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Rabbi's Message

Join us on August the 27th at 6:00pm for food, conversation and Havdalah

Dear Santa Ynez Valley Jewish Community,

As some of you may know I have just returned from a few weeks in Vermont for a Language Ulpan where we spoke, read and heard only the language we were studying which in my case was Hebrew. You may be wondering; how can she be a Rabbi and not already know Hebrew? It is a good question which I will answer by saying that for my seminary education we spent most of our time studying the Hebrew of our ancestors which was read from our sacred books. It would be the equivalent of speaking Shakespearian English in a modern world. Odd to say at the least, many “thee’s and thou’s”.

As for Vermont, it was a beautiful, educational and at times, frustrating experience. Trying to have a meaningful conversation in Hebrew when it is a relatively new language is a challenge. There were multiple games of charades going on everywhere you looked.

I am looking forward to getting together with you all on the 27th to find out how you are and catch up. We will enjoy some food together, always a big hit – connect and at sundown we will usher Shabbat out with a lovely ritual called Havdalah.

It also happens to be Rosh Chodesh. Rosh Chodesh is the “head of the month” and the new month we will be celebrating is the month of Elul. We will also talk about this a bit as it is the month that marks the beginning of the High Holiday season. We will blow the Shofar for the first time this year as well and I need a volunteer shofar blower or two, or many. If you can blow the shofar and are willing to help, let me know.
 
It is hard to believe we are already here and yet, here we are - together. Just the way I like it.

I look forward to seeing you all there,
 
Rabbi Debi Lewis
 

What is Havdalah?


Havdalah is a Jewish ceremony marking the end of Shabbat. It is performed when the first  three stars appear in the sky.  One goal of the Havdalah ceremony is to bring some of the peace we find on Shabbat into our normal week.  Since Havdalah often happens in a circle of friends and/or family, it is an opportunity for togetherness and sharing.
 

Why do we [as Jews] participate in Havdalah?


Havdalah serves as an opportunity to identify feelings of holiness and peace. It’s a chance to say thank you, to look forward to the new week and to reflect on the week that just passed.  Since the tradition also invites us to say blessings, it’s also a place to sing, celebrate and enjoy.
 

How to RSVP


To RSVP for this special Havdalah evening with Rabbi Debi, by August 25th, please let Shoshanah Schwartz  (susanmori2@aol.com) know what you would like to bring to the potluck and the names of everyone in your party. If you just hit “reply” to this email, it will go to someone else.

Once you have sent in your RSVP, you will receive the address where this event will happen.  Remember, for your safety and that of everyone else’s, it is important that you do NOT share the address with anyone who will not be attending. And we need RSVPs so our host can set up enough tables and chairs. Also, if you have submitted your vax info thru one booster, you’re all set with that. If you have not done this, please include that with your RSVP.

It has been a while since we got together for a potluck, shmoozing and a service. We look forward to seeing you again.

 
 

 

CNN SPECIAL REPORT RISING HATE: ANTISEMITISM IN AMERICA

August 15th, 2022

Reported by CNN’s Dana Bash, Airs Sunday, August 21st at 9pmET

Antisemitism is finding new and terrifying footing in American society. Though it has always existed, this ancient hatred has grown in recent years, moving from fringe groups and obscure chatrooms to the mainstream, both online and on the streets of communities across the country. With white nationalists radicalized online perpetrating deadly shootings, and insidious conspiracy theories and tropes normalized by political leaders, CNN Anchor and Chief Political Correspondent Dana Bash takes an in depth look for a CNN Special Report Rising Hate: Antisemitism in America.

In this timely and unique hour, Bash visits Jewish communities still reeling from recent violence, including Poway, California, where CNN cameras were the first allowed inside since the deadly attack in 2019, and the Temple in Colleyville, Texas, where an extremist antisemite took congregants hostage earlier this year. Bash also gets a first look at a command center dedicated to tracking threats against Jews by monitoring the deepest corners of the dark web. In interviews with everyone from victims of hate, to a former Skinhead, to scholars and experts, this report digs deep into the complex reasons for growing antisemitism in the U.S. and, most importantly, explores ways to help curb it.

CNN Special Report Rising Hate: Antisemitism in America will stream live for pay TV subscribers via CNN.com and CNN OTT and mobile apps under “TV Channels,” or CNNgo where available. The doc will also be available On Demand beginning Monday, Aug 22, to pay TV subscribers via CNN.com, CNN apps, and Cable Operator Platforms.

Press Contact: Dylan.Rose.Geerlings@warnermedia.com
 

Mazel Tov to….

Longtime SYVJC members, Sam and Shawnda Marmorstein, whose Los Olivos Wine Merchant and Café has been honored for its outstanding wine program in Wine Spectator’s 2022 Restaurant Awards, which celebrate the world’s best restaurants for wine.

In an interview with the Santa Ynez Valley Star Sam and Shawnda said they were elated to have once again won this prestigious award.  “We are honored to be awarded the esteemed two glass award another year. It feels great to be recognized for all the hard work that goes into creating such an extensive wine list. We look forward to pouring more local wines, along with wines from around the world in hopes that they become new favorites for our customers in the years to come.”
 

Todah Rabah for….

The support SYVJC members and friends gave to St. Mark’s at the August 10th rehanging of their Gay Pride flag. There were many SYVJCers in the large audience that gathered for the event.

 

Memberships - Conscientious Contributions


New Members:

Cheri Owen & Jenni Sorkin 

Renewals:

Alan Hersh & Katherine Koch

Bob & Laura Hill

Paul & Melissa Kanarek

Susie Pierson

Shirley Scales

Susan Silverberg

Susan Tova & Lawrence Clevenson

Ariadne Weaver

We now have 64 family and individual memberships.
 

President / Rabbi Special Needs Fund

Janet Rogers 

General Fund Donation

Bob & Jackie Laskoff

Jewish Free Loan

Jewish Free Loan has recently expanded its service area to include Santa Barbara County, offering 0%, interest, no fee personal/emergency loans to those who need assistance. Loans can be used for rent, moving expenses, medical or dental bills, car repair, childcare, debt consolidation and more. Applicants must have a steady income. Loans for up to $15,000 are available with guarantors. Visit jfla.org/santa-barbara to learn more and apply or call 323-761-8830. 

Mark Your Calendar

 
 
 
  • August 27th - 6 pm - Havadalah Service
The Santa Ynez Valley Jewish Community offers Adult Education and other Jewish activities for all in our community. If you require financial assistance to participate in any of these non-fundraising activities, we welcome you to contact our board President,  Susie Pierson. 






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SYVJC · PO Box 135 · Los Olivos, CA 93441-0135 · USA