april 2006 ~ nisan - iyar 5766

Chevre and Friends...

Announcements:

The 2/3 grade class at Dor Hadash prayer for peace:

Blessed be you, our G-d and G-d of our fathers and our mothers,
Please let there be no war.
Please stop cutting down the forests.
Let everyone be warmhearted.
Don't let any more animals become extinct.
Let all children of the world have warm beds and enough food to eat.
May we all learn to be generous with each other.
~Amen

Our recycling of inkjets, toners and cell phones has come to an end. Thank you to all who donated.

The synagogue has received a large donation of books. Unfortunately, there are many that we just cannot use. These unneeded books will be available for members to add to their own library, and can be picked up every Sunday in April during religious school from 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

ADMINISTRATOR’S WISH LIST: Volunteers to clean the kitchen, including the refrigerator, kitchen sink and stove top.

Gifts of Light

MEMORIAL DONATIONS...
LIZ HAGEN, a donation in memory of Richard Simkover
ELLEN & HERB BROSBE, a donation in memory of Gene Frank
BARBARA & MICHAEL LESCH-MCCAFFRY, a donation in memory of Myrna Martin
MICHELLE MARKS, a donation in memory of Alma Marks
PAM PEPPER, a donation in memory of Gertrude Zaidlin, Molli Nagel's mother

OFFERINGS...
RUTH JEAN & SANDERS SOLOT, a donation to the Building Fund in honor of Ellen Solot
DR. YVES MIAUX, a donation to the General Fund
MARTINA HILL, a donation to the general fund in honor of Robin Birdfeather
PHYLLIS MESHULAM, a book donation to the library

THANK YOU TO...
DAN WILLIAMSON, for his donation of a set of screwdrivers
TAMAR BERG and WAYNE & NANCY RAPP, for sponsoring the March 3rd Oneg
QAYIMA & WILL ROGERS and MICHELLE & STEVEN MARKS, for sponsoring the March 17th Oneg

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS...
JACK FENDER

News from Dor Hadash

Dear Chevre,
On April 2, Rabbi Elisheva will teach her last Confirmation Class for the 2005 school year. We will miss her, but Gesher Calmenson will be teaching the last three sessions of the class. Each teacher brings special gifts in their teaching, so be sure that your confirmation age child doesn’t miss this opportunity. The Confirmation graduation with Rabbi Elisheva will take place on Friday evening, April 7, at 7:30 pm. The class will be participating in the service.

Have you been to the synagogue lately? Please come in, bring your friends, and take some time to take a close look at the Co- existence Poster Exhibit currently hanging in the sanctuary. When you enter the Oneg room, you will notice thoughtful pieces of art created by students at other schools, in response to the co-existence exhibit. On April 9, our school will participate in the interactive portion of the exhibit as our families and students will have an opportunity to create their own poster. One poster will be chosen to travel on with the exhibit and be displayed in subsequent exhibits.

Mazel Tov to Rebecca on her Bat Mitzvah April 15. We know that it will be a beautiful and meaningful day.

Be sure to enjoy April 16! No Hebrew School because of the Pesach Vacation. However, there is Dor Hadash on April 23 at 10:00 am.

On April 30, we are scheduled for a Dor Hadash day. This is also the day that many Jewish and other faith-based groups are trying to bring attention to the plight of people in Darfur. There is a major demonstration in Washington D.C. and, on the west coast, people will be congregating on the Golden Gate Bridge, and later participate in educational events in San Francisco. Some members of our congregation would like us to go as a school and participate. This is another way to teach our children about Tikkun Olam. I am happy to rent a bus or organize a carpool so that we can participate, but I would want it to be agreed upon by the majority of the school. Let me know your thoughts.

I look forward to hearing from you,
Leslie Gattmann

"The most direct means for attaching ourselves to G-d from this material world is through music and song. Even if you can't sing well, sing. Sing to yourself. Sing in the privacy of your own home. But sing."
Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav

eScrip and more...

Do you need new tires or more for your vehicle? If you do, than check out the participating merchants in the eScrip (two are Big O Tires and Pep Boys) www.eScrip.com and Communitysmart (such as McLea's Tire) www.communitysmart.com programs. All it takes is having work done at one of these merchants and then when you go to pay for it present your Communitysmart card or use your credit/debit card linked with eScrip. Its so easy to make your vehicle safe and provide a donation to your community.

eScrip shoppers please make sure you keep your credit/debit cards up to date. Just go on-line to www.eScrip.com and check out "my escrip" to see what your expiration dates and card numbers are on their records.

