Congregation

Beth Israel News

Shavuot: The Giving of the Torah
By Rabbi Dr. Julie Hilton Danan Shavuot: a holiday of myriad dimensions. Its the lightning, thunder, and awesome solemnity of the Revelation at Sinai, the single most significant event in Jewish history. Its the quiet intensity of a group of Torah scholars learning deep into the night to reveal yet another layer of Gods teaching. Shavuot is also the full bloom of early summer, the radiance of harvest time in Israelharvest of wheat and the first fruits of the season. Its the glorious pilgrimage to ancient Jerusalem and the joyful contemporary harvest celebrations in Israels kibbutzim and moshavim. Its an extraordinary story of love and devotion: Wherever you go, I will goyour people will be my people, your God my God (Ruth 1:16). Ruth, the first Jew-by-choice, and an eternal symbol of loyalty. Shavuot is a synagogue alive with greenery. Its a mystical day of milk and honey that has even been described as a marriage between God and the people Israel. It also happens to be one of the most neglected Jewish holidays. The average American Jew is much more likely to light candles for Hanukkah than to participate in any kind of Shavuot observance. This despite the fact that Shavuot is a far more major holidayone of the three pilgrimage festivals from the Torah (in addition to Passover and Sukkot). Why? Sociologists have shown that as American Jews, we tend to favor

Iyyar/Sivan 5772 | May 2012

A nondenominational synagogue center serving the Jewish community in the greater Chico area.

holidays and rituals that are child-centered and provide a Jewish alternative to popular seasonal celebrations. It helps if they can also be reinterpreted to reinforce universal American values like freedom and religious liberty, and if they have concrete symbols and rituals. Hanukkah is the perfect examples. Shavuot, on the other hand, remains rather abstract and particularistic, and to top it off, often arrives at the beginning of summer vacation. Hence, it tends to be neglected. But without Shavuot, the dramatic liberation of Passover would have merely let us out to wander in the desert. Shavuot represents the giving of the Torah, our acceptance of the covenant that has shaped our peoples destiny, making us aspire to be a light unto the nations. Although it lacks a concrete symbol like the menorah, sukkah, or Seder meal, Shavuot does have beautiful traditions. It is customary to study Torah all night on the eve of the holiday. MAY AT-A-GLANCE

The synagogue is decorated with greenery and flowers, to remember that Mt. Sinai bloomed as the Torah was given, and in many synagogues as well as Israeli kibbutzim the children wear wreaths of flowers and carry baskets to symbolize the bikurim, first fruits brought to the Temple in ancient times. Dairy products are eaten to symbolize that the Torah is like milk and honey. Because receiving the Torah affirms Jewish identity, it is a special day to read the book of Ruth, to honor Jews-by-choice, and also the season to hold the Confirmation ceremony for teens. Finally, in some North African communities children engaged in water play on Shavuot because life-giving water is a symbol of the Torah. This year, you can break the mold and celebrate Shavuot with CBI! We will have three special events related to Shavuot. On the Shabbat morning that falls on the holiday eve (May 26), we will bless our newest Jews-by-Choice. That evening, you are invited to join Avraham and me as we welcome the holiday in our home with a Torah study and social hour. And on Shavuot morning, Sunday, May 27, in keeping with the nature theme of the festival, well meet at Bidwell Park for a holiday outing that combines learning, fun, food, and friends! Pick the program that interests you and I look forward to seeing you on Shavuot, the festival of Revelation.
(Part of this column is adapted from The Jewish Parents Almanac by Rabbi Danan).

Beginning Hebrew
Thursday, May 3, 10, 17 6:30 p.m. at CBI

CBI Book Group

Sunday, May 6, 2-4 p.m. at the Schiffmans

Enjoy Shabbat at Home, No Service

Friday, May 18

Kabbalat Shabbat with Special Talk

Friday, May 25, 7:30 p.m. at CBI Loretta Steinke speaks on The Making of a Chaplain

Bat Mitzvah of Liron Ariely

Friday, May 4, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 5, 10 a.m. at CBI

Lag BaOmer Celebration & Potluck

Thursday, May 10, 6 p.m. at the home of Sam and Carol Edelman 8 Falcons Pointe Drive. RSVP to Carol Edelman at 345-3974 or cedelman@ csuchico.edu Please bring a vegetarian or dairy dish to share

Neshama Yoga with Lance Ferris and Rabbi Danan

Saturday, May 19, 10:30 a.m. at CBI In honor of the upcoming holiday of Shavuot the theme will be Revelation and Inspiration. Dress comfortably, bring a yoga mat and/or beach towel, and bring a meatless dish to share for the Kiddush afterwards

Israel Fair (in Honor of Liron Arielys Bat Mitzvah)

Saturday, May 5, follows Bat Mitzvah service at CBI

Torah Service and Blessing our Newest Jews-by-Choice

Saturday, May 26, 10 a.m. at CBI

Tikkun Leil Shavuot (Late Night Torah Study)

Saturday, May 26, 9 p.m. at the Danans 196 East 2nd Avenue

Tai Chi Chih with Carol Wong

Sunday, May 6, 13, 20, 27 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at CBI

Bat Mitzvah of Emma Carden

Friday, May 11 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 12, 10 a.m. at CBI

Shul School End-of-Year Party

Tuesday, May 22

Shavout Picnic
Sunday, May 27, 11 a.m. at Five Mile Nature walk, games, water play and a reading of The 10 Commandments

Menchkins Lag BOmer Picnic

Sunday, May 6 , 11 a.m. at Wildwood Park

Last Day of Shul School

Tuesday, May 15

Congregation

Beth Israel News

Congregation Beth Israel PO Box 3266 1336 Hemlock St. Chico, CA 95927 Ph: 530-342-6146 Fax: 530-342-0278 www.cbichico.org

