HAPPENINGS 
May 5, 2015 / 9 Iyar 5775
Fri., May 8Shabbat Evening Service 
With participation of our BBYO Teens
7:30pm in the Sanctuary, led by Rabbi Mike
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Sun., May 10
No Religious School: Happy Mother's Day!
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Fri., May 15Community Shabbat Dinner & Ruach Service
Jew Crew Graduation & Madrichim Appreciation
Tot Shabbat: 5:40pm  /  Dinner: 6:00pm
Ruach Service: 7:00pm  /  Ice Cream Social: 8:00pm
Click HERE to RSVP to the SignUp Genius Link by Noon, May 14
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The May/June STAR is now posted on the BCC website ...
Check it out by clicking HERE

SERVICES


All are welcome to come
 celebrate with us.

Friday, May 8, 7:30pm
Shabbat Evening Service

TODAH RABBAH!
A very special thank you to Judy Weiss for underwriting our new Torah Table Cover, dedicated to the memory of her husband, Andrew, and in honor of her granddaughter, Isabella's, Bat Mitzvah.

CHESED
Hands

CHESED UPDATE

MARY & JODY YUDIEN
Mary recently had surgery and is now recovering at home. Mary and Jody would appreciate our support with a few meals over the next couple of weeks.

There are no dietary restrictions or preferences, other than Mary's fondness for ice cream!

Click HERE to go to the SignUp Genius website.

If you have Chesed needs or any questions, please contact Marc Feder at chesed@bethchaim.com.
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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.

Upcoming events:

Support Group for Adults 
with Mental Illness
Sunday, May 3, 3:00-4:30pm, Temple Isaiah lower education bldg., room 204

Support Group for Families
Monday, May 25 is cancelled due to Memorial Day
Next meeting: Monday, June 22, 7:00-8:30pm, Temple Isiah lower education bldg., room 204.

 Visit www.OpenOurHearts.net for the monthly newsletter. 
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 
Emma Gersho
16 on May 6
Jack Becker
12 on May 7
Samuel Levine-Richardson
17 on May 7
Abby Leeds
15 on May 9
Talia Feder
9 on May 9
Michaela Rubinfeld
18 on May 10
Robbie Munoz
13 on May 11
Lance Zneimer
9 on May 11

Wedding Anniversaries
Dan & Aliza Grosh
8th on May 6
Mark & Terri Yarkin
37th on May 7
Aaron & Roberta Gabriel
16th on May 8

 Yahrzeit Observances
Names will be read at the 
May 8th Shabbat Service

Elie Daniel
Father of Nanette Seltzer, 5/3
Bernard Abrams
Father of Sharon Abrams, 5/3
Esther Hauskind
Mother of Paul Hed, 5/8
Zalman Josel Scherer
Father of Scott Scherer, 5/10
Max Smilovitz
Father of Andy Smilovitz, 5/13
Ilse Klinkowstein
Mother of Peter Stone, 5/13
Michael Benveniste
Father of Daniel Benveniste, 5/15
Arnold Eisenberg
Father of Leslie Reitzes, 5/15
Milton Fox
Father of Ben Fox, 5/15
Robert Gallagher
Father of Catherine Heller, 5/15
Louis Goldblatt
Father of 
Rabbi Dan Goldblatt, 5/15
Gilda Ricci
Mother of Mike Ricci, 5/15

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
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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.


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. Pizza and salad will be served for dinner. The cost is $8 per person (kids 5-10 years old are $5 and kids 4 and under are free). Please pay in advance by coming to the office or paying via PayPal on the link below. Be sure to click on the button to "add special instructions to recipient" and note "Ruach" with number of meals and type. RSVP by clicking  HERE to go to the SignUp Genius website. 

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NOTE TIME CHANGE!

BETH CHAIM ISRAEL TRIP: SUMMER 2016!

Informational Meeting: Sunday, May 17, 5:00pm

Beth Chaim Sanctuary  

Imagine a tour bus full of fun and interested Beth Chaim friends on an exciting journey through this lovely and dynamic country. The trip will feature Rabbi Dan as our travel guide and main mentsch. We'll plot out the trip - geography, history, politics, and more - at monthly gatherings during the year prior to the departure. It will be a wonderful opportunity for individuals, families and children. Friends and non-members are invited. Please email Heidi in the office at admin@bethchaim.com  if you are interested.

