Congregation B'nai Harim
at the Nevada County
Jewish Community Center
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May /June 5781 - 2021 Newsletter |
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Nevada County Jewish
Community Center Newsletter
Serving the members of our Diverse Community
as together we search , study, learn the history, the culture,
the principles, the Values ..... explore and take on moments here and there
of just what does it mean, how does it feel to take on this Jewish experience ?
What is this Jewish Identity .......
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Celebrating
Mothers Day May 9th
Shavout May 16-18
Tisha B'Av July 17-18
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1st and 3rd Friday Night Shabbat Services via Zoom
May 7th and 21st
June 4th and 18th
No Services in July
with
Rabbi David Azen joined by
Rabbi Alan Greenbaum or Sharon Joy Jahoda
Time: 07:30 PM Pacific Time
(US and Canada)
1st and 3rd Saturday Torah Study
via Zoom
May 8th and 21st
June 5th and 19th
No Services In July
with Rabbi David Azen
@10:00 am
followed by
Kabballah & the Enneagram with Rabbi David
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Rabbi David Azen
Watch the weekly Schmooze for In-person updates, dates and times.
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Important Dates
Sisterhood Meeting
May 6th
June 3rd
July - No meeting
NCJCC Board Meeting
May 6th
June 3rd
July 1st
Sunday SChool/Rabbi's Kids
Youth Hebrew Classes every Tuesday
Adult Hebrew Classes the first and Third Wednesdays of each month
Rabbi Office hours
Sundays 10-11
by appointment only please.
You may contact Rabbi Directly or the NCJCC Office
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Shavuot is the Hebrew word for “weeks,” and the holiday occurs seven weeks after Passover. Shavuot, like many other Jewish holidays, began as an ancient agricultural festival that marked the end of the spring barley harvest and the beginning of the summer wheat harvest. In ancient times, Shavuot was a pilgrimage festival during which Israelites brought crop offerings to the Temple in Jerusalem. Today, it is a celebration of Torah, education, and the choice to participate actively in Jewish life.
How to Observe Shavuot from Home This Year
https://reformjudaism.org/blog/how-observe-shavuot-home-year
https://reformjudaism.org/jewish-holidays/shavuot
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Working to keep everyone safe |
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In-Person Services will be listed in the schmooze. Nevada County is currently in the Red tier.
We are working hard to provide a safe environment for everyone and appreciate your help in following all county and state requirements.
All attendees must wear a mask and maintain a
6 ft physical distance to others.
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Rabbi Message, Board Message, Fresher Sacramento, Covid-19 resources, Education Programs
Men's Club, Sisterhood, Book Club, Membership, and
Landscaping (Backyard) Project
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Chevra/Friends:
As I write, Israel is defending itself against a barrage of rocket fire that has already taken lives. You may know that, dafka, wouldn’t you know it, the very day my daughter Eliza drafted into the army, war breaks out. Had she still be in Raanana just another day, where she’s been prepping for months, she would undoubtedly be in the bomb shelter with her host family, who are holed up as are hundreds of thousands of others. She is safe in the north right now, but many she loves, and we love as our people, are living in fear. Innocent civilians in Gaza are also suffering from the attacks and counterattacks, and unrest is spreading in Israeli cities.
The roots of this tragedy are deep and multi-layered, and as Thomas Friedman quoted Moshe Halbertal, "The tinder was a collision of 'sacred times' and 'sacred territories." The holiest day in the holy month of Ramadan, combined with Yom Y’rushalayim, Israel’s celebration of the retaking of Jerusalem in 1967, along with protests over potential evictions of Palestinian residents in Sheikh Jarrah, have all synergized to light the spark on a heap of fuel from history and the present, which we can only hope and pray will be quelled quickly and lead to a stable peace.
As Rabbi Josh Weinberg, President of the Association of Reform Zionists of America (ARZA) writes: “Israel deserves to live as a free nation in its own land. That right is being threatened now by terrorists who are instilling terror in Jews and Palestinians alike. Israel does not want to enter Gaza, nor does it want to punish innocent Palestinians. It does, however, have an obligation to protect its citizens and must eradicate the source of rocket fire from deep within the most densely populated area in the world.
