VBI President's Message

Shalom everyone,
Surprise, surprise!! It’s here, I’m finally on board. Your president, me, has finally gotten his act together. After raving about getting this newsletter to you through the internet and not having my message included I have forced myself to get this one done albeit just a day or so late.

The month of October was really busy with holidays: Selichot, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot and then the conclusion of the holiday period with Simchat Torah. I saw many of you at services but wasn’t able to personally say “Happy New Year” to many because by the time I was able to get out of the choir loft you were gone. Let me extend a belated wish for a happy, healthy and prosperous new year to each and every one of you from both Mona and I and our family.

I am excited about the prospects for this new year of 5777. As I mentioned in my Yizkor appeal those 777’s are going to bring us a good year at Valley Beth Israel.

Ron

Ron Trachtenberg
VBI President





















 

BEHIND THE HEADLINES - November 2016

by SELMA ALPERT

CALIFORNIA  WIN.  Governor Brown signed an anti-BDS bill hailed by Simon Weisenthal Center as “a blow against extremists.  BDS is a cynical, hypocritical anti-peace vendetta that seeks to demonize Israel and its supporters.”  Great!

 

 

UN TWO-SIDED. 

For the first time, an Israeli was elected to fill a UN chairmanship. Israel’s Ambassador Danny Danon will chair the UN Sixth Committee which deals with terrorism, legal issues and other topics.  WJC leaders call this “an historic achievement and a significant victory.”  Also, the UN has made Yom Kippur an official holiday on the UN calendar.
 

However the UN Human Rights Council, UNESCO, and WHOHHHH (World Health Organization) continue their anti-Israel bias.  UNESCO just voted that the Western Wall is connected not to Jews but to Muslims!  They ignore history and the Bible.  WHO has blamed Israel’s occupation of territories captured in l967 for all their major healthcare shortcomings!  Those lucky Arabs get the same excellent free health care as Israelis.  The Human Rights Council has long falsely condemned Israel alone, ignoring real genocides elsewhere.   

Some 1000 supporters and 80 NGOs (non-governmental organizations) held a rally to urge the UN to treat Israel fairly.  There is always hope.  Hatikvah.

 

 

HATE  RISING.  Anti-Semitism is rising locally and worldwide.  In California, 80 of 127 reported hate crimes were against Jews in 2014.  The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee passed a unanimous resolution concerned about “the safety and security of Jewish communities in Europe.” France has the largest Jewish community, yet Jews are afraid to wear yarmulkes in public.

Pope Francis told World Jewish Congress an attack on Israel’s existence is anti-Semitism and “Israel has every right to exist in safety and prosperity.” 

TROUBLING  NEWS. Reports claim that Black Lives Matter is booting out anyone who won’t condemn Israel and call for its destruction. Progressive Jews will have to choose.  Sadly, some support Israel’s enemies already, like the BDS movement.  The hard left has joined with radical Muslims at rallies.

NEW  ADVANCES.  An Israeli company has created technology that can quickly identify cancer cells.  Another has developed artificial intelligence that will help farmers grow better crops.  Israel keeps helping the world.

Men's Club

Our Valley Beth Israel Sukkot Celebration and BBQ was a Success!

With more than 60 members and friends participating and sitting in the Sukkot, we had a great day!

A special thank you to all who helped make our BBQ in the Sukkah a giant success, especially:
Brian, Bruce, Alen, Matthew, Eliana, Judy & Miriam.

Toda raba!
Ed Kasman
Men's Club President

 

News of our Congregants

Mitzvot & Honorable Menchen

Alma Lion,  a regular guest of our Temple who loves Rabbi Mark and our synagogue, for creating the gorgeous containers with flowers for our tables in the social hall!!! 

Ed and Miriam Kasman - for once again putting together a wonderful Sukkot BBQ.  Over 60 people attended and joined in the harvest celebration.

Help Support our VETERANS

VBI Sisterhood, in connection with volunteers at the VA Hospital are collecting goods for local Veterans.  Click here to go to the Sisterhood Page for more information.

 Get Well

Well wishes have been sent to MEL SHEFTEL. 

Condolences

Condolences to Mark Kashar and family on the passing of his Mother, ANNETTE KASHAR  in Connecticut.  The family were long time members of VBI.

Torah - Fund November 2016

November 1, 2016  Bulletin

The sisterhoods that make up the backbone of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism know they need to adjust their programs and structures to impact their members   After the High Holidays it  is time for each of us as individuals, to evaluate where we need to go in the year to come.

Through the years, our Torah Fund campaign has always been successful due to the commitment and understanding of our dedicated women across the continent.   Women, like you, understand the legacy handed down to us from generation to generation, to perpetuate Conservative Judaism in the homes, synagogues and community.  

As a member of our Torah Fund team, I thank you for your understanding of the importance of the Women’s League campaign that helps these Jewish institutions.   It is through your efforts and contributions that we will reach our goals and continue the many programs which you help support.

We thank you for making Judaism come alive, now and for all generations to come.  If you haven’t sent in your pledge, please do so now

Again thank you for your support of Torah Fund.

Bobbie Cohen

Torah Fund V. P.
(818)782-2281