Announcements

May/June President's Column by Amy Gerstein: A Seat at the Table — Reflections on Leadership and Community
As I write my final Builder column as your Congregation president, I am filled with gratitude. This role has been challenging at times, but above all, it has been deeply rewarding. Beth Am has meant so much to my family, and I will always cherish the opportunity to give back.

Looking for A Few Friendly Volunteer Greeters
Be the friendly first impression and helpful presence at our community events. We need volunteers to help with greeting and creating a positive experience so that every person who walks through our doors feels at home. We are looking for warm, enthusiastic, friendly people to help us. Sound like you? Sound like someone you know? Encourage them to sign up, too. A fun training will be provided. If you or someone you know might be interested, please contact greeterleads@betham.org.

It’s Annual Membership Renewal Time!
Thank you for being part of the Beth Am community! As we gear up for the next Beth Am year (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026), it’s time to set our intentions for a wonderful year ahead! So that we can plan accurately, it’s important that you actively renew your membership for the new year and confirm your contribution amount.  Please watch your email in the coming weeks for messages about membership renewal, and thank you in advance for your prompt response so that we can bill your account accurately.

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.

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month
Celebrate Pride Month and the LGBTQIA+ community by standing up for equal rights and dignity for all people. Let's continue to honor the movement for LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion, to celebrate recent victories against discrimination, and to commit to the work aheadaccurately.

June Fund in Focus: Liebhaber Oneg Fund
Every event is made more special with some delicious treats and time to gather with friends around a table. The Liebhaber Fund makes many of our Shabbat pre-neg and onegs possible, creating the opportunity to linger longer with our fellow community friends.

Member Spotlight & Builders Circle Profile: Barbara and Cliff Burwick
Over the years, Barbara and Cliff have expanded their circle of Beth Am friends and have enjoyed sharing Shabbat dinners, holidays, celebrations and life cycle events with these special people in their lives. As they raised their family, Beth Am played a central role as a place of connection with their Jewish faith and their Jewish community. Cliff has participated for many years in Torah Study and Talmud Study, both Barbara and Cliff enjoy the Jewish films, lectures and classes, special events and seeing friends at Shabbat services. Says Barbara, “I love the beautiful setting, sitting in our windowed Sanctuary, looking outward and inward both!”

Beth Am Youth Education Registration Is Open for the 2025-2026 School Year!
Join the 177 students who have already signed up — and help us with our planning by registering by June 5. Our programs build community and identity through deep and dynamic Jewish learning. We offer programs for learners of all ages and interests, including families with young children, emerging teen leaders, actors and singers, and more! We're so excited for another great year of programming at Beth Am. Join us!

Adult Education Opportunities With Rabbi Yoel Kahn
Rabbi Yoel Kahn will be offering two adult education opportunities this spring — The World of Midrash and Hineini! Here I Am! — Queer Jewish Liturgy Old and New (presented by New Lehrhaus). To learn more, please visit the Adult Education webpage for full class descriptions and registration information.