Monthly Newsletter

September, 2018                                              2605 Traffic Way, Atascadero, CA
805-466-0329                                                          congregationcot@gmail.com ​​​​​

Rabbi's Message
 
It was said that Reb Simcha Bunem carried two slips of paper, one in each pocket. On one he wrote: “for my sake the world was created.” On the other he wrote: “I am but dust and ashes.” He would take out each slip of paper as necessary, as a reminder to himself. 
Many people are fine with the idea that the world was created for their sake and they carry themselves with a sense of entitlement. If you think that most of the time you’re right and the world around you is getting it wrong, then perhaps it’s time to spend a little more time in the “dust and ashes” pocket. 
“Dust and ashes” helps put our life and our ego in perspective as “I am but dust and ashes" is a call to an awareness of our smallness in the cosmic scheme of things. Once we understand that we have a far greater share than any one person might reasonably expect, it’s amazing how generosity and abundance can open up in our hearts and in our lives. To know that we are of this earth, and that we will one day return to this earth, is a real spiritual achievement. It’s a reminder that it is a great gift to just to be alive each day.
But taken to the extreme, this mindset can lead to not taking care of our own needs, constantly putting ourselves down, feeling worthless and small. If that is your tendency, then your challenge is to dive into the pocket of “for my sake the world was created.” It is a reminder that as b'nei Adam, children of the first human, our inheritance is all the blessings of Creation. 
Experiencing both ‘pockets’ at the same time is the best situation –knowing the radical humility of “dust and ashes,” and the acceptance and love of self of “the world was created for my sake.” We can spend these holy days trying to cultivate both of these qualities within ourselves. May each of us find the balance that will allow us to walk through this world gently but powerfully contributing to a world of wholeness, and peace.      “Shanah tovah um’tukah”
“May you have a good and sweet new year.” 

September   Calendar 
​​​​​​​
9/1    7:00p  Selichot Service
9/7    5:30p  Tot Shabbat
         6:30p  Family Services
                    Rabbi Janice
9/9    7:30p  Erev Rosh
                    Hashanah
9/10  9:30a  Rosh Hashanah
         1:30p  Tashlich
9/11  7:00p  Board Meeting
9/14  7:30p  Shabbat of Return
                    Creative Service
                    Joan B. et al
9/16  9:30a  Torah School
                    Begins
9/18  7:30p  Erev Yom Kippur
                    Kol Nidre
9/19 10:00a Yom Kippur 
                    Morning Service
         3:30p  Evening Service
9/21  7:30p  Shabbat Services
                    Larry Caris
9/23  9:30a  Torah School
         5:30p  Sukkot Celebration
9/25  7:00p  Havurah
                    Naomi Blakely
                    Men's Club
                    Larry Caris
9/28  7:30p  Shabbat Services
                    Larry Caris
9/30  9:30a  Torah School

This evening:

Virtual Bulletin Board

**********The Memorial Book is now being prepared!********** 

If you wish names placed in the book, please get them in as soon as possible so that the book can be completed in time for the Yom Kippur.  The deadline is September 10th, Rosh Hashanah Day.   Please click on this link to download the form

Social Action

Donating  Food To Food Bank Coalition
 
Please donate items that are low sodium, low sugar, and whole grain to provide well-balanced and nutritious items to those who do not have enough to eat.
 
Food donation accepted at COT from
September 9-October 5

Fruits & Vegetables Group
•    Canned fruit & vegetables
•    Dried fruit & vegetables
 
Grain Group
•    Oatmeal
•    Whole grain crackers
•    Low sugar/high fiber cereals
•    Whole grain pasta & rice
 
Protein Group
•    Canned tuna, salmon or chicken
•    Soups low in sodium
•   Dried and canned beans and peas
•   Peanut Butter

Upcoming COT Events 

Community Events

SLO County Human Trafficking Summit: Keeping Kids Safe from Predators 
September 15,   8:30 am -2 pm, Morro Bay Community Center
Sponsored by Morro Bay Rotary and St. Timothy's Women's Guild 

For more information on speakers and program and to purchase tickets:

Kvelling Corner

Please send your proud moments to Sam Mogull to be featured in the Kvelling Corner!  

Mazel tov to Alhadeff family 
Noah Elliot Alhadeff born 8/15/18
8 lbs 6 oz

Yahrzeits

9/1
Dora Scherer- Grandmother of Michelle Scherer Robles and Dawn Scherer Daner
9/2
Kermit Russell- Father of Fred Russell
9/4
Louis Gersh- Grandfather of Steve Gersh
Sandra "Kandy" Mandel- Sister of Jayne Sacks
Sheila Taylor- of blessed memory
9/6
Melvin Harold Pollack- Father of Rabbi Janice Mehring
9/7
Harry Weisberg- Brother of Herman Weisberg
9/9
Steve Trevor- Uncle of Linda Prior
9/11
Toba Hirschfield- Mother of Hilary Steiniger
Carola Vivian Cohn- Mother of Nancy Cohn

9/12
Calena Block- Aunt of Linda Prior
9/17
Wendell Ray Whitlock- Husband of Phyllis Whitlock
Jean Hart- of blessed memory
9/19
Sharon Wittkoph- Mother of Justin Gish, MIL of Summer Gish
9/21
Everett Ernest Blakely- Father of David Blakely, FIL of Naomi Blakely
9/22
Sam Simon- Father of Sandy Kawano
Janet Phibbs- Mother of Jason Kirschenstein
9/23
Brenda Weingarten- Mother of Michael Weingarten

9/1    Dawn Scherer Daner
         Ellen Weingarten
9/4    Luana Alhadeff
         Nachshon Margalit
9/5    Aria Freitas
9/8    Barbara Solish
9/13  Linda Becker

9/16  Monique Becker
9/20  Morgane Sofia Fiorentini
         Philip Ramsdell
9/23  David Robles
9/24  Jean Lowe
9/26  Robert Schechter

9/16 Patricia & Robert Schechter

9/29  Kathleen & Jason Kirschenstein
            

Support COT with your Amazon purchases! 

