February 08, 2010   24 Sh'vat 5770

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Welcome to

Congregation Beth Sholom

of the Napa Valley

We welcome Jews from all backgrounds and all are welcome at Congregation Beth Sholom. We strive to serve the needs of singles and families, Jews of all races, cultures and sexual orientations, as well as Jews-by-choice and interfaith families. Congregation Beth Sholom is the center of Jewish life in the Napa Valley.

We are a vibrant community with a wide variety of spiritual, educational, and social programs. We are a Reform Congregation affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism serving a membership that reflects a wide variety of perspectives and religious and cultural background.

For information on becoming a member please call our office: (707) 253-7305 or email us: office@cbsnapa.org, or visit us: 1455 Elm Street, Napa CA 94559.



CBS Slide Show.

What's New  
Ten Questions For Rabbi Postrel  
 

10 Questions for Rabbi Oren J. Postrel of Congregation Beth Sholom

Rabbi Oren Postrel had two childhood ambitions: to become a rabbi or a ballet dancer.

“I did both,” he said. From age 16 to 24, Postrel trained and performed with, among others, Robert Joffrey, the Boston Ballet and the Oakland Ballet.

But his plan to become a professional dancer would soon change.

“I realized that I couldn’t completely let go of my intellectual pursuit and my religious background,” he said. Enrolling in undergraduate school in Berkeley , Postrel eventually earned a graduate degree from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City . He became a rabbi in 1993.

Do dance and his work as a rabbi have certain parallels? Yes, said Postrel. “Focus, discipline and a very high standard.”

Which three people would you most like to have dinner with?

Mikhail Baryshnikov, (poet and writer) Robert Pinsky, President Obama.

Which religious leader do you most admire?

The late Rabbi Alan Lew of San Francisco , who brought together rigorous Jewish life and study and a contemplative practice and made it approachable for all kinds of people. It’s what I like to do, too.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish in your lifetime that you haven’t yet?

Contribute to the peace process in the Middle East through international non-governmental organizations such as the United Nations and Rabbis for Human Rights. It is the hinge for so much in the world today.

What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?

I can prepare a full Japanese meal (using) all five traditional techniques of that cuisine. Growing up in San Francisco , I developed an affection for Japanese food.

What is the biggest challenge your congregation has faced?

Affiliation with the Union for Reform Judaism, and accepting all the changes that have come with it. Since there are so many different types of Jews in Napa , coming to an agreement is tough.

How many other rabbis are there in Napa ?

There is one other rabbi and he is from the Hassidic Orthodox branch of Judaism.

What is one of your more memorable projects or events?

Creating a bat mitzvah ceremony (for) about nine women who were more than 90 years old in a nursing home and using walkers. They wanted to reclaim their Jewish identity by reading from the Torah. I facilitated that and officiated at the bat mitzvah. Very Mel Brooks

What is a common misconception you find people have about being a rabbi?

That all rabbis are traditional Jews. That all rabbis practice Judaism in an orthodox fashion. Rabbis have liberal Jewish practices and liberal Jewish politics as well. 

Do you still do any dance?

I do yoga and meditation. We offer yoga at the synagogue.

What other business person(s) would you like to see featured in “10 Questions?”

Pastor Julie Webb, Napa Valley Lutheran Church .

Gwyneth McKay Baron, Gwyneth McKay Baron Designs.

Rev. Bonnie Dlott, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of North Bay .

Holly Finkelstein, Judd’s Hill Winery.

More from Oren J. Postrel

If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?

In a traditional tub in Kyoto .

I can’t live without: Japanese or Italian food.

What’s on your to-do list?

Learn Arabic and Japanese. And improve my Italian. Travel to new places in locations I’ve been already: more Italy and France . I would love to see Japan for the first time.

What’s your favorite gift to give?

To only a few, the novel “The Golden Gate,” in verse, by Vikram Seth.

What is your favorite charity?

The New Israel Fund.

What job would you like to try/not try?  

Try: I’d like to be a winemaker or architect. 

Not try: Professional football coach. 

What was your first job?

Stocker in a shoe store in San Bruno .

 

What’s the worst job you ever had?

Dishwasher at the Seagull Café at Greenwich and Fillmore streets in San Francisco .

How can people learn more about Judaism or dispel common misconceptions of traditionalism?  

Take a course on basic Judaism I offer. It opens up the ideas of what Jews believe and don’t believe. 

 

Life Long Learning At CBS  
Life Long Learning  Opportunities  At  CBS
 
 
Thursday Morning Meditation and Torah Study with Rabbi Postrel: Thursdays 11:30 am - 1:30pm
Join Rabbi Postrel for the weekly cycle of Meditation and Torah learning in translation.  We will use the newest JPS Etz Hayyim supplemented by classical Midrash, Rashi, contemporary scholarship and commentary.
Soul Sisters (Neshama) Book Group  
 

The CBS Soul Sisters (Neshama) Book Group's  next meeting will be Monday Feb. 8 at 6:30 pm for pot luck and 7:30 pm meeting.

