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Shavua tov: Sunday, February 12, 2017 / 16 Shevat 5777
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Welcome to Temple Isaiah's weekly newsletter. Shavua tov, h
ave a good week.
Sunday, February 12
JQuest and Adult Education
9am JFCS Caregiver Support Group at CCJDS
11:15am Social Justice Team Meeting in the Beit Knesset
Monday, February 13
11:30am Midrash Monday in the Beit Knesset
Tuesday, February 14
10am Neshamah Yoga
in the Adult Lounge
4pm JQuest
Wednesday, February 15
10:30am Jewish Book Group in the Adult Lounge
4pm JQuest
6:45pm Noar Night
Thursday, February 16
8:30am Tefillah Thursday
10am Neshamah Yoga in the Adult Lounge
1:15pm TEXTorah Study in the Library
Friday, February 17
9:15am Ganeinu Jewish Playgroup in the Adult Lounge
6pm Happy Half Hour Oneg
6:30pm Shabbat Service with Mizmor Band followed by Shabbat Supper Club
Saturday, February 18
8:45am Torah Study in the Beit Knesset
10:30am Shabbat Service with B'nai Mitzvah Jack Bertenthal and Benjamin Yadegar
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Featured Events This Week
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Family Caregiver Support Group
Sundays, February 12, 26, March 19, 26
from 9am-10:30am at CCJDS
Are you caring for your aging parents? Are you taking care of an ill spouse? Being a caregiver can be overwhelming, stressful and isolating. This group provides a warm atmosphere. All are welcome. Offered by JFCS East Bay and co-sponsored by Temple Isaiah.
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Midrash Monday with Rabbi LeVine
Monday, February 13 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, I want to invite you to uncover the joy and meaning (and sometimes confusion) of reading one of the oldest collections of Midrash - Mekhilta. We will focus on how our spiritual ancestors of two millennia ago read the Song at the Sea (Exodus 15), the Torah's poetic ode to freedom from Egypt. In the process we will learn ways of relating to the text, to the world around us, and to each other. No registration required. Drop-ins welcome.
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Neshamah Yoga
Tuesday, February 14 and Thursday, February 16
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.
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Jewish Book Group with Author Michael Cooper
of The Rabbi's Knight
Wednesday, February 15 at 10:30am in the Adult Lounge
"At the twilight of the Crusades in the year 1290, Knight Templar Jonathan St. Clair apprentices himself to Rabbi Samuel, the Baghdad Ga'on, to learn how the hidden teachings of Kabbalah might unlock the secrets of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. But time is running out..." Join author Michael Cooper for a book group conversation and book signing.
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Tefillah Thursdays with Rabbi Greninger
Thursday, February 16 at 8:30am in the Sanctuary
Refresh your soul every Thursday morning with a healthy dose of prayer! Join Rabbi Greninger 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 8:30am, the study session at 9am, or both. Open to all, whether you are new to Jewish prayer or have been praying regularly for years. Questions? Email rabbi.greninger@temple-isaiah.org
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Ganeinu Jewish Playgroup
Friday, February 17 at 9:30am in the Adult Lounge
Temple Isaiah is proud to offer a free, Jewish, drop-in playgroup for parents and caregivers (we love grandparents at Ganeinu), and their infants and toddlers (0-30 months). Play, sing, and practice Shabbat and celebrate holidays with your child and others.
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Israel 360-A Closer Look through Media with Ilan Vitemberg
The Voice: Israel - Wednesday, February 22
On the Map - Wednesday, March 29
Shirei Moledet: The Home Land - Wednesday, April 19
All 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. Don't miss these fantastic programs with talented Jewish educator, Ilan Vitemberg! These courses are free of charge. Registration required with daniella@temple-isaiah.org or
(925) 284-9191. Brought to you by the Israel and World Jewry Committee & the Education Department, with generous funding by the Jewish Federation of the East Bay.
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Library Shabbat with Author Frances Dinkelspiel
Friday, February 24 at 8pm followed by Oneg
Bay Area author Frances Dinkelspiel will discuss her latest book Tangled Vines: Greed, Murder, Obsession, and an Arsonist in the Vineyards of California. Our Shabbat service and presentation will be followed by an oneg where you will have the opportunity to meet the author and purchase her book, check out library books, and chat with librarian Melissa Gianotti and Library Committee members.
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Support Group for Parents of Kids with Special Needs
Sunday, February 26 at 9am in TTC 103
If you have a child with special needs, then this group is for you! We will come together approximately once a month on Sunday mornings to talk, support one another, and create a safe space to discuss our experiences and learn from each other. The group will be facilitated by Temple member Greta Frantz. Interested? Please contact rabbi.greninger@temple-isaiah.org
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Mindfulness & Meditation
February 26 at 11am at CCJDS
Led by Joani DeVries & Diana MaKieve. Whether you are new to meditation, or have a long standing practice, this group is a nplace to come and sit in quiet with optional discussion afterwards. We will have meditation instruction, sitting time, sharing, and discussion. These sessions are free of charge.