Tzedakah - Thank you for your generosity

Jean Lowe
In Memory of Larry Hirsch
In Honor of the New Board
In Honor of Leslie Moss for all she does
General Fund Donation

Arlene McDonald
In Loving Memory of my Mom

Susan & Michael Aroner
In Memory of Jo Roth, Michael's Aunt

Susan & Michael Aroner
In Memory of Randall Day Susan's Brother

Lorraine Friedman
In Memory of Julian Friedman
​​​​​​​

August, 2018                                              2605 Traffic Way, Atascadero, CA
805-466-0329                                                          congregationcot@gmail.com ​​​​​

Rabbi's Message

The month of Elul is nearly upon us (beginning at  sundown on August 11).  This will begin the preprogrammed time of introspection to prepare us for holiest, most awesome days of the year.  We can prepare ourselves for these holy days in many ways – study, introspection, journaling, discussion, restitution for past mistakes, and prayer -  all of which are steps the rabbis mapped out to help us reach our goal of readiness.  
 
Rabbi Shefa Gold calls this the time to “face the music” of our own lives.  It’s the time to listen to our own tone, quality and rhythm. Is there dissonance between our intentions and our deeds?  Harmony between our thoughts and our speech?      Throughout the year, we often get stuck in a rut playing the same songs in habitual patterns whether they are harmonious and beautiful or not.   The High Holy Days give us the chance to reset and rewrite our song for the year ahead.  
Whether you use  journaling or prayer or meditation or music as the vehicle, I hope the month of Elul brings insight and inspiration to sing a new song in the year 5779.  

August   Calendar 
​​​​​​​
8/3    5:30p   Tot Shabbat
         6:30p   Family Services
                     Rabbi Janice
8/8    7:00p   New Machzor
                     Sin & Forgiveness
                     in the 21st Century
8/10  7:30p   Shabbat Services
                     Rabbi Janice
8/11  3:00p   Skyler Wemple's
                     Bat Mitzvah
8/14  7:00p   Board Meeting
8/17  7:00p   Shabbat Services
                     Larry Caris
8/24  7:30p   Shabbat Services
                     Rick & Leslie Moss
8/28  7:00p   Havurah
                     Bonnie Weiss
                     Men's Club
                     Bill Alexander
8/29  7:00p   New Machzor
                     Wrestling with
                     Unetaneh Tokef
8/31  7:30p  Shabbat Services
                     Rabbi Janice

Board Highlights
·      

• The financials from the past year show us to be in good shape.  They are available for perusal upon request!
• We are still hoping that 3 additional COT members sign up for the Israel trip next March, to achieve a price reduction.
• Look for information regarding the recently concluded survey after the High Holidays.  
• Board members will be contacting general membership, to serve on committees based on information they have provided.
• Nachshon and Colleen Margalit are donating a swing set to match the gaga pit and Sukkah!
• Purchased Julian Friedman art is available for pick up.  Thanks to Lorraine Friedman for her generous donation, as well as to the Steinigers for their donation of a painter for the Bimah.
• New High Holidays machzor information workshops through August.  See newsletter for dates.  Please rsvp.
• A variety of upcoming events to look for: a 4 part seminar on Israel, from its beginnings to present day; a self defense workshop for women; Apples and Honey Festival

Virtual Bulletin Board

**********The Memorial Book is now being prepared!********** 

If you wish names placed in the book, please get them in as soon as possible so that the book can be completed in time for the Yom Kippur.  The deadline is September 10th, Rosh Hashanah Day.   Please click on this link to download the form

Rabbi Janice to present about our local
Jewish Burial Society (Hevra Kadisha)   
Thursday, August 9, 5-6pm

Temple Ner Shalom, Klein Room, 875 Laureate Lane, SLO

Rabbi Janice Mehring and Binah Polay will be giving a presentation about the Central Coast Community Hevra Kadisha. 
You will gain an understanding about Jewish burial, the role of the Hevra Kadisha, and what services our community Hevra Kadisha provides to the Jewish community here. 

Upcoming COT Events 

Kvelling Corner

Please send your proud moments to Sam Mogull to be featured in the Kvelling Corner!  

WELCOME JACOB DANIEL
7/16/18
4:50 pm
8lbs. 4oz
21” long
Mindy Proffitt delivered at Sierra Vista.  Mother and baby have been doing great!

COT Community

Joan Bloomfield arranged for an enjoyable afternoon that included lunch, a tour, and wine tasting with a knowledgeable guide, Reese, at Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard.

