October, 2026 Megillah
WITH LOVE
It’s two days after Yom Kippur today as I write, two days until the beginning of Sukkot. Sukkot is z’man simchateinu—the time of our joy. This year I saw a teaching somewhere (but where???) saying that Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are really just the on-ramp to the most important festival of the year, Sukkot, a week of rejoicing and feasting. For my two cents’ worth, I think Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur have some merits of their own. But I love the idea that they lead us to a pinnacle of celebration. Bring it on!
I spent some time this afternoon buying new bamboo poles to build my sukkah. Decades ago Mickey and I engineered a brilliant (we thought) way to build a sukkah, with wooden stakes, bamboo poles and duct tape. Way back then we scared up poles; some especially magisterial ones were harvested from a friend’s bamboo grove. We used the same poles every year. Bamboo lasts….
The year after Mickey died some wonderful friends of mine, knowing how much he and I loved that ritual, volunteered to help me build that year’s sukkah. We had a sweet time and built a lovely structure. The next morning I got up, went out to look at our creation and saw, to my horror, that it had collapsed. I took that as an outward symbol of my own inner collapse. I decided to leave it as it was. A couple of the same lovely friends came over again, and we decorated the caved-in sukkah. It was a kind of honoration of vulnerability, beautiful in its own terrible way.
My same friends have helped me build the sukkah every year since, and for most of the intervening years it has stood firm, well, as firm as a sukkah is supposed to stand. This past year, even though my heart had by then stood the test of some years without Mickey, and I’ve been mostly pretty firm, my sukkah again collapsed. This year I bought new poles.
The sukkah is supposed to be built in such a way that it will withstand a “normal wind,” but can blow down in a storm. The roof is to be made of branches sparse enough that sun, wind and rain can make their way through and touch the people sitting inside. Given this, one might think it would have been smarter for us Northern Hemisphere folk to set Sukkot somewhere in the summertime, but it is a harvest festival. And as such it always falls near the fall equinox. The day after the festival ends, on Shemini Atzeret, we beat willows and pray for rain. But as we all know, rain doesn’t fall on command (not our command anyhow). We may get rained on in our sukkah since it is intentionally fragile and vulnerable.
Over the High Holy Days we read these chilling words: “On Rosh Hashanah it is written and on Yom Kippur it is sealed who shall live and who shall die….” This year even as I chanted those words, a heretical thought flew into my mind: ‘This is ridiculous. What’s this ‘Who…’ and ‘who…’? Every person here is living. And every one of us will die.’ And then I thought, as I sometimes do, ‘Well okay, then: let’s live while we’re alive.”
One might think that security is a prerequisite to joy, but Sukkot teaches the opposite. Even something as strong and tensile as bamboo (and duct tape!) will eventually crumble and dissolve. As will we all. No amount of external bulwarking will reverse the decree. Vulnerability is a feature, not a bug. It seems brilliant to me that the most joyful and relaxed time of our year is housed in fragility, just as we ourselves are housed in fragility.
I wonder if this year I can breathe that in, that joy is inextricable from vulnerability? Maybe for a moment, when I am fretting about EVERYTHING, I can think, this is the sukkah in which I and all of us dwell. And this—this lifetime—is the time of our joy.
MORE JOY!
We will have our annual Simchat Torah celebration on Saturday, October 3rd at 6:00 PM in the shul. We will sing and dance and roll the Torah back to its beginning. As reading the entire Torah from beginning to end is no small feat, Simchat Torah celebrates the momentous achievement. It is a joyful holiday though there are no references to it in either the Torah or the Talmud. It is combined with Shemini Atzeret, which is an assembly dictated in the Torah following Sukkot. It is traditionally believed that Moses was the first to institute the practice of public Torah readings on Shabbat and festival mornings, and that many centuries later, the priest Ezra established additional public Torah readings on Mondays, Thursdays, and Shabbat afternoons. However, initially these public readings did not follow any particular order or schedule; it was up to each community’s rabbi to decide which Torah portion would be read on any particular day.
Eventually, a fixed calendar for public Torah readings was developed and introduced in both the Land of Israel and Babylonia. Those in Israel completed a full reading cycle once every three years, while those in Babylonia completed theirs annually. The Babylonian Jewish community organized their cycle so it would end and begin again on Shemini Atzeret, which shifts the focus from the agricultural rites of Sukkot to intimate prayers for rain and remembrance of the departed, and reflects a direct relationship between the Jewish people and the divine.
