Real Aliyah Spring 2011

REALALIYAH discover. connect. belong.

PRAYER that speaks to your soul CHOICES: Adult Education for Everyone GIVING BACK: Community Service Opportunities HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS TORAH WRITING OPPORTUNITIES Be a part of our legacy

Spring/Summer 2011 www.templealiyah.org

RABBI RABBI PRESIDENT

STEWART L. VOGEL GARY EZRA OREN BOB EPSTEIN

REALALIYAH HAZZAN HAZZAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EDITOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR RELIGIOUS SCHOOL DIRECTOR E.C.E. DIRECTOR YOUTH DIRECTOR COMMUNITY OF CARING DIRECTOR DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR MUSIC DIRECTOR EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER VICE-PRESIDENT, ADMINISTRATION VICE-PRESIDENT, BUILDING AND LAND VICE-PRESIDENT, COMMUNITY OUTREACH VICE-PRESIDENT, EDUCATION VICE-PRESIDENT, GIFTS AND ENDOWMENTS VICE-PRESIDENT, MEMBERSHIP VICE-PRESIDENT, PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES VICE-PRESIDENT, RITUAL VICE-PRESIDENT, SPECIAL EVENTS VICE-PRESIDENT, YOUTH IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT MEN’S CLUB PRESIDENT SISTERHOOD PRESIDENT

MIKE STEIN MIMI HASELKORN DAVID BROOK LORI MARX-RUBINER DEBRA COTZIN KELLNER ANDREA SEGALL SUE SHRELL LEON JEFF BERNHARDT DEBBIE FOGELMAN MATTHEW WEINTRAUB DAVID COHEN JUDY FISCHER ALAN CARNEGIE NEIL ROSENFIELD ANNE DATER KEN KRAINMAN WENDY KLIER NADINE CHESNUT DAVID SAMUELS BARBRA NEINSTEIN JAY ROSENZWEIG JERRY APPLEBY ROZANNE BURSTEIN JEFF GLASER DOUG WOLF RICK SHUMACHER DIANA VIGIL-GITTERMAN

OUR PILLARS OF ALIYAH program provides a strong foundation, ensuring excellence across a broad array of programs and services. The generous contributions of the following individuals provides the vital support needed to be continually responsive to emerging and evolving needs, as well as positioning Temple Aliyah as a leading and dynamic innovator of quality programs.

THE PATRONS OF ALIYAH program provides underwriting for many of our must popular programs, such as Every Third Shabbat, Our Space and Scholar in Residence. These programs, and others, remain at the heart of Temple Aliyah, and would not be possible without the generosity of our donors.

PILLARS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS Cheryl Lewis and David Lewis

PATRONS OF ALIYAH Marvin and Rose Berkman Robert Boostanfar and Felicia Ota Roy Crown and Sheila Altmann Leonard and Rachel Esmond Leonard and Jan Gelfand Clifford and Leslie Gilbert-Lurie Barbara Haines Sy and Enid Ivar David and Ellie Sambol Saul and Vivian Warshaw

PILLARS OF WISDOM Norman and Debby Frank Andrew and Amy Gordon PILLARS OF MITZVOT Mark and Wendi Dyne David and Jeanie Finkelstein Gary and Cindy Michaels Howard and Jodi Tenenbaum PILLARS OF STRENGTH Anonymous (2) Stan and Sheila Kurland Robert and Jennifer Lopata Richard and Jill Rosenberg Tom and Madeleine Sherak Alan and Laura Strauss Alan and Heidi Turobiner

REALALIYAH is a free, bi-annual publication of Temple Aliyah FOR MORE INFORMATION 24/7 AT WWW.TEMPLEALIYAH.ORG AND INFO@TEMPLEALIYAH.ORG, PHONE: 818-346-3545 YOU CAN ALSO FIND US AT: 6025 VALLEY CIRCLE BOULEVARD, WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91367

new opportunities

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learning: spring courses Temple Aliyah provides a variety of lifelong learning opportunities to members, as well as the community.

Many of our courses are taught in three-session units designed to fit easily into your life and provide complete and comprehensive units of study. We also offer ongoing weekly courses for those who wish to engage more deeply in Jewish text, as well as single-session learning when busy schedules prohibit more.