Oliver's and about 9 other markets belong to the Communitysmart Card program. Oliver's shoppers please note this major change!! To join this program you can: instantly join by asking for a card at Oliver's checkout counter; call COMMUNITYsmart at 568-4995 or go on-line to www.communitysmart.com. When you check out at one of the participating merchants, you slide your Communitysmart card just like a debit card to get credit for your transaction. This program requires that a certain minimum be spent but then we receive a greater rebate (for Oliver's you need to spend $25 for a rebate of 5%).

Albertson's shoppers can participate by connecting your blue and white Preferred Savers card to Ner Shalom by going to www.Albertsons. com or using a tan and white Community Partners card Michelle can provide you.

Raley's users just need to obtain a Raley's partner's card from Michelle and activate it through their website (Raleys.com). Using the card without activating it for Ner Shalom will leave those rebates in suspense.

Not sure where you stand with all these programs? Give Michelle Marks a call at 778-6346 or e-mail her at Steven.Marks@prodigy.net and let her help you make a difference today.

Board News ~ President's Letter

Dear Members and Friends of Ner Shalom,
Dear Members and Friends of the Sonoma County Synagogue Center, also known as Congregation Ner Shalom,

Along with our Rabbi Elisheva Salamo, it was my honor to preside over our semi-annual meeting of members in February. We discussed our community in small groups. Here are a few of the ideas that were expressed at our get- together:

* Summer-time camping trip for families
* Shabbat in our homes with neighbors invited
* Carpool to synagogue
* Work parties for repair and maintenance of our building and gardens
* Work parties for community outreach
* Work parties for other creative projects

Please consider these ideas and others that may come to you. Whatever idea sparks your interest please consider fanning that flame. Call or email me and or other members with your enthusiasm. This truly is YOUR community. We have a building for our exclusive use and we have members who probably have similar interests as yours. Strike the match by contacting someone who will contact someone else. The flame will soon burn with a beautiful light.

One big project we have burning is a Fun Fund-Raiser event planned for Saturday, May 13th at the LBC Merlo Theatre. Ner Shalom, together with the Jewish Community Free Clinic is co-sponsoring An Evening With Michael Krasny. This gala will include gourmet dining catered by SavoryTruffle, a silent auction, music by Klezmer Jubilee, and a presentation by Michael Krasny on contemporary Jewish Humor.

What a deal. A great party! And much needed money will be raised for Dor Hadash, Ner Shalom, and the Free Clinic. This in a win win win win for all. A must do! Please buy tickets. Invite your friends. Encourage your neighbors to attend. Please also consider helping when we call asking for your time.

Towards our financial and spiritual health ~
Let us say Amen
Ariana and the Board of Ner Shalom

OFFICERS OF THE BOARD

President - Ariana Elster 824-5609
e-mail: aelster@comcast.net

Vice President - Your name here

Secretary - Anna Ghandour 584-4829
e-mail: huskyanna@yahoo.com

Treasurer - Claire MacElroy 878-2572
e-mail: macelroy_home@sbcglobal.net

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Education - Liz Hagen 829-3031
e-mail: lizhagen@earthlink.net

Finance - Claire MacElroy 878-2572
e-mail: macelroy_home@sbcglobal.net

Religious Practices - Ari Kimiti Wang'oo 239- 9615
e-mail: kimitiwangoo@yahoo.com

Building Maintenance - Mark Cohen 792- 4368
e-mail: mcsax420@netscape.net

No-Cost Fundraising - Michelle Marks 778- 6346
e-mail: steven.marks@prodigy.net

Personnel - Anna Ghandour 584-4829
e-mail: huskyanna@yahoo.com

Membership - Sally Churgel 823-0541
e-mail: churgel@pacbell.net

Newsletter - Pam Pepper 588-8824
e-mail: twinsushilover27@yahoo.com

Publicity - your name here

Website - Anne Woods
e-mail: rainywoods@yahoo.com

Rabbi: Elisheva Sachs Salamo 664-8603

Dor Hadash Education Director: Leslie Gattmann
e-mail: lgatttmann@msn.com

Cantor: Bella Bogart

Office Manager: Carol Vanek 664-8622
e-mail: shalom@sonic.net
Office Hours: Tues.-Fri. 9:00 AM- 2:00 PM

