HAPPENINGS 
March 24, 2015 / 4 Nissan 5775
Wed., March 25
Deadline for Passover Food Drive Donations in the Office
Click HERE to go to the Sign-Up Genius site.
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Fri., March 27
Thank God It's Shabbat!
Shabbat Evening Service: 7:00pm
Schmooze: 7:30pm / TED Talk Video: 8:00pm
Bring an adult beverage and dessert to share!
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Sat., March 28
Shabbat Morning Service: 9:30am
Bat Mitzvah of Samantha Reitzes
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Fri., April 3
Erev Pesach: No Shabbat Evening Services

SERVICES


All are welcome to come
 celebrate with us.

Friday, March 27
Evening Service: 7:00pm

Saturday, March 28
Morning Service: 9:30am
Mazel Tov to 
Samantha Reitzes and her family on her becoming a Bat Mitzvah!

CHESED
Hands

CHESED UPDATE

Cheryl Adler
Cheryl had a brain aneurysm and spent several weeks in the ICU recovering. She is now recuperating at home and would love meals from our community.

Gene & Sarah Simpson
The Simpsons would appreciate help with meals after family members leave at the end of March, following the birth of their daughter, Meghan Riley. 

Please click HERE to go to the LotsaHelpingHands website to sign-up to bring dinner to these families.
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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 
Max Joachim
17 on March 26
Tyler Weil
16 on March 27
Andrew Berlin
17 on March 27
Dylan Ross
17 on March 27
Melanie Jaffe
17 on March 28
Tali Reznikov
6 on March 28
Lauren Clore
17 on March 31
Lauren Kadesh
18 on March 31

Anniversaries
Jon & Christa Bronstein
28th on March 30

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

Arnold Wasserman
Honored Beth Chaim Elder, 3/22
Joan Marotta
Mother of Sindi Blitzer, 3/25
Barbara Fagelson
Mother of Stacey Levy
Lee Furie
Father of Dana Kellner
David Kamoroff

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 underwriting the Yahrzeit program.

Quick Links
Beth Chaim Links 
Beth Chaim Mobile
BCC Facebook PageLike us on Facebook
Join Our Mailing List!
PESACH INFORMATION
OUR BETH CHAIM PASSOVER TRADITION:
A SEDER FOR EVERYONE
Do you have a place at your Seder? Are you looking for a place to attend? For many years, we have tried 
to ensure that any member who wishes to, can participate in a Passover Seder. We ask that if you are hosting a seder and have room to host an additional member or members, that you let us know. If there are people who are looking to join a Seder, contact Heidi in the office at 925.736.7146 or email admin@bethchaim.com.

TRADER JOE'S OFFERS KOSHER ITEMS
The Danville Trader Joe's Meat & Fish Manager, Jeff Stratton, stopped by the office to drop off a list of kosher meats and wines that they typically carry year-round, as well as their kosher wine selection. He also noted that they have increased their matzah order to 32 cases for Passover. If you have a particular need or a large order, let them know a week in advance and they will make sure to have what you need. They are located at 85 Railroad Ave.

BETH CHAIM'S BEACH BALL GALA!
What's a seven letter word for 
fun, food and festivities?

Shaloha, of course ... BCC's only major fundraising event of the year!

This year a SF Bay Sailing Adventure has been added to the live auction items, and if you missed your chance last year to own a framed Torah parchment, you'll have another chance to bid! How about a "stay-cation" package from the Lafayette Park Hotel, which includes champagne and chocolate, dinner and a massage for two?

Raffle prizes include two all-expenses paid round trip tickets to Hawaii, a much-coveted state-of-the-art iWatch, and a diamond pendant and earrings donated by Diane and Darrell Davidson. 

There's much, much more and you don't want to miss any of it! Don't forget to RSVP, circle the date on your calendar and buy raffle tickets in the office now and at the event so you can be one of the big winners.

Click below to get your tickets:
$75 per person
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Saturday, April 18th
San Ramon Community Center

 

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.


 

BCC HIRING PART-TIME ...

OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN THE BUILDING EVENTS MANAGEMENT TEAM!

