Services
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All are welcome to come celebrate with us.
Friday Sept. 9th, 7:30 pm
Shabbat Evening Service
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Chesed
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Zichronam L'vracha
May their memory be a blessing
Yael Goldblatt
Yael died on Sunday, September 4th surrounded by her two sons,
Jonathan and Ethan, and Rabbi Dan. She was 63.
The funeral will be this Thursday, 9/8, at 11:00 am at Beth Chaim.
We will proceed to Gan Shalom (1100 Bear Creek Rd., Martinez, CA) for the burial service.
There will be Shiva gatherings at Beth Chaim on Thursday, 9/8, Saturday, 9/10, and Sunday, 9/11, all at 7:00 pm.
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Our heartfelt condolences go to Pastor Steve Harms and his family on the death of Steve's father, Paul Harms
The funeral was held in Cleveland, Ohio on Saturday September 3rd. ________________
Beth Chaim's Chesed Program translates a philosophy of love
and compassion to all,
inside and outside our community, into a program of acts and deeds that help to support and lift each other up in times of need, and at life cycle events.
if you have any Chesed needs.
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Milestones
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Mitchell Lombardi
15 on Sept. 6
Alexa McFarlane
15 on Sept. 9
Emily Livitz
16 on Sept. Sept. 10
Haley Blackman
9 on Sept. 10
Emerson Binder
2 on Sept. 10
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Wedding Anniversaries
Brian & Samantha Hanlon 2 on September 6
Marc & Samatha Wechsler 19 on September 6 Gaurav Kapoor & Denise Roberts8 on September 7 Marc & Susan Mazer30 on September 7 Ken & Marija Bleier15 on September 9 Brad & Rachel Goldblatt26 on September 9 David & Aurelia Lubinsky19 on September 11 Jeff & Marci Porter34 on September 11
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Yahrzeit Observances
Sam Katz Father of William Katz September 4
David Jarcho Father of Shelly Fox September 6
James Biben Step-Father of Marc Badain September 6
Bobby Gallagher Brother of Catherine Heller September 7
Minnette Norman Mother of Claire Rosenzweig September 7
Marylyn Graff Mother of Ellen Waltrip September 7
Danielle Angelo Daughter of Brien & Marni Angelo September 7
Bertram Kamalman Father of Dave Kamalman September 8
Gail Petrek Wife of Jim Petrek September 9
Names will be read at the
September 9th Shabbat Service.
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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Tikkun Olam Opportunities
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Contra Costa Interfaith Housing Dinner October 13
Beth Chaim Congregation will be cooking dinner for the residents of Garden Park Apartments and Beth Chaim volunteers on October 13, 2016. Every month, Contra Costa Interfaith Housing provides dinner for about 40 tenants on the 2nd Thursday of the month at the Garden Park Apartments, a permanent supportive housing program specifically for homeless families with special needs in Contra Costa County. For more information or to sign up please CLICK HERE
Toiletries Drive
We are collecting large, full size cosmetics and toiletries, as well as diapers, tissues and wipes for newcomer families of JCFS of the East Bay. Travel size toiletries are also still being accepted.
Donations will be presented as a "Welcome Bag" including: toothbrushes/paste, soaps, combs, deodorant, dental floss and other basic items.
Please bring your items to the drop box in the Beth Chaim foyer or to the office.
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Food Bank of Contra Costa
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.
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Yahrzeit Candles
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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.
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Observance
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Welcome the High Holy Days
Next month begins our Days of Awe - the High Holy Days, beginning with Erev Rosh Hashana on Sunday, October 2. Currently, we are in the month of Elul, the month preceding the High Holy Days, in which we are directed to do the things that will help us ready ourselves for this yearly experience of confronting the most important questions in our lives. We hope to see as many of you as possible at our services.
As is our tradition, we will once again be collecting for those less fortunate than us, and so we ask that you bring a non-perishable food item for donation; we will have bins in the foyer for collection, for the Contra Costa Food Bank. We thank you deeply in advance.
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The Beit Midrash Religious School & Midrasha
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First day of Religious School
Sunday, September 11th
9:15-12:15
Breakfast hosted by the Brotherhood @ 9:00am
Sept. 6-7 (Grades 3-6) - Hebrew Power Hour 5:00-6:00pm
Sunday, Sept. 11 - Religious School from 9:15-12:15
Sept. 12-14 (Grades 3-7) - Hebrew Power Hour
Sunday, Sept. 18 - Religious School 9:15-12:15
Sept. 19-21 - Hebrew Power Hour
Sunday, Sept. 25 - Religious School 9:15-12:15
Sept. 26-28 - Hebrew Power Hour
Sunday, Oct. 2 - No school, Rosh Hashanah
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Contra Costa Midrasha 2016-17
CCM is the place for Jewish teens in grades 8-12 to build their own Jewish community of friends, be mentored by card Jewish young adults and connect to their own Jewish identity through discussion and hands-on learning. Join us on Wednesday nights and for special NEW Sunday programs this year.
