Congregation B'nai Harim
at the Nevada County
Jewish Community Center
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September 5780 - 2020 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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Join us as we celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
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First and Third Friday each month
Friday Night Shabbat Services
..........Online via ZOOM, Facebook
with
Rabbi David Azen joined by
Rabbi Alan Greenbaum
Time: 07:30 PM Pacific Time
(US and Canada)
Following Friday Night Services
Saturday Torah Study
......Online
Via Zoom
with Rabbi David Azen
@10:00 am
September 4,5 and 18,19
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Important Dates
September 10th - Sisterhood Board Installation 10-12:30
September 13th Sunday school, K-7 and Rabbi's Kids
September 18 and 19 - Rosh Hashanah Services
September 20th Sunday school, and K-7
September 27 and 28 Yom Kippur Services
September 27th Sunday school, K-7 and Rabbi's Kids
At this time all services will be conducted via Zoom.
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***High Holidays***
If you would like to have a prayer book for the services please
email NCJCC@outlook.com to arrange a time for
pick up at 506 Walsh Street or Delivery to your home.
High Holydays 5781/2020 Schedule
We’ll use the same Zoom information for all services
as for our regular Friday evening services
Rosh Hashanah
Erev/Evening Friday, September 17, 7:30 PM
Morning Saturday, September 18, 10:00 AM
Yom Kippur
Kol Nidre Sunday, September 27, 7:30 PM
Morning Monday, September 28, 10:00 AM
Study 4:00 PM (weather permitting at B’nai)
Yizkor/Neilah 5:00 PM “
Break the Fast 6:00 PM
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Rosh HaShanah
Rosh HaShanah (literally, “Head of the Year”) is the Jewish New Year, a time of prayer, self-reflection, and t'shuvah. We review our actions during the past year, and we look for ways to improve ourselves, our communities, and our world in the year to come.
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The holiday marks the beginning of a 10-day period, known as the Yamim Nora-im (“Days of Awe” or “High Holidays”), ushered in by Rosh HaShanah and culminating with Yom Kippur (the “Day of Atonement”). Rosh HaShanah is widely observed by Jews throughout the world, often with prayer and reflection in a synagogue. There also are several holiday rituals observed at home.
Rosh HaShanah is celebrated on the first day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, which – because of differences in the solar and lunar calendar – corresponds to September or October on the Gregorian or secular calendar. Customs associated with the holiday include sounding the shofar, eating a round challah, and tasting apples and honey to represent a sweet NewYear.
Here are 6 things you can do to get ready for Rosh HaShanah.
1. MAKE TIME FOR SPIRITUAL SELF-REFLECTION AND STUDY.
2. INVOLVE CHILDREN IN HOLIDAY PREPARATIONS.
3. COMMEMORATE DEPARTED LOVED ONES.
4. PLAN A HIGH HOLIDAY MENU.
5. LISTEN TO THE SOUNDS OF THE HIGH HOLIDAYS.
6. ATTEND SELICHOT SERVICES ONLINE.
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Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur means "Day of Atonement" and refers to the annual Jewish observance of fasting, prayer, and repentance. Part of the High Holidays, which also includes Rosh HaShanah (the Jewish New Year), Yom Kippur is considered the holiest day on the Jewish calendar.
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Yom Kippur is the moment in Jewish time when we dedicate our mind, body, and soul to reconciliation with our fellow human beings, ourselves, and God. As the New Year begins, we commit to self-reflection and inner change. As both seekers and givers of pardon, we turn first to those whom we have wronged, acknowledging our sins and the pain we have caused them. We are also commanded to forgive, to be willing to let go of any resentment we feel towards those who have committed offenses against us. Only then can we turn to God and ask for forgiveness. As we read in the Yom Kippur liturgy, “And for all these, God of forgiveness, forgive us, pardon us, and grant us atonement.”
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Messages from our Rabbi, our Board President, Education Programs
Men's Club, Sisterhood, Book Club, Membership, and
Update Landscaping (Backyard ) Project
Please send in your Membership Renewal forms soon. We are working on our Annual Directory and want to make sure you are included with current information. See the membership section below.
If you have a business or know someone who does, please consider advertising in our annual Directory. You can contact the NCJCC @outlook.com. We request all files in PDF format.