We are looking to build a PAID team to better manage our ongoing events at Beth Chaim facilities. The responsibilities may be as simple as handling the security, lighting and temperature settings, to setting up sound and projection equipment for services or reservations. Many tasks may be done before and after the

events, but some may require an onsite presence at the beginning or during the event. Our Team members will be offered several levels of training and be compensated for their time at rates depending on the complexity of the event they manage at Beth Chaim.  Minimum requirement for application is a valid driver's license (or the prospect of receiving one within a year and a regular synagogue presence) and available transportation to/from 1800 Holbrook Drive. Experience with sound and projection equipment, computers, and a good technical "knack" is a plus for the more advanced functions.

 Please email admin@bethchaim.com to apply.

  

ROSH CHODESH GATHERING
Tuesday, March 24, 7:00pm
Please note location change:
At the Home of Grace Munoz
Our leader for the evening will be Roberta Gabriel and the theme is cleaning the hametz from our lives. 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. RSVP to Grace at gracegmunoz@yahoo.com.

RING OF SOLIDARITY

Friday, March 27, 1:30-3:00pm

San Ramon Valley Islamic Center

2232 Camino Ramon, San Ramon

Please join us to circle the mosque in solidarity and hear from Interfaith leaders, including our own Rabbi Dan, who will address how we are working together to support the Muslim community in collective response to recent tragic events and local concerns. Stay afterward for refreshments and the opportunity to dialogue in small groups getting to know our Muslim neighbors and sharing thoughts on how together we can make a difference. Sponsored by the Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County. Parking is limited to designated spaces. Please carpool if possible. For more information, contact Maimoona Ahmed at baraka4u@yahoo.com or Terry Clark at terence.clark08@gmail.com.


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.
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YOM HASHOA VE HAGEVURAH 

COMMUNITY COMMEMORATION:

An Evening on the Holocaust and Resistance

Wednesday, April 15, 7:15pm

Temple Isaiah, 945 Risa Rd., Lafayette

Guest speaker: Dr. Michael Berenbaum, Project Director of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum (1988-1993) and former President of the Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation. Co-sponsored by Beth Chaim and local synagogues and Jewish organizations. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information call 510.809.4953 or email riva@jfed.org.

 

CELEBRATE ISRAEL@67

Wednesday, April 22, 7:00pm

Lafayette Veterans Memorial Center

3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette

Co-sponsored by Beth Chaim and local synagogues and Jewish organizations, this ceremony for Israel Memorial Day will be followed by live Israeli music and Israeli refreshments. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information call 510.809.4953 or email riva@jfed.org.

 

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 on

going 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, March 25, 5:00-6:00pm

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

 

NO HEBREW POWER HOUR

Wednesday, April 8

Thursday, April 9

 

BEIT MIDRASH 

Sunday, March 29

Religious School 9:15-10:45am

All School Passover Program: 10:45am-12:15pm

 

Sunday, April 5

NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

 

CONTRA COSTA MIDRASHA

March 25: Meeting

April 1: Meeting

April 8 NO MEETING

 

WEEKLY TORAH PORTION VIDEO

We invite you to share this week's video from G-d Cast with your children:
Parshat Tsav: Picnics at the Temple
Parshat Tsav:
Picnics at the Temple

SISTERHOOD 
BOOK GROUP
Tuesday, April 21
Location to be determined
The selection is An Officer and a Spy by Robert Harris. 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

BROTHERHOOD MOVIE NIGHT

Thursday, March 26, 7:30pm

Century 14 Theater, Downtown Walnut Creek

The Brotherhood will be seeing Run All Night at the Century 14 Theater in Walnut Creek. Meet in the lobby 15 minutes before the movie starts. We will grab a nosh and schmooze after the movie. No RSVP required; just come and enjoy the movie with the brothers.

 

BROTHERHOOD DINNER

Tuesday, March 31, 6:30pm

Giuseppe's Italian Restaurant, San Ramon

We will again meet at Giuseppe's for dinner. There is no formal program, just eating and schmoozing. The food is good, service is on point and the camaraderie is not to be missed! Dinner starts at 6:30 pm. RSVP to mark.yarkin@gmail.com.
 

BROTHERHOOD LUNCH

Tuesday, April 14, 12:00pm

Buffalo Wild Wings, San Ramon

Join us for a casual lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings in San Ramon. This is just a chance to get together, have a nice lunch and schmooze with the brothers. RSVP to mark.yarkin@gmail.com, but come by even if you don't RSVP since we should have plenty of room. See you there!


UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.
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