Jewish Arts Culture and Torah School

JACTS Director, Rabbi Sara Shendelman

2009-04-20T10:47:00.000-07:00

School Director, Rabbi, Cantor Sara Shendelman is one of the best-known Jewish Renewal rabbis in Berkeley, California. She received Cantorial Ordination from Rabbis Zalman Schachter-Shalomi and Shlomo Carlebach, the only woman to do so. She received Rabbi S'gan Smicha (rabbinic ordination) from Rabbi Gershon Winkler.

Rabbi Sara Shendelman was a leader in the early days of the Jewish Renewal Movement, from which she was awarded the title of Eshet Hazon (Woman of Vision). Sara has taught, led services, officiated and created ritual for 30 years. She holds an M.A. in Education and Developmental Arts from NYU.

Rabbi Sara Shendelman is the Founder and Director of the Jewish Arts and Culture School (JACTS), established in 1995. At JACTS, students are exposed to different ideologies existing within Judaism so that they can participate and feel comfortable in a variety of Jewish settings. Teachers use art, music, puppets, drama, discussion, dance and text to help students form a loving attachment to Jewish culture, spirituality and history. The curriculum includes Hebrew reading and writing, ritual traditions, Jewish calendar celebrations, Torah and Eastern European stories, Israel, Jewish distinctions, and mitzvot. The student body ranges in age from preschool through post-Bar/Bat Mitzvah and represents a cross-section of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds, religious experience and family orientations. Parents and family members are included in the classroom and at celebrations.

Sara's beautiful singing can be heard on 3 music CDs which she has produced, including "I Did Lift You Up" and "Chasing the Gazelle." Sara's musical talents are shared generously in all her endeavors as rabbi, ordained cantor, professional singer, musician, wedding officiant, teacher and ritual leadership.

Sara’s writings have been cited in numerous books about Jewish culture and spirituality. Her published work includes the book: Traditions: The Complete Book of Prayers, Rituals; Blessings for Every Jewish Home (Hyperion).

Sara previously served as Cantor, Rabbi and Core Faculty for Chochmat HaLev, Wisdom of the Heart Center for Jewish Spirituality in Berkeley. Sara performs a lively and interactive service that introduces the Kabbalat Shabbat service and Friday night rituals through prayer, song, storytelling and more. She designed the program especially for those who are new or returning to Judaism, beginners to Shabbat practice, and families with children of all ages.

Rabbi Sara Shendelman officiates at gay, spiritual, interfaith, Jewish and diversely unique weddings. Providing marriage, spiritual, cultural and religious counseling, inspired lifecycle event cantorial services, rabbinic leadership for High Holiday, Shabbat and Festival services, ritual creation for all occasions, Bar and Bat Mitzvah tutoring, conversion assistance, mentoring, advocating and teaching in a compassionate, joyous, literally harmonious and personal atmosphere. For more information, consult her blog at http://sarashendelman.blogspot.com

Emeryville HUGE Menorah Lighting, Sun Dec 21 4 PM

2008-12-19T13:03:00.000-08:00

Community Menorah Lighting
Sunday, Dec. 21 @ 4:00 pm at
Bay Street Emeryville Mall,
at the Plaza across from Barnes & Noble, Emeryville.
(Off I-80 at Powell St. & Shellmound Ave.)

Live music by the Ferris Wheels,
Chanukah Sing-Along,
Menorahs,
Free Dreidels,
Chocolate Gelt,
Balloons,
Buki the Clown.

Meet Yehuda Maccabee,
press olive oil,
create sand art.

For more info: 510-540-5824

http://www.chabadberkeley.org/holidays/chanukah/default_cdo/jewish/Hanukkah.htm

Chanukah Party, Berkeley Chabad
Wednesday, December 24, 2008 - 6:30 pm

RABBI GERSHON WINKLER'S "SEFER YETZIRAH SERIES"

2008-11-18T13:57:00.000-08:00

Dear JACTS Community,

Gershon Winkler is a brilliant and hilarious shaman and kabbalistic teacher. In your lifetime, you must hear him teach at least once!! I have set this series up as a gift to the community. Please try and come. You will be glad you did. He will answer questions you didn't realize you had.

Please pass this along to friends who might be interested.

Love,
Rabbi Sara

RABBI GERSHON WINKLER'S "SEFER YETZIRAH SERIES"

"Sefer Yetzirah: An In-Depth Study Series"
With Rabbi Gershon Winkler
Sponsored by Wisdom-Heart Community, Beyt Tikkun, and JACTS

A bold venture into one of the
oldest and most cryptic codes of
ancient Jewish mystery wisdom.

Sefer Yetzirah is the earliest known written source for what later became known as the Kabbalah. It is replete with aboriginal Jewish knowledge around sorcery, angelic forces, earth spirits, astrology, numerology, the four directions, and the mysteries of Creation. Believed to originate in the early mystery schools of Enoch, Shem (Malkizedek), Ey’ver, and Abraham (5,000-4,000 B.C.E.), this cryptic body of cosmic wisdom has puzzled sages for millennia.

Rabbi Winkler will take us on a user-friendly journey across the length and breadth of Megilat Yetzirah, as it was originally called, and inspire us in his unique style with the life lessons and mind-expanding mysteries that make this ancient text so alluring as well as elusive.

Workshop Series Schedule for 5769 (2008-2009)

Saturday Night Shmooze - 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Sunday Workshop - 10:30 am to 5:30 pm

Dates:
November 22 - 23, 2008
January 17 - 18, 2009
February 21 - 22, 2009
March 21- 22, 2009
April 18 - 19, 2009
May 23 - 24, 2009

Location:
The Unitarian Fellowship,
1606 Bonita (at Cedar),
Berkeley, CA 94709

Cost:
Saturday Night Shmooze: $20
Sunday Workshop: $75 per class

(More if you can, less if you can't; No one turned away for lack of funds.)

Registration:
At the door. Please arrive 30 minutes early to register.

Payment methods:
Cash, or personal check.

For more information, email: GershonSeries@WisdomHeart.org

More about Rabbi Winkler
http://www.walkingstick.org/news.html

Request and Blessing

2008-11-10T20:02:00.000-08:00

Dear Parents and Friends,

   I hope you are all well and that you feel optimism about the direction we are taking as a country and a society. Every election is about declaring which values we want to guide our lives. We imbue our children with these values hoping to create for them lives full of meaning and the kind of community that supports a meaningful and loving life.
   As one of the educators working to help our children realize themselves, to find how to make life choices, and what kind of foundation they stand on, I am always aware of the fate of the world and my students journey being very much influenced by the extraordinary kind of teaching we do in Jewish Arts, Culture and Torah School. Furthermore, as an independent school, we have been able to fill a need for those who do not wish to join a synagogue, but want a Jewish and Spiritual education for their children.
   Everything has a natural ebb and flow. Currently, due to many factors, the amount of tuition and financial help we have is not enough to support the school this year. As we have no synagogue support, we live on the support of those who believe in our work.    I know things are tight now for many, but you know that whatever you give in tzedakah comes back to you, so to support us will be a good deed from which you will receive bountiful blessings. We teach our children to give of themselves and the health benefits, I recently read, last for 60 years. Let us model this for them and also save a school which was an invaluable experience for our children and for the whole family.

   Even a very small donation is really significant to us. I have a policy to never turn a child away, regardless of ability to pay.
Please help me support those who wish to make the story that the Torah was given to us for the sake of our children, a real
transimission from one generation to the next.
   We are a 501-c3 and all donations are tax deductible. You may send a donation to 1743 Oregon Street, Berkley, CA 94703.
  A blessing to you and our whole world,

Rabbi Sara Shendelman
Director and Founder, Jewish Arts, Culture and Torah School

Join Us For Beautiful High Holidays

2008-09-10T15:24:00.001-07:00

Experience the majesty and mystery

of the High Holy Days

in Prayer, Song, Dance, Joy

and Contemplation with Shevet Shekhina.

In the East Bay and open to all.

Visit

http://www.shevetshekhina.com

to purchase your tickets.

We look forward to being with you!

Sweet and soulful services led by Rabbis Sara Shendelman and Avram Davis, Maggids shir 'Az, Simcha-Joy Becker and Russ Cashin, with music by a host of community musicians.

