HAPPENINGS 
March 10, 2015 / 19 Adar 5775
Fri., March 13
Thank God It's Shabbat!
Shabbat Evening Service: 7:00pm / Schmooze: 7:30pm
Concert: The Orpheus World Music Ensemble, 8:00pm
_____________________________________________
Fri., March 20
Community Shabbat Dinner & Ruach Service
Tot Shabbat: 5:40pm; Dinner 6:00pm
Ruach Service: 7:00pm; Ice Cream Social: 8:00pm
RSVP to the Sign Up Genius Link by Noon on March 19
_____________________________________________
Sun., March 22
Simcha Faire: Raising the Bar on Your Mitzvah
11am: Rabbi Mike Presentation, "Jewish Values & Jewish Parties"
12-2pm: Vendor Faire
_____________________________________________
Wed., March 25
Deadline for Passover Food Drive Donations
Click HERE to go to the Sign-Up Genius site.

SERVICES


All are welcome to come
 celebrate with us.

Friday, March 6
Purim Celebration: 7:00pm

CHESED
Hands

CHESED UPDATE

Mazel Tov!

Gene & Sarah Simpson
Gene, Sarah, Lauren, Tyler and Rachael welcomed their newest addition to the family:
Meghan Riley Simpson was born on Monday, March 2nd. Everyone is healthy and at home.

They would appreciate help with meals after family members leave at the end of March. Please click HERE to go to the LotsaHelpingHands website to sign-up to bring dinner for their family.

__________________

We have set up a community on this site to support Beth Chaim families needing Chesed support.
Click HERE 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.

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

TIKKUN OLAM OPPORTUNITIES 

PASSOVER FOOD DRIVE

Beth Chaim has committed to providing 20 bags filled with traditional Passover items for Jewish elders in the East Bay who either cannot afford them or are housebound and cannot get to the store to purchase them. 

This is a wonderful opportunity to perform a mitzvah!

 

Please click 

HERE

to go to the Sign-Up Genius site and choose as many items as you are willing to donate to this worthy cause.

 

The deadline to drop off your donated items or monetary contribution to the Office is Wed., March 25th.

 

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.

 

FOOD BANK OF 

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

Hunger is year-round battle. A reminder that we have a collection barrel in our lobby which is regularly picked up for distribution for those in need in our community.


MILESTONES


cupcake-candle 
 
Kids' Birthdays 
Jasmine Lubinsky
17 on March 12
Samuel Mohr-Wendt
17 on March 12
Morgan Sacks
8 on March 12
Rachel Oshay
18 on March 14
Rosalie Gervis
14 on March 15
Jessica Zaritsky
11 on March 17
Dillon Ingram
18 on March 17

Anniversaries
None this week

 Yahrzeit Observances
Names will be read at the 
March 13th Shabbat Service

Steven Bleier
Brother of Ralph Bleier, Mar. 9
Maxine Morgensen
Mother of Marilyn Weiss, Mar. 9
Sidney Fishman
Father of Martin Fishman, Mar. 11
Molly Swerdlow
Mother of Debra Plafker, Mar. 12
Bob Wiener
Father of Greg Wiener, Mar. 13

To make a donation in their honor you may call us at 
925-736-7146 or pay via PayPal by clicking the button:
 
undefined

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 
Beth Chaim Mobile
BCC Facebook PageLike us on Facebook
Join Our Mailing List!
BETH CHAIM'S BEACH BALL GALA!
Shaloha!
Combining Fun, Food & Friends.

That's Shaloha, BCC's Gala Fundraising Event:

Saturday, April 18th
San Ramon Community Center

Look for your invitation in the mail! Fill out the RSVP card. Attend the event. You could be the winner of TWO ALL-EXPENSES PAID TICKETS TO HAWAII!

You could also experience a Shaloha drink, enjoy a sit-down dinner, dance to the music of Denon & Doyle, DJ's extraordinaire, and bid on some awesome silent and live auction items, including a week in Lake Tahoe, gorgeous jewelry, beautiful Judaica, and more!

 

See how you can help by clicking HERE!

 

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

Dinner  *  Dancing  *  Auctions  *  Community

 

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.


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!

 

undefined
  

MEN'S GATHERING
Thursday, March 19, 7:00pm
Home of Bob and Trish Slomowitz
We gather this month to reflect on our experiences with life altering offerings and sacrifices.We draw upon the wisdom of our tradition for inspiration, listen carefully to others and see what these stories evoke in us. Rabbi Dan facilitates and no one needs to feel compelled to share. Your presence makes this gathering worthwhile and you are invited to bring a friend. No RSVP or prior attendance is required.