ADULT B’NAI MITZVAH PREP COURSE Class continues from Fall with our clergy As students begin their final preparations to become an adult Bar or Bat Mitzvah, this required course brings years of study together. Taught by our own clergy, you will spend the year honing both your skills and your thoughts as you approach your Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony.

TORAH TROPE Thursday mornings at 11 AM – Noon; Beginning Feb 3 with Hazzan Mimi Haselkorn Thursday evenings at 7:30 – 8:45 PM; Beginning Feb 3 with Hazzan Mimi Haselkorn This “voice-on” workshop will help you master the music of the Torah. Graduates will have the skill and confidence to chant from the Torah and join the ranks of the Temple Aliyah Torah reading community. Hebrew reading skills are required. Continuing Students: Members: $18; Nonmembers: $36. New Students: Please consult us for more information.

JEWISH MUSIC: THE CHANGING NATURE OF OUR SONGS AND MELODIES Wednesday evenings at 7:30 – 8:45 PM; Mar 23, 30, Apr 6 with Hazzan Mike Stein (Agoura Hills) From Solomon Rossi to Leonard Bernstein, Jews have forever embraced an evolution of musical styles to deepen our connection to prayer, using modern music to enhance our liturgy.

Together we will explore the influences of genres such as Jazz, Bluegrass, and Rock & Roll, as well as musical heritages from Africa, Latin America and Gospel melodies – and how they help us create new Jewish traditions. Members: $18. Non-members: $36.

TORAH GREATEST HITS: THE 10 COMMANDMENTS & OTHER MOMENTS OF REVELATION Monday evenings at 7:30 – 8:45 PM; Feb 28, Mar 14, Mar 21 with Rabbi Stewart Vogel Our exploration of the Torah expands to look at the meaning of our standing at Sinai and receiving the Ten Commandments, as well as other moments of Revelation in the text.

Members: $18. Nonmembers: $36.

PILGRIMAGE – THE MAJOR FESTIVALS Thursday mornings at 9:15 – 10:30 AM; May 5, 12, 19 with Rabbi Vogel Dating back to Biblical times, the holidays of Sukkot, Passover and Shavuot serve as the foundation of our connection as a community. Discover their history, as well as their place and role in Jewish living today. Members: $18. Non-members: $36.

THE HISTORY OF THE MESSIAHS Thursday evenings at 7:30 – 8:45 PM; May 19, 26, Jun 2 with Rabbi Oren Explore “Messiah” in Jewish thought, as well as a number of the Messiahs who have appeared throughout our history. Members: $18. Non-members: $36.

RETURN: THE PATH OF ZIONISM AND MODERN ISRAEL Monday mornings, at 9:30 – 11:00 AM; May 9, 16, 23 with Rabbi JB Sacks We marvel at the successes and challenges faced by the modern State of Israel, and as Jews we have a deep and abiding connection to the land and its history. This course will provide a history of modern Zionism, helping us understand both the establishment of Israel and the enduring influences of being a Jewish homeland. Members: $18. Non-members: $36.

AT THE HEART OF THE MATTER – THE SHEMA & AMIDAH Monday mornings at 9:45 – 11:00 AM, Mar 7, 14, 21 with Rabbi Gary Oren Barnes & Noble/The Commons at Calabasas These watchwords of the Jewish people serve as the heart of our prayer service. Explore the themes, structure, meaning and choreography of these core prayers. Members: $18.

Non-members: $36.

Fulfills B'nai Mitzvah requirements

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Fulfills B'nai Torah requirements

learning: every week LUNCH & LEARN each Thursday from Noon – 1:30 PM with Rabbi Stewart Vogel Join us as we explore our parshat hashavuah (weekly Torah portion) together.

Bring a dairy lunch. No Hebrew required.

TALMUD - SHOULD ADULTS PLAY FAIR??? each Friday morning from 9:30 – 11:00 AM with Rabbi Gary Oren Together we will explore Baba Metzia…the section of the Talmud that focuses on what the Torah says about how we conduct our business. Topics range from how we should deal with lost-and-found objects, assisting in loading and unloading animals, what it means to take advantage of others in business (interest vs. usury), permitting a field worker to eat while working, the four types of shomerim (guards), the obligation to pay wages on time, and many others.