LOCATION:
Veterans Memorial Hall

6401 Stockton Avenue

El Cerrito, CA 94530

map: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=El+Cerrito&state=CA&address=6401+Stockton

At a Glance

SERVICE TIMES:
Erev Rosh Hashana
Monday, Sept. 29, 7:30pm

Rosh Hashana
Tuesday, Sept. 30, 10am

Kol Nidrei
Wednesday, Oct. 8, 6:30pm

Yom Kippur
Thursday, Oct. 9
Shachrit, 10am
Yizkor, 4:45pm
Ne'ilah, 6:00pm

CONTACT US
SCHOLARSHIPS
VOLUNTEER
YIZKOR

Ticket prices include both Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, all services. Because our prices are so low, we cannot accommmodate requests for partial refunds for services not attended. We ask that everyone who is able pay full price, and we highly encourage those who can to contribute to our scholarship fund.

No one turned away for lack of funds. Please see our scholarships page for information on applying for financial aid.

New JACTS school year 2008/09

2008-09-02T11:06:00.000-07:00

PARENTS MEETING, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 7:00 PM

Please come to the Parents Meeting on Tuesday, September 9th, at 7:00 PM at my home. We will discuss curriculum and anything else. Email me at moretorah@aol.com for the address.

SHABBAT HAVURAH

We will have a shabbat gathering once a month on a Friday night with the school havurah (group of friends). The first one will be hosted by Mike Talkowsky and his daughter Mia starting at 6:30 pm for pot luck dinner, some singing, a small service, and stories for Shabbat and holidays! Email me at moretorah@aol.com for the date and address.

CLASSES BEGIN: JACTS classes will begin the 3rd week of September:

Wednesday classes begin September 17th at 4:00 at my home on Oregon in Berkeley.
Sunday classes begin September 21st at 10:00-11:30 AM at Walden School.

Ages 4-7 years come every other week on Sunday.
Ages 8-10 or 11 years can choose to come to Sunday or Wednesday classes.
Ages 11 years and older can come to the Bar Mitzvah classes on Wednesday or Thursdays at 5 pm.

B'NEI MITZVAH CLASSES BEGIN THIS WEEK!

Bar and Bat Mitzvah classes will begin this week, Sept. 3rd and 4th.
BM classes are on Wednesday and Thursday at 5 pm.beginning this week at my home on Oregon.

REGISTRATION

Registration forms will be available at the first day of class.

SCHEDULE

Year schedule will be sent out via email.

SNACKS:
Would someone bring snacks for the first day on Sunday?
We don't have snack time on Wednesdays or Thursdays as I assume the kids are getting one
on the way over.

Please email me, if you have not, about which class you would like a place in. Membership at Chochmat is no longer required.

Blessings and see you soon!

Rabbi Sara Shendelman
Director, Jewish Arts, Culture and Torah School
moretorah@aol.com

Upcoming 2008/2009 High Holidays and School Year

2008-08-08T10:45:00.001-07:00

Shalom!

Jewish Arts and Culture School and the Bar/Bat Mitzvah program will be starting up again soon. Here is some preliminary info:

The Bar/Bat Mitzvah program will begin after Labor Day on Sept 3rd. Please let me know what day and time you want to come. Please let me know if you have friends who would like to know more about the program. We are asking all of this year's grads to do something together for RH and YK at our services. More about this in another email.

JACTS will start the 3rd week of Sept. Again, please be in touch with me. If we have the demand, we will again have a class for the older and younger kids on Sunday and a class of the older kids on Wed. with Avram and Sara. Let me know your desires on these classes also.

Avram and I are doing High Holidays this year in El Cerrito with a group we are calling "Team Shechinah." We have a wonderful group of people working with us. The services will be in El Cerrito at the EC Veteran's Center.

We need to know in the next few weeks if you and your family would like to join us as the capacity is limited. There will be childcare, but we will have very child friendly services.

We will need reservations for childcare so we will know how many to prepare for.

We welcome anyone who would like to work with the team to create the services.

Warm Regards,

Rabbi Sara Shendelman
moretorah@aol.com

From JACTS Director, Rabbi Sara Shendelman

2008-05-16T22:01:00.000-07:00

Dear JACTS Families,

We have had an amazing year in our
curriculum with our students. Really brilliant teaching
and art and music, Hebrew and more. I am told by
parents that students are loving it, and so am I.

The JACTS class that Av and I have been teaching week-
days has also been amazing. Contact me about classes,
Sundays or weekdays for next year.

I am so grateful to all of our teachers, and all of our
students and all of our parents! May we hold to
spiritual community and love more fully and feel
the embrace of each other!

Contemporary Jewish Museum Opening Celebration!

2008-05-14T19:14:00.001-07:00

Date/Time:
Sunday, June 8, 2008, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Buy Tickets
Admission:
Free
RSVP/Reservations:
Reserve your FREE ticket online
Location:
Contemporary Jewish Museum
736 Mission Street (between Third and Fourth streets) San Francisco, CA 94103

About the Program

Come celebrate the opening of the new Contemporary Jewish Museum at the first Target Family Day, a community-wide celebration where visitors will enjoy admission-free access to the new Daniel Libeskind-designed facility, lively music performances, family-friendly hands-on activities, storytelling, and more.

Ongoing activities will include:

Drop in Art Studio - Discover the Museum in our new Education Center by making your own art!
- Embellish a special edition Opening Day architectural souvenir poster.
- Create wearable art using art and architecture images from the new Museum.
- Join the rest of our community in creating a fantastic mural of faces.
Gather your family to enjoy musical performances by Jonathan Bayer and interactive theater — scheduled throughout the day!

General Information:
For general information about the Contemporary Jewish Museum
call 415.655.7800 or
email info@thecjm.org

Shavuot: Giving of the Torah!

2008-05-14T18:50:00.000-07:00

Shavout Begins on
June 8, 2008	6 Sivan 5768

Shavuot is a two day festival (one in Israel) it is to celebrate the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. Shavuot falls on the fiftieth day after the beginning of Passover.

The Customs of Shavuot

(Much of the material in this section is adapted with permission, from Sefer HaTodaah of Rabbi Eliyahu Kitov)

What are the Customs of Shavuot?

Shavuot has a number of customs which are deeply ingrained in the celebration of the holiday. Among these are the following:

Staying up all night to learn Torah on the first night of Shavuot

Spreading greens and flowers in the synagogue on Shavuot

Eating Dairy Meals on Shavuot

Staying Up (Without NoDoz)

There is a custom among the People of Israel to stay up all night to study the Torah on the first night of Shavuot. One of the reasons given for this custom is that it is to "make up" for the behavior of a large number of Jews who were present at Sinai, at the "main event," so to speak, yet they went to sleep that night. And Hashem had to wake them up with peals of thunder and Shofar blowing, to receive the Torah.

It is said in defense of those Jews that they slept "l'shem shamayim," with good intentions, for they felt that they would be better able to absorb and withstand the experience of Hashem's Revelation, which they knew was coming in the morning.

Those who stay up all night should wash their hands in the morning as usual, but without making the "brachah," or blessing, of "Netilat Yadayim," which is made each morning when one has had a regular night's sleep. Neither should they say the regular "Birchot HaShachar," the Blessings of the Morning, which contain blessings which correspond to the various aspects of "waking up:" opening the eyes, standing up, getting dressed, etc. On Shavuot morning, they should hear these "brachot" from someone who had slept during the night, but who came to "daven," to pray, typically at an early hour, with those who had stayed up to "learn."

Spreading Greens and Flowers

There exists a beautiful custom of decorating the synagogue on Shavuot with flowers and greens, because of the vegetation on Mt. Sinai. Some have the custom of adorning the Sefer Torah with roses. That, in particular, seems to have been an ancient custom, because Haman criticized the Jewish People to Achashverosh because of their observance of that custom.

The custom once existed to bring trees into the synagogue, but the Vilna Gaon basically banned that custom on the basis of it being "chukot ha'goyim," "adopting the customs of the gentiles," who have adopted the custom of celebrating their holiday by the use of trees.

