The upcoming Netivot Shalom May 15-17 retreat at Westminster Woods in Occidental will take place exactly 34 years after our very first retreat on May 15-17, 1992 at Valley of the Moon Camp in Glen Ellen. While the journey from Valley of the Moon Camp to Westminster Woods takes only 1 hour, the journey Netivot…
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Read profiles of new and longer-term members…
In each issue of the newsletter, we will publish several memorials from our Book of Memories in a column called “Of Blessed Memory.” Rabbi Kelman conceived of the Netivot Shalom Members Memorial Book in 2017 as a way to honor the memory of our deceased congregants. Diane Bernbaum writes the stories and Lee Bearson designs…
We met at Netivot services in February 1999, when CNS was holding Shabbat morning services at the BRJCC. Lara arrived, looking for a place to sit, and sat down next to John. Lara says: “I thought I saw a wedding ring on John’s finger, and thought to myself, ‘I bet he’s a great husband!’ John was all…
Strengthening our Caring Community: Gemilut Chasadim current and future acts of lovingkindness One of the guiding texts that forms my theology is from a midrash on Psalm 145:9, the line from Ashrei: tov Hashem lakol v’rachamav al kol maasav, “God is good to all because God’s compassion is on all of God’s works.” My favorite interpretation…
The Netivot Shalom membership year comes to a close on June 30. So, it’s time to look forward to the coming year – and Membership Renewals. We expect that membership renewal information will come out within the next few weeks. If you’ve previously chosen to roll-over your dues, you don’t have to do anything! If…
Happy second edition of The Shofar! I will always be grateful to Cathy and the rest of the crew for not just agreeing to get this going but really making it a substantial newsletter full of content, creativity, and the many voices from our community. I hope you’ve been enjoying it, and (it wouldn’t be…
Let’s start with a huge thank you to Mary Breiner, who has served as the chair of the Chevra Kadisha for many, many years. Unknown to most, she has worked behind the scenes, ever so sensitively, to assist congregants in time of loss. Mary has been the one to go to for all four of…
I’ve been thinking about the way poetry can bring light to dark times. My poem “Trajectory” was written just a few days after October 7, in reaction to that violence. Unfortunately, it turns out to be applicable to much that has happened since then. “Spring, again” was a poem looking for the kind of reliable…
This is one of my favorite vegetarian recipes. Everyone who tries it, loves it. We served it at the gala. INGREDIENTS Lemony Yogurt: ¾ cup whole-milk yogurt 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice ½ tsp. sugar Kosher salt Fritters: 1 cup red lentils (masoor dal) 1 medium zucchini (about 5 oz.) ½ medium onion, thinly sliced…
How often have you heard someone say, “I’m not very creative” or “I’m not good at art”? Well, Netivot congregant and Jewish Studio Project (JSP) co-founder Rabbi Adina Allen is not having it…
Read profiles of new and longer-term members…
In each issue of the newsletter, we will publish several memorials from our Book of Memories in a column called “Of Blessed Memory.” Rabbi Kelman conceived of the Netivot Shalom Members Memorial Book in 2017 as a way to honor the memory of our deceased congregants. Diane Bernbaum writes the stories and Lee Bearson designs…
The ongoing “From Our History” column draws on and condenses the very detailed history of Netivot Shalom by Diane Bernbaum and Joanna Weinberg, founding members. This introductory column not only summarizes their account, but also contains an introduction to that account by Rabbi Stuart Kelman…
How fun to have a Newsletter again! Many thanks to Cathy Shadd Rosenfeld, Carole Baden, Ellen London, and Lee Bearson for taking on this project! I thought I’d take this opportunity – the first Newsletter – to highlight just a few of the issues that we’re working on. Membership this year is up over last…
How great is this newsletter? We’re just thrilled to get this going in response to what we have heard from you about wanting to be more connected with each other. A HUGE thank you to our newsletter team, Cathy Rosenfeld and Carole Baden, who not only stepped up to help but then went above and…
“I found a fruitful world, because my ancestors planted it for me. Likewise I am planting for my children.” (Talmud Bavli, Ta’anit 23A) That idea—l’dor v’dor, from generation to generation—is at the heart of Netivot Shalom’s legacy effort: creating a reliable source of support…
The American Library Association has announced the 2026 winners of the Sophie Brody Medal for achievement in Jewish literature. As a member of the committee, I am happy to share with you these books published in 2025 and to let you know that they are now in our shul library.
Following a hiatus, the CNS membership committee was reconstituted this year. Our goal is to integrate new people into the CNS community during the first year of their membership. We aim to make them feel welcome and valued…
This has been a Kelman family Passover fave forever. I no longer remember how I acquired the recipe. I usually make two batches before I start cooking anything else. Now my kids all make it too…
This biennial event is our premier community-building activity. For 2026, we’ll be returning to Westminster Woods, the site of our 2022 Retreat. Westminster is a beautiful setting among coastal redwoods in Sonoma County. Over three days and two nights, we’ll celebrate Shabbat together and…
In this tumultuous year, what we need is comfort, with our family, our friends, our community. What is more comfortable than a visit to Bubbe and Zayde’s house (besides the plastic furniture covers!)? Whatever you call your grandparents, or wherever you find comfort, we want to celebrate the feelings of warmth and welcoming…