
An Erev Shabbat Conversation With Former Ambassador Michael McFaul
Friday, November 1, 2024 • 30 Tishrei 5785
6:15 PM - 7:30 PMService in the Sanctuary* & Livestreamed; Dinner to Follow in the Social HallDuring the Erev Shabbat service, hear a Q&A with Michael McFaul, Director at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University, the Ken Olivier and Angela Nomellini Professor of International Studies in the Department of Political Science, and the Peter and Helen Bing Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution.
Dr. McFaul joined the Stanford faculty in 1995. He also is as an International Affairs Analyst for NBC News and a columnist for The Washington Post. He served for five years in the Obama administration, first as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Russian and Eurasian Affairs at the National Security Council at the White House (2009-2012), and then as U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation (2012-2014).
He has authored several books, most recently The New York Times bestseller From Cold War to Hot Peace: An American Ambassador in Putin’s Russia. Earlier books include Advancing Democracy Abroad: Why We Should, How We Can; Transitions To Democracy: A Comparative Perspective (eds. with Kathryn Stoner); Power and Purpose: American Policy toward Russia after the Cold War (with James Goldgeier); and Russia’s Unfinished Revolution: Political Change from Gorbachev to Putin. He is currently writing a book called Autocrats versus Democrats: Lessons from the Cold War for Competing with China and Russia Today.
Dr. McFaul teaches courses on great power relations, democratization, comparative foreign policy decision-making and revolutions. He was born and raised in Montana, received his B.A. in International Relations and Slavic Languages and his M.A. in Soviet and East European Studies from Stanford University in 1986. As a Rhodes Scholar, he completed his D. Phil. In International Relations at Oxford University in 1991.
Following the Erev Shabbat service, there will be a dinner prepared by the Poltava/Odesa Committee. Come together as a community supporting our friends in Ukraine while supporting each other during these challenging times. Proceeds from the dinner will support our sister congregations in Ukraine. Register for the dinner by Tuesday, October 29.
*This service will be live video streamed. By entering the Sanctuary you give Beth Am permission to record you.
Share Print Save To My Calendar |
Sat, August 30 2025
6 Elul 5785
Upcoming Events

Beth Am's Annual Community Camping Weekend
Shabbat, Aug 30th 10:00a to Monday, Sep 1st 11:00aFind out how much fun camping can be by experiencing Shabbat in nature with your Beth Am community.

Represent Beth Am at the Interfaith Pride Booth at Silicon Valley Pride
Shabbat, Aug 30th 6:00p to 11:00pWe are excited to announce that Beth Am will join other local faith congregations at the upcoming Silicon Valley LGBTQ+ Pride event, and we are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help represent us.

March Proud & Jewish at Silicon Valley Pride
Sunday, Aug 31st 10:00a to 1:00pWe’re Marching Proud & Jewish — and you're invited! Join us for one of Silicon Valley’s most joyful and visible celebrations of the year — the Proud & Jewish contingent at the 2025 Silicon Valley Pride Parade!

Represent Beth Am at the Interfaith Pride Booth at Silicon Valley Pride
Sunday, Aug 31st 12:00p to 6:00pWe are excited to announce that Beth Am will join other local faith congregations at the upcoming Silicon Valley LGBTQ+ Pride event, and we are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help represent us.

Israel Discussion Gatherings
Friday, Sep 5th 5:00p to 6:15pJoin with other Beth Am members every Friday before the Erev Shabbat service for time to reflect, discuss, and listen to one another as we navigate this terribly challenging time for Israel and Jews around the world.
Congregation Beth Am | 26790 Arastradero Road | Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 | (650) 493-4661
We strive to live as a holy community whose study and practice of Judaism inspires and challenges us to "do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with our God" (Micah 6:8).
Privacy Settings | Privacy Policy | Member Terms
©2025 All rights reserved. Find out more about ShulCloud