HAPPENINGS 
May 26, 2015 / 8 Sivan 5775
Thurs., May 28American Red Cross Community Blood Drive
Beth Chaim Sanctuary, 2:00-7:00pm
A Bar Mitzvah Project of Westin Berkowitz; Walk-ins Welcome
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Fri., May 29
Sharsheret Pink Shabbat: A Service of Healing
Beth Chaim Sanctuary, 7:00pm
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Sun., May 31
BCC Religious School Israeli Cultural Festival, Teacher Appreciation and Last Day Celebration
Beth Chaim Sanctuary, 9:15am-12:15pm
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SERVICES


All are welcome to come
 celebrate with us.

Friday, May 29
Sharsheret Pink Shabbat:
A Service of Healing
7:00pm

CHESED
Hands

CHESED UPDATE

If you have Chesed needs or any questions, please contact our Chesed Coordinator, 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, June 7, 3:00-4:30pm
Temple Isiah lower education bldg., in the amphitheater.

Support Group for Families
Monday, June 22, 7:00pm
Temple Isiah lower education bldg., room 204.

Mental Health First Aid
August 30 & September 13
8:30am - 1:00pm
This eight hour class will be presented in two half-day sessions and teaches how to recognize possible mental health problems developing, assess risk and take action to calm the situation and gain help. Sign up by contacting Diana at 925.988.9767. Limited seating is available.

 Visit www.OpenOurHearts.net for the monthly newsletter. 
Email  Diana Makieve or call 925.988.9767 with questions.
   

TIKKUN OLAM OPPORTUNITIES 

NEW OPPORTUNITY

TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

 

FEED MY 

STARVING CHILDREN

FOOD PACKING SESSION

Saturday, June 6, 5:00-9:00pm

East Bay Foursquare Church

2615 Camino Tassajara, Danville

 

Interfaith of San Ramon Valley (I-SRV, of which BCC is a member) is working with "Feed My Starving Children," a Christian organization doing wonderful work in combating the world hunger catastrophe.


We will be hand-packing meals specifically designed for malnourished children. The food will be shipped to a country in need. This service opportunity is a great project for young, old and in between. Children over 5 years are welcome to participate and there are jobs for every level of activity.

Sign up for a two-hour shift by going to www.justservenow.org and clicking on "Volunteer to Pack."
 

Check out this YouTube video for a video presentation on the project:

https://youtube.com/devicesupport
Hope Starts With Food

 

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CONTRA COSTA INTERFAITH HOUSING SUMMER HELP

Several opportunities:

- Help run or take charge for one week at an on-site summer camp. Requirement: 2 hours per day for 1 week (Monday thru Thursday). You choose the hours. There is always adult supervision provided.

- Fall Backpack Program. Help coordinate backpacks and supplies over the summer for 120 CCIH students.

- Vegetable Garden Support. We just planted our first vegetable garden and are eager to learn about raising vegetables. Come share your knowledge.

 

For more information or to volunteer, contact Gloria Bertolozzi at gloria@ccinterfaithhousing.org. 

 

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 
Megan Carp
17 on May 27
Abigail Maneloveg
15 on May 28
Alia Badain
15 on June 1

Wedding Anniversaries
Yury & Gayle Reznikov
May 27
Adam & Kelly Rogers
9th on May 28
Marc & Anne Feder
11th on May 30
Rob & Stacy Kadesh
22nd on May 30
Carl & Jodi Oronsky
16th on May 30
Steven & Kathleen Rubinfeld
33rd on May 30
Jay & Amy Hyman
June 1
Mat & Ellen Waltrip
25th on June 2

 Yahrzeit Observances
Names will be read at the 
May 29th Shabbat Service

William Gross
Husband of Lynne Gross and Father of Randy Gross, 5/31
Jacob Lubinsky
Father of David Lubinsky, 6/5
Beatrice Mazer
Mother of Marc Mazer, 6/5
Melvin Johnson
Father of Rick Johnson, 6/6
Kurt Klinkowstein
Father of Peter Stone, 6/6
Iva Silverman
Mother of Nikki Butts, 6/6

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.

 


IN OUR GARDEN

This year, the Beit Midrash offered a gardening elective taught by Moreh Matt. The kids learned about propagating seeds, composting, mulching, and growing fava beans, herbs, carrots, and strawberries. Their garden also attracted beneficials such as lady bugs.

