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the
Not quite the journey
u.s. 9a I expected on my
mideast 10a
world 11a
® first trek up Masada
views STAFF
12a
editor & publisher marc s. klein
The wake-up call came at 4 a.m., but I
columns
torah 23a associate publisher nora contini was already dressed and ready to go.
faces 24a managing editor emeritus woody weingarten While Jerusalem slept, I prepared to
cook 24a
EDITORIAL board the bus to Masada. of stones. In a country where
the arts 15a assignment editor liz harris I was in Israel last month history inhabits every rock,
lifecycles 18a copy editors andy altman-ohr co-leading a group of 18 this site was hard to beat.
rachel freedenberg brilliant, wily teens, the first Our group held together
deaths 20a
Bay Area cohort of Write on at first, but soon the
photo editor emily savage
calendar 22a writers stacey palevsky For Israel. The program strongest sped ahead, while
amanda pazornik teaches high schoolers the several lagged behind, me
marketplace basics of journalism, Jewish among them. After 30 min-
dan pine
classifieds
& travel guide 19a interns samuel franco history and pro-Israel advo- utes, we could no longer see
michael lazarus cacy, then rewards them the leaders. Then we made a
supplement jonathan simrin with a trip to the Holy Land. wrong turn, and suddenly we
readers’ choice 1b-36b It wasn’t my first visit to Israel, but I were stuck, unsure of the path and out
ADVERTISING & CIRCULATION

account execs rhea adler

had never been to Masada before. That of shouting range.
nancy beth cohen is, unless you count my dreams. As a The next 10 minutes scared the hell
cover dan fine child, I first heard the story of the Jews out of me.
photo illustration | cathleen maclearie
natasha smolkin defending a mountaintop fortress in Half a dozen teens and I huddled
office manager/classifieds diane spagnoli the first century B.C.E. while the on the side of Masada roasting in
circulation/marketing dave nogradi
Romans lay siege. 100-degree heat. Soon we had guz-
online blogs For years afterward, I dreamed about zled the last muggy drops from our
jweekly.com/blog ART & PRODUCTION Jewish warriors holding out under a water bottles.
• Holocaust comparisons in “District 9.” art director cathleen maclearie scorching sun, ultimately choosing sui- The thought entered my head: Could
graphics julia carcich cide over slavery. I dreamed of the we be the next Jews to die at Masada?
In The Art Scene. production debbie magnani, steve romero
ruddy Judean hills, of the wastes Then another thought entered my
• Woodstock’s Jewish connection. In
ACCOUNTING around the Dead Sea, of cranes circling head: Pick up your damn cell phone
Jewish Stars.
senior accountant jackie deng above. I dreamed of a blasted land and call for help! I did, and within min-
• Jewish-Latin mambo music? Sounds accounting assistant sharon hoang shimmering in the heat. utes we began our slow descent, the
good! In The Art Scene. Finally it was my day to make the pil- kids laughing off the whole misadven-
TECHNOLOGY
• An update on inmate Deborah Peagler. grimage. ture. Though some appeared close to
IT support felipe barrueto
In News and Views. With the kids dozing in the back of dehydration, we finally reached the
To contact a j. staff member, the bus, I noticed the ominously bright Masada visitor’s center and drank our
send an e-mail to the person’s sky. Weren’t we supposed to arrive thirsty fill.
before dawn to avoid the heat of day? Then we took the tram to the top to
jewish calendar first name @ jweekly.com
Barely out of Jerusalem, I saw through join the others. Finally, I stood at the
Aug. 21, 2009 BOARD of DIRECTORS the bus window the sun rise, round and summit not only of a mountain, but of
Elul 1, 5769 co-presidents dan leemon ochre, and I — like a bit player in a bad Jewish history. I barely had time to take
Candlelighting at 7:36 p.m. adam noily thriller — muttered aloud, “I got a bad it in, when several kids complained of
Shabbat ends at 8:33 p.m. vice presidents william l. schwartz feeling about this.” heat and fatigue. With some fighting
sheldon h. wolfe We reached Masada around 7 a.m. dehydration, others a wicked stomach
Aug. 28, 2009 secretary valerie jonas The sun had already begun baking the flu, I escorted them to the clinic below.
treasurer adam noily
landscape, but in the shade of palm My total time on top of Masada: 10
Elul 8, 5769
members mark w. bernstein
trees we breakfasted on nuts, oranges minutes.
Candlelighting at 7:26 p.m.
jonathan carey, dana corvin and cookies. Our guide, an Israeli It didn’t matter. Down below, in an
Shabbat ends at 8:22 p.m. anthropologist sporting a jaunty air-conditioned infirmary lined with
david hyams, jonathan kaufman
irina kazimirsky, maxine nisse Australian hat, explained we had three supply cabinets and I.V. stands, I
rabbi stephen pearce choices: take the tram, hike the snake watched the kids laughing and chat-
contact russell r. pratt, esther lee saidman
lou haas, past president
path or walk the runner’s path.
The latter was the longest way up,
ting, thrilled to have been sustained
and brought together in this time. I
the Jewish news weekly
of Northern California named for the route Roman messen- watched the strong ones gently rub the
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(ISSN 1547-0733) is published weekly on Friday except the first week in
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fax 415.263.7223 Francisco, CA 94104-4281. Tel. (415) 263-7200, Fax (415) 263-7223. J. the
long route. I sighed, hoisted my back- rience: sitting in a windowless room
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Gazing straight up 1,000 feet to the Ya’ir, the Jewish commander of Masada
San Francisco, CA 94104-4281. top of Masada, I understood why the long ago.
Join us on J. the Jewish news weekly of Northern California
®
siege lasted two years. Nursing a one- As one of the kids said later: Hey,
is an independent publication and is solely responsible for its editorial
www. jweekly.com/facebook policy. Manuscripts submitted for publication may not be returned. liter water bottle, I marveled at the ruins we’re still here. And the Romans?
News and advertising reservations must reach the J.® weekly office no
of Roman base camps, now mere piles They’re making pizza. ■
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Printed on 100% recycled paper 1a www.jweekly.com | August 21, 2009
Proud of Maccabi
Games
Congratulations to the JCC volunteer
community and the athletes on a fabu-
lous Jewish experience. The Maccabi
Games did much more than create sport-
ing competition. It was a coming togeth-
er of people and organizations in a col-
laborative effort. Most touching was the
Opening Ceremony with Richard
Goldman and his granddaughter lighting
the torch, a poignant reminder of contin-
uing the generations of tzedakah.
So often we amass for emergency situ-
ations; we gather to be silent, or to raise
our voices. Instead, just being at any
aspect of the games was a celebration of
Jewish activism at its best.
At Trader Joe’s I saw many people, all
buying snacks for arriving athletes. I
mingled with host families who don’t
have kids at home any longer, or don’t
even have kids yet. Everyone was happy to
make a statement of volunteering in
some way. A young child waiting at the
JCC on arrival day said, “Dad, when are
our athletes coming?” Emphasis on the
word “our.”
Because of the work of the JCC, the
donors and the entire volunteer commu-
nity, clearly the Maccabi Games did just
that: They became our own.
Sherri W. Morr | San Francisco
.
J. | the Jewish news weekly of Northern California
‘Rachel’ was
overblown
I had the pleasure of attending a majori-
ty of the films offered by this year’s San
Francisco Jewish Film Festival, mostly
attending in Berkeley. While quality
inevitably varied, the overall range was an
invigorating contribution to Jewish cul-
tural experience. I never would have seen
most of these films, including some won-
derful ones from Israel.
It is with this in mind it seems to me that
the controversy over the film Rachel has
been overblown. Having had the good for-
tune (it seems) to watch the film in
Berkeley, without the controversial speak-
ers, I can say that it struck me as a fair and
even-handed documentary. Rachel’s death
clearly comes across as an accident. While
her ISM colleagues are clearly anti-Israel,
the film is not.
It seems to me that it is best to have
forums for vigorous debates about Jewish
politics that expose the true breadth of
opinion that exists and has always existed
within the Jewish community; this is part
of a vibrant and engaging culture, and is
certainly a wonderful part of Israeli
Jewish culture. The Jewish Film Festival
should be lauded for creating an oppor-
tunity for these discussions here in the
Bay Area.
Ron H. Feldman | Berkeley
2a
‘Incredible’ PJ Library
Last Sunday, at the Corte Madera Barnes
and Noble, I attended a wonderful story-
time sponsored by the PJ Library (“Jewish
Bedtime Stories and Songs for Families”).
To my great surprise, the program was way
more than just a “storytime.” Led by the
popular children’s entertainer Mimi
Greisman, the storytime included a PJ
Library story, songs, puppets, parachute
games, a craft and kosher snacks. There
were about 65 adults and children enjoying
a Sunday morning infused with Jewish
pride and children’s laughter.
I am a proud member of the PJ Library
and, though we have never been asked for
anything in return, I realized how much
my children and I gain from their pro-
grams. What a generous organization to be
a member of. If you are not yet a member
and have or know a young child who
would enjoy getting a surprise book in the
mail each month — without any fees or
obligations — go to www.pjlibrary.org and
sign up today.
Thank you to the Jim Joseph Foundation,
the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and the
Jewish Community Endowment Fund of
the Jewish Community Federations of the
Greater Bay Area for funding such an
incredible organization.
Gittel Rice | San Rafael
Only part of the story
The Associated Press news clip on evictions
in East Jerusalem (“Families evicted from
E. Jerusalem home,” Aug. 7) included only
part of the story. Yes, the Israeli Supreme
Court ruled that the houses were Jewish-
owned. The article does not mention, how-
ever, that the evicted families were
removed because they refused to pay their
rent. Other Arab families, who were abid-
ing by their leases, continue to live peace-
fully in the houses.
Even in the United States (and probably
in most parts of the world), you can get
evicted if you don’t live up to the terms of
your lease. For the United Nations and the
U.S. State Department to get involved in
this problem is completely inappropriate.
Dan Fendel | Piedmont
Ignoring history
Alfred Lerner’s letter (Aug. 14) is not an
“opposite political spectrum” view, but the
epitome of a derogatory anti-Israel state-
ment, which is so common to some ele-
ments of the Bay Area community who are
eager to blame Israel for the Mideast con-
flict and ignore history.
It never stops to amaze me how some of
our brethren can become so virulently anti-
Israel. What causes them to think that they
are morally superior, and thus entitled to
tell Israel how to conduct its business, and
talk down to Israelis? Why are they putting
down the ADL, whose struggle through the
years enables all Jews to enjoy many of the
privileges that this country can offer?
The same people have ignored Israel’s
fight for survival for over 100 years. Yes, the
Jewish-Arab conflict did not start in 1947
or ’67 like the Palestinians would want you
to believe. Read John Rothmann’s book
“Icon of Evil” — it will give you a factual
history lesson, and may change your
myopic views. In addition, the Palestinians’
declaration for “a two-state solution” is a
Johnny-Come-Lately and lip service for
the Western world’s consumption. Do not
fall for it, like ex-President Clinton did, just
to be disappointed when Camp David
negotiations collapse.
Sam Liron | Foster City
Heart and soul
The idea of giving up Judea/Samaria [West
Bank] and Jerusalem is tantamount to sur-
gically removing the heart and soul of the
Jewish homeland.
The notion of turning it over to people
whose leader has flatly stated his refusal to
recognize Israel as a Jewish state and con-
tinues to demand the right of return is the
equivalent of committing national suicide.
Apologetic Jews who are desperate to
appease those who relish Israel’s destruc-
tion believe reciprocal gestures will come if
Israel acts unilaterally, yet not a single pub-
lic statement has emanated from the lead-
ership of the PA or Hamas, which suggests
anything other than the elimination of
Israel. The only difference between them is
tactical. One promotes terror, the other
promotes ‘diplomacy.’ A simple examina-
tion of their charters, actions and public
statements confirms there is no interest in
peaceful coexistence with a Jewish state.
Quite the opposite in fact.
Jews are acceptable, but only as a minor-
ity in an Arab dominated state. If we do not
speak for ourselves, who will speak for us?
Dan Calic | San Ramon
Cause and effect
Benjamin Netanyahu made a major mis-
take when he failed to assert that the land
of Israel is the rightful possession of the
Jews and of no other people, and when he
accepted the principle of a Palestinian
state, regardless of how many conditions
he attached to it.
What the scoffers don’t understand is that
it’s precisely because of Israel’s rejection of
its religious heritage and its denial of any
relationship with the Almighty that the
Arabs are aroused to contempt and hatred
against us, see themselves as more deserving
of the land than we are, and are convinced
that they will eventually drive us out.
Martin Wasserman | Sunnyvale
letters policy
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bay area
Sacramento Jewish fans eagerly greet their new King
amanda pazornik
staff writer
On the day of Omri Casspi’s welcome
reception to the Sacramento Kings,
the 6-foot, 9-inch forward looked
more like a kid at his bar mitzvah
party than someone about to become
the first Israeli to play in the NBA.
As the emcee bellowed his name on
Aug. 17, the 21-year-old Casspi
entered the Kings’ practice facility in
Sacramento to the sound of roars and
applause from predominantly Jewish
fans gathered to catch a glimpse of
their new hometown hero.
Casspi then stepped up to the
microphone and, speaking only for a
few minutes, thanked those in atten-
dance — prominent leaders from the
Jewish community, several local rab-
bis and about two dozen kids clad in
Kings T-shirts.
Skip Rosenbloom, board president
of the Jewish Federation of the
Sacramento Region, sat alongside
Casspi, as did the Kings’ brass, includ-
ing co-owners Joe and Gavin Maloof.
The federation helped the Kings
organize the welcome event, sending
out to an e-vite to many members of
The Creative Spirit of San Francisco
the community.
“The Jewish community is the
warmest community,” said Casspi,
who was wearing a business suit
instead of his No. 18 Kings jersey.
“The first season in the NBA is very
hard, and I hope to see you in the
stands.”
Then he posed for photo after
photo with just about every one of
the roughly 70 guests in attendance,
each one taking home the image in a
silver frame wrapped with a purple
bow.
Among those lining up to shake
hands with Casspi were California
Senate Pro-tem Darrell Steinberg,
Israeli Consul General Akiva Tor,
Sacramento City Councilman Steve
Cohn and Sacramento County
Superintendent of Schools Dave
Gordon.
“It’s a rare occasion to stand in a
room full of Jews and we all agree on
something,” Rosenbloom joked. “We
are thrilled to welcome Omri to our
community … I’m sure Jewish season
ticket holders will increase.”
Flickering tea lights added a touch
of softness to the Kings’ practice facil-
ity in Arco Arena. Guests leaned on or
sat at tables cloaked in the Kings’ sig-
nature purple as they snacked on
kosher appetizers during the event,
which lasted about two hours.
“This is a very historic day for all of
us,” Gavin Maloof said. “We are
delighted to have the first Israeli NBA
player. Since we drafted Omri, we’ve
acquired 7.4 million new fans [the
entire population of Israel]. Today is
his day, and we are excited about the
future of this organization.”
Selected 23rd overall in the NBA
draft June 25, Casspi signed with the
Kings last month and could make
$3.26 million in his first three years,
according to the NBA’s rookie salary
scale.
His slashing offensive game helped
Maccabi Tel Aviv win the Israeli
Premier League title last season, when
he averaged 12.6 points per game. But
he did have a rough introduction to
the U.S. style of play in the NBA’s
Summer League in Las Vegas last
month, averaging eight points (on
poor 29.5 percent shooting) and a
hefty 3.4 turnovers in five games. photo | amanda pazornik
Geoff Petrie, president of basket- Omri Casspi of the Sacramento Kings pats
ball operations for the Kings, doesn’t Malcolm Brabec on the head as his parents,
■■■ FANS, 20a Susanne and Chuck Brabec, look on.
Art from the
Jewish Home
The Lagoon
Title:
Artist: Hirschel Rabinow
Sponsored by:
Richard and Rhoda
Goldman Fund
www.goldmanfund.org
Supporting Jewish Life in the Bay Area Since 1951
3a www.jweekly.com | August 21, 2009
bay area
Secular Jews can meet, greet and get ‘energized’ at event
stacey palevsky | staff writer Seid-Green has attended three confer- tional programs in Sacramento and the Bay Area. It’s
ences, all on the East Coast. In June, she the movement where she feels most comfortable and
For the first time in its 30-year history, decided to organize one closer to home. She fulfilled, she said.
the Congress of Secular Jewish expects the West Coast gathering to appeal Workshops at the regional conference include topics
Organizations will gather on the West to other young adults who, like herself, find such as Yiddish in the 21st century, Jewish ethical
Coast. In Foster City, to be exact. it challenging to travel annually to the East dilemmas, klezmer music and dance, fundraising
That’s due in large part to the efforts Coast. strategies and Sunday school curricula.
of Ya’el Seid-Green, a 20-year-old San The regional conference will be held Conference co-coordinators expect people to attend
Mateo resident. Sept. 5 to 7 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in from as far north as Vancouver and as far south as
Seid-Green attended her first confer- Foster City. Phoenix.
ence of the Congress of Secular Jewish “We’re hoping this serves Seid-Green has worked with her
Organizations three years ago, and to energize people who can West Coast Regional aunt, Judy Seid, to plan the event.
recalled that “it was the first time I had take back their energy to Conference of the Seid is a leader of Tri-Valley
a community of Jewish people I felt their communities and Congress of Secular Cultural Jews in Pleasanton.
comfortable with. build momentum,” Seid- Jewish Organizations Conferences for secular Jews
Ya’el Seid-Green
takes place Sept. 5-7 at the Crowne
“And it was infinitely exciting to see Green said. allow those who don’t believe in
Plaza Hotel, 1221 Chess Drive,
that everyone else cared as much as I did,” she added. Secular, or Humanistic Judaism cel- Foster City. Cost is $110-$270. For
God to “talk without footnotes,
The congress is made up of secular organizations that ebrates Jewish ethics, art, culture, his- information, contact Ya’el Seid- because people understand the kind
emphasize the culture and ethics of the Jewish people. tory and community without a belief Green at bayareacsjo@gmail.com. of Jew you are,” Seid said.
Its annual conferences attract individuals who consider in a higher power. To register, check “You don’t have to constantly
themselves secular Jews, and also members or leaders of Seid-Green g rew up attending www.eastbaysecularjews.org. explain about not being religious.
secular Jewish organizations. Humanist congregations and educa- It’s like coming home.” ■

Conference looks
to build ‘caring’
community for
mentally ill
Congregation Beth Sholom and the Bay
Area Jewish Healing Center are holding a
conference Aug. 30 titled “Nachamu,
Nachamu (Comfort, Comfort): Building
a Caring Community for Mental Illness.”
The day aims to be a resource for peo-
ple who have mental illness or who have
a relative, friend or co-worker with a
mental illness.
“Now, particularly, is a great time for
the Jewish community to address how to
do more for mental health, because
social services are being cut,” said Pam
Reitman, a Beth Sholom congregant
who helped coordinate the San
Francisco conference.
Reitman’s son was 21 when diagnosed
with a mental illness in 2000. This sum-
mer, she said, his dental care was elimi-
nated and his disability benefits reduced
by 10 percent.
“As a synagogue, we can’t provide those
things,” said Reitman, “but we can call
upon our tradition to provide spiritual
support that sustains [people who suffer
from a mental illness] and makes them
feel included and hopeful and motivated
toward their own recovery.”
The conference will begin with a panel.
Someone with a mental illness who can
speak about their experiences will be part
of the panel, as will a relative who will talk
about the impact mental illness has on a
family. A psychiatrist, social worker and
rabbi will also participate.
Small group discussions will follow.
Reitman hopes the groups provide a safe
space for people to talk about what they
hope to gain from the conference and
what they’d like to see as a result (for
instance, a support group).
The day will conclude with a prayer
service led by Rabbi Micah Hyman and
Rabbi Elliott Kukla.
The event is slated for 12:30 to 5:15
p.m. Aug. 30 at Congregation Beth
Sholom, 301 14th Ave., S.F. To register or
for more information, call (415) 221-
8736 ext. 101.
Runners raise funds
to fight leukemia
A group of mostly East Bay Jews is run-
ning to raise money for the Leukemia and
Lymphoma Society.
They call themselves Team Jon.
Jon and Yael Galinson with
daughters Gaby (left) and Yuli.
The 15 runners on the team hope to
help their friend Jon Galinson, a member
of Berkeley Congregation Netivot
Shalom. Galinson has chronic lympho-
cyctic leukemia, or CCL, a cancer of the
blood and bone marrow.
Galinson has been through 10 rounds
of chemotherapy but needs a bone mar-
row transplant. Two bone marrow
drives in June at Israel in the Gardens
and at Netivot Shalom registered 400
donors. But the chances of finding a
match were slim — one in a million —
and none was found.
Team Jon members are preparing for
the Nike Women’s Half Marathon with
Team in Training. The race is Oct. 18 in
San Francisco.
Most runners on Team Jon are fellow
members of Netivot; several — like Jon
and his wife, Yael — are parents of Netivot
preschoolers. The Galinsons sent their old-
est daughter, Gaby, 5, to preschool at
Netivot Shalom for the past two years.
Team Jon hopes to raise $50,000 for the
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, which
funds research, clinical trials, education
and patient services.
Members of Team Jon include Jon’s
wife, Yael Galinson, who has already raised
$10,500; Elizabeth Creditor, wife of
Netivot Rabbi Menachem Creditor; Debra
Massey, director of education at Berkeley
Congregation Beth El; and Eliana Wolpe,
wife of Los Angeles Rabbi David Wolpe.
To donate to a member of Team Jon,
check pages.teamintraining.org/sf/
nikesf09/ecreditor, or pages.teamin-
training.org/sf/nikesf09/dmasseydpj.
Food, social justice
come together
Mollie Katzen, best-selling author of “The
Moosewood Cookbook,” will be the fea-
tured speaker at “Food Justice: It’s What’s
for Dinner,” a night dedicated to food and
social justice sponsored by the
Progressive Jewish Alliance and the
American Jewish World Service/
AVODAH Partnership.
The event begins at 6 p.m. Sept. 9 at the
David Brower Center, 2150 Allston Way
in Berkeley.
The night will feature a food and social
justice bazaar, a preview of the film “Food
Stamped” and a panel discussion with
Bay Area food justice activists.
Tickets are $5 to $55 on a sliding scale
at www.brownpapertickets.com.
Proceeds will go to City Slicker Farms, a
nonprofit that provides fresh, organic
produce to West Oakland neighborhoods
and also teaches West Oakland residents
how to grow their own food.
For more information, contact
Alexander Sharone at asharone@
pjalliance.org or (510) 527-8660.
Volunteers needed
to build sukkahs
The Jewish Study Network is seeking
people to participate in Habitat for
Jewmanity, a program that brings togeth-
er young Jews to build sukkahs for older
Jewish couples.
Participants will construct sukkahs
throughout the Bay Area on Sept. 13. A
barbecue for volunteers will follow in San
Francisco. Sukkot begins Oct. 3.
Those interested are asked to e-mail
info@jsn.org with your name, contact
information and the area where you
would like to build (San Francisco, the
Peninsula, Palo Alto, etc).
For more information, contact
Devorah Avrukin at (408) 728-3041.
Pro-Israel group
expands to S. Bay
The staunchly pro-Israel local organiza-
tion S.F. Voice for Israel has started a new
chapter, South Bay Voice for Israel, which
will operate across the Peninsula and
points south. In addition, S.F. Voice for
Israel has formally allied itself with
StandWithUs, a national organization.
According to spokesperson Mike
Harris, the organization will now be
called StandWithUs/S.F. Voice for Israel,
though he says it will retain operational
independence continue to work with
local Jewish community institutions.
For information, e-mail southbayvoice
4israel-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. ■

.
J. | the Jewish news weekly of Northern California 4a
bay area
Author celebrates East Bay’s Jewish past and present
dan pine | staff writer and currently serves as archivist of his
synagogue, Temple Sinai in Oakland.
Frederick Isaac’s newly published book, “I started with things I knew,” says
“Jews of Oakland and Berkeley,” starts Isaac, who did the bulk of his research
its tale in the 1860s. It ends last at the Magnes Museum’s Western
December. Jewish History Center. “I wanted sever-
Isaac deliberately wanted to bring his al historical narratives that interwove.
history of East Bay Jewish life as close as The first were the synagogues.”
possible to the present day. “I intended East Bay synagogues that go way
the end to be now,” says writer, who lives back include the 125-year-old Temple
in Oakland. “Because 15 years from Sinai, Oakland’s Temple Beth Abraham
now, this is going to be history.” and Congregation Beth Israel, all of
Isaac will sign copies of his book dur- which figure prominently in the book.
ing an appearance at Berkeley Judaica So do well known institutions such
store Afikomen on Aug. 30. as the Jewish Community Federation
Isaac’s book — 127 pages of historical of the Greater East Bay, Jewish Family
photos and extensive captions, with a and Children’s Services of the East Bay,
short introduction — shows how Jews the Reutlinger Community for Jewish
migrated to once-sleepy East Bay out- Living and the Contra Costa Jewish
posts and built a grand network of Community Center.
institutions. But Isaac wanted to capture hidden
There’s a shot from 1900 of the First Jewish stories of the East Bay. He
Hebrew Congregation at 12th and includes photos of rare documents,
Castro in Oakland. The elegant monuments and out-of-the-way
Victorian with Moorish accents housed Diners in 1949 celebrate the 25th anniversary of Congregation Beth markers of a Jewish presence.
the congregation that would later Israel, Berkeley’s first synagogue. It’s all meant to give readers an appre-
become Temple Sinai. ciation for the history around them.
There’s a photo of the young Judah L. Magnes, looking the Berkeley-based Jewish Music Festival and Noah’s “People have never been told [the history of the Jewish
dapper in his three-piece suit and watch fob, years before Bagels (which started in Berkeley). East Bay],” he says. “And they’re too busy to care unless
he became a leader of In many ways, the saga mirrors that of Jews across they are stopped and told. I hope the book gives people a
“Jews of Oakland and world Jewry (and name- America — but in other ways, says the New York–born better understanding and some real data about the com-
Berkeley” by Frederick sake of the Berkeley author, Jewish life in the East Bay is unique. munity.”
Isaac (127 pages, Arcadia Jewish museum). “It’s interesting how many things that are not syna- Perhaps most striking about that East Bay Jewish com-
Publishing, $21.99) And there’s a classic gogue- and federation-related have flourished here,” Isaac munity, according to Isaac, is the comity among the vari-
Frederick Isaac will photo of the Jewish says. “The [Contra Costa Jewish Film Festival] and the ous interests. He says his book shows how East Bay Jews
appear at 3 p.m. Aug. 30 at Federation’s Women’s music festival, for example. I have five pages on [U.C.] work together across denominational and ideological
Afikomen, 3042 Claremont Ave., Division, circa 1954: four Berkeley.” lines all the time.
Berkeley. Information: (510) 655- Lauren Bacall look-alikes Those pages cover the campus Hillel and Lehrhaus Which is why Isaac chose as the last photo in his book
1977 or www.afikomen.com. dressed in fur stoles, Judaica (both housed in the same building), and influen- a shot of the East Bay Board of Rabbis meeting last
white gloves and hats tial U.C. professors like Bible scholar Robert Alter. December. In the photo, 20 diverse rabbis sit together. All
right out of an Edith Head sketchbook. Researching and compiling the book came easily to are smiling.
Isaac’s photo survey of the East Bay goes through the Isaac, who earned a master’s in library science from the “The last shot is deliberate,” Isaac says. “In a lot of places
development of traditional Jewish institutions in Contra University of Pittsburgh. He is the former head librarian you don’t get 20 rabbis. Getting that many to work
Costa and Alameda counties, as well as offbeat staples like at the BJE Jewish Community Library in San Francisco, together is very unusual.” ■

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J. | the Jewish news weekly of Northern California 6a
Bay Area birthday wishes
for kidnapped Israeli soldier
dan pine | staff writer
Arriving in Israel for summer vacation,
Noa Turgeman got a reminder about kid-
napped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. In the
airport parking lot.
“Where you pay for the ticket, there was
an image of Gilad Shalit,” she recalls, “and
the words from the Hebrew Bible, ‘Ve’shavu
banim le’gvulam,’ which means ‘And your
sons shall return to their borders.’ ”
photo | ap
Cpl. Gilad Shalit
That’s all it took. Turgeman decided on
the spot to do something to honor Shalit
when she returned home to San Francisco.
Kidnapped by Gaza-based Hamas ter-
rorists in a June 2006 cross-border raid,
Shalit has been held prisoner ever since.
Other than one brief letter home, he has
not been heard from, though authorities
believe he is alive.
While his image graces billboards across
Israel, Gilad Shalit isn’t uppermost in the
minds of most American Jews.
Turgeman, who is a program director at
the Israel Center of the S.F.-based Jewish
Community Federation, wanted to
change that.
With Shalit’s 23rd birthday on Friday,
Aug. 28, “this is perfect for the synagogues,”
Turgeman says.
“How can you gather people? They’re
gathered [for Shabbat] anyway. His birth-
day is one small opportunity to remind
people” that he remains in captivity.
Turgeman and the Israel Center sent
synagogues what she calls her “Gilad Shalit
kit,” which includes a poster, a copy of a let-
ter Shalit wrote to his parents last year, and
Fundraiser set for Sonoma free clinic
The Jewish Community Free Clinic in
Sebastopol will hold a lakeside celebration-
fundraiser. The event takes place 2 p.m. to
6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23 at a private lake at
5500 Burnside Road, Sebastopol.
Planned for the event are performances
by local bands, a fashion show, silent auc-
tion, clowns and balloons for the kids and
a moving note from his mother, Hadas
Shalit.
One of the rabbis taking up Turgeman’s
proposal is Rabbi David Booth of
Congregation Kol Emeth in Palo Alto. He
will talk about Shalit during his Shabbat
remarks from the bimah.
“It feels like a nice thing to do in soli-
darity with the Jewish world,” Booth says.
“This is a tragedy. We want this guy to be
free. I want him to be able to go to
Hebrew University, to get a job, to travel.
He has lost this time in service to the
Jewish community.”
Also agreeing to take part in the com-
memoration is Rabbi Jonathan Joffe of
Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco.
“When I heard about it, I thought it was
a wonderful idea,” Joffe says, “especially
when we in the congregation have a chance
to talk about Israel in a way that unites
rather than divides.”
He plans to speak about Shalit and to
offer up a Mishebeirach (a prayer for the
sick and suffering) during Shabbat serv-
ices.
“[Shalit] has been mentioned in ser-
mons before, especially in the first year,”
Joffee adds. “That’s why it’s so important
now. He can easily fall through the cracks.”
That doesn’t happen in Israel. There,
Shalit is a constant presence. His parents
appear often in the media, and a vigil tent has
stood across the street from the Israeli prime
minister’s Jerusalem residence since the ear-
liest days of the kidnapping.
Over the years, headlines announced
breakthroughs in the negotiations to free
Shalit, but those breakthroughs have yet to
bear fruit. That’s because the price for his
freedom usually requires freeing scores of
Palestinian prisoners, among them unre-
pentant terrorists and murderers.
Turgeman thinks most Israelis are will-
ing to pay that price. “When I was in Israel
I saw a piece on the news about families
who lost [loved ones] in terrorist attacks,”
she says. “They said they are willing to have
their relatives’ murderers released for
Gilad’s sake.”
Like most Israelis, Turgeman served in
the Israel Defense Forces. Her 22-year-old
brother currently serves in the military. She
— along with many others — take Shalit’s
abduction personally.
“It could happen to any of the people I
know,” she says, “including myself. For
Israelis, soldiers are not just soldiers. They
are our people.” ■
a barbeque feast. Funds raised will go to
the Jewish Community Free Clinic, which
provides free health care to thousands of
uninsured clients.
Suggested donation is $18 to $36 for
adults. Kids attend free. For more informa-
tion, call (707) 585-7780 or email out-
reach. jcfc@gmail.com for reservations. ■
7a www.jweekly.com | August 21, 2009
bay area
Prayers provide foundation
for new, domed sanctuary
amanda pazornik | staff writer
Members of Congregation Kol Shofar
in Tiburon didn’t have to travel as far as
Israel’s Western Wall in hopes of having
their prayers answered.
In fact, all they had to do was maneu-
ver through a construction zone, find a
spot on a makeshift balcony and watch
their rabbis do all the work.
On Aug. 17, about 70 congregants
perched on scaffolding inside the
future site of Kol Shofar’s domed sanc-
tuary to watch rabbis Lavey Derby and
Chai Levy bury hundreds of their
.
J. | the Jewish news weekly of Northern California
prayers beneath the gravel. The small
sheets of paper and even children’s pic-
tures were to become a permanent part
of the future floor once the concrete
was poured.
Joshua Steinhauer, Kol Shofar’s
board president, and Ron Brown, a
leader of the synagogue’s capital cam-
paign committee, came up with the
idea.
“We thought it would be meaningful
for our community to find a way to
embed its prayers into the building,
much like the way people place prayers
i n t h e Ko t e l w h e n t h e y v i s i t
8a
Kol Shofar congregants watch as rabbis Lavey Derby (left) and Chai
Levy bury their prayers.
Jerusalem,” Brown said.
In addition to revamping its sanctu-
ary, the Conservative congregation is
adding classrooms and an expansive
multipurpose structure. The synagogue
also aims to renovate the landscaping,
exterior and interior of the existing
buildings.
Of the prayers received, many wished
the synagogue “mazel tov!” on moving
forward with the building project.
Some took the opportunity to pray for
many more years of memories in the
sanctuary. Children participated by
sketching their interpretations of what
the new project would look like.
Prayers were collected throughout
July in large jars following Shabbat
services, and at other synagogue events.
For those who couldn’t deliver their
prayers in person, e-mails were gladly
accepted (former congregants who’d
moved away and out-of-towners capi-
talized on this method).
A commemorative depiction of the
rabbis placing their congregants’
prayers in the sanctuary will be mount-
ed in or near the new sanctuary.
“I was struck by the look on every-
one’s faces,” said committee member
Bruce Raful. “For those of us who have
Kosher cookoff draws hungry
crowd to Petaluma synagogue
No one left the B’nai Israel Jewish
Center’s kosher cookoff with growling
stomachs, the ultimate mark of success
for an event focused on food. Lots of it.
On Aug. 9, nearly 200 people from
Sacramento to Santa Cruz followed their
noses to Petaluma for the third annual
cookoff, organized by the center’s Men’s
Club.
As temperatures soared into the 90s, the
center’s Sisterhood kept their cool, with
captain Marsha Harris and teammates
Phyllis Feibusch and Jeanne Straus serving
up Corny Pickled Pepper Pup Muffins and
Hot Dog Pineapple Upside-Down Cake.
The trio earned top honors for their dishes.
The center’s Hadassah chapter, which
photo | courtesy of howard zack
been working on [the project] for so
long, this was simply another step. But
for our congregants, who have suffered
through the pains of the town hearing
process and our fundraising efforts, it
was really uplifting to see how awed
they were.”
The construction comes after years
of dispute with the Tiburon
Neighborhood Coalition, which fought
the renovation and expansion project
from the beginning. Ultimately, the
rulings of the Tiburon Town Council
— and the wishes of Kol Shofar con-
gregants — prevailed.
Until the project’s completion, Kol
Shofar congregants will be driving all
over the area to take care of temple
business. The synagogue has temporar-
ily relocated its offices, religious school
and sanctuary to various nearby
locales.
For High Holy Days services, the syn-
agogue has secured the theater inside
the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.
It’s beautiful, yes, but for congregants
like Raful, nothing will compare to
worshipping in the new sanctuary.
“In the end, that’s why we’re all doing
it,” he said. “For the uplifting of our
community.” ■
won the two previous cookoffs, swept the
“People’s Choice” award with their
Mexican-inspired recipes, including Olé
Guacamole and Mexican Wedding
Cookies Surprise.
Judges for this year’s competition were
Petaluma Mayor Pamela Torliatt; Alfred
(Sonny) Burnett, command master chief
of the United States Coast Guard Training
Center in Petaluma; and Trevor Hayes,
this year’s Petaluma Firefighter of the Year.
Courses were rated on taste, presentation
and originality.
A silent auction and raffle also were
held, with proceeds earmarked for the
purchase of a new audiovisual system to
be used at future social events. ■
Health care spat raises San Diego hoops
red flags in Jewish quarters star signs with
eric fingerhut | jta recent days, creating Web sites advocat-
pro team in Israel
ing comprehensive health care reform. the associated press
As bloggers, radio hosts and protesters The NJDC launched RabbisFor
ratchet up their rhetoric in the fight HealthCare.org and the RAC started Jeremy Tyler completed his jump from
against health care reform, many are JewsForHealthCareReform.org. high school underclassman to pro bas-
unapologetically utilizing inflammato- “For the sake of our democracy, and ketball player last week when he signed
ry rhetoric and imagery — often in for the sake of a health care system that a one-year, $140,000 contract
ways that could be expected to raise is so clearly dysfunctional, we cannot, with Maccabi Haifa of the Israeli
alarms in some corners of the Jewish we dare not, stand on the sidelines,” Premier League.
community. Rabbi David Saperstein, the RAC direc- Tyler, 18, is the first American-born
Protesters and radio talking heads, tor, said in a statement. player to leave high school early to play
notably Rush Limbaugh, have been Bill Nigut, Southeast Region director basketball pro-
comparing the Obama administration for the Anti-Defamation League in fessionally over-
to Nazis. A Democratic congressman Atlanta, said the “first casualty” of the seas. The 6-foot-
had a swastika drawn on the sign in ratcheting up of the health care debate 11, 260-pound
front of his office. Bloggers are exploit- has been a “respectful democratic Tyler announ-
ing images of Anne Frank, tagging her process.” He voiced disgust at the ced in the spring
with the Obama health care plan’s sym- entrance of Nazi symbols and rhetoric, that he was skip-
bol instead of a yellow star. including the painting of a swastika on ping his senior
“Historically, whenever there are tur- a sign in front of the office of Rep. season at San
bulent times, it’s always bad for the David Scott (D-Ga.) Diego High
Jews,” said Rabbi Marvin Hier, founder Deborah Lipstadt, a modern Jewish School because
and dean of the Simon Wiesenthal and Holocaust studies professor at prep basketball
photo | jta/rac
Center Museum of Tolerance, and the Rabbi David Saperstein of the Emory University, said she did not see had become
photo | ap/denis poroy
current environment is “unstable” with Religious Action Committee has any specific reason for the Jewish com- “boring.”
Jeremy Tyler
“a lot of turbulence.” munity to be concerned. “Civil discord “I think I
argued for health care reform.
“The breakdown of civility is nor- is never good for society” and Jews are made the right decision,” Tyler said
mally a danger for minority groups, peri- with you would be like trying to argue with just part of society, she said. Aug. 12. “I think this team is a good fit
od,” said Michael Berenbaum, a professor a dining room table. I have no interest in Lipstadt, who won a libel suit brought for me and it’s the right country.”
of Jewish studies at American Jewish doing it,” replied Frank, who is Jewish. against her in a British court by revisionist Tyler averaged 28.7 points during his
University in Los Angeles and the project Jewish organizational support for the historian David Irving, said she was junior season.
director during the creation of the U.S. Obama administration’s plan appears to appalled by the use of Nazi analogies in the “I got past the easy part,” he said.
Holocaust Memor ial Museum in be holding steady, as only one group — the debate, calling it “dangerous” and a “form “Now the hard part is to perform and
Washington, D.C. Republican Jewish Coalition — is voicing of Holocaust denial” because “it’s a denial show the world I got a contract for a
“It’s a particular danger for Jews” opposition. of what Nazism is.” reason. Now I can play against grown
because “the climate in which we thrive is The RJC has been urging its members to She added that she did not think those men.”
one where there is security,” he said, noting oppose Democrat-backed health care leg- employing the false analogies were anti- One of the players on the Maccabi
that the worst period of anti-Semitism in islation, sending out an action alert last Semites, but just had “no shame” and Haifa roster is Todd Golden, a former
the United States was in the post-Great week warning that what it dubs would “say anything to make their point.” standout at St. Mary’s College in Moraga
Depression 1930s, where there was no eco- “Obamacare” will result in massive spend- Berenbaum said he has particular scorn who also played for the U.S. squad in the
nomic security. ing and debt, and widespread loss of jobs for those comparing the Obama health Maccabiah Games in Israel this summer.
In one incident this week, a protester and coverage. In its alert, the RJC warned care plan to Nazi policies. For instance, he Golden is Jewish; Tyler is not.
held a poster depicting President Barack that Obama’s plan will result in a “govern- noted that the right to be informed of and Tyler is expected to return to the
Obama with a Hitler-style mustache dur- ment takeover of health care.” consent to one’s medical treatment grew United States when he becomes eligible
ing a heated town hall meeting in a But the RJC appears to represent the out of the Nuremberg trials — because for the 2011 NBA draft.
Dartmouth, Mass., senior center. lone voice among Jewish organizations that’s “the antithesis of what the Nazis did.” “He has a tremendous upside,”
Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) lashed out speaking out on Obama’s plan. Liberal “Anyone who uses the Nazi analogy,” he said Andrew Wilson, a spokesman for
at the woman, asking “On what planet do groups, including the Religious Action said, “has no idea what Nazi medicine was American businessman Jeffrey Rosen,
you spend most of your time?” She had Center of Reform Judaism and the about.” ■ who owns Maccabi Haifa. “He’s defi-
stepped to the podium to ask why Frank National Jewish Democratic Council, have nitely got a lot of talent and is hungry,
supports what she called a Nazi policy. been staunch supporters of health care Rachel Tepper of JTA and the and we’re an up-and-coming team, as
“Ma’am, trying to have a conversation reform. Both have taken to the Internet in Associated Press contributed to this report. the team has been in the Premier
League only one year, so it seems like a
Muslim and Arab Americans among donors to J Street very nice fit for us.”
Maccabi Haifa, which opens its sea-
The J Street political action committee Israel, pro-peace” lobby pushing for formal collaborative relationship with son Oct. 25, was promoted to the
has received tens of thousands of dollars more American involvement and Brit Tzedek, another dovish group. In an Premier League after a 10-year absence
in donations from dozens of Arab and diplomacy in resolving the Middle East Aug. 18 statement, Brit Tzedek said it is and earned its first appearance in both
Muslim Americans, as well as from sev- conflict. exploring how “its network of chapters, the Israeli Premier League champi-
eral individuals connected to organiza- J Street executive director Jeremy activists and rabbis can potentially align onship game and the State Cup Finals.
tions doing Palestinian and Iranian Ben-Ami estimated the amount of Arab with J Street’s political, lobbying and “Tyler’s size and natural talent will
issues advocacy, according to Federal and Muslim donors to be a very small communications operations to make our present matchup problems in our favor
Election Commission filings. percentage — at most 3 percent — of movement as effective and far-reaching as against other teams in Israel,” coach Avi
Additionally, at least two State the organization’s thousands of con- possible.” Ashkenazi said in a statement. “We
Department officials connected to tributors. But he said that such sup- Brit Tzedek is a grass-roots group that know Tyler is hungry to prove himself
Middle East issues have donated to the porters show the broad appeal of J claims to have about 45,000 activists on the court. We look forward to him
PAC, which gives money to candidates Street’s message and its commitment to nationwide. — jpost.com & jta ■
developing over the course of the sea-
for Congress supported by J Street. The coexistence. ■ More U.S. news, son and improving our team.” ■
organization describes itself as a “pro- Also, J Street is reportedly exploring a Page 14a
9a www.jweekly.com | August 21, 2009
Battle over eastern Jerusalem is set in concrete
dina kraft | jta days under the shade of a small olive tree.
“They want to destroy our homes and