“The ongoing incitement by both Palestinian and Israeli extremists is pushing the prospect of a two-state solution further and further out of reach. Nevertheless, we must remain committed to the goal of the Palestinian people living with dignity and peace in their own state.”
We pray that there will be those on both sides, and from all who want to see a just and lasting peace, who will work to bring about a better time ahead.
by Rabbi Ofer Sabath Beit-Halachmi
(English Translation with Rabbi Rachel Sabath Beit-Halachmi, Ph.D.)
"…Please, with the great force of Your right hand,
Spread over the protectors of our land the canopy of Your peace, Lift Your hand over them, save them from all enemy and ambush, from all bullets that threaten their souls.
Given them strength and heart, to distinguish between enemy and lover between the people of wickedness and the people of Abraham.
Please, with the great force of Your right hand,
Guard the state of Israel, our eternal homeland.
For the sake of exalting Your name among all the inhabitants of the world,
Please with force,
Please
without use of force."
Amen,
Rabbi David
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May 2, 2021 Annual Meeting President’s Message
At this year’s annual meeting, I presented “A short short-year in review.” What follows is a longer version of that address.
David Cohen and Mike Atlas have kept us updated monthly on financials. We’ve re-addressed the budget and been kept afloat. The Board discussed the loss of income from fundraising and other sources due to COVID-19. We came to realize that it actually costs $1,400 per family to cover just the operating costs. The Board requested that those who can pay more please do. Thanks to a well crafted message by David Cohen, responses to this supplemental ask were generous. We still haven’t collected all the pledges, so please send in your funds if you haven’t already. Our finances were also enhanced by a PPP loan.
With creative adaptation from Kinneret, Sunday school continued. We had in-person Sukkot celebration in our newly built Sukkah thanks to Shawn Polivoi, Gordon Mann, and Jerry Waxman. We also had an in-person Hanukah celebration. The Purim-In-Bag Celebration, led by the Sisterhood, with Youth Group participation was a major hit and fundraiser for our community.
The Rabbi held Zoom classes (Torah study, Kabala, and Enneagram), met with the Rabbi’s kids regularly, and with Rabbi Greenbaum’s help, we distributed prayer books to members to maintain a presence having services, both Friday night and High Holiday (including in-person when possible). We often had special appearances by Rabbi Greenbaum, which was always a treat. High Holidays brought roughly 50 windows, for 60 viewers. And remember, the Rabbi is available for office hours Sunday morning, just let him or Teresa in the office know you’d like to set an appointment. We’ve also started to increase our presence in social media. Technology worked well and taught us a lot about ways to stay connected for years to come.
With the work of a number of members (extra special thanks to Mike Gaynor, Ed Strongin, Teresa Eckerling, and Gail Atlas) the Directory went out on schedule. Each year the directory seems to look nicer and nicer. I can’t wait until this year.
We’ve maintained or grown our membership (thanks to Jan Brenner, and others).
Sisterhood has had robust programming, including: Cooking class, Book Club, Fundraisers and meaningful community and NCJCC donations. For the May meeting I was guest speaker. I was honored to share and reflect on my recent travelling experience treating COVID-19 patients and give an update on the status of COVID-19 in Nevada County. We will remain Red Tier for a while.
Our backyard development has continued (very special thanks to those of you who are on the backyard committee, but extra special thanks to Mya, Iola, Jerry, and Ralph). I hope you’ve seen the updated pamphlet or you’ve enjoyed the backyard yourself. We need to raise more funds for the next stage, which includes staining fencing, more irrigation, pathway installation in preparation for the Memorial Garden (with burial and ceremony of to be retired Prayer books). Eva is donating a new tool shed and another member donated two Ez-ups. In the stage after next, we’ll need chairs and a shed in which to store them, and then finally the Pavilion.
Security enhancements continue, including a new camera and video system (thanks to Sisterhood for providing funds for this project); and thanks to John Lamont and David Cohen for installing it. Our fire alarm system has been tuned up and Teresa, with Mike and Iola’s help, was able to update our Comcast and save us $100/mo.
