HAPPENINGS 
April 7, 2015 / 18 Nissan 5775
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"
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Wed., April 15Yom Hashoa Ve Hagevurah Community Commemoration:
An Evening on the Holocaust and Resistance
7:15pm / Temple Isaiah, 945 Risa Rd., Lafayette
Guest Speaker: Renowned historian and Project Director of the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, Dr. Michael Berenbaum
Beth Chaim is the official host of this year's event. Co-sponsors include local synagogues, Jewish organizations and Midrasha
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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
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SERVICES


All are welcome to come
 celebrate with us.

Friday, April 10
Evening Service: 7:00pm

CHESED
Hands

CHESED UPDATE

Zichrono L'vracha
May His Memory 
Be a Blessing

Norman Binger
Wife of Lynn Binger, passed away 
on April 4th in Danville. 
Graveside funeral services will be held on Thurs., April 9th at 11:00 am at 
Gan Shalom Cemetery, 
1100 Bear Creek Rd., Briones 
(north of Orinda).
Shiva will be held on 
Thurs., April 9th at 6:00pm 
at the Binger Home. 
(Note: If you are bringing something 
to eat to the home, please ensure 
that it is kosher for Passover.)
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.

 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 
Eliana Blankfeld Steele
11 on April 9
Andrew Lax
15 on April 9
Emily Kronenberg
2 on April 9
Lily Grosh
2 on April 10
Kalea Thompson
8 on April 10
Erin Leeds
17 on April 11
Noah Cohen
7 on April 11
Joshua Benveniste
11 on April 13

Anniversaries
Bruce Bilodeau & 
Deborah Wechsler
23rd on April 11

 Yahrzeit Observances
Names will be read at the 
April 10th Shabbat Service

Franklin Saul
Father of Frederick Saul, 4/6
John Brymner
Brother-in-law of 
Debbie Rosenberg, 4/9
Donald Samson
Father of Glenn Samson, 4/9
Shari Boxerman
Sister of Cathy Begun, 4/10
John Benson
Father of Heidi Benson Stagg, 4/10
Jeanette Bleier
Mother of Ralph Bleier, 4/11
Bruce Cohen
Brother of Sue Friedman, 4/11

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!
BETH CHAIM'S BEACH BALL GALA!
Can you feel the buzz? 
Sense the excitement?


RSVP's are coming in, tables are fillingup and all we need is your RSVP to put Beth Chaim's Beach Ball Gala over the top.

Tell your friends, circle the date and plan on being there for the event of the year. Lots of fun, food and festivities, not to mention a whole bunch of surprise live and silent auction items, raffle drawings and more.

It's Shaloha time, folks ... We're ready to PARTY!

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.

 

YOM HA SHAOH PRESENTATION AT BCC

Sunday, April 19, 10:00-11:00am

Beth Chaim Sanctuary

All congregants are invited to join our Religious School Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Grades to hear the presentation by Holocaust survivor and RCJL resident Helen Aitchison. Helen was born in Poland in 1926 and lived in Warsaw, Antwerp and Hamburg. During the war she was taken to Bergen Belsen. She will be telling the amazing story of her liberation. No RSVP necessary.

 

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

NO HEBREW POWER HOUR

Wednesday, April 8

Thursday, April 9

BEIT MIDRASH 

For a list of upcoming events at Beit Midrash, click HERE. 

 

Sunday, April 12

NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

 

CONTRA COSTA MIDRASHA

Click HERE for the April/May 2015 Newsletter
 

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:
Parshat Va'eira: The Ancient Plagues of Egypt
Parshat Va'eira:
The Ancient Plagues of Egypt

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 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.

TEEN LEADERSHIP PROGRAM AT
JCC MACCABI SPORTS CAMP
This new program for rising 10th and 11th graders combines high-level sports instruction with opportunities to begin developing as leaders. For more information, click Here or visit 

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 how 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.

SRVHS THEATRE PRESENTS:
ADDAMS FAMILY - A NEW MUSICAL COMEDY
April 16, 17, 18 & 23, 24, 25, 7:00pm
BCC member Ben Weinstein plays Gomez Addams and there are many BCC students involved in the production. Please come and support the school and students in this performance. $20 Reserved, $15 Adult, $10 Student. www.srvhstheatre.com

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.

BENEFIT FOR CHELSEA'S HOPE
Sunday, May 3, 10:00am
Macy's Walnut Creek, 2nd Floor
Join Macy's for fashion, fun and celebration to benefit the Lafora Children Research Fund and Chelsea's 25th birthday. Continental breakfast, fashion show, welcome gift, special shopping discount and personal shoppers. $25 per person. RSVP and register online at www.chelseashope.org by April 22nd.

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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