Pg. 21 The South Bay's guide to the - National Challah Bake pg. 8 South Bay March of the Living pg. 10 Maccabiah Games Highlights pg. 16 Get Your ...
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The South Bay’s guide to the pg. 21 National Challah Bake pg. 8 South Bay March of the Living pg. 10 Maccabiah Games Highlights pg. 16 Get Your Laugh On pg. 20
HIGH HOLY DAYS COMMUNITY GREETINGS May the joyful sound of the shofar welcome Wishing us all a year of Acceptance, in a new year of health & happiness! Compassion and Tolerance Susan, Lee, Abigail, Daniel & Sarah Gavens From all of us at CHAIM www.thechaim.org Wishing all of you a sweet, healthy and ‘Shanah Tovah u’metukah from Happy New Year. From our family to yours, the Sweedlers Temple Emanu-El Shanah Tovah For the South Bay’s most comprehensive To You & Yours! listing of High Holy Days services and events, check out our events Jyl & David Jurman calendar starting on page 21!
WHAT’SINSIDE Around The Community.................................................. 4 Simchas................................................................................ 5 Weddings............................................................................. 6 Obituaries............................................................................ 6 Time to Get Your Bake On.............................................. 8 Making Time for the High Holy Days........................... 9 Sunnyvale Doctor Organizations MOL...................... 10 Hadassah Meets With Congresswoman......................11 Having Difficult Conversations.....................................12 Celebrating The New Year Traveling Holocaust Museum........................................13 What’s Your Legacy..........................................................14 5778 With New Beginnings Republican or Democratic Food Pantry? No!............15 Maccabiah Games............................................................16 With the High Holy Days upon us, we’re spending time reflecting on the past year and looking forward to what’s coming next. Kehillah Habitat Restoration......................................... 17 The Federation is kicking into high gear with all sorts of exciting events. Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival................................19 Women’s Philanthropy’s Dignity Drive is going on now through October 26. WP is working with the Grateful Garment Project to accept donations Get Your Laugh On.........................................................20 of sports bras for women who are victims of sexual assault. Divine Comedies at the APJCC.....................................20 Scotch & Ribs in the Sukkah is a very popular event. Partnering with Congregation Beth David (CBD), it will be on October 8 in the CBD Sukkah. Events Calendar................................................................21 It’s a great opportunity to eat, drink and socialize. October 18 brings us Dr. Paula Kushlan, a medical oncologist with High Holy Days Events Calendar................................. 22 Stanford University who will discuss advances in breast cancer treatment. The Lighter Side..............................................................30 On October 26, our annual challah baking event, Do The Twist, takes place in the Levy Family Campus auditorium. Professional Directory...................................................30 The Mah Jongg Tournament is on December 3 co-sponsored by the APJCC and the Federation. And this year’s Super Sunday event will have a birthday theme in honor of Israel’s 70th. We hope you can join us to make calls. When your phone rings, please answer the call to help our community. facebook twitter The preparation for Israel’s 70th birthday celebration on campus is jewishsiliconvalley @jewishsv starting to take shape. Mark your calendars for April 15 to begin the festivities. Follow us on social media and keep your eyes on these pages to be among the first to know what exciting things are taking place. instagram Stay up to date on all the events and happenings at the Federation by jewishsiliconvalley visiting the website, jvalley.org, and click on the “calendar” link. To start this New Year, we’re welcoming two new staff members. Roni Wolfe is our Outreach and Engagement Coordinator, focusing on the PJ Library program, Women’s Philanthropy and Giving Circle. Marci Gordon is our new Chief Development Officer, who will be helping to develop new strategic fundraising and outreach directions for the Federation. We hope you’re enjoying the new magazine format. JValley Magazine is the South Bay’s Jewish voice. We need you to support the magazine. If you own or manage a business, or know someone who does, please consider purchasing an ad. The rates are very competitive for comparable publications. If you aren’t already a free subscriber, join our mailing list. 14855 Oka Rd., Suite 200 • Los Gatos, CA 95032 Above everything else, we want to hear from you. What kinds of things Phone (408) 357-7502 • Fax: (408) 356-0733 would you like us to talk about? Send us a message through social media. Sign up for our email newsletter (text JEWISHVALLEY to 22828). Talk to us JEWISH FEDERATION CEO Jyl Jurman • jyl@jvalley.org in the hallways of the Levy Family Campus. And call either of us anytime. (408) 357-7500 Remember, we’re your Federation. EXECUTIVE EDITOR ADVERTISING & BILLING Jeff Rosenplot • jeff@jvalley.org We wish you and your love ones a good and healthy 5778, (408) 357-7502 L’Shana Tova, EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Pat Bergman SIMCHAS & OBITUARIES Andrea Greyber Joel Susan andrea.greyber@gmail.com (408) 377-6224 Joel Rubnitz and Susan Gavens Published six times per year by the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley. We reserve the right Presidents, Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley to edit all content. JValley Magazine is not responsible for the content of paid advertising. Online at jvalley.org/news
AROUND THE COMMUNITY Jewish Family Services Bonnie and Zoey with donated backpacks: Bonnie Slavitt and her grand-daughter Zoey purchased and packed backpacks for needy students three years in a row for the JFS’ Equipped to Learn Backpack Drive Teen volunteers in front of board: Local teens spend their summers Avital, Yanex and Lisa at Chai House BB: Avital Agam, volunteering with Jewish Family Services. They’ve helped with a food drive Yanex Orellana and Lisa Warner are part of the JFS for refugees, Equipped to Learn Backpack Drive, creating Mitzvah Hero team at Chai House. buttons and much more. L to r: Sam Chazin, Arthur Gatin, Guy Zuk, Leo Michels, Sharanya Suresh, Eileen Chen. JFS is always looking for more teen volunteers. Contact Sheila Monheit, JFS Volunteer Coordinator at sheilam@ jfssv.org or (408) 357-7451 Will and friends with donated supplies – L. to R.: Kimi Yashar, Will Yashar, and their friends JJ and Chloe stepped up to help local students be Equipped to Learn this school year at the JFS backpack drive. Will Dorene Kastelman, asked his bar mitzvah Elise Wessels, and guests to give backpacks Betsy Arnstein at instead of presents, JFS’ recent Volunteer and collected over 20 Appreciation Ice backpacks and $2000. Cream Social Rain Pryor Highlights Rain Pryor took the APJCC Auditorium stage at the Levy Family Campus on August 27 and there wasn’t a seat in the house that wasn’t roaring with laughter. Poignant, hilarious and heartwarming, Pryor’s show was only exceeded by her graciousness with her audience afterwards. 4 w w w . j v al l e y . o r g • L i k e us o n Fa c e b o o k ( j e w i s hs i l i c o nva l l e y) • Fo l l o w us o n T wit t er (@ jewis hs v)
