Shavua Tov: Sunday, August 20, 2017 / 28 Av 5777
Welcome to Temple Isaiah's weekly newsletter. Shavua tov, have a good week.

Sunday, August 20
9:30am "Shmear and Schmooze" Business Networking in the Adult Lounge
2pm WOI Sufism Reoriented Tour in Walnut Creek
4pm Rachel Poetry Musical Performance in the Social Hall
7pm Adult Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary

Monday, August 21
7pm Sacred Hebrew Chant and Healing Circle in the Beit Knesset

Tuesday, August 22
Reform CA lobby day in Sacramento
10am Neshamah Yoga in the Adult Lounge

Wednesday, August 23
7pm Adult Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary

Thursday, August 24
10am Neshamah Yoga in the Adult Lounge
7pm Gan Ilan Parent Orientation

Friday, August 25
9:15am Ganeinu Jewish Playgroup  in the Adult Lounge
5:30pm Tot Shabbat in the Amphitheater followed by dinner in the Beit Knesset
7:30pm  Shabbat service in the Sanctuary honoring the Israel trip b'nai mitzvah families followed by oneg (please note earlier start time)

Saturday, August 26
8:45am Torah Study  in the Beit Knesset
10:30am Shabbat service in the Sanctuary wtih Bat Mitzvah Jordan Smith

