Kol Kehilla
March
2020
The Newsletter of Kehilla Community Synagogue
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Dear Friends,
Welcome to the March issue of
Kol Kehilla
, our monthly newsletter.
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Indigenous people and youth are on the front lines of the climate crisis,
leading the movement for climate justice.
Join Sogorea Te' Land Trust founder
Corrina Gould
and youth activists:
Isha Clarke
(Youth vs. Apocalypse),
Isabella Zizi
(Idle No More),
Hannah Freedman
(Jewish Youth for Community Action),
Orion Camero
(The California Allegory) and
Zolboo Namkhaidorj
(Communities for a Better Environment)
as we explore how to co-create a livable future for all. Featuring a trio from Dance Brigade’s “Butterfly Effect”.
Thank you :)
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A Community Conversation: Sustaining our Congregation
Kehilla has almost reached the tremendous milestone of 500-member households. We want to both celebrate this moment in our growth, and to prepare us for an upcoming financial sustainability conversation at our Annual Community Meeting on Tuesday, May 12.
This article is part of the communal discussion to guide us through a process of creating a dues structure that both meets the financial needs of our community and incorporates the value of radical inclusion.
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by Rabbi Burt Jacobson
Kabbalah is the central tradition of Jewish mysticism that developed and deeply affected Judaism from the twelfth through the eighteenth centuries. The 1960s saw an explosion of interest in Eastern spirituality in the U.S., and a resurgence in interest in Kabbalah that continues to this day. Daniel Matt, one of the premier scholars of Kabbalah in the world, lives and works here in the East Bay.
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Homeless Action Now Part of the Economic Justice Committee! Join Us at our First Meeting, March 25!
by Talya Husbands-Hankin and Sue Greenwald
The last two years have seen a 47% increase in homelessness in Oakland. Over 70% of the people living on the streets are African American. This is not just a crucial racial and economic justice issue, but a public health issue as well. Although Kehilla member Talya Husbands- Hankin has been addressing this issue, there has not been a formal Kehilla committee to support this important work.
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Economic Justice Committee Report: Announcing the Interfaith Coalition for Justice in Our Jails (and other topics)
by Myrna Schwartz and Richard Speiglman
This update includes info on our current efforts:
- Schools and Communities First initiative
- Interfaith Coalition for Justice in Our Jails
- Homeless Action
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Kehilla’s Art Committee invites you to stop by and enjoy Barry Shapiro’s deeply thoughtful, bold, and uniquely imaginative compositions currently on exhibit in the Fireside Room. This show will run through April 15th.
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SERVICES, EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Kehilla is hiring for 3 positions!
Read more about them at these links:
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Assistant Rabbi Job Applicants as Guest Service Leader
We welcome
Assistant Rabbi job applicant SAM Luckey as a guest service leader
during Shabbat services
Saturday morning, March 14
. We would like as many congregants as possible to be there to learn from SAM's drash and daven together. Our search committee wants your input on each job candidate who visits us, and will provide a feedback form on the day of the service.
We expect that other Assistant Rabbi job applicants will provide similar service leadership on Friday evening, March 20 and/or Friday evening, April 3. Please keep these dates in mind for your participation.
With thanks,
Assistant Rabbi Search Committee
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Morning Meditation Sit
Wednesdays at 7:50am, March 4, 11,18 & 25
With Rabbi Dev. In the Fireside Room (Enter through the Patio entrance on Fairview). Doors open at 7:50 a.m., short teaching at 7:55 a.m., silent sit from 8:00 – 8:30, mourner’s kaddish and announcements at 8:30.
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Sanctuary and Shelter Volunteer Training
Wednesday, March 4, 7-8pm
We are now ready to welcome sanctuary or shelter guests at Kehilla! Volunteers must attend a one-hour training to learn about important details and logistics. Please come scent-free. In the Fireside Room at Kehilla. RSVP to:
sanctuary@kehillasynagogue.org
.
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Purim Celebrations
Thursday, March 5, 4:45-6pm
Kehilla School’s all grade, unforgettable, and extremely creative production of the Purim story!
The Kehilla community is invited to join us for this exciting event. In the Sanctuary.
Sunday, March 8, 2-4pm
The Purim Carnival – all ages welcome!
