Announcements

July/August President's Column by Deb Radin: Building Community by Doing
In new situations, I tend to observe first, diving in once I have the lay of the land. You would think that wouldn’t be necessary at Beth Am, a place that has been part of my life since I was 6 years old. But as I prepared for a new role in this community I grew up in, I gravitated to Beth Am’s history, for context and a grounding connection to the past — to better understand who we are today as I considered our future.

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.

August Is Prospective Member Month at Beth Am!
The best way to welcome new members to our Beth Am community is to be invited by YOU! As a current Beth Am member, you are the best ambassador for prospective members to be welcomed into our congregation. We encourage you to bring a friend/neighbor/relative to experience our lovely outdoor summer Erev Shabbat services and begin to get to know us!

Attention Artistic and Crafty People!
Beth Am Women is working on the logistics for hosting a Chanukah Fair this coming December in which people can sell handmade products (knitting, pottery, jewelry, painting, crochet, ceramics, stationary, upcycling, etc.) to the congregation as reasonably-priced holiday gifts (range ~$25 and under if possible). We will be inviting and encouraging both adults and teens to make things to sell. If you are interested in participating in selling items, or if you are not crafty but want to help organize this fun event, please message Gayle at craftyfair@betham.org to discuss possibilities.

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.

August Fund in Focus: The Lori Levinson Luft Adult Education Fund
Created in memory of a longtime and beloved member of the Beth Am community, this fund supports lifelong learning programs for adult learners. Whether it’s Torah Study, lectures, or classes, Beth Am is committed to creating interesting educational opportunities for our members of all ages. The Lori Levinson Luft Adult Education Fund helps make this possible by subsidizing programs and making access available to all.

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. 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 Now OPEN for the 2025-2026 School Year!
We hope you will join us for another year of exciting Youth Education programming! 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, singers, and more! We're so excited for another great year of programming at Beth Am. Join us!

The Value of Jewish Sleepaway Camp
As the weather turns warmer, children all over the country are packing their duffel bags with sunscreen, tie-dyed t-shirts, and anticipation. It’s time for sleepaway camp! We are thrilled that over 60 of our own Beth Am students will attend intentionally Jewish overnight camps this summer, the vast majority of whom will spend time at our Reform Movement partner, URJ Camp Newman in Santa Rosa.