HAPPENINGS 
July 28, 2015 / 12 Av 5775

Friday, July 31               Shabbat Evening Service, 7:30pm
Led by Judith Markowitz
Followed by a Potluck Dinner (see below for details)

SERVICES


All are welcome to come
 celebrate with us.

Friday, July 31
Shabbat Evening Service
7:30pm

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:

Family Member Support Group
Mon., July 27, 7:00-8:30pm
Mon., Aug. 24, 7:00-8:30pm
 Are you a parent, sibling or child of an adult with mental illness? This group provides information as well as the opportunity to share and support each other as you learn to help your loved one. Facilitated by licensed social worker, Rosemarie Frydman, and NAMI certified trainer, Karen Cohen. Email karen@openourhearts.net or call 925.945.7272 for more information.

Support Group
Sun., Aug. 2, 3:00-4:30pm
Dealing with anxiety, depression or other emotional challenges? Come to Temple Isaiah's Support Group and join others in sharing and supporting one another. Facilitated by licensed marriage and family therapist Valerie Milner, and Diana MaKieve. Email Diana@openourhearts.net or call 925.988.9707 for more information.

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 

 

CONTRA COSTA INTERFAITH HOUSING SUMMER HELP

 

Backpack Drive 2015:

Equipping Students for Success!

 

CCIH is collecting backpacks and school items for 96 elementary school children, 53 middle school children and 18 high school children. Please click HERE for the list of needed supplies. You may drop off donations at the BCC Office and Naomi Ehrlich will deliver to CCIH. 

Due date is August 10.

 

Join the Ruby Slippers

Committee

Ruby Slippers, CCIH's annual gala auction, is set for February 6, 2016 at Round Hill Country Club. This is a fun and exciting night with silent and live auction items, dinner and dancing. Come be part of the wonderful team that makes it happen. To learn more, contact Erin Jones at erin@ccinterfaithhousing.org.

 

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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 
Sara Raney
18 on July 30
Andrew Rogers
6 on July 30
Hannah Dice
13 on August 3

Wedding Anniversaries
David & Melina Bandler
26th on July 29
Patrick & Molly Dawes
5th on July 31

 Yahrzeit Observances
Names will be read at the 
July 31st Shabbat Service

William Levine
Son of Gladys Weitzer and 
Brother of Heidi Levine, 7/27
Marcia Amada
Mother of Naomi Ehrlich, 8/2
Murray Krelstein
Father of Mara Herman, 8/2
Anita Dodge
Mother of Lisa Goldberg, 8/3
Irwin Lebow
Father of Cheryl Ann Lebow, 8/4
Jack Portnoy
Father of Joy Severin, 8/4
Estelle Yamshon
Mother of Paul Yamshon, 8/7

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 SEEKS MUSIC LEADER
Beth Chaim seeks a Music Leader for the 2015-16 Religious School year.

For the job description, click HERE.

Please forward to any qualified candidates.

To apply, send a cover letter stating your qualifications, and your resume to Admin@BethChaim.com.
 
UPCOMING BETH CHAIM 
EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONTRA COSTA INTERFAITH 

BACKPACK & SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE 2015

Equipping Students for Success!

CCIH is collecting backpacks and school items for 96 elementary school children, 53 middle school children and 18 high school children. Please click HERE for the list of needed supplies. You may drop off donations at the BCC Office and Naomi Ehrlich will deliver to CCIH. 

Due date is August 10.

 

JULY/AUGUST STAR NOW AVAILABLE!

BCC logo - no taglineVisit the Beth Chaim website at www.BethChaim.com or click HERE to download a color version of the latest issue of The STAR newsletter.


 

IN OUR GARDEN

July is almost over and our garden is slowing growing. Check out this video to see our progress!


Use the PayPal link below or send to the office with "Garden" in the memo to donate.

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BETH CHAIM IS ON FACEBOOK!

"Like" our Facebook Group, Beth Chaim Congregation,

 for event notices, updates and weekly G-d Cast video links.

 

SHABBAT EVENING SERVICE & POTLUCK

Friday, July 31, 7:30pm
Bobbi Bernstein and Judith Markowitz are coordinating a 
potluck dinner following Shabbat services. It will be a shorter, but oh so sweet service, followed by time together to schmooze and relax. Desserts/lemonade/water/coffee will be provided. Please bring a dairy/parve pasta, salad or side veggie dish to serve 6 to 8. No RSVP is necessary.

 

SACRED JEWISH RHYTHMS WORKSHOP

August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 7:30-9:00pm

Beth Chaim Sanctuary

$95 for the series; Payable at the first class

Instructor Bruce Silverman begins the third session of this engaging class. Learn to play and accompany Jewish liturgical music at home, in the synagogue, or under a tree. Traditional middle-eastern rhythms and simple all-purpose rhythms will be highlighted; perfect for prayer, singing, dancing and playing along with other instruments. Some drums and percussion will be provided. You do not need to have attended the first sessions in order to participate. RSVP to Bruce Silverman or call 925.685.5585 for more information. 

 

ROSH CHODESH GATHERING

Tuesday, August 11, 7:00pm
At the Home of Deborah Wechsler
Please join us for our Rosh Chodesh Gathering for the month of Elul. You don't need to have attended previously to enjoy this gathering.

