08-21-09

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Not quite the journey I expected on my first trek up Masada

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board the bus to Masada. I was in Israel last month co-leading a group of 18 brilliant, wily teens, the first Bay Area cohort of Write on For Israel. The program teaches high schoolers the basics of journalism, Jewish history and pro-Israel advocacy, then rewards them with a trip to the Holy Land. It wasn’t my first visit to Israel, but I had never been to Masada before. That is, unless you count my dreams. As a child, I first heard the story of the Jews defending a mountaintop fortress in the first century B.C.E. while the Romans lay siege. For years afterward, I dreamed about Jewish warriors holding out under a scorching sun, ultimately choosing suicide over slavery. I dreamed of the ruddy Judean hills, of the wastes around the Dead Sea, of cranes circling above. I dreamed of a blasted land shimmering in the heat. Finally it was my day to make the pilgrimage. With the kids dozing in the back of the bus, I noticed the ominously bright sky. Weren’t we supposed to arrive before dawn to avoid the heat of day? Barely out of Jerusalem, I saw through the bus window the sun rise, round and ochre, and I — like a bit player in a bad thriller — muttered aloud, “I got a bad feeling about this.” We reached Masada around 7 a.m. The sun had already begun baking the landscape, but in the shade of palm trees we breakfasted on nuts, oranges and cookies. Our guide, an Israeli anthropologist sporting a jaunty Australian hat, explained we had three choices: take the tram, hike the snake path or walk the runner’s path. The latter was the longest way up, named for the route Roman messengers took as they did their generals’ bidding. Naturally, the kids voted for the long route. I sighed, hoisted my backpack and off we went. What could go wrong? Gazing straight up 1,000 feet to the top of Masada, I understood why the siege lasted two years. Nursing a oneliter water bottle, I marveled at the ruins of Roman base camps, now mere piles

of stones. In a country where history inhabits every rock, this site was hard to beat. Our group held together at first, but soon the strongest sped ahead, while several lagged behind, me among them. After 30 minutes, we could no longer see the leaders. Then we made a wrong turn, and suddenly we were stuck, unsure of the path and out of shouting range. The next 10 minutes scared the hell out of me. Half a dozen teens and I huddled on the side of Masada roasting in 100-degree heat. Soon we had guzzled the last muggy drops from our water bottles. The thought entered my head: Could we be the next Jews to die at Masada? Then another thought entered my head: Pick up your damn cell phone and call for help! I did, and within minutes we began our slow descent, the kids laughing off the whole misadventure. Though some appeared close to dehydration, we finally reached the Masada visitor’s center and drank our thirsty fill. Then we took the tram to the top to join the others. Finally, I stood at the summit not only of a mountain, but of Jewish history. I barely had time to take it in, when several kids complained of heat and fatigue. With some fighting dehydration, others a wicked stomach flu, I escorted them to the clinic below. My total time on top of Masada: 10 minutes. It didn’t matter. Down below, in an air-conditioned infirmary lined with supply cabinets and I.V. stands, I watched the kids laughing and chatting, thrilled to have been sustained and brought together in this time. I watched the strong ones gently rub the backs of the sick ones. That then became my Masada experience: sitting in a windowless room with a kehilla of seven beautiful Jewish teens, each of them heirs of Eleazar ben Ya’ir, the Jewish commander of Masada long ago. As one of the kids said later: Hey, we’re still here. And the Romans? They’re making pizza. ■

Dan Pine can be reached at [email protected].

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| August 21, 2009

Proud of Maccabi Games

‘Rachel’ was overblown

Congratulations to the JCC volunteer community and the athletes on a fabulous Jewish experience. The Maccabi Games did much more than create sporting competition. It was a coming together of people and organizations in a collaborative effort. Most touching was the Opening Ceremony with Richard Goldman and his granddaughter lighting the torch, a poignant reminder of continuing the generations of tzedakah. So often we amass for emergency situations; we gather to be silent, or to raise our voices. Instead, just being at any aspect of the games was a celebration of Jewish activism at its best. At Trader Joe’s I saw many people, all buying snacks for arriving athletes. I mingled with host families who don’t have kids at home any longer, or don’t even have kids yet. Everyone was happy to make a statement of volunteering in some way. A young child waiting at the JCC on arrival day said, “Dad, when are our athletes coming?” Emphasis on the word “our.” Because of the work of the JCC, the donors and the entire volunteer community, clearly the Maccabi Games did just that: They became our own.

I had the pleasure of attending a majority of the films offered by this year’s San Francisco Jewish Film Festival, mostly attending in Berkeley. While quality inevitably varied, the overall range was an invigorating contribution to Jewish cultural experience. I never would have seen most of these films, including some wonderful ones from Israel. It is with this in mind it seems to me that the controversy over the film Rachel has been overblown. Having had the good fortune (it seems) to watch the film in Berkeley, without the controversial speakers, I can say that it struck me as a fair and even-handed documentary. Rachel’s death clearly comes across as an accident. While her ISM colleagues are clearly anti-Israel, the film is not. It seems to me that it is best to have forums for vigorous debates about Jewish politics that expose the true breadth of opinion that exists and has always existed within the Jewish community; this is part of a vibrant and engaging culture, and is certainly a wonderful part of Israeli Jewish culture. The Jewish Film Festival should be lauded for creating an opportunity for these discussions here in the Bay Area.

Sherri W. Morr

Ron H. Feldman

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San Francisco

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‘Incredible’ PJ Library Last Sunday, at the Corte Madera Barnes and Noble, I attended a wonderful storytime sponsored by the PJ Library (“Jewish Bedtime Stories and Songs for Families”). To my great surprise, the program was way more than just a “storytime.” Led by the popular children’s entertainer Mimi Greisman, the storytime included a PJ Library story, songs, puppets, parachute games, a craft and kosher snacks. There were about 65 adults and children enjoying a Sunday morning infused with Jewish pride and children’s laughter. I am a proud member of the PJ Library and, though we have never been asked for anything in return, I realized how much my children and I gain from their programs. What a generous organization to be a member of. If you are not yet a member and have or know a young child who would enjoy getting a surprise book in the mail each month — without any fees or obligations — go to www.pjlibrary.org and sign up today. Thank you to the Jim Joseph Foundation, the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and the Jewish Community Endowment Fund of the Jewish Community Federations of the Greater Bay Area for funding such an incredible organization. Gittel Rice

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San Rafael

Berkeley

Only part of the story The Associated Press news clip on evictions in East Jerusalem (“Families evicted from E. Jerusalem home,” Aug. 7) included only part of the story. Yes, the Israeli Supreme Court ruled that the houses were Jewishowned. The article does not mention, however, that the evicted families were removed because they refused to pay their rent. Other Arab families, who were abiding by their leases, continue to live peacefully in the houses. Even in the United States (and probably in most parts of the world), you can get evicted if you don’t live up to the terms of your lease. For the United Nations and the U.S. State Department to get involved in this problem is completely inappropriate. Dan Fendel

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Piedmont

Ignoring history Alfred Lerner’s letter (Aug. 14) is not an “opposite political spectrum” view, but the epitome of a derogatory anti-Israel statement, which is so common to some elements of the Bay Area community who are eager to blame Israel for the Mideast conflict and ignore history. It never stops to amaze me how some of our brethren can become so virulently antiIsrael. What causes them to think that they are morally superior, and thus entitled to tell Israel how to conduct its business, and talk down to Israelis? Why are they putting down the ADL, whose struggle through the years enables all Jews to enjoy many of the privileges that this country can offer? The same people have ignored Israel’s fight for survival for over 100 years. Yes, the .

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Jewish-Arab conflict did not start in 1947 or ’67 like the Palestinians would want you to believe. Read John Rothmann’s book “Icon of Evil” — it will give you a factual history lesson, and may change your myopic views. In addition, the Palestinians’ declaration for “a two-state solution” is a Johnny-Come-Lately and lip service for the Western world’s consumption. Do not fall for it, like ex-President Clinton did, just to be disappointed when Camp David negotiations collapse. Sam Liron

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Foster City

Heart and soul The idea of giving up Judea/Samaria [West Bank] and Jerusalem is tantamount to surgically removing the heart and soul of the Jewish homeland. The notion of turning it over to people whose leader has flatly stated his refusal to recognize Israel as a Jewish state and continues to demand the right of return is the equivalent of committing national suicide. Apologetic Jews who are desperate to appease those who relish Israel’s destruction believe reciprocal gestures will come if Israel acts unilaterally, yet not a single public statement has emanated from the leadership of the PA or Hamas, which suggests anything other than the elimination of Israel. The only difference between them is tactical. One promotes terror, the other promotes ‘diplomacy.’ A simple examination of their charters, actions and public statements confirms there is no interest in peaceful coexistence with a Jewish state. Quite the opposite in fact. Jews are acceptable, but only as a minority in an Arab dominated state. If we do not speak for ourselves, who will speak for us? Dan Calic

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San Ramon

Cause and effect Benjamin Netanyahu made a major mistake when he failed to assert that the land of Israel is the rightful possession of the Jews and of no other people, and when he accepted the principle of a Palestinian state, regardless of how many conditions he attached to it. What the scoffers don’t understand is that it’s precisely because of Israel’s rejection of its religious heritage and its denial of any relationship with the Almighty that the Arabs are aroused to contempt and hatred against us, see themselves as more deserving of the land than we are, and are convinced that they will eventually drive us out. Martin Wasserman

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Sunnyvale

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bay area

Sacramento Jewish fans eagerly greet their new King

amanda pazornik staff writer

sat at tables cloaked in the Kings’ signature purple as they snacked on kosher appetizers during the event, which lasted about two hours. “This is a very historic day for all of us,” Gavin Maloof said. “We are delighted to have the first Israeli NBA player. Since we drafted Omri, we’ve acquired 7.4 million new fans [the entire population of Israel]. Today is his day, and we are excited about the future of this organization.” Selected 23rd overall in the NBA draft June 25, Casspi signed with the Kings last month and could make $3.26 million in his first three years, according to the NBA’s rookie salary scale. His slashing offensive game helped Maccabi Tel Aviv win the Israeli Premier League title last season, when he averaged 12.6 points per game. But he did have a rough introduction to the U.S. style of play in the NBA’s Summer League in Las Vegas last month, averaging eight points (on poor 29.5 percent shooting) and a hefty 3.4 turnovers in five games. Geoff Petrie, president of basketball operations for the Kings, doesn’t FANS, 20a ■■■

The Creative Spirit of San Francisco

On the day of Omri Casspi’s welcome reception to the Sacramento Kings, the 6-foot, 9-inch forward looked more like a kid at his bar mitzvah party than someone about to become the first Israeli to play in the NBA. As the emcee bellowed his name on Aug. 17, the 21-year-old Casspi entered the Kings’ practice facility in Sacramento to the sound of roars and applause from predominantly Jewish fans gathered to catch a glimpse of their new hometown hero. Casspi then stepped up to the microphone and, speaking only for a few minutes, thanked those in attendance — prominent leaders from the Jewish community, several local rabbis and about two dozen kids clad in Kings T-shirts. Skip Rosenbloom, board president of the Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region, sat alongside Casspi, as did the Kings’ brass, including co-owners Joe and Gavin Maloof. The federation helped the Kings organize the welcome event, sending out to an e-vite to many members of

the community. “The Jewish community is the warmest community,” said Casspi, who was wearing a business suit instead of his No. 18 Kings jersey. “The first season in the NBA is very hard, and I hope to see you in the stands.” Then he posed for photo after photo with just about every one of the roughly 70 guests in attendance, each one taking home the image in a silver frame wrapped with a purple bow. Among those lining up to shake hands with Casspi were California Senate Pro-tem Darrell Steinberg, Israeli Consul General Akiva Tor, Sacramento City Councilman Steve Cohn and Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools Dave Gordon. “It’s a rare occasion to stand in a room full of Jews and we all agree on something,” Rosenbloom joked. “We are thrilled to welcome Omri to our community … I’m sure Jewish season ticket holders will increase.” Flickering tea lights added a touch of softness to the Kings’ practice facility in Arco Arena. Guests leaned on or

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amanda pazornik

Omri Casspi of the Sacramento Kings pats Malcolm Brabec on the head as his parents, Susanne and Chuck Brabec, look on.

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| August 21, 2009

bay area Secular Jews can meet, greet and get ‘energized’ at event stacey palevsky

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Seid-Green has attended three confer- tional programs in Sacramento and the Bay Area. It’s ences, all on the East Coast. In June, she the movement where she feels most comfortable and decided to organize one closer to home. She fulfilled, she said. For the first time in its 30-year history, expects the West Coast gathering to appeal Workshops at the regional conference include topics the Congress of Secular Jewish to other young adults who, like herself, find such as Yiddish in the 21st century, Jewish ethical Organizations will gather on the West it challenging to travel annually to the East dilemmas, klezmer music and dance, fundraising Coast. In Foster City, to be exact. Coast. strategies and Sunday school curricula. That’s due in large part to the efforts The regional conference will be held Conference co-coordinators expect people to attend of Ya’el Seid-Green, a 20-year-old San Sept. 5 to 7 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in from as far north as Vancouver and as far south as Mateo resident. Foster City. Phoenix. Seid-Green attended her first confer“We’re hoping this serves Seid-Green has worked with her ence of the Congress of Secular Jewish West Coast Regional to energize people who can aunt, Judy Seid, to plan the event. Organizations three years ago, and Conference of the take back their energy to Seid is a leader of Tri-Valley recalled that “it was the first time I had Congress of Secular their communities and Cultural Jews in Pleasanton. a community of Jewish people I felt Jewish Organizations build momentum,” SeidConferences for secular Jews comfortable with. Ya’el Seid-Green takes place Sept. 5-7 at the Crowne Green said. allow those who don’t believe in “And it was infinitely exciting to see Plaza Hotel, 1221 Chess Drive, Secular, or Humanistic Judaism celGod to “talk without footnotes, that everyone else cared as much as I did,” she added. Foster City. Cost is $110-$270. For because people understand the kind The congress is made up of secular organizations that ebrates Jewish ethics, art, culture, hisinformation, contact Ya’el Seidof Jew you are,” Seid said. emphasize the culture and ethics of the Jewish people. tory and community without a belief Green at [email protected]. “You don’t have to constantly Its annual conferences attract individuals who consider in a higher power. To register, check Seid-Green g rew up attending explain about not being religious. themselves secular Jews, and also members or leaders of www.eastbaysecularjews.org. Humanist congregations and educaIt’s like coming home.” secular Jewish organizations. staff writer

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Conference looks to build ‘caring’ community for mentally ill Congregation Beth Sholom and the Bay Area Jewish Healing Center are holding a conference Aug. 30 titled “Nachamu, Nachamu (Comfort, Comfort): Building a Caring Community for Mental Illness.” The day aims to be a resource for people who have mental illness or who have a relative, friend or co-worker with a mental illness. “Now, particularly, is a great time for the Jewish community to address how to do more for mental health, because social services are being cut,” said Pam Reitman, a Beth Sholom congregant who helped coordinate the San Francisco conference. Reitman’s son was 21 when diagnosed with a mental illness in 2000. This summer, she said, his dental care was eliminated and his disability benefits reduced by 10 percent. “As a synagogue, we can’t provide those things,” said Reitman, “but we can call upon our tradition to provide spiritual support that sustains [people who suffer from a mental illness] and makes them feel included and hopeful and motivated toward their own recovery.” The conference will begin with a panel. Someone with a mental illness who can speak about their experiences will be part of the panel, as will a relative who will talk about the impact mental illness has on a family. A psychiatrist, social worker and rabbi will also participate. Small group discussions will follow. Reitman hopes the groups provide a safe space for people to talk about what they hope to gain from the conference and what they’d like to see as a result (for .

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instance, a support group). The day will conclude with a prayer service led by Rabbi Micah Hyman and Rabbi Elliott Kukla. The event is slated for 12:30 to 5:15 p.m. Aug. 30 at Congregation Beth Sholom, 301 14th Ave., S.F. To register or for more information, call (415) 2218736 ext. 101.

Runners raise funds to fight leukemia A group of mostly East Bay Jews is running to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. They call themselves Team Jon.

the Nike Women’s Half Marathon with Team in Training. The race is Oct. 18 in San Francisco. Most runners on Team Jon are fellow members of Netivot; several — like Jon and his wife, Yael — are parents of Netivot preschoolers. The Galinsons sent their oldest daughter, Gaby, 5, to preschool at Netivot Shalom for the past two years. Team Jon hopes to raise $50,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, which funds research, clinical trials, education and patient services. Members of Team Jon include Jon’s wife, Yael Galinson, who has already raised $10,500; Elizabeth Creditor, wife of Netivot Rabbi Menachem Creditor; Debra Massey, director of education at Berkeley Congregation Beth El; and Eliana Wolpe, wife of Los Angeles Rabbi David Wolpe. To donate to a member of Team Jon, check pages.teamintraining.org/sf/ nikesf09/ecreditor, or pages.teamintraining.org/sf/nikesf09/dmasseydpj.

Food, social justice come together Jon and Yael Galinson with daughters Gaby (left) and Yuli.

The 15 runners on the team hope to help their friend Jon Galinson, a member of Berkeley Congregation Netivot Shalom. Galinson has chronic lymphocyctic leukemia, or CCL, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Galinson has been through 10 rounds of chemotherapy but needs a bone marrow transplant. Two bone marrow drives in June at Israel in the Gardens and at Netivot Shalom registered 400 donors. But the chances of finding a match were slim — one in a million — and none was found. Team Jon members are preparing for

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Mollie Katzen, best-selling author of “The Moosewood Cookbook,” will be the featured speaker at “Food Justice: It’s What’s for Dinner,” a night dedicated to food and social justice sponsored by the Progressive Jewish Alliance and the American Jewish World Service/ AVODAH Partnership. The event begins at 6 p.m. Sept. 9 at the David Brower Center, 2150 Allston Way in Berkeley. The night will feature a food and social justice bazaar, a preview of the film “Food Stamped” and a panel discussion with Bay Area food justice activists. Tickets are $5 to $55 on a sliding scale at www.brownpapertickets.com. Proceeds will go to City Slicker Farms, a

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nonprofit that provides fresh, organic produce to West Oakland neighborhoods and also teaches West Oakland residents how to grow their own food. For more information, contact Alexander Sharone at asharone@ pjalliance.org or (510) 527-8660.

Volunteers needed to build sukkahs The Jewish Study Network is seeking people to participate in Habitat for Jewmanity, a program that brings together young Jews to build sukkahs for older Jewish couples. Participants will construct sukkahs throughout the Bay Area on Sept. 13. A barbecue for volunteers will follow in San Francisco. Sukkot begins Oct. 3. Those interested are asked to e-mail [email protected] with your name, contact information and the area where you would like to build (San Francisco, the Peninsula, Palo Alto, etc). For more information, contact Devorah Avrukin at (408) 728-3041.

Pro-Israel group expands to S. Bay The staunchly pro-Israel local organization S.F. Voice for Israel has started a new chapter, South Bay Voice for Israel, which will operate across the Peninsula and points south. In addition, S.F. Voice for Israel has formally allied itself with StandWithUs, a national organization. According to spokesperson Mike Harris, the organization will now be called StandWithUs/S.F. Voice for Israel, though he says it will retain operational independence continue to work with local Jewish community institutions. For information, e-mail southbayvoice [email protected]. ■

bay area Author celebrates East Bay’s Jewish past and present dan pine

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

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Bay Area birthday wishes for kidnapped Israeli soldier dan pine

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staff writer

Arriving in Israel for summer vacation, Noa Turgeman got a reminder about kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. In the airport parking lot. “Where you pay for the ticket, there was an image of Gilad Shalit,” she recalls, “and the words from the Hebrew Bible, ‘Ve’shavu banim le’gvulam,’ which means ‘And your sons shall return to their borders.’ ”

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Cpl. Gilad Shalit

That’s all it took. Turgeman decided on the spot to do something to honor Shalit when she returned home to San Francisco. Kidnapped by Gaza-based Hamas terrorists in a June 2006 cross-border raid, Shalit has been held prisoner ever since. Other than one brief letter home, he has not been heard from, though authorities believe he is alive. While his image graces billboards across Israel, Gilad Shalit isn’t uppermost in the minds of most American Jews. Turgeman, who is a program director at the Israel Center of the S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation, wanted to change that. With Shalit’s 23rd birthday on Friday, Aug. 28, “this is perfect for the synagogues,” Turgeman says. “How can you gather people? They’re gathered [for Shabbat] anyway. His birthday is one small opportunity to remind people” that he remains in captivity. Turgeman and the Israel Center sent synagogues what she calls her “Gilad Shalit kit,” which includes a poster, a copy of a letter Shalit wrote to his parents last year, and

a moving note from his mother, Hadas Shalit. One of the rabbis taking up Turgeman’s proposal is Rabbi David Booth of Congregation Kol Emeth in Palo Alto. He will talk about Shalit during his Shabbat remarks from the bimah. “It feels like a nice thing to do in solidarity with the Jewish world,” Booth says. “This is a tragedy. We want this guy to be free. I want him to be able to go to Hebrew University, to get a job, to travel. He has lost this time in service to the Jewish community.” Also agreeing to take part in the commemoration is Rabbi Jonathan Joffe of Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco. “When I heard about it, I thought it was a wonderful idea,” Joffe says, “especially when we in the congregation have a chance to talk about Israel in a way that unites rather than divides.” He plans to speak about Shalit and to offer up a Mishebeirach (a prayer for the sick and suffering) during Shabbat services. “[Shalit] has been mentioned in sermons before, especially in the first year,” Joffee adds. “That’s why it’s so important now. He can easily fall through the cracks.” That doesn’t happen in Israel. There, Shalit is a constant presence. His parents appear often in the media, and a vigil tent has stood across the street from the Israeli prime minister’s Jerusalem residence since the earliest days of the kidnapping. Over the years, headlines announced breakthroughs in the negotiations to free Shalit, but those breakthroughs have yet to bear fruit. That’s because the price for his freedom usually requires freeing scores of Palestinian prisoners, among them unrepentant terrorists and murderers. Turgeman thinks most Israelis are willing to pay that price. “When I was in Israel I saw a piece on the news about families who lost [loved ones] in terrorist attacks,” she says. “They said they are willing to have their relatives’ murderers released for Gilad’s sake.” Like most Israelis, Turgeman served in the Israel Defense Forces. Her 22-year-old brother currently serves in the military. She — along with many others — take Shalit’s abduction personally. “It could happen to any of the people I know,” she says, “including myself. For Israelis, soldiers are not just soldiers. They are our people.” ■

Fundraiser set for Sonoma free clinic The Jewish Community Free Clinic in Sebastopol will hold a lakeside celebrationfundraiser. The event takes place 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23 at a private lake at 5500 Burnside Road, Sebastopol. Planned for the event are performances by local bands, a fashion show, silent auction, clowns and balloons for the kids and

a barbeque feast. Funds raised will go to the Jewish Community Free Clinic, which provides free health care to thousands of uninsured clients. Suggested donation is $18 to $36 for adults. Kids attend free. For more information, call (707) 585-7780 or email outreach. [email protected] for reservations. ■

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bay area Prayers provide foundation for new, domed sanctuary amanda pazornik | staff writer Members of Congregation Kol Shofar in Tiburon didn’t have to travel as far as Israel’s Western Wall in hopes of having their prayers answered. In fact, all they had to do was maneuver through a construction zone, find a spot on a makeshift balcony and watch their rabbis do all the work. On Aug. 17, about 70 congregants perched on scaffolding inside the future site of Kol Shofar’s domed sanctuary to watch rabbis Lavey Derby and Chai Levy bury hundreds of their

prayers beneath the gravel. The small sheets of paper and even children’s pictures were to become a permanent part of the future floor once the concrete was poured. Joshua Steinhauer, Kol Shofar’s board president, and Ron Brown, a leader of the synagogue’s capital campaign committee, came up with the idea. “We thought it would be meaningful for our community to find a way to embed its prayers into the building, much like the way people place prayers i n t h e Ko t e l w h e n t h e y v i s i t

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Kol Shofar congregants watch as rabbis Lavey Derby (left) and Chai Levy bury their prayers.

Jerusalem,” Brown said. In addition to revamping its sanctuary, the Conservative congregation is adding classrooms and an expansive multipurpose structure. The synagogue also aims to renovate the landscaping, exterior and interior of the existing buildings. Of the prayers received, many wished the synagogue “mazel tov!” on moving forward with the building project. Some took the opportunity to pray for many more years of memories in the sanctuary. Children participated by sketching their interpretations of what the new project would look like. Prayers were collected throughout July in large jars following Shabbat services, and at other synagogue events. For those who couldn’t deliver their prayers in person, e-mails were gladly accepted (former congregants who’d moved away and out-of-towners capitalized on this method). A commemorative depiction of the rabbis placing their congregants’ prayers in the sanctuary will be mounted in or near the new sanctuary. “I was struck by the look on everyone’s faces,” said committee member Bruce Raful. “For those of us who have

been working on [the project] for so long, this was simply another step. But for our congregants, who have suffered through the pains of the town hearing process and our fundraising efforts, it was really uplifting to see how awed they were.” The construction comes after years of dispute with the Tiburon Neighborhood Coalition, which fought the renovation and expansion project from the beginning. Ultimately, the rulings of the Tiburon Town Council — and the wishes of Kol Shofar congregants — prevailed. Until the project’s completion, Kol Shofar congregants will be driving all over the area to take care of temple business. The synagogue has temporarily relocated its offices, religious school and sanctuary to various nearby locales. For High Holy Days services, the synagogue has secured the theater inside the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. It’s beautiful, yes, but for congregants like Raful, nothing will compare to worshipping in the new sanctuary. “In the end, that’s why we’re all doing it,” he said. “For the uplifting of our community.” ■

Kosher cookoff draws hungry crowd to Petaluma synagogue No one left the B’nai Israel Jewish Center’s kosher cookoff with growling stomachs, the ultimate mark of success for an event focused on food. Lots of it. On Aug. 9, nearly 200 people from Sacramento to Santa Cruz followed their noses to Petaluma for the third annual cookoff, organized by the center’s Men’s Club. As temperatures soared into the 90s, the center’s Sisterhood kept their cool, with captain Marsha Harris and teammates Phyllis Feibusch and Jeanne Straus serving up Corny Pickled Pepper Pup Muffins and Hot Dog Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. The trio earned top honors for their dishes. The center’s Hadassah chapter, which .

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won the two previous cookoffs, swept the “People’s Choice” award with their Mexican-inspired recipes, including Olé Guacamole and Mexican Wedding Cookies Surprise. Judges for this year’s competition were Petaluma Mayor Pamela Torliatt; Alfred (Sonny) Burnett, command master chief of the United States Coast Guard Training Center in Petaluma; and Trevor Hayes, this year’s Petaluma Firefighter of the Year. Courses were rated on taste, presentation and originality. A silent auction and raffle also were held, with proceeds earmarked for the purchase of a new audiovisual system to be used at future social events. ■

Health care spat raises red flags in Jewish quarters eric fingerhut

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recent days, creating Web sites advocating comprehensive health care reform. The NJDC launched RabbisFor As bloggers, radio hosts and protesters HealthCare.org and the RAC started ratchet up their rhetoric in the fight JewsForHealthCareReform.org. against health care reform, many are “For the sake of our democracy, and unapologetically utilizing inflammatofor the sake of a health care system that ry rhetoric and imagery — often in is so clearly dysfunctional, we cannot, ways that could be expected to raise we dare not, stand on the sidelines,” alarms in some corners of the Jewish Rabbi David Saperstein, the RAC direccommunity. tor, said in a statement. Protesters and radio talking heads, Bill Nigut, Southeast Region director notably Rush Limbaugh, have been for the Anti-Defamation League in comparing the Obama administration Atlanta, said the “first casualty” of the to Nazis. A Democratic congressman ratcheting up of the health care debate had a swastika drawn on the sign in has been a “respectful democratic front of his office. Bloggers are exploitprocess.” He voiced disgust at the ing images of Anne Frank, tagging her entrance of Nazi symbols and rhetoric, with the Obama health care plan’s symincluding the painting of a swastika on bol instead of a yellow star. a sign in front of the office of Rep. “Historically, whenever there are turDavid Scott (D-Ga.) bulent times, it’s always bad for the Deborah Lipstadt, a modern Jewish Jews,” said Rabbi Marvin Hier, founder and Holocaust studies professor at and dean of the Simon Wiesenthal photo | jta/rac Emory University, said she did not see Center Museum of Tolerance, and the Rabbi David Saperstein of the any specific reason for the Jewish comcurrent environment is “unstable” with Religious Action Committee has munity to be concerned. “Civil discord “a lot of turbulence.” argued for health care reform. is never good for society” and Jews are “The breakdown of civility is normally a danger for minority groups, peri- with you would be like trying to argue with just part of society, she said. Lipstadt, who won a libel suit brought od,” said Michael Berenbaum, a professor a dining room table. I have no interest in against her in a British court by revisionist of Jewish studies at American Jewish doing it,” replied Frank, who is Jewish. Jewish organizational support for the historian David Irving, said she was University in Los Angeles and the project director during the creation of the U.S. Obama administration’s plan appears to appalled by the use of Nazi analogies in the Holocaust Memor ial Museum in be holding steady, as only one group — the debate, calling it “dangerous” and a “form Republican Jewish Coalition — is voicing of Holocaust denial” because “it’s a denial Washington, D.C. of what Nazism is.” “It’s a particular danger for Jews” opposition. The RJC has been urging its members to She added that she did not think those because “the climate in which we thrive is one where there is security,” he said, noting oppose Democrat-backed health care leg- employing the false analogies were antithat the worst period of anti-Semitism in islation, sending out an action alert last Semites, but just had “no shame” and the United States was in the post-Great week warning that what it dubs would “say anything to make their point.” Berenbaum said he has particular scorn Depression 1930s, where there was no eco- “Obamacare” will result in massive spending and debt, and widespread loss of jobs for those comparing the Obama health nomic security. In one incident this week, a protester and coverage. In its alert, the RJC warned care plan to Nazi policies. For instance, he held a poster depicting President Barack that Obama’s plan will result in a “govern- noted that the right to be informed of and consent to one’s medical treatment grew Obama with a Hitler-style mustache dur- ment takeover of health care.” But the RJC appears to represent the out of the Nuremberg trials — because ing a heated town hall meeting in a lone voice among Jewish organizations that’s “the antithesis of what the Nazis did.” Dartmouth, Mass., senior center. “Anyone who uses the Nazi analogy,” he Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) lashed out speaking out on Obama’s plan. Liberal at the woman, asking “On what planet do groups, including the Religious Action said, “has no idea what Nazi medicine was you spend most of your time?” She had Center of Reform Judaism and the about.” stepped to the podium to ask why Frank National Jewish Democratic Council, have been staunch supporters of health care Rachel Tepper of JTA and the supports what she called a Nazi policy. “Ma’am, trying to have a conversation reform. Both have taken to the Internet in Associated Press contributed to this report. jta

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Muslim and Arab Americans among donors to J Street The J Street political action committee has received tens of thousands of dollars in donations from dozens of Arab and Muslim Americans, as well as from several individuals connected to organizations doing Palestinian and Iranian issues advocacy, according to Federal Election Commission filings. Additionally, at least two State Department officials connected to Middle East issues have donated to the PAC, which gives money to candidates for Congress supported by J Street. The organization describes itself as a “pro-

Israel, pro-peace” lobby pushing for more American involvement and diplomacy in resolving the Middle East conflict. J Street executive director Jeremy Ben-Ami estimated the amount of Arab and Muslim donors to be a very small percentage — at most 3 percent — of the organization’s thousands of contributors. But he said that such supporters show the broad appeal of J Street’s message and its commitment to coexistence. Also, J Street is reportedly exploring a

formal collaborative relationship with Brit Tzedek, another dovish group. In an Aug. 18 statement, Brit Tzedek said it is exploring how “its network of chapters, activists and rabbis can potentially align with J Street’s political, lobbying and communications operations to make our movement as effective and far-reaching as possible.” Brit Tzedek is a grass-roots group that claims to have about 45,000 activists nationwide. — jpost.com & jta ■ More U.S. news, ■

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San Diego hoops star signs with pro team in Israel the associated press

Jeremy Tyler completed his jump from high school underclassman to pro basketball player last week when he signed a one-year, $140,000 contract with Maccabi Haifa of the Israeli Premier League. Tyler, 18, is the first American-born player to leave high school early to play basketball professionally overseas. The 6-foot11, 260-pound Tyler announced in the spring that he was skipping his senior season at San Diego High School because prep basketball had become photo | ap/denis poroy “boring.” Jeremy Tyler “I think I made the right decision,” Tyler said Aug. 12. “I think this team is a good fit for me and it’s the right country.” Tyler averaged 28.7 points during his junior season. “I got past the easy part,” he said. “Now the hard part is to perform and show the world I got a contract for a reason. Now I can play against grown men.” One of the players on the Maccabi Haifa roster is Todd Golden, a former standout at St. Mary’s College in Moraga who also played for the U.S. squad in the Maccabiah Games in Israel this summer. Golden is Jewish; Tyler is not. Tyler is expected to return to the United States when he becomes eligible for the 2011 NBA draft. “He has a tremendous upside,” said Andrew Wilson, a spokesman for American businessman Jeffrey Rosen, who owns Maccabi Haifa. “He’s definitely got a lot of talent and is hungry, and we’re an up-and-coming team, as the team has been in the Premier League only one year, so it seems like a very nice fit for us.” Maccabi Haifa, which opens its season Oct. 25, was promoted to the Premier League after a 10-year absence and earned its first appearance in both the Israeli Premier League championship game and the State Cup Finals. “Tyler’s size and natural talent will present matchup problems in our favor against other teams in Israel,” coach Avi Ashkenazi said in a statement. “We know Tyler is hungry to prove himself on the court. We look forward to him developing over the course of the season and improving our team.”