J
jerusalem | Deep in a valley below
Jerusalem’s Old City, a narrow alleyway
leads to the remains of three bulldozed
Arab homes in an area slated to become an
archeological park.
The homes, now just slabs of collapsed
concrete, are in the eastern Jerusalem
neighborhood of Silwan. Despite interna-
tional protests — including from Secretary
of State Hillary Clinton — the remaining
85 or so houses there, which were built
without permits, are to be demolished to
make room for a park the city hopes will be
a major draw for tourists.
The dispute over the area, together with
recent evictions in the Arab neighborhood
of Sheikh Jarrah, are the most recent mark-
ers in the battle over Jerusalem. Israel seeks
to cement its control over the city in part
by altering the demographic character of
its eastern, Arab neighborhoods.
“Our sovereignty over it cannot be chal-
lenged,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu told his Cabinet last month in
comments aimed at rebuffing U.S. criti-
cism over plans for turning a hotel in
Sheikh Jarrah into a Jewish housing proj-
ect. “This means, inter alia, that residents
of Jerusalem may purchase apartments in
all parts of the city.”
Former presidential candidate Mike
Huckabee, who recently toured east
Jerusalem on a three-day visit to Israel,
said the United States should not tell
Jewish people in Israel where they are
allowed to live.
“It’s like telling people they can’t live in
Queens or Brooklyn or the Bronx,” said
the for mer Ar kansas gover nor, a
Republican who is likely to make another
White House bid in 2012. “New Yorkers
would never stand for being told where
The remnants (foreground) of an illegally built house that was
demolished recently in the eastern Jerusalem of Silwan.
they can and cannot live. Why should we
be trying to do the same to Israel?”
Critics, however, claim the government
is purposefully boosting the Jewish pres-
ence in traditionally Arab eastern
Jerusalem, creating “facts on the ground”
in order to make it difficult to divide
Jerusalem as part of a two-state solution to
resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The
Palestinians demand eastern Jerusalem as
part of a future Palestinian state.
But the Israeli government insists that a
series of development plans for the city’s
eastern part are not driven by a political
agenda. The plans call for more green
space, better parking and repaved roads.
“Government policy is governed by one
overriding principle: that it is important to
continue developing the city for benefit of
photo | jta/dina kraft
all inhabitants of Jerusalem,” said Net-
anyahu spokesman Mark Regev. “The
position is that Jerusalem will remain a
united capital and the government wants
to see all its communities flourish.”
Maher Hanoun sees things differently.
He was evicted from his home in early
August after the Israeli Supreme Court
ruled that the land on which it was built
belonged to Jews, according to documen-
tation dating back to the Ottoman era.
Hanoun’s family, refugees from the fight-
ing in Israel’s War of Independence in 1948,
lived in a house built there by the United
Nations in the 1950s, when the land was
under Jordanian rule. Now homeless,
Hanoun and his family have opted to stay
on the sidewalk across from their old house,
sleeping on mattresses and passing their
build apartments for settlers,” Hanoun
said.
Israel captured Eastern Jerusalem, along
with the entire area known as the West
Bank, in 1967 during the Six-Day War.
When Israel later annexed eastern
Jerusalem, the state offered Israeli citizen-
ship to Arabs living there. Most refused,
instead becoming permanent residents of
the city with some of the same rights as
Israelis, including social security payments.
The Jerusalem municipality says all evic-
tion orders in Jerusalem are lawful, and that
the law is applied to both Arab and Jew. But
critics say evictions and demolitions are
pursued aggressively in Arab parts of the
city and only rarely in Jewish parts of the
city, and that Arab Jerusalemites are forced
to build illegally because their requests for
building permits are regularly rejected.
“This is a proxy war carried out by the
government of Israel by means of agents:
the extreme right-wing groups active in
east Jerusalem,” said Daniel Seidemann,
founder of Ir Amim, an Israeli organiza-
tion that advocates the equitable sharing
of Jerusalem between Jews and Arabs.
“This is a conscious effort to ring the his-
toric basin with messianic settlements.”
The city rejects such charges.
“The mayor and the municipality apply
the law equally,” Stephen Miller, a
spokesman for Jerusalem Mayor Nir
Barkat, said of demolition orders. “Anyone
is free to build, expand and live as they
desire as long as they follow the law.”
American Jews are among the main
supporters of increasing the Jewish pres-
ence in eastern Jerusalem, donating
$25.4 million over the past five years to
purchase and build homes there, according
to IRS filings reported by Bloomberg News. ■

Jew elected by Fatah
Uri Davis, 66, a sociology professor at Al-Quds University
in eastern Jerusalem, is the first Jew ever to become a
member of the Fatah Party’s governing body, the
Revolutionary Council. Elections were held last week in
Bethlehem during Fatah’s sixth
party congress, its first in 20 years.
Davis, a former Israeli, is a fierce
critic of Israel who identifies himself
as a Palestinian Hebrew-speaking cit-
izen of “the apartheid state of Israel.”
He was among more than 600
candidates for 80 open spots on the
128-member governing body.
Davis received Palestinian citizen- photo | ap/nass-
er shiyoukhi
ship after waiving his Israeli citizen-
Uri Davis
ship in the 1980s, joining Fatah at
that time and becoming the director of the group’s
London office. He is a fluent Arabic speaker. — jta & ap
Building freeze, or not?
Israeli officials have agreed to freeze construction in the
West Bank until the beginning of 2010, several news out-
lets reported this week. An unofficial freeze was first
reported early last month.
Although Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said
there is no official freeze, and although it is not the com-
plete settlement freeze the Obama administration has
been demanding, Housing Minister Ariel Atias told Israel
Radio on Aug. 18 that Israel has been in “a holding pat-
tern” since November on issuing new construction per-
mits.
But Dror Etkes, who tracks settlements for the Israeli
human rights group Yesh Din, said there was no sign of a
slowdown in the actual construction. — jta, ap & jpost.com
Mubarak: Shalit update
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said that his country
was working hard to secure the release of captured Israeli
soldier Gilad Shalit, who he called “our prisoner.”
In an interview with PBS over the weekend, Mubarak
noted that German representatives were also involved in
the effort. However, he said that Israeli “terms and condi-
tions” were getting in the way of progress.
“The deal or the agreement was to take care of Shalit
and that Israel would release a number of prisoners, and
when this is done we will hand over Shalit to the Israelis,”
Mubarak said during a visit to the United States. “We still
have hope to conclude this on a good note.” — jpost.com
Abbas criticizes Hamas
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas this
week condemned Hamas for killing members of an
al Qaida–inspired group in the Gaza Strip.
Abbas said that the Hamas offensive against Jund
Ansar Allah, which resulted in the death of 28
Palestinians and the wounding of more than 120, was
inhumane.
“The way they [Hamas] did it was cruel and inhu-
mane,” Abbas complained. “They killed about 30 people
and bombed mosques.”
But while Abbas expressed his readiness to resume
dialogue with Hamas, he said he remained opposed to
reviving peace talks with Israel. — jpost.com
Palestinians get Google
Google has launched a Palestinian domain with the
words “Palestinian Territories” added to its logo. The new
domain, www.google.ps, went online Aug. 13, becoming
Google’s 160th separate domain.
It will allow Palestinians direct access to Google in
Arabic, Ynetnews.com reported. Before, Palestinian users
had to visit other country’s domains to use the search
engine in Arabic. — jta ■

.
J. | the Jewish news weekly of Northern California 10a
Attack in Argentina commemorated
Argentine President
Cristina Fernandez partici-
pated in a moment of
silence this week at the
annual commemoration of
the terrorist attack on the
AMIA Jewish community
center in Buenos Aires.
Postponed by national
measures to prevent the
spread of swine flu, the
commemoration of the
15th anniversary of the President Cristina AMIA bombing.
worst terrorist attack ever Fernandez
in Argentina was held Aug. 18, a month ried hundreds of black balloons and
after the actual anniversary date. posters of the 85 faces and names of the
Thousands of Argentineans gathered victims. — jta
Peres: Russia may halt missile sales to Iran
Israeli President Shimon Peres said this
week that the Kremlin has promised to
reconsider the planned delivery of air
defense missiles to Iran that Israel and the
United States fear could be used to protect
Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev
made the pledge during Aug. 18 talks in the
Black Sea resort of Sochi in southwestern
Russia, Peres said; a Kremlin spokesman
Leichtenstein prince on hot seat
Germany’s Central Council
of Jews has accused Liechten-
stein’s Prince Hans-Adam II
of making a “mockery” of the
Holocaust by saying bank
secrecy in his principality had
helped save many Jews during
the Second World War,
Reuters reported.
The prince ruling the tiny
European country made the
comments in an interview Prince Hans-
with the local Liechten- Adam II
steiner Volksblatt, where he said as a defense for the prince’s political fail-
at Pasteur Street, in front of
the rebuilt AMIA, to call for
justice. While AMIA
President Guillermo Borger
stressed in his speech the
need for bringing the perpe-
trators to justice, Sergio
Burstein, a relative of a vic-
tim, decried the nomination
of the new Buenos Aires
police chief, who allegedly
concealed evidence in the
Tribute participants car-
wouldn’t immediately comment on Peres’
statement.
Many fear that Iran could use the missiles
to protect its nuclear facilities, which would
make a military strike on the Iranian facili-
ties much more difficult. Israeli and U.S.
officials have strongly urged Moscow not to
supply the missiles, and the issue has been
the subject of intense diplomatic wrangling
for years. — ap
and other countries encour-
ages tax evasion, saying it
“should think about its own
past” before attacking his
country.
“The comments make a
mockery of the Holocaust and
those that survived it,” said
Stephan Kramer, general sec-
retary of the Central Council
of Jews, the top body of
Germany’s Jews. “It is an
attempt to use the Holocaust
Vatican newspaper: U.S.
sat on vital Holocaust info
The United States and British govern- countering criticism that he turned a
ments suppressed information about the blind eye to the Holocaust. Instead, the
extent of the Holocaust, the Vatican’s offi- article said, the pope worked behind the
cial newspaper charged last week. scenes and hid Jews in a number of
The newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, church-run institutions, “the only plausi-
also slammed Allied governments in ble and practical form of defense of the
World War II for deliberately failing to act Jews and other persecuted people.”
to stop the systematic killing of Europe’s The American Gathering of Jewish
Jews despite having detailed information Ho l o c a u s t S u r v i vo r s a n d T h e i r
about the Nazi plans to exterminate Descendants called the article a “distor-
European Jewry, according to a
lengthy article published Aug. 13.
The article quoted a 1948 essay pub-
lished in the Italian Jewish journal
Rassegna Mensile d’Israel that was
based on the diary of Henry
Morgenthau Jr., the U.S. treasury sec-
retary during the war.
Morgenthau wrote, according to the
article, that “the incapacity, indolence
and bureaucratic delays of America
impeded saving thousands of Hitler’s
victims.” He also wrote that the British
foreign minister “was more concerned
about politics than of human chari- photo | ap file
ty.” Henry Morgenthau Jr. in 1934
Morgenthau was quoted as writing
that “we in Washington” knew that the tion of history” and said it was part of a
Nazis “had planned to exterminate all the “shameless campaign” to justify sainthood
Jews of Europe” since August 1942, but for Pius.
added, “for about 18 months from receiv- The newspaper “has engaged in intellec-
ing the first reports of this horrible Nazi tual dishonesty. Its reporting on the fail-
plan, the State Department did practical- ures of the Allies during the Holocaust is
ly nothing.” Instead, Morgenthau wrote, neither new nor does it mitigate the dis-
its officials “dodged their grim responsi- graceful silence of Pope Pius XII in the
bility, procrastinated when concrete res- face of Nazi barbarism during the
cue schemes were placed before them, Holocaust,” said the group’s president,
and even suppressed information about Sam Bloch. “Allied governments have long
atrocities.” acknowledged their historic failures dur-
The article appears to be part of a ing this tragic period while — as this arti-
Vatican campaign trying to bolster the cle demonstrates — the efforts to white-
reputation of the wartime Pope Pius XII, wash Pius’ record continues.” — jta ■

Liechtenstein and Switzerland had “saved ures. Portraying Liechtenstein as a merciful

the lives of many people, especially Jews” helper of the Jews does not chime with the
thanks to their bank secrecy laws. historical facts.”
He criticized Germany, which claims Liechtenstein remained neutral during
the banking policies of Liechtenstein World War II. — jpost.com

Remains of ancient temple found in Turkey

The remains of a centuries-old Jewish temple
were found on the southern coast of Turkey.
Excavations have revealed the first evi-
dence of a Jewish presence in the ancient
port city of Andriake in Lycia, now located
in southern Turkey, the Turkish daily
Zaman reported Aug. 17.
The find was unexpected and has cre-
ated a buzz in the archaeology commu-
nity. — jta

Mayor charged with inciting ethnic hatred

Prosecutors in Ukraine charged Sergey
Ratushnyak, the mayor of Uzhgorod,
with inciting ethnic hatred.
He was charged Aug. 13 with hooligan-
ism, abuse of office and violating racial
and national equality of citizens after
allegedly using anti-Semitic rhetoric and
beating a campaigner for a leading presi-
dential candidate who has an ethnically
Jewish background. — jta

Australian lawmaker’s home vandalized

The numbers “88,” which neo-Nazis use as Roozendaal, according to a report in the
shorthand for “Heil Hitler,” was found Sydney Morning Herald.
Aug. 15 on the Sydney, Australia, home of A senior Jewish politician in Australia,
New South Wales Treasurer Eric Roozendaal refused to comment. — jta ■

11a www.jweekly.com | August 21, 2009

 edit
U.S. must offer
health care for
all who need it
Is health care a right or a privilege?
We believe it is the former, an inalienable
human right. Thus we heartily endorse
health care reform, including a robust public
option.
Over the summer, the health care debate
has devolved into name calling, perfect fod-
der for cable news but unbecoming of this
serious subject. We are all for debate, but in
clip after clip, we’ve seen angry town hall
protesters bent on defaming the administra-
tion any way they could.
This administration is far from perfect,
and we have criticized it before. But when
crowds start comparing the Obama health
care reform effort to Nazi Germany, they
have utterly removed themselves from
rational discussion.
Health care should not be a partisan issue.
Certainly in the Jewish community it is not.
Many national Jewish organizations —
including the Religious Action Center of
Reform Judaism, the Jewish Council for
Public Affairs, Jewish Women International
and United Jewish Communities — vigor-
local voice
ously are calling for universal health care.
The Republican Jewish Coalition is the sole
Jewish organization opposing this desperate-
Bitter fallout from ‘Rachel’ screening
ly needed reform.
We understand the worry that a public
option could open the door to health
showed us a lot about ourselves
rationing and runaway government spend-
These are the days before Rosh Hashanah — in (not including the “Rachel” story) called names
ing. But the House bill as it stands now deals
intelligently with those concerns (the rabbinic poetry, the Creation of the World. The and ridiculed. And those who support the current
Senate’s version remains unfinished and up Jewish world we are creating is a dangerous world Israeli government castigated as neo-colonialist.
in the air). of sinat chinam (groundless hatred), both here I have been with rabbis who are compelled to
Besides, as anyone who ever had to battle and in Israel. meet in secret to express their concerns over
an insurance company knows, the system as In Jerusalem, the Israeli press calls it “The War Israeli human rights violations, afraid to speak in
it stands is largely founded on rationed care. Between the Jews,” referring to the secular/religious public for fear of their jobs.
Most private health insurance plans are fine, battle in Jerusalem’s Kiryat HaYovel neighbor- I have heard supporters of AIPAC set against
as long as the insured stay healthy. hood. Following the arrest of a mother from the supporters of J Street, and back again.
But people don’t. And with nearly 50 million Toldot Aharon Chassidic sect who is suspected of I have seen e-mails from self-appointed protec-
Americans uninsured and millions more nearly starving her toddler to death, several hun- tors of Israel assaulting Hillel professionals as
underinsured, this country faces a disastrous dred haredis pelted the police with stones. “haters of Israel” for allowing Jewish students on college cam-
health care crisis. Two out of three bankrupt- Rabbi Yitzhak Kershenbaum declared that his followers puses to voice a spectrum of opinions.
cies are due to medical debt. This cannot go on. would “fight to the last drop of our blood” to secure the I have seen the placards carried by Jews equating Israel with
Any bill that fails to include a public mother’s release and clear her name of what the community Nazi Germany.
option is not reform, but a useless Band-aid. has charged is a blood libel. The issue is not the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival. The
Branding such an option as “socialism” is Here at home in the Bay Area, we, too, are throwing stones problem is what the showing of “Rachel” revealed. Before,
preposterous (let’s see those critics give up at each other. during and after the festival, we have been throwing stones at
their socialist Medicare and Social Security The San Francisco Jewish Film Festival showed the movie each other.
benefits). “Rachel,” co-presented by Jewish Voice for Peace. Before and There is a paradox at work here: In the Bay Area, we bear
Critics of health care reform like to say the after the showing, I saw copies of letters from Jewish commu- no risk to life and limb — as do Israeli citizens — and yet we
United States has the best health care in the nity funders accusing Peter Stein, the festival’s executive direc- are at risk.
world. If you can afford a Tiffany plan, or if tor, of horrible things, including, but not limited to, equating We have a shared destiny with the Jewish community of
you’re a member of Congress, that may be him with Holocaust deniers. Israel. This is hard to take hold of, to know the margins of
true. I have seen e-mails calling for the banishment of the San what to say and what to do about something so important. It
But for too many Americans, falling ill too Francisco Jewish Film Festival from community funding. is still summer, the time to study Pirke Avot, the teachings of
often means falling into debt. This cannot I have heard Jews who question house demolitions by Israel our ancestors.
continue if we want our society to thrive. “All love that is conditional upon something, when the
Jewish ethics demand nothing less than Rabbi Peretz Wolf-Prusan is a rabbi and senior thing ceases, the love ceases. Love that does not rely on some-
affordable health care for all.■ educator at Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco. thing will last forever. Which kind of love is conditional? The
■■■ THROWING, 14a

.
J. | the Jewish news weekly of Northern California 12a
opinions
Time has come for GOP to
denounce Rush Limbaugh
One stark difference between Democrats
and Republicans is that Democrats appear
to be far more willing to confront and
publicly denounce bigots and extremists
in their own fold. This has been highlight-
ed by the GOP leadership’s failure to con-
demn Rush Limbaugh’s divisive, race-
baiting diatribes.
During the 2008
presidential cam-
paign, then-Sen.
Barack O bama
unambiguously
rejected and repu-
diated Louis Farr-
akhan, calling the
Nation of Islam
leader’s anti-Israel
and anti-Jewish tirades “unacceptable and
reprehensible.” Despite a very real concern
that distancing himself from the Rev.
Jeremiah Wright risked alienating a sig-
nificant part of the Democratic base,
Obama also condemned as “ridiculous”
and “divisive” what he described as his
Menachem Z. Rosensaft is an
adjunct professor of law at Cornell University and
vice president of the American Gathering of
Jewish Holocaust Survivors and Their
Descendants. He wrote this piece for JTA.
former pastor’s “rants that aren’t
grounded in truth.”
Similarly, in a June 1992 speech to the
Rainbow Coalition, presidential candi-
date Bill Clinton denounced the incen-
diary anti-white rhetoric of the hip-hop
rap artist, Sister Souljah, thereby incur-
ring the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s wrath.
In sharp contrast and with rare excep-
tions, the Republican leadership consis-
tently refuses to even address, let alone
condemn, Limbaugh’s inflammatory,
offensive and vitriol-laced radio broad-
casts, either because they condone his photo | ap/j. scott applewhite
sentiments or because they are terrified Talk radio host Rush Limbaugh speaks with former Defense Secretary
of losing the votes of his millions of Donald Rumsfeld (left) at the White House in January 2009.
faithful listeners.
Most recently, Limbaugh not only down our throats”; and “Adolf Hitler, like is that although “we have a very large
listed “the similarities between the Barack Obama, also ruled by dictate.” Christian population, we do not consider
Democrat Party of today and the Nazi Limbaugh has a long history of inciting ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish
Party in Germany,” but also compared the far-right grass-roots against any polit- nation or a Muslim nation; we consider
President Obama to Hitler. ical figures who do not reflect his white, ourselves a nation of citizens who are
Here’s what Limbaugh told his nation- fundamentalist Christian, conservative, bound by ideals and a set of values.”
wide audience: “Obama’s got a health care anti-minority, anti-pluralistic, anti-egali- Limbaugh further appealed to his fol-
logo that’s right out of Adolf Hitler’s play- tarian view of the world. lowers’ most xenophobic instincts by
book”; “Obama is asking citizens to rat He considers feminists to be “feminazis,” telling them that that it is “really uncool to
each other out like Hitler did”; the presi- dismissed Justice Sonia Sotomayor as a be a white male today,” and that Rep.
dent “is sending out his brownshirts to “hack” and a “reverse racist,” and was out- David Scott (D-Ga.) or one of his sup-
head up opposition to genuine American raged when Obama declared in his April porters, rather than a Ku Klux Klan
citizens who want no part of what Barack address to the Turkish Parliament that one wannabe, most probably had painted a
Obama stands for and is trying to stuff of the “great strengths of the United States” LIMBAUGH, 14a
■■■

Compassion needs to take precedence over foreclosures

I am about to become a statistic. I am about to join mil-
lions of others in very difficult circumstances. My home,
which I have lived in for almost 15 years, will be fore-
closed on very soon.
I am a single father with three children, who in total
represent 30 years of day school, 20 summers of Jewish
camp and nearly 10 years of university.
Beyond that I am not going to talk about how I got into
this situation.
In the end it doesn’t really mat-
ter. Everyone who has arrived at
this point has a story. Every one of
the stories has merit, and yet can
be criticized. If we are going to
find fault, let us start with an
unregulated financial system that
systematically takes advantage of
borrowers and investors. The real
question is, What should happen?
seized their cloaks.
He was rebuked for that and ordered to return their
cloaks. When he asked, “Is this the law?” Rashi said that
according to the law he could keep the cloaks, but in
order “that thou walkest in the way of good men” he had
to return the cloaks.
The Gemarah is going beyond the letter of the law in
order to promote a more compassionate society. This
should be an example for us.
One of the most difficult aspects of being in this situ-
ation is the feeling of shame. In the United States, finan-
cial success is celebrated and lack of it is shamed. Until
now, I have told only a few very good friends about my
predicament.
I know that I am not alone, but we all suffer in silence.
It is time to break that silence. No one can go through this
alone. We need the support of the community and of each
other. In this country people internalize the pain and go to
therapists; in other countries they go into the streets.
them the same way, and very few have been helped.
When I have attempted to access this system, I have
spent hours on hold, been told to wait because they are
overwhelmed, and when I contacted them again, been
told something different than what I was told before.
This ends up being a death of a thousand cuts. When I
realized I was having a problem but was still current, I
contacted my mortgage company; they were not interest-
ed in discussing a modification to my loan because they
were still receiving payments.
When I fell behind, I was receiving as many as 10 or 15
phone calls a day, seven days a week, starting at about
eight in the morning and going until nine in the evening.
I have spent hours on hold trying to get to individuals
who can make decisions.
It is a process of wearing people down. Eventually
many give up and walk away. No one seems to know
where people who have lost their homes are going. The
VALUES, 14a
■■■

Should millions of people lose
their homes and be forced onto
the streets, so that their homes can remain empty or be
bought up by speculators?
In the Gemarah, a part of the Talmud, there is a story
about some porters who were carrying a barrel of wine
for Rabbi Rabbah. The porters broke the barrel, then
were deemed to owe the rabbi damages. Rabbi Rabbah
John Ostfield lives in St. Paul, Minn. This column
appeared last week in the American Jewish World of Minneapolis.
We in the Jewish community need to understand that
it is not only those poor folks on the north side of
Minneapolis or immigrants in financial distress. It is all of
us: It is the person you see in the store or in the park or
sitting across from you in synagogue. If you want to see
the faces of foreclosure, look in the mirror, because you
might be next. How many of us are one or two paychecks
away from falling behind?
There are a number of programs that the federal gov-
ernment has announced over the last year. No one quite
knows how they work and no two people understand
Local voices welcomed
J. welcomes your local voice on timely Jewish issues and events
of the day. Submissions will not be returned and are subject to
editing or rejections. Approximate length: 750 words.
e-mail text, not attachments, to editors@jweekly.com
fax to (415) 263-7223
mail to J. the Jewish news weekly,
225 Bush St., #1480, San Francisco, CA 94104

13a www.jweekly.com | August 21, 2009

views
Throwing stones at one another



from 12a
love of Amnon for Tamar. What kind of love is
unconditional? The love of David and Jonathan”
(Pirke Avot 5:16).
Accepting for the moment that the rabbis of
the Mishnah were excluding the possibility that
David and Jonathan were actually lovers, this
might mean that Amnon, once he had sex with
Tamar, exhausted his “love” for her. David and
Jonathan loved each other unconditionally.
We need to love each other unconditionally.
We demonstrate that love when we control our
words, temper our passions and treat each other
with unconditional mutual respect.
And if we cannot love each other, we must at
least act as if we do.
We must freely express our deeply felt con-
Limbaugh no good for the GOP



from 13a
large swastika on a sign outside the black con-
gressman’s Georgia district office.
For Holocaust survivors and their families in
particular, Limbaugh’s demagogic screeds have
ominous overtones with which we are all too
familiar.
One would have expected Republican Party
leaders who purport to be in the tradition of
Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt to
speak out against Limbaugh’s hatemongering.
Instead, Colin Powell has been one of the very
few prominent Republicans with the integrity to
take on Limbaugh.
“The problem I have with the [Republican]
party right now,” Powell told Larry King last
month, is that when Limbaugh “says things that
I consider to be completely outrageous, and I
respond to it, I would like to see other members
of the party do likewise. But they don’t.”
Indeed, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) considers
Limbaugh to be “a voice of a significant portion
of our conservative movement in America” who
“has a lot of people who listen very carefully to
him.” Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney,
reportedly the frontrunner to run against
Obama in 2012, calls Limbaugh “a very powerful
voice among conservatives. And I listen to him.”
And House Minority Whip Eric Cantor
(R-Va.), the only Jewish Republican in
Values at stake in foreclosure crisis



from 13a
rental vacancy rates are not going down. Now
and then there are stories of tent cities or of
families camping in national parks. What will
happen when winter comes? What about school
for the children? How can people in that situa-
tion find jobs?
In the Torah we read that “one should not
stand idly by the blood of your neighbor.” We
need to stop this process. We need to do it now.
Every day in this country people are losing their
homes. We need an immediate moratorium on
foreclosures.
President Barack Obama says that the econo-
my is starting to turn around, that we need to be
patient. Now the banks need to be patient. We
.
J. | the Jewish news weekly of Northern California
cerns about Israel. We must debate vigorously
and energetically engage in the marketplace of
ideas. The danger is not how we support
Israel, by tribute or rebuke, but how we
destroy each other. The early rabbinic
philosophers faulted Jewish sinat chinam
more than the Roman military might for
Jerusalem’s destruction.
I love Israel and I am really worried about her.
I am really afraid of our sinat chinam. I am dis-
tressed by how we speak to each other. Even as
you read this, someone is picking up a stone.
The antidote to sinat chinam is to respect
every person’s unique place in creation. We can
do this because this love has been inside of us
since creation. It is only our weakness to hide it
— or our strength to show it. ■
Congress, believes that “Rush has got ideas. He’s
got a following. He believes in the conservative
principles that many of us believe in.”
By tolerating and encouraging Limbaugh, the
Republican leadership is fomenting racial and
ethnic hatred that could have disastrous conse-
quences for our country. Limbaugh’s extremist
rhetoric is transforming the Republican side of
the American political discourse from one of
legitimate political and ideological disagree-
ment among fellow citizens into a demonization
of the “other,” that is, everyone who is non-
white, non–fundamentalist Christian and non-
conservative.
MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann regularly refers
to Limbaugh as a “comedian.” That’s a mistake.
Limbaugh might have an act, a “shtick,” as it
were, but there is nothing funny or entertaining
about him. As McCain, Romney, Cantor and
others acknowledge, Limbaugh wields a great
deal of influence in both the Republican Party
and the conservative movement. That makes
him a dangerous, destructive cancer on both the
Republican Party and the American body
politic.
The GOP’s leaders now have to make a
choice: They can either allow themselves and
their party to be defined by Rush Limbaugh, or
they must denounce and renounce him once
and for all.■
saved them with huge bailouts. We have a right
to demand that they return the favor.
In addition, stopping the foreclosures will
help to stabilize the economy. There are a lot of
ideas that can both help the homeowners in dif-
ficulty and provide a means for that homeown-
er to pay the mortgage in an affordable manner.
We must demand that the federal govern-
ment immediately order a two-year moratori-
um — at the minimum — on foreclosures and
a return of homes to their original owners.
The Jewish community, and synagogue
social action committees in particular, should
be taking the lead on this. In the words of Joe
Hill, “Don’t waste any time mourning —
organize!” ■
14a
u.s.
Poll: Jewish Dems approve of Obama
A poll of 500 self-identified
Jewish Democrats taken in late
July shows that 92 percent of
Jewish Democrats approve of
President Barack Obama’s job
performance.
The survey, taken July 22 to 24,
was commissioned by the
Traditional Values Coalition, a con-
servative lobbying organization
claiming to represent 43,000
churches. It was conducted by
Global Marketing Research
Services and has a margin of error
of plus or minus 4 percent.
The poll found that 58 percent of
the respondents said Obama was
Affair leaves Hadassah ‘shocked’
The president of Hadassah, Nancy
Falchuk, indicated last week that
she was “shocked” to learn that a
former finance chief of the organi-
zation had an extramarital affair
with Bernie Madoff.
The former finance chief,
Sher yl Weinstein, who left
Hadassah in 1997, writes of her
20-year affair in her book,
“Madoff ’s Other Secret: Love,
Money, Bernie, and Me,” set to be
Army base takes steps forward
The beating of a Jewish soldier in
Army basic training last fall has
prompted Fort Benning to make
changes aimed at improving con-
ditions for Jewish troops, from
adding a rabbi chaplain to offer-
ing kosher meals at dining halls.
Dr ill sergeants must now
attend classes on how to accom-
modate soldiers of varying faiths.
Fort Benning, located in west
Boston consul general apologizes
Israel’s consul general in Boston
apologized for a memo he wrote to
his government criticizing Israel’s
policy toward the United States.
Nadav Tamir was reprimanded
Aug. 13 in Israel by Foreign
Ministry Director-General Yossi
Gal for his lack of judgment in
widely distributing the memo.
Tamir apologized, saying he
regretted the memo became public,
according to reports. He also said
Terror cell member gets 70 months
The last member of a terrorist cell
that was planning to attack Jewish
targets in Los Angeles was sen-
tenced to nearly six years in prison.
Hammad Riaz Samana, a mem-
ber of the Jami’yyat Ul-Islam Is-
Shaheeh group founded in a
prison, was given a 70-month sen-
tence Aug. 17, the Orange County
Register reported.
His sentence was shorter than
his three fellow cell members
“doing a good job of promoting
peace in the Middle East” com-
pared to 16 percent who disagreed.
Just 18 percent said the president
was being “too tough on Israel.”
However, a column in the New
York Post noted that 52 percent of
respondents agreed with the view
that “the Arabs will never live in
peace with Israel and that giving
them a nation of their own will just
make them stronger.” That column
was written by TVC founder the
Rev. Louis Sheldon and the hus-
band-wife team of political con-
sultants Dick Morris and Eileen
McGann. — jta
published next week.
In reaction, Falchuk wrote a let-
ter to her board Aug. 17 that said,
“Hadassah was shocked to hear the
news reports of Mrs. Weinstein’s
personal admissions regarding this
relationship.”
Hadassah had invested $40 mil-
lion with Madoff, eventually with-
drawing $130 million but believing
it still had $90 million invested with
him. — jpost.com
Georgia, plans to hold Shabbat
services and observe Rosh
Hashanah and Yom Kippur on
post, rather than busing soldiers
to a synagogue in neighboring
Columbus, Ga.
Religious tolerance became an
issue at Fort Benning after Pvt.
Michael Handman, 20, suffered a
concussion from a beating by a
fellow trainee. — ap
that he understood that someone
in an official government position
cannot publicly criticize the gov-
ernment.
Gal did not reprimand him for
the content of the three-page
memo, titled “Melancholy thoughts
on Israel-U.S. relations,” in which
Tamir said Israel’s handling of rela-
tions with the Obama administra-
tion was causing Israel “strategic
damage.” — jta
because he had a smaller role in the
plot and he suffered from mental
health issues, according to U.S.
District Judge Cormac Carney.
The cell had plans to attack syna-
gogues, the Israeli Consulate in Los
Angeles and El Al Airlines at the Los
Angeles International Airport, as
well as military bases. The group
robbed 11 gas stations to fund the
plot. The men were arrested and
charged in 2005. — jta ■
Victorious ‘Basterds’
Quentin Tarantino says film is far more than a Jewish revenge fantasy
naomi pfefferman line of films using Nazis as all-purpose “rent-a-
l.a. jewish journal villains,” such as this year’s Norwegian Nazi-
zombie thriller “Dead Snow.” Still others have

