​A HUGE THANK-YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS: Judith Cohen, Debi Burdman-Deutsch, Jerome Becker, Rita Becker, Naomi Blakely, Kristie Burch, Jonathan Burch, JuliAnna Fink, Cody Fink, Aubrey Fleming, Brynn Gray, Wendy Kim, Nitsan Kolikant, Abby Lassen, Beryl Levine, Barry Weinstein, Lauren Yoder, Samara Weiner, Aubrey O’Leary, Becca Shivers.

Dear Friends,

I’m still holding onto the glow from this past Shabbat--what a truly special evening we shared together!

To sit in such a stunning home, surrounded by women spanning generations and life stages, felt both grounding and uplifting. Some of you are just beginning to find your place in this community, while others have helped build the very foundation that made a night like this possible. That blend—of new energy and deep roots—is something rare, and it was palpable in the room.

And then there was the sunset… as if it knew to show up right on time, casting its own kind of blessing over the evening.

More than anything, what lingered was the feeling of connection--authentic, warm, and quietly powerful. These are the moments that remind us what community can be.  Thank you to Janelle and Lauren for holding space for our beautiful rituals.

We would love to keep that spirit going. If the evening sparked ideas for future gatherings, we’re all ears—this community is shaped by the people in it. We will share the next Shebrew Shabbat date as soon as we have it confirmed - the goal is to do this quarterly. 

If you’re feeling called to go a bit deeper, we’re always looking for thoughtful voices to join a committee (or even consider board involvement). And of course, your support--through a donation—helps ensure that we can continue creating spaces like this for connection, reflection, and joy.

Two meaningful opportunities to highlight:

• Nissa is beginning to gather a group to explore the creation of the Central Coast’s first non-denominational mikveh. If this speaks to you, we would love to connect with you.
• We’re also looking for volunteers to help bring our Jewish Heritage Festival to life on May 17th at Mitchell Park here in SLO—a beautiful chance to celebrate and share our community more broadly.

​Thank you again for showing up so fully—for bringing your presence, your stories, and your openness. It made all the difference.
​
With gratitude and warmth,

Miriam
Chair, Shebrew Shabbat Committee

Please read the following message to our community from SLO Community Cares:

Having lived in and visited Israel for years, I have witnessed firsthand the fragile balance that sustains peace and security. Today, intelligence from both Israeli and international sources points to a growing threat: Iran has enriched uranium to dangerous levels and is actively pursuing nuclear weapons. These are not hypothetical worries—they are credible, immediate dangers backed by detailed intelligence and confirmed by international watchdogs.
For Israel, Iran’s nuclear ambitions are not just a strategic concern—they are an existential threat. The Israeli leadership, recognizing the urgency, decided that action was needed before Iran reached what experts call “the point of no return,” a stage where halting Iran’s nuclear program would become impossible.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu captured the moment when he said, “We will strike every location that poses a threat and what they have experienced so far is merely a fraction of what they will face in the days ahead,” highlighting Israel’s determination to delay Iran’s nuclear ambitions by years.

​While many world leaders have urged restraint and called for de-escalation, some have also recognized the benefits of Israel’s actions in the face of Iran’s nuclear threat:

• The G7, in a joint statement, affirmed that “Israel has the right to defend itself,” and made clear that “Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.” They further stated, “We urge that the resolution of the Iranian crisis leads to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza”. Germany’s Chancellor said it best, “This is the dirty work that Israel is doing for all of us”.
• The United States, while not directly involved in the strikes, emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense and recognized Israel’s need to act. As Secretary of State Rubio put it, “Every sovereign nation has the right to defend itself, and Israel is no exception.” President Trump added, “Iran could be a great country, but only if it abandons its pursuit of nuclear weapons.”
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Other leaders have highlighted the broader security benefits.

• The Czech Foreign Minister, Jan Lipavsky, noted, “Iran has long failed to meet its obligations to the international community, and is building up its nuclear program. Iran’s objective is aimed at destroying the state in Israel… So I have a great deal of understanding for… military action to deter the production of a nuclear bomb in the region”.
• Similarly, the Australian Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, stated, “We all understand the threat of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program represents a threat to international peace and security, and we urge the parties to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy,” acknowledging the need for action while still advocating for diplomatic solutions.

Of course, military action comes with major risks. Iran and its proxies, such as Hezbollah, may increase retaliation with constant missile attacks or other aggressive terrorist acts. Strategically, Israel has weakened Hezbollah. making them a less significant threat. If Israel had to defend herself against strikes from Iran and Lebanon at the same time, Israel would be significantly more vulnerable. 

Jews in Israel and the diaspora are scared, very scared right now. As a community, it is important that we stand united, support one another, and continue to pray for peace. We hold onto the hope that strength and resilience will lead to lasting peace in the region. 

The operation that unfolded on June 13th was driven by a profound sense of responsibility to protect Israel’s future. It is a reminder that our security, our families, and our heritage sometimes depend on making difficult but necessary choices. I remain hopeful that this is part of a path toward stability and peace—one that will unfold with safety for Israel, diplomacy, and a better future for the Iranian people. Thank you for standing with Israel and for your commitment to our shared values. Let us continue to support each other and pray for a peaceful resolution for all people in the region.

With hope,

​Nachshon Margalit
JCC-Federation of SLO Co-President