From the Editor

We celebrate two Bat Mitzvahs at CBI this month, Liron Ariely on May 5th and Emma Carden on May 12th. You have met both these Bnai Mitzvah students in previous issues where they talked about Gabrielle Green their Mitzvah projects. Just before the deadline for this issue I gave them each a choice of questions to answer and here are the questions they selected and their answers: Liron Ariely Question: How have you prepared for your Bat Mitzvah and what are your thoughts and feelings about this effort? Answer: When I was preparing for my Bat Mitzvah, I went to work with Avraham Danan to learn to read from the Torah in a Sephardic version and melody. I used a recorded CD to work on it at home. I have a few famous songs in my Haftorah, so I practiced it with one of my sisters and with my mom. It made things much easier and I had less to learn from the Haftorah. The rest of the Haftorah is easier to learn as a song. I look forward to seeing everyone at my Bat Mitzvah and I hope they enjoy my song. Emma Carden Question: What does your Bat Mitzvah mean to your family and friends? What does it mean to you? Answer: My whole family is super excited and driving nine hours to see me. My friends are really excited as well because they have never been to one. I am really excited, and have been literally looking forward to this my whole life, at least since I started Hebrew School. Please join me on this special day. Also in this issue we have wonderful reflections on the recent Passover holiday. I highly recommend you read Charles Geshekters contribution that beautifully ties together the generations within his family. And our Shul School section delivers a tastey review of their very own Chocolate Seder. Thank you to Robin Black who put together a thoughtful review of the recent Taharah training held at CBI. This is such a rich resource we are able to offer the CBI Community. I hope the article peaks your interest to learn more about this meaningful mitzah and group. Till June!

Executive Board
President .................................................................... David Zeichick Vice President/Capital Campaign .............................David Halimi Vice President/Bldg. and Grounds ....................Michael Mulcahy Vice President/Membership .................................. Kristy Bergson Past President .............................................................. Irv Schiffman Treasurer ........................................................................ Stan Gottlieb Secretary .....................................................................Jona Pressman Sisterhood President ..................................................... Sue Mintzes

Committee Chairs

Building and Grounds .....................................Marshall Thompson Communication ................................. Gabrielle & David T. Green Fundraising ................................................................. Karen Rogers Shul School ................................................................. Steve Naiman Ritual ..............................................................................Keren Carter Tikkun Olam/Social Action .......................................Phyllis Cullen Social and Cultural ............................................. Donna Greenberg Sunshine and Mitzvot ..............................................Loretta Steinke Member-at-Large .................................................... David Bermann Member-at-Large ....................................................... Elisa Kleiman Members-at-Large ............. Helene Ginsberg & Andrew Sabersky

Newsletter
Editor ..................................................................... Gabrielle Green Designer ......................................................................Carla Resnick Photographer ......................................................... Dave Bermann Photographer .................................................... Chaim Rappaport CBI Voices Contributor ................................. Charles Geshekter CBI Guest Columnist ................................................ Robin Black Copy Editor .................................................................. Frann Bart Copy Editor ............................................................... Nelda Jessee Mailing ........................................................... Ingeborg Johannsen

CBI Office Hours

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Administrative Assistant: Liz Bohn Phone: 530-342-6146 email: admin@cbichico.org CBI Newsletter Editor: Gabrielle Green Phone: 530-514-7311 email: ggmedia@gmail.com please copy (cc): admin@cbichico.org Deadline for submissions is the 10th of the month prior. 2 | w ww.cbichico.or g

May Celebrations
Experience Lag BaOmer and Shavuot: The Holiday of Giving the Torah with CBI In honor of Shavuot the festival of the giving of the Torah, we will have a three part celebration! And dont forget La Bag Omer at the Edelmans. Details are below. Lag BaOmer Barbecue at the Edelmans Thursday, May 10, 6 p.m. Home of Sam and Carol Edelman home, 8 Falcons Pointe Drive Bring a dairy-free dish to share The congregation is invited to enjoy the outdoor holiday of Lag BaOmer, Thursday, May 10, 6 p.m. at the home of Sam and Carol Edelman home, 8 Falcons Pointe Drive. Please bring a meatless or vegetarian dish to share for the potluck meal. Well have a kumsitz and roast potatoes in the firepit, and kids and adults are welcome to bring swimsuits and towels to use the pool. Lag BaOmer is a minor holiday, literally the 33rd Day of counting the Omer, the seven weeks between Passover and Shavuot. It is a day to recall the history of Jews who fought Rome and preserved Judaism in the first and second centuries. Outdoor picnics and bonfires are customs of the day. Your RSVP to Carol Edelman will be greatly appreciated so that they can purchase enough food: 345-3974, cedelman@csuchico.edu. I. Saturday, May 26, 10 a.m. Shabbat services, the Eve of Shavuot Blessing our Newest Jews-by-Choice On Shavuot, we read the book of Ruth, the first Jew-by-choice, and it is traditional to honor converts to Judaism. At this Shabbat service, just prior to Shavuot, we will welcome and bless our newest Jews by choice, who will also be honored at our Kiddush after the service. The synagogue will be decorated with flowers and fruit baskets in honor of the holiday. Contact Donna Greenberg if you can help with the kiddush in honor of our newest Jews-by-Choice. II. Saturday, May 26 9 p.m. at the Danans, 196 E. 2nd Ave Welcome the Festival and Tikkun Leil Shavuot (Late Night Torah Study) We will light the candles, make the festival Kiddush and enjoy a holiday dessert at the Danans as we observe the custom of Tikkun Leil Shavuot, late night Torah study. It is customary to stay up learning Torah all night on the eve of Shavuot! Well be content to study for an hour or so, while enjoying challah and traditional holiday desserts (cheesecake and fruit). Our topic will be the biblical book of Ruth. RSVP to Rabbi Danan, 342-6146, rabbi@cbichico.org (and let her know if you can help with the dessert). III. Sunday, May 27 11 a.m. at Bidwell Park Five Mile Picnic Area (Weather-permitting)Shavuot Activities & Picnic for All Ages Meet at Five Mile for a nature walk, Torah game, water play, holiday picnic and socializing! The Torah was given in the out-of-doors and well celebrate the festival morning outside with a short nature walk led by the Millers,a reading of the 10 commandments and 10 Commandments Game led by Rabbi Danan, followed by a holiday picnic lunch in the picnic area at Five Mile. Please bring a meatless dish to share. Traditional foods for Shavuot include dairy products such as blintzes, cheesecake, cheeses, or cheese enchiladas (at least the rabbi remembers that from South Texas). CBI will provide drinks and paper goods (or you can tote your own dishes and help the environment). Wheat products, fruit and salads are also welcome to represent the summer harvest in Israel. Onereason for eating dairy products at this holiday is that the Torah is compared to milk and honey. After lunch, the kids can enjoy water play (supervised by parents), since the Torah is compared to life-giving water, so dress appropriately and bring your favorite water toys. RSVP to the CBI office to help us plan!

