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Where will you be for the High Holy Days?
Spend them with Congregation Beth El. See below for more information.
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Join us for an
Evening with Rabbi Yosef Leibowitz
Saturday, September 5 • 6:00 pm
Rabbi Yosef Leibowitz, formerly Rabbi of Congregation Beth Israel, will be visiting Berkeley over Labor Day weekend. His presentation at Congregation Beth El will be on the theme of moving from Mt. Sinai to the Land of Israel. A Havdalah service will follow.
Everyone is welcome to attend. Please see the Builder for additional details of Rabbi Leibowitz’s visit.
Join us for an
Evening with Rabbi Leo Abrami
Thursday, September 10 • 7:30 pm
Rabbi Leo Abrami, Beth El’s rabbi from 1971-1976, will read from and discuss his two recent autobiographical books, “Evading the Nazis, the Story of a Hidden Child in Normandy” and “The Adventures of Rabbi Arieh, a Destined Mission Around the World.” As a Jewish boy in France during World War II, Leo Abrami evaded Nazi persecution when his mother sent him to live in Normandy disguised as a Catholic boy. After the war, he went on to become a rabbi, serving synagogues and communities from Berkeley to South Africa to Guatemela. In addition to reflecting on his diverse experiences and unique perspective on Judaism, Rabbi Abrami will offer a “flash back” on Beth El and Berkeley’s Jewish community during the period of his service. An engaging speaker and compelling writer, please join us for what will surely be a memorable evening of conversation, inspiration and ideas. This program is free and open to the community.
Please join us for the High Holy Days this year!
Selichot - Saturday, September 12 • 9:00 pm
The High Holy Day season begins with an evening of study, music and reflection. At Selichot, we dress the Torah scrolls in white in honor of the High Holy Days.
Rosh Hashanah begins on the evening of Friday, September 18.
You may download your High Holy Day brochure and ticket order/request forms here:
Beth El Members Forms
Guest/Visitors Forms
Please email Lenora O'Keith in the Main Office or call 510-848-3988 for information about attending services with our community. Members are reminded to return their Annual Tzedakah/Membership Renewal and Ticket Request forms ASAP.
For those who have already returned their forms or called for reservations, your tickets have been mailed.
Vetaher Libeynu:
Opening the Heart through
Jewish Contemplative Practice
with Rabbi Margie Jacobs
Wednesday, September 9 • 7:15 pm
The High Holy Day season is an opportunity for transformation. The promise of these days is that we can improve our relationships, make a difference in the world, and live a more whole life. The process of teshuvah begins with an accounting of the soul - a courageous and compassionate assessment of where we are and where we want to be. Join us for an evening of Jewish meditation (no experience necessary - instruction will be provided), study and reflection. Through silence and introspection, we will enhance our ability to honestly and clearly examine our lives and our hearts as we set our intentions for the New Year.
This is the first program in a new series at Beth El offering opportunities to learn and practice Jewish contemplation with Rabbi Margie Jacobs. Rabbi Margie Jacobs has served as Bay Area regional director of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality and rabbi of Temple Beth Hillel in Richmond. She has studied and taught meditation for over ten years. This evening is free and open to all.
Chai Thursday Lunch Forums
Health Reform in the Balance with Katherine Haynes Sanstad
Thursday, September 10 • 12:00-1:30 pm
Beth El members of all ages and seasons are invited to attend our new, monthly series of lunch time forums, featuring Beth El members discussing topics of current interest to the community. Katherine Haynes Sanstad, Immediate Past President, Congregation Beth El, and Regional Executive Director, Diversity for Kaiser in Northern California, will discuss: Health Reform in the Balance: What should we fear, what can we hope for, what are we willing to do?
Please come prepared to listen, talk and bring a bag lunch.
Program begins at 12:15 pm. Everyone is welcome.
 Everyone is invited...
