Announcements

January/February President's Column by Debby Radin: Where Are You From?
“Where are you from?” the Arab salesman asked me as he persisted in trying to sell me a scarf while in Bethlehem, which was one stop on Beth Am’s recent six-day whirlwind journey through Israel. We had just exited the Walled Off Hotel, where we had spent the morning after passing through the checkpoint between the Israel I was familiar with and the West Bank.

Shabbat Dinners to Support Ukraine
Welcome Shabbat with a special evening of blessing the candles, challah and wine, and getting to know one another! Meet new friends, enjoy the hospitality of special hosts, relax and enjoy a delicious dinner prepared especially for you by some of the best home chefs in the Beth Am community. These are perfect small-group settings for making and renewing connections, while supporting our sister congregations in Poltava and Odessa as they fight for democracy.

 

Have you been to a Beth Am Neighborhood Gathering yet?
This year we launched a wide scale initiative of local social gatherings in all the areas where Beth Am members live  hosted and organized by your fellow members! Beth Am Neighborhood Gatherings (BANG) are designed to connect neighbors and re-connect old friends and are open to everyone. Over 20 of these events have already take place this year, in homes, parks, or restaurants — and we want to keep growing!

Caregivers Sh'ma Groups
Are you caring for a spouse? If you feel overwhelmed, you are not alone. You can take part in a Sh’ma group — not therapy, but a safe and friendly space to share stories. This group format has proved successful here at Beth Am in helping us start meaningful, supportive conversations. You will have guidelines for suggested topics and respectful interactions. You can easily form or join a group; the leadership duties are minimal and help from clergy is continually available. Groups are now forming. Join in! For more information, please contact Rabbi Watenmaker at rabbi_watenmaker@betham.org.

February 2026 Fund in Focus: Dayenu Fund for Sustainability
The effects of climate change resulting from excess greenhouse gases are all around us — from wildfires, hurricanes, droughts, floods, and heat waves to precious habitat loss in our country and around the world. It can seem overwhelming, and many of us may feel helpless. But our Jewish tradition asks us to take action, individually and together as a community, to ensure a sustainable planet. What can we do now to make a difference?
                     

Adult Education Opportunities: Learn Something New!
We have an exciting schedule of learning opportunities, including a Klezmer class, The Scroll of Esther, and Martin Buber's The Way of Humanity, Discussion Group for Parents and Grandparents of Trans- and Non-Binary Kids, and a Series on Death and Dying. Whether you are a talmid chacham (Torah scholar) or new to Judaism, Jewish learning is for you! Please visit the Adult Education webpage for full class descriptions and registration information.