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

Sunday, December 10

JQuest and Adult Education

9am Caregiver Support Group at CCJDS

10am Meditation at CCJDS

11am WOI Kulanu Chanukah Party

Tuesday, December 12

10am Neshamah Yoga in the Adult Lounge

4pm JQuest

7pm Business Connections in the Adult Lounge

Wednesday, December 13

11:30am W.I.S.E. Ones Seniors Group in the Adult Lounge

4pm JQuest

6:45pm Noar Night

7pm Adult Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary

Thursday, December 14

11:30am Midrash in the Beit Knesset

7:30pm Anshei Isaiah at Jewish Heritage Night with GS Warriors

Friday, December 15

9:15am Ganeinu Jewish Playgroup in the Adult Lounge

6pm Happy Half Hour Oneg

6:15pm Chanukah Flash Mob Rehearsal in the Sanctuary

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

Saturday, December 16

9:15am Torah Study in the Beit Knesset

10:30am Shabbat Morning Service in the Beit Knesset

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

Chanukah Shabbat Service

Friday, December 15

6pm Happy Half Hour Oneg

6:15pm Chanukah Flash Mob Rehearsal

6:30pm Chanukah Shabbat service w/ the Mizmor Band in the Sanctuary. What do you get when you combine Shabbat with Chanukah? A delicious celebration of freedom that sheds light during these dark days of winter. Join us for a special Shabbat service with Chanukah celebration and sing along with our Mizmor Band. Remember to bring your chanukiyah and candles for the communal lighting on the bima. Enjoy the beautiful display worthy of the social media hashtag #TI8Nights. We will begin the evening by enjoying the early Chanukah oneg. Want to participate in this year's Chanukah Flash Mob? Enter the Sanctuary at 6:15pm to learn the moves.

Torah Study

Saturday, December 16 at 9:15am 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 Morning Service "Bringing the URJ Biennial Spirit Home" with Rabbi Shanks and Cantor Korn

Saturday, December 16 at 10:30am in the Beit Knesset

Join us Saturday morning for worship from liturgy in Mishkan T’filah, the Reform Movement’s prayer book.

Caregiver Support Group

Sunday, December 10 at 9am in the CCJDS Lounge

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, December 10 at 10am at CCJDS

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

Kulanu and WOI Chanukah Party

Sunday, December 10 from 11am to 1:30pm in the Social Hall

Temple Isaiah families with young children are invited to our annual Chanukah Party. Cost is $5/person. Click here to register online. Please bring a book to donate to the Jewish Coalition for Literacy.

Neshamah Yoga

Tuesday, December 12 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

TI Business Connections Schmooze

Tuesday, December 12 at 7pm in the Adult Lounge

Come make business connections with your TI member community. Bring your business cards and an elevator speech. Member Don Wayne will give a brief presentation on year end tax tips, including year charitable donations. Don is an Enrolled Agent, running his own tax firm and skilled in Cash Flow, Tax Preparation, Sales Tax, Accounting, Tax Preparation, and Asset Protection. All members are welcome. No R.S.V.P. required.

W.I.S.E. Ones Hanukkah Party

Wednesday, December 13 at 11:30am in the Adult Lounge

Come join in the fun as we celebrate the Festival of Lights together. We’ll enjoy latkes and sweets, a trivia game and Temple member Mark Langberg will visit with his therapy dog Tova. Our group is open to all seniors to participate in “Wise and Inspiring Social Engagement “ There’ll be plenty of time to schmooze and get to know each other better. Please bring your own lunch. Questions or need a ride? please contact Jan Trzesniewski at 925-376-0361 or Julie Bell at [email protected] 

Midrash

Thursday, December 14 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, December 15 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.

Chanukah Flash Mob

Sunday, December 17 at 1pm at Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek

Join us for our second annual Chanukah Flash Mob! Rehearsal opportunities during JQuest Sunday, December 10, before the Shabbat Service Friday, December 15 at 6:15pm in the Sanctuary and Sunday, December 17 at 11am in the Adult Lounge. One of the central values of Chanukah is the commandment "pirsum ha'nes" - to "publicize the miracle." Help us spread joyful Judaism through dance! Click here to practice.

Sacred Chant and Healing Circle

Monday, December 18 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.

Volunteers Still Needed For Winter Nights Shelter

Monday, December 18 to Monday, January 1

Details at www.temple-isaiah.org/wn Winter Nights Rotating Family Shelter is a project of the Interfaith Council of Contra Costa and Temple Isaiah Chesed direct service program.

Tefillah Thursday

Thursday, December 21 at 8:30am in the Sanctuary

Refresh your soul every Thursday morning with a healthy dose of prayer! Join our clergy 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.

Tot Shabbat Evening

Friday, December 22 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

Mussar and Meditation with Rabbi Shanks and Jeanette Gross

Saturday, December 23 at 10:30am in the Beit Knesset

MuShu and a Movie featuring "Hey Hey It's Esther Blueberger"

Sunday, December 24 at 6pm in the Adult Lounge

Everyone is welcome for the annual Jewish tradition of chinese food and a movie sponsored by Anshei Isaiah. Dinner cost for Temple members is $20 for adults/teens, $15 for kids under 13; $25/17 for non-members. Movie snacks, beverages and dessert are included. Adults may bring their own beer and wine. Click here to pay online through your Temple Isaiah Chaverweb account, or send a check (payable to Anshei Isaiah) to the the Temple office by December 20.

