HAPPENINGS 
April 21, 2015 / 2 Iyar 5775
Wed., April 22
Celebrate Israel@67
7:00pm, Lafayette Veteran's Memorial Center
Co-sponsored by Beth Chaim and local synagogues
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Fri., April 24Shabbat Evening Service
7:30pm in the Sanctuary
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SERVICES


All are welcome to come
 celebrate with us.

Friday, April 24
Shabbat Evening Service, 7:30pm

Saturday, April 25
Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30am
Westin Berkowitz becomes 
a Bar Mitzvah

CHESED
Hands

CHESED UPDATE

Mazel Tov!
Congratulations to the Lombardi Family on Isabelle becoming a Bat Mitzvah on April 18th in their new home in Arizona!

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 
Ethan Binder
6 on April 20
Eli Joseph Cohen
5 on April 22
Joseph Blumhorst
12 on April 23
Sebastian Scott
13 on April 23
Amy Frankel
16 on April 24
Katelyn Hefter
17 on April 24
Bella Levine
11 on April 25
Benjamin (BJ) Levine
11 on April 25
Kyla Jay Cohen
9 on April 26
Micah Hertz
14 on April 27
Jessica Liss
17 on April 27

Anniversaries
Leonard & Joanne Becker
28th on April 25

 Yahrzeit Observances
Names will be read at the 
April 24th Shabbat Service

Dorothy Rozend
Mother of Susan David
Kenneth Jordan Levy
Father of Evan Levy
Charles Birnbaum
Father of Michael Birnbaum

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 
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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.
 

2015-2016 UNDER ONE TENT 

JEWISH BOOK & ARTS FESTIVAL

Do you have an idea for a Festival event? If so, we'd love to hear from you! Please email us at bcctentcommittee@gmail.com with your idea.

 

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.

 

ROSH CHODESH GATHERING
Tuesday, May 12, 7:00pm
At the Home of Julie Samson
Please join us for our Rosh Chodesh Gathering for the month of Sivan. Julie Samson will host and lead this evening. 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 Julie at JSam9600@gmail.com. or via the evite.

SHABBAT DINNER & RUACH SERVICE: 

JEW CREW GRADUATION & MADRICHIM APPRECIATION

Friday, May 15

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 our Jew Crew. An ice cream social follows the family service. For dinner menu details and RSVP, watch for the Sign Up Genius email.

 

SHAVUOT MEMORIAL DAY SHABBAT & BBQ

Friday, May 22, 6:00pm

At the Home of Barb Carpenter

Bring something to grill and a dish to share for a communal meal in Barb's lovely, large yard in old Danville. As well as celebrating Shavuot and Shabbat, we will enjoy bocce ball, swimming and friends. Families and guests are welcome. Watch for the Sign Up Genius email to RSVP.

MEN'S GATHERING
Thursday, May 21, 7:00pm
Home of Rabbi Dan & Yael Goldblatt
In honor of the Book of Ruth, we gather this month to consider a woman, other than our wives or mothers, who has had a profound impact on our lives. We draw upon the wisdom of our tradition for inspiration, listen carefully to others and see what these stories invoke 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.

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 22, 5:00-6:00pm

Thursday, April 23, 5:00-6:00pm

BEIT MIDRASH 

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

 

Tuesday, April 21

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

 

Sunday, April 26

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

 

Sunday, May 3

Hatzaga Day: 11:25am-12:15pm

Adults and families are invited to come see what the K-6th graders have accomplished in their Chugim/elective classes. 

 

Friday, May 15

Jew Crew Graduation and Madrichim Appreciation. Shabbat dinner and Ruach service at 6:00pm. Watch for the Sign Up Genius email.

 

CONTRA COSTA MIDRASHA

Click HERE for the April/May 2015 Newsletter

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 Tazria: Skin Care Tips from the Torah
Parshat Tazria: 
Skin Care Tips from the Torah

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!

 

SAVE THE DATE!

Annual Jewish Heritage Night with the Oakland A's

Tuesday, August 4, 7:05 Game

Watch for details on how to get tickets and join the Brotherhood for an evening of baseball and camaraderie.

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.

EARTH DAY INTERFAITH GATHERING:

UNITE FOR ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Wednesday, April 22, 10:00am

Our Savior Lutheran Church

1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette

Network, share ideas, gain inspiration and support each other. Activities will include meditation, small group sharing, discussion of the new Interfaith Climate Action Network and a closing ceremony with a tree planting. A buffet lunch featuring local, seasonal, organic food will follow. Suggested donation $10.


SRVHS THEATRE PRESENTS:
ADDAMS FAMILY - A NEW MUSICAL COMEDY
April 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

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.

70th ANNIVERSARY OF NUREMBERG TRIALS
International Conference at UC Berkeley
Monday, April 27 - Tuesday, April 28
The conference is organized jointing by the Berkeley Institute for Jewish Law and Israel Studies and the Center for Jewish Studies, UC Berkeley. Click HERE for the conference flyer listing the agenda or visit www.law.berkeley.edu/18284.htm.

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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