Eating Dairy Meals

There is a tasty custom of eating dairy foods on the first day of Shavuot. Some simply eat a dairy meal. Many observe this custom by beginning with dairy foods, and following it by meat, to fulfill the commandment of "And you shall rejoice," and for most people, "there is no 'rejoicing' without meat."

In this case, one has to be very careful to rinse the mouth carefully, and to wait an hour between eating the dairy and eating the meat! In the other direction, of course; that is, meat first, then dairy, rinsing the mouth and waiting one hour is not sufficient (unless one is Dutch)! Then, one must wait several hours between meat and dairy. The number of hours is determined, again, by custom. The time interval varies from six hours to three hours (German Jewish custom) to one hour (Dutch Jews).

When having dairy followed by meat in relatively close succession, one must also say Birchat HaMazon (the blessing after a meal), spread a different table cover and reset the table for meat. A hint that this is the procedure to be followed is the Shavuot-related verse, "Bring the first fruits of your Land to the House of the L-rd - Do not cook a lamb in its mother's milk" (the three-fold repetition of the latter part of the verse being the source for the prohibition of the meat and dairy combination).

There are a number of reasons offered for this custom, but, whatever the reason, it is an established custom, and as long as it is not illegal, immoral or (very) fattening, we continue to abide by it. Some of the reasons given are as follows:

The day that Moshe Rabbeinu was pulled from the water by the daughter of Pharaoh, was the Sixth of Sivan, the day on which we celebrate Shavuot. And Baby Moshe refused to nurse from a non-Jewish woman, so that Miriam, Moshe's sister, was able to get Moshe's real mother, Yocheved, to be his nurse.

Until the giving of the Torah, meat was permitted to be eaten without ritual slaughter. Once the Torah was given, all methods of killing the animal for the purpose of eating other than "shechitah," ritual slaughter, were prohibited. Since shechitah could not be done on Shabbat, and everyone agrees that the Torah was given on Shabbat, the Jews had to eat dairy.

The "gematria," sum of the numerical equivalents of the Hebrew letters making up the word, of "chalav," milk, is forty (letter "chet" (8) plus letter "lamed" (30) plus letter "beit" (2) equals forty) which corresponds to the number of days that Moshe studied the Torah with Hashem on the top of Mt. Sinai.

Mount Sinai has eight names, one of which is "gavnunim," because its appearance resembles that of cheese, "gevina," in Hebrew.

Until the giving of the Torah, the Jewish People were afraid that the milk of animals was prohibited under the category of a "limb from a living animal." This is one of the Seven Laws of Noach, which Noach transmitted to his sons, obligatory upon all of humanity, and which is the source of the prohibition of causing excessive pain to living creatures. Once the Torah was given, and "Chalav," milk, was included among the seven types of produce with which the Land of Israel is blessed, the Jewish People realized that milk was indeed permitted

The Story of Shavuot

Rabbi Sara Shendelman Brings Joyous Judaism Home

2008-05-14T18:14:00.000-07:00

Bringing Joyous Judaism Home: Spiritual, practical and creative ways to connect with and live an extraordinary tradition
with Rabbi Sara Shendelman

Every Tuesday at 7pm,
May 20-June 24

Chochmat HaLev
2215 Prince St, Berkeley, CA 94705
510.704.9687 | US Toll-Free 888.383.HEAL (4325)
fax 510.704.1767
email: frontdesk@chochmat.org

Who are you as a spiritual being and how does Judaism impact this?
How do you help create your family's experience of Judaism?
There are a multitude of aspects to being Jewish—personal and interpersonal.

At the first session, subjects will be proposed and class members will choose what topics of Judaism are most relevant to them today and would most assist in their personal growth and bringing Judaism home. In co-creating a personalized class on Judaism, we will celebrate and transmit Jewish history, holidays, Hebrew, ritual, Jewish law, prayer, Torah, spiritual practice or meditation. We will also spend some time with Jewish songs, stories, Israeli dances, Jewish film, food, and making ritual objects (choosing from candles, mezzuas, challah covers, amulets and many more).

$98 tuition, $26 for materials
or $26 per class plus $26 for materials.
(No one turned away for lack of funds)

Happy Mother's Day! May 11, 2008

2008-05-10T16:14:00.000-07:00

Gratitude and Appreciation

to Mother

To Mother Dear

Beloved Mother, you are appreciated

For everything you do

You constantly nourish

And protect me

Mother, Oh Mother

With love I say

Thank you the most

Of all the mothers

You are the best

Again I say thank you

bveh trkh
amal
hrqyh amal
hdot Kl dyga ,hrqy ama
hwoi taw Myrbdh lkl
yl hnton dymt ta
ykrx lk
yli trmow tav
ama oa ,ama
trmoa yna hbhab
yhl hbr hdt
ylybwb rcb a
vhw
hrqy ama
hdot dyga Miph doi
!!

Hakarat Hatov
LiEmah

LiEmah Hayikarah
Emah Yikarah, Ahgeed loch Todah
Lichole Havdivarim SheAhtt Osah
Att Tameed Notehneht Lee
Kahl Zarchai
Viahtt Shomeret Ahlai

Emah, Oh Emah
BiAhhavah Ahnee Omeret
Todah Rabah Lai
Shehoo Bachar Bishveelee
Emah Yikarah!
Ode Hapah-um Ahgeed Todah!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Text: A woman of valor, who can find? Her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and nothing shall he lack. She renders him good and not evil all the days of her life. She opens her hand to the needy, and extends her hand to the poor. She is robed in strength and dignity, and cheerfully faces whatever may come. She opens her mouth with wisdom. Her tongue is guided by kindness. She tends to the affairs of her household, and eats not the bread of idleness. Her children come forward and bless her. Her husband too, and he praises her. Many women have done superbly, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a God-fearing woman is much to be praised. Place before her the fruit of her hands. Wherever people gather, her deeds speak her praise.

Traditionally, this verse (`Eshet Chayyil', A Woman Of Valor ) from Book of Proverbs (31:10-31) is recited on the Sabbath by the Jewish husband to his wife. Enumerating her virtues, he honors her roles as housewife and mother of the family. Although `Eshet Chayyil' proclaims the importance of women in Judaism, the custom of reciting this passage originated among medieval kabbalah scholars who composed this poem as an acrostic in which the first letters of each of its twenty-two lines form the Hebrew Alphabet; thereby the illusrating their perception of the Divine Presence (Shekhinah) as the mystical wife and mother of Israel.

http://www.shabat.co.il/howto/eishes_chayil.htm

Women have served a vital role throughout Jewish history.

Israel was redeemed from Egypt by virtue of its righteous women - Talmud Sotah 11b

Women have greater faith than men - Sifri 133

The power of insight is greater in Women - Talmud Niddah 45b

The wisdom of a woman builds a household - Proverbs 14:1

Read featured articles about Women in Judaism or subscribe to the Torah.org email class Women in Judaism.

Israel@60: Dream/Promise/Reality - An Interactive Exhibit

2008-05-07T23:17:00.000-07:00

In celebration of Israel's 60 years as a modern state, enjoy an interactive and educational exhibit depicting Israel through the generations as a promise, a dream and a hope. The installation is appropriate for all ages and includes elements of all learning styles, encouraging visitor involvement. This commissioned piece, created in conjunction with Gallagher & Associates, is an original work.

(I visited with my San Francisco school students - it is basically some well designed posters, not worth a trip just for this - but worth checking out if you're already at the JCC.)

Israel@60: Dream/Promise/Reality - An Interactive Exhibit

FREE Daily May 5 - Jun 10 All Day

Pottruck Family Atrium
Jewish Community Center of San Francisco
3200 California Street
San Francisco, CA 94118
Phone: 415.292.1200
Fax: 415.276.1560
Email: info@jccsf.org

The Jewish Community Center of San Francisco is the oldest Jewish center on the West Coast, providing educational, social, cultural and fitness programs to the community since 1877. Open to all, with the mission of building and preserving Jewish Identity.