SHABBAT DINNER & RUACH SERVICE
Friday, March 20
Tot Shabbat: 5:40pm / Dinner: 6:00pm / Service: 7:00pm
Sponsored by the Religious School. The entire community is invited to join in this spirited, energetic evening
with special participation by the Kindergarten and First Grade Classes. An ice cream social follows the family service. For dinner menu details and RSVP, click HERE to go to the Sign-Up Genius site by Noon on March 19th.

LIFE LONG LEARNING: PREPARING FOR PASSOVER
Ideas for a Sensational Seder
Sunday, March 22, 10:00-11:00am
What do you want from your seder experience? Have there been meaningful seder experiences from your past 
that you can bring to your seder this year? How can you share the seder leadership responsibilities? Is there a way to keep children interested? Is there a Haggadah that is right for family and friends? Join Rabbi Dan in exploring these and other important questions and gain new insights into creating a memorable Passover seder.

BETH CHAIM JEWKULELE CLUB MEETING
Sunday, March 22, 11:00am
Beth Chaim Conference Room
Come join fellow congregants in Beth Chaim's own ukulele club (Jewkulele!). All ages and experience levels are welcome, including beginners. Our eclectic mix of music will include some of Beth Chaim's favorites from Ruach and other services, along with contemporary music and old standards. If you have your own ukulele, please bring it; if you need a loaner or to give a head's up that you'll be attending, email Harold Freiman at gromit@comcast.net.

ROSH CHODESH GATHERING
Tuesday, March 24, 7:00pm
Location to be announced
All women of Beth Chaim are welcome to attend our Rosh Chodesh gathering for the month of Nisan. You don't need to have attended previously to enjoy the evening. Meet for socializing and light refreshments at 7:00pm; we will begin promptly at 7:30pm.

THANK GOD IT'S SHABBAT!
Friday, March 27
Shabbat Evening Service: 7:00pm
Schmooze: 7:30pm
Ted Talk Video: 8:00
Bring an adult beverage and dessert to share and join in the
discussion following the viewing of a TED Talk video by Australian writer, poet, singer and educator, Joel McKerrow. He explores the poetics of identity through the use of words and storytelling.

SPECIAL WORKSHOP: SACRED JEWISH RHYTHMS
6 Consecutive Mondays: April 6, 13, 20, 27 & May 4, 11
7:30-9:00pm, Beth Chaim Sanctuary
$90 for the 6-class series
Learn to play and accompany Jewish liturgical music at home, in the synagogue, or under a tree. Instructor Bruce Silverman will highlight traditional middle-eastern rhythms and simple all-purpose rhythms, perfect for prayer, singing, dancing and playing along with other instruments. Some drums and percussion will be provided. RSVP to the office by April 1st. Payment can be made in the office or via the PayPal link below.
undefined

 

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.

 

undefined 

 

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, March 11, 5:00-6:00pm

Thursday, March 12, 5:00-6:00pm

 

BEIT MIDRASH 

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

Third Grade Parent Meeting: 10:00am

Fifth Grade Parent Meeting: 11:00am

 

SIMCHA FAIRE: Raising the Bar on Your Mitzvah

Sunday, March 22

11:00 am: "Jewish Values & Jewish Parties" Presentation by Rabbi Mike

12:00-2:00pm: Vendor Faire

Beth Chaim Congregation Sanctuary

Learn how to plan a Jewish, just, and green simcha. Hosted by the Simcha Sisters. Open to the public.

 

CONTRA COSTA MIDRASHA

March 1: Field Trip to the Film Festival

 

WEEKLY TORAH PORTION VIDEO

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

Parshat Vayakhel: A Song About Wise Hearted People
Parshat Vayakhel: A Song About Wise Hearted People

SISTERHOOD 
JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL: ZERO MOTIVATION
Friday, March 13, 12:40pm
Century 16 Theatres Pleasant Hill
Winner of several 2014 Israeli Oscars, this zany drama has been called a cross between Private Benjamin and MASH. It follows the day by day lives of several young female army recruits as they confront the difficulty of their jobs. Adult content; Hebrew/subtitles.
We can meet in front of the theater at 12:25pm, or if people prefer, at the Danville Park and Ride lot at Sycamore Valley Road and I-680 at 12pm. RSVP to Mira Pilosof at Mira11@sbcglobal.net. We hope you will join us for this fun and entertaining film!

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.

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

BROTHERHOOD
MARCH MADNESS
March Madness is just around the corner! Look for a  Brotherhood email in early March with details for picking your brackets.

 

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.

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

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.

Tent
SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILY CAMP
May 8-10 at Camp Newman, Santa Rosa
For information on this annual camp, visit Camp Newman.

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.
Beth Chaim Congregation                                                           Like us on Facebook
925/736-7146
Use this link to subscribe to future emails from Beth Chaim: