September arrives with the turn of the season and the turn of the year — Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot all in the weeks ahead at Beth Shalom. See what’s in store, and reach out anytime.
Dear friends,
The state of our Jewish community, Congregation Beth Shalom, is solid and sound. As the fall begins and we enter this, my tenth year as your rabbi, I feel moved to offer the traditional Jewish blessing of gratitude that is recited at all special and sacred occasions: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, shehecheyanu, v’kiyemanu, v’higiyanu, lazman ha-zeh, “Blessed are you, Adonai, Sovereign of the World, who gives us life, sustains us, and has brought us to this moment.”
Since I became your spiritual leader in the summer of 2017, I have worked hard, in partnership with our staff, board, and committees, to create a Jewish community that would truly speak to the Jews of Napa Valley. We wanted to build a community that was welcoming, non-judgmental, searching, open, egalitarian, and, in short, reflective of a sensibility that many of us found lacking in other synagogues. And, to a large degree, we have done just that.
Our membership numbers (about 225 households!) are higher than they’ve ever been, we have more services and programs than ever before, and our lay leadership is strong. We can say with pride and delight that, for almost an entire decade together, our shul has done its very best—despite many challenges and obstacles along the way—to create a safe haven for Jews, and non-Jews, in our area.
Over the course of these past several years, we have touched lives, engendered a sense of belonging, and learned about our religious tradition. Together, we have celebrated beautiful and ancient rites of passage: b’nai mitzvah, marriages, conversions. We have offered comfort to those who, at times under tragic circumstances, lost loved ones. We’ve prayed together, fought for justice, and debated God’s existence.
This tenth year together is a period to celebrate not just who we have become, but who we might yet be.
Though we have much to be pleased about, we mustn’t be complacent. This should be a time instead for self-reflection and assessment. In the year ahead, every single CBS member should ask her/himself: Have I given all that I can to this community, both of my time and of my resources? Have I supported others in distress? Have I attended our rituals and programs as much as I ought to? Is CBS just a place where I drop off my kids so that they can have a bar or bat mitzvah, or is it a place where I, too, can explore my Jewish spiritual heritage?
Have I been all I can be?
The Hebrew letter that represents the number 10 is yod, the first of the four letters that constitute the Tetragrammaton, God’s holy name (and, when used alone, an abbreviation for it). Why is this significant now, as we reach this milestone anniversary together? Because it reminds us that community is, at its best and at its core, a spiritual entity, an interwoven tapestry of souls. Let us never lose sight of this transcendent aspect of our own community, the idea that CBS is about more than us—it’s about that which is beyond us.
As the sages wrote, “The day is short, and the task is great.” So let’s rejoice in what we have created. And then let’s get back to work and prepare for the decade ahead. Shanah Tovah—may each and every one of us have a happy, healthy, sweet, and meaningful new Jewish year!
B’shalom,
Niles
I have some exciting news to share. Thanks to our Treasurer, Ellyn Elson, Beth Shalom now has an account at Edward Jones that will accept transfers in stocks, bonds, and cash from your investment accounts. This provides our members and donors with a simpler process for dues, fundraisers, and donations. Contact Marah for more details.
I am also proud to update you on the progress and implementation of our Strategic Plan Goals:
Eve Kahn
President
I don’t know about you, but the time leading up to the High Holy Days is a whirlwind of activity in my world. Add to that the start of school and all the preparation that goes into it, and I’d like to talk to “the man upstairs” about the calendar and their scheduling.
I always thought it was funny when people would say “oh the holidays are so late this year”, or conversely, “the holidays are so early.” Growing up, besides worrying about having to put on tights in the summer or being able to wear a sweater in the fall or worry about rain, the timing of the High Holy Days didn’t really have much of an impact on my experience. Well, I can now say that that is certainly not the case. The High Holy Days are EARLY this year, whether we like it or not, and just like a student preparing for his or her B’nei Mitzvah, that date is coming and we have to be prepared no matter what other commitments we may have.
The temple is literally buzzing with activity in preparation for school and the holidays. Classrooms have been cleaned from top to bottom, carpets and windows are being washed, trees have been trimmed, cobwebs are being swept and outfits and tallit are being ironed. All of this could not be accomplished without the hard work and dedication of a fabulous team of volunteers and outside vendors. And for their help and support, I am truly grateful.