2008-05-06T21:20:00.000-07:00

Shalom friends,

In 70 CE the second temple of Jerusalem was destroyed and the Jewish population was scattered in the Diaspora. 1878 years later, on the 5th of the Jewish lunar month Iyar, the State of Israel was declared by David Ben-Gurion.
Immediately after the declaration of the state of Israel, the War of Independence broke out with the young state fighting against the Arab nations’ attacks. This pendulum of joy and fear, peace and war, has become a significant part of Israel’s existence. Symbolically, we honor the fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism on the day preceding the celebration of Independence Day.
The state of Israel became a melting pot of Jews who came from all over the world. The young state has made a difference in the lives of many people in Israel and in the Diaspora. The people of the young state made a difference in every possible area: science, music, agriculture, nature perseverance and tourism, to name a few.
This year, Israel celebrates sixty - a young state with a rich history and many accomplishments.

Yom Atsma'ut Same'ax!
Happy Independence Day!

WEEKLY HEBREW WORD

Transcription: Atsma'ut.

Part of speech: Noun, Feminine.

Literal Meaning: Independence.

Transcription: Degel.

Part of speech: Noun, Masculine.

Meaning: Flag.

Transcription: Shishim.

Meaning: Sixty.

WEEKLY HEBREW DECLARATION

Transcription:	David Ben Gurion: "al yesod haxlatat atseret ha'umot ha'me'uxadot, anu maxrizim bazot al hakamat medina yehudit be'erets Israel, hi medinat Israel!"

Literal Translation:	David Ben Gurion: "On the basis of the decision of the United Nation Assembly, we hereby declare the establishment of a Jewish state in the Land of Israel, which is The State of Israel."

Context:	The partition plan to divide Palestine between Jews and Arabs was put to a vote in the United Nations on 29 November 1947. The result was 33 in favor of the plan, 13 against, and 10 abstentions. The division was to take effect on the date of British withdrawal from the territory (15 May 1948). Eight hours before the end of the British Mandate over Palestine, David Ben-Gurion read the Declaration of Independence and proclaimed the State of Israel. The joy and festivals of the establishment of Israel quickly turned into bitter defensive war against seven Arab armies that attacked the new state.

Watch a Video of David Ben Gurion announcing Israel's Independence. 1948

WEEKLY HEBREW SONG

The Israeli National Anthem

The Hope

Literal Meaning	Transcription	The Song
As long as in the heart, within, A soul of a Jew is yearning, And to the edges of the East, forward, An eye gazes towards Zion.	Kol od baleivav p'nimah Nefesh y'hudi homiyah Ulfa'atei mizrach kadimah Ayin l'tziyon tzofiyah.
Our hope is not yet lost, The hope of two thousand years, To be a free nation in our land, The land of Zion and Jerusalem.	Od lo avdah tikvateinu Hatikvah bat sh'not alpayim Lihyot am chofshi b'artzeinu, Eretz tziyon viyrushalayim.

Click to hear Hatikva - The National Anthem of Israel

WEEKLY HEBREW NAMES

Name:

Israel (Yisrael, Yisra'el)

Gender:

Male

Time of Appearance:

The Biblical Era

Meaning:

According to the Biblical explanation, the first part of the name "Israel" is derived of the verb

(lisrot, "wrestle"); the second half

of the name is

(El, "God").

This name was given to Jacob because he wrestled with God's angel.

History:

"Israel" is the name given to Jacob after he wrestled with God's angel; it is also the name of the Biblical kingdom of Israel, the land of Israel, the people of Israel and the modern state of Israel.

Citation:

"And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel, for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed." Genesis 32, 28 (Hebrew version: Genesis 32, 29)

Name:	Tikvah (Tikva)
Gender:	Female
Time of appearance:	The Biblical Era.
Meaning:	A girl's name (in the Bible: a boy's name), which means: hope.
History:	There are two people called Tikvah in the Bible. One of them is the father of the husband of Huldah the prophetess. Also, the Israeli national anthem is called: "hatikva" - the hope.
Citation:	"So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe, now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college,,,." 2 Kings 22, 14 http://stevemorse.org/hebrew/translate.html

The Butterfly Project: Houston Holocaust Museum

2008-05-04T09:10:00.001-07:00

In an effort to remember them, the Holocaust Museum Houston is collecting 1.5 million handmade butterflies.

The butterflies will eventually comprise a breath-taking exhibition for all to remember.

Please facilitate the
“I Never Saw Another Butterfly” activity and collect as many handmade arts-and-crafts butterflies as possible.

Butterflies should be no larger than 8 inches by 10 inches.
Butterflies may be of any medium the artist chooses, but one-dimensional submissions are preferred.
Glitter should not be used.

Send butterflies by June 30, 2008, with the following information included:

Your name,
Your organization or school,
Your address,
Your e-mail address, and
The total number of butterflies sent.

If possible, e-mail a photograph of your butterflies, to butterflyproject@hmh.org.

Mail or bring your butterflies to:

Holocaust Museum Houston
Education Department
5401 Caroline St.
Houston, TX 77004
USA

“Today,
I am the victim.
Tomorrow,
it may be you.”

John F. Kennedy

How to Help Israel

2008-05-03T09:30:00.001-07:00

How to Help!

Our Sages have taught us that the actions of every Jew have a direct impact on the entire Jewish people. What Jews do in America, Canada, Russia, or in any part of the world, can help our brothers and sisters in Israel find peace. With this in mind, the National Jewish Outreach Program is suggesting that Jews the world over commit themselves to doing one extra good deed or one extra act of kindness each day on behalf of the People of Israel.

What can you do? May we suggest:

Recite the Shema

"Shema Yisrael Ado-nai Elo-haynu Ado-nai Echad."
"Hear O' Israel the L-rd Our G-d the L-rd is One."

"You shall love the L-rd, your G-d, with all your heart, with all your soul and with all of your resources. And these things which I
command you this day shall be upon your heart. Teach them to your children, speak of them when you sit in your house, when you go on your way, when you lie down and when you rise up. Bind them as a sign upon your arm and they shall be for frontlets between your eyes. And write them on the doorposts of your house and upon your gates (Deuteronomy 6:5-9).

(Even if you can only recite the first line of the Shema, do so!)

Recited twice daily, morning and evening, the Shema is more than just a prayer. It is a statement of fundamental belief in G-d. Beyond simply stating that we believe in a greater Supreme Being, the Shema is a reminder that G-d, the one and only, is our G-d, who takes an active role in our lives.

Perform Acts of Kindness.

Visit the sick. Help an elderly person. Greet people with a smile (even people you don't know or don't like).

Acts of Kindness, called chesed in Hebrew, remind us that the Jewish people are one nation whose core foundation is morality. In Ethics of the Fathers, a tractate in the Mishna which teaches fundamental ethical concepts of Judaism, it is written that the world stands on three things, Torah (studying Jewish law), Avodah (prayer) and G'milut Chasadim (acts of kindness). While we may sincerely believe that the world around us is becoming more and more corrupt, we must anchor ourselves in the fundamentals of morality and kindness.

Support the Israeli Economy

The situation in Israel today is at a point where people are afraid to go about their everyday routine of life. Many jobs have been lost. People aren't shopping, and the massive decrease in tourism has hit the Israeli economy hard. We can do our part by trying to support the Israeli economy

1) Shop on line at: www.shopinisrael.com or www.export.org.il

2) Buy products exported from Israel. Click here for a list of products made in Israel

3) Invest in Israel by buying Israeli bonds. Today the State of Israel is
offering a 7% zero coupon 10 year bond; You pay $3,050 today and get $6,000 in 10 years (go to www.israelbonds.com/rates.html).

Phone Your Friends and Relatives in Israel
Tell them that you are thinking of them and praying for peace. Your support will be appreciated and will help sustain our brothers and sisters through this difficult time. Overseas phone calls are now quite inexpensive (e.g. with pre-paid phone cards from most news agents) so you can have a good long chat for a very modest price. People under stress need to vent their emotions. Try to speak regularly with all of your relatives and friends so that you can understand the situation more fully and, hopefully, serve as a source of encouragement for them.

Write Letters

The school children of Israel are having a difficult and stressful time. Parents of Israeli school children have requested that Jewish school children from abroad e-mail their children with expressions of concern and support.

Our children will gain an insight into the situation, will realize that they have a connection to Israel, and will learn that they too have a responsibility to help Israel. Send e-mails to: belikh@zahav.net.il.

