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Services
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 All are welcome to come celebrate with us.
Friday November 18, 7:30pm
Shabbat Evening Service
Wed. November 23, 7:30pm
Thanksgiving Interfaith Service at St. Joan of Arc San Ramon
No Shabbat Evening Service on Friday November 25
Everyone from the community is welcome!
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Chesed
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CHESED UPDATE
Gladys Weitzner Gladys is very ill and in the ICU at John Muir Medical Center. We hold her in our prayers.
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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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Kids' Birthdays
No birthdays this week!
Wedding Anniversaries
Sally & Art Klein46 on November 15 Steven & Joan Ruskin22 on November 19 Jim & Robyn Mizes34 on November 20 Paul & Claire Rosenzweig61 on November 20
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Yahrzeit Observances
Steven Drabkin
Brother of Lori Troyanovsky November 13
Jack Kadesh
Father of Rob Kadesh November 17
Seymour Lappen
Father of Stan Lappen November 17
Herbert Kasper
Father of Denise Zavaleta November 17
Sidney Candeub
Father of Larry Candeub November 18 Pearalee Bilodeau
Mother of Bruce Bilodeau November 19
Sarah Daniel
Mother of Nanette Seltzer November 19
Dorothy Halprin
Mother of Michelle Gabriel November 19 Sadie GabrilowitzMother of Joe Gabriel November 20
Names will be read at the
Nov. 18th 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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Holiday Dinner Drive Benefiting the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano For Every $1 you donate, the food bank provides $4 of food Donate Online HereSelect Beth Chaim from the drop down menu and complete your donation. Thank you for your generous support! For more information Click Here Contra Costa Interfaith Housing Opportunities for Involvement
This month, Contra Costa Interfaith Housing is launching a new program for chronically homeless families, FISH (families in supportive housing). Twenty formerly homeless families will be permanently housed and offered a variety of services including case management, employment support, mental health counseling, and youth academic enrichment. Due to this expansion, CCIH is in high need of furnishings, especially beds. We are seeking new mattresses and box springs (twin or full), along with bed frames (can be gently used).
For a full list of furnishing needs: If you have any questions, contact gloria@ccinterfaithhousing.org. Thank you for helping make a home for formerly homeless families. ____________________
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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Monthly Torah Study
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 Come Join Us!'Wrestling with Torah'
Led by Rabbi Dan
Monthly beginning Saturday, November 19th, 10 - 11:30 am
Beginning November 19th, Beth Chaim will start a monthly celebration of Shabbat with an hour and a half gathering. We will use the Torah texts that we have at Beth Chaim and we will also access the wonderful book, "Wrestling with Angels" by Naomi Rosenblatt. The subtitle of this book is, "What Genesis teaches us about our spiritual identity, sexuality and personal relationships."
Sign-up for the course on the below , and the first 20 people who sign up will receive the book free of charge.
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Thanksgiving Interfaith Service and
Singing Opportunity
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The Interfaith of the San Ramon Valley (I-SRV, of which Beth Chaim is a proud participant) has been a leader in the Bay Area in building relationships with people who believe and practice other faiths. One of the sweetest expressions of this work is our annual Thanksgiving Interfaith Service. This year our theme is
Embracing Hope: Living Beyond Fear.
Wednesday, Nov. 23rd, 7:30 pm
St. Joan of Arc,
2601 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon
Please join us for a lovely one-hour, family-friendly celebration. Our featured musical guest will be none other than Eve Decker, our own Beth Chaim High Holy Day song leader and music director. Eve Decker will be joined by the talented musician Julie Wolf and sing and lead songs of hope and inspiration.
For More Information click HERE
If you would like to raise your voice in gratitude & hope
An Interfaith Choir will surround the ISRV Thanksgiving Service with song.
November 20, 4:30- 5:45
at St. Joan of Arc
2601 San Ramon Valley Blvd. San Ramon If you cannot attend the rehearsal, come at 6:30 on November 23 and join the practice before the service!
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Adopt-A-Family
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Beth Chaim's Adopt-a-Family Program is up and running for this holiday season! To make things easier for congregants to participate, we have entered all the items requested from our families into SignUpGenius.com.
As in previous years, we are asking that the gifts be wrapped, tagged with the person's name and family code, attach a Post-It note with your name, and deliver to Beth Chaim no later than Sunday, December 4th.
To participate, select any of the family lists below:
Congregation: Here
Brotherhood: Typically the Brotherhood makes monetary donations in lieu of gifts.
Monetary donations: Please send checks to the Beth Chaim office (1800 Holbrook Drive, Danville 94506). Be sure to make checks payable to Beth Chaim Congregation and note "Adopt-a-Family" in the memo line of your check. You may also donate via our PayPal link on our website: Here
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The Beit Midrash Religious School & Midrasha
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Religious School Schedule:
| Tues, 11/15 | Hebrew Power Hour, Jew Crew
5:00-6:00 pm
| | Wed, 11/16 | Hebrew Power Hour, Jew Crew
5:00-6:00 pm
| | 11/20-11/27 | Thanksgiving Break- No school |
| Upcoming Events:
Hatzaga Day 12/11
Chanukah 12/18 |
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 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.
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:
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Parshat Vayeira: Hagar and Ishmael |
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Beit Midrash Lecture Series
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Books for sale at
Beth Chaim
Author Steven Pease enthralled the Beit Midrash with his discussion on
"Jewish Entreprenuership."
His books are available to purchase in the Beth Chaim office. Cost is $20 each. Checks should be made out to the author, Steven Pease.
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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 November 15, 2016 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
The Home of Naomi Ehrlich
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. November's selection is "The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem.
