Monthly Newsletter

February, 2019       
2605 Traffic Way, Atascadero, CA
805-466-0329                                                         
congregationcot@gmail.com ​​​​​

Rabbi's Message 

Our tradition teaches that not all months are created equal. We are entering the Hebrew month of Adar thought to have a special capacity to bring us hope and joy. Why? Because it is the beginning of the lead up to Purim, the holiday commemorating our deliverance from the evil Haman.   This year is extra joyful because this is a Jewish leap year: a time when we add an entire extra month into the calendar.    Our Hebrew calendar is a combined lunar-solar calendar.  Lunar cycle runs 29.5 days= 354 days a year as opposed to the 365 days of the solar year.  An extra month is added every 2-3 years to offset the 11 day lag per solar year to ensure the festivals occur in the right season.   This syncs the lunar year with the solar cycle of the agricultural seasons. 
The rabbis could have added any month, but they decided to add an extra Adar for the chance to double our joy! Each Adar is a gift, an opprotunity to look to the future with hope and joy.   Obviously, all our mental and physical pain will not magically disappear the minute the new moon appears. We can't control sickness and distress. But we can control some of our reaction to it all, and every new moon is a good time to reexamine the way we face the reality of our lives.  
The great sage Rava taught “ When a person is brought before judgment in the next world, he or she will be asked: “Did you do business with honesty? Did you find time to learn Torah? Did you give yourself to your family? Did you keep hope in the future alive?” (Talmud Shabbat 31a).  
It is an ancient, yet very relevant reminder that  we  can increase our joy in life during Adar and all throughout the year.  We can do this through relationships, family, honesty, learning, and through remaining positive and hopeful .  

Rabbi Janice ​​

February   Calendar 

2/1     5:30p   Tot Shabbat
          6:30p   Family Service
                      Rabbi Janice
2/3     9:30a   Torah School
2/6     7:00p   History of Jewish Ancestry
                      Era of the Israelites
2/8     7:30p   Shabbat Service
                      Rabbi Janice
2/10   9:30a   Torah School
2/12   7:00p   Board Meeting
2/13   7:00p   History of Jewish Ancestry
                      Era of the Judeans
2/15   7:30p   Shabbat Service
                      Rich Carsel
2/20   7:00p   History of Jewish Ancestry
                      Era of the Judeans
2/22   7:30p   Shabbat Service
                      Rabbi Janice
2/24   9:30a   Torah School
2/26   7:00p   Havurah
                      Men's Club
2/27   7:00p   History of Jewish Ancestry
                      Era of the Judeans

Announcements

Security Fund

Music Appreciation Group

COT member, John Nisbet is looking for music lovers!  He has a lifelong interest (50+ years) in classical music and wants to form a Music Appreciation Group with likeminded enthusiasts in the Paso Robles area.
 
The objectives would be simple: enjoyment and the opportunity to broaden understanding and knowledge.

Some suggested parameters:

Monthly meetings, either at a member’s house or at a central location (library meeting room?), depending on availability of audio equipment
The term ‘classical’ could be loosely defined
Members would take turns – according to their interests - to build and present a program of recorded music for listening and discussion
The entire range of interests and perspectives would be accommodated: solo, chamber, orchestral, concerto, operatic
Recordings could cover the entire possible range of media and age
If you are interested or have questions, please contact John.     Jnisbet6@gmail.com or call 617-694-8125

Upcoming COT Events 

Last Month at COT

We are grateful to Valerie Johnson and Al B Blue, Lauren Bandari and the JCC Federation of SLO, Stephen Vines and the NAACP, SLO County Chapter, Consuelo Meax, Ph.D, CEO of Spokes, and Fil Yeskel, co-owner of BRU Coffeehouse for their participation in the Martin Luther King Jr. “Continuing the Dream” program.

General Community Events

Sunday, April 28, 2019 at 3:00 PM

Kvelling Corner

Leo Oscar Siegel 
Born January 3, 2019 at 7:40 PM
Prince of Wales Private Hospital
7lbs 7oz
20.8 inches long
Mazel tov to new grandparents Kris and Ken Siegel!!!