Join us for games, prizes, hamentashen, a bounce house, and more! Costumes are encouraged. We are also looking for volunteers to power this amazing carnival, if available to help, please
email Natalie Boskin
for more info on the Purim play and carnival. Sliding scale $10-$36 per family.
Monday, March 9, 6-10:30pm
Erev Purim at Urban Adamah - Purim Like It’s 5780!
Join Kehilla and our friends from Chochmat HaLev and Urban Adamah at the UA Farm in West Berkeley for our annual Purim Megillah and blowout.
Click here for more info
,
here for tickets
,
and
here
to learn about culturally appropriate and respectful costumes since this is a costume party!
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Kabbalat Shabbat and Aufruf
Friday, March 6, 7:30-9pm
A song-filled and soulful evening of Shabbat music, prayers, meditation, and community with Hazzan Shulamit, Rabbi Dev, and Debbie Fier. We will also celebrate the upcoming wedding of Miriam Burzlaff & Naemi Mahrad. Please bring something veggie to share, sweet or savory, for the kiddush following services. In the Sanctuary.
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Tot Shabbat
Saturdays, March 7 and 21, 10:30-11:15am
With Jen Miriam and Alon Altman and their puppet friends. Especially for the littlest tots (0-3 years) and their grown ups; children up to 5 are welcome! Join us for songs, prayers, friends and stories and end with challah and grape juice. Bring a snack to share if you’d like. In the Back Classroom, Main Floor.
Learn more here.
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Annual Learner’s Service
Saturday, March 7, 10am-12:30pm
Once a year our Shabbat morning service transforms into a laboratory for learning what the service is all about – where things come from and why we do them. Join Rabbi Dev and Hazzan Shulamit for this interactive experience where all questions and interruptions are welcome! We’ll also explore parashat Tetzaveh. Please bring a veggie dish to share at the kiddush luncheon afterwards. In the Sanctuary.
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Jewish Afterlife & Journey of the Soul with Reb Simcha Raphael
Sunday, March 8, 3-5pm
In this presentation, we shall explore Judaism’s teachings on life after death, particularly in Kabbalah – Jewish mysticism. Donation Requested: $10–$20, no one turned away for lack of funds. For more info,
click here
. Co-Sponsored by:
The Aquarian Minyan
and
Kehilla Community Synagogue
.
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Folks with White Privilege Affinity Group Meeting
Wednesday, March 11, 6:30-8:30pm
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Jews On Ohlone Land Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, March 11, 6:30-9:30pm
We are organizing to maximize Jewish participation in the Shuumi Land Tax throughout the East Bay. The heart of this project is training and supporting people to offer an interactive workshop that addresses the indigenous history of the East Bay, through the teachings of i
ndigenous leaders, and that explores how we as Jews can live in right relationship to this land, its ancestors, and the indigenous people and communities who live here now.
6:30pm
(sharp) Orientation for New Folks;
7:15pm
Jews On Ohlone Land Workshop Components and Development;
8:30pm
Dialogue and Training Session.
Learn more here.
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Liturgically Traditional, Radically Inclusive Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, March 13, 6-7:30pm
A more traditional davenning style of Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv, the Shabbat evening service: songful and in Hebrew, following the full liturgy. All are welcome to come pray, sing, hum, clap and celebrate building our beloved community. Kiddush and light oneg (ritual snacks) after the service. Please bring veggie finger food to share. Cosponsored by Kehilla and Glitter Kehilla. In the Fireside Room.
Learn More here.
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3 Generation Chevurah
Saturday, March 14, 9:30-11am
Parents, young children, elders, and people of all ages who enjoy hanging out with young children are invited to join the
3 Generation Chevurah,
for a playdate and schmooze in the Back Classroom (where Tot Shabbat happens) and back yard. Bring a snack to share if you are so moved (please clearly label nuts and other common allergens). Services will begin at 10:30am. This is an informal social gathering.
in the Back Classroom, Main Floor.
For more information,
email Elliot.