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

For a list of August and September Events, click 


BACK-TO-SCHOOL DAY
Sunday, August 30, 9:15am-12:15pm
Parent/adult attends with student(s), Beth Chaim Open House with juice, coffee and snacks.

 

BCC 2015-16 REGISTRATION

Register for the 2015-2016 Religious School by clicking HERE for registration forms.

 

BE A BCC MADRICHIM!

The Beit Midrash is looking for teens in the 8th-12th grades to assist our classroom teachers on Sundays from 9:00am-12:30pm. We also need help at Hebrew Power Hour on Wednesdays and/or Thursdays from 4:45-6:00pm. Apply by clicking HERE.

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CONTRA COSTA MIDRASHA

 

8TH & 9TH GRADE ORIENTATION

Wednesday, Sept. 9, 7:15-9:15pm

B'nai Tikvah

Incoming 8th and 9th graders are invited to get oriented into the world of Midrasha, all led by our amazing mentor/educators and older Midrasha teens.

 

FALL PICNIC PARTY

Wednesday, Sept. 16

Launch the New Jewish Year and a new year together! Details to follow!

 

OPENING NIGHT

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 7:15-9:15pm

B'nai Tikvah

Annual Opening Night party with a photo booth, round-robin of elective choices and more surprises!

 

REGISTER FOR THE 2015-16 YEAR

Visit http://shop.midrasha.com to enroll today!

 

For more information, to get questions answered, or just to say "hi" this summer, contact Devra Aarons, CCM's Directory, by phone 925.944.4701, email office@ccmidrasha.com, online at www.ccmidrasha.com, or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ccmidrasha.

 

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WEEKLY TORAH PORTION VIDEO

We invite you to share this week's video from G-d Cast with your children:
Parshat Va'etchanan: Moses Says Goodbye, Plus, a Beatboxed Shema!
Parshat Va'etchanan: Moses Says Goodbye, Plus, a Beatboxed Shema!

 SISTERHOOD
Save the date for September 16, 7:00pm
Special Author Program featuring Leslie Rupley. Details to follow.

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

BROTHERHOOD

ANNUAL JEWISH HERITAGE NIGHT WITH THE A'S

Tuesday, August 4, 7:05 Game

WE STILL HAVE A FEW TICKETS AVAILABLE! DON'T MISS THE FUN ... CALL TODAY TO RESERVE YOURS!

$28 per person includes a pregame event with Jewish-themed food and a special memento, as well as the game vs. the Baltimore Orioles. Free parking; BART travel and carpools will also be arranged. Reserve your tickets now by clicking the PayPal link below or calling the office. 

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ANNUAL DINNER & BOCCE BALL NIGHT

Saturday, August 15, 6:00pm

The ever-popular Dinner and Bocce Ball Night returns. Opento spouses/partners and any adult member of Beth Chaim. This event is a lot of fun and no bocce ball experience is needed. The night includes an Italian dinner and bocce ball at the courts across to Beth Chaim. $10 per person. RSVP to Mark Yarkin at mark.yarkin@gmail.com.

 

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BROTHERHOOD FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Brotherhood is forming a Fantasy Football League. One to four members per team and at least one Beth Chaim member on each team. We are hoping to get at least six teams, and 12 would be great. This should be fun! 

It's a $100 buy in and we would have a draft day to pick the teams. It all tracks online, no prior fantasy football experience is needed and we are trying not to make it too complicated. We need to get this going soon, since it takes some work to set up. If you are interested, please email Mark Yarkin at mark.yarkin@gmail.com as soon as possible so we can see if we have enough teams to start the league. Invite your friends and start some friendly competition!


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.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
June 25 - August 2
Berkeley Playhouse, Berkeley
The story of Tevye, a dairyman in a small Russian village who tries to maintain the Jewish religious customs of his ancestors while his daughters yearn to adapt to modern ways. Based on the classic stories of Sholem Aleichem, the musical won nine Tony Awards on Broadway and continues to be an audience favorite year after year. Groups of 10 or more can receive a 25% discount on certain performances. For tickets, visit Berkeley Playhouse.

SEEING RED:
The Town of Danville's 5th Annual Juried Exhibition
June 26-August 22
Village Theatre Art Gallery, 233 Front St., Danville
Curated by our own Marija Nelson Bleier and including the artwork of our own Julia Brucker, among other artists. Visit  www.villagetheatreartgallery.com for hours and more information.

INTERFAITH COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE
Thursday, July 30, 12:00 - 6:00pm
San Ramon Valley Islamic Center, Main Hall
2232 Camino Ramon, San Ramon
To schedule your appointment, please long on to RedCrossBlood.org, enter Sponsor Code: Interfaith Community (click Load More Results until it shows) or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or contact Chris Saunders at 925.895.1551 or SRVBloodDrive@gmail.com.
 
SAVE THE DATES!

Cultivating an Awakened Heart: 
A 6-day Jewish Meditation Retreat 
August 17-23, Santa Sabina Center, San Rafael
This retreat will give you the tools and the time to delve inward with contemplative practice, the vehicle of silence and a variety of Jewish mediation approaches. Click HERE for more information.

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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