HAPPENINGS 
March 31, 2015 / 11 Nissan 5775
Fri., April 3
Pesach
No Shabbat Evening Service
 _____________________________________________
Sun., April 5
Pesach
No Religious School
_____________________________________________
Fri., April 10

Thank God It's Shabbat!
Shabbat Evening Service: 7:00pm
Schmooze: 7:30pm / Video & Discussion: 8:00pm
Video: Legacy of Wisdom - Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi
"Intimacy and Sexuality As We Age"
_____________________________________________
Wed., April 15Yom Hashoa  Ve Hagevurah Community Commemoration:
An Evening on the Holocaust and Resistance
7:15pm / Temple Isaiah, 945 Risa Rd., Lafayette
Beth Chaim is the official host of this year's event. Co-sponsors include local synagogues, Jewish organizations and Midrasha.
_____________________________________________
Fri., April 17Community Shabbat Dinner & Ruach Service
Tot Shabbat: 5:40pm / Dinner: 6:00pm
Ruach Service: 7:00pm / Ice Cream Social: 8:00pm
Click HERE to RSVP to the Sign Up Genius Link by Noon, Apr. 16
_____________________________________________

SERVICES


All are welcome to come
 celebrate with us.

Friday, April 3
Pesach: No Evening Service

Friday, April 10
Evening Service: 7:00pm

CHESED
Hands

CHESED UPDATE

Zichrona L'vracha
May Her Memory
Be a Blessing

Alice Shanken
Mother of Alan Shanken passed away on March 20th. Services were held in Arizona on March 26th. We offer our support and consolation to the 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.

Support Group for 
Family Members
Monday, April 27, 7:00-8:30pm
Temple Isaiah lower education bldg., Room 204
Contact karen@openourhearts.net for more information or call 925.945.7272.

Support Group for 
Adults with Mental Illness
Sunday, April 5, 3:00-4:30pm
Temple Isaiah lower education bldg., in the amphitheater.
Contact diana@openourhearts.net for more information or call 925.988.9767.

 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.

 

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 
Daniel Raney
12 on April 2
Samuel Raney
12 on April 2
Eric Billy
14 on April 4
Ben Hoffman
16 on April 5
David Siegel
16 on April 5
Elaina Weil
14 on April 5
Ethan Weiss
10 on April 7

Anniversaries
Jody & Mary Yudien
23rd on April 4
Michael & Linda Volpe
29th on April 5
Steve & K.T. Waxman
34th on April 5
Rick & Michelle Ferber
25th on April 7

 Yahrzeit Observances
Due to Passover, 
Names will be read at the 
April 10th Shabbat Service

Barbara Becker
Mother of Leonard & 
Jeff Becker, 3/29
Belmont Fischer
Father of Ellen Koka, 4/1
Norman Rosenkoff
Father of Lois Kamoroff, 4/1
Howard Schneider
Father of Mindy Murphy, 4/1
Sondra Candeub
Mother of Larry Candeub, 4/2
Kevin Kelley
Brother of Kathie Bleier, 4/2
Walter Thompson
Father of Michael Thompson, 4/2
Shane Yotter
Son of Ellen Severson 
and Steve Yotter, 4/3

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!
Uh Oh! 
We're down to the wire ...
RSVP's need to be in and time is running out. Get your reservations now 
before it's too late!

Statistics show that Shaloha brings happiness, joy and good will to all when people gather to participate in this experience. And with auction items like a SF Bay Sailing Adventure, a framed Torah parchment and a "stay-cation" from the Lafayette Park Hotel, with champagne and chocolate, dinner and a massage for two, how can it not be true?!

Need more convincing? Raffle prizes include two all-expense paid round trips tickets to Hawaii, a much coveted state-of-the-art iWatch, and a diamond pendant and earrings. Plus, you get to enjoy dinner, dancing, fun-loving people, and a whole bunch of surprises.

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.