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Shabbat Morning Service with SLPC Kiddush and Presentation
Saturday, March 14, 10:30am-12:15pm
Join Rabbi Dev and Beth Dickenson for an enlivening Shabbat morning of prayers, music, community, and an exploration of Parashat Ki Tisa. Kehilla's Spiritual Life Practices Committee (SLPC) is sponsoring the kiddush and will provide a short presentation afterwards. SLPC is the liaison between the clergy and the community for questions pertaining to the spiritual life of Kehilla. In the Fireside Room.
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Tikkun Ha-Nefesh (Repair of the Soul) Healing Racism, Unpacking White Privilege – Affinity Group
Sunday, March 15, 10am-12pm
This group is part of the community’s larger project of addressing racism and de-centering whiteness within and beyond our congregation. It is an outgrowth of Kehilla’s affinity group for those who identify as white or as benefitting from white privilege. This will be a safe space in which to engage in the emotional and spiritual journey of healing and repairing the soul around these critical issues. You do not have to participate in the larger affinity group in order to attend these sessions, and you are welcome to come to as many or as few sessions as will facilitate your healing journey. In the back classroom, main floor.
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Book Discussion Group - PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE
Monday, March 16, 7-9 pm
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Essentials of Judaism
March 17, 7-9pm (usually on the third Tuesdays of the month)
Join Rabbi Dev for a deep dive into some of the juiciest parts of Jewish practice and life. This monthly class is required for Conversion and Adult B’nei Mitzvah Students and is open to all.
Learn more here.
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Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, March 20, 7:30-9pm
Join Hazzan Shulamit, Julie Nesnansky and Jen Miriam Altman for a song-filled and soulful evening of Shabbat music, prayers, meditation, and community as we welcome in Shabbat. Kiddush follows services. Please bring something veggie to share, sweet or savory. In the Sanctuary.
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Shabbat Service at 10am/Adult B’nei Mitzvah of Nina Cohen & Ali Cannon
Saturday, March 21, 10am- 2:30pm
Join Rabbi Dev, Hazzan Shulamit, Debbie Fier, and Ali and Nina for celebratory Shabbat morning prayers, music and an exploration of Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei. Kiddush following the service, sponsored by Ali and Nina’s families in honor of this joyous occasion. In the Sanctuary.
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The Israeli Elections & the Trump Plan - A Talk by Jessica Montell
Saturday, March 21, 7-9pm
The Kehilla Middle East Peace Committee is pleased to host Israeli human rights activist Jessica Montell who will present her analysis of how the Israeli elections and the Trump plan will affect Israel’s policies toward the Palestinians,
what recent developments mean for human rights,
and how we can best promote social justice in this current situation. Donation:
$10-20; no one turned away for lack of funds. Refreshments served. Co-sponsored by The New Israel Fund.
More info here
.
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Waterways CD Release Concert
Sunday, March 22, 4-6pm
This concert celebrates a new CD of original compositions featuring Debbie Fier on handpan and Jami Sieber on cello. Join us for a sound mikva! Kehilla Musical Prayer Leader and "Heartbeat of the Service" Debbie Fier, has just released a new recording, Waterways! This concert is a celebration of the recording and features her original compositions on handpan with co-producer and phenomenal cellist Jami Sieber. The resonance and soothing sounds of the handpan combined with the exquisite beauty of the cello will inspire you to relaz, let go, go deep, fly high and dance!
In the Sanctuary.
The CD is available as a physical CD or digital download
from CD Baby
and
iTunes
: For more info
click here.
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Board of Trustees Meeting
Tuesday, March 24, 6:15 pm-9:00 pm
All members are welcome. Back Classroom (main floor, straight down the hall).
Dinner at 6:15.
All events at Kehilla are fragrance-free.
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Kehilla Sings!
Wednesday, March 25 and Wednesday, April 22, 7-8:30pm
A monthly gathering with Hazzan Shulamit to circle round and sing together! We’ll nourish our bodies, minds, and spirits with nigunuim (wordless melodies), new tunes for ancient prayers, and songs to take out into the streets. Join us for a delicious time of tuning into our souls and to one another. Everyone’s welcome! Donations accepted at the door $5-15 (for gatherings at Kehilla).
Follow this link
for posted music for shabbat, protests, and more!
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Homeless Action Initial Organizing Meeting
Wednesday, March 25, 7-8:30pm
We are excited to form this intergenerational committee at Kehilla to address such a pressing issue in our community. If you have interest, time and energy to help us make a difference in homelessness in Oakland please come to this initial gathering. This will not be our normal meeting time but will be a chance to get organized.