Eventually, Jewish communities in Israel and elsewhere embraced the Babylonian reading schedule as well, and then adopted the celebration of Simchat Torah. By the time of Maimonides / Rambam (1138-1204 CE), it was the prevalent custom to read the entire Torah every year. Simchat Torah gets most definition in Babylonia in the 800s-1000s CE. During their time we get the first mentions of celebrating when finishing reading the Torah, dancing in honor of the Torah on the last day of Sukkot, and the name “Simchat Torah.”
SHABBAT MORNING SERVICES
A full Shabbat service is led by community members, with singing, chanting and silence, Torah teaching and reading, blessings for healing and peace, and time for mourners to say Kaddish. The teachers for October are listed below. We have hybrid services, so come to the shul or Zoom in from 10:30 AM until about 12:30 PM. The Zoom address is below.
| 10/3/26 |
Shemini Atzeret |
Raven Deerwater |
| 10/10/26 |
Bereshit |
Janet Sternberg |
| 10/17/26 |
Noach |
Margaret Holub |
| 10/24/26 |
Lech-Lecha |
Lisa Fredrickson |
| 10/31/26 |
Vayera |
Andrea Luna |
If you would like to give a Torah teaching during Shabbat services, or want more information about what’s involved, please contact Raven Deerwater at raven@taxpractitioner.com or (707) 813-7951.
ZOOM ADDRESS
We are using the Zoom address below for many MCJC events. Password is shalom. Disregard the numeric passcode at the bottom of the invitation unless you’re dialing in on a landline. If you have questions or problems, contact susan.tubbesing@gmail.com.
Join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7071836183?pwd=NzFaTkpjOXVYMDNnNnprOXlnZjVhQT09
Meeting ID: 707 183 6183
Passcode: shalom
Numeric Passcode: 776001
KABBALAT SHABBAT
This month’s Kabbalat Shabbat will be at the home of Bonnie Mahoney in Fort Bragg on October 23rd. Call her to RSVP and get directions at (631) 466-0156.
The November 20th gathering will be at the shul hosted by Aviv and Reesha. Aviv can be reached at (707) 409-4784.
If you would like to host a future gathering, please contact Mina at (707) 937-1319 or mcohen@mcn.org.
THE FORGOTTEN MONTH
Cheshvan is the only month of the Jewish year in which there are no holidays or special mitzvot. In observance of this, Margaret will be taking a vacation for part of the month. There will be no October Philosophy Circle, and the Elders will meet only on October 27th.
But Cheshvan is far from insignificant. Our matriarchs, Sarah and Rachel, are said to have passed away this month, but there’s good news too. It’s when Solomon completed the first holy temple in Jerusalem, after seven years of construction. Solomon’s workers finished the work on Mount Moriah in the 10th century BCE “in the month of Bul, which is the eighth month.” The Book of Kings further credits Solomon as the placer of the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies, the inner sanctum within the structure.
As well, the great flood began and ended in Cheshvan. According to Rabbi Eliezer, the rain began to fall on the 17th day of this month, in the 600th year of Noah’s life. The Talmud explains that this was the natural time for rain to fall, but the sheer volume of the deluge and the hot springs that rose from the earth were supernatural. After more than a year aboard the venerable vessel, Noah and the animals exited the ark on the 27th of Cheshvan, leaving it for archaeologists and geologists to search for until the present day.
The Jerusalem Talmud informs us that “the names of the months came up with us from Babylonia.” Until the exile, the months were either known by their number, e.g., “the first month,” or by names that are not commonly used today. Bul is the eighth month, counting from the springtime month of Nissan. The word bul is related to the word for “withering,” and in Cheshvan the branches and stubble in the field begin to wither.
The “proper” name recorded in the Talmud and used in legal documents is Marcheshvan. It is truncated to Cheshvan, according to the common explanation, because mar means bitter. However, mar is not only synonymous with bitterness. In Hebrew, it can also mean "a drop of water." This is the month in which they begin praying for rain in Israel, asking for blessings from heaven for sustenance, for rain that will bring life and abundance.
YOUR GARDEN GROWS
In anticipation of the upcoming rainy season, the MCJC Native Plant Healing Garden is being planted this month. Volunteers are needed for the loamy tasks of building mounds and setting seedlings on Sunday, October 18th and Sunday October 25th. If it's stormy, the event will be cancelled.
PHILOSOPHY CIRCLE
We did so much thinking in September, that we’re taking October off. Deep thoughts will arise again in November.