Yahrzeits

8/1
Jacob Segal- Grandfather of Elisabeth Madding
Samuel Colman- Father of Frances Mayer
8/4
David Solish- Uncle of Alfred Solish
8/5
Margaret Pasternak- Friend of Linda Prior
8/6
Ethel Moss- Mother of Rick Moss
8/7
Ruth Schechter- Mother of Robert Schechter
Norman Solish- Uncle of Alfred Solish
8/8
Mel Albaum- Brother of Barbara Kurtzman
Sherman Forrester- Grandfather of Leslie Moss
8/10
Julian Friedman- Husband of Lorraine Friedman
Doris Zucker- Grandmother of Jeff Zucker
8/11
Albert Osran- Father of Hadley Osran
​​​​​​​Benjamin Parvey, MD- Grandfather of Alfred Solish
8/13
Irene Bloomfield- Mother of Joan Bloomfield
Jack Block- Uncle of Linda Prior

8/15
Betty Ayeroff- of blessed memory
8/16
Greta Steiniger- Mother of John Steiniger
Andrew Weisz- Father of Donna Weisz Jones
Dorothy Young- Sister-in-Law of Sharon George
8/18  
Louis Finkel- Father of Linda Prior
Arthur Parvey- Uncle of Alfred Solish
8/21
Sylvia Gefter- Grandmother of Elisabeth Madding
Marvin Zucker- Father of Jeff Zucker
8/22
Randall A. Day- Brother of Susan Aroner
Leonard Goldman- Uncle of Judith Baron
8/24
Herman W. Kurtzman- Father of Chip Kurtzman
Sidney Gibberman- Uncle of Jackie Zucker
8/26
Bessie Finkelstein- Grandmother of Jackie Zucker
Kalman Krause- of blessed memory
8/27
Emmanuel Charles Hartman- Uncle of Jackie Zucker

8/2    Cheryl Shelub
8/3    Colleen Margalit
8/5    Ken Siegel
8/6    Bonnie Weiss
8/7    Regene Craig
         Bernie Weiss
8/12  Joanna Wemple
8/13  Naomi Blakely
8/16  Hadley Osran

         Phyllis Whitlock
8/18  Sharon George
8/20  Noah Levine
         Jeff Zucker
8/22  Les Cristal
8/27  Adam Levine
         Jessica Main
         Summer Gish
8/29  Howard Drucker
                    

8/2   Michelle Scherer & David Robles
8/5   Melissa & Douglas Trinidad
8/9   Nachshon & Colleen Margalit

8/11    Phyllis & Larry Caris
8/27    Hilary & John Steiniger
            

Support COT with your Amazon purchases! 

Tzedakah - Thank you for your generosity
Please note that the Treasurer was out of office through May.  Any donations not listed will be included in the July newsletter. 

Mark and Robin Cohen
Havurah Fund
In gratitude for COT support while recovering.

Sharon George
In memory of Larry Hirsch
In honor of the COT graduates

Bonnie and Bernie Weiss
In honor of Fred Russell's 80th
Congratulations to Susan & Michael Aroner on the birth of their grandson
In memory of Larry Hirsch

Arlene McDonald
In memory of her sister's Yahrzeit

Susan & Michael Aroner
In honor of Bonnie & Bernie's 55th Anniversary

Larry & Phyllis Caris
In memory of Mary Kirschenstein

Rick & Leslie Moss
In honor of Rabbi Janice
In memory of Frances Forrester
In memory of Sherman Forrester
In memory of Sandy Levine
In memory of Ethel Moss
In Memory of Rose Moss
Thinking of Natalie & Rud Stone

Hilary & John Steiniger
Yahrzeit

Doreen Jacobs
In memory of Eva Brown
​​​​​​​

This Monthly Newsletter contains A LOT of information.  Please be sure to scroll down for Yahrzeits, Birthdays, and Anniversaries as well as board highlights and Temple Donations.

July, 2018                                                    2605 Traffic Way, Atascadero, CA
805-466-0329                                                          congregationcot@gmail.com ​​​​​

Rabbi's Message

In the middle of the desert, the Israelites discover a well ( be’er  in Hebrew).  At the discovery of this unexpected source of sustenance and hope, they burst into song. “Spring up, O well, sing to it!” [Numbers 21:17]. 
The Hasidic master, the Sefat Emet, quotes from the book of Proverbs 5:15: “Drink water from your cistern (bor) and flowing water from your well (be’er). And he asks, “What is the difference between a cistern (bor) and a well (be'er) ? 
The difference in Hebrew is just one letter – the letter aleph. For the Sefat Emet, that aleph signifies the Source of all Life. The cistern just contains gathered water; its contents are limited by the size of the vessel that contains them. But add an aleph to the word bor, and the cistern is transformed into a living well, joined directly to the source of an ever-flowing spring.” 

This can be a powerful metaphor for learning.  Add an aleph to our study of Torah, and we can be transformed.  We can move our Torah learning from academic exercises and/or debates taken out of context to deep waters of study that connect and sustain us all.  When we study Torah, in all its fullness and complexity, it gives creativity and meaning to our lives. It connects us to beauty of the world around us but it also opens our eyes to the cruelty of the world around us. When we read the Torah, it demands that we ask ourselves, “What does the Torah have to say to me about this world of mine? And what does Torah ask of me today?” 
   
I share this excerpt of a prayer by Rabbi Rachel Bearman, a prayer for those who strive to be what the Torah instructs us to be.  (Her sermon can be read in its entirety here).
 
I pray that we will be like Eve who was willing to risk her safe existence in order to pursue knowledge.
       
I pray that we will be like Abraham and Sarah who hurried to welcome strangers into their camp and rushed to prepare a meal for them.

I pray that we will be like Rebekah who was judged as remarkable because of her kindness to a traveler.

I pray that we will be like Reuel who encountered a wanderer fleeing from his home, brought him into his community, and treated him like family.

I pray that we will remember Rabbi Akivah’s teaching at the heart of the Torah, the verse at the center of the scroll and at the center of the Jewish tradition, is Leviticus 19:18 which says,"Love your neighbor as yourself- V'ahavta l'reiacha kamocha."

This is my prayer for all of us and for all those who hold the bible as a sacred text. 

