HAPPENINGS 
September 1, 2015 / 17 Elul 5775

Wed./Thurs., Sept. 2 & 3    Hebrew Power Hour Begins! 5:00-6:00pm

Friday, Sept. 4                     Shabbat Evening Service, 7:30pm
Join Rabbi Dan on the Patio to welcome Shabbat

In Support of Parents with Children in School - We Provide a Letter to be Given to Teachers & Coaches Before the High Holy Days for Excused Absences. See Links Below.

SERVICES


All are welcome to come
 celebrate with us.

Friday, September 4
Welcome Shabbat 
on the Patio with Rabbi Dan
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:

Support Group
Sun., September 6, 3:00-4:30pm
Dealing with anxiety, depression or other emotional challenges? Come to the Support Group and join others in sharing and supporting one another. Facilitated by licensed marriage and family therapist, Valerie Milner and Diana MaKieve. For more information, contact Diana at Diana@openourhearts.net or call 925.988.9707.

Family Member Support Group
Sun., September 28, 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 clinical social worker, Rosemarie Frydman, and NAMI certified trainer Karen Cohen. For more information contact Karen at Karen@openourhearts.net or 925.945.7272.

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

JFCS/EAST BAY'S
ANNUAL ROSH HASHANAH
KOSHER MEAL DELIVERY
 It's time for the deliver of New Year goodies to the elderly and people with disabilities in our community. 
Delivery Date: Fri., Sept. 11
Pick up of bags: 1:30pm
Delivery time: 2:00-4:00pm
Pick up at either the Berkeley or Walnut Creek JFCS office
To volunteer, 
email Kathryn Winogura at  kwinogura@jfcs-eastbay.org 
or call 925.927.7200, ext. 529.

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SAVVY CAREGIVING TRAINING
The Alzheimer's Association, in conjunction with JFCS/East bay presents a 6-week course of clinical-level training for family caregivers. Improve your knowledge, approach, skills and outlook. The training provides over 12 hours of face to face training with dementia experts and a caregiver's manual.
Wednesdays, 2:30-5:00pm
Sept. 9, 16, and 30 (no class on Sept. 23), Oct. 7, 14 and 21.
Classes will be held at the Jewish Family and Children's Services of the East Bay, 2484 Shattuck Ave., #210, Berkeley.
Registration is required. Contact Grace Liu at 800.272.3900 or email gliu@alz.org.

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CONTRA COSTA INTERFAITH HOUSING FUNDRAISING

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 
Brett Gansberg
9 on September 4
Noah Lawrence
17 on September 5
Samuel Lawrence
17 on September 5
Mitchell Lombardi
14 on September 6

Wedding Anniversaries
Neil & Bobbi Bernstein
47th on September 1
Michah & Janice Frankel
24th on September 1
Richard & Gayle Israel
24th On September 1
Elliot & Lisa Bloom
19th on September 1
Thomas & Mimi Torres
13th on September 1
Roger & Gaye Alperin
10th on September 1
William & Lynn Katz
53rd on September 2
Martin & Karyn Fishman
31st on September 2
Daniel & Julie Benveniste
14th on September 2
Frederick & Audra Saul
14th on September 2
Marc & Samantha Wechsler
18th on September 6
Marc Mazer & 
Susan Talon-Mazer
29th on September 7
Gaurav Kapoor & 
Denise Roberts
7th on September 7

 Yahrzeit Observances
Names will be read at the 
Sept. 4th Shabbat Service

Sally Goldberg
Mother of Martin Goldberg, 8/30
Judy Robbins
Sister of Martin Goldberg, 8/30
Harold Davidson
Father of Darrell Davidson, 8/31 
Howard Rosen
Father of Amy Hyman, 9/1
Billy Baly
Brother of Catherine Heller, 9/3
Bruce Semigran
Brother of Bonnie Brors, 9/3
Sam Katz
Father of William Katz, 9/4
Andrew Oshay
Father of Rick Oshay, 9/4

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!

Schedule of Services
Click HERE for the list of dates/times for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services.

Excused High Holy Day Absence Letters to Teachers and Coaches
Click HERE for the Cover Letter to Parents
Click HERE for the Letter to SRVUSD Teachers/Coaches
Click HERE for the Letter to Non-SRVUSD Teachers/Coaches (including public and private schools)
Click HERE for a note of support from the Jewish Community Relations Council

High Holy Day Reservations
Beth Chaim Members: Please click HERE to let us know how many family members and guests you will bring to services.

Non-Members: Please click HERE to request seats. Also, please consider joining Beth Chaim and attending services as a Member. For more information contact our Membership Director, Roberta Gabriel, at RobertaGabriel@outlook.com.

Quality Keyboard for Services
We need the loan of a quality keyboard for Evan Chapman to play during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services. If you have one that you can lend, please contact Heidi in the Office at Admin@BethChaim.com or call 925.736.7146.

