Sign Up by June 1! — Find out how much fun camping can be at the 11th annual Beth Am Family Camping Trip. This year we will be back at Portola Redwoods State Park, the site of many wonderful Beth Am camping trips in past years. Get ready for lots of fun with a chance to enjoy Jewish community and experience God in nature. To register by Saturday, June 1, please go to the members area under "events".
Community
Community
Community
Congregation Beth Am's warm and welcoming community offers something for everyone! Whether you want to engage with others in learning, worship, or social justice activities, a benefit of our large congregation is our ability to offer myriad small-group activities to help you grow and connect.
Read moreFinding points of connection strengthens our community experience on Shabbat, on the High Holy Days, and whenever our congregation comes together to celebrate, to comfort, or to contemplate our past, present and future.
Please browse the links to our various community groups. Our staff is happy to make introductions, to help make connections or to help start a new group if your interest is not yet represented. Making the effort will ensure that Beth Am becomes your home away from home -- the place where there's always a friend to sit with, the place where you belong. Welcome!
CloseVarious Dates and Locations in May
Émigré events in May include: Adult B'nei Mitzvah Class (May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 ); Torah Study in Russian with Rabbi Ilana Baird (May 9 & 23);Gan Haggim (May 12); My Jewish Discovery (May 18); Biblical Characters in World Art (May 18); and Chavurah Discussion Club (May 20).
Five Tuesdays in June and July, 6-9 p.m., Beth Am and All Saints Episcopal Church
Only two slots remain for participation in this special program! — This summer, people from Congregation Beth Am and All Saints Episcopal Church will come together in a supportive environment for lively conversation about our experiences as Christians and Jews. Lay-led discussion will be based on an interfaith curriculum, and will follow dinner. Only two slots remain for participation in this special program! Interested? Want to learn more? Please contact Bob and Diane Frankle.
Sunday, May 19, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Conference Room
Interpretations of the Mourner’s Kaddish — Enjoy a book talk, slide show and Q&A with Hyla Shifra Bolsta, artist and author/designer of The Illuminated Kaddish.
Sundays, May 19 and June 9, 6:00 PM, Beit Kehillah
Second of a Three-Part Series — This three-session series is designed for parents entering a new phase of life, when children have left home for college or beyond. For many of us, this transition can generate new priorities and life questions. Join Rabbi Janet Marder and Dr. Lori Luft (a clinical psychologist and Beth Am member) for a fun exploration of what the Beth Am community has to offer those who are entering this exciting, sometimes challenging, phase of life.
Tuesdays, May 7 and 21, Noon, Conference Room
Beth Am Women's lunchtime poetry group meets the first and third Tuesdays each month, except for holidays. Drop-ins welcome. For more information, contact Ruth at (650) 213-8080 between 7 and 10 p.m.
Wednesday, May 22, 7:00 pm, Conference Room
Whether you’re feeling lucky or are a master with the tiles, join the fun as Beth Am Women play Mah Jongg on the third Wednesday evening of each month. (In May this year, the group meets on the fourth Wednesday.) For more information, contact Nancy.
Sunday, May 26, 1:00 pm to Monday, May 27, 8:00 pm, American River
Join us for Adventure, Good Times and a Great Community! — The Annual BATY Rafting Trip is here! Join us for the most memorable overnight of the year. The bus from Beth Am stops for dinner in Old Town Auburn, followed by camping out under the stars, and white-water rafting on the American River. All 8th graders are invited to join us for their first BATY event. We look forward to welcoming them into our Beth Am high school youth community. Seniors, this is your last chance for a BATY fix before graduation, and confirmation class of 5772 this is the BEST reunion trip you could imagine! Please note that registration is now closed.
Tuesday, May 28, 8:00 am to 9:30 am, Hobee's, 4224 El Camino Real, near Arastradero Rd., Palo Alto
Start your Morning with BAM — Start your morning with breakfast and a lively discussion by joining your fellow Beth Am men. Rabbi Prosnit usually leads our discussion. This event is open to all the men of Beth Am, so bring a friend. Meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Contact Jay Hirsh for more information.