 

THANK GOD IT'S SHABBAT!
Friday, April 10
Shabbat Evening Service: 7:00pm
Schmooze: 7:30pm
Video & Discussion: 8:00pm
"Intimacy and Sexuality as we age"
Bring an adult beverage and dessert to share and join in the discussion following the viewing of a video by Legacy of Wisdom, a non-profit project dedicated to developing a vision of best practices for living and the fulfillment of our life's potential. Rabbi Zalman Schacter-Shalomi suggests that our institutions rethink the taboos on touch, restating how much need we have for intimacy even as we age. He points out the nature of "giving" when we massage older people and how much it is deeply appreciated.

 

YOM HASHOA VE HAGEVURAH 

COMMUNITY COMMEMORATION:

An Evening on the Holocaust and Resistance

Wednesday, April 15, 7:15pm

Temple Isaiah, 945 Risa Rd., Lafayette

Beth Chaim is the official host of this annual commemoration. 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 local synagogues and Jewish organizations, which includes our Midrasha students. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information call 510.809.4953 or email riva@jfed.org.

 

SHABBAT DINNER & RUACH SERVICE

Friday, April 17

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 Third Grade Class. 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 Thurs., April 16.

 

PLEASE NOTE SERIES DATE CHANGE:
SPECIAL WORKSHOP: SACRED JEWISH RHYTHMS
6 Consecutive Mondays: April 20, 27 & May 4, 11, 18, 25, 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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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, April 1, 5:00-6:00pm

Thursday, April 2, 5:00-6:00pm

 

NO HEBREW POWER HOUR

Wednesday, April 8

Thursday, April 9

BEIT MIDRASH 

Sunday, April 5

NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

 

CONTRA COSTA MIDRASHA

Click HERE for the April/May 2015 Newsletter
 

Wednesday, April 1: Meeting

Wednesday, April 8: NO MEETING

Wednesday, April 29: Annual Open House, 6:30pm

Seventh graders and teens are invited to check out Midrasha as it actually happens. Come at 6:30pm for pizza and then try out special programming with our educator/mentors, meet new friends, enjoy our infamous donuts and experience the magic that is Midrasha, from 7:15-9:15pm. Parentes are also invited to join in. To RSVP, or for more information, visit CCMidrasha.com/open-house.

 

WEEKLY TORAH PORTION VIDEO

We invite you to share this week's video from G-d Cast with your children:
The Passover Story of the Four Sons...Video Haggadah For Your Seder!
The Passover Story of
the Four Sons...
Video Haggadah For Your Seder!

SISTERHOOD 
BOOK GROUP
Tuesday, April 21, 7:00pm
Home of Janet Frankel
The selection is An Officer and a Spy by Robert Harris. RSVP to Janice 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 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.

CONTRA COSTA INTERFAITH HOUSING PRESENTS: ST. ANDREW'S CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES
Sundays, April 12 & June 7, 3:00pm
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
1601 Mary Dr., Pleasant Hill
The recitals feature talented musicians from the Bay Area and beyond. Refreshment served at intermission. Donations benefit CCIH. Click HERE for the flyer. For more information call Decky Thornton at 925.228.7731 or email deckyt@comcast.net.

GENDER SPECTRUM CONFERENCE ART CONTEST
Deadline for Submission: Friday, April 17
Art contest for youth 18 and younger. Winners' artwork will be used on the Gender Spectrum website and will be featured on the cover of this year's Gender Spectrum Conference program. The grand prize winner will also receive $250. For more information, please visit Gender Spectrum Art Contest.

HAZON BAY AREA'S 2015 
CALIFORNIA RIDE & RETREAT
May 7-10 at Walker Creek Ranch in Sonoma County
A weekend of vibrant pluralistic Jewish celebration, learning, food, community-building, and two days of beautiful bike routes through the SF Bay Area. You don't have to be a cyclist to enjoy this event. Come bring your spirit as a crew member or even join us just for the Shabbat retreat. For information and to register, click HERE. For questions, email caride@hazon.org or call 415.644.5795.

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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