ALL OF OUR ON-GOING TEXT LEARNING IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY. WE INVITE YOU TO TRY SOMETHING NEW!

learning: every month TORAH ON TAP The Rack at Westfield Promenade Monday evenings at 6:30 PM – Feb 28, Mar 28, May 23 Meet Rabbi Oren at The Rack to unwind with a drink, some pool, and lively conversation with friends! No fee or RSVP required.

ISRAELI DANCING Third Thursday of the month at 7:30-9:00 PM; Feb 17, Mar 17, May 19 Let’s dance! Join us every month for this exciting Israeli Dance class with Janie Bernard, a 20+ year veteran dance instructor and choreographer. Janie will teach and lead your favorite traditional “oldies” as well as the coolest new dances from Israel. No experience required! $8/session

learning: special programs BOOK CLUB Temple Aliyah’s Book Club is facilitated by attorney, columnist, author and Temple Aliyah member Wendy Jaffe.

Book Club is open to both synagogue members and the community at no charge.

• Monday, February 7 at 9:30 AM – “Bending Toward the Sun ” by Leslie GilbertLurie and Rita Lurie. Join us for a special session with the authors!

• Monday, April 4 at 9:30 AM – “The Man in the White Sharkskin Suit: A Jewish Family’s Exodus from Old Cairo to the New World” by Lucette Matalon Lagnado • Monday, June 6 at 9:30 AM – “Who By Fire ” by Diana Spechler

PLEASE USE THE FORM ON THE BACK COVER TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT RABBI OREN’S ASSISTANT TRINA SMALLEY AT 818.346.3545 X. 143 OR TSMALLEY@TEMPLEALIYAH.ORG. PLEASE SIGN UP EARLY TO ENSURE YOUR PLACE. ALL CLASSES REQUIRE MINIMUM REGISTRATION.

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for young families

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special events

OUR TORAH: YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW Join us for these and other opportunities to learn about and participate in the creation of our community Torah!

KABBALAH, HEALTH & HEBREW LETTERS Monday, Mar 14 from 12:30pm-1:30pm Jewish mystical tradition draws a connection between the wholeness of our physical and spiritual well-being. In fact, the mystical teacher, the Ba’al Shem Tov, taught that the very letters of the Hebrew alphabet can tell us more about who and what we are. Our Sofer, Rabbi Druin, will help us find the meaning of our ancient mystical traditions and its connection to our own well-being today.

THE SECRETS OF THE SH’MA Thursday, May 5 from 12:30pm-1:30pm The watchword of our faith, the sh’ma has held deep meaning for us across generations. Join us to uncover the personal messages and hidden meanings that this ancient prayer holds for you. The answers we will discover may surprise you! Our sofer, Rabbi Druin, will lead us for this special Lunch and Learn.

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giving

SOVA Sun, Mar 13 1:00-3:00 PM

THINKING OF YOU Sun, Feb 27 10:00 AM-Noon/2:00 – 4:00 PM Together we will prepare “Thinking of You” bags to be distributed to our members when they are need of support from our community.

WALK TO END GENOCIDE Sun, Apr 10 at 8:00 AM As we face the eighth year of the brutal conflict in Congo, together we will raise awareness, support and hope for the survivors of this and other conflicts around the world. Together we can make a difference! Do not stand idly by!

Join us at the SOVA Food Pantry as we help prepare/organize food bags for families in our community who will are struggling to make ends meet.

COLLECTIONS May Bring your used blankets and towels, as well as new and gently used pet supplies and pet food, to be delivered to some very special fourlegged friends!

HEAL THE BAY Sun, Jun 5 10:00 AM - Noon Together with friends from Valley Beth Shalom, meet us at the beach for a morning of beach clean-up. You’re welcome to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the fruits of our labors when we’re done!

Great for all ages!

BIRTHDAY PARTY! Sun, Aug 7 2:00 – 4:00 PM It’s time to celebrate! Meet us at LA Family Housing as we honor summer birthdays with the residents in LAFH’s transitional housing facility.