S I M C H A S Births Karlie Gold Daughter of Jamie & Ken Gold was Libby & Micah Witkin called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah Daniel & Shanda Witkin of on August 26 at Temple Emanu- Congregation Shir Hadash are El. She is an honor roll student at blessed to announce the birth of Monroe Middle School where she Libby Shira and Micah Ilan. The starts 8th grade. Karlie is a dedicated twins arrived on April 4. Asher is dancer and has been dancing a proud and helpful big brother. competitively (mainly jazz and tap) for The newly enlarged family is over six years: she currently studies surviving with the amazing help of at T & Company Dance Center grandparents, Lou & Janet Witkin in Campbell. She is active in the of Congregation Beth David and National Charity League and National Junior Honor Society. Previously, Steve & Kolet Kaplowitz (formerly of Temple Emanu-El). she was involved in Girl Scouts; she has enjoyed dancing in her school musical productions. In her spare time, Karlie enjoys watching YouTube Sarah Jacobson Rita & Jerry videos, going to the theater, and hanging with friends at Starbucks and Jacobson of Congregation Sinai are the mall. For her Mitzvah Project, Karlie is incorporating her love of pleased to announce the birth of their makeup by collecting new make-up products, creating new makeup great-granddaughter, Sara Jacobson goodie bags and donating them to women impacted by domestic violence on June 19. She weighed 6 pounds who might need a boost to their self esteem. Working in conjunction with and 9 ounces. Sara is the daughter Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence and Shalom Bayit, Karlie hopes of Nechemia & Chaya Jacobson of to help these women feel better about themselves during a difficult time Jerusalem and the little sister of Yosef in their lives. Mendel. Her grandparents are Rabbi David & Emily Jacobson of Los Angeles Adam Ian Zbriger and Yehuda & Bella Hoschander of Son of David & Adina Zbriger was called to Toronto, the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on August 26 at Canada. Peninsula Temple Shalom in Burlingame. He is the older brother of Shaina Zbringer and Rylie Jo Fuchs Rylie Jo Fuchs was is an eighth grade honor student at Parkside welcomed into the Cohen and Fuchs Intermediate School in San Bruno. Adam Families July 17. She is named after her is the grandson of Zevika & Helen Salles of maternal great-grandmothers, Ruth San Francisco and Rich & Carol Zbriger of and Josephine, and her paternal great- San Jose. Adam enjoys reading, artificial grandfather, Joseph. Rylie’s parents are intelligence, music playing the drums, Derek & Danielle Fuchs of Mesa, AZ and and anything to do with Star Wars. For his her grandparents are Jim & Julie Fuchs of Mitzvah Project he volunteers every week Sebring FL, and Barry & Mary Cohen of to tutor kids at Burlingame Library. Guests Saratoga and longtime members of Temple came from all over the U.S. and Israel to Emanu-El. celebrate this Simcha. Oren Kagel Son of Eric & Pazit Kagel was called to the Called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah at Congregation Sinai on September 9. He is the younger brother of Adam and Danielle and was happy to Torah follow in their footsteps. Oren is a seventh grader at Fisher Middle School. He enjoys swimming and playing with his dog, Nico. Emma Josephs His grandparents, Ina & David Kagel of Los Daughter of Jerald Josephs & Deborah Angeles, were happy to attend this festive Ong was called to the Torah as a Bat occasion. His maternal grandparents, Yona & Mitzvah on August 12. Emma lives in Santa Tamar of Israel could not be there. Clara with her parents and her older sister Sela, 15. Emma is an eighth grader at Hyde Middle School, where she enjoys creative as well as academic classes. She loves animals, music and writing. Emma particularly enjoys playing bass clarinet in the school band and is looking forward to continuing to study To submit Simchas or obituaries, contact Andrea Greyber via email music in the future. at andrea.greyber@gmail.com or by phone at (408) 377-6224. Sarah Silverberg-Rajna Daughter of Shana & Hugo Silverberg-Rajna was called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on August 12 at Temple Beth Torah in Fremont. Sarah attends Hopkins Junior High School. Stay Connected. Her sister is Judith Silverberg-Rajna. Beloved grandparents are Jussi & Lena Rajna of Text JEWISHVALLEY San Jose and Darby & Ana Silverberg of Manhattan Beach, CA. The highlight of each to 22828 year for her is attending URJ Camp Newman. w w w .jv alle y.or g • Like u s o n F ace b o o k ( j e w i sh si l i co n v a l l e y) • Fo l l o w us o n T w i t t e r ( @j e w i s hs v) 5
C O R R E C T I O N In the Summer 2017 issue of JValley Magazine, we inadvertently placed Henry Jules Thailer’s photograph with Sydney Levin’s obituary. We sincerely apologize for any confusion. SYDNEY LEVIN July 21, 1923 – May 12, 2017 Sydney Levin passed away peacefully at his home in Los Gatos, a man passionate about life who loved and was loved by his family, friends, and colleagues. He was born in Palo Alto, the youngest in a family of nine brothers and sisters. He graduated from Palo Alto High School and Stanford University and served his country in World War II. After the war, he returned to Palo Alto, married Virginia Larsen with whom he had two children, Gary and Ginny. He entered the scrap metal business in San Jose with his brothers David and Richard Levin, building and operating successful businesses. He retired to enjoy life and family. From there he created and operated his own real estate development business. Syd was a lifelong supporter of the arts. He and Virginia were patrons of the San Jose Civic Light Opera and worked to build the Megan Leigh Parkins and Adam Scott Hendrickson Center for the Performing Arts in San Jose. They established the Ginny Awards scholarships for the arts. He generously supported the Boys Megan Leigh Parkins and Adam Scott Hendrickson were married and Girls Club and the Second Harvest Food Bank in San Jose. Syd was a on July 8 in Chicago, IL at the Metropolitan Club in Willis Tower. Rabbi lifelong member and supporter of Temple Emanu-El in San Jose. Michael Sommer officiated. Syd and Peggy Eller married in 2000 and enjoyed a loving marriage The bride is the daughter of Patti Levin and Thomas Parkins, and for 17 years. They were avid horsemen and enjoyed riding their the granddaughter of Sunie and Leon Levin. Megan graduated from Tennessee Walkers throughout California. Syd continued riding to the Clemson University and works as the Marketing and Communications age of 90. Coordinator at Temple Emanu-El in San Jose. Boulder Creek was Syd’s great garden. He loved the forest and The groom is the son of Terri and Scott Hendrickson and the the trees, especially the “Spooning Tree” at Boulder Creek. He built his grandson of Lynn and Ray Hendrickson and Howard and Barbara Bame. home in Boulder Creek from a tiny cabin into a family compound with Adam attended Purdue University for both his bachelor’s and master’s paths, trails, barns and so much more. It always brought a sparkle to degrees and works for Nvidia on their Computer Architecture team. his eye when his grandchildren and great-grandchildren wanted to Adam and Megan fell in love in 2010 on the beaches of Lake go to Boulder Creek and ride horses with him. Syd made many happy Michigan while in high school and maintained a long-distance memories for his family. relationship throughout college. They now live in San Jose and are Syd is survived by his loving wife Peggy, son Gary, daughter Ginny looking forward to