On May 20^th at 6 pm we will gather to celebrate Shavuot and hold a Havdalah Service

We invite you to join us for these services and a potluck supper.

The location will be given upon receipt of your RSVP, 

which is due by May 17^th to Shoshanah; please do not share this information with anyone not planning to attend. 

Your RSVP should include the following:

The full names of everyone in your group

What you would like to bring to the potluck

 – please note: dairy dishes are traditional for Shavuot.

Also, please label your dish “gluten free” if it is, so those 

who cannot eat gluten will know if is safe to eat. Labelling of common allergens, such as peanuts, avocado, dairy, tree nuts etc. is helpful also.

And, of course, no pork or shellfish, please.

We hope to see you there!

“Bel Canto by Candlelight – Where Opera Meets Bluegrass”

Dear SYVJC Community,

“Bel Canto by Candlelight” on June 11^th is sold out, and a waiting list has been established.  Although ticket revenues contribute significantly to the success of our event, our silent auction at “Bel Canto” is equally a major source of revenue. 

Our board members have been working diligently soliciting auction items, but we need your help.

Items that would be of interest, would include gift certificates to restaurants, library wines, artwork, time shares or vacation rentals, jewelry, catered meals, horseback riding lessons, amongst others. Also, you need not attend the event to contribute. If you are uncertain about your idea, please get in contact with our president, Susie Pierson (spierson@syvjc.org).  Donation forms can be accessed thru the button below.

With the recent wave of antisemitism, our costs have escalated considerably, as each event requires security. 

Your help is critical, as “Bel Canto” secures our financial stability and allows us to continue with our policy of conscientious contributions, where all are welcome to join us in both fellowship and worship.  

Whatever support you can give us in this regard would be valued and appreciated. 

Gratefully,

The Santa Ynez Valley Jewish Community Board

A Thank You from Esther Jacobsen Bates

Dear Susie and SYV Jewish Community board and members,

The “Passage to Sweden” film event was a wonderful success! Thank you for embracing the concept when it was first proposed, providing financial support, and showing up en masse to help with food, set up and clean up. It is amazing to see what can be accomplished when working together.

With appreciation,
Esther

ESTHER JACOBSEN BATES / esther@elverhoj.org
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ELVERHØJ MUSEUM OF HISTORY & ART
1624 ELVERHOY WAY
SOLVANG, CA 93463
PHONE 805.686.1211 / www.elverhoj.org

Passage to Sweden:  April 30^th @ Bethania Church

More than one hundred people attended the film screening of “Passage to Sweden”.   More than twenty members of the SYVJC also were present. 

 At the question and answer session with the director afterwards several attendees spoke of their own experience during the war, which was both powerful and relevant. 

Perhaps the subtext for myself in viewing the film, was not only how so many 

Scandinavian citizens acted with courage and decency, but also whether we would have had the same courage and compassion.  Are we equally empathetic, and what our history as Jews means to our present refugee crisis.

There are more questions than answers, yet it is important to have the past present, as the film is equally relevant for then and now. 

Neil Goodman

“The 60-minute film shines a light on the mostly unheralded story of how thousands were spared from the Holocaust by being smuggled into Sweden. Focusing on World War II in the Scandinavian countries, Passage to Sweden illustrates how ordinary citizens worked to save the lives of their Jewish countrymen when the Nazis closed in. Supported by excellent archival footage, this inspiring film shows that even in the most extreme circumstances a single person can make a difference.”

Directed by Suzannah Warlick 

Membership

SYVJC current membership consists of 81 member units (families and individuals). 

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

Please join us in welcoming the following new members to SYVJC:

   Melissa Bates
   Shelly Hill

Donation to Bel Canto

   Linda Gordon – Donation toward cost of Musicians
   Rozann Newman – General Donation for Bel Canto

• May 20^th Shavuot Celebration and Havdalah Service
• June 11^th Bel Canto by Candlelight
• June 24^th Pride Parade in Solvang
• June 25^th Annual Meeting – includes lunch

Jewish Free Loan