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Battle over eastern Jerusalem is set in concrete dina kraft

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| Deep in a valley below Jerusalem’s Old City, a narrow alleyway leads to the remains of three bulldozed Arab homes in an area slated to become an archeological park. The homes, now just slabs of collapsed concrete, are in the eastern Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan. Despite international protests — including from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton — the remaining 85 or so houses there, which were built without permits, are to be demolished to make room for a park the city hopes will be a major draw for tourists. The dispute over the area, together with recent evictions in the Arab neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah, are the most recent markers in the battle over Jerusalem. Israel seeks to cement its control over the city in part by altering the demographic character of its eastern, Arab neighborhoods. “Our sovereignty over it cannot be challenged,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his Cabinet last month in comments aimed at rebuffing U.S. criticism over plans for turning a hotel in Sheikh Jarrah into a Jewish housing project. “This means, inter alia, that residents of Jerusalem may purchase apartments in all parts of the city.” Former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, who recently toured east Jerusalem on a three-day visit to Israel, said the United States should not tell Jewish people in Israel where they are allowed to live. “It’s like telling people they can’t live in Queens or Brooklyn or the Bronx,” said the for mer Ar kansas gover nor, a Republican who is likely to make another White House bid in 2012. “New Yorkers would never stand for being told where

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they can and cannot live. Why should we be trying to do the same to Israel?” Critics, however, claim the government is purposefully boosting the Jewish presence in traditionally Arab eastern Jerusalem, creating “facts on the ground” in order to make it difficult to divide Jerusalem as part of a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Palestinians demand eastern Jerusalem as part of a future Palestinian state. But the Israeli government insists that a series of development plans for the city’s eastern part are not driven by a political agenda. The plans call for more green space, better parking and repaved roads. “Government policy is governed by one overriding principle: that it is important to continue developing the city for benefit of

Jew elected by Fatah Uri Davis, 66, a sociology professor at Al-Quds University in eastern Jerusalem, is the first Jew ever to become a member of the Fatah Party’s governing body, the Revolutionary Council. Elections were held last week in Bethlehem during Fatah’s sixth party congress, its first in 20 years. Davis, a former Israeli, is a fierce critic of Israel who identifies himself as a Palestinian Hebrew-speaking citizen of “the apartheid state of Israel.” He was among more than 600 candidates for 80 open spots on the 128-member governing body. Davis received Palestinian citizen- photo | ap/nasser shiyoukhi ship after waiving his Israeli citizenUri Davis ship in the 1980s, joining Fatah at that time and becoming the director of the group’s London office. He is a fluent Arabic speaker. — jta & ap

Building freeze, or not? Israeli officials have agreed to freeze construction in the West Bank until the beginning of 2010, several news outlets reported this week. An unofficial freeze was first .

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The remnants (foreground) of an illegally built house that was demolished recently in the eastern Jerusalem of Silwan.

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all inhabitants of Jerusalem,” said Netanyahu spokesman Mark Regev. “The position is that Jerusalem will remain a united capital and the government wants to see all its communities flourish.” Maher Hanoun sees things differently. He was evicted from his home in early August after the Israeli Supreme Court ruled that the land on which it was built belonged to Jews, according to documentation dating back to the Ottoman era. Hanoun’s family, refugees from the fighting in Israel’s War of Independence in 1948, lived in a house built there by the United Nations in the 1950s, when the land was under Jordanian rule. Now homeless, Hanoun and his family have opted to stay on the sidewalk across from their old house, sleeping on mattresses and passing their

reported early last month. Although Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there is no official freeze, and although it is not the complete settlement freeze the Obama administration has been demanding, Housing Minister Ariel Atias told Israel Radio on Aug. 18 that Israel has been in “a holding pattern” since November on issuing new construction permits. But Dror Etkes, who tracks settlements for the Israeli human rights group Yesh Din, said there was no sign of a slowdown in the actual construction. — jta, ap & jpost.com

Mubarak: Shalit update Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said that his country was working hard to secure the release of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who he called “our prisoner.” In an interview with PBS over the weekend, Mubarak noted that German representatives were also involved in the effort. However, he said that Israeli “terms and conditions” were getting in the way of progress. “The deal or the agreement was to take care of Shalit and that Israel would release a number of prisoners, and when this is done we will hand over Shalit to the Israelis,” Mubarak said during a visit to the United States. “We still have hope to conclude this on a good note.” — jpost.com

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days under the shade of a small olive tree. “They want to destroy our homes and build apartments for settlers,” Hanoun said. Israel captured Eastern Jerusalem, along with the entire area known as the West Bank, in 1967 during the Six-Day War. When Israel later annexed eastern Jerusalem, the state offered Israeli citizenship to Arabs living there. Most refused, instead becoming permanent residents of the city with some of the same rights as Israelis, including social security payments. The Jerusalem municipality says all eviction orders in Jerusalem are lawful, and that the law is applied to both Arab and Jew. But critics say evictions and demolitions are pursued aggressively in Arab parts of the city and only rarely in Jewish parts of the city, and that Arab Jerusalemites are forced to build illegally because their requests for building permits are regularly rejected. “This is a proxy war carried out by the government of Israel by means of agents: the extreme right-wing groups active in east Jerusalem,” said Daniel Seidemann, founder of Ir Amim, an Israeli organization that advocates the equitable sharing of Jerusalem between Jews and Arabs. “This is a conscious effort to ring the historic basin with messianic settlements.” The city rejects such charges. “The mayor and the municipality apply the law equally,” Stephen Miller, a spokesman for Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, said of demolition orders. “Anyone is free to build, expand and live as they desire as long as they follow the law.” American Jews are among the main supporters of increasing the Jewish presence in eastern Jerusalem, donating $25.4 million over the past five years to purchase and build homes there, according to IRS filings reported by Bloomberg News. ■

Abbas criticizes Hamas Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas this week condemned Hamas for killing members of an al Qaida–inspired group in the Gaza Strip. Abbas said that the Hamas offensive against Jund Ansar Allah, which resulted in the death of 28 Palestinians and the wounding of more than 120, was inhumane. “The way they [Hamas] did it was cruel and inhumane,” Abbas complained. “They killed about 30 people and bombed mosques.” But while Abbas expressed his readiness to resume dialogue with Hamas, he said he remained opposed to reviving peace talks with Israel. — jpost.com

Palestinians get Google Google has launched a Palestinian domain with the words “Palestinian Territories” added to its logo. The new domain, www.google.ps, went online Aug. 13, becoming Google’s 160th separate domain. It will allow Palestinians direct access to Google in Arabic, Ynetnews.com reported. Before, Palestinian users had to visit other country’s domains to use the search engine in Arabic. — jta ■

Attack in Argentina commemorated Argentine President at Pasteur Street, in front of Cristina Fernandez particithe rebuilt AMIA, to call for pated in a moment of justice. While AMIA silence this week at the President Guillermo Borger annual commemoration of stressed in his speech the the terrorist attack on the need for bringing the perpeAMIA Jewish community trators to justice, Sergio center in Buenos Aires. Burstein, a relative of a vicPostponed by national tim, decried the nomination measures to prevent the of the new Buenos Aires spread of swine flu, the police chief, who allegedly commemoration of the concealed evidence in the 15th anniversary of the President Cristina AMIA bombing. worst terrorist attack ever Fernandez Tribute participants carin Argentina was held Aug. 18, a month ried hundreds of black balloons and after the actual anniversary date. posters of the 85 faces and names of the Thousands of Argentineans gathered victims. — jta

Peres: Russia may halt missile sales to Iran Israeli President Shimon Peres said this week that the Kremlin has promised to reconsider the planned delivery of air defense missiles to Iran that Israel and the United States fear could be used to protect Iran’s nuclear facilities. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev made the pledge during Aug. 18 talks in the Black Sea resort of Sochi in southwestern Russia, Peres said; a Kremlin spokesman

wouldn’t immediately comment on Peres’ statement. Many fear that Iran could use the missiles to protect its nuclear facilities, which would make a military strike on the Iranian facilities much more difficult. Israeli and U.S. officials have strongly urged Moscow not to supply the missiles, and the issue has been the subject of intense diplomatic wrangling for years. — ap

Leichtenstein prince on hot seat Germany’s Central Council and other countries encourof Jews has accused Liechtenages tax evasion, saying it stein’s Prince Hans-Adam II “should think about its own of making a “mockery” of the past” before attacking his Holocaust by saying bank country. secrecy in his principality had “The comments make a helped save many Jews during mockery of the Holocaust and the Second World War, those that survived it,” said Reuters reported. Stephan Kramer, general secThe prince ruling the tiny retary of the Central Council European country made the of Jews, the top body of comments in an interview Prince HansGermany’s Jews. “It is an with the local Liechten- Adam II attempt to use the Holocaust steiner Volksblatt, where he said as a defense for the prince’s political failLiechtenstein and Switzerland had “saved ures. Portraying Liechtenstein as a merciful the lives of many people, especially Jews” helper of the Jews does not chime with the thanks to their bank secrecy laws. historical facts.” He criticized Germany, which claims Liechtenstein remained neutral during the banking policies of Liechtenstein World War II. — jpost.com

Vatican newspaper: U.S. sat on vital Holocaust info The United States and British govern- countering criticism that he turned a ments suppressed information about the blind eye to the Holocaust. Instead, the extent of the Holocaust, the Vatican’s offi- article said, the pope worked behind the cial newspaper charged last week. scenes and hid Jews in a number of The newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, church-run institutions, “the only plausialso slammed Allied governments in ble and practical form of defense of the World War II for deliberately failing to act Jews and other persecuted people.” to stop the systematic killing of Europe’s The American Gathering of Jewish Jews despite having detailed information Ho l o c a u s t S u r v i vo r s a n d T h e i r about the Nazi plans to exterminate Descendants called the article a “distorEuropean Jewry, according to a lengthy article published Aug. 13. The article quoted a 1948 essay published in the Italian Jewish journal Rassegna Mensile d’Israel that was based on the diary of Henry Morgenthau Jr., the U.S. treasury secretary during the war. Morgenthau wrote, according to the article, that “the incapacity, indolence and bureaucratic delays of America impeded saving thousands of Hitler’s victims.” He also wrote that the British foreign minister “was more concerned about politics than of human chariphoto | ap file ty.” Henry Morgenthau Jr. in 1934 Morgenthau was quoted as writing that “we in Washington” knew that the tion of history” and said it was part of a Nazis “had planned to exterminate all the “shameless campaign” to justify sainthood Jews of Europe” since August 1942, but for Pius. added, “for about 18 months from receivThe newspaper “has engaged in intellecing the first reports of this horrible Nazi tual dishonesty. Its reporting on the failplan, the State Department did practical- ures of the Allies during the Holocaust is ly nothing.” Instead, Morgenthau wrote, neither new nor does it mitigate the disits officials “dodged their grim responsi- graceful silence of Pope Pius XII in the bility, procrastinated when concrete res- face of Nazi barbarism during the cue schemes were placed before them, Holocaust,” said the group’s president, and even suppressed information about Sam Bloch. “Allied governments have long atrocities.” acknowledged their historic failures durThe article appears to be part of a ing this tragic period while — as this artiVatican campaign trying to bolster the cle demonstrates — the efforts to whitereputation of the wartime Pope Pius XII, wash Pius’ record continues.” — jta ■

Remains of ancient temple found in Turkey The remains of a centuries-old Jewish temple were found on the southern coast of Turkey. Excavations have revealed the first evidence of a Jewish presence in the ancient port city of Andriake in Lycia, now located

in southern Turkey, the Turkish daily Zaman reported Aug. 17. The find was unexpected and has created a buzz in the archaeology community. — jta

Mayor charged with inciting ethnic hatred Prosecutors in Ukraine charged Sergey Ratushnyak, the mayor of Uzhgorod, with inciting ethnic hatred. He was charged Aug. 13 with hooliganism, abuse of office and violating racial

and national equality of citizens after allegedly using anti-Semitic rhetoric and beating a campaigner for a leading presidential candidate who has an ethnically Jewish background. — jta

Australian lawmaker’s home vandalized The numbers “88,” which neo-Nazis use as shorthand for “Heil Hitler,” was found Aug. 15 on the Sydney, Australia, home of New South Wales Treasurer Eric

Roozendaal, according to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald. A senior Jewish politician in Australia, Roozendaal refused to comment. — jta ■

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U.S. must offer health care for all who need it Is health care a right or a privilege? We believe it is the former, an inalienable human right. Thus we heartily endorse health care reform, including a robust public option. Over the summer, the health care debate has devolved into name calling, perfect fodder for cable news but unbecoming of this serious subject. We are all for debate, but in clip after clip, we’ve seen angry town hall protesters bent on defaming the administration any way they could. This administration is far from perfect, and we have criticized it before. But when crowds start comparing the Obama health care reform effort to Nazi Germany, they have utterly removed themselves from rational discussion. Health care should not be a partisan issue. Certainly in the Jewish community it is not. Many national Jewish organizations — including the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, Jewish Women International and United Jewish Communities — vigorously are calling for universal health care. The Republican Jewish Coalition is the sole Jewish organization opposing this desperately needed reform. We understand the worry that a public option could open the door to health rationing and runaway government spending. But the House bill as it stands now deals intelligently with those concerns (the Senate’s version remains unfinished and up in the air). Besides, as anyone who ever had to battle an insurance company knows, the system as it stands is largely founded on rationed care. Most private health insurance plans are fine, as long as the insured stay healthy. But people don’t. And with nearly 50 million Americans uninsured and millions more underinsured, this country faces a disastrous health care crisis. Two out of three bankruptcies are due to medical debt. This cannot go on. Any bill that fails to include a public option is not reform, but a useless Band-aid. Branding such an option as “socialism” is preposterous (let’s see those critics give up their socialist Medicare and Social Security benefits). Critics of health care reform like to say the United States has the best health care in the world. If you can afford a Tiffany plan, or if you’re a member of Congress, that may be true. But for too many Americans, falling ill too often means falling into debt. This cannot continue if we want our society to thrive. Jewish ethics demand nothing less than affordable health care for all. ■

local voice

Bitter fallout from ‘Rachel’ screening showed us a lot about ourselves These are the days before Rosh Hashanah — in rabbinic poetry, the Creation of the World. The Jewish world we are creating is a dangerous world of sinat chinam (groundless hatred), both here and in Israel. In Jerusalem, the Israeli press calls it “The War Between the Jews,” referring to the secular/religious battle in Jerusalem’s Kiryat HaYovel neighborhood. Following the arrest of a mother from the Toldot Aharon Chassidic sect who is suspected of nearly starving her toddler to death, several hundred haredis pelted the police with stones. Rabbi Yitzhak Kershenbaum declared that his followers would “fight to the last drop of our blood” to secure the mother’s release and clear her name of what the community has charged is a blood libel. Here at home in the Bay Area, we, too, are throwing stones at each other. The San Francisco Jewish Film Festival showed the movie “Rachel,” co-presented by Jewish Voice for Peace. Before and after the showing, I saw copies of letters from Jewish community funders accusing Peter Stein, the festival’s executive director, of horrible things, including, but not limited to, equating him with Holocaust deniers. I have seen e-mails calling for the banishment of the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival from community funding. I have heard Jews who question house demolitions by Israel Rabbi Peretz Wolf-Prusan is a rabbi and senior educator at Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco.

(not including the “Rachel” story) called names and ridiculed. And those who support the current Israeli government castigated as neo-colonialist. I have been with rabbis who are compelled to meet in secret to express their concerns over Israeli human rights violations, afraid to speak in public for fear of their jobs. I have heard supporters of AIPAC set against supporters of J Street, and back again. I have seen e-mails from self-appointed protectors of Israel assaulting Hillel professionals as “haters of Israel” for allowing Jewish students on college campuses to voice a spectrum of opinions. I have seen the placards carried by Jews equating Israel with Nazi Germany. The issue is not the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival. The problem is what the showing of “Rachel” revealed. Before, during and after the festival, we have been throwing stones at each other. There is a paradox at work here: In the Bay Area, we bear no risk to life and limb — as do Israeli citizens — and yet we are at risk. We have a shared destiny with the Jewish community of Israel. This is hard to take hold of, to know the margins of what to say and what to do about something so important. It is still summer, the time to study Pirke Avot, the teachings of our ancestors. “All love that is conditional upon something, when the thing ceases, the love ceases. Love that does not rely on something will last forever. Which kind of love is conditional? The THROWING, 14a ■■■

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| the Jewish news weekly of Northern California

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Time has come for GOP to denounce Rush Limbaugh One stark difference between Democrats and Republicans is that Democrats appear to be far more willing to confront and publicly denounce bigots and extremists in their own fold. This has been highlighted by the GOP leadership’s failure to condemn Rush Limbaugh’s divisive, racebaiting diatribes. During the 2008 presidential campaign, then-Sen. Barack O bama unambiguously rejected and repudiated Louis Farrakhan, calling the Nation of Islam leader’s anti-Israel and anti-Jewish tirades “unacceptable and reprehensible.” Despite a very real concern that distancing himself from the Rev. Jeremiah Wright risked alienating a significant part of the Democratic base, Obama also condemned as “ridiculous” and “divisive” what he described as his Menachem Z. Rosensaft is an adjunct professor of law at Cornell University and vice president of the American Gathering of Jewish Holocaust Survivors and Their Descendants. He wrote this piece for JTA.

former pastor’s “rants that aren’t grounded in truth.” Similarly, in a June 1992 speech to the Rainbow Coalition, presidential candidate Bill Clinton denounced the incendiary anti-white rhetoric of the hip-hop rap artist, Sister Souljah, thereby incurring the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s wrath. In sharp contrast and with rare exceptions, the Republican leadership consistently refuses to even address, let alone condemn, Limbaugh’s inflammatory, offensive and vitriol-laced radio broadcasts, either because they condone his photo | ap/j. scott applewhite sentiments or because they are terrified Talk radio host Rush Limbaugh speaks with former Defense Secretary of losing the votes of his millions of Donald Rumsfeld (left) at the White House in January 2009. faithful listeners. Most recently, Limbaugh not only down our throats”; and “Adolf Hitler, like is that although “we have a very large listed “the similarities between the Barack Obama, also ruled by dictate.” Christian population, we do not consider Democrat Party of today and the Nazi Limbaugh has a long history of inciting ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish Party in Germany,” but also compared the far-right grass-roots against any polit- nation or a Muslim nation; we consider President Obama to Hitler. ical figures who do not reflect his white, ourselves a nation of citizens who are Here’s what Limbaugh told his nation- fundamentalist Christian, conservative, bound by ideals and a set of values.” wide audience: “Obama’s got a health care anti-minority, anti-pluralistic, anti-egaliLimbaugh further appealed to his follogo that’s right out of Adolf Hitler’s play- tarian view of the world. lowers’ most xenophobic instincts by book”; “Obama is asking citizens to rat He considers feminists to be “feminazis,” telling them that that it is “really uncool to each other out like Hitler did”; the presi- dismissed Justice Sonia Sotomayor as a be a white male today,” and that Rep. dent “is sending out his brownshirts to “hack” and a “reverse racist,” and was out- David Scott (D-Ga.) or one of his suphead up opposition to genuine American raged when Obama declared in his April porters, rather than a Ku Klux Klan citizens who want no part of what Barack address to the Turkish Parliament that one wannabe, most probably had painted a Obama stands for and is trying to stuff of the “great strengths of the United States” LIMBAUGH, 14a ■■■

Compassion needs to take precedence over foreclosures I am about to become a statistic. I am about to join millions of others in very difficult circumstances. My home, which I have lived in for almost 15 years, will be foreclosed on very soon. I am a single father with three children, who in total represent 30 years of day school, 20 summers of Jewish camp and nearly 10 years of university. Beyond that I am not going to talk about how I got into this situation. In the end it doesn’t really matter. Everyone who has arrived at this point has a story. Every one of the stories has merit, and yet can be criticized. If we are going to find fault, let us start with an unregulated financial system that systematically takes advantage of borrowers and investors. The real question is, What should happen? Should millions of people lose their homes and be forced onto the streets, so that their homes can remain empty or be bought up by speculators? In the Gemarah, a part of the Talmud, there is a story about some porters who were carrying a barrel of wine for Rabbi Rabbah. The porters broke the barrel, then were deemed to owe the rabbi damages. Rabbi Rabbah John Ostfield lives in St. Paul, Minn. This column appeared last week in the American Jewish World of Minneapolis.

seized their cloaks. He was rebuked for that and ordered to return their cloaks. When he asked, “Is this the law?” Rashi said that according to the law he could keep the cloaks, but in order “that thou walkest in the way of good men” he had to return the cloaks. The Gemarah is going beyond the letter of the law in order to promote a more compassionate society. This should be an example for us. One of the most difficult aspects of being in this situation is the feeling of shame. In the United States, financial success is celebrated and lack of it is shamed. Until now, I have told only a few very good friends about my predicament. I know that I am not alone, but we all suffer in silence. It is time to break that silence. No one can go through this alone. We need the support of the community and of each other. In this country people internalize the pain and go to therapists; in other countries they go into the streets. We in the Jewish community need to understand that it is not only those poor folks on the north side of Minneapolis or immigrants in financial distress. It is all of us: It is the person you see in the store or in the park or sitting across from you in synagogue. If you want to see the faces of foreclosure, look in the mirror, because you might be next. How many of us are one or two paychecks away from falling behind? There are a number of programs that the federal government has announced over the last year. No one quite knows how they work and no two people understand

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them the same way, and very few have been helped. When I have attempted to access this system, I have spent hours on hold, been told to wait because they are overwhelmed, and when I contacted them again, been told something different than what I was told before. This ends up being a death of a thousand cuts. When I realized I was having a problem but was still current, I contacted my mortgage company; they were not interested in discussing a modification to my loan because they were still receiving payments. When I fell behind, I was receiving as many as 10 or 15 phone calls a day, seven days a week, starting at about eight in the morning and going until nine in the evening. I have spent hours on hold trying to get to individuals who can make decisions. It is a process of wearing people down. Eventually many give up and walk away. No one seems to know where people who have lost their homes are going. The VALUES, 14a ■■■

Local voices welcomed J. welcomes your local voice on timely Jewish issues and events of the day. Submissions will not be returned and are subject to editing or rejections. Approximate length: 750 words. e-mail text, not attachments, to [email protected] fax to (415) 263-7223 mail to J. the Jewish news weekly, 225 Bush St., #1480, San Francisco, CA 94104

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| August 21, 2009

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Throwing stones at one another from 12a love of Amnon for Tamar. What kind of love is unconditional? The love of David and Jonathan” (Pirke Avot 5:16). Accepting for the moment that the rabbis of the Mishnah were excluding the possibility that David and Jonathan were actually lovers, this might mean that Amnon, once he had sex with Tamar, exhausted his “love” for her. David and Jonathan loved each other unconditionally. We need to love each other unconditionally. We demonstrate that love when we control our words, temper our passions and treat each other with unconditional mutual respect. And if we cannot love each other, we must at least act as if we do. We must freely express our deeply felt con




Poll: Jewish Dems approve of Obama

cerns about Israel. We must debate vigorously and energetically engage in the marketplace of ideas. The danger is not how we support Israel, by tribute or rebuke, but how we destroy each other. The early rabbinic philosophers faulted Jewish sinat chinam more than the Roman military might for Jerusalem’s destruction. I love Israel and I am really worried about her. I am really afraid of our sinat chinam. I am distressed by how we speak to each other. Even as you read this, someone is picking up a stone. The antidote to sinat chinam is to respect every person’s unique place in creation. We can do this because this love has been inside of us since creation. It is only our weakness to hide it — or our strength to show it. ■

Limbaugh no good for the GOP from 13a large swastika on a sign outside the black congressman’s Georgia district office. For Holocaust survivors and their families in particular, Limbaugh’s demagogic screeds have ominous overtones with which we are all too familiar. One would have expected Republican Party leaders who purport to be in the tradition of Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt to speak out against Limbaugh’s hatemongering. Instead, Colin Powell has been one of the very few prominent Republicans with the integrity to take on Limbaugh. “The problem I have with the [Republican] party right now,” Powell told Larry King last month, is that when Limbaugh “says things that I consider to be completely outrageous, and I respond to it, I would like to see other members of the party do likewise. But they don’t.” Indeed, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) considers Limbaugh to be “a voice of a significant portion of our conservative movement in America” who “has a lot of people who listen very carefully to him.” Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, reportedly the frontrunner to run against Obama in 2012, calls Limbaugh “a very powerful voice among conservatives. And I listen to him.” And House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.), the only Jewish Republican in




Congress, believes that “Rush has got ideas. He’s got a following. He believes in the conservative principles that many of us believe in.” By tolerating and encouraging Limbaugh, the Republican leadership is fomenting racial and ethnic hatred that could have disastrous consequences for our country. Limbaugh’s extremist rhetoric is transforming the Republican side of the American political discourse from one of legitimate political and ideological disagreement among fellow citizens into a demonization of the “other,” that is, everyone who is nonwhite, non–fundamentalist Christian and nonconservative. MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann regularly refers to Limbaugh as a “comedian.” That’s a mistake. Limbaugh might have an act, a “shtick,” as it were, but there is nothing funny or entertaining about him. As McCain, Romney, Cantor and others acknowledge, Limbaugh wields a great deal of influence in both the Republican Party and the conservative movement. That makes him a dangerous, destructive cancer on both the Republican Party and the American body politic. The GOP’s leaders now have to make a choice: They can either allow themselves and their party to be defined by Rush Limbaugh, or they must denounce and renounce him once and for all. ■

Values at stake in foreclosure crisis from 13a rental vacancy rates are not going down. Now and then there are stories of tent cities or of families camping in national parks. What will happen when winter comes? What about school for the children? How can people in that situation find jobs? In the Torah we read that “one should not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor.” We need to stop this process. We need to do it now. Every day in this country people are losing their homes. We need an immediate moratorium on foreclosures. President Barack Obama says that the economy is starting to turn around, that we need to be patient. Now the banks need to be patient. We




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saved them with huge bailouts. We have a right to demand that they return the favor. In addition, stopping the foreclosures will help to stabilize the economy. There are a lot of ideas that can both help the homeowners in difficulty and provide a means for that homeowner to pay the mortgage in an affordable manner. We must demand that the federal government immediately order a two-year moratorium — at the minimum — on foreclosures and a return of homes to their original owners. The Jewish community, and synagogue social action committees in particular, should be taking the lead on this. In the words of Joe Hill, “Don’t waste any time mourning — organize!”

| the Jewish news weekly of Northern California

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A poll of 500 self-identified Jewish Democrats taken in late July shows that 92 percent of Jewish Democrats approve of President Barack Obama’s job performance. The survey, taken July 22 to 24, was commissioned by the Traditional Values Coalition, a conservative lobbying organization claiming to represent 43,000 churches. It was conducted by Global Marketing Research Services and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percent. The poll found that 58 percent of the respondents said Obama was

“doing a good job of promoting peace in the Middle East” compared to 16 percent who disagreed. Just 18 percent said the president was being “too tough on Israel.” However, a column in the New York Post noted that 52 percent of respondents agreed with the view that “the Arabs will never live in peace with Israel and that giving them a nation of their own will just make them stronger.” That column was written by TVC founder the Rev. Louis Sheldon and the husband-wife team of political consultants Dick Morris and Eileen McGann. — jta

Affair leaves Hadassah ‘shocked’ The president of Hadassah, Nancy Falchuk, indicated last week that she was “shocked” to learn that a former finance chief of the organization had an extramarital affair with Bernie Madoff. The former finance chief, Sher yl Weinstein, who left Hadassah in 1997, writes of her 20-year affair in her book, “Madoff ’s Other Secret: Love, Money, Bernie, and Me,” set to be

published next week. In reaction, Falchuk wrote a letter to her board Aug. 17 that said, “Hadassah was shocked to hear the news reports of Mrs. Weinstein’s personal admissions regarding this relationship.” Hadassah had invested $40 million with Madoff, eventually withdrawing $130 million but believing it still had $90 million invested with him. — jpost.com

Army base takes steps forward The beating of a Jewish soldier in Army basic training last fall has prompted Fort Benning to make changes aimed at improving conditions for Jewish troops, from adding a rabbi chaplain to offering kosher meals at dining halls. Dr ill sergeants must now attend classes on how to accommodate soldiers of varying faiths. Fort Benning, located in west

Georgia, plans to hold Shabbat services and observe Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur on post, rather than busing soldiers to a synagogue in neighboring Columbus, Ga. Religious tolerance became an issue at Fort Benning after Pvt. Michael Handman, 20, suffered a concussion from a beating by a fellow trainee. — ap

Boston consul general apologizes Israel’s consul general in Boston apologized for a memo he wrote to his government criticizing Israel’s policy toward the United States. Nadav Tamir was reprimanded Aug. 13 in Israel by Foreign Ministry Director-General Yossi Gal for his lack of judgment in widely distributing the memo. Tamir apologized, saying he regretted the memo became public, according to reports. He also said

that he understood that someone in an official government position cannot publicly criticize the government. Gal did not reprimand him for the content of the three-page memo, titled “Melancholy thoughts on Israel-U.S. relations,” in which Tamir said Israel’s handling of relations with the Obama administration was causing Israel “strategic damage.” — jta