Yahrzeits

2/2
Hannah Schwartz-Mother of Sharon George 
2/4
Rand Salke-Of Blessed Memory  
2/6
Mary Dolgow Drucker-Mother of Howard Drucker
Milton Schechter-Uncle of Robert Schechter
2/9
Jack Moss-Father of Richard A. Moss
2/11
Helen Rubin-Mother of Nancy Osran 
Arthur Toberman-Of Blessed Memory
2/13
Beatrice Casden-Aunt of Michael Aroner
2/15
Samuel Yeskel-Father of Filip Yeskel
2/16
David Lowe-Brother of Jean Lowe
Sandy Lowe-Sister-in-Law of Jean Lowe

2/19
Harvey Mundee-Father of Bill Mundee 
2/22
Philip Schwartz-Father of Sharon George
Sherman Westrich-Uncle of Richard A. Moss 
2/23
Edith Simon-Mother of Sandy Kawano
2/24
Roland Eugene Hawk-Father of Patricia Schechter 
Bunny Frankel-Sister of Steve Weiss 
2/25
Daniel Ithak Kolikant-Father of Nitsan Kolikant
2/26
Rachel Albaum-Mother of Barbara Kurtzman

Birthdays

2/1   Dave Padolsky
2/5   Benjamin Zucker
2/7   Wren Willow White
2/10 Joan Bloomfield  
        Micah Isaac Hirsch
2/12 Richard Carsel
2/13 Alli Mundee 

2/14 Zach Sidders
        Lexi Sidders
2/18 Dr. Melany Spielman
2/19 Manu Florentini 
2/23 Nancy Cohn
2/26 Arielle Neshamah Margalit

Anniversaries

2/10 Jerome & Rita Becker
2/11 Robert & Janine Dingler
2/14 Ken & Kris Siegel

Support COT with your Amazon purchases! 

Security Fund
Rich & Jan Carsel

General Fund
Geoff & Kate Auslen

Sharyn & Michael Siegel

Larry & Phyllis Caris
In appreciation of MLK Day

Ways & Means
Edward Zimmerman

Havurah
Ron & Linda Becker

Memorial/Tribute
Susan & Michael Aroner
In memory of Len Roth
In memory of Lawrence Day

Rick & Leslie Moss
In memory of Sherman Westrich
In memory of Jack Moss
In memory of Joseph Levine
In memory of Bunny Levine
In memory of Lillian Levine
 In memory of Max Moss
 
Paula Schroder
In memory of Julie Moody

January, 2019       
2605 Traffic Way, Atascadero, CA
805-466-0329                                                         
congregationcot@gmail.com ​​​​​

Rabbi's Message 

Rabbi Hillel, in Pirkei Avot/Ethics of the Father, taught “God led Adam around the Garden of Eden and said, "Look at My works. See how beautiful they are, how excellent! For your sake, I created them all. See to it that you do not spoil or destroy My world,for if you do, there will be no one to repair it after you." (Ecclesiastes Rabbah 7.13)   
The holiday of Tu B'Shevat occurs this month, designated by the Talmud as the New Year for the Trees. This holiday reminds us to express our gratitude for the beauty and diversity of nature and to renew our commitment to being stewards of God’s creation. Our tradition emphasizes that the well-being of trees is intimately connected to the well being of all creation. We read in the midrash that "If not for the trees, human life could not exist." (Midrash Sifre, Deut. 20:19).    The Lubavitcher Rebbe went as far to equate a tree to the spiritual life of a person. The roots represent a person’s faith, the trunk and branches represents the spiritual life through intellect, emotions, and achievements, and the fruit and seeds are the power in each of us to reach out to others and help everyone in our community become their own healthy trees. 

With this metaphor in mind, I offer this poem, The Tree Trimmer, by Ruth Brin.

Dangling from a leather sling in the oak,
the tree trimmer, high in the swaying tree, 
reaches out to saw away a branch.
It leaves a staring eye when it drops, 
a round white eye on the tree trunk.
Cautiously, with rope and saw,
tools swinging from his belt, 
he crawls upward, seeking limbs to cut. 

Now I too slash away unnecessary branches, 
opening my eyes to the sky.
Imperiled, dangling, lacking skill to choose
the limbs that stifle my growth, I pray
to You whose marks I bear within
like rings of trees. 
I pray You guide my hand, 
I, the tree trimmer, I the tree. 

Chag Sameach.  Happy secular New Year and Happy New Year of the Trees!    

​​​​​​​Rabbi Janice 
Click to learn more about Tu BiSh'vat

January   Calendar 

1/4     5:30p  Tot Shabbat
          6:30p  Family Service
1/8     7:00p  Board Meeting
1/9     7:00p  History of Jewish Ancestry
                     Introduction
1/11   7:30p  Shabbat Service
1/13   9:30a  Torah School Resumes
         12:30p MLK Lunch & Program
1/16  7:00p   History of Jewish Ancestry
                     Era of the Hebrews Pt. 1
1/18  7:30p  Shabbat Service
1/20  9:30a  Torah School
1/22   7:00p  Havurah
                     Samantha Mogull
                     Men's Club
                     Michael Aroner
1/23  7:00p   History of Jewish Ancestry
                     Era of the Hebrews Pt. 2
1/25   7:30p  Shabbat Service
1/27   9:30a  Torah School
          2:00p  Fused Glass Workshop
1/29 10:30a  Book Club
                     Joan Bloomfield
1/30  7:00p   History of Jewish Ancestry
                     Era of the Israelites Pt. 1

Announcements

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


Music Appreciation Group

COT member, John Nisbet is looking for music lovers!  He has a lifelong interest (50+ years) in classical music and wants to form a Music Appreciation Group with likeminded enthusiasts in the Paso Robles area.
 