For the complete Temple Isaiah calendar, visit  www.temple-isaiah.org/calendar
Treat Yourself To Shabbat
The invitation to rest is rooted in an undeniable spiritual gravity that allows all things to rest and settle, to find their place. There comes a moment in our striving when more effort actually becomes counterproductive, when our frantic busyness only muddies the waters of our wisdom. - Wayne Muller, Sabbath 
Shabbat service honoring our family Israel trip kids 
Friday, August 25 at 7:30pm in the Sanctuary
Join us for Shabbat services next Friday night at 7:30 PM (note time change) when the nine students who became B’nai Mitzvah on our family Israel trip this summer will lead us in prayer, teach us about Israel and share about their experiences. We look forward to celebrating with Jenna Benenson, Deanna Berryhill, Jenna Marovic, Samantha Marovic, Shayna Parker, Sammy Paykel, Jake Spiegel, Aaron Vaserman and Jessica Zaritsky.  Click here for the JWeekly article about their inspiring adventure.
Torah Study
Saturday, August 26 at 8:45am in the Beit Knesset
Join us on Shabbat morning as we study the weekly Torah portion with a member of our clergy team. Newcomers are always welcome. 
Shabbat Service 
Saturday, August 26 at 10:30am in the Sanctuary
Join us Saturday morning for worship from liturgy in Mishkan T’filah, the Reform Movement’s prayer book in the Beit Knesset at 10:30am as we welcome Bat Mitzvah Jordan Smith.
Featured Events This Week
TI Business Connections "Schmooze and Schmear"
Sunday, August 20 from 9:30-11am
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. Questions? Contact  [email protected]
WOI Tours New Home of Sufism Reoriented
Sunday, August 20 at 2pm
at 11 White Horse, Walnut Creek
Women of Isaiah are planning another tour of the magnificent architectural center of the Sufism Reoriented organization before the Rachel event at Temple at 4pm. R.S.V.P. by August 15 to [email protected]
Rachel: Israel's National Poet
A Musical Celebration of Her Life and Poetry
Sunday, August 20 in the Sanctuary at 4pm
(doors open at 3:30pm)
This workshop is free and open to the public. Written, produced, and directed by Efi Lubliner and Rivka Amado with Michael Gill, Doron Rotem, and Gordon Lustig. Sponsored by Temple Isaiah, Congregation B'nai Shalom and the Contra Costa JCC.
Click here for more details.
Sacred Hebrew Chant and Healing Circle
Monday, August 21 at 7pm in the Beit Knesset
Share in ritual, chant and meditative silence…finding some moments of calm as we immerse ourselves in the prayers of our ancestors.
Neshamah Yoga Resumes 
Tuesday, August 22 and Thursday, August 24
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
Ganeinu Jewish Playgroup
Friday, August 25 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.
Tot Shabbat Evening
Friday, August 25 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
Looking Ahead
Women of Isaiah Kick Off
Monday, August 28 at 6pm in the Social Hall
"Not Your Bubbie's Kugel: Eating for Health at the Jewish Table" with chef Tal Sendrovitz and holistic nutritionist Stephanie Snyder. Schmoozing, dinner, raffle, and more. Special tribute to Rabbi Judy Shanks. $50 WOI Members or $70 for Non-WOI Members. $36 for women age 36 and under. Register at www.temple-isaiah.org/woikickoff
P'tach Libeynu - Support Group for Caregivers
Monday, August 28 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] 
Standing Together: Gathering For People Of All Faiths And Backgrounds To Affirm Our Values with the Jewish Community Federation of the East Bay
Tuesday, August 29 at 7pm in the Sanctuary
Click here to R.S.V.P.
With the events of Charlottesville etched into our minds and news of rallies coming to Berkeley, San Francisco, and Mountain View, we want to provide you with an update on how our Jewish community is responding. We are planning interfaith gatherings which will give us the opportunity to join together with members of our greater East Bay community to stand against anti-Semitism, racism, and hate. Please join us.
Anshei Isaiah Fantasy Football League Draft
Thursday, August 31 at 7pm in the Beit Knesset
Whether you are a Raider or Niner supporter, or you root for the team from your ancestral homeland in New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, or Boston, pick your players and root them on to your own team’s victory. Spots are available for Anshei’s Isaiah’s Fantasy Football League. New players and fantasy veterans welcome. Co-own a team with a child, grandchild, or friend if you wish. Standard scoring rules. $72 entry fee includes $18 donation to Youth Fund. Register through your online Temple account. Big prizes for winners. Draft live at the event, log in remotely, or set an autodraft. Contact Stu Kirsch with questions 508-821-0479 or [email protected]
Shabarbecue
Friday, September 1 at 6:30pm in the Amphitheater
Join us for a music-filled, outdoor Shabbat service in our beautiful amphitheater. Please remember to bring sunscreen and wear layers. Service followed by Shabarbecue dinner. Cost is $35 per family (up to 2 adults, 3 kids) or $10 per person for burgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, green salad, potato chips, and watermelon. R.S.V.P. at www.temple-isaiah.org/shabbq
Mussar and Meditation Service 
Saturday, September 2 at 10:30am in the Beit Knesset
Explore the wisdom of Mussar practice on the first Saturday morning each 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.
Jewish Book Group
Wednesday, September 6 at 10:30am in the Adult Lounge
All are welcome! This is not a ‘club’ but a dynamic group of people who love Jewish books, reading, discussions and expressing strong opinions. The September book is The Best Place on Earth by Ayelet Tsabari. Any questions or suggestions, contact clergy assistant Nina Jones at [email protected]
High Holy Days Prep Course
Tuesday, August 29 (will be rescheduled due to Solidarity Gathering)
Thursdays, September 7 and 14 at 7pm in the Beit Knesset
Join our clergy as we spend three weeks preparing for the High Holy Days and turn our hearts, minds, and spirits toward the new year ahead.
Tot Shabbat Morning
Saturday, September 9 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
P'tach Libeynu - Support Group for Adults with Mental Illness
Sunday, September 10, 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.
W.I.S.E. Ones Seniors Group 
Wednesday, September 13 at 11:30am in the Adult Lounge
Harriet Harris, mezzo-soprano, sang professionally for over 40 years as a soloist in operas, oratorios, and in many houses of worship. She sings with the Temple Isaiah choir, and, since her recent bat mitzvah (December, 2015 at Temple Isaiah) enjoys chanting Torah. She will share a few stories from her experiences “backstage at the opera.” Cantor Korn has graciously agreed to accompany her for a few selections.Please bring your own lunch. Any questions, or need a ride? Questions? Contact Jan Trzesniewski at 925-376-0361 or [email protected]
Shabbat in the Park
Friday, September 15 at 6:30pm at Hap Magee Ranch, Danville
Hate driving in traffic? No problem! We're bringing Shabbat to you. Meet at Hap Magee Ranch Park this summer for family-friendly services. Come early and bring your own picnic dinner, seating (chairs, or blankets), and bring your pets on a leash for a special pet blessing. We hope to see you there!
S'lichot
Saturday, September 16
7pm S'lichot Learning, discussion, and dessert reception in the Social Hall
8:30pm S'lichot   Service in the Sanctuary
RSVP for the dessert oneg at www.temple-isaiah.org/oneg
Announcements
Order Challah and Support Gan Ilan Preschool
Get your weekly or high holy day challah through Temple Isaiah and support our preschool. Cost: $5 each. Click here to login to your account to order by August 29.
Oneg Sign-Up Deadline August 31 
If you haven't already, please sign-up by August 31 for onegs this year. Those who haven't signed-up will be charged $36 to your account for the hospitality fund. 
Starting a Hebrew or Yiddish Conversation Group
Do you speak Hebrew or Yiddish?
Would you like to get together to practice with other Temple Isaiah members?
A member of our congregation is looking for others who want to meet up for casual conversation and language practice.Once we get a head count we will organize a kickoff meeting and get the group started! If interested, please contact Todd Degnan or Rabbi Greninger.
High Holy Days
High Holy Days Passes
Passes to High Holy Days for each household are included with membership and will be mailed by September to all Temple Isaiah members in good standing. Additional passes are available for purchase online. Questions? Please call (925) 283-8575.

