Grape Jews

Since I launched grapejews.com a few weeks ago, I have for the most part been focused on posting local event information, but I hope from time to time to write about my experiences “Being Jewish” and in particular about “Being Jewish in the Napa Valley”. I think it only fair though that I properly introduce myself and give you some background information about where I am coming from – from a “Jewish Perspective”. I am hoping that you all will do the same, by commenting on this post, and together we can build up a little virtual community for discussion.

This post will focus on my non-voluntary Jewish background. To clarify when I say non-voluntary it might be better stated that it was “parent steered”. Later posts will focus on the twists and turns that my “Being Jewish” has taken since moving, marrying and raising kids in the Napa Valley. My intent is to start a running dialog on the joys and struggles about Being Jewish in the Napa Valley.

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The final event for the Women’s Circle 2008 is coming up next week:

“When Heaven Touched Earth”

Enjoy a hands-on demonstration of the art of Flower Arranging, in honor of the Holiday of Shavuot. Find out how flowers are linked to the holiday, and more.

Monday, June 2, 2008, 7:00p.m.
at Garaventa’s Florist & Gifts
851 Lincoln Ave.

Reservations are a must! We need an exact count.

707.320.2348 or email Chana@JewishNapa.com

Zoe was nice enough to share a photo gallery she created of various events that happen at Congregation Beth Sholom. It is worth taking a peek – she did a great job capturing the feeling and atmosphere of these events.

http://gallery.mac.com/zoekahn18/100048

Thanks Zoe!

Whom do I call if I need help from someone in Congregation Beth Sholom for transportation, errands, meals, etc.?

You can call Congregation Beth Sholom’s Lotsa Helping Hands Coordinator, Deb Bloomberg, 707-294-2941.

Or you can go directly online to the Lotsa Helping Hands Website and post a need and email the helping hands members at: http://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/601714

Congregation Beth Sholom are beneficiaries of L’Chaim! The Jewish Vintners Celebration and encourage you to participate or volunteer as you’re able,  June 20th-22nd.

http://jewishvintners.org

• Tributes need to be sent to Beth Kelman
• Tribute checks need to be sent to Jewish Vintners w/ a notation that it is for a listed and please be sure your name is listed: Send to: Jewish Vintners 4 Financial Plaza Napa, CA 94558
• Tickets may be purchased for the entire weekend for $650 or for one day only Saturday for $350. Checks and reservations need to be sent to: Jewish Vintners 4 Financial Plaza, Napa, CA 94558
• Volunteers are needed especially for Saturday – please contact Andy Starr at andystarr@sbcglobal.net

Just a note that Congregation Beth Sholom has a new website up at http://www.cbsnapa.org. Thanks to Natalie Woodard for the great job on the site.

Sunday June 8th at 10:30am. At Diamond Creek. Bring your Picnic lunch. Enjoy swimming, boating and fun around the pond.  Relax in the sun, Family friendly day!

Lawrence Giller, age 81, died Tuesday, May 12th. He was born in New York City and resided in Napa for the past 15 years. He was the owner of “Rare Vintage Estates” Real estate brokerage, in Napa. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served in WW II. He is survived by his life companion, Joyce Revis of Napa; his daughter Susan Barniske of Brawley, CA; his son Norman of Eaglesville, TN.; and his brother Edward of Hollidaysburg, PA. He was also predeceased by his Betsy Giller- Leinwohl. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jayson Barniske of Brawley, CA; Rebecca Giller of Eagleville, TN, and Ari Giller-Leinwohl and Judith Giller-Leinwohl, both of Scottsdale, AZ. Funeral services were held in New Jersey. Donations in his memory may be made to Congregation Shir Shalom, 252 W. Spain St., Sonoma, CA 95476. For further information, or to send a message to the family, contact Mandel Funeral Services of Northern California at 1-866-962-6335 or www.mandelfuneralservices.com.

Call for Volunteers: The Contemporary Jewish Museum’s GRAND OPENING is Sunday, June 8. Be part of the excitement! Become a VOLUNTEER–to help out at the festivities on Opening Day and some of the events leading up to it in early June. We’ll also be looking for volunteers to help out at the Museum on an on-going basis with visitor and member services; education and family programs; museum operations; other special events. If you would like more information about volunteering for the GRAND OPENING or more at San Francisco’s Contemporary Jewish Museum, call 415-655-7853 or email volunteer@thecjm.org.

When:

This Thursday evening, May 22, , at 7:30 pm

Who:

Robert Alter, Ph.D.,
Professor of Hebrew and Comparative Literature At UC Berkeley

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