The objectives would be simple: enjoyment and the opportunity to broaden understanding and knowledge.

Some suggested parameters:

• Monthly meetings, either at a member’s house or at a central location (library meeting room?), depending on availability of audio equipment
• The term ‘classical’ could be loosely defined
• Members would take turns – according to their interests - to build and present a program of recorded music for listening and discussion
• The entire range of interests and perspectives would be accommodated: solo, chamber, orchestral, concerto, operatic
• Recordings could cover the entire possible range of media and age

Upcoming COT Events 

KVELLING CORNER 

Mazel tov to our two newest members of the tribe!  
​​​​​​​Kate Silverman (left with her grandmother) and Kathleen Yorba.  
As our people have done through the ages, we ask God's blessing on you and wish you joy and happiness as you become a part of the Jewish people. 

Natalie Stone celebrated her 91st Birthday, pictured with Husband Rud Stone.

Yahrzeits

1/1
Gertrude Sturner-Of Blessed Memory 
1/2
Barney Miller-Grandfather of Jeff Zucker 
1/4
Carolyn Cohl- 1st Wife of Phillip Cohl
Leah Doren Kilbrick-Mother of Natalie Stone
Barbara Blumenthal Gresham-Mother of Gail Gresham
1/5
Aron Tschewik-Father of Frieda Russel
Paul Sturner-Of Blessed Memory
1/7
Isabelle Weiss-Mother of Steve Weiss
1/8
Fredrick Oser-Father of Jan Carsel
Jack Surnow-Uncle of Jayne Sacks
1/9
Helen June Becker-Mother of Ronald Becker
1/10
Ben A Gilbert-Father of Jayne Sacks
Blanche Kirchenstein-Mother of Phyllis Caris 
1/12
Clint George-Husband of Sharon George 
1/13
Cy Wilkins- Father of Charles Wilkins 
Curt Steiniger-Father of John Steiniger
Paul J. Shapiro-Brother of Kenneth L. Shapiro

1/14
Samuel Weisberg-Brother of Herman Weisberg
1/19
Kevin Kirby-Nephew of Frieda Russell 
1/20
Mauro Guiffreda-Friend of Joel Kirschenstein & Phyllis Caris 
1/23
Jack Golde-Father of Regene Craig
1/24
Albert M. Stone-Brother of I.Rudyard (Rud) Stone
Julia Moody-Wife of Paula Schroeder
1/25
Joanne Main-Mother of Jessica Main
1/26
Maime Rummerman-Grandmother of Karen Wilkins
1/28
Stuart Cohn-Father of Nancy Cohn
William Lowe-Father of Jean Lowe 
1/30
Gerty Gibberman-Aunt of Jackie Zucker
1/31
Sherry Trevor-Aunt of Linda Prior 

1/3   John Steiniger
1/5   John Sidders
        Frederick Seaver Jr.
1/6   Elsa Corr Padolsky
1/7   John Nisbet 
1/10 Jerome Becker

1/12 Charles Wilkins
1/14  I. Rudyard (Rud) Stone
1/23  Samantha Mogull
          Miriam Robles
1/27  Tali Freed

1/11 Jackie & Jeff Zucker
1/12 Summer & Justin Gish 
1/23 I. Rudyard (Rud) & Natalie Stone 
1/26 Brian & Luana Alhadeff
1/31 Michael & Ellen Weingarten

Board Highlights

1. Irv Shelub’s Adult Ed Discussion Survey on the History of Jewish Ancestry will run for 8 sessions at COT and begin on Wednesday, January 9th at 7:00, for COT members only.
   
   
2. Discussions with community members and consultants continue regarding ongoing security.  Trainings to be offered in the future.  Stay tuned.
   
   
3. COT will be supporting the JCC Jewish Film Festival over the first weekend of the new year.  Interested participants are urged to buy their tickets in advance.
   
   
4. Tickets are now being sold for a virtual football pool for the Super Bowl.  Contact Larry Caris if interested.
   
   
5. Torah School is going well!  We have 23 students.

Support COT with your Amazon purchases! 

