

Cantors' Concert Presents "Stars of David: Story to Song" A Musical Revue

Sunday, November 5 at 7pm in the Sanctuary

Cantor Leigh Korn and local cantorial guests will present a new musical revue based on Abigail Pogrebin’s best-selling book. Stars of David celebrates well-known Jewish personalities, including Leonard Nimoy, Fran Drescher, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Tony Kushner, Aaron Sorkin, and Gloria Steinem, with songs by some of Broadway’s best composers. Followed by dessert reception sponsored by Women of Isaiah. General admission seating is $36 or be a mensch and increase to $72. Click here for tickets.

W.I.S.E. Ones Seniors Program

Wednesday, November 8 at 11:30am in the Adult Lounge

Rabbi Shanks will tell some of the early stories that led her to the rabbinate, including rabbinical school and the first years of serving the Jewish people. Please mark your calendar and bring your own lunch. Questions? Contact Jan Trzesniewski at [email protected]

Tot Shabbat Morning

Saturday, November 11 at 9:30am in the Adult Lounge

Geared toward families with children 0 to 5 years old, Tot Shabbat is an interactive and friendly Shabbat experience. Enjoy a free bagel brunch, activities and prayer with other young families. R.S.V.P. at www.temple-isaiah.org/totshabbat

Community Kristallnacht Commemoration

Sunday, November 12 at 3pm at B'nai Tikvah, Walnut Creek

If you are a bystander and witness a crime, should intervention to prevent that crime be a legal obligation? Or is moral responsibility enough? Law professor Amos Guiora, the former Commander of Israel’s School of Military Law, examines these profound questions from a deeply personal and legal perspective, focusing on the Holocaust and then exploring cases in contemporary society. Admission is free. Open to the public. 

Co-sponsored by the Israel and World Jewry Committee.

Climate Action Forum

Sunday, November 12 at 4pm in the Sanctuary

LEARN, ENGAGE, ACT! Please join us at this FREE event. Understand the science of climate change, the moral imperative for action, and how you can participate. Be the Change! Sponsored by the Temple Isaiah Environmental Committee.

Click here for details.

World Jewry-A Practitioner's Point of View with Rabbi Emeritus Roberto D. Graetz

Monday, November 13 at 7pm in the Adult Lounge

Emeritus Rabbi Roberto D. Graetz, Temple Isaiah’s Senior Rabbi from 1991 to -2016 has been committed to and involved in World Jewry Issues throughout his career. Since retiring he has been the visiting Rabbi for the High Holidays (2016,2017) and consulted with Congregations in Argentina, Brazil and Puerto Rico. Based on his long term commitment and recent experience Rabbi Graetz will discuss the current state of World Jewry. Sponsored by the Israel and World Jewry Committee. Free and open to the public. R.S.V.P. to [email protected]

JCL Tutor Training

Monday, December 4 from 1-4pm in the Adult Lounge

Can You Read This? That means you can help a child who can’t. In just one hour a week you can help an at-risk child (grades K-3) learn to love reading. Take part in this rewarding tikkun olam, social action program. Join the Jewish Coalition for Literacy as a volunteer reading tutor and make a difference in a child’s life. Sign up for a free tutor training workshop at www.jclread.org

Volunteer

Temple Isaiah relies on the time, talent and treasure of volunteers dedicated to our community. We’d love your support! Learn more at www.temple-isaiah.org/about-us/lay-leadership/

Free Money!

Please consider supporting Temple Isaiah with a corporate matching gift, and when searching and shopping with our partners. Learn more at www.temple-isaiah.org/freemoney or view our handy instruction sheet here .

Special Gifts

We welcome endowment gifts, fund-specific, and unrestricted donations to Temple Isaiah at www.temple-isaiah.org/donate  and acknowledge contributions in our monthly Ruach Bulletin .

L'dor Vador Circle

L’dor Vador Circle is comprised of members who strengthen our community by donating above the annual sustaining membership commitment amount, allowing us to: provide financial aid to our members in need so they can participate in Temple life, support innovation, including our award-winning youth and education programs, and preserve everything we love about Temple Isaiah. To join our L’dor Vador Circle , please login to your Temple account to renew your annual membership commitment, or contact Deb Kirsch, Executive Director at [email protected] or (925) 283-8575.

Credit Card Fees 

Please help Temple Isaiah by agreeing to add 3% to any credit card transaction to offset our costs. As a charitable contribution to Your Jewish Neighborhood, the additional 3% is tax deductible (to the extent allowable by law).

Memorial Plaques

Our Jewish tradition calls upon us to remember our loved ones. The memorial wall at the back of the sanctuary is a special way to honor those who came before us in a meaningful and lasting manner. Click here for more information.

Legacy Society

You can help ensure the strength and success of Temple Isaiah for future generations by including the temple in your estate plans. You don't have to be wealthy to leave a legacy. You can designate a small percentage of your estate or a portion of your retirement plan. There is no minimum gift amount, and the sign-up process is hassle-free. For more information, please contact Mike Bandler (925) 831-1320 or Maynard Lichterman (925) 448-2240.

Our caring community of volunteers dedicated to offering comfort and support to members and their families in times of need. The Angel Network can assist with a range of tasks from meals and transportation to making visits and phone calls. When a need arises, tell us. Contact clergy assistant Nina Jones or call (925) 283-8575.

If you need immediate support with a death, illness, or other urgent matter, please call the Temple office at (925) 283-8575. Email communication may result in delays. We have a wonderful staff who will make sure you get the support you need.

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Temple Isaiah's mission is to embody, enhance and perpetuate our Jewish tradition by providing a welcoming spiritual home where the membership gathers to worship God, study Torah, engage in acts of Tikkun Olam, deepen our relationship with Israel, participate in Jewish rituals and life cycle events, and experience the joy of being part of a caring community.