Member Spotlight: Catherine and Sergey Levi
Member Spotlight: Catherine and Sergey Levi
Meet new members Catherine and Sergey Levi and their son, Simon. (They are expecting their second child in July.) Sergey was born in Azerbaijan, part of the former Soviet Union, to a family with Jewish roots. His family emigrated to Israel and Sergey grew up in Eilat, which is at the top of the Gulf of Aqaba with an extremely warm desert climate. After his military service, he returned to Russia for his higher education. Catherine was born in Murmansk, Russia, which is north of the Arctic Circle. Growing up, Catherine spent three to four months of the year at her grandmother's home in Talne, a small town near Uman, in Ukraine.
Catherine and Sergey met in 2005 at St. Petersburg State University where they both studied mathematics and computer science. They worked on many projects together in school and still enjoy working together. They married in 2007. The day after Catherine defended her thesis, they received notice that they were selected in the green card lottery in the United States. In 2011, they moved to the Bay Area and began working in the software industry.
They describe their early experiences with Judaism as believers without any formal education who were searching for meaning. Sergey had more exposure to and knowledge about holidays and traditions because he was raised in Israel. While in Russia, they started following Jewish traditions and celebrating Jewish holidays. Judaism was the best fit for them because it was both very modern and very ancient at the same time. They also describe Jewish practice as providing a more ethical lifestyle.
Because they were practicing on their own, they felt a lack of community. This became especially acute in the United States after their son was born. Given their backgrounds, they were looking for a connection to American society for their family. For immigrants, particularly from Russia, Western American society can be overwhelming and alien. They have both found attachment to the Jewish community and Beth Am to be a nice bridge to American society.
Beth Am has played a critical role in their feelings of connection. Catherine described an immediate feeling of welcome, warmth and comfort when they attended a Simchat Torah celebration at Beth Am. As she and Sergey explored Beth Am and met our clergy, they found our community to be a good fit. The Introduction to Judaism class was transformative for Catherine. The group discussions were insightful, meaningful and helpful to her in connecting Judaism and Torah to modern life. Catherine is currently learning Hebrew and studying toward conversion with Rabbi Jeremy Morrison, whose recommended readings have elevated Shabbat dinner discussions with Sergey. Catherine describes the experience of working with Rabbi Morrison as one of personal growth without feeling pressured.
Although Catherine is from the coldest place (Murmansk, Russia) and Sergey grew up in the warmest place (Eilat, Israel), together they have found the perfect temperature in the Bay Area with Judaism and Beth Am.
Wed, August 10 2022
13 Av 5782
Upcoming Events
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Wednesday ,
AugAugust 10 , 2022Beth Am Men Photography Group
Wednesday, Aug 10th 7:00p to 8:30p
BAM Photo Group is for those interested in photography — from novice to most experienced. -
Thursday ,
AugAugust 11 , 2022Thursday Morning Minyan
Thursday, Aug 11th 8:00a to 9:00a
These services are led by members of the congregation — all are welcome. -
Thursday ,
AugAugust 11 , 2022Talmud Study
Thursday, Aug 11th 12:00p to 1:00p
Led by Beth Am clergy, in this weekly class we study selections from the Talmud and other rabbinic sources. -
Friday ,
AugAugust 12 , 2022Congregant-Facilitated Learning: Beth Am Reading Group
Friday, Aug 12th 1:00p to 2:00p
Join us for explorations of various contemporary Jewish writings. -
Friday ,
AugAugust 12 , 2022Jewish Baby Network: Tu B’Av Tot Shabbat Picnic
Friday, Aug 12th 5:15p to 6:45p
Join JBN Director Carol Booth and PTBE’s Alison Levy and Cantor Elana Jagoda Kaye for a rockin’ outdoor tot Shabbat. The special theme will be Tu B’Av, the Israeli holiday that celebrates love. So make sure to join for some special songs and crafts related to love and cuddles. -
Friday ,
AugAugust 12 , 2022August is Prospective Member Month at Beth Am!
Friday, Aug 12th 6:15p to 7:30p
Share your Beth Am community with your friends, family and neighbors! -
Friday ,
AugAugust 12 , 2022Erev Shabbat Summer Outdoor Service
Friday, Aug 12th 6:15p to 7:30p
We're thrilled to welcome the congregation back to Beth Am for Kabbalat Shabbat services in our beautiful Outdoor Chapel. -
Friday ,
AugAugust 12 , 2022Tu B'Av Wine & Chocolate Oneg Shabbat
Friday, Aug 12th 7:30p to 8:30p
Celebrate Tu B'Av, the Jewish Day of Love, with a wine and chocolate Oneg Shabbat under the trees. Co-sponsored by Beth Am Women and Beth Am Men. -
Saturday ,
AugAugust 13 , 2022Torah Study (In Person, Streaming or Zoom)
Shabbat, Aug 13th 9:00a to 10:00a
On Shabbat morning, join a member of the Beth Am clergy for a session of Torah study. Stay for the Good Book Cafe! Proof of vaccination and masks are required at Beth Am. -
Saturday ,
AugAugust 13 , 2022Good Book Cafe
Shabbat, Aug 13th 10:00a to 10:20a
Join other Torah Study participants for some discussion and schmoozing.