Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

Jewish holiday of Shavuot to be celebrated with dairy flair in Brentwood Friday evening

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Honors the giving of the 10 Commandments. Cheesecake anyone?

By Mashie Goldschmid, Chabad of the Delta

At a unique crossroads between religion and cuisine, the Holiday of Shavuot, celebrating the Giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai over 3,300 years ago, has become a celebration of fine dairy cuisine as well. Shavuot is celebrated for two days and this year the Holiday celebrated on Friday and Saturday, May 26th and May 27th.

As the Torah was given, and the laws of kosher dining were first received, the Jewish People were not yet capable of properly preparing beef and poultry and as such ate dairy. The rest is history. Exquisite cheesecakes, ravioli, lasagna, Greek salad and of course, cheese blintzes all take center stage during this ancient celebration. Some suggest that this has contributed to the renewed popularity this holiday has seen.

When thinking Jewish Holidays, Passover, Chanukah and Yom Kippur come to mind. Nevertheless, Shavuot is considered one of Judaism’s major holidays and was in fact a “pilgrimage” when all of Israel would travel to Jerusalem to celebrate in the Temple.

“No, it isn’t all about the food,” said Rabbi Peretz Goldshmid of the Chabad Jewish Center. “What is important is that the community is joining together, hearing the Ten Commandments and celebrating the Torah. But the good food certainly helps!”

The Chabad Jewish center welcomes the community to it’s annual Ice Cream Party & Dairy Buffet on Friday May 26th at 5:00 PM.

The Shavuot celebration is free of charge, and all are welcome to join, regardless of Jewish affiliation or background. Special program and prizes for all children. RSVP appreciated JewishDelta.com/Shavuot or 925-420-4999

What is the holiday of Shavuot?

More than 3,300 years ago, the Jewish people received the Torah from G-d at Mount Sinai. Shavuot literally means “weeks” and marks the completion of the seven-week counting period between Passover and Shavuot. Shavuot customs include all-night Torah study, listening to the recitation of the Ten Commandments, the reading of the Book of Ruth, eating dairy products and adorning the synagogue and home with flowers.

About the Sponsoring Organization:

With unconditional love and acceptance, Chabad of the Delta is dedicated to enhancing Jewish awareness and pride in East Contra Costa.

Chabad offers Jewish education, outreach and social service programming for families and individuals of all ages, backgrounds and affiliations.

For more information or to RSVP, contact the Chabad at 925.420.4999 or visit online at JewishDelta.com/Shavuot.

First San Ramon Valley InterFaith EarthFest April 23

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See Hope – Seed Change theme

By Barb Kusha, Interfaith – San Ramon Valley

Interfaith – San Ramon Valley (I-SRV) and the Town of Danville have partnered to launch a fresh kind of Earth Day celebration, one focused on what is working right here, instead of on the gloomy eco-forecast. Its goals are to provide inspiration and to spur behavior change and ongoing commitment to sustainability as a way of life through recognizing and honoring our sacred relationship to nature.

The first annual InterFaith EarthFest, See Hope – Seed Change, celebration will bring together the San Ramon Valley’s interfaith community along with civic leaders, students, environmental, and community groups to channel their collective energies for the common purpose of moving toward a more responsible relationship with the planet. “Through an afternoon of ritual, art, music, pop-up speakers, booths, eco-activities and ceremony, the partnering groups and participants will draw hope from one another and inspire ongoing commitment to local action,” says Rabbi Dan Goldblatt of Beth Chaim.

“This new partnership is a big deal,” notes Pastor Steve Harms of Peace Lutheran Church. “The town’s leaders are coming together with religious leaders and the public and various interfaith congregants for the express purpose of meeting our urgent environmental issues head on with combined resources, ideas and energies. It has created a wonderful synergy of resolve and devotion.”

The event is Sunday, April 23, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Peace Lutheran Church, 3201 Camino Tassajara, Danville. It is free and open to the public. Parking is limited, but more is available at nearby commercial shopping plazas.

InterFaith – San Ramon Valley has been around for nearly 20 years, and includes members from many faith traditions. Participants in the InterFaith EarthFest include representatives from the following groups: Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, LDS, Muslim, Sihk, Sufi, and Taoist.

The afternoon will also include:

  • youth chorus group, drumming and dance performances
  • specially-curated art exhibit from local students and makers
  • kids activities, food, and booths
  • break-out sessions for in-depth learning
  • labyrinth walks
  • special displays of sacred texts from participating faiths that speak to the divine obligation we all share to preserve nature

Community partners for the event include Save Mount Diablo, Sustainable Contra Costa, Centre for Information Policy Leadership (CIPL), San Ramon Valley Unified School District, The Crayon Initiative, Cool the Earth, White Pony Express, Central Sanitation District, Republic Services, Rewire Community, SOJA and others.

EkoLinq, a Tri-Valley based recycling company, will collect for resale and recycling, on the spot free of charge unwanted textiles of all types including clothes, towels and sheets, from gently-used to rags.

About Interfaith – San Ramon Valley

I-SRV is a community group of diverse faith congregations from across the valley who are committed to learning, sharing, listening, and acting together. Learn more at https://www.interfaithsrv.org.

 

 

East Bay Good Friday Seder at Campos Family Vineyards April 7

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Public meeting for all churches: Traditional Seder feast in true Jewish style

Join with members of East Bay churches at a Jewish-style Seder on Good Friday, April 7, 2023 from 5:00 – 8:30pm.at Campos Family Vineyards located at 3501 Byer Road in Byron.

The traditional Passover meal includes reading, drinking four cups of wine, telling stories, eating special foods, singing, and other Passover traditions.

It is held after nightfall on the first night of Passover (and the second night if you live outside of Israel), the anniversary of the Jewish nation’s miraculous exodus from Egyptian slavery more than 3,000 years ago, as per Biblical command. In 2023, the Seder meal will be held after nightfall on April 5 (and 6 in the Diaspora).

Former pastor Ralph Rechnitz (a messianic Jew) and pastor Saed Awwad (a Palestinian by birth) will host the Good Friday Seder event. It will include a meal as well as a time of fellowship and community centered on Jesus’ message in the Passover.

For tickets, visit the Eventbrite page.

Commemorate the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt during Passover with Chabad of the Delta

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Pesach (Passover) The Festival of Freedom 2023 is from April 5 to April 13.

Begins with Erev Pesach (‘Eve of Passover’) Community Seder Dinner in Brentwood Wed., April 5 – TONIGHT!

By Chabad of the Delta

Join our community for an inspirational Passover Seder and experience the deeper meaning of Passover in a warm and motivational environment, complete with a delicious traditional Seder dinner, insights, singing, four cups of wine, and Matzah galore! Whether you are a Seder veteran or a curious explorer, the Chabad Seder offers a stimulating and satisfying experience. Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Apple Hill Clubhouse, 700 Apple Hill Drive in Brentwood. Space is limited. RSVP is necessary. No one will be turned away due to a lack of funds. For details visit The Passover Community Seder | Facebook and for tickets click, here.

Art by Sefira Lightstone from Chabad of the Delta.

About Passover

Passover is celebrated by Jews every year, commemorating the anniversary of our miraculous Exodus from Egyptian slavery, as told in the Bible. The eight-day festival of Passover is celebrated in the early spring, from the 5th through the 13th of the Hebrew month of Nissan. Passover (Pesach) commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. Pesach is observed by avoiding leaven, and highlighted by the Seder meals that include four cups of wine, eating matzah and bitter herbs, and retelling the story of the Exodus

On the first two nights of Passover (just the first night in Israel), we hold a Seder. After candles have been lit, we enjoy a ritual-rich 15-step feast, which centers around telling the story of the Exodus.

Some highlights include: Drinking four cups of wine, dipping veggies into saltwater, children kicking off the storytelling by asking the Four Questions (Mah Nishtanah), eating matzah (a cracker-like food, which reminds us that when our ancestors left Egypt they had no time to allow their bread to rise) and bitter herbs, and singing late into the night.

Beginning on the evening preceding 15 Nissan, Passover lasts for 8 days in the Diaspora and 7 days in Israel (here’s why).

On Passover, Jews may not own or consume chametz, anything containing grain that has risen. This includes virtually all breads, pastas, cakes and cookies. Prior to the holiday, homes are thoroughly cleaned for Passover, kitchens are purged (here’s how to kosher the kitchen), and the remaining chametz is burned or sold.

Following the intermediate days, when work restrictions are somewhat relaxed but chametz remains forbidden, we celebrate the final two days of Passover (just one day in Israel), during which we look forward to the future redemption through Moshiach (Messiah).

Passover is important to Jews, as it celebrates our birth as a nation.

Learn more at jewishdelta.com/pesach.

Chabad of the Delta celebrates Purim 2023 with Mexican fiesta

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Children enjoy Mariachi music at the “Purim in Mexico” fiesta on March 7, 2023. Photos by Chabad of the Delta.

Commemorates deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman’s plot to destroy them and Queen Esther’s actions to save her people

By Mashie Goldschmid

On Tuesday, March 7th marked Purim a festive holiday for the Jewish people. It was a fun fiesta as a happy throng of the Brentwood Jewish community of all ages gathered with Chabad of the Delta to celebrate Purim! The theme was Purim in Mexico, and everyone had a blast, eating traditional three-cornered Hamantaschen cookies, and a Mexican feast. The sound of the mariachi band transported us right to Mexico.

The kids enjoyed lots of activities and prizes.

Rabbi Peretz Goldshmid (2nd from right) and attendees celebrate Purim during a Mexican fiesta on March 7, 2023.

Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in Ancient Persia from Haman’s plot to destroy every Jew. It is celebrated by reading the Scroll of Esther (known as the Megillah), gifts of food, charity, feasting and merriment.

As we all know, joy is best when it is shared. To that end, a dedicated group of volunteers packaged and delivered beautifully wrapped Share the Joy packages to many Jewish homes in the area. Thank you to our wonderful volunteers.

For more photos and to learn more about Chabad of the Delta visit: JewishDelta.com.