Q
Quentin Tarantino is bouncing up and down
on a couch in a suite at the Four Seasons Hotel
in Los Angeles, waving his arms and talking at
torpedo speed about “Inglourious Basterds,”
the fantastical World War II film he both wrote
and directed.
Dressed in black and clutching a plastic
wine glass containing the remains of a vin
rouge, the filmmaker who burst into the zeit-
geist with the uber-violent “Reservoir Dogs” is
eager to talk about his “basterds” — a squad of
Nazi-slaying American Jews led by hillbilly Sgt.
Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt).
These fighters parachute behind enemy
lines to wage a blood-splattering campaign
against the Nazis, alternately scalping them,
crushing their skulls or carving swastikas into
their foreheads.
Meanwhile, an intertwining story has
Director
Shosanna Dreyfus (Mélanie Laurent), a French
Jew, passing as the non-Jewish owner of a Paris cinema
and seeking to avenge the murder of her family by incin-
erating Hitler, Goebbels and his henchmen in her theater.
Since “Inglourious Basterds” premiered in May at the
photos | the weinstein company/francois duhamel
Quentin Tarantino on the set of “Inglourious Basterds.”
Cannes International Film Festival, a number of reviewers story,” Tarantino says.
have criticized Tarantino’s brazen rewriting of history,
calling it potential fodder for Holocaust revisionists.
Others have dismissed the movie as the latest in a recent
worried over the image of Jews seeking over-
the-top revenge against the Reich.
Confronted with these criticisms, Tarantino
brushes them off, saying he wasn’t about to
check in with Jews or anyone else for his sto-
ryline. “I’m not going to go and kiss ass and
curry favor,” he said. “This movie is about my
imagination. I’m the one making the decisions
as far as writing my characters ... And when
my characters are Jewish, what I say is correct
for them.”
He insists the movie isn’t a Holocaust film,
although it opens with Shosanna watching the
machine-gunning of her family.
Also, says Tarantino, the film goes against a
convention that has defined most Shoah films
since the 1980s: focusing almost exclusively on
Jews as victims. “If you go back to earlier
decades, there was no crime against making a
World War II picture as a thrilling adventure
“ ‘The Great Escape’ takes place in a f—— concentra-
tion camp, and it’s one of the most entertaining movies
■■■ ‘BASTERDS’, 18a

Violent ‘Bear Jew’ relishes his role: cracking Nazis’ skulls

naomi pfefferman | l.a. jewish journal plained about movie violence, because the
default in my brain was — what about the
When the extreme horror auteur Eli Roth visited Holocaust?
Germany to promote his 2005 film “Hostel,” jour- “I never saw violence in movies as real. To
nalists asked how he dared make such a sexually me it was always a representation of violence,”
sadistic movie. he added. “And I couldn’t understand why
Roth was then a 29-year-old who had already people got so upset about it when they didn’t
cemented his reputation as one of the most suc- seem upset about violence in real life.”
cessful directors to push the so-called “torture Roth’s directorial debut, “Cabin Fever,” pre-
porn” genre to grisly new heights, and “Hostel” miered in 2002, and although many critics have
pushed it even further. reviled him for what they perceive as gratuitous
The filmmaker was used to criticism for his over- violence and misogyny, others see his work as
the-top depictions of impalings, decapitations and far more thoughtful than, say, the “Friday the
blow-torchings, but Roth — who has numerous 13th” franchise.
relatives who died in the Holocaust — became Tarantino served as an executive producer
enraged when German journalists asked him to on the poorly received “Hostel II” and previ-
justify those grisly scenes. ously hired Roth to act in “Grindhouse” (2007).
“I said, ‘This movie is nothing but [cinematic] For “Inglourious Basterds,” Roth also served as
magic tricks, but your grandparents turned my Tarantino’s unofficial Jewish technical adviser.
ancestors into furniture. Into lamp shades.’ I went At times during the six-month shoot in
on and on. I couldn’t stop myself. I couldn’t believe Eli Roth (left) and Brad Pitt in a scene from Berlin, life imitated art: When Roth’s parents
they took that kind of self-righteous position.” “Inglourious Basterds.” broke their vow never to travel to Germany
Roth’s same righteous fury appears in his por- and visited the set, Roth was appalled when
trayal of Sgt. Donny Donowitz, a.k.a. “the Bear Jew,” in out in Nazi-occupied Austria, and his parents’ friends one of the crew’s drivers sneeringly referred to them as
“Inglourious Basterds.” included survivors of Auschwitz and Dachau, Roth “Juden.” Roth had to be restrained from beating the man
“Donny is a Jewish guy from South Boston who is grew up in the shadow of the Holocaust. in Bear Jew fashion.
fighting on behalf of Jews who can’t,” said Roth, 33, who “We were taught that you do not buy German prod- In the end, making “Inglourious Basterds” proved heal-
still displays much of the 40 pounds of extra muscle he ucts,” he said. His mother, a respected painter, and his ing for Roth. “When we filmed the scenes where I killed
put on for the role. “He uses his baseball bat to pummel father, a psychoanalyst and psychiatry professor at Nazis, the German cast and crew were as excited about it
Nazis, so he can physically feel that sensation of cracking Harvard Medical School, encouraged him to read the as the Jews were — it was like we were killing them
their skulls in.” many books on the time period, and at the age of 8, the together,” Roth said.
For Roth, the movie proved more than just his first budding filmmaker had already read Eli Wiesel’s “I remember [the actor who plays] Goebbels saying,
major acting role: “It was like kosher porn,” he said. “It “Night” and knew all about Dr. Mengele’s medical ‘Yeah — we get to kill those m———s today.’ They were
was an orgasmic feeling to swing that bat.” experiments. so happy. And they wanted the deaths to be as violent as
Which is not to say that he didn’t take the role seri- “That’s why horror movies always seemed so tame to possible, because they’re tortured by the Holocaust as
ously. Because his mother’s family was all but wiped me,” he said. “I thought it was absurd when people com- much as we are.” ■

15a www.jweekly.com | August 21, 2009

the arts
Minicomic takes serious look at father’s roots on kibbutz
rachel freedenberg | staff writer Golan’s minicomics take her anywhere from a few living in what Golan calls an “artistic, hippie environment.”
months to a year to create. The story comes first — her Visiting her father’s kibbutz in her 20s “was an interest-
Yasmin Golan’s father left his native kibbutz to live the background is in poetry and writing, but “I felt that no one ing experience, because I was basically comparing his life
American Dream. But it eventually became clear that the really reads poetry,” she says wryly. “I look at minicomics and the standard of living he had in the United States to
American Dream was back on the kibbutz. as a short story format, but it works flexibly the one he had left behind in Isr ael,” Golan says.
“It’s really a story of reverse immigration narrative,” says for me in terms of poetry and prose.” “When I made the book and I
Golan, 30, in an interview from her home in San After the story is written, she begins the showed my father, he
Francisco. “It’s not the story of someone who leaves pover- illustration, which she does with a black laughed and said, ‘I guess
ty and comes to America and makes it. It’s the story of brush-tip ink marker in a style that is I’m one of the only
someone who had a pretty good standard of living on a often reminiscent of woodblock printing. Israelis I know that left a
kibbutz, and comes to the U.S. “Right now my illustration style is really better standard of living
and becomes a working-class primitive,” she says. “I’m just trying to behind in Israel for a lower
laborer.” convey the images that inspired the story standard of living in the
This realization, which in the first place in my mind.” United States.’ ”
Golan came to on a visit to When the illustrations are done, Golan’s other mini-
her father’s kibbutz, Gan Golan assembles the comic herself, and comics — including “Maids’
Shmuel, about a decade ago, has a cover silkscreened in color. Rooms, Paris, 2002” a look
eventually formed the basis “My Father” took Golan almost a at the Parisian practice of
for “My Father,” a 20-page year to complete. With just one line of having maids living on the
minicomic written and illus- text per page, the comic tells the story sixth floor of fancy apart-
trated by Golan in stark black of her father’s visit to his former home ment buildings, and “The
and white. on the kibbutz near Hadera, and of Kitchen,” a collection of sto-
Yasmin Golan
A chef by trade, Golan has Golan’s impressions of kibbutz and ries from current and for-
been making minicomics in communal life. mer restaurant workers —
her free time for the past two or three years. Golan’s parents met on the kib- also touch on the social poli-
Minicomics are self-published comic books sold by butz — her mother had come from tics of the working class. Her
their creators, usually online and at comic and alternative her native Brooklyn in her late teens to experience next comic will be a comple-
press shows. Golan sells hers online (at something similar to the ’60s-style com- ment to “Maid’s Rooms” — another story about “the
milkntea.etsy.com) and at a handful of mune. underbelly of Paris.”
stores in San Francisco, Portland, Yasmin Golan will be at After becoming disenchanted with the “I’m drawn to stories with an emotional edge to them,”
San Francisco Zine Fest, 11 a.m. rightward shift of kibbutz politics in the Golan says. “It’s all about what I feel like working on next.
Chicago and Los Angeles.
to 6 p.m. Aug. 22 and 23, at the
She will also be appearing at San early ’70s (and the limitations of free With ‘My Father,’ I felt like the [comics] I had done so far
S.F. County Fair Building, Ninth
Francisco Zine Fest this weekend, Aug. Avenue and Lincoln Way in
speech in the socialist culture), the couple weren’t personal in any way, and I wanted to do something
22 and 23, and at the Alternative Press Golden Gate Park. moved to Los Angeles, where Golan was personal. And now that I’ve done that, I feel like I can go
Expo in San Francisco on Oct. 17 and 18. born. They became gardeners and janitors, back to other types of storytelling.” ■

‘This Way Up’ stares down Jerusalem security wall

michael fox | correspondent make life tougher for the residents of Notre Dame
des Douleurs or their families, of course. From the
On the “P.O.V.” Web site, French filmmaker Georgi filmmaker’s point of view, this adverse consequence
Lazarevski describes “This Way Up” as “a more inti- of the wall’s existence is another ignominy
mate, almost nonpolitical film on the Arab-Israeli Palestinians must endure as part of the occupation.
conflict.” A couple of the residents are vociferous in their
It’s certainly true that his elliptical, strikingly pho- anger and frustration. “The situation is at a dead
tographed 2007 portrayal of the Palestinian residents end,” one laments. “I can’t breathe.”
of the East Jerusalem retirement To American Jews watching their televisions, “This
home Notre Dame des Douleurs Way Up” will play as a not-so-thinly veiled condem-
tv (Our Lady of Sorrows) is observa-
tional in nature, rather than didac-
nation of Israel. At the same time, one must admit
that the elderly folks of Notre Dame des Douleurs
review tic or educational.
There’s no narrator, no talking
are the most benign, non-threatening critics of Israel
one could imagine.
heads, and the participants aren’t Lazarevski, who is also an “This Way Up”
even identified by name (except when they’re accomplished still photogra- airs Tuesday, Aug. 25
addressed by someone else in the film). pher, integrates numerous on KQED–Channel 9
But “almost nonpolitical,” in the context of the static shots of the security and 5 p.m. Aug. 29 on
Middle East, is the equivalent of “a little bit pregnant.” barrier that range from beau- KQED World on digital
There’s no such thing, and to suggest otherwise is a tad tiful to ironic to sobering. His cable systems.
photo | georgi lazarevski
disingenuous. Jad stands in the gardens of a retirement home in editorial comment is pretty
“This Way Up,” which clocks in at an unhurried East Jerusalem as two Palestinians sneak back over unambiguous, but the most memorable images are
hour, premieres at 10 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25 on the barrier in “This Way Up.” the art shots — a stunning study of the wall ribbon-
KQED–Channel 9. ing across the landscape like a Christo installation,
The filmmaker’s initial and fundamentally political But there are seniors whose adult children come to see or the shadow cast by the cross atop Notre Dame.
decision was to choose an institution situated right next to them on a semi-regular basis, and to them the wall repre- “This Way Up,” like every documentary that comes out
the massive concrete security barrier Israel has erected. sents a palpable disruption. The authorization required to of Israel, the West Bank or Gaza, is a Rorschach test that
The wall is often visible through the retirement home’s cross, combined with the time, energy and logistics of nav- tends to reveal more about the viewer than the subject.
windows, hovering over the residents, although for most igating checkpoints, inevitability results in a decrease in Viewed as another facet in the ever-expanding mosaic of
of them the world doesn’t intrude on — or extend beyond visits. Israeli-Palestinian portraits, however, the film offers a
— their circumscribed daily routine. It is hardly a policy or goal of the Israeli government to plethora of unexpected insights. ■

.
J. | the Jewish news weekly of Northern California 16a
‘Blossom’ star reflects on how she blossomed as a Jew
mayim bialik Entering a sacred covenant before wear shirts above the elbows and don’t
tabletmag.com God, I wore an ankle-length, high- cover my head regularly.
necked Victorian dress with sleeves I bought wonderful new clothes, jew-
Earlier this year, producers from past the elbow and a heavy veil, elry and vegan shoes (one of my other
the TLC makeover show “What reminiscent (I hoped) of the preferences). When I was filmed reveal-
Not to Wear” chose me to “fix.” It matriarchs Leah and Rebekah. ing the final outfits they picked for me,
was eight months after I had given During the days of the Sheva I gently pointed out that skirts above
birth to my second son (my first Brachot, the seven traditional the knee are not something I would
was 3 years old), and I had just feasts celebrated in the days after wear, and that I wouldn’t wear sleeveless
completed a doctorate in neuro- the chuppah ceremony, I tentative- shirts or dresses without something to
science. ly covered my head with scarves cover my arms once I left the set.
I had been wearing slouchy and crocheted hats, trying on my When the show aired in May as the
clothes since long before I had new status as a married woman. series’ season premier, I saw that my
kids. I favored men’s oversized gar- Beyond wearing a ring, my lifestyle qualifications and explanations did not
ments that hung loosely from my didn’t have a means of represent- survive the cutting room.
body and had never much cared ing the change from single to mar- I don’t wish to claim that there is an
for fashion or trends. For the most ried, and I was cautious about “immodest agenda” on WNTW. It’s a
part, I spent little to no time on my challenging the feminist ideals I show for the average American, who is
appearance. had previously embraced. most likely not Jewish, and if she is
From the time I was 19 until I But I liked feeling a physical rep- Jewish, she’s most likely not observant.
turned 32, I devoted my time to resentation in my new life as a mar- In spite of the fact that the hosts kept
studying, writing a thesis and start- ried woman. In synagogue, I began telling me that I needed to be “sexy” and
ing a family. But the acting itch covering my head with tichels (dec- not “hide” in my clothing, I loved being
never completely abated and I had orative scarves) from trips to Israel a part of the show. They were right to
decided to pursue it again rather — just as my Orthodox cousins encourage me to wear clothing that was
than stay in academia. The actor’s who I used to consider submissive my size and to emphasize my figure
life I want to pursue gives me more and trapped in an archaic lifestyle where it needed emphasizing. But sexy
time to raise my children rather taught me to wrap them — and doesn’t necessarily mean scantily clad.
than hand them over to a nanny. fashionable hats. No flowers The week after WNTW was filmed, I
Having a makeover seemed like a photo | jta/courtesy of mayim bialik allowed. Too Blossom-y. auditioned to play a Chassidic woman
great opportunity to put together a Mayim Bialik As my life progressed, tzniut on “Saving Grace.” When the call came
new look that I could use on future became a bigger part and I started in I laughed, pulled a salvaged Israeli
auditions. zines and on television. appreciating what it means to keep ankle-length dark denim skirt from the
The “What Not to Wear” producers I was pretty impervious to media cri- your sexual appeal for yourself and your floor of my almost bare closet, threw on
asked if I had any clothing restrictions. tiques of my style. I had no real sense of partner. I came to see that not every- a WNTW-purchased tank, cardigan and
Deep breath. my own physicality and took for grant- thing that makes me beautiful, sexy or simple flats, and applied some lovely
“I don’t wear pants,” I told them. “I ed the feminist idea that I should be desirable needs to be on display. understated makeup.
prefer skirts.” able to walk around naked without In the world of acting, though, main- I got the part. ■

You see, I am what I guess you’d call a harassment. But I soon learned that not taining a degree of modesty has been a
Conservadox Jew. I started embracing everyone was a feminist. challenge. I stopped wearing pants out- Mayim Bialik starred on NBC’s “Blossom”
certain aspects of Jewish modesty, or After graduating from public high side of the home in November 2007. (I from 1990 to 1994. Recently she has appeared on
tzniut, before my second son was born, school in Los Angeles, I went to college still wear them at home or under dress- “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Saving Grace” and
and although I know many Orthodox at UCLA, where I met the man who is es.) These days, I am more comfortable this fall will have a recurring role on “The Secret
women who don’t observe tzniut, the now my husband. Knowing we wanted a in skirts rather than the baggy, saggy Life of the American Teenager.” Reprinted from
boundaries and framework of privacy it traditional wedding ceremony, we start- pants I used to wear. I feel more attrac- Tabletmag.com, a new read on Jewish life.
provides appealed to me. ed studying Judaism together to prepare tive and more put-together in a skirt.
I was raised in a traditional Reform for it. Tzniut doesn’t mean making yourself
household, the granddaughter of poor At first my lessons with an Orthodox less attractive; it means highlighting
Orthodox immigrants from Eastern instructor were almost anthropological your strengths within limits.
Europe. For them, success in America — I was curious as to how Judaism But my definition of limits and that
came at the seemingly small price of rel- viewed marriage and sexuality, but I did of the folks at “What Not to Wear” dif-
ative assimilation. not really intend to increase my level of fered. On and off the set, I discussed my “Burman to perfection.”
Growing up, I lived a pretty normal observance. The more I learned, how- skirt preference with the producers. Clarin
life. I had my own prime-time network ever, the more my previous distance When the hosts showed me pants as a
TV show, “Blossom,” from the ages of 14 from traditional Judaism disappeared. possible option in my wardrobe, I
to 19, which meant my physical appear- I was also a serious person in general, pointed out that I don’t much wear
ance and clothing choices were dissect- and chose a wedding dress that reflected them. I didn’t claim to be the
ed on a weekly basis in gossip maga- my serious attitude about marriage. spokesperson for tzniut; after all, I still

S.F. Jewish museum seeks personal photos for collage

The Contemporary Jewish Museum in
San Francisco wants your family pho-
tos. The museum is seeking bar and bat
mitzvah images through Sept. 1 and
food pictures through Nov. 30 to be
used with upcoming exhibits.
B’nai mitzvah images can be from
any time period, and they can be color
or black and white. The only require-
ment is that the Torah must be present
in the photo.
Selected images will be included in a
digital “collage” for the gallery’s “As It Is
Written: Project 304,805” exhibit. On
tap for Oct. 8 through fall 2010, the
exhibition is centered on the impor-
tance of the script in the Torah, which
includes 304,805 letters.
The food photos should focus on tra-
ditional and spiritual events; they will be
included in the CJM’s second install-
ment of “Being Jewish: A Bay Area
Portrait.” The museum also is accepting
recipes or written anecdotes about food.
Photos can be sent via e-mail to photo-
call@thecjm.org or mailed to the atten- EXCLUSIVE ENGAGEMENTS
tion of “Call for Photos,” CJM, 736 START FRIDAY, AUGUST 21
Mission St., S.F. 94103. For more infor- Sundance KABUKI CINEMAS 1881 Post St at Fillmore 415/929-4650
mation, contact Lisa Chanoff at MARIN San Rafael, Independent Rafael Film Center
CHECK THEATRE DIRECTORIES OR CALL FOR SOUND INFORMATION AND SHOWTIMES
lchanoff@thecjm.org or (415) 655-7844. ■ SPECIAL ENGAGEMENTS NO PASSES OR DISCOUNT COUPONS ACCEPTED

17a www.jweekly.com | August 21, 2009

lifecycles
engagements
Daniel Frankenstein and
Erielle Roodman Reshef
George and Diane Frankenstein are over-
joyed to announce the engagement of their
son, Daniel Frankenstein, to Erielle
Roodman Reshef, daughter of Dr. Eli
Reshef and Ms. Edie Roodman of
Oklahoma City.
Daniel, who attended Lowell High
School in San Francisco, received his degree
from U.C. Berkeley. Daniel worked for four
years in Washington, D.C., for the
Corporate Executive Board (CEB) and is
now spearheading CEB’s operations in
Israel. Erielle, a graduate of Heritage Hall
High School, graduated cum laude from
Indiana University. She is now pursuing a
Master of Arts in Government, Strategy
and Diplomacy at the Herzliya
Interdisciplinary Center (IDC), Israel.
Erielle and Daniel will wed on May 30,
2010 at the bride’s home in Oklahoma City.
Lisa L. Michael and Daniel A.
Hegwer are happy to announce their
engagement.
Lisa is the daughter of Harriett Michael
and Dr. John Michael of San Rafael, Calif.
The bride-to-be received bachelor degrees in
Biology and Psychology from the University
of California, Santa Cruz, and a Masters
Degree in Physical Therapy from New York
Medical College, New York.
Daniel is the son of Charlotte Hegwer and
Louis Harold Hegwer, Jr. of Tucson, Ariz. The
groom-to-be received a bachelor’s degree in
Political Science from San Jose State
University and a Juris Doctor degree from
The John Marshal Law School, Chicago,
Illinois.
The couple first met at UAHC Camp Swig
during the summer of 1989. They plan to
wed at Congregation Rodef Sholom in San
Rafael. The couple currently resides in San
Rafael.
the arts
‘Basterds’ is much more than a ‘revenge fantasy’



from 15a
you’re ever going to see,” Tarantino says.
“Even Billy Wilder, in ‘Five Graves to Cairo,’
does as much revisionist history as I do, all
in the service of a very exciting story.”
So if “Inglourious Basterds” is a guys-
on-a-mission World War II movie, in the
tradition of, say, “The Dirty Dozen,” why
couldn’t the guerrillas have been escaped
POWs, or members of the French resist-
ance — rather than American Jews?
Tarantino’s eyes gleam as he answers.
“It was really important for them to be
Jewish, and it’s a big deal that they are
American Jews.”
Not all of the heroes are Jews, howev-
er. Pitt’s character, nicknamed “Aldo the
.
J. | the Jewish news weekly of Northern California
b’nai mitzvah
Rebecca (Ceci) Cohen Daughter of Dr. Julie and Dr. Jonathan Cohen, Saturday,
Aug. 22 at Congregation Beth Sholom in Napa.
Jacqueline Cooney Daughter of Dorothy and Thomas Cooney, Saturday, Aug. 22
at Congregation Rodef Sholom in San Rafael.
Sarah Feinberg Daughter of Jenna and Steven Feinberg, Saturday, Aug. 22 at
Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco.
Andrew Grossfeld Son of Jodi and Gary Grossfeld, Saturday, Aug. 22 at
Congregation Kol Shofar in Tiburon.
Sabrina Heinrichs Daughter of
Karin and David Heinrichs, Saturday, Aug.
22 at Peninsula Temple Beth El in San
Mateo.
Sarah Helfen Daughter of Vicki
Schifferli and Mark Helfen, Saturday, Aug.
22 at Congregation Beth Jacob in Redwood
City.
Reuben Jacobson Goldberg Son of
Kathie Jacobson and Ben Goldberg,
Saturday, Aug. 22 at Temple Sinai in
Oakland.
Shawna James Daughter of Tanya
and Donald James, Saturday, Aug. 22 at
Beth Chaim Congregation in Danville.
Annie Kaplan Daughter of Kelly and
Aaron Kaplan, Saturday, Aug. 22 at
Congregation B’nai Tikvah in Walnut
Creek.
Aaron Katzman Son of Barry Charlie Spira Son of Linda and
Katzman, Saturday, Aug. 22 at Jonathan Spira, Thursday, Aug. 20 at
Congregation Kol Emeth in Palo Alto. Chabad of North Peninsula in San
Freida Poskanzer Daughter of Mateo.
Marjorie Wechsler and Harold Poskanzer,
Saturday, Aug. 22 at Congregation Etz Chayim in Palo Alto.
Isaac Rothenberg Son of Lorraine Sandoval and David Rothenberg, Saturday,
Aug. 22 at Congregation Beth El in Berkeley.
Randall Lance Shapiro Son of Audrey and Andrew Shapiro, Saturday, Aug. 22 at
Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco.
Sophia Smith Daughter of Barbara and Jesse Smith, Saturday, Aug. 22 at
Congregation Kol Shofar in Tiburon.
Scott Tessler Son of Amy and Stephen Tessler, Saturday, Aug. 22 at Temple Beth
Abraham in Oakland.
Nathan Usem Son of Georganne Walker and Michael Usem, Saturday, Aug. 15 at
Temple Sinai in Oakland.
Apache,” is not, and is actually part or just tired of seeing the ‘Holocaust vic- his entire family.
Cherokee. “He’s been fighting fascism tim’ portrayal in cinema, there is a knee- “I had a very happy life,” said the 26-
since he got into the war,” Tarantino jerk, fun, fantasy revenge aspect to the year-old, “but I would think that if I had
explains. “Nazis, Kluxers, they’re all the movie, all right? But that’s not all there is. I been born 60 years ago, I would have been
same to him. But he’s a war history nut, muddied it up.” killed in a gas room. Since I [was] 4, it was
so he knows all about Geronimo’s battle As an example, he points to a scene my dream to kill Hitler, so I completely
plans and the idea of doing an Apache- where Sgt. Donny Donowitz (Eli Roth) understand Shosanna’s desire for revenge.”
style resistance against the Germans.” bludgeons a Nazi officer to death with his She showed her grandfather the script,
Tarantino, like Aldo, is part Cherokee, baseball bat, but the German gets the “last and he insisted she go after the role, telling
and he grew up in a born-again milieu in cool line” in the sequence. her she must kill Hitler, if only in a movie,
Tennessee where revenge fantasies centered Both Roth and Laurent are Jewish. She because that also had been his dream.
more on the Ku Klux Klan than on the was born and raised in Paris, and said she She doesn’t understand why people
Nazis. He says the film “had terrible night- object to a fictionalized killing of Hitler.
is not just a Jewish “Inglourious Basterds” mares about the camps “I think it’s just a dream, and one can
revenge f a n t a s y, opens Friday, Aug. 21 at more than 55 all my childhood.” Her say nothing against a dream,” she said.
though he admits that theaters in the greater Bay Area. grandfather survived “So if people say you can’t do that — of
“Whether you’re Jewish Auschwitz after losing course you can. It’s a movie.” ■
18a
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questions: dd567b@gmail.com
celebrations
music/band
Readers’ Choice Winner
“Haimish Music For Joyous
Occasions.” Weddings,
Anniversaries, Festivals, Events,
Gatherings and Simchas. Solo, duo,
trio or larger ensembles. Featuring
Mikel “Moish” Estrin on Clarinet,
Mandolin and various other wind &
stringed instruments. (510) 276-6764.
www.haimishmusic.com.
Magic Violin!
Enchant your ears with the elegant,
lively sounds of the violin! Perfect for
any simcha! Yakov Stanislavsky
(415) 290-7000.
home & garden
hauling
YOEL’S HAULING
Garage and basement cleanup. Yard
service and tree care. Demolition.
Free estimate. Reasonable prices.
Call Paul: (415) 282-2023.
landscaping
Walnut Creek Landscape
Walnut Creek Landscape-Design.
Large or small we do it all. From design
to install. Gentle rates. (925) 934-3508.
Ultimate Painting Co. Inc.
Interior/Exterior painting. Fully
insured. BBB member. Reliable,
clean, over 25 years in business. Call
for free estimate. Bay Area Wide. Toll
Free: 1 (866) color4u or (415) 566-5534;
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FRESH PAINT
Interior, exterior. Detailed prepara-
tion and restoration. East Bay only.
Free estimates. References.
License 731968.
www.freshpaintbygil.com.
Gil Cohen (510) 233-7020.
remodeling, contractors
Forum Renovation Co., Inc.
Remodeling, reasonable, fully insured.
License #674878. (415) 665-8484.
studio FRESCO
Design& Build Group
Renovate and custom build new
homes. Design with a strong classic
contemporary accent. Experience -
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E: studiofresco@gmail.com.
T: (415) 939 5416.
Remodel, alterations, fences, house-
hold repairs. Reasonable. No job too
small. Fully insured. Lic. #682304.
(415) 661-0480.
NOTE: Be advised!
Readers are responsible to check for
contractor’s license. Status of
licensed contractors can be found at
www.cslb.ca.gov or (800) 321-CSLB.
housing
rental available
Woman Roommate Wanted
Available now. $875 w/ utilities. Your
own ocean view bedroom in Outer
Sunset house. Cat welcome.
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Top-notch Math/Science
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ages. Location your choice.
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senior services
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israel
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Cottage, Israel, Tsfat/Rosh Pina, overlooking Sea of Galilee, sleeps
1-10. For photos, e mail: shellytsfat@gmail.com or call
011972504682767.

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19a www.jweekly.com | August 21, 2009

bay area obits
Fans fete Kings’ Israeli star Robert Novak, harsh critic
with a guaranteed con-
tract, Casspi is unlikely
to get cut.
of Israel, dies at 78
About a week after ron kampeas “I found the same thing in Judaism as
Sacramento drafted jta a young boy as I did later in the
Casspi, Kings fans Chuck Unitarian Church and then at the
and Susanne Brabec were Robert Novak, the diehard conservative Episcopal Church,” he said. “They
on a trip to Israel with columnist whose scoops broke many a seemed very ungodly. The clergymen
their synagogue, Mosaic career, made his reputation as a journal- seemed very secular.”
Law Congrega-tion, a ist by being unafraid to attack his ideo- Novak’s distaste for robust Judaism
Conservative shul in logical brethren. was perhaps most manifest in his review
Sacramento. Along with The same dynamic underlay the con- of David Frum’s 2003 book describing
their son Malcolm, the tentious and at times ugly relationship his experience speechwriting for
Brabecs met with he had with fellow Jews. President George W.
Casspi’s family and pre- Novak, a household Bush. Novak wrote in
sented them with some face as co-host of the American Conserv-
photo | amanda pazornik
black and purple swag. CNN’s “Crossfire,” died ative: “It is hard to
Omri Casspi (left) receives advice and praise Aug. 18 in Washington,
“We got off the plane recall any previous
from two Jewish community leaders, Skip D.C., after an extended
and went straight to the presidential aide so
Rosenbloom (center) and Akiva Tor. struggle with brain can-
Casspi residence,” Chuck engrossed with his own
■■■ from 3a Brabec said. “We brought Kings shirts cer. He was 78. ethnic [Jewish] roots.
sound too concerned. “What you’ll see and left them. After all, where will you He was diag nosed Frum is more uncom-
is a very determined, talented player get a Sacramento Kings shirt in Israel?” with a brain tumor in promising in support of
who’s not just here to be on the roster,” As Casspi sifted through the lingering July 2008, less than a Israel than any other
he said. “I haven’t met too many young crowd to make his exit, he acknowl- week after he struck a issue, raising the
guys as committed to their goals as edged the importance of having a homeless man in down- inescapable question of
Omri.” strong fan base, especially during his town Washington with whether this was the
Though he isn’t the first Israeli taken first season. his Corvette and drove real reason he entered
in an NBA draft, all of the previous three “That will make the difference,” away. His career includ- the White House.”
got cut by their teams and never played Casspi said. “To see great people wel- ed decades as the co- Robert Novak Frum counterat-
in an NBA game. As a first-round pick coming me warmed my heart.” ■
author of an influential tacked, saying Novak
column written with his colleague, the was the first to suggest that the U.S.-
late Rowland Evans, as well as a ubiqui- Israel friendship was a motivating fac-
ty on a number of talk shows.
A new year,
tor in the 2001 terrorist attacks on the
Novak’s effort to defend the Iraq United States.
invasion almost railroaded his career: Novak helped purvey the notion that
He was the first to publish the name of the Iraq War was fought in Israel’s inter-

a new path?
The Days of Awe, which begin
with Rosh Hashanah and conclude
withYom Kippur, are the most sacred
time in the Jewish tradition —
a time when the Book of Life is opened,
allowing Jews to seek change and make
self-improvements.
J. is looking for personal stories of High Holy Day
inspiration. Have you repaired a shattered relationship?
Experienced something transformational? Healed
a broken heart or freed a troubled mind?
If you have had a deep, meaningful High Holy Day
experience and would like to share it with j. readers,
please contact reporter Stacey Palevsky by Sept. 4
at stacey@jweekly.com or 415-263-7200 ext. 28.
CIA operative Valerie Plame, as part of est. He also was a rare mainstream voice
the Bush administration’s retaliatory endorsing the widely rejected claim that
campaign against her husband, Iraq Israeli forces had intentionally attacked
War critic Joseph Wilson. a U.S. naval ship in the Mediterranean
His last CNN appearance in August Sea during the Six-Day War in 1967.
2005 was a memorable one: After swear- In his autobiography, Novak wrote
ing on the air, he walked off the set dur- about what he described as the efforts
ing a debate with Democratic strategist of pro-Israel critics to get newspapers to
James Carville. Novak quickly apolo- drop his and Evans’ syndicated column.
gized, but CNN never let him back on Novak claimed that shortly after being
the air. told by the editor of the Newark Star-
Novak was born to Jewish parents, Ledger in 1975 that advertisers were
but said he never felt particularly con- complaining about Evans and Novak’s
nected to the faith. “anti-Israel” reporting, the newspaper
“The family was not very observant,” dropped their syndicated column.
he told CNN in 2005, describing his “It was one of about a hundred news-
upbringing in Joliet, Ill. “My father had papers that we lost in a surprisingly short
never been bar mitzvahed and his father period of time,” Novak wrote. “Whatever
was not a very good Jew, but I was bar the reason — and I had my suspicions —
mitzvahed.” we never built back our base.”
He converted to Catholicism at age 67 Novak is survived by his wife of 47
after attending Catholic services for years, Geraldine, who was a secretary
several years. In a 2003 interview with for President Lyndon Johnson, their
Washingtonian magazine, he said that daughter, Zelda, and a son, Alex.
although he joined a Jewish fraternity
in college at the University of Illinois, The Associated Press contributed to this
he was turned off by Judaism. report.

correction
In our Aug. 7 cover story “Tightening the belt: Synagogues feel the pain of the
recession,” we misspelled the name of Assistant Rabbi Adam Rosenwasser of
Congregation Beth Am in Palo Alto. J. regrets the error.