Another Great Tour Of Israel Is Coming Up In March 2013!

Two full weeks of touring north to south historic and new locations. We will enjoy the best season of the year for wildflowers, visits to outdoors sites and markets. Staying at 4 & 5 star Hotels that include breakfast and dinner everyday. A bus and local guide will take care of us in the best way possible! The itinerary is in the works This tour is created especially for our community and space is limited for 22. Ask fellow members who have traveled with us for for their impressions. We will be back in Chico in time for Passover! For information please contact Nitsa Schiffman at 343-7108, ischiffman@csuchico.edu.
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From Our President

Your CBI Security Committee met this last month and created a priority list of projects. We are graciously accepting sponsors for any of the projects.

Priority List 1. Trim trees and shrubs - $75 Michael will perform this work 2. Secure doors - total of $550 front doors $200 metal strips take out old deadbolts and plugging holes in order to install reinforcement plates next to deadbolts 3. Paint doors kitchen dead bolt - $35 hallway dead bolt - $35 labor for both $30

4. Front gate frame in to create a wall $100 use a real entry way door $150 5. Back gate no cost, already have materials David 6. Add Eagle Security signs on fences Zeichick (no cost) 7. Motion sensor lights $200 3 solar powered lights, one on each tall tree (about $50 per light = $150) one electric powered, hang on tree with electrical box $50 8. Security training session for board members (hopefully no cost) 9. Cameras $500 - $2,000

Making $ense of CBI

Dear CBI Congregants, Just as Paul Salman from the Newshour is helping us make sense of the economic news on the national level, CBI Finance Committee is ready to help us see ata-glance where our money is going and how we can better keep track of the expenditures at CBI. The Finance Committee is ready to put in place an online database with specific budgets for our events to be tracked by each chairperson. We hope using technology to share the real costs of our programs with the congregation will help us to continue having the programs we value at a cost we can afford. Fortunately, we heeded Josephs dream and in the good years we saved a little money for lean times. However, since 2008, we have had to tap into our reserves for more than $20,000 dollars and the reserves have run dry. Suffice it to say, we cannot continue to deplete the general fund that pays for the
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most important expenditure, that of our rabbi. We are so very fortunate that when her contract came up for renewal this year, our outstanding rabbi specifically asked us not to give her a raise in salary because she knows that so many of our members are experiencing financial challenges in these difficult times. However, we are at the point where our

rabbis health insurance (previously funded by a small circle of donors who pledged $1000 per year above and beyond their dues) needs to be paid through our general fund. Membership dues support the general fund and in order to do so,

we need to raise our annual dues for the next fiscal year to support these expenses. In order to address our financial challenges, a member of our committee will be contacting you personally to discuss your membership contribution to the general fund and any volunteer options to help CBI. A few people have been carrying the ball for so many years to keep the congregation afloat, we take this opportunity to thank you for your generous contributions and assure you that more members are being asked to help. We will continue financial updates in the newsletter to keep you informed. Our next meeting is in May and we will be discussing the membership dues structure in addition to discussing marketing campaigns to appeal to potential members. Respectfully yours, CBI Finance Committee

Haverot Happenings
Sue Mintzes, Haverot President The long-awaited cookbook has finally been published loaded with delectable recipes from Haverot present and past. If you have not already bought several at the bargain price of fifteen dollars each, just contact me. You wont see these recipes anywhere else! Since this cookbook was some thirty years in the making, I can only thank the most recent editors Sue Cottrell, Nelda Jessee, and Fran Halimi and the person who reformatted every page and was ultimately responsible for the publicationRene Everett. When you buy a cookbook, you are directly supporting CBI projects. Now that we have a cookbook, the Haverot board wants CBI members to be able to bake in our kitchen with a new wall oven and stove. (FYI the wall oven does not work and the stove does not keep the temperature accurately.) We can upgrade our appliances when you support this fundraiser. And speaking of funding, I will have a full accounting of the Bagel Brunch in the next newsletter, thanking all who made it possible and letting the congregation know how much we were able to contribute to the Gert Lerner Camperships. As I write this article, I am still delivering posters around town hoping for a good turnout with nice weather. We are continuing our Tai Chi Chih classes each Sunday afternoon through June 3 at 2:30 p.m. at CBI. Personally, I find the classes relaxing and energizing and I am changing my daily routine. Thanks again, Carol Wong! We are already thinking of next year and we have two Member-at-Large positions to fill on our board. Bev Paull has served for many years as president, past president and member-at-large and has agreed to help with events, but wants to leave the board. Thank you, Bev for your service. Loretta Steinke has taken on the Shamasheet position and will continue as Sunshine and Mitzvot jointly through Haverot and the Congregation. We know we can still count on Loretta to help, but understand her need to step down from her many years on the board. Thank you, Loretta. Board members meet monthly to decide which programs to offer and how we use our funds. We are particularly looking for someone who is interested in Social Action, but welcome any Haverot member regardless of interest and expertise. We need you! Contact me if you are interested. Put the end-of-year potluck dinner (maybe with some of these recipes from the cookbook) on June 4 on your calendar. Eddi Deromedi is generously making her home available for this wonderful evening. Of course, an evite will follow with details. We want you to come and celebrate a very productive Haverot year with us. Shalom, Sue

Its Here! The First Edition of the Haverot Cookbook:Whats Cooking in Chico?