their European honeymoon this October. Heldebrant (Charles), grandchildren Jonathan Levin (Ariel), Marc Levin (Jennifer), Diana Levin (Evan Ben-Artzi), Michael Heldebrant (Jill) and David Heldebrant (Elizabeth), and great-grandchildren Henry and Avery Levin, Asher Levin, Ezra Ben-Artzi, Donar and Tyrus Heldebrant, Abigail and Bryce Heldebrant. Donations in lieu of flowers to Temple Emanu-El, the Alzheimer’s Foundation, or to the charity of your choice. HENRY JULES THAILER January 25, 1935 – June 2, 2017 Henry Thailer was the son of Mollie and Benjamin Thailer and was born in New York City. He attended public schools in Brooklyn and earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from City College of New York. He went on to Happy Rosh Hashana! receive a Ph.D. from CCNY in civil engineering as well and later went on to wrote code for the Nuclear Energy Commission. He married Carol Pollak in Rosa Bencuya Realtor® March of 1962. They moved to San 408.499.2077 Jose in 1975 and joined Temple rosa@apr.com Emanu-El at that time. They raised their three daughters Deborah HomeByRosa.com (Randy) Blumagen, Lisa (Greg) Wiviott and Jennifer (Steven) Winter in San Serving Buyers and Sellers in Diverse Jose. Communities of Silicon Valley Henry is survived by his wife, his three daughters and grandchildren Alexis and Tawny Blumagen, Max, Mollie, Lilli and Annabelle Wiviott and Call Today for More Information Austin, Carson and Jaxson Winter. He is also survived by his sister Sue Wolf of Boca Raton. Henry was a quiet man who lived with the vision of the prophet APR.COM Micah in his mind. He sought justice in the world, was kind to others and walked humbly with his friends and family. Donations in Henry’s memory may be made to Temple Emanu-El or the American Cancer Society. 6 w w w . j v al l e y . o r g • L i k e us o n Fa c e b o o k ( j e w i s hs i l i c o nva l l e y) • Fo l l o w us o n T wit t er (@ jewis hs v)
CARRIE SOGG O B I T U A R I E S October 31, 1962 - July 9, 2017 Carrie Sogg died in Brooklyn, NY after a long illness. The daughter of Richard Sogg of Los Gatos and the late Joyce Sogg of Los Gatos, Carrie leaves her husband Ralph Bonheim and son Stefan Bonheim, 12, of Brooklyn, NY, as well as her brother David Sogg of Pittsburgh, PA. Carrie was gifted, funny, and multi-talented. She lived three lives—as an animal lover, artist, and social Los Gatos Memorial Park worker. At age nine she acquired her first animal, a German Shepherd. From Shalom Garden elementary through high school, she owned and trained two horses—first, Bianca, a Welsh mare pony, and then Toy’s Flick-a-Spot, an Appaloosa—and won Serving the Bay Area Jewish community since 1889 many ribbons in arena shows and trail obstacle course events. While living in Peaceful, park-like setting overlooking Santa Cruz Mountains New York, she trained two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels—Bica and Cricket; one became a therapy animal and both accompanying Carrie’s bird watching in Prospect Park. *Pre Plan and receive a discount A graduate of Saratoga High School, Carrie earned a degree in art from *Graveside Ceremonies in a serene setting UC-Davis. Her friends benefited from her talent through annual New Year’s *Upright monuments available cards that always contained a visual pun based on the year, fanciful animals, and (frequently) implicit political commentary. Her writing skills earned her *Trained funeral professionals posts as a copy writer for prestigious New York firms. Her desire to benefit *Traditional caskets and ritual services others led her to obtain a Masters in Social Work at Columbia University and to work for several Brooklyn agencies. Though taken from us too soon, Carrie’s passion, spirit, and wit persist in memories of her life and in the lives of her husband and son, to whom so much of her life was devoted. Contributions in 2255 Los Gatos-Almaden Rd., San Jose, CA 95124 Carrie’s memory may be made to Planned Parenthood, Audubon Society, Good www.losgatosmemorialpark.com (408) 356-4151 Dog Foundation, ACLU, or another organization. MARTIN LEWIS STARR January 12, 1948 - August 21, 2017 Born in Chicago, IL, Martin died in Nashville, TN. He is survived by Darling-Fischer Mortuaries his mother Maureen Starr, sisters Chapel of the Hills Garden Chapel Campbell Memorial Chapel Nina and Debra Starr, brother Josh 615 N. Santa Cruz Ave. 471 E. Santa Clara St. 231 E. Campbell Ave. Starr, son Zeke Starr and former wife Los Gatos, CA 95030 San Jose, CA 95112 Campbell, CA 95008 Kandance Starr. (408) 354-7740 (408) 998-2226 (408) 379-5010 FD940 FD557 FD898 Martin was a friend, mentor and example to so many men and women www.darlingandfischer.com both in Nashville and California. He lived simply and was never concerned with worldly things. People and relationships meant more to him and he had his priorities straight. Professionally for the past 40 years Martin was a licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor for adults, adolescents and families working in San Rafael and San Cruz. He moved to Nashville in 1993. He worked as a group therapist for the Center for Professional Excellence, C.P.E, before retiring in 2015. He had tirelessly devoted himself to helping others live a sober and sane life. Martin had a gift for deep listening and hearing the pain in people’s lives, an ability to see the truth, a quick wit and a brilliant mind. Martin wrote songs and sang all of his life. Martin had cancer. He’d fought this cancer for seven years and died at home surrounded by love, hours before the eclipse on August 21. We his family are grateful for the assistance provided by Alive Hospice Care in his final weeks. w w w .jv alle y.or g • Like u s o n F ace b o o k ( j e w i sh si l i co n v a l l e y) • Fo l l o w us o n T w i t t e r ( @j e w i s hs v) 7
Time to Get Your Bake On by Jeff Rosenplot (Pictured) Diligent bakers at the 2016 “Let’s Twist Again” Challah Bake event. The only thing we can all agree on when it comes to challah is that our recipe is the best. Plain, salted, glazed, full of fruit or gluten-free, challah’s magic comes from its individuality. Challah is the chameleon of Jewish food. There are almost as many variations to the recipe as there are Jews in the world. It all comes down to a matter of taste and tradition. Challah’s trademark braids are said to represent the commandments related to observing Shabbat delivered by Moses. The first two braids symbolize both the safeguarding and the action of observing the Jewish Sabbath. The third strand of the challah symbolizes the tying together of the week, which Shabbat is meant to represent. The braided challah is a reminder that the troubles and struggles of the week come to an end at sunset on Friday. The Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley’s Women’s Philanthropy is hosting “Do The Twist,” a challah baking extravaganza on Wednesday, October 26 at 7pm. The event will be held in the APJCC Auditorium on the Levy Family Campus. Early bird tickets are $36 through October 15. This event is one of Women’s Philanthropy’s most fun and popular, so don’t wait to purchase your tickets. You may purchase tickets online at www.giving.jvalley.org/challah or in person at the Federation offices on campus. Questions? Call Roni Wolfe, Outreach & Engagement Coordinator at 408.357.7508. 3rd Annual Global Challah Making DO THE TWIST Wed., Oct. 26 7pm early bird pricing $36 $54 after Oct. 15 LEVY FAMILY CAMPUS prior to Oct. 15 CHAIR: LAUREN SMITH Register online at giving.jvalley.org/challah 8 w w w . j v al l e y . o r g • L i k e us o n Fa c e b o o k ( j e w i s hs i l i c o nva l l e y) • Fo l l o w us o n T wit t er (@ jewis hs v)