Tzedakah - Thank you for your generosity

Yahrtzeit/Memorial/Tribute Donations: 
​​​​​​​
Larry Shiffer
In memory of Irene Schiffer.

Larry & Phyllis Caris
In memory of Philip Caris.
In memory of Blanche Kirschenstein.

Steve & Sue Weiss
In memory of Marc Weiss
In memory of David Frankel

Dave Padolsky
In memory of Mildred Padolsky

Michael Santos
In memory of Larry Doolin
In memory of Marc Crosby

Security Fund Donations:

Mary Bianco
Susan & Michael Aroner
Pat & Jim Paulson
Phyllis & Larry Caris
Mark & Robin Cohen
Douglas & Melissa Trinidad
Larry Schiffer


General Fund Donations:

Carol Fine
Sydney & Karen Goldstein
Fred Seaver
Paula Schroeder

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

Rabbi's Message 

Hanukkah is a holiday of light and freedom, where few overcame the many, and light triumphed over darkness.  Hanukkah’s message is as important now as it was in ancient times.   With the rise in antisemitism and with the tragedy that happened in Pittsburgh, we must continue to strengthen our Jewish pride and spread light and goodness to combat such darkness.

Our sages taught that we celebrate for eight days to remember that in the ruined Temple, only a small amount of oil was found. It was only enough to last one day but it burned for eight, enough time to find and prepare more oil to keep the Temple's menorah burning brightly.   Our ancestors didn't know how long that small bit of oil would burn.  Yet, they lit it anyway having faith and hope. Hanukkah calls us to do the same -to speak up and to act, even when we don't know the impact of our words or if our actions will succeed.   As the light from the candles increases with each night, we increase our commitment to our Jewish values and ideals and even in the face of ruin, we will act for goodness, compassion, generosity and justice.
 
It is traditional to light the Hanukkah candles in the window for all to see. Even if you haven’t done this before, make it a practice this year to say, “We are Jewish. We are proud. We are still here.”  
 
Hanukkah Sameach. Wishing all a Happy Hanukkah.   

​​​​​​​Rabbi Janice 

December   Calendar 

12/2    9:30a Torah School
           5:00p Hanukkiah Lighting and Annual JCC Hanukkah Party
12/5    5:00p COT Hanukkiah Lighting in SLO
12/7    5:30p Pot Luck and Communal Family Hanukkiah Lighting
           6:30p Family Shabbat Service
12/9    12:15p Football Pool Fundraiser
           5:30p  Menorah Lighting at the Sunken Gardens in Atascadero
12/11  7:00p  Board Meeting 
12/14  7:30p  Shabbat Service
12/16  9:30a  Torah School
12/18  7:00p  Mens Club
12/20  6:00p  Women’s Havurah Holiday Party
12/21  7:30p   Shabbat Service 

Announcements

Upcoming COT Events 

KVELLING CORNER 

 Please send your proud moments to Sam Mogull 
by the 25th of the month to be featured in the Kvelling Corner! 

Yahrzeits

12/04
Herbert Brown-Father of Jackie Zucker
Frank Terminello- Grandfather of Rabbi Janice
12/05
Mildred Padolsky-Mother of Dave Padolsky
12/08
Sofia Kohan-Grandmother of Peter Steiniger
12/09
Yisrael Weingarten-Father of Michael Weingarten
12/10
Phoebe McDonough- Sister of Rud Stone
Abraham Finkel-Grandfather of Linda Prior
Leslie Brigham-Grandfather of Leslie Moss
12/12
Richard Fox-Brother of Janine Dingler
Tillie Goldstein-Grandmother of Steve Weiss
12/14
Harold David Fine-Father of Cricket Handler
Adolph Weiss-Grandfather of Steve Weiss
12/16
Norman Shelub-Father of Irwin Shelub
Nathan Weisberg-Father of Herman Weisberg
Thomas Shulman-Of Blessed Memory
12/17
Lawrence A. Day-Brother of Susan Aroner
12/18
Cheri Alberts-Niece of Jayne Sacks