.
J. | the Jewish news weekly of Northern California 20a
deaths
Benjamin Wilhelm Kaufman,
passed away in his home in Paso Robles sur-
rounded by loving family on August 13, 2009 at
age 36. He was the beloved companion of Joyce
Calderone, loving son of Roger (Lorri) Kaufman
and Lynette (Dave) Fishel-Dunbar; dear brother
of Randal (Elena) Kaufman and Janna Kaufman;
adoring uncle of Madeline and Rebecca
Kaufman; nephew of many aunts and uncles.
Benjamin was an artist and actor who packed in
a lot of living into too short of a life. He believed
in living life to the fullest every moment of every
day. Benjamin will be missed by many, but forgot-
ten by few.
Private Memorial Service were held on
Sunday, August 16, 2009 .
Special thanks to Dr. Susan Chang and Dr.
Mitchell Burger. Donations to UCSF Brain Tumor
Research, 400 Parnassus Ave, S.F., CA 94143
preferred.
Richard A. Krimen, born April 4, 1935,
and a San Francisco resident for almost 50
years, passed away on August 3, 2009.
Richard was born to Frank and Edith Krimen in
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. He spent his early
childhood in Pennsylvania, where he lived prior
to moving to Los
Angeles and
attending Beverly
Hills High School.
After graduating,
he attended
University of
California, Los
Angeles where
he majored in
business and
finance.
Upon finishing his degree, he joined the State
Compensation Insurance Fund in the claims
department, but was promptly called to serve in
the United States Army. He served with distinc-
tion while being stationed at Fort Bragg, North
Carolina.
On completion of his service in the army,
Richard rejoined the State Fund in the home
office in San Francisco. While there, he attended
law school at night for four years at Golden Gate
University Law School. After graduation and
admission to the practice of law in California, he
took the position of Junior Counsel in the State
&8E;<CLE<I8C,<IM@:<J
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Leon Rader keeps alive
the old Jewish traditions. Art in Stone
Fund’s legal department. It was there that he
met the love of his life, Evelyn Ersepke. They had
a loving marriage for 45 very happy years.
He is the only Jewish monument
maker in all of Northern
Monuments
Richard was also a very dedicated father of their California. The only one. 1174 El Camino Real
three sons Edmund, Gerald, and Robert. Colma, California 94014
Richard was appointed to Chief Counsel for See him before you buy. 650/755-1548
the State Fund in 1980. He was a highly regard- Compare his quality. Opposite Eternal Home and Salem Cemeteries
ed manager and attorney. Richard was with the
State Fund for over 47 years at the time of his
retirement in April 2004.
Richard loved reading and learning about new
places. He took his family on trips all over the
continental United States, Hawaii, and Europe.
Serving the Entire
Richard was a great counselor and could con-
verse on an impressive variety of different sub-
Jewish Community
jects. Many people were enriched by his advice
and counsel over the years. Richard was also a
415-459-2500
very kind, dependable and generous man, with a 170 North San Pedro Rd.
great sense of humor and a sharp mind. He was San Rafael, CA 94903
a selfless father, husband and friend. Congregation Rodef Sholom
His loss will be deeply mourned by many.
Private services were held August 7 at Home
of Peace in Colma.
Donations may be made in his memory to
$PHULFDQ-HZLVK&RPPLWWHH
Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco.
UHPHPEHUVWKHH[WUDRUGLQDU\OLIHRI
Sinai Memorial Chapel
-RVHSK%'XUUD
Sonja “Sally” Newhouse, whose
beauty and charm graced 97 years of living, died
peacefully Aug. 8 at Woodside Care Home in
Woodside and was buried next to her husband
Aug. 13 at Eternal Home Cemetery in Colma.
Sally was a longtime resident of Menlo Park and
Palo Alto, and a former member of Congregation
Kol Emeth in Palo Alto. She was admired for her
starlet looks, her sense of fashion and etiquette,
and her determination to take up golf in her 50s 2XUOLYHVKDYHORVWDKDOOPDUNRI
and to continue exercising into her 80s.
Born in Poland, she came to San Francisco in GLJQLW\DQGLPPHDVXUDEOHJHQHURVLW\
1932, sent for by her father who had started a
second family in this country. That same year, she 0D\KLVPHPRU\EHDEOHVVLQJ
met and married Al Newhouse, who
“Americanized” her from Sonja to Sally, before
they moved from San Francisco to Menlo Park,
where they raised three children.
Sally was predeceased by her husband of 48
years in 1980, and their son, Robert, in 1970. 6DQ)UDQFLVFR%D\$UHD1RUWKHUQ&DOLIRUQLD5HJLRQ
Sally is survived by daughter Phyllis Newhouse of
Menlo Park, son David (Patsy) Newhouse of
Oakland, and grandsons Chad Newhouse of San SAN FRANCISCO
Francisco, Casey Newhouse of Seattle, and 1501 Divisadero St.
Robby Newhouse. (FD 262)
415-921-3636
S I NA I
Gene Kaufman
Executive Director MEMORIAL
LAFAYETTE
3415 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
CHAPEL
(FD 1523) CHEVRA KADISHA
925-962-3636
Susan Lefelstein
East Bay Director A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
REDWOOD CITY
SERVING THE ENTIRE
777 Woodside Rd. JEWISH COMMUNITY
Suite C
3ONOMA"LVD6ALLEJO#!s&$ (FD 1830)
650-369-3636
Wayne Rose
Peninsula/South Bay Director

SAN JOSE
Funeral Arrangements
To place a death notice in
408-297-3636 In The Comfort
MARIN Of Our Jewish Tradition
call 415-263-7200 x33 415-472-3636
www.sinaichapel.org For Over 100 Years

21a www.jweekly.com | August 21, 2009

 Through Chagall’s eyes
U.C. Berkeley professor Mel Gordon is presenting “Jewish Theater Through the Eyes of
Chagall” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27 at the Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission St.,
San Francisco. The lecture is free with museum admission ($5 after 5 p.m. on Thursdays).
“Chagall and the Artists of the Russian Jewish Theater, 1919-1949” is on display at the CJM
through Sept. 8. For details, visit www.thecjm.org.
art
ongoing
“Artwork of Toby Tover-Krein.” Oil paint-
ings of everyday life. Through Aug. 28. At
Contra Costa JCC, 2071 Tice Valley Blvd.,
Walnut Creek. Friedkin Art Gallery.
www.ccjcc.org/gallery.
“Chagall and the Artists of the Russian
Jewish Theater, 1919-1949.” Through
Sept. 8. “Jews on Vinyl.” Through Oct. 13.
StoryCorps. Share life stories with family
and friends in the story booth. Through Oct.
11. At Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736
Mission St., S.F. www.thecjm.org.
“The Dead Sea.” Ofir Ben Tov’s aerial pho-
tography. Through Aug. 28. At Peninsula JCC,
800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City.
www.pjcc.org.
“Dual Reality.” Larry Davidson’s architec-
tural photography. Through Aug. 31. At Osher
Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San
Rafael. www.marinjcc.org.
“Exodus: Flight from Nazi Germany.”
Through the fall. At Holocaust Center of
Northern California, 121 Steuart St., S.F.
www.hcnc.org.
“From the Bronx to the Bay.” Philip
Rosenfeld’s oil paintings of women from the
American labor movement. Through Aug. 29.
At Congregation Emanu-El, 2 Lake St., S.F.
(415) 387-5578.
“Jews of the Fillmore.” Historical photog-
raphy. Through Oct. 20. At Jazz Heritage
Center, 1330 Fillmore St., S.F. www.
jazzheritagecenter.org. For cell phone walking
tour of the area, call (415) 226-2583.
“Sea of Triathlon.” Israeli photographer
Michal Peleg’s images, in celebration of the
JCC Maccabi Games. Through Aug. 30. At
J C C S F, 3 2 0 0 C a l i f o r n i a S t . , S . F.
www.jcccsf.org.
The Whimsical Art of Frank Spalding.”
Artist and cartoonist. Through Dec. 30. In the
Tice Valley Gallery, Contra Costa JCC,
2055 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek.
www.ccjcc.org/gallery.
“The First Hebrew City.” Early Tel Aviv
from the Eliasaf Robinson collection.
Through Aug. 31. At Peterson Gallery, Green
Library, Stanford University. www.stanford.
edu/dept/jewishstudies.
sunday | 30
“Pillars of the Community.” New perma-
nent art installation by Kingsley. At Peninsula
JCC, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City.
Opening event with the artist at 12:30 p.m.
www.pjcc.org.
.
J. | the Jewish news weekly of Northern California
music
& dance
saturday | 22
“Music of the Sephardic Jews.” With
Israeli singer Rivka Amado. At Open Secret
Bookstore, 923 C St., San Rafael. 7:30 p.m.
www.rivkamusic.com.
Amy X Neuberg. Jewish Music Festival
alum performs experimental percussion and
electronica. At Yerba Buena Center for the
Arts, 701 Mission St., S.F. 8 p.m. $10-$25.
www.ybca.org.
theater
friday | 21
“Awake and Sing!” Play about a Jewish
family in the Depression-era Bronx. Through
Sept. 27. At Aurora Theatre, 2081 Addison St.,
Berkeley. $15-$55. www.auroratheatre.org.
tv
& radio
sunday | 30
Mosaic. Host Rabbi Eric Weiss with S.F.-
based Jewish Community Federation CEO
Daniel Sokatch. CBS-Channel 5. 5 a.m.
lectures
& workshops
saturday | 22 photo | dance, 1920, state tretyakov gallery, moscow © 2008 artists rights society,
n.y./adagp, paris
“Clearing the Ashes: From Tisha B’Av
to Rosh Hashanah.” At Congregation
Emanu-El, 2 Lake St., S.F. 1 p.m. Free.
benefits&
“Chodesh Celebration for Women.”
www.emanuelsf.org/register.
Scrapbooking the year 5769, with help from a
sunday | 23 crafts pro. At Richmond Torah Center
“Living Green: Communities That
Chabad, 423 10th Ave., S.F. 7:15 p.m.
www.rtchabad.org.
socialevents
Sustain.” Books and Bagels. At JCC East Bay,
1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 tuesday | 25 sunday | 23
p.m. Free. www.jcceastbay.org. “Membership Outreach Brunch.”
“Why Return to God.” At Richmond
“New Moon Illuminations Reading Torah Center, 423 10th Ave., S.F. 7:15 p.m. Champag ne and breakfast foods. At
Series.” At Afikomen Judaica, 3042 www.rtchabad.org. Congregation Beth El, 1301 Oxford St.,
Claremont Ave., Berkeley. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Berkele y. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. member-
www.afikomen.com. sunday | 30 ship@bethelberkeley.org.
“Like To Cook?” Cooking class on kosher, “The Jews of Oakland and Berkeley.” “Summer Sizzle.” YAD-sponsored event
vegetarian dishes. At Congregation Beth Fred Isaac’s book launch. At Afikomen with food, music and sports. At Peninsula
Israel, 1630 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. 4-7 p.m. Judaica, 3042 Claremont Ave., Berkeley. 3 p.m. JCC, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City. 12-4
$25. RSVP to (510) 847-0050. www.afikomen.com. p.m. $18-$25. RSVP to yad@sfjcf.org.
22a

Take me out to the ballgame
Jewish Heritage Night is back for a fifth season at AT&T Park, with the San Francisco Giants
playing the Arizona Diamondbacks at 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27. There’s a free tailgate party in
Lot D from 4 to 6:30 p.m., a klezmer music concert in center field plaza at 5:15 p.m. and the Ferris
Wheels performing in Willie Mays Plaza at 5:30 p.m. The $20 ticket price includes a T-shirt. For
more information, call (415) 972-2291 or visit www.sfgiants.com/specialevents.
“Summer Celebration Fundraiser.”
Sponsored by the Jewish Community Free
Clinic. Featuring music, food, fashion show
and silent auction. At private residence,
Sebastopol. 2-6 p.m. $18-$36 for adults.
RSVP to (707) 585-7780.
sunday | 30
“Jewish Food Festival and Craft
Faire.” Variety of Jewish foods, klezmer
music and Israeli crafts. At Congregation
Beth Israel, 5716 Carmel Valley Road,
Carmel. 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission.
www.carmelbethisrael.org.
“Young Judea Reunion.” Reunion for
anyone who participated in Young Judea
clubs, camps and programs. At
Congregation Sherith Israel, 2266 California
St., S.F. 1-5 p.m. www.cpcr.Hadassah.org/
yj100reunion.
“L’Chaim Napa Valley at Clos Pegase
Winery.” History of wine class, wine blend-
ing activity and dinner. At Clos Pegase
Winery, 1060 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga.
2:30- 8 p.m. $125. (707) 968-9944.
holidays
For information on High Holy Day servic-
es, visit http://bayjews.org/highholidays
singles
saturday | 22
“Sundays Brunch and Schmooze.”
Haverim Connection. Also Aug. 30. At
Michael’s at Shoreline, 2960 N. Shoreline
Blvd., Mountain View. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. haver-
imconnection@yahoo.com.
San Leandro Marina hike. East Bay. Bay
Area Jewish Singles Hiking Club. 2 p.m. $1.
(408) 817-5686.
Stanford Dish loop hike. Haverim
Connection. Junipero Serra Boulevard and
Stanford Avenue entrance to Stanford Dish.
6:30-8 p.m. haverimconnection@yaoo.com.
thursday | 27
“August Adventures in Dining.”
Haverim Connection event. At Chef Chu,
1067 N. San Antonio Road, Los Altos.
7-9 p.m. RSVP to haver imconnec-
tion@yahoo.com.
saturday | 29
“Summer House Party and Mixer.”
Mensch Link event with blackjack and
roulette. At a private home, Foster City. 8
p.m-12 a.m. RSVP by Aug. 24 to
dorisue11@yahoo.com.
Butano State Park hike. Peninsula. Bay
Area Jewish Singles Hiking Club. Meet at
state park entrance. 9 a.m. $1. (925) 228-
4213.
Kayak at Stevens Creek Reservoir.
Haverim Connection. At 11401 Stevens
Canyon Road, Cupertino. 12-1:30 p.m. $15-
$25. RSVP to mhoory@yahoo.com.
sunday | 30
Bodega Dunes hike. Sonoma Coast. With
a visit to the Bodega Seafood, Wine & Art
Festival. Bay Area Jewish Singles Hiking
Club. 10:30 a.m. $13. (707) 291-0028.
Calendar
submissions
Send information about your Jewish event in
Northern California to events@jweekly.com.
The deadline is 12 p.m. Friday the week before
any given week’s publication.
23a
It’s not easy to say
you’re sorry — but
here are the first steps
As we begin the month of Elul we are
reminded that this is the time of the
year when we are supposed to apolo-
gize and ask forgiveness from each
other. Apologizing is not an easy thing
to do, especially in our
culture in which it is con-
sidered a sign of weakness
to say “I’m sorry.”
In the Jewish tradition,
the ability to say “please
forgive me” is considered a
sign of strength, not of
weakness. And yet these
three words, “I am sorry,”
are terribly hard for most
of us to say.
What I want to do today is offer
you some suggestions on how to say
these three words. Surely it is difficult
for us to begin the High Holy Days
and ask God to forgive us until and
unless we are first willing to ask the
people whom we have hurt to forgive
us.
A suggestion that I offer you today
on how to ask forgiveness comes
from an essay by Joanne Kaufman.
She begins by confessing that she
seems by nature to be prone to over-
apologizing. An apology has power,
but the catch is that it has to be a real
apology, a sincere one. Just muttering
a couple of syllables under your
breath is not enough. Apologizing is
a complicated process and you have
to do it right if you expect it to be
accepted.
A timely apology is the best kind,
but there is no statute of limitations.
If the apology is heartfelt, then it
works — no matter how late it may
be offered.
There are some who make apolo-
gies that are weak and vague. Dr.
Aaron Lazare, the chancellor and
dean of the University of
Massachusetts Medical School and
the author of a book called “On
Apology,” lists a number of pseudo-
apologies that we have all heard and
that we have occasionally tried to get
away with.
One is to say “mistakes were
made.” Of course mistakes were
made — but by whom? If you can’t
say that you specifically made the
Rabbi Larry Raphael is the senior rabbi of Congregation Sherith Israel in San Francisco.
www.jweekly.com
Shoftim
Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9
Isaiah 51:12-52:12
mistake but can only say
that mistakes were made,
that does not count as an
apology.
Another cop-out is to
say, “To the extent that
you were offended, I am
sorry.” That puts the onus
on the other person, not
on you. Again, nice try,
but it does not count as a
real apology.
Another alibi is to say, “If I have
hurt anybody, I’m sorry.” The “if ”
means, I don’t really think I did any-
thing wrong, but if you think so, I
apologize. The whole point of teshu-
vah is to understand that I have hurt
someone specific.
The No. 1 thing you have to do,
according to Dr. Lazare as well as our
sage Maimonides, is acknowledge
your sin — you have to name it, you
have to be specific about it and you
have to take complete responsibility
for it.
If you do that, your apology will be
accepted, your relationship with the
person you hurt will be healed and
both you and that person will be
lighter and better off.
There are four steps in a genuine
apology, and unfortunately none of
them are easy:
1. You have to acknowledge and
take responsibility for your bad
behavior. Step one is to say “I did it.”
2. Express your sorrow. I am sorry
that I did it, and that this and that
happened as a result.
3. I would like to make amends to
the extent that I can. I may not be
able to undo all the harm that I did,
but I wish that I could, and I will to
the extent that I can.
4. I promise you that I will not do
it again.
If I have gone on too long or if I
have bored you by telling you things
that you already know — I hereby
apologize, and I hope that you will
accept my apology. ■
| August 21, 2009
faces
Spiritual healing
by Suzan Berns

When she was a patient at the Jewish Home of San Francisco’s STARS
Yoo-hoo, here are
some great recipes
unit (Short-term and Rehabilitation Services), Audrey Eichorn start-
ed going to services in the Home’s synagogue — even though she
wasn’t Jewish.
But now she is. Finding the Home’s Rabbi Sheldon
from Mrs. Goldberg
Marder to be “a great spiritual leader who brings art A big hit at this year’s San “The Molly Goldberg Jewish
and poetry to bear on his religious and spiritual teach- Francisco Jewish Film Festival Cookbook” — because it was
ings,” she began to learn Hebrew with the help of her was a delightful confection by given to me by my mother
friend and Jewish Home resident Rebekah Finer and director Aviva Kempner, many, many years ago. When
volunteer Helen Luey. “Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg.” Molly wasn’t leaning out of
Earlier this month, Eichorn took the Hebrew name To whet our appetites for her window and yoo-hooing
Audrey Advah and converted to Judaism. “I came to the the documentary, we were to her neighbor Mrs.
Eichorn Jewish Home with a broken wrist,” she said, “and shown several episodes of Kramer, she was in the
now I have a healed soul.” “The Goldbergs,” a warm kitchen preparing delicious
The STARS unit, by the way, offers short-term rehab care and is 1950s sitcom about a Jewish meals.
open to people of all religions and backgrounds. matriarch (and balabusta) So it comes as no surprise
and her family living in the Bronx. that in addition to all her other accom-
Harping on it What a revelation! I did not know plishments, Berg wrote this book in
Labeling his e-mail with “chutzpah 101” in the subject field, frequent that “The Goldbergs” was the first TV 1955. Mine is yellow with age, stained
Faces contributor Don Linker of Marin writes tongue-in-cheek, “I am sitcom, or that its writer, director and with sauces and absolutely falling apart.
waiting for my harpsicle tune to be played on your station.” star, Gertrude Berg, was the second My mother used it, and as a new bride
Well, turn up the volume, because here it is: The former urologist’s most popular woman in the United I cooked from it, as well. The recipes are
latest avocation is playing a bright purple harpsicle (it looks like a tod- States at that time, behind only Eleanor treats from a treasury of Jewish cuisine,
dler-size harp). He learned to play it at the Institute for Health and Roosevelt, or that Berg was an outspo- and “Molly” often precedes the recipe
Healing at Marin General Hospital and had his first recital there, which ken activist against McCarthyism. with a little advice. It’s like having her
he accompanied with a poem he wrote. What I did know was that Berg wrote right beside you as you cook.
Here are a couple lines: “If the strings are plucked right, music will
play / A soothing comforting sound that may help ‘make your day.’ ”
Mrs. Wiersma’s Fruit Soup
Parental kvelling redux Serves 6

Reading about Michael Pearce’s success in epee at the Maccabiah 3 cups assorted fruit (plums, 2 tsp. lemon juice
Games in Israel prompted Andy and Reeva Safford of San peaches, pears, cherries, 4 Tbs. sugar
Francisco to report that their daughter, too, was an epee winner at the apricots peaches) 2 Tbs. cornstarch
same games. Hannah Safford’s women’s epee fencing team also 5 cups water 1
⁄2 cup sour cream
took home a silver medal at the competition in Ma’alot. She’ll present Pit the fruit. Combine fruit in saucepan with water, lemon juice and sugar. Bring to
a slideshow about the experience at services, 7:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. a boil. Cover and cook over low heat for 20 minutes or until very soft. Force through
21 at Congregation Beth Israel–Judea in San Francisco. a sieve or puree in a blender. Mix cornstarch with equal amount of cold water. Add
to the fruit, stirring constantly just until boiling. Cover and cook on low heat for 5
Rally rabbis minutes. Serve chilled with a dollop of sour cream.
Rabbi Camille Angel of Congregation Sh’ar Zahav and Rabbi Julie
Saxe-Taller of Congregation Sherith Israel participated in a rally for
comprehensive health insurance reform last week, arranged by the Chicken Fricassee á la Uncle David
Serves 8
San Francisco Organizing Project. Both congregations are members of
the group. 2 tsp. salt 2 4-pound chickens, disjointed
Before the rally, Angel was among faith leaders who met with staff
1
⁄2 tsp. ground pepper 4 Tbs. oil
members from the offices of Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara 2 tsp. paprika 3 onions, chopped
Boxer to ask for their support for legislation that makes coverage 2 cloves garlic, minced 1
⁄2 cup boiling water
affordable to all families. Mix salt, pepper, paprika and garlic into a paste. Rub into the chicken very well. In
a heavy skillet, heat the oil. Brown the chicken and add onions. Cook until brown.
Short shorts … Add water. Cover and cook over low heat for 2 hours or until chicken is tender.
Dan Cohen and his East Bay public relations firm Full Court Press Serve with noodles or boiled rice.
were honored with the 2009 Small Business Innovator award by the
Oakland Chamber of Commerce for the group’s com- Fruit Tzimmes
mitment to teaching and counseling philanthropies, Serves 6-8
nonprofits and businesses on the effective use of
1 lb. prunes, pre-soaked and 2 cups water
strategic communications during difficult economic
pitted 2 Tbs. honey
times ... Alon Shalev of Berkeley has published his 1
⁄2 lb. dried apricots, 3 Tbs. brown sugar
second novel, “Oilspill dotcom.” It’s based on a libel
pre-soaked 1
⁄4 tsp. salt
trial in England in the 1990s and, according to his Web 1
⁄2 lb. dried pears or apples, 1
⁄2 tsp. cinnamon
site, “humorously describes the transformation of a
Dan Cohen pre-soaked 3 Tbs. rice
carefree yuppie, empowered first by romance and
then by a genuine desire to change the world, one pixel at a time.” Combine all ingredients (except rice) in medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Add rice.
Visit www.alonshalev.com for ordering information … Andrea Carla Cook over low heat for 25 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally.
Michaels writes, “It finally happened!” Her original crossword puzzle Serve as a compote side dish or dessert. ■

appeared in the New York Times on Aug. 9. She created it, she notes,
with her “pal puzzle-genius” Patrick Blindauer. It also appeared in the
International Herald Tribune and the San Francisco Chronicle. ■
Louise Fiszer is a Palo Alto cooking teacher, author and the co-author of “Jewish Holiday
Cooking.” Her columns alternate with those of Faith Kramer. Questions and recipe ideas can be
sent to j. or to loufiszer@aol.com.
This columnist can be reached at faces@jweekly.com.

.
J. | the Jewish news weekly of Northern California 24a
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Readers’ Choice:
A stimulus plan


)#%
we can all get behind
Normally when we publish our Readers’ Choice edition, wars end, skin conditions clear up and
people spontaneously dance in the streets.
This is not one of those years.
The country remains mired in recession. Unemployment is high. Credit is tight. Governments,
businesses and average citizens are cutting back. This is no time for unbridled levity.
So, while the Readers’ Choice Awards still celebrate the diversity of the Jewish community and
the sumptuousness available in the Bay
Area, we have to do our part in these
lean times.
In that spirit, j. has made cuts in
Readers’ Choice this year. Mind you,
nothing that will cause hysteria or
gnashing of teeth. But still, belts must
be tightened.
For example, we have trimmed down
the number of categories. Favorite cos-
Jewish Life 3b
metic surgeon and favorite religious
school? Gone, baby, gone.
We have merged formally separate
categories into economical new ones
Community 5b
like favorite health club/day spa and
favorite bakery/bagels.
But because we look out for our
readers, including those stung by the
bad economy, we have boldly retained
Teach the Children 10b
timely categories like favorite financial
planner, favorite accountant (for those
who have anything left to count) and
favorite lawyer (for those who don’t). Time to Celebrate 19b
As far as other results, voters hand-
ed us a few surprises. The new
Contemporary Jewish Museum, which
opened only last summer, won in the categories of favorite museum, favorite gift shop and — get
this! — favorite California cuisine.
Have a Nosh 24b
Congratulations to the CJM for its all-around awesomeness.
Congrats also to the Kitchen Table, the gourmet kosher restaurant in Mountain View. Though
open only a few months, it’s already made a huge impact on the area. Obviously. It won for favorite
kosher restaurant in the South Bay/Peninsula, after all.
Also, the Moldaw Family Residences at the soon-to-open Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life in
Arts & Entertainment 27b
Palo Alto came in second for favorite Jewish retirement residence in the South Bay/Peninsula.
The place hasn’t even opened yet and it still won!
As often happens, we had a few ties this year, including favorite dentists in San Francisco. As a
tie-breaker, we propose having Dr. David Rothman and Dr. Jack Sherman engage in a drill-off or
Seniors 13b
rinse-and-spit contest to see who emerges top dog (make that top canine).
Of course, as far as we’re concerned, all our finalists — every JCC, synagogue, Jewish agency,
social service provider, summer camp and ketubah maker — are top dogs.
And so are our readers, who never fail to make this annual feature a moment of respite, fun and
— dare we say it? — stimulus.
Health 31b
— dan pine

Shop ’Til You Drop 29b

Business & Professional 32b
 readers’ choice awards

Jewish
North Bay ed by the Peninsula JCC called “Secrets and Congregation
B’nai Israel Jewish Mysteries of Jewish History, Tradition and
Culture,” taught in both Russian and English. Adath Israel
Center “We have in the past, in the Jewish community, (415) 564-5665
Petaluma been separated. We really think that one www.adathisraelsf.org

Life
(707) 762-0340 broader Jewish community is a richer experi-
www.bnaiisrael.net East Bay
ence,” says Beth Jacob ritual director Bill
Second Place Futornick. ”The ability to interchange and pro- Beth Jacob
Elizabeth Katzki, Michael Lazarus, Meredith Malnick
gram with each other adds to a real richness of Congregation
San Francisco the community.” Oakland
Recently, Congregation Kol Shofar congre-
Congregation Sherith gants have volunteered with Westminster
(510) 482-1147
Adult education Israel
(415) 346-1720
Presbyterian Church, Habitat for Humanity, and
the Mill Street Shelter. But Panim el Panim is
www.bethjacoboakland.org

programming www.sherithisrael.org the Tiburon synagogue’s own initiative to bring

together like-minded individuals for the better-
South Bay/Peninsula

Congregation Beth Am
Adult education programming at B’nai Israel East Bay
ment of the Marin community. “It’s about shar- Los Altos Hills
Jewish Center in Petaluma takes on many differ-
ent forms. It could be concerts featuring Beth Jacob ing our experiences, our hopes, and aspirations (650) 493-4661
with each other. This helps us build a stronger www.betham.org
folksingers or Cajun zydeco concerts, guest Congregation community within Kol Shofar and the greater
speakers or the annual kosher cookoff competi- Oakland North Bay
tion. One of the most popular events is the Dec. Marin community,” says Kol Shofar board
(510) 482-1147 Congregation
24 Chinese dinner, comedy and cabaret night for member Mark Swoiskin.
www.bethjacoboakland.org
Last winter, following the closure of a local
Jews who don’t have plans for Christmas Eve.
South Bay/Peninsula shelter, Rodef Sholom partnered with other Shomrei Torah
“We have an adult programming group that has Santa Rosa
congregations and local churches to offer beds
been very proactive in putting together concerts, Temple Beth Jacob to those in need. Joel Gumbiner, chair of Rodef (707) 578-5519
speaking engagements, and programs that wel- Redwood City www.shomreitorah.org
come the entire community to attend,” says Sholom’s Tikkun Olam Committee, is hoping to
(650) 366-8481 channel volunteer efforts to more long-term
kosher cookoff chairman Glenn Lurie. www.bethjacobrwc.org
At Temple Sinai in Oakland, adult education is
all-encompassing. “We run a variety of programs North Bay
projects in the community. “What we’re trying
to do is to get congregants to seek out and Interfaith
that meet people where they are at,” says execu-
tive director Paul Geduldig. Starting at introducto-
Congregation Shomrei design their own projects,” Gumbiner says.
In second place were Congregation Sherith programming
ry-level programs “where people are trying to Torah Israel and Congregation Adath Israel in San Rabbi George Gittleman embodies the interfaith
Santa Rosa Francisco, Beth Jacob Congregation in Oakland, programming at Congregation Shomrei Torah in
learn more about Judaism,” Sinai has a little
(707) 578-5519 Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills and Santa Rosa. “He is a constant and important pres-
something for everyone. Plus, it’s convenient:
www.shomreitorah.org Congregation Shomrei Torah in Santa Rosa. ence in the interfaith community,” says executive
“We try to offer religious education programs the
director Fran Brumlik. “He is active in the profes-
same time as kids programs, to make it easier for
sional association of other rabbis and ministers.”
parents,” Geduldig says. First Place Working closely with churches in the community,
For a more advanced look at Judaism, the
Jewish Study Network in Palo Alto is the place to
be. “We really focus on offering something with a
Collaborative San Francisco

Congregation Emanu-El
Shomrei Torah has established a program that
commemorates the victims of all genocides.
really high content value,” says founder and exec-
utive director Rabbi Joey Felsen. “People that
synagogue (415) 751-2535
Interfaith programming at Temple Sinai in
Oakland means bringing people of different faiths
come to our lectures are people looking for some-
thing deep.” One such recent conversation was
programming www.emanuelsf.org

on the destruction of the Temples in Israel and
how to cry for something you have never seen.
Serving the largest membership in the city,
Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco has
extensive adult education programming.
Programs at the Madeline Haas Russell Institute
of Jewish Learning include Shabbat Morning
Kollel, adult b’nai mitzvah, conversion groups, the
Emanu-El Scholar, and the Tauber Jewish Studies
Program. “Each of these programs is designed
for students of varying levels of Judaic back-
ground, knowledge and skill,” says young adult
community coordinator Mike Amerikaner said.
Congregation Sherith Israel in San Francisco,
Beth Jacob Congregation in Oakland, Temple
Beth Jacob in Redwood City and Congregation
Shomrei Torah in Santa Rosa came in second.
First Place
San Francisco
Congregation Emanu-El
(415) 751-2535
www.emanuelsf.org
East Bay
Temple Sinai
Oakland
(510) 451-3263
www.oaklandsinai.org
South Bay/Peninsula
Jewish Study Network
Palo Alto
(650) 493-5764
www.jsn.info
Congregation Emanu-El has been a part of the
Bay Area Jewish Community for over 150
years, and has been uniting it through collabo-
ration with other Jewish organizations. One
popular event has been the Sukkot-themed
party “Spookot” in Dolores Park, in collabora-
tion with the Jewish Community Center’s Hub
for Jewish adults in their 20s and 30s. Emanu-El
is looking forward to future events with the
Hub, including a break fast after Yom Kippur
this year.
“It’s important that the young Jewish com-
munity stay together and not be fractured or
broken,” says young adult community coordi-
nator Mike Amerikaner. “Events together
means we keep our community together as a
whole.”
Temple Sinai has taken the initiative in bring-
ing the Oakland community together. “We
believe it’s important to do things with other
synagogues and other faith-based organiza-
tions,” says executive director Paul
Geduldig.Sinai has worked with other faith-
based organizations to sponsor holiday food
drives. “We started doing it here and spread to
16 other synagogues across the Bay Area,”
Geduldig says. In addition to the food drives,
Sinai hosts a Night of Learning, where rabbis
and educators from different synagogues come
Second Place
together and discuss contemporary issues.
Collaborating with a number of Jewish
organizations and synagogues — including the
S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation,
Peninsula JCC and Peninsula Sinai
Congregation — Congregation Beth Jacob in
Redwood City is part of an ongoing event host-
East Bay
together to enjoy what the synagogue has to offer.
“The interfaith couples and families are blessed by
the blending of different cultural traditions, but
Temple Sinai often face special challenges as well,” says exec-
Oakland utive director Paul Geduldig. “Our goal is to serve
(510) 451-3263 as a friendly and informative for both the Jewish
www.oaklandsinai.org and non-Jewish member.” With a wide-range of
programs, Sinai welcomes people of any faith who
are interested in learning about Judaism.
South Bay/Peninsula
A hub of Jewish life in San Francisco,
Congregation
Congregation Emanu-El serves not only the
Beth Jacob Jewish community but has extensive interfaith
Redwood City programming, such as “The Course,” an intro-to-
(650) 366-8481 Judaism program that serves as an entry point for
www.bethjacobrwc.org people wanting to know more about the faith.
Another innovative program is the Jewish, Arab
and Muslim Women Collaboration. ”Through
North Bay
social justice projects, we will have a positive
Congregation Rodef
impact on the collective religious and cultural per-
Sholom ceptions among our groups and in society as a
San Rafael whole,” says member programs director Frana
Price.
(415) 479-3441
www.rodefsholom.org Congregation Beth Jacob in Redwood City is
involved in programs and events with other faith
Congregation Kol organization including the Interfaith Hospitality
Network, which provides emergency housing for
Shofar families in crisis, and Breaking Bread, which feeds
Tiburon people in need at the First Presbyterian Church in
(415) 388-1818 Palo Alto.
www.kolshofar.org In addition to these organizations, Rabbi
Nathaniel Ezray is part of a group of interfaith
community leaders, “They get together and they
talk about topical issues, things that can strength-
San Francisco en each other’s communities,” says ritual director
Bill Futornick. Beth Jacob has done everything
Congregation Sherith from having meals with other religious groups to
Israel inviting a reverend to teach a class about Jesus
(415) 346-1720 — it is “very much inclusive,” Futornick says.
www.sherithisrael.org Congregation Sherith Israel in San Francisco,

3b www.jweekly.com | August 21, 2009

 readers’ choice awards
Congregation B’nai Shalom in Walnut Creek, North Bay South Bay/Peninsula reform movement in Israel. “Our overriding goal is
Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills and Congregation Congregation to bring Israel closer to the hearts and minds of our
Congregation Rodef Sholom in San Rafael came in Shomrei Torah congregants,” says Valerie Sopher, one of the
second.
Santa Rosa
Beth Am founding members.
Los Altos Hills The Israel Center in San Francisco is the driving
(707) 578-5519
(650) 493-4661 force behind Israel in the Gardens, many speakers
First Place www.shomreitorah.org
and musicians, college campus education about
www.betham.org
San Francisco
Israel and much more. Almost everything related to
Congregation Emanu-El Second Place North Bay
Israel in the Bay Area can be tracked back to the
(415) 751-2535 Congregation Israel Center.
www.emanuelsf.org San Francisco “Strong ties to Israel and knowledge of Israel
Rodef Sholom makes us a stronger a Jewish community here,”
East Bay Congregation Sherith San Rafael says executive director Lital Carmel. “It deepens
Temple Sinai Israel (415) 479-3441 and widens Jewish identity of people here.
Oakland (415) 346-1720 www.rodefshalom.org Whether it’s kids, teens, young adults, students …
(510) 451-3263 www.sherithisrael.org we work with everyone.”
www.oaklandsinai.org
Israel-related Congregation Shomrei Torah in Santa Rosa does
not make any extra efforts to provide Israel-related
South Bay/Peninsula
Congregation
East Bay

Congregation
programming programming: “The Israel program is basic to our reli-
gious school curriculum,” says executive director
Beth Jacob Last November, a group of congregants with the Fran Brumlik. “It is part of the congregation that is built
Redwood City B’nai Shalom supporting clergy started the Israel Education in to everything we do.” Israel-related programming
(650) 366-8481 Walnut Creek Committee at Temple Sinai in Oakland. Without any comes in many forms at Shomrei: At the most basic
www.bethjacobrwc.org (510) 832-1720 political agenda, the committee set out to educate level, stories and art connect members to Israel. On
www.bshalom.org other temple members and give insight into the the other end, the congregation takes trips to Israel.
Congregation Beth Jacob in Redwood City
doesn’t just advocate a love for Israel — it gets its
members to experience it for themselves. This past
Chanukah, the synagogue sent 52 people to Israel.
Thank you j. readers “We do all kinds of pro-Israel programming. You
need many points of views to complete that. Pro-
Israel isn’t a rubber stamp,” says ritual director Bill
for your recognition. Futornick. “It’s a whole gamut of Israel views.” The
synagogue’s Israel Connection Committee has
We appreciate about 130 members and always brings a large con-
stituency to AIPAC dinners.
Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco,
your thoughtfulness.