Shabbat Unplugged
Friday, September 11
Potluck Dinner - 6:00 pm • Services - 7:00 pm
Join us for the first of our monthly Shabbat 'unplugged' services where you unplug from your busy life and plug into spirituality, ruach and community. Shabbat Unplugged is a family-friendly service featuring Rabbi Kahn and songleader Josh Miller. We begin the evening with a potluck dinner at 6:00 pm, followed by ruach-filled services at 7:00 pm. An ice cream oneg will follow services. Services are geared to families, but everyone in the congregation is welcome to join.
Please bring the following for our dairy/vegetarian potluck dinner:
A-L: Salads, sides, vegetables / M-S: Main Dish / T-Z: Fruit
We look forward to seeing you there! Questions? Please contact the Religious School office at 510-848-2122, or email Debra Massey.
Upcoming Committee Meetings
*Religious School Committee
TONIGHT, Thursday, September 3 • 8:00 pm
*Ritual Committee
Tuesday, September 8 • 7:15 pm
*Social Action Committee
Tuesday, September 8 - NEW DATE! • 7:30 pm
*Program Committee
Tuesday, September 15 • 6:15 pm
*Nursery School Committee
Wednesday, September 28 • 7:00 pm
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First day of Religious School is Tuesday, September 15th for midweek classes, and Saturday, September 26th for Chug Mispacha!
Please visit our website for more information about our upcoming year. Pre-registration is required!
Shabbat This Week:
September 4 & 5, 2009
15 Elul 5769
Parashat Ki Tavo
Friday, September 4
-Shabbat Evening Service 6:15pm
led by Rabbi Yoel Kahn and Guest Cantor Martha Birnbaum
Saturday, September 5
-Minyan Service 8:30am
-Torah Study 9:15am
led by Jeff Brand
-Shabbat Morning Service 10:15am
led by Rabbi Yoel Kahn and Rabbinic Intern Reuben Zellman
Bar Mitzvah - Shane Schiff
Shabbat Next Week:
Friday, September 11
-Shabbat Unplugged Dinner & Services 6:00/7:00pm
-Shabbat Evening Service 6:15pm
in the Beit Midrash
Saturday, September 12
-Minyan Service 8:30am
-Torah Study 9:15am
led by Dan Magid
-Shabbat Morning Service 10:15am
led by Rabbi Yoel Kahn and Rabbinic Intern Reuben Zellman
Bat Mitzvah - Hannah Lehman
Men's Club Gathering & Dinner
Monday, September 14 • 7:30-9:15 pm
The Men’s Club invites all members, prospective members, and innocent bystanders to join us for the first event of the 2009-2010 year. It will be a dinner followed by an address by Joanne Backman, new president of Beth El. Joanne will tell us the state of the Congregation and her plans for her Presidency. Please come and welcome Joanne.
Event will be held at:
1019 Sierra Street, Berkeley
$15 for dinner.
Bob Goldstein will be collecting Men’s Club dues of $25 for the year.
RSVP by emailing Men's Club Chair Joe Schlessinger or call 510-524-7253
Help Usher in Shabbat
with your Smile!
Come join your rabbi on the bima or volunteer to help greet at a Friday night or Saturday morning service. Help us create a warm atmosphere by clicking on this link, entering SHABBAT as your password and volunteering! Any questions?
Please email Robinn Magid.
Hope to see you in shul!
Interested in environmental activism on a community level?
Beth El has been approached to be part of an East Bay interfaith environmental working group. The group would act as an initial steering committee to explore strategies for developing a faith-based, grass roots movement to meet the challenges of climate change and eco-justice. For more information, please email Debbie Leon.
Beth El Classifieds
Click here to view.
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Building a Sukkah This Year?
Make sure your Sukkah is on the 2009 Tour!