The garden class is now finished for the year, but before it was over, the children readied the beds for planting, and sowed potatoes, beans and squash. We thought you'd like to see our kids' efforts in Our Garden. Enjoy!

Since the class ended for the summer, we added a variety of tomato plants to round out the garden. We will keep you posted on Our Garden's progress. Who knows? There may be some fresh tomatoes in the near future!

 

COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE
Thursday, May 28, 2:00-7:00pm
Beth Chaim, Sanctuary
Bar Mitzvah student Westin Berkowitz is coordinating this event as his Bar Mitzvah project. All donors that are referred by a child in grades K-8 will receive a Red Cross gift! To schedule your appointment or for more information, visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter Sponsor Code: BETHCHAIM, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Walk ins are welcome as well. If you have questions regarding your eligibility to donate blood, please call 1-866-236-3276.

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.

SACRED JEWISH RHYTHMS WORKSHOP
6 Mondays: June 1, 8, 15, 29, July 6 and 13, 7:30-9:00pm
Beth Chaim Sanctuary
$90 for the 6-class series; Make payable to Beth Chaim
The first week session was a rousing success and the class will begin another six-week session. 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 fror prayer, singing, dancing and playing along with other instruments. Some drums and percussion will be provided. RSVP to the office. Payment can be made in the office or via the PayPal link below.
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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 word 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. A SignUp Genius link was sent to all families of graduating seniors.

 

MEN'S GATHERING
Thursday, June 18, 7:00pm
Home of Paul Yamshon
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.

ROSH CHODESH GATHERING

Tuesday, June 23, 7:00pm
At the Home of Sharon Abrams
Please join us for our Rosh Chodesh Gathering for the month of Tammuz. Sharon Abrams will host this evening and we still need a leader. 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. 

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

Last Power Hours of the year:

Wednesday May 27, 5:00-6:00pm

Thursday, May 28, 5:00-6:00pm


BEIT MIDRASH 

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

 

Sunday, May 31, 9:15am-12:15pm

Israeli Cultural Festival & 

Teacher Appreciation

Everyone is welcome to join us for the last day of Religious School as we break for the summer. Please have the kids wear tennis shoes so that they can participate in the soccer activity. Volunteers needed; if you can help, click HERE for the SignUp Genius site. 

 

We need boxes! On Sunday the Beit Midrash is building a Western Wall. We need boxes of all sizes - cereal boxes, shoe boxes, moving boxes. Please drop off during Hebrew Power Hour on Wednesday and Thursday, or bring them on Sunday.

 

The Rabbi Bucks Store will be open on the last day of school, May 31st, and we are in need of merchandise. If you have any new or gently used toys, games, or trinkets that you would like to donate, please drop them off to Alex in the office or you may bring them the day of the event.

 

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CONTRA COSTA MIDRASHA

Summer break! See you in the fall!

 

 

 

 

WEEKLY TORAH PORTION VIDEO

We invite you to share this week's video from G-d Cast with your children:

Parshat Naso: What the Torah says about healthy marriages.

SISTERHOOD 

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

BROTHERHOOD

MEN'S GATHERING

Thursday, June 18th, 7:00pm

Home of Paul Yamshon

See the top of the Happenings for more information.

 

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.

PRINCETON REVIEW OFFERS SAT/ACT PREP
The Princeton Review will be offering courses at Beth Chaim this summer. Beth Chaim members receive a $250 discount off the Ultimate and Small Group Courses. Flyers are posted in the foyer with the promo code.

SUNRISE POP-UP DINNER BENEFITING HADASSAH
Saturday, May 30, 5:00-9:00pm
1559 Botelho, Walnut Creek
New York City Jewish Deli featuring imported traditional sliced rye bread, housemade pickles and mustard and pastrami, corned beef, coleslaw, matzo ball soup, rugelach and knish made from scratch. Everyone is welcome!

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.

BEING JEWISH IN PARIS NOW
Tuesday, June 16, 7:30pm
BIJ/Or Shalom Jewish Community, 625 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco
A Talk by Rabbi Tom Cohen, Congregation Kehilat Gesher, Paris France. Free admission. RSVP to assistant@orshalom.org or call 415.469.5564.

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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