HAPPENINGS 
February 24, 2015 / 5 Adar 5775
Fri., Feb. 27
Thank God It's Shabbat!
Shabbat Evening Service: 7:00pm / Schmooze: 7:30pm
Inspirational Video & Discussion: Healing Miracles, 8:00pm
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Sun., March 1
The Israeli Elections and American Jewry: What's at Stake?
Presentation & discussion by Rabbi Uri Regev, Esq., 5:00pm
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Fri., March 6
Purim Celebration, 7:00pm
Heroes & Villians Theme! Live music, spiels & hamantaschen!
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Fri., March 13
Thank God It's Shabbat!
Shabbat Evening Service: 7:00pm / Schmooze: 7:30pm
Concert: The Orpheus World Music Ensemble, 8:00pm

SERVICES


All are welcome to come
 celebrate with us.

Friday, February 27
Evening Service: 7:00pm

Schmooze: 7:30pm
Inspirational Video: 8:00pm
CHESED
Hands

CHESED UPDATE

STEVE WAXMAN
&
DEBBIE WIENER
Both are home recovering from recent surgeries. If you can provide a meal for either family, please click HERE to go to the Lotsa Helping Hands website for details and to sign-up.

We have set up a community on this site to support Beth Chaim families needing Chesed support.
Click on the link above and you will be prompted to request membership.

We will be updating this site as needs arise.

If you have Chesed needs or any questions, please contact 
Marc Feder at chesed@bethchaim.com.
__________________

P'TACH LIBEYNU

One out of every four families is touched by mental illness. The challenges are daunting.
P'tach Libeynu is working to educate people about mental illness; to provide needed support to families and their loved ones with mental illness; and to further this mission by helping Jewish synagogues and agencies to make mental illness a recognized part of tikkun olam.

Support Group 
for Family Members
Monday, February 23
7:00 - 8:30pm
Temple Isaiah Lower Education Building, Room 204
For information contact karen@openourhearts.net or call 925.945.7272.

Mental Health First Aid
Sunday, March 1
 12:45am-5:00pm
This class aims to educate people about mental illness, not only to reduce the stigma but also to empower them to reach out with compassion and knowledge to those experiencing mental health issues. Participants learn about depression, anxiety, psychotic disorders, and substance abuse through lectures, videos, exercises and discussion with our trained facilitator.
RSVP is mandatory as space is limited: Diana at 925.988.9767 or diana@openourhearts.net.

 Visit www.OpenOurHearts.net for the monthly newsletters. Email 
Diana Makieve or call 925.988.9767 with questions.
   

TIKKUN OLAM OPPORTUNITIES 

TOILETRIES DRIVE

 

We continue to collect full and travel size cosmetics and toiletries for refugees of all ages for JCFS of the East Bay. Donations will be presented as a "hygiene kit" including: toothbrush/paste, soap, comb, deodorant, brush, dental floss and other basic items.

 

Please bring your items to the drop box in the foyer or to the office



MILESTONES


cupcake-candle 
 
Kids' Birthdays 
Joshua Kronenberg
4 on Feb. 17
Alex Gardner
13 on Feb. 26
Audrey Lubinsky
14 on Feb. 26
Melina Gross
18 on Feb. 27
Max Liss
13 on Mar. 1
Jacob Wechsler
15 on Mar. 2

Anniversaries
Scott & Catherine Heller
26th on Feb. 26
Kenneth & Pauline Feinstein
11th on Feb. 28
Jonathan Thunderword & 
Tripta Cohen
3rd on Mar. 1

 Yahrzeit Observances
Names will be read at the 
February 27th Shabbat Service

Darra Silverman
Wife of Brian Silverman, Feb. 23
Jean Birnbaum
Mother of Michael Birnbaum, Feb. 24
Bernard Denenberg
Father of Barry Denenberg, Feb. 25
Robert Dorinson
Brother of Mary Day, Feb. 25
Joseph Herlich
Father of Rae Corr, Feb. 26

To make a donation in their honor you may call us at 
925-736-7146 or pay via PayPal by clicking the button:
 
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YAHRZEIT CANDLES
In our tradition, we say of loved ones who have died, "May their memory be a blessing" and mark this ongoing process of turning memory into blessing by lighting a yahrzeit candle and reciting the Mourner's Kaddish on the anniversary of their death. We will send you a reminder card two weeks before the anniversary of your loved one's passing and hope that you will consider attending Shabbat services to honor their memory. 
 
A yahrzeit candle is available for you to pick up at the Beth Chaim office at no charge for your observance.

Thank you to Judith Markowitz and Glen Schabacker for donating the candles and special reminder postcards.

