HAPPENINGS 
August 11, 2015 / 19 Av 5775

Tuesday, August 11       Rosh Chodesh Gathering, 7:00pm
At the home of Deborah Wechsler

Friday, August 14           Shabbat Evening Service, 7:30pm

Saturday, August 15       Brotherhood Italian Dinner & Bocce Ball, 6:00pm
 See details below

SERVICES


All are welcome to come
 celebrate with us.

Friday, August 14
Welcome Shabbat 
on the Patio
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., 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.

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

 

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 
Aaron Lubinsky
12 on August 16
Noah Scherer
14 on August 17
Mia Grace Kellner
3 on August 17

Wedding Anniversaries
Melvin & Marilyn Weiss
31st on August 12
Jeff & Heidi Becker
32nd on August 13
Adam & Kelly Holden
20th on August 13
Dave & Kimberly Kamalman
17th on August 15

 Yahrzeit Observances
Names will be read at the 
August 14th Shabbat Service

Milton Levin
Step-father of Sheila Kaplan, 8/16
Ronelle Heller
Honored Member of 
Beth Chaim, 8/17
Ilene Hoffman
Sister of Michelle Gabriel, 8/17
Minnie Pearlman
Mother of Bonnie Brors, 8/17
Craig Perlmuth
Brother of Vickie Eiges, 8/17
Donald Rovner
Father of Steve & Jeff Rovner, 8/20
Harold Pollen
Honored Member of 
Beth Chaim, 8/21
Gerry Creighton
Mother of Robyn Mizes, 8/22
Ruth Kasper
Mother of Denise Zavaleta, 8/22

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!
USHERS NEEDED FOR 
HIGH HOLY DAYS
Please contact Andy Orgel at andyorgel@gmail.com as soon as possible to let him know if you can help us with greeting and seating at our High Holy Days services this year. He will then send you the instructions for your volunteer position.

Assistance is needed on Sept. 13, 14, 15, 22 and 23.
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.
 
BETH CHAIM 
EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
MAZEL TOV!

Congratulations to Hannah Dice on becoming a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, August 8th.


 

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

Summer is almost over and soon our Religious School students will be working on a Fall garden. Nutrient rich soil is needed. Please consider making a donation to help our garden thrive!

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BCC HAS A NEW PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP!

A new private group, "Beth Chaim Congregation Members," has been formed for BCC members and their families to connect and share about their lives and aspects of BCC life, both at the temple as well as outside of it. We will be sending out email invitations, which will come from our Office Administrative Assistant, Heidi Benson Stagg. Also, feel free to find us and send a request to join! Note: This supplements our Beth Chaim Congregation Facebook Page, which is open to the general public.

 

ROSH CHODESH GATHERING

Tuesday, August 11, 7:00pm
At the Home of Deborah Wechsler
Please join us as we celebrate the beginning of the month of Elul and learn about the Judaic art and meditation form know as "shiviti." Several of these appear in our Shabbat prayer book. We will meet at 7:00pm for light refreshments and socializing and then begin the program promptly at 7:30pm. We will study some shiviti and have an opportunity to create our own. We usually end around 9:00pm. You don't need to have attended previously to enjoy this gathering. RSVP to Deborah at debwex52@yahoo.com or via the eVite.

MINDFULNESS: PREPARING FOR 
THE HIGH HOLY DAYS
Sunday, August 30, 3:00-5:00pm
Beth Chaim Sanctuary
Led by Rabbi Dan and Eve Decker. The High Holy Days offer the opportunity for a profound spiritual journey. We often arrive at services barely able to catch our breath from all of the hectic goings-on of our lives. Give yourself the gift of a lovely, meditative experience of spiritual preparation for the Days of Awe.

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 BCC EVENTS
For a list of August and September Events, click HERE.

BCC 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:

 SISTERHOOD
MARGARITAS & MUNCHIES
Thursday, August 20, 7:00pm
Prickly Pear Cantina, Blackhawk Plaza
This is a Sisterhood event open to all women of Beth Chaim who would like to meet new people, make friends and enjoy a fun "Ladies Night Out." And the first round of drinks is hosted by the Sisterhood! RSVP to Grace Munoz at gracegmunoz@yahoo.com or 925.389.7908.

OUT-TO-LUNCH GROUP
Tuesday, August 25, 11:45am
Piatti, in the Danville Livery
Join us for a great time and gourmet food! RSVP to Janice Frankel at janicefrankel@yahoo.com. And mark your calendars to save the date for next month's lunch on Tues., September 29!

SPECIAL AUTHOR PROGRAM: SEPT. 16TH
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 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.

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.

"WHEN WE WERE COLORED" - THE PLAY
August 21-23 & August 28-30
Fridays: 7:30pm; Sat.: 2:00 & 7:30pm; Sun.: 6:00pm
Pioneer Congregational Church, 2700 L St., Sacramento
Tickets: $20 
Our own Shawna James stars as Eva Rutland in this production based on a play by Ginger Rutland, adapted from her mother Eva's legendary memoir. The play, like the book from which it springs, tells the story of a middle class black woman born and raised in the segregated south before World War II, who moves West to raise her children in "integrated" California after the war. For more information or tickets, visit www.brownpaperticket.com or call 916.443.3727.

ISRAEL INNOVATIONS FAIR
Sunday, August 30, 10:00am-5:00pm
David Brower Center, 2150 Allston Way, Berkeley
"Showcasing Israel's Contributions to Mankind" in the areas of medicine, renewable energy, water management, sustainable agriculture, communication technology and unique fashion with interactive displays, videos and speakers. Also, job, internship and volunteer opportunities. Free admission. For more information visit www.IsraelInnovationsFair.com.

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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