Amen

July   Calendar 
​​​​​​​
7/6    5:30p   Tot Shabbat
         6:30p   Family Services
                     Rabbi Janice
7/8    8:00a   Herzog Tour
7/10  7:00p   Board Meeting
7/11  7:00p   New Machzor
                     Intro to Machzor
7/13  7:30p  Shabbat Services
                     Rabbi Janice
7/18  7:00p  New Machzor
                    Shofar Service
7/20  7:30p  Shabbat Services
                     Ron Becker
7/24 10:30a  Book Club
                     At COT
7/25  7:00p   New Machzor
                     Avino Malkeinu
         7:00p  Men's Club 
                     Rick Moss
                     *No July Havurah
7/27  7:30p  Shabbat Services
                     Rabbi Janice

Board Highlights
·      

• Survey results netted a 60% participation rate.  The Board reviewed the results, and will consider what actions to take at the next Board meeting.
• There will be small group meetings scheduled in the future to discuss some of the survey questions and actions that the Board will be recommending.
• Torah School enrollment for Fall is 18.  Beginning Hebrew teachers are still being sought.
• New High Holiday Machzors are in.  There will be 5 introduction/education sessions during the summer: 3 in July, and 2 in August.
• Israel trip is finalized!  We are seeking 3 more COT travelers, to secure a better price.
• Kate Silverman, our new assistant, has started and is helping out a great deal already.  She will work up to 12 hours per week, many of these from home.
• Annual General Meeting – 36 people in attendance.  
• Herzog Winery Tour and Lunch (Oxnard), Sunday, July 8th.  
• Thanks to Fred and Frieda Russell for their ongoing representation on the JCC Board on our behalf.

Virtual Bulletin Board

Are you interested in becoming an adult Bar or Bat Mitzvah?

Contact Rabbi Janice for more information on how to begin this meaningful experience.

Check out: The Modern, Not Thirteen Year Old's Guide to: The Adult B'nai Mitzvah by Christine Machlin.
Joan Bloomfield, who completed the ceremony last year, is included in this personal compilation!

Upcoming COT Events 

Kvelling Corner

Please send your proud moments to Sam Mogull to be featured in the Kvelling Corner!  

Thank you to all who submitted pictures of your graduates!!!

Cayden Wemple with proud sister Skyler.

Emily Moss with parents Rick and Leslie Moss, sister Whitney, and brother Jacob.

Grace Mundee during her graduation ceremony.

Lia and Eshley Freed-Doerr speaking at their ceremony.

A smiling Will Mehring on to new adventures!

Samantha Mogull ready to make you wine.

Zach and Lexi Sidders with Grandparents Fred and Frieda Russell

COT Community

Rabbi Janice and Friends concert

A fantastic evening of friends, family, good food, wine, and awesome entertainment by some very talented Ladies! 
A big thank you to all our stars! Rabbi Janice, Meagan Pitcairn Glimpse, Meredith Brammeier, Sholly Von Stein, Donna Jones, Wendy Greene, Wendy Wendt, Mary Sue Gee, and our accompanists, Cindy Dixon Levine and Janis Johnson. All your talent is so appreciated.
Thank you to our hard working Committee, Rita Becker, Frieda Russell, Leslie Moss, Melany Spielman, Robin and Mark Cohen, Ron Becker, and all the help from Joan Bloomfield, Cricket Handler and Nancy Osran. Your hard work helped make this event the awesome success it was. 
Thank you to Dawn White and Pacific Harvest Catering, your food was outstanding.
Thank you to Epoch Estate Winery, Templeton and Sculpterra Winery, Paso Robles for donating wine for this event.

Teacher Appreciation
and
1st Annual Young Mensch Award

Thank you to all our Torah School Teachers who volunteered their time this year to nurture our youngest members.

Melissa Trinidad
Michael Mogull
Jessica Main 

-----------------------------------------------------------

Rita and I are pleased to announce Congregation Ohr Tzafon’s first “Young Mensch” award for 5778 or 2017/2018
We would like to present these awards annually and our goal is to hand out as many as possible to our temple youth. 
We received a very generous donation from Mary Bianco in honor of Fred’s 80thand Frieda’s birthday. This donation enabled us to create a new fund,
“Fund for Further Education”
This fund will enhance our Torah School, our Adult Education Program, and allow us to give Scholarships, as well as a scholarship prize for our Young Mensch award, Thank you so much for your continued generosity Mary!! This new fund will be open to our community for future donations to Education.
Our Recipient for 5778 is Samuel Salzman who started helping our community for his Bar mitzvah project, and he has never stopped, Sam worked on the Sukkah, playground, Drywall project, and many other tasks around our facility. Thank you so much for all your hard work Sam you are a great example and we all truly appreciate your effort.
Sam is the recipient of our Young Mensch Scholarship of $540 or CHAI (18) x 30 Mazal tov Sam!!
We invite all our youth to work towards achieving this wonderful award in the future.

-Rita and Jerome Becker
Co Presidents

The Marriage Reconsecration Ceremony

Members who are celebrating an anniversary of an increment of 5 (5,10, 15, 25, etc years) are invited to participate in the Marriage Reconsecration Ceremony.  This June we had 3 couples celebrate under the chuppah:

Ron and Linda Becker

Bonnie and Bernie Weiss

Phyllis and Larry Caris

Our Silent Auction Winners!

Congratulations to all our participants in the silent auction featuring Julian Friedman's art.

