Monthly Newsletter

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

The two joyous months of Adar are coming to a close.  Did your 'happiness increase' as the Talmud says it will during this time of raucous Purim energy? While our sages were well-intentioned, can we really obligate people to be happy?  Modern day researchers suggest that we replace the word happiness with well-being.  Rather than searching for happiness, if we strive for meaning, self-worth, and satisfaction in our lives we can all increase our sense of well-being and not just for Adar but throughout the year.   This will serve us well as we shift into the season of our liberation.  The commemoration of our freedom is not just about celebrating our people become physically free from bondage, but also about them breaking the chains of spiritual enslavement. They no longer would be oppressed by the narrowness of slave mentality but could follow their own hearts and minds to a new way of being.  This was not an easy transition for the Children of Israel.  There was a definite learning curve to acting and thinking as a free people.  But with time, and faith, and perseverance, we did indeed become free.  

This year, we begin to count the Omer in the evening on April 20. This tradition, grounded in the agricultural cycle of the land of Israel, has become an opportunity for spiritual growth. Because the work of finding meaning, self-worth, and satisfaction in our lives is ongoing, it is wonderful that our tradition gives us built-in 'spiritual boot camps' (such as counting the Omer) to help us. There are many wonderful guides and websites for making the counting of the Omer a spiritual practice. I offer this poem for the new month of Nissan and I wish you all peaceful and wonderful season of liberation.                                   Rabbi Janice  

The barley ripens
The Season of the Omer celebrates the sprouting grain.
Each day the light increases and
Fresh breezes clean out the dark places.
We journey from the grains of liberation to the bread of Torah
From the potential of freedom to the realization of vision.
Like our plant friends, we move
From buds to blossoms to ripening fruit.
Earth energy strengthens the trees and plants
The time has come to harvest the healing herbs.
And we count, trying to make each day count,
On our journey from Egypt to Sinai.
We re-connect with Mother Earth
Who births us into the people Israel.
-- Judy Young

Counting the Omer with Rabbi Yael Levy      https://www.awayin.org/counting-the-omer
Omer: A Counting by Rabbi Karyn Kedar  https://www.ccarpress.org/shopping_product_detail.asp?pid=50132

March   Calendar 

4/5     5:30p   Tot Shabbat
          6:30p   Family Services
                      Rabbi Janice
4/7     9:30a   Torah School
4/9     7:00p   Board Meeting
4/12   7:30p   Shabbat Service
                      Rabbi Janice
4/14   9:30a   Torah School
          2:00p   Natalie Stone Memorial Service
4/19   7:30p   Shabbat Service
                      Erev Pesach
                      Leslie Moss
4/20   5:45p   Community Seder
4/23   7:00p   Men's Club
                      Rick Moss
4/26   7:00p   Shabbat Service
                      

Natalie Stone Memorial

Upcoming COT Events 

Saturday, April 20, 2019 at 6:00 PM
2019 Seder Reservation Form

Please click on the form for a printable PDF.

General Community Events

Sunday, April 28, 2019 at 3:00 PM

COT Thanks You!

Thank you to Hilary and Peter Steiniger and Kate Silverman for reorganizing our library.    Books are now categorized and color coded by subject matter. 
Please feel free to check out a book by completing the card in the book (or a  3x5 card in the plastic check out box) with your name and phone number and date of check out.  Return the book to the proper section when you are finished. 

Thank you to Melany Spielman, Jackie Ramsdell and parents and teachers for a fun Purim celebration.

Kvelling Corner

Mazel tov to William Mehring.  He will enter the USC Keck School of Medicine on August 9. 

Yahrzeits

4/3   Mariam Greene- Aunt of Judith
        Bernstein 
4/6   Harold Gold- Father of Ariene
        McDonald
4/9   Aaron Simon- Grandfather of Jessica
        Main
        Bronia Weiss- Grandmother of Steve
        Weiss
4/10 Suzanne DaSilva- Sister of Rita Becker
        Lillian Levine- Aunt of Rick Moss
        Sandra Alice Boxer- Of Blessed
        Memory
4/11 Sophie Carsel- Mother of Richard
        Carsel
        Philip Trevor- Cousin of Linda Prior 
        Rachel Margalit- Grandmother of
        Nachschon Margalit 
4/12 Leonard M. Marx- Father of Mary
        Bianco 
        Betty Mandelbaum- Of Blessed
        Memory 
4/13 Phillip Finkel- Uncle of Linda Prior
4/14 Dorothy Russell- Mother of Fred
        Russell
       Sara Golde- Mother of Regene Craig
4/15 Margaret K. Sloss- Grandmother of
        Jean Lowe
        Raphael Shelby- Grandfather of Linda
        Prior 
4/16 Melody Aroner Katz- Sister of Michael
        Aroner 

4/18 Baruch Margalit- Father of Nachson
        Margalit 
        Fannie Finkel- Grandmother of Linda
        Prior 
4/20 Ann Finkel- Aunt of Linda Prior 
4/21 Shirley Oser- Mother of Jan Carsel
4/22 Larry Hirsch- Husband and Father of
        Theresa Hirsch, Micah Hirsch, Hazel
        Hirsch and Brandon Hirsch
        Carmen Froes- Grandmother of Rita
        Becker
        Louis Donnenfeld- Uncle of Jeff Zucker
        Jonathan Jacoves- Nephew of Jayne
        Sacks 
        Irving Alexander- Father of William
        Alexander
        Abraham Goldstein- Of Blessed
        Memory 
4/23 Louis Gottlieb Stone- Father of I.
        Rudyard (Rud) Stone
        Beatrice Simone- Grandmother of
        Jessica Main
4/24 Suan Mogull- Mother of Michael Mogull 
4/25 Rose Caris- Mother of Larry Caris    
        Philip Bloomfield- Father of Joan
        Bloomfield 
4/26 Adelaide Baron- Mother of Judith Baron
4/29 Jackson Alberts- Nephew of Jayne
        Sacks

Birthdays

4/3 Daniel Solish
4/6 Irwin Shelub
4/7 Grace Mundee
      Carrie White
      Camille Hamilton
4/15 Dr. Shervin Gholian
4/16 Samuel David Gholian
4/17 Charlotte Olivia Gholian

4/18 Karen Wilkins
        Drew Daner
        Haddie Daner
4/20 Robin Cohen
4/21 Filip Yeskel
4/22 Steve Gersh 
4/29 Patricia Schechter
        Noah Dingler 

Anniversaries

4/6 Jayne & Paul Sacks
4/8 Rick & Leslie Moss
4/17 Rich & Jan Carsel

4/22 Ron & Linda Becker
4/24 Les & Muna Cristal
            

Support COT with your Amazon purchases! 

Ron & Linda Becker
In honor of Irv Shelub- Ancestry Education Series

Nachshon & Colleen Margalit
In honor of Ester Margalit

Jean Lowe
Havurah Campership
In memory of Natalie Stone
In memory of Trudy Moss

Rick & Leslie Moss
In memory of Natalie Stone
In honor of Larry Caris/Fundraising
In honor of Irv Shelub-Ancestry Education Series

Rud Stone
In memory of Natalie Stone

Chip & Barbara Kurtzman
In memory of Natalie Stone

Bonnie & Bernie Weiss
In memory of Trudy Moss
In memory of Natalie Stone

Michael & Susan Aroner
In memory of Mildred Day

Arlene McDonald
In memory of Harold Goldstein

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

25 of us will be leaving for Israel next week.  4 million tourists arrived in Israel last year for the “Wow” moments of encountering ancient ruins, monuments, battlefields and living history. However, we Jews visit Israel as pilgrims, with a sense of something more. We are returning to our history, our people, to the place it all began.    The word ‘pilgrim’ refers to a traveler going to a holy place.   We don’t often think of that word in a Jewish context. Muslims make a hajjto Mecca. Christians walk the Via Dolorosa but pilgrimage is Jewish at its core.  Jews have been doing it since biblical times, traveling to Jerusalem for the three pilgrimage festivals (shalosh regalim) of Sukkot, Passover and Shavuot.  
It is customary before leaving to collect written prayers to insert into the Kotel, the Western Wall, and token amounts of tzedakah to give to the poor.  I am happy to be the messenger for any of your prayers or monetary gifts. Please give them to me before Shabbat on March 8. 
 
It also customary to say this prayer around the Shabbat table before leaving.
 
May the One who blessed our ancestors
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob
Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel and Leah
Bless me and those with whom I travel
On this journey up to Israel.
May we travel safely, and arrive in peace
To the land that we hold dear,
The land that we call Zion. 
May we return to those we love 
Blessed in every undertaking 
Inspired and renewed by our people and our land. Amen.  
 
Keyn Y’hi Ratzon.  May this be God’s will.