Greeting & Seating
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.

Break-the-Fast
Once again, Jonathan and Rae Corr have generously agreed to open their home for our Break-the-Fast gathering. If you can assist with set-up and/or break-down of tables and chairs, shopping, and/or food prep, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Andy Zetlan at azetlan@yahoo.com. Details on parking and event information will follow in an Evite soon!

BETH CHAIM 
NEW MEMBER OUTREACH

Beth Chaim announces a New Member Outreach incentive! For every new (or even returning) member or family you bring
forward who joins Beth Chaim, they will receive two complimentary tickets to our World Famous Gala on May 7th, 2016! And, as the inviting member, you will also receive two "thank you" tickets as well! 

For more information, contact Membership Director Roberta Gabriel at RobertaGabriel@outlook.com or call 925.389.1539.

BETH CHAIM 
EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
IN OUR GARDEN
Soil, soil, toil and trouble ... what a difference healthy soil can make! Click HERE for an update on our "crop" as compared to a crop with proper soil. 

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER STAR HAS ARRIVED!
BCC logo - no tagline Click HERE here for the latest issue of the Beth Chaim STAR (our bi-monthly newsletter).

 
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
We will not meet in September due to the High Holy Days ... Next meeting: Tuesday, October 13, 7:00pm
At the Home of Fran Birbaum
We will meet at 7:00pm for light refreshments and socializing and then begin the program promptly at 7:30pm, led by Gayle Reznikov. We usually end around 9:00pm. You don't need to have attended previously to enjoy this gathering. Watch for the eVite for RSVP details.

CHAI MITZVAH PROGRAM
Wednesday, October 21, 7:00pm
Beth Chaim Sanctuary
Last year, 18 people from Beth Chaim participated in this exciting national program of Jewish learning and spiritual engagement and we are beginning another eight-month session in October. The cost for all of the texts, classes and enrichment is only $25. You can get more information and register by going on the Chai Mitzvah website www.ChaiMitzvah.org.

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UNDER ONE TENT: 
CONTRA COSTA JEWISH BOOK & ARTS FESTIVAL
The annual festival kicks off on September 29th. For the full line-up, click HERE.

The Healing Power of Humor ... You Can't Ruin My Day!
Sunday, November 15, 2:00pm
Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living
Award-winning, best-selling author Allen Klein will explore how the Jewish people have used the power of humor to cope with adversity. With laughter and playful exercises, he will show us how to deal with life's not-so-funny stuff. Admission: $10. Co-sponsored by Beth Chaim Congregation.

An afternoon with Jesse Kellerman,
Author of The Golem of Paris and The Golem of Hollywood
Sunday, November 22, 3:00pm
Beth Chaim Sanctuary
We are proud to sponsor this Under One Tent event! Mystery writer Jesse Kellerman takes us into the life of Detective Jacob Lev, the hero of these two suspenseful "whodunits" that are shaped by religious mythology and family secrets that refuse to stay buried. Both books will be available for purchase, courtesy of Rakestraw Books.
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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.

WED. & THURS., SEPT. 2 & 3, 5:00-6:00PM
Hebrew Power Hour
 
SUNDAY, SEPT. 6
NO Religious School - Labor Day Weekend

WED. & THURS., SEPT. 9 & 10, 5:00-6:00PM
Hebrew Power Hour

SUNDAY, SEPT. 13
NO Religious School - Rosh Hashanah
Please note this a change from previous calendars.

WED. & THURS., SEPT. 16 & 17, 5:00-6:00PM
Hebrew Power Hour

SUNDAY, SEPT. 20, 9:15am-12:15pm
Religious School 
Please note this a change from previous calendars.
WED. & THURS., SEPT. 23 & 24, 5:00-6:00PM
NO Hebrew Power Hour - Yom Kippur
SUNDAY, SEPT. 27. 9:15am-12:15pm
Sukkah-Palooza
Families are invited to join us for Sukkot activities from 10:45am-12:15pm
 
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
SPECIAL AUTHOR PROGRAM: SEPT. 16TH
September's book selection is Beyond the Silk Mills.  Author Leslie Rupley will be joining us on September 16th, beginning at 7:00 pm for a Q&A and discussion about her debut novel.
Leslie is an oral historian and memoirist.  She drew on her childhood experiences in Paterson, New Jersey, the one-time capital of the silk textile industry, to inspire her writing of Beyond the Silk Mills.
Plot twists, a dark secret, and vivid historical details make Beyond the Silk Mills an enthralling read.

September 16th's book group will be held at Mary Jo Smith's house in San Ramon. Please see the BCC Directory or call the office for the address. RSVP to pupperdoodles@me.com.

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

BROTHERHOOD

 

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.

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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