New Member Frequently Asked Questions
We welcome you to our friendly congregation founded in 1952, Contra Costa Country’s first Reform synagogue. We look forward to seeing you at services and many other Temple events. Below you will find helpful information about participation and involvement at Temple Isaiah.
Contact information for any Temple Isaiah member listed below can be found behind the password-protected member only section of our website.
Religious Services
How do I find out what time services are?
Check the our website calendar, our weekly Shabbat Shalom email, or the Ruach, our monthly bulletin…or call the Temple Office (925) 283-8575.
Who do I contact with questions regarding our religious services and practices, including the Minyan, Tefillah Thursdays, Toddler and Family services?
Call the Clergy Assistant, Nina Jones at (925) 283-8512, ext. 314, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Who do I call regarding providing refreshments for Oneg Shabbatot or special occasions for my family?
Call our front office at (925) 283-8575, ext. 300 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Who do I contact if I or someone in my family wants to join the choir?
Clergy Assistant, Nina Jones at (925) 283-8512, ext. 314 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or Cantor Leigh Korn at ext. 321 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Who do I contact if I am an adult, and I would like to become Bar or Bat Mitzvah?
Clergy Assistant, Nina Jones at (925) 283-8512, ext. 314 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or Cantor Leigh Korn at ext. 321 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Education
Who do I call if I need to contact someone at Gan Ilan Preschool?
Director of Gan Ilan Pre-School, Denise Moyes-Schnur at (925) 284-8453, or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Who do I call for information on programs planned for infants and toddlers?
Josie Levi at (925) 283-8512, ext. 342, or the Temple Office (925) 283-8575.
Who do I call if I need to speak with someone in the Religious School?
Education Director Rabbi Nicki Greninger .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or her Assistant, Nathan Bellet, at (925) 294-9191 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Who do I contact regarding educational programs for adults?
Adult Education Committee Chair Pat Reyes (contact info in members-only section of the website), or Nathan Bellet to register for Adult Education Classes at (925) 284-9191, or Adult Program Coordinator Mary Anne Winig (925) 283-8512, ext. 301 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Scheduling
Who do I call for information regarding rental use of Temple facilities, including the Social Hall?
Mary Anne Winig at (925) 283-8512, ext. 301 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). For questions regarding reserving classroom or other committee meeting space contact Val Morehouse at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Social Groups
Who do I contact regarding our youth groups: Simcha, Anachnu or LAFTY?
Youth Director Dan Lange .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) at (925) 283-8512 ext. 313.
Who do I contact to find out about group, social and educational activities for children and teens?
Youth Committee Chair Larry Downes or Youth Director Dan Lange at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or (925) 283-8512 ext. 313.
How do I join Women of Isaiah?
Visit http://www.temple-isaiah.org/woi or contact Women of Isaiah Co-Presidents Ellen Bernstein-Ellis or Lynn Epstein.
How to I join Anshei Isaiah Men’s Group?
Contact Anshei Isaiah President Pete Bluford .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Who do I call if I want to join a Chavurah?
Adult Program Coordinator Mary Anne Winig at(925) 283-8512, ext. 301 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Who do I contact to find out what groups and programs are available for adults of all ages?
Browse our website, or contact Adult Program Coordinator Mary Anne Winig at (925) 283-8512, ext. 301 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Rabbis and Cantor
How can I get in touch with Rabbi Shanks, Rabbi Graetz, Rabbi Forrest, or Cantor Korn?
Contact their assistant, Nina Jones at (925) 283-8512, ext. 314 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Who do I call to inform the Temple of the illness or death, birth or marriage of a temple member or family member of a congregant?
Clergy Assistant Nina Jones at (925) 283-8512, ext. 314 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Who do I call to schedule time with the rabbis for setting Bar/Bat Mitzvah dates, baby namings, weddings and funerals?
Clergy Assistant Nina Jones at (925) 283-8512, ext. 314 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Donations and Gifts
Who do I call to make a donation in honor of or in memory of someone?
Melissa Palmer at 283-8512, ext. 312 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), go online to http://www.temple-isaiah.org or mail your check listing your designated fund. Envelopes can be obtained from the Temple Office.
Who do I contact regarding creating or enriching an endowment fund for the Temple, or to make a special gift?
Executive Director Michael Liepman at (925) 283-8512 ext. 310, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or Temple President Paul Menaker.
Who do I contact regarding memorial plaques?
Ellen Emold or Executive Director Michael Liepman at (925) 283-8512 ext. 310 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Who do I contact to sign up for eScrip?
Call the Temple Office at (925) 283-8575 or visit escrip at http://www.escrip.com/program/about.jsp
Help During Difficult Periods
Who do I call if I need help from someone in the congregation for transportation, errands, meals, etc.?
Angel Network Chair Jan Trzesniewski, or Adult Program Coordinator Mary Anne Winig at (925) 283-8512, ext. 301 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Who do I contact regarding purchasing a cemetery plot through Temple Isaiah?
Cemetery Committee Chair Frank Winer, or Temple Isaiah Executive Director Michael Liepman at (925) 283-8512, ext. 310 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Who do I call if I have concerns about payment of my membership commitment or other fees?
Contact Temple Isaiah Executive Director Michael Liepman at (925) 283-8512, ext. 310 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Temple Committees and Other Services
Who do I call for time and location of Temple committee meetings, or to schedule a meeting?
To book a meeting location contact Val Morehouse in the Temple Office, at (925) 283-8512, ext. 305 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). To see meeting dates and times visit our website calendar.
How do I get an article or advertisement in the Ruach (Temple Isaiah’s Newsletter)?
Contact Ruach Editor Julie Candau at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Who do I call to find out what resources are available through the Temple Library and Library hours?
Contact Librarian Val Morehouse at (925) 283-8512, ext. 322 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or check the Library Page online at http://www.temple-isaiah.org/about-us/library.
How do I find out about monthly Jewish Book Group titles and discussion meetings?
Contact Clergy Assistant Nina Jones at (925) 283-8512, ext. 314, or Librarian Val Morehouse at (925) 283-8512, ext. 322.
Becoming a Member, or Getting Involved in the Temple Isaiah Community
Who do I call to find out about membership in Temple Isaiah, new member mentors, and programs and activities for non-Jewish members of Temple Isaiah?
Contact Temple Executive Director Michael Liepman 283-8512, ext. 310 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or Adult Program Coordinator Mary Anne Winig at 283-8512, ext. 301 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Membership Committee Chairs David Bressler or Kim Drucker.
Who do I contact if I want to get involved in the social action, welfare and advocacy activities sponsored by Temple Isaiah in the community?
Social Action Committee Chairs Amy Faltz or Elise Trumbull.
Have other questions? Call us in the office at (925) 283-8575.