CBS Summer Social

Hues of lime, hot pink, bright orange, and purple leis dominated the colorful Hawaiian Fun and Frolic social this year.  Todd & Sarah Aaronson graciously offered their historic home with its lovely, large enclosed lush garden yard for a fun-filled CBS evening.

Thanks go to Laura Biewer, Marlene & Anthony Gonsalves, and the Board members who worked so hard to make this an especially beautiful, memorable evening.

The food preparation, headed by chefs Tom Gough on the barbecued chicken and Scott Biewer on the salmon, was yummy!  Also helping with preparation, cooking, and clean-up were Laney Grose and the Schwimmer Family.  Board members prepared the delicious variety of salads and bread.  The dessert auction by itself brought in $276, a portion of which went to the USY Sato project.  Goodies were baked by Gloria Ringsby, Linda Gough, Joan Guerra, Joyce Gandelman, Tammy Kempner, and Liz Trauring.  Special mention should be made of Joan Guerra's Kahlua brownies and cookies that brought in $70 alone!  (Wow, Joan, I'd like that recipe!)  Andy Mendlin was our dessert auctioneer, and his "Vanna" was his own lovely wife, Valli.

The highlight of the evening was the Hawaiian & Tahitian dancers, girls and boys swaying to the lilting sounds of the ukulele and the mesmerizing beat of the drums.  They came from Merced, charming the audience and permeating the neighborhood with their Polynesian sounds.

It was a wonderful evening for young and old alike, and one not to be missed next year!

Synagogue Security Is Everyone's Business

Security awareness means safety. Please help us make our synagogue a safe and secure environment by being a part of our "security team."

What is being done for the High Holy Days?

• Law enforcement will be present for all large attendance services.
• Local law enforcement has been notified of service times and will be extra vigilant in our neighborhood.
• As always, staff will have "panic buttons" that remotely trigger a silent alarm.
• Members of our Board of Directors and our congregation will serve as security ushers, ensuring that everyone in attendance speaks with Sandy before entering the sanctuary.

What can you do to help?

• Check in with Sandy before entering the sanctuary.  Please don't be offended when she asks for your name.
• Do not leave your purse, diaper bag, backpacks, etc. unattended.
• Be aware of the people around you.  We know the members of our congregation better than any security service or law enforcement officer.  If you see someone who looks suspicious, notify an usher and/or police officer immediately.
• Be aware of your surroundings.  Report any suspicious activity, cars, packages, handbags, etc., to an usher or Police officer.

USCJ News

USY Convention:  United Synagogue Youth's 57th annual convention is set for December 23-27 in Anaheim, California.  USYers are invited to five days of social action projects, summer program reunions, education programs, and more.  Go to USY's website for updates.

Nativ Continues to Grow:  This year, Nativ, our year-long program for newly graduated high school students, will be bigger than ever before.  We have 106 students enrolled, up from 80 last year.  The program has more than doubled in the last four years.  During the first semester, the program is housed at the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center.

Koach Birthright Trip Registration:  Attention young adults and parents!  On September 5, registration will open for a Koach Taglit-Birthright Israel trip.  Post high school 18-to-26-year-olds who have never been to Israel with an organized peer group are invited on a free 10-day trip to Israel.  Act quickly--trips fill quickly.  Don't miss out!  For more information or a reminder when registration opens, email koachbirthright@uscj.org.

Todah Rabbah!

Dear Congregation Beth Shalom Scholarship Committee and Congregation Members,

My mother and I would lke to personally wish you all a big Todah Rabbah!

I have just returned home from my fifth year at Camp Newman and I had an awesome time!  And I also look forward to my sixth year at Camp Newman!  Yes, I will be returning next year to continue my valuable friendships, the ruach throughout the camp, and all my rewarding Jewish experiences that I have been lucky enough to have!

My only wish would be that other kids from this congregation would be able to have such a wonderful and rewarding Jewish experience, as I have had over the past five years!  I hope that parents of the congregation's children look into the many session options that are available!  And, believe me, your child will definitely have a "very rewarding experience!"

Todah Rabbah,

Remember, half of every subscription to J- will go to Congregation Beth Shalom.  See your Bulletin for details.