Terror cell member gets 70 months The last member of a terrorist cell that was planning to attack Jewish targets in Los Angeles was sentenced to nearly six years in prison. Hammad Riaz Samana, a member of the Jami’yyat Ul-Islam IsShaheeh group founded in a prison, was given a 70-month sentence Aug. 17, the Orange County Register reported. His sentence was shorter than his three fellow cell members

because he had a smaller role in the plot and he suffered from mental health issues, according to U.S. District Judge Cormac Carney. The cell had plans to attack synagogues, the Israeli Consulate in Los Angeles and El Al Airlines at the Los Angeles International Airport, as well as military bases. The group robbed 11 gas stations to fund the plot. The men were arrested and charged in 2005. — jta ■

Victorious ‘Basterds’ Quentin Tarantino says film is far more than a Jewish revenge fantasy naomi pfefferman l.a. jewish journal

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Quentin Tarantino is bouncing up and down on a couch in a suite at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles, waving his arms and talking at torpedo speed about “Inglourious Basterds,” the fantastical World War II film he both wrote and directed. Dressed in black and clutching a plastic wine glass containing the remains of a vin rouge, the filmmaker who burst into the zeitgeist with the uber-violent “Reservoir Dogs” is eager to talk about his “basterds” — a squad of Nazi-slaying American Jews led by hillbilly Sgt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt). These fighters parachute behind enemy lines to wage a blood-splattering campaign against the Nazis, alternately scalping them, crushing their skulls or carving swastikas into their foreheads. Meanwhile, an intertwining story has Director Shosanna Dreyfus (Mélanie Laurent), a French Jew, passing as the non-Jewish owner of a Paris cinema and seeking to avenge the murder of her family by incinerating Hitler, Goebbels and his henchmen in her theater. Since “Inglourious Basterds” premiered in May at the

line of films using Nazis as all-purpose “rent-avillains,” such as this year’s Norwegian Nazizombie thriller “Dead Snow.” Still others have worried over the image of Jews seeking overthe-top revenge against the Reich. Confronted with these criticisms, Tarantino brushes them off, saying he wasn’t about to check in with Jews or anyone else for his storyline. “I’m not going to go and kiss ass and curry favor,” he said. “This movie is about my imagination. I’m the one making the decisions as far as writing my characters ... And when my characters are Jewish, what I say is correct for them.” He insists the movie isn’t a Holocaust film, although it opens with Shosanna watching the machine-gunning of her family. Also, says Tarantino, the film goes against a convention that has defined most Shoah films since the 1980s: focusing almost exclusively on Jews as victims. “If you go back to earlier photos | the weinstein company/francois duhamel decades, there was no crime against making a Quentin Tarantino on the set of “Inglourious Basterds.” World War II picture as a thrilling adventure Cannes International Film Festival, a number of reviewers story,” Tarantino says. have criticized Tarantino’s brazen rewriting of history, “ ‘The Great Escape’ takes place in a f—— concentracalling it potential fodder for Holocaust revisionists. tion camp, and it’s one of the most entertaining movies Others have dismissed the movie as the latest in a recent ‘BASTERDS’, 18a ■■■

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

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l.a. jewish journal

When the extreme horror auteur Eli Roth visited Germany to promote his 2005 film “Hostel,” journalists asked how he dared make such a sexually sadistic movie. Roth was then a 29-year-old who had already cemented his reputation as one of the most successful directors to push the so-called “torture porn” genre to grisly new heights, and “Hostel” pushed it even further. The filmmaker was used to criticism for his overthe-top depictions of impalings, decapitations and blow-torchings, but Roth — who has numerous relatives who died in the Holocaust — became enraged when German journalists asked him to justify those grisly scenes. “I said, ‘This movie is nothing but [cinematic] magic tricks, but your grandparents turned my ancestors into furniture. Into lamp shades.’ I went on and on. I couldn’t stop myself. I couldn’t believe Eli Roth (left) and Brad Pitt in a scene from they took that kind of self-righteous position.” “Inglourious Basterds.” Roth’s same righteous fury appears in his portrayal of Sgt. Donny Donowitz, a.k.a. “the Bear Jew,” in out in Nazi-occupied Austria, and his parents’ friends included survivors of Auschwitz and Dachau, Roth “Inglourious Basterds.” “Donny is a Jewish guy from South Boston who is grew up in the shadow of the Holocaust. “We were taught that you do not buy German prodfighting on behalf of Jews who can’t,” said Roth, 33, who still displays much of the 40 pounds of extra muscle he ucts,” he said. His mother, a respected painter, and his put on for the role. “He uses his baseball bat to pummel father, a psychoanalyst and psychiatry professor at Nazis, so he can physically feel that sensation of cracking Harvard Medical School, encouraged him to read the many books on the time period, and at the age of 8, the their skulls in.” For Roth, the movie proved more than just his first budding filmmaker had already read Eli Wiesel’s major acting role: “It was like kosher porn,” he said. “It “Night” and knew all about Dr. Mengele’s medical experiments. was an orgasmic feeling to swing that bat.” “That’s why horror movies always seemed so tame to Which is not to say that he didn’t take the role seriously. Because his mother’s family was all but wiped me,” he said. “I thought it was absurd when people com-

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plained about movie violence, because the default in my brain was — what about the Holocaust? “I never saw violence in movies as real. To me it was always a representation of violence,” he added. “And I couldn’t understand why people got so upset about it when they didn’t seem upset about violence in real life.” Roth’s directorial debut, “Cabin Fever,” premiered in 2002, and although many critics have reviled him for what they perceive as gratuitous violence and misogyny, others see his work as far more thoughtful than, say, the “Friday the 13th” franchise. Tarantino served as an executive producer on the poorly received “Hostel II” and previously hired Roth to act in “Grindhouse” (2007). For “Inglourious Basterds,” Roth also served as Tarantino’s unofficial Jewish technical adviser. At times during the six-month shoot in Berlin, life imitated art: When Roth’s parents broke their vow never to travel to Germany and visited the set, Roth was appalled when one of the crew’s drivers sneeringly referred to them as “Juden.” Roth had to be restrained from beating the man in Bear Jew fashion. In the end, making “Inglourious Basterds” proved healing for Roth. “When we filmed the scenes where I killed Nazis, the German cast and crew were as excited about it as the Jews were — it was like we were killing them together,” Roth said. “I remember [the actor who plays] Goebbels saying, ‘Yeah — we get to kill those m———s today.’ They were so happy. And they wanted the deaths to be as violent as possible, because they’re tortured by the Holocaust as much as we are.” ■

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| August 21, 2009

the arts Minicomic takes serious look at father’s roots on kibbutz rachel freedenberg

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Golan’s minicomics take her anywhere from a few months to a year to create. The story comes first — her Yasmin Golan’s father left his native kibbutz to live the background is in poetry and writing, but “I felt that no one American Dream. But it eventually became clear that the really reads poetry,” she says wryly. “I look at minicomics as a short story format, but it works flexibly American Dream was back on the kibbutz. “It’s really a story of reverse immigration narrative,” says for me in terms of poetry and prose.” After the story is written, she begins the Golan, 30, in an interview from her home in San Francisco. “It’s not the story of someone who leaves pover- illustration, which she does with a black ty and comes to America and makes it. It’s the story of brush-tip ink marker in a style that is someone who had a pretty good standard of living on a often reminiscent of woodblock printing. kibbutz, and comes to the U.S. “Right now my illustration style is really and becomes a working-class primitive,” she says. “I’m just trying to convey the images that inspired the story laborer.” This realization, which in the first place in my mind.” When the illustrations are done, Golan came to on a visit to her father’s kibbutz, Gan Golan assembles the comic herself, and Shmuel, about a decade ago, has a cover silkscreened in color. “My Father” took Golan almost a eventually formed the basis for “My Father,” a 20-page year to complete. With just one line of minicomic written and illus- text per page, the comic tells the story trated by Golan in stark black of her father’s visit to his former home on the kibbutz near Hadera, and of and white. Golan’s impressions of kibbutz and A chef by trade, Golan has Yasmin Golan been making minicomics in communal life. Golan’s parents met on the kibher free time for the past two or three years. Minicomics are self-published comic books sold by butz — her mother had come from their creators, usually online and at comic and alternative her native Brooklyn in her late teens to experience something similar to the ’60s-style compress shows. Golan sells hers online (at mune. milkntea.etsy.com) and at a handful of Yasmin Golan will be at After becoming disenchanted with the stores in San Francisco, Portland, San Francisco Zine Fest, 11 a.m. rightward shift of kibbutz politics in the Chicago and Los Angeles. to 6 p.m. Aug. 22 and 23, at the early ’70s (and the limitations of free She will also be appearing at San S.F. County Fair Building, Ninth speech in the socialist culture), the couple Francisco Zine Fest this weekend, Aug. Avenue and Lincoln Way in moved to Los Angeles, where Golan was 22 and 23, and at the Alternative Press Golden Gate Park. born. They became gardeners and janitors, Expo in San Francisco on Oct. 17 and 18. staff writer

living in what Golan calls an “artistic, hippie environment.” Visiting her father’s kibbutz in her 20s “was an interesting experience, because I was basically comparing his life and the standard of living he had in the United States to the one he had left behind in Isr ael,” Golan says. “When I made the book and I showed my father, he laughed and said, ‘I guess I’m one of the only Israelis I know that left a better standard of living behind in Israel for a lower standard of living in the United States.’ ” Golan’s other minicomics — including “Maids’ Rooms, Paris, 2002” a look at the Parisian practice of having maids living on the sixth floor of fancy apartment buildings, and “The Kitchen,” a collection of stories from current and former restaurant workers — also touch on the social politics of the working class. Her next comic will be a complement to “Maid’s Rooms” — another story about “the underbelly of Paris.” “I’m drawn to stories with an emotional edge to them,” Golan says. “It’s all about what I feel like working on next. With ‘My Father,’ I felt like the [comics] I had done so far weren’t personal in any way, and I wanted to do something personal. And now that I’ve done that, I feel like I can go back to other types of storytelling.” ■

‘This Way Up’ stares down Jerusalem security wall michael fox

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

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‘Blossom’ star reflects on how she blossomed as a Jew mayim bialik

Entering a sacred covenant before God, I wore an ankle-length, highnecked Victorian dress with sleeves past the elbow and a heavy veil, Earlier this year, producers from reminiscent (I hoped) of the the TLC makeover show “What matriarchs Leah and Rebekah. Not to Wear” chose me to “fix.” It During the days of the Sheva was eight months after I had given Brachot, the seven traditional birth to my second son (my first feasts celebrated in the days after was 3 years old), and I had just the chuppah ceremony, I tentativecompleted a doctorate in neuroly covered my head with scarves science. and crocheted hats, trying on my I had been wearing slouchy new status as a married woman. clothes since long before I had Beyond wearing a ring, my lifestyle kids. I favored men’s oversized gardidn’t have a means of representments that hung loosely from my ing the change from single to marbody and had never much cared ried, and I was cautious about for fashion or trends. For the most challenging the feminist ideals I part, I spent little to no time on my had previously embraced. appearance. But I liked feeling a physical repFrom the time I was 19 until I resentation in my new life as a marturned 32, I devoted my time to ried woman. In synagogue, I began studying, writing a thesis and startcovering my head with tichels (decing a family. But the acting itch orative scarves) from trips to Israel never completely abated and I had — just as my Orthodox cousins decided to pursue it again rather who I used to consider submissive than stay in academia. The actor’s and trapped in an archaic lifestyle life I want to pursue gives me more taught me to wrap them — and time to raise my children rather fashionable hats. No flowers than hand them over to a nanny. allowed. Too Blossom-y. Having a makeover seemed like a photo | jta/courtesy of mayim bialik As my life progressed, tzniut great opportunity to put together a Mayim Bialik became a bigger part and I started new look that I could use on future appreciating what it means to keep auditions. zines and on television. The “What Not to Wear” producers I was pretty impervious to media cri- your sexual appeal for yourself and your asked if I had any clothing restrictions. tiques of my style. I had no real sense of partner. I came to see that not everyDeep breath. my own physicality and took for grant- thing that makes me beautiful, sexy or “I don’t wear pants,” I told them. “I ed the feminist idea that I should be desirable needs to be on display. In the world of acting, though, mainprefer skirts.” able to walk around naked without You see, I am what I guess you’d call a harassment. But I soon learned that not taining a degree of modesty has been a challenge. I stopped wearing pants outConservadox Jew. I started embracing everyone was a feminist. certain aspects of Jewish modesty, or After graduating from public high side of the home in November 2007. (I tzniut, before my second son was born, school in Los Angeles, I went to college still wear them at home or under dressand although I know many Orthodox at UCLA, where I met the man who is es.) These days, I am more comfortable women who don’t observe tzniut, the now my husband. Knowing we wanted a in skirts rather than the baggy, saggy boundaries and framework of privacy it traditional wedding ceremony, we start- pants I used to wear. I feel more attracprovides appealed to me. ed studying Judaism together to prepare tive and more put-together in a skirt. Tzniut doesn’t mean making yourself I was raised in a traditional Reform for it. household, the granddaughter of poor At first my lessons with an Orthodox less attractive; it means highlighting Orthodox immigrants from Eastern instructor were almost anthropological your strengths within limits. But my definition of limits and that Europe. For them, success in America — I was curious as to how Judaism came at the seemingly small price of rel- viewed marriage and sexuality, but I did of the folks at “What Not to Wear” difative assimilation. not really intend to increase my level of fered. On and off the set, I discussed my Growing up, I lived a pretty normal observance. The more I learned, how- skirt preference with the producers. life. I had my own prime-time network ever, the more my previous distance When the hosts showed me pants as a possible option in my wardrobe, I TV show, “Blossom,” from the ages of 14 from traditional Judaism disappeared. to 19, which meant my physical appearI was also a serious person in general, pointed out that I don’t much wear ance and clothing choices were dissect- and chose a wedding dress that reflected them. I didn’t claim to be the ed on a weekly basis in gossip maga- my serious attitude about marriage. spokesperson for tzniut; after all, I still tabletmag.com

wear shirts above the elbows and don’t cover my head regularly. I bought wonderful new clothes, jewelry and vegan shoes (one of my other preferences). When I was filmed revealing the final outfits they picked for me, I gently pointed out that skirts above the knee are not something I would wear, and that I wouldn’t wear sleeveless shirts or dresses without something to cover my arms once I left the set. When the show aired in May as the series’ season premier, I saw that my qualifications and explanations did not survive the cutting room. I don’t wish to claim that there is an “immodest agenda” on WNTW. It’s a show for the average American, who is most likely not Jewish, and if she is Jewish, she’s most likely not observant. In spite of the fact that the hosts kept telling me that I needed to be “sexy” and not “hide” in my clothing, I loved being a part of the show. They were right to encourage me to wear clothing that was my size and to emphasize my figure where it needed emphasizing. But sexy doesn’t necessarily mean scantily clad. The week after WNTW was filmed, I auditioned to play a Chassidic woman on “Saving Grace.” When the call came in I laughed, pulled a salvaged Israeli ankle-length dark denim skirt from the floor of my almost bare closet, threw on a WNTW-purchased tank, cardigan and simple flats, and applied some lovely understated makeup. I got the part. ■

Mayim Bialik starred on NBC’s “Blossom” from 1990 to 1994. Recently she has appeared on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Saving Grace” and this fall will have a recurring role on “The Secret Life of the American Teenager.” Reprinted from Tabletmag.com, a new read on Jewish life.

“Burman to perfection.” Clarin

S.F. Jewish museum seeks personal photos for collage The Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco wants your family photos. The museum is seeking bar and bat mitzvah images through Sept. 1 and food pictures through Nov. 30 to be used with upcoming exhibits. B’nai mitzvah images can be from any time period, and they can be color or black and white. The only requirement is that the Torah must be present

in the photo. Selected images will be included in a digital “collage” for the gallery’s “As It Is Written: Project 304,805” exhibit. On tap for Oct. 8 through fall 2010, the exhibition is centered on the importance of the script in the Torah, which includes 304,805 letters. The food photos should focus on traditional and spiritual events; they will be

included in the CJM’s second installment of “Being Jewish: A Bay Area Portrait.” The museum also is accepting recipes or written anecdotes about food. Photos can be sent via e-mail to [email protected] or mailed to the attention of “Call for Photos,” CJM, 736 Mission St., S.F. 94103. For more information, contact Lisa Chanoff at [email protected] or (415) 655-7844.

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EXCLUSIVE ENGAGEMENTS START FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 Sundance KABUKI CINEMAS 1881 Post St at Fillmore 415/929-4650 MARIN San Rafael, Independent Rafael Film Center CHECK THEATRE DIRECTORIES OR CALL FOR SOUND INFORMATION AND SHOWTIMES SPECIAL ENGAGEMENTS NO PASSES OR DISCOUNT COUPONS ACCEPTED

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| August 21, 2009

lifecycles engagements

b’nai mitzvah

Daniel Frankenstein and Erielle Roodman Reshef

Rebecca (Ceci) Cohen Daughter of Dr. Julie and Dr. Jonathan Cohen, Saturday,

Aug. 22 at Congregation Beth Sholom in Napa. Jacqueline Cooney Daughter of Dorothy and Thomas Cooney, Saturday, Aug. 22 at Congregation Rodef Sholom in San Rafael. Sarah Feinberg Daughter of Jenna and Steven Feinberg, Saturday, Aug. 22 at Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco. Andrew Grossfeld Son of Jodi and Gary Grossfeld, Saturday, Aug. 22 at Congregation Kol Shofar in Tiburon. Sabrina Heinrichs Daughter of Karin and David Heinrichs, Saturday, Aug. 22 at Peninsula Temple Beth El in San Mateo. Sarah Helfen Daughter of Vicki Schifferli and Mark Helfen, Saturday, Aug. 22 at Congregation Beth Jacob in Redwood City. Reuben Jacobson Goldberg Son of Kathie Jacobson and Ben Goldberg, Saturday, Aug. 22 at Temple Sinai in Oakland. Shawna James Daughter of Tanya and Donald James, Saturday, Aug. 22 at Beth Chaim Congregation in Danville. Annie Kaplan Daughter of Kelly and Aaron Kaplan, Saturday, Aug. 22 at Congregation B’nai Tikvah in Walnut Creek. Charlie Spira Son of Linda and Aaron Katzman Son of Barry Jonathan Spira, Thursday, Aug. 20 at Katzman, Saturday, Aug. 22 at Chabad of North Peninsula in San Congregation Kol Emeth in Palo Alto. Mateo. Freida Poskanzer Daughter of Marjorie Wechsler and Harold Poskanzer, Saturday, Aug. 22 at Congregation Etz Chayim in Palo Alto. Isaac Rothenberg Son of Lorraine Sandoval and David Rothenberg, Saturday, Aug. 22 at Congregation Beth El in Berkeley. Randall Lance Shapiro Son of Audrey and Andrew Shapiro, Saturday, Aug. 22 at Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco. Sophia Smith Daughter of Barbara and Jesse Smith, Saturday, Aug. 22 at Congregation Kol Shofar in Tiburon. Scott Tessler Son of Amy and Stephen Tessler, Saturday, Aug. 22 at Temple Beth Abraham in Oakland. Nathan Usem Son of Georganne Walker and Michael Usem, Saturday, Aug. 15 at Temple Sinai in Oakland.

George and Diane Frankenstein are overjoyed to announce the engagement of their son, Daniel Frankenstein, to Erielle Roodman Reshef, daughter of Dr. Eli Reshef and Ms. Edie Roodman of Oklahoma City. Daniel, who attended Lowell High School in San Francisco, received his degree from U.C. Berkeley. Daniel worked for four years in Washington, D.C., for the Corporate Executive Board (CEB) and is now spearheading CEB’s operations in Israel. Erielle, a graduate of Heritage Hall High School, graduated cum laude from Indiana University. She is now pursuing a Master of Arts in Government, Strategy and Diplomacy at the Herzliya Interdisciplinary Center (IDC), Israel. Erielle and Daniel will wed on May 30, 2010 at the bride’s home in Oklahoma City.

Lisa L. Michael and Daniel A. Hegwer are happy to announce their

engagement. Lisa is the daughter of Harriett Michael and Dr. John Michael of San Rafael, Calif. The bride-to-be received bachelor degrees in Biology and Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Masters Degree in Physical Therapy from New York Medical College, New York. Daniel is the son of Charlotte Hegwer and Louis Harold Hegwer, Jr. of Tucson, Ariz. The groom-to-be received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from San Jose State University and a Juris Doctor degree from The John Marshal Law School, Chicago, Illinois. The couple first met at UAHC Camp Swig during the summer of 1989. They plan to wed at Congregation Rodef Sholom in San Rafael. The couple currently resides in San Rafael.

the arts ‘Basterds’ is much more than a ‘revenge fantasy’ from 15a you’re ever going to see,” Tarantino says. “Even Billy Wilder, in ‘Five Graves to Cairo,’ does as much revisionist history as I do, all in the service of a very exciting story.” So if “Inglourious Basterds” is a guyson-a-mission World War II movie, in the tradition of, say, “The Dirty Dozen,” why couldn’t the guerrillas have been escaped POWs, or members of the French resistance — rather than American Jews? Tarantino’s eyes gleam as he answers. “It was really important for them to be Jewish, and it’s a big deal that they are American Jews.” Not all of the heroes are Jews, however. Pitt’s character, nicknamed “Aldo the




.

J.

Apache,” is not, and is actually part or just tired of seeing the ‘Holocaust vicCherokee. “He’s been fighting fascism tim’ portrayal in cinema, there is a kneesince he got into the war,” Tarantino jerk, fun, fantasy revenge aspect to the explains. “Nazis, Kluxers, they’re all the movie, all right? But that’s not all there is. I same to him. But he’s a war history nut, muddied it up.” As an example, he points to a scene so he knows all about Geronimo’s battle plans and the idea of doing an Apache- where Sgt. Donny Donowitz (Eli Roth) style resistance against the Germans.” bludgeons a Nazi officer to death with his Tarantino, like Aldo, is part Cherokee, baseball bat, but the German gets the “last and he grew up in a born-again milieu in cool line” in the sequence. Tennessee where revenge fantasies centered Both Roth and Laurent are Jewish. She more on the Ku Klux Klan than on the was born and raised in Paris, and said she Nazis. He says the film “had terrible nightis not just a Jewish mares about the camps “Inglourious Basterds” opens Friday, Aug. 21 at more than 55 revenge f a n t a s y, all my childhood.” Her theaters in the greater Bay Area. though he admits that grandfather survived “Whether you’re Jewish Auschwitz after losing

| the Jewish news weekly of Northern California

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his entire family. “I had a very happy life,” said the 26year-old, “but I would think that if I had been born 60 years ago, I would have been killed in a gas room. Since I [was] 4, it was my dream to kill Hitler, so I completely understand Shosanna’s desire for revenge.” She showed her grandfather the script, and he insisted she go after the role, telling her she must kill Hitler, if only in a movie, because that also had been his dream. She doesn’t understand why people object to a fictionalized killing of Hitler. “I think it’s just a dream, and one can say nothing against a dream,” she said. “So if people say you can’t do that — of course you can. It’s a movie.” ■

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bay area

obits

Fans fete Kings’ Israeli star

Robert Novak, harsh critic of Israel, dies at 78

with a guaranteed contract, Casspi is unlikely to get cut. About a week after Sacramento drafted Casspi, Kings fans Chuck and Susanne Brabec were on a trip to Israel with their synagogue, Mosaic Law Congrega-tion, a Conservative shul in Sacramento. Along with their son Malcolm, the Brabecs met with Casspi’s family and presented them with some photo | amanda pazornik black and purple swag. Omri Casspi (left) receives advice and praise “We got off the plane from two Jewish community leaders, Skip and went straight to the Rosenbloom (center) and Akiva Tor. Casspi residence,” Chuck from 3a Brabec said. “We brought Kings shirts sound too concerned. “What you’ll see and left them. After all, where will you is a very determined, talented player get a Sacramento Kings shirt in Israel?” who’s not just here to be on the roster,” As Casspi sifted through the lingering he said. “I haven’t met too many young crowd to make his exit, he acknowlguys as committed to their goals as edged the importance of having a Omri.” strong fan base, especially during his Though he isn’t the first Israeli taken first season. in an NBA draft, all of the previous three “That will make the difference,” got cut by their teams and never played Casspi said. “To see great people welin an NBA game. As a first-round pick coming me warmed my heart.” ■■■

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A new year, a new path? The Days of Awe, which begin with Rosh Hashanah and conclude withYom Kippur, are the most sacred time in the Jewish tradition — a time when the Book of Life is opened, allowing Jews to seek change and make self-improvements. J. is looking for personal stories of High Holy Day inspiration. Have you repaired a shattered relationship? Experienced something transformational? Healed a broken heart or freed a troubled mind? If you have had a deep, meaningful High Holy Day experience and would like to share it with j. readers, please contact reporter Stacey Palevsky by Sept. 4 at [email protected] or 415-263-7200 ext. 28.

“I found the same thing in Judaism as a young boy as I did later in the Unitarian Church and then at the Robert Novak, the diehard conservative Episcopal Church,” he said. “They columnist whose scoops broke many a seemed very ungodly. The clergymen career, made his reputation as a journal- seemed very secular.” ist by being unafraid to attack his ideoNovak’s distaste for robust Judaism logical brethren. was perhaps most manifest in his review The same dynamic underlay the con- of David Frum’s 2003 book describing tentious and at times ugly relationship his experience speechwriting for he had with fellow Jews. President George W. Novak, a household Bush. Novak wrote in face as co-host of the American ConservCNN’s “Crossfire,” died ative: “It is hard to Aug. 18 in Washington, recall any previous D.C., after an extended presidential aide so struggle with brain canengrossed with his own cer. He was 78. ethnic [Jewish] roots. He was diag nosed Frum is more uncomwith a brain tumor in promising in support of July 2008, less than a Israel than any other week after he struck a issue, raising the homeless man in downinescapable question of town Washington with whether this was the his Corvette and drove real reason he entered away. His career includthe White House.” ed decades as the co- Robert Novak Frum counteratauthor of an influential tacked, saying Novak column written with his colleague, the was the first to suggest that the U.S.late Rowland Evans, as well as a ubiqui- Israel friendship was a motivating facty on a number of talk shows. tor in the 2001 terrorist attacks on the Novak’s effort to defend the Iraq United States. invasion almost railroaded his career: Novak helped purvey the notion that He was the first to publish the name of the Iraq War was fought in Israel’s interCIA operative Valerie Plame, as part of est. He also was a rare mainstream voice the Bush administration’s retaliatory endorsing the widely rejected claim that campaign against her husband, Iraq Israeli forces had intentionally attacked War critic Joseph Wilson. a U.S. naval ship in the Mediterranean His last CNN appearance in August Sea during the Six-Day War in 1967. 2005 was a memorable one: After swearIn his autobiography, Novak wrote ing on the air, he walked off the set dur- about what he described as the efforts ing a debate with Democratic strategist of pro-Israel critics to get newspapers to James Carville. Novak quickly apolo- drop his and Evans’ syndicated column. gized, but CNN never let him back on Novak claimed that shortly after being the air. told by the editor of the Newark StarNovak was born to Jewish parents, Ledger in 1975 that advertisers were but said he never felt particularly con- complaining about Evans and Novak’s nected to the faith. “anti-Israel” reporting, the newspaper “The family was not very observant,” dropped their syndicated column. he told CNN in 2005, describing his “It was one of about a hundred newsupbringing in Joliet, Ill. “My father had papers that we lost in a surprisingly short never been bar mitzvahed and his father period of time,” Novak wrote. “Whatever was not a very good Jew, but I was bar the reason — and I had my suspicions — mitzvahed.” we never built back our base.” He converted to Catholicism at age 67 Novak is survived by his wife of 47 after attending Catholic services for years, Geraldine, who was a secretary several years. In a 2003 interview with for President Lyndon Johnson, their Washingtonian magazine, he said that daughter, Zelda, and a son, Alex. although he joined a Jewish fraternity in college at the University of Illinois, The Associated Press contributed to this report. he was turned off by Judaism. ron kampeas jta

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

J.

| the Jewish news weekly of Northern California

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deaths Benjamin Wilhelm Kaufman,

passed away in his home in Paso Robles surrounded by loving family on August 13, 2009 at age 36. He was the beloved companion of Joyce Calderone, loving son of Roger (Lorri) Kaufman and Lynette (Dave) Fishel-Dunbar; dear brother of Randal (Elena) Kaufman and Janna Kaufman; adoring uncle of Madeline and Rebecca Kaufman; nephew of many aunts and uncles. Benjamin was an artist and actor who packed in a lot of living into too short of a life. He believed in living life to the fullest every moment of every day. Benjamin will be missed by many, but forgotten by few. Private Memorial Service were held on Sunday, August 16, 2009 . Special thanks to Dr. Susan Chang and Dr. Mitchell Burger. Donations to UCSF Brain Tumor Research, 400 Parnassus Ave, S.F., CA 94143 preferred. Richard A. Krimen, born April 4, 1935, and a San Francisco resident for almost 50 years, passed away on August 3, 2009. Richard was born to Frank and Edith Krimen in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. He spent his early childhood in Pennsylvania, where he lived prior to moving to Los Angeles and attending Beverly Hills High School. After graduating, he attended University of California, Los Angeles where he majored in business and finance. Upon finishing his degree, he joined the State Compensation Insurance Fund in the claims department, but was promptly called to serve in the United States Army. He served with distinction while being stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. On completion of his service in the army, Richard rejoined the State Fund in the home office in San Francisco. While there, he attended law school at night for four years at Golden Gate University Law School. After graduation and admission to the practice of law in California, he took the position of Junior Counsel in the State

Leon Rader keeps alive the old Jewish traditions.

Fund’s legal department. It was there that he met the love of his life, Evelyn Ersepke. They had a loving marriage for 45 very happy years. Richard was also a very dedicated father of their three sons Edmund, Gerald, and Robert. Richard was appointed to Chief Counsel for the State Fund in 1980. He was a highly regarded manager and attorney. Richard was with the State Fund for over 47 years at the time of his retirement in April 2004. Richard loved reading and learning about new places. He took his family on trips all over the continental United States, Hawaii, and Europe. Richard was a great counselor and could converse on an impressive variety of different subjects. Many people were enriched by his advice and counsel over the years. Richard was also a very kind, dependable and generous man, with a great sense of humor and a sharp mind. He was a selfless father, husband and friend. His loss will be deeply mourned by many. Private services were held August 7 at Home of Peace in Colma. Donations may be made in his memory to Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco.

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beauty and charm graced 97 years of living, died peacefully Aug. 8 at Woodside Care Home in Woodside and was buried next to her husband Aug. 13 at Eternal Home Cemetery in Colma. Sally was a longtime resident of Menlo Park and Palo Alto, and a former member of Congregation Kol Emeth in Palo Alto. She was admired for her starlet looks, her sense of fashion and etiquette, and her determination to take up golf in her 50s and to continue exercising into her 80s. Born in Poland, she came to San Francisco in 1932, sent for by her father who had started a second family in this country. That same year, she met and married Al Newhouse, who “Americanized” her from Sonja to Sally, before they moved from San Francisco to Menlo Park, where they raised three children. Sally was predeceased by her husband of 48 years in 1980, and their son, Robert, in 1970. Sally is survived by daughter Phyllis Newhouse of Menlo Park, son David (Patsy) Newhouse of Oakland, and grandsons Chad Newhouse of San Francisco, Casey Newhouse of Seattle, and Robby Newhouse.