JUSTICE GROUP
The Justices meet on the last Monday of each month at the shul, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM, in person only. The October meeting, on the 26th, will cover the following: updates on Justice projects (Citizenship Scholarship and Native Plants Healing Garden); updates from the Rapid Response Network and Accompaniment Group; and an exploration of topics and modes of sharing/learning/growing for future Justices meetings. Bring your ideas, feedback, energy, songs, prayers, poems, and snacks (all are optional); bring you (not optional). With a question or for more information, contact Donna Medley at dmthebeez9@gmail.com.
BIRTHDAYS
Please reach out to the celebrants noted below and spread love. If you would like your natal day listed, email sarah.nathe@gmail.com with your birth date. (We list the day, but not the year, and your name will be featured only during your birthday month.) Below are the October birthdays:
10/6 Little Simcha, 10/11 Liz Helenchild, 10/13 Kenny Wortzel, 10/15 Rick Edwards, 10/23 Dale Cohn
HOUSE CONCERT
Support our immigrant friends and neighbors and help pay the dramatically increased fees the federal government is now charging them.
MUSIC BY Bluegrass legend Dan Crary, with Morgan Daniel & Byron Greene
On Sunday, October 11th from 2:00-4:00 PM, at a home in the Fort Bragg area, there will be great music, drinks and snacks. The suggested donation is $40. All proceeds go to Nuestra Alianza de Willits, the nonprofit organization working with the immigrant community in Mendocino County.
Seating is limited and reservations are required. To hold your seat, please email Rebecca at deer@mcn.org.
ELDERS’ CONVERSATION
The Elders’ Conversation usually meets every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 3:00 to 4:30 on zoom. This month, they are taking the first meeting off and only meeting on October 27th. If you have questions, please contact Joy Lancaster at ajoylancaster@gmail.com.
BOOK GROUP
The constant readers will meet Monday, October 19th at 2:00 PM on Zoom to discuss Notes of Deception by Merryl Goldberg and Vince Houghton. In 1985, while the U.S. was engaged in nuclear brinksmanship with the U.S.S.R., four American musicians—members of the New England-based Klezmer Conservatory Band—landed in Moscow on a secret mission to smuggle information out. With little training in espionage, they risked their freedom and their lives under the watchful eye of the KGB. They were determined to help fellow Jews, activists, and dissidents escape an oppressive regime.
Merryl Goldberg, the band’s saxophonist, was one of those musicians. Together with co-author Vince Houghton, the Director of the NSA’s National Cryptologic Museum, she tells the story of how she devised an ingenious plan to encode the intelligence within the group’s sheet music. If you are not currently in the Book Group, please contact Fran Schwartz for the Zoom invitation at franbschwartz@gmail.com. The book is at Gallery Bookshop.
MCJC BOARD MEETING
The MCJC board will meet on Wednesday, October 14th at 5:30 PM on Zoom. If you wish to attend part of the meetings, please contact Susan Tubbesing for the Zoom address at (707) 962-0565, or susan.tubbesing@gmail.com.
THANKS TO THE MAILERS
Carla Jupiter and Steve Antler prepared the last Megillah for mailing. They got it done and into the mail in record time. If you think you can do better, and even if you don’t think so, but you want to feel productive, contact Sarah Nathe (at sarah.nathe@gmail.com).
MEGILLAH SUBSCRIPTIONS
The Mendocino Megillah is published monthly as an emailed PDF and an online version. The online Megillah is posted on the newsletter page of the MCJC website: www.mcjc.org/newsletter. Any information on changes in email address or in email notifications should be sent to Sarah Nathe at sarah.nathe@gmail.com. If you choose not to be a contributing member of MCJC, we request a $54 annual fee for the Megillah.
EDITORIAL POLICY
The Mendocino Megillah is published monthly, except for August. The deadline for article submission is the 22th or the 23rd of the month before publication. The editor will include all appropriate material, space permitting, with the exception of copyrighted material lacking the permission of the author. Divergent opinions are welcome. Material printed in the Megillah does not necessarily represent the policy or opinions of the MCJC Board of Directors.
TODAH RABAH
THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING DONORS:
Donna Weintraub, Myra Beals, Sharman Braff, Sally & Lee Welty, Kelly & Steve Kalus, Steven Lavine & Janet Sternburg, Wendy Block & Michael Sigman, Lynne Spillinger, dobby sommer, Susan Hofberg, Esther Faber, Ronnie James, Tracy Salkowitz & Rick Edwards, Laura Goldman & Dennak Murphy, Holly Tannen, Kath Disney Nilson, Bob Evans, John Allison & Rebecca Picard, Helen Gregory & Mark Slafkes, Susan & Hans Henning.