Quick Links
Beth Chaim Links 
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Join Our Mailing List!
BETH CHAIM'S BEACH BALL GALA!
Mark your calendar for April 18th!
Please take a look at our Sign-Up Genius by clicking HERE! and help by donating to our event.

 

Please contact Sara O'Bryant at obryantsf@gmail.com or Rae Corr at raecorr@sbcglobal.net for more information.

All proceeds from this once-a-year major fundraising event help fund numerous programs and services including Religious School, community gatherings, adult education and many other categories that you and I need, want and enjoy at BCC.

 

UPCOMING BETH CHAIM EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS

BETH CHAIM IS ON FACEBOOK!

"Like" our Facebook Group, Beth Chaim Congregation, for event notices, updates and weekly G-d Cast video links.

 

ROSH CHODESH
Tuesday, February 24, 7:00pm
Home of Deborah Wechsler 
All women of Beth Chaim are welcome to attend our Rosh Chodesh gathering for the month of Adar. You don't need to have attended previously to enjoy the gathering. Meet for socializing and light refreshments at 7:00pm; we will begin promptly at 7:30pm. 

THANK GOD IT'S SHABBAT
Friday, February 27
Shabbat Evening Service: 7:00pm
Schmooze: 7:30pm
Inspirational Video & Discussion: 8:00pm
Bring an adult beverage and dessert to share and then join in the discussion after viewing the video on Healing Miracles.

THE ISRAELI ELECTIONS AND AMERICAN JEWRY -

WHAT'S AT STAKE?

AN ISRAELI INSIDER'S PRESENTATION 

BY RABBI URI REGEV

Sunday, March 1, 5:00pm

Rabbi Uri Regev is one of the most important figures in Israel political life. He will speak about pluralism and freedom of religion in Israel today. An attorney and internationally recognized expert on religious freedom and equality in Israel, Rabbi Regev is founding president of Hiddush, a non-denominational and non-partisan Israel-Diaspora partnership that advocates for religious freedom and equality in the Knesset and the courts. We are honored to be able to host this esteemed public figure, in one of his few East Bay appearances. The event is free, but watch for registration information.

Rabbi Uri Regev explains Hiddush
Rabbi Uri Regev explains Hiddusha

 

PURIM CELEBRATION
Friday, March 6, 7:00PM
This year's theme: Heroes & Villians! Plan your costume accordingly! Rabbi Bucks will be given to Religious School students in costume and they will get double Bucks for their parents in costume! 

Live music, spiels and hamantaschen! The Brotherhood will provide a "Grog & Grogger" area for adults only imbibing.

20TH ANNUAL EAST BAY INTERNATIONAL 
JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL
March 7th thru 15th
Century 16 Theatres Pleasant Hill
For a complete schedule and to purchase tickets visit www.eastbayjewishfilm.org.



BETH CHAIM SPONSORED FILM FESTIVAL SHOWING: MAGIC MEN
Tuesday, March 10, 5:00pm
Century 16 Theatres Pleasant Hill
Makram Khoury (The Syrian Bride, Munich) won the "best Actor" award at the Israeli Oscars for his performance in this profound and, at times, humorous drama. As Avraham, an amateur magician, he is upset when his boss sends him to Greece, the country of his youth. But he is even more unhappy upon learning that his travelling companion will be his estranged son Yehuda (Zohar Strauss of Srugim), now a devout Hassidic rapper. Their whirlwind journey will stir up old wounds that will further test the father and son relationship.

 

THANK GOD IT'S SHABBAT!
Friday, March 13
Shabbat Evening Service: 7:00pm
Schmooze: 7:30pm
Concert: 8:00pm
The Orpheus World Music Ensemble offers music and ritual from a variety of cultures including West Africa, Brazil and the Middle East, with a special emphasis on music from the Jewish diaspora. They perform around the Bay Area and throughout Northern California.

Their March 13th offering at Beth Chaim will be in two parts. The first half features all Jewish music (Ashkenazic, Sephardic, Mizrachi (Eastern), and two original pieces. The remainder of the evening will celebrate "world music" from East and West Africa, Brazil, and a taste of Salsa as well. There will be dancing and a few African lullabies to close the evening.

 

Check out their music on Sound Cloud by clicking HERE.


 Cost is $15 per person and may be purchased the night of the event at the door. For advance tickets, click on the PayPal link below or visit the office.


 Bring a beverage and dessert to share!

 

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THE GRATITUDE TREE HAS TAKEN ROOT!