Susan Aroner
Priestly Blessing

Peggy Rachel Baslo
Pianist on Parchment
The Law
Shema of us

Daniel Becker
Morning Prayer

Naomi Blakely
The Clown

John Carsel
Channukah Blessing

Mark Cohen
The Shema

Haddie Daner
Shema
Orange Shema

Diane Host
Ballerina

Allan & Frances Mayer
Sax Man

Rabbi Janice Mehring
Menorah

Sam Mogull
Teacher and student

Leslie Moss
The Altar

Rick Moss
Righteous Man

Mimi Naish
Candelabra

Mary Rose Niemi
Blue Heron

Tom O Malley
Time Remembered
Mother's Helper

Fannie Osran
Torso on Parchment

Hadley Osran
American Eagle
The Fighter
The Office

George Ramsdell
Bearded Man

Jackie Ramsdell
Flowers
The Law of
Red Shema

Roberta (No Last Name)
Torso on Wallpaper

Jacob Silverman
The Prayer 8/25

Larry Spielman
Boat Dock

Melany Spielman
Lighthouse
Carousel
Synagogue
Shema
The Temple

Cathy Stock
Boots

Weingarten Family
Blue Heron

Carrie White
Lighthouse

Finley White
Trolley

Chuck Wilkins
The Prayer + calligraphy

Yahrzeits

7/1
Beatrice Podover- Cousin of Jackie Zucker
Frances Miller- Grandmother of Jeff Zucker
7/3
John Forrest Lires- Father of Wendy Kim
Erin Patricia Lires- Sister of Wendy Kim
7/6
Nick Bensussen- Cousin of Linda Prior
7/7
Max Carol- May his memory be a blessing
7/10
Marilyn Slutzky- Sister of Paul Sacks
Eva Gerardis- Mother of Luana Alhadeff
Frances Forrester- Grandmother of Leslie Moss
Robert Mogull- Father of Michael Mogull
7/11
Wilfred Carsel- Father of Richard Carsel
7/13
Mary Kirchenstein- Stepmother of Phyllis Caris
7/15
Phillip Schechter- Father of Robert Schechter
​​​​​​​Wolf Hirschfield- Father of Hilary Steiniger
7/18
Jo Roth- Aunt of Michael Aroner

7/19
Steven Sacks- Nephew of Paul Sacks
Terrence Jay Lortie- of blessed memory
7/21
Belle Rose Gilbert- Mother of Jayne Sacks
Elkan Hart- of blessed memory
7/23  
Evelyn Goldstein- Mother of Arlene McDonald
7/24
Joshua Jerome Gross- Father of Naomi Blakely
Ann Olen- Aunt of Jayne Sacks
David Kreger- Cousin of Jayne Sacks
7/25
Robert F. Shapiro- Brother of Kenneth L. Shapiro
Floyd Rubin- Father of Nancy Osran
7/26
Carl M. Moore- of blessed memory
7/27
Florence Powell Kurtzman- Mother of Chip Kurtzman
7/30
Richard Gresham- Father of Gail Gresham

7/1    Jenny Gersh
7/2    Cayden Wemple
7/3    Daniel Barrera
         Kari Freitas-Field
7/7    Muna Cristal
7/12  Ayla Madding

7/15  Margaret Frerking
7/17  Nathan Robasciotti
         Ajai Daner
7/19  Theresa Hirsch
7/20  Katelin Silverman
7/24  Arianna Kurtzman
                    

7/3   Bonnie & Bernie Weiss
7/20 Nitsan & Del Kolikant

7/20    Nancy & Hadley Osran
7/31    Sam & Mike Mogull
            

Support COT with your Amazon purchases! 

Tzedakah - Thank you for your generosity
Please note that the Treasurer was out of office through May.  Any donations not listed will be included in the July newsletter. 

Jerome and Rita Becker
In honor of Fred Russell's 80th
In honor of Hilary and Peter Steiniger
In honor of Leslie and Rick Moss
In honor of Frieda Russell

Jayne and Paul Sacks
In honor of Fred Russell

Rick and Leslie Moss
In memory of Max Moss
In memory of Larry Hirsch

Michael & Susan Aroner
In honor of Fred Russell
In honor of Jerome and Rita Becker

Donna Weisz Jones
In honor of Fred Russell

Fred and Frieda Russell
In memory of Rosa Adler

Arlene McDonald
In memory of Larry Hirsch

Dolores McNeil
In memory of Larry Hirsch

Saul David
In memory of Larry Hirsch

Dana and John Sidder
Get on the Bus

Janine and Robert Dingler
In memory of Ralph Fox

Sharon George
To the Ritual Fund

Meta and John Nisbet
In honor of Mary Rose Niemi
In honor of Jonathon Castle Wedding

Carol Fine
To the General Fund

Naomi and David Blakely
In memory of Aunt Sylvia
In memory of Joshua Gross
​​​​​​​
Richard and Jan Carsel
In memory of Shirley Oser
In memory of Sophie Carsel

Larry Schiffer
In memory of Uncle Shepard Zafran

Doreen Jacobs
In memory of Sydney Brown
In memory of Earl Jacobs

Linda Gilbert
In honor of Fred Russell

Havurah
In memory of Larry Hirsch
In honor of Fred Russell

Mary Bianco
Fund for Further Education Grant
In honor of Fred and Frieda Russell

This Monthly Newsletter contains A LOT of information.  Please be sure to scroll down for Yahrzeits, Birthdays, and Anniversaries as well as board highlights and Temple Donations.