Sept. 7 - 8th Grade Orientation for any interested teen
Sept. 14 - Grand Opening Night- photo booth, donuts and more
For more information, to get questions answered, or just
to say "hi" contact Devra Aarons, CCM's Director at
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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 Shoftim: What the Torah Says About Justice |
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Board Matters
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Nominations for the 2017 Beth Chaim Board of Directors
 As we continue to evolve our community in new and unique ways, we seek to engage those among us who would like to have a positive influence on this important process through a leadership position on the 2017 Board of Directors.
Membership on the Board enables you to have a direct impact on the way our community operates. Making a contribution of your time in this way can be a meaningful way for you to make a deeper connection with our community.
Any member interested in serving on our Board next year is invited to contact Nominating Committee Chair Drew Porter at amporter@aol.com. Any member wishing to put forward the name of another member for nomination is also invited to contact Drew. Drew will be happy to answer any questions about the nominations process, what involvement in the Board entails, or to schedule a conversation with the Nominating Committee.
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Sisterhood
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UPCOMING EVENTS
(click on any of the linked titles to go to the sign-ups)
 Tuesday September 6, 2016 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM The Home of Karyn Fishman Join us to celebrate the new moon of Elul. We will meet at 7:00 pm for light refreshments and socializing and then begin the program promptly at 7:30 pm and end around 9:00 pm. Karyn Fishman will host, and Judith Markowitz will lead, this month's gathering. You don't need to have previously attended to enjoy this gathering.
 Monday September 19, 2016 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM Pinot's Palette, Danville Last year was so much fun, we're doing it again! We're popping a few corks, drinking a little vino and putting brush to canvas. Please join your fellow Sisters for this fun night out (no artistic talent required - just a sense of humor). For $40, art supplies, wine and tasty bites are provided ($41.50 if paying by PayPal)  Tuesday September 20, 2016 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM The home of Sandy Shalon Looking to lose yourself in a good book, and find some good friends in the process? Join us for book group. Held monthly and hosted by various group attendees at their homes. September's selection is "Guest Room", by Chris Bohjalian.
Upcoming Book Group Selections
October - A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman
November - The Beauty Queen, by Sarit Yishai-Levi
Sisterhood Annual Dinner Coming in November
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2017 Sisterhood Sojourn is in the works. Make sure to mark your calendars for May 5-7, 2017. Look for Registration Information Soon.
For more information on Sisterhood, contact Mary Jo Smith at BCCSisterhood.
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Brotherhood
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Men's Gathering
Thursday September 22nd, 7:00 p.m. Home of Bob Slomowitz 2833 Lariat Lane, Walnut Creek
We gather together to reflect on stories of meaning in our lives in a safe and confidential environment. Members of the group facilitate and no one need feel compelled to share in the discussion. If you have never attended a Beth Chaim Men's Gathering, we invite you to come and experience one. Your presence makes this gathering worthwhile and you are invited to bring a friend.
Brotherhood Hiking Group
Every Wednesday, 8:30-10:30am
Meet at Danville Peet's Coffee (may change). Join us for local hikes and enjoy the beauty right in our backyard. Usually 3-5 miles depending on weather and group consensus. Dogs are welcome! For more information, contact: Harry Kulwin at hkulwin@hotmail.com
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Events at Beth Chaim
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Sacred Jewish Rhythms Drumming Group
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 for prayers, singing, dancing, and playing along with other instruments. This is a completely beginner friendly class!
Sessions are Mondays from 7:30-9:00pm in the Sanctuary
Contact Bruce Silverman for further info about
prices and dates at 925-685-5585 or at:
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Upcoming Community Events
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MAKING WAVES in harmony with our Jewish community FEATURING THE MACCABEATS
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Doors open @ 4:15 p.m.Show starts @ 5:00 p.m.
Acalanes High School Theater, Lafayette
Tickets go on sale September 1, 2016
Adults $25 Kids under 12- $15
For more information Click Here
Peace Lutheran is premiering BEYOND MEASURE on Sept. 11, 2016 at 5 pm.
The Director, Vicki Abeles, who resides in the East Bay, will be speaking at this event.
Tickets will be $10- available online at: BEYOND MEASURE For More information: Click Here
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In Our Jewish Community
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International Day of Peace: Sept. 16-18 Speaking in Peace with Each Other San Damiano Retreat Center, Danville An Interfaith weekend. Come for the day, an afternoon, or the whole weekend! Click here for registration info.
Panel Discussion: Race and Voting Rights Tuesday, September 20, 7:00-9:00pm Temple Isaiah, 945 Risa Road, Lafayette Following a wave of recent court decisions that uncovered intentional racial discrimination and overturned new voting restrictions across the country, there is a huge new national push for restoration of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) and other vehicles to protect against race-based manipulation of the electorate. Come hear from subject matter experts on this critical issue and engage in our consensus building process through real-time polling. The event is free, however an RSVP is necessary: Click Here
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