12/22
Marilyn Stein-Of Blessed Memory
12/23
Jeanne Pollack-Mother of Rabbi Janice 
12/24
Rose Sarah Sacks-Mother/Mother-in-law of Jayne and Paul Sacks
Sophie Field-Mother of Ron Field
12/25
Irene Schiffer-Mother of Larry Schiffer
Mati Freed-Mother of Tali Freed
Marcus Weiss-Father of Steve Weiss
12/26
Maxine Corman Bernstein-Mother of Judith Bernstein 
Nahum A. Bernstein-Father of Judith Bernstein
L. David Frankel- Nephew of Steve and Sue Weiss
12/27
Saul Klein-Father of Sylvia Drucker
12/28
Tony Bianco-Husband of Mary Bianco
12/29
Molly Gilbert-Aunt of Jayne Sacks
12/30
Phillip Caris-Father of Larry Caris
Jeanette Parvey-Grandmother of Alfred Solish 
12/31
Leonard Roth-Uncle of Michael Aroner

12/03  George Ramsdell
           Michele Anderson
12/07  Skyler Wemple
           Shonee Freed-Doerr
12/08  Sandy Kawano
12/09  Bill Mundee
12/10  Kathleen Kirschenstein
12/12  Jordan Florentini
12/14  Alba Fiorentini
12/15  Adam Daner
12/16  Eshley Freed-Doerr
           Lia Freed-Doerr

12/19  Nitsan Kolikant
12/23  Leslie Moss
           Gail Gresham
12/24  Ronald Becker
12/26  Shayne Wemple
           Gail Padolsky 
12/27  Annette Grieco 
           Natalie Stone 
12/28  Aiden Ramsdell
           Patrick Madding 
12/31 Carol Fine
          Linda Prior

12/03 Seji & Sandy Kawano
12/12 Patrick & Elizabeth Madding 
12/28 Larry & Melany Spielman 
12/31 Michael & Susan Aroner

Board Highlights

1.The Board voted to have armed security at all services and synagogue activities, including Torah School.  A Security Fund has been established and donations are gratefully accepted for this unanticipated expense.  

2.We are pursuing a grant from the federal government for security upgraders to building and grounds.

3.Living room conversations at Rabbi Janice’s home continue.  Please come and share your thoughts with our co-presidents and Rabbi.

4.Campership opportunities will be available.  Watch for upcoming application, preceded by an information session.

5.December 7th – 5:30 potluck/multi generational Chanukah celebration at COT – details to follow.
December 9th  at 5:30 - North County Community Menorah lighting at Sunken Gardens.

6.COT Football Pool – December 9th on the big screen.  All squares sold!
Adult Education Discussion series – January 9th.  Check bulletin for details.

Social Action 

Volunteers needed for the Christmas dinner at ECHO - El Camino Homeless Shelter. The COT team provides a dinner of Chinese Chicken salad, rolls, and cookies.  If you can help with preparing food at home (we serve 60 people)  and bringing to the shelter on December 25 by 4:30, please contact Phyllis Caris  805-835-5150 for an assignment. 

Support COT with your Amazon purchases! 

Tzedakah - Thank you for your generosity

General Fund Donations: 
​​​​​​​
Michael Santos 
In memory of Kelly Vincent 

Frieda Russell and Pat Paulson 
In honor of Samantha Mogull

Doreen Jacobs 
In memory of Paul Brown 

Janine and Bob Dingler 
In loving memory of Ester Fox 

Arlene MacDonald 
In loving memory of husband
Vern MacDonald

Larry and Phyllis Caris 
In loving memory of Phyllis' father  
Al Kirschenstein

Diana Heller 
In loving memory of Albert Heller
and Rabbi Scott Corngold 

Security Fund Donations:

Shayne and Joanna Wemple 
Geoff and Kate Auslen
Arlene MacDonald
          in honor of Phyllis and Larry Caris 
Jerome and Rita Becker
Fred and Frieda Russell 
Mary Bianco
Brian and Luana Alhadeff


Tree of Life Synagogue Donations:

Dave Padolsky
Mary Bianco
Larry Schiffer

Rabbi's Discretionary Fund: 

Ken and Kris Siegel 

A special thank you to the Margalit family for donating a swing set to our Torah School!

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

Rabbi's Message 

We are all heartbroken by the devastating tragedy last Saturday morning which took place at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. We mourn the loss of eleven Jews who wanted nothing other than to pray in peace and celebrate Shabbat.   

There is much to say to try and contextualize how something like this could happen in our time, in our country.  But for me, it is not the time. Our emotional energy is already stretched so thin, our time is best spent on strengthening the work we do as a community to counter the hatred and violence that continues to plague our communities and our country.

We are not naive to the realities of our world.  Anti-semitism is alive and well and has been on the increase over the past two years in particular. This attack rocks our sense of safety to the core.  Please rest assured that your Board of Trustees is being vigilant about the security at our synagogue so that we can continue to gather with confidence. We are in touch with law enforcement here in Atascadero and countywide along with conferring with the other Jewish organizations to share strategies and maintain a cohesive response. 