June, 2018                                                    2605 Traffic Way, Atascadero, CA
805-466-0329                                                          congregationcot@gmail.com ​​​​​

Rabbi's Message

The month of June is my birth month. On the Jewish calendar, June 16 begins the first day of Tammuz, named for the ancient Babylonian sun god.  I don't think I would have chosen to be born in this month where the grass is drying up, the flowers are dropping and the astrological sign is the crab but the energy of this month is amazing. It is literally a force of nature - the sun.  And  because we Jews celebrate each month as an opportunity for growth and renewal, one has to wonder what could possibly be the renewing lesson for this hot crabby month of summer?
Jewish mystics teach that as the sun’s rays approach their summer's harshness, the heat from this powerful light can get misdirected, causing us humans to do very human things. We can get overheated, impatient, and quick to anger. Numerous studies have shown that crime rates actually spike during the summer months, a testament to this Jewish wisdom.
So our sages tell us to pay close attention to the emotional heat of Tammuz so that we don't lose ourselves in anger the way Moses lost his temper when he struck a rock impatiently demanding water from God. Yes, even Moshe Rabbeinu, Moses our Teacher, got overheated! Even our greatest prophets are human and make mistakes. 
In her book, 'Kabbalah Month by Month', Melinda Ribner explains that the month of Tammuz is a time to “reach deep inside to muster our own resources and see if we have the inner strength and discernment to stay focused and on the spiritual path.” Tammuz is an endurance test to see if we can make it through the heat of the summer, and manage the heat of our passions. It is yet one more opportunity for reflection on our own power and on our own potential for growth.

June   Calendar 

6/1    5:30p  Tot Shabbat
         6:30p  Family Services
                    Rabbi Janice
6/8   7:30p  Shabbat Services
                   Havurah
6/10  10:00  Torah School 
                    End of Year 
                    Party at Mogull's
6/9   7:00p  Jews & Schmooze
                   Rick & Leslie Moss
  
6/12 10:30a  Book Club
                     F & F Russell
         7:00p  Board Meeting

6/15  7:30p  Shabbat Services
                    Sharon George &
                    Joan Bloomfield
6/22  6:00p Potluck 
                   Teacher
                   Appreciation
                   Young Mensch
                   Award 
         7:30p Shabbat Services
                   Marriage
                   Reconsecration
                   Service & Board 
                   Installation
                   Rabbi Janice

6/24  5:30p An Elegant
                   Evening of Song
                   Rabbi Concert
6/26 7:00p Havurah
                  Rita Becker
                  Men's Club
                  Mark Cohen
                                                               

President's Thoughts from the General Membership Meeting:

It is with great pride that Rita and I have had the opportunity to serve our wonderful congregation as Co-Presidents this past year. We would like to thank our Board of Trustees for all their hard work.  They have led our congregation with wisdom, made many improvements to our facility and worked hard to provide wonderful opportunities and events. We believe COT really has made a “mighty impact” in 5778.
We want to thank our wonderful Rabbi Janice for all her help, leadership and love for our community. Our community is vibrant and full of life and we look forward to you all getting to know each other, established and new members alike.   As we have this wonderful influx of children, Rita and I will be focusing our attention on our education program in the coming year. We believe that our Jewish future IS our children and we must set the example for their learning by how we lead our everyday lives.  
We have seen an increase in anti-Semitism in our world and community this past year. We hope every congregant will continue to share your wisdom and knowledge with our COT kids, the way to grow as Jews is to become involved in education.  
When I think “Jewish” I think of Tzedakah (charity/justice), Tikkun Olam (social action/healing the world), and Bikkur Holim (caring for the sick).  Let’s unite to help each other, in our own homes and to teach our neighbors in the broader community, in our children’s schools and sports teams how to be involved in these important Jewish values.      
Rita and I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for making Ohr Tzafon a true shining light on the Central Coast. Our involvement and engagement in our community is an invaluable investment in our children and our future.
We look forward to an exciting and event filled year together.
L’Shalom,
 
Jerome and Rita Becker 
Co-Presidents

Board Highlights
·      

• Treasurer out of town for May, financials will be presented in June
• ·      New introduction to Judaism class started on May 2nd
• ·      Israel Trip Itinerary complete
• ·      Part time administrative assistant interview 
• ·      New High Holiday Machzors approved for 120 sets to match new Siddurs
• ·      Our First golf day was a huge success thanks to Larry Caris and his team
• ·      Rabbi Janice and Friends concert and dinner scheduled for June 24th, Rabbi Janice has many friends to join her, WE will have Pacific harvest cater an Italian Dinner.
• ·      Jews and Schmooze will be on June 9that Rick and Leslie Moss RSVP Rick and Leslie
• ·      Proposed Hertzog Winery Tour on July 8thbased on responses.
• ·      New Slate approved
• ·      New Budget approved
• ·      Jewish Festival planned for Sunday October 14thLeslie Moss will chair committee, anyone interested can contact her.

Take note!

Rabbi Janice has a new email address for all COT business.

rabbijanice1@gmail.com

Please update your contact list. 

Are you interested in becoming an adult Bar or Bat Mitzvah?   
Contact Rabbi Janice if you are interested

JULY 2018 - JUNE 2019
COT MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
 
 
Please check your listing in the current COT Membership Directory for corrections that you would like made in the 2018-2019 Directory.
 
Listed are the following:
Names, address, phone numbers (home, office, cell & fax), email, occupation (optional), and children living at home.
 
We would particularly like to update all email addresses, as email is an excellent way of communicating with our members.
 
If you have any corrections or additions, please contact Phyllis Caris by email larphyl@charter.net or phone 238-7404 by June 22nd.

Upcoming COT Events 

Join us for a special Jews and Shmooze - Hanukat HaBayit

*****TORAH SCHOOL*****

END OF YEAR SWIM PARTY AT
ARI MOGULL'S HOUSE

June 10  -   10-12:30 pm 
 
Bring your suit and towel and a snack to share
RSVP to Rabbi Janice   

Beyond June

Fred Russell shares a laugh with
​​​​​​​ Melissa Trinidad and Diana Heller for their shared birthdays.

