Grape Jews

Interesting article over on NPR about the idea that Palestinians and Jews will never live in peace as two separate countries (states) and that perhaps the idea of their being one country where both Jews, Arabs, and Christians have equal votes is the way to go.

Wow. What a concept.

It seems like something that is even more impossible than the situation now in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank and I cannot believe that someone is actually considering this as a possibility. Should Israeli’s even consider this as an option? I don’t see how they could. It seems to me that this would lead to the ultimate destruction of Israel and would serve the same purpose as if the all the Arab Nations wiped Israel off the map. Am I crazy? Let me know what you think.

You are invited to a “Safari in Napa” with Naturalist Milton Rieback! The Jewish Historical Society of Napa Valley invites you to a marvelous afternoon to be held at Connolly Ranch in Napa. Milton Rieback, was born and raised in South Africa, where, as a youth, he discovered a love for animals. He has been involved in animal rehabilitation including hand rearing cheetah cubs. As a game ranger, safari field guide and herpetologist, he has worked for world-renowned parks and game preserves. Rieback moved to the United States in 2000 and is currently the director of education at Safari West Wildlife Preserve, an African wildlife park in Sonoma county. He will bring some animals for us to get “up close and personal” with. He will read and autograph his book The Adventures of Webb Ellis; named after a rhino that was born on Mabula in 1995 the day South Africa won the Webb Ellis world cup in rugby. (more…)

Setting up this website came to me in a wave of inspiration the other day. There are no websites that focus on the conversation of Jewish Life in the Napa Valley, yet we are “here”, and we are important contributing members to the greater Napa Valley Community. I am hoping that people will come to this site to get information about what’s happening that is “Jewish” in the Napa Valley as well as a resource and a place to discuss topics that are of interest to those of us living here.

Enjoy!

Israeli artists are marking the country’s 60th anniversary with 6 exhibitions (one for each decade of Israel’s existence as a country) to be shown in different museum’s throughout Israel. Check out the article over at the New York Times.

Congregation Beth Sholom’s summer Day Camp will be held from June 16 - 27.

For more information please contact the Congregation’s Office at 253-7305.

Tickets are available for Saturday, June 21st only. The $350 per person ticket includes all Saturday events:

10 AM –2 Pm - Exclusive Winery Open Houses
5 PM The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone

• Vintner-Hosted Wine Tasting & Silent Auction
• Gourmet Dinner in the Barrel Room
• Celebrity Vintner at Every Table
• Lively Live Auction
• Presentation of Al Brounstein Meritorious Service Award to Ernie Weir, Founder & Winemaker, Hagafen Cellars

You may sign up by: Calling 707.968.9944 Or Emailing info@jewishvintners.org

The Republican Candidate has been chosen and the Democrats are still slugging it out. At some point soon all voting Americans will need to decide who to vote for President this November. If you are having a hard time with the decision then perhaps you will be swayed by Haaretz’s take on the Presidential Candidates (updated monthly).

Lag B’Omer Bar-B-Q
Thurs. May 22 @ 5:30pm
@ JFK Memorial Park (Directions click here

Shish Kebabs, Hotdogs, Haburgers & more
Outdoor Activities & A Nature Walk on the Beautiful Trail
Suggested Donation: $10
Sponsor: $180
*Free for Kids ‘N Action Members

To RSVP call (707) 320-2348 or email info@JewishNapaValley.com

A memorial service for vintner Evelyn Kiken is set for Sunday, May 25 at 4:30 p.m. at the family winery, Reverie on Diamond Mountain, 1520 Diamond Mountain Road in Calistoga.

Kiken passed away on May 1 after a 15 year struggle with breast cancer. The Family suggests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the breast cancer charity of your choice.