Announcements

January/February President's Column by Jay Hirsh — Moving Together From Darkness to Light
I just received the Beth Am yahrzeit reminder for my father, Ellis Hirsh, of blessed memory. It has been 15 years since he passed away, just shy of his 70th birthday. This moment reminds me of how the Beth Am community cared for me at a time of overwhelming grief, and how I came to see the temple as more than a place to teach my children about their Judaism.

Crisis in Ukraine
Our hearts are breaking as we learn of the difficult and aggressive situation unfolding in Ukraine. We are concerned about the military action and the resulting loss of life, as Ukraine’s fragile democracy is threatened. As we know, historically, in such circumstances the Jewish community becomes a target, and we are fearful of such an outcome in the coming days. Here’s what you can do...

February Is "Focus on Inclusion Month"
In conjunction with Jewish Disabilities Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAAIM), Beth Am’s INCLUDE committee invites the congregation to several opportunities for learning, reflection and growth in our capacity to be an inclusive community, welcoming and appreciating people of all genders, ethnicities, abilities and more. Learn more and participate in February Jewish Inclusion Month programming.

Member Spotlight: Cathy & Steve Lazarus
In their 30+ years of membership at Beth Am, Steve and Cathy Lazarus have cultivated strong connections in the Beth Am community. And though their day-to-day participation looks different, they are each inspired by a core principle that they love about Beth Am: “The values that people gain through a religious affiliation contribute to a civil society. Beth Am does that.” Whether that’s through making our worship and educational programs accessible, or simply through finding like-minded fellow members with whom to take action in the world, Cathy and Steve appreciate that Beth Am brings good people together.

Community Circles: Building community and friendships through shared interests.
Beth Am Community Circles are your place to connect more intentionally with other members around a shared interest or life stage. Community Circles are affinity groups open to members of Congregation Beth Am and coordinated by congregants. Help start the group you are looking for!

Beth Am Welcomes Pati Ortiz, Our New Interim Executive Director
Beth Am welcomes Pati Ortiz, of Mountain View-based Venture Leadership Collective (VLC), who joins the Beth Am staff as Interim Executive Director. Pati's work at Beth Am will also include an organizational assessment to help us prepare for hiring and transitioning to a new permanent Executive Director. 

Enjoy Shabbat Dinners in Member Homes
Enjoy delicious food in congregants' homes AND help support our sister Congregations in Ukraine, Congregation Beth Am of Poltava and Shirat Ha-Yam of Odessa. Sign up for one of four upcoming dinners!

Chevra Kadisha Candle Project
One of the three important tasks of Congregation Beth Am’s Chevra Kadisha (Jewish burial society) is to support those in our community who are mourning the death of a loved one. Recently the Chevra Kadisha partnered with our youth programs to find a new way to reach out to those marking a first yahrzeit, a first anniversary of death.

Beth Am's February Tzedakah Box Supports Coastside Hopes Farm Workers Fund and Puente de La Costa Sur
2023 has been a terrible year for the San Mateo Coast. The devastating storms of early January wreaked havoc for those on the coast, including prolonged power outages, serious flooding and loss of work for local farm workers. The funds raised will go directly to individuals and families affected, for lost wages, funeral expenses and any other relief and support that they may need — immediately and as they find their way forward from these tragic events.

Pursue Justice Update
In 2023, Pursue Justice will focus on dark money, turning out the youth vote, reproductive rights and other issues that impact our ability to have our voice and vote count. Stay tuned for upcoming actions and ways to get involved!

January/February Dayenu Circle Sustainability Tip
With Tu Bishvat coming, let’s honor one of the best carbon sinks we have: the world’s trees. Did you know that according to National Geographic, every day in 2010 we flushed 27,000 trees down the toilet? 12 years later, the numbers must be so much higher!