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| August 21, 2009

Through Chagall’s eyes U.C. Berkeley professor Mel Gordon is presenting “Jewish Theater Through the Eyes of Chagall” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27 at the Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission St., San Francisco. The lecture is free with museum admission ($5 after 5 p.m. on Thursdays). “Chagall and the Artists of the Russian Jewish Theater, 1919-1949” is on display at the CJM through Sept. 8. For details, visit www.thecjm.org.

art ongoing “Artwork of Toby Tover-Krein.” Oil paintings of everyday life. Through Aug. 28. At Contra Costa JCC, 2071 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. Friedkin Art Gallery. www.ccjcc.org/gallery. “Chagall and the Artists of the Russian Jewish Theater, 1919-1949.” Through Sept. 8. “Jews on Vinyl.” Through Oct. 13. StoryCorps. Share life stories with family

and friends in the story booth. Through Oct. 11. At Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission St., S.F. www.thecjm.org. “The Dead Sea.” Ofir Ben Tov’s aerial photography. Through Aug. 28. At Peninsula JCC, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City. www.pjcc.org. “Dual Reality.” Larry Davidson’s architectural photography. Through Aug. 31. At Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. www.marinjcc.org. “Exodus: Flight from Nazi Germany.”

Through the fall. At Holocaust Center of Northern California, 121 Steuart St., S.F. www.hcnc.org. “From the Bronx to the Bay.” Philip Rosenfeld’s oil paintings of women from the American labor movement. Through Aug. 29. At Congregation Emanu-El, 2 Lake St., S.F. (415) 387-5578. “Jews of the Fillmore.” Historical photography. Through Oct. 20. At Jazz Heritage Center, 1330 Fillmore St., S.F. www. jazzheritagecenter.org. For cell phone walking tour of the area, call (415) 226-2583. “Sea of Triathlon.” Israeli photographer Michal Peleg’s images, in celebration of the JCC Maccabi Games. Through Aug. 30. At J C C S F, 3 2 0 0 C a l i f o r n i a S t . , S . F. www.jcccsf.org. The Whimsical Art of Frank Spalding.”

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With Israeli singer Rivka Amado. At Open Secret Bookstore, 923 C St., San Rafael. 7:30 p.m. www.rivkamusic.com. Amy X Neuberg. Jewish Music Festival alum performs experimental percussion and electronica. At Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St., S.F. 8 p.m. $10-$25. www.ybca.org. “Music of the Sephardic Jews.”

theater friday

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Play about a Jewish family in the Depression-era Bronx. Through Sept. 27. At Aurora Theatre, 2081 Addison St., Berkeley. $15-$55. www.auroratheatre.org.

“Awake and Sing!”

tv & radio sunday

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Mosaic. Host Rabbi Eric Weiss with S.F.based Jewish Community Federation CEO Daniel Sokatch. CBS-Channel 5. 5 a.m.

lectures & workshops saturday

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photo

sunday

Claremont Ave., Berkeley. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. www.afikomen.com. “Like To Cook?” Cooking class on kosher, vegetarian dishes. At Congregation Beth Israel, 1630 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. 4-7 p.m. $25. RSVP to (510) 847-0050.

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“Clearing the Ashes: From Tisha B’Av to Rosh Hashanah.” At Congregation

Emanu-El, 2 Lake St., S.F. 1 p.m. Free. www.emanuelsf.org/register.

New permanent art installation by Kingsley. At Peninsula JCC, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City. Opening event with the artist at 12:30 p.m. www.pjcc.org.

.

saturday

Artist and cartoonist. Through Dec. 30. In the Tice Valley Gallery, Contra Costa JCC, 2055 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. www.ccjcc.org/gallery. “The First Hebrew City.” Early Tel Aviv from the Eliasaf Robinson collection. Through Aug. 31. At Peterson Gallery, Green Library, Stanford University. www.stanford. edu/dept/jewishstudies.

“Pillars of the Community.”

J.

music & dance

sunday

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“Living Green: Communities That Sustain.” Books and Bagels. At JCC East Bay,

1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. www.jcceastbay.org. “New Moon Illuminations Reading Series.” At Afikomen Judaica, 3042

| the Jewish news weekly of Northern California

22a

dance, 1920, state tretyakov gallery, moscow © 2008 artists rights society, n.y./adagp, paris

“Chodesh Celebration for Women.”

Scrapbooking the year 5769, with help from a crafts pro. At Richmond Torah Center Chabad, 423 10th Ave., S.F. 7:15 p.m. www.rtchabad.org.

tuesday

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“Why Return to God.” At Richmond Torah Center, 423 10th Ave., S.F. 7:15 p.m. www.rtchabad.org.

sunday

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“The Jews of Oakland and Berkeley.”

Fred Isaac’s book launch. At Afikomen Judaica, 3042 Claremont Ave., Berkeley. 3 p.m. www.afikomen.com.

benefits& socialevents

sunday

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“Membership Outreach Brunch.”

Champag ne and breakfast foods. At Congregation Beth El, 1301 Oxford St., Berkele y. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. [email protected]. “Summer Sizzle.” YAD-sponsored event with food, music and sports. At Peninsula JCC, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City. 12-4 p.m. $18-$25. RSVP to [email protected].

Shoftim Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9 Isaiah 51:12-52:12

It’s not easy to say you’re sorry — but here are the first steps As we begin the month of Elul we are reminded that this is the time of the year when we are supposed to apologize and ask forgiveness from each other. Apologizing is not an easy thing to do, especially in our culture in which it is considered a sign of weakness to say “I’m sorry.” In the Jewish tradition, the ability to say “please forgive me” is considered a sign of strength, not of weakness. And yet these three words, “I am sorry,” are terribly hard for most of us to say. What I want to do today is offer you some suggestions on how to say these three words. Surely it is difficult for us to begin the High Holy Days and ask God to forgive us until and unless we are first willing to ask the people whom we have hurt to forgive us. A suggestion that I offer you today on how to ask forgiveness comes from an essay by Joanne Kaufman. She begins by confessing that she seems by nature to be prone to overapologizing. An apology has power, but the catch is that it has to be a real apology, a sincere one. Just muttering a couple of syllables under your breath is not enough. Apologizing is a complicated process and you have to do it right if you expect it to be accepted. A timely apology is the best kind, but there is no statute of limitations. If the apology is heartfelt, then it works — no matter how late it may be offered. There are some who make apologies that are weak and vague. Dr. Aaron Lazare, the chancellor and dean of the University of Massachusetts Medical School and the author of a book called “On Apology,” lists a number of pseudoapologies that we have all heard and that we have occasionally tried to get away with. One is to say “mistakes were made.” Of course mistakes were made — but by whom? If you can’t say that you specifically made the

Take me out to the ballgame Jewish Heritage Night is back for a fifth season at AT&T Park, with the San Francisco Giants playing the Arizona Diamondbacks at 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27. There’s a free tailgate party in Lot D from 4 to 6:30 p.m., a klezmer music concert in center field plaza at 5:15 p.m. and the Ferris Wheels performing in Willie Mays Plaza at 5:30 p.m. The $20 ticket price includes a T-shirt. For more information, call (415) 972-2291 or visit www.sfgiants.com/specialevents. “Summer Celebration Fundraiser.”

Sponsored by the Jewish Community Free Clinic. Featuring music, food, fashion show and silent auction. At private residence, Sebastopol. 2-6 p.m. $18-$36 for adults. RSVP to (707) 585-7780.

Stanford Dish loop hike. Haverim Connection. Junipero Serra Boulevard and Stanford Avenue entrance to Stanford Dish. 6:30-8 p.m. [email protected].

sunday

thursday

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“Jewish Food Festival and Craft Faire.” Variety of Jewish foods, klezmer

music and Israeli crafts. At Congregation Beth Israel, 5716 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel. 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. www.carmelbethisrael.org. “Young Judea Reunion.” Reunion for anyone who participated in Young Judea clubs, camps and programs. At Congregation Sherith Israel, 2266 California St., S.F. 1-5 p.m. www.cpcr.Hadassah.org/ yj100reunion. “L’Chaim Napa Valley at Clos Pegase Winery.” History of wine class, wine blend-

ing activity and dinner. At Clos Pegase Winery, 1060 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga. 2:30- 8 p.m. $125. (707) 968-9944.

“August

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Adventures

in

Dining.”

Haverim Connection event. At Chef Chu, 1067 N. San Antonio Road, Los Altos. 7-9 p.m. RSVP to haver [email protected].

saturday

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“Summer House Party and Mixer.”

Mensch Link event with blackjack and roulette. At a private home, Foster City. 8 p.m-12 a.m. RSVP by Aug. 24 to [email protected]. Butano State Park hike. Peninsula. Bay Area Jewish Singles Hiking Club. Meet at state park entrance. 9 a.m. $1. (925) 2284213. Kayak at Stevens Creek Reservoir.

holidays

Haverim Connection. At 11401 Stevens Canyon Road, Cupertino. 12-1:30 p.m. $15$25. RSVP to [email protected].

For information on High Holy Day services, visit http://bayjews.org/highholidays

sunday

singles

a visit to the Bodega Seafood, Wine & Art Festival. Bay Area Jewish Singles Hiking Club. 10:30 a.m. $13. (707) 291-0028.

saturday

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Bodega Dunes hike. Sonoma Coast. With

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“Sundays Brunch and Schmooze.”

Haverim Connection. Also Aug. 30. At Michael’s at Shoreline, 2960 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. [email protected]. San Leandro Marina hike. East Bay. Bay Area Jewish Singles Hiking Club. 2 p.m. $1. (408) 817-5686.

Calendar submissions Send information about your Jewish event in Northern California to [email protected]. The deadline is 12 p.m. Friday the week before any given week’s publication.

mistake but can only say that mistakes were made, that does not count as an apology. Another cop-out is to say, “To the extent that you were offended, I am sorry.” That puts the onus on the other person, not on you. Again, nice try, but it does not count as a real apology. Another alibi is to say, “If I have hurt anybody, I’m sorry.” The “if ” means, I don’t really think I did anything wrong, but if you think so, I apologize. The whole point of teshuvah is to understand that I have hurt someone specific. The No. 1 thing you have to do, according to Dr. Lazare as well as our sage Maimonides, is acknowledge your sin — you have to name it, you have to be specific about it and you have to take complete responsibility for it. If you do that, your apology will be accepted, your relationship with the person you hurt will be healed and both you and that person will be lighter and better off. There are four steps in a genuine apology, and unfortunately none of them are easy: 1. You have to acknowledge and take responsibility for your bad behavior. Step one is to say “I did it.” 2. Express your sorrow. I am sorry that I did it, and that this and that happened as a result. 3. I would like to make amends to the extent that I can. I may not be able to undo all the harm that I did, but I wish that I could, and I will to the extent that I can. 4. I promise you that I will not do it again. If I have gone on too long or if I have bored you by telling you things that you already know — I hereby apologize, and I hope that you will accept my apology. ■

Rabbi Larry Raphael is the senior rabbi of Congregation Sherith Israel in San Francisco.

23a

www.jweekly.com

| August 21, 2009

faces by Suzan Berns

Yoo-hoo, here are some great recipes from Mrs. Goldberg

Spiritual healing

When she was a patient at the Jewish Home of San Francisco’s STARS unit (Short-term and Rehabilitation Services), Audrey Eichorn started going to services in the Home’s synagogue — even though she wasn’t Jewish. But now she is. Finding the Home’s Rabbi Sheldon Marder to be “a great spiritual leader who brings art and poetry to bear on his religious and spiritual teachings,” she began to learn Hebrew with the help of her friend and Jewish Home resident Rebekah Finer and volunteer Helen Luey. Earlier this month, Eichorn took the Hebrew name Audrey Advah and converted to Judaism. “I came to the Eichorn Jewish Home with a broken wrist,” she said, “and now I have a healed soul.” The STARS unit, by the way, offers short-term rehab care and is open to people of all religions and backgrounds.

A big hit at this year’s San Francisco Jewish Film Festival was a delightful confection by director Aviva Kempner, “Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg.” To whet our appetites for the documentary, we were shown several episodes of “The Goldbergs,” a warm 1950s sitcom about a Jewish matriarch (and balabusta) and her family living in the Bronx. What a revelation! I did not know that “The Goldbergs” was the first TV sitcom, or that its writer, director and star, Gertrude Berg, was the second most popular woman in the United States at that time, behind only Eleanor Roosevelt, or that Berg was an outspoken activist against McCarthyism. What I did know was that Berg wrote

Harping on it Labeling his e-mail with “chutzpah 101” in the subject field, frequent Faces contributor Don Linker of Marin writes tongue-in-cheek, “I am waiting for my harpsicle tune to be played on your station.” Well, turn up the volume, because here it is: The former urologist’s latest avocation is playing a bright purple harpsicle (it looks like a toddler-size harp). He learned to play it at the Institute for Health and Healing at Marin General Hospital and had his first recital there, which he accompanied with a poem he wrote. Here are a couple lines: “If the strings are plucked right, music will play / A soothing comforting sound that may help ‘make your day.’ ”

Mrs. Wiersma’s Fruit Soup

Parental kvelling redux

Serves 6

Rabbi Camille Angel of Congregation Sh’ar Zahav and Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller of Congregation Sherith Israel participated in a rally for

Chicken Fricassee á la Uncle David

comprehensive health insurance reform last week, arranged by the San Francisco Organizing Project. Both congregations are members of the group. Before the rally, Angel was among faith leaders who met with staff members from the offices of Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer to ask for their support for legislation that makes coverage affordable to all families.

Serves 8

2 1 ⁄2 2 2

2 4 3 1 ⁄2

tsp. salt tsp. ground pepper tsp. paprika cloves garlic, minced

4-pound chickens, disjointed Tbs. oil onions, chopped cup boiling water

Mix salt, pepper, paprika and garlic into a paste. Rub into the chicken very well. In a heavy skillet, heat the oil. Brown the chicken and add onions. Cook until brown. Add water. Cover and cook over low heat for 2 hours or until chicken is tender. Serve with noodles or boiled rice.

Short shorts … Dan Cohen and his East Bay public relations firm Full Court Press

were honored with the 2009 Small Business Innovator award by the Oakland Chamber of Commerce for the group’s commitment to teaching and counseling philanthropies, nonprofits and businesses on the effective use of strategic communications during difficult economic times ... Alon Shalev of Berkeley has published his second novel, “Oilspill dotcom.” It’s based on a libel trial in England in the 1990s and, according to his Web site, “humorously describes the transformation of a Dan Cohen carefree yuppie, empowered first by romance and then by a genuine desire to change the world, one pixel at a time.” Visit www.alonshalev.com for ordering information … Andrea Carla Michaels writes, “It finally happened!” Her original crossword puzzle appeared in the New York Times on Aug. 9. She created it, she notes, with her “pal puzzle-genius” Patrick Blindauer. It also appeared in the International Herald Tribune and the San Francisco Chronicle.

Fruit Tzimmes Serves 6-8

2 2 3 1 ⁄4 1 ⁄2 3

1 lb. prunes, pre-soaked and pitted 1 ⁄2 lb. dried apricots, pre-soaked 1 ⁄2 lb. dried pears or apples, pre-soaked

cups water Tbs. honey Tbs. brown sugar tsp. salt tsp. cinnamon Tbs. rice

Combine all ingredients (except rice) in medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Add rice. Cook over low heat for 25 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally. Serve as a compote side dish or dessert. ■

Louise Fiszer is a Palo Alto cooking teacher, author and the co-author of “Jewish Holiday

■

Cooking.” Her columns alternate with those of Faith Kramer. Questions and recipe ideas can be sent to j. or to [email protected].

This columnist can be reached at [email protected].

| the Jewish news weekly of Northern California

tsp. lemon juice Tbs. sugar Tbs. cornstarch cup sour cream

Pit the fruit. Combine fruit in saucepan with water, lemon juice and sugar. Bring to a boil. Cover and cook over low heat for 20 minutes or until very soft. Force through a sieve or puree in a blender. Mix cornstarch with equal amount of cold water. Add to the fruit, stirring constantly just until boiling. Cover and cook on low heat for 5 minutes. Serve chilled with a dollop of sour cream.

Rally rabbis

.

2 4 2 1 ⁄2

3 cups assorted fruit (plums, peaches, pears, cherries, apricots peaches) 5 cups water

Reading about Michael Pearce’s success in epee at the Maccabiah Games in Israel prompted Andy and Reeva Safford of San Francisco to report that their daughter, too, was an epee winner at the same games. Hannah Safford’s women’s epee fencing team also took home a silver medal at the competition in Ma’alot. She’ll present a slideshow about the experience at services, 7:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 21 at Congregation Beth Israel–Judea in San Francisco.

J.

“The Molly Goldberg Jewish Cookbook” — because it was given to me by my mother many, many years ago. When Molly wasn’t leaning out of her window and yoo-hooing to her neighbor Mrs. Kramer, she was in the kitchen preparing delicious meals. So it comes as no surprise that in addition to all her other accomplishments, Berg wrote this book in 1955. Mine is yellow with age, stained with sauces and absolutely falling apart. My mother used it, and as a new bride I cooked from it, as well. The recipes are treats from a treasury of Jewish cuisine, and “Molly” often precedes the recipe with a little advice. It’s like having her right beside you as you cook.

24a

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



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Readers’ Choice: A stimulus plan we can all get behind

3# 2 %

Jewish Life

3b

Community

5b

Teach the Children

10b

Time to Celebrate

19b

Have a Nosh

24b

Arts & Entertainment

27b

Seniors

13b

Health

31b

Shop ’Til You Drop

29b

Business & Professional

32b

readers’ choice awards

Jewish Life

Elizabeth Katzki, Michael Lazarus, Meredith Malnick

Adult education programming Adult education programming at B’nai Israel Jewish Center in Petaluma takes on many different forms. It could be concerts featuring folksingers or Cajun zydeco concerts, guest speakers or the annual kosher cookoff competition. One of the most popular events is the Dec. 24 Chinese dinner, comedy and cabaret night for Jews who don’t have plans for Christmas Eve. “We have an adult programming group that has been very proactive in putting together concerts, speaking engagements, and programs that welcome the entire community to attend,” says kosher cookoff chairman Glenn Lurie. At Temple Sinai in Oakland, adult education is all-encompassing. “We run a variety of programs that meet people where they are at,” says executive director Paul Geduldig. Starting at introductory-level programs “where people are trying to learn more about Judaism,” Sinai has a little something for everyone. Plus, it’s convenient: “We try to offer religious education programs the same time as kids programs, to make it easier for parents,” Geduldig says. For a more advanced look at Judaism, the Jewish Study Network in Palo Alto is the place to be. “We really focus on offering something with a really high content value,” says founder and executive director Rabbi Joey Felsen. “People that come to our lectures are people looking for something deep.” One such recent conversation was on the destruction of the Temples in Israel and how to cry for something you have never seen. Serving the largest membership in the city, Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco has extensive adult education programming. Programs at the Madeline Haas Russell Institute of Jewish Learning include Shabbat Morning Kollel, adult b’nai mitzvah, conversion groups, the Emanu-El Scholar, and the Tauber Jewish Studies Program. “Each of these programs is designed for students of varying levels of Judaic background, knowledge and skill,” says young adult community coordinator Mike Amerikaner said. Congregation Sherith Israel in San Francisco, Beth Jacob Congregation in Oakland, Temple Beth Jacob in Redwood City and Congregation Shomrei Torah in Santa Rosa came in second.

First Place San Francisco

Congregation Emanu-El (415) 751-2535 www.emanuelsf.org East Bay

Temple Sinai Oakland (510) 451-3263 www.oaklandsinai.org South Bay/Peninsula

Jewish Study Network Palo Alto (650) 493-5764 www.jsn.info

North Bay

ed by the Peninsula JCC called “Secrets and Mysteries of Jewish History, Tradition and Culture,” taught in both Russian and English. “We have in the past, in the Jewish community, been separated. We really think that one broader Jewish community is a richer experience,” says Beth Jacob ritual director Bill Futornick. ”The ability to interchange and program with each other adds to a real richness of the community.” Recently, Congregation Kol Shofar congregants have volunteered with Westminster Presbyterian Church, Habitat for Humanity, and the Mill Street Shelter. But Panim el Panim is the Tiburon synagogue’s own initiative to bring together like-minded individuals for the betterment of the Marin community. “It’s about sharing our experiences, our hopes, and aspirations with each other. This helps us build a stronger community within Kol Shofar and the greater Marin community,” says Kol Shofar board member Mark Swoiskin. Last winter, following the closure of a local shelter, Rodef Sholom partnered with other congregations and local churches to offer beds to those in need. Joel Gumbiner, chair of Rodef Sholom’s Tikkun Olam Committee, is hoping to channel volunteer efforts to more long-term projects in the community. “What we’re trying to do is to get congregants to seek out and design their own projects,” Gumbiner says. In second place were Congregation Sherith Israel and Congregation Adath Israel in San Francisco, Beth Jacob Congregation in Oakland, Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills and Congregation Shomrei Torah in Santa Rosa.

B’nai Israel Jewish Center Petaluma (707) 762-0340 www.bnaiisrael.net

Second Place San Francisco

Congregation Sherith Israel (415) 346-1720 www.sherithisrael.org East Bay

Beth Jacob Congregation Oakland (510) 482-1147 www.bethjacoboakland.org South Bay/Peninsula

Temple Beth Jacob Redwood City (650) 366-8481 www.bethjacobrwc.org North Bay

Congregation Shomrei Torah Santa Rosa (707) 578-5519 www.shomreitorah.org

First Place

Collaborative synagogue programming

San Francisco

Congregation Emanu-El (415) 751-2535 www.emanuelsf.org East Bay

Congregation Emanu-El has been a part of the Bay Area Jewish Community for over 150 years, and has been uniting it through collaboration with other Jewish organizations. One popular event has been the Sukkot-themed party “Spookot” in Dolores Park, in collaboration with the Jewish Community Center’s Hub for Jewish adults in their 20s and 30s. Emanu-El is looking forward to future events with the Hub, including a break fast after Yom Kippur this year. “It’s important that the young Jewish community stay together and not be fractured or broken,” says young adult community coordinator Mike Amerikaner. “Events together means we keep our community together as a whole.” Temple Sinai has taken the initiative in bringing the Oakland community together. “We believe it’s important to do things with other synagogues and other faith-based organizations,” says executive director Paul Geduldig.Sinai has worked with other faithbased organizations to sponsor holiday food drives. “We started doing it here and spread to 16 other synagogues across the Bay Area,” Geduldig says. In addition to the food drives, Sinai hosts a Night of Learning, where rabbis and educators from different synagogues come together and discuss contemporary issues. Collaborating with a number of Jewish organizations and synagogues — including the S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation, Peninsula JCC and Peninsula Sinai Congregation — Congregation Beth Jacob in Redwood City is part of an ongoing event host-

Temple Sinai Oakland (510) 451-3263 www.oaklandsinai.org South Bay/Peninsula

Congregation Beth Jacob Redwood City (650) 366-8481 www.bethjacobrwc.org North Bay

Congregation Rodef Sholom San Rafael (415) 479-3441 www.rodefsholom.org

Congregation Kol Shofar Tiburon (415) 388-1818 www.kolshofar.org

Second Place

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San Francisco

Congregation Sherith Israel (415) 346-1720 www.sherithisrael.org

Congregation Adath Israel (415) 564-5665 www.adathisraelsf.org East Bay

Beth Jacob Congregation Oakland (510) 482-1147 www.bethjacoboakland.org South Bay/Peninsula

Congregation Beth Am Los Altos Hills (650) 493-4661 www.betham.org North Bay

Congregation Shomrei Torah Santa Rosa (707) 578-5519 www.shomreitorah.org

Interfaith programming Rabbi George Gittleman embodies the interfaith programming at Congregation Shomrei Torah in Santa Rosa. “He is a constant and important presence in the interfaith community,” says executive director Fran Brumlik. “He is active in the professional association of other rabbis and ministers.” Working closely with churches in the community, Shomrei Torah has established a program that commemorates the victims of all genocides. Interfaith programming at Temple Sinai in Oakland means bringing people of different faiths together to enjoy what the synagogue has to offer. “The interfaith couples and families are blessed by the blending of different cultural traditions, but often face special challenges as well,” says executive director Paul Geduldig. “Our goal is to serve as a friendly and informative for both the Jewish and non-Jewish member.” With a wide-range of programs, Sinai welcomes people of any faith who are interested in learning about Judaism. A hub of Jewish life in San Francisco, Congregation Emanu-El serves not only the Jewish community but has extensive interfaith programming, such as “The Course,” an intro-toJudaism program that serves as an entry point for people wanting to know more about the faith. Another innovative program is the Jewish, Arab and Muslim Women Collaboration. ”Through social justice projects, we will have a positive impact on the collective religious and cultural perceptions among our groups and in society as a whole,” says member programs director Frana Price. Congregation Beth Jacob in Redwood City is involved in programs and events with other faith organization including the Interfaith Hospitality Network, which provides emergency housing for families in crisis, and Breaking Bread, which feeds people in need at the First Presbyterian Church in Palo Alto. In addition to these organizations, Rabbi Nathaniel Ezray is part of a group of interfaith community leaders, “They get together and they talk about topical issues, things that can strengthen each other’s communities,” says ritual director Bill Futornick. Beth Jacob has done everything from having meals with other religious groups to inviting a reverend to teach a class about Jesus — it is “very much inclusive,” Futornick says. Congregation Sherith Israel in San Francisco,

www.jweekly.com

| August 21, 2009

readers’ choice awards Congregation B’nai Shalom in Walnut Creek, Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills and Congregation Rodef Sholom in San Rafael came in second.

North Bay

South Bay/Peninsula

Congregation Shomrei Torah

Congregation Beth Am

Santa Rosa (707) 578-5519 www.shomreitorah.org

First Place

Los Altos Hills (650) 493-4661 www.betham.org

San Francisco

Congregation Emanu-El

North Bay

Second Place

(415) 751-2535 www.emanuelsf.org

Congregation Rodef Sholom

San Francisco

Congregation Sherith Israel

East Bay

Temple Sinai Oakland (510) 451-3263 www.oaklandsinai.org

(415) 346-1720 www.sherithisrael.org

South Bay/Peninsula

East Bay

Congregation Beth Jacob

Congregation B’nai Shalom

Redwood City (650) 366-8481 www.bethjacobrwc.org

Walnut Creek (510) 832-1720 www.bshalom.org

San Rafael (415) 479-3441 www.rodefshalom.org

Israel-related programming Last November, a group of congregants with the supporting clergy started the Israel Education Committee at Temple Sinai in Oakland. Without any political agenda, the committee set out to educate other temple members and give insight into the

Thank you j. readers for your recognition. We appreciate

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1550 Alameda de las Pulgas, Redwood City, CA 94061 650.366.8481 • www.bethjacobrwc.org • [email protected]

First Place San Francisco

Israel Center (415) 777-0411 www.israelcentersf.org

A WELCOMING REFORM CONGREGATION DEDICATED TO MEANINGFUL JUDAISM, SOCIAL ACTION AND A CARING COMMUNITY

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reform movement in Israel. “Our overriding goal is to bring Israel closer to the hearts and minds of our congregants,” says Valerie Sopher, one of the founding members. The Israel Center in San Francisco is the driving force behind Israel in the Gardens, many speakers and musicians, college campus education about Israel and much more. Almost everything related to Israel in the Bay Area can be tracked back to the Israel Center. “Strong ties to Israel and knowledge of Israel makes us a stronger a Jewish community here,” says executive director Lital Carmel. “It deepens and widens Jewish identity of people here. Whether it’s kids, teens, young adults, students … we work with everyone.” Congregation Shomrei Torah in Santa Rosa does not make any extra efforts to provide Israel-related programming: “The Israel program is basic to our religious school curriculum,” says executive director Fran Brumlik. “It is part of the congregation that is built in to everything we do.” Israel-related programming comes in many forms at Shomrei: At the most basic level, stories and art connect members to Israel. On the other end, the congregation takes trips to Israel. Congregation Beth Jacob in Redwood City doesn’t just advocate a love for Israel — it gets its members to experience it for themselves. This past Chanukah, the synagogue sent 52 people to Israel. “We do all kinds of pro-Israel programming. You need many points of views to complete that. ProIsrael isn’t a rubber stamp,” says ritual director Bill Futornick. “It’s a whole gamut of Israel views.” The synagogue’s Israel Connection Committee has about 130 members and always brings a large constituency to AIPAC dinners. Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco, Temple Beth Abraham in Oakland, Peninsula Sinai Congregation in Foster City and Congregation Kol Shofar in Tiburon came in second.

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Temple Sinai Oakland (510) 451-3263 www.oaklandsinai.org

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South Bay/Peninsula

Congregation Beth Jacob

For membership or High Holy Day information: www.oaklandsinai.org or call (510) 451-3263 Oakland, CA

Marin and Sonoma County J. Readers Thank you for the recognition!

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Favorite: Adult Education Synagogue Programming Jewish Fundraising Event (Kosher Hot Dog Cook-off)

Redwood City (650) 366-8481 www.bethjacobrwc.org North Bay

Congregation Shomrei Torah Santa Rosa (707) 578-5519 www.shomreitorah.org

2600 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa,Ca 95404 707-578-5519 • [email protected] www.shomreitorah.org

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| the Jewish news weekly readers’ choice supplement

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Israel related program Social Action Interfaith program

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Thank you to our friends and neighbors for their support of Congregation Shomrei Torah

B’nai Israel Jewish Center of Petaluma (707) 762-0340

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Adult education program Collaborative Synagogue program

(415) 751-2535 www.emanuelsf.org East Bay

Temple Beth Abraham Oakland (510) 832-1720 www.tbaoakland.org South Bay/Peninsula

Peninsula Sinai Congregation

San Francisco

Congregation Emanu-El (415) 751-2535 www.emanuelsf.org East Bay

Temple Sinai Oakland (510) 451-3263 www.oaklandsinai.org

North Bay

South Bay/Peninsula

Congregation Kol Shofar

Congregation Beth Jacob Redwood City (650) 366-8481 www.bethjacobrwc.org North Bay

Congregation Shomrei Torah Santa Rosa (707) 578-5519 www.shomreitorah.org

Second Place San Francisco

Congregation Sherith Israel (415) 346-1720 www.sherithisrael.org East Bay

Congregation Netivot Shalom Berkeley (510) 549-9447 www.netivotshalom.org

Kehilla Community Synagogue

East Bay

Art of Living Jewish Family & Children’s Services of the East Bay (510) 704-7475 www.jfcs-eastbay.org South Bay/Peninsula

Silicon Valley Duck Race Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley (408) 556-0600 www.siliconvalleyduckrace.org

Second Place San Francisco

Jewish Community High School of the Bay Annual Celebration (415) 345-9777 www.jchsofthebay.org East Bay

Oakland Hebrew Day School Gala (510) 531-8600 www.ohds.org South Bay/Peninsula

AIPAC Annual Dinner (415) 989-4140 www.aipac.org

JCC The JCC of San Francisco won favorite JCC in the city this year, just like it has the last four years. Nathaniel Bergson-Michaelson, director of marketing for the JCC, says the crowds showed up for several new thematic programs

Thank you J. Readers!