The holidays can be an overwhelming time for some, not just Executive Directors. Preparing special meals for family and friends, picking just the right outfit, preparing to see friends new and old some of whom you may not have been in contact with during the year, it can be daunting. And don’t get me started on loved ones we have lost over the years, and how this time of year just brings them even more to the forefront of our minds.
I was recently talking with a congregant who lost a loved one not too long ago. They were telling me how much there is to do to get their affairs in order. So much paperwork and things to sort through. Deciding what to get rid of and what to hold on to. I listened to them and felt how exhausted they were, and said, “all you can do is take it one thing at a time.” After they left my office, I thought, hey, maybe I should take my own advice, and now here I am passing it along to you.
There is so much to be done and so little time, but all we can do is one thing at a time. And once we accept this fact, maybe the less weighed down we will feel.
I wish you all a Shana Tova Umetukah, A Sweet, Happy and Healthy New Year where we give ourselves a little grace and permission to tend to things one at a time.
Warmly,
Marah Peresechensky
Executive Director
Ever wonder what those Hebrew words are on the sanctuary windows? 12 glass panels above the ark hold 12 values at the heart of our congregation. Each month in this space, Rabbi Niles unpacks one of them:
In a time as polarized and often hostile as our own, it is vital to remember that Kavod, showing respect for one another, is one of the most ancient and important Jewish values.
Judaism teaches us that we are all images of God, endowed with infinite value, and that we should all therefore be treated with dignity. Even when we fervently disagree with one another, we must show respect to those around us and honor their worth– despite our differences. As hard as it is, our ideal (and our challenge) is to try to love our neighbors as ourselves. – Rabbi Niles
Here’s what’s happening this month; visit our full calendar to see everything on the horizon.
When you visit our Beth Shalom Conrey Library website, the first thing you see is new additions to the collection. You can also click “Explore” for juvenile books and other topics.
Here are some of my favorites: People Love Dead Jews by Dara Horn. I love how she imagines what Anne Frank might have done, had she survived.
I’m also curious about the biography of Rabbi Schneerson, Turning Judaism Outward. If you explore, you will find many books not found elsewhere!
As we assess things for the new year, here is the state of oue library:
About donations: We love them, but…
We have plenty of PJ Library books, in fact hundreds still to be added to the collection. Please check the catalog to see if we already own it before donating.
Happy New Year, happy reading!
1 Scott Brown
2 Mary Pim Margulies
3 Martin Perlmutter
4 Denise Kaduri
5 Marsha Shumer
5 Linda Odelson
6 Lucas Courtney
6 Wolf Lehman
7 Jennifer Walker
7 Dahlia Aronson Lopez
7 Tama Adelman
9 Lauren Goldstein
10 Trisha Florsheim
13 Wendy Zitter
13 David Williams
15 Ralph Garber
15 David Blinderman
17 James Lopez
18 Amy Hall
19 Bryson Underwood
19 Martin Suarez
19 Steven Veit
22 Michael Edwards
22 Noah Arons
23 Miriam Ladrigan
25 Sadie Levinsohn
25 Elijah Levinsohn
25 David Goldman
26 Brooke Lehman
30 Sally Gordon
1 Sue & Dick Wollack
2 Nadya & Genji Schmeder
3 Howard Eisenstark & Teresa Barnes
4 Michael & Leslye Dellar
6 David & Lola Safer
8 Jan & Tom Sabo
8 Joel & Alyssa Samrick
21 Justin Linkner & Wendy Messman
27 Joe & Lisa Winograde
28 Lisa Cort & David Goldman
We remember and honor loved ones on the anniversary of their passing on these days this month. Make a donation in honor of a loved one.
1 Jim Daley Katz
1 Judith Rosen
1 Manuel Stein
1 Helen S. Wein
2 Louis Sandler
2 Leo Trepp
3 Lillian Charm Corn
3 Claire Erks
3 Frederick Novis
5 Marjorie Schiff Cohen
5 Donna M. Heine
5 Raymond Hertz
5 Ken Levine
5 Pearl Rubin
5 Frieda Wieder
6 Meyer Blinderman
6 Martin A. Cohen
6 Henry Jacobsen
6 David Eli Neustadt
6 Gary Stoltz
7 Grace Becker
7 Louis Kamer
8 Esther Shapiro
8 Bernard Watter
9 Elsie Baylinson
9 Marion S Lehman
10 Sylvia Galler
10 William Isadore Teller
11 Donald David
11 Gail Vida Feingold
12 Eric L Cochran
12 Eliahu Davidyan
12 Fred Novis
13 Elizabeth Berman Brown
13 Patricia Maxine Ertola
13 Harvey Gardner
14 Helen Devore
14 Wilhem Karfiol
14 Mae Lubinsky
15 Benjamin Becker
15 Bert Berson
15 Samuel S. Levin
16 Morton Kaplan
16 Carrol Reinganum
17 Grace Catlin
17 Harry Dink
17 Ralph W. Kelting
18 Lawrence Cohen
19 Helen Davidson
19 Vivian Deckter Gold
19 Seymour Matz
19 Mabel Schweizer
20 Morris Altman
20 Ida L. Eisenstark
20 Eddie Feld
20 Richard Luros
20 Max Rubin
20 Beatrice Samrick
20 Max Weinstein
21 Gregory Allen
21 Perla Amar
21 Clare McCaslin
21 Rose Sesky
21 Norman Somach
22 Ruth Gruenstein Fanta
23 W. F. Buckner
25 Frankie Block
25 Stanley Noonan
25 Irving Zitter
26 Otto Frisch
26 Pearl Segal
26 Mark Segal
27 Zegmund Bleviss
27 Ben Katon
27 Eleanor Bickoff Meyer
28 Joe McCaffrey
30 Bernard Frankenstein
30 Herbert Matties
30 Allen John Miluso
General Fund:
• In memory of Harry Rose – Anne & Debbie Percelay
• In memory of Martha Miller Sherman – Anne & Debbie Percelay
• In memory of Caroline Simon, a wonderful grandmother – Sandi Hyman
• In memory of Patricia Harms, a beloved friend– Sandi Hyman
• In memory of Gloria Curry, a beloved friend– Sandi Hyman
• In honor of Maxine Miluso’s 80th Birthday – Robin & Scott Stearn
• In honor of Barbara Lustig’s 91st Birthday – Stuart & Deborah Eisendrath
• In honor of Barbara Lustig’s 91st Birthday – Robin & Scott Stearn
• In memory of David Margulies – Jeffrey G Gold
• In observance of my father’s yahrzeit – Jay Blitstein
Music Fund:
• In memory of my dear mother, Betty Hochstadter – Judy Nystrom
• In honor of Barbara Lustig’s birthday – Harriet & Marty Spitz
Youth Fund:
• In honor of the Pidyon haBen of my great-grandson. – Zoe Stein
Interested in becoming a member? Learn more about the benefits of membership, join Beth Shalom today, or reach out to Executive Director Marah Peresechensky to start the discussion.
An $18 donation to Congregation Beth Shalom includes placement in our newsletter from the time your submission is received through the conclusion of your event. Contact us to learn more or submit your content. Submissions must be received by the 15th of each month to be included in the following month’s newsletter. Congregation Beth Shalom reserves the right to decline any submission.
Need a notary? Meredith’s Mobile Notary is here to help.
Contact Meredith Cutler at 215-285-0865
Special discounts for Beth Shalom members.
Earring lessons and parties for all ages! 100% goes for tourniquets for Ukraine. Great for birthdays, book clubs, bridal events, family reunions, all types of groups & ages. These are lots of fun!!
Fabulous jewelry studio, huge bead collection from around the world, all metal made in USA. Full kitchen, downtown location, near Fuller Park. Can come to your home as well.
Minimum: 4 people (ages 7-107) up to 12 people
Time: 1.5 – 2.5 hours
Cost: $45.00 per person, includes one pair of earrings (valued at $25-30.)
Location: given upon reservation. Old Town, near Fuller Park
Available: morning, afternoon, evening.
Lots of street parking
Contact: Mara Adelman
WhatsApp/phone: 206-817-6608
Dr. Adelman, retired professor, jewelry & ceramic artist, active fundraiser for Ukraine. In Napa from April to January 1.
President: Eve Kahn
Vice President: Shira Lubliner
Treasurer: Ellyn Elson
Secretary: Michael Chevlen
Past President: Roberta Solomon
Board members at large:
Meredith Cutler
Alan Goldstein
Amy Hall
Sandi Hyman
Elaina Michalski
Suzie Myers
Robin Stearn
Please reach out with any questions, concerns, or just to have a cup of coffee and a chat. Our doors are always open to you.
Rabbi
Niles Goldstein
Executive Director
Marah Peresechensky
Music Director
Gordon Lustig