Rabbi Ella always used to say that everything goes wrong in the weeks before Passover, because this would be the time in the story when the plagues were happening. I’m happy to say (knock wood, keinahara etc!) that I’m having quite a nice pre-Pesach. But I’m thinking still of poor Moses, running back and forth to the Pharaoh, bringing down the blood and frogs and watching things careen straight downhill. And I’m thinking of President Obama and the great health care debacle going on right now. I can imagine that he might be wishing he had some vermin and boils at his disposal these days.

Everyone loves leaders when they love them. And then, when the going gets harder, they don’t. Our various politicians and runners of programs and projects, business leaders and activists, spiritual leaders, spokespeople, visionaries -- we hold them tight in the arms of our loving and enthusiastic support. Then one day they take a step in some direction or other, and suddenly they are free-falling.

(I want to make it clear to the kind people who read between the lines of my Megillah screeds that I’m not writing about own immediate leadership life here. I feel deeply and warmly supported in this community -- thank you all! I’ve had those free-fall experiences in the distant past. And, who knows? I may well again someday. But I really am writing as someone who is thinking about how I support and abandon leaders...)

I’ve just opened a book to an essay I’ve read a number of times over the last couple of years, now patched up with my little sticky notes. It’s called “Loose Professionalism, or Why Lawyers Take the Lead on Torture,” and it’s written by Richard Weisberg, who heads something called the Holocaust/Human Rights Center at Yeshiva University. In his essay, Weisberg tells the story of Jacques Maury, a French lawyer in the 1940’s who protested the imposition of anti-Jewish laws in Vichy France. He published two strong articles in prominent law journals, laying out his arguments against the Nuremburg-style racist laws which were being promulgated then in occupied France.

Maury, according to Weisberg, had every expectation that he would be joined in his reasoned protest by the rest of his legal colleagues. But this isn’t quite what happened. He wasn’t punished or ostracized. But neither was he supported. Weisberg describes the kind of niggling, second-guessing argumentation which followed in response to his brave publications. He says that, after those first two articles, Maury basically gave up. Subsequent writings show Maury engaging in the same kind of hair-splitting rationalizations as his fellow-lawyers. And as we all know, his protest went nowhere.

Weisberg goes on to make a more subtle point about the legal profession and unjust public policy. But I am left thinking about Jacques Maury waiting eagerly for the movement he expected would follow his foray, imagining how demoralizing the silence and the quibbling must have felt, coming as it did from people he worked with, collaborated with, trusted.

Somewhere in the thinking of Reevaluation Co-counseling (a personal growth and social change movement which is practiced by some people in our community) there is a practice of supporting leaders. I know about this largely because, at a couple of key moments in my rabbi life, someone involved in that work has reached out to me and said out loud, “I want to support you.”

I found it incredibly moving to hear someone say, “I am thinking about how I can support you.” It was a little different than saying, “I like what you just did.” It was different than saying “thank you.” It was different than approval. It was a recognition, I think, that in my small way I carry responsibility for aspects of our community’s well-being, and that this responsibility may at times weigh heavily on me. And the actual gestures of support, well-thought-out and generously offered, left me feeling really, well, supported.

For reasons I don’t begin to understand but gratefully acknowledge, I receive a tremendous amount of this kind of thoughtful, personal support. People around me -- you -- think about how to make my life not only manageable but beautiful. And then you do it. I am regularly overwhelmed.

So I’m thinking now about the more “thankless” leaders -- the neighbors who collect money to gravel our road, the people who run the libraries and animal shelters and entertainments and organizations that make our lives work. I think about our little Board of Directors of MCJC, all the responsibility that they carry to make our Jewish lives together what they are.

Most of us lead in some spheres of our lives and are led in others. In our leadership roles we can probably identify with Moses. We can imagine him fuming, “Where are those Israelites? Which of them has offered to polish my staff? After all that blood work I just did, and did anyone think to take my cloak and wash it? Did anyone even bring me a latte before I had to head back down to the Pharaoh’s?”

In our Israelite role, on the other hand, we may be glad that that guy Moses is doing this big project. Or we may feel like it’s taking too long, using too much resource, going nowhere. We may not like how he’s going about it -- how could he use lice, for heaven’s sake, which might escape and infest our children? Or we may find the whole thing kind of tedious.