I am strengthened by the outpouring of support from my Jewish, Christian and Muslim friends who stand together in solidarity against this act of hate and anti-semitism. I will continue reaching out to my neighbors and I will continue to model the highest values of our Jewish tradition in order to bring about a more peaceful and just world. I will also speak up when I hear hate speech whether it be anti-semitic, homophobic, xenophobic, racist or Islamophobic. This is also part of being Jewish - not standing idly by.    As one of my teachers wrote this week, "Let us awaken ourselves to our charge as a people of holiness and come together with faith and support to do the necessary work to heal, uplift and do the daily work of repair that the Torah calls out to us to do."

We continue to pray for a healing of body and soul to all who have been wounded and impacted by this devastating attack.  May all mourners be comforted. May we find healing from this trauma and may justice, love and peace be the forces that motivate us in the days to come.  

Rabbi Janice  

November   Calendar 

11/2    5:30p   Tot Shabbat
           6:30p   Shabbat for Healing & 
                       Comfort
                       Rabbi Janice
11/4    9:30a   Torah School
11/9    7:30p   Shabbat Service
                       Rabbi Janice
11/11  9:30a   Torah School
11/13  7:00p   Board Meeting
11/15  10:30a Book Club
11/16  7:30p   Shabbat Service
                       Hilary Steiniger
11/18  9:30a   Torah School
11/23  7:30p   Shabbat Service
                       Leslie Moss
11/30  7:30p   Shabbat Service
                       Rabbi Janice

Board Highlights

• A series of Eilu v’Eilu-Living Room Conversations will be held at Rabbi Janice’s house in these weeks before the new calendar year.  Important discussion items from our survey will be discussed in very small groups.  You will be contacted about meeting time soon!  
• Financials are in order.  High Holiday pledges have not yet all arrived.
• Please welcome our newest members, the Gholian family!
• Torah School enrollment is at 22. 
• Irv Shelub’s adult education course on Jewish history and ancestry will begin on January 9 and run for 8 consecutive weeks.  This course is limited to COT members.
• We need someone willing to undertake the Social Action 9th Vice President position.  Please contact Jerome or Rita if you are interested in assuming this very important position.

Announcements

Only 4 more squares left!!!!

Social Action

Volunteers Urgently Needed!
​​​​​​​
SLO FoodBank volunteer opportunity with COT - All ages welcome. 
Saturday Nov 10th 10 am-12 pm.
1180 Kendall Road, SLO.  

Limited to 20 participants!  Rabbi Janice will send the volunteer waiver to the first 20 people that RSVP. 

RSVP to Rabbi Janice

Upcoming COT Events 

Adult Education
Contact: Irv Shelub

Fused Glass Workshop
Contact: Joan Bloomfield ​​​​​​​

COT Scenes

Free Family Concert at COT.
Photo Credit: Mimi Naish

COTTY making us proud during the High Holidays
Photo Credit: Leslie Moss

Havurah at Chesebrough Pumpkin Farm
Photo Credit: Naomi Blakely & Leslie Moss

Sukkot 2018
Photo Credit: Leslie Moss

Other SLO Events

Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

Kvelling Corner

Please send your proud moments to Sam Mogull by the 25th to be featured in the Kvelling Corner!  

Yahrzeits

11/01
Betty Rosen- Aunt of Jayne Sacks
11/02
Hilda Rubay- of blessed memory
11/03
Beverly Donnenfeld- Aunt of Jeff Zucker
11/05
Marvin Cohl- Father of Phillip Cohl
11/07
Bertha Mayer- Mother of Allan Mayer
11/08
Mary Kuster- Aunt of Paul & Jayne Sacks
Sylvia Segal- Grandmother of Elisabeth Madding
11/09
Eppie Meltzer- of blessed memory
11/15
Sam Siegel-of blessed memory
11/16
Rosalie Ross- Cousin of Paul & Jayne Sacks
Katie Levine- Grandmother of Rick Moss
Erwin A. Mason- Brother-in-law of Paul & Jayne Sacks
Jeffrey Neil Simon- of blessed memory
11/17
Abraham Kirchenstein- Father of Phyllis Caris

11/18
Cathy Raiman- Cousin of Jayne Sacks
11/19
Ruth Brown- Mother & Bubbe of the Zucker family
11/22
Bella Ruth Solish-Grandmother of Alfred Solish
Henry Pollack- Grandfather of Rabbi Janice Mehring
11/24
Carol Brigham- Grandmother of Leslie Moss
11/25
Elizabeth Gersh- Grandmother of Steve Gersh
Fred Ellenberger-Uncle of Steve Gersh
11/26
Rabbi Scott Corngold- Friend of Diana Heller
11/27
Bernice Solish- Mother of Alfred Solish
11/30
Karen Sheinuik- Friend of Paul & Jayne Sacks
Vera Kinkel-Aunt of Linda Prior

