Congregation Beth El and Beit Ayin Present...

Derech Hashem

Friday, May 8 • 8:00 pm

Chanting Kabbalat Shabbat & Dessert Oneg with Rabbi Franzel and the Beit Ayin Band.

Live music featuring drum, guitar and keyboard evoke mesmerizing harmonies that connect us with the Divine as our deeper selves. A delicious dessert oneg generously hosted by Peggy and Michael Lipson will follow services. All are welcome as we experience prayer in an entirely new and transformative way. For more information, please email Charlie Radin or call 510-848-3988 x225.

Save the Date!
7th Annual
Lichvod Hatzibur Dinners
For the Honor of the Community
Saturday, May 16, 2009 • 6:00 pm
Come to a lovely dinner, cooked especially for you, in the company of fellow Beth El members. This is a great way to meet other congregants and feel a part of the community. Party begins with wine, hor d'oeuvres, and havdalah. From there, we will leave for our different destination dinners hosted by Beth El members. Look for your invitation in the mail or click here to register online!

21st annual
Tikkun Leyl Shavuot
Thursday, May 28 - Friday, May 29 • 6:30 pm through dawn 
JCC of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street • Berkeley
A unique community-wide celebration and night of Torah study, a spiritual journey bringing together Jews with varied perspectives and affiliations. Stay for an hour--or stay until dawn. We will be led in study by teachers from our diverse Jewish community. Celebrate Shavuot! For more information, please email Robin Braverman or call 925-979-1998.

2009 Annual Meeting
June 7, 2009 • 10:00am - 1:00pm
(Brunch/lunch included). The draft of the by-laws, based on the feedback we received at the meetings held last November, is almost finished and was approved by the Board on April 28th. Each member of the congregation will have access to the new by-laws in time to facilitate discussion and familiarity before a vote is taken at the meeting. We will keep you posted on that progress.
We will have a new slate of candidates for your approval, and of course, we are also planning to have a financial report, including a discussion and presentation about our debt and budget followed by Q&A. Mark your calendars and plan to come and be a part of the action!

*The annual meeting is open to all congregants, however our Bylaws stipulate that "Each membership unit in good standing shall have the right to vote ..." and all such members will receive a ballot in the mail within ten days of the June 7th annual meeting. If you have any doubt as to your membership status for 2008/9, please email Suzanne Alexander right away, as you have until May 15, 2009 to renew your membership if needed. Please call or email Ann Gonski if you'd like to discuss any aspect of your membership at Congregation Beth El. No one will be denied membership because of their inability to pay full dues.

Gift Shop News
Just in time of Mother's Day!
20% off Jewelry by Ayala Bar
20% off Roman Glass Jewelry
The special sale is good until
Mother's Day, Sunday, May 10.

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!

Baby Playgroup for Infants and Parents
Monday mornings* • 9:30-11:00 am
Start your week off right on Monday mornings at Beth El from 9:30-11:00 am. Newborns through 2.5 year olds are invited to meet us in the Children's Library for music, stories, Havdalah and an opportunity to share advice about parenting. This playgroup is free to all Beth El members, $5 for non-members. This is a drop-in group, so there is no need to sign up in advance. Please tell your friends!  For more information, Debra Sagan Massey at 510-848-2122 x213 or click here to email Debra.
This Monday, May 11th we will be meeting in the Children's Library at Beth El, and then heading over to Live Oak Park (weather permitting).  Please bring a picnic blanket and outdoor toys (bubbles, balls, etc). See you there!

Sababa Lounge Night
for 6th-8th graders!
Saturday, May 16th • 7:00-9:00pm at Congregation Beth El
You are invited to come chill with your friends. There will be free food and games! Please RSVP and send game requests by emailing Rebecca DePalma or calling 510-848-2122 x214.

Camp Kee Tov - Registration Information for Summer 2009
Five hundred happy campers have registered for Camp Kee Tov already!! Is your family among them? Some programs are almost full and will be on wait list status soon.
Register today --and invite your friends to join you.

Families who are interested in Camp Kee Tov  are invited to our annual Parent Information Night:
Sunday, May 31 • 5:00-7:00 pm
* Information about Camp Kee Tov programs
* Director on hand to answer your specific questions
* Getting to know you games for the kids
* Help completing financial assistance forms

Kids are welcome! RSVP to Charlie Radin by clicking here.

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