In the Back Classroom, Main Floor.
For more information,
contact Sue
.
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Family Shabbat Service
Saturday, March 28, 10:30am-12:15 pm
Join Rabbi Gray and Beth Dickinson for an engaging, musical service for people of all ages, exploring parashat Vayikra. Families especially encouraged to join in the fun! Please bring a veggie dish to share for kiddush lunch after services. In the Sanctuary.
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Anti-Zionism at Kehilla: A Potluck Brunch Discussion
Sunday, March 29, 11am-1pm
This is a time for us to get together, to get to know one another, and to discuss the possibilities for Palestine solidarity and anti-Zionism at Kehilla. With our first brunch gathering, we hope to grow our anti-Zionist Jewish community within Kehilla and beyond, as we imagine ways to mobilize our justice commitments in our sacred practice and through our collective and public activities.We will provide a fritata, challah and coffee. Please bring a vegetarian side dish to share! In the Fireside Room.
For more info,
contact Brooke.
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SAVE THE DATES FOR KEHILLA PASSOVER SEDERS, 2020/5780! Details to follow
soon!
Glitter Seder
Wednesday, April 8, 6pm
People of Color Seder
Friday, April 10, 6pm
Community Seder:
O
ur Exodus; Their Invasion; Our Responsibility
Saturday, April 11, 4:45pm
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Save the date!
Day-long Workshop!
Tikkun HaNefesh (THN):
Repairing the Soul, Untangling White Privilege
Sunday, April 26, 10am–5pm, at Kehilla
This day-long workshop is a chance for white folks to expand our skillfulness as friends, allies, activists, loved ones, and community members with people of color. Participants engage in body, mind, and spirit to do this necessary and often difficult work in a safe and challenging setting. Open to anyone 18 or older who identifies as having white privilege, regardless of whether or not you have attended other
Tikkun HaNefesh
groups.
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Save the date!
Healing Service with Rabbi Chaya Gusfield & Buddhist teacher Eve Decker
Tuesday, April 28 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Using Jewish and Buddhist approaches, Chaya and Eve will use meditation, music and teachings to support well-being.
COST – $18 at the door. No one turned away for lack of funds. In the Fireside Room.
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Clergy Appointments
To make appointments with Rabbi Dev, please contact Dee at
dee@kehillasynagogue.org
, and she will help you schedule time with them!
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FIA East Bay Endorses Measure C
Faith in Action East Bay (formerly OCO) is recommending that the members of its supporting congregations, including Kehilla Community Synagogue, vote yes on March 3rd for Measure C, the Children's Health and Child Care Initiative for Alameda County. This half cent sales tax is critical for the children of our county who need access to high quality health and child care. Learn more at
care4ourkids.org
.
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Norah Needs You
Norah is an expert joke-teller, modern-dancer, ice cream-licker, and loving big sister. She's been diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Fanconi Anemia (FA), and will need a bone marrow transplant - none of Norah's family members are a match for her. Joining the registry is simple and could save Norah’s life.
Join the registry!
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Teens and Adults, let’s do this, one aliyah at a time 🙂 Join us for Shabbat morning services and share your skills and love of leynen with our community. If you’re interested but have never chanted torah before, or if it’s been a long time and you expect to need significant support,
please contact Hazzan Shulamit
first
.
Upcoming opportunities can be found here.
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Are you experiencing abuse in an intimate relationship?
Please be in touch with one of our clergy members (Rabbi Dev, Hazzan Shulamit, Rabbi Gray, Rabbi David or Rabbi Burt), or with one of these organizations:
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Donate Supplies to Help
People Experiencing Homelessness
Please help Tayla Husbands-Hankin support our homeless population by donating tents, blankets, tarps & socks! A large box is located by the sanctuary door at Kehilla.
Please fill it with listed items only.
Talya will pick up the items periodically and deliver them to people who need them.Questions? Contact Jeanne Finberg, jeanne.finberg@gmail.com. Thank you!
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Thank You for Your Generosity
So many of you give to Kehilla - you give money, you give time, you give love and community in a wide variety of ways.
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