To find out how to purchase contact the CBI Office: call 342-6146 or email admin@cbichico.org

A recipe from the Community Seder: Compliments of Blush Catering

Almond-Coconut Truffles
Ingredients:
12 oz. semi sweet chocolate chips (make sure theyre dairy free) 1 cup almond butter 1/4 cup coconut milk (not the light kind...cmon...coconut fat is sumptuous and delicious) 1 tsp. vanilla 1/2 cup cocoa powder or raw cacao 1. 2. 3. 4. In a mixer, combine the almond butter and the vanilla, and stir until well blended. In a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips and coconut milk over medium heat, stirring until smooth and well combined. Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the almond butter mixture and mix until all that almond butter is meshed with the chocolatey, coconut milky yumminess. Allow to cool for a few minutes, roll into balls, 1 inch in diameter and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Refrigerate for 15 minutes or so until firm (you may actually be able to skip this step if theyre firm enough at this point). Roll the little bally wallys in cocoa powder and youll have yourself just about the easiest little treat your heart could want. Enjoy! www.cbi chico.or g | 5

All About the Tahara Training at CBI

Guest article contributed by CBI Member Robin Black

On March 11 our CBI Hevra Kaddisha (Jewish burial society) and other members of the community learned about the customs in Judaism surrounding the end-of-life cycles. In Judaism, this is a very sacred time. The Taharah, literally purification, process combines washing the body, dressing the deceased in shrouds, and offering blessings with liturgy that comforts our souls and guides us to the next transition. At the Taharah Training session, we simulated the process with the help of a live volunteer. As one attendee said, It was emotionally touching to see the dignity, respect, the atmosphere of silence, and attention to detail. This is really amazing that this is happening here in Chico. Keren Carter did a presentation on how we pay respect to our deceased, not only at the funeral but throughout the first year. The deceased is then remembered again annually on their Yartzeit (anniversary of passing) as well as at Yizkor (memorial) services. Judaism helps us not only to prepare the body of the deceased, but a team of community volunteers with the Hevra Kaddisha also sit act as shomrim, reading psalms and watching over the body. Our two guest presenters from the Bay Area, Rabbi Meirah Iliinsky and Peter Strauss, came with a wealth of experience and knowledge. They shared with us their insights in these Jewish rituals in an inspirational presentation. Contents of the training included learning the context

and the meaning of the prayers, and helping participants grasp the profundity of this great mitzvah. Before we began the training, we had an open discussion of what the liturgy was saying in English to better understand each step and comprehend its spiritual meaning. An example of the beautiful prayers offered by the Taharah Team is this one offered prior to the ritual:

The teaching then went through the sequences of special preparation: both physically with supplies, and mentally to clear our minds before starting the ritual washing. We ask for forgiveness from the meit (the deceased), for any indignity or error we may cause during the Taharah. We practiced a dry run of how the Taharah team simulates a mikveh or ritual bath by pouring water over the meit, while using special wooden boards to raise the body off the table. We learned details of dressing the deceased, tying the special knots with the garments, wrapping the deceased in a tallit (if appropriate) and

placing in the casket. We are especially grateful to Mark Brusie of Brusie Funeral Home who attended the program and helped with the supplies. History of Our Group The Hevra Kaddisha, (literally a Holy Society) formed at CBI approximately three years ago and has been working to provide shemirah (watching over the body), assist at shiva (week of mourning in the home), educate the community, set policies, and recently did its first full taharah (ritual washing and preparation for burial). Keren Carter and Sharon Kaplan traveled to a Bay Area conference sponsored by Kavod vNichum (Honor and Comfort), an organization that helps many Hevra Kaddisha groups to form and provides networking, and learning. I participated in a 13-week webinar course this winter, presented by Gamliel Institute with teachers David Zinner and Rabbi Stuart Kelman. The in-depth course, titled Taharah Rituals, included personal experiences and stories, biblical texts, explanations of early burial societies, Talmudic passages, liturgy, and rituals. Our Chico workshop trainers, Rabbi Meirah Iliinsky and Peter Strauss, were among my classmates. The work of the Hevra Kaddisha is a holy mitzvah that involves many components: honoring the deceased, caring for the body, supporting the survivors, and educating the community. If you would like to be involved in any part of this mitzvah, contact Keren Carter or Sharon Kaplan to join the group.

Definitions Hevra Kaddisha: Jewish burial group would formed within a region. Taharah: Jewish spiritual washing and purification ceremony of the the deceased. Shemirah: Reading psalms or passages to protect or guard the the soul of the deceased prior to burial.
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CBI Voices