Temple Aliyah’s Community of Caring reaches out to those who are ill, bereaved or facing challenging times, as well as those celebrating special times in their lives. If you could benefit from the support of our Community of Caring, or if you would like to get involved, please let us know!!!

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FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS AND THE COMMUNITY OF CARING, PLEASE CONTACT US AT 818.346.3545 OR JLEEDS@TEMPLEALIYAH.ORG.

holidays

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spirit DAILY MINYAN Monday – Thursday evenings at 7:00 pm; Sunday mornings at 9:00 am Meet us in the Kurland Family Chapel to explore how daily prayer can enhance your connection to God and community. Our daily service is open to all community and your participation helps ensure that others can say kaddish for a loved one.

FAMILY SHABBAT with Rabbi Vogel, Rabbi Oren and Hazzan Stein; every 1st Friday evening of the month at 7:30 pm A beautiful way for you to welcome Shabbat as a family, this service is filled with prayers and music designed to engage both children and adults. It is followed by our delicious oneg and Israeli dancing.

FAMILY FUSION with Rabbi Vogel and Hazzan Stein; every 2nd Friday evening, October thru May, at 6:00 pm A service where parents can pray and kids can be kids! Join us with your own dairy picnic, followed by a brief and engaging version of our Shabbat Fusion service. Young families are welcome, kids can wander, and parents have a “grown up” opportunity to welcome Shabbat.

SHABBAT FUSION with Rabbi Gary Oren and Hazzan Mimi; every 2nd Friday evening of the month at 6:45 pm This original Kabbalat Shabbat Service opens our hearts and lifts our souls as together we welcome the peace of Shabbat through inspirational prayer and song.

EVERY THIRD SHABBAT with Rabbi Vogel and Hazzan Stein; held the 3rd Friday evening of the month at 8:15 pm Energize your Shabbat! Whether it is Rock ‘n’ Roll, Jazz, Bluegrass or African-inspired, open your hearts to a new kind of Shabbat experience.

February 18 • African Shabbat March 18 • Bluegrass Shabbat April 15 • A Tribute to Debbie Freidman May 20 • Jazz Shabbat June 17 • Rock ‘n’ Roll Shabbat KLEZMER & CHOIR SHABBAT with Rabbi Vogel, Hazzan Stein and Hazzan Mimi; every 4th Friday evening of the month at 8:15 pm Celebrate with our very own Temple Aliyah Klezmer Band & Adult Choir. This invigorating service will keep you humming and have your feet tapping.

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spirit

NESHAMAH – THE MINYAN THAT WILL TOUCH YOUR SOUL Casual. Intimate. Alternative. with Rabbi Oren, Hazzan Mimi and Rabbi JB Sacks Saturday mornings at 9:45 am Mar 5 • Apr 2 • Apr 30 • Jun 4 Together we will share the beauty of Shabbat, the inspiration of God, the connection of community and the joy of voices that join together in song and celebration.

SACRED SPACE: PROMOTING HEALING, STRENGTH AND WHOLENESS Saturday mornings at 11 AM – Noon Feb 19 • Mar 19 • Apr 16 • May 21 • Jun 18 For anyone in search of healing – mind, body or spirit. This intimate service will provide solace, wholeness, comfort and well-being through music, silent reflection and Jewish ritual.

KIDDUSH LUNCH every Saturday afternoon at noon However you choose to celebrate Shabbat with us, every Saturday afternoon our entire community comes together for a great chance to enjoy family and friends, as well as a complimentary luncheon. We invite you to stay for the Rebbe’s Tish, enhancing your Shabbat experience with song and informal learning. All of our services are coordinated so that each ends in time for you to participate. We hope you’ll stay to celebrate with us!

SEUDAH SH’LEESHEET Mar 5 at 5 PM • Apr 2 at 6 PM • May 7 at 6:30 PM • Jun 4 at 7 PM This special monthly program includes mincha-ma’ariv (afternoon and evening prayers), a light, complimentary dinner, singing, speakers and havdalah under the stars (weather permitting) to say goodbye to Shabbat.

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DISCOVER. CONNECT. BELONG.

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For more information, please contact Rabbi Oren’s office at 818.346.3545 x.143 or rabbioren@templealiyah.org