 

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.

 

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.

BLOOD DRIVE
Thursday, May 28, 2:00-8:00pm
Beth Chaim, Sanctuary
Bar Mitzvah student Westin Berkowitz is coordinating this event as his Bar Mitzvah project. Watch for the email with the link to sign-up.

NOTE TIME CHANGE!
SHARSHERET PINK SHABBAT: 
A SERVICE OF HEALING
Friday, May 29, 7:00pm
Beth Chaim Sanctuary
Sharsheret is a national program designed to educate women and men about the increased risk of hereditary breast cancer and ovarian cancer among Jewish families, the impact of those cancers on the Jewish community, and programs for Jewish women and families of all backgrounds. This special healing service is an opportunity to meet others interested in this organization. For more information or to get involved, please contact Ilene Zeiger at izeiger@yahoo.com or Naomi Ehrlich at jomaja3@aol.com. To learn more about the program, visit www.sharsheret.com.

CHAI CEREMONY 
FOR GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
Sunday, June 7, 5:30pm
Beth Chaim Sanctuary
This beautiful, brief ceremony honors the time of transition from high school to the next stage, whether it be college, gap year, or whatever is to come. We offer our young people blessings and wish them well on the next stage of their exciting journeys. Chai is, of course, the Hebrew world for "life," which is appropriate for the new life stage our high school graduates are embarking upon. We invite participating families to bring a snack and/or refreshment of choice to share. The entire community is invited to attend. RSVP to the Office.

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, May 6, 5:00-6:00pm

Thursday, May 7, 5:00-6:00pm

BEIT MIDRASH 

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

 

The Beit Midrash Yearbook is coming soon! The Yearbook was created by the kids of the Yearbook Chug. Please order by May 10th by emailing Alex at schooladmin@bethchaim.com. The cost is $18 and yearbooks will be distributed on the last day of Religious School, Sunday, May 31st.

 

Sunday, May 10

NO Religious School: Happy Mother's Day!

 

Friday, May 15

Jew Crew Graduation and Madrichim Appreciation. Shabbat dinner and Ruach service at 6:00pm. Click HERE.

 

CONTRA COSTA MIDRASHA

Click HERE for the April/May 2015 Newsletter

Wednesday, May 6: Regular Meeting, 6:30pm

 

WEEKLY TORAH PORTION VIDEO

We invite you to share this week's video from G-d Cast with your children:
Parshat Emor: Your Exclusive Social Event Calendar of the Year
Parshat Emor: Your Exclusive Social Event Calendar of the Year

SISTERHOOD 
OUT-TO-LUNCH GROUP
Thursday, May 7, 11:45am
Faz Restaurant, 600 Hartz Ave.
Please join us for food, fun and friendship at this ever-popular Mediterranean restaurant and Danville icon. RSVP and for more information contact Janice Frankel at janicefrankel@yahoo.com.

BOOK GROUP
Tuesday, May 19, 7:00pm
Location to be determined
The selection is All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.

For more information on Sisterhood contact Sara Goldstein at sara.e.goldstein@gmail.com or call 925.366.7272.

BROTHERHOOD
BROTHERHOOD LUNCH

Tuesday, May 12, 12:00pm

Buffalo Wild Wings, San Ramon

Join us for a casual lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings in San Ramon. If you don't want wings, they also serve sandwiches, veggie burgers, salads and grilled chicken. This is just a chance to get together, have a nice lunch and schmooze with the Brothers. RSVP to Mark Yarkin at  mark.yarkin@gmail.com, but come by even if you don't RSVP since we should have plenty of room. 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
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
First & Third Thursdays of the month, 5:30-7:00pm
Jewish Family & Children's Services of the East Bay
2484 Shattuck Ave., Suite 210, Berkeley
An opportunity to get to know and support other caregivers while learning how to care for yourself while caring for another, how to manage stress and anxiety, how to establish realist goals and expectations and where to turn in the community for help. The group will be facilitated by Nancy Rothschild, LMFT. Drop ins welcome. $25 per session. For more information, contact Rita Clancy at 510.558.7800, ext. 257 or email rclancy@jfcs-eastbay.org.

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
Sunday, 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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