Editor’s note: J.’s Nov. 28, 2025, print edition lists the incorrect synagogue for Rabbi Mark Bloom. We are fully aware that Rabbi Bloom has been the spiritual leader of Temple Beth Abraham for more than two decades. Our sincere apologies for the error.
A coach, a friend — and a ‘rabbi’
The Oakland community was recently shocked by the murder of longtime football coach John Beam, formerly of Skyline High School and then Laney College. He influenced thousands of students in his long coaching career, and many more knew him from the Netflix documentary “Last Chance U.”
Though I have been a rabbi in Oakland for over 24 years, I never had the privilege of meeting him, something I regret. In so many ways, he embodied the values and effects of being a rabbi — literally, a teacher.
In Pirkei Avot 1:6, Rabbi Yehoshua ben Perachya says three things: “Appoint for yourself a rabbi, acquire for yourself a friend, and judge each person for the good.”
Coach Beam was the ultimate teacher, first in the football sense. But of course, he was so much more than that. Over decades, he taught his kids life lessons — how to be responsible, how to succeed in the classroom, how to work hard, and the value of teamwork, camaraderie and dedication.
His lifelong lessons led to lifelong friendships. As a local rabbi, nothing gives me more satisfaction than having former b’nai mitzvah students return to synagogue just to say hello. Congregational rabbis like me only wish we had the kind of lifelong devotion and visits Coach Beam received from his former players. Though always a mentor, he was truly considered a friend by these alumni.
Finally, Rabbi Yehoshua advises us to always judge each person for the good, to give them the benefit of the doubt. This is precisely why Beam’s coaching was documented in “Last Chance U.” He took on so many students who had been considered failures, uncoachable and difficult, and gave them second, third and fourth chances. He turned them into players and mensches.
Our city and our world has lost an incredible person, the epitome of a teacher/rabbi and friend. Nothing mitigates that tragedy, but because of all the lives he touched, his memory will indeed endure as a blessing.
Rabbi Mark Bloom
Temple Beth Abraham | Oakland
Opposing genocide isn’t antisemitic
As a Jew-with-a-conscience, I am opposed to any genocide. I am also a retired adjunct faculty member of the mathematics department at San Francisco State University, and member of the faculty union. That is why I am dismayed by the op-ed by Marc Dollinger (“CSU faculty union needlessly alienates its Jewish members,” online, Nov. 18), complaining about the union’s attack on AIPAC and JPAC.
These two organizations actively support the government of the State of Israel and actively defend that government against criticism. One way they do this is by accusing critics of that government of antisemitism. Educators and colleges have suffered from these accusations.
One thing that worries AIPAC and JPAC is the rise of groups demanding human rights and freedom for Palestinians. Clearly, these demands threaten the expansionist aims of the government of Israel, and threaten its extraordinary support by our own government. And so supporters of Israel try to silence these demands by calling them antisemitic. But you don’t have to be antisemitic to oppose genocide.
They are trying to fight antisemitism by shifting the prejudice from Jews onto another group of people. Our history shows us that is the wrong way to fight antisemitism. The only way to eliminate antisemitism is by opposing all racism against anyone — even including Palestinians.
Helen Finkelstein | Berkeley
Antisemitism permeates CFA
As a former San Francisco State University faculty member, I applaud Marc Dollinger’s op-ed “CSU faculty union needlessly alienates its Jewish members” (online, Nov. 18). I have seen firsthand the nefarious anti-Zionist and antisemitic bent of the California Faculty Association for years.
It permeates campus life. The evidence is also on the walls. The student union named for Cesar Chavez rightly reflected S.F. State’s support for his efforts on behalf of farmworkers. His image is proudly displayed. But alongside Chavez is a mural of Malcolm X, and around the side of the building is a mural of Edward Said. Both are divisive and antagonistic toward Jews and white people.
They have been on those walls for over 20 years under pressure for political correctness. Imagine if Nancy Pelosi, who has done more for working-class Californians than anyone, were to replace Malcolm X or Said as symbolic of the San Francisco ethos.
The CFA may follow suit, as Dollinger suggests, and reflect on its agenda and tone to include us all. Look at symbols and actions with an inclusive orientation.
Jeff Saperstein | Mill Valley