ASKTHECLERGY Making Time for the High Holy Days by Cantor Amanda Edmondson, Temple Emanu-El “Thank G-d Yom Kippur is on a Saturday this year,” I my friend’s sleepover tonight?” And teenagers with heavy course-loads will make very smart, logical arguments for not missing school that will be overheard someone say recently. I can only assume that this had to do with the need to take off work or for their kids to take off school for the difficult to counter-argue. High Holy Days. Many of us run into this dilemma every year. For some But observing these holidays together as a family is what makes of us, it’s a no-brainer: you just don’t go to work or school on Rosh Judaism what it is – a community. On the High Holy Days, we are Hashanahh or Yom Kippur and that’s it. Others go through a painstaking encouraged to look inward and seek forgiveness for our own personal process of deciding what will work best for themselves and their families. transgressions. However, the greater purpose of that activity is to work Will it be easy to make up the work I missed? Will business run as usual to build up a better community. Going to High Holy Day services with without me? My child has three big tests that day – how can I expect him your child is the perfect venue for teaching them what it means to be part or her to find time to make those up? of a community. And the children who are in Hebrew school should be It sucks that the rest of our society doesn’t immediately recognize encouraged to attend the regular community services for the High Holy Rosh Hashanahh and Yom Kippur on the calendar when scheduling their Days. They have already begun to work on the Hebrew, and they are ready activities. It can be downright frustrating—even, and perhaps especially, to start thinking about our liturgy and what it means. In fact, I believe that when the powers that be are made aware of the conflicts—that nothing this new machzor (prayerbook) is the perfect one for those children AND changes from year to year. But perhaps this societal ignorance is the adults who are either just starting to come to the High Holy Day services exact reason we shouldn’t just get upset and complain only to give in. Our or are unfamiliar with Jewish liturgy. There are so many opportunities to absence should be known. These days and services are important for both get lost—in a good way—in this prayerbook. There are multiple readings ourselves and our children. on a two-page spread that offer different ways of interpreting and Especially when it comes to our children, we must think about understanding traditional prayer. the message we give them. If we expect them to embrace Judaism in Even if you think that your 3rd, 4th, or 5th grader won’t understand their futures, we have to make a statement to them that says Judaism is the liturgy, I would challenge you to turn it into an opportunity. It can important enough for us to sacrifice time at work, time at school, and simply be a beginning or a first step into a door that you will have opened important enough for me to do extra work to make up for the time lost for your child. They don’t need to come away from services suddenly either before or after the holiday. understanding every aspect of the holy days. But they should come away Now I know that to children and teenagers, the sacrifice sounds more from services with the knowledge that this is a time for prayer, community like, “I don’t want to miss soccer practice today” or “why do I have to miss gathering, and a time their parents and family recognize as important. Shannon Stein Law Offices of REAL ESTATE FOR REAL LIFE Family Law Services in Santa Clara, San Mateo and Alameda Counties Downsizing, remodeling, growing, investing, or estate Our Clients Come First • Dissolutions planning, we want to be there for you. • Mediations • Child Custody 408.774.9097 • Property Division • Post-Judgment Issues Over 40 years of experience providing exceptional • High-Asset Cases 438 S. Murphy Ave., Sunnyvale real estate service in Silicon Valley • Paternity info@shannonsteinlaw.com • Pre-Marital Agreements • Post-Marital Agreements shannonsteinlaw.com • Child Support Our goal is simple: • Restraining Orders Be the people you contact when you, your family and • Guardianships • Juvenile Dependency Law your friends have real estate questions or needs. • Civil Harassment www.BrianAndDan.com DAN RUBNITZ drubnitz@serenogoup.com (408) 859-3671 CalBRE #01015666 BRIAN BERNASCONI bbernasconi@serenogroup.com (408) 979-1400 CalBRE #01363508 w w w .jv alle y.or g • Like u s o n F ace b o o k ( j e w i sh si l i co n v a l l e y) • Fo l l o w us o n T w i t t e r ( @j e w i s hs v) 9
Sunnyvale Doctor Organizes Bay Area March of the Living Delegation by Jeff Rosenplot For Josh Markowitz, a March of the Living trip he took in We’ve got swastikas in the streets. A trip like this one can resonate in a big way with the next generation of leaders who are seeing the same things college continues to resonate with him 15 years later. “We went to Prague and then Poland and finally to Israel,” Markowitz we all are seeing.” said. “The trip was a powerful, sobering experience. All the places I’d Originally from Menlo Park, Markowitz is an emergency room grown up hearing about became real to me.” physician at Kaiser Permanente’s Santa Clara hospital. His wife, Alison For Markowitz, the experience never left him. After serving as a Barnstable, is a veterinarian who has taken a leadership role in building volunteer and then a staff member for the Western Delegation March of partnerships between the Muslim and Jewish communities. They are the the Living, he realized that participation from the Bay Area was dwindling. parents of three sons. There was no major delegation from Silicon Valley and the South Bay. To learn more about the South Bay March of the Living project, visit “There’s a disconnect between the old world and the new one,” www.marchoflivingca.shutterfly.com, or by mail to Josh Markowitz, Attn: Markowitz said. “Especially in Silicon Valley. We’re in danger of losing the MOTL Bay Area Delegation, 1077 Sargent Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94087. connection to what happened in Europe, and our own history.” Markowitz is spearheading a March of the Living program that takes the experience to a more personal level. “We’re cognizant of the power of the experience,” Markowitz said. “As well as making connections with the people they’re traveling with. We pack the two-week trip pretty full, but want the participants to have some free time, as well. We spend time together beforehand getting to know each other. The friendships I made on my March of the Living trip have stayed with me my entire life.” The South Bay March of the Living two-week trip costs $6,600 per person, which includes all domestic airfare and accommodations, as well as meals and associated fees. “It makes an impactful gift,” Markowitz said. “Parents, grandparents, relatives, anyone can contribute to a participant’s trip. We’re also very interested in talking with anyone in the community who is interested in helping underwrite these trips.” The March of the Living is an educational program organized by the International March of the Living organization. It brings students from around the world to Poland and Israel to learn firsthand what the Holocaust meant and continues to mean today. The program was established in 1988 and takes place immediately following Passover. “Today more than ever, learning and remembering is essential,” Markowitz said. “I never thought I’d be witnessing what I’m seeing today. 10 w w w . j v al l e y . o r g • L i k e us o n Fa c e b o o k ( j e w i s hs i l i c o nva l l e y) • Fo l l o w us o n T wit t er (@ jewis hs v)