December Selection - The Bridal Chair (about Marc Chagall), by Gloria Goldreich
January Selection - Across the Bridge, by Sima Linson
with author Q & A, and hosted at the home of Debbie Roof
 Thursday November 17, 2016 11:45 AM to 2:00 PM Santorini's Please join us for our next lunch gathering, for good food and good friendship. This month, we are dining at Santorini's in Danville.
 Thursday December 8, 2016 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM Andy and Jenifer Zetlan's Home The Sisterhood and Brotherhood are joining forces again this year to make the latkes for Beth Chaim's Annual Chanukah Celebration. Do a mitzvah and enjoy some wine/beer, and pizza. We'll be shredding, wringing, mixing, and frying 20 dozen latkes. Nothin' says Chanukah like the smell of canola oil on your clothes. Come have fun with us!
 Sunday December 18, 2016 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM The Home of Lois Kamoroff Chanukah is coming! Chanukah is coming! Our annual Chanukah bash is set for Sunday, December 18th at 5:30 pm. Don't miss this much loved dinner and gift swap. If you would like to participate in the gift exchange, just bring a wrapped gift in the $20-25 range.
DEPOSIT DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 1st!
Friday May 5, 2017 at 4:00 PM - Sunday May 7, 2017 at 12:00 PM
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
Please join your Sisters for the 2017 Sisterhood Sojourn held during the weekend of May 5-7, 2017, in Monterey, California, and unwind from it all. The weekend offers both space, and structure, to allow each of us to personalize our time spent in community, reflection, relaxation and spiritual renewal.
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Brotherhood
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Men's Gathering 
Thursday November 17th, 7:00 pm
Home of Jeremy Smith, 3278 Ensenada Drive, San Ramon
We gather together to reflect on stories of meaning in our lives in a safe and confidential environment. Rabbi Dan facilitates. All are invited to participate, but 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.
Raiders vs. Texans. Football Watching
Monday November 21st, 5:00 p.m.
Buffalo Wild Wings, 200 Montgomery Street, San Ramon
The Brotherhood Fantasy Football League invites all of the Brotherhood to Buffalo Wild Wings in San Ramon to watch the new, improved Oakland Raiders vs. the Houston Texans. We will try to reserve a table or two, but please come by when you can and watch the game with the Brothers.
 21st ANNUAL BROTHERHOOD WINTER GETAWAY
January 26th thru 29th 2017
This is Brotherhood's signature event - Reserve your spot now! A weekend in Lake Tahoe for the Brothers to spend time together, get to know each other and have fun. All activities are optional and include skiing (not required) and snowmobiling, hiking, gondola ride and lunch at the top of Heavenly, visiting the casinos, hitting the gym, going to the movies, playing cards, catching up on your sleep and just hanging out. The Men's Gathering discussion and the Brotherhood Man of the Year Roast are also popular parts of the weekend.
Total cost for the weekend is $475 double occupancy and $775 for single occupancy at the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel. Brotherhood dues of $50 must be paid prior to the trip. Deposit of $250 double room or $400 single room is due by November 15th and is payable by check to Beth Chaim Brotherhood, c/o Darrell Davidson, 1575 Harlan Dr., Danville, CA 94526 or by PayPal on the Beth Chaim website Here. Final payment is due December 15th.
JOIN THE BROTHERHOOD, PLEASE!!! We are now collecting Brotherhood Dues for 2016. Invoices will be mailed soon and voluntary dues are $50 per year. Our funds are used for various Brotherhood activities and to co-sponsor and support Beth Chaim events. You may pay by PayPal by clicking on the link below or by check. Checks should be made payable to Beth Chaim Brotherhood and sent to Mike Murphy, Brotherhood Treasurer, 30 Edinburgh Place, Danville, CA 94526.
 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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Prayer After the Election
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Board Matters
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Nominations for the 2017 Beth Chaim Board of Directors
As we con tinue 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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Upcoming Community Events
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Rabbi Dan Interviews Michael Krasny at Rakestraw Books on Tuesday, 11/29 About His New Book On Jewish Humor 
Michael Krasny visits Rakestraw Books on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at 7 PM in support of his new book, Let There Be Laughter: A Treasury of Great Jewish Humor and What It All Means.
Free reservations for this event may made HERE
More information is available at rakestrawbooks.com or by calling Rakestraw Books at (925) 837-7337.
Handling the Holidays Workshop
If you have experienced the death of a loved one, the decor and songs that echo through the halls can be painful reminders that the season won't be the same. It is important to take care of yourself during this time. Please join us to talk about ideas and choices that can make a difference in the way you handle the holidays. Two Sessions Available:Tuesday November 15 2016 (6:30-8:30pm) orThursday December 8, 2016 (2:00-4:00pm)
Location: Hope Hospice Grief Support Center
6377 Clark Avenue, 2nd floor, Dublin, CA
Pre-registration is required. Call 925-829-8770 to reserve your space in the workshop For additional information Click Here
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On-going Events at Beth Chaim
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Nov. 21 & 28 - Introductory Drumming Class at Beth Chaim
Join musician Bruce Silverman and his drum class for two (free)  evenings next Monday: November 21st and November 28th at 7:30 pm. The class explores both Jewish ritual drumming and the art of drumming, world wide. It is first and foremost "fun." All can come: (in the Sanctuary at Beth Chaim) The two classes will be a completely beginner friendly for all who attend, absolutely no experience is necessary and some drums will be provided so check in with Bruce if you plan to attend.
For those of you who say "I have no rhythm," I say, check your wrist for a pulse, if there is no rhythm there, call 911 immediately!!
Sessions are Mondays from 7:30-9:00pm in the Sanctuary
RSVP to Bruce Silverman or for further info about
on-going classes at 925-685-5585 x2 or at:
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