Table Of ContentConnect. At Beth Am.
April 2012                                                                 Nisan - Iyar 5772 
r a e v
H K
a e s H e r
The Connection
Message from the Rabbi
Rabbi David Kornberg, Senior Rabbi
One of the things I love most about Conservative Judaism is our historic ability to 
look at the world around us, adapt, and do so while looking through the lens of 
traditional Judaism. The truth is that without an ability to adapt to new realities, and 
new technologies, Judaism would have never survived. Throughout the last century 
Conservative Jews have pushed themselves to find ways to express the love and value 
they find in Jewish tradition all the while living in, and interacting with, the “outside 
world.”
The laws of kashrut have ever been an area of conversation, for they represent both 
a commitment to a traditional way of life as well as a barrier between the Jewish and 
non-Jewish worlds. For some, that structure and framework provides a great deal of 
meaning. For others, keeping kosher does not fit within their “modern” world view. 
The Conservative Movement has always held the laws of kashrut to be a fundamental 
way of practicing Judaism and connecting with our tradition; however, we have also looked to find ways, when 
possible, to bridge the gap between the ancient and modern worlds. While there are many places in which we 
have done so, the most prominent example of this is in regard to the question of kosher wine.
There are two traditional issues one must address to ensure that wine is suitable to drink. The first is the possibility 
that something is in the wine that would render it unfit for Jews. Examples of this would be animal products or 
dairy products that could directly affect the kosher status of the wine. The second issue is the rabbinic prohibition 
of drinking wine that may have been made or used for idolatrous purposes. In order to protect Jews from 
unwittingly violating the Torah’s prohibition on idolatry, the rabbis of the Talmud prohibited the use of any wine 
that was not made by Jews. Certainly today, in the modern world, the second issue is by far easiest to address. 
We are not concerned that the wine we are drinking has been produced or is being used for idolatrous purposes. 
Even if we were to argue that some wine is used in Christian rites, the wine that is being used is not available for 
public consumption and is being produced by the Church specifically for that purpose.
The more challenging question is that of ingredients that may have come from a nonkosher source. On the surface, 
one may ask why this is even an issue. Isn’t wine merely grapes, water, and yeast? The truth is that most modern 
wineries do use certain additives in their process of clarifying the wine, and some of these additives may, in fact, 
have animal origins. In an extensive Responsa written by Rabbi Eliot Dorff in 1985, he methodically addresses 
this issue. In short, any clarifying agent is not intended to flavor, nor remain in the wine, and any unintentional 
residue that may be left does not affect the kosher status of the wine. This opinion is based on those of a number 
of other rabbis from the Middle Ages who argue the very same thing. The exception to this is that some European 
winemakers still use beef blood as a clarifying agent. This is not something that is allowed in the United States, 
and so Rabbi Dorff’s Responsa refers only to domestic wine, not wine produced anywhere else in the world.
What does this mean for us today? With the two main concerns addressed, Rabbi Dorff argues that any domestic 
wine can be considered to be kosher, and therefore drinkable by Jews observing the laws of kashrut. He does, 
however, include a couple of caveats in his opinion. First of all, only kosher wine should be used for ritual purposes 
such as kiddush and lifecycle events. Second, he urges each community to think about how to be the most 
inclusive and ensure that people are not left without the ability to participate in synagogue functions, no matter 
what their level of kashrut.
At Beth Am we have always taken the most stringent position possible, requiring that any wines served here 
have a kosher certification symbol. However, given the realities of this community, as well as the fact that most 
Conservative synagogues allow the use of noncertified wines, I have changed our policy, and we will now allow the 
use of any domestic wine at the synagogue. Of course, only certified kosher wine will be served for kiddush, life 
cycle events, and all cooking must be done with certified wine so that everyone, no matter their level of kashrut, 
will be able to eat here. But in terms of wine served to drink, families will now be able to choose from the many 
domestic wines available to us in this day and age.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to be in touch with me, and I will be happy to explain in 
more depth.
Rabbi David Kornberg 
Rabbi David Kornberg 
Senior Rabbi
[email protected]
Congregation Beth Am 2 April 2012 | Nisan - Iyar, 5772
A Message from the Beth Am President
Gary Frost, CBA President
On February 28, we held our Winter Town Hall Meeting from 7:00 – 8:30 PM.  You may remember 
at the High Holy Days, we introduced the idea of holding several Town Hall meetings during the 
year to allow for a conversation about the important matters facing Beth Am.  The Board’s purpose 
in holding these meetings is to gather feedback on topics which impact us all.  Transparency is 
a critical factor in our attempt to reach productive solutions to our problems. 