Iola has represented us at the Interfaith Nevada County Group. They’ve had events, with more collaboration to come. They’ve asked for paper bags, egg cartons, and canned food. You can leave donations in our collection bin at the back of the synagogue.
We’ve welcomed new Board members mid-stream, thank you Shawn Polivoi, and John Lamont. We’ve had Board presence and input from Max Eckerling, and expert meeting scribing by Kaya Russell. And of course Mya Russell, as our new Secretary, has stepped up the quality and timeliness of Board Minutes. We will start publishing the board meeting minutes in the Schmooze. The Schmooze and other announcements have gone out regularly, as has a Newsletter, thanks to Teresa. Our website remains updated.
We had to cancel The Corner Deli at the Fair (which went on-line last year) and Deli Night. This year, the Fair is on at the Fairgrounds, and after many years of Ralph’s leadership, the Torch has been passed to John Lamont. I know Ralph, Jerry and Mike will continue their vital roles and help John. Deli Night should return this year, albeit in a different form like a drive thru. Additional fundraisers will be added. One such fundraiser may be a Golf Tournament (to be headed up by Gordon Mann and Rabbi Azen). Sales at the Judaica Shop continue.
The Bylaws committee, led by David Cohen, was fully functional and drafted what will be known as the most comprehensive, most detailed review and amended Bylaws in our history.
In April, with the Remick’s leadership, the 5th Friday films have resumed; we had our first film and discussion. Movie titled “Never Again Is Now,” a film about anti-Semitism. Ralph pointed out that it’s not just anti-Semitism, but Anti-Judaism.
Mya, Kinneret, and I began spring cleaning and spent quality time in the attic sorting through books and art and Prayer Books to be buried. We’ll need help in the Library.
The Annual Community Picnic is Sunday, May 16, 2021 here from 11:30am-2:30pm. Please join us in the backyard.
We are always looking for ways to connect with all our members in a more meaningful way. The Board welcomes your suggestions.
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"Fresher Sacramento seeks to enable everyone to go to bed well-fed and build wealth from health for generations to come. With nearly a quarter of a million folks in Sacramento County lacking regular access to affordable, nutritious food, our team of Fresher Chefs are cooking up a brand new model for making sure everyone goes to bed well fed, by preparing affordable, convenient, delicious, and nutritious meals for folks who lack the time, knowledge, and resources to prepare their own."
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Copy and paste the following links to your web browser.
CDC - Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19- Step by step instructions to make your own face mask.
CDC -Frequently Asked Questions
Have you found a resource you would like to share? Please email NCJCC@outlook.com and we will post it in the Schmooze.
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Youth and Adult Education |
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Kinneret Vinitzky, Principal Religious, Hebrew School
for Children, Youth and Adult Education.
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Congratulations to all of our students for persevering during this difficult time and continuing your education.
I am very proud of you!
I look forward to seeing you all at the Picnic on May 16th.
Have a wonderful summer break.
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Dan Kalt, Youth Coordinator |
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We'll be planning more fun activities for our temple teens / tweens as the year starts and throughout the year. If anyone is interested in helping out, please don't hesitate to contact the Rabbi or myself at dankalt@yahoo.com.
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The Mens Club is hosting the first annual NCJCC Golf Tournament this fall, working on an October Sunday date, likely at Alta Sierra. More information to come. Start practicing those shots and tell your friends about it. Rabbi David is the golfer to beat in this fun and relaxing outing. No sacrifices, no rushing with unleavened bread; opportunities for mulligans and length and accuracy shots. As soon as the date is fixed, please mark your calendars.
The Mens Club continues to host the Fifth Friday Film Festival (the 4 F’s) with interesting meaningful movies to be shown in a Covid spaced environment at the NCJCC. Join us April 30, July 30, October 29, and possibly December 31st….. Movie titles to be provided.
The Mens Club Sunday Hikes are being planned for the days the Sunday School is in session, and then the first and third Sunday in June, July, and August. Visit the amazing trails we have in Nevada County, and enjoy a socially distanced walk with friends, followed by a refreshment snack. First hikes to be planned in May. Open to all, masks only required for meet up in close quarters. We will follow the Mary West hike guide, and other location suggestions are welcome.