Mussar and Meditation with Rabbi LeVine

Saturday, December 30 at 10:30am in the Beit Knesset

Jewish Book Group

Wednesday, January 3 at 10:30am in the Adult Lounge

A Backpack, a Bear, and Eight Crates of Vodka by Lev Golinkin – Non-Fiction

A compelling story of two intertwined journeys: a Jewish refugee family fleeing persecution and a young man seeking to reclaim a shattered past. In the twilight of the Cold War (the late 1980s), nine-year old Lev Golinkin and his family cross the Soviet border with only ten suitcases, $600, and the vague promise of help awaiting in Vienna. Years later, Lev, now an American adult, sets out to retrace his family’s long trek, locate the strangers who fought for his freedom, and in the process, gain a future by understanding his past.

Women of Isaiah Y.E.S. Fund Lunch. All Are Welcome (Men too)!

Sunday, January 7 at 12pm in the Social Hall

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

HaMakom Grief Support Group

Sunday, January 7 at 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, January 7 from 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.

Israel and World Jewry Committee Presents: "Israel's Place In The World" with Israel's Consul General to San Francisco Shlomi Kofman

Thursday, January 11 at 7pm in the Sanctuary

Join us for this community-wide welcome for our new consul general who will share some of his insights with us. This event is free of charge and open to the public. Community dessert reception to follow. Co-sponsored by Women of Isaiah. R.S.V.P. and sign up for dessert item at www.temple-isaiah.org/israelandworldjewry

Tot Shabbat Morning

Saturday, January 13 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

Shabbat Celebrating Completion of the Fund for Our Jewish Future

Friday, January 19 with 6pm Oneg and 6:30pm Service in the Sanctuary

Join Your Jewish Neighborhood for a special shabbat celebrating the completion of the Fund for Our Jewish Future and honoring Rabbi Roberto D. Graetz and our generous community.

Temple Isaiah at Women's March Contra Costa

Saturday, January 20 at 11am at Civic Park, Walnut Creek

Join Your Jewish Neighborhood's Tzedek Social Justice Teams in solidarity at the Women's March Contra Costa. The event is non-partisan and all are welcome to attend. The gathering will begin at 10:30am with rally starting at 11am. The march will start at 12pm and circle downtown Walnut Creek. Questions? Please contact Values in Action chair Leslie Shafton . More details at www.womensmarchcontracosta.org

“Extremis” Film and Discussion with Dr. Jessica Zitter

Sunday, January 21 at 4pm in the Sanctuary

The 2017 Oscar-nominated film “Extremis”, directed by filmmaker, Dan Krauss, is a heart-wrenching documentary that follows Jessica Zitter, her team and their patients as they grapple with urgent end-of-life medical decision-making in Oakland, California’s Highland Hospital ICU. Dr. Zitter is the author of the new book, Extreme Measures – Finding a Better Path to the End of Life. Please join us for the film and discussion, followed by meet and greet with book signing. This event is free and open to the public. Sponsored by Temple Isaiah’s Morris and Bobbie Collen Endowment Fund. Presented in partnership with Jewish Community Center of the East Bay, Jewish Federation of the East Bay, Jewish Family & Community Services East Bay, Lehrhaus Judaica, and Contra Costa JCC.

P'tach Libeynu - Support Group for Caregivers

Monday, January 22 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] 

Tu Bi'Shvat Seder

Save the date - Saturday, January 27 at 10:30am in the Oneg Room

Anshei Isaiah Trivia Night

Save the date - Saturday, January 27 at 6pm in the Social Hall

Israel 360 Course with Ilan Vitemberg

Wednesday, February 7 at 7pm in the Adult Lounge

Come to Temple Isaiah for one, two, or all three of these incredible workshops that will help us better understand Israel and Israeli society in the 21st century. Looking through different forms of media (popular tv, news, and music), we will explore what and who Israel is today, and what it means for us as Jews in California. The first session on "Home/Homeland" is an exploration of the meaning of Israel as a homeland for Jews around the world through cellcom and Tnuvah commercials and TV ads put on by Israel's Ministry of Absorption. These courses are free of charge. Registration required with [email protected] or (925) 284-9191. Click here for flyer.

As a nonprofit, we count on volunteers and additional donations throughout the year to fulfill our mission. Here are some of the many ways to support Temple Isaiah.

Love, Legacy and L'Chaim! An Evening of Fun Honoring Rabbi Judy Shanks

Saturday, March 24, 2018 at 6pm at the San Ramon Marriott

On Saturday, March 24, 2018, Temple Isaiah will be holding our annual gala, Love, Legacy, and L'Chaim! An Evening of Fun Honoring Rabbi Judy Shanks at the San Ramon Marriott. We hope you will join us for this spectacular evening filled with live music and entertainment, a silent and live auction, fabulous raffle prizes, a delicious feast and more! Donations needed for our auction and sponsorships available. Details at www.temple-isaiah.org/gala2018

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, community fund and other 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.

You are receiving this message as a subscriber to our "Shavua Tov: Temple Isaiah's Weekly Newsletter" email list. To manage your email list preferences, click "Update Lists" below. We have several lists to which you can subscribe. If you click unsubscribe, you will no longer receive any Temple Isaiah email. Questions? Please contact the Temple office at (925) 283-8575.

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.