For those not attending, let me summarize our meeting.  Clearly the issues facing Beth Am 
are shared throughout the Conservative Movement, mainly membership and finances.  It was 
reported that as of 2/28/12 we had:
•  541 active member units
•  42 new families have joined Beth Am
•  23 families have resigned
•  60 member units were removed from the rolls after a year or two of no response from them about their Beth Am 
membership.
There was a large and successful new-member event, at Jobi Halper’s home organized by the Membership Committee.  
There is also an Ambassador Program designed to pair new members with existing members.  They share Shabbat 
dinners and other family activities.  Town Hall participants were informed that a number of new Havurot have been 
created for families with pre-school students.  In addition, a Havurah for members who are 60+ is in the works.
Russell Silberstein, Treasurer, reported on the Board’s efforts to refinance the Beth Am mortgage.  The refinance 
would go a long way to getting us out of the monthly cash flow problem the congregation currently experiences.  The 
prospects for this being successfully negotiated in the next three months are very high.  In addition, he told members 
that the Budget Committee and Board were engaged in setting the 2012-2013 budget which is voted on at the May 
31 congregation-wide meeting.
I raised with the Town Hall participants the need for Beth Am to establish a culture of annual giving.  Synagogues 
throughout  the  country  engage  in  such  practices  as  a  way  of  meeting  their  financial  needs  in  providing  for 
membership.  
I also spoke about the long list of unanticipated repairs and expenses which cannot be put off, the most serious of 
which is a badly leaking roof with an extremely high cost for repair.  Currently the roof is being worked on.  
The Board will come back to this matter of giving at a later date with a plan to move ahead.  As part of this issue, the 
fund-raising which takes place annually will be different this year. There will not be an annual gala.  We are taking a 
year off from this event.  Rather a set of other activities will be offered as a way to raise funds and offer our members 
some new community experiences.  You will hear about them in the coming months.  The idea of end-of-year tax 
opportunities for giving was offered as an idea from a congregant.
Michael Goodman, Board member and former President, is heading the Board’s efforts on Special Considerations.  
There will be a new form which will be required of anyone requesting special consideration.  The form and a detailed 
cover letter will be distributed shortly. The main message was that the number of congregants receiving a reduction in 
their membership dues has grown considerably in the past few years.  As a result, our operating budget has suffered 
a significant decline.  With approximately 40% of our members in this category, Michael’s message is to ask everyone 
to place a high priority on maintaining Beth Am, helping us meet our financial obligations to the talented staff, clergy, 
and continuing to provide vital services to our community.  
Lori Good reported on the establishment of a Heritage Council to tap the experience, wisdom, and education of our 
past Presidents and Founders.  The council will meet next quarter, chaired by Lori.  Members will provide insight and 
ideas for keeping Beth Am a vibrant center of Jewish life. Steve Hochberg reported that the search for an Executive 
Director continues.  A candidate, Ilana Delaney, was meeting with the Board and then with Congregants on Sunday, 
March 4.  We heard wonderful Purim Carnival predictions from Rabbi Earne. Rabbi Kornberg reported that there are 
four Eskolot in place: Jewish Arts and Culture; Interfaith, Cigar and Study; and Wine Tasting.  These will continue to 
grow and prosper due to the interests of their members. A small number attended but everyone was engaged, asked 
good questions, and offered excellent ideas. Please come and participate – we need your energy.  I hope to see you 
at our next meeting.
Shalom,
Gary J.Frost
Gary J. Frost
CBA President • [email protected]
Congregation Beth Am 3 April 2012 | Nisan - Iyar, 5772
Return by Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Mekhirat Hametz
Selling your Hametz
I  the  undersigned,  fully  empower  and  permit 
Rabbi Kornberg to act in my place and stead, 
and on my behalf to sell all hametz possessed by 
me, knowingly or unknowingly as defined by the 
Torah and Rabbinic Law (e.g. hametz, possible 
The Removal of Hametz
hametz, and all kinds of hametz mixtures).
One of the most significant observances related to Pesah involves 
Also hametz that tends to harden and adhere 
the removal of hametz from our homes. This commemorates the 
to  inside  surfaces  of  pans,  pots,  or  cooking 
fact that the Jews leaving Egypt were in a hurry and did not have 
utensils, the utensils  themselves, and all kinds 
time to let their bread rise. It is also a symbolic way of removing 
of live animals and pets that have been eating 
the “puffiness” (arrogance, pride) from our souls. 
hametz and mixtures thereof.