Piedmont (510) 547-2424 www.kehillasynagogue.org

Congregation Beth Am

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Friendship Circle your favorite Seniors Day Program in the North Bay

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Tiburon (415) 388-1818 www.kolshofar.org

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Camp Chai your favorite Summer Day Camp in the North Bay

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Congregation Rodef Sholom

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At Temple Sinai in Oakland, social action programming is “one of the pillars of our congregation,” says executive director Paul Geduldig. Events such as People of the Book Literacy Project, Mitzvah Day, food drives and volunteering at shelters are all part of Sinai’s commitment to its community. “Part of the key is we try to do it with every age group, all the way down to the preschool,” Geduldig says. The social action committee at Congregation Shomrei Torah in Santa Rosa is involved in seemingly every community project in the North Bay. From walking for Darfur and assisting the Committee for Immigrant Rights Sonoma County to fighting for marriage equality and hosting a school supplies drive, Shomrei knows how to make a difference. “We have a group of 20-plus members who are very committed to doing good work within the areas of human rights and social action,” says Larry Carlin, co-chair of the social action committee. “Personally, there is nothing more exciting than to see one of our members get really passionate about a particular project.” Social justice programming at Congregation Emanu-El utilizes its congregants’ Jewish identities as a force to cause change in their local San Francisco community and beyond. “Social justice programming at Congregation Emanu-El educates, inspires, and empowers congregants to a lifetime of leadership, service, and advocacy on behalf of the Jewish people and society at large,” says social justice coordinator Sandy Rechtschaffen. Congregation Beth Jacob offers a variety of ways to get involved in the community in a positive way. Opportunities include being a part of the Beth Jacob Cares Committee, being involved in the Interfaith Hospitality Network, volunteering at the Maple Street Shelter and donating blood at the Beth Jacob Blood Drive. Beth Jacob is “all about including people, whether or not they are members of the community. There’s a lot here that can affect your life in a positive way,” says ritual director Bill Futornick.

Jewish Vocational Service (415) 782-6265 www.jvs.org/strictly_business.shtml

They could’ve done one more ho-hum Monte Carlo night, or something involving costumes. Instead, for its annual fundraiser, Jewish Family and Children’s Services of the East Bay held its second annual Art of Living last September, which was more about ideas than glitz. The event featured two speakers, acclaimed chefs (and East Bay residents) Molly Katzen and Michael Wild, who spoke of food, Judaism, and the work of JFCS. “It was one of those events where you look around and you feel people are making connections,” says JFCS spokeswoman Holly White. If you throw a fundraiser for an agency that helps people find work, it makes sense to spotlight, some of those workers. That’s the idea behind “Strictly Business,” the annual fundraiser staged by Jewish Vocational Service. The event honored four individuals who found training and job search support at JVS, then went on to thriving careers. Says JVS executive director Abby Snay, “In this midst of this economic crisis, for people to celebrate the success of individuals with severe challenges, was inspiring.” How many rubber duckies does it take to save the world? Apparently 15,000, which was the number of ducks sailing down a Vasona Lake Park stream in June at the Silicon Valley Duck Race. The event, which featured multiple corporate sponsors, kosher hot dogs and 3,500 attendees, raised more than $105,000, and Jewish Family Services was one of nearly 30 charities to benefit. “It was lovely in this year of economic crisis,” says Mindy Berkowitz, executive director of JFS. “It was free, it was a great day to come out to the park, and all in the names of silliness.” In second place were San Francisco’s Jewish Community High School of the Bay Annual Celebration, the Oakland Hebrew Day School Gala and the AIPAC Annual Dinner in the South Bay.

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Social action programming

Strictly Business

Fundraiser

First Place

Foster City (650) 349-2816 www.peninsulasinai.org

Tiburon (415) 388-1818 www.kolshofar.org

San Francisco

Dan Pine

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Congregation Emanu-El

First Place

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San Francisco

In second place were Congregation Sherith Israel in San Francisco, Congregation Netivot Shalom in Berkeley, Kehilla Community Synagogue in Piedmont, Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills, Congregation Kol Shofar in Tiburon and Congregation Rodef Sholom in San Rafael.

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Second Place

JCC, Sonoma County one of your favorite North Bay JCC’s

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San Rafael (415) 479-3441 www.rodefshalom.org

170 Farmer’s Lane, #5, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 • 707.528.4222

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www.jweekly.com

| August 21, 2009

readers’ choice awards this past year, such as the deliriously fun Purim Unmasked, which was as fun for adults as it was for kids. But as always, the lectures, preschool and after-school programs — and fitness center — continue to make the JCCSF a hub of community life in San Francisco. “We have a commitment to make sure we’re delivering quality programming to every part of the community,” says Bergson-Michaelson. “It’s nice to know we’re still on people’s radar.” The JCC of the East Bay in Berkeley endured some financial wind shear last year, but the JCC has since stabilized, as management focused on core programs: preschool, after-school, summer camps and senior services. “People are appreciative of those programs,” says executive director Sally Flinchbaugh. “At the end of the day, people want to be with their community.” In addition to those core programs, Flinchbaugh says the JCC is expanding its cultural programming with its Books & Bagels series, and recent screenings of thought-provoking documentaries. And watch for some expanded Jewish holiday programming coming later this year. At Foster City’s Peninsula JCC, executive director Deborah Pinsky chalks up her facility’s success to the whole mind-body-spirit thing. “We continue to expand on the wellness concept,” Pinsky says. “We offer more than any other club.” Not only does the PJCC boast one of the most impressive fitness centers in the region, the facility tries to bring a culture of health to members. Programs like Kaiser’s 10,000 Steps and Vibrant Brain series prove the PJCC offers more than just a fleet of elliptical machines. Even if you’re the only game in town, you

can still be the best game in town. That’s how j. readers feel about the Osher Marin JCC in San Rafael. With year-round concerts, lectures, Jewish holiday programs and valuable services for all ages, the JCC is still the place to be north of the Golden Gate Bridge. “Our major focus is to be a deeply Jewish institution that’s also a magnet for families and a hub for adult life and learning,” says executive director Judy Wolff-Bolton. She and her team do that by sponsoring what they call “signature events,” such as the Chanukah and Purim festivals, as well as the recent health and wellness fair. The Contra Costa JCC in Walnut Creek, Addison-Penzak JCC in Los Gatos and the JCC, Sonoma County in Santa Rosa came in second.

North Bay

Osher Marin JCC San Rafael (415) 444-8000 www.marinjcc.org

Second Place East Bay

Contra Costa JCC Walnut Creek (925) 938-7800 www.ccjcc.org South Bay/Peninsula

Addison-Penzak JCC Los Gatos (408) 358-3636 www.svjcc.org

First Place San Francisco

North Bay

JCC of San Francisco

JCC, Sonoma County

(415) 292-1200 www.jccsf.org

Santa Rosa (707) 528-4222 www.jccsoco.org

East Bay

JCC of the East Bay Berkeley (510) 848-0237 www.jcceastbay.org South Bay/Peninsula

Peninsula JCC Foster City (650) 212-PJCC www.pjcc.org

Local agency When Palo Alto–based Friendship Circle marked its fifth anniversary earlier this year with a bash, staffers, funders and volunteers had good reason to celebrate. The organization, which helps Jewish special needs children by pairing them with Jewish teen volunteers, has made a huge impact on the local Jewish community.

First Place

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Thank you j. readers for voting JFCS/East Bay . . . First place: Jewish Fundraising Event: Art of Living Gala – East Bay First place: Jewish Place to Volunteer – East Bay First place: Best Home Care Program for Seniors – East Bay

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Jewish Vocational Service (415) 782-6265 www.jvs.org

main office: 2484 Shattuck Ave., Suite 210 • Berkeley • (510) 704-7475 Contra Costa office: 1855 Olympic Blvd., Suite 200 • Walnut Creek • (925) 927-2000 Suse Moyal Center for Older Adult Services: 828 San Pablo Ave., Suite 104 • Albany • (510) 558-7800

www.jfcs-eastbay.org

| the Jewish news weekly readers’ choice supplement

Jewish Community Federation of the Greater East Bay Oakland (510) 839-2900 www.jfed.org

Jewish Family & Children’s Services of the East Bay

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San Francisco

East Bay

Inspired by the Jewish values of compassionate action and communal responsibility, JFCS/East Bay is a nonprofit agency that has been delivering vital mental health and social services to Alameda and Contra Costa county individuals, families, children, older adults, Holocaust survivors, and refugees for over 130 years.

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Friendship Circle, says cofounder Ezzy Schusterman, gets “the whole community involved: the synagogues and the schools. We take everyone regardless of background and say ‘Do you want to make a difference?’ ” Apparently they do, as Friendship Circle prepares later this year to expand to serve the North Peninsula as well as the greater Palo Alto region. With California unemployment skyrocketing, it’s no surprise Jewish Vocational Service scored with j. readers. Helping people find work is what JVS does best, and now their clients need that help more than ever. Demand for JVS services has doubled in recent months — but despite the gloomy economic forecasts, JVS has helped nearly 900 people find jobs in the past year. Winning a Reader’s Choice award is “especially meaningful this year,” says executive director Abby Snay. “It reflects the role JVS has played in helping people deal with job loss, and with long and frustrating job searches.” Even in Marin — the land of hot tubs and recession-proof home values — the economic downturn has hurt. That’s where the regional branch of Jewish Family and Children’s Services comes in, helping seniors, kids and families in need. “This past year we’ve seen a doubling of requests from people struggling,” says JFCS regional director Nancy Masters. “People lost their jobs, or on the verge of losing their homes. So we have really tried to figure out how to respond.” That means adding new staff, expanding the food pantry, even programming workshops on stress and sleep loss. At the Jewish Community Federation of the Greater East Bay, support for schools, midrashas and other community institutions has always been paramount. But the recession has kicked the federation into full gear — and j. readers are applauding. “When the economic challenges hit, we very quickly responded by immediately reorganizing,” says CEO James Brandt, “cutting our budget significantly so we could continue our core mission. People saw this and felt we are being responsive, not only to the times but to the needs of the community.” San Francisco’s Friendship Circle, Jewish Family & Children’s Services of the East Bay and Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley came in second.

South Bay/Peninsula

Friendship Circle Palo Alto (650) 858-6990 www.bayareafc.org

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North Bay

Jewish Family and Children’s Services San Rafael (415) 491-7960 www.jfcs.org

Second Place San Francisco

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

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

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

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

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www.jweekly.com

| August 21, 2009

readers’ choice awards

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JFCS in Marin. “Our mission is one of staff and volunteers working together.” For potential volunteers, the menu of options includes providing transportation for housebound or frail elderly, delivering holiday gift bags to Jewish seniors and working with the homeless. “I’m continually moved by the compassion and commitment of our community,” Masters says. In second place were the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco, Oakland Hebrew Day School, Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley in Los Gatos and Hadassah’s Central Pacific Coast Region in the North Bay.

First Place San Francisco

Jewish Family and Children’s Services

Jewish Day Camp Early Childhood Education Program Elegant Indoor Party Bar/Bat Mitzvah Party Venue

(415) 449-1288 www.jfcs.org

San Rafael (415) 491-7960 www.jfcs.org

Second Place San Francisco

Contemporary Jewish Museum (415) 655-7800 www.thecjm.org East Bay

Oakland Hebrew Day School (510) 531-8600 www.ohds.org

East Bay

South Bay/Peninsula

Jewish Family & Children’s Services of the East Bay

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

Join today and we will waive your reg. fee (up to $250 savings)!

South Bay/Peninsula

North Bay

Mention this ad & receive this offer thru 9/30/09.

Friendship Circle

Hadassah–Central Pacific Coast Region

Palo Alto (650) 858-6990 www.bayareafc.org

Think of Us

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

Keep us in mind for your next event. Contact us today! 415.292.1269 t www.jccsf.org/privateevents

Disc for m ounts e non- mbers, profi and ts orga Jewish niza tion s!

Jewish Community Center of San Francisco 3200 California Street, SF, CA 94118 .

Jewish Family and Children’s Services

Various locations (510) 704-7475 www.jfcs-eastbay.org

200 N. SAN PEDRO RD, SAN RAFAEL | 415.444.8000 | WWW.MARINJCC.ORG

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| the Jewish news weekly readers’ choice supplement

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(415) 771-5900 www.cpcr.hadassah.org

Do You Need Help? If so, you can count on Jewish Family and Children's Services Since 1850, JFCS has provided comprehensive, caring social services to Bay Area residents of all ages and backgrounds. We help people solve personal problems— from cradle to rocking chair— in order to strengthen the individual, strengthen the family, and strengthen the community. If you or someone you care about needs help, call the JFCS office nearest you: Palo Alto: 650
688
3030 San Francisco: 415
449
1200 San Mateo: 650
931
1800 San Rafael: 415
491
7960

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| August 21, 2009

readers’ choice awards

Womens’ organization Think women, think Jewish, and you’ll think Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America. Hadassah routinely wins the Reader’s Choice award for favorite women’s organization and for good reason: Since 1912, Hadassah has done more to build up Israel and international Jewish solidarity then any similar organization. “Obviously we are a fundraising organization, but we’re more than that,” says Liz Alpert, president of Hadassah’s Central Pacific Coast Region. “We try to establish a community where we care about each other, as well as everything else. I can’t say enough about how comforting it is to be with a group of intelligent, caring, professional women.” Collectively, those women do a lot for Israel and the Zionist cause. Hadassah built one of the premiere hospitals in Jerusalem, as well as a top college. The organization’s youth aliyah programs bring teens and young adults closer to Israel, while Hadassah’s many education programs lock in a solid Jewish education for kids. And with 20 chapters across Northern California, Bay Area Jewish women have ample opportunities to contribute.

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Favorite Jewish Fundraising Event The Duck Race

Favorite Jewish Local Agency

Favorite Jewish Place to Volunteer

Change a life – maybe yours! – and come volunteer with us. www.jfssv.org

408.556.0600

Please join us on www.facebook.com/jewishsf and follow us on at twitter.com/jewishsf

First Place Bay Area

Hadassah–Central Pacific Coast Region (415) 771-5900 www.cpcr.hadassah.org

Men’s organization Coming off back-to-back wins in our Readers’ Choice poll, B’nai B’rith once again came in first for favorite Jewish men’s organization. Only one thing: It’s not just a men’s organization. B’nai B’rith has worked for Jewish unity, security, continuity and tolerance for the past 165 years. But as any member will tell you, B’nai B’rith isn’t just for men anymore. Women are in leadership positions throughout the organization. In the Bay Area, B’nai B’rith sponsors activities to help seniors, including the recent Aging in Place seminars. It also sponsors Jewish cultural programs and the annual Yom HaShoah commemoration in Lincoln Park. “B’nai B’rith plays a crucial role in defending Israel at the United Nations,” says Golden Pacific Region co-president Stanley Goldman.

First Place Bay Area

B’nai B’rith–Golden Pacific Region (888) 274-8418 www.bnaibrith.org

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Teach the children Elizabeth Katzki, Meredith Malnick, Jonathan Simrin

Jewish day school In 1979, the first class of Tehiyah Day School in El Cerrito was 15 students, with a mission to provide a proper education for children in a varied Jewish community. Now teaching over 300 students in kindergarten through eighth grade, Tehiyah’s mission of education and renewal still stands. Tehiyah may base its yearly calendar on Jewish holidays and culture, yet it also challenges its students academically. Students entering the middle school enjoy individual classes and extracurricular sports and programs, yet still have the comfort of their Tehiyah lower school years. With two campuses in San Rafael and San Francisco and 600 students, Brandeis Hillel Day School, founded in 1963, boasts a long tradition of nurturing students from kindergarten to eighth grade. Close to 95 percent of students are accepted to their top choice of high school come graduation. Students are taught the value of hard work, kindness, and embracing a diverse Jewish community. “As a community Jewish day school, support from our community is especially meaningful to us. It brings us great joy and pride, and we’re glad that the poll reflects our pride,” says head of school Chaim Heller. Although the Jewish Community High School of the Bay in San Francisco was founded to provide its students with a rigorous Judaic studies curriculum, the school is a dynamic environment in all academic departments — and student life. BBQ club, digital media club and the literary magazine are just a few of the groups at JCHS that create a vibrant student culture — not to mention the students’ devotion to athletics and social justice. Bringing together Jewish students from all over the Bay Area, JCHS creates a close-knit community through all-school retreats, along with lunchtime programming. Princeton, Harvard and Yale are just some of the places you can find recent alumni from Kehillah Jewish High School in Palo Alto, the only community Jewish high school between San Francisco and Los Angeles. This year students will be welcoming a new neighbor — the Oshman Family JCC, where students will be given free gym memberships. “Students come to our school for our close community, excellent academics and almost unlimited access to teachers,” says admissions director Marily Lerner. You will never find more than 20 students in a class at Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School in Palo Alto. Established in 1989, the K-8 school teaches around 400 students in its state-of-theart facility on San Antonio Road. The study of Torah, tikkun olam and justice

(415) 406-1035 www.bhds.org

Jewish Community High School of the Bay (415) 345-9777 www.jchsofthebay.org East Bay

Tehiyah Day School El Cerrito (510) 233-3013 www.tehiyah.org South Bay/ Peninsula

Kehillah Jewish High School Palo Alto (650) 213-9600 www.kehillah.org

Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School Palo Alto (650) 494-8200 www.hausner.com North Bay

Brandeis Hillel Day School

Oakland (510) 652-0111 www.college-prep.org

(415) 333-4021 www.lwhs.org

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The College Preparatory School

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visual arts, debate, community service and athletic programs to their students. “This past academic year, our students in our stagecraft/woodworking class had the opportunity to create a collection of wooden toys that were shipped to AIDS-affected preschoolers in Zimbabwe,” says communications director Jennifer Beeson. Encouraging community service and academic excellence has earned College Preparatory School a place among the Harvard Review’s 25 academically strongest independent schools in the country. The Branson School’s extensive 17-acre campus in Ross resembles more of a college than a high school. Yet for the 320 students of Branson, the next four years here will be their gateway into adult life. Campus is made up of 12 buildings, including 31 classrooms, as well as music, art, and dance studios, library, two theaters and an athletic center. With a fiber optic wireless network, the campus stays connected. Located on Ocean Avenue in San Francisco, Lick-Wilmerding High School coined the phrase “private school with a public purpose” after starting programs such as Aim High, which offers tutoring to middle school students during the summer. The school features a diverse and inclusive community, with students coming from almost every zip code in San Francisco, as well as from the East Bay, South Bay and Marin. “The ultimate measure of Lick-Wilmerding’s success is the extent to which our graduates leave us with the capacity, the confidence and the commitment to make the world a better place,” says communications director Mary Rose. What do one sixth-grade chess champion, 12 national merit scholars, and a highly ranked Math Olympiad team have in common? Look no further than Crystal Springs Upland School in Hillsborough, which is home to 350 students in grades six through 12. “Students have a extensive selection of college-preparatory classes to choose from, including Advanced Placement,” says head of school Amy Richards. In second place were the Drew School in San Francisco and Head-Royce School in Oakland.

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envelop the core values at the school, named after Gideon Hausner, who was the chief prosecutor at the Adolf Eichmann trial. In second place were Oakland Hebrew Day School and South Peninsula Hebrew Day School in Sunnyvale.

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Oakland Hebrew Day School (510) 531-8600 www.ohds.org

Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School Inspiring Minds... Creating Community

South Bay/ Peninsula

Aileen Mitchner, Director of Admission 650.494.8200 ext. 104 [email protected]

Favorite Jewish Day School

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After eight years of elementary and middle school, the step up to high school can be scary. But these college-preparatory high schools in the Bay Area make learning fun — and help guide students into the four-year college of their choice. Beyond the rigor of academics, the College Preparatory School in Oakland offers fine and

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Thank you for voting us Favorite Jewish Day School in the South Bay/Peninsula!

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450 S AN A NTONIO R OAD , PALO A LTO , CA 94306 CONFIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

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JCF | August 21, 2009

readers’ choice awards South Bay/Peninsula

Located in Terra Linda

Crystal Springs Upland School

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Thank you J. readers for voting Gan Israel Favorite Jewish Preschool in Marin!

The Branson School Ross (415) 454-3612 www.branson.org

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Second Place

• children ages 18 months to 5 years • calm environment • small class size • one-on-one attention • great introduction to Judaism

San Francisco

Drew School (415) 409-3739 www.drewschool.org

Friday Sept. 18, 10:00 a.m.

East Bay

bake a Rosh Hashana Challah with your child* or call to schedule a time to visit our school and experience first-hand our wonderful community. (*RSVP required)

Head-Royce School

415.507.0460 www.ganisraelsanrafael.com [email protected] license # 213000375

Scholarships are generously provided by the following institutions

Oakland (510) 531-1300 www.headroyce.org

Early childhood education program Dedicated to providing children with a warm introduction to the traditions of Judaism, Gan Israel Preschool in San Rafael instills children with a desire to learn and grow. “The children in our preschool are surrounded by a Jewish atmosphere of respect and loving appreciation

for each person,” says director Gittel Rice. With small classes and low student-teacher ratios, children and parents are personally cared for in the best possible way. The school also provides plenty of scholarships to families in need. Children at the Peninsula JCC Preschool in Foster City are welcomed to more than just a core curriculum — they have what director Judy Garb calls “an evolving ethical start.” Welcoming new families with music and after-school enrichment programs such as dancing and art, the school has a place for every child. “We are a warm nurturing community, with an amazing staff,” Garb says. “We never just take a child into the preschool, we take a whole family and support them in their parenting efforts.” Temple Sinai Preschool in Oakland aims to make Judaism a part of everyday learning. This ranges from reciting a Hebrew blessing before snack to teaching broader Jewish themes such as tikkun olam. “It’s a lovely, warm community,” says director Michelle Green. “Everyone takes care of each other.” Green and her teachers aim to create an environment that nurtures “the social, emotional, physical, cognitive and creative development of each child,” she says. Congregation Emanu-El Preschool in San Francisco is “a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities, including art, science, basic literary skills and building,” says early childhood education director David Worton. Jewish values are also an integral part of the preschool program, which includes making pillows for Passover and learning the story of Purim. As children mature and look ahead to kindergarten, Emanu-El helps families in finding the right program for their child. “We support families in finding the next step for their children,” Worton says. Congregation Sherith Israel Preschool in San

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

El Cerrito, CA 510.233.3013 ext. 239 www.tehiyah.org

Oakland, CA 510.531.8600 www.ohds.org

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

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Lafayette, CA 925.284.8288 www.ccjds.org

Francisco, Gan Mah Tov in Oakland, Addison-Penzak JCC Preschool in Los Gatos and Early Childhood Education at Osher Marin JCC came in second.

First Place San Francisco

Congregation Emanu-El Preschool (415) 751-2535 www.emanuelsf.org East Bay

Temple Sinai Preschool Oakland (510) 451-2821 www.templesinaipreschool.org South Bay/Peninsula

Peninsula JCC Preschool Foster City (650) 212-PJCC www.pjcc.org/family/ece/ ece-index.html North Bay

Gan Israel Preschool San Rafael (415) 507-0460 www.ganisraelsanrafael.com

Second Place San Francisco

Congregation Sherith Israel Preschool (415) 346-1720 www.sherithisrael.org East Bay

Gan Mah Tov Oakland (510) 504-8073 www.thegan.net

to at Kee Tov. Although most of its campers sign up for the 4-week sessions, Kee Tov also offers a 2-week program, focusing on local food and ecology. “It’s great because it offers some flexibility to busy families and is also a wonderful learning experience for the kids,” Ganes says. Like many people in the Bay Area, Beth Goodman, executive director of the JCC, Sonoma County, recognizes the importance of Jewish summer camps. “If you want to foster a strong Jewish identity in your child, there’s really no better place to do it than camp,” Goodman says. She could sing the praises of the JCC’s Camp Chai all day, but ultimately falls back on the activities offered: sports, games, singing, field trips, Shabbat celebrations and more. “Nearly every staff person who is hired has grown up with Camp Chai in their life,” Goodman says. “The staff is really committed to Camp Chai’s mission.” Camp Kochav at the JCC of San Francisco offers popular summer programming for children entering grades from kindergarten through ninth grade. “Social justice is a really big part of all of our camps,” says camp and family programs manager Liz Bader-Natal. Service projects such as penny drives and beach clean-ups are woven into daily programming. “At the end of the day, it comes back to Jewish traditions,” Bader-Natal says. “Regardless of what program you’re in, we take time to welcome Shabbat on Friday.” Campers at the Peninsula JCC summer camp may find themselves dressing up as Moses one day and serving lunch to the homeless the next. “We are starting a three-week-long social action project for our campers, instead of shorter term programs,” says general and teen camp director Jenny Mills. Campers work with local programs such as First Step for Families and My New Red Shoes while enjoying programming of their own, like an ancient Israel carnival. In second place were the Summer Art Spark program at the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco, Camp Tzofim at the JCC of the East Bay in Oakland, J-Camp at the Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto and Camp Kehillah at the Osher Marin JCC in San Rafael.

First Place San Francisco

South Bay/Peninsula

Camp Kochav

Addison-Penzak JCC Preschool

JCC of San Francisco (415) 292-1250 www.jccsf.org

Los Gatos (408) 357-7417 www.svjcc.org/preschool North Bay

Early Childhood Education at Osher Marin JCC San Rafael (415) 444-8042 www.marinjcc.org/preschool.html

Jewish day camp Camp Kee Tov wants to know: Have you got that ruach (spirit)? Our readers responded with a resounding “Yes!” for the Berkeley day camp, based at Congregation Beth El in Berkeley. “Ruach is the embodiment of our energy and community,” says director Adam Ganes. Shabbat celebrations, theme days, overnight trips, camper performances, and field trips are just some of the activities campers can look forward

East Bay

Camp Keetov Congregation Beth El Berkeley (510) 848-2372 www.campkeetov.org

Second Place

Summer Art Spark Program

Jewish retirement residence

East Bay

Camp Tzofim JCC of the East Bay Oakland (510) 530-9222 www,jcceastbay.org South Bay/Peninsula

J-Camp Oshman Family JCC Palo Alto (650) 213-9316 www.paloaltojcc.org North Bay

Camp Kehillah Osher Marin JCC San Rafael (415) 444-8000 www.marinjcc.org

Favorite secular summer camp At Camp Galileo, skits, scavenger hunts and art projects share the daily schedule with more unusual fare, such as designing a miniature golf course and playing “Capture the Rubber Chicken.” This broad range of programming keeps loyal Galileo campers returning each summer to one of the camp’s many locations around the Bay Area, spending anywhere between one week to an entire summer (“life campers,” as they’re called). “We have so many things kids can do,” says Tajalli Horvat, vice president of field operations for the camp. Although days filled with activities like Star Wars dodgeball and go-karting attract campers, Horvat says Camp Galileo focuses on the areas of art, science and the outdoors since they “don’t get as much attention during the school year.” Now in its eighth season, Camp Galileo is starting to see former campers come back as interns and staff. In second place was Mountain Camp in El Dorado National Forest.

Peninsula JCC Summer Camps

Bay Area

Foster City (650) 212-PJCC www.pjcc.org/family/camps/campsindex.html

(800) 854-3684 www.campgalileo.com

North Bay

\Meredith Malnick

Contemporary Jewish Museum (415) 344-8800 www.thecjm.org

First Place

South Bay/Peninsula

Seniors

San Francisco

Camp Galileo

Second Place

Camp Chai JCC, Sonoma County Santa Rosa (707) 528-4222 www.jccsoco.org/campchai.html

Deciding to move into an assisted living facility is never easy, but leaving a Jewish home behind makes the task even more difficult. Luckily, the Bay Area is blessed with a wealth of Jewish retirement homes that feature all the comforts of a Jewish household with the luxury of innovative senior programs. There is something for everyone at the Esther and Jacques Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living in Danville. With a synagogue, rabbi, artist studio, college courses and even a comedy nightclub, Reutlinger has a house full of happy residents. “People will say, I never expected it to be this great,” says executive director Dr. Janice Corran. “It is way beyond being an assisted living facility — this is our residents’ home.” For over 138 years, the Jewish Home San Francisco has been providing care for adults in the Bay Area. For long term to short-term care, The Home has multiple medical clinics and facilities on its campus to suit the needs of its residents. During the day residents can be found at drum circles, poetry readings, activities in the city and more. “The Jewish Home has extensive roots serving this community, and we are dedicated as a community steward to providing services that are innovative and responsive to the needs of our residents,” says director of corporate planning Sherie A. Koshover. This year the Home is in the process of renovating several parts of its campus, and is looking forward to its annual summer arts festival. Sharing the San Francisco limelight is Rhoda Goldman Plaza, another Jewish retirement home with extensive roots in the community. “It’s the fun of a cruise ship and the security that offers safety and wellness,” says marketing director Iris Hudis. Creative kosher cuisine is one of the many amenities that draw residents from all over the country. Popular activities include live concerts, knitting blankets for the homeless, Tai Chi classes and museum tours. “You’ll see a group of residents coming home exhausted but excited after our trips,” Hudis says. Chai House in San Jose features a bundle of 70 modern apartments — which are offered at reduced costs to low- and moderate-income seniors, Jews and non-Jews alike. The only community of its kind in the South Bay, residents receive kosher meals five nights a week, along with the use of top-notch recreational facilities and innovative programs. Run by director Marc Tumlinson, Chai House just celebrated its 20th anniversary. In second place was the soon-to-open Moldaw Family Residences in Palo Alto.

First Place San Francisco

Jewish Home San Francisco (415) 334-2500 www.jhsf.org

Bay Area

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Mountain Camp

Rhoda Goldman Plaza

(415) 351-2267 www.mountaincamp.com

(415) 345-5060 www.rgplaza.org

www.jweekly.com

| August 21, 2009

readers’ choice awards East Bay

Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living Danville (925) 648-2800 www.rcjl.org South Bay/Peninsula

Chai House San Jose (408) 947 1818 chaihousesj.googlepages.com

Second Place South Bay/Peninsula

Moldaw Family Residences

Seniors looking for a mix of traditions and culture have to look no further than the winning non-sectarian homes j. readers voted for in the Bay Area. Schmoozing with friends, morning yoga stretches, and the occasional glass of wine greet the residents of Byron Park in Walnut Creek on any given day. “When you walk into Byron Park you see people engaged in things — they are friendly group of neighbors, who enjoy being very independent and going to a lot of interesting activities,” says marketing associate Rayne Merrywood. Offering private apartments with accessible transportation around the bay area, Byron Park hosts a happy group of residents who enjoy yoga, fitness and a number of other activities. Formerly known as the Claremont House,

Monarch Place in Piedmont is enjoying its first year in its completely renovated facilities. “What sets us apart are our Gold Crown services, outings on our excursion bus, full concierges services, fine dining, Sunday brunches or just walking your dog,” says executive director Rebecca Cockrill. Living in luxury is one perk of Monarch Place, which boasts a pastry chef on staff for those with a sweet tooth. “Our goal is for our residents to enjoy the life they deserve,” Cockrill says. The opera, symphony, ballet and local museums are all places you’ll find the residents of San Francisco Towers. “This is a vibrant, robust community of fascinating people. They all feel that they have liberated themselves of many of the stressors that come with aging,” says marketing director Kate Hoebke. “People move in when they are independent, and as they age they have access to independent, assisted and skilled nursing care.” Aegis Living was the top pick in the North Bay, having several communities there. “We have a very home-like atmosphere,” says marketing director Candice Moses. “We have a

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Non-sectarian retirement residence

This Could Be Your New Neighbor Who Becomes Your Old Friend Independent Living in a more supportive environment

beautiful courtyard in the back where they can enjoy the sunshine and the outdoors in a very safe environment. It’s very welcoming.” In addition to a peaceful atmosphere, Aegis offers a wealth of amenities, including a movie theater, library and a kitchen with a full-choice menu. Aegis is nationally renowned for its Alzheimer’s and dementia care, along with seven-day-aweek nursing coverage. Situated on 55 acres in the Cupertino foothills bordering the Rancho San Antonio open space reserve, the Forum at Rancho San Antonio is a bustling retirement community. Many residents take long hikes through the open space preserve and take advantage of the fitness center at the Forum. “Our residents are very active in our own community and the greater Bay Area community,” says community relations director Jean Newton. And when residents sit down for meals, they enjoy a full palette of excellent cuisine. “There is always fresh fish and filet mignon on the menu — our residents love the food here,” Newton says. The resident-led kazoo band can be heard jamming most afternoons at Palo Alto Commons. The facility offers a long list of activities for its residents — among them Foothill College courses, Nintendo Wii gaming and scenic hikes. When residents move into the Commons they have access to assisted living, focused care and an Alzheimer’s and dementia unit called the Meadow Wing. Located in Palo Alto, just minutes from Stanford University, residents are at the center of Bay Area life. In second place were the Sequoias in San Francisco, AgeSong at Lakeside Park in Oakland, Classic Residence by Hyatt in Palo Alto and AlmaVia of San Rafael.