Wanted: High Holy Days Chanters
We are looking for congregants who are interested in chanting a Torah portion at High Holy Days services this year. Even if you have not chanted since your bar or bat mitzvah, this is a wonderful opportunity to rekindle your connection with Torah through publicly chanting these holiest of words. It’s never too early to start practicing, so please call the temple or email Cantor Korn at [email protected] to volunteer. Cantor Korn will provide all of the materials you need to be prepared for the holidays. Priority will be given to those who have not chanted on the High Holy Days before.

Yizkor Book of Remembrance
Temple Isaiah is publishing the annual Yizkor Book of Remembrance for the High Holy Days. If you would like your names and the names of your beloved departed included in the book, please login to your Temple account to complete the form no later than Friday, September 1, 2017. Questions? Contact [email protected]

Service schedule and details at www.temple-isaiah.org/highholydays
Social Justice
Reform CA Lobby Day in Sacramento
Tuesday, August 22 10am-3pm
REGISTER NOW and let Rabbi LeVine know you'll be joining our delegation. 

Save the Date: Sunday, October 15, Temple Isaiah Social Justice/Action Kickoff
If you are involved with or interested in any of Temple Isaiah's social justice and social action efforts to make our world a kinder and more just place, Sunday, October 15 is the day to show up. We will learn together, inspire each other, and plan in smaller groups for the coming year. More details to come. Contact Rabbi LeVine with any questions. 

Many Ways To Support Temple Isaiah
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/

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)283-6608.
 
Corporate Matching Gifts
Please consider asking your employer for corporate matching gift opportunities. Questions? Contact the Temple office at (925) 283-8575.

Free Money
Please support Temple Isaiah when searching and shopping online with these partners:
Jewish Community 
URJ Biennial 2017 registration is now open!
Help us put together a gold delegation! If we have at least 12 registrants from Temple Isaiah, each will be refunded at the discounted rate and receive lots of other perks. Click for more details and to  register here today
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Cal State University, Easy Bay Monthly lectures are held in the Oak Room, courses in classrooms on the Concord Campus of Cal State East Bay, 47000 Ygnacio Valley Blvd., Concord. All lectures are free to OLLI members, there is a charge for courses. Brochures of the complete Spring/Summer 2017 OLLI program are available in the Temple House & on the carousel in the entrance to the Sanctuary. For further information, please call the OLLI office at (925) 602-6776 or go on line to our website at www.scholarolli.com


UNDER ONE TENT
Temple Isaiah is proud to present UNDER ONE TENT, Contra Costa's Jewish Book & ARTS Festival. Book talks, a gardening demonstration, multi-week classes, lectures, galas, film screenings and more are on our exciting line-up. Detailed information about all of our festival programs can be found at: www.underonetent.org
Angel Network
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.
Your Jewish Neighborhood
Be a member mensch
Want to help make Your Jewish Neighborhood even better? Be a member mensch! Invite your non-member family and friends to your next service or event so they too can experience all that Temple Isaiah has to offer. Mention your love for Temple Isaiah when you're out in the community. Have a prospective member lead? Please introduce them to the Temple Isaiah clergy and staff and take pride in helping to connect others with our caring community. 

Havurot
Want Your Jewish Neighborhood feel a little cozier? Consider joining a havurah .

Already in a Havurah? Please join our active havurah database and contact the membership coordinator with any questions, ideas, milestones, and photos.
We'd love to hear from you! 
There When You Need Us
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.
Stay Connected

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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.