Our new piece of art temporarily graces the hallway wall to the library until we can prepare its permanent location in our front foyer. This beautiful tree adds depth and breadth to our Beth Chaim home and is a symbol of life and the ongoing stories of our diverse membership. The title of the tree is "Modeh Ani,"

which means "I give thanks." Leaves can be purchased to honor loved ones and events for all varieties of meaningful occasions and memories. Click HERE for a description and the order form for a leaf!


MEMBERSHIP BUSINESS DIRECTORY
If you would like your business listed in the Beth Chaim Website Business Directory, please email your information to our webmaster, Mark Garetz, at mark@garetz.com.

 

BUY CHALLAH, SUPPORT BETH CHAIM!

Orders due EVERY WEDNESDAY

Place your order by Wednesday each week and Tal's Patisserie will deliver your fresh baked plain or sesame challah to Beth Chaim by 10am every Friday. Loaves are only $5 each and Tal's will donate 20% back to Beth Chaim!  

 

Click the PayPal link below to order or call the office. You can also order multiple weeks at once.

 

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YEAR-ROUND FOOD DONATIONS AT BETH CHAIM

Beth Chaim is committed to supporting the great work of the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. We are now participating in their neighborhood program by offering

green bags for members to keep at home. Put a food item every week, and drop it off in the bin when your bag is full! It's that easy to help stop hunger all year.  Contact Naomi, Director of Tikkun Olam, with Questions.

 

SHOP ON AMAZON = SUPPORT BETH CHAIM!

Visit smile.amazon.com to register. Search for Beth Chaim Congregation of Contra Costa County and that's it! Beth Chaim will receive 0.5% of every eligible purchase! Don't forget to bookmark the page for easy return shopping. Tell your friends!
BEIT MIDRASH - RELIGIOUS SCHOOL - MIDRASHA

HEBREW POWER HOUR

Wednesday, February 25, 5:00-6:00pm

Thursday, February 26, 5:00-6:00pm

  

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

Sunday, March 1, 9:15am - 12:15pm

B'nei Mitzvah Family Class: 12:30-2:30pm

 

BEIT MIDRASH PURIM CARNIVAL

Sunday, March 8, 9:15am-12:15pm

Religious School students and pre-schoolers and their parents will be celebrating Purim with games and silliness. Adults are invited to join the fun!

 

CONTRA COSTA MIDRASHA

February 25: Meeting

 

Superhero Fundraising Event

Saturday, February 28, 6:30pm

Beth Chaim Congregation

Live music, dinner, wine and cocktails, silent and live auctions and dessert dash! Visit ccmidrasha.com/annual event for more information on tickets or donating a service or goods.

 

WEEKLY TORAH PORTION VIDEO

We invite you to share this week's video from G-d Cast with your children:

Parshat Tetzaveh: Priestly Gold is the New Black
Parshat Tetzaveh:
Priestly Gold is the New Black



SISTERHOOD 
BOOK GROUP
Tuesday, March 17
Home of Sandy Shalon
The selection is Girl on a Train by Paula Hawkins. RSVP to Sandy at sshalonmail@gmail.com. For more information on the Book Group, contact Deborah Blankfeld at deborah.blankfeld@gmail.com.

OUT-TO-LUNCH GROUP
Tuesday, March 10
Location to be determined
For more information on the Out-to-Lunch Group, contact Janice Frankel at janicefrankel@yahoo.com.

For more information on Sisterhood contact Sara Goldstein at sara.e.goldstein@gmail.com or call 925.366.7272.

BROTHERHOOD
BROTHERHOOD PARTICIPATION AT PURIM!

Friday, March 6, 7:00pm

Brotherhood encourages the men of Beth Chaim to come in costume to the Purim Celebration. Brotherhood will also sponsor adults-only refreshments in the "Grog & Grogger." This is a chance for adults to become a wee bit "disinhibited" in the private confines of the Conference Room (no one under 21 will be allowed into the office and anyone who imbibes will be asked to come with a designated driver).

 

MARCH MADNESS

March Madness is just around the corner! Look for a  Brotherhood email in early March with details for picking your brackets.
JOURNEY TO ISRAEL
In partnership with The Jewish Federation of the East Bay, Beth Chaim is sponsoring the 
"Alight: Israel" Community trip, to take place on April 29-28, 2015. This is a wonderful opportunity for our members to see the country by designing their own Israel experience through daily customized excursions. Tracts include Arts & Culture, Historic, Hi-Tech, Geopolitical, Social Action and Jewish learning. To learn more, visit jfed.org/israel2015, or contact JFED at 510.809.4953 or email israel2015@jfed.org
 
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
TWO NEW EXHIBITS OPEN AT CJM
Thursday, February 26, 5:30-8:00pm
Contemporary Jewish Museum, 755 Mission St., SF
You are invited to join the CJM Board of Trustees to the opening of Letters to Afar and Poland and Palestine: Two Lands and Two Skies with Budapest-based filmmaker and video-artist Peter Forgacs. The evening will include Klezmer music, a tasty pop-up, and hosted wine bar. Free for members; $10 general admission for non-members. RSVP HERE. The exhibits will run through May 24th.