Even more touching would be hand-written letters (in Hebrew if possible) and pictures from children mentioning their age, address and e-mail address, and name of their school. These can also be posted to:

Meged Tali,
Rambam St.,
Ra'anana, Israel,
or other schools where you may have contacts:

OR write a letter to boost the morale of an Israeli soldier. Mail to

Letter to Soldier,
POB 92,
Jerusalem 91000, Israel,
or e-mail lettertosoldier@jazo.org.il

E-mail Politicians

The government of the United States is receiving enormous amounts of e-mails criticizing its support of Israel.

You can e-mail President Bush at president@whitehouse.gov to thank him for his continued support of Israel and his battle against global terrorism.

Please also contact the Vice President's office, the office of the Secretary of State, and your local Senators and Congressional Representatives. Our voices can make a difference.

Find your legislators' e-mail addresses at www.vote-smart.org/index.phtml or www.congress.org.

In the subject line write: "Thank you for your support of Israel."

Spread the Word

1) Talk to your Jewish friends about the crisis. Encourage them to visit www.helpisraeltoday.com on the internet.

2) Talk to your non-Jewish friends and explain why Israel must defend itself. Ask them to pray for world peace and an end to terrorism. Israel needs good public relations people, and you can be one of them.

3) Talk to your children, and explain what Israel means to the Jewish people. Our children are the future of Judaism, and the future of Israel will be in their hands.

Rally!

Attend meetings and rallies that are organized to support Israel. e.g. Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day), peace rallies, and anti-terrorism rallies.

Getting the attention of the media and the politicians often means thinking big. In the United States, size is an indication of power. Voices of opposition are loud, so voices of support need to be even louder!

When attending a rally, remember - we are trying to remind people of the positive aspects of Israel. Stay away from negative posters. Use slogans like: "We Stand Behind Israel!" "United We Stand" etc.

Help the Soldiers of the Israeli Army.
Israeli soldiers are currently in desperate need of personal hygiene products that cannot be provided by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in sufficient quantity for the 30,000 reservists that have been called to duty. A $25 tax-deductible contribution will purchase a care package for an Israeli soldier that will include these essential items. CALL TODAY TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION using a credit card so that care packages will be purchased TODAY for our soldiers.
Call(410) 602-1020, Fax (410) 602-4033, or
e-mail yigal@jewishliteracy.org

Give to Charity
Israelis are suffering and they need your help. Giving to Israel can take numerous forms:

1) Many victims of terror continue to suffer . There is an organization that aids them in Israel. You can read about the individual victims and make donations at www.terrorvictims.com

2) Make a contribution to the Israel Emergency Campaign through your local federation. To find it, go to www.jewishfinder.com, or to www.onefamily.org.il.

Go to Israel
Synagogues and Jewish Centers across the continent are organizing missions to Israel to demonstrate their support and to give North American Jews an opportunity to meet with important Israeli leaders. Join a local federation or national UJC mission. Contact the UJC Missions Information Center, 212.284.6519 or missions@ujc.org.

Visit www.goisrael.com, or check with www.ou.org for other missions. If you can't go, contribute funds towards an air ticket to Israel for someone who wants to visit but cannot afford the trip. Ask your Rabbi or communal leader to co-ordinate such a project.

Israelis need to see that they have the support of Jews everywhere!

Learn the Facts
Educate yourself, educate others. The Internet is an excellent resource...visit the Israeli government's website (www.mfa.gov.il) and American Jewish websites (www.ujc.org, www.adl.org,www.jewishpublicaf-fairs.org)
Speak in your own community.

E-mail info@prescon.org
(Conference of Presidents).

Also visit Israel news sites such as Israel National News (www.israelnationalnews.com), The Jerusalem Post (www.jpost.com), or Ha'aretz in English (www.haaretzdaily.com).
You can also read the latest updates from the Israeli Defense Forces site at www.idf.il.

Challenge Media Coverage of Israel
Call radio talk shows, write letters to the editor, speak out in chat rooms.
We can make a difference in people's opinions by letting our voices be heard.

For information on contacting the media, go to www.honestreporting.com/a/contact.asp.

Don't Support Arab Oil

Nothing is more frustrating than the feeling that every time you fill-up your tank, you are sending money to people who are trying to kill you, your family, and your friends. Take a stand when you go to the pumps -- know which oil companies are the best from which to buy gas.

Here are some large companies that do not import Middle Eastern oil:
Citgo Sunoco Conoco Sinclair BP/Phillips

Express Solidarity with Israel

Wear a blue ribbon, participate in community events, wear an Israeli pin on your collar, or hang an Israeli flag in your home or office.

The National Jewish Outreach Program prides itself on working with Jewish organizations of all denominations. Achdut, unity, is crucial to our survival, and we need Jews from all walks of life and all religious affiliations to participate. Please e-mail us at mitzvah@njop.org and let us know that you will join our mitzvah/chesed campaign.

The National Jewish Outreach Program encourages its readers to research the current situation independently in order to understand the many issues that confound the process of seeking peace in this critical region of the world.

Shavuot: Giving of the Torah!

2008-05-03T08:36:00.001-07:00

Shavuot is a two day festival (one in Israel) it is to celebrate the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. Shavuot falls on the fiftieth day after the beginning of Passover.

Shavout Begins on
June 8, 2008	6 Sivan 5768

Yom Yerushalayim and Israel in San Francisco

2008-05-03T08:30:00.000-07:00

A “little” party for a BIG Birthday

Sunday, June 1, 2008, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco

http://www.israelcentersf.org/israelinthegardens/2008

Over 20,000 people are coming out to celebrate Israel’s Independence and our Jewish community!

This event has something for everybody! Listen to the hottest new music on stage through continuous live all-day performances; participate in a variety of activities for teens, young adults or families; taste freshly made ethnic foods; watch a movie at our film festival; get information on local organizations and resources; learn about short and long term Israel programs at the Israel Center and MASA booths; and shop for everything from jewelry to handmade clothing from dozens of local artisan craft booths.

Treat yourself, your friends and your family. Volunteer to help or just sit on the grass and enjoy the day. We hope to see you there!

Today is also Yom Yerushalayim

Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day) is on the 28th day of Iyar. It celebrates the reunification of Jerusalem during the Six Day War ending 19 years of separation following the War of Independence in 1948.

Many people from all over Israel travel to Jerusalem to show their solidarity with the city. Jerusalem has been the capital city of the Jewish people since the time of King David.

The Chief Rabbinate of Israel has decided that this day should also be marked with the recital of Hallel (psalms of praise), and a longer version of Psukei d'Zimra (the psalms in the earlier part of the morning service).

Yom Yerushalayim Begins on
June 1, 2008	28 Iyar, 5768

Lag B'Omer: 33rd Day of the Omer

2008-05-03T08:28:00.000-07:00

Lag B'Omer

As Pesach flows into Sefirat Ha'Omer, (the counting of theOmer), which leads into Shavuot, Jews commemorate the loss of thousands of the students of the great 2nd century sage, Rabbi Akiva. Because of their lack of respect for each other, the students were struck with a terrible plague. On the thirty-third day of the Omer, the plague ended, but nearly all of Rabbi Akiva's 24,000 students had perished. To commemorate the tragic loss of these Torah Scholars, 33 days of the Omer are marked as days of mourning, during which observant Jews refrain from marrying, shaving, cutting hair and listening to live music.

In Hebrew, every letter has a numeric value. The "lamed" equals 30, and the "gimmel" equals 3, thus the name: Lamed Gimmel (L"G) Ba'Omer, literally 33 (days) in the Omer.

Rabbi Akiva persevered after this great tragedy and continued to teach those students who had survived the plague, as well as new students. Of his surviving disciples, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai is also deeply connected with the thirty-third day of the Omer. Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai spent his life studying the Kabbalah, the hidden esoteric aspects of the Torah. According to tradition, on the 33rd day of the counting of the Omer, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai finished revealing his teachings, recorded in the famed book, the Zohar. He died that evening, and was buried in the cave on Mount Meron, near Safed, where he had lived.

There are several customs associated with Lag B'Omer:

Bonfires: Families and friends gather together for a bonfire or a picnic on Lag B'Omer, often on Mount Meron. There are several reasons given for this custom. One is that the teachings of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai were compiled in the Zohar (which means shining light) and the bonfires bring light to the world.