Sharone and Sequoia Hadassah Chapters Meet with Congresswoman Anna Eshoo By Felice Zenius, Hadassah Central Pacific Region, Domestic Advocacy Chair The Sharone and Sequoia Hadassah Chapters of the Central Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc., was founded in 1912 to help establish the Israeli medical care system. It Pacific Coast Region held its first Day in the District meeting with Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D., 18th District of California). provides medical care through Hadassah’s Medical Organization to over A team of ‘women who do’ from the 18th Congressional District met for one million patients a year regardless of race, religion or nationality nearly an hour with Rep. Eshoo. Topics covered during the first Regional through Hadassah Medical Organization hospitals in Jerusalem and clinics Day in the District included support of Israel, fighting Anti-Semitism and throughout Israel. promoting women’s health equity, all issues for which the Congresswoman is a strong advocate. Rep. Eshoo has supported combatting European Anti-Semitism (H.R. 672) and agreed to support a special envoy to monitor and combat Anti-Semitism (H.R. 1911), as well as the Simon Wiesenthal Holocaust Education Assistance Act (H.R. 1474) and the Combatting Anti- Semitism Act (H.R.1730). As a member of the Congressional Health Sub- Committee, she supported the $2 billion budget for the National Institutes of Health and has consistently supported Hadassah women’s health issues. Each woman in attendance explained Hadassah’s positions on the issues important to the group. Rabbi Laurie Matzkin described the make-up of the local Jewish community and about Hadassah’s aim to perform acts of tikkun olam. Rabbi Matzkin blew the shofar in honor of the second day of Elul, the month when Jews prepare for the Jewish High Holy Days. The clarion call of the shofar is a wake-up call to be one with ourselves and help repair the world. “Everything you said was a prayer,” the emotionally moved Congresswoman said. Rep. Eshoo addressed the string of threats and vandalism at Jewish institutions in her district. “Leaders can either lead or mislead. We have one who is misleading.” (Left to right) Jane Jacobson, Rabbi Laurie Matzkin, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, She agreed that Hadassah’s work is very necessary and added, “Blessed Felice Zensius, Miriam Rotman, Miriam Buzi and Ginny Baird. are the peacemakers as they shall be called the children of G-d.” w w w .jv alle y.or g • Like u s o n F ace b o o k ( j e w i sh si l i co n v a l l e y) • Fo l l o w us o n T w i t t e r ( @j e w i s hs v) 11
Having Difficult Conversations By Gordon Gladstone In the aftermath of the election and the run up to 1:1). The two verbs convey different Thanksgiving there were innumerable stories in the media about the task of navigating a family gathering littered with political (and cultural) elements of the minefields. How many of us ran down a mental check list of subjects to command: seek peace avoid during the holiday period? Don’t ask Uncle Jim what he thought when conflict comes of the election, especially when your niece is in earshot. The resulting to your doorstep, but mayhem would make talk radio seem like a walk in the park. do not stop there. You As the Jewish year starts, we may benefit from asking ourselves if there must energetically is a better way than simply limiting our conversations to the weather pursue opportunities to and the state of the roads. Rabbi Amy Eilberg, who writes and conducts practice peace, near and workshops where participants explore experiences of estrangement, far, for it is the work of God.” Rabbi Amy Eilberg conflict, and enmity in their interpersonal relationships, workplaces, communities, and in relation to international conflicts, wrote recently Which is to say, about the Jewish approach to this topic: that we are required by God to not only show compassion and work “The Rabbis of the Talmud observed that most legislation in the Torah for peace, but that we should invest in trying to bridge the gaps of is case law. If we find a lost object, we are to return it to its owner. If we understanding that exist between us. Therefore it is not enough to simply own property, we must take precautions to ensure the safety of those who keep Uncle Jim and your niece away from each other, rather we need to enter it. If we see our enemy’s animal struggling under its load, we are to work to strengthen the relationships we have with each. This is not about help him. When Shabbat or a holy day comes, we are to observe it. conceding to their point of view but working to understand what they see, Notably, two commandments are explicitly articulated not as and how they understand it. responses to a particular situation, but as imperatives to be followed – Rabbi Eilberg will give a talk entitled The Art of Difficult Conversations indeed, pursued – at all times. We are not only to act in accordance with at Congregation Shir Hadash on October 15 at 9:30am. these imperatives passively when the occasion arises. We are to actively Rabbi Eilberg was the first Conservative woman rabbi, ordained by the seek out opportunities to engage in them. The two cases are the pursuit Jewish Theological Seminary of American, and author of the new book, of justice, of which it is said, “Justice, justice shall you pursue” (Deut. 16:20) From Enemy to Friend. In her writings she demonstrates how relationships and the pursuit of peace, of which it is said, “Seek peace and pursue it” (Ps. can move from estrangement and wounding, entrenched bigotry and fear, 34:15). to positive, engaged encounter. She will be applying her teachings within The rabbis assume that every apparently superfluous word in the our community to conversations with those having different views of sacred text is there for a reason. In this case, they implicitly ask why the domestic and Israeli politics. verse employs two verbs (“seek” and “pursue”) when one would have This program is part of a year-long series, Responding to the Crisis of sufficed. Their answer: “Seek it in your place and pursue it in another Our Time, funded in part by the Newton and Rochelle Becker Charitable place” (Babylonian Talmud Perek Hashalom and Jerusalem Talmud Peah Trust and in partnership with Jewish Learning Works of San Francisco. 12 w w w . j v al l e y . o r g • L i k e us o n Fa c e b o o k ( j e w i s hs i l i c o nva l l e y) • Fo l l o w us o n T wit t er (@ jewis hs v)