Community Yom HashoaH Commemoration

In 1946, in Nuremberg, Germany, a panel of judges from the Allied powers found many of the leaders of the Nazi war machine to be guilty of crimes against humanity, a ground- breaking charge elucidated for the first time at the trials. At Yom Hashoah 2006, featured speaker Lawrence Raful, Dean and Professor of Law at Touro Law School, Huntington, NY, will discuss the new theories underlying the charges against the defendants, and then turn to the meaning and legacy of the trials on the ensuing 60 years in international law and human rights. Prof. Lawrence Raful was a key planner and organizer of a Conference on the War Trials in Nuremberg, Germany last summer and will bring the experience of that conference to bear on his discussion and presentation.

Six survivors of the Shoah will again be on hand to perform the moving ceremony of lighting the memorial candles. Fredi Bloom, cantorial soloist, will offer the traditional Eli Eli and El Molei Rachamim. Rabbi Ted Feldman of Congregation B'nai Israel in Petaluma will offer the Invocation and Benediction. Bob Raful of Congregation Beth Ami will direct the program.

In addition to the traditional parts of the program, the YH Committee is delighted to introduce Jaime Feldman, a talented young cellist, as musical soloist for the 2006 Community Yom HaShoah Commemoration. Jaime, who is a Freshman at the Sonoma Academy, is the Principal Cellist with the Santa Rosa Symphony Youth Orchestra. She is a past member of the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra. Currently, Jaime is studying with Jean-Marie Sonteneau, Chairman of the Cello Department, San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She will perform three short pieces from the Bach Suites for Solo Cello during the Commemoration.

A new memorial book and yellow candles to light on Erev Yom Hashoah will again be available to take home after the conclusion of the Commemoration. Those who wish to contribute names of friends or relatives lost in the Shoah may obtain Registration Forms at the JCA or at the synagogue office. Others who have submitted forms in prior years will receive a renewal notice in the mail in March. All names will be published in the memorial book. Please return Victim Registration Forms to the JCA office by March 31, 2005.

The Commemoration will take place on Sunday, April 23, 2 PM, at the Friedman Events Center in Santa Rosa. Shelley Bauer of Cotati has kindly offered to find a ride for those who need transportation to the Friedman Events Center. She can be reached at 792-2508.

Community Announcements

SAY HI TO CHAI BABY!
This exciting new program of the Jewish Community Federation is designed to give a true community welcome to newborn or adopted babies in our community. The birth or adoption of a baby is a pivotal time in a family’s life and a great opportunity to become involved with the Jewish community.

The Bureau of Jewish Education is pleased to announce the fifth annual
Shabbat Weekend for Children with Disabilities and Their Families at Camp Newman in Santa Rosa May 26-28, 2006.
This fun family camp weekend features arts and crafts, swimming, yoga, hiking, singing, Shabbat and Havdallah services, talent show, discussion groups for parents, activities for campers and their siblings and much more. A large and caring staff ensures that individual needs are met. Space is limited, so sign up soon! For more information about this program or the new Yad B'Yad special needs family camp weekend at Camp Tawonga in September 2006, please contact Flora Kupferman at 415-751-6983 ext. 122 or fkupferman@bjesf.org.

Camp Chai Celebrates 25 Years of Building Community
For more information and to enroll your child, please call 707-526-5581 or check out our website at:nershalom.org.

Jewish Reconstructionist Federation West Coast Region website: www.jrf.org/westcoast

Ongoing Toy and Book Drive for Jewish Community Free Clinic
Donations of gently used toys and/or books can be brought to Free Clinic on ongoing basis at 421 E. Cotati Avenue, Suite C, or call 792-1932.

Interested in an Interest-Free Loan?
The Hebrew Free Loan Association provides interest-free loans to Jewish residents in Northern California needing assistance with personal or financial matters. Types of loans include: Student, Emergency, Adoption, Personal, Business, First-time Home Buyer, Life Cycle, Debt Consolidation, Institutional (for Jewish communal agencies and synagogues) and Special Needs (for emotionally and physically challenged people).