Guest Column by CBI member (and former President) Charles Geshekter scroll, while the short maftir aliyah, which details the sacrifices brought to the Temple on Passover, was read from a different scroll. Rabbi Freundel delivered a lucid analysis Charles Geshekter of the changing nature of Seders over the past 1500 years, suggesting that a century from now there might be subtle, additional changes that no one today can anticipate. The changing structure and formats of Seders yet to come? That idea provided the segue to the Seder we celebrated that evening which made this Passover, for me, different than any other. Eric, Lily, Rosie Rose, and I had reservations for a Seder meal at a restaurant called Dinos, run by an Italian Jew. A short walk from their apartment, we were shown to our table at 5:30, and noticed others set up for various-sized Seders. We remained uncertain how this restaurant Seder would proceed. The waiter brought us the Seder plate, a bottle of wine, and a plate of matzahs. Thereafter, we were on our own. Eric brought three basic Haggadahs and led our Seder as we took turns reading, chatting, pouring glasses of wine, partaking of the symbolic items displayed on the Seder plate, then came the main meal. They brought mounds of roast lamb and chicken, gefilte fish, farfel, matzah ball soup, chopped liver, multiple condiments, and finally desserts that we followed with closing prayers and songs. It was an outstanding festive meal. Attending her first Seder, Rose was pure delight, carefully observing us, eating bits of food that Lily provided, and discovering true Seder joy by breaking off the easily crackable matzahs on her highchair tray, and having fun. Each table conducted a separate Seder at its own pace. A ribald party of eight seated nearby started before us, consumed impressive quantities of wine, and by the time we ate dessert they were singing decidedly non-Pesach songs. We returned to the apartment, Rose got a quick bath, and zonked out. My Passover Shabbat 2012 had included modern shul Orthodoxy in the morning and nourishing reforms at the evening Seder. Ive had Seders with a grandmother born in the 1880s. Ive now had Seder with my granddaughter whos likely to enjoy Seders in the 2080s. Through Seders, I reach way back in time, then gaze far ahead it spans 200 years. Lashanah habaah biYerushalayim! www.cbi chico.or g | 7

Why Was This Passover Different From All Others? I was raised in an Orthodox Jewish home in Baltimore and was in the same 5th & 6th grade classes as Barry Levinson. The Seders in my home resembled a memorable scene in Levinsons film, Avalon, where the main Seder table was extended with several card tables to accommodate all the kids. Our Seders were full of witty commentaries on the world, plenty of wine, arcane discussions about the real meaning of Jewish customs, ample gaiety, and robust singing. After pouring Elijahs cup of wine, we kids opened the front door for the Prophets arrival. My grandmother, Goldie Wolfe (1887-1970), would bitterly recall Seders in Moscow as a child when non-Jews used the open door as an occasion to shove goats into their home. We winced at hearing that story anew. Family regulars would teasingly judge my grandmothers fiery horseradish: Not bad, Goldie, but last years was much hotter. Then like a flash - 1952 became 2012. Sixty years had passed. This year, I was in Washington, D.C. for Passover, visiting my son Eric (Bar Mitzvah at CBI in 1987), his wife Lily and their precious daughter Rose, my first Rose Geshekter, the newest grandchild. Born on New Years Eve 2010, she is named after my mom Rose Geshekter (1911-1993). I say proudly: I am the son of Rose Geshekter and the grandpa of Rose Geshekter. Next year, Rose enters the pre-school affiliated with a conservative synagogue in D.C. Adas Israel. While in D.C the week before Passover, I attended Shabbat services at a famous modern Orthodox shul, Kesher Israel in Georgetown. The 100-year old synagogue accommodates 250 people in a compact, impressively designed sanctuary. Its regular members include Herman Wouk, Leon Wieseltier, and Senator Joe Lieberman. Now in his late 50s, Rabbi Barry Freundel is a stellar, widelypublished halakhic scholar who always provides a stimulating darash. When I casually asked Eric if hed like to join me there for Shabbat services during Passover, he agreed. He proudly wore his CBI Bar Mitzvah tallit and yarmulke. The Shabbat morning service on Passover required that two Torahs be unscrolled. The main Shabbat reading, containing part of the story of the exodus from Egypt, came from one Torah

Shabbat & Holiday Services for May

CBI celebrates Kabbalat Shabbat on Fridays at 7:30 p.m., often accompanied by instrumental music, except for the first Friday of the month when we usually have an early Mishpachah (Family) Shabbat during the school year. Our Mishpachah tradition will resume in the fall of 2012. We conclude Kabbalat Shabbat with an Oneg Shabbat. Shabbat Saturday morning services generally begin with a brief guided meditation. The first hour of the service consists of prayer; the second hour is a Torah reading and a Torah study. About noon we have a Kiddush and socialize over a light lunch.

Friday May 4 Light Candles at 7:46 p.m. Saturday, May 5

7:30 p.m. 10 a.m.

Kabbalat Shabbat led by Liron Ariely. Oneg provided by the Ariely Family. Bat Mitzvah of Liron Ariely Kiddush lunch sponsored by the Ariely Family, followed by an Israel Fair Parashat Kedoshim Lag BaOmer Potluck at the Edelmans, 8 Falcons Pointe Dr. RSVP to Carol Edelman, cedelman@ csuchico.edu Kabbalat Shabbat led by Emma Carden. Oneg provided by the Carden Family. Bat Mitzvah of Emma Carden. Kiddush Lunch sponsored by the Carden Family. Parashat Emor Enjoy Shabbat at Home. Neshama Yoga with Lance Ferris and Rabbi Danan. The theme is Inspiration. Dress comfortably, bring a yoga mat and a dish to share for the POTLUCK Kabbalat Shabbat. Sadie Pressman coleads. CBI member Loretta Steinke speaks on The Making of a Chaplain. based on her recent experiences taking a chaplaincy Clinical Pastoral Education Course in Sacramento. Oneg TBA Parashat Behar-Behukotai Torah Service and Blessing of our newest Jewsby-Choice. Kiddush provided by CBI members in honor of our newest Jews-by-Choice. Contact Donna Greenberg to help! Welcome Shavuot with Dessert and Torah Study (Book of Ruth) at the Danans. RSVP rabbi@cbichico.org Bidwell Park 5-Mile Picnic Area. Shavuot Activities & Picnic for all ages! Bring a holiday dish to share.

Thursday, May 10 Friday, May 11 Light Candles at 7:53 p.m. Saturday, May 12 Friday, May 18 Light Candles at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 19

6 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 10 a.m. NO Service 10:30 a.m. 7:30 p.m.

Friday, May 25 Light Candles at 8:06p.m.

Saturday, May 26

10 a.m.

9 p.m. Sunday, May 27 11 a.m.