Giving Life to a Traveling Holocaust Museum by Iris Bendahan This past Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, marked the resistance in its many forms, survival and justice using a large array of posters, videos, books, articles and artifacts. Other stations delve into the tenth anniversary of a Holocaust museum exhibit that I’ve been setting up annually at Congregation Beth David (CBD) in Saratoga. The inspiration issue of genocide today, memorials, art, rebuilding and stories of survival for the museum was seeded when I visited a make-shift Holocaust including those of local survivors. museum exhibit at my elementary school in Israel in sixth grade. This The big question is what’s next for this exhibit? Especially at this time visit was my first visual Holocaust exposure, it even included one of those of increased intolerance, it yearns to be an important educational tool infamous ‘bars of soap’. Until then, my only clue to something called the to teach about the ramifications of genocide and intolerance through Holocaust was my Savta (grandma) Manci’s frequent mutter of “yimah the lens of the Holocaust. Furthermore, a committee of community shemo” (may his name be erased) when Hitler’s name was mentioned in members interested in increased Holocaust education in the area have association with a Holocaust memory. And for my Savta, there were many met several times to discuss how this museum can best serve the needs of memories (which I was unaware of) such as the murder of her family the Jewish community and the community at large. We decided that as a members (parents and five siblings), her narrow escape from Danzig start it should have a transportable format that can be readily brought to (with my grandfather and mother), and the five years of refugee camp synagogues, JCCs, churches, schools and other community institutions. living. This exhibit visit brought me face to face with the reality of the We’ve named the exhibit CHAIM - California Holocaust Awareness and Holocaust. It wasn’t just a story of woe my grandmother wove; I realized Action Interactive Museum (which also means ‘Life’ in Hebrew), and then that it was real and it was something I needed to understand better threaded its new motto “Act with TACT,” Teach Acceptance, Compassion and remember. and Tolerance, throughout the exhibit. We have created a website that Years later, this experience prompted me as principal of Beth David’s is being updated with more and more information - check out www. Religious School to also create a museum for my students. Most did not thechaim.org. Mayer Adelberg, CHAIM’s director of technology has done a have firsthand experience to tell them the story of the Holocaust. Even wonderful job designing a logo and the website. back then my thinking was that despite the motto “never forget,” genocide The first transportable version of the exhibit, which I put together and intolerance was a continuing phenomenon in our world, and that it using the Morris Weiss award funds, was shown at the NewCAJE was important that the next generation understand that even here we conference in Moraga, California in early August. We now need to get the may not be immune to those societal characteristics that can lead to the business details figured out such as should CHAIM be an independent 501 extreme intolerance exhibited in the Holocaust. Little did I know how (c) (3) or can we get a sponsoring agent? Then we need a business license, much truer this would become. and most importantly to apply for grant money to professionalize the look, The first ‘museum’ occupied a small section of the art room and was transportability and advertising. If you’re interested in being a part of the simply a display of the various Holocaust posters that I had found stashed CHAIM Team, or have some development experience, please contact me at in a closet. However, the museum grew each year and this past year filled bendahan@thechaim.org. Congregation Beth David’s new Board Room to capacity when it was up In the meantime, I finally tackled doing a genealogy search and was for 3 weeks this past Yom HaShoah. Organized in timeline fashion, it able to find the names of my Savta Manci’s lost family who inspired now takes the visitor through 18 (chai) stations which describe Jewish this venture. To Gershon, Zysl, Rosa, Anush, Edit, Piri and Ela and their life of pre-war Europe, the Nazification of German-occupied countries, children, may your memory give CHAIM to a mobile Holocaust exhibit that will inspire all who visit to Act with TACT! Experience it all at the JCC! Join us for Jewish education, enrichment classes, programs, and much more. Addison-Penzak JCC 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032 of Silicon Valley 408.358.3636 | info@apjcc.org Levy Family Campus www.apjcc.org w w w .jv alle y.or g • Like u s o n F ace b o o k ( j e w i sh si l i co n v a l l e y) • Fo l l o w us o n T w i t t e r ( @j e w i s hs v) 13
What’s Your Legacy? by Jeff Rosenplot “Are we being good ancestors?” Jonas Salk That’s a great question, isn’t it? We spend so much of our lives been provided for. Depending on your own financial situation, you may also choose to leave a percentage of your estate, a paid-up life insurance focusing on what’s in front of us, sometimes we forget that we will become someone’s ancestors someday. What sort of legacy do we want to leave for policy, a retirement account or any other financial investment. No matter those who follow? how modest your estate, your gift will be appreciated. The Community Legacy Project is a community-wide collaborative Brett Borah took over as chair of the Legacy Project this year, taking program established by most Jewish organizations and synagogues in the the reins from Alan Werba, whose tireless leadership helped build the South Bay with the sole purpose of building a lasting and enduring future. Project into one of the South Bay’s most successful Jewish philanthropic Being Jewish means something different for everyone. Your reasons for endeavors. Over one hundred individuals and families have agreed to take creating a Legacy fund are as personal as your own relationships with your part in the Community Legacy Project so far. family and the community at large. Perhaps you want to ensure a strong If you haven’t considered a Legacy gift as part of your estate plan, Jewish education. Or you support the outreach efforts of organizations we hope you’ll consider doing so. We want to make the process as like Jewish Family Services. Maybe you want to ensure your grandchildren simple as possible. To get started, contact Jyl Jurman at 408.357.7500 are able to experience the power of holiday services at your synagogue. or by email at jyl@jvalley.org. For more information, visit www. Whatever your reason, we want to help give you the opportunity to communitylegacyproject.org. preserve it. The Community Legacy Project is a partnership between the following The Community Legacy Project allows members of the Jewish Jewish organizations: Addison-Penzak Jewish Community of Silicon Valley; community at any stage of life to designate a portion of their estate to any Congregation Beth David; Congregation Shir Hadash; Congregation Sinai; of the nine different organizations that comprise the Legacy project. The Hillel of Silicon Valley; Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley; Jewish Community Legacy Project also provides expert guidance throughout the Federation of Silicon Valley; Temple Emanu-El; and Yavneh Day School. entire process. The process for creating your own Legacy is straightforward. You “The little bit you and me might change the world, it wouldn’t show up may choose as many Jewish organization members as you wish to receive until a hundred years after we were dead. We’d never see it. But it’d be portions of your estate gift, or any assets left over after your family has there.” – James Joyce, From Here to Eternity COMMUNITY PARTNERS Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center Congregation Beth David Congregation Shir Hadash Congregation Sinai Hillel of Silicon Valley Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley Temple Emanu-El Yavneh Day School What’s your legacy? SILICONVALLEYJEWISHCOMMUNITY Jewish tradition teaches that one of our key responsibilities is to make the world a better place for future generations. 408.357.7500 www.communitylegacyproject.org 14 w w w . j v al l e y . o r g • L i k e us o n Fa c e b o o k ( j e w i s hs i l i c o nva l l e y) • Fo l l o w us o n T wit t er (@ jewis hs v)
