Admittedly, this blog is an occasional reflection rather than a daily passion. As more people come upon the WineSpirit website and/or learn that Sippin' exists, what I have written to this point is intended to be a useful account of the growth and development of WineSpirit and things related.

On June  13, in my capacity as rabbi, I guided the communities in saying farewell to an amazing man: a presence, a force, a blessing, an architect, a sculptor, a ceramist, a painter, a cyclist, a musician, a chef, a wine grower, a prayer leader, an ethicist, a modest man and more...Art Finkelstein, co founder with brother, Alan Steen, of Whitehall Lane, and Judd's Hill named for his son who carries on family quality and tradition, as Judd and Holly carry the flame from Art and Bunnie, with Bunnie's ongoing inspiration and leadership, in her quiet way.

June 13 began with over 500 people at Beth Sholom in Napa for an extraordinary farewell to Art.  I recorded it, so if you want the cd's, let me know at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  After celebrating Art I moved on to Vineyard Vista for a WineSpirit quarterly afternoon of fellowship, wine, nibbles and conversation, leading into an enlightening presentation by Charlie Johnston and Liz Thach, Advisory members with expertise and involvement in China.  Charlie's observed that China was the fifth largest wine producing country, with virtually no exports.  China is eager to grow its wine industry as a constructive response to alcoholism, weaning people away from hard liquor and higher alcohol drinks to wine.

While this blog is intended to shed light on my personal experience of WineSpirit and related activity, I will depart from that premise, at least for this paragraph, in indicating how life has changed for me: Due to the abrupt departure of the senior rabbi of the congregation that I serve as rabbi emeritus, in Marin, I have returned part time to the congregation.  Returning nearly 20 years later, and picking up where I left off, in a comfort zone, and sharing an exploration of the Five Trails, my translation of Judaic principles into secular strategies and applications for effective and successful daily living, today I completed the 3rd session.  I am delighted that 26 people participating are enthusiastic about the experience and are in no hurry to move from the Attitude Trail to the Time Trail.

I love that my work is all related: spiritual leader of B'nai Israel in Vallejo, facilitator of the Napa Men's Group, faciitator of the Napa Women's Group,  now part time rabbi in Marin, and Executive Director of WineSpirit.

Interest is growing in 2 courses, the Five Trails, now in process in Marin, and Sippin' on Top of the World, 6 weeks exploring the 6 themes in the book.  See "Inside Sippin"' for more details.

Speaking of losses: our heartfelt condolences to Jan Shrem on the passing of his beloved, muse and God-send (and this regarding an agnostic!), Mitsuko.

Blessings to everyone for a rejuvinating summer!