With all this, how might we support Moses as he goes about his campaign? What could we do for him to help him feel like he is less alone with the weight of all of us? How could we build a relationship with him such that, when we do have criticisms, they are constructive and not just demoralizing?

Leadership is problematic, and leaders are all the things that leaders are. Very few do it perfectly. Even Moses had poor people skills. He had issues with rage. There was a movement against him that thought he was autocratic, and he probably was.

In the Passover seder we say that in every generation we must remember that we were slaves in Egypt. The famous midrash says that we were all present at Mount Sinai for the revelation of Torah. So we were there. What could any of us have done to help Moses feel more supported and less alone? How could any of us have helped Moses to be a better Moses?

All of us bear burdens, and at times they are enormous. All of us try, as we should, to support and care for others when these burdens truly overwhelm -- in times of illness, poverty, bereavement. We were slaves in Egypt, after all -- and so was everyone around us. With all the support needed in every poor household, who had time to think about doing stuff for Moses, the Prince of Egypt?

A point well taken, indeed. Except that a little bit of loving care directed to the leader -- especially the one who is trying to help (but maybe even to the one who is not???) might actually come out to the good for the whole neighborhood.

Happiest Pesach, my dear community!

©  Rabbi Margaret Holub 2010

Shul Seder
MCJC will host a seder for all who wish to gather, on Friday, April 2, which is the fifth night of Pesach -- 6:00 PM. The seder will include singing, discussing, blessing, afikomen-hunting and all the good things of the Passover seder for adults and children. All are welcome, and there is no charge -- but (unlike a tisch) you must make a reservation in advance! When you make your reservation, you will be asked to bring a particular dish for the seder meal, and recipes, if you need them, will be provided. Mina Cohen is handling reservations -- mcohen@mcn.org or 937-1319. (mh)

Mussar Class Continues
The mussar class will meet on Wednesdays April 7 and 21, 5:00 - 7:00 PM at the shul. On April 7 we will be reflecting on the characteristic of sh’tikah (silence.) April 21 we will study nihutah (calmness.) (mh)

Yom HaShoah Service

Yom HaShoah, the day of remembrance of the holocaust, will be observed on Sunday, April 11, 7:00 PM at the shul. There will be a service of remembrance including reading of names of family members of our Coast community who perished at the hands of the Nazis. (mh)

"The Art of Tzedaka" - Art Show and Programs
MCJC proudly presents “The Art of Tzedaka,” an exhibit of works by our community’s artists on the theme of tzedaka, charitable giving, “righteousness.” The artworks, in all media, will be exhibited at the shul during the month of Iyyar -- April 14 through May 16. The exhibit can be viewed anytime that the shul is open. On May 16 at 7:00 PM there will be a gala “closing,” including an orchestrated raffle which will enable people to enter individual raffles for specific artworks that they hope to win. All proceeds from the raffle will go to the Adele Saxe Tzedaka Fund, MCJC’s fund to assist people in times of need.

In addition to the exhibit, there will be programs every Sunday during Iyyar:

Sunday, April 18, 7:00 PM -- How Do We Really Give Tzedaka? A diverse panel of members of our community will discuss how they make decisions about giving away money. To individuals or to organized charities? Anonymously or publicly? Locally or worldwide? Direct service or social change? To lots of different recipients or just one or two? Money or volunteer energy? Or???

Sunday, April 25, 7:00 PM -- Text study: Should We Give Money To Panhandlers? Led by Margaret.

Sunday, May 2, 7:00 PM -- Artists’ Panel. “The Art of Tzedaka” exhibitors will discuss their work and its connection to the theme of tzedaka.

Sunday, May 9, 3:00 - 6:00 PM -- Tzedaka Craft Party and tea -- celebrating in art what we have learned from our mothers and grandmothers about tzedaka. We’ll make tzedaka envelopes (to put in our bill drawers or to fill with coins), tell stories and enjoy Mother’s Day treats -- children and adults all warmly invited.