SRVHS THEATRE PRESENTS SELECTED SHORTS
February 26, 27, 28 at 7:00pm
San Ramon Valley Performing Arts Center 
Seven amazing plays performed by local high school students, including a few of our own BCC thespians! $5 for students; $10 for adults. For more information visit www.SRVHSTheatre.com.

30th ANNUAL JEWISH MUSIC FESTIVAL
February 26-March 22
Various locations
Festival highlights include the Grammy Award-winning super group, The Klezmatics, the world premiere of newly-commissioned music by jazz bassoonist Paul Hanson, Sway Machinery fronted by Jeremiah Lockwood of Balkan Beatbox fame, West Coast debut by a Jewish-Christian-Muslim-Israeli combo, Diwan Saz, International Women's Day celebration with women's vocal ensemble Kitka, including a tribute to Ronnie Gilbert of the folk music revival group, the Weavers, and much more. For tickets and information visit www.jewishmusicfestival.org.

TEMPLE ISAIAH'S ISRAEL & WORLD JEWRY COMMITTEE PRESENTS: DR. SAM WOLFMAN
"How Does Jewish Law in Israel Affect Reform and Secular Jews?"
Tuesday, March 3, 7:00pm
Temple Isaiah Adult Lounge, 945 Risa Rd., Lafayette
Dr. Wolfman is a dynamic speaker who has a background that interfaces legal, medical and religious issues in Israel and is a member of the International Center for Health, Law and Ethics. Light refreshments will be served. The event is free of charge and open to the public. Contact Marlene Thier at mthier@berkeley.edu with questions.
 
KLEZMATICS' FRANK LONDON DISCUSSES 
LETTERS TO AFAR
Friday, March 6, 1:00-2:30pm
Contemporary Jewish Museum, 755 Mission St., SF
Free with museum admission
The Klezmatics' bandleader and Letters to Afar collaborator, Frank London talks about the creation of the exhibition's music and his own Jewish and musical journey. For tickets, click HERE. For more information on the CJM, visit www.thecjm.org.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
The Song of Children ... The Voice of Women
Sunday, March 8, 3:00-5:00pm
El Campanil Theatre, 602 West 2nd St., Antioch
We invite men, women and children to come and celebrate the song of children and the voice of women. The program includes children's musical presentations, keynote addresses and information concerning the rights of women, children and all people who suffer oppression. Sponsored by the Interfaith Peace Project and the Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County. For free tickets go to www.eventbrite.com or call 925.303.9879. For information on Women's Day Programs visit www.interfaithpeaceproject.org/programs.

FIRST-TIME JEWISH CAMPER DISCOUNTS
BunkConnect is a user-friendly referral program designed to help middle and lower income families access Jewish camp at special rates. Interested families can visit www.BunkConnect.org.

JEWISH HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT-ATHLETE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
Deadline: March 2

The Northern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame is accepting nominations of outstanding Jewish student-athletes for a small college scholarship (approx. $1,500). Any secondary school Jewish student (male or female, grade 12) in Northern California may be nominated. Criteria for eligibility: One who identifies him/herself as a Jew, or who acknowledges their Jewish heritage, or who wants to reconnect with their Jewish ancestral identity. For criteria, email Gary Wiener at Gary@JSHOFNC.org. If you have questions, please call Gary Wiener at 408-374-1600, or Barbara Oseroff, Scholarship Committee, 510-653-5155.


PAID SUMMER INTERNSHIPS
Apply now for the Jewish Vocational Service of San Francisco's Kohn Summer Intern Program. This unique 8-week internship provides Jewish college undergraduates the opportunity to work for a Jewish non-profit organization, build job search skills, be mentored and examine issues facing the Jewish community. Interns are compensated $2,500 for their work over the summer. For eligibility, information an dhow to apply visit www.jvs.org/kohn, email kohn@jvs.org or call 415.391.3600.

HEBREW FREE LOANS

Hebrew Free Loans provides interest-free loans to Jewish residents in Northern California needing assistance or pursuing lifelong dreams. Loan categories include: student, adoption, business, first-time home buyer, unemployment, emergency, debt consolidation, and more. For more information or to apply for a loan, visit www.hflasf.org or call 415.546.9902.
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