Temple Beth Abraham in Oakland, Peninsula Sinai
Congregation in Foster City and Congregation Kol

Temple
Shofar in Tiburon came in second.
3 # 3
%2 %2 #(
(/
2%!$

First Place
2%!$

/)#%

 Collaborative Synagogue Programming Adult Education

)#%



Sinai
Interfaith Programming Programming San Francisco
23
#%
&)

3%
%

4 0, !# Social Action Programming #/

.$ 0,!
3/54( "!9  0%.).35,! 3/54( "!9  0%.).35,!
Israel Center
(415) 777-0411
www.israelcentersf.org
Big enough to offer robust programming ... 3 # A WELCOMING REFORM
%2
CONGREGATION DEDICATED
(/

East Bay
2%!$

small enough to welcome each member and guest personally. Come see us! 
)#%

TO MEANINGFUL JUDAISM, Temple Sinai

23 SOCIAL ACTION AND A
&)

Oakland
%

1550 Alameda de las Pulgas, Redwood City, CA 94061 4 0, !#

650.366.8481 • www.bethjacobrwc.org • cbj@bethjacobrwc.org %!34 "!9 CARING COMMUNITY (510) 451-3263
www.oaklandsinai.org










South Bay/Peninsula

%2
3 # Congregation Beth Jacob
For membership
(/
2%!$

Marin and Sonoma County J. Readers Redwood City


)#%

(650) 366-8481
23
Thank you for the recognition! or High Holy Day www.bethjacobrwc.org
&)

4 0 , !# information:
./24( "!9 North Bay
Favorite: www.oaklandsinai.org Congregation
Adult Education Synagogue Programming
or call (510) 451-3263 Shomrei Torah
Jewish Fundraising Event (Kosher Hot Dog Cook-off) Santa Rosa
Oakland, CA (707) 578-5519
www.shomreitorah.org

2600 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa,Ca 95404

707-578-5519 • shomrei@shomreitorah.org
www.shomreitorah.org

Thank you to our friends and neighbors

B’nai Israel Jewish Center of Petaluma for their support of Congregation Shomrei Torah
(707) 762-0340 %2
3 #
Israel related program 3
%2 #(
(/
2%!$

2%!$

/)#%

 Social Action  Adult education program

)#%

Learn More @ www.bnaiisrael.net Interfaith program Collaborative Synagogue program

#%
3%

23
&)

#/
4 0 , !# .$ 0,!
./24( "!9 ./24( "!9

.
J. | the Jewish news weekly readers’ choice supplement 4b
Second Place In second place were Congregation Sherith First Place
San Francisco

Congregation Emanu-El
(415) 751-2535
Israel in San Francisco, Congregation Netivot
Shalom in Berkeley, Kehilla Community
Synagogue in Piedmont, Congregation Beth
Am in Los Altos Hills, Congregation Kol Shofar
Community
Dan Pine
San Francisco

Strictly Business
Jewish Vocational Service
in Tiburon and Congregation Rodef Sholom in
www.emanuelsf.org San Rafael. (415) 782-6265
www.jvs.org/strictly_business.shtml
East Bay
First Place
Fundraiser East Bay
Temple Beth Abraham They could’ve done one more ho-hum Monte Art of Living
Oakland San Francisco Carlo night, or something involving costumes. Jewish Family & Children’s Services
(510) 832-1720 Congregation Emanu-El Instead, for its annual fundraiser, Jewish of the East Bay
www.tbaoakland.org (415) 751-2535 Family and Children’s Services of the East (510) 704-7475
www.emanuelsf.org Bay held its second annual Art of Living last www.jfcs-eastbay.org
South Bay/Peninsula September, which was more about ideas than
glitz. The event featured two speakers, South Bay/Peninsula
Peninsula Sinai East Bay
acclaimed chefs (and East Bay residents)
Congregation Temple Sinai Silicon Valley Duck
Molly Katzen and Michael Wild, who spoke of
Foster City Oakland food, Judaism, and the work of JFCS. “It was Race
(650) 349-2816 (510) 451-3263 one of those events where you look around Jewish Family Services of Silicon
www.peninsulasinai.org www.oaklandsinai.org and you feel people are making connec- Valley
tions,” says JFCS spokeswoman Holly White. (408) 556-0600
North Bay South Bay/Peninsula If you throw a fundraiser for an agency that www.siliconvalleyduckrace.org
helps people find work, it makes sense to
Congregation Kol Congregation Beth Jacob spotlight, some of those workers. That’s the
Second Place
Shofar Redwood City
idea behind “Strictly Business,” the annual San Francisco
(650) 366-8481
Tiburon fundraiser staged by Jewish Vocational
(415) 388-1818
www.bethjacobrwc.org
Service. The event honored four individuals
Jewish Community
www.kolshofar.org North Bay
who found training and job search support at High School of the Bay
JVS, then went on to thriving careers. Says Annual Celebration
Congregation Shomrei
Social action Torah
JVS executive director Abby Snay, “In this
midst of this economic crisis, for people to
(415) 345-9777
www.jchsofthebay.org
programming Santa Rosa
(707) 578-5519
celebrate the success of individuals with
severe challenges, was inspiring.”
How many rubber duckies does it take to
East Bay
At Temple Sinai in Oakland, social action pro- www.shomreitorah.org
save the world? Apparently 15,000, which
Oakland Hebrew Day
gramming is “one of the pillars of our congre-
gation,” says executive director Paul was the number of ducks sailing down a School Gala
Geduldig. Events such as People of the Book Vasona Lake Park stream in June at the (510) 531-8600
Literacy Project, Mitzvah Day, food drives and
Second Place Silicon Valley Duck Race. The event, which www.ohds.org
volunteering at shelters are all part of Sinai’s featured multiple corporate sponsors, kosher South Bay/Peninsula
commitment to its community. “Part of the key
San Francisco hot dogs and 3,500 attendees, raised more
is we try to do it with every age group, all the Congregation Sherith than $105,000, and Jewish Family Services AIPAC Annual Dinner
way down to the preschool,” Geduldig says. was one of nearly 30 charities to benefit. “It (415) 989-4140
The social action committee at
Israel was lovely in this year of economic crisis,” www.aipac.org
Congregation Shomrei Torah in Santa Rosa is (415) 346-1720 says Mindy Berkowitz, executive director of
www.sherithisrael.org
involved in seemingly every community proj-
ect in the North Bay. From walking for Darfur
East Bay
JFS. “It was free, it was a great day to come
out to the park, and all in the names of silli-
ness.”
JCC
and assisting the Committee for Immigrant The JCC of San Francisco won favorite JCC in
Rights Sonoma County to fighting for marriage Congregation Netivot In second place were San Francisco’s the city this year, just like it has the last four
equality and hosting a school supplies drive, Jewish Community High School of the Bay years.
Shomrei knows how to make a difference.
Shalom Annual Celebration, the Oakland Hebrew Day Nathaniel Bergson-Michaelson, director of
“We have a group of 20-plus members who Berkeley School Gala and the AIPAC Annual Dinner in marketing for the JCC, says the crowds
are very committed to doing good work within (510) 549-9447 the South Bay. showed up for several new thematic programs
the areas of human rights and social action,” www.netivotshalom.org
says Larry Carlin, co-chair of the social action
committee. “Personally, there is nothing more Kehilla Community
exciting than to see one of our members get Synagogue Thank you
really passionate about a particular project.” Piedmont
Social justice programming at (510) 547-2424 J. Readers!
Congregation Emanu-El utilizes its congre- www.kehillasynagogue.org
gants’ Jewish identities as a force to cause
change in their local San Francisco communi- South Bay/Peninsula 3 #
ty and beyond. “Social justice programming %2
Friendship Circle
(/
2%!$

Congregation Beth Am 

)#%

at Congregation Emanu-El educates, inspires,

and empowers congregants to a lifetime of Los Altos Hills your favorite Seniors Day Program
23
&)

leadership, service, and advocacy on behalf (650) 493-4661 4 0 , !# in the North Bay
of the Jewish people and society at large,” www.betham.org ./24( "!9
FFFFFF
says social justice coordinator Sandy
3 #
Rechtschaffen. North Bay %2
Camp Chai
(/
2%!$

Congregation Beth Jacob offers a variety Congregation Kol 

)#%

of ways to get involved in the community in a your favorite Summer Day Camp
Shofar 23
&)

positive way. Opportunities include being a 4 0 , !# in the North Bay

part of the Beth Jacob Cares Committee, Tiburon ./24( "!9

being involved in the Interfaith Hospitality (415) 388-1818 FFFFFF

3
Network, volunteering at the Maple Street www.kolshofar.org %2 #(
2%!$

JCC, Sonoma County

/)#%

Shelter and donating blood at the Beth Jacob 

Blood Drive. Beth Jacob is “all about includ- Congregation Rodef one of your favorite North Bay JCC’s
#%
3%

#/
ing people, whether or not they are members Sholom .$ 0,!
of the community. There’s a lot here that can San Rafael ./24( "!9
affect your life in a positive way,” says ritual (415) 479-3441
director Bill Futornick. www.rodefshalom.org
170 Farmer’s Lane, #5, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 • 707.528.4222

5b www.jweekly.com | August 21, 2009

 readers’ choice awards
this past year, such as the deliriously fun
Purim Unmasked, which was as fun for adults
as it was for kids. But as always, the lectures,
preschool and after-school programs — and
fitness center — continue to make the JCCSF
a hub of community life in San Francisco. “We
have a commitment to make sure we’re deliv-
ering quality programming to every part of the
community,” says Bergson-Michaelson. “It’s
nice to know we’re still on people’s radar.”
The JCC of the East Bay in Berkeley
endured some financial wind shear last year,
but the JCC has since stabilized, as manage-
ment focused on core programs: preschool,
after-school, summer camps and senior serv-
ices. “People are appreciative of those pro-
grams,” says executive director Sally
Flinchbaugh. “At the end of the day, people
want to be with their community.”
In addition to those core programs,
Flinchbaugh says the JCC is expanding its cul-
tural programming with its Books & Bagels
series, and recent screenings of thought-pro-
voking documentaries. And watch for some
expanded Jewish holiday programming com-
ing later this year.
At Foster City’s Peninsula JCC, executive
director Deborah Pinsky chalks up her facility’s
success to the whole mind-body-spirit thing.
“We continue to expand on the wellness con-
cept,” Pinsky says. “We offer more than any
other club.”
Not only does the PJCC boast one of the
most impressive fitness centers in the region,
the facility tries to bring a culture of health to
members. Programs like Kaiser’s 10,000 Steps
and Vibrant Brain series prove the PJCC offers
more than just a fleet of elliptical machines.
Even if you’re the only game in town, you
can still be the best game in town. That’s how
j. readers feel about the Osher Marin JCC in
San Rafael. With year-round concerts, lec-
tures, Jewish holiday programs and valuable
services for all ages, the JCC is still the place
to be north of the Golden Gate Bridge.
“Our major focus is to be a deeply Jewish
institution that’s also a magnet for families and
a hub for adult life and learning,” says execu-
tive director Judy Wolff-Bolton. She and her
team do that by sponsoring what they call
“signature events,” such as the Chanukah and
Purim festivals, as well as the recent health
and wellness fair.
The Contra Costa JCC in Walnut Creek,
Addison-Penzak JCC in Los Gatos and the JCC,
Sonoma County in Santa Rosa came in second.
First Place
San Francisco
JCC of San Francisco
(415) 292-1200
www.jccsf.org
East Bay
JCC of the East Bay
Berkeley
(510) 848-0237
www.jcceastbay.org
South Bay/Peninsula
Peninsula JCC
Foster City
(650) 212-PJCC
www.pjcc.org
North Bay Friendship Circle, says cofounder Ezzy
Osher Marin JCC Schusterman, gets “the whole community
San Rafael involved: the synagogues and the schools. We
(415) 444-8000 take everyone regardless of background and
www.marinjcc.org say ‘Do you want to make a difference?’ ”
Apparently they do, as Friendship Circle pre-
Second Place pares later this year to expand to serve the
North Peninsula as well as the greater Palo
East Bay
Alto region.
Contra Costa JCC With California unemployment skyrocketing,
Walnut Creek it’s no surprise Jewish Vocational Service
(925) 938-7800 scored with j. readers. Helping people find
www.ccjcc.org work is what JVS does best, and now their
clients need that help more than ever.
South Bay/Peninsula Demand for JVS services has doubled in
recent months — but despite the gloomy eco-
Addison-Penzak JCC nomic forecasts, JVS has helped nearly 900
Los Gatos people find jobs in the past year.
(408) 358-3636 Winning a Reader’s Choice award is “espe-
www.svjcc.org cially meaningful this year,” says executive
director Abby Snay. “It reflects the role JVS
North Bay has played in helping people deal with job
loss, and with long and frustrating job search-
JCC, Sonoma County es.”
Santa Rosa Even in Marin — the land of hot tubs and
(707) 528-4222 recession-proof home values — the economic
www.jccsoco.org downturn has hurt. That’s where the regional
branch of Jewish Family and Children’s
Services comes in, helping seniors, kids and
Local agency families in need.
“This past year we’ve seen a doubling of
When Palo Alto–based Friendship Circle requests from people struggling,” says JFCS
marked its fifth anniversary earlier this year regional director Nancy Masters. “People lost
with a bash, staffers, funders and volunteers their jobs, or on the verge of losing their
had good reason to celebrate. The organiza- homes. So we have really tried to figure out
tion, which helps Jewish special needs chil- how to respond.” That means adding new
dren by pairing them with Jewish teen volun- staff, expanding the food pantry, even pro-
teers, has made a huge impact on the local gramming workshops on stress and sleep
Jewish community. loss.
At the Jewish Community Federation of the
Greater East Bay, support for schools,

Jewish Family & Children’s Services of the East Bay midrashas and other community institutions
has always been paramount. But the reces-
sion has kicked the federation into full gear —
and j. readers are applauding.
“When the economic challenges hit, we
very quickly responded by immediately reor-
ganizing,” says CEO James Brandt, “cutting
our budget significantly so we could continue
our core mission. People saw this and felt we
are being responsive, not only to the times but
to the needs of the community.”
San Francisco’s Friendship Circle, Jewish
Family & Children’s Services of the East Bay
and Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley
came in second.

3 # First Place
%2 Thank you j. readers for voting JFCS/East Bay . . .
(/
2%!$

San Francisco

 Jewish Vocational

)#%

First place: Jewish Fundraising Event: Art of Living Gala – East Bay
Service
23 First place: Jewish Place to Volunteer – East Bay (415) 782-6265
&)

4 0 , !# First place: Best Home Care Program for Seniors – East Bay www.jvs.org
%!34 "!9 East Bay

Inspired by the Jewish values of compassionate action and communal responsibility, JFCS/East Bay is a nonprofit Jewish Community
agency that has been delivering vital mental health and social services to Alameda and Contra Costa county Federation of the
individuals, families, children, older adults, Holocaust survivors, and refugees for over 130 years. Greater East Bay
Oakland
Jewish Family & Children’s Services of the East Bay (510) 839-2900
www.jfed.org
main office: 2484 Shattuck Ave., Suite 210 • Berkeley • (510) 704-7475
Contra Costa office: 1855 Olympic Blvd., Suite 200 • Walnut Creek • (925) 927-2000 South Bay/Peninsula
Suse Moyal Center for Older Adult Services: 828 San Pablo Ave., Suite 104 • Albany • (510) 558-7800 Friendship Circle
www.jfcs-eastbay.org Palo Alto
(650) 858-6990
www.bayareafc.org
.
J. | the Jewish news weekly readers’ choice supplement 6b
 North Bay

Jewish Family and

Children’s Services
San Rafael
(415) 491-7960
www.jfcs.org
Second Place
San Francisco

Friendship Circle
(415) 624-7192
www.friendshipcirclesf.com
East Bay

Jewish Family &

Children’s Services of
the East Bay
Various locations
(510) 704-7475
www.jfcs-eastbay.org
South Bay/Peninsula

Jewish Family Services

of Silicon Valley
Los Gatos
(408) 556-0600
www.jfssv.org

Place to
volunteer
It’s not quite herding cats, but Rachel
Kesselman does have her hands full. At Jewish
Family & Children’s Services, she keeps tabs on
the agency’s 1,800 volunteers, each one eager
to make the world a better place. “We take our
volunteers very seriously,” she says. “They
have extremely positive experiences.”
Those experiences include everything from
in-home senior support to tutoring kids after
school; from helping Holocaust survivors fill out
restitution forms to delivering hot meals to
AIDS patients. “We usually ask for a 6-to-12
month commitment,” Kesselman says. “But
some stay for 10, 15, 20 years. We recently hon-
ored a 30-year volunteer.”
On either side of the Caldecott Tunnel, civic-
minded folks know where to go if they want to
lend a helping hand: Jewish Family & Children’s
Services of the East Bay. Whether it’s teaching
new immigrants the life skills needed to make it
in America, delivering hot meals to Jewish sen-
iors during the High Holy Days or simply help-
ing kids with their homework, JFCS volunteers
make a difference. “We see our volunteers as
extensions of what our staff can do,” says mar-
keting and communications manager Holly
Taines White.
At Friendship Circle in Palo Alto, volunteers
sign up to change the lives of Jewish special
needs kids. But, says cofounder Ezzy
Schusterman, it’s often the volunteers who find
their lives have changed forever. Now in its fifth
year, Friendship Circle pairs teenage volunteers
with younger kids who may face a spectrum of
physical, emotional or mental development
challenges. “It creates community for special
needs kids, their families and teen volunteers,”
Schusterman says. “For volunteers this gives
an environment to meet other Jewish teens and
have fun. It keeps their Jewish identity alive.”
Like its sister agency in San Francisco,
Jewish Family and Children’s Services in Marin
drew the most votes in the North Bay. “A lot of
people come to us [wanting to] integrate into
their lives a way of doing a mitzvah for some-
one else,” says Nancy Masters, the director of
7b www.jweekly.com | August 21, 2009
 readers’ choice awards

THANK YOU JFCS in Marin. “Our mission is one of staff and North Bay
volunteers working together.” Jewish Family and
For potential volunteers, the menu of options
includes providing transportation for house- Children’s Services
J Readers... bound or frail elderly, delivering holiday gift
bags to Jewish seniors and working with the
homeless. “I’m continually moved by the com-
San Rafael
(415) 491-7960
www.jfcs.org
passion and commitment of our community,”
Masters says.
...for voting the Osher Marin JCC In second place were the Contemporary
Second Place
Jewish Museum in San Francisco, Oakland
Readers' Choice in the North Bay for: Hebrew Day School, Jewish Family Services of
San Francisco

Silicon Valley in Los Gatos and Hadassah’s Contemporary Jewish

3# JCC Central Pacific Coast Region in the North Bay.
%2 Q Museum
(/
2%!$

 (415) 655-7800

)#%

Q Health Club/Day Spa www.thecjm.org

23 First Place
&)

4 0 , !#
./24("!9
Q Favorite Live Music Venue San Francisco
East Bay

Jewish Family and Oakland Hebrew Day

3
Q Jewish Day Camp Children’s Services School
%2 #( (510) 531-8600
(415) 449-1288
2%!$

Early Childhood Education Program

/)#%

 Q www.jfcs.org www.ohds.org

Elegant Indoor Party

#%
3%

#/ Q East Bay South Bay/Peninsula

.$0,!
./24("!9 Jewish Family & Jewish Family Services
Q Bar/Bat Mitzvah Party Venue
Children’s Services of Silicon Valley
of the East Bay Los Gatos
Various locations (408) 556-0600
Join today and we will waive your (510) 704-7475 www.jfssv.org
www.jfcs-eastbay.org
reg. fee (up to $250 savings)! South Bay/Peninsula North Bay
Mention this ad & receive this offer thru 9/30/09. Friendship Circle Hadassah–Central
Palo Alto Pacific Coast Region
(650) 858-6990 (415) 771-5900
200 N. SAN PEDRO RD, SAN RAFAEL | 415.444.8000 | WWW.MARINJCC.ORG www.bayareafc.org www.cpcr.hadassah.org

Think of Us
For Your Party, Meeting or Big Event
We have everything you need to impress your guests and clients. Located
just steps from Laurel Village, our gorgeous, modern facility has rooms
and halls for 10 to 500 – ideal for meetings, receptions, b’nai mitzvah or
seminars. For your convenience, there’s underground parking, security,
kosher options, state-of-the-art audio/visual and
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Keep us in mind for your next event. Contact us today!

415.292.1269 t www.jccsf.org/privateevents

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and ts
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3200 California Street, SF, CA 94118
.
J. | the Jewish news weekly readers’ choice supplement 8b
Do You Need Help?
If so, you can
count on Jewish
Family and
Children's Services
Since 1850, JFCS has provided
comprehensive, caring social
services to Bay Area residents of
all ages and backgrounds. We help
people solve personal problems—
from cradle to rocking chair—
in order to strengthen the
individual, strengthen the family,
and strengthen the community.

If you or someone you care about needs

help, call the JFCS office nearest you:

Palo Alto: 650
688
3030

San Francisco: 415
449
1200
San Mateo: 650
931
1800
San Rafael: 415
491
7960
Santa Rosa: 707
571
8131

3#
%2

(/
2%!$


SAN FRANCISCO: 23 )#%
&)

%
• Home Care Program 4 0 , !#
• Place to Volunteer

NORTH BAY:
• Place to Volunteer
• Favorite Jewish Agency

415
4 49
1200 www.jfcs.org

9b www.jweekly.com | August 21, 2009

 readers’ choice awards
Womens’
organization Teach the
Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley
thanks our community for their support!
Think women, think Jewish, and you’ll
think Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist
Organization of America. Hadassah rou-
tinely wins the Reader’s Choice award for
favorite women’s organization and for good
children
Elizabeth Katzki, Meredith Malnick, Jonathan Simrin
reason: Since 1912, Hadassah has done

%2
3 # 3
%2 #(
3
%2 #(
more to build up Israel and international
Jewish solidarity then any similar organi- Jewish day
(/
2%!$

2%!$
2%!$

school

/)#%
/)#%
  zation.
)#%


“Obviously we are a fundraising organi-

#%
3%
23
#%
&)

3%
%

#/ #/
4 0, !# . $ 0,! . $ 0,! zation, but we’re more than that,” says Liz
3/54( "!9  0%.).35,! 3/54( "!9  0%.).35,! 3/54( "!9  0%.).35,! Alpert, president of Hadassah’s Central In 1979, the first class of Tehiyah Day
Favorite Jewish Favorite Jewish Favorite Jewish Place Pacific Coast Region. “We try to establish School in El Cerrito was 15 students, with
Fundraising Event - Local Agency to Volunteer a community where we care about each a mission to provide a proper education
The Duck Race for children in a varied Jewish community.
other, as well as everything else. I can’t
say enough about how comforting it is to Now teaching over 300 students in kinder-
Change a life – maybe yours! – and come volunteer with us. be with a group of intelligent, caring, pro- garten through eighth grade, Tehiyah’s
fessional women.” mission of education and renewal still
www.jfssv.org 408.556.0600 Collectively, those women do a lot for stands. Tehiyah may base its yearly calen-
Israel and the Zionist cause. Hadassah dar on Jewish holidays and culture, yet it
built one of the premiere hospitals in also challenges its students academically.
Jerusalem, as well as a top college. The Students entering the middle school enjoy
Please join us on individual classes and extracurricular
organization’s youth aliyah programs bring
teens and young adults closer to Israel, sports and programs, yet still have the
while Hadassah’s many education pro- comfort of their Tehiyah lower school
www.facebook.com/jewishsf grams lock in a solid Jewish education for years.
kids. And with 20 chapters across With two campuses in San Rafael and
Northern California, Bay Area Jewish San Francisco and 600 students, Brandeis
and Hillel Day School, founded in 1963, boasts
women have ample opportunities to con-
follow us on tribute. a long tradition of nurturing students from
kindergarten to eighth grade. Close to 95
percent of students are accepted to their
at twitter.com/jewishsf top choice of high school come gradua-
First Place tion. Students are taught the value of hard
Bay Area work, kindness, and embracing a diverse
Jewish community. “As a community
Hadassah–Central Jewish day school, support from our com-
Pacific Coast Region munity is especially meaningful to us. It
(415) 771-5900 brings us great joy and pride, and we’re
www.cpcr.hadassah.org glad that the poll reflects our pride,” says
head of school Chaim Heller.
Although the Jewish Community High
School of the Bay in San Francisco was
Men’s founded to provide its students with a rig-
orous Judaic studies curriculum, the
organization school is a dynamic environment in all
academic departments — and student life.
BBQ club, digital media club and the liter-
Coming off back-to-back wins in our
ary magazine are just a few of the groups
Readers’ Choice poll, B’nai B’rith once
at JCHS that create a vibrant student cul-
again came in first for favorite Jewish
ture — not to mention the students’ devo-
men’s organization. Only one thing: It’s not
tion to athletics and social justice.
just a men’s organization.
Bringing together Jewish students from
B’nai B’rith has worked for Jewish unity,
all over the Bay Area, JCHS creates a
security, continuity and tolerance for the
close-knit community through all-school
past 165 years. But as any member will tell
retreats, along with lunchtime program-
you, B’nai B’rith isn’t just for men anymore.
ming.
Women are in leadership positions
Princeton, Harvard and Yale are just
throughout the organization. In the Bay
some of the places you can find recent
Area, B’nai B’rith sponsors activities to
alumni from Kehillah Jewish High School
help seniors, including the recent Aging in
in Palo Alto, the only community Jewish
Place seminars. It also sponsors Jewish
high school between San Francisco and
cultural programs and the annual Yom
Los Angeles. This year students will be
HaShoah commemoration in Lincoln Park.
welcoming a new neighbor — the Oshman
“B’nai B’rith plays a crucial role in defend-
Family JCC, where students will be given
ing Israel at the United Nations,” says
free gym memberships. “Students come to
Golden Pacific Region co-president
our school for our close community,
Stanley Goldman.
excellent academics and almost unlimited
access to teachers,” says admissions
First Place director Marily Lerner.
You will never find more than 20 stu-
Bay Area
dents in a class at Gideon Hausner
B’nai B’rith–Golden Jewish Day School in Palo Alto.
Established in 1989, the K-8 school teach-
Pacific Region es around 400 students in its state-of-the-
(888) 274-8418 art facility on San Antonio Road. The
www.bnaibrith.org study of Torah, tikkun olam and justice
.
J. | the Jewish news weekly readers’ choice supplement 10b
envelop the core values at the school,
named after Gideon Hausner, who was the
chief prosecutor at the Adolf Eichmann trial.
In second place were Oakland Hebrew
Day School and South Peninsula Hebrew Day
School in Sunnyvale.
First Place
San Francisco
Brandeis Hillel Day
School
visual arts, debate, community service and First Place
athletic programs to their students. “This past East Bay
academic year, our students in our stage- San Francisco
craft/woodworking class had the opportunity The College
to create a collection of wooden toys that Lick-Wilmerding High Preparatory School
were shipped to AIDS-affected preschoolers School Oakland
in Zimbabwe,” says communications director (415) 333-4021 (510) 652-0111
Jennifer Beeson. Encouraging community www.lwhs.org www.college-prep.org
service and academic excellence has
earned College Preparatory School a place
among the Harvard Review’s 25 academically
strongest independent schools in the coun-

! # / . 4 % - 0 / 2 ! 29
try.

*%7)3(()'(3#(//,
(415) 406-1035 The Branson School’s extensive 17-acre
www.bhds.org campus in Ross resembles more of a college
than a high school. Yet for the 320 students
of Branson, the next four years here will be
Jewish Community their gateway into adult life. Campus is made
up of 12 buildings, including 31 classrooms,
High School of the Bay as well as music, art, and dance studios,
(415) 345-9777 library, two theaters and an athletic center.

5
www.jchsofthebay.org With a fiber optic wireless network, the cam-
East Bay pus stays connected.
Located on Ocean Avenue in San
Tehiyah Day School Francisco, Lick-Wilmerding High School
El Cerrito coined the phrase “private school with a
(510) 233-3013 public purpose” after starting programs such $ ) 3 # /6 % 2

+%(),,!(
www.tehiyah.org as Aim High, which offers tutoring to middle
South Bay/ Peninsula school students during the summer. The
school features a diverse and inclusive com-
Kehillah Jewish munity, with students coming from almost
High School every zip code in San Francisco, as well as
from the East Bay, South Bay and Marin.
Palo Alto
“The ultimate measure of Lick-Wilmerding’s
(650) 213-9600
success is the extent to which our graduates
www.kehillah.org
leave us with the capacity, the confidence
and the commitment to make the world a
Gideon Hausner better place,” says communications director
Mary Rose. X
Jewish Day School What do one sixth-grade chess champion,
Palo Alto 12 national merit scholars, and a highly WWWKEHILLAHORG
(650) 494-8200 ranked Math Olympiad team have in com-
www.hausner.com mon? Look no further than Crystal Springs
North Bay Upland School in Hillsborough, which is +EHILLAHWELCOMESITSNEWNEIGHBORANDHOMEOFTHE+EHILLAH2AMS

home to 350 students in grades six through #OMEVISITUSDURINGTHE/&*##SGRANDOPENINGCELEBRATION
Brandeis Hillel 12. “Students have a extensive selection of
ON/CTOBER
#AMPUSTOURSAVAILABLEFROMUNTIL

college-preparatory classes to choose from,
Day School including Advanced Placement,” says head &ABIAN7AY0ALO!LTO
San Rafael of school Amy Richards. -½Ê

,
(415) 472-1833
"
,


In second place were the Drew School in &AVORITE*EWISH

½ä™


www.bhds.org San Francisco and Head-Royce School in $AY3CHOOL

,-


Oakland. / Ê *

Second Place -"1/Ê
9ÊÉÊ*  -1

East Bay

Oakland Hebrew
Day School Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School
(510) 531-8600
www.ohds.org Inspiring Minds... Creating Community
South Bay/ Peninsula

South Peninsula Thank you for voting us

Hebrew Day School Favorite Jewish Day School
Sunnyvale
(408) 738-0237
in the South Bay/Peninsula!
www.sphds.org Limited space available for
the 2009-2010 school year
College-prep Call now for your personal tour! %2
3 #
Favorite
(/
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high school 

)#%

Jewish
Aileen Mitchner, Director of Admission Day School 23
&)

After eight years of elementary and middle 4 0, !#

school, the step up to high school can be 650.494.8200 ext. 104 admissions@hausner.com 3/54( "!9  0%.).35,!

scary. But these college-preparatory high

schools in the Bay Area make learning fun — WWW. HAUSNER . COM
and help guide students into the four-year col- 450 S AN A NTONIO R OAD , PALO A LTO , CA 94306
lege of their choice.
Beyond the rigor of academics, the College CONFIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE • CAIS AND WASC ACCREDITED • A BENEFICIARY OF THE JCF
Preparatory School in Oakland offers fine and
11b www.jweekly.com | August 21, 2009
 readers’ choice awards
GAN ISRAEL South Bay/Peninsula for each person,” says director Gittel Rice. With

PRESCHOOL Crystal Springs Upland

School
small classes and low student-teacher ratios,
children and parents are personally cared for in
the best possible way. The school also provides
Located in Terra Linda
Hillsborough plenty of scholarships to families in need.
(650) 342-4175 Children at the Peninsula JCC Preschool in
www.csus.com Foster City are welcomed to more than just a
3#
%2 Thank you J. readers core curriculum — they have what director Judy

(/
North Bay

2%!$
Garb calls “an evolving ethical start.” Welcoming
 for voting Gan Israel The Branson School

)#%
new families with music and after-school enrich-
23
Favorite Jewish Preschool Ross ment programs such as dancing and art, the
&)

%
4 0 , !# in Marin! (415) 454-3612 school has a place for every child. “We are a
./24("!9 www.branson.org warm nurturing community, with an amazing
Second Place staff,” Garb says. “We never just take a child into
• children ages 18 months to 5 years the preschool, we take a whole family and sup-
• calm environment San Francisco port them in their parenting efforts.”
• small class size Temple Sinai Preschool in Oakland aims to
• one-on-one attention Drew School make Judaism a part of everyday learning. This
• great introduction to Judaism (415) 409-3739 ranges from reciting a Hebrew blessing before
www.drewschool.org snack to teaching broader Jewish themes such
Friday Sept. 18, 10:00 a.m. East Bay as tikkun olam. “It’s a lovely, warm community,”
bake a Rosh Hashana Challah with your says director Michelle Green. “Everyone takes
Head-Royce School care of each other.” Green and her teachers aim
child* or call to schedule a time to visit our Oakland to create an environment that nurtures “the
school and experience first-hand our won- (510) 531-1300 social, emotional, physical, cognitive and cre-
derful community. (*RSVP required) www.headroyce.org ative development of each child,” she says.
Congregation Emanu-El Preschool in San
415.507.0460
www.ganisraelsanrafael.com Early childhood Francisco is “a mixture of indoor and outdoor
activities, including art, science, basic literary
morahgittel@yahoo.com
license # 213000375 education skills and building,” says early childhood educa-
tion director David Worton. Jewish values are

program also an integral part of the preschool program,

Dedicated to providing children with a warm
Scholarships are generously provided by the following institutions
introduction to the traditions of Judaism, Gan
Israel Preschool in San Rafael instills children
with a desire to learn and grow. “The children in
our preschool are surrounded by a Jewish
atmosphere of respect and loving appreciation
which includes making pillows for Passover and
learning the story of Purim. As children mature
and look ahead to kindergarten, Emanu-El helps
families in finding the right program for their
child. “We support families in finding the next
step for their children,” Worton says.
Congregation Sherith Israel Preschool in San


Tehiyah Day School, Oakland Hebrew Day School, Contra Costa Jewish Day School
Building the Greater East Bay's Jewish Future One Child at a Time!

El Cerrito, CA Oakland, CA Lafayette, CA

510.233.3013 ext. 239 510.531.8600 925.284.8288
www.tehiyah.org www.ohds.org www.ccjds.org

Beneficiaries of the Koret Foundation and the Jewish Community Federation of the Greater East Bay.

.
J. | the Jewish news weekly readers’ choice supplement 12b
Francisco, Gan Mah Tov in Oakland, Addison-Penzak to at Kee Tov. Although most of its campers sign Second Place
JCC Preschool in Los Gatos and Early Childhood
Education at Osher Marin JCC came in second.