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Dearest Friends,
We are most fortunate to live in a time when we can still connect with each other during the upcoming holydays; in 1918, synagogues were closed along with other houses of worship to prevent the spread of the Spanish flu. Sermons were mailed to congregants, which must have been a lot of fun for everyone.
Our novel Rosh Hashanah 5781 cure-us for a closed shul enables us to see each other online through the grace of Zoom. A suggestion for everyone: Set up a special spot in your home for services, treat it like sacred space for the times we’re worshipping. The home is considered a Mikdash M’at, a Small Sanctuary anyway. Add flowers, candles, wine/juice, and challah to join in the blessings (skip the latter for Yom Kippur, lol).
Erev Rosh Hashanah, Friday September 18 at 7:30, and Saturday the 19th at 10:00, Rabbi Alan and I will be on the bimah in real time with you in the safety of your homes. Ted Zalkind will sound the shofar resoundingly once again, and Bernie Zimmerman will chant Torah.
Yom Kippur will come to you in real time as well, 7:30 p.m. on Sunday evening the 27th with our Kol Nidre crew, including SharonJoy Jahoda; Saturday the 28th, 10 a.m. for morning services, then 4 p.m. for study, 5 p.m. for Yizkor and Neilah. Depending on weather, we’ll have the afternoon study and services and break the fast in the backyard with social distancing – still with zoom for those not able or comfortable to be in person.
High Holydays 5781/2020 Schedule
We’ll use the same Zoom information for all services
as for our regular Friday evening services
Rosh Hashanah
Erev/Evening Friday, September 17, 7:30 PM
Morning Saturday, September 18, 10:00 AM
Yom Kippur
Kol Nidre Sunday, September 27, 7:30 PM
Morning Monday, September 28, 10:00 AM
Study 4:00 PM (weather permitting at B’nai)
Yizkor/Neilah 5:00 PM “
Break the Fast 6:00 PM
We’ll use the same Zoom info for all services as for our regular Friday evening services:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87166466255
Meeting ID: 871 6646 6255
As we approach these Days of Awe amidst so many events and issues and forces tugging our hearts and minds in so many different directions, it is more important than ever to keep our spirits up, alive and clear. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to be with us for our Shabbat zooming services, we’ve found there’s a different kind of connectivity and intimacy from being able to see everyone at the same time and share abbreviated prayers (a boon for those allergic to lengthy services!) and have a chance to interact.
Please join us, online and, at the end of Yom Kippur, in person – I look forward to connecting with everyone as we take on the challenges and opportunities for growth that lie ahead.
L’shalom and Shana Tova,
Rabbi David
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There can only be a Rainbow after the storm. While COVID-19 has rained on our parade, thanks to the dedication of Board Members, other NCJCC Leaders and our two Rabbi’s, supported by the resiliency, good humor and adaptability of the members of the congregation remaining steadfast in their commitment to keeping our Jewish family together, we will weather the storm and enjoy the rainbow together.
Of course we have been treated to nearly weekly breaks in the storm with ZOOM, the on line form of communication that has provided a platform for Friday Night Shabbat Services, Saturday Torah study, Kinneret’s Learning sessions with Children, Parents and Adults, and Rabbi’s Kids. We remained able to sponsor and enjoy Jewish activities like our Zoom Passover Seder which was a memorable and wonderful event that allowed us to include family members and folks from out of town. It is hard for me to remember what it was like pre-COVID-19, but I hope to have my memory refreshed soon.
It was wonderful to see and experience, even if we had to wear masks, stay 6 feet apart and not touch each other, in our magical back yard on a sunny day in June as we gathered for our Annual Picnic.
Though it had to be rescheduled from our usual date in May, on August 9th a handful (or two handfuls) of people took part, by ZOOM, in our Annual Membership Meeting. If you have not yet heard, Iola Gold and David Cohen were re-elected to serve on our Board of Directors for a second Three Year Term.
After an active two-year term, Iola stepped down as President to accept other leadership opportunities. She immediately had in mind to cajole me into considering the position. Board members moved quickly to officially confirm the suggestion as I soon found myself accepting to serve as President. I am grateful for the following Team of Leaders who will comprise the Board of Directors and serve in other Important Leadership Roles.