11/03  Ezra Gish
           Micah Gish
11/07  William Mehring 
11/11  Allan Mayer
          Jason Kirschenstein
          Chip Kurtzman
11/12 Cindy Dixon Levine
          Rick Moss
11/13 Susan Aroner
11/15 Lorraine Friedman

11/17  Samuel Salzman
11/19  Maria Minichiello
11/24  Ari Mogull
11/25  Seiji Kawano
11/29  Jared Field 
11/30  Judith Baron
           Larry Spielman 
           Ken Doerr
​​​​​​​           Amelia Kim

11/01 Steve & Esther Salzman
11/02 Dana & John Sidders
11/28 Mark & Robin Cohen

Support COT with your Amazon purchases! 

Tzedakah - Thank you for your generosity

David & Naomi Blakely
In memory of Ernest Blakely
In gratitude for multiple HH honors

Larry & Phyllis Caris
Get gell wishes to Mary Bianco
Congratulations Alhadeff Family on birth of baby Noah Elliot
Congratulations to Proffitt Family on bith of baby Jacob
Condolences to Cricket Handler on the loss of her sister.

Larry Schiffer
In memory of Anna Zafran
Tree of Life

Doreen Jacobs
In memory of David Jacobs

Steve & Sue Weiss
In memory of Lori Gersh

Arlene McDonald
In honor of Rick & Leslie Moss- "for all you do for me."

Susan & Michael Aroner
In memory of Edith Aroner
In Tribute to Rabbi Janice
In Tribute to Cindy & Pop-Up Choir for a beautiful HH service
In thanks for Aliyah honor
In honor of Larry & Phyllis Caris
In memory of Julie Anne Dieguez

Rick & Leslie Moss
In memory of Mickey Westrich
In memory of Katie Levine
In memory of Carol Brigham
In memory of Leslie Brigham
In honor of Jeff Zucker
In honor of Rabbi Janice
In honor of Cindy Dixon Levine
In honor of Rita & Jerome Becker
In honor of Fred & Frieda Russell
In honor of Nancy Osran
In honor of Theresa Hirsch
​​​​​​​
Michael & Rachel Santos
In memory of Jesus Ochoa

Elie Axelroth
In memory Bobbie Scott

A special thank you to the Margalit family for donating a swing set to our Torah School!

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

Rabbi's Message
Every morning we recite a pray called Nisim B’Chol Yom- “Daily Miracles.” We express our gratitude for many things, one of which is the gratitude  for being free. As American Jews, we don't take for granted the tremendous gift of freedom.   We have the ability to express our opinions and raise our voices and one of the ways we do that is through voting. This is  a freedom that Jews have not always been afforded.
Voting encompasses several Jewish values. To vote is to envision a world more whole. It is about optimism and hope that things can be better. And when we vote, we see ourselves as part of the solution and as God's partners in bringing about change.    

On Yom Kippur, I spoke about how we speak God's language through our actions. I would add voting to the list of the ways we speak God's language. There is no halakhic (Jewish law) obligation to vote but voting is deeply rooted in our tradition and we Jews have a long history of civic engagement.  In the 1950’s and 1960’s , more than any other segment of the white population, Jews played an active role in the fight for civil rights, a movement that ultimately granted citizens of color the right to vote. This is not a partisan endeavor but a sacred effort, to enfranchise all of society in building a just and fair nation.   
Register to vote and make a voting plan:  
Check to see if you are registered to vote and  find your polling place. If you are not registered, do it today. The deadline for the general election is October 22, 2018.  

I pray our entire congregation will commit to voting this year.  My prayer is that every member of our congregation will vote this year. I pray "Praise to You, Adonai our God, who has made us free, and gifted us with the privilege of voting. May we all make good use of this precious gift, this year and in years to come."                       Rabbi Janice  

October   Calendar 
​​​​​​​
10/1   6:30p   Yizkor
          7:00p   Simchat Torah
10/5   5:30p   Tot Shabbat
          6:30p   Family Services
                      Rabbi Janice
10/9   7:00p   Board Meeting
10/10 10:30a Book Club
                      The Weight of Ink
10/12 7:30p   Shabbat Services
                      Rich Carsel
10/14 9:30a   Torah School
10/17 7:00p   History of Jewish
                      Ancestry
10/19 7:30p   Shabbat Service
                      Rabbi Janice
10/21 9:30a   Torah School
10/23 4:00p   Havurah
                      Nancy Osran
          7:00p   Men's Club
                      Fred Russell
10/24 7:00p   History of Jewish
                      Ancestry
10/26  7:30p  Shabbat Service
                      Rabbi Janice
10/28  9:30a  Torah School

Please Join Us TONIGHT for Simchat Torah!