 

The book we are reading is:  The Inextinguishable Symphony:  A True Story of Music and Love in Nazi Germany  by Martin Goldsmith.  All women are invited to join the group.  There is no charge .

 

Please note the change of venue.  The meeting will be held at Rachel Friedman's home at 2576 Hidden Valley Lane NOT at Minnie Shostaks.

 

Jewish Historical Society Presents Dr. Leo Trepp  
 

JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF NAPA VALLEY

PO Box 6753

Napa, California 94581

(707) 251-9092

info@JHSNV.org

www.JHSNV.org

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                         CONTACT: Donna Mendelsohn

January 21, 2010                                                                         (707 259-5332

                                     

Jewish Voices in Germany and Napa

 

     The Jewish Historical Society of Napa Valley and Congregation Beth Sholom proudly announce a program by Rabbi Dr. Leo Trepp, on Sunday February 21, 2010 at 3:00 pm at the synagogue located at 1455 Elm Street in Napa.

 

       Dr. Trepp, in his nineties, is most likely the only Rabbi living today who can claim to have witnessed first hand the brutalities of the Nazi regime in Germany while serving as Rabbi of a synagogue in that country over 60 years ago.

 

      After the pogrom known at Kristallnacht, the night of broken glass in November 1938, Dr. Trepp was rounded up and taken to the Sachsenhausen concentration camp. Through the efforts of the Chief Rabbi of Great Britain as well as family members living in the US, the Trepps were able to immigrate to the United States.

 

       Since his arrival in the US, Rabbi Trepp has assumed pulpits on both coasts, including becoming Congregation Beth Sholom’s first part time rabbi in 1961.  A much respected and beloved rabbi, Dr. Trepp is a true scholar, having penned a multitude of essays and histories in both English and German.  His work resulted in a vast number of honors.

 

     Locally, Rabbi Trepp had taught college classes in Napa and Solano counties and served as the Jewish Chaplain at the Veteran’s Home in Yountville.

 

     In 1981, Rabbi Trepp was invited by German leaders to teach Judaism in universities and communities throughout that country. Among other honors he addressed the Parliament of the German State of Rheinland-Pfalz.

 

     Rabbi Trepp will give a brief overview of the history of Reform Judaism in Germany, contemporary Jewish history in Napa and discuss assimilation as it concerns the upcoming holiday of Purim.

 

      The community is invited to this homecoming event, which is free of charge to all. Refreshments will be served.   Info at (707) 251-9092

 

(A component fund of Jewish Community of Napa Valley, a 501c3 organization)         
Purim Carnival  

PURIM CARNIVAL

Sunday February 28, 2010

12noon – 2:00pm

This is a FREE event with games and a costume parade.

Please bring food to share!

Earthquake Disaster Relief in Haiti  
 
The JCC East Bay and JFED Encourage You To Help The Victims of the Recent Earthquake in Haiti

Jewish Federation of the East Bay Collect Funds for Earthquake Disaster Relief in Haiti

Oakland, California  /  January 13, 2010

The Jewish Federation of the East Bay in partnership with The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), announced today that it is collecting funds on a non-sectarian basis for relief efforts following the catastrophic earthquake, that struck Haiti yesterday, Tuesday, January 12th.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti and the families of the victims.. We are working with our East Bay partner organizations and the JDC to provide immediate support" said Rabbi James Brandt, CEO of The Jewish Federation of the East Bay and The Jewish Community Foundation.

The 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck about 10 miles southwest of the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince on Tuesday evening. The worst earthquake ever experienced by Haiti has left thousands dead and injured. Some 3 million Haitians may face hardship in the aftermath of this disaster.

The Jewish Federation of the East Bay has opened an emergency mailbox to collect funds that will assist the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) to provide aid and relief to victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Please visit www.jfed.org to donate now.

 100% of all funds raised through the emergency mailbox will support JDC's relief efforts.

The Jewish Federation is coordinating with The Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief, which brings together the experience, expertise, and additional resources of North American Jewish organizations to assist victims of natural or man-made disasters on a non-sectarian basis. The coalition, managed by JDC, consists of organizations including:  The Union for Reform Judaism, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, World ORT, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, American Jewish World Service and American Jewish Committee.. The coalition's work demonstrates the long tradition of Jewish humanitarianism during times of crisis. 

For more information contact: Samuel Strauss, Director of Communication sam@jfed.org 510.318.6433

Berkeley Site                              Oakland Site
1414 Walnut Street                     4500 Redwood Road
Berkeley, CA 94709                     Oakland, CA 94619
Phone: 510-848-0237                  Phone: 510-530-9222
Fax: 510-848-0170                      Fax: 510-530-9250

www.jcceastbay.org
Summer Internships in Israel  
 

The 2010 Kohn Summer Internship Program
is now accepting applications!