First Place San Francisco

• Fine dining • Daily transportation • Weekly housekeeping • Kitchens in every apartment • Linen service included • Month-to-month rentals • Assisted living available

San Francisco Towers (415) 776-0500 www.sanfranciscotowers-esc.org East Bay

Byron Park Walnut Creek (925) 937 1700 www.byronpark.com

Monarch Place Piedmont (510) 658-9266 www.monarchplace.cc South Bay/Peninsula

The Forum at Rancho San Antonio Cupertino (650) 944-0100 www.theforum-seniorliving.com

Jewish and non-Jewish residents alike enjoy the diversity and welcoming atmosphere at Byron Park senior community. Jewish Holidays are celebrated, Shabbat services are regularly held, and we're located just three blocks from the Jewish Community Center in Walnut Creek.

Palo Alto Commons (650) 494-0760 www.paloaltocommons.com

925-937-1700 800-937-7974 www.byronpark.com 1700 Tice Valley Blvd. Walnut Creek, CA 94595 An AF Evans Seniors Community

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Lic # 071440784

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North Bay

Aegis Living Various locations www.aegisliving.com

Second Place San Francisco

The Sequoias (415) 922-9700 www.ncphs.org/life_care/the_sequoias _-_san_francisco

THE HIGH HOLIDAYS ARE COMING SOON!

East Bay

AgeSong at Lakeside Park






Oakland (510) 444-4684 www.agesonglsp.com

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

South Bay/Peninsula

Classic Residence by Hyatt Palo Alto (650) 838-0300 www.hyattclassic.com/go/ palo-alto.html North Bay

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

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

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readers’ choice awards and word games. “We have so many volunteers from the community who come in and a variety groups from the preschool too,” Roman says. New to the program is the Dementia Caregiver Resource Library, which educates caregivers on dementia and how to work with memory-impaired individuals.

First Place San Francisco

Older Adult Program JCC of San Francisco (415) 292-1200 www.jccsf.org

East Bay

Millman Respite Program Contra Costa JCC Walnut Creek (925) 938-7800 www.ccjcc.org/template.php?section=PM South Bay/Peninsula

Get Up & Go Peninsula JCC Foster City (650) 212-7522 www.pjcc.org

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North Bay

Friendship Circle JCC, Sonoma County Santa Rosa (707) 528-4222 www.jccsoco.org/friendshipcircle.html

Home care program Housed in Jewish Family and Children’s services of the East Bay in Albany is the Suse Moyal Center for Older Care Services, a care management and counseling program for older adults and families. “When families are in crisis, they can turn to us,” says client services coordinator Lisa Yordy. Staffed by licensed clinical geriatric social workers, the center works to help seniors will all levels of care. “People say they are very relieved to have found us, that their parents or older adults in their life ended up getting better care,” Yordy says. Seniors at Home, a division of the S.F.based Jewish Family and Children’s Services, offers comprehensive home-based services for seniors and their families. “We pride ourselves on being responsive to our home care clients and personalize all services to meet their individual needs” says director Judy Lynch. Unique to Seniors at Home is the Healthcare Advocacy program, which helps navigate the heath care system for those who have been recently diagnosed with serious diseases. “We are a one-stop resource,”

| the Jewish news weekly readers’ choice supplement

Lynch says. The Facebook of home care, Palo Alto–based Caresquare connects families with senior care and senior caregivers across a social network. Qualified senior caregivers can create a free profile with their skills, availability and references, which can be accessed by families looking for care. “In the past you always had to go through agencies for services, which can cost thousands of dollars,” says cofounder and CEO Ariel Ford. “We wanted to provide a low-cost alternative that wasn’t Craigslist, but wouldn’t cost thousands when your mom needs help.” The company has been around for two years and is connecting caregivers with families in most major metropolitan areas in the U.S., with a big presence in the Bay Area.

First Place

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San Francisco

Seniors at Home Jewish Family and Children’s Services (415) 449-3777 www.seniorsathome.org East Bay

Suse Moyal Center for Older Adult Services Jewish Family & Children’s Services of the East Bay Albany (510) 558-7800 www.jfcs-eastbay.org/olderadults

South Bay/Peninsula

Caresquare Palo Alto (650) 328-8568 www.caresquare.com

Alzheimer’s care center You will most likely find the residents of the Traditions Alzheimer’s and Dementia Unit at Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living out of their rooms on any given day. “Its a full activity program, seven days a week,” says Dr. Janice Corran, executive director of the Danville community. “It’s a feel good place — our staff go up there to take a break and dance.” Vacancies are quickly filled at Traditions, which has a waiting list. “People stay here for years — they just thrive in the program,” Corran says. Just a 15-minute ferry ride from San Francisco is the Corte Madera community of Aegis Living, just one of Aegis’ many winning North Bay communities. With extensive facilities including a private movie theater, this innovative memory care program serves residents well. “Its really important for them to have a good quality of life, and that is what we can give them,” says director of marketing Candice Moses. Different versions of Monet’s Waterlilies painting line the walls of the Alzheimer and Dementia Unit at Rhoda Goldman Plaza in San Francisco. Residents let loose their inner artist under the skilled hands of the unit’s specialized staff. Rhoda Goldman engages its

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| August 21, 2009

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Favorite Senior Home Care Program

www.Caresquare.com

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Chaparral House

A RESIDENTIAL ELDERCARE COMMUNITY (not for profit)

• Resident-Centered • Community-Oriented • Innovative Activities Program

• Chaplin On Staff • High Staff to Resident Ratio • Private Rooms Available

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East Bay

Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living Danville (925) 648-2800 www.rcjl.org South Bay/Peninsula

Cedar Creek Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care Community Los Gatos (408) 356-5636 www.the-creeks.com/Cedar.html North Bay

Aegis Living Various locations www.aegisliving.com

Second Place San Francisco

Jewish Home San Francisco (415) 334-2500 www.jhsf.org

First Place East Bay

Non-Sectarian Senior Community

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A Non-profit Skilled Nursing Eldercare Community. Beautiful park-like, creekside setting, with large secure gardens.

residents by using different therapies, such as percussion classes, where sounds stimulates the mind and gets residents moving to the beat. “Families love to visit and see their loved ones engaged in life, which some haven’t seen in years,” says marketing director Iris Hudis. Specializing in Alzheimer’s and dementia care, Cedar Creek Center in Los Gatos engages its residents throughout the day, seven days a week. The center’s activity program starts after breakfast and continues until 7 p.m., and includes music, art, pet therapy, daily exercise and discussion of current events. “We live in our residents’ world rather than correcting them or expecting them to live in our reality,” says community relations director Kelley Colla. “We want to preserve their self-respect and their dignity.” The center sits on an acre of land and provides secure grounds where residents can walk around and enjoy the chickens and doves in the center’s aviary. “We want to encourage our residents socially, physically and intellectually as much as we can,” Colla says. In second place were the Jewish Home San Francisco and Chaparral House in Berkeley.

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Rhoda Goldman Plaza

510-848-8774 1309 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94702 • www.chaparralhouse.org


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Chaparral House Berkeley (510) 848-8774 www.chaparralhouse.org

There Is No Place Like the Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living

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Financial Assistance may be available through our One Community Financial Assistance Fund | the Jewish news weekly readers’ choice supplement

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• Suite and one-bedroom apartment residences • Personalized services • Extensive transportation program • Life Enrichment program • Social, Cultural and Educational activities • Scrumptious Sunday Brunch • Fully Equipped Fitness Center • Short term Respite stay are welcome

4000 Camino Tassajara Danville, CA 94506 925-648-2800 or 925-964-2066

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• Ability for couples to remain under one roof if one spouse needs skilled nursing care while the other spouse remains in an apartment. Visiting is just a short walk from one side of the building to the other. • Assisted Living and Dementia Care with 24-hour nursing staff seven days a week. • Full-time nursing in Assisted Living allows full diabetic and other health issues management. • Full-time Social Worker and full-time Rabbi • Artist in Residence and Art Studio • Personal Trainer on site • Comprehensive Therapy Department • Secure dementia care unit under direction of a Manager with MA in psychological counseling and a full-time Recreational Therapist • Concierge Services • Transportation to appointments along the 680 corridor.

Favorite Non-Sectarian Senior Community

(510) 658-9266 • 4500 Gilbert St., Oakland, CA www monarchplace.cc

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Time to celebrate Samuel Franco

B’nai mitzvah venue If there’s one thing j. readers know how to do better than any other newspaper’s readership, it’s how to safely hoist a seated friend or relative eight feet in the air. These venues stood out as the best places in the Bay Area to dance the hora at a bar or bat mitzvah. In San Francisco, Congregation Sherith Israel’s Newman Hall provides a versatile, modern-looking space that can comfortably host over 200 partygoers. The synagogue is also a major hub for Jewish community life in Pacific Heights. Sequoyah Country Club in Oakland has a storied history, dating back to the club’s founding in 1913, through its time as a PGA golf tournament host in the 1930s and ’40s. The venue boasts a panoramic view from the Oakland hills and Spanish colonial architecture. “The historic character of our facilities really attract people to hold life celebrations here,” says general manager Tom Schunn. “We’re very respected for the quality of our food and services here.” Sofitel in Redwood City is a Francophile’s delight, featuring French-language answering machines and a waterfront view. The European-inspired design provides an elegant and luxurious touch to a b’nai mitzvah party. The Acqua Hotel in Mill Valley brings the outdoor environment indoors. “It’s simple, serene, and our event space takes advantage of the views of Mount Tam,” says sales manager Judy Gilmore. “We’re intimately sized, and we try and make sure we fit in everybody’s box other than the other way around.” The green landscape and adaptive staff ensure that a bar or bat mitzvah at Acqua is both stress-free and enjoyable. Taking second place were the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco, the Claremont Hotel Club & Spa in Berkeley, the Crowne Plaza Cabana Hotel in Palo Alto and the Osher Marin JCC in San Rafael.

First Place San Francisco

Congregation Sherith Israel (415) 346-1720 www.sherithisrael.org East Bay

Sequoyah Country Club Oakland (510) 632-2900 www.sequoyahcc.com South Bay/Peninsula

Sofitel Redwood City (650) 598-9000 www.sofitel.com

North Bay

gance in the North Bay. “We have one of the most beautiful views of Sonoma County,” says events manager Martha Marquez. “During the day we have a vineyard view, and during the night we have the city lights.” Along with glistening Italian chandeliers, a wood burning fireplace, and a sculpture garden, Paradise Ridge also offers a stock of award-winning wines. Coming in second place were Congregation Sherith Israel in San Francisco, the Brazilian Room in Berkeley, Los Altos Country Club and the Osher Marin JCC in San Rafael.

Acqua Hotel (415) 380-0400 Mill Valley www.marinhotels.com

Second Place San Francisco

Contemporary Jewish Museum (415) 655-7800 www.thecjm.org

First Place

East Bay

Claremont Hotel Club & Spa Berkeley (510) 843-3000 www.claremontresort.com

South Bay/Peninsula

Kohl Mansion Burlingame (650) 762-1136 www.kohl-mansion.com

Osher Marin JCC San Rafael (415) 444-8000 www.marinjcc.org

North Bay

Paradise Ridge Winery

Place for an elegant indoor party

East Bay

Brazilian Room Berkeley (510) 540-0220 www.ebparks.org/activities/corpfamily/br

Los Altos County Club

Oakland (510) 832-2100 www.lakemerritthotel.com

North Bay

(415) 346-1720 www.sherithisrael.org

Contemporary Jewish Museum

Lake Merritt Hotel

Palo Alto (650) 857-0787 www.cppaloalto.crowneplaza.com

Congregation Sherith Israel

South Bay/Peninsula

East Bay

The Crowne Plaza Cabana Hotel

San Francisco

San Francisco

(415) 655-7800 www.thecjm.org

South Bay/Peninsula

Second Place

Kenwood (707) 282-9020 www.prwinery.com

(650) 947-3100 www.lagcc.org North Bay

Osher Marin JCC San Rafael (415) 444-8000 www.marinjcc.org

Place for a casual indoor party Toss away that black tie and loosen up your collar — j. readers have made their choices for the best place in the Bay for a casual celebration. Last year San Francisco’s Congregation Beth Sholom set the Jewish community abuzz with a fabulous new facility that has gathered architectural awards and fans in j. readers. The facility hosts galas, film showings and speaker

The word elegance has many different definitions — but j. readers obviously define it as being found in their favorite places for an elegant indoor party. From museums to mansions, these hot spots will provide the perfect venue for your classy evening. The Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco can add the backdrop of Jewish history to any event. “The museum is just stunning, and you don’t need a lot of décor to make it look elegant,” says spokeswoman Danielle Cappannelli.“The spaces are both contemporary and historic, making it a truly unique venue.” The Yud Gallery, Goldman Hall and Grand Lobby are ideal for gatherings of all types including dance parties, lectures, fashion shows, award ceremonies and lifecycle events. The Terrace Room at the Lake Merritt Hotel in Oakland is an architectural daydream. “When you walk inside it’s an enchanting environment,” says Cheryl Berger, who co-owns the property. “You get the feeling that it’s modernized, but we’ve left all the beautiful building aesthetic that you find in older buildings that you can’t replicate anymore.” Lake Merritt Hotel can bring an intimate environment to a larger event, and the building itself is a piece of art. “It’s a beautiful art deco, glass enclosed facility that overlooks lake merit, in a necklace of lights,” Berger says. The Kohl Mansion in Burlingame has a history that goes back to 1912, when Frederick Kohl built a great hall for entertaining for his wife to sing in. “The outside is a beautiful Tudor mansion,” says Dianne Devlin, the associate director of events. “Inside is a lot of dark wood, a 6-foot-by-6-foot black marble based fireplace, and the ceilings are about 30 feet high.” The mansion offers privacy and flexibility, with the ability to host a party indoors in the airy Nile-green dining room, or outdoors overlooking the rose garden. The family-owned and operated Paradise Ridge Winery in Kenwood is a bastion of ele-

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| August 21, 2009

readers’ choice awards events, in addition to the traditional lifecycle events. It’s modern, bright, airy and industrial, and the sanctuary features the sandstone look of the Western Wall — combining a modern look with old-world sensibilities. Beth Jacob Congregation in Oakland is further proof that a synagogue is always an excellent venue for a celebration. “We’re really kind of a small, eclectic community,” says synagogue administrator Kathy Hollander. Beth Jacob is a kosher venue, a rarity in Oakland, with separate dairy and meat kitchens, making it all the easier to hold that special event. Pacific Athletic Club in Redwood City, offers a comfortable environment for a casual throwdown. The facility is versatile, and has rooms for gatherings of any size, as well as a dance floor for the nimblest partygoers on the Peninsula. While you don’t have to be an athlete to attend, events there have been known to make guests sweat. Stonetree Golf Club in Novato is a picturesque venue for a casual event, overlooking Mount Tam and the coastal range. “You can’t really get a view like that in the North Bay,” says spokeswoman Amanda Harris. “The clubhouse has a classic old Marin architecture to it. It’s surrounded by gorgeous oak trees.” Stonetree offers golf, catering services, top-notch service and staff who can adapt to your needs and budget. Coming in second were the JCC of San Francisco, the Claremont Hotel Club & Spa in Berkeley, the Crowne Plaza Cabana Hotel in Palo Alto and Paradise Ridge Winery in Kenwood.

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(415) 444-8000 www.bethsholomsf.org East Bay

Beth Jacob Congregation Oakland (510) 482-1147 www.bethjacoboakland.org

Stonetree Golf Club Novato (415) 209-6090 www.stonetreegolf.com

Second Place San Francisco

JCC of San Francisco (415) 292-1200 www.jccsf.org

Music with a Beet ! 510-909-7129

www.gotborscht.com [email protected]

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Marin Art & Garden Center

Berkeley (510) 843-3000 www.claremontresort.com

Ross (415) 454-1301 www.magc.org

South Bay/Peninsula

Second Place

The Crowne Plaza Cabana Hotel

East Bay

Palo Alto (650) 857-0787 www.cppaloalto.crowneplaza.com

Various locations www.scottseastbay.com

Kenwood (707) 282-9020 www.prwinery.com

Place for an outdoor celebration

Kohl Mansion Burlingame (650) 762-1136 www.kohl-mansion.com

Deer Park Villa Fairfax (415) 456-8084 www.deerparkvilla.com

The Bay is beautiful, so why stay indoors to party? J. readers, in tune with our natural surroundings, have selected these places as prime locations for an outdoor party. The Brazilian Room rests in Tilden Park in the Berkeley hills. “You get to overlook the hills and the trees,” says facilities supervisor Mike McNally. “You suddenly feel like you just left and took a trip to the mountain.” In addition to the lush vistas, the site also boasts a rich history: It is a historical site, a 1940s WPA project, featuring wood paneling from the 1939 Golden Gate Exposition. It’s no wonder that the site now hosts over 200 weddings per year. Mountain Winery in Saratoga can tickle your eyes and ears, along with your taste buds. The winery, located in the valley’s rolling hills, offers dinner, wine tastings, a concert series and, of course, a secluded and picturesque location for a wedding. Mountain Winery appeals both to the epicurean and aesthetic sensibilities. The Marin Art and Garden Center in Ross is a gem sitting in the heart of the North Bay. “We are a nonprofit, and we are a community resource,” says Nancy Vernon, president of the board of trustees, “a place for people to come for the arts, horticulture, history and environmental conservation.” The center is host to a Shakespeare camp, a historical theater group, a horticulture society that tends the rose gardens and a vibrant society of naturalists and artists. The center has facilities that can be rented for almost any type of outdoor event. Coming in second place were Scott’s in the East Bay, Kohl Mansion in Burlingame and Deer Park Villa in Fairfax.

Dance band

First Place

Bay Area klezmer band the Red Hot Chachkas almost went by another name. “It was either that or the Seventh Inning Kvetch,” says Julie Egger of the Chachkas, “but that didn’t work out right.” The Red Hot Chachkas have been playing klezmer for the Bay and far beyond for the past dozen years. They whip their audiences into a joyous frenzy with thumping grooves. “The stunts that people try to klezmer music are pretty wild,” Egger says. “At Chabad weddings the men do juggling, fire eating, all types of wild stuff.” Musically, the Red Hot Chachkas can play all

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The Brazilian Room Berkeley (510) 540-0220 www.ebparks.org/activities/corpfamily/br

The Jewish news weekly of Northern California

South Bay/Peninsula

Mountain Winery

call (415) 263-7200

| the Jewish news weekly readers’ choice supplement

Scott’s

North Bay

East Bay

Specializing in a variety of traditional Jewish and popular American musical styles

- Michael Gill [email protected] • 510.287.2540 www.shtetls.com

The Claremont Hotel Club & Spa

Paradise Ridge Winery

Pacific Athletic Club

North Bay

North Bay

South Bay/Peninsula

South Bay/Peninsula

Redwood City (650) 593-1112 www.pacclub.com

East Bay

North Bay



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Saratoga (408) 741-2822 www.mountainwinery.com

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“I was in the Purim spiel for Purim, and one of the actors was improvising,” explains band leader Michael Gill. “He had a boombox, or a ghettoblaster, so he said, ‘I’ve got my Shtetlblaster’”— and the rest is history. Ever since, the Shtetlblasters has gelled into one of the tightest wedding bands on the West Coast. The Shtetlblasters have been gigging around the Bay Area scene since 1992. The band plays a variety of blues, rock ‘n’ roll and traditional Jewish music. “We’re always learning a few new songs, requests, updating the repertoire,” Gill says. “Having done this business for the past 17 years, it’s been fun to see the whole range of the Jewish community. We’d play for an Orthodox Jewish community, and then possibly play a lesbian wedding a week later.” In second place was Frank Goldstein’s Manhattan Towers.

First Place Bay Area

The Shtetlblasters (510) 287-2540 www.maxjas.com/shtetl.htm

Second Place Bay Area

Manhattan Towers (800) 578-5780 www.joelnelson.com/Corporate/Man hattan-Towers_150.cfm

Klezmer band

First Place

Denon and Doyle

Bay Area

Denon and Doyle

(800) 944-9585 www.djay.com

(800) 944-9585 www.djay.com

Second Place First Place

Party planner

Bay Area

Bay Area

Daryl Grace

Red Hot Chachkas

DJK Productions (877) DJK-4-FUN www.djkproductions.com

(415) 488-9125 www.redhotchachkas.com

Go Van Gogh (415) 430-5082 www.govangogh.net

Klezmania (415) 239-4670 www.bennybemusic.com/klez.htm

DJ Denon and Doyle handles over 300 b’nai mitzvah a year, and yet they treat each like a unique production. “We’re committed to what we do the day of — it is the most visible part of the event. But it really begins with the first phone call,” says general manager Dan Orman. “We have long-lasting relationships with our clients.” Denon and Doyle manage to stay ahead of the game in event and DJ services. “Every other week we have two different classes — classes for our dancers, and classes for our emcees,” Orman says. “It’s dedicated to coming up with a new dance, or coming up with a new game that the kids haven’t seen before.” Along with DJs and dancers, Denon and Doyle can provide a bevy of other entertainment services, like a photo booth that looks like it came straight off the Coney Island Boardwalk. “We just like to stand out with creativity,” Orman says. In second place was Daryl Grace of DJK Productions.

Party entertainment J. readers voted overwhelmingly in favor of inviting the Bay’s most skilled pickpocket to their parties. But don’t worry: If he gets ahold of your wallet, there’s a chance he’ll change a $1 bill into a fat Benjamin. “I can take wallets and watches without people knowing, and then give them back,” Dan Chan says. “I don’t recommend people trying to pickpocket on the street — that can get you in serious trouble.” Chan, aka Dan Chan the Magic Man, dazzles Bay Area crowds with his combination of magic, acrobatics, sleight of hand, bian lian, pickpocketing, sword balancing, costume changing and juggling. This self-taught jack-of-all-trades entertainer with 10 years of experience performs about 250 gigs a year. He has performed everywhere from birthday parties and corporate events, to the Shoreline Amphitheatre, to U.S. Marine bases in Japan — and his skills have even gotten him out of speeding tickets. “I was told by my parents, this is a bad job, you can’t make a living doing this,” Chan says, “and it just made me determined to say yes, I can do it.” In second place were the photo booths run by j. readers’ favorite DJ, Denon and Doyle.

First Place Bay Area

Barbara Kweller (510) 410-4413

Second Place

First Place

Bay Area

Marcia Barkoff Time to Party (650) 867-6505

First Place San Francisco

Bay Area

Dan Chan the Magic Man (415) 244-2700 www.danchanmagic.com

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Favorite Party Planner

Traditional Dance Music & Songs, Swing, 50’s & 60’s Rock n’Roll

Just for Fun and Scribbledoodles

Diane Metzler

(415) 285-4068 www.justforfun.invitations.com

Time to Party Complete Event Planning & Decoration Marcia Barkoff 650.867.6505 • [email protected]

Thank you very much J readers for selecting me as a 2009 Readers Choice Favorite Event Planner. It's an honor to work xoxo, Marcia with all of you!

ACOUSTIC MUSIC- OUR SPECIALTY!

Gerry Tenney • (510) 465-7911 [email protected] • www.californiaklezmer.com

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FULL PARTY PLANNING FROM INVITATIONS TO FAVORS

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Bay Area

A well-planned party allows the host to relax and enjoy the moment — without stress. Luckily for j. readers, the Bay Area boasts a cadre of talented party planners to make a major lifecycle event worry-free. Oakland resident Barbara Kweller has close to a decade of experience planning parties. From this, she’s amassed a huge network of vendors, decorators, DJs and more. Kweller’s close attention to detail ensures that everything is attended to, so that the host has no need to worry. “It’s an entire weekend, not just a party,” Kweller says. She also enjoys giving back to the community: “I started out doing centerpieces that are donated to charities,” Kweller says. “I try and get the kids involved in giving centerpieces to battered women’s shelters, food banks, children’s hospitals. It’s all part of the mitzvah process.” Tied for second place were Diane Metzler of Shindig and Marcia Barkoff of Time to Party.

In days of yore, the town crier or herald would be the best way to announce a party. Needless to say, the times have changed. These places have stamped themselves as the top places to make the perfect first impression on your guests. Just for Fun and Scribbledoodles has served San Francisco for 23 years. “There are no limits to what we can do,” says manager David Eiland. “We do all of the invitations like every other store does, plus everything the other stores don’t do. We can take anybody’s artwork, we can take anybody’s imagery, and we can do any colors you want.” This flexibility converts many first time customers into repeat customers. Folio in Larkspur has also been open for over 20 years. The store’s calligrapher, Alexandra Beritzhoff has done the scripting for over 10,000 letters. “We like to entertain the customer that likes to entertain with style,” Breitzhoff says. ”We have a pretty incredible selection of invitation and great customer service. We can print in the store and do great custom work.” Miriam’s Well in Foster City is a one-stop Judaica shop, in addition to being the South Bay’s favorite place for invitations. “I offer the whole gambit,” says owner Michelle Booth. “I spend a lot of time with each client to help them find exactly what they want to fit their budget, fit their needs, and individualize the invitation. We spend all the time with all the details.” “Truly people come to me because I sit down with them, I listen to them, I listen to their child,” says Susan Gildea, of Susan Gildea Personalized Printing in Berkeley. “We come up with the perfect piece to represent their style and their budget.” Gildea brings over 25 years of experience in printing to the table. She does business cards and stationary in addition to invitations, paying lots of attention to individual detail. “I work with them to find their look,” she says. In second place were Papyrus in San Francisco, Afikomen in Berkeley and Paper Pizzazz in Palo Alto.

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Second Place

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the traditional klezmer classics, along with a number of original songs that can be considered “klezmer fusion.” “It’s wild, it’s creative, it’s energetic — it makes you move,” Egger says. In second place were Go Van Gogh and Klezmania.

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[email protected] • 510.531.5004 • 510.410.4413 21b

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| August 21, 2009

readers’ choice awards East Bay

Susan Gildea Personalized Printing Berkeley (510) 883-0890 www.susangildea.com South Bay/Peninsula

Miriam’s Well Foster City (650) 341-4400 www.miriams-well.com North Bay

Folio Larkspur (415) 461-0120

Second Place San Francisco

Papyrus (415) 543-4246 www.papyrusonline.com East Bay

Afikomen Berkeley (510) 655-1977 www.afikomen.com South Bay/Peninsula

Paper Pizzazz Palo Alto (650) 858-0771 www.paperpizzazz.invitations.com

Ketubah maker

First Place

A ketubah is more than tradition — it is a promise, an heirloom and a work of art. The Bay Area boasts some of the nation’s top artisans in the craft of constructing ketubahs. Naomi Teplow began making ketubahs in 1983, as an immigrant from Israel with no experience in the trade. She is now selling her ketubahs all over America and abroad. “I love the vibrancy of the colors, the patterns, and mostly I love the juxtaposition of geometrical patterns ... with floral, more flowing themes of flowers and trees,” the Oakland resident says. Her ketubahs are strongly influenced by Persian miniatures and old European manuscripts. Lisa Rauchwerger specializes in custom papercut and watercolor ketubahs. “When I work with couples I tell them that finding the ideal ketubah for them is almost like marriage counseling,” Rauchwerger says. “If they can figure out what they want on their ketubah, then they’re halfway to having a successful marriage.” Rauchwerger has created the full spectrum of ketubahs, from the most traditional, showcasing her Hebrew calligraphy, to interfaith and genderneutral texts on three-dimensional paper sculpture. Robin Hall begun studying lettering at age 16, Hebrew calligraphy at age 20, and has been making ketubahs since 1977. The Julliard-trained dancer is so attuned to the aesthetics of her craft that she even teaches yoga class based on Hebrew letters. “I don’t do video ketubahs,” Hall quips. Her works are influenced by everything from old world manuscripts to Matisse cutouts, and some of her works now rest in museums. Coming in second place was Jessica Kraft.

San Francisco

Robin Hall ABC Calligraphy (415) 771-1719 East Bay

Naomi Teplow Ketubot by Naomi Oakland (510) 530-2210 www.ketubotbynaomi.com South Bay/Peninsula

Lisa Rauchwerger Cutting Edge Creations (408) 448-4972 www.lisarauschwerger.com

Second Place

continuing the art of jewelry the old fashioned way. Owner Vardy Shtein begun as a goldsmith in Tallinn, Estonia, the former home of the Fabergé workshop. Shtein creates custom jewelry and draws from 38 years of experience in the trade. “Everybody wants to get something unique and different,” Shtein says. “I am able to fulfill their desires. Nobody wants to have a cookie cutter.” Julianna’s Fine Jewelry will be celebrating its 25th year in business this year. Their longevity is a testament to their service — they are the only original tenant and the only family-owned business remaining in the Village at Corte Madera. Shimmering their way to second place were Geoffrey’s Diamonds in San Carlos, Edelweiss Jewlers in Berkeley, and Simayof Jewlers in San Francisco.

First Place

San Francisco

San Francisco

Jessica Kraft

Hand in Hand

Ketubah Kraft (877) 778-5654 www.ketubahkraft.com

(415) 282-4370 www.handinhandsf.com East Bay

Jeweler It don’t mean a thing unless you got that ring. Our winners this year for best jeweler put a sparkle into any day of the week. Hand in Hand Jewelry in San Francisco has endeared itself with the San Francisco community by adhering to a “do it yourself” aesthetic. “The process of really getting to know our clients personally to inspire the designs we create is unique in today’s mass-produced, massmarketed marketplace,” says owner Marc Stiglitz. Stiglitz intends for the pieces he crafts and sells to become heirlooms, not just jewelry. Michael Endlich of Pavé Jewelry Design, with locations in Berkeley and Oakland, specializes in custom jewelry work and repurposing older jewelry. “It’s not the run-of-the-mill jewelry — it’s very distinctly different,” Endlich says. “It has a modern flair — from ancient coins to Tahitian pearls, to diamond beads and unusual colored gemstones, and natural colored diamonds that we make ourselves.” Vardy’s Jewelers in Cupertino is focused on

Pavé Fine Jewelry Design Various locations (510) 547-1000 www.pavefinejewelry.com South Bay/Peninsula

Vardy’s Jewelers Cupertino (408) 446-2900 www.vardysjewelers.com North Bay

Julianna’s Fine Jewelry Corte Madera (415) 924-9711 www.juliannasfinejewelry.com

Second Place San Francisco

Simayof Jewelers (415) 929-6200 www.simayof.com

EDELWEISS JEWELERS

FEATURING HAND-CRAFTED, CUSTOM DESIGN & ESTATE JEWELRY

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| the Jewish news weekly readers’ choice supplement

22b

Thank You!