Tuesday, May 28, and Every Last Tuesday of Each Month, 7:00 PM, Hobee’s, 4224 El Camino Real, Palo Alto (near Arastradero)
Is there anything on your mind that you wish to discuss? Come meet with Beth Am President Ben Lloyd for a chat over dessert at Hobee's. You can always reach Ben via e-mail at president@betham.org.
Friday, May 31, 6:15 pm, Sanctuary
Welcoming Our Newest Congregants — We warmly invite all our new members who have joined Beth Am during the past two years to celebrate Shabbat with a special blessing and delicious dinner. The dinner is free of charge; RSVP to Emily Osterman so we know how much food to order.
Friday, May 31, 6:15 pm to 8:30 pm, Beit Kehillah
Welcoming New Members to Beth Am — New to Beth Am? At our new program, Shalom, Beth Am! meet other new members, get to know the inspiring Beth Am clergy, and learn what makes Beth Am such a special community! This fun, high-energy program is designed to give you a behind-the-scenes look at Beth Am as you get to know others who are new to the community. So we can plan accordingly, RSVP to Rachel Tasch by Thursday, May 30.
Sunday, June 2, 11:30 am to 6:30 pm, Elkhorn Slough, Ca
5th-8th Graders are Invited to Join this Annual Adventure — BAJY’s final event of the year is fast approaching: KAYAKING! No previous kayaking experience necessary. We will be paddling in Elkhorn Slough and then picnicking at the wildlife reserve. Experience some of California coastline’s natural beauty and have a great time with your BAJY friends. We would like to invite 5th grade students to this event and welcome them into the BAJY community at Beth Am. The event will cost $75. RSVP by filling out the waiver form and emergency form, and sending them to Erin by Friday, May 31 by mail or email as an attachment.
Tuesday, June 4, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm, T'enna Classrooms, Beth Am Campus
For Families with Preschool-Age Children — We invite you and your family to join us for an Open House to explore our classrooms, meet our teachers and learn more about our OFJCC Preschool at Beth Am! For more information, please contact the OFJCC Preschool office at earlychildhood@paloaltojcc.org or (650) 223-8788.
Friday, June 7, 5:00 PM, Rooms 5 and 6
Experience Beth Am at a Special Tot Shabbat Event — Beth Am is continuing to offer our poplular introductory plan for families whose oldest child is starting Kindergarten, which we call our Aleph Bet membership program. Through the Aleph Bet program, you can register for our outstanding youth education programs, and the privileges of full membership will be included with your registration fees at no additional cost. We invite you to celebrate Shabbat with our community at our Tot Shabbat service on Friday, June 7 at 5 p.m.. We hope you will join us for this fun evening at Beth Am!
Friday, June 7, 5:15 pm, Grassy area next to the Beth Am playground
The dinosaur loves Shabbat... and being outside! — Summer is here and that means it's time to celebrate Shabbat outside with your tots, family and friends! Bring a picnic blanket for you and your family, and we'll provide dinner and drinks.
Friday, June 7, following the Tizmoret Service, Social Hall
Save the Date for our Next “Arm Chair” Trip to Israel — The Israel Awareness Committee invites you to travel with us to Israel to celebrate Shabbat with your fellow Beth Am congregants, feast on a scrumptious dinner and enjoy the entertainment. Dr. Donny Inbar, Associate Director for Arts and Culture at the Israel Center, will present a musical program “How did the Accordion and the Electric Guitar Make Peace? The History of Cultural Feuds in Israel, from Hora to Rock ’n’ Roll.”
Saturday, June 8, 3:30 pm, Beit Kehillah
Free - Refreshments will be Served — The history of conflict between Catholics and Jews over thousands of years has eased in present times. This documentary, featuring a concert of twenty Jewish cantors singing in a Roman Basilica, celebrates the progress in this interfaith relationship and the importance of tolerance. To God's Ears examines Catholic-Jewish dialogue and tells a story of how far we have come.