First Hair Cuts: Many have the custom not to cut a boy's hair until he is three years old, the age at which he first begins to learn Torah. Because this idea is tied into Kabbalistic thought concerning hair, many put off the ceremony, called an Upsherin, until Lag B'Omer.

Weddings: Because weddings are not held during the mourning period of the Omer, and because of the high spiritual energy of the day, many people choose to get married on Lag B'Omer.

Mount Meron: In Israel, tens of thousands of people travel to Mount Meron to celebrate the Yahrtzeit, the anniversary of the death, of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. Per his deathbed request, his death is celebrated, rather than mourned.

Lag B'Omer ("The 33rd Day of the Omer") happens on the 18th of Iyar. The origins of the holiday begin with the time of Rabbi Akiva. The Talmud (Yevamot 62:2) states that 24,000 of Rabbi Akiva's students died from a mysterious plague. The Talmud says that this was because they did not show proper respect to one another. We celebrate Lag B'Omer as the traditional day that this plague ended (Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, 120:1-10. Lag B'Omer is also the Yahrzeit, the anniversary of the death, of the Tanna Rabbi Shimon bar Yohai who authored the Zohar.

Lag B'Omer is a time of dancing and singing. Families go on picnics and outings. Children go out to the fields with their teachers with bows and rubber-tipped arrows. All of the rules of the Omer period are suspended on Lag B'Omer and it is a school holiday in Israel.

On the eve of Lag B'Omer huge bonfires are lit. This is to remind us that during that time there were rules set down by others which told the Jews that they could not mark the new month by lighting bonfires and could not worship HaShem. Shimon Bar Kochba led this revolt against tyranny and the bonfire lighting was reinstituted.

Lag B'Omer Begins on
May 22, 2008	18 Iyar, 5768

Yom Ha'atzmaut: Israel Independence Day

2008-05-03T08:27:00.001-07:00

Yom Ha'atzmaut

Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) celebrating the declaration of the state of Israel by David Ben-Gurion in Tel Aviv on May 14, 1948, and the end of the British Mandate in Israel. Although Yom HaAtzma'ut is normally observed on the 5th of Iyyar, it may be moved earlier or postponed if observance of the holiday would conflict with Shabbat.

An official ceremony is held every year on Mount Herzl on the eve of Yom Ha'atzmaut. The ceremony includes a speech by the speaker of the Knesset. The Chief Rabbinate of Israel, along with many other religious authorities, have declared that Yom Ha'atzmaut is one of the Jewish holidays in which Hallel should be said.

For Jews living outside of Israel, celebrating Yom Ha'atzmaut is a way to express solidarity with Israel. In Israel, it is a national holiday, so almost everyone has the day off. National celebrations occur and additional prayers are offered for the nation. There are parades, fireworks, and of course the heartfelt singing of Hatikvah, the Israeli National Anthem.

National Jewish Outreach Program brings you a brief summary of the dynamic history of the State of Israel:

CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE CREATION OF THE STATE

CLICK HERE FOR A HISTORY OF THE STATE SINCE 1948

Israel Independence Day

Independence Day, Israel national holiday, marks Israel’s Declaration of Independence with the end of the British Mandate. It is the only full holiday in the calendar decreed by law without a tradition of hundreds or thousands of years.

Independence Day is on the fifth day of the Jewish month of Iyar (from the end of April till mid-May), the day in which David Ben-Gurion, the state’s first prime minister, declared the country’s independence in 1948. It was declared a full holiday in a law enacted in the Knesset in 1949. Over the years various traditions evolved to celebrate the holiday, and it is now marked by family picnics in scenic spots all over the country.

Independence Day celebrations begin on the evening of the fifth of Iyar with the end of Yom Hazikaron, the Remembrance Day for the Fallen of Israel’s Wars, with special ceremonies marking the transition from mourning to celebration. The main ceremony is held in Har (Mount) Herzl in Jerusalem. During Independence Day, the World Bible Quiz is held in Jerusalem and the prestigious Israel Prizes are distributed to the year’s winners in a special ceremony.

Most businesses are closed on Independence Day, but cafes restaurants and other places of entertainment are open because it is not a religious holiday.

HOLIDAY CUSTOMS

Flags – Many Israelis fly flags from their houses, porches or cars, often with colorful decorations.

Entertainment Stages – Because of Independence Day’s profoundly secular nature, a tradition of evolved of free entertainment by performers, dancers and comics on stages set up in the center of cities and other communities on the eve of Independence Day. The shows are often accompanied by fireworks. The main streets of towns and cities are usually packed with people.

Barbeque - Independence Day has become Israel’s unofficial barbeque holiday with families picnicking huge amounts of meat in every green spot they can find in the country.

Visits the IDF camps – Many of the army’s camps are open to the public on Independence Day, offering Israelis a chances to see arms, navy ships, tanks and aircraft.

Israeli Movies - Local channels devote all of their programming to the holiday and often screen old Israeli movies which have become cult items.

Prayer – Even though this is a national and not a religious holidayt, religious Zionists tend to say a special prayer composed by the chief rabbinate. This prayer sometimes includes blowing a shofar (a ram’s horn).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Most sites in the countryside are usually packed on Independence Day, also because this is the only holiday in which both religious and secular Israeli Jews can travel. Since so many Israelis use this day to visits these sites, tourists might wish to stay inside the cities, the main streets of which are also full of people.

Yom HaZikaron Begins on
May 7, 2008	3 Iyar 5768

Yom HaZikaron: Israel Memorial Day

2008-05-03T08:24:00.000-07:00

Yom HaZikaron

Yom HaZikaron (Israel Memorial Day) wes originally established to remember those who fell in the many wars that Israel has had to endure

at the hands of the Arabs. Now it not only includes those in the IDF
(Israel's Defense Forces) but the people who have fallen victum to Arab terrorists.

Remembering those who have sacrificed to help create and maintain the state of Israel is a tradition. We remember the act of creation, the Exodus from Egypt, giving of the laws at Mount Sinai and other events in our
history as a people. The Jewish people are a people of a collective
history and memory.

In Israel it includes many national ceremonies for fallen soldiers in which senior public officials and military officers are present. The day opens the preceding evening with a one-minute siren during which most Israelis stand in silence, commemorating the fallen and showing respect. Many say prayers for the fallen soldiers. The official ceremony to mark the opening of the day takes place at the Western Wall, at which time the flag of Israel is lowered to half mast.

A two-minute siren is heard the following morning which marks the opening of the official memorial ceremonies and private remembrance gathering which are held at each cemetery where soldiers are buried. The day officially draws to a close in the official ceremony of Israel Independence Day on Mount Herzl, when the flag of Israel is returned to full mast.

Yom HaZikaron Begins on
May 6, 2008	2 Iyar 5768

Yom HaShoah: Holocaust Remembrance Day

2008-05-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

Yom HaShoah

Yom HaShoah ( "Holocaust Remembrance Day" ) was established by Israeli law by David Ben-Gurion the Prime Minister of Israel in 1959.

Commemorations range from synagogue services to communal vigils and educational programs. Many Yom HaShoah programs feature a talk by a Holocaust survivor, recitation of appropriate psalms, songs and readings, or viewing of a Holocaust-themed film. Some communities choose to emphasize the depth of loss that Jews experienced in the Holocaust by reading the names of Holocaust victims one after another dramatizing the six million who died. Many Jewish schools also hold Holocaust-related educational programs on Yom HaShoah.

On the eve of Yom HaShoah in Israel, there is a state ceremony at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes Authority. At 10:00am on Yom HaShoah, throughout Israel, air-raid sirens are sounded for two minutes. Public transport (including virtually all highway vehicles) comes to a standstill for this period, and people stop and stand silent. All flags on public buildings are flown at half mast.

Yom HaShoah Begins on
May 1, 2008	27 Nisan 5768

Promoting Jewish Weekly and Bay Jews

2008-05-02T15:23:00.000-07:00

BayJews.org has joined with j., the Jewish news weekly, to offer you a special, discounted subscription rate on all new subscriptions for 30% off. Plus, 30% of your subscription will go to BayJews.org to help all of us connect to our Jewish community. With your subscription, you will also receive a copy of "Resource: A Guide to Jewish Life in the Bay Area," a useful annual directory of all things Jewish in the Bay Area.