Republican or Democratic Food Pantry? No! by Diane Fisher, JCRC Director The American tax code is not a popular document, but one by certain fundamentalist religious groups. These groups are completely free to speak their own values, but the Johnson Amendment requires them thing that has been a popular feature is the extension of special tax-free status to houses of worship and other nonprofits. Most people agree that to refrain from a subset of political speech, and it frees taxpayers from nonprofits doing work for the common good are already doing their part subsidizing political endorsements with which they disagree. to contribute to society in kind, without paying taxes to boot. A fundamental part of the JCRC’s work is to model and encourage civil Tax exemption for nonprofits feels like a fundamental American dialogue, and the idea of adding partisanship to our houses of worship by value—partly because its origin dates to tax codes that were first allowing clergy or nonprofit staff to promote candidates would be adding developed starting in 1894, and evolved over a 75-year period. A fuel to the fire of our already divisive public discourse. We have worked restriction was added to this code in 1954 called the Johnson Amendment, hard to provide a unique, safe haven in which community members can and it’s a refinement that really helped maintain the integrity of charitable genuinely address challenges, exercise respectful listening, and include organizations. Johnson won his campaign for senator from Texas that everyone’s problem-solving skills. Changing the framework of issues- year, but his campaign was bedeviled by a nonprofit who used their funds focus to candidate-focus would destroy our fundamental value. After to promote the idea that he was a Communist. Following the election, he generations of working to increase our common cause work across our brought an amendment to the tax code to prohibit 501(c)(3) nonprofits diversity, we would devolve into partisan institutions working for the from endorsing or opposing political candidates. It was not considered purposes of candidates promoting their own cause. controversial at the time, and was passed by a Republican Congress and If the image of a food bank supported by one political party and signed into law by President Eisenhower. serving only those of that party is an anathema, then we need to keep The JCRC has been a very visible supporter of the Johnson the Johnson Amendment strongly in place. You can join your name to a Amendment, for several reasons. As a minority group, Jewish interests letter that opposes any effort to repeal or weaken the current law, found have always been served by a strong separation of religion and state. We’ve at www.faith-voices.org. There are currently over 4,000 signers, and the come a long way from the days of prayer in school and shop closures letter is sponsored by, among many others, the Jewish Federations of required on Sundays, but it’s not hard to imagine the “religious liberty” North America, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, the Anti-Defamation that could be implemented by candidates whose campaigns are funded League, and the Central Conference of American Rabbis. Award-Winning Fitness Facility • Preschool • Jewish Day School K-8 State-of-the-Art Auditorium • On-Site Catering & Cafe Event Rental Space • Community Mikvah • Mah Jongg Tournament Swimming Pool • Tennis Courts • Silicon Valley Jewish Music Festival • Counseling Services • JFS Knitzvah Poker Tournament • PJ Library • Camps & Sports • Community Challah Bake • Art Exhibits • Live Theater • Volunteer Opportunities • Free 3-Day Fitness Pass • Home Care Services 408.358.3033 • jvalley.org 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032 The Levy Family Campus is @jewishsiliconvalley @jewishsv owned and operated by your Jewish Federation of @jewishsiliconvalley Silicon Valley. HOME OF www.apjcc.org www.jfssv.org www.yavnehdayschool.org w w w .jv alle y.or g • Like u s o n F ace b o o k ( j e w i sh si l i co n v a l l e y) • Fo l l o w us o n T w i t t e r ( @j e w i s hs v) 15
Jasmine Yaghutiel competes for Team USA in a water polo match. South Bay Athletes Compete in the Maccabiah Games They call it the Jewish Olympics. First held in 1932, the Maccabiah Games are held every four years in Israel. The games are the third-largest sporting event in the world (after the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup), with more than 10,000 athletes competing. The Jewish Federation was excited to help send four young athletes to the 2017 Maccabiah Games held in Jerusalem in July. Ron Belman, Lavie Levi, Dan Sachs and Jasmine Yaghutiel competed for Team USA. For the first time, the countries of the Bahamas, Cambodia, the Cayman Islands, Haiti, Malta, Morocco, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea and Trinidad joined the competition, bringing the total number of nations participating to over 100. The American delegation alone sent 650 athletes. “It was a very positive experience at the games,” Jasmine Yaghutiel said. “I met countless incredible people and had the experience of a lifetime. I’ve never represented my country in such a meaningful way before and it is something I will never forget.” The opening ceremonies of the Maccabiah Games took place at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem, with over 30,000 people in attendance. A torch- lighting ceremony and an impromptu marriage proposal by Canadian ice hockey player Avi Steinberg capped off the ceremony. “I have to admit that at first, I was adamantly against going on a trip with a hundreds of Americans I barely knew to a country spotted with family members,” said athlete Dan Sachs. “But it was fun to train and look forward to the competition on the national stage, even if at the end I did not get the result I was hoping for. Those few weeks gave me something to remember for a lifetime. There are people whom I still talk to and group chats that are frequently filled with inside jokes about things you could only understand if you were there.” Members of the Team USA delegation to the Maccabiah Games pose in the hills surrounding Jerusalem. 16 w w w . j v al l e y . o r g • L i k e us o n Fa c e b o o k ( j e w i s hs i l i c o nva l l e y) • Fo l l o w us o n T wit t er (@ jewis hs v)
(Clockwise from top left) Ms. Shandrovsky (Jewish Studies teacher) and student; Group of smiling juniors and Mr. Schloss (math teacher); Group of smiling Kehillah students (class of 2021); Students restoring Half Moon Bay coastline; Kehillah Student Government hosted a class lip-syncing battle during Kabbalat Shabbat festivities. In this picture, Alex Leiman is representing the junior class; Shirley Brill (class of 2018) removing invasive plant species. Kehillah Habitat Restoration The students and staff of Kehillah Jewish High School in Palo Alto recently spent the day working together on a habitat restoration, service learning project in Half Moon Bay. The project focused on removing invasive, non-native plants. The marine terraces around Half Moon Bay were once entirely covered in native coastal scrub, but decades of coastal development and agricultural practices changed this landscape. Restoration creates habitat for the native plant species that are at the base of the food chain for coastal wildlife. Kehillah students and staff put on their gardening gloves, grabbed rakes and shovels, and helped restore this beautiful, natural coastline. Followed by some fun on the beach and the first of their weekly Kabbalat Shabbat (welcoming the sabbath) programming, hosted by Kehillah’s Student Government. w w w .jv alle y.or g • Like u s o n F ace b o o k ( j e w i sh si l i co n v a l l e y) • Fo l l o w us o n T w i t t e r ( @j e w i s hs v) 17