A reminder, the Mens Club hosted activities are open to all NCJCC members, guests, and can offer a great way to introduce other community members to our organization and all the welcoming unorthodox Jewishness we do in Nevada County.
Stay safe, vaccinate if you’re comfortable, and celebrate the learnings and good things that have come from this pandemic that have changed our lives so significantly.
Contact Gordon Mann at sharkmann@suddenlink.net for more information, to suggest an interesting speaker, or to schedule an event.
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Lee Nold-Lewis, President |
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Our 2020-2021 Officers:
President:
Lee Nold-Lewis
VP Programs:
Ruth Goodin and Jackie Levy
VP Membership:
Carol Brown
VP Fundraising:
Cheryl Kelly and Karen Oakley
Secretary:
Judy Silberman
Treasurer:
Gail Atlas
Corresponding Secretary:
Lori Cohen
We welcome any women who would like to join us!
Please contact Carol Brown, Sisterhood Membership Chair, at 831-578-2101
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Book Club discussions do continue on the second Monday of the month. Contact Arlene Waxman at 530-478-9484 for additional information.
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Jan Brenner, Membership Chair |
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If you haven't already or you are new to the area, please fill out the membership renewal form and mail it to Congregation B'nai Harim at P.O box 1426. If you did not receive a copy in the mail, please reply to this email with your mailing address or call the office at (530) 477-0922. |
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History
Several years ago we did a lot split with the neighbors and purchased additional land which allowed for our kids to be able to play on their recently purchased play structure with plenty of room to run around. We cleared many diseased and invasive trees and did an initial grading of the property to create a more usable space. We seeded the ground and ran movable sprinklers, which created a temporary ground cover to keep the dirt down. We then built a deck with wheelchair ramp for better access to the backyard. We created a backyard design plan with the help of a landscape designer and for a while had plans on hold while we worked on raising additional funding.
Spring 2020
We received a very generous matching donation of $50,000 which enabled us to get a jump start on the first few phases of development and we made major progress as you can see in the above photos. We regraded the land, ran water and electrical lines, put in irrigation, drip systems, lawn, plants, and trees, added playground chips in the play area, installed fencing and gates and a large concrete patio. It really looks amazing and once we raise the matching $50,000 we will be able to complete the project.
In Progress
We are staining the fence and installing a tool shed for lawn and garden equipment and will add additional shredded bark to cover needed areas and install outdoor lighting.
Upcoming
We’ve done a lot, but there is still much more that needs to be done. In order to complete the project, we need to raise the matching $50,000. Here is what the funds will go to:
· Install handicap accessible concrete walkway along the side of building to patio and fill in needed areas in front
· Install pavilion over concrete patio
· Install outdoor kitchen with sink and propane BBQ
· Install Star of David shaped memorial rose garden and handicap accessible pathway leading to it
· Purchase and install storage shed for outdoor folding chairs and umbrellas
· Purchase outdoor folding chairs
· Install raised vegetable garden beds
· Refurbish flower garden area in front of building
· Install plaque honoring all donors that contributed to the land purchase and backyard development
It’s a Mitzvah!
Please make your tax-deductible donation to help us meet our $50,000 donation match and finish our backyard development project.
Sponsorship Levels
· Diamond $10,000+
· Platinum $5,000+
· Gold $2,500+
· Silver $1,000+
· Bronze $500+
· Copper $100+
· Other ____
Donations can be made by cash, check or credit card. Mail donations to NCJCC, P.O. Box 1426, Grass Valley, CA 95945 or visit www.ncjcc.org and scroll down to click the “Donate Now” button to pay by credit card. Please write “backyard” in the memo line.
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Happy Birthday to you!
May and June 2021
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May and June 2021 -
Happy Anniversary to you!!
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We honor those who went before us....who helped us become who we are! |
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By sharing the names of family and friends
who forever hold a special, precious place
in our hearts and minds .....
the people who we keep close within our
person as we move
We Remember
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Thank you to our Sponsors |
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506 Walsh Street, Grass Valley, CA 95945
P.O. Box 1426
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