Simply click on the link below and subscribe directly online in 4 easy steps.
www.jweekly.com/BayJews
please enter the promotional code: BayJews

This offer will only be valid for a limited time. That`s 30% off the regular rate (of $42.50), with an additional 30% ($10) going to support BayJews.org.

If you are already a subscriber, j. thanks you – but please feel free to forward this offer to anyone who might enjoy j. weekly. More information about BayJews.org can be found at www.bayjews.org/spreadtheword.aspx

Counting the Omer And Making Each Day Count

2008-04-25T09:20:00.001-07:00

From USCJ:

2008 -- Each year, near the conclusion of the second Pesach seder, we begin to count the omer. We count for 49 days, reciting the appropriate blessing every evening. Remember: The Jewish day begins at sunset; therefore, for example, if the 10th day of the omer falls on April 30, we recite the blessing for that day on the preceding evening, April 29. (Click here for the blessing you recite as you count the omer.) The 50th day is Shavuot. As you count the omer, spend some time thinking about important Jewish issues. The following questions and reflections may help get you started.

Here are great sites for Counting the Omer fun:
Calendar with blessings
http://www.akhlah.com/holidays/omer/omer_count.php
Counting the HOMER (Simpson)!
http://homer.jvibe.com/Welcome.html
Coloring holidays online, the J site
click on the "Jewish Coloring Book" link, and then move through the topics

Day 1 (16 Nisan) - Why do you think we recite the blessing for the counting of the omer during the evening?

Day 2 (17 Nisan) - Long ago, Jews brought a certain measure of barley (an omer) to the Temple each day as an offering to God. What kind of offering might you make today?

Day 3 (18 Nisan) - Think about the preparations that culminated in the celebration of Pesach this year. Do the rules, rituals, and restrictions associated with this holiday enhance your celebration? How?

Day 4 (19 Nisan) - Pesach brought us freedom; Shavuot brought us the Law. What does the linking of these two holidays -- and concepts -- teach us?

Day 5 (20 Nisan) - One name for Shavuot is Atzeret, which means a concluding festival. What does this suggest about the relationship between Pesach and Shavuot?

Day 6 (21 Nisan) - Pesach is a celebration of the Exodus, in which God demonstrates God's power by, for example, dividing the Red Sea. Do you think witnessing miracles alone can create faith in God?

Day 7 (22 Nisan) - Today is the last day of Pesach in the diaspora and we recite Yizkor in the synagogue. Why do you think it is important to recite the memorial prayer even on our most joyous holidays?

Day 8 (23 Nisan) The period during which we count the omer is called s'firah, counting. During this time we limit occasions for public rejoicing, and generally we refrain from holding s'machot, particularly weddings. What are the reasons for this practice?

Day 9 (24 Nisan) - When God spoke directly to the Jewish people before the revelation at Sinai, they were extremely frightened and asked Moses to serve as a go-between. What do you think frightened them?

Day 10 (25 Nisan) - Moses remained on the top of Mount Sinai for 40 days and 40 nights receiving the Law from God. During that time, the Jewish people built the Golden Calf. Why do you think they did this?

Day 11 (26 Nisan) - Today we commemorate Yom HaShoah, although it really falls tomorrow, on 27 Nisan. Consider adopting a family or personal ritual, such as lighting a yellow Holocaust candle available from the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs, to help bring the remembrance into focus.

Day 12 (27 Nisan) - Shavuot is called by many names, each indicating a different aspect of the holiday. (For example, Z'man Matan Torateinu refers to the giving of the Torah.) What other names for Shavuot have you learned, and what does each teach you about the holiday?

Day 13 (28 Nisan) - Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. According to legend, this mountain was selectd because of its small size and modesty. What can we learn from this?

Day 14 (29 Nisan) - As we begin to anticipate receiving the Ten Commandments, consider the prospect of forming a society without such rules. Could it work? Would we want to be part of such a society?

Day 15 (30 Nisan) - Today is Rosh Chodesh Iyar. We recite a special prayer in honor of the new month. Add a private prayer for good health, sustenance, and peace.

Day 16 (1 Iyar) - Today is the second day of Rosh Chodesh. Why do we recite Hallel (psalms of praise) on Rosh Chodesh?

Day 17 (2 Iyar) - When Moses came down from the mountain and saw how the people were behaving, he lost his temper and broke the two tablets of the Law. What justification was there for his action?
Day 18 (3 Iyar) - Today is Yom HaZikaron, Remembrance Day (commemorated on 4 Iyar except when it would coincides with Shabbat). How have the sacrifices made by soldiers who have given their lives for the defense of Israel contributed to our lives?

Day 19 (4 Iyar) - Despite what had happened, Moses went back up the mountain for a second set of Laws. Would you have done the same?

Day 20 (5 Iyar) - Today is Yom Ha'Atzmaut, Israel Independence Day. What do you do to maintain your personal relationship with the Jewish State? What more might you do?

Day 21 (6 Iyar) - Consider the following: If it had been up to you to select Commandments, would you have chosen the same ones? What would you add? Which would you delete?

Day 22 (7 Iyar) - The commandment (mitzvah) to honor your father and mother is placed with those concerning our relationship to God and immediately before those concerning our relations with other people. What do you think is the reason for placing it in this bridge position?

Day 23 (8 Iyar) - The Ten Commandments is the only section of the Torah with two sets of trope. One is used for study and one for public reading. Why? What can we learn from trope?

Day 24 (9 Iyar) - When Moses descended from the mountain after receiving the Law, his face was lit up. What kinds of contemporary actions or events have this same effect?

Day 25 (10 Iyar) - On Shavuot, farmers brought their first fruits to the Temple in Jerusalem, representing the five species the Hebrews found when they entered the Land. Find out what fruits these included.

Day 26 (11 Iyar) - Processions bringing gifts to the Temple were joyous affairs, similar to parades. What Jewish practices today include processions?

Day 27 (12 Iyar) - Sharing in an experience, such as a procession, can be a powerful tool in developing group identity and a sense of community. What other mechanisms can you think of that build identity and community consciousness?

Day 28 (13 Iyar) - First fruits could be brought to the Temple only by the farmers themselves, not by tenants or employees. What can we learn from this for ourselves, our families, and our congregations?

Day 29 (14 Iyar) - Today, children on some kibbutzim in Israel collect fruit from surrounding farms, and on Shavuot they bring it to a central location, where they celebrate with singing and dancing. Compare this to your own Shavuot celebration.

Day 30 (15 Iyar) - Find out why has it become customary to eat dairy foods on Shavuot, and then plan your own Shavuot menu.

Day 31 (16 Iyar) - On Shavuot we read Megillat Ruth. Why is that text particularly appropriate for this holiday?

Day 32 (17 Iyar) - We learn in the Book of Ruth that Ruth, born a Moabite, was an ancestor of King David. What does this teach us about the value of those people who choose to convert to Judaism?

Day 33 (18 Iyar) - Today is Lag B’Omer, a popular holiday with Jewish schoolchildren worldwide and a day during s’firah on which we are permitted to rejoice. Find out why.

Day 34 (19 Iyar) - As Shavuot approaches, sfirah draws to an end. Note how many weddings are scheduled as soon as possible after this date!

Day 35 (20 Iyar) - According to an old custom, young children were given slates of Hebrew letters covered with honey to demonstrate the sweetness of Torah study. What practices might we institute today to achieve a similar result?

Day 36 (21 Iyar) - Plan to participate in an all-night Shavuot study session (Tikkun Leyl Shavuot). What might you want to study with friends or with a teacher?

Day 37 (22 Iyar) - Shavuot is also an agricultural festival. In what ways might those who live in urban and suburban areas relate to this aspect of the holiday?

Day 38 (23 Iyar) - Though Shavuot is one of the three major pilgrimage festivals, there are only a few rituals specifically associated with this holiday. Can you name them?

Day 39 (24 Iyar) - The Torah describes the sacrifices and rituals that made each holiday special. How can we enhance the beauty of our observance of the festivals?

Day 40 (25 Iyar) - God gave us the Torah in the desert of Sinai. What can we learn from this? Why wasn’t the Torah given in the Land of Israel?