March   Calendar 

3/1     5:30p   Shabbat Potluck
          6:20p   Summer Camp Presentation
          7:00p   Shabbat Service Begins
                      Rabbi Janice
3/3     9:30a   Torah School

3/8     7:30p   Shabbat Service
                      Rabbi Janice
                      Last day to give RJ prayers for Israel
3/12   7:00p   Board Meeting
3/15   7:30p   Shabbat Service
                      Ron Becker
3/17   9:30a   Torah School
3/20   6:00p   Erev Purim
                      Pizza and Purim!!!
3/22   7:30p   Shabbat Service
                      Sharon George
3/24   9:30a   Torah School
3/26   7:00p   Havurah
                      Jean Lowe & Sharon George
                      Men's Club
                      Mark Cohen
3/29   7:30p   Shabbat Service
                      Rick & Leslie Moss

Board Highlights

1. Dues payments are lagging a bit.  Board discussed different means to communicate the importance of our dues.
2. Be on the lookout for a summary of the participants’ input on the main focus questions during the “living room conversations” held late last year.
3. We are pursuing a federal security grant to enhance our overall security. There are already excellent measures in place.
4. Camperships for local and away camps will be available.  Plan to attend family services on March 1 for more information.
5. Shabbat service times will change at the end of April.  Family and Tot Shabbat service times will remain the same.  Stay tuned!

Upcoming COT Events 

Saturday, April 20, 2019 at 6:00 PM
2019 Seder Reservation Form
Please click on the form for a printable PDF.

General Community Events

Sunday, April 28, 2019 at 3:00 PM

Ticket Giveaway!!!
 
We have two tickets available to give away in the Orchestra Section (Please see picture below)! These are phenomenal seats and a $76.00 value.  Members of COT are entitled to one entry per household.
 
In order to enter you MUST e-mail Sam Mogull at CommunicationsCOT@gmail.com.  Additional Entry possibilities will be announced during the weekly bulletins.  Stay Tuned!

 
Winners to be announced after the April Board Meeting.

Kvelling Corner

Yahrzeits

3/1
Jeff Surnow- Cousin of Jayne Sacks 
3/2
Marilyn Kilbreck Winer-Sister of Natalie Stone  
3/4
​​​​​​​Joseph Levine-Grandfather of Richard A. Moss
3/8
Morris Hartman-Of Blessed Memory
3/9
Mildred E. Day-Mother of Susan Aroner
Nina Ruffino- Friend of David Robles and MIchelle Scherer Robles
Fay Gans-Grandmother of Jackie Ramsdell
3/14 
Lily J. Taylor-Of Blessed Memory
3/20
Lillian Shapiro-Mother Of Kenneth L. Shapiro
3/21
Jordan Kilbrick-Cousin Of Natalie Stone
3/23
Estelle Diamant-Cousin Of Sharon George 
Ginna Toberman-Of Blessed Memory 

3/26
Charlotte Soloman Klein-Mother of Sylvia Decker
3/27
William Cullen-Father Of Theresa Hirsch  
3/29
Leon Stein-Father Of Carol Hoffman
Marion Stein-Mother of Carol Hoffman
3/30
Pat Robles- Sister-in-Law to David Robles and Michelle Scherer Robles
Bunny Levine-Uncle to Richard A. Moss 

Birthdays

3/2 Nancy Osran
      Kimberly Kurtzman
3/3 Herman Weisberg
3/5 Jayne Sacks
3/8 Alfred Solish 
      Ariene McDonald
      Nathan Trinidad

3/9 Michelle Scherer Robles
3/16 George Wilkins
3/17 Ronald Field
3/24 Mindy Proffitt
3/28 Rita Becker
3/31 Josh Burke Cohn

Anniversaries

3/02 Bill & Julie Mundee
3/16 Phillip & Kathy Cohl
3/24 Derek & Mindy Proffitt
3/29 David & Naomi Blakely 
        Allan & Frances Mayer

Support COT with your Amazon purchases! 

Security Fund
Ron & Linda Becker
In honor of Tali Freed's Birthday

Bonnie & Bernie Weiss

Howard & Sylvia Drucker

General Fund
Larry & Phyllis Caris
In appreciation of MLK Day

Memorial/Tribute
Steve & Sue Weiss
In memory of Natalie Stone

Jayne & Paul Sacks
In Tribute to Mundee & Stones

Susan & Michael Aroner
In memory of Natalie Stone
In memory of Beatrice Casden

Rick & Leslie Moss
In memory of Natalie Stone

Cricket Handler & Jerry Boots
In memory of Cricket's Father's Yahrzeit
 

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