This innovative 8-eight week program provides college undergraduates the opportunity to work in Jewish communal service, and receive a $2500 stipend. Placed in professional positions at leading Bay Area Jewish communal agencies, participants gain valuable work experience and receive supervision and mentoring from Jewish community leaders.

The summer of 2010 marks the 25th year of the Kohn Summer Intern Program. Download an application today, get ready to build your skills, learn from the experts, and meet your community next summer.
For more information, please call 415-782-6225, or
email Jewish Vocational Service (JVS).

Yoga At CBS  
 

Yoga at CBS

 

EVERY Wednesday evening at 6:00 PM

 

Learn to experience the stillness of a yoga practice.

Awaken your body awareness.

 Improve your body strength, balance and flexibility.

All levels and abilities are welcome.

Bring a yoga mat and blanket.

Class limited to 16.

 

Carl Speizer, Certified Yoga Teacher, Physician, and CBS member

leads the class. Questions, call Carl at 707.363.0771.

Fee: $50 for 8 weeks or Drop In Donation

 

 

Helping Hands  
 

W

hom do I call if I need help from someone in the congregation for transportation, errands, meals, etc.?  You can call our Lotsa Helping Hands Coordinator, Deb Bloomberg, 707-294-2941.  Or you can go directly online to our Lotsa Helping Hands Website and post a need and email the helping hands members at:

http://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/601714

 

Call our office for ALL details 253-7305
B'nai Mitzvah Corner  

Prayers and Blessings chanted by  Rabbi Postrel

(These recordings are in MP3 format.  Clicking on the link will play directly from the web.  Alternatively you can copy them to your computer by clicking with the right mouse button and selecting the "Save" option from the popup menu.  The latter is recommended if you will be playing them frequently or your internet connection is flakey.)

  Shma V'ahavta pg. 232-234
  Avot Imahot pp.244-246
  Torah Service pp.362-366,
  Torah Blessings pg. 368
  Haftarah Blessings pg. 372
  Returning The Torah to the Ark pg. 374 (Etz Chayim)
  Shabbat morning V'ahavta and Avot and Friday evening Kiddush.

  Numbers 8:1-19

URJ Israel Features and Resources  
URJ Israel Blogs  

My 140,000 Steps Through Israel

  |   Jul 10, 2009 12:00 AM
by Sybil Schwartz Anita Saltz Student, JerusalemBeth Emeth Synagogue, Wilmington, Delaware I yearned for a Judaica journey of sustenance - one filled with opportunities for intellectual growth, spiritual awareness, and...

Galilee Diary: Peace talk VII: A modest proposal

  |   Jul 7, 2009 12:00 AM
by Marc Rosenstein(Originally published in Galilee Diary and Ten Minutes of Torah) And they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not take...

Galilee Diary: Peace talk VI: Listening

  |   Jun 30, 2009 12:00 AM
by Marc Rosenstein(Originally published in Galilee Diary and Ten Minutes of Torah) They combined against Moses and Aaron and said to them, "You have gone too far! For all the...

Galilee Diary: Peace talk V - Living with the other

  |   Jun 23, 2009 12:00 AM
by Marc Rosenstein(Originally published in Galilee Diary and Ten Minutes of Torah) When she saw that [Joseph] had left [his garment] in her hand and had fled outside, she called...

Galilee Diary: Peace talk III - Living with history

  |   Jun 9, 2009 12:00 AM
by Marc Rosenstein(Originally published in Ten Minutes of Torah and Galilee Diary) Who is the mightiest of the mighty? ... Some say: he who is able to turn his...

Saperstein Video Blogs About Obama's Cairo Speech

  |   Jun 8, 2009 12:00 AM
by Kate Bigam(Originally posted on the RACBlog) After President Barack Obama addressed the Muslim community in a speech in Cairo, Egypt, Rabbi David Saperstein, director of the RAC, recorded a video...

How Not To Protect the Jewish State

  |   Jun 4, 2009 12:00 AM
by Rabbi Eric Yoffie(Originally published in The Jewish Daily Forward and Ten Minutes of Torah) During his recent visit to the United States, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeated his demand...

Tuesday the Rabbi Was Not A Friar: When Sirens Sound Across Israel

  |   Jun 3, 2009 12:00 AM
by Rabbi Rich Kirschen This morning was one of those mornings I dread living in Israel because I had given in to my wife's demand that it was my turn...

Galilee Diary: Peace talk II: Jewish and democratic

  |   Jun 2, 2009 12:00 AM
by Marc Rosenstein(Originally published in Galilee Diary and Ten Minutes of Torah) ...We, members of the people's council, representatives of the Jewish community of Eretz-Israel and of the Zionist movement...,...

Galilee Diary: Peace talk

  |   May 26, 2009 12:00 AM
by Marc Rosenstein (Originally published in Galilee Diary and Ten Minutes of Torah) ...Priest and prophet alike, they all act falsely, They offer healing offhand for the wounds of My...

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