Day 41 (26 Iyar) - According to one midrash, God offered the Torah to many nations. Only the Israelites accepted it unconditionally. What does this say about our relationship to the Torah?

Day 42 (27 Iyar) - According to another midrash, God held Mount Sinai over the heads of the Jewish people until they agreed to accept the Torah. What lesson does this teach?

Day 43 (28 Iyar) - Today is Yom Yerushalayim. We celebrate the reunification of this holy city, which happened in 1967. What crucial events in Jewish history occurred in Jerusalem? Look for references to Jerusalem when you pray.

Day 44 (29 Iyar) - Shavuot is one of three pilgrimage festivals, when the Israelites gathered in Jerusalem. If we can’t go to Israel today for the festivals, how can we re-create the gathering of all Jews during these holidays?

Day 45 (1 Sivan) - Today is Rosh Chodesh Sivan. Make a wish list for the world for the new month.

Day 46 (2 Sivan) - To be kosher, a Torah must be painstakingly written on specially prepared parchment using only special ink and feathered quills. How does this affect our relationship to the Torah, and our treatment of it?

Day 47 (3 Sivan) - The Torah scroll is carefully paraded and kissed, then lovingly lifted, held, and dressed. What do we learn from the physical treatment accorded a Torah scroll?

Day 48 (4 Sivan) - It is written that when the Torah was given, the Israelites said “Na’aseh v’nishma" -- We will do, then we will understand. What can we learn from this declaration?

Day 49 (5 Sivan) - The Torah teaches that the entire nation stood at Sinai to witness the giving of the Law. The rabbis teach that even future generations were present at Sinai. What does this say about Jewish continuity?

Shavuot - Chag Sameach!

Passover events and Turn off your TV Week!

2008-04-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

1. Passover in 2008 starts on Sunday, the 20th of April and will continue for 7 days until Saturday, the 26th of April. Because in the Jewish calender, a holiday begins on the sunset of the previous day, the first Passover seder begins on the sunset of Saturday (after Shabat ends), the 19th of April. http://www.when-is.com/passover-2008.asp

2. This year National TV-Turnoff Week is April 21st-27th, so you can give up eating bread and watching television for the week, spending more time as a family remembering how fortunate we are to have freedom to make choices. Seven (secular) nights of family fun Booklet

3. Finding local Passover and Jewish events: here are web links to local Jewish family events - you have to search for your location and read through listings.

FROM BAYJEWS.ORG http://www.bayjews.org/EVENTS.aspx

hur 4/17	A Festive Learning Seder For Families	Jewish Community Federation of the Greater East Bay	HOLIDAY PARTY	EAST BAY	FAMILIES
Sat 4/19	Community Passover Seder	Chabad of the East Bay	RELIGIOUS/SPIRITUAL	EAST BAY	ALL AGES
Sun 4/20	Community Seder	Temple Beth Torah	DINNER	EAST BAY	ALL AGES
Sun 4/20	Community Second Seder	Tri-Valley Cultural Jews	HOLIDAY PARTY	EAST BAY	ALL AGES
Sun 4/20	Pesach
Sun 4/20	More than Four Questions: A Seder for those seeking connection to Jewi	Jewish Gateways	HOLIDAY PARTY	EAST BAY	ALL AGES
Fri 4/25	Shabbat Dinner	Jewish Gateways	DINNER	EAST BAY	ALL AGES
Sat 4/26	Community-Wide Passover Seder	Congregation Shir Ami	HOLIDAY PARTY	EAST BAY	ALL AGES

FROM PLANITJEWISH.ORG http://bayarea.planitjewish.com/jp/events?location=home&type=keyword&query=new&keyword=Passover&action.x=0&action.y=0

Wednesday	Passover Farmers' Market
04/16/2008	Sponsored by: JCCSF	San Francisco
8:30 am	Celebrate Passover with organic produce from the Farmers' Market - now a holiday tradition...

Thursday	A Festive Learning Seder for Families
04/17/2008	Sponsored by: Jewish Community Federation, East Bay	Greater East Bay
6:30 pm	A Festive Learning Seder for Families ...

Saturday	Passover Seder
04/19/2008	Sponsored by: Congregation Ner Shalom	Sonoma/Napa
6:00 pm	COMMUNITY PASSOVER SEDER - Congregation Ner Shalom hosts its annual Community Catered ...

Sunday	Community Second Seder
04/20/2008	Sponsored by: Tri-Valley Cultural Jews	Greater East Bay
5:00 pm	The Tri-Valley Cultural Jews' Passover seder celebrates the heroism and courage of the hum...

Sunday	Community Seder
04/20/2008	Sponsored by: Temple Beth Torah	Greater East Bay
5:30 pm	Community Passover Seder Family friendly, celebratory, and participatory. All are welcome...

Sunday	More than Four Questions: A Seder
04/20/2008	Sponsored by: Jewish Gateways	Greater East Bay
5:45 pm	Join us to explore your questions about Jewish identity, and how to connect with Jewish li...

Sunday	Passover Seder
04/20/2008	Sponsored by: Kol Hadash	Greater East Bay
6:00 pm	You, your family and friends are invited to join Kol Hadash for a unique humanist passover...

Sunday	Community Pesach Seder
04/20/2008	Sponsored by: Congregation Beth Ami	Sonoma/Napa
6:00 pm	Please join Congregation Beth Ami at our Community Passover Seder.

Sunday	Second Night Passover Seder
04/20/2008	Sponsored by: Peninsula Temple Sholom	Peninsula
6:30 pm	Second Night Passover Seder for the Whole Family. Join us for this child and family frien...

Sunday	Passover Second Seder
04/20/2008	Sponsored by: Congregation Ner Tamid	San Francisco
6:30 pm	Join Rabbi Moshe Levin and Cantor Rudy Hassid as they conduct the Passover Seder Four Seas...

Sunday	Community Passover Seder 2008
04/20/2008	Sponsored by: Congregation Kol Shofar	Marin
7:30 pm	Join with the Kol Shofar community for a joyous and inspiring participatory Second Night P...

Tuesday	Meditation & Liberation A Passover Journey
04/22/2008	Sponsored by: Peninsula Temple Beth El	Peninsula
7:00 pm	Meditation, chant and guided visualization for Passover

Tuesday	Friends, Allies, LGBT Jews: Join us for an in
04/22/2008	Sponsored by: Jewish Community Federation	San Francisco
8:00 pm	Please join us deep into the Financial District at this stylish Northern Italian restauran...

Tuesday	Italian Passover Meal w/ Chef Joyce Goldstein
04/22/2008	Sponsored by: Jewish Community Federation	San Francisco
8:00 pm	Please join us deep into the Financial District at this stylish Northern Italian restauran...

Saturday	Community Passover Seder
04/26/2008	Sponsored by: Congregation Shir Ami	Greater East Bay
5:30 pm	The Community, including unaffiliated and interfaith families, is invited to join the Cong...

From Craigslist http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/eee?query=Passover

4/17: Apr 9 - A Festive Learning Seder - (dublin / pleasanton / livermore) <<events

4/19: Mar 26 - Celebrate and commemorate Passover~ Feminist Style! - (TBD (in San Francisco proper)) <<events

4/19-4/20: Apr 2 - Community wide Passover Seder - (Mtn View/LosAltos) <<events

4/19-4/27: Apr 7 - Passover Services at the Richmond Torah Center- Chabad - (inner richmond) <<events

4/19: Apr 7 - Community seder with Chabad - (inner richmond) <<events

4/20: Mar 11 - More than Four Questions: - (albany / el cerrito) <<events

4/20: Mar 28 - The Taste of Freedom: Second Night Passover Seder with Estelle Frankel - (berkeley) img <<events

4/20: Apr 2 - Passover Seder - <<events

4/20: Apr 3 - Community Passover Seder - (fremont / union city / newark) <<events

4/20: Apr 11 - Got Moses? Swingin' Seder at the Pritikin Mansion - (financial district) <<events

4/22: Mar 28 - Chant Into Liberation: Chant, Meditate, and Journal for Passover - (berkeley) <<events

4/26: Apr 9 - Moshiach Seder - (sunset / parkside) <<events

5/1: Mar 28 - Journeying to Revelation: The Counting of the Days - (berkeley) <<classes