Antioch woman arrested for making threats against Christian schools in Walnut Creek

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By Lt. Holley Connors, Walnut Creek Police Department

An Antioch woman who is suspected of making threats to a private school in Walnut Creek is in custody. Walnut Creek Police Detectives and the Central County SWAT Team served a search and arrest warrant at 33-year-old Danielle Nye’s residence in Antioch last night. Detectives ultimately arrested Ms. Nye for PC 422 – Criminal Threats.

On February 28th, Contra Costa Christian Schools (CCCS) reported to Walnut Creek Police Department (WCPD) that they received numerous emails and voicemails from an unknown person who spoke of vague threats of violence toward the school. Officers worked to identify and locate the sender and to determine if there were any credible threats.

On March 1st, CCCS notified WCPD that they received more emails, and the threatening language had escalated. One email contained a photo of an apparent rifle.

Based on the continuing threats, behavior of the caller, and the photo of the weapon, CCCS sent students in after-school classes home early on March 1st. Walnut Creek Police searched the campus and found no evidence of weapons or threats to staff or students. Out of an abundance of caution, CCCS cancelled all classes for March 2nd.

At this time, there is no known threat to CCCS’ staff or students. It appears this was an isolated incident, and WCPD will continue follow up investigation to confirm no one else was involved. It is unknown what, if any, connection Ms. Nye has to CCCS.

She was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility and remains in custody on $25,000 bail. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Walnut Creek Police Department at 925-943-5844 or call the Anonymous Tip Line at 925-943-5865.

Case #: 23-7237

 

Hark the Herald Angels Sing “Glory to the Newborn King!”

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The Greatest News Ever Given

The lyrics in the old Christmas carol pretty much sum up the story of Christmas: “Hark the herald angels sing, ‘Glory to the newborn king! Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.’” Because that’s how it’s described in the book of Luke, chapter 2 in the Bible.

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby [Bethlehem], keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’” Luke 2:8-14

As we celebrate Christmas, today, exchanging and opening presents, eating wonderful homemade food and watching classic Christmas movies, let’s remember what this holiday is really all about – celebrating the birthday of Jesus, the Christ.

He was, in the slang of speaker Ken Poure, “God in a bod.” He came down from Heaven, made himself lower than the angels and took on the body of a human being, was born as a baby – not into earthly wealth or power, but to a holy, yet imperfect young, virgin woman and a carpenter, to whom she was engaged, and in a stable with domesticated animals looking on, then growing into adulthood, so he could be one of us.

Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah, who the prophet Isaiah proclaimed 700 years before His birth, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.”

However, He was not a political messiah as many sought in that day, to lead a revolt and rescue them from the rule of the Roman Empire, but rather a spiritual, eternal messiah whose kingdom will never end. What’s more important and lasting, something political or spiritual? Obviously, spiritual.

As a human, Jesus was able to communicate with us, show us how to live and love, and share with us God’s message of salvation, which He provided. Instead of the yearly sacrifice of the unblemished lamb, whose blood merely covered over the sins of the people, the unblemished, perfect Christ provided us the once-and-for-all sacrifice, eliminating our sin and defeating the power of death – ultimate, spiritual, eternal death – for those who choose to follow Him and accept Him as their Lord and Savior. He is our bridge to God the Father, who reached down into human history to offer us a way to have a relationship with Him, that had been broken off by the sin of Adam and Eve.

So, today, this Christmas day, I encourage you to read the story of the birth of Jesus, the Christ in Luke, chapter two. Then find a Bible-believing church to attend today to seek out others who understand and have experienced the true meaning of Christmas, found in Jesus, who came to give us hope; salvation from the degradation of sin in our lives – because we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God – the opportunity to have an abundant life, not just one of empty pursuit of pleasure and acquiring things; peace in our hearts; and to be with Him for eternity. Because unlike any other spiritual leader in history Jesus is the only way to God, as he proclaimed “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

And that is the way to have a truly, Merry Christmas!

Allen D. Payton, Publisher

Here are the words to the song that memorializes the most important herald that has ever been – the announcement by the angels of the birth of the Savior of the world, Jesus the Christ, the long-prophesied messiah, born in Bethlehem some 2000 years ago.  He was born to bridge the gap between humans and God, due to the sin in their lives, which breaks our fellowship and relationship with Him. This year, you can know the true meaning of Christmas by opening your heart to the message and reason for the season, the birth, perfect life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Learn more by clicking here.  Enjoy the lyrics and song of “Hark the herald angels sing.”

Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

To hear it sung, click here. 


"Hark the herald angels sing” Christmas Carol was written by Charles Wesley, brother of John Wesley founder
of the Methodist church, in 1739. A somber man, he requested slow and solemn music for his lyrics and thus
“Hark the herald angels sing” was sung to a different tune initially. Over a hundred years later Felix
Mendelssohn (1809-1847) composed a cantata in 1840 to commemorate Johann Gutenberg's invention of the
printing press. English musician William H. Cummings adapted Mendelssohn’s music to fit the lyrics of
“Hark the herald angels sing” already written by Wesley.