Learn a little... Schmooze a little...
As the daughter of a teacher, I love to learn. Whether it is in my genes or part of my upbringing, learning is something I make the time to do. It doesn't matter if I am sitting in a professional development workshop or listening to a great speaker, I always come away feeling smarter and better about myself and the ways that I can make a difference.
Often, I learn things by watching the national news programs like Dateline or my personal favorite - Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood. There are so many issues and stories in the world today that I can absorb in the comfort of my own home. But no matter how comfy my couch is or how convenient it is to stay home, I think about how much I like talking to others about the things that I've learned and see what they think as well.
Beth Or is hosting two programs that will allow me and you to do this. Great Conversations is happening on Friday night, February 12th. This wonderful new program takes current events and literally brings them to the table to discuss. How do Jews feel about stem cell research? What role does the Jewish faith play in healing our family and friends? Answers to these questions and much more also come with a brief Shabbat service and dinner catered by Provence - two things I definitely can't get at home!
Another opportunity to learn and schmooze is coming in March when we bring back our very popular Beit Sefer Cafe in March. This program has something for everybody and in between classes, we can enjoy a little nosh and share what we have learned. The class listings are on the website for you to check out and sign up.
Look in your mailbox for an invitation to these great events. I look forward to seeing many of you there. And I want to send a personal shout-out to my Generation X friends. Take some precious "me time" that you deserve and spend it at one of these great events. There is free babysitting at Beit Sefer Cafe and $5/child babysitting with pizza at Great Conversations. I really hope to see some of you there to share your insights. I promise that it will be worth your while.
Til next week, |
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Greetings!
A new year means a new look and a new day for you to receive This Week at Beth Or.
Let me know what you think of the new format. Read on to see what is happening this week.
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Brotherhood Man of the Year
On Friday, January 22nd, Beth Or Brotherhood will honor Ken Moskowitz at a special Shabbat Dinner. Dinner is $18/person. Ken is a former Brotherhod President and long time member and volunteer of Beth Or. RSVP to brotherhoodprez@aol.com See the flyer in the Follow Up Links Box for details.
Following dinner, please join us for a creative Shabbat service led by our Brotherhood members.
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Martin Luther King Day Events
Rabbi Craig Axler will deliver a sermon on "What We Learn From Blessing Each Other" at Bethlehem Baptist Church on Sunday, January 17th at 11:15 am. Bethlehem Baptist Church is located at the old Beth Or building on Dager Road and Pennlyn Pike.
Later that day, come to a special Martin Luther King Day service at Gwynedd Mercy High School at 4 pm. This year's honoree is Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter.
During the month of January, our Social Action committee will be collecting non-perishable foods and cleaning products in the school lobby for Hope Gardens and the Mattie Dixon Community Cupboard. |
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Tu B'Shevat Events
 It's Jewish Arbor Day and we have many exciting things planned. Check out what is happening at our ECO-EXPO on Sunday, January 31st at Beth Or. The Eco-Expo will help you learn about the many ways large and small--- you can help protect the environment. It will focus on resources here in our own neighborhoods and nearby people, goods and services you might not know about yet, but that will help YOU make a difference. Check out the list of speakers and entertaiment, exhibitors and a special concert from Quiet Riot (no - it's not the 80's heavy metal band).
In addition to this, we have the Beth Or Tu B'Shevat Ski Trip to Elk Mountain on January 30-31st. Bring your family on Saturday evening, spend the night and enjoy the fresh air and great skiing. Click on the link for details. |
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Babysitting Training & Directory
Last chance to RSVP for the American Red Cross Babysitting Class on January 24th (1-4 pm) and 27th (4:30 - 8 pm). The class is filling up very fast. The cost of the class is $55/student. A check can be made out and sent to Beth Or. Students must attend both classes to be certified.
Also, a 2010 Beth Or Babysitting Directory is in the works. We need to update the listings of babysitters already in the directory and add new babysitters as well. Please fill out the forms by clicking the link provided in the links box of this email and send it to gyanity@bethor.org |
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URJ Adult Ed Webinar
The Union for Reform Judaism is holding monthly adult education webinars. The first one is tomorrow and the topic is "Torah Alive! A Learning Opportunity." This webinar are at 12 noon and 8 pm on Tuesday, Jan. 12th,. Click the link above for details! |
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Worship This Week
 Friday evening Shabbat Services will be held on January 15th at 8 pm. Saturday morning worship services are at 9 am with the Bar Mitzvah of Drew Cohen. Mazel Tov to the Cohen family.
Don't forget to visit Bethlehem Baptist Church on Sunday, January 17th at 11:15 am to hear Rabbi Axler's sermon, "What We Learn From Blessing Each Other"
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Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Elisa Heisman
Program Director
Congregation Beth Or |
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