Please RSVP with joanidv@att.net
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Wise Aging with Rabbi Graetz and Mary Anne Winig
Wednesday, March 1 (new date) at 7pm in the Adult Lounge
"Teach us to use all of our days, that we may attain a heart of wisdom," wrote a psalmist centuries ago. Many of us cherish zakeinim (wise ones), whom we've had the privilege of knowing over our lifetimes. But how do we get to that stage ourselves? The Institute for Jewish Spirituality has developed a curriculum called Wise Aging as one avenue to help us. Rabbi Emeritus Roberto Graetz and Mary Anne Winig attended the Wise Aging training and are eager to bring this meaningful initiative to Temple Isaiah. In a supportive, small group setting, we will discuss a variety of issues we face in our later years, study what our Jewish sources can teach us about them, and help each other explore strategies for staying vibrant and involved. Join us to learn more about this program and how you can be part of it. For more information and to join the waitlist, please contact ninaj@temple-isaiah.org
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Share Your Thoughts and Ideas About Worship
Wednesday, March 1, Tuesdays March 7 or 28
at 7pm in the Library
Temple Isaiah Worship Think Tanks are part of the implementation of the Seeking the Sacred initiative that came out of the Isaiah 2020 strategic planning. What do you want to see more of at our services? What have you experienced in other places that you think would work well here? Many topics involving Judaism, prayer and services will be discussed. The meetings include Cantor Korn and are moderated by board member Debbie Frank. Your time commitment is limited to under two hours. The number of seats available is limited to encourage an exchange of ideas, so sign up early! Sign up to join the congregational dialogue by sharing your thoughts and ideas at one of the following scheduled conversations at www.temple-isaiah.org/worshipthinktank
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Shabbatarama with Kulanu Chopped Dessert Challenge
Friday, March 3
5:45pm Dinner 6:30pm Shabbat service followed by oneg
Please join us for an unforgettable Shabbat celebration when we will join together for an interactive, inter-generational service followed by a Chopped Dessert Challenge during the oneg. Our Kulanu chefs will have the opportunity to compete with friends and family to make the best desserts from mystery ingredients. Judges will taste the delectable desserts and crown one of the teams the Kulanu Chopped Champions. So, bring your aprons, appetite and thinking caps for this tasty Shabbat Experience. And yes, there will also be GAGA! Catered d
inner cost is $35 in advance, $40 at the door. RSVP at www.temple-isaiah.org/shabbatarama
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Freebirds Service Project with Habitat for Humanity
Saturday, March 4 from 1-4:30pm
Freebirds (parents with youngest kids ages 18-28) seeks ten volunteers to help prepare playhouses for Habitat for Humanity. No carpentry experience necessary! Interested? Please click here for details and sign-up link with one sign-up per individual.
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W.I.S.E. Ones Seniors Group
Wednesday, March 8 at 11:30am in the Adult Lounge
W.I.S.E Ones, our popular new social group for seniors, offers “Wise and Inspiring Social Engagement “- interesting and engaging programs that our experienced, dynamic members can enjoy together. By sharing experiences and telling our stories we have a chance to appreciate each other more fully. We meet on the second Wednesday each month at 11:30am in the Adult Lounge. Please mark your calendar and bring your own lunch. Questions? Contact Jan Trzesniewski at jtrzesniewski@hotmail.com
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Community Lay-Led Passover Seder
Deadline March 10 to RSVP for the seder on
Monday, April 10 at 6pm in the Social Hall
This year celebrate the first night of Passover at Temple Isaiah at our congregational seder on Monday, April 10. Everyone's invited - singles, couples, families, havurot. Our seder will feature a service led by fellow temple members and a homestyle potluck Passover dinner. Cantor Korn will support the volunteers in planning the service, and the temple will provide the haggadot. All guests will be asked to contribute food and other seder items.
Details and sign-up form at www.temple-isaiah.org/seder
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Tot Shabbat Morning
Saturday, March 11 at 9:30am in the Adult Lounge
Geared toward families with children up to 5 years old, Tot Shabbat is an interactive and friendly Shabbat experience. Enjoy food, activities and prayer with other young families. All are welcome. RSVP for FREE bagel brunch at www.temple-isaiah.org/totshabbat
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Mark Your Calendar for Purim 2017
"Purim Night Live" With Your Clergy (ages 21+)
Saturday, March 11 at 7:30pm in the Social Hall
LAFTY Purim Carnival
Sunday, March 12 between 11am-1pm in the Social Hall
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The Israel and World Jewry Committee Presents New Israel Fund (NIF) CEO Daniel Sokatch on “Israel, US and a New Era of Progressive Organizing”
Wednesday, March 15 at 7pm in the Adult Lounge
CEO Sokatch will focus on how under difficult circumstances, NIF with their Israeli partners have developed a series of effective strategies to create an opening for Israel's future leaders to further emphasize more democratic norms in all aspects of Israeli society. He will discuss current examples of how they have organized, built coalitions and have turned setbacks into opportunities to grow their base. They have found the courage to stand for what they -- and we -- believe in even when the cost was high. He will help us to turn to our Israeli colleagues to draw lessons from the work they have done to push back against aspects of their leadership, which over the past seven years has shown increasing disdain for many of our shared democratic values. He will help us on the path to understanding what we can do during these difficult times worldwide to help Israel and the United States become even more democratic and inclusive countries.