Sunday, May 16, 7:00 PM -- Grand Finale and raffle. (mh)

TODAH RABAH! (Great Thanks)
For The Following Generous Contributors Who in the Last Month Helped Sustain Our Community

Esther & Sam Markson, Marc & Jan Wasserman, Jay & Monique Frankston, Bobby Markels, P. Paul Hed, Ronnie James, Les & Reima Reichek, Mettika, Merry Winslow, Judy Corwin, Donna Feiner, Betty Barber, Susan Juster, Howard Fuller & Greg Orlik, Holly Tanner, Alena Deerwater, Nina Ravitz, Nancy Harris, Betty Braver, Nancy & Richard Banker, Jim & Rinat Klein, Bonnie Sarrow, Zo Abell, Pamela & David Duncan, Myra Beals, Jane Graeven, Raven & Becky Deerwater, Ellen Saxe & Ronnie Karish.

Shira Lee in honor of Rosamond Gumpert Jorgansen. Marsha Matlin in memory of Peter Matlin, and with thanks to the Jewish community.

To the Adele Saxe Tzedakah Fund: Sandy Berrigan; Mina Cohen & Jeff Berenson in honor of Deena Zarlin's birthday; Mina Cohen & Jeff Berenson in honor of Sally Welty's birthday; Ellen Saxe & Ronnie Karish in memory of David Saxe on his first yartzeit; Susan Juster. (dm)

Mendocino Maven
The gathering of the tribe at the annual MCJC Dinner was a great success and much fun was had by all. Great thanks go out to the organizers, donors, bidders and all who attended.
By the time you get this, it will probably be Pesach, the festival of freedom (and matzah brei and slivovitz.) I hope you enjoy the feasting and the remembering of how far the Jews have come, since Egypt.
Another time of remembering, Yom HaShoah, occurs this month. Yom HaShaoh is a day for remembering the holocaust, those who were murdered, those who survived and those who heroically helped them. The holocaust ended 10 years before I was born, but it had a profound impact on me as a child. Some members of our community suffered in Europe, and many more lost family. The echos of this horror continue to this day. It is a day for teaching our children about suffering and heroism, that this must never happen again, to any peoples.
Mark Zarlin is stepping down from the MCJC board after serving for many years as our treasurer. We owe Mark a debt of gratitude and much thanks. Donna Montag is new the treasurer
Susan Tubbesing let me know that Rabbi Margaret Holub was mentioned in an article in the Jewish Gaily Forward, the newsletter of Sha'ar Zaha, in San Francisco. Rabbi Holub, along with Rabbi Margaret Wenig, was recognized for her pioneering efforts to allow gays and lesbians to enter the Rabbinate by submitting a resolution to the Reform movement. The article is not available on line, but if you write to me, I can send you a poor quality PDF.
Proud mother Benna would like you to know that her and Danny's son Mo Mandel(baum) will be performing at the Anderson Valley Grange on Saturday April 3rd, at 7 PM. The up and coming young comedian will have his own 30 minute TV special Friday, April 9, on Comedy Central. and has been hired to play a roll in a sitcom pilot, to be titled Strange Brew. You can read more about Mo at http://www.momandel.com .
If you have simchas (joys) that you would like to share with the community, please email maven@mcjc.org.  - The Shadow

Masterpieces from Nazi Prison Camps
Oliver Messien's Quartet for the End of Time, first played in a German POW camp on a brutally cold night in 1941, this piece has been called "the most ethereally beautiful music of the 20th century", with rare cabaret and art music from Theresienstadt concentration camp works. A multimedia production performed by Bay Area musicians.

Concert: Sunday April 11, Martin Meyer Sanctuary, Temple Emanu-El, San Francisco. Entrance free.
http://www.germany.info/Vertretung/usa/en/__events/GKs/SANF/2010/03/They__left__a__light__S,archiveCtx=2010604.html

This concert was first performed at the Mendocino Music Festival, in honor of Walter Green's grandparents, who died in Theresienstadt. Mina Cohen who arranged and presented the visuals for this concert will do so again at the San Francisco production

(submitted by Polly Green)

Thank You
Thank you to Judy Minkus for collating and mailing our last megillah.  Contact Mina if you’d like to help with this task at mcohen@mcn.or 937-1319. (mc)

MCJC Board meeting dates
The next MCJC Board meetings are scheduled for Thursday, April 8^th and Thursday, May 6th.  If you would like to attend the meeting please contact Raven Deerwater at raven@taxpractitioner.com so he can let you know the time and include you on the agenda. (mc)