Came and experience the joy of Torah with dance and song!
We complete the yearly cycle reading about Moses’ final days then transition right back to the beginning, Creation. The Sages teach that we begin the Torah again on the same day we finish to show that the Torah is beloved to us like a new object, and not like an old commandment that we no longer treasure.
Everyone participates in the Torah Procession and reading.

We will also celebrate the consecration of our new Torah School pupils.

Monday, October 1st 7pm followed by a potluck Oneg. Please bring a dairy or parev dish to share.

We will start with a Yiskor/Memorial service at 6:30pm

There is something for everybody on Simchat Torah young and old.

Adult Education

A new adult education series entitled:

History of Jewish Ancestry: A Discussion Survey

will soon begin as a sequence of Wednesday Night Sessions at Ohr Tzafon
All our Ohr Tzafon family are invited to JOIN IN & ENGAGE OUR INHERITED PAST! 

...flyer to come!

Questions: Contact Irv Shelub

Social Action

LAST CHANCE TO DONATE!!!!!!

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 

Kvelling Corner

Please send your proud moments to Sam Mogull by the 25th to be featured in the Kvelling Corner!  

Yahrzeits

10/1
Julie Ann Dieguez- Neice of Michael Aroner
Mickey Westrich- Aunt of Rick Moss
10/2
Abraham Hyman Silverstein- of blessed memory
10/4
Annie Weisberg- Mother of Herman Weisberg
Ben Zucker- Grandfather of Jeff Zucker
10/5
Ralph Lumi- Husband of Carol Hoffman
10/7
Harry Peskin- Grandfather of Sandy Kawano
Faye Weisberg- Wife of Herman Weisberg and mother of Joanna Wemple
10/8
Elizabeth Peters- Aunt of Hilary Steiniger
Rose Terminello- Grandmother of Rabbi Janice Mehring
10/12
Dorothy Siegel- of blessed memory
10/15
Thelma Yeskel- Mother of Filip Yeskel
10/16
Albert Heller- Father of Diana Heller
10/20
Herman Goldenberg- Uncle of Jayne Sacks

10/21
Esther Tshewik- Mother of Frieda Russell
Miriam Berman- Grandmother of Michelle Scherer Robles and Dawn Scherer Daner
Anna Zafran- Aunt of Larry Schiffer
10/22
Murray Shapiro- Father of Kenneth L. Shapiro
Robert Hirsch- Father in Law of Theresa Hirsch
10/24
Vern McDonald- Husband of Arlene McDonald
10/28
Leora Weiss Gersh- Wife of Steve Gersh, Daughter of Steve and Sue Weiss
10/29
Esther Fox- Mother of Janine Dingler
Edith. R. Aroner- Mother of Michael Aroner
10/30
Miriam Knell- Friend of Michelle Scherer Robles and David Robles
10/31
Eva Peskin- Grandmother of Sandy Kawano

10/5   Larry Caris
          Michael Weingarten
10/7   Jackie Ramsdell
          Julian Kirschenstein
          Frances Mayer
10/8   David Blakely
          Helene Zucker
10/10 Dana Sidders
          William Wane White

10/11  Cricket Handler
10/14  Janine Dingler
10/15  Jan Carsel
10/16  Kyle Cristal
           Carol Hoffman
10/21  Alexx Robles
10/23  Judith Bernstein
10/30  Fannie Osran

10/21 Dave & Gail Padolsky
10/03 Jordan & Manu Fiorentini
10/23 Alfred Solish & Margaret Frerking

Support COT with your Amazon purchases! 

Tzedakah - Thank you for your generosity

Susan & Michael Aroner
In Memory of Anata Henda Becker
In honor of Skyler Wemple's Bat Mitzvah
In memory of Debra Fine

Bonnie & Bernie Weiss
In memory of Jerome's Mother
Speedy Recovery to Frieda Russell

Sharyn Solish
In Rememberance of George & Bernice
In memory of Fred & Harriet Siegel

Mike Santos
General Fund

Theresa Hirsch
In memory of Larry Hirsch
In memory of Johnny Sanchez

Fred & Frieda Russell
In memory of Fred's Father
​​​​​​​
Lorraine Friedman
In memory of Julian Friedman

Jerome & Rita Becker
In memory of Jerome's Mother

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