Hametz includes anything made from the five major grains (wheat, 
rye, barley, oats and spelt) that has not been completely cooked  Rabbi Kornberg is also empowered to lease all 
within 18 minutes after coming into contact with water. Orthodox  places wherein the hametz owned by me may 
Jews of Ashkenazic background also avoid rice, corn, peanuts,  be found, particularly at the address/es listed 
and legumes (beans) as if they were hametz.  All of these items are 
below, and elsewhere.
commonly used to make bread, thus use of them was prohibited 
to avoid any confusion. Such additional items are referred to as  Rabbi Kornberg has full right to appoint any agent 
“kitniyot.” 
or  substitute  in  his  stead  and  said  substitute 
shall have full right to sell and lease as provided 
We may not eat hametz during Pesah; we may not even own it or 
derive benefit from it. We may not even feed it to our pets or cattle.  herein.
All hametz, including utensils used to cook hametz, must either 
Rabbi Kornberg also has full power and right to 
be disposed of or sold to a non-Jew. (They can be repurchased 
act as he deems fit and proper in accordance 
after the holiday.) Pets’ diets must be changed for the holiday, or 
the pets must be sold to a non-Jew. (Like the food and utensils,  with all the details of the Bill of Sale used in 
the pets can be repurchased after the holiday ends.) From the  the transaction to sell all my hametz, hametz 
Gentile’s perspective, the purchase functions much like the buying  mixtures, etc., as provided herein. This power is 
and selling of futures on the stock market; even though he does 
in conformity with all Torah, Rabbinic and Civil 
not take physical posession of the goods, his temporary legal 
laws.
ownership of those goods is very real and potentially profitable. 
Click here for a printable form
The process of cleaning the home of all hametz in preparation 
Address(es) where hametz is found:
for Pesah is an enormous task. To do it right, you must prepare 
for several weeks and spend several days scrubbing everything 
________________________________
down, going over the edges of your stove and fridge with toothpicks 
and Q-Tips, covering all surfaces with foil or shelf-liner, etc., etc.,  ________________________________
etc. After the cleaning is completed, the morning before the seder,  ________________________________
a formal search of the house for hametz is undertaken, and any 
________________________________
remaining hametz is burned. 
________________________________
The grain product we eat during Pesah is called matzah. Matzah is 
________________________________
unleavened bread, made simply from flour and water and cooked 
________________________________
very quickly. This is the bread that the Jews made for their flight 
from Egypt. We have come up with many inventive ways to use 
Signature: _____________________________
matzah: it is available in a variety of textures for cooking; matzah 
flour (finely ground for cakes and cookies), matzah meal (coarsely 
Printed Name:__________________________
ground, used as a bread crumb substitute), matzah farfel (little 
chunks, a noodle or bread cube substitute), and full sized matzahs 
Phone:_______________________________
(about 10 inches square, a bread substitute).
Congregation Beth Am 4 April 2012 | Nisan - Iyar, 5772
Pesah Services & Schedule 
Thursday, April 5, 2012 Search for Hametz 
Minyan @ 5:45 pm
 
Friday, April 6, 2012 Erev Pesah • 1st Seder 
Office closes at 1:00 pm
Burning of the Hametz 
No Shabbat Service Tonight
 
Saturday, April 7, 2012 1st Day - 2nd Night Pesah
Shabbat & Pesah Service @ 9:00 am 
2nd Night Passover Seder & Dinner at CBA @ 6:45 pm
 
Sunday, April 8, 2012 2nd Day Pesah
Pesah Service @ 9:30 am
No Minyan @ 10:30 am
 
Friday, April 13, 2012 7th Day Pesah
Office Closed
Pesah Service @ 9:30 am 
Traditional Shabbat Service @ 7:30 pm
Saturday, April 14, 2012 8th Day Pesah
Shabbat, Pesah & Yizkor Service @ 9:00 am 
No Minyan
Beth Am Preschool Pesah / Spring Break:
Monday, April 2, 2012 - Friday, April 13, 2012 • Preschool resumes on Monday, April 16, 2012
Jewish Learning Center Pesah / Spring Break:
Sunday, April 1, 2012 - Sunday, April 15, 2012 • JLC resumes on Wednesday, April 18, 2012
SABRA Pesah / Spring Break:
Monday, April 9, 2012 - Monday, April 16, 2012 • SABRA resumes on Monday, April 23, 2012
Congregation Beth Am 5 April 2012 | Nisan - Iyar, 5772
Beth Am and Beth El jointly Present
Second Night
Passover Seder
at Congregation Beth Am
5050 Del Mar Heights Road | San Diego, CA 92130
Saturday, April 7, 2012 
6:45 pm
Join  Rabbi  Matthew  Earne  for  a 
traditional,    interactive,  fun  and 
meaningful kosher L’Pesah family 
seder.