Sunday, June 9: 4 p.m. to swim; 5 p.m. for Rosh Chodesh, yoga and potluck dinner, Private Residence
Take an Introspective Look into Tammuz this Summer — The Hebrew month of Tammuz has no major holidays, but a three-week period of introspection and mourning culminating in the ninth of Av (Tisha B'Av). Come take an invigorating journey into and out of the depths, as we take an introspective look at the themes of Tammuz, through yoga and meditation, led by yoga instructor Carol Irwin. We will meet at the home of Ellen Schwartz. Come at 4 p.m. to swim, 5 p.m. for Rosh Chodesh Service/Yoga, followed by a potluck backyard dinner. All women are welcome. To RSVP or for directions and more information, please contact Lisa.
Tuesday, August 6, 5:00 pm, AT&T Park, San Francisco
WAITLIST ONLY! OUR TICKET BLOCK IS SOLD OUT! — OUR BLOCK IS SOLD OUT! JOIN THE WAITLIST: Join Beth Am Men and the Bay Area Jewish community at the Giants annual Jewish Heritage Night. Your Special Event package includes a seat in one of the Jewish Heritage sections for the 7:15 pm game versus the Milwaukee Brewers, a limited-edition Jewish-themed item, and admission to the Jewish Heritage Night pre-game party in Seals Plaza from 5-7 p.m.
Sundays, September 29, October 20 and December 15, 2013; 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, Beit Kehillah
Are you a mother raising Jewish children…but you’re not Jewish? Don't do it alone! — The Mothers Circle Mini-Course provides FREE education and support for women of other religious backgrounds who are raising Jewish children. The course is coming to Beth Am this fall. This three-session course will focus on Jewish rituals, ethics and the how-to’s of creating a Jewish home. Come be a part of this warm and nurturing environment, and feel empowered to take on the responsibility of raising children in Judaism. Mothers in all family constellations are welcome.
Celebrating the Beauty and Culture of Israel — What better way to say “Happy Birthday, Israel!” than by making a gift to Beth Am’s Israel Awareness Fund. This fund supports programs that educate our community about Israel and celebrate the beauty of Israeli culture, such as our Oneg Israel series. Donations are invited to help fund future educational programs that explore and enhance our relationship to Israel.
Moldaw and Seiler Family Foundation Grants Support Beth Am Youth Programs — The successes of our youth program, funded by the Moldaw family for 5 years, will continue thanks to the generous grant of another founding couple, Ruth and Don z”l Seiler.
Generating Funds for Beth Am Every Time You Shop On-Line — Beth Am has partnered with local company Social Transactions to generate funds from the on-line shopping done by our members – at no extra cost to you. Social Transactions was conceived by veteran nonprofit fundraising professionals and uses internet browser technology to pay organizations a commission every time its supporters buy something online from one of its 20,000 affiliated merchants. Just download the small Social Transactions browser extension to each computer you use for shopping, and Beth Am will receive a percentage of every dollar you spend.
The Korito Family — The Korito family -- Lea, Jeremy, Nathan and Maya -- are enjoying the variety of programming that Congregation Beth Am offers for children.
New Name, New Email Address — Mazel tov to Rabbi Sarah Weissman, formerly Rabbi Sarah Wolf, on her recent wedding to Eric Weissman! The Beth Am community wishes the Weissmans a life of happiness and fulfillment together.
Please note that Rabbi Sarah should now be contacted at her new email address, rabbi_weissman@betham.org.
Our Oneg Israel event in April was a great success. After a meaningful and spiritual service and a delicious Shabbat dinner, a large crowd of congregants and visiting community members gathered to listen to a live performance of “Hatikva,” presented by the renowned Israeli concert pianist and scholar Dr. Astrith Baltsan.
Resources
Congregation Beth Am • 26790 Arastradero Rd., Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 • (650) 493-4661 • Contact Us 