Lawrence Brenner and Susie Lampert in memory of Barbara Brenner and the legacy she left in the law, breast cancer activism, and social justice.
Annett & Jonathan Lehan in memory of Jean Garrett.
Helen Sizemore in memory of Tal Sizemore 9/11/2010.
Linda Naftulin in honor of your beautiful congregation. “Thank you for the most memorable Rosh Hashanah ever!”
Richard Louis Miller in honor of Edward Isaac Miller.
Justice Group Native Plant Healing Garden:
Adina Merenlender & Kerry Heise
Citizenship Scholarship Fund:
Karen B Saef “In appreciation for the MCJC welcome extended to us on Erev Rosh Hashanah.”
Richard Louis Miller, in honor of the Miller Family: Sarana, Evacheska, and Aaron.
Please Support Our Generous Underwriters
Albion Doors and Windows: Thousands of recycled windows, French doors, thermal windows, entry doors, new & used. Leaded glass, arches & unique styles. Liquidation prices at (707) 937-0078 in Albion. www.knobsession.com.
Karen Camille Bowers Studio: Painting workshops and studio gallery. Website: karenbowersstudio.com Email: karenbowersu2@gmail.com Tel: (707) 684-0656.
Frankie's Pizza and Ice Cream Parlor: Homemade pizzas, Cowlick's ice cream, and other yummy things to nosh on. Beer and wine available. Open every day but Monday from 11:00 am - 8:00 pm at 44951 Ukiah Street, Mendocino, (707) 937-2436. www.frankiesmendocino.com.
Mendo Digital: Get found online and grow your business with search engine optimization (SEO), customer-focused writing, and an attractive website that adapts to viewers’ devices. Free 30-minute consultation with Marinela Miclea. Visit https://mendo-digital.com.
Out of this World: Telescopes, binoculars, & science toys. 45100 Main Street, Box 1010, Mendocino. (707) 937-3335. www.OutofThisWorldShop.com. Serving all your interplanetary needs since 1988.
Thanksgiving Coffee Company: Artisan roasted on the Mendocino Coast since 1972. A B Corporation featuring a wide variety of certified organic, shade-grown coffee & fair trade coffees. (800) 462-1999. Learn more and buy coffee at www.thanksgivingcoffee.com.
Yogajoy classes on zoom with Helen Jacobs. Gentle yoga to improve flexibility and strength and reduce stress. Contact Helen at hjacobs@mcn.org or (707) 367-3498.
MCJC underwriters increase their businesses’ visibility to over 350 subscribers and improve their presence on the web. $150/year.
| Chevra Kadisha |
Clare Bercot Zwerling |
956-571-0945 |
clarebercot@icloud.com |
| Cemetery |
Donna Montag |
707-877-3243 |
montag@mcn.org |
| Outreach (new to the community), Finance Committee, Announcements |
Susan Tubbesing* |
707-962-0565
|
susan.tubbesing@gmail.com |
| Justice Committee, Security |
Donna Medley* |
707-962-9493 |
dmthebeez9@gmail.com
|
| Women's retreat, Annual dinner |
Harriet Bye |
707-937-3622 |
bysawyer@mcn.org
|
| Kabbalat Shabbat Coordinator |
Mina Cohen |
707-367-3390 | mcohen@mcn.org |
| Volunteer Coordinator |
Joy Lancaster* |
||
| Building Maintenance |
Marnie Press* |
707-937-1905 | marniepress@gmail.com |
| Treasurer, Finance Committee |
Raven Deerwater* |
707-813-7951 | raven@taxpractitioner.com |
| Landscaping, Library |
Nina Ravitz* |
||
| Secretary, Finance Committee |
Alix Sabin* |
415-238-1342 | |
| Communications |
Neal Davis* |
neal@group5media.com | |
| Yahrzeit Notifications |
Bonnie Mahoney |
631-466-0156 | bonniemahoney2015@gmail.com |
| Book Group, Bikkur Cholim |
Fran Schwartz |
707-937-1352 | franbschwartz@gmail.com |
| Web dude |
Gus Mayeno |
webmaster@mcjc.org | |
| Megillah Editor, Name & Address & Subscription changes |
Sarah Nathe |
707-962-0565 |
sarah.nathe@gmail.com |
| Rabbi |
Margaret Holub |
707-734-0311 | mholub@mcn.org |