Yahrzeits

6/1
Arturo Robles- Father of David Robles
6/2
Julius Goldstein- Grandfather of Steve Weiss
6/3
Leopold Schiffer- Father of Larry Schiffer
Irving Drucker- Father of Howard Drucker
6/4
Irene Katz- Cousin of Paul & Jayne Sacks
6/5
Moe Gilbert- Uncle of Jayne Sacks
6/7
Rose Jacobson- Aunt of Jayne Sacks
6/8
Samuel Lyon Albaum- Father of Barbara Kurtzman
Pauline Carol- May her memory be a blessing
6/12
Rose Moss- Grandmother of Rick Moss
6/15
Estelle Weisz- Mother of Donna Weisz Jones

6/17
Carole Givant- Sister of Arlene McDonald
6/19  
Esther Goldberg Stone- Mother of Rud Stone
6/20
Erna Steburg- Grandmother of Charles Wilkins
6/23
Leon Becker- Father Jerome Becker
Michael Salzman- Father of Steve Salzman
Sanders Levine- Uncle of Rick Moss
6/24
Gisella Friedman- Grandmother of Sharon George
6/26
Margaret S. Lowe- Mother of Jean Lowe
Sylvia Gross Sucher- Aunt of Naomi Blakely
Tricia Beers- May her memory be a blessing
6/28
Julius Mandelbaum- May his memory be a blessing
6/29
Leah Sheby- Grandmother of Linda Prior

6/2    Mark Cohen
6/4    Phillip Cohl
6/5    Kenneth L. Shapiro
6/8    Brandon David Hirsch
6/9    Daniel Padolsky
6/12  Meta Nisbet
6/15  Douglas Trinidad
6/17  Steve Weiss
6/19  Jackie Zucker
6/20  Wendy Kim
         Barbara Kurtzman

6/21  Justin Burke Cohn
6/23  Michael Aroner
6/24  Robert Dingler
6/25  Zalman Robles
6/26  Kathy Cohl
6/27  Mimi Naishl
6/28  Rabbi Janice Mehring
6/29  Robyn Elliott
         Jerry Boots
6/30  Sylvia Drucker
         Hazel Hannah Hirsch
                    

6/3   Fred & Frieda Russell
6/10 Cricket & Jerry Handler
6/16 Jackie & George Ramsdell
6/17 Cindy Dixon & Adam Levine
        Steve & Sue Weiss

6/21    Kari & Jared Freitas-Field
6/22    Howard & Sylvia Drucker
           Chip & Barbara Kurtzman
            

Welcome to our new Administrative Assistant!

We extend a warm welcome to our new assistant, Kate Silverman.  A new comer to the Central Coast, and raised in Newport Beach CA, Kate is used to the sunshine but is now enjoying the new slower paced lifestyle and gorgeous views the Central Coast has to offer. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, photography and spending time with her husband and 3 rescue dogs. Kate is looking forward to gaining new friends within her Jewish community and is here to help in any way she can.“  Welcome Kate! 

Community Announcements

Support COT with your Amazon purchases! 

Tzedakah - Thank you for your generosity
Please note that the Treasurer was out of office through May.  Any donations not listed will be included in the July newsletter. 

Steve & Sue Wiess
In memory of Larry Hirsch

Michael & Susan Aroner
In honor of Robin Cohen
In memory of Joseph L. Aroner
In memory of Arthur Day
In Honor of Leslie and Rick Moss

May, 2018                                                    2605 Traffic Way, Atascadero, CA
805-466-0329                                                          congregationcot@gmail.com ​​​​​

Rabbi's Message 

Last month the Jewish people commemorated Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Memorial Day). We mourned those killed defending the people and State of Israel on Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day) and we turned our mourning into celebration on Yom Haatzmaut (Israel's 70th Anniversary of Independence).  All of these remembrances continue to be relevant in our time. A recent survey of US adults' knowledge of the Holocaust is troubling.  11% of US adults surveyed, and over one-fifth of the Millennials surveyed(22%), either have never heard about or are not sure if they have heard about the Holocaust. 41% of those same Millenials polled believe that only 2 million or fewer Jews will killed in the Holocaust.  

Locally, we saw pictures of a Cal Poly student in blackface splashed across social media. The student pleaded ignorance as to the racist implications of that act but the response from the MultiCultural Center at Cal Poly saw it fit to conflate Zionism with racism. All of this highlights the importance of maintaining a strong Jewish presence in the community and continuing to educate, dialogue and advocate. 

Deborah Lipstadt, professor of Modern Jewish History and Holocaust Studies at Emory University, recently said, "Danger of lack of knowledge of history is important. History shapes people's view of the present. I'm not saying that history always repeats itself or history's always the same. But if you don't know what came before, it's very hard to make wise decisions for the future."

We are moving toward our holiday of Shavuot, originally a harvest festival. A harvest requires reaping and sowing and even though few of us are connected to farming or working the land anymore, we can follow the words of the prophet Hoseah. "Sow for yourselves according to charity, but reap according to your loving-kindness" (Hoseah 10:12).  We can all be educators and advocates and sow seeds of loving-kindness. Then we will surely reap the fruits of a world based on treating others with dignity, respect, kindness, and love. 

May Calendar 

5/2    12:00p  Intro to Judaism

5/4    5:30p  Light Dinner
                     for Fred Russell
         6:30p  Family Services
                     Rabbi Janice
5/6   8:00a Rabobank Tourny
        9:30a   Torah School 
  
5/8    7:00p  Board Meeting

5/9    12:00p  Intro to Judaism

5/11  7:30p  Shabbat Services
                    Rabbi Janice

5/16  12:00p  Intro to Judaism

5/18  7:30p Shabbat Services
                    Sharon George

5/20   9:30a  Torah School
          12:00p Family Shavuot
                      Lunch
           2:00p  Yizkor Service

5/22   7:00p  Havurah
                     A. McDonald
          7:00p  Men's Club
                     L. Schiffer

5/23   12:00p  Intro to Judaism

5/25   7:30p  Shabbat Services
                     Larry Caris

5/29   7:00  Gen. Membership
                   Meeting

5/30   12:00p  Intro to Judaism
                                                               

Take note!

