From the President:
It is with great pleasure that we welcome Norm Frankel as Beth El’s new Executive Director. Norm brings with him seven years experience as a synagogue executive, strong interpersonal skills and managerial abilities, and a deep commitment to the values of Reform Judaism.

Norm met members of our Board, the Executive Search Committee, Rabbi Kahn and the Beth El staff on June 23rd, all of whom were impressed by his experience, abilities and dedication. We are excited by his entry into our congregational family and expect that he will make many contributions to strengthening Beth El so that we can grow and prosper in the future.  

Norm will take over from interim Executive Director Ann Gonski on August 24th, 2009. Please join us in welcoming Norm Frankel to Congregation Beth El.

Joanne Backman, President
Congregation Beth El Board of Directors

keetov_logo_greenParent Orientation for
Session II Kee Tov Campers
Sunday, July 26 • 3:00 pm
at Congregation Beth El
   _____________________________

Everyone is invited!
Camp Kee Tov Shabbat
Friday, July 31 • 6:15 pm
Camp Kee Tov is hosting the Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday, July 31 at 6:15 pm. Many staff will be in attendance singing songs and participating in the service. Come join us for a night of Ruach and Shabbat.


3rd Annual
Membership Outreach Brunch
Sunday, August 23 • 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Thinking of joining Congregation Beth El, or know someone who is? New to Beth El and hoping to meet more friends? Please join us at our third annual Membership Outreach Brunch on Sunday, August 23rd, from 10:00 - 12:00 in the Social Hall. Gourmet champagne brunch kicks off a lovely morning of getting to know Beth El and Rabbi Kahn, and making new connections. We welcome all newcomers to Beth El, including those new to Judaism, choosing Judaism, interfaith families and LGBT members. We look forward to meeting you there! Please email membership chair Nancy Turak with any questions.

Shabbat This Week:
July 24 & 25 2009
3 Av 5769
Parashat Devarim

Friday, July 24
-Shabbat Evening Service 6:15pm

Saturday, July 25
-Minyan Service 8:30am
-Torah Study 9:15am
led by Dan Bellm
-Shabbat Morning Service 10:15am

Shabbat Next Week:

Friday, July 31
-Shabbat Evening Service 6:15pm

Saturday, August 1
-Minyan Service 8:30am
-Torah Study 9:15am
led by Cathy Stevens
-Shabbat Morning Service 10:15am

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!

Get Well Cards are
Available to Send!
Send a Get Well card to family members or friends who are ill. There will be blank cards and a "mail box" available at each service. Delivery will be handled by Laurie Juengert. Please let fellow congregants know if someone you know would appreciate hearing from us. Card donations should be left at the front desk with a note addressed to Laurie. For more information, please email Laurie Juengert.

Sing in the New Year: Join Beth El's High Holy Day Chorus
Rehearsals: Wednesdays, August 12th - September 23rd • 7:00-9:00 pm
Are you a CBE member who loves to sing? Join the chorus, and prepare for the High Holy Days through some of Jewish tradition's most beautiful music. Musical background is not necessary --the only requirement to sing with the chorus is your commitment to being at the rehearsals and the services.

The Chorus will sing at the late services on Erev Rosh Hashanah (Friday, September 18th, 8:45 pm) and Kol Nidre (Sunday, September 27th, 8:45 pm) Rehearsals will take place Wednesday evenings from August 12th through September 23rd, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Beth El. Our repertoire will include High Holy Day music from Spain, Germany, Casablanca, Poland, Israel and the U.S. We’ll work hard, but the atmosphere will be fun and supportive! In addition to sheet music, rehearsal CDs will be available to all singers who would find them useful in learning the music.

The Chorus will be directed by Beth El's incoming Rabbinic Intern, Reuben Zellman. Reuben has significant experience as a director and singer of Jewish choral music, and is looking forward with enthusiasm to working with Beth El's chorus! Please email Reuben to let him know that you'll be singing with us, or with any questions. He will be delighted to be in contact with you as soon as he begins his new position at Beth El on August 1st. We want YOU, yes YOU, to sing in the year 5770!
Attention all 8th-12th Graders!
Do you like working with children in a fun & interactive environment? Congregation Beth El Religious School is hiring Madrichim for the 2009-2010 school year. Madrichim are tutors, classroom aides, specialty leaders (music, dance, or drama), or office assistants. Madrichim receive honoraria and valuable professional work experience. For more information, and to apply, click here to download the application. You can also email Rebecca DePalma, or call 510-848-2122 x214 with your questions.

The community is invited...
JFCS/East Bay is pleased to co-present the following film at the
29th San Francisco Jewish Film Festival
Empty Nest
Sunday, August 2 • 9:30 pm • Roda Theatre at the Berkeley Rep
In a witty and sophisticated farce, middle-aged playwright Leonardo Vindel (the marvelous Oscar Martínez) descends into a world where fantasy and reality interlace seamlessly.
For more information please click here.

The community is invited...
Free Mondays at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival
The Tale of Nicolai and the Law of Return
Monday, August 3 • Roda Theatre at the Berkeley Rep
For more information, please click here.

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