NCJCC, Congregation B’nai Harim Board of Directors
Officers
Garrett Eckerling - President
David Cohen - VP Finance & Policy
Iola Gold - VP Public Relations / Development
Mya Russell - Secretary / Advertising
Members
Jan Brenner - Membership Director
Kinneret Vinitzky
Dan Kalt
Patricia Smith
Sisterhood and Men’s Club Representatives
Gordon Mann -President, Men’s Club
Ruth Goodin - Sisterhood Representative
Congregation Rabbi
Rabbi David Azen
Rabbi Emeritus
Rabbi Alan Greenbaum
Other NCJCC Leadership and Staff
Sisterhood President - Lee Nold-Lewis
Men’s Club President – Gordon Mann
Bookkeeper - Mike Atlas
Director Children, Youth and Adult Education) – Kinneret Vinitzky
Office Manager/ Artistic Design - Teresa Eckerling
Director Facilities and Property Jerry Waxman
Youth Activities Leader – Dan Kalt
Other members who have been vital to the success of our many diverse services, programs and activities over the last year include: Lori Cohen, Dana Valensky, SharonJoy Jahoda, Holly Leeds, Mike Atlas, Josh Lichterman, Ralph Remick, Kurt Remick, Una Korbin, Eva Lamm-Ruben, Gail Atlas, Ed Strongin, Mike Gaynor, and Teresa Eckerling. And those are only the people I know about, there are other people, too.
Even though we are not sharing our “Home” in person right now as before, we remain enthusiastic and committed to do what it takes to keep our doors open and welcoming. We will be able o enjoy our back yard for a number of upcoming activities.
The Annual Directory which will be available later this month will provide organizational information, calendars of events and more. It will celebrate programs and events and recognize those who have made it possible for our community to continue to offer a wide variety of Jewish services and programs to our community. The important point to remember is that we are mostly all volunteers who are working extremely hard. None of us seek praise or recognition for what we do, but all of us appreciate when everyone is involved…when everyone pitches in.
If you have recommendations for activities or programs that can be shared within the COVID 19 environment or have ideas of how to ensure our fiscal viability, please let me know. If you know of a fundraiser, or even better if you will organize a fundraiser, let me know.
Despite the upcoming flu season (get your flu and COVID-19 shot, Dr’s order), I believe the worst of the storm is passing. As we continue to stick together, we will be able to enjoy the coming rainbow(s) together.
May the coming year bring us all Peace, Garrett
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Providing Food during a crisis-
Fresher Sacramento has partnered with DoorDash to power the delivery of meals to the city's senior citizens during the ongoing health crisis. With the support of the DoorDash platform, Lesieli Pilate and Lucy Munoz, along with Chef Michael Harris, produced and sent with DoorDash to deliver over 9,000 meals for 477 seniors at five different residences in Sacramento. Thank you to the City of Sacramento and SHRA for funding, to DoorDash for your generous support and partnership and to Meals on Wheels for partnering with Fresher Sacramento to make this happen.
"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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Hello Dear teachers, students, and parents!
I hope you all had a great summer!!!
Our next school year is almost here and I am very excited about all the learning opportunities ahead. This year starts differently from what we know and therefore I am trying a new program. We have a small group of students and that allows us to physically come to the Temple and be outside with all the safety requirements for Covid-19. New beginnings always bring renewed hope!!! We have a lot of new ideas and exciting plans for this coming school year!
Our first day of Sunday school this year will be - Sunday, September 13th at 9:30!
Rabbi's Kids will meet by Zoom 11:30-12:30.
The first Hebrew class will be Wednesday, September 16th at 3:30 pm.
I am looking forward to see and hear your summer adventure very soon!
Need Ideas for your kids during the High Holidays.
Check out ReformJudaism.org for creative ideas.
Make a round apple filled Star Challah
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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 Men's Club meets the second Sunday of each month at 9:30am. We feature interesting speakers and presenters from the community. The activities include monthly meetings with stimulating speakers, and events such as a scotch and BBQ, wine and beer tastings, golf, and Poker games to prepare for the next Poker Tournament.
The Men's Club is open to the entire congregation and community, men and women alike. Speakers and events are scheduled on Sundays as well as in the evenings and we'll share the upcoming opportunities in the weekly and monthly announcements, as well as the website.
We appreciate your interest and support of our activities and look forward to seeing you. Our annual dues are only $20. When we meet on Sunday mornings, we serve lox and bagels, coffee, and orange juice for only $5.00 (such a good deal! Your mother would be proud).
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!! September 2020
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Happy Anniversary to you!! September 2020
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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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