First Place
up for the 4-week sessions, Kee Tov also offers a
2-week program, focusing on local food and
ecology. “It’s great because it offers some flexi-
bility to busy families and is also a wonderful
learning experience for the kids,” Ganes says.
San Francisco

Summer Art
Seniors
\Meredith Malnick
San Francisco Like many people in the Bay Area, Beth Spark Program
Congregation Emanu-El Goodman, executive director of the JCC,
Sonoma County, recognizes the importance of
Contemporary Jewish Museum
(415) 344-8800 Jewish retirement
Preschool
(415) 751-2535
Jewish summer camps. “If you want to foster a
strong Jewish identity in your child, there’s really
www.thecjm.org
residence
www.emanuelsf.org no better place to do it than camp,” Goodman Deciding to move into an assisted living facility
East Bay
says. She could sing the praises of the JCC’s is never easy, but leaving a Jewish home
East Bay
Camp Chai all day, but ultimately falls back on Camp Tzofim behind makes the task even more difficult.
Temple Sinai the activities offered: sports, games, singing, JCC of the East Bay Luckily, the Bay Area is blessed with a wealth
field trips, Shabbat celebrations and more. Oakland of Jewish retirement homes that feature all the
Preschool “Nearly every staff person who is hired has (510) 530-9222 comforts of a Jewish household with the luxury
Oakland grown up with Camp Chai in their life,” Goodman of innovative senior programs.
www,jcceastbay.org
(510) 451-2821 says. “The staff is really committed to Camp There is something for everyone at the
www.templesinaipreschool.org Chai’s mission.” Esther and Jacques Reutlinger Community for
South Bay/Peninsula
Camp Kochav at the JCC of San Francisco Jewish Living in Danville. With a synagogue,
South Bay/Peninsula
offers popular summer programming for children J-Camp rabbi, artist studio, college courses and even a
Peninsula JCC entering grades from kindergarten through ninth Oshman Family JCC comedy nightclub, Reutlinger has a house full
grade. “Social justice is a really big part of all of Palo Alto of happy residents. “People will say, I never
Preschool our camps,” says camp and family programs (650) 213-9316 expected it to be this great,” says executive
Foster City manager Liz Bader-Natal. Service projects such director Dr. Janice Corran. “It is way beyond
www.paloaltojcc.org
(650) 212-PJCC as penny drives and beach clean-ups are woven being an assisted living facility — this is our
www.pjcc.org/family/ece/ into daily programming. “At the end of the day, it residents’ home.”
ece-index.html comes back to Jewish traditions,” Bader-Natal North Bay For over 138 years, the Jewish Home San
North Bay
says. “Regardless of what program you’re in, we Camp Kehillah Francisco has been providing care for adults in
take time to welcome Shabbat on Friday.” Osher Marin JCC the Bay Area. For long term to short-term care,
Gan Israel Preschool Campers at the Peninsula JCC summer camp San Rafael The Home has multiple medical clinics and facil-
San Rafael may find themselves dressing up as Moses one (415) 444-8000 ities on its campus to suit the needs of its resi-
(415) 507-0460 day and serving lunch to the homeless the next. www.marinjcc.org dents. During the day residents can be found at
www.ganisraelsanrafael.com “We are starting a three-week-long social action drum circles, poetry readings, activities in the
project for our campers, instead of shorter term city and more. “The Jewish Home has extensive
programs,” says general and teen camp director roots serving this community, and we are dedi-
Second Place Jenny Mills. Campers work with local programs
such as First Step for Families and My New Red
Favorite secular cated as a community steward to providing
services that are innovative and responsive to
San Francisco

Congregation Sherith
Shoes while enjoying programming of their own,
like an ancient Israel carnival. summer camp the needs of our residents,” says director of
corporate planning Sherie A. Koshover. This
Israel Preschool In second place were the Summer Art Spark At Camp Galileo, skits, scavenger hunts and year the Home is in the process of renovating
program at the Contemporary Jewish Museum in art projects share the daily schedule with several parts of its campus, and is looking for-
(415) 346-1720
San Francisco, Camp Tzofim at the JCC of the more unusual fare, such as designing a minia- ward to its annual summer arts festival.
www.sherithisrael.org
East Bay in Oakland, J-Camp at the Oshman ture golf course and playing “Capture the Sharing the San Francisco limelight is Rhoda
Family JCC in Palo Alto and Camp Kehillah at the Rubber Chicken.” This broad range of pro- Goldman Plaza, another Jewish retirement home
East Bay
Osher Marin JCC in San Rafael. gramming keeps loyal Galileo campers return- with extensive roots in the community. “It’s the
Gan Mah Tov ing each summer to one of the camp’s many fun of a cruise ship and the security that offers
Oakland locations around the Bay Area, spending any- safety and wellness,” says marketing director
First Place Iris Hudis. Creative kosher cuisine is one of the
(510) 504-8073 where between one week to an entire summer
www.thegan.net (“life campers,” as they’re called). many amenities that draw residents from all
San Francisco
“We have so many things kids can do,” says over the country. Popular activities include live
concerts, knitting blankets for the homeless, Tai
South Bay/Peninsula Camp Kochav Tajalli Horvat, vice president of field operations
Chi classes and museum tours. “You’ll see a
for the camp. Although days filled with activi-
Addison-Penzak JCC JCC of San Francisco
ties like Star Wars dodgeball and go-karting group of residents coming home exhausted but
(415) 292-1250 excited after our trips,” Hudis says.
Preschool www.jccsf.org attract campers, Horvat says Camp Galileo
Chai House in San Jose features a bundle of
Los Gatos focuses on the areas of art, science and the
outdoors since they “don’t get as much atten- 70 modern apartments — which are offered at
(408) 357-7417 East Bay
tion during the school year.” Now in its eighth reduced costs to low- and moderate-income
www.svjcc.org/preschool
Camp Keetov season, Camp Galileo is starting to see former seniors, Jews and non-Jews alike. The only
campers come back as interns and staff. community of its kind in the South Bay, resi-
North Bay Congregation Beth El
In second place was Mountain Camp in El dents receive kosher meals five nights a week,
Berkeley
Early Childhood (510) 848-2372 Dorado National Forest. along with the use of top-notch recreational
facilities and innovative programs. Run by
Education at Osher www.campkeetov.org
director Marc Tumlinson, Chai House just cele-
Marin JCC brated its 20th anniversary.
San Rafael South Bay/Peninsula First Place In second place was the soon-to-open
(415) 444-8042 Peninsula JCC Summer Moldaw Family Residences in Palo Alto.
www.marinjcc.org/preschool.html Bay Area
Camps
Foster City Camp Galileo First Place
Jewish day camp (650) 212-PJCC
www.pjcc.org/family/camps/camps-
(800) 854-3684
www.campgalileo.com San Francisco
Camp Kee Tov wants to know: Have you got that index.html Jewish Home San
ruach (spirit)? Our readers responded with a
resounding “Yes!” for the Berkeley day camp, North Bay
Second Place
Francisco
based at Congregation Beth El in Berkeley. (415) 334-2500
“Ruach is the embodiment of our energy and
Camp Chai www.jhsf.org
JCC, Sonoma County Bay Area
community,” says director Adam Ganes. Shabbat
Santa Rosa
celebrations, theme days, overnight trips,
(707) 528-4222
Mountain Camp Rhoda Goldman Plaza
camper performances, and field trips are just (415) 351-2267 (415) 345-5060
www.jccsoco.org/campchai.html
some of the activities campers can look forward www.mountaincamp.com www.rgplaza.org

13b www.jweekly.com | August 21, 2009

 readers’ choice awards
East Bay

Reutlinger Community Non-sectarian Monarch Place in Piedmont is enjoying its first

year in its completely renovated facilities. “What
beautiful courtyard in the back where they can
enjoy the sunshine and the outdoors in a very

for Jewish Living

Danville
retirement sets us apart are our Gold Crown services, out-
ings on our excursion bus, full concierges serv-
safe environment. It’s very welcoming.” In addi-
tion to a peaceful atmosphere, Aegis offers a

(925) 648-2800
www.rcjl.org
residence ices, fine dining, Sunday brunches or just walk-
ing your dog,” says executive director Rebecca
Cockrill. Living in luxury is one perk of Monarch
wealth of amenities, including a movie theater,
library and a kitchen with a full-choice menu.
Aegis is nationally renowned for its Alzheimer’s
Seniors looking for a mix of traditions and cul-
ture have to look no further than the winning Place, which boasts a pastry chef on staff for and dementia care, along with seven-day-a-
South Bay/Peninsula non-sectarian homes j. readers voted for in the those with a sweet tooth. “Our goal is for our week nursing coverage.
Bay Area. residents to enjoy the life they deserve,” Cockrill Situated on 55 acres in the Cupertino foothills
Chai House says. bordering the Rancho San Antonio open space
Schmoozing with friends, morning yoga
San Jose The opera, symphony, ballet and local muse- reserve, the Forum at Rancho San Antonio is a
stretches, and the occasional glass of wine
(408) 947 1818 ums are all places you’ll find the residents of San bustling retirement community. Many residents
greet the residents of Byron Park in Walnut
chaihousesj.googlepages.com Francisco Towers. “This is a vibrant, robust com- take long hikes through the open space preserve
Creek on any given day.
“When you walk into Byron Park you see peo- munity of fascinating people. They all feel that and take advantage of the fitness center at the
Second Place ple engaged in things — they are friendly group they have liberated themselves of many of the Forum. “Our residents are very active in our own
of neighbors, who enjoy being very independent stressors that come with aging,” says marketing community and the greater Bay Area communi-
and going to a lot of interesting activities,” says director Kate Hoebke. “People move in when ty,” says community relations director Jean
South Bay/Peninsula
marketing associate Rayne Merrywood. Offering they are independent, and as they age they have Newton. And when residents sit down for meals,
Moldaw Family private apartments with accessible transporta- access to independent, assisted and skilled they enjoy a full palette of excellent cuisine.
nursing care.” “There is always fresh fish and filet mignon on
Residences tion around the bay area, Byron Park hosts a
Aegis Living was the top pick in the North the menu — our residents love the food here,”
Palo Alto happy group of residents who enjoy yoga, fitness
and a number of other activities. Bay, having several communities there. “We Newton says.
(650) 321-2188 have a very home-like atmosphere,” says mar- The resident-led kazoo band can be heard
www.899charleston.org Formerly known as the Claremont House,
keting director Candice Moses. “We have a jamming most afternoons at Palo Alto Commons.
The facility offers a long list of activities for its
3 # residents — among them Foothill College cours-
%2 es, Nintendo Wii gaming and scenic hikes. When
(/
2%!$

 residents move into the Commons they have

)#%

w
ro

access to assisted living, focused care and an

This Could Be Your New Neighbor
a

23
&)

Alzheimer’s and dementia unit called the

%

4 0 , !#
n
i

Meadow Wing. Located in Palo Alto, just min-

ar

%!34 "!9
ye

utes from Stanford University, residents are at

Who Becomes Your Old Friend
th

the center of Bay Area life.

ur

In second place were the Sequoias in San

Fo

Francisco, AgeSong at Lakeside Park in Oakland,

Classic Residence by Hyatt in Palo Alto and
Independent Living in a more supportive environment AlmaVia of San Rafael.

First Place
San Francisco

San Francisco Towers

• Fine dining (415) 776-0500
www.sanfranciscotowers-esc.org
• Daily transportation East Bay

• Weekly housekeeping Byron Park

Walnut Creek
• Kitchens in every (925) 937 1700
www.byronpark.com

apartment Monarch Place

Piedmont
• Linen service included (510) 658-9266
www.monarchplace.cc
• Month-to-month rentals South Bay/Peninsula

• Assisted living available The Forum at Rancho

San Antonio
Cupertino
(650) 944-0100
www.theforum-seniorliving.com
Jewish and non-Jewish residents alike enjoy the diversity and welcoming atmosphere at Byron Park senior community. Jewish Holidays are
celebrated, Shabbat services are regularly held, and we're located just three blocks from the Jewish Community Center in Walnut Creek. Palo Alto Commons
(650) 494-0760
www.paloaltocommons.com

925-937-1700 North Bay

Aegis Living
800-937-7974 Various locations
www.aegisliving.com
www.byronpark.com Second Place
1700 Tice Valley Blvd. San Francisco

The Sequoias
Walnut Creek, CA 94595 (415) 922-9700
An AF Evans Seniors Community Lic # 071440784 www.ncphs.org/life_care/the_sequoias
_-_san_francisco
.
J. | the Jewish news weekly readers’ choice supplement 14b
 East Bay
THE HIGH HOLIDAYS
AgeSong at ARE COMING SOON!
Lakeside Park
Oakland




(510) 444-4684
www.agesonglsp.com Reserve your advertising space now
South Bay/Peninsula by calling your rep at (415) 263-7200.
Classic Residence
by Hyatt
Palo Alto
(650) 838-0300
www.hyattclassic.com/go/
palo-alto.html

North Bay

AlmaVia
of San Rafael
(415) 491-1900
www.eldercarealliance.org

Day program
Learning to jam on the guitar, doing yoga
stretches and exploring local museums
are just some of the activities you can
find local seniors doing at the many sen-
ior day programs offered throughout the
Bay Area.
“The Older Adult Program at JCCSF is
a community hub for people,” says pro-
gram manager Shiva Schulz. The pro-
gram offers many free events for seniors,
including health and wellness awareness
presentations and movie nights. Six days
a week seniors enjoy lunch served by
local congregants. “They have an oppor-
tunity to socialize and keep engaged in
the world,” Schulz says.
North Bay residents who are yearning
for the seaside breeze of San Francisco,
or just the company of their fellow peers,
find a perfect outlet in the Friendship
Circle of the JCC, Sonoma County. The
program serves seniors who are looking
for exciting new ways to explore the Bay
Area — including the popular lunch and
learn programs, which have included
trips to the Asian Art Museum in San
Francisco, laughter yoga and the San
Francisco Symphony. “We’ve overheard
participants saying that they have met
new people, that is it is their only con-
nection to the Jewish community and the
best part of their social life,” says pro-
gram director Barbara Scharf.
For Peninsula seniors, the PJCC’s Get
Up & Go program is “a lifesaver,” says
program coordinator Betty Burr. Seniors
who need transportation to the market, to
get groceries or to handle cumbersome
packages utilize the Foster City JCC’s Get
Up & Go to take care of their daily needs,
as well as their social outings. Seniors
gather on alternating Wednesdays for
live music, lectures on current events
and other activities. “We serve an older
community that cannot drive or use pub-
lic transportation and give them renewed
access to the world,” Burr says.
“It’s a really happy place to be,” says
program coordinator Melissa Roman
about the Millman Adult Day Program at
Walnut Creek’s Contra Costa JCC. The
program that enhances the lives of mem-
ory-impaired participants with socializing
activities including music, reminiscing

15b www.jweekly.com | August 21, 2009

 readers’ choice awards
and word games. “We have so many volun- North Bay
teers from the community who come in and Friendship Circle
a variety groups from the preschool too,” JCC, Sonoma County
Roman says. New to the program is Santa Rosa
the Dementia Caregiver Resource Library, (707) 528-4222
which educates caregivers on dementia www.jccsoco.org/friendshipcircle.html
and how to work with memory-impaired
individuals.
Home care
First Place
program
San Francisco Housed in Jewish Family and Children’s serv-
ices of the East Bay in Albany is the Suse
Older Adult Program Moyal Center for Older Care Services, a care
JCC of San Francisco management and counseling program for
(415) 292-1200 older adults and families. “When families are
www.jccsf.org in crisis, they can turn to us,” says client
services coordinator Lisa Yordy. Staffed by
licensed clinical geriatric social workers, the
East Bay center works to help seniors will all levels of
Millman Respite care. “People say they are very relieved to
have found us, that their parents or older
Program adults in their life ended up getting better
Contra Costa JCC care,” Yordy says.
Walnut Creek Seniors at Home, a division of the S.F.-
(925) 938-7800 based Jewish Family and Children’s Services,
www.ccjcc.org/template.php?section=PM offers comprehensive home-based services
for seniors and their families. “We pride our-
selves on being responsive to our home care
South Bay/Peninsula
clients and personalize all services to meet
Get Up & Go their individual needs” says director Judy
Peninsula JCC Lynch. Unique to Seniors at Home is the
Foster City Healthcare Advocacy program, which helps
(650) 212-7522 navigate the heath care system for those who
www.pjcc.org have been recently diagnosed with serious
diseases. “We are a one-stop resource,”
.
J. | the Jewish news weekly readers’ choice supplement 16b
Lynch says.
The Facebook of home care, Palo
Alto–based Caresquare connects families
with senior care and senior caregivers across
a social network. Qualified senior caregivers
can create a free profile with their skills,
availability and references, which can be
accessed by families looking for care. “In the
past you always had to go through agencies
for services, which can cost thousands of
dollars,” says cofounder and CEO Ariel Ford.
“We wanted to provide a low-cost alternative
that wasn’t Craigslist, but wouldn’t cost thou-
sands when your mom needs help.” The com-
pany has been around for two years and is
connecting caregivers with families in most
major metropolitan areas in the U.S., with a
big presence in the Bay Area.
First Place
San Francisco
Seniors at Home
Jewish Family and Children’s
Services
(415) 449-3777
www.seniorsathome.org
East Bay
Suse Moyal Center for
Older Adult Services
Jewish Family & Children’s Services
of the East Bay
Albany
(510) 558-7800
www.jfcs-eastbay.org/olderadults
South Bay/Peninsula
Caresquare
Palo Alto
(650) 328-8568
www.caresquare.com
Alzheimer’s
care center
You will most likely find the residents of the
Traditions Alzheimer’s and Dementia Unit at
Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living out
of their rooms on any given day. “Its a full
activity program, seven days a week,” says
Dr. Janice Corran, executive director of the
Danville community. “It’s a feel good place —
our staff go up there to take a break and
dance.” Vacancies are quickly filled at
Traditions, which has a waiting list. “People
stay here for years — they just thrive in the
program,” Corran says.
Just a 15-minute ferry ride from San
Francisco is the Corte Madera community of
Aegis Living, just one of Aegis’ many winning
North Bay communities. With extensive facil-
ities including a private movie theater, this
innovative memory care program serves resi-
dents well. “Its really important for them to
have a good quality of life, and that is what
we can give them,” says director of market-
ing Candice Moses.
Different versions of Monet’s Waterlilies
painting line the walls of the Alzheimer and
Dementia Unit at Rhoda Goldman Plaza in
San Francisco. Residents let loose their inner
artist under the skilled hands of the unit’s
specialized staff. Rhoda Goldman engages its
17b www.jweekly.com | August 21, 2009
 readers’ choice awards
residents by using different therapies, such East Bay

%2
3 #
(/
as percussion classes, where sounds stimu- Reutlinger Community
2%!$

Thank you J. readers for recognizing the lates the mind and gets residents moving to
 )#%
the beat. “Families love to visit and see for Jewish Living
23
value of Caresquare.com to our community.
&)

4 0 , !# their loved ones engaged in life, which Danville

3/54( "!9  0%.).35,!
Favorite Senior some haven’t seen in years,” says market- (925) 648-2800
Home Care Program www.rcjl.org
www.Caresquare.com ing director Iris Hudis.
Specializing in Alzheimer’s and dementia
Caresquare.com connects families and caregivers directly in a free online social network care, Cedar Creek Center in Los Gatos
South Bay/Peninsula
– find and book excellent home health care! engages its residents throughout the day, Cedar Creek
seven days a week. The center’s activity
program starts after breakfast and contin-
Alzheimer’s &
Dementia Care
Chaparral
ues until 7 p.m., and includes music, art, pet
therapy, daily exercise and discussion of Community
current events. “We live in our residents’ Los Gatos
world rather than correcting them or

House
(408) 356-5636
expecting them to live in our reality,” says www.the-creeks.com/Cedar.html
community relations director Kelley Colla.
“We want to preserve their self-respect and North Bay
their dignity.”
A RESIDENTIAL ELDERCARE COMMUNITY The center sits on an acre of land and Aegis Living
provides secure grounds where residents Various locations
(not for profit)
can walk around and enjoy the chickens www.aegisliving.com
• Resident-Centered • Chaplin On Staff and doves in the center’s aviary. “We want
Second Place
to encourage our residents socially, physi-
• Community-Oriented • High Staff to Resident Ratio cally and intellectually as much as we can,” San Francisco
• Innovative Activities Program • Private Rooms Available Colla says.
A Non-profit Skilled Nursing Eldercare Community. In second place were the Jewish Home Jewish Home San
Beautiful park-like, creekside setting, with large secure gardens. San Francisco and Chaparral House in Francisco
Berkeley. (415) 334-2500
-½
,
 www.jhsf.org
Thank you, j. Readers!
,


First Place
"

½ä™ East Bay

Non-Sectarian Senior Community San Francisco
Chaparral House
-

"
 *
Rhoda Goldman Plaza Berkeley
510-848-8774

-/
9 (415) 345-5060 (510) 848-8774
1309 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94702 • www.chaparralhouse.org www.rgplaza.org www.chaparralhouse.org

There Is No Place Like the

Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living
• Ability for couples to remain under one roof if one
spouse needs skilled nursing care while the other
spouse remains in an apartment. Visiting is just a short
walk from one side of the building to the other.
• Assisted Living and Dementia Care with 24-hour
nursing staff seven days a week.
• Full-time nursing in Assisted Living allows full
diabetic and other health issues management.
• Full-time Social Worker and full-time Rabbi I N D E P E N D E N T
• Artist in Residence and Art Studio A N D A S S I S T E D
• Personal Trainer on site L I V I N G
• Comprehensive Therapy Department
• Secure dementia care unit under direction of -½

,
• Suite and one-bedroom
a Manager with MA in psychological counseling and a "
,


apartment residences
full-time Recreational Therapist
½ä™


• Personalized services
• Concierge Services • Extensive transportation program
• Transportation to appointments along the 680 corridor. ,-


• Life Enrichment program

/ * 

• Social, Cultural and

-/
9
Educational activities
• Scrumptious Sunday Brunch
4000 Camino Tassajara Danville, CA 94506 • Fully Equipped Fitness Center
925-648-2800 or 925-964-2066 • Short term Respite stay are welcome
SNF license #140000589 RCFE license #075600335 Come Experience our Gold Crown Services
and Live the Life you Deserve!
Financial Assistance may be available through Favorite Non-Sectarian Senior Community
our One Community Financial Assistance Fund
(510) 658-9266 • 4500 Gilbert St., Oakland, CA
www monarchplace.cc
.
J. | the Jewish news weekly readers’ choice supplement 18b
Time to
North Bay gance in the North Bay. “We have one of the Second Place
Acqua Hotel most beautiful views of Sonoma County,” says
(415) 380-0400 events manager Martha Marquez. “During the San Francisco
day we have a vineyard view, and during the
Mill Valley
night we have the city lights.” Along with glisten- Congregation Sherith
www.marinhotels.com

celebrate
Samuel Franco
Second Place
San Francisco

Contemporary Jewish
ing Italian chandeliers, a wood burning fireplace,
and a sculpture garden, Paradise Ridge also
offers a stock of award-winning wines.
Coming in second place were Congregation
Sherith Israel in San Francisco, the Brazilian
Israel
(415) 346-1720
www.sherithisrael.org
East Bay

Museum Room in Berkeley, Los Altos Country Club and the Brazilian Room
Osher Marin JCC in San Rafael. Berkeley
(415) 655-7800
(510) 540-0220
B’nai mitzvah www.thecjm.org
East Bay
First Place www.ebparks.org/activities/corpfamily/br

venue
San Francisco South Bay/Peninsula
Claremont Hotel Club & Contemporary Jewish Los Altos County Club
If there’s one thing j. readers know how to do Spa Museum (650) 947-3100
better than any other newspaper’s readership, Berkeley www.lagcc.org
(415) 655-7800
it’s how to safely hoist a seated friend or rela- (510) 843-3000 www.thecjm.org North Bay
tive eight feet in the air. These venues stood www.claremontresort.com
out as the best places in the Bay Area to
South Bay/Peninsula
East Bay
Osher Marin JCC
dance the hora at a bar or bat mitzvah.
In San Francisco, Congregation Sherith The Crowne Plaza Lake Merritt Hotel San Rafael
Oakland (415) 444-8000
Israel’s Newman Hall provides a versatile,
modern-looking space that can comfortably
Cabana Hotel (510) 832-2100 www.marinjcc.org
Palo Alto www.lakemerritthotel.com
host over 200 partygoers. The synagogue is
also a major hub for Jewish community life in
Pacific Heights.
(650) 857-0787
www.cppaloalto.crowneplaza.com
South Bay/Peninsula Place for a casual
Kohl Mansion
Sequoyah Country Club in Oakland has a
storied history, dating back to the club’s
North Bay
Burlingame indoor party
founding in 1913, through its time as a PGA Osher Marin JCC (650) 762-1136 Toss away that black tie and loosen up your col-
golf tournament host in the 1930s and ’40s. San Rafael www.kohl-mansion.com lar — j. readers have made their choices for the
The venue boasts a panoramic view from the (415) 444-8000 North Bay best place in the Bay for a casual celebration.
Oakland hills and Spanish colonial architec- www.marinjcc.org Last year San Francisco’s Congregation Beth
ture. “The historic character of our facilities
Paradise Ridge Winery Sholom set the Jewish community abuzz with a
really attract people to hold life celebrations
here,” says general manager Tom Schunn. Place for an elegant Kenwood
(707) 282-9020
fabulous new facility that has gathered archi-
tectural awards and fans in j. readers. The facil-
“We’re very respected for the quality of our
food and services here.” indoor party www.prwinery.com ity hosts galas, film showings and speaker

Sofitel in Redwood City is a Francophile’s
delight, featuring French-language answering
machines and a waterfront view. The
European-inspired design provides an elegant
and luxurious touch to a b’nai mitzvah party.
The Acqua Hotel in Mill Valley brings the
outdoor environment indoors. “It’s simple,
serene, and our event space takes advantage
of the views of Mount Tam,” says sales man-
ager Judy Gilmore. “We’re intimately sized,
and we try and make sure we fit in every-
body’s box other than the other way around.”
The green landscape and adaptive staff
ensure that a bar or bat mitzvah at Acqua is
both stress-free and enjoyable.
Taking second place were the
Contemporary Jewish Museum in San
Francisco, the Claremont Hotel Club & Spa in
Berkeley, the Crowne Plaza Cabana Hotel in
Palo Alto and the Osher Marin JCC in San
Rafael.
First Place
San Francisco
Congregation Sherith
Israel
(415) 346-1720
www.sherithisrael.org
East Bay
Sequoyah Country Club
Oakland
(510) 632-2900
www.sequoyahcc.com
South Bay/Peninsula
Sofitel
Redwood City
(650) 598-9000
www.sofitel.com
The word elegance has many different definitions
— but j. readers obviously define it as being
found in their favorite places for an elegant
indoor party. From museums to mansions, these
hot spots will provide the perfect venue for your
classy evening.
The Contemporary Jewish Museum in San
Francisco can add the backdrop of Jewish histo-
ry to any event. “The museum is just stunning,
and you don’t need a lot of décor to make it look
elegant,” says spokeswoman Danielle
Cappannelli.“The spaces are both contemporary
and historic, making it a truly unique venue.” The
Yud Gallery, Goldman Hall and Grand Lobby are
ideal for gatherings of all types including dance
parties, lectures, fashion shows, award cere-
monies and lifecycle events.
The Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel in
Oakland is an architectural daydream. “When
you walk inside it’s an enchanting environment,”
says Cheryl Berger, who co-owns the property.
“You get the feeling that it’s modernized, but
we’ve left all the beautiful building aesthetic that
you find in older buildings that you can’t replicate
anymore.” Lake Merritt Hotel can bring an inti-
mate environment to a larger event, and the
building itself is a piece of art. “It’s a beautiful art
deco, glass enclosed facility that overlooks lake
merit, in a necklace of lights,” Berger says.
The Kohl Mansion in Burlingame has a history
that goes back to 1912, when Frederick Kohl built
a great hall for entertaining for his wife to sing in.
“The outside is a beautiful Tudor mansion,” says
Dianne Devlin, the associate director of events.
“Inside is a lot of dark wood, a 6-foot-by-6-foot
black marble based fireplace, and the ceilings
are about 30 feet high.” The mansion offers priva-
cy and flexibility, with the ability to host a party
indoors in the airy Nile-green dining room, or out-
doors overlooking the rose garden.
The family-owned and operated Paradise
Ridge Winery in Kenwood is a bastion of ele-
19b www.jweekly.com | August 21, 2009
 readers’ choice awards
events, in addition to the traditional lifecycle First Place
East Bay North Bay
events. It’s modern, bright, airy and industri- The Claremont Hotel Marin Art & Garden
al, and the sanctuary features the sandstone San Francisco
look of the Western Wall — combining a Club & Spa Center
modern look with old-world sensibilities. Congregation Berkeley Ross
(510) 843-3000 (415) 454-1301
Beth Jacob Congregation in Oakland is Beth Sholom www.claremontresort.com www.magc.org
further proof that a synagogue is always an (415) 444-8000
excellent venue for a celebration. “We’re www.bethsholomsf.org South Bay/Peninsula Second Place
really kind of a small, eclectic community,”
says synagogue administrator Kathy East Bay The Crowne Plaza East Bay
Hollander. Beth Jacob is a kosher venue, a
Beth Jacob Cabana Hotel Scott’s
rarity in Oakland, with separate dairy and Palo Alto Various locations
meat kitchens, making it all the easier to Congregation (650) 857-0787 www.scottseastbay.com
hold that special event. Oakland www.cppaloalto.crowneplaza.com
Pacific Athletic Club in Redwood City, (510) 482-1147 South Bay/Peninsula
offers a comfortable environment for a www.bethjacoboakland.org
North Bay
Kohl Mansion
casual throwdown. The facility is versatile,
South Bay/Peninsula Paradise Ridge Winery Burlingame
and has rooms for gatherings of any size, as Kenwood
well as a dance floor for the nimblest party- Pacific Athletic Club (650) 762-1136
(707) 282-9020 www.kohl-mansion.com
goers on the Peninsula. While you don’t have Redwood City www.prwinery.com
to be an (650) 593-1112 North Bay
athlete to attend, events there have been
known to make guests sweat.
Stonetree Golf Club in Novato is a pictur-
www.pacclub.com
Place for Deer Park Villa
Fairfax
esque venue for a casual event, overlooking
Mount Tam and the coastal range. “You can’t
North Bay

Stonetree Golf Club

really get a view like that in the North Bay,”
says spokeswoman Amanda Harris. “The
clubhouse has a classic old Marin architec-
ture to it. It’s surrounded by gorgeous oak
trees.” Stonetree offers golf, catering serv-
ices, top-notch service and staff who can
adapt to your needs and budget.
Coming in second were the JCC of San
Francisco, the Claremont Hotel Club & Spa in
Berkeley, the Crowne Plaza Cabana Hotel in Palo
Alto and Paradise Ridge Winery in Kenwood.
an outdoor
Novato
(415) 209-6090
celebration
www.stonetreegolf.com The Bay is beautiful, so why stay indoors to
party? J. readers, in tune with our natural sur-
roundings, have selected these places as
Second Place prime locations for an outdoor party.
San Francisco The Brazilian Room rests in Tilden Park in
the Berkeley hills. “You get to overlook the hills
JCC of San Francisco and the trees,” says facilities supervisor Mike
(415) 292-1200 McNally. “You suddenly feel like you just left
www.jccsf.org and took a trip to the mountain.” In addition to
the lush vistas, the site also boasts a rich his-
tory: It is a historical site, a 1940s WPA project,
featuring wood paneling from the 1939 Golden
Gate Exposition. It’s no wonder that the site
now hosts over 200 weddings per year.
Mountain Winery in Saratoga can tickle
your eyes and ears, along with your taste
buds. The winery, located in the valley’s rolling
hills, offers dinner, wine tastings, a concert
series and, of course, a secluded and pictur-
esque location for a wedding. Mountain
Winery appeals both to the epicurean and aes-
thetic sensibilities.
The Marin Art and Garden Center in Ross is
a gem sitting in the heart of the North Bay.
“We are a nonprofit, and we are a community
resource,” says Nancy Vernon, president of
the board of trustees, “a place for people to
(415) 456-8084
www.deerparkvilla.com
Dance band
“I was in the Purim spiel for Purim, and one of
the actors was improvising,” explains band
leader Michael Gill. “He had a boombox, or a
ghettoblaster, so he said, ‘I’ve got my
Shtetlblaster’”— and the rest is history. Ever
since, the Shtetlblasters has gelled into one of
the tightest wedding bands on the West Coast.
The Shtetlblasters have been gigging around
the Bay Area scene since 1992. The band plays
a variety of blues, rock ‘n’ roll and traditional
Jewish music. “We’re always learning a few
new songs, requests, updating the repertoire,”
Gill says. “Having done this business for the
past 17 years, it’s been fun to see the whole
range of the Jewish community. We’d play for
an Orthodox Jewish community, and then possi-
bly play a lesbian wedding a week later.”
In second place was Frank Goldstein’s
Manhattan Towers.
First Place
Bay Area
The Shtetlblasters

r s
(510) 287-2540

e
come for the arts, horticulture, history and

The l a s t www.maxjas.com/shtetl.htm

htetlb
environmental conservation.” The center is
host to a Shakespeare camp, a historical the- Second Place
S Music
ater group, a horticulture society that tends
the rose gardens and a vibrant society of natu-
ralists and artists. The center has facilities that
Bay Area

Manhattan Towers
LIVE MUSIC with a Beet !
can be rented for almost any type of outdoor
(800) 578-5780
event.
www.joelnelson.com/Corporate/Man
from Jerusalem to Motown Coming in second place were Scott’s in the
hattan-Towers_150.cfm
East Bay, Kohl Mansion in Burlingame and
Darryl Berk www.gotborscht.com Deer Park Villa in Fairfax.
-½Ê

, 510-909-7129 music@gotborscht.com
Klezmer band
"
,


First Place Bay Area klezmer band the Red Hot Chachkas
½ä™


almost went by another name. “It was either

East Bay that or the Seventh Inning Kvetch,” says Julie
,-


/ Ê * 

Egger of the Chachkas, “but that didn’t work out
Subscribe to The Brazilian Room
Berkeley
right.”
BAY AREA DANCE BAND The Red Hot Chachkas have been playing
(510) 540-0220 klezmer for the Bay and far beyond for the past
The Jewish www.ebparks.org/activities/corpfamily/br dozen years. They whip their audiences into a
Specializing in a variety of traditional Jewish news weekly joyous frenzy with thumping grooves. “The
and popular American musical styles of Northern South Bay/Peninsula stunts that people try to klezmer music are pret-
- Michael Gill - California
Mountain Winery ty wild,” Egger says. “At Chabad weddings the
men do juggling, fire eating, all types of wild
info@shtetls.com • 510.287.2540 call (415) 263-7200 Saratoga
stuff.”
(408) 741-2822
www.shtetls.com www.mountainwinery.com
Musically, the Red Hot Chachkas can play all
.
J. | the Jewish news weekly readers’ choice supplement 20b
the traditional klezmer classics, along with a
number of original songs that can be consid-
ered “klezmer fusion.” “It’s wild, it’s creative,
First Place Second Place
Invitations
it’s energetic — it makes you move,” Egger
Bay Area
Denon and Doyle In days of yore, the town crier or herald would be

says.
Denon and Doyle (800) 944-9585 the best way to announce a party. Needless to
(800) 944-9585 www.djay.com say, the times have changed. These places have
In second place were Go Van Gogh and stamped themselves as the top places to make
www.djay.com
Klezmania. the perfect first impression on your guests.
Second Place Just for Fun and Scribbledoodles has served
First Place Bay Area
Party planner San Francisco for 23 years. “There are no limits to
what we can do,” says manager David Eiland.
A well-planned party allows the host to relax
Bay Area Daryl Grace and enjoy the moment — without stress.
“We do all of the invitations like every other store
does, plus everything the other stores don’t do.
Red Hot Chachkas DJK Productions Luckily for j. readers, the Bay Area boasts a
We can take anybody’s artwork, we can take any-
(415) 488-9125 (877) DJK-4-FUN cadre of talented party planners to make a
www.djkproductions.com body’s imagery, and we can do any colors you
www.redhotchachkas.com major lifecycle event worry-free.
want.” This flexibility converts many first time
Oakland resident Barbara Kweller has
Second Place
Party close to a decade of experience planning par-
ties. From this, she’s amassed a huge network
customers into repeat customers.
Folio in Larkspur has also been open for over

Bay Area
Go Van Gogh
(415) 430-5082
www.govangogh.net
Klezmania
(415) 239-4670
www.bennybemusic.com/klez.htm
DJ
Denon and Doyle handles over 300 b’nai mitz-
vah a year, and yet they treat each like a unique
production. “We’re committed to what we do
the day of — it is the most visible part of the
event. But it really begins with the first phone
call,” says general manager Dan Orman. “We
have long-lasting relationships with our
clients.”
Denon and Doyle manage to stay ahead of
the game in event and DJ services. “Every
other week we have two different classes —
classes for our dancers, and classes for our
emcees,” Orman says. “It’s dedicated to coming
up with a new dance, or coming up with a new
game that the kids haven’t seen before.”
Along with DJs and dancers, Denon and
Doyle can provide a bevy of other entertain-
ment services, like a photo booth that looks like
it came straight off the Coney Island Boardwalk.
“We just like to stand out with creativity,”
Orman says.
In second place was Daryl Grace of DJK
Productions.
entertainment
J. readers voted overwhelmingly in favor of invit-
ing the Bay’s most skilled pickpocket to their par-
ties. But don’t worry: If he gets ahold of your wal-
let, there’s a chance he’ll change a $1 bill into a
fat Benjamin.
“I can take wallets and watches without peo-
ple knowing, and then give them back,” Dan
Chan says. “I don’t recommend people trying to
pickpocket on the street — that can get you in
serious trouble.”
Chan, aka Dan Chan the Magic Man, dazzles
Bay Area crowds with his combination of magic,
acrobatics, sleight of hand, bian lian, pickpocket-
ing, sword balancing, costume changing and jug-
gling. This self-taught jack-of-all-trades entertain-
er with 10 years of experience performs about
250 gigs a year. He has performed everywhere
from birthday parties and corporate events, to the
Shoreline Amphitheatre, to U.S. Marine bases in
Japan — and his skills have even gotten him out
of speeding tickets.
“I was told by my parents, this is a bad job,
you can’t make a living doing this,” Chan says,
“and it just made me determined to say yes, I can
do it.”
In second place were the photo booths run by
j. readers’ favorite DJ, Denon and Doyle.
First Place
Bay Area
Dan Chan the Magic Man
(415) 244-2700
www.danchanmagic.com
20 years. The store’s calligrapher, Alexandra
of vendors, decorators, DJs and more.
Kweller’s close attention to detail ensures
Beritzhoff has done the scripting for over 10,000
letters. “We like to entertain the customer that
that everything is attended to, so that the host
likes to entertain with style,” Breitzhoff says. ”We
has no need to worry. “It’s an entire weekend,
have a pretty incredible selection of invitation and
not just a party,” Kweller says.
great customer service. We can print in the store
She also enjoys giving back to the commu-
and do great custom work.”
nity: “I started out doing centerpieces that
Miriam’s Well in Foster City is a one-stop
are donated to charities,” Kweller says. “I try
Judaica shop, in addition to being the South Bay’s
and get the kids involved in giving center-
favorite place for invitations. “I offer the whole
pieces to battered women’s shelters, food
gambit,” says owner Michelle Booth. “I spend a
banks, children’s hospitals. It’s all part of the
mitzvah process.”
Tied for second place were Diane Metzler
lot of time with each client to help them find
exactly what they want to fit their budget, fit their
needs, and individualize the invitation. We spend
of Shindig and Marcia Barkoff of Time to
all the time with all the details.”
Party.
“Truly people come to me because I sit down
with them, I listen to them, I listen to their child,”
First Place says Susan Gildea, of Susan Gildea Personalized
Printing in Berkeley. “We come up with the per-
Bay Area fect piece to represent their style and their budg-
et.” Gildea brings over 25 years of experience in
Barbara Kweller printing to the table. She does business cards and
(510) 410-4413 stationary in addition to invitations, paying lots of
attention to individual detail. “I work with them to
Second Place find their look,” she says.
In second place were Papyrus in San
Bay Area Francisco, Afikomen in Berkeley and Paper
Marcia Barkoff Pizzazz in Palo Alto.
Time to Party
First Place
(650) 867-6505
San Francisco
Diane Metzler Just for Fun and
Shindig Scribbledoodles
(510) 499-6654 (415) 285-4068
www.shindighome.com www.justforfun.invitations.com

l iforn ia er
Ca
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2%!$

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K

Complete Event Planning & Decoration
#%
3%

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.$ 0,!
Klezmer & Yiddish Music for All Occasions 3/54( "!9  0%.).35,!
Marcia Barkoff
650.867.6505 • mbarkoff@comcast.net
Traditional Dance Music & Songs, Swing, Favorite Party Planner
50’s & 60’s Rock n’Roll
ACOUSTIC MUSIC- OUR SPECIALTY! Thank you very much J readers for selecting me as a 2009
Readers Choice Favorite Event Planner. It's an honor to work
Gerry Tenney • (510) 465-7911 with all of you! xoxo, Marcia
gtenney@earthlink.net • www.californiaklezmer.com

FULL PARTY PLANNING FROM INVITATIONS TO FAVORS

%2
3 #
Beyond Baskets %2
3 #
(/
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2%!$
2%!$

 
)#%
)#%

Be a guest at your own party!