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Mahj Madness: Women of Isaiah's Spring Fundraiser
Friday, March 17 in the Social Hall
9:30am Registration, Coffee and Tea
10am-2:30pm Mahjong and lunch.
Raffles! Prizes! Friends! Fun!
Three levels of support: $72 Sponsor, $54 Supporter, $36 Player
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Shelter Dinners at Mt. View Shelter in Martinez
Monday, March 20 - Friday, March 24
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How To Lead A Passover Seder - Clergy Class with Rabbi Greninger
Sunday, March 26 at 9am and 11:15am in the Adult Lounge
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Women's Intergenerational Seder
Monday, March 27 at 6:30pm in the Social Hall
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Men’s Retreat at Ralston White Retreat Center
Friday, March 31-Sunday, April 2
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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
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!
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The Commonwealth Club of California's Middle East Forum Presents:
Regional Middle East Issues
East Bay Jewish International Jewish Film Festival
Experience A Learning Disability: An Interactive LD/ADD simulation
Tuesday, March 28 from 6:30-8:30pm at Temple Isaiah, Oneg Room
Summer 2017 East Bay Birthright Trip Pre-Registration is Open
Give someone the trip of a lifetime. Applications open and pre-registration is open now. Pass this on to your friends with children ages 22-26. Pick "East Bay Community Trip" when pre-registering to make sure kids go with other East Bay travelers and depart from SFO. Trip dates are June 19-29. Details at
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Berkeley
OLLI@Berkeley is pleased to announce that open enrollment for classes for their spring term is now available. Classes for this term begin the week of March 27 and run for 6 weeks in most cases. OLLI@Berkeley classes are designed for the life-long learner and feature a multitude of choices on the Berkeley Campus as well as 5 at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center.
Please check the carousel near of entrance of the sanctuary for a flyer describing the 5 Lafayette classes or call the OLLI office at
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Cal State University, East Bay
Announcing the 2017 program of monthly lectures, courses, & field excursions. Of special interest to temple members, includes "A Medley of Jewish Historical Experiences" with Ken Blady, Wednesdays, February 22, March 1,8,15 & 22, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. & "Music in the Shadow of the Holocaust" with Cantor Leigh Korn, Thursday, March 23rd, 2:00-3:30 p.m., as well as courses on Memoir Writing, Mary Oliver's Poetry, the Short Story, the Art of Diebenkorn & Matisse, Issues in Bioethics, American Musical Theatre, Blue Jean Buddhism & others. The Winter 2017 OLLI Program is available in the Temple Office & upstairs on the carousel in the sanctuary/social hall entrance. Monthly lectures & courses are offered on the Concord Campus of Cal State University, East Bay at 4700 Ygnacio Valley Road, Concord, CA. For more information or to register for lectures, courses or field excursions, go to our website www.scholarolli.com or call the OLLI office at (925) 602-6776. "Learning for the Love of Learning: No Grades, No Tests, Master Teachers!"
UNDER ONE TENT
Temple Isaiah is proud to present UNDER ONE TENT, Contra Costa's Jewish Book & ARTS Festival. UNDER ONE TENT has a user-friendly website where you can see all of our cultural and educational offerings. You can check out the schedule by genre (musical performances, multi-week courses, movies, lectures, comedy, foodie events, etc.) or by calendar date. Detailed information about all of our festival programs can be found at: www.underonetent.org
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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.
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Don't Miss Out!! Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 6pm at Temple Isaiah
Journey to Israel, Italy and Morocco aboard the S.S. Isaiah and experience a delicious tapas feast, casino gaming with great prizes, bonanza jackpot dice roll, belly dancers, amazing live entertainment, video horse racing, bingo, silent auction, raffle prizes and much, much more. Details at www.temple-isaiah.org/gala2017
Special Gifts
Optional Credit Card Fees
You can help Temple Isaiah by agreeing to add 3% to any credit card transaction to offset our costs. This is an optional opportunity to support Your Jewish Neighborhood and not a requirement. Please tell your family and friends!
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:
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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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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 Profile" 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.
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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, participate in Jewish
rituals and life cycle events, and experience the joy of being part of a caring community.
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