HAPPENINGS 
April 14, 2015 / 25 Nissan 5775
Wed., April 15Yom HaShoa V'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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Sat., April 18SHALOHA! Beth Chaim's Beach Ball Gala!
The fun starts at 6:00pm Sharp!
San Ramon Community Center, Fountain Room
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Sun., April 19Beth Chaim Yom HaShoah Observance
10:00-11:00am, Beth Chaim Sanctuary
Guest speaker: Holocaust survivor and RCJL resident, Helen Aitchison. All congregants are welcome.

SERVICES


All are welcome to come
 celebrate with us.

Friday, April 17
Tot Shabbat: 5:40pm
Ruach Service: 7:00pm

CHESED
Hands

CHESED UPDATE

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 
Anthony Axton
15 on April 18
Skylar Wechsler
13 on April 19
Isabella Weiss
13 on April 19
Gavin Mentz
16 on April 19

Anniversaries
Scott & Ellen Bull
16th on April 17
MIchael & Rita Paskow
35th on April 17

 Yahrzeit Observances
Names will be read at the 
April 17th Shabbat Service

Harriet Becker
Mother of Shelley Fox, 4/12
Phyllis Lappen
Mother of Stan Lappen, 41/2
Frieda Fishman
Mother of Martin Fishman, 4/15
Mollie Arnold
Honored Member of Beth Chaim, 4/16
Ruth Novak
Mother of Sandy Shalon, 4/17

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!
Give me an "S," 
Give me an "H,"
Give me an "A" ...

Okay, you know where this is going! 
The Shaloha team is cheering everyone who helped, contributed, worked on, is attending, or otherwise supported BCC's efforts to plan the annual fundraising gala, now just four days away 
(tick tock, tick tock).

We look forward to seeing those who have RSVP'ed  as "yes" this Saturday evening at the San Ramon Community Center. The fun begins at 6:00pm Sharp ... You won't want to miss a minute of the evening.
 Shaloha everyone!

Saturday, April 18, 2015
San Ramon Community Center

Please contact Sara Obryant 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.


ROSH CHODESH GATHERING
Tuesday, April 14, 7:00pm
At the Home of Deborah Wechsler
Please join us for our Rosh Chodesh Gathering for the month of Iyar. Rabbi Chaya Gusfield will lead this special gathering! Be prepared to reflect, share, sing and be surprised in the precious community of the women of Beth Chaim. 
You don't need to have attended previously to enjoy this gathering. Meet for socializing and light refreshments at 7:00pm; we will begin the program promptly at 7:30pm and end around 9:00pm. RSVP to Deborah at debwex52@yahoo.com or via the evite.

 

YOM HASHOA V'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.

 

MEN'S GATHERING

Thursday, April 16, 7:00pm

Home of Rabbi Dan & Yael Goldblatt

We gather this month to share post Passover liberation stories. 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 necessary.

 

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 HASHOAH 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

Wednesday, April 15, 5:00-6:00pm

Thursday, April 16, 5:00-6:00pm

BEIT MIDRASH 

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

 

Sunday, April 19

Religious School: 9:15am-12:15pm

Yom HaShoah Observance: 10:00-11:00am

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

 

Tuesday, April 21

B'nei Mitzvah Family Class: 6:00-8:00pm

 

CONTRA COSTA MIDRASHA

Click HERE for the April/May 2015 Newsletter

Wednesday, April 15: Regular Meeting

April 17-19: Spring Retreat at Camp Newman
 

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:
Shemini: The Kosher Animal Song
Shemini: The Kosher Animal Song

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.

OUT-TO-LUNCH GROUP
Thursday, May 7, 11:45am
Faz Restaurant, 600 Hartz Ave.
Please join us for food, fun and friendship. RSVP and for more information 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 & SISTERHOOD INVITE YOU TO:

LOX & BAGEL SCHMEAR & SCHMOOZE BREAKFAST

Sunday, May 3, 9:15-11:00am

Brotherhood and Sisterhood invite all Beth Chaim members to breakfast. So, what's the deal? We will

provide complimentary lox, bagels, cream cheese, donuts,fruit, orange juice and Starbucks coffee! Find out more about the Brotherhood and Sisterhood and give us suggestions for new and meaningful events that you might be interested in attending this year. But mostly, this will an opportunity to have casual schmoozing time after dropping the kids off at school or for just stopping by to see old friends and meet new people. 

 

There will be no raffles, no tickets to buy, nothing to bring and nothing to clean up. So, nu? Put it on your calendar now and come by for free lox and bagels and schmoozing. 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.

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.

HAVANA CURVEBALL FILM & FUNDRAISER
Sunday, April 25, Dinner 6:30pm; Film 7:30pm
Congregation B'nai Tikvah
25 Hillcroft Way, Walnut Creek
Thirteen-year-old Micah takes to heart his Rabbi's dictate to help "heal the world," and launches a grand plan to send baseballs to Cuba for his Bar Mitzvah project. Please bring gently used baseball equipment to benefit the Monument Crisis Center. Tickets are $10 for kids and $15 for adults and include a kosher beef hot dog. Mojitos and lemonade available for purchase. For tickets, click Here. To view the trailer, click Here.

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.

CONTRA COSTA INTERFAITH HOUSING PRESENTS: ST. ANDREW'S CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES
Sundays, 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.

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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