Naomi Teplow www.ketubotbynaomi.com [email protected] 510.530.2210

Open Tuesday - Saturday 12-5:30 and most Sundays or call for an appointment 2980 College Ave.

Berkeley 510.644.5544

Berkeley (510) 644-5544 www.elmwoodshop.com/stores /edelweiss.html South Bay/Peninsula

Geoffrey’s Diamonds San Carlos (650) 591-0301 www.geoffreysdiamonds.com

Kosher caterer Modern kosher caterers have discovered that the laws of kashrut are not a restriction, but rather a framework to ensure quality. And these three caterers in particular have earned an impressive culinary reputation in the Bay Area — without the trayf. Alan Finkelstein brings more than 25 years of culinary experience to his Berkeley-based catering business. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and cooking instructor at San Jose State, Finkelstein says he brings “a New York attitude and Bay Area sensibility” to his work. His roots in Queens are evident in his traditional kugels, but he rounds out his menu with Middle Eastern– and Israeliinspired dishes. Park Avenue Catering, based in Cotati, is the only certified green caterer in Napa and Sonoma counties. They have worked with Carbonfund to offset their carbon footprint, compost nearly everything, and provide sustainable seafood and local ingredients. “We’ll take our contemporary, cutting edge trendy menu,” says event planner Denise Kramer, “and adapt it to kosher.” Too Caterers, the kosher division of Continental Caterers, is a winner in both San Francisco and the South Bay. Local organic produce and meals for the health conscious are a staple of their services, and the leftovers are earmarked for Second Harvest. Too Caterers pride themselves on being able to fit with today’s economic and social climate. “You just change yourself,” says caterer Wendy Kleckner, “and you turn yourself inside out like a pretzel to do an event that’s making them proud, at a more affordable level.” Coming in second place were Dina’s Kosher Catering in San Francisco, Oakland Kosher Foods and Milk and Honey in Foster City.

Too Caterers (650) 322-4189 www.continentalcaterer.com

(650) 827-1309 www.dinaskoshercatering.com East Bay

Oakland Kosher Foods

First Place

(510) 839-0177

San Francisco & South Bay/Peninsula

South Bay/Peninsula

Milk and Honey

Continental Caterers

Foster City (650) 212-6455

Palo Alto (650) 322-4189 www.continentalcaterer.com

Non-kosher caterer

East Bay

Italian Colors Restaurant

Noshing and joshing are inseparable parts of the party experience. The palates and senses of our readers have voted for these non-kosher caterers as setting the standard in service and quality. Continental Caterers is a favorite in San Francisco and the South Bay/Peninsula. The company has remained on top by re-inventing itself and focusing its business practices to fit the economy, environment and community. Continental looks for sustainably farmed food, organic produce and local growers, and donates extra food to Bay Area charities. “I always send home beautiful leftovers, but I mark the rest for Second Harvest,” says caterer Wendy Kleckner. “I let them know that Jewish caterers take care of the community, not just our community.” Italian Colors, in the Montclair district of Oakland, is a restaurant whose reputation shone so brightly by word of mouth alone that they were asked to offer catering as well. “We’re a cut above on service,” says chef partner Alan Carlson. “Just the little extra touches to let them know we really appreciate their business.” For example, Italian Colors provides a pizza oven for b’nai mitzvah, always has an owner present and only uses its own employees, never hiring out. Delicious Inc. has been catering for Marin for the past 35 years. Considering their clientele, it comes as no surprise that Delicious was the first certified green caterer in the county. “We work with Marin Organics and the agricultural land

Oakland (510) 530-0465 www.italiancolorsrestaurant.com North Bay

Delicious Inc. (415) 453-3710 www.deliciouscatering.com

Second Place San Francisco

Carrie Dove Catering (415) 460-9995 www.carriedovecatering.com

Berkeley (510) 845-4378 www.jasminecatering.com South Bay/Peninsula

JW Catering Menlo Park (650) 324-1165 www.jwcatering.com

A Catered Affair Santa Clara (408) 727-6480 www.acateredaffair.com

Photographer Scott Lasky has endeared himself to the Bay Area as a photographer through personal attention and a relaxed demeanor. “I don’t get stressed out, so I don’t stress the client out,” Lasky says. “I keep the client very relaxed at the event, so that they have more natural smiles — they’re not all stiff and formal for the photograph.” Another source of pride is the fact that his business is a one-man show. “I don’t have other shooters that I send out. I do all the parties, all the temple photos. I’m the one who comes to the meeting to meet with them,” Lasky says. Lasky started doing photography part time in 1984, and has operated full time since 1993. “I want them to feel like that by the end of the party, I’m not just an employees — I’m part of the party and part of the fun,” Lasky says.

Dina's Kosher Catering KOSHER CATERING FOR ALL OCCASIONS UP TO 500+ PEOPLE %23 #(  GLATT KOSHER

•••

DINA MAN

650.827.1309

3%

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Dina’s Kosher Catering

Jasmine Catering

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San Francisco

East Bay

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trust, and we go to the farmers market,” says partner Theresa Hammond. “The food is of a high quality, very delicious, and presented beautifully.” In second place were Carrie Dove Catering in San Francisco, Jasmine Catering in Berkeley, JW Catering in Menlo Park and A Catered Affair in Santa Clara.

Second Place

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[email protected] Under Supervision

East Bay

Alan Finkelstein Catering Berkeley (510) 845-8275 North Bay

Park Avenue Catering Cotati (707) 793-9645 www.parkavecater.com

23b

www.jweekly.com

| August 21, 2009

readers’ choice awards Pointing and shooting to second place was Nadine Samuels.

First Place Bay Area

Scott Lasky (888) 363-0654 www.laskyphoto.com

Second Place Bay Area

Nadine Samuels (510) 841-3656

pretty much through storytelling that people carried on ritual and traditions.” In addition to unobtrusive and realistic event shooting and top-of-the-line editing services, Sweetow also can provide a number of specialized services like family history documentaries, montages and highlight reels. Sweetow is academically dedicated to his craft, as well: He used to teach about videography at U.C. Berkeley extension, and has had over 100 articles published in video magazines. Coming in second place was Esther Andrews.

First Place

Stuart Sweetow of Audio Video Consultants in Oakland has been in videography for 25 years, at the most important moments in the lives of thousands of families. “Through the medium of video we’re able to document a particular life cycle ritual and preserve it so that tradition can be replicate throughout the generations,” Sweetow says, “Prior to having video it was

(510) 839-2020 www.avconsultants.com

Stuart Sweetow Second Place Bay Area

Esther Andrews (408) 858-0020

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Thank you J. readers and clients Stu Sweetow Audio Visual Consultants Video Production, Editing, DVDs 3738 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA Phone: 510-839-2020 www.AVConsultants.com

MAZEL TOV to all the Readers’ Choice winners

Have a nosh Michael Lazarus

Kosher food Chaim Davids wants you to forget the stereotypes of kosher food. “We’re meeting and exceeding expectations on what kosher food can do,” says the owner of the Kitchen Table. What is so revolutionary about Davids’ Mountain View restaurant? For starters, bacon is on the menu. Using smoked lamb, the Kitchen Table gives Jewish traditionalists a chance to try the popular (and quite nonkosher) American treat. Aside from the fauxpork products, the restaurant, which opened in May, offers a friendly atmosphere for customers. “The décor is elegant, but unpretentious,” Davids says. The biggest challenge for the Kitchen Table, and any kosher restaurant, is that it must close for the Sabbath on Friday and Saturday nights, the two most popular diningout nights. “We make up for it because we’re a hot spot and people want to come,” Davids says. “We’re almost reinventing the restaurant business.” With an extensive to-go menu, Sabra Grill in San Francisco makes eating kosher easier. Not in a rush? Grab a seat and sample Sabra’s wide-range of choices, including omelettes, steaks, sandwiches and fish. Aside from the three course dinner special for under $17, what sets Oakland’s Holy Land Restaurant apart is its catering. Holy Land will cater to any occasion and will make a custom menu for any client. Shangri-La Chinese Vegetarian Restaurant in San Francisco, Oakland Kosher Foods and Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels in Palo Alto came in second.

East Bay

Oakland Kosher Foods Oakland (510) 839-0177 South Bay/Peninsula

Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels Palo Alto (650) 329-0700 www.izzysbrooklynbagels.com

Jewish-style deli The Jewish deli is the last great bastion of Jewish culture in America. While the Mecca of Jewish delis may be New York, quality Reubens and tasty matzah balls can be found right here in the Bay Area. Saul’s Deli in Berkeley is dishing up all the classics and then some — but isn’t trying to imitate New York delis. “It’s the old world,” says owner Karen Adelman. “It’s before New York.” With falafel, corned beef, pastrami, matzah ball soup and bagels, Saul’s has the “whole of the Jewish timeline.” Couple those favorites with sodas made in-house and grass-fed beef, it’s no wonder Saul’s holds a special spot in East Bay customers’ hearts. A tradition around the Bay since 1982, Max’s feels like a direct transplant from the East Coast. “We’re pretty authentic,” says general manager Michael Adams. “Some of our sauces are flown in from New York.” Max’s keeps it simple — Reuben sandwiches with a choice of corned beef or pastrami, matzah ball soup and potato salad are the clear-cut favorites. “You get what you pay for,” Adams says. “You get a big sandwich.” Perhaps the biggest testament to Max’s popularity is the lack of change. “We’ve been serving the same sandwiches the same way for over 25 years,” Adams said. In second place were Miller’s East Coast Deli in San Francisco, Oakland Kosher Foods, Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels in Palo Alto and Mangia/Nosh in San Rafael.

First Place First Place San Francisco

Sabra Grill (415) 982-3656 www.sabragrill.com East Bay

Holy Land Restaurant Oakland (510) 272-0535 www.holylandrestaurant.com

San Francisco/South Bay/Peninsula/North Bay

Max’s Various locations www.maxsworld.com East Bay

Saul’s Deli Berkeley (510) 848-3354 www.saulsdeli.com

Second Place

South Bay/Peninsula

San Francisco

The Kitchen Table

Miller’s East Coast Deli

Mountain View (650) 390-9388 www.thekitchentablerestaurant.com

East Bay

(415) 563-3542 www.millersdelisf.com

Oakland Kosher Foods Second Place San Francisco

Shangri-La Chinese Vegetarian Restaurant

cathleen maclearie photography portraits • weddings • engagements • new baby • pregnant mom

(415) 731-2548 shangri-la.wp.net

510.848.6470 .

J.

| the Jewish news weekly readers’ choice supplement

24b

Oakland (510) 839-0177 South Bay/Peninsula

Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels Palo Alto (650) 329-0700 www.izzysbrooklynbagels.com

North Bay

North Bay

Mangia/Nosh

Pizzeria Picco

San Rafael (415) 472-2894 www.mangianosh.com

Larkspur (415) 945-8900 www.pizzeriapicco.com

Italian restaurant Hamburger and pizza For many, Italian cooking means traditional cuisine that doesn’t change much over the years. Not the case at Delfina in San Francisco. “We’re always changing things up and always trying to improve,” says chef Craig Stoll. “Never been a restaurant to stay stagnant.” With pastas that are handmade daily and product that “is raised and grown by people with names,” Delfina is still a classic Italian restaurant at heart. “Since the menu always changes, there are things that are very userfriendly and things that are understood by almost everyone,” Stoll says. “And there are things on the menu that slightly more adventurous people may prefer.” With 17 locations throughout the Peninsula and South Bay, Pizza My Heart makes getting quality pizza easy. Pizza My Heart offers a wide range of award winning pizzas for under $20. That’s not even the best deal: For $5, customers can get a slice of pizza and a Pizza My Heart T-shirt. At Lo Coco’s in Berkeley and San Rafael, it’s not all about the pizza, but that’s what the Sicilian-style restaurant is best known for. While not for everyone, the anchovy pizza is the restaurant’s true specialty. Take-out is available, but the staff and décor make dining at Lo Coco’s is as close as it gets to a vacation to Italy — at least in this economy. Pizzeria Picco in Larkspur and Amici’s, with various locations in San Francisco and the East Bay, came in second.

So what if burger joints aren’t kosher? They’re delicious — and j. readers know exactly which ones are their favorites. The Counter is a burger experience unlike any other. It doesn’t have a menu in the traditional sense, but rather, it has combinations — over 312,000 of them. Four different choices of burger, 10 cheeses, 28 toppings, 18 sauces and three buns mean the chefs almost never make the same burger twice in a day. “The Counter concept itself is different from any other hamburger joint out there,”says director of marketing Brian Berman. “You guys are the real visionaries of what you put in your mouth, not the chef.” The Counter has two South Bay locations (Palo Alto and San Jose), and is opening a new location in Town Center Corte Madera in late August. At Phyllis’ Giant Burgers in Novato, San Rafael and Santa Rosa, it’s all about options. With a massive menu, featuring endless variations on a classic dish (pesto or terimushroom burger, anyone?), Phyllis’ has a little something for everyone — even vegans. Only in the Bay Area would a hamburger joint serve Chinese chicken salads and a Moroccan plate. But loyal customers know what makes the Barney’s Gourmet

Hamburgers experience is — what else? — the burgers. Classic burgers, chicken burgers, turkey burgers — Barney’s is putting its own spin on the American staple with its locations in almost every corner of the Bay. In second place were Taylor’s Automatic Refresher in San Francisco, Fat Apple’s Restaurant & Bakery in Berkeley and El Cerrito, and Jeffrey’s Hamburgers in San Mateo and Menlo Park.

First Place

North Bay

Phyllis’ Giant Burgers Various locations www.phyllisgiantburgers.com

Second Place San Francisco

Taylor’s Automatic Refresher (415) 318-3423 www.taylorsautomaticrefresher.com

San Francisco/East Bay

East Bay

Barney’s Gourmet Hamburgers Various locations www.barneyshamburgers.com

Fat Apple’s Restaurant & Bakery Various locations (510) 526-2260

South Bay/Peninsula

South Bay/Peninsula

The Counter

Jeffrey’s Hamburgers

Various locations www.thecounterburger.com

Various locations www.jeffreyshamburgers.com

OPEN EVERY DAY

BAR 10AM – 1:45AM RESTAURANT 11AM–1:45AM

First Place

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

(415) 775-4216 • FAX: (415) 775-3322 • WWW.TOMMYSJOYNT.COM 1101 GEARY BLVD. AT VAN NESS, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109

San Francisco

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Delfina

Discounted Validated Parking at Cathedral Hill Hotel

(415) 552-4055 www.delfinasf.com East Bay

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























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Thank You J. readers for voting us 'Favorite Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria' in San Francisco!

Delfina Restaurant 3621 18th St. SF CA 94110 | 415-552-4055 Pizzeria Delfina 3611 18th St. SF CA 94110 | 415-437-6800 Pizzeria Delfina 2406 California St. SF CA 94115 | 415-440-1189

San Francisco/East Bay

Amici’s Various locations www.amicis.com

25b

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| August 21, 2009

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readers’ choice awards

California cuisine

classics like burgers “cooked with love,” The Girl & The Fig captures the spirit of Sonoma. At California Café in Palo Alto, it’s all about fresh, seasonal ingredients. Popular items include the Asian chicken salad, the lamb–butter lettuce wrap and the wild boar spare ribs. “Chef Taylor Boudreaux is part of the community,” says marketing manager Jen Gurvey. “People know him by name.” In second place were Town’s End Restaurant and Bakery in San Francisco, BayWolf Restaurant in Oakland, Mayfield Bakery & Café in Palo Alto and Ward Street Café in Larkspur.

What exactly is California cuisine? It’s tough to define — and perhaps that is why j. readers’ favorite restaurants dishing up fine California cuisine are so different. At the Café on the Square, the term means updating classic dishes. “We take traditional Jewish favorites and put our own contemporary twist on them,” says chef Tim Stewart. Located, appropriately, at the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco, Café on the Square draws inspiration from its surroundings. “As our menu is inspired by the exhibitions, we are able to really get creative,” Stewart says. Whether it’s a herring salad created for a Marc Chagall exhibit or a staple like matzah ball soup (over 350 gallons were sold in the first year), the Café provides unique dining for museumgoers or anyone looking for a high-quality, affordable lunch. At Rivoli Restaurant in Berkeley, owner Roscoe Skipper credits executive chef Wendy Brucker for giving his restaurant a distinct Califonia flare. “She’ll ask how can I fundamentally change this dish, but keep the flavors and make it interesting,” Skipper says. For example, Brucker may take a French onion soup and deconstruct it by throwing in caramelized onions and garlic bread crumbs. With customer favorites such as Portabello mushroom fritters and hot fudge sundaes, Rivoli has something for everyone. Owner Sondra Bernstein describes The Girl & the Fig’s menu as “country food with a French passion. We’re just using the best of Sonoma and combining it with a little bit of French technique,” she says. From unique items such as rabbit and panisse cakes to the

First Place San Francisco

Café on the Square (415) 655-7800 www.thecjm.org East Bay

Rivoli Restaurant Berkeley (510) 525-3832 www.rivolirestaurant.com South Bay/Peninsula

California Café Palo Alto (650) 325-2233 www.californiacafe.com North Bay

The Girl & the Fig Sonoma (707) 938-3634 www.thegirlandthefig.com

Second Place San Francisco

Town’s End Restaurant and Bakery (415) 512-0749 www.townsendrb.com East Bay

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

GRAND B AKERY Favorite Bakery 2%!$

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Thanks to all for your votes and continued support as we enter our 22nd year serving the community!

Innovative artistry, uncompromising quality, and excellent personal service .

J.

| the Jewish news weekly readers’ choice supplement

26b

South Bay/Peninsula

Mayfield Bakery & Café Palo Alto (650) 853-9200 www.mayfieldbakery.com

Second Place East Bay

San Francisco

Masse’s

Whole Foods Market

Berkeley (510) 649-1004 www.massespastries.com

Michael Lazarus

South Bay/Peninsula

East Bay

Ward Street Café

Copenhagen Bakery

Rockridge Market Hall

Bakery Challah. Bagels. Black and white cookies. Mmm, smells like Judaism. The Grand Bakery in Oakland is the type of old-school institution that is reminiscent of the Promised Land. “We are the community meeting place,” owner Bob Jaffe says proudly. Whether it’s the payment plan (no credit cards allowed, IOUs accepted), the memorabilia (baseball caps with team names written in Hebrew), or the atmosphere (sports trivia for free goods), the Grand Bakery takes customers back to a simpler time. Dishing up crowd favorites such as challah, cakes, pizza and hummus, the bakery is a hit for people of all ages. Just hearing the word cheesecake is enough to make some people’s mouths water. That probably explains why Sweet Cheeses Cheesecakes in San Anselmo — the winner for both San Francisco and the North Bay — is able to thrive selling cheesecakes almost exclusively. “We are a family-run, small bakery,” says owner Eamon Gallagher. “We pay attention to every detail.” The signature cheesecake is the French vanilla, but pumpkin flavor gives it a run for its money. In addition to the dozen different cheesecakes, the bakery also sells seasonally based tortes and tarts. At Have Your Cake in South San Francisco, owner Maralyn Tabatsky designs custom kosher cakes ranging from classic wedding cakes to a cake resembling a tunnel boring machine for an engineering company’s anniversary party. “I feel pretty fortunate I get to do both,” Tabatsky says. “I enjoy the elegance of the more traditional cakes, but I like to have the opportunity of doing things that are more unusual.” Masse’s in Berkeley, Copenhagen Bakery in Burlingame and Della Fattoria in Petaluma stole readers’ hearts (and taste buds) for second place.

First Place San Francisco/North Bay

Burlingame (650) 342-1357 www.copenhagenbakery.com

Della Fattoria

South Bay/Peninsula

Petaluma (707) 763-0161 www.dellafattoria.com

Draeger’s Market Various locations www.draegers.com

Specialty/ gourmet market

North Bay

Oliver’s Market

East Bay establishment Berkeley Bowl has been selling kosher foods for more than three decades. While Berkeley Bowl has a wide assortment of kosher foods, ranging from juices to marshmallows, the kosher selection only represents a small portion of the store’s product. “We’re a full line grocery store so we try to provide services in every area,” says owner Glenn Yasuda. At Piazza’s Fine Foods in the South Bay and Peninsula, the menu of gourmet sandwiches is virtually endless. Options include grilled salmon, Portabello mushroom, Mediterranean chicken, lamb, eggplant and fontina, muffaletta and about 35 others, all under $8. Over at Mollie Stone’s Markets, the selection is literally endless. “If the merchandise is available for sale in the U.S., we generally can get it delivered for our customers,” says co-owner David Bennett. Aside from the special delivery, Mollie Stone’s — with multiple locations in the winning San Francisco and North Bay regions — also produces its own products, including a line of organics. Mollie Stone’s also makes an effort to consistently provide kosher food. “We don’t just jump in the business during Passover and Chanukah,” Bennett says. The stores stock everything from kosher frozen foods to dairy products to poultry, and when it’s time to say l’chaim, they have a vast selection of kosher wines. In second place were Whole Foods Market in San Francisco, Rockridge Market Hall in Oakland, Draeger’s Market in the South Bay/Peninsula and Oliver’s Market in the North Bay.

Sweet Cheeses Cheesecakes

San Francisco/North Bay

San Anselmo (415) 457-2733

Various locations www.molliestones.com

Mollie Stone’s

Various locations www.oliversmarket.com

California winery The wine industry may be becoming industrialized and dominated by large wineries, but our winners understand the importance of small-scale, hands-on wine-making. Benyamin Cantz is the owner, CEO, salesman, harvester, winemaker, bottler and every other position that goes into producing Four Gates wine. Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Four Gates Winery may be the smallest kosher winery in the country. While local j. readers appreciate the oneman winery’s attention to details, Four Gates is even more popular on the other coast. “My entire business is mail-order,” Cantz says. “I would say two-thirds goes to New York.” For a more traditional wine-tasting experience, j. readers continue to flock to Hagafen Cellars, which nabs its fifth straight Readers’ Choice award. With events featuring local artists and an array of more than 20 wines available for tasting, everyone from the most ardent wine connoisseur to Joe Six-pack can enjoy this Napa Valley winery. The high-quality wine is one of the few similarities Hagafen shares with other local wineries, though. “There’s a lot of pressure to grow and become a more modern Napa Valley winery,” says assistant winemaker Josh Stein. “It’s pushing back against the forces of modern Napa Valley. We like to think of ourselves as the little winery that could.”

Grand Bakery Oakland (510) 465-1110 South Bay/Peninsula

Have Your Cake South San Francisco (650) 873-8488 www.haveyourcake.org

Dying to see Broadway shows? Well, skip out on the airfare and catch plays in j. readers’ favorite live theaters. The shows more often than not end up in New York, anyway. Two of the Berkeley Repertory Theater’s most recent shows, “Wishful Drinking” and “In the Next Room (or the vibrator play),” are heading to Broadway, bringing its count to four in the last four years. “We started in a storefront in Berkeley that had been a fruit shop and in the course of 40 years we have become a nationally renowned theater,” says director of public relations Terrence Keane. On tap for BRT is “American Idiot,” a show based on Berkeleyborn rock band Green Day’s popular album. The Marin Theatre Company does not believe big cities mean better shows. “You don’t have to go to New York or San Francisco to see top theater,” says communications director Kathie Ganes. “We pride ourselves on presenting challenging plays for our audiences.” With 40 years of history in Mill Valley, the MTC offers an intimate theater experience, as the largest of the two theaters only seats 240. The American Conservatory Theater is one of the oldest San Francisco institutions. ACT is currently celebrating its 100th anniversary with plays from Noel Coward, David Mamet and Bertolt Brecht, among others. “We put on really great shows,” says public relations manager Evern Odcikin, “a unique mix of classics and contemporary plays.” TheatreWorks has a simple goal: reflect the diversity of its community. Since 1970, TheatreWorks has had 52 world premieres. “Silicon Valley, where people resonate with what’s new, resonate with TheatreWorks,” says managing director Phil Santura. With both a small, intimate theater and a large, modern one, TheatreWorks provides a unique theatergoing experience. In second place were Cal Shakes in Orinda, San Jose Repertory Theatre and the Jewish Theatre, San Francisco.

First Place San Francisco

American Conservatory Theatre (415) 749-2ACT www.act-sf.org East Bay

First Place South Bay/Peninsula

Four Gates Winery

East Bay East Bay

Live theater

Oakland (510) 250-6010 www.rockridgemarkethall.com

North Bay

First Place

Entertainment

www.wholefoodsmarket.com

North Bay

Larkspur (415) 924-2493 www.wardstreetcafe.com

Arts &

Second Place

Berkeley Bowl Marketplace Berkeley (510) 843-6929 www.berkeleybowl.com South Bay/Peninsula

Piazza’s Fine Foods Various locations www.piazzasfinefoods.com

27b

Berkeley Repertory Theatre Berkeley (510) 647-2949 www.berkeleyrep.org South Bay/Peninsula

Santa Cruz (831) 457-2673 www.fourgateswine.com

TheatreWorks

North Bay

North Bay

Hagafen Cellars

Marin Theatre Company

Napa (888) 424-2336 www.hagafen.com

Mill Valley (415) 388-5208 www.marintheatre.org

Mountain View (650) 463-1960 www.theatreworks.org

www.jweekly.com

| August 21, 2009

readers’ choice awards

Museum

Second Place San Francisco

The Jewish Theatre, San Francisco (415) 522-0786 www.atjt.com East Bay

Cal Shakes Orinda (510) 548-9666 www.calshakes.org South Bay/Peninsula

San Jose Repertory Theatre San Jose (408) 367-7255 www.sjrep.com

Looking for a place where kids can run around and burn off some energy? How does a 7.5 acre–wide children’s museum in a national park sound? That’s exactly what the Bay Area Discovery Museum offers. Located in Fort Baker in Sausalito, the museum offers active exhibits for its 300,000 visitors each year. “Everything we do is hands-on interactive,” says communications director Jennifer Caleshu. “It’s all about nurturing creativity.” Currently, the featured exhibit is Children of Hangzhou, which allows childtren to experience life in China by recreating schools, theaters and homes. Time is running out to visit the Judah L. Magnes Museum at its historic mansion residence before it moves to a new building in downtown Berkeley. For the past 45 years, the Magnes has presented the history of the Jewish diaspora from a pastoral Berkeley street. “It’s the only museum that tells the story of the Jewish experience in California, and particular the San

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

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| the Jewish news weekly readers’ choice supplement

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Francisco Bay Area,” says Alla Efimova, the museum’s chief curator and director. It’s been open for just over a year, but the Contemporary Jewish Museum is quickly becoming a San Francisco institution. “[We] present and create exhibitions and programming that are both timely and relevant to today’s society,” says marketing and communications director Jen Morris. One of the more unique exhibits is the Yud gallery, which consists of a 65-foot ceiling, 36 skylights, surround sound, and resembles the inside of a diamond. “There isn’t anything like it in San Francisco,” Morris says. Nestled in the middle of Stanford University’s campus, the Cantor Arts Center boasts the largest collection of Rodin bronzes outside of Paris. “We present art from around the world and over 4,000 years,” says Anna Koster, head of communications for the museum. With programs such as Metaphysics of Notation (based on a musical score by professor Mark Applebaum) and Mix (entertainment geared for young professionals), Cantor has a little something for everyone. In second place were the M.H. de Young Memorial Museum in San Francisco, the Oakland Museum of California and the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa.

First Place San Francisco

Contemporary Jewish Museum (415) 655-7800 www.thecjm.org East Bay

Judah L. Magnes Museum Berkeley (510) 549-6950 www.magnes.org South Bay/Peninsula

Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University Stanford (650) 723-4177 museum.stanford.edu North Bay

Bay Area Discovery Museum Sausalito (415) 339-3900 www.baykidsmuseum.org

Second Place

Shop ‘til you drop Meredith Malnick

(415) 750-3600 www.famsf.org/deyoung

First Place San Francisco

Dayenu (415) 563-6563 www.dayenu.com

Oakland Museum of California

East Bay

North Bay

Osher Marin JCC San Rafael (415) 444-8098 www.marinjcc.org

Second Place San Francisco

Aaron’s Jewish Book Service

“We’re a Jewish lifestyle store,” explains Chaim Mahgel-Friedman, the new owner of Judaica store Afikomen. Based in Berkeley, Afikomen carries a wide variety of books, jewelry, artwork and Judaic objects. For Rosh Chodesh the store has poetry readings, called “New Moon Illuminations,” where customers get to hear reading from authors and musicians, such as the Octopretzel folk group. Housed inside the Osher Marin JCC in San Rafael and staffed by volunteers, the Women of Rodef Sholom/Sisterhood Gift Shop offers every amenity needed to stock a Jewish home. Due to the large amount of traffic that the store receives, the Women of Rodef Sholom have been able to fulfill the Sisterhood’s Chai Circle $10,000per-year commitment to Rodef Sholom’s general fund. Many of the companies that the gift store features are certified as fair trade to allow shoppers to support clean business practices. You can find Dayenu in another JCC — the JCC of San Francisco. Dayenu’s book collection is expansive and has something on all facets of the Jewish faith. “We are the only Judaica store in the city, so we try our very best to be the right Judaica store for everybody. We have a wide variety of Judaica ranging from secular to ultra-Orthodox,” says Eva-Lynne Leibman, co-owner of Dayenu. Adds co-owner Hiroko Nogami-Rosen, “We try to make it a one-stop shopping kind of store.” Nurit Sabadosh calls her store “almost like a museum.” Alef Bet Judaica in Los Gatos, which opened its doors 16 years ago, features many Israeli artists and a wide range of books from religious texts to Jewish history, children’s books and cookbooks. “Customers will be treated with excellent service, and we welcome special orders,” Sabadosh says. In second place were the Contemporary Jewish Museum Gift Shop in San Francisco, the Oasis at Beth Jacob Congregation in Oakland, Aaron’s Jewish Book Service in San Francisco, Miriam’s Well in Foster City and the Congregation Beth Ami Judaica Gift Shop in Santa Rosa.

East Bay

(510) 238-2200 www.museumca.org

Women of Rodef Sholom/Sisterhood Gift Shop

Judaica and books

San Francisco

M.H. de Young Memorial Museum

North Bay

Afikomen Berkeley (510) 655-1977 www.afikomen.com

Charles M. Schulz Museum

South Bay/Peninsula

Santa Rosa (707) 579-4452 www.schulzmuseum.org

Los Gatos (408) 370-1818 www.alefbetjudaica.com

Alef Bet Judaica

(415) 752-1952

Heights location to get a taste for what The Ark has on its shelves. Los Altos residents and the South Bay community have been enjoying Linden Tree Children’s Recordings and Books since it opened its doors in 1984. For the summer months Linden Tree stays open for Thursday farmers’ markets, and families are encouraged to help the community by donating a book at special reading events. “There is a strong sense of community at Linden Tree, and we strive to provide programming and products that enrich reading and learning,” says co-owner Dennis Ronberg, who runs the store with his wife, Linda. Just for Fun and Scribbledoodles in San Francisco, The Ark in Berkeley and Cheeky Monkey Toys in Menlo Park came in second.