Since 1897, the Hebrew Free Loan of San Francisco has provided vital assistance to more than 50,000 families. Each year, we help more than 350 people to reach their goals and pave their way towards financial security and future success.

We offer a helping hand, rather than a handout. Whether we're providing people a way out of their financial distress, or helping them to realize a lifelong dream, our recipients maintain dignity and self- sufficiency as they repay their interest-free loans.

If you, or someone you know, needs financial assistance and would like to apply for an interest- free loan, please contact us by phone (415-546- 9902) or e-mail info@hflasf.org.
Check out our website: www.hflasf.org.

ASK JCI & R
Q: I am interested in finding out about Holocaust education and speakers as well as support programs for survivors. Are there organizations that offer educational programs?

A: Yes, there are many Jewish organizations and websites that are active in keeping alive the memory of the Holocaust. Services include a Holocaust library, public programs, research, lectures, films and teacher training. They also offer support to survivors and their families. We can tell you about museums and student internships. We can also send you the Guide to Compensation and Restitution for Holocaust Survivors. For more information about Holocaust education and connecting to Jewish life, contact Jewish Community Information and Referral (415) 777-4545 or local toll-free (877) 777-5247 or e-mail Info@JewishNfo.org
For information about Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Tuesday, April 25, 2006, please view www.jholidays.org and www.PlanitJewish.com and www.bayjews.org

Jewish Community Information and Referral is a service of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin, and Sonoma counties. Visit our website www.JewishNfo.org

Shema Kabbalah

Shema Kabbalah
Four sessions of Zohar on Creation and the listening meditations of Sefer Yetzirah

Monday, April 3
7 – 9 PM
Congregation Ner Shalom

B’reshit/Beginning & the creation of Elohim
Embodied Four Worlds
Sacred Sounds, Shapes & Colors
Languaging your Inner Torah

Readings provided.
For beginning swimmers & pearl divers.
Committed study (no drop-ins.)
Proceeds go to Congregation Ner Shalom.

Phone/email reservations preferred
707-664-8622/shalom@sonic.net

For additional info, contact:
Yitzak "Izzy" Green
P.O. Box 72
Graton, CA 95444
(707) 824-4344
yitzak@medagre e.com

Etz Chaim ~Tree of Life

Etz Chaim - Tree of Life
Our Tree of Life in the Oneg room began as a way to thank those in our community who worked so hard to establish our permanent home in Cotati.
It will now be used to help Ner Shalom continue to flourish through the celebration of life events. A simcha leaf to honor a special life event and a pomegranate to commemorate the seeds of our community's hard work, our B'nai Mitzvahs, can be obtained through a donation of 10 Chai or $180 To mark your special occasion with a simcha leaf or pomegranate please contact the office.

Jewish Family and Children's Services

See our website www.nershalom.org/news/JFCS for programs and classes listed for April at JFCS in Sonoma County.

All low-cost/ no-cost JFCS and Parents Place programs listed on our website are non-sectarian and open to all members of the public.

Donations Make a Difference!

Donations to Ner Shalom Make A Difference!

*Building Repair Fund
*Dor Hadash School
*Etz Chaim (Tree of Life)
*General Fund
*Music Fund
*Rabbi's Discretionary Fund
*Teen Fund
*Tikkun Olam Fund
*Written Word/Torah Fund

Honor some one; remember an event or a special person. Donations (minimum of $6 {1/3 Chai} per listing) will be listed in the Gifts of Light section of the next newsletter. Send the donation to the office with the appropriate designation or call the office at 664-8622 for more information. Your generous support of Ner Shalom is greatly appreciated.

Memorialize the memory of a loved one with a Yahrzeit Plaque on our Wall of Remembrance. The cost of a plaque and inscription is $200 Please contact the office at 664-8622 for more information.

Newsletter Guidelines

*1. Deadline will be at 2:00p.m. on the first Friday of every month (unless arrangements have been made with the editor of the newsletter.)

*2. All submissions should be sent to the editor via e- mail with the subject heading: NL submission.

*3. Editor will change, edit, or delete any or all portions of submission(s) as deemed necessary without prior approval of the author.

*4. Editor is not responsible for retrieving submissions from other sources. It is the responsibility of the author to submit all necessary components to the editor by the deadline.