Dear Readers,

Please be sure to read all the way to the end to be sure to know all the wonderful, informative and interesting things SYVJC has planned for you.

Thank you,

The Email Team

Given the current war in Israel and political unrest there, this is an especially important speaker as the first in SYVJC’s new “Contemporary Conversations in Jewish Thought” series.

It will be held in Stacy Hall at St. Mark’s. Light refreshments will be served.

Please note: we are inviting the congregations from St. Mark’s and Bethania to join us.

We hope to see you there.

For more information on Mr. Zipperstein, please use this link

Security is being provided.

In these dire times, unity becomes our beacon of hope. Israel's leading medical emergency organizations - Magen David Adom, Sheba Tel Hashomer, Barzilai Hospital, and Rachashei Lev - have come together in a monumental collaborative effort to address the urgent needs of our brave soldiers.

Magen David Adom, Israel's national emergency medical service, has been monumental in this war, ensuring the swift transportation of over 2,000 wounded soldiers to medical centers. Barzilai Hospital, being the closest to Gaza, alongside Sheba Tel Hashomer, has become the fortress of medical treatment. These two hospitals, currently the busiest in the country, are providing care and relentless attention to the wounded.

Within this collaboration, Rachashei Lev plays a vital role. We've facilitated the deployment of much-needed ambulances and opened our facilities for IDF solders. We ensure timely access to essential medications, nourishing meals, and the heartfelt warmth and support they and need in these challenging times. Moreover, our care extends to their families, attending to their emotional and logistical needs during this crisis.

This collaborative initiative is a testament to our commitment to our soldiers. However, its success hinges on the support of individuals like you.

By contributing, you're not just supporting one organization but an integrated effort to uplift the spirits and well-being of our valiant soldiers. Let's stand united in this endeavor.

Thank you for your generosity and unwavering support.

Link: Click here

Warm Regards,

Ilan Friedman
Representing the collaborative efforts of Rachashei Lev, Magen David Adom, Sheba Tel Hashomer, and Barzilai Hospital

Membership

SYVJC current membership consists of 91 member units (families and individuals).

Please join us in warmly welcoming the following new members to our wonderful Community:

Terry Binkovitz & Jeffrey Harris

Nancy Eckhous & Alan Corlin

Elisabeth Greenwald
Myra Howard

Sharon Landecker

Judy & Stuart Light

If you have questions regarding your membership, please send an email to thesyvjc@gmail.com and we will respond.

Conscientious Contributions

Of the 91 member units, over half have sent their Conscientious Contributions since July 1 when our fiscal year began.

A HUGE “THANK YOU” TO ALL! Your conscientious contributions are what allows us to do what we do for our Community.

Miscellaneous Contributions Received

Lenore Fusano – Security Fund

Elisabeth Greenwald – Security Fund and High Holy Days Fund

Sam & Shawnda Marmorstein – In-Kind Donations for the Cooking In The Vineyard event

Rozann Newman –General Donation in honor of Neil Goodman

Michael Nicola and Gabe Bustamante – President / Rabbi Special Needs Fund

Janet Rogers – High Holy Days Fund

Here are some Comments about the Cooking in the Vineyard Fundraiser on October 15th…..

“It was lovely!” “Absolutely perfect!” “The weather was beautiful.” “The paella was delicious.” “The live jazz band, Helios, was a delightful addition to the evening.”

Here are a couple pictures from the event…..

The Cooking Demonstration was followed by Dinner

What Goes up Must Come Down!

The Sukkah Has Been Put Away for this Year

Assembled and decorated by Donna Small, Susie Pierson, Linda Gordon, Katherine Koch, Susan Tova, Ron Margolis, David & Chris Seltzer, our beautiful Sukkah was dismantled on Saturday October 7th by Ron Margolis, Jeff Harris, Terri Binkovitz, Donna Small, David & Chris Seltzer and Lenore Fusano. BIG THANX to all of “Team Sukkah” and to our gracious hosts David & Chris Seltzer.

Photos & Videos

High Holy Days 2023/5784 a Sweet Memory

Thanks to Rabbi Debi, Cantorial Soloist Phoebe Light and Cantor Judy Karin the spiritual content of this year’s High Holy Days was uplifting and meaningful. And thanks to a small army of volunteers, everything that accompanied these Days of Awe was handled efficiently.

Our flower power team was led for both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur by Susan Tova with help from Ari Weaver, Janet Rogers, Katherine Koch. SYVJC Member Rebecca August, an artist, was so inspired by the beautiful white flowers for Yom Kippur she penned a lovely thank you to the flower power team, which I forwarded to them, and she created this lovely painting and named it “Atonement and Hope”.

To get everything we needed from the storage unit in Buellton Ron Margolis hauled more than his fair share of items, such as wine, papergoods, coffee, tea, decorations and those beautiful, but very heavy Mahzors for both holidays. Without his help I doubt all those necessary items would have made it out of storage and over to St. Mark’s. Once everything was at St. Mark’s the book shlepping brigade of the Jennifer Aft and David, Eytan and Adi Kokorowoski swung into action. Other helpers for various part of the holiday included Gabriel Bustamante, Janet Rogers and Ari Weaver, Terri Binkovitz and her hubby Jeff Harris. This included set up for the Break the Fast potluck, and afterwards putting everything back into Susie Margolis Pierson’s car. I am so thankful to all these volunteers. They answered my “call” for help, and I so appreciate all their efforts.

And let’s not forget the shofar blowers Les Rose and Michael Corob. They gave It their all!

The efforts of the paid team of helpers should be noted, since without them, the 2 potlucks would not have been set up and organized as well as they were: Rosita (Rosie) Garcia and Margarita (Maggie) Leor. Our security team of Eddie Hsueh and Brian Koppenjan. Just by being there made us feel safe, (and they are learning to appreciate Jewish cooking!)

Todah Rabah and L’Shanah Tovah to All!

Shoshanah Schwartz

SYVJC Vice-President, Programming

The two links below will allow you to revisit both Neil Goodman’s Rosh Hashanah Appeal and Ron Margolis’ Kol Nidre Appeal.

Neil Goodman’s Rosh Hashanah Appeal

Ron Margolis’ Kol Nidre Appeal

Don’t Miss Out by Accidentally Unsubscribing

to SYVJC’s Email Blasts!

It happened to me, and it can happen to you, too! If suddenly, you are not receiving our email blasts, please let me know asap, and I will check into it for you.

We want everyone to know what is happening at SYVJC.

Thanks,

Shoshanah

On the Horizon……Mark Your Calendar for

Santa Ynez Valley’s Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at Bethania Lutheran Church on Wednesday, November 13th at 6 pm. This is where we can learn about each other’s traditions on this one special night. And there are tasty refreshments after the service.

SYVJC’s Hanukkah Party on Sunday December 10th. There will be latkes, dreidels, candles and more!

Watch for more details in upcoming email blasts.

October 22nd – Rescheduled Lake Cachuma Boat Tour
October 29th – Contemporary Conversations in Jewish Thought
with Steve Zipperstein
November 13th – Interfaith Thanksgiving Service – watch for more details
December 10th – Hanukkah Party – details in an upcoming newsletter

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.