Thanks to the Confirmation Class Parents, the Schiffmans, Harriet Spiegel and Beverly Erdos for providing Oneg Shabbats and Kiddushes in April.

Call Betty Senseman, 345-7727, to schedule your Oneg or Kiddush. To celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or any special event with the community, please provide a Friday night Oneg or a Saturday Kiddush this year.

Preferably make and serve it yourself, or alternately make a donation of $25 (Saturday Kiddush, $50), and well find a volunteer to prepare it.

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CBI Calendar May 2012

Sun 29 Mon 30 Tue 1 Wed

Iyyar/Sivan 5772
2 Thu 3 Fri 4 Sat 5

10 a.m. 1 p.m. Sisterhood Bagel Brunch Sacramento Israel Festival

3:30 p.m. Shul School 6:30 p.m. Mah Jongg

4:15 p.m. Conversational Hebrew 6:30 p.m. Beginning Hebrew for adults

7:30 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat

10 a.m. Torah Service

Teen Adventure Program in Sacramento

7:47 p.m. Candle lighting

2 p.m. Tai Chi Chih

2 p.m. CBI Book Group at the Schiffman home

3:30 p.m. Shul School

6:30 p.m. Mah Jongg

5:15 p.m. Conversational Hebrew 6:30 p.m. Beginning Hebrew for adults

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7:30 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat

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7:54 p.m. Candle lighting

10 a.m. Bat Mitzvah of Emma Carden

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2 p.m. Tai Chi Chih

3:30 p.m. Shul School 6:30 p.m. Mah Jongg

11 a.m. Brunch Bunch at Nashs on the Esplanade

7 p.m. CBI Executive Board Meeting

6:30 p.m. Beginning Hebrew for adults

8 p.m. Candle lighting NO Service Enjoy Shabbat at Home

10:30 a.m. Neshamah Yoga

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3:30 p.m. Shul School 6:30 p.m. Mah Jongg

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4:15 p.m. Conversational Hebrew

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8:06 p.m. Candle lighting 7:30 p.m Kabbalat Shabbat

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10 a.m. Torah Service

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9 p.m. Dessert & Torah Study at the Danans

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11 a.m. Picnic and Shavuot Event at 5 Mile

6:30 p.m. Mah Jongg

4:15 p.m. Conversational Hebrew

8:12 p.m. Candle lighting 7:30 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat

10 a.m. Torah Service 10 a.m. Bat Mitzvah of Sadie Pressman

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Shul School News

Pesach Festivities - Matzah Factory In preparation for Passover, the Shul School students had the fun experience of making matzah. The ingredients are simple. Flour and water, maybe a pinch of salt. The process is simple. Mix, roll, prick, and bake. The challenge, however is to do all of this in less than 18 minutes. From the moment the water hits the flour, the bakers are working diligently to form the dough, keep it from sticking to everything, rolling it out paper thin, transferring it to a baking sheet, and popping it in the oven. Sounds easy enough, but when the timer is going, a bit of panic sets in! Why under 18 minutes? QUIZ TIME First Shul School student to email me the answer to that question (why does matzah need to be made in under 18 minutes) will get a prize! Pesach Festivities Chocolate Seder (Seriously) After all of us enjoyed at least one traditional seder, our students experienced their first Shul School chocolate seder. This festivity is a growing trend in the world of Jewish education. The Shul School staff decided it was important to include this fantastic event for our children if for no other reason than cultural literacy. Each item on the seder plate is represented by some delectable confection. For instance, a gummy worm is the shank bone, green jelly beans are the lettuce, and a chocolate egg is theyou got it, the egg. As a representation of spring, the parsley is traded out for a strawberry dipped not in salt water, but the mud of spring: chocolate. The bitter herb is the most difficult form of chocolate you can think of: completely unsweetened. Wow, Ive never seen such shocked and puckered faces! Our version of charoset, the sweet apple and nut mixture, was a small dab of chocolate pudding and marshmallow crme. With this we were able to create our own Hillel sandwiches, matzah smores. Of course our matzah was chocolate matzah and our four cups were filled with chocolate milk. It is also fashionable to put an orange on the seder plate, to acknowledge womens tremendous contributions to Judaism. To model this tradition, one small tangerine jelly belly was on our chocolate seder plate. Now of course, the educational goal of this activity is to engage the students in this very important Jewish holiday. Our hope was to bridge the learning by way of using exceptional learning aides. As you can imagine, interest all around the table was piqued! As decadent as this activity sounds, we were committed to keeping all the portions small, even down to tiny Dixie sized cups half full with half-strength chocolate milk. But it was an extravagant dessert feast. As such, we talked about how blessed we are to enjoy this symbolic treat when many are much less fortunate than we. 10 | www.cbichico.or g Todah Rabah Thank you to Chaim Rappaort and Ronit Ariely for providing support during the matzah making and chocolate seder. We especially appreciate all the help you did Lisa Rappaport Shul School Director on the clean up! Thank you to Rabbi Julie for leading our chocolate seder and to Keren Carter for providing the chocolate seder Haggadah. Thank you to the Bnai Mitzvah class families for providing a wonderful Kiddush in March. A huge thank you goes out to everyone who helped make the last Dont Cook Tonight fundraiser a success. We had lots of help with cooking. In particular thank you to Fran Halimi for the baba ganoush, Nitsa Shiffman for the tabouleh, and Rene Everett for the hummus. Steve Naiman prepared the falafels and greeted people as they arrived. Thank you to Rene and Chaim for all the set-up and additional food preparations. Rene has helped with every Dont Cook Tonight Dinner this year and we would not have been able to pull it off without her. THANK YOU RENE! Our three dinners brought in nearly $1,500! And finally, Chaim and I thank you all for jumping in and helping out when things got a bit challenging and hectic, to say the least. You all know who you are. What a beautiful thing to feel a community jump up and support you from every direction when you need it. We love our Jewish community! Shul School Wraps up for the Year Our last day of instruction is Tuesday, May 15. Our end-of-theyear party will be on Tuesday, May 22. Details about this event will be sent out soon via email. Mazel Tov to April Quiz Winners! Our quiz winners for April were Lucy Rappaport, Garrett Green, and Mia Rappaport. Enjoy your prizes and thank you for participating!