Mitzvah Freezer is Available
Winter is ending and congratulations if you missed getting the winter flu.  This is just a reminder that the freezer at the shul is full of delicious vegetarian food for those who are ill or are having trouble preparing meals.  The food is in single portion servings that can be easily reheated.  Ingredients for each is available in case there are issues of allergy.  If you or someone you care for needs this assistance we will arrange for you to get it.   For access or if  you have any questions contact one of the Bikkur Cholim committee Mina at 937-1319 or mcohen@mcn.org, Fran Schwartz at 937-1352 or franamie@cs.com, or Karen Rakofsky at 937-5522 or nerak@mcn.org. Thank you to all who cooked for this mitzvah. (mc)

Kabbalat Shabbat
In April we will be celebrating our home Kabbalat Shabbat and dinner on Friday, April 23rd at the home of Dave, Pamela, Drew, Scott, and Cole in Caspar. Please call them at 962-0101 for directions and to let them know you are coming.

In May we will be at the home of Hyla and Jack Bolsta in Fort Bragg. The monthly Kabbalat Shabbat includes a song-filled short service that begins at 6:00 pm and is followed by a pot luck vegetarian dinner.  If you would like to host this wonderful event in your home in future months, contact Mina at 937-1319.  (mc)

Tisch is a Seder This Month
In April our  Tisch dinner on Friday April 2nd, is going to be a community seder at the shul.  Look elsewhere for information about how to participate in this. Torah School will still meet at 4:30 before the seder.  Our next Tisch will be Friday, May 14th(mc)

Torah School Evolution
Torah school is now meeting every other Friday at the shul.  We have a Hebrew language textbook for the youngest students as well as the olders, and we are continuing with stories, art, and of course challah baking before the Tisch dinners.  If you are not yet involved and want to be, call Jessica at 937-2115 or contact her at mcop@mcn.org.  (mc)

Book Group
The book group will meet Monday, April 26th at Brona Lessen's home in Fort Bragg. Please call Fran Schwartz at 937-1352 if you wish to join us.  We will be reading “Sarah’s Key ” by Tatiana de Rosnay. July 1942 marked a dark period in the history of France where thousands of Jewish families were rounded up and forcibly kept in the Velodrome d'Hiver. They were then sent off to transit camps in France such as Drancy, before being packed off to Auschwitz, a Nazi death camp. What is so unnerving about this whole incident is that the rounding up and mobilization of Jews for deportation was done by the French authorities.

Based upon this seldom mentioned, little known piece of French history, author Tatiana de Rosnay has crafted a well-written novel that alternates between the past in 1942, and the present.  Books are available at Cheshire Books in Fort Bragg for a 10% discount if you let them know you are in the Jewish Book Group.  We welcome new people at any time.  (mc)

Auction Donors

Thanks to our generous and supportive donors, the auction at the Ledford House
dinner was a great success. When you patronize local stores, please thank our donors
for their support.  

- Fran Schwartz, Auction Chair

Albion Ridge Nursery, Steve Antler and Carla Jupiter, American Pie Gallery, Deanna Apfel, Kenneth Baumgartner DDS, Robert Becker, Boontberry Farm, Karen Bowers, Cafe Beaujolais, Mickey Chalfin, Coast Cinema, Corners of the Mouth, Diana Douglas, Dripworks, Claire Ellis and Chuck Greenberg, Europa, Bob Evans, Roy Falk, Fancy That, Frankie's Ice Cream, Gallery Bookshop, Sandy Glickfeld, Rosamond Gumpert, Harvest Market, Art Holub, Margaret Holub, ICONS, Helen Jacobs, Benna Kolinsky, David Lipkind, Andrea Luna, MacCallum House, Mendo Bistro, Mendo Burger, Mendo Cafe, Mendo Cookie Co., Mendocino Hotel, Mendo Mustard, Mendo Yarn Shop, Mendocino Minerals, Mendocino Music Festival, Mendocino Theater Company, North Coast Brewing Co., Out of This World, Racine's, Rainsong, Elizabeth Raybee, Ricochet Ranch, Rubaiyat, Sallie Mac, Fran Schwartz, Michael Shapiro, Silver's at The Wharf, Nona Smith, Stanford Inn, Brett Stine DC, Eva Strauss-Rosen, Rhoda Teplow, Tickle Your Fancy, Wellspring Renewal Center, Art Weininger, Wilbur Hot Springs, Neil Wilensky DDS,and Rosalie Winesuff. (fs)

Shabbat Minyan
Every Saturday morning starting at 10:30a, there is a Shacharit (Morning) Service at the shul in Caspar, usually led by Rabbi Margaret Holub. The service is in English and Hebrew, including a short reading from the Torah scroll, but you don't need to know Hebrew to participate. It is a small, variable, and welcoming group. If you have Kaddish to say or Gomel (for surviving a dangerous experience), want to say a prayer for healing for yourself or someone else, or just want a little spiritual recharge, please join us. The service usually ends around 12:30p with Kiddish. Margaret always says to come and leave whenever you want. Come as you are, but please come. (rge)

Megillah Formats
The Mendocino Megillah is generated in two formats: the legacy hardcopy format which is optimized for printing on 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper and the HTML format which is formatted for easy reading on a computer display. You can subscribe to the hardcopy version and have it mailed to you, you can subscribe to the email version or you can receive both. If you don’t need the hardcopy and want to do your bit to repair the world by going electronic, and saving paper, toner and physical transport, please email  Myra at myrah@mcn.org  Todah Rabah! 

BTW, the E-Megillah is posted on the MCJC website at
  http://www.mcjc.org/mjoldart/Megillah/MJMM0000.htm (rge)

Looking to the Future
>From time to time members have given additional financial help to MCJC. Upon the sale of a home, stocks or some other positive financial event they have shared their good fortune. Also, several members have remembered MCJC in their wills. These generous acts insure the long term strength and sustainability of the Jewish Community and our shul here on the Coast.

We encourage you to do this if you can. (dm)

Subscription and Notification
If you would like to subscribe to this publication and/or receive email notifications for events, changes, or important news from MCJC contact Myra Beals at myrah@mcn.org or send to P.O. Box 1113, Mendocino. Let her know if you prefer to receive a printed Megillah coming in the mail or by email.  If you would like to receive notifications by email please indicate that as well.  Subscription to the Megillah is included with a contributing membership of $200. or more.  A subscription alone to the newsletter is $25. per year.  Checks can be made payable to MCJC and mailed to P.O. Box 291, Little River, CA.  95456. (mc)

Editorial Policy
The Mendocino Megillah is published monthly.  The deadline for submission of articles is the 10th of the month before desired publication.  The editor will include all appropriate material, space permitting with the exception of copyrighted material that does not have permission of the author.  The material printed in the Megillah is not the policy or representative of the opinions of the Board of Directors of Mendocino Coast Jewish Community. Divergent opinions are welcome. (mc)

Contributions to the MCJC can be sent to:  MCJC, Box 291, Little River, CA 95456. Please specify if your contribution is in memory or honor of someone, and please include your name and mailing address. Thanks! (dm)

Using the Shul
If you are closing the shul please double check that the furnace, water heater and lights are all off and that all doors are locked when you leave. As a courtesy to our neighbors, please make sure that the lights are turned off in the front. THANKS! (rge)

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Thanks to Our Underwriters for Supporting the MCJC Megillah and the Community

Cheshire Books: Eclectic community bookstore located in the heart of downtown Fort Bragg at 363 N. Franklin St. * Open Mon.- Fri. 10:30 am-5:30 pm, Sat. 10:00 am-5:00 pm, & Sun. 11:00 am-3:00 pm * 964-5918

College Bound Advising * College search, coaching, and application assistance * Mina Cohen, certified college counselor * Individual consultation and group workshops * Tel: 937-1319 * cbadvising.com

Frankie's Pizza and Ice Cream Parlor: Homemade pizzas, Cowlick's ice cream and other yummy things to nosh on.  Beer and wine available. Live music weekly, all ages welcome.  Open daily from 11 - 9 at 44951 Ukiah Street, Mendocino, 937-2436. www.frankiesmendocino.com

Hortus Botanicus Nursery and Gardens (since 1994): Annuals, perennials, unusual trees, shrubs, clematis, nepenthes and other carnivorous plants, orchids and succulents at 20103 Hanson Rd, Ft. Bragg. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Fall and Winter hours are Thursday - Monday 10 to 4, Sundays 11 to 3.  Robert Goleman, Owner. www.hortusb.com or 964-4786

