Jewish Awareness Through Music

Samuel Thomas Comes Home!

Thursday-Sunday, January 18-21

Samuel, son of Guy and Odette (z"l) Thomas, a graduate of the Berklee School of Music in Boston, and now a Ph.D. candidate in ethnomusicology at CUNY, will lead two workshops to kick off our celebration of Jewish Music Month.

The Kabbalistic practice of singing niggunim, or wordless melodies, amongst Hasidic Jews of Eastern Europe is widespread and imbued with much Jewish thought on spirituality.   We will explore the kabbalistic thought behind niggunim, examining their role in elevating spiritual expression within Judaism.  We will also sing a couple niggunim ourselves, experiencing the power of song together.

This workshop will explore music of the Jewish world through interactive participation.   We will learn about different Jewish musical traditions through singing and examining songs from different Jewish communities around the world.  "Makin' Jewish Music" is a fun way to connect to Jewish history for everyone.

It was THE Chanukkah/Holiday Party--On Steroids!

Billed as the first annual Latkes and Vodkas in Modesto, it was THE Chanukkah/holiday party -- on steroids!  Thirty folks lined up at the door before the 7 p.m. starting time to be admitted into the transformed social hall "nightclub."

The 150 congregation members, their friends, newcomers to the community, and many non-Jewish party goers were jolly, thanks to the Pascal family's donation of Stoli vodka, which flowed down the Mallard's sculpted ice vodka "bottle," with vodka cocktails, wine, soft drinks, and other drinks on the side.

The food was yummy -- everyone enjoyed latkes, Middle Eastern goodies, and scrumptious, buttery cookies and pastries prepared by Joyce Gandelman, Tammy Kempner, and committee.

And the atmosphere was friendly and chummy, as Eli Lester and friend kicked off the evening with smooth jazz guitar sounds, followed by happy singing around the piano bar to Broadway, TV, standard pop and holiday tunes, masterfully accompanied by our own Norm "Vance" VanSpronsen and local pianist/showman John Duerner.

Invited dignitaries, Sheriff Adam Christianson and Joy Madison, CEO of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce (both arranged by Keith Highiet), were on hand to light the second night of Chanukkah candles.  Tables were decorated with the Gough family's beautiful menorah collection, and Rochelle Rosen's dreidle collection also was on display.

Joel Youngheim and committee (Andra Greenwald, Loren Gonella, Victor Meissonnier, Keith Highiet, Joyce Gandelman, Evan Jacobs, Elsa McCoy, Tammy Kempner, and Joann Betschart) can be congratulated on an evening to remember and look forward to in future years.

A big round of thanks also goes to Salas Brothers Funeral Chapel, Modesto Junk Company, Ann Porteous, Eric and Jane Pascal, Mallard's Restaurant, Eli Lester and friend, Norm Van Spronsen, Loren Gonella, Velvet Grill and Creamery, the Highiet Family, Gallo Performing Arts Center, Outback Steak House, Barker's Music, and Reuben Villalobos (designated-driver limo service).

Folks lingered past the 11 p.m. ending time, asking what date they needed to save for the second annual Latkes and Vodkas, and days later people were remembering the event as "elegant," the food as "fantastic," and the "spirit" of the evening a "light hearted gathering," filled with "a great deal of unity."

And the best news of all is that we netted $2700, which will benefit the Youth Fund.

Joel says, "Wait 'til you see what we have up our sleeve for next year," and encourages everyone to make their reservations early for this very successful youth scholarship fundraiser.

Religious School News

I hope you are all enjoying a well deserved break from our run of the mill obligations.   If you haven't already received a letter from me regarding updated religious school information, you will soon.  Please let me know if you do not receive this letter.

I hope those parents of children in the 2nd through 5th grades enjoyed your Hanukkah gifts made with love at the Mudroom.  Thank you to Laura Skolnick and Kelly Villalobos for this great field trip!

We had so many Hanukkah festivities here at CBS this year and I want to thank all of you who came to our school and non-school events.  We definitely had a lot going on and many ways to celebrate our freedom to be Jews.

We have programming going for both adults and children in January as well.   Don't miss the weekend of January 18-21 with Samuel Thomas!  Please check out all the talents he is bringing here to share with all of us.

I want to build on our adult and family programming, but I need your help.   Let me know if any of our religious school families are reading the bulletin!   Please email me at cbsmarlene@sbcglobal.net with ideas and suggestions that you would like to have on Sunday mornings, during or after religious school.   I'll brew the coffee and make it happen!

Enjoy your families, play some games, stay warm together, and remind your children how lucky we are to have been born into our beautiful faith.  I will see you all very soon!

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