23
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4 0 , !# 4 0 , !#
%!34 "!9 Thank you, J. readers for your continued support - I would love to party with all of you! "!9 !2%!

barbarakweller@comcast.net • 510.531.5004 • 510.410.4413

21b www.jweekly.com | August 21, 2009
 readers’ choice awards
East Bay
Susan Gildea Ketubah maker First Place continuing the art of jewelry the old fashioned
way. Owner Vardy Shtein begun as a goldsmith
Personalized Printing A ketubah is more than tradition — it is a prom- San Francisco in Tallinn, Estonia, the former home of the
Fabergé workshop. Shtein creates custom jew-
Berkeley ise, an heirloom and a work of art. The Bay Area Robin Hall elry and draws from 38 years of experience in
(510) 883-0890 boasts some of the nation’s top artisans in the ABC Calligraphy
www.susangildea.com craft of constructing ketubahs. the trade. “Everybody wants to get something
(415) 771-1719 unique and different,” Shtein says. “I am able to
Naomi Teplow began making ketubahs in
South Bay/Peninsula 1983, as an immigrant from Israel with no experi- East Bay fulfill their desires. Nobody wants to have a
cookie cutter.”
Miriam’s Well ence in the trade. She is now selling her Naomi Teplow Julianna’s Fine Jewelry will be celebrating its
Foster City ketubahs all over America and abroad. “I love
Ketubot by Naomi 25th year in business this year. Their longevity
(650) 341-4400 the vibrancy of the colors, the patterns, and
Oakland is a testament to their service — they are the
www.miriams-well.com mostly I love the juxtaposition of geometrical
(510) 530-2210 only original tenant and the only family-owned
patterns ... with floral, more flowing themes of
www.ketubotbynaomi.com business remaining in the Village at Corte
North Bay flowers and trees,” the Oakland resident says.
Her ketubahs are strongly influenced by Persian South Bay/Peninsula Madera.
Folio miniatures and old European manuscripts. Shimmering their way to second place were
Larkspur Lisa Rauchwerger specializes in custom
Lisa Rauchwerger Geoffrey’s Diamonds in San Carlos, Edelweiss
(415) 461-0120 papercut and watercolor ketubahs. “When I Cutting Edge Creations Jewlers in Berkeley, and Simayof Jewlers in
work with couples I tell them that finding the (408) 448-4972 San Francisco.
www.lisarauschwerger.com
Second Place ideal ketubah for them is almost like marriage
counseling,” Rauchwerger says. “If they can fig- Second Place First Place
San Francisco ure out what they want on their ketubah, then
Papyrus they’re halfway to having a successful marriage.” San Francisco San Francisco

(415) 543-4246 Rauchwerger has created the full spectrum of Jessica Kraft Hand in Hand
www.papyrusonline.com ketubahs, from the most traditional, showcasing Ketubah Kraft (415) 282-4370
her Hebrew calligraphy, to interfaith and gender- (877) 778-5654 www.handinhandsf.com
East Bay neutral texts on three-dimensional paper sculp- www.ketubahkraft.com
ture. East Bay
Afikomen Robin Hall begun studying lettering at age 16,
Berkeley Pavé Fine Jewelry
(510) 655-1977
www.afikomen.com
Hebrew calligraphy at age 20, and has been
making ketubahs since 1977. The Julliard-trained Jeweler Design
dancer is so attuned to the aesthetics of her It don’t mean a thing unless you got that ring. Various locations
South Bay/Peninsula craft that she even teaches yoga class based on Our winners this year for best jeweler put a (510) 547-1000
Hebrew letters. “I don’t do video ketubahs,” Hall sparkle into any day of the week. www.pavefinejewelry.com
Paper Pizzazz quips. Her works are influenced by everything Hand in Hand Jewelry in San Francisco has South Bay/Peninsula
Palo Alto from old world manuscripts to Matisse cutouts, endeared itself with the San Francisco commu-
(650) 858-0771 and some of her works now rest in museums. nity by adhering to a “do it yourself” aesthetic. Vardy’s Jewelers
www.paperpizzazz.invitations.com Coming in second place was Jessica Kraft. “The process of really getting to know our Cupertino
clients personally to inspire the designs we cre- (408) 446-2900
ate is unique in today’s mass-produced, mass- www.vardysjewelers.com
marketed marketplace,” says owner Marc North Bay
Stiglitz. Stiglitz intends for the pieces he crafts
and sells to become heirlooms, not just jewelry. Julianna’s Fine Jewelry
Michael Endlich of Pavé Jewelry Design, Corte Madera
with locations in Berkeley and Oakland, spe- (415) 924-9711
cializes in custom jewelry work and repurpos- www.juliannasfinejewelry.com
ing older jewelry. “It’s not the run-of-the-mill
jewelry — it’s very distinctly different,” Endlich Second Place
says. “It has a modern flair — from ancient San Francisco
coins to Tahitian pearls, to diamond beads and
unusual colored gemstones, and natural col- Simayof Jewelers
ored diamonds that we make ourselves.” (415) 929-6200
Vardy’s Jewelers in Cupertino is focused on www.simayof.com

EDELWEISS JEWELERS
FEATURING HAND-CRAFTED, CUSTOM DESIGN & ESTATE JEWELRY

Make it personal ...

%2
3 # Thank You!
Naomi Teplow
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)#%

www.ketubotbynaomi.com Open Tuesday - Saturday 12-5:30 and most Sundays

23 nomiteplow@aol.com
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or call for an appointment

%

4 0, !#
"!9 !2%! 510.530.2210 2980 College Ave. Berkeley 510.644.5544

.
J. | the Jewish news weekly readers’ choice supplement 22b
 East Bay trust, and we go to the farmers market,” says East Bay
Second Place
Edelweiss Jewelers partner Theresa Hammond. “The food is of a Jasmine Catering
Berkeley
San Francisco high quality, very delicious, and presented beau- Berkeley
tifully.”
(510) 644-5544 Dina’s Kosher Catering In second place were Carrie Dove Catering in
(510) 845-4378
www.elmwoodshop.com/stores (650) 827-1309 www.jasminecatering.com
/edelweiss.html San Francisco, Jasmine Catering in Berkeley,
www.dinaskoshercatering.com JW Catering in Menlo Park and A Catered Affair South Bay/Peninsula
East Bay in Santa Clara. JW Catering
South Bay/Peninsula

Geoffrey’s Diamonds Oakland Kosher Foods Menlo Park

(510) 839-0177 First Place (650) 324-1165
San Carlos www.jwcatering.com
(650) 591-0301 South Bay/Peninsula San Francisco & South
www.geoffreysdiamonds.com Bay/Peninsula
Milk and Honey A Catered Affair
Foster City Continental Caterers Santa Clara
(650) 212-6455 Palo Alto
Kosher caterer (650) 322-4189
www.continentalcaterer.com
(408) 727-6480
www.acateredaffair.com
Modern kosher caterers have discovered that
the laws of kashrut are not a restriction, but
rather a framework to ensure quality. And
Non-kosher East Bay

Italian Colors Photographer

these three caterers in particular have
earned an impressive culinary reputation in
the Bay Area — without the trayf.
Alan Finkelstein brings more than 25 years
of culinary experience to his Berkeley-based
catering business. A graduate of the Culinary
Institute of America and cooking instructor at
San Jose State, Finkelstein says he brings “a
New York attitude and Bay Area sensibility”
to his work. His roots in Queens are evident in
his traditional kugels, but he rounds out his
menu with Middle Eastern– and Israeli-
inspired dishes.
Park Avenue Catering, based in Cotati, is
the only certified green caterer in Napa and
Sonoma counties. They have worked with
Carbonfund to offset their carbon footprint,
compost nearly everything, and provide sus-
tainable seafood and local ingredients. “We’ll
take our contemporary, cutting edge trendy
menu,” says event planner Denise Kramer,
“and adapt it to kosher.”
Too Caterers, the kosher division of
Continental Caterers, is a winner in both San
Francisco and the South Bay. Local organic
produce and meals for the health conscious
are a staple of their services, and the left-
overs are earmarked for Second Harvest. Too
Caterers pride themselves on being able to fit
with today’s economic and social climate.
“You just change yourself,” says caterer
Wendy Kleckner, “and you turn yourself
inside out like a pretzel to do an event that’s
making them proud, at a more affordable
caterer Restaurant Scott Lasky has endeared himself to the Bay Area
Noshing and joshing are inseparable parts of the Oakland as a photographer through personal attention and
party experience. The palates and senses of our (510) 530-0465 a relaxed demeanor. “I don’t get stressed out, so I
readers have voted for these non-kosher cater- www.italiancolorsrestaurant.com don’t stress the client out,” Lasky says. “I keep the
ers as setting the standard in service and quality. client very relaxed at the event, so that they have
North Bay
Continental Caterers is a favorite in San more natural smiles — they’re not all stiff and for-
Francisco and the South Bay/Peninsula. The Delicious Inc. mal for the photograph.”
company has remained on top by re-inventing (415) 453-3710 Another source of pride is the fact that his
itself and focusing its business practices to fit www.deliciouscatering.com business is a one-man show. “I don’t have
the economy, environment and community. other shooters that I send out. I do all the par-
Continental looks for sustainably farmed food, Second Place ties, all the temple photos. I’m the one who
organic produce and local growers, and donates San Francisco comes to the meeting to meet with them,”
extra food to Bay Area charities. “I always send Lasky says.
home beautiful leftovers, but I mark the rest for Carrie Dove Catering Lasky started doing photography part time in
Second Harvest,” says caterer Wendy Kleckner. (415) 460-9995 1984, and has operated full time since 1993. “I
“I let them know that Jewish caterers take care www.carriedovecatering.com want them to feel like that by the end of the
of the community, not just our community.” party, I’m not just an employees — I’m part of
Italian Colors, in the Montclair district of the party and part of the fun,” Lasky says.
Oakland, is a restaurant whose reputation shone
so brightly by word of mouth alone that they
were asked to offer catering as well. “We’re a
cut above on service,” says chef partner Alan
Carlson. “Just the little extra touches to let them
know we really appreciate their business.” For
example, Italian Colors provides a pizza oven for
b’nai mitzvah, always has an owner present and
only uses its own employees, never hiring out.
Delicious Inc. has been catering for Marin for
the past 35 years. Considering their clientele, it
comes as no surprise that Delicious was the first
certified green caterer in the county. “We work
with Marin Organics and the agricultural land

Dina's Kosher
level.”
Coming in second place were Dina’s
Kosher Catering in San Francisco, Oakland
Kosher Foods and Milk and Honey in Foster Catering
City.
KOSHER CATERING FOR ALL OCCASIONS
UP TO 500+ PEOPLE %23 #(
2%!$

/)#%

First Place GLATT KOSHER 

•••
#%
3%

#/
. $ 0,!
San Francisco/ DINA MAN 3!. &2!.#)3#/
Favorite Kosher
South Bay/Peninsula 650.827.1309 Caterer

Too Caterers dinaskoshercatering@yahoo.com

(650) 322-4189 Under Supervision
www.continentalcaterer.com

East Bay

Alan Finkelstein
Catering
Berkeley
(510) 845-8275

North Bay

Park Avenue Catering

Cotati
(707) 793-9645
www.parkavecater.com

23b www.jweekly.com | August 21, 2009

 readers’ choice awards

Have
Pointing and shooting to second place was pretty much through storytelling that people East Bay
Nadine Samuels. carried on ritual and traditions.” Oakland Kosher Foods
In addition to unobtrusive and realistic event Oakland
shooting and top-of-the-line editing services,
First Place Sweetow also can provide a number of spe-
(510) 839-0177

Bay Area

Scott Lasky
(888) 363-0654
www.laskyphoto.com
cialized services like family history documen-
taries, montages and highlight reels.
Sweetow is academically dedicated to his
craft, as well: He used to teach about videog-
raphy at U.C. Berkeley extension, and has had
a nosh
Michael Lazarus
South Bay/Peninsula

Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels

Palo Alto
(650) 329-0700
Second Place over 100 articles published in video magazines.
www.izzysbrooklynbagels.com
Bay Area
Coming in second place was Esther
Andrews. Kosher food
Nadine Samuels
(510) 841-3656 First Place
Chaim Davids wants you to forget the stereo-
types of kosher food. “We’re meeting and Jewish-style deli
exceeding expectations on what kosher food The Jewish deli is the last great bastion of
Bay Area can do,” says the owner of the Kitchen Table. Jewish culture in America. While the Mecca of
Videographer Stuart Sweetow What is so revolutionary about Davids’
Mountain View restaurant? For starters,
Jewish delis may be New York, quality Reubens
and tasty matzah balls can be found right here
Stuart Sweetow of Audio Video Consultants in (510) 839-2020 bacon is on the menu. Using smoked lamb, the in the Bay Area.
Oakland has been in videography for 25 years, www.avconsultants.com Kitchen Table gives Jewish traditionalists a Saul’s Deli in Berkeley is dishing up all the
at the most important moments in the lives of chance to try the popular (and quite non- classics and then some — but isn’t trying to
thousands of families. “Through the medium of Second Place kosher) American treat. Aside from the faux- imitate New York delis. “It’s the old world,” says
video we’re able to document a particular life Bay Area pork products, the restaurant, which opened owner Karen Adelman. “It’s before New York.”
cycle ritual and preserve it so that tradition in May, offers a friendly atmosphere for cus- With falafel, corned beef, pastrami, matzah ball
can be replicate throughout the generations,” Esther Andrews tomers. “The décor is elegant, but unpreten- soup and bagels, Saul’s has the “whole of the
Sweetow says, “Prior to having video it was (408) 858-0020 tious,” Davids says. Jewish timeline.” Couple those favorites with
The biggest challenge for the Kitchen sodas made in-house and grass-fed beef, it’s no
Table, and any kosher restaurant, is that it wonder Saul’s holds a special spot in East Bay
must close for the Sabbath on Friday and customers’ hearts.
Saturday nights, the two most popular dining- A tradition around the Bay since 1982, Max’s
out nights. “We make up for it because we’re feels like a direct transplant from the East
a hot spot and people want to come,” Davids Coast. “We’re pretty authentic,” says general
says. “We’re almost reinventing the restau- manager Michael Adams. “Some of our sauces
rant business.” are flown in from New York.” Max’s keeps it
With an extensive to-go menu, Sabra Grill simple — Reuben sandwiches with a choice of
in San Francisco makes eating kosher easier. corned beef or pastrami, matzah ball soup and
3 #
%2 Not in a rush? Grab a seat and sample Sabra’s potato salad are the clear-cut favorites. “You
(/
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wide-range of choices, including omelettes, get what you pay for,” Adams says. “You get a

)#%

steaks, sandwiches and fish. big sandwich.”

Aside from the three course dinner special Perhaps the biggest testament to Max’s pop-
23
&)

4 0 , !# for under $17, what sets Oakland’s Holy Land ularity is the lack of change. “We’ve been serv-
Restaurant apart is its catering. Holy Land will ing the same sandwiches the same way for
%!34 "!9
cater to any occasion and will make a custom over 25 years,” Adams said.
Favorite Videographer

Thank you
MAZEL TOV menu for any client.
Shangri-La Chinese Vegetarian Restaurant
In second place were Miller’s East Coast Deli
in San Francisco, Oakland Kosher Foods, Izzy’s
J. readers and clients to all the in San Francisco, Oakland Kosher Foods and
Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels in Palo Alto came in
Brooklyn Bagels in Palo Alto and Mangia/Nosh
in San Rafael.

Stu Sweetow
Readers’ second.
First Place
Audio Visual Consultants
Video Production, Editing, DVDs Choice First Place San Francisco/South
3738 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA
Phone: 510-839-2020
www.AVConsultants.com
winners San Francisco
Bay/Peninsula/North Bay

Max’s
Sabra Grill Various locations
(415) 982-3656 www.maxsworld.com
www.sabragrill.com East Bay

East Bay
Saul’s Deli
Berkeley
Holy Land Restaurant (510) 848-3354
Oakland www.saulsdeli.com
(510) 272-0535
www.holylandrestaurant.com
Second Place
South Bay/Peninsula San Francisco

The Kitchen Table Miller’s East Coast Deli

Mountain View (415) 563-3542
(650) 390-9388 www.millersdelisf.com
www.thekitchentablerestaurant.com East Bay

Oakland Kosher Foods

Second Place Oakland
(510) 839-0177
San Francisco
South Bay/Peninsula
cathleen maclearie photography Shangri-La Chinese Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels
portraits • weddings • engagements • new baby • pregnant mom Vegetarian Restaurant Palo Alto
510.848.6470 (415) 731-2548 (650) 329-0700
shangri-la.wp.net www.izzysbrooklynbagels.com
.
J. | the Jewish news weekly readers’ choice supplement 24b
 North Bay North Bay Hamburgers experience is — what else? — North Bay

Mangia/Nosh Pizzeria Picco the burgers. Classic burgers, chicken burg- Phyllis’ Giant Burgers
San Rafael Larkspur ers, turkey burgers — Barney’s is putting its Various locations
(415) 472-2894 (415) 945-8900 own spin on the American staple with its www.phyllisgiantburgers.com
www.mangianosh.com www.pizzeriapicco.com locations in almost every corner of the Bay.
In second place were Taylor’s Automatic
Refresher in San Francisco, Fat Apple’s Second Place

Italian restaurant Hamburger

and pizza
For many, Italian cooking means traditional
cuisine that doesn’t change much over the
years. Not the case at Delfina in San
Francisco. “We’re always changing things up
and always trying to improve,” says chef
Craig Stoll. “Never been a restaurant to stay
stagnant.”
With pastas that are handmade daily and
product that “is raised and grown by people
with names,” Delfina is still a classic Italian
restaurant at heart. “Since the menu always
changes, there are things that are very user-
friendly and things that are understood by
almost everyone,” Stoll says. “And there are
things on the menu that slightly more adven-
turous people may prefer.”
With 17 locations throughout the Peninsula
and South Bay, Pizza My Heart makes getting
quality pizza easy. Pizza My Heart offers a
wide range of award winning pizzas for under
$20. That’s not even the best deal: For $5, cus-
tomers can get a slice of pizza and a Pizza My
Heart T-shirt.
At Lo Coco’s in Berkeley and San Rafael,
it’s not all about the pizza, but that’s what the
Sicilian-style restaurant is best known for.
While not for everyone, the anchovy pizza is
the restaurant’s true specialty. Take-out is
available, but the staff and décor make dining
at Lo Coco’s is as close as it gets to a vaca-
tion to Italy — at least in this economy.
Pizzeria Picco in Larkspur and Amici’s, with
various locations in San Francisco and the
East Bay, came in second.
First Place
San Francisco
Delfina
(415) 552-4055
www.delfinasf.com
Restaurant & Bakery in Berkeley and El
San Francisco
Cerrito, and Jeffrey’s Hamburgers in San
So what if burger joints aren’t kosher?
They’re delicious — and j. readers know
Mateo and Menlo Park. Taylor’s Automatic
exactly which ones are their favorites.
The Counter is a burger experience unlike First Place
Refresher
(415) 318-3423
any other. It doesn’t have a menu in the tra- www.taylorsautomaticrefresher.com
ditional sense, but rather, it has combina-
San Francisco/East Bay
East Bay
tions — over 312,000 of them. Four different Barney’s Gourmet
choices of burger, 10 cheeses, 28 toppings, Fat Apple’s Restaurant
Hamburgers
18 sauces and three buns mean the chefs
Various locations & Bakery
almost never make the same burger twice in Various locations
a day. www.barneyshamburgers.com (510) 526-2260
“The Counter concept itself is different
South Bay/Peninsula South Bay/Peninsula
from any other hamburger joint out
there,”says director of marketing Brian The Counter Jeffrey’s Hamburgers
Berman. “You guys are the real visionaries of Various locations Various locations
what you put in your mouth, not the chef.” www.thecounterburger.com www.jeffreyshamburgers.com
The Counter has two South Bay locations
(Palo Alto and San Jose), and is opening a
new location in Town Center Corte Madera
in late August.
At Phyllis’ Giant Burgers in Novato, San
Rafael and Santa Rosa, it’s all about options.
With a massive menu, featuring endless vari-
ations on a classic dish (pesto or terimush-
room burger, anyone?), Phyllis’ has a little
something for everyone — even vegans.
Only in the Bay Area would a hamburger
joint serve Chinese chicken salads and a
Moroccan plate. But loyal customers know
what makes the Barney’s Gourmet
OPEN EVERY DAY
BAR 10AM – 1:45AM RESTAURANT 11AM–1:45AM
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
(415) 775-4216 • FAX: (415) 775-3322 • WWW.TOMMYSJOYNT.COM
1101 GEARY BLVD. AT VAN NESS, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Discounted Validated Parking at Cathedral Hill Hotel

East Bay

Lo Coco’s Restaurant
Berkeley
(510) 843-3745
www.lococospizzeria.com

South Bay/Peninsula





















Pizza My Heart
3 #
Various locations
%2 Thank You J. readers
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www.pizzamyheart.com
 for voting us
)#%

North Bay

Lo Coco’s Restaurant 23 'Favorite Italian

&)

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San Rafael
3!. &2!.#)3#/
Restaurant & Pizzeria'
(415) 472-3323
Favorite Italian and Pizza in San Francisco!
Second Place
Delfina Restaurant 3621 18th St. SF CA 94110 | 415-552-4055
3611 18th St. SF CA 94110 | 415-437-6800
San Francisco/East Bay
Pizzeria Delfina
Amici’s Pizzeria Delfina 2406 California St. SF CA 94115 | 415-440-1189
Various locations
www.amicis.com

25b www.jweekly.com | August 21, 2009

 readers’ choice awards

L`Yfc Qgm
% %J]Y\]jk
California cuisine
What exactly is California cuisine? It’s tough to
define — and perhaps that is why j. readers’
favorite restaurants dishing up fine California
cuisine are so different.
classics like burgers “cooked with love,” The
Girl & The Fig captures the spirit of Sonoma.
At California Café in Palo Alto, it’s all about
fresh, seasonal ingredients. Popular items
include the Asian chicken salad, the
lamb–butter lettuce wrap and the wild boar

B At the Café on the Square, the term means
updating classic dishes. “We take traditional
Jewish favorites and put our own contempo-
rary twist on them,” says chef Tim Stewart.
Located, appropriately, at the Contemporary
Jewish Museum in San Francisco, Café on the
Square draws inspiration from its surroundings.
,L@ Q=9J JMFFAF? “As our menu is inspired by the exhibitions, we
Voted Favorite are able to really get creative,” Stewart says.
Specialty/Gourmet Market Whether it’s a herring salad created for a Marc
Chagall exhibit or a staple like matzah ball soup
spare ribs. “Chef Taylor Boudreaux is part of
the community,” says marketing manager Jen
Gurvey. “People know him by name.”
In second place were Town’s End Restaurant
and Bakery in San Francisco, BayWolf
Restaurant in Oakland, Mayfield Bakery & Café
in Palo Alto and Ward Street Café in Larkspur.
First Place
San Francisco

-½
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(over 350 gallons were sold in the first year), Café on the Square
, , the Café provides unique dining for museum- (415) 655-7800

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www.thecjm.org
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East Bay
At Rivoli Restaurant in Berkeley, owner
-
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Roscoe Skipper credits executive chef Wendy Rivoli Restaurant
",/
9 Brucker for giving his restaurant a distinct Berkeley
Califonia flare. “She’ll ask how can I fundamen- (510) 525-3832
tally change this dish, but keep the flavors and www.rivolirestaurant.com
make it interesting,” Skipper says. For example,
Brucker may take a French onion soup and South Bay/Peninsula
deconstruct it by throwing in caramelized California Café
onions and garlic bread crumbs. With customer Palo Alto
favorites such as Portabello mushroom fritters (650) 325-2233
and hot fudge sundaes, Rivoli has something www.californiacafe.com
for everyone.
Owner Sondra Bernstein describes The Girl North Bay
& the Fig’s menu as “country food with a The Girl & the Fig
French passion. We’re just using the best of Sonoma
Sonoma and combining it with a little bit of (707) 938-3634
French technique,” she says. From unique www.thegirlandthefig.com
items such as rabbit and panisse cakes to the

Second Place
San Francisco

Town’s End Restaurant

and Bakery
(415) 512-0749
www.townsendrb.com
East Bay

BayWolf Restaurant
Oakland
(510) 655-6004
www.baywolf.com

GRAND B AKERY
Favorite Bakery
Kosher • Catering • Wedding Cakes

3 # 3 #
%2 %2
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3264 Grand Ave., Oakland, CA

Phone & Fax 510-465-1110

HAVE your CAKE

Maralyn Tabatsky
650.873.8488 • maralyn@haveyourcake.org
www.HaveYourCake.org
3 #
%2
Thanks to all for your votes
(/
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)#%

and continued support

23
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as we enter our 22nd year

%

4 0, !#
3/54( "!9  0%.).35,!

Favorite Bakery/Bagels
serving the community!

Innovative artistry, uncompromising quality, and excellent personal service

.
J. | the Jewish news weekly readers’ choice supplement 26b

South Bay/Peninsula
Mayfield Bakery
& Café
Palo Alto
(650) 853-9200
www.mayfieldbakery.com
North Bay
Ward Street Café
Larkspur
(415) 924-2493
www.wardstreetcafe.com
Bakery
Challah. Bagels. Black and white cookies.
Mmm, smells like Judaism.
The Grand Bakery in Oakland is the type of
old-school institution that is reminiscent of the
Promised Land. “We are the community meet-
ing place,” owner Bob Jaffe says proudly.
Whether it’s the payment plan (no credit cards
allowed, IOUs accepted), the memorabilia
(baseball caps with team names written in
Hebrew), or the atmosphere (sports trivia for
free goods), the Grand Bakery takes customers
back to a simpler time. Dishing up crowd
favorites such as challah, cakes, pizza and
hummus, the bakery is a hit for people of all
ages.
Just hearing the word cheesecake is
enough to make some people’s mouths water.
That probably explains why Sweet Cheeses
Cheesecakes in San Anselmo — the winner for
both San Francisco and the North Bay — is
able to thrive selling cheesecakes almost
exclusively. “We are a family-run, small bak-
ery,” says owner Eamon Gallagher. “We pay
attention to every detail.” The signature
cheesecake is the French vanilla, but pumpkin
flavor gives it a run for its money. In addition to
the dozen different cheesecakes, the bakery
also sells seasonally based tortes and tarts.
At Have Your Cake in South San Francisco,
owner Maralyn Tabatsky designs custom
kosher cakes ranging from classic wedding
cakes to a cake resembling a tunnel boring
machine for an engineering company’s
anniversary party. “I feel pretty fortunate I get
to do both,” Tabatsky says. “I enjoy the ele-
gance of the more traditional cakes, but I like
to have the opportunity of doing things that are
more unusual.”
Masse’s in Berkeley, Copenhagen Bakery in
Burlingame and Della Fattoria in Petaluma
stole readers’ hearts (and taste buds) for sec-
ond place.
First Place
San Francisco/North Bay
Second Place
East Bay
Masse’s
Berkeley
(510) 649-1004
www.massespastries.com
South Bay/Peninsula
Copenhagen Bakery
Burlingame
(650) 342-1357
www.copenhagenbakery.com
North Bay
Della Fattoria
Petaluma
(707) 763-0161
www.dellafattoria.com
Specialty/
gourmet market
East Bay establishment Berkeley Bowl has
been selling kosher foods for more than three
decades. While Berkeley Bowl has a wide
assortment of kosher foods, ranging from juices
to marshmallows, the kosher selection only rep-
resents a small portion of the store’s product.
“We’re a full line grocery store so we try to pro-
vide services in every area,” says owner Glenn
Yasuda.
At Piazza’s Fine Foods in the South Bay and
Peninsula, the menu of gourmet sandwiches is
virtually endless. Options include grilled
salmon, Portabello mushroom, Mediterranean
chicken, lamb, eggplant and fontina, muffaletta
and about 35 others, all under $8.
Over at Mollie Stone’s Markets, the selection
is literally endless. “If the merchandise is avail-
able for sale in the U.S., we generally can get it
delivered for our customers,” says co-owner
David Bennett. Aside from the special delivery,
Mollie Stone’s — with multiple locations in the
winning San Francisco and North Bay regions
— also produces its own products, including a
line of organics.
Mollie Stone’s also makes an effort to con-
sistently provide kosher food. “We don’t just
jump in the business during Passover and
Chanukah,” Bennett says. The stores stock
everything from kosher frozen foods to dairy
products to poultry, and when it’s time to say
l’chaim, they have a vast selection of kosher
wines.
In second place were Whole Foods Market
in San Francisco, Rockridge Market Hall in
Oakland, Draeger’s Market in the South
Bay/Peninsula and Oliver’s Market in the North
Bay.
First Place
Second Place
San Francisco
Whole Foods
Market
www.wholefoodsmarket.com
East Bay
Rockridge
Market Hall
Oakland
(510) 250-6010
www.rockridgemarkethall.com
South Bay/Peninsula
Draeger’s Market
Various locations
www.draegers.com
North Bay
Oliver’s Market
Various locations
www.oliversmarket.com
California winery
The wine industry may be becoming industri-
alized and dominated by large wineries, but
our winners understand the importance of
small-scale, hands-on wine-making.
Benyamin Cantz is the owner, CEO, sales-
man, harvester, winemaker, bottler and every
other position that goes into producing Four
Gates wine. Located in the Santa Cruz
Mountains, Four Gates Winery may be the
smallest kosher winery in the country.
While local j. readers appreciate the one-
man winery’s attention to details, Four Gates
is even more popular on the other coast. “My
entire business is mail-order,” Cantz says. “I
would say two-thirds goes to New York.”
For a more traditional wine-tasting experi-
ence, j. readers continue to flock to Hagafen
Cellars, which nabs its fifth straight Readers’
Choice award.
With events featuring local artists and an
array of more than 20 wines available for
tasting, everyone from the most ardent wine
connoisseur to Joe Six-pack can enjoy this
Napa Valley winery.
The high-quality wine is one of the few
similarities Hagafen shares with other local
wineries, though. “There’s a lot of pressure
to grow and become a more modern Napa
Valley winery,” says assistant winemaker
Josh Stein. “It’s pushing back against the
forces of modern Napa Valley. We like to
think of ourselves as the little winery that
could.”
Arts &
Entertainment
Michael Lazarus
Live theater
Dying to see Broadway shows? Well, skip out on
the airfare and catch plays in j. readers’ favorite
live theaters. The shows more often than not
end up in New York, anyway.
Two of the Berkeley Repertory Theater’s most
recent shows, “Wishful Drinking” and “In the
Next Room (or the vibrator play),” are heading to
Broadway, bringing its count to four in the last
four years. “We started in a storefront in
Berkeley that had been a fruit shop and in the
course of 40 years we have become a nationally
renowned theater,” says director of public rela-
tions Terrence Keane. On tap for BRT is
“American Idiot,” a show based on Berkeley-
born rock band Green Day’s popular album.
The Marin Theatre Company does not believe
big cities mean better shows. “You don’t have to
go to New York or San Francisco to see top the-
ater,” says communications director Kathie
Ganes. “We pride ourselves on presenting chal-
lenging plays for our audiences.” With 40 years
of history in Mill Valley, the MTC offers an inti-
mate theater experience, as the largest of the
two theaters only seats 240.
The American Conservatory Theater is one of
the oldest San Francisco institutions. ACT is cur-
rently celebrating its 100th anniversary with
plays from Noel Coward, David Mamet and
Bertolt Brecht, among others. “We put on really
great shows,” says public relations manager
Evern Odcikin, “a unique mix of classics and
contemporary plays.”
TheatreWorks has a simple goal: reflect the
diversity of its community. Since 1970,
TheatreWorks has had 52 world premieres. “Silicon
Valley, where people resonate with what’s new,
resonate with TheatreWorks,” says managing
director Phil Santura. With both a small, intimate
theater and a large, modern one, TheatreWorks
provides a unique theatergoing experience.
In second place were Cal Shakes in Orinda,
San Jose Repertory Theatre and the Jewish
Theatre, San Francisco.
First Place
San Francisco
American Conservatory
Theatre
(415) 749-2ACT
www.act-sf.org
East Bay

Sweet Cheeses San Francisco/North Bay Berkeley Repertory

First Place
Cheesecakes Mollie Stone’s Theatre
San Anselmo Various locations South Bay/Peninsula Berkeley
(415) 457-2733 www.molliestones.com (510) 647-2949
Four Gates www.berkeleyrep.org
East Bay
East Bay Winery South Bay/Peninsula

Grand Bakery Berkeley Bowl Santa Cruz TheatreWorks

Oakland Marketplace (831) 457-2673
Mountain View
Berkeley www.fourgateswine.com
(510) 465-1110 (650) 463-1960
(510) 843-6929 www.theatreworks.org
South Bay/Peninsula www.berkeleybowl.com North Bay North Bay
Have Your Cake South Bay/Peninsula
Hagafen Cellars Marin Theatre Company
South San Francisco Piazza’s Fine Foods Napa Mill Valley
(650) 873-8488 Various locations (888) 424-2336 (415) 388-5208
www.haveyourcake.org www.piazzasfinefoods.com www.hagafen.com www.marintheatre.org
27b www.jweekly.com | August 21, 2009
 readers’ choice awards
Second Place
San Francisco
Museum
Looking for a place where kids can run around
The Jewish Theatre, and burn off some energy? How does a 7.5
acre–wide children’s museum in a national park
San Francisco sound? That’s exactly what the Bay Area
(415) 522-0786 Discovery Museum offers.
www.atjt.com Located in Fort Baker in Sausalito, the museum
offers active exhibits for its 300,000 visitors each
East Bay year. “Everything we do is hands-on interactive,”
says communications director Jennifer Caleshu.
Cal Shakes “It’s all about nurturing creativity.” Currently, the
Orinda featured exhibit is Children of Hangzhou, which
(510) 548-9666 allows childtren to experience life in China by
www.calshakes.org recreating schools, theaters and homes.
Time is running out to visit the Judah L.
South Bay/Peninsula Magnes Museum at its historic mansion resi-
dence before it moves to a new building in down-
San Jose Repertory town Berkeley. For the past 45 years, the Magnes
Theatre has presented the history of the Jewish diaspora
San Jose from a pastoral Berkeley street. “It’s the only
(408) 367-7255 museum that tells the story of the Jewish experi-
www.sjrep.com ence in California, and particular the San

THE HIGH HOLIDAYS

ARE COMING SOON!
Reserve your
advertising space now
by calling your rep
at (415) 263-7200.