ICONS:  Global Gifts- Local Art:  Coastal photography; wood carvings; ceramics; Judaica (siddurim, seder plates, etc.) ; Buddha; saint: and goddess statues; classic rock tee-shirts and memorabilia; new CDs and DVDs and used LPs; cards, books, and much more!  Open daily, 10466 Lansing St., Mendocino  937-1784

Montag’s Handyman Service: Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical, Furniture Repairs, Antique Restoration * George Montag * 33410 Greenwood Rd., Elk, CA.  95432 * montag@mcn.org * 707-877-3243

Out of this World: telescopes, binoculars, & science toys at 45100 Main St., * Box 1010, Mendocino * 937-3335 * www.DiscountTelescopes.com

Phoebe Graubard: Attorney at Law * Wills, trusts, probate, conservatorships * 594 S. Franklin, Fort Bragg, 95437 * 964-3525 * www.mcn.org/a/celr * Member National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys * Wheelchair accessible

Rainsong & Rainsong Shoes: From head to toe in Mendocino! * Contemporary clothing * Shoes & accessories for men & women * 3 locations: Mendocino, Healdsburg, and Montgomery Village, Santa Rosa * 937-4165 (clothing) * 937-1710 (shoes) * 433-8058 (Healdsburg) * 576-8919 (Santa Rosa) http://www.rainsongshoes.com

Raven Deerwater, EA, PhD: Tax practitioner * Specializing in families, home-based & small businesses, & non-profit organizations * 45121 Ukiah St. * Box 1786, Mendo * 937-1099 * raven@taxpractitioner.com http://www.taxpractitioner.com
 
Richard Green & Co. Certified Public Accountant * 45170 Main Street, Mendocino * 937-5260 * rgcpa@adelphia.net

Richochet Ridge Ranch: Trail rides on beach, across from MacKerricher State Park * Reservations: 964-PONY(7669) * 1-1/2 hr. to all day rides, exceptional horses, English and Western * Week long No. Calif. & International riding vacations * Free brochure contact Lari Shea, 24201 N. Highway 1, Fort Bragg, 95437 *  http://www.horse-vacation.com/

Rosenthal Construction: 703 N. Main St., Fort Bragg * 964-1200  www.rosenthalconstruction.com

Silver and Stone: 45005 Ukiah St., Mendocino * 937-0257 * Contemporary sterling silver & gemstone jewelry for women & men * Affordable to indulgent *11 am to 6 pm daily http://silverandstone.net/

Thanksgiving Coffee Co.: local roasters on the Mendocino Coast over 3 decades * Certified organic, shade grown coffee & Fair Trade Coffees * Box 1918, Fort Bragg, 95437 * (800) 462-1999 * www.thanksgivingcoffee.com

(MCJC underwriter's increase their businesses visibility to over 300 subscribers and improve their presence on the web. $80/year. Please contact Donna Montag to become an underwriter)

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MCJC Board & Useful Numbers

Rituals and Holidays (including Hevra Kadisha/Cemetery)	Joan Katzeff*	964-9161	jkatzeff@mcn.org
Rituals and Holidays	Donna Montag*	877-3243	montag@mcn.org
Community Care (rides, help when ill)	Karen Rakofsky*	937-5522	nerak@mcn.org
Outreach (new to the community)	Donna Montag*	877-3243	montag@mcn.org
Culture (films/ speakers/ Women’s Retreat)	Harriet Bye*	937-3622	bysawyer@mcn.org
Education (adult and children/ library)	Mina Cohen*	937-1319	mcohen@mcn.org
Treasurer (finance and donations)	Donna Montag*	877-3243	montag@mcn.org
Board Secretary	Raven Deerwater*	937-1099	raven@taxpractitioner.com
Building Maintenance	Harriet Bye*	937-3622	bysawyer@mcn.org
Torah School	Jessica Grinberg	937-2115	mcop@mcn.org
Book Group	Fran Schwartz *	937-1352	franamie@cs.com
Megillah Submissions and Website	Bob Evans		bobevans@mcjc.org
Name & Address, Subscription Changes	Myra Beals		myrah@mcn.org

* = board member

© MCJC 2010 --