26TH ANNUAL OCT 21-NOV 12 SILICON JOIN US FOR AN EXCITING TWO WEEKS AT AMC SARATOGA 14 AND VALLEY TWO WEEKS OF SCREENINGS AT JEWISH THE OFJCC IN PALO ALTO. FILM TICKETS: WWW.SVJFF.ORG FESTIVAL 800-838-3006 2 017 SCHEDULE SPECIA L E V E NTS OFJCC OCT 23, 6:30pm A Second Time Around* O PE N I N G N I GH T OFJCC OCT 23, 8:30pm In Between* GAL A EVE N T OFJCC OCT 24, 6:30pm Germans and Jews* SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2 1 , 201 7 OFJCC OCT 24, 8:30pm The 90 Minute War* 6:30 PM AT THE OFJCC OFJCC OCT 25, 6:30pm Aida’s Secrets* Join us for Opening Night Event with OFJCC OCT 25, 8:30pm An Israeli Love Story* the Northern California premiere OFJCC OCT 26, 6:30pm Sara Stein* of “Jungle” and our special guests, OFJCC OCT 26, 8:30pm Keep the Change* author/speaker Yossi Ghinsberg and AMC14 OCT 28, 6:30pm A Second Time Around* producer Dana Lustig. Discussion and AMC14 OCT 28, 8:30pm The 90 Minute War* reception to follow. AMC14 OCT 29, 3:00pm 1945* AMC14 OCT 29, 5:00pm Past Life AMC14 OCT 29, 7:30pm An Israeli Love Story* CEN T E R PI ECE EVE N T AMC14 OCT 30, 6:30pm Aida’s Secrets* SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 201 7 AMC14 OCT 30, 8:30pm The Women’s Balcony 7:00PM AT THE AMC14 OCT 31, 4:00pm Joe’s Violin* (FREE) AMC SARATOGA 1 4 AMC14 OCT 31, 4:30pm Menashe* MONDAY, NOVEMB ER 6, 2 01 7 AMC14 OCT 31, 6:30pm Hanna’s Sleeping Dogs 6:30PM AT THE OFJCC AMC14 NOV 1, 6:30pm Germans and Jews* IN PALO ALTO AMC14 NOV 1, 8:30pm Keep the Change* Join us for the Centerpiece Event with AMC14 NOV 2, 4:30pm A Quiet Heart the Northern California premiere of AMC14 NOV 2, 6:30pm The Bloom of Yesterday “My Hero Brother” and our special AMC14 NOV 4, 6:30pm Sara Stein* guest, director Yonatan Nir. AMC14 NOV 4, 8:30pm In Between* AMC14 NOV 5, 1:30pm Joe’s Violin* (FREE) CLOSI N G N I GH T AMC14 NOV 5, 3:00pm Fanny’s Journey* SPECI AL E VE N T AMC14 NOV 5, 5:00pm Family Commitments* SATURDAY, NOVEMB ER 1 2, AMC14 NOV 5, 7:00pm My Hero Brother* 2 01 7, 6:00PM AT THE OFJCC NOV 6, 8:30pm Moos OFJCC IN PALO ALTO OFJCC NOV 7, 6:30pm Menashe* Join us for the Closing Night screening OFJCC NOV 7, 8:30pm Norman of “Ben-Gurion, Epilogue,” with special OFJCC NOV 8, 6:30pm 1945* guests, director Yariv Mozer, and OFJCC NOV 8, 8:30pm Between Worlds David Ben-Gurion’s grandson, OFJCC NOV 9, 6:30pm Family Commitments* Alon Ben-Gurion. Discussion and OFJCC NOV 9, 8:30pm Fanny’s Journey* reception to follow. *Indicates two screenings during the Festival Marc and Paula Levitt are proud sponsors of the Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival Marc E Levitt Ph.D. CTA, creator of two award winning quantitative managed futures programs www.svquant.com ● (408) 623-6388 ● National Futures Association ID: 0311607 Not an offer for a managed futures account. Past performance not a guarantee of future performance. Community Relations OF SILICON VALLEY Council 18 w w w . j v al l e y . o r g • L i k e us o n Fa c e b o o k ( j e w i s hs i l i c o nva l l e y) • Fo l l o w us o n T wit t er (@ jewis hs v)
The 26th Annual Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival by Michelle Shabtai The 2017 Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival (SVJFF) kicks Jose on November 5 at 7pm, and in Palo Alto on November 6 at 6:30pm. Special guest, director Yonatan Nir, an award-winning filmmaker who off its 26th annual events, beginning October 21st until November 12th. A diverse range of films will be screened at the Oshman Family Jewish has been telling stories for over a decade—from epic photojournalist Community Center (OFJCC) in Palo Alto, and at the AMC Saratoga 14 reports to the critically acclaimed Dolphin Boy that screened in over one cinema in San Jose. hundred and thirty film festivals—will be at both venues for post-screening “This year is unique,” says Margalit Raviv, SVJFF’s Program Director. discussions with the audience. My Hero Brother follows a group of young “We’re screening more West Coast and Northern Californian premieres people with Down syndrome as they embark on a demanding trek through than ever before. The films we’re showing come from all over the world, the Himalayas with their siblings. They deal with physical and emotional showcasing a variety of languages, cultures and lifestyles. We hope to challenges, unresolved conflicts, as well as developing of heartwarming draw a multicultural audience.” friendships. “The special opening night gala event, on October 21 at 6:30pm Closing night takes place November 12 at 6pm in Palo Alto, and in Palo Alto, features the Northern California premiere screening of will feature a screening of Ben-Gurion, Epilogue, a documentary that Jungle, followed by a discussion and reception with special guests Yossi spotlights newly discovered 1968 interview footage of David Ben-Gurion, Ghinsberg—author, adventurer, high-tech entrepreneur, humanitarian and the primary founder of the State of Israel and the first Prime Minister of motivational speaker—who is the subject of the film, and Dana Lustig the Israel. Ben-Gurion reveals his prophecy, his dedication to Zionism and a movie’s producer,” reveals Tzvia Shelef, Executive Director of the SVJFF. life filled with self-examination. “We are thrilled to have Yariv Mozer, the “We’re super excited that Yossi will be joining us for the first weekend film director and producer, as a returning guest to the SVJFF. Alon Ben- of ‘Jungle’s’ nationwide premiere. He is a fascinating personality and a Gurion, David Ben-Gurion’s grandson, will join Mozer for a Q&A session wonderful speaker.” after the screening,” says Margalit Raviv. Jungle, directed by Greg McLean, is based on the true events Also noteworthy is Joe’s Violin, a short documentary that shows how experienced by Yossi in the Amazon jungle. His bestselling book, originally a 91-year old Holocaust Survivor’s violin donation, during an instrument titled ‘Back from Tuichi,’ sold millions of copies and has been translated drive, changes the life of a 12-year old Bronx girl. The public is invited into fifteen languages. The movie adaptation tells the story of an to a free screening at the AMC Saratoga 14, on October 31st at 4pm. On enthusiastic young adventurer (played by Daniel Radcliffe) who follows November 5th at 1:30pm, there will be another free screening at the same his dreams into the Amazon jungle with two friends and a guide with a venue, where Brianna, the 12-year old protagonist from the film, will join mysterious past. Their journey quickly turns into a terrifying ordeal as as a special guest. the darkest elements of human nature and the deadliest threats of the “This year’s festival has had more returning Patron Donors and wilderness lead to an all-out fight for survival. “It took twenty-seven years Sponsors than in previous years,” says Tzvia Shelef, “and we are excited since I arrived in Hollywood in 1990, with a manuscript in my hand and a that the SVJFF founders, Fagie Rosen and Burt Epstein, will be here with dream in my eyes,” says Yossi Ghinsberg. “Some dreams take a life-long us again this year.” It is still possible to become a Patron Donor at different time to fulfill. The journey is the destination.” The film is produced by Gary levels: visit www.svjff.org/securedonation, or call 408.498.0904 for more Hamilton, Mike Gabrawy, Dana Lustig, Todd Fellman and Greg McLean. information. To watch film trailers and purchase tickets for screenings The Centerpiece screenings of My Hero Brother, will be held in San visit: www.svjff.org w w w .jv alle y.or g • Like u s o n F ace b o o k ( j e w i sh si l i co n v a l l e y) • Fo l l o w us o n T w i t t e r ( @j e w i s hs v) 19
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