Adult CBA & CBE members: $39
Non-members: $45
Youth CBA & CBE members (4 - 12 yrs) $23
Non-members: $29
Children 3 and under - No charge
Make your reservations early ... seating is limited.
CONGREGATION
Paid Reservations Due by: 
Paid Reservation Due by:
Friday, MMoanrdcahy ,3 A0p,r i2l 20,1 2201 b2y b yN Noooonn.
RSVP [email protected] or 858.481.8454
BETH AM
Connect. At Beth Am.
SHILLMAN FAMILY SPeAkeR SeRIeS 
A lecture series sponsored by Dr. Bob & Mao Shillman
Clifford D. May
How a Nuclear Iran Would Change the World
Wednesday, April 18, 2012 • 7:00pm
$10 per person | $25 for series (3 lectures)
Clifford D. May, a veteran news reporter and foreign 
correspondent,  is the President of the Foundation for 
Defense of Democracies, a policy institute focusing on 
terrorism created immediately following the 9/11 attacks on 
the United States.
In 2006, Clifford D. May was appointed as Advisor to the 
Iraq Study Group of the United States Institute of Peace, 
an independent nonpartisan national institution funded by 
Congress. Mr. May also received a two-year appointment 
to the bipartisan Advisory Committee on Democracy 
Promotion reporting to Secretary of State Condoleezza 
Rice. 
Please join us on April 18th as Mr. May will discuss the profound and far-reaching 
challenges facing a world with a nuclear Iran.
   Next Lecture....
Zuhdi Jasser, M.D.
The Threat Posed to America by Political Islam
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 • 7:00pm
For information or to RSVP contact Beth Am at  
858.481.8454 or [email protected].
5050 Del Mar Heights Road  |  San Diego, CA 92130  |  www.betham.com | 858.481.8454
Have you ever thought about a trip to 
Israel ?
• Worried about planning it yourself?
• Want to go with FUN people?
Why not join Congregation Beth Am’s 
Family Israel Tour this summer? 
Congregation Beth Am’s Family Israel Tour 
is scheduled from:
June 24 - July 4, 2012 
Optional Prague pre-tour: June 20 - 24, 2012.
Israel:
N  T , s  H  r , 
eve zedeK Haar aNegev egioN
g  H , K  l , J , 
olaN eigHTs ibbuTz ife erusalem
K      J  r , d  s ,  m , 
ayaK oN THe ordaN iver ead ea asada
a  d , y  v , 
rcHaeological ig ad acHem
 a   ,    ...
Nd mucH mucH more
Prague:
P  c , c  b , o    g , 
rague asTle Harles ridge ld JewisH HeTTo
T , r , c  s    P , a  
ereziN oudNice elebraTe HabbaT iN rague Nd
,    ...
mucH mucH more
Don’t miss out on this wonderful 
opportunity to experience Israel with 
your Beth Am family!
i     : 
TiNerary aNd aPPlicaTioN
. . / 2012.     
www israelTours com rKorNberg PHP or
       r  K
clicK Here To email abbi orNberg
Congregation Beth Am 8 April 2012 | Nisan - Iyar, 5772
Family Megillah Reading
T        
hank you To our
! 
sponsors
Adopt A Family Foundation  
Alper Family
Borts Family
Breziner Group and 
Century 21 Award
Camp Jaycee
Camp JCA Shalom
Camp Mountain Chai
Camp Ramah
CBA Meat Club 
CBA Men’s Club
CBA Women’s Connection
Chabad Hebrew Day
Cohen Family
DJ Noah Levinson
Elisheva Edelson 
& the CBA Choir
Gail Faber
Frost/Fredin Family
Geppeto’s
Glazier Family
Golden Family
Herman Family
Hillel - San Diego
Hillel - San Marcos  
Jimbo’s
JW Tumbles
Koepcke Family
 Love To Dance Inc. 
Mannor Family
Melton Program
Music Together 
Peyton Vincent, La Jolla DJs
Perlmutter Purchasing 
Power
Ralph’s Del Mar Highlands
Stuart Rubenstein, M.D.
Sampson California  Realty
San Diego Jewish Academy 
Serenity Spa at the Hilton 
Garden Inn
Siegel Family
Speigelman Family
Soille Hebrew Day
Village Mill
Young Adult Division of 
Jewish Federation
Description:Apr 6, 2012  Click here for a printable form .. First, we have established a birthday 
recognition for all congregants at  we invite partnerships and extended families 
to join us as we meet, share, and learn from each .. Sofia & John Culley.