.
J. | the Jewish news weekly readers’ choice supplement 28b
Francisco Bay Area,” says Alla Efimova, the

Shop ‘til
North Bay Heights location to get a taste for what The Ark
museum’s chief curator and director. Women of Rodef has on its shelves.
It’s been open for just over a year, but the Los Altos residents and the South Bay commu-
Contemporary Jewish Museum is quickly becom- Sholom/Sisterhood Gift nity have been enjoying Linden Tree Children’s
ing a San Francisco institution. “[We] present and Shop Recordings and Books since it opened its doors in
create exhibitions and programming that are both
timely and relevant to today’s society,” says mar-
keting and communications director Jen Morris.
One of the more unique exhibits is the Yud gallery,
which consists of a 65-foot ceiling, 36 skylights,
you drop Osher Marin JCC
San Rafael
(415) 444-8098
www.marinjcc.org
1984. For the summer months Linden Tree stays
open for Thursday farmers’ markets, and families
are encouraged to help the community by donat-
ing a book at special reading events. “There is a
strong sense of community at Linden Tree, and
surround sound, and resembles the inside of a Meredith Malnick we strive to provide programming and products
diamond. “There isn’t anything like it in San Second Place that enrich reading and learning,” says co-owner
Francisco,” Morris says.
Nestled in the middle of Stanford University’s Judaica and San Francisco

Aaron’s Jewish Book

Dennis Ronberg, who runs the store with his wife,
Linda.
campus, the Cantor Arts Center boasts the largest
collection of Rodin bronzes outside of Paris. “We
present art from around the world and over 4,000
books Service
Just for Fun and Scribbledoodles in San
Francisco, The Ark in Berkeley and Cheeky
Monkey Toys in Menlo Park came in second.
“We’re a Jewish lifestyle store,” explains (415) 752-1952
years,” says Anna Koster, head of communica- Chaim Mahgel-Friedman, the new owner of
tions for the museum. With programs such as Judaica store Afikomen. Based in Berkeley,
Metaphysics of Notation (based on a musical Contemporary Jewish First Place
Afikomen carries a wide variety of books, jew-
score by professor Mark Applebaum) and Mix elry, artwork and Judaic objects. For Rosh Museum Gift Shop San Francisco
(entertainment geared for young professionals), Chodesh the store has poetry readings, called (415) 655-7888
Cantor has a little something for everyone. “New Moon Illuminations,” where customers www.thecjm.org
The Ark
In second place were the M.H. de Young Various locations
get to hear reading from authors and musi-
Memorial Museum in San Francisco, the Oakland www.thearktoys.com
cians, such as the Octopretzel folk group. East Bay
Museum of California and the Charles M. Schulz Housed inside the Osher Marin JCC in San East Bay
Museum in Santa Rosa. Rafael and staffed by volunteers, the Women of The Oasis
Rodef Sholom/Sisterhood Gift Shop offers every Beth Jacob Congregation Rockridge Kids
amenity needed to stock a Jewish home. Due to Oakland Oakland
First Place (510) 601-5437
the large amount of traffic that the store (510) 482-1147
San Francisco receives, the Women of Rodef Sholom have been www.bethjacoboakland.org www.rockridgekidsstore.com
able to fulfill the Sisterhood’s Chai Circle $10,000-
Contemporary Jewish per-year commitment to Rodef Sholom’s general
South Bay/Peninsula

Museum fund. Many of the companies that the gift store

South Bay/Peninsula
Linden Tree Children’s
(415) 655-7800 features are certified as fair trade to allow shop- Miriam’s Well Recordings and Books
www.thecjm.org pers to support clean business practices. Foster City Los Altos
You can find Dayenu in another JCC — the (650) 341-4400 (800) 949-3313
East Bay
JCC of San Francisco. Dayenu’s book collection www.miriams-well.com www.lindentreebooks.com
Judah L. Magnes is expansive and has something on all facets of
North Bay
Museum the Jewish faith. “We are the only Judaica North Bay
Berkeley store in the city, so we try our very best to be A Child’s Delight
(510) 549-6950 the right Judaica store for everybody. We have Congregation Beth Ami Corte Madera
www.magnes.org a wide variety of Judaica ranging from secular Judaica Gift Shop (415) 945-9221
to ultra-Orthodox,” says Eva-Lynne Leibman, Santa Rosa www.achildsdelight.com
South Bay/Peninsula co-owner of Dayenu. Adds co-owner Hiroko (707) 360-3000
Cantor Arts Center at Nogami-Rosen, “We try to make it a one-stop www.bethamisr.org
shopping kind of store.” Second Place
Stanford University Nurit Sabadosh calls her store “almost like a San Francisco
Stanford museum.” Alef Bet Judaica in Los Gatos, which
(650) 723-4177
museum.stanford.edu
opened its doors 16 years ago, features many
Israeli artists and a wide range of books from
Childrens’s Just for Fun and
Scribbledoodles
North Bay religious texts to Jewish history, children’s
books and cookbooks. “Customers will be treat-
gift store (415) 285-4068
www.justforfun.invitations.com
Bay Area Discovery ed with excellent service, and we welcome Nishan Shepard prides his Oakland-based store,
Rockridge Kids, on its safe, non-toxic products.
Museum special orders,” Sabadosh says.
Family owned, Rockridge Kids only sells products
East Bay
In second place were the Contemporary
Sausalito
Jewish Museum Gift Shop in San Francisco, the that must “be socially responsible, have superior The Ark
(415) 339-3900 Berkeley
Oasis at Beth Jacob Congregation in Oakland, quality and are safe for kids,” Shepard says.
www.baykidsmuseum.org (510) 849-1930
Aaron’s Jewish Book Service in San Francisco, Though j. readers may know Rockridge best for
its extensive book collection, Shepard also car- www.thearktoys.com
Miriam’s Well in Foster City and the
Congregation Beth Ami Judaica Gift Shop in ries musical instruments, and there is a play South Bay/Peninsula
Second Place Santa Rosa. space in the store for kids and parents to relax.
San Francisco “We set the bar very high for customer service, Cheeky Monkey Toys
and don’t sell war toys, Barbie or popular TV Menlo Park
M.H. de Young First Place shows,” Shepard says. “We only carry things that (650) 328-7975
Memorial Museum we would give to our kids.” www.cheekymonkeytoys.com
San Francisco
(415) 750-3600 In Corte Madera, customers flock to A Child’s
Dayenu
www.famsf.org/deyoung
East Bay
(415) 563-6563
Delight for more than the free gift wrapping. One
of the store’s most popular items right now is the Gift store
www.dayenu.com Star Wars comic book series, as well as Slip ‘n’ If you are looking for an exotic gift from any cor-
Oakland Museum of East Bay Slides and water guns to help beat the North Bay ner of the planet, Folk Art Gallery in San Rafael is
heat. Deborah and Jonathan Meyer started the likely to have it. Owner Sharon Christovich hand
California Afikomen store in 1994, and are expanding throughout the picks traditional items from various cultures
(510) 238-2200 around the world. Unique pieces include
www.museumca.org Berkeley Bay Area. The store features products from many
(510) 655-1977 local companies, as well. Retablos, “picture boxes” from Peru, and beaded
North Bay www.afikomen.com With two San Francisco stores — in Noe figures from Zulu women in South Africa. “My
Charles M. Schulz South Bay/Peninsula
Valley and Presidio Heights — The Ark is a popu- store is not a tourist or airport art store — these
lar choice among j. readers. Though one of their pieces are traditional to their culture, hand craft-
Museum Alef Bet Judaica specialities is Waldorf-inspired wooden toys, their ed by artists whose work I personally check for
Santa Rosa Los Gatos extensive book collection has attracted families quality,” Christovich says.
(707) 579-4452 (408) 370-1818 to The Ark for over 10 years. Customers can Serving the East Bay community since 1993,
www.schulzmuseum.org www.alefbetjudaica.com attend story time on Sundays at the Presidio Pelago in Oakland stocks up on unique gifts for

29b www.jweekly.com | August 21, 2009

 LINDEN TREE Thank you
readers’
CHILDREN’S RECORDINGS & BOOKS every occasion. Owners Bill Fidrych and Mark
3 # J. Readers
%2 Fabulous selection of over 60,000 books and recordings Wallaer started Pelago as a wholesale company
(/ for your
2%!$

in 1991, importing items from Indonesia. Famous

 )#% Thank you for voting us your for their German glass bowls and affordable fare,
votes! customers can rely on Pelago to have something
23
Favorite place for everyone on their list.
&)

4 0, !# to buy Children’s Gifts Though the installations at the Contemporary

3/54( "!9  0%.).35,! Mon-Sat 9:30 am - 5:30 pm 415.563.6563 • At the JCCSF Jewish Museum are not for sale, visitors can take
3220 California, Corner Presidio, San Francisco a piece of the experience home with them at the
170 State Street, Los Altos, CA 94022 Visit our website for monthly specials
(650) 949-3390 1(800) 949-3313 www.lindentreebooks.com www.dayenu.com museum store. Customers can choose from the
extensive collection of contemporary Judaica,
jewelry, kid’s products and exhibition-related mer-
chandise. Some of the best-selling pieces are the
Yo Semite T-shirt, Yiddish magnetic poetry and
Star of David Super Balls.
From pottery to garden amenities, Pot-Pourri in
Burlingame has a full range of gifts and other
home decor. Since the mid-’60s owners Andy and
Julia Diez have had a passion for pottery, and
now have two large galleries in the Bay Area.
Pot-Pourri started out featuring local ceramic
artists, and now strives to find one-of-a-kind
American artists that specialize in multiple medi-
ums.
Gump’s in San Francisco, The Gardener in
Berkeley, Folio in Larkspur and Edwards Luggage
in San Mateo and Palo Alto came in second.

First Place
San Francisco

Contemporary Jewish
Museum Gift Shop
(415) 655-7800
www.thecjm.org
East Bay
Pelago
Oakland
(510) 339-7090
South Bay/Peninsula

Pot-Pourri
Burlingame
(650) 343-3200
www.pot-pourri.com
North Bay

Folk Art Gallery

San Rafael
(415) 925-9096
www.thefolkartgallery.com

Second Place
San Francisco

Gump’s
(800) 882-8055
www.gumps.co
East Bay

The Gardener
Berkeley
(510) 548-4545
www.thegardener.com
South Bay/Peninsula

Edwards Luggage
Various locations
(888) 390-4011
www.edwardsluggage.com
North Bay

Folio
Larkspur
(415) 461-0120
www.folioinvites.com

.
J. | the Jewish news weekly readers’ choice supplement 30b
choice awards
Health
Samuel Franco
Family doctor
Doctors are often the butt of comedians’ jokes
— one famous Mel Brooks routine features a
psychiatrist, Dcr. Haldanish. He’s such a sham
he’s not even a doctor, he’s a doc-errr, Dcr. But
j. readers’ favorite family doctors take medicine
so seriously, they’re all worthy of your trust.
Dr. James Davis, an internist and rheumatolo-
gist, has established a reputation as a mensch
both in the medical and Jewish communities. “I
was really inspired by working with my father for
15 years, Julian Davis, who taught me that it’s a
great privilege to be a doctor,” Davis says.
“There’s great joy in helping people through their
difficult times and sharing in the goodness of their
good times. I’ve been very blessed to do this.”
Oakland Native Dr. Stephen Whitgob has
been practicing in Berkeley since 1975. “I
spend a lot of time with my patients — I really
enjoy these people,” Whitgob says. “This is a
family practice, we treat people of all ages.”
He’s also got a sense of humor: “I was the
cemetery committee chair at the temple. I could
say I was the only one who could give cradle-
to-grave service.”
Dr. Richard Bobis has been providing care to
Los Gatos and the South Bay for over 20 yeas.
He has established a reputation among j. read-
ers as one of the most reliable family doctors in
the community. And in Santa Rosa, Dr. Herb
Brosbe has dutifully served the North Bay, mak-
ing rounds and house calls.
Coming in second place was Dr. Barry
Oberstein of San Mateo.
First Place
San Francisco
Dr. James A. Davis
(415) 674-5200
East Bay
Dr. Stephen Whitgob
Berkeley
(510) 525-7877
7KDQN\RX
IRU\RXUVXSSRUW
,
South Bay/Peninsula
Dr. Richard Bobis
Los Gatos
(408) 358-1841
North Bay
Dr. Herb Brosbe
Santa Rosa
(707) 542-1611
Second Place
South Bay/Peninsula
Dr. Barry Oberstein
San Mateo
(650) 340-9981
Pediatrician
Pediatricians are provided the opportunity to ensure
the health of children from infancy to adulthood. J.
readers selected these standout pediatricians who
have diligently served the Bay Area’s youth.
Dr. Amnon Goodman, based out of Kaiser
Permanente, has served San Francisco since
1986, developing strong relationships with his
patients and their families. “Becoming part of the
family and being privileged to see children grow
from infancy to the college years is the most
rewarding part,” Goodman says. “Being able to be
in service at important times in people’s lives is
most gratifying for me.”
Dr. Arnold Blustein has 30 years of experience
in pediatrics to draw upon. “I think we have a very
happy practice, and our patients can recognize
that,” he says. Blustein is based in San Leandro,
and takes patients from all over the Bay Area. His
experience, accessibility and expertise have
helped thousands. “I love what I do — I love being
a pediatrician,” Blustein says.
Dr. Douglas Kaye has served the South Bay for
17 years out of his Sunnyvale practice. “I love
watching the kids grow up and mature,” Kaye
says. “I feel as if I have an impact on their growth
and development and health, and I feel that’s a
rewarding thing.” And as a Palo Alto native, Kaye
has deep ties to the South Bay community.
Dr. Rachel Bauer has practiced for seven years in
Mill Valley, but before that she was receiving her
medical education in Tel Aviv at the Sackler School
of Medicine. “I created the practice with a distinct
attention to detail, and pride myself in being thor-
ough,” Bauer says. “I absolutely love what I do, I
truly love it. It doesn’t feel like a job to me.”
-½Ê
"
,
Coming in second place were Dr. William and Sierras add to a serene office setting.
Solomon in San Francisco, Dr. Katya Gerwein in “I love to collect things, and that shows! It is
Berkeley and Dr. Laurie Rubenstein in Redwood City. crucial to me that patients and their parents get to
know me even before they lay eyes on me,” says
First Place Dr. Martin Rayman of his San Rafael waiting
room, which he’s had for almost 30 years. When
San Francisco
patients get past the waiting room and into the
Dr. Amnon Goodman
(415) 833-2000
office, they experience the fruits of Rayman’s phi-
losophy: “Every dentist will tell you that their phi-
losophy is to deliver the best patient care they
East Bay
possibly can. What makes a difference is how
Dr. Arnold Blustein that philosophy is put into practice on a day-to-
San Leandro day basis.”
(510) 352-2425 Dr. Tanya Manyak in San Mateo was the South
Bay’s choice. “We provide certain little touches.
South Bay/Peninsula
We give everyone a nice warm towel at the end
Dr. Douglas Kaye of their procedure to freshen up with,” Manyak
Sunnyvale
(408) 730-4266
says. “We go the extra step — we try and treat
each patient as if they’re a member of our family.”
A former New Yorker now living in San
North Bay
Francisco, Dr. David Rothman brings his sensibili-
Dr. Rachel Bauer ties as an academic to his dentistry. “Our goal is
Mill Valley prevention, and the goal is to educate the families
(415) 383-3500 and caregivers early on,” Rothman says. “I can
improve the health of a child and make a long
Second Place term change in the right direction.”
Dr. Jack Sherman has been practicing in the
San Francisco
Richmond District of San Francisco for three
Dr. William Solomon years “It’s a real nice neighborhood,” he says.
(415) 565-6810 “It’s very San Francisco.” Sherman’s focus is on
East Bay creating a personalized care plan for each
patient: “I try and tailor treatment plans to peo-
Dr. Katya Gerwein ple’s needs and what they can afford.” His
Berkeley favorite part of the job is being able to alleviate a
(510) 452-5231 patient’s pain. “It’s rare that a dentist can be a
South Bay/Peninsula hero,” Sherman says.
Dr. Laurie Rubenstein East Bay favorite Dr. Eric Citron’s Berkeley
office “harkens back to the days of the traditional
Redwood City
family dentist,” he says. Even though his office
(415) 369-4078
uses modern technology, it is still a warm and
inviting space. Ultimately, what puts these den-
Dentist tists above the rest is individual attention: “I enjoy
the relationships I have with my patients,” Citron
It’s best not to have a dentist that bites. Take a
cue from j. readers and check these six dentists,
says. “That’s really No. 1.”
Drilling their way to second place were Dr.
who were elected first place winners for getting
Stephen Mikulic in Redwood City and Dr. Joe
— and keeping — a pearly white smile.
Dr. Glenn Hemanes has been in practice in
Armel in Corte Madera.
Hayward for 41 years, and has learned that creat-
ing a comfortable space is important to keep First Place
patients calm during a delicate procedure. “My San Francisco
wife is the office manager — we’re both photog-
raphers, so the office is filled with artwork,” Dr. David Rothman
Hemanes says. Photographs of the Southwest (415) 333-6811
To my patients and families
We thank you for your kind support!
David L. Rothman, DDS
and staff
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2555 Ocean Avenue, Suite 104

5RgZU =C`eY^R_55DA4 San Francisco, CA 94132
Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Phone: 415.333.6811
Fax: 415.333.6813
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www.davidlrothmandds.com
email: drdavid@davidlrothmandds.com

31b www.jweekly.com | August 21, 2009

 readers’ choice awards

Business
Dr. Jack Sherman spokesman Kevin McCormack. “It’s not a great as well as personal training options.” The facility
(415) 668-0680 environment for a kid.” The new pediatric ER fea- is full of light, and the staff are just as bright and
www.jackshermandds.com tures a colorfully-painted waiting room, toys, and friendly — so it’s no wonder that 4,500 people go
everything else to take the “terror out of emer- through the doors of the JCCSF each day.
East Bay gency room,” McCormack says. The Peninsula JCC in Foster City has over
Dr. Glenn Hemanes
Hayward
(510) 886-5400
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in San
Rafael was this year’s award winner in the North
Bay — and they’re thrilled. “I’m excited to see that
others have again discovered the secret of this
10,000 satisfied members. “When you walk into
our lobby you walk into an art gallery,” says mar-
keting manager Sharon Giordano. “There’s such
an uplifting feel.” Along with top-of-the-line health
& Finance
Michael Lazarus
Dr. Eric Citron wonderful little community hospital,” says chief machines, art displays, indoor and outdoor pools
Berkeley operating officer Jill Magri. “We are all about pro- and quality programming, the Peninsula JCC offers
(510) 849-1660 viding the very best care for our patients and
members and doing the best we can to serve our
a more relaxed environment than a traditional
health club. “We don’t want to be the type of clubs
Accountant
South Bay/Peninsula
North Bay community.” where people are strictly into their physical looks. J. would have felt terrible if we stirred up
trouble in paradise, but fortunately for us,
Dr. Tanya Manyak In second place were Sequoia Hospital in Everybody is welcome here,” Giordano says.
both Steven DeGraff and his wife Andrea, a
San Mateo Redwood City and John Muir Medical Center in San Rafael’s Osher Marin JCC is a hub for
Walnut Creek. Jewish life in Marin, as well as having an out- travel agent, walked away with readers’
(650) 342-9941 choice awards. DeGraff, of Steven DeGraff
www.drtanyamanyak.com standing fitness center. Some call it the hidden
First Place jewel of Marin. “We’re kind of nestled within the Accountancy Corporation in Burlingame, has
North Bay hills here,” says marketing and communications 41 years of accounting experience under his
San Francisco
belt, and thinks his passion for his clients is
Dr. Martin Rayman UCSF Medical Center
director Iris Lax. “You feel like you’re a million
what sets him apart. “I have a loyal client
San Rafael miles away from reality.” The JCC encourages a
(888) 689-8273 healthy lifestyle for people of all ages, and the base and they appreciate what I do for them,”
(415) 459-1444 he says.
www.ucsfhealth.org campus offers Marin a true community center.
www.obenbigdds.com/dr_martin_ray Sandy Stadtler insists he didn’t stuff the
man.html In the Berkeley hills, the Claremont Hotel Club
California Pacific & Spa is a luxurious facility to unwind and get ballot box. “I didn’t pay anyone off,” the for-
Second Place healthy. “The Claremont offers 60 classes a mer board member of the j. says. “People
Medical Center week,” says spokeswoman Keelin Czellecz. probably like me because I have a lot of inter-
South Bay/Peninsula (415) 600-6000 “Pilates to yoga, Latin dance class to bocce ball est in my clients.”
www.cpmc.org Stadtler, who has won the Readers’ Choice
Dr. Stephen Mikulic class.” The Claremont has been operating since
award several times before, credits individual
Redwood City East Bay 1915 and features old world architecture that is
like an English countryside estate. attention for his success at Rothstein Kass in
(650) 306-4180 Alta Bates Summit Coming in second were Kabuki Springs & Spa San Francisco. “The biggest difference is that
North Bay Medical Center in San Francisco, Oakland Hills Tennis Club and we are a national firm that treats people and
clients more like a local office,” he says. Just
Dr. Joe Armel Berkeley Pacific Athletic Club in Redwood City.
excuse Stadtler if he’s a little out of breath
Corte Madera (510) 204-4444
www.altabatessummit.org first thing in the morning — he bikes 30 miles
(415) 927-4000 First Place from Marin everyday.
wwww.finesmiles.com South Bay/Peninsula San Francisco With a commitment to his clients and
Stanford Hospital JCC of San Francisco ethics, Andrew Fulop of Andrew Fulop Tax &
Business in Walnut Creek is a customer
Hospital & Clinics
(650) 723-4000
(415) 292-1200
www.jccsf.org
favorite. When he’s not working, he’s explor-
ing Hawaiian language and music. “He loves
Without our health, what do we really have? J. www.stanfordhospital.org what the music represents in Hawaiian cul-
East Bay
readers know this as well as anyone, and have ture,” says Mardie Fulop, his wife and office
raised their glasses to these hospitals. North Bay
Claremont Hotel Club manager.
Stanford Hospital & Clinics is located right by Kaiser Permanente & Spa
one of the world’s foremost research institutions.
It comes as no surprise, then, that the hospital
Medical Center– Berkeley First Place
made U.S. News and World Report’s honor roll, San Rafael (510) 843-3000
which honors the top half of the top 1 percent, for www.claremontresort.com/spa San Francisco
(415) 444-2000
the ninth consecutive year. “Stanford Hospital pro- www.kaisersanrafael.org South Bay/Peninsula Sandy Stadtler
vides a level of care and expertise that is interna- Rothstein Kass
tionally recognized that people in our local com-
Peninsula JCC (415) 788-6666
munity feel fortunate to have right at their
Second Place Foster City
www.rkco.com
doorstep,” says public affairs director Shelley (650) 212-PJCC
East Bay
Hebert. “The physicians are Stanford medical www.pjcc.org East Bay
school faculty, primarily, and are at the forefront of John Muir Medical North Bay Andrew Fulop
their fields.” Center Osher Marin JCC Andrew Fulop Tax & Business
UCSF Medical Center has recently celebrated Walnut Creek Walnut Creek
their 100th year — and with this longevity comes San Rafael
(925) 939-3000 (925) 938-4238
quality. The medical center boasts one of the best (415) 444-8000
www.johnmuirhealth.com
comprehensive cancer centers in California, along www.marinjcc.org South Bay/Peninsula
with one of the most active kidney and liver trans- South Bay/Peninsula
Second Place Steven DeGraff
plant programs and a top ranked research neurol- Sequoia Hospital Steven DeGraff Accountancy
ogy program. “It’s a combination of high quality Redwood City
San Francisco
Corporation
clinical care and very active research,” says chief
strategic planning officer Jay Harris. “That’s what
(650) 369-5811 Kabuki Springs & Spa Burlingame
www.sequoiahospital.org (415) 922-6000 (650) 697-6700
makes UCSF the cutting-edge place in California.” www.sdgaco.com
www.kabukisprings.com
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center boasts a
rich history and legacy of care, starting 100 years
back with an ambitious nurse of the same name.
Health club/day spa East Bay

Oakland Hills Tennis

“What you find here are excellent services with a
lot of experience that you don’t normally find at a
community hospital,” says spokeswoman Carolyn
Kemp. The Berkeley hospital was one of the first
hospitals with an AIDS program and boasts a level
three newborn intensive care unit.
Made up of the four oldest hospitals in San
Francisco, California Pacific Medical Center is
going young, recently adding a pediatric emer-
gency room to compliment its three other ERs.
“When kids go to the ER it’s always scary,” says
.
J. | the Jewish news weekly readers’ choice supplement
It’s best to pick a health club where the mirror isn’t
the most used item in the gym. J. readers have Club Financial
picked these health clubs and day spas as the
finest in the Bay Area.
Oakland
(510) 531-3300 services adviser
The JCC of San Francisco boasts a clean, state www.oaklandhills.com Times are tough, no doubt. The economy is
of the art health facility, in addition to the usual weak, the job market poor, and the stock mar-
South Bay/Peninsula
perks of a JCC. “We offer the broadest range (of ket redder than the governator’s fake tan. So
classes) imaginable,” says marketing director Pacific Athletic Club take the advice of your favorite financial
Nathaniel Bergson-Michelson. “We have a terrific Redwood City services adviser: go out and ... have a drink?
yoga program, a terrific Pilates program. We have (650) 593-4900 That’s what Keith Goodman is hoping peo-
a very wide variety of free group exercise classes www.pacclub.com ple do. The 16-year veteran financial agent
32b
for Morgan Stanley Smith Barney in San
Mateo is also a co-owner of swank San
Francisco clubs the Cellar and Sugar Café.
The popular hangouts, located next door from
each other on Sutter Street in San Francisco,
host a wide-range of events for people of all
ages. “I host monthly parties for the young
adult Jewish community at the Cellar the sec-
ond Saturday of every month,” Goodman
says. “A lot of my friends married people they
met at Second Saturday events.”
Goodman understands the importance of
working closely with his clients, as does Ira
Fateman of SAS Financial Services in San
Francisco. Fateman, a regular at the JCCSF
gym, cites the attention he gives each client
as the secret to his success. “I’ve helped
them understand how money can help identify
their goals and achieve those goals,” he says.
Even with the troubled economy, David
Gould of Gould Financial Resources in
Piedmont is hopeful. “This has been the
toughest market I’ve ever seen,” says Gould,
who has 15 years of experience in the indus-
try. “We will get through it. It may take some
time and frustration and a lot of patience.
People are not going to lose their good judg-
ment and reason.”
Phyllis Helfand of Merrill Lynch in Oakland
al insurance agent. His philosophy is simple:
“We try to do the same for them as we would
want done to us,” he says. An agent for more
than 40 years, Schlossberg, of Jaffe-
Schlossberg in San Francisco, credits the
continued support of the Bay Area Jewish
community for his success.
An avid gardener, Jeri Fink transfers the
same patience she uses to grow vegetables
to her insurance agency, State Farm in Palo
Alto. With 28 years of experience, Fink is a
trustworthy name in the industry. “We provide
excellent service to our customers,” she
says. When Fink is not working, she enjoys
working out and “maintaining excellent physi-
cal fitness.”
First Place
San Francisco
Norman Schlossberg
Jaffe-Schlossberg
(415) 221-5340
www.jaffe-schlossberg.com
East Bay can. “The mix of my practice makes me
Jamie Zimmerman unique,” Bauer says. “I spend a good amount
Jamie W. Zimmerman & Associates of my time doing pro bono work.”
Oakland On one such pro bono case, Bauer found
(510) 893-7512 herself trying to save a man from execution
for a crime in the ‘90s. “Due to some constitu-
South Bay/Peninsula tional violations, we had his conviction over-
Jeri Fink turned,” Bauer says proudly.
Stephen Schear is no stranger to high
State Farm
stakes trials either. Representing a physician
Palo Alto
who was terminated after she complained
(650) 812-2700
about insurance fraud, the Oakland attorney
www.jerifink.net
won $9 million in punitive damages from the
jury.
Lawyer With more than 30 years of legal experi-
ence under his belt, Schear is one of the few
What makes j. readers’ favorite lawyers spe- lawyers who specializes in individual health
cial? How about getting a man off death row care. “There are not many folks like me that
in Texas? Capital punishment not your forte? represent health care providers, clinics, and
What about $9 million in punitive damages for people who have a problem with the very dif-
uncovering insurance fraud? ficult health care system that we have,” he
A born-and-raised San Franciscan, says.
Rebecca Bauer Kahan of O’Melveny & Myers Barbara Moser and Neil Taxy of San
in the city lends a helping hand wherever she Francisco came in second.
3 # Thank you j. readers for your votes.
%2

(/
I appreciate your confidence in me.

2%!$
came in second.


)#%
First Place Steven De Graff, C.P.A.
23
&)

%
San Francisco 40 , !# Steven DeGraff Accountacy Corporation
Ira Fateman 3/54( "!9  0%.).35,! 1601 Bayshore Hwy, Suite 200 • Burlingame, CA 94010-1508
SAS Financial Services FAVORITE Tel: 650-697-6700 • Fax: 650-240-0118 • Cell: 650-465-1221
(415) 421-1213 ACCOUNTANT sdgaco@aol.com
www.sas.com/offices/NA/sanfran.
html
East Bay

David Gould Susan Thomas %2

3 #

(/
2%!$
Gould Financial Resources
Piedmont Senior Loan Consultant


)#%
(510) 547-4692
South Bay/Peninsula

Keith Goodman Thank you, j. readers! 23

&)

%
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
San Mateo
4 0 , !#
sthomas@lasallefinance.com • www.lasallefinance/sthomas • 510.339.4300 ext. 105
(650) 358-1823
www.smithbarney.com
6201 Antioch Street Suite 200, Oakland, CA 94611 %!34 "!9

Second Place
East Bay Jeri Fink, Agent %2
3 #

(/
Lic#0590896
2%!$
Phyllis Helfand
State Farm® 
)#%
Merrill Lynch
Oakland
(510) 208-3821 Thank you for your votes !
23
&)

www.totalmerrill.com
2225 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306 4 0 , !# %
Ph: (650) 812-2700 www.jerifink.net 3/54( "!9  0%.).35,!
Insurance agent Serving the community for 28 years! Favorite Insurance Agent
“Experienced” 49ers fans may remember Ray
Jason, a street performer from the 1970s
whose signature act was juggling three
-½
,
 Phyllis C. Helfand, CFP ®
torches while blindfolded on game-days at
Candlestick. Jamie Zimmerman had the
Vice President
,


"

unusual task of trying to insure Jason.

“Our clients are people with insurability ½ä™ Senior Financial Advisor
issues,” says Zimmerman, of Jamie W.
Zimmerman & Associates in Oakland.
-

Whether it’s a torch-wielding juggler or a

" Global Wealth Management
motorcycle-racing father of three,  *
1111 Broadway, 22nd Floor • Oakland, CA 94607
Zimmerman combines the mundane with the
-/
9
unique to carve out a niche in the insurance
510 208 3821 • 800 937 0725 • F 510 291 4015
industry. “Thanks, J Readers” phyllis_c_helfand@ml.com
Norman Schlossberg is more of a tradition-

33b www.jweekly.com | August 21, 2009

 Thanks so much to everyone readers’ choice awards
who helped make me the #1 Agent. North Bay
First Place
I couldn’t do it without you! David and Eddy
Moe Rubinstein %2
3 # San Francisco Rubinstein

(/
2%!$
ProMortgage
“Moe Knows Real Estate”  Rebecca Bauer Kahan

)#%
San Rafael
O’Melveny & Myers
(415)380-4357 (415) 945-8880
23 (415) 984-8973

&)

%
moe@firstmarin.com 40 , !# www.omm.com/rebeccabauerkahan
www.promortgage.com
First Marin Realty • Mill Valley, CA ./24( "!9
East Bay/South Bay/Peninsula
Second Place
Stephen Schear
Stephen D. Schear Law Offices South Bay/Peninsula
3
%2 #( Oakland
Joel Spolin
2%!$

(510) 832-3500
/)#%

www.manta.com/coms2/dnbcompan Absolute Mortgage Banking

 y_8vry1l Palo Alto
We join with the Jewish community in acknowledging (650) 493-3600
the selection of our friend and colleague www.absolutemortgage.com/joel.shtml
#%
3%

#/ Second Place
.$ 0,! Barbara W. Moser
3!. &2!.#)3#/ for the Readers’ Choice Award, and we extend our thanks
Favorite Attorney to J. readers for your continued recognition San Francisco

Barbara Moser
Real estate agent
Market Center, 575 Market St., Suite 2300, San Francisco, CA 94105 •Phone: (415) 296-8868 •www.KayeMoser.com With the tumultuous housing market and fore-
Kaye-Moser-Hierbaum LLP closure and for sale signs popping up over the
(415) 296-8868 Bay Area, it’s no surprise that the j. readers’
www.kayemoser.com favorite real estate agents are constantly on the
move.
Neil Taxy Dana Cohen of the Grubb Company in
Zimmerman Associates Leland, Parachini,
Oakland has found an easy way to set herself
apart from other agents. “I’m always zipping
Steinberg, Matzger & Melnick
around, running up the stairs,” the second-gen-
(415) 957-1800
eration Realtor says. Once Cohen grabs a poten-
3 # Thank you, j. readers, www.lpslaw.com
%2
tial client’s attention, she cites her reputation
and integrity as the keys for holding onto cus-
(/
2%!$

for voting me tomers and her overall success in the industry.

 Mortgage broker Katy Dinner is always on the go and always

)#%

#1 insurance agency Admit it: You don’t understand the housing

available. In today's changing real estate mar-
ket, Dinner prides herself in contract negotia-
market. It bubbles and bursts faster than you
in the East Bay for the can say President Obama’s Homeowner
tions and problem solving. In her spare time she
23
&)

enjoys community work with her husband and

%

4 0 , !# 2 nd year in a row! Bailout Program. So do yourself a favor and sprint triathlons.

%!34 "!9
employee benefits, life, health, disability
and long-term care insurance
510.893.7512 • zimmassociates@yahoo.com
use j. readers’ favorite mortgage brokers for
your home financing needs.
Jamie Zimmerman The father-son team of Eddy and David
Rubinstein has earned the recognition and
respect of clients. “It’s a competitive mar-
ket,” father Eddy says. “The only thing that
can really differentiate you is the service.”
With 28 years of experience, the Rubinsteins
have mastered the art of pleasing their
clients. “Knowing the market and controlling
the expectation of the client is part of the
professional that we always use,” Eddy says.
Rachel Bernstein has not let the recession
alter her basic philosophy. “I operate the
same way in that I’m here to work for my
clients and do the best job for them,” she
says. As a proud mother of one son,
Bernstein knows how to cater to her clients:
“I tell them it’s going to be a very long
process and you’ve got to be patient,”
Bernstein says.
In second place was Joel Spolin of
Absolute Mortgage Banking in Palo Alto.
First Place
East Bay
Sue Thomas
LaSalle Financial
Oakland
(510) 339-4300
www.lasallefinance.com
South Bay/Peninsula
Shari Ornstein of Alain Pinel Realtors on the
Peninsula is no stranger to travel either. From
excursions to the other side of the world with
her husband to resorts in Lake Tahoe with her
grandchildren, Ornstein loves spending time
with her family.
Yet it isn’t too tough for Ornstein to pull her-
self away from her family and into the office. “I
enjoy my job,” she says. “It’s fun.”
Apart from the positive attitude she brings,
Ornstein thinks the relationships she has devel-
oped over the past 20 years in the business
accounts for much of her success. “People
know me, and my clients refer me to other
clients,” she says.
Moe Rubinstein’s stability and professional-
ism is the reason she earned a Readers’ Choice
award. With 31 years as an agent for the First
Marin Realty in Mill Valley, Rubinstein is a
favorite for North Bay residents.
In second place were Michael Rudman of
Zephyr Real Estate in San Francisco, Celia
Concus of Marvin Gardens in Berkeley, Leah
Noher of Coldwell Banker in San Mateo and
Judy Freedman of Frank Howard Allen Realtors
in Santa Rosa.
First Place
San Francisco
Katy Dinner
(415) 863-5289
www.katydinner.com
East Bay

Rachel Bernstein Dana Cohen

Guarantee Mortgage The Grubb Company
San Mateo Oakland
(650) 212-5050 ext. 177 (510) 339-0400 ext.348
www.bakerloan.com www.grubbco.com
.
J. | the Jewish news weekly readers’ choice supplement 34b
 South Bay/Peninsula With over 30 years of experience, DeGraff
Shari Ornstein does not see the advent of travel sites as a
Alain Pinel Realtors threat. “Service is what makes an agent differ-
(650) 543-1077 ent from a Web site,” says the avid sports fan
www.shariornstein.com and mah jongg player. “I provide a service and
I get to know my clients and get to know what
North Bay their needs are.”
Moe Rubinstein A native Israeli, Michal Ron Reihanian uses
her extensive knowledge of the region to plan
First Marin Realty
trips to the Middle East. “What I do is a pas-
Mill Valley
sion,” says Reihanian, who has 21 years of
(415) 380-4357
experience in the industry. “It’s not a business.
www.firstmarin.com
I do it because I feel like a diplomat to my
country.”
Second Place Reihanian, who enjoys cooking and music,
San Francisco

Michael Rudman
looks to go above and beyond other travel
agencies in her work at Tamalpais Travel in
Corte Madera. “I try not to sell the ordinary
Andrea De Graff
Zephyr Real Estate tours that all the tour companies are offering,”
she says. One trip that was far from ordinary 3 #
(415) 252-5240
was planning a bar mitzvah for a family that %2

(/
2%!$
www.zephyrsf.com/agent_detail.cfm
had to leave from various locations in the U.S.  Thank you

)#%
?ID=564
and all meet in Israel. “It was a great challenge
23

&)

%
4 0 , !#
East Bay and a great success,” she says.
Celia Concus In second place was Nancy Burger of 3/54( "!9  0%.).35,!
for your votes!
Marvin Gardens Ladera Travel in Menlo Park. Favorite Travel Agent
Berkeley
(510) 527-2700 First Place Join Me, October 1-13
www.marvingardens.com
South Bay/Peninsula
South Bay/Peninsula
o n a s m a l l g r o u p t o u r o f Tu r k e y
Andrea DeGraff
Leah Noher Travel Wizards
Coldwell Banker 200 Park Road • Burlingame, CA 94010
Burlingame
San Mateo (650) 696-6900
(650) 558-6800 (650) 696-6900 • (800) 446-0046 • Fax (650) 696-6913
www.travelwizards.com
www.coldwellbanker.com
North Bay andrea@travelwizards.com
North Bay
Michal Ron Reihanian
Judy Freedman Tamalpais Travel
Frank Howard Allen Realtors Corte Madera
Santa Rosa (415) 924-5850
(707) 537-2352
www.judyfreedman.com
www.tamalpaistravel.com
Celia Concus, CRS -½
celia@marvingardens.com ,

Second Place

,

Travel agent

"

South Bay/Peninsula
510.527.0211 ½ä™
For most workers, mixing business and pleasure
Nancy Burger

is a recipe for disaster. For Andrea DeGraff of Residential Property in the East Bay
"
 *

Travel Wizards in Burlingame, it is her recipe to Ladera Travel

-/
9
success. “When I go places I spend a lot of time Menlo Park
looking at different hotels,” DeGraff says. “I’ve (650) 854-3222
developed private guides all over the world.” www.ladera.travel

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