Rabbi Janice has a new email address 
for all COT business.

rabbijanice1@gmail.com

Please update your contact list. 

Are you interested in becoming an adult Bar or Bat Mitzvah?   
Contact Rabbi Janice if you are interested

JULY 2018 - JUNE 2019
COT MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
 
 
Please check your listing in the current COT Membership Directory for corrections that you would like made in the 2018-2019 Directory.
 
Listed are the following:
Names, address, phone numbers (home, office, cell & fax), email, occupation (optional), and children living at home.
 
We would particularly like to update all email addresses, as email is an excellent way of communicating with our members.
 
If you have any corrections or additions, please contact Phyllis Caris by email larphyl@charter.net or phone 238-7404 by June 22nd.

Upcoming COT Events 

1. The nominating committee is nearly finished with their work to present a slate of officers for next year.  Next month, the complete slate will be brought to the board in preparation for the general meeting at the end of May.
2. The proposed contract with Rabbi Janice for next year was happily and unanimously approved by the board and will be brought forward to the general membership meeting.
3. After the general meeting, the board will move towards hiring a part time assistant to the Rabbi.
4. Proposed changes to the by-laws, to include certain specific board positions which are more generic in nature, will be voted on by the general membership at the annual meeting.  If approved, these positions will be open to non-Jewish COT members.
5. the general membership meeting will be on May 29. Please be sure to attend!

Yahrzeits

5/1
Minnie Colman- Mother of Frances Mayer
5/2
Roza Adler- Aunt of Frieda Russell
5/3
Pat Elliott- Husband of Robyn Elliott
5/4
Arthur Day- Father of Susan Aroner
5/5
Harry Finkel- Uncle of Linda Prior
5/8
Ken Burgess- Step-father of Jeff Zucker
Max Moss- Grandfather of Rick Moss
Max Keer- Father of Ellen Weingarten
5/10
Tillie (Matilda) Finkel- Mother of Linda Prior
5/11
Joseph Tzvi Fried- Father of Tali Freed
5/13
Joseph L. Aroner- Father of Michael Aroner
Clifford Randall Rubin- Brother of Nancy Osran

5/14
Mary Pollack- Grandmother of Rabbi Janice Mehring
Ira Jacoves- Brother-in-law of Jayne & Paul Sacks
Ann Finkel - Aunt of Linda Prior
5/15  
Stanley Sacks- Brother of Paul and Jayne Sacks
Janet Pace- Aunt of Elisabeth Madding
Edith Boxer- of blessed memory
5/16
Steven Craig- Son of Regene Craig
Ralph Fox- Father of Janine Dingler
5/19
Samuel Solish- Grandfather of Alfred Solish
5/23
Virginia Wise Marx- Mother of Mary Bianco
5/26
Isadore Kilbrick- Father of Natalie Stone
5/27
Sarah Blaustein- Aunt of Jackie Zucker
5/28
Shelley Blaustein- Cousin of Jackie Zucker

5/1    Sue Weiss
5/2    Melissa Trinidad
5/3    Diana Heller
         Benjamin Robasciotti
         Del Robasciotti
5/4    Fred Russell
5/5    Hilary Steiniger
5/6    Donna Weisz Jones
5/7    Mary Bianco
5/9    Phyllis Caris
5/13  Frieda Russell
5/15  Julie Mundee
5/16  Brian Alhadeff
5/17  Justin Gish

5/18  Ariela Trinidad
         Esther Salzman
5/19  Larry Schiffer
5/20  Isaak Kirschenstein
         Emma Kirschenstein
5/21  Hannah Proffitt
         Henry Hamilton
         Kris Siegel
5/24  Steve Salzman
5/26  Eva Alhadeff
5/27  Elisabeth Madding
5/29  Paul Sacks
5/31  Michael Mogull
                    

5/17   Tali Freed & Ken Doerr

5/24    Dawn & Adam Daner
            

Pictured: Wade and Carrie White and their kids,
William and Wren next to Rabbi Janice. April 6 Shabbat Service

Pictured: Jordan and Manu Fiorentini and their daughters,
​​​​​​​Morgane and Albawith next to Rabbi Janice.  April 13 Shabbat Service

Community Announcements

Support COT with your Amazon purchases! 

Tzedakah - Thank you for your generosity 

Arlene McDonald
In memory of her father.

Jerome and Rita Becker
In memory of Susan da Silva.
Well wishes to Theresa Hirsch.
In memory of Carmen Froes.

Nachshon and Colleen Margalit
In memory of Nachshon's father.

Naomi Blakely 
In gratitude of reading a portion during the Seder.

Fred and Frieda Russell
In memory of Dorothy Russell.

Susan and Michael Aroner
In memory of Melody Aroner Katz.

Cricket Handler
To the music fund.

Judith Bernstein
In memory of Miriam Greene

Joan Bloomfield 
In memory of Phillip Bloomfield.

"Heart to Heart Real Estate company, owned by Mark McConnell and Liz Lee, donate half of their commission to a charity organization of 
their customer's choice at close of escrow.
One of our member families have graciously selected our community to be the beneficiary of this awesome donation in the amount of $6,125.
Rita and I, on behalf of our congregation would like to take this opportunity to thank our member family as well as Mark and Liz for this wonderful gift.
This donation will go a long way in helping our community cover our running costs. Thank you!"
-Jerome Becker
Co-President