We're already starting to plan Beth El's Secret Sukkah 2009 Tour. The tour includes about 15 East Bay sukkahs open to Beth El visitors. You'll get a map and directions so you can wander from sukkah to sukkah. If you're thinking about building a sukkah this year, (now's the year to do it...) then we'd love to include your sukkah on the tour on Saturday afternoon, October 3rd or Sunday, October 4th. If you are interested, please email Dianna Dar (Saturday afternoon, Oct 3 or Sunday Oct 4) your sukkah will be available.
Religious School Orientation
Friday, September 11 • 5:30 pm or 8:30 pm
New Families and New Students - Join us on Friday, September 11th at 5:30 or 8:30 pm in the Beit Midrash for a brief Religious School Orientation. We will answer your questions, show you around the school, and introduce you to other Beth El families.Please mark your calendars now!
 Religious School is Accepting Applications!
Congregation Beth El Religious School is accepting student registrations for the 5770/2009-10 School Year! Register ASAP so your family doesn't miss out! We have exciting new programming and enhanced educational experiences planned for the whole family. You may view and download registration materials online by clicking here. For more information or if you have any questions, please email Rebecca DePalma or call 510-848-2122 x214. We look forward to seeing you this fall!
Baby Playgroup for Infants and Parents
Monday mornings • 9:30-11:00 am - NO Playgroup Monday, September 7
Calling all parents of tots...come join us every Monday morning for Beth El's Playgroup! We meet from 9:30-11:00 am in the Children's Library (next to the sanctuary) for a drop-in play time. This group is geared to children infant to 2 1/2, but all youngsters all welcome. Its a great way to start your week by getting together and meeting new friends. We always conclude each session with the Havdalah ceremony- the separation between Shabbat and the rest of the week. This is a free program for Beth El members; non-members are also welcome at $5/session. Please bring a friend! For more information, call Director of Education, Debra Sagan Massey at 510-848-2122 x213 or click here to email Debra.
The Ruach Brigade Needs You -- on Sunday, September 13!
Do you like to hang out in the sun? Meet new people? Schmooze with your friends? Here's a chance to do all that and do a mitzvah for Beth El at the same time!
On Sunday, September 13 there are two major opportunities for us to tell new people about our terrific Beth El community - Solano Stroll and the Jewish Federation's PicnicFest in Oakland's Joaquin Miller Park. Both of these will run most of the day. We need a bunch of friendly, enthusiastic folks to come, hang out at our table and talk about what ties you to Beth El. Maybe you'd like to come with another family, or your chavurah? Teens are especially welcome!
If you're interested, please click here, enter BE as your password, and volunteer. Todah rabah!
Also, a huge todah rabah to those of you who've returned the yellow Ruach Brigade form that was sent out with the High Holiday ticket mailing. It's wonderful that so many members are seeking to become more involved in the Beth El community. If you haven't already returned your form, please send it in - we'd love to find ways for you to further your connection to Beth El in the coming year!
The community is invited...
6th Annual
PicnicFest - A Gathering of East Bay Jewish Friends & Family
Sunday, September 13 • Joaquin Miller Park, Oakland
PicnicFest is a FREE community event with live music, beer, ice cream, and activities for children and adults. It's a great way to build community by connecting singles, couples and families to the greater Jewish community.
For more information, please click here.
The community is invited...
Lehrhaus Judaica's Back-to-School Night
Thursday, September 24 • 6:30 pm at 2736 Bancroft Way, Berkeley
Come for a preview of some of the courses, enjoy wine and hors d'oeuvres, chat with some of the teachers, and kick off the new school year in style! Everyone who attends the event will receive a coupon good for $10 off of their next Lehrhaus course. Lehrhaus and Beth El will be continuing their long-standing partnership this fall. A variety of Lehrhaus classes will be offered at Beth El, including Introduction to the Jewish Experience, Jews in the Hood: Spatial Planning in Jewish Communities, Unraveling the Mystery of Sendak, Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Modern Hebrew, and Diving into the Talmud. For more information, please click here.
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