Menchkins Lag BOmer Picnic

Sunday, May 6, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Join us for a fantastic day of

What to bring: kites, picnic blanket, sunscreen, your own picnic plus an additional snack to share! RSVP to Lisa at lisarappaport4@yahoo.com or 345-9326

And potluck picnic

Outdoor play

Kite flying

Tikkun Olam Heal the World

Torres Shelter Crews Deserve a Big Thank You! Thank you to the JTC who made up February crew that prepared and served a miraculous marinara mitzvah!!! Here they are: Molly and Vicky Steindorf David, Joy and Kaitlin Zeichick Steve, Ari and Charlotte Naiman Sadie Pressman Michael Puig Rabbi Danan Nancy Evens Maureen Knowlton The March Crew was made up of students and parents from the Bnai Mitzvah Class and they did a wonderful job. Here they are: Karen Carter Ella Shapiro Sharon Kaplan and Lilia Nancy Evens Easter Sunday Crew was Maureen Knowlton, Greg Einhorn, Peter Straus and Nancy Evens. Thank you!

HaSifriyah The Library Corner

Books are made for use, not to be hidden away Sefer Hasidim CBI Book Group

Hi Everyone, This month we are reading a novel by one of Israels best loved authors. Yehoshua was awarded the Los Angeles Times Book Award in 2007 and lives in Haifa. Join us for a lively and lovely afternoon with friends. Date: Sunday, May 6, 2-4 p.m. at the Schiffmans Discussion: A Late Divorce by A.B. Yehoshua. Want to stay up-to-date with the Book Group announcements? Contact Irv Schiffman at ischiffman@csuchico.edu for the latest updates about location and dates. Wendy Diamond CBI Library Chair

Mazal Tov!
Mazal Tov to Joe Clark, who celebrated his 80th birthday on April 30. To 120!

Gratitude
Chaim Rappaport would like to thank all the people who helped him at the Dont Cook Tonight dinner. Too many too mention. I appreciate you all!

Mazal Tov to Kaitlyn Zeichick. The Eleanor J. Marks Holocaust Essay Contest Judging Committee has selected Kaitlyn Zeichick as the recipient of a cash reward for her essay submission. An awards presentation at the Community Yom Hashoah event took place Thursday, April19, at Mosaic Law Synagogue in Sacramento. At this event, Kaitlyn received her certi cate, cash prize, and the Childrens Voices book that includes all of this years essays.

To submit an item please email: ggmedia@gmail.com. Kindly note "Mazal Tov submission" in the email subject line and include the speci c wording as to how you would like it to appear, including all family members whom you would like mentioned in the newsletter. Thank you.

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Yahrzeits in May
Ethel Altman ....................................................... May 1
Remembered by Michael & Wendy Mulcahy

Dr. Marcus Arginteanu ........................................ May 1

Remembered by Louis & Selda Arnoff

Jacob Grossman................................................... May 1

Remembered by Deborah Shapiro

Merton H. Breslauer ..........................................May 17

Remembered by Robert & Donna Greenberg

Morris Gottlieb .................................................... May 3

Remembered by Stanley & Anne Gottlieb

Anna Resnick .....................................................May 18

Remembered by Larry & Sheri Trimboli and Joe & Rose Clark

Alice Hightower .................................................. May 4

Remembered by Loretta Steinke

Bernard Evens ....................................................May 19

Remembered by Peter Straus & Nancy Evens

Reta Foster........................................................... May 5

Remembered by Loretta Steinke

Heinz Johannsen ................................................. May 5

Remembered by Ingeborg Johannsen

Charles (Chil) Naiman ...................................... May 20

Remembered by Steven & Maria Naiman

Everett Levison.................................................... May 5

Remembered by Helene Ginsberg & Andrew Sabersky

Ben Cole .............................................................May 21

Remembered by Al & Sandy Abrams

Scott Suneson ...................................................... May 5

Remembered by Chaim & Lisa Rappaport

Eshgah Halimi .................................................. May 22

Remembered by David & Fran Halimi

Violet Sommer ..................................................... May 6

Remembered by Peter Straus & Nancy Evens

Edward Kahn..................................................... May 26

Remembered by Robin Black

Dorothy Levine .................................................... May 7

Remembered by Mark & H.T. Levine

Esther Brownfield ............................................. May 27

Remembered by James W. & Nelda Jessee

Sylvia Bauer ........................................................May 13

Remembered by Michael & Beverly Paull

Mazal Danan ..................................................... May 27

Remembered by Avraham Danan & Julie Hilton Danan

Erno Szaberszky .................................................May 15

Remembered by Helene Ginsberg & Andrew Sabersky

Zion Danan ....................................................... May 27

Remembered by Avraham Danan & Julie Hilton Danan

Marion Corwin ...................................................May 16

Remembered by Norman & Jean A. Corwin

Estelle Bermann ................................................ May 29

Remembered by Dave Bermann

Leonard Shapiro .................................................May 16

Remembered by Deborah Shapiro

Let the Sisterhood Help

The Sisterhood can help while you are recovering or working through a difficult time. We can help with:

Shopping Cleaning Pets Gardening Call Sue Mintzes at (530) 636-4244 or (910) 620-0782 to request assistance.
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Donations
We would like to thank the following CBI members and friends:

Birthdays in May
Samantha Levine.............................................................. May 1 Kristy Bergson ................................................................. May 2 Michelle Givertz .............................................................. May 2 Jessica Leitner................................................................... May 6 Cassidy Marsters .............................................................. May 6 Ryan Carter ....................................................................... May 7 Rene Everett ................................................................... May 8 Karen K. Rogers .............................................................. May 8 Wendy Diamond Mulcahy............................................ May 10 Steven Schwartz ............................................................. May 11 Jonathan Trimboli.......................................................... May 11 Janice Gagerman............................................................ May 12 Bonnie Megibow............................................................ May 12 Samuel Edelman ............................................................ May 13 Loretta Steinke ............................................................... May 13 Emma Carden ................................................................ May 14 Russell Shapiro ............................................................... May 15 Casey Rubinoff .............................................................. May 20

Building Fund
Mark & Kay Barchas: In honor of Tali & Zia Miller

Rabbis Discretionary Fund

Al & Sandy Abrams Louis & Selda Arnoff: Seder tickets donated Stanley & Anne Gottlieb: For the Yahrzeit of Edith Gottlieb Joel & Susan Mintzes: In honor of T. Bender Michael & Wendy Diamond Mulcahy: Donated Commission from items sold at Sephardic Festival Carolyn Sanger

Rabbinic Studies Fund

Steven & Maria Naiman: In memory of Mollie & Charles Naiman

Shul School Fund

Louis & Selda Arnoff: Donation for Purim Basket & Challah David & Kelly Zeichick: Bnai Mitzvah Plaque for Joy

Rabbis Health Insurance

Al & Sandy Abrams

Torres Shelter Dinner

Michael & Wendy Diamond Mulcahy Inge Schmidt: In honor of her parents Else and Hans Schmidt If I am for myself alone, what am I then?

Anniversaries in May
Marshall Thompson & Andrea Lerner ......................... May 2 Michael & Sara Leitner ..................................................May 17 David & Fran Halimi .....................................................May 22 Norman & Jean A. Corwin ...........................................May 23 Mike & Terri Richman ...................................................May 30

Zadok Panunto .............................................................. May 21 Elizabeth Fine ................................................................ May 23 Ricky Jackson ................................................................. May 26 Jay Dakof ........................................................................ May 27

I neshamah yoga!

Tree of Life
To honor or memorialize a person or to celebrate an occasion by adding a leaf to the Tree of Life quilt, which hangs in the synagogue, send a $25 donation to: CBI Tree of Life, PO Box 3266, Chico, CA 95927

www.cbichico.or g | 13

Join the CBI Choir

We are now ready to assemble the official CBI co-ed choir.

Oneg & Kiddush Sponsors

Free this Shabbat? How about considering sponsoring a Kiddush or Oneg ? We always have a need for Oneg and Kiddush Sponsors or Providers throughout the year.

Our spirits have been lifted with wonderful musical experiences lately. We want to continue the opportunity for avodah through music and song. If you are interested in being a part of the choir, please email Rene Everett (renee@breverett.com). The choir will lead songs and prayers at services, and represent CBI at community events. Participants will need to make a commitment to attend services as well as weekly or biweekly practices. The Rabbis taught: All the writings are holy, but the Song of Songs is the Holy of Holies.

Please call Betty Senseman 530-345-7727 to schedule your Oneg or Kiddush.

(
Support CBI with your Advertising Message
For more information contact: Gabrielle Green, 530-514-7311, ggmedia@gmail.com

Share Your Graduation Announcements

Share the good news of your (or your child or grandchilds) graduation from high school, college or beyond for inclusion in the June-July newsletter issue. Tell us the graduates name, relationship to you, school, and future plans such as study or work. Please submit to Gabrielle Green, ggmedia@gmail.com, by May 15th.

14 | www.cbichico.or g

Support Our Sponsors

David T Green
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Financial Advisor 2101 Forest Ave Ste 120 Chico, CA 95928 530-892-8460 www.edwardjones.com
Member SIPC

Dennis Deromedi

DEROMEDI

Realtor, President, Chico Assoc. Realtors 1998 Realtor of the Year 1999 $500 donation to CBI General Fund for each listing received and sold through this ad. $1,000 donation if I have the listing and I sell your home without another agent.

William A. Landes, M.D. Medical Director/Owner

Skypark Walk-In Medical Center

2485 Notre Dame Blvd. Suite 230 Chico, CA 95928 Phone: (530) 899-9500 FAX: (530) 899-4040

& ASSOCIATES REAL ESTATE

220 West 6th St. Chico, CA 95928 Office: 530-899-2313 Fax 530-899-2314 Cell: 530-321-1828 E-Mail dennis@deromedirealestate.com

www.cbichico.or g | 15

Congregation Beth Israel Post Office Box 3266 Chico, CA 95927 Return Service Requested

Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming Spring Events at CBI:

May 5 May 10 May 12 May 26 May 27 June 2 Bat Mitzvah of Liron Ariely followed by Israel Fair Lag BaOmer Celebration Bat Mitzvah of Emma Carden Tikkun Leil Shavuot - Late Night Torah Study Shavuot Picnic Bat Mitzvah of Sadie Pressman

Congregation Beth Israel

Congregation Beth Israel is an independent, egalitarian Jewish community whose roots date back a century. The synagogue is both nondenominational and unaffiliated. Our guiding principle is Klal Yisrael, the unity of the Jewish people. True to that spirit, CBI embraces a diverse membership of Jews from all backgrounds as well as interfaith couples and those exploring Judaism. We serve about 100 families in the greater Chico area with a wide range of programs for toddlers, tweens, teens, adults, and seniors. Our Shul School is very strong, and our Sisterhood is very active. Services are generally held Friday nights at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. We also hold services on all major Jewish holidays. The ideal to which we strive is Mordecai Kaplans concept of the synagogue center, in which a congregation serves both as a house of worship and as a community center. Rabbi Julie Hilton Danan provides the inspirational leadership for our Jewish values: study, Torah; worship and practice, Avodah; social action, Tikkun Olam; acts of kindness, Gemilut Hasadim; and connection with the Jewish People, Am Yisrael.
Shavuot at Five Mile