First Place

Contemporary Jewish Museum Gift Shop

San Francisco

(415) 655-7888 www.thecjm.org

The Ark Various locations www.thearktoys.com

East Bay East Bay

The Oasis

Rockridge Kids

Beth Jacob Congregation Oakland (510) 482-1147 www.bethjacoboakland.org

Oakland (510) 601-5437 www.rockridgekidsstore.com South Bay/Peninsula

Linden Tree Children’s Recordings and Books

South Bay/Peninsula

Miriam’s Well Foster City (650) 341-4400 www.miriams-well.com

Los Altos (800) 949-3313 www.lindentreebooks.com North Bay

North Bay

Congregation Beth Ami Judaica Gift Shop Santa Rosa (707) 360-3000 www.bethamisr.org

A Child’s Delight Corte Madera (415) 945-9221 www.achildsdelight.com

Second Place San Francisco

Childrens’s gift store

Just for Fun and Scribbledoodles

Nishan Shepard prides his Oakland-based store, Rockridge Kids, on its safe, non-toxic products. Family owned, Rockridge Kids only sells products that must “be socially responsible, have superior quality and are safe for kids,” Shepard says. Though j. readers may know Rockridge best for its extensive book collection, Shepard also carries musical instruments, and there is a play space in the store for kids and parents to relax. “We set the bar very high for customer service, and don’t sell war toys, Barbie or popular TV shows,” Shepard says. “We only carry things that we would give to our kids.” In Corte Madera, customers flock to A Child’s Delight for more than the free gift wrapping. One of the store’s most popular items right now is the Star Wars comic book series, as well as Slip ‘n’ Slides and water guns to help beat the North Bay heat. Deborah and Jonathan Meyer started the store in 1994, and are expanding throughout the Bay Area. The store features products from many local companies, as well. With two San Francisco stores — in Noe Valley and Presidio Heights — The Ark is a popular choice among j. readers. Though one of their specialities is Waldorf-inspired wooden toys, their extensive book collection has attracted families to The Ark for over 10 years. Customers can attend story time on Sundays at the Presidio

29b

(415) 285-4068 www.justforfun.invitations.com East Bay

The Ark Berkeley (510) 849-1930 www.thearktoys.com South Bay/Peninsula

Cheeky Monkey Toys Menlo Park (650) 328-7975 www.cheekymonkeytoys.com

Gift store If you are looking for an exotic gift from any corner of the planet, Folk Art Gallery in San Rafael is likely to have it. Owner Sharon Christovich hand picks traditional items from various cultures around the world. Unique pieces include Retablos, “picture boxes” from Peru, and beaded figures from Zulu women in South Africa. “My store is not a tourist or airport art store — these pieces are traditional to their culture, hand crafted by artists whose work I personally check for quality,” Christovich says. Serving the East Bay community since 1993, Pelago in Oakland stocks up on unique gifts for

www.jweekly.com

| August 21, 2009

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CHILDREN’S RECORDINGS & BOOKS

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Thank you for voting us your Favorite place to buy Children’s Gifts Mon-Sat 9:30 am - 5:30 pm 170 State Street, Los Altos, CA 94022 (650) 949-3390 1(800) 949-3313 www.lindentreebooks.com

415.563.6563 • At the JCCSF 3220 California, Corner Presidio, San Francisco Visit our website for monthly specials www.dayenu.com

readers’ every occasion. Owners Bill Fidrych and Mark Wallaer started Pelago as a wholesale company in 1991, importing items from Indonesia. Famous for their German glass bowls and affordable fare, customers can rely on Pelago to have something for everyone on their list. Though the installations at the Contemporary Jewish Museum are not for sale, visitors can take a piece of the experience home with them at the museum store. Customers can choose from the extensive collection of contemporary Judaica, jewelry, kid’s products and exhibition-related merchandise. Some of the best-selling pieces are the Yo Semite T-shirt, Yiddish magnetic poetry and Star of David Super Balls. From pottery to garden amenities, Pot-Pourri in Burlingame has a full range of gifts and other home decor. Since the mid-’60s owners Andy and Julia Diez have had a passion for pottery, and now have two large galleries in the Bay Area. Pot-Pourri started out featuring local ceramic artists, and now strives to find one-of-a-kind American artists that specialize in multiple mediums. Gump’s in San Francisco, The Gardener in Berkeley, Folio in Larkspur and Edwards Luggage in San Mateo and Palo Alto came in second.

First Place San Francisco

Contemporary Jewish Museum Gift Shop (415) 655-7800 www.thecjm.org East Bay

Pelago Oakland (510) 339-7090 South Bay/Peninsula

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

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

Second Place San Francisco

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

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

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

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

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| the Jewish news weekly readers’ choice supplement

30b

choice awards

Health

South Bay/Peninsula

Samuel Franco

North Bay

Los Gatos (408) 358-1841

First Place San Francisco

Dr. James A. Davis (415) 674-5200 East Bay

Dr. Stephen Whitgob Berkeley (510) 525-7877

First Place

Dr. Herb Brosbe

Family doctor Doctors are often the butt of comedians’ jokes — one famous Mel Brooks routine features a psychiatrist, Dcr. Haldanish. He’s such a sham he’s not even a doctor, he’s a doc-errr, Dcr. But j. readers’ favorite family doctors take medicine so seriously, they’re all worthy of your trust. Dr. James Davis, an internist and rheumatologist, has established a reputation as a mensch both in the medical and Jewish communities. “I was really inspired by working with my father for 15 years, Julian Davis, who taught me that it’s a great privilege to be a doctor,” Davis says. “There’s great joy in helping people through their difficult times and sharing in the goodness of their good times. I’ve been very blessed to do this.” Oakland Native Dr. Stephen Whitgob has been practicing in Berkeley since 1975. “I spend a lot of time with my patients — I really enjoy these people,” Whitgob says. “This is a family practice, we treat people of all ages.” He’s also got a sense of humor: “I was the cemetery committee chair at the temple. I could say I was the only one who could give cradleto-grave service.” Dr. Richard Bobis has been providing care to Los Gatos and the South Bay for over 20 yeas. He has established a reputation among j. readers as one of the most reliable family doctors in the community. And in Santa Rosa, Dr. Herb Brosbe has dutifully served the North Bay, making rounds and house calls. Coming in second place was Dr. Barry Oberstein of San Mateo.

Coming in second place were Dr. William Solomon in San Francisco, Dr. Katya Gerwein in Berkeley and Dr. Laurie Rubenstein in Redwood City.

Dr. Richard Bobis

San Francisco

Dr. Amnon Goodman

Santa Rosa (707) 542-1611

(415) 833-2000

Second Place

East Bay

Dr. Arnold Blustein

South Bay/Peninsula

Dr. Barry Oberstein

San Leandro (510) 352-2425

San Mateo (650) 340-9981

South Bay/Peninsula

Dr. Douglas Kaye

Pediatrician Pediatricians are provided the opportunity to ensure the health of children from infancy to adulthood. J. readers selected these standout pediatricians who have diligently served the Bay Area’s youth. Dr. Amnon Goodman, based out of Kaiser Permanente, has served San Francisco since 1986, developing strong relationships with his patients and their families. “Becoming part of the family and being privileged to see children grow from infancy to the college years is the most rewarding part,” Goodman says. “Being able to be in service at important times in people’s lives is most gratifying for me.” Dr. Arnold Blustein has 30 years of experience in pediatrics to draw upon. “I think we have a very happy practice, and our patients can recognize that,” he says. Blustein is based in San Leandro, and takes patients from all over the Bay Area. His experience, accessibility and expertise have helped thousands. “I love what I do — I love being a pediatrician,” Blustein says. Dr. Douglas Kaye has served the South Bay for 17 years out of his Sunnyvale practice. “I love watching the kids grow up and mature,” Kaye says. “I feel as if I have an impact on their growth and development and health, and I feel that’s a rewarding thing.” And as a Palo Alto native, Kaye has deep ties to the South Bay community. Dr. Rachel Bauer has practiced for seven years in Mill Valley, but before that she was receiving her medical education in Tel Aviv at the Sackler School of Medicine. “I created the practice with a distinct attention to detail, and pride myself in being thorough,” Bauer says. “I absolutely love what I do, I truly love it. It doesn’t feel like a job to me.”

Sunnyvale (408) 730-4266 North Bay

Dr. Rachel Bauer Mill Valley (415) 383-3500

Second Place San Francisco

Dr. William Solomon (415) 565-6810 East Bay

Dr. Katya Gerwein Berkeley (510) 452-5231 South Bay/Peninsula

Dr. Laurie Rubenstein Redwood City (415) 369-4078

Dentist It’s best not to have a dentist that bites. Take a cue from j. readers and check these six dentists, who were elected first place winners for getting — and keeping — a pearly white smile. Dr. Glenn Hemanes has been in practice in Hayward for 41 years, and has learned that creating a comfortable space is important to keep patients calm during a delicate procedure. “My wife is the office manager — we’re both photographers, so the office is filled with artwork,” Hemanes says. Photographs of the Southwest

and Sierras add to a serene office setting. “I love to collect things, and that shows! It is crucial to me that patients and their parents get to know me even before they lay eyes on me,” says Dr. Martin Rayman of his San Rafael waiting room, which he’s had for almost 30 years. When patients get past the waiting room and into the office, they experience the fruits of Rayman’s philosophy: “Every dentist will tell you that their philosophy is to deliver the best patient care they possibly can. What makes a difference is how that philosophy is put into practice on a day-today basis.” Dr. Tanya Manyak in San Mateo was the South Bay’s choice. “We provide certain little touches. We give everyone a nice warm towel at the end of their procedure to freshen up with,” Manyak says. “We go the extra step — we try and treat each patient as if they’re a member of our family.” A former New Yorker now living in San Francisco, Dr. David Rothman brings his sensibilities as an academic to his dentistry. “Our goal is prevention, and the goal is to educate the families and caregivers early on,” Rothman says. “I can improve the health of a child and make a long term change in the right direction.” Dr. Jack Sherman has been practicing in the Richmond District of San Francisco for three years “It’s a real nice neighborhood,” he says. “It’s very San Francisco.” Sherman’s focus is on creating a personalized care plan for each patient: “I try and tailor treatment plans to people’s needs and what they can afford.” His favorite part of the job is being able to alleviate a patient’s pain. “It’s rare that a dentist can be a hero,” Sherman says. East Bay favorite Dr. Eric Citron’s Berkeley office “harkens back to the days of the traditional family dentist,” he says. Even though his office uses modern technology, it is still a warm and inviting space. Ultimately, what puts these dentists above the rest is individual attention: “I enjoy the relationships I have with my patients,” Citron says. “That’s really No. 1.” Drilling their way to second place were Dr. Stephen Mikulic in Redwood City and Dr. Joe Armel in Corte Madera.

First Place San Francisco

Dr. David Rothman (415) 333-6811

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2555 Ocean Avenue, Suite 104 San Francisco, CA 94132 Phone: 415.333.6811 Fax: 415.333.6813 www.davidlrothmandds.com email: [email protected]

www.jweekly.com

| August 21, 2009

readers’ choice awards Dr. Jack Sherman (415) 668-0680 www.jackshermandds.com East Bay

Dr. Glenn Hemanes Hayward (510) 886-5400

Dr. Eric Citron Berkeley (510) 849-1660 South Bay/Peninsula

Dr. Tanya Manyak San Mateo (650) 342-9941 www.drtanyamanyak.com North Bay

Dr. Martin Rayman San Rafael (415) 459-1444 www.obenbigdds.com/dr_martin_ray man.html

Second Place South Bay/Peninsula

Dr. Stephen Mikulic Redwood City (650) 306-4180 North Bay

Dr. Joe Armel Corte Madera (415) 927-4000 wwww.finesmiles.com

Hospital Without our health, what do we really have? J. readers know this as well as anyone, and have raised their glasses to these hospitals. Stanford Hospital & Clinics is located right by one of the world’s foremost research institutions. It comes as no surprise, then, that the hospital made U.S. News and World Report’s honor roll, which honors the top half of the top 1 percent, for the ninth consecutive year. “Stanford Hospital provides a level of care and expertise that is internationally recognized that people in our local community feel fortunate to have right at their doorstep,” says public affairs director Shelley Hebert. “The physicians are Stanford medical school faculty, primarily, and are at the forefront of their fields.” UCSF Medical Center has recently celebrated their 100th year — and with this longevity comes quality. The medical center boasts one of the best comprehensive cancer centers in California, along with one of the most active kidney and liver transplant programs and a top ranked research neurology program. “It’s a combination of high quality clinical care and very active research,” says chief strategic planning officer Jay Harris. “That’s what makes UCSF the cutting-edge place in California.” Alta Bates Summit Medical Center boasts a rich history and legacy of care, starting 100 years back with an ambitious nurse of the same name. “What you find here are excellent services with a lot of experience that you don’t normally find at a community hospital,” says spokeswoman Carolyn Kemp. The Berkeley hospital was one of the first hospitals with an AIDS program and boasts a level three newborn intensive care unit. Made up of the four oldest hospitals in San Francisco, California Pacific Medical Center is going young, recently adding a pediatric emergency room to compliment its three other ERs. “When kids go to the ER it’s always scary,” says

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spokesman Kevin McCormack. “It’s not a great environment for a kid.” The new pediatric ER features a colorfully-painted waiting room, toys, and everything else to take the “terror out of emergency room,” McCormack says. Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in San Rafael was this year’s award winner in the North Bay — and they’re thrilled. “I’m excited to see that others have again discovered the secret of this wonderful little community hospital,” says chief operating officer Jill Magri. “We are all about providing the very best care for our patients and members and doing the best we can to serve our North Bay community.” In second place were Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City and John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek.

First Place San Francisco

UCSF Medical Center (888) 689-8273 www.ucsfhealth.org

California Pacific Medical Center (415) 600-6000 www.cpmc.org East Bay

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center Berkeley (510) 204-4444 www.altabatessummit.org

as well as personal training options.” The facility is full of light, and the staff are just as bright and friendly — so it’s no wonder that 4,500 people go through the doors of the JCCSF each day. The Peninsula JCC in Foster City has over 10,000 satisfied members. “When you walk into our lobby you walk into an art gallery,” says marketing manager Sharon Giordano. “There’s such an uplifting feel.” Along with top-of-the-line health machines, art displays, indoor and outdoor pools and quality programming, the Peninsula JCC offers a more relaxed environment than a traditional health club. “We don’t want to be the type of clubs where people are strictly into their physical looks. Everybody is welcome here,” Giordano says. San Rafael’s Osher Marin JCC is a hub for Jewish life in Marin, as well as having an outstanding fitness center. Some call it the hidden jewel of Marin. “We’re kind of nestled within the hills here,” says marketing and communications director Iris Lax. “You feel like you’re a million miles away from reality.” The JCC encourages a healthy lifestyle for people of all ages, and the campus offers Marin a true community center. In the Berkeley hills, the Claremont Hotel Club & Spa is a luxurious facility to unwind and get healthy. “The Claremont offers 60 classes a week,” says spokeswoman Keelin Czellecz. “Pilates to yoga, Latin dance class to bocce ball class.” The Claremont has been operating since 1915 and features old world architecture that is like an English countryside estate. Coming in second were Kabuki Springs & Spa in San Francisco, Oakland Hills Tennis Club and Pacific Athletic Club in Redwood City.

First Place

South Bay/Peninsula

San Francisco

Stanford Hospital & Clinics

JCC of San Francisco (415) 292-1200 www.jccsf.org

(650) 723-4000 www.stanfordhospital.org

East Bay

Claremont Hotel Club & Spa

North Bay

Kaiser Permanente Medical Center– San Rafael

Berkeley (510) 843-3000 www.claremontresort.com/spa

(415) 444-2000 www.kaisersanrafael.org

South Bay/Peninsula

Peninsula JCC

Second Place

Foster City (650) 212-PJCC www.pjcc.org

East Bay

John Muir Medical Center

North Bay

Osher Marin JCC

Walnut Creek (925) 939-3000 www.johnmuirhealth.com

San Rafael (415) 444-8000 www.marinjcc.org

South Bay/Peninsula

Second Place

Sequoia Hospital

San Francisco

Redwood City (650) 369-5811 www.sequoiahospital.org

Kabuki Springs & Spa (415) 922-6000 www.kabukisprings.com

Health club/day spa It’s best to pick a health club where the mirror isn’t the most used item in the gym. J. readers have picked these health clubs and day spas as the finest in the Bay Area. The JCC of San Francisco boasts a clean, state of the art health facility, in addition to the usual perks of a JCC. “We offer the broadest range (of classes) imaginable,” says marketing director Nathaniel Bergson-Michelson. “We have a terrific yoga program, a terrific Pilates program. We have a very wide variety of free group exercise classes

| the Jewish news weekly readers’ choice supplement

32b

Business & Finance Michael Lazarus

Accountant J. would have felt terrible if we stirred up trouble in paradise, but fortunately for us, both Steven DeGraff and his wife Andrea, a travel agent, walked away with readers’ choice awards. DeGraff, of Steven DeGraff Accountancy Corporation in Burlingame, has 41 years of accounting experience under his belt, and thinks his passion for his clients is what sets him apart. “I have a loyal client base and they appreciate what I do for them,” he says. Sandy Stadtler insists he didn’t stuff the ballot box. “I didn’t pay anyone off,” the former board member of the j. says. “People probably like me because I have a lot of interest in my clients.” Stadtler, who has won the Readers’ Choice award several times before, credits individual attention for his success at Rothstein Kass in San Francisco. “The biggest difference is that we are a national firm that treats people and clients more like a local office,” he says. Just excuse Stadtler if he’s a little out of breath first thing in the morning — he bikes 30 miles from Marin everyday. With a commitment to his clients and ethics, Andrew Fulop of Andrew Fulop Tax & Business in Walnut Creek is a customer favorite. When he’s not working, he’s exploring Hawaiian language and music. “He loves what the music represents in Hawaiian culture,” says Mardie Fulop, his wife and office manager.

First Place San Francisco

Sandy Stadtler Rothstein Kass (415) 788-6666 www.rkco.com East Bay

Andrew Fulop Andrew Fulop Tax & Business Walnut Creek (925) 938-4238 South Bay/Peninsula

Steven DeGraff Steven DeGraff Accountancy Corporation Burlingame (650) 697-6700 www.sdgaco.com

East Bay

Oakland Hills Tennis Club Oakland (510) 531-3300 www.oaklandhills.com South Bay/Peninsula

Pacific Athletic Club Redwood City (650) 593-4900 www.pacclub.com

Financial services adviser Times are tough, no doubt. The economy is weak, the job market poor, and the stock market redder than the governator’s fake tan. So take the advice of your favorite financial services adviser: go out and ... have a drink? That’s what Keith Goodman is hoping people do. The 16-year veteran financial agent

Norman Schlossberg

South Bay/Peninsula

Jeri Fink State Farm Palo Alto (650) 812-2700 www.jerifink.net

Lawyer What makes j. readers’ favorite lawyers special? How about getting a man off death row in Texas? Capital punishment not your forte? What about $9 million in punitive damages for uncovering insurance fraud? A born-and-raised San Franciscan, Rebecca Bauer Kahan of O’Melveny & Myers in the city lends a helping hand wherever she

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Jamie W. Zimmerman & Associates Oakland (510) 893-7512

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SAS Financial Services (415) 421-1213 www.sas.com/offices/NA/sanfran. html East Bay

can. “The mix of my practice makes me unique,” Bauer says. “I spend a good amount of my time doing pro bono work.” On one such pro bono case, Bauer found herself trying to save a man from execution for a crime in the ‘90s. “Due to some constitutional violations, we had his conviction overturned,” Bauer says proudly. Stephen Schear is no stranger to high stakes trials either. Representing a physician who was terminated after she complained about insurance fraud, the Oakland attorney won $9 million in punitive damages from the jury. With more than 30 years of legal experience under his belt, Schear is one of the few lawyers who specializes in individual health care. “There are not many folks like me that represent health care providers, clinics, and people who have a problem with the very difficult health care system that we have,” he says. Barbara Moser and Neil Taxy of San Francisco came in second.

Thank you j. readers for your votes. I appreciate your confidence in me. Steven De Graff, C.P.A. Steven DeGraff Accountacy Corporation 1601 Bayshore Hwy, Suite 200 • Burlingame, CA 94010-1508 Tel: 650-697-6700 • Fax: 650-240-0118 • Cell: 650-465-1221 [email protected]

Gould Financial Resources Piedmont (510) 547-4692

Senior Loan Consultant



South Bay/Peninsula

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney San Mateo (650) 358-1823 www.smithbarney.com

[email protected] • www.lasallefinance/sthomas • 510.339.4300 ext. 105 6201 Antioch Street Suite 200, Oakland, CA 94611

Second Place

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State Farm®

Merrill Lynch Oakland (510) 208-3821 www.totalmerrill.com



Thank you for your votes !

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2225 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Ph: (650) 812-2700 www.jerifink.net

Insurance agent

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Serving the community for 28 years! -½

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“Thanks, J Readers”

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Phyllis Helfand

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Jeri Fink, Agent

East Bay

“Experienced” 49ers fans may remember Ray Jason, a street performer from the 1970s whose signature act was juggling three torches while blindfolded on game-days at Candlestick. Jamie Zimmerman had the unusual task of trying to insure Jason. “Our clients are people with insurability issues,” says Zimmerman, of Jamie W. Zimmerman & Associates in Oakland. Whether it’s a torch-wielding juggler or a motorcycle-racing father of three, Zimmerman combines the mundane with the unique to carve out a niche in the insurance industry. Norman Schlossberg is more of a tradition-

23

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Thank you, j. readers!

Keith Goodman

3 # %2

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Susan Thomas

David Gould

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San Francisco

Jamie Zimmerman

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First Place

East Bay

2%!$

al insurance agent. His philosophy is simple: “We try to do the same for them as we would want done to us,” he says. An agent for more than 40 years, Schlossberg, of JaffeSchlossberg in San Francisco, credits the continued support of the Bay Area Jewish community for his success. An avid gardener, Jeri Fink transfers the same patience she uses to grow vegetables to her insurance agency, State Farm in Palo Alto. With 28 years of experience, Fink is a trustworthy name in the industry. “We provide excellent service to our customers,” she says. When Fink is not working, she enjoys working out and “maintaining excellent physical fitness.”

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for Morgan Stanley Smith Barney in San Mateo is also a co-owner of swank San Francisco clubs the Cellar and Sugar Café. The popular hangouts, located next door from each other on Sutter Street in San Francisco, host a wide-range of events for people of all ages. “I host monthly parties for the young adult Jewish community at the Cellar the second Saturday of every month,” Goodman says. “A lot of my friends married people they met at Second Saturday events.” Goodman understands the importance of working closely with his clients, as does Ira Fateman of SAS Financial Services in San Francisco. Fateman, a regular at the JCCSF gym, cites the attention he gives each client as the secret to his success. “I’ve helped them understand how money can help identify their goals and achieve those goals,” he says. Even with the troubled economy, David Gould of Gould Financial Resources in Piedmont is hopeful. “This has been the toughest market I’ve ever seen,” says Gould, who has 15 years of experience in the industry. “We will get through it. It may take some time and frustration and a lot of patience. People are not going to lose their good judgment and reason.” Phyllis Helfand of Merrill Lynch in Oakland came in second.

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Favorite Insurance Agent

Phyllis C. Helfand, CFP ® Vice President Senior Financial Advisor Global Wealth Management 1111 Broadway, 22nd Floor • Oakland, CA 94607 510 208 3821 • 800 937 0725 • F 510 291 4015 [email protected] 33b

www.jweekly.com

| August 21, 2009

readers’ choice awards

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San Francisco

Rebecca Bauer Kahan O’Melveny & Myers (415) 984-8973 www.omm.com/rebeccabauerkahan

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“Moe Knows Real Estate” (415)380-4357 [email protected] First Marin Realty • Mill Valley, CA

First Place

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Moe Rubinstein

2%!$

Thanks so much to everyone who helped make me the #1 Agent. I couldn’t do it without you!

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Stephen D. Schear Law Offices Oakland (510) 832-3500 www.manta.com/coms2/dnbcompan y_8vry1l

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Stephen Schear

We join with the Jewish community in acknowledging the selection of our friend and colleague

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Second Place

Barbara W. Moser

for the Readers’ Choice Award, and we extend our thanks 3!. &2!.#)3#/ to J. readers for your continued recognition Favorite Attorney Market Center, 575 Market St., Suite 2300, San Francisco, CA 94105 •Phone: (415) 296-8868 •www.KayeMoser.com

San Francisco

Barbara Moser Kaye-Moser-Hierbaum LLP (415) 296-8868 www.kayemoser.com

Neil Taxy

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Zimmerman Associates 3 # %2

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Thank you, j. readers, for voting me #1 insurance agency in the East Bay for the 2 nd year in a row! Jamie Zimmerman

employee benefits, life, health, disability and long-term care insurance 510.893.7512 • [email protected]

Leland, Parachini, Steinberg, Matzger & Melnick (415) 957-1800 www.lpslaw.com

Mortgage broker Admit it: You don’t understand the housing market. It bubbles and bursts faster than you can say President Obama’s Homeowner Bailout Program. So do yourself a favor and use j. readers’ favorite mortgage brokers for your home financing needs. The father-son team of Eddy and David Rubinstein has earned the recognition and respect of clients. “It’s a competitive market,” father Eddy says. “The only thing that can really differentiate you is the service.” With 28 years of experience, the Rubinsteins have mastered the art of pleasing their clients. “Knowing the market and controlling the expectation of the client is part of the professional that we always use,” Eddy says. Rachel Bernstein has not let the recession alter her basic philosophy. “I operate the same way in that I’m here to work for my clients and do the best job for them,” she says. As a proud mother of one son, Bernstein knows how to cater to her clients: “I tell them it’s going to be a very long process and you’ve got to be patient,” Bernstein says. In second place was Joel Spolin of Absolute Mortgage Banking in Palo Alto.

First Place East Bay

Sue Thomas

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J.

| the Jewish news weekly readers’ choice supplement

David and Eddy Rubinstein ProMortgage San Rafael (415) 945-8880 www.promortgage.com

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East Bay/South Bay/Peninsula



North Bay

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Second Place South Bay/Peninsula

Joel Spolin Absolute Mortgage Banking Palo Alto (650) 493-3600 www.absolutemortgage.com/joel.shtml

Real estate agent With the tumultuous housing market and foreclosure and for sale signs popping up over the Bay Area, it’s no surprise that the j. readers’ favorite real estate agents are constantly on the move. Dana Cohen of the Grubb Company in Oakland has found an easy way to set herself apart from other agents. “I’m always zipping around, running up the stairs,” the second-generation Realtor says. Once Cohen grabs a potential client’s attention, she cites her reputation and integrity as the keys for holding onto customers and her overall success in the industry. Katy Dinner is always on the go and always available. In today's changing real estate market, Dinner prides herself in contract negotiations and problem solving. In her spare time she enjoys community work with her husband and sprint triathlons. Shari Ornstein of Alain Pinel Realtors on the Peninsula is no stranger to travel either. From excursions to the other side of the world with her husband to resorts in Lake Tahoe with her grandchildren, Ornstein loves spending time with her family. Yet it isn’t too tough for Ornstein to pull herself away from her family and into the office. “I enjoy my job,” she says. “It’s fun.” Apart from the positive attitude she brings, Ornstein thinks the relationships she has developed over the past 20 years in the business accounts for much of her success. “People know me, and my clients refer me to other clients,” she says. Moe Rubinstein’s stability and professionalism is the reason she earned a Readers’ Choice award. With 31 years as an agent for the First Marin Realty in Mill Valley, Rubinstein is a favorite for North Bay residents. In second place were Michael Rudman of Zephyr Real Estate in San Francisco, Celia Concus of Marvin Gardens in Berkeley, Leah Noher of Coldwell Banker in San Mateo and Judy Freedman of Frank Howard Allen Realtors in Santa Rosa.

First Place

LaSalle Financial Oakland (510) 339-4300 www.lasallefinance.com

San Francisco

South Bay/Peninsula

East Bay

Rachel Bernstein

Dana Cohen

Guarantee Mortgage San Mateo (650) 212-5050 ext. 177 www.bakerloan.com

The Grubb Company Oakland (510) 339-0400 ext.348 www.grubbco.com

Katy Dinner (415) 863-5289 www.katydinner.com

Moe Rubinstein First Marin Realty Mill Valley (415) 380-4357 www.firstmarin.com

Second Place San Francisco

Michael Rudman

Celia Concus Marvin Gardens Berkeley (510) 527-2700 www.marvingardens.com

Leah Noher Coldwell Banker San Mateo (650) 558-6800 www.coldwellbanker.com

Andrea DeGraff Travel Wizards Burlingame (650) 696-6900 www.travelwizards.com

Judy Freedman Frank Howard Allen Realtors Santa Rosa (707) 537-2352 www.judyfreedman.com

(650) 696-6900 • (800) 446-0046 • Fax (650) 696-6913 [email protected]

Michal Ron Reihanian Tamalpais Travel Corte Madera (415) 924-5850 www.tamalpaistravel.com

Celia Concus, CRS [email protected] 510.527.0211

Second Place South Bay/Peninsula

Nancy Burger

Residential Property in the East Bay

Ladera Travel Menlo Park (650) 854-3222 www.ladera.travel

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For most workers, mixing business and pleasure is a recipe for disaster. For Andrea DeGraff of Travel Wizards in Burlingame, it is her recipe to success. “When I go places I spend a lot of time looking at different hotels,” DeGraff says. “I’ve developed private guides all over the world.”

Favorite Travel Agent

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Travel agent

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Thank you for your votes!

200 Park Road • Burlingame, CA 94010

North Bay North Bay

23

Join Me, October 1-13 o n a s m a l l g r o u p t o u r o f Tu r k e y

First Place South Bay/Peninsula

South Bay/Peninsula



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East Bay

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Zephyr Real Estate (415) 252-5240 www.zephyrsf.com/agent_detail.cfm ?ID=564

Andrea De Graff



North Bay

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Alain Pinel Realtors (650) 543-1077 www.shariornstein.com

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Shari Ornstein

With over 30 years of experience, DeGraff does not see the advent of travel sites as a threat. “Service is what makes an agent different from a Web site,” says the avid sports fan and mah jongg player. “I provide a service and I get to know my clients and get to know what their needs are.” A native Israeli, Michal Ron Reihanian uses her extensive knowledge of the region to plan trips to the Middle East. “What I do is a passion,” says Reihanian, who has 21 years of experience in the industry. “It’s not a business. I do it because I feel like a diplomat to my country.” Reihanian, who enjoys cooking and music, looks to go above and beyond other travel agencies in her work at Tamalpais Travel in Corte Madera. “I try not to sell the ordinary tours that all the tour companies are offering,” she says. One trip that was far from ordinary was planning a bar mitzvah for a family that had to leave from various locations in the U.S. and all meet in Israel. “It was a great challenge and a great success,” she says. In second place was Nancy Burger of Ladera Travel in Menlo Park.

2%!$

South Bay/Peninsula

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| August 21, 2009

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