Facing Our Truths: Small Group Discussion on Race
Facing Our Truths: Small Group Discussions on Race
Beth Am’s Racial Justice and Equity Initiative will be convening another set of small groups of 5-10 participants to meet for a series of 6 sessions about how we face our truths about race, privilege, power and the biases that we all hold. Groups will be facilitated by trained congregants. The sessions are based on wonderful materials prepared by clergy and staff from Leo Baeck Temple in Los Angeles, CA and Temple Isaiah in Lexington, MA. Session topics will be:
- Introduction and Overview: Developing a Sense of Trust in the Group, Establishing Relationships
- White Fragility
- Racism and White Supremacy — A Human Construct
- Post-Slavery Incarceration as a Means of Control
- Looking Within Our Jewish Community
- How Are We Responsible/Accountable?
Please sign up for the group that best fits your schedule and needs:
Facilitated by Irene and Kristen
Mondays, Beginning November 7, 7:00 PM, Zoom
Meeting Dates: November 7 & 21, December 5 & 19, 2022 & January 9 & 23, 2023
Both Irene and Kristen are longtime and grateful members of Beth Am. Irene is a software professional and facilitator, who cares deeply about facing our truths in this evolving world. Kristen is a writer, teacher and facilitator, who grew up in Atlanta, where folks acknowledge that race is at the heart of our struggles and possibilities. Join us for deep conversation about this important topic, and to be able to share our experiences as we all grow together! Sign up for Irene and Kristen’s group by Friday, October 21.
Facilitated by Emily
Wednesdays, Beginning November 16, 7:00 PM, Zoom
Emily is a member of the Beth Am Board of Directors and the Director of Health and Social Services at Avenidas Rose Kleiner Center. She and her husband Harsh are active members of Beth Am’s young adults community, the Orchard. Originally from the metro-Detroit area, she has been in the Bay Area for nine years. Emily is looking forward to delving into challenging, important issues with the Beth Am community. Sign up for Emily’s group.
Mon, April 21 2025
23 Nisan 5785
Upcoming Events

Beth Am Men Hot Topics Breakfast
Tuesday, Apr 22nd 8:00a to 9:30aGet together with some Beth Am Men for our monthly "Hot Topics" breakfast! A rabbi will bring a stimulating, potentially controversial article for us to discuss over breakfast. Food and beverages will be provided by Beth Am Men.

"As A Driven Leaf" — Book Discussion With Rabbi Arthur Nemitoff
Tuesday, Apr 22nd 7:00p to 8:00pJoin Rabbi Arthur Nemitoff to discuss this book, which book explores the struggle of Elisha ben Abuya, a rabbi torn between Jewish faith and Greek philosophy, grappling with doubt, identity and existential conflict.

Beth Am's Adult B'nei Mitzvah Class
Tuesday, Apr 22nd 7:00p to 8:30pOur adult B’nei Mitzvah class will deepen your personal understanding of what it means to be a Jew and a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, one who takes responsibility for mitzvot (holy obligations).

South Peninsula Yom HaShoah v’Hagevurah Service of Remembrance
Wednesday, Apr 23rd 7:00p to 8:15pJoin the South Bay community for a virtual service as we honor those lost during the Shoah. Local Jewish clergy members, students and musicians will present stories of survival, lead prayers and sing to honor those lost and those who survived the Shoah.

Israel Discussion Gatherings
Friday, Apr 25th 5:15p 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).
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